By Ismael Amigo
MANILA — The Philippine women’s doubles sepak takraw team moved to within one victory of Asian Games gold Monday, leading a strong day for Team PH that also saw the men’s team regu clinch a semifinal berth and Sibol collect another bronze.
Abigail Sinogbuhan, Jean Marie Sucalit and Nelly Jay Salon delivered a commanding 15-12, 15-10 victory over Lao PDR to book their place in the women’s doubles gold-medal match.
The victory guaranteed the Filipinas at least a silver and gave the Philippines another shot at adding to its gold-medal collection, following gymnast Carlos Yulo’s two victories earlier in the Games.
The men’s team regu likewise advanced to the semifinals, assuring sepak takraw of two medals and keeping alive the possibility of a championship double.
The women’s squad now prepares for the biggest match of its campaign, while the men will battle in the semifinals for a chance to reach the gold-medal match.
Sibol strikes again
Adding to the day’s medal developments was Sibol’s second bronze medal in Honor of Kings.
The Philippine esports team fell to defending champion China in the semifinals at Aichi Sky Expo Hall D but emerged with another podium finish.
Sibol’s Pokémon UNITE squad had earlier won the country’s first esports medal of the Games, also a bronze.
The latest results came as the Philippine delegation entered the crucial final phase of its Asian Games campaign.
The country had two golds, two silvers and nine bronzes before Monday’s results, with the takraw medals still to be formally awarded.
Boxing provides another immediate medal opportunity, with Olympic silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam scheduled for quarterfinal bouts. Either boxer can assure the country of another bronze by winning.
Eala also begins her singles campaign, entering as the top seed after a first-round bye. She meets Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej in the Round of 16 and will also compete in women’s doubles alongside Shaira Rivera.
In beach volleyball, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, as well as Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella, have advanced to the quarterfinals.
Obiena then takes the spotlight Tuesday as he opens his title defense in the men’s pole vault, another major opportunity for Team PH in the final stretch of the Games.
