Filipino bets continue struggling in Myanmar Southeast Asian Games

Naypyitaw, Myanmar—Bracing for the worst, the nightmare for Team Philippines is slowly unfolding by the day.

Filipino boxers and the men’s basketball team provided the only ray of hope on a dry Philippine campaign Friday in the 27th Southeast Asian Games here.

Swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi, wrestler Jason Balabal and pencak silat warriors Nerlyn Huinda and Clyde Joy Baria accounted for four bronze medals—the only output Filipino athletes had yesterday as the Philippines tumbled to eight overall out of 11 countries with three golds, five silvers and four bronzes.

Alkhaldi, who was stripped of the gold after a narrow victory in the women’s 100m freestyle on Thursday, competed in the re-swim ordered by Myanmar organizers last night but could only finish third behind gold winner Natthanan Thunkrajang of Thailand and Singapore’s Ting Wen Quah.

London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga led the parade of boxers into the finals after pulling off a 30-27, 28-29, 30-27, split decision over Malaysian Mohd Faud Mohd Reuvan.

Also making it into the gold-medal round were bantam Mario Fernandez, lightweight Junel Cantancio, light welter Dennis Galvan and welter Wilfredo Lopez as the Filipino boxers remained on track to surpass their production of four golds in 2011 Indonesia. Lady pugs Nesthy Petecio and Josie Gabuco earlier advanced to the finals on Saturday.

Out of six male boxers, only flyweight Rey Saludar failed to make the grade, falling prey to Myanmar’s Mg Nge via unanimous decision.

The Sinag Pilipinas continue to coast through in basketball as they clobbered the erstwhile unbeaten Thailand, 100-68, yesterday at the Zeya-thiri Stadium in Myanmar.

Myanmar is still in control (26-24-19) but Vietnam (22-9-19) isn’t far behind while Indonesia moved up to third (19-24-17) ahead of Thailand (16-23-15) and Malaysia (8-7-21).

Singapore surged ahead at fifth through victories in swimming (7-5-11) and Cambodia dislodged the Philippines from seventh with a 4-6-11 collection. The Philippines had its worst finish since 1977 after finishing sixth overall two years ago.

Overpowered by an Indonesian rival, grappler Jason Balabal settled for the bronze in the men’s 84kg freestyle. Balabal’s downfall to Fahrjansyah deprived the Filipino wrestlers a gold in the Games as they ended up with two silvers and four bronzes.

Pencak silat fighters Nerlyn Huinda (women’s 55-60kg) and Clyde Joy Baria (women’s 70-75kg) also copped bronze medals after falling against their Indonesian foes at the Zayar Thiri Indoor Stadium. /inquirer with a report from correspondent jonas panerio