Hometown bias derails PH bid

NAYPYITAW—Hometown bias cost the Philippines at least five gold medals that could have boosted its overall  campaign in the 27th Southeast Asian Games.

Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Willy Lopez both lost to their Burmese opponents in their gold-medal clash despite dominating their rivals and karateka OJ Delos Santos suffered the same misfortune when his Burmese opponent ended up with a higher score in the men’s individual kata despite several obvious flaws in his routine.

“There are easily five gold medals that we could have won but lost due to hometown decisions,” said a high-ranking Filipino sports official who requested anonymity.

Taekwondo-jin Vidal Marvin Gabriel was also a victim of the bum judging in men’s individual poomsae as well as muay fighter Philip Delarmino, who knocked down his Burmese opponent four times but still lost in the men’s 54 kg finale.

The gold medals lost could have made a difference in the medal tally where the Philippines placed seventh with 29 golds, 32 silvers and 36 bronzes. As of last night, Singapore was safely nestled at sixth (33-29-42).

But while the hosts made a giant leap from seventh in 2011 to second overall, they couldn’t match the strength of the Thais, who piled up a 101-92-79 haul.