Korean stint toughens up Filipino spikers
MANILA, Philippines — Expecting a dogfight, the Philippines’ PLDT HOME TVolution team left little to chance in preparing for the Asian Men’s Volleyball Club Championship, which starts Tuesday.
After a couple of months training at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, the Filipinos stepped up their buildup with a short stint in South Korea, where they played against topnotch clubs.
And not only did the Filipinos gauge the level of their play, the trip also strengthened the bond within the team.
Coach Francis Vicente said the team’s stint against Korean teams improved their cohesiveness.
“We played against strong club teams which accommodated our request in Korea and the coaching staff is pleased with the performance of the team,” he said.
“We have formed a cohesive squad which values team play very highly.”
The Power Pinoys, however, will have a strong field to deal with as champion Iran, and powerhouses China and South Korea are also in the competition.
But former Philippine Sports Commission chair and lead organizer Philip Ella Juico said the Filipinos can make an impact in the tournament.
“Our target is to advance to the next round and then we’ll see how far we could gain,” Juico said.
“The country’s volleyball program has only been revived but our faith in this team could not be shaken. Our men will make us proud despite the challenges they’ll be facing from the strong field.”
The Filipinos are tipped to advance from Group A where Mongolia and Iran are also bracketed in the 16-team tournament slated at Cuneta Astrodome and Mall of Asia Arena, both in Pasay.
Iraq, Japan, Lebanon, Vietnam, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Oman, Hong Kong, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei are also seeing action in the tournament.
PSC chair Ricardo “Richie” Garcia will keynote today’s opening rite to be graced by officials of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, headed by chair Yim Hyungbin.
Also backing the tournament are Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, Play 99.5 and KLite 103.5.
