Modest SEA Games target for badminton bets

MANILA, Philippines—Indonesian coach Paulus Firman has set a modest bronze medal goal for the Philippine badminton team in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

“The level of competition is definitely high. I just want to be realistic, so I’m sending players who have a chance to win a bronze medal,” said Firman, who was tapped by the Philippine Badminton Association to boost the PH SEA Games campaign.

Firman said he has high hopes for the doubles tandem of Paul Jefferson Vivas and Peter Gabriel Magnaye and the pair of Philip Joper Escueta and Ronel Estanislao.

Vivas and Magnaye won the Swiss Open men’s doubles title in October to improve their world ranking.

However, Firman said the chances of landing a medal also hinges on the draw.

“I can’t give any assurances. There’s a thing called luck of the draw,” he added.

Out of 10 players initially submitted by PBA-Smash Pilipinas to the Philippine Olympic Committee, Firman decided to trim down the list in a recent meeting with chef de mission Julian Camacho.

According to Firman, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and host Singapore are the countries to watch out for in the June 5 to 16 meet.

Firman is also looking at the SEAG as part of the team’s exposure.

“We badly need more international exposure to improve the level of play.