Netballers open SEAG bid

SINGAPORE—The Philippine women’s netball team takes on the daunting task of touching off the national campaign in the 28th Southeast Asian Games when it tangles with Thailand today.

Coming here on their own, the Filipinos  begin their quest for a podium finish in the country’s first venture in the sport where host Singapore is highly favored for the gold as the reigning Asian champion and ranked 17th in the world.

Netball itself is coming back to the SEAG after 14 years. The last time it was played in the SEA Games was in 2001 edition which was won by Malaysia. The Malaysians are currently ranked 23rd in the world.

“We are not pressuring the players to win gold, but we are pressuring them to give their best,” said Netball Philippines Association president Charlie Ho during yesterday’s practice at Singapore Sports Hub’s OCBC Arena.

The team actually lost one of its players when Kristina Cruz got injured. But Ho said the squad is ready for battle, thanks to the help of two foreign coaches who are lending their services for free.