PH sees tough duel vs Singapore for 5th spot

The Philippine delegation led by flag bearer Alyssa Valdez parade during the Opening Ceremony of the 28th SEA Games held at the Singapore National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub.
INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

The Philippines may have to aim low in next year’s Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, with a fifth-place finish among 11 countries already quite an achievement.

Based on his discussions with top Philippine Olympic Committee officials, Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez gathered that the Singaporeans are the possible contenders for the fifth spot.

Ramirez said it could be a three-way fight for overall supremacy among Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, with Malaysia hoping to ride its home crowd during the Aug. 19 to 31 Games.

“Can we beat Singapore?” said Ramirez. “We are fully aware that Singapore has been spending millions of dollars for the training and exposure of their athletes.”

In contrast, Ramirez pointed out that the joint POC-PSC task force has only just begun discussing the criteria on the selection of athletes.

“To be honest, I think sixth is safe and it would be very hard to beat Singapore to be fifth,” said Ramirez.

The Philippines finished sixth overall in 2015 Singapore with 29 gold medals, 18 gold medals short of fifth-placer Indonesia (47 golds, 61 silvers, 74 bronzes).