KUALA LUMPUR—The Philippines dropped an 86-3 decision to Thailand Tuesday at the start of women’s netball competitions at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara Sports Complex.
Coming here to gain a much-needed exposure for a sport that is trying to gain ground in the country, the Filipinos failed to get a grip of the game amid a well-oiled Thais side.
The Thais, the bronze medalists two years ago in Singapore, opened with a 46-1 lead at halftime and went on cruise control from then on.
By third period, the Filipinos tried to make a big push but just couldn’t get through Thailand’s tough defense, trailing behind 64-3 entering the fourth period.
It was a big heartbreak for the Philippines which is hoping to improve from a lackluster debut in Singapore 2015. Back then, the Thais downed the Filipinos (62-22) in the preliminaries.
They will play Brunei at 3 p.m. Wednesday.