PH water polo top scorer Roy Canete. Photo by Marc Reyes
KUALA LUMPUR—Teodoro Roy Canete had to make a big decision to leave a lucrative job in Dubai to “help save” Philippine water polo.
That started to pay off Tuesday.
Cutting through the water with strong strokes and then rising for accurate shooting, Canete scored six points in the Philippines’ surprising 9-7 win over Thailand.
Canete, a single parent with two teenaged boys, was working as a swimming instructor in Dubai for six years.
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But last year, the team asked him to come back.
“In Singapore we didn’t get a medal (and went home without a win) I heard they are going to disband the team if we lose here now,” said Canete. “So I decided to help.”
Head coach Rey Galang lavished praise on Canete for taking care of the offense while team captain and goalie Tani Gomez Jr., was in charge of defense.
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Also scoring for the Philippines were Mico Anota, Reynaldo Salonga Jr., and Mummar Alamara.
“I think we are in a much better shape now than when I came back,” said Canete. “We just need to sustain this and remain focused.”
The Philippines also had a help from the bench from Hungarian coach Eggidy Gabor.