Filipinos come up short vs Singapore in men’s water polo

Photo from Kuala Lumpur SEA Games Website.

KUALA LUMPUR — The Philippines figured in a bruising match against perennial champion Singapore before dropping a close 7-5 defeat in the Southeast Asian Games water polo competition.

Pushed to the wall by the Filipinos’ all-out offensive, the Singaporeans resorted to highly physical style that resulted in several exclusive calls (temporary ejection) from both parties.

PH reinforcer Dale Evangelista suffered a concussion after getting head butted.

“It’s a good thing it wasn’t cut,” said the burly Evangelista. “I think we scared them today.”

When asked if he was able to get back at his Singaporean culprit, Evangelista said: “I was hitting him good even before we headbutted me.”

Mark Jerwin Valdez and Reynaldo Salonga Jr., accounted for two goals apiece, while Mummar Alamara had one marker.

Singapore, which has won every water polo goal since the SEA Games started in 1977, had three goals coming from Koh Jian Ying, two from Loh Zhi Zhi and one each from Ooi Yee Jia and Sean Ang Wei Min.

The Philippines were just one goal behind, 6-5, four minutes left in the match.

It was the country’s second defeat after a rousing start over Thailand.