Ph squash team makes splash

David William Pelino, Robert Andrew Garcia and Reymark Begomia

KUALA LUMPUR—Even with just two silvers to show, the Philippines had a historic run in the squash competitions here in the Southeast Asian Games.

The country bagged silvers in women’s doubles and men’s team, a breakthrough for the sport that didn’t get enough attention back home.

Top player Robert Andrew Garcia said that in the final against Singapore late Tuesday, they were running on fumes because they played in five events throughout the week.

“Singapore team is very strong. And also because they have many players here. Each player plays one event,” said Garcia who hacked out a match in the country’s 2-1 loss in the men’s team.

Garcia said the four of them —including David William Pelino, Reymark Begornia and Juan Rafael Yam—also competed in the individual, mixed, doubles and jumbo doubles events.

“We gave it our best. Now we gained confidence that we can do it,” said Garcia.

Comprising the women’s team are Isabelle Gotuaco, Jemyca Aribado, Joan Arebado and Yvonne Alyssa Dalida.

The Philippines also copped six bronzes in the competition.

Reymark Begomia (Phil) vs Pang Ka Hoe (Sing)

Robert Andrew Garcia (phil) vs Benedict Chan Ji Wei (Sing)

David William Pelino (Phil) vs Samuel Kang Shan Mu (Sing)