Filipinos seek strong Powerman stint

Dutch Thomas Bruins and other foreign entries are the favorites, but Filipinos are ready to make their mark in the 2017 Powerman Philippines Asian Championship kicking off Sunday at Clark Freeport Zone.

Bruins, ranked No. 2 in the world, placed second to Frenchman Gael Le Bellec in last year’s edition and is expected to contend for the Elite crown with Australian Matt Smith and Malaysians Ziq Junaidy and Jason Loh.

Unlike before, when Filipinos were relegated to the sidelines, the present Philippine contingent, headed by Joey delos Reyes, Nikko Huelgas and John Chicano, is deemed capable of top ten finishes.

Delos Reyes, fourth in both the Powerman Thailand and Indonesia this year, is ranked No. 8 in the world. —ROY LUARCA