PH sepak team out to keep world title

The Philippines is all set to defend its title in the premier division of the 33rd King’s Cup World Sepak Takraw Championships which unfurls Sept. 30 in Thailand.

Ranged against the best players from 31 other countries, the Filipinos left for Nakhon Ratchasima over the weekend.

Aside from aiming to retain the crown in the men’s doubles category, they will also vie for gold medals in four other events—hoop, regu quadrant and regu team.

“We’re confident that they are capable of replicating the achievement,” said Go For Gold top executive Jeremy Go during the team’s recent sendoff at Vikings Mall of Asia.

Seasoned players Rheyjey Ortouste, Ronsited Gabayeron, Emmanuel Escote will spearhead the men’s team along with Joshua Gleen Bullo, Alvin Pangan, John Carlo Lee and John John Bobier. Also Joining the trip are John Jeffrey Morcillos, Joeart Jumawan, Nestleer Bandivas, Christian George Encabo and Regie Reznan Pabriga.

The women’s squad: Mary Melody Taming, Abegail Sinogbuhan, Gelyn Evora, Josefina Maat, Jean Marie Sucalit, Jea Mae Pepito, Jocielle Fernandez, Aisa Sabellita, Allyssa Bandoy, Lhaina Lheil Mangubat; Coaches: Rodolfo Eco, Hector Memarion, Metodio Suico Jr., Junmar Aleta, Romulo Ruedas Jr., Esperidion Rodriguez, Gena Mark Saavedra, Deseree Autor