MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines was off to a slow start in the Hongxiang Holdings Haining Challenge after its two representatives bowed out of contention in the pool stage main draw Saturday in China.
Balanga Chooks put on a valiant effort against the world’s no.2 team but still bowed to Liman, 21-20 (:10), in Pool A of the Qualifying tournament for the Montreal Masters.
Isabela City Chooks, meanwhile, lost to world no.8 Gagarin, 21-13 (05), in Pool C.
Alvin Pasaol put Balanga at the cusp of an upset after his two-pointer gave them the 20-18 lead with 1:41 left but costly turnovers allowed Stefan Stojačič to cut the lead to one, 20-19, with 42 seconds to play.
Karl Dehesa and Travis Franklin tried to win it for Balanga but both missed their attempts allowing Stojačič to once more deliver in the clutch and convert on a deuce, his only conversion in nine attempts, to seal the victory for the Serbians.
Pasaol led Balanga with 10 points while Franklin and Dehesa combined for nine points.
Mihailo Vasic put up seven points for Liman while Stojačič and Stefan Kojic had five points apiece.
Roosevelt Adams had seven points for Isabela.