SEA Games: PH water polo team braces for ‘bruising battle’ vs Indonesia

FILE – Philippines’ Mummar Alamara reacts as he celebrates a goal against Singapore during their men’s water polo round match at the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) at National Aquatic Center in Bukit Jalil on August 17, 2017. (Photo by Mohd RASFAN / AFP)

CLARK — The Philippines is expecting a “bruising battle” against Indonesia Tuesday night at the start of the men’s water polo competitions in the 30th Southeast Asian Games here.

If the Filipinos are considered the bridesmaids having won silvers to the perennial champs Singaporeans from 2005 to 2011, the Indonesians are touted to be a rising power in the tough sport.

They clash at 7 p.m. at New Clark City Aquatics Center here.

“It’s going to be bruising battle, but we welcome it,” said assistant coach Dale Evangelista in Filipino, adding that the Nationals are up to the task against the 2017 runners up.

Indonesia drew mighty Singapore but lost the gold due to quotient during the 2017 Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Like the Philippines, Indonesia also had training camp in Japan and is poised to challenge Singapore for 23-year-old supremacy.

Singapore has won all men’s water polo gold medals in the biennial meet.

The Singaporeans take a bye on Tuesday and will open their campaign against Malaysia.

The Philippines takes a break Wednesday before plunging back into action Thursday against Thailand.

“Our matches against Indonesia and Thailand are crucial because from there we would know our readiness to face Singapore.

He said the PH team has improved a lot since the fourth-place finish in 2015 Singapore edition.