SEA Games: Philippines draws Indonesia in water polo opener

CLARK — The Philippines men’s team took a gallant stand in the endgame to force reigning silver medalist Indonesia to a 6-6 draw late Tuesday at the start of water polo competitions in the 30th Southeast Asian Games here.

Paulo Serrano’s five-meter penalty shot found the net with less than three minutes left in the match to give the Philippines the deadlock amid the loud cheers of the hometown crowd at New Clark City Aquatics Center.

Serrano’s goal capped the Philippines’ 3-1 finish as the Filipinos barrelled down the Indonesia defenses with precise passing and power plays.

The first to take centerstage for Team Philippines in this cluster, the Filipinos found themselves trailing 3-5 late in the third quarter.

But that was until Tani Gomez, the Philippines’ goalie, shielded shots after shots to frustrate the enemy.

Indonesians took two more attempts at a winning goal but there was no escaping the Filipinos’ unforgiving defense.

The Philippine women’s team buckles down to work Wednesday Singapore at 1:30 p.m.

The men’s team takes a rest before facing Thailand on Thursday at 7 p.m.