INQUIRER Sports Performer of the Week: Phil Younghusband

Photo by Fritz Gerald Dalida

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines sparkled in the recently concluded 2012 AFC Challenge Cup as it proudly took home the bronze medal.

And one of those behind the wheel that steered the Azkals drive is  top scorer Phil Younghusband, who was awarded with the Golden Boot award.

“It’s my first award at the senior level, so its really important to me,” said Younghusband.

The 24-year-old Younghusband led the tournament with six goals in four crucial matches.

And twice, Younghusband flirted with a hattrick registering two goals each against India and Palestine, wherein the Azkals’ seized third place, 4-3.

Younghusband edged Ginebra’s Rudy Hatfield, who pulled off a throwback performance in the Kings’ stunning win over Talk N’ Text, for the weekly citation.

Hatfield, the 34-year-old big man, finished with a career-high 30 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field and hauled down 14 rebounds.