PH scores first SEA squash team title

Team Philippines pulled off a rare triumph by ruling the Southeast Asian (SEA) Squash Team Championships for the first time with an assertive, straight-set 3-0 shutout of the Malaysian national squad in Bangkok, Thailand.

Robert Garcia, the reigning SEA Games men’s singles silver medalist, toppled Sunil Kumar Sivanesan, 11-6, 16-14, 11-9, before newly crowned Thailand International Squash men’s singles champion Reymark Begornia crushed Sel Tay Jun Qian, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5.

Jemyca Aribado, the women’s singles champion in the Thai meet held last week, skipped the confrontation against Sel Shasmithaa in the final match since the result would have no bearing on the outcome of the team championships.

Begornia, Garcia and Aribado claimed the gold medal in the mixed team event during the 2019 SEA Games along with David Pelino, who joined them in the SEA team championships along with Lizette Reyes and acting team manager Alyssa Dalida.

“The team’s sacrifice and efforts in training despite the pandemic paid off,’’ said Philippine Squash Academy president Robert Bachmann, who likewise expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission for the support.

The Philippine squash team will spend Christmas in quarantine after returning on Wednesday.