SEA Games: PH men’s handball team bags silver medal

Philippine men’s handball team in the 31st SEA Games. BEACH HANDBALL PHILIPPINES PHOTO

HANOI — The Philippines gave a tough fight before bowing to defending champion Vietnam 2-1, Tuesday night and settling for silver medal in the Southeast Asian Games men’s beach handball.

The Filipinos took the first period, 18-14, fueling their upset bid against the hosts who swept them in the first round of action.

But Vietnam levelled it up by taking the second period, 21-14, forcing a shootout that it eventually won, 10-8.

Vietnam thus kept its record clean, 5-0. It will battle Thailand for its last assignment on Wednesday.

At 3-2, the Philippines cemented its hold of silver medal, an improvement of its bronze-medal finish during its debut in 2019.

The country will take on Singapore on Wednesday, the last day of competitions.