FILE– Cherry Ann Rondina and Bernadeth Pons. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine beach volleyball men’s and women’s teams opened their campaigns with rousing wins over Singapore in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Sunday at Tuan Chau in Quang Ninh, Vietnam.
The women’s national team swept the Singaporeans as Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons dominated Tan Kai Yun Alicia and Soh Hui CHin Cecilia, 21-14, 21-9.
Jovelyn Gonzaga, who played in indoor volleyball in the past three SEA Games, made an impressive debut with Dij Rodriguez to take down Eliza Chong and Ong Wei Yu, 21-12, 21-8.
Earlier, Krung Arbasto and Jude Garcia defeated Kingsley Tay and Trevis Tan of Singapore, 21-15, 21-17.
Ranran Abdilla, member of the men’s volleyball team that won a historic silver medal in 2019, also made an impressive debut at the SEA Games sands as he and Jaron Requinton foiled Nicholas Kiu and Nicolas Law, 22-20, 21-16, to complete a sweep of Singapore.
The men’s and women’s beach volleyball squads are both seeking to surpass their bronze medals in the Manila Games nearly three years ago.
The women’s team faces Malaysia on Monday at 11:30 a.m. (Manila time), while the men’s returns to action on Tuesday against Cambodia at 10:45 a.m.