Asean Para Games: Wheelchair cagers bag silver
Kenneth Christopher Tapia (No. 6) of the Philippines shoots against Thailand’s Teerapong Pasomsap. —TEAM PHILIPPINES PHOTO
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA—The Philippines settled for the silver medal after bowing to Thailand, 7-15, in the men’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball final of the 12th Asean Para Games at Morodok Techo National Stadium’s Elephant Hall 2 here.
Malaysia outclassed Cambodia, 17-8, for the bronze medal.
The Filipino Warriors earlier lost to Thailand (18-6) in the elimination round but scored victories over Indonesia (11-5), Cambodia (14-5) and Malaysia (8-7) to arrange a title showdown with the unbeaten Thais.
“We started slow. We just started hitting the mark at the half, unfortunately, it was too late,” said coach Vernon Perea. “3×3 is a fast-phased game so whoever blinks would be in deep trouble and unfortunately, it was us. In the later part, we played according to our game plan and executed well but it was too late.”
The Filipino women didn’t make the podium after losing, 8-5, to Laos in the battle for bronze.
Cambodia retained the title after beating Thailand, 11-9, in the women’s final.
“For the women’s team … [it was] almost the same story with the men’s team. Our first few minutes in the court was not that good but we gained control of ourselves as the game progressed. A bit late but still, the girls played their hearts out in that game. I hope we carry the good vibes into the 5-on-5 matches,” Perea said.
In chess, the multititled Sander Severino jumped to a share of the lead in the rapid event of the men’s PI division with a perfect two points.
Darry Bernardo and Menandro Redor likewise shared the lead in the men’s B2B3 class as well as Cheyzer Mendoza in the women’s PI section.
The final four rounds of the rapid event are slated on Sunday.
The standard event is scheduled from Monday to Wednesday while blitz is on Thursday.
Chess is a strong source of golds for the Philippines, which won 10 in the previous staging of the meet in Indonesia.
