Thais whip PH handball bets

UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand—The Philippines showed a lot of spunk against regional heavyweight Thailand before dropping a 34-19 decision last night in the Southeast Asian women’s handball championships here.

With former PH cager Fatima Tolentino carrying the scoring load, the Filipinas, who call themselves Amigas, kept the game close in the first half as the hosts, who have been playing in the Asian Games for years, appeared to hold back their punches.

Urged to press the action by coach Joanna Franquelli, the Filipinos opened up the defense in the wings with left back Aurora Adriano and left wing Michelle Bruzola scoring on daring drives.

It was the first international competition for the country with the pioneering team  being formed just two months ago.

Tentative in offense, the Filipinos needed time to get into the groove and found it only in the first 10 minutes as they breathed down the Thais’ neck at 11-7.

Franquelli said the Amigas failed to execute their plays down the stretch and often put their defenses down after getting whistled off on  tackles.

But the result was a boost for the Amigas, who were expected to be overwhelmed by the hosts at Ubon Ratchathani Sports School.