PH handball team places 2nd

The Philippine handball team is hoping its silver medal in the IHF Trophy held in Malaysia would be key in its bid for inclusion in the 2019 Manila Southeast Asian Games. The Under-18 team fell short in the final against powerhouse Thailand, 38-28, on Saturday. Coach Joanna Franquell said the Filipinos trailed for most part of the match but managed to come to within 21-20 at the half before the reigning SEA Games champions made a decisive run to pull away for good. “I am confident we can eventually bring home the gold,” said Philippine Handball Federation secretary general Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem. —MARC REYES