SEA Games 2023: Philippine teams also qualify for Obstacle Course relay final

Philippines’ relay teams in the Obstacle Challenge Race in the 32nd SEA Games. -PILIPINAS OBSTACLE COURSE FEDERATION

PHNOM PENH—A day after forging an all-Filipino finale in the men’s and women’s individual obstacle racing, the Philippine team slowed down in the qualifying races of the relays on Thursday at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Still, coach Kristian Guerrero can feel in his gut that a medal sweep is forthcoming.

“That’s the plan, we just need to focus and not be complacent,’’ said Guerrero after the PH men’s and women’s relay teams made it to the gold-medal race on Sunday.

Melvin Guarte led the men’s side along with Elias Tabac, JR De Castro and Ahgie Radan as they placed second in the 100m qualifying race behind Malaysia after clocking 25.86 seconds.

The Malaysians topped the race in 25.62 seconds and Indonesia placed third in 25.87 seconds.

The quartet of Sandi Abahan, Maritess Nocyao, Mhick Tejares and Mecca Cortizano checked in nearly five seconds slower (40.17 seconds) than the Indonesians in the women’s relay. Indonesia clocked 35.04 and third-placer Malaysia arrived after 48.24 seconds.

“When we talk about the run, definitely it was good. But we need to make some adjustments. So far, we are happy with the results,’’ said Guerrero.

Precious Cabuya and Kaizen Dela Serna will figure in the all-Filipino women’s individual finals on Saturday as well as Mark Julius Rodelas and Kevin Pascua in the men’s side, assuring the Philippines of two gold medals and a pair of silvers.

Emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s relays later on will allow Team Philippines to sweep all four golds at stake similar to their performance in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila where Filipino obstacle racers went six of six.