Asian Games: Philippines with another sure podium in sepak takraw

FILE–Philippines’ Jason D. Huerte kicks the ball during the sepak takraw men’s match.  (Photo by Ye Aung Thu / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines is assured of at least another bronze medal in sepak takraw after securing a spot in the semifinals of the Hangzhou Asian Games men’s regu following twin victories on Thursday at Jinhua Sports Centre.

Team captain Jason Huerte, Rheyjey Ortuoste and Ronsited Gabayeron and reserves Mark Joseph Gonzales and Jom Lerry Rafael defeated Myanmar, 21-17, 21-9, before edging out India, 23-21, 21-17, to secure a top two finish in Group B, joining Thailand.

Both the Philippines and Thailand are set to meet on Friday to determine the seedings for the semifinals slated later in the day.

Malaysia secured qualification to the semis as the top team of Group A while Singapore and Vietnam will also meet Friday to dispute the remaining seat in the next phase of the competition.

The gold medal match of the competition featuring three players on the court is on Saturday while the losing semifinalists are guaranteed of stepping onto the podium.

Huerte, Ortuoste, Gabayeron, Gonzales and Rafael along with Vince Torno were part of the Philippine team that claimed a bronze in men’s quadrant, an event that allows four players on each side.

It was the first time that the Philippines won a sepak takraw medal at the continental meet.