Singapore whips PH team in water polo

SINGAPORE – The national team fell short on its bid to beat Singapore as the Filipinos absorbed an 11-7 defeat against the defending Southeast Asian champion in the FINA Water Polo Challengers’ Cup Friday night at the OCBC Centre.

The national team rallied back from a 4-1 deficit in the second period when it scored four goals capped by a shot from Mumar Alamara from a Roy Cañete pass that gave the Philippines a 5-4 advantage.

Singapore, however, countered with three straight goals to take a 7-5 advantage at halftime break.

The last time the national team threatened was when Mcgyver Reyes converted a goal to cut Singapore’s lead to 9-7, but the opposing team added three more goals for the final tally.

The win kept Singapore unbeaten with a 3-0 record, tying Ireland on top of Group A, while the Philippines finished the elimination round with a 2-2 card following wins over Zimbabwe, 18-2, and Malaysia 11-8.

Singapore, the seven-time reigning SEA Games champion, and Ireland dispute the finals spot for Group A Saturday after Austria booked the championship berth in Group B following an 8-6 win against Indonesia also Friday.

Despite the setback, national team mentor Rey Galang remains optimistic since the tournament serves as preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games the country is hosting.

“At least we’re able to gauge where we are now in terms of our preparation for the Southeast Asian Games. Of course, Singapore is one of the teams that we’re preparing, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia,” said Galang, who has former national team star Dale Evangelista on the coaching staff.