Pinoys seek big splash vs Thais

Games Today (New Clark City, Tarlac) 10 a.m. – Thailand vs Philippines (w) 5 p.m. – Indonesia vs Singapore (m) 7 p.m. – Thailand vs Philippines (m)

The national team guns for its first win in water polo when the Filipinos meet Thailand in the 30th Southeast Asian Games today at the Aquatic Center of the New Clark City in Tarlac.

In its opening game, the Philippines earned a 6-6 draw against Indonesia last Tuesday which gave both teams a point each. Paolo Serrano

delivered the tying goal with a penalty shot in the final moments of the match.

Veteran coach Rey Galang said the tie against Indonesia showed the readiness of players, particularly on the defensive end that was best typified by the shot blocking abilities of longtime goalie Tani Gomez.

“We’re happy with the way the players performed, especially on defense,” said Galang. “The players were able to adjust quickly because we knew what Indonesia will do (offensively).”

However, while defense wasn’t a problem, Galang said the team must improve offensively after missing several attempts at the goal especially in the final stretch that should have given the Philippines a crucial victory against Indonesia – silver medalist in the last SEA Games.

Against the Thais – fifth place in the biennial meet two years ago – Galang said overall play must improve.

Meanwhile, the women’s national team opened its own campaign with a disappointing 18-9 setback to Singapore. Only three teams are seeing action in the division and the Philippines will next play Thailand also today.