Filipino goalkeeper Tanie Gomez (right) fails to block the ball from Alvin Lee of Singapore during their Southeast Asian Games water polo duel Sunday at the Vientiane Aquatic Center. Singapore won, 8-1. (Photo by ALBERT GARCIA)

VIENTIANE — Singapore raced to a 3-0 lead on its way to an 8-1 thumping of the Philippines Sunday in water polo in the 25th Southeast Asian Games at the indoor pool of the National Sports Complex here.

The bigger and powerful Singaporeans shredded the Filipinos’ defense with three goals inside five minutes to set the tone of the one-sided match.

The Filipinos, their shooters checked by Singapore’s extended defense, were unable to adjust and struggled to keep the enemy at bay.

The lone RP goal came from Norton Alamara who sneaked in a shot with 1:51 left in the first quarter.

Forty-four seconds into the second quarter, Kenneth Wee connected with a powerful shot to give Singapore a 4-1 lead.

Two goals inside one minute virtually put the game beyond recall, 6-1, with 5:01 remaining in the second period.

National coach Reynaldo Galang conceded that the rookie-laden team was stunned by Singapore’s hot start.

“There was a breakdown in defense. Our small guy found himself guarding a big man. The switch came too late,” said Galang, referring to Singapore’s first goal off an extra man situation.

Galang said after trailing, 0-3, he noticed a drop in his players’ energy and determination.

“Naunahan agad,” he moaned.

With six rookies in the lineup, the Filipinos failed to measure up against the Singaporeans who could afford to make numerous substitutions because of their deep bench.

“We also made substitutions but not as often as Singapore because we needed to keep the veterans on the pool,” Galang said.

Galang, who attended coaching clinics in superpower Hungary, said Singapore did a good job marking his shooters.

“They knew who to mark,” he said.

Without blaming the referees, Galang said his players also failed to adjust to the calls.

“There were some questionable calls but I don’t want to blame these for the defeat. Our players should learn to adjust,” he said.

Singapore picked up its second straight win and could retain its title with a victory over Thailand on Monday.

The Filipinos, who edged Thailand, 6-4, on Saturday, gun for the silver medal against Indonesia also on Monday.

Against Thailand, Dale Evangelista, Sherwin dela Paz, and Norton Alamara had two goals each.