LOS BAÑOS — TO the RP water polo team belongs the distinction as the first Filipino bet to plunge into action in the 23rd Philippine Southeast Asian Games as it takes on powerhouse Indonesia at the start of aquatics events this afternoon.
The Filipinos and Indons clash in the 4 p.m. opening game at the newly-built Trace Aquatics Center here.
The team is hoping to improve its bronze medal finish in the 2003 Vietnam SEA Games.
Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph admitted the Indons are going to be tough opponents, but he expects the Filipino polo bets led by veterans Malix Laurel and Sherwin dela Paz to give them a good fight.
"Indonesia is rough team. They’re hungry for the gold. But we will give them an even rougher time," said Joseph, who also bared that the Trace Aquatics Center, built to the cost of
P60-million, is ready to host all the aquatic events in the biennial meet.
The RP team is comprised of the same roster which won the SEA Games bronze two years ago and the Asia Pacific Championship in Hong Kong in 2003.
In contrast, defending champion Singapore is bringing in a team that is practically new and untested.
But the Filipino polo bets only had two international stints this year – the Asian Championship in China last June and Asia Pacific tourney in Hong Kong.
Aside from dela Paz, the nationals’ team captain, and Laurel others comprising the team are Alan Cesar Payawal, Michael Jorola, Ricardo Dilap Dilap, Norton Alamara, Frazier Alamara, Dale Evangelista, Danny dela Torre, Monsuito Pelenio and Tani Gomez.
The water polo event ends on Nov. 25, just two days before the formal opening ceremonies of the meet at the Quirino Grandstand.
