Licain says Thailand joust a good tune-up for Phl beach volley players for Asian Tour

CEBU, Philippines - The real test for the four Cebuano beach volley players who will be representing Team Philippines in two international events will take place in China this September and not in Thailand.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) is sending Junrey Sasing, Edward Ybanez, Jusabelle Brillo and Apple Saraum Eve to the Asian Beach Volleyball Championships on July 18-22 in Ratchaburi,Thailand to show unity to its fellow Southeast Asian nations following the cancellation of the said sporting discipline in the SEA Games among other Olympic sports late this year in Myanmar.

PSC consultant Eric Licain, who is now acting as PVF's director for beach volleyball development program, admitted to The Freeman that he was hesitant at first on fielding in a team to Thailand.

“I didn't want to do this. This is such a short notice. The invitation was sent about a month ago, but because of what happened with PVF, they had decided on sending a team just some days ago. And to show unity to the rest of the Southeast Asian countries, I said yes to this,” said Licain.

The trip to Thailand though could be a good “springboard” for the four Cebuano PNG champions in their bid in the 2013 Asian Volleyball Confederation Beach Tour, the China Xianning Open, on September 26-29.

“The AVC Tour in China is a whole new level so we can use this tournament in Thailand as part of our preparations for the event in China,” said Licain.

Except for Brunei and Myanmar, all nations under Southeast Asia will take part in the Thailand joust.

Among the competing squads, Licain is looking at Indonesia as the top team to beat in the men's division and host Thailand in the distaff side.

Of the four Cebuanos, only Ybañez does not have international exposure yet, but Licain is hoping that he would be able to live up to expectations.

Meanwhile, Licain aims to form a bigger pool of beach volley talents in the Queen City of the South and he will start the ball rolling by organizing more tournaments and training sessions here next month. (FREEMAN)