Rondina, Pons claim Beach Volley silver

MANILA, Philippines — A silver that shines like gold.

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons fell short on their golden bid after stumbling to a taller, more experienced Australian pair of Taliquia Clancy and Stefamie Fejes, 21-19, 21-12, yesterday in the AVC Beach Tour’s 2nd Pingtung Open in Dapeng Bay in Chinese Taipei.

The reigning Southeast Asian Games gold medalists settled for the silver but the feeling should be like bringing home a gold since it’s one of the best, if not the best, finishes in their team-up.

While the Filipinas should earn ranking points, it was the experience that would matter more as they continue to build up for bigger battles ahead including this September’s Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

The tandem more popularly known as “SiPons” plowed through a tough field, carving out wins over Jasmine Fleming and Elizabeth Achin of Australia, 21-18, 33-31, in the quarters and Thailand’s Kongphopsarutawadee Worapeerachayakorn and Taravadee Naraphornrapat, 21-17, 26-24, in the semis.