2 bronze medals launch RP bid

HANOI, Vietnam (via Globe Telecom) — The Philippines missed its golden chances in archery and boxing but salvaged two bronze medals, the second in gymnastics, as it revved up for a full-scale offensive here and on the Southern front yesterday on the eve of the opening of the 22nd Southeast Asian Games.

Young Florante Matan, 20, who broke the SEAG record in the 90m distance Monday, was the heavy favorite to win the gold in the men’s individual event after the top seed, an Indonesian, fell in the quarterfinals.

But he lost his bearing in the semifinals, losing to Malaysian shooter Muhamad Marbawi Sulaiman to drop to the bronze medal round, which he won over Loh Wen Liang of Singapore, 108-103.

World champion Sonjit Jongjonor of Thailand gave Violito Payla an early exit with a clinical 20-10 beating in the first round of the flyweight boxing competitions in Ho Chi Minh.

Florencio Ferrer, competing in the 60 kg, beat Sam Skunthea of Cambodia with an RSC (referee-stopped-contest) verdict in the third round, while Francis Joven, fighting in the 69 kg, was to battle another Thai, Manon Bonjunnong, late in the night.

The men’s gymnastics team was hardly a factor in the showdown for the gold in men’s rotation closely won by Thailand (210.95) over Malaysia (209.50) but it earned the bronze with a score of 200.45.

The Filipino archers aim for the gold again when they compete today in the men’s and women’s finals at the National Sports Training Center, 25 km from downtown Hanoi.

In water polo, the Philippines drew with archrival Indonesia, 12-12, and must win over Thailand today to assure itself of the silver.

Singapore remained on top with four straight wins, while the Philippines and Indonesia had a second best slate with 2-1-1 win-loss-draw along with Thailand which was also forced to a draw by last-placed Vietnam, 7-7.

Singapore has been assured of the gold, with its fourth straight win coming at the expense of Malaysia, 15-4.

The Filipinos’ modest achievements came hours before the arrival of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, who is here to serve as cheerleader for the RP contingent, whose bid for a haul of 40-60 gold medals he supported with funds form the First Gentleman Foundation.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit arrived on a separate flight and proceeded to Ho Chi Minh where the Philippines is competing in nine of the 28 sports events in the biennial meet.

All 28 RP teams, except those of fencing, which is arriving today, and wushu which is leaving Manila Dec. 9, have been accounted for as action gets into fifth gear here and in Ho Chi Minh at the southern end of Vietnam 1,700 kilometers from here, and in Hao Shiung where table tennis will be played.

Wushu president Julian Camacho, chef de mission of the 625-strong RP contingent, led flag-raising ceremonies by the 11 participating nations yesterday morning.