Buhain confident RP right on target

HO CHI MINH (Via Globe Telecom) – Despite having only four gold medals in the first four days of competitions, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain said the Philippines is well on target on its projection of winning no less than 40 golds in the 22nd Southeast Asian Games.

"We have monitoring teams and their reports are positive. Kung tatama ang reports nila, even 75 golds are achievable. I’m keeping my hopes, we can win 40 to 60 golds," said Buhain as he reported progress of the Philippine participation in the games in a press conference at the RP secretariat at Rex Hotel here.

Buhain, together with First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, flew in from Hanoi Saturday to also cheer for the Filipino athletes competing in nine sport disciplines in various venues in this southern Vietnam city.

"We have had our ups and downs, highs and lows, but there’s nothing to worry about. Our athletes are compensating one another. We’re suffering unlucky breaks na yung mga top bets natin nasisilat. Pero meron bumabawi na nananalo na hindi naman favorite in his or her event," said Buhain.

The PSC chief cited as judo example as top bet Aris Lucero was upset by a hometown bet while upcoming lady judoka Helen Dawa overachieved with a golden performance in the first day of judo action here.

Buhain said this only shows that "the Philippines has a deep bench," something which could lead to its improved finish here. The country placed fifth in the medal tally in Kuala Lumpur in 2001 with 31 golds.

On Vietnam’s flying start in the games, Buhain said it could work in favor of the Philippines.

"It may be good for us if there’s one country dominating the games. With less gold, baka mas maganda pa ang maging placing natin," he said.

As hostilities went full blast Saturday after the opening ceremonies Friday night, the host leapfrogged in the medal tally with 27 golds, nine silvers and six bronzes. The Philippines was in sixth place with four golds, one silver and 14 bronzes, behind second placer Malaysia (7-8-6), Singapore (7-7-8), Thailand (6-15-17) and Indonesia (5-5-6).