Hot RP dragons make it to finals

The Philippine dragon boat teams topped their respective heats in the men’s 10-a-side (500m) and women’s 10-a-side (500m) to firm up their bid for the gold medal in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games yesterday at La Mesa Dam.

In the men’s first heat, the RP dragons led from start to finish, clocking in at 1:54.85. Brunei came in at second (2:07.64).

Myanmar, last SEAG’s silver winner in the event, ruled the second heat in 1:56.01 while erstwhile leader Indonesia was second in 1:57.59.

The women’s 10-a-side also barged into the finals, topping the second heat of their 500-m race.

The RP lady dragons clocked 2:13.38 while Singapore came in second at 2:24.86. Myanmar’s women team was first to qualify as they edged Indonesia in heat A, 2:12.21-2:13.98.

"Basing it on their time, the women’s team will have a hard time against Myanmar. With the men’s team I think we have a slight advantage," said Philippine Dragon Boat Federation technical director and national head coach Nestor Ilagan. — Brian Borleo