NAKHON RATCHASIMA – The RP women’s basketball team, specially the rookies, was so excited to join the parade of athletes during the opening ceremonies Thursday but was ordered to stay in the Athletes Village with the uncertainty of the schedule of games.
Anticipating that they’re playing yesterday, coach Fritz Gaston kept the team in the barracks Thursday night.
“It’s sad we missed the rare experience,” said Fil-Am player Melissa Jacob.
While Gaston has been staying cool, the Malaysian officials have expressed disgust over numerous changes – four in all – of the game schedule.
One Malaysian official has seen charging into a member of the organizing group.
During breakfast yesterday morning, the RP belles still weren’t sure whether they had a game this opening day.
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NAKHON RATCHASIMA – Rugby Football starts only tomorrow but one Filipino player in Austin Emil Dacanay is a doubtful starter, suffering a deep cut on the foot in practice inside the Athletes Village.
It’s good that the RP team has a full compliment of 12 players with two alternates in Rupert Zappia and model-celebrity Andrew Wolff.
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NAKHON RATCHASIMA – The RP cycling road team has checked out of the Athletes Village, opting to stay in Pak Chong town where the 42km individual time trial and 116.10 km massed start races are set.
Pak Chong is said to be two hours drive away from this city.
Former Tour champions Warren Davadilla and Victor Espiritu and perennial Tour title contender Lloyd Reynante spearhead the men’s bid while Maritess Bitbit and Fil-Am Apryl Eppinger race in the distaff side. – Nelson Beltran