Angping commends Filipinos brave stand

VIENTIANE, Laos – Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping yesterday hailed the Filipino participants in the Southeast Asian Games, saying their overall performance was a “great experience for everyone who competed in Laos.”

“I am overwhelmed by the accomplishments of our athletes,” said Angping who predicted a haul of 32 gold medals by the Phillippine contingent. “They have performed beyond my expectation.”

Angping did not come here after he was not accorded the courtesy by the Philippine Olympic Committee at the height of a controversy involving the selection of national athletes.

“In any international event, the interaction with all participants and people of the host as well as the experiences earned cannot be undermined,” he stated. “I would like also to thank Ambassador Marilyn J. Alarilla and her staff for taking care of our athletes while there in Laos.”

In the country’s final drive to move past Malaysia for fourth place, the last day participants from the Philippines fell short.

Cecil Mamiit and Treat Huey teamed up and heroically battled the Thai twins Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana before losing, 2-6, 7-5, 8-10, in the doubles final. Mamiit earlier won the singles gold over Huey.

Metodio Suico Jr. and Aleta Junmar lost to Brunei, 17-21, 17-21, and settled for the bronze in sepak takraw’s doubles. Tac Padilla failed to follow up on his 25m rapid fire pistol gold, landing 10th in the 25m center fire with 555 points. Tac and his team were not able to prepare sufficiently for the event because of the lack of ammunitions during training.           – Gerry Caprio