Rowers compete in Asian Beach Games

MANILA, Philippines - A 16-member strong Philippine team will vie in the dragonboat competitions of the Third Asian Beach Games which unfurls Saturday in Haiyang, China.

Carrying the country’s colors in the weeklong games are Diomedes Manalo, Alex Sumagaysay, Ric Nacional, Ricky Sardena, Alex Generalo, Nelson Cordova, Florence Caro, Raquiel Espinosa, Dativo Romares, Ronniel Rafael, Ambrocio Gontinas Jr., Joseph Magno, Hermie Macaranas, Rolando Isidro, Alberto Hugo and Jameson Bumahit.

The team is coached by former volleyball standout-turned-rower Lenlen Escollante. She will be assisted by Manuel Maya.

The rowers left yesterday for Haiyang to have the chance to familiarize themselves with the venue. The dragonboat rowers will compete in 5-seater men’s crew in the 200, 500 and 3,000 meters distances.

There are 13 sports on the Haiyang program but the Philippines is fielding athletes only in women’s basketball, handball and dragonboat. Team Philippines is composed of 25 athletes and four officials.

The dragonboat team kicks off its campaign on Sunday in the 500-meter race of the 10-man crew while the handball squad will take on Thailand on Saturday.

“The team wants to prove something here, so we expect a good fight,” said Escollante. 

Indonesia is the reigning Asian Games champion while Myanmar dominated the SEA Games. China, meanwhile, is out to atone for its failed bid in the Guangzhou Asiad. 

“Anyone among the top four can win the 500 but we came here prepared and we will give it our all,” said Escollante. 

Meanwhile, Phl team chief of mission Chippy Espiritu announced that men’s dragonboat mainstay Alex Sumagaysay of Navy will be the country’s flag bearer for tomorrow’s parade rites.