Squash returns to SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines - After sitting out the last three Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, squash makes a comeback in the 28th edition of the biennial conclave in Singapore on June 5-16 next year with the Philippines expected to send four players to compete in the men’s individual and team events.

Only five players, including four males, are in the national squash pool supported by the PSC – Robert Garcia, 26, David Pelino, 20, Reymark Bigornia, 20, Dondon Espinola, 18 and Myca Aribado, 21. Two males will be sent to compete at the 4th Asian Beach Games in Phuket, Thailand, on Nov. 14-23 and tryouts are ongoing to determine who among the four in the pool will represent the country.

Six-time SEA Games bronze medalist Edgar Balleber said yesterday the lack of overseas exposure will make it difficult for Filipino squashers to contend for medals at the SEA Games. But it’s not too late to prepare, he said. Time is ticking away and beyond the Phuket tournament, there is no clear path for the Filipinos to gain more experience in getting ready for Singapore.

Last June, the four Filipino male squashers participated at the Asian Team Championships in Hong Kong and finished 15th of 16. Balleber said it was a test of whether the Filipinos would be competitive at the Asian Games or not. The poor result ditched the Filipinos’ hopes of playing in Incheon. In all, the Philippines won only three of 18 matches and one of six ties. Only last placer China bowed to the Philippines, 2-1, with Garcia disposing of Wang Jun Jie, 11-6, 11-5, 13-11 and Pelino trouncing Liang Jun, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3. China avoided a wipeout as Shen Jia Qi beat Bigornia, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5.

Pelino defeated Ahmed Mohammed Al Tamimi of Qatar but the Philippines lost the two other matches to blow the tie. The Philippines was blanked by Iran, Korea, Chinese-Taipei and India. There were close calls along the way. Garcia lost to Iran’s Mohammedneza Sadeghpor, 11-9, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10 and Bigornia also dropped a four-setter to Iran’s Jefari Mohammedhossein, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 11-3. Pelino took a set from Chinese-Taipei’s Chen Chieh Ming, 11-7, 11-8, 5-11, 11-8.

Balleber, 44, said there is talent in the pool but without support, the players are limited to competing against the same opponents in local tournaments and their growth is stunted. Other problems confronting the Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines (SRAP) are the absence of public facilities, lack of a grassroots program and a disunited community. Aside from the SRAP, the Philippine Squash Academy (PSA) organizes tournaments locally and has a separate set of coaches. Squash is mainly played at the Palms Country Club, Manila Polo Club, Rockwell, Makati Sports Club, Manila Boat Club, Quezon City Sports Club, Nomads, Valle Verde Country Club, Green Valley and ADB. There are also courts in Punta Fuego, Tagaytay Highlands and Pico de Loro. The facilities are private and for members’ use only.

A few years ago, a blueprint was submitted to the PSC for a public squash court to be built at the Rizal Memorial Complex. The plan never got off the ground. Rivaling the SRAP, the PSA was created to preach the gospel of squash and lead the way in developing players from the grassroots level but progress is slow. The SRAP now plans to set up a training center at the Manila Boat Club with coaches Danny Sablan and Ricky Espinola. The PSA has a similar idea with coaches Balleber, Jaime Ortua and Jun Paganpan. While the plans are being mapped out, summer squash camps for kids have been on hold the last two years.

Although the Philippines has lagged way behind in the race to the top of the Asian squash ladder, there is at least some recognition of Filipinos in the sport. Balleber, 44, was the only Filipino referee among 22 picked for the recent Asian Games. He also worked at the Doha Asian Games in 2010. Balleber was assigned to 12 matches in Incheon and once took the center spot among three referees.

Another Filipino, Garcia, was recently hired to teach squash in Korea by businessman Sung Hwa for over a month. While in the country, Garcia played at the Korean Open and advanced to the round-of-16. It was Garcia’s second visit to Korea as a trainer.

In Incheon, 69 players from 11 countries took part in the individual and team competitions for men and women. Kuwait’s Abdullah Al Muzayen bagged the gold medal in the men’s individuals. Malaysia’s Nicol David, the world’s No. 1 player since 2006, claimed her fourth Asian Games gold medal in the individuals. David, 31, is a seven-time World Open, five-time British Open and eight-time Asian champion. She stands only 5-4 and weighs 110 pounds but no female player is better anywhere in the world.

Balleber said it was an honor to represent the country as a referee at the Asian Games but it would’ve been a greater honor if at least one Filipino played squash in Incheon. “You don’t have to be big and tall to excel in squash,” said Balleber. “Nicol David is a perfect example. It’s a sport where Filipinos can contend for medals at the SEA and Asian Games. But we need sponsors to invest in our players, our leaders to set a direction, make a plan and execute it.”