Tough test for Philippines beach volley

SANYA, China – The Philippines’ beach volleyball pairs face tough group-stage assignments as competition in the 6th Asian Beach Games gets underway today at Sanya Bay.

Sunny Villapando and Grydelle Joanice Matibag, seeded ninth in the 28-team women’s field, were drawn in Pool H alongside teams from Mongolia, Macau and Kazakhstan.

Compatriots Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara, ranked 10th, will compete in Pool G against Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Macau.

Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara welcomed the return of the Asian Beach Games after an extended hiatus, saying it provides a key platform for the continent’s emerging stars.

“Since I have been elected as AVC president in 2024, elevating beach volleyball has been my absolute top priority, fulfilling the exact promise I made during my campaign. We have focused heavily on backing more host cities,” said Suzara.