Philippines survives rugged battle in ice hockey

KUALA LUMPUR – The Philippines won its bruising battle against Singapore, 7-2, to notch its second straight win in the 29th Southeast Asian Games ice hockey tournament at the Empire City Arena in Damansara Perdana Tuesday night.

But the Filipinos emerged from the physical contest with a casualty in Nico Cadiz, who suffered a dislocated left shoulder, according to team manager Petronilo Tigaronita.

They whipped Indonesia, 12-0, in their opening match last Monday and will be facing host Malaysia at 8 p.m. Wednesday before taking on Thailand Thursday.

The five-team, single-round tourney is making its debut in the regional sports meet with the Philippines among the favorites to rule the event owing to its third place finish in the Asian Winter Games in Japan early this year.