Pinoys seek world sepak title repeat

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines takes on the best of the best, upbeat of its chances to keep the doubles crown in the premier division of the 33rd King’s Cup World Sepak Takraw Championships, which gets going today in Nakhon Rachasima, Thailand.

Aside from going all out to retain the crown in the men’s category, the Filipinos will also vie for gold medals in four other events, including hoop, regu quadrant and regu team.

“We wish the Philippine sepak takraw team the best of luck. We’re confident that they are capable of replicating the achievement,” said Go For Gold top executive Jeremy Go during the team’s send-off at the Vikings at the Mall of Asia recently.

Rheyjey Ortouste, Ronsited Gabayeron, and Emmanuel Escote will spearhead the men’s team, which includes Joshua Gleen Bullo, Alvin Pangan, John Carlo Lee and John John Bobier.

Joining the team’s campaign, backed by Go For Gold and the Philippine Sports Commission, are John Jeffrey Morcillos, Joeart Jumawan, Nestleer Bandivas, Christian George Encabo and Regie Reznan Pabriga.

“We know that they will make our country proud like they have done before,” said Go.

Meanwhile, Mary Melody Taming, Abegail Sinogbuhan, Gelyn Evora, Josefina Maat, Jean Marie Sucalit, Jea Mae Pepito, Jocielle Fernandez, Aisa Sabellita, Allyssa Bandoy and Lhaina Lheil Mangubat make up the women’s squad.

Coaches Rodolfo Eco, Hector Memarion, Metodio Suico Jr. and Junmar Aleta will coach the men’s team while Romulo Ruedas Jr., Esperidion Rodriguez, Gena Mark Saavedra and Deseree Autor will call the shots for the women’s squad.

The Phl also took home a pair of silver medals in team regu and hoop and a bronze effort in the regu during the 2016 edition of the worlds, also in Thailand.