Philippines pockets silver, 3 bronzes in sepak takraw WC

MANILA, Philippines — Forming a new lineup hardly mattered for the Philippines in the 2018 King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championships.

The Filipinos brought home a silver and three bronze medals on the global competitions held recently in Nakhon Rachasima, Thailand where the toughest sepak takraw performers from 31 other countries showed up.

“We have tapped new athletes purely for exposure, but we still ended up with good results,’’ said Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association Inc. president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero.

The women’s team clinched the silver medal in the premier hoop category while the men’s squad got three bronzes after placing third in the premier hoop, regu and team regu.

“It was a great showing for our sepak takraw players despite having a new lineup. Again, they made our country proud,’’ said Go For Gold top executive Jeremy Go, a staunch supporter of the team who helped bankroll their trip.

Seasoned players Rheyjey Ortouste, Ronsited Gabayeron, Emmanuel Escote led the men’s team along with Joshua Gleen Bullo, Alvin Pangan, John Carlo Lee and John John Bobier.

Joining the squad 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.

During the 2016 edition of the Worlds in Thailand, they captured the title in the men’s doubles event and grabbed a pair of silver medals in the team regu and hoop plus a bronze effort in the regu.

Forming the women’s squad were 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.

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