Alas men to bank on World Championship campaigners vs Cambodia
Games Wednesday
(Candon City Arena)
2 p.m. - Thailand vs Vietnam
5:30 p.m. - Alas Pilipinas vs Cambodia
MANILA, Philippines — A slew of World Championship veterans will spearhead Alas Pilipinas when it clashes with Cambodia Wednesday and seek a podium return in the first of the two-week men’s SEA V Cup at the Candon City Arena.
The energetic Josh Ybanez, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Vince Lorenzo, who was part of the historic team that saw action in the Worlds the country hosted a year ago, will carry most of the load for the host nation in this five-day meet in the absence of their top two stars — Bryan Bagunas and a Marck Espejo.
The Nationals, mentored by Italian Angiolino Frigoni, took in Jude Garcia, a Southeast Asian Games beach volley bronze winner, to help fill the huge void left by the explosive Bagunas-Espejo duo.
Completing the Alas roster are Jian Salarzon, Axel Van Book, JJ Macam, Al Bukhari Sali, Rodge Alejos, Trevor Valera, Lirick Mendoza, Josh Magalaman, Greg Ancheta, Adrian Villados and Vennie Ceballos.
The Filipinos are seeking a medal finish this time after missing out on a podium finish in the last two legs of this annual event in this progressive Ilocos Sur city and Jakarta, Indonesia.
Their best effort came two years ago when it snared a couple of bronzes in Manila and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
“Hosting this prestigious championship for the second consecutive year is another significant milestone for Candon City and reflects the confidence entrusted to us in staging international sporting events,” said Candon mayor Eriic Singson.
“It also provides Candon City the opportunity to represent the Philippines by sharing the warmth of Filipino hospitality while advancing sports tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development,” he added.
The Philippines takes a break Thursday then returns to the floor Friday versus Indonesia, the second-leg titlist last year.
- Latest
- Trending
