W’polo bets eye medal vs Indons

HANOI–The Philippines ripped Malaysia, 12-5, yesterday and boosted its medal drive in the 22nd Southeast Asian Games water polo competition at the National Aquatic Sports Complex here.

Roy Canete, a 21-year-old Airman First Class, led the Filipinos to their second straight win after a heartbreaking 6-7 setback in the hands of reigning SEAG champion Singapore in their debut last Monday, by knocking in four goals.

Canete was ably supported by Michael Jorolan, Almax Laurel and Frazer Alamara, who accounted for two goals each.

The Filipinos meet Indonesia, third-placer in the KL SEAG, at 12:30 p.m. today, needing a victory to assure themselves of a medal.

"We have a good chance of getting a medal this time," said water polo head Leo Galang. "The boys are in high spirits. They’re out to make up for their disappointing fifth-place finish in Kuala Lumpur two years ago."

Singapore streaked to its third win yesterday by crushing host Vietnam, 22-7. Thailand downed Indonesia, 7-5, in the other match.

The Filipinos face the Thais in their final match tomorrow.

"We’d apply the same strategy we used in our first three games," said Galang. "We’d press the Indons from start to finish."

Galang praised his boys for their solid performance. "(Jose) Tolentino was a stonewall in defense, while Joel Villa and Dale Evangelista contributed a goal each," noted Galang.

The Philippines’ best finish in the SEA Games water polo competition is second place in 1993 (in Singapore) and 1999 (in Brunei).