Rains damage part of Rizal oval

Intermittent rains the last few days caused some damages on the newly installed rubber surface of the Rizal track oval, necessitating repair works in the venue yesterday.

At press time, workers were applying new rubber granules on about 50-to 60-meter portion of the oval, and the contractor could only hope for ideal weather condition to finish the job.

"Hindi pwedeng mabasa ito hanggat hindi pa tuyong-tuyo. Otherwise talagang lolobo," said Grace Amistoso, a representative of Inter-Surface which is doing renovation work in the venue.

Amistoso, however, considered the damage a minor problem, which would not deter them from completing the renovation in time.

Philippine Sports commissioner Richie Garcia, who is also chairman for operations of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee, said Inter-Surface has been given until Nov. 20 to finish the job.

A sports official, who refused to be identified, said the job could well be completed before Nov. 20 but it would already be too late for the local athletes to gain edge in familiarity with the surface.

"It’s a pity our athletes would not be able to enjoy the home-court advantage. Halos pantay lang nila ang kalaban sa familiarity with the venue," said the sports official.

A total of 45 gold medals is at stake in the track and field competitions in the 23rd SEA Games the country is hosting on Nov. 27-Dec. 5.

This is the third time the 71-year-old stadium is hosting the biennial meet after the 1981 and 1991 editions of the games. — Nelson Beltran