Water polo bets open RP bid

LOS BANOS — The National water polo team, brandishing the core of the squad that claimed the bronze in the Vietnam Games, will be the first Filipino bets to see action in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games as it takes on powerhouse Indonesia at the start of aquatics events this afternoon.

The Filipinos and Indons clash in the 4 p.m. opening game at the newly-built Trace Aquatics Center here.

Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph admitted the Indons are going to be tough opponents, but he expects the Filipino polo teamled by veterans Almax Laurel and Sherwin dela Paz to give them a good fight.

"Indonesia is a rough team. They’re hungry for the gold. But we will give them an even rougher time. I think we are technically superior than our opponents" said Joseph, who also bared that the Trace Aquatics Center, built to the cost of P60-million, is ready to host all the aquatic events in the biennial meet.

The RP team is composed of the same roster which won the SEA Games bronze two years ago and the Asia Pacific Championship in Hong Kong in 2003.

In contrast, defending champion Singapore is bringing in a team that is practically new and untested.

But the Filipino polo bets only had two international stints this year — the Asian Championship in China last June and Asia Pacific tourney in Hong Kong.

Aside from dela Paz, the nationals’ team captain, and Laurel others comprising the team are Alan Cesar Payawal, Michael Jorola, Ricardo Dilap Dilap, Norton Alamara, Frazier Alamara, Ali Alamara, Dale Evangelista, Danny dela Torre, Monsueto Pelenio Tani Gomez, Roy Canete.

The water polo event ends on Nov. 25, just two days before the formal opening ceremonies at the Quirino Grandstand.