Malaysian official doubts Fil-Am volleybelles’ nationality

The four Fil-Americans who will see action for the Philippines in the beach volleyball competitions of the 23rd SEA Games may find some resistance — not on but off the court.

A Malaysian team official, Lee Jin Xian, told the Bernama newspaper he will verify the nationality of the four players — Justin Schonnor and Chad Mowrey in the men’s division, and Heidi Ilustre and Cecille Tabuena in the women’s side.

Lee said that after several days of training at the St. La Salle grounds in Bacolod City, he has yet to get a glimpse of the four Fil-Americans. He fears that they are being kept away from the prying eyes of their rivals.

"I read about it in a local newspaper. During the managers’ meeting on Tuesday, I will bring up the subject and get verification on their nationality," he said.

Lee said only the two top finishers in the two groups for both the men’s and women’s categories would advance to the semifinals. He said while Indonesia and Thailand are expected to dispute the gold, he wants Malaysia to at least take the bronze.

But the presence of these Fil-Americans may ruin their hopes.

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Gen. Taweep Chantaroj, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand, arrived in Bacolod City Sunday and expressed disgust over the injury sustained by one of their boxers while training a few days ago.

 Pinweight Kaew Pongprayoon, a strong bet for the pinweight gold, suffered a cut over his left eye while sparring with no headguard on. The injury has kept him on a day-to-day basis, unsure whether he’s fit to compete.

The Thai general reportedly gave the coaching staff some tongue-lashing.

 "I am very angry with the coach and staff coaches about this," Taweep told the Bangkok Post. He added that he expects five gold medals from his team, but now it may be down to four due to the injury. – Abac Cordero