Squash bets think upset in Asiad

MANILA, Philippines - Facing stiff odds, the country’s two teen-aged squash bets know they’re up against top-caliber players but won’t back down in the women’s individual competitions at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou next month.

There are 11 Asian players listed in the top 50 of the latest world rankings and they’re likely to show up in the battle for gold. The heavy favorite is world No. 1 Nicol David of Malaysia.

Carrying the national colors are Alysia Dalida, 18, and Jemyca Aribado, 17. Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines (SRAP) president Romy Ribano said their participation is a positive sign in the development of the sport.

“We’re lucky that the Asian Squash Federation invited us to send players because of the push to get more women involved,” said Ribano. “This is a huge boost in our campaign to promote squash. We’re grateful to the POC and the PSC for giving us a chance to play.”

Dalida, a University of Makati psychology sophomore, broke into the round-of-16 with three straight wins at the Malaysian Juniors in Kuala Lumpur last year and is ready to challenge the seniors. In all, she has competed in seven international tournaments, including five in Hong Kong, and developed a deadly backhand nick drop shot.

“We have everything to gain and nothing to lose because we’re the underdogs,” said Dalida who learned the game at the Makati Sports Club where her mother Ruby works as a cashier. “The pressure will be on the other players. We just have to stay focused.”

Aribado, a Makati High School senior, won the second leg of the Malaysian Juniors last year and is on course to become the country’s No. 1 women’s player. She has played in eight overseas tournaments so far, finishing second in the Milo All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur and third in the Hong Kong Juniors Open two years ago. Aribado, one of eight children, was influenced to take up squash by her father Joselino, a Makati Sports Club pro, and uncle Rodan Banquilay who bagged a bronze in the team event at the 1999 SEA Games. Banquilay is now a pro at the Palms Country Club.

“We’re practicing hard,” said Aribado. “We’re giving it our all. I’m not thinking negative. I know we’re going up against world-ranked players. But I’m not scared. I’ve beaten players from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Right now, I’m working on my stamina and drop volley.”

Dalida and Aribado practice at least 2 1/2 hours on the court and run around the ULTRA oval for about 30 minutes six days a week. Coach Jaime Ortua said the girls are on track to peak during the competitions slated Nov. 18-25.

“It will take four wins for the bronze, five for the silver and six for the gold,” said Ortua. “Making it to the round-of-16 will already be a big accomplishment but we’re aiming for a medal. A lot will depend on the luck of the draw. If we can avoid facing the world-ranked players early, our chances get better. Our strengths are our flexibility, shot selection and anticipation. We’re trying to improve our endurance which is a weapon in squash. We’re also doing weights to build our strength.”

Ribano said the Philippines will play only in the individual women’s event, skipping the team competition which requires four players with three to play. It is also not entered in the men’s individual and team events. In the SEA Games, the Philippines has pocketed 14 bronze medals in the individual and team events from 1991 to 2007 with Edgar Balleber collecting six.

SRAP director Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez said the country’s participation in Guangzhou serves as an inspiration to the youth. “We’re delivering the message that if you work hard and stay disciplined, you could someday represent the country in the Asian Games,” she said. “It’s a message to the youth in general that squash is a game where we can excel.”

De Leon-Gonzalez will fly to Guangzhou at her expense to cheer for the girls. Attending official functions in the SRAP’s behalf in the Asiad is director Jovy Vilar. Bobby Bachmann and Yazdi Bagli are among active players in the local squash community traveling to Guangzhou to provide moral support.

Ribano said he submitted a proposal to build a public squash court to former PSC chairman Butch Tuason several years ago. The proposal has been handed down from Tuason to Eric Buhain to Butch Ramirez to Harry Angping and now to Richie Garcia. The P14 million project is crucial in the widespread development of squash which is close to becoming an Olympic sport. “I’ve been the SRAP president since 1987 and before I retire, I hope to see the first public squash court at the Rizal Memorial,” said Ribano. “It will give an opportunity for players to improve their game without having to book courts in private clubs.”

Ribano said despite the odds, he’s confident the girls will play their best and make the country proud. “This exposure will make us stronger in the next SEA Games,” he said. “We’re grateful to POC president Jose Cojuangco, PSC chairman Richie Garcia, PSC commissioner Buddy Andrada and POC chef de mission Joey Romasanta for the chance to play squash in Guangzhou.”