Asian Beach Games under way

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Beach Games kicks off today with the lean Philippine team vying in four sports against the best in the region in Haiyang, China.

Rower Alex Sumagaysay of the 16-man dragon boat team will carry the Philippine flag, one of 45 to be paraded at the main hub Fenxiang beach. He will be joined by nine women handball players, four women cagers, four sport climbers and officials headed by chief of mission Dr. Benjamin Espiritu.

The handball team had its last practice session yesterday with Group A heavyweight Japan. The Filipinas drew Jordan, Hong Kong, Thailand and China in Group B.

The Phl will take on Jordan tomorrow and then Thailand on Monday. 

The Philippine 3-on-3 women cage team plunges into action Monday in a Group B match against Nepal. Heading Team Phl are Analyn Almazan, Allan May Lim, Merenciana Arayi and Melissa Jacob who are members of the 2011 SEAG silver medal squad. 

In the afternoon, the Filipinas face India and then SEAG rival Thailand next.

Others competing are Mongolia, Maldives, Turkmenistan and China.

Sport climbing entries Dennis Oliver Diaz, Jason Sauco, Milky Mae Tejares and Jonathan Feleo begin their medal quest Monday at the sprawling Olympic Park.

The dragon boat team of Diomedes Manalo, Raquiel Espinosa, Jameson Bumahit, Rolando Isidro, Alex Generalo, Ric Nacional, Nelson Cordova, Joseph Magno, Ambrocio Gontinas Jr., Hermie Macaranas, Ronniel Rafael, Ricky Sardena, Alberto Hugo, Florence Caro, Dativo Romares and Sumagaysay go for qualification in the final of the 10-man crew 500m race on Sunday beginning at 9 a.m.