PHL athletes stuck at venue after Asiad opening

INCHEON, South Korea – Philippine Sports Commission chairman and chef de mission Richie Garcia lauded the colorful Opening Ceremonies put up by host Korea but got disappointed with the way they were dispersed.

Garcia complained that they waited for hours before they could get back to the Athletes Village.

"Kinabahan ako sa mga atleta natin baka napagod sila," Garcia told Philstar.com.

The athletes got stuck in the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium as the shuttle buses ran out.

"Well, maganda naman 'yung opening ceremonies except yung pag-uwi namin dahil nagkagulo-gulo, medyo matagal ang atleta natin sa labas ng stadium dahil walang maskayan," he added.

Garcia, however, was consoled as he watched the men's tennis team sweep their way to the second round with a sweep of Mongolia. The romp was led by Fil-Am netter Ruben Gonzales Jr.'s, who posted a smashing performance on Saturday morning despite going home late the night before.

Garcia's hope of the country's first medal fell by the wayside when weightlifter Nestor Colonia failed to make the 120-kg lift in three attempts.