Sepak takraw gives Philippines two bronzes in Arafura Games

DARWIN, Australia – The Philippines added two bronze medals Thursday courtesy of sepak takraw in the 2019 Arafura Games, which is to formally close Saturday here.

Dominic James Sagosoy, Aljon Yipon, and Jundy Puton defeated India in the men’s doubles, and Allyssa Bandoy, Josefina Maat, and Gelyn Ebora won over Sabah, Malaysia in the women’s doubles, both in straight sets for the pair of sepak takraw bronzes.

That brought the medal output of the Philippines up to 30 golds, 48 silvers, and 30 bronzes heading into the final day of competitions as well as the closing ceremonies at the Darwin Waterfront.

The Philippine sepak takraw salvaged the bronze medals after the men’s team lost to University Putra Malaysia and the women’s squad bowed to Indonesia in the semifinal round.

The Philippines has already surpassed the 27 golds the country took home in 2011, but will look to add more medals after athletes from the remaining sports advanced into the knockout stage of their respective competitions.

In men’s boxing, Jhon Christian Noces won over Francis Mark Flordeliza of Northern Territory via split decision to advance into welterweight semifinals.

Hachaliah Gilbuena and Johnrel Amora beat Vanuatu, 25-23, 21-15, to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of the men’s beach volleyball.

The men’s basketball team lost to Northern Territory Top End, 95-85, Thursday morning but was aiming to enter the gold medal match Saturday with its game against WA Indigenous being played at press time.