MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein shocked heavy favorites Jihoon Seeong and Kim Kyeongae of South Korea, 12-6, in the mixed doubles of curling that jump-started the country’s campaign in the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China yesterday.
It was a giant-sized triumph for the Filipinos as they brought down the South Korean tandem that is ranked 13th in the world and the best in Asia, sending shockwaves at the start of the round-robin Group A action.
“We are definitely the underdog team here but our athletes are here to compete and they are proud to represent the country,” said Curling Pilipinas secretary-general Jarryd Bello.
“We have a chance to secure a medal. We beat one of the top teams already,” he added.
Eleven nations are seeing action in the event with the Philippines and South Korea bracketed with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei.
The other group is comprised of China, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Thailand.
The Filipinos are hoping to finish in the top two of their group to advance to the semis slated Friday, and, if the stars align, gatecrash to the finals set the next day for a chance at a breakthrough gold medal in the quadrennial meet.
Pfister and Dubberstein were clashing with Kyrgyzstan late yesterday and will take on Qatar at 10 a.m. and China at 6 p.m. today to complete their round-robin stage assignments.
“This win gives us and our other athletes hope and I hope we sustain our winning ways up to the medal stage,” said Philippine chef de mission Richard Lim.
Short track speed skater Peter Groseclose plunges into action action Friday. Expected to check in Saturday are figure skaters Cathryn Limketkai and Sofia Frank while Paolo Borromeo, Isabella Gamez and Alexandr Korovin are due on Sunday.