MANILA, July 18 — The Philippines seized a silver and a bronze medals in the regu event of the recently concluded 13th International French Open Sepak Takraw tournament in Gran Est, northeastern France.
The men’s team of John Carlo Lee, John John Bobier, Emmanuel Escote, and Regie Reznan Pabriga took the silver medal in the competition held at the Gymnase des Malteries in Schiltigheim town.
Thailand clinched the gold medal while China settled for the bronze.
The women’s division, the squad composed of Kristel Carloman, Mary Ann Lopez, Rizzalyn Amolacion, Jean Marie Sucalit, and Lhaina Lhiell Mangubat, finished third behind champion Thailand and China.
Rodolfo Eco is the head coach of both teams.
Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association (PASTA) president, Karen Claire Tanchanco-Caballero, who also served as team manager, said the French Open was part of the national teams’ preparation for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Malaysia.
“This [French Open] was intended as pre-SEAG exposure to help our athletes get better competition and boost their confidence, especially the ladies team. Our women players are new and need more exposure,” Tanchanco-Caballero said in an online interview Tuesday morning.
Aside from those who competed in France, also going to the SEA Games are Alex Pangan, Jason Huerte, Joeart Junawan, John Jeffrey Morcillos, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Rheyjey Ortouste, Rhemwill Catana, and Ronsited Gabayeron.
The 29th edition of the SEA Games will run from Aug. 19 to 30. Sepak takraw, which offers a total of 17 gold medals, will be held on Aug. 16-29 at the Indoor Stadium in Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur. (Jean T. Malanum/PNA)