The Philippine team hopes to use its field familiarity to its advantage when it battles dangerous Malaysia today in the 0-2 goals division of polo competition in the 30th SEA Games at the Miguel Romero Field in Calatagan, Batangas.
“They have been practicing at the field longer than anybody so it will factor in their game. They know in and out of the field,” said one tournament official who is also a polo enthusiast.
The same official, however, emphasized that anything can happen in the 0-2 goals division since most of the players have almost the same handicaps.
“That’s make today’s matches more interesting,” the tournament official added.
Weather-permitting, the PH-Malaysia match begins at 1 p.m., while the Brunei-Indonesia showdown is scheduled at 11 a.m.
The matches were initially scheduled yesterday but officials decided to move it today due to typhoon “Tisoy”.
Comprising the PH team are Jose Antonio Veloso, Noel Vecinal, Benjamin Eusebio, Julian Garcia, Franchesca Nicole Eusebio, Stefano Juban and Rep. Mikee Romero.
Expected to lead Malaysia is 18-year-old Keith Teh and 50-year-old Mohamad Zekri Ibrahim.
Prince Jeffri Bolkiah, 65, spearheads the Brunei squad, alongside Prince Qawi, while Indonesia will be backstopped by Billy Lumingtang and Acep Krisnandar.