
With “Tisoy” out, the Southeast Asian Games (SEAGames) is back in full swing with the Philippines continuing its winning streak.
The biggest winner on the December 4 games was James Deiparine who topped the men’s 100-meter breaststroke by clocking one minute and 1.46 seconds.
This sterling performance is the country’s first swimming gold in the Southeast Asian Games after missing the number one slot in four editions of the games/
He not only broke the SEA Games record of 1:01.60 set by Vietnam’s Nguyen Huu in Laos a decade ago but also broke his own record of 1:02.00 in the Scottish Championship held in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
In basketball’s inaugural game, Gilas Pilipinas won with a breeze by scoring 110 points over Singapore’s 58, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
In ice hockey, the host contingent had to struggle to beat Indonesia with an 8-1 win at the MOA skating rink.
The ice hockey team will have a rematch Thursday with Thailand hoping to maintain its no loss record in three games.
In cushion carom, legendary cue master Efren “Bata” Reyes topped his Thai rival with a strong 100-37 finish.
Other gold contributors came from the men’s snooker doubles and the women’s 10-Ball pool singles.
On the downside, the Philippines Azkals is officially out of the regional competition despite easily winning over Timor Leste at the Biñan Football Stadium.
Due to goal difference, Cambodia’s win over Malaysia 3-1 nipped the football team’s chance to proceed to the semifinals.
Wednesday’s total harvest of eight gold medals also came from sports like muay thai, weightlifting, shooting and obstacle course,
The host country maintains its lead in the medal standing with 63 gold medals, 45 silver and 32 bronze as of posting time. (Jojo Mangahis)