Cyclists in mix for first gold medal
BANGKOK—The chase is on for Team Philippines to collect as many golds as possible in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday.
Following the formal opening rites at Rajamangala Stadium here, attention turns to which Filipino athlete can deliver the first golden moment of this biennial meet.
That breakthrough could come from far-off Chonburi, about two hours from the Thai capital, where mountain biker John Derick Farr competes in the men’s downhill event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
The Las Piñas City rider struck gold on home soil during the 2019 Games in Laurel, Batangas, but settled for bronze three years ago at the pandemic-delayed 2021 edition in Hanoi, Vietnam.
“Bilog po ang gulong (a Filipino phrase that means anything can happen),” Farr said, noting that his chance at redemption will depend on track conditions and how sharp he feels once the race begins.
Female rider Lea Denise Belgira, also a gold medalist in 2019, will chase another title in the women’s division after Farr’s run.
Farr and Belgira joined Tuesday’s seeding run, giving both a chance to assess the course.
Most of the events are being held in the Thai capital, where jiujitsu and poomsae could also yield early medals for the Philippines.
Fourth gold
Boxing and 3×3 basketball—two of the most anticipated fronts for the Filipino delegation—also kick off their quest. Ian Clark Bautista starts his bid for a fourth gold in the men’s 57-kilogram division against hometown bet Sukthet Sarawut in boxing, while the Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s teams each play two games as they hunt for the 3×3 gold.
The Games officially opened on Tuesday at Rajamangala Stadium, with tennis sensation Alex Eala and Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas serving as flag-bearers.
Some competitions were already underway before the opener, including men’s baseball, where the Philippines crushed Vietnam, 21–1, in seven innings at Queen Sirikit Baseball Stadium in Pathum Thani.
The victory primed the Filipino batters for a crucial showdown with host Thailand on the penultimate day of the eliminations. Both teams carry 4–0 records after the Thais rallied to beat Singapore, 6–4.
