Filipino batters remain dominant as bulk of PH contingent planes in

BANGKOK—More members of the Philippine delegation arrived here on Sunday ahead of the formal opening of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, even as men’s baseball continued its rampage in its quest to remain dominant on the diamond in the region.

Athletes and coaches from cricket, dragon boat and snooker arrived after boarding a Philippine Airlines flight as the countdown drew nearer for the opening ceremonies on Tuesday at Rajamangala Stadium.

Also part of the trip are officials and staff from the Philippine Olympic Committee, led by Nikko Huelgas, plus Manila-based mediamen tasked by their respective publications to cover the two-week showpiece.

Monday will see another chunk of the record field of the Philippine contingent in this Thai capital, with the 3×3 cage teams among those slated to arrive.

Tuesday’s opener will see tennis sensation Alex Eala and Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas serve as flagbearers for Team Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Filipino batters dominated Singapore, 17-3, in seven innings to go 2-0 at Queen Sirikit Baseball Stadium in Pathum Thani on Sunday.

Mark Beronilla’s four RBIs highlighted another splendid offensive showing by the Philippines, while starter Amiel de Guzman pitched four scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing just two hits.

Fighting for football life

Up next for the Philippines is Malaysia on Monday, the same day the men’s U-22 football squad seeks a spot in the semifinals if it pulls off a win over Indonesia in a crack Group B showdown in Chiang Mai.

Team Philippines is riding high on its 2-0 victory over Myanmar behind Alex Monis’ first-half opener, but it will have its hands full against an Indonesian side that is among the favorites.

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Men’s polo faces host Thailand in the semifinals of the 2-4 goals event at Siam Polo Park in Samut Prakan.

The country’s badminton teams were beaten by Singapore in the women’s team event and Malaysia in the men’s side on Sunday at Thammasat University.

Hockey 5s teams absorbed lopsided setbacks in the men’s and women’s at RTAF Hockey Stadium on Sunday.