NAKHON RATCHASIMA—Myanmar and Indonesia, it turned out, saved their best for last and frustrated the Philippines from winning gold in the 24th Southeast Asian Games traditional boat-race competitions Wednesday at the Mab Prachan Reservoir in Pattaya.

The men’s team gave everything it got, even using the standing position as it padded, but could only clinch silver against Myanmar in the men’s 10-crew 1,000-meter event. Myanmar won the gold medal in three minutes and 50.55 seconds, shaming the Filipinos who could only time 3:54.98. Indonesia earned bronze with 3:57.13.

The women went through practically the same experience in their own side of the competition.

But the Indonesians, like Myanmar, showed they merely tested the waters in Tuesday’s qualifying and paddled to 4:22.36. They edged the Thais (4:22.66) for the gold medal, as well as the Filipinas (4:22.92) in the nail-biting contest.

National head coach Nestor Ilagan was gracious in defeat as he acknowledged Myanmar’s grit in the men’s race and Indonesia’s admirable resolve in the women’s side.

“Malakas ’yung bulusok talaga ng Myanmar [men]. Ang Indonesia [women] talagang naghanda para sa atin para matalo tayo. And so there’s no one to blame but us,” said Ilagan.

“’Yung sa women’s, sinunod naman ’yung plano na huwag papalayuin ang mga kalaban kung makauna man sila. Up to 750 meters to 800 meters, pukpukan, sabay tayo ng sabay. Pero nitong last 50 meters, may dalawang tao tayo na nadulas sa bangka. Talagang sa breaks lang nagkatalo sa women’s,” explained Ilagan.

“Sa mga lalaki, from start to finish pinatayo ko na sila sa bangka, kasi allowed naman kami ng free style sa positioning sa bangka. Pero talagang nahirapan silang habulin ang Myanmar,” he added.

The RP paddlers try again Thursday in the 500 meters for both the men and women.

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NAKHON RATCHASIMA—The title that mattered the most is back where it belongs.

The RP Harbour Centre men’s basketball team emphatically retained gold medal with a 108-60 massacre of Malaysia.

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NAKHON RATCHASIMA—The Philippine women’s basketball team would have to settle for the bronze medal in the 24th Southeast Asian Games after the Filipino-foreigner-laced squad absorbed its second loss, 74-56, to Malaysia Wednesday.

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NAKHON RATCHASIMA—Myanmar and Indonesia, it turned out, saved their best for last and frustrated the Philippines from winning gold in the 24th Southeast Asian Games traditional boat-race competitions Wednesday at the Mab Prachan Reservoir in Pattaya.

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