The chances of getting the gold medal is slowly slipping away but the Philippine men’s golf team is not about to throw in the towel yet.

Anthony Fernando led with an even-par 72, while Mark Fernando and Ferdie Aunzo each contributed two-over-par 74s for Team Philippines’ 220 after the third day, even as host Thailand pulled away in the overall standings with 18 holes left in the 72-hole competition in the 24th Southeast Asian Games at the Bonanza Ranch Khaoyai, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Jhonnel Ababa did not count for the second straight day after a three-over 75.

Thailand produced an eight-under 208 that hiked their total to 630 that fortified its hold of the lead. Malaysia was second with 646 and Indonesia was third with 647. The Philippines occupied solo fourth with 649.

National team coach Bong Lopez admits that it’s a huge task at hand, but the squad is not giving up hope at this point. Even with his boys’ backs helplessly held against the wall, he believes that his boys’ talents are enough to offset the surging Thais.

“One good day of under-par scores is all we need to turn things around. It’s not yet over until it’s over,” said Lopez.

With the way Thailand is playing, aiming for the silver medal would be an attainable goal for Team RP. But don’t tell that to Lopez and his crew.

“We are playing for the gold and gold is what we are going to get. No more, no less,” Lopez also said.

And when Lopez’s boys were asked for comment, they replied: “Gold! Gold! Gold!”

In the distaff side, the RP women’s golf squad, after an inspiring start that saw them jump on the early lead Tuesday, simmered down yesterday with 146 for 289 with one round to go as it fell three shots down to second place behind Thailand which shot a 141 for 286.

Anya Tanpinco once again started for the Team RP when he submitted a one-under-par 71 while rookie teammate Chihiro Ikeda made a three-over 75 for that 146.

“We are still on target. Just like the men’s team, we want to bring home the gold medal as well,” women’s head coach Nestor Mendoza said.

Familiar Place

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.

Lady pugs fall in ‘mockery, comic results’

NAKHON RATCHASIMA—What many feared would happen happened in one of the sports the hosts would die for.

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.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA—Monday night, Victor Espiritu got to wear what was his second Southeast Asian Games gold medal after he topped track cycling’s points race at the brand-new His Majesty The King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary National Stadium.

RP rowers surprised

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.

Championship hopes look bleak in men’s golf

The chances of getting the gold medal is slowly slipping away but the Philippine men’s golf team is not about to throw in the towel yet

SEAG battle spills over locally as RP officials ignite word war

Sports officials have begun taking sides in a brewing blame game as the Philippines continued to sink in the overall medal standings in the 24th Southeast Asian Games.

Part Of The Game: SEA Games woes   

Are you or aren’t you happy with the performance of the Philippine team in the 24th SEAG?

I guess most people aren’t, considering that at the moment we are ensconced in fifth place behind Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and host country Thailand, which is at the very top.

How about PacMan vs. Mayweather… or even Hatton?

APART from Oscar de la Hoya, add Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the mix when it comes to possible future foes for Manny Pacquiao.