JAKARTA — The heavyweights of Philippine athletics — Olympians Eric Cray and Mary Joy Tabal – plunge into action in the 18th Asian Games Sunday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here.

The Texas-based Cray will aim for a spot in the finals of the men’s 400m hurdles at 11 a.m., looking to award the country its first Asian Games medal in athletics since Elma Muros won the bronze medal in women’s long jump event of the Hiroshima Asian Games in 1994.

Cray, 31, tallied a blistering 49.37 seconds in the 400m hurdles of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics two years ago.

Had he tallied the same clocking in the Incheon Asian Games in 2014, he could have easily dislodged the 49.71 seconds mark registered by Ali Khamis of Bahrain.

Instead, Cray finished with 51.47 seconds, but improved his performance from there until finally winning the gold medal in the Asian Athletics Championship last year.

Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico said he is pinning his hopes on Cray, who nearly lost his spot after failing to compete in the Korean Open couple of months ago.

“If everything goes right, many of our athletes can spring surprises,” Juico told Daily Tribune’s Asiad coverage supported by Primehomes.

But before Cray, Tabal will see action in the women’s marathon competition at 6 a.m.

The petite Cebuana runner is tipped to be at her best following months of rigid training in Tuscany, Italy together with the best marathoners in the world.

Juico said the Asian Games should serve as her coming out party.

“This is a special opportunity for her to prove herself against the North Koreans, Japanese, Chinese and some runners from Middle Eastern countries,” Juico said.

“I don’t think she will be wanting in spirit. According to the report I got, she’s ready and well-conditioned after spending most of her time in Tuscany, Italy. We are hoping for the best as usual.”

Aside from Cray and Tabal, also shooting for medals are hurdler Clinton Bautista and long jump specialist Marestella Torres-Sunang.