Team Philippines eyes silver against Malaysia
Indonesian water polo men’s team player Ridjkie Mulia (left) gets ready to make a move during a match against Malaysia during the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at New Clark City Aquatics Center in Tarlac, Philippines, on Friday. Indonesia won 14-7. (Antara/Humaira)
It was not yet reflected in Saturday’s medal tally but Indonesia already claimed the 30th Southeast Asian Games first gold medal by tallying the most points in men’s water polo.
A few hours before the Philippines held a spectacular opening show at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan to lift the curtains off the biennial Games, Indonesia celebrated its first ever gold in men’s water polo since it made its debut in the sport in 1965.
More importantly, Indonesia ended Singapore’s 27-title run.
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo congratulated the team through Instagram.
“Good news from the Philippines: Indonesia’s first gold in the 30th SEA Games came from the men’s team. This is the first gold ever for the team in the SEA Games. Indonesia stopped Singapore’s domination, which had 27 consecutive victories […],” Widodo posted on Saturday.
Indonesia’s seven points so far came from victories over Malaysia, 14-7; Thailand, 17-12; and deposed champion Singapore, 7-5; and a 6-6 draw against the Philippines in competitions held at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.
The Philippine team, assured of the bronze, will try to duplicate its best SEA Games finish of second place with a win over Malaysia in the final day of the water polo competition on Saturday night.
A loss, coupled by a Singapore win over Indonesia, will relegate the Philippines to third place.
The Philippines is running second with four points (one win, two draws) while Singapore has three points.
The Filipinos have won silver thrice before—2005, 2007 and 2009.
On its official Instagram account, @indonesiawaterpolo, Indonesia announced the victory: “WE DID IT!! GOLD MEDAL!! Thank you for your endless support!”
The Youth and Sports Ministry also congratulated the squad via its Instagram account, @kemenpora: “History! The first gold for the Indonesian water polo team and the first gold for Indonesia at the 2019 SEA Games!” It added that it took 28 editions of the SEA Games and a Serbian coach, Milos Sakovic, for Indonesia to pluck gold. (Jakarta Post)
