The Philippine rowing team aims to break almost two decades of losing in the men's lightweight double sculls at the Asian Rowing Championships from 30 November to 5 December in Rayong, Thailand.
Olympian Cris Nievarez leads the 13-man team that will use the tournament to prepare for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the 19th Asian Games in China.

The 22-year-old SEA Games gold medalist will pair with Christian Joseph Jasmin in the men's lightweight double sculls and men's double sculls.

Also joining the tournament are Kristine Paraon in the women's single sculls, Joanie Delgaco and Feiza Jane Lenton in the women's lightweight doubles sculls, Delgaco, Lenton, Alyssa Go and Tammy Sha in the women's lightweight quadruple sculls, Mirielle Qua at Amelyn Pagulayan in the women's double sculls, Edgar Ilas and Zuriel Sumintac in men's pairs and in the lightweight men's fours along with Roque Abala at Athens Tolentino.

Sumac said in a radio interview that they are bracing for a more challenging competition this time at the Asian level and at the same time, gauge their capabilities.

"We expect this to be tougher than the SEA Games because it's tougher at the Asian level. This is important to know how high our level is for our competitions," Sumac said.