SIZZLING ON ICE: Filipino curlers crush Qatar, book quarterfinal spot

The national mixed doubles squad is on a hot streak as it keeps its unbeaten slate intact to be assured of a slot in the quarterfinals of the curling competition of the 9th Asian Winter Games on Wednesday at the Pingfang Curling Arena in Harbin, China.

After beating world No. 13 South Korea and No. 45 Kyrgyzstan, the unranked Filipino-Swiss Marc Pfister and Filipino-American Kathleen Dubberstein defeated Qatar’s Mabarka Al-Abdulla and Nasser Abdulrah Alyafei, 11-3, for their third straight victory in Group B.

“We just kept the same attitude heading to the next games. Our goal is to win all our round robin games and possibly sweep it,” the 30-year-old Dubberstein said.

The Electrical Engineering graduate from Wisconsin, United States is confident of reaching the podium as the top three nations in each of the two brackets are set to advance to the next round.

“Qatar is also a developing nation in curling just like us. Our game with them was a good experience,” said Dubberstein, who will also suit up Sunday in the opening round of women’s curling.

The Philippines has been battling the host nation and world No. 15 China at press time before facing No. 33 Kazakhstan on Thursday.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and secretary general Wharton Chan cheered for the Filipino mixed duo, expressing confidence to win a medal in this continental event that is largely dominated by countries with winter seasons.

“Very impressive and their confidence is growing. To win a medal, they have to stay that way,” Tolentino said, adding that speed skater Peter Groseclose Dubberstein will serve as flag-bearers in the opening ceremony on Friday at the Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center.

A total of 1,275 athletes across 34 countries and territories have registered for the Games for a chance to win medals in 11 disciplines.

Staples of the Olympics are in the week-long program, including speed skating, figure skating, alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey and curling.

There is no direct qualification for the Winter Olympics but the Asian Winter Games will act as preparation.

“This is the last comprehensive competition before the 2026 Winter Olympics,” said Zhang Jing, head coach of China’s short track speed skating squad.

“We will cherish this opportunity, strive to showcase our athletes’ best condition and deliver top performances.”

Tolentino said Groseclose is a perfect choice to lead the national delegation in the traditional parade of colors.

“Peter (Groseclose) already represented us in several overseas competitions, especially in last year’s Winter Youth Olympic Games, while Kathleen is the other best available athlete as flag-bearer,” Tolentino said.

Prior to the opening ceremony in the evening, Groseclose will be competing in the morning qualifying heats of the 1,500-meter, 100m and 500m short track speed skating events beginning at 9 a.m. at the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center Multifunctional Hall.

Team Philippines has brought 20 athletes to the Games who will vie for medals with 33 other participating Asian nations with a combined total of 1,275 athletes set to compete in 11 sports, including 64 events.

Aside from Groseclose and Dubberstein, other Filipino athletes seeing action under the guidance of chief of mission Ricky Lim are figure skaters Paolo Borromeo, Cathryn Limketkai, Sofia Frank and the pair of Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin.

The men’s curling squad is composed Pfister, Benjo Delarmente, Alan Frei, Christian Haller, and Enrico Pfister while the women’s side will be represented by Dubberstein, Anne Bonache, Leilani Dubberstein, Sheila Mariano and Jessica Pfister.