The Philippine national duathlon team sees the trifecta of Merry Joy Trupa, Kim Mangrobang and Franklin Yee competing in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand from 9 to 20 December.

National team coach Melvin Fausto told DAILY TRIBUNE that they are guaranteed slots to compete in the biennial meet as they also aim for an impressive showing in the World Games in Chengdu, China from 7 to 17 August.

Fausto also said the coaches could add more duathletes based on the national team’s performance in the Asia Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Manama, Bahrain, over the weekend.

“These three will be our top picks and they will also most likely play in the SEA Games,” Fausto said.

“We are allowed up to three athletes per gender since there is a mixed team relay. We’re looking at six to eight athletes if we are allowed to bring substitutes.”

Fausto and the national team coaches are looking at the three next-best duathletes to join the World Games who competed in the Bahrain race.

Maynard Pecson finished in ninth place in the men’s duathlon with a time of one hour, 17 minutes, and 43 seconds.