THE PHILIPPINES’ campaign in the 15th Samila-Chang AVC Tour-Samile Open in Songkhla, Thailand suffered another snag on Tuesday after the tandem of Jade Becaldo and Edward Ybanez bowed down to powerhouse Iran, 19-21, 13-21.
The loss against Iran, touted as the toughest team in the bracket, was the Philippine team’s second in the tournament after losing their opening game versus Japan, 21-15, 21-15.
Seeded no. 25, Becaldo of the University of the Visayas and Ybanez of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), were coming off from a rousing 21-16, 21-19 victory over the tandem of India’s Tumpera Naresh and Mudunuri Chalapathi Rama Krishnam Raju despite the latter’s towering heights of 6’7 and 6’5, respectively.
“They finally came out of their shell. I think they have been intimidated in this tournament because everyone is so strong and big,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) beach volleyball consultant Eric LeCain said.
During the first leg, the duo was still adjusting with the playing area as well as developing their confidence as they face seeded teams from Asia.
“What is great is that they settled down and played the game we practiced. This time they concentrated with few errors,” LeCain added. /Correspondent Jade Violeta
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