Four-member Philippine swimming team plunges into action in SEA Games

The four-member Philippine swimming team starts its campaign Thursday, looking to pull off a surprise against the heavyweights of the 27th Southeast Asian Games.

London Olympic swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Khing Lacuna banner the squad, which will see action in only 15 of the total 32 events at the Wunna Theikdi swimming pool.

Newcomer Matt Louis Navata will be the first to dive into battle when he competes in the men's 400-meter individual medley before Alkhaldi sees action in the women's 100m freestyle.

On Friday, Lacuna's resolve will be tested in the men's 100m freestyle while Joshua Hall vies for honors in the men's 100m breaststroke.

"We are fielding a small delegation that is capable of pulling off a surprise," said swimming coach Pinky Brosas, whose wards finished without a single gold medal in the previous edition of the biennial meet in Palembang, Indonesia.

"The respective records of all competitors are pretty similar. So it will be a very interesting race. It all boils down to their preparation, mental and physical conditioning and hunger to win. Dependa na lang sa gising yan kinabukasan."

Brosas stressed that Navata, who saw action for the South Carolina Gamecocks in Division I of the US NCAA, is tipped to have a difficult time in the 400m individual medley since he will be stacked against Quah Zheng Wen, a 17-year old tanker who scooped the gold medal in the same event two years ago.

"I believe in him. He trained hard and made this tournament his top priority," Brosas said. "Actually, not just Matt, but all of them are in good condition and ready to win." - SPIN