RP boxers ready to rumble at SEA Games

Four Filipino boxers will start their campaign in the 24th Southeast Asian Games on Friday, according to a report released by the Philippine contingent from Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand. In the men's competition, veteran Larry Semillano, the country's lone gold medalist in the 1997 Jakarta Games, will face Vietnam's Quang duc in the 64-kilogram men's preliminaries. And Godfrey Casro takes on Chantayone Xayyaphone of Laos in the 51-kilogram class. In the women's competition, rookie Josie Gabuco will face Vietnam's Yen Vu Thi Hai in the 46-kilogram premlimaries. And fellow newcomer Anna Lisa Cruz will match up against Myanmar's Su Aye Chaw. The boxers were conscious that they would be fighting in hostile territory. But head coach Nolito Velasco said: "This does not mean we should lose heart. Laban kung laban." Beach volleyball sked In other sports, beach volleyball matches will also start on Friday: Third-seeded Heidi Ilustre and Diane Pascua, who captured the bronze in Manila in the 2005 SEA Games, will take on Malaysia Luk Teng Kee and Manokharan Ari. Michelle Laborte and Michella Carolino will tackle Laotian Siamphay Senanong and Lakhouneheuang Mina. - GMANews.TV