Even with the setback, Team Philippines will meet Thailand once more in a crucial semifinal showdown for a place in the gold medal match in SEA Games 2025 Thailand.
Lady luck wasn’t on Team Philippines’ side in Samutprakan.
After a triumphant opener against Indonesia, the Philippine polo squad succumbed against host Thailand 2.5–4, in their mixed 2–4 goals preliminaries showdown and suffered their first setback in the SEA Games 2025.
The Philippines still finished the group stage with a 1–1 record, claiming the no. 3 seed heading into the semifinals.
All eyes now turn to Monday, December 8, when the squad—featuring Robert Esguerra, Patrick Antonio Cruz, Stefano Juban, and Angelo Licaros, among others—faces Thailand once more for a spot in the gold medal match.
Meanwhile, Malaysia, undefeated in the group stage and claiming the top seed over Thailand via point differential, will take on fourth-ranked Brunei in the other semifinal clash.
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.