PH, Thailand in handball finals
Published Apr 20, 2018 12:00 am

The jubilant members of the Philippine handball team after their 30-29 win over Malaysia in the IHF Trophy Championship in Shah Alam, Salengor, Malaysia. The national team will face Thailand in the finals.
by Waylon Galvez
The U18 handball national team earned a ticket to the finals as it stunned host country Malaysia with a 30-29 win in their knockout match in the IHF Trophy Championship Thursday night in Shah Alam, Selangor.
In a tournament that serves as exposure following hopes of inclusion to next year's Southeast Asian Games here, the Filipinos now aim for the gold.
However, standing in their way is Thailand - a powerhouse in handball in the region - in what should be an exciting title showdown Friday evening.
“We are definitely going all out," Philippine Handball Federation secretary general Ernesto Jay Adalem said. "The boys showed that they’ve got what it takes to win the title."
Van Jacob Baccay led the national team with six goals, Rey Joshua Tabuso added five goals, while Pedro Balisi III, Carl Stephen Francisco, Juan Sancho Henson, Andre Abangan and Juan Carlos Miguel Pierra each had three goals.
Aside from Adalem, also in the Philippine contingent are head coach Janna Franquelli, and assistant coaches Jamael Pangandaman, Aurora Adriano, Luzviminda Pacubas and JC Pangilinan.