The Philippine beach handball team survived Thailand, 18-16, 18-16, Friday to jumpstart its campaign at the 31st Southeast Asian Games at the Tuan Chau Beach in Quang Ninh, Vietnam.
It was a revenge of sorts for the Filipinos, who lost to the same rivals, 19-18, 21-16, in the 2019 edition that settled them to bronze. Thailand eventually claimed the silver.
Up next for the Filipinos would be host and defending champion Vietnam on Saturday in this double-round robin format. They will take on Singapore on Sunday.
The team is fielding the same lineup that won the SEAG bronze the previous edition composed of Daryoush Zandi, Dhane Miguelle Varela, Josef Maximilliam Valdez, Rey Joshua Tabuzo, John Michael Pasco, Jamael Pangandaman, Manuel Lasangue Jr., Andrew Michael Harris, Mark Vincent Dubouzet and Van Jacob Baccay.