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Hangzhou Games: Eyes on Fil-foreigners

Sports

Hangzhou Games: Eyes on Fil-foreigners

By Rey Virgilio Lachica

At A Glance

Fil-foreigners Kayla Sanchez and Ruben Gonzales are not only delighted to represent the country in the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games here.

HANGZHOU, China – Fil-foreigners Kayla Sanchez and Ruben Gonzales are not only delighted to represent the country in the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games here.

Kayla Sanchez (File photo)

They are also determined to rise and shine for Team PH.

Sanchez, for one, was a two-time Olympic medalist for Canada – a silver and bronze medals in team events in different occasions – achievements big enough to earn a notice from superpower countries like China, Japan and even Singapore.

While she’s not promising the stars and the moon, Sanchez said she will do her level best to help the country end its long medal drought.

Her preparation went through smoothly that she expressed confidence of figuring well in her individual events.

“My preparation I'd say is good. I'm excited to come here and compete. This is my first Asian Games, so l'm letting the experience guide me through. I'm just happy to be here with the team,” she said.

Veteran tennis player Gonzales is likewise banking on his vast experience playing in many lucrative events in his bid for a podium finish with either Alex Eala in mixed doubles and Francis Casey Alcantara in men’s doubles.

“I think we have a good chance of getting a medal. I think we're seeded like in Top 8 for doubles and I don't know if Alex (Eala) and I will be seeded for the mixed doubles. But we'll keep our hopes up,” said Gonzales.

The doubles event begins on Sunday, a day after the Games’ lavish oponing ceremony. The mixed doubles will start on Tuesday.

Related Tags

kayla sanchez hangzhou asian games Ruben Gonzales

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