CEBU CITY -- Davao City spikers and karatekas may pull off surprises amid the presence of a strong field as the Philippine National Games (PNG) 2018 competition unfurls Saturday.
Men’s beach volleyball coach Abet Bernan, in an interview with SunStar Davao on the sidelines of the solidarity meeting of technical officials and coaches at the Cebu City Sports Center badminton gym here Saturday, said Cebu teams remain to be heavy favorites in men’s and women’s beach volleyball.
But he said the tandem of Calvin Sarte and Jan Ashley Jacob is eyed to put up an impressive showing in the event set at Fort San Pedro.
“Malakas din naman team natin. Si Sarte gold medalist ng Bimp-Eaga Games 2014 at si Jacob bronze medalist ng Bimp-Eaga 2016,” Bernan said, adding that both players are still active and have been playing competitions recently.
The men’s team is in Group A along with Cebu Province, Cebu City, Puero Princesa and General Santos City.
The women’s beach volleyball duo of Glenda Gregg Agang and Lycha Ebon will be coached by Joaquin Sarabia. They will have their hands full in Group B with General Santos B, Bayawan City, Mandaluyong and Cagayan de Oro City.
National Prisaa 2018 medalist University of Mindanao will don the city’s colors in men’s volleyball. Davao joins Cebu Province, Kidapawan and San Juan in Group D.
Meanwhile, Tacay siblings Rexor and Miyuki, gold medalists in the just-concluded 15th SBY Cup International Indonesia Karate Open, will lead the city’s campaign.
Coach Bern Rexander Tacay said, “We have good chance in karate kasi I have two siblings in team and I have up and coming young fighters also na kahit first time nila makapaglaro sa PNG after graduating sa Batang Pinoy ay may potential at galing din kasi mga medalist sila in their Batang Pinoy days.”
Karatedo is set to kick off at SM City Seaside Saturday.