Davao tchoukball players banner PH in international events

THE Tchoukball Association of Davao (Tad) under 15 boys, men's and women's teams will don the country's colors in three separate international competitions scheduled this month and in August.

The U15 boys will open the Philippine campaign when they compete in the 2nd Asia Pacific Youth Tchoukball Championships (APYTC) gfrom July 20 to 22 in Melaka, Malaysia.

The PH U15 boys national team head coach Cindy Matabalan said that although this will be the first time that Tad will field the team, they are confident to win the title as the players have aleady played in the U18 age-group.

"So, we have a huge advantage over the other teams since they have already competed with players who have a higher brand of play," Matabalan said during a press conference at the Dexter's Pizza Stadium Saturday.

U15 boys team captain Grant Wee Eng said he can easily lead the team since it has younger members this time unlike in the U18.

Head coach Jun Mendiola, who was also present during the press conference, said they didn't anymore gave emphasis on conditioning during training, but instead focused more on techniques and tactics.
The players of the U15 team said they are honored and excited to represent the country in the international event.

But, the boys team will have their hands full as they are set to face against 19 teams from different countries, including the world's number one Taiwan and number two Singapore.

The team will leave Wednesday via Clark International Airport with AirAsia Philippines as their official carrier.

Completing the U15 boys roster are Cyril Babor, Tam-Tam Berjame, Mico Bontia, EJ Go, Ervin Go, Trix Mendiola, Jay Nebrada, Jose Pabalan, Joaquin Pimentel, Francis Puentespina Lloyd Samiana and Xandro Zarate.

The men's and women's team, meanwhile, will test their mettle in the 5th Asia Pacific Youth Tchoukball Championships on August 3 to 5 in Bacolod City.

"We will rely on our experience since it is our third time to compete in the international level. In fact, the men's and women's team were champions in the 2nd Southeast Asia Tchoukball Championships in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last year so we can say that we could win the overall title again," said Matabalan, who will form part of the women's squad.

Men's team captain James Mendiola, said: "We strive harder to learn and improve our game that is why we train our fitness, agility and strength four times a week."

Women's team captain Iza Segurra, meanwhile, said they have been practicing their footwork and shot selections.

"The focus of the women's team is defense but we have been working with our shot selections as we play tune-up games with the men's team," Segurra said.

The men's and women's teams are also set to face 19 teams from different countries.

The men's team is composed of Louie Arsenal, Brent Arsenal, Ben Arsenal, Dante Dante, Genesis Gonzales, Led Gonzales, Rap-Rap Hernando, Robert Hernando, Lai Jabol, Mikey Tutor and Justin Wee Eng.

The women's squad, meanwhile, will be bannered by Merlo Albano, Len-Len Dael, Ems Enriquez, Meittos Gonzales, Jen Jurado, Joahnna Languban, Cybill Mendiola, Bea Reyes, Sheena Senarillos and Merzel Zafra.