Overwhelmed and relieved best describe the emotions of Dabawenyo spiker Francis Phillip Saura, middle blocker of Team Philippines, following the biggest upset in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men’s volleyball competitions on Sunday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
“Wala nay mas lami pa na feeling as an athlete na mapildi nimo ang four-time defending champion Thailand sa semifinals,” the 23-year old National University (NU) standout said.
The host country Philippines gallantly survived a five-set thriller to dethrone powerhouse Thailand, 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 17-15, in their semifinal battle.
Like Saura, the Filipino crowd were also relieved as the team finally made it to the finals in a very long while. The host country is now guaranteed a silver and will play against Indonesia for the gold medal.
While the finals is yet to be settled, the SEA Games rookie Saura has already considered everything worth a gold medal.
“First time nako mag SEA Games pero mura napud kog nakadaog ug gold dayon,” the former Thompson Chirstian School of Davao City student said.
It has been more than 40 years since the Philippines won a medal in men’s volleyball in the biennial meet. And for Saura, to be part of history is more than enough for an ordinary Dabawenyo who dreamed of becoming the best in the region.
“Kung hunahunaon, 42 years na ang medal drought sa Philippines, correct me if i’m wrong, unya isa ko sa napili ug naapil sa line up para makahatag ug medal para sa country ug mabutang sa history, hastang lamia sa feeling,” he shared.
“Tanang kakapoy, downfalls, ug mga kulang sa tulog kay nawala tanan kay na-achieve namo ang usa sa amoang goal na mapildi ang Thailand which is dominant jud sa SeaGames,” he added.
How did they do it?
Saura answered: “Ginaingon namo sa amoang team kay kaya nato na sila, oo Thailand sila pero pangalan ra na, gahi sila pero same lang sila sa atoa na team gihapon.”
As they are set to make another history, Saura expressed his gratitude firstly to the Lord for the blessings and opportunities.
“Siya jud ang rason kung asa ang Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team karon,” the grateful Saura said.
Their counterpart, meanwhile, is also set to play against Indonesia but for the bronze medal.
