KUALA LUMPUR: Mary Joy Tabal fulfilled her promise of delivering the country’s first gold medal when she ruled the women’s marathon event of the 29th Southeast Asian Games Saturday morning in nearby Putrajaya City. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez immediately sent his congratulatory message, saying that Tabal’s performance should be the start of the gold rush for Team Philippines. The fancied men’s basketball squad will finally start its quest for 18th gold medal as it takes on Thailand while its women’s counterpart tackles Singapore at the Malaysian Basketball Association (Maba) gymnasium. Ramirez said he already relayed the good news of Tabal’s victory to President Duterte through Presidential Management Staff Bong Go. “Whatever our medal standing would be, the important thing is that the athletes should be inspired to give their all,” he said.

Source: Manila Times August 19, 2017 09:56 UTC