Alas Pilipinas Men opened their 20th Asian Games campaign with a straight‑set loss to South Korea, 16‑25, 25‑27, 22‑25, on Sunday at Park Arena Komaki in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan.
The Philippines struggled to find its footing early but gradually settled into the match, pushing South Korea in the next two sets. Alas, however, could not finish either comeback and fell to 0‑1 in Pool D.
Bryan Bagunas led the Philippines with 15 points, while Joshua Magallanes and Leo Ordiales added 13 and 11, respectively.
Alas Pilipinas Men Muff Chance to Equalize
Alas had its best chance to level the match in the second set after Bagunas and Magallanes helped keep the Philippines within striking distance. The team captain twice put Alas at set point, with his second coming at 25‑24.
South Korea stayed composed, though, as Bagunas missed his serve before committing an attack error to swing the set back in the Koreans’ favor. Ordiales then tried to keep the Philippines alive, but his attack sailed wide, giving South Korea a 2‑0 lead.
Alas Pilipinas Men again stayed within reach in the third set, but South Korea held on through the closing points to complete the sweep.
Lim Sungjin paced the Koreans with 13 points, while Jeong Hanyong and Im Donghyeok chipped in 11 apiece.
Alas Pilipinas Men will look to bounce back against China on Monday, September 28, at 12 noon.
