The Philippines, represented by Sibol, nabs bronze in the Pokémon Unite tournament of the 20th Asian Games. POC Media
The Philippines, represented by Sibol, settled for a bronze medal after a 0-2 loss to Indonesia in the semifinals of the Pokémon Unite esports event on Sunday at the Aichi Sky Expo Hall on Sunday.
The esports contingent was poised to take the opening game, but they saw their huge lead got erased as Indonesia seized Kyogre in the final two minutes to mount a comeback, 312-277, in Game 1.
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Sibol, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, never regained its footing after the heartbreaking opener.
Riding on the momentum, Indonesia pulled away early, all the way to dominate Game 2, 887-204.
“Actually nung Game 1, sobrang swerte nung kalaban. If you will notice, sobrang low health nung mga kalaban. It’s just that kinapos tayo,” said Sibol Pokémon Unite head coach Albert Camp.
READ: Sibol assured of bronze after securing Pokémon Unite semis spot
Despite the semifinal loss, Camp was proud of his team, especially after securing the country’s first-ever esports medal in the Asian Games.
“Still, sobrang happy. I’m still in awe kasi first time and sobrang happy ako sa boys ko kasi nga lifetime na nilang dadalhin ‘to. Na nagdala sila ng medalya para sa bansang Pilipinas,” he said.
Sibol—bannered by Kim Rey Salazar, Michael Vaughn Ocio, Lance David and head coach Albert Camp—couldn’t sustain the momentum of a 2-0 sweep over Hong Kong in the quarterfinals against the Indonesians.
The Filipinos collapsed during the crucial Kyogre fight in both games as the Indonesians ran away with come-from-behind wins