Manila welcomes rowers for SEA Games

The rowing competition of the 23rd South East Asian Games got underway today on the La Mesa Dam Reservoir in Quezon City, on the outskirts of Manila, the Philippines.

The Games, which are held every two years, are contested by 11 South East Asian countries and seven of these are participating in the rowing events. A total of 56 crews representing Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar and Malaysia are racing in nine events. The newly formed Brunei Rowing Association has also sent observers. They are hoping to participate in future regional events.

Preliminary heats were held today in the women’s single, men’s lightweight single, women’s lightweight double and men’s pair. In the women’s single, six crews raced a trial to decide lanes in the final. Winner of the race, Pepe Koroba of Indonesia now looks to be the favourite for the final.

In the women’s lightweight double the experienced partnership of two-time Olympian Phuttharaksa Nikree and partner Bussayamas Phaengkathok of Thailand comfortably led Ratna and Femy Batuwael of Indonesia. In the men’s pair the Indonesians crossed the line first ahead of Thailand.

The large number of entries in the men’s lightweight single meant heats were necessary to decide the six boats for the final. The first heat was won by Olympian Benjamin Tolentino of the Philippines in a time of 7:42.19. Heat two was won by Rahmat Aulia of Indonesia in 7:42.03. These two crews will be joined in the final (following this afternoon’s repechages) by Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar.

Heats and repechages for the remaining events continue on Tuesday with finals on Wednesday, 30th, and Thursday, 1st December. This years SEA Games feature a total of 41 sports with 395 events and over 7000 athletes and officials.

Related Links
2003 SEA Games, rowing included

Copy thanks to Chris Perry, FISA’s development consultant for Asia.

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