O Ming Fen's goal breaks PH's hearts as Singapore sends host to brink of ouster in SEA Games women's indoor hockey

Both Singapore and the Philippines show a sign of sportsmanship after the game. Ivan Saldajeno

By Ivan Saldajeno

LOS BAÑOS—The Philippines suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat to Singapore in the women's division of the Southeast Asian Games indoor hockey event on Friday night at the Centtro Mall Convention Center here.

The loss put the Philippines' hopes of landing a medal in a sport the country is not really into in peril.

A goal from O Ming Fen with only one minute left in the first half off a penalty corner eventually decided the outcome of the Philippines-Singapore women's match-up just as the match in general looked to be heading to a goalless draw.

The Philippine women's team actually had a chance to equalize in the 31st minute in a penalty corner of its own with a power play in effect thanks to Wannelenah Alvarez's green card, but Singapore's defense, despite being undermanned for a minute, held on.

The women's team must now beat Cambodia on Saturday night and hope that Cambodia will also lost to Malaysia on Sunday night to seal its place in the semifinals.

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