AICHI, Japan — The Philippine Honor of Kings national team, Sibol, clinched the country’s second guaranteed esports medal at the 20th Asian Games after dominating South Korea in a 2-0 quarterfinal sweep at the Aichi Sky Expo on Sunday, September 27.
Maintaining the momentum that earned them the second seed in group play earlier that day, the Nationals delivered a decisive performance to eliminate the South Koreans.
Sibol head coach Gerald Gelacio commended his roster’s execution and tactical discipline during the quarterfinals, emphasizing their ability to minimize mistakes throughout the series.
”Actually kanina sobrang smooth sailing lang niya kasi sobrang linis ng laro namin and ‘yun ‘yung prinactice namin, sobrang less mistake lang ang nagawa namin and mga minimal na pwede namin maayos pa,” Gelacio said.
Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, the squad now moves on to face powerhouse China in the semifinals on Monday morning, September 28.
The victory capped an intense schedule for the squad—composed of Dragon Hart Dajao, Juschie Tan, Chammy Nazarrea, Jhon Mike Tungol, Golden Hart Dajao, and Charles Esguerra—who earlier swept Kazakhstan and barely lost to Malaysia to place second in Pool B.
With both the group stage and initial knockout rounds packed into a single day, the team faces a quick turnaround before competing for a spot in the gold-medal match.
Despite the tight schedule, Gelacio noted that the team would maximize their remaining time before the semifinals to analyze their upcoming opponents.
”Yun ‘yung gagawin namin mamaya pagbalik ng hotel, marami kaming oras ngayon para panoorin ‘yung game and makagawa ng strategy against them kasi, gaya ng sabi ko, powerhouse team siya and hindi namin siya pwede maliitin,” Gelacio added.
The Philippine esports delegation is also backed by Smart, Cignal, TV5, and Arena Social.