Rondina, Pons’ hopes of breakthrough Asian Games medal dashed by Thai rivals

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons’ hopes of a breakthrough Asian Games medal came to an end Wednesday.

This, as the Alas Pilipinas star pair was outlasted by Thailand’s Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee and Taravadee Naraphornrapat, 17-21, 21-12, 13-15, in the quarterfinals held at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court.

They were the same Thai duo who were defeated by “SiPons” for a maiden gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

It was an unfortunate result, as Rondina and Pons could have booked an all-Filipino semifinals clash with Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella, who earlier punched their Final Four spot in the same tournament.

A win could have ensured the Alas beach teams a medal, as the semis winners from the now-fictional all-Pinoy clash would have advanced to the gold medal match, and could have secured at least a silver finish.

The Pagara-Progella tandem now stands as the lone Philippine bets in beach volleyball, seeking to avenge their compatriots’ quarterfinals loss with a spot in the finale at stake.