Asiad: SIBOL HOK turns to semifinal preparations after ‘smooth’ win vs Korea

Sibol Honor of Kings is assured of an esports medal at the 2026 Asian Games after a dominant win against South Korea in the quarterfinals, with head coach Gerald Gelacio pointing to the squad’s clean execution as the key to the victory.

Gelacio said the team committed minimal mistakes throughout the series, allowing the Filipinos to execute the game plan they had practiced leading into the knockout stage.

“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,” Gelacio said.

With the quarterfinal win secured, Sibol will now turn its attention to its semifinal opponent, using the team’s remaining preparation time to study its next matchup.

Gelacio said the squad plans to review game footage and develop a strategy before returning to competition.

“Marami kaming oras ngayon para panoorin ‘yung game and makagawa ng strategy against them,” he said.

Despite the momentum from their victory against South Korea, Gelacio stressed that the Philippines cannot afford to underestimate its next opponent.

“Gaya ng sabi ko, powerhouse team siya and hindi namin siya pwede maliitin,” Gelacio said towards China, their next opponent.

The Philippine now stands one win away from reaching the Honor of Kings grand finals.