Harbin, China — In a historic achievement, the Philippine men’s curling team clinched the nation’s first gold medal at the Asian Winter Games, defeating South Korea 5-3 in a thrilling final match held in Harbin, China.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Philippines, a nation not typically associated with winter sports. The Filipino squad, featuring Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Alan Frei, Christian Haller, and Benjo Delarmente, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.
From the outset of the final, the Philippines took control, establishing an early 3-1 lead by the fourth end. Despite the pressure, South Korea rallied, scoring in the fifth and sixth ends to level the match at 3-3. As tensions escalated, the Philippine team displayed remarkable composure, regaining the lead with a crucial point in the seventh end, bringing the score to 4-3.
In the final end, the Filipinos held off a fierce challenge from the South Korean team, ultimately adding one more point to secure their hard-fought victory.
“The journey to the gold was not easy,” said team captain Marc Pfister. “We faced some of the toughest teams in the tournament, but we believed in ourselves and our strategy.”
The path to the championship was paved with formidable opponents. In the semifinals, the Philippines delivered a dramatic 7-6 upset against host nation China, following a dominant 10-4 win over Japan in the qualifiers. During the round-robin phase, the team concluded with a strong 3-1 record, bouncing back after an opening loss to South Korea.
“This victory is for our country,” said Enrico Pfister. “It proves that with hard work and determination, we can achieve greatness, even in sports we are not traditionally known for.”
As celebrations erupted in Harbin and back home in the Philippines, this gold medal not only represents a triumph in curling but also inspires a new generation of athletes in a nation where winter sports continue to grow in popularity. The Filipino curling team has etched their names in the annals of sports history, proving that dreams can indeed become reality.
