Simon Laraño (right) protects the ball against Latvia's Karlis Bitmanis during their Chengdu World Games match Thursday at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre. Handout/PSC-POC Media
The Philippine Men's Floorball National Team absorbed a huge loss to open its campaign in the 12th World Games in Chengdu, China.
In its debut in the World Games, the Nationals bowed to World No. 4 Latvia in their opening match, 2-12, at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre on Thursday.The Latvians drew first blood early in the match with a goal from Daniels Janis Anis in the 3:06 mark of the match.
Simon Laraño leveled the score for the Philippines with a goal at the 13:39 mark of the match, from an assist by Alm Mendoza.
Krisjanis Tiltins added another goal for Latvia, ending the first period with a narrow 2-1 margin after being limited by the Philippines.
During the second period, the Latvian squad showed why they are ranked fourth in the world. The duo of Anis and Gustavs Griezitis scored four goals to put them in a comfortable 6-1 lead heading into the final period.
Mendoza scored again for the Philippines midway through the final period, thanks to an assist from Laraño, 2-9.
But with time running out, the Latvians already built a huge deficit, adding three more goals to ultimately seal their first victory, 2-12.
"Overall we had some chances which is a good chance. But against a good team like Latvia it is a lot different," floorball head coach Noel Mendoza said.
Up next for the Philippines in Group A are World No. 1 and defending champion Sweden on Saturday and World No. 5 Switzerland on Sunday.
The top two teams from each group will move on to the semifinals.
The Philippines is currently last in Group A with one loss. Latvia has a 1-1 record, while Switzerland has one win.