THE Philippines eyes a quarterfinal berth when it squares off with a strong Bahrain side on Wednesday morning at the start of the Final 12 of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Men’s Challenge Cup at the University of Taipei Hall in Taiwan.

The match is set is 10 a.m.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara told the team to take advantage of the opportunity in the final 12 although Bahrain is absolutely a strong contender.

“Bahrain is a strong team and we don’t have enough background but it’s a good matchup with us. I am hoping the team maintains its good start,” said Suzara, noting that he’s happy with the way the national team under Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso is performing when it swept the preliminary round.

The Philippines beat Macau last Sunday, 25-21, 25-15, 25-14, en route to a sweep of Pool A with a thrilling five-setter over Mongolia, 22-25, 25-21, 26-24, 22-25, 15-12, behind Marck Espejo’s 36-point outburst.

The other Final 12 matches, to be played on various courts, pit South Korea against Mongolia at 12:30 p.m., Australia against Macau also at 1 p.m., Indonesia against Kazakhstan at 3 p.m. and Hong Kong against Thailand at 5:30 p.m. (ai/mnm)