The men’s beach handball team is off to a strong start after overcoming the 2019 SEA Games silver medalist Thailand, 18-16, 18-16, at the Tuan Chau Island in Quang Ninh.

The competition will run until May 11 and will be conducted in a round-robin format to determine the medalists.

The PH handball team captured the bronze medal in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila.

Meanwhile, the Azkals Under-23 defeated Timor Leste, 4-0, in Group A of the men’s preliminary round at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.

The Philippine football team will be having a tough assignment in Group A which also includes defending champion and host Vietnam, 2019 runner-up Indonesia and Myanmar.

They will play reigning gold medalist Vietnam on Sunday at 9 p.m. (Philippine time).