The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 women’s team failed to secure the gold medal for Team Philippines at the 6th Asian Beach Games after falling to host China, 13-21, in the final at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium on Wednesday. The loss came in a matchup where China controlled most of the contest and used its size advantage to dictate the pace.

China leaned on the inside presence of Hengyu Yang and the perimeter shooting of Fengyi Sun to maintain control throughout the game. Gilas struggled to find consistent offense as they were forced into difficult attempts against a disciplined defensive unit.

China controls early against Gilas women

The Nationals fell behind early as China established a 5-11 lead in the opening stretch of the game. Gilas attempted to respond through Mikka Cacho and Kaye Pingol, who tried to inject energy into the offense.

Cacho and Pingol used their speed to attack the basket while Tantoy Ferrer and Gabi Bade added inside scoring to keep the Philippines within reach. The effort helped slow China’s momentum temporarily but did not fully close the gap.

Bade delivered a key and-one play that trimmed the deficit to 12-16 with 3:34 remaining in the game. That sequence briefly gave Gilas hope of a late comeback.

China closes out gold medal win

China quickly responded after the Gilas run and regained full control of the match. The host team used its size, depth, and execution to stretch the lead and shut down any remaining comeback attempt.

Gilas women 3×3 head coach Anton Altamirano said the team ran out of gas in the closing stretch. He pointed to the height disadvantage and fatigue as major factors that affected performance.

Altamirano added that the team competed strongly despite the mismatch and suggested that a rematch with proper rest could produce a different outcome. He emphasized the effort shown by the players throughout the tournament.

Cacho finished with five points while Ferrer added four. Pingol and Bade contributed two points each as Gilas settled for the silver medal finish in the tournament.