FOR a minute or so, Alas Pilipinas Men were kings of the world when it converted its sixth match point in a pulsating five-set duel with Iran.
But it all came crashing down before it could even feel real.
Kim Malabunga’s block on Iranian winger Ali Haghparast handed the Philippines a 20-18 fifth-set win that was overruled by a late yet ingenious net touch challenge.
Malabunga acknowledged the error he made as a supposed historic game-winner turned into one of the sport’s biggest what-ifs in an instant.
“Hindi ko maexplain kasi sobrang nada-down ako akin yun eh. Sayang kasi dapat panalo na ‘yun, kaso na-out of balance ako,” Malabunga said. “Sorry talaga.”
READ: Iran ousts brave Alas Men from FIVB Worlds in five-set thriller
Still, Malabunga can take solace in the plethora of positives from an unlikely dream run can only steer Alas onwards and upwards.
“Nakita naman natin yung mga resulta na hindi tayo basta-bastang bumigay nitong huling dalawang games,” he said. “Sobrang laki ng iaangat ng men’s volleyball [kaya] hindi kami sumuko kasi kaya pala."
"Masaya pa rin, masaya na malungkot nakikita ko mga coaches and teammates ko masaya naman sila sa naging resulta ng game kasi yung mga pinaghirapan namin nung nakaraang taon lumabas sa game na 'to. Masaya naman ako pero sobrang nanghihinayang."
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