Edgar Su, Reuters

PALEMBANG, Indonesia—The Philippines men’s team was thrown off its rhythm by a false start and wound up fifth in the 200-meter finals of the traditional boat race in the 18th Asian Games at the Jakabaring Canoeing and Rowing Regatta Course here on Saturday.

The Filipinos surged ahead early of the six-team field only to be called back to the starting line when host Indonesia took off prematurely, losing whatever momentum they had in the process.

In the re-start, the Philippines lost steam and checked in fifth in 53.360 seconds.

China won the gold, relegating Chinese-Taipei to silver and Thailand to the bronze.

“It is unusual for the host to make a false start in a race like this,” said Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation president Jonne Go. “Malaking bagay ’yong false start because our boys were all set to go only to be told you have to go back again.”

Go, however, pointed out that landing in the finals was an accomplishment in itself for the Filipinos, who were all making their Asian Games debut and were able to hold their own.

“To reach the finals is a big achievement for us considering that we are seeing action in the Asian Games for the first time so I am happy for our boys,” the PCKF chief said of the young squad whose ages range between 19 and 23 years old.

The Philippines women's side bowed out after placing fourth in their semifinal heats, as only the top three squads from each semis race advance to the medal round.

Both men and women’s squads return to action on Sunday for the 500-meter races.

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