PALEMBANG – Even before the start of boxing matches of the 26th Southeast Asian Games today at the Kampus Indoor Hall here, Team Philippines is assured of a silver medal.

This silver turning into gold is in the hands of female fighter Nesthy Petecio.

A smart approach and the luck of the draw paved the way for Petecio to reach the finale of the bantamweight division.

Originally, only Petecio was entered in the 54-kg category before Philippine team officials persuaded Thailand and Vietnam to field an entry to meet the minimum number required, according to Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Executive Director Ed Picson, also team manager of the 10-member team.

"Madali naman ang kumbinsihan dahil na-realize agad ng ibang bansa na hindi sila ganu'ng kasing mahihirapan kung sasali sila sa 54 (kgs)," related Picson.

Then on Monday's pairings draw, the 19-year-old Davao del Sur native pulled a first-round bye and will take on the winner of the Thailand -Vietnam semi final match.

"At least sure silver na tayo doon," noted Picson.

Setting off the Philippine campaign is light-fly Mark Anthony Barriga, who tangles with Indonesian Denisius Hitahitirun in Tuesday's openers.

Also seeing action Tuesday is Delfin Boholst against Thailand's Apinchet Sanenset in the 69kg category.