source: Rey Joble | gmanews.tv

Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante, the country’s legendary pair in the international billiards circuit, made a strong case in their title retention bid here in the World Cup of Pool.

Playing in front of a joyous local crowd that packed the Midtown East Wing of Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila, the Philippines’ dynamic duo showed too much class over their Thai counterparts and easily posted an 8-3 victory Tuesday.

The Filipinos lost the first two racks, but the two world champions began to make their presence felt in the third rack and won nine of the last 10 racks en route to an easy win.

The win enabled the Philippines A squad to advance into the next round where it faces Indonesia on Thursday.

Wednesday will be a break for the Filipino duo, who will have a chance to spend time on the practice table.

“We really thought it’s an alternate break format, but good thing we were able to recover after being down 0-2," said Bustamante, who recently won his first world title -- the World 9-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar.

“My break wasn’t good. I was having a difficult time sinking a ball coming off a break, but good thing Efren played well," added Bustamante, who will coach the RP cue artists in the coming Guangzhou Asian Games in November.

So dominant were the Filipinos with the 57-year-old Reyes imposing his will. Leading 7-3, Reyes made the break and sank three balls, sensing a clear victory for his squad.

Reyes and Bustamante are seeking a third championship in this tournament.

Their partnership is regarded as one of the most formidable duos in the World Cup of Pool, along with the German pair of double world champion Ralf Souquet and former straight ball champ Oliver Ortmann.

Souquet and Ortmann made short work of their opponents from Hong Kong. The Germans defeated the partnership of Lee Chenman and Kenny Kwok, 8-4.

Also advancing to the next round after wining Tuesday matches were:

Italy, which nipped Korea, 8-6; China, which clobbered Belgium, 8-2; Indonesia, which nosed out India, 8-7; and Russia, which clobbered Canada, 8-4. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

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source: Agence France-Presse

ISTANBUL – Old rivals USA and Russia are set to meet again, both qualifying for the quarter finals of the world basketball championships on Monday.

USA did it easy, beating African champions Angola 121-66 while Russia were made to fight harder by a tenacious New Zealand side, prevailing 78-56.

If the task was not already monumental enough, injury to their top-scorer from group play Olimpio Cipriano further blighted any chance Angola had of upsetting USA.

Kevin Durant was on fire early for the Americans, clocking 12 points in the opening quarter as USA raced out to a 33-13 lead which was only to grow in the next quarter with USA doing it easy at half-time, ahead 65-38.

Angola refused to give up after half-time but they simply had no answers for the far superior Americans.

American captain Chauncey Billups led by example for the Americans, finishing as his team's top-scorer with 19 points. Durant, Rudy Gay and Eric Gordon all chipped in with 17 points.

USA vs. Angola Highlights Video

[PLAY]

One shining light for the Angolans was Joaquim Gomes who finished the game as top-scorer with 21 points. His performance was enough to catch the eye of American coach Mike Krzyewski who was impressed by the Angolan.

"I talked to Gomes. He played a great game. The Angolan talent is at a high level and I am surprised people are not taking more of an interest in them," he said.

Krzyewski was just as glowing in his review of his own team, putting the result down to the great respect his team held for their opposition.

"Our guys played very well and unselfish because they had that respect for their opponent," said Krzyewski.

"Today we played like we practiced which a coach always likes to see. I hope we can now carry this momentum into the next game."

New Zealand began well against Russia, leading up the first quarter but the physical style of defence employed by the Russians frustrated the New Zealanders, falling behind 31-27 at half-time.

With two of their leading players, Kirk Penney and Mika Vukona given their fourth personal fouls soon after half-time the situation became desperate for New Zealand who came to the point that there was little chance of recovery, down 51-40 with a quarter remaining in the game.

When Casey Frank was handed his fourth foul and Vukona fouling out with over seven minutes remaining, it was the final nail in the coffin for New Zealand who lost their way as Russia ran away with the game, winning 78-56.

Russia vs. New Zealand Highlights Video

[PLAY]

Even taking into account his foul problems, Penney was still the star for New Zealand with a game-high 28 points. Andrey Vrontsevich led Russia with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Timofey Mozgov was the next best with 16 points.

After the victory Russian coach David Blatt was under no illusions as to the huge task now in front of his team.

"USA has athleticism, quality and size that makes it difficult to play against them. They have better coaches, better players and now we (have to) figure out how to play them."

Free Live Streaming: 2010 FIBA World Championship Free Live Streaming Link

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source: Francis Santiago | mb.com.ph

Keeping its unblemished record intact and boosting its chances for a twice-to-beat advantage going into the Final Four would be the motivation for San Beda this Wednesday when it squares off with Mapua in the 86th NCAA basketball wars at The Arena in San Juan.

Toting an 11-0 card, the Red Lions battle the Cardinals at 4 p.m. in the hopes of moving closer to the first of two twice-to-beat incentives in the semifinals.

Although they won’t admit it, the Red Lions are eyeing a sweep of the eliminations, a feat that would award them an automatic slot in the best-of-three finals.

But the Cardinals are not going to be easy pickings as they also have a solid agenda in mind: Making the Final Four.

Mapua (7-4) is at solo fourth behind San Beda, defending champion San Sebastian (11-1) and Jose Rizal (9-3) and a win this Wednesday will push the Cardinals away from its closest pursuer, Letran (4-7).

The Knights are not yet out of it all and they are expected to improve on their ranking with a victory over winless Perpetual Help (0-11) in their 2 p.m. encounter.

American Sudan Daniel, a leading MVP contender, is expected to be at the forefront of the Lions’ offensive following his monster performance in San Beda’s win over the Altas last week.

In that game, the 22-year-old Daniel pumped in 10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 blocks in a performance that propelled the Red Lions into their fifth straight semifinal appearance.

Expected to provide resistance are Mark Acosta and TG Guillermo.

The Lions should not take the Cardinals lightly considering their close fight during the first round of eliminations.

The Cardinals nearly scored an upset but they lost steam in the closing minutes en route to a 74-69 win by the Lions.

Even San Beda coach Frankie Lim admitted Mapua will be tough to beat this time especially after seeing the Cardinals beat up Emilio Aguinaldo, 74-66, in the Generals’ last outing.

Games Wednesday (The Arena, San Juan)
10 a.m. — Letran vs Perpetual Help (Jrs)
12 noon — San Beda vs Mapua (Jrs)
2 p.m. — Letran vs Perpetual Help (Srs)
4 p.m. — San Beda vs Mapua (Srs)

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source: Ronnie Nathanielsz | boxingscene.com

Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao has decided to train in Metro Manila so he could continue to attend to his work as Sarangani representative.

Pacquiao announced this yesterday after arriving from Los Angeles, where he took part in a grueling three-city promotional tour for his scheduled showdown with Antonio Margarito at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 13.

Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr. offered to make the air-conditioned Ynares Sports Center in Pasig available to Pacquiao, according to the fighter’s business manager, Eric Pineda.

Pineda said the governor, who is an avid Pacquiao fan, promised to set up all the necessary facilities for training.

Baguio City was the first choice of trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning expert Alex Ariza following the successful preparation for the WBO welterweight title fight against Miguel Cotto, whom Pacquiao halted in the 12th round last November.

The “Fighter of the Decade” showed his concern to serve his constituents by attending committee hearings in Congress a couple of hours after his arrival.

Pacquiao added that he would “start training this week by jogging to get into condition since the fight is two months away.” He said he would begin work in the gym next week.

RP lawmaker wants Mayweather Jr declared persona non grata

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source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph

Talks are currently underway for Japeth Aguilar to suit up for Talk ’N Text in the PBA’s 36th season starting next month.

The Bulletin learned on Monday that the 6-foot-9 Aguilar is being considered to make his return to the professional league after both management of TNT and Smart-Gilas Pilipinas began “exploratory talks” regarding the matter when they reviewed the lineups of both teams in a recent meeting.

A reliable source confirmed that the idea of Aguilar’s transfer came up in a recent meeting between representatives of Talk ’N Text and Smart-Gilas. The transfer is not expected to be problematic as both teams have practically one management organization under telecommunications mogul Manny V. Pangilinan.

According to the source, who asked not to be named, TNT is looking to solidify its frontcourt lineup since Ranidel de Ocampo will be sidelined for at least three months after he underwent operation to remove bone spurs (foot injury).

One of the proposals was to tap Aguilar to return to his mother team-- Talk ’N Text – which loaned him to the national team shortly after he was traded by Air21 to TNT.

Smart-Gilas, on the other hand, plans to get Kelly Williams from TNT. Kelly is one of three PBA players sought by Smart-Gilas to beef up the national squad for the Asian Games this November in Guangzhou, China.

“Both teams are just exploring things, nothing is final yet,” said the source. “Of course, the goal of both teams is to have a competitive team – one in the PBA the other in international play.”

The meeting also discussed possibility of having Aguilar stay with the Nationals even if Williams, B-Meg’s James Yap and and Coca-Cola’s Asi Taulava get final PBA approval to join the team to the Asian Games.

“It’s still in the early stage (of talks). All other options are being considered,” added the source.

On the other hand, despite rumors of Aguilar’s transfer to TNT, RP team coach Rajko Toroman and Smart-Gilas team manager Frankie Lim prefer the status quo and to discuss the matter after the Asian Games.

“Japeth will go to the Asian Games. After that, we will discuss what’s best for Japeth,” said Toroman. (by Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph)


*********

Smart Gilas Tune-Up Games
Sept. 7, 2010 - Smart Gilas def. Seoul SK Knights, 77-76
Sept. 12, 2010 - Smart Gilas vs. Seoul SK Knights

4th ABA Club Championship 2010
Haining, China
September 15-20, 2010

2010 Asian Games
Guangzhou, China
November 12-27, 2010

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source: abs-cbnnews.com

Host school First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) scored wins in the basketball and volleyball opening games of the 12th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) South on Monday in Batangas.

FAITH crushed University of Batangas (UB) in the juniors’ basketball opening game, 96-53, at the FAITH campus in Tanauan City.

“Masaya kasi panalo,” said FAITH’s Elrey Mendoza. “Pagbubutihin ulit sa susunod na laro.”

Jan Quilben Jasa of UB, meantime, stated: “Malungkot kasi talo... Parang mahihirapan po kaming manalo.”

In volleyball, FAITH defeated San Pablo Colleges, 3-0.

The NCAA-South, an offshoot of the NCAA-Manila, has 10 participating schools this season—FAITH, UB, San Pablo Colleges, Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba, De La Salle Lipa, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Philippine Christian University- Dasmariñas, University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna, Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong and San Beda-Alabang. – With a report from Carolyn Bonquin, ABS-CBN News Southern Tagalog

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source: gmanews.tv

The new season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has yet to dawn upon rookie franchise Meralco, but the Bolts already made it clear that they are definitely building its cornerstone behind big-time gunner Mac-Mac Cardona.

On Tuesday, the Bolts gave the unorthodox shooting guard out of De La Salle a two-year contract extension reportedly worth P8.4 million.

The team actually assumed Cardona’s live contract from Talk `N Text, the franchise he played for in his first five years in the league until being traded this off season in a three-team, four-player deal that involved the Bolts, Tropang Texters and the Air21 Express.

But with Cardona serving as Meralco’s franchise player in its return to big-time basketball, both parties agreed to exercise the contract extension stipulated in Cardona’s original deal.

The contract extension begins to take effect at the start of the 2011-2012 season, according to team manager Virgil Villavicencio.

If Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio would be asked, he stressed Cardona deserves the new transaction the way superstar players like James Yap or Willie Miller do.

In fact, he even likened Cardona to James Yap, the reigning league Most Valuable Player (MVP) whom Gregorio handled when he was still with B-Meg Derby Ace.

“He’s like James (Yap) because he is an explosive scorer. He has incredible scoring ways and is hard to stop like James," said Gregorio, one of the Bolts’ early valuable acquisitions in the off season.

Cardona’s contract extension capped a busy week for the Bolts, who had been signing one player after the other in their bid to be a competitive team once the 36th season of Asia’s oldest pro league comes off the wraps on Oct. 3.

The team earlier came to terms with burly center Beau Belga for a two-year deal, while Yousif Aljamal agreed to a one-year contract.

Veterans Marlou Aquino and Jason Misolas were both signed to a one-conference pact.

The four rookies the team tabbed in the recent Annual PBA Draft – Shawn Weinstein, Bam Gamalinda, Ford Arao and Khazim Mirza – had also agreed to the respective contracts given them, while still with existing deals are Ogie Menor, Pong Escobal, Nelbert Omolon and Chris Ross.

“I think everyone is happy with the way the negotiations went," said Villavicencio. “As much as possible, we want to retain players who coach Ryan Gregorio feels can contribute to the team." - RCJ, GMANews.TV

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source: abs-cbnnews.com

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstar Georges St.-Pierre will be in Manila on September 23 for a meet-and-greet event with local mixed martial arts (MMA) fans, according to Balls Channel.

St.-Pierre, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, will be in the country up to September 25 to promote MMA.

His 3-day visit will culminate with an open training at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

The 29-year-old Canadian has an MMA record of 20 wins with only 2 losses. He is due to defend his belt for the 5th time versus Josh Koscheck on Dec. 11’s UFC 124.

St.-Pierre, who is known for his monikers “GSP” and “Rush,” is known for his well-rounded game. He dominated the welterweight division by sweeping his last 7 fights against topnotch opponents, including fellow future Hall of Famers Matt Hughes and BJ Penn.

Balls Channel earlier brought MMA legend Chuck Liddell and Fil-Am light heavyweight Brandon Vera to Manila to bring UFC closer to local fans.

For more UFC action, watch SkyCable TV’s Balls Channel and visit www.abs-cbnNEWS.com/ufc

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source: Rey Joble | gmanews.tv

Shawn Weinstein, Meralco's top rookie pick this season, has finally agreed to sign a two-year pact with the Bolts, ending days of dilly-dallying in negotiations.

Bolts team manager Virgil Villavicencio confirmed the news to GMANews.TV.

"He signed around 4 p.m. Tuesday," said Villavicencio. "I believe the two-year contract is fair for both camps."

According to Villavicencio, he set a time frame regarding the contract signing of the Filipino-American guard, who played in Israel against former B-Meg Derby Ace import Tony Washam.

"I was in the practice at 8 a.m. and I told the player that I'm giving him until 10 a.m. whether to sign the offer or not. The coaching staff is waiting for his decision as the team is scheduled to play in Singapore for tune-up matches with the Singapore Slingers next week."

"He told me, if it's OK for us to meet in the afternoon regarding the contract, then his agent, Caloy Allado, called me up and we met for the signing," he added.

Allado is the father of B-Meg Derby Ace center/forward Don Allado, who, himself, has yet to agree on a new deal being offered by the Llamados.

The Llamados had already come up with an offer, but the younger Allado, whose playing career is also being managed by his father, has refused to sign the contract up to this time.

"We made a very nice offer, but if he doesn't want to sign, what can we do?," said B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, who openly expressed intentions of getting the services of veteran slotman Mick Pennisi from San Miguel Beer via a three-way trade involving Allado and a conduit squad.

The Llamados have a decimated frontline as main men Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris will miss most part of the PBA's 36th season due to injuries. Both players underwent operations in the United States.

And with the younger Allado not yet coming to terms with the Llamados, the team might do desperate measures, including trading the veteran forward.

But unlike Allado, Weinstein was given an ultimatum. The rookie agreed to sign a contract in the afternoon.

Weinstein, a 5-foot-11 guard, was the last rookie to sign up with the Bolts. The other newcomers – Khazim Mirza, Ford Arao and Bam Gamalinda – have already signed one-year deals with the squad a few days ago.

Weinstein will share minutes playing the point guard spot with Chris Ross and Pong Escobal.

The Bolts are expected to have Mac Mac Cardona and Beau Belga, two players plucked via separate off-season trades, in the starting lineup together with Bitoy Omolon, Gabby Espinas and Ross. - JVP, GMANews.TV

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source: abs-cbnnews.com

The Philippine amateur boxing team won 5 gold medals in the annual Blue & Gold amateur boxing tournament held in California, USA.

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines' (ABAP) 7-man boxing squad could have won 6 gold medals, but 2 of their boxers were pitted against each other in the finals.

Among those who participated in the competition were Shane Mosley Jr., son of former welterweight champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley, and several amateur boxers fighting under Oscar de la Hoya.

The Philippine team was in a training stint in the US for their Asian Games preparations.

The boxers tested their mettle at the Blue & Gold boxing tournament, where world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and elder brother Glenn Donaire started out as amateurs.

The Philippine team is composed of featherweight Charly Suarez, light flyweight Victorio Saludar, flyweights Rey Saludar and Gerson Nietes, light welterweight Delfin Boholst, bantamweight Reckly Dulay, and female boxer Josie Gabuco.

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source: Jonas Terrado | mb.com.ph

Far Eastern University's RR Garcia, teammate Aldrech Ramos, and National University's Cameroonian import Emmanuel Mbe are locked in a tight battle for the coveted Most Valuable Player award in the 73rd UAAP basketball tournament.

Garcia, who topped the MVP race after the first round, has been a wonder this season in helping power the Morayta-based squad to gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four set next week.

In 13 games played, the Zamboanga City native is leading the league in scoring with 17.5 points per game while also registering 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 32 minutes of action.

But with opponents making him the marked man each game, it allowed Ramos and Mbe to somehow catch up in the race.

Ramos, a member of the Smart Gilas-RP team, is norming 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and topped the collegiate cagefest in blocks with an average of 2.2 per contest.

He nearly won the MVP plum last season but lost to fellow national cager Dylan Ababou of the University of Santo Tomas.

A win by either player would earn them the distinction as the first FEU cager to bag the award since current PBA superstar Arwind Santos of San Miguel won back-to-back in 2004 and 2005, the last time the school won the title.

For now, neither player is thinking of achieving such honor as the Tamaraws are hoping to claim the No. 1 spot against Ateneo on Saturday.

FEU can earn that elusive position if it beats the three-peat seeking Blue Eagles or prevents the latter from winning by at least three points. The former won, 72-69, in their first round meeting.

Mbe, who posted a number of double-double games, has registered 13.0 points and 11.9 rebounds despite his Bulldogs toting a 6-7 slate, a record that has prevented them from entering the semifinals the last nine seasons.

The 6-foot-7 big man is looking to become the first foreigner to win the MVP plum since Anthony Williams, an American who studied medicine at FEU and became the league MVP in 1981.

For the second consecutive season, the league will rely solely on statistics to determine the winner. Previous practice includes votes from league officials, coaches, players and media.

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source: Rey Joble | gmanews.tv

Players have different roles for their respective teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Some were regarded as designated hitters, others were tasked to become stoppers while a lot were chosen to become role players.

But Paul Artadi belongs to an elite cast of players who have a special task – to provide luck and bring his winning ways to a particular squad.

The spitfire guard from University of the East has practically won championships in all the teams he played at in the PBA, winning titles with Purefoods in 2006, Barangay Ginebra in 2008 and again with Purefoods in the 2009-2010 Philippine Cup.

Artadi, known in the league as 'Kid Lightning', has just joined his third PBA team, the San Miguel Beermen, in a three-team, three-player trade that involved Air21, Jonas Villanueva and a future pick.

Artadi's manager, Charlie Dy, is hoping that his ward will continue his winning ways with his new team.

"I hope he could bring that lucky charm of his in his new team, San Miguel Beer," said Dy, who also manages the career of Sol Mercado, Jay-R Reyes, Ryan Araña, and rookies Josh Vanlandingham, Sean Anthony and Elmer Espiritu among others.

The 5-foot-9 guard is seeking to become one of only few players to win championships in three different teams.

Perhaps, the luckiest PBA player to win championships while playing for different teams was Chris Bolado. The 6-foot-7 cager, who ended up becoming a movie and television action star/comedian after his playing career, won 11 league championships.

Starting in the 1994 Commissioners Cup until the 1997 Commissioners Cup, Bolado had a record 10 straight finals appearances. Overall, he won five championships with Alaska, including the 1996 grandslam, one with Purefoods, one with Gordon's Gin (Ginebra), two with San Miguel and two with Coca-Cola. - JVP, Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

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source: abs-cbnnews.com

Billiards action at the PartyPoker.net 2010 World Cup of Pool started on Tuesday with teams from Russia, Indonesia and China gaining the upper hand over their respective foes at Robinsons Place Manila.

Russian partners Ruslan Chinakhov and Konstantin Stepanov came out of a 4-0 deficit to beat Canada’s Jason Klatt and John Morra, 8-4.

Team India, composed of Raj Hundal and Dharminder, erected a comfortable 5-1 lead against Indonesian duo Ricky Yang and Muhammad Zulfikri. The Indons, however, tied the scores at 6-6 before securing an 8-7 come-from-behind win.

The third match saw Chinese partners Fu Jianbo and Li Hewen trounce Belgium’s Serge Das and Noel Bruynooghe, 8-2.
This is the same Chinese team that reached the Top 4 of the 2009 World Cup.

The winning teams will advance to the Round of 32.

The Philippines, as tournament host, has 2 teams competing in the event.

Team A is made up of legendary partners Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante while Team B is composed of veterans Roberto “Superman” Gomez and former World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo.

Reyes and Bustamante are the reigning title holders.

The event has put up $60,000 (roughly P2.5 million) for the winning team. -- With a report from TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News

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source: mb.com.ph

Jeson Patrombon took a tumble in his ambitious Grand Slam bid, dropping his opening-round singles and doubles matches Monday (Tuesday in Manila) in the US Open Junior Championships in New York.

Seventh-seed and world No. 7 Peruvian Duilio Beretta dumped Patrombon, 6-2, 7-5, in one hour and 13 minutes, then got another spanking in doubles play when Patrombon and his US partner Michael Zhu bowed to the French Open champion duo of Beretta and Roberto Quiroz of Ecuador, 6-4, 6-3.

It was an almost expected defeat for Patrombon who arrived just one day before his court appearance following the delay of his US visa. He also exited early in the Australian Open in January and at Wimbledon last June.

Patrombon goes home without a single ATP juniors point. Only those who make it to the round of 32 are granted points.

Next up for Patrombon are two tournaments in China, starting with the China Junior 2 from September 21 to 26 in Xiamen and the China Juniors from September 28 to October 2 in Beijing.

From China, the 17-year-old Patrombon will fly to Osaka for the Mayor’s Cup World Super Juniors from October 18 to 24.

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source: gmanews.tv

For a change, a long-time Manny Pacquiao nemesis is siding with the Filipino boxing superstar in his coming title fight with two-time world champion Antonio Margarito.

Juan Manuel Marquez believes his 31-year-old congressman rival from the province of Sarangani has the significant edge to pull off a victory once the two climbs up the ring on Nov. 13 (Nov. 14 Manila time) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) light-middleweight title.

Like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, David Diaz, Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey before him, Margarito is expected to have a hard time coping up with Pacquiao’s quickness and ring savvy, according to Marquez.

Never mind that he and Margarito are both of Mexican descent, but Marquez is definitely going to bet where the money is.

“His (Pacquiao) speed with Margarito will be the difference," he said.

Of course, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) super-lightweight champion knows where he speaks of.

He twice fought Pacquiao the last six years, both of which failed to settle who between them was the clear winner.

In their initial encounter in 2004, Pacquiao, then a rising boxing star, floored Marquez thrice in the opening round in an explosive start. But the Mexican rose each time and fought his way back into the bout and forced a controversial draw that left both fighters bloodied and weary.

It didn’t help any when judge Bert Clemens later admitted that he scored the first round 10-7 in Pacquiao’s favor, instead of calling it 10-6 considering the outright domination of the Filipino ring idol.

A 10-6 score by Clemens could have resulted in a majority decision for Pacquiao.

The highly-anticipated rematch would not take place until 2008. Unlike the first, this one had Pacquiao emerging the winner by split decision – thanks mainly to that third round knockdown he scored - although many of the opinion believes Marquez won the bout.

Marquez, a native of Mexico City now based in Anaheim, California, pointed out that for Margarito to pull off one of boxing’s biggest upsets, the Mexican needs to be more of a counter puncher the way he was in those two Pacquiao meetings.

“Margarito must keep his distance," said Marquez (51-5, with 37 KOs). “And when he attacks, fire off combinations of three or more punches."

For trainer par excellence Freddie Roach, though, one can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

“He (Margarito) likes to exchange a lot," said Roach. “This guy is actually more hittable (than De La Hoya).

"And when Manny can hit somebody, I usually don’t worry that much about it." - RCJ, GMANews.TV

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source: Brian Mahoney | The Associated Press

ISTANBUL — Chauncey Billups scored 19 points, Kevin Durant had 17, and the United States powered into the quarterfinals of the world championship with a 121-66 victory over Angola on Monday.

With Durant scoring 17 and Billups 16 in the first half, the Americans saved their most impressive performance in Istanbul for the knockout round, overwhelming the Angolans from the start after a couple of lackluster performances to close the group stage.

The U.S. forced turnovers that led to easy baskets in transition, and when forced into the halfcourt, shot 18 of 38 from 3-point range, one off the team record for 3s in a world championship game.

Eric Gordon and Rudy Gay also scored 17 for the Americans, who will face either Russia or New Zealand on Thursday night. Gordon was 5 of 6 behind the arc.

Joaquim Gomes, who played collegiately at Valparaiso, scored 21 for Angola, which finished fourth in Group A. The Angolans advanced to the elimination round on a tiebreaker by virtue of their overtime victory over Germany, but had lost by 50 to Serbia, and 21 apiece to Argentina and Australia.

They were no match for the Americans, who had won the teams' four meetings in the Olympics, starting with a 116-48 romp in the Dream Team's debut in Barcelona in 1992, straight through to a 97-76 victory in Beijing two years ago.

USA vs. Angola Highlights Video

[PLAY]

This quickly became one of those no-contests.

The Americans lacked some focus against Iran and Tunisia in their last two games, knowing victory was certain and not wanting to embarrass opponents or get any of their own players hurt.

But they expected to be sharper after a couple of days of practice, knowing they would press, substitute frequently, and raise their overall level of play with the games finally becoming important.

The U.S. won the opening tip for the first time in Istanbul and scored the first five points. Billups and Durant nailed consecutive 3-pointers to cap a 10-0 spurt and make it 22-7, and the Americans led 33-13 after one.

Billups is playing out of his normal NBA position as a shooting guard, and he made only 4 of 19 3-point attempts in preliminary play. U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski was asked last week if he would consider a lineup change, and he said he would look at it.

The lineup stayed the same, but Billups looked much different.

The lead ballooned to 29 late in the second quarter. Durant shot 7 of 10 in the half and Billups was 4 of 6, all from behind the arc, and Durant's 3-pointer with 7 seconds left sent the Americans to the half with a 65-33 advantage.

Derrick Rose made two straight 3-pointers and Billups added another to start the U.S. scoring in the third quarter, and the lead grew to 37 late in the period. The Americans were 6 of 9 behind the arc in the period, which ended with them leading 91-56.

Felizardo Ambrosio finished with 12 points and Roberto Fortes 11 for Angola.

Free Live Streaming: 2010 FIBA World Championship Free Live Streaming Link

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source: philstar.com

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) stood pat on its decision to drop GM Joey Antonio from the five-man national team competing in the World Chess Olympiad set Sept. 21-Oct. 3 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

NCFP president Prospero Pichay has appointed IM Richard Bitoon to take the place of Antonio, who was stripped of his slot in the team for failure to play in the recent Pichay Cup and the first Florencio Campomanes Cup.

Pichay made the disclosure in reaction to published reports that Antonio is planning to sue Pichay and the NCFP for arbitrarily removing him from the RP squad.

GMs Wesley So and John Paul Gomez head the RP team to the Olympiad along with fellow GMs Darwin Laylo and EugeneTorre and Bitoon.

Antonio’s name was also removed the national team set to see action in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China as well as from the list of chess players receiving allowances from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Pichay clarified that the Campomanes Cup and the Pichay Cup were two of the major tournaments hosted by the NCFP and that even foreign participants were surprised over the absence of the country’s No. 2 player, who decided to skip the tournament and compete in the US.

In an email, Antonio’s lawyer, Sammy Estimo, said they will challenge the decision of Pichay and the NCFP because he (Antonio) was not given the chance to defend himself before the NCFP Internal Affairs Committee after the proper notice has been served.

Estimo also said that Antonio is a valuable member of the Philippine team in Chess Olympiads.

In four previous Olympiads, Antonio never lost a game to foreign opponents. But in the last staging of this event held in Dresden, Germany in 2008, Antonio and Torre opted to stay out of the team because of faulty elimination rules imposed by the NCFP.

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source: gmanews.tv

Manny Pacquiao arrived in the country early Monday morning and declared he’ll buckle down to work in two weeks time for his Nov. 13 title showdown with Antonio Margarito.

The world’s best pound-for-pound fighter just came off a whirlwind press tour in the U.S. last week to hype up his fight with the 5-foot-11 Margarito for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) light-middleweight crown.

The week-long press tour had the two fighters making the rounds of Beverly Hills, California, New York, and then capping it with personal appearances during the Dallas-Miami pre-season football game at the Cowboys Stadium, site of the 12-round bout.

Shortly upon his arrival, the boxing champion turned congressman representing the province of Sarangani, just took a brief rest, had breakfast and shower, before proceeding to the Batasan Complex to resume the paper works he left behind prior to his departure for the U.S.

Later in the afternoon, he attended the House committee hearing on energy.

Pacquiao said he’ll work double time and finish things needed to be done shortly before his eight-month training kicks off on Sept. 20.

At the moment, Baguio remains the priority where the 31-year-old champion could hold training camp, having been there last year in the thick of his preparation for his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight fight with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Trainer Freddie Roach is also biased of setting up their base in the country’s Summer Capital, its cool breeze and high altitude ideal for Pacquiao to get himself ready against an opponent bigger and taller than him by five inches.

But the boxing icon is having second thoughts about training in Baguio, preferring to set up camp instead in a place near the Batasan Complex that would allow him to continuously attend to his congressional duties.

Roach plans to plane in the country the weekend before training camp begins.

This developed as Pacquiao refused to comment on the apology issued by Floyd Mayweather Jr. about the internet rant he aired last week filled with racist remarks.



Instead, the Filipino boxing sensation even thanked Mayweather as his action, one way or the other, helped promote the Pacquiao-Margarito fight.

Although he did not directly said it to Pacquiao, Mayweather offered his apology to people whom he offended following his racist outburst aimed at the Filipino and posted at uStream.com last week.

The 33-year old native of Grand Rapids, Michigan said he was `just having fun’ for saying bad things against the Filipino boxing superstar, whom he previously referred to as `Poochia’, `midget’ and `yellow chump.’

“I do want to apologize for what happened the other night. I want to apologize to everybody," said Mayweather. “They felt it was a racist comment that came from me. I don’t have a racist bone in my body, you know. I love everybody. Some of my guys are Muslims. Some of my guys are Jews. Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Mexicans, whites, it doesn’t matter. There is nothing but love in my heart, you know what I’m saying?"

“Anybody who was offended by what I said the other day, I apologize as a man. I apologize. Forgive me for saying what I said. I was just having fun. I didn’t really mean it, nothing in a bad way. So let’s stay on this roller coaster ride and keep riding, baby. It’s all love." - RCJ, GMANews.TV

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source: Noli Cortez | malaya.com.ph

Aside from Meralco, Powerade and defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace are also searching for another big man.

The Tigers are willing to shop around for a frontliner who could take the place of slotman Asi Taulava if and when the latter is permitted by the PBA Board to join the Smart Gilas team seeing action in the Guangzhou Asian Games in November.

The Llamados are on the lookout for a power forward who could augment their frontline in the absence of the injured Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris.

The two teams are merely following the lead of Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio, who the other day told Malaya he wants another big man to backstop centers Marlou Aquino and Beau Belga and power forwards Gabby Espinas and Dennis Daa.

"We haven’t really thought about replacements for Asi," related Powerade coach Bo Perasol. "Our options will definitely be in the free agents’ pool. We don’t know as of yet kung sino ang available."

Derby Ace seems to have the inside track as head coach Jorge Gallent yesterday bared team management is seriously considering Jerwin Gaco, formerly of Barako Bull, as partial solution to his frontline woes.

"We are thinking of getting him pero wala pang final decision," said Gallent. "Within the week pa namin malalaman kung papipirmahin siya."

UPDATE: Llamados tab free agent Gaco, want Pennisi next

Gallent and Gaco are no strangers to each other as they have teamed up with the Harbour Centre team in the PBL where they won six titles together.

The Llamados are reportedly working on a deal with Ginebra for 6-foot-6 Billy Mamaril but they are still searching for a third team to make it happen.

Derby Ace and the Kings are sister teams and are barred from directly trading with each other.

Gallent denied knowledge of any deal in progress, but admitted Gaco will be a big help in their title-retention bid. "Jerwin will be a big help. He will be the banger inside and get those loose balls," he said.

Gaco saw action with Barako last season, playing 15 games and averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds. He was reportedly headed to the Philippine Patriots for the ABL, but may opt for the PBA if signed.

The 29-year-old forward also had a stint with the Laguna Stallions in Liga Pilipinas before bringing his act to the Energy Coffee Masters in the Fiesta Conference, when the George Chua-owned franchise tied up with Harbour Centre.

Derby Ace selected a pair of big men in the last rookie draft in Pari Llagas and Val Acuna, but the former UE stalwarts are not expected to make an immediate impact for the team.

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source: malaya.com.ph

M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu tries to extend its dominance at its own turf when it battles rival Misamis Oriental today in Game 1 of their best-of-five title series in the 1st Tournament of the Philippines at the Cebu Coliseum.

With their vaunted firepower and speed, aside from homecourt advantage, the Ninos are slightly favored over the MisOr Meteors when they clash at 6 p.m.

Both squads are expected to come out strong to gain psychological advantage going into Game 2.

The Ninos and the Meteors brushed off their rivals in the semifinals to arrange the title match in the tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.

Cebu swept aside Treston Laguna while MisOr humbled Hobe Bihon-Taguig.

It will be the third straight time the two regional basketball powerhouses are meeting for the crown.

MisOr beat Cebu in five games during the second conference of Liga Pilipinas but the Ninos bounce back in the succeeding tourney by blasting the Meteors 89-54 in the finals of the Conference III Super Leg that completed the former’s 21-game sweep.

Their rivalry heated up during the Cagayan de Oro City leg when Cebu’s Nat Cruz and MisOr’s Ronald Lamocha figured in a fight that led to a near free-for-all.

Ex-pros Stephen Padilla, Marlon Basco, Bruce Dacia, Warren Ybanez and Christian Coronel will again spearhead Cebu’s assault against the Meteors who will be bannered by Patrick Cabahug, Khiel Misa, Mark Andaya and Neil Raneses.

The Cebuanos won three of their four meetings against MisOr this year.

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