GAME TODAY (Araneta Coliseum)
3 p.m. -- Ateneo vs De La Salle

MANILA, Philippines--THE COUNTRY’S GREATEST collegiate rivals take the court one last time in the UAAP basketball tournament this season.


And the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers continue to stoke the suspense as neither team claimed the advantage in their showdown for the second championship slot.

“We won by one point (last Thursday), I don’t see too much of an advantage there,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “It could have gone either way. Like I said before, these two teams are pretty evenly matched. It really depends on who has the will to win on that particular game.”

The and fifth and last chapter—at least this season—of the emotionally charged rivalry will start at 3 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum with the winner sealing a best-of-three championship series against University of the East.

“There’s no momentum in an Ateneo-La Salle game, but this is a different case, they just beat us by one point,” said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren. “But we’re still confident. Everybody will just have to step up and contribute.”

The Archers missed a chance to close out the semifinal series after the Eagles came from behind to pull off a 65-64 squeaker to forge this do-or-die battle for the last Finals berth.

“There will be no major changes, if any, it will be very minimal,” said Pumaren.

But the Eagles believe a lot more is needed to finish the job despite showing enough character to recover from the brink of elimination.

“It looks like we did a lot of things wrong,” said Black. “La Salle played well, particularly defensively. We have to do a better job offensively while maintaining our defense. We must do a better job of breaking their press, which resulted to a lot of turnovers.”

It was Chris Tiu who saved the day for Ateneo, scoring five of the team’s last seven points, including the game-winning drive with 7.3 seconds left.

History, too, isn’t on the Eagles side as only five third seeds have gone past the No. 2 squad since the Final Four format was introduced in 1994.

The Eagles have also never won four times against the Archers in one season.

And under Pumaren, the Archers have advanced to the Finals in all seven times they claimed the twice-to-beat bonus.

“The main thing is to prepare and to come out to play,” said Black.

“It’s all about heart and determination to win the game,” said Pumaren.

And it’s really all what the Eagles and the Archers can do judging from their four, highly unpredictable matches which saw no team winning by more than three points.
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES -- FOLLOWING REPORTS that the enemy has a new counter-plot, Manny Pacquiao on Saturday unveiled the exclusive lethal blow, earlier likened to a bomb, which he polished during another no-break 14-round punching drill before familiar faces at the Wild Card gym here.


After a strict screening of guests, trainer Freddie Roach allowed Pacquiao to throw killer punches openly, with no let-up, unlike during media-day Thursday when the so-called bomb was kept under wraps.

Broken down, the special weapon is the culminating shot, not unlike a steel dagger, dug into the tip of the rib cage.

In its singularity, it’s safe to say that the weapon is not actually a single blow, but a crushing combo of big, sharp punches. It could freely be called a liver breaker.

“Well, the great thing with Manny is that he seems to be even hungrier than he was before,” Roach explained.

That means, Roach added, that Pacquiao’s fabled warrior’s appetite has not diminished despite his success and the superb form he has achieved through months of intensive training.

Pacquiao, who had another gruelling run through the hilly Griffith Park yesterday morning before the afternoon workout, returns to the gym for more rounds of sparring today.

Roach would not elaborate on when they first plotted the bomb-like blow, which was not in the Pacquiao artillery in his trilogy against Erik Morales.

“I don’t care if Barrera uses dirty tactics,” Pacquiao said. “The referee will take care of that.”

Pacquiao did a total of 27 rounds in various gym work, topped by the 14-round non-stop punching drill, up from the 23 rounds Thursday.

He meets Marco Antonio Barrera, whom he stopped four years ago, in a rematch in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.

Meanwhile, the undefeated Edwin Valero, WBA 130-lb champion, picked Barrera over Pacquiao in an interview with the Spanish paper Esto.

Valero, who worked as Barrera sparmate in Guadalajara, said Barrera is faster than ever and will most likely get the decision.

Valero, a slow puncher, also described Pacquiao as awkward.

There were unconfirmed reports Valero had knocked out Barrera in one of their sparring sessions.

source:
By Recah Trinidad
Inquirer

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND -- KATHLEEN Eunice Alora bowed to slippery Hanna Sajc of Sweden, 4-3, Friday as the Philippine taekwondo campaign in the World Championships started on a sad note at the World Qualifying event at the Manchester Evening News (MEN) Arena here.


The soft-spoken De La Salle coed shed a tear of frustration after chasing Sajc all match long only to absorb crisp counterkicks that kept the Laguna lass at bay and proved decisive in the women’s -49kg division match.

“She did what she had to do, but the opponent was powerfull and skillful,” said women’s team coach Rocky Samson. “There were points not given that I think she deserved, especially in the third round.”

Samson later admitted that Alora moved “stiffly and tight.”

Sacj eventually lost in the quarterfinals to Spain’s two-time champ Brigit Yague. The Spaniard favorite, however, lost out in the medal round to the eventual champion from Chinese Taipei.

The RP campaign resumes Saturday with Olympic veterans Thsomlee Go and Mary Antoinette Rivero seeing action.

Go opens his bid in the tough 58-man field of the -58kg division, while Rivero competes in the women’s -67kg category that has 29 entries.

Alexander Briones, the fourth member of the RP squad sent by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Taekwondo Association, will compete on Sunday in the men’s -80kg division.

Alora immediately found herself trailing following a brief exchange of kicks. She evened up later on but the Swede finished the round holding a 2-1 lead.

With a seemingly simple fighting style, Sacj patiently waited for an opening to pad the advantage to 3-1, before Alora made it 3-2 with a turning kick late in the second round.

“After the second round, the gameplan was for her to score quick two points,” said Samson.

But the Swede connected on two more body blows for 5-2, before the Filipina delivered a point of her own with 20 seconds to go. Sacj, trying to preserve her lead, was then deducted one point after twice getting a warning for evading action.

Alora chased her all around the court as time expired.

source:
By Marc Anthony Reyes
Inquirer

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At long last, Paypal’s promise to allow receiving funds into Philippine accounts have been fulfilled. Just today, reports have been circulating in the previous post here about the development.

I did a money transfer from an old and verified Premier account into my new Philippine Paypal account and it works. From the Paypal Help Pages, the Philippine flag is now displayed under “Send. Receive. Withdraw to a U.S. Bank Account or a card.” along with 22 other countries.

source: READ COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE via YUGATECH.com

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MANILA, Philippines -- They surprisingly cleared their dugout early.

The La Salle Green Archers didn't grieve for long after falling a basket short of barging to the UAAP basketball Finals.


"Mistakes are painful, but you turn mistakes into experience," said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.

Apparently, there's still no messing up the Archers' determination even after a heartbreaking one-point loss to rival Ateneo, 65-64, in the stepladder semifinals last Thursday.

The crucial setback forged a do-or-die showdown between the blood rivals Sunday, giving the Archers little time to lick their wounds.

And as the Archers try to figure out what went wrong, Pumaren sees no need to rebuild their faith in claiming the right to play the University of the East Warriors in a best-of-three championship series.

"What we lost was our [twice-to-beat] privilege," said Pumaren. "We left the dugout early and I think it showed that we're still confident. I think we're capable of bouncing back and redeeming ourselves."

Still, the Archers took note of their shortcomings, including how the Eagles clobbered them in the rebounding battle, 41-29.

"It showed the lack of depth of our team, our shallow rotation especially with (rookie center) Brian Ilad not playing (due to a suspension)," said Pumaren. "But that's not an excuse. As a coach, it's our job to utilize the materials that we have."

Even more crucial, the Archers need to check on the missed offensive opportunities and defensive lapses in the final two minutes where they threw away a six-point buffer.

Veteran guard Chris Tiu delivered the dagger shots in a 7-0 comeback that saved the Eagles' season by the slimmest possible margin.

But Pumaren expects more than just a review of their gameplan slip-ups. An attitude overhaul remains in top order in the Archers' fifth meeting with the gritty Eagles this season.

"The players tend to be complacent," the 44-year-old mentor said. "In our last 16 games, there's not a single game that everyone played well. Every game, only two or three played well. We're waiting for us to play what we're really capable of. And hopefully it will be next game. We're still confident. We're looking forward to Sunday."

source:
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES--Manny Pacquiao, lacking in good defense during a previous session, poured it on Friday against a couple of Mexican sparmates to get a rave response from a fullhouse gym crowd dominated by people from the media.


There was the flash of power, precision and speed that earned applause after the first three torrid rounds against Daniel Cervantes.

The crowd witnessed some of the finest moves from the RP boxing hero, popularly dubbed as the most exciting boxer in the world today, in his most impressive workout since arriving here Saturday.

But, without meaning to trick or deceive, Pacquiao did not unwrap the killer punch which he worked to perfection on Monday during a detailed, non-stop work with the punch mitts.

"Manny today? He was just playing out there," trainer Freddie Roach said.

It hardly looked that way because Pacquiao was actually quite businesslike in the first three rounds, and turned a bit cozy only when he next faced David Rodela, who was already with him in the Cebu training camp.

Pacquiao had the luxury of doing the Ali shuffle in the closing portion of the six-round drill when he would opt to drop his guard and openly pull his punches.

The truth is that Pacquiao had been given strict orders not to bring out a very special shot, which could be likened to a mini-bomb with its jolting sharpness and impact, during Friday"s media day at the Wild Card gym.

"Hindi talaga pinagamit [He was not allowed to use it]," explained one trusted Team Pacquiao staffer who requested anonymity.

The order supposedly came from Roach himself. The reason cited was the presence of more than enough Mexicans in the crowd.

Practically everybody close to the ring had something in hand to record the action. But, before the session could start, security officer Rob Peterson barked out an order: No videos, no flashbulbs.

Pacquiao did not disappoint the media men as he readily banged it up with Cervantes, who owns a neat 10-0 record.

Cervantes would have some great moments in the first three minutes as he caught Pacquiao with a few uppercuts and landed neat shots to the head.

It would, however, be an altogether different story when Pacquiao decided to pour it on starting in the second round. He feinted with a right, then burried a left straight to the midsection that stalled Cervantes at midring.

Pacquiao pressed harder and closed the second round with a blazing display of big punches that could have decked any fighter not wearing the thick head leather gear.

The bell rang and the crowd roared.

Little did they know that Pacquiao had hidden the "bomb" which he plans to explode to cover all possible Marco Antonio Barrera escape routes in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.

source:
By Recah Trinidad
Inquirer

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MACAU -- Barangay Ginebra and Alaska won the two PBA titles disputed last year, both in gripping fashions over separate foes.


Both, however, don’t rank high among the consensus teams-to-beat in the Philippine Cup, which takes the lid off of the league’s 33rd Season starting October 14 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

San Miguel and Talk ‘N Text shared top billing when members of the PBA board, those who represent the owners of the teams, were asked who they thought had the most chances of coming out on top in the coming tournament.

Most members said this is because both teams flaunt complete lineups, with one board member joking that the two could be split into four competitive sides.

The Gin Kings, who will defend the Philippine Cup after a 4-2 win over San Miguel last year, will miss gunslinger Mark Caguioa, at least for the first week of action, according to Robert Non, their representative in the board.

Caguioa, the Finals MVP in that series, is still rehabilitating a sore shoulder with another crucial piece in the rotation, Rafi Reavis, recovering from an operation for the same injury.

Alaska, meanwhile, still doesn’t command the fear it used to in the 1990s, when it built a dynasty centered on a 5-foot-8 guard now playing in the final years of a super career with Barangay Ginebra.

“I like that [being the underdog],” said Non at the airport, just as the entourage that went here for a series of meetings prepared to leave for home. “At least the pressure to deliver will not be on us. It’s different playing pressure-free.”

Alaska representative Joaqui Trillo, despite signing rookie big men Ken Bono and JR Quinahan, said that Air21 and Purefoods should also be in the list of favorites.

“Let’s face it, San Miguel and Talk ‘N Text are truly loaded teams,” said Trillo, whose team leader, Jeffrey Cariaso, is also recovering from a leg injury that kept him out of their championship-winning series against the Phone Pals for the Fiesta Cup.

The Beermen and the Express open up hostilities in the only game scheduled on that Sunday following techno-inspired opening rites at 4:30 p.m.

source:
By Musong R. Castillo
Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- As expected, Fil-American Gabe Norwood emerged as the top pick in the PBL entry draft Friday.


Although absent, the mainstay of the Philippine team to the last Fiba Asia men's championship became the first choice of Hapee Toothpaste despite the uncertainty of the 6-foot-5 guard's return to the country.

Hapee took the gamble, citing ongoing talks with Norwood's agent Jim Naughton.

"I already talked to his manager and he (Naughton) promised to settle pending commitments of Gabe in the US before coming back to the country; then we'll talk about the offer," Hapee team manager Bernard Yang said after the draft held at the penthouse of the Philippine Stock Exchange in Pasig City.

Jervy Cruz, the 6-foot-5 star center of University of Santo Tomas, was the second choice, while FEU's Marnel Baracel was picked fourth by the Lina Group of Companies, which acquired the Welbest franchise.

Toyota Balintawak drafted JRU's James Ryan Sena third, along with Fil-Am Richard Cole and JRU standouts Marvin Hayes and John Wilson in the succeeding rounds.

Pharex made former FEU forward Alfred Gerilla its sixth pick, while Bacchus Energy Drink selected University of the East guard James Martinez at seventh.

Harbour Centre, the reigning three-time champion, earned supplemental picks for loaning its core to the national amateur team and chose Biola University's Solomon Mercado and FEU's Benedict Fernandez.

San Miguel-Magnolia acquired Jefemil Khalili, Fil-Am Kevin Dalafu and University of the Philippines' Magi Sison.

Pharex tabbed Pepito Daryl, Jeff de Guzman and Kevyn White in the next rounds, while San Beda's John Hermida, Melchor Gile and Michael Kong went to Hapee.

source:
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante pulled off the first whitewash of the tournament Thursday to underscore their worth as defending champions in the 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool at the Outland Nightclub in Rotterdram, the Netherlands.


The top-rated Filipinos crushed Philipp Stojanovic and Ivica Putnik of Croatia, 8-0, and became the first team to reach the quarterfinals slated Saturday.

The impressive win created as much ripple as Japan's upset of the host country's bets and the tightrope act of the American combination of Rodney Morris and Corey Deuel.

Satoshi Kawabata and Naoyuki Oi put up a tremendous performance by beating Netherlands A's Niels Feijen and Nick van den Berg, 8-7, and the Japanese could face the Filipinos in the semifinals set Sunday.

The Americans, seeded second as last year's losing finalists, proved luckier than the home stars as they slipped past Tony Drago and Alex Borg of Malta by the same 8-7 cliffhanger.

In other matches, Switzerland (Marco Tschudi and Dimitri Jungo) booted out Hungary, 8-5; Finland (Mika Immonen and Markus Juva) ousted Qatar, 8-5; and England (Imran Majid and Daryl Peach) slipped past Poland, 8-6.

Reyes and Bustamante will next face the winner of the France-China duel in the quarterfinals. Stephan Cohen and Vincent Facquet banner France while the Chinese bets are Li He-wen and Fu Jianbo.

Japan will take on the winner of the clash between Singapore (Chan Keng Kwang and Toh Lian Han) and Austria (Martin Kempter and Albin Ouschan).

Friday's other round-of-32 matches pit Canada against Korea, Austria against Singapore, Switzerland against US, Finland against England and Belgium against Taiwan.

The scotch doubles event offers a champion's purse of $60,000.

The third-ranked Taiwanese are bannered by former world 9-ball champion Wu Chia-ching and Yang Ching-shun.

source:
Marlon Bernardino, Contributor / Inquirer

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MACAU -- The search for the new commissioner officially started here Wednesday when the league’s board finalized the five-man committee that will come up with the criteria of qualifications for candidates of the vital Philippine Basketball Association post.


Air21’s Lito Alvarez and ex-chair Ricky Vargas of Talk ‘N Text will join chair Tony Chua of Red Bull, vice chair Joaqui Trillo of Alaska and treasurer Robert Non of Ginebra in the committee which starts meeting next week.

Chua, Trillo and Non were automatic choices as members of the board’s executive committee.

“The first order of business for the committee is to lay down the main criteria which we will use in choosing our next permanent commissioner,” Chua announced.

“Of course, we don’t want to monopolize that process so we will also ask the other member governors for their own input or suggestions on what criteria we will be using. However, the committee will have the final say.”

The committee will then present the criteria to the board before all members come up with a list of candidates that will take over from officer-in-charge Renauld “Sonny” Barrios after the Philippine Cup.

Barrios was named OIC after Noli Eala resigned two months ago. Eala completed five seasons with the PBA before he stepped down.

The board had also approved the use of new rules starting with the Philippine Cup which starts on Oct. 14 at the Araneta Coliseum with San Miguel and Air21 clashing after a techno-inspired opening rites slated at 4:30 p.m.

To encourage explosive scoring, the three-point area has been shortened to 20 feet from 22, the shaded lane is now trapezoidal in shape from rectangular and a certain level of hand-checking will now be allowed.

We want the fans to have what they want, and that is fast-paced, high-scoring basketball,” Chua said.

The board flew to this gambling capital on Tuesday to set the league course for the next two years.

Game on Oct. 14 (Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. -- Opening Ceremonies
6:30 p.m. -- San Miguel vs Air21

source: By Musong R. Castillo / www.inquirer.net

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LOS ANGELES -- Manny Pacquiao’s mission to again crush Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera may not come trouble-free based on the result of a sparring session that saw the Filipino boxing superstar getting repeatedly tagged with right shots to the head Wednesday.


The 28-year-old Pacquiao, an overwhelming pick to repeat over Barrera whom he had stopped four years ago, was predictably strong and brimmed with stamina in his eight-round drill against two Mexicans fighters.

But the defensive lapses were too stark to be overlooked by both fans and experts that again milled inside the Wild Card gym in Pacquiao’s second workout here since arriving from his Cebu training on Saturday.

Freddie Roach saw it all and, although the famous trainer did not readily manifest alarm, he promised to talk to Pacquiao about his initial apprehensions.

“Freddie (Roach) said he would have to ask Manny to polish up on defense and use his right hand with more confidence,” bared a Filipino newsman who talked to the trainer after the sparring Wednesday.

Twenty-one-year-old David Cervantes, 10-0, back from a year-and-a-half lay-off, got blasted around the ring, but also had Pacquiao on the receiving end during furious exchanges.

Cervantes, visibly overweight, confirmed that Pacquiao hits like a middleweight, but also suggested the RP boxing hero may not be exactly invincible.

“He’s very persistent and terribly powerful, but Barrera is more crafty, experienced,” Cervantes, an alternate in the 2004 Mexico boxing team, explained to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.

Roach training deputy Eric Brown did notice the right hands that had clearly thudded on the green, sweat-swathed head gear, but explained Pacquiao could be expected to be more settled when he resumes sparring Thursday.

Pacquiao had an easier time with David Rodela in the second half of sparring and even allowed the lean Mexican to openly bang his body at midring in a display of hard-earned toughness.

Rodela, who was with Pacquiao in the Cebu training camp, also managed to score clear shots to the head.

“Well, in boxing, you could also be lucky,” he said, adding Pacquiao, based on their mock encounters, has been ready as early as two weeks ago.

Pacquiao did get applauded at the end of the sparring drill, but he was more delightful to watch when he worked non-stop for an hour and 21 minutes with the mitts on Monday.

He hosted lunch for fans and team members at the Nat’s Thai restaurant after Wednesday’s drill.

Pacquiao motors to Las Vegas on Monday, for the final tapering portion of preparations against Barrera at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Oct. 6.
source: By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Heated words may be missing, but the intense rivalry will not be missed.

After close-shaves and controversies highlighted their three battles this season, fierce rivals Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University take their UAAP basketball feud to another level Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.


This time, the remaining championship berth is at stake. The Green Archers automatically grab the title slot with a win at 3 p.m. while the Blue Eagles need a victory to force a playoff for the right to challenge first finalist University of the East.

“In this scenario, there’s no more momentum,” said coach Franz Pumaren, whose Archers, coming from back-to-back losses, locked up Thursday’s twice-to-beat incentive with a win over the Eagles in their third meeting last Sept. 19.

It is actually the second straight do-or-die battle for the Eagles, who dethroned the University of Santo Tomas Tigers in the stepladder semifinals last Sunday

“We better win so we can play again,” said Ateneo mentor Norman Black. “Otherwise, our season is over. That’s our focus right now, to live and play another game.”

Both squads know how incredibly unpredictable their games go. Their last three contests were decided by no more than three points.

But the Archers know that in the last seven times they have secured the twice-to-beat bonus, they went on to reach the Finals.

“We all worked hard for this,” said Pumaren. “I don’t think my players will allow that advantage to be taken away.”

Black knows the tidbit as well, but has kept his focus on keeping the Eagles in game shape.

“What happened in the past has no concern to me at all,” said Black. “Whenever we play La Salle, the most important thing is our energy level. They like to press a lot, they trap a lot. It takes a lot of energy out of your ball carriers. So it’s very important that we’re fresh, that we have a lot of energy to break their press.”

But the Eagles have shown twice this season that they can overcome the Archers’ trademark defense via an 80-77 overtime triumph in the first round and an 89-87 follow-up to complete an elimination-round sweep.

The Archers, however, reminded the Eagles that it’s the crucial games that matter after pulling off a slim 70-69 win in their playoff for the No. 2 spot

“The first three games were evenly matched, they were very close and very competitive,” Black had said. “But I don’t think the past games really have any meaning when we fight them on Thursday.”
By: Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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by JP Abcede

San Beda College is on its way on fulfilling its destiny to become a dynasty, overcoming Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 76-64, for the Red Lions’ second consecutive NCAA seniors basketball diadem on September 26 at the Araneta Coliseum.

With Letran coming within five late in the third quarter, the Lions held off the Knights in the payoff period with Rogemar Menor scoring 12 points. His three-point attempt that bounced off the rim before going in gave San Beda a 13-point lead, 64-51, 6:45 in the game, forcing CSJL seniors basketball coach Louie Alas to call a timeout.


The finals MVP stole one at midcourt for an uncontested layup, which spawned a 7-0 run to put away the game for good with John Paul Escobal putting the icing with two freethrows against Reymar Gutilban's fifth personal foul, 71-55, 4:16.

"It feels great and very rewarding. I have to give it to the players. They have confidence at may puso," sighed a relieved SBC men's basketball mentor Frankie Lim. "Do no doubt yourself. Kung gusto niyong tumira, take good shots."

Alas concurred, "We just lost to a very strong team. You have to give it to them. Napakalakas ng kanilang personnel. Sa aking opinyon, sila ang strongest collegiate team sa Pilipinas."

Menor, who won two finals MVP and a season MVP as a Red Cub, was the main Lion with 25 points on 11/16 shooting along with three rebounds, two steals, and two assists.

"Hell of a player. No one in Letran can stop Menor," Lim described his third year star.

"Sobrang saya. Naulit ulit iyong dynasty namin sa juniors," Menor, who was with the NCAA juniors champion teams from 2003-2005, observed on his fortunes. "Iyong juniors lamang daw ako (skills-wise). Sa seniors, pantay na labanan."

Yousif Aljamal suited up for his final game as an amateur, finishing with 24 points, ten boards, three feeds, two steals, and two blocks on 37 well-played minutes.

"Kay coach inoffer ang championship," Aljamal shared. The 24-year old would again team up with his current mentor, who is also the team manager of the Talk 'N Text Phonepals in the PBA. "Sana madala ko sa PBA ito (confidence)."

"It would always be nice to get back to your alma mater. I want to give back to the school," the rookie guru said. "I am just blessed to have 15 intelligent players."

The red and white shot 52% at the two-point area, while also amassing 50 caroms, 20 dimes, seven cookies, nine rejections, 16 fastbreak points, and 19 turnover points.

"This victory is for everybody," Lim doled out. "For the Bedan community and the supporters."

On the other hand, Bryan Faundo led the Knights with 17 points and ten rebounds, while RJ Jazul netted 14 markers. As a team, the red and blue made 35% of their field goals.

"You have to feel good on the defeat," Alas opined. "I will remember this day. This is the defining moment to come back next year."

Lim, who experienced back-to-back championships as a player and now as a tactician stated, "Both are great. Since this is my first time as a coach, this is sweeter."

Alas looked back, "Iyong game one ang crucial. Sa ganyang kalakas na team, mahirap talunin ng back-to-back."

This is the Lions' 13th seniors cage crown, just behind the 15 of Letran College.

Adjudged as the coach of the year, the fiery Lim gave what might have been the strangest description of how it feels winning a championship after he was asked what his emotions were after getting the victory ride at the buzzer, "Feeling ko parang akong bagong kasal."

Meanwhile, Alas described the mood in the locker, "Malungkot sila for Mikko (Quinday)."

Quinday used up his eligibility this year.

Do-it-all Mapua Institute of Technology point guard Kelvin dela Peña was awarded the MVP of the season. He was joined by Aljamal, Faundo, Dino Daa, and Marvin Hayes of Jose Rizal University in the mythical team.

Other awardees include Hayes as most improved player, Dave Marcelo as rookie of the year, and Jason Ballesteros of San Sebastian College Recoletos as defensive player of the year.

Rey Dangcal's split at the trip 3:56 of the first quarter was the last time CSJL enjoyed the upper hand before SBC released a 15-0 finishing kick with Riego Gamalinda scoring the last six points, 26-12.

"We started strong," Lim remarked as the key point of the contest. "We tried to match the intensity of Letran."

Faundo's charities off a Menor personal made it 24-34, 4:16 in the second. Menor was responsible for five points in a 7-0 mini-run to give the Mendiola-based squad its highest lead of 17.

After Escobal launched a three to make it 52-35 midway of the third period, Letran had a quiet 12-0 blast with Jazul starting the rally and the Muralla-based gallery momentarily waking up when John Melegrito scored four quick points, 1:38 in the clock. The Lions doused the fire in the succeeding possession when Escobal sighted Aljamal at the apex of the arc for a triple with just one second remaining in the shot clock.

"Definitely we will not look for a foreigner as long as ako ang mag-decide," Alas glimpsed ahead. "Pwede sa akin Fil-foreigner."

As for the champs, Lim mentioned, "Pahinga muna. Give them a good rest."

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THERE might be no Gabriel Norwood (196-G/F-85) on the Philippine men's basketball team for the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.


A source close to the Filipino-American guard told BusinessMirror that Norwood is mulling to play in Europe as an import and might abandon his commitment to play for the country again.

“He is weighing all of his options,” said the source who requested anonymity. “Kung hindi siya makakuha ng (if he can't get) papers that will prove his Filipino citizenship, baka tanggapin niya 'yung (he may accept) offer in Europe.”

The former George Mason U star has told some of his teammates at SMC-Pilipinas that he might accept a job in Europe and may not be returning for good.

RP team mentor Chot Reyes discovered Norwood in one of their scrimmages in the US as part of the country's preparations in the FIBA-Asia Championships in Tokushima, Japan, last July.

Reyes was impressed with Norwood's ball-handling skills and athleticism that he was immediately included in the squad that saw action in the 10-nation William R. Jones Cup where the Filipinos finished third.

After the FIBA-Asia tournament, Norwood was asked to beef up the national team that will see action in SEA Games. He agreed and promised to return after his vacation in the States. But up to now, he has not showed up in the daily scrimmages of the SEA Games-bound team at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The source mentioned that Norwood had a change of heart after realizing that he can't make it to the Philippine Basketball Association because he lacked pertinent papers that will prove his Filipino lineage.

San Miguel Corp.'s farm team in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), Magnolia, is keen on enlisting him in the coming season of the PBL.

Norwood's father, Brian, a former football star for the University of Hawaii, and mother, Tifanny, were both natives of Hawaii, while his grandmother is a Filipina, making him “a quarter-blooded” Filipino.

With the PBA's strict guideline for Filipino-foreigners wishing to apply in the league, the source added that Norwood “doubts” if he can secure the documents that will help him to qualify for the PBA.

Norwood helped the Patriots reached the Final Four of the US Division One in 2006. Some international scouts were impressed by his game, and Norwood was bombarded with offers to bring his acts to either US or Europe.

RP coach Junel Baculi, the man tasked to defend the SEA Games title set from December 6 to 16 in Nakhon Ratchisima province in Thailand, is still hopeful that Norwood would keep his promise to play for the country. (Business Mirror)
by: Hector Santos

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Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) Air21 Express team, owned by Alberto Lina, accepted an invitation to play in the 2007 Grand Waldo Cup-Asian Basketball Association Championship.


The tournament, which attracted powerhouse teams from Asia, will be from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 in Dongguan, China, Chinese Basketball Association's (CBA) Guangdong Southern Tigers' home court.

Coach Bo Perasol will auspice the team along with assistant coaches Johny Tam and Ching Marcelino, trainer Christian Chiongson, and Basketball Association of the Philippines executive vice president Christian Tan, who is the head of delegation.

The Express will join the ABA-organized tournament as part of their preparations for the coming PBA All-Filipino Conference. The competition will also give Air21's prized rookies like JC Intal, Doug Kramer (193-F) and Marvin Cruz the needed experience before they see action in the PBA.

Shawn Daniels will also play in the week-long meet as an Express' import.

The Express will compete against the following powerhouse squads from China, South Korea, Iran and Hongkong.


Guangdong Southern Tigers, which is the current CBA champion and also a CBA finalist for the past 6 years,
Iranian All-Stars, which consists of Beijing Olympics-bound Iranian national team players that won the last FIBA-Asian Championship,
Seoul Samsung Thunders, a Korean Basketball League powerhouse team.
Liaoning Pandas, also a CBA powerhouse team after reaching the semifinals of the last CBA season,
Winlin of Hongkong

Below is the complete schedule of the tournament.

September 26
Winlin vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Liaoning Pandas vs. Iranian All-Stars
Guangdong Southern Tigers vs. Air21 Express

September 27
Air21 Express vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Iranian All-Stars vs.Winling
Guangdong Southern Tigers vs. Liaoning Pandas

September 28
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Iranian All-Stars
Winlin vs. Guangdong Southern Tigers
Liaoning Pandas vs. Air21 Express

September 30
Air21 Express vs. Iranian All-Stars
Guangdong Southern Tigers vs. Seoul Samsung Thunders
Liaoning Pandas vs. Winlin

October 1
Winlin vs. Air21 Express
Seoul Samsung Thunders vs. Liaoning Pandas
Iranian All-Stars vs. Guangdong Southern Tigers

by Hector Santos / asia-basket.com

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MANILA, Philippines -- The fierce feud between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the La Salle Green Archers recently hit the sports pages of The New York Times in “A nation’s passion lives in a rivalry of Green vs Blue,” a feature story written by Raphael Batholomew.


“The question of which institution provides a superior education is a toss-up; the tie breakers take place on the basketball court,” writes Bartholomew.

It’s the only sports event, he says, that gathers “senators, foreign diplomats, cabinet ministers, a smattering of Forbes’s 40 richest Filipinos, movie stars and enough professional basketball players to play five-on-five.”

And he quotes De La Salle University coach Franz Pumaren: “The janitors in Araneta always say, ‘If there’s an Ateneo-La Salle game, once everybody’s out of the coliseum, it still smells good because of all the socialites watching.’”

Bartholomew says the “rivalry has loosened the bond of friendship” between Pumaren and Ateneo de Manila University coach Norman Black.

Quoting Black: “If you’re part of the rivalry, you just don’t like each other. Franz played for me and he was my assistant coach, but that has little bearing on what’s happening right now. ”

And it amuses University of the East coach Dindo Pumaren how his Warriors, who just completed a rare 14-0 sweep in the elimination round of the UAAP men’s competition, have been forgotten in the light of the rivalry.

“Even if both schools are in the cellars, every game will always be like a championship,” he said. “It’s school pride. It’s all about passion. Their games are just different, their rivalry is different.”

source: By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES -- There is a big possibility Marco Antonio Barrera will do everything to avoid an early knockout, so Manny Pacquiao perfected a sneaky liver shot, launched and capped with blinding rat-tat-tat right shots, in a non-stop 14-round punching drill that dramatically plugged all possible escape routes of the legendary Mexican warrior here Tuesday.


There was already a crowd in Pacquiao’s first official gym workout here since arriving Saturday night from his training stint in Cebu, but the anticipated sparring session was instead rescheduled for Wednesday

The awesome display of power, speed and sharpness came in a breathtaking non-stop drill with the mitts inside the ring, spread over the same length of time it takes to propel him on a jet flight from Manila to his hometown General Santos City or nearby Mindanao.

Big bombs

The execution was purely imaginary, the big bombs reverberating far and wide -- maybe all the way to the secluded Barrera workplace in Guadalajara -- and the few Mexicans in the 60-strong horde at Wild Card could only smile wryly and shake their heads in awe.

The liver shot, brought into the open here for the first time, was a paralyzing replica of the left dagger to the rib cage used by Gerry Peñalosa in stopping world super bantamweight king Jhonny Gonzales in Sacramento early last month, but delivered by Pacquiao with a flashing right hook.

After the no-break punching drill that had a tired but visibly pleased Freddie Roach on the receiving end, Pacquiao did another full hour of assorted drills, capped by a neophyte session on the floor that surprisingly included the use of weights, as prescribed by a Roach gym deputy.

However, this amateurish portion was mercifully scrapped after less than 10 minutes on the suggestion of Roach assistant Buboy Fernandez, who insisted the use of iron this late could result in strain and severely disrupt hard-earned rhythm and speed.

Full morning run

Actually, Pacquiao Tuesday was supposed to do only a short jog, limber up in the park close to his apartment. But he opted to take a full morning run through the trying Griffith Park terrain with Rodel Mayol, whom he’s helping to repackage here.

Pacquiao covered the hilly terrain in only 45 minutes, three minutes faster at this point in previous training here.

“Our plan? We’ll knock him out earlier,” Roach told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net), a plot he had to reconfirm following silly rumors of a dive and a rubber match.

All in all, Tuesday’s Pacquiao regimen lasted a full 30 rounds, with Pacquiao still oozing with vigor when he reluctantly agreed to call it a day.

He had the usual shower and rub-down, then repaired to the gym counter where he gladly accommodated admirers, signing mementos and posing for photographs.

Roach no longer had to explain why he allowed Pacquiao to refuse the usual minute-break in between the training rounds.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, was unusually quiet although he earlier told a television man from Manila about that famous Joe Frazier adage that nobody could help or save a boxer inside the ring except himself.

source: By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- He was a vital cog for San Beda College when the Red Lions captured two straight NCAA crowns decades ago.


With a receding hairline and lugging additional pounds, Frankie Lim now returns to the scene of his collegiate conquest as head coach of a team craving to duplicate a feat it achieved 29 years before.

“We don’t want to be overconfident but I think it can be done,” said Lim on the eve of the Red Lions’ date with history.

Grabbing the best-of-three series opener, 76-68, the Red Lions will go for the clincher against the Letran College Knights in Game 2 of the 83rd NCAA men’s basketball finals on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Game time is set at 4 p.m. following the juniors championship showdown between the San Sebastian College Staglets and Letran Squires.

Ryan Buenafe, who posted a fourth triple-double, aims to lead the Staglets to their third consecutive title after dumping Letran, 90-72, in Game 1 of their series.

The Red Lions downed the Knights in Game 1 behind Ogie Menor’s 23 points.

“We prepared hard all week long to be in shape,” said the 47-year-old Lim, the top playmaker for the champion San Beda teams of 1977 and 1978.

San Beda’s rebounding monster Sam Ekwe, forward Yousif Aljamal and the backcourt trio of Menor, Pong Escobal and Borgie Hermida, however, are facing a squad which has an unbelievable history of coming back from a deathly situation.

The Knights were in the same predicament in 2005 opposite Philippine Christian University before yanking the rug from under the Dolphins in the next two games to steal the championship.

“San Beda is really tough,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.

Meanwhile, Kelvin Dela Peña, Aljamal and Marvin Hayes will slug it out for the right to be named MVP for this year’s season.

Dela Peña, Mapua Institute of Tehcnology’s do-it-all playmaker, has gained headway in the MVP race after emerging on top of the statistical sheets with an average of 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.3 steals a game.

source: June Navarro / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Even if another tough stretch lies ahead for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, their payback triumph over the defending champions has greatly lifted their mood.


And it’s this winning disposition that Ateneo de Manila University hopes to carry into its second straight do-or-die UAAP semifinal battle against blood rival De La Salle University.

“You have to remember that when we played La Salle the last time, we were coming from that disastrous game against NU (National University),” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

“We were a bit down as far as energy is concerned. It’s a little bit different now. We probably won over one of the best teams in the league which is UST (University of Santo Tomas), so we have a little more confidence, a little more momentum.”

But Black noted that overcoming last season’s heartache against the UST Tigers with a 69-64 knockout win is one thing. Beating the La Salle Green Archers twice, however, is another.

It was just over a week ago when the Eagles yielded the No. 2 spot to the Archers in a playoff match, thus blowing a chance to claim the twice-to-beat bonus in the final phase of the stepladder semifinals.

“We have a hard, long road to go,” Black said during the PSA Forum Tuesday at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

“UST was just the first step. Getting past La Salle in two games, I mean if we accomplish it, it will be a great feat. Even I have to admit it’s going to be very difficult.”

And the Archers can swiftly end the Eagles’ season with another heartbreak. Just one triumph will propel the Archers to the best-of-three Finals opposite the unbeaten University of the East Warriors.

“They might have the momentum after that big win versus UST, but we have the twice-to-beat, that’s a big advantage for us,” said La Salle assistant coach Joey Sta. Maria.

The Eagles won twice in three showdowns against the Archers this season. No team, though, has won by more than three points.

“The first three games were very close; it could have gone either way,” said Sta. Maria. “It’s very unpredictable. You never know who’s going to do well.”

source: By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante open defense of their PartyPoker.net World Cup Pool title against the Scottish pair of Michael Valentine and Pat Holtz Tuesday at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.


The RP-Scotland duel is the fourth of six matches scheduled on the opening day of the $250,000 scotch doubles tournament featuring crack two-man squads from 31 countries.

It will be Croatia against Russia in the first match followed by China versus South Africa and Japan against Spain. France versus Italy will be the day’s fifth match with the Holland A-Indonesia duel capping the day’s program.

The initial knockout play lasting up to Thursday is a race to eight, winner-break format.

Reyes and Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, clinched the inaugural trophy last August when they beat Team America spearheaded by Rodney “Rocket” Morris and Earl “The Pearl” Strickland in the final at the Newport Center, Newport, Wales in front of a large partisan crowd.

Morris has tapped former US Open winner Corey Deuel as partner this time.

Although not as famous as the Filipinos, the Scots are no pushovers.

The Larkhall, Scotland native Holtz is the reigning Scottish 9-Ball Champion and reached the last 16 in the last World Pool Championship. An Irish 9-Ball Masters Champion, he has three Scottish Tour wins and was semifinalist at the 2007 World Pool Masters.

Valentine, from Grangemouth, Scotland is a former UK pool winner.

Holtz and Valentine, who idolizes Reyes, lost 9-5 in the first round last year to the Holland pair of Niels Feijen and Nick van Den Berg.

If the Filipinos win, they will face in the second round the survivor of the Russia-Croatia duel.

Playing for Russia are Konstantin Stepanov and Ruslan Chinakhov while Croatia is represented by Philipp Stojanovic and Ivica Putnik.

The Wednesday pairings include Australia-Austria, India-Canada and Vietnam-Korea.
source: Marlon Bernardino, contributor / Inquirer

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Top officials of the Philippine Basketball Association fly to Macau Tuesday morning for three days of brainstorming in the hope of sustaining the gains the league enjoyed last season.

The PBA Board headed by chairman Tony Chua, league Officer-in-Charge Sonny Barrios and other key PBA officers will be boarding the Air Macau 10 a.m. flight, all primed to come up with ideas and decisions geared to further strengthen the league and serve the interest of the fans even more.

"My priority is to maintain the PBA's status as the No. 1 sports entertainment in the country. I want the fans to continue to enjoy the games," said Chua, who will preside over the sessions which start right after the delegation checks into their hotel Tuesday afternoon.

"My predecessor – chairman Ricky Vargas – has done a good job. He's a tough act to follow. But with the support of the Board, I'm confident the league will continue to flourish."

Included in the agenda are the proposed PBA stadium, the selection process for the permanent commissioner, the bidding for the league's television rights after the 2007-08 season, PBA Entertainment and PBA gaming.

The budget for the coming season and as well as the proposed new set of game rules will also be discussed during the three-day meet.

The league OIC is confident the proposed budget will get Board approval since it has gotten the nod of the Executive Committee made up of chairman Chua, vice chairman Joaqui Trillo and treasurer Robert Non.

"I expect some questions from the other members of the Board but I'd like to think it just awaits formal approval," said Barrios.

"The good thing for me was that the budget was about 85 percent done when I came in. Heads of the different departments helped me complete it," he added.

source: www.pba.ph

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Red Bull finally showed its old fighting form in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tourney, breaking into the win-column with a 125-98 rout of Coca-Cola at the Rizal Technological University gym Monday.


The Barakos pounded and pummeled the Tigers in a match marred by a near fight between Carlo Sharma and Ricky Calimag, the awarding of four technical fouls and the eventual ejection of Sharma.

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao also drew a technical on the incident in the third quarter. The Barakos blew cold at the resumption of play but sizzled again in the fourth quarter, chalking up their first win in the pre-season event.

The Barakos dropped their exhibition game versus the KT&G team of Korea, then bowed to the Sta. Lucia Realtors and the San Miguel Beermen.

The Tigers lost all five matches, including one against the guest Korean squad.

Cyrus Baguio, Mick Pennisi, Leo Najorda, Mike Hrabak and Magnum Membrere each scored at least 14 for Red Bull while rookie Ronjay Buenafe and Chester Tolomia paced Coca-Cola with 16 and 15 points, respectively.

The Barakos came out smoking, firing six treys in starting the game with a 23-16 run.

They closed the opening period at 42-26 and kept the searing pace to take the half at 73-44.

Then Sharma and Calimag had their altercation, temporarily halting the game that seemed to cool off the Barakos.

The Tigers, led by Buenafe and Kenneth Duremdes, made their move in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 13 at 81-94.

Settling for a 96-82 lead at the end of the third, Red Bull blew hot again at the start of the payoff period, pulling away for good at 108-83 on a 12-1 assault.

The Barakos went on to pad their lead to as big as 30 at 118-88. (NC)

The scores:

Red Bull 125 -- Baguio 20, Pennisi 19,Najorda 15, Hrabak 14, Membrere 14, Sharma 9, Camaso 8, Robinson 7, Adriano 6, Cruz 6, Andaya 4, Duncil 3.

Coca-Cola 98 -- Buenafe 16, Tolomia 15, Duremdes 11, Isip 10, Cabagnot 10, Telan 9, Caceres 7, Misolas 6, Gavino 6, Echavez 5, Enrile 4.

Quarterscores: 42-26, 73-44, 96-82, 125-98.
source: www.pba.ph

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This was the reminder to fans issued by UAAP host University of Santo Tomas Monday following separate off-court incidents, including one involving commissioner Ed Cordero, during the heated Ateneo-UST semifinal battle last Sunday.


“Let these games be an avenue for further camaraderie... not for hooliganism,” said league secretary-treasurer Felicitas Francisco.

Cordero and an Ateneo de Manila University alumnus nearly came to blows at courtside but were separated by venue security after the Blue Eagles knocked out the defending champions, 69-64, last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

source: Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES -- He did not say anything upon arrival, but Manny Pacquiao made a clear statement -- he’s out to be at his best -- when he burst from bed at the break of dawn Sunday and did an unscheduled 30-minute jog to the surprise of aides and handlers.


Pacquiao, in thick blue workout outfit, a woolen bonnet wrapping his head, braved the chill and reported to the nearby La Brea Park, towing with him team staffers whom he had roused by pulling off their blankets, without saying a word.

Unlike in previous major preparations when he was wont to issue pre-fight statements, stinging and otherwise, Pacquiao has been going through this championship regimen quietly.

“This definitely augurs well, this must be the calm before the storm,” said the head of a Filipino television crew that flew in with Pacquiao from Manila Saturday evening here.

Without using a gauge, Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico has easily outpaced Pacquiao in the speaking portion of their boiling rivalry.

While the Mexican boxing legend had called Pacquiao an ugly thorn on his side, adding he has been aching all these years to beat his Filipino rival he could actually taste it, the Pacman, who knocked out Barrera four years ago, has kept mum.

The speaking chore has obviously been left to trainer Freddie Roach, who on Sunday, taunted Barrera to come over and watch (spy) Pacquiao train.

Roach, who said they have nothing to hide, added he would make sure Barrera does not use extra thick bandage around his fists in the encounter in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao returns Monday (Tuesday in Manila) to the Wild Card gym, which he left Aug. 10 to train in Cebu, for some more sparring, originally scheduled at eight rounds, but which promises to break past the day’s limit.

“You can say he’s just out to be even better than Manny Pacquiao himself,” quipped Rolando Hiso whose two fighters (Glenn Gonzales and Jundy Maraon) he co-manages with Vice Gov. Manny Pinol of North Cotabato are listed in the Will to Win card on Oct. 6.
source: By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Tears welled up in his eyes at the sound of the final buzzer.

And it turned out to be a gut-wrenching scene when coach Pido Jarencio, bent down, tried to compose himself as his assistants gave him consoling pats on the back.


The pained expression remained when Jarencio headed for the dugout as the UAAP season came to a painful close for the defending champion University of Santo Tomas Tigers on Sunday.

“I wasn’t able to prepare the team for a pressure game, for them to be tougher,” he said after the Ateneo Blue Eagles wiped out last season’s heartache with a 69-64 triumph over the Tigers in a knockout semifinal battle.

“These are kids. Whatever I teach them, that’s what you see on court. Ibig sabihin kulang ang turo ko (It only means what I taught them wasn’t enough).”

Although the Tigers came into the match seeded fourth, the rankings did not matter for this ragtag squad that pulled off a miraculous championship run last year.

“Masama ang loob ko; hindi ko alam ang mangyayari sa akin next year, kung nandito pa ako (I’m still hurt; I don’t know if I’ll still be with the team next year),” said Jarencio, whose contract officially ends this season.

UST officials, though, quickly provided the well-loved Jarencio an assurance.

“The community is behind coach Pido,” said UAAP board representative Felicitas Francisco of host league UST.

“We will be disappointed if he will be out of the team. We still want him to stay. What’s a loss? Fourth is good enough.”

Still, Jarencio continued to own up to the missed opportunity of back-to-back titles.

“It’s all my fault, it’s not the boys’ fault,” he said.

source: By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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KUWAIT CITY -- Patrick John Tierro and Johnny Arcilla overpowered separate rivals Sunday to complete a swashbuckling Filipino sweep of host Kuwait in the Asia-Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup finals here.


Tierro thumped Kuwaiti No. 1 Ali Ghareeb, 6-3, 6-1, while Arcilla came back from a 1-4 deficit in the second set to beat Ahmad Rabeea Muhammad, 6-1, 7-5, in the reverse singles of the best-of-five tie to formalize the Philippines’ entry into Group I of the zone next year

The Philippines clinched the tie on Saturday when an ailing Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino bested Mohammad Al-Ghareeb and Mohammad Siddiq, 6-7 (5), 6-0, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1, in the deciding doubles match.

Mamiit, who was rushed to a hospital Friday evening after contracting an allergy, started the Philippine juggernaut with a 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 rout of Muhamad in Friday’s opening singles.

Taino then made it 2-0 by humbling Al-Ghareeb, 6-2, 5-3, 7-5.

The win sent the Philippines back to Group I, where it played last in 1997, in the company of Australia, Japan, Thailand, India, Kazakhstan and Taiwan.

“We must get ready for Group I early,” the 31-year-old Mamiit said. “This will be the real competition.”

Mamiit also said that his allergy has “gone away” and he is sure it was not caused by the “tinolang manok” (chicken ginger stew) provided for the team, on Mamiit’s request, by members of the Filipino Tennis Association in Kuwait.

“I hope that in our future campaigns in other countries, the Filipinos there will give the same support the Filipinos here gave us,” he said.

“Phase three of our program is now complete but this will not be the end,” non-playing captain Martin Misa said, adding that the team will now turn its attention to the country’s campaign in the coming Southeast Asian Games where the Nationals will defend their men’s team title and Mamiit his singles and doubles crowns with Taino.
source: Inquirer

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Realtors in KO match with SMB for Finals spot

Is Sta. Lucia better off minus its old mainstays?

With all due respect to the Sta. Lucia veterans, the team’s PBA Pre-Season Tournament showing suggests so.

The Realtors, minus their men sent to Boston, Massachusetts for training, closed in on the titular game in the pre-season event with a 95-92 win over the titleholder Alaska Aces Saturday night at the Fresnedi gym in Muntinlupa.

Later in the night, Air21 sizzled in the fourth quarter for a come-from-behind 124-110 win over Barangay Ginebra. Both teams, however, are already out of the running for the crown.

Composed of second-tiers and free agents, the Realtors are unbeaten in three games and need only to beat the San Miguel Beermen to gain the right to play the Purefoods Giants for the crown.

Marlou Aquino, Dennis Espino, Kelly Williams, Nelbert Omolon, Paolo Mendoza, Denok Miranda and rookie draftee Ryan Reyes are among Realtors attending skills and conditioning training in the US.

But the Realtors are still able to keep stride with the Beermen in Group A with both teams sporting a 3-0 win-loss slate going into their match.

Alaska is dethroned with a 1-2 card while Red Bull and Coca-Cola are also out with 0-2 and 0-3 records, respectively, in the same group.

The Giants have clinched the first slot in the final after going 3-0 in Group B with a 111-105 victory over the Talk N Text Phone Pals Friday night at the Blue Eagle gym. All the other teams in Group B have suffered already two losses.

Former La Salle star Joseph Yeo, a transferee from Coca-Cola, scored a game-high 22 points and nailed two crucial foul shots in the closing seconds as the Realtors eliminated the Aces and arranged a virtual knockout game with the Beermen.

Willie Miller had a chance to send the game into overtime but missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer.

Getting the needed boost from players hoping to make the Sta. Lucia lineup for the coming season, the Realtors waylaid the Alaska side led by Miller and new acquisitions JR Quinahan and Junjun Cabatu.

Yeo, Melvin Mamaclay, Dennis Daa, Norman Gonzales, Christian Coronel and Derrick Hubalde carried the cudgels for the Realtors as they held their own against Miller and Co.

Rookie JC Intal fired 17 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, fuelling Air21’s mighty surge in the payoff period against Ginebra.

Arwind Santos and KG Canaleta also played big for the Express, scattering 29 and 22 points, respectively. (NC)


The scores:

First Game

Sta. Lucia 95 – Yeo 22, Mamaclay 16, Daa 12, Gonzales 10, Coronel 10, Hubalde 10, Butel 8, Sta. Maria 4, Bughao 3, Pua 0, Santos 0.

Alaska 92 – Miller 16, Hugnatan 16, Quinahan 16, Cabatu 10, Thoss 9, Capuz 8, Cariaso 5, Dela Cruz 4, Bajar 2, Aban 2, Ferriols 2, Bono 2, Juinio 0, Gonzales 0, Laure 0, Castro 0, Uy 0.

Quarterscores: 21-28, 49-46, 68-60, 95-92.

Second Game

Air21 124 – Santos 29, Intal 22, Canaleta 22, Dimaunahan 12, Kramer 10, De Ocampo 10, Arboleda 8, Sotto 4, Se 3, Baluyot 2, Magsumbol 2.

Ginebra 110 – Tubid 21, Salvacion 17, Mamaril 12, Lao 12, Artadi 12, Aquino 10, Escalona 8, Santos 8, Holper 8, Macapagal 2.

Quarterscores: 22-26, 49-53, 71-84, 124-110.

source:
www.pba.ph

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MANILA, Philippines -- ATENEO dethroned University of Santo Tomas, 69-64, to advance in the stepladder semifinals of the UAAP men's basketball competition on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ford Arao topscored with 17 points on top of six rebounds, three assists and one block.

The Blue Eagles will meet rival La Salle Green Archers, who carry a twice-to-beat advantage, on Thursday.

The scores:
ATENEO 69--Arao 17, Tiu 14, Baclao 11, Baldos 7, Salamat 6, Al-Hussaini 5, Long 4, Escueta 3, Reyes 2, Nkemakolam, 0, Laterre 0, Barracoso 0.

UST 64--Cruz 17, Ababou 16, Canlas 14, Espiritu 5, Allera 5, Mirza 3, Dizon 2, Cuan 2, Taylor 0, Cortez 0.
Quarters: 10-18, 32-30, 55-51, 69-64

By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- IF REPORTS ARE ACCURATE ENOUGH, Manny Pacquiao should have no problem finishing off Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas two weeks from now.

The latest buzz out of the Mexican’s camp could be ominous: Barrera was knocked out by a sparmate in Guadalajara, Mexico.


That was the report passed around during yesterday’s send-off breakfast for Pacquiao at Gourdo’s in The Fort.

He refused to comment about it, going his usual route and declaring that he will be 100 percent fully charged for his super featherweight rematch against the “Baby-Faced Assassin” on Oct. 7 at the Mandalay Bay.

“Hindi natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa fight, pero sigurado akong gagawin ko ang lahat (I can’t say what will happen in the fight except that I’ll give it my best shot),” Pacquiao quipped flashing a smile that matched the shine of his gold Rolex wristwatch and diamond-stud earring.

At one point of the press conference, his imported sparring partners, Mexicans Sugar Ray Beltran and David Rodela, vouched for Pacquiao’s preparedness, citing how the Filipino boxing icon’s punches were like swings from a baseball bat.

“We still have 26 hellish rounds with him,” said one of the sparmates who worked out with Pacquiao after the presscon at the Wild Card gym in Parañaque.

They were to join him and trainer Freddie Roach late last night on a flight to the United States for the homestretch of his training.

“He’s my favorite fighter of all time,” said Roach, who also denied previous weeks’ reports that he sent out spies at Barrera’s camp.

“I don’t have any spy. We don’t need any spy,” added the trainer.

Pacquiao knocked out Barrera in the 11th-round during their first date in November of 2003, a result that practically put the Filipino in the radar of megabuck fights.

By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

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GAME TODAY (Araneta Coliseum)3 p.m.—Ateneo vs UST

MANILA, Philippines -- IN A TWIST THAT’S NOT AS SURPRISING considering where it’s coming from, the team that has been teetering on the brink is the one brimming with confidence.


“Basta playoffs dyan kami matindi (In the playoffs, that’s where we do well),” said Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio on the eve of a do-or-die duel against an Ateneo squad that wasted a couple of opportunities to stay out of this dogfight.

Don’t credit Jarencio’s bravado to pure machismo. This is, after all, UST, the unranked squad that pulled off an improbable UAAP title run last year.

The Tigers, who barely made it to the Final Four again this season, only need to don the familiar gold-and-white to issue a painful reminder to the Ateneo Blue Eagles as they clash at the start of the men’s basketball stepladder semifinals.

“We’re just ready; in the playoffs, there’s no advantage or disadvantage,” said Jarencio, whose Tigers stunned the favored Eagles in last year’s title clash.

The winner of the 3 p.m. knockout match today at the Araneta Coliseum will advance opposite the No. 2 La Salle Green Archers, who carry a twice-to-beat edge.

And the final victor in these series of frenzied battles will face the University of the East Warriors, who earned the first championship berth as a bonus for winning all 14 assignments in the elimination round.

For Ateneo, the return trip to the Finals has taken a longer route because of its own doing. The Blue Eagles dropped to No. 3 after a surprise loss to National University in the final elimination day, followed by a heartbreaker to rival La Salle in a playoff for the No. 2 spot.

But coach Norman Black said his Eagles already brushed off the upsetting twin setbacks.

“Focus now is on UST,” said Black. “Jervy Cruz is our number one concern. We have to keep him off the offensive boards and not let him dominate the paint.”

Cruz, the Tigers’ star center, leads the Most Valuable Player race after norming 16.7 points, a league-best 15.4 boards and 1.4 blocks per game.

But Black noted that the Eagles also have to contend with the Tigers’ perimeter shooters.

“Their guards are quite big,” he said. “(Dylan) Ababou, (Anthony) Espiritu, (Mark) Canlas, they have an assortment of guys there who have good shots.”

And this reliable bunch keyed the Tigers’ semifinal survival by eliminating the Far Eastern Tamaraws in a playoff for the No. 4 spot.

UST routed Ateneo, 87-74, in the first round, but the Eagles scored sweet revenge in their next encounter when rookie guard Kirk Long buried a buzzer-beater for a 72-71 triumph.

“Iba ang usapan sa playoff (The playoff is a different story),” a usually cracking Jarencio said in a serious tone. “Tingnan natin ang tibay nila, basta kami matibay kami (We’re tough, let’s see how tough they are).”

By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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PBA - 8 games a week lined up; league to play through Christmas season. After missing the entire second conference last season for a tour of duty with the Philippine Team that participated in the FIBA-Asia Men's Championship in Tokushima, Japan, the big guns of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rejoin their respective mother teams, prompting the new leadership of Asia's first-pay-for-play league to be optimistic about the upcoming season.

Defending champion Barangay Ginebra welcomes the return to its fold of the backcourt tandem of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand. Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and RenRen Ritualo link up anew with Talk N Text, and so does the duo of Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Seigle with San Miguel. Tony de la Cruz is back with Alaska, Ranidel de Ocampo with Air21, Kerby Raymundo with Purefoods and Mick Pennisi with Red Bull.

Their return could only mean added durability to their ballclubs, which have a long conference ahead of them.

A busy campaign is in store for all 10 teams in the opening tournament, where each squad will be playing a total of 18 games, according to PBA Officer In-Charge Sonny Barrios.

"It's going to be a long but exciting conference, which we know will be for the benefit of the legions of PBA fans," said Barrios, adding that the Philippine Cup – serving as the league's first conference – will run for four months.

"With our stars back to their mother teams and a new set of exciting rookies to watch, I am very optimistic that the PBA will again have another successful season."

The 2007-08 season opens on October 14 at the Araneta Coliseum and could run until Feb. 17.

Each week, a total of eight games will be played. The league will have its regular playdates on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and will also hold a game a week in non-traditional venues like the The Arena in San Juan every Thursday and a provincial game every Saturday.

The Araneta Coliseum remains as the main venue of the games, although there will also be games calendared at the Astrodome in Pasay City and the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Twelve games in 10 provincial venues are also lined up.

In addition, the league will be playing through the Christmas Season, with games on Christmas Day, Dec. 28 and Dec. 30.

PBA Chairman Tony Chua of Red Bull sees the additional games beneficial to rookies and all players in general, now that the 14-man lineup will be in effect beginning this season.

"More games mean more opportunities for all players to see action," said Chua, also team manager of Red Bull.

A slight modification in the conference format has also been adopted.

The top two teams after the classification phase still advance to the semifinals outright, while the nos. 3, 4 and 5 squads qualify for the quarterfinals.

The 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th teams are going to be relegated to the wildcard phase, which will feature knockout games to determine the sole survivor and the last quarterfinalist.

The last-placed team is automatically eliminated. source: www.pba.ph

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MANILA, Philippines -- WITH the stars back and a new breed of promising rookies coming in, the Philippine Basketball Association has every reason to be optimistic with the coming season.


"Just like the previous one, I'm positive that the league will again have another successful season," said PBA officer-in-charge Sonny Barrios.

Players loaned to the national team will return to their respective squads, with the influx of rookies adding to the excitement being generated by the league.

Defending champion Barangay Ginebra welcomes back the backcourt duo of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand while Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo return to Talk 'N Text.

San Miguel Beer will get back Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Seigle while Red Bull links up with Mick Pennisi anew. Kerby Raymundo (Purefoods) Tony Dela Cruz (Alaska), Kelly Williams (Sta. Lucia) and Ranidel De Ocampo (Air21) will also rejoin their teams.

The 2007-2008 season opens Oct. 14 at the Araneta Coliseum via the Philippine Cup, which is expected to end on Feb. 11. By June Navarro / Inquirer.

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MANILA, Philippines -- PUREFOODS encountered rough sailing before blowing away Talk 'N Text in extra time, 111-105, Friday night to seize the solo lead in Group A of the 2007-08 PBA Preseason Tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan.


James Yap bailed the Giants out of trouble by tossing in seven straight points and handed a nifty feed to Jondan Salvador for the insurance basket that neutralized the onslaught of the Phone Pals in overtime.

Though the Giants notched their third win in four games, it was an ugly one considering the chances they wasted in regulation.

For a three-minute stretch in the fourth period, the Phone Pals dissolved an 80-65 Purefoods lead to a single basket following two free throws by Asi Taulava.

Yap ended the drought with a short jumper off the glass before June Peter Simon's three-point play gave the Giants a 92-85 cushion.

Jay Washington knocked in a three in another Talk 'N Text assault as the Phone Pals pulled within 92-94 with 43 ticks remaining.

Yap had the chance to seal the deal in regulation as he drove through the teeth of the Talk 'N Text defense, but Washington swatted away the 2005 MVP's floater.

Jimmy Alapag fetched a foul off a loose ball scramble and then sank two free throws to forge extra period.

The scores:

PUREFOODS 111--J.Yap 29, Simon 14, Raymundo 13, R.Yap 12, Lanete 11, Adducul 7, Pingris 6, Sanz 5, Evangelista 4, Larong 0.

TALK 'N TEXT 105--Taulava 27, Washington 22, Carey 19, Alapag 8, Billones 8, Noble 6, Belano 5, Ritualo 4, Ferreria 2, Fran 2, Cardona 2.

Quarters: 25-17, 45-44, 75-62, 111-105

By June Navarro/ Agence France-Presse / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- AFTER playing just about every type of game on the way to an elimination-round sweep, this powerhouse doesn't mind playing the waiting one.


The University of the East Warriors are putting to good use the 20-day break they earned by keeping themselves in shape as they wait for a Finals opponent in the UAAP men's basketball competition.

"The boys are practicing hard," UE coach Dindo Pumaren said Friday at a press briefing.

"I've been pushing them. The aggressiveness is still there."

In a rare display of dominance, the Warriors captured the first championship berth as a bonus for sweeping their 14 assignments in the elimination round.

But the incentive comes with a long break as three teams dispute the last Finals slot in a stepladder semifinals--one prolonged by a pair of playoff matches that determined the flow of the stepladder.

Third-ranked Ateneo and No. 4 University of Santo Tomas collide in a knockout match this Sunday, with the winner advancing opposite No. 2 La Salle.

Ateneo dropped to the No. 3 seed after blowing an assignment against National University in its last game and then losing to La Salle in a playoff for No. 2. UST copped the No. 4 slot and the right to square off against the No. 3 team in sudden death by eliminating Far Eastern U also in a playoff.

The Archers will face the winner of the Ateneo-UST tussle carrying the twice-to-beat edge.

And the last team standing will face the Warriors in Game 1 of the best-of-three title series on Oct. 4.

"We're happy to be in the Finals right away," said Pumaren. "It's better that we're just waiting instead of still fighting it out."

But Pumaren noted that his Warriors have been paying attention to the remaining teams.

"Any of the three teams will be tough," he said. "They all have experience playing in the Finals."

The focus, he said, is to stay in shape and to keep the competitive rhythm when the title series starts. By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- A DAY after University of the Philippines gave coach Joe Lipa the pink slip, alumni groups were pushing for two of the temperamental coach's former wards, Eric Altamirano and Ronnie Magsanoc, to take his place.


School officials said they will name the coach early to give him time to prepare for the next UAAP season, which coincides with UP's centennial celebration, but have yet to begin their search for Lipa's replacement.

"I recommended for [Lipa's early] termination because of the centennial year," said Hercules Callanta, dean of the College of Human Kinetics, who wants the team to be competitive in the 2008 season. "The next coach will be hard pressed for a result. We want [the new coach] to have the luxury of time."

The school, though, is still awaiting word from UP chancellor Sergio Cao regarding the status of Lipa.

Although Callanta recommended that Lipa be replaced after a winless season, the decision will only be final once it is ratified by Cao.

"Although the recommendation is already a big step, it still has to be ratified," said a school source.

"The chancellor should have an action based on his own decision," said Callanta. "We just have to wait for his action."

Callanta said the school doesn't have a list of candidates yet, although several names have already floated.

"We haven't started anything," said Callanta. "No one is being eyed, no one is being sought after. All are speculations."

But alumni groups are pressing for Magsanoc and Altamirano, both members of Lipa's 1986 championship squad, the only UP team to win a UAAP title.

The name of Allan Gregorio was also floated but the Air21 assistant mentor respectfully asked that he be taken off whatever list because he is eyeing a PBL stint.

The Maroons wrapped up the elimination round with a 0-14 record marked by horrendous blowout losses. By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- ANTHONY FERNANDO'S text reply said it all.

Wedged in the middle of a quarrel between the National Golf Association of the Philippines and erstwhile benefactor ICTSI, Fernando and Ferdinand Aunzo on Friday followed their sponsor's orders and withdrew from the RP team set to compete in next month's Nomura Cup.



"Sorry po, sir, akala ko po maglalaro lang ako ng golf dito (I'm sorry, sir, but I thought I'd only be playing golf here)," Fernando, the newly crowned RP Amateur champion, said in the text message to NGAP official Caloy Coscoluella.

Fernando was replying to an NGAP appeal for him and Aunzo to reconsider.

James Ryan Lam, who finished 11th in the RP team tryouts three weeks ago, and former jungolf ace and one-time RP Am finalist Tonlits Asistio will take the places of Fernando and Aunzo in the team.

The NGAP and ICTSI had a falling out on Wednesday over the selection of players that would comprise the Nomura Cup team. The team composition did not sit well with ICTSI.

The NGAP had tapped Fernando, Aunzo, Mark Fernando and Jonel Ababa for the Taipei joust. But ICTSI insisted that Jay Bayron be sent in lieu of Ababa who, like Fernando, is a product of the National Caddies' Open (NCO) program.

The deadline for the submission of names of players for the Nomura Cup, scheduled in the first week of October, was Friday, and Coscoluella was hoping that the NGAP and ICTSI could patch up their differences.

"We're not here to fight with ICTSI," Coscoluella told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the phone. "But they must at least respect our decision because we are not doing this for anything else other than the betterment of (local) golf."

After the Nomura Cup, the Philippines will also see action in the Putra Cup, set at The Country Club in Laguna in November, and the Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December where it is the defending champion.

The port services giant ICTSI has bankrolled the training of some of the country's finest amateurs.

Ababa and Mark Fernando made it to the RP pool after finishing in the top six of the team qualifier at The Riviera, with Fernando tying Aunzo for top spot.

Instead of tapping the No. 7 qualifier at Riviera--17-year-old Paul Echavez or RP Am runner-up Mario Labajo--the NGAP picked Asistio and Lam.

"We think that Asistio and Lam are better prepared than the two (Echavez and Labajo)," Coscoluella said, explaining the NGAP decision.

Echavez and Labajo also belong to the NCO pool, but their handler, Tommy Manotoc, consented to the selection of Asistio and Lam, a 19-year-old long-hitter.

Incidentally, Abe Rosal, mainstay of the multititled Canlubang in the Philippine Airlines Interclub, will handle the training of the Nomura Cup team. By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES--The boxing world wants an answer to this pressing puzzle on the happy state of boxing in the Philippines.


How did Manny Pacquiao and at least three other reigning Filipino world boxing champions succeed and manage to punctuate national pride despite the aweful absence of a unified boxing development program in the country?

This, you bet, is more baffling than the sight of poor, wretched Pinoys, who live and labor half-covered from the searing tropical sun, winning gold medals in exclusive, freezing winter Olympic disciplines.

Sorry, but there is yet no available guide to the secret behind the current Filipino success in world boxing.

* * *

Why? Because there's also no recorded scientific system detailing how and why Pacquiao, et al, have hit the jackpot.

Of course, this is not enough for cynics, mainly from south of the border here, to claim that the blazing brilliance of Filipino boxers in foreign arenas was the result of a cheap, lucky punch, or something of the sort.

Never. But should it come as a surprise if, say, the WBC Convention, set to start Nov. 11 at the Manila Hotel, also involved a curious peek into the mystery surrounding Philippine boxing?

For example, is the Games and Amusements Board, under the Office of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, going all out to invite the biggest names in world boxing--Ali, Frazier, Don King, De La Hoya, Tyson, etc.--to divert attention from government corruption, now again under the microscope due to the $329-million NBN deal with China, which got stalled and stunk under the table?

* * *

As was often the case, the annual WBC is sure to deteriorate into a forgettable get-together among the greatest back-slappers (ego-trippers) in the prizefight world.

But, come to think of it, did they have to look far for someone to save the WBC Convention from total irrelevance?

Not anymore. Smiling, if not burping, at the corner is Don Jose Sulaiman, the pudgy, unsinkable old ship of a WBC president who was last sighted in Manila in 1996.

Like a returning pontiff, the doe-eyed Don Jose could yawn and, in the process, promptly bestow distinguished approval on the opulent WBC gathering.

Of course, this time, Sulaiman must make sure he brings with him the blueprint of a boxing development program which he generously detailed in another convention in Bangkok in the mid-'90s (was it 1994?), when the WBC honored the late Papa Sarreal, international match-maker non-pareil, with a lifetime achievement award.

* * *

Anyway, in case Sulaiman would wonder, he must be told, that Pacquiao was not in any way a product of the hero factory he had proposed to an international audience in that Bangkok confab.

For the record, Pacquiao has made it on his own. He left the Philippines, wiggled out of a primitive boxing mould (if there's at least one), and enrolled at the Wild Card gym courtesy of Rod Nazario, his surrogate father.

It's history how the Pacman, truly raw, blossomed and blazed into a full-scale boxing treasure, no mere gem, under Roach.

To confirm the utter need for a scientific national boxing program, Roach would recommend that a national boxing academy be set up in the Philippines, preferrably in Manila.

However, the government of President Arroyo would not hear anything of the nonsense.

Odd enough, Pacquiao went on the become an Arroyo favorite, whose victories were wildly celebrated at the Palace, in a clear bid to inject verve and vitamin to the President's sagged ratings.

* * *

Listen again, please. The Sulaiman formula had looked plain enough. Put up a foundation, construct or use an available gymnasium--similar to the one, he said, they had set up in Mexico, provide this with necessary personnel, equipment, facilities--trainers, doctors, psychologists, fight films, lecturers, everything.

Then open the venue to the public, mainly poor, out-of-school kids, who could bid for a decent life only by entering the cruel world of boxing.

Needless to say, there should be strict screening, monitoring--meaning not every other hungry, homeless bum could walk in.

The way Don Jose had pictured the poor man's boxing academy, it must've churned off breed after breed of enviable Mexican ring warriors equipped with sound fighting basics.

* * *

A hero factory, indeed. But hold it, please.

In order for Don Jose to endure as the perfect saviour of the forthcoming WBC Convention, he must at the same time extract a commitment from the Philippine government that it would copy the tested formula.

Sulaiman could do the bargaining during an expected audience at Malaca&tnilde;ang.

Or he could also ask the great Manny Pacquiao to set up a foundation to fund such an academy, with the help of sponsors.

Here's hoping Se&tnilde;or Sulaiman is listening.

After all, this is the only safe way he could save the 45th WBC Convention from blending ahead with the famous Manila sunset. By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- BEACH volleyball standouts, Diane Pascua and Heidi Illustre are working doubly hard to fulfill their dream of playing in the Olympics.


The Filipino-American tandem now ranks No. 42 in the international women's circuit, 18 notches below the 24-team qualifying standard set by the 2008 Beijing Olympics organizers.

But an official of the Asian Volleyball Confederation said that an abundance of overseas tournaments between now and the Olympics gives Ilustre and Pascua enough time to cover the deficit.

"There are still 18 legs before the qualifying ends in July next year," said Tony Liao, AVC board member and technical official for beach volleyball in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games.

"They (Pacua and Ilustre) are trying their best to make it and we're not losing hope."

The Fil-Ams, bronze medalists in the 2005 Manila SEAG, will start their climb in the Fortaleza, Brazil leg of the FIVB World Cup slated Sept. 26 to 29.

After their Brazilian stint, the duo will proceed to the United States for a respite before taking an Oct. 27 flight back to Manila, their final stop prior to the resumption of their Olympic bid.

The two are already booked to play in the Thailand and Hong Kong legs of the World Cup tour in November.

Pascua and Ilustre then vie at the Thailand SEAG, where they hope to clinch the Philippines' first gold medal in the event.By June Navarro / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- It took only three minutes for Coach Joe Lipa to get the boot.


In a very brief meeting Thursday, the University of the Philippines (UP) dismissed Lipa as head coach after the UP Maroons’ winless campaign in the UAAP men’s basketball competition.

“It only took three minutes,” a very calm Lipa said. “I’m taking it philosophically. Basketball has been so nice to me. I’ve created a lot of friends. By the same token, I’ve created a lot of enemies.”

Hercules Callanta, dean of the College of Human Kinetics, will recommend the termination of Lipa’s services to the UP chancellor.

The usually fiery coach only had a “handshake agreement” with school officials to mentor the Maroons until 2008, the university’s centennial anniversary.

Lipa admitted that there was already a campaign for his ouster weeks before the Maroons ended the elimination round with a 0-14 mark.

“I told them that I tried my best to serve UP,” said Lipa. “I don’t want to stand in the way of what they think is good for the university.”

Lipa, who mentored UP during its only title run in 1986, answered criticisms regarding his coaching style.

“I’m strong as a bull physically and my mind is exactly as it was 20 years ago,” said Lipa, who took over from Lito Vergara in 2006.

The Maroons lost by an average of 20.8 points, including the most lopsided loss in the last five years -- by 40 points to the University of the East, 99-59.

Save for three games, the Maroons lost all their matches in double figures.

“I devised a program centered on 2008 -- the training regimen, the recruitment plans, the training of the players individually and as a team,” said Lipa. “But a lot of things happened beyond my control. I cannot resolve it.”

Lipa said the concerns include financial constraints.

“It was a big factor; when you recruit, you’re putting a price tag on the player,” said Lipa, who handled a rookie-laden squad.

“My only regret is my dream to devise a training program, a philosophy where Filipinos will excel in international competition, [did not materialize],” said Lipa.

Lipa said he had yet to inform his players, who taped “I Love Joe” notes on their jerseys in their final game against Adamson on Saturday.

Among the names floated to replace Lipa include Ronnie Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano, both members of his 1986 champion squad, Air21 assistant coach Allan Gregorio and Santo Tomas assistant mentor Beaujing Acot.
By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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Marcos Antonio Torres and his quest to be one of the 8 to participate in the Expat for Beijing 2008 Olympic Torchbearers.


VOTE HERE!!!

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Watch one of the biggest fights in the history of boxing when our very own Manny Pacquiao clashes head-on with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera on Sunday, October 7!


Catch these two warriors settle their grudges in the ring by joining Getzmo.com's thrilling promo! Just answer these questions and get a chance to win tickets to the rematch of the year!
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Santos, Devance continue to light up the scoreboards.

Titleholder Alaska and Air21 kept their flickering hopes alive for the 2007 PBA Pre-Season final with contrasting wins over Coca-Cola and Welcoat Wednesday in separate venues.


The Aces drubbed the Tigers, 95-89, at the PUP gym while the Express dominated the Dragons, 112-100, over at the Chiang Kai Shek gym.


Tony de la Cruz, Willie Miller, JR Quinahan, Sonny Thoss and John Ferriols all scored in double figures as the Aces rebounded from a debut loss to the San Miguel Beermen in Group A.

The Express, meanwhile, snapped a two-game slump in Group B with a convincing win over the Dragons largely behind the exploits of Arwind Santos, KG Canaleta, Doug Kramer, JC Intal and Ranidel de Ocampo.

Santos, Canaleta, Kramer, Intal and De Ocampo each scored at least 11 to offset Joe Devance’s 31-point explosion and Jay-R Reyes’s 29-point outing.

The Dragons suffered a second loss in three outings.

De la Cruz paced the Aces with 18 points and joined forces with Ken Bono in delivering the decisive baskets to hold off the Tigers’ fierce endgame chase.

The Tigers picked up their game a little late and remained winless in three starts.

Losing their opening game to the Beermen, the Aces played with great resolve with coach Tim Cone even incurring a technical foul right in the opening period.

The Aces took the first half at 48-35 but had to fend off a furious Coca-Cola rally at endgame.

The Tigers, behind the exploits of Ronjay Buenafe, Kenneth Duremdes and Mark Telan, came within two points in the fourth period.

But the Aces won’t be denied with De la Cruz and Bono delivering at crunch time. (NC)

The scores:

PUP game

Alaska 95 – Dela Cruz 18, Miller 12, Quinahan 10, Thoss 10, Ferriols 10, Aban 9, Hugnatan 8, Luanzon 5, Laure 4, Bono 4, Capus 3, Gonzales 2.

Coca-Cola 89 – Buenafe 16, Telan 16, Isip 14, Duremdes 12, Peek 8, Cabagnot 6, Calimag 5, Tolomia 5, Echavez 3, Misolas 2, Enrile 2.

Quarterscores: 26-19, 48-35, 71-62, 95-89

Chiang Kai Shek game

Air21 112 – Santos 27, Canaleta 18, Kramer 17, Intal 14, De Ocampo 11, Arboleda 9, Dimaunahan 7, Sotto 4, Chia 3, Cruz 2.

Welcoat 100 – Devance 31, Reyes 29, Arana 12, Gelig 8, Mente 6, Wainwright 4, Sta. Maria 4, Lopez 4, Guiyab 2.

Quarterscores:28-18, 56-42, 84-76,112-100.
source: www.pba.ph

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The US National Basketball Association is launching a new subsidiary in China, in a sign of the sport's increasing popularity there, the league announced Wednesday.


Microsoft's top man in China, Tim Chen, will leave the software giant effective October 15 to head the newly-formed NBA China.

Basketball is big business in China. One in five visits to NBA.com comes from China, where 300 million people play basketball and 83 percent of those between the ages of 15 and 24 are NBA followers. Growing consumer demand has sparked the creation of the new operation.

Chinese devotion to the game goes well beyond Yao Ming, the 7-foot-6 Chinese giant who plays for the NBA's Houston Rockets. Yao became the first Asian superstar in the NBA but Chinese fans know US stars LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal also.

"The NBA is a truly exceptional brand with a huge fan base that reaches across all parts of China," Chen said in a statement.

"I'm thrilled by the scope of this opportunity and the ability to work with such a talented team as we build on the enormous business potential that spans media, merchandising, marketing, events and new initiatives."

Chen, who was president of Motorola China from 2001 to 2003, will be the point man for navigating governmental issues and boosting explosive NBA growth potential in the world's most populated nation.

NBA programming relationships with 51 television stations in China bring league games to more than 1.2 billion viewers and the NBA also has partnership deals in 20 with 20 leading global brands.

"Tim Chen is a proven business leader who has guided the dramatic growth of two Fortune 100 businesses in China," NBA commissioner David Stern said.

"Tim is the ideal person to lead NBA China as we expand our infrastructure and operations to meet the growing interest from fans and consumers throughout the region."

NBA products are available in more than 50,000 locations across China, from the hustle and bustle of a Beijing preparing for next year's Olympics to the vendors in tiny islands near Hong Kong.

More than 170 NBA events will be staged in China, most notably three pre-season exhibition games in Shanghai and Macao next month.

The NBA's first Chinese venture came in 1979 when the Washington Bullets played an exhibition there against China's national team.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that the NBA will own 90 percent of NBA China with five percent going to Chinese investors and five percent going to a US media company that sources told the Times was The Walt Disney Company.

Disney owns the ABC television network and ESPN's all-sports TV network among its US operations.

NBA China will be governed by a board of directors that will include Stern, NBA owners, representatives of outside investors, NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver and Heidi Ueberroth, the NBA president of global marketing partnerships and international business operations.

It was Ueberroth who led the recruiting process that landed Chen.

"After an extensive search that produced many qualified candidates, Tim Chen was the clear choice based on his tremendous experience and accomplishments," she said.

"Tim will assume leadership of a very talented team of NBA employees based in China."

Mark Fischer, who works in the NBA's current China-based operation, will be promoted to a senior vice president role below Chen.

Chen spent eight years at Motorola before taking the top post, part of that time as market and sales general manager for China infrastructure. Before that he spent nine years based in the United States at AT&T Labs.

Now living in Beijing, Chen received masters degrees from the University of Chicago after receiving an undergraduate degree at Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.

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Magnolia is launching their newest products, Magnolia Fruit Drink and Magnolia Health Tea with Angel Locsin, Erik Morales, and Alvin Patrimonio as its endorsers. Watch the TV commercial after the jump.

This is Erik Morales’ second TV commercial for San Miguel (Magnolia is a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation). His first was with Manny Pacquiao for San Miguel Pale Pilsen.
source: www.mukamo.com

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San Miguel Beer and Sta. Lucia Realty used searing final-half runs to roll past separate foes Monday night in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tournament at the Marikina Sports Complex.


The Beermen whipped the Coca-Cola Tigers, 126-116, while the Realtors drubbed the Red Bull Barakos, 132-114, as they stayed on equal footing in Group A with two wins apiece.

Joseph Yeo, Paolo Mendoza, Bitoy Omolon and Melvin Mamaclay each scored at least 17 points as the Realtors overwhelmed the Barakos in their debut in the pre-season event.

San Miguel seized the lead at halftime on a buzzer-beating alley-oop shot by Danny Seigle, and the Beermen raged on in the final half en route to the 10-point win.

The Tigers took control in the early goings, enjoying double-digit spreads but couldn’t keep in step as the Beermen pressed their bid in the second half.

Danny Ildefonso and Rico Villanueva imposed their strength underneath and the Beermen toughened up on defense as they made their back-breaking run in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers practically bombed out of contention for the one-game Finale on a second straight loss.

Cesar Catli, a transferee from Sta. Lucia, went 6-of-9 from three-point land but limped out of the court with 6:15 left to play on a bad fall.

Ildefonso, Seigle and Villanueva each scored at least 17 with Dondon Hontiveros, LA Tenorio and Lordy Tugade all adding 11 or more. Ali Peek paced the Tigers with 22.

The Tigers got off to a strong start, racing to a 26-17 lead but the Beermen were quick to pull even at 26-all on a run highlighted by back-to-back hits by Tugade.

Coca-Cola closed the first quarter at 30-28 and again established control at 44-33 behind the exploits of Ricky Calimag and Catli.

But the Beermen clawed their way back through the efforts of Ildefonso and Villanueva. SMB eventually pulled ahead on a buzzer-beating shot by Seigle off an alley-oop pass by Jonas Villanueva. (NC) source: www.pba.ph

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MANILA, Philippines -- It had been over an hour since the final buzzer sounded. Yet none of them seemed ready to trudge out of the locker room.


The Ateneo Blue Eagles, anyway, had plenty to mull about.

Coach Norman Black readily wore his team’s shortcomings on his sleeves after the Eagles twice bungled the chance to claim the No. 2 slot in the UAAP basketball semifinals.

But Black no longer rued the two missed opportunities against the also-ran National University Bulldogs and arch rival De La Salle University Green Archers.

“We don’t have a choice,” said Black Wednesday.

“We have to shake it off and move on. We can’t dwell on the past. We have to live for the moment. We lost to NU in overtime; we lost to La Salle by one point. Those two losses are over. And the moment is to focus on our next game against UST (University of Santo Tomas).”

The Eagles, who ended up third, must conquer the fourth-ranked Tigers, who brought them a lot of heartaches in the Finals last season.

The Eagles and the defending champion Tigers clash in a knockout match this Sunday, with the winner advancing opposite La Salle in the stepladder semifinals.

“The most important thing is we still have a chance,” said Black. “I still believe in my team, I still believe in my players. We have three days to adjust.”

Black and his Eagles took a one-day break Wednesday after back-to-back disappointments in the last four days.

“Two different games, two different stories,” said Black. “Against NU, our defense let us down. We were playing good defense, but it broke down in overtime. Against La Salle, it was our offense.”

The Eagles absorbed a 96-88 overtime loss to the Bulldogs at the end of the elimination round last Saturday then dropped a 70-69 heartbreaker to the Archers Tuesday.

“As a player and as a coach, you get upset about losing,” said Black. “But as long as there’s an opportunity and a chance, that’s what’s important. We have to regroup and re-assess the situation. The motivation is to beat UST and get a shot at La Salle again.”
By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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CEBU CITY -- Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has tapped Cebu’s top long-distance runner Adonis Singson to keep him company in his morning runs which kick off his daily training grind.


Getting a new running partner became necessary since the two Mexican sparmates and even his brother Bobby Pacquiao could not keep pace with the ‘Pacman’ when he jogs at the Alta Vista hills here.

Pacquiao covered 10 kilometers in 40 minutes on a route capped by a 3-km climb up the hills of Pardo here.

“It’s a good run,” American trainer Freddie Roach said, adding that “he’s pretty close to his form when he was training for his third fight with (Erik) Morales at this point.”

Roach added that he liked the idea of tapping Singson to run with Pacquiao, noting that only a professional runner can keep up with his prized fighter, who is deep in training for his Oct. 6 rematch with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas.

In the afternoon, Pacquiao hit the mitts for 12 rounds with Roach at the Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud gym

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was saddened upon learning of the death of his former trainer Leonardo Pablo last Sunday in Manila due to heart failure.

Pacquiao sent P100,000 to Pablo’s family through businessman and boxing promoter Jay San Pedro.

Narvaez, a veteran matchmaker, brought Pablo to the Mandaluyong Hospital last Sunday.

He initially recovered from breathing problems but succumbed to another attack.

“He would have turned 68 today. It’s his birthday today,” Narvaez said in between sobs.

Pablo is set to be interred on Saturday at Manila’s North Cemetery. Salven Lagumbay, contributor / Inquirer

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Defending PBA preseason champion Alaska notched its first win in two games after holding off Coca Cola, 95-89, Wednesday night.


Tony dela Cruz, who returned to active duty after serving the Philippine team, scored 18 points with reigning Most Valuable Player Willie Miller adding 12 for the Aces. Three others tossed in 10 each to lead the Aces.

Alaska was in control throughout, ending the half with a 48-35 lead.

Rookie Ronjay Buenafe and veteran Mark Telan led the Tigers with 16 each.

Air21 also broke through with a 112-100 demolition of luckless Welcoat after getting 27 points from Arwind Santos and a combined 31 from rookies Doug Kramer and JC Intal.

The Dragons, who won only seven games in their maiden season last year, were led by Joe Devance’s 31 and JR Reyes’ 29.

It was the third straight loss for Welcoat, which is still awaiting the arrival of Nic Belasco from the US.

The Scores

First Game
AIR21 112 -- Santos 27, Canaleta 18, Kramer 17, Intal 14, De Ocampo 11, Arboleda 9, Dimaunahan 7, Sotto 4, Chia 3, Cruz 2.
WELCOAT 100 -- Devance 31, Reyes 29, Arana 12, Gelig 8, Mente 6, Wainwright 4, Santamaria 4, Lopez 4, Guiyad 2, Baguion 0
Quarters: 28-18; 56-42; 84-76; 112-100.

Second Game
ALASKA 95 -- Dela Cruz 18, Miller 12, Quiñahan 10, Thoss 10, Ferriols 10, Aban 9, Hugnatan 8, Luanzon 5, Laure 4, Bono 4, Catus 3, Gonzales 2.
COCA COLA 89 -- Buenafe 16, Telan 16, Isip 14, Duremdes 12, Peek 8, Cabagnot 6, Calimag 5, Tolomia 5, Echavez 3, Misolas 2, Enrile 2.
Quarters: 26-19; 48-35; 71-62; 95-89.
By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES -- Bert Batawang Wednesday received the jolting information that his scheduled Oct. 4 world title fight against Mexican IBF light flyweight champion Ulises Solis has been called off again a day after the Filipino challenger was declared perfectly ready for the championship.


The second postponement of the title bout originally slated last Sept. 16 in Las Vegas was harder to take for the 35-year-old Batawang who on Tuesday got hard-earned approval after a guided eight-round tour of the cruel route he had expected to take against Solis.

Rodel Mayol simulated the moves of the Mexican champion during a no-nonsense sparring at the Wild Card gym and readily confirmed the shattering impact of Batawang’s left punch.

Mayol, who lost to Solis in a title match in Chicago last month, claimed that, other than spear punches which he usually slammed, Batawang also displayed sharper defensive moves.

Trainer Nonoy Neri, who has been repackaging Mayol under the patronage of Manny Pacquiao, said Batawang could have not been more set for the championship fight against Solis.

“Malakas talaga, sobra ang stamina (He’s really powerful and he has terrific stamina),” Neri said.

International matchmaker Sampson Lewkowitz Wednesday informed Batawang’s manager Sammy Gello-ani in Cebu that doctors have ordered Solis to refrain from training for at least two weeks due to a shoulder injury.

Gello-ani said he would petition the International Boxing Federation (IBF), which lists Batawang as mandatory challenger, to put his fighter in an interim title fight with the winner next facing Solis.

Lewkowitz however claimed they would reschedule the twice postponed title fight in November, although there was no assurance Solis would not claim injury again.

Batawang had been lined up to fight Gerson Gerrero in a title eliminator as member of the RP team in the Boxing World Cup in Sacramento last month, but his opponent was discovered with a torn retina two days before the bout.

Batawang, who said there had also been an original title eliminator against Francisco Rosas last May, continued to say he would just wait for instructions from his manager, whom he earlier extolled for having finally lined him up for the Oct. 4 championship. By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- The pair of Benjie Guevarra and Eduardo Lim ousted double world champion Ronato Alcano and partner Alex Lumpay Wednesday at the start of first SMC Scotch Doubles 10-balls at the Elbowroom in Metrowalk, Pasig City.


Guevarra and Lim scored a 9-5 victory over the favored tandem in the race-to-9, single knockout system tournament that will award P140,000 to the winning pair.

“Dikitan ’yung laban sa una at sa bandang huli lamang kami nakalamang (It was a close fight at the start and we were able to break away towards the end only),” said Guevarra, who will banner the country’s snooker team in the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December.

Guevarra and Lim will next battle Roberto Dy and Jech Jech Limen, who beat Joven Bustamante and Roberto Chung, 9-6.

In another match, Alex Pagulayan and Jason Aperin crushed the pair of 2007 SMB RP 9-ball Open champion Antonio Gabica and Rogelio Sotero Jr., 9-2, to set up a second round clash with the winner of the match between the Mike Takayama-Edwin Reyes and Jomar de Ocampo-Jess Dacoro.

Also advancing to the second round were the pairs of Ramil Gallego and Julie Guevarra, Gandy Valle and Jay Jay Millares, Warren Kiamco and Rodrigo Geronimo, and Godofredo Ducanes and Ernesto Sarmiento.

Gallego and Guevarra nipped Dennis Orcollo and Troy Danao, 9-8; Valle and Millares bested Ricky Zerna and Jun Talosig, 9-6, while Kiamco and Geronimo beat Antonio Lining and Art Palma, 9-6. Marlon Bernardino, contributor

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MANDAUE CITY -- The Filipinos made a strong start in the Asian Individual Chess Championships Wednesday night with Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Rogelio “Joey” Antonio and Mark Paragua hurdling their rivals at the Cebu International Convention Center here.


Torre triggered the onslaught by whipping Iranian FIDE Master Homayoon Toufighi in 26 moves of a Queen’s Gambit-Declined, and Paragua followed suit with a 43-move triumph over Jordanian FM Ahmad Samhouri.

Not to be outdone, Antonio persevered with the black pieces to beat Singaporean FM Weiming Goh in 51 moves of a King’s Indian Defense.

“It was a nice, simple win,” said Torre, who held positional advantage early on and controlled the c-file when Toufighi resigned.

Paragua, who took a break from his United States campaign to join this tough $40,000 tournament, gained tempo and never let up on his attack to force Samhouri’s resignation.

“He (Samhouri) blundered with his d6 move as it later allowed me to control the center,” said Paragua, who was two pawns up in the end.

“I am hoping for a strong showing here to boost my rating,” said Paragua, the first Filipino to breach the 2600 barrier last year but is now down to 2525.

Though he was a pawn down early on, Antonio was able to put pressure on the queenside and eventually forced Goh to give up two pawns.

Antonio was able to take another pawn and won though he and Goh have bishops of opposite colors.

Turin Olympian International Master Darwin Laylo, returning after serving a six-month suspension slapped on him by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines for alleged game-fixing, also won at the expense of countryman Rhobel Legaspi.

“I hope to make good in my comeback,” said the 27-year-old Daylo, assistant coach of the University of Santo Tomas women’s chess team.

Cebuano Steven Yap Kin created a stir when he stunned Bangladeshi IM Enamul Hossain and joined the early leaders.

Teen sensation IM Wesley So was held to a draw by Indian Babu Lalith in a rook and pawn ending.

Bad luck fell on IM Ronald Bancod and National Masters Emmanuel Senador and Mirabeau Maga.

Bancod yielded to China’s Chao Li, Senador bowed to Indian GM Parimarjan Negi and Maga surrendered to Chinese GM Shaoteng Yu

The games between top seed GM Ni Hua of China and IM Morteza Mahjoobzardast and second seed Zhang Penxiang of China and compatriot IM Wen Yang were going on at presstime.

Meanwhile, NCFP president Prospero Pichay bared that Cebu will be making a bid to host the 2012 Chess Olympiad with the CICC as proposed venue. By Roy Luarca / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- History underpins the renewal of the rivalry between San Beda College and Letran College when they start their NCAA men’s basketball best-of-three championship series on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.


It’s the first time in 57 years that the two squads will actually meet in the finals.

The last time they met, Letran’s squad was famously referred to as Murder Inc. for the way it crushed rivals, Lauro Mumar was the First Knight and Caloy Loyzaga was the alpha male of the Red Lions pride.

As intriguing as the match-up is, San Beda coach Frankie Lim nonchalantly brushes off the idea that this is an important chapter in both schools’ history.

“This is the finals and you can throw everything, the records, history, and statistics out the window,” said Lim.

And rightly so. Things have changed since both schools marched straight to the final dance. For starters, the defending champion Red Lions have mowed down the field on the way to a 13-1 record.

Letran? It has slogged its way through the eliminations. But it did score one big highlight triumph in that phase, inflicting San Beda’s lone defeat, 70-69, in the first round.

Lim, a member of the 1977-78 San Beda champion team, is hoping to hand his alma mater back-to-back titles right in his first try as collegiate coach. Koy Banal coached the Red Lions to the title last year.

“Playing in the finals is totally different,” Lim said. “This is all about heart and the will to win.”

Ironically, it’s the rookie-laden Knights which have so far showed bigger heart throughout the season.

Letran tends to thrive when the game goes down the wire. The Lions have to prove their ability to play the crunch, but it is a dilemma that Lim will gladly accept -- the Lions have won by an average of 16 points so far.

As far as Letran coach Louie Alas is concerned, whichever team takes Game 1 is likely to wrap up the title.

“In a short series like this, Game 1 is very important,” said Alas, who masterminded the Knights’ 2003 and 2005 championship run. “It’s going to be tough because we’re up against a very strong opponent.” By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino archer Earl Benjamin Yap beat a world-ranked South Korean in a nerve-wracking shootout to win the men’s compound gold in the 15th Asian Archery Championships in Xian, China recently.


Yap, the continent’s No. 1 compound archer, nipped world No. 6 Kim Dong-kyu, 116-114, to become the first Filipino to bag an Asian championship gold.

A total of 39 archers from 12 countries vied for honors in the competition held Sept. 14 to 20 in the ancient Chinese city.

On the way to the finals, Yap overwhelmed a Hong Kong archer, 114-98, and Iran’s Parvis Maibdi, 107-104, in the preliminaries; Majid Ahmadi, also of Iran, 111-109, in the quarterfinals; and still another Iranian, world No. 10 Resa Zamaninejad, 113-112, in the semifinals.

Yap battled Kim to a 29-29 tie after the first end of the finals.

The Filipino moved ahead by 3 points after the Korean bungled a shot in the second end, but saw his lead cut to 2 at the end of the third end.

Yap sewed up the gold by matching Kim’s perfect fourth and final end with 3Xs. Marc Anthony Reyes

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MANDAUE CITY -- Forget about the ratings; the Filipino players are determined to topple their touted foreign rivals when the 6th Asian Individual Chess Championships begin at the Cebu International Convention Center here.


Though no local woodpusher is ranked among the top 10, Grandmaster Eugene Torre believes the Filipinos have good chances of barging into the elite group that will advance to this year’s World Chess Cup slated Nov. 22-Dec.18 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

“This tournament is tough,” said Torre. “But we’ll do our best to perform beyond our seeding and represent the country in the World Cup.”

Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, fresh off a victory in the Michigan Open early this month, concurred with Torre, adding that they have prepared hard for this $40,000 tournament.

The Philippine challenge got an unexpected boost when GM Mark Paragua cut short his campaign in the United States and arrived in Manila Monday night to join the 11-round championships being hosted by the country for the first time.

Attention will be focused on teen sensation Wesley So, who wound up board 1 gold medalist in last month’s World Under 16 Olympiad held in Singapore.

The 13-year-old So, also the reigning Philippine Open champion, is eyeing his second GM result with fellow International Master and Turin Chess Olympian Oliver Dimakiling.

Spearheading the foreign invasion are Super GMs Nia Hua (ELO 2681), Zhang Pengxiang (ELO 2649) and Wang Hao (ELO 2624) of China and Super GM Ehsan Ghame Maghami (ELO 2610) of Iran.

Indian GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly (ELO 2586) is ranked fifth, followed by Indonesian GM Utut Adianto (ELO 2583), Chinese GM Xu Jun (ELO 2574), Chinese GM Zhou Jiangchao (ELO 2572), Indian GM Chanda Sandipan (ELO 2563) and Chinese GM Zhao Jun (ELO 2558).

Torre, the only Filipino to reach the quarterfinals of the World Championships, totes an ELO of 2536, towing along Antonio (ELO 2532) and Paragua, who has slipped to 2530 after breaking the 2600-barrier last year.

Also expected to contend are So (ELO 2516), Dimakiling (ELO 2500), IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (ELO 2421), IM Ronald Bancod, Hamed Nouri, and Barlo Nadera.

The Chinese and Indian contingents are expected to arrive in Manila Tuesday night in time for Wednesday’s 2 p.m. opening ceremonies.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero “Butch” Pichay will do the ceremonial moves.

Also expected to attend are (World Chess Federation) FIDE honorary lifetime president Florencio Campomanes, FIDE general secretary Ignatius Leong, former NCFP president Go Teng Kok, NCFP secretary general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and sports patron Boojie Lim.

Unable to come due to pressing commitments, FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov will be gracing the closing ceremonies instead on Sept. 29. The tournament is backed by the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) Sports and Crown Regency Mandaue. By Roy Luarca / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Paul Artadi, the once promising point guard out of the University of the East, Monday found his way to Barangay Ginebra from Purefoods after a deal that also involved Air21 and two more players.


The 5-foot-9 former first round selection, who had a falling out with the Purefoods coaching staff, was dealt away for practically nothing in exchange.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said they gave up reliable swingman Jec Chia and Paolo Hubalde to the Express, who in turn got Artadi and dealt him to the Gin Kings.

The Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Office was still unaware of the trade and Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio and team manager Alvin Patrimonio would not return calls.

Ginebra now has four crack guards in its roster, counting starting quarterback Jay-Jay Helterbrand, former MVP Johnny Abarrientos and rookie Macky Escalona.

Meanwhile, San Miguel got 27 points from Danny Ildefonso and 20 from Danny Seigle in a 127-116 rout of Coca-Cola in a pre-season game at the Marikina Sports Complex last night. Musong R. Castillo

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MANILA, Philippines -- Power-breaking Antonio Gabica repeated over double world champion Ronato Alcano, 15-9, late Sunday to regain the San Miguel Beer Philippine 9-Ball Open crown at the Decagon Hall in Silvercity Mall at Ortigas Center in Pasig City.


Gabica, the event’s inaugural winner in 2004, sank the No. 1 ball using a tough bank shot and then sealed the victory and the P500,000 top purse with a 2-9 combination.

Gabica’s road to the race-to-15, alternate-break finals came after wins over 2006 SMB Asian 9-ball tour leg winner Gandy Valle (9-7), Alcano (9-3) and 2007 BCA Enjoypool.com 9-ball champion Dennis Orcollo (9-8). He lost to two-time defending champion Francisco “Django” Bustamante (9-7) in the fourth match of the winners’ brackets on Saturday.

The 35-year-old Gabica rebounded by beating Carlo Biado, 9-6, in the losers’ bracket and pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes, 13-10, in the crossover semifinal round Sunday afternoon.

Alcano beat Eduardo Saracho (9-3) in the opener before yielding to Gabica. The WPC 9-ball and 8-ball titlist dominated the losers’ brackets by trouncing 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan (9-6), Russian Petiza (9-7), Warren Kiamco (9-7), National Open titlist Lee Vann Corteza (9-6), and Panfilo Damuag (9-6).

Alcano then nipped Bustamante, 13-12, in the crossover semis before bowing to Gabica and settling for P250,000. Bustamante and Reyes earned P100,000 each.

In the 2004 inaugural leg of the RP 9-Ball Open, Gabica beat Orcollo, 17-6, in the finals by taking 11 straight racks.

It was Gabica’s first major title this year after runner-up finishes in the 2007 US Bar Table 9-Ball Championships in Sands Regency Hotel in Reno, Nevada, and the 2007 Cebu 9-Ball Open Challenge. Marlon Bernardino, contributor, Inquirer.

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MANILA, Philippines -- It took coach Norman Black and the rest of his Ateneo squad a long time to come out of their locker room that fateful Saturday night, when they blew a golden chance to nail down the No. 2 slot in the UAAP basketball semifinals.


“The good thing about it is that we still have a shot at it, though the road to the Finals has suddenly become tougher,” Black told sportswriters. “We just didn’t come out to play tonight.

The National University Bulldogs downed the Eagles in overtime, 96-88, Saturday to send Ateneo into Tuesday’s playoff with arch rival De La Salle University for the precious No. 2 position, which comes with a twice-to-beat bonus in the playoff for the second championship berth.

“I warned them that we only beat NU by one point (in the first round),” Black said. “I warned them to come and play (and they didn’t). We paid the price and we have to do it the hard way.”

The hard way means Ateneo getting past La Salle a third time this season in their 3 p.m. duel Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

NU’s upset win sent the Eagles into a tie with the Archers for the second-best record behind the University of the East Warriors, who went straight to the Finals after a 14-0 sweep of the elims.

Ateneo swept both its elimination-round matches with the Archers, although league observers say the two victories were not convincing enough to give the Eagles an overwhelming confidence boost Tuesday.

The loser can still get back into contention but it has to beat University of Santo Tomas in a knockout duel Thursday to earn another crack at the No. 2 slot.

The Archers go into the match also smarting from an 84-92 overtime loss to the Warriors last Thursday. Musong R. Castillo, Inquirer.

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CEBU CITY -- Celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach raised both thumbs Monday after Manny Pacquiao cruised through his first 12-round session at the Rex “Wakee” Salud gym virtually unscathed and wanting for more.


Pacquiao has now sparred 80 rounds in preparation for his mammoth rematch with Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on Oct. 6 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

“It was OK, he did great,” said Roach. “He just stayed a little bit too long on the ropes.”

Pacquiao sparred four rounds with Mexican Raymundo Beltran, three rounds with Aaron Melgarejo, three rounds with Mexican David Rodela and two rounds against welterweight Arniel Tinampay.

“He looked in much better shape today than when he first sparred after his flu,” said conditioning trainer Dodie Boy Peñalosa, who has been tasked by trainer Buboy Fernandez to check on Pacquiao’s stamina.

Meanwhile, Roach vehemently protested a report which came out in several websites Monday insinuating that he has a tape of Barrera’s workouts, and that he has commissioned a spy in the Mexican’s camp.

“That’s a total lie,” said the two-time Trainer of the Year awardee. “Tell them it’s not true. Why should I do that? I don’t need a tape. We already know how to beat Barrera.” Salven L. Lagumbay, contributor

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MANILA, Philippines -- Thanks to Sam Ekwe, the chase for the NCAA’s season-ending individual awards has become a wide open race.


With the San Beda College import getting disqualified following an infraction in the middle of the season, this year’s honor roll became a tossup among Mapua Institute of Technology’s Kelvin dela Peña, Ekwe’s teammate Yousif Aljamal and Jose Rizal University’s Marvin Hayes.

The Mapua Cardinals’ swingman topped the statistical race after the eliminations after powering his team to the Final Four.

The Fil-Canadian even delayed the scheduled surgery on a lump on his right knee to help Mapua, which eventually lost to defending champion San Beda in their semifinal duel last week.

Dela Peña posted 617 SPs after 12 games for an average of 51.4 points. He actually ranked second behind Ekwe, last year’s MVP-Rookie of the Year, who kicked Sang Lee of University of Perpetual Help in the eliminations and incurred a one-game suspension.

The misdemeanor automatically disqualified Ekwe from the awards.

Pro-bound Aljamal is in second place with 507 SPs for an average of 50.7 after 10 games.

The JRU Heavy Bombers’ do-it-all forward Hayes came in third with 530 SPs and a 44.2 average. The 6-foot-3 sophomore is also the frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award over Letran College’s Bryan Faundo and Dino Daa.

Faundo racked up a 40.4 average from 17.3 last season. Daa has a 40.1 average from 22.6 last year.

Red Lions slotman David Marcelo is ahead in the Rookie of the Year race with 28.7 SPs. Teammate Garvo Lanete is second (24.8), while Mapua guard Jonathan Banal is third with 24.2.

Six-foot-6 Jason Ballesteros of San Sebastian College is Defensive Player award leader with averages of 11.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Mapua’s Neil Pascual is second (7.8rpg, 1.3bpg) and Dela Peña third (8.6 rpg, 2.3 steals per game).
GAMES WEDNESDAY (Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. -- San Sebastian vs Letran (Juniors)
4 p.m. -- San Beda vs Letran (Seniors)
By Marc Anthony Reyes , Inquirer.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA -- Paeng Nepomuceno put up another superb pin-toppling demonstration in the 2007 Columbia 3000 South Pacific Classic here Sunday, turning the other contenders into awed spectators just like he did 23 years ago.


The six-time world bowling champion, showing no signs of slowing down at 50, thwarted Jason Belmonte’s spirited challenge to rule the men’s division and replicate his feat in 1984, when the Filipino became the first non-Australian to rule the tough event.

It was Nepomuceno’s 118th win in an illustrious career spanning four decades that saw him earn the Bowler of the Millennium title as well as entries in the Guinness World Records.

Nepomuceno, now the USBC international ambassador of goodwill, finished with an average of 216 for 11 games of matchplay and a final tournament average of 219 for 29 games. He was sponsored by Philippine Airlines and hosted by Kelly Raveche and his wife.
Because Nepomuceno is a non-Australian, Belmonte, last year’s World Tenpin Masters champion, will carry the country’s colors in the World Cup tenpin bowling international finals set in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Nov. 3-10.

Australian veteran Ann-Maree Putney ruled the women’s division.

Jason Walsh, the 2006 champion, came in third while Bruno Maglieri, top qualifier of the event, finished fourth.

Ann-Maree proved too strong in the final two games of matchplay.

Finishing only second in the qualifying stage, Ann-Maree also had to hold off challenges from Cassie Staudinger, Rebecca Simpson and Kate Wilton to bag the top prize.

Ann-Maree, a silver medalist in the recent Women’s World Championships, averaged 216 for seven games of matchplay and posted a meet average of 209 for 25 games. Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- National team mainstay and bantamweight-lightweight gold medalist Elaine Alora of College of St. Benilde led six players who bagged most valuable player honors in the 2007 Samsung Best of the Best National Taekwondo Championships at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City over the weekend.


Elaine is the sister of Asian Games pinweight bronze medalist Kathlyn Eunice.

Other MVPs in the week-long tournament sponsored by Samsung were men’s finweight champion Edison Bagaipo, also of St. Benilde, Jyra Marie Lizardo (junior women), Sidney Crispino (junior men), Geena Mae Gadit (grade school girls) and Edmark Baydo (grade school boys).

The awardees won Samsung NV3 digicams each. The event will be telecast on Solar Sports starting at 12 noon on Sept. 22.

Meanwhile, in one of the best-fought matches in the finals on Sunday, Anthony John Samia of University of the East beat Paul Nikko Dizon of Meycauayan, Bulacan, to bag the middleweight gold in the junior division.

GRADE SCHOOL WINNERS: (Girls) UFC's Kate de Guzman d. Nueva Ecija's Lance Calma, 7-0 (Group 1); Region 12's Vanessa Uyanguren d. Antique’s Faye Lopez, 6-5 (Group 2); Montea's Paulina Naguiat d. Antique's Stephanie Conchico, 1-0 (Group 3); Braveheart's Devorah Alacar d. Olympia's Regine Lumbo, 7-5 (Group 4-A); Central's Ina Langit d. Antipolo's Hannah Mendoza, 8-4 (Group 5); Charlene Casia d. Nueva Ecija’s Jennifer dela Cruz, 11-5 (Group 6); (Boys) D Club's RJ Ramos d. Kagayan TKD's Walter Luminarias, 1-0 (Group 2-A); Ateneo's Jean Nigel Buan d. Baguio’s Monsour Salazar, 6-5 (Group 1-B); Philippine Navy's Edmark Baydo d. John Quiriado, 1-0 (Group 2-B); D Club's TJ Avelino d. Jhon Das Lim, 9-5 (Group 3-A); UFC's Benjamin Sembrano d. La Salle's Charles Claro, 5-4 (Group 4-A); Powerhaus' Eugene Torres d. Meycauayan's Bernard Razon, 12-7 (Group 4-B); Tip Top's Kirk Barbosa d. D Club's John Turingan, 5-0 (Group 5); Kagayan TKD's Kevin Sia d. Kagayan TKD's Mark Luminarias, 10-5 (Group 6). By : Romina S. Austria, Inquirer

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TARLAC -- Rookies Devance & Arana star in upset of Phil Cup champs. Welcoat, looking to make some inroads the coming season with its acquisition of a prized Fil-Am rookie, chalked up its first win in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tourney with a 99-97 upset of reigning Philippine Cup champion Barangay Ginebra at the Tarlac State University gym here Sunday.


Welcoat rode high on the endgame exploits of amateur draftees Joe Devance and Ryan Arana as the Dragons pulled the rug from under the Kings and got back into contention for the one-game Finale of the preseason event.

Devance, the top draft pick, strung up eight straight points while Arana, No. 12 pick overall, banged in a three-pointer inside the last three minutes as the Dragons scored their first win following back-to-back defeats at the hands of the KT&G team of Korea and the Talk N Text Phone Pals.

Welcoat surged ahead to stay at 98-97 on a decisive trey by Arana with time down to 24 seconds.

Earlier, the Dragons came charging back from a seven-point deficit on an eight-point binge by Devance highlighted by back-to-back triples by the ex-University of Texas at El Paso stalwart.

After Arana made it 98-97, Ginebra had a chance to salvage the game but Macky Escalona missed what had looked like an easy layup.

Denver Lopez split his charities with time down to 0.6 seconds for the final count in the closely fought match between the two teams which finished champions and tailenders in the 2006 All-Filipino tourney.

Devance and Rob Wainwright tossed in 20 points apiece while Jay-R Reyes added 17 points to lead the Dragons past the Kings still playing minus key players Eric Menk, Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Johnny Abarrientos and Rafi Reavis.

Ginebra suffered a second loss in three defeats as the Kings virtually bombed out of contention for the preseason crown won by the Alaska Aces last year.

The two teams engaged in a fierce battle from start to finish with Ginebra barely taking the opening half at 49-46 on a three-point play by Devance with time down
to nine seconds.

The Dragons and the Kings figured in seven deadlocks in the first 24 minutes of play.

Ginebra stayed ahead, 75-73, at the close of the third period where Welcoat went 4-of-11 from the stripe. (NC)

The scores:

Welcoat 99 – Devance 20, Wainwright 20, Reyes 17, Lopez 13, Gelig 8, Sta. Maria 8, Baguion 8, Arana 5, Mente 0, Ballesteros 0.

Ginebra 97 – Macapagal 22, Salvacion 15, Mamaril 13, Santos 13, Hubalde 12, Holper 9, Tubid 4, Aquinbo 2, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 19-15, 46-49, 73-75, 99-97. source: www.pba.ph

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MANILA, Philippines -- Robert Jaworski will most probably accept the Air21 coaching job in the Philippine Basketball Association, hopefully in time for the opening of the coming Philippine Cup.


This was the assessment of a team official, who asked not to be identified, in a talk with the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) Sunday.

“Our offer has been on his lap for close to a year now,” the source said. “Knowing the (former) senator, if he would decline the offer, it would have been right there and then.”

Jaworski first received the offer to coach even before last season’s opening.

Team management has not received a reaction so far, but the source said he knows team owner Bert Lina is in close contact with the 61-year-old Jaworski.

The source does not know the exact details of the contract being offered to the charismatic former Toyota and Ginebra skipper. However, he added that a lot of business considerations have been thrown in by management.

“The only thing I see that could prevent (Jaworski) from taking over the team is if a greater calling comes along,” said the source.

Jaworski is also reportedly being eyed for a top position in the Philippine Sports Commission and the commissionership of the PBA.
By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- With its varsity basketball reign on the line, University of Santo Tomas clashes with a Far Eastern University side it has never gotten close to beating this season as a hectic playoff week in the UAAP unfurls Monday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.


Game time in the duel for the No. 4 spot is at 3 p.m. with the Growling Tigers still smarting from an 84-73 beating they got from the Tamaraws on Thursday, where they threw away a golden opportunity to make the Final Four outright.

Monday’s winner will face the loser of the game between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University scheduled Wednesday, also at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles fell to the National University Bulldogs, 96-88, in overtime Saturday to pave the way for the third meeting between the blood rivals, which was actually scheduled for Thursday but was moved two days earlier with the availability of the Big Dome.

The winner between the Archers and the Eagles will earn the No. 2 ranking and the twice-to-beat privilege against the winner of the playoff between Nos. 3 and 4.

The defending champions have shown their discomfort against the Tamaraws, a team that basically resembles UST in terms of composition, height and the way it plays.

“I don’t think that it is right to say that we have their number,” FEU coach Glenn Capacio said after that Thursday win. “My players want to prove to everyone that they belong here.”

That was basically what the Tigers did last year when, from out of nowhere, they made the semifinals, defeated top-ranked University of the East twice, and then the fancied Ateneo Blue Eagles, 2-1, in the title series.

“It was a wasted opportunity, definitely,” UST coach Pido Jarencio said Thursday. “We just have to come out a better team now.”

UST also lost to FEU in the first round, 81-66.

Meanwhile, La Salle’s Brian Ilad will be asked to issue a public apology to Warriors forward Mark Pamfulme and the league on top of a two-game suspension.

Ilad punched Pamfulme at the back of the head on Thursday in La Salle’s side of the bench in a game which the Red Warriors won to sweep the eliminations.

The league’s technical committee upheld commissioner Ed Cordero’s recommendation of the apology -- an unprecedented punishment -- but wants a longer ban on the La Salle cager. By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES -- They’re getting ready and there’s the tinkle of silverware, the clinking of wine glasses traveling all the way from dear old Manila to the clogged corridor of the Wild Card gym here.


Of course, the famous boxing parlor where the reverend Freddie Roach preaches the profitable infliction of pain doesn’t turn into a mini-carnival until next Saturday, first day of Fall, when the Manny Pacquiao Roadshow returns here.

But it will be a small celebration when the Filipino boxing superhero, after an experimental training stint in Cebu City, steps back into the sweatshop where all the great things started for him.

The bigger party will be at the historic Manila Hotel by the bay.

* * *

Based on the prospective guest list, ticked off by the nosy boxing chronicler Nick Giongco, a Wild Card regular being sorely missed here, it will be a strictly tuxedo affair the Philippine government will be hosting in November.

The event is the World Boxing Council (WBC) Convention.

It’s actually more than just a convention.

Other than the old technical seminars, the tired philosophical lectures, the event is expected to swim in opulence as the attending biggies, led by Don Jose Sulaiman, receive the fabulous Filipino hospitality morning, noon and evening.

On the guest list are Don King, Oscar De La Hoya, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and practically all card-bearing members of the world boxing glitterati.

* * *

The affair, by the way, is a brainchild of the happy-go-lucky chair of the Games and Amusements Board, Eric Buhain, favorite son-in-law of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

Buhain had to hold a smaller but extra expensive boxing convention in 2005, a sort of dry-run with most invitees from Asia, to make sure this big one will be a success.

Anyway, Buhain did not say it, but the WBC bash is obviously his way of splurging to thank all those who mattered in the prizefight firmament for the RP victory in last month’s Boxing World Cup in Sacramento.

Maybe it’s also a tailspin of the joust for the historic pinning down of former President Joseph Estrada in a plunder case?

* * *

For the record, and this has got to be told, the Boxing World Cup was won by the Philippine team through the solid efforts of Cebu sportsman Tony Aldeguer and his ALA Stable, with no visible government support whatsoever.

Anyway, the WBC Convention should be truly momentous if Manny Pacquiao scrapes past Marco Antonio Barrera in their rematch in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.

That could assure there would be more than enough boxing excellence to showcase to the world during the convention.

But there’s another thing Buhain and his backers must prepare for.

There’ll be interested attendees who would check how the Philippines has achieved success, despite the absence of a centralized boxing development program.

For example, how could a country with no boxing commission to speak of, unlike neighbors Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, continue to hit the jackpot in big-time boxing?

* * *

In case you did not notice, the coziest effort by the government for boxing comes in the form of a ticker tape parade, followed by a happy audience with the President, for Filipino world crown winners.

Noting the sordid lack of support, Freddie Roach had earlier sounded a call for the RP government to set up several clinics, and possibly a national academy, where poor aspirants could enter and pick up the sound basics of the cruel sport.

Funny how that relevant call had conveniently been buried in the hysteria over the many triumphs achieved mainly through efforts of private groups and individuals.

For sure, those who would bother to dig into the secret behind the success story are bound to conclude that the Philippines did everything with a lucky punch.

A sure, scientific shot at stardom could be assured if half the money to be squandered in the WBC party is set aside for the more noble task of setting up free boxing schools in the hub of poor communities.

The Reverend Roach would be greatly repaid and relieved that way.By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Newcomer Las Piñas College came away with a stunning 70-68 thriller over defending champion Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in the sixth Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) men’s basketball tournament.


The Blue Lions leaned on the heroics of one of their two Nigerian point guards to score their fifth win in nine matches.

Nigerian standout Carlos Iroung went for a layup with six ticks to go, shattering a 68-all deadlock and sending the Blue Lions to their third straight victory and a share of fourth with the Philippine School of Business and Administration Jaguars.

The Generals’ third straight loss shook the standings, with the Asian College of Science and Technology Lightnings climbing to second position after they outplayed Universal College of Nursing, 88-78.

The solo-leading St. Francis of Assisi Doves (8-1) earlier downed the La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots, 78-62, to extend their win run to six. source: Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- San Sebastian College’s Sidney Crispino and University of the East’s Anthony John Samia led the winners Sunday in the junior division of the 2007 Samsung Best of the Best National Taekwondo Championships at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.


Negros Taekwondo Union, UFC Taekwondo Club of Baguio City and Manila’s Central Gym also produced two winners each in the five-day tournament participated in by more than 400 jins who were all gold medalists in previous tournaments.

Crispino bested Bataan’s Wendell Dacanay, 8-1, to bag the finweight gold medal while the fourth seed Samia won the middleweight championship by nipping Meycauayan’s Paul Nikko Dizon, 5-4, in the day’s last match.

Central Gym’s Belarmino Ulidan, who was ranked 15th, nosed out eighth seed Elijah Marcelino of Far Eastern University, 6-5, for the featherweight title while teammate Christine Virtudazo overpowered Malolos City’s Mary Grace de Jesus, 8-0, to take the middleweight women’s title.

Featherweight Daphne Alindogan and welterweight Rubylyn Mapa produced gold medals for the NTU Tigers. Alindogan overwhelmed S&A Workshop’s Nika Baluyot, 7-1, while Mapa prevailed over Mary Kris Dalen of Kagayan TKD, 5-2.

UFC’s Ronnel Yadao stopped Davao EJAL’s Leonardo Avenido in a sudden-death duel after an 8-all count to cop the men’s flyweight gold while teammate Patricia Sembrano snatched the women’s finweight crown over Mary Ann Espina of MTM General Santos, 12-10.

DPS’ Jyra Marie Lizardo edged Leila Anne Nuguid of Silang TKD, 5-4, for the women’s flyweight gold.

Region 1’s Devi John Singson won the men’s bantamweight over Jhomel Allas of S&A, 8-7, while the women’s gold went to Aleksa Alferez of Montea, an 8-0 victor over Rizal High School’s Rowena Ampilan.

The lightweight winners were Brave Hearts’ Ron Alfredo Miko David and Karla Jane Alava of Rizal High School. David beat Jay Angelo To Ong of MTM in sudden death after both jins failed to score while Alava proved no match for May Shyne Maranga of Dragon Hearts, 8-3. By Romina Austria / Inquirer.

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MANILA, Philippines -- The 59-year old Serbian coach gave it to Patrick Gregorio straight: “If you want to get back on the Asian basketball map, you have to have at least one 7-foot player in the team.”


And since he is aware that we don’t grow basketball players that tall in the Philippines, Vlade Djurovic said we will need to naturalize, the way we did 20 years ago in the case of Jeff Moore, Dennis Still and Chip Engelland, none of whom even came close to 7 feet.

With the trio, we won the Fiba-Asia Men’s championship, then known as the Asian Basketball Conference, and the 1986 Jones Cup.

* * *

“Vlade said the most important positions in a basketball team are those of center and point guard. He said we have many good point guards but no good center. Compared to the other Asians, he rated the Filipino basketball player as “good”, but not excellent, not even very good,” said the BAP-SBP project director, who has been tasked by chair Manny V. Pangilinan to study and evaluate European basketball philosophy which has proven so effective in recent years.

“We’ve tried the American and Asian philosophies, but these didn’t work for us. Maybe the European philosophy will.”

Just exactly what is the European philosophy? I asked Pato.

* * *

“It’s continuous passing. Pass. Pass. Pass. You don’t allow the ball to stay in your hands longer than a few seconds. You should see his drills. A cager must be able to manage four balls at one time,”

Pato said 80 participants from the PBA, the PBL and the collegiate leagues from all over the Philippines attended the two-day clinic conducted by Djurovic at the Fort in Taguig.

“To my recollection, it was the first time we had a basketball clinic conducted by a European. He had many ideas which were new to us.”

Yes, the SBP is considering hiring Djurovic long term, to teach basketball on the grassroots level and even perhaps to coach the national team.

Gregorio said that Djurovic, for his part, felt it would be a great honor if he succeeds in helping the Philippines find itself back in the world basketball map.

“He said he’s getting old and that might be a legacy he can leave to both Serbia and the Philippines. Do you know that he didn’t charge us a single centavo for his clinic? He even paid for his own air fare.”

* * *

I forgot to ask if basketball and boxing scholar Teddy Reynoso was a University of the East alumnus. He must be.

After the UE-DLSU game last Thursday, I got this text message from Teddy: ” UE won this game, sweeping both rounds of the UAAP. Don’t you think the Warriors should be automatically declared champion? What’s the incentive for a sweep anyway? An automatic finals slot where they could lose everything they worked so hard for if they get beaten twice by the opponent. That’s crazy if you ask me!”

More than a decade ago, that’s exactly the way it was done. UST was the last team to be automatically declared champion after sweeping the first and second round of the UAAP back in l993.

That feat was not duplicated until this season.
By Beth Celis/Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- It seems that all’s well that ends well with Nic Belasco and Welcoat.


Belasco is now set to ink a two-year deal with the Dragons just two days after Welcoat had threatened to trade the former Alaska mainstay due to costly perks the 6-foot-7 forward had asked to go with a maximum contract.

“There’s nothing fantastic anymore,” Raymund Yu, co-team owner of the Dragons, told the Inquirer over the phone yesterday. “We expect him (Nic) to sign within the next couple of days when he arrives from the (United) States.”

The team had thought of trading Belasco after he had asked for the inclusion of some perks in the offer, which would amount to at least P8.4 million in base pay.

“When he returned (his counter offer), we found the things that he was asking for acceptable,” Yu said. “Now, we can complete the frontline that we want and hopefully be competitive in the coming season.”

The Dragons, who won but seven games in their first two tournaments last year, tapped Joe Devance as first overall in the Draft before snagging Belasco in a trade with Alaska.

Welcoat gave up Jun Jun Cabatu to gain signing rights on Belasco, a tested winner with San Miguel and Alaska who debuted with defunct Pop Cola. Cabatu was inked to a one-year contract by the Aces for P2 million.

Yu added that after Belasco signs, they will try to hook up a guard through a trade in order to complete their roster.
By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Unheralded Panfilo Damuag posted back-to-back upset wins to join top favorites Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Efren “Bata” Reyes at the helm of the 4th San Miguel Beer (SMB) Philippine Open 9-ball Championship at the Silvercity Mall, Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center over the weekend.


The 30-year-old Damuag, playing out of the Negros Billiard stable, stunned 2004 World 9-ball champion Alex Pagulayan, 9-6, and 2007 Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball runner-up Jharome Peña, 9-4, respectively, to set up a third round clash with last year’s runner-up Leonardo Didal, who beat Jech-Jech Limen, 9-5, and Michael Feliciano, 9-4.

Two-time defending champion Bustamante routed Danny Otacan, 9-1, before subduing Rene Cruz, 9-6, to set up a meeting with 2006 Kuwait 9-ball Open champion Jundel Mazon, conqueror of Jose “Amang” Parica, 9-3, and reigning National Open champion Lee Vann Corteza, 9-8, respectively.

Hall-of-Famer Reyes, the 1999 Cardiff World 9-ball champion, crushed Eduardo Villanueva, 9-2, and Carlo Biado, 9-5, to forge a duel with 2007 US Bar Table 9-ball and 8-ball champion Warren Kiamco, who beat Jeffrey de Luna, 9-8, and JayJay Millares, 9-3.

The Bacolod City-based Damuag, who hails from Norala, South Cotabato, trailed at 6-2 before clinching the next seven racks to seal the victory over Pagulayan, also the 2005 US Open and 2006 BSCP National Pool Championships winner.

Damuag, the 2004 Sagay Festival and 2004 San Carlos City champion, surged to a 5-2 lead and then held his ground in the alternate break format.
By Marlon Bernardino / Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES -- A thunderclap left to the head, which sent his bigger Russian sparmate tottering, yesterday showed that Bert Batawang has a great shot at the IBF light flyweight crown of Mexican Ulises Solis, but the Cebuano also exposed serious flaws, mainly in defense, during a furious sparring here.


There was no doubting Batawang’s ferocity and power as he tore at bantamweight Andrei Kutsin who, despite outweighing him by at least eight pounds, had to claw, gasp for air and clinch after absorbing heavy body bombardment.

The problem was that, although he had supposedly stopped loading up his punches, Batawang kept leaving his head uncovered while pulling back his arms to complete a hard shot.

There was also a serious lack of continuity and Batawang, caught against the ropes, stalled, failed to cut and counter, and was left an open target in the closing seconds of rounds three and four.

“Basta isabit natin ang korona (We’re out to nail the crown),” an incensed Batawang blurted absently after his mouthpiece was disengaged at the end of the six-round drill.By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

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Talk ‘N Text remained in the running for the finale of the 2007 PBA pre-season tourney as the Phone Pals negated freshman Joe Devance’s 38-point performance in scoring a 123-109 victory over the Welcoat Dragons at the Arellano Gym Friday.


The Phone Pals, which shot a sizzling 57% from the field, played a balance game to offset Devance’s another big explosion with Jay Washington, Macmac Cardona, Asi Taulava, Don Allado and Jimmy Alapag each scoring at least 18 markers.

Bouncing back from a close defeat to the Barangay Ginebra Kings Thursday, Talk ‘N Text stayed right behind the pacesetting Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in Group B.

The Phone Pals need to beat the Giants to get a crack at the one-game final in this brief tourney won by the Alaska Milk Aces over the San Miguel Beermen last year.

Alaska and San Miguel are both in Group A currently paced by Sta. Lucia Realty.

Devance, a former University of Texas at El Paso mainstay picked No. 1 overall in the recent Rookie Draft, scattered 22 points in the first half allowing the Dragons to hold sway early on. He also finished with a game-high 12 rebounds.

But TNT got its act together, coming from the halftime break and unraveled big runs to foil the Dragons’ upset bid.

The Phone Pals, who outscored Welcoat 43-19 from the 15-foot line, pulled even at 71-all on two free throws by Alapag and went on to seize a 92-85 lead at the close of the third period.

Coach Derick Pumaren and his boys won pulling away as they simply imposed their superiority on the young Welcoat team in the payoff period.

But Devance definitely earned the respect of the Phone Pals as he churned out a second straight 30-plus performance in the pre-season event. He had 35 points against Marquin Chandler and his KT&G teammates. (NC)

The scores:

Talk ‘N Text 123 – Washington 20, Cardona 20, Taulava 18, Allado 18, Alapag 18, Ritualo 12, Belano 8, Billones 4, Carey 3, Noble 2.

Welcoat 109 – Devance 38, Dulay 15, Reyes 12, Wainwright 9, Gelig 8, Arana 8, Lopez 7, Mente 6, Sta. Maria 5, Ibanes 1, Ballesteros 0, Tangkay 0.

Quarterscores: 33-33, 54-65, 92-85, 123-109. source: www.pba.ph

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MANILA, Philippines -- The return of the “living legend,” Robert Jaworski, to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) could happen next week.


Air21 is just awaiting word from Jaworski on its offer to have the charismatic former senator coach the Express in the coming PBA season.

Acting coach Bo Perasol said management had no other candidate in mind for the job, and the team is anticipating a positive response from Jaworski, who left the professional basketball league in 1998.

Meanwhile, Purefoods guard Paul Artadi is reportedly being used as trade bait, but Purefoods’ Tender Juicy Giants have found no takers so far.

Artadi and coach Ryan Gregorio reportedly had a falling out.

In a pre-season game Friday, Talk ‘N Text blasted Welcoat, 123-109, behind the 20 points each of Jay Washington and Mac Cardona. By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Better late than never.

Letran, delayed by a persistent San Beda side, finally made it to the NCAA junior basketball finals following a 96-92 victory Friday at the Arena in San Juan.


Guard Philip San Jose unloaded 15 of his 26 points in the third quarter as the Letran Squirers booked a trip to the best-of-three championship series with early qualifier and two-time defending champion San Sebastian.

“Defense did it, especially in the first half,” said Letran coach Elmer Latonio. “I’m glad that the boys didn’t let up.”

The Squires are thus back in the finals after a three-year absence.

The scores:

LETRAN 96 -- San Jose 26, Ke. Alas 18, Noble 15, Kr. Alas 14, Munsayac 8, Romeo 6, Khobuntin 5, Reforsado 4.

SAN BEDA 92 -- Salva 25, Panaligan 20, Revilla 16, Lobaton 12, Dela Cruz 6, Bernas 5, Babilonia 4, Altamirano 2, Monteclaro 2, Ayala 0, Del Rosario 0, Asinas 0.

Quarters: 23-27, 60-45, 74-63, 96-92.
By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Grandmaster Ehsan Ghaem Maghami and six other titled Iranian players are joining the 6th Asian Individual Chess Championships set Sept. 19-30 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City, Cebu.


Joining Maghami, who totes an Elo rating of 2610, are fellow GMs Ehsan Moradiabadi (Elo 2540) and Amir Bagheri (2495), International Master Morteza Mahjoobzrdast (2479) and Fide Masters Homayoon Tamijani (2391), Javad Moghadam (2493) and Mehrdad Ardeshi (2407).

The Iranians’ confirmation increased to 58 the number of foreign entries vying for the $40,000 total purse and ten slots to the World Chess Cup slated in Kalmykia from Nov. 23-Dec. 16.

Heading the cast in the 11-round tournament are Turin Olympiad runner-up China, which is fielding in 13 players, eight of whom are GMs, and Asian powerhouse India, which is sending 14 players, including seven GMs and four IMs.

Super GMs Nia Hua (Elo 2681) and Zhang Pengxiang (Elo 2649) spearhead the Chinese juggernaut while GMs Surya Shekhar Ganguly (Elo 2586), Chanda Sandipan (2563) and Abhijit Kunte (2519) will banner the Indians.

Other GMs in the fold include three Bangladeshis, three Vietnamese and two Indonesians.

Veteran GMs Eugene Torre and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio will be at the forefront of the 22-man strong local challenge.

Also expected to contend are IMs Wesley So, Oliver Dimakiling, Hamed Nouri and Julio Cartalino Sadorra.

Notable absentees are GM Mark Paragua, who is still campaigning in the United States; and GMs Nelson Mariano and Buenaventura “Bong” Villamayor, who were unable to secure leaves from their work as chess instructors in Singapore.

Other GMs in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines are Chinese GMs Wang Hao (Elo 2624), Zhou Jiangchao (2572) and Zhao Jun (2558); Indonesian GMs Utut Adianto and Susanto Megaranto; Vietnamese GMs Nguyen Anh Dung and Tu Hoang Thong ; Singaporean Wu Shaobin; Bangladeshis Niaz Murshad and Enamul Hossain and Uzbehistan’s Anton Fillipov.

NCFP president Prospero “Butch” Pichay and secretary-general Mayor Abrahma “Bambol” Tolentino lauded the support of the Cebu government under Gov. Gwen Garcia and local organizers led by Boojie Lim and National Master Roger Abella for the interest generated by the event.

Meanwhile, an arbiters’ seminar organized by the Fide (World Chess Federation) will be held at the same venue from Sept. 20-25. By Roy Luarca / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Members of the national team topped their respective seniors’ events but two top seeds in the juniors division took early exits Friday from the 2007 Samsung Best of the Best National Taekwondo Championships at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.


The national team’s Manuel Rivero Jr., Elaine Alora and Susan Catalan pounded out contrasting wins to add to the easy victory of national pool member Gerrielyn Aranzano late Thursday.

But junior finweight top seed Kenz Carlo Santos and flyweight Alexander Varela were ousted.

Rivero, bronze medalist in the 2006 Doha Asian Games, had to go through sudden death at 2-2 before beating De La Salle University’s Dennis Resaba in the senior men’s featherweight final.

Alora also took great efforts in the last round to beat Sheena Mae Perlas of University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, 5-4, and bag the senior ladies bantam/lightweight gold.

St. Benilde bet Aranzano defeated UP Diliman’s Edhlie Arellano, 7-0, in the senior ladies finweight final while Catalan waylaid UP Diliman’s Abigail Rustia, 5-1, to snatch the flyweight gold.

Santos of La Immaculada Concepcion fell to Bataan’s Wendell Dacanay, 5-2, in the quarterfinals. Earlier, he survived a 1-1 standoff with Far Eastern University’s Mark Jim Callos to win in sudden death.

Varela was a no-show in his fight against second-ranked Leonardo Avenido of Davao.

Dacanay advanced to the semifinals against Malolos’ Aaron Luke Gabriel Abiera while Avenido next fights De La Salle-Zobel’s James De Luzuriaga.

Other seniors’winners late Thursday were San Beda College’s Jose Manuel Enriquez who barely escaped Emmanuel Alivio Jr. of University of Santo Tomas (UST), 2-1, to cop the bantam gold and Carlos Padilla who won in sudden death after a 2-2 count over Region 2’s Ernesto de Guzman in the flyweight finals.

Marlon Avenido produced a gold medal for UST in the light welter category with a 5-1 victory over teammate Paulo Angelo and College of St. Benilde’s Edison Bagaipo outclassed Raymond Villapa of Defenders, 1-0, in the finweight final. By Romina Austria / Inquirer

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ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- Curiously absent from last week’s national team tryouts, Mario Labajo was looking at making his way into the Philippine squad via the back door.


The 36-year-old, who rose to prominence when he upset the top-ranked Artemio Murakami in the semifinals of the Philippine Amateurs in Bacolod City two years ago, made sure he would create a ripple again this year.

Labajo bundled out defending champion Jay Bayron in the third extra hole of the Final 16 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club course here.

Upsets were actually the fare of the day with Canlubang standouts Dave Hernandez and young Zannie Boy Gialon providing the loudest noises in the opening round of match play.

Hernandez, the World Amateur veteran who now handles golf operations of the Calatagan Golf Club, showed Asian Games bronze medalist Michael Bibat the door via a 1-up conquest.

The 18-year-old Gialon took out national team member Ferdie Aunzo, 2-up.

Labajo hit a 7-iron off the tee and again in his approach, landing the ball within 15 feet of the hole for a routine par as Bayron made a mess of his second shot for bogey.

One of the first products of the National Caddies Open program, Labajo will next face Canlubang stablemate Mark Fernando, the No. 2 seed who took out unheralded Junie Visinica, 4 and 3, in the afternoon.

Jay’s younger brother Rufino stayed in the hunt, stunning RP team member Jonel Ababa, 1-up in the Final 16.

Gialon and Hernandez, however, fell in the afternoon matches, with elimination-round topnotcher Anthony Fernando ripping Gialon, 6 and 5, and club caddy Rene Menor whipping Hernandez, 5 and 4.

Anthony Fernando and Rufino Bayron slug it out today in the quarterfinals, which Tonlits Asistio also reached after a 6-and-5 rout of Daniel Solinap.

Jong Laput sealed a clash with Asistio after eliminating former national team member Erwin Vinluan, 3 and 2.

Menor next faces Chepe Dulay, a 1-up victor over Joey Huerva.

In ladies play, Lora Roberto knocked out defending champion Carmelette Villaroman, 3 and 2, and sealed a duel with Anya Tanpinco, a 5-and-4 winner over Ines Del Rosario, in today’s semifinals.

The other ladies’ pairing will have Sunshine Baraquiel, a 5-and-4 winner over Crystal Superal, and Louise Manalo, who won over Chihiro Ikeda, 5 and 4, for a seat in the title match. By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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Barangay Ginebra, minus five key players, pulled the rug from under Talk N Text, 102-100, in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season Tournament at The Arena in San Juan Wednesday night.


Ginebra got off to a swashbuckling start and watched TNT self-destruct in its fiery chase at endgame as the Kings bounced back from an 87-97 defeat at the hands of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the pre-season event opener four nights ago in Cavite City.

Ronald Tubid, Sunday Salvacion and Mark Macapagal carried much of the load for the Kings with Johnny Abarrientos, Eric Menk and Rafi Reavis sidelined by injuries and Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand still on vacation in the US.

Macapagal made 16 points, including clutch free throws that kept the team afloat down the stretch.

The Pals, who repulsed the Air21 Express, 137-126, Monday, actually had a chance to steal the game while only down by one at 100-101, but Harvey Carey missed a layup with three seconds to go.

After Macapagal made it 102-100 on a split from the foul line, the Pals went to Asi Taulava in their attempt to force overtime but the Fil-Tongan behemoth likewise missed his shot.

Thus, the Kings, the reigning All-Filipino champions, salvaged the game and stayed in the running for the one-game final in this pre-season event won by the Alaska Aces last year.

Ginebra pounced on Talk N Text’s lackluster start and sat on a 29-17 cushion going into the second period.

The Kings sustained their searing drive in the next quarter but the Pals enjoyed some breaks towards the end of the first half, including a shot made by Renren Ritualo from midcourt with three-tenths of a second left in the clock.

Buckling down to work after the halftime huddle, the Pals closed in at 69-76 in the third and put the pressure on in the final canto.

Talk N Text finally caught up at 89-all on a dunk by Taulava, then the team pulled ahead at 92-89 on a trey by Ritualo.

It was a battle to the finish.

Tubid and Salvacion had their clutch plays and led the Kings with 24 and 22 points, respectively. Jimmy Alapag paced the Pals with 19. (NC)

The scores:

Ginebra 102 – Tubid 24, Salvacion 22, Macapagal 16, Holper 12, Hubalde 9, Santos 9, Mamaril 8, Lao 1, Aquino 1, Escalona 0.

Talk N Text 100 – Alapag 19, Cardona 17, Taulava 16, Washington 15, Ritualo 10, Carey 9, Allado 7, Noble 4, Billones 2, Ferreria 1, Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 29-17, 57-44, 78-69, 102-100.
source: www.pba.ph

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MANILA, Philippines -- De La Salle University came within 3.5 seconds of ending the streak but University of the East was destined to remain untouchable.


After giving UE a new lease on life in overtime, the Warriors dominated the Green Archers in the five-minute extension to complete a rare 14-0 sweep of the UAAP basketball eliminations with a 92-84 win at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City Thursday.

The unbeaten run assured UE of the first championship slot under a rule which was imposed after University of Santo Tomas automatically won the crown with a similar 14-game sweep in 1993.

“It was really for us,” said coach Dindo Pumaren, clearly relieved after the Warriors teetered on the brink of their first loss of the season.

JV Casio could have won it for La Salle in regulation, but nerves got in the way as the streaky shooter missed his first free throw with 3.5 seconds left in the fourth period.

Casio nailed his second charity that knotted the contest at 77 and forced the extra period.

“Of all people who would miss, it was Casio,” said Pumaren.

And of all the UE players, it was Hans Thiele who proved the difference for the Warriors.

“Thiele made the key baskets -- he was the big difference,” said Pumaren of the lanky forward, who came off the bench to finish with a career-high 16 points and 16 rebounds.

La Salle dropped to third at 9-5, but will remain in contention for the twice-to-beat semifinal bonus if Ateneo de Manila University loses its game against the National University Bulldogs on Saturday.

Earlier, Far Eastern University stalled University of Santo Tomas’ semifinal bid with an 84-73 triumph to keep its own Final Four hopes alive.

A bench-clearing incident marred the UE-La Salle match after Mark Borboran drew a hard foul from Rico Maierhofer in the first quarter.

Mark Fampulme, exchanging heated words with several Archers, got cornered in the La Salle bench. Officials tried to break off the verbal tiff, but La Salle rookie Brian Ilad stormed from the bench and punched Fampulme on the head.

The scores:

First Game
FEU 84 -- Cervantes 14, Baracael 13, Sanga 12, Fernandez 10, Cawaling 9, Ramos 8, Adolfo 7, Barroca 6, Alisbo 2, Abaring 2, Cabagnot 1, Tanuan 0, Knuttel 0.
UST 73 -- Cruz 13, Mirza 12, Espiritu 10, Canlas 10, Taylor 7, Cuan 6, Allera 5, Ababou 5, Cortez 3, Gile 2, Dizon 0.
Quarters: 19-14, 39-30, 58-59, 84-73

Second Game
UE 92 -- Thiele 16, Martinez 13, Borboran 11, Arellano 11, Llagas 10, Gregorio 10, Fampulme 7, Lee 6, Espiritu 5, Lingganay 3, Bandaying 0, Cañizares 0.
LA SALLE 84 -- Casio 22, Tang 16, Malabes 12, Villanueva 9, Maeirhofer 9, Walsham 6, Mangahas 6, Co 4, Atkins 0, Ferdinand 0, Lee 0, Ilad 0, Cua 0.
Quarters: 22-16, 45-44, 58-62, 77-77 (reg), 92-84 (OT). By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Not even a contract offer coated well, to use a pun, could make Nic Belasco stay at Welcoat Paints.


Negotiations with the player whom Welcoat said would be the team’s spiritual leader bogged down Thursday after Belasco reportedly asked for “unreasonable perks” to go with an offer that was already the maximum allowed by Philippine Basketball Association.

Now, Welcoat is looking for trades to unload Belasco, whom the Dragons acquired early August by dealing away Jun-Jun Cabatu to the Alaska Aces.

Welcoat had offered Belasco a two-year contract worth P350,000 a month -- the biggest allowed by the PBA.

And one of those trade moves -- with Ginebra -- has also gone down the drain after the Gin Kings, who expressed interest in the 33-year-old Belasco, refused to part with rookie point guard Macky Escalona and another player.

A Welcoat source said that efforts to sign Belasco hit a wall after the player asked that he be treated in the United States if he falls ill or becomes injured.

The source, who asked not to be identified, said that Belasco also asked for four round-trip tickets to the US “for his companions.”

Meanwhile, Purefoods remained unbeaten in the PBA pre-season tournament after dismantling Air21, 130-124, Thursday at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines gym.

The scores:
PUREFOODS 130 -- J. Yap 29, Raymundo 21, Lanete 20, R. Yap 20, Larong 12, Sanz 8, Pingris 7, Adducul 7, Salvador 4, Evangelista 2.
AIR21 124 -- Santos 36, Arboleda 23, Canaleta 15, Cruz 12, De Ocampo 12, Kramer 7, Intal 6, Masbang 5, Dimaunahan 4, Sotto 2.
Quarters: 34-24, 68-57, 101-95, 130-124.
By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

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LOS ANGELES -- The fat, shortish paisano behind the counter did not sound like he was making a serious offer.


“You want cactus, quieres, señor?” he muttered, brush moustache bristling.

A transparent plastic bag filled with greenish bits lay beside the rundown cash register.

“What do I do with cactus?” I asked.

“Para comida,” he replied.

“Cactus for eating?”

“Si, sure señor, it’s very good like broccoli,” he explained smiling.

Good God. But how do you cook it?

“Simple, no hay problema, just boil it -- healthy, tastes good.”

* * *

This exchange happened inside a small Mexican fresh food mart off very busy Santa Monica Boulevard, a couple of blocks from the Wild Card gym.

I shook my head, begged his pardon, picked up three potatoes and two stems of broccoli which, I told the curious seller, would later boil splendidly with a can of carne norte into a makeshift meat-veggie stew dinner.

That’s it. Cactus, we had been told before, goes great into the making of a splendid tequila -- perfectly Mexican.

But there’s no way a hard-trying Mexican, well-meaning as he could be, would ram cactus down the throat of this straying Pinoy to whom the spiky plant remains a towering background for dear old Tonto and Lone Ranger as the immortal duo race down memory lane, through the dried-up wilds of happy, old, George Bush-free America.

Cactus? Sorry, better luck next time, señor.

* * *

By the way, that food mart incident happened only Thursday, out here in hot, baking Los Angeles.

The other day at Wild Card, a middle-aged fixture, a leathery Mex with a drum of a beer belly, started mumbling something interesting about the Marco Antonio Barrera-Manny Pacquiao rematch.

“Just tell them it’s the trainer of Hector Velasquez who said it,” he declared with patriotic fervor.

The anxious fellow declared, matter-of-factly, that there would be a third Pacquiao-Barrera fight!

“It will be called the Moment of Truth, better believe me,” he said.

Well, I no longer bothered to ask his full name, he did not ask mine, although he obviously smelled I was a Pacquiao backer.

Pacquiao stopped Velasquez at the Staples Center here a little over two years ago in a tune-up for the Pacman’s second battle against Erik Morales, who saw action -- and lost on points -- in the same card.

* * *

To repeat: this Mex fixture at Wild Card sincerely felt a Barrera-Pacquiao Trilogy is in the works.

“Because there’s no other way they could make big money,” he stated without flinching.

“You know, we were winning, we were ahead on points after two rounds against Pacquiao, but Velasquez disobeyed, he slugged it out,” he said.

Anyway, as though he owned the exclusive formula on how to offset and upset Pacquiao, the trainer said Barrera should be expected to avoid an outright slug-out, dance, use the ring, do the rope-a-dope if possible.

In basketball, that would be equal to playing a half-court game, in order to avoid being swept under the swirl of the breathless fastbreak.

Not a bad proposal, although there was nothing new in it.

* * *

Meanwhile, there came reports Thursday that Team Barrera has decided to take in the undefeated one-punch mangler Edwin Valero, reigning WBA 130-lb. champ, to help hone up the Baby-Faced Assassin versus Pacquiao, a whirlwind of a slasher.

Good. But the Barrera camp must also be reminded they could be facing an even bigger problem here.

You see, it was Barrera himself who had admitted that, more than power, it was Pacquiao’s fabulous speed and quickness which ultimately plastered him in their first fight in November 2003.

The message here is for Barrera to go seek someone who could push him harder, and improve his speed.

“Valero? If he hits you today, he throws the next punch tomorrow,” one trainer, a tested Pacquiao deputy, quipped at the nearby Nat’s Thai Food Restaurant here.

Needless to say, Valero could be truly useful to Barrera only if a cactus stew finally tastes like perfect dinner for the homesick, adobo-happy Pinoy.
By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer.

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LOS ANGELES -- The fat, shortish paisano behind the counter did not sound like he was making a serious offer.


“You want cactus, quieres, señor?” he muttered, brush moustache bristling.

A transparent plastic bag filled with greenish bits lay beside the rundown cash register.

“What do I do with cactus?” I asked.

“Para comida,” he replied.

“Cactus for eating?”

“Si, sure señor, it’s very good like broccoli,” he explained smiling.

Good God. But how do you cook it?

“Simple, no hay problema, just boil it -- healthy, tastes good.”

* * *

This exchange happened inside a small Mexican fresh food mart off very busy Santa Monica Boulevard, a couple of blocks from the Wild Card gym.

I shook my head, begged his pardon, picked up three potatoes and two stems of broccoli which, I told the curious seller, would later boil splendidly with a can of carne norte into a makeshift meat-veggie stew dinner.

That’s it. Cactus, we had been told before, goes great into the making of a splendid tequila -- perfectly Mexican.

But there’s no way a hard-trying Mexican, well-meaning as he could be, would ram cactus down the throat of this straying Pinoy to whom the spiky plant remains a towering background for dear old Tonto and Lone Ranger as the immortal duo race down memory lane, through the dried-up wilds of happy, old, George Bush-free America.

Cactus? Sorry, better luck next time, señor.

* * *

By the way, that food mart incident happened only Thursday, out here in hot, baking Los Angeles.

The other day at Wild Card, a middle-aged fixture, a leathery Mex with a drum of a beer belly, started mumbling something interesting about the Marco Antonio Barrera-Manny Pacquiao rematch.

“Just tell them it’s the trainer of Hector Velasquez who said it,” he declared with patriotic fervor.

The anxious fellow declared, matter-of-factly, that there would be a third Pacquiao-Barrera fight!

“It will be called the Moment of Truth, better believe me,” he said.

Well, I no longer bothered to ask his full name, he did not ask mine, although he obviously smelled I was a Pacquiao backer.

Pacquiao stopped Velasquez at the Staples Center here a little over two years ago in a tune-up for the Pacman’s second battle against Erik Morales, who saw action -- and lost on points -- in the same card.

* * *

To repeat: this Mex fixture at Wild Card sincerely felt a Barrera-Pacquiao Trilogy is in the works.

“Because there’s no other way they could make big money,” he stated without flinching.

“You know, we were winning, we were ahead on points after two rounds against Pacquiao, but Velasquez disobeyed, he slugged it out,” he said.

Anyway, as though he owned the exclusive formula on how to offset and upset Pacquiao, the trainer said Barrera should be expected to avoid an outright slug-out, dance, use the ring, do the rope-a-dope if possible.

In basketball, that would be equal to playing a half-court game, in order to avoid being swept under the swirl of the breathless fastbreak.

Not a bad proposal, although there was nothing new in it.

* * *

Meanwhile, there came reports Thursday that Team Barrera has decided to take in the undefeated one-punch mangler Edwin Valero, reigning WBA 130-lb. champ, to help hone up the Baby-Faced Assassin versus Pacquiao, a whirlwind of a slasher.

Good. But the Barrera camp must also be reminded they could be facing an even bigger problem here.

You see, it was Barrera himself who had admitted that, more than power, it was Pacquiao’s fabulous speed and quickness which ultimately plastered him in their first fight in November 2003.

The message here is for Barrera to go seek someone who could push him harder, and improve his speed.

“Valero? If he hits you today, he throws the next punch tomorrow,” one trainer, a tested Pacquiao deputy, quipped at the nearby Nat’s Thai Food Restaurant here.

Needless to say, Valero could be truly useful to Barrera only if a cactus stew finally tastes like perfect dinner for the homesick, adobo-happy Pinoy.
By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer.

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ILOILO CITY -- Anthony Fernando fired an unexciting two-over-par 72 Thursday but still topped the classification phase of the Philippine Amateur men’s golf championship at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club here.


The 24-year-old Fernando kept his form despite a brief suspension of play because of rain, shooting a level 34 coming home to earn what is supposedly the lightest assignment -- based on the rankings -- in the first round of match play that starts Friday.

He finished the 36-hole classification with a 140 total and will face veteran Boyet Saragoza, the 32nd man to advance after nipping two others in a playoff, in one of 16 18-hole duels Friday at the oldest course in the Far East.

Anthony’s cousin and RP teammate Mark Fernando floundered with a 75 but still salvaged second spot at 143. He clashes with club bet and No. 31 qualifier Oscar Arenas in the first round.

There were really no surprises in the classification, with the other four members of the National team easily advancing.

Michael Bibat, bronze medalist in the Doha Asian Games last year, finished at 144 after a 75 to forge a first round clash with veteran Dave Hernandez.

Jonel Ababa qualified as the seventh seed after a 74 for 147, a stroke ahead of Jay Bayron, the defending champion who shot a 76. Ferdinand Aunzo will enter match play as the 17th seed after a 75-151.

The 17-year-old Paul Echavez, a product of the National Caddies’ Open who shared the first-round lead with the Fernandos with a 68, ballooned to a 79 but still qualified as the 11th seed with a 147 tally.

The other notable qualifiers were Joseph Labajo, Erwin Vinluan, Joey Huerva, Mario Labajo, Rufino Bayron, Jae Yang and last year’s losing finalist Tonton Asistio (77-149).

In the ladies division, veteran internationalist Anya Tanpinco topped the classification stage despite a 79 for 153, with Sunshine Baraquiel taking second spot, two strokes back after a 76.

Louise Manalo took third at 156 after a 75, while defending champion Carmelette Villaroman shot an 81 for 159 and fourth place. By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer.

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ILOILO CITY -- Many have tried but no one has come close to approximating the promise shown by former Asian sprint queen Lydia De Vega-Mercado at an early age.


But track officials here believe they have found a De Vega-Mercado-in-the-making after a Filipino-Canadian from Bacolod City powered to two impressive wins in the second day of the Philippine Olympic Festival Visayas Qualifying leg.

Jami Dawn Henares, 15, overwhelmed the field in the 400 meters, clocking a minute and .01 second, then snared another gold in the 200m with a time of 27.2 that caught the attention of Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association technical personnel.

The honor student at Destiny Christian Academy could have been the first triple gold medalist of the games had the charming 5-foot-6 lass ruled the 100m dash the other day.

“I didn’t start well because I wasn’t listening to the starting gun,” said Henares, who lost to Jenelyn Progio of Capiz by a hairline but avenged that defeat in the 200m.

Progio timed 13.435 against Henares’ (13.436) in the 100m.

After ruling the century dash, the 18-year-old Progio went on to bag two more golds in the 100m and 400m hurdles.

“I train her along with La Salle’s (Bacolod) track and field men’s varsity team,” said Frankie Echavarria, Henares’ personal coach.

In all, Capiz took five more golds in athletics.

Joannu Fegarido ruled the boys’ 200m dash, Sharjon Delgado dominated the boys’ 400m hurdles, Hanny Jean Delfin won the 10,000m and Joan Grace Fenitro prevailed in the girls’ shotput for Capiz.

Iloilo struck hard in taekwondo, collecting a total of 19 gold medals, and kept its head high in football, coming back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw against Cebu.

Christian John Gersanib (finweight), Kevin Cabariban (welter), Keva Labrador (fin), Ryka Bernardo (fly), Ivanna Marie Mabunay (welter), Mario Nepomuceno (bantam), Jon Adjijil (feather), Gabriel Arnigo (fin), Carole Bullon (fin), Rieth Pangham (bantam), Lyn June Salibius (light) scored wins in the juniors division.

Providing the gold for Iloilo in the grade school division were Louvett Uy Deong, Ron Alde Dedoroy, Lester Barcenilla, Nicole Vidallon and Ayanna Benita Galotera.
By June Navarro / Inquirer.

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FINAL SCORE:

UE- 92
DLSU- 84

UE Wins and Sweeps Season 70's elimination round

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Alaska Milk sealed a three-year deal with No. 6 pick Ken Bono who is to receive P150,000 a month this coming season and P200,000 next year as PBA teams continued to boost their rosters with barely a month before the start of its 33rd season.


However, the Aces’ management and the former UAAP star have yet to agree on the terms in the final year of the pact.

“We’re happy with what we’ve got. It’s going to be no less than P7 million in three years although we’ve yet to finalize the package for the third year. We’ve come up with a certain amount. The team manager (Joaqui Trillo) is to discuss it with the team owner (Wilfred Uytengsu),” said Edgar Tan, who represents Bono.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia Realty continued to overhaul its lineup after its acquisition of Joseph Yeo, signing up free agents Christian Coronel and Dennis Daa to separate two-year contracts.

Coronel and Daa helped the Realtors score a 106-88 rout of the Coca-Cola Tigers in the PBA pre-season tourney at The Arena in San Juan Tuesday night.

The Sta. Lucia management and coaching staff recruited the two free agents after seeing them perform well with the Harbour Centre-RP team in the recent Brunei Cup.

First to be signed was Coronel, a 5-foot-10 guard out of San Sebastian. Sta. Lucia found a berth for Daa, a Letran mainstay when it dealt Mark Isip and Cesar Catli to Coke for Yeo.

“Both are thinking players. We’re impressed in their showing in the Brunei Cup,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

Derrick Hubalde, Alvin Pua and Erwin Sta. Maria are three other free agents hoping to make it to the Sta. Lucia lineup. They’re listed in Sta. Lucia’s 18-man lineup in the pre-season tourney.

Fernandez is resting veterans Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino in the pre-season to give them time to fully recover from their injuries. Aquino is nursing a shoulder injury while Espino is strengthening his knees.By NELSON BELTRAN / The Philippine Star

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The Pinoy Money Talk Contests are back! And this time, a sleek, dazzling, and cool iPod Nano is at stake! Want it? Read the "Contest Rules" below.

Contest officially starts on August 1.

http://www.pinoymoneytalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=7405.0

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MANILA, Philippines -- San Beda and Letran both took the expressway to get to the finals WEdnesday night.


Showing composure and skill down the stretch, the league’s top-ranked teams left their respective foes by the wayside to arrange a title showdown that last happened in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament 57 years ago.

Defending champion San Beda College fought off a late uprising by Mapua Institute of Technology to prevail, 74-64, while Letran College turned back Jose Rizal University, 70-61, to quickly end the Final Four showdown at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Game 1 of the best-of-three series starts on Wednesday.

Though touted as the league’s fiercest rivals for decades, San Beda and Letran will only be battling for the championships for the second time ever.

The last time they clashed was in the 1950 finals when the Knights -- then notoriously labeled the monicker Murder Inc. -- rampaged for 13 straight eliminations wins only to get derailed by the Red Lions, who forced a title playoff.

But Letran, bannered then by the legendary Lauro Mumar, beat the Caloy Loyzaga-led San Beda for the title.

“It’s going to be a huge game,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim. “You can’t win a championship easily so it’s going to be hard.”

Lim said Letran “did a great job” hiding its talented bench.

Letran clinched its third championship appearance in the last five years. The last two times they made the finals -- in 2003 and 2005 -- the Knights ended up bagging the crown.

“In fairness to Jose Rizal, that was a very very hard-fought game,” said Letran coach Louie Alas. “The score may be deceiving but it was a hard-fought game.”

The Knights leaned on their vaunted defense in the fourth quarter to force the Heavy Bombers into a dreary seven-minute silence and break the game apart after a tight first three periods.

Alas later told his mostly rookie squad that “nobody expected you to make the Final Four, lalo na sa finals.”

Earlier, two-time defending champion San Sebastian College easily disposed of JRU, 85-74, to barge into the juniors championship series.

San Beda managed to stay alive after derailing Letran, 96-86, to forge a rubber-match for the other final slot. By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Gandy Valle, the 1998 Asian Games 9-ball doubles gold medalist and Roberto Gomez, the 2007 Norway Battle of Scandinavia 9-ball winner, head the cast in the first San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Scotch Doubles 10-ball event starting on Sept. 19 at the Elbowroom/Metro Walk in Pasig City.


The 30-year-old Valle will be teaming up with either Jomar Ocampo or Michael Feliciano in the three-day event staking P140,000 to the winning pair.

“I’m already preparing hard for this tournament,” said Valle in Filipino.

Gomez, 28, will be partnered by either Carlo Biado or Mike Takayama.

“Skill is of the essence in 10-ball, unlike the 9-ball where there’s a bit of luck,” said Gomez, who like Valle is a member of the Bugsy promotion stable.

The pair of Antonio Gabica, and Renemar David, the 2006 Sydney World Junior quarterfinalist, also signified their intention to play.

Other entries include the pair of 2007 Korean Pro tour 9-ball champion Joven Bustamante and former snooker ace Benjie Guevarra and Negros Billiard Stable stalwarts Lee Vann Corteza and Ricky Zerna.

For details, call Jojo Santos at 09157008000, Valle at 09169589897 and Jharome Pena at 09183942779. Marlon Bernardino, contributor

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MANILA, Philippines -- I feel utterly frustrated by the fact that our battle-tested billiards players, supposedly the cream of the crop, did not win a single leg in the recent Guinness 9-Ball Tour.


Am I the only one?

Cue artists from Taiwan, led by Yang Chin-shun, also known as the “Son of Pool,” and up-and-coming Chang Jun-ling, scored a rare sweep in the inaugural Guinness Tour, a five-leg Asian circuit which culminated with the staging of the Grand Finale in Bali, Indonesia, recently.

Yang won three legs (Singapore, Kaohsiung and Shanghai) while Chang won twice (the leg opener in Jakarta and the grand finale in Bali). Two other Chinese Taipei bets, former World Pool champions Chao Fong-pang and Wu Chia-ching provided valuable support act.

Among the Filipino bets who did well in this year’s Tour were Lee Vann Corteza of Negros Billiards Stable and double world champion Ronnie Alcano of Bugsy Promotions, who both settled for second place.

* * *

The legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes and his longtime partner, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, did not see action in the Guinness Tour because they reportedly have an existing contract with another company which sells the same product.

By the way, these two Puyat Sports mainstays are slated to defend their World Cup of Pool title in Rotterdam, Holland, on Sept. 25-30.

Filipino cue artists showed their dominance of the event in the past. Last year, they swept the four-leg San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour, with the 53-year-old Reyes winning two legs and Ramil Gallego and Rodolfo Luat snaring one apiece. By Manolo Iñigo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Since the Pacquiao-Barrera fight is only a few weeks away, I thought that the press conference called by GMA-7 last weekend was going to be about the Oct. 7 event.


Well we did talk about the fight, but the real purpose of the presscon was to announce the contract-signing between Manny Pacquiao and the network, making him a Kapuso talent. GMA executives said they will produce a show for the boxing icon -- either a sitcom or a reality series -- but everything was still on the drawing board at the moment.

Manny himself couldn’t answer queries from the sports and show biz scribes who wanted to know what kind of a program his producers had in mind and with whom he was going to co-star. Was it Ara Mina?

A few days later, the papers said that Manny was going to star in a sitcom with Rufa Mae Quinto as his partner. His producers promised this will not disrupt the schedule of his training. Taping of the sitcom will start only after the Las Vegas fight.

Speaking of Manny’s Cebu training, his main complaint was the weather. The heat, he said, was almost unbearable, adding it took so much energy out of him.

***

Shooting of the film, where he co-stars with Ara Mina, will be resumed only after he returns from Las Vegas.

According to show biz scribes who attended the presscon, the movie will be one of the entries in the Manila Film Festival this December.

Asked to comment on his kissing scene with Ara Mina, Manny responded with a shy grin.
By Beth Celis / Inquirer.

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MANILA, Philippines -- Season after season, title after title blew past STI College in a blur. Wednesday, against the most storied varsity franchise in its playground, the Olympians finally forced the parade of trophies to stop right in their campus.


STI ended five title-less years, beating five-time champion University of Manila, 81-75, in Game Two of the best-of-three finals Wednesday to capture the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) men’s basketball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“This is a memorable year for us (Olympians),” said STI coach Vic Ycasiano. “Winning the title is really a big achievement for the team.”

Prior to finally winning the title, STI’s best finishes came as runners-up to UM and archrival AMA University.

Ycasiano and team manager Arnel de Leon beefed up the team by adding three prized recruits this year but in the end, fittingly, STI went to veteran Dexter Micutuan to dispose of the Hawks.

Micutuan poured nine of his game-high 22 points in the final two minutes as the Olympians finished off the Hawks with a furious 11-2 windup.

His performance gave STI two trophies to celebrate. Aside from the championship trophy, Micutuan was voted Most Valuable Player of the season.

Micutuan’s nine-point explosion came after Russel Assuncion nailed a twinner to give UM a 72-70 lead with still 2:13 remaining.

“He (Micutuan) stepped up big when we needed him most,” said Ycasiano. “Wala na akong mahihiling pa (There’s nothing more I can ask of him).”

Micutuan and Frank Bonus led the Mythical Team, along with Ramon Mabayo of STI, Onofre Napiza of UM and Jerome Ceita of San Sebastian College-Cavite.

It was the first time that UM lost a best-of-three title series since the league’s inception in 2001.
By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

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Game shape and competitive form were among things the Alaska Aces would naturally lose for their US bonanza after winning the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference.

They seemed to still have vacation in mind as they set out for their first game in the pre-season event Tuesday night at The Arena in San Juan. The result was an 84-102 blowout by the KT&G squad of Korea.


Having just returned to training, the Aces just couldn’t find ways to stop KT&G import Marquin Chandler who sizzled with 34 points.

With practically everybody looking overweight, the Aces played a decent game only in the opening quarter, being clobbered in the next three.

Reigning league MVP Willie Miller was good for only 13 points. Reynel Hugnatan paced the team with 16 with sixth overall pick Ken Bono adding 11.

Bono and another new acquisition Junjun Cabatu suited up although they’ve yet to get their contracts with the team.

No. 7 pick JR Quinahan signed a two-year contract hours before the game. Team manager Joaqui Trillo said he would next work on Bono’s pact.

KT&G, meanwhile, was all business, riding high on the exploits of Chandler and another American import Robert Cummings on the way to the team’s second win in as many games against home teams in the PBA pre-season event.

Down by one at 17-18, the Koreans unraveled a 19-6 run and went on to dominate the contest.

The Aces actually closed in at 41-44 but couldn’t sustain the rally, falling behind by 13, 46-59, at the half.

The Koreans kept the Aces at bay in the second half with Jin Won Hwang, Hee Jong Joo and Hyun Ho Lee giving their imports the needed help. (NC)

The scores:


KT&G 102 -- Chandler 34, Hwang 17, Cummings 13, Joo 10, Kim 9, Yang 7, Lee 7, Park 3, Jeon 2, Shin 0, Eun 0.

Alaska 84 -- Hugnatan 16, Miller 13, Bono 11, Bajar 8, Aban 7, Dela Cruz 7, Ferriols 6, Quinahan 6, Thoss 3, Gonzales 3, Singson 2, Laure 2, Cabatu 0, Luangzon 0.

Quarterscores: 36-24, 59-46, 81-72, 102-84. source: www.pba.ph

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Filipino Bert Batawang, training in earnest at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, yesterday sent a strong message to IBF light flyweight champ Ulises Solis whom he will challenge on October 4 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.


"Basta tumama ako sa kanya, sisiguraduhin ko tutumba sya," Batawang was quoted as saying by a close associate who has been working on Batawang's conditioning.

Batawang added that he is now training with peace of mind, as his shot at Solis is now virtually a done deal.

Batawang, who has been training for almost three months in the US, reports to Freddie Roach's gym on a daily basis, and regularly spars with former Solis challenger Rodel Mayol, who has been giving him pointers on how to fight Solis.

"Kundisyon si Bert Batwang at maganda ang pangangatawan" said Team Pacquiao therapist Jeff De Guzman in a long-distance interview. "He really wants to fight so he can go home and attend his baby's baptism," added De Guzman.

Batawang, who has been hovering at 115 lbs, has also credited a strong support group that has been with him and trainer Jeremiah Quijano giving morale support, notably Dr. dela Vega, Sheriff, and De Guzman as well as Team Pacquiao member Nonoy Neri. By Salven L. Lagumbay / PhilBoxing.com

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With the arrival of Fil-foreign players, foreign exposures, coaches training overseas, better facilities, and keeping the core of each team together, Asaphil’s president is upbeat that we will reap the rewards as early as the SEA Games in Thailand. There’s no reason to doubt him.


The leadership of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) is leading a vigorous charge to get softball reinstated in time for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Asaphil president Jean Henri Lhuillier said he is very positive that the sport will have enough votes to get back into the Games.

"I’ve spoken to some countries that voted against softball, and they have promised their support," said Lhuillier, who also manages the Philippine tennis team. "The timing is perfect for it."

Lhuillier has been working closely with International Softball Federation (ISF) president Don Porter to get softball reinstated. The campaign is even on the Worldwide Web, www.BackSoftball.com. The Philippines is hosting the 23rd ISF Congress from Oct. 24 to 27, the first time the congress will be held in Asia.

"I was surprised at how fast this organization moves," Lhuillier says. "I remember the first congress I attended; I had a stack of papers on my table about six inches thick. I was expecting to be bored all day. In an hour and half, the body had decided on everything."

Baseball was a demonstration sport at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles Games and 1988 Games in Seoul, then became a medal sport in 1992 in Barcelona, where Cuba won the gold medal. US women, meanwhile, have won all three gold medals since softball joined the Olympics at the 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Games.

The two sports were voted out of the Olympics, considered too American by IOC members from other countries. The decision was made during a secret vote in Singapore in July. The two sports became the first to be eliminated from the Olympic program since polo in 1936, but are eligible to reapply for 2016.

In Asia, the Philippines has made great strides, particularly in women’s softball. The Blu Girls finished a respectable fourth in the Asian qualifier for the World Softball Championship in Jakarta two weeks ago. The top three teams qualified for the world championship in Canada.

"We were against very tough opposition, and we did very well," Lhuillier explained. "We’re expected them to get even better, because this is a young team."

Lhuillier is planning to have both the men’s and women’s teams play in an international tournament before the Southeast Asian Games, where we are expected to win at least one gold medal. If there are no tournaments within the region, Asaphil will invite club teams from Korea, Japan and other countries to play in an invitational tournament here. If not, he may opt to bring in strong pitchers, and just supplement them with other players.

One of the main strengths of our teams is the ease with which it adapts to developments in the sport. Gone are the days when we played purely like Americans and tried to knock the ball out of the park every time.

"If you watch the Japanese play, even where they position the bat is different," says Lhuillier, himself a member of several international slo-pitch softball teams. "They just try to slap the ball and use their speed to get on base. We’re learning how to combine the two styles of play."

Part of that is getting accustomed to using lighter bats, which some of the male players initially resisted. "It’s a macho thing," Lhuillier smiles. "They kept saying they were used to heavier bats. But I got them the lighter bats, and we’re seeing the difference."

With the arrival of Fil-foreign players, foreign exposures, coaches training overseas, better facilities, and keeping the core of each team together,

Asaphil’s president is upbeat that we will reap the rewards as early as the SEA Games in Thailand. There’s no reason to doubt him.
By BILL VELASCO (THE GAME OF MY LIFE)

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PORTLAND, Oregon - Greg Oden, the No. 1 overall selection in last June's National Basketball Association draft, will have exploratory surgery after experiencing knee pain, the Portland Trail Blazers said Monday.


Oden will have the arthroscopic procedure on Thursday and a timetable for his return will be set following the procedure.

Oden, who is one of the most hyped players to enter the NBA in years, has had trouble staying on the court this summer. He had his tonsils removed in July and needed nearly three weeks to recover.

After surgery on his tonsils, the center missed the rest of the Trail Blazers' summer league schedule and also missed Team USA's training camp in late July - which kept him out of August's FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas.

It had been a sub-par summer debut for Oden, who collected just six points and two rebounds while getting disqualified with a league-maximum 10 fouls in his first game. He was slightly better in his second contest, collecting 13 points, five rebounds and four blocks with nine fouls.

Oden, 19, also was not completely healthy in his lone college season, battling through a wrist injury while leading Ohio State to the national championship game. Source: Agence France Presse

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DENVER - The Denver Nuggets sent forward Reggie Evans and the draft rights to forward Ricky Sanchez to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday in exchange for swingman Steven Hunter and forward Bobby Jones. The trade is the second between the teams since December, when Allen Iverson joined the Nuggets in a blockbuster deal.


"Steven is an athletic, 7-foot big man ... that can block shots," said Mark Warkentien, Denver's vice president of basketball operations. "We think his presence will provide us with a more balanced roster. Bobby is an intriguing young player, who really played well at the end of the season.

"This move greatly helps us add depth at our center position while reducing our inventory of power forwards. Reggie played a valuable role for us during his time in Denver and we appreciate his professionalism."

Evans averaged 5.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in 92 games for the Nuggets after his acquisition from Seattle on Feb. 23. He led the league in rebounds per 48 minutes last season at 19.7.

"He is an accomplished rebounder that we feel will make an immediate impact and will exemplify our commitment to hard work, rebounding and defense," 76ers general manager Billy King said. "At 6-11, Ricky Sanchez is a young prospect that has potential and we will continue to monitor his development as he plays overseas."

Hunter set career highs with averages of 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 70 games for the 76ers last season. He has appeared in 360 regular season games in six seasons with Orlando, Phoenix and Philadelphia.

Jones played in 44 games for the 76ers last season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.3 rebounds.

Sanchez's rights were acquired by the Nuggets along with the draft rights to Linas Kleiza in exchange for the draft rights to Jarrett Jack in a draft-day deal in 2005.
source: www.pba.ph

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The Talk n Text Phone Pals, showing up with an intact lineup toughened up by a two-week training in the United States, clobbered the young Air21 team, 137-126, in the second play date of the 2007 PBA pre-season tournament at the Fresnedi Gym in Muntinlupa Monday night.


Returning mainstays Jimmy Alapag, Renren Ritualo and Asi Taulava each pumped in at least 19 points to lead the balance Talk n Text scoring against the Express who leaned heavily on ace forwards Arwind Santos and KG Canaleta.

Egay Billones, Don Allado, Harvey Carey and Yancy de Ocampo also scored in double figures for the TnT squad which decided not to tinker with its team makeup following a second-place finish in the recent Fiesta Cup.

Only Yousif Aljamal will be the new face in the team, taking over from Vic Pablo, as the league re-opens shop on Oct. 14 at the Araneta Coliseum. Aljamal, however, is likely to miss the entire pre-season event as he’s still completing his stint with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA.

Air21, with an overhauled lineup, showed little cohesion in its first game in the pre-season event.

The Express jumped the gun on the Pals but slowly faded away, falling behind by as many as 24 points.

Starting out flat, coach Derrick Pumaren ensued for an early timeout and the Pals responded to the call, erasing a 13-27 deficit as they seized the upperhand at 33-32 with 2:14 left in the opening quarter.

After closing the first period at 39-37, the Pals stepped up their attack in the second period and went on to take the half at 75-61. Talk n Text had its biggest lead in the first half at 72-53.

"So far, so good. We had a good training in the US and we are keen on working harder as we resume our training back home," said Pumaren.

"The team is upbeat especially on the return of Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo from the national team," Pumaren added. (NC) source: www.pba.ph

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MANILA, Philippines -- Marquin Chandler caught fire in the homestretch to power guest team KT&G of Korea over Welcoat, 94-91, in the opener of the Philippine Basketball Association Pre-Season Games Monday night at The Arena in San Juan City.


Chandler, the 2006 Fiesta Cup Best Import while playing for the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, was a non-factor in the first half but nailed most of his 32 points when the Koreans needed them most.

The Dragons actually had the chance to pull it out but rookie Joe Devance flubbed two free throws with 16 ticks left after he was intentionally fouled by Lee Hyun-ho.

Before his crucial miss, Devance had buried a three-pointer and tossed another inside the paint as the Dragons pulled within 91-92 with 37 seconds remaining.

Devance stole the leather in the ensuing play with the Koreans thinking it was all over but couldn’t stretch his luck from the stripe.

Devance led all scorers with 35 points while Jay-Ar Reyes added 18 for the Dragons, who are looking to improve their form this year after a maiden season full of disappointments.

“It was a nice game,” said Welcoat coach Leo Austria. “Despite the loss, I’m happy with the way we performed.”

The Dragons opened the third quarter with back-to-back baskets courtesy of Devance for 54-51. The Dragons went on to lead by as many as eight points but entered the final period protecting a slim 66-63 edge.

Powered by Chandler and Robert Cummings, the Koreans set the early pace before Adonis Sta. Maria and Devance gave the Dragons their first taste of the lead, 27-26.

Yang Hee-jong completed a three-point play to knot the count at 46 at halftime.

After Welcoat, the Koreans will face Alaska, San Miguel Beer and Red Bull before wrapping up the week against Coca-Cola on Friday.

The scores:

KT&G 94 -- Chandler 32, Yang 25, Cummings 16, Hwang 7, Eun 5, Kim 4, Yoo 4, Joo 1, Park 0, Lee 0.

WELCOAT 91 -- Devance 35, Reyes 18, Gelig 6, Lopez 6, Wainwright 6, Dulay 5, Arana 4, Sta. Maria 4, Mente 2.

Quarters: 26-27, 46-all, 63-66, 94-91
By June Navarro / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Four new basketball faces showed up, but none made a strong impact on the coaching staff of the Philippine team.


Kevin Dalafu, Amir Mazarei, Kevin White and Richard Cole -- all overseas-born cagers with Filipino roots -- tried out Monday for the all-amateur squad that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

But, except for the 6-foot-2 Dalafu and the 6-2 Cole, Mazarei and White stood below six feet.

“Our problem is we need big men, but they’re all guards,” said Philippine team coach Junel Baculi. “We will evaluate and compare them with our local shooters. And we’ll just pick whoever emerges best.”

White is the nephew of Talk ‘N Text point guard Jimmy Alapag, while Dalafu suited up for the Vanguard University of Southern California. Fil-Iranian Mazarei played for the University of Redlands in Thousand Oaks, California.

Baculi said the four players will join this week’s practice of the young squad bannered by Jason Castro, the Philippine Basketball League back-to-back Most Valuable Player, and 6-foot-6 slotman Beau Belga.

“They’re for further evaluation; but if they were seven-footers, I would have quickly gotten them in,” he said.

Baculi remained hopeful that Gabe Norwood, the 6-foot-5 Fil-American guard, will suit up for the national team again after playing for the all-pro San Miguel-RP squad in the FIBA Asia championship on Tokushima, Japan last July.

“We’re in constant communication with him,” the multi-titled mentor said. “I think he will join us. He has committed himself, but anything can happen in the last minute. So we’ll just wait and see.”

The coaching staff plans to form a pool of 15 players that will likely include several collegiate standouts at month’s end.

“We’re looking at players in the NCAA and the UAAP, but our arrangement with both leagues is for them to lend the players after the season,” said Baculi. “But at least the core of our team has been practicing since July.” By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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The University of the Visayas Green Lancers advanced to the semifinals after demolishing the Cebu Institute of Technology Wildcats, 85-57, in their quarterfinal round of the Cesafi men's basketball tournament on Sunday at the University of San Carlos gym.


The top-seeded Lancers had no use for their twice-to-beat incentive as they pounced on the eighth-seeded Wildcats in the third period, going on an 11-0 run, to establish a 19-point lead.

Picking up the slack in the absence of stalwarts Rino Berame, Harlow Villanil and prized 6-foot-11 Fil-Am rookie Gregory Slaughter was wily forward Mike Luga, who tallied nine of his game-high 28 points in that stretch to break the game wide open.

The Lancers will now await the winner of the match between the fourth-seed USJ-R, and the fifth-seed University of Southern Philippines Panthers. The Jaguars will be armed with a twice-to-beat advantage in that match-up.

In the first game, the University of San Carlos Lady Warriors routed the USJ-R Lady Jaguars, 71-46. Zacky Delos Reyes led the way for USC with 19 points. By Jonas Panerio / Cebu Daily News

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CEBU CITY -- Manny Pacquiao breezed through his first 10-round sparring session Monday and looked ready to take on Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera when they clash again on Oct. 6 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.


Pacquiao took on three sparmates at the Rex “Wakee” Salud Gym and looked eager to go for another 10 at the completion of the session supervised by trainers Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez.

“This is the hard training phase,” said trainer Fernandez, who assisted Roach in the afternoon session. “We are very focused now.”

Pacquiao ran in the morning earlier at the Asiatown IT Park, a stone’s throw away from the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel where Team Pacquiao is billeted.

Pacquiao sparred four rounds against Aaron Melgarejo, three rounds against Arniel Tinampay and another three rounds with Mexican Raymundo Beltran, bringing Pacquiao’s total to 64 rounds for this training camp.

No fans were allowed inside the gym, but some select media men were given special permits to witness the training. By Salven Lagumbay / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- The NCAA is on “red alert.”

When the Final Four starts Wednesday -- which incidentally coincides with the promulgation of the verdict on the case of former President Joseph Estrada -- additional security personnel from the Araneta Coliseum and the participating schools will police the stands.


Things almost went out of hand during the recent San Beda-Jose Rizal game where JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia and San Beda coach Frankie Lim almost came to blows after their teams’ game at The Arena in San Juan City.

Coins were thrown and a fistfight also erupted in the stands in last week’s San Beda-Letran game at the Big Dome.

“Even before they set the date of promulgation of the [Estrada] case, we already announced our schedule of the Final Four,” said NCAA management committee chair Paul Supan of Jose Rizal University during Monday’s press conference.

“We are not leaving anything to chance with regard to the security inside the Big Dome.”

He said the coliseum will field 60 more security guards and each of the four semifinalists -- San Beda College, Letran College, Jose Rizal University and Mapua Institute of technology -- will provide five to 10 guards to beef up the venue’s security.

The additional Araneta security personnel also policed the venue during Sunday’s UAAP game between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University, according to Supan.

“We need to police our own ranks,” said San Beda management committee representative Albert Almendralejo.

Vanguardia and Mapua coach Leo Isaac also attended the luncheon.

Lim failed to attend Monday’s session and sent JB Sison instead, while Letran’s Louie Alas was indisposed.

“We vow that nothing untoward will happen,” said Supan, who added that the league will throw any troublemaker out of the venue.

The NCAA has earlier authorized commissioner Chito Narvasa to automatically eject a player who commits a flagrant foul during the games. By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- The UAAP technical committee Monday lost no time nipping in the bud another potential controversy between fierce rivals Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University.


And La Salle officials denied that they would file a protest anew in the wake of its numbing defeat to Ateneo on Sunday, even as reports circulated that they would seek clarification on a call at the final buzzer that should have given the Archers two foul shots.

The Eagles got away with a slim 89-87 triumph over the Archers after the technical committee ruled that the potential game-tying putback by Rico Maierhofer did not beat the game clock.

In the same sequence, Maierhofer also drew a foul that could have given the Archers two free throws.

“Both the call and the shot did not make it in regulation time,” UAAP commissioner Ed Cordero told the Philippine Daily Inquirer Monday.

“We reviewed the tape on the court. And we also reviewed the digital tape last night (Sunday night) in the ABS-CBN van. At 00:00, the ball was still in the hands of [Maierhofer] and the referee’s hand was in a downward position. The referee raised his hand to signal a foul after the buzzer.”

Chris Tiu’s triple with 17.8 seconds left decided the win for the Eagles, who completed an elimination-round sweep of the Archers.

With the victory, the Eagles also tied the Archers in second spot at 9-4.

“We made the stop when we had to, even if it’s at the last second, at the last split second,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “A win is a win is a win. We move on.”

The animosity between the two powerhouse squads gained more color this season after the Archers placed under protest its first-round loss, 80-77 in overtime, against the Eagles.

But league officials junked La Salle’s complaint after a week, saying that Ateneo did not violate a league rule on the fielding of foreign players.

The Eagles and the Archers will dispute second spot against separate rivals next week.

The Archers have to contend with the unbeaten University of the East Warriors on Thursday, while the Eagles will tackle the eliminated National University Bulldogs on Saturday. By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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Tigers get Isip, Catli in return

Coca-Cola is dead serious in reversing its fortunes in the PBA.

The Tigers are not done with retooling the team in the hopes of going toe-to-toe with the big guns when the 33rd Season of Asia’s first play-for-pay cage league opens on October 14. Over the weekend, Coca-Cola shipped former King Green Archer Joseph Yeo to Sta. Lucia in exchange for erstwhile Far Eastern stalwarts Mark Isip and Cesar Catli.


Although the papers have yet to reach the Commissioner’s Office, sources said

the two teams consummated the deal, which also involved Coca-Cola’s second round draft pick in 2009, in time for their encounter in the 2007 PBA Pre-Season tourney at 6 p.m. Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.

Even while no marquee player was involved, it is a trade seen as beneficial to the two ballclubs. In Isip, Coca-Cola got a dependable 6-4 banger who showed the stuff he’s made of during last year’s Rookie Camp and pre-season games, but failed to get ample playing time in the regular season. The streakshooting Catli, for his part, will take over the spot vacated by William Antonio.

On the other side of the fence, Sta. Lucia gained a devil-may-care slasher in Yeo following the transfer of Kenneth Duremdes, also to Coca-Cola, last season.

It will be recalled that the two teams completed a trade deal involving Duremdes, Alex Cabagnot and Denok Miranda.

The Realtors have found an able replacement for Cabagnot with their acquisition of Ryan Reyes in the recent PBA Rookie Draft and may have firmed up their backcourt with the entry of Yeo.

Yeo was the No. 3 pick overall in last year’s draft pick behind Kelly Williams and Arwind Santos. The Realtors picked Isip No. 6 overall last year. They also drafted Catli in the second round in 2005.

“We really need a slasher, and Yeo may fit the description,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez. “Yeo also has a good fan base. He may well boost crowd support for the team.” (NC) source: www.pba.ph

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By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines -- The heated match called for another review of the tape.

But unlike in the first round, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles gained vindication just minutes after stunning their fierce rivals De La Salle University Green Archers.


Chris Tiu buried a triple with 17.8 seconds left and the Eagles turned back the Archers with a slim 89-87 triumph to claim a share of second place in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

It took several minutes before the Eagles savored their elimination-round sweep of the Archers.

Rico Maierhofer seemingly beat the buzzer with a putback off JV Casio’s missed jumper to forge an extra period. But a tape review of the contentious shot showed that Maierhofer failed to release the ball as time expired.

“At least with this win, people recognize now that, no, we’re not much better than them, but on these two particular nights we’re much better than them,” said coach Norman Black, who emotionally punched the air for emphasis after the technical committee officially awarded the win to Ateneo.

The rivalry between the two schools turned even more bitter this season after the Archers placed under protest their first-round loss, 80-77 in overtime, to the Eagles.

It took a week before league officials junked the Archers’ complaint and ruled that the Eagles did not violate a league rule on foreign players.

“I thought we won the first game and a lot of people questioned that because of the protest,” said Black, whose Eagles tied the Archers in second place at 9-4.

This time, the Eagles played catch-up in the second half as Tiu hit 13 of his 19 points in the closing quarters.

Yuri Escueta also delivered the big shots off the bench, including back-to-back triples that sparked the Eagles’ comeback from a 13-point deficit, 38-51, early in the third period.

“Hard-fought game by both teams. Coming into the game, I thought we could beat them again. A lot of people thought we might get blown out in this game. The guys showed a lot of character and they really played hard. All the credit goes to the players.”

Earlier, the University of Santo Tomas Tigers clobbered the Adamson University Falcons, 74-62, to secure at least a playoff for the Final Four with an 8-5 record.

Jervy Cruz kept the defending champions in the hunt with 24 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks.

Before Tiu’s game-winning shot, the sweet-shooting guard had also nailed three triples --the third pushing Ateneo within 63-59 late in the third quarter.

An Eric Salamat triple and back-to-back buckets by Jobe Nkemakolam gave the Eagles their first lead, 66-65, since the opening canto.

But the Archers pulled away again with a 7-0 run for a 73-66 edge before Ford Arao and Salamat rallied to knot the contest at 75.

JV Casio responded for the Archers in the final two minutes, firing five straight points to give the Archers their last taste of the lead, 87-86, with 56.6 ticks left.

And the Archers seemed headed for the win as rookie Nonoy Baclao turned the ball over in the Eagles’ next possession, before Tiu came to Ateneo’s rescue.

The scores:

First Game
UST 74 -- Cruz 24, Ababou 11, Mirza 9, Allera 8, Cuan 6, Dizon 4, Taylor 4, Canlas 4, Scott 3, Gile 1, Basa 0, Soriao 0, Badua 0, Espiritu 0, Cortez 0.
ADAMSON 62 -- Cañada 12, Cabahug 12, Colina 11, Hugnatan 11, Canuday 7, Gonzalgo 5, Yambot 4, Olalia 0, Dela Paz 0, Aguilo 0, Margallo 0, Alvarez 0, Santos 0, Gorospe 0.
Quarters: 16-16, 32-24, 50-39, 74-62

Second Game
ATENEO 89 -- Tiu 19, Arao 18, Escueta 16, Salamat 15, Nkemakolam 10, Reyes 4, Long 3, Baclao 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Monfort 0, Laterre 0.
LA SALLE 87 -- Maierhofer 24, Villanueva 18, Tang 15, Malabes 11, Ilad 9, Casio 5, Walsham 3, Ferdinand 2, Atkins 0, Lee 0, Mangahas 0, Cua 0.
Quarters: 15-18, 38-44, 64-64, 89-87

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By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

LOS ANGELES -- It would be terribly unwise of Marco Antonio Barrera to kill himself preparing for a two-fisted roller coaster in his next fight.


Manny Pacquiao, a marked southpaw, may indeed throw more right hands come Saturday, Oct. 6 in Las Vegas. But if Barrera bothers to put his over-abused nose closer to the video screen, he would discover that the dreaded right hand was already there when Pacquiao ran him over in November 2003.

If in doubt, Barrera could go send one assistant to the Wild Card gym here where there’s a yellowish full newspaper page pasted on the right wall, immediately after the door, detailing the gory presence of the right hand nose-crusher in their first encounter in Texas.

It’s, of course, unclear whether the Pacquiao right shot came in the form of a hook or a jab, but the impact of the blow pitifully distorted Barrera’s handsome profile beyond recognition.

* * *

That said, we take this opportunity to inform Señor Barrera he should start preparing for a Pacquiao hidden weapon.

No, correction. This one that ultimately opened the door to Barrera’s lamentable defeat four years ago is not exactly secret.

But if it should now loom like a mystery, a fleeting midnight blade landing like a lightning bolt, it’s because of the dumb fact Barrera et al had overlooked it.

Instead of Pacquiao’s over-hyped new shot -- the right hook, which had at one time been associated with the disloyal Manila Ice -- Barrera should come ready to duck the Big Jab.

Whether Barrera likes it or not, he will be standing up before a two-handed upheaval in Pacquiao.

It’s, of course, hard to tell whether that storm could complete the devastation or dissipate ahead, given Pacquiao’s uneven training regimen that saw him bolting perfect Wild Card to keep love fires burning at home.

* * *

Anyway, credit for exposing the hidden Pacquiao weapon goes to John Chavez who, writing for Boxing News, went off the beaten track to give The Jab its rightful place in the Sweet Science:

“While there’s been so much emphasis on Pacquiao’s power punches in recent times, it’s the simplest and subtle things in his arsenal that truly make him special ... It’s funny how even at the highest levels in boxing, the simplest punch is still and will always be the most important.”

Touché.

Now, let’s call in the inimitable Hermie Rivera, who bothered to lend us his observation from his love nest in San Jose, in the process confirming how trainer Freddie Roach had also given credit to Pacquiao’s phantom jab:

* * *

“If Manny starts out with his usual dose of non-stop punching, then a shortened evening is in store for Marco who’s in a grind himself sweating his butt off at a Guadalajara gym.

“Midway into their arduous workouts, I still can’t see how Barrera can avenge his knockout by Pacquiao. Unless he has grown a third arm and a leg to boot.

“Buoyed by the expert handling of Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez, the southpaw terror is on track to reassert his dominance of the Mexican three-time champ.

“At best, Barrera will find it discomfiting -- at worst difficult -- once Pacquiao opens up with his long list of stinging hooks and straights set up by his wicked jabs.

“‘Any fighter leading with the jab can execute the knockout drills polished in the workouts,’” says Freddie.

“You can bet the house Marco would be looking for ways to surprise Manny in their re-acquaintance shindig.

“Manny’s powerful strikes hurt Marco in their first encounter, forcing his handlers to stop it in the 11th round.

“He was staggered repeatedly by solid shots unleashed without let-up by the Filipino crackerjack.

“This time, expect Marco to seek desperate means to eke out an upset over his hard-hitting rival.

“To execute such plan, Barrera must engage Pacquiao early and whack away at every turn to exact maximum damage -- else he’ll be in pasture posthaste.

“Ironically, a defeat could revive Marco’s stalled drive to earn a law degree, an avid wish sidetracked by his 11th round collapse at San Antonio’s Alamodome.

“If Barrera gets blown out again, maybe he can seek solace in the successional defense of his future clients. Against Manny -- he’s defenseless.

“While Barrera was consistent in winning most of his fights, there’s something vital that he must do but didn’t in their first war.

“He must avoid standing in front of Manny and getting an abundance of heavy jolts sans the obligatory counterpoise. I’m sure Barrera’s handlers know about this fistic gaffe by now.

“Now we are looking at a healthy Pacquiao and this means the Pinoy mangler is all set to repeat his enthralling stoppage of the vengeance-seeking Barrera.”

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By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine basketball team continues to get a boost from the international pipeline.


Two more overseas-born players with Filipino roots are hoping to land slots in the all-amateur squad that will see action in the Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December.

Fil-American Kevin Dalafu and Fil-Iranian Amir Mazarei will try out for the team when it resumes training at 11 a.m. Monday at the Rizal Coliseum.

Dalafu, a 6-foot-2 guard, played for the Vanguard University of Southern California.

The 5-foot-11 Mazarei, who arrived Saturday night, suited up for the University of Redlands in Thousand Oaks, California.

Mazarei set a single-game record of 57 points and averaged four triples a game for his school. The 22-year-old cager also averaged 24.8 points to earn a spot in the first team of the Southern California Inter-Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, a 6-foot-5 guard, earlier expressed interest to don the national colors again after playing for the San Miguel-RP squad in the FIBA Asia championship in Tokushima, Japan, last July.

“With the departure of most top PBL (Philippine Basketball League) players to the pro ranks, we really need to beef up our team,” said Mikee Romero, Harbour Centre owner and SEAG project manager. “If they’re really good, then we will take them.”

Only Jason Castro, PBL back-to-back Most Valuable Player, and 6-foot-6 center Beau Belga are assured of slots in the national team mentored by Junel Baculi.

Former Purefoods point guard Boyet Bautista and Erick Rodriguez of Toyota Balintawak are also expected to join the tryouts.

Meanwhile, the PBL has set a Sept. 24 deadline for the submission of rookie draft applications. The draft is slated Sept. 28.

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MANILA, Philippines -- Expect former World Boxing Council light flyweight champ Brian Viloria to be a better fighter with Justin Fortune, the former conditioning coach of Manny Pacquiao, now handling his training at the Pound-for-Pound gym in Los Angeles.


Viloria confirmed Fortune’s new role Sunday as he pursues his bid to get back to the ring this November.

“Brian looked a little big, he must be walking around 125 lbs,” said a source who saw Viloria at the gym Saturday.

“He said he plans to campaign in the 112 lbs division, depending on who he will be fighting.”

Meanwhile, Fortune said he still likes Pacquiao’s chances against Marco Antonio Barrera when they meet again on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I know Manny pretty well, and he will go for the kill,” Fortune was quoted as saying by the source.

Fortune, however, was not impressed at all by Pacquiao’s decision to train in the Philippines, saying that “there’s too much distraction there.”
Salven L. Lagumbay, contributor , Inquirer

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by May Arevalo

The flambouyant Serbain Coach Vlade Djurovic or "Djura" will be in Manila on September 13. He would be heading the Philippine Basketball Coaches Conference at the Astoria Plaza.


The BAP SBP invited Djurovic for a year in the Philippines but no word yet as to its approval. Djurovic noticed the Philippine National Team when it went to Belgrade earlier this year. He was quoted as saying: "You are much better than I thought. You move well, and you show a good understanding of the game. But three things you must work on: one, do not give openings on defense; two, big guys must learn to score against bigger defenders; and three, outside shooting must improve. In Serbia, nobody shoots five out of five 3-pointers, but nobody makes one or two out of five, either. Every top player here will make 3 or 4 out of 5 if left open from the outside."

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By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

CAVITE CITY -- James Yap scored 22 points and Kerby Raymundo added 19 as Purefoods polished off Barangay Ginebra with one great run in the stretch for a 97-87 decision at the start of the PBA preseason tournament at the SSC gym here last night.


Yap, the Most Valuable Player two years ago, touched off and capped a telling 11-1 run in the stretch that made it 85-71 for the Tender Juicy Giants.

That spelled the end for the Gin Kings, who were led by Sunday Salvacion’s 18 and Billy Mamaril’s 15.

Fil-Americans Eric Menk and Raffy Reavis and National Team guards Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand did not suit up for the Kings.

Meanwhile, Alaska has reportedly told handlers of burly center-forward Ken Bono “not to worry” even if negotiations for the former Adamson star have yet to formally start.

Picked sixth overall in the recent draft despite possessing solid credentials both in the collegiate and commercial leagues, the
6-foot-5 Bono has started practicing with the Aces even without a pact since last Thursday.

Coach Tim Cone had labeled Bono as “the steal of the draft” and told the Inquirer earlier that he does not see any problems when contract negotiations get under way.

The scores:
PUREFOODS 97—Yap 22, Raymundo 19, Simon 17, Pingris 9, Adducul 6, Salvador 6, Lanete 5, Castillo 4, Larong 3, Artadi 0, Sanz 0, Yee 0.
GINEBRA 87—Salvacion 18, Mamaril 15, Escalona 13, Santos 11, Macapagal 6, Tubid 5, Hubalde 5, Aquino 2, Holper 0.
Quarters: 26-22; 48-43; 70-61; 97-87

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By Salven Lagumbay / Inquirer

FILIPINO BOXING SUPERSTAR Manny Pacquiao Saturday assured his fans he is in tip-top shape for his upcoming duel with Marco Antonio Barrera, and that contrary to reports, there have been no problems in his training whatsoever.


“Talagang puspusan and ensayo namin at nasa 90 percent na po ang kundisyon ko, (Our training is hectic and I’m already 90 percent fit)” Pacquiao told his fans in his widely read column which will soon be posted at Philboxing.com and Abante.

Pacquiao did his usual routine yesterday at the Rex “Wakee” Salud gym before a group of kids who later sang for him one of his songs.

After his morning run, Pacquiao reported to the gym a bit early to catch up with a late-afternoon flight on board a plane bound for Manila owned by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson.

Pacquiao was accompanied in the trip by business associate Salud, nutritionist Jojo Sta Teresa, business agent Eric Pineda and executives of GMA-7, who fetched Pacquiao from the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Trainer Freddie Roach stayed behind in Cebu, preparing the training schedule of his prized ward.

Pacquiao met with GMA executives last night to firm up the live telecast of his Oct. 6 rematch with Barrera. Now a Kapuso, Pacquiao will appear in the SOP program of the television network before heading back to Cebu late in the afternoon.

Pacquiao is expected to hit 70 rounds of sparring next week, and is well on schedule for the targeted 130 rounds of sparring before he leaves for Los Angeles on Sept. 22.

Also set to join Pacquiao in the trip are two unbeaten fighters—Glenn Gonzales and Jundy Maraon—who will see action in the undercard of his fight with Barrera, whom he stopped in the 11th round in 2003.
Meanwhile, WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero, will assist Barrera in his training for his rematch with Pacquiao.

“I am going to train with Barrera in Mexico,” says Valero (20-0, 20 KOs) in an interview with Fightnews.

Barrera has been training in Mexico and two of his sparmates are Japanese prospects who have been sent to his camp by top Japanese promoter Akihiko Honda.

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By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

LOS ANGELES -- Assured of a crack at a world crown, tireless Bert Batawang took a glimpse at his would-be opponent on a borrowed laptop computer and was pleasantly jolted at what he saw: there was nothing truly superior or extraordinary in the fighting style of IBF light flyweight champion Ulises Solis of Mexico.


Batawang, 35, had actually expected to see a sharper, more menacing Solis who last Aug. 4 stopped Rodel Mayol of the Philippines in a title bout in Chicago.

“Malaki tsansa (We have a big chance),” Batawang bared after a lunch of steaming Thai chicken noodle soup following another tough grind that saw him through a punishing 20-round regimen at the Wild Card gym here.

Batawang’s original Sept. 16 championship fight with Solis was postponed indefinitely after the Mexican injured his shoulder. But the IBF, upon hearing the title crack was being offered to another fighter, declared Batawang mandatory challenger and ordered Solis to defend against the veteran Filipino campaigner before Oct. 25.

It was not an exactly soft and shallow champion they saw on the YouTube feed, but there definitely was no depth displayed, according to Jeremiah Quijano, Batawang’s soft-spoken trainer.

Quijano said Solis fought “like an amateur” who often punched and pushed.

Of course, the boxer-trainer tandem agreed they have got to watch the short, sneaky right hook that toppled and stopped Mayol in the eighth round.

Batawang, finding no available sparmates yesterday, worked with the heavy bag and the mitts to sharpen his punches based on what they saw on video.

He returns to the Tracy Wireless store off Vermont Ave. today to view more Solis fights and plot better defense.

“They can go tell him to fight tomorrow and he’d be ready,” trainer Quijano declared in Filipino.

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By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Will it be the outgoing top Red Lion or the ace Knight?


San Beda’s Yousif Aljamal and Letran’s RJ Jazul looked headed for a showdown for Most Valuable Player honors after leading the scoring derby at the end of the NCAA men’s basketball eliminations.

Both averaged 16 points a game although Aljamal played only 10 games as he was benched during the Red Lions’ last two outings as an offshoot of the controversy following his joining the PBA draft. Jazul saw action in all 12 games for Letran, which finished the eliminations with a 9-3 win-loss card behind San Beda’s league-best 11-1 record.

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MANILA, Philippines -- There will be no shortage of stars after all.

Amateur sensation Gabe Norwood heads the cast of foreign-born Filipino players expected to fill in the spots left by several PBL stalwarts who crossed over to the professional league just recently.


Norwood expressed his intention to join the PBL after suiting up as a second-string wingman for the San Miguel-RP squad in the FIBA Asia championship recently in Japan.

Along with the 6-foot-5 Norwood--who starred for George Mason University in the US NCAA--several collegiate standouts are also keen on joining the rookie draft on Sept. 28 at the PBL office in Pasig.

"The league lost a great number of its marquee players but I'm confident a new batch of exciting players will rise and take the spotlight," said league commissioner Chino Trinidad.

He noted that several foreign-born Filipinos have signified interest to see action in the Invitational Cup set to start Oct. 20.

Also lured to sign up for the draft are UAAP and NCAA standouts such as James Martinez of the University of the East, Ateneo's Jai Reyes, Eric Salamat and Ken Barracoso, La Salle's Peejay Barua, Far Eastern's Mac Baracael, University of the Philippines' Woody Co and Migs de Asis, San Beda's Garvo Lanete and Jose Rizal's John Wilson.

"There are lots of talents around, so I'm confident we can discover new ones," said Trinidad, who downplayed the departure of trop draws from the league, including Fil-Am center Joe Devance, picked first in the recent PBA draft, Samigue Eman, Ryan Reyes, JC Intal and Ken Bono.

Players from the Visayas and Mindanao may submit their application forms before the rookie camp on Sept. 26. Applicants must not have reached 27 years old on opening day.

Unlike in past seasons, the league will start conducting the draft only once a year.

"Failure to join the coming draft, [players] will have to wait for another year before they can play in the league," said PBL executive director Butch Maniego.

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IF MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA expects Manny Pacquiao to be the same fighter who dealt him a beating four years ago, the Hall of Fame-bound Mexican will be in for a surprise.


The Filipino ring icon, under the guidance of renowned trainer Freddie Roach, will unravel new weapons and techniques when he fights Barrera anew on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas.

Those who have seen Pacquiao train at the Rex "Wakee" Salud gym in Cebu City swear that the World Boxing Council international super flyweight titlist is working on a devastating right hook to boost his arsenal.

This early, the effect is already noticeable with Pacquiao's sparmates--Mexicans Raymundo Beltran and David Rodela and Filipino Aaron Melgarejo--taking the brunt of the heavy punches that also include hooks to the body and side of the head.

Pacquiao's conditioning coach, former two-division world champion Dodie Boy Peñalosa, said the GenSan lefty did nine rounds of sparring Friday, bringing to 54 the total number of rounds he has sparred so far.

Roach has said that Pacquiao should have about 130 rounds of sparring before he leaves on Sept. 22 for Los Angeles, where he will stay for one week before heading out for Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao will make a quick trip to Manila on Saturday to finalize deals with a television company regarding Pacquiao-Barrera II.

"He's leaving for Manila tomorrow," Salud told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Friday. "I'll accompany him but he'll be back immediately." By Salven Lagumbay / Inquirer

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CEBU CITY, Philippines - RWS fighters Alex Aroy and JR Sollano will travel to South Africa for their respective crack at the WBC International titles against local fighters.


Aroy, the 'Maasin Bomber,' will challenge WBC International minimumweight champion Zukisani Kwayiba in a 12-round bout on September 21 at the Carousel Hotel and Casino in Temba, South Africa.

Aroy (12-4-2, 6 KO's) is expected to give the untested yet power-punching Kwayiba all he can handle considering that the reigning champion is a relative neophyte with just 9 bouts to his credit.

Sollano (12-6, 9 KO's), the reigning Philippine lightweight champion, will challenge WBC International lightweight champ Ali Funeka on September 23 at the Orient Theatre in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Funeka (28-1, 23 KO's) is being groomed to face OPBF lightweight champ Randy Suico in a possible WBC eliminator at year's end.

If Aroy or Sollano comes out victorious in South Africa, the plan is to put them for a title defense during the WBC Convention this November in Manila. By Correspondent Salven Lagumbay Cebu Daily News

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RATHER than worry, University of the East coach Dindo Pumaren sees his Warriors' recent escape acts as "good experience."


"We need those kinds of games, especially now that we're nearing the end of the eliminations," he said. "Those games test our composure and I'm happy that the boys are responding well even in tight situations."

Pumaren is referring to UE's scrambling victories over Ateneo, 73-68, on Aug. 12, National University, 70-66, on Aug. 23 and Far Eastern, 79-72, last Saturday.

Another UE win Saturday against University of the Philippines will push the Warriors within a win of an outright championship berth, the incentive given to a team that completes a 14-0 sweep of the UAAP elimination round.

"Believe it or not, we're not looking that far ahead," said Pumaren as the Warriors gear up for their 13th straight victory against the winless Maroons at 2 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

"We prepare for each game, so our focus now is just UP," he added. "We're only thinking of going for win No. 13."

But a win is more crucial for the Far Eastern Tamaraws and the National U Bulldogs, who will be slugging for survival at 4 p.m.

Ranked in the bottom four, both squads will be teetering on the edge of elimination if they lose one of their last two games.

The Tamaraws--who gave the Warriors a scare last week--lost three of their last four matches to drop to fifth place at 6-6.

Another loss will put the Tamaraws in danger of missing the Final Four for the second straight season after bagging the title in 2005.

Unlike the Tamaraws, the Warriors have a lot of reliable hands to turn to in every game.

"Even if we're assured of the top spot, I tell the boys there should be no let up," said Pumaren.

The Warriors clobbered the Maroons, 97-66, in the first round.

And last Thursday, coach Joe Lipa assumed responsibility for the Maroons' woeful campaign after absorbing a severe 34-point beating, 93-59, at the hand of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

"A lot of groups are lobbying for me to be out," admitted Lipa.
By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines -- Experience versus youth makes an interesting subplot when STI and University of Manila collide Saturday to start their National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men's basketball best-of-three championship series at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


The STI Olympians, beefed up by veteran acquisitions from other schools, rolled into their third straight championship appearance virtually hassle-free. "We are getting into shape and the rest of the team is learning how to play as one unit," said STI coach Vic Ycasiano.

The Olympians, runners-up to the UM Hawks and fallen defending champion AMA Titans the past two seasons, is bannered by sophomores Dexter Micutuan, Bimbo Legaspi, Mike Cabangon and Ramon Mabayo.

But their backcourt will be manned by new recruits Raymond Tiongco, Mark Balneg and Howard Flor. Tiongco and Balneg come from NCAA squads Mapua and Letran, respectively, while Flor is a product of the National University in the UAAP.

"Compared to us, they are a very experienced team," said UM president Ernesto delos Santos, who never misses a Hawks game. "Our players are relatively new and the majority came from the junior ranks."

At the forefront of the Hawks' bid is Onofre Napiza, the 2004 junior MVP and 2005 senior Rookie of the Year and mythical five member. The 6-foot-4 Napiza will be supported by 6-foot guard Frank Bonus and wily playmaker Russen Assuncion.

Centro Escolar and AMA clash in a one-game showdown for the women's championship.
By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

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By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Japeth Aguilar, the first Philippine-born player to sign up with a US NCAA Division I squad, will debut with the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers in a nationally televised game.


Aguilar -- the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles center who sat it out for a year due to a US NCAA transfer rule -- will see action when the Hilltoppers battle Gonzaga in the 2007 Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout.

The 30th annual Shootout is one of the NCAA’s premier early-season events and will be aired on ESPN U on Nov. 22.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar already made an impression when he ruled the university’s slam dunk contest last October.

The 20-year-old Pampanga native led in blocks during his sophomore year in the UAAP before taking a crack at the US collegiate cage scene.

Aguilar, who posted a career-high seven blocks with Ateneo, helped power the Blue Eagles to a Final Four stint in the 2005 UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

The son of former PBA cager Peter Aguilar has two years of eligibility left in the US NCAA. His father, a 6-foot-6 center-forward, played for five seasons, starting in 1989, for five teams -- Añejo, Alaska, Seven-Up , Sta. Lucia Realty and Shell.

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By NELSON BELTRAN / The Philippine Star

The Talk 'N Text Phone Pals resumed their training at the Sports Camp in Taguig Thursday after returning from a two-week trip in San Antonio, Texas where they worked out under watchful eyes of foreign coaches.


“From what I gathered from the players and the coaches, they had a very impressive training in the US. They learned a lot,” said team manager Frankie Lim.

“They’re back in training here right away, eager to work harder in our serious buildup for the coming season,” Lim added.

The Pals have been working double time even as they’re short in number with Don Allado still negotiating for his new contract and Yousif Aljamal still tied up with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA.

The team management has decided not to re-sign Vic Pablo. It’s uncertain whether Pablo, at 37, is looking for a team where he can play a 16th season in the league.

Asi Taulava, Yancy de Ocampo, Jay Washington, Harvey Carey, Donbel Belano, Jimmy Alapag, Renren Ritualo, Macmac Cardona and Patrick Fran are the players in the Talk 'N Text fold at the moment.

But the Pals are upbeat with Taulava, Alapag and Ritualo rejoining the team coming off a second-place finish behind Alaska Milk in the recent Fiesta Cup.

Lim is confident they can reach an agreement with Allado in the next few days.

Talk 'N Text is setting out for the 33rd PBA season with practically the same lineup as last year except for Aljamal, whom the Pals acquired from the Air21 Express, and possibly one free agent coming from those trying it out with the team.

Meanwhile, the PBA announced it is entertaining renewals for Privilege Membership Card (PMC’s) and Team Loyalty Tickets (TLT’s) starting Monday.

PMC prices are pegged at P6,000 for Special Ringside (Patron “A” and Lower Box “A” and “B” in Araneta Coliseum), P4,000 for Courtside (Patron “B” and Lower Box “C” in Araneta Coliseum), and P2,000 for Lower Level (Upper Box “A” in Araneta Coliseum) for both the Astrodome and Araneta Coliseum.

Only 2006-2007 PMC and TLT holders will be entertained beginning Monday. New applicants may apply starting Sept. 17.

For details, contact Gerry Mesias or Nestor Noblejas at 636-5320/21.

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By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

GAME SATURDAY (SSC Gym, Cavite)
4 p.m. -- Barangay Ginebra vs Purefoods

MANILA, Philippines -- Reigning Philippine Cup champion Barangay Ginebra clash with Purefoods to take the lid off the PBA’s 2007 pre-season tournament Saturday at the San Sebastian College gym in Cavite.


The Gin Kings and the Tender Juicy Giants, both with practically untouched rosters, tangle at 4 p.m.

Ginebra will welcome back Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa from national duty. Kerby Raymundo will also rejoin Purefoods with James Yap, one of three players last cut from the RP team.

Only Macky Escalona has been added to the Ginebra roster.

Purefoods, which did not pick anyone in the Draft, will also field Marc Pingris, who is back in shape after a career-threatening foot injury.

Rock-solid Talk ‘N Text, with Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and RenRen Ritualo also returning, clashes with Air21 on Monday at the Fresnedi gym in Muntinlupa City.

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By ABAC CORDERO / The Philippine Star

The UP Maroons are on the brink of a winless season.


Bravely, coach Joe Lipa said he takes full responsibility and, puffing his cigarette, even hinted that UP’s last two games against unbeaten UE and Adamson may be his last.

At least with this young, learning UP team.

“A lot of people are after my head,” said Lipa, who steered the Maroons to their last UAAP crown in 1986 with a talented team led by Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc.

The fiery coach, who would rather lose howling than just sitting on the bench, said while his new coaching pact with UP lasts until the end of 2008, he’s ready to call it quits.

“As early as our first two losses this season (21 points to La Salle and 24 to Ateneo), people were after my head. I will not stand in the way if they don’t want me to stay on,” he said.

The Maroons lost to the Blue Eagles Thursday by 34 points, 93-59, and watched silently as Lipa faced a pack of reporters inside their Ninoy Aquino Stadium dugout.

It was the worst beating absorbed by any team this season, and as the Maroons fell deeper down the cellar, the Blue Eagles raced toward the top with their fourth straight win. Ateneo is currently at third with eight wins against four losses, having earned at least a playoff for one of the last two Final Four berth.

Unlike one or two teams in the past, UP has never gone winless in an entire season.

Lipa, who once coached an all-Filipino team to the bronze medal in the Asian Games, offered no excuses, saying with a very young team comes a lot of learning.

“I’ve got no reason for losing. I assume full responsibility. We’re just playing bad. And we’re losing bad. By looking at the win-loss record I know we’re playing bad,” he said.

In the other game, National U stayed in the hunt for a playoff for the last semis berth as it beat Adamson, 68-57, for a 5-7 card.

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By NELSON BELTRAN / The Philippine Star

UST ace behemoth Jervy Cruz is willing and excited to lend his services to the national team at the end of the current UAAP season.


Turning 21 Sunday, Cruz said the best birthday present he could have is another UAAP crown for UST and a stint with the Harbour Centre-RP team in the SEA Games in Thailand late this year.

“It would be a great honor to play for flag and country,” said Cruz, in Filipino, in reaction to The STAR story that he’s among collegiate players being eyed to beef up the RP team.

“That’s great. I’m excited with Jervy. He could really help the RP team. He could be a big thorn to the opposition,” said amateur basketball godfather Mikee Romero when told Cruz is willing to don the national colors.

Cruz has actually served the country, playing for the RP 18-under team in the 2004 Asian Championship in India along with UST teammates Dylan Ababou and Mark Canlas.

“I would be more than glad to play for the RP team. But I would ask permission first from coach Pido Jarencio. I understand UST is to be taken in by a corporate team to play in the PBL,” said the 6-foot-4 center forward.

The Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija native said he’s willing to sacrifice, training with the Tigers and RP squad if that is what it takes to help the national cause.

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Salven Lagumbay / Cebu Daily News

A planned bout between world-ranked Z “The Dream” Gorres and Juan Mercedes is being worked out to take place on October 30 at this year's annual WBO Convention slated at the paradise resort of Isla Verde in Carolina, Puerto Rico.


Gorres is ranked WBO no. 6 in the junior bantamweight division, while Mercedes is ranked no. 8 by the WBO. The winner of this bout, according to sources, will automatically take the no. 2 spot and will next fight top-ranked Pramuansak Phosuwan of Thailand for the mandatory position.

The annual WBO Convention this year takes place from October 29 to November 2 at Isla Verde's Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Gorres (27-2-1, 15 KO's) is coming off a sensational eighth-round technical knockout win over former world champion Eric Ortiz at the recent World Cup of Boxing in Sacramento, California, in the process lifting the IBF Inter-Continental superflyweight crown.

The IBF, however, has yet to issue a statement on whether or not Gorres will be allowed to fight for its vacant 115-lb title following his victory at the World Cup.

The 25-year-old Mercedes, nicknamed “Panterita,” was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, but has now lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He boasts of a 19-1 win-loss record with 13 KO's, and holds the IBF Latino superflyweight crown.

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By Salven Lagumbay / Cebu Daily News

Filipino boxing hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has been declared as Mexico's “Republica Enemy No. 1” even before he could lay a hand on Marco Antonio Barrera.

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“Pacquiao has blitzed through the best boxing fighters Mexico had to offer since 2003, including Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Barrera (TKO 11), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). The only “blemish” was a draw against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004, where Pacquiao sent Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round,” said a report from Guadalajara where Barrera has been holding camp.

“I am not just fighting for personal revenge, I'm fighting for my country and my fellow Mexican fighters who have fallen victim to Pacquiao,” stated Barrera after a workout. “I am training harder than I ever have. I want to beat Manny so badly I can taste it. This goes beyond being personal. For me, this fight is about restoring national pride!”

Pacquiao, for his part, continues to train at the Rex “Wakee” Salud gym here and has vowed not to allow Barrera exact revenge for his humiliating loss at the hands of the GenSan lefty.

The gym has been closed to the public after celebrated trainer Freddie Roach complained to gym owner Wakee Salud of unknown individuals secretly taking footages of Pacquiao doing his training routine.

Even the media has not been spared, as they have been asked to secure an entry pass at Salud's office to be approved by Roach before they can enter the well-secured gym.

On Saturday, Pacquiao will hold a media and fans day where he will grant the wish of some 43 pupils of the Fun and Learn Achievers' Learning Center to see him train starting at 2 pm.

The visit by the grade 3 and 4 pupils of the school has the approval of Roach, according to Team Pacquiao chief-of-staff Jayke Joson.

Meanwhile, organizers said remaining tickets for the Pacquiao-Barrera showdown are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100. They can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino box office and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s stores and Ritmo Latino).

To charge by phone with a major credit card, call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580 or Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Salven L. Lagumbay, contributor / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Mexican Daniel Ponce De Leon wants a rematch with Gerry Peñalosa to prove his previous win over the Filipino world champion was no fluke.


In an interview with Boxingtalk.com, De Leon said he could beat Peñalosa anywhere.

“It wouldn’t matter -- USA, Mexico, Philippines,” De Leon said. “I am confident of beating Peñalosa anywhere.”

De Leon retained his World Boxing Organization bantamweight title by a controversial decision over Peñalosa last March 17.

The Mexican pulled off a sensational first-round knockout of Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista in last month’s World Cup in Sacramento, California.

Peñalosa, who won the WBO bantam title at the same card with a 7th-round knockout of Jhonny Gonzalez, said he also wants to avenge his loss to De Leon.

“I know he is bigger than me, but I want to fight him again,” said Peñalosa.

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source: www.pba.ph

Korean KT & G guest squad plays 5 PBA ballclubs

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio has so much faith in his team that he didn't entertain thoughts of tinkering with his lineup for the 2007-08 PBA Season.


"If it ain't broke why fix it," said Gregorio, confident his team still has what it takes to contend for a championship.

Keeping the buzz humming for Purefoods is the frontcourt act of main man Kerby Raymundo and veteran center Romel Adducul. The two never got to play together since the Giants acquired the 6-foot-6 former San Sebastian College stalwart from Red Bull as Raymundo spent the entire of last conference playing for the national team.

The two will be joining forces with hotshot James Yap and stalwarts Marc Pingris, June Simon, Roger Yap and Rey Evangelista as the Giants try to once again rekindle the magic that made them champions of the Philippine Cup two years ago.

But whether Gregorio will ultimately be proven right will be the focus of interest when the PBA Pre-Season Tournament gets going on Saturday with the Giants and Barangay Ginebra opening hostilities.

The Giants and Kings, the reigning Philippine Cup champions, tangle in the lone opening game set at 4 p.m at the San Sebastian College gym in Cavite City.

"I think there's no better way to kick off the 2007-08 Pre-Season games than to pit Ginebra against Purefoods, easily two of the most popular teams in the PBA," said Officer-In-Charge Sonny Barrios.

The Kings also didn't play around with the core of their lineup during the off-season, resolved at bringing back the same cast that made them a consistent playoff team last season.

That means the Kings will be parading back old reliables Johnny Abarrientos, Sunday Salvacion, Ronald Tubid, Mark Macapagal, Mike Holper and Eric Menk while welcoming back to their fold the deadly duo of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand, who both missed the entire Fiesta Conference after being loaned to the RP men's basketball squad.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico also has high hopes for his troops largely because versatile big man Rafi Reavis is returning for another tour of duty after coming off a successful surgery on his injured shoulder in the U.S.

Powerhouse Talk N Text, with national players Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and RenRen Ritualo back in fold, takes on the young Air21 Express on Monday (Sept. 9) in another one-game offering at the Fresnedi gym in Muntinlupa..

The two-week tournament featuring all 10 PBA teams has been divided into two groups that will play a single round robin. The top squad from each bracket advance to the winner-take-all Final.

Alaska, the defending Fiesta Conference champion which topped last year's Pre-Season Tournament, leads Group A, which will have San Miguel, Red Bull, Coca-Cola and Sta. Lucia, while making up Group B are Welcoat, Purefoods, Ginebra, Talk N Text and Air21.

A guest team from Korea – the KT&G squad – will also see action in the meet that gives PBA teams one final chance to assess their respective lineups. Welcoat earns the first crack against the Sokors when they collide on Sept. 10, followed by Alaska (Sept. 11), San Miguel (Sept. 12), Red Bull (Sept. 13) and Coca-Cola (Sept. 14), all at The Arena in San Juan. (DBC)

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By Marlon Bernardino / PhilBoxing.com

THE deadly duo of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante will be joined by Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann Corteza to lead the Philippine charge at the start of the P2 million first ever Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open.


The venue will be the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City on Oct. 24 to 27 and the payout will be a total pot prize of P2 million with the winner taking away the whopping top prize money of P1 million while the runner-up gets P500,000.

This was bared yesterday by RP's no. 1 trick shot player and tournament director Julie Falcon Guevarra.

"Nag confirm na maglalaro sina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) ng Puyat Sports. Sasali din sina Ronnie (Alcano) at Dennis (Orcollo) ng Bugsy Promotion maging sina Lee Vann (Corteza) at Warren (Kiamco) ng Negros Billiard Stable. Lahat kasi sila ay mang-gagaling pa sa US Open then diretso dito sa 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open bago maglaro sa World Pool Championships," explained by tournament director Julie Guevarra.

Reyes and Bustamante on the other hand, both prized fighter of RP billiard patron Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, are scheduled to defend their title when the 2007 PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool gets going on September 25 to September 30 at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.

"Di lang sure si Alex (Pagulayan), 'yung mga ganoon na petsa kasi ay parang may commitment s'ya sa abroad. Pero I hope na makalaro siya dito sa Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open," Guevarra said.

Tournament director Julie is expecting more than 100 cue artists who will take part in this event that features some of the world's best pool sharks.

"Open sa lahat ito, inaasahan ko na mahigit sa 100 billiard player na mang-gagaling pa sa ibat-ibang panig ng mundo ang sasali. Timing ang date bago mag World pool Championships," he added.

The forthcoming 32nd Annual U.S. Open set on October 14 - 20, 2007. This event will be held again at the beautiful Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia while the World Pool championships will return again in our country on November 3 to 11 at the legendary Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City with the champion taking home the lion's share of US$100,000.

Solar Sports, the leading Sports channel will air the Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball Open. Interestingly, Solar Sports also won the rights to air the mega buck fight of Pacquiao vs Barrera on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It shall be recalled, last December, unheralded Benson Palses won the Manny Pacquiao Panersera-Pababa 10-ball tourney at the Rock and Roll billiard hall in Malate, Manila while Roberto Gomez dominates the Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Open in General Santos City last February.

"Gusto ni Manny (Pacquiao) na Solar Sports ang mag ere ng pa bilyar niya. Actually, tulong ni Manny (Pacquiao) ito sa billiard industry natin, talagang nagpapalaro si Manny (Pacquiao) pagkatapos ng laban niya bilang pasasalamat," last word of Julie. For inquiries, call or text at mobile no. (0918) 319-0414 for complete details.

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By June Navarro /Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hopes to intensify soon its search for foreign cagers with Filipino roots in the United States and Canada.


Eric Altamirano, head of the SBP’s National Basketball Training Center, said training centers in North America will be set up to tap the players who are national team materials.

Altamirano said he is in touch with scouts based in Central and Northern America.

NBTC looks for promising young players aged 14-19 across the country.

Training satellites will be established for the ambitious five-year program designed to identify, train and develop future members of the RP men’s and women’s basketball teams.

“Once we have set up these regional training centers, we will explore the field in the United States and Canada,” said Altamirano.

Altamirano has been tapped by BAP-SBP executive director Patrick Gregorio to head the NBTC along with four-time PBA MVP Ramon Fernandez and Welcoat Paints assistant coach Alex Compton.

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Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines -- NBA superstar Kobe Bryant said Wednesday he was confident the United States could re-establish its dominance in world basketball and take home the gold at the Beijing Olympics next year.


But the 29-year-old All-Star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers says he is not about to relax, predicting that Team USA will face a tough challenge at the 2008 Summer Games from other teams with NBA talent on their rosters.

"We're preparing for [the Olympics] like we were playing for the NBA finals," Bryant told reporters during a one-day visit to Manila as part of a promotional tour of Asia sponsored by Nike.

"What we faced in FIBA is going to pale in comparison to the Olympics," said the National Basketball Association's two-time scoring champion, referring to the recent Olympic qualifying tournament for the Americas, won by Team USA.

Bryant said the US squad could face tough competition in Beijing from home team China, which are pinning their hopes on Houston Rockets all-star center Yao Ming and Milwaukee Bucks draft pick Yi Jianlin.

Asked about the state of Asian basketball, Bryant said, "It's getting there because of Yao Ming. He opened the door."

He described Yi as "very talented," adding: "He can be pretty special."

Bryant said Team USA would be facing a "much greater" challenge at the 2008 Olympics than seen by the 1992 "Dream Team" which took home gold in Barcelona, led by legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.

Argentina, which finished second in the FIBA tournament to Team USA, will defend their Olympic title in Beijing.

The current Team USA may be short of veterans, but not on talent, Bryant remarked, saying he would choose "the entire USA basketball team" if he needed a winning line-up for the Lakers.

When asked if he would prefer an NBA championship or Olympic gold, Bryant said he could win both.

"I don't have to choose one or the other," the Lakers guard said. "You focus on one thing at a time."

Bryant was also due to visit Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai during his trip to Asia.

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By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles will be keeping this in mind when they take on the languishing University of the Philippines Maroons Thursday in the UAAP men’s basketball competition at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.


And Ateneo coach Norman Black maintains that the 2 p.m. match will be no scrimmage for the Eagles’ eagerly awaited showdown against rival De La Salle University Green Archers on Sunday.

“It’s a game,” said Black. “[Like Adamson University], they have nothing to lose and they gave us a difficult time. UP will be the same thing if we don’t come and play. It’s important that we establish a certain level of play.”

A victory will assure the Eagles at least a playoff for a Final Four berth.

Running third at 7-4, the Eagles are jockeying for position against La Salle (9-3), defending champion University of Santo Tomas Tigers (7-5) and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (6-6).

“We don’t want to end up in a tie with UST and FEU because they beat us by a bigger margin, than we beat them,” said Black. “The quotient system doesn’t really save us right now so we really have to win.”

In the second game, the National University Bulldogs will try to keep their slim Final Four chances alive versus the Adamson Falcons at 4 p.m.

If the Eagles secure their fourth straight victory, the Katipunan-based crew will also remain in the running for the twice-to-beat semifinal bonus.

“All the teams are a lot tougher,” said Black. “You really have to be on top of your game. Otherwise, other teams may take advantage of you.”

It’s the reason the Eagles have been guarded in predicting a repeat of their 79-55 rout of the Maroons in the first round.

“I think we have to start concentrating on the fact that if we want to get to the Final Four, we have to keep a certain level of play,” said Black.

Last Saturday, forward Nonoy Baclao delivered his finest performance in his debut season with 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocks to pace the Eagles to an 81-68 triumph versus Adamson.

Just like the Maroons, the Falcons are out of semifinal contention with a woeful 1-10 card. The Bulldogs’ chances also started to fade after three straight losses that pushed them down to sixth place at 4-7.

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By Francis Ochoa / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Toward the end of a press conference that had the feel of a monthly fan club general assembly, Kobe Bryant cocked his head slightly to the right to ponder a question: How different was the Kobe Bryant who visited the country nine years ago from the Kobe Bryant who was fielding questions inside a posh Makati hotel ballroom Wednesday?


A well-timed, split-second, PR-polished pause followed, just enough for the whir of video recorders and the chorus of exploding flashbulbs to capture the profile of the 6-foot-6 basketball superstar in serious contemplation.

“I had facial hair [then],” he said. The predictable round of laughter followed.

Actually, it was more than just follicle growth on the face that separated the Kobe of 1998 from the Kobe of 2007.

The Kobe of 1998 was the genial, trying-to-please-everyone sophomore who stole out of his room past his busload of bodyguards for a walk in a Makati mall and spent more than an hour engaging the press in a question-and-answer portion.

Three championships, a handful of scoring titles, several All-Star appearances, a legal controversy heard around the world and a Team USA stint later, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar had but 20-plus minutes to spare with journalists -- a consequence of being more than two-and-a-half hours late for the press conference.

Had he been a player of lesser stature, the crowd at the Makati Shangri-La ballroom would have morphed into a mob. But this was Kobe Bryant, the one-time hoop wunderkind-turned-franchise player.

He was part-Michael Jordan: “The thing that drives me most is the will to win.”

He was part Charles Barkley: “The important thing to remember is that when people talk about role models, we assume that these role models must be perfect. But nobody is perfect. The definition of a role model should be someone we learn from. We look at the mistakes those role models make and learn from them, not duplicate them.”

And he was part-Oprah: “I think that we should live every day like it’s the last and enjoy the moment. As a kid, it seems like you’ll live forever. But I think kids should learn to enjoy every moment.”

And he was also a little of Drew Carey. When asked what constituted a diet program that has seen him lose 20 pounds, he quipped: “Grass.” And asked by a journalist, whose son skipped school to see him, what part of him was worthy of emulation by young children all over the world, he said: “Apart from ditching school?” a self-depreciating comment that winged his decision to skip college and jump to the pros from the high school playgrounds.

And when asked which players he would surround himself with if he was the LA Lakers owner, he replied: “You mean assuming I was Bill Gates? The whole of Team USA.”

But most of all, he was all Kobe Bryant. The flamboyant, high-leaping, silky-shooting, shoot-first-ask-questions-later superstar who wrangled himself out of a legal mess by embracing basketball until he breathed it, until he became the ultra-talented swingman who could carry an entire storied franchise on his shoulders.

A lot of the player he has become started out by plunging into a merciless killer regimen he refers to as the “Blackout.”

“Because if you go through it, there’s a chance you will black out,” he explained.

It’s a regimen he was set to share with young cagers Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, right after doing charity work at The Fort in Taguig City.

“Basketball is such a fun sport and to get the most out of it, the key is working hard,” he said.

Next up for Bryant is a continued stint with Team USA, where he leads a bunch of pride-pricked cagers out to reinstall the United States as the Olympic champion in Beijing in 2008.

“We put a lot of emphasis on winning the Olympic gold,” he said. “We’re preparing like we’re playing for the NBA finals. Right now, that’s the important thing. When we go back to our teams, winning the NBA title is the most important thing.”

This year’s Kobe -- who hopes to go by the moniker Black Mamba someday -- is one of the leaders of that team. A far cry from the hang-loose, carefree type of guy who slapped hands with the press on his way out of a press conference nine years ago.

“When I first came here, I was 19,” Bryant said. “Now I’m 29 and all grown up and I’ve won three championships and played for Team USA. It feels like I’ve come full circle.”

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By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Red Bull gained another dependable guard in its rotation by signing former University of Santo Tomas gunner Jojo Duncil to a two-year pact even as the team continues to negotiate a trade involving Brandon Cablay with Purefoods.


Team manager Tony Chua said that the talks are still on, but Red Bull has turned down initial offers from Purefoods, which only wanted to part with two future second-round choices.

The explosive Cablay, a 5-foot-11 Fil-American, found his way into the Barako roster via the Larry Fonacier trade earlier.

“We know that there is practically no talent left (in the rookie pool) when the second round comes,” Chua told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “This deal will push through if we get first-round choices -- be it in 2009 and 2010 -- as long as it is in the first round.”

The Barako traded away Fonacier, the 2005 Rookie of the Year, to San Miguel in exchange for Cablay and role player Francis Adriano.

But the abundance of guards in the lineup, counting Duncil, Celino Cruz, Junthy Valenzuela and Topex Robinson, has made Cablay dispensable. Details of Duncil’s package were not revealed by Chua.

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Buck Harvey of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS writes...


"Luis Scola held a trophy Sunday night, and the Spurs will hear about that. They will hear more if Scola ever holds one in June. At least the Spurs have an excuse for trading the MVP of the Olympic qualifying tournament. They are the champs, after all, with a set rotation. But what about the rest of the league? Shouldn't another team have out-bid Houston for this super-sized version of Manu Ginobili?"

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PHOTO BY:CHUVANESS

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By Tarra Quismundo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- American basketball superstar Kobe Bryant flew into the country via a private jet Tuesday night amid protocols said to be more restrictive than those enforced during visits of heads of state, diplomats and other dignitaries.


Only a select group of photographers and television crew were allowed to cover the arrival of Bryant’s party which arrived at past 6 p.m. at the ramp near the International Cargo Terminal of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Organizers of Bryant’s Manila visit allowed handpicked photographers of selected major broadsheets, the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) included, to cover the National Basketball Association superstar’s arrival for a one-day stop here as part of a promotional Asian tour for the sports brand Nike.

However, strictly no interviews were allowed.

Media coordinators withheld flight details but airport sources said Bryant arrived via a light jet, an 8- to 10-seater Gulf Stream, from Honolulu, Hawaii. The LA Lakers’ star reportedly shared the plane with five other passengers.

Bryant’s Manila stop is part of his Supernatural Asia Tour 2007, which launches a Nike basketball footwear named after him, organizers said.

He is expected to mingle with children from a Pampanga elementary school at The Fort in Taguig City at 2 p.m. and then “share his training regimen” with young Filipino basketball players at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City later in the afternoon.

Bryant will then continue his tour in Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

The 6-foot-6 ace is coming off the FIBA Americas tournament, where he was part of the Team USA that bagged the gold medal.

Bryant is also expected to spearhead the American bid to regain lost glory in basketball, a sport where the US used to enjoy dominant status.

But losses in two World Championship tournaments and the 2004 Olympics have knocked the Americans off the throne, although Bryant and Co. are heavily favored again for Beijing 2008.

This is the second time Bryant will be flying to the Philippines, although he was still just a budding superstar during his first visit here.

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Bidding for next TV contract to start after Philippine Cup

The Philippine Basketball Association won't be switching networks -- at least for the 2007-08 Season.


PBA chairman Tony Chua said Tuesday the 33rd PBA season will still be aired over ABC-5, the league’s official coverer that past two years.

Chua made the announcement in the aftermath of a meeting with Bobby Barreiro, ABC-5's managing director, over dinner Monday night.

"We had a good talk. At the end of the day I assured Bobby that the PBA will honor the contract we have with ABC-5," said Chua, who sits as Red Bull governor in the PBA Board.

The league's new chairman said switching networks this season has never been an issue with the Board.

As this developed, ABC-5's production team is busy laying the groundwork to further improve the league's coverage this season.

"We've been planning everything for two weeks now. We're evaluating our panelists and looking at how to improve our coverage," said Sienna Olaso, production director of ABC Sports.

Olaso said the sales efforts are also ongoing.

"We were hearing some talks that the network is facing financial difficulties. But frankly speaking, those reports didn't get us worried. As far as the PBA is concerned, ABC-5's track record with us as a business partner is A-OK," Chua said.

To justify his contention, Chua said he received a report from the league's finance director indicating that ABC-5 has no arrears with the PBA as of August 31, 2007.

"From a business standpoint I don't see any reason why we should sever our partnership with ABC-5 when the record shows they are meeting their commitment," Chua said.

The PBA will open its 33rd season on October 14 with the Barangay Ginebra Kings defending the Philippine Cup.

After the Philippine Cup, Chua, however, said that the league would entertain offers from other parties interested to bid for the rights to cover the PBA beginning with the 2008-09 season onwards.

ABC-5's three-year contract with PBA will expire on July 31 2008. (source: www.pba.ph)

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By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- A youthful team whipped into form by a young coach.

This is the kind of squad Pharex Health Corp. envisions to form in its debut in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) next season.


Carlo Tan, a 31-year-old former coach of Xavier high school, was tapped to mentor Pharex just days after the league unanimously approved its entry.

“All teams, except us, have experience,” said Tan during Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue in Manila. “We’re not thinking of winning right away, we’re thinking of building a team. Gradual improvement is important for us.”

Tan said Mark Borboran of University of the East, Mac Baracael of Far Eastern University and Jonathan Fernandez of National University are among the players in his wish list.

“I like the game of Borboran; I love the way he can mix it up inside and outside,” said Tan during the public sports program sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and Shakey’s UN Avenue.

“Baracael, he’s showing a lot of promise. He’s a big, strong and athletic guy. Fernandez, the guy can shoot.”

Pharex plans to complete its lineup after the PBL dispersal and rookie drafts set in two weeks. The new season will unfold in October.

“We have to make sure we also secure a good center who can play both offensively and defensively,” said Tan, who played high school basketball in Canada.

“We’re really trying to form a quality, competitive team,” added team manager Jean Alabanza, a former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles stalwart.

Team officials said that Pharex, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical firm Pascual Laboratories, has a five-year basketball program.

“If we get good picks, probably in our second year [we can be very competitive],” said Pascual Laboratories division manager Ding Camua. “But if we have luck in this year’s draft, we can be a contender.”

Pharex joins three-time conference champion Harbour Centre, Toyota Balintawak, Magnolia of San Miguel Corp., Wel-Best and Hapee Toothpaste as the league’s regular members.

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Salven L. Lagumbay, contributor / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Manny Pacquiao has always fought in behalf of his country --anyone who has heard his previous pre- and post-fight talk knows that much.


When he faces Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on Oct. 6, though, he won’t be the only one trying to summon nationalistic fervor.

Barrera, the Latino boxing idol headed for Hall-of-Fame enshrining, has turned the highly anticipated rematch into a patriotic battle.

“I am not just fighting for personal revenge, I’m fighting for my country and my fellow Mexican fighters who have fallen victim to Pacquiao,” said Barrera after a workout, according to a report at eastsideboxing.com.

“I am training harder than I ever have. I want to beat Manny so badly I can taste it. This goes beyond being personal. For me, this fight is about restoring national pride.”

And as if there isn’t enough nationalistic flavor surrounding the match already, a report by the boxing website on the Barrera training in Guadalajara has declared the Filipino ring icon as “Republica Enemy No. 1.”

“Pacquiao has blitzed through the best boxing fighters Mexico had to offer since 2003, including Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Barrera (TKO 11), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8),” the report said.

“The only “blemish” was a draw against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004, where Pacquiao sent Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round.”

Pacquiao, for his part, continues to train at the Rex “Wakee” Salud gym in Cebu City, and has vowed not to allow Barrera exact revenge for his humiliating loss in Texas in November 2003.

The gym has been closed to the public after trainer Freddie Roach complained to gym owner Salud of unknown individuals secretly taking footage of Pacquiao.

Even the media have not been spared. They have been asked to secure an entry pass at Salud’s office to be approved by Roach.

On Saturday, Pacquiao will hold a media and fans’ day where he will grant the wish of some 43 pupils of the Fun and Learn Achievers’ Learning Center to see him train.

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By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals, the team that looked as if it would go down for the count, is up in the Final Four. Yes, the Final Four. And even coach Leo Isaac was surprised.


“I must admit that I wasn’t expecting to make it to the Final Four right away, considering that we only started our preparations mid February,” he said.

Isaac said he came on board for a three-year program with wingmen Neil Pascual, Sean Co and Kelvin dela Peña as the key holdovers. He inherited a team lacking in height but rich in experience.

“I was the only one new in the team,” said Isaac, who powered the Cardinals to the 1981 championship and was rewarded the MVP plum for it.

The Cardinals, who in the pre-season replaced Horacio Lim with Isaac at the helm, also didn’t get the best start of the season, losing three straight before hacking out their first win, an 86-80 decision over Jose Rizal University, last July 6.

At 2-6 though at the height of the second round, Mapua pulled a coup of sorts by downing Letran College (89-82) last Aug. 8. That upset win triggered the season’s hottest finish -- a four-game swirl that propelled them to the next round.

It was the second straight Final Four appearance for the Cardinals, who last won the championship via a back-to-back in 1990 and 1991 when the likes of Benny Cheng and Randy Alcantara formed the backbone of the squad.

But amid the streak, the boosted morale and the soaring confidence comes this reality check: Mapua will take on overwhelming favorite San Beda in the Final Four with the Red Lions even enjoying the twice-to-beat incentive.

“We will just give it our best,” said Isaac.

It will take the best that the Cardinals can give to forge an upset. Because the Lions have proven to be a tough not to crack for Mapua.

San Beda won both teams’ meetings in the elimination round, beating Mapua, 89-75, last July 27 and 87-77 last July 4 with Sam Ekwe frozen by a one-game suspension.

And it looks like the Cardinals will try to ride momentum in hopes of pulling off an upset.

“The boys’ morale is high because of our four-game winning run at the end of the eliminations,” said Isaac.

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By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Only three first-round picks remain unsigned as of Tuesday, and two of them belong to the Alaska Aces.


But don’t take that as an indication of how the Aces coaching staff think of Ken Bono and JR Quiñahan.

“We actually treat them as picks higher than where we got them,” coach coach Tim Cone told the Philippine Daily Inquirer Tuesday. “I don’t foresee any problems as far as negotiations (for their contracts) go.

“I’m sure that we (management) will give them what they expect.”

A third first rounder, Yousif Aljamal, was drafted by Air21 and dealt to Talk ‘N Text, but not having a contract at this point is understandable for the 6-foot-4 do-it-all.

Aljamal is still spearheading San Beda College’s title retention bid in the NCAA and coach Frankie Lim, who happens to be the Phone Pals’ manager, said that Aljamal will be signed right after the NCAA.

Training camp starts Wednesday for Alaska, just one full day after coming back from a long vacation in California as part of the team’s bonus for winning the Fiesta Cup over Talk ’N Text, and the Aces hope that the absence of contracts won’t keep Bono and Quiñahan from hitting the gym with the team.

“I am not forcing them (Bono and Quiñahan) to attend practice,” Cone added. “But I would be very happy if they show up for practice.”

Team manager Joaqui Trillo is still in the United States to attend to some things, but Cone said that contract negotiations will start as soon as Trillo arrives Thursday.

Alaska picked Bono, a former UAAP MVP out of Adamson University, sixth in the Draft before plucking Quiñahan, a burly center, with the seventh overall choice.

Bono, in an earlier Inquirer report, will be asking for a three-year deal worth just over P7 million, not bad considering that No. 1 pick Joe Devance will get P8.544 million over the same period from Welcoat.

“I consider them steals in the Draft,” Cone added. “I was surprised that we got to them with such late picks.”

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By Manolo Iñigo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Last Wednesday, Far Eastern University held the induction ceremonies for the school’s 36 outstanding athletes who were the first honorees in the Sports Hall of Fame at the FEU auditorium.


The ceremonies also marked the book launching of “Sports @ FEU,” which chronicled the school’s past and present champions.

Published by the FEU Publications, the book was edited by Sylvia Roces Montilla, with articles written by Gloria R. Aligada, FEU athletic director Mark Molina and yours truly.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim was the guest of honor during the twin affair where he was warmly welcomed by top university officials headed by Dr. Lourdes R. Montinola, chair of the board of trustees; president Lydia B. Echauz and Tamaraws team manager Anton Reyes Montinola.

Among those included in the initial batch of Hall of Famers were featherweight boxer Anthony Villanueva, who gave the Philippines its first Olympic silver medal in the 1964 Tokyo Games; tennis legend Felicisimo “Totoy” Ampon, the first PSA Athlete of the Year in 1950; boxing coach Celestino “Aling” Enriquez, track and field Olympians Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Elma Muros-Posadas, Mona Sulaiman and Lolita Lagrosas; swimmer Haydee Coloso-Espino, boxers Celedonio Espinosa and the fabulous Fortaleza brothers --the late Ricardo, Renato, Reynaldo and Rogelio -- and basketball stars Manolet Araneta, member of the Philippine team to the 1948 London Olympics; former PBA MVP Johnny Abarrientos, multi-awarded cagers Arturo Valenzona, Danny Gavieres and Glenn Capacio.

In FEU, where I spent my college days, there are no minor sports. Every sport is encouraged.

In the words of Dr. Montinola, daughter of the FEU founder, Dr. Nicanor Reyes, “Sports has always played a big role in Far Eastern University,” adding, “My father and some of his colleagues, like Don Rafael Roces, were sportsmen who hunted, fished, played golf, enjoyed the race tracks, appreciated nature, and enjoyed traveling and vacationing extensively all over the islands.”

Why was her father so passionate about sports? The soft-spoken FEU chair explained, “From what I used to hear him say to my brothers, Nicanor (Noring) and Alfredo (Ding), sports to him was important because it taught one how to be a gentleman -- how to be sportsmanlike.”

The Reyes brothers were trained in many sports, especially boxing and judo. They also took up swimming, fencing, hunting and fishing.

“In hunting,” Dr. Montinola said, “he taught my brothers and my cousins, like the Roces brothers, the sportsmanlike ways of shooting birds and other preys.”

She added that Noring’s skill in boxing served him well when he joined the United States Air Force during World War II. “As a flyweight champion in the training camp in Texas,” she said, “Noring was able to defend himself against bullies in the concentration camp in Breslau, Germany, where he was incarcerated after his plane, in which he was a tail gunner, crashed during one of its bombing missions.”

Noring eventually became president of FEU, while Ding, who finished a course in sports management in the US, became the university’s vice president for administrative affairs and athletic director. After they were gone, their interest in sports was continued by Noring’s son, Nicanor “Butch” Reyes III, who served as athletic director; while Alfredo’s son, Dennis, also took an active role in sports.

Anton Reyes Montinola was likewise invited by Butch to serve in the UAAP board and, since then, has guided and supervised the careers of FEU athletes especially the basketball team.

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By Musong R. Castillo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Things will continue to look bright for the Philippine billiards team in the coming Southeast Asian Games -- never mind if the squad will miss one of its most colorful and talented mainstays.


Alex Pagulayan, the former world 9-ball champion and anchor of the RP team that won a mind-boggling eight gold medals in the 2005 Manila SEAG, has opted out this year because of differences with the governing Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines.

“We’ve never gone into the habit of predicting the number of golds, but definitely, it is in the pool events where we have a big chance,” said BSCP chair Ernie Fajardo, who guested Tuesday in the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

Fajardo, who was joined in the Forum by BSCP chair Yen Makabenta, confirmed that Pagulayan will skip the SEAG but will play for the country in the 2007 World Pool Championship later this year.

Pagulayan’s absence, Fajardo said, is not enough to diminish the potential gold haul for the country in December.

Pagulayan, who had a spat with the BSCP after he was pulled out of a leg of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour, won three of those SEAG gold medals two years ago, and would definitely be a force for the country in the Thailand Games.

He won the 8-ball singles gold medal, was half of the 9-ball doubles champion and a member of the triumphant snooker team.

His absence will leave the country’s chances squarely on the shoulders of Asian Games 9-Ball gold medal winner Antonio Gabica and potential world superstar Jeffrey De Luna.

Already assured of slots in the snooker team are Benjie Guevarra, Reynaldo Grandea, Francisco dela Cruz, Al Ortega, Joven Alba and former Asian champion Marlon Manalo.

“Marlon expressed interest to play,” said Fajardo in the forum backed by Shakey’s and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor}

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LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - LeBron James and the rest of the United States squad made sure that what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas with a 118-81 throttling of Argentina in the gold medal game of the FIBA Americas Championship at Thomas & Mack Center.


James scored a game-high 31 points including eight three-pointers as the U.S. continued its torrid shooting in the tournament by making 20-of-41 triples to Argentina's 9-of-27.

The U.S. got off to a fast start leading 35-14 after the first quarter and never looked back with their biggest lead climbing to 38 points for the game.

Dwight Howard's 20 points and four blocked shots combined with Carmelo Anthony's 16 points and game-high eight rebounds helped the U.S. overpower Argentina 40-24 in the paint.

Luis Scola, named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, led the Argentinean squad with 23 points, while teammate Leonardo Gutierrez chipped in 11 points.

David COOPER
USA Basketball

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By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Two teams making a push for the Final Four pursued their goals with relative ease Sunday as De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas zipped past their foes in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Big Dome.

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The La Salle Green Archers hammered out a 78-64 victory over the National University Bulldogs that left coach Franz Pumaren satisfied with his team’s second-running 9-3 record.

“I like where we are now; it’s all in our hands, the fate of our placing,” said Pumaren. “We’re looking good. We’ve been giving good exposure to our bench players.”

In the first game, the UST Tigers extended the woes of the winless University of the Philippines Maroons with a 77-61 triumph to remain in fourth place at 7-5.

The Tigers had their way early, scoring on easy layups and undergoal stabs for an 18-point lead, 43-25, in the second period.

As productive as the La Salle reserves’ stints have been, it was a starter that keyed Sunday’s rout of the Bulldogs.

JV Casio led the Green Archers by knocking in 14 points in the opening canto, allowing La Salle to take a 24-12 spread after 10 minutes of play.

Casio nearly completed a triple double by collecting 19 markers, nine boards and eights assists.

Along with the Tigers, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws are aiming to topple the Archers from the second spot.

The scores:

First Game
UST 77 -- Cruz 16, Espiritu 16, Ababou 10, Mirza 8, Dizon 7, Badua 6, Allera 5, Taylor 4, Cortez 3, Cuan 2, Basa 0, Scott 0, Gile 0, Soriano 0, Canlas 0.
UP 61 -- Serios 15, Rivera 7, Gamboa 6, Reyes 6, Sison 5, De Asis 5, Co 5, Lopez 4, Wong 3, Dela Victoria 3, Epres 2, Marfori 0.
Quarters: 19-8, 43-27, 61-47, 77-61

Second Game
LA SALLE 78 -- Casio 19, Maierhofer 14, Malabes 8, Tang 8, Barua 6, Villanueva 6, Mangahas 4, Atkins 3, Ferdinand 2, Walsham 0, Cua 0, Co 0.
NU 64 -- Fernandez 21, Asoro 15, Aguilar 8, Salvado 8, Jahnke 3, Dela Cruz 3, Lingao-Lingao 2, Catamora 2, Galapon 1, Baloran 1, Ponferrada 0, Terso 0, Luy 0, Garcia 0, Malagueño 0.
Quarters: 24-12, 39-25, 52-43, 78-64

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By Recah Trinidad / Inquirer

LOS ANGELES -- If you ask Brian Viloria what he’s up to, you’d probably get a reply from Mark Twain.


Yes, reports that Viloria has retired were grossly exaggerated.

In fact, Viloria, who had a brief reign as world light flyweight king, is scheduled to spar with the highly rated Rodel Mayol at the Pound-for-Pound gym in the La Brea area here Monday.

This was confirmed by trainer Nonoy Neri, who effectively sidelines as Team Pacquiao nutritionist, to the Philippine Daily Inquirer the other day after overseeing Mayol through 29 rounds of tough boxing drills at the Wild Card gym.

Neri, with a sharp eye for talent, should be able to determine where the young Viloria is really headed: Back for good into the boxing arena or inside the broadcast booth.

* * *

Fans back home may no longer miss Viloria, but we’ll also try to see and report if he still packs the old wallop.

Of course, the brighter news at Wild Card is the one that says Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to resume working out Monday in preparation for his Oct. 6 rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera.

You all know that the Pacman got stalled in training by the flu virus.

There were initial reports he had been rushed to the hospital.

“Is it serious enough to postpone the fight?” widely read SunStar columnist Homer Sayson texted from his cozy Chicago base.

* * *

Not to worry.

Ronnie Nathanielsz reported from Cebu that Pacquiao felt strong and restless on Saturday that he offered to promptly resume training.

He was, naturally, held in check by his physicians.

Otherwise, Pacquiao would have exposed himself to a crippling relapse.

Another piece of good news is this one from Freddie Roach.

The two-time Trainer of the Year has assured that Pacquiao’s brief bout with the flu would not in any way set back their timetable.

Roach, in fact, tried to explain that the forced break could prove helpful because Pacquiao “had already gone ahead of schedule.”

Of course, this update on Pacquiao’s latest condition is not expected to sound too good and bright to the Barrera camp.

No need to elaborate.

* * *

OK, we’ve been asked to do only a short piece, so let me confess that this was originally meant as an apology to the Pacman.

Why? Well, Manny may have not noticed it. Or, if he did, he must’ve brushed it off.

In my previous column (on distress calls from Wild Card), trainer Neri described Pacquiao, his big boss, as both super “mabait” (kind) and super “maawain”.

Sorry, but these endearing terms could’ve also been misconstrued and helped make Pacquiao appear pitiful.

For the record, though, everybody knows Pacquiao to be very merciful (maawain).

But the boxing super hero has always tried to be in control.

He has remained the captain of his soul, so to say.

But enough of that. All’s well that ends well, as Mr. Twain, rather Shakespeare, put it.

At least the hazy adjectives failed to cast a spell on Pacquiao, who’s anything but soft despite the tyrannical flu virus.

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By Marc Anthony Reyes / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Whatever happens, they will still clash for the right to be in the NCAA men’s basketball finals.


But Letran College hopes to exploit its better placing to the hilt in its bid for the second Final Four incentive against Jose Rizal University at 4 p.m. Monday at the Arena in San Juan City.

With a second-running 8-3 card behind top semifinalist and defending champion San Beda College (11-1), Letran automatically grabs the twice-to-beat bonus with a win over JRU (7-4).

If the JRU Bombers prevail, they end up tied with the Letran Knights at 8-4 and a playoff will be held this Friday to decide who gets the No. 2 slot and the semifinal incentive.

Letran, still smarting from an 87-84 loss to San Beda last Friday, will be shooting to avenge a 79-75 defeat to JRU in the first round.

“We will be motivated by our desire to clinch the No. 2 spot,” said Letran coach Louie Alas.

San Sebastian College and University of Perpetual Help play their last game of the season, disputing fifth place overall earlier at 2 p.m.

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FOR a college selection playing against a professional basketball team, the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) All Stars showed the future looks good for the top sport in the country.


San Miguel Beer won, that was a given, but not by much, 90-86. The Cesafi players showed they were no pushovers, making Beermen work for the win in a charity match played before an overflowing Cebu Coliseum.

All through the first three periods, the Beermen were struck dumbfounded when they came face to face with a gritty and talented lineup.

In the first period, the Cesafi team went on a 14-7 run, banking on two triples by Southwestern University’s Eric Zanoria, to turn an 11-17 deficit into a 25-24 lead by the end of the period.

In the second period, the Cebuanos leaned on a scorching 13-0 rally behind University of the Visayas’ Ariel Mepaña, University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s Moncrief Rogado, to build a nine-point lead, which they kept throughout the period.

Everything unraveled for the Cesafi squad, however, in the third period. The bigger Beermen started chipping on the lead, coming to just a point behind, 67-66, by the end of the quarter.

In the final quarter, the Cesafi All Stars were silenced for good as Chris Calaguio scored all of his points at this juncture to help San Miguel snatch the driver’s seat, 75-69.

With the help of Cebuano Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Espina, San Miguel took over the game. What Cesafi did for the last three quarters, Hontiveros and his squad did in just a short while eye as they took over the lead and held on to it until the game ended.

Hontiveros, a former University of Cebu player, was the star in yesterday’s game, proving that he still has a loyal following in the city.

“I went to the game to watch Dondon,” said one spectator yesterday.

Every move by the Cebuano basketball star was received with booming cheers from the crowd.

Hontiveros led SMB with 17 markers while Larry Fonacier and Enrico Villanueva added 12 each.

The game, which Hontiveros organized, will benefit under-privileged but deserving students of Cebu.

Mepaña starred for Cesafi, leading the team with 16 points. His school teammate, Gregory Slaughter, who is another crowd favorite, contributed 12 points.

The scores:

San Miguel (90) – Hontiveros 17, Villanueva 12, Fonacier 12, Espinas 9, Wilson 8, Eman 7, Calaguio 7, Tugade 7, Ildefonso 6, Gonzales 3, Tenorio 2.

Cesafi All-Stars (86) - Mepana 16, Slaughter 12, Zanoria 9, Llanto 8, Diputado 7, Berame 6, Abellanosa 6, Abobo 5, Lanete 4, Luga 4, Ramirez 3, Rogado 2, Gudez 2, Malinao 2. (MCB)

source: www.sunstar.com.ph

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Written by Rano Iskandar

What a finale!! The game was only decided with only 5 seconds remaining. Anthony Johnson failed to convert a field goal as LG Sakers deservedly beat Sta Lucia Realtors in a see-saw finale 76-72. Anthony Johnson and Omolon revived a comeback for Sta Lucia Realtors who were trailing 62-54 at the end of the third quarter.

Omolon scored six straight points and gave Sta Lucia Realtors a marginal lead 64-62 with seven minutes remaining. But as LG Sakers overtook the lead once more, Sta Lucia Realtors never came back. LG Sakers continued their three point shooting spree from Seung Min Kim and Park Jihyon. Overall, LG Sakers scored 12 three pointers to Sta Lucia Realtors' only three.

LG Sakers also became the first team to break the Filipino stronghold in the basketball finals (PBA All-Stars won twice in a row). LG Sakers beat Sta Lucia Realtors 76-72 in front of crowd, dominated by Filipino supporters. Congratulations to the new Brunei Cup champions.

LG Sakers with the Guest of Honour and VIPs



pictures from: www.bruneicup.com

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LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - In the game that defined the last spot available for Beijing 2008, United States faced Puerto Rico and history repeated itself. At the end, USA remained undefeated with record of 9-0.


The first quarter opened with a quick basket by Carlos Arroyo from Puerto Rico. From that moment on, both teams exchanged leads until the minute 5:44, when a lay-up by LeBron James put Team USA in front 14-11.The first quarter ended with the local team in front, 33-27.

A jump shot by Kobe Bryant opened the second quarter, and ignited a rally of 10-3 which put USA in front for the rest of the half. A great move by Jose Barea against Carmelo Anthony stopped the rally with 7:11 in the clock. The main figures on the first half were: Carlos Arroyo with 8 points and 4 assists in 11:40 played; and Kobe Bryant for USA with 12 points in almost 14 minutes of action; the first half finished 57 - 42 in favor of USA.

Carmelo Anthony opened the third quarter on fire, shooting for a mesmerizing 4-4 from the three-point line, all this in the first three minutes of play. While USA displayed great passing and confidence, Puerto Rico's offense became erratic, falling behind on the score by 31 with 2:30 remaining. The quarter finished 100 - 70, USA in front.

The opening minutes of the fourth quarter were a continuation of the third's story, but with another character. Michael Redd scored 4 straight three-pointers, which proved to be the last blow to Puerto Rico's hopes. USA extended their lead after a rally of 21-2 in the first 5 minutes of action. From there, it was all USA quick-hitting and pompous style. With 1:54 to play, the lead was 46 points. The game's final score was 135 - 91.

For USA, Anthony finished the game with 27 points (shooting for 6-7 from the three-point line and 5-6 from the free throw line). Redd scored 23 (15 of them came in the fourth quarter only).

Arroyo finished the game with 21 points and 5 assists, while Ayuso scored 22 points in the loss.

USA will face Argentina (4:00 p.m. Pacific Time), in the game for the gold medal. Both teams secured a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games. For the bronze medal, Puerto Rico will face Brazil tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).

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Written by Jason Thomas

THE LG Sakers booked their place in today's 2007 Brunei Cup final with a convincing 81-71 victory against the Singapore Slingers in last night's semi-finals at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.


The South Koreans will face the Sta Lucia Realtors/Darwin Airport Resort All Stars in the final at 3pm, after the latter beat Sta Lucia Realtors/Darwin Airport Resort All Stars score-score in the second semi-final match.

The Slingers face Sta Lucia Realtors/Darwin Airport Resort All Stars in the battle for third at 1pm.

Coming just a day after their 82-69 loss to the Sakers in a match to decide which team would finish second after the Sta Lucia Realtors, the Slingers were once again unable to erase a early deficit and trailed 23-16 at the end of the first quarter.

Rod Grizzard came up with a game-high 25 point performance, and his ability to be at the right place at the right time helped the Slingers with several crucial baskets.
Though they only trailed 39-38 at the break, the Slingers found themselves down by ten points at the start of the third quarter as South Koreans exploited some lacklustre defending on the back court to score several easy transition baskets.

SEMIFINALS:
Singapore Slingers(71)
LG Sakers(81) (Full Time)

Sta Lucia Realtors(62)
Darwin All-Stars(59) (Full Time)

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By Jasmine W. Payo / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- For 37 minutes, it looked like the Far Eastern Tamaraws had a chance to steal the game. But the University of the East Warriors again had all the right answers in the final stretch.


Mark Borboran provided the crucial baskets in the closing minutes as the unbeaten Warriors scored a 79-72 victory over the Tamaraws and extend their winning run to 12 games in the UAAP men’s basketball competition yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Warriors banked on a 7-0 spurt—a Borboran three-point play book-ended by a James Martinez drive and a Jorel Cañizares turnaround jumper—to turn a slim 69-67 lead to a 76-67 advantage with 1:37 minutes left.

Now the Warriors, who stared at their biggest deficit this season, 15-25, in the second quarter, only need to hurdle the winless University of the Philippines and the second-running La Salle Green Archers to earn an outright Finals berth.

Borboran finished with a career-high 23 points, including three triples at the same left corner spot, to lead the Warriors.

While the Tamaraws dropped to fifth at 6-6, the Ateneo Blue Eagles boosted their Final Four bid by dispatching the Adamson Falcons with an 81-68 rout to keep solo third at 7-4.

Another rookie took the spotlight as Nonoy Baclao, a 6-foot-4 forward from West Negros College, accounted for 14 points, seven rebounds and three of Ateneo’s six blocks to tow the resurgent Eagles to their third straight victory.

The Eagles—who banked on a buzzer-beating shot by American freshman Kirk Long to nip defending champion Santo Tomas Tigers last Thursday—zoomed to an early double-figure lead, 20-8, in the first quarter.

Veterans Chris Tiu chipped in 13 points and six assists, while Ford Arao also logged in 13 markers.

When the Falcons closed in at 35-29, the Eagles wrapped up the first half with eight unanswered points for a 43-29 halftime advantage.

But coach Norman Black said he expects more from the Eagles, who still have a shot at the remaining twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

“I’m happy with the win but we have to improve our level of play to be competitive down the stretch,” said Black, citing the several turnovers his wards committed in the second half.

The Falcons, who had long bowed out of semifinal contention, dropped to a 1-10 record.

Elmer Espiritu came through for the Warriors defensively with two key blocks in the closing minutes to douse the Tamaraws’ rally.

Paul Lee also helped the Warriors recover from 15-25 deficit by drilling nine of his 17 points in the second period to cut the margin at 27-28.

“We missed a lot of free throws, I think that was another turning point of the game,” said coach Dindo Pumaren of the Warriors, who converted only 11 of 27 attempts.

The scores:

First Game
ATENEO 81—Baclao 14, Tiu 13, Arao 13, Laterre 11, Reyes 8, Salamat 6, Al-Hussaini 5, Nkemakolam 4, Escueta 4, Long 3, Monfort 0.
ADAMSON 68—Cabahug 22, Hugnatan 21, Alvarez 7,Margallo 5, Canuday 5, Olalia 2, Colina 2, Gorospe 2, Gonzalgo 2, Lozada 0, Cañada 0, Yambot 0, Santos 0.
Quarters: 25-10, 43-29, 57-48, 81-68
Second Game
UE 79—Borboran 23,Lee 17, Martinez 8, Cañizares 8, Arellano 7, Lingganay 4,Gregorio 4, Reyes 3, Espiritu 3, Llagas 2, Fampulme 0, Bandaying 0, Thiele 0.
FEU 72—Baracael 22, Cervantes 13, Barroca 10, Sanga 8, Alisbo 7, Adolfo 6, Cawaling 3, Knuttel 2, Fernandez 1, Abaring 0, Ramos 0, Cabagnot 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 13-15, 31-32, 53-51, 79-72

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By Marlon Bernardino / Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Lee Vann Corteza trounced Taiwanese Chang Jung-lin, 9-3, and Filipino-Malaysian Ibrahim Bin Amir, 9-5, yesterday to barge into the semifinals of the Guinness 9-ball Tour Grand Finals at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali, Indonesia.


It was sweet revenge for Corteza, the 28-year-old top player of Negros Billiard Stable (NBS), who lost to the Taiwanese in their title clash in the inaugural leg in Jakarta last April.

Corteza totes a 3-1 win-loss card in Group B, preventing what could have been an all-Taiwanese semis cast.

Corteza, who started with a 9-1 win over Singapore’s Bernard Tey, but lost to former world 9-ball champion Taiwan’s Chao Fong-pao late Friday, is slated to face Taiwanese Wu Chia-ching in today’s semis.

The other semifinal tussle pits Order of Merit leader Yang Ching-shun against countryman Chang Jung-lin.

Wu humbled Ronato Alcano, 9-1, to send the current WPA 9-ball and WPA 8-ball champion packing home.

The 34-year-old Alcano scored a 9-7 victory over Indon Ricky Yang, for a 1-2 win-loss card in Group A.

The semifinals will be a race-to-11 knockout affair. The semis winners then play for the title and the $36,000 championship prize.

The top 10 players of the Guinness Tour will also qualify for the 2007 WPA World 9-Ball Championship in Manila on Nov. 3 to 11.

The Guinness 9-ball Tour is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and organized by ESPN Star Sports’ Event Management Group (EMG).

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LAS VEGAS (FIBA Americas Championship) - The United States sealed the top seed in the Semifinal Round of the FIBA Americas Championship with a 91-76 victory over Argentina in the final game of the day on Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center. The 15-point win for the U.S. was its' smallest margin of victory in this tournament.


The U.S. raced out to a 28-13 lead after the first quarter, relying on the hot hand of Kobe Bryant, who netted 15 of the team's points in the opening stanza. Bryant, who led all scorers with 27 points, connected on 10-of-15 shots from the field in just under 23 minutes of play.

After leading by as many as 25 points earlier in the contest, the U.S. took a 21-point lead into the fourth quarter. Argentina outscored the U.S. by six and held the Americans to five rebounds in the final quarter.

Luis Scola paced the Argentines with 20 points and five rebounds while Diego Logrippo added 11 points.

Semifinal action begins on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT when Argentina takes on Brazil. The United States will face Puerto Rico in the nightcap at 4 p.m. PT.

Timothy Kuck
USA Basketball

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Written by Rano Iskandar

Can Darwin Airport Resort All-Stars repeat the feat of overcoming Sta Lucia Realtors in the semi-finals? The Filipino team is seeded No.1 after surviving a hard battle against winless Jordanians in their last game last night which ended in overtime. A victory for the Aussies will make it their 2nd successive finals in two years.


As Don Sheppard, the head coach of Darwin Airport Resort All-Stars said previously, "We take one game at a time." They became the only team to achieve a double over the Filipino teams in the Brunei Cup. However, the semi-finals will be a different ball game and Sta Lucia Realtors will be avenging their defeat against the Aussies. Sta Lucia Realtors have enough firepower to challenge them with the likes of Mendoza, Omolon and their consistent American import Anthony Johnson who has been outstanding throughout the tournament.


Will Johnson (Realtors) or Donaldson (Darwin Airport Resort) dunk their way to victory?
picture by Jeffrey Wong

Fatigue could play a role in their quest and Sta Lucia Realtors were pushed to the limits against Jordan All-Stars last night. As for Darwin Airport Resort All-Stars, they are riding high on confidence. Marcus Ch'ng, their captain, said they are confident but we cannot be over-confident. He was pleased that his teammates have been playing well. It remains to be seen if Mike Jones of Darwin Airport Resort is fit to play tonight due to a slight knee problem. Despite that, the Aussies have enough dept to compete the likes of Sta Lucia Realtors.

Expect a physical battle between No.1 and No.4 seed of the tournament and it will be an explosive semi-finals. The match will be played at 9pm tonight the Indoor Stadium, Berakas.

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By Sean Deveney - SportingNews

Here we are, heading into the final month of the NBA offseason, and there are still plenty of decent free agents milling about in the unemployment line. If guys like Earl Boykins are looking for someone to blame for their lack of contract opportunities, they should look to some of their brethren -- the cap-chewers, players so grotesquely overpaid that they sap the limited amount of cap space teams have. Or, if players don't want to think ill of their own, they can blame the silly general managers who proffered these fat contracts.


With this, we begin yet another edition of the Bryant "Big Country" Reeves Memorial Overpaid List, also known by the simple acronym, BBCRMOL. The annual list honors those NBA players of limited ability but bounteous salary.

We're going to tweak the list a bit. In the past, we've kept injured players out. But I asked myself, why? Even if a guy is legitimately hurt, what if he is taking up, say, $13 million in cap space and not contributing a dang thing? Isn't he still a payroll-killer?

You betcha. So, injured players will be eligible this year. Especially ones who are making eight figures.

Players who have been bought out are not be eligible, though. That spares the likes of Steve Francis and Adonal Foyle. And to be on the list, you need to be scheduled to make a good bit more for the upcoming year than the mid-level exception of $5.4 million. I put the minimum at $7 million.

With that, here is the list for 2007-08:

1. Kenyon Martin, Nuggets. Martin has to be tops on this list because he is making $13 million after playing just two games for Denver. It's easy now to blast the $86 million deal for Martin, whose persistent knee problems have prevented him from being anything close to an All-Star. Martin, remember, was recovering from knee surgery when the Nuggets signed him and there were whispers that the Nets knew he was damaged goods. But the move, at the time, was widely viewed as a coup for Denver and big-time blow to the Nets. Alas.

2. Stephon Marbury, Knicks. Marbury is only 30, but his skills are quickly deteriorating. Last year was a disaster, as Marbury's numbers dipped to their lowest since his rookie season --especially tough to swallow was his 41.5 percent shooting. He is being paid (more than $17 million) to be the leader of this bunch, but he's repeatedly shown that leadership just isn't his thing. Plus, he's been acting like a space cadet lately.

3. Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz. Speaking of space cadets, it's hard not to look back on Kirilenko's 2006-07 and not wonder, "What happened?" A lot of teams still like this guy, which is why the Jazz should move him before he repeats last year's career lows in minutes, points and rebounds. It's not so much that Kirilenko stunk, it's that he seemed so dang emotionally fragile, getting teary-eyed in the playoffs when discussing his reduced role. I have nothing against crying, but not in the first freaking round. Kirilenko's price: $13.7 million.

4. Theo Ratliff, Timberwolves. You can pick your injury with Ratliff -- ankle, knee, back. Whatever. He is 34, and he is done. Still, if the Celtics win a championship this year, they should send Ratliff a ring. He has one year left on his contract, at $12 million, and the cap relief that will bring to Minnesota was a key to the Kevin Garnett trade.

5. Antoine Walker, Heat. It's been a rough summer for 'Toine, robbed in his Chicago home at gunpoint, so I am inclined to go easy on him. But it's impossible to ignore just how bad he was last year. He shot 39.7 percent from the field, which put him 355th in the league. He was 43.8 percent from the free-throw line, which was 432nd. He shot 27.5 percent from the 3-point line, or 232nd. That is an alarmingly low success rate for an NBA player, especially one making $8.5 million.

6. Raef LaFrentz, Blazers. After he played just 17 games for the Celtics in '03-'04, LaFrentz wrote an open letter to Celtics fans, apologizing for his lack of productivity. That was nice of him. Of course, he did not offer to give back any of the millions he was making. He is in Portland now, averaging 3.7 points and earning just under $12 million.

7. Malik Rose, Knicks. Rose is a likable fellow, but the fact is, he is a 6-7 power forward who shot 39.8 percent. He was perfectly healthy, yet averaged just 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.5 minutes. Such production will cost the Knicks $7 million this year.

8. Wally Szczerbiak, Seattle. Two bad ankles have made Szczerbiak a standstill perimeter shooter. He can still stroke it, but he has been healthy for just 104 games in the last four years. The Sonics got him to make the numbers in the Ray Allen trade work, and will get out of his contract after next year. In the meantime, they owe him $12 million.

9. Ben Wallace, Bulls. I'm a little torn because I know the Bulls brought in Wallace to solidify themselves in the middle and help them take the next step. Wallace's defense on Shaquille O'Neal in the first round of the playoffs in some ways justified the big contract. I knew some of Wallace's contributions would be intangible, but his production was very subpar (6.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks) and Wallace rarely looked like the guy the Bulls thought they were getting. At $15.5 million -- that's about 28 percent of the Bulls' salary-cap space -- it's impossible to keep Wallace off this list.

10. Kwame Brown, Lakers. When it comes to reasons the Lakers can't seem to get any better, Brown and his $9 million salary should top the list. There's something about this guy ... he just seems to be missing a fundamental understanding of what it means to play in the NBA. Brown missed half of last season with injuries and when he did play, he averaged just 8.4 points and 6.0 rebounds. The good news: He is in the final year of his contract and is valuable trade bait.

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Written by Rano Iskandar

Jordan All-Stars gave their best performance of the tournament but still lost to Sta Lucia Realtors in overtime 77-73. Anthony Johnson proved to be the match winner with his prowess upfront in overtime. He ended up with 16 points while his teammate Omolon finished with 21 points. Jordan's Abdallah Abuqurra scored a game high 25 points.


Darwin Airport Resort All-Stars dominated the game and used their physique to their advantage, winning important rebounds and went on to beat RP Harbour Centre National Team 77-70. Joshua Cohen of the Australian team was superb in the paint and had 17 points. Zane Meehl was again their top scorer with 21 points. An injury worry to Mike Jones who suffered a bad fall on his knee. He could be doubtful for tomorrow's semi-final encounter with group leader Sta Lucia Realtors. RP Harbour Centre National Team top scorer was Eric Dela Cuesta who had a perfect 3 pointer shots (5) and ended up with 21 points.

LG Sakers used their agility to beat Singapore Slingers 82-69. LG Sakers' players contributed well as a team as the scores were evenly distributed. This is a sneak preview of their semi-final encounter as both will face one another again tomorrow night. Will LG Sakers score another victory over Singapore Slingers?

The tournament now comes to the semi-final phase where Darwin Airport Resort All-Stars entertain Sta Lucia Realtors where the Aussies conquered them once. The match will be played at 9pm while the other semifinal (Singapore Slingers vs LG Sakers) will be played at 7pm Saturday.

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Agence France Presse

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, including 15 in the first quarter, as the US easily beat Argentina 91-76 to keep their perfect record intact at the FIBA America's Olympic qualifying tournament.


The Americans led 49-30 at the half in the battle of the tournament's only r