Author Archives: markthatmike

By Nick Giongco The Philippine Sports Commission is a government arm that functions almost 24/7. Its chairman, William ‘Butch’ Ramirez, spends the weekend — when high-ranking officials are given the opportunity to loosen their ties -— as if it is a regular workday in the PSC at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Philippine Sports CommissionContinue reading “PSC chief looks back at the long and winding road to SEA Games hosting”

By Kristel Satumbaga The battle for spectators goes full blast in the 30th Southeast Asian Games! Basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena remains the undisputed champion, with an all-PBA national team guaranteed to lure in a capacity crowd every game. But challengers have now emerged, with the wannabes — from volleyball at the Philsports Arena inContinue reading “SEA Games: All roads lead to… everywhere”

By Nick Giongco John Chicano eclipsed his personal best en route to winning the country’s first gold medal in the 30th SEA Games. (Mark Balmores) SUBIC BAY, Zambales—Hometown boy John Chicano gave host Philippines its first gold medal Sunday after ruling men’s triathlon in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Chicano crossed the finish line wavingContinue reading “Chicano delivers first SEAG gold for PH, Remolino settles for silver”

By Nick Giongco John Riel Casimero scored a third-round KO of South African Zolani Tete Saturday night (early Sunday morning in Manila) to capture the WBO bantamweight title in Birmingham, England. John Riel Casimero Tete took the first two rounds but Casimero, fighting for the second time on British soil, sent Tete down with aContinue reading “John Riel Casimero topples Zolani Tete via 3rd round KO”

By Nick Giongco John Chicano, left, and Kim Mangrobang gun for the country’s first gold medal when they compete in triathlon early Sunday. (File Photo) CLARKFIELD, Pampanga – Unless they step on a banana peel on the way to the finish, the country’s top bets in triathlon are earning the distinction of producing the hostContinue reading “SEA Games: Triathlon set to deliver first PH gold”

By Kristel Satumbaga & Waylon Galvez Carlos Yulo practices with Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya for the SEA Games competition starting Sunday. (Ali Vicoy) World champion Carlos Yulo starts his quest to win seven gold medals as the men’s artistic gymnastics of the 30th Southeast Asian Games fires off today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The 19-year-oldContinue reading “SEA Games: Yulo starts medal quest in gymnastics, basketball 3×3 fires off”

By Tito S. Talao BOCAUE — In an opening ceremony like no other — awash in ever-changing shades of color and dark, dazzled with pomp and pageantry that fused together cultural heritage, Hollywood production and blistering rap, and held 50,000 people in rapt and suspense which reached its explosive climax when boxing icon Manny Pacquiao,Continue reading “Rousing opening for 30th SEA Games”

By Nick Giongco John Riel Casimero John Riel Casimero of the Philippines battles defending champion Zolani Tete of South Africa for the World Boxing Organization bantamweight title Saturday night (early Sunday morning in the Philippines) in Birmingham, England. During the official weighin, Casimero came in at 117.25 lbs while Tete, who is making the fourthContinue reading “Casimero shoots for WBO title”

Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) is fouled by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond during their NBA game Friday. (AP) DETROIT (AP) — Langston Galloway’s shot from near midcourt rimmed out at the buzzer, and the Charlotte Hornets held on for a 110-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. Charlotte completed a home-and-homeContinue reading “NBA Capsule: Hornets complete home-and-home sweep of Pistons, 110-107”

Tennis Australia has confirmed it plans to honor Margaret Court’s 50th anniversary of her 1970 Grand Slam during January’s Australian Open, but stressed her controversial anti-gay views “do not align with our values of equality, diversity and inclusion.” Court won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including the French Open, Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian OpenContinue reading “Tennis Australia to honor Court’s Grand Slam anniversary”