Mighty Sports survived the vintage performance of Fadi El-Khatib and pulled off a pulsating 88-82 win over host United Arab Emirates at the start of the Dubai International Basketball Championship Thursday at the Shabab Al Ahli Club.

Still sharp and agile at 40, the Lebanese legend playing as import for the oil-rich Middle East nation erupted for 30 points but it was Fil-Am Mikey Williams who stood out in the end of Group B action of the 11-team tournament.

The 6-foot-1 Williams gave the Alex Wongchuking-owned Mighty Sports an 82-78 breather with a trey following a UAE turnover – thanks to a perfect feed by naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche with 74 ticks left.

Backed by Creative Pacific of Bong Cuevas, Go for Gold, Oriental Group, Discovery Primea, and Gatorade, Mighty Sports hiked their lead to 84-78 after Williams found a cutting Renaldo Balkman for a jam.

The Emiratis – through the efforts of Rashed Ayman and El-Khatib – pulled to within 84-82, but Williams rose to the occasion once again by calmly sinking two pressure-packed charities before Thirdy Ravena sealed the deal with a layup off a stop that had the crowd roaring in delight.

“It was a huge scare for us but we have to credit Mikey for showing great resolve. Big plays at crunch time,” said Wongchuking.

Mighty Sports coach Charles Tiu was a little disappointed with the team’s opening game but was still glad they were able to hurdle their first assignment.

“I have to be a bit more patient because this is technically our first game together. But give credit to UAE, they played well, got to the free throw line a lot and El-Khatib is still a great player at his age,” said Tiu.

“Mikey was also great. As I said I have complete trust in him,” said Tiu of his wily guard who finished with 15 points not to mention several wondrous plays.

Import Jelan Kendrick topscored for Mighty with 19 points while Blatche and Balkman chipped in 15 points each apart from grabbing 11 and 9 boards, respectively.

The scores:

MIGHTY SPORTS 88 – Kendrick 19, Blatche 15, Balkman 15, Williams 15, Malonzo 8, Moore 8, Ravena 2, Go 2, Belga 2, Gomez de Liano Ju. 2, Ildefonso 0.

UAE 82 – El-Khatib 30, Alshabebi 27, Ayman 6, Alnuaimi 6, Almaazmi 5, N’Diaye 3, Sultan 0, Alajmanni 0.

Quarters: 22-16, 41-37, 63-65, 88-82.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel forward Jared Dillinger is a firm believer that his former team Meralco will one day get over the hump and win its first PBA championship.

The veteran forward admitted hehad mixed emotions after being part of the Ginebra team that beat the Bolts in the recent Governors’ Cup Finals that ended in five games.

While he still savors being on the winning side of the Ginebra-Meralco trilogy, Dillinger is also wishing his one-time comrades will finally get their day in the sun.

“I know it’s tough over there, so I do feel bad (for them),” Dillinger said. “But at the same time, they are all grown men and they’re gonna keep working, they’re gonna keep grinding until they can get that championship trophy one of these days coz I’m sure it’s gonna happen.”

A hamstring problem forced Dillinger to miss most of the 2016 Governors’ Cup Finals that saw Meralco absorb a 4-2 series defeat to Ginebra despite taking a 2-1 lead.

Dillinger played all seven games of the second meeting in the 2017 edition of the season-ending conference but the Bolts were again frustrated by Ginebra in the decider before 54,000 fans at the Philippine Arena.

The latest title showdown was expected to be a grindout affair that saw Dillinger months removed from signing with Ginebra after being placed in the unrestricted free agent list by Meralco.

It looked headed that way when both teams split the first two games, but Ginebra was able to make adjustments and won the next three games, clinching the crown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I do feel a little bit bad because I know how much those guys work over there,” Dillinger said.

“I’ve been on that side with them, all those countless hours of extra work after practice, sitting in there watching film review with the players and just discussing how we gonna get over the hump.”

The 36-year-old was seldom-used during the Finals, registering a total of seven points and four rebounds in three appearances.

Dillinger said his Meralco buddies sent congratulatory messages days after the Finals.

“They’re so happy for me, congratulating me, wishing me the best and hoping that I can get more championships,” he said. “It’s funny though but that’s what it’s really all about here.

“I’m referring to how the PBA community is so small that we’re all pulling for each other. I’m talking about the players and the relationships that you make with your former coaches, bosses, you know, we all want the best for each other.

“If Meralco had won this championship, I would have messaged all of my teammates over there and say ‘Hey, I’m so happy for you guys. I’m happy that you got the championship.’ So it’s really just the quality of the relationship that you make in this whole PBA experience that’s really what it’s all about.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan)

8:30 a.m. – Arellano vs San Sebastian (Junior’s)

10 a.m. – Arellano vs San Sebastian (Men’s)

12 noon – Arellano vs San Sebastian (Women’s)

2 p.m. – Lyceum vs JRU (Women’s)

3:30 p.m. – Lyceum vs JRU (Men’s)

5 p.m. – Lyceum vs JRU (Junior’s)

By WAYLON GALVEZ

San Beda University rebounded from an opening set loss to Letran in posting a 24-26, 25-19, 25-18, 25-17 victory in NCAA Season 95 volleyball yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

Cesca Racraquin scored 22 points to power the Lady Red Spikers, while Nieza Viray and Kim Manzano contributed 12 and nine points.

With its third straight win, San Beda tied defending three-time champion Arellano University in second place behind leader College of Saint Benilde which sports a 4-0 card.

San Beda mentor Nemesio Gavino commended his players for stepping up big in the second set.

“Maganda na nakabawi sa second set and from there nagawa naming ma-control na yung laban. Malaking bagay na nakuha naming yung panalo kasi every win counts sa elimination round,” said Gavino.

Racraquin, for her part, said the win puts them in good stead for their showdown with the Lady Chiefs on Monday.

“Pahirap na ng pahirap yung mga susunod na laban, so maganda na ngayon pa lang nakakakuha na kami ng mga panalo. Crucial itong game against Letran and buti nakabalik kami from the first set loss,” said  Racraquin, in her fourth year with SBU.

Chamberlaine Cuñada finished with 17 points, including two service aces, 21 digs and 10 receptions, while Julianne Castro, Khryss Monteagudo and Daisy Melendres added eight points apiece for the Lady Knights, who fell to 1-2.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Losa had 23 points, 17 digs and seven receptions to power San Beda to a 25-16, 23-25, 25-15, 25-20 victory over Letran for a 2-1 record in the men’s division.

In junior’s division, the Letran Squires drew 15 points from Mark Omega in a 25-20, 25-14, 30-28 win over the Junior Red Spikers to tie their victims at 2-1.

 

 

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

The country’s premier tennis organization, Unified Tennis Philippines, has given recognition to 2019’s tennis superstars who have brought home glory to the Philippines in a recent awarding ceremony held last January 7 in Makati.

The ceremony was led by the organization’s top honcho, Jean Henri Lhuillier who is also the president and CEO of microfinancial services giant Cebuana Lhuillier.

Lhuillier mentioned in his short address to the athletes how their triumphs in the sport they play are able to inspire a lot of Filipino youth on getting into tennis and how many more Filipinos are developing an appreciation for the sport as well.

“This recognition also hopes to ignite the fire in more athletes to perform above and beyond, I hope that more Filipino tennis players will follow in your footsteps.” added the longtime sports patron.

Among the athletes present is Alexandra “Alex” Eala who has earned the title “Philippine Tennis Phenom” after clinching the championship in various international tournaments such as 2019 ITF Asia Oceania 14&U Junior Qualifying Tournament in Malaysia, Under-18 ITF Juniors Grade A Singles Tournament in South Africa, and in the 2019 Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Championships in USA, more so, Eala has also achieved an all-time high ranking of number 9 in the ITF World Junior Rankings.

Joining Alex is Francis “Nino” Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon, who just came from their gold medal win in the 30th South East Asian Games for the Men’s Doubles Tennis event.

Lhuillier also awarded Raul Guerrero for his contribution to the longstanding Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis, which has been continuously reaching more and more youth and has been providing them with an avenue to play tennis in their own hometowns. The recognition honored Raul Guerrero for his work in laying the foundation for the country’s most successful tennis tourneys.

“I hope our athletes continue to do us proud this 2020, with the dawn of a new decade, I’m more than sure we will see more of what they have to offer and see a more vibrant tennis community for this country.” said Lhuillier.

The Unified Tennis Philippines is backed by Cebuana Lhuillier and Palawan Pawnshop.

 

 

 

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Ceres-Negros coach Risto Vidakovic is realistic about his team’s chances in next week’s AFC Champions League playoff against FC Tokyo at the Ajinomoto Stadium in the Japanese capital.

The Busmen are heavy underdogs going into Tuesday’s match for a spot in the Champions League group stage with the host Gas Men coming off a second-place finish in last year’s J-League, one of the biggest leagues in Asia.

“Another very hard game, even harder than this one,” said Vidakovic, whose team won two preliminary matches, including a shock 1-0 win over Thai League 1 side Port FC in Bangkok.

“For us, it’s an experience for the team. We always fight to win, we’re trying to win and we’re tactically working on that,” the Serbian coach added.

It will be the second time that Ceres made it to the playoff phase of the Champions League.

Ceres fell 2-0 to Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian two years ago.

No Filipino club has ever reached the Champions League group stage, thus getting another gigantic win will meet a lot for the Bacolod outfit.

But Vidakovic, who steered Ceres to the Philippines Football League and Copa Paulino Alcantara titles last year, said the odds are heavily stacked against them.

“But sometimes we have to be realistic, especially for the ASEAN countries,” Vidakovic said. “It’s not easy to qualify because you play one game outside against very strong opponents.

“The budget’s maybe seven times higher, but for us it’s an experience and we’re going there to compete.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

 

Games Friday

(Filoil Flying V Centre)

8:30 a.m. – Letran vs San Beda (Junior’s)

10 a.m. – Letran vs San Beda (Men’s)

12 noon – Letran vs San Beda (Women’s)

2 p.m. – Mapua vs Perpetual Help (Women’s)

3:30 p.m. – Mapua vs Perpetual Help (Men’s)

5 p.m. – Mapua vs Perpetual Help (Junior’s)

By WAYLON GALVEZ

Defending three-time champion Arellano University kept an unblemished card following a 25-19, 25-16, 25-17 win over Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 95 volleyball yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

Regine Arocha, one of the team’s two graduating players, led the team with 12 points and 15 digs, while Carla Donato added 10 points and Princess Bello had three service aces to finish with eight points.

The Lady Chiefs were able to collect 36 attacks to counter the blocking ability of the Lady Bombers.

Arellano mentor Obet Javier said that was his main instruction to the players.

“Ang sabi ko sa kanila, kung kaya ninyong pigilin sa ibabaw, gawin natin,” said Javier as Arellano improved to 3-0.

“Maganda naman ang naging resulta, yung mga middle blocker ko, kahit hindi gaanong ka-effective sa palo, pero yung sa block, dahil matangkad, nagagamit yung laki nila.”

Dolly Verzosa, the prolific spiker of the Lady Bombers, was limited to eight points while Renesa Melgar and Mary May Ruiz each contributed five points for the Mandaluyong-based team.

The setback dropped the Lady Bombers to 1-2.

In the second game, Klarisa Abriam scored 16 points while Michelle Gamit contributed 11 points to power College of St. Benilde to a 25-20, 25-21, 25-17 win against Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The Lady Blazers’ win also kept their record clean to stay on top of the standings with a 4-0 slate, while the Lady Generals dropped to 0-3, and 13th straight since the Season 93 two years ago.

In the men’s division, Jesrael Liberato collected 16 points as Arellano joined titleholder University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on top at 3-0 after a 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16 win against JRU.

The Braves also joined the six-peat seeking Junior Altas for the juniors lead at 3-0 with a 25-10, 25-21, 25-18 win over the Light Bombers.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Game Sunday
(Caloocan Sports Complex)
7:30 p.m. — Alab Pilipinas vs Mono Vampire

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas overcame anxious moments in the second half to escape past host Hong Kong Eastern 77-76 Thursday night in the ASEAN Basketball League at the Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai district.

Jeremiah Gray’s block on Jon Siu in the final seconds sealed the deal for Alab, which squandered a 19-point lead and trailed 76-73 with under two minutes remaining in the fourth.

Gray had 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks as coach Jimmy Alapag’s team moved past idle Taipei Fubon Braves for second place with six victories and three defeats.

Alab’s win came amid speculations that Justin Brownlee, who led Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to the PBA Governors’ Cup crown recently, will reinforce the team sometime during the season.

Alapag, however, said that the team is right now focused on its current stretch of six games over the next 16 days before it can entertain thoughts on such possibility.

Jason Brickman dished out 16 assists, Prince Williams had 14 points, six rebounds and four assists in his debut as Khalif Wyatt’s replacement while fellow import Nick King topscored 24 points, including the go-ahead basket with over a minute to go.

But King nearly cost Alab the victory when his inbound hit the legs of Williams, resulting in a turnover with six seconds left.

Hong Kong import Michael Holyfield found Siu at the corner for a potential game-winning shot but Gray came through with the block as time expired.

Import Brandis Raley-Ross produced 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists but Hong Kong dropped to 3-5.

Raley-Ross was mainly responsible for leading Hong Kong back after Alab took a 49-30 lead early in the third quarter.

The Scores:

ALAB PILIPINAS 77 — King 24, Williams 14, Deguara 12, Gray 11, Vigil 5, Heading 3, Brickman 2, Domingo 2, Rosser 2, Caracut 0.

HONG KONG 76 — Raley-Ross 33, Costner 19, Holyfield 13, Siu 8, Guinchard 2, Ng 1, Xu 0.

Quarters: 23-14; 45-30; 63-60; 77-76.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By WAYLON GALVEZ

The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI) remains the recognized national federation of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

In a letter, a copy of which was furnished the local federation, FIVB general director Fabio Azevedo of Argentina said LVPI – headed by its president Joey Romasanta – stays as the “provisionally affiliated” member of the FIVB.

Under the world volleyball body’s regulation, the LVPI has the “rights granted to provisional members” which include organizing local and international tournaments, as well as forming the national teams.

The FIVB has twice tackled the issue of Philippine volleyball but has deferred making a decision until now. For the LVPI to get full membership, it should acquire a 2/3 vote of the FIVB general assembly.

The international federation is set to have its GA next month.

Prior to the GA, the FIVB will send to the country a delegation made up of Jizhong Wei, Chistobal Marte Hoffiz, Stephen Bock, Jaime Lamboy and Azevedo to resolve ongoing issues within the local volleyball federation and its relationship with the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission.

LVPI president Joey Romasanta, vice president Peter Cayco and secretary-general Ariel Paredes welcomed the development.

“They have all the documents they needed, and we have complied with all the conditions they set for us back in 2015,” said Romasanta.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is pulling out all the stops in a bid to send a sizable contingent to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, chairman Butch Ramirez said.

Ramirez said a big number of competitors during the 32nd edition of the quadrennial event from July 24 to August 9 should pique the interest of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“If there’s just a small number of Olympic qualifiers, he might not show interest but if he sees that we will be sending a lot, I am sure he will attend,” said Ramirez, whose office is readying a big amount to finance the qualifying events of about 50 athletes from 17 sports.

Last Wednesday, Tokyo 2020 chief of mission Nonong Araneta met with national sports association leaders who briefed him about their respective NSAs’ Olympic buidup.

But Araneta was reminded by the NSAs that 38 out of the 50 names have solid chances of booking Olympic tickets.

Ramirez said Malacanang has earmarked P100 million while Pagcor is also lending a helping hand in the quest to beef up the PH delegation.

So far, there are only two qualifiers in world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo and Italy-based pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

In the coming months, Filipino athletes will be competing abroad in search of Olympic berths. Athletics has high hopes and is eyeing to qualify four while boxing, the most productive Olympic medal producer in history for the country, is targeting 5-6 qualifiers although 11 will vie for slots.

The last time in Rio 2016, there were only 13 athletes in eight sports.

The biggest contingent competed in 1972 in Munich with 53 in 11 sports, including a 12-man basketball squad, the last time a Philippine team saw action in the Olympics.

Ramirez said those who will make the Olympic grade will be sent to Japan early so they can acclimatize to the local conditions.

“We will be spending for their training and stints abroad to help them qualify,” added Ramirez, whom incidentally, was the CDM during the 2008 edition in Beijing.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

 

Newly elected Rowing Association of the Philippines President Patrick Gregorio seeks to bolster its grassroots program to widen the athletes’ pool for future international tournaments.

Gregorio said they plan to introduce coastal tournaments in nearby cities to discover potential athletes while reaching out to several schools and club teams in developing their rowing programs.

So far, there are only 12 athletes in the national team and training pool.

“It is a difficult but beautiful sport. Hopefully, we can develop more athletes who can succeed internationally in the future,” Gregorio said.

An archipelagic nation, Gregorio is optimistic talents are everywhere waiting to be discovered.

Gregorio added they are also looking at more training venues in Caliraya, Paoay, San Rafael in Bulacan and Davao. The PH team currently trains at the La Mesa Dam.

Rowing has produced two Olympians so far with national team coach Ed Mayrina competing at the 1988 Seoul and Benjie Tolentino at the 2000 Sydney Games.

At the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the Nationals won three gold and one bronze medal.

The association currently eyes Olympic berths headed by 19-year-old Cris Nievarez, and Melcah Caballero and Joanie Delgaco, both 23.

Source: Manila Bulletin