By Jonas Terrado

The national women’s floorball team was relegated to a bronze medal match after an 8-1 loss to defending champion Singapore Thursday in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the College of Human Kinetics Gym inside the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman.

The Pinay floorballers saw their gold medal hopes disappear after falling behind 5-0 through the second period to suffer their second straight loss following an opening day win over Indonesia.

Singapore remains on top with a perfect 3-0 card with Thailand in second at 2-1 to secure their spots in the gold medal match.

With the gold no longer at stake, the Philippines will put its concentration on Sunday’s game against Malaysia, which likewise holds a 1-2 record.

But first, the two teams will play in Friday’s final preliminaries in a preview of what to expect in the fight for a podium finish.

Team captain Jade Ariadne Rivera leads the squad with Candy Noreen Lynnelle Pellejera, Edelyn Grace Embile, Sara Elizabeth Hemmingberg, Jestine Mariano, Roxane Christel Ruiz, Sarah Samonte, Michele Loraine Simpson and Maria Pia Mikaela Tolentino part of the roster.

Other members of the team are Annica Angela Dolores Bengtsson, Michelle Anne Cruzado, Jemarie, Jerymae and Jerylou Berdan, Marie Clarisse and Marie Denisse Satuito, Michell Jennifer Lindahl and Cherrylyn Romarate.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Belgium will end the year as FIFA’s top-ranked team after winning all 10 of its games in 2019.

Retaining its year-end No. 1 spot, Belgium extended its lead over World Cup champion France going into a four-month break for the top national teams.

Brazil, England and Uruguay are unchanged as Nos. 3-5. World Cup runner-up Croatia is No. 6, trading places with European champion Portugal at No. 7.

Spain, Argentina and Colombia complete the top 10.

Mexico, at No. 11, is the best-ranked CONCACAF team. The United States is No. 22.

Senegal is Africa’s top team at No. 20. No. 28 Japan replaces Iran as Asia’s highest ranked team.

World Cup host Qatar moved up two spots to No. 55 after winning its latest qualifying game for the 2023 Asian Cup.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

A top official of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) said that the events would not be affected by tropical storm Kammuri which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Sunday morning.

PHISGOC Chief Operating Officer Tats Suzara said that they are prepared for anything that could happen including tropical storm during the 30th SEA Games, which will start Saturday with a grand opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“We have a main operations center in Clark (Pampanga). All decision by management will be decided there, and when I say management, this is composed of all the departments of PHISGOC,” said Suzara in a press briefing Wednesday.

The management of PHISGOC includes the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine National Police, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administrationor PAGASA.

According to Suzara, PAGASA provides the PHISGOC with key details about the tropical storm.

“They inform us of the waves, tides and thunder storm on every venue. We are updated by PAGASA,” said Sizara.

POC president Cong. Bambol Tolentino mentioned that top sports officials has anticipated the weather during the early stage of preparation for the biennial meet, that is why it was decided to hold it in an indoor stadium, the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena.

“Pinag-usapan na iyan last year pa, kaya nga sa Philippine Arena gagawin e,” Tolentino said.

As for the competitions, outdoor events will surely be affected by tropical storm although Tolentino said games would only be rescheduled and push through even it’s raining.

“May interruption ng konti, so dagdag lang ng konting logistics. Football lumalaro nga yan ng naulan e, all-weather. Also, may mga drainages yan, mga bagong facilities (at the New Clark City in Tarlac),” he said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Philippine Davis Cuppers are reuniting to get back at the podium in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Treat Huey rejoins the squad composed of Ruben Gonzales, Francis Casey Alcantara, Jeson Patrombon and AJ Lim in their bid to eclipse the two silver, two bronze medal finishl of the Nationals in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur edition.

“It has been an honor representing the country in the tournaments that I play all over the world, but this upcoming one will be even better,” Huey said.

“To be able to play at home will be incredible and I am very much looking forward to giving it all and going for the gold.”

The same men’s squad has represented the country is past Davis Cup ties, where the country is currently at Group II in the Asia Oceania Zone.

Their familiarity and team chemistry will fuel their medal bid along with female teammates Marian Capadocia, Denise Dy, Khim Iglupas, Clarice Patrimonio and Shaira Rivera.

Huey, a pro doubles player, is expected to team up with Dy once again to reclaim the mixed doubles gold they won at the 2015 Singapore edition.

“My teammates and I have great chemistry, especially Ruben, Francis and I, who have all played together for a number of years on the Davis Cup team,” Huey said.

The battle for the podium is going to be tough as far as Huey is concerned, with fellow Davis Cuppers also representing in other squads like Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana of Thailand and Christopher Rungkat of Indonesia, who ruled the men’s doubles and men’s singles in the previous edition.

Also returning is reigning women’s singles champion Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand.

Tennis competition fires off on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

When the cauldron is set ablaze on Saturday night at the New Clark City (NCC) in Tarlac, Manny Pacquiao would probably be sitting comfortably on a couch in General Santos City, marveling at his handiwork that signaled the formal opening of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) is teasing the public with an opening program never before seen in previous editions of the biennial SEAG.

The main show takes place at the Philippine Arena in Santa Maria, Bulacan, where an electrifying performance by the country’s top entertainers and beauty titleholders takes the spotlight.

But the highlight of the opening rites, just like in any other multi-sport event, will be the lighting of the flame, one that Pacquiao had already done almost a week ago during a ‘dry run’ at the NCC.

The NCC is located in the historic town of Capas, where 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were unloaded from boxed cars in the infamous Bataan Death March during World War II.

A spanking-new track stadium that can accommodate 20,000 and a 2,500-seater Aquatics Center as well as an Athletes Village, a first in the country, were built in a record 18 months by the Bases Conversion Development Authority for the 2019 SEAG and beyond.

Before lighting the cauldron, Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, was toured around the venues and met with athletes not only from the host country but from other SEAG nations.

Welcoming him was BCDA president Vince Dizon, who rolled out the carpet for the reigning World Boxing Association welterweight champion.

Participating in a multi-sport event like the SEAG is nothing new for the 40-year-old boxing icon.

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Pacquiao, who is targeting a ring return in March or April of 2020, carried the Philippine flag.

There was a plan for Pacquiao to head back to the NCC so he could do the lighting all over again but he flew back to General Santos City on Wednesday.

The Phisgoc said it was no longer necessary to reenact the lighting as Pacquiao had pulled it off in style.

Besides, a typhoon is on its way to the Luzon mainland and is expected to drench large portions of Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon in the coming days.

The SEAG has started with preliminaries in several sports like water polo, netball, floorball, football and polo.

But the medal matches will only begin on Dec. 1 with hostilities also kicking off in Metro Manila, where the marquee sports are going to be played.

The 2019 SEAG, the biggest in history, will feature 56 sports and 530 gold medals up for grabs.

The Philippines is bidding to win as much as 250 gold medals to ensure itself of the overall crown but Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and surging Vietnam, which has never dropped from the top three since it hosted the SEAG in 2003, out to threaten the host.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Nonong Araneta and Ricky Yanson will contest the presidency of the Philippine Football Federation in Friday’s national congress at the Century Park Hotel.

Araneta is seeking a third and final term as head of the national football federation opposite Yanson, who serves as president of the Negros Occidental Football Association.

Football association presidents from across the country will cast their vote on whether they’ll go with Araneta for one more term or choose fresh leadership in Yanson.

If elected anew, Araneta plans to continue the programs already in place while focusing on the formation of age-group leagues to compliment the pro league Philippines Football League, which recently secured a partnership with Qatar Airways.

Yanson, on the other hand, plans to put more grassroots tournament and strengthen the PFL. He has spent the past few months organizing leagues such as the NOFA Cup, Mindanao Cup and Luzon Cup.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Games Friday 

(Sta. Rosa, Laguna)
3 p.m. — Philippines vs Brunei
5 p.m. — Malaysia vs Singapore

The Philippines shoots for a spot in the semifinals against Brunei in Friday’s netball competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the City of Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.

The Pinay side is eager to arrest a string of lopsided defeats and secure a final four seat against its Brunei counterparts in the match set at 3 p.m.

Victory had eluded the team since the event began last Monday, losing 80-28 to Singapore followed by an 88-25 setback to defending champion Malaysia and 64-29 to Thailand.

Thursday was an off-day for the team, hoping that the rest can benefit their preparation against the Bruneians who are likewise holding a 0-4 slate.

But the advantage may be on the hands of Brunei, which had beaten the Philippines in their two meetings since netball was revived in the 2015 Singapore Games.

Brunei downed the Philippines 56-32 in 2015 before prevailing 69-32 two years ago in Kuala Lumpur.

A game that is similar to basketball, netball has four 15-minute quarters with seven players allowed on a rectangular court. But unlike basketball, players can only advance the ball through passing at certain areas without dribbling.

Ana Thea Cenarosa is the team captain while the rest of the squad are Jhianne Layug, Katryna Rose Domino, Cathlyn Jane Seno, Zharmaine Velez, Eliezza Diane Ventura, Janelle Mendoza, Alexandrea Gastador, Kristine Abriam, Diana Doqueza, Loraine Angela Lim and Karen Domogma.

Source: Manila Bulletin

The Philippine SAG-1 Dragon Boat team bagged two overall championships in the 4th Guam Thanksgiving Day Dragon Boat Festival held November 23-24 in Guam.

The mixed 200 and 400-meter standard (categories) were completed by the Filipinos in two minutes, two seconds, and forty-six milliseconds (2:02.46) and four minutes, forty-one seconds, and twenty-seven milliseconds (4:41.27) respectively, beating teams from Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In the women’s division, 200 and 400-meter small boat (12-seater) categories, the SAG-1 paddlers finished in two minutes, twenty-five seconds and fifty-four milliseconds (2:35.54) respectively.

Guam took second place in the 200-meter category while Hong Kong bagged silver in the 400-meter event.

SAG-1 Dragon boat team bagged all golds in the 200 and 400 meter- distances in the women’s small boat (12-seater), open small boat (12-seater) and mixed standard boat (22-seater).

The Philippine Dragon Boat Team SAG-1 will compete in the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Dragonbpat Federation (PCKDF) Club Crew Challenge Series 4 on December 15 in Malawaan Park, Subic

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

The bitter taste of defeat was still the same as it was 20 years ago but Asi Taulava reacted differently this time as NLEX joined a list of No. 1 seeds that were forced to take an early vacation by the No. 8 team.

There were no tears from Taulava as he congratulated the victorious NorthPort Batang Pier who overcame the odds and three overtime periods to come away with a 126-123 win and a berth in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.

Taulava even granted two fans with a selfie before heading to the locker room to reflect on the defeat that mirrored Mobiline’s collapse against Barangay Ginebra in the 1999 All-Filipino Cup.

But toughened by the heartbreak of seeing Bal David score a one-handed runner at the buzzer in that May 1999 game at the Philsports Arena, Taulava hopes his younger NLEX teammates can take this painful lesson in stride.

“I still got the positives with all our young guys. It becomes a learning lesson,” Taulava said. “I’ve been through it. These tough times, you know, it happens. It’s how you bounce back.”

Taulava would have get a share of credit had NLEX prevented a repeat of 1999, providing six points and nine rebounds in 20 minutes filling in for the absence of suspended center Poy Erram.

But alas, it wasn’t enough and the Road Warriors watched the Batang Pier and Sean Anthony celebrated like it was Dec. 18, 2011 when the Powerade Tigers stunned the B-Meg Llamados by overcoming a twice-to-beat advantage.

Anthony had 13 points in that 131-123 overtime win but his output was obviously a mere footnote as Gary David looked at his hot hands as he made triple after triple.

This time, Anthony played perhaps the game of his life, making plays on both ends of the floor on his way to 30 points and 11 rebounds in a 47-minute performance that earned him plaudits from everyone.

Anthony struggled to walk as he made a rare appearance at the press room. It was the most tiring game he ever had.

“This is definitely the most tired I’ve ever been,” Anthony said. “But there’s no tomorrow right? Do-or-die.”

While the experiences with Powerade and NorthPort were different, Anthony pointed out some similarities.

“One thing with Powerade was we played together and everyone bought into their role,” recalled Anthony. “We had the Big Three with Gary, Marcio (Lassiter) and Jvee (Casio). We have another great, strong squad now and guys just playing their roles too.”

While he still couldn’t say at this point which of the two were better, Anthony can only hope that he can finish what the Tigers failed to do more than eight years ago.

“I hope we can do what we couldn’t with Powerade and go all the way,” he said.

Interestingly, Anthony and Taulava were on the same side five years ago when Air21 overcame a twice-to-beat advantage as the seventh seed to beat No. 2 San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

Unfortunately, one had to savor the thrill of victory while other deal with the agony of defeat Wednesday as history repeated itself.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Rey Lachica

The Philippine team stamped its class over Indonesia, 6-4.5, and arranged a gold medal match with defending champion Malaysia in the 4-6 high goal competition of polo in the 30th SEA Games on Thursday at the Calatagan Polo Field in Batangas.

The game was tight in the first two chukkers before the Nationals, led by Gus Aguirre, came through with huge goals for their second straight win since absorbing 8.5-8 loss to Brunei in the opener last Sunday.

Out to retain the title they won over the Thais two years ago in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysians ended Brunei’s two-game winning run with 8-5.5 win at the close of the single-round elims.

The three – the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei – finished with similar 2-1 records buy the Nationals took the No. 1 seed on account of bigger goal difference of 4.5 with the Malaysians finishing second with 2.5.

Brunei settled for third 1 goal difference and was relegated to a bronze medal duel with Indonesia.
The final will be on Sunday.

Polo’s second event – the 0-2 goal – starts on Dec. 3 with the Philippine team of Rep. Mikee Romero slightly favored to win the gold.

Source: Manila Bulletin