By the Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Devin Booker had the ball, and a defensive switch left him staring at an old friend on the perimeter.

Teammates spread out to give Booker the spacing he needed, and the dynamic guard drove to the hoop before stopping for a step-back jumper over 7-foot Karl-Anthony Towns.

Booker got the best of Towns as the former Kentucky Wildcats tried to make up for their short-handed squads.

Booker had 35 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, and the Phoenix Suns stopped a three-game slide by holding off the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 100-98 victory on Saturday.

“I try to find certain games, when to be aggressive, when to not, when to make a play for other people when two are guarding me,” Booker said. “Tonight, I got it going a little bit late.”

Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, who played without starting point guard Ricky Rubio and center Aron Baynes due to injuries.

Phoenix was clinging to a 98-95 lead when Towns missed a hurried 3-pointer with 9.2 seconds left from just inside the half-court line. Booker then iced the game with a pair of free throws.

“He’s not afraid of the moment,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “You can take him for granted sometimes. But I don’t. When you have a special player like that, you have to recognize it. I constantly talk to our guys about how he generates a lot of their open looks because of the attention that he draws.”

Phoenix shot a season-low 34.4% from the field but tied a season low with seven turnovers. It also made 24 of 26 foul shots, outscoring Minnesota by 14 from the line.

Towns had 31 points and 17 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost four of five. Keita Bates-Diop scored a career-high 22 points, and Andrew Wiggins added 21.

“Just didn’t follow our system, we didn’t make shots,” Towns said. “It’s obviously a little hard to get in rhythm when you ain’t making anything. They didn’t go through tonight.”

Booker’s 17 points in the third quarter helped Phoenix regain control after the Wolves tied the game. When Minnesota closed within two in the final minutes, Booker scored in the lane over Towns. Wiggins answered, but Booker was there on the other end for a pair of free throws.

“We ran everything through him on offense tonight,” the Suns’ Frank Kaminsky said. “It was one of those nights you could tell he was being aggressive. Just getting him in actions, trying to get switches, get mismatches. And he was taking advantage of it.”

ROTATION ISSUES

Minnesota played without Robert Covington (personal reasons), Josh Okogie (left knee soreness), Jake Layman (left toe sprain) and Shabazz Napier (right hamstring strain). It was the second time in four games Okogie has been out with the injury. Layman missed his second straight game.

Treveon Graham was listed as available with a left arm contusion but didn’t play.

“You can say they’re three of our top four defenders, in a way,” Minnesota coach Ryan Saunders said of Covington, Okogie and Graham. “Or maybe our three best. They impact the game with activity, too.”

TIP-INS

Suns: Rubio was out of the lineup for the third time in four games with back spasms. Baynes, who has been starting in place of the suspended Deandre Ayton, missed his third straight game with a right hip flexor strain. … Phoenix had 17 assists on 19 made field goals in the first half. The Suns finished with 22 assists on 33 makes. … Oubre is averaging 23.0 points on 45.7% shooting over his last five games. He said after the game that he’s dealing with an illness.

Timberwolves: Towns has made at least three 3-pointers in eight consecutive games, the longest such streak in NBA history by a player listed as a center. He entered the day third in the league in made 3s. … Towns collected his 4,000th career rebound. He joins Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh and Anthony Davis as the only players with 7,500 points, 4,000 rebounds and 500 blocks at the age of 24 or younger. … Bates-Diop played 37:06 on Saturday. He entered the day with 38 total minutes this season.

UP NEXT

Suns: Finish a back-to-back set Sunday in Denver.

Timberwolves: Travel to play Atlanta on Monday.

Source: Manila Bulletin

WORLD renowned DOTA 2 player Pan ‘Ruru’ Jie is coming over to the country to personally oversee the launching of the biggest esports tie-ups in the Philippines and Southeast Asian region.

Dubbed ‘LGD International Launch Party: A Collab of LGD and Esportsplay Gaming,’ the event will be held on Nov. 26 at the Conrad Hotel.

Free of admission, the meet starts at 1 p.m.

LGD is considered one of the most formidable international DOTA2 teams in the world and among the oldest esports organization in China, which Esportsplay Gaming – a new Philippine player in the field of esports – has partnered to create LGD International, a Southeast Asia-based team.

Both entities have bonded to train, coach, manage, and scout top and core players from the Philippines and SEA region that will see action in ‘The International (T.I.), which is considered the biggest DOTA 2 tournament.

Esportsplay Gaming is headed by Chief Operating Officer Ivan Angelo Cuevas and Chief Operating Officer John Tze, two eSports enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who saw the potential of the country in the eSportsfield that is included in the sports calendar of the coming 2019 SEA Games here.

The Philippines has produced many star players in both DOTA/DOTA2 and considered one of the countries with the largest DOTA 2 players, an opportunity Esportsplay Gaming is tapping in cooperation with LGD in the hopes of putting the country in the eSports map.

As part of the event launching, LGD will draw six fans to play with its star players, including RuRu, its current CEO, who founded the organization in 2009 to become a world-class Esports organization today.

Registration is now ongoing at https://LGDint.progressiveprosolutions.com and get a part to become a part of the LGD International team.

LGD and Esportsplay Gaming also plans to utilize its brand influence, industrial layout, and resources to help drive eSports in the country with regards to building a talent training program, developing the ecosystem, creation of content, and even building its own eSports training center in Pampanga and a gaming arena in Cebu, aiming the eSports to propel in the country.

LGD Gaming has also benefited from China DOTA Elite Community (CDEC) and established a scientific and targeted selection system. Over time, LGD Gaming has become the ‘Whampoa Military Academy’ in the Chinese ESports scene, and LGD has chosen the Philippines as the first South East Asian country that will benefit from this world-class training and that’s because of the efforts of Esportsplay Gaming.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

With familiarity on the golf course, the national team hopes to score a clean sweep on all the four gold medals at stake in golf competition in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games here.

National Golf Association of the Philippines secretary-general Bones Flor said yesterday that members of the national team would rely on experience playing the par-72 course of the Luisita Golf and Country Clun in Tarlac.

“Yes they’re very familiar playing at Luisita,” said Floro as SEA Games action is scheduled Dec. 4 to 8. “That is one of the things we’ll try to take advantage in the SEA Games.”

Members of the national team will be arriving this week from the United States where they are playing and studying just in time for the SEA Games, which will formally start on Saturday.

The men’s team is composed of Luis Castro of the University of North Carolina, Aidric Chan of San Jose State University, Carl Corpus of the Arizona University and Sean Ramos, the only high school player based here.

For the women’s team, Bianca Pagdanganan of Arizona University and Lois Kaye Go of University of South Carolina will banner the squad together with Abby Arevalo of SJSU Spartans.

Pagdanganan and Go are members of the gold medal winning Philippine Team during the Asian games last year alongside individual women’s champion Yuka Saso, who begged off due to a conflict in schedule with the finals of the Japan Golf Tour qualifying tournament.

Floro said that while the women’s team is a solid bet to capture the SEA Games gold, it’s a different story for the men’s squad.

“Our women’s team is very strong right now, but in the men’s division, Singapore and Thailand are strong teams but our national team will give it their best to win the gold medal,” said Floro.

In the previous SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines won a single bronze courtesy of Go.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Anthony Giron

TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite—Officials have assured the services and security for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games’ sites in this prime tourist destination city.

The SEAG’s cycling, BMX and skateboarding are set from December 1 to 12 at the sprawling local oval and field near the Tagaytay City Hall.

City Tourism and Cultural Development Officer Jelanne R. Mendoza said that the plans and measures in terms of services and security for the Games’ participating athletes, officials and other participants are now in place.

The new skateboarding and cycling-BMX sites in Tagaytay will be ready in time for the Nov. 30 SEA Games opening ceremonies at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“We are getting ready to welcome the SEA Games’ athletes, officials, other participants and visitors with the preparations made in Tagaytay,” said Mendoza as she cited that the local and foreign athletes will be billeted in five to seven hotels in the games’ duration.

Even as there was no threat with regards to the staging of the SEA Games, the PNP and the other law enforcement agencies will not let their guards down particularly in the games’ venues.

Mendoza said that the Games’ athletes and officials in Tagaytay will be billeted in five to seven hotels in the city

“We cannot reveal  the hotels where the Games’ athletes and officials will stay due to the confidentiality agreed upon with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and other concerned authorities,” said Mendoza.

Definitely, security will be tight for the SEA Games in Tagaytay, Mendoza said as she cited that some 400 police officers and men will be deployed at the city games’ sites and strategic areas as one of the measures.

Colonel Marlon R. Santos, Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) officer-in-charge, had made his rounds at one of the hotels and elsewhere last Saturday to check the security measures and the readiness for the SEA Games.

The local  Traffic Management Office will also implement the one-way traffic scheme during the 12-day Games’ duration in the city..

The round-the-clock traffic scheme covers Jose P. Rizal Street in Barangay Maharlika, the two kilometer-stretch from Petron Marhalika to Hagdang Bato, Barangay Mendez-Crossing East and the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road leading to Batangas province.

Authorities said that the SEAG’s skateboarding competition venue at the Tagaytay Oval is now 99.5 percent ready.

The Skateboarding and Roller Sport Association of the Philippines reported that the national skateboarding team has started practicing at the Tagaytay site last week.

Skateboarding will be played for the first time in the SEA Games. At least seven countries namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam are competing in the skateboarding sports.

Aside from the hurdling skateboarding and cycling-BMX games in the turf, all the participating athletes and officials will be treated to a side tour to see the alluring panoramic view of Taal Volcano and Lake and other spots in the city.

The SEAG participants will also enjoy the cool climate and the serenity, beauty and splendor of the scenes in the ridge city.

The Department of Tourism tagged Tagaytay as the top tourist destination city through the years in Region IV-A or the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (Calabarzon) area. (Anthony Giron)

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Ellson Quismorio

Cavite 4th district Rep. Elpidio Barzaga has moved to commend Filipina archery phenom Andrea Robles, whom he has called the country’s best hope in finally earning an Olympic gold medal.

“Andrea Robles, the 21-year-old Bachelor of Science Management graduate of Ateneo de Manila University has proven that one does not need to be a Filipino American to be an elite athlete,” said Barzaga in House Resolution (HR) No.547.

“It is hereby resolved for the House of Representatives to congratulate and commend Andrea Robles and the Philippine Sports Commission and other appropriate agencies to provide adequate financial assistance to Andrea Robles and other potential Olympic players in order to prepare them properly for the next Olympic Games scheduled on 24 July, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan,” he said.

Earlier this month, Robles made waves at the Macau Indoor Archery Open by beating highly-regarded foes Xu Lumeng of China, Natalie Duncan of Australia, Sarah Prieels of Belgium, and Paige Pearce of the United States en route to winning the gold medal.

The “Pinay Hawkeye” is set to participate in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games to be held in the country.

“As shown by the sterling record of Andrea Robles, she has the best potential to win the first Olympic Gold Medal which Filipinos are longing for from the time the Olympic Games started way back in 06 April, 1896 held in Athens, Greece,” reckoned Barzaga, chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

He said that Robles and her fellow elite Filipino athletes deserve the financial support from the government considering the pride and glory that their victories bring to the Philippines.

Barzaga also noted how costly sports training, the procurement of equipment, and the actual participation in competitions can get.

“From the time she took up archery in 2013, her parents have already spent over One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) in airfare and travel expenses, over One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) in equipment, over One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) in training and coaching expenses,” he said.

“All her equipment are solely financed by her parents and through the kindness of US Coach Mel Nichols who introduced her to the owner of Flex Fletch that provides her with free fletches,” he added.

“Despite these difficulties, Andrea Robles have brought, pride, joy, honor and glory to our country and should be commended,” the House leader further said.

Some Filipinos are still smarting over Wesley So’s victory at the inaugural World Fishcer Chess Championship wherein he beat World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Although the 26-year-old grandmaster was born in Cavite, he won the tournament under the US flag.

Source: Manila Bulletin

 

By WAYLON GALVEZ

With 20 gold medals at stake, the national team of arnis hopes to capture more than half of it and contribute to the country’s bid to win the overall championship in the 30th Southeast Asian Games here.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, president of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation, said Friday that the athletes have done well during training and are ready to show what they are capable of against the best in the region.

“We’re very optimistic with the chances of our athletes. Of course, there is pressure also for us to deliver because arnis is our national sport,” said Zubiri, a practitioner of the combat sport.

Arnis competition is set Dec. 1 to 3 at the Angeles University Foundation.

The sport is making a return to SEA Games action after it was first introduced as a demonstration sport when the country last staged the biennial meet 14 years ago in 2005.

That time, the Philippines accounted for three gold medals and three silvers to match the medal output of Vietnam.

Zubiri still expects Vietnam to be the main threat, while Cambodia, Myanmar and Brunei are likewise expected to vie for the gold in various weight division in the men’s and women’s categories.

Nevertheless, the legislator said he is counting on the arnis artists to deliver between 11 to 12 gold medals.

“We have a total of 20 golds in arnis, and we are pushing for the overall championship. We’d be happy to win majority of the events…11 to 12 golds to help boost our overall medal tally,” said Zubiri.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Dhel Nazario

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) asked for the public’s cooperation with the various traffic schemes to be implemented by the agency during the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which is expected to cause traffic and delay in Metro Manila.

Instead of dedicated lanes for athletes participating in the SEA Games, stop-and-go schemes will be implemented along EDSA and major thoroughfares in Metro Manila to allow convoys of delegates, sports officials, athletes, spectators, and other guests from billeting hotels to the sports venues and other areas of engagements to pass through.

The agency asked for the public’s cooperation with this and other traffic adjustments implemented for the SEA Games from November 30 to December 11 at various areas of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

Expect delays on roads toward the sports and non-sports venues within Metro Manila: Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Cuneta Astrodome, SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM MOA Skating Rink, World Trade Center, Philippine International Convention Center Forum, SM Megamall, Filoil Flying V Centre, Filinvest City, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Gym, Marine Corps, Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Starmall EDSA, Makati Coliseum, Manila Hotel tent, SM Megamall Ice Rink, World Trade Center, Philsports Arena, Amoranto Sports Complex, and Manila Polo Club.

The MMDA will be deploying 2,000 traffic personnel in key areas in the metropolis to help manage traffic flow. On EDSA alone, 122 traffic enforcers will be deployed every 100 meters away.

“We are on track with our traffic preparations. We ask for motorists’ and commuters’ cooperation in giving way to the convoys of the athletes and delegates participating in the event our country is hosting,” said MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim.

Convoy carrying delegates will use the yellow lane, flyover and underpasses while traveling along EDSA. Occasional traffic disruption and temporary stops are expected on roads and intersections where convoys would pass.

Days before the event, arriving delegates will travel from the airport in Pasay City to their billeting hotels in cities of Manila, Pasig, Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong and Quezon City in Metro Manila areas in Central and Southern Luzon; and from the airport to the regional venues in Clark, Subic, and Southern Luzon.

The MMDA and Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit shall implement road closure on the following roads from 12:01 am on November 30 to December 11.

• Along Adriatico – from Pres Quirino to P. Ocampo (both bound directions)

• Along P. Ocampo – from Taft Ave. to Adriatico (westbound direction only)

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes:

• All vehicles coming from Taft Ave going westbound lane of Pres. Quirino intending to left turn Adriatico St. shall go straight to Roxas Blvd or Mabini St. to point of destination.

• All vehicles coming from Taft Ave intended to use westbound lane of P. Ocampo shall use Menlo St. then Donada to destination.

• All vehicles coming from Roxas or FB Harrison utilizing eastbound lane of P. Ocampo intending to utilize Adriatico St. shall go straight to Taft Ave to point of destination.

• All vehicles coming from Roxas or FB Harrison utilizing eastbound lane of Pres. Quirino intending to utilize Adriatico St. shall go straight to Taft Ave to point of destination.

The Sea Games opening ceremonies will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on November 30, Saturday, where a pack of crowd is expected to parade their delegations. On this day, delegates will start travelling from Metro Manila to Philippine Arena in the afternoon.

Point-to-point buses have been designated to transport spectators and guests to the Philippine arena to avoid traffic congestion. The agency shall provide motorcycle and mobile car escorts, ambulances, tow trucks as well as monitoring of road activities during the SEA Games.

Other SEA Games Clusters where traffic congestion is expected are Clark, Subic, Southern Luzon and others. The MMDA’s preparation is in coordination with the Philippine Sea Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), PNP, LGUs, government agencies and stakeholders.

The closing ceremonies will be at the Athletics Stadium at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta expressed confidence over the national football teams’ campaigns in the 30th Southeast Asian Games kicking off Monday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Araneta, who saw action in the three SEA Games tournaments from 1977 to 1983, believes the Young Azkals and the Malditas are armed with enough preparation to deliver a strong showing at home.

The first and only medal so far in the sport came 34 years ago in Thailand when the women’s team nailed a bronze as the field only had three teams.

The prospects are bright for the teams this year with Araneta expecting breakout performances from several homegrown standouts.

“We expect some hidden gems to be unveiled,” said Araneta.

“I am confident that our players will be able to seize their chance and show that there is continuous improvement in Philippine football.”

Reinforced by Azkals captain Stephan Schrock and experienced defender Amani Aguinaldo, the Young Azkals are the first to plunge into action on Monday against Cambodia in Group A. The Malditas, who trained in Japan for a couple of weeks last month, open their campaign against Myanmar at Binan Football Stadium.

Six players in the 20-man roster of the Young Azkals are part of the senior team, which Araneta said augurs well for the team’s campaign. Ateneo star Jarvey Gayoso is also part of the squad together with San Beda standouts Mar Diano, Michael Asong and Jerome Marzan. Marco Casambre, Pocholo Bugas, Troy Limbo, Mariano Suba are among the homegrown stars of the team.

“We have young players who are products of the grassroots programs of their respective provinces as well as foreign-based players with experience so there is a good balance to our team,” said Araneta. “The SEA Games is really a good opportunity for us to showcase our young talents.”

Araneta took the time to visit the Young Azkals’ training at Rizal Memorial Stadium last Saturday and delivered an impromptu pep talk, thanking the players for their hard work and sacrifice for the country.

“As an athlete, there is no greater honor than representing the country,” said Araneta, who also noted the contributions of players who did not make the cut for the team.

“You wear the flag of the Philippines with pride,” Araneta told the players. “I know that you’re prepared and we expect you to give everything for the country because you are playing at home. I’m confident you’ll do well. We thank you for your sacrifice.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Meralco punched the first semifinal ticket in the PBA Governors’ Cup after ending Alaska’s campaign with a 94-84 victory as quarterfinal action began Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Best Import Allen Durham produced 28 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists while Allein Maliksi scored 23 points in a performance coach Norman Black described as his best game since being acquired in a trade with Blackwater.

The Bolts leaned on a 29-12 first quarter start behind a 50-percent shooting before preventing the Aces’ comeback bid in the third to arrange a spot in the best-of-five semis against TNT KaTropa or the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok.

TNT and Magnolia face off Monday with the KaTropa holding a twice-to-beat advantage.

The semifinals will start after the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, with Black hoping that Raymond Almazan will be fine after hurting his calf in the fourth.

Almazan had to leave the game with 4:47 remaining and Meralco ahead 84-77.

“It doesn’t look good, judging from the way he walked,” Black said.

Jvee Casio scored 20 points, Simon Enciso had 16 points and import Franko House posted 11 points and nine rebounds but the Aces saw their seesaw campaign in the season-ending conference come to an end.

Alaska lost its first five games under new coach Jeffrey Cariaso but was able to sneak out a quarters berth as the seventh seed after winning five of its final six.

The Aces threatened to make a run in the third quarter, pulling to within three at 61-58 on Enciso’s trey with 3:21 remaining.

But Durham scored four and Maliksi and Anjo Caram hit back-to-back triples to end the period giving the Bolts a 73-63 lead.

Scores:

MERALCO 94 — Durham 28, Maliksi 23, Newsome 17, Almazan 8, Amer 6, Faundo 4, Caram 4, Quinto 2, Hodge 2, Pinto 0.

ALASKA 84 — Casio 20, Enciso 16, House 11, Manuel 9, Tratter 7, Herndon 5, Ayaay 5, Thoss 4, Ahanmisi 4, Racal 3, Galliguez 0, Brondial 0.

Quarters: 29-12; 49-34; 73-63; 94-84.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

CALATAGAN, BATANGAS – With the gold medal in sight, Rep. Mikee Romero has one more reason to suit up for the national polo team in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“I dedicate it to my son Miguel who should have been playing here,” Romero told reporters before the inauguration of the Bamboo Pavilion in the Miguel Romero Polo Field here.

Miguel passed away last Dec. 14, 2017. He was 22.

Romero recalled how Miguel used to play polo at the same field that will host the 0-2 goal events of the SEA Games. The venue is now named after him.

“Ngayon, he’s still part of the SEA Games because the whole field is named [after] sa kanya – in his memory,” Romero said.

Romero, one of the national team’s spearheads, sustained a back injury after falling from his horse during training in Argentina recently.

Romero said he was not able to walk for two days after the accident and endured lower back pains after a horse had run over him.

But after a week of six-hour therapy, Romero was back on his feet and resumed conditioning and horse riding routines.

“Kahit ‘di ako makalakad [nang maayos], kailangan kong maglaro kasi once in a lifetime lang ang SEA Games,” he said.

Completing the Philippine team are Coco Garcia, Nicole Eusebio, Jam Eusebio, Santi Juban, Antonio Veloso, coach Alexander Anthony Garcia – and Miguel in spirit.

The Nationals will make the most out of the home-field advantage against Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia when the 0-2 goals event kicks off on December 3.

Source: Manila Bulletin