By Kristel Satumbaga

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas is excited to share the court with his Greek teammates when they play against the Philippines on Friday in the Davis Cup World Group II playoffs at the Philippine Columbian Association in Paco, Manila.

The Greeks arrived on Monday in separate flights for the two-day affair, where the Greeks and the Filipino Cuppers are facing for the first time in history under the new tournament format.

“Davis Cup is an event that’s been on my bucket list to play and I’m looking forward to playing this rubber and trying to represent Greece as best as possible,” said the 21-year-old Tsitsipas, who is coming off a runner-up finish against Novak Djokovic at the Dubai Tennis Championships last Saturday.

A semifinalist at the 2019 Australian Open and winner of five career titles, Tsitsipas debuted in the Davis Cup scene last year where he steered Greece from Group III to Group II under the old format in the Europe/Africa Zone.

He hopes his commitment to play for the country will translate to their goal of reaching the higher stage.

“I’m really committed to play for the country. I’ve been playing individually all my life and I really miss the team spirit and playing for the team and not just for myself. It kind of sort of give something extra out there, especially the memories that I get to share with my teammates,” he said.

Competing with Stefanos are younger brother Petros Tsitsipas, Michail Pervolarakis and Markos Kalovelonis. Their team captain is Dimitris Chatzinikolaou.

The PH team is composed of Ruben Gonzales, Jeson Patrombon, AJ Lim, Francis Casey Alcantara and Eric Olivarez Jr.

Team draw is on Thursday while the first two singles matches will be played on Friday. The doubles and the reverse two singles will be competed on Saturday.

Source: Manila Bulletin

The PBA assured that safety measures will be observed when the league kicks off its 45th season Sunday amid the continuous outbreak of the coronavirus.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said venues that will hold games for the season-opening Philippine Cup are required by the league to provide medical supplies such as thermometer scan, hand sanitizer or alcohol to ensure the safety of the viewing public.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum will hold the season opener this Sunday featuring the lone game between five-time defending champion San Miguel Beer and Magnolia.

“Yes, usapan na namin sa mga venues na sila ang magpo-provide nun (supplies),” said Marcial. “Malaking bagay yun. Alam mo rin naman tayong mga Pilipino ay nag-i-ingat din.”

As it is, the league has already been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, deferring the opening of the new season for a week after it was originally scheduled for March 1.

The one-week postponement was upon the suggestion of the commissioner.

“Na-suggest ko yun (during the PBA planning session), nai-delay muna (ang opening) para malaman natin kung ano ang mangyayari, na sa tingin ko nakabuti naman.”

Along with the weeklong delay, the schedule of the league for the entire season was also affected.

“Ngayon baka umabot na yung buong season hanggang February. Malaking bagay yung isang linggo na yun,” he said.

“But then again, the public’s safety is always first and foremost,” Marcial said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Games Wednesday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. – UST vs NU (men’s)

10:30 a.m. – UST vs NU (women’s)

2 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (men’s)

3:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (women’s)

 

Far Eastern University overcame a shaky third set and edged University of the East 25-10, 25-22, 25-23 on Tuesday to jumpstart its title bid in UAAP Season 82 men’s volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena.

JJ Javelona fired four straight points steer the Tamaraws from a 23-21 deficit en route to securing their first victory.

FEU coach Rey Diaz, whose team lost to the National University Bulldogs in last year’s finals, said his stalwarts were slow to adjust after the Warriors regrouped in the third frame.

“Nanibago sila dun sa adjustment na ginawa ng UE kaya hindi sila naka-recover agad. But it’s a good opportunity to see these mistakes early para maayos namin in the coming matches,” said

Javelona finished with 11 points including 10 spikes, while Peter Quiel chipped in 10 points.

The Tamaraws outplayed the Warriors in attacks 37-28, and blocks 11-5. They also got 24 points out of the Warriors’ errors.

Kenneth Culabat and Lloyd Josafat scored 11 and 10 points in a losing effort for UE.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Matthew Wright feels Phoenix Pulse should play as if it has nothing to lose amid injuries and low expectations entering the PBA Philippine Cup.

“We shouldn’t feel any pressure because I don’t think everybody feels like we gonna do anything, so we need to play with that kind of loose attitude,” Wright said.

The Fuel Masters will head into the season-opening conference trying to deal with the absence of big men Dave Marcelo and new acquisition Jake Pascual.

Marcelo underwent surgery to remove bone spurs on his foot while Pascual, who was traded from Alaska last December, suffered an ACL injury.

Pascual averaged 9.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 33 games with the Aces last season while Marcelo posted 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 37 games for the Fuel Masters.

Phoenix is still playing the waiting game with regards to energetic star Calvin Abueva, who is still serving an indefinite suspension for a pair of misconducts in the early part of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Abueva posted 14.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 19 games prior to the ban.

Phoenix will also enter the season minus Doug Kramer, who retired after 12 pro seasons. Kramer registered 2.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 37 games.

For Wright, their absence should urge them to make a conscious effort to work doubly hard on the boards if Phoenix can compete down low.

“That’s a lot of rebounds on the board that are gone right off the bat,” Wright said. “We have to find a way, myself included, to help on the rebounds. I definitely have to aim for seven or eight rebounds per game just to compensate for the lack of rebounds that we have.”

Wright grabbed 4.2 rebounds in 37 games the past campaign, but he was more notable for his scoring average of 18.9 points while also producing 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals.

The national team veteran is expected to raise his numbers even more even as he has been tasked by Phoenix coach Louie Alas to take an active role in terms of leadership.

“I definitely have to become vocal too and that’s something I have to work on because I wasn’t the most vocal guy,” he said. “Sometimes leadership is uncomfortable and you have to call guys out. You really can’t be afraid of awkwardness or being seen as an asshole or anything like that.

“I have a job on the team now and my job is to win games and get the guys better. I’m starting to become comfortable in that role,” added Wright.

Phoenix kicks off the new season on March 11 against TNT KaTropa at the Smart Araneta Coliseum followed by a game opposite NLEX four days later at the same venue.

The Fuel Masters’ other games this month are NorthPort (March 21), Rain or Shine (March 25) and Columbian (March 29).

Source: Manila Bulletin

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Fist bumps are in, but high-fives are out — NBA stars have been given a series of recommendations as the league attempts to limit the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the sport.

ESPN reported on Monday that a memo sent to teams had outlined short-term measures aimed at protecting players from exposure to the virus, which has left six people dead in the United States so far.

The NBA memo recommends that players interacting with fans should bump fists rather than high-five.

The league also advises players to avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys to autograph.

“The health and safety of NBA players, coaches, staff, and fans is paramount,” the NBA and NBA Players Association said in the memo.

“We are consulting with infectious disease experts, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and a world-renowned infectious disease researcher at Columbia University.

“We are also in regular communication with each other, NBA teams including team physicians and athletic trainers, other professional sports leagues, and of course, many of you.”

Some players have already taken steps to limit their exposure to the virus.

Portland Trail Blazers star C.J. McCollum said Saturday he was no longer signing autographs because of the outbreak.

“Make sure y’all washing y’all hands with soap for 20 or more seconds & covering ya mouths when you cough,” McCollum wrote on Twitter.

“I am officially taking a break from signing autographs until further notice.”

Other players were more circumspect.

Boston’s Kemba Walker said he would continue to sign autographs but added: “Maybe I’ll just walk around with my own marker.”

ESPN noted that NBA teams were also studying the impact the crisis could have on events such as pre-draft combines, on-site workouts and international scouting events.

Source: Manila Bulletin

 

The Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualifying event for Boxing went underway Tuesday at the Prince Hamzah Hall in Amman, Jordan with 221 male and female boxers from 35 countries passing the Sport Entry Check.

The Philippines is fielding four men and three women who will attempt to make the quotas set for the Summer Olympics to be held in Tokyo, Japan late July this year.

In the forefront of the Philippine campaign are World Women’s featherweight champion Nesthy Petecio and World Middleweight silver medalist Eumir Felix Marcial.

Both are seeded number 1 in their respective categories.

Other hopefuls are flyweight Carlo Paalam (52kg.), featherweight Ian Clark Bautista (57 kg.), light welterweight James Palicte (63 kg.), and female boxers Irish Magno (51 kg, fly) and Riza Pasuit (60 kg., lightweight).

Bautista is the lone Filipino scheduled on opening day, against Hayato Tsutsumi of Japan at 5 p.m, Jordan time (around 11 p.m., Tuesday Manila time).

The coaching staff is led by Men’s Head Coach Ronald Chavez, Women’s coach Reynaldo Galido (head coach Nolito Velasco is indisposed and had to beg off at the last minute), national coaches Roel Velasco and Elmer Pamisa and foreign consultant former Australian head coach Don Abnett.

Also in the team are ABAP Sports Psychologist Marcus Jarwin Manalo and PSC masseur Herbert Manlangit. ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson is team manager.

On Wednesday March 4, Petecio takes on the winner of the opening day bout between Sri Lankan Krismi Langkapurayalage and Silpa Lau Ratu of Indonesia.

Also on Wednesday, Pasuit debuts against Japan’s Saya Hamamoto.

Picson says “we could have had a better draw, but our boxers are determined and well-prepared. And for that we thank the Philippine Sports Commission along with our private sponsor, the MVP Sports Foundation”.

Abnett says Petecio and Marcial are obviously the “boxers to beat here and the opposition have them in their sights, but they’re in great shape. The other big guns here are Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, India and Thailand, but we’re not discounting anyone. The coaches prepared our boxers well”.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas sent a text message to the team through Picson saying “ let’s give them all we got. You’ve prepared long and hard, you can do this. God be with all of you and keep you in his protective embrace. Good luck all!”

Those who fail to qualify in this tournament will have a last chance to do so in May, at the World Qualifiers in Paris,  France.

 

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Members of the Greece Davis Cup team arrived in Manila on Monday in separate flights for their World Group II playoffs tie against the Philippines at the Philippine Columbian Association in Paco, Manila.

Michail Pervolarakis was first to arrive at 4:15 a.m. on board Philippine Airlines from Vancouver, Canada followed by team captain Dimitris Chatzinikolaou, Markos Kalovelonis, Apostolos Michalakas and Georgios Karamanis at 4:10 p.m. from Doha, Qatar via Qatar Airways.

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas, his brother Petros and father/coach Apostolos, and Christos Fiotakis arrived at 9:35 p.m. via Emirates from Dubai where Stefanos is coming off a runner-up finish to Novak Djokovic at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The Greeks and the Filipino Cuppers are meeting for the first time in Davis Cup history after organizers tweaked its format this year.

The PH team is composed of Ruben Gonzales, Jeson Patrombon, Francis Casey Alcantara, AJ Lim, Eric Olivarez Jr and team captain Chris Cuarto.

The first two singles matches will be played on Friday while the doubles and the reverse two singles on Saturday.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

Games Tuesday

(Bacoor Strike Gym)

3 p.m. — Cignal vs Generika-Ayala
5 p.m. — F2 Logistics vs PLDT
7 p.m. — Marinerang Pilipina vs Chery Tiggo

BACOOR CITY – Heavyweights F2 Logistics and Chery Tiggo launch their respective title quest when they tackle separate foes in an explosive triple-header of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix Tuesday at the Bacoor Strike Gym here.

After falling short of winning the title the past couple of years, the Cargo Movers start their quest when they face dangerous PLDT Home Fibs at 5 p.m. while the Crossovers battle a retooled Marinerang Pilipina squad in the 7 p.m nightcap of this prestigious women’s club league bankrolled by Cocolife, Sogo, Eurotel, Sweet and Fit Stevia, UCPB Gen, Team Rebel Sports and Bizooku.

Prior to that, Generika-Ayala hunts its first win as it collides with Cignal in the 3 p.m. opener of this tourney that also has Gerflor, Senoh, Asics, Mikasa and Mueller Sports as technical partners.

F2 Logistics, a team that ruled this import-laced conference in 2017, as suddenly relegated into a bridesmaid after Petron, behind the prowess of Katherine Bell and its star-studded local crew, dominated the past two editions of the Grand Prix.

But a lot of things in the off-season as Petron lost its core of Mika Reyes, Denden Lazaro, Rhea Dimaculangan and Chloe Cortez while F2 Logistics confirmed the return of import Lindsay Stalzer and Filipino-American spiker Kalei Mau as well as the services of Aby Maraño, Kianna Dy, Kim Fajardo, Dawn Macandili and newly-crowned PSL ambassadress Majoy Baron.

The Cargo Movers are marching to the season as a heavily-favored squad and an impressive win in their first match would definitely validate that claim.

“Kalei is a super good addition to the team. I love having her around. She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm and power to the practices and of course, she’ll bring it to the game,” said Stalzer, who is looking forward to her first partnership with the former Arizona standout.

“She’s also very good at just being communicative with all the players. She really brings everyone together, making everyone comfortable with each other.”

PLDT would be banking on the return of seasoned head coach Roger Gorayeb, who missed more than half of the conference last year after undergoing surgery.

Gorayeb’s return, however, was spoiled by the Power Hitters’ 24-26, 23-25, 27-29 loss to Sta. Lucia in the opener over the weekend as Canadian Shainah Joseph erupted with 23 points while new player Mika Reyes nailed five blocks for 10 points.

Chery Tiggo, meanwhile, parades its new core bannered by Mylene Paat, Jasmine Nabor, Rachel Austero, Joy Dacoron, Janine Navarro and import Tatjana Bokan.

Crossovers coach Aaron Velez has high hopes on his wards as they are hungry to end a four-year title drought in Grand Prix.

“We want to grab that elusive championship. Who is more determined and hungrier have the capacity to get that championship,” Velez said.

Marinerang Pilipina, on the other hand, has yet to win in 21 games since it joined last All-Filipino Conference.
Croatian import Hana Cutura and new recruit Coleen Bravo try to deliver the team’s first win.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Games Tuesday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

2 p.m. – UE vs FEU (men’s)

3:30 p.m. – UE vs FEU (women’s)

Far Eastern University and University of the East raise the curtain of UAAP Season 82 volleyball today when they battle in the men’s and women’s divisions at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws and the Warriors clash in the 2 p.m. opener followed by their female counterparts at 3:30 p.m. to jumpstart this year’s hostilities after a two-week delay caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The tournament was originally scheduled to start last Feb. 15, but was pushed back along with the rest of the second semester events.

The Tams are expected to fire up their title bid and erase memories of last season’s title loss to the National University Bulldogs with JP Bugaoan and Jude Garcia at the helm. The duo boasts of last year’s First Best Middle Blocker and Second Best Outside Spiker awards.

The Warriors, for their part, hope to eclipse their seventh place finish last year where they only won two out of 14 games.

Like their male counterparts, the Lady Tamaraws also seek to surpass their Final Four finish last season despite losing key players Jerrili Malabanan and Heather Guino-o.

Lycha Ebon will suit up for the squad after her an ACL injury halted her debut season in the middle of the second-round elims. The ace spiker will join forces with skipper and veteran setter Gel Cayuna to banner the squad.

The Lady Warriors are also out to improve last season’s performance where they finished seventh with a 3-11 record.

This year, matches will be played Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays to make up for the delay.

Source: Manila Bulletin

BAGUIO CITY—George Oconer of Standard Insurance-Navy stuck with the 10-man group that checked in first in Stage 8 to virtually clinch the title in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 10^th anniversary race at the Burnham Park here on Monday.

Oconer, 28, was one of the six Standard riders who were in the lead pack headed by Go for Gold’s Daniel Ven Carino, who topped the grueling 170.6km Palayan-Baguio stage, in clocking four hours, 30 minutes and four seconds.

Marvin Tapic of Bicycology-Army ended up at second while Jonel Carcueva of Go for Gold third in the stage of this race presented by LBC and backed by the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation.

The effort kept Oconer well-entrenched at the helm with an aggregate time of 27:34:35 ahead of Standard teammates Ronald Oranza (27:35:50), Ronald Lomotos (27:35:53), John Mark Camingao (27:36:28), Junrey Navarra (27:36:52) and El Joshua Carino (27:38:26).

It reduced the final two stages—the 176.4km Pugo, La Union-Vigan Stage Nine and the Vigan Stage 10 criterium—to his coronation ride.

Oconer thus ended his long search for the crown after finishing third in the inaugural edition in 2011 and second in 2015.

And the Navymen did everything to protect Oconer, who never really got threatened in cruising to the finish line where

they were met with cheers from the appreciative crowd that included host Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

“I’m thankful for my teammates for helping me, we treat each other as brothers,” said Oconer.

While the top six in the individual general classification remained unperturbed, there were some changes in the seventh to 10^th place as former leader Mark Julius Bordeos of Bicycology and Rustom Lim of 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 by Roadbike Philippines slipped out from the pack.

Carcueva moved from ninth to seventh in 27:39:59, Carino zoomed from 12^th to eighth in 27:40:21, Grospe leapt from 10^th to ninth in 27:40:23 and Tapic barged into No. 10 from 20^th in 27:42:55.

Standard had also claimed the team crown, its sixth straight, as days before while holding on to the CCN sprint (Jan Paul Morales) and Versa King of the Mountain (Carino).

The only category that didn’t go Standard’s way was the MVPSF Best Under-23 rider, which is being contested by Carino, Grospe and another Go for Gold bet Jericho Jay Lucero.

Source: Manila Bulletin