‘Hungry’ Pacquiao hits gym early

MANILA, Philippines—Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao says his “hunger and interest in boxing remain” and that is one of the reasons he started training as early as Monday for his showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 12.
Pacquiao had a fairly light, enjoyable workout at the Planet Jupiter Gym in Makati on Tuesday evening.
“Boxing gave me life from the time I was a kid,” he told the Inquirer. “This is my job. I need to work well and train hard. I am not tired of boxing.”
Pacquiao went five rounds on the punch-mitts, worked on the two-ball and the speed ball, skipped rope and did his usual abdominal exercises.
He also found time to put on the punch mitts for a couple of rounds with popular ABC 5 radio-TV personality Angelicopter.
Explaining why he started training early for the Marquez trilogy, Pacquiao said “its better to warm up early. This is the start of my training which I actually started on Monday and will continue.”
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, speaking to the Inquirer from Los Angeles hours before boarding a Philippine Airlines flight to Manila with Marquez, his trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, Top Rank president Todd Dubuoef and a Mexican TV crew that’s following Marquez, said he was pleased that Pacquiao was taking the fight seriously because “this guy is very, very tough for a fighter like Manny who comes right to him. He is a great, great counter-puncher.”

 

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Tough goal for new PBA chair

HONG KONG—Taking over the league’s reins after a record-breaking year, new Philippine Basketball Association chair Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine is naturally feeling the pressure.
“I am very impressed at what we (the PBA) achieved last year,” Mondragon told reporters here on Wednesday as the league board enjoyed some R&R after a hectic schedule charting the PBA’s 37th Season which starts on October 2.
“Of course, my target is to surpass that,” added Mondragon, referring to the P90 million in gate receipts the PBA achieved under the stewardship of B-Meg’s Rene Pardo. “It will be a tough act to follow.”
Mondragon said he is still feeling his way around “but they (Pardo and other past chairs) have promised to help me, and that is very comforting.”
Mondragon noted that the three-conference format promises a lot of action for the fans, adding he is also confident that marketing the league will be better this coming season “because we have a new television partner in TV5.”
He said that his thrust is to come up with programs that will help generate awareness of the PBA, and being visible on the Internet will be part of that drive.
Named along with Mondragon were Coca-Cola’s Jose Bayani Baylon as vice chair and Barangay Ginebra’s Robert Non as treasurer.
Pardo took over, four months ahead of schedule, from Angelito Alvarez—the Air21 representative who left after he was appointed Customs Commissioner—and thus served a term that lasted more than one season.
With the help of new commissioner Chito Salud, Pardo guided the league to that record-setting revenues at the gates and a 9-percent increase in live attendance.
“It was very fulfilling,” Pardo said. “I had my moments, my ups and downs. But, generally, I was happy with what we achieved last season.”
The highly successful Developmental League kickoff tournament marked Pardo’s term. “The formation of the D-League was a major achievement for me,” he said.

 

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Cecil Mamiit happy to part ways with Maria Sharapova

MANILA—Cecil Mamiit is no longer part of Team Sharapova.
The 35-year-old Philippine tennis star Wednesday announced that he has ceased to be a member of Maria Sharapova’s team as hitting partner but said he’s happy to have helped the Russian grand slam champion regain top form.
“Things didn’t work out for Maria,” said Mamiit in a Facebook message. “It was a great experience helping her get back to the top 10.”
He didn’t offer any reason for leaving the Sharapova camp, where he played a vital part during her tour campaign, including the Australian and French Opens, early this year.
There were reports that Sharapova wanted Mamiit’s services full time, which he could not commit because of his duties with Team Philippines during Davis Cup ties and other international meets.
Mamiit’s last tour of duty for Sharapova was in the French Open where she reached the semifinals—she lost to eventual champ Li Na of China, 6-4, 7-5—and rose to world No. 6, 120   rungs higher than in May 2008 when she injured her shoulder.

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Long shot local paces Aboitiz golf with a 69

CEBU CITY—Nine Filipinos occupied the first 11 spots and the leader was one not many expected to be there after a trying first round in the $65,000 Aboitiz Invitational presented by ICTSI 2011 Wednesday.
Arnold Villacencio, a little-known, long-hitting pro playing out of Lipa City, finished birdie-birdie on a day when bogeys came easy to fire a 1-under-par 69 and take a two-shot lead over Marvin Dumandan at the Asian Development Tour event at the Cebu Country Club course.
Starting on the back nine, which he finished with a bogey for a 36, Villacencio parred the first seven holes coming home before picking up two strokes on the two closing holes.
Former Philippine Open champions Elmer Salvador and Cassius Casas both returned 71s like the veteran Edgar Ababa, Antonio Asistio and defending champion Jay Bayron.
Rookie pro Miguel Tabuena, fresh off a 14th-place finish in Taiwan, fired a 72 like Randy Garalde, Thailand’s Tommy Mansuwan and American Jonathan Moore.
Villacencio capped his round with a pitch to within a foot of the cup on No. 9.
“It’s a short course that fits my game well,” the 42-year-old Villacencio, a former Apo Golf caddy in Davao, said in Filipino.
Bayron, who won last year over Juvic Pagunsan, went birdie-eagle on his first two holes for a 32 before floundering on his final nine with bogeys on five of his first six holes.
Dumandan hit just three greens but gunned down birdies on two of them.
Antonio Lascuña, another favorite, returned a 73 that was marred by five bogeys.
“What he did today was very special—I was in awe,” Lascuña said in Filipino, referring to the numerous up-and-downs that Dumandan churned out. “I hit 13 greens and look at my score.”
Kao Shang-hung of Chinese Taipei, who won the $120,000 Ballantines leg of the ADT back home last week, withdrew after shooting an even-bogey 44 on his first nine.
The leading scores:
(Filipino unless stated)
69—A. Villacencio 33-36; 70—M. Dumandan 33-37; 71—E. Ababa 37-34, C. Casas 36-35, E. Salvador 34-37, A. Asistio 32-39, J, Bayron 32-39; 72—R. Garalde 37-35, T. Mansuwan (Tha) 37-35, J. Moore (US) 37-35, M. Tabuena 35-37; 73—A. Fernando 39-34, A. Engino 38-35, R. Minoza 38-35, M. Docking (US) 37-36, P. San Gabriel 36-37, M. Bibat 36-37, A. Lascuña 36-37, R. Bayron 35-38, J. Ababa 35-38; 74—R. Sinfuego 37-37, E. Rellon 37-37, C. C. Chang (TPE) 37-37, M. Perera (LKA) 37-37, F. Aunzo 36-38.

 

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UAAP leaders tangle with also-rans Thursday

MANILA—A guaranteed Final Four stint hasn’t lessened the pressure for Ateneo and Adamson in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
The Blue Eagles hope to sustain their sweep bid while the Falcons try to close in on the remaining semifinal bonus as the two leaders battle separate opponents Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ateneo coach Norman Black admitted to discussing the possibility of a 14-game sweep with his Eagles, who will shoot for a 12th straight win against the already-eliminated University of the Philippines at 3 p.m.
“We’ve talked about it just to let it out in the open and stop whispering about it,” said Black. “We just decided that we’ll take it one game at a time. It’s important for the players to just focus on UP.”
The Falcons, who clinched the second Final Four slot with an 8-3 record, clash with another also-ran, the University of the East, at 1 p.m.
Adamson coach Leo Austria said his team aims to solidify its hold of second spot, which comes with the twice-to-beat Final Four bonus.
Austria noted that idle Far Eastern U, running third at 7-4, remains a strong contender for the semifinal bonus given to the top two teams at the end of the elimination round.
“We want to avoid any complications with FEU,” he said. “Every win for us is important.”
Although Adamson routed UE, 85-54, in the first round, Austria said the Warriors have vastly improved in their recent games.
“They have nothing to lose and their players are enjoying the game,” Austria said of the Warriors, who bowed out of contention along with the Maroons at 2-9.

 

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Azkals coach: PHL needs comprehensive grassroots program

CEBU, Philippines – The Azkals may have been getting most of the attention now from fellow Pinoys worldwide, but the country’s elite football team coach Michael Weiss is still looking for more support.

The support Weiss is seeking for, however, is not only for the Azkals, but for the country to come up with a genuine football program especially up to the grassroots level.

With a good developmental program, Weiss said the national squad can utilize an all-homegrown talent.

“If I have the choice, as much as possible, I want all home-grown talents in the team,” said Weiss, who was in town last Saturday to grace the San Roque Football Festival at San Roque Parish field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Unfortunately, the German strategist said there is not enough homegrown talents that can be tapped for all the international tournaments they are joining in.

“There are lot of conditions involved. We need more support from the people, schools, the clubs, the association. You see, there’s not enough good pitches here in the Philippines, just like what you see here (San Roque football pitch) plus the environment, tournaments, the training of the young ones and continuity of the program,” said Weiss.

Having a pool of talented local players, Weiss said it will no longer be difficult to form a formidable team rather than rely on “professionals” who are based outside the Philippines that had been commissioned to fight for the flag and country.

Weiss even disclosed that PHL’s lineup for this year’s Southern East Asian Games in Indonesia may be known only three weeks before the event since they still have to know the schedule of thir Fil-foreign pkayers.

Given this circumstance, Weiss could not promise of winning gold in the SEAG.

“The lack of preparation as a team would make it difficult to say on our chances,” Weiss said.

Prior to the SEA Games though, the Azkals are set to compete in aiwan next month then train either in the Middle East or Japan.

And if Weiss has his way, he would love to bring the Azkals back to Cebu for training and another team bonding although time may be very difficult for them to do it this year.

Sans the players, Weiss said he plans to go back to Cebu within the year for a much-needed break.

“I like Cebu very much. I like the people and that is why I’m establishing a relation with the people, with the federation here,” Weiss said.

Weiss’ Cebu trip was backed up by the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC). He will report back for work today as the senior and under-23 teams resume their practice in Manila. – THE FREEMAN

 

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Adlawan shines in 3rd leg of Keiz BJ Motocross Series

CEBU, Philippines – Jon-Jon Adlawan sustained his winning ways by dominating the third leg of the 2011 Phoenix Cyclomax-Keiz BJ Racing Motocross Competition in Caduawan,Tabogon.

Adlawan, an engineering student of the University of San Carlos, sprayed dirt on his opponents en route to grabbing the experts class title.

Bornoc Mangosong placed second, while Jubenile Abellar came out third.

The crowd-darling John Flores, another top-caliber rider from USC, also made his presence felt by topping the intermediate open over Jess Pineda while Scott Remi wound up third.

On the other hand, it was a great family day for the Ornopias not only because its their company’s sixth year anniversary but also because they dominated five of the 14 classes featured in the latest action.

Keiz BJ big boss Seigfred Ornopia led the charge by ruling the executive selection over Russel Gungob and Jun Enriquez.

Brylle, Seigfred’s eldest child, came up with a 1-2 finish as he dominated the mini class 85 cc and placed second to Ray Quirol in the beginners selection.

Ken and Keizer occupied the top two spots in the peewee division. They had 1-3 finish in the mini 65 cc category.
Another Ornopia, Elisar, ruled the beginners open production over Dante Gajudo and Don Dejaresco.

Quirol also bagged the local enduro crown as Joy “Islaw” Jocson reigned supreme in executive B, Russell Gungob in executive A, Jonathan Cuyos in executive C and Ray Bush in the “Wanggits” class.

RK Cuesta defeated the pretty Janelle Saulog, daughter of PHL’s former no.1 rider Jovie Saulog, in the special ladies category as Lyka Cuyos ended up third. – (FREEMAN)

 

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USC hands USPF first loss

CEBU, Philippines – The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors hammered out an 87-78 victory over the previously undefeated University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers to improve their win-loss record to 3-2 in the 11th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball tournament the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Warriors let the Panthers watched them doing a virtual cage clinic in the third period where they ripped the game apart with a mind-boggling 29-point lead, 54-25.

On the part of the Panthers, their game was totally different and they never showed any semblance of sharpness the way they tamed the Jaguars and the Cobras w- 73-63 and 62-59, respectively.

The early disqualification of back-up scorer Joseph Sedurifa with still 1:58 to go in the third period has crippled the Panthers in the last quarter although they managed to rally in the final two minutes when they were allowed by the Warriors to score garbage points.

Michael June Cantonao led the Warriors with 19 points, even as Joven Cid Cortes and Sam Hermosa added 13 and 12 points, respectivley.

Fritz Dajalos scored 20 points and James Ferraren added 19 markers for the Panthers, who saw their two-game winning streak come to a sudden red stop.

Meanwhile, the Junemar Fajardo-led University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters hope to keep their unbeaten record intact when they test the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras in a highly-anticipated showdown of strong title contenders.

Fresh from a humbling yet learning experience against hardcourt giants from other Asian countries during the 26th Universiade in Shenzhen, China, the 2-0 Webmasters hope to extend their run when they take on the unpredictable Cobras.

Mauled by the Russians, whipped by the Lithuanians and Ukrainians and lectured by New Zealanders and the Japanese, the Webmasters returned home empty-handed last Saturday but without any regret. This will be another test of character for Fajardo, the reigning MVP, when he is matched up by a center of his size in Justin Aboude.

During the 5th CESAFI Partners’ Cup last April, Fajardo had a hard time defending the skinny 6-foot-9 Nigerian Alinko Mbah of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and they were easily beaten by a mile.

Even the season opener last August 7 was a scary one for the Webmasters as they needed an overtime to pull off a 95-87 win against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars.

The scores

USC (87) – Cantonao 19, Cortes 13, Hermosa 12, Otida 9, Panerio 7, Duran 6, Padillo 5, Magat 5, Santos 4, Bautista 3, Codilla 2, Adlawan 2

USPF (78) – Dajalos 20, J. Ferraren 19, E. Ferraren 16, Linao 9, Sedurifa 8, Avila 8 (FREEMAN)

 

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Ateneo overthrows UE, sets UAAP record for 13th straight Final Four stint

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo coach Norman Black gave a warning: “They (University of the East) sneaked up on La Salle and they could do the same thing to us.”
His thoughts almost came true as the Blue Eagles needed to survive the Red Warriors, 74-70, in the 74th UAAP men’s basketball tournament Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The four-peat seeking Ateneo, which already assured itself of a Final Four spot and boosted its outright Finals bid, squandered a 72-64 lead it built 42.2 ticks left.
“I give a lot of credit to UE, they played us tough and physical,” commended Black. “Luckily for us, we were able to win despite our low energy.”
With the win, Ateneo set the UAAP record with its 13th straight Final Four appearance.
The Red Warriors, who are fresh off their stunning win against La Salle, surprisingly stuck within striking distance with the Blue Eagles all-game long.
The game was virtually over in the final minute before John Noble and Paul Zamar nailed back to back triples that breathed life to UE, which pulled to within 70-72, with 19.3 seconds remaining.
Ateneo, though, with the seven-foot Greg Slaughter and top rookie Kiefer Ravena in its fold, just proved to be too much too handle as it hiked its unbeaten mark to 10-0.
Slaughter notched his fifth double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds to go along with two blocks.
“In the end we really had to utilize the talents of Greg Slaughter and tried to break them down,” said Black.
Ravena added 12 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists.
Eman Monfort, who iced the game with two free throws, also played an all around game with 13 markers, six boards and six assists.
Zamar, arguably one of the most underrated players this season, pumped in 15 points on top of four rebounds and six assists.
UE led 37-33 at the half.

 

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Oliva battles Solis for IBF diadem

Unbeaten Filipino Jether Oliva battles Mexican veteran Ulises Solis for the International Boxing Federation world light flyweight title in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday after accepting the fight on short notice.
Oliva’s manager, American Kenny Smith told the Inquirer that Jether was “offered this IBF title fight only four weeks ago which is very short notice to be fighting a guy like Solis. Thankfully Jether stays in great condition and lives a very clean life.”
Even though Oliva is rated in every world organization (WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF) at 105 pounds, Smith said, “I feel confident that he can win at 108 lbs. Taking on Solis in his hometown of Guadalajara shows Oliva’s Filipino bravery.”
Reacting to comments by “some boxing experts” that Oliva has not proven he is ready to take on a great champion like
Solis, Smith said “many lesser fighters have fought for the world championship and Jether deserves this opportunity as much as any of those fighters did.
“Oliva has proved he is good fighter, now he is in a fight that can prove he is a great fighter worthy of being called a world champion.”
Solis, who lost the title to Brian Viloria in a stunning 11th round knockout on April 19, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum, regained the crown in a rematch with Argentina’s Luis Alberto Lazarte after they fought to a majority draw in their first clash.
Oliva totes a record of 17 wins and one draw and has 11 knockouts to his name. Solis has a record of 33-2-3 with 21 knockouts.

 

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