Richard Maravilla, RN

A taste of sweet victory for Philippine Azkals

2011-03-27T03:58:00.000+08:00

source: By Dennis Gasgonia and Barry Viloria, abs-cbnNEWs.com

MANILA, Philippines – Friday’s game was such a sweet victory for the Philippine Azkals who crashed into the 2012 Challenge Cup tournament finals by mangling the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers, 3-0.

Filipino booters traversed an arduous path toward the tournament proper, even surviving a series of earthquakes along the way.

After coming off two straight draws against Palestine and group stage host Myanmar, the Azkals were desperate for a win against Bangladesh.

The team played its cards right, surprising the Bengal Tigers with a relentless offense en route to a spectacular 3-0 victory.

Filipino-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado played hero for the Azkals in that game, scoring 2 goals.

The Filipinos also received a great boost from Ian Araneta who struck the first goal during the first half.

The Azkals finished 2nd in the Group A bracket with a total of 5 points on 1 win and 2 draws, good enough for a trip to the 8-team Challenge Cup finals.

Good feeling
After their victory over Bangladesh, the Azkals expressed their gratitude to their adoring fans who closely followed their group stage games.

“Great win, good feeling, priceless!!! Thank you all for the support, couldn't have done it without you guys!” tweeted Azkals player Anton del Rosario.

“Heya all! Thank you for your support! Massive win! The team played well! Celebrations!” said goalkeeper Neil Etheridge through his Twitter page.

For Azkal Jason Sabio, it was a mission accomplished despite the criticisms coming from those who didn’t believe in them.

“Job done! AFC Challenge Cup here we come! We played amazing today. To the haters, that is how you man up! :) We are one We are Azkals! Boom,” tweeted Sabio.

“On to the final 8.. What a sweet victory! History in the books once more!! Thank you everyone for your undying support! :),” said team captain Aly Borromeo through his Twitter page.

Phil celebrates win
Azkals midfielder Phil Younghusband, who missed the group stage because of an injury, cheered his team for making history.

"Congratulations to the team for making history. They deserve this for all their hard work and even through difficult circumstances, we have shown the strength of a Filipino," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Younghusband, whose brother James was a vital cog in the group stage matches, said he was initially worried with the team going through a do-or-die match.

"I was watching the updates through ANC and Twitter and I was obviously nervous before the game," he said.

However, he said that his nervousness turned into glee as the Azkals finished the match with 3 goals.

"But each time a goal was scored. I was celebrating... I am so so happy and proud of the team," he continued.

World Cup
Meanwhile, Younghusband said he is excited for the team’s upcoming games in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The Azkals will play against a still unnamed team this coming June.
"I am looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers," he said.

Final or in the doghouse: Azkals go for broke vs Bangladeshis

2011-03-25T19:28:00.001+08:00

source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

update: fulltime PHL 3-0 Bngldesh [link]

RANGOON – The Azkals won’t settle for anything less than a victory in today’s closing matches of the AFC Challenge Cup group stage here.

After two successive draws, the only hope for the Philippines team to advance into next year’s eight-team finals is to beat Bangladesh.

Coach Michael Weiss said that’s what they’re going to do.

“We have to win the match. If you want to succeed you cannot do it with draws. We must win this match,” he said yesterday.

The Azkals took it nice and easy in the morning then left for the pitch at around 3 p.m. and try to get a little more used to the searing heat.

The Azkals, with a handful players coming in from Europe for this group stage, have played two afternoon matches here.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has played two evening matches, and the Filipinos are hoping that the heat would slow down the players from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh lost to Palestine, 2-0, last Monday then came back to beat Myanmar the other night, 2-0, for a total of three points.

The Azkals, on the other hand, have two points behind two draws with Myanmar and Palestine. A victory over Bangladesh will mean everything for them.

A loss, or even a draw, will slam the door on the Azkals, and give Bangladesh the ride to the next round.

In case of ties, the winner-over-the-other rule and eventually the goal difference will apply.
Whatever, Weiss said the Azkals should go for the win.

“That will be the case tomorrow (today),” he said of the 3:30 p.m. (5 p.m. in Manila) match with Bangladesh at the Aung Sun Stadium of this former Myanmar capital.

Simultaneously, Palestine plays Myanmar at the Youth Training Center.

Weiss is really hoping that the temperature, which could get as high as 37 degrees this afternoon, will favor the Azkals.

But he admitted that it has taken its toll on the Azkals as well, considering that at least five players in its lineup had just come from Europe or the United States where the weather is still cold.

“Three matches in five days are really very demanding. And I have players coming in from Europe so they cannot perform at the highest level. But I still hope the weather will be to our side,” he said.

The coach from Bangladesh, Robert Rubcic, thinks the same way, too.

“My team is very tired, very, very tired. We’ve played two games in three days and it’s been very difficult for my young players,” he said.

“That’s why it’s very difficult to say what will happen tomorrow. The Philippines has better individual players so I must change my tactic,” he said.

Bangladesh can fight for the draw, and just focus on defense, because that’s all they need to advance.

“It’s true. They might fight for the draw,” said Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo.

“That’s why we should go direct and put the pressure on them. Put the pressure on them right away and not hold back and wait for time. We’re all pumped up. It all boils down to this game,” he added.

“We should score early,” said defender Anton del Rosario.

But Rubcic said they always go for the win.

“We will go for it. We will try. Everybody in Bangladesh wants us to win,” he said during yesterday’s press conference.

Weiss listened, a few rows back, as the Bangladeshi coach took the microphone.

“I think our boys are more confident. Now they have to show that they deserve to be in the next round,” he said.

Philippines 0-0 Palestine

2011-03-24T00:52:00.002+08:00

source: the-afc.com

Yangon: Palestine took a step closer to the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup on Wednesday when they drew 0-0 with the Philippines to remain undefeated after two of their three qualifying Group A matches.

The Palestinians, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2006 edition, came closest to breaking the deadlock at the Youth Training Centre Stadium with Murad Eleyan, scorer of both goals in his side’s 2-0 win over Bangladesh in their qualification campaign curtain-raiser, hitting the post in the 18th minute.

The Azkals, meanwhile, struggled to get into their stride with their best effort of the match coming in the 64th minute when skipper Emelio Caligdong saw his close-range effort blocked before the 28-year-old’s Philippines Air Force team-mate Yanti Basrales, a 59th minute substitute for Ian Araneta failed to convert the rebound.

The Philippines, who conceded a stoppage-time goal to draw 1-1 with Myanmar in their opening match, take on Bangladesh on Friday while Palestine face a tough finale against the Group A hosts.

PBA: Gilas try to stay perfect vs short-handed Llamados

2011-03-23T00:09:00.000+08:00

source: gmanews.tv

Pilipinas-Smart Gilas seeks its sixth straight win to land the first playoff berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

And it couldn’t have come at a perfect time, as the Nationals face a Derby Ace Llamados side playing minus their best player in the 5 p.m. encounter.

The Llamados will miss the services of two-time Most Valuable Player James Yap for the second straight time, as the star shooting guard from University of the East continues to nurse a calf injury.

With Yap hurting, Derby Ace had to do without his vaunted outside shooting and lost to Meralco in its last outing, 89-86, in a game that saw the Llamados blow a huge 10-point lead in the final four minutes.

"Masakit na talo sa amin 'yun," admitted Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent. "We only played good for 44 minutes and then nag-relax na. I just hope we can play aggressive basketball for the whole 48 minutes."

But the Llamados may just have a hard time doing what their coaches want. The team is decimated by injuries. Joining Yap on the injured list are back-up guard Jonas Villanueva (sprained ankle), and big men Jondan Salvador (knee), Don Allado (heel), and Raffi Reavis (foot).

The personnel woes definitely have a lot to do with Derby Aces' 2-4 record for a tie at sixth place.

And now the Llamados have to try to put it all together against the hottest team in the league.

The Nationals remained as the only undefeated team in the import-laden conference, their winning streak now at five games with their win against Rain or Shine, 99-94, last week.

JV Casio finished with a personal conference-best 29-points on 5-of-7 shooting from the three-point region, while Marcus Douthit had another double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Still, coach Rajko Toroman is not counting the Llamados out.

"Maybe they will be under pressure because they have to win. But they are a very strong team. They have talented and skilled outside players and strong inside players. It will be a difficult game for us but we will do everything to win," Toroman said.

Powerade and Meralco, two teams breathing down Derby Ace's neck, see action in the main game at 7:30 p.m.

The Tigers jumped back into contention for a playoff berth after rallying from a 14-point deficit to nip the struggling San Miguel Beermen, 99-91.

"We all understand the significance of this game. We are going to realize how strong our team character has become up to this point," Powerade coach Bo Perasol said.

Gary David exploded for 35 points in that huge Powerade win, making him the player who's definitely under the radar of Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio.

"David is a marked man," Gregorio said. "His production is even better than that of some imports. He must be contained at all cost."

The Bolts finally barged into the win column with that come-from-behind victory over Derby Ace courtesy of the hot shooting hands of Champ Oguchi in the fourth quarter.

And just like the last time, Gregorio said his team is taking its game against Powerade with a sense of urgency.

"Another do-or-die game for us," he said. "We can't afford to blink, we cannot relax and we must believe that it (advancing to the playoffs) an still be done despite our slow start. I am optimistic because we continue to show progress and our team unity is also getting tighter." - KY, RCJ, GMA News

Manny and Floyd to fight in court

2011-03-23T00:06:00.000+08:00

source: supersport.com

Floyd Mayweather will fight Manny Pacquiao after all, but in a legal scrap between the unbeaten American and the Filipino superstar.

A federal judge denied a motion to dismiss the case in Las Vegas on Monday.

Pacquiao filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather, among others, that US district judge Larry Hicks ruled could proceed because there is sufficient evidence of malicious acts in accusing Pacquiao of being a dope cheat.

"The truth did not stop Mayweather and the others," Pacquiao's lawsuit contends. "That is because they are motivated by ill will, spite, malice, revenge and envy."

"Mayweather and the others set out on a course designed to destroy Pacquiao's career, reputation, honour and legacy and jeopardise his ability to earn the highest levels of compensation."

Pacquiao has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

In the 2009 lawsuit he claims that Mayweather, his father Floyd Sr and uncle Roger, promoter Oscar de la Hoya and his employee, Richard Schaefer, conducted a campaign in a set of interviews to make people think he used them.

"Defendants argue that Pacquiao has failed to sufficiently allege malice because defendants could not have known one way or the other whether Pacquiao had actually taken PEDs when they made the alleged defamatory statements," Hicks wrote in the order upholding the lawsuit.

"However, the court finds that Pacquiao has sufficiently pled malice in the amended complaint."

Mayweather and Pacquiao were in talks to stage a megafight between two of boxing's biggest stars but negotiations collapsed over demands by Mayweather that both fighters have blood and urine tests up to 14 days before the bout.

Pacquiao said he would feel weakened by blood tests within 24 days of the fight and would not agree to tests any closer to a bout.

Mayweather Promotions attorney Mark Tratos said he would continue to push for dismissal of the case, saying comments at the time were made about Pacquiao's hesitancy regarding blood tests and did not claim he was a dope cheat.

Pacquiao's attorney, Dan Petrocelli, said his client's career would suffer major damage if fans believed he used banned substances.

"Manny has an unblemished reputation and has earned all of his achievements through hard work and his natural-born talent. To call him a cheater is something he cannot and will not tolerate," Petrocelli said.

"None of these defendants have had any evidence to back up the assertion that he has taken performance-enhancing drugs because he didn't."

Mayweather, 34, faces an April 25 trial date on a battery charge over an altercation with a security guard for his homeowners association, who claims Mayweather poked him during a November argument regarding cars parking outside Mayweather's home.

The American also faces a court hearing on April 28 on domestic violence charges that could send the fighter to prison for up to 34 years in prison if convicted of all charges, which include felony counts of grand larceny, coercion and robbery.

He is accused of striking and threatening his former girlfriend Josie Harris, stealing her mobile phone and threatening two of their children in an incident on September 9.

Boxing fans have hoped that Mayweather, who has a record of 41-0 with 25 knockouts, would fight Pacquiao but Mayweather's legal woes have put such talk on hold.

Pacquiao, 52-3 with two draws and 38 knockouts and a winner of 13 fights in a row in the past six years, is set to face 39-year-old American Shane Mosley (46-6 with one draw and 39 knockouts) in Las Vegas on May 7.

Azkals blow won game, take draw

2011-03-22T11:51:00.000+08:00

source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

RANGOON – The Philippine Azkals let a won match slip away yesterday, allowing Myanmar a goal in the 90th minute of their AFC Challenge Cup showdown at the Youth Training Center here.

James Younghusband scored on a penalty kick in the 76th minute, and brought joy to the entire team and the tiny, flag-waving Filipino contingent up in the stands.
But it wasn’t to last long.

All seemed lost for Myanmar, which has never lost a match against the Filipinos, until midfielder Khin Maung Lwin was fouled, a soft challenge, by Azkal Simon Greatwich.

The free kick was awarded just on top of the penalty box. Then the unexpected happened as Lwin’s kick found an opening underneath the wall and straight into the goal.

Azkals goalie Neil Etheridge couldn’t believe his eyes as he looked back at the ball. The rest of the Azkals froze under the Myanmar sun.

As Myanmar scored the equalizer, the scoreboard said, “90:00. Myanmar 1. Philippines 1.”

The stadium almost exploded after Myanmar scored the equalizer.

After one brief possession for the Azkals, the referee blew the final whistle.

Etheridge looked furious inside the pitch as he joined his teammates. It looked like they were trying to console one another in the face of a bitter, painful draw.

There are two matches left for the Azkals, one against Palestine tomorrow, also at 3:30 p.m. (5 p.m. in Manila) and against Bangladesh on Friday.

A victory over Myanmar could have made life easier for the Azkals who need two wins or six points in three matches to assure itself of a ticket to next year’s finals.

A draw is worth a point. The Azkals will take it just because it’s better than a loss.

“It was the correct result for both teams. I think both teams could live with the result,” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss during the post-match press conference.

The Myanmar coach, Milan Zibadinovich of Serbia, couldn’t hide his disappointment that Myanmar ended up with the draw.

It was the same result between the Philippines and Myanmar during the Suzuki Cup last December when Milan, a well-traveled coach, was not yet around with the team.
“I am not happy with the result,” he told the media.

“People are not satisfied, nobody is satisfied. People want a good result,” said Milan who vowed to institute major changes in his lineup if the others don’t play the way they should.

“I will call on the young players from our Olympic (qualifying) team if needed. First half should have been 3-0 for Myanmar. But the question is what happened in the second half?” he said.

The Azkals were all over their hosts in the second half, with near goals coming within minutes of each other, in the 66th (Younghusband), 67th (Yanti Barsales) and 69th (Barsales).

New recruit Angel Guirado of Spain out on a show in the second half, challenging and evading his Myanmar defenders with ease, that even the local crowd seemed to enjoy it.

In 2004, the Philippines lost to Myanmar, 1-0, in the Tigers Cup in Thailand, and in 2007 they battled to a scoreless draw.

After the scoreless first half, it was pretty evident who the busier team was, especially in offense.

Myanmar easily had six chances to score in the opening half, the first couple of them coming off corner kicks from the right side.

It was in the eighth minute when Myanmar nearly broke the ice, and inside two minutes came two more chances, one with Etheridge losing control of the handle.

In the 9:19 mark, Etheridge faced a very dangerous 2-on-1 situation, and crowd cheered in anticipation of a goal. But Myanmar’s Pai Soe’s kick was just a little to the right.

In the 11th minute another Myanmar attempt went just a foot over the crossbar, and in the 17th a Myanmar header from inside the six-yard box fell into Etheridge’s hands.

Midfielder Myo Min Tun and forward Yan Paing made it difficult for the Azkals with their near conversions.

The Azkals never got into scoring position in the first half. They tried hard in offense, but it was either the Myanmar defense was tight or they just couldn’t get it going.

Guirado made a swift move against his defender in the 31st minute, and had the crowd of about 5,000 recognizing his effort.

Myanmar had gone for the goal early, and almost succeeded. Close to two dozen photographers, early in the first half, had positioned themselves near the Philippine goal.

Pinoy pride soars

2011-03-21T01:36:00.000+08:00

source:By Edri K. Aznar/sunstar.com.ph

MILAN Melindo proved that he is indeed worthy of a world title shot after he easily stopped Mexican veteran Rosendo Vega in the main event of “Pinoy Pride 4—Philippines vs. World” last Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

Melindo, 23, effectively used his jab constantly, hitting the head of the forward-moving Vega. As the 33-year-old slugger was wildly swinging his fist, Melindo caught him in the jaw with a counter right uppercut. Vega survived the early setback by beating referee Bruce McTavish’s count.

However, he didn’t last long as he was sent to the canvas for good in the 2:59 mark of the first round with the same vicious right uppercut.

“I think he is ready for a world title. Hopefully he will be given a chance by the IBF (International Boxing Federation) as the mandatory challenger,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.

Melindo, who is ranked third in the IBF, is awaiting the decision of the IBF if he will be made the mandatory challenger of the winner between IBF flyweight king Moruti Mthlane and Filipino Johnreil Casimero this weekend in Africa.

“I talked with Vega and he told me ‘You got a world champion’ here,” said ALA Gym founder Antonio L. Aldeguer.

Michael didn’t expect Melindo to end the fight early because Vega was in a competitive bout against world champion Daiki Kameda in his last fight.

“I didn’t expect that. He (Vega) had a good fight against Kameda. Milan has been working on his power. He always tries to improve everything,” he said.

Competitive

Melindo improved to 24-0 with eight knockouts, while Vega fell to 16-7 with 11 knockouts.
AJ “Bazooka” Banal (24-1-1, 19 KOs) successfully defended his World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific bantamweight crown following a second-round demolition of Tanzanian champion Francis Miyesyusho (29-9-2, 17 KOs). Both Banal and Miyeyusho had a competitive first round with both boxers landing some neat shots.

However, in the second round, the 22-year-old Cebuano sent Miyeyusho to the canvas thrice before the latter got counted out by referee Danrex Tapdasan in the 2:02 mark of the second.
ALA Promotions wants Banal to train with a fellow bantamweight, Filipino superstar Nonito Donaire Jr., in the US under Robert Garcia.

Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes (29-6-2, 18 KOs) won a one-sided lackluster fight over awkward Indonesian Jemmy Gobel (16-13-5, 12 KOs). All three judges scored the bout, 80-70, for the Cebuano.

Meanwhile, Canadian prospect Steve Clagget (11-1-1, 6 KOs) suffered his first career loss after being stopped by Filipino Romeo Jakosalem (12-4-1, 6 KOs) in the eighth and final round of an action-packed fight.

Clagget, 21, dominated most of the bout and almost knocked out Jakosalem in the third with powerful body shots. He dropped the 22-year-old Jakosalem twice in that round.
However, Jakosalem managed to hang on and went out strong in the final round, unleashing a series of unanswered shots that forced referee Teddy Alivio to waive the bout in the 1:28 mark.

Japanese Kenichi Yamaguchi (17-1-2, 4 KOs) was the only visitor that was successful as he beat Marjohn Yap (14-6, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision in a barnburner.

The judges had the fight, 76-75, 77-74, and 77, 74, for the 30-year-old Yamaguchi, who wore a ninja costume on his way to the ring, to the delight of the fans that entertained the boxing fans.

Michael said that he is willing to bring back both Clagget and Yamaguchi in future boxing shows of ALA Promotions.

Weiss torn between team, family in Japan

2011-03-20T09:50:00.000+08:00

source: .manilastandardtoday.com/Peter Atencio

EVEN as Philippine Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss buckles down to serious work in prepping up the nationals for the Group Stage of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Myanmar, he also worries about his family he left in earthquake-stricken Japan.

Weiss’ wife is a Japanese, who lives in Osaka with their two children and Weiss’ mother, and while he worries about them, he also understands that he has a job to do as Azkals coach.

The German coach, who steered the nationals to a 2-0 blanking of Mongolia last Feb. 9, which proved to be enough of a cushion after they suffered a 1-2 setback in the second of their two-game, home-and-away series against the Blue Wolves in Ulan Bator, is faced with the difficult task of refocusing the Azkals for the tough grind ahead.

“The boys had a one-day off and will train intensively today. Tomorrow (today) is travel day and the main training is on Sunday, with all players together on the day before the match,” said Weiss.

The Azkals were back in training yesterday at the University of Makati grounds, a day before leaving for Myanmar today.

Weiss last saw his family when the team practiced in Gotemban. He tried to get them out of Japan in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake, but his responsibility as coach prevented him from doing so.

The German coach has been multi-tasking since arriving here from Mongolia, training the Azkals while trying to coordinate the evacuation of his family from Osaka via e-mail, phone calls and other means through the help of friends and relatives.

“Japan...it’s a a very hard and sad story. My family is still there, but the kids will fly out on Monday with my mother ,who was there for a vacation. My wife, later,” Wess said.

Weiss hopes to be reunited with his family after the weeklong Group Stage tournament in Myanmar. His two kids will be the first to fly in to Germany on Monday, the same day that the Azkals clash with the Myanmar White Angels.

Weiss implemented some changes in the team, dropping veterans Joebel Bermejo, Reymark Palmes, Jerry Barbaso and Kim Relucio and midfielder Peter Jaugan from the roster.
Phil Younghusband, who is injured, has to be sidelined at least for the game against Myanmar or until doctors give him the go-signal to play.

In their place, Weiss has put in University of Santo Tomas Tigers, David Basa and Yannick Tuason, Fil-Germans William Espinosa and Patrick Hinrichsen, and Fil-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado.

With Fil-Briton goalkeeper Neil Etheridge back in the team as its main goalie, Weiss is confident the Azkals can compete against their groupmates in Myanmar.

The nationals are currently ranked 150th in the world, while host Myanmar’s is ranked 161st.

Bangladesh, he Azkals’ next opponent, is ranked 174th while Palestine, which the nationals play last, is at no. 177.

Mendoza: What’s crackin’ at the house of Nonito, eh?

2011-03-19T07:59:00.000+08:00

source: By Al S. Mendoza/ sunstar.com.ph

YOU are a boxer. You belong to the Bob Arum camp.
Not enough?

I’d say, more than enough.

Bob Arum isn’t only Lord of the Rings.

Bob Arum is the Vatican of boxing.

Nobody argues with the Pope.

You stray, your fate could go astray worst than an askal’s.

But cling to his wings, you aren’t only bishop stuff. Cardinal eagle.

What Bob Arum wants, he gets it with the flick of a finger.

What Bob Arum commands, not even Ghadafi can disobey.

What Bob Arum does, he gets it done with nary a sweat.

Manny Pacquiao had been witness to these popish powers of Bob’s.

Manny tried once to switch camps, hopping over to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy
Promotions.

“My boy, what you done?” Bob Arum said, a la Vito Corleone.

Nobody ever puts one over Bob Arum.

Seeing himself under the gun for breach of contract, Manny had to return the $500,000 he received from De La Hoya as buy-out fee from contract obligations with Bob Arum.

Bob Arum forgives so easily. And forgets so quickly, too.

Well, if you are Manny Pacquiao, I’ll have you back anytime. No questions asked.
If there’s one guy in boxing today who knows a gold mine of a boxer when he sees one, anytime, that’d be Bob Arum.

After the 2006 escape that wasn’t great for Manny Pacquiao, Bob & Manny shacked up like Peter & Gordon so well they’ve been hitting chart-toppers in succession since.

Manny has not only racked up eight unprecedented world titles in eight different divisions, he has also become a full-fledged billionaire.

Manny has even become a lawmaker, never mind that he doesn’t know the law of gravity, if not the law of supply and demand.

And now, to Nonito Donaire Jr. – he with the compelling promise of stardom, even if he’s 28 already.

Nonito’s still under contract with Bob Arum but, seemingly, if you ask Rachel Donaire, not anymore.

If I read Rachel right, she wants Nonito, her hubby, out of Bob Arum’s camp—ahead of the contract’s expiration.

Umm…Déjà vu?

Nonito’s pact with Bob Arum doesn’t expire until May or June this year but already, Rachel is talking of a Bob-Nonito divorce this early.

Will somebody please tell me Rachel was merely misquoted?

Bob, in his mortal thoughts, might raise hell and that could mean bye to Nonito’s career.

Gilas weathers Rain or Shine

2011-03-19T07:55:00.000+08:00

source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas withstood Rain or Shine’s gutsy stand, hacking out a 99-94 win to move in the threshold of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

The Nationals opened a 10-point cushion on a key assault late in the third period and sustained the momentum as they stretched their stirring unbeaten run to five games.

“We’re virtually in, and we’re now in a situation where we can try to get the No. 1 or No. 2 position in the playoffs,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman.

“Our goal is to make the playoffs and gain toughness and confidence which can help prepare us for the Fiba Asia championship,” Toroman added.

The Nationals assure themselves of a spot in the post-season play with only one more win in their last four games versus the Derby Ace Llamados, the Powerade Tigers, the Ginebra Kings and the Meralco Bolts.

They gain outright entry into the semis should they finish first or second in the elimination phase.

Rain or Shine slid to join fourth with Ginebra at 3-2, finding it hard to compete with import Hassan Adams playing with a sprained ankle.

Nonetheless, the Elasto Painters put up a tough stand allowing them to fight the Nationals in a close battle in the first three quarters.

The count was tied at 60-all before Chris Tiu and Chris Lutz fuelled a decisive run that opened a 74-64 lead for the Nationals going into the final canto.

Tiu himself later delivered clutch baskets that scuttled Rain or Shine’s endgame charge.
Tiu, Jayvee Casio and Marcus Douthit formed a deadly triumvirate for Smart Gilas against Rain or Shine, combining for 74 points, 26 rebounds and nine assists.

Casio led all scorers with 29 points, Douthit had another double-double with 23 points and 18 rebounds while Tiu finished with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Adams, who suffered an ankle sprain in their last game that caused him to miss their next practices, struggled for only 14 points and six rebounds.

In the nightcap, Meralco nailed its first win in style, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the last four minutes in stunning B-MEG Derby Ace, 89-86.

Champ Oguchi banged away four of his seven triples in the homestretch, keying the Bolts’ stirring come-from-behind win.

“We’re a work in progress in terms of cohesion, but in tonight’s game we just didn’t give up,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

But the Elasto Painters didn’t shy away from the fight, riding high on the efforts of Ronjay Buenafe, Doug Kramer, Ryan Arana, John Ferriols and Beau Belga.

Buenafe went 5-of-5 from the field in leading a searing Rain or Shine attack on Douthit’s brief rest in the second quarter, sending the Elasto Painters ahead at 38-32.

The Nationals regrouped on Douthit’s return and pulled even at 47-all at the half.

Down by 12 at 93-81, the Elasto Painters went to Ferriols, Belga and Jeff Chan as they got back in the thick of things at 88-93.

Azkals live broadcast in peril

2011-03-19T07:51:00.000+08:00

source: By FRANCIS SANTIAGO/mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines – The live telecast of the Philippine Azkals’ three matches in the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Myanmar is in jeopardy after the Rangoon government denied the request of ABS-CBN to bring in cameras to broadcast the games.

Myanmar will only allow foreign broadcast groups to tap into the government telecast but this too has not been approved at presstime with only two days left before the Azkals face the hosts in game one of the Challenge Cup.

An ABS-CBN officer confirmed that it has yet to get the approval of Myanmar’s information ministry for the live feed of the tournament.

The Philippines is competing for one of two qualifying berths for the tournament’s main draw scheduled in 2012.

The Azkals take on hosts Myanmar on Monday, Palestine on Wednesday, Bangladesh on Friday.

“We’re still waiting for permit from the information ministry. Mahigpit kasi yung junta sa live telecast,” said Diana Sayson, an ABS-CBN producer. “Walang TV coverage ang news kasi bawal magdala ng camera. We are coordinating with the Myanmar Football Federation.”

Media is strictly controlled in Myanmar which filters bad news, criticisms, report of natural disasters and sometimes enforces a news blackout whenever the national football team loses, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation’s country profile.

Another problem facing ABS-CBN, which will broadcast the games on Studio 23, is that even if it gets the green light from Myanmar to tap into its government station, it may not still be able to air the games live on March 23 and 25 because the schedule of the football matches, set at 5 p.m. (Manila time), conflict with timeslots of the PBA games which are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday set around the same time.

“Maybe, mag-live muna sa Balls (cable channel also owned by ABS-CBN) for the two playdates,” Sayson said. “Malabo mag-give way ang PBA. It’s like apples and oranges.”

The Philippine Football Federation and ABS-CBN forged a deal early this year allowing the TV station to cover all Azkals games in the Challenge Cup.

Studio 23 aired the Azkals’ home-and-away pre-qualifying series against Mongolia held in Bacolod City and Ulan Bator, Mongolia.

Under the contract, the Azkals get P500,000 share for every coverage of the games on local soil against an international opponent while P250,000 whenever the games are played abroad.

Pacquiao is like Rubik's Cube for Shane MosleyPacquiao is like Rubik's Cube for Shane Mosley

2011-03-19T07:46:00.000+08:00

source: By NICK GIONGCO/mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines – Up in snowy Big Bear, a resort town nestled in the San Bernardino mountain range in Southern California, a former world champion clearly on the twilight of an illustrious career has been training like a madman the past couple of weeks.

Since checking into his luxurious home close to 8,000 feet above sea level and some 100 miles away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, Shane Mosley has been eating and breathing Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino hotshot who he will share the ring with on May 7 in Las Vegas.

“Shane has been there in Big Bear the last two weeks and in high spirits,” said ace publicist Lee Samuels of Top Rank, the promotional outfit owned by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum that is staging the Pacquiao-Mosley welterweight war at the MGM Grand.

“His camp is very confident about winning the fight,” added Samuels.

Samuels said the entire team of Mosley is very focused in camp and that chief trainer Naazim Richardson, who never runs out of peppery quotes, is in the process of coming up with the strategy aimed at negating all the strong points of Pacquiao.

Richardson said recently that Pacquiao is like a Rubik’s Cube and that they are all determined to solve the puzzle that is Pacquiao come fight night.

“I think we have the athlete that can do it,” expressed Richardson, referring to the 39-year-old Mosley.

Meanwhile, Arum is heading to Baguio City on Monday as soon as he steps out of the Philippine Airlines flight from Las Vegas.

“I am very excited to get there and do the media day,” said Arum who will make his third trip to Pacquiao’s high-altitude training camp after visits in 2009 and 2010.

Arum will stay in the City of Pines until Thursday morning and will head back to the US later in the evening.

Pinoy Pride 4 fighters get too excited, shove each other during weigh-in at SM City

2011-03-19T07:43:00.000+08:00

source: By Edri K. Aznar/sunstar.com.ph

EXPECT all-out action tonight in the “Pinoy Pride 4 – Philippines vs. World” boxing show at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino after some of the protagonists got a wee bit excited and got into a shoving contest during yesterday’s weigh-in.

Japanese brawler Kenichi Yamaguchi (16-1-2, 4 KOs) and Filipino Marjohn Yap (14-5, 7 KOs) were the first two boxers to tip the scales at the SM City Cebu. Yamaguchi, who had the words “Japan never give up” written on his chest, and Yap almost ended up trading fists after a heated stare down. Yamaguchi and Yap will be in an eight-round fight.

The heated weigh-in escalated as unbeaten Chinese-Canadian Steve Clagget (11-0, 6 KOs) and Romeo Jakosalem (11-4-1, 5 KOs), who are fighting also in the undercard, shoved each other and traded taunts while AJ “Bazooka” Banal (23-1-1, 18 KOs) shoved Francis Miyesyusho (29-8-2, 17 KOs), who retaliated by pointing at his ripped biceps, after an intense faceoff.

The main event guys were more civil.

Undefeated Milan Melindo (23-0, 7 KOs) and Mexican Rosendo Vega (16-6, 11 KOs), only shook hands.

Melindo and Vega are saving their strength for their bout tonight, where both boxers plan to knock each other out.

“This Saturday Melindo, I will knock you out in the fifth round,” the 33-year-old Mexican veteran said.

Melindo was calm and cool and told Sun.Star Cebu, “The problem is if he could reach the fifth.”

The 22-year-old Banal believes he will beat Miyeyusho and retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight crown.
“I’ll take it slow and study his style,” said Banal. “He has the height advantage. So I’ll come in.”

The 31-year-old Tanzanian has other thoughts.
“I’ll knock him out in six rounds and take his belt. I’m better than (Mbwana) Matumla,” he said.

Banal knocked out Tanzanian Matumla, who owns two victories over Miyeyusho, in just two rounds. Banal was awarded yesterday by WBO’s Leon Panoncillo for WBO Asia-Pacific “Fight of the Year” for his bout with Big Yoo last year in Bohol.

Also included in the undercard is Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes (28-6-2, 18 KOs), who is facing Indonesian Gemmy Gobel (16-12-5, 12 KOs).

Bulls F Carlos Boozer out vs. Pacers

2011-03-19T07:39:00.000+08:00

source: By The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Chicago forward Carlos Boozer will miss his fifth straight game Friday when the Bulls face the Pacers.

Boozer has been listed day-to-day with a left ankle injury suffered on March 9 in Chicago's 101-84 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. Despite the fact that he averages 18.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, the Bulls are undefeated without him.

Joakim Noah was listed as probable after suffering from flu-like symptoms, but was expected to start.

Donaire dumps Arum for GBP

2011-03-18T07:58:00.000+08:00

source:By NICK GIONGCO/mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines – Tired of fighting under the shadow of Manny Pacquiao, world bantamweight king Nonito Donaire yesterday said he has signed up with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP), leaving Bob Arum enraged and talking about dragging the Filipino-American to court.

In a statement released to media outlets, Donaire said: “I am so honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team.”

“I am going to fight my heart out every time I am in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see,” said the 28-year-old puncher who resides in San Leandro, California.

Donaire did not answer calls and text messages seeking comment.

While Donaire opted to stay quiet, Arum could not help but pull the trigger.

“It’s ridiculous. Our contract is so solid,” said the 79-year-old Arum, whose contract with Donaire began in 2008.

Arum said Top Rank has Donaire under contract until 2012 as the company has the right to a one-year extension.

Donaire said Top Rank did not live up to the stipulations in the contract that would guarantee him three fights in one year but Arum said it was impossible to fulfill that because Donaire had two medical suspensions.

“How can you give a guy a fight when he is suspended?” said Arum.

Donaire is looking forward to a May 28 fight but Arum said the legal action that will follow would complicate matters.

“We have just filed a complaint with (retired judge) Daniel Weinstein for arbitration. Hearing is set next week in Los Angeles,” said Arum, naming topnotch litigators Daniel Petrocelli and David Marroso as Top Rank’s representatives to the hearing.

Donaire’s popularity rose last month after he knocked out Fernando Montiel of Mexico in less than two rounds on a Top Rank show in Las Vegas.

Even if Donaire finds himself in legal trouble with Top Rank, there is still a possibility that his May 28 fight under GBP will push through as the warring parties might end up being told to compromise as in their previous episode with Pacquiao when Top Rank was mandated to give a certain amount of Pacquiao’s purse to GBP.

But Arum, who will be in the country next week, doesn’t see it that way.

“Unless he comes back to us, he won’t have a fight. The only fight he is going to have is with his wife Rachel.”

Celtics rip Pacers

2011-03-18T07:55:00.000+08:00

source:bworldonline.com

Paul Pierce scored 20 points and Jeff Green came off the bench to score 13 of his 19 in the second quarter as Boston breezed past Indiana 92-80 in an NBA matchup yesterday.

The Celtics improved to 48-18, matching the Chicago Bulls for the best record in the Eastern Conference in a fight for home-court advantage and play-off seedings.

Boston, which lost three out of four entering the game to allow Chicago to move ahead, had 12 points from Ray Allen, 11 from Nenad Krstic and 10 points from Kevin Garnett.

Rajon Rondo had eight assists but was scoreless and made only two shots just two days after a one-for-10 showing in a loss to New York.

Danny Granger and Paul George each scored 15 points to lead Indiana while Josh McRoberts added 14 points and 11 rebounds and Tyler Hansbrough contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers.

The Pacers led early 17-9 but the Celtics went on runs of 8-0 and 15-2 in the second quarter to seize the lead for good.

Thunder crack Heat resistance; Celtics, Bulls share East lead

2011-03-18T07:53:00.000+08:00

source:bworldonline.com

MIAMI -- Kevin Durant scored 29 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder cooled the surging Miami Heat with a 96-85 triumph yesterday for their fifth straight win.

Durant, the NBA’s leading scorer, won his one-on-one duel with fellow All-Star forward LeBron James as the Thunder snapped the Heat’s three-game winning streak.

"My teammates always put me in great positions to score. I’ve been working out as hard as I can this season and the shots are starting to fall for me," Durant told reporters after adding seven rebounds and six assists.

"It was a great win for the Oklahoma City Thunder."

Russell Westbrook added 18 points in the winning effort and Oklahoma City used defense to contain Miami which shot just 38% from the field.

Heat pair Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh scored 21 points each while James finished with 19 for Miami, which fell three games behind the top spot in the Eastern Conference held jointly by the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.

"Tough game, and they beat us in a lot of the tough-area categories, particularly on the glass," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.

The Heat (46-22) had responded to a five-game losing streak with a trio of impressive wins, including a 30-point blowout over the NBA-best San Antonio Spurs on Monday, but were undone by a poor second-half effort against Oklahoma City.

Miami managed just 40 points after the interval to allow the Thunder to turn a one-point halftime lead into a double-digit advantage.

Oklahoma City began the fourth quarter with an 11-2 run that gave the visitors a 78-66 lead with 7:39 remaining.

The Northwest Division-leading Thunder (44-23) have won eight of their last nine games and are fourth in the Western Conference.

Center Kendrick Perkins, acquired from the Boston Celtics, played limited minutes for the Thunder but is expected to provide a strong defensive presence.

Impact players: What the return of West and the O'Neals means for Celtics

2011-03-18T07:50:00.000+08:00

source:By Paul Flannery

The first glimmer came on Wednesday when Delonte West played against the Pacers. West scored just two points to go with three assists in 16 minutes of work, but his impact was felt all over the court.

“What you can see,” Kevin Garnett said. “Are the pieces starting to come together.”

With West back in the lineup the Celtics actually had 12 active players, which hasn’t happened since Feb. 22. More than just providing much-needed depth, West brought balance and order to the court for the much-maligned second unit.

All season long it has been a struggle for coach Doc Rivers to assemble any kind of continuity with his reserves because of so many injuries. But on Wednesday, he got a glimpse at what will likely be the bulk of his reserve corps for the playoffs when he was able to play West alongside Jeff Green and Glen Davis.

That group helped turn the Indiana game around and provided relief for a starting unit that has been running on fumes the last week. Add in at least one O’Neal and the bench is suddenly good to go.

“Well, they’re more talented now, number one. The talent is growing with that second unit,” Rivers said. “You’ve got Jeff Green in your second unit. Delonte West in your second unit. Glen Davis. Pretty good second unit.”

There will be some more adjustments that will have to be made. Once Shaquille O’Neal returns from his Achilles injury (maybe next week?), the Celtics will likely shift Nenad Krstic to a reserve role. Krstic said after the game that he’s fine with that switch.

“I think Shaq deserves to start,” Krstic said. “He got hurt. He was a starter before he got hurt and I think he gets that job back.”

Players such as Carlos Arroyo have shown they have something to add to the mix and Troy Murphy has begun to show signs that he is rounding into form. The more the merrier for the Celtics who will need all of their players to grind through the regular season. There are also many candidates for a P.J. Brown-type to emerge in the postseason. The players understand the crowded situation.

“Doc does a great job of handling that, everybody’s egos and understanding their role,” Arroyo said. “We have guys who have been there before and they understand that it’s not about them. It’s about the team. It’s about winning, it’s about our biggest goal, which is winning a championship. That’s the reason we’re all here.”

Here’s a look at what the returning players offer the Celtics and how they could impact the rest of the team:

DELONTE WEST

Despite playing just nine games this season, West has the complete trust of his teammates and coaches. Part of that is his veteran standing, but a larger portion is his dedication to returning from two serious injuries. During his rehab from his broken wrist, it was a common to observe West going through long, punishing workouts on his own. Other players take notice of that kind of thing.

“You know what, not really,” Paul Pierce said when asked is he was surprised by West’s seamless transition back into the lineup. “The first time he came back from an injury he seemed pretty sharp after missing a couple of months.”

West gives them a solid ballhandler and someone who can get the second unit into sets. He’s also a tough defender and with the emergence of Arroyo, he could slide over to the two-guard spot. That’s a role that had been filled at various times by Von Wafer, Marquis Daniels, Sasha Pavlovic and Jeff Green. None have been ideal fits so there is opportunity there.

“We’ll see how those two play together,” Rivers said. “We’ll see how Delonte plays, where he plays better.”

As far as his health goes, West said that he’s not 100 percent and probably won’t be for the rest of the season. In addition to his wrist, he also revealed that he chipped a bone in his ankle when he stepped on a coach’s foot during a walkthrough on their late-February west coast trip.

“It’s not 100 percent, but it’s bearable,” West said. “It’s time to strap it up and see what I can do.”

His return is only the beginning. The biggest piece may be just a week away.

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL

This is what we know about Shaq’s Achilles injury. Neither he nor the team expected him to be out this long. At some point he had a setback and the Celtics are being cautious with his comeback. The last thing they want is for him to play four or five games and then have to sit down again.

Rivers wants to see him get through a full practice with no pain, which hasn’t happened yet. Shaq is on their three-game road trip to go through shootarounds, but there won’t be any practice time on the trip with a back-to-back Friday and Saturday and then a quick visit to New York on Monday.

There is no definite timetable for his return, but all parties are convinced he will be back in time for the playoffs. When he does come back, it seems likely that he will return to his starting job. In the wake of the Kendrick Perkins trade, Danny Ainge said in an interview on WEEI that he had concerns over how Shaq’s body would respond to coming off the bench.

When Shaq was in the lineup, the Celtics shot over 50 percent as a team and as Ainge noted on The Big Show on Thursday, the Celtics recent struggles have more to do with their offense than their defense.

The tradeoff in terms of production from Krtstic to Shaq in the starting lineup is probably minimal, but the addition of Krstic to the second unit would offer an entirely new dimension of size, scoring and outside shooting. Of all the positions on the floor, the Celtics feel that the center spot is the easiest transition for incorporating new players.

“Shaq fit in right away,” Ainge said. “From the day he got here he fit in. Krstic came in, he fit right in. Whoever playing that center position for us, it's not a big adjustment period. Their role is pretty simple.”

The Celtics made the Perkins trade with the assumption that they would have plenty of size in the middle with Shaq and Krstic. They won’t know for sure until he returns.

JERMAINE O’NEAL

Behold the X-factor. Before O’Neal’s knee gave out he provided the Celtics with rebounding, interior defense and their only legitimate shot-blocking option. To be honest, the Celtics have no idea what they can expect from O’Neal when/if he comes back.

“I don’t even know the answer. I really don’t,” Rivers said. “Jermaine, even though he wasn’t on the court early in the year, at least he was in the practices, some of them. He did go through camp so he does have some basketball under him. I honestly could not tell you [what to expect]. I will say I think it’s easier for a big to do it. I’m assuming that. Listen, if he can give is five hard fouls, five really hard fouls, and block a couple shots and rebound, we’ll take that.”

O’Neal could be back by the end of the month. He might not. As long as they’re not relying on him, anything the Celtics get from O’Neal would be a huge bonus.

This Celtics team was supposed to be about continuity. Instead it’s taken 66 games for the version of the team that will head into the playoffs to begin to take shape. They have 16 games left to get it sorted out and while that’s not a lot of time, the talent -- if healthy -- is there for a long run.

PACQUIAO REMAINS POUND FOR POUND KING

2011-03-17T10:13:00.000+08:00

source:By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com

Manny Pacquiao, a hero to millions of Filipinos, has remained pound-for-pound king in the latest rankings by the prestigious Ring Magazine.

What appeared to be a campaign to dislodge Pacquiao and replace him with light middleweight champion Sergio Martinez of Argentina by some segments of the US media didn’t succeed although Martinez regained the No. 3 spot sending another Filipino, WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire down to No.4.

Donaire had moved up to No.3 following his spectacular 2nd round knockout of Mexico’s Fernando “KO-Chulito” Montiel last February 19. Montiel was rated No. 1 bantamweight and No. 7 on the Ring’s pound-for-pound list.

Martinez had earned the No. 3 ranking when he dethroned Kelly Pavlik to win the middleweight title and annihilating Paul “The Punisher” Williams with a stunning second round knockout in their rematch. Martinez scored an impressive 8th round TKO over Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk to win the WBC Diamond Belt and retain the Ring Magazine belt.

The win together with a sensational 1st round knockout of Paul Williams in an earlier fight enhanced the stature of Martinez. Some writers believed that the Argentine’s recent wins had enabled him to stake his claim to dislodging Pacquiao as the pound-for-pound king.

The twin victories of the Argentine fighter won for him the “Fighter of the Year” award from the Boxing Writers Association of America which will be presented to Martinez at a dinner in Las Vegas on May 6.

Ironically, the awards dinner will be on the eve of Pacquiao’s showdown with former three-time world champion Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Ring Magazine Editor-in-Chief Nigel Collins on the even of the announcement told the Inquirer that the “pound-for-pound ratings are subjective with more weight given to opinion, potential and results from all divisions in which the fighter has competed.”

In announcing that Pacquiao had retained his No.1 spot Collins said “The race for pound-for-pound supremacy is heating up due to the recent outstanding performances by Sergio Martinez and Nonito Donaire. Moreover, the standings could very well change again in the near future. That’s the reason we update THE RING ratings every week.”

Collins earlier told the Inquirer that Floyd Mayweather Jr who remains in the No.2 spot behind Pacquiao would be dropped from the rankings should he fail to sign up for a fight at least, before May 10. The date will mark the one year anniversary of his fight against Shane Mosley.

Collins said “An even more significant change could occur (in the pound-for-pound ratings) and if that happens, it will be a three-man contest between Manny Pacquiao, Martinez, and Donaire for the top spot.

Collins remarked that “Pacquiao is also vulnerable due to the fact that his three most recent opponents—Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, and Shane Mosley—have not been particularly daunting. If, however, Pacquiao becomes the first to stop Mosley, it would certainly help his cause.”

The Final Score: Azkals' apologies unacceptable

2011-03-16T10:16:00.002+08:00

source: By MICO HALILI

Tuesday morning, I was asked during an interview on GMA NEWS TV's "News To Go" if, as a basketball commentator, I felt jealous over football's emergence.

My reply, "Not at all."

I'm happy that even on a bad day, football owns the spotlight. Happy that by advancing later in the afternoon, they can continue to spread the gospel of goals. Happy that they all made it to Mongolia in one piece. Happy that they soldiered on, or Azkaled on, by riding a roller-coaster from Manila to Ulan Bator. Truthfully, I'm happy because they showed up and clearly tried.

I believe in contexts; to juxtapose performance with circumstance. Some call it rationalization. I call it factoring in the human element. This is what one learns when you grow up cheering for, devote time and energy to teams which don't win all the time.

How many obstacles can a man take? How much cold can the lungs bear? How much of a phenomenon is one team supposed to sustain? How much perfection can men straddling through a gauntlet achieve? Even as Coach, how much latitude was Michael Weiss supposed to give?

Since I have too much respect for coaches, I try not to second-guess them. In any sport. I'm not about to start now. Since I have too much respect for circumstance, I won't judge the quality of the Azkals' hard work by the levity of their tweets.

Sometimes, great effort must coincide with a great performance. Other times, effort, no matter how great, can't manufacture the performance it deserves. The Azkals looked sluggish in Ulan Bator. They seemed out of it. Not where they were supposed to be on the turf. Not as sharp as many expected them to be. They often shifted from out-hustled to out-of-breath.

The Azkals appeared frozen, over 4,000 feet above sea level, stifled by the tundra of mixed experiences, long nights, misplaced luggage and the strange pressure caused by being a favored team. I'm not jingoistic.

I don't defend them just because they have Philippine colors emblazoned on their chests. But how can one overlook challenges piled on top of other challenges. Should they apologize for not dominating Mongolia?

Some of them did.

I won't apologize for commenting on the Azkals even if I don't have a PhD in corner kicks and perfect headers. If the Azkals don't have PhD's in earthquake management, airport hopping and sub-zero-temperature efficiency, neither should they.

My practical degree in athletes' behavior, however, earned from 20 years of watching, working with and covering competitors from various disciplines up-close, tells me this: they feel pain when they're hurt, they get anxious under stress, their teeth chatter when it snows, they gasp for air when pushed to the limit.

Just like most of us.

Thus, in the context of convoluted travel plans, frayed nerves and a most cumbersome way to play one match, sorry Azkals, I can't accept your apologies. But please, accept my thanks.

Azkals coach tells fans: Don't worry

2011-03-12T23:52:00.001+08:00

source:mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines — Even though there appears a slight concern in Philippine Azkals’ ability to deal with playing in a freezing condition, Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss is not about to press the panic button.

Only three days left before their crucial AFC Challenge Cup qualifying rematch against Mongolia in Ulan Bator, Weiss remains upbeat the Azkals can cope up with the freezing weather condition despite losing to the Kanto University football team in a tune up match, 4-0, in Gotemba City, Japan last Wednesday.

“No worries for all Azkals fans,” the German mentor, who turned 46 Friday, told the Bulletin in an e-mail interview.

“(Yes) we had big problems adapting to the weather and had a match versus a good university side… but the result really doesn’t matter too much and it shows you that we still have to learn a lot.”

Weiss acknowledged that the college team they faced was superior in both technique and teammanship than the Azkals side, saying: “The team (Japanese) trains under professional conditions since young age, (and) they are affiliated to Yokohama Marinos, a big club in Japan. Some of these players might be pros in the future.”Azkals team manager Dan Palami agreed.

“It’s okay (with the loss). Our intention was really not to win, but to get the players acclimatized with the cold weather,” Palami said in a phone interview yesterday.

Palami was so confident about the team’s chances that he believes the team’s performance against the Japanese team would be enough to beat the Mongolians for the second time.

“Yes (we can still beat them),” said Palami, who added that the Azkals were safe following a powerful 8.4-magnitude earthquake that triggered a massive tsunami in the northeastern part of Japan.

“The Azkals are safe… felt the tremors but otherwise OK. Airports have been closed, hopefully it will not affect our flight to Mongolia tomorrow,” Palami posted on his Twitter account.

The Azkals were playing another Japanese university team in Gotemba City at presstime and Weiss appears unconcerned if ever the team loses again because he said the locals are still adjusting with the condition and “several players have been missing, so that was also a big factor.”

Fil-American Jason Sabio and Fil-British Simon Greatwich flew from the US and joined the team only yesterday afternoon. Two more Fil-foreigners, Ray Jonsson and Jason de Jong, will rejoin the team in Ulan Bator next week to complete the line up.

Meanwhile, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation had approved the release of a P2- million grant for the Azkals’ campaign in the Challenge Cup.

He said the amount will help foot the bill for the Azkals’ travel expenses since the mandatory $20,000 aid by the AFC was not enough.

Armed with a 2-0 edge after beating the Mongolians last Feb. 9 in Bacolod City, the Azkals need only a draw to advance to the group stage in Myanmar.

Should the nationals prevail, they will meet Bangladesh, Palestine and the host nation in a single-round battle for the top two slots to the regular draw of the Asian Challenge Cup in 2012.

PBA: Gilas seek to add Beermen to growing list of victims

2011-03-12T09:43:00.002+08:00

source: gmanews

Pilipinas-Smart Gilas goes up against another giant ball club in San Miguel as it stakes its unbeaten streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Nationals have been receiving a lot of lauds following their impressive 3-0 start in the import-laden tournament for a share of the early lead with Rain or Shine.

Going into the lone 6 p.m. match that caps a day-long basketball schedule at the same playing venue in San Juan following the inaugural games of the PBA Developmental League in the afternoon, the Nationals face a third powerhouse team in the Beermen.

Pilipinas-Smart Gilas has already defeated two powerhouse teams in Philippine Cup champion Talk `N Text (103-98) and Fiesta Cup titlist Alaska (91-89, OT).

Although coming off a 102-99 win over the Air21 Express the last time out, Gilas coach Rajko Toroman is not looking past the Beermen, loser of two of their first three outings so far.

“San Miguel is one of the top teams in the PBA. We have so much respect for that team," said the former coach of the Iran national team. “They play good defense and they have the best players in the league. So we know it will be an exciting game."

San Miguel unveiled a new import in Danny Young in the team’s mano-a-mano with the Alaska Aces last Wednesday. Young finished with 35 points, exploding for 24 in the second half.

But he failed to nail the potential game-winning shot at the buzzer, his long three-point shot hitting the back of the rim hard and bouncing out.

Still, the tough loss doesn’t make the Beermen any less dangerous in Toroman's eyes.

“It will be a test of character, it will test the players," said the national mentor of his team’s first match-up with the Beermen.

San Miguel coach Ato Agustin acknowledges the Nationals have been playing as a cohesive unit, with 6-foot-11 naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit appearing to be a big threat in the middle for the Beermen.

Douthit averages 23 points and 21 rebounds in three games for Smart Gilas.

“They are playing well right now, so we have to match their intensity," said Agustin.

Powerful quake hits Japan

2011-03-11T16:35:00.001+08:00

details here

Powerful quake hits Japan

2011-03-11T16:34:00.000+08:00

more details here

NBA basketball game results, March 8

2011-03-10T12:56:00.002+08:00

source: Associated Press

Erik Spoelstra pledged to keep the Miami Heat fighting. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade insisted their confidence remains high.

The Heat script hasn't changed much lately. Nor have the results, as Miami's free fall continues.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points, Gerald Wallace scored 22 - easily his best game since joining Portland last month - and the visiting Blazers survived a 38-point effort by Wade in beating the Heat 105-96 on Tuesday night, sending Miami to its fifth straight loss overall and sixth in eight games since the break.

James finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Heat, who are the 12th team in NBA history to have a 12-game winning streak and five-game losing streak in the same season.

"How do we explain it? We can't," James said. "This isn't rock bottom for us. Crazy thing is, we could lose every game and still make the playoffs in the East."

-- Lakers coach Phil Jackson on reports that Heat players cried after a Sunday loss to Chicago: "This is the NBA: No Boys Allowed. Big boys don't cry," he said. "But if you're going to do it, do it in the toilet where no one sees you."

Lakers 101, Hawks 87:

In Atlanta, Kobe Bryant scored 26 points to pass Moses Malone for sixth place on the career scoring list.

Suns 113, Rockets 110:

Hakim Warrick scored a career-high 32 points starting in place of injured Channing Frye. Vince Carter scored 15 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter in the Suns' seventh consecutive victory over visiting Houston.

76ers 110, Pacers 100:

Thaddeus Young scored 18 points and Andre Iguodala, off back-to-back triple-doubles, finished with 16 points and 10 assists for visiting Philadelphia.

Bucks 95, Wizards 76:

In Washington, Brandon Jennings scored 23 points and Andrew Bogut had 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his first game back after an injury.

Concussion policy:

The NBA is consulting with an independent neurologist and may establish a league-wide policy for handling concussions by next season, the Associated Press has learned.