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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines was welcomed warmly by the Olympic Village—and the Beijing weather—officially ushering in the country’s participation in the Beijing Games. RP Ambassador to China Sonia Brady and International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde led a small contingent of Filipinos in the country’s flag-raising ceremony Monday afternoon. Village vice-mayor Chen Hong welcomed the team in her short remarks. She later presented a Chinese painting on a ceramic plate to RP officials led by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) official Julian Camacho. Hong, who represented the Village for mayor Chen Zhili, got a bronze-plated Mother of Pearl tray with the POC logo in the middle from the Philippine team. “[The flag-raising] was short and held under very hot weather," said press officer Joey Romasanta. This morning, the main bulk of Team Philippines made up of 16 officials and 11 athletes will take a four-hour trip to Beijing via Philippine Airlines.

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MANILA, Philippines – Dottie Ardina seems unfazed by foreign golfers, not even when playing against the best of them. And while most amateurs have a hard time adjusting during competition, the petite Filipina wonder behaves differently. Fact is, she's raring to starts battling on Tuesday more than 150 amateurs participating in the 108th US Women’s Amateur Championship set at the Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon. The women's amateur begins with a two-day, 36-hole stroke play qualifier on August 4 to 5. The top 64 will advance into the matchplay phase that commences on August 6. “I don’t let myself be intimidated," Ardina told GMANews.TV in an overseas call. "I may be small in size, but I’m always big in heart to play my best."

Beijing, Aug. 5 -- From power supply to traffic service, and from air quality to food safety, Beijing is ready for the Olympic Games in all aspects, according to the city government on Monday. The capital was fully prepared in energy and water supply, transport services, air-quality control, public hygiene, health services, commodity supplies, hotel booking, tourism services and entertainment, the city government spokesman, Liu Zhi, was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying at a press conference in the 2008 Beijing International Media Centre.

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 4 – About 500 riders are expected to join the coming 7th Flight of the Eagles “Bike against Global Warming” fun bike scheduled on August 10 starting at the Magsaysay Park going to Malagos Garden in Calinan, near the Philippine Eagle Breeding Center. These riders from all ages will join the 40-kilometer bike activity hosted by the Davao City Water District, Watershed Management Council, Office of City Councilor Leo Avila and the Federation of Off Road Cycling Enthusiasts (FORCE). The proceeds of the fun bike will go to the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed here.

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MANILA, Philippines – Minutes after Barangay Ginebra formally got to know it will be battling Air21 for the Smart-Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Cup championship, the Kings readily declared that they're ready for the best-of-seven title showdown. The league’s crowd darlings are pumped up and all set to play after a long two-week break. “We and Air 21 will be going into the finals with identical 0-0 win-loss records, so ano ang ikakatakot namin," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who was watching at the stands of the Araneta Coliseum as the Express rallied back and beat the Magnolia Beverage Masters in Game Six of their semifinals series, 99-91, to arrange the titular face-off against the Kings.

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MANILA, Philippines – It’s rare that a player who scores the least is his team’s most effective contributor. Nonoy Baclao made up for a bad shooting afternoon by plucking down 11 rebounds and blocking four shots and Ateneo went on a 13-3 run in the game’s final six minutes to beat University of Santo Tomas 64-57 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Four Eagles finished in double figures led by Rabeth al-Hussaini’s 17 points, but it was Baclao’s contributions on the defensive end that helped Ateneo raise its card to 6-1, the best record after the first round.

DAVAO CITY, July 31 – Local sports officials here lauded the appointment of former Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Gillian Akiko Thomson as new Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Thomson replaced Jose Y. Mundo effective July 29, just 10 days before Team Philippines opens its campaign anew for the elusive gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She was the secretary-general of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) prior her appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

MANILA, July 31 -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is scheduled to meet the Philippine Olympic delegation in Malacanang Friday, four days before the bulk of the team leaves for Beijing, China on August 5. The group will be accompanied by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco Jr., Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez, and chef de mission Monico Puentevella. Boxer Harry Tañamor; taekwondo jins Mary Antoinette Rivero and Tshomlee Go; swimmers Daniel Coakley, Ryan Arabejo, Miguel Molina. James Walsh and Joan Christel Simms; weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz; long jumpers Marestella Torres and Henry Dagmil; and divers Sheila Mae Perez and Rexel Ryan Fabriga are expected to join the group that will pay a courtesy call on the Chief Executive at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

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MANILA, Philippines – The Air21 Express moved one win away of claiming its first finals stint scoring a 92-82 win over the Magnolia Beverage Masters in Game 5 of their Smart-Philippine Basketball Association best-of-seven series Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Express used a third-quarter breakaway for a 3-2 series lead and inch closer of facing Ginebra in the best-of-seven championship.

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) meted fines on Air21 import Steven Thomas and Magnolia big man Dorian Peña for unsportsmanlike conduct that almost escalated into a full-blown scuffle during Game Four of their Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup semifinals series on Sunday. League commissioner Sonny Barrios penalized Thomas P1,000 while Peña P2,400 after meeting the two at the PBA office on Monday. The fine was the first for Thomas and the second for Peña. Barrios fined the six-foot-eight Thomas for taunting Peña and yelling at the Magnolia back-up center after converting a basket just before halftime of the highly-physical game the Beverage Masters won, 104-102.

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 30 – The Letran Knights absorbed their best loss after bowing to reigning champion San Beda Red Lions, 67-71, on Wednesday in the ongoing National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball eliminations at the Astrodome in Pasay City. Nigerian Samuel Ekwe spearheaded the Red Lions with 25 points and 18 rebounds to end the Knights’ winning streak to six. The Red Lions improved win-loss card to 5-2 to tie with Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers who defeated Philippine Christian University, 60-58, in the first game. Big man James Sena made the go-ahead lay-up with 1.4 seconds to play to complete an endgame heroics after he also blocked Beau Belga’s reverse lay-up before his big shot.

MANILA, July 29 -- Tshomlee Go and Toni Rivero, who have great chances of winning medals for the Philippines in the coming Beijing Olympics, are not counting on luck of the draw. Taekwondo president Robert Aventajado on Tuesday said his athletes are ready to face any eventuality, whether or not they are bracketed with those tipped to win the gold medals. “We have prepared Tshomlee and Toni to win medals – of any color. They are prepared to win,” said Aventajado in Tuesday's PSA Forum at Shakey’s along UN Ave. Aventajado also announced during the forum that Petron, their benefactor, has pledged PhP1 million for the gold, PhP600,000 for the silver and PhP300,000 for the bronze.
The offer, however, is only good for taekwondo.

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 29 – Former Olympic swimmer Gillian 'Akiko' Thomson has been appointed by Malacanang as new commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). PSC chairman William 'Butch' Ramirez announced the appointment of Thomson on Tuesday, 10 days after Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita signed her appointment papers. Thomson, lone swimmer in the RP team which competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, replaced Joey Mundo who welcomed the decision of Malacanang.

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 29 – Expect explosive and thrilling actions as top seed Air21 Express and fifth favorite Magnolia battle for crucial 3-2 lead in Game Five of their best-of-seven semifinals series on Wednesday in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. The lone game is set at 7:00 pm with the winner moving one step away from clinching the finals against crowd-favorite Ginebra which swept Red Bull, 4-0, in other semifinals affair. The Beverage Masters tied the series at 2-2 via a 104-102 victory in Game Four last Sunday. Import Amal McCaskill scored a baseline jumper with 1.4 ticks remaining for Magnolia.

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MANILA, Philippines – An American swimmer with Filipino descent is included in a Time magazine list that names the top athletes in the Beijing Olympics. Natalie Coughlin was ranked no.66 on a list called “the Top 100 Athletes to Watch". “Before the 2000 Games, Coughlin, 25, hated swimming," Time reported in its August 4 issue. “Then she won five medals in Athens. The love is back."

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MANILA, Philippines – The main group of athletes and officials making up Team Philippines will leave for Beijing on August 5, or three days before the 29th Olympic Games comes off the wraps. Chief of Mission Monico Puentevella and Olympic attaché Arturo Macapagal head the delegation composed of 37 athletes, coaches and officials that will take the four-hour trip via Philippine Airlines flight on that day. Joining the two officials are: Marestella Torres and Henry Dagmil of athletics, Harry Tañamor of boxing; Sheila Mae Perez and Rexel Ryan Fabriga of diving; Daniel Coackley, Ryan Paolo Arabejo, Miguel Molina, James Walsh and Joan Christel Simms of swimming, and Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting.

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MANILA, Philippines – Construction magnate Reghis Romero II and son Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre pledged P1 million to the Filipino gold-medal winner in the Olympics. That brings the total incentive up to P11.5 million to the Olympic winner. “It’s just our own little way to help our athletes who have been training religiously throughout the year," said Mikee Romero, owner of the Harbour Centre team in the Philippine Basketball League.

MANILA, July 27 -- Crowd-favorite Ginebra completed a sweep of Red Bull after scoring a 101-97 victory in Game Four on Sunday to advance in the finals of the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. Mark Caguiao spearheaded the Gin Kings with 33 points while import Chris Alexander and Sunday Salvancion added 13 markers each. With their win, the Gin Kings will face the winner of other semis series between Magnolia and Air21 in the best-of-seven finals.

BEIJING, July 27 -- Two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist Gary Payton believed the United States would bring the gold back at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. "The three who lost it were LeBrone (James), D (Dwyane)-Wade and Carmelo Anthony, they're going to play well. They're really going to have a chip on their shoulder and I think they're going to bring the gold back," Payton was quoted as saying by the official website of the USA Baksetball on Sunday.

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MANILA, Philippines - The ante for the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist has breached the P9-million mark. Sports apparel No Fear, through former Wushu Federation Philippines president Jimmy Ong, has pledged an additional P1 million as reward to the first Filipino athlete who will win the country’s breakthrough gold medal in the Beijing Olympics set to begin on August 8.

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MANILA, Philippine – The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) is hoping one of its Olympians can get an early break in the Beijing Games. Toni Rivero, a strong bet to end the country’s Olympic gold-medal drought, is competing in the under-67kg division. Robert Aventajado said he hopes Rivero can get an early bye because if she does, that will mean she will only need three wins to clinch the gold.

ZHENGZHOU, China, July 25 -- A total of 22 rescuers in the May 12 Sichuan earthquake were newly named torchbearers in central China's Henan province, local authorities confirmed Friday. The list of the 22 newly selected torchbearers was issued before the start of the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Henan.

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MANILA, Philippines – Air21 weathered Magnolia’s endgame comeback, 103-102, to level their Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup best-of-seven semifinals series Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Express trailed by as many as 12 in the third quarter but managed to comeback and grab the upperhand behind the heroics of Gary David. With the win, the best of seven series is now tied at 1-1. Game 3 is set on Friday

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 22 -- Co-leaders San Beda College and Letran College shoot for their sixth straight win on Wednesday when they tackle separate rivals in the ongoing 84th NCAA men’s basketball war at the Cuneta Astrodome. Setting aside a protest lodged against their Nigerian player Samuel Ekwe, the three-time defending champion Red Lions take on dangerous Jose Rizal University at the 2:00 p.m. game.

DAVAO CITY, July 23 -– A total of 10 explosive fights for the Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) and Mixed Martial Arts events will banner the First Fury Fighting Championships by 6 p.m. at the Tent of the Matina Town Square on July 25. Veteran mixed martial arts fighter and organizer Bambi Posadas said the events will be presented by Kamaong Bato Productions and Knollman Advertising.

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MANILA, Philippines – Inadvertently or not, Freddie Roach may have hit a raw nerve with his recent comments. Last week, Manny Pacquiao’s trainer said Pacquiao would knock out Oscar de la Hoya if the two met inside the ring. Apparently, de la Hoya found out about the comment and Eric Gomez, vice president of de la Hoya’s promotional outfit Golden Boy Promotions, said Roach’s one-sided forecast ticked off his boss.

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MANILA, Philippines – The absence of import Steve Thomas not only cost Air21 Game One of its semifinal series with Magnolia. The Express also had to give away some cash. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) fined the franchise P50,000 on Tuesday for playing without an import at the start of its Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup semifinals in the weekend.

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MANILA, Philippines – Air21 big man Arwind Santos has a strong case for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after Sta. Lucia, Purefoods and Alaska, which all feature strong MVP candidates, failed to advance past the wildcard and quarterfinals phase of the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup. Entering the semifinals of the import-laden conference, Santos remains at no. 2 in the statistical-point (SP) average (34.0). But the former collegiate MVP is poised to take over the top spot currently held by Kelly Williams (35.1) following the ouster of the Realtors in the Round of Six.

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MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia outclassed an import-less Air21 side, 113-87, to take the headstart in their Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup semifinals series at the Astrodome. Import Amal McCaskill and Lordy Tugade clicked from both inside and outside for the Beverage Masters, fresh from a 78-60 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers in their survival game for the last Final Four berth just two nights ago.They are now up over the Express, 1-0, in the best-of-seven encounter.

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday held a reception for U.S. Olympians at the White House, wishing them good luck at the upcoming Beijing Olympics. Speaking to dozens of the members of the U.S. Olympic team in the Rose Garden, the president said he hopes they will represent the "American character" to the world, being "humble in victory and gracious in defeat." "By showing respect for your competitors, you will demonstrate America's respect for the world, " he said.

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MANILA, Philippines – The first-timer in the British Open certainly looks forward to coming back. Next year, perhaps? Angelo Que missed the cut in the Open championship after he had a 78 in the second round Friday. He started decently, producing a 76 in Day One and keeping alive the country’s hope of seeing its son finally get through the final stages. But a bogey-riddled day—eight in all to go with a pair of inconsequential birdies—torpedoed Que’s chances.

BEIJING, July 20 -- A wind power plant has become operational in suburban Beijing, considered a major step towards making 20 percent of the power supply to the city's Olympic venues during the games wind-generated. The Guanting Wind Power Plant, beginning operation on Saturday, would not only help fulfil Beijing's promise of a "green Olympics", but symbolize the first-ever large-scale employment of wind power generation project in the Chinese capital, said a spokesman for the project. With an installed capacity of 64,500 kilowatts, the plant has 43 domestically developed wind power units at work.

TIANJIN, July 20 -- The Tianjin Binhai International Airport on Sunday started to implement special security checks to ensure air transport safety during the upcoming Beijing Olympics. Security checking equipment against flammable and explosive substances have been installed at the entrances of the terminal.
Passengers, people who come to receive or see the passengers off as well as those who work at the airport all have to undergo security checks if they are to enter the airport.

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MANILA, Philippines - Unfazed by his defeat in the political ring last year, World Boxing Council lightweight champion Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao is keen on making a comeback in politics in 2010.

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MANILA, Philippines – The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings dominated the Sta. Lucia Realtors throughout their quarterfinals game, scoring an easy 113-85 win on Wednesday in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The Gin Kings used a balanced scoring attack to complete a 2-0 sweep of the import-less Realtors in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.

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MANILA, Philippines - The World Boxing Council gave Manny Pacquiao until July 28 to decide which between his two championships belts he would like to keep, Philboxing.com reported recently, referring to a letter the web site obtained from WBC president Jose Sulaiman. With the various names being thrown around as his next possible opponent, who are mostly from the lightweight division, there may be little doubt that Pacquiao will stay on in the 135lb class. Still, the WBC called the deadline to determine its plans in the super-featherweight division, especially after the controversial fight that featured Humberto Soto and Francisco Lorenzo.

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MANILA, Philippines - One-half of the power US-based Filipino duo that has taken Philippine tennis to new heights will not be with the Nationals when the next major competition comes around. Eric Taino has informed the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) of his decision to forego his spot on the RP team when it faces Kazakhstan in the Davis Cup Zonals set September 21 in Kazakstan.

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MANILA, Philippines - The most powerful man in the world’s most popular sport is coming to Manila. Again. Fifa president Sepp Blatter will lead the inauguration of the House of Football, the new building of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), on August 2. Blatter will be joined by Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam. In a rare stopover in Southeast Asia, Blatter visited the country last December as part of the centenary of the PFF.

BEIJING, July 16 -- China meted out penalties to four cities and 10 power firms for their failures in meeting anti-pollution requirements just weeks before the Olympics. Pre-construction environmental evaluation was halted for all new projects that can increase carbon oxygen demand (COD), a measure of water pollution, in the Yingtan city of east China's Jiangxi Province, Sanya City of the Hainan Province, Hechi City of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Yuxi City of Yunnan Province. The decision was made by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and other three government departments because the four cities' sewage treating plants had "lagged too much in construction, run below capacity for a long time or not been in operation without reasons," Xinhua learnt on Tuesday.

By Lily O Ramos

MANILA, July 15 -- The Philippine team composed of three male bodybuilders and one female fitness contender will leave Wednesday to partake on July 16-21 in the 2008 Asian Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships in Hong Kong.

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MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico is certain the Kings will be able to endure the absence of key player Ronald Tubid as the team seeks to go deeper into the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup playoffs. “We have to work on our guard-forward rotation without Ronald. We have to deal with that," he said a day after the league’s crowd darlings moved on the verge of nailing a berth in the semifinals of the season-ending tournament following the Kings’ 92-90 win over the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the opener of their best-of-three quarterfinals series.

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MANILA, Philippines – Proof that it is willing to lend a hand to the national cause, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is retaining its two-conference format for the 2008-09 season. The PBA board decided to keep the same set-up to accommodate the full training of the men’s national team eyeing to compete in the FIBA-Asia qualifying tournament for the World Basketball Championship in 2010.

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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferred the Champion for Life of the Order of Lakandula to sixth time World Bowling Champion Rafael “Paeng" Nepomuceno for his outstanding achievement in international sports, the last of which is his victory at the South Pacific Classic tournament in Melbourne in Australia last October 2007. “Congratulations, the Filipino people are very proud of you," Mrs Arroyo said citing Nepomuceno for his extraordinary contribution to Philippine sports and for his outstanding achievements in bowling competitions.

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MANILA, Philippines - Hardly has Sta. Lucia taken a breather following two straight sudden-death games when another do-or-die affair stares the Realtors straight in the eye again. Barangay Ginebra sent the reigning Philippine Cup champion on the verge of elimination following a thrilling 92-90 win at the start of their best-of-three quarterfinal showdown Sunday at the Astrodome. Game Two of the short series will be played Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with the Realtors again fighting for dear life less than a week after they were able to extend their campaign in the Smart-Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Cup.

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MANILA, Philippines - Glenn Donaire of the Philippines lost via unanimous decision to reigning International Boxing Federation light-flyweight champion Ulises Solis of Mexico in a world-title bout Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) in Hermosillo town in Mexico.

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MANILA, Philippines - Magnolia took opposing imports Jason Dixon and Brandon Dean out of the equation and the Beverage Masters went on to post a rousing 108-96 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers in Game One of their quarterfinals series in the Smart-Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Cup Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. The Beverage Masters held the two Coke imports to a combined 14 points which they used as springboard in clinching the lopsided victory.

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MANILA, Philippines -The Philippines posted a one-two finish in the men's all-events competition of the 20th Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Chester King came with out with another brilliant game to win the gold medal, while teammate Raoul Miranda held his ground for silver medal finish, according to a Philippine Bowling Association(PBC) statement issued on Thursday. King posted a three-game series of 648 pinfalls to his Asian three-game record of 813 to amass a 24-game total of 5,534 (230.58 average) from his singles, doubles, trios, and team outings. Miranda, already the singles bronze medalist, accounted for 5,444 pinfalls (226.83 average) to hold off United Arab Emirate's Hussain Al-Suwaidi, who settled for the bronze with 5,366 pinfalls (223.58 average).

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MANILA, Philippines - International master John Paul Gomez stayed on top of the standings after the 12th round of the Chess Olympiad qualifying tournament, with grandmasters Buenaventura Villamayor and Wesley So tied at the second and third spot. Gomez and So settled for draws, giving Villamayor the chance to move up the standings of the tournament, which is being held at the Kaban ng Hiyas Building at the Mandaluyong City Hall compound. Villamayor downed IM Barlo Nadera in 47 moves of a Closed Catalan match to tie So's 8.5 points based on seven wins, three draws, and only two losses.

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 9 – Sta. Lucia Realty rallied in the second half to beat Alaska, 99-86, on Wednesday and moved one step away from clinching the last quarterfinals seat of the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Joseph Yeo and Fil-Am Kelly Williams spearheaded the Realtors' explosion, combining 37 points in the final frame for the Philippine Cup champion. The Realtors will face the winner of the ongoing second game between Purefoods and Talk 'N Text in the knockout match for the right to face Ginebra in the best-of-five quarterfinals. On the other hand, the Aces joined Welcoat for an early vacation.

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 9 – The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Executive Board approved on Wednesday the appointment of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as the Team Philippines' flag-bearer for the highly-anticipated Beijing Olympic Games from August 8 to 24. ”The POC approved Pacquiao as flag-bearer,” said POC deputy secretary-general and swimming president Mark Joseh after a special meeting on Wednesday. Joseph said the POC is now working on how to get proper accreditation for the famous Filipino world boxing champion “so he could have access to the Olympic Village and the stadium for the opening ceremony.

QINGDAO, July 10 -- The algae outbreak off the coast of this Olympic co-host city was "unavoidable," Hein Verbruggen, International Olympics Committee coordination commission chairman, has said. "I believe it is an unavoidable natural disaster," Verbruggen said on Tuesday after hearing a report on the issue by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games in the national capital. "We believe you did not deserve it. We believe in the ability of the local government to call upon all human resources to deal with it," the official was quoted by Yuan Zhiping, assistant to the chairman of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee, as saying.

MANILA, July 8 -- Chances of Manny Pacquiao being allowed to carry the Philippine flag during the August 8 opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics are just getting better. Monico Puentevella, chef-de-mission of the Philippine team to the Olympics, said the entry of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz to the roster gives the country three additional slots for officials. “In the Olympics, once the number of official entries of a country reaches 15, that country is given three extra slots for its officials. We can award one of those slots to Manny,” he said.

By Lily O Ramos

MANILA, July 8 -- The Philippine Basketball Association is often in a dilemma when it comes to the formation of the national team, particularly for the Asian Games and the Olympics. After all, if the PBA lends most of its superstars to the RP squad, Asia's first play-for-pay league could end up like a telenovela without its stellar stars which could result into a dwindling league gate receipts. “Being the number one basketball organization in the country, we should really extend our help to the formation of the national team. But that being said, we also have to stress that’s not why we were formed. “The PBA also has to stay strong. Without its stars, the PBA is unstable and financially weak. We also need to stay stable and balanced,” said PBA Commissioner Renauld "Sonny" Barrios.

MANILA, July 8 – Senate President Manny Villar, the newest godfather of billiards, has expressed full support to the country’s bid to host for third straight year the World Pool 9-ball Championship in November. ”Bringing in more international tournaments like this World Pool championship would help more local players to excel,” said Villar during a dinner meeting with top cue artists led by reigning world No. 1 Dennis Orcollo and 2006 WPC champion Ronnie Alcano on Monday night at the Teriyaki Boy restaurant in Starmall EDSA. The Philippines hosted the last two staging of the WPC and has still the option whether to host its 2008 edition again or waive it to other interested country. Despite reports that the local organizers did not earn profit during the previous hosting, Villar still vowed to pour out resources for the hosting anew of the prestigious tournament.

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MANILA, Philippines, July 8 - Glenn Donaire of the Philippines will challenge for the International Boxing Federation light-flyweight championship on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) in Hermosillo town in Mexico.

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July 8 - The 15th RP Olympian is a 16-year-old. Hidilyn Diaz was given a special wild-card berth by the International Weightlifting Federation, making her the youngest Filipino to earn a trip to the Beijing Games, the BusinessMirror quoting a source reported.

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MANILA, Philippines, July 8 - Two highly touted US-raised Filipino players were the latest to make themselves available for this year's Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft. Harbour Centre guard Sol Mercado and the come-backing Rob Reyes already submitted their application papers to the PBA office Monday, signifying their intentions to join the Draft set August 31 at the Market Market in Taguig.

MANILA, July 7 -- With the opening of two of the country’s premier collegiate leagues, PBL coaches are now busy scouting for players whom they could possibly pick for the 2009 Rookie Draft slated on Oct. 20. Though most of the league’s marquee players are turning pro next month, PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad believes that there are so many players from the UAAP and NCAA as well as from other collegiate leagues in Metro Manila and Cebu who are ready to take a bigger challenge.

MANILA, July 6 -- With the addition of a 16-year-old lady weightlifter, members of the Team Philippines bound for Beijing Olympic Games can now have the all-access pass to enter all the 37 venues, including the 80,000-capacity Beijing National Stadium. RP team official and wushu president Julian Camacho said the participation of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz has brought the number of country’s sports entries to seven, a requirement needed for issuance of all access accreditation pass for the delegates of the quadrennial meet slated on August 8-24. ”Hidilyn’s addition is a good news for us because the requirement is seven sports entries for a nation to get all access entries, meaning we can now visit all the venues and cheer for our athletes,” said Camacho in a recent interview. Diaz became the 15th Filipino to get Olympic slot via wild card after International Weightlifting Federation invited her to the Beijing Games. Diaz was 13 years old when she took up weightlifting and is a product of Palarong Pambansa in Naga City .

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Mark Caguioa scored 26 points and Ronald Tubid added 24 and the Barangay Ginebra Kings coasted to a 111-96 victory over the Welcoat Dragons in the elimination round of the Smart-Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference Friday at the Araneta Coliseum. Import Chris Alexander finished with 20 points and Player of the Week Jay-Jay Helterbrand had 18 to help the Kings raise their record to 9-8.

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines - When the game is on the line--and on the free-throw line--there's nobody more reliable in the clutch than Chris Tiu. Tiu scored 26 points, 17 of them free throws, and Ateneo used a 10-0 burst midway through the final quarter to beat De La Salle 79-73 in the UAAP men's basketball tournament Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

SINGAPORE, July 4 -- Young people in Asia/Pacific have the highest medal expectations of their home teams at the Beijing Olympic Games in August, said a Visa survey here on Friday.

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MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao arrived home early Friday a week after his dominant victory over David Diaz in Las Vegas, Nevada to claim an unprecedented fourth title. A Philippine Airlines jetliner carrying Pacquiao landed on the NAIA tarmac at 5:03 a.m., radio DZBB reported. Pacquiao, the newly crowned World Boxing Council lightweight champion, was accompanied by his wife Jinkee, the members of his boxing team and some politicians who watched his fight in Las Vegas.

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Former world champion Alex Pagulayan defeated Mohd El Assal of Egypt, 9-5, to bounce back from the losers’ bracket and lead four more Filipinos into the knockout stage of the 2008 Qatar International 9-Ball Championship being held at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Doha. Pagulayan, who, despite being one of the world’s top-ranked cue artists, had to go through the qualifying tournament, was sent into the one-loss side following his third round loss to compatriot Francisco “Django" Bustamante, 9-7.

Earl Maghirang

National Basketball Association superstar Chris Paul left the New Orleans Hornets training center without a contract extension but was optimistic that the deal would go smoothly even if it took a while for it to manifest. According to Paul’s representative, Lance Young of the Octagon sports management and marketing, "We felt like it went well ... and we'll get it wrapped up sometime soon.” Young attended the training with his client Paul and met with Hornets general manager Jeff Bower and left abruptly during the afternoon. He then emerged from Bower’s office a few hours later. Young said, "We're all on the same page, so we'll be able to get it worked out. I don't think we're in any real rush to get it done."

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 2 – Air21 Express defeated Purefoods, 113-103, on Wednesday night to formally clinch the first outright semifinals seat of the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum. Actually, the Express wrapped up their elimination campaign with a four-game winning streak to advance in the Final Four with 12-6 win-loss card.

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 2 – Athletics president Go Teng Kok named on Wednesday top local long-jumpers Henry Dagmil and Marestella Torres to represent the Philippines in the athletics event in the Beijing Olympics slated Aug. 8-24 this year. Go made the announcement after meeting with the national coaches who evaluated the performances of the top candidates that also include Julius Nierras, the only Filipino gold winner in the recent Asian Grand Prix. “We based our decision on the athletes’ performances here and abroad and after thorough evaluation we came up with Dagmil and Torres,” Go said.

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MANILA, Philippines – Efren "Bata" Reyes dominated Abudlatef Alfawal of Qatar, 9-0, in the second round of the Qatar International 9-Ball Open Championship being held at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Al Muntazah Road in Doha, Qatar.

MANILA, July 1 -- Operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) confiscated on Tuesday 300 pieces of pirated VCDs and DVDs of the "Lethal Combination" bout between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and David Diaz last Sunday in Las Vegas. Police picked up for questioning Arjay Soriano, 29; Ricky Bungalan, 16; John Ordornio, 16; Michael Marsoles, 17; Ryan Mamac, 19; Vergel Alupan, 19 and Vicente Arcede, 23, all vendors along Carriedo Street in Quiapo, Manila.

Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquiao proved that he is really the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world as he knocked out Mexican-American David Diaz in the ninth round during their match yesterday, June 29 (Philippine time).

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, June 30 – Millions of boxing fans will see more fights of Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, perhaps climbing the 140-pound division. The newly-crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion is not entertaining any retirement plan yet despite an appeal of her loving mother Dionisia for him to quit boxing.

MANILA, June 30 -- Jayjay Helterbrand continues to sizzle and so do the Barangay Ginebra Kings. With their ace playmaker maintaining his razor-sharp form of late, the Kings have notched their fourth straight win, keeping them on track for a coveted slot in the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference. Along the way, Helterbrand was also adjudged as the Smart/Accel- PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week for the period June 23 to 29. It was the third such citation in four weeks for the 5-foot-11 point guard, who was also chosen for the periods June 2 to 8 and 9 to 15.

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MANILA, July 1 - Manny Pacquiao, the new World Boxing Council lightweight champion, is set to defend his title on November 8. In an interview with radio dzBB, Pacquiao said the schedule for his next fight is already set but his next opponent remains unknown. "Wala pa (kalaban) pero yung date November 8 (There is no specific opponent yet but it would be on November 8)," Pacquiao said.

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Mexican-American David Diaz felt like he was hit hard by a whirlwind. Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao was so "fuckin' fast," according to Diaz that he was not able to stop his punches, until he succumbed to the lethal speed of his foe in the ninth round of their bout in Las Vegas, Nevada. On Sunday (Philippine time), after their "Lethal Combination" showdown at the Mandalay Events Center, Diaz praised Pacquiao as a "great fighter, more than what I expected." In an interview aired over radio dzBB, Diaz described how he was battered by a whirlwind-like opponent.

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The world’s boxing idol turned into an eager fan on Sunday after Boston Celtics players showed up in his Las Vegas fight, and rejoiced over his victory against Mexican-American pugilist David Diaz. Manny Pacquiao, who was crowned as World Boxing Council’s lightweight champ, was elated by Celtics’ presence, especially by Kevin Garnett who is Pacman’s favorite. The Celtics, who recently won the NBA finals, reportedly reserved 16 tickets to watch and support Pacquiao in his fight at the Mandalay Events Center.

Earl Maghirang

Romania’s only Olympic gold medalist boxer, Nicolae Linca, died on Saturday, June 28 at the age of 79.

Earl Maghirang

Barangay Ginebra continued to dominate despite a two-week layoff for a shot at the semifinals for the 2008 Smart- Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum against the Talk n Text Phone Pals with a score of 100-89.

MANILA, June 25 – The Philippines avoided medal shutout as Southeast Asian Games medalist Julius Sermona bagged bronze in the first leg of the 2008 Asian Grand Prix in Bangkok, Thailand. Sermona took the bronze in the 3,000-m run with a time of eight minutes and 28.43 seconds. India’s runners brought home the gold and silver medals.

Earl Maghirang

LAS VEGAS – World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz maybe wary of the superstitious signs but that wont stop him from putting a stop in Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao’s quest to become the overall champion.

Earl Maghirang

Due to a raunchy freestyle rap which was recorded and posted in an entertainment website, National Basketball Association star Shaquille O’Neal has been asked to return a badge which he was using for his work in Virginia County’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

By Lily O Ramos

MANILA, June 24 -- New rules, sepak takraw as a demonstration sport for the first time, the introduction of a 16-man basketball team and the early meeting of powerhouses De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila, will mark the University Athletic Association of the Philippines' (UAAP) 71 anniversary celebration on July 5. This year's host University of the Philippines which is celebrating its 100th year is on top of the situation and hopes to come out better in its bid for more victories in several events like swimming, women's softball and volleyball. UAAP secretary-treasurer Herc Callanta told the Tuesday PSA weekly forum at Shakey's U.N. Avenue,"We’re taking some steps that will make this year’s hosting a bit different, but we still hope to hold the same quality of games and events the UAAP has been known for throughout the years.”

June 25 - SmartLink, the satellite phone service of Smart Telecom is bringing a live coverage the LETHAL COMBINATION - PACQUIAO vs. DIAZ bout without commercial breaks on Sunday June 29 from 8am (Manila time).