MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – UAAP MVP race leader Ben Mbala put on another dominant performance as his De La Salle Green Archers moved up to 12-0 in the UAAP Season 79 standings, following a 95-66 victory against the struggling UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, October 26, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

La Salle is two wins away from becoming the third team in the UAAP Final Four era to sweep the elimination round, with games against Ateneo and FEU remaining on its schedule. Going 14-0 also gives the Green Archers an automatic trip to the Finals.

A win for the Green Archers in their next game against rival Ateneo would also tie the 2002 La Salle team's 13-0 start to a season. 

Mbala finished with 26 points on 54% shooting, 20 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assists, adding to his compilation of big-number performances in his debut season. 

Jeron Teng also had another solid outing for the Green Archers, firing 20 points, while fellow 5th year veteran Thomas Torres had 11 points. 

UE, which dropped to a league-worst 2-9 record, was led by the 17 points and 5 boards of Alvin Pasaol. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Despite facing an early double-digit deficit, the UP Fighting Maroons were able to bounce back and seal their fourth victory in UAAP Season 79 after defeating the slumping NU Bulldogs, 71-66, on Wednesday, October 26, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Down 21-10 in the first period, UP rallied in time to make it a one-possession game at the half before pulling away in the final quarter, thanks to the heroics of budding young star and rookie Javi Gomez De Liano.

The Bulldogs had an opportunity to slice the deficit to 70-68 with a little over 10 seconds to go, but a missed lay-up by Reggie Morido sealed the sixth straight loss for NU.

UP improved to 4-8, while the Bulldogs dropped to the same record.

Jett Manuel led the Maroons with 19 points and 5 rebounds while Gelo Vito accounted for 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.

Gomez De Liano, the standout from UPIS, finished with 13 points and 4 rebounds. Paul Desiderio added 11 points and 13 boards.

NU was led by the 23 points of J-Jay Alejandro. Matt Salem pitched in 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Fil-Am swingman Ryan Arambulo as well as national team and Far Eastern University standout Mac Belo topped a field of 55 aspirants in the skills test on day 1 of the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft combine on Wednesday, October 26, at the Gatorade Hoops Gym in Mandaluyong.

The 26-year-old Arambulo out of California State Fullerton was in the top 5 of all 6 tests and drills designed to give coaches an idea of each player's physical capabilities.

Arambulo, who stands 6-foot-2 and played in the D-League with Wangs and AMA, showcased his speed when he topped the shuttle run with a time of 47.22 seconds and the 3/4 court sprint with a 2.82 second-clip.

"This combine I've been waiting for this for almost 4 years," said Arambulo, who was second the standing vertical leap (3.31 in) and third in the maximum vertical leap test (39.0 in).

"All that hard work, dedication, patience, it all plays a part. I'm just so blessed I happened to perform well today."

Arambulo was a former trackster back in college and played various Filipino basketball leagues. He was eventually scouted by a PBA agent and told him about a potential opportunity to play in the Philippines.

"I've always wanted to play pro so I just decided to make the leap and make the most out of it," he shared. "I prepared myself, I've been working really hard just for this moment so any coaches that want to give me a chance I'm ready to make the most out of it." 

Meanwhile, Gilas cadet Belo somehow made an even stronger case for himself as the prospective top draft pick this year as he showcased his athletic ability as this pool's highest leaper.

The 6-foot-4 Belo, a former UAAP Finals MVP, recorded the best height in the standing vertical leap (33.7 in) and the maximum vertical leap (43.5 in).

His versatility, athleticism, on top of his high basketball IQ made him a perennial matchup problem for coaches back in the UAAP, and it's expected to land him the first overall pick in the draft.

Belo, along with 11 others, will be part of the special Gilas draft to take place before the regular draft on Sunday, October 30 at Robinsons Ermita.

The other top performers from day 1 of the combine include Jammer Jamito with his 11.31-second best finish in the lane agility drill, as well as Raffy Banal, who had an 11.3-meter best in the maximum medicine ball throw.

Rookie applicants will get to showcase more of how they play with scrimmages set for day 2 of the combine on Thursday, October 27.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Charley Caluya stood out among the 55 rookie aspirants at the Gatorade Hoops Gym in Mandaluyong on Wednesday, October 26. He was easily the skinniest and the shortest in the bunch. But ultimately he drew media attention as the oldest applicant in this year's PBA Rookie Draft.

The 43-year-old Caluya is nearly twice as old as most of his competition that include prospective top pick Mac Belo and other national team cadets Jio Jalalon, Kevin Ferrer, and Ed Daquioag, among others. (READ: Fil-Am Ryan Arambulo, Mac Belo top day 1 of PBA Rookie Draft Combine)

But the native of Sitio de Asis, San Martin de Porres, in Parañaque said he is only chasing his dream to play in the PBA. He draws inspiration from other veterans like Jayjay Helterbrand, 40, and Asi Taulava, 43.

"Actually longtime dream ko 'to eh, ever since I was in Grade 4. 'Yung mga nakaraan taon, hindi ko alam paano gagawin. But I never stopped playing basketball, I never stopped dreaming," the 5-foot-6 Caluya said during a break in the draft combine. 

(Actually this has been my longtime dream, ever since I was in Grade 4. In the past years I didn't know how to apply. But I never stopped playing basketball, I never stopped dreaming.)  

"Sabi nga nila wala sa edad 'yan kung mangarap ka. As long as binigyan ka ng talent ni Lord, gamitin mo." (They say there's no age limit to dreaming, as long as the Lord gave you talent, use it.)

Caluya, whose only playing experience is at the barangay level, said he never applied for the draft because he did not know how to do so.

But right before Game 4 of the recent Governors' Cup Finals between Ginebra and Meralco, Caluya and his friends found their way to the PBA office in Libis in search of elusive tickets. He decided right then and there to submit an application.

"Siyempre sinasabi nila matanda na ako. Pero 'yung nanay ko nung nanood ng championship sa sitio namin, nakita niya talaga 'yung talent ko and kung paano ako mahalin ng crowd," said Caluya, whose a fan of San Miguel Beer, Star Hotshots, and Ginebra, and whose all-time favorite coach is Yeng Guiao.

"Nung una ayoko sabihin sa kanila, kasi siyempre kahit mga kaklase ko sasabihin matanda na ako. Pero may pangarap pa rin ako eh."

(Of course my friends and family told me I'm too old already. But my mother watched me play the championship at our village and she saw my talent and how much the crowd loved me. At first I didn't want to tell people because even my classmates would say I'm too old. But this is my dream.)

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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">At 43 y/o, Charley Caluya is the oldest PBA Draft applicant this year. Says he wants to earn to help kids &amp; he follows the &quot;Kobe mentality&quot; <a href="https://t.co/IsHmnqQlnk">pic.twitter.com/IsHmnqQlnk</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/791242184544497665">October 26, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Caluya, who plays basketball every Wednesday, is in between jobs. He used to work as an english teacher at a Korean school and as medical representative. He has a wife of 10 years but does not have any children.

He likes to play with the kids in his community. He turned glassy-eyed when he said part of the reason he joined the draft was because he wanted to have the means to help those underprivileged kids.

"Kaya 'pag nakakakita ako sa amin ng mga batang kalye na hindi nakakapag-aral, hindi halos kumakain, naaano 'yung loob ko," he said. "Kaya sabi ko someday matutulungan ko rin kayo."

(When I see those kids in the streets that could not go to school or barely eat, I feel sad. I told them someday I'll be able to help them.)

Caluya is also a fan of retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant, saying he has mimicked the Lakers star's play. He is often referred to as "Kobe" by the people he plays with. He said he even adapted Bryant's famed "Kobe [Mamba] Mentality."

The probability that Caluya will get selected on Sunday, October 30, is very low, but the experience of joining the draft alone is something he won't forget.

"At least blessing na rin 'to sa akin," he said. "Hindi man ako makuha, nandito na ako eh." (At least this is already a blessing for me. I might not get it, but I'm here.) – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Reece McLaren will have his shot at Bibiano Fernandes’ ONE Championship bantamweight title as the Filipino-Australian fighter is set to square off with the Brazilian champion in the co-headliner of the "Age of Domination” card on December 2. 

Fernandes (19-3) is riding high on an impressive 11-fight winning streak and captured the undisputed ONE Championship bantamweight belt with a 5-round verdict over Soo Chul Kim in October 2013. 

The 36-year-old Brazilian has defended his gold-plated strap 4 times, including a first-round submission victory over Filipino stalwart Kevin Belingon last January.

In the other corner, McLaren (9-3) has won two straight bouts under the banner of the Singapore-based mixed martial arts organization and holds notable triumphs over the likes of Filipino-American sensation Mark Striegl and Tajik combatant Muin Gafurov.

McLaren, 25, has only gone distance twice in his professional career, owning 5 submission wins and two knockout victories. 

ONE: Age of Domination is set to take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The moment was magical. Over 22,000 people stood on their feet, the rumbling and thumping rising, as if they were being pulled in as witnesses by history itself.

The clock read 5.5 seconds, the scoreboard showed an 88-all tie. As two teams concentrated on the huddle at timeout, specks of light began sparkling at the upper gallery. The moment unfolded as organically as possible.  

(IN PHOTOS: Ginebra beats Meralco and rises to the top)

Fans raised their flashlight-equipped smartphones into the air. First a couple, then some more, until it grew into a rallying cry of support. By the time the players filed onto the court to finish the game, the dimly-lit domed ceiling of the Smart Araneta Coliseum was dotted with manmade stars. 

It was the perfect preface to an equally fitting conclusion to 8 years of mediocrity and dismay. 

Amid the silent prayers of nervous fans, chants of “Gi-neb-ra!” rang through the arena as Sol Mercado prepared to inbound the ball. After a couple seconds of switching, Justin Brownlee received the pass and the clock began its final countdown. 

At exactly 2.4 seconds, Brownlee ignored Allen Durham’s defense and pulled up from way beyond the top of the key. 

The arena stood still, holding its breath for at least a second. Then, pandemonium. The final buzzer was never heard, drowned in the madness. 

Overcome with thrill, Brownlee ran back down the court, his teammates on his heels until they piled up on him. All around ear-splitting cheers rocked the Big Dome and the lights began dancing as their owners jumped up and down. 

(WATCH: Justin Brownlee hits 3-pointer to clinch championship for Ginebra)

“You know, it was almost like it was meant to happen,” retired PBA player Ali Peek said on the cable television broadcast as footage of Ginebra players yelling to the heavens in glee rolled on. 

“When you saw all those cameras come out from the crowd, it had to have happened.” 

Over at the upper box section, a family of longtime Barangay Ginebra fans burst into tears and embraced each other. Another fan since the Robert Jaworski era thanked God for her answered prayers. The long wait was finally over. The Gin Kings, the PBA’s most popular ballclub, are champions once again.

“Our fans are amazing. Best fans in the world,” Mercado said. “Whole world. Not just the Philippines. They’ve been amazing throughout the whole series and the whole season.” 

But that was just the blissful ending to a draining 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-7 finals series battling a very determined Meralco team. There were a slew of other small and big moments, all significant, that led to that vindication. 

(READ: Brownlee's childhood dream comes true with Ginebra game-winner)

As soon as the celebrations commenced, the camers quickly cued on coach Tim Cone, the general behind this Ginebra conquest. It was a low angle shot, aptly portraying Cone as a great man. It was, after all, his 19th PBA championship. 

Cone had both his hands on his waist in that final play. He watched it unfold intently from the sidelines. When the uproar began, Cone simply turned and started walking over to Meralco’s bench. 

“I just, you know, at that situation you feel really bad walking to the other side of the court and shaking the hand of the other coach because there's just nothing he could have done about that,” the two-time Grand Slam coach said of approaching another Grand Slam coach Norman Black.

“They (Meralco) played it perfectly. They denied him (Brownlee), they got the ball far, you know. Just a great shot, nothing he could have done and you feel a little bad. It's not like, I beat you. Just got lucky.” 

Cone later admitted the play he designed was supposed to have Brownlee driving to the basket. But the import made the decision to shoot. 

“We did set it up so we would get him the ball. But he was supposed to drive to the basket, and he made the decision to pull up and shoot the 3. Any shot at that point would have been a good shot, because it was tied, if we didn't make it, we'll go to overtime,” Cone explained.  

“But that was a really difficult shot he made. It was deep, it was far behind. He got the ball too far away, he was supposed to get the ball at the top of the key. Sol didn't give him the ball right away, I wanted to give him more time. 

“But at least he got to a shooting position, let it go, and I was like, oh shoot. I’m thinking overtime when he shot it, because you know, it was a tough shot. Then it goes in and oh my gosh.” 

The jubilation was the product of many hours in practice trying to pull together a team that’s gotten used to early playoff exits since 2008. Cone took over as head coach just before this season, an all-new challenge after steering San Mig Coffee (now Star Hotshots) to the Grand Slam in 2014. 

“I’m just so happy to end it (in Game 6), you can't imagine how happy I am,” he said. “My wife is, too. My wife probably lost 10 pounds this whole series.”  

'Mark and Jay, they saved the whole series. At a time when it looked like we were ready to give up, they wouldn't let it happen. They honestly wouldn't let it happen.'

– Tim Cone

The Fast and The Furious save the day 

That Brownlee even had the opportunity to take the game-winning shot was in large part thanks to the heroics of Ginebra’s iconic veterans, Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa. 

The backcourt pair known as “The Fast and the Furious” turned the series around with an inspired Game 4 performance, raising Ginebra back from sure death in a 16-point hole and to 3 straight wins for the title. 

Helterbrand, playing on his 40th birthday that day, sparked the Gin Kings to a huge fourth quarter rally and a series-defining momentum shift that the Bolts could not overcome. 

“Mark and Jay, they saved the whole series,” Cone declared. “Honestly, I shouldn't be here. Mark and Jay should be here, they should be the ones talking. They were the series-savers.” 

“They played with such intensity and desire and hunger that it rubbed off on everybody. It became not a thing of ‘I want to win it for me’ or ‘I want to win it for myself’, it became a thing of ‘I want to win it for Mark’ and ‘I want to win it for Jayjay’.” 

Helterbrand normed 6 points and 2 rebounds in 4 games in the finals. He scored his most points, 11, in Game 4. But in Game 6, it was his layup off a steal in the fourth quarter that shoved Ginebra ahead for the first time in the second half. 

Caguioa, who turns 37 next month, averaged 7.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 5 finals games.

Neither contributed the big numbers that used to dictate outcomes in their youth. But they were significant enough to jolt the rest of the Gin Kings back to life. 

“They were so hungry to win. We could see it every day,” said Cone. “Jayjay, who's normally very quiet, he's off the bench yelling and screaming, coming to practice talking to everybody.” 

Cone acknowledged the weight of what the pair, the only remnants of the 2008 champion team, had done for Ginebra. 

“At a time when it looked like we were ready to give up, they wouldn't let it happen. They honestly wouldn't let it happen,” he said. “They saved the series in that Game 4. Without that Game 4, we wouldn't be sitting here. Probably would have been finished in Game 5.” 

“They were amazing,” Cone emphasized, “they were absolutely amazing.” 

Quest for more 

Not to be forgotten are the vital contributions of guys like Mercado (and his cold-blooded 3-pointers and his clutch putback in Game 2), rookie Scottie Thompson (and his wily playmaking and relentless rebounding), Japeth Aguilar (and his holding fort inside sans injured Greg Slaughter plus his game-winning jumper in the semifinals), Joe Devance, Aljon Mariano, Jervy Cruz, Dave Marcelo and the rest of the guys down the bench. 

Not to be forgotten, also, is the resurgence of LA Tenorio. The veteran guard has had a good season and an even better Governors’ Cup as he regained the old spring in his step and the glimmer in his eyes under longtime mentor Cone. 

He was consistent this conference and reliable in the finals, allowing him to claim the Finals MVP honor. Tenorio averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the last series. 

“I don’t know how but he brings out the best in me every time we’re together,” Tenorio said in Filipino and English of Cone, who also coached him back in Alaska. 

“I really trust his system so whatever he tells us to do we believe him, we know that he will lead us. I knew in time he will lead us to a championship and here we are.” 

Tenorio wasn’t the only one Cone enlightened. After bouncing from one team to another over his 8-year career, Mercado just this conference said he’s finally found a home in Ginebra and under the guidance of Cone. 

“Coach Tim is amazing. I was talking to Joe (Devance) at practice and we're saying how my career would've been if I would have been with coach Tim for those 8 years. But like I said God had purpose in all of that,” Mercado shared. 

“I owe a lot of my growth to coach Tim. It was all worth it, finally found a home and this is the best home. If my rookie year they told me that I was going to bounce around from team to team and then end up in Ginebra, I would have said, ‘yeah, I'll sign up for it let's do it!’” 

After Brownlee’s big triple, every setback in the last 8 years became worth it – whether it was in a humbling finals sweep against Alaska 3 years ago, a painful semis Game 7 heartbreak versus rival San Mig Coffee two years ago, and even the “kangkong” comments and dwindling faith of a proud fan base. 

(READ: Ginebra's Mark Caguioa gets last laugh: 'Sino'ng kangkong ngayon?')

In the 7 days since the confetti fell, Ginebra has been aboard the grand championship tour: clubbing, exit interviews, a fans day, and a thanksgiving party for San Miguel Corp. employees. 

They likely will bask under their hard-earned spotlight until the last possible minute when Cone will force them to look ahead to the new season and the 2017 Philippine Cup starting on November 20. 

The Gin Kings need not worry, though. This may not be the last time they’ll experience the championship joy ride. After all, Cone was never in the business of simply ending a title drought. 

“This is not ‘a’ championship. In our minds, this is our ‘first’ championship. This is not the only championship that we're going to get,” Cone declared, the beer and champagne still overflowing from the Gin Kings’ locker room. 

“We're not into just winning a championship, we want to win many. That's our challenge and we want to continue to grow as a team. We have to grow from this one into the next one, and into the next conference.”– Rappler.com

MANCHESTER, England - Juan Mata's second-half strike earned Manchester United a 1-0 win over holders Manchester City on Wednesday, October 26 (Thursday Manila time) as Jose Mourinho's resurgent side reached the English Football League Cup quarter-finals. 

Humiliated 4-0 by Mourinho's former club Chelsea over the weekend, United got back to winning ways and claimed a measure of revenge for their 2-1 loss to Pep Guardiola's City in last month's league derby.

The result at Old Trafford gave Mourinho only his third victory in 13 encounters with Guardiola, who has gone six games without victory for the first time in his glittering managerial career.

"The players did everything and deserved to win. We are happy," Mourinho said.

"In the last week everything went against us, but we are professionals.

"The fans felt deeply such a negative result and today was a good chance to clear that feeling, because a derby knockout and to win gives everyone a better feeling." 

United will now entertain West Ham United, who claimed a 2-1 upset win over Chelsea, while Southampton's reward for overcoming Sunderland 1-0 is a trip to Arsenal. 

Mourinho previously won the competition three times at Chelsea and with City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all falling by the wayside in the fourth round, his path to the final is clearing once again. 

While City remain top of the league, on goal difference, and although Guardiola selected a much weaker team than Mourinho, their early season momentum has deserted them.

Mourinho used his programme notes to say "sorry" to United's fans for the result at Chelsea and his decision to make only four changes to his starting XI showed his eagerness to make amends. 

Guardiola, in contrast, made 9 changes, notably handing starts to youngsters Pablo Maffeo and Aleix Garcia. 

His side should have gone ahead in the second minute when Kelechi Iheanacho headed over from Jesus Navas's cross and they might have had a penalty when Michael Carrick caught Garcia near the byline. 

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba both wasteful, United struggled to establish a foothold in City territory and when they did, the visitors' defenders were on hand to block. 

West Ham trouble

Had Marcos Rojo not rushed across to block from Iheanacho, meanwhile, United would have trailed at the interval. 

But Mourinho's half-time team talk had the desired effect and after City goalkeeper Willy Caballero had touched a shot from Pogba onto the post, the hosts took a 54th-minute lead. 

Leaving Nicolas Otamendi on his back in an aerial challenge, Ibrahimovic crossed from the left and with Ander Herrera and Fernando colliding at the near post, Mata popped up to sweep home.

"Congratulations to United, they made a good performance," said Guardiola. 

"We had chances on the counter-attack. I am happy with the young players. No regrets (about his team selection)." 

West Ham pulled off the biggest shock of the round with victory over Chelsea in the first local derby at their new London Stadium.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte made 7 changes from his side's win over United and saw his team fall behind to Cheikhou Kouyate's superb 11th-minute header. 

Edimilson Fernandes added a second early in the second half and although Gary Cahill reduced the arrears in stoppage time, after substitute Eden Hazard had hit the post, it came too late. 

There was a heavy police presence inside and outside the former Olympic Stadium, where there has been trouble involving West Ham fans in previous games.

But rival supporters clashed at the end of the game, with some throwing chairs and bottles.

"I noticed it, but I wasn't watching it so I really don't know what happened," said West Ham manager Slaven Bilic.

"The game was on. Whatever happened it's a shame and as a club and a team we are totally against it, of course." 

Southampton beat Sunderland at St Mary's courtesy of a fine 20-yard curler from former Lille winger Sofiane Boufal, who was making his full debut. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA - Manny Pacquiao says that despite a punishing schedule which includes juggling two high-profile jobs in the build up to his return to boxing he has still managed to maintain his fire for the sport. 

Now that the Philippine Senate is on a break, the boxing legend says he is finally able to start training in earnest to face World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas. 

Three months after ending his brief ring "retirement," Pacquiao is in the final weeks of preparations for the fight which will be held November 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"It can be very difficult if you are not disciplined. But I feel good," the recently-elected Senate member Pacquiao said Wednesday at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. 

"Every day I was able to run in the morning and then train after the Senate session. The gym is very close to the Senate.

"It is important to win this fight convincingly to prove that I am still there."

Pacquiao's long-time trainer Freddie Roach said the 37-year-old's continued success is a result of the hard work he puts in in the gym.

"His work ethic is still the greatest I have ever seen," Roach said. "I am amazed that after 15 years of working together he still has that passion. 

"He's beating the mitts and beating his sparring partners. He still has the speed and power. Manny will punch this guy out." 

Pacquiao looked impressive in April when he dominated Timothy Bradley in their third fight.  

If he gets past Vargas, as many think he will, Pacquiao could be looking at a fight against unbeaten Terence Crawford in 2017. – Rappler.com

MORE STORIES ON PACQUIAO VS VARGAS

Seeking stardom: Jessie Vargas aims for KO over Pacquiao

IN PHOTOS: Pacquiao begins training for Vargas fight

Pacquiao missed the boxing ring the moment he retired

Nonito Donaire stands as his own man on first Pacquiao card

Pacquiao continues to fight because that's what Pacquiao does

CLEVELAND, USA – Get ready Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs are coming home with a chance to win their first World Series crown since 1908 in front of their devoted but long-suffering supporters.

Jake Arrieta threw 5 hitless innings and the Cubs captured their first World Series triumph since 1945 by routing the Cleveland Indians 5-1 Wednesday, October 26 (Thursday morning, Manila time) to level Major League Baseball's best-of-7 championship showdown at one win each.

The Cubs are trying to end the longest title drought in American sports history and could do it in Chicago starting Friday by sweeping the next 3 games at iconic 102-year-old Wrigley Field.

"Having a World Series to root for, it's going to be incredibly special," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.

"Wrigley, it's always crazy good, but I would have to imagine a little bit more than that, especially coming back at 1-1. I think the folks will be jacked up about the win."

Arrieta, last year's Cy Young Award winner as the National League's best pitcher, tossed a no-hitter in 2015 and another this year and was off to a hot start over 5 innings despite 3 walks.

"I knew I hadn't given up a hit all the way to the sixth," Arietta said. "That's really not the focus in a game like this. You want to pile up outs as often as you can. I wanted to stay aggressive. That was a mindset throughout, whether I gave up a hit or not."

The 30-year-old right-hander stumbled to surrender a run on two hits in the sixth but threw 55 strikes among his 98 pitches over 5 2/3 innings.

"Overall he had great stuff," Maddon said. "His command, a little bit scattered at times, but he kept battling through."

Two first-inning walks with two outs prompted a conference on the mound that helped Arrieta focus.

"I had my foot on the gas a little too much at the start, trying to do more than I needed," Arrieta said. "Then I really got back to just executing good pitches at the bottom of the strike zone."

The Cubs were aided by two fielding errors from Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis.

"We only gave up 5 runs. We were probably pretty fortunate," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "For us to win, we generally need to play a clean game and we didn't do that."

Cold and damp conditions added to the tension and discomfort.

"It was so cold I tried to go to the bathroom in the fourth inning and I couldn't," Francona said. "That tells you enough."

Cubs seize early lead 

Cubs batters, silenced in game one, tagged Indians starter Trevor Bauer quickly in the first inning.

Kris Bryant singled and scored the Cubs' first World Series run in 71 years on a double to rightfield by Anthony Rizzo.

In the third, Rizzo walked with two outs, took second on a Ben Zobrist single and scored on Kyle Schwarber's single up the middle to give the Cubs a 2-0 edge.

Bauer lasted only 3 2/3 innings and his relievers fared no better.

Rizzo walked again in the fourth and scored when Zobrist tripled to the right corner. Schwarber singled up the middle to send home Zobrist and put Chicago ahead 4-0.

Schwarber took second on a wild pitch and third on a Kipris error and scored when Indians relief pitcher Bryan Shaw walked Addison Russell with the bases loaded for a 5-0 Cubs lead.

The Indians, whose championship dry spell since 1948 marks baseball's second-longest drought, finally answered in the sixth.

Kipris doubled, took third on Francisco Lindor's ground out to second base and scored when Arrieta hurled a wild pitch that got past Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras.

Cleveland had two base runners in the seventh and one in the eighth but Cubs reliever Mike Montgomery struck out 4 and Cuban closer Aroldis Chapman entered in the eighth to finish off the victory. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – The Denver Nuggets defied a 50-point performance from New Orleans forward Anthony Davis to down the Pelicans 107-102 Wednesday, October 26 (Thursday morning, Manila time) in the NBA season-opener for both teams.

Davis connected on 17 of 34 shots from the field and 16 of 17 free throws. He also pulled down 16 rebounds, blocked 4 shots and had 7 steals.

But his eighth career game of 40 points or more - 9 short of his career high of 50 - wasn't enough.

Denver's Bosnian center Jusuf Nurkic produced 23 points and 9 rebounds and Will Barton added 22 points as the Nuggets overcame not just Anthony but their own 25 turnovers.

New Orleans closed within 6 points 3 times in the fourth quarter, but Denver responded each time.

Kenneth Faried was a key stopper, drawing two charges and grabbing a tough offensive rebound for a follow-up basket.

He also assisted on a 3-point play by Wilson Chandler that put Denver up 94-85 with 7:09 to play.

Davis cut the deficit to 100-98 with two foul shots and a dunk with 2:32 remaining.

But after Barton was fouled on a drive and hit both free throws it was 102-98.

Davis then came up with his seventh steal of the contest, picking the pocket of Denver's Congolese point guard Emmanuel Mudiay and racing in for a layup that made it 102-100.

Fouled on a jump shot, Mudiay made one of two from the free-throw line. He added 4 more free throws in the final 12.9 seconds left to seal the game. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Though country is heavily engrossed with basketball, boxing, billiards, and currently volleyball, one Filipino promoter believes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu could find a foothold in Philippine sports in the future.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a combat sport system that focuses on grappling and ground fighting, and it was formed from Kodokan Judo fundamentals that were taught by a number of individuals including pioneers Takeo Yano, Mitsuyo Maeda and Soshihiro Satake.

The martial art eventually came to be its own discipline through the experiments, practices, and adaptation of Judo through Carlos and Helio Gracie in the 1900s.

For a basketball-adoring nation like the Philippines, Triumvirate Fighting Championship president Franco Rulloda sees a bright future for Filipinos to shine in the field of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the sport does not require height.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotes the concept that a smaller person can successfully defend against a bigger and heavier assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and taking the fight to the ground before applying joint-locks and chokeholds to subdue the opponent.

“The martial art’s main emphasis is learning, mastering and applying the concept of leverage. It is honing one’s physical attributes and using acquired knowledge to his or her advantage. It does not require too much strength, height and athleticism,” Rulloda told Rappler.

Rulloda believes that Filipinos are tailor-made for martial arts because most of the recognized and successful Pinoy athletes come from combat sports.

“Martial arts have deep roots in Filipino culture. History has proven that Filipinos have that warrior spirit. Fighting has been ingrained in every Pinoy’s DNA that most of the recognized Filipino athletes are the ones in combat sports like Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Mark Muñoz and John Dodson,” he stated. 

There are only a handful of Filipino practitioners who have made a niche on an international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stage, which included Meggie Ochoa and May Masuda.

Ochoa is on a winning roll at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship or commonly known as Mundials, capturing 3-straight gold medals from 2014 to 2016.

Meanwhile, Masuda became the maiden Filipina to snare a gold medal at the Mundials in 2009.

In the male category, Eros Baluyot had his career-defining moment in 2010 by bagging the gold medal at the Mundials at the age of 17.

Other male competitors such as JR Rulloda, Dwight Lloyd Tallo and Jan Hao likewise brought home laurels for their respective stints in different overseas tourneys.

“Filipinos learn fast. We somehow have this gene attributed to absorbing techniques quick and applying them right away. Filipinos are dedicated athletes. We put our heart and soul into whatever it is we are doing. We invest so much in our endeavors, and we are passionate about what we believe in,” Rulloda shared.

Difficulties in spreading awareness

Despite the success of a few homegrown talents in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rulloda admitted that it still has a long way to go to adapt to Filipino taste.

Rulloda pointed out that there are many handicaps in sending the word out to the general public, including its benefits in terms of self-defense.

“The biggest hindrance to the growth of the art is the lack of awareness of the general public of what really happens in an actual self defense situation and how Jiu-Jitsu can be a very effective tool for it. The sporting aspect has a slow progress because the low awareness level leads to low exposure and that results to difficulty in getting sponsorships for deserving athletes,” he explained.

According to Rulloda, there are only 9 clubs in the country that have been duly recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, including DEFTAC-Ribeiro, Atos Philippines, KMA and John Baylon BJJ.

With the viable intention to further promote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Philippines, Rulloda stages a yearly tournament dubbed “Arte Suave Manila.”

Arte Suave Manila started in 2015, which aims to cultivate the future of the sport in the country and serve as a grassroots platform to discover up-and-comers in a local level.

The two-day tourney originally focused on white and blue belters, but Arte Suave Manila will be adding a major twist at this year’s event as it opens its doors to purple belts.

“My goal is to create noise and awareness to the art and the sport. Whatever noise this event will create is going to help the future athletes. I want them to get exposed. I want them to be discovered. I want them to get sponsors,” he disclosed.

Arte Suave Manila is set to hold its second annual card from October 29 to 30 at the CommerCenter Alabang in Muntinlupa City, and Rulloda is expecting a promising turnout.

“Arte Suave Manila is a league by fighters, for fighters. The sport is growing in the country, and so we’re expecting to see high-level Jiu-Jitsu displayed on the mats again this year,” he said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – In his first game as The Man in Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook received some tough love from a Philadelphia 76ers fan.

During the first quarter of the Thunder’s season-opening contest against the 76ers, Westbrook converted a lay-up on the break and drew the foul, leading to a mini celebration afterwards.

An unhappy Philly fan sitting courtside then got up from his seat, and gave two middle fingers to the Thunder star while screaming “F—k you!”

Westbrook gave an animated and comedic reaction. According to NBA reporter Derek Bodner, the fan was then escorted out.

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The man with the middle fingers just got escorted out, it appears.</p>&mdash; Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekBodnerNBA/status/791436447735775232">October 27, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source}

Westbrook finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, leading OKC past Philadelphia for its first win. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA - The new-look Los Angeles Lakers, with Kobe Bryant retired and coach Luke Walton at the helm, opened their NBA season with a 120-114 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to score 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. D'Angelo Russell scored 20 points and Julius Randle added 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Lakers, who overcame James Harden's 34 points and career-high 17 assists for Houston - who lost in former Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni's first game in charge of the Rockets.

"It feels good," said Walton, a former Laker who cut his coaching teeth as an assistant to Steve Kerr at Golden State.

"It feels really good. The guys really fought tonight. A big part of what we're trying to do here is develop this identity, this culture ... learning how to win games is a skill at this level. We did some things that could have cost us the win at the end of the game tonight, so obviously we can learn from that -- and that fact that we still got that win feels really good."

Walton admitted to "nerves and excitement" before the contest, but was buoyed by the presence of his father, former NBA star Bill Walton.

"The Walton force will be strong tonight," said the 36-year-old coach, who has been tasked with turning around a Lakers team that plunged to a 21-61 record in 2014-15, only to follow up with a franchise worst 17-65 campaign last season.

Two free throws from Clarkson lifted the Lakers to a 108-104 lead with 6:41 to play. But Harden converted a pair of foul shots with 3:53 left to knot the score at 110.

Two Russell free throws boosted the Lakers to a 113-112 lead with 2:47 remaining and the hosts wouldn't trail from there.

The Rockets, who led by as many as 10 points, grabbed a 71-63 edge at the half. They connected on 64.4 percent of their shots compared to 53.2 percent for the Lakers before the break.

"I was real proud of the way they accepted the challenge in the second half," Walton said of his young team, "real proud that they stuck with it."

While the Lakers are in rebuilding mode - embarking on their first season since 1995 without superstar Bryant - there was plenty of glamour at Staples Center, where Hollywood stars Jack Nicholson and Denzel Washington were among the crowd, as was NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

"We're just going to go out there and fight every night and play the right way," Randle said of the Lakers' expectations. "That's all we can promise - to get better every day and play the right way."

Revamped Heat down Magic

The Miami Heat, forging ahead after the free agent departure of Dwayne Wade, opened the season with a 108-96 victory over the Magic in Orlando.

The Heat made up for what they lack in star power with energy, a well-balanced attack and determined defense.

Hassan Whiteside scored 18 points, pulled down 14 rebounds and blocked four shots.

"We need Hassan to be great, and he was when we needed him," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He really anchored us defensively and ignited everyone out there."

Six Heat players scored in double figures and 6 players notched at least 6 rebounds.

"It's just game one, so it's early, but you're starting to see the foundation we want to build," Spoelstra said. "Guys really have to buy into the concept for this to work. You enjoy when it's being played the correct way out there."

The Oklahoma City Thunder, also adjusting to the departure of a star after Kevin Durant signed as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors, leaned on Russell Westbrook in a 103-97 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Big nights, mixed results

In Toronto, DeMar DeRozan poured in 40 points to lead the Raptors to a 109-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

DeRozan connected on 17 of 27 shots from the field and six of six free throws in what coach Dwane Casey called "one of the most efficient" performances he'd seen from his star.

A monster 50-point game from New Orleans' Anthony Davis couldn't save the New Orleans Pelicans, however, as they fell 107-102 to the Denver Nuggets. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – National University (NU) big man Alfred Aroga and his Bulldogs lost their sixth straight game in UAAP Season 79 on Thursday, October 27, by falling to the now 4-8 UP Fighting Maroons at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

After starting the season impressively winning its first two games and looking like the second best team in the league behind consensus favorite La Salle, chances of NU now making the Final Four for a fifth straight season are slim. 

A reason for National U’s struggles has been the dip in production of Aroga, the 2014 UAAP Finals MVP. The Cameroonian center’s scoring is down from 13.2 points per game last year to 10.3 this season, and his rebounding has also decreased from 12.9 per game last year to 9.7 this season.

Additionally, Aroga has committed 38 fouls through 12 games for an average of 3.2 a contest - the third most in the UAAP. Given the slower pace the Bulldogs play with, their center’s fouling issue is more harmful for NU compared to other teams in the league.

After the loss to the Maroons, Aroga, who’s playing in his final season of eligibility, made it clear that he’s most to blame for his lackadaisical play in Season 79, but admitted he’s also been left perplexed by some of the decisions the referees have made.

“I don’t know. The referees, they’re humans, right? I understand that they might make some [mistakes], but come on,” he told Rappler after emerging last from NU’s locker room following the loss on Wednesday.

“If they have a personal problem with me, let them tell me straight here,” he added.

Aroga shared that even if he is the team captain, he doesn’t talk to the referees on the court during heated moments. The big man also explained that he’s not okay letting what he feels are bad decisions by the officials slide just because he should be a “tough player.”

“I’m the team captain, but I don’t even go there to listen to what they’re saying cause I don’t want to feel them [out]. It’s frustrating. I don’t know. You go for [a] block, foul. You put a screen, foul. You have the ball, travel. I don’t know.

“They’re humans. They might make [mistakes]. The might make errors, but every game, come on. Yeah, they’re going to say, ‘You’re a tough player, you don’t have to mind the refs.’ But why are they there, then? They’re there to help players in order to play the game, right?

"I’m not trying to find any excuses - there’s no excuses, the way I’m playing is my fault - but still, the refs."

Aroga, who’s arguably the Bulldogs’ best player and most important rim deterrent on defense, wound up playing only 14.7 minutes against UP, which rallied from an early 21-10 deficit to steal the win. The NU center finished with only two points on 3 shot attempts, 5 rebounds, 3 turnovers, and fouled out of the match. 

Many of the Bulldogs’ losses have coincided with games where Aroga had to sit on the bench due to foul issues, further magnifying his importance to the team and the impact of his absence on the court.

“They’re doing their job. I’m just expressing what I feel this season. They can call whatever they want. When they call a foul already, you can’t do anything. They (the opponent) makes a basket, you take the ball in order to give to the ref, they’ll say warning. They’ll give you a technical foul because you were holding the ball,” he said.

“I don’t know. I have nothing to say about that,” Aroga responded when asked if he feels the UAAP officials have a vendetta against him. “They’re doing their job but I’m just expressing what I feel about them. Today, the fouls I had, it doesn’t make sense at all.”

Aroga pointed out how he was left especially baffled by the fourth and fifth fouls called on him against UP, both of which were assessed at crucial points of the close game where NU’s Final Four hopes were essentially on the line.

“Can you imagine the fourth foul they gave me? I was just running and the guy just stayed there, they said I pushed him. I went for the block on [Jett] Manuel, my hand was right on top, they said it’s a foul.”

The subject of the inconsistency of the UAAP referees this season has been a popular topic. Many fans at the arenas and social media have voiced their displeasure with the officials’ questionable calls, and even DLSU head coach Aldin Ayo was suspended a game after trying to put eyeglasses on one referee who missed a foul call on Green Archer Thomas Torres during their game against UE in the first round.

“No comment,” Ayo said after the match. “I have nothing good to say, so I won’t say anything at all.”

Rappler has also learned that a number of head coaches in the league have let UAAP commissioner Rebo Saguisag know about their concerns with this season’s officiating.

“Being an athlete, you’re one of the members of the team, so you always get fouls and you have to sit out. What kind of basketball are you going to play?” asked Aroga.

Speechless

On the topic of how his team have free fallen in the standings, Aroga was left at a lost for words.

With two games remaining on their schedule and already 8 losses on their record, the Bulldogs will need a miracle in order to catch Ateneo (6-4) or Adamson (5-5) for a shot at gaining one of the last two semifinal positions.

“I’m just speechless. I’m speechless. I don’t know where to start. This is the most painful season I’ve ever had. I don’t know what to say. I really lack words. I don’t know where to start, what to say, I’m just speechless,” said Aroga.

When asked what has been the root of the issues for NU, one of the most successful UAAP programs in recent memory and just two years removed from a championship, Aroga couldn’t find an answer as well.

“I have no words. I myself I try to find out. I don’t know.”

The Bulldogs have games against the UE Red Warriors and Adamson Soaring Falcons remaining on their schedule. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has already conducted its special Gilas Draft for the 12 cadets who are part of the national team pool that will participate in international competition, it was announced Thursday, October 27.

Following a PBA board meeting on Thursday which was originally set to determine the order of selections for the Gilas draft, league brass decided to make their selections from the cadets pool already.

Results of the Gilas draft will be announced on the actual day of the 2016 PBA Draft on Sunday, October 30, right before the normal league draft. Announcements will be made via alphabetical order of teams instead of the 1-12 order.

“In a lengthy meeting held October 27, 2016, the PBA Board has decided on the procedure for the drafting of Gilas players in the coming PBA rookie draft this Sunday,” the PBA announced via it’s Twitter account.

“It was approved by the Board that each PBA team shall pick one player from the Gilas pool based on a pre-determined order.

“The selection of the Gilas players shall precede the drafting of the other players in the regular draft.”

The 41-year-old basketball league did not specify on the procedure of how the drafting selection was distributed.

According to Inquirer’s Musong Castillo, consensus top pick Mac Belo is still going to Blackwater, while Kevin Ferrer and Matthew Wright are headed to Ginebra and Phoenix, respectively. – Rappler.com

LONDON, England - Ireland's 2012 boxing gold medallist Katie Taylor has set aside the disappointment of failing to defend her lightweight title in Rio and turned professional, she announced on Thursday, October 27.

The 30-year-old five time world champion - who suffered a shock quarter-final loss in Rio - will make her professional debut at Wembley's SSE Arena on November 26.

This will set her up for appearing on the undercard of another gold medalist from 2012 Anthony Joshua's second defense of his IBF world heavyweight title at the Manchester Arena on  December 10.

"I'm excited for the road ahead," said Taylor, whose form slipped even before Rio as her long time mentor father Peter disappeared from her corner and was replaced by her brother Lee.

"When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown.

"Now because of my journey and the incredible supporters who came along with me, female boxing is as much part of the fabric of the Olympics as its male counterpart.

"I want to do the same for the professional sport and I hope those who have supported me along the way will come along with me."

The six-time European champion - who went from 2011 to 2016 without suffering one defeat but has had three this year - will be part of the powerful Eddie Hearn stable.

"She is one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all time and a public icon in Ireland," said Hearn.

"I met Katie for the first time last week and was fascinated by her desire to not just win world titles but to break down the barriers of women's boxing. She is an incredible role model."

According to influential promoter Kalle Sauerland Taylor is likely to enjoy several big paydays.

"Katie has got a great mix. She has the potential to go all the way and sell out the big arenas," he told BBC Radio 5 live. – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON, USA - Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps quietly married girlfriend Nicole Johnson in June, weeks after the birth of the couple's son, Boomer, documents obtained by multiple US media outlets indicated.

While Johnson and Boomer were in Rio to cheer Phelps on during his fifth and final Olympics, where he took his career tally of Games gold to 23, the couple didn't let on that they'd already wed.

But a record of marriage first published by celebrity website TMZ shows they were married on June 13 in Paradise Valley, Arizona, both at the age of 30.

According to the record, Phelps's agent, Peter Carlisle officiated.

The two met in Los Angeles in 2007 and had an on-again, off-again relationship.

They were engaged in February and Boomer was born on May 5.

Johnson posted a picture on Instagram on June 13 of herself with Phelps and Boomer captioned, "Such a memorable night with my lil fambam". – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - If promoter Bob Arum gets his way, Manny Pacquiao could face two-time Olympic gold medalist and current WBO junior lightweight titleholder Vasyl Lomachenko in the near future.

Arum, speaking with reporter Radio Rahim, said that he thinks a fight between the 37-year-old living legend Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 knockouts) and the 28-year-old Ukrainian Lomachenko (6-1, 4 knockouts) would be a "great, great fight.

"What fight would I want to see Manny in? I would pay any amount of money to see Manny fight Lomachenko," Arum is quoted as saying.

The two fighters are as far apart in fighting weight as they are in age, with Lomachenko fighting at 130 pounds while Pacquiao, who is set to face WBO welterweight titleholder Jessie Vargas on November 5 in Las Vegas, has fought at 147 pounds since last decade. Arum figures that they can meet somewhere in the middle.

"They could fight anywhere from 135 to 140 pounds. Manny could make 135 easy," said Arum, who adds that WBO junior welterweight titleholder Terence Crawford could be an attractive opponent for Pacquiao. Like Lomachenko and Pacquiao, Arum promotes Crawford as well.

"I never asked about fighting Lomachenko, but ask me about a fight that I would want to see - him against Crawford is also a good fight, but for me I love guys who are almost like ballet dancers in the ring, and Lomachenko is that and so is Manny," added Arum.

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach, for his part, thinks Lomachenko is too small for Pacquiao and hasn't been much impressed with him as a pro. He agrees that Pacquiao could make 135 but would prefer that fight to take place at 140 pounds.

"Lomachenko.... I haven't really thought about that fight because the weights are too far apart I thought. I would love that fight. I would pat Bob on the back for that fight. I would yes to that fight. I don't think [Lomachenko] is that good. He's a good fighter, yes. I've seen him look terrible in fights when he first came over here," Roach said.

Lomachenko, who beat Gary Russell Jr to win the WBO featherweight title in his third fight before moving up, is set to face Nicholas Walters, the unbeaten Jamaican who holds a knockout win over Nonito Donaire Jr, on November 26.

Arum had mentioned to a reporter that he would match Pacquiao with middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, but clarified that he was joking when he brought it up. – Rappler.com

MADRID, Spain -Real Madrid are hoping Cristiano Ronaldo can end a lean period in front of goal as they attempt to keep their noses in front of a tight 5-way race atop La Liga at Alaves on Saturday, October 29.

Madrid bounced back from a 4-game draw streak in style by scoring 20 goals in winning their last 4 outings to move back top of the table and take big strides towards progress in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

However, Ronaldo has scored just one of those 20 and his return of 4 goals from 9 appearances is by a distance his worst strike rate at this stage of the campaign since joining Madrid 7 years ago.

Ronaldo was even whistled by Real's demanding fanbase at the Santiago Bernabeu during last weekend's 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

"I would prefer him to score two or 3 goals in every match, but I am not worried because I know it will pass," said Real boss Zinedine Zidane.

Alvaro Morata came off the bench to grab a late winner against Athletic and also struck twice in a 7-1 mauling of Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday to move ahead of Ronaldo with six goals this season.

Yet, despite still being frozen out Zidane's preferred starting line-up by Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, Morata insists the Portuguese should be cut some slack.

"When one is used to scoring nearly 70 goals a season they are like goal addicts," said Morata.

"For us he is still the most important player in the team and we hope he scores lots of goals, but he is not a machine.

"He is human, although it seems like he comes from a different planet, and he has the right to miss."

Zidane is expected to resort to the side that started against Bilbao as Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Marcelo, Mateo Kovacic and Raphael Varane were all rested in midweek.

Alaves have only won twice in their first 9 games on their return to the top flight for the first time in a decade.

Yet former Valencia and Liverpool defender Mauricio Pellegrino's men have already proved they are more than capable of causing an upset as they shocked Barcelona at the Camp Nou last month and drew away to Atletico Madrid on the opening day of the season.

Five-way race

Sevilla are Real's surprise closest challengers and can go top for at least a couple of hours with victory at Sporting Gijon earlier on Saturday.

"We won't be jumping for joy right now. The team are performing well, but aspiring to win La Liga is a big ask," said Sevilla winger Vitolo.

"Everyone knows there are three teams that have that aspiration and there is still a long way to go."

Barcelona and Villarreal sit just two points back from Madrid with Atletico Madrid a point further adrift in fifth.

Barca have the easiest task of the title contenders on paper this weekend when winless Granada visit the Camp Nou.

The champions have just 16 fit first team players with Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Jeremy Mathieu and Arda Turan all sidelined through injury.

However, by contrast to Ronaldo's struggles, Lionel Messi is in fine goalscoring form as he and Luis Suarez lead La Liga's scoring charts on seven despite the Argentine missing a month of action due to a groin injury.

Atletico will be favoured to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Sevilla last weekend when Malaga visit the Vicente Calderon.

Meanwhile, Villarreal will put their unbeaten record on the line at Eibar on Sunday. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – In a statement released Friday, October 28, by Attorney Chito Salud, it was announced that ABAP president Ricky Vargas is fighting against his disqualification from running for the top post of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) next month.

“Ricky Vargas contends that the decision of the election committee to disqualify his candidacy for POC president is flawed and defective for lack of due process, both procedural and substantive. It must be reversed,” the statement reads.

Vargas was disqualified along with his running mate Abraham Tolentino for being unable to meet one of the election requirements under Article 7 Section 11 of the POC constitution, which reads that “being an active member of the POC general assembly for two consecutive years at the time of their election” is a requirement.

In the statement, Salud wrote a few points fighting the DQ claim.

“First, the decision was made without any objection or opposition from a known third party. Second, it was hastily rendered without the basic requisite hearing having been accorded to Mr Vargas.

“Third, while the disqualification was made public via a verbal declaration, no written resolution has to date been issued by the election committee specifying and explaining the grounds for the exclusion. Fourth, without such written ineligibility order, the decision is deemed to be based on a myopic and unsubstantiated interpretation of the words "active member" in the POC general assembly.”

Salud argued that being an “active member is at best a nebulous eligibility requirement that has been left undefined by a clearest set of parameters and criteria in the POC by-laws.” The former PBA commissioner also argued that “active membership is more than attendance. Physical presence at the general assembly does not equate to active participation.”

Vargas was set to challenge current POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco when the elections take place on November 25. The 82-year-old Cojuangco is running for his fourth consecutive term as the POC head. – Rappler.com