MADRID, Spain – Cristiano Ronaldo proved Atletico Madrid's Champions League destroyer once more with a hat-trick as Real Madrid took a commanding 3-0 semi-final, first leg lead on Tuesday, May 2.

Ronaldo extended his lead as the all-time top scorer in Madrid derby matches by taking his tally to 21 and put Real firmly on course to defend their title in the final in Cardiff on June 3.

The Portuguese rewarded a bright Real start by heading home Casemiro's deflected cross after just 10 minutes.

Ronaldo then smashed home from just inside the area and turned home Lucas Vazquez's cross in the final 20 minutes as Real continued their domination of Atletico having eliminated them in the Champions League for the past 3 seasons.

"The team was tremendous. I scored the goals but the team was phenomenal from start to finish," said Ronaldo.

The sides meet again for the second leg on May 10.

"We have a good advantage but the tie isn't over yet," added Ronaldo.

"Atletico are a good side and it is not a coincidence they are in the semi-finals again. We have to be concentrated next Wednesday."

Atletico boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, told his side to forget their latest derby demolition and hope for a miracle at the last European match at their Vicente Calderon stadium next week.

"We need to forget about this game," said the Argentine.

"It seems impossible, but it is football and football has these unexpected things that make it marvelous.

"Until the last drip of hope is gone, we will give it everything we have."

Real needed a stoppage time equalizer en route to beating Atletico in the 2014 final, scored a late winner in the quarterfinals a year later and edged last season's final between the two on a penalty shootout.

However, there was far more a gulf between the sides this time round.

Real piled on the pain in the opening stages for the 4,000 visiting away fans and could have killed the tie in the opening half hour.

Atletico were handed a lucky escape on seven minutes when Jan Oblak parried Dani Carvajal's effort at the end of a careering run and the Slovenian recovered to also turn behind Karim Benzema's follow-up effort.

No let off

There was no let off 3 minutes later, though, as Atletico failed to clear a corner and Casemiro's bouncing cross looped up for Ronaldo to power home a header.

Oblak kept Atletico alive in the moments that followed with a brilliant save from Raphael Varane's header and more comfortable stop from Isco.

However, at the other end, Keylor Navas rescued Real from conceding a vital away goal when he got a touch on the ball as Kevin Gameiro tried to round him when clean through on goal.

The majority of the efforts continued to rain down on Oblak's goal as Luka Modric drilled a shot from the edge of the box inches wide.

And Benzema then acrobatically turned a Ronaldo cross just over the bar.

The only negative news of the night for Real was an injury to right-back Dani Carvajal just before halftime as he pulled up with a muscle problem that looks set to keep him out of the second leg.

Clear-cut chances were far harder to come by after half-time as Atletico toiled to create, whilst Real sat on their lead waiting for the chance to counter-attack.

However, once again in ties between these two, Real got the slice of luck to go with their extra quality.

The ball rebounded up perfectly off the heels of Filipe Luis for Ronaldo to blast high past Oblak.

And Ronaldo completed his second hat-trick against Atletico this season 4 minutes from time when Lucas Vazquez's cutback picked out the 4-time World Player of the Year to slot home from close range. – Kieran Canning, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – While many find Jammer Jamito's sidestep dunk hilarious, PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa is not impressed.

In a column on the Philippine Star on Tuesday, May 2, Narvasa expressed his displeasure over Jamito's comedy stunt during the 2017 PBA All-Star Week slam dunk contest last April 28.

"Hindi na makakaulit sa akin iyan," Narvasa was quoted as saying. "Sinayang niya ang opportunity niya to show that he belongs."

(He won't get another chance with me. He wasted the opportunity to show that he belongs.)

The Barangay Ginebra rookie was a participant in the annual slam dunk contest in Lucena when he pulled 6-foot-9 teammate Japeth Aguilar near the rim. The assumption was Jamito would jump over Aguilar and finish the dunk.

Instead, Jamito sidestepped Aguilar and threw it down, which came off confusing at first before it became apparent he was trying to crack a joke.

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His sidestep dunk eventually made it to the NBA show "The Starters," where it was essentially a punchline in a segment.

This isn't the first time the PBA's slam dunk contest made it to international media due to a comedic stunt.

In the 2015 All-Stars, Justin Melton's unsuccessful attempt to dunk with a blindfold went viral. This was months before Narvasa assumed office as commissioner.

In the same column, Narvasa likewise expressed his desire to see All-Stars take the games seriously and not coast for 3 quarters only to lock in come the final period – a custom that's true for the NBA All-Stars as well. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Last year came as a shock for most spectators as the underdog Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals took a final four slot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 91. 

Reaching the semi-finals dream wouldn't have been possible without the help of star Allwell Oraeme.

However, the back-to-back NCAA Most Valuable Player Oraeme was out of action as the Cardinals suffered a 64-49 loss against College of Saint Benilde Blazers, Wednesday, May 3 in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup at the San Juan Arena.

Another key player, Darell Menina, missed the chance to help his teammates lift the Mapua banner. 

Speculations and rumors about Oraeme leaving Mapua began to circulate because of his absence but head coach Atoy Co says the 6-foot-9 Nigerian has a different story to tell. 

Mapua not well without Allwell

 “We have a big problem since two of my superstars are taking off for a year off,” said coach Co in an interview with Rappler. “They are both experiencing family problems.”

According to coach Co, Menina is still in Cebu and he is trying his best to reach out to him and confirm his status for the upcoming NCAA season.

“I’ll talk to him (Menina) as soon as possible and settle if he’s going to come back or not because if he is, he has to enroll so he could play,” explained coach Co. “If he still wants to play, he should come back now (to Manila) and enroll.”

On the other hand, coach Co explained Oraeme’s request for a year off is because of prevailing pain in his knee and a family concern.

“I don’t want to speculate on Oraeme’s family problem because I’m having thoughts the reason why he’s asking for an off is because somebody is also getting him,” coach Co admitted.

Coach Co shared he is not disappointed with this. Rather, he is concerned with what he’s read from news outlets.

“Oraeme said he is not happy with Mapua anymore,” said coach Co. “I took it very wrong. I don’t have any idea why he won’t be happy because I provided everything for him.”

Despite this, coach Co confirmed Oraeme asked for a request to still be given a scholarship, board and lodging and allowance in Mapua.

“Oraeme told me he will not transfer. I read a letter from him,” said coach Co who slammed speculations of Oraeme leaving Mapua and play for other teams like De La Salle University. “I’ll probably talk to him on Friday.”

The former PBA player Co was also seen in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2017 in Antique province scouting for players.

“All is under negotiation since they’re going to Grade 12. I’ve seen some players but I have a lot of competitors,” said Co. “I have money but they (other schools) have more money than me.”

Coach Co is also determined to bring in players from the provinces to give them more opportunities, “I am very open to recruiting players from all over the country. There are more competitive players in the province than here in Manila.”

But even with the abundance of talented players out there, coach Co still wants Oraeme to be part of his team.

“I want him (Oraeme) to play for Mapua. I just have to sacrifice for a year. One step back, two steps forward,” coach Co said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Guard Baser Amer continues to prove his mettle in the 2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup as he led the Merlaco Bolts to an 81-66 rout of the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Wednesday, May 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 24-year-old playmaker dropped 20 points and spearheaded a 17-7 run to open the payoff period that effectively shut the door on the Fuel Masters, as the Bolts built an insurmountable 70-53 advantage with 4:03 to go.

Amer missed only 3 of his 11 attempts and dished out 3 assists as Meralco, which led by as much as 18, rose to 7-1 in the standings.

Fellow young buck Chris Newsome posted 19 markers to go with 4 boards and 3 dimes, while Alex Stephenson complemented them with 15 points and 20 rebounds.

Jameel McKay posted a double-double 16 points and 16 rebounds as Cyrus Baguio chipped in 10 markers but that was about all the offense Phoenix could muster in a lackluster showing.

The Fuel Masters shot 31% overall and had only 8 assists in the low-scoring, defensive-oriented affair.

Phoenix fell to a 3-5 record.

Scores:

Meralco (81): Amer 20, Newsome 19, Stepheson 15, Grey 8, Hodge 7, Caram 4, Hugnatan 3, NAbong 2, Chua 2, Daquioag 1, Dillinger 0, Faundo 0. 

Phoenix (66): McKay 16, Baguio 10, Jazul 7, Borboran 6, Torres 6, Dehesa 5, W. Wilson 5, Alolino 4, Kramer 3, Intal 2, J. Wilson 2, Miranda 0, Lanete 0. 

Quarter scores: 13-16, 34-29, 53-46, 81-66.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the East Red Warriors ended UAAP Season 79 near the bottom of the cellar while the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles finished the tourney as runner-up.

But in this year’s collegiate pre-season tournament, the Red Warriors led by Alvin Pasaol proved they could beat the best.

The Sampaloc-based squad managed to march forward and stole the limelight away from the Blue Eagles as they escaped with a 72-71 outing in the Flying V Pre-Season tournament, Wednesday, May 3, at the San Juan Arena.

The game was deadlocked at 68-all with two minutes remaining.

Both teams managed to score but UE’s Mark Maloles' easy floater made the difference UE needed to uplift the Red Warriors.

A crucial turnover by Blue Eagles Thirdy Ravena and Mike Nieto resulted with Pasaol heading to the free throw line, but he missed both shots.

“Manong (coach Derrick Pumaren) might scold me. I was so nervous,” said Pasaol about missing the free throws. “Luckily, we won the game.”

Ateneo had the chance to redeem itself as big man Chibueze Ikeh had back-to-back rebounds but wasn’t able to penetrate his attacks that would’ve saved the Blue Eagles. 

The Katipunan-based 5 rallied a 6-0 run in the third quarter after stealing the ball from UE two consecutive times to move te score to 66-64. 

UE relied on Pasaol as he turned the tables with a layup and a foul to convert a three-point play. 

“We had a bad start so I told the boys to settle down,” said UE coach Derrick Pumaren. “Things weren’t going right offensively, that’s why we played with the other end. We played defense to get back in the ball game.”

Pasaol, who was also named Player of the Game, poured all his 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in their first game in the tourney.

Ateneo’s Mike Nieto contributed a team-high 15 points and 8 rebounds while Ikeh pitched in 8 points and 7 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the College of Saint Benilde Blazers slaughtered the Allwell Oraeme-less Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals, 64-49.

The win earned TY Teng a successful debut as Blazers coach.

"I just want to have a lot of basketball IQ in my team," said the former PBA player Tang.

Gerard Castor carried Benilde with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and two assists.

On the other hand, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons left San Sebastian College Recolletos Golden Stags in the ground, 64-61, to clinch a 2-0 record in the league. – Rappler.com

The Philippines Football League is almost upon us. The competition, a quadruple round-robin affair, begins on Saturday, May 6, and will finish with a playoff round in November. The action promises to be very intense, as the teams appear closely matched. Let's take a look at each of them closely. The teams are listed in alphabetical order. 

Ceres Negros

Home field: Panaad Park and Stadium

The 2016 UFL League runners-up have a huge advantage over the other sides. They have been playing competitive matches in the AFC Cup for months while other teams have laid fallow. On Wednesday they defeated Tampines Rovers in their last group game to qualify for the ASEAN zonal semis. While they seek Asian glory, Ceres will continue to work towards success in the PFL.

The Busmen have, as always, beefed up in the offseason with huge signings that have more than offset the departure of striker Adrian Gallardo to Maldivian side New Radiant. 

Stephan Schrock is back in Bacolod. After his loan deal expired he returned to Greuther Furth in Germany but has now returned to Ceres, presumably on a permanent deal. Schrock's work rate and ability to play multiple positions in the formation makes an already strong team even more daunting for opponents. 

Simone Rota made the leap from Stallion to Ceres in the offseason. He is still working towards fitness but will likely be good to go soon after the season starts. The Fil-Italian veteran can play just about anywhere in the back line. 

A surprise pick up for coach Hristo Vidakovic is Fil-Iranian-Swede Omid Nazari. The striker scored 8 times for Global in their glorious 2016 campaign and now he suits up for their archrivals in Bacolod after a very brief stint in Melaka United in Malaysia. 

Nazari is a tall, rangy, and explosive goal machine who will terrorize defenses this year along with their new Spanish striker Fernando Rodriguez. Another Spaniard, Super Herrera, is on defense. 

Ceres also now have Iain Ramsay, the Fil-Aussie who scored that magical goal against Tampines in the AFC Cup and will look to do the same in the PFL. Another new scoring threat is OJ Porteria who comes to the team from Kaya. 

Other new players include mid Jorrel Aristorenas, defender Josh Grommen, defender Junior Muñoz, utility player Luke Woodland, and goalie Roland Muller. Muller gets his first taste of local league play after sitting out last year because of the cancellation of the transfer window in the UFL. These new cogs, along with mainstays Kevin Ingreso, Manny Ott, and a healthy Carlie De Murga, make the team a big favorite to win it all, even with Patrick Reichelt still recovering from injury. 

Davao Aguilas

Home field: Davao del Norte Sports Complex

The expansion side has been busily signing quality players to make this first season one to remember. 

Dylan De Bruycker, a 19-year old Fil-Belgian, will be a key player for Davao. He can create with either foot and even at his young age displays a tremendous physique. De Bruycker looks to impress both for Davao and the U22 team in the SEA Games. 

Coach Gary Phillips will rely on Trinidadian Darren Mitchell to deliver pace from the midfield while Serbian goalie Marko Trkulja and countryman Milos Krstic, a centerback, will try to shut down opposing attackers. 

The most intriguing signing is defender Jason Cordova. The 31-year-old from Santa Barbara Iloilo has an interesting CV. He played for the Azkals in the 2008 Challenge Cup qualifiers in Iloilo. Won a UAAP title with FEU a couple of years later, playing striker. Played for Stallion then captained Ceres when they won a SMART PFF title soon after. Then became an assistant coach in Bacolod before exiting and ending up with Leylam FC in the Cebu league. Now he is back in the top tier. 

When he is healthy and focused, Cordova is a beast in the back, and gives Davao the luxury of having an internationally-experienced and internationally-sized veteran central defender without using a foreigner slot. Another one who fits that description: Junell Bautista from Baguio. Bautista never played in the UAAP or NCAA but has been with the youth national teams for years and will likely be in the SEA Games as well.

Davao has plenty of other UFL vets, like Gerald Layumas and Nico Macapal, both on loan from Green Archers United along with goalie Kim Versales.

The team has also done very well to acquire young talent from Mindanao. FEU's Van Rey Diaz is on the roster as is Princeton Josue, who scored in their preseason camp in Singapore. (Yes, owner Jeff Cheng did bring them to the Lion City for the preseason, that's how serious he is.) Ditto for Misamis Oriental product Richard Talaroc, who has AFC Cup experience with Global. 

The Aguilas have one hometown hero in Tagum native Alexis Cabistante. His technical ball skills are magnificent, according to Fil-Aussie teammate Patrick Elhindi, himself a very skilled player who previously played for the youth sides of Belenenses and Levante. 

Other weapons include ex-Global player Andy Esswein, a Fil-German, and erstwhile Ceres striker Nate Burkey. 

Elhindi also speaks warmly of Phillips, a very experienced coach who previously mentored in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Vietnam as well as his home country. The gaffer is a stickler for details who has helped Elhindi with the fine points of his game. 

Cheng and his management staff are dead serious about being competitive in this league. Although they are a new side, a top 4 finish is a realistic goal. 

Global Cebu

Home field: Cebu City Sports Complex

Like Ceres, Global has a head start in the league, having played in the AFC Cup. On Wednesday they completed their group stage with a handsome 3-1 win over Cambodia's Boeungket Angkor to qualify for the ASEAN Zonal semis. Global are looking razor-sharp and appear to be dead set on lifting the first PFL championship trophy. 

Misagh Bahadoran may still be working himself to full fitness but new Japanese signing Shu Sasaki is making waves with his pace and power. Ditto for Filipino-Japanese Hikaru Minegishi, their sensational left winger. Darryl Roberts of Trinidad is also a find for coach Toshiaki Imai as he has found the net for the team in the AFC Cup. Meanwhile Paul Mulders is enjoying a fine Indian Summer in his career in the blue and yellow. He scored against the Cambodians last Wednesday. 

Other key players are Filipinos Matt Hartmann, Amani Aguinaldo, and Pat Deyto in goal. Jerry Barbaso, who has been the Global right back for almost 7 years, will return to add experience to the defense. 

One new player for Imai is Fritz Brigoli. The 19-year old defender has Cebuano and Zamboangueño parents but grew up and learned football in Dubai. Matt Hartmann says he loves his speed, work ethic, and attitude. He also says Brigoli likes playing centerback, which makes him extremely valuable in this league. The club gave him the honor of representing the club in the league's pre-season preview video and on Wednesday he got a late run-out. 

The side will eventually play home games in Cebu but as of the moment will enjoy matches in the Manila area while their stadium situation in the Queen City is sorted out.

Global won both the UFL Cup and the UFL League last year. There will be only one competition in the first year of the PFL but expect Global to challenge for that silverware, especially with reports of a new ownership structure and board that promises stability and growth going forward.

Ilocos United

Home field: Quirino Stadium

This team was hurriedly cobbled together by owner Tony Lazaro, an English businessman living in Australia, and Aussie Jarred Kelly over the past 6 months. But that does not mean they will be a team that rolls over against the more established clubs. 

Coach Ian Gillan, a vastly experienced Scot, signed Anton Del Rosario to his club. The ex-Azkal brings vocal leadership to the back line.

There are plenty of other players with UFL experience. The captain is former U22 NT midfielder/ defender John Kanayama, who also played for Global and Meralco. A fellow Fil-Aussie former youth NT player, Dominic Del Rosario, (no relation to Anton), is also in the roster. Del Rosario was with Kaya last season. Angelo Verheye Marasigan, a speedy Fil-Belgian who has suited up for Ceres and Pasargad in the UFL, has also been roped in. 

The Fil-Nigerian Uzoka brothers, Kennedy and Chima, are in Ilocos. Kennedy was last in Green Archers, and is a lanky striker, while his younger brother Chima played for NU in the UAAP in Season 78. Chima is similarly tall and can be a creative force in the midfield. Graham Caygill, late of the Meralco Sparks, appears to be one of their main threats up top. 

Perhaps the youngest player in the league will be Nico Nazal, a Fil-American holding midfielder from Atlanta Georgia who is just 16 years old and yet already shows promise. Another Fil-Am, Paolo Pavone, is also in IUFC. He is the brother of Gino, who played for the Philippines in the Long Teng Cup way back in 2010. 

The goalkeepers are Ghanaian Baba Sampana, who previously worked for Meralco and Socceroo, and ex CSB netminder Cedric Hodreal. 

All indications from the Ilocos camp point to a professionally-run outfit that may be lacking in stars but will give visitors to the Quirino Stadium a torrid ninety minutes of football. 

Part two is coming soon, where we tackle JP Voltes Marikina, Meralco Manila, Kaya Makati, and Stallion Laguna. – Rappler.com

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - At the end of the quarterfinal round of the ASBC Asian Elite Championships on Wednesday, May 3, two of the smallest members of the ABAP national boxing squad emerged victorious and continue the grind for gold.

Light flyweight (49 kg) and 2016 Olympian Rogen Ladon made short work of his Syrian opponent Hussein Al Masri, who bored in head first and ran into the waiting punches of the Bago City native. The referee gave a warning (one point deduction) on the Syrian for ducking in the first round and another in the second round, stopping the fight via disqualification and catapulting the 23-year-old Filipino to the semifinals on Friday. 

Flyweight (52 kg) Dannel Maamo of Cagayan de Oro City emerged from underneath the shadow of the PH team’s recent flyweight boxers Rey Saludar and Ian Clark Bautista by making it to the semifinals. 

Only 20 years old, Maamo displayed veteran moves with his flashy footwork and boundless energy which he used to subdue his Sri Lankan opponent via a 5-0 decision, with all judges scoring it 30-26 for the Filipino.

Ladon and Maamo are now also qualified for the World Championships in Hamburg in August. The top 6 in each weight class are picked for the said championships. 

A disappointment was middleweight Eumir Felix Marcial who lost his quarterfinal round bout to hometown boy Israil Madriimov. The fight was lustily cheered by the ever-animated Uzbek crowd as the two fighters slugged it out the entire 3 rounds. 

The judges gave the unanimous decision to Madrimov. Still, the 21-year-old from Zamboanga City has a chance at qualification. 

Per the rules, the last two slots will be contested by the 4 losing quarterfinalists. Should he win his box-off against Abdul Mouen Aziz of Syria on Saturday, he too books a ticket to the World Championships. 

"We can't really ask for more from the boys,” said ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson. “All our losses here were against top seeds: Mario Bautista vs the number 3 bantamweight, Joel Bacho against the number 5 welterweight, James Palicte versus the number two lightweight and Marcial to the number two rated Uzbek middleweight."

"Actually, it's almost creepy how we ran into the top rated boxers so early. But, we really need to learn how to beat these guys. We have some time before the SEA Games and the World Championships; we'll work on it, " he added.

The semifinal round on Friday will see Ladon (#2) vs Mongolian Gan-Erdene Gankhuyag (#3) and Maamo going up against Inkyu Kim (#2 seed) of Korea.

Thursday is a rest day. Finals are on Saturday. 

On the team are coaches Nolito Velasco, Elias Recaido Jr. And Reynaldo Galido and the Philippine Sports Commission's massage therapist Benjie Hizon. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - It’s the dream finals, as UAAP fans proudly call it.

Banners in blue and green flocked to the Big Dome on a rainy Tuesday afternoon just to cheer on their respective teams for the 6^th consecutive year of the fabled Ateneo-La Salle rivalry.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles ceased the preliminaries with a league-best record, snatching two against archrivals De Salle University Lady Spikers. But as they say, the championship round is always a different story as all numbers move back to zero.  

With the top two teams locking horns for the title, it would eventually boil down to mental toughness come game day. 

“Siguro kasi since finals, the mental game is a lot tougher,” said Ateneo’s Bea de Leon. “[Also] Kim Fajardo’s serve was really, really good.” 

“It’s been like that ever since [Fajardo’s serve], talagang bumabagsak siya (it really falls down). It’s really hard to read also.” 

The Taft crew’s veteran setter brought championship experience and leadership on Tuesday, at the same time delivered 7 of La Salle’s 11 aces in a game where the top two teams in the service department had their fair share of reception errors. 

What’s important to note, however, was how the leading offensive squad got limited to only 38 excellent attacks as compared to the Lady Spikers’ 51. According to De Leon, it all started with Ateneo’s shaky defense in the succeeding sets. 

“The defense was a bit shaky. Defense in totality was low for us today, hence, the lesser outcome in attacks.” 

The Katipunan squad’s middle blocker further noted that the loss cannot be attributed to “bad calls” or a new game plan from the other side, as she believed it all came down to the team’s errors.

“It definitely came down to our errors. It was on us.” 

“You’ll never be able to blame it solely on poor calls,” De Leon said of the few critical officiating decisions in Game 1. “ It’s a test of character when it comes to that. With 'bad calls,' as coach would always tell us, it’s irreversible, practically. So why bother diba? Bawi nalang (we’ll just recover).” 

While the reigning titlist La Salle hopes to wrap it up on Saturday, the Lady Eagles remain optimistic of a Game 2 recovery victory.

With their backs against the wall this time around, Ateneo aims to go all out. 

“It’s still very hopeful [the team atmosphere]. It’s not over, it’s just Game 1. We’ll come back, work a lot harder,” the middle blocker conveyed on a positive note. “I think it’s just the minor details that we have to work on.” 

With head coach Tai Bundit guiding them from the sidelines, the Lady Eagles, as always, intend to go by their famed mantra. 

“The mantra of this team is Heartstrong. We’ll live up to that name,” she closed.－Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo de Manila University leaned on star striker Jarvey Gayoso as he carried the Blue Eagles in a 2-1 victory against the University of Santo Tomas in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 79 men's football tournament on Thursday, May 4, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Gayoso unleashed his first goal in the 22nd minute as last season’s Best Striker awardee proved he is still one of the best in the league.

The tourney’s leading scorer Gayoso provided more power to the top-seeded Ateneo as he contributed another goal too much for UST’s goalie Zaldy Abraham to handle in the 44th minute to make it 2-0.

Before the match ended, the Growling Tigers managed to revive themselves, 2-1, through the help of Marvin Bricenio’s attack in the 54th minute but failed to ace another comeback that sent the Blue Eagles in their second consecutive finals appearance.

Far Eastern University relied on striker Rico Andes for a 2-1 escape against the reigning champs University of the Philippines to advance to the finals and meet with Ateneo on Sunday, May 7, at 3 pm.

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses will battle it all-out with De La Salle University for the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Football crown also on Sunday, May 7 at 6 pm. – Rappler.com

The Philippines Football League is almost upon us. The competition, a quadruple round-robin affair, begins on Saturday, May 6, and will finish with a playoff round in November. The action promises to be very intense, as the teams appear closely matched. Let's take a look at each of them closely. The teams are listed in alphabetical order.

(READ: Philippines Football League previews: Ceres, Aguilas, Global, and Ilocos United)

JP Voltes Marikina

Home field: Marikina Sports Complex 

The Japanese-flavored team raised many eyebrows by finishing fourth in last year's UFL League. But solid management and plenty of experienced players will once again make coach Dan Padernal's team a force to be reckoned with.

Marikina's central defense pairing of Masaki Yanagawa and Camelo Tacusalme is as solid as it gets. Yanagawa is also a splendid header of the ball off set pieces. Both know the other teams inside and out and will rely on new signing, Fil-Japanese Kouichi Belgira, on the left side and likely either PJ Fadrigalan or Alex Elnar on the right. 

Incidentally Belgira, who played for the Sparks last season, is also in the U22 national team for the SEA Games. 

The defense sits in front of Baguio-born keeper Nelson Gasic, who played every single minute for JPV last season and won the golden glove award for his shot stopping. 

New recruits include Aaron Altiche from Laos, central defender David Basa from Stallion, and Sean Kane, a Fil-Am defensive mid from Kaya. Backing up Gasic in goal will be Jhun Tripulca, a very gifted young keeper from Legaspi whose main job last year in Laos FC was to turn potential 12-0 blowouts into more respectable 5-0 losses with his goalkeeping. He did that task brilliantly and is thus rewarded with a contract in JPV. 

The heart of the team is still Takashi Odawara, the towering presence in the midfield, and striker Takumi Uesato. As long as these two Japanese imports are on song, the team can beat anyone. Joining them is new signing Atsushi Shimono, a 29-year-old midfielder who previously played in Singapore.

Filipino Japanese Allen Angeles and Satoshi Otomo will likely complement the attack along with the hellaciously quick J Baguioro. 

JPV will play their home matches in the Marikina Sports Center once the field and the surroundings are sorted out. The players themselves are helping spruce things up themselves, as this pic shows.

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Kaya Makati

Home field: University of Makati Stadium

The 2015 Cup champs are raring to go in the PFL with a host of new players. OJ Porteria has fled to Ceres but other pieces of the puzzle will pick up the slack.

Ref Cuaresma is a journeyman ex-national team goalie who, even in his mid-30s, is still very effective. Cuaresma has previously played for Navy, Meralco, Manila Jeepney, and Stallion. Now he comes to Kaya to replace the departed Matthew Acton.

The Dumaguete native is one of just a handful of quality Filipino keepers with international experience, and is thus a big pick up for Chris Greatwich. Kaya is now able to burn their foreigner spots in other places on the park.

Other players have also been tapped. Jayson Panhay, formerly of Ceres, is an underrated midfielder who gives Kaya a left-footed free kicker and crossing ability from the left flank. The Angeles twins, Marwin and Marvin, have also made the leap from Panaad to Umak. Marwin is a capable midfielder who has scored for the national team while Marvin can provide some quality in the second-striker role. 

Jalsor Soriano is the fourth ex-Busman to arrive to Makati. He joins his brother Janrick. Jalsor can play the right back position that was vacated when Junior Muñoz went the other direction, going from Kaya to Ceres. In effect, it's a straight up trade between the two sides and it's hard to say who really is better off on the swap. Jalsor joins Janrick, a speedy impact-sub type of player who has been with Kaya for years now. (The other footballing Soriano brother, Jalor, is with Philippine Air Force FC.) 

Kaya also brings in two new strikers; Jordan Mintah and Patrik Franksson. Mintah, a Ghanaian, comes over from Stallion. He has the ability to be a truly elite striker in this league. Kaya already has Robert Lopez Mendy in the squad and the addition of Mintah means another tall, quick, technically gifted forward will be an option for Greatwich when he fills up the team sheet.

Franksson is a Filipino-Swede who was practically the only player giving Laos FC a pulse last year going forward. He is lethal in front of goal and is a massive signing for the squad. There is another plus for Pinoy football fans: Franksson is in the pool for the U22 national team for the SEA Games in August.

Kaya were a disappointing 5^th in last year's UFL table. They will look to turn that around in this maiden PFL season. 

FC Meralco Manila

Home field: Rizal Memorial Stadium

The Younghusband brothers have a new-look supporting cast as they approach the start of the season. 

Pacey winger Jim Ashley Flores is a big new signing for the new coach, Aris Caslib. Flores played for Stallion last season but now dons the black-and-orange of Meralco. The kid was coached by Caslib in San Beda and has a lot to offer the Sparks. 

On defense Milan Nikolic, an imposing Serb, is in the saddle, having left Global after helping them win silverware last year. He will partner longtime CB Joaco Cañas. Another foreign central defense signing is Korean Jong Min Lee. 

Ric Padilla and Steve Yambou are the goalies training with the team as of the moment.

Tyler Matas, a very quick 22-year-old Fil-American whose father hails from Siquijor, will be leaving a lot of right backs and right wings in the dust this season.

Watch out for Curt Dizon. The Fil-Brit striker is back after trialing in Europe and looked sharp in a recent 3-1 scrimmage victory over JPV.

Other pick ups include Bedan alumni Neil Dorimon, an internationally-experience centerback, and his teammate in both the 2015 SEAG and San Beda, and Connor Tacagni, who is a striker. The team also welcome James Hall, a 27-year old Fil-Englishman who was developed in the Everton youth system. 

But Caslib could very well be the team's best new addition. Both Phil and James rate the two-time former Azkals coach highly. After all he has been developing them since the 2005 SEA Games. The Pangasinan-born mentor is one of the most experienced and respected coaches in the land, responsible for much of the coaching instruction the PFF does, alongside Marlon Maro. If Caslib could bring a title to Rizal Memorial, his already glittering coaching CV will only be burnished further. 

Stallion Laguna

Home field: Biñan Football Stadium

Stallion can be proud of three innovations leading up to the campaign. One is the successful hosting of their preseason tournament that some of the PFL teams participated in a couple of months ago. That gave teams and players badly needed matches to get into form. Another is their Youtube channel that aired many of those matches on line and also has highlights of the games. Incidentally Stallion won that tournament, beating Meralco in the final. 

{source}<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2LRw8dYMRpo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source} 

A third is the Stallion FC mobile app, which will be available on Android and iPhone very soon, according to the team. An app is a great way to give fans info about upcoming games and other team matters. Hopefully both the league and other teams adopt something similar. 

But coach Ernie Nierras has not neglected the product on the pitch. The former league and cup champs have made some good signings, none better than the acquisition of Jhanjhan Melliza's signature. 

The FEU Tamaraw alum from La Paz, Iloilo was a volume scorer in the UAAP who also knew where the goal frame was when he played for Green Archers United. The stocky but relatively quick left-footer is a natural goal scorer whose favored foot is a howitzer. He should be good for at least half a dozen goals this season if he gets enough playing time. 

Stallion likes homegrown players, and they have some super ones. Captain Balot Doctora returns for yet another season leading the forward line, while Azkal Fitch Arboleda will sit deeper in the formation. The defense features the powerful and energetic Arnel Casil, entering his second year in the club after graduating from NU. Another former Bulldog, Darwin Regala, is also in the mix. He has one of the best first touches among young Filipino players along with teammate Nate Alquiros. 

New additions include Julian Miranda, a Cebuano U19NT player, and two former Green Archers United defenders who, after a short stopover in Global, are now in Laguna. Ronnie Aguisanda has international experience and Dodong Villareal is known for his work rate.

Nicholas Ferrer, another promising FEU graduate who has played for Forza and Jeepney, has also been brought in alongside DLSU vets Jose Montelibano and Nace Gonzales.

It's ironic that Stallion had a player from Laguna last season, winger Jim Ashley Flores from Los Baños. But once the team actually moved to Laguna, he left for Meralco.

A bunch of new Japanese players form the core of the foreign contingent, while in goal is Ivorian Roland Dely Sadia, the ex-Global custodian who is one of the most highly-regarded African goalies to play here.

Competition will be fierce for playoff slots and Stallion will most certainly be in the thick of the action late in the season. – Rappler.com 

Disclosure: Bob Guerrero is the media officer for FC Meralco Manila.

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.

HONG KONG - Basketball chiefs reversed a controversial ban on professional players wearing headgear Thursday, May 4 after fierce criticism that the rule undermined diversity by disallowing religious coverings like the Muslim hijab. 

The decision by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) means religious headwear can now be worn on court.  

"The new rule comes as a result of the fact that traditional dress codes in some countries, which called for the head and/or entire body being covered, were incompatible with FIBA's previous headgear rule," it said in a statement.

A furious Qatar withdrew their women's basketball team from the Asian Games in 2014 because FIBA said they were not allowed to wear headscarves on safety grounds, calling the ban an "insult".

Many sports, including football, now allow women to wear the hijab. 

In the same year, FIBA also ran into trouble when Sikh players from India were forced to remove their turbans at the Asia Cup in China and had to tie their hair with elastic bands.

The new guidelines, which will take effect in October, stipulate that headwear must not cover any part of the face, including eyes, nose and lips.

It must also be black or white, or the "same dominant color" as the uniform, and not be dangerous to players.

The decision comes at the end of a two-year testing period in a process that worked toward relaxing the previous restrictions. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - When you look back at the De La Salle University Lady Spikers’ fruitful UAAP volleyball campaigns in the past seasons, you’d be able to come up with a list of players who have been known for their on-court swag and showy celebrations. This year was no exception, with Desiree Cheng’s antics becoming yet another subject for the the viewers to feast on. 

But as Game 1 of the best-of-3 finals came to a close, a cheerful Cheng exited the dugout with pressure lifted off her shoulders as she basked in the sweet victory for a moment. 

“Masaya, masaya kami,” the outside hitter told Rappler. “Hindi naman mawawala ‘yung pressure, [pero] mas natatakpan ng excitement kesa ‘yung pinapadama namin ‘yung pressure.” 

(We’re really happy. The pressure will always be there, but the excitement will just overshadow it.)

Asked how the team managed to get a head start against rivals Ateneo Lady Eagles, Cheng said that the Lady Spikers focused more on getting better and tried to learn from their past mistakes in the preliminaries.

“Pinanood lang namin ‘yung games namin versus them [Ateneo] in the elims, tiningnan talaga namin isa-isa. Inisa-isa namin kung ano ‘yung mga kulang, ‘yung mga points na kailangan namin i-improve. So siguro, ‘yun ‘yung factor kung bakit kami nanalo.”

(We just watched the tapes of our elimination games against them. We pointed out our areas for improvement, so perhaps that was a factor for our victory.)

With Saturday’s crucial match fast approaching, the former Palarong Pambansa MVP shared that she made it a personal habit to mute all social media accounts as part of her individual preparation before game day. 

“Personally, ‘pag malapit na ‘yung game, nagtu-turn off talaga ako ng social media. Kasi sobrang nadala na ko sa social media before. ‘Yung social media, wala talaga.” 

(I personally turn off social media when the game is near, because I got carried away before. So no social media for me.)

As she brings back La Salle’s swag in the collegiate league, Cheng only hopes to let her game speak for herself as a message to the doubters. 

The comebacking spiker has become one of the offensive options for the Lady Spikers this year, as she wound up in the top 20 scorers after the eliminations with a total of 103 points. 

She has also become one of La Salle’s anchors in floor defense after finishing as the second Best Receiver (43.72%), an award which was meanwhile given out to her teammate and libero Dawn Macandili. 

Inspiration 

In the midst of rigorous training and constant criticism, Cheng draws inspiration from her friends and teammates as well as her loved ones. During the action-packed first game of the finals, the 3^rd year hitter was motivated as ever, knowing that her father was beaming from the sidelines and cheering on his daughter.

“Naghahanap lang ako ng motivation sa mga teammates ko, sa coaches ko, sa family ko,” shared Cheng, who missed last season’s action due to an ACL injury. “Especially na umuwi si daddy for this game talaga. Galing siyang Taiwan, doon siya nagwo-work and sobrang tagal na naming hindi nagkita.” 

(I just find the motivation from my teammates, my coaches and my family - especially since my dad went home for this game. He flew in from Taiwan, where he works, and we haven’t seen each other in a while.)  

For now, Cheng and the Lady Spikers remain focused on the task at hand as they know Ateneo will go all out to level the series on Saturday. The Taft crew braces for another grueling battle, but ultimately hopes to snatch the prize as soon as possible. 

“Sure naman na mahihirapan kami,” said Cheng of the Saturday’s match picture. “Wala namang madaling kalaban, and finals na, feeling ko walang madaling laban.” 

(For sure, we have a tough challenge ahead. There’s no easy opponent, and since it’s the finals, I feel like every game will be challenging.) 

Can the Lady Spikers finish it off in Game 2 and secure the back-to-back? 

“Pipilitin namin na kunin siyempre,” noted Cheng with a smile. “Mahihirapan, pero kakayanin.”

(We’ll try to get it [on Saturday]. It won’t be easy, but we will try.) －Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines－ The heated collegiate volleyball rivalry continues as the Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles and the De La Salle University Lady Spikers battle it out in Game 2 of the best-of-3 Finals series of the 79th UAAP Women’s Volleyball tournament on Saturday, May 6 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

It’s now or never for the Lady Eagles, who suffered a 4-set loss in the opening game of the series. The Katipunan-based squad will bank on the leadership of setter and team captain Jia Morado as well as its offensive stalwarts in Michelle Morente, Jhoana Maraguinot and Bea de Leon. 

DLSU’s veteran playmaker Kim Fajardo meanwhile hopes to close her UAAP chapter in memorable fashion as the Lady Spikers aim to snatch the championship trophy on Saturday.

Can La Salle secure back-to-back volleyball titles? Or will Ateneo rise back up to level the series? 

Follow Rappler’s live blog below for Game 2 updates starting at 4 pm!

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines－ Down by 15 in the first half, the Phoenix Fuel Masters turned the tables as a third quarter surge provided them with a 84-72 victory against the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, May 5 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

The Batang Pier kept Phoenix at bay for the whole of the first half, but soon fizzled out as they failed to keep pace with the Fuel Masters’ 30-point outburst in the 3rd quarter.

Jameel McKay dished out 22 markers to go with 20 rebounds and a block, while RJ Jazul became the 4th quarter hero as he finished with 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting and 4 boards. 

Stanley Pringle anchored his squad with 25 points, 9 boards, and 6 dimes, while Malcolm White delivered a 16-point, 8-rebound performance for Batang Pier, who turned the ball over 27 times throughout the match. 

The game likewise marked the return of Fil-Am guard Josh Urbiztondo to the Philippine turf after a noteworthy stint as an import of Singapore Slingers in the Asean Basketball League (ABL). Urbiztondo, 34, propelled the Slingers all the way to the ABL Finals yet found his team losing the crown to the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions. 

After the overseas call, the veteran playmaker jumped right back into the Batang Pier lineup, with Terrence Romeo already gearing up with Gilas for the SEABA Championships next week. 

Urbiztondo wound up scoreless in over 11 minutes of action, but dished out two boards and two assists. 

The Fuel Masters, who continue to miss the services of Matthew Wright, rise to a 4-5 slate.－Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED)－Numbers don’t lie.

As a standard protocol in sporting events, numbers and statistics do go a long way in picking out which players deserve to bring home the individual honors, such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year (ROY) awards. 

The UAAP is no exception, as the league follows a general formula in computing the statistical points of each player. De La Salle University Lady Spiker Majoy Baron clinched the plum after besting Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Michelle Morente and National University Lady Bulldogs’ Jaja Santiago, according to a report by Spin.

The UAAP board, headed by commissioner Otie Camangian, released a statement regarding the selection of the individual awards on Friday, May 5 “for purposes of better transparency.” 

It wasn’t about the highest point-getter, however, as the board considered both scoring and non-scoring skills as well as the matches won by the team and the total sets played of an athlete in the duration of the preliminaries. 

Below is a summary of the formula, which is also used by the international governing body of volleyball FIVB:

(Scoring and nonscoring skills points x 10) + (team’s number of victories X 30) = n

n/total number of sets played = final statistical points of a player

Ranking points were handed out to each player for every category, with 100 points given to the top rank, 90 for the second place, and 81 for those who came in 3rd. With the total multiplied by 10, the result will then be added to the team’s number of elimination round victories, which would also be multiplied by 30.

The product would then be divided by the total number of sets played throughout the preliminaries.

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The aforementioned Spin article, citing "official documents obtained" which are not publicly available, broke down the numbers as to how Baron came out on top of the race:

Baron: 46 + 81 + 90 + 66 + 20 + 36 + 20 = 359 x 10 = 3,590

Morente: 60 + 90 + 40 + 73 + 44 + 20 + 51 = 378 x 10 = 3,780

Santiago: 100 + 100 + 100 + 51 + 21 + 21 + 20 = 413 x 10 = 4,130

Baron: 3,590 + (11 x 30) = 3,920 

Morente: 3,780 + (12 x 30) = 4,140

Santiago: 4,130 + (7 x 30) = 4,340

Both Morente and Santiago tallied more points in the skills department than Baron, but since the Lady Spikers played fewer sets (46) than both Ateneo (51) and NU (55), the Taft middle blocker garnered the highest average of the statistical points.

Total tally

Baron: 3,920/ 46 = 85.217

Morente: 4,140 /51 = 81.176

Santiago: 4,340 /55 = 78.909 

Santiago, also a fan favorite for MVP honors, bagged 3 individual awards as the Best Spiker, Best Blocker and Best Scorer.

Jules Samonte of Ateneo meanwhile topped the freshman race as she landed the Season 79 Rookie of the Year prize. 

Individual awards in the scoring (Best Attacker, Best Blocker, Best Server) as well as the non-scoring (Best Setter, Best Digger, Best Receiver) departments were derived from the overall statistical points per category. – Rappler.com 

Editor's note:Formula corrected to state that the equation is team's number of victories multiplied by 30, not added to scoring and non-scoring department. The math for how Spin reached the conclusion was also added.

BELGRADE, Serbia - Novak Djokovic said Friday, May 5 that he had parted ways with his training team, including long-time coach Marian Vajda, as he attempts to arrest an alarming slide in form in the past year. 

The former world number one believes that this "shock therapy" will help him return to the top of the game after a wretched run of results. 

"I am a hunter and my biggest goal is to find the winning spark on the court again," Djokovic, 29, said in a lengthy statement on his website. 

The Serb, who was knocked off top spot last November by Andy Murray, joined his rival at the exit of the Monte Carlo Masters after losing to Belgian David Goffin 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 last month. 

In January, Djokovic's Australian Open title defence ended in a shock second-round exit. 

The statement said Djokovic felt the need for a change and had "mutually agreed" with Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic to end their partnership. 

The move follows a split late last year with coach Boris Becker after 3 years working together.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion said he was thinking of appointing a new head coach but did not want to rush the decision. 

"I want to find a way to come back to the top stronger and more resilient," he said. 

"I have so much faith in this process and that's why I will take time to find the right person who I can connect with professionally." 

For now he said he would be on tour alone with the support of his family and management, with the French Open just over two weeks away. 

Vajda, who has been a major influence, said he felt like he had spent a "whole lifetime" with Djokovic.

"Novak can do so much more and I am sure he will," the departing head coach said.

"I am convinced that he will remain at the top of tennis for many years and that he will bring a lot of joy to all the tennis fans around the world with his victories."  

Gritsch describe Djokovic as "a champion and a warrior and the sky is the limit for him.” 

Djokovic had expressed frustration about his game after his Monte Carlo disappointment, saying he was "doing everything that I can to play well".

He said then that he would not add to his schedule and would try to stick with the Madrid and Rome Masters events this month to complete his Grand Slam preparations for Paris. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines－The TNT KaTropa put an end to San Miguel’s unblemished record in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, blasting the Beermen, 112-103, on Friday, May 5 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

The Beermen trailed for most of the match as they played sans June Mar Fajardo, who is in the midst of preparing for the SEABA Championships with Gilas. The 3-time MVP’s rim protection was sorely missed as the Beermen were at a disadvantage in the rebounding department, 46-58. 

Donte Greene exploded for 41 points, 21 boards, and 4 assists for the KaTropa, while Kelly Williams added 15.

Larry Fonacier went 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, including a timely triple that sealed a 110-101 lead with 32 secs left on the clock.

Also pulled out from TNT due to national team duties were veteran point guard Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, and former Far Eastern University standout RR Pogoy. With the absence of these offensive machines, the KaTropa’s bench stepped up as they outscored the Beermen’s stringers, 37-8.

Charles Rhodes meanwhile had a game-high 43 points on 18-of-29 shooting and grabbed 8 rebounds for San Miguel, which lands a 5-1 win-loss card.

Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter added 17 apiece, while Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot wound up with 11 and 7, respectively. 

After snapping San Miguel’s 5-game streak, the KaTropa now soars to a 6-3 record. 

Scores: 

TNT (112): Greene 41, Williams 15, Fonacier 14, Garcia 12, Tautuaa 11, Carey 6, Reyes 5, De Ocampo 4, Rosales 4 

SMB (103): Rhodes 43, Ross 17, Lassiter 17, Santos 11, Cabagnot 7, Espinas 6, De Ocampo 2, Tubid 0, Heruela 0 

Quarter scores: 27-16, 53-42, 79-70, 112-103 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Eden Sonsona saw his unbeaten streak of 12 fights over 7 years snapped as he succumbed to Evgeny Chuprakov in the fifth round on Friday, May 5 at DIVS in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Sonsona (36-7-2, 13 knockouts) was knocked down in the third round by a counter left hook and dropped once again in the fourth while complaining of a kidney punch. Whatever pain he was experiencing hadn't subsided by the following round as he turned his back following another flurry by Chuprakov (18-0, 10 KOs) and went to his knees in the corner, compelling the referee to stop the fight at the 1:35 mark.

Chuprakov's WBO Inter-Continental junior lightweight (130 pounds) title was at stake, and a win over the fighter ranked number two by that sanctioning body which would have earned the 28-year-old from General Santos City, Philippines a good ranking.

"Tough loss for Eden," said Sonsona's promoter Jim Claude Manangquil of Sanman Promotions. "We had high hopes for him. Back to drawing board for him."

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full Sonsona-Chuprakov highlights as Chuprakov wins by TKO in the fifth round <a href="https://t.co/A6nQpx8j8d">pic.twitter.com/A6nQpx8j8d</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryansongalia/status/860524871675019264">May 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The fight that preceded Sonsona-Chuprakov was more competitive as Filipino boxer Jimmy Paypa dropped Shavkat Rakhimov twice before the Russia-based Tajik came back and scored a one-punch knockout with a left uppercut to the solar plexus which Paypa never saw coming. The time of stoppage was 1:17 of round 6 in the junior lightweight fight.

Paypa (19-4-1, 7 KOs) of Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte, Philippines looked on his way to an upset win in the second round when he dropped Rakhimov (10-0, 8 KOs) on a straight left in the second, and again in the third with a right hook. Rakhimov, who is two years younger at 22, never stopped punching, occupying Paypa with his busy style while adjusting to moving out of exchanges to his right, and away from Paypa's own right.

The knockout came as Rakhimov turned Paypa and planted a left uppercut that left the Filipino breathless and struggling in pain to rise.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full Paypa-Rakhimov highlights as Shavkat Rakhimov gets off the deck twice to win by KO in the sixth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boxing?src=hash">#boxing</a> <a href="https://t.co/VsH1oIq7sr">pic.twitter.com/VsH1oIq7sr</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryansongalia/status/860527084732534784">May 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Paypa, who is promoted by ALA Boxing, drops to 0-2-1 in international fights, snapping a 3-fight winning streak which included an upset decision win over former title challenger Bernabe Concepcion last year. He was accompanied to Russia by trainer Michael Domingo.

The win is Rakhimov's fourth straight knockout of a Filipino boxer, after defeating Jun Doliguez, Roldan Aldea and Jerry Castroverde in his previous three bouts.

The show was promoted by RCC Boxing Promotions. – Rappler.com 

LOS ANGELES, USA - LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points as the San Antonio Spurs used a barrage of late three pointers to overcome James Harden's 43-point performance to beat the Houston Rockets 103-92 in their playoff series.

Aldridge was especially dangerous from in the paint in game three as the Spurs took a 2-1 lead in the second-round Western Conference series.

He shot 12-of-20 from the field, a much better performance than the four points he scored in Houston's one-sided win in game one.

"This was his best game, obviously," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of Aldridge. "He felt good tonight. He was loose as far as his physical nature, his legs and everything. He wasn't too stiff. And it showed. He moved up and down the court well, he was able to push off on the block, he felt good shooting the ball.

"In addition to busting his butt on (defense) and trying to hit the boards for us, he was a big help tonight."

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Houston.

Kawhi Leonard added 26 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.

Trevor Ariza tallied 17 points for Houston but had just two after halftime.

The Rockets' three-man bench of Eric Gordon, Nene and Lou Williams combined for 10 points on 3-of-19 shooting.

"They did a good job of just staying home on our shooters and forcing me to finish and make plays," said Harden, who was 14 of 28 from the floor.

Houston shot just 36 percent from the field and couldn't keep pace with San Antonio, who were playing without injured point guard Tony Parker.

Parker will miss the remainder of the 2017 postseason after suffering a ruptured left quadriceps tendon in the fourth quarter of game two. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo Blue Eagles fend off the resilient National University Bulldogs in another 5-setter, 18-25, 25-16, 20-25, 25-18, 15-13 to clinch their 3rd straight title in the 79th UAAP Men's Volleyball Finals on Saturday, May 6 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

It's a perfect season for the Blue Eagles as they managed to hold off rivals NU after splitting the sets in Game 2. 

Four-time MVP Marck Espejo led the charge for the league leaders as he dished out a game-high 27 points coupled with 18 excellent receptions. 

Tony Koyfman, who was named Finals MVP, added 11 on 9 attacks, while Josh Villanueva and Rex Intal had 10 apiece. 

Fauzi Ismail topscored for the Bulldogs as he pitched in 24 markers on 19 attacks, 5 blocks and 12 excellent receptions. 

He had ample support from Bryan Bagunas, who had 20 on 17 excellent attacks, while Kim Malabunga contributed 11.

Prior to this game, the Blue Eagles also narrowly escaped with a Game 1 victory in 5 sets, but ended up sweeping the whole tournament. —Rappler.com