NEW YORK, USA - Rafael Nadal moved one win away from a third US Open title and 16th Grand Slam crown Friday, August 8 when he defeated weary Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.

The 31-year-old Spaniard, the 2010 and 2013 champion in New York, will be playing in his 23rd Slam final and third this year, looking to add the US title to his record 10th French Open.

In Sunday's final, the world number one will face 32nd-ranked Kevin Anderson, the first South African in the championship match in 52 years.

Anderson reached his maiden final at the majors by beating 12th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

For 2009 champion Del Potro, Friday's match was one too many as the physical and emotional toll of seeing off Roger Federer in four sets in the previous round left him spent.

"I have had an amazing season after some tough moments with injuries in recent years," said Nadal, who started 2017 by finishing runner-up to Federer in Australia.

"It's a very emotional year for me. I am in the final again and get the chance to fight for another title which is very important."

Nadal said the key to Friday's win was a change of tactics after the first set.

"I played too much to his backhand and I felt he was waiting for me there," said Nadal after his 15th successive Grand Slam semi-final win.

"I changed it and it worked very well. I made him move more and make it all more unpredictable."

Nadal finished with 45 winners and 20 unforced errors to Del Potro's 23 and 40.

Despite a 4-0 winning record over Anderson, Nadal said he will not underestimate his opponent on Sunday.

"He is a very dangerous player with a big serve and plays very well on this surface. I have known him since we were 12.

"He's had many injuries but the way he has come back is a great example to the kids."

Del Potro, who saved two match points against Dominic Thiem in a last-16 tie from which he almost retired with illness, gained the only break of the first set in the fifth game off a fortunate net cord.

'Been long road'

However, few would begrudge Del Potro a little luck after he was pushed to the brink of retirement by four wrist surgeries that saw his ranking slip as low as 1,045 and forced him to miss 10 Grand Slam tournaments.

Nadal hit back with venom, gathering 3 breaks to take the second set in just 26 minutes as the Argentine suffered a power cut of staggering proportions.

The Spaniard, watched by Tiger Woods in his player's box, then raced into a 3-0 lead in the third before Del Potro stopped the rot, having lost nine games in succession.

The Argentine saved two set points in the eighth game but Nadal soon wrapped it up at the next time of asking, pushing his opponent into desperate defense before the delivering the killer blow into an open court.

Nadal, beaten by Del Potro at the same stage in 2009, tightened the noose with two breaks for 4-1 and easy hold for 5-1.

It was all over in the eighth game when Nadal buried unleashed a backhand winner.

"I'm angry to lose a chance like this, but maybe tomorrow I will be calm and see how big the tournament was for me," said Del Potro.

Anderson, 31, will attempt to become his country's first Slam champion since Johan Kriek at the 1981 Australian Open.

Cliff Drysdale was the last South African man in the US final in 1965 but he was defeated by Manuel Santana.

"It has been a long road. This means the world to me," said Anderson, whose career was at a crossroads in January when hip problems forced him out of the Australian Open and his ranking slumped to 80.

"This is why we work so hard. I was pretty nervous with it being the first time on the sport's most famous stage."

Carreno Busta, also playing in his first semi-final at the Slams, had not dropped a set at the tournament, helped by playing four qualifiers, and he was a set to the good on Friday, breaking in the seventh game.

The Spaniard had pocketed the opener hitting just two winners and only one unforced error. 

But 6ft 8in (2.03m) Anderson eventually imposed himself much to the approval of watching Hollywood star Robert Redford and Microsoft founder Bill Gates

Anderson finished the tie with a power-packed 22 aces and 58 winners. – Rappler.com

After a rather unpredictable first round of action, the Mae Young Classic rolls on with the last few rounds of the tournament this week. 

The contest is, as most tournaments usually go, becoming more consistent as the more elite contenders remain, but is also showing a lot of its cracks at the same time.

First, the negatives. I’ve already discussed how the tournament sacrificed some long-term viability in its attempt to provide a lot of good stuff in the first round, but the good thing is that that’s been offset by the sheer amount of talent among the wrestlers WWE and Triple H rounded up for this. Despite that, though, we’ve still ended up with some rather lopsided quarterfinal and semifinal matchups, like an awkward heel vs heel matchup in Shayna Baszler vs Mercedes Martinez, or a flat face vs face bout between Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai—just because nobody seemed to have thought the entire bracketing through.

{source}<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6F5sjQqAPVA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

However, the intended three-week tournament length that required them to shoot almost the entire thing over two days takes a real physical toll on the wrestlers and the crowd. Round two may be very well the best round of the tournament barring the live finals next Wednesday, Manila time, simply because most of the inexperienced performers have been eliminated in the first round and everyone is still running fresh.

By the later rounds, though, you can see everyone slowing down just a step because it will have been their second or third match of the night, and in quick succession as well. While there isn’t anything wrong with slow matches, there wasn’t enough support given by the storytelling and commentary, who could’ve easily mentioned that these women were wrestling almost a whole tournament in only two days. Acknowledging that would have gone a long way in contextualizing the action and making it even more prestigious, as it would’ve meant everyone knew Sane and Baszler—the ladies heading to the finals—outlasted 30 other women in a short span of time. That, and they already set a precedent with the United Kingdom Championship Tournament earlier this year.

{source}<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UVgom3zI9i4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

Had we gotten even a slightly more protracted tournament, the Mae Young Classic would probably not suffer from these missteps. So much was made about the ability to watch programming on demand via the WWE Network that they never really thought about how this would actually affect people with real schedules.

That said, they learned their lesson from the Cruiserweight Classic and pretty much ensured the Mae Young Classic finals everyone wanted to see. Fan-favorite and real babyface Kairi Sane from Japan is headed up against low-key fan-favorite and MMA crossover star Shayna Baszler, who has a lot of potential, but also brings with her a huge link to infamous judoka Ronda Rousey.

Again, it’s worth noting that there are many competitors in the tournament who would’ve done a fine job of representing women in the finals, but this might be the best possible matchup they have given talent, potential, and buzz, and I’m glad they fully embraced it. I can’t wait to see how these two tear the house down in a fresh matchup next week.

Matches to watch from round 2, the quarterfinals, and the semifinals: Mia Yim vs Shayna Baszler, Kairi Sane vs Bianca Belair, Princesa Sugehit vs Mercedes Martinez, Piper Niven vs Toni Storm, Candice LeRae vs Shayna Baszler, Kairi Sane vs Toni Storm

A quick word about Enzo Amore

Enzo has been hanging out in the cruiserweight division for a few weeks now, and they’ve already established a pattern for him—he’s a babyface going up against the division’s biggest heels, but he’s being made to look like a complete loser who can’t win a match without cheating. As in he won’t even wrestle; he’ll come in and finish a match with some cheating.

{source}<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWINDKea04Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

This makes zero sense, no matter how you look at it. Even as a babyface, Eddie Guerrero’s cheating came after a good match, and his skirting the rules was definitely hardworking. Amore’s isn’t, and is just designed to annoy anyone who may be fans of the other cruiserweights. So what’s the deal?

My guess is that Amore’s real backstage issues with many wrestlers and other people hasn’t yet completely translated to the crowd reaction the WWE would rather have for him, and they’re booking him like this to get the crowd to turn. That’s fine and all, except stunts like this really do hurt the product and the story. It’s the problem with writing stories and booking based on feelings and politics—the politics will prevail even when they don’t make sense. If the WWE also wants to be taken seriously as an entertainment company, they’ll graduate from this sophomoric mindset.

That said, it’s only a matter of time, really, before Amore either fizzles out or steps up big time. Until then, it feels like they’re just wasting our time.

*****

Do you listen to podcasts? Would you want to listen to a local podcast about pro wrestling? If the answers to those questions – especially that last one – are yes, then you should check out the cleverly-named Smark Gilas-Pilipinas Podcast, featuring PWR General Manager Stan Sy, wrestling writer and Wrestling God Romeo Moran, and all-around multimedia person and former voice of PWR Raf Camus! This week, stand-up comedian Chino Liao joins the podcast to review PWR Live: Sugod! Listen to it here! – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Donnie Nietes now knows who his next opponent will be after Juan Carlos Reveco won a competitive but clear unanimous decision over Komgrich Nantapech on Friday, September 8, in Argentina.

The win made Reveco (39-3, 19 KOs) the mandatory challenger for the IBF flyweight title, which Nietes earned in April when he defeated Nantapech in a close fight in Cebu City.

The 34-year-old Reveco, a former WBA flyweight titleholder, boxed and moved against the strong but crude Thai, winning by a shutout of 120-108 on one card, and the more representative tallies of 118-110 and 117-111 on the third.

Nietes' promoter, Michael Aldeguer of ALA Promotions, says he was initially surprised to see Nantapech back in a title eliminator so quickly after losing to Nietes but now turns his attention to the matter in front of them.

"With Reveco winning, it's going to be an exciting fight with Nietes," says Aldeguer, who was informed after Nietes (40-1-4, 22 KOs) won the vacant title that his first defense would be a mandatory.

Asked when the fight could take place, Aldeguer says "we are looking at late October or November. We are open to fighting anywhere."

{source}<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/As_7Y4d8QG8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

“This is a great fight for Donnie,” added trainer Edito Villamor, who says Nietes has been in training since July and has been sparring since the second week of August.

Reveco's notable wins include Ricardo Nunez and Felix Alvarado, and he showed he was more than a paper champion in his 2015 majority decision loss to Kazuto Ioka in Japan. He fought Ioka again later that year and lost by 11th round technical knockout in a close fight, and has won 3 straight by decision since then. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The season-opener went according to plan for the National University (NU) Bulldogs as they handily defeated the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 86-69.

Although the Season 77 champions controlled the second half, UE did their best to go toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs, as they tied up the game 4 times over 3 periods.

Leading the Red Warrior pack on the court is third-year forward Alvin Pasaol, who tallied a team-high 14 points on 6-of-14 shooting with 4 boards, 3 blocks and a steal. Despite being comparatively undersized at 6-foot-3 against the league’s other bigs, Pasaol charged on relentlessly, unafraid to bang and even converting and-ones against NU’s new center Issa Gaye.

Early foul trouble limited Pasaol, but he showed a level of cool-headedness despite a bruising style of play in limited minutes – a quality fit for a team leader, one humble enough to not take full credit for his new role. 

“Di naman talaga ako yung leader [lang]. Marami naman kami,” said the former Holy Cross of Davao College standout when asked how he felt in his first game as the leading Red Warrior. (“I’m really not the only leader. There are many of us.”)

“Marami naman kami, kaya ili-lead namin yung teammates namin sa upcoming game sa FEU.” (“There are many of us, so we’ll lead our teammates in our upcoming game with FEU.”)

Coach Derrick Pumaren said otherwise in a previous interview with ABS-CBN, calling him "our leader."

"I expect him to carry us," Pumaren added.

Pasaol said Coach Pumaren hopes to see the young team be more composed in future games.

“Nagkulang lang. Siguro yung mga rookies namin sobrang excited lang maglaro at di naman talaga ‘yun yung usual game namin,” said Pasaol when asked what went wrong in their loss. (“We just fell short. I guess our rookies were just overexcited to play and that is not really our style of play.”)

It’s just one game and loss, but Pasaol did all the right things expected from a leader on and off the court. Reeling from the exodus of former UE pillars Renz Palma, Bonbon Batiller and Edgar Charcos, Pasaol provides the stability that the young Red Warriors need to feed off of.

If the previous reports on his rising excellence are to be followed, fans can expect a few Warrior upsets as the new season moves along. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Meralco Bolts contained a late surge from the Star Hotshots, holding on to a 96-90 decision in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday, September 9 at the Sta. Rosa Multipurpose Complex in Laguna. 

With both squads looking to get back on the winning track, the Bolts wasted no time in getting on the board as they built a comfortable double-digit advantage to keep Star at bay for the first 3 frames. 

But their 20-point lead soon dwindled down as the Hotshots, led by star reinforcement Malcolm Hill, sparked a rally late in the final period to go within striking distance, 85-91. 

The Bolts escaped danger as Chris Newsome converted a layup on the other side that gave his team a 8-point cushion and the momentum to pull away with the victory.

Durham filled the stats line with another huge double-double of 29 points and 27 rebounds, along with 7 assists for Meralco.

Chris Newsome added 17 markers, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Cliff Hodge and Baser Amer had 15 and 13, respectively. 

Hill meanwhile paced Star with a double-double of his own of 28 markers and 10 boards, while Jio Jalalon listed 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. 

The Hotshots were coming off a Manila Clasico loss on Sunday, when the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings prevailed in a thrilling 105-101 overtime contest. 

Meralco is now at 6-2 while Star absorbed its 3rd straight defeat in the season-ending conference to drop to 4-3. 

Scores: 

Meralco (96) - Durham 29, Newsome 17, Hodge 15, Amer 13, Lanete 11, Tolomia 7, Dillinger 2, Hugnatan 2, Sedurifa 0, Caram 0, Nabong 0. 

Star (90) - Hill 28, Jalalon 15, Sangalang 11, Lee 9, Maliksi 7, Ramos 7, Pingris 6, Barroca 5, Brondial 0, Dela Rosa 0, Simon 0, Melton 0. 

Quarter scores: 32-15, 59-41, 74-67, 96-90. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK CITY, USA – Sloane Stephens, sidelined for 11 months by a left foot injury until returning in July, captured her first Grand Slam title by routing fellow American Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 in Saturday's (September 9) US Open final.

Stephens took a $3.7 million (3.07 million euros) top prize from the biggest victory of her career, pitted against one of her closest friends in the first all-US final since 2002 on the New York hardcourts.

"I should just retire now," Stephens said. "I'll never be able to top this. Talk about a comeback. Things just have to come together and the past six weeks they really have."

With the 15th victory in her past 17 matches, Stephens became only the fifth unseeded player to win a women's Slam title, although Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko managed the feat at this year's French Open.

The only prior unseeded US Open women's champion was Kim Clijsters, who came back from retirement to take the 2009 title.

"It's incredible," Stephens said. "I had surgery January 23. If sone told me then I'd win the US Open, it's impossible I'd say, absolutely impossible.

"This journey has been incredible and honestly I wouldn't change it for the world."

Stephens made only 6 unforced errors in the match to 30 for Keys, who had 18 winners to 10 for the champion.

It was the first final set of a US Open women's championship match where the loser didn't take a game since Chris Evert beat Evonne Goolagong 6-3, 6-0 in 1976.

"I didn't play my best tennis today and I'm disappointed in that but Sloane was very supportive and if there's someone I have to lose to today I'm glad it's her. Sloane is truly one of my favorite people.

"If you told me two months ago I'd be holding a US Open finalist's trophy I'd have been really happy and proud of myself."

Presented with the winner's check, Stephens said, 'That's a lot of money. Wow," but then handed the check envelope to best pal Keys, who she sat next to after the victory rather than on opposite sides of the umpire's chair, to take hold of the winner's trophy.

"Maddie is my best friend on tour," Stephens said. "I told her I wished there could have been a draw. I'm going to support her no matter what and she's going to support me no matter what.

"To stand here with her today is incredible – that's what really friendship is."

Keys, seeded 15th, and 83rd-ranked Stephens each fought off injuries to reach the title showdown.

Stephens returned at Wimbledon and slid to 957th in world rankings before semi-final runs at US Open tuneups in Toronto and Cincinnati, while Keys underwent her second left wrist surgery after the French Open and won a tuneup title at Stanford.

Stephens will jump to 17th in Monday's world rankings while Keys, who took hom $1.825 million as runner-up, will rise to 12th.

Stunning finish

In the firset set, Stephens broke to seize a 3-2 lead, Keys swatting a forehand beyond the baseline to surrender the game, and Stephens broke again when Keys send a backhand long to take the set after 30 minutes.

Keys made 17 unforced errors in the opening set to just two for Stephens, both in the last game.

In the second set, Stephens broke with a forehand crosscourt winner past on outstretched Keys to grab a 2-0 edge, then broke again on a double fault for a 4-0 lead, Keys swatting the ball with her left hand as it bounced back at her.

Keys forced triple break point in the fifth game but Stephens saved them all and held to 5-0.

The end came after 61 minutes on Stephens' third break and championship point when Keys netted a forehand.

Hands on hips, Stephens simply stood for a few seconds with a stunned expression, then smiled and made a tiny fist pump before going to the net to share a teary-eyed hug with Keys.

Neither Keys, 22, nor Stephens, 24, had ever reached a Slam final, only the seventh time in the Open Era (since 1967) two first-timers met for a women's Slam title.

But it was the second time in three years it happened at Arthur Ashe Stadium after Flavia Pennetta beat Roberta Vinci in 2015's all-Italian final. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Fresh from its 3-day fanfest at the Asia Pop Comic Convention in late August, the Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR) stormed the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Makati City with a loaded show, PWR Live: Sugod!, last Sunday, September 3. 

"Beautiful" Billy Suede defended his PWR Championship against former titleholders Chris Panzer and Ralph Imabayashi, while PHX Champion Mike Madrigal put his newly-won belt on the line against SANDATA.

This happened amid an "insurrection" by an "anonymous donor" who turned out to be PWR General Manager Mr. Sy's mortal enemy.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And now, the main event: Ralph Imabayashi (w/ Rederick Mahaba) vs. Chris Panzer vs. Billy Suede (c) for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRTitle?src=hash">#PWRTitle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLive?src=hash">#PWRLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cq9CUAxNHm">pic.twitter.com/Cq9CUAxNHm</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904268788736057344">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Raining on Panzer parade

At the main event, "The Beautiful One" was poised to extend his title reign by thwarting both Panzer and Imabayashi, who had Rederick Mahaba in tow.

But the leader of the Panzer Army and the self-proclaimed best pure wrestler in PWR were dead-set to become two-time champions. These led to some beautiful sequences and nail-biting near-falls.

Ultimately, a frogsplash sealed the deal for Panzer, pinning Suede to win the title.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">AND THE NEEEWWW PWR Champion, Chris Panzer! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/wEm4qc7gaK">pic.twitter.com/wEm4qc7gaK</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904274131654295557">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

But the celebration was short-lived. After Panzer accepted Mr. Sy's offer to become the captain of his 5-man team for the upcoming "Ubusan Lahi" match (more on this in a bit), John Sebastian and his teammates hit the ring, and attacked both Panzer and the PWR GM. Dax Xaviera ran in for the save, but Team Sebastian took care of him as well.

Hot take: This reviewer is a big fan of multi-man matches, especially when executed properly. This PWR Championship main event was one of them. The match ran smoothly like a well-oiled machine, and the talents of all 3 mixed so well together. The seamless way they inserted a funny bit was a highlight, too. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chop-fest! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRTitle?src=hash">#PWRTitle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLive?src=hash">#PWRLive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/bZEkw894r9">pic.twitter.com/bZEkw894r9</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904270995199991809">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

You can really sense the big-fight feel while watching them. Imabayashi, Panzer, and Suede continue to cement their spots in the main event scene.

The Sy-tuation

Mr. Sy kicked off Sugod! to express once again his gratitude to the Revo-nation, and to announce that an "anonymous donor" is helping PWR financially.

Out came John Sebastian, who openly berated Mr. Sy. The PWR general manager then moved to fire Sebastian, but the Wrestling Lord and Savior had a bombshell of his own: he is the "anonymous donor" and is now a part-owner of PWR.

Wanting to get rid of Mr. Sy once and for all, Sebastian challenged him to a 5-on-5 "Ubusan Lahi" match (similar to WWE's Survivor Series match) at PWR Vendetta.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sebastian: I&#39;m putting your job on the line. I&#39;ll form a team of 5 to face your team of 5 at the next show, Vendetta! <a href="https://t.co/sKAFP0J5Na">pic.twitter.com/sKAFP0J5Na</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904231184619659264">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Throughout the event, Sebastian made his presence felt, much to the chagrin of Mr. Sy, who scouted for team members.

Sebastian first interrupted a match between Fighters 4 Hire (F4H) member Joey Bax and Peter Versoza. Bax was mounting a comeback when Sebastian distracted him, allowing Versoza to hit a low blow and an F5-like slam to pick up the win.

Bax's injured tag partner Miguel Rosales rushed to save him from a two-man beatdown that followed. Mr. Sy then emerged to invite F4H into Team Sy. After Bax and Rosales accepted, Sebastian and Versoza attacked them some more, as a helpless Mr. Sy looked on.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Sebastian distracts the ref. Low blow on Joey Bax leads to win by Peter Versoza <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/9Apec369Au">pic.twitter.com/9Apec369Au</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904250733716922372">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Sebastian struck next at the PHX Championship defense of Mike Madrigal against SANDATA. The challenger was on the verge of making Madrigal tap out when Sebastian took to the mic and called SANDATA names.

This allowed Madrigal to hit his devastating Near-Death Experience to retain his title.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike Madrigal retains PHX Title after John Sebastian distracts SANDATA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLive?src=hash">#PWRLive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/Olmw4eCQkX">pic.twitter.com/Olmw4eCQkX</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904267090894323712">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

We'll soon find out who will complete Team Sy (PWR Champion Chris Panzer, Fighters 4 Hire, and Dax Xaviera) and Team Sebastian (John Sebastian, Peter Versoza, Ralph Imabayashi, and Rederick Mahaba) for the "Ubusan Lahi" match at Vendetta.

Hot take: The Sy-Sebastian rivalry is rekindled, but this time with Sebastian having a power-trip advantage, and Mr. Sy being forced to "toe the line" while drafting his 5-person team. It's interesting to see how each team will up the ante leading to the 5-on-5 battle.

Meanwhile, Madrigal vs. SANDATA for the PHX Title was a nice outing. Mike's candid trash talk during the match adds to his kupal (obnoxious) character. SANDATA was more polished this time around, too.

Joey Bax in singles action is the same as when he is in tag team bouts: battered but unbowed and tough as nails. Peter also seems to get his jive back, showing signs of his old ruthless self at Sugod!.

Tag, who's it?

At the latest State of the Network Address by James "Idol" Martinez and Alexander Belmonte III, the new PWR Tag Team Champions promised to be fighting champions. Their Network cohort, the injured Chino Guinto, then appeared on the big screen to deliver a message of his own. Guinto praised Martinez and Belmonte, and vowed to return from injury more #BLESSED.

The Network's potential next challengers entered the ring afterwards: ex-champs YOLO Twins, the Kakaibros, the Punk Dolls, and the team of Trian dela Torre and Evan Carleaux.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Up next: Four Corners #1 contender&#39;s match to see who&#39;ll face PWR Tag Team Champions The Network. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLive?src=hash">#PWRLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/JBQpgsortU">pic.twitter.com/JBQpgsortU</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904257211668373505">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

In the chaotic Four Corners match that ensued, Dela Torre and Carleaux prevailed, earning the right to face the Network for the tag titles.

Hot take: Wrestling thrives in mayhem, and this entertaining match featured lots of it. Each team had their patented antics at play here. Plus, Robynn's ringside splash will always be a spectacle.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Karambola! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/5vZSoeHmTl">pic.twitter.com/5vZSoeHmTl</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904260479123505153">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source} 

This reviewer favored Martivo and Robynn to win, though. This was the first time Evan and Trian teamed up, while Martivo and Robynn have challenged for the belts multiple times already. Nonetheless, The Network vs. Evan/Trian would be another fun match to look forward to. 

Bad Vlad

At APCC 2017 a few weeks ago, Vlad Sinnsyk eliminated "The Senyorito" Jake de Leon at the first round of the PHX Championship tournament. At Sugod!, Vlad seemed to eliminate JDL from in-ring competition altogether.

During the match's final moments, JDL wiggled out of a musclebuster then rolled up Sinnsyk for the win. But Sinnsyk continued the assault, ending only when he hit another musclebuster, this time on the unforgiving ring apron. Medics brough De Leon to the back on a stretcher.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake de Leon sneaks in a victory. Vlad Sinnsyk continues the assault, though <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/GMGVh9Qek2">pic.twitter.com/GMGVh9Qek2</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904242070771994624">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Hot take: Sinister Sinnsyk continues his mean streak, this time sending one of PWR's top stars to the hospital. JDL was incredible to watch, as usual. Hoping for his speedy recovery.

Undercard hits, misses

At the opening bout of Sugod!, Rederick Mahaba got an assist from Ralph Imabayashi to defeat a valiant Dax Xaviera.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ralph Imabayashi assists Rederick Mahaba in defeating Dax Xaviera. Post-match, Ralph hits Dax with a modified tombstone! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xf3kqpZo0r">pic.twitter.com/Xf3kqpZo0r</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904234445565132800">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

The Apocalypse's PWR All-out War Championship may not have been on the line in the next match, but he brough the pain to the affable Brad Cruz, defeating him in quick fashion with a double-foot stomp.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Apocalypse makes quick work of Brad Cruz, pinning him after his version of the Coup de Grâce. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/e0MHyitQkL">pic.twitter.com/e0MHyitQkL</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904235885771735040">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Zayden Trudeau and Bolt showed off their skills in a friendly match, but it was Bolt who eked out a win after countering Zayden's short-arm maneuver with a roll-up.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bolt wins with a roll-up vs Zayden Trudeau! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> <a href="https://t.co/DuTd7Y0MJx">pic.twitter.com/DuTd7Y0MJx</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904239636205023232">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Hot take: Hard-hitting bad guy Rederick is as interesting to watch as his jolly good guy version. Dax held his own, matching Mahaba's agility with his strikes.

Apocalypse vs Brad Cruz is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it affair, but one can't deny Brad Cruz's charisma. Apocalypse's new finisher is dangerous, though. When it's a big man such as Apocalypse doing a double-foot stomp from the ring corner, you've got to worry for the guy receiving it.

Bolt-Zayden is a decent encounter, but some kinks need to be ironed out. Bolt also has to make a more convincing victory to raise his stock.

Pre-show matches

The Revo-Ranger conquers another villain at the pre-show, defeating the masked Trabajador Quatro.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> preshow: The Revo-Ranger def. Trabajador Quatro with a Revo Kick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLive?src=hash">#PWRLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/CKGgqYP4L2">pic.twitter.com/CKGgqYP4L2</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904225394181545984">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Vintendo sought to make up for a loss against McKata in a rematch, but McKata pulled off another win, making PWR's resident gamer frustrated once again.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLiveSugod?src=hash">#PWRLiveSugod</a> pre-show: McKata def. Vintendo after a fireman&#39;s carry slam <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PWRLive?src=hash">#PWRLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/q3C52SXyQs">pic.twitter.com/q3C52SXyQs</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/904227973577846784">September 3, 2017</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Hot take: Revo-Ranger vs. Trabajador is a surprisingly competitive match, given Revo-Ranger's character as a Japanese live action superhero.

Vintendo and McKata also had a nice showing. Hat tip to McKata for working on his rap, as well as to Vintendo for bringing the fight to McKata.

Over-all verdict: PWR maximized the Power Mac Center Spotlight, offering a more intimate experience to its audience. Its look-and-feel is similar to that of most independent promotions in the US and UK. The use of a literal spotlight during the intros in title matches was a nice touch. There's a big screen/Titantron now, too. They could put more lights on the entranceway, though. 

With that said, PWR delivered another solid card, with intriguing, intertwining narratives and action-packed matches. Sugod! laid the groundwork for its next 2 shows, culminating at the "Ubusan Lahi" match at Vendetta in November. 

Kudos, too, for event efficiency, running a 10-match card (including the pre-show) within 3 and 1/2 hours, arguably doing it better than WWE RAW in this regard. 

PWR Live: Sugod was so good it merits a B+ rating.

Quick results

• Pre-show: The Revo-Ranger defeated Trabajador Quatro
• Pre-show: McKata def. Vintendo
• Rederick Mahaba (w/ Ralph Imabayashi) def. Dax Xaviera
• PWR All-Out War Champion The Apocalypse def. Brad Cruz in a non-title match
• Bolt def. Zayden Trudeau
• Jake de Leon def. Vlad Sinnsyk
• Peter Versoza def. Joey Bax
• Trian dela Torre and Evan Carleaux def. The YOLO Twins (Yohann and Logan Ollores), Punk Dolls (Martivo and Robynn) and The Kakaibros (Kh3ndrick and Mh4rckie) to become the #1 contenders for the PWR Tag Team Titles
• PHX Championship: Mike Madrigal def. SANDATA to retain his title
• PWR Championship - Triple Threat Match: Chris Panzer def. Billy Suede and Ralph Imabayashi (w/ Rederick Mahaba) to win the title

Catch PWR's next event, PWR Live: Oktoberplex on Sunday, October 8, still at the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Makati City. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Roman "Chocolatito" suffered his second straight defeat as he was knocked out cold in round 4 by Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in their rematch Saturday, September 9 (Sunday Manila time) at StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Gonzalez (46-2, 38 knockouts) was dropped twice in round 4 by right hooks, the second of which put him out for the count at the 1:18 mark as the Thai retained the WBC super flyweight title he won by upsetting the Nicaraguan Gonzalez by majority decision this past March.

Gonzalez, 30, had been ranked number one pound-for-pound by several outlets before the loss to Rungvisai (44-4-4, 40 KOs) and was a champion at 105, 108 and 112 pounds before stepping up to 115, where larger opponents were able to stand up to his combination punching. 

"For the first fight I only trained two months. This fight I knew I was going to knock him out," Srisaket said.

"I am not scared of anyone."

Earlier in the night, Fil-Am former champion Brian Viloria improved to 38-5 (23 KOs) with a fifth round knockout of Miguel Cartagena in the scheduled 8-round bout. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Blackwater Elite made yet another move to beef up their roster as they are set to acquire Allein Maliksi on a two-on-two trade with the Star Hotshots, per a report by Interaksyon. 

According to the article that came out on Sunday, September 10, Maliksi, together with rookie Chris Javier, are headed to the Elite in exchange for Bambam Gamalinda and Kyle Pascual in a deal awaiting the approval of the Commissioner’s office. 

The 29-year-old sharpshooter has been averaging 8.7 points and 2.0 rebounds thus far in the Governors’ Cup, and was likewise called up for a Gilas Pilipinas duty back in the SEABA Championships in May.

News of the acquisition of Maliksi and former University of the East standout Chris Javier came just a few days after Blackwater also landed Chris Ellis and Dave Marcelo from the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.

The Hotshots recently absorbed their 3rd straight defeat at the hands of the Meralco Bolts with a 96-90 decision on Saturday in Laguna－ handing them a 4-3 slate in the season-ending conference. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Anything can happen in boxing, as they say.

After a grueling 12-round war between former champions from Mexico, Carlos Cuadras and Juan Francisco Estrada on the Saturday, September 9 (Sunday Manila time), Michael Buffer had the scorecards in hand and announced the winner as "Carlos Estrada", sending the team of Cuadras into jubilation while Estrada's demanded confirmation of the verdict.

After a few turbulent moments, Buffer returned with the microphone.

"Apologies please...the score goes the other way," Buffer said before announcing Estrada as the narrow winner, setting him up as the mandatory challenger to WBC super flyweight champ Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand, who reaffirmed his place atop the 115-pound class with a knockout of Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez later in the night with a fourth-round knockout.

Estrada (36-2, 15 knockouts) had sealed the 114-113 verdict on all 3 cards with a knockdown on a right cross, which proved to be the margin of victory.

Estrada had previously been a flyweight champion after upsetting Brian Viloria to win the WBA/WBO titles in 2013. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The University of Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons escaped a tight opening game with a victory against the University of the Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 74-73, on Sunday, September 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Down by two with 5 seconds remaining in regulation, Paul Desiderio nailed a triple to put UP on top by the game's final margin with 1.1 remaining to play. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PAUL. <br>DESIDERIO. <br>WOW. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPSeason80?src=hash">#UAAPSeason80</a> <a href="https://t.co/9wp7J66J2K">pic.twitter.com/9wp7J66J2K</a></p>&mdash; ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/abscbnsports/status/906797502095007744">September 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

The Growling Tigers started the game strong by building an early 7-point lead against the Fighting Maroons, 11-4, but UP rallied back to close the gap to one by the end of quarter, 19-18, as UST's Steve Akomo was subbed out of the rotation.

Both teams improved their accuracy by the second, however it was the Fighting Maroons who began pulling away with an 8-0 run that allowed UP to take the lead at the end of the first half, 42-33.

Despite the low-scoring affair early in the third quarter, Akomo made the first two slams of the UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament that tied the score at 49-all.

Prior to the start of UAAP, UP and UST faced eligibilty issues regarding the residency of their foreign players Ibrahim Outtara and Steve Akomo, but the UAAP board arrived at a decision to give them the go signal to play this season on Friday, September 8.

Desiderio led the Fighting Maroons to victory with 17 points and 9 boards. For the Growling Tigers, Lee put in 20 markers and made 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Akomo followed with 15 points and provided inside presence by making 14 boards.

This win puts UP at 1-0 record in the league, while UST falls to 0-1 in the UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament.

Scores: 

UP (74): Desiderio 17, Vito 9, Webb 7, Juan Gomez De Liano 7, Manzo 6, Javier Gomez De Liano 6, Outtara 4, Lim 4, Prado 4, Dario 4, Lao 4, Romero 2, Harris 0. 

UST (73): Lee 20, Akomo 15, Sta Ana 11, Soriano 8, Huang 6, Garcia 5, Faundo 4, Arana 2, De Guzman 2, Basibas 0, Caunan 0, Kwawukumey, 0, Macasaet 0, Romero 0. 

Quarter scores: 19-18, 42-33, 57-57, 74-73. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA - Sloane Stephens spent 11 months sidelined by a left foot injury and the surgery that followed, never dreaming when she returned at Wimbledon in July her first Grand Slam title was only two months away.

But the storybook tale played out just that way as the 24-year-old American won for the 15th time in 17 matches, defeating fellow American and best friend Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 in Saturday's US Open women's final.

Stephens, who had won only $310,000 this year, took a top prize of $3.7 million after learning much about herself and her tennis passion since being hurt last year.

"That I'm a real fighter, that I have a lot of grit. I don't give up," Stephens said. 

(READ: Sloane Stephens is flunking college because of US Open success)

"I'm not just going to let them take it from me. I'm going to make sure I give everything I have, and I leave everything on the court at all times, no matter what."

It's a determination bred in frustration after being forced to watch the Australian Open from her couch unable to walk after surgery in January. She still needed a walking boot in June.

"I was super limited. I was walking on a peg leg, so that whole 15 weeks was super tough," Stephens said. "I think that was my toughest time."

But it brought a clarity of thought that has enhanced her perspective.

"My head is a little clearer, if that makes any sense," she said. "Before, I was playing well. I had won a couple tournaments. But being injured gave me a whole new perspective on tennis, on life, and just in general."

Stephens is the daughter of former NFL player John Stephens, who played five seasons with the New England Patriots before joining Green Bay and Kansas City. His final season came just months after Sloane was born. 

He died in a 2009 car accident. Sloane turned professional just weeks later.

"Tennis is very situational," Stephens said. "Once you realize that it's not life or death out there, you can turn a tennis match around. If you work really hard, if you fight your way through and fight your way back, you can make some things happen for yourself."

Unsure of her strength, she tested her limits and reached US Open semi-finals at Toronto and Cincinnati, finding her skills quickly recovering into top form.

"When I came back from injury, I didn't have all of my tools. I didn't know if I was going to be able to run down every ball, didn't know if my power and timing was still going to be there. I didn't know if everything was still going to be right," she said.

"The only thing I had to rely on was my fight and making sure every time I was on the court I gave my all. If I just stay positive with myself, I can make a lot of things happen, and I can fight back from a lot of things."

Stephens made her best prior Grand Slam run to the 2013 Australian Open semi-finals.

"I was a baby then. I didn't know as much as I know now. A lot of life has happened. I have been through a lot," Stephens said.

"I don't regret it. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe I was a baby. Maybe I was too young. Who knows? I'm just happy to be playing." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Viloria chalked up the 23rd knockout of his 16-year pro career, finishing Philadelphia's Miguel Cartagena in the fifth round on the untelevised portion of the "SuperFly" card which aired on HBO Saturday, September 9 (Sunday Manila time).

There were no knockdowns but Viloria (38-5, 23 KOs) was in total command, sending Cartegena (15-4-1, 6 KOs) reeling into the ropes with a two-punch combination and pouring on unanswered blows before the referee stepped in to halt the fight.

Viloria, a former two-time junior flyweight and unified flyweight champ, looked like he still had some fight left in him at 36. He weighed 113 1/2 the day before, and manager Gary Gittelsohn wants to see him return to the 112-pound division to campaign for another title.

"I thought Brian looked terrific tonight against a solid fighter who came to win," said Gittelsohn. "I will be brainstorming with [Viloria's promoter] Mr. Honda of Teiken Promotions over the next couple of weeks to chart Brian's course to another world title.

"It will be at 112 pounds - Brian makes 112 pounds easily and we're confident he will win another world title in 2018."

Viloria, a Filipino-American from Waipahu, Hawaii, has now won two straight since his 2015 technical knockout loss to Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez, whose own career may have ended in the main event after he was knocked out by Thailand's Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in the rematch of their first fight in March, which resulted in the first loss of Gonzalez's career. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers began their title defense with a victory over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 95-90, on Sunday, September 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Green Archers entered the match without Season 79 Most Valuable Player Ben Mbala, who is representing Cameroon in the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket. This was also the first meeting of both teams after their preseason scuffle that erupted in the 2017 Kadawayan tournament in Davao. 

DLSU limited the FEU offense with a full court press, but the Tamaraws battled through and were able to redeem themselves from their low first quarter production of 11 points.

Melecio top-scored for the Green Archers with 29 points and collected 6 rebounds of which 3 are offensive. Andrei Caracut followed with 16 points, while Montalbo made 12 markers which were all from triples. 

Ron Dennison led the Tamaraws with 21 points and 7 boards. Comboy followed with 13 points, which were all made late in the second half that contributed to the comeback by FEU.

Down by 19 after the third, the Tamaraws sparked a late comeback in the final quarter as Wendel Comboy nailed a triple in the last two minutes. Though FEU got to within 5 points with one minute left in the game, it proved to be too little to best the Green Archers.

This win puts the DLSU Green Archers at a 1-0 record, while the FEU Tamaraws fall to a 0-1 record in the UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament. 

Scores:

DLSU (95): Melecio 29, Caracut 16, Montalbo 12, Tratter 11, Santillan 9, Ricci Rivero 7, Baltazar 4, Go 3, Prince Rivero 2, Paraiso 2, Capacio 0. 

FEU (90): Dennison 21, Comboy 13, Orizu 12, Tuffin 10, Cani 7, Tolentino 7, Parker 7, Iñigo 5, Escoto 5, Trinidad 3, Nunag 0, Ebona 0, Bienes 0.

Quarter scores: 29-11, 47-32, 73-54, 95-90. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - It was a game in control, until they lost it in the end.

For players and fans of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, it was a situation they were very much familiar with. Since their cellar-dwelling days from as recent as two years ago, the Fighting Maroons ironically forget to fight in their games’ closing moments when they need it the most. A second-half collapse for UP was as predictable as the Ateneo Blue Eagles going to the Final Four.

In their very first Season 80 game against familiar foe University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, UP controlled the first half, 42-33, thanks to evenly distributed scoring and clamping defense on the Tigers’ new man in the middle, Steve Akomo. 

Second half rolled by and the same weakness that has plagued the Maroons for years once again began to show, letting Akomo dunk twice and the rest of the Tigers to claw all the way back to a tie game after the third period, 57-all. 

Tooth-and-nail, the Tigers and Maroons fought until the final minute. Then Maroon big Gelo Vito fouled UST captain Marvin Lee with 5 seconds remaining, allowing the Tigers to seize the lead off his 2 made charities.

Then it was UP’s turn to use their captain. With one last chance to tie or steal the game, Paul Desiderio pulled up for his 11^th three attempt of the night after only previously making one. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PAUL. <br>DESIDERIO. <br>WOW. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPSeason80?src=hash">#UAAPSeason80</a> <a href="https://t.co/9wp7J66J2K">pic.twitter.com/9wp7J66J2K</a></p>&mdash; ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/abscbnsports/status/906797502095007744">September 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

“Cash money!” bellowed the UAAP commentator as his trey sank, making the UP fans explode from their seats in celebration of the 74-73 win. Memories from years of futility momentarily washed off as for only the second time in 12 years, as UST’s Varsitarian hastily reminded after the game, the Maroons put the Tigers to sleep. 

Everyone was surprised to say the least, but apparently, Desiderio wasn’t.

“Hindi ko alam how he [did] that, but during the timeout, he called it,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol after the game. 

“Sabi niya ‘Papasok ito! Coach, mananalo tayo, papasok ito,’” he added. (“He said, ‘This will go in! Coach, we will win. This will go in.’”)

“Siyempre ang dami ko nang tinira, no? Mahihiya pa ba ako eh last shot na?,” joked the Maroon captain in the post-game interview. (“Of course, I already took a lot of shots, right? Would I still be shy for the last shot?”)

One cannot write a better story for Desiderio’s debut as the King Maroon. It was leadership takeover everyone already saw coming even as far back as two years ago. Whether after a win or a loss, it was Desiderio who never strayed far off the top of the stat sheets and always gave his all on the court. Especially last season, with then-captain Jett Manuel set to graduate, Desiderio displayed his full arsenal as he led the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Manuel still had the crown on but it was very clear who was next in line.

The season is very young but UP fans can rest easy at night, knowing that with Desiderio leading the up-and-coming Maroons, the Fighting Maroons have a fighting chance. There’s a new sheriff in town, and everyone is a wanted man. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle Green Archer Ben Mbala has been busy in his time away from his college team, emerging as the top performing player of the Cameroonian team in the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournament. 

The UAAP Season 79 Most Valuable Player leads the team in points (18.3 per game) and rebounds (9 per game) through 3 games as of Sunday, September 10, 2017. 

On Saturday, September 9, Cameroon easily crushed Guinea, 96-54, where Mbala top-scored for the team with 24 points. 
{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NG1J_">@NG1J_</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/benmbala">@benmbala</a> = <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfroBasket2017?src=hash">#AfroBasket2017</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FECABASKET">@FECABASKET</a> <a href="https://t.co/p53vsesB6b">pic.twitter.com/p53vsesB6b</a></p>&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/906522154661007361">September 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

In Cameroon's match against Rwanda, Mbala slammed in a putback to help earn Cameroon's second win in the tournament with a score of 81-77 on Sunday, September 10.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a dunk by <a href="https://twitter.com/benmbala">@benmbala</a>!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfroBasket2017?src=hash">#AfroBasket2017</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FECABASKET">@FECABASKET</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pxn5ZXSvSg">pic.twitter.com/Pxn5ZXSvSg</a></p>&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/906868332787326976">September 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Cameroon ranks 52nd in the FIBA rankings, and the Mbala-led team competes in Group C along with Tunisia (whom they lost to in their group opener), Guinea and Rwanda. Cameroon currently holds a 2-1 record in the tournament. 

Mbala missed the opening game of the DLSU Green Archers against the FEU Tamaraws because of his commitment to his national team but the Green Archers still emerged victorious. The 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournament will run from September 8 to 16, 2017. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines - Two weeks removed from their controversial brawl in a Davao City preseason game, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and the defending champion De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers already found themselves as each other’s very first Season 80 opponents.

Playing without their super ace “Big” Ben Mbala, La Salle was at a disadvantage against FEU’s own big Prince Orizu.

At least, that’s what they would like everyone to assume.

As soon as the introductions were done and the boos for Ron Dennison for his sucker punch in Davao had subsided, La Salle shot out like a cannon. In any sport, a potent offense coupled with stingy defense is a ticket to victory. The Archers held down home base with starting center Abu Tratter and limited FEU’s offense with a 29-11 first quarter. At the half, it was still 47-32 for DLSU. FEU did some runs here and there but it didn’t stop the Archers from leading by as many as 23 off the hot shooting of Aljun Melecio, who already had 20 points before intermission. 

It was looking like a runaway DLSU victory at the second half until FEU decided to wake up and launch a furious 36-point fourth quarter. Too little, too late though, as the defending champs start Season 80 undefeated, 95-90. Melecio ended up with 29 points along with 16 from Andrei Caracut, 12 from Kib Montalbo and an 11-10 double-double from Tratter.

From the looks of things, it’s like they don’t even need Mbala to repeat as champs.

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, he’s still here and he’s coming back after FIBA Afrobasket 2017, where he is currently tearing up the competition even when playing against professional ballers.

So, with your roster already all set even without your best player, what do you do with him now?

“Si Ben, we always tell him to do new things,” said Coach Aldin Ayo. “So we might convert him to the 3 spot (small forward) when he comes back,” he added matter-of-factly. “He can play 2 (shooting guard), 3, 4 (power forward), 5 (center) for us now.”

Soft whistling could be heard from the media members, and for good reason. A 6-foot-7 shooting guard in a league of 6-foot-1 power forwards? That’s like the luxury being enjoyed now by the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, where their 6-foot-11 freak athlete Giannis Antetokoumpo currently plays point guard. Or the other 4 positions, when he's feeling adventurous.

But that’s La Salle for you, and always has been. You can sometimes have the luck to beat them or even at times match up well with them, but you’ll never catch them straddling the middle or bottom rungs of the standings – at least not in basketball.

They’re getting creative now. Before, La Salle just stuck to the status quo where tall players play tall positions and it worked. Not this time. Maybe winning all the time is getting boring.

As stated in the Season 80 preview, they are the reigning, defending and undisputed champions. It looks like they want to keep it that way, thank you very much. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK CITY, USA – Rafael Nadal raced to a third US Open title and 16th Grand Slam crown on Sunday, September 10, with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 rout of South African giant Kevin Anderson.

The world number one, the champion also in New York in 2010 and 2013, added the US title to the record 10th French Open he captured in June.

Old rival Roger Federer won the season's other two Slams at the Australian Open, beating Nadal in the final, and Wimbledon in an illustration of the two Grand Slam greats' enduring appeal and power.

Nadal's Grand Slam tally is just 3 behind Federer's record 19.

For Nadal, it was his fifth title of the year and 74th of his career while the $3.7 million (3.07 euros) winner's prize boosted his earnings to a shade under $90 million.

"It's a very special two weeks for me. It's unbelievable what's happened this year after some seasons with serious injuries and not playing very well," said Nadal.

"It's been an emotional year since the Australian Open. I played a high level of tennis and winning here in New York again it's unbelievable."

Nadal also praised his coach and uncle Toni who has coached him since he was three but who will step down from his team at the end of the year.

"I cannot thank him enough," said the champion.

"Without him I would not be here playing tennis. He gave me strength and motivation. When I had injury problems I got through them because of him."

'It was an honor'

It was a desperately disappointing afternoon for Anderson, the world number 32 playing in his maiden Slam final at the 34th attempt.

He was the first South African in a US championship final since Cliff Drysdale in 1965 and was bidding to become his country's first Slam champion since Johan Kriek at the 1981 Australian Open.

The Johannesburg-born, Florida-based Anderson finished the 2hr 28min final with 40 unforced errors to Nadal's 11, failing even to carve out a single break point.

Nadal, winning his first hardcourt title since January 2014 in Doha, gave up just 15 points on his serve and won 16 out of 16 net points.

"Rafa, we are the same age but I have looked up to you all of my life," said Anderson.

"It was an honor playing you. You are one of the great ambassadors of our sport."

In a final guaranteed to result in the fifth Slam champion in succession who is 30 or older, Nadal was on top from the start.

He had 28th-seeded Anderson scrambling to save two break points in the third and fifth games before the Spaniard converted his fifth off a forehand error for a 4-3 lead.

The world number one held and broke again, cleverly forcing the 31-year-old South African out of position on set point after 58 minutes of action.

By the end of the opening set, Nadal had just five unforced errors to Anderson's 23 with the South African unable to muster a single break point.

The one-way traffic continued in the second set as Nadal broke for 4-2 off the back of three successive volleys.

Anderson even collected a time violation for his troubles as his efforts to compose himself failed horribly.

A brutal crosscourt forehand winner gave Nadal the second set 6-3.

Anderson was broken again in the opening game of the third set.

It was his fourth loss of serve in the final; before Sunday, he had been broken just five times in the entire tournament.

Anderson called the trainer for a bloodied right index finger after the fifth game, but his struggles continued.

He saved a match point but Nadal wrapped it up with a clinical backhand volley. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – "This is a great day for those of us who love football," said Philippine Football Federation President Mariano Araneta last Saturday when the pitch of the upcoming National Training Center was formally unveiled in Carmona, Cavite.

In attendance were several dignitaries, including Alfonso "King" Reyno Jr. from the Manila Jockey Club, PFF General Secretary Edwin Gastanes, and Carmona mayor Dahlia Loyola. 

"We thank Manila Jockey Club for their magnificent generosity for making the land available," added Araneta. The football field sits on land belonging to the Manila Jockey Club in Carmona that includes a racetrack just a stone's throw away. 

The football field is finally ready for play after some delays. The construction of the pitch was first reported by Rappler a year ago.

After Saturday's launch two matches were held, a friendly scrimmage between the DLSU and UP Women's teams and an official match of the Ang Liga collegiate preseason tournament between San Beda and Ateneo. The Red Lions prevailed 3-0.

The pitch uses a surface from ATC Global, a FIFA accredited supplier from the United States. The dimensions of the field are 105m by 68m, the size that the football governing body prefers for its high-level matches. 

The pitch is nestled inside a very gentle slope, and cut into the incline on two sides are ledges for seating. There are 4 rows along the sideline. According to MJC's Marketing officer Mikki Cardenas, there is room for about 1,000 to 1,200 spectators. Fencing and lighting is planned to be completed by next year. 

It is believed that this field is one of only 3 105 by 68m synthetic pitches in and around Metro Manila, with the FEU Diliman facility and Rizal Memorial being the other ones. All the other regulation pitches, especially those around running tracks, are smaller but still within the minimum 100 by 64m for elite senior play. 

It is believed that this pitch increases to 13 the number of synthetic grass pitches in greater Manila.The other pitches are British School, International School, Turf BGC, Kings School, Blue Pitch, Sparta, Biñan Football Stadium, DLSU Canlubang, Rizal Memorial, FEU, Claret, McKinley Hill, and the Valdes family pitch in San Juan. 

There is a simple modular locker room beside the pitch for player, with plans for expansion. 

Could the Carmona facility host a PFL club? "Why not?" Said Gastanes last Saturday. There would have to be extensive improvements made before that would happen. AFC Club Licensing regulations require a minimum strength for the lights, a certain number of numbered seats, and such accoutrements as a media room. 

Meanwhile the pitch will be utilized by the Youth Football League as early as next week for its games.

But the pitch is only part of the plans to make the training center a footballing hot spot. Two other small-sided pitches will be made beside the artificial one. And within the racetrack two full-size grass pitches will be readied. 

There already is football being played within the racetrack but according to Eduardo Ramirez De Arellano, marketing VP of MJC, the surface there will be completely redone starting October with new drainage and base underneath. MJC officials say they will study the best practices of other top grass fields in the Philippines in order to maintain their fields well. 

One of these grass pitches will be funded by PFF and the other by MJC. De Arellano says the work must be completed by March in time for the Manila 10s rugby tournament. 

Having one artificial field and another grass one will be ideal for the PFF. It can help its national teams prepare for whatever surface they will be playing in. 

Last Saturday ground was also broken for the construction of the PFF's new headquarters, which will replace the House Of Football in Pasig. The four-storey structure will occupy a strip of land beside the road that leads from the racetrack to the artificial field.  There will also be a dormitory for teams who wish to stay at the center for training camps. 

There is one poignant note to this new pitch. Nathan Mazo was the marketing head of MJC. The former La Salle Green hills player was on the forefront of the club's drive to be a football mecca. But Mazo tragically perished in a surfing accident last December. He was 35. 

"I would have loved to see this go through with him," says De Arellano. – Rappler.com

For field reservations contact Cardenas at cardenasjmichael@yahoo.com.

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH. 

MANILA, Philippines－ Former Ateneo De Manila University star and national team standout Alyssa Valdez is headed to the international stage once again as she was tapped to play for Attack Line, a club team in Chinese Taipei.

In a Twitter clip posted by fellow Lady Eagle Gretchen Ho on Monday, September 11, Valdez confirmed that she received a deal to play for the international club team when she crossed paths with Chinese Taipei officials in the Philippines’ hosting of the Asian Seniors Women’s Volleyball Championship last month.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What&#39;s next for <a href="https://twitter.com/AlyssaValdez2">@AlyssaValdez2</a> after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SEAGames2017?src=hash">#SEAGames2017</a>??? Chinese Taipei <a href="https://twitter.com/abscbnsports">@abscbnsports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews">@ABSCBNNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/URj5cvdmLE">pic.twitter.com/URj5cvdmLE</a></p>&mdash; Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) <a href="https://twitter.com/gretchenho/status/907027480409645057">September 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

“First time ko rin sa Chinese Taipei so nae-excite ako, not only para sa volleyball [pero] para ma-explore ko rin kung ano ‘yung makikita nating culture and traditions sa Chinese Taipei,” shared Valdez of her future stint up north, which is reported to run from October to December.

(It would be my first time in Chinese Taipei so I’m excited; not only for volleyball, but also so I could explore the culture and traditions in Chinese Taipei.)

The former UAAP MVP had her first international club stint earlier in the year when she played for 3BB Nakornnont in Thailand.－Rappler.com