ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – With only a day left, the National Capital Region virtually bagged the overall championship for the 14th straight year in the Palarong Pambansa 2018. 

The Metro Manila bets overwhelmed the field with 91 gold medals, as of 7 PM on Friday, April 20, after a string of victories in table tennis where Kheith Rhynne Cruz, Joshua Manlapaz, and Jannah Romero secured three of four gold medals at stake and in gymnastics where Martina Emilia Consunji picked up a gold in the single bar.

Southern Tagalog-Calabarzon, though, solidified its hold of the second spot with 52 gold medals, highlighted by a tournament sweep in softball’s secondary division.

Western Visayas also clinched a softball gold in the elementary level to help boost its gold-medal count to 40.

Cordillera stayed at the fourth spot with 25 gold medals with CAR bets Rama Chandra Liporda and Ivan Murren Solimen securing gold medals in taekwondo secondary boys bantamweight and featherweight divisions, respectively.

Soccsksargen added four more gold medals to stay inside the top five with 21 gold medals.

Central Visayas amassed 23 gold medals, while Northern Mindanao earned 14. Central Luzon climbed up with 18 gold medals.

First-day topnotcher Cagayan Valley garnered 11 gold medals to pull ahead of a Davao Region side that picked up 10 gold medals.

Ilocos settled at 14th place with 8 gold medals and Caraga also got eight, the bulk coming from wrestling. 

The gold remained elusive, though, for the regions of Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM.

Championship games for basketball will be played on Saturday morning, April 21. Later that day, the annual multi-sport event will have its closing ceremony. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Kevin Belingon launched like a cannon from the opening bell, stunning Andrew Leone with a series of kicks and takedowns in the ONE: Heroes of Honor on Friday, April 20, at Mall of Asia Arena.

In the 2:30 mark of the first round, the wushu sanda expert bust Leone’s head wide open with a surgical one-two elbow and knee strike. There was a brief stoppage, however, and Leone managed to barely survive the end of the round.

Belingon knocked Leone down once more in the beginning of the second round and went for the kill, leading to a referee stoppage at the 1:27 mark.

For the co-main event, Italian kickboxing megastar Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan emerged victorious via a unanimous decision in a violent bout against Thai world champion “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut. Amid the flurry of stinging kicks in the first round, Nattawut unfortunately hit Petrosyan down low, causing a timeout. 

In the undercard, Team Lakay’s Honorio Banario scored a nail-biting split decision victory over veteran Aussie Adrian Pang. The 40-year old Pang taunted the younger, 28-year old Banario all night but Banario responded in kind with swift kicks to Pang’s face and torso. While Pang appeared to get inside the head of the Filipino fighter, Banario finished in fine style for the split win.

Fellow Lakay stalwart Gina Iniong also won her bout in the second match of the card, pinning and pounding Chinese Taipei’s Jenny Huang to remain undefeated at 15-0.

Thai living legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao collected his 256^th career win over French world champion Fabio Pinca in a masterful display of striking en route to a UD.

Taekwondo specialist Dae Hwan Kim and veteran grappler Masakazu Imanari delivered a laugh-inducing bout filled with unorthodox moves and taunts but also included surprising takedowns from Imanari. Although Kim was visibly frustrated at the unpredictability, he ultimately won via unanimous decision.

Other notable victories include Marat “Cobra” Gafurov of Russia choking out USA’s Emilio Urrutia, Brazilian Muay Thai expert Cosmo Alexandre knocking out Aussie Elliot Compton via a left knee to the gut and Japan’s Akihiro Fujisawa forcing the Philippines’ Kaji Ebin to a first-round tap-out. 

FULL RESULTS

Main Event

Kevin Belingon (PHI) def. Andrew Leone (USA) via Rd. 2 KO (1:27)

Giorgio Petrosyan (ITA) def. Jo Nattawut (THA) via UD

Undercard

Honorio Banario (PHI) def. Adrian Pang (AUS) via SD

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao (THA) def. Fabio Pinca (FRA) via UD

Marat Gafurov (RUS) def. Emilio Urrutia (USA) via Rd.1 submission (2:34)

Dae Hwan Kim (KOR) def. Masakazu Imanari (JPN) via UD

Cosmo Alexandre (BRA) def. Elliot Compton (AUS) via Rd. 2 KO (2:41)

Akihiro Fujisawa (JPN) def. Kaji Ebin (PHI) via Rd. 1 KO (1:48)

Regian Eersel (NET) def. Brad Riddell (AUS) via UD

Gina Iniong (PHI) def. Jenny Huang (TPE) via UD

Adrian Mattheis (IND) def. Lan Ming Qiang (CHI) via UD

 – Rappler.com

PARIS, France – There can be no release clause in Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain contract, the French league (LFP) insisted on Friday, in response to an earlier report in Spanish daily El Pais.

The article in El Pais claimed that a release clause – worth no less than 300 million euros ($368 million) but whose exact value depended on certain results – could be activated from September 1 if the Brazilian star wanted to leave PSG.

Neymar moved to Paris last August from Barcelona when the French club activated his release clause at the Camp Nou by paying 222 million euros ($264 million), making him the world's most expensive player.

But while such release clauses are commonplace in Spanish football, the French LFP's rules forbid their existence.

"Club directors cannot draw up contracts with a 'release clause', providing for a contractual relationship to be broken by one party or another in exchange for compensation, a 'termination clause' or a clause allowing for unilateral termination with a French or foreign player, either for the club or the player," according to the rule in question.

A spokesperson for the LFP told AFP: "There is therefore no such clause in the player's contract ratified by the legal commission of the LFP."

Rumors that Neymar could leave PSG in the next transfer window continue to abound while the player himself remains in Brazil, where he has been since undergoing surgery on a fractured foot at the start of last month.

Spanish media have linked him with a move to Real Madrid.

Spanish sports daily Marca have claimed that Neymar could leave PSG in the close season of 2019 for 222 million euros, the same fee for which he arrived from Barcelona. – Rappler.com

SINGAPORE – Rising Filipino sensation Michael Dasmariñas knocked out his French opponent Karim Guerfi just seconds into the fourth round Friday to win the vacant International Boxing Organization bantamweight world title in Singapore.

Dasmariñas, a southpaw, unleashed a powerful left hook to the jaw of Guerfi, sending the French fighter to a hard landing on the canvass as medics rushed in with a stretcher.

Eyes dazed, he tried in vain to get up and then rolled to the side as medics checked his face. He later left the ring on his own.

A teary-eyed Dasmariñas raised his hands in jubilation as Filipinos in the crowd of about 4,000 spectators at the Singapore Indoor Stadium roared in approval.

Dasmariñas, 25, increased his record to 28 wins, 19 of them via the short route. The 31-year-old Guerfi's record fell to four losses.

Guerfi was more aggressive throughout, while the Filipino was cautious, choosing to absorb some punches while waiting for a chance to unleash his deadly left hand.

In the main event, Singaporean fighter Muhamad Ridhwan, 30, won over Filipino fighter Jeson Umbal, 23, via a split decision following a brutal final 12th round to retain the IBO intercontinental featherweight title. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – When something keeps making you happy, you crave for it more and more.

For Honorio “The Rock” Banario, that “something” is winning in ONE Championship, and boy, is he on a binge right now. It’s almost like he was never on the verge of retiring from mixed martial arts altogether. 

The Team Lakay protégé just won his fifth straight bout on Friday, April 20, defeating Adrian “The Hunter” Pang via a close split decision at ONE: Heroes of Honor held in the Mall of Asia Arena. However, unlike his four previous victories, this one he earned while inside a traditional roped ring instead of the usual MMA cage – a first for the ONE promotion, which also launched the all-new, strikers-only ONE Super Series.

Naturally, Banario was asked which fighting space he prefers buffeting opponents in: a ring or a cage.

“I am a professional fighter,” he said. “I should prepare for everything. That’s why they call us professionals.”

After being followed up for a specific answer to “A ring or a cage?,” Banario sent the press room laughing by answering, “A cage or a ring.”

“Whatever!” he added. Then he also broke out laughing while saying, “Pwede rin sa lansangan ‘kung pwede.” (“I can fight in the streets if possible.”)

It’s not hard to see why Banario is now all jokes and smiles. Before squeaking out a split on Pang, he scored an emphatic KO on Czech striker Jaroslav Jartim at ONE: Kings of Destiny back in April last year to clinch his fourth win in a row.

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Start at the 7:00 mark and don’t blink.

Given how his streak is going, he can probably win his sixth straight bout fighting from a flyover on EDSA. Nothing moves there anyway. – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Arsene Wenger's decision to step down as Arsenal manager after 22 years in charge marks the end of an era, but also a huge opportunity for the Gunners to reestablish themselves among the elite of English and European football.

Tributes poured in from players past and present on Friday, as well as Wenger's adversaries over the past two decades, such as Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho, for his longevity and the revolution in English football he helped inspire.

However, there is no hiding the fact the Frenchman has bowed out now due to increasing calls for him to go from frustrated fans as Arsenal slipped further behind their Premier League rivals in recent seasons.

Arsenal haven't won the league since Wenger's crowing achievement in leading "The Invincibles" to an unbeaten league season in 2003/04.

Last season was the first time in 20 years the club didn't qualify for the Champions League, but they haven't got beyond the last 16 in that competition since 2010.

Languishing in sixth, Arsenal are also on course for their worst-ever league finish under Wenger this season with any hope of Champions League qualification dependent on winning the Europa League.

The club's Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis made a long and heartfelt homage to Wenger himself when addressing the media on Friday, but dodged the question several times when quizzed over whether Wenger had walked on his own terms before he was pushed by the board.

And Gazidis recognised a decision had to be reached before the season's end to give Arsenal a head start of finding Wenger's successor.

"It's going to be a condensed summer with a World Cup in the middle and a shortened transfer window, so I think for all of us having that clarity sooner is better," he said.

Wide-open field 

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Germany coach Joachim Loew are among the front runners with bookmakers in a wide-open field of contenders.

Gazidis confirmed Arsenal will look for an offensive-minded coach to follow in the footsteps of Wenger's philosophy.

"It is important to me we continue the football values that Arsene has instilled in the club," he added.

"I want to see somebody who will continue that for our fans...they want to see aggressive, exciting football that gets people interested and excited in the games we play."

Getting the fans back onside and back at the Emirates Stadium is a number one priority.

Arsenal fans pay the highest season ticket prices in the Premier League and rising discontent with Wenger has been clearly shown in vast swathes of empty seats for home games since an abject 3-0 League Cup final defeat against Manchester City in February.

There is huge pressure on a beleaguered board, led by unpopular American majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, to make the right call.

While Wenger's reign has meandered to a disappointing end, Arsenal's rivals have surged ahead by recruiting some of the best managers in the world in Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jose Mourinho (Manchester United), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham) and Antonio Conte (Chelsea).

In spite of Arsenal's struggles on the field in recent seasons, they remain the sixth richest club in the world, according to financial consultants Deloitte's annual Football Money League.

Wenger's reluctance to fold to the booming inflation in football transfer fees and wages was often used as a shield by the board for not splashing out despite huge cash reserves.

That excuse has now also disappeared ahead of what promises to be a summer of transition at the Emirates. – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON, United States – Defending champion Golden State, on the brink of sweeping out San Antonio in the first round of the NBA playoffs, will welcome back Stephen Curry to modified team workouts starting Saturday, April 21.

Curry, who has missed 13 games since suffering a severe left knee ligament sprain on March 23, was examined Friday by team doctors who updated the star guard's condition and prognosis.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player has made "consistent functional progress" and will continue to increase the intensity of his on-court rehabilitation sessions, the Warriors said in a statement.

Curry averaged 26.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.6 steals a game for the Warriors this season, when they finished 58-24, second-best in the Western Conference to Houston and third-best overall in the NBA, also behind Eastern Conference pace-setter Toronto.

The club plans to re-evaluate Curry next Friday, but by then the Warriors might already be into the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The Warriors, seeking their third title in four seasons and fourth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals, lead the Spurs 3-0 in the best-of-seven opening-round series with game four Sunday at San Antonio.

With a victory, Golden State will advance to face either New Orleans or Portland. The Pelicans lead that series 3-0 and host game four on Saturday.

It would be next weekend at the earliest before the second round begins, however, so Curry could be given medical approval next Friday and suit up for the start of round two. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Two-time Olympian Leopoldo Cantancio died on Friday night, April 20, following a motorcycle accident. He was 54 years old. 

Cantancio, also a former coach of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, was driving home from Bacolod to Bago City when the mishap happened. 

He was in Bacolod to coach a team in the Panaad Boxing Tournament. 

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The former lightweight boxer saw action in the 1984 and 1988 Olympiads. He had his best finish at 5th place in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. 

He took home silver and bronze in the 1986 and 1990 Asian Games, respectively. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines - For the 14th straight year, the National Capital Region dominated as overall champion in the Palarong Pambansa 2018 here.

Metro Manila bagged 100 gold, 70 silver, and 50 bronze medals as of 1:37 pm on Saturday afternoon, April 22. The region tightly kept hold of the lead throughout the annual games. 

NCR surpassed its gold medal count of 98 last year.

Southern Tagalog-Calabarzon checked in as first-runner up with 55 gold, 50 silver, and 73 bronze medals, a huge leap from Region 4-A's gold-medal tally of 41  last year in Antique.

Western Visayas  rounded out the top 3 with 46 gold, 55 silver, and 53 bronze medals.  The region, which ruled all events in billiards secondary boys and girls, also got a gold-medal boost after securing only 38 last year.

NCR's Kasandra Alcantara shattered a 26-year-old record in shot put for secondary girls, the oldest record shattered in this year’s Palaro. The University of the East student completed a record throw of 11.88 meters. 

It was a huge comeback for Alcantara, who skipped two Palaro editions yet still managed to pull of a record win in her final stint.

In team events, NCR won the championship for baseball secondary, volleyball secondary girls, basketball boys elementary and secondary, basketball girls secondary, and football secondary.

Swimming also delivered as NCR set a new record in the 200-meter medley relay for secondary girls with a 2:03.49 mark. 

Samantha Therese Coronel clocked in 1:06.58 in the 100-meter backstroke for secondary girls to set a new mark.

New record holders in swimming also include Thanya Angelyn Dela Cruz for 200-meter breaststroke for secondary girls, Mark Jiron Rotoni for 200-meter breaststroke for secondary boys, Michaela Jasmine Mojdeh in individual medley for elementary girls, and Philip Joaquin Santos in individual medley for secondary boys.

The Big City bets also took home three of four gold medals at stake in table tennis courtesy of Kheith Rhynne Cruz, Joshua Manlapaz, and Jannah Romero. 

Josephine Javier, Hannah Lalaine Perez, and Jasmine Jane Velasquez claimed gold in women's rhythmic gymnastics team category. Velasquez also topped the individual all-around contest. Martina Emilia Consunij  also took a gold in gymnastics single bar.

From 9th place, Central Visayas jumped to 4th with 26 gold, 25 silver, and 36 bronze medals, edging Cordillera with 25 gold, 22 silver, and 23 bronze.

Northern Mindanao came in 6th after amasing 23 gold, 18 silver, 29 bronze medals. Region 10 placed 8th last year.

Also in the top 10 were Soccsksargen and Central Luzon, both with 21 golds, and Davao Region with 12 gold medals. 

Region 2 amassed 11 gold medals, narrowly beating for 10th place the host region of Ilocos Region which secured 10 gold.

Meanwhile, ARMM settled for 3 bronze medals this year, which pales in comparison with their haul of one gold, four silver, and four bronze medals last year. 

A total of 1,311 medals were at stake this year. 

Tonisito Umali, the DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and School Sports, said this year's edition of Palarong Pambansa was "the best so far."

Umali rated this year's annual games in Vigan as a 9 over 10. The only blow, he said, was the sexual harassment incident where a Cebuano teacher allegedly tried to molest a Palaro athlete.

Next year's host region is Davao. Ilocos Sur is expected to officially turn over hosting duties to Davao City government this afternoon in Quirino Stadium here. - Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, United States – Bojan Bogdanovic scored a playoff career-high 30 points as the Indiana Pacers stormed back from a 17-point halftime deficit to edge the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-90 in game three of their NBA playoff series.

The win gave the Pacers a 2-1 lead in the first round clash and they can take a stranglehold on the Eastern Conference series with a win Sunday in Indianapolis.

"We've been resilient all year. We've overcome adversity," said Pacers Thaddeus Young.

Croatia's Bogdanovic scored 19 points in the second half, finishing seven of nine from beyond the arc. Victor Oladipo added 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the win.

Bogdanovic scored several different ways but he was also asked to carry a heavy load on defence. His double-duty performance included guarding superstar LeBron James, who finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and six turnovers. 

"Everybody thought before this season that I cannot play defense," Bogdanovic said. "I don't say that I'm playing great defense, but I'm working hard to make it tough for every player I'm guarding."

James joined Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history with 100 double-doubles in the post-season. Jordan had 109.

"We were more aggressive in the first half. We had tempo, they didn't," James said. "Then they were more aggressive in the second half, they had tempo, and we didn't."

James tried unsuccessfully to rally his team twice in the final minutes as the three-time defending Eastern Conference champs were outscored 52-33 over the final two quarters.

"We have to regroup and figure out how we can be better in Game 4," James said of the Cavs who were 39-0 in the regular season when leading after three quarters.

Bucks cut Celtics lead, 2-1

Elsewhere, Khris Middleton scored 23 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 19 and the Milwaukee Bucks used a dominating first half to rout Boston 116-92, cutting the Celtics series lead to 2-1.

Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker each added 17 for the Bucks, who held the Celtics without a field goal for nearly an 11-minute stretch of the first half.

The Bucks used a balanced attack Friday as reserve centre Thon Maker scored 14 points. Guard Matthew Dellavedova clamped down on defence holding Celtics point guard Terry Rozier to nine points on just two-of-seven shooting.

"That's what you need, is the energy first," coach Joe Prunty said.

Al Horford scored 16 for the Celtics, who got no closer than 76-62 with three minutes left in the third quarter.

The Celtics will be looking to get off to a better start in game four on Sunday in Milwaukee as a Bucks' win would level the series 2-2.

Winslow fined 

In Washington, Bradley Beal and John Wall were the best players on the floor combining for 56 points as the Wizards crushed the Toronto Raptors 122-103, narrowing the Raptors' series lead to two games to one.

Elsewhere, the league slapped Miami Heat's Justise Winslow with a $15,000 fine on Friday for stepping on the facemask of Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid in their playoff series.

Winslow intentionally stepped on Embiid's mask in the second quarter of game three which was won by the Sixers. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines - A cancer survivor becomes a gold medalist, a former fourth placer finally captures a gold, and a son of a former Olympian follows in his father's footsteps as champion - these are just some of the countless inspiring success stories in this year's Palarong Pambansa.

Metro Manila may have bagged the overall championship for the 14th straight time, but many other athletes shone in their own way in the annual multi-game event. 

Cancer survivor Daniela Reggie Dela Pisa melted the hearts of many as the young athlete finally emerged as overall champion in rhythmic gymnastics, bringing home four gold medals in various categories.

Dela Pisa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 10 years ago. She underwent various treatments, but her desire to perform made her stronger. With the help of her mother Darlene, who is also her coach, the Cebuano trained hard until she reached her goal.

In his third attempt in the 5,000-meter race, Erwin Mancao finally bagged a gold in this year's edition. The Misamis Oriental native broke down in tears after his run, saying he now has the money to build his family's new house. 

From fourth place last year, Calabarzon dethroned defending champion Western Visayas in the semifinals and swept National Capital Region, 9-0, in the finals to finally bag the championship.

The end of Calabarzon's pursuit for gold was a perfect parting gift for their players who suited up for their final year, coach Ronnel Landicho said.

Western Visayas also regained its crown in softball elementary, beating first time finals qualifiers Davao Eagles, 15-0. Yet, the team formerly represented the now-dissolved Negros Island region which took home the championship last year.

Gold medalist Edward Josh Buenavista proved that winning runs in the family. 

Drawing inspiration from his two-time Olympian father, Filipino long-distance runner and Olympian Eduardo Buenavista, Josh secured a gold medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase secondary level.

Mark Gruner Gama hopes to inspire his fellow Cordillerans to have discipline and determination. The Baguio native won a gold medal in wrestling cadets 54 kilograms.

Another Baguio bet Bea Mendoza became Palarong Pambansa's first double-gold medalist in chess, ruling the chess blitz for high school girls. 

Lheslie De Lima of Camarines Sur took home the first gold medal in Palaro 2018. The 13-year-old  clocked 10:06.5 in the 3,000m run. 

De Lima achieved the feat by running barefoot on the hot Tartan track.

Surigao Del Sur's Levie Mie Espuerta, a gold medalist for wrestling girls 56 kilograms, encouraged young girls to try sports such as wrestling. 

"'Wag kayong matakot dahil ang laro na ito ay puwede ito sa babae [at] kung saan [ipinapakita na] hindi na maapi yung mga babae. Nakaka-empower din ito, at puwede rin itong  maging depensa sa sarili," Espuerta said. 

(There's nothing to be scared of because this sport is also for girls. It shows that we can't be stepped on. It empowers, it's also for self-defense.) 

Caraga took home a total of five gold medals in wrestling.

Arniss gold medalists Princes Sheryl Valdez and Andrei Fritz Justine Alcarioto both took inspiration from their fathers, who are suffering from illness.

The young athletes from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, secured a combined total of 6 gold medals, placing Soccsksargen region at the top of the early medal board.

Meanwhile, not even the war can stop Prince Najeeb Langitao from playing in his first Palaro. The 13-year-old boy is the only delegate from Marawi. 

Despite coming up short in winning at tennis boys secondary, Langitao remains proud. He also hopes to join the University of Santo Tomas tennisters one day. 

In 100-meter hurdles, Western Visayas' Trixie Jane Willy sets a new record of 16.3-seconds for elementary level. Southern Tagalog-Calabarzon's Eliza Cuyom also registered a new record for secondary girls with 14.5 seconds.

Jessel Dialino Lumapas of General Trias, Cavite, broke the Palaro record in the 400-meter race for secondary girls by posting 56.28 seconds. 

Lumipas also won the 100-meter dash for secondary girls.

Her teammate Veruel Verdadero of Dasmariñas, Cavite also broke the Palaro record in the 100-meter race for secondary boys with a time of 10.55 seconds.

Over in Cagayan Valley, Algin Gomez, a high school student from Aparri town in Cagayan province, posted 6.96 meters to get the gold medal for long jump-secondary boys. 

Tuguegarao City's Rashied Faith Burdeos posted 10.13 meters for shot put elementary boys gave Region 2 its second gold medal, while Jalil Sephraim Taguinod set new marks for 50-meter breaststroke for secondary boys.

Ann Katherine Quitoy of Bacolod City, meanwhile, was the the first to break a record this year. The grade 11 student posted 45.72 meters in javelin throw for secondary girls.

Overall, 40 records were shattered in this year's Palaro, according to Tonisito Umali, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and School Sports. 

Each athlete has a story to tell. For some, the multi-sporting event is a culmination of years of hard work and determination. Others, however, see the annual games as merely the beginning of a promising sports career.  - Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines –  The Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws for the first time this season in the semi-finals to keep themselves in contention for the Finals berth. 

With reigning MVP Marck Espejo's 55-point outing, the Blue Eagles bested the Tamaraws in 5 sets, 18-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-23, 15-9, on Saturday, April 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Espejo scored his 50th point in the 5th set to give the Blue Eagles a 3-point cushion, 8-5. In the last stretch of the game, Espejo scored a personal 4-0 run to close out the match.

The Blue Eagles now have the chance to overcome FEU's twice-to-beat advantage on Wednesday, April 25, at the Filoil Flying V Arena. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (3RD UPDATE) – After 9 seasons, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws finally clinched a title berth after downing the Ateneo Lady Eagles in 4 sets, 25-20, 25-21,14-25, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Volleyball Finals on Saturday, April 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After trailing Ateneo by two in the 4th set, 9-11, FEU exploded with an 8-1 run that turned out to be the dagger of the match. Bernadeth Pons brought it to match point, but Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag combined for 3 points to delay FEU’s victory.

Kyle Negrito’s block on Jho Maraguinot’s attack sealed the win that secured FEU the finals berth.

This marks the end of the Ateneo vs La Salle era as both teams have battled it out in the championship round in the last 6 seasons.

Pons and Chinchin Basas scored 17 points apiece to lead the Lady Tamaraws. The FEU captain defended the floor with 16 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions as well.

Maraguinot and Tolentino led the Lady Eagles with 11 points each in their last game of the season.

Ateneo blew its early lead in the first set as the Lady Tamaraws raced to a 5-point lead, 18-13. Czarina Carandang’s block on Kat Tolentino gave FEU the 1-0 advantage in the match.

The Lady Eagles attempted to turn the tables with a strong 5-1 start to the second set. FEU took the lead as Maraguinot committed a low attack, 10-9.

In the last stretch of the second set, Ateneo only relied on FEU’s errors for free points which spelled its fate as Pons closed out the set for a 2-0 lead in the match.

The Lady Tamaraws failed to sweep the game as they collapsed with a total of 14 errors. Back-to-back errors by Basas gave Ateneo a 10-point lead, 21-11.

Heather Guino-o’s attack error gave the Lady Eagles the set point and Maddie Madayag’s block Guino-o won the 3rd set for Ateneo.

The Lady Tamaraws will face the winner of the other semi-finals match between De La Salle University Lady Spikers and National University Lady Bulldogs in the title round starting Saturday, April 28, at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores

FEU (3) – Pons 17, Basas 17, Domingo 8, Negrito 6, Guino-o 7, Carandang 3, Villareal 3, Malabanan 1, Cayuna 1.

Ateneo (1) – Maraguinot 11, Tolentino 11, Samonte 7, De Leon 7, Madayag 6, Wong 2.

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito Donaire stands in hostile territory in Belfast, North Ireland. But even as he faces Carl Frampton as an underdog, the Filipino eyes to rain on both the hometown hero and the Irish faithful's parade. 

The April 22 (Manila time) bout, which has the interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title up for grabs, has been touted as a make-or-break fight for the 35-year-old Donaire.

After failing to defend the WBO Super bantamweight belt – a unanimous decision loss to Jessie Magdaleno in November 2016 – Donaire had fought only once in 2017, winning via unanimous decision over Ruber Garcia Hernandez for the vacant World Boxing Council Silver featherweight title. 

This time, Donaire, who ruled 4 weight classes before, has a shot for a world title again as a victory over Frampton (24-1) could propel him to a bout against WBO featherweight titleholder Oscar Valdez. 

If history is any indication, Filipino boxers have been successful in the international stage since the year began.

Jerwin Ancajas defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world title for the 4th time last February 4 with a 10th-round technical knockout win over Israel Gonzalez. 

Exactly 3 weeks later, Donnie Nietes kept his 14-year undefeated streak intact and retained his IBF flyweight title with a 7th-round knockout against Juan Carlos Reveco last February 25.

Earlier today, April 21, Michael Dasmariñas took home the vacant International Boxing Organization bantamweight world title with a 4th-round stoppage of Karim Guerfi in Singapore. 

Donaire looks to join that growing list. 

"The Filipino Flash" and "The Jackal" have a few things in common.

They have both been named Fighter of the Year before losing both of their world titles, with Frampton surrendering the WBA Super World featherweight belt to Leo Santa Cruz in a majority decision loss in 2017, his only career defeat. 

So for the 31-year-old Frampton, a triumph is just as pivotal as Donaire deems it to be. 

The two boxers stand around the same height, Donaire just half an inch taller over Frampton while also boasting a 6-inch reach advantage, which could prove the difference when they lock horns in the 10,000-seater SSE Arena Belfast. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle University Green Archers avoided a monumental collapse and survived the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 82-79, to bag the opener of the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan on Saturday, April 21. 

La Salle barely looked like a team that recently lost stars Ben Mbala and Ricci Rivero as it held a 10-point lead with less than 3 minutes remaining, 78-68, until the Fighting Maroons fought their way back into the game. 

Thanks to two consecutive La Salle turnovers, UP unloaded an 8-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back triples from Juan Gomez de Liano and Paul Desiderio, within 30 seconds to cut its deficit to two points, 76-78.

Three straight Green Archer misses kept the comeback door ajar for the Fighting Maroons but Gomez de Liano airballed his trey, paving the way for Kib Montalbo, who was fouled in the next possession, to drill both his freebies for an 80-76 La Salle lead.

A Diego Dario triple with 4.5 seconds remaining breathed life on UP's chances, 79-80, before Kira Samuel's charities pushed the Green Archers' lead to 3. Desiderio launched a halfcourt heave but to no avail. 

Justine Baltazar paced the Green Archers with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and two blocks while Kira, who replaces Mbala as the team's foreign student-athlete, chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds. 

Andrei Caracut chalked up 11 points and 6 boards and Montalbo, Santi Santillan, and Brandon Bates churned out 9 points apiece in the win. 

"Sa akin, bonus lang ['yung win] e kasi it's still a work in progress," said La Salle head coach Louie Gonzales. 

(For me, it is just a bonus to get the win because the team is still a work in progress.)

Gomez de Liano paced the Fighting Maroons with 21 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds while Dario added 16 markers. 

Bright Akhueti, who transferred from the University of Perpetual Help to join UP, had a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds against 7 turnovers.

The Scores:

La Salle (82): Baltazar 16, Samuel 12, Caracut 11, Santillan 9, Montalbo 9, Bates 9, Melecio 8, Corteza 4, Go 3, Dyke 1, Capacio 0

UP (79): Gomez de Liano Ju 21, Dario 16, Akhuetie 12, Desiderio 9, Vito 8, Gomez de Liano Ja 7, Jaboneta 3, Manzo 2, Murrell 1, Prado 0, Tungcab 0, Gozum 0, Lim 0

Quarter scores: 20-15, 36-36, 58-52, 82-79 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After 5 seasons with the university, Ateneo head coach Anusorn "Tai" Bundit confirmed that the team’s semi-finals game against Far Eastern University on Saturday, April 21, was his last.

“Not coming back to Ateneo. This is my last game,” said Bundit.

The Lady Eagles capped off their season with 3 straight losses and made their Season 80 exit after losing 4 sets to the Lady Tamaraws.

Before the volleyball season, Bundit almost left Ateneo due to “irreconcilable differences” between him and the Lady Eagles.

With the intervention of Ateneo university president Jose Ramon Villarin, he was able to convince both parties to “make the needed adjustments” in preparation for Season 80.

Ateneo program director Sherwin Malonzo confirmed that Bundit’s annual contract with Ateneo ends on the last day of the Lady Eagles’ season.

However, there is still a chance that Bundit’s contract will be renewed depending on the decision of the university.

“Annual ang contract niya, kaya every year it is renewed. (His contract is annual, that's why every year it is renewed) It could be renewed,” said Malonzo.

Veteran player Jho Maraguinot was one of the players who lamented the Thai coach's departure. The outside hitter owes her development to Bundit, who has sacrificed a lot to train them for the past 5 years. 

"Sobrang laki ng ginawa sa akin ni coach. Kundi dahil sa kanya, di ako ganito maglaro," said Maraguinot.

(Coach has taught me so much. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be playing this well.) 

Bundit joined Ateneo in Season 76 and immediately won consecutive titles with Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado. In the last two years, Bundit and the Lady Eagles finished as runners-up to reigning champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers.

Bundit continues to be the head coach of the Premier Volleyball League team Creamline Cool Smashers, who will begin their season in May. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles spoiled the party of the debuting Gilas Pilipinas cadets following a 75-69 victory in the opening day of the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan on Saturday, April 21. 

Thirdy Ravena turned in an all-round effort with a team-high 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks as the reigning UAAP champions proved steadier down the stretch against a squad parading the top collegiate players in the country. 

Leading by just 4 points midway through the 4th quarter, 56-52, Ateneo used a 13-2 run to pull away for good, 69-54. 

Adrian Wong chalked up 13 points, Mike Nieto added 10 while Angelo Kouame frolicked in the paint, pulling down 15 rebounds on top of 5 points and 3 blocks in the win. 

Despite the win, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin wasn't as impressed, admitting the team has to fully acclimatize themselves with each other.

"We're not ready to try and play as a team. We have no chemistry right now but those things will come. I think you can look at our team and say they are stronger physically, you know, they're starting to grow into men now and that's what we want," said Baldwin. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ateneo tactician Tab Baldwin, who was once the head coach for Gilas Pilipinas, takes about the Gilas cadets following the Blue Eagles’ 75-69 win. <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/AhaTd9T1hR">pic.twitter.com/AhaTd9T1hR</a></p>&mdash; delfin dioquino (@dioquinodelfin) <a href="https://twitter.com/dioquinodelfin/status/987672063597985793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ricci Rivero, who left the De La Salle University Green Archers earlier this month, immediately provided impact with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists against 7 turnovers for the Gilas cadets. 

Kobe Paras, who returned to the Philippines earlier this week following his decision to pursue a professional career, had a relatively dismal night after firing 13 points on a 5-of-14 shooting from the field and 1-of-6 clip from the free throw line. He also had 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in the loss. 

The Scores:

Ateneo (75): Ravena 16, Wong 13, Nieto Mi 10, Nieto Ma 9, Go 7, Kouame 5, White 5, Belangel 4, Maagdenberg 3, Asistio 2, Navarro 1, Mamuyac 0, Credo 0

Gilas cadets (69): Rivero R 17, Paras 13, Gomez de LIano 11, Tratter 8, Ambohot 5, Gozum 4, Tolentino A 3, Tuffin 3, Tolentino V 3, Rivero P 2, Desiderio 0, Mocon 0

Quarter scores: 17-16, 29-27, 53-48, 75-69 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Toni Rose "Chinchin" Basas heard the call from head coach George Pascua and quickly acted on it. 

Thanks to her 17-point outing, Basas turned out to be the "X-factor" in the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws' return to the finals after 9 seasons. 

"Sabi ko nga kahapon, Chin, kailangan kita mag-step up para kahit papaano, maba-balanse ang opensa natin, hindi lang lagi kay Pons," said Pascua.

(I told Chin yesterday that I needed her to step up in any way to balance our offense. It can't be Pons all the time.) 

After clinching a Final 4 berth with a win over the Adamson Lady Falcons, Basas failed to post double-digit marks in her last two games. This prompted Pascua to give her a little push before their semis clash with Ateneo. 

"Sabi lang ni coach na 'wag naming isipin na may twice-to-beat kami, isipin lang namin na do-or-die, kaya ganoon din ang nilaro namin," said Basas

(Coach told us to not think that we have the twice-to-beat advantage, we have to think that this is a do-or-die game that's why this was how we played a while ago.) 

The FEU Lady Tamaraws ended the Ateneo vs La Salle finals era, as the two schools have faced each other for 6 straight years. 

Basas still has one more year of eligibility left while FEU captain Bernadeth Pons and libero Kyla Atienza are savoring their last few games with the Morayta-based squad. Basas and the rest of the team are offering each game to the seniors who will bid them good bye soon. 

"Opo, [pabaon namin sa seniors ito], kasi 'yun nga last playing year na nila, so kailangan paghirapan namin sa training para magawa namin nang maayos sa game," said Basas. 

(This is our farewell gift to our seniors because this is their last playing year, so we have to work hard in training so that we can play well in the game.) 

The Lady Tamaraws have yet to find out who their finals opponent will be. The winner of the semis series between the reigning champions De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers and the National University Lady Bulldogs will face FEU in the finals on Saturday, April 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo's topscorer Jhoana Maraguinot will not return for Season 81 and forego her final year of eligibility in the UAAP. 

Maraguinot will be graduating from both the university and the team in May 2018, marking this year as the end of her collegiate volleyball career. 

"Yeah, I'm graduating. I have one more [playing year], but I think I'm done," said Maraguinot. 

After recovering from a 0-2 start this season, the Lady Eagles clinched a Final 4 berth as they rode on a 5-game winning streak in the second round. However, the Katipunan-based squad started going downhill again as they closed out the season with 3 straight losses. 

The skid was a painful end to Maraguinot's career, but winning the 3rd set against FEU allowed her to reminisce about the glory days of Ateneo. 

"Yung 3rd set namin was grabe, 'yun 'yung mami-miss ko sa UAAP – 'yung feeling na kita mo na lahat ng teammates mo lumalaban, nagtutulong-tulong. We fought 'til the end," said Maraguinot. 

(That 3rd set was intense. That's what I will miss about the UAAP – the feeling that you see your teammates fight and help each other. We fought 'til the end.) 

The outside hitter won her first championship with Ateneo in Season 77, as she played alongside 3-time MVP Alyssa Valdez and that season's best setter Jia Morado. 

A product of Coach Tai Bundit's volleyball program, Maraguinot admitted that the Thai coach's teachings became a big part of her experience with the blue and white. 

"I admit na hindi rin naman ako ganito before maglaro, hindi ganito 'yung character. Pero noong hinandle kami ni coach Tai, tinuro niya sa amin 'yung 'Heartstrong.' Tinuro niya na 'di ka pwede sumuko until tapos na," explained the outside hitter. 

(I admit that I didn't play like this before, this wasn't my character. But when coach Tai handled us, he taught us what is 'Heartstrong'. He taught us that we can't give up until it's over.) 

As the graduating Lady Eagle takes a break, she also plans to wait for the next tryout schedule of the Philippine women's volleyball national team. – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Carl Frampton delighted his Belfast home crowd with a unanimous points win over fellow former multiple world champion Nonito Donaire.

All that was at stake was the World Boxing Organisation's interim featherweight belt, not a fully-fledged title.

But by coming out on top by a margin of 117-111 on all three judges' scorecards, the 31-year-old Frampton kept himself on course for a bout with the winner of next month's International Boxing Federation title fight between Lee Selby and Josh Warrington.

WBO champion Oscar Valdez could also lie in wait for the 31-year-old Frampton, a former world title holder at both super-bantamweight and featherweight. 

Prior to Saturday's bout – which just carried on past midnight local time (2300 GMT) – Northern Ireland's Frampton had rated Donaire, a seven-time world champion across four separate weight classes, as the most "accomplished fighter I have ever faced".

But the 35-year-old Filipino did not appear to be at his very best in Belfast, although he did rock Frampton with several solid punches in the 11th round of 12.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First of all, always want to thank God for keeping me safe in that ring. Not taking anything away from Frampton. He is an amazing fighter, smart and a tough mf! Like he said to me &quot;friends forever&quot; Congratulations my brother may you continue to be on top. My team, family, and</p>&mdash; Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) <a href="https://twitter.com/filipinoflash/status/987841686398210048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Nonito Donaire was dangerous from start to finish. I stuck to the game plan and at times my boxing was beautiful," Frampton told BT Sport as he looked forward to having a world-title shot at Belfast's Windsor Park – best known as the home ground of Northern Ireland's football team.

"There is only one thing on my mind at the moment – a world title fight at Windsor Park and I can't wait to get there."

Frampton, who split from promoter Barry McGuigan last year, before ditching Shane McGuigan, Barry's son, as his trainer, added: "In the 11th round I was definitely hurt but I survived it and that's what champions do.

"My trainer Jamie Moore deserves a lot of credit, the game plan was perfect. When it got close I needed to use my straighten which I did. I wasn't in the middle range too much and when I was, I got caught.

"But Donaire is a world class fighter and a world class gentleman.

"There is not a man on this planet at featherweight who is going to beat me at Windsor Park." – Rappler.com