OAKLAND, USA – Holding an ice pack on his swollen right eyebrow and forehead, Jerwin Ancajas was wincing in pain. He swears it was pulsating, throbbing, and wouldn't go away.

“Mas masaki pa to kaysa noong kay Jonas (Sultan),” said Ancajas, referring to the swelling he sustained when he beat his compatriot by unanimous decision last May in Fresno, California.

(It hurts more than the bruises I sustained during my fight against Jonas Sultan.)

The new one was also caused by an accidental clash of heads with Mexican challenger Alejandro Santiago Barrios on Friday night, September 28 (Saturday, September 29, Manila time) here at Oracle Arena in California.

“Akala ko nabiyak, kaya napahawak ako (sa may mata),” said Ancajas, who had to settle for a scrambling draw with Barrios to retain the International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight crown for the sixth time.

(I had to check my eye because it felt like I got hit hard.)

Other than the physical pain, Ancajas was also feeling low for his failure to deliver a rousing victory that would have triggered celebrations back home and set him up for juicier fights.

But with the draw verdict, Ancajas couldn't help but apologize to his teammates in the buildup for the Barrios bout.

“Nadismaya ako kasi hindi ko nakuha (panalo), lalo na sa team ko kasi naghirap din sila,” said Ancajas, referring to Team Ancajas here headed by chief trainer Joven Jimenez.

(I felt disappointed because I didn't get the win, especially for my team who really worked hard.)

The other key members were strength and conditioning trainer Delfin Boholst, cutman Todd Makelim, world title contender Mark Anthony Barriga, trainer Roberto Jalnaiz, Japanese supporter Kei Nadaira, photographer Alvin Go, and volunteer Brendan Gibbons, son of matchmaker Sean Gibbons.

They were later joined by Games and Amusements Board commissioner Mar Masanguid and GAB boxing chief Dioscoro Bautista.

Knowing scoring will be tight, Ancajas threw caution to the wind in the 12th round, gambling on an all-out assault that did not pay dividends.

“Hindi ko sila napasaya,” lamented Ancajas, who swears to continue improving on his craft and change fighting style, if necessary.

“Isang aral ito," said Ancajas. "Kapag world title fight dahat paghandaan lahat, kung anong gagawin ng challenger."

(I faied to make them happy. It' a lesson for me. If it's a world title fight, we really have to prepare well, be read for anything against the challenger.)

At least, it's not too late.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – In a stunning reversal of fortune, the erstwhile winless Meralco Bolts reach the semifinals of the 2018 FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

The Bolts steamrolled past Lebanon's Al Riyadi, 96-63, to notch their first win in the annual club tournament at the Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Saturday, September 29, and secure Group B's last semifinals berth. 

Needing only 11 points to have a superior quotient against Al Riyadi and Thailand's Mono Vampire, Meralco outdid itself with five players finishing in double figures en route to the 33-point romp. 

Diamond Stone chalked up 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while Garvo Lanete registered another 20 points as the Bolts dethroned the Lebanese and relegated them to the classification stage.

Scoreless in their 73-84 loss to Japan's Alvark Tokyo on Friday, KG Canaleta rose to the occasion with 18 points behind four triples while import Allen Durham pumped in 10 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the win. 

The backcourt pair of Anjo Caram and Baser Amer also provided a huge lift in the Bolts' local attack with 10 and 8 points, respectively, and a combined 8 rebounds. 

Meralco trailed 23-26 after the maiden period before undergoing a major revamp as it outscored Al Riyadi, 23-7, in the second quarter to head into the break with a comfortable 49-33 advantage. 

The defending champs barely made a fight out of it with the Philippine bets enjoying a 30-point lead for much of the final frame. 

Meralco finished the elimination phase tied with Mono and Al Riyadi with identical 1-2 cards but will march on to the playoffs in virtue of a superior quotient. 

Basel Bawji paced Al Riyad with 19 points and 6 boards while Mark Lyons added 14 points. 

The Bolts will face Iran's Petrochimi in the final four on Monday, October 1. 

The Scores

Meralco 96 - Stone 20, Lanete 20, Canaleta 18, Caram 11, Durham 10, Amer 8, Atkins 5, Tolomia 3, Salva 2, Hugnatan 0, Jamito 0. 

Al Riyadi 63 - Bawji 19, Lyons 14, Saoud 9, El Nour 17, Abdelnour 7, El Kaissi 4, Ziade 3, Akl 3, El Khatib 2, Kodsi 2. 

Quarters: 23-26, 49-33, 72-49, 96-63.

– Rappler.com

OAKLAND, USA – Jerwin Ancajas expected Alejandro Santiago Barros to give him a tough fight. Well, it turned out to be too tight for comfort.

Fact is, Ancajas cited the unheralded Barrios as the toughest fighter he'd face in the ring.

“Siya talaga ang pinakamahirap kong naging kalaban,”Ancajas said Saturday, September 29, hours before his team's departure for San Francisco en route to Manila. “Hindi dahil sa lakas o bilis, dahil sa style.”

(He's the strongest opponent I've faced. It's not because of his strength or speed, but it's his fighting style.)

Ancajas also credited Barrios' corner, led by revered Romulo Quirarte Sr, for dissecting his style. (READ: Jerwin Ancajas retains IBF belt via split draw)

“Pinag-aralan nila talaga ang galaw ko,” said Ancajas, noting the Mexican challenger didn't bite for his feints and found an answer to his movements.

“Pagbato ko, umaatras agad. Pag bitiw ko ng jab, me counter na overhand right,” said Ancajas. “Kaya hindi ako maka-combination.”

(He really studied my moves. When I throw a punch, he backs up. When I unleash a jab, he counters with an overhand right. That's why I couldn't do a combination.)

Only when Ancajas changed tactics starting in the 6th round, reverting to counterpunching and shifting his attack to the body, did he sneak in left straights.

Unfortunately, nothing solid landed because of Barrios' leaned back stance and the Mexican was able to forge a draw that put a dent on Ancajas' sterling title defenses of the International Boxing Federation super flyweight title.

Ancajas stopped challengers Jose Alfredo Rodriguez of Mexico, Teiru Kinoshita of Japan, Jamie Conlan of Ireland, and Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in succession before settling for a unanimous decision over compatriot Jonas Sultan last May 26 in Fresno, California.

Against the shorter Barrios, however, Ancajas failed to dazzle as his timing was off and he couldn't twist around as fast as he used to.

Coupled with Barrios' awkward in and out style, the judges had vastly different perceptions of the 12-round bout.

Judge Michael Tate sided with Ancajas, 116-112, Marshall Walker scored it 118-111 for Santiago, while Chris Wilson saw the fight even, 114-114, for a draw that enabled Ancajas to return home with his belt. (READ: Ancajas gets tested to the hilt, barely keeps crown)

Ancajas said he will relax and spend time with his family first at Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite, before resuming training for his next fight.

It won't be for long, however, as matchmaker Sean Gibbons wants him and trainer Joven Jimenez to watch Thai superstar Srisaket Sor Rungvisai dangle his World Boxing Council super featherweight title against Mexican Iran Diaz on Saturday in Bangkok.

Rungvisai is the leading candidate to be Ancajas' next opponent, with the unification bout to be held January 9 in the United States.– Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Chelsea ended Liverpool's perfect start to the Premier League season as the title contenders drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, September 29.

Liverpool had won all 6 of their previous league matches this term but, having lost to Chelsea in the League Cup in midweek, they fell behind on Saturday when Eden Hazard gave the hosts a 25th-minute lead at Stamford Bridge.

But Daniel Sturridge's brilliant long-range strike a minute from full-time preserved Liverpool's unbeaten league run.

This result left Liverpool in second place, with champions Manchester City, who beat Brighton 2-0 earlier on Saturday, top on goal difference.

City showed the gulf in class between the two sides of Manchester as Brighton, who beat United earlier this season, were comfortably seen off at the Etihad thanks to goals either side of half-time from Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero.

United's worst league start in 29 years means they are also 5 points adrift of Tottenham and Arsenal in the race for a place in the top four, with the North London clubs 2-0 victors over Huddersfield and Watford respectively.

Miserable week 

Defeat at the London Stadium compounded a miserable week for United manager Jose Mourinho, whose side were also dumped out of the League Cup by Derby on penalties and held at home by Wolves last weekend.

Mourinho's switch to a three-man defense backfired as Felipe Anderson and Victor Lindelof's own goal gave West Ham 2-0 half-time lead.

"After the result on Tuesday the team obviously needs positive things, positive feelings and to start losing after 5 minutes is not that positive start that you need," said Mourinho.

Paul Pogba was also under the spotlight after being stripped of the vice-captaincy by Mourinho in midweek and a frosty training ground exchange between the pair on Wednesday.

However, the French World Cup winner failed to make an impact before he was substituted 20 minutes from time.

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to briefly give United hope by pulling a goal back, but just 3 minutes later Marko Arnautovic exposed more poor United defending to seal West Ham's first home league win of the season.

City slickers 

City face a big trip to Hoffenheim in the Champions League in midweek having lost at home to Lyon to open their campaign, but they have suffered no such domestic struggles in defense of their title.

Leroy Sane's pace again made a big impact as the German's low cross was tapped home by Sterling at the back post for his 4th goal of the season.

City could have had many more goals, but had to wait until 25 minutes from time when Aguero slotted home after a neat one-two with Sterling.

"Every time we lost the ball, we recovered and attacked with players at the edge of their penalty box. That is a dream for us," said a delighted Pep Guardiola.

Tottenham moved into 4th as Harry Kane scored twice in 9 first-half minutes to easily see off struggling Huddersfield.

"It was a grind out there, the kind of games where it feels good when you win, a battle with tough defenders," said Kane.

Arsenal stayed level with their north London neighbors on 12 points with a seventh straight win in all competitions as a Craig Cathcart own goal and Mesut Ozil's finish earned all 3 points in the final 10 minutes at the Emirates.

Everton ended a four-game winless run to beat Fulham 3-0 as Gylfi Sigurdsson made amends for missing an earlier penalty to score twice either side of Cenk Tosun's first goal of the season.

Wolves' impressive return to the top flight continued thanks to late goals from Ivan Cavaleiro and Jonny Castro to earn a 2-0 win over Southampton.

Newcastle remained winless and in the bottom three after a 2-0 defeat at home to Leicester with two of England's World Cup squad Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire on target. – Rappler.com

SYDNEY, Australia – Tennis superstar Serena Williams caused an internet sensation Sunday, September 30, by posing topless for a video while singing I Touch Myself to raise awareness for breast cancer.

In the Instagram video, Williams covers her breasts with her hands while singing a version of Australian band The Divinyls' 1991 hit in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia.

"This Breast Cancer Awareness Month I've recorded a version of The Divinyls global hit I Touch Myself to remind women to self-check regularly," wrote Williams on the post.

"Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it because it's an issue that affects all women of all colors, all around the world. Early detection is key – it saves so many lives."

The song was co-written by Divinyls Australian vocalist Chrissy Amphlett who died of breast cancer 5 years ago aged 53.  

"The music video is part of the I Touch Myself Project which was created in honor of celebrated diva, Chrissy Amphlett, who passed away from breast cancer, and who gave us her hit song to remind women to put their health first," said the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreastCancerAwarenessMonth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth</a> I’ve recorded a version of The Divinyls global hit “I Touch Myself”! <br><br>It’s a reminder for women to self-check regularly as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/itouchmyselforg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itouchmyselforg</a> supported by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Berlei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Berlei</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCNA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCNA</a> <a href="https://t.co/7qDQaS0SaU">pic.twitter.com/7qDQaS0SaU</a></p>&mdash; Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1046066495179161602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

The video was viewed more than 1.3 million times in the first 10 hours after it was posted early Sunday with fans lauding the tennis superstar for her bravery in performing the song.

"Amazing Serena, important message and such a beautiful voice!" wrote one under the username deedpaula.

Another alshaze47 commented: "This is powerful!! I'm a Breast cancer survivor!!"

The video appeared less than 3 weeks after her tempestuous US Open final defeat to Naomi Osaka, where Williams smashed a racket and accused an umpire of sexism.

Williams, who celebrated her 37th birthday 4 days ago, pulled out of this week's China Open in Beijing to bring a premature end to her 2018 season, her first back on tour since giving birth to a daughter a year ago. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – UST coach Aldin Ayo found no answer when the defending UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles destroyed his Growling Tigers by 32 points, 85-53, on Saturday, September 29.

Ayo – who transferred to UST from La Salle in the off-season – simply didn’t have enough tools to bring down the mammoth that is Ateneo, and as a result, suffered the worst beating of his coaching career.

“You have to take that as a man,” said Ayo, who won a UAAP championship with La Salle and an NCAA crown with Letran. 

“It’s just how it is. Every time you experience [something] like this you become sensitive and you see things that you just have to accept.”

Ayo has only lost by double-digits once in the UAAP prior to this game: a 12-point loss against Ateneo, 71-83, in the second round of Season 79.

But La Salle went on to clinch the title that year, also against the Blue Eagles in perhaps a perfect comeback statement.

Ayo fared even better as a one-and-done coach of the Letran Knights the year before, where his worst game was a seven-point loss, 61-68, in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 91 Finals against then six-peat aspirants San Beda Red Lions. He then also responded big time as the Knights bagged the NCAA crown after edging San Beda in a winner-take-all Game 3, 85-82.

The Knights did lose against the EAC Generals that season by 14, 69-83, but Ayo was serving a one-game suspension at that time.

Simply put, the “Master of Mayhem” just doesn’t lose like what happened on Saturday night. But he knows it’s a process.

With 9 rookies getting regular minutes in the UST roster, there’s only so much a coach can do, even if it’s a proven champion like Aldin Ayo. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Bright Akhuetie promised that the University of the Philippines would bounce back big. And the Fighting Maroons sure did.

The Maroons overcame the La Salle Green Archers' late fightback, 67-61, in the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, September 30.

Juan Gomez de Liaño knocked in the clutch baskets and Akhuetie also dropped 19 points and 19 rebounds as the Maroons rebounded from a heartbreaking loss  to Adamson to improve their record to 2-3.

Gomez de Liaño also shone with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists.

La Salle unleashed a 13-0 run capped by a Justine Baltazar tip with 2:20 minutes left that cut UP’s  double-digit lead to just a point, 61-60.

But Gomez de Liaño  responded with clutch baskets, the last on a layup that cushioned the Maroons’ lead, 65-60, with 44 ticks left.

“Now I think we all know that our endgame ... there is much to be desired,” said UP coach Bo Perasol. “But then again, we can't forget the fact that we won it.”

After the one-point heartbreak against Adamson last Wednesday, Akhuetie vowed that the Maroons would come back big. (READ: UP'S Bright Akhuetie raring to 'bounce back real hard')

“That was a painful loss for us against Adamson," said Perasol. "The first thing that's going to be taken away from you when you lose successively is the confidence, and that's something that's very difficult to get back. The only way to get that back is to win. We all know we can but when you play the game, you tend to doubt yourselves most of the time."

“I’m just relieved right now that we're able to get this one and I hope we can get to the winning groove in our next game,” Perasol added.

UP's offense exploded in the 3rd quarter with Gomez de Liaño sparking a 10-0 run, 43-37, with a breakaway dunk midway through the quarter.  

Akhuetie's dominance on the glass broke La Salle's towers and kept them up 6, 51-45, heading to the 4th.

The Nigerian big man bodied up Justine Baltazar in the post to open the 4th and give UP a 10-point cushion, 55-45.

Akhuetie then conspired with Gomez de Liaño to complete a 10-2 run, 61-47, with 7 minutes to go in regulation.

“We would have wanted to be better in the endgame, but then again, probably we needed these kinds of wins so we would know how to be better,” said Perasol.

The Scores

UP 67 – Akhuetie 19, Gomez de Liaño Ju 17, Desiderio 12, Gomez de Liaño Ja 7, Manzo 6, Dario 2, Vito 2, Tungcab 2, Spencer 0, Lim 0, Murrell 0, Gozum 0, Jaboneta 0.

La Salle 61 – Baltazar 13, Melecio 12, Santillan 12, Caracut 9, Dyke 8, Go 5, Serrano 2, Bates 0, Manuel 0, Capacio 0, Corteza 0.

Quarters: 13-12, 29-33, 51-45, 67-61.

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A hot-shooting University of the East showed up and surprisingly overwhelmed powerhouse Far Eastern University all the way.

The UE Red Warriors just completed the statement win of the season, stunning the FEU Tamaraws in a 90-65 rout in the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball tournaments at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, September 30. 

The Red Warriors were red-hot from the get-go, ending the 1st half up 12, 43-31, thanks to Jason Varilla's 15 points, all coming from three-point range.

Alvin Pasaol also made his usual production, unloading 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Red Warriors kept their distance from the Tamaraws all the way and erected a 33-point advantage, 88-55, in the 4th quarter. 

Varilla also finished with 17 points for the Red Warriors, who ended their four-game losing spell to crash into the win column.

“Well at least the monkey is off my back as a coach,” said new UE mentor Joe Silva. “Sobrang blessed ako, sobrang humbled. Buti nanalo na kami. It's a relief.”

(I feel very blessed, very humbled. It’s a good thing that we won. It’s a relief.)

UE kept at the pressure in the 2nd half and FEU found no answer as Philip Manalang – who finished with 13 points and 12 assists – also sizzled in the closing quarters.

“Hard work pays off,” added Silva. “ I just told them that work hard, and results will follow. I told the boys, we deserve to win a game. We've been playing well, we've been practicing well, it's time to take what you deserve.”

Jason Strait drained a well-contested long two as time expired in the 3rd to help UE end the period up 17, 63-46.

Mark Maloles drained back-to-back threes to extend the lead to 23, 69-46, at the 8:50 mark as the UE bench goes crazy in celebration.

Chris Connor and Pasaol drained two more threes as UE climbed up to a 31-point lead, 81-50, with 4:33 left on the way to the 25-point demolition.

The Tamaraws slipped to a 2-2 record. 

The Scores

UE 90 – Pasaol 25, Varilla 17, Manalang 13, Bartolome 8, Maloles 8, Conner 7, Beltran 3, Antiporda 3, Gallardo 2, Cullar 2, Strait 2, Lacap 0, Sobrevega 0.

FEU 65 – Cani 12, Tolentino 11, Ramirez 7, Comboy 6, Bienes 6, Orizu 5, Tuffin 5, Escoto 5, Parker 4, Gonzales 4, Inigo 0, Ebona 0, Stockton 0, Bayquin 0, Jopia 0.

Quarters: 20-16, 43-31, 63-46, 90-65.

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Not even a colossal deficit could prevent the streaking TNT from clinching its third straight win in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup. 

Drawing prolific performances from Terrence Romeo and Marqus Blakely, the KaTropa rallied from 23 points down to shock NorthPort in a nail-biting 104-102 win at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 30. 

Terrence Romeo delivered 25 points, 8 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds while Blakely chalked up 23 points, 11 boards, 4 dimes and 2 steals as TNT improved to 4-4 and kept the Batang Pier winless in six games.

NorthPort, which has not won for one and a half months now, was groomed to end its dry spell as it enjoyed a 60-37 lead in the 2nd quarter – its biggest of the game – and entered the final frame sitting on a comfortable 87-71 cushion. 

But despite trailing 77-95 early in the 4th, TNT remained determined and rode on an 19-1 run – capped by back-to-back Romeo triples – to knot the score at 96-all. 

It was a nip-and-tuck battle in the final three minutes with both teams exchanging buckets until the KaTropa held a 104-102 lead following a Blakely layup with six seconds left in the clock.

The Batang Pier had a chance to tie the game but to no avail after Sean Anthony's inbound pass was deflected by Blakely as TNT secured the win. 

Troy Rosario and Jericho Cruz chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, while RR Pogoy added 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks for the KaTropa, who is still without star Jayson Castro due to an injury. 

Stanley Pringle starred for NorthPort with a near-triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks but he was kept scoreless in the payoff period.

Import Rashad Woods finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, Jonathan Grey had 18 points and 5 boards while Mo Tautuaa chipped in 18 points and 14 boards in the loss. 

The Scores

TNT 104 - Romeo 25, Blakely 23, Rosario 12, Cruz 11, Pogoy 10, Trollano 7, Garcia 6, Reyes 5, Williams 3, Carey 2.

NorthPort 102 - Woods 19, Pringle 18, Tautuaa 18, Grey 18, Anthony 15, Javelona 9, Taha 4, Guinto 1, Elorde 0, Fortuna 0, Arana 0, Espinas 0. 

Quarters: 21-32, 43-64, 71-87, 104-102. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines –  A 12-year-old junior member of the Philippine wushu team died after falling from the top bunk of a double-deck bed inside the athletes’ dormitory at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila early Saturday morning, September 29.

Rastafari Daraliay reportedly fell from his bed at around 3 am, but got back up and returned to sleep. Hours later, the victim was found with his mouth frothing. He later died at the hospital. 

The Wushu Federation of the Philippines confirmed the incident to several media outlets. 

The Philippine Sports Commission will hold a press conference on Monday.

Daraliay’s remains lie in state at Santuario de San Vicente de Paul in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. –Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – When in tip-top shape, Terrence Romeo proved he is still the same man who won the last 3 PBA scoring titles. 

The flamboyant guard waxed hot for 25 points on top of 8 assists and 3 steals to power TNT to a monumental come-from-behind 104-102 win over NorthPort on Sunday, September 30, in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup. 

His secret? A massive weight loss. 

"Nag-lose ako ng 15 pounds in two weeks. Noong pagbalik ko sa TNT, medyo 185 (pounds) yata ako noon eh. Malaki 'yung binaba ng timbang ko ngayon," he told reporters after the win. 

(I lost 15 pounds in two weeks. When I returned to TNT, I was probably weighing 185 pounds. I lost a lot of weight.) 

Now quicker on his feet, Romeo led the KaTropa's fightback from 23 points down against the Batang Pier in the final quarter.

He scored 9 points of his output in the payoff period, highlighted by back-to-back triples that knotted the score at 96-all before teammate Marqus Blakely took over the scoring cudgels from him in the endgame. 

The 26-year-old, who returned to PBA action last March after 5 months of being sidelined due to an injury, has been vocal for some time now that he has not been playing in his finest form.

Fortunately, the KaTropa had a 20-day break earlier this month and Romeo did not waste time to get to work.  

"Tine-take advantage ko 'yun para mag-lose ng weight para mas maging in shape kasi noong early part ng conference nga, kahit noong first conference ko sa All-Filipino, wala talaga ako sa shape eh," he said. 

(I took advantage of that break to lose weight so I can get back to shape because in the early part of the conference, even during the All-Filipino conference, I was out of shape.) 

Even with the KaTropa now on a three-game winning streak to improve to 4-4, Romeo said they are far from where they want to be. 

"Ngayon, nag-i-improve na kami. Kailangan sa susunod mas mag-improve pa rin kami kasi sobrang dami pa naming dapat matutunan."

(We're improving. But we need to improve more in the future because we still have a lot to learn.) 

Romeo has another 20 days to shed more weight as TNT takes on San Miguel on October 20 in Calasiao, Pangasinan. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – It was the win no one saw coming.

The bottom-dwelling UE Red Warriors decimated the Final Four-contender FEU Tamaraws by 25, 90-65, in the UAAP men's basketball tournament.

From the first to the final buzzer, UE was relentless on the offensive end, draining shots left and right, inside and outside.

When the dust settled, the Red Warriors have chalked up a 34-of-74 (45%) shooting clip as a team with 12-of-32 (38%) from deep. (READ: UE shocks FEU to crash into UAAP win column)

Aside from coach Joe Silva, no one is happier for this win than team star Alvin Pasaol, who finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 5 steals in his first game this season off the bench.

For once, he wasn’t the only one carrying the load on the offensive end, and it immediately resulted in a blowout win.

“Sobrang saya ko,” Pasaol said after the game. “Nung mga [last] few games kasi namin, nakukuha naman nila pero di nila masyado nashu-shoot yung bola. Ngayon, sobrang laki ng confidence nila na kaya nila.”  

(I was so happy because in the last few games, they were getting their looks, but they weren’t draining them. Now, their confidence is sky-high.)

Jason Varilla chipped in 17 points with 5 three-pointers all drained in the 1st half.

Veteran point guard Philip Manalang had his best outing of the season with 13 points and a career-high 12 assists. Interestingly, his 12 assists were the most dished out in the UAAP since FEU superstar Terrence Romeo did it against UE in 2013.

“Yun nga parating sinasabi sa kanila na kaya nyo,” said Pasaol. “Maniwala lang tayo na kaya nating manalo.”

(That's what I always tell them, that they can do it. We should just believe that we can win.)

Indeed, right after UE got blasted by Ateneo 4 days earlier, Silva said that his boys can compete without Pasaol. (READ: UE can win and contend without Alvin Pasaol, says Joe Silva)

On his bench role, Pasaol said it was a brilliant play by Silva, the reigning Ateneo juniors champion coach.

“Siguro ganun lang sa strategy ni coach Joe na ganun muna yung sistema,” he said. “Sobrang nakalaki ng tulong na off the bench yung pagpasok ko sa kanila, kasi nabasa ko na lahat ng kung ano unang gagawin ko pagpasok ko.”

(Maybe that’s just coach Joe’s strategy that the system is like that for now. It’s a huge help that I’m coming off the bench, because I already read everything that I would do once I come in.)

With a coach of Silva’s caliber, it was only a matter of time before they figured their flow out. Now, it’s only a matter of being consistent at doing it. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Paul Lee continued to wax hot as Magnolia escaped San Miguel in an enthralling 109-108 comeback win in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 30. 

The shifty guard finished with a team-high 28 points on top of 3 rebounds and 3 steals, and most importantly, hit the go-ahead shot that propelled the Hotshots to their second straight win and fourth overall in 5 games.

With Magnolia trailing 107-108 in the final minute, Lee hit a leaning jumper at the baseline with 34 seconds left to give his team the lead and eventually, the victory. 

The Beermen had plenty of time to take the upper hand but missed all of their last attempts, with Kelly Nabong's triple rattling off the rim, Christian Standhardinger's putback falling short and Alex Cabagnot's layup blocked. 

Import Romeo Travis backstopped Lee with 18 points and 12 rebounds while Ian Sangalang finished with 16 points and 8 boards and delivered the game-sealing block on Cabagnot. 

Tasked to guard new San Miguel import Kevin Murphy, Justin Melton had his own share of offensive licks with 12 points to go with 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block while Rome dela Rosa added another 10 markers in the win. 

Murphy torched the Hotshots with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists but his numbers weren't enough to prevent San Miguel, which fell to 2-3, from absorbing its second straight loss. 

Standhardinger chalked up 27 points and 16 rebounds and Lassiter fired 14 points for the Beermen obviously missing the services of reigning four-time league Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, who is still out due a shin injury. 

The Scores

Magnolia 109 - Lee 28, Travis 18, Sangalang 16, Melton 12, dela Rosa 10, Barroca 8, Jalalon 5, Ramos 3, Simon 3, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 2, Brondial 2.

San Miguel 108 - Murphy 37, Standhardinger 27, Lassiter 14, Santos 8, Ross 6, Nabong 6, Cabagnot 4, Heruela 3, Pessumal 3, de Ocampo 0. 

Quarters: 29-36, 57-61, 84-88, 109-108. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Resurgent Tacloban pounced on a listless Adamson-Akari side and fashioned out a 25-21, 25-12, 25-22 victory on Sunday, September 30, to join Pocari-Air Force at second in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Now playing in sync after a shutout loss to the PetroGazz Angels, the Fighting Warays warded off the Lady Falcons in the opening frame, dominated the next, then rallied late in the 3rd to clinch the win in a big follow up to their straight-set romp over the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons last Wednesday.

“We have adjusted after our opening game loss,” said Jovielyn Prado, who rammed in 18 hits, including 15 attack points and 3 blocks and produced 10 digs.

The Fighting Warays also leaned on their solid net defense, coming through with 11 kill blocks while hammering their rivals with 41 attack points.

“We struggled in defense the first time out, but they have started to adjust to the system,” said Tacloban coach Nes Pamilar.

Heather Guino-o scored 13 points while Mary Anne Esguerra added 10 markers for the Fighting Warays, who tied the Pocari Lady Warriors at 2-1 to move behind BanKo-Perlas, unbeaten in two starts in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa and Asics.

After sweeping the first two frames, the Fighting Warays took 4 of the first 5 points in the 3rd but struggled midway through, enabling the Lady Falcons to storm back and seize a 21-19 lead.

But the Leyte-based squad regrouped and countered with 3 straight hits coming off a huddle and then came through with a hit, moved to match point on Adamson’s attack error before Prado finished off the Lady Falcons through a block to cap a long rally.

Chiara Permentilla scored 11 points for the Lady Falcons, who finished 3rd in the recent Collegiate Conference and are priming up for the UAAP wars. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – FEU head coach Olsen Racela respectfully declined to comment on his team's stunning 65-90 loss to the bottom-dwelling UE Red Warriors. 

And it was understandable, as there was probably nothing he could've said to further explain the beating his team took as they went down to 2-2 in the UAAP Season 81 standings.

Instead, starting guard Hubert Cani faced the media and had quite a lot to say in his coach's stead.

Most notably, he felt that he and his teammates "cheated" the way they looked at the game. 

"Tingin ko, mali talaga yung approach namin sa game. Parang dinadaya namin eh," said Cani, who led FEU with 12 points. "Sa amin bumabalik yun. Kunyari malakas yung kalaban namin, dun kami babawi tapos pag may mga teams na parang di naman nasa average, dun kami nagse-step down eh. Binibigyan namin ng kumpiyansa yung ibang teams eh. Yun talaga yung pagkakamali namin."

(I think our approach to the game is wrong. It's like we're cheating it. That will come back to haunt us. For example, we play strongly when the opponent is strong but we take a step down when facing the lower teams. We're giving them confidence. That's really our mistake.)

FEU has already lost to lower-ranked UE and UST while collecting wins against contending La Salle and UP. 

"I think we prepared well, [pero] same lang ng UST, parang in-underestimate namin yung game kaya ngayon yung mga shots nila kahit naka-challenge na, kahit anong gawin namin, talagang shumu-shoot na kasi binigyan namin sila ng confidence," Cani continued. "So dun pa lang sa una pa lang, mali na. Mahirap i-turn around agad yun eh." 

(I think we prepared well, but like against UST, we underestimated the game, so even their contested shots started to fall because we gave them confidence. Right there, we're wrong. It's difficult to turn around a game like that.)

But right now, the former Ateneo guard is just looking forward to getting back at practice.

"Bukas tingin ko sobrang ganda ng kakalabasan nung training namin, kasi kung hindi, parang di namin tine-take seriously to, yung UAAP, yung team namin," he said. "Tingin ko bukas, dun pa lang sa practice magsa-start na yun. Dun pa lang sa practice, magsa-start na kami." 

(Tomorrow, I think training will really go well, because if not, then it's like we're not taking this seriously. I think things will start to change in practice. We'll start there.)

With only 14 games in the eliminations, there are only so many unexpected losses a supposed contender can take. FEU would do well to correct that as early as now.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Kevin Murphy is in for the long haul for San Miguel. 

Beermen head coach Leo Austria revealed that the team would stick with the braid-donning import, who replaced the injured AZ Reid, in their 2018 PBA Governors' Cup campaign. 

"Yes, ang ganda ng pinakita niya e (Yes, because he has been playing great)," Austria told reporters when asked if Murphy would keep his role as San Miguel's reinforcement in lieu of Reid, who is nursing an ankle injury. 

Although his PBA debut ended in a 108-109 loss to Magnolia on Sunday, September 30, the former NBA player put up impressive numbers of 37 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, a block and a steal. 

In 42 minutes of action, he made 13 of his 25 shot attempts, went 4-of-8 from downtown and made all of his 7 free throws. 

"Even noong umpisa pa lang, alam namin na siya na ang magiging import namin dahil it's unfair for AZ na we will force him to play and ma-injury siya na naman," Austria added. 

"It takes time to fully heal and with the kind of game na pinakita ni Kevin, I think it's obvious na siya na 'yung magpapatuloy. And talagang si Kevin 'yung import na hinahanap namin."

(Even from the start, we knew he would be our import because it's unfair for AZ to force him to play and aggravate his injury. It takes time to fully heal and with the kind of game Kevin showed, I think it's obvious that he will be our import. And Kevin is the import that we're looking for.) 

With Murphy's performance, Austria has found a reason not push the panic button even with San Miguel crashing to their third loss in 5 games. 

"We've been here before dahil last conference, we're down 0-3 and now may panalo na kaming dalawa. I think we have to be positive and I think there is a positive with the showing of our import." 

(We've been here before because last conference, we're down 0-3 and now, we already have two wins. I think we have to be positive and I think there is a positive with the showing of our import)

The Beermen aim to end their two-game skid against Alaska on Saturday, October 6, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. – Rappler.com 

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France – Europe's finest golfers, sparked by a record-setting victory for Italy's Francesco Molinari, recaptured the Ryder Cup on Sunday, September 30, denying a dramatic United States fightback to complete an emotional 17.5-10.5 upset victory.

Reigning British Open champion Molinari defeated five-time major winner Phil Mickelson 4 and 2 as Europe took an insurmountable edge over the favoured Americans, including point-less flop Tiger Woods, in the biennial team showdown at Le Golf National.

"It was amazing," Molinari said. "It's an incredible achievement. We did just an amazing job."

In the process, Molinari – who had been winless in 6 prior Ryder Cup matches – became the first European and only the fourth player ever to go 5-for-5 in a Ryder Cup and did so just two months after hoisting the Claret Jug.

"It feels great but it's not about me," he said. "It was about time to have them but it's about the group not the individual.

"I couldn't even dream of a summer like this."

Europe had seized a 10-6 edge in Saturday's foursomes and fourballs matches and got the points they needed to swipe the trophy after an early US surge. Every European player won at least once in the event.

"The attitude they had was unbelievable," Europe captain Thomas Bjorn said. "There was a moment when I thought this was going a little bit wrong but when we got our momentum going it went very quickly."

It turned out to be the most lopsided European triumph since an 18.5-9.5 victory at Ireland's K Club in 2006.

The US team, needing a record-tying comeback to keep the Cup, found no French magic to equal Europe's 2012 'Miracle at Medinah' or the Americans' 1999 'Battle of Brookline' win.

"Their captain did a better job than I did," US captain Jim Furyk said. "Their players played better. We just have to tip our caps."

Woods, a 14-time major champion who snapped a five-year win drought last Sunday, went 0-4 after being hailed as the star attraction.

"Very disappointing," Woods said. "To have a Ryder Cup end that way, for me personally, it doesn't feel very good because I didn't help my teammates earn any points."

Woods noted his run of playing 7 of 9 weeks coming into France, saying: "A lot of big events and a lot of focus, a lot of energy, goes into it."

The Americans, who haven't won in Europe since 1993, lead the all-time rivalry 26-14 with two drawn but the Europeans' ninth victory in 12 attempts gave them an 11-8 with one drawn edge since expansion from a British-Irish squad after 1977.

Americans pulled within 10.5-9.5 before Europe's first singles victory by Danish rookie Thorbjorn Olesen, who beat three-time major winner Jordan Spieth 5 and 4.

Spain's Jon Rahm followed by downing Woods 2 and 1, snuffing out any US momentum.

'Best feeling of my life' 

Rahm, who led after all but one hole, pumped his fists and screamed with joy after his clinching four-foot birdie putt left Europe two wins from victory.

"To beat Tiger, one of the greatest players of all time, for the pivotal point, it's the best feeling of my life," Rahm said.

England's Ian Poulter birdied the 18th hole to beat top-ranked Dustin Johnson 2-up and put Europe on the brink.

That set the stage for Molinari to clinch the win, making his 5-for-5 history after Mickelson found water at 16 and conceded, setting off a champagne-spraying celebration.

Only Americans Larry Nelson in 1979 and Arnold Palmer and Gardner Dickinson in 1967 had gone 5-for-5 in 41 prior Ryder Cups.

Spain's Sergio Garcia, last year's Masters champion who has struggled for the past 6 months, also made history, beating Rickie Fowler 2 and 1 to reach 25.5 career Ryder Cup points, breaking Nick Faldo's old mark of 25.

"It's something that I never thought I would have the possibility of doing it," Garcia said. "And now that it has happened, I'm just so happy."

American took 3 early wins, with Rory McIlroy finding the same bunker twice and water thereafter to lose the 18th hole and his match 1-up to US rookie Justin Thomas.

Webb Simpson beat Justin Rose 3 and 2 and US rookie Tony Finau ripped Tommy Fleetwood apart 6 and 4, ending the Englishman's bid to match Molinari's 5-for-5 feat, while third-ranked Brooks Koepka halved with England's Paul Casey. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – One of the best Pinoy golfers of this generation recorded an important milestone last Sunday, September 30.

Angelo Que won the Top Cup Tokai Classic of the Japan Golf Tour. This is his first in the Land of the Rising Sun since since he earned his card in Japan's rich top tour 4 years ago. 

Que carded four sub-70 rounds of 68, 69, 68 and 66 for a 17 under-par total of 271 at the Miyoshi Country Cub's West Course in Miyoshi, Aichi.

That was two shots better than two South Korean joint runners-up, former PGA Championship winner Y. E. Yang and Won Joon Lee. 

Another Pinoy, Japan Tour vet Juvic Pagunsan, finished joint 4th with a -13 total.

Que took home Y22 million (P10.44 million), while Pagunsan got Y4.84M (P2.29M) richer.

The win snapped an eight-year title drought for the golfer, who has won 3 times on the Asian Tour, including the Philippine Open in Wack Wack in 2008.

“After 8 long years... it sure is NICE to WIN again. Worth the wait and hopefully not the last ,” wrote Que on his Instagram account. 

{source}

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BoWC-EzA14Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">After 8 long years... it sure is NICE to WIN again. Worth the wait and hopefully not the last haha! #1stwininthejapantour #betterwithage #sweet #alwaysgratefulandthankful #TOPCupTokaiClassic2018 #jgto P.S thanks to @rahilg2 for the ice cold water  down my head </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/angelo_que/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Qball</a> (@angelo_que) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-09-30T09:01:15+00:00">Sep 30, 2018 at 2:01am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

{/source}

The Pinoy's last victory was in the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in 2010. 

Que is following in the footsteps of Bukidnon golf legend Frankie Miñoza, who claimed 7 titles in a long and successful pro career played largely in Japan.

The triumph adds to a memorable year for Philippine golf.

In the Asian Games, the team of Bianca Pagdanganan, Yuka Saso, and Lois Kaye Go won the ladies team gold medal in Indonesia, while Saso also struck gold in the individual competition.

Pagdanganan also brought glory to the country by helping the University of Arizona ladies golf team to the NCAA Division 1 title in May. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Following a golden stint in the 2018 Asian Games, weightlifting star Hidilyn Diaz will be gearing up for her Tokyo 2020 Olympics bid with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) rallying behind her.

That's what PSC president William "Butch" Ramirez assured the country's star athlete after she vented out her frustrations with the internal problems hounding Philippine weightlifting.

"When I received her letter, I have requested a conversation with her and offer resolutions to her requests," Ramirez told Rappler. 

"[We] immediately formed her core team [composed of] a sports psychologist, physiologist, physical therapist, high performance coach, masseus, foreign Chinese coach and other requirements, and 6 world qualifying circuit competitions [are] approved." 

In response to Diaz's letter dated September 21, Ramirez called for a meeting to resolve the dispute between Samahang Weightlifting of the Philippines (SWP) president Monico Puentevella and the olympian. 

"[Diaz's] trip to Tokyo Olympics will proceed with her core team and the normal support of goverment. That's very good when people talk and find resolution of gaps and conflicts," said Ramirez. 

In a video interview with Rappler during the Asiad, Diaz expressed her frustrations with Puentevella and questioned his plans for weightlifting. 

"Kasi ako, ang dami kong gusto sa sports ko, and the question is: ano ang gusto ng NSA (National Sports Association) president namin kung may NSA president kami? Ano ang gusto niyang gawin para sa weightlifting? Para sa mga atleta? Ano ang plano niya?" said the Olympic silver medalist. 

(I want a lot of things for my sport, and the question is: what does our NSA president want, if we even have an NSA president? What does he want to do for weightlifting? For the athletes? What are his plans?)

"Kasi hindi dapat tayo umasa [lang] sa POC and PSC. Ang dami nilang sports na nasa baba sa kanila. So kung parati tayo nagclclaim or nagcocomplain sa PSC and POC, walang mangyayari sa atin." 

(We can't just rely on the POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) and PSC. They handle a lot of sports, so if we're always just going to complain to PSC and POC, nothing is going to happen to us.) 

Puentevella is currently in the process of gaining recogniton as president of the SWP, which has replaced the Philippine Weightlifting Association. 

In the POC general assembely last September 27, membership committee head Robert Bachmann reported that SWP and Puentevella are "recognized provisionally" and are "subject to formal confirmation by the International Federation." 

Diaz will see action in the 2018 World Weightlifting Championships in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in November. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) now has more reasons to accelerate the rehabilitation of its facilities after the death of 11-year-old wushu cog Rasta Daraliay inside the athletes' dormitory of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. 

In an emergency press conference, PSC chairman Butch Ramirez said the agency will make the necessary changes in order to prevent such accidents that happened to Daraliay from occuring again.

The bemedalled junior Taolu artist died on Saturday, September 29, hours after falling from his bunk bed, which is about 4 feet in height. He was supposed to turn 12 on November 6. 

"[C]ompelling talaga na ayusin ang mga facilities faster na ngayon. Makiusap kami na 'wag naman kami patagalan kasi dalawang taong plano namin' yan e. Lalong we have enough reason na i-fast-track namin yan," he told reporters on Monday at the PSC Conference Room in Taft. 

(We're more compelled to fix our facilities faster. We will beg them not to delay the process because we've been planning the rehabilitation for two years now. We are more convinced to fast-track that rehabilitation.) 

"Safe, secure and dagdag kami ng mga dormitory attendants, increase namin 'yung security, dagdag kami ng doctor, nurse."

(It should be safe and secure and we will add more dormitory attendants, increase security and add a doctor and nurse.) 

According to Wushu Federation of the Philippines secretary-general Julian Camacho, Daraliay had stayed on and off the wushu dorm for the past 3 years at the request of his parents to ease the travel from his home in Tandang Sora, Quezon City to Taft. 

But the unexpected happened on Saturday when Daraliay, although the double-deck bed had safety guard rails, fell at the room's concrete floor at about 3 am. 

"Sabi noong nanay na talagang malikot matulog itong batang ito," Camacho said. 

(The mom said he really moves a lot when sleeping.) 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the double deck bed where 11-year-old Rasta Daraliay fell off from at about 3 am last September 29. He died before noon of the same day | <a href="https://twitter.com/dioquinodelfin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dioquinodelfin</a> <a href="https://t.co/LQYw8ZtNCt">pic.twitter.com/LQYw8ZtNCt</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1046627560971333637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Checked by his roommates, he declared he was fine and instead returned to sleep, this time at the bottom bunk of the bed. 

However, he never woke up again despite being rushed to the Adventist Medical Center in Pasay City when he was found with his mouth frothing at around 8:30 am. 

Ramirez said the PSC has learned its lesson from the accident. 

"Sigurista na lang tayo, doon na lang tayo sa walang double-deck."

(Just to be sure, we should just go without the double-deck beds.) 

But for the changes to come into fruition, the PSC needs funding first. 

"Sana 'yung mga bagay na nasa batas na nasa amin, dapat ibigay na sa amin para mapabilis 'yung rehabilitation," said Ramirez. 

(I hope that what should be ours according to the law should be given to us so we can push for the rehabilitation.) 

Daraliay's remains will be cremated on Thursday, October 4. – Rappler.com