SEA Figure Skating Open Trophy a grand success at SM Skating Mall of Asia

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Sep 16, 2024 05:13 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The event, organized by the Philippine Skating Union and supported by the International Skating Union (ISU) Development Commission, ran from July 27 to 29, drew athletes and figure skating enthusiasts from eight countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Each participant showcased their technical prowess and artistic flair, contributing to a celebration of cultural diversity and athletic excellence on the ice.

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Axel jumps, spirals, and spins executed by participants from across Southeast Asia took center stage at the SM Skating Mall of Asia as the mall hosted the Southeast Asian Figure Skating Open Trophy. 

Sofia Frank

The event, organized by the Philippine Skating Union and supported by the International Skating Union (ISU) Development Commission, ran from July 27 to 29, drew athletes and figure skating enthusiasts from eight countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Each participant showcased their technical prowess and artistic flair, contributing to a celebration of cultural diversity and athletic excellence on the ice.

Several distinguished guests graced the tournament, including H.E. Tull Traisorat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Philippines; Ms. Huang Yaping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines; Mr. Steve Hontiveros, Chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee; Ms. Olivia Bong Coo, Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission; Mr. Tito Sotto, Former Senate President; and Mr. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings. 

SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (2nd from right, front), with (L-R, front): SM Lifestyle Entertainment Senior Operations Manager and Philippine Skating Union President Nikki Cheng, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner and bowling icon Olivia “Bong” Coo, former Senate President Tito Sotto, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Chairman Steve Hontiveros, and Philippine Chinese Embassy Cultural Counselor Huang Yaping with the Southeast Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy 2024 candidates 

Filipino figure skaters stole the show on the final day of competition, with Sofia Frank clinching first place and Skye Chua securing third in the Senior Women’s category. Their exceptional performances not only brought pride to the Philippines but also highlighted the country's growing dominance in the sport.

Nikki Cheng, President of the Philippine Skating Union, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This tournament not only highlighted the talent and dedication of our region’s figure skaters but also promoted unity and camaraderie among participating nations.” 

The Southeast Asian Figure Skating Open Trophy held at SM Skating Mall of Asia is a significant platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills on an international stage, while simultaneously advancing the growth and development of figure skating throughout Southeast Asia. 

Delgaco relegated to repechage in women's single sculls

OTHER SPORTS

BY REY VIRGILIO LACHICA

Jul 27, 2024 04:47 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The former volleyball setter of Iriga City in the Palarong Pambansa must come up with something special in the repechage for a better position in the next phase on the way to the quarterfinals.

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PARIS – Up against rivals noticeably taller by several inches, Filipina rower Joanie Delgaco struggled and finished fourth in the second heat of the women’s single sculls at the National Olympic Nautical Stadium of Île-de-France in Vaires-sur-Marne on Saturday, July 27, here.

Joanie Delgaco finishes fourth in the second heat

The 5-foot-5 Degaco mustered only a time of 7 minutes and 56.26 seconds in completing the 2,000-meter voyage in the six-player 2nd heat of the competition and was relegated to repechage on Sunday, July 28. 

Expectedly, 2022 World Cup winner Karolien Florijn of the Netherlands topped the heat in 7:36.90 followed by Swiss Aurelia-Maxima Janzen (7:41.15) and Nina Konstanjsek of Slovenia (7;46.30) 

The former volleyball setter of Iriga City in the Palarong Pambansa must come up with something special in the repechage for a better position in the next phase on the way to the quarterfinals.

Only the top three finishers in each heat will advance to the quarterfinals.

In the Tokyo Games, Cris Nievarez managed to reach the quarters but subsequently finished 23rdoverall in the 31-man field.

PVL Reinforced Conference fires off Tuesday

Jul 15, 2024 02:29 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

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Six teams open their respective title campaigns on Tuesday, July 16, when the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference fires off at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Creamline seeks for an unprecedented ninth PVL title when the Reinforced Conference fires off on Tuesday, July 16, at the Philsports Arena. (File Photo/PVL Images)

Galeries Tower and Nxled raise the curtain in their 2 p.m. tussle, while Chery Tiggo and Farm Fresh both seek for strong starts when they collide at 4 p.m.

But focus will be on multi-titled Creamline, which squares off with PLDT at 6 p.m. as it guns for an unprecedented ninth league title this import-flavored conference last played in 2022. 

Apart from parading their respective acquisitions in the inaugural Rookie Draft held last week, the teams are also expected to showcase their respective imports to add fuel in their bids.

The Cool Smashers, banking on their All-Filipino Conference title victory, are leaning on American import Erica Staunton to boost the squad as they play without star player Jema Galanza due to national team duties.

The 6-foot-1 Staunton boasts of credentials as a two-time All-NCAA member, having played for Northeastern University and University of Georgia.

Staunton is expected to team up with a formidable lineup spearheaded by Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga and rookie libero Aleiah Torres, who was selected 12th overall in the draft.

PLDT is also bursting with promise with the expected return of Mika Reyes in the fold to join forces with veteran setter Kim Fajardo, Fil-Canadian Savi Davison, Majoy Baron, new recruit Angge Alcantara and Russian reinforcement Elena Samoilenko.

Galeries Tower, meanwhile, will have Brazilian import Monique Helena and rookie Julia Coronel in teaming up with Jewel Encarnacion, Roma Joy Doromal and Dodee Batindaan, while Nxled will have Krich Macaslang, Lycha Ebon, Jho Maraguinot and Bang Pineda.

Not to be outdone are Chery Tiggo, which has Katherine Bell, Ara Galang, EJ Laure and Abi Maraño, and Farm Fresh, which has a new coach in Shota Sato and promising players in Jolina Dela Cruz, Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray and Colombian import Yeny Murillo.

Asia’s top beach volleyball squads vie in Smasrt AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Mar 31, 2024 10:01 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Elite action returns to the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) hosts the Smart Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open starting this Thursday, April 4, until Sunday.  

Elite action returns to the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) hosts the Smart Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open starting this Thursday, April 4, until Sunday.

Gen Eslapor in action in last December’s Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge also in Nuvali. (PNVF)

A total of 46 squads , including four from Team Philippines and also from Australia and New Zealand, will compete in the four-day event, one of six international tournaments that the PNVF is organizing this year ahead of the historic solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025.

“The Philippines has become destination for both regional [Asia and Southeast Asia] and international volleyball competitions and we are proud of that distinction, especially because we are world championship host for the first time next year,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

Tickets to the Smart AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open also primarily supported by PLDT and the City of Santa Rosa are now available at www.ticketmax.ph, where beach volleyball fans can also avail themselves of the P220 day pass.

The PNVF and Nuvali Sand Courts by Ayala Land are hosting a second major international tournament since the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge last December—with the Ayala venue also hosting the Philippine National Games and Batang Pinoy also last December besides being the official home of the national beach volleyball teams as well as a preferred training venue for Japan’s national squads.

After the AVC Beach Pro Tour backed by Foton, Akari, Mikasa, Senoh, Seda, Asics, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+ and Pilipinas Live, the PNVF and Nuvali will host the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour-Futures from April 11 to 14.        

The Philippine team under Brazilian coach Joao Luciano Kiodai and Mayi Molit-Prochina will have the women's pairs of Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda, and Alexa Polidario and Jenny Gaviola in the main's draw. The tandems of James Buytrago and Rancel Varga, and Ranran Abdilla and AJ Pareja will also represent the country in the men's main draw.        

Three teams from Australia, Japan and Thailand, two pairs from Hong Kong, Singapore, Kazahkstan and New Zealand, as well as women's squads from Indonesia, Macau and Malaysia have confirmed their participation.

In the men's division, Australia, Japan and Thailand have entered three teams, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Iran and New Zealand each had two, while China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau are also in the mix.      

Tops on the PNVF’s international calendar this year is the return of the Volleyball Nations League Men’s Week 3 from June 18 to 23.

Also on the PNVF calendar are the 5th AVC Challenge Cup for Women in May, 4th Southeast Asia V League Week 2 in July and the Volleyball World Pro Tour Challenge also in Nuvali in November.

48 matches usher in World Beach Pro Tour Challenge in Nuvali

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• There are 16 teams each in the men and women main draw and the qualifiers alone, according to Suzara, have 32 teams for each gender representing more than 30 countries.

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Forty-eight qualification matches scheduled over 10 hours usher in on Thursday, Nov. 30, a Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Challenge Philippine leg at Nuvali that is bursting at the seams with the host Philippine National Volleyball League (PNVF) needing at least five hotels in and out of Santa Rosa City to billet athletes and officials.

Foreign teams take their turn to train at the Nuvali Sand Courts.

“It’s the biggest beach volleyball competition the country has ever hosted,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Wednesday. “It’s the biggest and most prestigious with Olympic and world champions and top-ranked athletes converging in Nuvali.”

There are 16 teams each in the men and women main draw and the qualifiers alone, according to Suzara, have 32 teams for each gender representing more than 30 countries. 

Dozens other teams in both genders are also in town as reserves in the tournament supported by gold sponsors Ayala Land, Mikasa, Senoh, Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay In Action and Smart as gold sponsors and PLDT, Gatorade, Maynilad, Rebisco, Ayala Malls, Department of Tourism, CBPI, Club Laiya, Foton as bronze sponsors.

Nuvali, through Ayala Land, built four world-class and FIVB-standard sand courts and one practice court on a sprawling area fronting Landers.

Hotels within the Nuvali area have overflowed that the PNVF had to book participants in hotels in Silang, Alabang and Batangas.

The qualification matches on Thursday start simultaneously in all four newly-built courts at 8 p.m. with the last matches set for 6 p.m.

The main draw proceeds Friday with simultaneous matches serving at 9 a.m. with the day’s competitions ending with 9 p.m. matches.

Teams have tested the courts in training since last Tuesday, including the Philipine squads coached by Brazilian Jao Luciano Kiodai. 

“We’re going to expect the best of the bests here,” Kiodai said. “But the most important here is to introduce to the Philippines the high level of beach volleyball. “It’s going to be hard, but the process is much more important than the results we are going to have,” said Kiodai, who’s been handling the national squads for a year now.

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Sisi Rondina won the gold medal last year in Subic but the duo already reverted to indoor volleyball, handing the mantle to veterans Jen Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez and national team first-timers Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella.

Kiodai set potent expectations for the nationals.

“We already showed in the last Asian Games that we can play in the world and play the best we can,” he said, referring to last year’s Future finalist Eslapor and Rodriguez, who posted a Philippine-best fifth place finish in Asiad beach volleyball in Hangzhou. 

The Philippine men’s teams are Ran Abdilla and Jeron Requinton, Anthony Arbasto and Alche Gupiteo and the veteran pair of James Buytrago and Rancel Varga.

Ortiguerra shares limelight in Philippine Aquatics National tryouts

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Trixie Ortiguerra pulled off the biggest upset yet so far to overshadow the dominating performances by some of most experienced junior internationalists as action continued in the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts NCR leg on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila.

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Trixie Ortiguerra pulled off the biggest upset yet so far to overshadow the dominating performances by some of most experienced junior internationalists as action continued in the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts NCR leg on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila.

Trixie Ortiguerra

The 16-year-old Grade 10 student from Sto. Cristo Integrated School in Tarlac City beat Vietnam-based and two-time World Junior campaigner Heather White in what could be the most intense duel in the girls 15-17 50-meter backstroke in the three-day tournament serving as the final selection process for the 44-man Philippine Team set to participate in the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championship slated on Dec. 3 to 6 at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Ortiguerra clocked 31.20 seconds ahead of White, who finished second with 32.27sec. 

“Masayang-masaya po ako, first time ko pong nakalaban sa backstroke si Heather (White), kaya nagulat ako kasi ang bilis niya kahit hindi talaga siya backstroker. Pasalamat lang ako at nakuha ko yung panalo and very hopeful ako na mapasama sa Philippine Team after three years,” said Ortiguerra, who was 13-years old when she was included in the National team in the 2019 SEA Age Group edition.

White, a national junior record holder in freestyle, earlier won the girls 15-17 400m freestyle with a time of 4:35.57.

As expected, veteran Jamesrey Ajido dominated the boys 12-14 class with another victory in the 200m Individual Medley (2:16.01). On the opening day, the 14-year-old multi junior-record holder claimed the 200m freestyle (2:02.68) and the 50m back (28.90).

Other notable junior tankers who claimed ‘provisionary’ status for the National Team are Arabella Taguinota in the girls 15-17 100m breaststroke (1:13.40), Chantelle Coleman in the girls 12-14 100m breast (1:19.82) and 50m breast (35.24), Kyla Louise Bulaga in the girls 12-14 200m Im (2:35.10), Joshua Ramos in the Boys 18 & Over 50m back (27.79); Peter Cyrus Dean in the boys 15-17 50m (27.74), Kacie Gabrielle Tionko in the girls 15-17 800m freestyle (10:03.51); Philip Santos in the boys 18-pover 400m Im (4:52.68); Mishka Sy in the girls 18-over 400 IM (5:18.59); Patricia Santor in the girls 400m IM (5:19.23); Aishel Evangelista boys 12-14  400m Im (4:26.06), Thanya Dela Cruz  girls 18-over 50m breast (31.83) and Ashton Clyde Jose in the boys 12-14 50m breast (32.57). 

Tournament Director Chito Rivera said top two swimmers in their respective age group class or  those who earned points nearest to World Aquatics 700 points will be considered in the Philippine team.

Adamson clips reigning UAAP champion La Salle with stunning come-from-behind win

 BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Aug 10, 2023 09:28 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Adamson clipped reigning UAAP champion La Salle with a stunning 22-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25, 16-14 come-from-behind win in Game 1 of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finale on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

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Adamson clipped reigning UAAP champion La Salle with a stunning 22-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25, 16-14 come-from-behind win in Game 1 of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finale on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Adamson Lady Falcons. (SSL)

The Lady Falcons gave the Lady Spikers a dose of their own medicine, erasing a huge 11-20 deficit in the fourth set before pulling through by a whisker in the clincher to move on the brink of capturing the first SSL national title.

Skipper Lucille Almonte kept Adamson afloat all throughout with 24 points on three aces and a block while super rookie Red Bascon delivered when it mattered the most, none bigger than her back-to-back hits to finish with seven points and clinch it for the Lady Falcons. 

Ayesha Juegos had 13 points while Sharya Nicole Ancheta and Lorene Toring added 10 apiece in the well-balanced attack of Adamson under new mentor JP Yude.

“Lagi ko kasing sinasabi sa kanila, may tiwala ako sa kanila. Kaya I always encourage them, especially nung 4th set, down kami, sabi ko ‘di pa tapos ‘yung laban. ‘Di pa naman 25. Sabi ko isa-isahin natin. Tyagain natin,” said Yude, a former Adamson player, in his first tournament since taking over from Jerry Yee in June.

“Siguro, na-absorb nila yun. Siguro nakita din nila sa akin, for me, ‘di pa talo. Ayusin nyo yung mga mukha nyo, yung body language nyo. Hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban. Siguro nakita nila yung eagerness na i-push sila.”

La Salle, riding on a five-set win against the University of Santo Tomas from a 1-2 deficit including multiple match points saved, looked headed into an easy four-set win against Adamson by building what seemed an insurmountable 20-11 lead off a Thea Gagate hit. 

But Adamson simply refused to go down and quit.

With Almonte setting the tone, the Lady Falcons launched a killer 11-1 rally capped by Ancheta’s quick attack in the middle to snatch the driver seat at 22-21.

Both teams traded blows from there on, with each one reaching match point, before Bascon unloaded two straight hits for a 27-25 win to extend the match to the fifth set.

As they figured in a back-and-forth decider anew, Bascon would not shy away from the big stage by hammering through another back-to-back attack for Adamson’s great escape act.

Shevana Laput rifled in a tournament-high of 30 points, Thea Gagate and Alleiah Malaluan added 14 points while Baby Jyne Soreño had 11 points but La Salle still absorbed its first defeat in the 12-team SSL presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as office transport provider, and in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Proudly Filipino, Eggesvik ready for Norway on Sunday

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

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AUCKLAND – Born in Norway but proudly Filipino, talented midfielder Sara Eggesvik will set her feelings aside and will be battle-ready as the Filipinas play the Gresshoppene (the Grasshoppers) in a critical match on Sunday, July 30, at the close of Group A in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park here.

Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.

“We have to put that aside when the game starts. I am playing for the Philippines. I will do my best to get a win and get points,” Eggesvik said emphatically shortly after the Filipinas upset the Ferns 1-0  for their historic first World Cup win at the Sky Stadium in Wellington last Tuesday.

Another of Australian coach Alen Stajcic’s prized finds, Eggesvik, whose father is Norwegian and mother from Davao, was born in the coastal city of Bodø (pronounced Budo), 1,188.5 kilometers northeast of the capital of Oslo and located near the Artic Circle. 

She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

With a cross inside the box, Eggesvik  set up striker Sarina Bolden, whose smashing header in the 24th minute proved to be the winning marker that gave the Filipinas a new lease on life after suffering a 0-2 setback to Switzerland in Dunedin last week.

“I remember getting the ball in the 16-meter (box) and just crossed it. It was an amazing header by Sarina over three defenders.  Although it was only one goal we had to keep them away from goal the rest of the way. It was a team effort. I am just so glad and grateful. I am so proud of this team,” she said.

Trying to hold back her tears, Eggesvik, 26, said the victory over the fancied Ferns showed that “this team is really something special. It shows we can compete at this level and we will keep on fighting. 

It shows that it is possible to get a win, to get a goal and get points from our games. That motivates us. I am glad that we are not out already.”

She paid credit to Stajcic and the rest of the coaching staff “who keep on pushing us and making us better every day. We have always believed in ourselves even when we lost and played bad games. We will keep on playing hard.”

She acknowledged that while they would savor the winning moment, it would be back to the salt mines just as immediately in preparation for their crucial match against the top-ranked Norwegians composed of a bevy of superstars led by striker Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.

“We have to restart again and think of the next game. Because it is coming soon, it is only a few days to go. We have to take advantage with what we have,” she said. “We want to see if we can create trouble and be competitive.  To  keep our heads down and keep fighting.”

While it appears to be a tall order, Eggesvik said that toppling Norway would not only mean advancing to the knockout round but  also will have a huge impact for football development back home.

“Going to the knockout stage, that would mean a lot. From being a small football country, we can inspire a lot of girls and boys to start playing football and show that it is possible to do something great although you are from the Philippines,” she stressed. 

Sara Eggesvik singing the “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine national anthem, before the game against New Zealand.

Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.