August 2007 Archives

By Joey Alarilla INQUIRER.net HERE are clips of the long jump finals in the 11th International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Athletics being held in Osaka, Japan, courtesy of the YouTube channel of WCSN.com. First, here's a clip of the European champion, Andrew Howe of Italy, celebrating after making his final jump of 8.47 meters, which he thought would be enough to secure the gold. It wasn't. Irving Saladino of Panama, whom Howe had overtaken with that jump, won the gold in dramatic fashion as he cleared 8.57 meters and set a South American record. This is the first time Panama has won a gold in the World Championships. Whew! Now that's a great victory and true grace under pressure. Howe settled for the silver, and his 8.47-meter jump was a new Italian national record. For more details, read the news story on the IAAF site.

By Agence France-Presse NEW YORK--Taiwanese pitcher Chien-Ming Wang flirted with a no-hitter here Thursday as the New York Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox with a 5-0 victory. Wang took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and the Yankees insured they will maintain at least a tie with the Seattle Mariners in the American League wild card race. The Yankees also narrowed the gap on American League East division leaders Boston to five games. Wang, 27, yielded just four walks through six frames before finally seeing his no-hit bid end in an interesting top of the seventh inning. Kevin Youkilis led off with a grounder to shortstop Derek Jeter, who short-hopped a throw to first base that forced first baseman Jason Giambi off the bag. The play was ruled an error and the no-hitter remained intact. Two pitches later, Wang's bid for the first Yankee no-hitter since David Cone's perfect game in 1999 ended as Mike Lowell extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single to right field. After Lowell's base hit, the events at Yankee Stadium really became interesting. J.D. Drew hit a grounder to third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who attempted to tag Youkilis before the Boston first baseman ran out of the baseline. Rodriguez recovered to throw out Drew at first and, after voicing his displeasure about Youkilis' route to third, the umpires conferred before deciding to call Youkilis out. Youkilis stormed off the field and Boston manager Terry Francona argued before being ejected by second base umpire Derryl Cousins. After play resumed, Wang finished his 103-pitch outing by striking out Jason Varitek. It was the second straight game the Yankees flirted with history. On Wednesday, Roger Clemens took a no-hitter into the sixth before allowing a solo home run to David Ortiz. In that contest, he got some unexpected defensive help from Giambi and, in this one, Wang had some similar assistance. Giambi helped complete a 5-4-3 double play in the second inning and made a nice stop on Dustin Pedroia's groundout to end the third. The Yankees did not pound Curt Schilling, who allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings. But two of those hits were solo home runs by Robinson Cano, who hit an 85-mph fastball over the left-center field fence in the third and a drilled a first-pitch splitter to a similar spot in the fifth. That was enough for Wang, who despite tying a season worst with four walks, finished with five strikeouts and also recorded 10 outs on the ground. New York's rookie reliever Joba Chamberlain was ejected by home plate umpire Angel Hernandez at the start of the ninth when he unleashed two fastballs over the head of Youkilis. Edwar Ramirez came on to seal the final three outs for New York, which record its first sweep of the Red Sox at home since June 29-July 1, 2004.

By Manolo Iñigo Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--There is no question that Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga is the greatest Filipino basketball player in history, but little else is known about how he started his checkered career. Loyzaga, who marks his 77th birth anniversary on Wednesday, was born on Aug. 29. 1930 to a family with a penchant for sports in San Jose, Mindoro. There, the Loyzaga boys organized a basketball team, with the tall and gangling Caloy at the helm. Already showing signs of greatness and towering at 6-foot-3 (a rarity among local players at that time), the young Loyzaga moved from sandlot basketball in Mindoro to the big time in Manila by joining the star-studded Sta. Mesa Aces in 1942. Among his teammates were Pablo and Vicente Cuna, Ramon Lopez, former chair of the Letran College Sports Hall of Fame; Vicente Ayllon of Insular Life, brothers Bobby and Al Tuason and Dick Taylor of radio broadcast fame. Their coach was Jose “Pepe” Lansang, who also became famous as a topnotch referee. After finishing his elementary education at the P. Burgos elementary school in Sta. Mesa and high school at the National University in 1948, Loyzaga wanted to enroll at Letran, but he backed out at the last minute when the coach gave him a cold shoulder. He was about to enroll at the University of Santo Thomas but this did not materialize when former Olympian Fely Fajardo, then the San Beda College coach, spotted Loyzaga and took him to Mendiola where he polished his style. * * * In his prime, Loyzaga was called the “Big Difference” because his absence from his team could mean defeat and he could turn defeat into victory with his presence. In the NCAA cage wars for the coveted Zamora Trophy in the 1950s, San Beda lost its title bid when Loyzaga did not see action due to scholastic reasons. But when Loyzaga returned to play for the Red Lions, San Beda retired the Zamora Trophy by winning the championships three times in 1951, 1952 and 1955. Excelling as a shooter, rebounder and center, Loyzaga led the powerhouse Yco Painters team to several Manila Industrial Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA) championships and a record 10 straight victories in the National Open. * * * In 1954, Loyzaga spearheaded the Philippine team that finished third in the Second World Basketball Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He capped that memorable year by landing a berth in the tournament’s Mythical Selection. He made his Olympic debut in Helsinki in 1952 and saw action in the 1956 Melbourne Games. He missed the trip to the Rome Olympics in 1960 due to a wrist injury he suffered while playing softball. In the Asian Games, Loyzaga sparked the Philippines to four consecutive championships (1951 New Delhi, 1954 Manila, 1958 Tokyo and 1962 Jakarta). He was also the team captain of the winning RP squad to the ABC championship (now FIBA Asia) in the 1960 Manila and 1963 Taipei tournaments. As a coach, he piloted the Philippine quintet to the 1967 ABC crown and to 13th place in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. A former Manila councilor, Loyzaga is now based in Australia. He is married to the former Vicky Cuerva with whom he has four children: Chito, Joey, Teresa and Bing.

By Marc Anthony Reyes Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--Athens Olympians Tshomlee Go and Antoinette Rivero will spearhead a four-man Philippine team seeking Beijing Olympic slots in the world championship in Manchester, England, next month. Philippine Taekwondo Association president Robert Aventajado said Asian Gamers Eunice Alora and Alex Briones also earned slots to the RP squad. Except for Briones, Go, Rivero and Alora all won gold medals in their respective divisions in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila. The 26-year-old Go also won a silver in the bantamweight division in the 2006 Doha Asian Games. He also picked up a bronze in the 2003 Olympic qualifying, bronze in the 2002 Asiad, and silvers in the 2001 World Cup and 2000 Asian championships. Rivero, 19, is also an Asiad silver winner in the lightweight class. A SEAG gold medalist in 2003, Rivero also has a silver in the 2003 Olympic qualifier, 2003 Asian junior championships, 2003 Korean Open and 2002 SEA taekwondo union championships. At age 13, Rivero won gold in the 2001 US Open. Briones owns a silver in the 2006 Asian championships and the 2005 SEA Games. He is also a back-to-back gold winner in the 2002 and 2003 Chun Cheong Korea championships. The Laguna-based Alora took the featherweight gold in the 2005 SEAG and the bronze in the 2006 Asian Games. The 19-year-old is also a bronze medalist in the 2004 Asian and 2005 world championships. Tapped as possible substitutes are John Paul Lizardo and Loraine Lorelie Catalan.

By Salven Lagumbay Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--Orient-Pacific lightweight champion Randy Suico retained his title impressively while World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific super featherweight king Jimrex Jaca barely held on to his crown Saturday in the Battle for Supremacy: Philippines vs Japan card at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Suico was brilliant in stopping the taller Koji Samejima in 2 minutes and 23 seconds of the eighth round after knocking down his rival in the sixth. Referee Bruce McTavish did not bother to count when Samejima fell like a log from a big Suico right in the eighth. Paramedics immediately went up the ring to help revive the challenger, who stood up after a few minutes. Jaca kept his title when his bout with Japanese Ryu Miyagi was declared a technical draw in the second round after the Filipino suffered a nasty cut. Referee McTavish called it a headbutt. Miyagi knocked down Jaca twice early in the opening round but the Filipino returned the compliment before the round ended. Promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, who manages Jaca, said that a rematch will be worked out for the duo. Suico, making the second defense of his Orient-Pacific Boxing Federation 135-lb title, improved to 27 wins, 3 losses with 23 knockouts, while Samejima fell to 15-2 with 1 draw. Suico’s manager Joe Koizumi said the champ will defend his title in November or take on South African Ali Funeka. In other fights, Wyndel Janiola eked out a disputed split decision win over Japanese Hiroyuki Hisataka while Noriyuki Komatsu and Roy Doliguez figured in a technical draw after the Japanese was cut in the first round.

By June Navarro Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan Wednesday vowed to propose a “Magna Carta” for sports, an encompassing law which aims to cover all areas pertaining to the welfare of national athletes and the development of sports in the country. Speaking before athletes and sports officials Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, Honasan said the Magna Carta for sports could readily address critical issues on budget allocation and the continuity of programs. “These are two vital issues crucial to the development of sports,” said Honasan, chair of the Senate committee on sports. Honasan explained that current sports programs are bound to be shelved once a new set of government-appointed officers in the Philippine Sports Commission takes over. “There’s no sustainability because we always go back to zero every time a new (PSC) chair gets appointed. It’s basically an obstacle to growth and improvement,” said Honasan On government funding, Honasan espoused the need for officials to prioritize on where the money should be set aside due to budgetary constraints. PSC chair William “Butch” Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. and PSC commissioners Ritchie Garcia and Ambrocio de Luna graced the affair attended by at least 300 athletes and officials from national sports associations. Otie Camangian, secretary general of the Philippine Volleyball Association, floated the idea of treating athletes as government employees.

By Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--Filipino Lee Vann Corteza subdued American Louie Ulrich, 13-7, in the finals to pocket the top prize of $8,000 (about P368,000) Monday in the IX Turning Stone 9-Ball Tournament at the Turning Stone and Casino in Verona, New York. The 28-year-old Corteza, top gun of Negros Billiard Stable, cruised to a 12-2 lead, but a scratch on the break let Ulrich back. Ulrich won five straight racks to narrow the gap at 12-7. Ulrich’s break came up dry, however, and Corteza ran the last rack for the title. The second place effort was worth $5,300 for Ulrich. Another Filipino, Dennis Orcollo, wound up third and got $3,800. Earlier, Corteza trounced Redgie Cutler, 9-6, Holden Chin, 9-1, Mike Dechaine, 9-6, Tony Chohan, 9-3, and Tony Robles, 9-2, before losing to Orcollo, 9-6, in the sixth round of the winners’ bracket. Relegated to the losers’ bracket, Corteza beat Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 9-3, Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-5, and got back at Orcollo, 9-2, to arrange a titular showdown with the then undefeated Ulrich from San Diego, California. The 28-year-old Orcollo bowed to Ulrich, 9-6, in the hot seat matches. Other Filipinos who competed were current double world champion Ronato Alcano, Jose “Amang” Parica, Al Lapena and Mhet Vergarra. Corteza, who hails from Davao City, is fresh off a runner-up finish in the $50,000 winner-take all International Challenge of Champion in Uncasville, Connecticut, last Aug. 10-12. Marlon Bernardino, Contributor

By Calvin Cordova Inquirer CEBU CITY, Philippines--There was a moment in the ring when those who spoke of a rumored rift between Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach would have found vindication. While the Filipino boxing hero worked the mitts with his equally noted trainer, Pacquiao accidentally hit Roach’s abdomen hard enough to force a loud “ouch” from the American, and a chorus of laughter from the throng that packed the gym. “It was a pretty strong punch and he hit me in one of my broken ribs, which has yet to heal completely,” said Roach. “I held my breath there for a while.” Beyond that accidental punch, though, all was well between boxer and trainer as they began preparing for a monumental rematch with Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera. In front of 300 people who squeezed into the Rex “Wakee” Salud International Gym in Punta Princesa, Labangon -- some of whom even climbed an eight-foot wall to catch a glimpse of the Pacman at work -- Pacquiao went shadow boxing and worked the mitts with Roach for seven rounds, wowing everyone with his trademark lightning hand speed and nifty footwork. It was Pacquiao’s second day of workout here and his first with Roach, who arrived at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Pacquiao faces Barrera on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas, and Roach believes there is still enough time to prepare. “Time is not a problem at all,” said the American. “Although we just started with our training, Manny has been practicing on his own and I’m going to push him hard everyday so he will be in a great shape.” Roach, who hurt his ribs after getting hit by a wayward punch from Bernard Hopkins during their weigh-in melee with Winky Wright last July, will close the training sessions to the public on weekdays and will open it only during Saturdays to avoid distractions. “We have to stay focused because it’s going to be a hard fight,” Roach said. “If we will take Barrera lightly, then that’s the only way that we’re going to lose. I won’t let distractions get in our way.” In their first encounter, Pacquiao scored an 11th round technical knockout victory over Barrera, but Roach warned the Filipino boxer of a tougher fight. Pacquiao’s Cebu training was said to have been forced by a spat with Roach. Roach denied that report. “We have no problem whatsoever,” said Roach. “I can’t remember his name but it was a Filipino journalist who spread the news,” Roach added. “I talked to him [about] where he got the information but he said he just heard it. I asked him where did he hear it but he could not give any answer. There are people who are trying to sow trouble but I won’t allow that to happen.”

By Inquirer CEBU, Philippines--Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao started his training here Wednesday, confident that he still has enough time to prepare for and inflict a second defeat on rival Marco Antonio Barrera when they trade leathers on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas. “He started training today,” said Rex “Wakee” Salud, owner of the newly built gym where Pacquiao intends to put himself back into tiptop shape. “He looked good. He’s in high spirits and seems focused on the task at hand.” Pacquiao started working out at 1 p.m. Wednesday, doing some shadow-boxing, pummeling the big bags and the speedball, jumping rope, and hitting the mitts. The session ended at around 4 p.m. with the reigning WBC super featherweight titlist sweating profusely. “We’re doing something about his training,” assured Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez, who came with Pacquiao to Cebu Tuesday night. “We know that Barrera is out to avenge his shameful defeat at the hands of Manny. We are taking him very seriously.” According to reports, Barrera has already been training earnestly in Mexico since being given the chance to get back at Pacquiao, who stopped him in the 11th round in their first showdown in 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. Pacquiao quickly left Los Angeles after a press conference last Friday, and in an interview with the media, stated that he is just trying to avoid possible Barrera spies who might be lurking at the Wild Card Gym. Meanwhile, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach is set to arrive in Cebu Thursday to supervise Pacquiao’s preparations for Barrera. Roach is bringing along two Mexican sparmates for Pacquiao. When asked about the “spies” angle, Roach told Maxboxing: “I don’t think spies are going to help anyways. I don’t think boxing’s really into that, in the FBI business. I wonder if the spies are going to be in Manila?” Roach also rationalized the change in plans, stating that Pacquiao had originally wanted to train in the Philippines for the first month and then return to Los Angeles to acclimatize and complete his training at the Wild Card Gym. Roach said Pacquiao expects to spend a month in the Philippines before proceeding to Los Angeles late September and finally to Las Vegas before October. “Usually, I can’t control Manny, but now I can control him when I’m in front of him,” the multi-titled trainer added. “If I’m not in front of him it’s very difficult.” Roach admitted that Pacquiao has changed a little bit since he went away to train Oscar De La Hoya rather than Pacquiao in his last fight against Mexican Jorge Solis. “Maybe he’s testing me a little bit, said Roach. “See if I’ll go to the Philippines with him. But I have no problems with the travel and the thing is as long as we start training right away when we get there, I’m happy.” Salven L. Lagumbay, Contributor

By Maria Congee S. Gomez Inquirer MANILA, Philippines—In his book, “Manila Rows: The story of the Manila Boat Club,” author Allan May wrote that the birth of rowing as a sport in the Philippines came about in 1888. Most of those involved in the sport, however, were foreigners, particularly early English male settlers who ran commercial houses in the city. Between the late 1800s and the early 1900s, these gentlemen formed the Manila Club, the forerunner of the Manila Boat Club. The first ever reference to the club appeared in the Manila Times on Feb. 1, 1906 where an annual regatta was reported at the Manila Bay. When the club moved to Calle San Marcelino in 1907, its boat section transferred to Isla de Provisor. In the 1920s, it was moved again to Sta. Ana, a place foreigners described as “densely populated; with foul, thick, black and oily water; and filled with dreadful lilies and other dead things.” The club, located at the boundary of Manila (Havana Street) and Makati (P. Domingo Street), was popular among foreign rowers. Its exterior was covered with a green landscape shaded by tall acacia and mango trees. Under colorful parasols, the women keenly watched the men row their boats on Pasig River. Benjie Ramos, the club’s current director, could only sigh at the recollection of the old days at the country’s premier boating club . “The club was dominated by British expatriates,” said Ramos. “There were few American, Swiss, Scottish and German nationals. They worked as consultants in offshore operations or in foreign embassies, but the majority were professional rowers or varsity players who wanted to continue their love for rowing. And the Manila Boat Club offered the best place as far as rowing was concerned.” Like other clubs that depended on membership, the MBC was not an exception. There was a drastic decline, however, in the martial law years when several foreign firms in the country shut down or moved to Thailand, Hong Kong or Singapore. Ramos described the period as an exodus of expatriates concerned about the looming political crisis. In 1979, the government took a portion of the club’s 2,000-sq m lot for the construction of a pumping station. By then, the population in the vicinity had grown and rows of settlement houses that sprouted began to obstruct the club’s right of way. May’s brilliant idea of creating British-styled squash courts compensated for the slack in rowing activities. The game easily gained a strong following among non-rowing enthusiasts, along with darts. Soon, Filipinos took to squash with enthusiasm because “it was played out of the sun and physical size made little difference.” The likes of Jun Ezpeleta, Bambi Torres, Ding Dong Austria, Robert Veloso, Tanny Gonzales, Fausto Preysler, Buds and Pete Cervantes, Alvin Orejana, among others, later competed in local and international cups here and abroad. The national team culled their lineups from the MBC, and even the ladies became part of both the rowing and squash teams. Along with efforts to rev up membership, MBC president Ernesto Rodolfo Villareal Jr., Ramos and television network honcho Monchet Olives, the club boat captain, are determined to revive the glory days. On July 28, the club held its yearly regatta dubbed the “Laguna Loop.” “We were saddled with some unsettled liabilities at the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the City of Makati prior to my term. We could not spend money for improvements because of certain cash outflow problems. It took some time before we could fix the club. But we are proud of our newly constructed landing stage. What we still lack are nice bathrooms and serious promotions efforts to achieve what we have envisioned,” Villareal said. Right now, the club has 40 members, 10 of whom are classified as “absentees.” The lifetime membership fee is P5,000 plus annual dues of P1,000. Absentee members pay an annual fee of P1,000. The club’s boat house boasts of 40 assorted boats that only longtime keeper Benny Rodoy can identify: Single skull, light four with cox, training quadruple skull, quadruple skull racing boat, heavy four for beginners, and racing double skulls. A member can use some of the boats for a fee. The boat fee per outing is P80 per head until the Guadalupe bridge and back; the accompanying assistant is paid P65. Squash courts, on the other hand, can be rented at P75 for 30 minutes while the trainer’s fee is between P50 and P75. Discounted rates apply to student rowing teams. “The MBC is the only existing rowing club in the country with facilities. There was a time when university clubs simultaneously held their practice sessions that we had to limit their outings,” said Ramos. “The problem is when the rowers leave their schools after graduation, the activity also stops. In the case of the Ateneo University, school officials provide them with financial support to continue rowing,” he added. The MBC team also participates in international rowing competitions, the latest of which was held in Hong Kong. Olives makes sure the club is well represented in different cups here and abroad. But the big difference is that unlike before, there are fewer rowers to chose from. Ramos disputes the notion that rowing is sports only for the elite. “This is a wrong impression,” he said. “As a matter of fact, except for the Ateneo group, whom we consider loyal patrons, rowers come here with no boats of their own. The fees are minimal and there are different types of boats to choose from. Rowing is an activity open to everyone.”

WHY not just continue the road project in Boom Boom's village? As governor, it does not make sense to continue or push through with the project only if Boom Boom won the fight or became a world champion. The problem with the governor of Bohol is he only wanted to share a ride on the front page. Kung talagang dapat ayusin ang kalsada, bakit hindi gawin. Bakit idadaan pa sa laban ni Boom Boom? Poor Boom Boom, he absorbed all the pain. Siya ngayon ang sisisihin ng mga kabarangay niya dahil hindi magawa-gawa ang kalsada sa lugar nila. Hopefully Boom Boom will become a world champion before the governor of Bohol needs him for the next election. -- Luis Elciario, Miramar, Florida (via e-mail)

By Salven Lagumbay Inquirer SACRAMENTO--Gerry Peñalosa became the third Filipino world champion in two months Saturday, dethroning Mexican World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez with a seventh-round knockout at the Arco Arena here. Proving to detractors that he still had some fight left in him, the 35-year-old former World Boxing Council super flyweight champion put away the Mexican for good with one punch to the body late in the seventh round. The world title was the third for the country after Florante Condes captured the International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown and Nonito Donaire seized the IBF flyweight championship early last month. The impressive 5-1 Philippine victory in Saturday’s RP-Mexico Boxing World Cup, however, was bittersweet after Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista lost via a first-round technical knockout to WBO super bantam champ Daniel Ponce De Leon in the main event. Ponce De Leon, who outpointed Peñalosa last May, knocked down the previously unbeaten Bautista with a left to the face. The Mexican was going for the kill as the Filipino lay helpless on the ropes after a second knockdown when referee Jon Schorle stopped the bout with 30 seconds left in the round. Bautista’s loss prevented a sweep for the Filipinos in their duel with the Mexicans. Z Gorres sealed the World Cup victory by giving the country a fourth win as he stopped ex-WBC champ Eric Ortiz with an eighth-round technical knockout The night’s first winner was Davao City’s Diosdado Gabi, who prevailed on an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Angel Beranza. Michael Domingo followed it up with a six-round unanimous win over previously unbeaten Miguel Roman in their six-round tiff. AJ “Bazooka” Banal completed the five victories, as he stopped Jorge Cardenas in the third round of their six-rounder. “Winning the World Cup means the world to us Filipinos,” said Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, who flew to this city to lead a small contingent of supporters. Gonzalez was leading on two judges’ scorecards -- the third had it even -- when Peñalosa connected with a big left to the Mexican’s rib cage in the seventh. Gonzalez made two steps backward and then crumpled to the canvas. Gonzalez threw a total of 467 punches -- 103 of which landed, while Peñalosa threw 357 punches and only 69 landed. Gonzalez connected on 31 of 248 jabs thrown, while Peñalosa scored only 17 of 162 jabs. “I have always said that I am going to retire after this fight,” said Peñalosa. “But I am going to still fight if Ponce De Leon wants to fight me again in a rematch.” Bautista came out of his corner looking for the big punch, possibly in an effort to stop Ponce De Leon early.

By Nikko Dizon Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao arrived Sunday morning in Manila, the Philippine Daily Inquirer has learned. Pacquiao was on board Philippine Airlines (PAL) PR 103 from Los Angeles, California. The flight arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Centennial Terminal shortly before 6 a.m., various sources told the Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net. For unknown reasons, Pacquiao abandoned his US training for his October grudge match against Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera and decided to return to Manila. He left for the US only last August 7 with his corner man, Restituto Fernandez. Pacquiao's Aug. 7 departure from Manila created a stir at the airport when he could not decide whether to take the flight to LA or not, some 30 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure. Inquirer sources also said Pacquiao likewise insisted with PAL that Fernandez, who had a standing economy ticket, should travel with him in the business class section. According to Inquirer sources, Pacquiao called up PAL president Jaime Bautista to allow Fernandez on the flight. Pacquiao's confidante, Rex "Wakee" Salud, volunteered to be offloaded so that Fernandez could be accommodated. Bautista told the Inquirer that it was "one of Manny's friends" who called him up and not the boxer himself. Bautista said that PAL allowed Salud to be offloaded because Fernandez was able to upgrade his seat to business class. But Inquirer sources said that this was not usually allowed by any airline.

By Recah Trinidad Inquirer SACRAMENTO, California—Boxing officials and aficionados were shocked Saturday night upon receiving information that boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has bolted his Wild Card training camp and left in a huff for Manila. Unconfirmed reports said Pacquiao, who checked in for training in California on Aug. 7, had a quarrel with his long-time trainer Freddie Roach. There was also no information on what could have caused the spat, but sources said Pacquiao had tried to take an advance from his purse. The same sources said Pacquiao had requested for $1 million from promoter Bob Arum. “Manny has left,” Golden Boy Promotions vice-president Eric Gomez announced at the front desk lobby of the Best Western Sutter Hotel on 11th St. This was actually welcomed with relief, as those around him thought Gomez meant that Pacquiao had finally left Los Angeles for Sacramento to assume his duty as captain of the Philippine boxing team and grace Sunday night’s Boxing World Cup at the Arco Arena. It turned out, Pacquiao had gone missing. Pacquiao had earlier joined Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at a Beverly Hills press conference to formally announce their Oct. 6 rematch at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Also present during the conference were promoters Oscar De La Hoya and Bob Arum. Pacquiao was supposed to fly to Sacramento immediately after the press conference to join the Filipino boxers seeing action against Mexican warriors today in the World Cup of boxing card at the Arco Arena in his capacity as RP team captain. A check in Manila with his business confidante Eric Pineda proved futile. He repeatedly claimed he did not know of Pacquiao’s whereabouts. “I doubt if the Barrera-Pacquiao fight would ever push through,” Gomez said after explaining he had checked with Bob Arum and Roach. “They both confirmed that Manny would be coming here to attend the fights,” Gomez explained absently. So far, RP team members, who had looked forward to having Pacquiao with the team at fight time, have not been informed of Pacquiao’s mysterious departure. Efforts were being exerted to check with the Philippine Airlines if Pacquiao had boarded a plane for Manila. With a report from Salven Lagumbay

WHY feel sorry? It was not the players' fault but the inability of the officials to sort out their problems. It took them years to resolve it and then form a team which is less than a year old. Congratulations to all the players for giving a good fight! -- N S Rivera, Cerritos, California (via e-mail)

By Inquirer PINEHURST, North Carolina--Mia Legaspi made up for her stunning Junior World defeat by winning the girls’ 8-and-under division of the US Kids World Championship, even as Miguel Tabuena came from way behind to post a third-place finish Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Pinehurst Golf Club here. Legaspi two-putted for par from 24 feet on the final hole for a 34 at Pinehurst’s Longleaf course and a 54-hole total of 97, edging Americans Brooke Dillon and Claire Hodges by a shot for her second major title in as many years. Angel Yin, the California native who foiled Legaspi’s title-retention bid in the Junior World two weeks ago in San Diego, placed fourth this time, four strokes off the winner’s pace. Tabuena, in 18th place overnight, sizzled with a 69 to bag third place in his farewell stint in the US Kids, where he won the boys’ 10 years division two years ago. Tabuena wound up at 220, five shots off the winning 215 total of Francesco Ruffino of the United States who also closed with a 69. Another American, Beau Hossier Jr., placed second at 217. Five other Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines bets posted respectable finishes. Irina Gabasa and Andie Unson checked in fifth and sixth in the girls’ 10 years division, AR Ramos wound up seventh in the boys’ 10 years, Ryan Monsalve claimed 10th spot in the boys’ 7 years and LK Go was 11th in the girls’ 8-and-under. Due to their strong showing, Tabuena, Gabasa and Unson also qualified to play in the US Kids World Cup, where 16 standout US entries will clash with the top 16 among international players on Sunday (Monday in Manila).