PH to host Challenge triathlon 2014

CHALLENGE Family, the global series of long distance triathlons that is changing the face of ultra-distance racing around the world, is all set for its Philippine debut in February, featuring a spectacular and iconic tri-course that runs through Subic and Bataan.

Set on Feb. 22, the half distance Challenge PHL triathlon caps off a weeklong celebration of the Pinoy spirit and the beautiful traditions of the Philippines, in lifestyle, cultural and community engagements, as well as sporting events for the entire family

The Philippines is Challenge’s 14th destination country, after races in North America, UK, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand. The Challenge Family has mounted over 20 races around the world, participated in by 34,000 athletes – including multi-triathlon world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack – with over 915,000 spectators.

“The Challenge Family selects race courses that provide athletes with the best race experience connected to a community that embraces its vision,” said Dave Voth, Challenge Philippines race chairman, and president of Endurance Entertainment Asia, Inc.

“Challenge Philippines is shaping up to be the country’s most anticipated triathlon competition, offering finishers not only bragging rights for winning against the best in the world, but also cash prizes worth over P2 million,” Voth said. “Racing with the world’s best who are competing for one of the largest paydays in the sport will truly add to that once in a lifetime experience.”

Challenge Philippines offers Male Elite and Female Elite Top 10 finishers cash, trophies, and gift packs. Meanwhile, Philippine national team members, male and female; as well as, elite team members from countries in the SEA region are eligible to compete in the Southeast Asia (SEA) Elite Top 3. Special cash prizes will also be given to Fastest AG Split, male and female categories in Swim, Bike, and Run; as well as highest Team points for the top 3 teams. (Manila Standard Today)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/01/ph-to-host-challenge-triathlon/

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Philippine Tamaraws face Thailand in Rugby League Asian Cup

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Philippine Tamaraws are set to defend their title as Asian rugby league football champions as they face Thailand in the first match of the 2nd Asian Cup at the Philippine Marine Merchant Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales on Monday, October 21.

The Tamaraws, the country’s national rugby league football team, are conducting training camps in this Freeport in preparation for their upcoming match.

Apart from the Asian Cup, PMMA will also stage the Zambales 9’s rugby tournament featuring local rugby football teams on October 19.

According Tamaraws head coach Clayton Watene, the team is aiming to qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

“The Asian Cup is being started so we can have teams in Asia that will eventually be qualified for the World Cup, and we wantto be the first team from Asia to compete,” Watene said.

He added that last year, the Tamaraws won the 1st Asian Cup title against Thailand.

Watene said that the team was formed a few years ago after they scouted players with Filipino heritage in Australia and began training them for international competitions.

Watene also explained that the Tamaraws, a rugby league team, should not be confused with the Philippine Volcanoes, which play rugby union football. Rugby league football is played with 13 players, while rugby union is played with 15 players.

Watene said that the team is looking forward to visiting their relatives and touring the rest of the country. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
The Philippine Tamaraws train at the Remy Field in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Asian Challenge triathlon set

The Philippines will host the third Asian Challenge Triathlon on Feb. 22 next year in Subic Bay and Bataan featuring crack triathletes from 20 countries.

Taking place in the pristine protected waters of Subic Bay’s IIanin Bay and its rolling hills and costal jungle forests of Subic Bay and Bataan, the half distance has become a must-do for triathletes who want to experience one of the most beautiful and iconic tri courses in Asia with the theme: “Challenge Yourself, Race for a Cause”.

The competition will be the climax of a week-long celebration of lifestyle, cultural and community engagements and sports for the entire family celebrating the Pinoy Spirit and the beautiful traditions of the Philippines.

Subic Bay and Bataan are recognized throughout the country as the active lifestyle destination of Philippines known for enchanting and challenging terrain and magnificence costal vistas and low laying deep terrocarp triple canopy rainforest has long been a place where the country’s best athletes come to train, race and relax.

The event reflects the efforts by Challenge Philippines Endurance Entertainment Asia (EEA) to deliver the best all around event experiences to the athletes and the Subic Bay, and Bataan and Zambales stakeholders.

“We deliberately looked on how to bring an iconic Challenge Philippines event to the area with the best economic impacts, but without the negative effects of closed city central roads or extra traffic,” said organizer Dave Voth.

“We are very pleased to have the very distinguished global event Challenge Philippines come to Subic Bayand feature our Freeport and former historic Naval Magazine area,” said Voth an American living in Angeles City with Filipina wife and two sons.

The event is in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and sanctioned by Triathlon Association of the Philippines. (Clyde Mariano, Tempo)

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Subic packs in 900 athletes for 5i50 triathlon

Close to a thousand triathletes, including elite contenders from other countries, conquered on Sunday the 2013 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon, acknowledged as the biggest Olympic-distance race in the country today.

Organizers said that local and international triathletes faced the daunting challenge of completing a difficult long-distance course with the Subic Bay providing a picturesque backdrop for the event.

The elite field was represented by participants from 23 countries, including top contenders from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines.

Former Ironman champion Luke McKenzie topped the men’s pro elite division after completing the course that involved three legs: a 1.5-kilometer swim leg, followed by a 40-kilometer bike leg, and then a 10-kilometer run course.

The Australian champion finished the race in 1 hour 59 minutes and 25 seconds.

McKenzie was followed by Xterra Off Road Triathlon champion Ben Allen who clocked in at 2:02:40 and by Australian triathlete Michael Murphy who finished with 2:05:46.

Meanwhile, Belinda Granger finished first for the women’s pro elite with 2:17:33, followed by Michelle Gailey with 2:24:09 and Jaqui Slack with 2:26:05.

John Leerams Chicano led the local bets in the Filipino men’s elite with 2:09:45 and finished fifth overall.

Chicano was followed by Jonard Saim with 2:10:29 and Olympic hopeful Nikko Huelgas with 2:11:00. Another local bet, Monica Torres, finished fourth in the women’s pro elite with 2:26:19.

This is the second year that Subic has hosted the 5i50 triathlon. Last year’s race was voted by triathletes as the second best triathlon event in the Philippines for 2012.

The Century Tuna 5i50 triathlon has become one of the major sports events held in the Subic Bay Freeport, as Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Roberto Garcia has put his focus on developing Subic as a premier sporting destination in the country.

"The 2013 edition of the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon not only featured a scenic and challenging route but also enjoyed a substantial increase of 52 percent in terms of participants, compared to last year'," SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said.

According to Marcelo, with SBMA chairman Garcia's focus on sports tourism and environmental protection, Subic Bay has become an environment- and sports-friendly destination. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the 2013 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon brave the waters of Subic Bay during the 1.5-kilometer swim leg on Sunday.

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McKenzie, Granger top Subic 5150

Australian triathlete Luke McKenzie and Belinda Granger humbled their respective rivals to share the limelight in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon yesterday in Subic.

McKenzie crossed the finish line in one hour, 59 minutes and 25 seconds to beat closest pursuer Ben Allen by three minutes in the men’s division while Granger ruled the distaff side in 2:17:33, seven minutes off runner-up Michelle Gailey.

John Leerams Chicano, meanwhile, won the Filipino Elite Group in 2:09:45. Jonard Saim placed second at 2:10:29 while Nikko Huelgas took third at 2:11:00.

Jenny Rose Guerrero captured the Filipina Elite category at 2:41:48, defeating Rochelle Tan (2:52:56) and Marion Kim Mangrobang (3:03:20).

Wetshop Para Tri A team bagged the male relay event at 2:23:47 while David Salon B team secured the female team relay title in 2:47:36. The mixed relay division was dominated by the LM10 team composed of celebrity Solenn Heusaff, Rayzon Galdonez and Nicolas Bolzico at 2:25:25.

Nine hundred forty triathletes swam for 1.5 kilometers, rode the bike for 40 kilometers and ran 10 km in what is dubbed as the country’s largest Olympic distance triathlon series. (Manila Bulletin)

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World-class triathletes gear up for Century Tuna 5150

Some of the world’s most respected triathletes are all set to take on the largest global Olympic distance triathlon series, Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon happening on June 23 in Subic Bay.

Headlining the list of high-profile triathletes who will join the 5150 Triathlon is two-time Ironman World Champion (2010 and 2007) and triathlon legend Chris “Macca” McCormack. The five-time International Triathlete of the Year, McCormack has won over 200 races around the world since 1993. His long list of accomplishments includes 2012 Long Distance Triathlon World Champion (Vitoria-Gasteiz), Ironman Australia Champion (2002-2006), and both ITU Triathlon World and ITU Triathlon World Cup Champion in 1997.

Top professional triathletes from Australia are also set to fight for podium finishes. The elite group includes 2013 & 2012 Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines Champion and 2012 XTERRA Pacific Triple Crown Champion Ben Allen, 2011 Rowing World Champion, and 2012 Dextro Energy (Sydney) Triathlon Champion and 2012 Northeim (Germany) Triathlon Champion Michael Murphy.

The female triathletes joining the 5150 Triathlon should not be taken lightly as well. Last year’s Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Champion Belinda Granger is set to defend her title. Having competed in numerous triathlons for 18 years, Granger takes pride of her career record including 2011 Ironman 70.3 Japan Champion and 2011 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines Champion.

Another lady to look out for during the 5150 race is 2012 XTERRA World Tour Italy Champion and 2013 Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines 4th Placer Jacqui Slack.

Also participating in the second run of the race in the country are global pro triathletes Luke McKenzie, Justin Granger, Fredrik Croneborg, Luke Gillmer and Matt O’Halloran.

International triathlon pros gear up…

Overall, the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon brings together triathletes from 23 countries including United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States of America, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, and Philippines.

Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines is organized by Sunrise Events Inc., the same group producing the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines. The event is also sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, 2XU, Air Asia, Alaska, Aqua Sphere, Cupcakes by Sonja, David’s Salon, Department of Tourism Region 3, Devant, Finisher Pix, Gatorade, Globe, Intercare, LBC Solutions, Manila Beer, Mastercard, Multisport, Oakley, Prudential Guarantee, Philippines Star, Planet Sports, Regent, Safeguard, Samsung, Shotz and Timex. (Manila Standard Today)

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Century Triathlon set in Subic

Century Tuna takes health and fitness to a whole new level when it holds the 5150 Triathlon Series on June 24 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The event is an extraordinary demanding competition that challenges even the best and most seasoned triathletes who will see action in a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run event.

“We are very proud to be part of this world-class event. As Century Tuna is a brand that upholds the value of health and fitness, we think it is only fitting that we support an event of this magnitude so we can encourage more people to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Century Canning Corp. vice president and general manager Greg Banzon, a seasoned triathlete.

Now on its second year, the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon Philippines has so far attract a big field that includes two-time Ironman world champion Chris McCormack, Luke McKenzie, Ben Allen, Jacqui Slack, and Belinda Granger. Also competing are Filipino elite triathletes, among them Filipino defending champions John Leerams Chicano and Monica Torres, Kim Mangrobang, and national triathlon record holder, Olympic hopeful and Century Tuna Tri Hard member Nikko Huelgas.

Also expected to compete are entries from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States of America, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, and Philippines.

Interested parties can log on to www.5150philippines.com, or the race’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CenturyTuna5150Philippines for more details.

Backing the event are Finisher Pix, the competition’s official photographer, 2XU; Air Asia, Alaska, Aqua Sphere, David’s Salon, Department of Tourism Region 3, Dole, Gatorade, Globe, Intercare, LBC, Light ‘N Up Marketing, Manila Beer, Master Card, MultiSport, Oakley, PGA, Philippine Star, Pioneer Insurance & Surety Corp., Planet Sports, Regent, Safeguard, Shotz, Timex, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (Malaya)

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China triathletes win mixed relay

China emerged victorious in the first-ever Asian mixed relay, even as the Philippines, Malaysia and Korea bagged the three gold medals disputed in the Para-triathlon at the close of the 2013 K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The Dungaree Beach was the site of the action in the third and final day of the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines, in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and presented by K-Swiss with the mixed relay held at the 750-m swim, 18-k bike and 5-k run, while the Para triathlon was raced at the distance of 300-m swim, 6-k bike and 2-k run.

Fan Dan, Duan Zhengyu Huang Yuting and Bai Faquan displayed their mettle as they led from start to finish leading to the best time of one hour, 31 minutes and 22 seconds in the race also supported by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Cares Subic and Philippine Sports Commission.

Another Chinese team made up of Xin Lingxi, Xu Zheng, Wang Lianyuan and Zhang Yiming came in second at 1:31:58, but rules state that only one country can win a medal, thus the silver went to Japan made up of Ohara Sumire, Tanaguchi Shiruba, Matsumoto Fumika and Furuya Jumpei with a time of 1:32:41.

A full minute back at third (1:33:41) was the Hong Kong-China team represented by Joyce Cheng Ting Yan, Wright Andrew, Lee Yuk Ying Aggie and Tam Joe Dick Dickson.

“The team did an excellent job in today’s race. In general, I’m happy with our athletes’ performance. Japan remained the top team in triathlon this year, but all other countries, including China are trying to catch up with them,” said Chen Xiaoran, the secretary general of China Triathlon Sports Association thru an interpreter.

Meanwhile, five competitors saw action in the race for the differently abled, with Sabki Bin Arifin Mohd of Malaysia dominating the Tri-4 category. (Manila Standard Today)

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Ex-champs shine in Subic tilt

Former national champions showed they’re not over the hills yet by ruling their respective age-group divisions in Day 2 of the K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championship yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Fifty-year-old Frank Lacson, acknowledged as the country’s first Filipino triathlete to compete abroad in 1992, joined George Vilog, Arthur Compra and Sandra Araullo-Gonzales at the podium after winning the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run contest in the 50-54 age category in two hours, 38 minutes and 27 seconds.

Vilog stamped his class in the 35-39 class by clocking 2:22:26 while Compra clocked 2:17:01 to reign supreme in the 45-49 category of the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SMBA) and presented by K-Swiss.

Not to be left out, Araullo-Gonzales, a many-time SEA Games campaigner, dominated the women’s 30-34 class in 2:36:18.

Among those who made the mark in the sprint distance were Rajiv Gurung of Nepal and Yaugood Ahmed of Maldives as they won the gold (1:09:57) and bronze medal (1:16:51) in the 20-29 category.

Sharing the limelight with the former national champions was Ma. Lourdes Casareo, better known in the celebrity circle as Angelika dela Cruz. The sexy star bagged the silver medal in the female 30-39 age group after posting a time of 1:45:42 in the event backed by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, SPEEDO, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, SM Cares Subic and Philippine Sports Commission.

Other prominent names who won were former national duathlon champions August Benedicto (2:13:40) and Monica Torres (2:27:47), who topped the 25-29 age group. (Kristel Satumbaga, Manila Bulletin)

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Japanese bets rule Asian Triathlon tilt

Japanese triathletes Yuichi Hosoda and Mariko Adachi survived the tough challenge to retain their Elite Asian titles in yesterday’s K-Swiss Subic Bay ASTC Asian Triathlon Championships held at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Racing under searing heat, the 29-year-old Hosoda relied on his nerves of steel as he managed to keep up his pace leading to a convincing win against Chinese bet Jiang Zhihang.

A gold medalist in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and a veteran of the 2012 London Olympics where he finished 43rd overall, Hosada negotiated the 1.5-k swim, 40-k bike and 10-k run in two hours, one minute and 32 seconds to keep the title he won in the 2012 Tateyama ASTC Triathlon Championships.

“The weather was hot and I was dehydrated going into the run. I had to slow down in the last lap and was lucky to survive and win the race,” said Hosoda who was six seconds ahead of Zhihang at 2:01.51.

Another Japanese bet Ryoshuke Yamamoto took the bronze medal at 2:01.52 while China’s Bai Faquan, who ruled last year’s race organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), this time, settled for fourth at 2:03 and compatriot Zhang Yiming claimed the fifth spot at 2:03:01.

Earlier Adachi, winner in the female Elite in Tateyama, overcame a slow start with a big windup in the second loop of the four-loop run leg to steal the victory from compatriot and 2012 Asian Youth Games gold medalist Yuka Sato.

POC President Jose Cojuangco Jr. joined SMBA Chairman and CEO Roberto Garcia, ASTC President Yu Kung Sun and TRAP President, POC Chairman and ASTC SVP Tom Carrasco Jr. in awarding medals to the winners.

The 29-year-old, Osaka native Adachi used her experienced to the hilt as she allowed 21-year-old Sato to take control in the swim and bike before pushing herself to her limit in the run. (Manila Bulletin)

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Olympians head elite field in Asian triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - All the three Asian men and two of the four women who saw action in the 2012 London Olympics banner the field in the 2013 K-Swiss Subic Bay Asian Triathlon Championships slated at the Subic Bay Freeport April 27.

Japanese Hirokatsu Tayama, ranked 27th in the world, looms as the top contender. Tayama finished 20th in the London Olympics and ninth in the April 14 Ishigaki ITU World Cup.

Out to crowd Tayama are his teammates. They are world’s No. 49 and 43rd in London Olympics Yuichi Hosoda, who beat Tayama by 26 seconds in the Ishigaki World Cup where he landed eighth; and Ryosuke Yamamoto (world’s No. 67th), Ishigaki ITU World Cup highest-placed Japanese at sixth.

London Olympian Chinese Faiquan Bai (world’s No.131) and his teammate Yiming Zhang may yet pose a challenge to the Japanese. Bai, the reigning Subic Bay International Triathlon champion, duplicated his bronze-medal showing in last Saturday’s Chengdu ITU Triathlon Premium with Zhang checking in sixth.

“It is our fondest hope the Olympic veterans will inspire the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) aspirants to see the YOG as a bridge to the summit of all triathlons – the competition in the Olympic Games,” said Tom Carrasco, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president and Asian Triathlon Confederation senior VP.

It’s a toss-up between the Japanese duo of London Olympics 14th placer Mariko Adachi and Yuka Sato in the distaff side of the premier continental triathlon sponsored by Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First, Garmin, Canon, PLDT and Philippine Sports Commission.

Adachi (world’s No. 29) is bent on exacting revenge on Sato (world’s No.33). Sato grabbed the silver medal in last Sunday’s Ishigaki World Cup as Adachi could only claim the seventh spot.

Also featured on the first of the three-day event is the penultimate leg of the country’s five-race qualifying series for the Asian Youth Games where the top finishers earn tickets to the Youth Olympic Games. Both games are slated in Nanjing, China, the former in July and the other next year.

Pacing the Filipino YOG hopefuls aged 18 and under by 2014 are Justin Chiongbian of Cebu City and Vicky Deldio of Zambales. Running second and third are Jimuel Patillan (Zambales) and Louie Lalanto (Cagayan de Oro) in the men’s division and Magali Echauz (Makati) and Kate Lagman (Cagayan de Oro) in the women’s. (Philippine Star)

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Subic Bay triathlon slated

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) celebrate the 20th anniversary of their strong and robust partnership with the staging of the 2013 Asian Triathlon Championships cum 20th K-Swiss Subic Bay Triathlon (SUBIT) at the Subic Bay Freeport April 27-29.

It all began with the second National Triathlon Championship in 1993 and, later in the year, the inaugural 1.5-kilometer/40-km bike/10km run SUBIT ruled by Hong Kong’s Ian Rayson and our own Aurora Sinag Amado.

This year sees the Asian Triathlon Championships/SUBIT beginning near to SUBIT’s original start venue and ending proximate to the previous ATC’s finish line. 2013 marks the third time SUBIT and ATC are held simultaneously.

International Triathlon Union (ITU) Sports Director Gergely Markus leads the VIPs, including Asian Triathlon Confederation’s (ASTC) President Yu Kyung Sun, Secretary General Balwant Singh Kler and Treasurer David Hoong who will see action in the premier two-in-one triathlon sponsored by K-SWISS, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Century Tuna, SPEEDO, Garmin, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Lighthouse Marina Resort, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Gatorade, Fitness First, Travelers Hotel and the Philippine Sports Commission.

SBMA’s Deputy Administrator for Tourism Raul Marcelo said “SBMA’s choice of the Subic International Triathlon as an anchor event in its thrust for the Subic Freeport to become international sports hub has been proven wise. SUBIT has grown stronger over a decade and a string of four SBMA Administrators.”

For his part, ASTC Senior Vice President and TRAP President Tom Carrasco, also the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Chairman, said, “We are very thankful SBMA has been very supportive to TRAP, mainly regarding SUBIT, through the years. (People's Journal)

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Four Phl boxers bag gold

SUBIC, Philippines – Perfect.

The Philippines went four-of-four as Jade Bornea, Eumir Marcial, James Palicte and Ian Clark Bautista all struck gold at the close of the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships at the Subic Gym here yesterday.

Bornea and Palicte escaped with tough wins over Japan’s Kosei Tanaka and China’s Liu Xiao Shuai while Bautista and Marcial pulled off easy wins over Uzbekistan’s Mirazizbek Murzahalilov and Mongolia’s Batzorig Otgonjorgal, respectively, in a blazing finish by the Filipino pugs in the regional youth slugfest.

“I just gave it all even though it’s hard and really painful. It’s really the country that I was thinking of,” said Marcial, a gold-medal winner in the 2011 World Junior Championship in Armenia.

First to deliver was Bornea, a World Youth Championship bronze medalist who bested the heavy-handed Tanaka, 15-13, for the flyweight gold.

“My opponent is strong but I’m in good shape and condition, and I was also a bit patient,” said Bornea, a proud son of General Santos City.

Bautista, who hails from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental who snared a silver medal in the President’s Cup in Indonesia two years ago, climbed the ring next and fashioned out a dominant 19-10 win over Murzahalilov.

Palicte, a Bago City native who trained for only eight days for this weeklong competition, fought Liu tooth and nail before coming through with crucial hits in the final round to emerge a close 17-13 winner.

“He’s strong but I used my experience against him,” said Palicte of Liu.

ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio awarded the gold medals to the victorious Filipino pugs.

“We’re proud of their accomplishments. It’s really a proud moment for the country,” said Gregorio.

The event was backed by MVP Sports Foundation and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Other backers were PLDT, Smart, NLEX, Maynilad, Clarktel, Subictel, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Videogear Inc., Exile Lights and Sound, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Sony Philippines, Coca-Cola Bottlers and Nestle Philippines. (Joey Villar, Philippine Star)

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4 PH boxers make semis

Four Filipino boxers have punched their way into the semifinals of the 2013 Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships set for Friday at the Subic Freeport gym.

The only Filipino to lose was bantamweight Jonas Bacho, who fell to the resilient Nursuitan Nisanbaev of Uzbekistan in their 56kg quarterfinal fight late Wednesday and lost by a slim 9-8 margin.

The quest for gold will continue through light flyweight Jade Bornea (49kgs), light welterweight Eumir Felix Marcial (64kgs), flyweight Ian Clark Bautista (52kgs), and lightweight James Palicte (60kgs).

Ricky Vargas, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines and of Maynilad Water, said his spirit isn’t dampened by the loss.

The former Philippine Basketball Association chairman Vargas and ABAP chairman Manny Pangilinan told the Manila Standard they will take a helicopter to Subic over the weekend to watch the competition. (Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manila Standard Today)

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Pinoy boxers make semis of Subic tilt

Philippine light flyweight Jade Bornea and light welterweight Eumir Felix Marcia advanced to the semifinals of the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships Wednesday after dominating quarterfinal opponents at the Subic gym.

Bornea shredded Rakhmankul Avatov of Kyrgyzstan, 16-6, in the 49kg. division while World Youth champion Marcial whipped China’s Wang Qingqui, 19-11, in the 64kg division.

Three other Filipinos were to climb the ring at press time and also eyeing seats to the semifinals. They were flyweight Bautista against Sagidyk Moldashev of Kazakhstan at 52 kilograms; bantamweight Jonas Bacho against Nursuitan Nisanbaev of Uzbekistan at 56kgs; and lightweight James Palicte against Nagesh A Kharare of India at 60kgs.

Marcial will take on Anvar Turamov of Uzbekistan in the semifinals. The Uzbek crushed Kyrgyzstan’s Izatillo Shermakhammadov, 18-9.

Bornea, the World Junior bronze medal winner from General Santos City, will face Turkmenistan’s Shatlykyrat Myradov — an 11-8 winner over Iran’s Houman Myradov i in the other quarterfinal fight — on Friday for a place in the gold medal round. (The Daily Tribune)

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Tough Opening Fights Loom

Three of the Fab Five of the PLDT-ABAP Philippine youth team drew tough opening day bouts late Monday in the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships at the Subic gym.

Ian Clark Bautista will debut against India’s Kavinder Bisht in the 52 kilogram flyweight division, James Palicte faces Japan’s Yuuta Akiyama in the 60kg lightweight class, and World Youth champion Eumir Felix Marcial opens against Turkmenistan’s Shamurat Cherkezov in the 64kg light welterweight category.

Two other Filipino boxers within the 17 to 18 years age bracket, Jonas Bacho (56kgs/bantamweight)and World Junior bronze medalist Jade Bornea (49kgs/light flyweight) are scheduled to climb the ring Tuesday as the tournament backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, PLDT, Smart, NLEX, Maynilad, Clarktel, Subictel, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Videogear Inc., Exile Lights and Sound, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission, and supported by Sony Philippines, Coca-Cola Bottlers, and Nestle Philippines heats up.

“Magandang laban ito,” said national coach Elmer Pamisa. “Umpisa pa lang, magkaka-alaman na agad.”

Following the morning’s medical and general weigh-in at the Subic International Hotel, the official draw commenced at 10 a.m. The first set of preliminaries opens the curtains at 2 p.m. followed by a one-hour opening ceremony and the second batch at 7 p.m.

Four of the 26 countries that have originally assured their presence have backed out at the last minutes for various reasons – Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, and Syria.

A twin-engine PLDT chopper owned by telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan was to fly Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu, president of the International Boxing Federation (AIBA), to this Zambales coastal town where he ASBC executive director Aziz Kozhambetov will be the guests of honor. (Tito S. Talao, Manila Bulletin)

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Asian Youth boxing tourney starts in Subic

Malaysia and three other teams–Pakistan, Syria, and Singapore–withdrew at the last minute but the Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championship will start as scheduled Monday at the Subic gym here.

After the competitors are weighed at the Subic International Hotel, the draw will be held at 10 a.m., with the first set of preliminaries starting at 2 p.m. and the second batch beginning at 7 p.m.

“It’s all systems go,” said ABAP president Ricky Vargas. “This is the culmination of ABAP’s resolve to put together a regional tournament of this magnitude.”

Representing the Philippines in the event ending on March 17 are James Palicte (60kgs), Jade Bornea (49kgs.), Ian Clark Bautista (52kgs), Jonas Bacho (56kgs), and Eumir Felix Marcial 64 kgs).

Fielding entries are North Korea (4 boxers), Turkmenistan (7), Macau (2), Kyrgyzstan (9), Sri Lanka (5), Hong Kong (1), Japan (7), Indonesia (4), Uzbekistan (10), Iraq (7), Iran (10), Bangladesh (2), Chinese Taipei (4), Vietnam (4), Kazakhstan (10 with 10 reserves), Jordan (4), Mongolia (6), China (10), Tajikistan (2), Nepal (2), and India (10).

Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu, president of the International Boxing Federation, will grace the opening rites along with Asian Boxing Confederation president Gofur Rakhimov of Uzbekistan and ASBC executive director Aziz Kozhambetov.

The tourney is backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, PLDT, Smart, NLEX, Maynilad, Clarktel, Subictel, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Videogear Inc., Exile Lights and Sound, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission, and supported by Sony Philippines, Coca-Cola Bottlers, and Nestle Philippines. (Malaya)

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Uzbeks among early arrivals for Asian boxfest

THE Uzbekistan youth team is flying in Thursday ahead of everybody else in preparation for the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships which fires off March 10-17 at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) gym.

The Uzbeks are expected to be led by recently named national coach Mars Kucharov who steered the Korean boxing team to a silver medal finish in the London Olympics. Kucharov has also previously trained boxers in Taiwan and China.

“Obviously, they want to acclimatize early which is a sure sign of their earnest desire to win,” said Ricky Vargas, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, who is overseeing the tournament backed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, PLDT, Smart, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways, Clarktel, Subictel, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Videogear Inc., Exile Lights and Sound, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Coeammission.

The ABAP-PLDT Philippine team has drawn from the youth pool and will parade James Palicte (60 kgs), Jade Bornea (49 kgs.), Ian Clark Bautista (52 kgs), Jonas Bacho (56 kgs), and Eumir Felix Marcial (64 kgs).

Teams from Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka will arrive on Saturday followed by the main bulk of participating Asian countries, including China, on Sunday, said ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

After the accreditation at the Subic International Hotel and a technical meeting late Sunday, the medical and general weigh-in and the official draw will be held Monday.

A one-hour opening ceremony at 5 p.m. is wedged between two sets of preliminary bouts.

Aiba president Dr. Ching Kuo Wu is gracing the inaugural rites along with Asian Boxing Confederation president Gofur Rakhimov of Uzbekistan and ASBC executive director Aziz Kozhambetov. (Spin.ph)

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Subic to host ASBC Youth boxing tourney

Scenic Subic Bay will provide a breathtaking backdrop to the fierce action set to break out March 10-17 when the ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships kicks off in this coastal municipality of Zambales.

With 26 Asian countries sending their fighters 17-18 years of age for the 10-weight division slugfest at the Subic Bay gym, no less than officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority are getting ready for the forthcoming ring combat and the influx of foreign athletes.

“We want to highlight this as a world class event,” said SBMA deputy administrator Raul F. Marcelo. “[SBMA] Chairman Bobby Garcia has given explicit instructions to fully cooperate with PLDT-ABAP in seeing to it that all efforts are made to impress upon our foreign guests our unique brand of hospitality, organizational savv, and the natural charm of Subic Bay.”

For the weeklong event, SBMA, according to ABAP executive director Ed Picson, has refurbished the air-conditioned Subic Bay gym with a fresh coat of paint, comfortable lounges and locker rooms.

“They will also be deploying ample security personnel to assure order in the event which has drawn over 130 boxers,” said Picson.

“We expect our guests to not only enjoy exciting and competitive boxing, but also everything that Subic Bay has to offer in terms of accommodation, entertainment and an environment of relaxation and the good life,” said Marcelo.. “We are proud to partner with PLDT, Smart and ABAP in welcoming all our guests.”

For his part, ABAP president Ricky Vargas expressed gratitude to SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia and deputy administrator Marcelo for the “enthusiastic support” they show for this national effort because “this is not just an ABAP venture but a national one.”

Powerhouse China, North Korea, former Soviet republics, and the Middle Eastern bloc, including war-torn Syria, are among the nations that have confirmed their participation. (PhilBoxing.com)

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23 countries vie for ASBC Youth crown

Powerhouse China, North Korea, former Soviet republics, and the Middle Eastern bloc, including war-torn Syria, are among 23 countries that have confirmed their participation in the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championship set March 10 to 17 at the Subic gym.

As many as 25 nations, including host Philippines, are expected to send their finest boxing youths to the tournament, and this early Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Macau, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese Taipei, Turkmenistan, Iran, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh have already guaranteed a slam-bang affair with their confirmation.

The magnitude of the event is not lost on Abap officials.

“This is fast becoming a logistical challenge but we are meeting it head-on,” said Abap president Ricky Vargas Saturday on the eve of the PLDT-Abap National Championships at the Maasin City gym in Southern Leyte.

“We are getting good support from the Asian Boxing Confederation and even the International Boxing Association (AIBA). As a matter of fact, AIBA president Dr. Ching Kuo Wu has already confirmed that he will attend. Likewise ASBC president Gofur Rakhimov. SBMA has also enthusiastically helping, as our friends from PLDT and Smart. We’re looking forward to a great tournament.”

AIBA technical delegate Nieva Tesoro-Embuldeniya, a Filipina from Lal-lo, Cagayan and a University of Santo Tomas graduate, and Aziz Kozhambetov, executive director of ASBC, came away impressed from an ocular inspection of the venue last week, said Abap executive director Ed Picson, who is on tap for boxers 17 to 18 years old are 10 weight divisions from 49kgs light flyweight to 91kgs super heavyweight.

“We’re hoping to field bets in six divisions,” said Picson, who is currently overseeing action in the national championships.

Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco, an avid sports fan, and Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado have extended their full support for the Feb. 17 to 23 competition which is expected to draw 20 teams and 100 boxers from all over the country. (The Daily Tribune)

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