A lot went on in the world of Philippine sports over the past couple of days, and here are four of the most notables:
Gilas Youth Off to Fierce Start at FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers
The LA-Tenorio-led Gilas Youth have jumped out to a 2-0 start at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers being held at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex in Pampanga.
Gilas Youth actually got off to a slow start, trailing Vietnam, 13-4, early in their first game of the tournament. But the young nationals found their footing soon enough and started imposing their will, ultimately racing out to a 113-62 victory to give Tenorio a rousing coaching debut. Gilas Youth followed up their dominant showing with another equally impressive blowout, this time dealing Thailand an 87-42 beating to go 2-0 for the tournament.
The top two teams after the preliminary round will meet in the tournament’s final set for May 30. Other teams competing are Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Gilas youth are now the early leaders thanks to their 2-0 start.
Pedro Taduran Retains IBF Minimumweight Crown via Split Decision
Pedro Taduran, one of only two Filipino world champions at the moment, defended his IBF minimumweight belt via a split decision victory over Japanese challenger Ginjiro Shigeoka in their rematch on Saturday held at the INTEX Osaka in Japan.
The Filipino titleholder was the aggressive fighter from the get-go, stalking Shigeoka and throwing combinations to keep the Japanese on the defensive. But the challenger kept fighting back, finding success up close and getting good shots to Taduran’s body.
Ultimately, Taduran came away with the decision, getting the nod from two of the judges, who scored the fight in favor of the Filipino champion, 118-110 and 115-113. It is his second win over the Japanese, whom he beat via TKO last year.
Alex Eala Falls in French Open in Heartbreak
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala had an early exit in the French Open, losing to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango, 0-6, 6-2, 3-6, in a rain-delayed match.
Making her debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam, the young Filipina looked well out of sorts at the start as she got blanked by her Colombian foe in the opening frame. But Eala showed her trademark resilience, winning the second set after it was delayed for a few minutes due to rain.
The Colombian, though, was not to be denied as she kept her poise and held steady to take the decider and send the 69th-ranked Eala home early.
VJ Pre Leaves FEU for UP
UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year VJ Pre formalized his departure from the FEU Tamaraws after weeks of speculation. The 6-foot-5 Pre averaged 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in his lone season at Morayta and is widely regarded as among the best collegiate players in the country.
Shortly after his departure, Pre announced he has transferred to the UP Fighting Maroons after the Katipunan-based squad reportedly made a “late push” to secure his services. With the transfer, Pre will sit out Season 88 and lose two years of his remaining eligibility.
According to Pre, the decision to leave FEU and go to UP was in deference to his family’s wishes.
