Injured Aaron Black doing what he can to help Meralco

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Meralco Bolts’ Aaron Black helps with shootaround ahead of Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup Finals San Miguel vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines—It’s tough to watch your team on the sidelines without being able to help physically and that’s exactly what Aaron Black is feeling with Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Still, Black is doing what he can to help the Bolts, who are currently stuck in a 1-1 stalemate with San Miguel in the best-of-seven series.

While not exactly a veteran of the team, Black, who suffered an ACL injury in the elimination round, is still being vocal in helping out the squad due to his appearance in the grandest stage before.

“For me, I’m still one of the younger guys on the team but being here in the Finals before, I’m able to give some guys who haven’t been here before some advice on what we can do better or what they can expect as we go through the series,” said Black with Inquirer Sports during halftime of Game 2 at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak

“I guess I just try to do my best to do whatever I can to encourage the guys to play their best.”

The Bolts ended up losing in a heartbreaker at the hands of San Miguel, 95-94, courtesy of a Marcio Lassiter game-winning triple.

Despite the loss, though, Meralco has shown it has the tools to beat the reigning kings of the all-Filipino conference.

That is, however, no reason for the Bolts to think that they “have done anything,” according to Black.

“We understand we haven’t done anything yet but we’re happy to get our first step in the door. At the same time, we’re trying to keep doing what we do well and work on things that we aren’t doing well.”

Black won’t be able to return for Meralco in the series, but things are looking up for one of the Bolts’ floor generals.

The Ateneo product revealed that he’s set for a return next season, which is happening in less than three months.

“I should be back by the next conference, hopefully. I have another check-up at the start of July. Right now I’ve been working out, I feel better, I feel a lot better actually so hopefully by the next conference, I’ll be good,” assured Black.

Caitlin Clark left off USA Basketball team for Paris Olympics

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FILE–Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark ( 22) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Caitlin Clark won’t be headed to the Paris Olympics, according to a person familiar with the decision.

The person, who provided the full roster to The Associated Press, spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because no official announcement has been made.

The decision was first reported by The Athletic.

Clark does have some international experience with USA Basketball at a younger level, but she wasn’t able to make the national training camp in Cleveland after she was invited because she was leading Iowa to the Final Four. Clark finished her career as the NCAA’s Division I all-time scoring leader.

TEAM: Caitlin Clark named to Team USA training roster

Clark, now a rookie with the Indiana Fever, has drawn millions of new fans to women’s basketball in her college career and also in her young WNBA career.

While Clark won’t be headed to Paris, the U.S. is expected to take five-time gold medalist Diana Taurasi for a sixth Olympics. Taurasi will be joined by Phoenix Mercury teammate Brittney Griner.

This will be Griner’s first time playing internationally since she was detained in a Russian prison for 10 months in 2022. She said she’ll only play abroad with USA Basketball.

READ: Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever hope break can help turn around season

Joining the pair will be Olympic veterans Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd and Chelsea Gray. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young, who helped the U.S. win the inaugural 3×3 gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, will also be on the team.

A bunch of first time Olympians will be on the team with Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu and Kahleah Copper. All three played on the American team which won the World Cup in Australia in 2022.

The U.S. women have won every gold medal in women’s basketball since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Taurasi, who turns 42 before the Paris Games begin, will break the record for most Olympics played in the sport of basketball. Five players, including former teammate Sue Bird, have competed in five.

The U.S. team will get together to train for a few days in Phoenix in July. Then its off to London for an exhibition game against Germany before heading to France.

The Americans will play Japan, Belgium and Germany in pool play at the Olympics.

Marcio Lassiter just needed small opening for winner

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Meralco Bolts’ Marcio Lassier during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 against San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup Finals San Miguel vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines—Just a clear look at the basket. That was all Marcio Lassiter needed to bring the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and Meralco to a 1-1 deadlock

At the tail-end of a thrilling Game 2 between the Beermen and the Bolts, Meralco held a precarious two-point lead, 94-92, with 20 seconds to go in the fourth.

When San Miguel needed someone to pull them out of the gutter, Marcio Lassiter reminded everyone why he’s closing in on being the player with the most made three-point baskets in the PBA.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak

“Coming down, I was just thinking; if the shot’s there, just take it,” said Lassiter after the 95-94 victory for the Beermen.

“I think CJ (Perez) even told me to be ready when he (Chris Banchero) was at the free throw line. I just knew if I can get to my spot, read the defense and pump fake, I can be open. I got a good look at the basket and that’s all I really need.”

Meralco had several chances to seal the deal and take a 2-0 lead, but the game breaks cost the Bolts big time.

Banchero, who finished with 16 points, could’ve given Meralco a 3-point cushion but split the all-important freebies after Lassiter fouled him in the dying seconds of the game.

Lassiter saw that as the perfect opening—and that’s all “Super Marcio” ever really needs.

“Anytime I can get a good look and see the rim, I really feel like I can make it. A few times before, I was able to stay poised and when given an opportunity, I take it. Credit to CJ for keeping his head up and finding me in the corner.”

READ: PBA record can wait as Marcio Lassiter shoots for another title

Lassiter only finished with six points and before his game-winner, the  Gilas Pilipinas gunner struggled the field with a 1-for-7 shooting clip.

Lassiter understood the situation, saying Meralco had good things in mind by limiting the Beermen from shooting perimeter buckets.

“There’s nothing you can do to stop all of us but you can contain certain things and they wanted to contain some outside shooting today, it seems like… If there was a slither or opening, that’s when I have to be ready and take that shot,” he said.

With the series tied at one game a piece, Lassiter understands that the series is far from over, with both games in the Finals so far, having a point differential of below double digits.

Only one squad will take the 2-1 advantage this Sunday at the same venue, though, and the sharpshooter expects nothing more than another dogfight come Game 3.

“It’s too early. We know it’s going to grind out games this whole series. We can’t expect them to just roll over, they’re a good team. That’s why they’re in the Finals. They’re well-coached and we have to make adjustments.”

One of Taka Minowa’s goals is to help PH volleyball reach Olympics

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Alas Pilipinas girls coach Taka Minowa.–Photo from SMM Volleybal

MANILA, Philippines — New Alas Pilipinas girls coach Taka Minowa believes providing more international exposure to the country’s grassroots program is crucial to the development of Philippine volleyball.

The Japanese coach, who was tasked to handle the youth team, is eager to help young Filipino players tap into their full potential beginning in the ongoing 22nd Princess Cup Southeast Asian Under-18 Women’s Volleyball Championship and the upcoming Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship from June 16 to 23 both happening in Thailand.

Minowa stressed the importance of developing a young national team, saying that competing internationally as frequently as possible could eventually lead to Philippine volleyball improving its standing in Asia and finally reaching the Olympics.

READ: Alas Pilipinas girls rip Singapore to open Thailand U18 tilt

“Our goal is to assess the level of Asian volleyball and gain experience playing volleyball while representing our country with pride,” Minowa told Inquirer Sports.

“This is the initial step in strategizing how we can reach the top tier of Asian volleyball and eventually compete in the Olympics.”

Minowa, the husband of former national team star Jaja Santiago, had a winning debut as Alas u18 coach after demolishing Singapore, 25-14, 25-6, 25-12, in the Princess Cup opener on Saturday in Thailand 

The Akari coach is calling the shots for a young team composed of University of Santo Tomas stars Kimberly Rubin, Jaila Adrao, Maile Salang, Aneeza Santos, Lianne Penuliar, Avril Bron, and Chasliey Pepito, as well as National University-Nazareth School standouts Denesse Daylisan, Akeyla Bartolabac, Harlyn Serneche, and Bubay Belen as well as Samarah Gillian Marzan of La Salle-Zobel and Ashley Macalinao of Kings’ Montessori School.

READ: Alas Pilipinas girls set for two U18 tournaments

“I am looking forward to working with this talented group of individuals and helping them reach their full potential on the court,” he said.

Minowa is honored to handle the girls’ team after the appointment of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by president Tats Suzara, and Akari, which backed his squad in their two international tournaments.

The PVL coach is tempering his expectations as they are just getting started but he knows that he has a competitive team, who will fight every game for the country’s pride.

“[I expect] to instill a sense of pride in the players who have the privilege of representing the national team,” said Minowa. “I don’t expect too much from these young girls but for now, I want to show and share my coaching program and hopefully, eventually they will learn and adapt it.”

Eleora Avanzado, Euan Ramos lead Ironkids Subic winners

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Euan Ramos and Eleora Avanzado crossing the finish line at the Choco Hero Ironkids 2024. –HANDOUT PHOTO

Eleora Avanzado and Euan Ramos showcased remarkable performances, leading their respective divisions in the premier age category of the Choco Hero Ironkids race on Saturday at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

Avanzado raced for a total time of 26:34 over the 250-meter swim, 6-kilometer bike, and 2km run event to rule the girls’ 13-14 division, edging Celinda Raagas in a close finish.

Raagas registered a total time of 26:49 to come in second in the race which served as a prelude to Sunday’s premier full-distance Ironman Philippines and the IM 70.3 Subic Bay races.

READ: Young bets take spotlight as Ironkids unfolds

Ramos, meanwhile, dominated the boys’ 13-14 division from start to finish, posting a total time of 22:37 (03:11 in the swim, 10:52 in the bike, and 06:51 in the run), outpacing Joan Marcelo, who finished with a time of 24:05. David Mora claimed third place with a time of 24:31.

This marks Ramos’ fifth victory in the Ironkids, highlighting his determination to not only become a leading triathlete but also a Youth Olympian.

“My dream is to become a Youth Olympian,” said Ramos, a student at Small World Christian School in Benguet, Baguio. “It’s a rewarding feeling to cross the finish line first again here in Subic.”

Maria Isabella Raagas ruled the girls’ 11-12 category (200m swim, 4km bike, and 1.5km run) with a time of 21:15 while Kurt Cruz led the boys’ race, timing 20:35.

In the relay competitions, Team TriClark Scania and Team NAS Kids topped the girls’ and boys’ categories, respectively, with Team SPED G and Team Olongapo Junior Trackers also securing victories.

Zverev beats Ruud to set up French Open final with Carlos Alcaraz

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Germany’s Alexander Zverev plays a shot against Norway’s Casper Ruud during their semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, June 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Alexander Zverev exacted revenge on Casper Ruud at the French Open on Friday to reach his second Grand Slam final and first since 2020, with Carlos Alcaraz standing between him and the title.

Fourth seed Zverev, who had lost in the semi-finals at Roland Garros in each of the past three years, fought back to beat Ruud 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 in a repeat of their last-four clash 12 months ago.

Zverev won just seven games when the pair met in the 2023 semis and a similar story was on the cards after Ruud cruised through the opening set.

READ; Alexander Zverev reaches French Open semifinal as trial proceeds

But the German raised his game, reaching his first French Open final and keeping his hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title alive.

Zverev holds a career 5-4 winning record against Alcaraz, including a victory in their only previous Roland Garros meeting in the 2022 quarter-finals.

Alcaraz earlier battled past incoming world number one Jannik Sinner in five sets.

“If you’re in the final of Roland Garros, you deserve to be there. That goes for him, as well,” said Zverev.

“He played a fantastic match today. Played a fantastic tournament in general, I think. I’m expecting a very difficult match.”

READ: Carlos Alcaraz embraces ‘suffering’ to reach French Open final

There will be two first-time finalists for the first year since Rafael Nadal defeated Mariano Puerta for the first of his 14 titles in 2005.

The 27-year-old Zverev’s only previous major final appearance saw him blow a two-set lead to lose to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.

“I was not ready then to win my first Grand Slam final,” said Zverev, the first German man to make the final since Michael Stich in 1996.

“I’m definitely not a kid any more, I’m a little older. If not now, then when?”

A German court dropped a case against Zverev over allegations he assaulted an ex-girlfriend earlier on Friday, after a settlement was agreed.

Ruud was targeting a fourth Grand Slam final, but the two-time Roland Garros runner-up was well below his best and struggling with illness.

“I wasn’t able to play with the kind of tennis I like to play with intensity because I was kind of limited with my stomach,” said Ruud. “I don’t want to make an excuse or excuses, but it’s frustrating and disappointing.”

 Zverev fights back

Alexander Zverev French Open

Germany’s Alexander Zverev clenches his fist after winning the third set during his semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament against Norway’s Casper Ruud at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, June 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

The Norwegian seventh seed had not played since Monday after enjoying a walkover in the quarter-finals due to Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the tournament with a knee injury.

Zverev had spent more than eight hours on court during two five-setters in the third and fourth rounds, before beating Alex de Minaur in the last eight.

“To go deep and to win a Grand Slam, you have to go through difficulties and you have to go through a lot of ups and downs,” added Zverev.

“You’re not going to win a Grand Slam by winning every match in straight three sets. Some players do, like Roger (Federer) did, Rafa (Nadal) did a few times, but normally to win a Grand Slam you have to go through battles.”

Ruud looked the fresher of the two as he raced into a one-set lead.

But Zverev was much improved in the second set, breaking twice while hitting 15 winners against just four unforced errors to level the match.

A break in the fifth game of the third set put him in control against a struggling Ruud.

He served it out for a 2-1 edge in sets, despite briefly faltering with successive double-faults and having to save a break point.

Ruud took a trip to the medical room after the third set.

But he was broken again in the first game of the fourth before Zverev moved to the brink of the final by giving himself breathing space with another break for a 5-2 lead.

He showed no signs of nerves, confidently serving it out at the first opportunity with an ace.

ONE 167: Denice Zamboanga dominates Noelle Grandjean

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Denice Zamboanga triumphs in ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II. –ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Denice Zamboanga put on a clinic in ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday.

Zamboanga reigned victorious over Noelle Grandjean via unanimous decision in what turned out to be a masterclass outing for the Filipino striker.

In what was supposed to be her coming out party for the ONE Atomweight Championship, Zamboanga vented her ire on Grandjean with a flurry of strikes that damaged her Thai-French judoka.

READ: ONE: It’s Denice Zamboanga’s time, says Joshua Pacio

In the early parts of the fight, Zamboanga kept catching Grandjean with concise hits in the head, resulting in an early-fight damage in the form of a swollen right eye.

With Grandjean’s vision slightly compromised, Zamboanga took advantage and landed even more strikes.

Grandjean had glimpses of chances over Zamboanga when she took the fight to the ground but even then, the T-Rex MMA fighter found counters to avoid submission grapples.

READ: ONE: Denice Zamboanga gets elusive title shot vs Stamp Fairtex

The victory was Zamboanga’s third straight win. She improved to a 11-2 record in ONE Championship.

Prior to ONE 167, Zamboanga was supposed to face division champion Stamp Tairfex for the atomweight crown but the Thailand-based fighter suffered a torn meniscus three weeks ago.

Now with another dominant win under her belt, Zamboanga left no doubt that she deserves the Tairfex match once she returns from injury.

In the main event, ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK. Saenchai defeated Jo Nattawut via majority decision to keep the crown in his waist.

Fencer Maxine Esteban wins silver ahead of Paris Olympics

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Maxine Esteban, left, poses with her silver medal at the 2nd African Fencing Championships. Photo from International Fencing Federation

MANILA, Philippines—Maxine Esteban earned a silver medal in the 22nd African Fencing Championships ahead of her upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics debut.

The Filipino-Ivorian fencer fell short against Egyptian fencer Yara Elsharkawy, 8-9, in the final of the women’s individual foil event on Thursday evening (Manila time) in Casablanca, Morocco.

The 23-year-old Olympian surpassed her bronze finish last year.

READ: Maxine Esteban off to Paris Olympics carrying PH pride

“[Silver medal] in the African Championships’ 24 [in Morocco]! Missed the gold by 1 point but I’m so grateful for this! God is so gracious. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me get this!! To God be the glory,” wrote Esteban on her Instagram.

Esteban, the World No.37, will train in Poland and Paris with the Japanese national fencing team as she prepares for the Olympics.

When Esteban had a short vacation in Manila, she expressed that she is still representing both the Philippines and Ivory Coast.

READ: Samantha Catantan’s Paris ticket draws up potential clash with Esteban

“You can really never take away the Filipino in me and I will forever be Filipino,” she told the reporters when she watched the Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Challenge Cup in Rizal Memorial Coliseum last May.

The former Ateneo star is also grateful for the continuous support of the Filipinos despite her naturalization and she is looking forward to fence with her good friend and fellow Filipino Samantha Catantan in the latter round of the Olympics.

“Everyone who qualified in the Olympics, they’re all really good fencers. Just like Sam, she would be a worthy fencer to fence against. It would be an honor to fence against her. I’m really looking forward if ever that time comes,” Esteban said. “Hopefully, hindi kami magkatapat sa early stages and you know maybe magkatapat na lang kami sa Finals.”

PLDT runs it back with Russian import Elena Samoilenko

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FILE–PLDT import Elena Samoilenko. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT brings back Russian import Elena Samoilenko ahead of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, which opens in July.

The High Speed Hitters on Friday announced that Samoilenko is playing for their team for the second time after an impressive PVL stint in the last foreign player-laden tournament two years ago.

“We just loved Lena Samoilenko’s quiet intensity so much that we had to bring her back for another tour of duty with the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the upcoming 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference,” wrote PLDT. “Same power, same height, but with more volleyball experience. We’re in! Welcome back, Lena! Let’s do this.”

READ: PVL: Kath Arado, PLDT stay motivated despite early All-Filipino exit

The 6-foot-4 outside hitter soared high in her first PVL stint in 2022, emerging as the top scorer with 213 points in eight games.

Despite the effort of the Russian spiker, PLDT missed the semifinals of the Reinforced Conference with a 3-5 record.

Samoilenko, fresh from a stint with Turan Turkistan club in Kazakhstan, is bolstering a new-look High Speed Hitters under coach Rald Ricafort, the successor of George Pascua and champion coach of Petro Gazz in the last Reinforced Conference.

READ: PVL: PLDT, led by Savi Davison, show promise for next conference

Samoilenko will be teaming up with Filipino-Canadian Savi Davison and newcomers Kianna Dy, who is expected to return to action from injury this conference, Majoy Baron, and Kim Fajardo as well as mainstays Kath Arado and Mika Reyes.

PLDT is raring to end a three-conference semis drought after falling short in the All-Filipino Conference with an 8-3 record in fifth place.

The top four of Reinforced will also qualify in the PVL Invitational Conference in September with two foreign guest teams.

Alas Pilipinas men finish 10th in AVC Challenge Cup

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Alas Pilipinas during a game against Thailand in the AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain.–AVC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas settled for 10th place anew in the AVC Challenge Cup men’s division after falling to Thailand, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25, on Friday evening in Bahrain. 

The Philippines placed 10th in the Challenge Cup for the second straight year as it couldn’t stop Thailand and its captain  Khonhan Amornthep, who unleashed 30 points in their game that lasted one hour and 56 minutes.

Alas skipper Marck Espejo led the charge with 16 points on a 15-of-30 attacking clip, while Jade Disquitado shone as a starting opposite spiker with 14 points.

READ: Alas Pilipinas men beat Indonesia, advance to battle for 9th

Lloyd Josafat also stepped up with nine points including two blocks. Jau Umandal and Kim Malabunga had eight and seven points, respectively. Noel Kampton made the most of his limited playing time in the fourth set with six points.

Setter Owa Retamar remained grateful to their Filipino fans in Bahrain and thousands of livestream viewers back in the Philippines for supporting them despite the 10th-place finish.

“I would like to thank all of the Filipinos, who supported us. We fell short because we had a short preparation,” said Retamar. “We will come back stronger. We’re very happy because of the support and the level of play here in Bahrain. [The teams are] good and they’re strong. That’s why they are on top.

“We need to build our communication, our pattern in blocking, and our attack,” he added.

READ: Alas Pilipinas men eliminated in AVC Challenge Cup

The Filipino Spikers equalized the game to one set apiece with Espejo ending the close second set with a cross-court kill. But Amornthep was too much in the last two sets, where he scored 20. Jenthaisong Supakorn backstopped their captain with 15 points.

The Philippines gave up 31 errors in the match as Thailand, which only had 22 miscues, took advantage of the former’s error-filled game

The Thais finished 9th after failing to defend their Challenge Cup title last year with a new champion will be crowned between semifinalists Qatar, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and South Korea.

The Sergio Veloso-coached squad had a winless Pool A after losing to World No.32 China and host Bahrain.

Alas drew from its bench players Disquitado and Nico Almendras to advance to the battle for ninth after beating the young Indonesia team in the classification round.