AS ANOTHER historic year is about to
close, let us revisit some of the biggest sports stories
that we have covered, witnessed and enjoyed this year. First part of this
series will cover the months of January, February, March, April, and May.
January
Chris Tiu announced his formal retirement from professional basketball after
spending six seasons with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA. Barangay
Ginebra San Miguel Kings’ Jett Manuel also retired after just playing one PBA
season.
San Miguel Beermen center June Mar Fajardo continued to make history, capturing
his fifth consecutive Most Valuable Player citation. Phoenix Pulse Fuel
Masters’ Jason Perkins nabbed the Rookie of the Year honors.
Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao showed that he is still far from done after a
clinical unanimous decision win over Adrien Broner to
retain the WBA welterweight belt at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
February
Gilas Pilipinas leaned on the exploits of Andray Blatche as it clinched a slot
in the 2019 FIBA World Cup with a 93-75 victory over Kazakhstan in the 2019
FIBA World Cup qualifier. Blatche finished with 41 points in the all-important
win.
Filipino Vic Saludar successfully retained the WBO world minimumweight
championship after a unanimous decision victory over Japanese Masataka
Taniguchi at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
March
Negrense boxer Donnie Nietes’ hold on the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super
flyweight belt did not last long. He decided to vacate the world championship
months after winning it against Japanese Kazuto Ioka.
Kai Sotto have decided to leave the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets
and have a full-time training overseas.
April
The provincial government of Negros Occidental gained the nod to serve as host
of the 2021 edition of Palarong Pambansa, beating fellow Western Visayas-based
bidder in Capiz.
Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire Jr. fashioned out a sixth-round knockout win over
American Stephon Young to retain the WBA super bantamweight belt at the Cajun
Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana.
May
Petron Blaze Spikers claimed the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix crown after
dominating F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in three matches in the finals.
Jerwin Ancajas easily outclassed Japanese Ryuichi Funai to retain his IBF world
super featherweight championship with a seventh round stoppage at the Stockton
Arena in Stockton, California.
San Miguel Beermen clinched its record fifth consecutive Philippine Cup
championship after defeating Magnolia Hotshots in the do or die finale via a
game winner from Alex Cabagnot.
Ateneo Lady Eagles captured the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball championship
after defeating University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in three matches.
The WVPRISAA secondary girls volleyball team retained its crown in the PRISAA
2019 National Games after winning over Region 11 in the finals. Shane Carmona
was hailed as the MVP. (To be continued/PN)
