AS ANOTHER historic year is about to close, let us revisit some of the biggest sports stories that we have covered and enjoyed this year. The second part of this series covers the months of June, July, August, and September.
June
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial slapped an indefinite ban on Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters’ forward Calvin Abueva for his obscene gesture to a fan and hard foul on TNT KaTropa import Terrence Jones.
Ilonggo Jericho Cruz got reunited with head coach Joseller Guiao in a three-team trade that sent him to NLEX Road Warriors with Marion Magat going to TNT KaTropa and Michael Miranda to NorthPort Batang Pier. Miranda later went to Road Warriors in another trade.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings acquired the services of Filipino-American guard Stanley Pringle from NorthPort Batang Pier in exchange for Kevin Ferrer, Solomon Mercado and Jervy Cruz.
Western Visayas’ squads Iloilo United Royals and Bacolod Master Sardines became expansion teams in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
July
Petro Gazz Angels nailed its first ever championship in the Premier Volleyball League by defeating Creamline Cool Smashers in three games in the Reinforced Conference finals.
Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao escaped with a split decision win over American Keith Thurman to clinch the WBA world super welterweight belt at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
August
San Miguel Beermen took home the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship by defeating TNT KaTropa in six games.
F2 Logistics Cargo Movers captured the 2019 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference crown by sweeping Cignal HD Spikers in the finals.
September
Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena became the first Filipino athlete to earn a qualification in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by tallying 5.81 meters in a meet in Chiara, Italy.
Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team ended its campaign in the 2019 FIBA World Cup at last place after dropping all of its matches in China. Head coach Joseller Guiao later stepped down from the post. (To be continued/PN)
