Fake Prophet

For a while, I was in danger of being shot (by a water pistol) or branded a fake prophet, for predicting San Beda as this year’s NCAA champion. After resting for 26 days to wait for the pretenders to the crown, the roaring Lions were visibly rusty as they lost the first game of the best-of-three finals, 65-64, to the Letran Knights, who have to go to stepladder games. In the second game, the Knights who could have ended the Lions reign, lost steam in the closing minutes, allowing San Beda to arrange  a winner-take-all-game today.  San Beda is seeking a fourth straight crown and was 18-0 in the elimination. Actually, it was only their first loss in 33 games since losing to Lyceum,  August of last year.  Fran Yu was again spectacular but has to leave the court after suffering cramps in the dying minutes.  I’m still sticking to  my prediction that San Beda will win this season’s title.

Where eagles dare

While San Beda encountered rough sailing, even surviving Letran’s rampage in the second game, it was a totally different story in another championship. The Ateneo Blue Eagles who, likewise waited for the UST Growling Tigers for 16 days, showed no rust at all as they stormed to an 18-2 advantage in the first five minutes.  Ilonggo Thirdy Ravena was like a man possessed as he rattled 32 points to lead the massacre before 20,000 fans at the smart Araneta Coliseum. Ateneo won 91-77 and could wrap it up on Wednesday with another victory. Ange Kouame pumped 18 points while grabbing  12  rebounds.  Another Ilonggo, Mark Nonoy. was equally impressive for the Tigers but was just outplayed by his “paisano”.  Again my prediction, Ateneo.

“Walay duda”

Jan-Krzyzt of Duda, Poland’s rising star, was impressive during his campaign at the 3rd FIDE Grand Pix.  The 21-year old Duda upset no.2 seed Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia, 1.5-0.5, to advance to the quarterfinals.  Duda’s next opponent is Chinese Yu Yangi who beat Russian Dmitry Jakovenko.  The Grand Prix is a 16-player knockout match play in which the top two finishers after four tournaments  qualify for next year’s Candidates Tournament. “Walay ka Duda Duda”.

Jackie Chan

Even martial arts icon Jackie Chan was not spared with the trouble brewing in the South China Sea.  Vietnam, like the Philippines (has also claims to the disputed area), cancelled Chan’s planned visit to support Operation Smile, a charity that gives free surgery to children with facial disfigurements.  Chan is also affected with the ongoing violent protest in his native Hong Kong.  I visited Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City two years ago.

Longest boxing bout

Was between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke in New Orleans on April 6-7, 1893.  The bout lasted 110 rounds and 7 hours 14 minutes from 9:15 pm to 4:34 in the morning of the next day.  The fight was declared no contest when both men failed to continue.

Shortest fight

On September 29, 1946, Al Couture struck Ralph Walton while the latter was adjusting a gum shield in his corner.  The knockout was timed 10 ½ seconds (including a 10-second count). The shortest recorded fight was in a Golden Gloves Tournament in Mineapolis, Minnesota on November 4, 1974 when Mike Collins dropped Pat Brownson with his first punch, four seconds after the bell.  Cassius Clay knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round on May 25, 1965 in one minute 52 seconds (including the count).

Tallest and heaviest

The boxer to fight professionally was Gogea Mitu (born in 1914) in Romania. He was 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 327 pounds.