Hanoi here I come!

Russia and Ukraine are currently finding a solution to end the war that had  taken  a big  toll on lives, property and economy.  In the Philippines, world’s number 5 pole vaulter

Ej Obiena, finally ended his five-month battle with the Philippine Athletic Track and Field Association (PATAFA).  Thanks to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair William Ramirez, who  initiated and presided  over the mediation.  The trouble started when PATAFA under  Philip Juico, acccused  Obiena of falsifying liquidation report regarding the salary of his Ukranian coach, Vasily Petrov.  With this development, Obiena can now participate in the Southeasian Asian Games set May 12-23 in Hanoi, Vietnam.  PATAFA also endorsed Obiena to represent the country in the World Championship slated in July in Eugene, Oregon, USA.  Obiena is a sure gold medal winner in Vietnam. All’s well that ends well.

Valentyna Vereteska

 Fled from her native Mykolaiv, Ukraine to Poland with her 11-year old daughter a month ago after Russia invaded her country. Despite lack  of training and rest, Vereteska 32, won the Jerusalem Marathon in Israel with a time of 2:45:54. Israili Olympic athlete Agadi Gaudie, won the men’s race in 2:37:17 Verteska’s husband was left behind in Ukraine and is still fighting the Russians.  Over 25,000 runners joined the race .

Yuri Gagarin

Russian  cosmonaut and the first person in space, orbited  the earth in 108 minutes on April 12, 1961. Gagarin had his name removed from the a Space Foundation Fundraiser in protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Iloilo versus Davao

As expected the Iloilo Kisela Knights barged into thr Southern Division  finals  of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Tournament, after blasting the Negros Kingsmen.  The Knights thus arranged a showdown with the Davao Chess Eagles for the Southern Division crown and a chance for the over-all title. Iloilo scalped Negros 14-5 -6.5 in the first set behind the guns of GM Joey Antonio, NM Cesar  Mariano , NM John Silvederio and WFM  Cherry Mejia.  It was the same story in the second game as IloIlo repeated against Negros 13-8.  the Negrenses were reinforced  by NM Edsel Montoya, FM Arian Pacis and FM Mari Joseph Turqueza.  Over in the Northern Division, the Pasig Pirates will meet the San Juan Predators for the title.  The winner will battle the Southern Division titlist for the championship.