Manny makes ESPN Champ of Champs final

Manny Pacquiao advanced to the finals of ESPN STAR Sports’ Champion of Champions competition, knocking out Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in the online poll for the Sports Personality of the Year.

Pacquiao booted out Tendulkar in the semifinals after voting ended Wednesday. The world’s best pound-for-pound boxer will now face World number one squash player Nicol David of Malaysia for the title as the man who made the biggest impact in the world of sport in the year about to end.

David defeated another Indian cricket player in Sourav Ganguly in the other semifinal bracket. The Champion of Champions will be announced live on SportsCenter on Dec. 31.

Prior to his victory over Tendulkar, Pacquiao outvoted Liverpool striker Fernando Torres of Spain in the quarterfinal round and motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi in the first round.

The contest aims to garner public opinion to determine the individual who has gone beyond achievements and new levels of excellence to leave his mark on sports fans in 2008.