Record seekers endure blisters, injuries

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Marathon has gone past three days and two nights of continuous basketball action, and the intrepid participants were still going strong as of 4 p.m. yesterday, underscoring the Filipinos’ indomitable spirit and resolve.

Some players have been hit by blisters and other minor injuries but not by any major health concern, keeping hopes and expectations high the event would achieve its goal of setting a new world record in non-stop basketball.

“Thankfully, their body clocks have adjusted. Tuloy ang laban!” said Jacque Ruby, chief operating officer of the organizing Discovery-ACCESS (Asian Cable Enterprises Inc.).

Hitting the 54-hour mark, the competing teams were fighting neck and neck with Team Walang Iwanan barely ahead of Team Bounce Back, 6895-6892.

Seizing the moment in Day Three yesterday was Abraham Compuesto III, the youngest participant who turned 20.

The University of Makati student made highlight plays to the tune of the “Happy Birthday” song sung by the players while continuously playing.

“They’re still having fun. It’s still more fun than a severe test,” said event top official Peeyaa delos Reyes.

“Yes, they’re getting tired, but they are unyielding and unbending in their hope to set a world record,” Delos Reyes added.

At press time, Helino Francisco was the leading scorer with 1,793 points, Sandy Cenal was tops in rebounds with 376, Jopet Quiro was No. 1 in assists with 227 and Justo Quita was the leader in steals with 46.

Quiro (1,636) and Cenal (811) were Walang Iwanan’s top scorers while Francisco was having Adim Santos as leading backup scorer with 815.

Lady player Maricar Convencido and Americans Chuck Williams, Jeffrey Moore and Tony Tatar have had their contributions.

By sundown yesterday, the Philippine Basketball Marathon would be halfway through its target of playing 120 hours of non-stop basketball.

Being chased is the world record of 112 hours and 13 seconds the Missouri Athletic Club set in St. Louis, Missouri on March 21 to 25, 2012.

Guinness people are arriving only tomorrow (Friday). But the proceedings from the opening tip Monday morning have been duly recorded.