Category: Sports

Olympian Jasmine Alkhaldi and US-based Jarod Hatch will kick off the Philippine campaign at the 20th World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan on Sunday. Alkhaldi, a veteran of the 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio de Janeiro) Olympics, will compete in the women’s 100m butterfly while Hatch will see action in the men’s 50m butterfly. Thanya Angelyn Dela Cruz, Xandi Chua, and Jerard Dominic Jacinto are also part of Team Philippines coached by Ryan Paolo Arabejo, who also represented the country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They will aim for the highest World Aquatics points and boost their chances to make the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dela Cruz (women’s 100m breaststroke) and Jacinto (men’s 100m backstroke) are scheduled to compete on July 24; Hatch (100m butterfly) and Chua (women’s 200m backstroke) on July 28; Alkhaldi (50m freestyle), Dela Cruz (50m breaststroke) and Jacinto (50m backstroke) on July 29; and Chua (400m Individual Medley) on July 30. All five are medalists at the 2023 Cambodia Southeast Asian (SEA) Games where the swimming team produced two golds, six silvers and eight bronzes. Chua ruled the 200m backstroke (2:13.20), setting new national and SEA Games records. She also took the silver medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay (with Alkhaldi, Miranda Renner, and Teia Isabella Salvino), and the bronze medal in the 400m Individual Medley (4:52.08) and 4x200m freestyle relay (with Alkhaldi, Salvino, and Chloe Isleta). Jacinto captured two silvers — 50m backstroke with a national record of 25.56 seconds and mixed 4x100m medley relay (with Alkhaldi, Hatch, and Angelyn Cacho) — and a bronze in the 100m backstroke (55.99s). Alkhaldi bagged a silver in the 100m freestyle (56.12s) and bronze medals in 50m (27.02s) and 100m (1:00.45) butterfly. Hatch added two more bronzes to his medal haul, posting national records in the 50m (23.89s) and 100m (52.91s) butterfly events. Chua and Hatch are first-timers in the Fukuoka World Championships, which is a long course (50-meter pool) edition. “I never stopped training. After the SEA Games, I went back to Australia to continue my training with coach Michal Skrodzki of Nunawading Swimming Club for the Fukuoka World Championships as well as the Asian Games (in September),” Chua told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday. Chua is a protégé of Carlos “Pinky” Brosas, who represented the Philippines at the 1972 Munich Olympics. “It’s my first time to compete in a World Championship event which is, by far, the highest level of competition I qualified for in my 18 years of swimming. I’m just really so excited to meet and race alongside the best swimmers in the world,” said the 21-year-old BS Entrepreneurship student from De La Salle University. Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain, secretary of the Philippine Swimming, Inc., said the presence of the world’s top swimmers makes the Fukuoka Worlds a fierce competition. ‘But our athletes are out to experience the atmosphere in a high-level tournament, try to improve their personal best time, and sharpen their skills,’ the former Philippine Sports Commission chair and champion swimmer, said in a statement

Source: Philippines News Agency

The world media on July 22 ran articles appreciating Vietnam’s performance in their first match at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, although they lost 0-3 to the reigning US champions.

On its website, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wrote: “Vietnam produced a steely performance as defending champions the United States were made to work hard for a 3-0 win”.

“Tournament debutants Vietnam frustrated the four-time champions with their disciplined and resolute defending and will look forward to their remaining matches with confidence,” it added.

Michael Cox, a British journalist and author who provides football analysis for the UK branch of The Athletic, wrote: “Fair play to Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung. A more positive and competitive display than could have reasonably been expected so far, AND he was keeping track of stoppage time with an actual stopwatch”.

The US-based The Athletic also dedicated a part of the match summary to comment on the World Cup debut of the Vietnamese team. Author Jeff Rueter wrote that: “In 2019, the United States opened its World Cup with a headline-grabbing 13-0 win over Thailand. For people who don’t follow international soccer, they may have expected a similar opener against Vietnam, which was making its Women’s World Cup debut. On Friday that was exposed as somewhat naive — after all, Vietnam played tournament favorite Germany close in a narrow 2-1 defeat just a couple months ago. Even after conceding in the opening 15 minutes, they held their own against the United States by often keeping ten defenders between the ball and goal during build-up play and fighting for every challenge”.

“Ultimately, there wasn’t a storybook ending for this first World Cup game. It’s hard to imagine a much tougher draw than the two-time defending champion, but the tournament newcomers did themselves proud with a vocal contingent of supporters whose cheers of pride could be heard on the broadcast every time they progressed up the field,” Rueter added.

“This was expected to be an easy one for the US women, and while Vietnam put up a stubborn defense with a few good goalkeeping moments, it was indeed pretty easy,” according to an article posted on The Guardian.

FIFA also praised goalkeeper Thanh’s performance. “Tran Thi Kim Thanh take a bow. The Vietnamese keeper has had a sensational first half and now saves an Alex Morgan penalty on the stroke of half-time!” the world football governing body wrote on its Twitter.

Vietnam will play against Portugal on July 27./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The Vietnamese team’s brave performance won the hearts of Vietnamese fans everywhere, despite losing 0-3 to the reigning world champions US in their first group match in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 22.

Two goals scored by Sophia Smith in the first half and another by captain Lindsey Horan in the second half sealed the US’s victory.

However, as coach Mai Duc Chung said before the match: “It’s not about the result, but the way we play, the mentality against an opponent at this magnitude,” and the Golden Star Women Warriors’ brave performance won the hearts of Vietnamese fans everywhere.

Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Vietnam’s goalkeeper, was perhaps the embodiment of that spirit. The 1.65m keeper saved a penalty from Alex Morgan, one of the greats of the women’s game.

FIFA also praised Thanh’s performance. “Tran Thi Kim Thanh take a bow. The Vietnamese keeper has had a sensational first half and now saves an Alex Morgan penalty on the stroke of half-time!” the world football governing body wrote on its Twitter.

Many changes were made to the starting line-up by Chung after Vietnam’s 0-9 loss to Spain on July 14. Duong Thi Van, nicknamed “Van Kanté” for her immense coverage and control of midfield, was benched after a head collision with teammate Pham Hai Yen in training.

Fans even came all the way from Hai Phong to Auckland to support the women in red. At home, the New Zealand and Australian Embassies hosted a “Breakfast Watch Party” for fans to watch the game in Hanoi.

With all of that support, Vietnam started strong in the first 10 minutes, denying chances by Lindsey Horan and her teammates.

But in the 14th minute, the US found their breakthrough when Alex Morgan’s through ball found 22-year-old Sophia Smith free, and she scored with a low driven shot that went through Kim Thanh’s legs.

After the goal, Vlatko Andonovski’s girls turned on the pressure with shot after shot, but Kim Thanh’s heroics spared Vietnam.

Thanh was tremendously good in this game, but when the keeper was the best player on the field, it’s never a good indicator.

In the 39th minute, Hoang Thi Loan made a challenge and Trinity Rodman went down inside the box.

Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi had to check VAR, and after she saw that Loan’s foot touched the legs of Dennis Rodman’s daughter before the ball, Karboubi pointed at the spot.

Alex Morgan, a two-time World Cup winner, took the responsibility, but her shot was low and saved by Kim Thanh. The Vietnamese players rushed to Thanh later to celebrate, as if they had scored a goal against the World No.1.

The joy was short-lived, however, as in the 6th minute of added time, the US got their second goal courtesy of Smith. The goal was deemed offside at first, but VAR led Karboubi to reverse the decision. The US led 2-0 before the break.

The second half started with the US continuing their domination. Numerous chances came for Andonovski’s team, and one even forced Kim Thanh to make a stunning triple save.

Vietnam’s defence was perhaps stronger in the second half, and even got chances to counter, but the difference in skills and strength denied Huynh Nhu and her teammates even a clear cut chance at Alyssa Naeher’s goal.

In the 77th minute, a rare mistake from Chuong Thi Kieu was capitalised by Smith, who passed to Horan for a tap into the empty net which made it 3-0 for the US.

Andonovski brought on Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe in the final minutes, hoping to score more goals to take advantage before meeting Holland in their next match in this “Group of Death”, but both Rapinoe and Lavelle squandered their chances.

Even with nine minutes added on, no further goals were scored and the match ended 3-0 for the US.

“We kept our promises to the fans,” said coach Chung after the match. “I am happy because of the team’s mentality and how we stuck to our game plan today.”

“We have not played at World Cup before. But now, the whole world heard Vietnam’s national anthem. That is the honour and pride,” he said.

“Every minute of that game was fun and the crowd was amazing,” said Player of the Game Sophia Smith, who scored a brace on her debut.

“We could have scored more goals, but it’s the World Cup and not everything is perfect,” Smith added.

The US’s coach Vlatko Andonovski also commended the Vietnamese team and the tactics of coach Mai Duc Chung, saying that Vietnam had played very well and caused a lot of difficulties for the US squad.

Vietnam will have five days to recover before facing Portugal on July 27. The US, on the other hand, will play against Holland next in a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

FIFA on Thursday extends its “deepest condolences” over a shooting in New Zealand hours before the start of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. “FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland, New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident,” world football’s governing body said on Twitter. Following the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke to New Zealand authorities, who told him the incident “was not related to football operations,” and the opening match of the World Cup at Auckland’s Eden Park will take place as planned, FIFA added. “The participating teams in close proximity to this incident are being supported in relation to any impact that may have taken place,” it said. At least two people were killed and at least six were injured, including a police officer, on Thursday when a man opened fire at a construction site in Auckland, according to local media. The male shooter also died, said the New Zealand police. Police launched an investigation into the incident and urged the public to steer clear of the area. New Zealand takes opener New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 in the opening game as the co-hosts bagged their first win in the Women’s World Cup’s history. In the early minutes of the second half at Auckland’s Eden Park, New Zealand forward Hannah Wilkinson scored in style in the box after quick teamwork. Wilkinson, 31, has scored in three different editions –2011, 2015 and 2023. In the second half, Norway’s Tuva Hansen had an effort from distance to hit the woodwork but New Zealand goalkeeper Victoria Esson made a fingertip save. In the 89th minute, New Zealand were awarded a penalty after a VAR review for a handball. However, Ria Percival hit the goalpost to keep Norway’s hopes alive. Norway’s Guro Reiten lost a chance in the box in injury time, as New Zealand took a historic win. In their next fixture in Group A, New Zealand will face the Philippines on July 25 in Wellington. On the same day, Norway will play Switzerland in Hamilton. Before the kickoff, both New Zealand and Norway players, and the fans in the stadium observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Auckland shooting. The 2023 Women’s World Cup will run through Aug. 2

Source: Philippines News Agency

The Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) is gearing up for two international tournaments, including one that the country will be hosting in October. PTTF President Ting Ledesma said a 10-member team, including five women, will compete in the Asian Championships set on Sept. 3-30 in Pyeongchang, South Korea while the youth team will join the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender tournament from Oct. 15 to 21 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Filipino No. 1 Kheith Rhynne Cruz won two gold medals at the SEA Junior Championships in Brunei last month. The 16-year-old Cruz defeated Thai Wirakarn Tayapitak, 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3, in the Under-17 final. She collected her second gold medal in the Under-19 doubles, teaming up with Chrishien Mae Santillan to beat Wirakarn and Wanwisa Aueawiriyayothin, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7. Cruz also bagged the team silver medal with Althea Jade Gudes, Jelaine Monteclaro, Zachi Chua and Santillan, a bronze medalist in the U-19 singles category. Keith’s younger brother, Mhelvin, won the silver medal at the WTT event last year, and was given a scholarship in France. The siblings will lead the team in Palawan. ‘We’re happy to say that table tennis is getting better. The recent success of our national team abroad has a big impact especially on the youth,” Ledesma said during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) ‘Usapang Sports’ forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Thursday. The PTTF is among the national sports associations which taps private sponsors for funding the national team’s training and competitions. ‘We understand that the PSC is supporting many sports. We’re proud to say that through the years, we are not solely dependent on the PSC,” Ledesma said in the weekly session supported by Behrouz Persian Cuisine and Pocari Sweat. “We don’t have a problem with the PSC. But to speed up the process of our participation, I just look for someone to help. After that, I ask for reimbursement complete with all receipts. If I’m lucky to get the money back, thank you very much. If not, it’s okay,’ he added. Ledesma also expressed his gratitude to Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron, who agreed to host the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender featuring 30 teams. ‘I wholeheartedly thank Mayor Bayron for supporting the PTTF and assuring the successful hosting of the WTT event,” he said

Source: Philippines News Agency

Malaysian women’s doubles player Pearly Tan now holds the Guinness World Records for the fastest smash.

She has carved her name in the record book for the Fastest Badminton Hit (female) category after clocking a speed of 438 kmph , the Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced in its social media Tuesday.

The record was attempted at a gymnasium at Yonex Co. Ltd. Tokyo Factory in Saitama, Japan on April 14 and was verified by the Guinness World Records judges.

The 23-year-old shuttler’s astonishing smash is faster than the speed of Formula One (F1) car record (372.6 kmph).

Pearly, who partners M. Thinaah, is currently ranked 11th in the world.

Meanwhile, India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy broke former Malaysian player Tan Boon Heong’s record by 72km/h in the male category, with an amazing smash of 565 kmph at the same occasion.

The previous record of 493 kmph was set Boon Heong in May 2013 at the same Yonex factory.

Yonex in its website, explained that the moments of impact in the actual smash was captured using a high-speed camera.

“The instant velocity of the shuttlecock after the impact was then calculated from the photographic recording,” it stated.

Source: Nam News Network

More sports activities are being planned by Talisayan town, Misamis Oriental province in order to boost tourism activities. The local government is targeting to host an international paragliding event in 2024 as it aspires to become Northern Mindanao’s paragliding destination. Mayor Rico Taray said the decision was based on the success of paragliding event that lured 54 participants, including two foreigners, on July 14 to 16. Joey Galao of Nueva Ecija ruled the event. “We are overwhelmed with the outcome of the opening (of the event over the weekend). A bigger event next year may invite more foreign competitors to join,” he said in an interview. Paragliders had to achieve an accurate landing from the starting point, which was 1,000 feet elevation. In an interview Tuesday, Christian Bonn Gonzales, officer-in-charge at the Project Management Office of the local government, said scuba diving and free diving events will also be within the year. “A motocross competition is also slated in our charter day on August 9. We are inviting local and foreign riders,” he said. In his first State of the Nation Address last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed the tourism sector’s importance as an economic development tool and a job-generating industry that benefits even the grassroots level. Marcos enjoined the Tourism and Public Works departments to make it more convenient for travelers to go around the country and provide them easier access to remote areas and undiscovered tourist spots. “To boost our tourism industry, we will first and foremost make basic developments such as road improvements for easier access to tourism spots. We will also upgrade our airports and create more international airports to help decongest the bottleneck at the Manila International Airport,” the President said.

Source: Philippines News Agency