Sports Eye
All letdowns in PH athletes joust abroad
By Jesus A. Garcia, Jr.
EVEN BEFORE our national teams enplaned abroad, they were already saddled by mountains of problems at home which I believe was the major reason why our nationals performed lackadaisically in their respective joust overseas this month.
First to suffer was our chess squad in this year’s 41st Chess Olympiad held at Tromso, Norway. Our best bet in the world wood-pushing game, Super Grandmaster (SGM) Wesley So with elo rating of 2755, unexpectedly withdrew from the team due to allowance constraints. Instead he represented the U.S. Chess Federation, not as a player (being a Filipino) but castled into the camp as an assistant coach of the Yankees. This was followed by SGM Oliver Barbosa (elo 2627) with similar reason.
The absence of the two whiz kids, especially So who is considered the 12th best chess player in the world today by the world governing body FIDE (with an elo rating of 2755) was the real cause of PH downfall landing only 46th out of 136 countries that participated. Sports critics said this is slap in the face for National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Prospero “Butch” Pichay. Yes, because we’re much better two years ago in Istambul Olympiad having placed 23rd. I believe that sans the two in the PH team our squad is doomed. What a shame. This is poor leadership by Pichay.
Same thing happened recently to our FIBA Under-17 Batang Gilas squad in the world championship held in Dubai, U.A.E. this month. We’re clobbered mercilessly by U.S., Greece, France, Argentina, and the lowly rated Egypt and Angola with an average margin of 26 points. Our consolation was a victory over the host U.A.E. and eventually landed in the 15 position out of 16 countries. What a shame, again.
Our athletes in the on-going Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China were humbled, too, one-by-one in their respective discipline. First to fall was our triathlete Vicky Evania Deldio finishing 32nd. Swimmer Roxanne Ashley Yu, gymnast Ava Lorein Verdeflor and trackster Zion Rose Nelson also failed in their respective assignments leaving archers Luis Gabriel Moreno and Bianca Cristina Gotuaco in contention for at least a medal win in the quadrennial meet exclusively for 14 to 18 years old. But I seriously doubt it knowing the poor development sports program of our government. At least Arellano and Deldio unabashedly admitted their downfall was owing to their poor preparation, unlike our sports leaders.
Our best professional dribblers “Gilas Pllipinas” joined the letdown trend abroad, losing four consecutive games during their tune-up games against the national teams of France, Australia, Ukraine and Spain. Their worst defeat was in the hands of the Ukrainians with 50 points margin, 124-64. During their plays, Gilas cagers Japeth Aguilar and Junmar Fajardo were obviously afraid to pit their bodies against the taller, heftier and younger opponents, particularly in their game against the Ukrainians that resulted in a lopsided and embarrassing defeat to the consternation of head coach Chot Reyes. Yes, they were halfhearted and afraid to be injured that could jeopardize their PBA careers, like what recently happened to NBA’s superstar Paul George. George was badly hurt during the USA team vs. Houston Rockets tune-up scrimmage and will be sidelined for the whole 2014-2015 NBA season. Anyway these letdowns are only exhibition games for the Gilas in their preparation for the FIBA World Cup slated on August 31-September 15 in Spain. But many say our Gilas team will be lucky to beat one team like the African champion Senegal during the qualifying round. Let’s just wait and see. The Senegal quintet is also tall and agile.
In the FIBA Under-18 World Championship being held during these days in Doha, Qatar, yes, we plastered Jordan, 85-60, in the first game, but we were clobbered by the South Koreans in the second match, 87-69. It’s another humiliating defeat. It looks like our flag will not be raised again in the victory pool.
And when our nationals come home with empty-handed, of course, expect our sports leaders recited a string alibis, as usual.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” LUKE 3: 15-16
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