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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Philippine Malditas closer to World Cup
THE chances of the Philippine women’s football team of making it to Women’s World Cup in France in 2019 looks bright following a favorable draw in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in April 2018.
Philippine Malditas was drawn in Group A with Thailand, Jordan and China – not in Group B, where former World Cup winner Japan, Australia, Korea Republic, and Vietnam belonged.
According to Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta, it was the closest Malditas has ever gotten to the World Cup as the team only needed a win and a draw to formalize their entry.
“We are happy with the outcome of the draw and look forward to the opportunity to bring honor to our country,” said Araneta. “It is the time for women’s football to take us to the next level.”
“The top five teams in Jordan will progress to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. We may have missed the 2015 edition in Canada but we are 4 points away from France,” he added.
Malditas co-captain Inna Palacios said the favorable draw will further inspire them to prepare for the Asian Cup as their opponents in the qualifiers were no pushovers.
To make their dream a reality, the Richard Boon-mentored Malditas will be leaving on Dec. 27 for California, United States to start their training camp. The team will be back in March.
“We see light and hope to make the next round,” said Palacios. “But, again, it’s not going to be an easy journey. It never will be a walk in a park. Proper preparation is crucial here.”
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GlobalPort Batang Pier’s Terrence Romeo and TNT KaTropa’s Roger Pogoy were feted in the 2017 PBA Press Corps Annual Awards Night.
Romeo captured his third consecutive Mighty Sports Scoring Champion citation after emerging as the league’s top scorer anew with his averages of 23.3 points during the three conferences.
On the other hand, Pogoy, who was recently awarded the PBA Rookie of the Year for the 2016-2017 PBA season, led the five newcomers in the All-Rookie squad.
Together with Pogoy in the rookie squad were Matthew Wright of Phoenix Fuel Masters, Jiovani Jalalon of Magnolia Hotshots, Kevin Ferrer of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, and Reden Celda of Kia Picanto.
The awarding was held at the Gloria Maris restaurant at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City on Nov. 30.
Kelly Williams was named the William “Bogs” Adornado Comeback Player of the Year after posting impressive numbers for KaTropa last season despite coming from an injury.
San Miguel Beermen’s Chris Ross was the recipient of the Mighty Sports Defensive Player of the Year award for the second straight time while Jalalon had his second award as Mr. Quality Minutes.
Beermen head coach Leovino Austria received his third consecutive Virgilio Dalupan Coach of the Year trophy while San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang was the Danny Floro Executive of the Year awardee.
Kings’ LA Tenorio received the Accel Order of Merit Award for being the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week four times for the entire duration of the 2016-2017 season.
Named as part of the All-Interview Team were Tenorio, Hotshots’ Jean Marc Pingris, KaTropa’s Jayson Castro, Meralco Bolts’ Ranidel de Ocampo, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Beau Belga, and Kings head coach Tim Cone./PN
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