HARRY Tañamor not only is one of the favorites by observers to win the gold medal for the Philippines, but by oddsmakers in the sports betting industry, as well.

A look at betting web sites suggested that Tañamor, the lone Filipino boxing bet in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is one of the top boxers punters feel could win the gold medal.

Tañamor is a 9-to-1 favorite by some United Kingdom-based sports betting web sites like 888sport and BlueSq, meaning for every one pound bet, the bettor will get nine pounds if the Filipino wins.

But if bettors were to follow, China’s Zou Shiming will win the light-flyweight gold medal as 888sport and BlueSq called it 1-to-3 on the world champion.

Another contender, David Aryapetyan of Russia, is also at 9-to-1 in 888sport and BlueSq and a 13-to-2 favorite in Centrebet.

Bettors have also lined up for the Olympics for feats that range from which country will win the most gold medals in Beijing to how many gold medals American swimmer Michael Phelps will win.

Walsh, ‘Hidy’ debut

BEIJING—James “JB” Walsh plunges into the pool and Hidilyn Diaz struts her young muscles in the weightlifting stage Monday. Neither, however, has a Chinaman’s chance at a medal.

President visits RP quarters, watches archer Javier

BEIJING—President Arroyo seems to be enjoying herself in her first Olympics.

Ang is dead last, eyes return in 2012

BEIJING—Team Philippines found Day Three a sad, forgettable one as shooter Eric Ang finished last in the individual trap event of the 29th Olympic Games shooting competitions on a rainy Sunday.

Slash in budget worries Ramirez

BEIJING—Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez is worried the country’s Olympic program beyond Beijing would slow down to a turtle’s pace, or worse, to a halt.

Punters have Tañamor at 9-to-1 odds to win boxing gold

HARRY Tañamor not only is one of the favorites by observers to win the gold medal for the Philippines, but by oddsmakers in the sports betting industry, as well.

1 down, 7 to go

BEIJING—Michael Phelps jumped off the starting blocks and started his race to history Sunday, winning the 400 individual medley (IM) for the first of his possible eight gold medals.

Archers whip Maroons

DE LA Salle University shrugged off a slow first half to defeat University of the Philippines, 81-61, Sunday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 71 men’s basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena.

Bleachers’ Brew: The Flight of the Falcons

THEIR only championship of 1978 under Hector Calma was so long ago for many it might as well have been nonexistent. Some may remember those steady shooting days of Louie Alas and when Joey Valdez was their top flight center.