Call it an uphill climb.

That’s how Cecil Mamiit describes the Filipinos’ bid in the Southeast Asian Games, with rules changes and host Thailand coming off successful campaigns abroad proving to be key factors in the Philippine campaign.

“We’re sad because were limited to play in two events only. It gives us a slim chance to retain the overall title,” Mamiit, the defending SEA Games singles champion who arrived in Manila Friday night from Los Angeles, said.

The Filipinos scored three gold medals in the 2005 SEA Games in Manila. Then, players could participate in an unlimited number of events.

“We’re good for only one or two gold medals. The rules do not favor us. That’s why we can’t promise that we will match or surpass our last performance in 2005,” coach Chris Cuarto added.

Mamiit also said he will have his hands full against Asian Games champion Danai Udomchoke. Mamiit defeated Udomchoke in 2005 to win one of two SEA Games gold medals.

“I am at a very high level right now,” Mamiit said. “I am out to make a statement once again and I am in good shape.”

I know it’s hard to win the gold medal in the singles because Udomchoke is doing very well and we will play in his home court,” added Mamiit, the world No. 520 who facilitated a half-day tennis clinic yesterday.

Udomchoke’s gold medal and two other medals in the Asiad are proof Thailand will be a tough foe.

Cuarto, whose team is ranked No. 3 going to the regional meet behind top-seeded Thailand and No. 2 Indonesia, said Mamiit “is in good shape”.

“[Cecil] competed in three Asian Circuits few months ago and I believe he is in good shape. I haven’t talked to Eric [Taino] yet, but I am confident they are ready for the challenge,” said Cuarto.

Besides his stint in singles play, Mamiit will join forces with Taino in doubles action. Taino is also being considered to play in mixed doubles. Taino and Riza Zalameda won the gold in the 2005 SEA Games.

Although Taino was out of the ATP rankings this year for failing to participate in any competition, Cuarto is confident that Taino will deliver in the biennial meet.

“We were relegated to No. 3 because Cecil is the lone local player who have world ranking,” explained Cuarto.

Besides Mamiit and Taino, Davis Cup teammates Johnny Arcilla and PJ Tierro are on the four-man squad. They will leave for Thailand on December 4.

The RP quartet is the reigning titlists in team competition.

Status Affirmed

The country’s only superstar boxer from General Santos City has the glam and the gold.

But the other rising fighter from GenSan has the goods.

Victory step back in the right direction for Boom-Boom

Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista showed composure and maturity in and out of the ring as he successfully defended his regional crown by decisioning Antonio “Barrio” Meza of Mexico yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

For three quarters, the Air21 Express played as cold as the chilly December breeze but warmed up just in time to pull off an 88-80 victory over the shorthanded Welcoat Dragons last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) intends to amend its constitution to conform with that of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

New rules, seasoned hosts to hamper RP tennis campaign

Call it an uphill climb.

That’s how Cecil Mamiit describes the Filipinos’ bid in the Southeast Asian Games, with rules changes and host Thailand coming off successful campaigns abroad proving to be key factors in the Philippine campaign.

Fil-Am golf returns to action today

AT least 350 players from different teams are competing in the Am division Flights B, C and D as action resumes today in the Fil-Am Golf Championships at the Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club courses in Baguio City.

Unibikers get bonus

Marlon Caspillo blasted a two-run home run in a six-run fourth inning and the Dumaguete Unibikers clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the division playoffs by routing Forward Taguig, 13-6, in the Baseball Philippines Series Two yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Ballpark.

Bleachers’ Brew: A Red Card for Football

I’m all for unification and transparency,” said Mari Martinez in the Philippine Sportswriters’ Association Forum last week, where he was formally introduced as the heir to Johnny Romualdez as president of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).