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.

But all eyes will be focused Wednesday on newcomer Club Marinduque, which is composed of Tommy Manotoc and members of former defending champion Nike. Club Marinduque  looks prime to start a new title run against Manila Southwoods.

Manotoc, 58, said Sunday that he may likely join Club Marinduque.  However, Fil-Am officials have yet to confirm this.  The former professional basketball coach earlier declared that he will be a nonplaying skipper.

If Manotoc, a 16-time individual champion in Fil-Am play, decides to skip the competition, Club Marinduque will parade Paul Echavez, Mario Labajo, Peter Villaver, Jerson Balasabas and Rufino Bayron for the ‘Fil’ championship division while its Am squad will have Dave Hernandez, Rannie Boy Gilon, Joseph Labajo, Ryan Lam and John Tambugon.

Originally, Mark Fernando’s name was included on the list but was dropped because he will head to the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

As this developed, Manotoc is thinking of taking Fernando’s place in the tournament presented by Mazda Philippines, Club Car, Wilson Sports, Royal Caribbean International, Eva Airways, El Nido Resorts and My Phone.

Fil-Am golf is again offering a brand-new Mazda 3 sedan and a golf cart for the ace makers.

Last week, two players have already assured them to vie for the new car when they aced the 16th hole of the BCC. Lawyer Mel Malabanan and Elpidio Ong were the lucky ace makers at the 16th hole and now will decide for themselves who will get the car. 

U-Bix, San Miguel Corp., The Travel Club, Inquirer Golf, Golforce,  MRT, APGC, CJH Manor, CJH DevCo, FMMI, Club Elite, Starbucks, ABWealth, Mead Johnson, Sustagen Premium, Gilligan’s, University of Baguio, Sitel , University of Baguio, Ottica Eyewear, Le Chef and Texas Instruments are sponsors.

Meanwhile, the ceremonial tee-off was held at both clubs with Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan, Fil-Am co-chairmen Anthony de Leon and Jeric Hechanova doing the honors to start the regular Fil-Am tournament which ends Saturday.

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).