Tag: betting bonus

Raducanu ‘stands by decision’ ending Murray’s Wimbledon career

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Britain’s Emma Raducanu reacts during her match against New Zealand’s Lulu Sun during their women’s singles fourth round tennis match on the seventh day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 7, 2024. Sun won the match 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

Emma Raducanu defended her controversial decision which ended Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career by withdrawing from their mixed doubles match on the eve of her fourth round singles defeat against Lulu Sun.

Raducanu was scheduled to play with former Wimbledon champion Murray on Saturday, but opted to pull out of the tie due to a stiff wrist.

The 2021 US Open champion wanted to avoid aggravating the problem prior to Sunday’s 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 loss to New Zealand qualifier Sun on Centre Court.

READ: End of an era as Andy Murray withdraws from Wimbledon singles

But the move provoked criticism as it shattered Murray’s hopes of one last appearance at the All England Club.

The two-time Wimbledon champion was unable to play the men’s singles as he was not fully recovered from surgery on spinal cyst, while he lost in the first round of the men’s doubles alongside brother Jamie.

Murray was said to be disappointed by Raducanu’s withdrawal, while the former world number one’s mother Judy described the move as “astonishing” on X, although she later claimed she was being sarcastic and understood the 21-year-old’s decision.

Asked if she regretted the move that ruined Murray’s Wimbledon farewell, Raducanu said: “Yesterday morning I just woke up with stiffness. I have to prioritise myself, my singles and my body.

“Of course, I didn’t want to take his last match away from him. But at the end of the day I think a lot of the players in a similar situation would have done the same thing, prioritising their body.

“I stand by the decision. Yeah, obviously it was a tough decision, though.”

Murray is now set to play for the last time in his career at the Paris Olympics, which start in later in July.

‘Put myself first’

“People are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud around the decision,” she said.

“I think in this sport especially, as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritise yourself. Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.

“Obviously disappointed because it’s his last match. But, yeah, what a champion. I think that hopefully he’ll play in the Olympics and have another farewell there.”

READ: Emma Raducanu confident she can return to top

Responding to Murray’s mother, Raducanu added: “I haven’t seen her reaction, so I don’t know. Was she sarcastic? I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”

Raducanu had come into Wimbledon in good form after a dismal period since her fairytale triumph as an 18-year-old at the US Open.

But she still needed a wildcard to enter the singles after falling out of the top 100, making it hard for her to imagine the eventual schedule conflict between the singles and mixed doubles.

“I think going into the tournament, I wasn’t expecting to make fourth round. So for me it was a no-brainer. I would have loved to have played with him,” she said.

“He didn’t ask me, If you’re still in the singles, are you going to play? That was never a question to be answered.”

Ironically, Raducanu was troubled by other injuries in her loss to Sun, as back and ankle problems played a role in her last 16 exit.

Despite the frustrating end to her Wimbledon run, Raducanu has finally rediscovered her passion for the sport.

“Honestly, it just makes me more determined. I think I really put myself first in the last few weeks. Tennis is the only thing that is really occupying my time, my mind. It’s all I want to do really,” she said.



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“I think that desire and fire is back. I just want to keep building on that.”

Novak Djokovic ready for Wimbledon ‘fireworks’

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Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts as he plays against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin during their men’s singles tennis match on the sixth day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 6, 2024. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic has his sights set on reaching a seventh successive Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday.

Diminutive giant-killer Yulia Putintseva will target another upset against former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, while lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard aims to make more Wimbledon history.

AFP Sport looks at three fourth-round matches to watch on the eighth day of action at the All England Club:

READ: Djokovic battles to save legacy of Wimbledon’s golden generation

Djokovic on song in title charge

Novak Djokovic has hit all the right notes in the opening rounds of his bid for Wimbledon history, but the Serb can’t afford an off-key moment in his tricky last 16 test against “spectacular” Holger Rune.

Chasing a record-equalling eighth title at the All England Club and 25th Grand Slam crown, Djokovic beat Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) on Saturday to reach the Wimbledon fourth round for the 16th time.

Still sporting a knee support on his right leg following surgery in June, Djokovic also showed the more playful side of his polarising personality after he subdued the gritty Popyrin.

The Serb, who last won Wimbledon in 2022, mimed playing a violin as he stood on Centre Court in a gesture apparently aimed at his daughter, who has recently started playing the instrument.

READ: Djokovic to play at Paris Olympics, says Serbia

Djokovic will have to stay on song against Rune after the Danish 15th seed mounted an impressive third-round comeback, prevailing over Frenchman Quentin Halys in five sets having trailed by two.

“He looks to me a player that is ready for big things. He’s a spectacular player, no doubt. He’s a very tricky opponent,” Djokovic said.

“When it comes to competing, obviously we both have that fire. I’m sure on Monday we’ll see a lot of fireworks on the court.”

Putintseva set for Ostapenko battle

After ousting world number one Iga Swiatek in the third round, Yulia Putintseva is steeled for another potentially explosive clash when she faces Jelena Ostapenko for a place in the last eight.

The world number 35 fought back to stun Swiatek 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 and end the Polish star’s 21-match winning streak on Saturday.

Putintseva’s victory continued a superb grass-court season for the 29-year-old who won the Birmingham Classic last month.

The Russia-born Kazakhstani has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and US Open, but had never been beyond the second round at Wimbledon.

“Last year I won no matches on grass. I mean, entering a tournament like Wimbledon, when you have five consecutive wins on grass, it’s pretty good. You feel this surface much better,” Putintseva said.

Putintseva will face the equally emotional Ostapenko next after the Latvian 13th seed’s 6-1, 6-3 win over Bernarda Pera.

Ostapenko won the French Open in 2017 and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals a year later, but has struggled to hit those heights since then.

Aces high for Mpetshi Perricard

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard thought his Wimbledon campaign was over two weeks ago, but the big-serving Frenchman is now within touching distance of the quarter-finals.

Mpetshi Perricard, who stands a towering 2.03m (6ft 8ins) lost in the final round of qualifying to Maxime Janvier last Thursday.

But the 20-year-old was reprieved when he got the call to replace injured Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the main draw.

Capitalizing on his unexpected opportunity, Mpetshi Perricard defeated Emil Ruusuvuori 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-/5), 6-4 on Saturday to become the first lucky loser to make the Wimbledon last 16 since Dick Norman in 1995.

Fuelled by his mammoth serve — which has produced 105 aces so far in the tournament — Mpetshi Perricard faces Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti as he aims to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

That would be the perfect birthday present for the rising star, who turns 21 on Monday.



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“I’m very proud of myself. How far can I go? I don’t know. I’m just focused on the next one,” he said.

Nimes camp set up for six PH para bets to train, taper off

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The Philippine contingent for the Paralympic Games in Paris starting Aug. 28 will have a considerable period to get acclimatized as they set up camp in Nimes, France, two weeks before the opening ceremonies.

The 10-day stay at a sports facility in the southern French city serves not only as their tapering period but the opportunity to shake off the jet lag due to a long flight from Manila.

Delegation officials will also make sure that all six bets that will see action in swimming, athletics, archery and taekwondo will be properly fed and would not need to make adjustments to their eating habits.

“I was told that rice is available in Asian stores, so we will cook our meals,’’ said swimming coach Tony Ong. “This is very important, because we need to make sure our athletes eat there properly.’’

Rice is not popular in French cuisine which is made up mostly of baguettes and croissants as sources of carbohydrates.

Para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom will leave for Nimes on Aug. 11 and enter the Paralympic Village in Paris on Aug. 21 along with thrower Cendy Asusano, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, taekwondo’s Allain Ganapin and archer Agustina Bantiloc.

Originally, a monthlong training camp for the para athletes was initially discussed, but they instead preferred to do a shorter camp for tapering—the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition. INQ



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One-armed wonder Necky Tortosa chases JPGT finals slot

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Necky Tortosa. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Growing up in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, Necky Tortosa found herself naturally gravitating towards golf. It’s no surprise given that her hometown is not only host to the country’s first golf club but also boasts the oldest existing golf course in Southeast Asia.

However, unlike many of her peers who might have chosen football, Tortosa fell in love with the sport of golf from a young age.

What sets Tortosa apart from other golfers is not just her passion for the game, but her remarkable story of overcoming a significant physical challenge.

READ: Sarines siblings sweep JPGT 11-14 crowns at Pinewoods

Born with only one arm, Tortosa has never let this handicap deter her from pursuing her love for golf. Instead, she embraced the sport with unwavering determination, competing fiercely against able-bodied golfers.

A senior at Santa Barbara National Comprehensive High School, Tortosa’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. She has expressed her determination and excitement about participating in the Junior Philippine Golf Tour, aiming to earn a spot in the national Match Play finals.

“I really wanted to play golf. Kahit ganito ako, kaya ko pa din maglaro (Even with my disability, I know that I can still play). I was really excited when I learned that the JPGT will hold a tournament in Iloilo. So, I trained and practiced hard,” said Tortosa.

Necky Tortosa golf

Necky Tortosa. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Her hard work paid off as she set a strong pace in the early stages of the 72-hole tournament in Iloilo, igniting hopes for a heartwarming success story. However, her friend and fellow Santa Barbara native, Rhiena Sinfuego, eventually took control midway through the day – all the way to the finish.

But Tortosa’s runner-up finish in the girls’ 16-18 category did not go unnoticed. Her performance left a significant impact on the tournament, showcasing her guts, determination and resolve.

READ: Lee, Suzuki rule premier JPGT divisions Pradera Verde

She wound up fourth in the Visayas Series 2 in Murcia, Binitin then posted another runner-up finish in Negros Occidental.

Despite yielding the two Match Play slots to Dominique Gotiong and Sinfuego, Tortosa remains resolute in her pursuit of competing in the national finals. Supported by well-meaning sponsors, she has registered for the Luzon Series 4, which gets going tomorrow (Tuesday, July 9) at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite.

Tortosa will add excitement to the premier division, which features a competitive lineup headed by Pinewoods leg winner Rafa Anciano, Chloe Rada, Gabriela Sison and Casey Frankum.

Tortosa’s journey is not just about her skill on the golf course; it is a testament to her character and spirit. Her faith in God and belief in herself have propelled her to achieve remarkable feats, inspiring many along the way.



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Her story serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies in the heart and mind and her unwavering commitment to her passion, despite the odds, makes her not only a remarkable athlete but also an inspirational figure in the world of sports.

Gilas’ Justin Brownlee savors first Fiba OQT experience

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Gilas Pilipinas forward Justin Brownlee during a game against Brazil in the Fiba OQT semifinal in Riga, Latvia.–FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas may not have punched its ticket to the Paris Olympics after bowing out of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament semifinal at the hands of Brazil but Justin Brownlee still took something positive at the end of their campaign.

After all, the experience allowed Brownlee to test his mettle against some of the world’s best teams in his first time playing in the OQT. And that alone was a reason for the naturalized forward to be proud of.

“I haven’t had too many opportunities like this. This is actually my first opportunity as far as playing in the Olympic Qualifiers. As a team, we’re going to just take these experiences and just try to move forward and get better,” Brownlee said in an interview with BasketNews.

READ: Tim Cone on Gilas’ Fiba OQT campaign: Now we know we can compete

“Coming in and playing in hostile environments, playing against Latvia, was a great experience with their crowd and how they are supporting their team.”

Facing a tall order heading into the qualifiers, Gilas–led by Brownlee–came just two wins short of fulfilling its Olympic dream after losing to Brazil, 71-60, at Arena Riga in Latvia Saturday night (Manila time).

Brownlee tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and a block to lead Gilas against Brazil, which had to overcome an early double-digit deficit.

The 36-year-old Brownlee ended his OQT stint as the leading scorer in Group A, averaging 23 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists. His best game came against world No. 6 Latvia, powering Gilas’ impressive 89-80 victory with 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

READ: NBA teams that passed up on Brownlee have given PH valuable gift

But as Gilas’ naturalized player, Brownlee couldn’t avoid being compared to Jordan Clarkson, who played the same role as the longtime Ginebra import back by reinforcing the Philippine team in the Fiba World Cup in Manila.

The comparisons to the NBA star, however, don’t seem to bother Brownlee.

“I just try to play my game,” said a confident Brownlee.

“Clarkson is an incredible player; he’s killing [it] in the NBA. I’ve been a fan of him. I’ve seen him in the World Cup games. He’s an incredible player, but me myself, I just try to play my game and try to do the best I can.”



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Now we know we can compete

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Coach Tim Cone and Gilas Pilipinas ends its Fiba OQT campaign with their heads held high despite falling short of advancing to the final. –FIBA PHOTO

Still reeling from Gilas Pilipinas’ loss to Brazil that ended the Nationals’ bid to make the Paris Olympics, national coach Tim Cone on Saturday said there is still something pleasant to take away from the campaign.

“It’s hard to talk about this after you lose but it’s a growth experience for us,” Cone said on the heels of a 71-60 defeat at the hands of the World No. 12 Brazil in the semifinal of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Arena Riga.

“It’s, kinda like a ‘now we know’ moment, ‘Now we know we can compete. So now, how [do] we get that next step in so we can get a little better—and not just compete, but win?”

HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas Pilipinas vs Brazil Fiba OQT semifinals July 6

Like many in the Gilas Pilipinas’ quarters, Cone believes that the Riga campaign replenished the program’s belief in itself.

In just the past week, the Philippines toppled World No. 6 Latvia on its home turf and less than 24 hours after that threatened a tall, No. 23-ranked Georgian team that was fighting for life.

Gilas Pilipinas Fiba OQT run Paris Olympics Brazil in the semifinals Tim Cone

Gilas Pilipinas ends it Fiba OQT run and dreams of making it to the Paris Olympics with a loss to Brazil in the semifinals. –FIBA PHOTO

More than the tactical lessons, it’s the confidence manufactured off those games that will spur Gilas Pilipinasas it turns its sights on the next dream in Qatar where the next Fiba World Cup will be played and berths to the Los Angeles Olympics will be dangled.

“Playing this kind of tournament, where you’re playing 3 games in 4 days, it just gets harder and harder every game. These are things that we’ll need to adjust to,” Cone said.

READ: Gilas win over Latvia puts spotlight on Tim Cone’s triangle offense

“We didn’t expect to be here but once we’re here, we expected to win. It’s an incredible disappointment for us and we’re not going to jump up and down and say, ‘Yay, we did our thing and everybody was proud of us.’ Hopefully, that doesn’t get into our mindset,” he added.

“We need to keep pushing and moving forward, getting better.”



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Luka’s Slovenia, Giannis’ Greece meet in KO duel

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FILE–Slovenia’s Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks embrace after the game at American Airlines Center on February 03, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. The two international superstars meet again, this time in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Sam Hodde/Getty Images/AFP

Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have faced off nine times in their NBA careers, and those games have never disappointed.

They go head-to-head again Saturday — but like never before.

Doncic and Slovenia will play Antetokounmpo and Greece in one of the eight semifinal games of the Olympic qualifying tournaments that are taking place to determine the last four berths in the men’s basketball field for the Paris Games. The game in Piraeus, Greece, is the first time the two megastars will face one another while representing their senior national teams.

READ: Fiba OQT: Doncic, Antetokounmpo shoot for last shot at Paris Olympics

“We’re looking forward to this,” Slovenia coach Aleksander Sekulic said.

The last time Doncic and Antetokounmpo played head-to-head was Feb. 3, when Antetokounmpo scored 48 points for Milwaukee, Doncic finished with 40 for Dallas, and the Bucks prevailed 129-117.

It was the seventh consecutive time in a Luka vs. Giannis matchup that both played and finished with at least 27 points. Antetokounmpo has scored at least 28 in all nine of his outings against Dallas when Doncic plays.

“Both teams have the same goal,” Sekulic said. “Of course, the home team is the favorite. But I think we can also go into this game knowing we have chances to win. As I always say, you’ve got to show it on the court.”

The game is also a chance for Doncic to play against a team coached by one of his heroes. He has called Greece coach Vasilis Spanoulis one of his idols; Doncic wears jersey No. 77 now because Spanoulis wore No. 7 as a player.

READ: Wembanyama steals show for France in Paris Olympics warmup

“He just showed a lot of players how to play basketball,” Doncic said.

The winner of the Greece-Slovenia game takes on either Croatia or the Dominican Republic in Sunday’s tournament final, with the Paris Olympics berth going to the winner.

A look at the other semifinal matchups, broken down by site:

Riga, Latvia

The matchups: Latvia vs. Cameroon, Brazil vs. Philippines.

Outlook: All six teams in the Latvia qualifier went 1-1 in group play. Montenegro and Georgia were eliminated before the semifinals because of the point differential tiebreaker. Brazil last made the Olympics in 2016, the Philippines last made it in 1972, Latvia’s last appearance was 1936, and Cameroon has never reached the Olympic stage in men’s basketball.

Quotable: “We’re very process-driven. You know, we want to just stay on what’s right in front of us. We don’t want to look at the end game and think, ‘Wow, what happens if we can make it to Paris?’ Obviously, the country would go bonkers. They would go absolutely crazy. But you know, that’s a long way away.” — Philippines coach Tim Cone.

Valencia, Spain

The matchups: Spain vs. Finland, Bahamas vs. Lebanon.

Outlook: Spain and Bahamas went 2-0 in group play and would seem favored to advance to Sunday. Spain is seeking a seventh consecutive Olympic berth. Finland hasn’t gotten there since 1964, while Lebanon and the Bahamas have never qualified. But the Bahamas — with NBA players Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon leading the way — has easily its best shot.

Quotable: “The chance to play in an Olympics would be a dream come true.” — Hield.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The matchups: Puerto Rico vs. Mexico, Italy vs. Lithuania.

Outlook: These four nations have a combined 34 past Olympic appearances, and this one might be the most unpredictable bracket left. Puerto Rico hasn’t qualified since 2004 and the home-court edge could be the deciding factor; seven of its last eight games with Mexico have been decided by 10 points or less. Italy and Lithuania haven’t met at the senior national level since 2019.



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Quotable: “We’ve had a rivalry for a lot of years and we have to know this team of Mexico maybe doesn’t have the big names, but they have warriors.” — Puerto Rico coach Nelson Colon.

Ryan Garcia expelled by WBC after racial slurs in livestream

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FILE – Super lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia speaks during a news conference at the MGM Grand hotel-casino Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Las Vegas. He was expelled by the WBC  on Thursday after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP, File)

Ryan Garcia was expelled by the World Boxing Council on Thursday after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty against Garcia on the social media platform X.

“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization,” Sulaiman posted. “We reject any form of discrimination.”

READ: Ryan Garcia suspended for a year; win over Haney ruled no-contest

Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X.

“I was trolling I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”

An attorney representing Garcia did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

He was also arrested on felony vandalism charges last month for reportedly causing around $15,000 worth of damage at a hotel in Beverly Hills.

The boxer also mocked George Floyd, the African-American man murdered by police in Minneapolis in 2020 whose death sparked worldwide protests. –With reports from Agence France-Presse



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Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

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 FIVB Challenger Cup 2024 schedule of games July 5

Ninoy Aquino Stadium

3pm –  Czechia Republic vs Argentina
6:30pm – Philippines vs Vietnam

SCHEDULE OF PH GAMES HERE.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

Jema Galanza with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Cherry Nunag and Dell Palomata. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After initially being listed as libero, Jema Galanza is back to her original position as an outside spiker in the FIVB Challenger Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Two days before their knockout game against AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito said that Galanza will no longer have to play as libero following a minor foot injury during their preparation.

“She is [doing] better and she’s ok. She will be a regular player,” De Brito told Inquirer Sports. FULL STORY

Missing players, reassigned roles hit Alas Pilipinas with reality check

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Coming off the high of a historic achievement, Alas Pilipinas is beginning to feel some of the problems of maintaining a high-profile national pool.

Luckily, the women’s program has a few reinforcements coming its way.

National University (NU) ace and UAAP two-time MVP Bella Belen and multi awarded spiker Jema Galanza will bolster Alas Pilipinas when it takes on Vietnam on Thursday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. FULL STORY

After VNL success, PH plays host anew as Challenger Cup fires off

Team USA vs Japan Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 Filipino crowd

FILE–A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines looks to continue its string of successful hosting gigs with the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) for Women from Thursday to Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Behind the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the country will be hosting a third straight international competition this year with the VCC, which serves as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League.

Alas Pilipinas will see action in the VCC when it clashes with Vietnam in a knockout game on Friday at 6:30 p.m. following the 3 p.m. match between Argentina and the Czech Republic. FULL STORY



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Gilas books OQT semis spot despite close loss to Georgia

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Kai Sotto. Photo: FIBA

It took just eight months for Gilas Pilipinas to add another compelling chapter to this basketball-crazed country’s rich history.

In less than 24 hours, the team made sure to keep adding to the story.

The Philippines unearthed a semifinal spot in defeat after a 96-94 loss to Georgia late Thursday evening extended its run in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Latvia.

After winning the Asian Games gold for the first time in six decades last October, Gilas Pilipinas notched a milestone with an 89-80 victory over world No. 6 and host Latvia in a Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) early Thursday morning, marking the first time the country defeated a European squad in 64 years. But as national coach Tim Cone insisted, the Philippines is in Riga, the Latvian capital, not just for the footnotes.

“[W]e’re not here to just win one game,” he said after the win over Latvia.

The Filipinos, indeed, nearly made it two-in-a-row against European countries. They battled back from a 20-point deficit and took leads late in the game before yielding to the No. 23-ranked country in the Fiba ladder. Still, the world No. 37 shut the door on Georgia as it carried—and eventually protected—a plus-18 quotient that ushered the Philippines to the semifinals and within two wins of a spot in the Paris Olympics.

“We really want to try and get to the finals and see what would happen if we get to the finals. That’s really the goal,” Cone said. The Philippines hasn’t played Olympic basketball since the Munich edition of the Summer Games in 1972. Twelve years before that last appearance, the Filipinos scored an 84-82 victory over Spain in the preliminary round of basketball competitions in the Rome Olympiad.

Brownlee shines anew

The Philippines had not beaten a European team since then, until Thursday’s wire-to-wire conquest of the Latvians. And Cone said his charges were hell-bent on making sure that win won’t be the highlight of this tournament.

Justin Brownlee had 28 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead Gilas again against Georgia at Arena Riga.

Dwight Ramos and CJ Perez chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively.

The Georgians, anchored by NBA big men Sandro Mamukelashvili and Goga Bitadze, looked on track for a final four berth thanks to a blistering start built on pinpoint shooting.

But they fumbled their chance in the third period when they had little answers against cutthroat fightback led by Perez and youngster Carl Tamayo, who chipped in seven in the surge. Gilas managed to do well despite not having Kai Sotto, who hurt his right rib in the first half, and will now move to face either Brazil or Cameroon in the semifinals. Sotto was crucial in that huge upset of Latvia, scoring 18 points.



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Georgia found itself in a bind even before the clash against the Philippines, needing to beat Gilas by 19 or more following an 83-55 massacre at the hands of Latvia two days ago.