WILL behemoth Sam Deguara end up playing for Titan Ultra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup?
Sources told SPIN.ph the management of the Giant Risers have inquired about the 7-foot-6 Deguara to the Zamboanga Valientes, where the native of Pieta, Malta is currently playing in the 35th Dubai International basketball championship.
The mid-season conference has a no height limit among imports.
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“Nag-inquire sila (Titan) sa amin about Deguara. Balak yata nila kunin as import,” said a source privy to the talk.
If ever, Deguara could become the tallest import to see action in the PBA. Previously, that record belonged to 7-foot-3 Puerto Rican PJ Ramos, who suited up for the KIA franchise during the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.
But there could be a hitch.
Deguara also plays for the Macau Black Bears in the EASL. Although the team is no longer in contention for a berth in the playoffs as the team finished its campaign with a 0-6 record, the Black Bears are set to see action as guest team in the Commissioner’s Cup.
If that stint pushes through, Deguara could be tapped by the Chinese basketball squad to reinforce its campaign in Asia’s first-ever professional league. - Gerry Ramos
Hottest tickets in town
Expect no less than a sellout crowd at the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open especially in the matches featuring Filipina tennis superstar Alex Eala.
Sources said tickets have been sold out for the final two days of the competition on Friday and Saturday, with fans obviously anticipating a finals appearance for Eala in the maiden edition of the tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Tickets have been on sale for quite some time now but sources said tickets started to sell like pancakes immediately after Eala exited the Australian Open following a loss to Alycia Parks in the first round of the women’s singles and her doubles defeat with Ingrid Martins against Shuko Aoyama and Magda Linette.
Her ouster meant that Eala is already assured to compete for the WTA 125 event in the Philippines.
VIPs from the government and private sector have been invited to watch the tournament. Tickets are still available for the first four days of the tournament.
Fans are definitely hoping that Eala would eventually bag the title on home soil. - Reuben Terrado
A WTA 250 tournament next for Manila?
This early, Philippine Sports Commission chairman (PSC) Patrick Gregorio wants a WTA 250 in the country.
This was mentioned by Gregorio during the welcome dinner last Sunday for the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, whose main draw starts on Monday.
During his speech, Gregorio indicated that other countries have multiple WTA events of different levels, and the Philippines can also host multiple events following the success of Alex Eala.
Gregorio mentioned that a WTA 125 event can be held in Cebu, while a WTA 250 can be staged in Manila.
A WTA 250 event means higher-ranked players participating, higher ranking points at stake, and, of course, higher prize money. - Reuben Terrado
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