Jack 'Assassin' Asis, light-welterweight boxing champion of Australia. Photo: LUKE FUDA of the MACARTHUR ADVERTISER

Two Australian-based Filipino fighters take on Thai opponents in Toowoomba, Queensland, on Saturday, March 3, according to their trainer Todd Makelim this week.

Jack ‘The Assassin’ Asis, a natural featherweight who became Australian light-welterweight champion in August 2011, faces a Thai slugger with 22 wins (20 by knockout) simply called King Kong, in a six-round tune-up before heading to the USA for bigger stakes.

Light-welterweight Cesar Amonsoc, fresh from a campaign in Las Vegas, will be matched against a second Thai for another six-rounder.

”I have some offers to take Jack to the United States this year,” Makelim said. ”Promoters up there have expressed interest in him, and that’s what he needs. Local fighters here are shying away from him.”

The latest addition of Makelim’s boxing stable at Campbelltown in Sydney’s southwest is rugged lightweight Joel de la Cruz, who scored an impressive unanimous decision over 10 rounds to take the IBO Asia-Pacific championship from Australia’s Ryan Langam on the Gold Coast.

”Joel put Ryan on the canvas three times,” Makelim said. ”Ryan had come to the fight with an impressive record of 15 wins and only two losses.

”The local crowd up in Queensland was actually cheering for Joel toward the end of the match. What a performance for a new arrival.”

Ranee Ganoy (left) connects early in the 8-rounder. // Photo: Werner Kalin

His opponent, Roy Tua Manihuruk of Indonesia, practically gave Ganoy a run for his money, with Ganoy getting a serious cut in round 4 on an accidental head clash. The gash over Ganoy’s eye took 12 stitches to close and stop the bleeding.

Here is how the corner of Ganoy described the fight:

“The fight was back and forth throughout. Ganoy opened proceedings really well and took the 1st and 2nd rds. The jab was working really well for Ganoy and he was getting his shots off nicely.

“However Manihuruk upped tempo in the 3rd clearly winning. Rds 4 and 5 were simply put, both fighters declaring one another on and not an inch given by either fighter trading power punches.

“Manihuruk held rd 4 with Ganoy taking rd 5. To make matters worse, an accidental head clash in rd 4 didn’t help proceedings with Ganoy obtaining quite a nasty gash opening vertically above his right eye, up onto his forehead.

” Going into the 6th rd, Manihuruk sensed he had Ganoy for the taking as Ranee quite literally gassed, his legs wobbling and was still groggy on his feet from the earlier head clash and went after Ganoy with all he could muster.

“Out on his feet from the ferocious trades of punches, it was Ganoy’s world-class chin, will and experience that pulled him through. Those same attributes came to the fore coming out for the 7th rd when Ganoy re-balanced and re-focused himself and knocked the game Manihuruk to the canvas with a beautiful right-hand, Manihuruk himself now lucky to survive the ten count and Ganoy winning the rd 10-8 comfortably, thus swinging the momentum firmly back in his favour.

“The 8th rd was the Ganoy class fans have come to expect and he closed the show, raining down shots on the brave Manihuruk for a convincing win.

“The judges’ scorecards were 78-74, 79-72, 78-73 – all in Ganoy’s favour.”

Ganoy now has 32 wins, 28 of those by KO.

Jimmy Pimentel (with head gear) and Father Dave last Sunday, November 20 // Photo: Bailey Pimentel

The boxing marathon (‘boxathon’) last Sunday, November 20 at the Holy Trinity Boxing Gym in Dulwich Hill, an innerwest suburb in Sydney, however, is an exception.

There was money for sure in the ‘boxathon’ but it was an event to raise $2,000 for the gym to help street kids and young people who get into trouble.

The boxing extravaganza was ‘hosted’ by Anglican priest Father Dave Smith, a professional boxer, and welfare worker of the church across the gym.

Father Dave committed to box 60 continuous rounds against all comers, with a one-minute rest between rounds.

Donors came to either box a round or two against Father Dave or to simply put their money down for the gym.

Filipino Press Group of Sydney convenor Jimmy Pimentel, 77, an amateur boxing champion in his college days and a supporter of local Filipino boxers, was one of those who traded blows with Father Dave for one three-minute round – and for a cause.

Asked how he would describe his match with Father Dave, Jimmy said: “Although Father Dave is a long-time friend, our one rounder was not a dance routine at all.”

“Father Dave was on his 30th round when I stepped in the ring. It was not a soft round at all. We had pretty good shots to the head and the body. Father Dave found my mid-section more often than not, but I knew he didn’t go full throttle with me otherwise I would have hit the canvass many times. He also knew that I would have difficulty completing the three-minute round, so he asked me during a clinch if I wanted to cut the round short: ‘You wanna stop now?’, he whispered. But I said to him: ‘I’ve got a bit more left. Let’s finish this.’ When the bell rang, my tongue was hanging out like mad and I quickly took my headgear off so I could breathe better.”

Jimmy’s son, Mike, a big fan of Father Dave, also climbed onto the ring for two rounds – exchanging good shots to the body and head with gusto.

Mike Pimentel with Fr Dave (in green shirt) in two rounds //Photo: Bailey Pimentel [click to zoom in]

Will Jimmy step in the ring again with Father Dave or with other boxers?

“For the money, yes,” Jimmy said with a smile, adding: “I boxed for money and earned $30 for our boxing gym. That makes me a pro, doesn’t it? Just kidding. And the money went to a good cause: keeping afloat a boxing gym for street kids.”

Jason Day's photo with his autograph signed on his 24th birthday Nov 12, 2011

It would have been a great birthday present for him had he won on the final day, Sunday. But being tied for fourth place was great for the youngest Fil-Aussie professional golfer, who is currently ranked world’s number 7.

For four days I was there watching Jason and the rest of the big names practicing putting, pitching and driving using short irons to the driver, and during the actual competition. It was really an opportunity to see those international golfing legends assembled there, nine out of 20 of the world’s top best golfers. This will never happen again.

During the first and second rounds, Jason was paired with his idol, Tiger Woods, along with Robert Allenby. He seemed less intimated and very comfortable, had few mistakes, scored a minus-7, and was two strokes behind Woods who led at minus-9.

I tried to get Jason’s autograph before playing on the first day but the caddy-minder said he signed only after the game. But he finished 5:30pm on that day and I was already gone.

On the second round, Jason started early and finished 12:30 noon, and that was the time we had the chance to join the line for his signature. Unfortunately, we were snubbed and he did not sign at all.

It was only after playing good on the third round, finishing at minus-4 that he signed autographs, perhaps because it was his 24th birthday. As he signed his autograph for me, I greeted him: “Happy birthday, Jason, and good luck tomorrow.”

I noticed I was the only one carrying his photo. All the other fans were using caps, balls, club heads and souvenir programs for autographs.

Pogi Golf club members headed by Chris Caraballo (3rd from left - back)

Some of my golfing friends and associates were there mainly to support Jason and to see Tiger. From the Fil-Oz Golf Club we had Carlos Perez, Nick Coronel, Philip Ranoso, Tony Salalila, Tony Vivero and Bernie Balagtas. The Pogi group headed by Chris Caraballo was also there to support Jason.

Personally, the event that happened on the final day was due mainly to “experience” as it was extremely in a very gutsy condition. Jason rallied late on the opening nine to join Chalmers, one of a dynamic series of leaderboard changes and collapses featuring some of the biggest names in golf.

Jason Day's mother, Dening with me

Jason and Greg Chalmers stood firm amid all the drama. They were the only golfers who did not lose five strokes. However, Jason was one of the two top guns who had final score of 2-over-par during the day. This he will charge to experience and perhaps learn not to become too influenced by his frustrations.

By chance, I was able to meet Jason’s mother, Dening, his two sisters and two nephews. Dening was a down-to-earth woman, petite, and would not stand out in the crowd but for a Louis Vuitton bag on her shoulder, which is not common for fans on a golf course.

I asked her if Jason had ever been to the Philippines and she answered: “Hindi, kasi walang pera, eh”.

Then I asked her to pose for a photograph with me.

The Wikipedia recounts Jason Days early life and golfing career as follows:

Jason’s Early Life

Jason was born on November 12, 1987 in Beaudesert, Queensland, to an Australian father Alvin, and Filipino mother Dening from Leyte. He started hitting golf balls when he was six years old at the Beaudesert Golf Club. He was allowed to play only six holes every day. At the age of eight, his family moved to Rockhampton, and during this period Jason started to win events in the surrounding districts.

When Jason was 11, his father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Four months later, Alvin passed away, leaving Jason with his mother and two other children, Yanna and Kim.

Jason took this tragedy very hard, and it showed when his commitment for the sport began to die. As a single mother, Dening sent Jason to Kooralbyn International School, a 30-minute drive south of Beaudesert, where the school had a golf course.

Later he went to Hills International College where it had a golf academy. This move was at the behest of his coach, Col Swatton, who had moved there when Kooralbyn school closed down.

Jason borrowed a book about Tiger Woods from his roommate and was inspired by it to improve his golf by practicing in the early morning, at lunch time, and in the evening.

Jason’s first big win was at the age of 13 at the 2000 Australian Masters Junior event on the Gold Coast.

Jason’s Golfing Career

As an amateur, Jason was twice awarded the Australian Junior Order of Merit. He finished seventh and was leading amateur at the Queensland open. His amateur success extended to the United States where he won the Boys 15-17 division at the 2004 Callaway World Junior Championship and was runner-up in the 2005 Porter cup.

He turned professional in July 2006 after winning the Green Jacket at the NEC Master of the Amateurs and immediately began playing PGA Tour events. He made the cut in five of his first six PGA Tour events as a pro with a best finish of 11th at the Reno-Tahoe Open with official winnings of over $160,000. He entered PGA Tour qualifying or Q-School but was fifteen shots higher than the score needed to qualify.

He was given conditional status on the Nationwide Tour for 2007. He won his first Nationwide Tour event in July 2007 at the Legend Financial Group Classic, becoming the youngest man to win on any of the PGA Tour’s three tours. The win jumped him to eighth on the Nationwide Tour’s money list. He ended up finishing 5th on the money list to earn his PGA Tour card for 2008. A second place finish at the Puerto Rico Open helped his retain his card for 2010, and he finished 69th in the money list.

In May 2010, he became the youngest Australian to win a PGA Tour event, winning the HP Byron Nelson Championship. He gained entry into his first ever major championship at the 2010 Open Championship after Greg Norman withdrew. In August of the same year, he made his first appearance at the PGA Championship where a 66 on Saturday helped him to finish seven under par for the tournament and earn his first top-10 in a major. This was followed by series of top-five finishes at two FedEx Cup playoffs. He ended the 2010 season ranked 21st on the PGA Tour money list.

At the 2011 Masters Tournament, he tied for second with Adam Scott at -12 setting the Masters record for the lowest score by a first time participant. In June 2011, he participated at Congressional for the 2011 US Open, his maiden appearance in the US Open and finishing alone in the second. He shot the equal lowest round of the week on Saturday of 65 to jump up the leaderboard. As a result of his major performances, he moved into the Official World Golf Ranking top 10 for the first time in his career. In July 2011, He rose to world number seven, his highest world ranking position to date.

Jason Day will play at the 2011 Presidents Cup in Melbourne this weekend representing the International team, which includes five Australians, after having earned first in the points standing.

Chris: Your body is your temple...

This is the message that Filipino Wing chun Gold Belt Chris Hoy tells his martial arts students in the newly opened Temple Dogz Gym.

Chris is a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter with 18 years of teaching experience, and co-owner of Temple Dogz Gym. The other gym instructors are also well known Australian martial arts practitioners including Jiu Jitsu Master Mauricio Leao Goncalves, who has 15 years experience in professional competitions; Judo Black Belt Diego Barreto, ranked one of the top 5 Judo fighters in the world and with 20 years experience; and Geoff Watson, three time Oceania Judo champion with 30 years experience.

Mitchell and Oscar in a Balintawak Arnis demo

The Temple Dogz also hosted on Saturday September 17 a demonstration of Balintawak Arnis by Mitchell Badelles and Oscar Mistula who both a combined 20 years experience in FMA and Aikido.

Temple Dogz Gym is located at 173 Power Street, Glendenning.

Photos: The Filipino Australian

Knights Cup Golf champion, Obet Bolina (2nd from right) after receiving his trophies and cash prize from Sir Philip Ranoso (far left) Knight Commander, Sir Ralph Posadas, (2nd from left) Pursuivant and golf tournament chairman, whilst Sir Ric de Vera (far right) Regional Commander for ANZO looks on.

Obet Bolina of Oakhurst took the overall championship title of the 13th Knights Cup golf day held at Fairfield Golf Course on Sunday, July 31, coordinated by the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Sydney Chapter.

Obet scored stunning 49 stableford points using his Fil-Oz handicap of 23 and ran away with $300 plus monumental trophy and the right to engrave his name in the perpetual trophy. “It was just one of those unpredictable days that everything went the right way” said the very happy Obet.

Division winners were Karl Fifita (A Div) for his 45 points, Mannix Gonzales (B Div) for his 48 points and Gert Ebing (C Div) for his 43 points.

Knights Cup Golf Division champions (L-R holding trophies) Gert Ebbing (C Div), Mannix Gonzales (B Div) and Karl Fifita (A Div) after receiving their trophies and cash prizes from Sir Philip Ranoso (far left) Knight Commander. Looking on are Sir Max Encomienda, Sir Boy delos Santos and Sir Ralph Posadas (3rd, 2nd and far right) Committee members.

All division winners received $100 each in cash and trophy. Division runners-up were Carlos Perez for “A” Div (44 points), Chris Sitchon for “B” Div (46 points) and Alex Cruz for “C” Div (42 points). All runners up received $75 each for their 2nd best rank in their respective divisions.

Best lady golfer with score of 40 points using her 13 AGU handicap was Prescila Keogh of Avondale Golf Club. She received $75 and a trophy as her prize. Runner up was Laura Marquinez who scored 37 points using her 36 handicap from Pogi golf.

Feature winners were also given cash prizes of $25 each. These were the nearest the pins on hole no. 1 (Rey Saballa), hole no. 9 (Mark Webb) and hole no. 12 (Mannix Gonzales). Drive & pitch on hole no. 13 was taken by Chris Sitchon and longest drive on hole no. 11 was won by James Fatu.

For the first time, a record number of 62 golfers participated and battled for the cash prizes while enjoying the perfect weather.

Participants were given bottled water and sandwiches at midway courtesy of Francis delos Santos. After the tournament, a sumptuous BBQ lunch of angus beef with various gourmet sausages, buttered rolls, vegetable salads, desserts and soft drinks was served.

During the awards presentation, the golfers were warmly welcomed and sponsors were thanked by Chapter Commander Sir Philip Ranoso.

Ganoy (left) about to drop body shots on Sakaorat. Photo: Louie Rockfingrz Abigail

The fireworks were ready and when the opening bell sounded for round one, the fuse was lit!

World class lightweight, Filipino powerhouse Ranee ‘KO Kid’ Ganoy returned to the ring last Friday night in Melbourne on an exciting Ellis Boxing show dubbed ‘Western Showcase II’.

And the ‘KO Kid’ was back with a bang in a big way.

In a special attraction bout scheduled for 8rds, Ganoy did not show any plan of taking the fight the distance.

He KO’d the internationally credentialed Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat of Thailand, himself a winner of 23 bouts, in round one by way of a brutal body attack which the referee stopped at the 2.51 mark.

Before the fight, Ganoy declared his intentions – to drop his opponent with body shots. That’s exactly what he did, brutalising his opponent with a stinging combination of body shots which Sakaorat simply had no answer to defending.

Ganoy now re-writes his boxing story with 31 victories, 28 of which finished exactly like last Friday night’s, early!

Previously quoted as wanting high class bouts with the likes of Michael Katsidis and Lenny Zappavigna, Ganoy after the bout again made public his desire to meet Katsidis and Zappavigna.

“I want big bouts and Mike (Altamura) and Graham (Shaw) know this. I’ll fight anyone and I’m excited at where we are headed. I’ve told Mike, get me Michael Katsidis, get me Lenny Zappavigna, I want them both and I want Australian boxing fans to see some top fights. I promise my supporters this, I will knock them both out!”, Ganoy said.

Ganoy’s manager Mike Altamura however was guarded in his statement: “I can’t say too much tonight, but over the coming weeks we’ll announce Ranee’s next bout which is on a big world-title card being announced shortly. After this bout, we’ll be right in the mix for a shot at a world-title opportunity of our own.” // Reporting by MJA Boxing / Nathan Butler. Photo by Louie Rockfingrz Abigail

The KO Kid Ganoy rattling off a string of incredible victories... Photo: MJA Boxing

Altamura said that the Ganoy-Sakaorat eight rounder will be the featured event in an Ellis Boxing promotion.

This is Ganoy’s first bout for 2011.

“This is the perfect return for Ranee and the 8rd’s of action will do him the world of good to shake off any ring-rust, more importantly however, slide him in nicely fitness and timing wise for what could be a big couple of opportunities following,” said Altamura.

Ganoy, on a collision course path for the IBF World Title, has scored six consecutive KO victories through 2009 and 2010 whilst fine tuning his style and ring sharpness to complement the already noted KO power.

Previously, the powerfully built Ganoy had rattled off a string of incredible upsets, including an eight-round destruction of former International Boxing Federation Super-Featherweight world champion Robbie Peden.

“I couldn’t be happier with where Ranee’s at and his training has been superb,” declared Ganoy’s trainer Graham Shaw.

“Seriously, this last 6 weeks is the best I’ve seen him train since we came together 18-odd months ago and to see his enthusiasm at the moment is first-rate,” added Shaw, also trainer of IBF Middleweight world champion Daniel Geale.

Ranee Ganoy has 44 professional fights: 31 wins (KO 27), 11 losses (KO 6) and 2 draws. Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat, on the other hand, has 31 professional fights with 23 wins (KO 13) and 8 losses (KO 7).

Ganoy’s 31 wins include a KO over Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat in round 2 in their last meeting July 2008 in Cebu City.

Kalayaan cup 2011 champion, Sam Akbar (centre) receiving his monumental trophy from Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis while Fil-Oz Social Golf Club president, Ric de Vera is waiting to hand over the Perpetual trophy and the return airfare to Manila courtesy of PAL

Mohammed “Sam” Akbar from Windsor Downs narrowly won last June 13 the 16th PAL Kalayaan Cup golf tournament held for the first time at the prestigious Macquarie Links International Golf Club.

Sam used his AGU handicap with Richmond GC of 16 and scored 42 points. He was excited to win and opted to take the PAL return airfare to Manila as his prize.

“It was a surprise for me as there were so many good scores during the day,” said the ecstatic Sam. “The greens were slower due to rain and it suited by putting.”

Other winners were Prescy Keogh (Div A) with her score of 39 points, Oscar Clemente (Div B) also scoring 39 points, Jimmy Gonzales (Div C) with 41 points, and Fr Severino Bustamante with 38 points.

Prescy Keogh is a lady golfer but opted to play under Div A using her 12 AGU handicap. The winners received trophies, golf balls and $100 cash each.

For the first time also in the history of this tournament, a back-to-back lady winner from Thai Golf association beat the rest of the eight ladies (except Prescy Keogh) who took part in the tournament.

Thai lady Khanita Yupongchay scored 32 points using her 24 handicap from her social club. She received the trophy donated by Dr Anton Andres, cash and golf balls.

Division runners up and their scores were Annamalai Gounden (Div A) with his score of 38 points, Carlos Perez of Fil-Oz (Div B) scored 39 points, Dan Sirisophon of Thai Golf (Div C) scored 40 points, and Jimmy Morales (Div D) with 37 points. Trophies, golf balls and $50 each were also awarded to the runner up winners.

Divisions A, B, C and D winners holding their trophies and prizes: Prescila Keogh, Oscar Clemente, Jimmy Gonzales, and Fr Severino Bustamante, with Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis and Fil-Oz Social Golf Club president Ric de Vera. Photo: Rey Manoto

Nearest the pin winners were Vince Galluzzo and Albert Nasralla on hole number 5, Sutti Sutontanyakorn on hole number 8, Carlos Perez and Prescy Keogh on hole number 11, and James Fatu on hole number 15. They each received either cash prize of $30 or golf voucher.

Meanwhile, in the putting competition, no one holed. Philip Ranoso and Fr Sevring Bustamante however putted equal closest of one foot. They shared in the consolation prize of $50.

For the first time also, there were 140 golfers who played and braved the continuous shower and cold breeze. The inclement weather did not dampen everyone’s enthusiasm and most of the winners scores were under par.

“There is no doubt that this is now considered the biggest and well attended golf tournament in the Filipino-Australian golfing community in New South Wales,” said Fil-Oz Social Golf Club president Ric de Vera, adding that he had to turn down some last minute bookings.

During the awards presentation and dinner, Mr De Vera welcomed the presence of the new Consul General Hon Anne Jalando-on Louis and her husband, Gerard. He also thanked the sponsors (Philippine Airlines, LBC Express, AICL Education, R.O. Biala, AyalaLand and I-Remit), the golfers for their continued support of the Kalayaan Cup, and the Macquarie Links Int’l Golf Club for the efficient handling of the logistics and for agreeing to serve buffet Filipino food.

Consul General Louis in her message congratulated Fil-Oz Social Golf Club for the successful holding of the event and articulated this year’s Philippine National Day theme of “Kalayaan – Paninindigan ng Bayan” and congratulated the winners. She also mentioned that the game of golf entails a lot of camaraderie, fellowship and sportsmanship, aside from being considered a gentleman’s game.

Entertainment numbers were supplied by the Carinosa dancers, composed of Elsa Collado, Serna Ladia, Millie Banan and Espie Pogson. Dads Morales, also a golfer, provided the emcee-ing.

Fil-Oz Social Golf Club is an active affiliate of the Philippine Community Council of NSW and member of SICGOC, whose aim is to develop its members into a more proactive golfer by organizing regular golf tournaments in Sydney and in the Philippines. // Reporting by Fil-Oz Golf Club; photos by Rey Manoto.

Amigos Lon Mantua and JayHawks Reubert T Dog battles the rebound

Everybody expected the AMIGOS team to take this game easily having swamped the JayHawks in an earlier semis knockout game, 47-31.

But the 24-9 first quarter lead put up by the blackshirted squad slowly got eaten away by the Hawkmen with best forward Reubert Tandog, Patrick Obrien, Jay Peña, Jerome Danganan and Redmond Policarpio orchestrating well-timed plays to stay on the heels of the Amigos unit, 27-33, as the first half ended.

The start of the second half saw bodies being strewn everywhere with body slams, chest bangings and arms lockings taken out of the UFC scenes used to get their shots in.

The third quarter showed the AMIGOS unit still holding the upperhand behind the heroic acts of best center and finals MVP Verge Alcantara, bull-strong Cromwell Alvarez and streetball fighter and premier point guard Bing Mantua, 48-42.

It was at this point that the JayHawks posse clamped on defence, throwing a floating man-zone and 2-2-1 barrier to take the upperhand at 55-49 with 6 minutes remaining in the game as Josh McDonald, Obrien, Peña, Danganan and T-Dog converted on frontal stabs and side jumpers.

Desperation forays by blackshirt Alcantara and a semi hook shot from T-Dog coupled with a long trey from Hawkman Jo Paolo Policarpio saw the game tied at 64-all with 12 seconds remaining in the game.

But being the king of the jungle, the AMIGOS quintet drew on their last breath as Bing Mantua handled a loose ball to hit the final nail in the coffin with a dagger shot that broke the Hawkmen spirit and with it a classic 66-64 win for the multi-titled blackshirts to take the 4th NSW Fil-OZ Basketball Independence Day Champions Cup 2011 crown last Saturday (June 11).

The champions will receive game tickets to a Sydney Kings home game and be introduced as champions of the Fil-OZ Basketball League.

Individual awards went to James Longanathan MVP Eliminations, Verge Alcantara MVP Finals and Best Center, Reubert Tandog Best Forward and Bing Mantua Best Guard and 3-points scoring leader Jo Paolo Policarpio.

AMIGOS, winner of the NSW Fil-OZ Basketball Independence Day Champions Cup 2011

AMIGOS: Alcantara 23 Gile 9 B Mantua 9 L Mantua 7 J Mantua 6 Paule 6 Alvarez 4 Flores 4 Carlos

JayHawks: Tandog 14 McDonald 13 OBrien 12 Danganan 9 Peña 7 J Policarpio 6 R Policarpio 3 Mapagu Inductivo Collins Virtudazo

On another match, BlackRoses- Auburn pipped Mystic-Miller, 43-42, on Amanda Pagen free throw conversion.

It was only meant to be an exhibition game between these two champion women’s team from Auburn-PBA Division 1 and Miller/Liverpool Rebound Ball competitions.

But the way these two teams played, one would have thought a title was at stake. Prestige was the game prize and no one wanted to give in as niceties were thrown to the bin.

The BlackRoses started strong with Fe Emperon, Nix Reyes and Amanda Pagen leading the charge to take the first half, 23-14.

But the Mystic squad re-grouped at the start of the second half with Diana Rivera unleashing treys and strong plays by Kimi Cruz , Harley Williams and Bethany Sen to tug at the heels of the blackshirted unit.

It took a long trey from Joanne Estera, a short J by Pau Pastor and a free throw conversion from Amanda Pagen to seal the game for the Auburn champs BlackRoses, 43-42.

BlackRoses: Pagen 15 Estera 8 Emperon 8 Pastor 5 Reyes 4 Bautista 3

Mystic: Rivera 16 B Sen 8 Williams 6 Cruz 4 Bui 3 Dang 3 Halim 2 N Sen