Lapu-Lapu still the big winner

CEBU, Philippines - The Filipino netters may have fumbled at the hands of the fancied Japanese but the city government of Lapu-Lapu emerged as the biggest winner for showing it is capable of staging a major international event as evident of its successful hosting of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie between the Philippines and Japan last March 4 to 6 at the posh Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

"Sadly a loss for tennis, but a victory of Lapu-Lapu City," said councilor Harry Radaza, who also chairs the city sports commission.

Impressed with the way the organizers handled things smoothly, the country's top sports officials immediately announced that Lapu-Lapu City is likely to host the 13th Asian Beach Games.

“Lapu-Lapu City has done a terrific job in hosting the event. With what they have done, there’s a bigger chance that Asian Beach Games will be done here,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ritchie Garcia in an earlier interview with The Freeman.

Radaza earlier said they are close to securing the rights to host the meet that will be participated in by about 3,000 athletes from 45 countries playing sports like triathlon, beach soccer, jetski, sailing and even bodybuilding among others.

"We have an 80 percent chance of getting the hosting of the 2013 Asian Beach Games because we have everything here in Lapu-Lapu City if you talk about hotels, venues and hospitality," said Radaza.

Radaza and City Mayor Paz Radaza, his aunt, have already met with Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella a couple of weeks back and held discussions over the possibility of bringing the week-long event to the city, which already completed a 7,000-seater airconditioned multi-purpose gym named Hoops Dome.

If all kinks are ironed out, Lapu-Lapu would be the main hub with coastal areas like Boracay, Bacolod and even Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Camarines Sur and Zambales serving as potential satellite venues.

Other events to be played in the Games are beach sepak takraw, beach kabaddi, beach handball, beach water polo, beach volley, marathon swimming, tent pegging, waterskiing and woodball. – with Caecent O. No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)