James thanks Kris for defending him against game-fixing allegations

MANILA, Philippines – James Yap is thankful his ex-wife Kris Aquino defended him against criticism after his team, the San Mig Coffee Mixers, lost to the Ginebra San Miguel Kings during Game Six of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals .

In her nightly program “Aquino and Abunda Tonight,” Kris said James will never sell his game. Her program reported James was being alleged of game-fixing after his team’s loss.

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“Sa matagal na panahon na kilala ko si James Yap at nakilala ko ang buong pagkatao niya, hindi niya gagawing magbenta ng laro dahil buong buhay niya binuhos niya for that,” she said.

Sports news website Spin.ph reports Kris’ defense came as a surprise to James, although the basketball player is thankful the actress-TV host went out of her way to defend him.

Kris and James’ marriage was annulled in 2012. The two have a son, six-year-old Bimby.

“Thank you at pinagtanggol niya ako,” James told Spin.ph. “Nagulat ako, anong meron?”

James’ Coffee Mixers won against the Kings, 110-87, during Games 7 of the PBA semifinals on Wednesday, February 12. They will face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Philippine Cup finals.

The fact that James dominated during Wednesday’s game after Kris’ defense was not lost to netizens on social media.

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"After a monster Game 7 performance from James Yap, we are hearing rumors na gusto na makipag-balikan ni Kris Aquino," one Twitter user joked.

"Was James Yap all fired up after Kris Aquino came to his defense last night? This guy is a beast!!" another Twitter user said.

James is currently in a relationship with Italian Michaella Cazzola.