Mercado, Lutz get Guangzhou’s OK

MANILA—Solomon Mercado and Chris Lutz have finally received accreditation from the Asian Games organizing committee, allowing them to join the Smart Gilas national team in the Guangzhou Asiad beginning later this week.

At the same time, the application for Philippine citizenship of American cager Marcus Douthit was approved by the Senate on third and final reading yesterday, prompting the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to seek an additional Asiad accreditation for him.

While Douthit may not be able to play, the SBP wants him to join the national five in the Asiad just the same.

SBP executive director Noli Eala said he was informed by delegation official Moying Martelino that the application for accreditation of Mercado and Lutz were approved by the Asiad organizers during the registration meeting yesterday.

But Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman declined to release the final 12-man lineup pending a diagnosis on Mercado’s injured left ankle.

Mercado hurt his foot again during Rain Or Shine’s victory Sunday night over San Miguel Beer in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Rain Or Shine coach Caloy Garcia said the explosive guard has long complained of pain on his achilles tendon.

Mercado will  join the team when it leaves today for Guang-zhou, where it will play exhibition games against the Guangdong and Dongguan teams.

Douthit’s citizenship papers still need the signature of President Aquino and they have to be published in two national newspapers before it could take effect. With a report from Gil Cabacungan