Etheridge out of Suzuki Cup

ENGLISH side Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge yesterday expressed his disappointment at missing out on the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup that will be hosted by the country for the first time in November.

Etheridge ruled himself out of the biennial tournament since it doesn’t fall on a Fifa international date, which means his club is not compelled to release him for national team duty.

“It’s disappointing for me on a personal level because the experiences that I gained from that cup competition when I was younger were second to none, the atmosphere, the intensity and the teams pulling together to gain victory,” said Etheridge, a key figure in the Azkals’ historic 2010 semifinal run.

Roland Muller of Ceres and Patrick Deyto of Global will compete for the starting goalkeeper role in the Suzuki Cup. Cedelf P. Tupas

Three-man POC poll body formed

THE PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee has formed the three-man committee on elections for the coming polls of the local Olympic body.

Tapped to facilitate and oversee the exercise on Nov. 26 are former International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde, Rep. Conrado Estrella III (Abono) and La Salle Zobel president Bro. Bernard Oca.

POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. said Elizalde will chair the committee with Estrella and Oca sitting as members.

Cojuangco will run for the fourth straight time as POC chief with no challenger looming on the horizon.

Only national sports association presidents of Olympic sports currently serving in the last four years are qualified to run as POC president. June Navarro

Andrada steps down as Philta chief

PHILIPPINE Tennis Association president Salvador “Buddy” Andrada has stepped down to give way to a general election slated in January.

Andrada gave up the post yesterday in front of International Tennis Federation chief David Haggerty and POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., at Century Park.

Haggerty urged Philta officials that included vice president Randy Villanueva to collaborate with tennis stakeholders including players, coaches, clubs, and manufacturers and iron things out.

“We are not here to impose ITF rules,” said Haggerty. “Make sure you come to a common ground to push the sport forward.”

Cojuangco also said Philippine tennis stakeholders must be given a say on the possible changes in the Philta. Marc Anthony Reyes

LGBA 2nd leg finals up

THE SECOND leg finals of the Luzon Gamecock Breeders Association (LGBA) 7-Stag Derby circuit gets going today at Pasay City Cockpit.

Sixty participants clash in today’s 4-stag finale.

Attention will be focused on four participants locked in a tight battle for the 2016 LGBA Breeder of the Year award.

Currently leading with 9 points each are Arman Santos, Mel Lim, Vice Governor Nas Ona of Batangas and Nancele Balibalos. The winner will be crowned on Oct. 20.