USC, UC resume hunt
USC banks on chess, swimming as it eyes to dethrone UC in Milo Little Olympics overall tally
KYLE Sevillano has been bringing home medals tournament after tournament. Tomorrow, the top woodpusher will have another burden to bear as he tries to help the University of San Carlos finally dislodge 16-time champions University of Cebu (UC) from the top of the Milo Little Olympics, which sees a tight race for the secondary division title.
Sevillano will be the top-seeded player in the secondary boys chess competition which starts today at the Cebu City Sports Center and a USC win in the event could boost its standings in the overall tally.
He will be joined by John Francis and Felix Shaun Balbuena. Tournament director Marvin Ruellan said that Sevillano and his team, including the USC girls squad, are the strongest contender for the crown.
UC may have warded off the gritty advances of the visiting Iloilo squad in the grueling first weekend of the 17th Milo Little Olympics but it is not over the hill yet, as USC is prowling in the shadows, ready to pounce as the final weekend draws to an end today at the Cebu City Sports Center.
UC is still on track, leading with 90 points, while USC is 13 points behind 13 points at second place. Aside from chess, there will also be elementary football, swimming and badminton.
“What makes this weekend very interesting is the swimming competitions. UC has a strong women’s team and USC has a strong men’s team. Right now, they can’t gauge their chances against each other because both teams do not get to face each other in competitions outside Milo,” said Visayas leg organizer Ricky Ballesteros.
Meanwhile, after the heartbreaking loss of its secondary team, Don Bosco Technical Center elementary will try to retain its elementary title.
DBTC elementary head coach Joselito Bono warned his boys not to get complacent against Bright Academy, which is coached by Joshua Fegidero, in the semifinals today. The other semis will pit Springdale and St. Thomas of DAnao.
“Ako rajud sila gi ingnan na ayaw kumpiyansa. Duwaon lang gyud nato ang atong game,” said Bono.
Bono, assisted by Robert Nicart, has a totally new lineup this year composed of 13 sixth graders and two fifth graders.
“We are now ready and we still hope to defend our title,” said Bono.