Knicks fans to ‘stay woke’

KRISTAPS Porzingis obviously couldn’t wait to escape from the Knicks, but for fans left behind supporting the struggling franchise, he shared a message of hope Saturday (Sunday, Manila time).

“The city deserves better than that…. My suggestion for Knicks fans is to STAY WOKE!! Peace,” Porzingis wrote on his Instagram account.

The All-star forward was traded to the Mavericks Thursday (Friday, Manila time) in a surprising deal that sent Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews, Deandre Jordan and two future first-round picks to New York. The Mavericks also got Courtney Lee, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke in the deal.

Porzingis had been unhappy with the Knicks’ direction for some time and made his thoughts clear in a meeting with team executives Thursday. The trade unfolded within a few hours of that meeting.

Porzingis will reportedly not play for the Mavericks this season as he continues recovering from an ACL tear he suffered a year ago. He will have his introductory news conference in Dallas on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time)./foxsports.ph

THE Lopue’s Table Tennis Association headed by Dr. Leonito “Diotay” Lopue successfully organized the Lopue’s-bacolaodiat Invitational Table Tennis Championship held at Loptta Playing Center in Lopue’s San Sebastian Annex Building from February 1 to 3, 2019.

Participants coming from Toboso, Sagay, Cadiz, Silay, Talisay, Murcia, La Castellana, La Carlota, San Enrique, Moises Padilla, Binalbagan, and different schools and clubs in Bacolod came to join in the said competition, which has nine events.

In the 10 & under Boys, James Michael Tancinco won the championship over JB John Gaviola while Juan Muñes settled for second runner-up.

In the 10 & under Girls, Jona Mae Gonzales bagged the gold award after winning over Ameera Bacomo while Sarah Daguia received the bronze award.

Well raised players in the 13 & under Boys event met in the semifinals, Dirk Nikhole Atilano won against Joaquin Bragancia played against.

Atilano advanced to the finals and faced his teammate Shaun Rain Jardinico after winning a crucial match over Klyde Denmel Repullo in the semis. With much effort, Atilano won the championship over Jardinico, 3-0, while Bragancia placed 2nd runner up.

Moreover, Micah Tanate was again unbeaten to become the champion in the women’s open event while Mariella Mabaquiao placed second, and Gems Gellang finished third.

In the Men’s open event, Janley Manzanares strongly ended all his matches including the championship against James Saligumba while Cris Lester Rejon placed third.

In the men’s executive event, Garry Trasporto won over Pastor Allan Tupas in the finals, while Monico Puentevella Jr. settled for 2nd runner-up.

In the Women’s executive B event, Timon Villanueva gained her victory over Vanessa Puentevella in the championship match, while Ma. Lee Trasporto was 2nd runner-up.

The Veterans (60 & above) event is one of the inspiring group in this tourney because there are still seniors who enjoyed playing. Felipe Epitacio garnered the championship while Rev. Joel Valdez placed second, and Ben Alo finished third./pr