De Vega, Nepomuceno lead third batch of PSC Hall of Fame

foes to the 26-year-old Benavides’ 18, can the yawning four-inch advantage in height of the 6foot-2 Benavides be enough to unseat the 5-foot8 Crawford?

Because they are certified knockout artists, I’d go chase them both to the ends of the earth if their fight will last the distance.

I’m not kidding, fellas. AFTER a tough selection process, Asia’s Fastest Woman Lydia De VegaMercado, multi-awarded bowler Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno and eight other Filipino sporting legends were chosen by the Philippine Sports Commission to comprise the third batch of enshrinees for the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

“It is with pride that I announce the 10 newest members of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez yesterday during the press conference at the PSC Admin Bldg., Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Ramirez, who also headed the Selection and Screening Committee, announced this together with Philippine Olympic Committee representative Ed Picson, Games and Amusements Board representative Dioscoro Bautista, Jr., Philippine Olympian Association President Akiko Thomson-Guevara, NSA representative Bernie Atienza and media representative Dodo Catacutan, president of the Philippine Sportswriters Association, moments after the second round of final voting of the nominees.

“The Review Committee shortlisted 16 names from the nominated 37 athletes and coaches by individuals and sports organizations after a three-month nomination period nationwide, based on the requirements of R.A. 8757,” bared former PSC Commissioner ThomsonGuevara.

Joining De Vega and Nepomuceno are former Asian Golf Circuit winner Ben Arda, basketball legends Sen. Ambrosio Padilla and Loreto Carbonell, baseball and softball standout Filomeno Codiñera, Jr., decorated keglers Olivia “Bong” Coo and Lita dela Rosa, boxing flyweight champion Erbito Salavarria and Asian Games gold medalist Josephine dela Viña from athletics.

The induction ceremony for the third batch of hall of famers is set on November 22, 6 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center.