Manalili tops Chunkee national shoot-out finals

A son of a former Cebuano basketball coach raised high the Cebu flag last night when he won the Chunkee Corned Beef Shooters Challenge National Shoot-out Championship at the Araneta Coliseum.

Robert Manalili, teenage son of bench tactician Titing, successfully banged in 17 points out of 32 attempts to grab the championship honors in the shooter's challenge, which is supported by Purefoods.

Manalili of University of San Jose-Recoletos received a prize of P20,000, a medal and trophy and some gift packs from Purefoods.

Purefoods stalwart Alvin "El Capitan" Patrimonio gave the awards to Manalili.

A bet from Baguio City was second and the third placer was from Batangas. The national finals, which was held during the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Cup Championship series halftime, was also participated by finalists from Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro, Lipa City, the National Capital Region and Davao City.

The exploits of Manalili, who earned a ticket to the finals after winning the Cebu elimination last April 30 at the Cebu City Sports Center, will be shown on July 6, said events organizer Joao Miranda. - Rafael S. Alas III