Ilocos Li’l Leaguers shine; fire distrupts MYG

Ilocos Norte made its presence felt early as it walloped Valenzuela, 10-0, in little league baseball yesterday even as fire disrupted play in Day 1 of the second Manila Youth Games National Invitational at the Rizal Ballpark.

Tanuan City likewise served notice of its bid as it posted victories in two different divisions, including an emphatic 11-0 win over fancied Villegas High School in the week-long event organized by Manila Sports Council and Inner Development chair Ali Atienza.

A fire of still undetermined origin, however, interrupted play as it hit houses fronting the San Andres Gym.

It affected the electrical service at the venue, where badminton is scheduled to be played today, delaying transmittal of results since the place also housed the games’ secretariat and media center.

"Ali (Atienza) was there to help in the rescue operation and prevent the fire from spreading," said MYG official Ariel Paredes.

The Batangas batters shone on the Rizal diamond, dominating the defending champions in the 17-under division.

Tanuan also won in the little league division after Muntinlupa forfeited its match after coming in one player short in this event presented by Converse and supported by San Miguel Corp., Tanduay and Pagcor.

The event is also being supported by Super Ferry, Milo, Land Bank, Metrobank, Proctor and Gamble, Globe, Spurway Enterprises, Jex Nylon Shuttles, STI-Taft, PLDT MyDSL, Akitvade, Isuzu Manila, Intra Sports and Concept Movers.

Meanwhile, 24 gold medals will be disputed today as action in athletics blasts off at the Rizal track oval.

Events on tap are long jump (boys and girls 12-under, boys and girls 13-15, girls 16-17) 4 kg-shot put (boys and girls 12 under, girls 16-17); 700-grams javelin throw (boys 16-17); 600 grams javelin throw (girls 16-17, boys and girls 13-15); 5-kg shot put (boys 16-17), 1,500-m run (boys and girls 12-under); 800-m run (boys and girls 13-15, boys and girls 16-17); and 4 x 100-m relay (boys and girls 12-under, boys and girls 13-15, boys and girls 16-17).