Pacquiao to be in Sorento’s ‘corner’ vs Hotshots

MANILA, Philippines - Hardly hurt in his fight against Chris Algieri in Macau Sunday, Manny Pacquiao opts to fly to Manila from Gen. Santos City to re-assume his role as Kia playing coach as the Sorento play the Purefoods Star Hotshots in a key matchup in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo today.

The PBA and the venue management have been advised by the Pacquiao camp that the boxing icon is showing up and seeing action in what is virtually a must-win game for the Sorento.

Barako Bull (2-6) and Blackwater (0-8), two other teams now fighting for survival, clash in the 4:15 p.m. curtain-raiser.

Kia put Pacquiao and Eder Saldua back in the active list yesterday, taking over from Eric Suguitan and Jonathan Parreno who’ve been relegated to the reserve list.

PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said they have prepared a tribute to Pacquiao for his latest triumph.

And the Sorento hope to ride on Pacquiao’s latest feat, looking to check a seven-game slump. Their lone win came at the expense of Blackwater during the season inaugurals where Pacquiao played for five minutes.

Kia tangles with the Purefoods Star Hotshots who are out to sustain their charge and enhance their bid for a spot in the Top Four.

Having won four of their last six games, the Hotshots are now at sixth place, just a game behind the third-running Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (5-2) and half-game off joint fourth placers the Barangay Ginebra Kings (5-3) and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (5-3).

The Hotshots are one with the nation in toasting Pacquiao for his triumph. But they stress playing Pacquiao on the hard court is a different matter.