Study shows antibodies from Sinovac’s COVID-19 shot fade after 6 months, booster helps

July 27, 2021 | 7:31 pm

BEIJING — Antibodies triggered by Sinovac Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine decline below a key threshold from around six months after a second dose for most recipients, although a third shot could have a strong boosting effect, according to a lab study.

Chinese researchers reported the findings from a study of blood samples from healthy adults aged between 18-59 in a paper published on Sunday, which has not been peer reviewed.

For participants receiving two doses, two or four weeks apart, only 16.9% and 35.2% respectively still had a level of neutralizing antibodies above the threshold six months after the second dose, the paper said.

Those readings were based on data from two cohorts involving more than 50 participants each, while the study gave third doses to a total of 540 participants.

When participants in some cohorts were given a third dose, about six months after the second, neutralizing antibody levels after a further 28 days had increased around 3-5 fold from the levels seen four weeks after the second dose, the study showed.

The study was conducted by researchers at disease control authorities in Jiangsu province, Sinovac, and other Chinese institutions.

Researchers cautioned the study did not test the antibodies’ effect against more transmissible variants, and that further research was needed to assess antibody duration after a third shot. — Reuters

Tokyo asks for more hospital beds as infections rise

July 27, 2021 | 7:30 pm

Tokyo Olympics — A woman walks past a large-scale reproduction of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games medal at Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower in Tokyo, Japan, July 14. — REUTERS/KIM KYUNG-HOON

TOKYO — Olympic host city Tokyo has asked hospitals to prepare more beds for COVID-19 patients as the Japanese capital grapples with a rise in infections, broadcaster TBS said on Tuesday.

Daily infections in the city, which has seen an influx of overseas visitors for the Tokyo Games, doubled to 1,429 on Monday from a week earlier.

That was the highest number for a Monday since the pandemic began and followed a similar record set on Sunday.

Infection numbers tend to dip following weekends and holidays when testing capacity shrinks so experts and policymakers are closely watching Tuesday’s numbers, due to be released in the afternoon, to get a clearer picture of the situation.

With hospitals admitting growing numbers of patients, Tokyo aims to raise the number of beds to 6,406 by early next month from the current capacity of 5,967, TBS said.

Hospitals should look at pushing back planned surgery and scaling down other treatments, the broadcaster said, citing a notice to medical institutions from city authorities.

Health experts had warned that seasonal factors, increased mobility, and the spread of variants would lead to a rebound in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases this summer.

Kyoto University professor Yuki Furuse earlier projected that new daily cases in Tokyo could rise to 2,000 in August, potentially maxing out hospital beds in Tokyo and the area.

While vaccinations are boosting protection for the oldest citizens most likely to need emergency care, just 36% of the population has received at least one shot, a Reuters vaccination tracker shows.

The initially sluggish inoculation push finally gained steam last month, but has recently ebbed again among logistical snags.

Many Japanese had wanted the Games postponed again or canceled, fearing the influx of athletes and officials could add to the surge.

The Games are being held under tight quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the virus, but 155 cases have emerged involving athletes and others.

A strict “playbook” setting out rules to avoid contagion mandates frequent testing for the virus, restricted movements and wearing masks by athletes and others in most situations. — Reuters

Long wait over

July 27, 2021 | 7:22 pm

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz makes history as first Filipino Olympic gold medalist

THE Philippines is no longer gold medal-less in the Olympic Games, thanks to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.

Four-time Olympian Diaz, 30, finally secured that elusive gold for the country by topping the women’s 55kg category at the Olympics on Monday night at the Tokyo International Forum.

It ended nearly a century of searching for gold in the Olympics for the Philippines while completing for Ms. Diaz a mission to improve on her silver medal performance in the Rio Games in 2016.

Ms. Diaz scored a total of 224 kilograms to edge China’s Liao Qiuyun, who had a total of 223.

She lifted 97 kgs in the snatch and completed her gold conquest by lifting 127 kgs — an Olympic record — in the clean and jerk in her third and final attempt.

Kazakhstan’s Zulfiya Chinshanlo won the bronze with a total of 213.

The Filipino bet went back and forth with Ms. Liao in the clean and jerk on her way to the gold.

The Chinese, who also lifted 97 kgs in the snatch, put the pressure on Ms. Diaz on her final attempt after seizing the lead by lifting what was then an Olympic record of 126 kgs to take her total to 223.

That left Zamboanga City native Diaz with no choice but to go for 127 kgs in her last attempt in the clean and jerk to go up one over Ms. Liao. Had she ended up tied with the Chinese, the latter would have won as she is three kilos lighter than Ms. Diaz.

With all confidence, Ms. Diaz completed the task of lifting the needed weight to set a new Olympic record and, more importantly, win the gold medal.

Making the feat more impressive was that in a virtual press conference for Philippine media on Tuesday from Tokyo, Ms. Diaz said while she had attempted to lift 127 in training, it was something that continuously frustrated her, unable to complete it.

But when the need came up for her to deliver, she rose to the challenge and was very proud of her effort.

NOT EASY
The road to Tokyo was also not easy, Ms. Diaz shared, made tougher by the pandemic.

“There were a lot of challenges. I had to deal with self-doubt, and there were people who were doubting me if I could win gold. But I’m thankful for the people behind me, especially the ‘HD Team,’ who stuck with me and really prepared me for this Olympics,” said Ms. Diaz, who was joined in the press conferences by her coaches Kaiwen Gao and Julius Naranjo, sports nutritionist Jeaneth Aro and sports psychologist Dr. Karen Trinidad.

“During the pandemic, we really had to work harder with all the restrictions,” added Ms. Diaz, whose team trained in Malaysia for the past year.

Also present during the press conference were Philippine Chef de Mission Mariano V. Araneta and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham N. Tolentino.

For winning the gold, Ms. Diaz is set for a huge windfall.

At the onset, she is set to receive P33 million in cash incentives, a house and lot in Tagaytay care of Mr. Tolentino, and a condo unit. The cash is broken down as P10 million each from the government, under Republic Act 10699, or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act; Manny V. Pangilinan’s MVP Sports Foundation, and San Miguel’s Ramon S. Ang. Businessman and lawmaker Mikee Romero pledged P3 million.

The condo unit, located at Eastwood City, will be given by Megaworld and is worth P14 million.

Mr. Tolentino said incentives could add up as he feels more groups or individuals are inclined to show their appreciation for what Ms. Diaz has done and the rest of the Philippine team.

In winning the gold, Ms. Diaz expressed hope that what she has achieved would provide inspiration for the Filipinos to continue moving forward despite the challenges present at the moment.

“It was not easy winning gold just like what everybody is facing now with the pandemic. But we’re survivors and we find ways. And we just have to keep fighting until we reach our goal.”

Ms. Diaz will be back in the country on Wednesday.

RESOLUTIONS FILED
Meanwhile, following the victory of Ms. Diaz, separate resolutions were filed both at the Senate and House of Representatives, honoring her and other outstanding Filipinos.

Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Juan Edgardo Angara and Francis N. Tolentino authored a resolution which seeks to establish a Philippine Senate Medal of Honor which recognizes the extraordinary efforts and contributions of outstanding individuals or institutions in various fields of expertise such as sports, military and defense, law enforcement, science and technology, education, humanitarian, and public service.

They hope that by doing so, those to be recognized will serve as inspiration for Filipinos.

At the House, Zamboanga Rep. Mannix Dalipe filed a resolution to commend and congratulate Ms. Diaz for her gold medal win. Aside from this, Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograle also called for Congress to give a Congressional Medal of Achievement to the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal winner. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Petecio faces Colombian for spot in semis; Watanabe falls

July 27, 2021 | 7:22 pm

FILIPINO boxer Nesthy Petecio takes on Colombian Yeni Marcela Arias Castañeda on Wednesday for a spot in the semifinals in the women’s featherweight division that would assure themselves of a medal in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Ms. Petecio of Davao del Sur earned a ticket to the quarterfinals after upsetting top seed Lin Yu-Ting of Chinese Taipei by split decision, 3-2, in their Round of 16 encounter on Monday at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo.

The judges scored it, 28-29, 29-28, 28-29, 29-28, 29-28, for the Filipino.

Ms. Petecio hopes to have her winning streak continue against Ms. Castañeda, who was a bronze medal winner at the 2019 Pan American Games.

In case she advances to the semifinals, Ms. Petecio is already sure of a medal since losing semifinalists are given bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Filipino-Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe saw her Olympic campaign come to an abrupt end in the opening round of her women’s -63kg match against Cristina Cabana Perez of Spain on Tuesday at the Nippon Budokan.

Ms. Watanabe, the country’s female flag-bearer in the Olympic opening ceremony, was knocked out by Ms. Perez just 38 seconds into the match by way of ippon.

The Philippine bet tried to take down her opponent, but instead saw Ms. Perez transitioned for a corner throw and pounced on Ms. Watanabe after.

Ms. Perez won by a score of 10-0.

“This was a very painful loss for Kiyomi and for us. Very painful indeed. We’re thankful for all the support and we’ll bounce back,” said Dave Carter, Philippine Judo Federation president, shared after Ms. Watanabe’s match.

Ms. Watanabe made her Olympic debut in Tokyo and qualified through the continental rankings.

Later on Tuesday, also set to compete were swimmers Luke Gebbie and Remedy Rule as well as weightlifter Elreen Ann Ando.

Mr. Gebbie was to see action in the 100m freestyle while Ms. Rule was to compete in the 200m butterfly at the Olympic Aquatic Centre.

Ms. Ando, meanwhile, competes in the women’s -64kg division and was to come on the heels of the golden conquest of veteran teammate Hidilyn Diaz on Monday. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

San Miguel tries to make it three straight wins in PBA Philippine Cup

July 27, 2021 | 7:22 pm

PBA-Images10 — THE SAN MIGUEL try to make three wins in a row in the PBA Philippine Cup when they collide against the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday. — PBA IMAGES

THE San Miguel Beermen try to make it three consecutive wins in the PBA Philippine Cup when they take on the Blackwater Bossing in the first game today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Opened their campaign in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) tournament with a loss, the Beermen have since been on a roll and steadily climbing the standings.

The most recent of the wins of San Miguel came at the expense of the Northport Batang Pier, 88-86, on July 25, in a game that saw veteran wingman Arwind Santos drain what turned out to be the game-winning basket as time wound down.

San Miguel created separation in the third quarter and was looking to put the game away.

But the Batang Pier had other things in mind, mounting a ferocious comeback to tie the count at 86-all with 7.3 seconds left on the clock.

That set up the Santos heroics.

Off a time out, Marcio Lassiter received the ball and then wove his way into the paint before throwing out a pass to Mr. Santos who calmly drained a 15-foot jumper.

The game-winner capped a solid performance from the 40-year-old former PBA most valuable player, who finished with 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks in 32 minutes of play.

CJ Perez top-scored for the Beermen (2-1), finishing with 18 points to go along with eight rebounds.

Alex Cabagnot had 16 points and seven assists while big men Mo Tautuaa and June Mar Fajardo had 11 and eight points, respectively.

“I hope this momentum continues for us. We needed this win and I’m happy that we snatched this game as this gives us some momentum going to the next three games,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria in the post-game press conference following their win.

Standing in the way of the Beermen in the 12:30 p.m. game are the Bossing, who have yet to win a game in three outings to date.

Simon Enciso continues to lead Blackwater in scoring with 15.3 points per game, followed by Mike Tolomia (12.3 ppg) and Kelly Nabong (11.3 ppg).

Also seeing action on Wednesday are the league-leading Rain or Shine Elastopainters (3-0) against the Alaska Aces (1-2) at 3 p.m. and the Meralco Bolts (2-1) versus the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (1-2) at 6 p.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Japan’s hope for tennis gold Osaka bundled out of Tokyo 2020 third round

July 27, 2021 | 7:22 pm

TOKYO — Japan’s great hope for tennis gold Naomi Osaka was beaten on Tuesday in the third round of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics tournament, saying she had not known how to cope with the pressure of the occasion.

The world number two was swiped aside (6-1, 6-4) by Czech Markéta Vondroušová in a shock result which dealt a blow to Japan’s gold rush hopes.

Tokyo 2020 had marked Osaka’s first tournament since pulling out of Roland Garros in May, when she said she had been suffering from depression for almost three years.

Osaka had said then she would boycott news conferences to raise awareness of players’ mental well-being, but spoke to reporters after this defeat.

“I definitely feel like there was a lot of pressure, this time around,” she said. “I think it’s maybe because I haven’t played in an Olympics before and for the first one to be here was a bit much.

“But I think I’m glad with how I played… with taking that break that I had. I’ve taken long breaks before and I’ve managed to do well.

“And I’m not saying that I did that right now, but I do know that my expectations were a lot higher than how my result was. So… I think my attitude wasn’t that great, but I didn’t really know how to cope with that pressure… so that’s the best that I could have done in this situation. — Reuters

Ateneo Blue Eagles add size with latest recruits

July 27, 2021 | 7:21 pm

Ballungay2-(2) — Kai Ballungay (in photo) is one of two Filipino-Americans recently recruited by the Ateneo Blue Eagles. The other is Andrew Bongo. (SM NBTC League Facebook page)

The Ateneo Blue Eagles added size for their campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with their latest Filipino-American recruits Kai Ballungay and Andrew Bongo.

In a virtual press conference on Monday, team manager Christopher Quimpo and coach Tab Baldwin introduced the new players who are to suit up in the upcoming seasons of the UAAP.

The 6-foot-7 Ballungay will sit out for a year since he will be transferring from California State University, Stanislaus, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II school in the United States. He will be able to play come UAAP Season 85.

Ballungay saw action in the 2019 National Basketball Training Center Finals as part of FilAm Sports which also featured National Basketball Association 2021 Draft prospect Jalen Green.

During the tournament, Ballungay averaged 19.3 points and 9.8 rebounds, per game, catching the eye of a number of universities in the country.

After completing high school in California, he suited for the CSU Stanislaus Warriors for one year but played limited minutes.

In his second year, the pandemic forced him to sit it out before finally deciding to take his game to Ateneo.

In the press conference, Ballungay said he is willing to wait for his turn to play for Ateneo and will use the time during his residency to continue working on his game and getting familiarized with the team’s system.

Bongo, 6’4″, for his part, gets to play immediately once UAAP action resumes in Season 84 next year.

The 18-year-old played for Charter Oak High School in California where he averaged all-around numbers of 22 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 steals and 2.2 blocks.

He said he is very excited to play for the reigning three-time UAAP champions Eagles and develop his game.

Currently, Bongo said, they are in process of finalizing the needed documents for him to be able to play for Ateneo.

“We’re really excited to have them join our program. They’ve proven themselves in the US at the high school level, with Kai having a year of university under his belt,” said Mr. Baldwin of their latest recruits.

“Obviously with them we’re bringing more size into the program,” he added.

The UAAP scrapped its entire Season 83 because of the pandemic and is looking to resume next year. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Sports in schools focus of latest PSC summit session

July 27, 2021 | 7:21 pm

Department of Education (DepEd) Director of Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Joel Erestain is the resource speaker on “Sports in Schools” in the 23rd virtual session of the National Sports Summit 2021 on Wednesday.

Mr. Erestain will talk about the role of the DepEd in the success of the Palarong Pambansa – the annual national multisport event for student-athletes in elementary and secondary schools – throughout the years. The sporting meet aims to promote sports among the youth at the grassroots level.

“The Philippine Sports Commission and the DepEd have a strong partnership when it comes to promoting and developing the grassroots sports program in the country. Most of oelite athletes now are a product of Palarong Pambansa,” said NSS Project Director Marc Edward Velasco in a statement.

“This is a great opportunity for DepEd to converse with our participants — composed of sports coordinators from different LGUs, stakeholders, and educators to give them an in-depth understanding of what DepEd is doing and to help them start up their sports program in their areas,” he continued.

Mr. Erestain served at the Office of Senator Richard Gordon under the Blue Ribbon Committee. He became the Special Assistant of the President of the Home Guaranty Corporation.

The online PSC summit is aimed at taking insights of different sports stakeholders and using them as foundations in crafting a sustainable and workable short to long-term plan for Philippine sports.

The PSC said all data gathered from the web series will be processed and studied to create a new set of resolutions to be presented to sports leaders for action.

Choco Mucho continues to roll in PVL Open Conference

July 27, 2021 | 7:20 pm

2021-PVL-Open---Choco-Mucho-vs-Cignal---Deanna-Wong — The Choco Mucho Flying Titans now sport a 4-0 record in the PVL Open Conference following their win over the Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday. (PVL Media Bureau)

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans continued to roll in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, defeating the Cignal HD Spikers in three sets, 26-24, 25-12, 25-17, in league action on Tuesday at the PCV Socio-Civic Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

It was the fourth straight win for Choco Mucho in as many matches and took it to a share of the tournament lead with the Creamline Cool Smashers at 4-0.

Kat Tolentino showed the way for the Flying Titans with 16 points and 17 digs in the win. Bea De Leon and Ponggay Gaston backstopped her with 11 and nine points, respectively.

Choco Mucho found the going tough in the opening set that had it needing to go into extended time to secure the frame.

In the next two sets, however, the Flying Titans were in their collective element, building early leads which they would not relinquish on their way to completing the shutout.

“I admire the players, they’re really working hard, preparing a lot physically, mentally, and spiritually,” said Choco Mucho coach Oliver Almadro after the game, taking note of how his wards are handling the short turnaround in between games in the PVL “bubble.”

Roselyn Doria had nine points for the HD Spikers, which now sport a 1-4 record. Janine Marciano had eight while veteran Rachel Anne Daquis added six points of her own.

Choco Mucho returns to play on Friday against the Bali Pure Water Defenders while Cignal takes on the Perlas Spikers on Thursday. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

American teen wins 100m breaststroke

July 27, 2021 | 7:20 pm

ALASKAN teenager Lydia Jacoby upstaged her 2016 Olympic champion team mate Lily King to win a surprise gold medal in the women’s 100m breaststroke on Tuesday. The 17-year-old pipped Tatjana Schoenmaker to gold, touching in a time of 1:04.95 with the South African 0.27 behind and King in the bronze medal position in 1:05.54.

British, Russian men, Aussie women shine

July 27, 2021 | 7:20 pm

BRITAIN enjoyed a one-two success in the men’s 200m freestyle on Tuesday, while Russian swimmers ended US dominance in the 100m backstroke and Kaylee McKeown gave Australia’s women more Olympic gold to celebrate at the Tokyo pool. Tom Dean won gold and teammate Duncan Scott won the silver in the 200m freestyle as the two British swimmers left their rivals in their wake, Brazil’s Fernando Scheffer taking the bronze.

Flora Duffy wins gold for Bermuda

July 27, 2021 | 7:19 pm

FLORA Duffy achieved instant national hero status when she won Bermuda’s first Olympic gold medal on Tuesday after delivering a dominant run leg for an emphatic victory in the women’s triathlon on a stormy Tokyo course. Duffy, 33, was part of a group of seven who broke clear at the start of the 40km bike but then stamped her authority on the race with a fantastic performance over the 10km run to finish in one hour, 55.36 minutes.