Rivals M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu and Misamis Oriental posted rousing wins against separate foes at the start of the eight leg of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Monday at the Xavier University gym in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Niños, who finished second to Cobra Energy Drink in last week's leg in Manila, defeated Hobe Bihon-Taguig, 82-77, while the  host Meteors blasted Ascof Lagundi, 94-70.

Former Cebu star Neil Raneses scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead four players in double figures as the Meteors led by 35 points in beating the Natural Cough Busters. They highlighted their several runs with a telling 20-0 attack in the second quarter to rip the game wide open.

Mark Moreno had 12 markers while former Adamson star Patrick Cabahug and Eder Saldua tallied 10 points each. — Jonas Terrado

Thai boxer out to beat Lopez
Thai challenger Wandee Singwancha vows to cut Silvester Lopez “down to size” when he challenges the Filipino for his World Boxing Council (WBC) international super flyweight crown at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City on Saturday.

While giving away at least four inches to the 5-foot-6 Filipino champ, “Wandee (Singwancha) actually likes to fight taller fighters, said Canadian assistant trainer David Trehanne, who acted as the Thai’s interpreter. “He is comfortable fighting them.”

Singwancha arrived together with Trehanne, Thai trainer Phinit Iamthuan and veteran Thai international matchmaker Narong Hengtrakul Monday night.

He and Lopez headline the “Bakbakan sa Elorde” card promoted by Elorde International Productions and supported by Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr., Burlington socks  and Ginebra San Miguel.