ALLAN THE MAN

Andy Murray has announced his withdrawal from the 2013 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. The World No. 3 underwent back surgery in September and is forced to withdraw from this year’s season-ending finale at The O2 in London as he continues his rehabilitation ahead of the 2014 ATP World Tour season.

"I'm really disappointed not to be playing this year, I love playing in front of my home crowd, it's a great atmosphere,” said Murray. “All the players look forward to competing in London and I'll be doing my best to qualify again for the tournament next year."

Asian-American NBA sensation Jeremy Lin soaked up the adulation from a basketball-obsessed Philippines Tuesday, as the Houston Rockets geared up for the new season that many fans now expect them to win.

“I’m definitely feeling the love in the Philippines,” Lin said as he was mobbed by dozens of reporters and photographers in his first visit to a country that considers basketball its national sport.

NBA. Check out this behind-the-scenes look as the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers arrive to Manila, Philippines for their preseason game! (@ MOA Arena, HoustonRockets vs. Indiana Pacers, October 10, 7:30pm - LIVESTREAM at www.allanistheman.com )
 

Management of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters is still trying to secure a new deal with starting center Beau Belga, but is open to making a trade if they could not agree to terms on a new contract.

“Kung masyadong malaki yung hihingin niya baka hindi namin kayanin,” Rain or Shine team executive Mamerto Mondragon told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview.

Belga helped the Elasto Painters win the Governors’ Cup in 2012 and finish runner-up in the 2013 Philippine Cup. His status as one of the top big men in the PBA was underscored when he was selected to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas national pool, ending up as the last man cut from the team that competed in the FIBA Asia Championship.

The Petron Blaze Boosters rained down three-pointers on Rain or Shine for a blistering 110-89 victory on Monday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum to make their return to the finals of the PBA Governors’ Cup.

“We’re living the dream,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla. “This is a very good opportunity for us.”

Elijah Millsap broke out of his two-game slump to score 34 points, Marcio Lassiter added 27, while Alex Cabagnot had 23 for Petron, which wrapped up the semifinals series, 3-1.

Petron sizzled from beyond the arc, making 14-of-27 three-pointers for a 51.9 percent clip.

NBA. Check out the Miami Heat's big man showcase his footwork with a couple of spin moves into the paint! Bosh scores 21, Heat def Hawks 92-87.

TWO league governors were quick to play down a reported spat at the sidelines of the heated match between San Mig Coffee and Meralco in the PBA Governors Cup semifinals on Sunday night.

Witnesses said Meralco board representative Ramon Segismundo and San Mig governor Rene Pardo exchanged angry gestures during one controversial play just before halftime in the Mixers' 79-73 victory in Game Four.

Segismundo, who is the incoming league chairman, admitted he made gestures towards the San Mig bench but said it was not directed at any member of the team but at a referee which Pardo and Mixers coach Tim Cone were talking to at that time.