GM Wesley So is 2009 PSA major awardee

GM Wesley So was chosen as one of the 2009 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) major awardees (chess), anchored mainly on his successful campaign in Corus 2009 (Group C) which he topped and on his strong performance in the World Chess Championship where he reached the Round of 16.

Aside from Wesley, my admiration goes to the three of the five Filipinas who received the Athletes of the Year Award. They are Camille Alarilla, Rani Ann Ortega and Janice Lagman - the Filipina jins who won the first gold medal for the Philippines in the team event of the 4th World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Cairo, Egypt and another gold medal in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games. The other two female Athlete of the Year awardees are Rubilen Amit (pool) and Marestella Torres (long jump).

Poomsae trio Camille Alarilla, Rani Ann Ortega and Janice Lagman in their taekwondo uniform

The trio in dress (photo source: inq7.net). Skills and beauty. RP taekwondo's Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss World. Oh my, I love this game!!!

Complete list of the 2009 PSA Awardees:

ATHLETE OF THE DECADE—Manny Pacquiao

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR—Rubilen Amit, Marestella Torres, Rani Ann Ortega, Janice Lagman and Camille Alarilla

MAJOR AWARDEES—Arniel Ferreira (athletics), Jayjay Helterbrand (basketball), Rodel Mayol (pro boxing), Donnie Nietes (pro boxing), Brian Viloria (pro boxing), Nonito Donaire Jr. (pro boxing), Marvin Sonsona (pro boxing), Annie Albania (amateur boxing), Efren “Bata” Reyes (billiards), Francisco “Django” Bustamante (billiards), Wesley So (chess), Joel Calderon (cycling), Elmer Salvador (men’s golf), Chihiro Ikeda (women’s golf), John Baylon (judo), Cecil Mamiit (tennis), Francis Casey Alcantara (tennis), Jesse B. Guce (Jockey of the Year), Don Enrico (Horse of the Year).

SPECIAL AWARDS—Gold medalists in 2009 Laos SEA Games

NSA OF THE YEAR—Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa)

TONY SIDDAYAO AWARD—Patricia Llena, Carlos Philippe Winsett Palanca

CITATIONS—Ajay Pathak, Dragonboat team, Ateneo Blue Eagles, Lily Pecante, Hong Sung Chon, Philippine Olympic Festival, Josephine Medina, Ernie Gawilan, Enzo Pastor, Jonathan Tiu

Congratulations to all the winners!!