TIMOW’S TURF SPECIAL: COUNTDOWN TO SEA GAMES

 For the very artsy people, the official logo of this year’s SEA Games is unforgivably a “cringe”, “uncreative” and an “eyesore.” In the end, would this be memorable or be forgettable?

AS the preliminary competitions of few sporting events in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are underway, tomorrow (November 30) will showcase the greatest spectacle of sports in the region after 14 years.

The last time we hosted back in 2005, social media wasn’t penetrated into the market and smartphones didn’t exist yet. Today, mobile Internet access has expanded either to catch up the action in real-time or to notify if the athletes are qualified for the next round.

In that gap of time, venues like the Mall of Asia Arena and the Philippine Arena have been erected and are ready for use to showcase sports. Also, ambitious plans were aggressively concreted, particularly in the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Before we go further behind the scenes with the present edition, let’s recap the moments when we previously hosted the biennial regional multi-sport meet.

Past Hostings at a Glance

1981 (11th Edition)

• DATES: December 6 to 15
• NUMBER OF SPORTS: 18
• PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 3rd of 7
• BROADCASTERS: Maharlika Broadcasting System and Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation

Martial law has already been lifted in the early part of that year but President Marcos remained in power as he was re-elected and the media remained restricted.

In that edition, their then-new infrastructure was built in Pasig called the University of Life Track & Field and Arena or simply called ULTRA (now PhilSports Arena).

In the sporting proper, Lydia de Vega wowed the country with two gold medals in 200 and 400-meter sprints, earning the nickname “Asia’s Sprint Queen.” Bong Coo emerged in the spotlight as the top tenpin bowler with six medals (four of which is gold).

1991 (16th Edition)

• DATES: November 24 to December 3
• NUMBER OF SPORTS: 28
• PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 2nd of 9
• BROADCASTERS: People’s Television Network (PTV), ABS-CBN, IBC and RPN

While the host city was in Metro Manila, four sports (archery, canoeing, sailing and triathlon) were held in Subic Bay. At that time, Subic was packing up after the decision of the renewal of the US naval base was rejected by the Senate two months prior.

This edition was the only edition where the overall championship was heavily contested; the deciding medal came from the last sporting event — the women’s triathlon — where Indonesia got the gold medal.

Athletes associated with the said edition include Eric Buhain, Akiko Thompson (swimming) and Bea Lucero (gymnast turned taekwondoka). Lydia de Vega redeemed her title as the “Asia’s Fastest Woman” and Elma Muros was celebrated for the long jump. Our men’s basketball team regained the cage supremacy by defeating Thailand in the finals.

2005 (23rd Edition)

• DATES: November 27 to December 5
• NUMBER OF SPORTS: 40
• PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 1st of 11
• BROADCASTERS: National Broadcasting Network (NBN), ABC and IBC

This was the first SEA Games that some events took place outside Luzon and first that both ceremonies were not staged in a stadium — they were staged in Quirino Grandstand.

While the official hymn was “We’re All Just One,” Rivermaya’s “Posible” will forever be associated as the popular song of this Games.

This was the edition where basketball, our national pastime, was not held due to the suspension by FIBA to compete internationally. Nevertheless, this was the first time that we became an overall champion.

In this edition

There are 530 events in 56 sports taking place for this 12-day affair (not counting the days before the opening ceremony) across Luzon.

For the first time, the bookend ceremonies will take place separately; tomorrow, they will open at the Philippine Arena but they will close in their ambitious New Clark City Athletics Stadium on December 11.

The theme of this edition is “We Win as One,” with its corresponding theme song performed by Lea Salonga:

The Broadcasters

While Pittsburgh-based NEP Group will produce these sports events but there are local broadcasters that will supply the coverage.

Initially, TV5 and ABS-CBN are potential candidates.

For the former, it was a no-brainer since they have significant sportscasting experience placed in their dossier before the organizing committee despite criticisms of putting commercials during the ceremonies (you can watch them sans interruption through their YouTube Livestream). With their broadcast franchise safe for another 25 years, hence, they became the official media partner. Cignal TV has allocated three channels for this one-off event, in addition to One Sports.

Regarding the latter, it was initially screened due to their technological advancements but its franchise will expire in four months and Congress has not prioritized it. Also, their main channel’s biggest concern is that their schedule is completely committed to competition shows (the opening ceremony is a Saturday) and teleseryes (closing ceremony falls on a Wednesday) but they have S+A and Liga to the rescue.

CONFIRMED: By secret agreement, the OC will be carried live on ABS-CBN (pre-empting any shows that follow) and iWant with S+A catching up in delay by 15 minutes. TV5 will be delayed by an hour and a half — harmonizing with the rest of the Cignal channels.

PTV almost left out

By intuition from history, PTV must be there to cover this biennial regional sports meet. This is the usual trend for other Southeast Asian nations. In the last iteration in Kuala Lumpur in 2017, we have done so but under last-minute pressure by then-Philippine Olympic Committee President Peping Cojuangco.

Because of the initial screening, the state broadcaster was almost left out causing concern for Senator Francis Tolentino during the 2020 budget deliberations on the Presidential Communications Operations Office last September 26.

There is a valid, consensual justification to include this state TV network: President Rodrigo Duterte is required to be present — as it is a traditional protocol for a head of state — and to simply read the opening formula (i.e. no alibis and no cussing) after the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee’s (PHISGOC) chair, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, delivered their welcoming remarks.

Who’s taking the slice?

Per common reports, at least 11 events will be carried live: aquatics (diving and swimming), athletics, badminton, basketball (5×5 and 3×3), boxing, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, taekwondo, indoor volleyball, and E-sports.

As per individual media entities, ABS-CBN is said to cover exclusively on volleyball and soccer while ESPN5 will supply the rest, with emphasis on basketball (on the main channel), eSports (certainly on 5Plus) and aquatics.

On the other hand, PTV is reportedly taking care of skateboarding and BMX (cycling); although they will cover random sporting events that are not exclusive to private entities.

The rest of the sporting action will be covered through the Facebook live streams, on YouTube channel of ESPN5 and in iWant.

Of course, there will be always highlights throughout each progressing day, regardless if they are media partners or not.

https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2019/11/29/timows-turf-special-countdown-to-sea-games/

PBA: Thirdy Ravena skips draft to concentrate on international opportunities

By Jonas Terrado

Ateneo star Thirdy Ravena has opted to skip this year’s PBA Rookie Draft to concentrate on possible opportunities overseas.

His manager Marvin Espiritu confirmed those plans Friday, shortly after the PBA released notable players that submitted their names before the deadline elapsed at 5 p.m.

The PBA’s press release didn’t mention the three-time UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player as one of the 71 applicants.

“His goal is to get better as a basketball player and would also consider international opportunities,” Espiritu told the Bulletin.

Espiritu added he and Ravena will discuss his initial plans upon the latter’s return from an Ateneo-related trip in Cagayan de Oro City.

“Sa ngayon may mga options siya. But no final plans yet with regards sa programa niya,” he said. “We’ll meet him when he gets back.”

Ravena’s absence leaves this year’s draft without its consensus No. 1 pick in the Dec. 8 proceedings at the Robinsons Place Manila.

Columbian is set to pick first in the draft with Blackwater holding the second overall selection.

Among the applicants announced by the league are Ravena’s teammates Isaac Go, twins Matt and Mike Nieto and former Ateneo standouts Vince Tolentino and Aaron Black.

Also included are San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi, Adamson’s Sean Manganti, Lyceum twins Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino, Marinerong Pilipino’s William McAloney and Mike Ayonayon and University of the East’s Rey Suerte.

Applicants have until 5 p.m. Saturday to withdraw their names.

The league will hold a draft combine on Dec. 4 and 5 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

https://sports.mb.com.ph/2019/11/29/pba-thirdy-ravena-skips-draft-to-concentrate-on-international-opportunities/

Thirdy Ravena skips PBA Draft 2019

Thirdy Ravena ventures on the same path taken by older brother Kiefer, who decided not to join the draft immediately after his collegiate career

Thirdy Ravena has opted not join the crop of PBA hopefuls for the 2019 Rookie Draft despite the talks of him going No. 1.

Ravena, who captured 3 straight UAAP championships with Ateneo and won Finals MVP in all those title runs, did not submit his draft application as the deadline closed at 5 pm on Friday, November 29.

That means Ravena will not be in the same draft class with former Ateneo teammates Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Adrian Wong, and Vince Tolentino, who have all declared themselves available for the draft.

Columbian will pick first for the second straight season followed by Blackwater, NLEX, Alaska, Phoenix, and Rain or Shine.

Interestingly, Ravena will venture on the same path taken by older brother Kiefer, who did not join the draft after exhausting his playing years in the UAAP in 2015.

The older Ravena declared for the 2017 draft and was nabbed by NLEX as the No. 2 overall pick just behind Christian Standhardinger.

A total of 71 players aspire to jump to the big leagues this year, among them Adamson's Sean Manganti, Lyceum's Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, San Sebastian's Allyn Bulanadi, and UE's Rey Suerte.

PBA coaches will get a glimpse of the rookie aspirants in the Draft Combine on December 4 and 5 before the big night on December 8.

https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/pba/246054-thirdy-ravena-skips-draft-2019

11 competing SEAG members raise flags at Athletes Village

The presence of all 11 competing nations in the 30th Philippine Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) was formally recognized during a simple flag-raising ceremony held at the plaza of the Athletes Village at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Friday morning.

The delegations were welcomed by Athletes Village Mayor Arrey Perez, Bases Conversion and Development Authority vice president for business development, according to Team Philippines deputy chef de mission Stephen Fernandez.

All present and accounted for were the contingents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and the host Philippines, Fernandez said, adding that the colors of the respective countries were raised in alphabetical order.

“Of course, as the host, the Philippines was the last country to raise the national flag,” he said.

“It was a very simple program with either the chief of mission or deputy chief of mission leading the respective delegations,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who represented chairman Butch Ramirez, the national team chef de mission (CDM).

Fernandez, one of the deputy CDM, said he showed up at the flag-raising rites together with some arnis athletes who are billeted at the Village, and members of the medical staff.

“There was an exchange of tokens while Perez gave an inspirational talk, reminding everyone of maintaining the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship when the actual competition begins and urging everyone in making the SEA Games a success,” he said.

The event was held before the opening ceremonies of the 30th edition of the regional sports showcase on Saturday at the 50,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan before the SEA Games goes full blast the next day.

“We expect a lot of athletes and officials to start streaming into the Athletes Village today,” Fernandez said, baring that aside from the aquatics and athletics squads, other campaigners vying in neighboring Pampanga will also be quartered at the New Clark City (NCC) Athletes Village. “The men’s and women’s softball teams have begun moving in and the other athletes who will be seeing action in Pampanga will also have their quarters here.”

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHILSEAGOC) executive director Ramon Suzara thanked all the sports officials and athletes of the 11 SEA Games members for participating in the flag-raising ceremony.

“I would like to thank all the 11 countries for doing their best to make in the flag-raising in the athletes’ village,” Suzara said in a press conference at the NCC Sports Hub on Friday.

Some 11,000 athletes and officials will participate in the biggest SEA Games in terms of sports disciplines. The athletes will battle for 530 events in 56 sports.

The Games’ opening ceremonies will be held for the first time in an indoor stadium, the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on Saturday.

The Phisgoc officials said athletes and delegates, as well as spectators, can expect a grand opening ceremony that is “full of surprises.”

“For now, we will keep secret some major highlights of the opening ceremonies but we have prepared a lot of surprises that you will surely enjoy,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino said in a previous media briefing.

Tolentino said President Rodrigo Duterte was invited to grace the opening rites of the SEA Games’ 30th edition, which carries the theme “We Win As One”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087459

Bishop offers prayers for Pinoy athletes in 30th SEA Games

A Catholic prelate on Friday said he will pray for all Filipino athletes who will participate in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which the country is hosting for the fourth time.

At the same time, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo urged all Filipinos to support the Philippine delegation to the biennial regional sports event which is set to start on Saturday and will run until December 11.

“We pray for them and we support them by following the games in TV and social media,” he said in an interview.

Pabillo added that the people who will not be able to watch live games can show their support in other ways.

“We can also give them moral support through our social media posts. Those who are able can watch the games live,” Pabillo said.

The sporting event will officially start on Saturday, with the opening ceremony to be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Other venues for the games will be held in Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon.

There are close to 10,000 athletes who will compete in 529 events of 56 sports in 47 venues.

Aside from the host nation, the other participants are from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

The Philippines has hosted the 1981, 1991 and 2005 editions of the games.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087482

Like early part of Taulava’s career, Kiefer Ravena knows NLEX has to go through growing pains

NLEX only needed one win to make it to the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. But it blew its chance.

The Road Warriors headed into the quarterfinals with the coveted twice-to-beat advantage after clinching the top seed at the end of the eliminations, only for the NorthPort Batang Pier to come in their way and wield the upset ax.

The young franchise showed that anything can happen in basketball when it overcame the disadvantage to oust NLEX to become just the fourth number eight team in league history to take down the top dogs in the quarters.

The Batang Pier completed the massive upset Wednesday night through a thrilling and grueling 126-123 triple-overtime victory, leaving the Road Warriors filled with regret as they headed out of the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

“Sayang kasi one win away. We worked hard for the twice-to-beat advantage,” lamented Kiefer Ravena, who had 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds in the 50 minutes and 23 seconds he played in the stinging defeat.

Many expected the Road Warriors to redeem themselves — and snap their skid which began at the tailend of the eliminations — following the 90-115 loss they suffered last Monday in their first meeting with the Batang Pier.

However, they got themselves a tough blow just a day prior to the do-or-die when Poy Erram and Paul Varilla got suspended and were slapped hefty fines each for fighting Batang Pier import Michael Qualls last Monday.

“Poy and Paul could’ve been another element in our offense and defense, added bodies to the team,” opined Ravena.

Filling in for the absence of the 6-foot-7 Erram, though, was Asi Taulava, who at 46 years old still tried to give it his best for his team as he played for 20 minutes and 19 seconds and contributed six markers and nine rebounds.

“Asi played like he was twenty-four. I’m proud of that dude. He works hard every day, comes into practice 5:30 in the morning and delivers when it’s needed the most. Sayang lang kasi we wanted to win with the effort that he gave us,” said Ravena.

Taulava witnessed history repeat itself with the loss as it evoked memories of the 1999 All-Filipino Cup quarters, where his top-seeded Mobiline blew its win-once incentive and lost to Ginebra, 82-81, via Bal David’s game-winner.

For Ravena, he believes that this will only help the Road Warriors for the better, and they could even learn a lot more with Taulava — one of the most dominant big men to ever play in the league — around thanks to his wealth of experience.

“Yun naman yung isa sa mga role ni Asi ngayon sa’min e. More than anything else is to really implement the leadership. He’s been here for forty-five years in the PBA so marami na talaga siyang pinagdaanan,” Ravena said jokingly.

“Sobrang daming laro, sobrang daming mga ganitong laban, but I feel na marami talaga kaming matutunan kay Asi. He’s probably one of the most dominant players to ever play in the PBA and he has won a championship,” he added.

“Imagine all the heartbreaks na pinagdaanan niya to be one of the most dominant players ever but to only have one championship under your belt I’m sure he wants more. But all the lessons that he’s trying to teach us — even yung mga beterano marami pa ring natutunan sa kanya — it helps us a lot.”

tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/like-early-part-taulavas-career-kiefer-ravena-knows-nlex-go-growing-pains/171762

PH’s hosting of SEA Games is better: Sotto

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday said the country’s preparations for the SEA Games are way better and more intensive than the ones undertaken by other countries in the past.

Sotto, a former athlete, made the comment as he reiterated that glitches like the issue of food should have not been blown out of proportion anymore.

“In the first place, the Philippines was actually a very good host because we are very hospitable,” Sotto said in a statement.

Sotto was a former bowler and participated in the SEA Games several times either as a player or coach in the 1970s.

During those times, he said the host country would allow them to fend for themselves because it wanted them to lose in the competition.

Despite this, Sotto said they would always get the gold.

Sotto said those who blow some SEA Games issues out of proportion are critics of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He also blamed social media for giving importance to these issues, rather than support the country’s athletes by highlighting their preparation.

The lawmaker said it is not also the obligation of the host country to feed the participating foreign athletes.

Sotto recalled how he and his companions paid for their own food and board and lodging when he was a SEA Games participant.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087271

Kiefer Ravena gets shot at 5th SEAG gold, headlines Gilas Men

Kiefer Ravena gets a golden opportunity to add another Southeast Asian Games championship to his portfolio as he was named to the Gilas Pilipinas Men team that will play in this year's SEA Games 5-on-5 basketball event.

The NLEX guard, who was a late addition to the pool following the injury to Jayson Castro, now has a shot for a fifth gold medal as he will be the only SEA Games veteran in a roster full of first-time participants, although most of them are already Gilas veterans.

Junemar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Marcio Lassiter, Matthew Wright, and Christian Standhardinger make up the list of players who have already played for Gilas Men prior to their first SEA Games competition.

On the other hand, two first-time Gilas Men players, Vic Manuel and Chris Ross, complete the Final 12.

"Although the decision was surely not easy, the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) have complete trust in the team," said SBP president Al Panlilio in a statement.

All the 5-on-5 basketball games will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay beginning Dec. 4, when Gilas Men, who are going for their 14th consecutive gold medal in the competition, host Singapore.

"We're excited to defend our crown as the best basketball team in the region," added Panlilio. "We hope that the Filipino basketball fans are as excited as us and that they'll be there at the games in support of the team."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086882

Sun Life Cycle at BGC

Over a thousand bikers of all ages and skill levels set off for another fun ride with a cycling legend and a number of celebrities/sportsmen as the Sun Life Cycle PH gets going today at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Former three-time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen, who has seen the big improvement in the local cycling scene being a visitor the last six years, joins regular triathlon campaigners Piolo Pascual and Matteo Guidicelli in the non-competitive event which features the kids ride, short ride (20K) and long ride (40K) categories around Taguig, Makati, Manila and Pasay.

“The Sun Life Cycle PH is getting bigger and better every year. I have watched the event grow and involve so many people from as young as two-years-old to serious elite cyclists, families and 60+ years-old,” said McEwen, an Australian cycling legend and Olympiad veteran during yesterday’s launch of the event put up by Sun Life Financial Philippines and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., now part of the IRONMAN Group.

“This year, we have a large number of riders from PH Police, Army, Navy and Traffic Enforcement taking part in the 20km and 40km rides. The highlight, however, is always the kids ride on the closed circuit so they can get active and discover a love for biking,” he added.

The event includes the tricycle ride (100-m distance for two-to three-year-olds), kids’ ride (500-m for 4-5 years), the family ride (30-minute ride for 6-15 with adult companion) and the solo ride (30-minute ride for 6-15).

McEwen, Pascual and Guidicelli, along with the other Star Magic artists, will see action in the long distance ride (40-km for 10 and above).

https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/11/23/1971056/sun-life-cycle-bgc

Gators Head to Atlanta for Georgia Tech Invitational

The No. 6 University of Florida men's swimming and diving teams will wrap up the fall portion of their schedule at the Georgia Tech Invitational on Nov. 22-24 in Atlanta, Ga.

The Gators (6-1) head back into action with a two-meet win streak after defeating Georgia and Florida State in back-to-back weeks at the O'Connell Center Natatorium on Nov. 1 and 8.

The annual three-day event will have UF competing against Alabama, Eastern Carolina, Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, South Carolina and Utah.

Prelim heats each day will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the top-30 prelim times from each event moving onto the finals in at 5:30 p.m. later that same evening.

Live results will be available here and the Meet Mobile App. The meet can be viewed in its entirety on ACC Network Extra.

Gator History at the Georgia Tech Invite

The Gators travel to Atlanta to compete in the Georgia Tech Invitational for the eighth time since 1998. In the previous seven trips, Florida has finished in first-place three times and posted runner-up finishes the other four times at the event.

Last season, the team won the three-day event with 1,224.5 points and led at the conclusion of each day. Kieran Smith and Khader Baqlah were members of the 400 free relay team that posted the 10th-fastest swim in school history. Additionally, Will Davis set the sixth-best 50 free time in school history on the first day of the event.

Prior to last season, Florida also posted wins in 2014-15 and 2004-05.

UF's finished runner-up in 2016-17, 2011-12, 2010-11 and 2009-10.

Quotables

Head diving coach Bryan Gillooly- "The Georgia Tech Invitational is always a really good meet. Along with some SEC schools, we get to see a little variety from other conferences as well. Although we are still early in the season, we should see some good diving here. It's great for us to be able to rehearse diving in a championship format as well."

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, Nov. 22

Event 1- Women's 200 Free Relay
Event 2- Men's 200 Free Relay
Event 3- Women's 500 Free
Event 4- Men's 500 free
Event 5- Women's 200 IM
Event 6- Men's 200 IM
Event 7- Women's 50 Free
Event 8- Men's 50 free
Event 9- Women's Diving
Event 10-Men's Diving
Event 11- Women's 400 Medley Relay 
Event 12- Men's 400 Medley Relay

Saturday, Nov. 23

Event 13- Women's 200 Medley Relay
Event 14- Men's 200 Medley Relay
Event 15- Women's 400 IM
Event 16- Men's 400 IM
Event 17- Women's 100 Fly
Event 18- Men's 100 Fly
Event 19- Women's200 Free
Event 20- Men's 200 Free
Event 21- Women's 100 Breast
Event 22- Men's 100 Breast
Event 23- Women's100 Back
Event 24- Men's 100 Back
Event 25- Women's Diving
Event 26- Men's Diving
Event 27- Women's 800 Free Relay
Event 28- Women's 800 Free Relay

Sunday, Nov. 24

Event 29- Women's 1650 Free
Event 30- Men's 1650 Free
Event 31- Women's 200 Back
Event 32- Men's 200 Back
Event 33- Women's 100 Free
Event 34- Men's 100 Free
Event 35- Women's 200 Breast
Event 36- Men's 200 Breast
Event 37- Women's 200 Fly
Event 38- Men's 200 Fly
Event 39- Women's Platform Diving
Event 40- Men's Platform Diving
Event 41- Women's 400 Free Relay
Event 42- Men's 400 Free Relay

Looking ahead:

The meet will serve as the final event for the swimmers for 2019, while the Florida's divers will compete in the Auburn Diving Invitational in Alabama on Dec. 17-19.

The Gators will have a nice break before coming back to the O'Connell Center Natatorium when they welcome Auburn on Jan. 25. The meet will serve as Senior Day and the final home dual of the season.

https://floridagators.com/news/2019/11/21/mens-swimming-diving-gators-head-to-atlanta-for-geogia-tech-invitational.aspx