Author: Andre Sotelo

  • RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    When the game tightened and the pressure peaked, RJ Abarrientos looked completely unfazed.

     

    With TNT threatening to steal momentum late Sunday night, the young guard delivered the biggest shot of the game to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a tense 93-86 victory over TNT Tropang 5G at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Abarrientos drilled a booming three-pointer off an inbound play with 48 seconds remaining, stretching Ginebra’s lead to 91-83 and effectively sealing the win that secured the No. 2 seed entering the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

     

    The victory completed a strong elimination-round finish for the Barangay, who won seven of their last eight games to end up with a 9-2 record.

     

    “We didn’t talk at all about who we’ll play,” said Tim Cone. “We just wanted to come out and play up to our standard, and make sure we put a good game together. Everybody on the floor did their job. I’m really pleased.”

     

    “As it turns out, we end up playing against Phoenix, and they have been good all conference long,” he added. “We know we have our work cut out for us. But right now we’re just focused on playing one game.”

     

    Justin Brownlee once again anchored Ginebra with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Abarrientos added 17 points to earn Player of the Game honors.

     

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    But beyond the numbers, it was Ginebra’s balance that stood out.

     

    Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Isaac Go, and Ralph Cu all made timely contributions, while Japeth Aguilar marked his return from a lung injury with six points and three rebounds in limited minutes.

     

    “Ginagawa lang namin at pinaguusapan namin as a team is we just play our game, bumalik kami sa fundamentals namin,” said Abarrientos.

     

    TNT, meanwhile, continued to struggle entering the playoffs despite another monster effort from Bol Bol, who exploded for 33 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.

     

    The defending champions erased a 15-point deficit and even pulled within one point early in the fourth quarter behind Jayson Castro, but Ginebra repeatedly answered every push.

     

    After Bol trimmed the gap to three with just over three minutes left, Abarrientos took over completely — first with a difficult looping shot over the towering import, then with the dagger triple that silenced TNT’s comeback hopes.

     

    The loss sent TNT to its third straight defeat and dropped the Tropang 5G to the No. 8 seed, setting up a difficult quarterfinal matchup against top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors with a twice-to-win disadvantage.

     

    Ginebra, meanwhile, heads into the playoffs carrying momentum, confidence, and a young guard increasingly comfortable taking over the biggest moments.

     

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  • Alex Eala pushes world No. 2 to the limit before Italian Open exit 

    Alex Eala pushes world No. 2 to the limit before Italian Open exit 

    Alex Eala may have fallen short against world No. 2 Elena Rybakina on Sunday, but the Filipina left the Italian Open proving she could stand toe-to-toe with one of the sport’s most dominant forces.

     

    On the clay courts of Foro Italico, Eala produced one of her sharpest performances of the season before eventually bowing to the former Wimbledon champion, 6-4, 6-3, in the tournament’s third round.

     

    Rybakina entered the matchup as one of the hottest players on tour this year, fresh off title runs at the Australian Open and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, while also carrying one of the highest win rates on the WTA circuit.

     

    Still, Eala refused to be overwhelmed by the moment. The opening set turned into a high-level exchange between two aggressive baseliners willing to attack every short ball. Eala struck 13 winners in the set — her highest output in a single set this season — while consistently challenging Rybakina in extended rallies.

     

    But against an elite server and shot-maker like Rybakina, small openings quickly became decisive.

     

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    The Kazakh star secured the lone break of the opening frame in the third game and protected it behind a barrage of powerful groundstrokes and well-placed serves to take the set after 52 minutes.

     

    Eala answered with even more fight in the second set. After getting broken in the opening game, the Filipina world No. 42 immediately broke back and briefly grabbed a 2-1 lead, forcing Rybakina to raise her level once more.

     

    That response eventually came midway through the set as Rybakina reeled off three consecutive games to regain full control of the match.

     

    Eala still managed one final push, trimming the deficit to 4-3, but the world No. 2 calmly closed the door by winning the last two games to finish the contest in one hour and 33 minutes.

     

    Rybakina’s serve remained a major weapon throughout, producing six aces compared to Eala’s one while repeatedly putting pressure on the Filipina’s return games.

     

    Despite the defeat, the performance continued Eala’s encouraging rise against top-tier competition and offered another sign that her all-court game is steadily translating on clay ahead of the season’s next major tournaments.

     

    Eala now shifts her focus to the Internationaux de Strasbourg in France from May 17 to 23, which is expected to serve as her final tune-up before the French Open.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez sees bright future in Philippine volleyball following PVL All-Star Showcase 

    Alyssa Valdez sees bright future in Philippine volleyball following PVL All-Star Showcase 

    For Alyssa Valdez, the PVL All-Star Game wasn’t just a celebration—it felt like a checkpoint.

     

    Not a lot of what has already been achieved, but of what is now possible.

     

    In a setting designed to entertain, the Creamline Cool Smashers captain found something more meaningful: a clear snapshot of the sport’s direction. Surrounded by a mix of proven veterans and emerging standouts, Valdez saw firsthand how deep the talent pool has become—and how quickly it continues to grow.

     

    “Nakakatuwa kasi ‘yung players are quality talaga. Talagang marami tayong volleyball players and I would say they are quality players,” she said.

     

    “That’s, I think, one thing that we can bank on looking forward in the next few years na meron tayong volleyball community na susuportahan at meron tayong opportunity to have a career in volleyball.”

     

    The All-Star stage brought together players who, in most cases, spend the season competing against each other. But for one night, rivalries gave way to collaboration, offering a different lens through which to view the game.

     

    It was in that shared space where the contrast—and connection—between generations became more visible.

     

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    Young stars like Bella Belen and Jean Asis didn’t just hold their own—they thrived alongside established names such as Myla Pablo and Jia De Guzman. The result was more than a competitive match; it was a glimpse of continuity, where the present and future of Philippine volleyball met on equal footing.

     

    “We’re very happy and sana, magtuloy-tuloy lang. I think it’s because also for sure, ‘yan sila Bella na ‘yung mga magli-lead diyan sa mga younger generations and sa amin din na nagiging inspirasyon namin ‘yung mga kabataan,” Valdez said.

     

    That dynamic—where veterans inspire and are inspired in return—has become one of the defining traits of the league’s current era.

     

    But beyond the talent and the match itself, Valdez pointed to something less tangible yet equally important: the sense of community. The All-Star event, in her eyes, reinforced the idea that volleyball in the Philippines is no longer just growing—it is connecting.

     

    “I’m very, very happy and sana, sana, sana, isa lang ‘yung wish ko talaga, to spread good vibes in the whole community on and off the court,” she said.

     

    In that sense, the All-Star Game wasn’t just about highlights or recognition. It was about direction.

     

    And if Valdez’s perspective holds true, the sport isn’t just moving forward—it’s building something that can last.

     

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  • CJ Cansino leads Meralco’s top four push in PBA Commissioner’s Cup  

    CJ Cansino leads Meralco’s top four push in PBA Commissioner’s Cup  

    For CJ Cansino, the numbers tell one story—but the bigger picture is about something deeper taking shape within the Meralco Bolts.

     

    The Bolts’ 108-93 win over Blackwater Bossing on Sunday didn’t just improve their record to 7-3. It also kept Meralco firmly in the hunt for a coveted twice-to-beat advantage as the elimination round nears its conclusion.

     

    For Cansino, that opportunity carries personal weight.

     

    “I’m always motivated naman pero siyempre, iba pa rin ’yong feeling na lagi kang nananalo. Since dumating ako dito, ’di kami nakakapasok sa top four,” he said.

     

    “Ngayon, sobrang important nito sa’kin. Nagbubuild ng culture ‘yong Meralco at kasama ako do’n kaya sobrang motivated ako.”

     

    That culture shift has coincided with Cansino’s growing role in the team.

     

    Against Blackwater, the former University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines standout once again provided steady production with 12 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists. While it wasn’t his biggest scoring night, it reflected the all-around impact he has consistently delivered this conference.

     

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    Through nine games, Cansino is currently Meralco’s leading local scorer, averaging 17.6 points per game. His influence goes beyond raw scoring numbers, with a 27.5 usage rate—an advanced metric that tracks how often a player is directly involved in offensive possessions—ranking among the highest on the team.

     

    That workload highlights just how much responsibility has been placed on his shoulders.

    Rather than fading under that pressure, Cansino has embraced it, emerging as one of the Bolts’ most dependable offensive options while already collecting three Player of the Game citations in crucial wins.

     

    As of posting, Meralco remains third in the standings behind NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, with one final push left to secure a playoff edge.

     

    Next up is Terrafirma Dyip on Friday, a game that could further strengthen the Bolts’ grip on a top-four finish.

     

    For Cansino, though, the mission goes beyond standings and statistics.

     

    Meralco is trying to establish itself as more than just a playoff team—it is trying to become a consistent contender. And with Cansino taking on a heavier offensive burden while buying into that vision, the Bolts are inching closer to that identity.

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright naturalization back on track as Senate hearing set  

    Bennie Boatwright naturalization back on track as Senate hearing set  

    The wait may finally be nearing its turning point for Bennie Boatwright.

     

    After weeks of uncertainty and scheduling conflicts, the path toward his eligibility for Gilas Pilipinas is moving again—this time, with both momentum and a growing body of work to support his case.

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Francis Pangilinan, has scheduled a hearing on Wednesday to resume Boatwright’s naturalization proceedings. This time, the 6-foot-10 forward is expected to be present, marking a key step forward after his earlier absence stalled the process.

     

    That delay came in March, when Boatwright was still fulfilling commitments overseas in Korea. Now back in the Philippines as an active reinforcement for the San Miguel Beermen, the timing finally aligns for both his professional and national team aspirations.

     

    And while the paperwork resumes, Boatwright has been making his case where it matters most—on the court.

     

    Serving as San Miguel’s third import this conference following Marcus Lee and Justin Patton, Boatwright has quickly made his presence felt. In just three games, he has steered the Beermen to a 2-1 record while putting up impressive numbers of 31.7 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game.

     

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    His arrival was nothing short of explosive. In his debut, Boatwright dropped 41 points to power San Miguel to a 98-94 win over the NLEX Road Warriors, immediately showcasing the scoring punch and versatility that make him a strong candidate for Gilas consideration.

     

    That early impact adds another layer to the conversation surrounding his naturalization. He is no longer just a prospective addition—he is a player already proving he can dominate at a high level in the local scene.

     

    Still, the next step lies beyond the hardwood.

     

    The upcoming Senate hearing represents a crucial phase in determining whether Boatwright can officially transition from PBA import to national team mainstay. If approved, he would join the growing list of naturalized players tasked with bolstering the Philippines in international competition.

     

    For now, the focus shifts from stats to proceedings.

     

    But with his performances already turning heads, Boatwright heads into the hearing not just as a candidate—but as a compelling case.

     

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  • Robert Bolick’s leadership drives NLEX focus toward playoff run

    Robert Bolick’s leadership drives NLEX focus toward playoff run

    There’s a difference between leading in the standings and leading a team—and for NLEX Road Warriors, Robert Bolick is making sure they do both.

     

    With a twice-to-beat advantage already secured in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, NLEX could easily afford to ease up. But Bolick isn’t allowing that kind of thinking to take hold—not now, not this close to the playoffs.

     

    “Sine-set ko lang ‘yung tone. Baka kasi ang nasa mindset nila, pasok na kami. Bawal ‘yung ganun. Every game matters,” Bolick told One Sports.

     

    “Sine-set ko lang ‘yung tone na every game, kung kaya manalo, manalo kami.”

     

    For Bolick, that mindset shows up immediately when the game begins.

     

    Against Converge FiberXers, he wasted no time setting the standard, exploding for 14 points in the opening quarter. It wasn’t just a hot start—it was a statement. By the time the game settled, NLEX had already taken control on its way to a convincing 100-81 win.

     

    But what stood out wasn’t just Bolick’s scoring.

     

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    It was how the tone spread.

     

    Import Cady Lalanne and rising guard Schonny Winston followed suit, forming a three-headed attack that overwhelmed Converge. Together, they combined for 63 points, turning the game into a showcase of NLEX’s balance and depth.

     

    The result pushed the Road Warriors to 9-2, good for solo first place and a third straight victory. On paper, they’ve already done enough—top seed, twice-to-beat advantage, and momentum heading into the quarterfinals.

     

    But Bolick isn’t looking at what’s been secured. He’s focused on what’s ahead.

     

    “Every game, dapat focused kami para makapag-ready sa quarters,” he said. “Sa quarterfinals, mabigat ‘yung kalaban namin for sure, so naka-set kami.”

     

    That approach reflects a team that understands the real season is just beginning.

     

    For NLEX, the wins matter—but the habits matter more. And as long as Bolick continues to set the tone, complacency won’t be part of the equation.

     

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  • Paper Rex seizes top seed, sends message ahead of VCT Pacific Playoffs 

    Paper Rex seizes top seed, sends message ahead of VCT Pacific Playoffs 

    Momentum isn’t just about winning—it’s about when and how you do it. And for Paper Rex, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

     

    With the VCT Pacific Stage 1 group stage winding down, PRX didn’t just secure the top seed from Group Alpha—they took it by force. Their 2-0 dismantling of DRX didn’t just close out their campaign; it snapped their rival’s unblemished run and sent a clear warning to the rest of the field.

     

    The victory wasn’t built on razor-thin margins or late-game heroics. It was defined by control.

     

    On Breeze, what started as an even exchange quickly turned into a runaway. After a brief 2-2 tie, PRX flipped the switch and never looked back, stringing together round after round to build a commanding 10-2 halftime lead. DRX found brief life in the second half, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly shut down as PRX closed the map convincingly, 13-5.

     

    Lotus followed a familiar script—early resistance, then complete takeover. DRX struck first with pistol and anti-eco wins, but PRX responded with a relentless stretch that turned the tide. By halftime, the gap had widened to 9-3, and from there, it was only a matter of time. Another 13-5 finish sealed the sweep.

     

    At the center of it all was Ilya ‘something’ Petrov, who once again delivered a standout performance. Playing his signature Jett, he tallied 38 kills, 19 deaths, and 7 assists—setting the tone for PRX’s aggressive, high-tempo style.

     

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    The result carries more than just bragging rights.

     

    By locking in the No. 1 seed, PRX earns a direct pass to the upper bracket semifinals, giving them both rest and a strategic advantage as the playoffs begin on May 7. With three coveted slots to VALORANT Masters London on the line, every edge matters—and PRX has positioned itself exactly where it wants to be.

     

    But beyond the bracket benefits, this win reframes the conversation.

     

    In a group that featured some of the region’s strongest contenders, PRX didn’t just survive—they imposed their identity. Fast, fearless, and relentlessly coordinated, they enter the playoffs not as a question mark, but as the team to beat.

     

    And if this final statement was any indication, Paper Rex isn’t just aiming for qualification.

     

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  • Bella Belen shines in All-Star MVP night, credits veterans for lessons learned

    Bella Belen shines in All-Star MVP night, credits veterans for lessons learned

    The spotlight followed Bella Belen all night—but she spent most of it looking outward, not inward.

     

    Fresh off an MVP performance in the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase, Belen delivered the kind of showing that typically signals arrival. She powered Team Heart to a four-set win over Team Passion, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, inside a packed Candon City Arena, sharing the court—and the moment—with some of the biggest names in the league.

     

    Yet even as she stood at center stage, Belen resisted the idea that the moment was about her.

     

    “Parang siyempre po as a rookie, hindi ko nilalagay sarili ko po sa ganoong bagay. Marami pa akong dapat matutunan from them,” she said.

     

    That mindset framed her performance in a different light. Instead of a breakthrough, it felt more like a checkpoint—a sign that she can compete at the highest level, but still sees distance between where she is and where she wants to be.

     

    Playing alongside veterans like Alyssa Valdez, Jia De Guzman, and Jema Galanza offered Belen something numbers and awards cannot measure. It gave her a closer look at the nuances that separate experience from potential.

     

    “Kahit na medyo nakakasabay sa skills, iba pa rin ‘yung binibigay nila pagdating sa loob ng game,” she said. “Kumbaga ‘yung pagiging veterans nila, nakikita talaga namin—lalo na ako.”

     

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    For a player who has already made waves as a Rookie of the Conference, that perspective is telling. Belen isn’t chasing validation—she’s chasing understanding. The All-Star setting, usually built for spectacle, became something more personal: a learning space.

     

    “Marami akong natutunan mula sa kanila, kaya I’m very happy to be part of Team Heart,” she added.

     

    Beyond the match itself, the experience stretched into something bigger than competition. The event brought players closer not just to each other, but to the fans who filled the arena, turning the showcase into a shared celebration.

     

    “Masaya po kami kasi nakapag-interact kami with the fans. Parang sa part namin, mas nakakatuwa makita ‘yung fans nag-eenjoy,” Belen shared.

     

    In a night designed to highlight stars, Belen stood out—but not because she demanded the spotlight. Instead, she embraced the moment as part of a larger journey, one where growth matters more than recognition.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    There are losses that expose flaws—and then there are nights where the opponent simply can’t miss.

     

    For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Sunday fell into the latter.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao didn’t dwell on missed opportunities or tactical missteps after their 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Instead, he pointed to a reality that’s hard to counter in basketball—an opponent locked in from deep.

     

    Ginebra’s shooting display turned the game into a long uphill battle. The Gin Kings knocked down 21 shots from beyond the arc, flirting with the league record and finishing just two shy of the all-time mark. They shot an efficient 48 percent from three-point range and nearly 50 percent overall, converting 41 of their 83 attempts.

     

    “They shot really well. They made 21 three-point shots, that’s almost the record,” Guiao said. “They were two short of the record. It’s really hard to beat a team that is shooting that well.”

     

    It wasn’t just the volume—it was the consistency. Ginebra also capitalized inside and at the line, keeping their offensive rhythm steady throughout the game. On the other end, Rain or Shine struggled to match that efficiency, finishing at just 37 percent from the field.

     

    Yet despite the lopsided scoreline, the bigger picture remains unchanged.

     

    Rain or Shine’s early seven-game winning streak continues to serve as a cushion, allowing them to absorb setbacks without losing control of their playoff positioning. Even after dropping three of their last four games, the Elasto Painters still hold their fate in their own hands heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.

     

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    “We are still chasing our ninth win. Hindi talaga para sa amin itong larong ito,” Guiao said.

    That ninth win carries significant weight. A victory in their final elimination game against Titan Ultra Giant Risers would secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, a crucial edge in the postseason.

     

    For Guiao, the approach moving forward is clear—no overreactions, just recalibration.

     

    “This is where you’re benefiting from yung good start. We had a seven-game winning streak. Now, we have a margin for error. We still have one game to take our ninth win and that’s against Titan.Hopefully, makabalik kami, win our ninth game and be assured of being in the Top Four,” he said.

    “After that, preparasyon na lang sa playoffs. We just have to move forward from this game. I don’t think we could have done anything on our side. Sabi ko nga, they shot the ball really well. On our side, we couldn’t execute the way we wanted to. I think we have to credit their defense. They played good defense on us. They really had a good game plan, executed it well. Ganun pa man, our record is still good. The only thing that is important to us is make nine wins, get a twice-to-beat, and then wait for your match-up and prepare for that. Yun lang gagawin namin,” Guiao added.

     

    In a long conference, not every loss carries the same weight. For Rain or Shine, this one feels more like a reminder than a setback—a night where the shots didn’t fall, the opponent couldn’t miss, and the real objective still lies ahead.

     

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  • Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    Reminiscing Cignal’s steady rise in the PVL following the team’s departure from the league 

    The journey of the Cignal Super Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League was never about instant success. Instead, it was built on steady improvement, patience, and a group that kept finding ways to stay competitive year after year.

     

    Cignal entered the league in 2021 as the HD Spikers, bringing in a mix of veterans and emerging players under head coach Shaq Delos Santos. Led by experienced names like Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela, the team quickly showed it could keep up with more established squads. While they did not contend for a title right away, they laid down a solid foundation.

     

    That foundation paid off in 2022 when Cignal reached its first Finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference. Behind import Tai Bierria, the team made a strong run before finishing as runner-up to Petro Gazz. Even in defeat, it was a sign that the team was moving in the right direction.

     

    In 2023, the spotlight shifted to individual excellence as Ces Molina stepped up with an MVP performance in the Invitational Conference. Her scoring surge showed that Cignal had players capable of leading the way in big moments.

     

    From 2023 to 2024, the HD Spikers became a regular presence near the top of the standings. They consistently finished on the podium and remained a tough team to beat, regardless of roster changes. Different combinations came and went, but the team’s identity stayed the same, guided by its “Happiness, Cignal!” culture.

     

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    New faces also emerged during this stretch. Erika Santos made an immediate impact after joining the team, showing her scoring ability in the PVL on Tour. At the same time, the team transitioned into a new era, rebranding as the Super Spikers ahead of the 2025 season.

     

    Despite the changes, Cignal remained steady. Gel Cayuna continued to lead the offense as one of the league’s top setters, while Dawn Macandili-Catindig anchored the defense. Jackie Acuña also added strength at the net, helping the team stay competitive in every conference.

     

    The biggest breakthrough came in 2026 when Cignal reached its first PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals. The team earned its spot by beating strong opponents like Farm Fresh and Creamline in the semifinals. Although they fell short in the championship series, the Finals appearance marked an important step forward.

     

    Leading that run was Vanie Gandler, who delivered an MVP season and became one of the league’s top players. Her all-around performance reflected how far both she and the team had come.

     

    In just five years, Cignal grew from a new team into a consistent contender. While their leave of absence puts that progress on hold, their run showed what steady development and a strong core can achieve in the PVL.

     

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