ILOILO CITY --- Battle-weary and injury-plagued, Negros Occidental refused to wilt and rallied past National Capital Region, 2-1, yesterday for the PFF-National Men's Open Football Championships at the Iloilo Sports Complex here.

Team captain Ziggy Tonog struck the equalizer in the 23 rd minute off a Jason Panhay cross from the left, before Arnie Pasinabo underlined his Most Valuable Player billing, scoring the game-winner in the 74th minute after getting a headed pass from Michael Benedicto as Negros won its second national open crown since 2002.

More importantly, Tonog, a 33-year-old defender, was the pillar of strength of an under-sized defensive line in the second half, where Ali Borromeo and Ian Araneta threatened to break loose as NCR mounted a last-ditch attack.

Pasinabo also played the hero's role in Negros' 1-0 nipping of Zamboanga and 2-1 victory over North Cotabato in the elimination-round, while Panhay scored two goals in a 2-1 win over Iloilo in the semifinals at the Barotac pitch.

"This victory is a testament of our teamwork," Pasinabo, who boosted his stock when he played for the country in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Bacolod City, said.

It was Tonog's fifth national open title and he did it at the expense of a team bannered by players from the Philippine Army.

"There is always a motivation in every game but I guess there must be something about playing against Army that brings out the best in me," said Tonog, who won his first national crown at the age of 18 when Negros beat Army in the finals in 1992 here.

Negros was given little chance against a more experienced NCR squad, after losing striker Floriano Pasilan late in the first half and midfielder FJ Serios, 22 minutes into the final frame. Pasilan injured his foot while charging into the NCR defense.

But Negros coach Freddie Lazarito said he saw no need to push the panic button as he inserted Michael Benedicto, a defender, to play Serios' forward position.

"The good thing about this team is that it has players who can be effective in multiple positions," said Lazarito, whose team is bannered by players from the University of St. La Salle.

"The team played smart since they anticipated NCR to come out more physical after we took the lead in the second half," he added.

Right winger Roel Gener maximized NCR's first scoring chance, meeting Luis Brilliantes cross with a left-footed volley for the opening goal in the 15th minute but from there, cracks in the Manila-based booters' defense started to show and they were made to pay by Tonog's goal eight minutes later.

NCR had two more clear chances in the first but tournament best goalkeeper Archie Bayquin was there to thwart Emilio Caligdong's left-footed strike and Ali Borromeo's header in a frenetic sequence in the 32nd and 33rd minutes.

Negros was actually denied a supposed penalty kick in the 22nd minute of the first half when Luis Lozano tripped Pasinabo inside the box but referee Ruel Dueñas saw otherwise.

"The way this team played and how it won the title despite the short preparations is magical," team manager Leorey Yanson said.

In a statement, Rep. Charlie Cojuangco, president of the Negros Occidental Football Association, congratulated the Negros squad and expressed gratitude to Ricky and Leorey Yanson for supporting the team's campaign.

"Through this tournament, Philippine football has shown that it is on its way not only to recovery but for greater glory," Cojuangco said.

"Negros ' successful campaign shows that we can set aside differences and work for the greater and common good. How nice it would be if we can do the same for bigger and greater things," Cojuangco added.

The victory is a product of a lot of prayers and brave hearts, Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, who watched the game from the bleachers, said.

Earlier, Team Biscocho Haus-Iloilo drew two goals each from Ruben Doctora and Kenley Delgado to beat North Cotabato, 4-1, for third place.

Majority of the individual awards also went to Negros with Joel Ballo-Allo selected as the best defender and Panhay named top midfielder. Araneta was the hands-down choice for best striker with eight goals.

The other members of the triumphant Negros side are Reydric Viliran, who missed the championship match due to injury, midfielders Ali Rojas, Jerome Orcullo, Dexter Dean Versario, Carlos Bolo, Heinz Ruiz, Simon Hulleza, Henderson Campo and Peter John Ignalaga.

The assistant coaches are Ramon Janeo and Ronnie Tornilla.*CPT

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