The 2007 Centennial PFF Men's National Open Championships enters its semifinal stage today at the Panaad Park and Stadium with defending champion Negros Occidental riding high on three lopsided victories in the elimination round that have so far underlined its attacking depth. "We are ready for any team that we will be facing," a confident Negros coach Ramon Janeo said Thursday, after his squad pulled off another comprehensive win over Baguio, 4-1 in this tournament organized by the Negros Occidental Football Association.

The Negrenses try to move one victory closer to back-to-back crowns when it faces dangerous North Cotabato at 7 tonight at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

Negros won a close 2-1 decision over Cotabato in the elimination round en route to the national championships in Iloilo last year. But the Cotabato booters will not be facing the same Negros team they fought tooth-and-nail with last year.

The most prominent additions to the team this year are San Carlos-born midfielder Robert Cañedo, of West Negros College, the tournament's top scorer so far with five goals, and WNC coach Norman Fegidero, who has accounted for four goals in three matches.

But it has so far been the cohesiveness of the St. La Salle-bannered squad that has made the difference in its campaign.

Ali Rojas-Go and Cañedo together with La Salle standout Arnie Pasinabo have asserted themselves at midfield, while the backline, composed of Winston Dela Cruz, Joel Ballo-Allo, Philip Caballero, has surrendered two goals so far.

Goalkeepers Archie Bayquin and Edward Sacapaño have also remained steady in between the posts. In the other semis duel, NCR will take on Iloilo at 4 p.m. with Manila-based Ilonggos Emelio Caligdong and Japeth Sablong playing against their home-province. *CPT

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