The crowd that trooped to West Negros University last night for the Skills Events of the 2008 Smart PBA All-Star Weekend was not disappointed as the extravaganza opened with a record-breaking performance by Alaska backcourt ace Willie Miller in the Obstacle Challenge, a rousing slam dunk contest ruled by Sta. Lucia’s Kelly Williams, and an exciting three-point-shootout won by Talk ‘N Text’s Ren-Ren Ritualo.

William’s accumulated a total of 98 points with his first dunk, a left-handed windmill slam earning 48 points and his second, a between-the-legs left-handed dunk, was scored 50 points by the judges.

His challengers, Barangay Ginebra’s Ronald Tubid managed with 88 points and Air21’s Arwind Santos fell to third place with 86 points.

Defending champion Nino Canaleta of Air21, earlier touted to be eyeing his fourth slam dunk crown, begged off from the contest due to a knee injury.

Making it three-in-a-row after successfully defending his title last year, Miller beat Magnolia’s Dondon Hontiveros and Coca-Cola rookie Ronjay Buenafe by going through the eight obstacles on the hardcourt in a record time of 25.5 seconds.

He almost did not qualify for the finals, registering 36 seconds in his first attempt, but the game officials gave him another chance as Coca-Cola jokingly moved one of the obstacles which cost Miller some precious seconds.

On his second try, the champion timed 32 seconds which was good enough to bring him to the finals against Buenafe and Hontiveros.

With the win, Miller took home a champion’s plaque and P20,000 cash prize.

In the three-point shootout, Ritualo finally nailed the title with 19 points, besting defending champion Dondon Hontiveros’ 18 and John Arigo’s 17.

Meanwhile, more than calling the shots for the South Team in tomorrow’s North vs. South All-Stars Game, Boyet Fernandez said it will be a homecoming game for him and his fellow Negrenses James Yap, Reynel Hugnatan, and John Ferriols.

In a press conference yesterday, Fernandez said he is glad to be back home and he is happy to see the people of Bacolod giving a warm welcome to the PBA players.

The South Team’s lineup is composed of Jimmy Alapag, James Yap, Danny Seigle, Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams, John Ferriols, Cyrus Baguio, Dondon Hontiveros, Reynel Hugnatan, Peter June Simon, Sonny Thoss, and Junthy Valenzuela.

Their contenders in the North squad, coached by Purefood’s Ryan Gregorio are Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Pingris, Kerby Raymundo, Lordy Tugade, Nic Belasco, Macmac Cardona, Ranidel de Ocampo, Willie Miller, Ryan Reyes, Arwind Santos and Enrico Villanueva.

Tickets for tomorrow’s All-Star game will be sold half of its original price, local organizers said.*NAB

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