By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

A total of 32 players from different teams of the Palau Major League made it to the first cut for Team Palau to the upcoming Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa slated Aug. 24-Sept. 8.
The PML Board earlier asked all the eight teams to submit a list of their 21 players.
Then on Tuesday, the Board picked the 32 candidates, who will undergo a rigid training for the Pacific Games, which will be the qualifying tournament for an outright slot to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Rodean Toribiong, who was recently named as the PML Secretary-Treasurer, said that with the reported pullout of Guam from the Apia Games, Palau has now a big chance for the title, which will be also the instant ticket to the Olympics.
The candidates will be cut again into 21, which is the allowed roster for the Games.
The cut is tentatively set at the end of May or three months prior to the Games when Palau will submit the final composition of its delegation.
The aspirants included eight players of Ngerbeched, Thomas Rumong, Kalei Lui, Eric Kyota, Dino Mesubed, Billy Umang, Madraisau Smus, Clint Mersai, Brent Melairei and Drake Yosiwo; and seven from PCC, Dekei Ngiramengior, Omsuul Yalap, Melngis Uchel, Sureor Ngirailemesang, Ty Saiske, Bedor Kyota and Cleofas Iyar.
Seven stalwarts from Kayangel also made to the first cut. These are Homer Hesus, Blelai Tomei, Hadley Hesus, Dexter Sadang, Dustin, Rodrick Blanco and Omengkar Nagata.
The others are four from Airai, Herman Alfonso, Avery Amos, Reagan Sidoi and Tkoel Iyechad; two from Peches, Tellei Rekemesik and Balkuu Smus; two from Ngardmau, Brickt Feliciano and Calson Dulei and one from Koror, Jaskey Sokau.
Ngaraard is the only team that has no player in the roster.
Toribiong said that the roster will be submitted to Sen. Mlib Tmetuchl, who is the national team coach.