Barangay Ginebra drew first blood in its best-of-five quarterfinals series after shutting down rival Meralco, 99-92, in the PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup on Thursday, September 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Justin Brownlee led the win for the Gin Kings as they survived the late rally orchestrated by the Bolts, finishing with 29 points, along with 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Scottie Thompson delivered 19 markers with five boards, and fives dimes.

Carl Jammes Martin now eyes a shot in one of four titles of Naoya Inoue after knocking out Anthony Salas of Mexico in his much awaited international debut.The second-round knockout victory boosted Martin’s record to 24-0 with 19 knockouts.Now, Martin is rated No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization. Just like Marlon Tapales. Martin is now back on training at the Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Las Vegas. While in the roster of WBO, Martin now has almost a guarantee for a title shot that he may continue to emerge victorious.  Sean Gibbons, Martin’s promoter guaranteed  that he will fight again this December in a world title shot in 2025. “He will fight again in December then a world title shot in 2025,” said Gibbons. Meanwhile, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue will fight again in December and in April 2025 before he will attempt to invade the featherweight ranks in pursuit of a fifth world title in as many weight classes.

Newly-elected Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara pledged to work hard to further develop and improve the men's and women’s national team.This, as he also will now head of the organizing committee for the country’s hosting of the FIVB Men’s World Championship in September next year,  as well as continuing with his duties as  chief of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation. “We need to improve, improve, improve. I want them to go up higher in the rankings like what Gilas Pilipinas is doing,” adding that improvement should not only come from players but the coaches as well. said Suzara. As he came on board as PNVF president, the Philippine teams were ranked No.117 in the world. After nearly three years under his watch, the men’s team is now at No. 56 and the women’s team at No. 63.Suzara says he intends to look for more international exposure for the team and wants to strengthen the grassroots while looking for up-and-coming volleyball talent.“We will go back to the grassroots in Luzon Visayas and Mindanao. There’s still a lot of tall players in the provinces. I’m sure madami pa, Our national teams need 30 international matches a year.  And we will do this. Kung maaari lang na one year wala sila dito we will do that though it’s expensive,” Suzara added. 

The ASICS Rock 'n' Roll Running Series – in partnership with IRONMAN Philippines – will be hosting its third edition of the annual running event on November 24. Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc. emphasizes the significance of the event, which is part of the IRONMAN Philippines family of events.  This is not just only a running event which has 42km, 21km, 10 km and 5km which falls on 5 M’s, The Memories, Miles, Musics, Medals and Manila but also, it amplifies the vibrancy of an unparalleled marathon experience  that combines the love in running with the power of music and the spirit of community. It will be lined also  with live bands, DJs, and ensembles, ensuring that the spirit of rock and roll powers every step of the marathon. And, in true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, participants will be awarded unique heavy medals to commemorate their achievements.The route for this event will be at the iconic Luneta Park, where runners will set out on a journey that weaves through the heart of Manila’s historic landscapes. Runners will dash past the National Museum, and take strides around the Manila City Hall, pace through the storied gates of Fort Santiago, immerse in the cultural tapestry of Chinatown in Binondo, and finally race along the scenic Manila Bay strip.The City of Manila is very much excited about the upcoming event and the Manila City Government is preparing for the said event and everything that the ASICS Rock 'n' Roll organizers needed will be provided. The Manila City Government is also very much thankful for once again they chose Manila as a venue for the said event and this serves also as an instrument to promote the many beautiful as well as historical places in Manila.“Nagpapasalamat po ang CIty Manila on behalf po on our beloved Mayora Honey Lacuña… at nagpapasalamat po kami sa Sunrise Inc. at sa Rock n’ Roll na napili nila ang City of Manila na talagang nakikita ang City of Manila at nakikita ng taga Manileño especially sa ibang bansa at sa buong Pilipinas at nagagamit nila ang City of Manila para sa ganitong event lalong lalo na ang Rock n’ Roll na ito…” said Ruel De Guzman, Director of Manila Sports Council. Because of this Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, the wonder and beauty of Manila is appreciated not just in the country but also it can attract by foreign nationalities. The ASICS Rock 'n' Roll Running Series will debut again on the midnight of Nov. 24. In honor and respect to the hero of  Manila which is Gat Andres Bonifacio. Prior to the main event, the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series will spearhead the 21km, 10 km and 5km event on October 20 in the province of Cavite, interested fellows may register thru their website: https://www.runrocknroll.com/manila

Filipino boxer Carl Jammes “The Wonder Boy” Martin won via TKO in his debut fight in foreign soil against a Mexican boxer Anthony Salas last Saturday, September 7. He overpowered Mexican boxer Anthony Salas in less than two rounds in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. This marked also a significant milestone in his promising boxing career.Martin said that his rigorous training in the US contributed a lot to sharpen his skills and the fruit of his labor reaps. Aside from focusing on his training, he confidently believes that by the help and trust in God Almighty he will definitely win this fight. “I feel this is the right time to fight and prove myself abroad. This is the time to show that I am ready after being trained at the Knuckleheads Boxing Ranch training compound in Las Vegas, Nevada, This is what I needed as I look forward to fighting for a world title in 2025.” Martin said. Beginning in the first round, Martin targeted the body of Salas with all of his power punches until in the second round where he knocked down Salas with double punches in the head and in body until another combination attack and  left hook to the body sustained by Salas.. The referee decided then to step in and stop the fight. Currently, Martin is no. 3 in the WBO ranking with an unblemished record of 24 wins, with 18 knockouts. Martin now is one of the possible challengers for Japanese Champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue who is the undisputed super bantamweight world champion. He is also ranked in NO. 6 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF). 

After handily defending his title against India's Saurabh Kumar at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia lastSunday, WBC Asia super-bantam title Marlon Tapales aims to fight again and meet WBC/WBA/IBF/ WBO super bantamweight Japanese champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue. Sanman CEO JC Manangquil said they will ensure that Tapales will remain active in boxing and hopefully  he may be able to fight someone again before the end of this year. Manangquil added that if one of the titles held by Inoue becomes vacant, he can go and fight for it. "Maybe if one of those titles becomes vacant from (Naoya) Inoue, we can fight for a world title. But we will keep Marlon active. Maybe another fight before the end of the year," said Manangquil.Right now, Tapales is busy rehearsing and preparing for a possible world title shot next year. May of this year, Tapales fought Nattapong Jankaew of Thailand where he won via KO in Pasay City, while in 2023, Tapales was defeated via KO by Japanese champion Naoya "The Monster" Inoue in the 10th round of their match in Tokyo, Japan. 

Aira Villegas gifts herself with the best possible present on her 29th birthday as she advances to the women’s 50kg quarterfinals in the Paris Olympics early Friday, August 2 (Manila time).The Filipina boxer stunned the No. 2 seeded Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria when she showcased her quick movement and counterpunching.Villegas repeatedly backed off her Algerian foe with her stinging left jabs and quick combinations, enabling her to get all of the five judges’ nod in the first round. While the next two frames were closer, it was Villegas’ clean blows that spelled the difference.It was the second straight unanimous decision win for Villegas, who has been impressive so far in her Olympic debut. She gave the Philippine boxing team a winning start in the Paris Olympics on Monday, July 29, with a victory over Yasmine Mouttaki of Morocco.The 29-year-old’s win set up a date with home bet and seventh seed Wassila Lkhadiri of France as they duel for a spot in the semifinals on Sunday, August 4 (Manila time).Villegas joins Tokyo silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam among the Filipino boxers who remain in the medal contention. 

Paris Olympics organizers are now in hot water after accusations of boxers being members of the LGBTQIA+ community competing in women’s competitions have surfaced online.Algerian boxer Imane Khalif, who is biologically female, won against her Italian opponent Angela Carini in the women’s 66kg category Thursday night, Manila time. Carini abandoned her match 46 seconds into the bout, giving Khalif the win.Khelif has found herself in the middle of the storm, not just for a swift victory over Carini, but for a controversy that questioned her eligibility to compete in the women’s division as she failed a “sex test” last year.In the match, Carini was seen getting emotional after she threw in the towel just 46 seconds into the fight. The Italian with her tears flowing claimed that she could not continue anymore after being hit with powerful blows that she has never experienced before.The Algerian was previously ousted from the world championships after failing a testosterone test. She has now faced a bunch of backlash. Even the social media world has erupted because of the issue though they have been divided with their opinions. Some supported Khelif like former Arsenal star Ismael Bennacer and said that she was receiving “unjustified hatred” while others vocally criticized the Algerian like notable figures J.K. Rowling and UK’s ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss.  

Capital1’s Russian reinforcement, Marina Tushova, reset the Premier Volleyball League record books by scoring 45, powering her team past Choco Mucho in a thrilling five-set encounter at the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Thursday, August 1, at the PhilSports Arena.Tushova’s 45-point explosion surpassed the previous record of 44 points set by Dominica Priscilla Rivera of Akari during the 2022 Reinforced Conference.The Russian outside hitter poured 43 kills, one block, and an ace to complete the Solars Spikers come-from-behind victory that set their best start in the league so far with a 2-2 record in Pool B.Tushova also hard-carried the defensive side of the ball in the win with 18 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs as middle blocker Des Clemente tallied seven points off four blocks, while Julia Ipac scored six.On the other hand, Choco Mucho’s Greek import, Zoi Faki, scored a conference-best 28 in the losing cause as the Flying Titans sank to a 1-3 slate in Pool B.Dindin Santiago-Manabat contributed 16 points with 12 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Maddie Madayag and Royse Tubino added eight markers apiece.Capital1 will look to sustain its momentum when they face ZUS Coffee, while Choco Mucho will aim to recover when they face Petro Gazz on Tuesday, August 6, at the same venue. 

Cignal executed a near perfect game to continue its dominance of Pool B in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday, August 1, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.The HD Spikers dismantled the struggling Petro Gazz Angels in straight sets, 25-19, 25-19, 25-22, bringing them close to sweeping Pool B with a perfect 4-0 record.This is also the HD Spikers’ best start in two years since the Invitational Conference in 2022 to secure their places among the top three teams.

Aira Villegas gifts herself with the best possible present on her 29th birthday as she advances to the women’s 50kg quarterfinals in the Paris Olympics early Friday, August 2 (Manila time).The Filipina boxer stunned the No. 2 seeded Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria when she showcased her quick movement and counterpunching.Villegas repeatedly backed off her Algerian foe with her stinging left jabs and quick combinations, enabling her to get all of the five judges’ nod in the first round. While the next two frames were closer, it was Villegas’ clean blows that spelled the difference.It was the second straight unanimous decision win for Villegas, who has been impressive so far in her Olympic debut. She gave the Philippine boxing team a winning start in the Paris Olympics on Monday, July 29, with a victory over Yasmine Mouttaki of Morocco.The 29-year-old’s win set up a date with home bet and seventh seed Wassila Lkhadiri of France as they duel for a spot in the semifinals on Sunday, August 4 (Manila time).Villegas joins Tokyo silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam among the Filipino boxers who remain in the medal contention. 

Philippine Sports Commission president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is still optimistic that the Philippine delegation in the Paris Olympics can still bring home a medal.Tolentino said, “Full speed ahead. The campaign for medals, especially gold, is hot on track.”Even though the Philippine team suffered defeats after defeats, Tolentino is still hoping that they can still end the Paris Games campaign on a high note.Tolentino also said that even though the losses hurt, this is not yet the end of the journey.The PSC chief says he is also saddened by the boxing loss that Eumir Marcial suffered. Marcial is the one being eyed to bring home a medal but failed to do so. Despite that, Tolentino said that it’s not the end for him.“I know how painful it is for Eumir to bear the loss. We feel his disappointment and frustration, but it’s not the end for him.”Tolentino added that the light heavyweight division is not for Marcial as it is far from his original weight class in the middleweight division where he won bronze in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

University of the East opened its bid in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge in a stunning way, crushing reigning NCAA Season 99 champion De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in straight sets at the Paco Arena on Wednesday night, July 31.The Lady Warriors staged multiple comebacks to complete their domination of the Lady Blazers in a battle between Jerry Yee-coached squads.“The Lady Blazers have had the advantage over us the past couple of weeks, so I’m very happy that the girls pulled through even coming from behind,” said UE assistant coach Obet Vital.Down by as many as five points midway through the final set, UE rattled off a pivotal 9-1 run to gain momentum and sweep CSB to a 25-22, 25-23, 25-21 victory.Khy Cepada led the Lady Warriors by delivering 20 points, all from attacks, while Kayce Balingit and Jenalyn Umayam contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively.Jelai Gajero also returned to the court for the first time since tearing her ACL in the same tournament seven months ago. The California Academy standout focused on regaining her floor defense for the game.Meanwhile, Corrine Apostol paced CSB with 14 points, while Rhea Densing chipped in 12 markers.UE will face UAAP Season 86 silver medalist University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, August 4, while St. Benilde will aim to bounce back against Far Eastern University on the same date.

Team USA dominated the South Sudan Bright Stars 103-86 in the group phase of the Olympics men’s basketball on Wednesday, July 31 at the Pierre Mauro Stadium in Paris, France.There was no repeat of their pre-Olympic game where South Sudan almost made an upset against the Americans as the game ended at 101-100. Team USA had to overcome a 16-point deficit, with LeBron James scoring the game winning lay-up.The Americans showed their might this time as they started the game with a 6-0 run and never looked back until the end to secure their quarterfinals ticket in the Paris Games.Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo led the Americans in scoring with 18 points, 14 of which came from the first half of play. He also grabbed seven rebounds, swatted two shots, dished off one assist and tallied one steal.Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker and Derick While all finished in double figures in scoring too.It was also the return of Jayson Tatum in the starting line-up after not playing a single minute in their opening game against Serbia.On the other hand, Noni Omot led South Sudan with 24 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals while Carlik Jones added 18 markers, seven dimes, three boards and one steal.Team USA will still be facing Puerto Rico on August 3 to cap off their group stage assignment while the Bright Stars will face Serbia in a must win situation to advance to the next round.

Carlos Yulo ranked 12th in the all-around finals of the men’s artistic gymnastics to cap off the first of his three medal events in the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Bercy Arena in France on Thursday, August 1 (Manila time).The 24-year-old gymnast, who is a three-time all-around gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, failed to land a podium finish by placing 12th out of 24 qualifiers with a total score of 83.032.Still, it was a remarkable performance for Yulo as he reached his first individual all-around finals of the Olympics – a far reach from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games where he finished the all-around qualification at 47th place.Yulo showed significant improvements in the different apparatuses, highlighting his improvement from just being a floor exercise world champion in 2019.Yulo netted his highest score in vault with 14.766 points, then garnered 14.500 points in parallel bars and 14.333 points in floor exercise to bounce back from an unfavorable start that saw him fall during his pommel horse routine.Oka Shinnosuke of Japan bagged the gold medal with a total of 86.832.The 2020 Tokyo gold medalist Zhang Boheng of China failed to defend his crown, finishing second with 86.599 points.Zhang’s teammate, Xiao Ruoteng snatched the bronze medal with a close score of 86.364.Yulo will look to bring his upgraded routines, but with cleaner execution, in the apparatus finals of the floor exercise and the vault medal rounds on August 3 and 4, respectively.

Carlos Yulo begins the first of his three final events at the Paris Olympics men’s artistic gymnastics at the Bercy Arena on Wednesday, July 31.The reigning Asian all-around champion, Yulo showed he can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world after placing ninth in the qualification with a total of 83.631 points.The individual all-around finals, featuring 24 finalists, is expected to be a showdown among the Chinese and Japanese aces with Filipino-British bet Jake Jarman as a dark horse.Meanwhile, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthua Carrion is realistic that Yulo has a slim chance in the all-around competition.“He will not win,” said Carrion bluntly. “But he will give it his all.”But Yulo will be there in what could well be a preview to an anticipated Yulo moment in floor exercise and vault finals at the Bercy Arena this weekend.Yulo's determination to succeed stems from a frustrating finish in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, where the 2019 floor exercise world champion could not make the final event as a fall during the qualification round took him out of medal contention.

Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist is coming to the French capital, not as an athlete, but as a member of the International Weightlifting Federation Athletes’ Commission.Her arrival to the Games was confirmed by the Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Dicky Bachmann on Tuesday, July 30.“She is arriving either on August 3 or August 4,” said Bachmann in a text message, adding that Diaz’s arrival would be a great source of inspiration for other Filipino athletes who are still vying for the Olympic medal, including her fellow weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno.“Her presence will definitely add much-needed inspiration to all our athletes competing in the Summer Games,” added Bachmann.The Zamboanga native Diaz, who captured the country’s first Olympic gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, remains a towering figure in Philippine sports as her feat became a shining moment for the nation.Marking a new chapter in her journey to develop future champions, Diaz inaugurated her weightlifting academy, HD Weightlifting Academy, in Jalajala, Rizal on July 26, the third-year anniversary of her golden conquest in the Tokyo games.

Farm Fresh finally tallied its first win in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.Yeny Murillo was unstoppable in the fifth set as Farm Fresh survived the Galeries Tower in a five-set thriller, 25-22, 35-37, 23-25, 25-20, 15-10, to secure their first victory in Pool A on Tuesday, July 30, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.The Colombian outside spiker led her team’s offense after delivering 29 crucial points, built on 26 attacks, 16 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs, carrying her squad on her back in the fifth set.“You know, we have been working really hard and we are trying to get in rhythm with each other and I feel like my team needed this win because my team needs motivation to keep pushing and keep pushing harder,” Murillo said during the postgame press conference.Also leaving a strong impression for the Foxies were Caitlin Viray and Trisha Tubu with 18 markers apiece and Ckyle Tagsip contributing 15, including four blocks, in a solid team win for Foxies, who now occupied the fifth spot in Pool A with a 1-2 win-loss record.On the other hand, the Highrisers dropped to 0-3 at the bottom of Pool A.Thai import Chuewulim Sutadta paced the Galeries Tower with 19 points, 19 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs.Graze Bombita and France Ronquillo added 17 points each, while Roselle Baliton chipped in 14 markers.Farm Fresh aims to sustain its momentum when they face Nxled on Saturday, August 03, at the same venue, while the Galeries Tower will look to secure their first win against Creamline. 

France prevailed in their nail-biting Olympic men’s basketball clash against Japan 94-90 in a game that went to overtime.In the closely contested ballgame, the No. 9 ranked Les Bleus was trailing by four points in the dying seconds of game until Matthew Strazel threw a desperation three-pointer that went in and was fouled by Yuki Kawamura of the ranked 26 Japan Akatsuki Five. Strazel converted the bonus free throw that tied the game at 84 and forced overtime.During the extension, Victor Wembanyama scored eight of the 10 overtime points of France to overcome his game struggles and led Les Bleus to victory.Wembanyama started the game with eight points, then had his woes for the rest of the game before overtime came. The San Antonio Spurs superstar still led the French team in scoring with 18 markers, added 11 boards, six assists, two steals and two block shots.Strazel who bailed them out with his four-point play in the regulation that forced overtime tallied 17 markers and three dimes.Meanwhile, Yuki Kawamura led the Akatsuki Five in scoring with 29 markers. He also grabbed seven rebounds, dished off six assists, and tallied one steal.Los Angeles Lakers Rui Hachimura added 24 points (7/11 on 2-point shots, 3/5 on 3-point area, and 1/2 on free throws) for the Japanese team. He also grabbed three boards in his 28 minutes of play before his ejection after receiving his second unsportsmanlike foul with 8:31 left in the fourth quarter.France now has a 2-0 slate in their group while Japan went down to 0-2.The Akatsuki Five next assignment will be on August 2 against Brazil while the host team Les Blue will face Germany on August 3 to cap off their match-ups in the Group Phase.

Swimmer Kayla Sanchez’s quest for a medal in the women’s 100 meter freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to an end when she failed to advance in the semifinals.Sanchez clocked 54.21 seconds in the second semifinal on Tuesday, July 30, (early Wednesday in Manila) at the Paris La Defense Arena, good for seventh in her group and 15th overall.Earlier in the day, the 23-year-old Filipina made her Olympic debut for the Philippines by delivering an impressive performance after finishing fourth-place in the heats.She registered 53.67 seconds, setting a new national record for the Philippines in the women’s 100m freestyle.Unfortunately, Sanchez missed the top-eight cutoff for the final and became the eighth member of the 22-strong Team Philippines to get eliminated.Gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar, fencer Samantha Catantan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, rower Joanie Degalco, and boxer Eumir Marcial all bowed out of medal contention in their respective events.