Calvin Oftana scored a team-high 25 points, while Kelly Williams and Jayson Castro provided veteran-smarts in TNT Tropang Giga’s 108-99 win over Meralco on Thursday night in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.The trio powered the Tropang Giga from a mere 100-97 lead into a more comfortable 106-97 cushion with 50 seconds of play remaining.Oftana’s 25 points (eight in the fourth quarter) included sinking six three-pointers, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing off three assists.TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also helped out by producing 22 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.Jayson Castro contributed 12 markers, four boards and four dimes, while Kelly Williams scored nine points in his 15:45 playing time, and did his usual job in the defensive end.

The Philippines had trouble-free opening round victories after it blanked both Aruba in the men’s division and Malawi in the women’s side via 4-0 scores in the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary on Wednesday, September 11.Olympiad debutants International Master Daniel Quizon and Ruelle Canino pulled off impressive results with Quizon humbling FIDE Master Juan Pablo De Mey in 35 moves of a Sicilian Dragon on top board and Canino swatting Anne Simwabe on board four in an English Opening with a 35-move win as well.Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda commanded the tournament by delivering the first triumph for the country in this Olympiad edition by defeating Tupokiwe Msukwa in 35 moves of an English on board three.Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, WGM Janelle Mae Frayna, WIM Shania Mae Mendoza, and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Canino, and then Quizon one by one posted victories by swooping down their helpless foes. Despite having trouble with his opponent, IM Paulo Bersamina capped the momentous day by overcoming Ilya Stetsenko on board two, completing the great start for the Philippine team coached by GMs Eugene Torre and Jayson Gonzales.The Filipino woodpushers are expected to field the same set of rosters in the second round of the 11-round tournament in their bid to stay on track for a potential top 20, possibly better, finish.

Magnolia Hotshots new import Shabazz Muhammad sank a running shot with 8.1 seconds remaining in the game to overcome the gritty Terrafirma Dyip, 99-98, and kept them in the solo third place of Group in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.The two teams traded clutch baskets in the final seconds of the game.Paul Lee drained a four-pointer to give the Hotshots a two-point lead, 97-95. In the next play, Dyip’s rookie Paolo Hernandez sank a step-back triple that brought his team back with the lead, 98-97. But the last laugh belonged to Muhammad when he delivered the winning basket with 7.8 seconds left in the game.Kevin Ferrer has one last say but his desperation three was way off the mark as Terrafirma stayed winless in the conference.It was also the 19th straight win of the Magnolia against Terrafirma since July 15, 2016. The Dyip was still called Mahindra Enforcer by then while the Hotshots were named Star.

Alec Stockton, Bryan Santos, and Schonny Winston pulled out the trigger in the end game to give Converge a 107-99 win over NorthPort on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.The FiberXers led by the trio came out in a big 18-3 run late in the game to gain the victory and cut the team’s three-game slump. They are now tied with Batang Pier at fourth place in Group A with 3-4 identical records.Stockton produced 21 points including a three-point play in the dying minutes of the game, while Santos finished with 15 markers including two crucial back-to-back triples that brought them back to the game, and Winston added 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds.Converge coach Franco Atienza said that they started well at the first half of play but struggled in the third period when NorthPort tied the game at the end of it after posting a 16-point second quarter lead.

Scottie Thompson stood out the best king of the night by posting 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists to exact revenge on George King and the Blackwater Bossing in their rematch at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last night.Thompson’s triple-double led the Barangay Ginebra to a 112-98 victory over the Bossing to gain a solo second in Group with 4-2 slate.

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.

Two-time Olympian and pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena insisted that the Philippines should not wait until the end of his career to find his heir apparent.Returning to top form is still the top priority, but Obiena is pouring his time and efforts by advocating for increased interest in his sport, aiming to share his expertise to children who want to follow in his footsteps.With the positive response of Filipino youth in sports especially after the Paris Olympics, the world No. 3 pole vaulter said the nation’s sports authorities responsible for grassroots developments should take advantage of this and make its move to make sports accessible.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters relied on their huge fourth quarter surge to promptly get back on the winning track after defeating Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters 122-107 on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Caelan Tiongson, Andrei Caracut and Gian Mamuyac poured out the buckets they needed while Adrian Nocum and Aaron Fuller painted their own will to lead a 24-4 run from a 95-97 deficit that gave the Elasto Painters a safe 119-101 lead, only 1:22 left.Nocum led the Elasto Painters with 16 points, partnered with a career-high 10 rebounds to notch his first career double-double while import Aaron Fuller added 16 markers and 11 boards, even though he’s buckled with foul trouble.Gian Mamuyac poured out 14 points which included back-to-back triples during their fourth quarter run. Anton Asistio and Jhonard Clarito put up 13 and 10 respectively while ROS prized rookies Tiongson and Felix Lemetti both tallied 12 points.Guiao played down the win, saying Phoenix isn't playing to its potential.

A new ruling by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) halted Jaja Santiago’s aspiration to suit up for the Japan national women’s volleyball team. Jaja Santiago, who recently acquired Japanese citizenship and now goes by the name of Minowa Sachi, is ineligible to play for Japan based on a new FIVB rule that will prevent her from transferring from another federation.Newly-elected president of Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Ramon “Tats” Suzara explained the technicalities, citing once a player suits up for one country’s national team, they can no longer do so for another nation.

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 sporting official Ramon "Tats" Suzara has been named the new president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.This, as he is the newest official tasked with putting the name of the Philippines’ volleyball teams on the map.The countdown begins for the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship that will take place in the Philippines. In order for the national volleyball teams to thrive on the world stage, Suzara has to implement the visions he has for the AVC. First on his agenda is to put volleyball as the Top 5 of popular sports in Asia especially that Philippines is one of the spectators in Volleyball National League (VNL) around the world followed by Thailand, according to Suzara.Purchasing land in Bangkok to convert it into AVC’s headquarters is also part of his mission.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters wanted to redeem themselves after failing to sweep the first round of the elimination round when they were defeated by June Mar Fajardo’s buzzer-beating jumper in their last game.The Elasto Painters will face the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, which seek their first win of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup when they meet on Tuesday, 5pm of September 9 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Should ROS get the dub, they will have a solid hold of the lead in Group B when they recorded a 5-1 in the standings, and will be one victory ahead of coach Yeng Guaio’s target to be able to secure a spot in the crossover quarterfinal round.However, Guiao is cautious of the struggling Fuel Masters that will rely on the capabilities of their new import Brandone Francis, who averaged 39 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in his first two games in the league.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced into the main draw of the World Tennis Association or WTA 500 in Guadalajara, Mexico after disposing Samantha Murray Sharan of Great Britain on Monday, September 8.The 19-year-old Eala will now play in the Guadalajara Open Akron as she imposed her will and trounced her 36-year-old foe at the Panamerican Tennis center.Eala flexed her might as she surged to an early 3-0 lead in the first set of the final qualifying match until Sharan leveled the score at 4-all. Despite Sharan’s best efforts, the Filipina southpaw broke her in the ninth game and served out the set in the 10th.The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate raced to a compelling 5-1 lead spiked by service breaks before concluding the match in the eighth game after three deuces. The play lasted one hour and 13 minutes.This is Eala’s second win at the qualifying rounds after outclassing Fanny Stollar of Hungary, 6-1, 6-2, last Sunday, September 7.The Filipina southpaw’s win arranged a first-round meeting with world No. 45 netter, Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic on Wednesday, September 11 (Manila time).

Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater will face each other in a rematch during the second round of PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup elimination round.Both teams are targeting their fourth win of the conference when they clash tonight in the main event of the double-header at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.In their first meeting, the Bossing stunned the Gin Kings 95-88 during the debut game of George King and gave the team their first win of the season after failing their first three.King, a former NBA player who wore Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks jerseys, tallied 33 points and collared 19 rebounds in that battle. Since he reinforced Blackwater, they were on a roll recording a three-game win streak. They have defeated the winless Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 123-11, and the NLEX Road Warriors, 110-109.

Bianca Pagdangan and Dottie Ardina capped off the opening round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games women’s individual stroke play in contrasting styles at the Le Golf National on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time).Second-time Olympian Pagdanganan, who represented Philippines in Tokyo Olympics alongside Yuka Saso, started her bid with pars in the first three holes, but three costly bogeys in the fourth, fifth, and seventh holes saw her slipping in the rankings. The 26-year-old then found her rhythm and had birdies in the 12th, 15th, and 18th holes to go to an even par to end the day with 72 at joint 13th spot.Pagdanganan is currently in a logjam with defending gold medalist Nelly Korda of the United States, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lydia Ko of New Zealand, as well as world No. 3 Amy Yang of South Korea, keeping her medal hopes very much alive.The other Philippine bet, Ardina, earned a 4-over 76 score, tying five other golfers in the 40th spot with four bogeys and a double bogey in the front and back nine proving costly in her opening-day campaign.Meanwhile, two-time US Open champion Yuka Saso, who is now representing Japan after playing for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, could not overcome an early double-bogey in the 7th hole for a wretched 5-over 77 outing and is tied with the three others in the 46th spot.The second round of the event will continue on Thursday, August 8.

Veteran guard Alex “The Crunchman” Cabagnot has returned to the Philippine Basketball Association by signing a two-conference deal with the Converge last Monday, August 5.The nine-time PBA champion came back to help the young FiberXers to become a much better team especially with the arrival of the 49th Season first overall pick Justine Baltazar who’s also seen as Justin Arana’s potential partner in the paint to form their own twin tower combination.Cabagnot will also team-up with the much improved Alec Stockton whom he can train to be an elite point guard, team leader and a crunch time scorer just like him.

The Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is in Paris.The Filipina weightlifter arrived in the French capital on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time) ahead of the Team Philippines’ weightlifting campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics.Diaz was seen bonding with the remaining Filipino athletes in the Olympic host city including her fellow Tokyo Olympian Eumir Marcial, who exited the medal race in his opening bout, and Hergie Bacyadan, who lost in the round of 16.While she is yet to meet gymnast Carlos Yulo for the first time since he won his two gold medals during the Summer Games, Diaz will also be serving as an official of the International Weightlifting Federation Athletes’ Commission, where she is a member of their executive board.Only two weightlifters are left to open their campaigns with John Ceniza being the latest casualty of Team Philippines after he was not able to continue his bid for an Olympic medal due to a shoulder injury. Elreen Ando will open her bid on Thursday, August 8 (Manila time) at the women’s 59kg, while Vanessa Sarno will play on early Saturday in the women’s 71kg event.

The National University Lady Bulldogs tripped Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights in its first game of the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.The Lady Bulldogs overcame a third-set defeat to conquer the Lady Knights, 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-11.Kaye Bombita and Myrtle Escanlar spearheaded the way for NU, whose young core showed great potential and promise, despite the absence of key players Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique, who are currently competing with Alas Pilipinas Women in the ongoing SEA V.League tournament.

Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quimbao leads the De La Salle Green Archers to defeat the National University Bulldogs in their toe-to-toe battle, 78-75 in the opening game of the UAAP Season 87 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.The Green Archers superstar scored nine of his 22 points in the clutch including the winning triple with 9.8 seconds left that basically ended the game.

As the University of Baguio celebrates their 76th Anniversary on Thursday, August 8, they proudly greet their alumni who carry the Philippine flag in the 2024 Olympics.Paris Games bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villgegas together with Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial received huge congratulatory messages from their alma mater where they once carried the red and gray flag as UB Cardinals.Now bringing their talent and skills in the international stage, the university greeted them proudly in their official Facebook page: