Akari triumphs over Galeries Tower to kick off PVL All-Filipino campaign

Alas Pilipinas Girls U18 defeated Iran in its first match of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, 29-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, today in Thailand, July 1.

In the match, which lasted more than two hours, Xyz Ellen Rayco led the team's offense with 19 points, including 14 attack points.

Joining the 15-year-old Rayco was Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo, who also contributed 15 points, highlighted by 12 attack points and two aces.

Philippines head coach Rey Karl Dimaculangan emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mindset.

"We need to be more focused on the game and be more aggressive, especially on the floor," he said.

Alas Pilipinas will next face Japan on Thursday before taking on India on Friday.

Alas Pilipinas secured the bronze medal after beating Indonesia, 27-25, 27-29, 18-25, 25-22, 15-11, in the 2026 Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship. 

This marks their second consecutive Bronze Medal after they clinching the first in last year's tournament.

Ella Gonzalvo also won the Best Outside Hitter Award in the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Thailand successfully defended their title against Vietnam, 25-23, 29-27, 25-22, and was crowned champion once again in the Princess Cup. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a 3-year contract extension, retaining him to be a key part of the team until the 2028-2029 NBA season. 

The extension will pay him $75 million in new money for the next three years, with a total of $134 million guaranteed over the next five years with OKC.

The German center's impact on this young OKC team has extended beyond the stat sheet, as he played a significant role in helping the franchise win the 2025 NBA championship. 

During his two years in Oklahoma, he averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as their starting center.

The long-awaited rematch between Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., originally scheduled for September 2026, has been postponed, according to Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur, made the announcement on Friday.

Pacquiao camp stated the postponement was caused by volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp.

Among the the reported legal disputes is a lawsuit filed by Events company CSI against the american boxer, alleging he and his camp failed to fulfill the agreement granting the exclusive promotional rights for the rematch, and an exhibition match between him and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. 

The lawsuit reportedly involves at least $4.65 million for the american boxer to recover. 

The possibility of this rematch will likely happen on early 2027, should the Mayweather camp and CSI be fully resolve their internal contract disputes out of court.

Furthermore, Pacman, who just came out of retirement last year and fought Marrio Barrios that ended in a draw, has begun exploring other options for his next fight this year. 

Gilas Pilipinas forward/center Jack Danielle Animam will be playing for Energa Toruń, a Polish women's basketball club. 

Ahead of her debut in the Orlen Women's Basketball League this coming season, the management expressed their excitement to have her on the team. 

"We are delighted to officially announce that Jack Danielle Animam is the newest player of our club! Standing at 193 cm (6'4"), the center/power forward (born in 1998) will make her debut in the Orlen Women's Basketball League this coming season, writing a brand-new chapter in the history of basketball in Toruń," they wrote. 

Animam, consistently known as a double-double machine wherever she plays, is expected to play a significant role on her new team as they try to compete for a championship.