Another tour of duty is set for the 36-year-old Allen Durham as he is tapped by the Meralco Bolts to be their reinforcement in the season-opening Governor’s Cup.Durham, the three-time best import of the said conference led the Bolts in 3 finals appearances (2016, 2017, 2019) only to succumb to eventual champions, Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel led by resident import Justin Brownlee.Meralco finally won a championship last season by winning the Philippine Cup and the team now has experience on how to close out a championship series, which Durham also gained in his Japan B. League stint. The experience makes Durham and the Bolts a better opportunity to sett;e some unfinished business.Meralco is slotted with TNT, Magnolia, Northport, Terrafirma, and Converge in the Governors’ Cup.

Farm Fresh stormed into the win column of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after pulling off a major upset against Akari, 25-23, 25-21, 25-14, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, November 30.Louie Romero and Trisha Tubu spearheaded the Foxies’s offense, ending a two-game losing streak against heavily fancied Akari Chargers. 

The Converge FiberXers defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-96, in their match-up last night, January 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Converge victory gave the squad the solo second spot with a 7-3 card in the team standings, just a half-game behind the lead-leading NorthPort Batang Pier (7-2), who just lost their game earlier against the Meralco Bolts, 94-111.

Another Filipino boxing star is set to shine on the global stage, as former world champion Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo returns to action on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card next month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.Magsayo will take on Mexican fighter Jorge Mata Cuellar in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Title, under the banner of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).It was earlier announced that former Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will also fight on the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, squaring off against American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round non-title middleweight bout. The inclusion of Magsayo was later confirmed by MP Promotions, further strengthening the Filipino presence at this high-profile event."It’s a great opportunity to fight for the second time as part of the undercard for my childhood hero, Manny Pacquiao—who is the main reason I started boxing. Just like the first time I fought on his card when I was in the featherweight division, this is another stepping stone toward my second-division world title bid at super featherweight. I'm grateful for the opportunity from big brother Manny," Magsayo said.This won’t be the first time Magsayo shares the stage with Pacquiao. He previously appeared as an undercard fighter during Pacquiao’s final U.S. bout against Yordenis Ugas in 2021, where he delivered a dramatic 10th-round knockout of Mexican Julio Ceja.That performance catapulted Magsayo into a world title opportunity, which he seized by defeating Gary Russell Jr. on January 22, 2022, in Atlantic City to become the WBC Featherweight World Champion.Now riding a three-fight win streak, Magsayo looks to continue his resurgence. His most recent victory came on December 14, 2024, when he scored a dominant second-round knockout over Ecuadorian Bryan Mercado in Long Beach, California. Magsayo currently holds an impressive record of 27 wins, 2 losses, with 18 knockouts.Standing in his way is the hungry and talented 24-year-old Cuellar, who brings a solid 21-2-2 record with 13 KOs. With both fighters eyeing a shot at greater glory, fans can expect fireworks when they step into the ring.Meanwhile, MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons thanked Manny Pacquiao for putting Magsayo on this historic card, where the boxing icon attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion in history. Gibbons expressed confidence in Magsayo's chances against Cuellar and hopes he will emerge as the next contender for a WBC world title."I want to thank Manny [Pacquiao] and Al Haymon for putting Mark on this historic night of boxing, when Pacquiao attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion. A win over Jorge Mata will put Mark next in line for a WBC world title shot," Gibbons said.

Undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio is set to make history as he moves up a division to challenge Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. Should Pacio succeed, he will become the first Filipino to claim world titles in two weight classes.This highly anticipated champion vs. champion showdown takes place at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.Pacio, fresh off his emphatic victory over Jarred Brooks to end their rivalry, knows the challenge ahead is formidable.“Yuya is not the king of the flyweight division for nothing. He’s earned his spot at the top with his power and speed. I respect what he brings to the table,” said Pacio. “I know I’m facing a tough challenge, but I’m ready to give my best and represent the Philippines with pride.”Wakamatsu rides a four-fight win streak, highlighted by a first-round knockout of former champion Adriano Moraes to seize the flyweight crown at ONE 172 last March. The Japanese champion has also claimed notable wins over Filipino contenders Danny Kingad and Geje Eustaquio.Despite Wakamatsu’s momentum, Pacio is confident he can make his country proud. “I expect a fast-paced, strategic bout. We’re both intelligent fighters who know how to adapt, so I believe this will be an exciting, high-level match. I’m looking forward to the challenge and putting on a great show for the fans,” he said.Wakamatsu, for his part, respects Pacio’s skills but feels ready for the challenge ahead.“Joshua Pacio is a world champion and a dangerous, well-rounded fighter. But if I stick to my game plan, I’m confident I’ll come out on top. We’re both fast and tactical, so it’s going to be a fight fans will remember,” said Wakamatsu.With both champions promising an explosive, high-level contest, fans can expect fireworks when Pacio and Wakamatsu collide in Tokyo.

The San Miguel Beermen fended off a spirited comeback from the Meralco Bolts, 110-98, in a throwback-filled matchup as the PBA celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, April 9, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.Sporting retro uniforms in celebration of the league’s milestone, the Beermen secured their second straight-win in the conference, while the Bolts dropped to 2-1.June Mar Fajardo delivered another stellar performance with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while CJ Perez top scored with 29 markers, five boards, four dimes, and two steals.

Rachel Anne Daquis overcame cramps and played a vintage performance, scoring 19 points, including the final one of the game to lead Farm Fresh to 18-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-12, victory against Capital1 in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 18, at the Philsports Arena.Daquis, who came out of retirement last year to bolster the Foxies tournament campaign, provided the spark that the Foxies needed to turn the two-set deficit to a sweep of the next three.“I just wanted to help the team and do my job,” said Daquis in Filipino, reflecting on her performance. “I struggled in the first two sets, but we adjusted as a team, and that’s how we were able to recover.”The Foxies also missed the services of Trisha Tubu due to a back injury, making way for Daquis to take over and showed leadership by steering the team to the comeback victory.

The United States men’s hockey team made history last Sunday May 25, capturing gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship—their first title in 92 years. In a dramatic overtime finish, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres scored the winning goal just 2:02 into the extra period, leading the U.S. to a 1-0 victory over Switzerland at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.Goaltender Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) was a cornerstone of the win, turning aside all 25 shots he faced to record a shutout and secure a long-awaited title for Team USA.“This tournament and this group rejuvenated me as an individual, I found my game again. I was happy again. This is a turning point for me. To be part of the group that finally did it—it’s surreal.” said Swayman. The victory marked the first gold medal for Team USA at the World Championship since 1933, snapping one of international hockey’s longest-running title droughts. The Americans had reached the semifinals 12 times in recent years without advancing to the final—until now.In their semifinals, the U.S. stunned host nation Sweden with a commanding 6-2 win, setting the stage for their golden moment.“It’s a crazy stat, reflecting on the 92-year wait. “Everyone in that room took it to heart. Whether you were playing top minutes or cheering from the bench, every guy committed. That’s why we won.”  said Thompson.Since 2000, the U.S. has managed just five bronze medals in the tournament (2004, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2021). This gold represents more than just a win—it’s a statement of intent as the team eyes even greater success.“We were embarrassed that we hadn’t won this tournament. Now we don’t have that weight on our back. This is the start of something.” said head coach Ryan Warsofsky (San Jose Sharks).The redemption arc comes just months after Team USA fell short in the 4 Nations Face-Off, losing to Canada in overtime. This time, they completed the mission.“That’s hockey, man, Biggest stages, biggest moments. We weren’t nervous. We knew it was our time. Mission accomplished, baby.” Swayman added.With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on the horizon—and NHL participation returning—this World Championship performance could reshape Team USA’s Olympic roster. Only two players from the 4 Nations team returned for this tournament: Swayman and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets).The current group, including Thompson (6G, 3A), Clayton Keller (3G, 7A), Frank Nazar (6G, 6A), and Logan Cooley (4G, 8A), all made strong cases for inclusion on the Olympic squad.“USA Hockey is here to stay, This is just the first step.” Swayman declared. 

Being a three-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion is a significant achievement, especially during the competitive era of the 1990s to 2000s. That wealth of experience is precisely what Ernesto “Estong” Ballesteros brings to the table as he prepares to compete for Master Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the upcoming World Masters Tournament in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ballesteros shared the contributions he plans to make to the Philippine 45up team as they compete on the international stage."The number one thing I can bring to help the team is my experience in the PBA and international competition," Ballesteros said in Filipino."It will be a big boost since we will be facing stronger and heavier opponents," added the sweet-shooting big man, who will be representing the country as a basketball player for the third time in his career.Ballesteros previously played for the RP Team in 1996 before entering the professional league in 1997. That’s why he feels honored and privileged to wear the Philippine colors once again, joining forces with fellow former PBA players such as Roger Yap, Gherome Ejercito, Gilbert Malabanan, Oliver Agapito, and Marlon Basco.

It is a new era for Philippine sports as the newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman, John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, rolls out a revitalized roadmap for the agency. At the heart of Gregorio’s leadership are three strategic priorities: enhancing the welfare of the athletes, professionalizing sports governance and facilities management, and harnessing potential sports tourism.But the biggest takeaway from his address was a game-changing announcement: starting this August, all national athletes and national coaches will receive a Php 5,000 monthly increase in their allowance.

The Philippines made a strong statement in their opening match at the U23 ASEAN Championship Mandiri Cup, defeating Malaysia 2-0 on Wednesday, July 16, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.Otu Banatao starred for the U23 squad, netting both goals and securing the team's first win over Malaysia since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, as well as their first tournament victory since a 2-1 triumph over Brunei in 2022.Banatao opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from Javier Mariona, before doubling the lead in the 40th minute to complete his brace.Solid defensive work from goalkeeper Nic Guimaraes and defenders Joshua Merino, Noah Leddel, Ziggy Taningco, and Kamil Amirul helped the Philippines preserve the clean sheet.Next, the Philippines will take on defending champions Vietnam on Friday, July 18.Head coach Garrath McPherson credited his staff for the team's preparation, saying: “I would like to thank our assistant coach Popoy Clarino and our goalkeeper coach Joan Lleida, who held a training camp a week prior. Every little thing helps. With a short journey, you need to prioritize what you want to know and understand. We focused on key areas, kept things simple, and let the players take it from there.”

The Philippines is set to welcome the world’s top junior gymnasts for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, taking place from November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.Organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and Asian Gymnastics Union, the event will feature male athletes aged 16–18 and female athletes aged 14–16 from around the globe.GAP President Cynthia Carrion announced that nearly 1,000 athletes from 79 countries have registered—far surpassing the previous edition’s turnout of 283 gymnasts from 64 nations in Antalya, Turkey. Even more entries are expected as the event draws near.Carrion described the championship as a “breeding ground for future stars,” highlighting the global appeal of gymnastics and the inspiration of champions like Simone Biles and Carlos Yulo, who claimed two golds for the Philippines at the Paris Olympics last year.“The Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships will be a showcase of young talent never seen anywhere before,” Carrion said at the official launch at Newport World Resorts Mall on Thursday.The event’s slogan, “Leap High, Flip Strong!”, was also unveiled, promising an exciting blend of athletic excellence, Filipino hospitality, and festive spirit.PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, FIG MAG Technical Committee President Andrew Tombs, WAG Technical Committee President Donatella Sacchi, and FIG officials Stepane Detraz and Celine Cachemaille attended the launch and inspected the venue.The Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom, which hosted the 2015 Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament, will once again serve as the competition venue.With strong global interest, the Philippines is poised to deliver a world-class event spotlighting the next generation of gymnastics stars.

Kai Sotto, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo showed their prowess on Sunday night, November 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena when Philippines defeated Hong Kong, 93-54, to secure a ticket in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 to be held in Saudi Arabia.Sotto delivered another double-double performance with 12 points and 15 rebounds, to go along with two assists and two blocks, while Quiambao added eight markers, five boards and four dimes.Tamayo scored a game-high 16 points highlighted by two triples and 50 percent shooting from the field. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished off one assist.Gilas showed their might over the Hong Kong squad after the opening quarter by establishing a nine-point lead, 25-16.June Mar Fajardo led the Gilas domination in the opening period and finished off with 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, eight boards, one dime, one deflection, and a block.After Fajardo set the tempo in the first quarter of play, Tamayo was on fire in the second period to add a point in their lead and finished the half at 45-35.In the third canto, it was a total team effort by the Philippine team as they showcased their passing in skills and had a 9-0 run to erect a 27-point lead. However, Hong Kong point guard Oliver Xu made a triple on the buzzer to cut Gilas lead at 67-43.

The NLEX Road Warriors kept their hopes of making the playoffs alive after defeating the Phoenix Fuel Masters last night, January 19, at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City, 108-94.Their previous match against TNT Tropang Giga served as inspiration for the Road Warriors to regain their victory in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.NLEX head coach Jong Uichico also couldn’t help but be happy and praise his local players for their contributions to achieving their victory.“Everybody had their mindset to contribute in today’s game. Alam nila gaano ka-importante yung laro ngayon. Everybody had the mindset and the will na maka-contribute maski papaano sa larong ito. Then malaking bagay [sila]. Tony was great, he was able to come back and was a big help to us. Kay Herndon naman, nabigyan ko ng minuto. Kaya nanalo, maganda yung contribution ng lahat. Hindi naman namin kontrolado yung result, pero yung tsansa manalo today, binigyan nila yung sarili nila ng tsansa,” said coach Uichico. Uichico was also satisfied with Jonnel Policarpio's performance, which helped Robert Bolick win the match. According to the former La Salle Green Archer, he just did his best and gave his all in the opportunity given by his coach.“Binigay ko lang yung best ko sa opportunities na binigay sa akin ni coach. Hindi ko lang sinayang. Talagang sinunod ko lang yung game plan namin nila coach kanina,” said  the former La Salle Green Archer player. Robert Bollick led NLEX in the win with 26 points, nine rebounds and one steal, while Jonnel Policarpio had 17 points, nine rebounds and one steal. Tony Semerad had 15 points, while Rob Herndon scored 11 points.NLEX must overcome the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Hong Kong Eastern, and they now have the cards to make the most of the remaining opportunities they need to make sure of a place in the playoffs.The Scores:NLEX 108 – Bolick 26, Watkins 22, Policarpio 17, Herndon 15, Semerad 11, Torres 9, Ramirez 5, Nieto 3, Mocon 0.PHOENIX 94 – Smith 36, Rivero 13, Muyang 8, Perkins 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.Quarter Scores: 25-17, 45-48, 86-73, 108-94.

Stephanie Bustrillo transitioned from a standout player at the University of the Philippines to a promising rookie with Akari in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference. Drafted as the sixth overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft, Bustrillo wasted no time making an impact in her professional debut.Known for her scoring ability and unshakable determination, Bustrillo was determined to bring more than just volleyball skills to Akari’s lineup. Drawing from her experiences at UP, she was ready to apply the lessons learned both on and off the court.Joining a revamped Akari roster with players like Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, and Dani Ravena, Bustrillo embraced the challenge of filling the void left by Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, who were away with Alas Pilipinas.

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the first and only eight-division world champion in the sport’s illustrious history, is set to make a historic return to the ring. At 46 years old, the Filipino legend will face off against current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the prestigious MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.This comeback is nothing short of monumental—should Pacquiao claim victory over Barrios, he will shatter records by becoming the oldest welterweight world champion, surpassing the milestone he previously set at age 40. Yet standing in his path is a formidable opponent: Barrios, nearly two decades Pacquiao’s junior, brings youthful energy, relentless activity, and significant momentum—a combination that could redefine both fighters’ legacies.As the fight approaches, Pacquiao appears to be in peak condition. In a rare and powerful move, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman recently announced early results from Pacquiao’s anti-doping test, confirming that the former champion tested negative for banned substances under the rigorous WBC Clean Boxing Program.This early release of test results is significant—it underscores Pacquiao’s commitment to integrity in a sport often marred by controversy. Typically, results from the Clean Boxing Program—coordinated by the WBC and the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA)—remain confidential until after the fight. Such disclosures usually follow final testing, which VADA releases post-bout.Sulaiman also highlighted a notable surge in testing activity, with intensified scrutiny worldwide. Fighters enrolled in the Clean Boxing Program undergo random drug testing year-round, face increased monitoring in the 6–12 weeks leading up to a fight, and may be tested in the final 30 days and even on fight day.At this time, there are no public updates regarding Barrios’ test results. It’s worth noting that due to his retirement, Pacquiao had not been included in the program’s ongoing testing pool—making his clean return all the more remarkable.With this proactive announcement of test results, the WBC sends a powerful message: Manny Pacquiao is not only clean, but also primed and prepared to silence doubts about his age, hiatus, or ability to compete at the elite level once again. Boxing fans can anticipate an electrifying showdown that could stand as a testament to enduring greatness.

In a crucial moment for Petro Gazz, veteran Nicole Tiamzon delivered when it mattered most.With the Angels reeling from two straight losses and fighting for survival in the PVL On Tour, Tiamzon emerged as a steadying force, firing 16 points on 15 attacks and a block to help Petro Gazz turn back Choco Mucho in four sets, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17, Tuesday night, July 29, at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.It was the perfect time for Tiamzon to break out, stepping into the spotlight as Petro Gazz navigated its first match without Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara. Under interim tactician Brian Esquibel, the Angels played with renewed energy and composure—traits Tiamzon embodied throughout the match.

Lee Vann Corteza is a Filipino professional pool player. Nicknamed "The Slayer," he began playing pool in 1993. He is the oldest of five brothers, and his parents named him after American actor Lee Van Cleef.Corteza first took up pool at the age of thirteen, after a friend brought him to a pool parlor. He was subsequently blacklisted from the establishment after accidentally damaging a table.He has won four gold medals and one silver medal at the Southeast Asian Games and was the winner of the 2004 WPA Asian Nine-ball Tour tournament in the Philippines, defeating fellow countryman Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 13–11, in the final.On March 31, 2007, Corteza won the Philippine National Championship by defeating Marlon Manalo with a score of 13–11.In 2009, Corteza finished as runner-up in the WPA World Ten-ball Championship, losing to Mika Immonen of Finland, 11–6, in Quezon City, Philippines.In 2010, Corteza beat Taiwanese player Lo Li-Wen, 13–12, in the final to win the U.S. Open Ten-ball Championship in Las Vegas. He avenged an earlier loss to Lo, who had sent him to the one-loss side with a 9–6 victory. Corteza then defeated Shane Van Boening, 9–8, to earn another shot at Lo and ultimately captured the title along with $20,000 in prize money.

Zus Coffee secured a quarterfinal spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, while Nxled ended its campaign on a high note with a dominant win, as both teams wrapped up their play-in matches on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.   

Filipino MMA star Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is set to chase history as he aims to become the Philippines’ first two-division world champion in ONE Championship.Widely recognized as the most accomplished strawweight in the promotion’s history, Pacio is moving up in weight to challenge newly crowned flyweight champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu at ONE 173 on November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.Now 29, Pacio has exclusively competed at strawweight throughout his ONE career. Despite stepping into unfamiliar territory, he embraces the challenge. “This is a new chapter for me. I know the odds, but I’ve been through adversity before. I’m ready for this,” Pacio shared. Earlier this year, Pacio made a triumphant return after nearly a year sidelined by a partially torn ACL. At ONE 171 in Qatar last February, he completed his trilogy against Jarred Brooks for the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title. After surviving a dangerous guillotine attempt in the opening round, Pacio rallied in the second, unleashing ground-and-pound to unify the strawweight crown. The win improved his record to 23-4 and marked his seventh reign as ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion.At ONE 173, Pacio faces a formidable opponent in Wakamatsu, who enters the bout on a four-fight win streak, including a victory over Pacio’s teammate Danny Kingad. Wakamatsu claimed the vacant ONE Flyweight title at ONE 172 in May with a knockout win over Adriano Moraes.Despite the challenge of fighting in front of a partisan Japanese crowd, Pacio remains undeterred. “I’ll be walking into his backyard, but I know the Filipino spirit travels well. I’m doing this not just for me, but for the entire Philippines,” he said.A victory would make Pacio the first Filipino to capture ONE world titles in two divisions, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s greatest combat sports icons.