In an impressive display of skill, taller Japanese southpaw Madoka Wada (4-0, 3 KOs) successfully defended her OPBF Female Minimumweight Title by stopping resilient Filipina challenger Carleans “Chay” Rivas (9-8-4, 1 KO) in Round 7 in Tokyo, Japan.From the very first round, Wada utilized her height advantage, sharp right jab, and accurate counters to dictate the pace, keeping the aggressive Rivas at bay. Renowned for her tenacity and relentless pressure, Rivas found it difficult to close the distance against the rangy champion.In Round 7, Wada unleashed a series of unanswered combinations that prompted the referee to intervene and halt the fight. Although Rivas protested the stoppage, demonstrating her indomitable spirit, Wada had clearly taken command, landing effective shots throughout the bout.A big salute to Rivas—the fearless fighter from Angono, Rizal—whose courage and heart earned her the respect of the crowd despite the loss. She poured everything into the fight and exited the ring with her head held high.Wada’s victory keeps her unbeaten and solidifies her position as the reigning OPBF champion, marking her continued ascent in the minimumweight division.

Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making as Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial returns to the ring on the undercard of the blockbuster Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios bout this Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Manila time) in Las Vegas.Marcial, one of the Philippines’ brightest boxing stars, was originally set to face Mexico’s Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round middleweight showdown. But with Gaytan sidelined by an injury, Marcial will now take on the formidable American, Bernard Joseph—a fresh challenge that promises even more excitement.This isn’t just another bout for Marcial. It’s a pivotal moment in his journey from Olympic hero to professional contender, and all eyes will be on him as he steps into the global spotlight once again. With his relentless drive and world-class skills, Marcial is determined to prove he’s a force in the pro ranks.As the world tunes in to celebrate Manny Pacquiao’s legendary comeback, make sure you’re there to cheer for the next generation of Filipino boxing greatness. Eumir Marcial’s fight is a must-watch—don’t miss this electrifying night of action. Team Pacquiao and Marcial are already heading to Las Vegas in great condition following intense strength and conditioning programs and heavy sparring sessions, along with the heavy pain and trials they endured after a disappointing result in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Eumir Marcial made a triumphant return to the professional ranks, delivering a statement win on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao–Mario Barrios bout at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.Marcial, now 6-0 with four knockouts, remained undefeated after stopping American Bernard Joseph in the third round of their 163-pound catchweight contest.After a cautious start, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist found his rhythm, punishing Joseph with powerful body shots. Marcial floored his opponent with a hook in the second round, then sealed the win in the third by sending Joseph to the canvas once more with a thunderous left. The referee waved off the fight at 1:55 of the round when Joseph failed to beat the count.With this impressive victory, Marcial inches closer to a world title shot, further cementing his reputation as one of the Philippines’ most promising boxing talents.

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.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has become the latest major sports body to update its policy on transgender athlete participation, joining several other organizations that have clarified or altered their rules this year. Here’s a summary of the most prominent changes:US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)The USOPC now effectively bars transgender women from competing in women’s sports, citing an obligation to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order. The USOPC oversees around 50 national governing bodies, potentially prompting rule changes at local club levels to maintain membership.International Cycling UnionEarlier this month, cycling’s global governing body banned transgender women who transitioned after male puberty from women’s races. This came after American rider Austin Killips became the first openly transgender woman to win an official cycling event in May.University of PennsylvaniaThe university modified three women’s swimming records previously held by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, settling a federal civil rights investigation and restoring records to female athletes. Thomas, who won an NCAA title in 2022, was at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict transgender participation in women’s sports.World AquaticsSwimming’s governing body announced a policy in June allowing only transgender athletes who transitioned before age 12 to compete in women’s events. They are also exploring an “open competition” category for the future.World Boxing OrganizationIn May, World Boxing mandated sex testing for all athletes in sanctioned events, referencing scrutiny around Olympic champion Imane Khelif and other elite boxers whose eligibility had been questioned.British SportsFollowing a UK Supreme Court ruling in April, the governing bodies for soccer in England and Scotland banned transgender women from women’s teams, while the England and Wales Cricket Board imposed a similar ban.World Athletics CouncilIn March, track and field’s governing body barred transgender women who underwent male puberty from international competition. New regulations on athletes with differences in sex development, such as Caster Semenya, now require six months of hormone suppression before eligibility.US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)The NCAA announced in February that women’s sports would be limited to athletes assigned female at birth, enforcing the rule immediately after Trump’s executive order. The NCAA governs over 1,100 schools and 500,000 athletes.High School SportsNebraska became the latest state in June to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports, joining at least 24 other states with similar policies. The federal government and several states have clashed over such participation rules.These policy changes reflect a global trend toward more restrictive eligibility standards for transgender athletes, often citing fairness and safety in women’s sports.

The Philippine weightlifting team is set to begin its campaign at the 2024 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Bahrain this weekend.The pride of Cebu City, Fernando Agad Jr. will see action in the men’s 55 kg class at 1 AM on Saturday, December 7 (Philippine time), followed by two-time Asian Junior Championships gold medalist Rosegie Ramos in the women’s 49 kg division.This will serve as Ramos’ first international competition after she failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a tie-breaking tenth with the Dominican Republic in the IWF World Rankings, where only the top 10 advanced.Dave Pacaldo, meanwhile, will see action on Sunday, December 8, in the men’s 67 kg division.On the other hand, two-time Olympian Elreen Ando will take her leap in the women’s 64 kg on Wednesday, December 11, together with 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Kristel Macrohon in women’s 71 kg and John Dexter Tabique in the men’s 89 kg competition.

Meralco’s bid to make the East Asia Super League (EASL) playoffs is hanging in the balance after two consecutive road losses — but there’s renewed hope as the Bolts return home for their final four elimination games, starting with Saturday’s rematch against Chinese-Taipei’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.Head coach Luigi Trillo admitted it’s been a challenging stretch for Meralco, which is also juggling its campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup. Since bowing to Ryukyu on Oct. 22, the Bolts have dropped back-to-back PBA games to NLEX and TNT, followed by a setback against Taoyuan last Sunday, where active coaching consultant Nenad Vucinic was ejected after two technical fouls.“We’re representing not just Meralco but also the PBA and our country, and we’re doing our best under the circumstances,” said Trillo. “CJ (Cansino) couldn’t play in our second EASL game because of a bad sprain and we’re still waiting for JB (Justin Brownlee).”Under EASL rules, teams may enlist two world imports, a naturalized player, and an Asian heritage import. If Brownlee remains unavailable, Ange Kouame will take his place on Saturday. Kouame, however, is coming off a six-week layoff and only returned to practice this week. The good news: Asian heritage import Sina Vahedi is now in town and set to play in the Bolts’ next four EASL outings.Trillo confirmed that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero will continue to anchor Meralco’s import lineup. For the Taoyuan Pilots, key players to watch include 7’1” former Phoenix Suns draftee Alec Brown, 6’11” naturalized player Will Artino, 6’7” forward Setric Millner, and national standout Lu Chun Hsiang, who’s averaging 19 points per game.Following Saturday’s clash, Meralco will host Macau on Nov. 15, the Black Bears rematch on Dec. 6, and Ryukyu on Feb. 11—all at the Capital Arena. The top two teams in Meralco’s group of four will advance to the Round of Six playoffs in March.The Bolts will return to PBA action against Terrafirma on Dec. 10.

Converge gained a head start in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals showdown after earning a 130-118 victory over Rain or Shine on Wednesday, February 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Justin Arana delivered an outstanding performance after recovering from a knee injury that saw the FiberXers overcome a 17-point deficit to win the first game of the best-of-three quarterfinals. He finished with 22 points and eight rebounds off the bench.Import Cheick Diallo led the charge, firing 35 markers on top of 17 boards and three rejections in the win which saw him and the FiberXers take advantage of the early withdrawal of Rain or Shine counterpart Deon Thomspon in the third frame due to six fouls.

Cathrine Almazan has officially taken her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up for the Akari Chargers during the 2024 Reinforced Conference. Making her professional debut on July 18 against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, the 25-year-old outside hitter is one of the league’s intriguing new faces to watch.Before stepping onto the pro stage, Almazan made waves as a standout scorer for Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA women's volleyball tournament. Known for her explosive attacks and relentless energy, she carried the Lady Generals through several memorable runs during her collegiate career.

The TNT Tropang 5G kept their Grand Slam bid alive after surviving the grit and grind of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 89-88, on Wednesday, June 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.RR Pogoy came alive in the pivotal moments, finishing with 30 points to lead TNT to a crucial victory and force a knockout game on Saturday, June 21."Mindset ko lang eh ayaw ko magpatalo, ayaw ko mag-bakasyon," said Pogoy, who helped erase a 13-point Magnolia lead.Supporting Pogoy in the must-win game were Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading, who chipped in 21 and 10 points, respectively.Veteran Kelly Williams and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also came up big, scoring 12 and 10 points. They drained back-to-back triples in the dying minutes to help seal the win.

Italy cemented its volleyball dynasty after overpowering Bulgaria, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-10, to capture back-to-back FIVB Men’s World Championship titles before a record crowd of 16,429 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.Yuri Romano spearheaded the win, delivering a masterclass in the gold medal showdown with 22 points built on 16 powerful attacks, one block, and five consecutive service aces that broke the game wide open late in the second set. Mattia Bottolo and Alessandro Michieletto complimented Romano's brilliance, providing steady power with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Final Four of the East Asia Super League (EASL) will be held in Macau SAR for the first time on March 7-9 at Melco Resorts Entertainment’s Studio City Event Center.It will also mark the second Final Four of EASL using the home-and-away season format that was introduced in the previous season."Asia’s best teams will battle it out in EASL’s Final Four 2025, right here in Macau,” Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins said. “This is the Champions League of Asian basketball with outstanding talent, prime-time action, and unmatched energy. It doesn’t get better than this.”Two teams coming from Japan's B. League already secured spots in the Final Four - The Ryuku Golden Kings clinched it first when they defeated the New Taipei Kings, 82-74, on Christmas Day, while the Hiroshima Dragonflies dominated the San Miguel Beermen on January 8.

PLDT secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after overcoming ZUS Coffee in a hard-fought match, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 26-24, on Tuesday night, March 4, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Head coach Rald Ricafort acknowledged the challenge posed by ZUS Coffee, led by coach Jerry Yee, stating that their opponents surprised them in the opening set. However, he was pleased with his team’s ability to recover and execute well, especially in the crucial moments of the fourth set.  

Alex Eala ended her string of early exits in singles play as she advanced to the second round of the Prudential Hong Kong Open on Tuesday night.The 20-year-old Filipina tennis ace was leading 6-4, 2-1 when Great Britain’s Katie Boulter, last year’s runner-up, was forced to retire due to a left leg injury.With the victory, Eala booked a spot in the Round of 16, where she faces third seed and world No. 21 Victoria Mboko of Canada. The match marks a big opportunity for Eala to bounce back after suffering consecutive first-round eliminations in Guangzhou, Osaka, and Wuhan.“I’m really happy to advance to the next round. Obviously, it’s not in the way I wanted it to end,” said Eala, who wished her opponent a speedy recovery.Eala entered the WTA 250 tournament with a career-high world ranking of No. 51—a testament to her continued rise on the global tennis stage.

Barangay Ginebra finished the elimination round of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup with a thrilling victory against Meralco, 91-87, on Chinese New Year at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.The Gin Kings closed the preliminaries with an 8-4 win-loss record, tying the Converge FiberXers, while the Bolts dropped to 7-4.The game results paved the way for the NorthPort Batang Pier to earn a twice-to-beat advantage going into the quarters and they also got the No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history.It was a close battle between the two rivals in the end after Meralco climbed back from a 17-point deficit despite playing All-Filipino as their import Akil Mitchell did not play due to back spasms. The loss halted the three-game win streak of the Bolts.

 The Philippine flag has reached the podium on the global pickleball stage.Vole player Vien Reyes-Bejosano delivered a breakthrough performance at the Pickleball World Cup, capturing the bronze medal in the Women’s Singles category and finishing third in a tournament that brought together players and delegates from 64 countries.In a field filled with international talent, Bejosano held her ground against fierce competition and emerged as one of the tournament’s Top 3 women’s singles players — a result that stands as a significant milestone for both the player and Philippine pickleball.The bronze may not have been the top step of the podium, but its significance goes far beyond the color of the medal.It represents the growing presence of Filipino talent in a sport that continues to expand rapidly across the globe.A statement on the world stageMaking a deep run at a major international tournament is never an easy task.With representatives from 64 countries converging for the World Cup, the Women’s Singles competition provided Bejosano with a stern test against a diverse and highly competitive international field.She answered that challenge with a strong campaign, battling her way into the medal places and securing third place.The result placed Bejosano alongside the best performers of the tournament while giving Philippine pickleball a moment to celebrate on the international stage.For Vole, the achievement is a major milestone.For the Philippines, it is another reminder that Filipino athletes are capable of competing beyond domestic competition and making their presence felt against international opposition.Bronze with a bigger meaningBejosano's podium finish is not simply about one player earning a medal.It reflects the continued development and growing profile of pickleball in the Philippines.The sport has attracted an increasingly broad following locally, with players of different ages and backgrounds taking to the courts. As the Philippine pickleball community continues to grow, international achievements such as Bejosano's provide both recognition and inspiration.Her World Cup performance gives aspiring Filipino players something tangible to look toward — proof that the road from Philippine courts to international competition is becoming increasingly possible.And when that journey ends with a place on the podium, the impact becomes even greater.A proud moment for VoleFor Vole, Vien’s bronze is a result worthy of celebration.The achievement puts the organization and its player in the spotlight while highlighting the level of talent emerging from the Philippine pickleball scene.Reaching the Top 3 at a World Cup featuring competitors from 64 countries is no small accomplishment.It is a result built on the ability to compete under pressure, maintain consistency and perform when the stakes are at their highest.Vien managed to do exactly that.Inspiring the next generationEvery breakthrough performance has the potential to inspire the athletes who come next.For young Filipino pickleball players watching Vien stand on the World Cup podium, the message is clear: the Philippines belongs in the conversation.The journey does not end with one bronze medal.Instead, it could mark the beginning of an even bigger chapter for Vien Reyes-Bejosano — and perhaps another step forward for Philippine pickleball as it continues to establish itself on the international scene.The Philippines may still be developing its identity in the global pickleball community, but achievements like this are helping change that narrative.From Philippine courts to the worldGold and silver may have occupied the top two spots, but her bronze carries a significance that cannot be measured simply by its place on the podium.She has earned a place among the World Cup’s best women’s singles players and, in doing so, helped raise the profile of Philippine pickleball before an international audience.For Vole, it is a proud achievement.For her, it is a major career milestone.And for the Philippines, it is another reason to believe that Filipino talent can compete — and win — on the world stage.One rally. One point. One podium finish.And this time, the Philippine flag is flying beside her.

Rain or Shine came back strong from a tough Game 1 loss to win the next two and book a ticket to the semifinals for the third straight conference after dismantling Converge in Game 3 of their quarterfinals match-up of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, 112-103, on Sunday night, February 9, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.The Elasto Painters reinforcement Deon Thompson made up for his early exit in their first QF encounter when he fouled out of the game just as early as the third quarter.Last night, Thompson showed his might finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. He was supported by Adrian Nocum who fired 25 markers. These two were also the reason why they won Game 2, when they combined for a total of 55.RoS head coach Yeng Guiao said they were happy with the victory and their hard work paid off."We're very happy. The past two conferences we made the semifinals so it would be a pity if we did not make the semifinals this conference," Guiao shared."It's also a validation of all the hard work the guys put in, the togetherness and the camaraderie that they have," he added.

Strong Group Athletics-Philippines capped off a flawless 8-0 run at the William Jones Cup, clinching an emphatic 87-62 victory over the United Arab Emirates on Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.With the title already secured ahead of the final game, the Filipinos left no doubt, sealing back-to-back championships and the country’s eighth overall Jones Cup crown.“We’re happy to win another championship. We never take anything for granted, now a two-time Jones Cup champion with Strong Group. “Our bosses go all out to support us every time we represent the country.” said coach Charles Tiu.UAE kept things close in the first half, trailing by just one at the break, 37-36. But Strong Group broke the game open in the third quarter behind a surge from Tajuan Agee and Allen Liwag. Kiefer Ravena and Dave Ildefonso delivered big shots in the fourth to put the game away.Agee paced the team with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ravena contributed 13 points and 9 assists, while DJ Fenner and Ian Miller scored 12 each. Ildefonso added 10 points. Andre Roberson, who starred throughout the tournament, sat out the finale.The Filipinos dominated the second half, outscoring UAE 50-26, and extended their unbeaten streak to 16 games over the last two Jones Cup editions. Their run included wins over top teams like Chinese-Taipei Blue, Japan Developmental, Qatar, Australia’s NBL1 Rising Stars, Malaysia, and Bahrain.Coach Tiu praised his squad’s chemistry and commitment: “It’s special because I don’t know if we’ll have this group again. But these guys were willing to sacrifice—something that’s very rare.”

Gilas Pilipinas character will be tested tonight, February 20, when they face a Chinese Taipei team that's fighting for survival in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at 7:00 PM at the Taipei Heping basketball gymnasium.The Philippine team will put their unbeaten record on the line against the home team that is seeking to finish third place in Group B and make it to the Qualifying Tournament among third placed teams and a possible last-minute shot of making it to Jeddah.Gilas are on top of Group B with a 4-0 win-loss record, followed by the New Zealand Tall Blacks with a 3-1 slate, then the Taipei team sitting in third with a 1-3 record, while Hong Kong is still winless in four games.Though the Filipinos have already qualified for the Asian Cup tournament set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from August 5-17, Gilas head coach Tim Cone emphasized that they will use this third and final window as preparation for the said tourney.After their game tonight, Gilas will have another battle on February 23 against New Zealand in Auckland.Like Gilas, the Tall Blacks have already qualified for the Asian Cup and will also use the final window to prepare for the next battle.