Filipina MMA champion Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga has withdrawn from her scheduled ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship defense at ONE 173 on November 16 due to “medical reasons.”Zamboanga was set to defend her title against Japan’s Ayaka Miura at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. "With a heavy heart, I need to share some difficult news… I was truly excited to defend my belt at ONE 173 against Ayaka. I know how strong and talented she is, and I was looking forward to testing myself against such a worthy challenger. This was a fight I have been preparing for and one I deeply wanted to give to the fans," she said.Her withdrawal leaves former strawweight champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio as the sole Filipino representative on the card.Zamboanga apologized to Ayaka and her sponsors in the same post, but vowed to return stronger, underscoring her love for the sport."This sport means everything to me, and I promise I am fully committed to coming back stronger. My passion for fighting has not changed, and I will continue to work hard so that I can once again represent ONE at the highest level when I return."Pacio, 28, will move up in weight for a high-stakes challenge against local favorite Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship.Zamboanga’s absence marks a temporary setback after her recent title win and shifts the spotlight to Pacio’s quest to reclaim world title glory in Tokyo.

Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, embarks on a new chapter in her volleyball career after officially signing with the Denso Airybees in Japan’s SV.League.The Airybees confirmed her arrival on Wedsnesday, August 27, marking the Filipina middle blocker’s seventh season in Japan’s premier league and her third stint with a Japanese club.The 6-foot-5 standout recently concludied a successful two-year run with Osaka, where she played a key role in delivering the championship in the previous SV.League season. Before that, she spent four productive years with the Saitama Ageo Medics.

The NLEX Road Warriors capped their preseason with a championship run, capturing the 40th Kadayawan Invitational crown after defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 101-84, on Sunday night, August 26, at the University of Southern Philippines in Davao City.After trailing by as much as 11 early in the game, NLEX turned things around with a blistering 34-12 surge in the second quarter, sparked by Robert Bolick, Dominic Fajardo, Tony Semerad, and Xyrus Torres, to grab a 52-36 lead at halftime.

Australia claimed the gold for the third straight time in the FIBA Asia Cup after surviving a nail-biting finish against China, 90-89, on Monday morning, August 18 (PH time), at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The Boomers, who have been undefeated in the tournament since joining the Asia Cup in 2017, once again proved their resilience on the biggest stage. But before clinching their third consecutive crown, the Australians had to claw back from a double-digit deficit as they trailed by as many as 15 points through the first three quarters.

Alex Eala continues to honor her late grandfather and first tennis coach, Roberto “Bobby” Maniego, dedicating her recent achievements to his memory.Eala’s breakthrough semifinal run at the Miami Open propelled her to a career-high World No. 56 ranking and opened the door to Grand Slam main draw appearances at both the French Open and Wimbledon. She credits much of her success to “Lolo Bob,” as she fondly called Maniego.“Whenever I accomplish something big, I think about him. It would’ve meant so much for him to witness these moments and share them with our family. Even when he was struggling, he remained a strong mentor and always put in the work.” Eala shared. Before Alex and her brother Miko moved to Spain to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy, it was Maniego who introduced them to tennis and served as their first coach.“He was a huge part of my life and early career,” He laid my foundation—my mentality and bravery on court come from his tough love and sacrifice.” the 20-year-old said.Eala also revealed her admiration for Maria Sharapova, whom she considered her “super idol” growing up, inspired by Sharapova’s playing style, mindset, and presence on and off the court.Now, Eala is setting her sights on another Grand Slam appearance, aiming for her first main draw win at the US Open from August 24 to September 7. She plans to compete in tournaments in Canada and the US before heading back to Asia later this year.

Mario Barrios narrowly retained his WBC welterweight title after a dramatic battle with People's Champ and former eight division titlist Manny Pacquiao which ended in a majority draw at the MGM Grand. Throughout the fight, Pacquiao’s trademark grit and ring savvy kept Barrios guessing, fueling hopes of yet another fairy-tale chapter in the Filipino legend’s storied career.But Barrios surged in the final three rounds—sweeping them on all three judges’ scorecards—to do just enough to hold on to his belt. One judge scored the bout 115-113 for Barrios, while the other two saw it even at 114-114.“I thought I won the fight. It was close. My opponent was very tough, but it was a wonderful fight.” said Pacquiao.For Barrios, sharing the ring with Pacquiao was an honor: “I thought I pulled it out, but I tip my hat to Manny. His stamina, power, and rhythm are still incredible. He’s a tough puzzle to solve.” Barrios said. The result elicited a muted response from the MGM Grand crowd, who had cheered Pacquiao’s attempt at a storybook comeback. Ultimately, Barrios keeps his crown, while Pacquiao once again proves he can compete with the best—even at 46.

Alas Pilipinas Men are expected to be at full strength with the anticipated return of star spikers Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas just in time for the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this September.Bagunas, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a left knee injury suffered during the 2024 SEA V.League against Indonesia, is steadily progressing in his recovery. Meanwhile, Espejo sustained a left ankle injury during the 2025 AVC Nations Cup loss to Pakistan in June.Both captains are optimistic about their recovery timelines and are aiming to be match-ready by the time the world championship kicks off.“Okay naman po. Every day rehab at naka-recover naman na po,” said Espejo. “Target ko po talaga is maging 100 percent sa darating na World Championship.”Bagunas shared similar confidence. “On track naman yung therapy ko. This week, may hop test na ko so malalaman na kung makakapag-full training na ako with Alas.”Despite their individual recoveries, Espejo acknowledged that the team still has a long way to go before contending with the world’s best.“Honestly speaking po, super layo pa talaga. Pero yun nga, one day at a time, one tournament at a time. Ibibigay namin yung pinaka-maximum potential ng team na hopefully, mailabas namin,” he added.The return of Espejo and Bagunas brings a massive boost to the national team’s morale and competitiveness as the Philippines hosts the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship for the first time, with hopes of making a strong impression on the global stage.

Down by as many as 18 points, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel still managed to take Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals against the San Miguel Beermen, 73–71, on Wednesday night, June 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.Scottie Thompson was named Best Player of the Game after tallying 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, along with eight rebounds, one assist, and a steal.Japeth Aguilar also provided steady production despite being in foul trouble, finishing with a team-high 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a block. Jamie Malonzo added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Fresh off from their dominant three-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, Alas Men absorbed a four-set loss, 25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22, to World No. 49 Pakistan in their game opener of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025, Tuesday night, June 17, in Manama, Bahrain.Following a rough start in the first two sets, Alas Men bounced back in the third set with Leo Ordiales igniting a crucial rally pouring 10 of his game-high 22 points to keep the match alive.Down 19-22 in the fourth set, Ordiales teamed up with his fellow National University stars Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos to trim the deficit to one, 21-22.

Warren Kiamco is a Filipino professional pool player from Cebu, Philippines. He is known for his performances in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games.Renowned for his exceptional skills in 9-ball, Kiamco has made significant contributions to the sport both in the Philippines and internationally.Kiamco’s playing style is smooth and finesse-based, characterized by precise shot-making and strategic play. His consistent performances in various international tournaments have solidified his reputation as one of the top Filipino cue artists. Despite facing formidable opponents, Kiamco's resilience and skill have earned him respect and admiration in the global pool community.He has secured multiple prestigious titles, including the 2021 Buffalo's Pro Classic Nine-Ball and the 2019 CSI U.S. Open One-Pocket Championship. He also triumphed in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games Nine-Ball Doubles event and the 2013 Texas Open Nine-Ball Championship. Notably, he clinched the 2008 Manny Villar Cup Billiards Tournament, defeating Efren "Bata" Reyes in the finals.

Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu Volleyball Club completed a flawless campaign at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, emerging as champions after a 3-1 victory, 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, over Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An in the gold medal match held Sunday, April 27, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.Zhetysu, the nine-time Kazakhstan Women’s National League champions, showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, going undefeated and dropping just one set—the second frame of the final—on their way to the title.The Kazakh squad showcased their firepower and height advantage, out-blocking the Vietnamese side 15-2 and delivering 10 service aces to just one from their opponents. The match lasted 87 minutes.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters kicked off their 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign after overcoming a shaky start against the Australia’s Queensland Pirates, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena.Savi Davison powered the High Speed Hitters with 14 attack points while also registering eight excellent digs and three excellent receptions, earning the Player of the Match honors.The Pirates dictated the early tempo, going on a 6-1 run in the opening frame. But the tide turned when Wilma Salas’s service ace shifted the momentum and handed PLDT their first lead of the match. Despite the Pirates’ efforts to regain control, the High Speed Hitters responded with urgency. Fiola Ceballos stepped up in the clutch, giving PLDT a 20-16 cushion. Although an out-of-bounds attack momentarily disrupted PLDT’s flow, Kim Kianna Dy’s relentless offense pushed the lead to 23-17. Dy eventually sealed the set with a powerful attack, completing the comeback.

The Creamline Cool Smashers began their 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign with a dominant straight-sets win over Al Naser Club, 29-27, 25-20, 25-19, on Sunday, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.After a shaky start in the opening frame, the Cool Smashers showed poise under pressure. Trailing 14-18 due to early miscues, they turned the tide with a 6-1 run to take the lead at 20-19. Jema Galanza delivered two key hits late in the set, and Pangs Panaga sealed it with a decisive block on Natiele Marques Gonçalves.Riding the momentum, Creamline dictated the pace in the second set. With the score tied at 5-all, the Cool Smashers gradually pulled ahead. A scoring burst, led by three straight attacks from Anastasiya Kudryashova and an ace by Panaga, widened the gap and gave Creamline a commanding 2-0 lead.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala achieved the biggest milestone of her career, shocking World No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory in the Round 32 of the WTA 1000 Miami Open on Monday, March 24 (Manila time).With this historic win, the 19-year-old became the first Filipina in the Open Era to defeat a top-10 player, earning a spot in the Final 16 of a WTA event for the first time."I'm so blank," an emotional Eala said after the match, as Filipino fans in the crowd cheered and waved flags. "I'm thinking of my parents. ‘Mom and Dad, I got it!’ My God."  Keys, a seasoned Grand Slam contender, started strong and controlled the early exchanges, winning four of the first seven games. However, Eala turned the tide with a crucial break in the ninth game to claim the first set, 6-4.Riding the momentum, the young Filipina dominated the second set, breaking Keys twice—first at 3-2, then again at 5-2—before sealing the match in just 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Risa Sato found a new home with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) following her contract release after a 10-title tenure with the Creamline Cool Smashers.The Crossovers revealed the acquisition of Sato on Wednesday, January 15, a few days before the PVL All-Filipino Conference resumes on January 18.

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) named Justine Baltazar as the 2024 Most Valuable Player, making him the first-ever back-to-back MVP of the league.Baltazar averaged 15.56 points, 16.0 rebounds, 5.91 assists, and 1.19 steals while playing for 30.44 minutes each game this season. The mobile big man also led the Mythical Five selection, together with San Juan Knights' Orlan Wamar, Zamboanga Master Sardines' Jaycee Marcelino, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards' Will McAloney, and Batangas City Tanduay Rhum Masters' Cedric Abalaza.

A year to remember in Philippine sports annals will be celebrated by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) in grand fashion as it holds its annual Awards Night on January 27, 2025 at the historic Manila Hotel. The country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, is set to honor the best and brightest personalities and entities who made the country proud in the year that’s about to end. In a memorable 2024 campaign, the Philippines elevated its standards by gaining a first ever double gold medal in the Olympics courtesy of dynamic gymnast Carlos Yulo during the 33rd edition of the Games in Paris, France. The feat came four years after lady weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gave the country a breakthrough Olympic gold in Tokyo, and transpired during the same period when the Filipinos commemorate their 100 years of participation in the quadrennial showcase. The Paris stint also saw Philippine boxing rising to the occasion again by winning a pair of bronze medals through the robust fists of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. Yulo and the rest of the Filipino Olympians including the country’s representatives to the Paralympic Games, will be at the forefront of the traditional festivities where the awarding of the Athlete of the Year serves as its highlight. Another special part of the program is the induction of another Filipino great to the PSA Hall of Fame. The late track and field legend Lydia De Vega was the last celebrated athlete to be recognized with the honor. In celebration of the country’s centennial participation in the Summer Games, past Filipino Olympians will likewise have their own moments during the awards ceremony. The customary awards like the Executive of the Year, National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, President’s Award, and top performers such as Mr. Basketball, Ms. Volleyball, among others, are also going to be handed out. To be recognized too, are major awardees in different sports, the usual citations to different sports figures and individuals, and the regular Tony Siddayao Awards and MILO Awards for junior athletes. Not to be forgotten with a prayer and minute of silence are the personalities who passed away in the year 2024.

The Philippine Dragon Boat Team bagged the overall championship in the recently concluded 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from October 27 to Sunday, November 3.In front of a lively hometown crowd, the Filipino paddlers added two gold, five silver and two bronze medals for an impressive 11-20-16 overall tally.The Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand took runner-up honors with eight golds, while the I.N.A (Individual Neutral Athlete) squad was third with a haul of six golds, three silvers and three bronzes in the meet supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Tingog party-list.The hosts won a hotly-contested masters mixed 20-seater standard boat 500-meter race in two minutes and 6.34 seconds, nosing out Singapore (2:06.73) while Germany was not too far behind in third (2:07.98) in the competition organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation.The Filipinos were also runaway winners in the 40+ 20-seater women’s 2,000-meter standard boat event (10:42.31) over runner-up Canada (10:48.64) and took silvers in the 20-seater mixed standard boat 500-meter  (1:58.13), 40+ 10-seater mixed 500-meter (2:19.45), 20-seater open (9:23.16) and 40+ 20-seater open 5,000-meter (9:34.47) races. But the 20-seater mixed standard 500-meters was the most thrilling as the hosts virtually led from start to finish until they were beaten in the last 10 meters by the late-charging Ukrainians, who snatched the gold in 1:57.51.   They also bagged the last bronze of the day in the 40+ 10-seater open 500-meter (2:15.93) event in the four-day tournament also supported by the Puerto Princesa City governmentAccording to Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation or PCKDF president Leonora "Lenlen" Escollante, they are happy with the country's achievement and they were not disappointed in their hope that it will lead the international competition.Escollante also appreciates the warm support of the local government of Puerto Princesa in holding this type of international sporting events, as well as the hospitality of Filipinos to foreign visitors participating in the competition.

Cignal ended what could have been a potentially lengthy game into a 25-16, 25-23, 26-24 victory over D’Navigators Iloilo in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference preliminaries at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday, November 10.After falling behind 22-24 in the third set, the HD Spikers showed grace under pressure as they delivered four consecutive points to secure a straight-set win, improving their record to 4-1.Cignal coach Dexter Clamor decided to use his second six as the D’Navigators pushed Cignal into tight battles, going ahead 22-19 in the third frame. An off-the-block hit courtesy of Steven St. Maria steered the team to a set point, 24-22, paving the way for a possible fourth set. However, the HD Spikers’ second unit took advantage of the D’Navigators’ mistakes and indecisiveness during the crucial moment. c came through to end the game, sealing the HD Spikers’ victory in the tournament. 

Italy’s Manuel Alfieri and Alex Ranghieri, along with Australia’s Stefanie Fejes and Jasmine Fleming, grabbed bronze medals at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, held Sunday at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.World No. 48 Alfieri and Ranghieri rallied to beat Austria’s No. 28 tandem Christoph Dressler and Philip Waller, 17–21, 21–18, 15–12, to secure third place in the men’s division. The Italian duo tallied 41 points, with Alfieri firing 19 kills.On the women’s side, Fejes and Fleming (No. 58) came from behind to edge Czechia’s No. 45 pair Kylie Neuschaeferova and Martina Maixnerova, 13–21, 21–15, 15–13. Fejes led the Aussies with 19 kills in their 40-point effort.Earlier, British crowd favorites Joaquin and Javier Bello advanced to the men’s final after outlasting the Italians, 11–21, 21–19, 15–11, while Spain’s Alejandro Huerta and Adrian Gavira edged Austria’s Dressler and Waller, 22–20, 18–21, 16–14, in the semifinals.In the women’s semis, Finland’s Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti relied on strong blocking to defeat the Czech duo, 21–19, 18–21, 15–10, setting up a title clash with Lithuania’s Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite, who swept Fejes and Fleming, 21–18, 21–18.