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.

Vietnamese volleyball star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen has been ruled out of the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand following a recurrence of an abdominal muscle injury.Her absence was confirmed after her name was left off the official Vietnam women’s national team roster for both the training camp and the tournament.Bich Tuyen, known for her explosive scoring and power, had also skipped the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship earlier this year, initially citing personal and family reasons as well as issues related to new FIVB eligibility rules. However, reports now reveal that her lingering injury has once again flared up, sidelining her from international competition.The setback is a major blow for Vietnam, which will look to adjust its lineup as it aims to stay competitive in the regional volleyball scene.Meanwhile, team captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (4T) and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy are set to join the national team’s training camp in early December, once they conclude their ongoing stints in Japan’s V.League.Both players are expected to bring veteran leadership and international experience to bolster Vietnam’s campaign in the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

Petro Gazz soared past Choco Mucho, 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16, capping the first day of the Premier Volleyball League’s All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at Philsports Arena in Pasig.Brooke Van Sickle powered the Angels, erupting 34 points anchored on 28 attacks, four aces, and two kill blocks, while also putting up 14 excellent digs. 

Defying age and expectations, the 105-year-old Sawang Janpram of Thailand made headlines last Sunday by winning two gold medals at the 2025 World Masters Games. Competing in the 100+ age group, he claimed first place in both the men’s javelin and 100-meter dash.Sawang was the sole competitor in both events, recording a javelin throw of 10.55 meters and finishing the 100-meter sprint in 38.55 seconds.Sawang began his regular exercise at age 80, inspired by a close friend who became bedridden and by his daughter, whose health dramatically improved through physical activity.He is a retired schoolteacher and former elementary school principal, Sawang is determined not to follow the same path as his immobile friend. Instead, he embraced an active lifestyle that would later take him to global sporting events.He started competing internationally at age 97 and credits the experience not only with enhancing his health but also with helping him build friendships across the world.“Next, I hope to compete in more countries and eventually become a world champion. Staying active keeps me alive and connected,” Sawang said.Sawang’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and the lifelong value of movement—no matter your age.

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.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is hoping to have naturalized player Justin Brownlee back in action in time for the start of the team’s training camp next week as preparations ramp up for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.The national team will begin camp on November 17 at the Inspire Sports Academy, aiming to build chemistry and conditioning ahead of the first window of the qualifiers, which begins on November 28.Cone expressed optimism that the team will be complete by then, including Brownlee, who has been “missing in action” recently amid reports of pneumonia, causing him to miss Meralco’s recent East Asia Super League games.Neither Brownlee nor the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has issued an official statement regarding his condition.Despite this, Cone remains focused on ensuring Gilas is fully prepared before facing Guam on November 28 at the Calvo Field House in Guam, followed by a rematch on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.Meanwhile, Kai Sotto will remain sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from an ACL injury earlier this year. His spot in the lineup will be filled by Quentin Milora-Brown, who has been cleared by FIBA to play as a local.“We just want to get going and make sure everyone’s ready,” Cone said, emphasizing the importance of starting camp strong to maintain Gilas’ momentum heading into the qualifiers.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, reaffirmed his full support for the budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB), and the Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRACOM) — emphasizing that sustained investment in sports is key to building a generation of disciplined, healthy, and world-class Filipino athletes.Speaking during a budget hearing, Go highlighted how government backing has already translated into historic success for the Philippines on the global stage.“Since 2019, when I chaired the Committee on Sports, we won our first-ever Olympic gold in Tokyo through Hidilyn Diaz,” Go said. “And just last year, Carlos Yulo captured two more gold medals in Paris. These victories prove that strong government support leads to results.”Go noted that despite these triumphs, sports funding remains minimal — only 0.004% of the national budget in 2024. He stressed the need for consistent increases to sustain the country’s progress in international competitions.“We expect our athletes to perform like world champions, but our support must match that expectation,” Go added. “That’s why we fought to raise PSC’s 2025 budget to ₱1.3 billion.”Investing in Facilities and Regional TrainingThe senator also underscored the importance of upgrading sports infrastructure, including athlete dormitories and training centers at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports (ULTRA).He proposed the regionalization of sports training centers so that athletes from provinces no longer have to travel to Manila for proper training.“Let’s bring sports closer to the people,” Go said. “The Philippines is big. We need regional centers to discover and develop talent nationwide.”He also cited the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City — co-authored by Sen. Win Gatchalian — as a model that allows student-athletes to train and study simultaneously.Boosting Sports Tourism and Hosting Global EventsGo praised the country’s recent hosting of major international tournaments — including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, and the upcoming WTA Women’s Tennis Open — noting their positive economic impact and contribution to national pride.“Hosting world-class events helps promote tourism and shows our capability to the world,” Go said. “We’ve proven that Filipinos can organize events with excellence and passion.”Supporting Athletes and Fighting Game-FixingBeyond funding, Go emphasized the importance of moral and institutional support for athletes, ensuring they can focus solely on competition. He also called on the Games and Amusements Board to intensify its crackdown on illegal gambling and game-fixing, warning that such practices destroy the integrity of sports.

Gilas Pilipinas will try to bounce back from its opening loss to Chinese Taipei in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, currently being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The Philippines faces the New Zealand Tall Blacks on Thursday at 11:00 p.m. (Manila time), hoping to move on from a disappointing 95-87 defeat a night earlier.It will be a tough assignment for the world No. 34-ranked squad as it takes on the 22nd-ranked New Zealand in a must-win battle to keep its quarterfinal hopes alive.

The dream of achieving a rare Grand Slam lives on for the TNT Tropang 5G as they defeated the San Miguel Beermen in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, 86-78, on Wednesday night, July 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.TNT came out strong from the get-go, building a 27-20 lead in the opening quarter, led by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who exploded for 14 points in the first period. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, three steals, and a game-high five blocks.

Kevin Quiambao has returned to the Gilas Pilipinas lineup after spending a month in the United States pursuing his NBA aspirations. The former UAAP MVP was back at national team practice at The Upper Deck in Pasig City this Monday, July 21, as Gilas ramps up preparations for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.Quiambao trained in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas throughout July. Although he didn’t secure a spot in the NBA Summer League, he participated in a private scrimmage organized by Excel Sports Management, attended by NBA scouts and executives.Now in peak condition, Quiambao wasted no time rejoining Gilas as the squad continues its buildup for the continental tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17.Joining Quiambao in the latest practice were Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, RJ Abarrientos, Chris Newsome, and Jamie Malonzo.June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana are expected to return to training after the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, where San Miguel currently holds a 3-1 lead over TNT.

Filipina mixed martial artist Islay Erika Bomogao will fight for the second time in ONE Friday Fights 93  on January 10, to be held at the Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand.The Igorota Muay Thai fighter will face Chinese fighter Ran Longshu under the 101-pound catchweight Muay Thai.The fight between Bomogao and Longshu is one of 12 fights lined up this Friday, and she is the first Philippine fighter to see action at ONE Championship in 2025.Last year, Bombogao became world number 1 in the 45kg female elite division of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA). She also defeated Fuu in her dazzling debut fight last November 2024, where she got a clear-cut unanimous decision win.Her first experience on the stage of Muay Thai gave her the thirst and she wanted to get back in the saddle.  

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.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio underscored the importance of sports development in the country, stressing that sports should be viewed as a long-term investment—not a waste of funds.In a media interview by Scoreline.ph, Gregorio highlighted the PSC’s ongoing push to improve sports facilities nationwide, starting with the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts, which is expected to begin in the coming days.“Sports is an investment,” said Gregorio. “It’s never a waste of money. When a child succeeds because of sports, when a community unites because of sports, that is something invaluable.”Preparations for WTA Event in ManilaThe PSC is gearing up to host a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament in January 2026, marking a major milestone for Philippine tennis. Gregorio said bleacher expansion is underway to increase spectator capacity.“We hope to accommodate at least 2,000 people in January,” he shared. “If we want to bid for bigger WTA events in the future, we may need to move to a larger venue like New Clark City. The BCDA has given us ample land there for future sports development.”Alex Eala Expected to JoinFilipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to headline the event, barring any scheduling conflict with the Australian Open.“The only chance she won’t be able to play is if there’s a conflict with the Australian Open semifinals or finals,” Gregorio said. “But if she succeeds in Australia, we’ll all be very happy. And if she becomes available after the early rounds, then she will join us.”Gregorio emphasized that hosting a WTA event is not only a showcase of world-class tennis but also an opportunity to highlight Filipino talent.“One day, we hope to see more Alex Ealas. I’m sure she also wants to be the reason tennis will grow bigger in the Philippines. And that is very exciting.”WTA in PH for the Next Three YearsThe PSC aims to host a WTA tournament annually for the next three years, making international tennis a recurring highlight in the Philippine sports calendar.“We’re committed,” Gregorio said. “This is just the beginning.”

Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo has qualified for four final events after a standout performance in the men’s artistic gymnastics team and qualification round of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship on Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.The 17-year-old Yulo advanced to three apparatus finals and made the cut for the men’s individual all-around final.Yulo finished sixth overall in the horizontal bar, scoring 13.700 points. He followed up with an impressive 14.233 points in the floor exercise, placing second overall. The 2024 Junior Asian MAG Vault Champion also qualified for the vault finals after finishing fifth with 14.200 points in the qualifications.Eldrew likewise advanced to the men’s individual all-around final, tallying a total score of 78.332 for 15th place overall, with the top 24 gymnasts qualifying.The men’s individual all-around finals are set for Saturday, Nov. 22, while the men’s apparatus finals are slated for Nov. 23 and 24.

Ateneo de Manila University finally entered the win column in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after dispatching Arellano University in four sets, 25-13, 9-25, 25-21, 25-20, on Wednesday, September 3, at Paco Arena in Manila.The Blue Eagles stumbled against NCAA teams College of Saint Benilde, Mapua, and Pepetual before finding their rhythm against the Lady Chiefs to avoid slipping further down the standings.Zey Pacia powered Ateneo’s bounce-back with a standout performance of 23 points built on 22 kills and an ace, while also steadying the defense with five excellent digs and five excellent receptions.

The Pilipinas Aguilas had a successful debut game at the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) after edging the New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries in the end game to get a 66-55 victory on Wednesday, January 29, at the New Era Central Recreation and Fitness Center.Nathalia Prado poured out 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Aguilas in the win.Prado was instrumental in the end game as she drew an offensive foul from Valkyries star Snow Peñaranda, who was also called for a technical foul after the infraction, forcing her foul out of the game.In the next play, Prado was found open inside the paint and she made the ensuring basket that finally sealed the triumph for their team, while forcing the Valkyries to split their first two assignments.The Aguilas will be back in action on Sunday, February 2, against the Philippine Navy Sailors at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gymnasium.

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.

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.

Alas Pilipinas secured its third consecutive Southeast Asia V.League bronze medal after defeating Indonesia, 25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-13, last Sunday, August 4, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.After dropping their first two matches to eventual champion Thailand and runner-up Vietnam, the Filipinas bounced back with a strong performance against Indonesia to secure another podium finish at the end of the first leg of the tournament.The national team delivered a commanding 18-6 run in the final set to clinch the victory in front of a supportive crowd.

The Hong Kong Eastern relied on their new import Chris McLaughlin who delivered a monster 32 points and 23 rebounds in his PBA Season 49 Commissioners' Cup debut to defeat the Blackwater Bossing, 84-75, on Tuesday night, December 10, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.It was the fourth win for the Hong Kong-based squad in their first five games in the league.The 6-foot-10 McLaughlin took over the reinforcement chores from Cameron Clark, who was sidelined by a hip flexor muscle injury.Clark led the Eastern squad in their three wins of the conference, including the 105-84 domination against TNT Tropang Giga last Friday.Eastern seemed like missing Clark in the first half of play as Blackwater erected a 10-point lead at the break.But the Hong Kong squad posted a 27-9 third quarter surge to grab the lead and maintained it until the final buzzer.McLaughlin, who averaged 22 markers and 13 boards in Eastern's two assignments in the East Asia Super League, continued what Clark started in the PBA's mid-season tournament.