Despite acknowledging the pressure, rising Filipino gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo is confident he can deliver a strong performance in front of a hometown crowd when the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships unfold from November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.“I hope I can make a good performance because I want to be one of the best junior gymnasts in the world,” said the 17-year-old Yulo. “This is my major international competition this year, and, with the help of God, I want to show the world my best,” he added.Yulo recently trained in Nagoya, Japan under the guidance of esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, as part of his final preparations for the prestigious tournament. Alongside him during his media appearance was Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion, who emphasized support over pressure.“I won’t be putting any pressure on Eldrew, so I would be happy if he wins a silver at the world juniors,” said Carrion.The Philippines earned the hosting rights for the Junior World Championships after a successful bid during the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Congress last year in Doha, Qatar. Carrion credited FIG President Morinari Watanabe for championing the country’s bid, especially following Carlos Yulo’s Olympic triumph in Paris.Nearly 80 countries and 600 athletes are expected to compete in the five-day event, which marks a milestone for Philippine gymnastics.  Joining Yulo as the country’s female representative is US-based Elisabeth Antone, who earned a bronze medal at the Asian Junior Championships last June in South Korea. Due to the Philippines not participating in the previous edition in Antalya, Turkey, only one male and one female gymnast can compete under the FIG rules for this edition.Carrion remains hopeful that both gymnasts will rise to the occasion, bolstered by the energy of the Filipino crowd.“You know how inspiring our Filipino fans are, so we expect them to root for both Yulo and Antone during the world juniors,” she added.For Karl Eldrew, this competition carries extra meaning, as it will be his final outing in the junior division before moving up to the senior ranks next year.“This is going to be my first and last time competing in the world juniors and in the Philippines. Next year I will be competing as a senior, so may konting pressure,” said Yulo.Carrion emphasized the long-term goal of preparing Yulo for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with plans for continued training under coach Kugimiya in Japan.“I believe that he can be our best now at the world juniors, although other countries will also be putting their best foot forward,” she added.Carrion summed it up best: “It would be fantastic for us Filipinos if Karl can pull this off. It would be nice for the Philippines to see a world champion crowned on our home soil.”

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.

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.

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.

Converge registered a resounding 116-87 victory over new-look Terrafirma to kick off their Philippine Basketball Association or PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Wednesday, November 27, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The FiberXers delivered 14 three-pointers in the game, including nine in the decisive second half that completely took the fight out of the Dyip. Converge established the tone by defeating the Dyip 34-16 in the first period. They also showed composure by overcoming Terrafirma's third quarter storm.Import Cheick Diallo, who played five seasons in the NBA, had an outstanding debut, dominating the paint with a monster double-double of 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting and 16 rebounds with two assists, a steal, and a block.“When we got Cheick, we know we are getting a high-motor guy, athletic, can jump out of the gym. What we saw now is what we expected him to play like,” Converge head coach Franco Atienza said.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has officially given the green light for Alas Pilipinas players to return to their mother clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).However, the nationals will only be eligible to compete in the Reinforced Conference, scheduled from October to November, and will sit out the league’s short Invitational Conference kicking off this Thursday. The PVL’s long-running All-Filipino Conference is tentatively slated to open in January 2026.

Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, the two bronze medalists in the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be the recipients of special recognition at the 2024 San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night, to be held on January 27 in the grand ballroom at the Manila Hotel.Petecio and Villegas, who accounted for a pair of bronze medals during the Summer Games, will be recognized with the President’s Award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association.Petecio emerged bronze winner in the women’s 57kg division, while Villegas secured the same medal in the 50 kg division.The bronze was the second Olympic medal won by the 32-year-old Petecio, adding to the silver that she bagged in the 2020 edition of the Games in Tokyo. In doing so, she also became the first ever Filipino boxer to clinch back-to-back podium finishes in the quadrennial meet.For the 29-year-old Villegas, it was a proud moment right in her Olympic debut as an underdog out of the compact five-man Philippine boxing team that competed.Aside from the two fearless lady boxers, gymnast Carlos Yulo is going to be feted with the highest honor as 2024 Athlete of the Year, wherein he added to the two glittering gold medals that he won in securing the best ever showing for Team Philippines in a century of participation in the quadrennial Games.According to PSA president Nelson Beltran, these Filipino athletes deserve high accolades for their own bright moments in the Paris Games, providing an extra push to the glorious Philippine performance. 

Larga Pilipinas is officially set to roll out this weekend as the country’s premier cycling race series flags off in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pangasinan on November 29 and 30.More than 3,000 cyclists are expected to compete in both road bike and mountain bike events across seven major categories: Pro Elite, MTB Men’s Open, Road Bike Boys 18U, Road Bike Boys 23U, Road Bike Men’s 23U, MTB Amateur Boys 18U, and the demanding Fix Gear division, where riders compete on brakeless bikes in the ultimate test of control and endurance.Larga Pilipinas president and race director Gary Role revealed during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that organizers expect additional last-minute registrants. The event, originally scheduled for August, was postponed due to typhoons and impassable routes.The Pro Elite division has drawn 105 riders, while the MTB Men’s Open has the highest turnout with 845 participants, highlighting the nationwide excitement for the revived event.Operations and creative head Snow Badua announced an exciting addition this year—the Titan Ultra 1-on-1 Challenge, a head-to-head battle between rising star Junjun Cabadido and continental rider Marc Ryan Lago to push local cycling performance.“As part of Larga Pilipinas’ innovation and niche to be the trail blazer in Philippine cycling, we’re coming up with this one-on-one race. Paghaharapin natin sila in our bid na gawing continuous yung Titan Ultra Challenge natin. It’s an event within an event ng Larga Pilipinas.” Badua said. Stage 1 will run through the Nampicuan-to-Nampicuan course, while Stage 2 covers Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija, to the Sitio Baag Highlands in San Jose, Tarlac.Winners in all categories will receive cash prizes, medals, and trophies, with ₱20,000 going to the Titan Ultra 1-on-1 champion.

The Philippine National Weightlifting Team, is aiming to win a medal in the 2024 Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, which started last Sunday, December 15 and will end on Christmas Day, Wednesday, on the 25th of December.The team is set to compete in the women’s youth division with Althea Bacaro in the -40kgs category where she submitted a total lift of 122 kgs.Joining Bacaro are Princess Jay Ann Diaz (40kgs and total-125kgs), Alexsandra Ann Diaz (45kgs), Jeaneth Hipolito (45kgs), Kim April Inan (-49kgs), Jhodie Peralta and Rosalinda Faustino in the -55kgs.Meanwhile, the men’s youth division is composed of Aldrin Colonia (-49kgs), Eron Borres (-49kgs), Prince Keil Delos Santos (-55kgs) and Jose Masangkay Dayao III (-67kgs). Lifting in the women’s junior category are Angeline Colonia (-45kgs) Rosejean Ramos (-45kgs) and Lovely Inan (-49kgs).Also participating in the men’s junior division are Eron Borres (-55kgs), Prince Keil Delos Santos (-55kgs), Eleaphraime Limmong (-55kgs) and Jose Masangkay Dayao III (-67kgs).Also, PH young Weightlifters will be led by Head of Delegation Monico Puentevella and coaches Patrick Lee, Edmundo S. Cardano, Allen Diaz, Kelly Kae Rojas and Joe Patrick Diaz.The delegation builds on the momentum of the Philippine senior weightlifting team, which recently achieved significant success at the IWF World Championships. Cebuano Fernando Agad clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 55-kilogram Group A division, while Rosegie Ramos earned a bronze in the women’s 49-kilogram category.

Islay Erika Bomogao continues her meteoric rise in ONE Championship, delivering another electrifying performance as she scored a second-round knockout victory over Thailand’s Ploychompoo PU Phabai at ONE Friday Fights 134 in Bangkok.Fighting once again under the bright lights of the historic Lumpinee Stadium, the 23-year-old Filipina showed no signs of slowing down. From the opening bell, Bomogao pushed the pace, peppering her opponent with sharp combinations and unrelenting pressure that had the Thai debutante on the defensive.By the second round, Bomogao’s barrage proved too much. A clean, decisive flurry sent Ploychompoo crashing down, prompting the referee to wave off the fight — sealing Bomogao’s fourth straight victory in ONE Championship.This latest triumph also marks her second consecutive knockout, following her emphatic first-round finish over Nerea Rubio last June.With the win, Bomogao improves to 4-0 in ONE’s Muay Thai ranks, with two of those victories coming by stoppage — a testament to her growing power, precision, and evolution as a world-class striker.Still perfect. Still rising. And still carrying the Filipino fighting spirit every time she steps into the ring.

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.

Nxled scored its first-ever breakthrough win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) against the gutsy Galeries Tower, 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, on Saturday, February 8, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Chameleons snapped a 15-game losing streak since the Reinforced Conference in addition to entering the win column for the first time under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.EJ Laure was instrumental in ceasing the Chameleon’s drought, posting a game-high 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks, while also supplementing nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors. Although the win was a big step forward, coach Guidetti stressed that the club is still committed to making constant progress.

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.

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.

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.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has etched her name in history, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.The 19-year-old moved forward after Spain’s Paula Badosa, ranked No. 11 in the world, withdrew due to a lower back injury during their Round of 16 matchup on Monday, March 24 (Tuesday, March 25, Manila time).Eala’s stellar performance throughout the tournament already included massive upsets. She stunned the World No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, as well as No. 25 and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko, to advance to the fourth round.

Despite missing their import Anyse Smith, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans showed remarkable poise and resilience to outlast the Cignal HD Spikers in four sets, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25, in their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference debut on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Relying solely on their all-Filipino lineup, the Flying Titans leaned on captain Des Cheng’s leadership and the dominant presence of Maddie Madayag and Isa Molde to secure their first victory in Pool A of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.Madayag delivered a commanding performance, leading all scorers with 18 points on 11 attacks, six blocks, and a decisive ace that sealed the match. Molde complemented her with 17 points and 13 excellent digs, while Cheng and Kat Tolentino added 14 and 10 markers, respectively.“I just did my job and focused on what I needed to do,” said Madayag. “We struggled a bit with ball control at first, but we managed to fix it until the end. Credit really goes to teamwork.”

The Alas Pilipinas Men suffered their second straight loss in the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025 after bowing to Chinese Taipei, 19-25, 25-23, 28-30, 20-25, on Wednesday, June 18, in Manama, Bahrain.The loss has relegated the team to the classification phase of the tournament where they will face the defeated teams in other pools to determine their final standing. Team captain Marck Espejo led the Alas Men with a game-high 26 points from 22 attacks and four blocks after a brief knee injury scare during the fourth set. Earlier in the tournament opener against Pakistan—a match the Nationals fell short—Espejo sustained an ankle injury but was later medically cleared to continue playing.Leo Ordiales backstopped Espejo’s effort with 15 markers. 

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.