The PLDT High Speed Hitters showcased grit and determination but ultimately fell short against Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Volleyball Club in a thrilling five-set match, 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15, in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Tuesday, April 22, at the Philsports Arena.After falling behind two sets to none, the High Speed Hitters mounted an impressive comeback, winning the third and fourth sets behind the efforts of Savi Davison and Cuban import Wilma Salas. Davison spearheaded the third-set resurgence, while Salas provided crucial support in the fourth to force a deciding set.PLDT appeared poised for a breakthrough in the fifth set, pulling even at 8-all. However, a center line fault swung the momentum back to the Thai side, sparking a decisive 7-1 run from Nakhon Ratchasima that sealed the match. The rally was capped by a service ace, ending PLDT’s spirited challenge.

Filipina cue artist Chezka Centeno proved once again that champions are defined not by how they start, but by how they finish.The 24-year-old Centeno pulled off a sensational comeback run from the losers’ bracket to capture her second WPA World Women’s 10-Ball Championship title, showcasing her trademark poise and fighting spirit on the global stage.After suffering an early setback in the double-elimination rounds, Centeno refused to back down. She went on a scorching run — defeating several top-seeded contenders, including defending champion Chou Chieh-Yu, to earn a spot in the finals.In the championship match, Centeno displayed world-class composure and precision, sealing the victory that crowned her once again as the best 10-ball player in the world.Her triumph marks another milestone for Philippine billiards, adding to the country’s storied legacy of cue sports dominance led by legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit.Centeno’s second world title solidifies her place among the sport’s elite — and serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino athletes proving that resilience, determination, and heart can turn any setback into glory.

The stage is set for a wide-open race as the maiden Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) tips off this weekend at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.Twelve men’s teams and eight women’s squads will battle for supremacy in this new halfcourt basketball showcase.“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to push Philippine basketball to greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano.Local men’s teams include David Licauco’s Taho Story A, powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard, and David Carlos’ Activate Sports, along with AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris, and Taho Story B. They will take on an international field featuring Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla from Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia.The men’s champion will earn a USD 5,000 prize and a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October, while the top local team secures a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger in September.In the women’s division, two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa leads Gilas Pilipinas Women U23, joined by Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas.International contenders include Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, Malaysia’s Harimau Black and Yellow, Vietnam’s Hanoi 3x3 By Amigos, and Singapore’s Jumpshot—all vying for the USD 3,000 cash prize.Fans can catch the action live on PusoP.com and on Solar Sports via Digital Free TV Channel 21 in Mega Manila, Cablelink Channel 58, Sky Cable Channel 70 in NCR, and over 200 Pay TV operators nationwide.

The Creamline Cool Smashers will be without veteran Risa Sato in the upcoming 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.The Cool Smashers announced the development on Friday, November 8, specifying the Filipino-Japanese middle blocker asked for an early release from her contract which was set to expire at the end of the year.“Creamline would like to inform our fans that Risa Sato has requested to be released from her contract, which is set to expire at the end of December 2024. This request for early termination though will still be subject to the conditions outlined in her existing contract,” the Cool Smashers’ statement read.

Fresh off her historic WTA victory in Guadalajara, Alex Eala is set to headline the São Paulo Open in Brazil. The No. 3 seed, now ranked 61st in the world, opens against French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri. A win will pit her against either Argentina’s Julia Riera or Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko in the next round.Eala made history last week by becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA title, defeating Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in a thrilling final. Her recent success follows a strong US Open run and has boosted her prize money earnings to over P15 million this season.With momentum on her side, Eala is eyeing back-to-back titles as she continues her impressive rise on the tour.Meanwhile, the retired former No. 1 Spanish player Rafael Nadal, lauded Eala’s achievement for clinching her first-ever WTA title.“Congrats @AlexEala05 for your first WTA (trophy). I am happy and proud of what you are achieving for yourself and for the Philippines,” wrote Nadal on X (formerly Twitter).It can be recalled that the Filipina ace started her journey at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where she is an alumnae. She has also been continuously training at the academy in her pro career.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns made history by being the first-ever back-to-back champions of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League or MPBL after sweeping the Quezon Huskers, 65-61, on Saturday, December 7, at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.Justine Baltazar, who also made history by becoming the league’s first back-to-back MVP, led the charge with his monster double-double performance of 19 points and 19 rebounds, to go along with two assists and a block.Archie Concepcion also scored 19 points and grabbed five boards to support Baltazar, while Encho Serrano who’s back from a one-game suspension, supplemented 15 markers, six boards, three assists and one steal to complete sweep of the best-of-five series.

The Philippines prepared 5 boxing athletes who are well-trained and equipped for what could become a historic run in the 2024 Paris Olympics.Among them are veterans and newbies with one core mission: bring home coveted Olympic medals.The Philippines are no stranger to Boxing in the Olympic Games. In 1996, They are of follows: Eumir Felix MarcialHe represents the Philippines and won a silver medal during the 2019 World Championships.Marcial managed to join and be qualified for the middleweight event for 2020 Tokyo Olympics which in the later postponed to 2021 due to the outbreak of Covid 19 Pandemic.After advancing to the semifinals against boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine, Marcial brought the first bronze medal since 1992He was also the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.Marcial thanked his fans for believing in his abilities and hoping to continue in support in his endeavor towards the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. He has a total of boxing fights, in which 5 of these are Wins. 3 of those wins were by knockout, while Marcial continues to have a spotless record with no losses. Aira Villegas,Aira’s boxing career started in Tacloban City, where she learned to be tough and studied and learned boxing as her self defense.At the age of 15 years old she kept on focusing on practice and after joining  the Boxam Elite tournament in Spain, She won her first Gold Medal.  She is being chosen for the Olympic ticket in 1st World Qualification Tournament.However, it was her brother who encouraged her to pursue a boxing career in order for her to join in the Olympic Games.And through this sport, they were able to manage and help their family to provide for their daily needs.Her years of training paid off as during her stint during the In 2019 Southeast Asian Games, she won a bronze medal.She also competed at the 2022 Asian Games which was held in Hangzhou, China, where she lost the fight with her Mongolian opponent last year. From the gyms in Tacloban, Aira will now take her talents to the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing the country in the women’s flyweight 50-kg competition. Nesthy Petecio, Just like Aira, Nesthy was taught boxing as a means of self-defense.At the young age of 11, Petecio had a big break in her boxing career by. Joining boxing match during the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw in 2002, a match that she eventually won.In 2007, she competed in the Smart National Youth and Women’s Open Boxing Championship held in Cagayan De Oro City where she won a gold medal and earned the opportunity to be a part of the country’s national boxing team.Petecio started to compete and represented the country in several international competitions, some of which was the 2014 AIBA Women’s World Championship where she obtained a silver medal.2011 & 2013 Southeast Asian Games where she won both silver medals, the 2012 Asian Championship where she won a bronze medal, and a gold medal win in the 2015 Indonesia President’s Cup.In 2020, Nesthy qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics due to her high competitive rankings. Her first fight was a victory against Marcelat Sakobi Matshu of the Democratic Republic of Congo but, after facing her amateur rival Sena Irie in the final, Petecio lost by unanimous decision and won the silver medal, the first Olympic boxing medal won by a Filipino boxer in 25 years.Petecio is aiming for a her-story-making moment by trying to snag one more medal for a back-to-back medal performance in the Olympics. The hope that many for Nesthy have, is that this time, her silver turns to gold. Carlo PaalamCarlo joined the National Team in2013 and started competing internationally in 2016 where he earned both bronze medals during the AIBA youth Asian Championship and Asian Games in 2018.Later, he made a debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after being qualified through the IOC-BTF. Paalam won a silver medal during his bout in the Men’s Flyweight division against Galal Yafai of Great Britain.This time, Carlo’s hopes for an Olympic gold may not just be saying goodbye.This, after Paalam qualified for the Summer Games after winning over Indian Sachin Siwach in the men’s 57kg division semifinals during the 2024 Boxing 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand which was held on June 1. Hergie BacyadanBefore coming into the world of boxing, Hergie was a former martial artist and a wushu and vovinam practitioner.Bacyadan joined the Philippine national wushu team in 2016. In 2017, she took part in the Inaugural Sanda Asian Cup and World Wushu Championship which was held in Foshan China and Russia where she earned both silver medals in a 65k-kilogram division.During her Boxing career, it was marked when she participated in the 2019 ASBC Asian Grand Slam Boxing Championships held in Xiamen China.Bacyadan qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris after winning her quota bout during the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament against Maryelis Yriza of Venezuela - a win, which can see Hergie transcend the boundaries of what an athlete can do and achieve.  The Philippines has seen its own level of success in boxing - one that it has achieved throughout the years. Only time can tell if the country’s Olympic successes in the sport can once again awaken the country’s successes in the sport.

Far Eastern University and Adamson University opened their 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaigns in style.The Lady Tamaraws, determined to move on from last season’s runner-up finish, cruised to a straight-sets win over Mapua University, 25-15, 25-22, 25-21, Sunday, August 10, at the Paco Arena in Manila.FEU stayed composed throughout, with Congolese opposite Faida Bakanke taking charge in the third set. Locked at 15-all, she fired three consecutive aces to give the Lady Tamaraws breathing room, finishing with 12 points built on six attacks, three blocks, and three aces, including four digs.Mitzi Panangin added 10 markers in the win. Senior setter and captain Tin Ubaldo steered FEU’s 6-2 closing run, capped by Gerzel Petallo’s down-the-line hit.“Our goal this time wasn’t to get back at anyone, but to really improve from last time,” Ubaldo said in Filipino. “We didn’t focus solely on winning, but on the process of how we can win. For me, joining this tournament isn’t about redemption.”Mapua’s Alyanna Ong and Zyra Morales had eight points each, but no Lady Cardinal hit double figures.

The PBA’s historic 50th season kicked off with major changes, as four teams debuted new head coaches during the 2025 Rookie Draft at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. LA Tenorio (Magnolia), Willy Wilson (Phoenix), Ronald Tubid (Terrafirma), and Dennis “Delta” Pineda (Converge) wasted no time putting their stamp on their squads, selecting from a deep pool of 122 applicants.Tubid and Terrafirma picked Geo Chiu first overall, while Pineda and Converge took Juan Gomez de Liano at No. 2. On the other hand, Tenorio drafted Yukien Andrada (No. 6), and Wilson chose Will Gozum (No. 8) for Phoenix. Terrafirma and Converge each drafted ten players, with Magnolia and Phoenix also bolstering their lineups.“Thankful sa opportunity. Ang daming puwedeng coaches na possible dito, pero tayo ang binigyan ng pagkakataon. So I think there’s a reason why,” Tenorio said. With new leadership and a strong rookie class, the PBA’s golden season promises exciting games and intrigue.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came out victorious at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, May 8, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, to boost their campaign in PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.NLEX stretched its winning streak to four games with a hard-fought 89-86 win over Barangay Ginebra, surviving a fourth-quarter scare led by Gin Kings guard Stephen Holt.Despite playing with a bruised quadriceps, Robert Bolick still led the Road Warriors with 28 points on an efficient 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, while adding seven rebounds and four assists. He even delivered timely baskets in the last two minutes of the game to secure their 89-86 victory against the Kings.Xyrus Torres hit the go-ahead triple to give NLEX an 87-86 lead with under a minute remaining. Brandon Ramirez and Kevin Alas also scored in double figures with 11 and 10 points respectively, although Ramirez exited early due to a suspected dislocated jaw after an accidental hit from Jamie Malonzo.The Road Warriors improved to 4-1, while Ginebra dropped to an even 2-2 record.Holt finished with 21 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter alone to pace Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson added 20. Ginebra had a chance to win it in the closing seconds, but missed its final two attempts from the field.

Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas is set to continue his quest for another world title as he faces Uruguay’s Ruben Casero in an important bout for his super bantamweight championship ambitions.Originally scheduled for the Manny Pacquiao–Mario Barrios undercard, Ancajas’s fight was bumped from the lineup. Nevertheless, the former IBF super flyweight champion, who trained alongside Pacquiao, Mark Magsayo, and Eumir Marcial, remains optimistic.“I’m glad to finally have a fight. I thought I’d be fighting at the MGM Grand on the main card, but God has a greater purpose,” said Ancajas, whose eight-round bout will now take place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, on Sunday, July 27 (Manila time).With a record of 36-4-2 (24 KOs), Ancajas holds a clear edge in experience over Casero, who enters the ring with a 13-4 record (5 KOs).MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons emphasized the significance of the match: “Jerwin will be fighting his third super bantamweight bout. This is another stepping stone for him to fight for a world title. It’s one of the final steps for Jerwin to secure another title opportunity at 122 pounds, but he must win this fight. It’s a very crucial fight.”

Creamline Cool Smashers and Cignal HD Spikers are set to lock horns for the grand slam at the 2024 season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, September 12.The finals-bound Cool Smashers decisively crushed Farm Fresh Foxies’ podium hopes with a straight-set victory, 25-15, 25-13, 25-19, in the final Invitational Conference preliminary game.Creamline secured the finals berth with Jema Galanza’s triumphant return to the lineup after her duties with Alas Pilipinas. Galanza posted a game-high 13 points anchored on 11 attacks and two blocks, booting out Farm Fresh for a podium finish.

The Pilipinas Aguilas captured the Women's Maharlika Basketball League (WMPBL) championship against the UST Growling Tigresses, concluding the league's inaugural tournament yesterday, April 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.The WMPBL has successfully staged its first-ever tournament this season, and now, it’s time to turn professional—offering hope to all Filipinas who aspire to pursue a career in basketball beyond college and national team opportunities.This is now clear proof that the league is ready to take the next step in the world of women’s basketball.Basketball is a sport loved by many Filipinos, and this league is now ready to give Filipina athletes a true career path in the sport they are passionate about.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, WMPBL Commissioner Haydee Ong expressed her excitement and officially announced the league’s upcoming transition to professional status.“We went to GAB (Games and Amusements Board) to formally declare that the WMPBL will launch its pro league this coming June. Of course, I’m one of the happiest that it’s finally pushing through. But of course, we still have a lot to do to make the league sustainable,” said Ong.Commissioner Ong also emphasized that she hopes the league will remain stable. She is committed to ensuring the league evolves for the better, aiming to provide lasting opportunities for both present and future generations of women’s basketball players to showcase their talents.“Our league needs to become stable first, and the team criteria are very important—who we allow to join the first regular season of the WMPBL. So we will thoroughly scrutinize everything to make the league even better. This is a great opportunity for the present and future generations of women’s ballers,” Ong added.

Vacation is over and now is the time to work hard. Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is back on court and training hard at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. The 20-year-old resumed practice after a shoulder injury forced her to withdraw from the Cincinnati tournament.Eala’s injury also impacted her Montreal Open campaign, where she battled valiantly but ultimately fell to Czech star Marketa Vondrousova in three sets: 6-3, 1-6, 2-6.Now ranked No. 68 in the world, Eala is determined to bounce back and make a strong showing at the upcoming US Open. Her recent rankings dip (from a career-high No. 56 in June) has only stoked her drive to rise even higher. All the best, Alex. 

Despite mounting expectations, De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips remains calm and confident as he leads the Green Archers' quest to reclaim the UAAP men’s basketball crown.Standing 6-foot-8, Phillips also finds himself linked to another challenge—potentially suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.“But I'm really praying, whatever God has planned. If it's God's will for me to hopefully have an opportunity to try out and be a part of the national team, of course,” said Phillips, who previously won gold with Gilas at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.While excited by the prospect, Phillips remains focused on his current mission with La Salle, a team eager to bounce back after several runner-up finishes in the off-season and a finals loss last year.“I really love to, I'm gonna give everything I can. But of course, right now, it's really just about staying in the moment, staying in the present moment,” he said.Phillips fondly recalled his Gilas experience, calling it “an amazing feeling” that continues to inspire him.“Because playing for the national team is just something that, I don't know, I can't put into words. It's just such an amazing feeling and I'm still sort of on that high from that SEA Games,” he shared. “I still have my medal, it's right on my cabinet and I still talk to a lot of the guys that I was with in the SEA Games.”Phillips, along with Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez, is expected to anchor La Salle’s campaign in UAAP Season 88, which tips off this Saturday, September 20, against Adamson.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has officially announced that Bacolod City will host the 2026 Batang Pinoy, marking the return of the national youth games to the Visayas after more than a decade.The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batang Pinoy in General Santos City, where PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio confirmed Bacolod’s hosting. This will be Bacolod’s fourth time to stage the event, following previous editions in 1999, 2001, and 2014.During the turnover rites, GenSan Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao passed the Batang Pinoy banner to Atty. Jose Marty Go, who represented Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya.“It is just fitting for Bacolod to host the Batang Pinoy after several years, being among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” said Gregorio.Nearly 20,000 young athletes participated in 27 sporting events in the 2025 edition held from October 25 to 31 in General Santos City.Gregorio highlighted the importance of Batang Pinoy as a cornerstone of grassroots sports development, noting that several of the country’s top athletes — including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo — once competed in the tournament.The upcoming Bacolod hosting in 2026 signifies another milestone for the PSC’s efforts to develop and discover young Filipino athletes from all over the country.

The Philippines will spearhead a world class dragonboat competition in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan scheduled on October 28 to November 4. This tournament will also serve as a qualification for the 2025 World Games.According to Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation or PCKDF head Leonora “Len” Escollante, the federation already coordinated to the provincial government as well as to the local government unit of Puerto Princesa, Palawan for the necessary preparations of the venue for the said event and for the benefit of the participants. They are also very grateful to the Philippine Sports Commission and to all the local officials in the province because of their unwavering support in their endeavor and also to their program and projects when it comes to this kind of sport in the Philippines. She also thanked Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucindo Bayron for their full support, said among the countries fielding big delegations are India with 150, Thailand and Iran with 80 each and the host country with 200.

The stage is set for the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championship 2025 as the country’s top amateur golfers gear up to battle on the storied fairways of Apo Golf & Country Club in Davao City from August 27 to 31.Organized by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour, the prestigious event is recognized by the World Amateur Golf Ranking—giving Filipino players a chance to earn valuable points and elevate their international standing.The action begins with an official practice round on August 26, followed by two days of stroke-play qualifiers on August 27 and 28.Only the sharpest contenders will advance to the high-stakes match-play rounds from August 29 to 31, where the country’s next amateur champions will be crowned.Competitors will be divided into two divisions based on the July 15 WHS Handicap Index:Men’s Division: Handicap Index 8.0 and belowLadies’ Division: Handicap Index 12.0 and belowKnown for its demanding layout and rich history, Apo Golf is expected to test every facet of the competitors’ games.For the country’s elite amateurs, the stakes are high—national bragging rights, ranking points, and a potential springboard to the international golf stage. The quest for amateur glory begins in Davao!

Fighting for the first time since his loss to Richardson Hitchins for the IBF super lightweight title last December, Paro forced Jonathan Navarro to retire on his stool after five rounds in their main event bout on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Convention Centre in Cairns, Queensland.The Australian southpaw delivered a devastating overhand left to Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) with just 45 seconds left in the fifth round. Although Navarro quickly got back on his feet, he became an easy target for Paro’s left hand throughout the remainder of the round.Paro, now with a record of 26-1, 16 KOs, stunned Navarro again in the final 10 seconds of the round. As Navarro returned to his corner, it was clear he was defeated, prompting his trainer to stop the fight during the one-minute break between rounds five and six, granting Paro a victory by TKO in his comeback.Throughout the first four rounds, Paro established dominance with his southpaw jab and effective body shots. He controlled the pace of the match, while Navarro hesitated to engage directly, opting instead to focus on counter-punching.In rounds three and four, Paro began to string his punches together more effectively. As he closed the distance, Navarro showed some willingness to trade, but Paro’s offensive variety consistently gave him the upper hand during exchanges.Now, Paro also has unfinished business. He suffered a controversial split-decision loss to Richardson Hitchins in December — the only blemish on his professional record.“I want to win a world title. I want another belt. I want to avenge my loss. Life has given me the opportunity to move forward and show how much of a champion I am in adversity. I’m ready to prove the critics wrong,” Paro said.

Even without their American import Anna DeBeer, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles proved their mettle, grinding out a thrilling five-set victory over the Akari Chargers, 24–26, 25–23, 17–25, 26–24, 15–7, in the opening day of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night, October 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.The Thunderbelles displayed remarkable depth and teamwork, with six players scoring in double digits to overcome a 1–2 deficit and clinch the season’s first five-set classic. Despite the absence of imports on both sides due to pending international clearances, ZUS Coffee maintained its composure and found ways to execute under pressure.Rookie middle blocker AC Miner, who played a pivotal role in the team’s fourth-set turnaround, shared that the group focused on staying grounded and maximizing their chemistry. She said the team had been working hard to build connection with the setters and among the middles, which paid off when it mattered most. Miner admitted it took her some time to find her rhythm, but credited her teammates for keeping the team composed and resilient until they forced a deciding set.