The Philippine Ice Hockey Team has officially departed for Thailand to compete in the upcoming Ice Hockey Tournament, which runs from October 28 to November 2.Philippine Ice Hockey team manager Pet Tigaronita told scoreline.ph about the upcoming rally of the team. “The team is leaving this morning to participate in “Land of Smiles” in Thailand. It’s a hockey tournament from Oct 28 to Nov 2.” The weeklong event will feature some of the best teams from the region, promising a thrilling showcase of speed, skill, and teamwork on the ice.Fueled by pride and determination, the Filipino skaters are ready to make their mark and represent the country with passion in this international competition.

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has arrived in New York, ready to make her mark in the US Open main draw as she continues her transition from junior standout to full-time professional.Eala announced her arrival with an Instagram post from Manhattan, simply captioned: “New York, New York.” The 19-year-old secured her main-draw slot through a steady climb in the WTA rankings, highlighted by strong showings earlier this year, including an impressive run at the Miami Open.A recent shoulder injury forced Eala to withdraw from both the Cincinnati and Monterrey Opens, causing her to slip to World No. 70. Now, she’s aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in the season’s final Grand Slam.This US Open campaign marks another pivotal chapter in Eala’s budding career—as the former US Open girls’ doubles champion seeks to make her presence felt among the sport’s elite. With Filipino fans rallying behind her, she’s hoping for a breakthrough performance.The US Open kicks off on August 26, with Eala entering as an unseeded player likely to face a tough opening challenge. Still, her track record suggests she’s ready to spring a surprise on tennis’s grandest stage.

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 San Miguel Beermen couldn't stop the fiery Robert Bolick before the end of the final period as NLEX defeated SMB, 104-99, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.The NLEX shooting guard was unstoppable and scored 20 of his game-high 39 points in the final quarter and added nine assists, helping the Road Warriors erase a 19-point deficit and secure their third straight win. They improved to 3-1 in the conference, while dropping San Miguel to 1-1 as the Beermen failed to build on a slim win against Phoenix in their first assignment.The Road Warriors trailed by 19, 46-65, in the third quarter after an and-one play by Quincy Miller.However, NLEX dropped a 23-8 bomb to put themselves back into the game, 69-73, after a layup by Bolick, with less than two minutes to go in the third.The former point guard of San Beda Red Lion's performance left NLEX head coach Jong Uichico impressed with the skill and dedication he displayed in the game.

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.”

Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Youth, Health, and Development, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Filipino athletes by highlighting key legislative initiatives.Among his notable efforts is the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) under Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. The NAS offers a dual-track system that integrates academic education with elite sports training for young athletes.Senator Go is also pushing for the passage of the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act (Senate Bill No. 171), which aims to establish regional NAS campuses—particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao—to provide full scholarships and nurture athletic talent across the country.Other key initiatives include:Senate Bill No. 407, amending the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (RA 10699), to improve support for para-athletes;Senate Bill No. 413, or the Philippine National Games Bill, to institutionalize grassroots sports competitions nationwide;Senate Bill No. 678, or the National Tertiary Games Act, to promote collegiate-level sports development.Since assuming his role in 2019, Senator Go has helped oversee historic achievements in Philippine sports, including the country's first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games and a double-gold performance at Paris 2024.“I encourage everyone, young and old, to get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Senator Go said.

Crowd favorite Japan gave its Filipino fans one last reason to cheer, dispatching Libya in straight sets, 25-20, 25-15, 25-22, in a graceful exit from the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Still reeling from back-to-back losses that dashed their Round of 16 hopes, the Ryujin Nippon came out determined to finish strong. They never trailed in any set, their sharp execution and spirited play energizing the predominantly pro-Japanese crowd inside the Big Dome.Kento Miyaura led the charge with 15 points on 11 kills, three aces, and a block, while captain Yuki Ishikawa added 12 markers. Ran Takahashi and Larry Ik Evbade-Dan chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Shunichiro Sato contributing eight. Setter Motoki Eiro orchestrated the attack masterfully, dishing out 32 excellent sets.After the match, Miyaura shared a heartwarming moment with Libyan libero-captain Foad Elmaarug, 42, the tournament’s oldest player, as the two exchanged jerseys at center court — a gesture of mutual respect that drew thunderous applause from fans of both teams.“We lost the last two games, and along with that, we lost our confidence,” Takahashi admitted. “But we knew we had to change our mindset and come back in this game.”Japan, which had high hopes heading into the Worlds, had suffered deflating straight-set defeats to Turkey and Canada earlier in the pool stage. Their win against Libya, however, showcased their trademark speed and balance, serving as a reminder of their world-class pedigree.Libya, returning to the global stage for the first time since 1982, found its bright spots in Ikhbayri Ahmed Abulubaba Amhimmid, who tallied 11 points, and Mohamed Ikhbayri Abulababa, who added eight.The victory may not have extended Japan’s campaign, but for the fans who filled the Araneta, it was more than just a consolation — it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring bond between team and supporters.In other tournament highlights, world No. 1 Poland rallied past the Netherlands, Turkey clinched Pool G, and USA swept Pool D, as the Round of 16 picture continued to take shape across Manila and Pasay.

The Philippines’ boxing campaign at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, came to a close after Leo Mhar Lobrido settled for a bronze medal in the Boys’ 46-kg division.Lobrido, the country’s last remaining boxer in contention, bowed to Uzbekistan’s Abdugani Yorkinjonov in the semifinals. The Uzbek fighter capitalized on his height and reach advantage, edging out Lobrido with a 3-2 decision in the opening round before pulling away in the second with sharp, accurate combinations.Yorkinjonov’s dominance secured him a finals berth against Kazakhstan’s Arman Myrsabit, who earlier swept Tajikistan’s Damir Nazarov, 5-0.Despite the loss, the 17-year-old from Bago City, Negros Occidental, earned the Philippines’ best boxing result of the Games with his bronze finish, showcasing resilience and promise against Asia’s rising talents.Meanwhile, other Filipino boxers were unable to reach the medal rounds. James Justin Zampatti fell to Uzbekistan’s Diyorbek Murodilloev via referee-stopped contest in the Boys’ 75-kg quarterfinals, while Shairylle Porres exited after losing to Chinese Taipei’s Fang-yu Chen in the Girls’ 46-kg category.Jefferson Amaya (50kg), John Michael Estorba (54kg), and Ermallie Caballero (50kg) were earlier eliminated during the preliminaries.

The Creamline Cool Smashers sustained its pristine record in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference by showcasing great resolve in a 25-12, 25-21, 25-19 victory over the Nxled Chameleons on Tuesday, January 28, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.A day after receiving a special citation at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night, Creamline did not hesitate to get the job done and show the league who they are.Bernadeth Pons led the charge for the Cool Smashers with 13 points along with 12 excellent digs, while Tots Carlos added 10 markers behind Kyle Negrito’s 15 excellent sets.Creamline’s win streak extends to 16 games and they will try to beat their previous record of 19 games that was ended by the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the second round of the Reinforced Conference last year. Meneses rotated all of his 14 players in the game, giving each player a chance to play and score at least one point.

Adamson University stamped its dominance in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, locking in the top semifinal seed with a convincing sweep of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-18, 25-17, 25-16, on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.The Lady Falcons kept their spotless slate intact at 6-0, riding on a balanced effort from rookie sensation Abby Segui, who fired 12 points, and star hitter Shaina Nitura, who added 10 points and anchored their floor defense. Frances Mordi also provided steady scoring with 12 markers in the win.Adamson showed little mercy in the third set, quickly racing to a 14-3 advantage before sealing the match with Red Bascon’s emphatic block. Earlier, Segui and Lhouriz Tuddao combined for crucial points in the second frame to help the Falcons gain full control.

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.

EJ Obiena returned to competition with a bronze medal at the World Athletics Continental Tour in China, clearing 5.65 meters to finish third. Chinese vaulter Tao Zhong and American Cole Walsh both cleared 5.75m, with Zhong taking gold on countback.The podium finish gives Obiena a timely boost as he heads into a busy September, highlighted by the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13–21. Obiena, the Philippine and Asian record holder at 6.00m, will also headline the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati on September 20–21. The event boasts a strong international field, including several top-25 vaulters.Riding the momentum from China, Obiena aims for another landmark performance on the world stage and a memorable homecoming in Manila.

 One of the most iconic figures in mixed martial arts history is hanging up his gloves.Jon “Bones” Jones, widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time, has officially retired, UFC president Dana White confirmed at a press conference on Saturday, June 21.“Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones has officially retired,” White announced.“Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” he added.Jones, 37, later confirmed his retirement, posting on X that “this decision comes after a lot of reflection.”“I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways,” he said in his statement. “Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come,” Jones wrote in his post.Discussing the future of the heavyweight division, White confirmed that Tom Aspinall will attend UFC International Fight Week, where crucial decisions about the division’s direction will be made.The highly anticipated prospect of a showdown between Aspinall and Jones has been a major topic within the heavyweight division for months, particularly following Jones' successful title defense against Stipe Miocic in November.Fan demand for the matchup reached a crescendo; a recent petition calling for White to strip Jones of his heavyweight title amassed over 195,000 signatures—a clear indication of public sentiment.Just two weeks ago, White expressed confidence that the fight would happen, revealing that Jones had accepted a deal to face Aspinall, although the contract had yet to be finalized.Jones acknowledged that he doesn’t control the division's direction, admitting he hasn't mapped out his future plans. He even floated the idea of challenging former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou—a scenario White promptly dismissed. This back-and-forth only adds to the intrigue surrounding both fighters and the heavyweight landscape.“Tom Aspinall is the guy. We’ve been talking to this kid forever about it. It’s his fight. You can’t make people fight. If Jon doesn’t want to fight, we can’t make him fight. We can try to make him fight, we can throw things at him that inspire him to want to fight,” White added.Just weeks ago, speculation remained high, with White saying Jones had verbally accepted a bout against Aspinall. Meanwhile, the fan petition calling for Jones to be stripped of his title had amassed over 195,000 signatures, signaling growing frustration over the heavyweight stalemate.While he steps away from active competition, Jones hinted at continued involvement in the sport in a new capacity, suggesting that his journey is far from over—just entering a new phase.Whether through mentorship, promotion, or advocacy, Jones’ influence on MMA is likely to endure far beyond his final walk to the Octagon.

After a close Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals — marred by the “basket interference” controversy — protagonists San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G now focus on winning Game 2.San Miguel, the winningest franchise in PBA history, will try to tie the series at 1-1 while moving past their opening game loss, which was clouded by the PBA technical committee’s review of Mo Tautuaa’s dunk.They will once again bank on the dominance of eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, along with CJ Perez and the rest of the squad, to get the equalizer.

National University (NU) asserted its dominance in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s division against the University of the Philippines (UP) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 9.After dominating the first two sets, the Bulldogs struggled in the third, allowing UP to build a commanding 12-5 lead and eventually force a fourth set. However, NU regained control in the final frame, breaking an 18-18 tie with a decisive 4-0 run to defeat the Fighting Maroons,  25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 25-22, improving to a 4-1 record in the men’s tournament.NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that unforced errors cost them the third set, saying, “We lost our momentum whenever we gained it.” He emphasized also the importance of confidence in the fourth set, ensuring the team played with certainty and avoided self-doubt.  Buds Buddin led the charge with 22 points, while Leo Aringo and Leo Ordiales added 16 and 14 markers, respectively. 

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is ramping up its advocacy for youth empowerment through sports, as Chairman Patrick Gregorio is appointed Philippine National Network (PNN) Convenor for the Southeast Asia Sports and Youth Crime Prevention (SEA-SYCP) initiative.The appointment by SEA-SYCP leaders James Mapstone and Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee recognizes the PSC’s key role in advancing sports-driven youth programs across the regionMr. Edward Hayco will support Gregorio as Vice-Convenor, ensuring the roll-out of effective, sustainable programs under the SEA-SYCP umbrella.In a recent meeting with the PSC, SEA-SYCP, and partner government and private agencies, it was agreed that the Philippines will lead program planning and resource mobilization. The national steering group will align its efforts with the ASEAN Work Plan, focusing on youth development, community engagement, and crime prevention through sports.This partnership underscores sports as a powerful tool for social change—promoting discipline, teamwork, and positive youth engagement throughout Southeast Asia.

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.

Carlo Biado has made history once again, becoming the first Filipino to win a second World Pool Championship title after dethroning defending champion Fedor Gorst in a thrilling 15-13 final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, yesterday morning, July 27 (Philippine time).Biado, who first captured the World Nineball crown in 2017 in Doha, Qatar, is now the only Filipino to lift the prestigious trophy twice. In the final, Gorst raced to a quick 2-0 lead, but Biado responded with a dominant 9-2 run. Gorst clawed his way back, capitalizing on Biado’s errors to tie the match at 9-all and again at 13-all."I'm over the moon—I still can't believe I'm a two-time world champion. It means everything to me. I'm so proud to bring this trophy home to the Philippines," Biado said.Undeterred, the 41-year-old showed poise under pressure, taking the last two racks to seal the victory and the title."This final is something I'll remember forever. Fedor is one of the best in the world," he added.With this feat, Biado joins Filipino pool legends Efren “Bata” Reyes (1999), Ronnie Alcano (2006), and Francisco “Django” Bustamante (2010) as World Pool champions.Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded Biado for upholding the country’s winning legacy in billiards.“This is another great reason to rejoice and celebrate. Carlo Biado becoming the only player in the world to win the 9-ball championship twice is remarkable. Long live Biado and Philippine billiards,” he said.The POC, which currently oversees the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP) following its suspension by the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sport, reaffirmed its commitment to support the country’s billiards athletes in training and international competitions, including the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December."We will continue to work, guide and help our national billiards athletes in their training and competitions abroad, including the Thailand SEA Games this December," Tolentino added.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is moving closer to enforcing a complete ban on transgender women competing in female events, signaling a major shift in Olympic policy.Under the leadership of newly elected IOC president Kirsty Coventry, the organization aims to establish a unified global framework to “protect the integrity of the female category” across all sports. A move that could take effect within the next six to twelve months, in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.Previously, individual federations were allowed to set their own inclusion rules, but Coventry is pushing for consistency, citing scientific reviews highlighting the long-term physical advantages of being born male.The potential policy is also expected to align with the stance of the U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier signed an executive order barring transgender women from competing in female sports.However, the IOC continues to face internal debate over how to handle athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD), those reported female at birth but with male chromosomes and elevated testosterone levels.

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.