The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is hopeful that Alex Eala will represent the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines. Let’s all pray she does,” said Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza.Mendoza said Eala’s participation will depend on her schedule, as the world No. 65 is working on arrangements but is eager to compete.“She’s just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited, so we really hope she can make it,” Mendoza added.If Eala joins, she will be gunning for her first SEA Games gold medal after bagging three bronze medals at the 2021 Hanoi edition.Mendoza also confirmed that the same men’s team will banner the country in the Bangkok Games, while the women’s roster is still being finalized.“Yes, we have the same team in the men’s, but for the women’s we’re still trying to put them together. Preparations for the biennial meet will start by November,” Mendoza said.Members of both squads are also set to compete abroad as part of their training leading to the Games. 

Rookie sensation AC Miner continued her emergence as the centerpiece of ZUS Coffee’s campaign, powering the Thunderbelles to a gutsy 19-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 15-6 comeback win over Chery Tiggo in the PVL On Tour Tuesday night, July 29, at the Candon Arena in Ilocos Sur.The No. 5 overall pick proved once again why she is considered the future of the team, erupting for a game-high 19 points—seven of them in a pivotal fourth set that swung momentum back to ZUS Coffee’s side and set up the deciding frame.Miner, also tallying four blocks, then teamed up with Chinnie Arroyo to ignite a blistering 9-3 start in the fifth set, dealing a heavy blow to the Crossovers’ outright quarterfinal hopes and forging a three-way tie at 3-2 in Pool B.“I think our biggest weapon was not giving up, especially that fourth set,” said Miner, who finished with 15 attacks and four blocks. “If we didn’t give it our all there, the match would’ve been over. But we pushed until the end.”Head coach Jerry Yee didn’t hold back his praise for the former Ateneo middle blocker.“She’s different. It’s only recently that we’re starting to really bring out her game,” said Yee in Filipino. “Hopefully, she keeps it going.”

The Petro Gazz Angels are now embracing a new era as interim coach Brian Esquibel steps in following the departure of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.Despite the recent coaching change, the defending champions have remained focused and resilient, clinching the No. 4 seed in Pool A. They will now face the fifth-seeded Akari squad from Pool B in the upcoming knockout round.Coach Esquibel commended his players for their unwavering determination and teamwork amid adversity."Para sa mga bata talaga 'to eh. Nakita niyo naman kung papano sila nagtulong-tulong. ‘Yung effort nila kahit mahabang rally, kami ‘yung nakakuha ng puntos dahil hindi sila bumibigay. Nandu'n pa rin ‘yung pusong kampeon ng mga bata," Esquibel said.As they continue their title defense, the Angels are determined to uphold the grit and unity that have defined their campaign. With Esquibel’s steady leadership and the team’s championship spirit, Petro Gazz is poised to overcome challenges and pursue another title run.

Fresh from their successful Group IV campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Philippine Men’s Davis Cup team was formally recognized after a clean sweep, capped by a 2-0 playoff win over Kyrgyzstan, earned them a much-anticipated promotion to Group III of the Asia-Oceania Zone.“It’s a slow climb, but we’re happy to be back in Group III,” said Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Executive Director Tonette Mendoza. “The goal is to return to Group II, where we used to compete before.”Team standout Jed Olivarez, who now holds an impressive 7-0 Davis Cup singles record since the team’s climb from Group V, said the team is determined to keep the momentum going. “It’s always an honor to represent the country. We’re inspired by Alex Eala and hope to make the nation proud,” he said.Also part of the Davis Cup roster are AJ Lim, Arthur Craig "Iggy" Pantino, and seasoned doubles specialists Ruben Gonzales and Francis Casey Alcantara. Former PH tennis greats Joseph Lizardo and Johnny Arcilla serve as the team’s coaches.Lim, recovering from an injury sustained during the Olivarez Cup finals, was unable to attend the forum, while Pantino and Gonzales are competing and training overseas. Alcantara, currently ranked among the world’s top 250 in doubles, also recently returned to Europe after representing the Philippines.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala bowed out of the Canadian Open after a hard-fought three-set defeat to Czechia’s Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, in Montreal early Monday morning (Manila time).Eala, ranked World No. 69, looked sharp early, taking the opening set after breaking a 3-all deadlock and winning three straight games. However, playing with her left shoulder taped, she couldn’t sustain her momentum against the former Wimbledon champion.Vondrousova, currently World No. 65, seized control in the second set. After splitting the first two games, she swept the next five to level the match, 6-1.The Czech star carried her dominance into the decider, racing to a 2-0 lead. Eala managed to hold serve to cut the gap to 2-1, but Vondrousova’s steadiness and experience proved too much as she clinched four of the last five games to close out the match.While Eala produced more winners (30 to Vondrousova’s 27), her 29 unforced errors proved costly compared to the Czech’s 16. Vondrousova also fired seven aces, while Eala had none.“I expected [Eala] to play a great match and she had some good results before, so I expected that. It was a tough one and I’m very happy to beat her,” said Vondrousova, an Olympic silver medalist. “She’s very aggressive. My serve was better in the second and third sets, so I’m happy to fight back in this match.”Vondrousova advances to face Marta Kostyuk in the second round. Eala, meanwhile, will shift her focus to the Cincinnati Open next month.

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.

American transgender women will no longer be able to compete in women’s events at the Olympics and Paralympics, following a policy update by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).Effective last July 21, 2025, the USOPC updated its Athlete Safety Policy to align with United States President Donald Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order. The new guidelines, detailed on the USOPC website under “Additional Requirements,” state the committee’s commitment to ensuring fair and safe competition for women athletes.“The USOPC will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure women have a fair and safe competition environment consistent with Executive Order 14201 (Trump’s order) and the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act,” the statement reads. The Stevens Act, enacted in 1988, governs eligibility disputes for Olympic and amateur sports.A memo sent Tuesday to Team USA athletes from USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland and president Gene Sykes referenced the executive order, noting the committee’s obligation to comply with federal laws. Trump’s order threatens to withhold federal funding from schools or institutions that allow transgender girls to participate on girls’ teams, citing potential Title IX violations.The order also mandates immediate enforcement of single-sex sports and locker rooms for women, reinforcing the new USOPC policy.

Hulk Hogan, the legendary face of 1980s professional wrestling who successfully transitioned into acting, has died at the age of 71.Standing at 6-foot-7 with his signature bandana and blond handlebar mustache, Hogan—born Terry Bollea—was a Hall of Famer whose charisma and ring presence helped transform professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment.According to reports in the U.S., his manager Chris Volo said that Hogan passed away at his home in Florida. Some reports cite "cardiac arrest" as the cause of death.Hogan’s larger-than-life persona, billed as a heroic all-American, drew millions of fans, turning professional wrestling into a global phenomenon and financial powerhouse. Debuting in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1979, he became a household name in the mid-1980s alongside icons like Andre the Giant and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.His brand of "Hulkamania" extended beyond the ring, leading to roles in films like Rocky III and No Holds Barred, as well as appearances on TV shows such as Baywatch.Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” WWE shared on social media, extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans.Hogan’s career was not without controversy. He faced public scrutiny after an intimate video was leaked, and later for his use of racist language, which led to his firing from WWE in 2015. He apologized and was eventually reinstated into the Hall of Fame.In recent years, Hogan was an outspoken supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, memorably appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top.Years of performing took a toll on Hogan’s health. He was married three times and is survived by two children from his first marriage to Linda.

Ryan Garcia, the flamboyant and outspoken boxer known for his social media presence, has publicly called out Manny Pacquiao following the Filipino legend’s impressive return to the ring.The 26-year-old Garcia told Ring Magazine he’s eager to face Pacquiao, who recently made headlines by pushing Mario Barrios to a majority draw in Las Vegas—nearly pulling off a historic upset for the WBC welterweight title.“It’s something that you dream of… I am always up for the challenge,” said Garcia (24-2, including 20 knockouts and 1 no contest) of a showdown with the Filipino icon.Though Garcia and Pacquiao have been linked as potential opponents in the past, a bout between them has never materialized. Garcia even traveled to Japan last year to watch Pacquiao’s exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo, fueling rumors of a possible showdown.“I would be lying if I said I am not interested,” Garcia added.Despite Pacquiao’s eye-catching comeback, Garcia may have to wait his turn. WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero currently appears to be the frontrunner for Pacquiao’s next fight, having defeated Garcia by unanimous decision in New York last March. Pacquiao is reportedly targeting a return to the ring in December.Still, Garcia is making it clear: he’s ready and willing to take on Pacquiao—anytime, anywhere.“If Manny wants to throw it down, let’s do it,” he concluded.

Out of 18 Filipino cue artists who began their campaigns at the 2025 World Pool Championship, only seven remain in the hunt for the title as the tournament heads into the Round of 16.Veterans Roland Garcia and AJ Manas made early exits, falling in the Round of 64.Advancing further were Marvin Asis, Michael Feliciano, and Johann Chua, but all three were stopped in the Round of 32—each falling to a red-hot Anton Raga, who has quietly emerged as one of the most dangerous players in the draw.The Round of 16, scheduled for tonight, July 25, will showcase two all-Filipino showdowns:Bernie Regalario vs. Patric GonzalesCarlo Biado vs. Jeffrey IgnacioThese matchups ensure that at least two Filipino players will move on to the quarterfinals, continuing the Philippines’ proud tradition of excellence in world-class pool competition.With Anton Raga, Regalario, Gonzales, Biado, and Ignacio still in the mix, Filipino fans have every reason to be hopeful for another deep run—and possibly another world title.

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.”

ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice Zamboanga defends her belt for the first time in this massive card for Philippine MMA — ONE 173, set for November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.Zamboanga will tackle a hostile environment as she battles the Japanese star and defends her strap against Ayaka Miura.On the other hand, Miura will jumpstart her title reign chase against the red-hot Zamboanga, having won her last five fights in the most impressive fashion.“The Menace” became the first Filipina to win a championship in a major MMA organization last January, and she wants nothing more than to be remembered as a fighting champion who never said no to a match.That’s why, even though she’s eyeing a highly anticipated superfight with her good friend and highly popular atomweight star Stamp Fairtex, she’s not waiting around for her first defense."I believe God’s timing is always perfect, and I’m honored to defend this belt against Ayaka Miura in Japan. She’s one of the strongest grapplers in the atomweight division, and I’ve watched how relentless she is with her ground game. There’s still a long road ahead in my preparation, but I’m committed to putting in the work and showing up stronger than ever," Zamboanga said.

Petro Gazz Angels head coach Koji Tsuzurabara has parted ways with the Angels.In an exclusive message to Scoreline.ph, the 60-year-old coach confirmed his decision, stating: “As you may have heard, I’ve decided to leave the team. I’ll go to a country that needs me. See you soon.”Tsuzurabara added that his agent is actively searching for his next team but assured fans that he’s open to returning: “If a PVL team needs me, I’ll come back to the Philippines.”His departure means Tsuzurabara will miss the Angels’ crucial final pool match against Choco Mucho on July 29 at the Candon City Arena.Meanwhile, in a Facebook post by the Petro Gazz Angels, they expressed their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to their former mentor, who dedicated his life—especially for the legacy he left behind.“Coach Koji, as you return home to Japan to be with your family, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your decision to pursue new opportunities in your continuing volleyball journey is acknowledged with deep respect.Thank you for the time and dedication you have shared with us. You have been more than just a coach—you have been a mentor, a teacher, and a true inspiration. We are especially grateful for the legacy you leave behind, having led us to our first-ever All-Filipino Championship in the PVL. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”During his tenure, Tsuzurabara made history with the Angels, guiding them to become the first local team in the league’s pro era to defeat Creamline in the PVL Finals since Chery Tiggo’s 2021 Open Conference victory.Before his PVL debut in January last year, he steered Petro Gazz to gold in the 2024 PNVF Champions League, sweeping Cignal in the finals.Tsuzurabara led the Angels to the podium twice in three conferences—earning bronze in his first All-Filipino Conference, finishing sixth in the import-laden tournament, and eventually capturing the PVL crown.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has become the latest major sports body to update its policy on transgender athlete participation, joining several other organizations that have clarified or altered their rules this year. Here’s a summary of the most prominent changes:US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)The USOPC now effectively bars transgender women from competing in women’s sports, citing an obligation to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order. The USOPC oversees around 50 national governing bodies, potentially prompting rule changes at local club levels to maintain membership.International Cycling UnionEarlier this month, cycling’s global governing body banned transgender women who transitioned after male puberty from women’s races. This came after American rider Austin Killips became the first openly transgender woman to win an official cycling event in May.University of PennsylvaniaThe university modified three women’s swimming records previously held by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, settling a federal civil rights investigation and restoring records to female athletes. Thomas, who won an NCAA title in 2022, was at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict transgender participation in women’s sports.World AquaticsSwimming’s governing body announced a policy in June allowing only transgender athletes who transitioned before age 12 to compete in women’s events. They are also exploring an “open competition” category for the future.World Boxing OrganizationIn May, World Boxing mandated sex testing for all athletes in sanctioned events, referencing scrutiny around Olympic champion Imane Khelif and other elite boxers whose eligibility had been questioned.British SportsFollowing a UK Supreme Court ruling in April, the governing bodies for soccer in England and Scotland banned transgender women from women’s teams, while the England and Wales Cricket Board imposed a similar ban.World Athletics CouncilIn March, track and field’s governing body barred transgender women who underwent male puberty from international competition. New regulations on athletes with differences in sex development, such as Caster Semenya, now require six months of hormone suppression before eligibility.US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)The NCAA announced in February that women’s sports would be limited to athletes assigned female at birth, enforcing the rule immediately after Trump’s executive order. The NCAA governs over 1,100 schools and 500,000 athletes.High School SportsNebraska became the latest state in June to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports, joining at least 24 other states with similar policies. The federal government and several states have clashed over such participation rules.These policy changes reflect a global trend toward more restrictive eligibility standards for transgender athletes, often citing fairness and safety in women’s sports.

Alex Eala is set to face a challenging field at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, kicking off this weekend as part of her preparations for another Grand Slam run at the US Open next month.After a brief vacation in the Philippines, Eala will compete in her fourth WTA-1000 level tournament of the year, aiming to match or surpass her previous achievements.The National Bank Open, scheduled for July 26 to August 7, will release its official draw this Friday, July 25.Currently ranked No. 69, Eala could find herself up against familiar elite opponents she’s encountered at the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Italian Open, Eastbourne Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.Headlining the tournament are world No. 2 Coco Gauff, newly crowned Wimbledon champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek, and world No. 4 Jessica Pegula.Eala previously partnered with Gauff at the Italian Open and faced Pegula in the Miami Open, where she made her first semifinal appearance at this level.

A few days ago, Jelena Todorovic made history by becoming the first female head coach in Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB)—Brazil’s top-tier men’s professional basketball league.At just 31 years old, the Serbian-Australian tactician becomes the first woman to lead a men’s pro team in Brazil and the second youngest head coach in NBB history. She was officially appointed by Fortaleza Basquete Cearense, who proudly announced:“HISTORIC! Jelena Todorovic is the new Head Coach of Fortaleza Basquete Cearense!”

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 tennis star Alex Eala slipped to No. 69 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, dropping from her career-best No. 56 due to inactivity during a month-long break from competition.After a successful European clay and grass campaign, the 20-year-old Eala has been on hiatus, recently returning home to Manila and showing support for fellow Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao via online streaming, as shared on her social media.Eala is set to return to action at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, from July 26 to August 7. The high-profile tournament will feature top players such as Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and Jasmine Paolini.The National Bank Open marks Eala’s transition to the North American hard court season and serves as a crucial preparation for her upcoming Grand Slam appearance at the US Open, scheduled for August 24 to September 7 in New York.