The Philippines’ stunning momentum came to an abrupt stop as it fell to former world champion Armenia, 2.5-1.5, crashing out of the Top 10 after six rounds of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary.Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra essayed yet another victory when he sent his second super Grandmaster in Haik Martirosyan to his knees, defeating his Armenian rival with a 63-move win of a Nimzo-Indian on top board. The Philippines’ quest to add another crown in their growing collections was barred when newly minted GM Daniel Quizon, International Master Paulo Bersamina, and GM John Paul Gomez succumbed to their rivals, concluding their games in draws.The stinging result relegated their ranking out of the Top 10. From a share of No. 7, the national men’s team stumbled to a share of No. 21 with eight match points. On the other hand, the Filipinas bounced back after knocking Bolivia, 3-1, with Shania Mae Mendoza, Janelle Mae Frayna, and Jan Jodilyn Fronda posting victories on the top board to take the No. 34 spot with eight points in the team standings. The win pushed the women’s team to a share of 22nd spot with a big group of eight pointers.The Filipino woodpushers will battle 27th-seeded Croatia, while the Filipina team will clash with 26th-seeded Argentina eyeing a win that would keep their hopes contending alive.

Converge is not yet letting go of its original import Scotty Hopson. The FiberXers interim coach Franco Atienza said that they will continue to evaluate the health condition of Hopson especially that they are moving closer to clinching a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Season 49 Governor's Cup.Because of the injury that Hopson suffered that he even played through in the past three games, Converge was forced to change its import and tapped the services of Jalen Jones.Jones proved that he is a worthy replacement import as he produced 32 points and 10 rebounds, and helped the FiberXers in their 105-97 win against Meralco on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Though there's a new reinforcement in town, Hopson still watched the game over at the Converge bench while trying to recuperate from a hurting hip flexor."Right now Scotty is in the injured/reserved list and he's day to day for us," said Atienza of the import who led them to four wins including two historical victories.Hopson became the first player who made a four-point game-winner, not just once but twice. And as of writing, he is the only one who has done the feat."We want to keep him there as an option, so we will continue to evaluate yung prognosis niya."However, Franco gave the 31-year-old Jones an A+ on his PBA debut.

Lara Posadas-Wong won a silver medal for the Philippines in the women’s singles at the 7th Asian Tenpin Bowling Champions in Bangkok, Thailand.The national team mainstay demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the competition, tallying 1,353 pinfalls, averaging 225 per game over six rounds. Posadas-Wong conquered a tough 5th game, tallying a final score of 258 just 29 pins behind gold medalist Daphne Tan of Singapore, who scored a total of 1,382 pinfalls. South Korea’s Baek Sung Ja took the bronze medal with 1,340 pinfalls. Meanwhile, Marie Alexis Sy and Dyan Arcel Coronacion placed 13th and 19th, respectively, for the Philippines. Other Filipino athletes participating in the prestigious event include Art Barrientos, Kenneth Chua, Marc Custodio, JP Macatula, MJ San Jose, and Merwin Tan in the men’s squad, as well as Grace Gella, Dale Lazo, Krizziah Macatula, Sy and Coronacion in the women’s team.The competition continues with the doubles, trios, and team-of-5 events.

Being the number one team in the league right now, the TNT Tropang Giga was expected to dominate the winless Terrafirma but the Stanley Pringle and the Dyip have other plans.Pringle led the bottom team to upset the top team to notch their first win of the tournament, 84-72, on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.The shifty guard produced 15 of his total 18 points in the fourth quarter including 10 straight that inspired his teammates to give their best until the final buzzer.

Finally, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters solved the mystery on how to defeat the mighty San Miguel Beermen as they scored a 122-112 victory on Thursday night and gained a solo lead in Group B of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Now having a 7-2 record, ROS relied heavily on import Aaron Fuller and Beau Belga to solve the puzzle by limiting June Mar Fajardo's efficiency.

The National University Lady Bulldogs crumbled the hopes of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses of retaining their crown with a 75-69 win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball Finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, September 21. The Growling Tigresses made an effort to rally past NU in the third quarter with seven points, 68-61, anchored from three straight three-pointers courtesy of Karylle Sierba, Eka Soriano, and Kent Pastrana. Determined to duplicate their win in Game 3, the Tigresses hauled a 14-point deficit led by rookie Gin Relliquette, who basketed a three-pointer to make it 71-64. However, the Lady Bulldogs weathered the late comeback of the Tigresses as they recreated a 9-point separation off Cielo Pagdugagan’s layup at the 2:22 mark, 75-64, to seal NU’s victory.

While the quarterfinals cast is already complete for the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup, the game between Converge and Magnolia on September 23 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will determine the final match-ups in the playoffs.The two teams are now tied with 5-4 slate, and the winner of their 5:00 pm game will determine which squad will be the No. 3 seed in the next round and will face Group B’s No. 2 seed, San Miguel Beermen in a best-of-five series.Meanwhile, the loser of the match will face the top-seeded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Defending champions De La Salle University are looking to get back on its winning ways after suffering its first scar at the hands of the University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.After tasting the first beating of the tournament, the Green Archers seek a turnaround when they face winless Far Eastern University on Wednesday afternoon, September 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses secured its second straight win after hammering University of the Philippines, 84-60, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, October 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.Tacky Tacatac delivered her best performance of the season after unloading four triples to finish with 20 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter that gave UST an 84-58 cushion with 1:20 remaining on the clock.“I hope she (Tacky) continues to play well. Like they say, a shooter will always be a shooter. It will give us more space in our offense because the defenders are focused on Tacky,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said post-game.Kent Pastrana as usual sustained her outstanding performance, finishing with 21 markers, highlighted by three triples, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals to improve the Growling Tigresses record to 5-1.UST rookie Karylle Sierba recorded 11 markers, six dimes, three boards, and two deflections, while Season 85 MVP Eka Soriano chipped in five points, eight rebounds, and four steals in the winning effort. The Growling Tigresses will aim to conclude the first round on a winning note against Far Eastern University on Saturday, October 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

Converge surprised the mighty Beermen once again as they dragged them to a winner-take-all showdown after having a 114-110 victory in Game 4 of their PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup quarterfinals match-up to tie the series on Friday night, October 4, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.The FiberXers put the pressure on SMB by making clutch plays in the end including Bryan Santos' back-to-back triples that gave them a 101-95 lead in the home stretch.

Rain or Shine advanced to the semi-finals of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup after defeating Magnolia in the Game 5 of their grueling battle, 113-103, on Saturday night, October 5, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Andrei Caracut rose to the occasion by scoring six of his 14 points in the final two minutes of the game.Aaron Fuller produced his usual contribution by knocking 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum added 17 markers each.Leonard Santillan and Keith Datu were also vital in the Elasto Painters’ win as they chalked up 12 and 11 points, respectively.RoS head coach Yeng Guiao said that he is proud of how his young team fought against a veteran team like Magnolia.

The first-ever father and son duo happened on the opening night of the NBA's 2024-25 Season when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-103, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.The historical feat happened in the latter part of the first period when LeBron and Bronny James were fielded in together. They shared the court for more than two minutes.According to LeBron, family is the reason why he wanted to play together with his son in the league.

National University ruled the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition, claiming its eight title overall with a breathtaking, space-themed performance on Sunday, December 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.With NU capturing their eighth UAAP Cheerdance Competition crown, they are now tied with longtime first-placers University of the Philippines Pep Squad and University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Troupe, solidifying the program's status as an all-time powerhouse in the highly-anticipated annual competition.NU Pep Squad’s gravity-defying, windmill-like stunts propelled the team to a runaway victory, dethroning Far Eastern University with a total of 713 points.Team captain John Paul Cabido credited his coaches for the concept and theme.

D’Navigators Iloilo wrapped up its 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on a high note after defeating Martelli Meats, 25-17, 25-14, 25-20, on Sunday, December 1, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The win allowed the D’Navigators to end the tournament on a triumphant note by ending a seven-game losing streak. They finished eighth in a 10-team field with a 2-7 win-loss record. “Despite being at the bottom, maybe we tried our best despite the problems,” head coach Boyet Delmoro said as he lauded his team’s resolve despite the challenges. "The main factor is not being able to practice together. We'll learn from that in the next season. We will plan carefully so that we can be there again (above), because we were number four before. Now, we're far," he added.

San Miguel taps Quincy Miller to be their reinforcement in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup title defense when they face the Phoenix Fuel Masters tonight, December 7, 7:30 PM at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Miller is one of the imports of the Beermen in the East Asia Super League, or EASL, together with their Governor’s Cup import, EJ Anosike.The return of the 6’10” Miller will bring his versatility and scoring prowess to the already powerhouse squad, which also acquired the services of Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig from Terrafirma in exchange for Vic Manuel and Terrence Romeo.In his EASL stint with SMB, Miller averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the two games they already played this year.As he returns to Asia's first play-for-pay league, he will be joined by the eighth-time MVP, June Mar Fjardo, and reigning Finals MVP, CJay Perez, in defending their crown.

Filipina swimmer Quendy Fernandez notched four gold medals in the 11th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.The 19-year-old University of the Philippines student brushed off the scorching heat as she splashed her way to grab the girls’ 100-meter backstroke crown, registering a time of 1:07.21.Fernandez breezed past Lora Micah Moguis who clinched the silver medal with a time of 1:10.53, while Jann Maureen Doton clocked in 1:18.42 to nab the bronze honor.

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.

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 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 world No. 16 squad announced its arrival with a stunning sweep of then-No. 5 Japan in its pool play opener, setting the tone for what would become a dominant run. That upset, followed by a gritty 3-1 victory over Libya and a clinical 25-21, 25-16, 27-25 sweep of world No. 7 Canada, catapulted Turkiye to the top of Pool G.For head coach Slobodan Kovac, the mission has been clear from the beginning: to prove that Turkiye is far from ordinary. Even with qualification for the Round of 16 already secured before facing Canada, Kovac refused to let his players relax, applying relentless pressure and insisting that every match carried weight. Not just for positioning, but also for valuable ranking points.That demanding approach has rubbed off on his players, particularly opposite spiker Adis Lagumdzija. Against Canada, Lagumdzija hammered 14 points, embodying the competitive fire Kovac has instilled. The towering hitter admitted that while they expected a grueling challenge from Japan in the opener, sweeping the Asian powerhouse became the confidence boost that fueled their run through pool play.