Japan, once seen as a contender, is out of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship after a disappointing group stage in Manila. Ranked No. 5 entering the tournament, the Japanese squad was eliminated following straight-set losses to Turkey and Canada, dropping to No. 7 in the live rankings and failing to win a single set.Ran Takahashi, despite a solid individual showing, admitted the team underperformed. “Nothing special, I think,” he said. Yet, Takahashi expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Filipino fans: “As always, the Philippine fans gave me a lot of energy and support.”Japan will play a final group match against Libya, with pride on the line. Takahashi vowed to play aggressively and views the experience as a lesson for the future. “We have to improve, we have to grow up, and we have to ask more from us,” he reflected.Though Japan’s championship hopes were dashed early, Takahashi’s resilience and the passion of Filipino supporters leave the team looking ahead with humility and hope.

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

While the San Miguel–Ginebra series went the distance to decide the last Finals berth, the TNT Tropang 5G’s early entry into the championship round gave their players time to heal.The last two Finals MVPs of the grand slam-seeking TNT squad will still not be suiting up. Jayson Castro (Governors’ Cup Finals MVP) continues to recover from a full-thickness patellar tendon tear in his right knee, while Rey Nambatac (Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP) remains sidelined with a groin injury.Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Kelly Williams, and Brian Heruela also dealt with injuries throughout the Philippine Cup, but all are possible to return in the Finals.

Two of the country's Filipina fighters secured victories in their fights this past weekend.Muay Thai fighter Islay Erika Bomogao clinched her second win after winning a unanimous decision against her opponent, Chinese fighter Ran Longshu, at ONE Friday Fights 93 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday night, January 10.In the opening round of their match, her Chinese opponent immediately showed aggression, but Bomogao showed her defense and immediately hit the Chinese fighter with a series of combo punches until she finally gained the advantage over her opponent.With the win, Bomogao now has a 2-0 win-loss record.Meanwhile, mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga made history by defeating Ukrainian grappler Alyona Rassohyna via second-round technical knockout on Saturday, January 11, in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 27 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.Zamboanga is now the first Filipina mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter to win the ONE Championship crown and an impressive win over the women’s MMA atomweight title.To secure the victory, the 27-year-old Filipina fighter used her striking skills with well-aimed punches and good grappling defense to overcome Rassohyna, who tried to use her for Zamboanga.The referee stopped the fight at 4:47 after Zamboanga landed elbows and ground and pound punches and was able to break through Rassohyna’s ankle lock attempt.Zamboanga couldn't believe her victory, which she had been hoping for for years, and now her efforts have paid off.“I’ve been aiming for this gold for years. I’m not here for short notice or something, I’ve made this from hard work, tears and everything. The delays and injuries, I’ve had a lot of injuries. Last two weeks ago I couldn’t move my left arm. But I didn’t want to cancel the fight because I know God will give me this belt. Thank you for giving me this opportunity,”  Zamboanga said. Because of her impressive win, she will now be able to fight for the unification bout against the regular champion of her division, Stamp Fairtex. “I really deserve to fight stamp because I proved it (in this fight) by finishing my opponent’,” Zamboanga added.

Team Philippines will send a 136-strong delegation to compete in 16 of the 23 sports featured at the 3rd Asian Youth Games, set from October 22 to 31 in Manama, Bahrain.Boxing prospect Leo Mhar Lobrido and rising volleyball talent Harlyn Serneche will carry the national flag during the parade of nations at the opening ceremony in Exhibition World Bahrain, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) confirmed.“We’ll field a compact team of promising athletes who could become our future Olympic, world, and regional champions,” said POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. The Philippines aims to match or surpass its 2013 Nanjing Youth Games tally of two golds and three silvers.

The UST Growling Tigers will be missing a key weapon in their UAAP Season 88 opener as star guard Forthsky Padrigao serves a one-game suspension.Padrigao is sidelined for UST’s clash against reigning champions, the UP Fighting Maroons, on Sunday, September 21, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion. His suspension stems from the two unsportsmanlike fouls he committed in last season’s Final Four matchup versus UP, where the Tigers bowed out, 78-69.

The Alas Pilipinas national beach volleyball teams, spearheaded by star duo Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, are ramping up preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.Fresh from their campaign at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge in Nuvali, Laguna, the Philippine teams are applying valuable lessons from competing against top-tier international squads to their SEA Games push.“We learned a lot from every match at the Challenge,” said Pons, who, alongside Rondina, made history as the first Philippine pair—men or women—to reach the round of 24 in the event. “We must keep training hard and focus on being consistent in all aspects of our game.”Brazilian head coach Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa named the SEA Games women’s pool: Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez, Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, and Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor. Men’s hopefuls include SEA Games bronze medalists James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara, and Edwin Tolentino and Larry John Francisco. Each country will field two teams per gender.Team manager Cherry Macatangay confirmed all six pairs will undergo intensive training at the Nuvali Sand Courts to sharpen their skills and conditioning ahead of the December 12–19 competition at Bangkok’s Huamark Sports Complex.“We’re ready anytime if chosen for the SEA Games,” said Gaviola. “We’ll make the necessary adjustments and keep working to improve.”Thailand and Indonesia remain the SEA Games beach volleyball powerhouses, while the Philippines has earned six bronze medals—three each in the men’s and women’s divisions—since the sport became a medal event in 2003.

Being a three-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion is a significant achievement, especially during the competitive era of the 1990s to 2000s. That wealth of experience is precisely what Ernesto “Estong” Ballesteros brings to the table as he prepares to compete for Master Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the upcoming World Masters Tournament in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ballesteros shared the contributions he plans to make to the Philippine 45up team as they compete on the international stage."The number one thing I can bring to help the team is my experience in the PBA and international competition," Ballesteros said in Filipino."It will be a big boost since we will be facing stronger and heavier opponents," added the sweet-shooting big man, who will be representing the country as a basketball player for the third time in his career.Ballesteros previously played for the RP Team in 1996 before entering the professional league in 1997. That’s why he feels honored and privileged to wear the Philippine colors once again, joining forces with fellow former PBA players such as Roger Yap, Gherome Ejercito, Gilbert Malabanan, Oliver Agapito, and Marlon Basco.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, welcomed the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45-Up Basketball Team to the Senate last Monday, August 4, following their gold medal victory at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan.Known for his unwavering support for Filipino athletes, Senator Go personally congratulated the team for bringing pride and honor to the country.He recognized team officials—Team Manager Reynaldo Punongbayan, Assistant Manager Dick Victor Carmona, Head Coach Arlene Rodriguez, and Assistant Coaches Dann Michael Caneba, Albert Valbuena, and Diego Padua—as well as the players, including Justice Midas Marquez, Gilbert Malabanan, Roger Yap, Estong Ballesteros, Oliver Agapito, Rendell dela Rea, Romel David, Guiness Nabung, Milo Bonifacio, Edwin Manabat, Ricky Ricafuente, Arvin Aguila, Paul Reguera, and Marlon Basco.The senator’s interaction with the athletes was warm and sincere, as he shared anecdotes and checked on their well-being.“Congratulations to our Pilipinas 45-Up Basketball Team for winning the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan. Victories like this bring national pride that money can’t buy. You carry the honor of our country—thank you for your dedication,” Go said.

Famed boxing trainer and Hall of Famer Tommy Brooks passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday, July 29, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in San Diego, Brooks began his boxing journey with mentors Archie Moore and Eddie Futch before serving in the United States Air Force.“Got more bad news a little while ago. It was just confirmed by his family that esteemed boxing trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight, after having fought a very aggressive cancer. Too young.” DiBella wrote on X.As an amateur, Brooks captured the AAU national middleweight title in 1975, defeating Tom Sullivan and a young Michael Spinks, and went on to win a U.S. national title. He turned professional in 1977, finishing with a 7-3 record.Brooks found his true calling as a trainer, working alongside legendary figures Lou Duva and George Benton. Over his illustrious career, he trained some of boxing’s biggest names, including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, the Klitschko brothers, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Mike McCallum, Vinny Pazienza, Charles Murray, David Price, and many others.He is survived by his wife Donna (Duva), sons Brian, Marlon, and Jonathan, and daughter Cassandra, as well as her husband, boxing trainer Shaun George. Funeral services will be announced in Georgia and New Jersey.Rest in peace, Tommy Brooks—a true legend in the world of boxing.

Ysa Bakabak defied the usual path taken by many sports journalists.While others often turned to reporting after unfulfilled dreams of becoming professional athletes, Bakabak managed to pursue both—breaking into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as middle blocker for the Akari Chargers while she continued her role as a sports writer for The Lasallian, De La Salle University’s official student publication.The 22-year-old stood out not just for her height and skill on the court but for her ability to balance athletics, journalism, and academics.Bakabak had been part of the DLSU Lady Spikers’ training pool but was never officially fielded in collegiate leagues. Despite the limited exposure and absence of high-profile playing experience, she took a bold step by joining the inaugural PVL draft.Her name was not called during the draft, but she remained undeterred. She later reflected that she wasn’t discouraged, understanding that teams might have prioritized players with greater public visibility. She believed that her lack of collegiate play limited her exposure, but not her potential. Confident in her abilities, she trusted that she could succeed at the professional level and expressed gratitude that Akari recognized that and signed her as a free agent.Her signing with Akari marked a significant turning point, especially after overcoming challenges in her athletic journey. 

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball world was shaken when the news broke out that some of the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors left the team, and made their transfer to the University of the Philippines, in the aftermath of coach Obet Vital’s resignation and reported transfer to UP, to go along Fighting Maroons head coach Benson Bocboc.In a Scoreline.ph exclusive interview with these “FOURmer” UE Lady Warriors, Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, and Shamel Fernandez shared their journey in going from one school to another.The four women standout shared that the transition was not that smooth as they felt a lot of bashing about their decision to become part of the Fighting Maroons.“Personally, I don't think the transition from UE to UP was smooth. Because, when the issue came out that I had to move, of course, everyone has their own opinion about the decision. So, yes, we felt bashing, like, why is it like this, why is it like that,” said Dongallo in Filipino.“But, for me, I didn’t really bother to dwell on it because it won't help me in my future endeavors,” added the star rookie of the Lady Warriors last season.

Defending champion National University (NU) held off a resilient Far Eastern University (FEU) in a thrilling-five set match, winning 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.After dropping the second and third sets to the Lady Tamaraws, Alyssa Solomon took charge, leading the Lady Bulldogs in the fourth set to a 24-21 advantage.FEU's Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina narrowed the gap, but Bakanke's final attack went out of bounds, and a video challenge failed to overturn the call.Solomon carried her momentum into the fifth set, while Bella Belen contributed with a crucial ace and a net touch violation by FEU, giving NU an 8-3 lead. Erin Pangilinan extended the lead to 12-7, sealing the win with her signature finger-wag celebration.Solomon finished with 23 points, including 19 kills and four blocks, while Belen added 21 markers, including 13 attacks and seven aces. Vange Alinsug also contributed 19 points and 15 excellent receptions, while setter Lams Lamina dished out 23 excellent sets.

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers are not just one win away from the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge title—they’re sending a loud, clear message: revenge is coming.Game 1 against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws was more than a win; it was a statement. La Salle dismantled the defending champions 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, showing poise, power, and a killer instinct that last year’s heartbreak could never erase.Down 20-21 in the third set, most teams would crumble, but not La Salle.Coach Jose Roque’s daring gamble—bringing in NJ Bangit and MJ Fortuna—flipped the momentum instantly. Two perfect attacks later, and the match was theirs, finished off by Emman Hernandez’s clinical final blow. FEU's title defense appeared shaky in just one hour and 27 minutes.Eugene Gloria and Rui Ventura excelled, delivering timely kills and solid defense, but La Salle's mental edge truly shined. They came ready physically, mentally, emotionally—even spiritually, as Roque proudly put it—and it showed. While FEU showed moments of brilliance, exemplified by Dryx Saavedra's 15 points, La Salle's depth and composure proved insurmountable.Game 2 in Dasmariñas will be the real test, but make no mistake: La Salle isn’t just aiming to win—they’re reclaiming what’s theirs. FEU might fight back, but the Green Spikers have momentum, strategy, and swagger on their side. Redemption isn’t a question anymore; it’s inevitable.

Gilas Pilipinas character will be tested tonight, February 20, when they face a Chinese Taipei team that's fighting for survival in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at 7:00 PM at the Taipei Heping basketball gymnasium.The Philippine team will put their unbeaten record on the line against the home team that is seeking to finish third place in Group B and make it to the Qualifying Tournament among third placed teams and a possible last-minute shot of making it to Jeddah.Gilas are on top of Group B with a 4-0 win-loss record, followed by the New Zealand Tall Blacks with a 3-1 slate, then the Taipei team sitting in third with a 1-3 record, while Hong Kong is still winless in four games.Though the Filipinos have already qualified for the Asian Cup tournament set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from August 5-17, Gilas head coach Tim Cone emphasized that they will use this third and final window as preparation for the said tourney.After their game tonight, Gilas will have another battle on February 23 against New Zealand in Auckland.Like Gilas, the Tall Blacks have already qualified for the Asian Cup and will also use the final window to prepare for the next battle.

The Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) officially launched its inaugural professional season on Sunday, June 29, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, marking a major milestone for Filipina athletes in the sport of basketball.Six pioneering teams—Batangas New Zealand Bluefire, Pangasinan Solar Home Suns, RK Hoops Quezon City, Discovery Perlas Rizal, San Juan Lady Knights, and Tagaytay Tol Patriots—are taking part in the league’s first-ever pro season.The opening ceremony featured a powerful message from SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, who highlighted the significance of the moment for women in sports.

In a country where sun blazes year-round and basketball courts are found on nearly every corner, the idea of building a national ice hockey team might seem impossible. Yet, inside the cold confines of the rink, Finnish coach Juhani “Jay” Ijäs is helping the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team carve out a story that’s both unlikely and inspiring.Having led the squad for the past three years, Coach Jay witnessed the sport’s evolution firsthand, from its early days to its growing presence on the international stage.“The Philippines started to go international in 2017,” he said. “There were half Filipino players who helped build the program, some of them are still playing today, but now it is a good blend of older and younger players.”Since making their international debut, the Filipino ice warriors have steadily gained recognition across Southeast Asia and is currently ranked 54th in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Ranking. While the program remains relatively young, he sees its progress as a testament to the players’ passion and perseverance, proof that love for the sport can thrive even in the tropics. When Coach Jay arrived in the Philippines, he knew the challenges ahead: limited ice time, scarce training facilities, and a small player base. Yet, the Finnish tactician, who grew up surrounded by one of Europe’s most hockey-crazed cultures, approached it with patience and optimism.“We are still a very small and young program,” he said. “Not only the national team, but we also need to recruit more younger players so that ice hockey will continue to grow in the Philippines.”He believes that the real growth begins at the grassroots. Beyond building elite athletes, it is about introducing the sport to the next generation, one child at a time.To ensure the ice hockey’s long-term future, Coach Jay, who is also the program director of the team, and the federation launched a “Learn to Play” program every Sunday morning open to children as young as three or four years old.“It’s not really ice hockey yet,” he explained. “It’s just to get the feel of the ice. We need to start young because hockey is demanding, learning to skate, controlling the puck, and adapting to the physicality of the game.”By partnering with schools and promoting the sport among families, the goal is to make skating, and eventually hockey, more accessible to Filipino youth.Developing both talent and teamwork has been another challenge for the Finnish coach. With limited rink availability shared among men’s, women’s, and youth teams, training time is precious.“We don’t have much extra ice time,” he admitted. “So we have to balance individual skill development with team play. Usually, about 30 minutes go to individual drills and the rest to our game systems and structure.”Despite these constraints, the team continues to refine its systems, relying on discipline, conditioning, and camaraderie, in which Coach Jay emphasizes every session.For him, physical conditioning is non-negotiable. Ice hockey demands more than technical skill; it requires resilience and athleticism to withstand 60 minutes of intense, high-speed play.“We want to be a stronger skating team,” he said. “It is very demanding to play a full 60-minute game, so we cannot get fatigued. That’s the number one thing to be in good shape and be an athlete.”With improved fitness and structure, he hopes the national team can stand toe-to-toe with more established programs in future tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games.Despite the challenges of promoting an ice sport in a tropical country, Coach Jay remains hopeful. He has seen how the energy of the players and the enthusiasm of young fans can create something special.“Come here to the ice rink and watch our national teams play,” he urged. “It is really exciting, it is a unique sport. And if you don't like the game of ice hockey itself, maybe just ice skating, Philippines is fun, you can get away from the heat of outside and come here inside the cold."From Finland to the Philippines, Coach Jay has brought with him more than just experience, he has brought belief. Under his guidance, the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team continues to prove that even in a land of sunshine, greatness can be forged on ice.

Far Eastern University (FEU) ended a six-year drought against National University (NU) with a 27-25, 25-14, 25-23 victory on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.This marked the Tamaraws’ first win over the Bulldogs since February 16, 2019, breaking a seven-game losing streak that began with a loss in the second round of Season 81 on April 28, 2019.“Our work never stops. If you saw our training sessions, from the last game until now, we haven’t stopped practicing, and we haven’t rested. The dedication, hard work, and the strong family bond within the team, you can really see the results in the end,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.FEU made a comeback from a 22-24 deficit in the first set, eventually taking the lead at 26-25 following a miscue by Leo Ordialaes and a game-clinching block by Doula Ndongala.The Tamaraws dominated the second set and managed to hold off NU’s late rally in the third, where the Bulldogs trimmed the lead to 24-23. Dryx Saavedra sealed the win with the final point.

The Arellano University Chiefs are heading into NCAA Season 101 with a sense of renewal, putting their trust in team chemistry and the continuity of their core group.After finishing 7-11 (7th place) in Season 100, the Chiefs know they have a ground to cover, but with a more seasoned lineup and improved unity, they believe they can break deeper into the postseason picture. Third-year head coach Chico Manabat retains the bulk of his key players. Mainstays Basti Valencia, T-Mc Ongotan, Maverick Vinoya, and Ernjay Geronimo return with valuable experience, while CJ Libang is expected to fill the void left by the departure of defensive anchor Lorenz Capulong. Surrounding them is a deep pool of contributors, Renzo Abiera, Anthony Borromeo, Leyton Buenaventura, Yuan Camay, Anjord Cabotaje, Dominic Dayrit, Girbaud Demetria, Joseph Hernal, Matthew Langit, Dre Miller, Andrei Acop, Kyle Anama, and Joseph Espiritu, all hungry to make their mark.Season 101 introduces a fresh structure: teams are split into two groups, with the top three from each side advancing to the crossover quarterfinals. The top two squads earn the luxury of a twice-to-beat advantage.Arellano landed in Group A together with Lyceum, Mapúa, San Sebastian, and Perpetual. Every game in this grouping is expected to be tightly contested, meaning the Chiefs can’t afford slow starts or wasted opportunities.The Chiefs have shown flashes of promise before, stealing wins against heavyweights like San Beda, Lyceum, and College of Saint Benilde last season. Now, they must turn those isolated victories into consistent results. 

Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball 45-Up team is gearing up for the World Masters Tournament this coming May. Strengthening their lineup is two-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star Gherome Ejercito.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ejercito shared how he plans to contribute to the team’s success on game day.“I spoke with Coach Arlene (Rodriguez) and Boss Rey (Punongbayan) about what I and my fellow ex-pro players can bring to the team. Our experience playing in the PBA—alongside Roger Yap, Estong Ballesteros, and Gilbert Malabanan—will be a huge advantage,” Ejercito told us in Filipino.“And as long as we continue our regular practices, we will be ready to compete,” he added.