The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots and NorthPort Batang Pier will try to finish the first round of the double-round eliminations of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup with a 3-2 slate when they face each other on Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.The winner of the game will be over the 0.500 mark while the defeated team will have a record of 2-3 in Group A. The Hotshots and Batang Pier were grouped with TNT Tropang Giga, Meralco Bolts, Converge FiberXers and Terrafirma Dyip.After the game, the two teams will be on their way to the 2nd round robin which will start on Saturday, when the Hotshots face the Bolts in Panabo City.

The Philippines’ RP Blu Girls ended their World Baseball Softball (WBSC) Under-18 Women’s Softball World Cup campaign with a strong finish.The Nationals’ victory against Ireland, 4-0, secured them a fifth-place finish in Group C, while their rival ended the tournament winless in sixth place.Philippines’ starting pitcher Callie Christian paced the team by pitching a complete game shutout. She allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out six batters, imposing her will on the mound.Mylia Perez also contributed to the team’s strong offensive presence as she added two hits in three at-bats and crossing the plate twice.

Magnolia Hotshots new import Shabazz Muhammad sank a running shot with 8.1 seconds remaining in the game to overcome the gritty Terrafirma Dyip, 99-98, and kept them in the solo third place of Group in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.The two teams traded clutch baskets in the final seconds of the game.Paul Lee drained a four-pointer to give the Hotshots a two-point lead, 97-95. In the next play, Dyip’s rookie Paolo Hernandez sank a step-back triple that brought his team back with the lead, 98-97. But the last laugh belonged to Muhammad when he delivered the winning basket with 7.8 seconds left in the game.Kevin Ferrer has one last say but his desperation three was way off the mark as Terrafirma stayed winless in the conference.It was also the 19th straight win of the Magnolia against Terrafirma since July 15, 2016. The Dyip was still called Mahindra Enforcer by then while the Hotshots were named Star.

Rubilen Amit concluded her campaign after finishing third in the 2024 World Pool Association (WPA) 9-Ball China Open in Shanghai over the weekend.Amit, who recently reigned supreme in the WPA World Women’s 9-Ball Championship, managed to reach the semifinals, seeking to add another crown in her collection, but eventually bowed out to China’s Han Yu, 9-3.The hometown bet was just too tough as the Chinese went on to win their bout and eventually claimed the win against compatriot Wang Xiaotong for a $36,000 win.Prior to her semifinals defeat, Amit prevailed over Bojana Sarac of Serbia (7-5), Silviana Lu of Indonesia (72), veteran Jasmin Ouschan of Austria (9-3), and Chihiro Kawahara of Japan (9-5) in the earlier rounds. Chezka Centeno, on the other hand, absorbed a 9-8 loss against Chieh-Yu Chou in the Round of 16. Carlos Biado and Jeffrey de Luna also withdrew from the men’s competition. 

The wait is over.After two tough losses, the Alas Pilipinas Men finally broke through at the 2026 Asian Games, beating Uzbekistan in four sets in their classification match to put their first win on the board.It was a victory built on persistence — the kind of result that can change the tone of a campaign that had started with frustration.The Filipino side refused to let another opportunity slip away, fighting through four sets against Uzbekistan and finally getting the breakthrough it had been chasing.For Alas Pilipinas, the win is more than just another entry in the standings. It is a much-needed reward for staying in the fight after a difficult start to the Asian Games campaign.The men’s squad now carries that momentum into the remainder of the classification round, with another opportunity to finish the tournament on a high.Two losses. One breakthrough. And finally, a win for Alas Pilipinas Men. 🇵🇭🔥The campaign continues — and now, the Philippines has something to build on.

BACK-TO-BACK BRONZE. ONE FILIPINA. ANOTHER PODIUM FOR THE PHILIPPINES. 🇵🇭🎾🥉Alex Eala may not have taken the gold in Aichi-Nagoya, but she leaves the Asian Games with something that is becoming increasingly familiar: a medal around her neck.The Filipina tennis star officially received her women’s singles bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games, sharing the moment with Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center.And this was more than a ceremony.It was another chapter in Eala’s growing Asian Games résumé.After winning bronze in women’s singles at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Eala returned three years later and did it again.Two Asian Games. Two singles medals. Two bronze finishes.That kind of consistency deserves attention.The Asian Games bring together some of the best players on the continent, and every campaign demands a fresh test of skill, composure, and endurance. Eala has now proven she can navigate that stage and emerge with hardware on consecutive occasions.But perhaps the most intriguing part is that her Asian Games story is still being written.Eala is no longer simply the young Filipina tennis prospect carrying enormous expectations. She is becoming one of the country’s most recognizable athletes on the international tennis stage—and every major tournament adds another layer to that journey.The bronze medal is proof of what she accomplished in Aichi-Nagoya.The back-to-back podium finishes are proof of something else:Alex Eala keeps finding a way to stay among Asia’s best. 🇵🇭🔥For Filipino tennis fans, that matters.Because medals are moments. Consistency builds a legacy.Two Asian Games. Two bronzes.And if Eala’s journey has taught us anything, it is that the next chapter is always worth watching.TWO ASIAD BRONZES. ONE ALEX EALA. THE JOURNEY CONTINUES.

ONE LAST SHOW. 16 DAYS OF BATTLES. COUNTLESS STORIES TO REMEMBER.But the stories of Aichi-Nagoya 2026? Those will live long after the closing ceremony.As the 20th Asian Games prepare to close on Sunday, October 4, Japan is set to trade the intensity of competition for a night of music, celebration, and one final gathering of Asia’s finest athletes.Performances from Japanese pop acts, the traditional parade of athletes, the extinguishing of the Games flame, and the handover of the Olympic Council of Asia flag to Doha, Qatar, will bring the 16-day sporting spectacle to its conclusion.But for Filipino fans, the biggest show has already happened on the field of play. 🇵🇭EJ Obiena soared to pole vault gold. Carlo Yulo delivered two gymnastics golds. Carlo Paalam fought his way to silver. Alex Eala secured another Asian Games tennis bronze.And who could forget Jeus Gabriel Yape, whose virtual taekwondo gold added another historic moment to the Philippine campaign?From Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara’s beach volleyball bronze to the medals won across combat sports, athletics, and other disciplines, Filipino athletes gave the country plenty of reasons to celebrate.Not every campaign ended in triumph. Some fell short. Others came painfully close.But sport has never been just about the podium. It is also about the fight, the setbacks, and the courage to represent the flag when the stakes are high.Of course, the Games also leave questions about accommodation, transportation, and other organizational challenges. The celebration should not erase those concerns—or the lessons future hosts can learn from them.We can celebrate the athletes while still demanding better sporting events. Both can be true.Soon, the flame will be extinguished, and the spotlight will move to Doha, the next host of the Asian Games in 2031.But the real legacy of Aichi-Nagoya will not be measured by one closing-night performance.It will be measured by the records broken, the young athletes inspired, and the support these champions receive when they return home and begin preparing for their next battles.THE GAMES MAY END. THE WORK OF BUILDING CHAMPIONS NEVER DOES.

ONE WIN AWAY FROM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY!Carlo Biado and Albert James Manas are one victory away from world championship glory after surviving a grueling five-set semifinal at the 2026 Isak Billiard WPA Men’s Doubles 10-Ball World Championship.The Filipino tandem dug deep to edge Indonesia’s Albert Januarta and Irsal Nasution, 3-2 (3-4, 4-3, 3-4, 4-2, 4-1), in a dramatic battle that went down to the wire.It was a match of momentum swings.Indonesia struck first. The Filipinos answered. The Indonesians reclaimed the advantage before Biado and Manas found another gear when the pressure was at its highest.And when the deciding fifth set arrived, the Filipinos delivered their strongest response—closing it out, 4-1, to punch their ticket to the championship match.This wasn’t just about making the final.It was about surviving when one mistake could have ended the run.Now, the pressure shifts to the biggest match of all.Biado and Manas will face the winner of Spain vs. Poland for the world championship.The final is set for October 5 at 1:30 p.m. Philippine time on Table 1.From a five-set war to the world title stage, the Filipino duo has earned its shot.ONE MATCH. ONE TITLE. ONE CHANCE TO PUT THE PHILIPPINES ON TOP OF THE WORLD. 🇵🇭🏆🔥The semifinal is history.NOW, FINISH THE JOB.

CTBA admits Strong Group Athletics was the “biggest victim” of the controversial format change—but for the two-time champions, an apology may not be enough.The apology has been made.But for Strong Group Athletics, the damage already been done.The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), organizer of the 2026 William Jones Cup, has publicly apologized over a sudden change to the tournament format that put SGA's bid for a historic three-peat in jeopardy.And in a striking admission, the organizers themselves acknowledged that the Philippine-based squad may have been the “biggest victim” of the new format.That acknowledgment, however, does little to erase what happened on the court.SGA entered the final stretch of group play with a 4-1 record, seemingly putting Charles Tiu's squad in prime position for another deep run.But the new format changed the equation.CTBA decided to guarantee a semifinal berth for Chinese Taipei Blue, despite the host team sitting at the bottom of Group A with a 1-4 record.For SGA, it created a problem. A team with four wins could now be watching the semifinals from the sidelines.The complicated situation became even more difficult because of the tournament's margin-of-victory tiebreaker.SGA needed to beat South Korea's Wonju DB Promy by at least 32 points to strengthen its chances of advancing.Instead, the Korean side—powered by Ethan Alvano—handed SGA a 110-79 defeat in their opening meeting.South Korea's position at the top of Group A secured the other semifinal spot, leaving SGA dependent on the results of other games.Suddenly, the defending two-time champion was no longer in control of its own destiny.The rationale?Chinese Taipei Blue had been hit by injuries, leaving the team depleted and forcing younger, less experienced players into the lineup.For the host, the change offered another chance.Although, CTBA explained that the format adjustment was made partly to allow Chinese Taipei Blue to remain competitive and give local fans an opportunity to see their hometown team reach the semifinals.The organizers also said scheduling adjustments were made to provide teams with more adequate rest.But CTBA recognized the obvious consequence. SGA already paid the price.“The two-time champion Philippine SGA team… may be the biggest victim of the new competition format this year.”That is quite an admission.The organizers also praised SGA for its performance throughout the tournament and thanked the team for contributing to the competition.But here's the uncomfortable question:Should a team with a 4-1 record have to depend on other results simply because the rules changed during the tournament?There is nothing wrong with acknowledging a mistake. In fact, CTBA's public apology is important.But an apology does not add another win to SGA's record. It does not erase the 32-point requirement.It does not restore the team's control over its semifinal destiny. And it certainly does not guarantee another Jones Cup championship.For a team chasing a historic three-peat, those details matter.Despite the controversy, SGA don't quit.The Philippine-based squad still faced Chinese Taipei Blue in its final group assignment, knowing that even a victory may not guarantee a Final Four berth.Japan's result against South Korea also factors into the equation.That is the frustrating part. SGA did the work on the court.The Jones Cup has apologized. But for SGA, the message is simple: Again, an apology can acknowledge the damage. It cannot undo it.And if SGA somehow survives this mess and reaches the semifinals, it won't just be playing for another Jones Cup title.It will be playing with something to prove. Let's find out what's next for them. 

“Bacolod City is ready... the City of Smiles is ready to shine!” declared Mayor Greg Gasataya as preparations intensify for one of the country's biggest youth sporting competitions.The City of Smiles is preparing to become the center of Philippine grassroots sports as more than 200 local government units gear up for the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Championships, with the grand opening set for December 12.Thousands of promising young athletes from cities and municipalities across the country are expected to compete for medals, pride, and the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage.The Bacolod City government is working closely with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to ensure the successful staging of the national championships.Preparations include finalizing athlete accommodations, transportation arrangements, competition equipment, venues, and event programs to provide participating delegations with a safe and organized sporting experience.With more than 200 LGUs confirming participation, the competition is expected to bring together some of the country's most promising young athletes.Adding excitement to the opening festivities, the December 12 celebration will coincide with the Parade of Stars, bringing Metro Manila Film Festival entertainment to Bacolod.The combination of sports and entertainment is expected to create a festive atmosphere for athletes, officials, residents, and visitors.Beyond the competition, Batang Pinoy serves as an important platform for identifying and developing young sporting talents who could eventually represent the Philippines in international competitions.For many participants, the national championships could become their first major step toward competing in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and even the Olympics.More than winning medals, Batang Pinoy is about discovering potential, developing discipline, and inspiring young Filipinos to pursue sporting excellence.As the countdown begins, Bacolod City is preparing to welcome the country's rising stars and celebrate the future of Philippine sports.ONE NATION. OVER 200 LGUs. THOUSANDS OF YOUNG DREAMS. ONE BIG STAGE!BATANG PINOY 2026 — THE ROAD TO GREATNESS BEGINS IN BACOLOD! 

At just 21 years old, the young athlete from Cagayan de Oro City became the first Filipina table tennis player to compete in the Olympic Games, representing the Philippines in women's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.It was a breakthrough moment for a sport that had long struggled to receive the same attention as basketball, boxing, and other popular disciplines in the country.But only two years after achieving her Olympic dream, Philippine sports lost one of its brightest young talents.On September 2, 2018, Lariba passed away following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.She was only 23.Her career was painfully short. Her contribution to Philippine sports was anything but small.From dominating UAAP table tennis to breaking barriers at the Rio Olympics, Ian Lariba achieved what no Filipina had done before. Her life ended at just 23, but her place in Philippine sports history remains secure.Some athletes spend decades chasing greatness. Others accomplish something extraordinary in a much shorter time, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond their years.For Ian Lariba, that legacy was built through determination, discipline, and a historic achievement that forever changed Philippine table tennis.Before becoming an Olympian, Lariba had already established herself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Philippine collegiate table tennis.Representing De La Salle University, she built a remarkable record in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).Her achievements reflected not only her natural ability but also the consistency and discipline required to remain competitive at the highest collegiate level.Lariba announced her arrival by winning the UAAP Rookie of the Year award in Season 74.She followed that achievement with three Most Valuable Player awards in Seasons 75, 77, and 78.She was also recognized twice as UAAP Athlete of the Year and helped De La Salle capture three team championships.Those accomplishments made her one of the defining figures of her generation in collegiate table tennis.But Lariba was not content with succeeding only at the university level.She had a bigger dream.She wanted to represent the Philippines at the Olympic Games.In 2016, Lariba accomplished what no Filipina table tennis player had achieved since the sport became part of the Olympic program in 1988.She qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.At 21, she stepped onto the world's biggest sporting stage carrying the Philippine flag and the hopes of a growing table tennis community.Her participation marked an important breakthrough for Philippine sports.For years, Filipino table tennis players had competed in regional and international tournaments, but an Olympic appearance had remained elusive. Lariba changed that.Her qualification demonstrated that Filipino athletes could reach the highest level of international competition even in sports that receive comparatively limited public attention.Although she did not win an Olympic medal, her presence in Rio represented an achievement that went beyond the result of a single match.She had opened a door that future generations of Filipino table tennis players could now dream of walking through.For aspiring young athletes, particularly girls hoping to compete internationally, Lariba became proof that the Olympic stage was within reach.Following her Olympic appearance, Lariba appeared positioned to continue developing her international career.At 21, she had already accomplished more than many athletes achieve in a lifetime.Her collegiate dominance, national team experience, and Olympic qualification provided a strong foundation for future competitions.She still had opportunities to improve her skills, compete internationally, and inspire more young Filipinos to pursue table tennis.But in May 2017, her life took an unexpected turn.Lariba was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.The diagnosis brought an abrupt interruption to her sporting career.Instead of preparing for another tournament, she faced intensive medical treatment and the uncertainty of a serious illness.The news deeply affected the Philippine sports community, particularly her teammates, coaches, supporters, and fellow student-athletes.September 2, 2018: Philippine Sports Loses a TrailblazerDespite undergoing treatment, Lariba passed away on September 2, 2018, approximately 15 months after her diagnosis.She was 23 years old.Her death brought an early end to a career filled with promise.For Philippine table tennis, the loss was especially significant.The country had lost its first female Olympic representative in the sport, an accomplished collegiate champion, and an athlete who had inspired others through her achievements.For her family, friends, and teammates, the loss was far more personal.Beyond the medals and championships was a young woman whose life had touched those around her.Her passing served as a painful reminder that even the most accomplished athletes face circumstances beyond their control.There would be no comeback tournament, no second Olympic appearance, and no opportunity to discover how much further her career might have gone.But the achievements she left behind would remain.Philippine sports history is often told through Olympic medals, world championships, and record-breaking performances.Those achievements deserve recognition.But there is another kind of sporting greatness: becoming the first to accomplish something that once seemed beyond reach.Lariba belonged to that category.Her Olympic qualification was a milestone not only for herself but also for Philippine table tennis.She demonstrated that athletes competing outside the country's most popular sports could achieve international breakthroughs.Her journey also highlighted the importance of collegiate athletics as a pathway toward national representation.The UAAP provided Lariba with opportunities to develop her competitive abilities and establish herself as an elite player.From there, she progressed to international competition and ultimately the Olympics.Her career showed how grassroots participation, collegiate development, and international opportunities can help produce historic achievements.The most meaningful way to preserve Lariba's legacy is to ensure that future Filipino table tennis players have opportunities to pursue their own ambitions.Table tennis requires specialized coaching, consistent competition, proper equipment, and access to training facilities.For young athletes outside major urban centers, those resources can be difficult to obtain.Strengthening school-based programs, supporting collegiate competitions, and expanding access to national training opportunities could help more Filipino players develop their potential.Lariba's achievements provide an important example of what can happen when talent is supported by discipline and competitive opportunities.Her story should encourage greater recognition for athletes competing in less-publicized sports.The next Filipino table tennis Olympian may already be training in a school gymnasium somewhere in the country.Providing that athlete with opportunities to grow would be a meaningful continuation of Lariba's legacy.Ian Lariba's story is both a celebration of sporting achievement and a reminder of a life that ended far too soon.At 21, she made Olympic history.At 23, she was gone.Between those years, she had already accomplished something extraordinary for Philippine sports.Her UAAP championships established her as a collegiate great. Her Olympic qualification made her a national trailblazer.And her journey continues to inspire discussions about opportunity, perseverance, and the importance of recognizing athletes beyond the country's most popular sports.Ian Lariba did not need an Olympic medal to earn her place in Philippine sports history.She achieved something no Filipina table tennis player had accomplished before her.That distinction will remain part of the country's Olympic story.Her life reminds us that sporting greatness is not measured only by the length of an athlete's career or the number of trophies collected.Sometimes, it is measured by the barriers an athlete breaks and the possibilities those achievements create for others.SHE MADE HISTORY AT 21. SHE LEFT US AT 23. BUT HER LEGACY WILL OUTLIVE THE YEARS SHE WAS GIVEN.IAN LARIBA (1994–2018)The first Filipina Olympic table tennis player. A UAAP champion. A Philippine sports trailblazer.FOREVER REMEMBERED. FOREVER PART OF PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC HISTORY.

Justin Brownlee secured another championship to his accolades after Pelita Jaya reigned the 2024 Indonesia Basketball League (IBL) after subduing Satria Muda Pertamina Jakarta, 73-65, on Sunday, August 4, at the Indomilk Arena. The well-loved Gilas Pilas naturalized player and Barangay Ginebra import did not have a huge offensive night but he made his presence felt by producing 14 points, including eight in the third quarter alone, together with five rebounds. Indonesian team naturalized player Anthony Beane paced the squad with 23 markers, spiked by six triples, while former PBA import KJ McDaniels contributed 14 and seven boards.Forward Muhamad Arighi had 13 points as well, spiked by three triples, off the bench as Pelita Jaya won its second IBL title after seven years.With the crown tucked under his belt, Brownlee is expected to fly back to Manila soon to rejoin Barangay Ginebra as he looks to lead his team in the upcoming PBA Season 49, which kicks off with the Governor’s Cup. 

Filipina weightlifter Elreen Ando might have finished outside of the podium but she set a pair of personal-best marks in the women’s weightlifting 59kg division at South Paris Arena 6 on Thursday, August 8 (Manila time).In her return to the Olympic stage, Ando registered a total lift of 230kg, with 100kg from the snatch and 130kg from the clean and jerk, both personal bests, to finish in sixth place among 12 competitors.The 26-year-old Ando eclipsed her previous records of clean and jerk and total lifts of 128kg and 228kg, respectively, which she achieved at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in April in Thailand.She also equaled the national snatch record of 100kg, which she set at the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh last September. Ando finished the Summer Games in sixth place, improving from her seventh-place finish with 222kg in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 64kg category. Reigning world champion Luo Shifang of China smashed all of the Olympic records in the division with a 107kg snatch, 134kg clean and jerk, and 341kg total as she bested two Tokyo gold medalists. Canada’s Maude Charron took the silver with a total of 236kg, while Chinese Taipei’s Kuo Hsing-chun secured the bronze with a total of 235 kg.The Philippines' youngest Asian champion, Vanessa Sarno, will aim to end the weightlifting team’s campaign on a high note on Saturday, August 10, in the women’s 71kg category.

Arisa Trew, a 14-year-old teenager, made history after she shattered the 68 years of Olympic drought and became Australia’s youngest-ever Olympic medallist and the youngest gold medallist in the Summer Games.That record had stood for 68 years, going all the way back to Melbourne in 1956, when Sandra Morgan won the gold medal in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.Morgan had been 14 years and 184 days old then – 94 days older than Trew.As the judges and audience graced her stunning moves in skateboarding, Trew won the gold medal at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France. The 14-year-old young lady grinned as she popped out of the bowl, with her smile as striking as her statement hot-pink helmet.With her final go, Trew landed an imperious line peppered with 540s and a stunning front nose blunt on the box grab 180 out to finish.The teenage gold medalist scored 93.18 on her final run.Now, Trew says she expressed her desire  to compete in the L.A Olympics in 2028.

Farm Fresh snapped Capital1’s three-game winning streak to keep its quarterfinals hopes alive in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday, August 15, at PhilSports Arena.The Foxies bowed to Cignal and PLDT in their last two games but bounced back with a straight set, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, victory against the Solar Spikers.

The Akari Chargers took down the Nxled Chameleons to remain perfect in the Premier League Volleyball (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday, August 13, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Akari moved just a win away from securing the top seed and sweeping the preliminary round despite an opening set loss to sister team Nxled, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18.

Alas Pilipinas Men emerged with a historic achievement by seizing a bronze medal in the first leg of the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) after losing to Thailand on Sunday, August 18, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Despite Alas taking a three-set beating to the Thais, enduring a  26-28, 14-25, 16-25 loss, it is a first podium finish for the Philippine men’s volleyball team since finishing fourth place in their 2022 and 2023 appearance in the tournament. The Filipinos, who were missing the services of team captain and season outside hitter Bryan Bagunas, ended the opening leg at 1-2 while the Thais nabbed the gold after an unblemished record of 3-0.Indonesia, meanwhile, seized the silver after winning back-to-back golds in the 2023 edition.Noel Kampton, who filled in the shoes for the injured Bagunas, paced Alas and produced 10 points. Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin each posted seven markers in the loss. Aside from the third-place finish, Buddin took home the second Best Outside Spiker award, while Kim Malabunga was named second Best Middle Blocker in the first leg.Opposite hitter Bhinijdee Napadet and middle blocker Nilsawai Kissada led the way for the Thais with 14 points apiece while Phanram Anurak chipped in 13 markers as they copped their first-ever SEA V.League title.

Filipina Olympic fencer Samatha Kyle Catantan needs no worries as St. Luke’s Global City waived her hospital bill and even the doctor’s fee after the successful operation of her knee due to ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.According to Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, the gesture of the hospital was to honor the Olympian’s contribution to Philippine sports.

Barangay Ginebra walloped NLEX, 119-91, on Tuesday to get back on winning track in the 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.Coming from a 95-88 upset by Blackwater, Ginebra fired on all cylinders in the first half with a 60-percent clip from the field and ended it with a 63-41 lead.Stephen Holt played his best game as a Gin King, leading the team in scoring with 26 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing off six assists.Maverick Ahanmisi added 20 markers for the team while Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos also played their best game for the conference by producing 19 points each in helping the Gin Kings evened their record at 2-2 in Group B.Resident import Justine Brownlee put up only 13 markers in 38 minutes of play but still grabbed seven boards and dished nine dimes.