The Hiroshima Dragonflies became the second team to qualify in the East Asia Super League's Final Four after defeating the winless San Miguel Beermen, 94-63, at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza on Wednesday night, January 8.Hiroshima joined their B.League rivals, Ryuku Golden Kings, as the only teams assured of a playoff spot.The win of the Dragonflies also put the Beermen out of contention in the next round.Kerry Blackshear Jr. was instrumental to the win as he delivered 12 points, 15 boards, nine assists, and three steals to lead Hiroshima's cause.Nick Mayo led the Japanese team in scoring with his 18 points. He also added eight rebounds and two assists to his output, while Keijiro Mitani also put up 18 markers with three steals.On the other hand, SMB import Torren Jones led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo added 12 markers and nine boards.

NLEX Road Warriors will try to tie the series of their best-of-five quarter final series of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup against the TNT Tropang Giga this Friday night, September 27, at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.Coach Jong Uichico said that adjustments will be the key on who’s going to win the game and even in the series.

De La Salle University capped a flawless elimination round run in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after outlasting University of Santo Tomas in a gripping five-set showdown, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12, on Monday, September 29, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.Fueled by a balanced attack, the Green Spikers leaned on Issa Ousseini’s all-around brilliance, finishing with 20 points built on 13 attacks and seven blocks. Rui Ventura came off the bench to spark La Salle with 18 points, including the decisive hit that gave them breathing room in the fifth set. Eugene Gloria also played a stellar two-way game, chipping in 17 attacks, 16 excellent receptions, and a backrow kill that sealed the sweep.

Strong Group Athletics-Philippines capped off a flawless 8-0 run at the William Jones Cup, clinching an emphatic 87-62 victory over the United Arab Emirates on Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.With the title already secured ahead of the final game, the Filipinos left no doubt, sealing back-to-back championships and the country’s eighth overall Jones Cup crown.“We’re happy to win another championship. We never take anything for granted, now a two-time Jones Cup champion with Strong Group. “Our bosses go all out to support us every time we represent the country.” said coach Charles Tiu.UAE kept things close in the first half, trailing by just one at the break, 37-36. But Strong Group broke the game open in the third quarter behind a surge from Tajuan Agee and Allen Liwag. Kiefer Ravena and Dave Ildefonso delivered big shots in the fourth to put the game away.Agee paced the team with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ravena contributed 13 points and 9 assists, while DJ Fenner and Ian Miller scored 12 each. Ildefonso added 10 points. Andre Roberson, who starred throughout the tournament, sat out the finale.The Filipinos dominated the second half, outscoring UAE 50-26, and extended their unbeaten streak to 16 games over the last two Jones Cup editions. Their run included wins over top teams like Chinese-Taipei Blue, Japan Developmental, Qatar, Australia’s NBL1 Rising Stars, Malaysia, and Bahrain.Coach Tiu praised his squad’s chemistry and commitment: “It’s special because I don’t know if we’ll have this group again. But these guys were willing to sacrifice—something that’s very rare.”

Creamline maintained their perfect record, securing its fifth win at the expense of Capital1, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, January 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Cool Smashers sustained their title as the lone undefeated team in the conference, improving their record to 5-0 in the standings.The team was dominant from beginning to end, with Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez leading the defending Grand Slam champions in the third set with a 7-1 run, giving them a 16-10 advantage. Creamline kept up their momentum as Lorie Bernardo and Galanza completed the match, before Patty Orendain's error sealed the victory.

Shaina Nitura unleashed a record game debut to lead Adamson to a thrilling reverse sweep over Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, February 16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.The homegrown Adamson product reset the UAAP scoring record for a rookie in her debut game as she unloaded 33 points anchored on 28 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also grabbing five digs and seven receptions. Despite Nitura surpassing the record previously set by University of Santo Tomas’s Angge Poyos, who fired 31 markers last season, she downplayed the achievement. 

Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, the two bronze medalists in the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be the recipients of special recognition at the 2024 San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night, to be held on January 27 in the grand ballroom at the Manila Hotel.Petecio and Villegas, who accounted for a pair of bronze medals during the Summer Games, will be recognized with the President’s Award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association.Petecio emerged bronze winner in the women’s 57kg division, while Villegas secured the same medal in the 50 kg division.The bronze was the second Olympic medal won by the 32-year-old Petecio, adding to the silver that she bagged in the 2020 edition of the Games in Tokyo. In doing so, she also became the first ever Filipino boxer to clinch back-to-back podium finishes in the quadrennial meet.For the 29-year-old Villegas, it was a proud moment right in her Olympic debut as an underdog out of the compact five-man Philippine boxing team that competed.Aside from the two fearless lady boxers, gymnast Carlos Yulo is going to be feted with the highest honor as 2024 Athlete of the Year, wherein he added to the two glittering gold medals that he won in securing the best ever showing for Team Philippines in a century of participation in the quadrennial Games.According to PSA president Nelson Beltran, these Filipino athletes deserve high accolades for their own bright moments in the Paris Games, providing an extra push to the glorious Philippine performance. 

South Korean Olympic champion coach Ryu Su Jeng, renowned for steering Korea to multiple Olympic gold medals, is being hailed as “a gift to Philippine archery” as she begins her second week working with the national team.Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio endorsed Ryu during her early days training Filipino archers, calling her arrival a major turning point for the country’s archery program.Ryu’s résumé includes leading South Korea to two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and three more at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Now, she is helping Team Philippines prepare for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, with long-term plans for the 2026 Asian Games, 2027 World Youth Archery Championships, and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Despite offers from China and Mexico, Ryu chose the Philippines, believing the country has world-class talent. “In the SEA Games, we can win medals. Also in the Asian Games, even the gold. And in the Olympics, we can get to the quarterfinals and then, in the future, a medal,” Ryu said.Her arrival stems from close coordination between the PSC and World Archery Philippines (WAP) president Bing Reaport, who praised Ryu for building a firm foundation for long-term development.“We are very upbeat. The vision is to uplift archery in the country—new learnings, coaching skills, technical skills. What coach Ryu is doing right now is building the framework,” Reaport said. “The morale is really high. She already has a game plan for the SEA Games. Very strategic ang plans and she is happy with the progress.”Discussions are underway for a 24-month contract that may also bring in another Korean coach. Gregorio stressed that investing in excellence is necessary: “If we want to be the best, get the best. Coach Ryu is a gift to archery in the Philippines.”Filipino archers have been training seven days a week under Ryu’s demanding regimen. “In the first week of training, pinahirapan niya ang mga archers natin,” Reaport joked. “But they’re learning. Even the simple things help—the logic, discipline, focus, desire.”Gregorio described this as the start of a new era: “This is the start of rebuilding archery in the Philippines—from grassroots to the elite level. A new beginning has begun, and exciting times are ahead.”

Kaila Napolis made history for the Philippines at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, seizing a hard-earned silver in the Jiu Jitsu Newaza -52kg division. Napolis thrilled fans with an electrifying run, defeating Israel’s Pnina Aronov in the semifinals. She showcased exceptional skill and heart throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing second after a hard-fought gripping final against South Korea’s Eon Ju Im.“I am a little disappointed I did not get the crucial point. But I am still grateful I was able to represent the country here,” Napolis said.Despite the defeat, Napolis gave the country reason to celebrate by clinching the Philippine team’s first medal in Chengdu after three days of competition.With this achievement, Kaila joins an elite group of Filipino athletes — Marlon Manalo, Arriane Cerdena, Jorge Fernandez, Arnold Baradi, and Mike Ventossa — who have earned silver medals on the prestigious global stage of the World Games.Her achievement raises hopes for more medals from the Philippine contingent, which is led by chef-de-mission Stephen Arapoc, and sets a positive tone for upcoming competitions. With Napolis’ silver, the team is motivated to push harder for further success in the competition.

Italy’s Manuel Alfieri and Alex Ranghieri, along with Australia’s Stefanie Fejes and Jasmine Fleming, grabbed bronze medals at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, held Sunday at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.World No. 48 Alfieri and Ranghieri rallied to beat Austria’s No. 28 tandem Christoph Dressler and Philip Waller, 17–21, 21–18, 15–12, to secure third place in the men’s division. The Italian duo tallied 41 points, with Alfieri firing 19 kills.On the women’s side, Fejes and Fleming (No. 58) came from behind to edge Czechia’s No. 45 pair Kylie Neuschaeferova and Martina Maixnerova, 13–21, 21–15, 15–13. Fejes led the Aussies with 19 kills in their 40-point effort.Earlier, British crowd favorites Joaquin and Javier Bello advanced to the men’s final after outlasting the Italians, 11–21, 21–19, 15–11, while Spain’s Alejandro Huerta and Adrian Gavira edged Austria’s Dressler and Waller, 22–20, 18–21, 16–14, in the semifinals.In the women’s semis, Finland’s Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti relied on strong blocking to defeat the Czech duo, 21–19, 18–21, 15–10, setting up a title clash with Lithuania’s Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite, who swept Fejes and Fleming, 21–18, 21–18.

Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.

Nxled scored its first-ever breakthrough win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) against the gutsy Galeries Tower, 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, on Saturday, February 8, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Chameleons snapped a 15-game losing streak since the Reinforced Conference in addition to entering the win column for the first time under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.EJ Laure was instrumental in ceasing the Chameleon’s drought, posting a game-high 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks, while also supplementing nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors. Although the win was a big step forward, coach Guidetti stressed that the club is still committed to making constant progress.

Filipino former champion Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo is slated to face Jorge Mata Cuéllar of Mexico in a non-title 10-round super featherweight clash on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Barrios event on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.The 30-year-old Magsayo, with a stunning 27 wins, 2 loss, 18 KOs), hailing from Tagbilaran, Bohol, is riding high on the momentum of three consecutive victories since moving up to the 130-pound division, as he aims to reclaim a shot at a world title.On the other hand, 24-year-old Cuéllar (21-2-2, 13 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico, arrives on the scene after scoring five straight wins. He is eager to topple the former Filipino champion to enhance his world ranking.Currently, Magsayo is positioned at #2 by the WBC and #3 by the WBO, while Mata holds the #9 spot in the WBO rankings, making this encounter particularly significant.A victory is vital for both fighters, promising an intense 10 rounds of action. For Magsayo, winning this bout is crucial for regaining his momentum as he eyes a future challenge for the super featherweight world title.

Canada wasted no time securing their place in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship after dominating Japan in straight sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22, on Monday, September 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.After defeating Libya in their game opener, the Canadians now joined Turkiye at the top of their pool, bolstered by the efforts of Sharone Vernon-Evans and Nicholas Hoag with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

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.

Former champions Carlo Biado and Johann Chua kicked off their title bids in strong fashion at the 2025 World Pool Championships in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Chua delivered a commanding start at the World Pool Championship, blanking hometown favorite Mohamed Al-Balkhi, 9-0, to advance to the second round.Fresh off his Knight Shot Open triumph in Dubai, Chua’s impressive win set the tone for the Philippine contingent’s dominant campaign, with 16 out of 18 Filipino players moving on to the next stage. Chua is set to face Oliver Szolnoki next.Filipino cue artist Carlo Biado, on the other hand, defeated Jan Van Lierop of the Netherlands, 9-5, while last year’s semifinalist Chua blanked local hopeful Mohammed Al-Balkhi, 9-0.Meanwhile, fourteen other Filipino cue artists remain in contention after the opening round.Advancing to the next stage were Roland Garcia, who routed Dutch star Niels Feijen, 9-4; Marvin Asis, who edged Spain’s David Alcaide, 9-8; Michael Feliciano, who cruised past Poland’s Konrad Juszczyszyn, 9-3; Bernie Regalario, who dominated Kuwait’s Abdullah Alenzi, 9-2; and Patrick Gonzales, who beat Czechia’s Roman Hybler, 9-3.James Aranas, the 2023 World Cup Pool co-champion, overcame Egypt’s Wesam Hamamm, 9-4, while Lee Vann Corteza, a multi-SEA Games gold medalist, outlasted Al Waleed Al-Mudayan of Saudi Arabia, 9-7.

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe led the Press Conference and Media Welcome Reception on Tuesday, formally ushering in the country’s hosting of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.The event gathered local and international media as Watanabe highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in the global gymnastics community and expressed confidence in the successful staging of the prestigious competition.Set to officially open on Thursday, November 20, the Junior World Championships will feature the world’s top young gymnasts, all eager to showcase their skill, talent, and potential on the international stage.With more than 75 countries participating, the Philippines is poised to play a central role as the tournament unfolds in Manila for the very first time.

Barangay Ginebra bounced back in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, finishing with a hard-fought 71-70 victory over TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday, March 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena and now tying the series 1-1.Justin Brownlee carried the offensive load for Ginebra, finishing with 35 points and 11 rebounds in another stellar performance. Scottie Thompson added 16 markers, 12 boards, and a game-high seven dimes while coming up with a crucial defensive stop in the crucial moments of the game.Japeth Aguilar contributed eight points and eight rebounds, while Stephen Holt made his presence felt on both ends, especially on guarding TNT’s import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson all night.Holt held his ground and teamed up with Thompson for the game-sealing defensive stand. He also added seven points, four rebounds, and two steals.Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the charge for TNT, posting 25 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Despite his dominant play, he was neutralized in the final two possessions, allowing Ginebra to escape with the win.Rey Nambatac and RR Pogoy were the only other Tropang Giga players to score in double figures. Nambatac chipped in 14 points, three rebounds, and five assists, while Pogoy provided 11 points, including a clutch three-pointer at the 3:40 mark that gave TNT its first lead of the game.Ginebra controlled most of the contest, but Pogoy’s late triple with 3:40 left in the game, briefly put TNT ahead, setting up a tense finish. However, Brownlee and the Gin Kings responded with timely buckets and defensive stops, holding on to win in front of over 12,000 fans.A key factor in Ginebra’s victory was their perimeter defense. After allowing TNT to shoot 14-of-37 from deep in Game 1, the Gin Kings tightened up in Game 2, limiting Tropang Giga to just 6-of-31 from beyond the arc.With the series now tied, both teams will look to make adjustments to get one game ahead as they battle in the pivotal Game 3.

The Alas Pilipinas girls’ under-16 squad has soared to world No. 25 in the latest FIVB Girls’ U17 rankings after clinching a berth in next year’s world championship in Santiago, Chile.The young nationals made a remarkable leap of 17 spots, from world No. 42, after finishing fifth in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan. Even more impressive, the program began at world No. 57, making their rise one of the most significant in Philippine youth volleyball history.“Awesome leap from 57 to 25! We didn’t realize that our small wins in the Asian Qualifying were that instrumental in raising our country’s standing to a higher rank,” said head coach Edwin Leyva. “It just shows that the level of play here in the Philippines has improved and is slowly catching up with our top Asian counterparts.”Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara hailed the feat as “big,” emphasizing how the federation’s grassroots program, strengthened over the past four years, continues to bear fruit.“We are now reaping the fruits of the grassroots program that the PNVF has started four years ago,” Suzara said.Since its establishment in post-pandemic 2021, the PNVF has steered Philippine volleyball to significant growth: breakthroughs by Alas Pilipinas Men and Women at the Asian and world levels, the country hosting world-level events, and Suzara’s rise to AVC president and FIVB executive vice president.With their new ranking, the U16 team is now the highest-ranked Philippine volleyball squad worldwide, surpassing the Alas Women (46th) and Alas Men (80th).Leyva, however, was quick to remind the team that the journey continues.“Being in the top 25 is already a milestone. Why stop dreaming? Let’s train hard, play harder!” he said. “We have the momentum and we are highly motivated. First, win a set or two, then work up from there. It’s up to us to keep the fire burning.”The Philippine U16 team secured 14 ranking points after a gutsy 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 victory over Thailand—clinching the final Asian ticket to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.China qualified automatically as defending world champion, while Asian representatives also include newly crowned AVC U16 champion South Korea, silver medalist Chinese Taipei, and fourth-placer Japan. Against all odds, the Philippines now stands proudly among Asia’s elite.The world championship in Santiago is set for August 5 to 16.

If Justin Brownlee were to ask, Kai Sotto has the capacity and potential to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).This was what Brownlee said after Gilas Pilipinas’ successful matches against New Zealand and Hong Kong last Thursday and Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.According to the three-time PBA best import, Sotto's performance level in their past games proved that he is capable of competing in the type and class of play in the NBA.Apart from that, Kai also has a big advantage in having a 7-foot-3 height, and besides this, he has the strong physique and skills of an NBA player.“Man, I've been saying, I feel like he's good enough to play in the NBA. Yeah, in my honest opinion. Of course, he's got the height, he's got the size and the skill. But he's been through so much,”  Brownlee said. The six-time champion also said that Kai Sotto has great potential to be included in the NBA because of the qualities he has seen since he recently played with him. He also said that Kai will go far if he can play in the oldest professional basketball league in the world.“For me, it's just great to see, you know, a young player like him with so much potential and just to see him start fulfilling his potential. He's got a long way to go. You know, he's only in his early 20s. So, I'm happy for his progression and I'm excited to see what the future holds for him,” Brownlee added. It can be recalled that Sotto recorded 12 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks and two assists in Gilas Pilipinas' previous match against Hong Kong, while last Thursday in their match against New Zealand, Sotto recorded 19 markers, 10 boards and seven dimes.The wins of Gilas in window 2 gave them a solid hold of the lead in Group B with 4-0 win-loss record.After sweeping the second window of the qualifiers, Gilas is now qualified for the FIBA ​​Asia Cup to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in August next year.Meanwhile, Gilas will next face Chinese Taipei in the third window of the FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers on February 20 and Gilas against New Zealand again on February 23.