Belgium pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, handing defending champion Italy its first defeat with a pulsating five-set victory on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Despite letting a two-set lead slip away, the Belgians regrouped in the decisive fifth to prevail, 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13, stunning the four-time world champions and putting themselves in prime position for a deep tournament run.Rising star Ferre Reggers powered Belgium with a spectacular 31-point performance, delivering the big hits when it mattered most. The outside hitter credited their aggressive approach and composure for the upset win.“We started really good and really aggressive like we did two days ago. We knew what to do, the same thing, and that’s exactly what we did,” Reggers said. “From the start we felt there was a chance, because we’re playing at the highest level we’ve ever played.”The victory builds on Belgium’s momentum from its opening win over Ukraine, boosting their confidence against one of the world’s volleyball giants.Now at 2-0 in Pool F, Belgium has already secured its place in the Round of 16—cementing its status as a dangerous dark horse in the tournament.Italy, meanwhile, faces a tougher road in its title defense, with its aura of invincibility finally cracked by a surging Belgian side.

The United States weathered an early storm before flexing its championship pedigree, rallying past Slovenia, 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20, to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.The world No. 4 Americans looked shaky at the start, falling behind 10-15 and conceding the opening set. But once they settled in, they proved too strong, reeling off three straight sets to secure the Round of 16 victory in just under two hours.Now undefeated, USA sets up a high-stakes clash with fellow unbeaten Bulgaria on Thursday for a place in the semifinals. Bulgaria earlier swept Portugal, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, sealing its first Top 8 finish in 15 years.Opposite hitter Gabriel Garcia was unstoppable, delivering a monster performance with seven aces and a game-high 26 points built on 15 kills and four blocks. He also tallied 11 digs to anchor the Americans on both ends.Ethan Champlin and Jordan Ewert chipped in 15 and 14 points, while middle blockers Jeffrey Jendryk II and Merrick McHenry combined for 16. Team captain and playmaker Micah Christenson controlled the tempo with 39 excellent sets, while libero Erik Shoji steadied the floor defense with 11 digs.“I think we kind of needed that first-set adversity,” Christenson admitted. “Slovenia came out serving really well, as many teams tend to do against us. But we increased our service pressure, dialed in our passing, and fought off some big serves. It wasn’t the prettiest, but this team finds ways to win.”Riding momentum from their bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and hungry to end a 39-year world championship drought, the Americans showed poise under pressure. After squaring the match with a dominant 8-1 run in the second set, they never looked back, dictating the pace through aggressive serving and balanced attacking.Slovenia, the world No. 6 and a familiar Top 5 contender on the global stage, struggled to keep up in the absence of star spiker Rok Mozic, who sat out with a knee injury. Nik Mujanovic and Ziga Stern led the Slovenians with nine and eight points, but no player broke double digits in the loss.Despite the setback, Slovenia exits with pride, having reached the Round of 16 in the tournament’s largest-ever edition featuring 32 nations.

Bulgaria delivered the shock of the tournament, pulling off a stunning reverse sweep of world No. 4 USA, 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13, to storm into the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship before a roaring crowd of 10,474 at the Mall of Asia Arena.Ranked only No. 11 in the world, the Bulgarians looked doomed after dropping the first two sets but clawed back with grit and composure, capped by middle blocker Iliya Petkov’s clutch hit that sealed their first Final Four berth in nearly two decades.Rising star Aleksandar “Alex” Nikolov powered the comeback, erupting for 29 points on 26 attacks, two aces, and a block, including seven in the tense decider. He was ably supported by Asparuh Asparuhov (12 points) and Petkov (10 points), while 18-year-old playmaker Simeon “Moni” Nikolov orchestrated the offense with 48 sets.“First of all, we had a little bit of luck; nobody’s going to deny that. But I think the main thing was not giving up,” said Moni Nikolov. “This was looking like the absolute worst game of my career. Then, thanks to my incredible teammates, they pulled me out of the mud.”The Bulgarians forced a fifth set after Asparuhov capped a 3-0 rally to close the fourth, then leaned on balanced scoring to withstand a late American surge. Using Alex Nikolov as a decoy, Bulgaria set up Petkov for the match-winner that left the USA stunned.For the Americans, Ethan Champlin had 17 points, Jordan Ewert 15, and Merrick McHenry 12, while captain Micah Christenson tallied 55 excellent sets. But the Americans bowed out in the quarterfinals for the second straight World Championship after finishing sixth in 2022.Bulgaria, bronze medalists in 2006, will next face world No. 17 Czechia in the semifinals, while Poland and Italy contest the other Final Four pairing in what is now guaranteed to be an all-European finale.

What began as a season of high hopes is quickly unraveling for the Meralco Bolts. The squad absorbed its second straight defeat in the EASL Home and Away Season 3, falling to the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, 82-72, on Sunday at the Taoyuan Arena in Taipei.Imports Ismael Romero and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the fightback with huge performances. Romero posting 26 points and 17 rebounds, and Hollis-Jefferson adding 22 markers, 14 boards, and four assists, but their efforts fell short after trailing by as much as 17.Meralco now drops to 0-2 in Group B, a disappointing start for a team that entered the season with confidence, anticipating the arrival of Justin Brownlee, who has yet to join the roster.Meanwhile, William Artino powered the Pilots with 20 points and 17 rebounds to lift them to a 2-0 record atop the group standings.The Bolts also lost composure late in the first half when consultant Nenad Vucinic was ejected for back-to-back technical fouls, leaving coach Luigi Trillo to steer the team’s comeback attempt.“We battled back and did enough to make it manageable,” said Trillo, as Meralco trimmed a 17-point deficit to just six in the final minute before running out of time.

Newly elected Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tonyboy Liao vowed to steer the organization toward greater progress after securing a sweeping victory in the federation elections held last Friday night in Taguig.“Our hope is to continue making Philippine volleyball better,” said Liao, who, along with his 13-member board, won decisively in the polls participated in by 47 voting members, including outgoing president Ramon Suzara. Philippine Olympic Committee secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan served as observer.Among those elected to key posts were Dr. Arnel Hajan as chairman, Yul Benosa as vice president, Ottie Camangian as secretary-general, Ricky Palou as treasurer, and Roger Banzuela as auditor. Completing the board are Michael Vargas, Sherwin Maganda, Danilo Cong-O, Edward Lee, Charo Soriano, Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, and Ma. Soccorro Calleja.SEA Games Preparation Tops Early AgendaLiao’s first order of business is preparing the national teams for next month’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where Alas Pilipinas aims to contend for medals in men’s and women’s indoor volleyball as well as beach volleyball.Push for Transparency, Organizational OverhaulRunning on a platform of transparency and good governance, Liao’s new leadership has requested the courtesy resignations of all holdover staff from Suzara’s administration. The move, he explained, is meant to address significant redundancies that have affected efficiency and strained the federation’s limited resources.“We noticed a lot of redundant work—one task being done by two people,” Liao said. “If a job is redundant, I’m sorry, but we have to take you off. We need to keep only what the organization truly needs.”He added that overstaffing leads to unnecessary expenses, especially for a federation that relies heavily on commercial sponsorships. “PNVF is not rich. If we keep spending on redundant positions, that’s money we could use for operations and tournaments.”Audit of P2-Billion World Championship Hosting Funds LoomsA major task ahead for Liao’s administration, particularly for treasurer Ricky Palou, is opening the federation’s financial books to trace how the P2 billion allocated for hosting the recent FIVB Men’s World Championship was used. The inquiry forms part of the new board’s pledge to ensure transparency and accountability in the federation’s operations.For now, Liao said his immediate focus is to “put the association in good order” by reviewing and reorganizing the structure that has been in place for the past five years.With a renewed mandate, a strong leadership lineup, and a clear call for reform, Liao’s administration signals a fresh chapter for Philippine volleyball—one driven by accountability, efficiency, and a commitment to elevating the sport on the international stage.

In the recently concluded PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft, Northport head coach Bonnie Tan drafted another controversial player just like he did last year.The Batang Pier added Gerry Mahinay to their roster whom they picked at number 46 overall during the fifth round. Mahinay still has an issue with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). He was suspended indefinitely by GAB for his “deplorable act” after undercutting Joey Barcuma during their game in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.Despite his act, Mahinay still took shot at the pro league and luckily for him, Coach Bonnie has a “tan” (ton) of second chances in him.It was proven last season when the team drafted John Amores, who gained infamy for his rampage during his time with Jose Rizal University (JRU) in the NCAA. He was taken by NorthPort 51st overall and also in the 5th round.Amores worked his way to be part of the lineup and he averaged 3.3 points, 1.5 rebound, 7.8 minutes in 19 games of play for the Batang Pier. Just like Amores, Tan clarified that Mahinay will have to work hard in order for him to secure a contract with them or in any other team that wants to give him a new lifeline while proving that he has really reformed himself for GAB to rescind his ban.

Two visually impaired athletes from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) emerged victorious in the girls’ and boys’ categories secondary division of para athletics long jump competition.Alyana Casano Nuñez, a 20-year-old from NCR, clinched the top spot in the long jump girl’s event. Nuñez lost her sight because of glaucoma when she was 18.Despite her diagnosis, Alyana refused to let her disability hold her back. Instead, she channeled her energy into athletics, discovering a newfound sense of purpose in sports.“I hope to those who are blind like me, do not underestimate yourself because we give ourselves honor,” Nuñez said in an interview with Rappler.Meanwhile, 19-year-old Edmar Artillo from Eastern Visayas also triumphed in the para athletics long jump boys’ event.The Ormoc City native’s journey to the Palarong Pambansa was not without its challenges. He underwent rigorous training, pushing his physical limits with the guidance of his coach and teacher.“Those who have disabilities, don’t be afraid to come out and show your talents, don’t be afraid, don’t be ashamed to show yourself,” Artillo shared.The para games competitions are being held simultaneously with the Palarong Pambansa 2024.

Bianca Pagdangan and Dottie Ardina capped off the opening round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games women’s individual stroke play in contrasting styles at the Le Golf National on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time).Second-time Olympian Pagdanganan, who represented Philippines in Tokyo Olympics alongside Yuka Saso, started her bid with pars in the first three holes, but three costly bogeys in the fourth, fifth, and seventh holes saw her slipping in the rankings. The 26-year-old then found her rhythm and had birdies in the 12th, 15th, and 18th holes to go to an even par to end the day with 72 at joint 13th spot.Pagdanganan is currently in a logjam with defending gold medalist Nelly Korda of the United States, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lydia Ko of New Zealand, as well as world No. 3 Amy Yang of South Korea, keeping her medal hopes very much alive.The other Philippine bet, Ardina, earned a 4-over 76 score, tying five other golfers in the 40th spot with four bogeys and a double bogey in the front and back nine proving costly in her opening-day campaign.Meanwhile, two-time US Open champion Yuka Saso, who is now representing Japan after playing for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, could not overcome an early double-bogey in the 7th hole for a wretched 5-over 77 outing and is tied with the three others in the 46th spot.The second round of the event will continue on Thursday, August 8.

De La Salle University unleashed a masterclass, sweeping University of Santo Tomas 13-5, 13-7 in a high-octane finals showdown to capture the first-ever UAAP Esports VALORANT championship on Friday at the Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo in Quezon City.In a relentless display of precision and teamwork, the Green Archers proved unstoppable in their quest for UAAP history.La Salle coach Xavier “Xavi8K” Juan attributed their dominant performance in the finals to lessons learned during their tough semifinal match, which served as a springboard for their success.

One of the country’s biggest collegiate leagues is making sure that esports will become a mainstay in its tournaments.University Athletic Association of the Philippines or UAAP Esports Commissioner Monique Monasterio says they are looking at “continuity” of the league after a critically-acclaimed start.“We decided on popular titles so that at least the schools wouldn't have a hard time comingup with their teams as well to be able to participate,” Monasterio told Scoreline in a phone interview.“So, we also looked at titles that are popular but would also have longevity because, as you know, with anything, there is a cost. So, we also didn't want to just come up with a title this season that wouldn't have continuity for next season,” the Commissioner explained. For the inaugural season, three major categories were selected to represent various gaming platforms: Console (NBA 2K), PC (VALORANT), and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Mobile).And while esports is considered as a demonstration sport - meaning the title won’t be part of overall championship competitions yet - the new endeavor by the league has been met with support from school administrators, students, parents, and even game developers.

The University of Santo Tomas blasted Mapua University for a back-to-back win in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship on Sunday, October 6, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The Golden Tigresses swept the Lady Cardinals with a straight set 25-18, 25-17, 25-20 victory, securing them the second spot behind Pool B leader University of the East with a 3-0 record. “We enjoyed the game. We played the first set in a relaxing manner and we carefully played our game,” said Kyla Cordora who posted nine points on all kills.Xyza Gula contributed eight markers and Margaret Alta scored seven, while Jona Perdido and Regina Jurado supplemented six apiece. Bianca Plaza drove UST at match point, 24-17, before three continuous points from Mapua impeded the Tigresses’ victory. Cordora, however, prevented them any chance of a comeback, halting the Lady Cardinals’ late rally and delivering the final point.

Seeing the performance of his former players’ makes Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao happy after Game 3 against TNT last Sunday night, October 13, in Dasmariñas, Cavite.Even though Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana, and Paul Erram were considered by Guiao as problems in Game 3 because of the tight defense they showed, he’s still thankful that the Elasto Painters got the narrow 110-109 win over the Tropang Giga.

Cebuano para triathlete Alex Silverio waved the Philippine flag on the international stage after his silver medal finish in the PTS4 Men Classification at the 2024 Asia Triathlon Para Cup Chiba in Japan on Saturday, October 19.The 34-year-old left arm amputee claimed a podium finish after completing the 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run course with a remarkable time of 1:16:07. Silverio crossed the finish line just six minutes behind Japanese Keiya Kaneko, who bagged the gold with a time of 1:06:27, while Kaneko’s compatriot Chikara Ara clinched the bronze medal after clocking in 1:17:09. 

June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beermen added another accolade in his collection when he received his unprecedented 11th Best of the Conference Plum, while TNT Tropang Giga's reinforcement Rondae-Hollis Jefferson was once again named Best import.The awards were given before Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga.Fajardo became the first player in PBA history to win the BIC award 11 times, making it the most in the league.The eight-time MVP surpassed his teammate CJay Perez, Ginebra stars Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson. He also topped Alvin Tolentino of Northport and Robert Bolick of NLEX to win the individual recognition. 'The Kraken' collected a total of 980 points (465 statistical points, 476 media votes, and 48 player votes), while Aguilar had 664 and Thompson 465.According to Fajardo, he didn't expect that he would win another recognition but he's thankful for the blessings that he received.

The San Miguel Beermen received their second straight loss, 101-85, in a fight-marred East Asia Super League (EASL) game against Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the PhilSports Arena last night.Taoyuan exploded for a 32-13 bomb in the second quarter of the game to create an early separation, then fended off every uprising that the Beermen mounted.Early in the fourth quarter, Jericho Cruz hardly hacked Pilot’s import Alec Brown’s arm that the latter did not appreciate. Brown then swung an elbow intended for Cruz but missed the target.Quincy Miller shoved Brown to the SMB bench before Cruz, slapped the face of the Taoyuan reinforcement.The Pilots were well ahead at 86-68 with 6:32 left in the final period when the incident happened.

The Samahahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) appointed veteran point guard Lewis Alfred Tenorio as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Youth.Tenorio has taken over the reins from Josh Reyes, who stepped down from his post last September after having dismal performances in FIBA Tournaments.

Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma defeated Lithuanian Grandmaster Maxin Novik to win his third consecutive win after the fourth period of the 32nd World Senior Chess Championship at Hotel Baleira in Porto Santo Island, Portugal.The 60-year-old Garma used his extensive knowledge of the white pieces to defeat the Lithuanian GM in 34 moves of the Sicilian Defense. "It was a tough match playing against the famous Sicilian Defense. I defended it well," said Garma, whose rank climbed from 6th to 14th place.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup will open with a lot of twists tonight, November 27, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.Terrafirma and Converge will open the curtain at the 5:00 PM encounter.The Dyip will be parading Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel whom they recently acquired via trade with San Miguel Beermen in exchange for Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig.They will be joined by Stanley Pringle, Kevin Ferrer, Aldrech Ramos, Mark Nonoy, Keith Zaldivar, Mark Sangalang, Tommy Olivario, CJ Catapusan, Aljun Melencio, Paolo Hernandez, Didat Hanapi, Kemark Carino, Brent Paraiso, and import Ryan Earl Richards.Terrafirma’s center Christian Standhardinger, on the other hand, is relegated to the injured/reserve list.The Dyip will also parade a new head coach in Raymond Tiongco.Meanwhile, the FiberXers will also have new weapons that coach Franco Atienza can utilize.Converge taps the services of former NBA player Cheick Diallo to be their reinforcement in mid-season conference, while also securing the sweet-shooting guard Jordan Heading, who was a former top overall pick in the special Gilas draft.They will be joining the Justin Arana and Alec Stockton duo, together with veteran Alex Cabagnot, Kevin Racal, Inand Fornilos, Kamron Vigan-Fleming, Bryan Andrade, Mike Nieto, Deschon Winston, Paolo Javillonar, Jeo Ambohot, JL Delos Santos, Bryan Santos, and King Caralipio. Patrick Maagdenberg is the one relegated to the injured/reserve list.

Filipino tanker Phillip Adrian Sahagun bagged the first overall gold medal at the 2024 Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games on Monday, December 2, at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.The 21-year-old Sahagun breezed past his rivals and won by a hair as he clocked in 2 minutes and 13.52 seconds ahead of his closest pursuer in Indonesia’s Hidayatullah Aril who registered 2:13.83 in the boys’ 200-meter individual medley (IM).Rodolfo Apilado III, another Philippine swimmer, finished with 2:20.82 to capture the bronze medal, completing the podium of the first event of the entire tournament."I didn't expect to win, because two weeks ago I just got back from the UAAP and I didn't have [enough] time to prepare for this because I also want to be able to rest. I had no training for one week at all," said the third-year BS Entrepreneurship student of De La Salle University."But my mindset is swim for the Philippines," he added. "During the last lap, I felt a little pain in my body but I saw my opponent chasing so I pushed.  I was there at first so I said I will not give up the gold."

The De La Salle Green Archers forced a 1-1 tie with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament series on Wednesday night, December 11, at the MOA Arena, 76-75.The match between the Green Archers and the Fighting Maroons was heated from the start. De La Salle's win forced them to proceed to Game 3. The Green Archers also showed their solid offense and defense, which were the reasons why they held the advantage at the end of the half.Kevin Quiambao led La Salle with his 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Mike Philips contributed 18 markers, 12 boards, two deflections, and one dime.According to Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson, one of the keys to their victory was their trust in each other's abilities, especially their trust in God, who’s said to be able to give them victory or defeat, and they expressed their gratitude to Him.