Philippine gymnastics’ golden boy Carlos Yulo was predicted to win medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.The International Gymnast Online - an e-zine and kwon as the leading source of gymnastic news wrote in their July 21 preview of the men’s apparatuses that Yulo will land a gold medal in the men’s floor exercises over defending Olympic champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel.

Kiyomi Watanabe is set to make her mark again in the world stage as she will be competing for Team Philippines in women’s judo of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 for the second straight time.It has been three years since the Philippines fielded the Olympics with a female judoka to represent the nation in judo. And though Watanabe’s campaign did not get as far as she had hoped, she earned the distinction as the first Filipina Olympian in the sport since the country participated in Olympic Judo competitions since 1964.Three years later, that remains to be the case as Watanabe is the lone female in the country’s elite line of judokas in the Olympics which includes John Baylon (1998 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona), Jerry Dino (1998 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona), Benjie McMurray (1988 Seoul), Tomohiko Hoshina (2012 London), and Kodo Nakano (2016 Rio).The 27-year-old had a forgettable outing in her Olympic debut in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games after absorbing defeat in the opening round via an ippon to Spain’s Cristina Cabaña.Despite the heartbreaking loss, Watanabe booked her return trip to the Olympics.Watanabe, who won four gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games and a silver medal in the Asian games, secured her seat after earning one of the two continental quotas allocated for Asia in the -63 kilogram class of the women’s category through her world ranking, No. 92.In her return to the Olympics, the Filipino-Japanese vowed to do better by hurdling the first round in the weight division consisting of 28 entries.Watanabe is set to begin her stint on July 30. 

Philippine gymnastics golden boy Carlos Edriel Yulo has booked a ticket to three Olympic events on his turf - all-around, floor exercise, and vault during the men’s artistic gymnastics qualification held at the Bercy Arena in Paris.The 24-year-old Yulo placed second in  the floor exercise with a score of 14.766, then sixth in the vault with a mark of 14.683 and performed in all events to get the 9th spot for the all-around with a score 83.631.On the other hand, Caloy failed to advance in the parallel bars - an apparatus where he won silver in the 2021 World Championships and gold in the 2022 Asian Championship. He scored 14.533 after his routine with a difficulty of 6.000. In the rings he scored 13.000, and 13.466 in the horizontal bar but not enough to advance to the finals. He also failed to advance in the pommel horse - the one they called his “kryptonite” with the score of 13.066.The single events target was to make it to top eight, and be part of the overall top 24 gymnasts for the all-around event. As Yulo qualified for three finals events, he surpassed his 2020 Olympics stint with one finals appearance in the vault. This time, he has three chances to get a medal for the men’s artistics gymnastics.Carlos Edriel will have his first shot at gold on July 31 at 11:30 p.m. PHT, with the individual all-around event. The floor exercise final will commence on August 3 at 9:30 PM PHT, while the vault final is set on August 4 at 10:24 PM PHT.

Nikola Jokic’s triple-double led Serbia to win their first Olympic bronze medal in the men’s basketball tournament when they defeated the reigning FIBA World Cup champions Germany, 93-83.Jokic scored 19 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished off 11 assists to secure the first bronze for their country in the Paris Games.Vasile Micic backed-up Jokic with his 19 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 markers.Meanwhile, Germany was led by Franz Wagner with 19 points while Mortiz Wagner tallied 16.

Eleven members of the National Masters & Senior Athletics of the Philippines are set to represent the country in the World Masters Athletics Championship 2024 in Gothenburg, Sweden on August 13 to 25.Javelin thrower Danilo Fresnido, World Masters Athletics double gold medalist, will be leading the Philippine delegation for the 12-day biennial competition.Other members of the team include John Aguilar (100m), Ben Alacar (10km road run and 5km walk), Edward Kho (400m), Ninoy Marayag (triple jump and long jump), Drolly Claravall (hammer thrown and discuss throw), Riezel Buenaventura (pole vault), Nhea Barcena (half marathon), Brenza Zinampanan (100m, 200m, and 80m hurdles), Judith Stapes (pole vault and discuss throw), and the father of Philippine Olympian EJ Obiena, Edward Obiena (pole vault and discus throw).The competition will commence on August 13, Tuesday, with three athletes competing on the first day: Staples in pole vault, Zinampan in the 100m Women’s event, and Aguilar in the 100m Men’s event.Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) director Merly Ibay will be the official accompanying the team. 

The Petro Gazz Angels soared above the Creamline Cool Smashers in a must-win Pool C match of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday, August 13, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.Petro Gazz continued to turn things around in the second round of the PVL and shot down the streaking Creamline in five sets, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-12.This victory improved their win-loss record to 3-3 and increased their chances of making the quarterfinals.Cuban reinforcement Wilma Salas paced the Angels with 34 points on 33 attacks and a block apart from 17 excellent digs, while Brooke Van Sickle registered 24 markers out of 23 attacks and an ace.

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam praised the Filipino gymnast and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, for winning double gold medal during the recently concluded 2024 Paris OlympicsShanmugaratnam described it as a “real milestone” not just for Filipinos, but for Southeast Asians as well.Yulo recently made history in the country by winning back-to-back gold medals for the Philippines during the male floor exercise and vault events in the 2024 Olympic Games.The Singaporean President also says that Yulo has a very impressive performance as an athlete and he is the only athlete in the Southeast Asian nation to have won two Olympic golds in Asia. 

Meralco Bolts has defeated the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 99-94 in the opening game of the PBA’s 49th Season.Returning import Allen Durham led the Bolts with a double-double scoring 20 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Chris Banchero, who sank the first-ever four-pointer in PBA history, backed Durham with 14 points while Meralco’s captain Christ Newsome added 13 and energy-bunny Cliff Hodge chipped in 12 including nine rebounds and five assists.Sophomore Jolo Mendoza also made an impact by scoring 13 including the second four-pointer of the game including 3-of-3 shooting from the arc. He even got an ovation from the fans when he was subbed out after giving quality minutes for his team.

The ASICS Rock 'n' Roll Running Series – in partnership with IRONMAN Philippines – will be hosting its third edition of the annual running event on November 24. Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc. emphasizes the significance of the event, which is part of the IRONMAN Philippines family of events.  This is not just only a running event which has 42km, 21km, 10 km and 5km which falls on 5 M’s, The Memories, Miles, Musics, Medals and Manila but also, it amplifies the vibrancy of an unparalleled marathon experience  that combines the love in running with the power of music and the spirit of community. It will be lined also  with live bands, DJs, and ensembles, ensuring that the spirit of rock and roll powers every step of the marathon. And, in true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, participants will be awarded unique heavy medals to commemorate their achievements.The route for this event will be at the iconic Luneta Park, where runners will set out on a journey that weaves through the heart of Manila’s historic landscapes. Runners will dash past the National Museum, and take strides around the Manila City Hall, pace through the storied gates of Fort Santiago, immerse in the cultural tapestry of Chinatown in Binondo, and finally race along the scenic Manila Bay strip.The City of Manila is very much excited about the upcoming event and the Manila City Government is preparing for the said event and everything that the ASICS Rock 'n' Roll organizers needed will be provided. The Manila City Government is also very much thankful for once again they chose Manila as a venue for the said event and this serves also as an instrument to promote the many beautiful as well as historical places in Manila.“Nagpapasalamat po ang CIty Manila on behalf po on our beloved Mayora Honey Lacuña… at nagpapasalamat po kami sa Sunrise Inc. at sa Rock n’ Roll na napili nila ang City of Manila na talagang nakikita ang City of Manila at nakikita ng taga Manileño especially sa ibang bansa at sa buong Pilipinas at nagagamit nila ang City of Manila para sa ganitong event lalong lalo na ang Rock n’ Roll na ito…” said Ruel De Guzman, Director of Manila Sports Council. Because of this Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, the wonder and beauty of Manila is appreciated not just in the country but also it can attract by foreign nationalities. The ASICS Rock 'n' Roll Running Series will debut again on the midnight of Nov. 24. In honor and respect to the hero of  Manila which is Gat Andres Bonifacio. Prior to the main event, the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series will spearhead the 21km, 10 km and 5km event on October 20 in the province of Cavite, interested fellows may register thru their website: https://www.runrocknroll.com/manila

San Miguel Beer got back at NLEX with a 119-114 win that boosted its playoff chances in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday night.The Beermen brought in a new reinforcement in Sheldon Mac in lieu of Jordan Adams, but the locals carried much of the load to record a 4-2 slate in Group B.They are now tied with Barangay Ginebra at second place, behind the pacesetting Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 5-1.CJ Perez led the scoring for SMB with 24 points, together with five rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo added 17 markers and nine boards.

The Philippine’s national weightlifting team’s campaign got off to a good start fueled with Angeline Colonia’s double gold feat in the women’s 45-kilogram event of the International Weightlifting Federation World Junior Championships in Leon, Spain Thursday evening, September 19.The 17-year-old Colonia ruled the snatch after lifting 74kg before adding a silver medal in the clean and jerk with a lift of 88kg.The young Filipina athlete lifted a total of 162kg, securing her another gold medal and placing her first place ahead of Khemika Kamnoedsri of Thailand and Ioana Miron of Romania.The Philippines continues its medal hunt with Rose Jean Ramos competing next in the women’s 49-kilogram event on Friday, September 20.  

Barangay Ginebra drew first blood in its best-of-five quarterfinals series after shutting down rival Meralco, 99-92, in the PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup on Thursday, September 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Justin Brownlee led the win for the Gin Kings as they survived the late rally orchestrated by the Bolts, finishing with 29 points, along with 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Scottie Thompson delivered 19 markers with five boards, and fives dimes.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) Home and Away launches its 2024-25 season, kicking off a thrilling double-header at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, October 2.Two PBA basketball champions will banner the opening games with the reigning Commissioner’s Cup victors San Miguel Beermen will face Korean Basketball League finalist Suwon KT Sonicboom in the first game of the night, while PBA Philippine Cup winners Meralco Bolts will then take on Macau Black Bears.

TNT booked the second ticket in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semi-finals after dispatching the NLEX Road Warriors, 125-96, in their game last night, October 1, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.The Tropang Giga got the 3-1 triumph in their best-of-five series with a 29-point blowout to continue its journey to their title defense bid.Rondae Hollis-Jefferson once again led TNT with his 35 points and 11 rebounds, while Rey Nambatac delivered 19 markers on a 7-of-12 shooting from the field, and RR Pogoy also contributed 18 on 6-of-10 shooting.Calvin Oftana had his own share by manufacturing 11 points and grabbing 10 boards.At the end of first quarter, the Tropang Giga already erected a 10-point lead. Then, they started the second period with an 11-0 blast, and never looked back from that moment to finally seal the deal at the end of the game.With the quick series win against the Road Warriors, TNT will enjoy some rest while awaiting the Rain or Shine-Magnolia knock-out matchup on whom they will play in the best-of-seven final four.

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

The Elasto Painters team is now ready for their competition against Magnolia Hotshots in another do-or-die game tomorrow, Saturday, October 5, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Coach Yeng Guiao firmly believes that through this match, their desire to end the eight-year hunger for a title will be strong and soon to get hold of it. It can be remembered that last Tuesday in their intense Game 4 against the Hotshots, Rain or Shine failed to get the third win and they were dumped by Magnolia, 129-100. Guiao said that his team's stability as well as their resiliency and character will be tested in their clash tomorrow (Saturday) against the Hotshots. “Yung experience of playing a Game 5, of being in a winner-take-all situation, sa akin, kasama na ng build up yun. We're always getting better every playoff game that we played,” said the head coach of Rain or Shine. “So investment namin ito sa future ng team na para lalo kang tumitibay pag ka ganitong sitwasyon. So a Game 5 would be good for us as a team. This Saturday pag balik namin kailangan mas prepared kami for a very physical game, noting how the Hotshots played physically in the previous game.” Guiao added. “On our end, siguro kailangan kaming mag step up in terms of being a little bit more aggressive defensively and medyo yung transition game namin, yung running game namin, I don’t know if we’re tired or we’re a little slower or not able to get into the pace that we would usually be playing,” told Guiao. The winner of the series will play TNT Tropang Giga in the best-of-seven semis that begins on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Japan B.League squad, Ryukyu Golden Kings survive Meralco’s power surge to get their first win in the East Asia Super League (EASL), 77-74, Wednesday night, October 16, at the Okinawa Arena, Japan.The runner-up of last year’s B.League weathered the storm that the Bolts made in the final 2:50 minutes of play.Meralco came back from a 66-77 deficit through an 8-0 run to cut down the lead to only three points with 41.7 seconds remaining.Allen Durham, who’s playing against his former team for the first time, had a chance to force the game into overtime but his attempt was swatted by Ryukyu import Victor Law.Durham finished the game with 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while his fellow Bolts reinforcement DJ Kennedy produced 30 markers and 12 boards.Chris Newsome led the local unit with 18.The winning team relied on the heroics of Law, who contributed a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds.Jack Cooley, the Golden Kings other import, also got 18 markers along with seven boards, while naturalized player Alex Kirk put up 12.Ryukyu now topped Group B with a 1-0 record, while Meralco split their games to have a 1-1 team standing.The next game assignment for the Bolts will be the Busan KCC Egis of the Korean Basketball League whom they will face on November 13 at the Philsports Arena.

Nikola Jokic's triple-double was a monster, but the Denver Nuggets needed an extra 5 minutes to beat the Brooklyn Nets 144-139 at the Barclays Center last Wednesday night (PHT).Jokic finished with 29 points, 18 rebounds, 16 assists to become the second player in NBA history to list such big numbers in a game. The first one was recorded 62 years ago by Oscar Robertson, and having it done twice in 1962.Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon also scored 24 points each, while Russell Westbrook scored 22 markers and 5 assists off the bench for Denver.The Nuggets erased a 17-point deficit in the second quarter, leaving it 124-121 in the final 33 seconds of regulation before Jokic’s tip-in and Dorian Finney-Smith's split free throws to tie the game at 125-125.Cam Thomas sank the first basket of overtime for the Nets to have a 127-125 lead, but Denver scored the next eight points of the game and never let up to earn the victory.Three Brooklyn players scored 20 points or more but fell short. Dennis Schroder put up 28 markers, while Thomas had 26 and Cam Johnson 20. Nic Claxton also scored 16 points and grabbed 12 boards.Meanwhile, Ben Simmons, who’s suffering from lower back injury, was absent again for the Nets, which recorded a season-highs of 40 points in the first quarter and 72 in the first half.

In a momentous turning point, ZUS Coffee claimed its first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) win after a four-set victory, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, over Nxled in the All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, November 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.The Thunderbelles at long last broke through after enduring a winless reputation since its debut in the league, ending its 20-game losing streak."We're only starting. Even at our first conference, we had a few months to train. Even though it's All-Filipino, somehow the veterans are like late additions," said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.