PLDT booked a ticket into the quarterfinals after eliminating ZUS Coffee in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena Tuesday night, August 13.The High Speed Hitters have qualified for the quarterfinals after dominating the still-winless Thunderbelles in straight sets, 25-18, 25-14, 25-12.Russian import Elena Samoilenko led the charge for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, posting a game-high 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks to go along with eight excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while Majoy Baron supplemented the offense with 13 markers on nine attacks, three blocks, and one ace.For Baron, who also nabbed the Player of the Game nod, the triumph was a way of having fun and being consistent. She also revealed that missing the Final Four last conference became their motivation to win their games.

National University is set to compete in the 2024 VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup in Ninh Binh, Vietnam from August 24 to 31.The Lady Bulldogs were tapped as last-minute replacements after the withdrawal of University of Indonesia, making the reigning UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball champion the lone collegiate team in the eight-team field.Set to boost the Lady Bulldogs’ campaign are the Alas Pilipinas trio, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique, who will be coming off from a back-to-back bronze medal hauls of their own in the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) in Vietnam and Thailand. The NU Lady Bulldogs will be up against Vietnam and pro clubs Aranmare Yamagata of Japan, Gimcheon Korea Expressway Hi-Pass of South Korea, King Whale Taipei of Chinese Taipei,  Korabelka of Russia, Kuanysh VC of Kazakhstan, and Henan Shuanghui of China.Last year, Choco Mucho donned the Philippine colors in the annual tournament organized by the Volleyball Federation of Vietnam, where it took home the bronze medal and a pair of individual accolades for Sisi Rondina (best outside spiker) and team captain Maddie Madayag (best middle blocker).The overseas tournament will serve as NU’s preparation for its forthcoming UAAP Season 87 title defense. 

The Meralco Bolts and Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots will be the first game of the PBA’s 49th season that will open on Sunday, August 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Coming off their first championship in the last Philippine Cup, the Meralco Bolts will face the Hotshots in the lone opening game of the Governors’ Cup at 7:30 p.m.But before the tip-off, there will be an opening ceremony scheduled at 5 p.m. at the end of the 48th Season Awards where the top performers from last season will be honored including the announcement of the Most Valuable Player. The awarding is set at 4 p.m.The one game to be played on the opening night will be Meralco’s import Allen Durham return game, after four years. He is looking to finally win a chip in the import-laden tournament.On the other hand, Magnolia will parade former NBA Slam Dunk Champion, Glenn Robinson III to be their reinforcement.

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.

Carlo Biado, Johann Chua, Lee Van Corteza, and three other Filipino cuemasters moved one win away from the knockout of the US Open 9-Ball Championships held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.Biado, who dominated the tournament in 2021, had a first round bye, before making an easy work of American Robert Hart, 9-1. He is set to compete with Great Britain’s Chris Melling for an automatic spot in the 64-man knockout round. Chua kept the form that earned him a runner-up finish in last week’s European Open by trouncing Vietnamese Dang Than Kien, 9-1, in the second round of the eliminations after his own opening round bye. He will next play against Liu Ri Teng of Chinese Taipei.Corteza, a runner-up in the 2013 US Open, overcame American Mike Dechaine (9-7) and Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Dang (9-4) for a third round match against Japanese Naoyuki Oi. Other Filipinos who will vie for the slot in the knockout round are Jeffrey Roda, Jeffrey Ignacio and Michael Baoanan. Roda was equally impressive with big wins over Elias Patrkios, 9-1, and Englishman Darren Appleton, 9-2, to challenge former world No. 1 Joshua Filler of Germany.Ignacio faces Alexander Kazakis of Greece, while Boanan will meet Italian Francesco Candelo with their bids of entering the last 64.Eight more Filipinos led by Bernie Regalario and Ronald Garcia, on the other hand, are in the Losers Bracket where they need to win two more matches to advance.The US Open Championship will feature a 256-player field on the World Nineball Tour. The tournament will begin with a seeded double elimination format, featuring the top 128 World Nineball Tour players. From there, only 64 players will advance to the single elimination rounds.

NLEX dug deep and drew extra mileage from its support crew to beat San Miguel in overtime, 122-108, at the Aquilino Pimentel International Convention Center in Cagayan De Oro City on Saturday night, August 31.The Road Warriors claimed their third win in four outings after relying on clutch plays from their shock troopers together with their import Myke Henry and top star Robert Bolick.Henry still delivered his usual numbers by producing 33 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks while Bolick added 20 markers including two crucial free throws that led to a four-point cushion to the last 13.8 seconds of the extra period.But the shock troopers provided the big difference in NLEX bounce back win after succumbing to Rain or Shine, 105-124, in their last outing. The Road Warriors now improved to 3-1 in the standings.Mike Miranda, more known as an enforcer, contributed 17 points and showcased his long-range shooting skills especially in the fourth quarter when hit a pair of three-pointers, including a four-ball that gave the Road Warriors a 96-93 cushion, with 2:16 left in the fourth.Jonnel Policarpo added 12 points, while Jhan Nermal produced 10 and started the OT with a clutch three-point play off a foul from Marcio Lassiter.Richie Rodger only had six points but he made his last two field goals in overtime where he had a couple of getaway layups, while Robbie Herdon chipped in 10 including a triple that led to a 110-106 advantage with 28.2 seconds remaining in the game.SMB pulled back to within two on June Mar Fajardo's undergoal stab but Bolick brought back up to four from the stripe.The Beermen tried to send it to a second OT but back-to-back misses from the four-point arc by CJ Perez and Chris Ross in the final 13.8 ticks enabled NLEX to complete what it failed to do back in regulation.The Beermen, who got 36 from Jordan Adams, 29 from Perez and 19 from Fajardo, fell to back-to-back losses after a 2-0 start.

The Meralco Bolts are now leading the pack in Group A of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup after dominating the Converge FiberXers, 116-88 yesterday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.Meralco, now with a 4-1 record, still played superb even though not yet in full force as key players like Cliff Hodge, Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan, and Aaron Black did not play due to injuries.Allen Durham led the Bolts with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while Chris Banchero finished with 24 points, 12 of which came from the second quarter alone.They also received solid contributions from the likes of Anjo Caram and Alvin Pasaol in the blowout win. Caram had a total of 16 points (11 in the 3rd canto), while Pasaol had 12 markers, 10 of which came in the 2nd half where Meralco led by as much as 30 points.The FiberXers suffered their third defeat in five games while playing without starting center Justin Arana who sprained his ankle in their previous game. They also lost their back-up center Patrick Maagdenberg during the game when he sustained a knee injury during the game.Scotty Hopson, who’s been consistent since he reinforced Converge tallied 33 points, grabbed six rebounds and six assists to lead the FiberXers. Alec Stockton and JL delos Santos added 13 and 12 respectively but not enough to bring back the team to life.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived the grit of the import-less NorthPort Batang Pier, 105-94 to register their third win in five outings of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.Sophomore Zavier Lucero played his best game so far in a Magnolia uniform against his former team that also drafted him. He was then traded to the Hotshots in the off-season in exchange for Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter.Lucero lodged 16 points and 12 rebounds to earn the player of the game honors.Hotshots import Glenn Robinson III registered a game-high 25 points and collected 11 rebounds, while Paul Lee added 20 markers, 11 assists and five boards, to enlist three Magnolia players with double-double performance.Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Ahanmisi also produced double digit numbers by scoring 10 apiece.On the opposite end, Cade Flores led NorthPort with his own double-double by producing 23 points and 10 rebounds to fill the void that import Venky Jois and William Navarro left as they sat out of the game due to ankle injuries.Batang Pier star Arvin Tolentino who just scored 51 games two games prior, was just limited to 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field, though he grabbed 12 rebounds to become the fifth player to have a double-double in the contest.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced into the main draw of the World Tennis Association or WTA 500 in Guadalajara, Mexico after disposing Samantha Murray Sharan of Great Britain on Monday, September 8.The 19-year-old Eala will now play in the Guadalajara Open Akron as she imposed her will and trounced her 36-year-old foe at the Panamerican Tennis center.Eala flexed her might as she surged to an early 3-0 lead in the first set of the final qualifying match until Sharan leveled the score at 4-all. Despite Sharan’s best efforts, the Filipina southpaw broke her in the ninth game and served out the set in the 10th.The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate raced to a compelling 5-1 lead spiked by service breaks before concluding the match in the eighth game after three deuces. The play lasted one hour and 13 minutes.This is Eala’s second win at the qualifying rounds after outclassing Fanny Stollar of Hungary, 6-1, 6-2, last Sunday, September 7.The Filipina southpaw’s win arranged a first-round meeting with world No. 45 netter, Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic on Wednesday, September 11 (Manila time).

University of the Philippines continued its strong campaign in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament as they demolished National University to record their third straight victory on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.The Fighting Maroons delivered haymakers after another to suffocate the Bulldogs from the beginning and finished the game with an 89-62 victory.An early onslaught by the State U's wards made the people forget that the game was expected to be a close encounter as the two squads had been in the Final Four last season.The game seemed like it was already over in the first half alone as the UP already erected a 31-point lead, 53-22 at the end of it.Same scenario happened in the second half of play as the Fighting Maroons continued their dominance and even reached the peak of their lead at 39 off Harold Alarcon's three-pointer.Mark Belmonte and JD Cagulangan led the domination with their combined 27 points. Belmonte also collared three boards and dished three assists, while Cagulangan had four dimes and two rebounds.On the other side, only Jake Figueroa finished in double-figures with 11 markers for the Bulldogs.

The Philippines will host the 2024 Southeast Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy slated September 28 to 29 that will take place at the SM Skating Mall of Asia in Pasay City.About 90 skaters from 10 countries are expected to take part in the two-day skatefest, which will open for Junior F category, that range from 8 years old and below, and Senior class 19 and above or range from 6 to 24 years old.This is the country’s second time hosting the SEA event, with the primary goal of enhancing competition accessibility and promoting sport’s growth not only in the Philippines but also within Southeast Asia.The countries that will be participating include Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Mongolia, Singapore, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and the host Philippines.

Glenn Khobuntin fired a perfect 5-of-5 from the three point territory and finished with 17 points to lead TNT Tropang Giga to their 109-91 victory against NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday night, September 29, in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals at the Ynares Center, Antipolo.The Tropang Giga's dominant win made them closer to entering the Final Four if they take another victory on Tuesday, October 1, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.The defending champions also showed their suffocating defense by limiting the production of DeQuan Jones, who scored his lowest output with the Road Warriors.TNT's import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played his usual game by producing another double-double. He scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, together with eight assists to pace the team.Calvin Oftana contributed 18 markers on 3-of-7 from downtown, while Rey Nambatac added 17 points, six boards, and four dimes. Kelly Williams also added 11 for the Tropang Giga.Meanwhile, Robbie Herndon took over for NLEX with 17 points and five assists to cover up for the struggling Jones, who only scored 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the field.Road Warriors top gunner Robert Bolick was also limited to 12 points on 3-of-8 shooting, though he dished off 10 assists.

Jamie Malonzo is heading back to Japan after signing with Earthfriends Tokyo Z for the 2026-27 season, the team announced in an Instagram post."Earth Friends Tokyo Z would like to inform you that we have reached a basic agreement with Jamie Malonzo for the 2026-2027 season," the club wrote.Malonzo left Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in 2025 to pursue a professional basketball career abroad and signed with Kyoto Hannaryz last season. However, he was later waived by the team.He played only five games in the organization before being released, averaging 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds per game during his stint.

In John Amores' return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), he posted on his Facebook account following his comeback game against the Terrafirma Dyip.“Psalms 62:1-8,” he wrote.Amores scored five points in nine minutes of action, but his team fell short, 113-100.Amores was involved in a shooting incident in 2024, which led to the league banning him for two years and revoking his professional basketball license.He later regained his license and is now cleared to play in the country's premier professional basketball league.

Cambodia stunned Alas Pilipinas in five sets, 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8, to open its SEA V Cup campaign on a high note Wednesday at the Candon City Arena and deal the host nation an early setback in the tournament.Despite the loss, newcomer Joshua Magalaman delivered an impressive performance for the Philippines, finishing with 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two aces.Jude Garcia also shone for Alas Pilipinas with 20 points on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace, providing a steady offensive presence throughout the match.The Philippines struggled to maintain its momentum in crucial stretches, particularly in the deciding fifth set where Cambodia pulled away. Alas also committed untimely errors and failed to contain Cambodia’s attack, allowing the visitors to dictate the pace when it mattered most.Cambodia, meanwhile, capitalized on its opportunities through efficient attacking and resilient defense. The Cambodians remained composed during extended rallies and key moments, showcasing the confidence that helped them secure one of the biggest wins in their recent history.Veasna Voeum emerged as the Player of the Game after erupting for 33 points on 28 attacks, three blocks, and two aces to lead Cambodia’s breakthrough victory.Cambodia is set to face reigning AVC Men's Cup champ Indonesia today, July 16, before taking on the home team on Friday. Alas is also on the verge of a must-win situation on the tournament against Indonesia. 

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala took time to connect with her supporters during a special meet-and-greet event held in a mall in Makati City.Fresh from another milestone in her young career, Eala delighted fans as she shared stories, joined fun activities, and created memorable moments with the people who have continued to support her journey.The event came shortly after Eala received a Presidential Citation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in recognition of her remarkable achievements in Philippine sports following her impressive Wimbledon campaign.For Eala, success goes beyond victories on the court—it is also about appreciating and giving back to the fans who continue to inspire and stand behind her.

The Alas Pilipinas Boys defeated Australia, 25-20, 30-28, 25-20, in the classification round of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys' U18 Volleyball Championship on Thursday night at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.The Philippines boosted its chances of securing a best-ever ninth-place finish in the tournament—an improvement from its 11th-place finish in the 2024 edition held in Bahrain.The national team had to work hard throughout the match, especially in the second set, which was tied six times as Al-Raquib Dais traded kills with Australia's Eddie Kerwin.After Alex Liang committed a costly service error, Dais pounded a strong crosscourt kill to secure the set for Alas, 30-28.Australia was plagued by errors in the third frame as Dais continued his hot streak, allowing Alas to close out the match with a 25-20 victory.They gave away 25 points through unforced errors, while the Philippines committed only 14.The 16-year-old Dais finished with 25 points built on 21 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Terrence Marticion added 11 points.Australia was led by King's 12-point output and Liang's 11-point performance, but it was not enough to earn a victory.The Philippines will face either Kazakhstan or Hong Kong in the 9th-12th place classification semifinals.

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has announced that all games scheduled for Thursday, July 25, have been canceled due to the inclement weather brought by Typhoon Carina.The league made the announcement on Wednesday, prioritizing the safety and well-being of players, staff, and fans.In a statement, the league said, “Due to the inclement weather brought by Typhoon Carina, all Premier Volleyball League games scheduled for Thursday, July 25, have been postponed and will be moved to a later date. Stay safe and dry.”PLDT was supposed to face Farm Fresh at 1:00 pm at the PhilSports Arena with the High Speed Hitters looking to continue their unbeaten start that saw them clinch two wins. Meanwhile, the Foxies would have been looking to get their breakthrough after falling 0-2 in Pool A.Creamline and Nxled were also scheduled for their 3:00 pm encounter with Cool Smashers eyeing for back-to-back wins while the Chameleons were vying for their second win in three games.Chery Tiggo, who are also undefeated in Pool A with a 2-0 slate, were originally set to slug it out against Galeries Tower at 5:00 pm.The league will announce the rescheduled dates for these matches at a later time.

After winning the interim fight with Gustavo “El Gladdiator” Balart, Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks wants to challenge his longtime rival and reigning divisional king from the Philippines  Joshua “The Passion” Pacio for the third time. The highly anticipated unification trilogy between Brooks and Pacio should be coming into fruition once the Filipino athlete recovers from his torn ACL.Jarred Brooks was disqualified and lost the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title back in March, but he’s hungry to redeem himself and get back to his previous glory as the undisputed king. During their clash last March, Brooks was disqualified in the first round of the contest after slamming Pacio head and neck first into the canvas, resulting in an anticlimactic finish. Pacio then sustained a neck injury.Brooks accepted the bout for the division’s interim crown against Balart while Pacio continues to recover from his injury. However, now that Brooks owns the interim gold, he is super excited and can’t wait to settle the score with Pacio in a high-stakes rubber match.Brooks now has a professional record of 21-3, scoring his 11th finish.