Alex Eala is set to face a challenging field at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, kicking off this weekend as part of her preparations for another Grand Slam run at the US Open next month.After a brief vacation in the Philippines, Eala will compete in her fourth WTA-1000 level tournament of the year, aiming to match or surpass her previous achievements.The National Bank Open, scheduled for July 26 to August 7, will release its official draw this Friday, July 25.Currently ranked No. 69, Eala could find herself up against familiar elite opponents she’s encountered at the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Italian Open, Eastbourne Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.Headlining the tournament are world No. 2 Coco Gauff, newly crowned Wimbledon champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek, and world No. 4 Jessica Pegula.Eala previously partnered with Gauff at the Italian Open and faced Pegula in the Miami Open, where she made her first semifinal appearance at this level.

The Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team continues to dominate the ice at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, racking up three impressive wins in the tournament so far.In their third game last night, June 3, the Filipinas delivered a commanding 8–1 victory over Malaysia.Bianca Cuevas (#10) was named Player of the Game for her exceptional leadership and standout performance against the Malaysian squad.In Game 2, the team skated past the UAE with a strong 6–1 win. Rosalyn Lim (#39) earned Player of the Game honors for her solid contributions and presence on the ice.Meanwhile, Team Philippines opened their campaign with an emphatic 15–0 shutout against Kyrgyzstan. Jasmine Alcido (#87) shone brightly, taking Player of the Game honors with an incredible performance.With these powerful wins, the Filipinas are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in this year’s tournament. Stay tuned as they continue their quest for glory at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025.In tonight's game, the Filipinas will look to notch their fourth straight victory as they face off against India.

Petro Gazz Angels star Brooke Van Sickle capped a sensational 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign by claiming her third Most Valuable Player award at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, November 30. Less than an hour after steering the Angels past ZUS Coffee in the finals, Van Sickle received the league’s top individual honor, solidifying her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.Already a back-to-back MVP in the last two All-Filipino Conferences, Van Sickle joins Creamline icons Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as the only three-time winners in league history. She also earned her second Best Outside Spiker award, finishing second among local scorers and 10th overall with 160 points. Van Sickle ranked ninth in spiking at 35.48% and eighth in digs with 3.23 per set, proving her dominance on both ends of the court.For ZUS Coffee, Anna DeBeer was recognized as Best Foreign Guest Player after a standout performance that helped the Thunderbelles reach their first-ever PVL Finals. The former University of Louisville standout tallied 210 points on 197 attacks, added eight blocks and five aces, and ranked third in both spiking (39.40%) and receiving (45.68%).Other notable awardees included Savi Davison of PLDT, who claimed Best Outside Spiker honors. Davison led all local scorers with 178 points, ranked second in blocking at 0.71 per set, and placed sixth in spiking at 36.86%.Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh earned Best Opposite Spiker, finishing as the league’s top spiker at 39.53% and 13th overall in scoring with 116 points.At the net, Maddie Madayag of Choco Mucho was recognized as Best Middle Blocker, leading the league with 29 blocks, including a single-game pro record-tying 10 denials against ZUS Coffee. Pangs Panaga of Creamline also took home a Best Middle Blocker award, tallying 20 kill blocks for her ninth career recognition.Cloanne Mondoñedo of ZUS Coffee claimed Best Setter, topping the league with 6.24 excellent sets per set. Meanwhile, Thang Ponce of Choco Mucho continued her defensive mastery as Best Libero, earning her fifth career award while leading the league in receiving at 55.42% and finishing third in digs with 4.46 per set.Rounding out the awardees was AC Miner of ZUS Coffee, who was named Rookie of the Conference. Miner ranked eighth in blocking at 0.55 per set and finished second among all rookies in scoring with 82 points.The 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference highlighted both individual brilliance and team excellence, with Van Sickle’s historic third MVP award and Petro Gazz’s third conference crown cementing their dominance in Philippine volleyball. Meanwhile, the emergence of rising stars such as AC Miner and Trisha Tubu signals a bright future for the league.

The NLEX Road Warriors kept their hopes of making the playoffs alive after defeating the Phoenix Fuel Masters last night, January 19, at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City, 108-94.Their previous match against TNT Tropang Giga served as inspiration for the Road Warriors to regain their victory in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.NLEX head coach Jong Uichico also couldn’t help but be happy and praise his local players for their contributions to achieving their victory.“Everybody had their mindset to contribute in today’s game. Alam nila gaano ka-importante yung laro ngayon. Everybody had the mindset and the will na maka-contribute maski papaano sa larong ito. Then malaking bagay [sila]. Tony was great, he was able to come back and was a big help to us. Kay Herndon naman, nabigyan ko ng minuto. Kaya nanalo, maganda yung contribution ng lahat. Hindi naman namin kontrolado yung result, pero yung tsansa manalo today, binigyan nila yung sarili nila ng tsansa,” said coach Uichico. Uichico was also satisfied with Jonnel Policarpio's performance, which helped Robert Bolick win the match. According to the former La Salle Green Archer, he just did his best and gave his all in the opportunity given by his coach.“Binigay ko lang yung best ko sa opportunities na binigay sa akin ni coach. Hindi ko lang sinayang. Talagang sinunod ko lang yung game plan namin nila coach kanina,” said  the former La Salle Green Archer player. Robert Bollick led NLEX in the win with 26 points, nine rebounds and one steal, while Jonnel Policarpio had 17 points, nine rebounds and one steal. Tony Semerad had 15 points, while Rob Herndon scored 11 points.NLEX must overcome the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Hong Kong Eastern, and they now have the cards to make the most of the remaining opportunities they need to make sure of a place in the playoffs.The Scores:NLEX 108 – Bolick 26, Watkins 22, Policarpio 17, Herndon 15, Semerad 11, Torres 9, Ramirez 5, Nieto 3, Mocon 0.PHOENIX 94 – Smith 36, Rivero 13, Muyang 8, Perkins 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.Quarter Scores: 25-17, 45-48, 86-73, 108-94.

Aspiring to play in Asia’s first-ever pay-for-play league? Now’s your chance! The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has officially opened applications for the 2025 Rookie Draft, ahead of its milestone 50th season tipping off on October 5, 2025.Application forms are now available at the PBA office, and hopefuls have three weeks—from August 4 to 29—to submit their requirements and earn the right to be part of the draft proceedings on September 7.

On March 25, 2025, the Philippines men's football team will play its first home game against the Maldives in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.Since Rizal Memorial Stadium remains under renovation, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has adeptly organized the event at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, ensuring a top-tier experience for both players and fans.It will be the first time the national football team plays at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, though the venue previously hosted two matches of the Philippines Football League in 2022.The Philippine men's football team begins its campaign to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 following its successful run in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, where the country reached the semifinals for the first time since 2018.Meanwhile, the Maldives, an island nation with a population of approximately 500,000, considers football its most popular sport.The country's passion for football is evident through its competitive Dhivehi Premier League, which features top clubs like Maziya, the reigning champions with five titles.The Maldives will also face Tajikistan and Timor-Leste in the qualifiers, now in its third and final round, where the top teams from each of the six groups qualify for the Asian Cup.The Philippines enters this match as the clear favorite, boasting a strong squad and the advantage of playing on home turf. A victory would significantly enhance their prospects of securing a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, one of Asia's most prestigious football tournaments.

While the San Miguel–Ginebra series went the distance to decide the last Finals berth, the TNT Tropang 5G’s early entry into the championship round gave their players time to heal.The last two Finals MVPs of the grand slam-seeking TNT squad will still not be suiting up. Jayson Castro (Governors’ Cup Finals MVP) continues to recover from a full-thickness patellar tendon tear in his right knee, while Rey Nambatac (Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP) remains sidelined with a groin injury.Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Kelly Williams, and Brian Heruela also dealt with injuries throughout the Philippine Cup, but all are possible to return in the Finals.

Spike and Serve Philippines Inc. celebrated another milestone with its heartfelt Beneficiary Dinner, an evening that brought together supporters, partners, and beneficiaries to share stories of impact, gratitude, and hope.Spike and Serve Founder and Director Nicole Tiamzon described this year’s edition as the organization’s “most meaningful” yet.“This is our first time holding an event where so many beneficiaries shared their testimonies—some even performed. It was important for our guests to see and hear the impact of Spike and Serve firsthand,” she said.Among those who joined to share their support and experiences were Petro Gazz Angels team manager Cha Cruz-Behag, Nxled Chameleons’ Dzi Gervacio, and Galeries Tower Highriser's Ivy Perez, partners and ambassadors of SSPI, who highlighted how the organization empowers communities and inspires change.The evening also featured inspiring stories from beneficiaries, including Coach Pedro Aquino Jr. of Volleybukids, who shared his humble beginnings teaching children in Sitio Paliparan, Morong, Bataan. He recounted using makeshift equipment such as rubber balls, basketballs, fishnets as nets, and even a used duyan (cradle) to introduce volleyball to the community. Coach Aquino’s dedication has produced remarkable results, including John Cris A. Galicia, now a standout player for the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Team of Mapua University.Although the program ran longer than usual, the extended time allowed guests to fully appreciate the depth of the organization’s work and the lives touched by its initiatives.“Mas meaningful talaga ngayon. Mas narinig natin yung tunay na epekto ni Spike and Serve sa mga communities,” Coach added.When asked what she hopes guests take away, her message was clear and heartfelt.“I want them to feel that everything they donate, everything they give—it all goes to the right place. Hindi madali magbigay ng suporta, kaya gusto namin maramdaman nila na may pinupuntahan talaga.”She also expressed gratitude to the community that has supported Spike and Serve since its founding in 2017: “We are very thankful to all supporters and donors who have been with us since day one.”Those interested in donating or getting involved can connect with the organization:Facebook: Spike and Serve Philippines IncorporatedInstagram: @spikeandserveph“You can message us if you want to support a specific community, our operations, or any of our initiatives. We also share volunteer links for those who want to help us on the ground,” Coach said.Coach closed the evening with an inspiring message:“Sa lahat ng beneficiaries, patuloy lang kayo—wag kayong hihinto mangarap. Hindi kami magsasawang tumulong sa inyo. And to all supporters, thank you so much. Everything you give reaches our beneficiaries and creates a ripple effect for the next generation.”Spike and Serve’s Beneficiary Dinner was more than an event—it was a celebration of hope, community, and a shared mission to help others rise.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) returns on October 8, 2025, with the season tip-off taking place in two venues—one in Taipei and the other in Tokyo.At the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, fans will be treated to a doubleheader. The first matchup features the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex against the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves.Utsunomiya will be spearheaded by veteran star Makoto Hiejima, while the Braves will rely on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.

Being a three-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion is a significant achievement, especially during the competitive era of the 1990s to 2000s. That wealth of experience is precisely what Ernesto “Estong” Ballesteros brings to the table as he prepares to compete for Master Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the upcoming World Masters Tournament in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ballesteros shared the contributions he plans to make to the Philippine 45up team as they compete on the international stage."The number one thing I can bring to help the team is my experience in the PBA and international competition," Ballesteros said in Filipino."It will be a big boost since we will be facing stronger and heavier opponents," added the sweet-shooting big man, who will be representing the country as a basketball player for the third time in his career.Ballesteros previously played for the RP Team in 1996 before entering the professional league in 1997. That’s why he feels honored and privileged to wear the Philippine colors once again, joining forces with fellow former PBA players such as Roger Yap, Gherome Ejercito, Gilbert Malabanan, Oliver Agapito, and Marlon Basco.

Barangay Ginebra moved one step closer to another Finals appearance in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semi-finals after dominating the NorthPort Batang Pier, 127-100, on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Jamie Malonzo, named Best Player of the Game, led the Gin Kings with 27 points, including an impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, while grabbing eight rebounds. It was a breakout performance for Malonzo, who returned to action last January after missing several months due to a left calf injury.Ginebra’s resident import, Justin Brownlee, provided solid support with 22 points, shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range.Veterans Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and Troy Rosario also contributed significantly, scoring 17, 15, and 10 points, respectively.Off the bench, RJ Abarrientos made an impact with a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists, posting a plus-24 rating whenever he was on the floor.

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers are not just one win away from the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge title—they’re sending a loud, clear message: revenge is coming.Game 1 against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws was more than a win; it was a statement. La Salle dismantled the defending champions 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, showing poise, power, and a killer instinct that last year’s heartbreak could never erase.Down 20-21 in the third set, most teams would crumble, but not La Salle.Coach Jose Roque’s daring gamble—bringing in NJ Bangit and MJ Fortuna—flipped the momentum instantly. Two perfect attacks later, and the match was theirs, finished off by Emman Hernandez’s clinical final blow. FEU's title defense appeared shaky in just one hour and 27 minutes.Eugene Gloria and Rui Ventura excelled, delivering timely kills and solid defense, but La Salle's mental edge truly shined. They came ready physically, mentally, emotionally—even spiritually, as Roque proudly put it—and it showed. While FEU showed moments of brilliance, exemplified by Dryx Saavedra's 15 points, La Salle's depth and composure proved insurmountable.Game 2 in Dasmariñas will be the real test, but make no mistake: La Salle isn’t just aiming to win—they’re reclaiming what’s theirs. FEU might fight back, but the Green Spikers have momentum, strategy, and swagger on their side. Redemption isn’t a question anymore; it’s inevitable.

Jodi Catherine Dino, who was born on the 11th day of January 2002, is a forward on the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team who brings a valuable blend of agility, speed, and offensive intuition to the ice.In 2024, Dino was part of the Philippine Women's Ice Hockey Team that competed in the International Ice Hockey Federation Asia and Oceania Championship, where they defeated Kyrgyzstan and clinched the championship.Whether she’s weaving through defenders or setting up critical plays, Dino consistently provides the team with reliable forward momentum and sharp execution in the offensive zone.Her skating finesse and quick transitions make her a constant threat on fast breaks, while her ability to read the game allows her to find opportunities to support her teammates and capitalize on scoring chances.

Filipina jiujitsu stars Kimberly Anne Custodio and Annie Ramirez showcased their dominance on the global stage after ruling their respective divisions at the 2025 IJJF World Jiujitsu Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand.Custodio captured her third world title with a flawless performance in the adult female -45kg division. She outclassed Jou-an Chen of Chinese Taipei, 4–0, in the quarterfinals, edged Thi Hue Phung of Vietnam, 2–0, in the semifinals, and capped her campaign by submitting Aysha Alshamsi of the UAE via armbar in the gold medal bout.Phung and the UAE’s Balqees Abdulkareem Abdoh Abdulla shared the bronze, while Custodio’s teammate Daniella Palanca finished fifth in the same weight class.Meanwhile, veteran standout Annie Ramirez finally achieved a long-awaited milestone. Her first-ever World Championships gold medal after topping the adult female -57kg division.Ramirez submitted Rachel Glover of Canada in the Round of 16, edged Jeong Hyeon Seon of South Korea in the quarterfinals, and outlasted Lina Grosset of France in the semifinals before sealing the title with a 2–0 win over Astrid Scholin of Sweden in the final.The triumph marked a strong comeback for Ramirez, who rebounded from a non-podium finish at the World Games in Chengdu, China, last August. Grosset and Jeong both claimed bronze medals in her division, while fellow Filipino Estancia Jan Mendoza placed 17th overall.Custodio and Ramirez’s golden performances reaffirm the Philippines’ growing prominence in international jiujitsu competition.

The Ginebra Gin Kings once again defeated the Meralco Bolts in a series, after winning Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup duel, 94-87, on Sunday night, February 9, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Justin Brownlee had another clutch performance in leading the Ginebra to their sixth straight Final Four appearance.Brownlee put-up an almost triple-double performance with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, dominating his counterpart Akil Mitchell, who only had eight markers for the Meralco.The game was close from the beginning with only one lead change going to halftime break, where the Bolts had a slight advantage of 38-37.

Philippine tennis star Alex Eala will kick off her preparations for the 2026 season by competing in the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters, an invitational tournament slated for December 27–28 at the Macao Forum.The 20-year-old, who finished inside the WTA Top 50 this year, will join fellow WTA star Mirra Andreeva in the two-day event, which also features team captains and Grand Slam champions Li Na and Conchita Martinez. Eala and Andreeva are the only WTA players in the lineup, with one more participant yet to be announced.Eala’s appearance in Macau follows her participation with the Philippine team at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand earlier in December. She is currently enjoying a short break in the Philippines before diving into her offseason training and competitive schedule.The invitational will also showcase top ATP players, including home favorite Shang Juncheng, ATP World No. 10 Jack Draper, and Jakub Mensik, making the event a high-profile curtain-raiser ahead of the next tennis season.For Eala, the Macau Tennis Masters represents an early test against top international competition and a chance to build momentum heading into a critical 2026 campaign.

The Philippine women’s softball team—the Blu Girls—are eyeing nothing less than gold as they prepare to defend their title at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.After softball’s two-edition absence from the SEA Games, head coach Ana Santiago said the team’s hunger for victory remains undiminished. “Nothing less than gold ang goal natin,” Santiago declared, recalling the Blu Girls’ last gold win at home in 2019.A dominant force since 1979, the Blu Girls have collected 11 SEA Games golds and are returning as favorites. Team captain Charlotte Sales and power hitter Roma Cruz, both SEA Games debutantes, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, especially after a productive training camp in Taiwan.“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin. Nakatulong sa teamwork, communication, and ‘yung samahan,” Sales shared.Cruz, who smashed five homers at the Asian Cup in China last July, is determined to prove herself on the SEA Games stage. “Gusto ko ipakita na kaya ko makipagsabayan,” she said.While the Blu Girls topped Indonesia for gold in 2019, Santiago sees Singapore as this year’s biggest threat, citing their extensive preparations in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.The Philippines opens against Singapore on December 15, then faces Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia before the gold medal game on December 20.Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president John Henry Lhuillier’s marching order is clear: go for double gold in both women’s and men’s softball. “That’s the goal,”  Santiago affirmed.

Philippine billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes was honored with a heartfelt tribute at Pacman’s Cue Club in Mandaluyong City as he celebrated his 71st birthday last Tuesday, August 26.Known worldwide as “The Magician,” Reyes was surrounded by friends, fellow legends, and fans who gathered to celebrate the man regarded as the greatest pool player of all time. “It feels like I’m not growing old—like I’m still a kid. This birthday celebration makes me really happy,” Reyes said, beaming with gratitude.Fellow icons Marlon “The Marvelous Captain” Manalo and Francisco “Django” Bustamante were among those who paid tribute.“My wish for Efren is for him to keep playing and stay strong. Don’t stop playing, because if you stop, you might lose your edge,” said Manalo.“This tribute is from me and Senator Manny Pacquiao. Happy Birthday. You know I love you so much. Even as we grow old, we’re still here. I hope you have many more years ahead, ”  Bustamante shared.Reyes delighted the crowd with his signature trick shots, proving that his magic remains. Despite his legendary status, his focus is on the future of Philippine billiards. He expressed his desire to mentor young talents, especially in the provinces, and emphasized the need for more support and sponsorship for rising stars.“We have so many talented players who haven’t emerged yet because they lack sponsors. They need to showcase their skills,” Reyes explained.A longtime advocate for billiards’ inclusion in the Olympics, Reyes hopes the next generation of Filipino cue artists might one day achieve that dream. “I may never see billiards in the Olympics myself, but I want our young players to have that chance,” he added.

Alex Eala ended her string of early exits in singles play as she advanced to the second round of the Prudential Hong Kong Open on Tuesday night.The 20-year-old Filipina tennis ace was leading 6-4, 2-1 when Great Britain’s Katie Boulter, last year’s runner-up, was forced to retire due to a left leg injury.With the victory, Eala booked a spot in the Round of 16, where she faces third seed and world No. 21 Victoria Mboko of Canada. The match marks a big opportunity for Eala to bounce back after suffering consecutive first-round eliminations in Guangzhou, Osaka, and Wuhan.“I’m really happy to advance to the next round. Obviously, it’s not in the way I wanted it to end,” said Eala, who wished her opponent a speedy recovery.Eala entered the WTA 250 tournament with a career-high world ranking of No. 51—a testament to her continued rise on the global tennis stage.

The second Galaxy Manila Marathon, happening this Sunday, August 10, at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, has drawn a record 19,000 participants—solidifying its status as one of the Philippines’ largest running events for 2025.The international marathon, organized by Runrio Inc., features 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km categories, with ₱700,000 in total cash prizes. Both the male and female winners of the 42km race will each receive ₱100,000.Race director and international marathoner Rio de la Cruz shared that the 21km category alone attracted 7,000 runners—their biggest half-marathon turnout yet. The full marathon drew 3,000 participants, the 10k had 5,200, and the 5k nearly 4,000.With this surge in participation, Runrio Managing Director Andrew Neri stressed the implementation of heightened safety measures: “We doubled security, medical staff, and ambulances. Safety is our top priority.”Sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and included in the World Athletics rankings, the event will showcase elite local and international runners, including national team members Christine Hallasgo, Artjoy Torregosa, Richard Salano, and Arlan Arbois, as well as competitors from Japan, the U.S., the UK, Kenya, and more.“This is also a SEA Games qualifying race for the national team,” de la Cruz noted, referencing the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.The marathon will cover notable Metro Manila routes, passing through Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque, including landmarks like Rizal Park, Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, and the CCP Complex.Gun start times:42km: 12:00 midnight21km: 4:00 a.m.10km: 5:00 a.m.5km: 5:30 a.m.