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  • France vs England Bronze Medal Match Preview: European Giants Battle for FIFA World Cup 2026 Podium Finish 

    France vs England Bronze Medal Match Preview: European Giants Battle for FIFA World Cup 2026 Podium Finish 

    France and England look to end their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns on a high note as the two European giants battle for the bronze medal after falling short of reaching the final. Both teams are hoping to turn their semifinal heartbreak into a podium finish and provide their supporters with a memorable closing performance.


    France enters the match after a difficult semifinal defeat against Spain, where they were beaten 2-0 despite another strong tournament run. The reigning World Cup contenders will aim to bounce back by relying on their attacking quality and defensive organization.

     

    England, meanwhile, suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to Argentina in the semifinals, ending their hopes of reaching the championship match. The Three Lions showed resilience throughout the knockout stage and will look to finish their World Cup journey with a medal.

     

    Both nations entered the tournament among the world’s elite teams, with France continuing to be powered by a squad filled with international stars, while England’s balanced lineup helped them navigate a deep run into the competition.

     

    Recent Form

     

    France

     

    Round of 32: Defeated Sweden
    Round of 16: Defeated Paraguay
    Quarterfinal: Defeated Morocco
    Semifinal: Lost to Spain

     

    France has remained one of the most complete teams throughout the tournament, combining defensive stability with explosive attacking options. Didier Deschamps’ squad has relied on its depth, pace, and individual brilliance to navigate the knockout rounds, with their semifinal setback against Spain serving as their biggest challenge of the competition.

     

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    England

     

    Round of 32: Defeated Congo DR
    Round of 16: Defeated Mexico
    Quarterfinal: Defeated Norway
    Semifinal: Lost to Argentina

     

    England entered the tournament with high expectations and showed strong consistency on their path to the semifinals. The Three Lions have displayed a balanced approach, combining defensive organization with creativity in midfield and attacking quality. Their semifinal defeat to Argentina ended their final ambitions, but they will look to respond strongly in their final match.

     

    Players to Watch

     

    France

    • Kylian Mbappé
    • Ousmane Dembele
    • Michael Olise 

    England

    • Harry Kane 
    • Jude Bellingham 
    • Anthony Gordon

    Match Odds

     

    France: Favorites to win
    England: Underdogs to win

     

    With both teams falling just short of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, France and England now shift their focus toward securing bronze and ending their tournament journey with a memorable victory. While France enters the match as the favorite, England’s depth and determination could make the bronze medal clash a closely contested battle between two of Europe’s top football nations.

     

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  • Ian Laurel chooses growth over noise as SSL continues building Philippine volleyball’s future 

    Ian Laurel chooses growth over noise as SSL continues building Philippine volleyball’s future 

    The president of Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), Ian Laurel has remained focused on his long-term mission for the Shakey’s Super League (SSL)—building a sustainable pathway for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of the sport.


    Recent months have seen Philippine volleyball surrounded by issues involving suspensions, leadership disputes, budget concerns, and administrative challenges. But for Laurel, the direction remains clear: continue developing the game at the grassroots level and create more opportunities for players who dream of reaching the next level.

     

    Having spent decades involved in Philippine volleyball, including his stint as president of the now-defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL), Laurel understands the challenges that come with navigating the sport’s landscape. Rather than getting caught in the ongoing conflicts, he has opted to focus on areas where he believes meaningful change can happen.

     

    Since its launch, the SSL has expanded its footprint by bringing in more collegiate and club teams, welcoming international participation, and taking competitions beyond Metro Manila. The goal has been to make volleyball more accessible while creating a stronger development system for athletes across the country.

     

    For Laurel, that growth has been made possible through the continued backing of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI), a partner that supported volleyball even before the sport reached its current popularity.

     

    “Because of Shakey’s, who has been there from the very start, they allowed us to grow this or to walk this path together with them, and it is such an honor,” Laurel said.

     

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    “Kaya kahit anong nangyayari sa paligid na kaguluhan, as long as we have them and we share the same vision and we have the same goals, I think we’ll be fine. Let’s stay in our lane and just do our best to promote the sport.”

     

    That partnership, Laurel believes, is reflected in the players who have emerged from the league over the years. The SSL and its predecessor programs have become a training ground for athletes who would eventually become recognizable names in Philippine volleyball.

     

    “Nakikita niyo ngayon ‘yung mga ‘volleyball stars natin, dumaan sa Shakey’s ‘yung mga ‘yan. As long as we’re able to produce players that inspire the younger generations, as long as we can produce players who can provide a path for an education, for a profession, for probably a fan base that looks up to them as inspiration, then that’s the goal. We’ve done our part,” he said.

     

    For Laurel, the true measure of success is not only championships or popularity, but whether the sport continues to produce athletes who inspire the future of volleyball.

     

    As Philippine volleyball faces questions about its future, the SSL chairman remains committed to the same vision that has guided him for years: invest in players, grow the game, and build a foundation strong enough to outlast the challenges surrounding the sport.

     

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  • EJ Obiena reaches season-best, claims Meeting Madrid silver

    EJ Obiena reaches season-best, claims Meeting Madrid silver

    Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena continued his upward trajectory on the international circuit after capturing the silver medal at the Meeting Madrid 2026, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, behind a season-best clearance of 5.85 meters.


    Less than a month after making the bold decision to relocate his training base to Athens, Greece, the Filipino pole vaulter is already seeing encouraging results.

     

    It marked another important milestone in Obiena’s buildup toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with the 30-year-old showing signs that his new training environment is beginning to produce immediate gains.

     

    After comfortably clearing 5.50 meters and 5.75 meters, Obiena needed just two attempts to soar over 5.85 meters, eclipsing his previous season-best of 5.78 meters set at the ISTAF Indoor meet in Berlin earlier this year. It also became his first successful clearance above 5.80 meters since September 2025.

     

    Obiena then attempted 5.95 meters, a height that would have secured the gold medal, but was unable to clear the bar in his three tries.

     

    Still, the Filipino star welcomed the performance as another step in the right direction.

    “Green socks 🧦 for the green track of Madrid 🇪🇸 5.85m for 2nd place🥈and SB here @athleticstoures . Thank you for having us. Will get this bar next time,” Obiena wrote on his social media post.

     

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    Germany’s Bo Kanda Lita Baehre claimed the gold after clearing 5.90 meters, while Portugal’s Pedro Buaro also registered 5.85 meters but settled for bronze after requiring three attempts at the height, giving Obiena the silver via countback.

     

    The podium finish continues a stretch of positive performances for the Philippine record-holder. Prior to Madrid, Obiena collected back-to-back gold medals in meets held in Poland and Austria before narrowly missing the podium at the Fly Athens Street Pole Vault, where he cleared 5.81 meters but lost out on countback.

     

    His latest performance suggests that the transition to Greece is beginning to bear fruit.

     

    Months ago, Obiena officially transferred his training base to Athens and began working under Polish coach Marcin Szczepanski. He now trains alongside Greek Olympian and world No. 2 Emmanuel Karalis at a facility built for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

     

    The move represented one of the biggest changes of Obiena’s career after years of training elsewhere, with the Filipino vaulter believing the new setup offers the best opportunity to elevate his performances over the next Olympic cycle.

     

    Currently ranked No. 14 in the latest men’s pole vault world rankings, Obiena has made no secret that every competition forms part of a bigger objective—putting himself in the strongest position possible to contend for a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

     

    Madrid may not have delivered the gold, but the season-best 5.85-meter clearance provided another sign that Obiena is steadily building momentum as the outdoor campaign progresses.

     

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  • Meralco’s head coach Luigi Trillo seeks officiating consistency after Bolts’ one-point loss to Phoenix 

    Meralco’s head coach Luigi Trillo seeks officiating consistency after Bolts’ one-point loss to Phoenix 

    The Meralco Bolts walked away from their season opener with more than just a heartbreaking one-point defeat. Head coach Luigi Trillo left the Smart Araneta Coliseum believing the outcome could have been different if the game had been officiated with greater consistency.


    Meralco pushed the Phoenix Fuel Masters to the limit despite playing without import Jordon Varnado, who remained sidelined as he continues to recover from a minor injury. The Bolts relied on their all-Filipino core and nearly stole the contest before eventually falling, 98-97, in a game decided by the slimmest of margins.

     

    Rather than dwelling on the result itself, Trillo pointed to several late-game sequences that, in his view, highlighted inconsistencies in how contact was called.

     

    “I think both teams played well. Congrats to Phoenix. It came down to possessions. But I don’t know, those last few possessions, they didn’t call fouls. They went three times to the basket and there were fouls called,” Trillo told reporters after the game.

     

    “Our main guy, star player, [Chris] Newsome gets hacked three times but there’s no call. So I can understand why our guys, I kind of shook hands and then I saw they were all there, even our governor, the manager,” he added.

     

    One of the biggest moments came with just 43 seconds left, when Phoenix’s JL Delos Santos denied Chris Newsome near the basket. Trillo believed the play deserved a whistle and said such moments have a major impact on the outcome of close contests.

     

    “Those calls need to be made because those are decisions where you dictate the game. So they got to the free-throw line three times in those last three possessions and we did not… I think you have to come down to consistency,” he said.

     

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    “And these little things in the end, that’s tough for us. But again, you have to roll with the punches. 26 to 20 fouls. I think if they had called one or two, it wouldn’t be that far. Clearly, Phoenix earned that win because they kept on trying. They were down hard. They got to the basket. They were aggressive and they got some calls,” Trillo said.

     

    While the PBA has begun aligning its officiating standards more closely with FIBA rules, Trillo clarified that his concern is not about adapting to new interpretations but ensuring both teams are judged under the same standard throughout the game.

     

    “No adjustment. It’s clear. If our guy gets to the basket and if that gets hit here, that’s a foul. And you see them going to the basket, it’s the same. I like the way things are. But at the end of the day, coaches get fired. They should put pressure on the referee or the guy in charge. He should also get fired if he’s not doing his job,” he said.

     

    “We’re at the short end of the stick this time, so it is what it is. But clearly, at the end, it’s not a guarantee you’ll win the game. But you’re just looking for consistency from both,” Trillo added.

     

    Despite the loss, the Bolts showed encouraging signs even without their reinforcement. CJ Cansino led Meralco with 18 points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Allein Maliksi added 16 points and two rebounds. Brandon Bates anchored the paint with a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds.

     

    Meralco now shifts its attention to its next assignment, where replacement import Antonio Hester is expected to make his debut. The Bolts aim to bounce back on Saturday when they face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, hoping a reinforced lineup can turn a promising performance into their first win of the campaign.

     

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  • Alex Eala’s homecoming inspires young Filipina tennis hopefuls after historic Wimbledon run 

    Alex Eala’s homecoming inspires young Filipina tennis hopefuls after historic Wimbledon run 

    Alex Eala’s return to the Philippines was more than a celebration of her historic Wimbledon campaign—it became an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Filipino tennis players who dream of following the same path.

     

    Just a day after arriving home, the country’s top tennis star spent time with four promising young Filipina athletes during the “Play Mind Games” exclusive meet-and-greet last Monday, turning an intimate gathering into a memorable learning experience for aspiring players.

     

    For the teenagers in attendance, meeting Eala was not simply about taking photos with one of the country’s biggest sports stars. It was a rare chance to hear firsthand how the 21-year-old has navigated the pressures of professional tennis while proudly representing the Philippines on the world stage.

     

    Among those who left inspired was Maristella Torrecampo, the 2026 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist and the current No. 18-ranked player in Asia.

     

    For the 13-year-old, finally meeting her idol in person felt almost unbelievable.

     

    “It feels so unreal po kasi parang last time po nag-uusap lang tayo kay ate Alex, kung nakita ko na siya. Kanina nung nagsasalita siya, parang napa-stay still ako kasi hindi ko na-imagine na ma-memeet ko siya in person,” she said.

     

    More than the moment itself, Torrecampo said Eala’s encouragement strengthened her resolve to pursue the same dream.

     

    “Kanina ko po nung nakausap ko po siya, mas lalo akong na-inspire na mag-pursige at abutin din yung dream ko na sana maging pro tennis player po katulad niya,” Torrecampo said.

     

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    The event also resonated with Jana Diaz, the country’s No. 2-ranked player in the Girls’ 18-and-under division, who appreciated the opportunity to discuss the mental side of competing at a high level.

     

    “I gained new perspectives in looking at the same sport I play through how she delivers her ideas. To me, that was more memorable than seeing her up close,” Diaz said.

     

    For Kathlyn Bugna, currently the No. 4-ranked player in the Girls’ 16-and-under division, Eala’s humility left the strongest impression.

     

    Fresh off breaking into the Top 100 of the Asian Junior rankings at No. 89 after winning the Girls’ Singles title at the ATF Juniors 16&U tournament in Japan, Bugna admired how approachable Eala remained despite becoming one of Philippine sports’ biggest international stars.

     

    Another young athlete, Scarlett Kramer, also treasured the encounter, sharing a video on Instagram of herself embracing Eala and receiving valuable advice from the tennis standout.

     

    “Got to meet @alex.eala! I was so nervous, but I walked away so inspired and blessed after talking to her and getting some amazing tennis advice,” she wrote.

     

    Scarlett has only recently begun her competitive tennis journey. She and her family previously spent several months in Melbourne, Australia, allowing her and her siblings to further develop in their respective sports, with Scarlett focusing on tennis.

     

    While Eala’s recent achievements have elevated Philippine tennis on the global stage, her impact during her brief visit home showed that her influence stretches well beyond tournament results. Through conversations, encouragement, and personal advice, she offered young athletes a glimpse of what it takes to succeed both on and off the court.

     

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  • Gilas Boys U21 climb to joint lead after capturing FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Stop 3 

    Gilas Boys U21 climb to joint lead after capturing FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Stop 3 

    The race for the top spot in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League U21 Asia-2 has tightened, and Gilas Pilipinas has firmly placed itself in the championship conversation.


    Behind another unbeaten run, the Philippine men’s team captured the Stop 3 title in Malaysia on Wednesday, defeating Japan, 19-14, in the championship game to vault into a share of first place in the conference standings.

     

    The victory rewarded Gilas with another 80 points, allowing the Filipinos to draw level with Belarus at the top of the standings with 240 points apiece. New Zealand remained close behind with 230 points, while Japan slipped to fourth with 220.

     

    The title run highlighted the team’s consistency throughout the day as the Filipinos never dropped a game en route to the crown.

     

    Gilas first outlasted New Zealand, 21-16, before cruising past Singapore, 22-14, to secure the top seed entering the final.

     

    Against Japan, the Philippines wasted little time taking control as the trio of Cabs Cabonilas, Koji Buenaflor, and Earl Medina fueled an early surge that stretched the lead to 18-10, leaving Japan with little room for a comeback before Gilas eventually sealed the 19-14 victory.

     

    Cabonilas once again led the offense with seven points, while Buenaflor added six. Medina provided the finishing touches by knocking down two long-range shots to finish with five points, while Jhuniel dela Rama contributed one point.

     

    Cabonilas proved to be the catalyst throughout the tournament after returning to the lineup following his absence in Stop 2.

     

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    He erupted for 11 points in the opening victory over New Zealand before pouring in 10 more against Singapore, helping set the tone for the Philippines’ dominant campaign. Dela Rama and Medina also chipped in six points each in the win over Singapore.

     

    The championship not only boosted Gilas’ confidence but also significantly strengthened its position in the overall standings heading into the remaining stops of the competition.

     

    Meanwhile, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U21 team was unable to replicate the men’s success but still salvaged a victory during pool play.

     

    The Filipinas opened their campaign with a 21-7 defeat to Japan before bouncing back with a 15-11 triumph over Singapore behind the efforts of Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Marga Villanueva.

     

    Despite the split results, the women’s squad finished fourth in Stop 3 and remained fifth in the conference standings with 170 points.

     

    With momentum now on their side, the Gilas Boys will look to build on their championship performance when the tournament resumes after a one-day break.

     

    In Stop 4 on Friday, the Philippines will face New Zealand and Malaysia in the men’s pool stage, while the women’s team takes on Japan and host Malaysia as both squads continue their pursuit of valuable points in the race for the overall conference title.

     

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  • Matthew Wright returns to Japan, signs with Saitama Broncos for 2026-27 B.League season

    Matthew Wright returns to Japan, signs with Saitama Broncos for 2026-27 B.League season

    After stepping away from professional basketball for a year, the Filipino-Canadian guard  Matthew Wright is set to resume his overseas career after signing with the Saitama Broncos for the 2026-27 Japan B.League season.


    The Broncos officially announced Wright’s arrival on Wednesday, bringing the former Gilas Pilipinas standout back to Japan, where he has already built a reputation as one of the league’s reliable veteran guards.

     

    For Wright, the move represents both a fresh start and a continuation of a career that has steadily grown beyond Philippine basketball.

     

    “My family and I cannot wait to embrace the city of Saitama and the Broncos organization,” said Wright.

     

    “I’m looking forward to coming back to Japan and making an immediate impact for the team. Thank you for this opportunity to showcase my talents on the basketball court.”

     

    The upcoming campaign will mark Wright’s fourth season in Japan. He first joined the B.League in 2022 after ending a six-year stint with Phoenix in the PBA, signing with the Kyoto Hannaryz, where he played from the 2022-23 through the 2023-24 seasons.

     

    He later moved to the Kawasaki Brave Thunders for the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game before putting basketball on hold to focus on family.

     

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    Although he stepped away from the professional game, Wright still answered the call for the national team during his hiatus. 

     

    He made his lone competitive appearance with Gilas Pilipinas Men, helping the Philippines capture the gold medal at the 34th Southeast Asian Games.

     

    Now back on the hardwood, Wright joins a Saitama squad looking to build on an impressive campaign.

     

    The Broncos compiled a 39-13 record last season to finish third in the B3 division, earning promotion following the B.League’s league restructuring.

     

    Beginning in the 2026-27 season, Saitama will compete in B.One, the league’s newly established second-tier division behind B.Premier, giving Wright the opportunity to contribute to the club’s transition into a more competitive level of Japanese basketball.

     

    His arrival also provides the Broncos with an experienced backcourt presence who has competed in both the PBA and Japan’s top professional league, while representing the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    For Wright, the return is about more than simply playing basketball again. After spending the past year prioritizing family, he now resumes his career with renewed purpose, hoping to make an immediate impact as Saitama embarks on a new chapter in the restructured B.League.

     

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  • Pilipinas Sepak Takraw eyes bigger breakthrough as King’s Cup serves as final test for 2026 Asian Games

    Pilipinas Sepak Takraw eyes bigger breakthrough as King’s Cup serves as final test for 2026 Asian Games

    Pilipinas Sepak Takraw is no longer content with simply reaching the podium. After collecting bronze medals in consecutive major international competitions, the national team is now preparing for the next step—turning years of steady progress into an even stronger medal campaign at the 2026 Asian Games.


    Before heading to Japan, however, the Filipinos face one final proving ground as the King’s Cup World Championship in Thailand has become a crucial stop for the national squad, offering not only another opportunity to compete against the world’s elite but also a chance to fine-tune every aspect of its game before Asia’s biggest sporting event.

     

    The Philippines enters the tournament carrying momentum from its recent international successes. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, the country achieved a historic milestone by winning two bronze medals, signaling the program’s emergence as a legitimate force in the region.

     

    That breakthrough carried over into the following year’s Southeast Asian Games, where both the men’s and women’s teams once again secured bronze medals.

     

    The men’s team featured a core group composed of John Deryck Diego, Emmanuel Escote, Vince Alyson Torno, Jason Huerte, Ronsited Gabayeron, and Marc Kian Jake Palma, players who have helped elevate the Philippines’ standing in the sport.

     

    For veteran Jason Huerte, the King’s Cup is more than another international tournament—it is an opportunity to identify the team’s remaining weaknesses before competing on an even bigger stage.

     

    “Meron kaming chance na makita at masubukan ulit ‘yung program,” Huerte said about their upcoming tourney. “Refinement kami kung ano ‘yung kakulangan nung last na magiging tournament, preparation for Asian Games.”

     

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    Head coach Grendel Ilogon echoed the importance of the competition, emphasizing that every match in Thailand will serve as preparation for what lies ahead.

     

    “Malaking bagay ‘yung laro namin sa King’s Cup kasi kumbaga tune up fight,” coach Grendel Ilogon added.

     

    Unlike many traditional team sports, sepak takraw demands a unique combination of athleticism, coordination, and precision. Often described as a blend of volleyball and soccer, the sport requires players to execute acrobatic kicks and rapid exchanges without using their hands.

     

    Behind the national team’s recent rise is a long-term development program that continues to prioritize athlete growth over short-term results.

     

    Previously, Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association Inc. (PSTAI) president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero believes the program is steadily moving in the right direction, with a balanced roster capable of competing against Asia’s best.

     

    “This is sports—anything can happen. But we’re going to Japan not just as participants, but as true medal contenders,” said Caballero.

     

    She also highlighted the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent within the national pool.

    “We have the veterans who provide stability and experience, while the younger players bring the firepower,” she said.

     

    The federation’s vision extends beyond the senior national team. This November, the Philippines will host the Under-19 Asian Sepak Takraw Championship in Manila, another step toward strengthening the country’s talent pipeline and exposing young athletes to high-level international competition.

     

    With the King’s Cup serving as its final measuring stick before the Asian Games, Pilipinas Sepak Takraw is entering the next phase of its journey with higher expectations.

     

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  • Terrafirma’s late fight shows promise, but Ronald Tubid wants Dyip to stop playing catch-up 

    Terrafirma’s late fight shows promise, but Ronald Tubid wants Dyip to stop playing catch-up 

    Terrafirma Dyip may be winless after two games in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, but head coach Ronald Tubid sees a team that has already shown it can compete.

     

    The problem, according to the veteran mentor, is that Terrafirma continues to put itself in difficult situations by waiting too long before showing its best basketball.

     

    The Dyip absorbed another heartbreaking setback on Wednesday, falling to the Converge FiberXers, 105-103, just days after opening their campaign with a 101-100 loss to NLEX. Both defeats came down to the final possessions, leaving Terrafirma searching for answers despite showing the ability to battle against stronger opponents.

     

    Against Converge, the Dyip found themselves trailing by double digits before mounting a furious comeback in the closing minutes. A 7-0 surge, highlighted by a Juami Tiongson three-pointer with just over a minute remaining, gave Terrafirma a chance to steal the game, but the FiberXers managed to survive the late scare.


    While the result added another loss to their record, Tubid focused on the positives, particularly his team’s resilience and belief that it can match up with the league’s best.

     

    “Sobrang maganda yun eh, yung culture na kaya. Kaya pala makipag-compete and may chance manalo. So lesson learned na hindi dapat yung laro pang third quarter or fourth quarter yung habol. Kailangan pag first quarter palang, ratsada na. Once we keep it close, may chance kami manalo,” he said.

     

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    For the nine-time PBA champion, the challenge now is turning that fighting spirit into a complete 48-minute effort. 

     

    Terrafirma has repeatedly shown it can recover from difficult positions, but digging out of large holes has made their path to victory much harder.

     

    “Like last game, kailangan namin mag-compete from first quarter to fourth quarter. Kasi second quarter, third quarter natatambakan kami. So kailangan namin maghabol so parang ang hirap,” Tubid said.

     

    “What’s better siguro sabi namin sa players, all we know is kaya naman natin eh. We play our A game every game. Pero no need to wait for third quarter kasi mahirap eh,” he added.

     

    The Dyip’s slow starts have become their biggest obstacle, especially in a conference where every possession matters and early deficits can quickly become difficult to erase. Tubid believes the same confidence his players display during their comeback attempts must appear from the opening tip.

     

    Despite the 0-2 record, Terrafirma remains encouraged by the fact that its losses have been decided by only a combined three points. The team now hopes to turn those near-misses into lessons as it prepares for an even tougher challenge against one of the league’s powerhouse squads.

     

    “Back to the drawing board again, back to zero against San Miguel. Hopefully hindi kami matambakan ulit bago mahabol,” he said.

     

    Terrafirma will look to secure its first win of the conference when it faces the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

     

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  • NAVI PH stays alive in MWI 2026 after stunning reverse sweep against Falcon Daisies

    NAVI PH stays alive in MWI 2026 after stunning reverse sweep against Falcon Daisies

    NAVI PH refused to let a difficult start define its MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2026 campaign.


    After finding itself one loss away from elimination following a 0-2 defeat to Cambodia’s Galaxy Phoenix in the opening round of Group B, the Filipino squad delivered a crucial response when it mattered most, eliminating Myanmar’s Falcon Daisies with a 2-1 reverse sweep in the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals in Paris, France.

     

    The comeback victory extended NAVI PH’s stay at the Esports World Cup and secured a much-needed opportunity to continue chasing a spot in the tournament’s Knockout Stage.

     

    The road back, however, was far from easy as NAVI PH entered the lower bracket after Galaxy Phoenix exposed the team’s early struggles, particularly during the drafting phase. Despite the long trip from Manila to Paris, jungler Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto refused to blame fatigue for their opening-match loss, instead giving credit to their Cambodian opponents for executing their game plan better.

     

    “In-expect ko na maganda din yung performance nila,” Alpuerto said.

     

    The Filipina jungler also admitted that NAVI PH had difficulty preparing for the draft, especially in the second game, where their opponents were able to take advantage of certain hero choices.

     

    “Siguro hindi din kami nakapag prepare masyado sa draft lalo na nung Game 2 kasi parang nahirapan kami kasi hindi namin bina-ban yung mga hero kung saan kami nahihirapan,” she said.

     

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    That defeat placed NAVI PH in a dangerous position, leaving the squad with no room for another mistake. A loss against Falcon Daisies would have ended their international run before reaching the Knockout Stage.

     

    Instead, the Filipinas showed composure when everything was on the line.

     

    Against Falcon Daisies, NAVI PH absorbed the pressure of another elimination match and found a way to turn the series around. 

     

    After dropping the first game, the team adjusted its approach, regained control in the next two matches, and completed the reverse sweep to secure the 2-1 victory.

     

    The win highlighted NAVI PH’s ability to adapt in a tournament where the meta continues to shift and where every mistake can immediately swing momentum toward the opposing side.

     

    The team previously struggled with consistency against Galaxy Phoenix, but the victory over Falcon Daisies showed signs of improvement when facing another high-pressure situation.

     

    Now, NAVI PH faces its next major test as the Filipino representatives will take on South Korea’s Gen.G in the next round for a chance to advance to the playoffs at MWI 2026. 

     

    The matchup gives NAVI PH another opportunity to prove that its lower-bracket journey is not just about survival, but also about making a deeper run on the international stage.

     

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