Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Alas Boys keeps quarterfinal hopes alive with gritty win over Bahrain 

    Alas Boys keeps quarterfinal hopes alive with gritty win over Bahrain 

    Alas Pilipinas refused to let its quarterfinal hopes fade after bouncing back from its opening-day loss with a hard-earned victory over Bahrain in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys’ U18 Championship on Monday at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.


    Needing a response after falling to tournament favorite Iran a day earlier, the Filipinos overcame a second-set collapse before regaining control for a 25-22, 13-25, 25-23, 25-14 victory that kept them firmly in the race for one of Pool B’s two quarterfinal spots.

     

    The win lifted the Philippines to a 1-1 record, matching India, with the two nations now headed for a pivotal showdown on Tuesday at 1 p.m. The winner will join unbeaten Iran (2-0) in advancing to the knockout stage.

     

    Terrence Marticion spearheaded the Philippine attack with 16 points built on 15 attacks and one block, delivering when his team needed him most in a match that tested the squad’s composure.

     

    For Marticion, the victory carried extra significance. The outside hitter was also part of the Alas Pilipinas team that finished 11th in the previous edition of the tournament held in Bahrain in 2024, making Monday’s result another step forward for the program.

     

    “First of all, I am really thankful that we got our first win, and we will do better in our next game,” Marticion said.

     

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    He also revealed that the team’s straight-set defeat to Iran on Sunday became the driving force behind their performance against Bahrain.

     

    “This time I am so eager to fight. Last time, we lost, and we are inspiring ourselves to be better and use that loss as an inspiration. I know that we’re underdogs, but we will keep putting up the fight,” the Batang Pinoy 2025 national champion in beach volleyball said.

     

    Head coach Oliver Balse credited his players for responding with determination in a must-win situation.

     

    “They showed heart in today’s match and I told the boys that we need this win for us to improve our chances. Next up is India and we want to give our all,” the national team coach said.

     

    Bahrain drew strong performances from Haram, who finished with 18 points, while Nasralla Haram added 16 markers in the losing effort. Bahrain dropped to 0-2 and will conclude its Pool B campaign against unbeaten Iran on Tuesday.

     

    With only the top two teams from each of the tournament’s four pools advancing to the quarterfinals, Tuesday’s Philippines-India encounter has effectively become a knockout match for both squads.

     

    Elsewhere in the championship, Korea improved to 2-0 to lead its group, while Japan opened its campaign with a 1-0 record. Saudi Arabia slipped to 0-2, and Australia stood at 0-1.

     

    In Pool A, host China improved to 1-0, while Chinese Taipei held a 0-2 mark. Hong Kong and Indonesia were tied at 0-1.

     

    Pakistan strengthened its bid in Pool C by improving to a perfect 2-0 record. Thailand, carrying a 1-0 slate, was set to face Kyrgyzstan (0-1), while Kazakhstan remained winless at 0-2.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas, however, the focus now shifts to the biggest match of its campaign so far—a winner-take-most battle against India that will determine whether the team’s journey in Haikou continues into the quarterfinals.

     

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  • Tirrell Brown finally cleared as Titan Ultra ends import search ahead of crucial NLEX clash

    Tirrell Brown finally cleared as Titan Ultra ends import search ahead of crucial NLEX clash

    Titan Ultra’s search for stability finally has an answer. After opening the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup without an import and absorbing two lopsided defeats, the Giant Risers are set to field reinforcement, Tirrell Brown for the first time after the American officially completed the league’s mandatory height measurement last Saturday.

     

    Brown was confirmed to be within the PBA’s 6-foot-6 import limit, clearing the final hurdle for his much-awaited debut when Titan Ultra takes on NLEX on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    His arrival comes at a critical time for a squad still looking for its first victory of the conference. Titan Ultra stumbled out of the gates with a 113-100 loss to Terrafirma in its season opener before suffering an even tougher 105-74 defeat against Converge on Sunday.

     

    More than simply adding another scorer, Brown gives the Giant Risers the import’s presence they have been missing through the opening stretch of the tournament.

     

    The team initially explored another route by attempting to bring in James Milton, who was available to immediately join the club. However, the plan never materialized after Milton failed to secure the required FIBA clearance despite having the rest of his documentation in order.

     

    Brown’s own arrival had also been delayed—not because of his playing credentials—but due to paperwork. While he had already obtained his FIBA clearance upon reaching the Philippines, he still needed to complete his Immigration requirements, medical clearance and other league-related documents before becoming eligible.

     

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    Faced with the possibility of entering a third straight game without an import, Titan Ultra weighed its options. League officials ultimately advised management against activating Milton without FIBA clearance, noting that the sanctions from FIBA would outweigh the PBA’s penalty.

     

    Brown’s approval ultimately saves Titan Ultra from incurring the P50,000 fine imposed on teams that compete without an import in three consecutive games under league rules.

     

    Now officially available, the 32-year-old brings a wealth of international experience accumulated across South America, where he has built the majority of his professional career.

     

    Brown has played for clubs in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and Ecuador, suiting up for Caimanes del Llano, Centenario de Venado Tuerto, GEPU San Luis, Villa San Martin, Ameghino, Asociacion Mitre Tucuman, Quilmes de Mar del Plata, Deportivo Valdivia, ABA Ancud, Toros, Colon, Tabare, 25 de Agosto, Amistad, Kinwa and Barcelona.

     

    Before turning professional overseas, Brown suited up for Central Arkansas before finishing his collegiate career at Ouachita Baptist University.

     

    With their reinforcement finally in uniform, Titan Ultra hopes Brown’s debut marks the beginning of a turnaround after an opening week that has left the Giant Risers searching for answers.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas in line for possible PVL Invitational appearance 

    Alas Pilipinas in line for possible PVL Invitational appearance 

    PVL officials are once again discussing the possibility of including Alas Pilipinas in next month’s PVL Invitational, a move that could transform the tournament into more than just a preseason competition. 


    With the Asian Games scheduled for September, the event presents a timely opportunity for the national team to gain valuable match experience before heading to the continental stage.

     

    In previous years, scheduling conflicts prevented the plan from materializing. This time, however, the calendars appear to align more favorably, opening the door for new national team head coach Taka Minowa and his squad to use the Invitational as part of their preparations—provided it fits within the federation’s training program.

     

    PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo said the league is carefully studying the possibility but emphasized that the decision is not theirs alone.

     

    “‘Di ko pa kasi alam ‘yung program ni coach Taka at saka ng whoever’s running,” Malonzo said.

     

    He added that Minowa’s primary responsibility is coaching the players placed under his care, while decisions regarding the team’s schedule rest with those managing the national program.

     

    “Si coach Taka kasi, coaching lang ‘yan eh. Kung ano ibigay sa kanya, susunod lang ‘yan. But ultimately, ang trabaho niya is ‘yung team. Where they go, hindi siya ‘yun.”

     

    While discussions continue regarding the national team’s potential participation, the league has already outlined how it intends to complete the tournament field.

     

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    According to Malonzo, invitations will first be extended to the top four PVL clubs based on the combined weighted rankings from the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference and the ongoing PVL On Tour. 

     

    Should any of the qualified clubs decline, the league will simply move down the weighted standings until all four PVL representatives have been finalized.

     

    The Invitational is also expected to feature two guest teams, continuing the tournament’s tradition of bringing international competition to the league.

     

    If Alas Pilipinas ultimately joins the field, the national squad would essentially resemble an all-star selection, with many of the country’s top PVL players expected to wear the Philippine colors.

     

    The initial national team pool includes Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Anne Canino, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Dawn Catindig, Vannie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, and Alyssa Solomon.

     

    Should the invitation push through, those players would compete under one banner instead of representing their respective PVL clubs.

     

    It was also reiterated that players included in the Alas Pilipinas roster will remain unavailable for their club teams for as long as they are carrying out national team duties, making coordination between the league and the national federation a key factor in determining whether the proposal becomes a reality.

     

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  • SEA Plus Youth Games takes shape as PH pushes new pathway for Asia’s rising athletes 

    SEA Plus Youth Games takes shape as PH pushes new pathway for Asia’s rising athletes 

    What started as an idea to address a missing step in youth sports development is now becoming one of the Philippines’ biggest international sporting projects.


    The inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games (SEAPYG) took a significant step toward becoming a reality after holding its first Executive Council Meeting on Saturday at Solaire Resort in Parañaque City, gathering representatives from Southeast Asia and neighboring regions ahead of the event’s scheduled debut in December 2027.

     

    For Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the Games were born out of a simple question during the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain: where do promising young athletes compete after national grassroots tournaments but before reaching the continental level?

     

    “Naisip ko yan nung (2025) Bahrain Asian Youth Games. Asian Youth Games papunta sa Youth Games parang kulang. Ano ‘yan pagdating ng school, diretso ka na sa Asian Youth Games? Sila Palarong Pambansa, sila Batang Pinoy diretso na sa Asian Youth Games? Parang may kulang,” said Tolentino.

     

    That gap became the foundation of the SEAPYG, an under-16 multisport event envisioned as a developmental bridge rather than simply another competition on the calendar.

     

    Tolentino also explained why the event carries the word “Plus” in its name, emphasizing that the tournament aims to extend beyond Southeast Asia and raise the overall level of competition.

     

    “Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games. Bakit plus? Para yung non-Southeast Asian maisama natin para mas marami, mas maganda, competitive,” he explained.

     

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    The concept has already generated regional interest as Eight Southeast Asian nations participated in Saturday’s Executive Council Meeting, while delegates from 15 countries under the tournament’s “Plus” category also attended. Among those represented were the Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei, Bahrain, and Nepal.

     

    Although Japan, Palestine, North Korea, and India were unable to send representatives, Tolentino remains optimistic that their absence from the meeting will not prevent them from competing when the Games officially begin.

     

    “Dalawang school of thoughts. Pwedeng umattend ngayon pero hindi pala magpaparticipate. Pwedeng wala dito pero magpaparticipate. So, kaya sabi ko kanina na we’re praying na lahat ng nandito will participate. And, positive naman. I think they will. So, this will be a very, very good start and exciting and for the country, for the youth, lahat nandito na,” he added.

     

    Momentum continues to build toward the inaugural edition, with representatives from eight of the 11 Southeast Asian Games Federation members and delegates from 17 invited National Olympic Committees taking part in the planning process.

     

    The Philippines will host the Games across four venue clusters—Manila, Pasig, Tagaytay, and Subic—with competitions expected to showcase the country’s existing sports infrastructure.

     

    Local Organizing Committee president and CEO Tatas Suzara said the focus is not only on staging the tournament but on delivering an event that meets international expectations.

     

    “Of course, my role here as President, CEO is to make sure we deliver the games with international standards. I think, with 23 sports and four clusters, we will be able to deliver at par with international standards with different sports,” said Suzara.

     

    He added that the organizing committee plans to maximize facilities managed by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Pato Gregorio, including the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

     

    More than a new regional competition, the SEAPYG is being positioned as a long-term investment in athlete development—one designed to give the region’s next generation a meaningful stage before they step onto the wider Asian and global sporting scene.

     

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  • Jolina Dela Cruz finds her place as ZUS Coffee’s new-look rotation delivers 2-0 start in PVL On Tour

    Jolina Dela Cruz finds her place as ZUS Coffee’s new-look rotation delivers 2-0 start in PVL On Tour

    ZUS Coffee is proving that early success is not built around a single star but on a roster learning to move as one—and Jolina Dela Cruz is quickly becoming an important piece of that puzzle.


    The Thunderbelles continued their impressive start to the 2026 PVL On Tour on Saturday, sweeping Choco Mucho, 25-15, 25-20, 25-23, at the Batangas City Sports Center to seize the early solo lead in the tournament with a 2-0 record.

     

    For Dela Cruz, the unbeaten start reflects more than just victories. It is also evidence that she is gradually finding her rhythm after making the move to ZUS Coffee following her stint with Farm Fresh in the previous conference.

     

    “I think, unti-unti naman nakakasunod na rin talaga sa sistema nila. Siyempre, sariling sistema din talaga si coach Jerry, tapos ‘yung players talaga, galing din talaga sa kanya,” Dela Cruz said.

     

    Rather than immediately taking on a starring role, the 26-year-old outside hitter has embraced the team’s structure, allowing the Thunderbelles’ balanced system to flourish under head coach Jerry Yee.

     

    That depth was on full display against the Flying Titans as Chinnie Arroyo paced the offense with nine points, while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Alyanna Ong chipped in eight each. 

     

    Dela Cruz and Rachel Anne Daquis contributed six markers apiece, while Kate Santiago, Zam Nolasco, AC Miner, and Riza Nogales all added five points, highlighting the team’s distributed scoring attack.

     

    Dela Cruz credited Yee’s willingness to constantly rotate his players for helping everyone stay involved.

     

    “Today, talagang binabalasa rin talaga ni coach (Jerry) ‘yung mga tao. Makikita rin naman kahit sa other teams, ganun ‘yung ginagawa,” Dela Cruz explained.

     

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    Yee said the frequent lineup adjustments are intentional as the team continues to build chemistry with several new faces and players adapting to different responsibilities.

     

    “We’re trying to practice our rotation. Marami kaming bago, mga bagong position, so we’d like to practice and get them some playing time,” said Yee.

     

    “I’d like to say na masaya ako at nagre-respond sila sa mga changes, but siyempre, marami pa rin kaming adjustments na kailangang gawin,” he added.

     

    The Thunderbelles have now opened the tournament with consecutive victories after also defeating Akari in their opener in Isabela, with their disciplined net defense and balanced offense emerging as early trademarks.

     

    ZUS Coffee will now have ample time to continue refining its chemistry before returning to action on Aug. 8, when it faces the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the next leg of the PVL On Tour in the City of Santiago.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, FIFA World Cup, and FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League (July 13 – 19)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, FIFA World Cup, and FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League (July 13 – 19)

    Sports fans are in for another packed week as the PBA Governors’ Cup continues its opening stretch, the Philippines competes in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League, and the FIFA World Cup reaches its highly anticipated semifinal stage. Here’s a look at the biggest sporting events to watch from July 13 to 19.

     

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup

     

    Tuesday, July 14

    Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • NLEX Road Warriors vs. Titan Ultra
    • San Miguel Beermen vs. Macau Giant Pandas

    Wednesday, July 15

    • Converge FiberXers vs. Terrafirma Dyip
    • Meralco Bolts vs. Phoenix Super LPG

    Friday, July 17

    • Macau Giant Pandas vs. Converge FiberXers
    • Blackwater Bossing vs. Magnolia Hotshots

    Saturday, July 18

    • Terrafirma Dyip vs. San Miguel Beermen
    • Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Meralco Bolts

    Sunday, July 19

    • TNT Tropang 5G vs. Macau Giant Pandas
    • Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs. Phoenix Super LPG

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    FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League 2026

     

    Monday, July 13

    Women’s Pool A

    • 1:00 PM – Japan (U21) vs. Philippines (U21)
    • 2:50 PM – Malaysia (U21) vs. Philippines (U21)

    Men’s Pool A

    • 1:25 PM – New Zealand (U21) vs. Philippines (U21)
    • 3:15 PM – Malaysia (U21) vs. Philippines (U21)

    FIFA World Cup

     

    The race for football’s biggest prize narrows down to four teams as the semifinals take center stage.

     

    Semifinals

    Wednesday, July 15

    • 3:00 AM – France vs. Spain

    Thursday, July 16

    • 3:00 AM – England vs. Argentina

    Third-Place Playoff

     

    Sunday, July 19

    • 5:00 AM – Semifinal 1 Loser vs. Semifinal 2 Loser

    With crucial early-season PBA matchups, the Philippines aiming for strong performances in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League, and the FIFA World Cup inching closer to crowning a champion, sports fans have plenty of action to follow throughout the week. Expect high-stakes battles, emerging stars, and memorable moments across basketball and football as another exciting week unfolds.

     

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  • Japan beckons again as Dwight Ramos stays with Levanga, Thirdy Ravena returns to B.League 

    Japan beckons again as Dwight Ramos stays with Levanga, Thirdy Ravena returns to B.League 

    The Philippines’ growing footprint in Japan’s B.League will become even stronger next season, with Dwight Ramos choosing continuity in Hokkaido while Thirdy Ravena secures a return to familiar territory.


    Levanga Hokkaido announced that Ramos has signed a new contract, ensuring the Gilas Pilipinas guard will remain with the club for another campaign after becoming one of its cornerstone players since joining in 2022.

     

    “I want to thank Levanga for bringing me back for another season. I’m very excited to be coming back and continue to grow with the team,” Ramos said in a statement.

     

    “We had a lot of success in our last season and because of that I want to experience more with the team and get a step farther this season in the playoffs and shoot for a championship. Thank you everyone for your support always.”

     

    Ramos first entered the B.League with the Toyama Grouses before moving to Levanga, where he has steadily developed into one of the team’s most reliable contributors.

     

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    His return comes after Hokkaido posted a 37-23 record last season, narrowly falling short of a playoff berth. Levanga finished four games behind Alvark Tokyo, which claimed the final quarterfinal spot with a 41-19 record.

     

    The organization believes Ramos still has another level to reach.

     

    “Last season, he was one of the key players supporting the team’s success and contributing to our victories, but his potential is far greater than what we’ve seen so far,” said Levanga general manager Ryota Sakurai.

     

    Ramos’ extension also sets the stage for his return to Manila in September, when Levanga Hokkaido takes part in the B.League Manila Games. He is expected to face fellow Gilas standout AJ Edu and the Gunma Crane Thunders in a preseason matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    While Ramos opted to continue his journey with the same club, Thirdy Ravena will be writing a new chapter after the Toyama Grouses officially welcomed him back to Japan.

     

    The former Ateneo standout returns to the B.League after spending the 2024-2025 season in the ABA League with Dubai, where he appeared in 18 games and saw limited playing time.

     

    “I’m excited to come back to Japan and play my best for the Grouses this season,” Ravena said in the team’s announcement, while also posting on Instagram. “Back in the Land.”

     

    The move fulfills the goal Ravena openly shared during the recent B.League Final Week in Manila, where he spoke about wanting another opportunity to compete in Japan.

     

    “Japan B.League has been my first professional league and they’ve always welcomed me with open arms, they’ve treated me like family since the first day I got there so I’d love to play in the B.League once again,” he said then.

     

    His signing with Toyama officially makes that return a reality.

     

    The Ravena brothers will also have another representative in the B.League next season, with older brother Kiefer Ravena beginning his stint with the Ryukyu Golden Kings after an impressive campaign with the Yokohama B-Corsairs.

     

    With Ramos remaining in Hokkaido, Thirdy making his comeback, and Kiefer starting fresh in Ryukyu, Filipino talent will once again have a prominent presence across Japan’s top professional basketball league.

     

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  • LA Tenorio wants Magnolia to break a familiar cycle after opening-day loss in Governors’ Cup 

    LA Tenorio wants Magnolia to break a familiar cycle after opening-day loss in Governors’ Cup 

    For LA Tenorio, Magnolia’s opening-game defeat in the PBA Governors’ Cup was about more than just the final score. It was a reminder of a problem the Hotshots have yet to solve.


    Magnolia stumbled to a 98-86 loss against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Saturday night, wasting a promising first-half performance before fading after the break in its debut in the season-ending conference.

     

    The setback immediately brought back memories of the team’s previous campaign, where Magnolia often found itself digging out of early deficits. Tenorio believed those experiences should have already shaped the team’s mindset entering a new tournament.

     

    “Of course, it’s only the first game. But we have to learn from the last conference na lagi kaming naghahabol,” Tenorio said.

     

    Instead, the Hotshots followed a familiar script. After taking a halftime lead, Magnolia lost control in the third quarter as Phoenix seized the momentum and never looked back, forcing the Hotshots into another unsuccessful comeback attempt.

     

    Tenorio was visibly disappointed with how his team approached the second half, believing Magnolia lost its edge once the game tightened.

     

    “Nung simula na ng laro, champion na kami. Pag sa simula lang ng laro kami magaling,” Tenorio said after the game.

     

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    The coach also refused to pin the defeat on the early foul trouble of import KJ Buffen, who finished with 15 points. 

     

    While Buffen’s limited availability affected Magnolia’s rotation, Tenorio insisted the team should have responded better instead of becoming too dependent on its reinforcement.

     

    “We can’t rely on our import all the time. If we need to play all-Filipino, then so be it. We fell into the trap na kanya-kanya,” said the Magnolia coach. 

     

    For Tenorio, the bigger concern was how Magnolia’s collective effort disappeared after halftime. He pointed to the team’s lack of energy and urgency, particularly at the start of the third quarter, when Phoenix wrestled control of the game.

     

    “We were outhustled at the start of the third quarter,” Tenorio said. “I don’t know if we were affected by the foul trouble of our import, but it’s not an excuse.”

     

    The opening loss puts added importance on Magnolia’s next assignment as the Hotshots try to avoid falling further behind in a competitive Group B that also features Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, and Rain or Shine.

     

    Magnolia will look to regroup on Friday when it faces Blackwater at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Bossing head into the matchup with momentum after pulling off a 131-108 upset victory over Rain or Shine, giving the Hotshots another early challenge as they search for their first win of the conference.

     

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  • Alex Eala assured of new career-high WTA ranking after Wimbledon breakthrough 

    Alex Eala assured of new career-high WTA ranking after Wimbledon breakthrough 

    Alex Eala’s memorable Wimbledon campaign may have ended in the fourth round, but the Filipina tennis star is leaving London with another milestone firmly in hand.

     

    The 21-year-old is now assured of climbing to a new career-high ranking of World No. 28 when the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) releases its updated rankings next week, continuing her steady rise among the sport’s elite.

     

    Eala entered Wimbledon ranked No. 32 in the world and capitalized on her opportunity with the best Grand Slam performance of her young career, reaching the Round of 16 before bowing to World No. 17 Jasmine Paolini in a hard-fought three-set battle, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6.

     

    The ranking jump marks another significant achievement for the Filipina, who has steadily climbed the WTA ladder over the past two seasons through consistent performances against some of the biggest names in women’s tennis.

     

    Breaking into the Top 30 also carries major advantages moving forward.

     

    As the projected World No. 28, Eala is virtually assured of seeded status in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, allowing her to avoid many of the highest-ranked players in the opening rounds. Her improved ranking also strengthens her chances of earning first-round byes in select WTA tournaments, giving her valuable rest during packed tournament schedules.

     

    She previously enjoyed that benefit earlier this season after climbing to then-career-best No. 29, allowing her to skip the opening round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

     

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    Beyond the rankings, Eala also leaves Wimbledon with the biggest payday of her professional career.

     

    Her run to the fourth round earned £300,000 (approximately P25 million) in singles prize money, eclipsing the previous career-high purse she received after reaching the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open. She also collected an additional £18,000 (around P1.5 million) from the women’s doubles competition alongside Czech partner Nikola Bartunkova.

     

    With the grass-court season now behind her, Eala quickly shifts her attention to the North American hard-court swing, where another opportunity to improve her ranking awaits.

     

    She is expected to begin her buildup to the US Open at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington before competing in back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments at the Canadian Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Open.

     

    Those events will serve as her final preparations for the US Open in New York, where Eala hopes to build on last year’s second-round appearance and continue the momentum generated by her breakthrough in London.

     

    At just 21 years old, Eala’s latest ranking milestone is another indication that her place among the world’s top players is no longer a distant goal but an emerging reality. With a career-high ranking, growing confidence, and the season’s biggest hard-court tournaments still ahead, the Filipina continues to establish herself as one of the brightest rising stars in women’s tennis.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women ramp up Asian Games preparations as 17 of 22 pool members begin training 

    Alas Pilipinas Women ramp up Asian Games preparations as 17 of 22 pool members begin training 

    The countdown to the Asian Games has officially begun for Alas Pilipinas Women, and the national team is wasting no time building chemistry ahead of its biggest international test in Nagoya, Japan.


    A 17 of the 22-player pool has started intensive training under Japanese head coach Taka Minowa, with a mix of established PVL standouts, young collegiate talents, and returning national team prospects forming the core of the squad.

     

    Leading the early preparations are 17 players already present in camp, including Creamline’s Jia De Guzman and Jennifer Nierva, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, ZUS Coffee’s Thea Gagate, Akari’s Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno, and Capital1’s Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos.

     

    The group also features Choco Mucho’s Dawn Catindig and Eya Laure, National University’s Arah Panique, Shaira Jardio, Celine Marsh, and Vange Alinsug, as well as free agents Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang, giving Minowa a wide range of experience and playing styles to evaluate.

     

    More reinforcements are still expected to arrive. Akari’s Fifi Sharma, La Salle standouts Angel Canino and Amie Provido, and PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan remain part of the pool, although Malaluan continues her recovery from a knee injury. Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura is also unavailable while recovering from surgery.

     

    Meanwhile, Nxled setter Gel Cayuna will not join the national team program after deciding to step away from duties, according to Chameleons head coach Ettore Guidetti.

     

    The team’s weekday sessions run from 12 noon to 3:00 PM as Minowa begins shaping the identity of a squad that hopes to make a strong impression in Nagoya. 

     

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    Training was initially held at Gameville in Mandaluyong City and MPire Center in Quezon City before the team transferred its camp to the Philippine Sports Commission’s PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

     

    Adding a familiar presence to the training environment was former national team star Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi. Santiago, the wife of coach Minowa, was spotted observing the sessions as she continues to support her husband’s coaching role.

     

    The 6-foot-5 middle blocker, who represented the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games and last played for the national team during the 2022 Southeast Asian Games, previously shared that one of her plans was to assist her husband before heading to the United States for the League One Volleyball season beginning in January.

     

    Her visit comes as Alas Pilipinas prepares for a demanding stretch that will test both its depth and adaptability.

     

    The Philippine Volleyball League has also reinforced its national team policy during this preparation period. Players officially included in the Philippine delegation for international competitions or those actively involved in official national team activities will not be permitted to play in PVL On Tour matches.

     

    National team players may only see action in PVL events if they are not part of an official delegation and have no scheduled commitments with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Before turning their full attention to the Asian Games, the Filipinas will first face international competition in the Southeast Asian V.League. 

     

    Week 1 will take place in Ninh Binh, Vietnam from August 1 to 3, followed by Week 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7 to 9.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will shift its focus toward the Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, where the team hopes that months of preparation, system-building, and international exposure will translate into a competitive showing on the continental stage.

     

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