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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • John Amores returns to PBA after signing with Titan Ultra ahead of PBA Governors’ Cup 

    John Amores returns to PBA after signing with Titan Ultra ahead of PBA Governors’ Cup 

    Nearly two years after his basketball career came to a standstill, John Amores is getting another opportunity in the PBA.


    The controversial guard officially returned to the league after signing with Titan Ultra just days before the team’s debut in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup against Terrafirma on Friday, marking his first appearance since his professional license was revoked following a shooting incident in Laguna.

     

    Amores signed his new contract in the presence of his representative, Danny Espiritu, completing a comeback that once seemed unlikely after the PBA suspended him and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) stripped him of his professional license.

     

    Titan Ultra, which acquired the former NorthPort franchise, retained Amores’ playing rights during the ownership transition, paving the way for his eventual return once he secured clearance to play.

    Welcoming him back, the franchise announced his signing on social media.

     

    “A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores,” the team posted on social media.

     

    The signing came shortly after Amores shared a video of himself at the Games and Amusement Board on Wednesday, appearing to confirm that he had regained the license necessary to resume his professional career.

     

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    Earlier reports had already linked the shooting guard to a possible comeback after he attended tryouts with the Giant Risers before ultimately landing with Titan Ultra.

     

    His return follows a turbulent stretch that began with the Laguna shooting incident, in which both Amores and his brother were later released after posting bail.

     

    The PBA subsequently handed Amores an indefinite suspension without pay in October 2024, citing “conduct detrimental to the league,” while his GAB license was revoked as criminal charges were filed.

     

    However, the Laguna case was only the latest chapter in a career repeatedly overshadowed by controversy.

     

    Amores first made national headlines in 2022 while playing for the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, when he was indefinitely banned by the NCAA after punching multiple College of Saint Benilde players during a game.

     

    Despite that incident, NorthPort selected him with the 51st overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft, believing in his potential on the court.

     

    Amores rewarded that faith with a productive rookie campaign, earning a two-year contract extension from the Batang Pier before his career was once again interrupted by the Laguna shooting case.

     

    Now under Titan Ultra following its acquisition of the NorthPort franchise, Amores has been handed another chance to rebuild both his basketball career and his reputation. His return reunites him with former NorthPort teammates Fran Yu, Joshua Munzon, and Cade Flores, giving him a familiar core as he prepares to suit up once again in the PBA. 

     

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  • Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    Michele Gumabao powers shorthanded Creamline past Nxled with 18 points in PVL On Tour opener 

    With several of Creamline’s biggest stars watching from the sidelines, Michele Gumabao made sure the defending champions never missed a beat. 


    Showing both poise and experience, Gumabao delivered 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace to spearhead Creamline’s offense.

     

    Cool Smashers proved that its championship pedigree runs far deeper than its star-studded lineup, opening its 2026 Premier Volleyball League On Tour Showdown campaign with a convincing 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19 victory over Nxled on Wednesday at the Capital Arena.

     

    Creamline entered the tournament without several of their biggest names. Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Bea De Leon, and Pangs Panaga were all unavailable, while veteran setter Jia De Guzman remained on national team duty with Alas Pilipinas. 

     

    Yet the depleted roster showed little sign of slowing down, relying on contributions from both veterans and fresh faces to secure the opening-day win.

     

    Lorie Bernardo also provided steady support with 13 points, while newcomer Ishie Lalongisip wasted no time making an impact in her first outing for the Cool Smashers after transferring from Cignal, finishing with nine points.

     

    Creamline’s offense also flowed smoothly under the direction of Kyle Negrito, who produced 16 excellent sets. On the defensive end, Denden Revilla anchored the serve reception with 16 excellent receptions, while Ella De Jesus contributed nine excellent digs to help neutralize Nxled’s attacks.

     

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    The victory also came with P100,000 in prize money for Creamline, while Nxled received P50,000 as runner-up.

     

    “Siyempre, masaya ako kasi nag-perform nang maganda ‘yung team namin. Kahit ‘yung mga seniors namin ‘di nakalaro, ‘yun naman ‘yung maka-experience sila ng ganitong laro. Magandang laro. So masaya,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

     

    Despite falling short, Nxled showed resilience after extending the match to four sets by claiming the third frame.

     

    Middle blocker MJ Phillips paced the Chameleons with 13 points, while EJ Laure chipped in 12 markers. Rookie Irah Jaboneta and veteran Jonah Sabete-Escamillan also reached double figures with 11 points apiece.

     

    Another notable storyline was the appearance of former Cignal standouts in new uniforms. Lalongisip suited up for Creamline, while Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuna, and Erin Pangilinan now represented Nxled, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the season-opening encounter.

     

    Cayuna, who was invited to the Alas Pilipinas pool but reportedly begged off, handled playmaking duties for the Chameleons and finished with 22 excellent sets.

     

    Creamline returns to action on August 8 against a revamped Capital1 squad in Santiago, Isabela, looking to build on a strong opening performance led by Gumabao. Nxled, meanwhile, will seek its first win when it takes on the Solar Spikers on July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 

     

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  • NLEX strengthens backcourt with Evan Nelle acquisition ahead of PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    NLEX strengthens backcourt with Evan Nelle acquisition ahead of PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    The NLEX Road Warriors have made a statement ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, adding veteran guard Evan Nelle to strengthen a backcourt that will now be steered under new head coach Jimmy Alapag.


    The Road Warriors officially welcomed the former Phoenix Fuel Masters playmaker on Tuesday, completing a roster move that saw forward Sidney Onwubere leave the franchise after spending nearly a year with the team.

     

    “Welcome to NLEX, Evan Nelle! A floor general who thrives under pressure, sees every play before it unfolds, and keeps the offense rolling, you’re built for the road ahead. The journey starts now and we’re coming full speed. Let’s own the road,” the team announced on their Facebook page.

     

    Nelle arrives in NLEX after a brief stint with the Fuel Masters, where he emerged as one of the team’s primary facilitators during the Commissioner’s Cup. 

     

    He averaged 8.08 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, helping Phoenix secure a quarterfinal berth before the Fuel Masters bowed to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.

     

    His arrival gives Alapag another experienced ballhandler capable of orchestrating the offense while providing stability in the backcourt. 

     

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    Nelle is expected to join a guard rotation that already features Robert Bolick, Schonny Winston, Kevin Alas, and LJay Gonzales, giving the Road Warriors added depth entering the new conference.

     

    The move also reunites Nelle with Bolick, his former teammate at San Beda University. The pair last shared the floor during NCAA Season 94, where they formed one of the league’s most dependable backcourt tandems before embarking on their respective professional careers.

     

    Nelle began his PBA career with NorthPort Batang Pier after being selected in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft. He was later traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters, where he established himself as a reliable playmaker before earning another move to the Road Warriors, marking the third stop of his young professional career. 

     

    While NLEX focused on reinforcing its lineup, the club also confirmed the departure of Onwubere, who had been with the Road Warriors since November 2025. The roster adjustment signals the team’s intent to reshape its rotation as it looks to improve on its previous conference finish.

     

    Both NLEX and Phoenix enter the Governors’ Cup seeking redemption after their respective quarterfinal exits in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Road Warriors begin their campaign against the Macau Black Knights on Friday, July 10, while the Fuel Masters open their schedule a day later against Magnolia.

     

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  • Jhodie Peralta, Kirby Ken Alas-as deliver three silvers as PH keeps rolling at World Youth Championships 

    Jhodie Peralta, Kirby Ken Alas-as deliver three silvers as PH keeps rolling at World Youth Championships 

    The Philippines kept its medal-winning momentum rolling at the IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships after Jhodie Peralta and Kirby Ken Alas-as combined for three silver medals, adding another successful chapter to the country’s campaign on Tuesday.


    Fresh off a record-breaking opening day, the Filipino weightlifting team once again found itself on the podium as Peralta collected two silver medals in the women’s 53-kilogram event, while Alas-as chipped in another runner-up finish in the men’s 60-kilogram division.

     

    Peralta opened her campaign with an 85-kilogram lift in the snatch to secure the silver medal before finishing with a total lift of 188 kilograms to claim another silver in the overall standings.

     

     the Asian Youth Games medalist was on course for a third medal but fell just short in the clean and jerk competition. Her successful 103-kilogram second attempt was enough for fourth place, leaving her just outside the podium in the discipline.

     

    Alas-as also turned in a solid performance for the national team, earning the silver medal in the men’s 60-kilogram snatch after lifting 113 kilograms.

     

    He remained in contention throughout the competition, placing fifth in the clean and jerk with a lift of 135 kilograms before ending fourth overall with a combined total of 248 kilograms.

     

    The Filipino nearly added another medal to his collection but missed the overall podium by a single kilogram, finishing just behind eventual silver medalist Atabek Azamatov of Turkmenistan and bronze medalist Evgenii Butuzov of Russia.

     

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    Despite narrowly missing additional podium finishes, both Peralta and Alas-as delivered valuable medals that strengthened the Philippines’ standing in one of the world’s premier youth weightlifting competitions.

     

     Their performances continued to showcase the depth of the country’s next generation of lifters, who have consistently challenged for medals across multiple weight classes.

     

    The latest results also underscored the consistency of the Philippine squad after its dominant opening-day showing. 

     

    The Philippine campaign is far from over, with Rhianne Cabalida still set to compete in the women’s 69-kilogram division and Jea Mae Palagtiw scheduled to see action in the women’s 77-kilogram class as the national team looks to add more hardware before the championships conclude.

     

    With Peralta’s two silver medals and Alas-as’ runner-up finish, the Philippines improved its overall tally to four gold, three silver, and one bronze medal. 

     

    The medal haul comes on the heels of the record-breaking performances by Alexsandra Diaz, Althea Bacaro, and Jay-R Colonia, who powered the country’s golden start to the tournament.

     

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  • Four foreign teams set to test PH volleyball talent in 2026 Shakey’s Super League Invitationals

    Four foreign teams set to test PH volleyball talent in 2026 Shakey’s Super League Invitationals

    The Philippines is set to become a meeting point for rising volleyball talents from different countries as the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals expands its reach beyond local competition, bringing in international teams to challenge the country’s young players.


    ACES president Dr. Ian Laurel revealed during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex that four foreign teams are expected to participate in this year’s preseason tournament, marking a significant step in SSL’s push to create a stronger global exposure for Filipino volleyball.

     

    The international lineup will feature representatives from the United States, Guam, Australia, and Vietnam, allowing local players to measure their development against athletes trained in different volleyball systems.

     

    “This year is very different, it’s very special. It is something that we aligned with the push of the good chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, chair Pato Gregorio, regarding sports tourism. This time, we have foreign teams coming to compete with our local teams,” said Laurel.

     

    The juniors’ division will welcome California-based Perfect Set Dream Makers and Guam’s Pacific Volleyball Academy, two visiting squads that will go up against local programs University of Santo Tomas, Pusong Azul, St. John’s University, Arellano University, and One La Salle.

     

    One La Salle will feature varsity players from De La Salle Zobel, Green Hills, and Dasmarinas, adding another layer of competition among some of the country’s promising young volleyball talents.

     

    The junior tournament is scheduled from July 11 to 18 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

     

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    Meanwhile, the collegiate division will bring a more international flavor to the competition with Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club and Australia’s Southern Storm Melbourne joining local teams Enderun Colleges, UST, Letran College, and College of Saint Benilde.

     

    The collegiate matches are set from July 19 to 26 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

    Beyond the competition itself, Laurel sees the foreign participation as an opportunity to create pathways for athletes who dream of playing at a higher level. 

     

    Visiting players are also expected to use the tournament as a platform to showcase their skills in hopes of securing recruitment opportunities and athletic scholarships from Philippine universities.

     

    “Another motivation for these teams is that they know how popular volleyball is here,” Laurel said.

     

    The growing popularity of volleyball in the country has made the Philippines an attractive destination for international players looking for competitive opportunities and exposure.

     

    Aside from the matches, SSL organizers are incorporating tourism activities into the program to give visiting teams and their families a chance to experience the country outside the volleyball court.

     

    “This is where the sports tourism aspect becomes more meaningful,” said Laurel.

     

    Helping highlight the country’s attractions will be ACES executive Allen Reyes, who has been tasked with organizing tours for the visiting players and their families around various tourist destinations in Metro Manila.

     

    Arellano University coach Obet Javier, Ateneo de Manila University coach Watta Macalanggan, and ACES executives Ginio Panganiban and Allen Reyes also made an appearance at the PSA Forum.

     

    With international squads joining the field, the 2026 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals will serve not only as a test of Filipino volleyball talent but also as a stage where competition, recruitment opportunities, and sports tourism come together.

     

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  • Mark Ashley Fajardo leads Philippine charge into Asian U23 Boxing quarterfinals  

    Mark Ashley Fajardo leads Philippine charge into Asian U23 Boxing quarterfinals  

    The Philippines remains in contention at the Asian U19 and U23 Boxing Championships after Mark Ashley Fajardo delivered the country’s lone victory in the latest round of action, booking a place in the U23 men’s welterweight (65kg) quarterfinals in Jakarta, Indonesia.


    With 329 boxers from 20 National Federations composed of 189 men and 140 women competing in one of Asia’s biggest youth boxing events, every victory has become crucial as nations battle for continental honors and valuable international experience.

     

    Fajardo wasted little time asserting himself against hometown fighter Putra Laskar. 

    The Filipino overwhelmed the Indonesian, forcing a referee-stopped contest at the 2:27 mark of the opening round to secure his place in the last eight.

     

    The emphatic win sets up a sterner challenge for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist, who will face Uzbekistan’s Ilkhomjon Ergashev in the quarterfinals. 

     

    Ergashev advanced after Qatar’s Faisal Mohamed Al-Naimi was forced to abandon their bout at the 2:37 mark of the first round.

     

    While Fajardo moved forward, the rest of the Philippine contingent encountered stiff resistance against some of Asia’s top young talents.

     

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    Eljay Pamisa bowed out in the U23 men’s bantamweight (55kg) division after dropping a unanimous 5-0 decision to Uzbekistan’s Faryozbek Dustmatov. 

     

    John Steven Demaisip also saw his campaign end, falling to Thailand’s Thanaphansakon Kalaseeram in a split 4-0 decision in the men’s lightweight (60kg).

     

    In the U19 competition, Wyndel Caytuna absorbed a unanimous 5-0 loss to Tajikistan’s Sharifkhon Nuraliev in the men’s lightweight (60kg), leaving Fajardo’s breakthrough as the biggest highlight for Team Philippines in the latest session.

     

    The Philippine campaign, however, is far from over. Still scheduled to compete in the U23 division are Xian Baguhin in the women’s flyweight (51kg) and Clark Vicera in the men’s flyweight (50kg).

     

    In the U19 tournament, the country will also be represented by Ephraim John Baruis (men’s bantamweight, 55kg), Shairylle Pores (women’s light flyweight, 45-48kg), Jake Radley Fitch (men’s super heavyweight, over 90kg), and Ermalie Caballero (women’s flyweight, 51kg).

     

    The championships, which run until July 16 in Jakarta, continue to showcase the continent’s next generation of Olympic-style boxing talents, with the Philippines hoping Fajardo’s momentum can spark a deeper run for the national team.

     

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  • Coach Nite Alparas credits preparation, chemistry for eGilas Pilipinas’ historic eFIBA World Title 

    Coach Nite Alparas credits preparation, chemistry for eGilas Pilipinas’ historic eFIBA World Title 

    For eGilas Pilipinas, the historic gold medal at the eFIBA Season 4 Qatar World Finals was never just about winning a tournament.


    It was about proving that the Philippines could compete, and build a lasting presence on the global NBA 2K stage.

     

    Head coach Nite Alparas said the team entered the competition with one mission in mind—not simply to claim a championship, but to bring home a victory that Filipinos could celebrate.

     

    “Ang unang pumapasok sa isip ko is magcha-champion yung Pilipinas and parang para sa bayan talaga lahat ng iniisip namin,” Alparas said.

     

    That mindset carried eGilas throughout the Finals, where they defeated Turkiye in the best-of-three championship series on Sunday to capture the country’s first-ever gold medal in the world stage of NBA 2K.

     

    But behind the historic achievement was a different approach from previous campaigns.

    For Alparas, the biggest factor that separated this championship-winning squad from past teams was not talent—it was preparation.

     

    The team committed more time to building chemistry, reviewing opponents, and sharpening their strategy through extended training and film study.

     

    “Mas nagbigay kami ng time na magkasama yung isa’t isa. Nagkaroon kami ng bootcamp na mas matagal at mas mahabang preparations yung ginawa namin. Nag-review kami ng iba’t ibang films ng teams. Feeling ko yun lang din talaga yung nagpalakas ng team—yung chemistry,” he said. 

     

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    That preparation became the foundation of eGilas’ title run, allowing the team to overcome the pressure of playing on the international stage and deliver a championship performance.

     

    However, Alparas believes the victory is only the beginning. Beyond the gold medal, he hopes the achievement can help push the Philippine NBA 2K community to greater heights and inspire more players to take part in the growing esports scene.

     

    “Pag dating sa pressure, I don’t think mas tataas pero feeling ko mas mae-evolve namin yung 2K community sa Philippines. And hopefully mas lalo tayong lumakas sa Asia and mas marami pang countries na makuha sa Asia,” Alparas said. 

     

    The impact of the championship was already evident even before the team returned home.

    During their stay in Qatar, eGilas experienced the support of Filipino fans who showed pride in their historic accomplishment.

     

    “Sa Qatar, nagulat din kami na ang daming Pinoy na nagpapa-picture sa amin, sumusuporta,” he recalled. After namin mag champion, nakita namin sa social media na parang kahit saan lumalabas na yung eGilas,” he said. 

     

    The championship team, composed of Miguel “MiguelCarlo” Hubillar, Chris “Vio” Briones, Kenneth “Clue-” Gutierrez, Joshua “JMACC” Machado, and Prich “DonP” Diez, now carries the distinction of being the first Filipino squad to win an NBA 2K world title.

     

    Turkiye settled for second place, while France completed the podium with a third-place finish.

     

    Following their historic triumph in Qatar, eGilas Pilipinas returned home to Pasay City, bringing with them not only a gold medal but also a new level of recognition for Philippine esports.

     

    For Alparas and his players, the championship was a milestone—but the bigger mission is continuing to grow the game and establish the Philippines as a force in global NBA 2K competition.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield keeps eyes on Blackwater’s reset amid trade speculation 

    Sedrick Barefield keeps eyes on Blackwater’s reset amid trade speculation 

    For Sedrick Barefield, the start of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup represents more than another conference—it is another opportunity to help Blackwater move forward after a disappointing finish, regardless of the offseason speculation surrounding his future.


    While his name has surfaced in trade discussions over the past few months, the Fil-Am guard has made it clear that his attention remains on the only thing he can influence: preparing the Bossing for a fresh campaign.

     

    “I’m pretty locked in. There’s a lot of rumors and a lot of things going around, and I’m just trying to stay focused on what I can control, which is going on the court and being there for my teammates,” Barefield said.

     

    The trade chatter has persisted throughout the offseason, with Barfield’s agent previously revealing that several PBA teams have expressed interest in acquiring the high-scoring guard. 

     

    Despite the interest, no deal has materialized. Barefield remains with the Bossing after signing a contract extension that allows Blackwater to retain his rights while evaluating possible trade scenarios.

     

    As long as he stays in Blackwater, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick is expected to remain a key piece of the team’s offense after a breakout Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

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    The Fil-Am guard averaged 21.1 points while also contributing 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

     

    His individual production, however, wasn’t enough to lift Blackwater into contention.

     

    The Bossing finished with a 2-10 record, missing the playoffs for the ninth straight conference, leaving the franchise still searching for a turnaround after another difficult campaign.

     

    Now, Blackwater hopes the arrival of a new import can help change its fortunes as the team brought in Kentrell Barkley, who impressed during his stint with Kesatria Bengawan Solo in the Indonesian Basketball League, to reinforce the roster heading into the Governors’ Cup.

    Barefield has liked what he has seen during their early time together.

     

    “He’s easy to play with. He likes to play the right way and the smart way. He can score the ball and rebound. He’s multi-dimensional, so he’s been phenomenal so far.”

     

    As Blackwater prepares for its season opener against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday, July 11, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, Barefield’s focus remains unchanged. 

     

    Trade rumors may continue to circulate, but the guard is placing his energy on helping the Bossing translate individual talent into the team success that has long eluded the franchise.

     

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  • FIFA World Cup preview: Argentina puts unbeaten World Cup run on the line as Switzerland, Colombia clash in Round of 16 

    FIFA World Cup preview: Argentina puts unbeaten World Cup run on the line as Switzerland, Colombia clash in Round of 16 

    The race for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals continues with two intriguing Round of 16 matchups on Tuesday, as defending champion Argentina takes on Egypt, while Switzerland and Colombia battle in a clash between two well-organized sides looking to extend their tournament runs.

     

    Argentina vs. Egypt 

     

    12:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Defending champion Argentina heads into the Round of 16 carrying both momentum and an unbeaten record, since the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Argentina defeated Cape Verde, 3-2 after extra time, in the Round of 32 after topping Group J to secure a favorable path in the knockout stage. Lionel Scaloni’s side has once again leaned on its attacking firepower, but its last outing also exposed defensive lapses that Egypt will look to exploit.

     

    Moreover, much of Argentina’s success has revolved around captain Lionel Messi, who continues to deliver on the biggest stage. Messi has already scored seven goals in four World Cup appearances this tournament 

     

    Egypt, meanwhile, continues to embrace its underdog role after eliminating Australia via a 4-2 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. The Pharaohs advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in Group G as one of the tournament’s best second-placed teams and have shown resilience in every match they’ve played.

     

    Key player: 

    Lionel Messi (Argentina)

     

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    Switzerland vs. Colombia 

     

    4:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Switzerland and Colombia square off in what promises to be one of the most evenly contested Round of 16 fixtures.

     

    The Swiss advanced after a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria in the Round of 32, continuing the defensive consistency that helped them finish second in Group B. Switzerland has relied on its organized backline and efficient attack to quietly emerge as one of the tournament’s dark horses.

     

    Colombia also heads into the match in impressive form after edging Ghana, 1-0, in the previous round. Los Cafeteros topped Group K and have been among the tournament’s stingiest defensive teams, conceding just once through their opening four matches while consistently finding ways to grind out results.


    Key player: Daniel Munoz (Colombia)

     

    Both winners will move one step closer to World Cup glory as the knockout stage intensifies. Argentina looks to continue its title defense, while Egypt aims for another upset. While Switzerland and Colombia will each seek to turn their disciplined performances into a coveted quarterfinal berth. 

     

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  • EJ Obiena breaks 5.80m barrier with season-best leap in Greece 

    EJ Obiena breaks 5.80m barrier with season-best leap in Greece 

    EJ Obiena may have finished just outside the podium at the Fly Athens tournament, but his latest performance could prove to be more significant than another podium finish.


    The Filipino pole vault ace finally broke through the 5.80-meter barrier this season, clearing a season-best 5.81 meters at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Greece to signal that his climb back among the world’s elite is gaining momentum.

     

    Fresh off consecutive gold-medal performances in Poland and Austria, Obiena improved on his previous season-best of 5.78 meters, which he recorded at the ISTAF Indoor meet in Berlin earlier this year. The mark also represented his first clearance above 5.80 meters since last September.

     

    Although the jump was enough to put him in a five-way tie at 5.81 meters, the countback rule ultimately relegated Obiena to fourth place.

     

    The World No. 14 finished level with Emmanouil Karalis, Dutch vaulter Menno Vloon, Turkey’s Ersu Sasma, and France’s Baptiste Thiery. Karalis, the 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medalist, claimed third place on countback, leaving the Filipino just short of another international podium.

     

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    Despite narrowly missing a medal, Obiena welcomed the milestone after weeks of chasing the elusive height.

     

    “I have not seen you 5.80m bar in awhile. I have missed you. Step in the right direction and onto the next,” Obiena wrote in a social media post.

     

    The competition was won by Christopher Nilsen of the United States, who cleared 5.91 meters to secure the title on countback over France’s Thibaut Collet, who also matched the winning height.

     

    Obiena entered Athens carrying strong form after capturing back-to-back outdoor titles. He first won in Poland with a 5.72-meter clearance before topping the Raiffeisen Austrian Open with 5.75 meters, adding another gold medal to his growing collection this season.

     

    His latest result also serves as another encouraging sign after two injury-plagued years that slowed the momentum of the former World No. 2 and Asian record holder, who owns a personal best of 6.00 meters.

     

    The 5.81-meter clearance suggests Obiena is gradually rediscovering the consistency that once made him one of the world’s premier pole vaulters, with bigger competitions still ahead on the international calendar.

     

    His upward trajectory could continue sooner rather than later, as Obiena is scheduled to compete next at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Budapest, Hungary on July 14. The Filipino Olympian also shared that he will continue training in Athens under new coach Marcin Szczepanski, expressing confidence that his performances are moving in the right direction as he builds toward the remainder of the season.

     

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