Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Clarence Villaflor leads Philippine charge into Round of 16 at Philippine International Challenger 

    Clarence Villaflor leads Philippine charge into Round of 16 at Philippine International Challenger 

    Clarence Villaflor kept the Philippines in contention in the men’s singles competition after turning in a composed straight-sets victory over India’s Harsheel Dani, 21-16, 21-12, on Wednesday in the Philippine International Challenger at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.


    The Philippine International Challenge is part of the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) International Challenge series, where players compete for crucial world ranking points and prize money. 

     

    Held from July 28 to August 2 at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong, the tournament features a strong international field with participants from over 28 countries, highlighting its status as one of the Philippines’ biggest badminton events.

     

    With several Filipino entries facing a tough field, Villaflor emerged as the country’s lone survivor in the men’s singles draw after needing just 32 minutes to dispatch Dani and secure a place in the Round of 16 of the tournament.

     

    The world No. 122 immediately imposed his pace from the opening exchanges, using his quickness around the court to offset Dani’s height advantage and take command of the first game.

     

    Dani attempted to stay within striking distance in the second game, but Villaflor consistently controlled the longer rallies and denied the Indian any momentum before closing out the match in convincing fashion.

     

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    “Sobrang happy po na nakalagpas ako sa Round of 64 at Round of 32. Happy naman sa performance kasi nagawa ko yung play ko at nabuhos ko naman lahat. Ginawa ko talaga ‘yung best ko, kaya ayun, nanalo,” the world No. 122 said.

     

    Villaflor now shifts his attention to Thailand’s Tanawat Yimjit in the Round of 16, with a quarterfinal berth at stake. 

     

    Yimjit advanced after Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo was forced to retire just minutes into their Round of 32 encounter due to injury.

     

    While Villaflor extended the Philippines’ campaign in men’s singles, the country’s other representatives bowed out of the event as the three-time national champion Jelo Albo fell to ninth-seeded Siddhanth Gupta of India, 21-11, 21-19, as Gupta became one of six Indian players to reach the Round of 16.

     

    The Philippines also exited the women’s singles competition after Mika De Guzman and Christel Fuentespina suffered straight-set defeats against Thai opponents. 

     

    Sarunrak Vitidsarn defeated De Guzman, 21-11, 21-17, while top seed Tidaporn Kleebyeesun eliminated Fuentespina, 21-17, 21-13.

     

    In mixed doubles, however, the home team found another bright spot as Christian Bernardo and Lea Inlayo produced a dominant 21-10, 21-9 victory over New Zealand’s Dylan Soedjasa and Justine Villegas to advance to the Round of 16, giving the Philippines two remaining entries still in contention as the tournament progresses.

     

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  • Team Falcons PH completes redemption, eliminates Team Vitality to reach MSC semifinals 

    Team Falcons PH completes redemption, eliminates Team Vitality to reach MSC semifinals 

    That opportunity arrived for Team Falcons PH on Wednesday in Paris, and the lone remaining Philippine representative made sure history would not repeat itself, knocking out Team Vitality with a convincing 3-1 victory in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid-Season Cup (MSC) quarterfinals.


    Just days after Vitality sent them to the lower bracket during the group stage, Team Falcons returned with sharper execution, better composure, and timely hero picks to finally settle the score and keep the country’s championship hopes alive.

     

    Veteran midlaner Salic “Hadji” Imam dictated the pace early, showcasing his trademark Selena in the opening two games to help Team Falcons seize control of the series. 

     

    But Team Vitality refused to fold, riding Dylont “Shogun” Huraihira’s disruptive Barats and Filipino import Eman “EMANN” Sangco’s Paquito to steal Game 2 and even the series at one game apiece.

     

    Game 3 became the turning point as Shogun’s Barats once again wreaked havoc, pulling off a Flicker-Detona’s Welcome combo that caught Team Falcons jungler Michael “Kyle” Sayson on his Fanny in the 11th minute. Instead of unraveling, Falcons responded with discipline. 

     

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    Kyle secured a crucial Lord objective before Hadji’s perfectly timed Feathered Air Strike on Pharsa eliminated Marcel “Moreno” Sinulingga’s Eudora and EMANN’s Claude, allowing Team Falcons to march straight to the enemy base and grab a 2-1 series lead.

     

    With match point on the line, Team Falcons surprised everyone in Game 4 by handing Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano the Hanabi pick. 

     

    The gamble appeared risky after he struggled through the laning phase, but the gold laner flipped the narrative when it mattered most. 

     

    Super Marco ignited the first Lord fight with a three-hero wipeout before delivering a decisive late double kill that opened the path for the game-ending push.

     

    Kyle emerged as the Star of the Day after stuffing the stat sheet with 16 kills, a 4.14 KDA, and an impressive 54.41 percent Kill Participation, providing the steady presence Team Falcons needed throughout the series.

     

    More importantly, the victory erased the sting of their earlier defeat to Team Vitality. After surviving the lower bracket, Team Falcons completed its redemption arc by eliminating the same squad that had previously knocked them down, extending the Philippines’ hopes of another international MLBB title.

     

    The victory also booked Team Falcons PH a semifinal showdown against Myanmar’s Yangon Galacticos, who advanced after defeating Cambodia’s PRO Esports in the other quarterfinal. 

     

    The MSC 2026 knockout stage features a single-elimination format, with the semifinals scheduled for July 31 before the grand final on August 1 in Paris.

     

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  • Kobey Lam delivers winning plays as Macau stuns Terrafirma for second straight victory

    Kobey Lam delivers winning plays as Macau stuns Terrafirma for second straight victory

    half chasing Terrafirma, Macau delivered another performance on Wednesday night, overcoming an 11-point deficit before holding its nerve in the closing seconds to escape with a 96-92 victory in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    The win marked the Giant Pandas’ second straight triumph, lifting them to a 2-4 record in Group A and providing another confidence boost after a difficult start to the conference.

     

    Macau looked headed for another frustrating night after trailing 54-43 at halftime, but the complexion of the game completely shifted in the third quarter. 

     

    Powered by the inside-out scoring of import De’Vondre Perry and the hot shooting of Damian Chongqui, the Giant Pandas unleashed a 29-14 scoring barrage to erase the deficit and grab a 72-68 advantage entering the final period.

     

    Import Justin Strings continued to anchor the Dyip offense, while Juami Tiongson and Maverick Ahanmisi delivered timely baskets to keep the game within reach. Strings eventually put Terrafirma back in front, 92-90, after converting a hook shot with less than two minutes remaining.

     

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    Perry quickly responded, knocking down a running jumper with 44.6 seconds left to even the score at 92-all and set the stage for Macau’s defining sequence.

     

    The Giant Pandas forced a crucial turnover, opening the floor for Kobey Lam, who finished a fastbreak layup while drawing a foul. 

     

    Although Lam was unable to complete the three-point play, he chased down his own missed free throw to extend Macau’s possession before Chongqui calmly buried two free throws that sealed the four-point victory.

     

    Perry once again powered the Giant Pandas with a dominant double-double of 34 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists. 

     

    Chongqui delivered one of his best performances of the conference, earning Player of the Game honors after finishing with 29 points, three assists, and three steals, while Lam contributed 12 points, including the game’s biggest basket.

     

    The victory carried even more significance considering both Perry and Chongqui battled through injuries. Perry has been nursing a shoulder issue, while Chongqui has been dealing with a thigh injury, making Macau’s gritty performance even more impressive.

     

    “I just appreciate them for being tough-minded, gritty, and helping us get that win,” Macau coach Marcus Elliott said.

     

    With consecutive victories finally providing momentum, the Giant Pandas now turn their attention to Tuesday, August 4, when they take on Titan Ultra at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, hoping to extend their winning streak and continue climbing the Group A standings.

     

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  • Jelo Albo survives Malaysia test as Filipino shuttlers make strong start at Philippine International Challenge 

    Jelo Albo survives Malaysia test as Filipino shuttlers make strong start at Philippine International Challenge 

    Jelo Albo showed why he remains one of the Philippines’ top badminton players, overcoming a determined challenge from Malaysia’s Samuel Lee to lead the country’s charge in the inaugural Philippine International Challenge presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.


    The reigning three-time national men’s singles champion booked his spot in the Round of 32 after grinding out a 21-18, 21-18 victory in the Round of 64 on Tuesday, July 28, at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

     

    The incoming fifth-year University of the Philippines standout wasted no time imposing his attacking style, using his trademark smashes to take control of the opening game. Despite Lee’s late push, Albo stayed composed to secure the first-set advantage.

     

    The Malaysian challenger made things more difficult in the second game, building an 11-9 lead at the interval and forcing Albo into longer rallies. But the Filipino adjusted by using his reach and court coverage to dictate the exchanges, eventually closing out the match in 49 minutes.

     

    “Sa totoo lang, happy pa rin ako kasi kahit papaano, naitawid ‘yung panalo. Masaya pa rin naman sa performance kahit mahirap siyang laruin,” said Albo.

     

    With momentum on his side, Albo will next face the winner between ninth-seeded India’s Siddhanth Gupta and the United States’ Rylan Tan as he continues his pursuit of a Round of 16 berth.

     

    While Albo advanced, the men’s singles bracket already produced major surprises, with two highly seeded players falling earlier than expected.

     

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    Indonesia’s Muhamad Rizky Akbar delivered the biggest upset of the day, eliminating top seed and world No. 105 Dmitriy Panarin of Kazakhstan in dominant fashion. Akbar needed only 31 minutes to complete the victory, 21-15, 21-6.

     

    Third-seeded Indonesian Christian Adinata also suffered an early exit after Malaysia’s Wei Xiang Kong pulled off another upset, winning 21-17, 21-10.

     

    The Philippines also gained progress in the women’s singles competition as 17-year-old Christel Rei Fuentespina battled back from a first-game setback to defeat Malaysia’s Carine Tee, 19-21, 21-15, 21-7.

     

    Fuentespina joins four-time national champion Mika De Guzman in the Round of 32. The young Filipino will face top seed Tidaporn Kleebyeesun of Thailand, while De Guzman is set for another matchup against Thai opponent Sarunrak Vitidsran.

     

    The country also advanced in mixed doubles, with Christian Bernardo and Lea Inlayo securing a Round of 32 spot after defeating Malaysia’s Isyraf Hafizin and Lee Jonne, 21-12, 22-20. Julius Villabrille and Andrea Princess Hernandez also moved forward after sweeping Jan Mark Sotea and Patricia Barredo, 21-16, 21-9.

     

    Backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Smart, PLDT, Yonex, Sunrise, Maynilad, Cignal, MWell, Jollibee, Milksha, and Telescoop, the Philippine International Challenge is providing a major platform for Filipino players to test themselves against international competition.

     

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  • Young Filipino jins chase international success as PH taekwondo team heads to Indonesia Open 

    Young Filipino jins chase international success as PH taekwondo team heads to Indonesia Open 

    Fresh from a breakthrough performance in South Korea, the Philippine taekwondo team is turning its attention to another international test with a bigger goal in mind: developing the next generation of Filipino fighters for the global stage.


    The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will send its up-and-coming athletes to the 2026 Asian Taekwondo Indonesia Open Championships scheduled from Aug. 1 to 5 in Jakarta, Indonesia.


    The tournament will feature 30 participating countries, including powerhouse nations such as Korea, Iran, Jordan, Chinese Taipei, China, Cambodia, and Iraq.


    PTA Grandmaster Sung-Chon Hong believes the members of the SMART/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo team are ready to take on the challenge after gaining valuable experience from recent international competitions.


    Hong remains encouraged by the team’s strong showing at the 7th Kimunyong Cup in Seoul, where Filipino athletes captured nine medals, including four golds. The performance provided confidence that the country’s young fighters can compete against some of Asia’s best.


    Leading the Philippine delegation are Ethan Jervey Dayne Chavez (-58kg), Kurt Mykel Curata (-58kg), Felicity Jana Castel (-49kg), Rhiyanne Agatha Shay Cadilena (-57kg), and Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape in poomsae.


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    The men’s kyorugi squad, coached by former national standout Roberto Cruz and Christian Al Dela Cruz, will also feature VonGabriel Polo Barbosa (-54kg), Tor Timothy Castillo (-63kg), Sturdy Jay Gilbuena (-68kg), Cyvir Junio (-74kg), and Marcus Neil Delos Santos (-80kg).


    The women’s lineup includes Caitlin Julia Carlos (-46kg), Sharifa Vianca Dela Cruz (-53kg), Jizyl Javier (-67kg), Mary Heart Capulong (-73kg), and Ashley Rose Reniedo (over 73kg).


    Beyond the main competitors, several young athletes are also being monitored as potential future international representatives. John Daniel Navarro, Jay-R Casas, Jesseray Lucas Frantilla, Nathanael Managbanag, Liam Jethro Jimenez, Dane Shaun Enjealo Subaste, Carl Johnsen Ong, Paul Anthony Rodriguez, and Kemp Prochina are among the other names expected to contribute to the men’s program.


    The women’s development pool also features Aesha Kiara Oglayon, Glaiza Mae Cabural, Julianna Martha Uy, Casey De Leon, Elizabeth Marie Borres, Heza Allyson Serapio, Stella Nicole Yape, Emie Fernandez, and Juliana Mykhail Candelaria.


    For Hong, the Indonesia Open is not only about chasing medals but also about preparing athletes who could represent the Philippines in future major competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.


    The PTA has continued to emphasize athlete development through international exposure and competitive opportunities, with the federation recognized as the country’s governing body for taekwondo and working alongside international organizations such as World Taekwondo.


    With a combination of experienced coaches and emerging fighters, the Philippine team enters Jakarta with confidence, aiming to prove that the country’s next generation of taekwondo athletes is ready to step onto the international stage.


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  • Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac’s adjustment period with the Phoenix Fuel Masters may still be ongoing, but his latest performance showed why the team remains confident that a bigger role is waiting for him.


    After struggling to find consistency following his trade from Rain or Shine, Mamuyac delivered his most productive outing in a Phoenix uniform, scoring 18 points and adding two rebounds in the Fuel Masters’ 102-92 victory over the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The breakout performance arrived at a crucial moment for both player and team. Through his first three games with Phoenix, Mamuyac averaged only 8.7 points, but his aggressive showing against Blackwater provided a glimpse of the offensive spark the Fuel Masters hoped to unlock when they acquired him.

     

    Still, Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu knows that one strong performance does not erase the challenges of adapting to a new system.

     

    “Kulang pa (sa adjustment sa team), but we just have practice time with him before the game and I think that mattered a bit. He still has to figure things out and I’m also trying to figure him out in terms of rotation changing game by game,” Tiu admitted.

     

    While Mamuyac continues learning Phoenix’s system, his impact is already becoming noticeable. 

    In just his fourth Governors’ Cup appearance, the former Rain or Shine forward has raised his averages to 12.00 points and 6.00 rebounds per game, showing his ability to contribute beyond scoring.

     

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    His emergence also adds another weapon to a Phoenix squad that has built momentum through balanced production. Jason Perkins remained the team’s offensive leader against Blackwater, exploding for 25 points while adding six rebounds and one assist to help secure the victory.

     

    The win further highlighted Phoenix’s unexpected climb in Group B. The Fuel Masters improved to a 4-1 record, placing them on top of the standings and establishing themselves as one of the conference’s early surprises.

     

    Phoenix’s recent success has also reflected the team’s emphasis on developing a competitive young core while maximizing the contributions of established players. In previous PBA campaigns, the Fuel Masters have relied on strong performances from players such as Perkins and emerging talents to build their identity as a resilient squad capable of competing with deeper teams.

     

    For Mamuyac and his squad, the next challenge is turning a breakthrough night into sustained production. With Phoenix aiming to maintain its position at the top of Group B, every game becomes another opportunity for him to grow more comfortable in his new environment.

     

    The Fuel Masters will face Blackwater again on August 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving Mamuyac another chance to prove that his latest performance was not just a one-game surge but the start of a bigger contribution to Phoenix’s campaign.

     

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  • Jack Animam leads Gilas Women charge in FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament bid 

    Jack Animam leads Gilas Women charge in FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament bid 

    Gilas Pilipinas Women have assembled a 17-player training pool that blends proven veterans with promising newcomers as the national team prepares for the FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Mexico.


    Leading the group is veteran center Jack Animam, who returns to the national team after last suiting up for the Philippines in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. 


    The experienced big woman is expected to anchor a frontline that also features 6-foot Kacey Dela Rosa and 6-foot-2 Tiffany Reyes.


    Dela Rosa rejoins the 5-on-5 national program after spending the past several months competing in the 3×3 circuit, while the 15-year-old Reyes earns her first opportunity to train with the senior national team, giving the coaching staff another young prospect to develop for the future.


    The backcourt will also receive a boost from Vanessa De Jesus, who was recently signed by WKBL club Busan BNK and has been designated as the Philippines’ restricted player.


    Also returning to the national team setup are veterans Afril Bernardino, Jhazmin Joson, Louna Ozar, Kent Pastrana, Janine Pontejos, Angel Surada, Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Monique Del Carmen, providing the squad with a solid core of international experience.


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    Three players will be looking to make strong first impressions after earning spots in the national team pool. 


    Camille Malagar, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Jaz Salon join the program for the first time, with Salon bringing overseas experience as a 5-foot-3 Fil-Australian point guard currently playing for Colorado State University Pueblo.


    Completing the training pool is another rising talent in Sophia Dignadice, whose inclusion further reflects Gilas Women’s commitment to building a roster capable of competing both now and in the years ahead.


    The Philippines faces a daunting challenge in the FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will be held from August 17 to 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico. 


    Drawn into Group B, Gilas Women will take on host nation Mexico, Canada, and Senegal in the opening phase of the competition.


    Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the crossover semifinals, while the tournament champion will earn the lone berth to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament—the next crucial step toward securing a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.


    For Gilas Women, the tournament represents more than just another international campaign. It is an early opportunity to measure the program’s progress against world-class competition while integrating a new generation of talent alongside its established leaders, as the Philippines looks to take another significant step toward returning to the Olympic stage.


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  • Philippines’ unbeaten run ends as Myanmar spoils ASEAN Hyundai Cup opener 

    Philippines’ unbeaten run ends as Myanmar spoils ASEAN Hyundai Cup opener 

    The Philippine Men’s Football Team entered the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup carrying momentum from an eight-match unbeaten run. 


    By the final whistle on Tuesday at the New Clark City Stadium, that confidence had been halted by a clinical Myanmar side that capitalized on every opportunity to claim a 4-1 victory in their Group B opener.

     

    The loss not only snapped the Philippines’ unbeaten streak but also marked the first defeat under head coach Carles Cuadrat since he took charge last year. 

     

    It was also the national team’s first setback since bowing to Thailand in the semifinals of the 2024 tournament.

     

    Myanmar wasted little time asserting itself. Kyaw Min Oo struck in just the seventh minute to put the visitors ahead before Than Paing doubled the advantage in the 28th minute, leaving the Philippines chasing the match before halftime.

     

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    Searching for a spark after the break, the Filipinos created chances to cut into the deficit. Cole Mrowka came close in the 55th minute, but his attempt drifted off target, while Kenshi Nioka’s follow-up also failed to find the net.

     

    Persistence finally paid off in the 68th minute when Jarvey Gayoso scored to pull the Philippines within 2-1, giving the home side renewed belief that a comeback was possible.

     

    Instead, defensive mistakes proved decisive. Win Naing Tun restored Myanmar’s two-goal cushion in the 81st minute with a well-timed header before Than Paing struck again just two minutes later, taking advantage of another Philippine defensive lapse to complete the 4-1 result.

     

    Despite sitting 23 places below the Philippines in the latest FIFA World Rankings, Myanmar displayed composure throughout the match and made the most of its chances to secure all three points.

     

    The victory lifted Myanmar to second place in the five-team Group B standings, while the Philippines slipped to fourth pending the outcome of Tuesday’s match between Malaysia and Laos.

     

    With the opening setback behind them, the Filipinos now turn their attention to a quick response as they travel to the New Laos National Stadium to face Laos on Saturday, August 1, in a match that could prove crucial to their hopes of advancing from the group stage.

     

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  • Alex Eala stuns Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, advances at DC Open

    Alex Eala stuns Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, advances at DC Open

    Alex Eala added another marquee name to her growing list of elite opponents, overcoming reigning Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng in a dramatic three-set battle to book her place in the second round of the Mubadala DC Open. 


    The victory further strengthened Eala’s reputation as one of the WTA Tour’s emerging giant killers. With the win over Zheng, the Filipina has now defeated all three medalists from the women’s singles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

     

    Before taking down the Chinese star, Eala had already earned victories over silver medalist Donna Vekic and bronze medalist Iga Swiatek.

     

    Her latest breakthrough did not come easily. Returning to competition after a two-week break following Wimbledon, Eala found herself trailing after dropping the opening set. 

     

    The match appeared to be slipping away again when Zheng broke serve to move ahead 4-3 in the second set.

     

    Instead, the momentum shifted completely. Eala responded with one of her strongest stretches of tennis, reeling off seven consecutive games after the seventh game of the second set. 

     

    The run allowed her to force a deciding set before racing to a commanding 4-0 advantage in the third, capitalizing on a string of unforced errors from the Olympic champion.

     

    Zheng managed to halt the surge by breaking Eala’s serve in Game 5 of the decider, but the comeback was never enough to threaten the Filipina’s control. Eala closed out the match emphatically, sealing the third set, 6-1, to complete a stunning comeback victory.

     

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    The result also carried added significance beyond the rankings. Eala avenged one of the toughest defeats of her career after falling to Zheng in the semifinals of the 2023 Asian Games. 

     

    This time, the Filipina reversed the outcome with a composed finish that highlighted her continued development against the world’s top players.

     

    The win gives Eala an encouraging start to a crucial North American hard-court campaign, a stretch that serves as her build-up to the 2026 US Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.

     

    Awaiting her in the second round is defending DC Open champion Leylah Fernandez in another high-profile test. It will be their second meeting on the WTA Tour after Fernandez claimed a 6-1, 6-4 victory at the Stuttgart Open earlier this year.

     

    With another Olympic medalist added to her resume and confidence continuing to build, Eala enters the next stage of the tournament carrying momentum that could make her one of the players to watch throughout the hard-court swing.

     

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  • Scottie Thompson embraces unfamiliar spotlight as pageant judge while awaiting Ginebra return 

    Scottie Thompson embraces unfamiliar spotlight as pageant judge while awaiting Ginebra return 

    Scottie Thompson has made a career out of thriving under pressure inside packed basketball arenas, but the Barangay Ginebra star recently found himself in a completely different spotlight—one that, according to him, proved even more nerve-racking than competing in a PBA game.


    Still recovering from the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Thompson traded the basketball court for the judges’ table as one of the members of the panel for the 2026 Binibining Pilipinas pageant on July 18.

     

    For the former PBA Most Valuable Player, evaluating beauty queens was an entirely different challenge.

     

    “Mas nakakakaba ‘yung pag-judge ng pageant kaysa maglaro,” Thompson said.

     

    Thompson joined an accomplished panel that featured Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara-Quigaman, Senator Risa Hontiveros, and other distinguished personalities, making the invitation one of the most unique off-court experiences of his career.

     

    Ironically, the appearance almost never happened. Thompson admitted he initially hesitated to accept the invitation, but it was his wife, Jinky, who encouraged him to take on the opportunity.

     

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    While he continues making public appearances away from basketball, Thompson’s primary focus remains returning to the court.

     

    The 33-year-old has yet to resume practice with Barangay Ginebra after sustaining a hamstring injury during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.

    The injury worsened as he continued to play through the championship series against TNT Tropang 5G, where he eventually earned Finals MVP honors despite the physical setback.

     

    “Wala pa, wala pa. It’s all recovery, strengthening and rehab,” he said.

     

    Without Thompson, Ginebra has encountered early challenges in the Governors’ Cup. The Gin Kings slipped to a 1-2 record following a 110-99 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and currently occupy fifth place in Group B, tied with the Magnolia Hotshots.

     

    Despite watching from the sidelines, Thompson remains confident that Ginebra has enough leadership and experience to weather his absence until he is medically cleared to return.

     

    “We all know we struggle right now. But as the game goes on, for sure there’s a lot of veterans sa amin that’s gonna step up sa next game. Sa guards namin, the veterans they know what to do,” he said.

     

    For now, Thompson’s role is to support the team while continuing his rehabilitation program, hoping to regain full fitness before rejoining the Gin Kings later in the conference.

     

    Ginebra, meanwhile, will look to climb the Group B standings when it takes on the Meralco Bolts on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena, with the team aiming to bounce back while one of its most influential players continues his recovery.

     

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