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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Alex Eala brings career-high ranking into star-studded Dubai Open debut

    Alex Eala brings career-high ranking into star-studded Dubai Open debut

    From Doha heartbreak to a fresh opportunity in Dubai, Alex Eala’s Middle East swing rolls on — but this time, she arrives carrying something new: a career-high ranking and rising expectations.

    The Filipina star is set to make her debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, stepping into one of the most stacked draws of the early 2026 season. 


    Awaiting her in the February 15–21 tournament is a field headlined by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina — who handed Eala a tough loss in Melbourne — and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, whom Eala famously stunned during her breakthrough semifinal run at the Miami Open last March.

     

    Also in the mix are Coco Gauff and reigning Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva, turning the event into a proving ground loaded with Grand Slam champions and rising superstars.

     

    For Eala, Dubai represents more than just another stop on tour. It is her sixth tournament of the 2026 calendar and her second WTA 1000 appearance of the season after Doha. 

     

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    She opened her year with a semifinal finish in Auckland, followed by campaigns at the Australian Open, WTA125 Manila, Abu Dhabi, and most recently the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, where she exited in the first round after a straight-sets loss to Czech teenager Tereza Valentova.

     

    Despite the early Doha exit, momentum still tilts in her favor.

     

    In Monday’s WTA rankings update, Eala climbed five spots to a career-high world No. 40 — a milestone that signals both progress and pressure. Breaking into the top 40 shifts the narrative. She is no longer simply a rising prospect capable of upsets; she is now a seeded threat many players must prepare for.

     

    Dubai will test that new status immediately.

     

    With heavyweights lining the draw and recent rivals lurking, Eala’s debut comes at a moment when her game — and her confidence — continue to evolve. The Miami breakthrough proved she can challenge the elite. The ranking jump confirms she belongs among them.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos shine as Cignal remains unbeaten in PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos shine as Cignal remains unbeaten in PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Cignal Super Spikers are off to a flying start in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, boasting a perfect 3-0 record, and much of the credit goes to the team’s dynamic duo: Vanessa Gandler and Erika Mae Santos. 


    Both players have made a strong statement, ranking among the league’s top five scorers while also breaking into the top 10 best spikers list, demonstrating not just firepower but also remarkable efficiency and versatility.

     

    Gandler leads the Super Spikers with 55 points so far this season. The 5-foot-9 outside spiker has tallied 51 spikes on 148 attempts, converting 34.46% of her attacks with zero faults, complemented by four additional points from other shots. 

     

    Santos is right behind with 46 points, converting 38 spikes out of 108 attempts for a 35.19% success rate, along with six faults and two successful shots. Together, their 101 points account for the backbone of Cignal’s offense, underscoring their central role in the team’s unbeaten start.

     

    Cignal opened the season with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Galeries Tower HighRisers, taking sets 25-17, 25-14, and 25-11. Gandler contributed 14 points, combining precise spikes and strong floor coverage, while Santos added 13 points, using her quick attacks and blocks to keep the HighRisers off balance.

     

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    In their second game against powerhouse Choco Mucho, the Super Spikers showed resilience in a 3-1 win (25-20, 18-19, 25-16, 25-25). Gandler tallied 16 points, delivering sharp attacks from the wings and solid passing that kept Cignal’s offense fluid. Santos turned in one of her standout performances, scoring 18 points, including two blocks and two aces, demonstrating her all-around threat at the net.

     

    Their latest win came against Farm Fresh, another 3-1 victory with sets of 17-25, 24-28, 25-20, and 28-30. Gandler’s triple-double performance stole the spotlight with 25 points, 14 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions, showing why she’s a nightmare for opposing defenses. Santos contributed 15 points with two blocks, consistently applying pressure at the net and keeping the team’s rhythm intact.

     

    Beyond their scoring, both players have been critical in other areas—Gandler’s court vision and defensive coverage, combined with Santos’ timing in blocks and efficient spike conversion, make them a well-rounded duo few teams can contain. Santos ranks seventh among the best spikers this conference, while Gandler is eighth, reinforcing their status as elite attackers.

     

    With Gandler and Santos leading the way, Cignal has established itself as a formidable team this season. 

     

    Their combination of scoring, attacking efficiency, and defensive contributions has been the driving force behind Cignal’s perfect 3-0 record, making the Super Spikers a squad to watch as the PVL All-Filipino Conference heats up, the Super Spikers will look to extend their streak against the Nxled Chameleons this Saturday scheduled for 6:30PM. 

     

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  • Kai Sotto left out of Gilas Pilipinas roster for FIBA Window 2, status still uncertain 

    Kai Sotto left out of Gilas Pilipinas roster for FIBA Window 2, status still uncertain 

    Speculation has been running rampant online about Gilas Pilipinas’ lineup for Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Social media has been abuzz after names and photos of a supposed “Final 12” appeared on FIBA’s official website for the games against New Zealand on February 26 and Australia on March 1.

     

    The roster posted included Chris Newsome, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Cjay Perez, Dwight Ramos, Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Quiambao, Justin Brownlee, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Quentin Millora-Brown. Notably missing was 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto, who has just returned from an ACL injury and resumed play with the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League.

     

    Despite the online buzz, Gilas head coach Tim Cone emphasized that nothing has been finalized. “No, not at all,” Cone said when asked if the lineup had been set. “That is still very much to be determined.”

     

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    Cone has previously expressed excitement about Sotto’s potential return to the national team after sitting out more than a year. “We’re excited about Kai, but still tempering expectations,” Cone said. 

     

    “We hope he can join us fully.” The Gilas coach added. 

     

    Sources, however, suggest that Sotto, only three weeks into his comeback, is unlikely to be available for the February window, leaving his participation uncertain. The final roster will typically be confirmed after the manager’s meeting held just days before the first game.

     

    The FIBA webpage posting echoes the lineup from Window 1 last year, which still included retired veteran Japeth Aguilar, underscoring that online rosters can be misleading until officially ratified.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas is set to kick off preparations for Window 2 on February 16, but until then, the lineup remains a work in progress—and fans will have to wait to see who will actually take the court against two of Asia’s toughest opponents.

     

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  • Jason Brickman joins Meralco: Luigi Trillo hails new “Asian John Stockton”

    Jason Brickman joins Meralco: Luigi Trillo hails new “Asian John Stockton”

    Patience has paid off for Meralco—and for Jason Brickman.

     

    Five months after being selected seventh overall in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, Brickman has officially inked a contract with the Bolts, finally allowing the six-foot point guard to focus solely on his PBA career. 

     

    His commitment had been delayed due to his ongoing contract with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL, where he played a pivotal role in their sweep of the Quezon Huskers during last year’s Finals.

     

    Coach Luigi Trillo couldn’t hide his excitement. “He’s like the Asian John Stockton if you think about it,” Trillo said via phone interview with the Inquirer. “He knows where to make his passes. I’m really happy that he signed.” 

     

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    Trillo admitted that there were initial doubts about selecting Brickman at seventh in the draft. But watching him orchestrate the Abra Weavers’ offense changed that perspective. “We took the risk of selecting him at seven… He’s a top player and an experienced player,” Trillo added.

     

    Brickman made his Meralco debut on February 11 in a high-stakes matchup against the Ryuku Golden Kings in the East Asia Super League (EASL). 

     

    Though he didn’t score in his seven minutes on the court, his presence as a floor general adds depth and poise to Meralco’s backcourt—a skill set Trillo believes could be a game-changer in the PBA.

     

    With Brickman now fully on board, Meralco is banking on his vision, leadership, and championship experience to lift the team in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup, proving that sometimes, patience and calculated risk-taking can set the foundation for long-term success.

     

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  • SJ Belangel, Arvin Tolentino shine in big KBL nights

    SJ Belangel, Arvin Tolentino shine in big KBL nights

    It was a night of turning points and statement performances for Filipino standouts in the Korean Basketball League.

     

    In Daegu, desperation met opportunity — and finally, relief.

     

    After seven straight defeats, Daegu KoGas found its breakthrough in the most dramatic fashion possible, edging league-leading Changwon LG Sakers, 72–71, before a roaring home crowd at the Daegu Gymnasium. The victory didn’t just end a skid; it came at the expense of the KBL’s top team.

     

    Former Gilas Pilipinas floor general SJ Belangel steadied the ship when it mattered most. In 19 efficient minutes, he tallied 10 points, five assists, and three rebounds, helping KoGas regain composure in crunch time and return to the win column. The result lifted KoGas to 12–27, a modest improvement in the standings but a significant emotional boost for a squad searching for traction. LG, despite the setback, remains firmly atop the league at 28–12.

     

    While Belangel orchestrated a revival in Daegu, Arvin Tolentino authored a personal milestone in Seoul.

     

    Tolentino erupted for a new KBL career-high 26 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, and three steals in the Seoul Knights’ commanding 81–64 victory over the Goyang Sono Skygunners. It was an assertive, all-around display that underscored his growing confidence in the league.

     

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    On the other side, Kevin Quiambao endured a rare off night. The versatile forward finished with nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists but struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 3-of-11 from the field as Goyang fell behind early and never fully recovered.

     

    Elsewhere, the night nearly belonged to Justin Gutang.

     

    The high-energy guard flirted with a triple-double in Seoul Thunders’ 104–101 overtime loss to the Suwon KT Sonicboomers. Gutang dished out 10 assists and came within a single point and rebound of completing the stat sheet trifecta, delivering one of his most complete performances of the season despite the narrow defeat.

     

    Suwon KT continues to navigate life without JD Cagulangan, who has been ruled out for the 2025–2026 season after suffering an ACL injury last month against Wonju DB Promy. The absence of the dynamic guard has reshaped the team’s rotation, but the Sonicboomers managed to grind out the extra-period win regardless.

     

    With the regular-season grind intensifying, more opportunities await.

    Jake Figueroa looks to sustain his steady play as Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus host the Seoul Thunders on Thursday, while Rhenz Abando and Anyang JungKwanJang prepare for a Friday showdown against Suwon KT.

     

    From breaking losing streaks to setting career highs and flirting with historic stat lines, Filipino players continue to leave their imprint across the KBL landscape — one game-changing performance at a time.

     

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  • Terrafirma taps seven-footer Mubashar Ali to boost Commissioner’s Cup chances

    Terrafirma taps seven-footer Mubashar Ali to boost Commissioner’s Cup chances

    Terrafirma is aiming high—literally.

     

    In a bold move to strengthen their lineup for the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup, the Dyip have signed 7-foot import Mubashar Ali, a Finland-born big man who played his college ball in the United States at Florida Memorial University, an NAIA program.

     

    Ali is no stranger to international basketball. His professional journey has taken him across Europe, suiting up for Turkey’s Ankaragucu Mamak, Finland’s KTP Basket, and Georgia’s Iverioni. In his most recent stint with Iverioni, Ali averaged 14.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks over six games—numbers that hint at his potential impact in the PBA.

     

    Terrafirma, struggling last season with only a single win in the Philippine Cup, is looking at Ali to provide the inside presence and defensive rim protection that has been missing. The Dyip also captured just one win in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup with imports Ryan Richards and Brandon Edwards, highlighting the need for a fresh spark.

     

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    Head coach Ronald Tubid is optimistic about what Ali brings to the table. “He’ll arrive next week,” Tubid confirmed, signaling that Terrafirma’s long-awaited boost in size and scoring punch is imminent.

     

    With Ali anchoring the paint, the Dyip hope to turn the tide, transform their fortunes, and finally climb the standings in a conference that has often exposed their vulnerabilities. Terrafirma’s gamble on a seven-footer could be the difference between another short campaign and a genuine fight for respectability.

     

    Terrafirma is coming off a one win outing in the recently concluded Philippine Cup. 

     

     

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  • PLDT tests its momentum against Capital1

    PLDT tests its momentum against Capital1

    Early statements are easy to make. Sustaining them is another matter entirely.

     

    PLDT has already sent a message in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. The High Speed Hitters didn’t just beat multi-titled Creamline — they dismantled them in straight sets. It was the kind of win that turns heads and shifts expectations. But inside the PLDT camp, the mood isn’t celebratory. It’s calculated.

     

    In a tournament where parity reigns and every roster can threaten an upset, momentum is only as strong as the next performance.

     

    On Thursday at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, PLDT faces a different kind of challenge. Not the aura of a dynasty — but the unpredictability of youth and firepower. Capital1, bannered by one of the league’s most electrifying young scorers in Bella Belen, stands in the way of a second straight victory that could vault the High Speed Hitters into a share of second place.

     

    If the Creamline win showcased PLDT’s ceiling, this matchup will test its stability.

     

    Savi Davison was brilliant in that signature triumph, erupting for 26 points while delivering 11 excellent digs and 10 receptions in a rare triple-double display. But even in a performance that could easily stand alone as a headline act, the Fil-Canadian spiker pointed elsewhere.

     

    “I couldn’t have done it alone. Everyone showed up – our fans, our players, our coaches,” she said. “I’m just glad we were able to work together and get it done in three sets.”

     

    That collective spirit defined PLDT’s showing. Kim Dy and Jovie Prado stretched the floor from the wings. Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes locked down the middle. Kim Fajardo conducted the offense with the calm of a veteran who has seen the conference grind before. The High Speed Hitters didn’t overpower Creamline — they out-executed them.

     

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    And that may be their true identity this season: a team built not on singular brilliance, but on synchronized intent.

     

    Still, Thursday’s opponent offers a contrasting narrative.

     

    Capital1 is growing in real time. The Solar Spikers’ campaign has revolved around Belen’s explosive scoring touch. She opened her professional stretch with 26 points in a four-set win over ZUS Coffee, then followed it with 23 markers against Nxled, even in a straight-set defeat. Whether attacking in transition, tooling the block off high balls, ripping cross-court angles or striking from the backrow, Belen has proven capable of bending defenses.

     

    More than the numbers, though, is her composure. Despite carrying the offensive burden, she has adapted quickly to tighter defensive schemes and more physical matchups.

     

    With Shaya Adorador, Ezra Madrigal, Pauline Gaston and Ysa Jimenez reinforcing the rotation, and middle blockers Cherry Nunag and France Ronquillo providing size at the net, Capital1 is steadily settling into coach Jorge de Brito’s system. Their stumble against the Chameleons revealed areas to polish — but their opening statement win showed they can disrupt anyone’s rhythm.

     

    Thursday’s 4 p.m. duel could easily morph into a showcase between Davison and Belen — established force versus ascending star. Yet the outcome may hinge less on the headline scorers and more on which side controls the margins: serve receive, transition defense, and bench production.

     

    In a league where the gap between contender and spoiler is razor-thin, depth often decides what star power cannot.

     

    The nightcap at 6:30 p.m. brings its own urgency as ZUS Coffee and Akari hunt for stability.

    Akari enters with the benefit of rest, having not seen action since Jan. 31. The pause offered time to recalibrate, and coach Tina Salak hopes the reset translates into sharper execution from Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud. For a squad chasing its first win, fresh legs could be a quiet advantage.

     

    On the other side, the Thunderbelles are navigating turbulence. Without injured middle blocker AC Miner, they’ve absorbed consecutive losses to Capital1 and Galeries Tower. Yet belief remains intact. The pieces are there — they simply need alignment.

     

    If the opening weeks of the conference have proven anything, it’s that reputations hold little weight once the whistle blows. Every match is an examination of adjustments. Every set is a recalibration.

     

    PLDT’s statement has already been made. Now comes the harder task — repeating it.

     

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  • EJ Obiena grabs Germany bronze after Asian Indoor gold

    EJ Obiena grabs Germany bronze after Asian Indoor gold

    EJ Obiena’s week wasn’t just about medals — it was about endurance.

     

    From Tianjin to Karlsruhe in a matter of days, the Filipino pole vault star put his body through one of the most demanding stretches of his career. Yet when the dust settled inside the Europahalle in Germany, Obiena found himself back on the podium once more.

     

    Just two days after finally capturing the only Asian title missing from his collection, Obiena soared to 5.70 meters at the Indoor Meeting Karlsruhe to secure a bronze medal in the World Athletics Indoor Tour–A event. He matched the height cleared by Menno Vloom of the Netherlands and Simen Guttormsen of Norway, clinching third place via countback.

     

    The podium finish carried extra weight given the whirlwind travel and minimal recovery time between competitions. 

     

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    “Definitely the toughest back to back I have ever done and hopefully would ever do,” said Obiena in a post on Facebook.

     

    The bronze came on the heels of a deeply personal triumph. In Tianjin, Obiena ruled the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships with the same 5.70-meter clearance, finally checking off the last remaining continental gold missing from his decorated resume.

     

    “This was the final remaining Asian Championship gold that I haven’t got. I have won multiple SEA Games, Asian Games, Asian Championships, the one remaining was the Asian Indoors Championship,” wrote Obiena.

     

    For most athletes, one major title in a week would already define a season. For Obiena, it became part of a larger narrative — a stretch that showcased not just his consistency at 5.70 meters, but his resilience under pressure, fatigue, and travel demands.

     

    The medals tell one story. The grind behind them tells another.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler shakes off illness to fuel Cignal’s perfect 3-0 start 

    Vanie Gandler shakes off illness to fuel Cignal’s perfect 3-0 start 

    Even while battling gastroenteritis just a day before tip-off, Vanie Gandler refused to let illness sideline her. The 25-year-old outside spiker emerged as the driving force behind Cignal’s hard-earned 3-0 start in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, powering past a resilient Farm Fresh team at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    “Right after practice yesterday, I went to the clinic to get meds,” Gandler shared. “My number one priority was to be able to eat so that I have enough energy today. I just took the meds, I rested, and thankfully I was able to play.”

     

    The Alas Pilipinas standout didn’t just play—she dominated. Gandler recorded 25 points on 24 attacks and one ace, while also contributing 14 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions, completing a massive triple-double that underscored her all-around influence.

     

    “I just think of any way I can contribute to the team. So, if I’m in the front row, with scoring, and [when I’m in the] back row, defense. I don’t really think of the stats. It’s just where else I can help with the team to get this win,” Gandler said, demonstrating the selflessness that has become central to Cignal’s early success.

     

    The 5-foot-9 spiker has steadily been Cignal’s cornerstone, contributing 14 points in their victory over Galeries Tower and 16 against Choco Mucho, all while growing into a leader both on and off the court.

     

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    “I’m really proud of my team because we work really hard and we really try our best to apply everything that’s taught to us. We still have many lapses, many things to work on, but I’m very happy with how we’re willing to learn and improve each training,” Gandler added.

     

    Her performance wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a testament to the team’s growth, discipline, and unity. “I think it’s just the experiences that I’ve had and, of course, the environment that I have to always improve. My improvement is because of the help of my teammates, my coaches. So, yeah, I’m grateful for everything that they teach me and that my teammates give me confidence every time.”

     

    For Cignal, Gandler’s perseverance and versatility signal that the team is not just winning—they are building the foundation of a confident, resilient squad capable of challenging for the title.

     

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  • Meralco eyes historic spot as first PBA team in EASL Final Four

    Meralco eyes historic spot as first PBA team in EASL Final Four

    For the Meralco Bolts, Wednesday’s clash against the Ryukyu Golden Kings isn’t just another game—it’s a chance to make history. A victory by at least six points would punch the Bolts’ ticket to the EASL Final Four, a feat no Philippine Basketball Association team has ever achieved.

     

    The stakes couldn’t be higher. Ryukyu sits atop Group B on a four-game winning streak, already securing a top-two finish if they keep the margin tight. For Meralco, it’s simple: win by six points or more, and the Bolts etch their name in EASL history.

     

    The Bolts head into the finale with a mix of challenges and reinforcements. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Meralco’s top scorer at 22.2 points per game, is sidelined for the season with an achilles tear. Chris Newsome’s availability is uncertain as he battles a knee injury.

     

    Yet Meralco has bolstered its lineup with Jason Brickman and Cady Lalanne. Brickman, drafted by the Bolts and recently a champion with their MPBL affiliate, provides stability and playmaking, while Lalanne offers size and experience down low. Key holdovers, including Ismael Romero—EASL’s November Player of the Month—and veteran import Justin Brownlee, give Meralco the firepower and leadership needed in a do-or-die scenario.

     

    “The chemistry is still building, but with this talent, we know we can be dangerous,” a team insider said.

     

    The Golden Kings approach the showdown with a proven core. Ryuichi Kishimoto sets the pace, while Alex Kirk and Jack Cooley dominate the paint. Ryukyu also benefits from the stabilizing presence of Damyean Dotson, who has found his footing in recent wins. Despite their dominance in the all-time series (5–1), Ryukyu must contend with Meralco’s revamped lineup and the unpredictability it brings.

     

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    The EASL’s tiebreaker system adds a layer of drama. If Meralco wins by six points, the Bolts’ point differential in games among the tied teams moves from –10 to –4, overtaking Ryukyu’s –5 and securing a spot in the Final Four. Any smaller margin, and the Golden Kings advance.

     

    For Ryukyu, a win seals the No. 1 seed in Group B, while a narrow loss under six points still guarantees the No. 2 spot. The math is clear, but the pressure of a single game, amplified by history and circumstance, makes this more than a numbers exercise—it’s a test of resilience, poise, and execution.

     

    As the Bolts prepare for the Smart Araneta Coliseum tipoff, every possession, defensive rotation, and clutch shot will carry monumental weight. Can Meralco overcome injuries, integrate new teammates, and seize an unprecedented milestone? Or will Ryukyu’s consistent core close out the regular season on top?

     

    When the buzzer sounds, one team will have written a new chapter in EASL history—and Meralco has its sights set firmly on being that team.

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