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Category: Pinoy Sports Pulse

  • Alex Eala bows out in Bad Homburg, shifts focus to Wimbledon 

    Alex Eala bows out in Bad Homburg, shifts focus to Wimbledon 

    For the third time in her career, Elise Mertens proved to be a hurdle Alex Eala could not clear.

    The Belgian veteran once again got the better of the Filipina rising star, defeating Eala 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round of the Bad Homburg Open and denying her one final singles boost before Wimbledon.

     

    The result ended Eala’s latest grass-court campaign but also offered a reminder of the challenge that comes with sustaining momentum on one of tennis’ most demanding stretches of the season.

     

    Coming into Bad Homburg, Eala was riding high from a productive run through the European grass-court swing. The world No. 30 had recently captured a title in Birmingham and added another headline-grabbing victory by upsetting Elena Rybakina in Berlin.

     

    But with less than two days separating her Berlin campaign and her Bad Homburg opener, the physical and mental demands of the tour appeared to catch up.

     

    The match initially seemed headed in Eala’s favor.

     

    She started aggressively and quickly built a 3-1 lead, putting pressure on Mertens early. Instead of allowing the match to slip away, however, the Belgian responded with the composure that has kept her among the world’s top players for years.

     

    Mertens reeled off five consecutive games to steal the opening set, flipping the momentum completely.

    Once she found her rhythm, the world No. 26 rarely allowed Eala back into the contest.

     

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    The Filipina attempted to mount a response in the second set and briefly threatened to narrow the gap after falling behind 4-2. But Mertens remained steady from the baseline and closed out another straight-sets victory over Eala, extending her perfect record against the Filipina to 3-0.

     

    The win continued a trend that began in Tunisia in 2023 and carried into Madrid earlier this season, where Mertens also prevailed in straight sets.

     

    While the singles result was disappointing, Eala’s week in Germany is not yet over.

     

    She remains in the doubles draw alongside tennis legend Venus Williams, giving her another opportunity to gain valuable grass-court experience before heading to Wimbledon.

     

    The defeat also does little to diminish what has already been a breakthrough grass season for the 21-year-old. Her rise into the world’s top 30 and her historic Wimbledon seeding remain among the biggest milestones of her career.

     

    With the All England Club now just days away, Eala leaves Bad Homburg with one final lesson from the grass-court circuit—and one more chance to sharpen her game before tennis’ most prestigious tournament begins.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala earns historic Wimbledon seeding, adds another milestone to breakthrough year 

    Alex Eala earns historic Wimbledon seeding, adds another milestone to breakthrough year 

    Alex Eala’s rise in world tennis has reached another landmark moment.

     

    Before even stepping onto the grass courts of Wimbledon this year, the Filipino star has already secured a place in history after becoming the first Filipino singles player ever to earn a Grand Slam seeding.

     

    Eala was officially named the No. 29 seed for the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, marking another significant achievement in what has become a breakthrough season for the 21-year-old.

     

    The distinction places her among the tournament’s top-ranked players and serves as further evidence of how quickly she has climbed the sport’s global ladder. Her recent surge has pushed her to No. 30 in the live WTA rankings, just one spot away from matching her career-best ranking.

     

    While the accomplishment is unprecedented in Philippine singles tennis, it also places Eala alongside one of the country’s most accomplished racket sports figures.

     

    She becomes only the second Filipino in the Open Era to receive a Grand Slam seeding, joining doubles specialist Treat Huey.

     

    Huey earned seeded status in five straight Grand Slam men’s doubles events beginning with the 2016 Australian Open. That same year, he reached the Wimbledon semifinals with Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi and climbed to a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 18 before retiring in 2023.

     

    For Eala, however, the latest milestone is less a culmination than another sign of how dramatically her status in the sport has changed over the past year.

     

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    Once viewed primarily as a promising prospect, she now enters Wimbledon as one of the tournament’s seeded players and a legitimate threat on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

     

    Before heading to London, Eala still has work to do in Germany.

     

    The Filipina received a wildcard into the main draw of the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open, where she faces a familiar challenge in World No. 24 Elise Mertens of Belgium.

     

    Mertens holds a 2-0 career edge against Eala, including a straight-sets victory in Madrid earlier this season. The matchup gives Eala another opportunity to measure her progress against an established Top 25 player before Wimbledon begins.

     

    The winner will advance to face either four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka or Poland’s Magdalena Frech in the next round.

     

    Eala’s preparations won’t be limited to singles competition.

     

    She is also set for one of the most anticipated doubles partnerships of the week, teaming up with tennis icon Venus Williams. The pair will open their campaign against Catherine Harrison of the United States and Alexandra Osborne of Australia.

     

    With a Wimbledon seeding now attached to her name, Eala enters the grass-court major carrying a different level of expectation than ever before.

     

    And for Philippine tennis, that may be the most significant milestone of all.

     

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  • Yulo brothers make history with shared Asian Championships podium finish as Carlos extends floor exercise reign 

    Yulo brothers make history with shared Asian Championships podium finish as Carlos extends floor exercise reign 

    The Olympic champion, Carlos Yulo claimed yet another floor exercise gold medal at the 2026 Asian Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships.


    While his younger brother Eldrew Yulo secured the bronze medal, giving the Philippines a historic double-podium finish and marking the first time the siblings shared a medal stand at the senior international level.

     

    Carlos delivered a winning score of 14.700 to retain his dominance in the event, while Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama settled for silver with 14.600. 

     

    Eldrew completed the podium with 14.300, capping a breakthrough performance in his first senior Asian Championships appearance alongside his older brother.

     

    His latest triumph completed a remarkable five-year run that began in Doha in 2022. Since then, the Filipino gymnastics star has remained unbeaten on the Asian Championships floor exercise stage, successfully defending his title in Singapore in 2023, Uzbekistan in 2024, South Korea in 2025, and now China in 2026.

     

    While Carlos’ fifth consecutive crown highlighted his sustained excellence, Eldrew’s emergence provided a glimpse of the sport’s future in the Philippines.

     

    The brothers had never previously competed together at the senior Asian Championships, making their shared podium finish one of the most memorable moments of the tournament for the national team.

     

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    The final day of competition, however, proved more challenging. Carlos returned to action in the parallel bars final but narrowly missed out on another medal after placing sixth among eight finalists.

     

    The Filipino gymnast posted a score of 13.566, built on an execution score of 8.066, a difficulty score of 5.4, and a 0.100 stick bonus.

     

    China’s Boheng Zhang captured the gold medal with 14.933 behind an impressive 8.933 execution score, a 5.9 difficulty rating, and a 0.100 stick bonus. South Korea’s Sunghyun Ryu and Chinese Taipei’s Yuan-Hsi Hung completed the podium.

     

    The Yulo brothers also reached the horizontal bar final, where both remained in medal contention until the end.

     

    Eldrew finished fourth with a score of 13.833, narrowly missing the podium, while Carlos placed fifth with 13.500.

     

    Notably, Eldrew attempted the more difficult routine between the two brothers, carrying a 5.1 difficulty score compared to Carlos’ 4.9. He also edged his older sibling in execution, posting 8.633 against Carlos’ 8.600.

     

    Although neither gymnast secured another medal on the apparatus, the championships had already delivered a milestone achievement for Philippine gymnastics.

     

    For the first time, the Yulo brothers stood together on a senior international podium, a moment that symbolized both Carlos’ continued excellence and Eldrew’s growing presence on the continental stage.

     

    Following the competition, Carlos reflected on the achievement and the support that has fueled his journey.

     

    “Proud to represent the Philippines and grateful for everyone who continues to support this journey. Thank you to my coaches, family, and everyone who believed in me through every high and low. The work continues,” Carlos expressed in an Instagram post.

     

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  • Hall of Famer Cecil Mamiit sees bright future for Philippine tennis with Alex Eala leading the way

    Hall of Famer Cecil Mamiit sees bright future for Philippine tennis with Alex Eala leading the way

    The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame ceremony was held on Saturday, June 20, at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) House in Manila, where seven of the country’s most accomplished sporting icons were formally inducted in recognition of their achievements and enduring contributions to Philippine sports.

     

    Among those honored was Philippine tennis pioneer Cecil Mamiit, whose accomplishments on the international stage helped elevate the profile of Filipino tennis during his playing career. A former world No. 72, Mamiit represented the Philippines with distinction in multiple editions of the Davis Cup and competed in all four Grand Slam tournaments. He also enjoyed tremendous success in regional competitions, winning six gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games and two bronze medals at the Asian Games while establishing himself as one of the most successful Filipino tennis players of his generation.

     

    Mamiit’s induction into the Hall of Fame serves as recognition not only of his achievements as a player but also of his role in helping inspire future generations of Filipino athletes. The 49-year-old, who is currently based in Los Angeles, returned to the Philippines to receive the honor and took the opportunity to reflect on the current state of Philippine tennis.

     

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    Looking ahead, Mamiit expressed optimism about the sport’s future in the country, particularly with rising star Alex Eala continuing to make waves on the international circuit.

     

    “I think it’s very bright. I think it’s great to see that there’s another connection with Alex Eala. She’s been, I met her when I was playing seed games in the Davis Cup. She was eight years old, very humble,” Mamiit said in a media interaction.

     

    The former Davis Cup stalwart noted that Eala’s rise to prominence has not come as a surprise to those who have followed her journey from a young age. He also highlighted the strong support system around the 20-year-old and believes her success can serve as a catalyst for the continued growth of tennis in the Philippines.

     

    “You know, knowing the family, her grandfather was a big contributor and it’s great to see that kind of knew something was going to be great and she took the responsibility. That shows that she can set the bar, another bar ahead after and hopefully inspire more,” he added.

    Eala has enjoyed a breakthrough season on the professional tour, recently climbing to No. 30 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings following an impressive semifinal run at the Berlin Open. Her rapid ascent has captured the attention of tennis fans both in the Philippines and abroad, with many viewing her as the country’s best hope of achieving sustained success at the highest levels of the sport.

     

    For Mamiit, however, the challenge now lies in maintaining consistency while navigating the physical and mental demands that come with competing on the WTA Tour. He believes Eala possesses the talent and work ethic necessary to build a lasting legacy, provided she can manage the rigors of professional tennis.

     

    “I think it’s just a matter of how much she can manage her body, her mental and physical because if she’s able to continue further than other of her peers, I mean, she can keep a strong legacy. It’s all about continuation and the support because if she’s around, a lot of Filipinos will be behind her. And also, I think the world globally is catching on and I think it’s inspiring other nations as well that someone can be that supported,” Mamiit continued.

     

    Beyond celebrating his own Hall of Fame induction, Mamiit also spoke passionately about giving back to the sport that shaped his life. While his competitive playing days are behind him, he remains committed to developing future Filipino tennis talent through coaching and mentorship.

     

    Through Tennis Mechanix Academy, Mamiit has dedicated himself to helping young athletes reach their potential, sharing the knowledge and experience he gained from competing against some of the world’s best players. He sees the current momentum surrounding Philippine tennis, fueled by Eala’s success and growing public interest, as an opportunity to create a stronger pathway for aspiring players.

     

    “My playing days may be over. But through Tennis Mechanix Academy, my commitment to coaching, shaping and training the next generations of Filipino champions has only begun. Hopefully, this will be the start. Hopefully, it signifies that my accessibility to be available to the next generation. So, with everything, with this enrichment and Alex, maybe there’s something to be said and it’s all about timing. Tennis is timing. So, we’re hoping for the best for everybody,” he concluded.

     

    As one of the most accomplished figures in Philippine tennis history, Mamiit’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the court. His Hall of Fame induction celebrates a career defined by excellence, perseverance, and national pride, while his continued commitment to coaching ensures that his impact on Philippine tennis will be felt for generations to come. With Alex Eala leading a new era for the sport and pioneers like Mamiit continuing to guide the next generation, the future of Philippine tennis appears brighter than ever.

     

     

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  • Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta makes history as first para athlete to enter Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

    Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta makes history as first para athlete to enter Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

    The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame ceremony was held on Saturday, June 20, at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) House in Manila, where seven of the country’s most distinguished sporting figures were formally inducted in recognition of their achievements and lasting contributions to Philippine sports.

     

    Among the honorees was para sports pioneer Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, a trailblazer whose historic achievements helped redefine the landscape of para athletics in the country. Dumapong-Ancheta etched her name in Philippine sporting history at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, where she became the first Filipino athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after capturing bronze in powerlifting. Her landmark achievement not only placed the Philippines on the Paralympic medal map but also served as a catalyst for greater awareness and development of para sports in the years that followed.

     

    Her induction marked another milestone, as Dumapong-Ancheta became the first para athlete to be enshrined in the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame—an honor she described as representing something far beyond personal recognition, extending instead to the wider para sports community.

     

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    “There was a time that athletes like me were not expected on stages like these. Opportunities were few, resources were limited and recognition was often hard to come by. And this is why recognition means a lot to me,” Dumapong-Ancheta said on the occasion.

     

    Reflecting on the significance of her induction, she emphasized that the honor symbolized collective progress and validation for para athletes who have long worked within limited systems of support and visibility.

     

    “I know that this moment represents something bigger than myself. While my name may be on this award, it also belongs to the entire para sports community. An affirmation that para athletes have a rightful place in spaces such as this,” she added.

    Dumapong-Ancheta also pointed to the changing landscape of Philippine sports, noting that increased institutional backing, government support, and social media visibility have created new opportunities for athletes today compared to when she began her career. For her, the present moment marks a period of optimism and growth for both able-bodied and para athletes alike.

     

    “This is an exciting time to be an athlete, a para athlete, kasi iba na. Iba na nung nagsimula kami noong hanggang ngayon. They have all the support, from the government and the private sector are pitching in. Nakakatuwa. Kaya dapat mangarap sila mas lalo, magtrabaho sila. Really work hard, keep chasing the impossible dream and keep pushing the boundaries,” Dumapong-Ancheta continued.

     

    Although she officially retired from competitive para powerlifting in 2024, Dumapong-Ancheta remains widely regarded as a foundational figure in Philippine para sports. Her influence continues to be felt through the next generation of athletes who have benefited from the pathways she helped open.

     

    In her closing message during the ceremony, she dedicated her induction not only to her personal journey but also to the broader community of para athletes past, present, and future, encouraging them to pursue excellence without limitation.

     

    “To the athletes of today and tomorrow, dream bigger than your circumstances. Dream bigger than the limitations others may place upon you. Work hard, stay humble and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

     

    “I may be the first para athlete to receive this distinction, but I am certain I will not be the last. I look forward to the day when many more para athletes stand on this stage and are celebrated too because they achieve excellence,” she concluded.

     

    Her induction stands as a historic moment for Philippine para sports, reinforcing her legacy not only as a medalist but as a pioneer whose impact continues to inspire a growing and more inclusive sporting community.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala faces another top-10 test in Elina Svitolina at Berlin quarterfinals 

    Alex Eala faces another top-10 test in Elina Svitolina at Berlin quarterfinals 

    Alex Eala’s Berlin Open campaign has already delivered one of the biggest wins of her young career. Now comes the challenge of proving it was only the beginning.

     

    After stunning world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16, the Filipino star steps back onto the grass courts on Friday for another meeting with an established member of the WTA elite, this time facing world No. 8 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals.

     

    The match is scheduled no earlier than 11:30 p.m. Manila time.

     

    For Eala, the matchup represents another opportunity in what has quickly become a breakthrough stretch on grass. Her victory over Rybakina not only sent her into the final eight of a WTA 500 event but also reinforced a growing trend: the 21-year-old has become increasingly comfortable competing against the sport’s biggest names.

     

    The challenge, however, does not get any easier.

     

    Svitolina arrives in Berlin carrying the résumé of a veteran who has spent years competing at the highest level. The Ukrainian owns 20 career singles titles and has once again established herself among the WTA’s most consistent performers this season.

     

    She recently captured the Italian Open crown and followed it up with a quarterfinal appearance at the French Open before continuing her strong form in Berlin. Her latest victory came against Germany’s Eva Lys, securing her place opposite Eala in the quarterfinal round.

     

    While the two have never met in a singles match, they are not complete strangers. 

     

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    Their most recent encounter came earlier this year at the ASB Classic doubles tournament, where Eala and partner Iva Jovic defeated the tandem of Svitolina and tennis icon Venus Williams in the Round of 16.

     

    This time, however, the spotlight belongs entirely to a singles contest carrying far greater stakes.

     

    For Eala, the quarterfinal serves as another measuring stick in her rapid rise through the rankings. 

     

    Having already captured the WTA 125 title in Birmingham and followed it with a statement victory over Rybakina, she now has a chance to add another top-10 scalp to her growing collection.

     

    The winner will move one step closer to the Berlin Open title and strengthen momentum heading into Wimbledon later this month.

     

    Also joining Eala and Svitolina in the quarterfinal field are top names Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Aryna Sabalenka, Linda Noskova, and Nikola Bartunkova, highlighting the depth and quality of the tournament’s final stages.

     

    For Eala, though, the focus remains simple: another match, another elite opponent, and another opportunity to show that her recent success is no longer a surprise, but part of a growing pattern.

     

     

     

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  • Yulo brothers keep medal hopes alive with Finals qualification in Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships

    Yulo brothers keep medal hopes alive with Finals qualification in Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships

    Carlos and Karl Eldrew Yulo both secured spots in the apparatus finals of the 13th Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Sunyi, setting up another opportunity for the country’s most celebrated gymnastics brothers to shine on the continental stage.

     

    Olympian gold medalist, Carlos continued to display his consistency by advancing to three event finals. 

     

    Carlos booked his place in the Floor Exercise after posting 14.433 points, while also qualifying in the Parallel Bars with 13.966 and the Horizontal Bar with 13.466.

     

    His younger brother, Karl Eldrew, matched the family’s strong showing by reaching two finals of his own. 

     

    The rising Filipino gymnast qualified in the Floor Exercise with a score of 13.600 and earned another finals berth in the Horizontal Bar after registering 13.633.

     

    While Carlos fell just short of a medal in the men’s individual all-around, his performance still underscored his status as one of Asia’s top gymnasts. He finished fourth overall with a total score of 81.864, narrowly missing the podium in a tightly contested field.

     

    China’s Zhang Boheng claimed the all-around gold medal with 85.298 points, while compatriot Yang Haonan secured silver with 82.398. Japan’s Miwa Teppei rounded out the podium with 82.265.

     

    The qualification results reinforced Carlos’ reputation as one of the continent’s premier apparatus specialists. 

     

    The performances of the Yulo brothers helped the Philippines finish seventh in the team competition, tallying 236.161 points across five gymnasts. 

     

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    Floor Exercise remains one of his strongest events, having won multiple Asian Championship titles in the discipline in recent years and establishing himself as one of the world’s elite performers on the apparatus.

     

    The Philippines will also draw confidence from the Yulo family’s track record in major competitions. 

     

    Carlos has consistently delivered medals at the Asian Championships, including gold and multiple podium finishes in recent editions, while Karl Eldrew has steadily emerged as one of the country’s brightest young gymnastics prospects.

     

    With both brothers advancing to the finals, the spotlight now shifts to the weekend where the Philippines will have multiple medal opportunities. 

     

    Their qualification performances not only keep the country’s hopes alive in Sunyi but also highlight the growing depth of Philippine gymnastics beyond its Olympic champion.

     

    Before the senior finals resume, the Philippine Junior Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Team will take center stage in the second subdivision of competition.

     

    The Yulo brothers, meanwhile, return to action on Saturday with medals firmly within reach.

     

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  • EJ Obiena shifts training base to Greece, begins new chapter toward LA 2028 Olympics

    EJ Obiena shifts training base to Greece, begins new chapter toward LA 2028 Olympics

    Filipino pole vault star Ernest John “EJ” Obiena continues to solidify his place among the world’s elite in athletics, further strengthening a legacy that has already made him one of the greatest athletes the Philippines has produced.

     

    At just 30 years old, Obiena owns an extensive international résumé highlighted by multiple podium finishes on the global stage, consistent Diamond League performances, and a career-high ranking as World No. 2 in men’s pole vault. His achievements have not only elevated Philippine athletics but have also established him as one of Asia’s premier competitors in the discipline.

     

    Now, Obiena is entering a pivotal new phase in his career as he relocates his training base to Athens, Greece—a strategic move aimed at refining his preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The decision also places him in closer proximity to top-level competition, including current World No. 2 Emmanuel Karalis, with whom he will share training environments under the guidance of coach Marcin Szczepański.

     

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    For Obiena, the shift represents both a competitive and developmental opportunity as he seeks to push his limits further in pursuit of Olympic glory.

     

    “Training with Emmanuel and his group is definitely a big thing. We have a bunch of different vaulters there, different strengths and weaknesses. I’m not really great at the gym, so I’m not the strongest athlete out there. Having someone that’s actually pretty good and strong pulls me to that direction. Training with someone has always been helpful. That’s how I got to World No. 2,” Obiena said in a media interaction.

     

    The move to Greece followed a brief 10-day training stint in Athens, during which Obiena evaluated his long-term direction before ultimately deciding to establish the country as his new base. The transition also marks the end of a highly successful 12-year coaching partnership with legendary Italian mentor Vitaly Petrov, under whom Obiena developed into a world-class pole vaulter.

    Petrov played a central role in shaping Obiena’s career, guiding him from a promising prospect into a consistent international medal contender. Under his mentorship, Obiena became the Asian champion, a World Championships medalist, an Olympic finalist, and notably, the first Asian athlete to clear the elite six-meter mark in pole vault history.

     

    Reflecting on their long-standing partnership, Obiena expressed deep gratitude for the impact Petrov had on both his athletic development and personal growth.

     

    “The more days that came, the more positive I felt about the decision I made. Vitaly has been more than just a coach for me. He’s been a mentor. Probably a second father or grandfather you can say. I owe the guy a lot. I really respect him. I love him,” he added.

     

    He further credited Petrov for expanding his ambitions beyond what he initially envisioned when he first began training in Formia, Italy.

     

    “I wouldn’t be here. My vision when I went to Formia the first year was to jump over five meters outdoors. Maybe at the end of my career, jump 5.20m. That was my vision. This guy, not knowing me, had a bigger vision for my career,” Obiena continued.

     

    Now fully focused on the next chapter, Obiena is driven by one remaining goal that continues to motivate his pursuit of excellence on the global stage: an Olympic medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games—the one major accolade still missing from his decorated career.

     

    “That’s the medal I am missing. That’s the medal I want to get,” he concluded.

     

    Obiena is expected to continue his competitive campaign on the Diamond League circuit, with his next appearance scheduled in Doha, where he will look to maintain form and momentum as he builds toward the next Olympic cycle.

     

     

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  • PPF targets strong showing for the Philippines in inaugural Pickleball World Cup

    PPF targets strong showing for the Philippines in inaugural Pickleball World Cup

    Pickleball continues its rapid rise in the Philippines, with the sport gaining steady traction across local communities, recreational circuits, and competitive tournaments. What was once considered a niche pastime has now evolved into one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, fueled by increasing participation, structured competitions, and the emergence of Filipino athletes capable of competing at an international level.


    This growing momentum has positioned the Philippines as a nation to watch in the global pickleball scene, particularly with the inaugural Pickleball World Cup set to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6. More than 80 countries are expected to participate in the landmark event, marking the first edition of the sport’s premier international competition.


    At the forefront of the country’s preparations is Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) president Sherry Anne Cu, who expressed confidence that the Philippines can make a strong impact on the world stage given the depth of talent currently emerging in the local scene.


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    “More than 80 countries are expected to participate. I personally believe, and many coaches, high-performance coaches, athletes, and professionals from other countries agree, that the Philippines has a strong chance to perform well and become one of the top nations in pickleball on the world stage,” Cu said in a media interaction.


    The federation is currently in the process of assembling its national delegation, carefully evaluating athletes based on performance, consistency, and international readiness. The Philippines is set to field a competitive roster in the Open Category, which features no age or skill restrictions and brings together the country’s top elite players.


    According to Cu, the national team will consist of a balanced lineup of male and female athletes, with five players selected per gender to represent the country in Vietnam.


    “We have an Open Category, which has no age or skill restrictions and features the country’s best elite players. We are sending five female and five male athletes,” she added.


    While selection is ongoing, the PPF continues to emphasize merit-based evaluation, drawing from athletes who have consistently performed in both local and international tournaments as well as those who have actively participated in federation-sanctioned events. However, Cu noted that the roster is not yet final, with several spots still open and tryouts continuing through an invitation-only system.


    “These players were selected based on their consistent performances in local and international tournaments, their participation in federation events, and their eligibility to represent the Philippines. We still have open spots, and tryouts are ongoing through an invitation-only process.”


    Cu also underscored the importance of support for the national program as the federation prepares to send a sizable delegation to Vietnam, with hopes of delivering a strong showing in the sport’s global debut tournament.


    “Our roster is still being finalized, which is why we need support. We are sending a large delegation to Vietnam and hope to make a strong showing for Philippine pickleball,” Cu concluded.


    The continued rise of pickleball in the Philippines has been reflected in the increasing number of grassroots and competitive events being organized nationwide. Tournaments such as the recent 1st KaTribu Pickleball Tournament highlight the sport’s expanding footprint and growing appeal among Filipino athletes of all ages.


    As the country builds toward its World Cup debut, expectations are steadily rising. With a developing talent pool and strong institutional backing from the PPF, the Philippines is aiming not only to participate but to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the global pickleball landscape.


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  • Alex Eala solves the Rybakina puzzle, marches into Berlin quarterfinals 

    Alex Eala solves the Rybakina puzzle, marches into Berlin quarterfinals 

    Alex Eala arrived in Berlin carrying momentum. She leaves the Round of 16 with something even more valuable — proof that her growing success on grass is no longer a surprise.

     

    The Filipina star added another major milestone to her breakout season on Thursday, defeating World No. 2 Elena Rybakina, 7-5, 6-4, to reach the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Berlin Tennis Open.

     

    It marked the second time in Eala’s career that she has beaten a reigning World No. 2, further strengthening the belief that she belongs among the sport’s rising contenders.

     

    More importantly, it showed how quickly her game has evolved on grass.

     

    Just over a month ago, Eala and Rybakina met on the clay courts of Rome, where the Kazakh star controlled the matchup and won in straight sets. The rematch in Berlin presented a different challenge, not only because of the surface but because of the confidence Eala had built since then.

     

    Fresh off her title run at the WTA 125 Birmingham Open, Eala entered Berlin with a growing comfort level on grass and a game increasingly suited to its demands.

     

    Rybakina initially looked ready to remind everyone why she remains one of the most dangerous players on the surface. The 2022 Wimbledon champion quickly established control behind her powerful serve and clean baseline hitting, building a 4-2 lead in the opening set.

     

    But instead of being overwhelmed by the pressure, Eala gradually changed the complexion of the match.

     

    She absorbed Rybakina’s pace, extended rallies whenever possible, and forced the second seed into playing extra shots. The strategy paid off when Eala earned a crucial break to level the set at 4-4.

     

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    That momentum shift became the turning point.

     

    While Rybakina briefly moved back in front, Eala closed the opening set with a burst of confidence, winning the final three games to seize control of the match.

     

    The second set followed a similar pattern.

     

    Eala struck early with another break and immediately put Rybakina on the defensive. Although the Kazakh continued to serve well and searched for ways back into the contest, Eala never allowed the momentum to swing.

     

    Matching one of the tour’s biggest hitters shot for shot, the Filipina maintained her composure through the closing stages before sealing one of the biggest wins of her career.

     

    The victory extends Eala’s impressive grass-court stretch and sends her into the Berlin Open quarterfinals, where another major challenge awaits.

     

    Standing between her and a semifinal berth is sixth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, who advanced after defeating Germany’s Eva Lys, 6-3, 6-2.

     

    For Eala, however, Thursday’s result may be about more than a quarterfinal appearance.

     

    It was another sign that the gap between her and the world’s elite continues to shrink — and on grass, it may be shrinking faster than anyone expected.

     

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