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  • “It’s a huge honor”: Annie Ramirez on being named Philippines flag bearer for 2026 Asian Beach Games

    “It’s a huge honor”: Annie Ramirez on being named Philippines flag bearer for 2026 Asian Beach Games

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for its campaign in the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, set to take place from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, China. The continental multi-sport event will once again bring together elite athletes from across Asia in beach and coastal disciplines, with the Philippines fielding a sizeable and experienced delegation.

     

    POC president Abraham Tolentino expressed confidence that the country’s preparations—both logistical and competitive—are firmly in place ahead of departure. The national contingent will feature 101 athletes competing across multiple sports, including beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, handball, and jiu-jitsu, among others.

     

    “Everything is ready. We have done our preparations, and the athletes are set to compete,” Tolentino said, underscoring the federation’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and competitive outing for Team Philippines in Sanya.

     

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    Leading the Philippine campaign is decorated jiu-jitsu veteran Annie Ramirez, one of the most accomplished athletes in the delegation. A two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist, Ramirez is expected to anchor the country’s jiu-jitsu campaign while also serving as one of the team’s flag bearers and senior leaders.

     

    She will be joined by fellow jiu-jitsu standout Kaila Napolis, forming a strong core for the sport that has historically delivered some of the Philippines’ best performances in the Asian Beach Games. Their presence is expected to boost the country’s medal chances, particularly in combat sports where the Philippines has consistently excelled.

     

    Ramirez expressed both pride and responsibility after being given one of the delegation’s leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of representing the country on a major international stage.

    “It’s a huge honor to be named one of the flag bearers for the Philippines. At the same time, it comes with added responsibility and pressure, especially in a big multi-sport event like this. I’m proud to share this moment with Yman, who is one of our rising athletes, and I believe we both represent the future and strength of Philippine jiu-jitsu,” Ramirez said.

     

    Now 35, Ramirez remains one of the country’s most reliable medal prospects. She further solidified her legacy after winning two gold medals at the JJIF World Championships last year, reinforcing her status as a world-class competitor in the discipline. Ahead of the Sanya Games, she has also transitioned to the 57kg division, a move that proved successful after she secured another gold medal last November in her new weight category.

     

    Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new division and the absence of an overseas training camp, Ramirez emphasized that her preparation has remained disciplined and structured.

     

    “My preparation has been consistent with how I approach my past competitions – staying disciplined with my training, strength and conditioning, and overall routine. The only difference this time is that I didn’t have an international training camp, but I made sure to maximize what I have locally and stay focused on my goals,” she added.

     

    Historically, the Philippines has performed competitively in the Asian Beach Games, amassing five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals in previous editions. Combat sports, particularly jiu-jitsu, have consistently been among the country’s strongest medal sources, alongside emerging success in beach volleyball and other beach-based disciplines.

     

    As Team Philippines departs for Sanya, expectations remain cautiously optimistic. While officials have avoided setting a specific medal target, the expanded and more seasoned roster is expected to improve on past performances. Beyond immediate results, the campaign is also seen as part of a longer-term build-up toward future international competitions, including the pathway to the 2028 Olympic cycle.

     

    With a blend of veteran leaders and rising talents, the Philippine delegation aims not only to contend for medals but also to further establish its presence in Asia’s growing beach sports landscape.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala targets breakthrough in Madrid Open after Stuttgart setback as crucial clay stretch begins 

    Alex Eala targets breakthrough in Madrid Open after Stuttgart setback as crucial clay stretch begins 

    For Alex Eala, the European clay swing continues to unfold as a test of resilience, with the Madrid Open now serving as the next big stage for a much-needed turnaround.

     

    The Filipina tennis star heads into Spain after a difficult start in Stuttgart, where she suffered a first-round defeat to world No. 25 Leylah Fernandez, 1-6, 4-6. 

     

    The result added to a challenging stretch of early exits, halting her momentum at a crucial point in the season.

     

    Currently ranked No. 45 after previously reaching a career-best No. 29, Alex Eala has been working to steady her form following a challenging post-Miami Open stretch, where ranking points proved difficult to defend. 

     

    That period included her first outings in 500-tier events after the WTA 1000 Miami Open, where she lost 270 ranking points after failing to match her 390-point semifinal finish from the previous year, adding extra pressure to her clay-court campaign where every match now carries greater weight. 

      

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    Madrid, however, offers familiar ground. The 20-year-old competed in the tournament last year, where she reached the round of 64 before pushing world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in a tight three-set battle, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, after opening with a win over Viktoriya Tomova. 

     

    That experience against elite competition on clay remains a key reference point as she returns to the WTA 1000 event.

     

    The Madrid Open, set from April 21 to May 3, is one of the most important stops in the lead-up to Roland Garros. 

     

    Played on outdoor clay since 2009, the tournament regularly features the sport’s biggest names, and this year is no different with top-ranked stars such as Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff leading a deep 96-player main draw.

     

    For Eala, the challenge is not just about results but also about rebuilding rhythm and confidence against top-tier opposition. The pressure is amplified by ranking implications, as she looks to recover points lost from earlier exits in previous tournaments.

     

    Beyond Madrid, her schedule remains packed as she is also entered in the Catalonia Open starting April 27. 

     

    Depending on how far she progresses in Spain’s capital, she may also compete in a WTA 125 event featuring a competitive 32-player draw stacked with players ranked inside the top 100.

     

    As the clay season intensifies, Madrid stands as more than just another tournament for Eala. It is an opportunity to reset and remind the tour of her growing potential against the sport’s elite.

     

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  • Philippines gears up to host 2026 Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships in June 

    Philippines gears up to host 2026 Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships in June 

    Manila is set to become the center of the SAMBO world this June as the Philippines prepares to host the 2026 Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and supported by key sports officials, the tournament scheduled from June 23 to 28 is also a statement of intent for a nation pushing to expand its footprint in martial arts disciplines.

     

    The decision to bring the event to the Philippines reflects both recent success and long-term vision.

     

    The Philippines is expecting a strong turnout, as Philippine Sambo Federation Inc. President Paolo Tancotian noted that 29 countries and over 500 athletes are expected to be joining. 

     

    “Itong ating event kaya tayo napa-host dahil sa na-inspire tayo. In total we have 16 medals na yung nakuha natin sa Asia and Oceania. Yung tatlong gold medal courtesy kay Sydney (Sy) at yung pang-apat galing kay Aislinn Yap,” Tancotian said during a press conference on Thursday.

     

    Beyond medals, organizers see the tournament as a platform for growth, visibility, and national pride.

     

    “Yung gusto natin makita especially dito sa Philippines na manalo yung ating athletes. Hindi lang sa manalo, ma-promote din sports tourism sa ating bansa. And mapanood mismo ng ating kababayan yung ating sambo tournament,” the PSFI president added.

     

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    Leading the Philippine charge is former world No. 1 and three-time Asian champion Sydney Sy, who will headline a 30-athlete national delegation—one of the largest contingents the country has ever fielded in the sport.

     

    “Sa 10 years lang po ng Pilipinas Sambo, we are able to host a prestigious event. Major, major event po ito for us. And napakalaking honor. We will be able to give more opportunities po sa athletes po,” she said.

     

    For national federation officials, the expanded lineup is a sign of how far the sport has come locally, especially with young athletes now getting international exposure at scale.

      

    There is also a personal layer to the story, with Sy leading not just as a champion but as an inspiration for the next generation hoping to follow her path to the global stage.

      

    Support from the broader Philippine sports leadership further underscores the event’s importance in the country’s sporting roadmap.

     

    Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio voiced their support for the event, sharing that they have seen firsthand the progress of sambo in the country. 

     

    They emphasized that staging the competition in the Philippines will not only aid in preparation but also give Filipinos a chance to gain a deeper appreciation of the sport. 

     

    POC Secretary General Wharton Chan and PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston also threw their support behind the event, saying it will contribute to the continued growth of sambo in the country. 

     

    “This is a huge milestone for Philippine sports. At any rate, yung sambo they have combat, grappling, all-around so maraming world champions na galing sa sambo. Sambo would be a force to reckoned with in the future,” Chan said.

     

    With elite athletes from across Asia and Oceania set to converge in Manila, the championship is expected to do more than crown winners—it aims to establish the Philippines as a serious player in the global combat sports landscape, while inspiring the next wave of homegrown champions.

     

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  • Team Philippines targets improved medal haul in 2026 Asian Beach Games campaign 

    Team Philippines targets improved medal haul in 2026 Asian Beach Games campaign 

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, scheduled from April 22 to 30 in Sanya.

     

    POC president Abraham Tolentino expressed confidence that all logistical and competitive preparations are in place as the country fields a 101-athlete delegation across multiple disciplines in the continental showcase.

     

    The last edition of the Games, held in Da Nang in 2016, saw Team Philippines collect 21 medals—two gold, four silver, and 15 bronze. With a more experienced pool of athletes this time around, Tolentino believes the country is in a strong position to surpass that tally.

     

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    “Readying ready na. Actually paalis na yung 101 athletes. Kung ano man record natin, I hope we can surpass previous records. Maraming pwedeng pagkunan ng gold. So far, after previous, this delegation will be the stronger siguro no. Last one was ten years ago in Vietnam,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

     

    Bannering the Philippine campaign is decorated jiu-jitsu standout Annie Ramirez, a two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist who is expected to lead a seasoned core in Sanya. She will be joined by fellow jiu-jitsu ace Kaila Napolis, alongside key contingents in beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, and handball.

    Historically, the Philippines has amassed five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals in the Asian Beach Games, with jiu-jitsu and other combat sports consistently serving as the country’s strongest medal sources.

     

    Off the field, the POC continues to strengthen its support system for national athletes. On Thursday, April 16, the committee formalized a partnership with Cleantech as its official fuel partner, a move Tolentino described as timely amid a packed international calendar that includes the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.

     

    “Very timely kasi marami tayong schedule of events. Lahat po ito kung ano mang tulong, maliit man o malaki, ay siguradong aabot sa ating atleta. Sana umabot ng 2028 kasi taon ng Olympics yun eh. Imagine kahit merong crisis sa Middle East, affected ang oil industry, still they managed to support our athletes. So maraming salamat,” he added.

     

    Cleantech Vice President for Finance Yeana Mercado reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Filipino athletes, including providing incentives for medal-winning performances.

     

    “Naniniwala kami sa potential ng mga atletang Pilipino. At gusto naming maging part ng journey nila papunta sa LA 2028 Olympics, gusto namin maging parte sa kanilang gagawin. It’s part of our agreement with the POC that there will be incentives for the medalists,” Mercado said.

     

    As the delegation departs for Sanya, expectations remain grounded but optimistic. Armed with a deeper and more experienced lineup, Team Philippines aims not only to surpass its previous medal haul but also to build momentum toward future major competitions on the road to 2028.

     

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  • Tour of Luzon 2026 gains national push as sports tourism drive kicks into high gear

    Tour of Luzon 2026 gains national push as sports tourism drive kicks into high gear

    The return of the Tour of Luzon 2026 is shaping up on becoming a nationwide showcase of how sport and tourism can move in tandem.


    With the backing of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC), the historic race is now positioned as a flagship example of how athletic events can drive both competition and countrywide visibility. 

     

    Created under Administrative Order No. 38, the NST-IAC aims to unify efforts between government and private sectors, and this year’s Tour is one of its clearest expressions yet.

     

    At the center of that push is Patrick Gregorio, who serves as both NST-IAC chair and head of the Philippine Sports Commission. For Gregorio, the alignment between the race and the committee’s mission is clear.

     

    “The Philippine Sports Commission supports the conduct of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 as an activity aligned with the objectives of the NST-IAC,” said Gregorio.

     

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    What makes this edition stand out isn’t just its institutional support, but its scale. A total of 14 stages will stretch across the country, blending endurance racing with a travelogue of Philippine landscapes—from coastal roads to mountain climbs.

     

    The opening stage rolls out on April 29 from CaSoBe in Calatagan to Tagaytay City, setting the tone for a route that winds through Clark, Nueva Ecija, Northern Luzon, Ilocos, Pangasinan, and ultimately finishes in the highlands of Baguio.

     

    Among the highlights are two individual time trials, including one in Pagudpud and another along the baywalk of Lingayen and Binmaley, as well as a historic first finish at Bessang Pass—adding both technical challenge and historical significance to the race.

     

    Beyond the route, the competition itself is expanding. At least six international teams have already confirmed participation, joining nine local squads ranging from UCI continental outfits to club teams. With three more foreign teams awaiting approval, the field could grow even more competitive.

     

    The stakes are equally high. Riders will chase a top individual prize of P1 million, while teams compete for a P2 million purse out of a total prize pool of P12 million—figures that underscore the race’s growing prestige.

     

    Still, for Gregorio, the value of the Tour goes beyond podium finishes and prize money.

     

    “The PSC likewise recognizes the significance of the event in providing opportunities for athlete participation and in contributing to the continued development of Philippine sports,” he added.

     

    That opportunity extends not only to elite cyclists but to aspiring riders across the country, many of whom see the Tour as a gateway to bigger stages.

     

    “Our athletes cannot be deprived of their dreams. Let sports continue!” the PSC chairman said.

    With government agencies and private partners encouraged to lend support, the 2026 Tour of Luzon is evolving into more than a race—it’s a moving platform for talent, tourism, and national pride.

     

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  • Alex Eala returns to Roland Garros, eyes breakthrough run at 2026 WTA French Open

    Alex Eala returns to Roland Garros, eyes breakthrough run at 2026 WTA French Open

    Setbacks have a way of sharpening perspective and for Alex Eala, the road back to Roland Garros may be coming at the perfect time.

    Fresh off a straight-set loss to Leylah Fernandez, 1-6, 4-6, in the Round of 32 of the Stuttgart Open, Alex Eala finds herself at a familiar crossroads—one that now leads back to the clay courts of Roland Garros. 

     

    The defeat came after an earlier campaign at the Linz Open, where she first absorbed a straight-set loss to Jelena Ostapenko before heading to Stuttgart.

     

    Yet beneath the results lies a bigger picture: Eala is no longer chasing entry into the sport’s biggest stages—she’s returning to them.

     

    Her confirmed slot in the 2026 French Open main draw marks a quiet but significant shift. Just a year ago, she arrived in Paris as a newcomer ranked No. 69, stepping into her first Grand Slam main draw appearance with both promise and pressure. 

     

    That debut, however, ended abruptly with a three-set loss to Emiliana Arango—a match that exposed both her inexperience and her potential.

     

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    But Roland Garros has never been just another tournament in Eala’s journey. Long before her name appeared in the senior draw, she had already carved out success on those same red courts. 

     

    Her 2021 girls’ doubles title wasn’t just a trophy—it was an early sign that clay could become her proving ground. 

     

    That evolution continued in 2024, when she fought through the qualifying rounds and secured her first professional win in Paris. It was a quieter milestone compared to her junior triumph, but arguably more telling—a sign that she was learning how to navigate the grind of the pro tour, point by point, match by match.

     

    By 2025, Eala had outgrown the label of prospect. Earning direct entry into Roland Garros signaled her arrival, as a competitor carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations. While her singles campaign ended early, her doubles run alongside Renata Zarazúa offered a different narrative—one of adaptability and resilience on a stage that demands both.

     

    Now, as she heads back to Paris, the context has changed. Eala returns not as a wide-eyed debutante, but as a player shaped by early exits, steady progress, and lessons learned on the very surface she’s about to face again. The recent losses in Stuttgart and Linz may raise questions, but they also sharpen urgency.

     

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  • Manila Marathon set to take over EDSA as traffic adjustments rolled out

    Manila Marathon set to take over EDSA as traffic adjustments rolled out

    Metro Manila’s busiest artery is about to trade traffic for tempo. In a bold reimagining of urban space, EDSA will serve as the centerpiece of the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026, turning the country’s most iconic highway into a sprawling racecourse for tens of thousands of runners. 


    Scheduled from late June 12 to the morning of June 13 more than 25,000 participants are expected to flood the streets in pursuit of personal bests across four distances—5K, 10K, half marathon, and the full 42-kilometer race. 

     

    At the heart of it all is a route that stretches from SM Mall of Asia to SM City North EDSA, utilizing the EDSA bus carousel lane in a rare reversal of its usual purpose.

     

    For organizers, the vision goes beyond staging a race—it’s about reframing how the capital is experienced.

     

    “EDSA is very historic for us as Filipinos. And other than that, we really want to attract international runners, not only to visit Metro Manila, but also our other beautiful places here in our country,” said Rio dela Cruz, running coach and founder of RUNRIO.

     

    The marathon’s timing is deliberate. Beginning at 11 p.m. on Independence Day and running until 8 a.m. Runners will traverse a route that loops through key landmarks, with the full marathon weaving northbound and southbound along EDSA before returning to the MOA complex.

     

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    But while the race promises a spectacle, it also demands careful coordination in one of Southeast Asia’s most congested corridors.

     

    Authorities have opted for partial, rather than full, road closures. The bus carousel lane will be dedicated to runners, while the outermost lane will temporarily accommodate buses. Two lanes will remain open for private vehicles, and alternate routes, including Mabuhay Lanes and service roads—will help ease the flow of traffic.

     

    “Pipilitin namin na minimal ‘yong effect sa traffic. Hindi naman total closure ang gagawin natin — ang affected lang ay bus carrousel at isang lane,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.

     

    Still, certain choke points, such as flyovers and tunnels—will be briefly closed as runners pass, underscoring the scale and complexity of staging an event of this magnitude.

     

    Now in its third year, the Manila Marathon is positioning itself as more than just a local race. Organizers are eyeing long-term inclusion among globally recognized marathon circuits, with a broader calendar of races across the country supporting that ambition. 

     

    Stops in Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, Clark, and Cagayan de Oro form part of a nationwide push to elevate the Philippines as a destination for sports tourism.

     

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  • POC confirms 101-athlete delegation for Asian Beach Games 2026

    POC confirms 101-athlete delegation for Asian Beach Games 2026

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (Philippine Olympic Committee) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for its participation in the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, set to be held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, China.

     

    POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence that all logistical and sporting preparations are in place as the country sends a 101-athlete delegation to compete across multiple disciplines in the continental beach sports showcase.

     

    Tolentino also highlighted the importance of the closing ceremony, where the Philippines is set to take center stage as the official host of the next edition of the Games in 2028, which will be staged in Cebu.

     

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    “Everything and everyone’s ready from opening to closing. We are also focused on the closing ceremony in Sanya, where the Asian Beach Games flag will be turned over to representatives from 2028 host Cebu,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

     

    The symbolic turnover marks a major milestone for Philippine sports, as the country prepares to host a continental multi-sport event for beach and coastal disciplines for the first time in history, further boosting its profile in international sporting governance.

    Leading Team Philippines is decorated jiu-jitsu champion Annie Ramirez, a two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist, who is expected to guide a strong and experienced core of athletes in Sanya. She will be joined by fellow standout Kaila Napolis, as well as key contingents from beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, and handball.

     

    The Philippine beach volleyball squads and 3×3 basketball teams are also expected to be among the country’s strong medal prospects, alongside endurance-focused entries in triathlon and other combat sports categories. Despite the optimism surrounding the delegation, Tolentino acknowledged the level of competition and the challenge ahead, noting that podium finishes will not come easily.

     

    “It’s been 10 years since the last Beach Games. But we have athletes in jiu-jitsu, beach volleyball, and handball, and we also have entries in wrestling and triathlon,” he added.

     

    The Asian Beach Games returns after a decade-long hiatus, with the last edition held in 2016 in Da Nang, Vietnam. The event has previously been staged in Bali (2008), Muscat, Oman (2010), Haiyang, China (2012), and Phuket, Thailand (2014), reflecting its rotating international footprint across Asia’s coastal sporting hubs.

     

    This year’s edition is expected to gather around 45 National Olympic Committees under the Olympic Council of Asia, with additional participation from invited countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and the Solomon Islands, further elevating the level of competition.

     

    Historically, the Philippines has collected a total of five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals across its previous Asian Beach Games campaigns, with jiu-jitsu and combat sports consistently providing the country’s strongest performances.

     

    As the delegation departs for Sanya, expectations remain measured but hopeful, with Team Philippines aiming not only to improve its medal tally but also to build momentum ahead of hosting duties in 2028.

     

     

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  • Philippine collegiate sports gets boost as NCAA introduces golf to sporting calendar

    Philippine collegiate sports gets boost as NCAA introduces golf to sporting calendar

    The National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines), the country’s oldest collegiate athletic organization composed of ten private colleges and universities in Metro Manila, continues to strengthen its role as a breeding ground for emerging Filipino sports talent with the expansion of its sports program.

     

    In a significant development for collegiate sports, the NCAA has officially added golf to its sporting calendar, further broadening a lineup that already includes disciplines such as gymnastics, weightlifting, and boxing. The move has been widely praised by key stakeholders in Philippine sports, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio, who expressed strong support for the initiative and signaled plans to replicate the model across other academic institutions nationwide.

     

    “This is not an easy process and not an easy exercise. Pero pinatunayan ng NCAA na gusto nila tulungan ang Philippine sports. This a new project of the PSC and the NCAA. So, let me thank the board of the NCAA. Bilib ako sa kanila by including gymnastics, boxing, weightlifting, and now golf. What the NCAA is doing is really commendable,” Gregorio said during a press conference.

     

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    He further emphasized the long-term vision of expanding sports development programs beyond Metro Manila, particularly into Visayas and Mindanao, as part of a broader grassroots strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s athletic pipeline.

     

    “Mahirap lang ‘yung simula but the PSC is very happy and we are supporting the efforts of the NCAA for sports to grow. Tuloy tuloy po ito. Talagang we will encourage them. Mga state schools and colleges – sports development. Yan po ang ginagawa namin,” he added.

    The announcement comes after the NCAA Management Committee (Mancom) formally revealed on Tuesday, April 14, the staging of a special collegiate golf tournament scheduled for May 20 at the historic Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. The event will feature participation from six to seven member schools, serving as a pilot competition ahead of golf’s expected full integration into the league’s official calendar in the coming years.

     

    According to NCAA Mancom chairman Melchor Divina of Mapúa University, the introduction of golf marks an important step in diversifying the league’s sports offerings and nurturing talent in non-traditional collegiate disciplines.

     

    “Magandang simula ito na with collegiate golf, gaganda pa lalo ang golf in the country. We can encourage more. Everything that we do here is for the good of the sport,” Divina said.

     

    He also confirmed that the league is targeting the full inclusion of golf as a regular sport within the NCAA program within the next two to three years, depending on the success of the initial tournaments and continued support from member institutions.

     

    To ensure the smooth launch and development of the sport at the collegiate level, the NCAA has partnered with the Pilipinas College Golf Series, an independent organization that has been instrumental in organizing golf competitions across the country. The collaboration is expected to provide technical expertise, tournament management support, and a structured pathway for student-athletes interested in pursuing golf competitively.

     

    With this expansion, the NCAA reinforces its commitment not only to traditional powerhouse sports but also to emerging disciplines, strengthening its position as a key driver of grassroots athletic development in Philippine sports.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala bows out early in Stuttgart Open after loss to Leylah Fernandez in Round of 32 

    Alex Eala bows out early in Stuttgart Open after loss to Leylah Fernandez in Round of 32 

    Alex Eala’s clay-court learning curve met a familiar roadblock—an opponent who already knew what was coming.

     

    In Stuttgart, the Filipina rising star wasn’t just facing a higher-ranked player in Leylah Fernandez. She was facing someone prepared for her pace, her patterns, and her persistence. The result was a 1-6, 4-6 defeat in the Round of 32 of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix early Wednesday morning (Manila time).

     

    From the opening games, Fernandez dictated terms.

     

    The Canadian, ranked No. 25 in the world and carrying Filipino roots herself, imposed control with precision and timing, limiting Eala’s opportunities to build rhythm. The first set slipped quickly, with Eala only managing to get on the board in the sixth game as Fernandez surged ahead.

     

    But the second set told a more revealing story. Eala, ranked No. 45, began to find her footing, engaging in longer rallies and showing flashes of the aggressive baseline play that has defined her rise. She edged closer at 2-3, then again at 4-5, hinting at a possible shift in momentum.

     

    It never fully came.Fernandez, steady and composed, shut the door before the match could tilt, wrapping up the win in one hour and 28 minutes.

     

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    Afterward, she acknowledged exactly what she had been bracing for. “My coach said, ‘She’s going to fight, you’re going to have to take the match.’ I remember watching her play a couple of years back, and she was playing super fast. I even told my coach at the time, ‘Wow, she plays like she’s on clay,’” she said of Eala.

     

    That preparation showed. Every time Eala threatened to extend rallies or speed up exchanges, Fernandez had an answer—either by redirecting pace or stepping in to finish points early. It was less about overpowering and more about anticipation.

     

    For Eala, the loss marks another early exit—but also another step in her transition to the clay season.

     

    She leaves Stuttgart with a 2-1 record on the surface this year, following her stint in Linz where she notched a win over Julia Grabher before falling to Jelena Ostapenko. The results may not yet reflect a breakthrough, but the exposure continues to build.

     

    Next comes a bigger stage. The Mutua Madrid Open, a WTA 1000 event, awaits—her 11th tournament of the year and third on clay. It’s another opportunity to test adjustments, refine movement, and find the consistency needed to push deeper into draws.

     

    Meanwhile, Fernandez moves on, advancing to the Round of 16 where she will face the winner between Jasmine Paolini and Zeynep Sonmez. With the victory, she also claims the first chapter of her head-to-head with Eala. 

     

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