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  • Karl Eldrew Yulo finishes seventh in horizontal bar at FIG World Cup Baku

    Karl Eldrew Yulo finishes seventh in horizontal bar at FIG World Cup Baku

    Filipino gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo took a major step in his young career as he wrapped up his first appearance in the senior ranks at the 2026 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup – Baku in Baku, gaining valuable experience against some of the sport’s established names.


    The 18-year-old gymnast concluded his campaign with a score of 13.033 in the men’s horizontal bar final, placing seventh among eight competitors on Sunday. 

     

    Although the result kept him outside the podium, the competition served as an important milestone for the rising Filipino athlete adjusting to the demands of senior-level international gymnastics.

     

    Yulo delivered a routine with no deductions, recording an 8.033 execution score paired with a 5.0 difficulty rating. The clean performance reflected his technical discipline despite facing a field packed with seasoned gymnasts.

     

    The event was ultimately ruled by Tang Chia‑Hung of Chinese Taipei, who secured the gold medal with an impressive 15.366 points after also topping the preliminary round. Milad Karimi of Kazakhstan claimed the silver medal with 15.033, while Ángel Barajas of Colombia completed the podium with 14.400 points.

     

    Prior to the horizontal bar final, Yulo also competed in the men’s floor exercise final, where he finished sixth with a score of 13.900 on Saturday. The performance marked another learning opportunity for the young gymnast as he tested his routines against the world’s elite.

     

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    As the younger brother of two-time Olympic medalist Carlos Yulo, Karl Eldrew entered the competition aware of the expectations that naturally come with his surname. 

     

    Still, the younger Yulo had already emphasized before the tournament that he was approaching the event with a focus on growth rather than results.

     

    The experience in Baku allowed him to observe the level of execution and difficulty required in senior competitions which is a crucial step as he continues refining his routines for future international tournaments.

     

    Looking ahead, Yulo hopes to use the lessons from his senior debut as motivation as he pursues a long-term goal: earning a place in the 2028 Summer Olympics and potentially competing alongside his older brother on gymnastics’ biggest stage.

     

    For Karl Eldrew Yulo, the results in Baku may not yet reflect his full potential, but the competition marks the beginning of a promising senior career — one that could eventually mirror the global success already achieved by his family name in Philippine gymnastics.

     

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  • Alex Eala advances to Indian Wells Round of 16 after Coco Gauff retires, faces Linda Noskova next 

    Alex Eala advances to Indian Wells Round of 16 after Coco Gauff retires, faces Linda Noskova next 

    Alex Eala’s impressive run at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open continued in dramatic fashion after the Filipina advanced to the Round of 16 following the retirement of American star Coco Gauff on Monday at Indian Wells.

     

    The 20-year-old Eala was already in firm control of the match, leading 6-2, 2-0, when the world No. 4 decided she could not continue after roughly 55 minutes of play, surprising the packed Sunday crowd at the famed California venue.

     

    It was evident early in the match that Gauff was not at full strength. The American called for a medical timeout during the opening set to receive treatment on her left wrist. Despite returning to the court, she struggled to regain rhythm and eventually retired after being broken on her first service game in the second set.

     

    The victory marked another milestone for Eala, who evened her career head-to-head record with Gauff at 1-1. The Filipina had previously fallen to the American in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships just two weeks earlier.

     

     

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    Now riding that momentum, Eala moves into the fourth round of the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament, where she will face Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova.

     

    Noskova, ranked No. 14 in the world, secured her place in the Round of 16 after battling past Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, 6(5)-7, 6-4, 6-4.

     

    Eala continues her Indian Wells campaign with guidance from Sandro Viaene of the Rafa Nadal Academy, who has joined her at the tournament alongside her main coach Joan Bosch.

     

    While pleased with the result, the young Filipina acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances of the victory, especially given her respect for Gauff both on and off the court.

     

    “Thank you, Coco, for being an amazing competitor and role model,” Eala said. “I didn’t want to win this way but I’m grateful and happy.

     

     

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  • Following SEA Games victory, taekwondo jin Tachiana Mangin focuses on Asian Games bid

    Following SEA Games victory, taekwondo jin Tachiana Mangin focuses on Asian Games bid

    Fresh off her breakthrough triumph at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Filipina taekwondo prodigy Tachiana Mangin is already turning her attention to the next challenge on the international stage.


    The 18-year-old made waves in Bangkok last December after capturing the gold medal in the women’s -49kg kyorugi event, ending Thailand’s long-standing dominance in the division. 

     

    The victory added another milestone to her already impressive resume, which includes becoming the first Filipina to win a Junior World Championship in taekwondo.

     

    But for Mangin, the SEA Games victory is only a steppingstone. Her focus now shifts to earning a place in the 2026 Asian Games scheduled in Japan from September to October — a tournament that could mark another historic moment in her young career.

     

    “Masaya po and hopefully po na manalo po sa Asian Championships para po makalaro po sa Asian Games,” she said.

     

    Before she can step onto the Asian Games stage, Mangin must first pass a crucial test, the Asian Championships set for May. The tournament will serve as the primary qualification event for athletes hoping to secure a spot in the continental showcase.

     

    “This year po meron po kaming Asian Games. Ngayon po kasi nagbago po kami ng rules for Taekwondo para po ma-qualify sa Asian Games. Meron po muna kaming Asian Championships which gaganapin po sa May,” the 18-year-old taekwondo athlete said.

     

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    With less than two months remaining before the qualifiers, the young athlete said their training schedule is set to intensify as she and her coaches push to maximize every remaining day of preparation.

     

    “Next week magsisimula na po kami ng three times a day training. So talagang for me po importante po siya kasi first time po din po makakalaro sa Asian Games,” Mangin said.

     

    Aside from sharpening her techniques on the mat, Mangin said she also needs to focus on mental conditioning and maintaining the right weight as she prepares to compete against some of Asia’s toughest fighters.

     

    While Mangin gears up for the next step in her career, Philippine taekwondo is also preparing for a new era in training infrastructure. The Philippine Sports Commission has begun developing a new National Taekwondo Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, following the renovation of the tennis courts within the historic venue.

     

    The upcoming facility will serve as a new training home for the country’s taekwondo athletes and may also be used by other martial arts and combat sports.

     

    Mangin welcomed the development, saying the improved facilities will further motivate athletes like her to aim higher in international competitions.

     

    “Nagpapasalamat po kami na binigyan niyo po kami ng blessing, ganitong opportunity. Mas na-inspire kami, na-motivate na mas mag-training ng maigi at manalo ng more competitions,” she said.

     

    Despite already achieving significant milestones early in her career, Mangin believes her journey in the sport is far from complete.

     

    After breaking barriers in the SEA Games and the junior world stage, the young Filipina jin is determined to keep improving — with hopes of once again raising the Philippine flag on a much bigger stage.

     

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  • Karl Eldrew Yulo reaches floor final in breakthrough senior debut at World Cup Series

    Karl Eldrew Yulo reaches floor final in breakthrough senior debut at World Cup Series

    A new chapter in Philippine gymnastics began on Thursday as young standout Karl Eldrew Yulo made an immediate impact in his first appearance in the senior level.

     

    Competing in the Baku leg of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Azerbaijan, the 18-year-old Filipino secured a place in the men’s floor exercise final after delivering a composed routine during the qualification round. 

     

    His performance earned him a score of 13.800 points, built on a 5.3 difficulty score and an execution mark of 8.500, enough for fourth place among a deep international field.

    The result sends Yulo into Saturday’s final on March 7, where he will try to convert his strong debut into a podium finish.

     

    Yulo finished ahead of Croatia’s Aurel Benovic and neutral athlete Iakubov Mukhammadzho, who both tallied 13.700 points in qualification. Japan’s Kazuki Minami and Chinese Taipei’s Tang Chia-Hung also secured their spots in the final round.

     

    Leading the qualifiers was Kazakhstan’s Karimi Milad with a top score of 14.433, followed by neutral athlete Sharankou Yahor with 14.033, while Australia’s Jesse Moore placed third after posting 14.000.

     

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    The Baku World Cup marks an important transition moment for Yulo, who only months ago was competing in the junior division. 

     

    Last November, he captured two bronze medals in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships held in Manila, a performance that highlighted his potential as one of the country’s promising young gymnasts.

     

    His appearance in the senior circuit now places him among more experienced international competitors, making his qualification to the floor exercise final a significant step early in his elite career.

     

    Yulo’s campaign in Azerbaijan is far from over. The Filipino gymnast is scheduled to compete in three more apparatus on Friday, giving him additional opportunities to showcase his routines and possibly earn more finals appearances.

     

    Joining him in the competition is fellow Filipino gymnast John Ivan Cruz, who is also representing the Philippines in the prestigious World Cup meet as the country continues to build depth in the sport on the global stage.

     

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  • Alex Eala faces familiar rival Dayana Yastremska to open Indian Wells campaign

    Alex Eala faces familiar rival Dayana Yastremska to open Indian Wells campaign

    Alex Eala steps onto one of tennis’ grandest stages this week, opening her first-ever campaign at the Indian Wells Open with a matchup against a player she has already solved before.

     

    The rising Filipina star will take on Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in the Round of 64 of the WTA 1000 event in California on Friday, March 6 (Saturday, March 7, Manila time), marking their second career meeting.

     

    Their previous encounter came during the quarterfinals of the 2025 Eastbourne Open in Great Britain, where Eala delivered one of the most convincing performances of her young career. The 20-year-old dominated Yastremska, 6-1, 6-2, to punch her ticket to the semifinals.

     

    That victory sparked a deep run for Eala in the grass-court tournament, eventually carrying her to the final where she narrowly missed capturing her maiden WTA Tour title. She fell in a thrilling three-set battle, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10), against Australia’s Maya Joint.

     

    Eala arrives at Indian Wells riding the momentum of a strong start to the 2026 season. Just last week, she climbed to a career-best No. 31 in the WTA rankings before slipping one spot to No. 32 in the latest update. Her standing as one of the tournament’s top 32 seeds granted her a first-round bye in the main draw.

     

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    The Filipina’s rise has been fueled in part by an impressive showing at the Dubai Tennis Championships, another WTA 1000 stop on the calendar. There, she recorded her first top-10 victory of the year after stunning world No. 7 Jasmine Paolini of Italy before bowing out to world No. 3 Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals.

     

    While Eala’s trajectory has been trending upward, Yastremska has been searching for rhythm this season. The 25-year-old Ukrainian, currently ranked No. 52, exited early in both Dubai and the WTA 500 Merida Open in Mexico.

     

    She managed to regain some footing in Indian Wells, however, advancing to the second round with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over China’s Zhang Shuai.

     

    Aside from her singles campaign, Eala will also compete in doubles at the prestigious tournament. She reunites with American partner Iva Jovic, with whom she previously teamed up at the ASB Classic in New Zealand earlier this year.

     

    The Eala-Jovic tandem faces a challenging opening test in the Round of 32 against the duo of Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko and American Hailey Baptiste.

     

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  • PSC urges athletes to avoid overseas travel amid rising Middle East tensions

    PSC urges athletes to avoid overseas travel amid rising Middle East tensions

    Growing tensions in the Middle East have begun to ripple into the world of sports, prompting the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to take precautionary steps to safeguard Filipino athletes competing or traveling overseas.

     

    On Wednesday, the PSC issued a memorandum advising national teams, athletes, and sports personnel to postpone non-essential international trips as uncertainty surrounding the regional conflict continues to affect global travel routes.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said the advisory was prompted by concerns that the escalating situation could disrupt major transportation corridors and create safety risks for athletes traveling abroad.

     

    “In view of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air routes and transportation corridors, the PSC strongly discourages national teams, athletes, and sports personnel from undertaking non-essential travel abroad at this time,” said the agency’s chair Patrick Gregorio.

     

    According to Gregorio, the warning is not merely precautionary. Several Filipino national teams already overseas have experienced travel complications and are now receiving assistance from the commission as arrangements are being made for their return to the Philippines.

     

    “The evolving situation raises heightened safety and security concerns, including possible regional escalation, increased military activity, and rapidly changing security conditions, as already experienced by several teams abroad that are currently being assisted in arranging their return home,” said Gregorio.

     

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    One of the athletes currently in the region is Filipino tennis player Francis Casey Alcantara, who had been competing in the ATP Challenger 50 tournament in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The event was cancelled after an oil zone fire broke out in Fujairah, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

     

    The PSC confirmed that Alcantara is among the athletes being closely monitored while coordination efforts are underway with Philippine diplomatic officials.

     

    Gregorio said the commission has formally reached out to the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the United Arab Emirates to seek guidance and assistance regarding Alcantara’s situation.

     

    In a letter addressed to Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, the PSC conveyed its concern for the safety of the Filipino tennis player and requested the embassy’s support in monitoring developments in the area.

     

    The commission added that it remains in constant communication with Alcantara to track updates on his condition and surroundings.

     

    “Should circumstances warrant, we likewise seek assistance in facilitating their safe and orderly return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” Gregorio said in a letter that was sent.

     

    With the situation still evolving, the PSC emphasized that it stands ready to work closely with Philippine embassies, athletes abroad, and other relevant authorities to ensure that Filipino sports personnel remain protected while competing on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Karl Eldrew Yulo, John Ivan Cruz headline PH bid in FIG World Cup in Baku

    Karl Eldrew Yulo, John Ivan Cruz headline PH bid in FIG World Cup in Baku

    The Philippines will once again be represented on the international gymnastics stage as Filipino gymnasts Karl Eldrew Yulo and John Ivan Cruz compete in the 2026 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan from March 5 to 8.


    While Cruz brings experience as a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, much of the spotlight will be on Yulo, who is stepping into a new chapter of his career — his first appearance in a senior-level World Cup competition.

     

    For the 18-year-old gymnast, the tournament marks more than just another international event. It is his transition from a decorated junior athlete into the highly competitive senior ranks, where the level of difficulty and pressure rises significantly.

     

    Despite the expectations surrounding him, Yulo is approaching the event with humility and a focus on growth rather than results.

     

    “Ngayon po low expectations kumbaga since first. Maraming makakalaban, marami akong matutunanan. Marami akong kailangan i-improve,” he said.

     

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    Yulo last competed in the FIG Junior World Championships held in Manila in November, where he continued to showcase the promise that has made him one of the most dominant young gymnasts in Philippine grassroots competitions such as Batang Pinoy and the Palarong Pambansa.

     

    In Baku, he is set to compete across multiple apparatuses, the floor exercise, vault, rings, parallel bars, and high bars — testing his skills against athletes from more than 30 countries. 

     

    The World Cup series is also significant as it offers ranking points toward qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

     

    The younger Yulo has spent part of his preparation overseas, training in Japan under coach Munehiro Kugimiya — the same mentor who guided his older brother, two-time Olympic champion Carlos Yulo.

     

    Philippine gymnastics officials believe Eldrew has the potential to follow a similar path, provided he remains healthy and continues developing his skills.

     

    “I just hope he doesn’t get injured. Without injury, he can really make it. Because he’s very active. I said dahan-dahan lang Eldrew, I don’t want you to get hurt because you’re talagang magaling,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion.

     

    After the Baku leg, Yulo will not have much time to rest. He is also scheduled to compete in another World Cup event in Antalya, Turkey from March 12 to 15, another opportunity to gain valuable experience on the senior stage.

     

    For now, the focus is on Baku, where the young Filipino gymnast begins carving out his own identity in international gymnastics — not just as the younger brother of an Olympic champion, but as an athlete building a career of his own.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala runs it back with ASB Classic partner Iva Jovic for Indian Wells Open doubles  

    Alex Eala runs it back with ASB Classic partner Iva Jovic for Indian Wells Open doubles  

    There’s something familiar waiting for Alex Eala at Indian Wells — not just the desert hard courts, but a trusted partner across the net.

     

    The 20-year-old Filipina will once again link up with American teenager Iva Jovic for the doubles draw of the Indian Wells Open, rekindling a partnership that already carries a few memorable chapters. Their first test comes early: a first-round clash against Hailey Baptiste and Jelena Ostapenko scheduled Friday at 3 a.m. Philippine time.

     

    There’s intrigue layered into the matchup. Both Baptiste and Ostapenko have previously fallen to Eala in singles — a reminder that while doubles chemistry matters, individual confidence travels too.

     

    Eala and Jovic’s partnership first took shape at the ASB Classic earlier this season, where they surged to the semifinals before bowing out to Chinese veterans Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan.

     

    Along the way, they authored a headline-grabbing upset — a straight-sets takedown of seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina in the Round of 16.

    That win wasn’t just symbolic. It showed how quickly the two young players could sync — blending Eala’s steady baseline control with Jovic’s fearless net presence.

     

    Currently ranked No. 105 in doubles, Eala pairs up with Jovic, who stands at No. 133, as both continue carving space for themselves in the WTA landscape. 

     

    Indian Wells marks Eala’s third consecutive WTA 1000 appearance, further proof of her growing footprint on tour.

     

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    Preparation has been deliberate. In the days leading up to the tournament, Eala was spotted training alongside top-tier players such as Diana Shnaider and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys — valuable reps as she balances doubles ambitions with a promising singles campaign.

     

    In singles, Eala enters the BNP Paribas Open as the No. 31 seed, earning a first-round bye. She will begin her run in the Round of 64 against either Zhang Shuai or Dayana Yastremska, with the match projected for Saturday.

     

    Should she advance, a high-profile rematch could await. World No. 4 Coco Gauff looms as a potential Round of 32 opponent — the same player who halted Eala’s breakthrough run in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships just two weeks ago.

     

    For now, though, the focus splits between two courts and one reunion. In a sport often defined by constant movement and shifting alliances, Eala has found continuity — and at Indian Wells, she’ll try to turn familiarity into momentum once more.

     

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  • Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    The push to strengthen the Philippines’ national teams shifted to the Senate floor Tuesday as lawmakers began deliberations on bills seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to four foreign athletes.

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights tackled the naturalization measures for basketball players Malick Diouf, Bennie Boatwright, and Elizabeth Means, along with wrestler Matthew James Ramos, in a bid to boost the country’s international campaign.

     

    Among the four, Diouf and Means are closest to the senate’s approval for naturalization.

     

    Senate Bill No. 1596, which covers Diouf, and Senate Bill No. 1594 for Means, both authored by Sen. Pia Cayetano is expected to reach third and final reading at the Senate plenary next week. Their applications have gained steady traction and could soon be transmitted for final approval.

     

    Boatwright and Ramos, however, encountered a temporary setback. Both athletes failed to appear during the first and second readings of their respective bills before the committee chaired by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, potentially pushing further deliberations to April.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) closely monitored the proceedings. Executive director Erika Dy and Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio attended the hearing, highlighting the federation’s commitment to reinforcing its national squads.

     

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    Means is projected to provide an immediate boost to the Gilas Women 3×3 team, while Diouf is being developed as part of the Gilas 3×3 pool. 

     

    Boatwright, on the other hand, has long been eyed as a major addition to the Gilas 5×5 squad, where he could join naturalized standouts Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame.

     

    Despite the delay affecting Boatwright and Ramos, sports officials remain optimistic that all four athletes will secure their naturalization within the year.

     

    “As former (first ever) SBP executive director, I support the naturalization process of the SBP. Basketball is the “national passion” of the Pinoys. We must support,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

     

    Senate Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go also voiced support for the measures, pointing to areas where the national team needs reinforcement.

     

    “During the past two games of Gilas, nakita po natin ang kakulangan ng team. Boatwright can play outside and inside. Although papasok na tayo sa next round, malaking tulong po kung sakaling maipasa natin ito,” Go said.

     

    Having already cleared the second round at the Lower House, the bills for Diouf and Means are now one hearing away from being forwarded to Malacañang for President Bongbong Marcos’ signature.

     

    Still, Gregorio stressed that the legislative process requires personal accountability, explaining that Boatwright and Ramos must appear before senators to undergo scrutiny is a crucial step before citizenship can be granted.

     

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  • Alex Eala gearing up for Indian Wells showdown 

    Alex Eala gearing up for Indian Wells showdown 

    Under the California sun, Alex Eala is putting in the work long before her name is called on match day at the BNP Paribas Open.

     

    The Filipina tennis ace has begun intense preparations in Indian Wells, fine-tuning her game ahead of the prestigious tournament that kicks off on March 4. In one of her recent sessions, Eala shared the practice court with Germany’s Laura Siegemund, logging a solid hour of drills from 11 a.m. to 12 noon local time.

     

    It was not just a routine hit.

     

    Observers noted Eala’s deliberate focus on sharpening her forehand and backhand, but most especially her serve — an area that has often been scrutinized as a relative weakness in her otherwise dynamic arsenal. Encouragingly, signs of progress have already surfaced. In her recent tournaments, Eala has produced more service aces, a subtle but important indicator that her adjustments are starting to pay off.

     

    The 19-year-old arrives in Indian Wells with momentum — and a measure of breathing room. Thanks to an opening-round bye, she has a few extra days to polish her timing and adjust to the conditions before stepping into competition.

     

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    Indian Wells, held annually in California, stands as one of the most significant stops on the WTA Tour outside of the Grand Slams. The event routinely gathers the sport’s biggest names, and this year is no exception. 

     

    The spotlight will shine on world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 2 Iga Swiatek, No. 3 Elena Rybakina, No. 4 Coco Gauff, No. 5 Jessica Pegula, fellow American Amanda Anisimova, No. 7 Jasmine Paolini, and defending champion Mirra Andreeva.

     

    For Eala, the tournament represents more than just another appearance on tour. Currently ranked No. 31 — a new career-high — she has positioned herself within striking distance of another leap. A rwtun to the quarterfinals could potentially propel her into the Top 20, a milestone that would further cement her rapid rise in the professional ranks. 

     

    She will face the winner between Shuai Zhang (WTA #62) and Dayana Yastremska (WTA #52) in her first main draw match.

     

    The stage will be stacked with the world’s elite. But as her steady preparations suggest, Eala is not simply there to participate — she is there to contend.

     

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