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Category: Pinoy Sports Pulse

  • Carlos Yulo, Alex Eala share spotlight as PSA honors them with co-Athlete of Year honors 

    Carlos Yulo, Alex Eala share spotlight as PSA honors them with co-Athlete of Year honors 

    Two Filipino athletes who turned 2025 into a year of belief, brilliance, and global respect will headline the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night, as Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala are named the Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

     

    In a rare decision that underscores the magnitude of their achievements, the country’s oldest media organization will honor both stars in the same year — a first in 22 years — when the PSA stages its traditional awards gala on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, in partnership with San Miguel Corp.

     

    From packed arenas in Asia to tennis courts under the brightest lights of the sport, Yulo and Eala carried the Philippine flag with poise and power, showing that Filipino excellence can thrive anywhere in the world.

     

    “This marks the first time in 22 years the PSA named a male and female co-Athletes of the Year,” with the last instance coming in 2004 when Manny Pacquiao and Jennifer Rosales shared the honor.

     

    Yulo, now 25, becomes a repeat awardee after also being recognized in 2024. Eala, just 20, earns her first PSA Athlete of the Year citation — a milestone that mirrors her rapid rise in global tennis

     

    “Their exemplary performances on the international stage, and more importantly, the way they have inspired countless young athletes to chase their own path for greatness, are enough reasons to crown both Alex and Carlos as the year’s top performers in sports,” said PSA president Francis Ochoa, sports editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

     

    Fresh off his historic double-gold performance at the Paris Olympics, Yulo refused to slow down. The gymnast from Leveriza, Manila quickly returned to competition and dominated the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in South Korea, capturing his fourth straight floor exercise gold while also claiming bronze medals in the parallel bars, vault, and individual all-around.

     

    Later in the year, Yulo reaffirmed his place among the world’s elite at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia, soaring to gold in the vault and adding another bronze in floor exercise at the 53rd edition of the meet.

     

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    While Yulo ruled the air, Eala made her own breakthrough on the ground — rewriting Philippine tennis history one tournament at a time.

     

    A product of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, Eala’s 2025 surge began with a stunning run at the Miami Open, where the then world No. 140 entered as a wildcard and stunned the tennis world.

     

    She eliminated former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, reigning Australian Open winner Madison Keys, and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek en route to a semifinal appearance that announced her arrival as a rising force.

     

    That run ignited a year of firsts. Eala cracked the WTA Top 50, became the first Filipino in the Open era to compete in the Wimbledon singles main draw, captured her first WTA 125 title in Guadalajara, and etched her name in Grand Slam history by winning a US Open main-draw match — another Open-era first for the Philippines.

     

    She capped her banner year with a gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, ending a 26-year drought in Philippine women’s singles tennis and completing a season that resonated far beyond rankings and trophies.

     

    For PSA, honoring Yulo and Eala together is not just about medals won, but about moments created — moments that reminded a nation of what is possible.

     

    As the spotlight turns to February 16, the awards night will celebrate more than individual triumphs. It will celebrate two athletes who, in different arenas, carried the same message: Filipinos belong on the world stage.

     

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  • Alex Eala clinches women’s 2026 Kooyong Classic title, sends statement ahead of Australian Open

    Alex Eala clinches women’s 2026 Kooyong Classic title, sends statement ahead of Australian Open

    Alexandra Eala has once again put Philippine tennis firmly on the global map after capturing the 2026 Kooyong Classic title in Melbourne, taking home the prestigious Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy. The victory is more than just another accolade for the 20-year-old; it’s a clear signal that the rising star is ready to make waves at the season’s first Grand Slam.

     

    The Filipina ace navigated the elite exhibition field with poise and precision, culminating in a straight-sets win over former world No. 19 Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4.

     

     It was Eala’s second triumph over the Croatian in just over two weeks, following her three-set victory at the WTA 125 ASB Classic in Auckland. 

     

    Kooyong has long served as a springboard for players seeking to fine-tune their game before the Australian Open. 

     

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    Against seasoned opposition, Eala displayed the qualities that have fueled her meteoric rise: strategic shot selection, versatility, and a competitive edge that belies her age. 

     

    Winning the exhibition places her alongside past champions who often translate Kooyong success into deep Grand Slam runs, adding another milestone to a 2025 campaign that saw her break into the Top 50 and set multiple historic firsts for Philippine tennis.

     

    As she heads to Melbourne Park, her Kooyong triumph serves as a statement: Alexandra Eala is no longer just a promising prospect — she is a player to watch on the world stage.

     

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  • Goody Custodio praises Team Philippines’ preparation and dedication for 13th ASEAN Para Games

    Goody Custodio praises Team Philippines’ preparation and dedication for 13th ASEAN Para Games

    The Philippines is gearing up for the 13th ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with a 216-strong delegation ready to compete in the region’s most prestigious para-sports event.

     

    The first batch of athletes departed Manila early on Thursday, January 15, beginning a long travel day that includes a four-hour flight to Bangkok followed by a four-hour bus ride to Nakhon Ratchasima. The extended travel time is one of the logistical challenges the national squad must overcome as they prepare for competition.

     

    Philippines chief of mission Goody Custodio—who also serves as secretary general of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC)—said the early deployment was intentional, ensuring athletes have more time to adjust to the conditions ahead of opening day.

     

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    “I think the challenge there is the travel because there is about a four-hour travel time. Based on the manual, it’s around 1.5 hours for the first stopover, then around two to two-and-a-half hours going to Korat. There is really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening. So, there’s really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening,” Custodio explained during a media briefing, emphasizing the importance of acclimatization and recovery.

    Ahead of their departure, the para-athletes received their official Philippine team gear from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee—similar to what Team Philippines received for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last month. According to Custodio, the gesture boosted the team’s morale.

     

    “I think their strength is their high spirits and high morale because they just received these supplies, tickets, and allowances. They are very proud to be a part of the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand and of course, they are very thankful to the PPC on behalf of Sir Mike Barredo, and of course, to the PSC under chairman Patrick Gregorio, and our Commissioner-in-Charge, Commissioner Ed Hayco,” he added.

     

    Two-time Paralympic wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will be the country’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony at Chatchai Hall. Mangliwan is expected to lead the medal charge alongside standout swimmers Angel Otom and Gary Bejino, as well as chess masters Cheyzer Mendoza and Darrey Bernardo, all of whom have consistently delivered strong performances in international competitions.

     

    Team Philippines enters the 2025 ASEAN Para Games with confidence, backed by a solid showing in 2023 where the country finished fifth overall with 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals—a total of 116 podium finishes.

     

    With a blend of seasoned medalists and rising stars, the delegation is aiming for a strong and inspiring performance in Thailand. Beyond the pursuit of medals, the athletes carry the mission of elevating para-sports visibility in the Philippines, motivating future generations, and demonstrating resilience and excellence on the international stage.

     

    The upcoming games provide not only a competitive platform but also an opportunity to highlight representation, empowerment, and continued growth for para-athletes nationwide. As Team Philippines steps into competition, the nation will be watching with pride and anticipation, hopeful that their hard work and dedication will translate into another memorable campaign at the ASEAN Para Games.

     

     

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  • Power Pairs: Athlete Couples Making Waves in Philippine Sports

    Power Pairs: Athlete Couples Making Waves in Philippine Sports

    Behind every buzzer-beater, clutch set, and highlight reel, some of Philippine sports’ brightest stars are also navigating something just as challenging and rewarding: relationships with fellow athletes. Here’s a closer look at some of the most compelling athlete power couples in the Philippines, where love and elite competition intersect.

     

    Harold Alarcon & Roma Mae Doromal — UP Basketball × PVL Volleyball

     

    Harold Alarcon has become one of the UAAP’s most exciting guards, starring for the UP Fighting Maroons with multiple championship runs and clutch performances in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament. A versatile shooter and scorer, Alarcon’s late-game heroics have been pivotal in UP’s quest for titles and deep playoff pushes.

     

    Standing alongside him is Roma Mae Doromal, a dynamic wing for the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League. Doromal has transitioned smoothly from her collegiate days in Ateneo to professional volleyball competition, known for her athleticism and scoring bursts. Together, they represent a rare basketball–volleyball pairing rooted in mutual respect and shared drive — juggling the demands of UAAP basketball and PVL schedules while supporting each other’s growth in elite sport.

     

    Dwight Ramos & Kianna Dy — International Hoops × Pro Volleyball

     

    When it comes to playing on big stages, Dwight Ramos and Kianna Dy are among the country’s most recognizable names.

     

    Ramos, a Filipino-American guard now with Levanga Hokkaido in Japan’s B.League, has worn the national colors with distinction, including at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and other international tournaments. His scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility have made him a key piece for both club and Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    Dy, one of the Philippines’ premier volleyball talents, serves as an opposite hitter for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, bringing firepower and leadership to the PVL. A veteran of the national team and multiple pro seasons, Dy’s all-around game has helped elevate PLDT’s competitive profile, being one of the cornerstones for their back-to-back championships in 2025.

     

    Their relationship spans borders and sports seasons. Ramos has been known to cheer Dy courtside — even flying back from international duty to support her in standout PVL matchups. Together, they balance performance pressures and public profiles as two of Philippine sports’ most visible young talents.

     

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    Francis Escandor & Pauline Gaston — Rising Together in Basketball and Volleyball

     

    Young athletes on rapid ascents, Francis Escandor and Pauline Gaston reflect determination and growth in different arenas. Escandor has made his presence felt with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, showing scoring potential and maturity as he adapts to the PBA’s physical demands. His emergence from supporting cast to impactful contributor highlights his development on the hardwood.

     

    Gaston, meanwhile, is carving her own path with her new team the Capital1 Solar Spikers after Chery Tiggo disbanded in late 2025, adding offensive punch and versatility to the team’s rotation. As they navigate pro careers in separate sports, Escandor and Gaston find common ground in the grind — rising through competitive systems and pushing toward personal and team goals with each season.

     

    Deanna Wong & Ivy Lacsina — Volleyball’s Dynamic Duo

     

    Two standout volleyball athletes, Deanna Wong and Ivy Lacsina, bring different strengths to their respective teams. Wong, a veteran setter for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, is widely respected for her court vision, leadership, and ability to run complex offenses at the professional level.

    Lacsina, a powerful presence for the Akari Chargers, contributes both offense and net dominance with her attacking prowess. 

     

    Their relationship exemplifies how elite performers can support each other while still competing at the highest level — sharing insights, handling travel schedules, and celebrating milestones together amid demanding volleyball seasons.

     

    LA Revilla & Denden Lazaro — Veteran Partners in Hoops and Spikes

     

    Sometimes love takes shape through longevity and shared history in sport. LA Revilla, a former PBA ballplayer turned assistant coach for the UE Red Warriors, has transitioned from pro play to mentoring the next generation of talent, carrying his on-court savvy to the sidelines.

     

    His partner, Denden Lazaro, is a decorated libero for the Creamline Cool Smashers, known for her consistent defense, quick reads, and leadership on the court that helped Creamline secure multiple titles. Their shared journey from athlete life to evolving roles beyond active competition reflects maturity, mutual respect, and a love that’s grown with their respective careers.

     

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  • Alex Eala takes on WTA No.100 Alycia Parks in Australian Open debut 

    Alex Eala takes on WTA No.100 Alycia Parks in Australian Open debut 

    The 20-year-old Filipina sensation begins her maiden main draw campaign at Melbourne Park on Sunday, Jan. 18, drawing American Alycia Parks in a first-round clash that immediately tests how far Eala’s rapid rise can carry her on tennis’ biggest stages.

     

    The matchup was finalized following Thursday’s release of the tournament draw, which placed Eala in the upper half of a stacked bracket headlined by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. 

     

    Also lurking in the section are Grand Slam champions and former finalists, including Emma Raducanu, Venus Williams, and third seed Coco Gauff — a reminder of the level Eala now shares space with.

     

    Just a year ago, Eala was still fighting through the qualifying rounds in Melbourne. Her 2025 appearance marks a turning point after jumping from world No. 140 to No. 49 in just 12 months — one of the most significant climbs on the WTA Tour over that span.

     

    Facing Parks for the first time, Eala enters the contest ranked 51 spots higher than her American opponent, but Grand Slam experience slightly favors the 25-year-old Parks, who has been a regular presence in major main draws since 2021 and reached the third round of last year’s Australian Open. 

     

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    Recent form, however, paints a different picture. Both players opened their seasons in Auckland at the ASB Classic, where Eala powered her way to the semifinals beating two former top-20 players while Parks exited in the Round of 32. 

     

    Eala then carried that momentum to Melbourne, sharpening her game at the Kooyong Classic — an exhibition event where she turned heads with a straight-sets win over  2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4.

     

    Parks, meanwhile, continued her tune-up at the Hobart International qualifiers, bowing out in her second match after a three-set battle against Ayano Shimizu.

     

    For Eala, the Australian Open represents both a milestone and a measuring stick. While she made her Grand Slam debuts at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open last year — including a second-round showing in New York — Melbourne is where her transformation from promising talent to legitimate tour contender will be closely watched.

     

    Sunday’s opener isn’t just about advancing to the next round. It’s about announcing that Alex Eala belongs in the main draw — and that her climb is far from finished.

     

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  • Rising tennis star Tenny Madis confirms plans to study in Hawaii after Grade 12

    Rising tennis star Tenny Madis confirms plans to study in Hawaii after Grade 12

    Manila is set to make history in Philippine tennis as it prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has officially been added to the 2026 WTA calendar, placing the city on the global tennis map with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be played on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. The event promises high-level competition and a rare opportunity for local fans to witness world-class tennis on home soil.

     

    Rising Filipino stars Tenny Madis and Alex Eala will represent the country after receiving wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For 18-year-old Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open will mark her WTA 125 debut. Regardless of her performance in the tournament, she plans to move to Hawaii later this year to pursue further education under a scholarship.

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    “I will be going to Hawaii in August after I finish Grade 12 here. They offered me a scholarship. I plan to attend school in September. I have yet to commit,” Madis confirmed in a media interaction.

     

    If she accepts the offer, Madis will join a growing list of Filipino athletes honing their skills abroad. Other notable athletes currently studying and competing in the United States include fencer Samantha Catantan (Penn State), golfer Rhianne Malixi (Duke University), and basketball standout Kieffer Alas (Utah Prep Academy), who scored 34 points in his debut game. Olympian Jasmine Alkhadi remains the most prominent Filipino athlete to attend the University of Hawaii.

     

    Madis enjoyed a breakout 2025, capturing the Gentry Open Women’s Singles title and the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship. She also earned two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, solidifying her status as one of the country’s brightest tennis prospects.

     

    Currently training at the Philippine Tennis Academy under coach Bobie Angelo, Madis is focused on building her strength and preparing to face higher-ranked WTA opponents on the global stage.

     

     

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  • PHILTA eyes tennis growth in the Philippines as Manila is set to host first-ever WTA 125 event

    PHILTA eyes tennis growth in the Philippines as Manila is set to host first-ever WTA 125 event

    Manila is set to serve up a historic moment for Philippine tennis, as the city prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has officially been added to the 2026 WTA calendar, elevating Manila onto the global tennis stage with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be contested on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. Beyond the competition itself, the event signals a new chapter for Philippine tennis, giving local fans the rare opportunity to witness world-class players in action on home soil.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open press conference took place on Tuesday, January 13, at Lanson Palace in Pasay City. Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) executive director Tonnette Mendoza highlighted that one of the primary reasons for hosting the event in Manila is to foster the growth of tennis in the Philippines, a country where basketball still dominates the sporting landscape.

     

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    “You know, just being near all these big, really good players, they are top 100 in the world, still at a different level, it’s really going to encourage them to be better at tennis. And then, of course, we really want the kids to come and watch. It’s hard to watch really world-class tennis, you have to go to another country. So it’s good that they are here,” Mendoza said.

    PHILTA also announced ticket prices for the milestone event, which were met with positive feedback for their affordability. Tickets range from P200 for the qualifying matches to P2,000 for the main draw, giving ordinary fans access to high-level competition.

     

    “Well, we really, of course we want to recover some of our expenses, but because the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is really helping us, we are able to keep our prices low. You know, at that level, and we are not thinking of making lots and lots of money. What we really want is for the people to come over,” Mendoza added, emphasizing the organization’s focus on accessibility and community engagement.

     

    Rising Filipino tennis stars Alex Eala and Tenny Madis will represent the country after securing wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For both athletes, competing at home offers not just a chance to gain invaluable experience against top international opponents, but also an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino tennis players.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open will be held at the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, promising thrilling tennis action while solidifying the Philippines’ presence on the global tennis stage. Beyond the matches, the event represents a major step forward for the sport in the country, giving fans and young athletes alike a chance to witness world-class competition without leaving home.

     

     

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  • Rising Filipina star Tenny Madis excited for WTA 125 debut at Philippine Women’s Open

    Rising Filipina star Tenny Madis excited for WTA 125 debut at Philippine Women’s Open

    Manila is set to serve up a historic moment for Philippine tennis, as the city prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has been officially added to the 2026 WTA calendar, putting Manila on the global tennis stage with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be played on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. The event promises high-level competition while giving local fans a rare opportunity to witness world-class tennis on home soil.

     

    Rising Filipino tennis stars Tenny Madis and Alex Eala will represent the country after securing wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open will mark her debut at a WTA 125 tournament—an opportunity she describes as both thrilling and special.

     

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    “I’m so very grateful for the wild card. It’s a great opportunity to compete at this higher level and gain valuable experience. So I see it as an invitation to do better, to do my best. It feels so special to compete at home and I’m very excited. Super excited kasi makalaban ko yung mga higher level na players,” Madis said during the Philippine Women’s Open press conference in Pasay City.

    The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, capturing the Gentry Open Women’s singles title and the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship. She also secured two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, further establishing herself as one of the country’s brightest tennis prospects.

     

    Madis is now training intensively at the Philippine Tennis Academy under coach Bobie Angelo, focusing on improving her strength and preparing for the challenges of competing against higher-ranked WTA players.

     

    “I have been training consistently, with my team at the Philippine Tennis Academy, with coach Bobie Angelo, and my teammates as well. Yes, it’s very intensive training and mag-improve pa po yung muscles,” she shared.

     

    “The lessons po na ma-ano ko is to do my best and have fun. Palagi lang sinasabi ng coach ko, coach Bobie, laban para sa bayan and gapang talaga para sa bayan. So my goal is to compete well. And I just focus on to enjoy every match. And, yeah, to compete hard,” Madis added, highlighting her determination to represent the Philippines with pride.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open will be held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, offering thrilling tennis action for fans while providing a platform for local players to gain invaluable international experience. Beyond the competition, the tournament represents a major step forward for Philippine tennis, helping the country cement its presence on the global stage and inspiring the next generation of Filipino tennis players.

     

     

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  • Philippine skaters gear up for Four Continents Championships after SEA Games success

    Philippine skaters gear up for Four Continents Championships after SEA Games success

    The Philippines closed out the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, on a strong note, finishing sixth overall in the medal tally with a total of 277 medals: 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes. The country’s athletes displayed grit and determination across a wide range of disciplines, proving that Filipino sports continue to grow in competitiveness at the regional level.

     

    Among the standout performances were those from the country’s skating contingent. Figure skating emerged as a bright spot for Team Philippines, with Maxine Bautista capturing a silver medal and Paolo Borromeo securing the bronze in their respective events. Their podium finishes were a testament to the growing talent and dedication in the Philippine skating scene, signaling that the country is producing skaters capable of making a mark on larger international stages.

     

    Buoyed by the success of Bautista and Borromeo at the SEA Games, Philippine Skating Union chief Nikki Cheng expressed confidence in the team’s prospects at the upcoming Four Continents Championships, which will be held in Beijing, China, from January 21 to 25. The prestigious event is considered one of the major international competitions in figure skating, attracting top athletes from across Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.

     

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    “Right after the Southeast Asian Games, Maxine and Paolo went back home and went straight away to training. The Four Continents Championships is of course a very big event. It’s considered one of the international skating championship events and we are very glad that we have Philippine representatives that qualified to this championships,” Cheng said in a media interaction, highlighting the athletes’ swift transition from regional competition to international preparation.

    The Philippines will send a total of four skaters to Beijing, with Isabella Gamez and Aleksandr Korovin joining the duo of Bautista and Borromeo. While Bautista and Borromeo gained experience at the SEA Games, Gamez and Korovin did not compete in Thailand because the program did not feature the pair skating event. However, Cheng emphasized that their absence from the SEA Games did not indicate a lack of effort or preparation.

     

    “Gamez and Korovin competed in the 2025 Golden Spin in Zagreb, Croatia, last December and finished 13th. That gave them good exposure and preparation for the challenges ahead at Four Continents,” Cheng said, noting the importance of competing against a strong international field to sharpen their skills.

     

    The pair has been training intensively in Russia over the past year, fine-tuning their routines and building consistency in their performances. Cheng highlighted their dedication and discipline, underscoring that the team is entering the Four Continents Championships in peak condition.

    “They are currently training in Russia. It’s been a few months or actually for the whole year they were there. And so they are preparing intensely for Four Continents,” Cheng added.

     

    With a mix of regional experience from the SEA Games and international exposure from competitions like the Golden Spin, the Philippines will field a competitive lineup in Beijing. Fans and officials alike will be watching closely, hoping that the country’s skaters can translate their hard work into strong performances on the Four Continents stage, setting the stage for even bigger achievements in the years to come.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala builds Australian Open momentum with second straight win over Donna Vekic

    Alex Eala builds Australian Open momentum with second straight win over Donna Vekic

    Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala continued to build momentum on the eve of the season’s first Grand Slam, scoring another straight-sets win over Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4, in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Wednesday.

     

    The victory carried added meaning beyond the scoreboard. It marked Eala’s second win over the former world No. 19 in just over two weeks, following her three-set triumph at the WTA 125 ASB Classic in New Zealand earlier this month. More importantly, it reinforced the idea that Eala is arriving at the Australian Open not just prepared—but confident she can go toe-to-toe with established tour veterans.

     

    Despite the convincing result, Eala was quick to acknowledge the difficulty of the matchup.

     

    “I always have a tough time playing with her (Donna Vekic),” Eala said.

     

    The opening set tested that claim. Vekic seized an early 2-1 lead before Eala steadied herself, tying the score at 2-all and then stringing together a decisive run. 

     

    A six-point streak swung the momentum in her favor, allowing her to reclaim the lead at 3-2, and another five-point burst soon stretched it to 4-2. Eala maintained her composure down the stretch, closing the set at 6-3 despite a brief response from Vekic.

     

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    Vekic again struck first in the second set, but Eala responded immediately, leveling at 1-1 and later at 2-all. From there, the Filipina dictated play with greater authority, managing the key moments to seal the match, 6-4, without allowing the contest to drift into the kind of extended battle their New Zealand meeting produced.

     

    The performance left a strong impression on Eala herself.

     

    “I wanna say this is the best I’ve ever played,” she said.

     

    That statement may be the most telling takeaway as the Australian Open looms. While the Kooyong Classic is an exhibition event, Eala’s ability to back up a breakthrough win with another composed, straight-sets performance suggests real growth—not just in shot-making, but in belief and match management.

     

    Heading into Melbourne Park, Eala appears to be carrying something she has often chased in the early stages of her career: rhythm. Beating the same experienced opponent twice in a short span sends a clear signal that she is learning how to impose her game, absorb pressure, and close out matches against players accustomed to the Grand Slam spotlight.

     

    For a young Filipina still carving out her place on the tour, that may be the most valuable edge of all as she steps onto the Australian Open stage. 

     

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