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Tag: Philippines

  • Philippine fencers win U20 gold at 2026 SEAFF Juniors Fencing Championship

    Philippine fencers win U20 gold at 2026 SEAFF Juniors Fencing Championship

    The Philippine Junior Men’s Saber Team pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Juniors Fencing Championship, stunning regional powerhouse Thailand, 45-40, to capture the Under-20 gold medal on Tuesday, August 11.

     

    The Filipino fencers kept their composure in a tightly contested battle that demanded both speed and tactical discipline, eventually pulling away from Thailand to secure the coveted championship.

     

    The victory marked a major breakthrough for the young Philippine squad and highlighted the growing depth of talent in the country’s junior fencing program.

     

     

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    The four-man team was composed of Khiane Nash Felipe of the University of the East, Drake Anthony Chung of Domuschola International School and Estudio de Espada, Vito Misael Coching of De La Salle Zobel, and Matthew General of Ateneo.

     

    Facing a highly regarded Thai side, the Filipinos relied on their quick reflexes, calculated attacks, and ability to stay composed in crucial moments. With the gold medal on the line, the team maintained its focus and executed its game plan to close out the 45-40 victory.

    The triumph was particularly significant given Thailand’s status as one of the region’s established fencing powers. Defeating the Thais on the international stage provides another encouraging sign for the Philippines as it continues to develop its young athletes and strengthen its presence in Southeast Asian fencing.

     

    “Winning gold is a testament to the hard work of these young athletes and their coaches, but seeing the high level of respect and friendship shared among all four nations on and off the strip is the true victory for Southeast Asian fencing,” a tournament organizer said in a statement.

     

    The championship brought together four Southeast Asian nations, with the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia competing for medals across the junior divisions.

     

    For the Philippine Junior Men’s Saber Team, however, the focus ultimately centered on the gold medal and the opportunity to test itself against some of the region’s best young fencers.

     

    The victory also gives Felipe, Chung, Coching, and General a significant achievement to build on as they continue their development in the sport. At the U20 level, international competitions such as the SEAFF Juniors Fencing Championship provide valuable experience and expose young athletes to different styles and levels of competition.

     

    Their triumph over Thailand could serve as an important confidence boost for the quartet moving forward, while also showcasing the potential of Philippine fencing’s next generation.

     

    With the gold medal now secured, the young Filipinos have given the country another reason to be optimistic about the future of the sport and demonstrated that the Philippines can compete—and win—against the region’s established fencing programs.

     

     

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  • Diana Hughes, Grace Woo lead Philippine pickleball charge with silver in Vietnam

    Diana Hughes, Grace Woo lead Philippine pickleball charge with silver in Vietnam

    Pickleball continues to gain momentum in the Philippines, with the fast-growing sport attracting more players, local organizations and facilities across the country and establishing a stronger presence in the nation’s sporting landscape.

     

    That growth was once again on display last weekend when Filipinas Diana Hughes and Grace Woo delivered a strong international performance at the PPA Tour Asia Vietnam tournament in Ho Chi Minh City.

     

    Hughes and Woo captured the silver medal in the women’s doubles 35+ division, adding another podium finish to their growing list of accomplishments and further highlighting the Philippines’ increasing presence in the regional pickleball scene.

     

     

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    The result also continued an impressive run for the pair, who have consistently found themselves in contention whenever they compete together.

     

    Hughes and Woo previously won silver at WPC Bangkok in May before claiming gold in Ormoc in June. They followed that performance with a bronze medal at PPA Singapore in July before returning to the top of the podium at the PPL Visayas Open in Dumaguete City.

     

    Their latest silver in Vietnam adds another international podium finish to a remarkable stretch and underlines the consistency the duo has developed as a partnership.

     

    The women’s doubles final also provided another significant moment for Philippine pickleball, as Hughes and Woo faced fellow Filipina Macy Ybanez, who partnered with a Vietnamese player in the tournament.

     

    The all-Filipina presence in the championship match was a testament to the depth of talent emerging in the country and offered a glimpse of the Philippines’ potential to become a major force in the regional pickleball community.

     

    For Hughes, seeing another Filipina reach an international final was just as meaningful as securing another medal.

    “I’m really happy and proud to see another Filipina competing in the finals. Seeing Filipinas competing at this level and representing our country so well is something we all should be proud of,” Hughes told the media.

     

    “It also shows the depth of talent we have among Filipina pickleball players. There are so many strong players coming up, and I’m excited to see how far Philippine pickleball can go,” she added.

    Woo, meanwhile, admitted that while the duo always aims for the top spot, they were pleased with the way they performed throughout the competition.

     

    “Diana and I are very happy with the silver. Of course, we always want to win, but we are proud of how we competed and fought through the tournament,” Woo said.

     

    She also credited the coaches, sponsors and supporters who have helped them develop as players and continue competing at a high level.

     

    “We have been fortunate to have the support of our coaches, sponsors and everyone who has been part of our journey. Every tournament gives us an opportunity to learn, improve and compete against some of the best players in the region,” Woo added.

     

    Hughes’ strong showing in Vietnam did not end with the women’s doubles competition. She also captured silver in the mixed doubles 35+ division alongside Davis Alano, giving the Philippines another podium finish at the tournament.

     

    Her pair of silver medals, combined with Hughes and Woo’s women’s doubles performance, further underlined the growing competitiveness of Filipino players on the international circuit.

     

    Pickleball’s rapid growth in the Philippines has been fueled by its accessibility and relatively easy learning curve, while more courts, clubs and organized competitions continue to emerge in different parts of the country.

     

    The sport’s increasing popularity has also created more opportunities for Filipino players to test themselves against international competition, with tournaments across Asia providing valuable exposure and experience.

     

    For Hughes and Woo, their latest performance in Ho Chi Minh City is another step in what has become a highly productive year.

     

    Their string of podium finishes across Bangkok, Ormoc, Singapore, Dumaguete and Vietnam demonstrates not only their individual ability but also the growing quality of Philippine pickleball.

    With more Filipino players making their presence felt in international tournaments, the country’s ambitions in the sport are beginning to extend beyond the local scene.

     

    And if the recent results are any indication, the Philippines’ pickleball boom could be producing a new generation of athletes capable of competing—and winning—on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Puerto Princesa to host two international WTT tournaments in September

    Puerto Princesa to host two international WTT tournaments in September

    The Philippines is taking another step toward establishing itself as a major destination for international sporting events, with Puerto Princesa City set to host two prestigious table tennis tournaments next month.

     

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has been working to encourage regional centers and provinces across the country to improve their sports facilities and infrastructure, with the goal of bringing more international competitions outside Metro Manila.

     

    That push will get another boost in September when Puerto Princesa hosts the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender Series from September 3 to 6, followed by the WTT Feeder Series from September 8 to 12 at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum.

     

     

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    The two tournaments are expected to attract athletes from around 20 countries, providing Filipino players with a rare opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best table tennis athletes on home soil.

     

    The Philippines will field the largest delegation, with 60 athletes expected to see action across the two events. Leading the local contingent will be rising star Kheith Rhynne Cruz, who will look to make the most of the opportunity to compete against international opposition.

     

    Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. (PTTF) president Ting Ledesma believes hosting events of this magnitude in the country provides significant benefits for Filipino athletes, particularly by allowing them to gain international experience without the added expense of traveling abroad.

     

    “Hosting an international event here in our country is a huge help. First, because we can minimize costs, and at the same time, we get to compete against world-class players,” Ledesma said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

    “They get to experience a world-class event and world-class players. That’s why, compared to the past, our players today aren’t fazed by their opponents or the massive venues anymore—they are already at ease,” he added.

     

    The WTT Youth Contender Series will feature players from Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, the United States, Oman, Brunei and Slovakia.

     

    The field for the WTT Feeder Series will likewise feature a strong international contingent, with athletes from Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Oman, Brunei, Slovakia and Indonesia expected to participate.

     

    For Puerto Princesa, the tournaments represent another opportunity to showcase the city not only as a tourism destination but also as an emerging sports hub in the Philippines.

     

    City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria said the city has seen the benefits of hosting major sporting events, with international competitions bringing athletes, officials and visitors to the province while also increasing its exposure on the global stage.

     

    Puerto Princesa has previously hosted major sporting events, including Batang Pinoy, the BIMP-EAGA Games, the Ironman Triathlon and the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships.

     

    “We saw that these sports would bring life to our city. When international athletes visit us, we are recognized not only in the Philippines but throughout the world,” Austria said.

     

    The upcoming WTT tournaments are expected to provide another boost to that growing reputation.

     

    Beyond giving Filipino table tennis players the chance to test themselves against international competition, the events also highlight the potential of provincial cities to host competitions of global standards.

     

    With the PSC, PTTF and local governments continuing to invest in sports infrastructure and event hosting, Puerto Princesa’s September tournaments could serve as another important step in the Philippines’ push to become a regular host of international sporting events.

     

     

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  • Philippine Rowing Federation taps three overseas talents for future success

    Philippine Rowing Federation taps three overseas talents for future success

    The Philippines’ national sports federations have increasingly turned to foreign-based Filipino athletes in their bid to strengthen national teams, expand the country’s talent pool and make a bigger impact on the international stage.

     

    The Philippine rowing federation is the latest to embrace that approach, welcoming three promising young athletes with Filipino heritage as it looks to build a stronger pipeline for the future.

     

    New Zealand-based Ross Llaneta, American-born Enzo Santos and Canada-based Jesu Matteo Manalo have joined the Philippine rowing national team program, with the three young rowers all born overseas to Filipino parents.

     

     

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    Llaneta, 15, and Santos and Manalo, both 17, have been training in Manila for the past three weeks as they familiarize themselves with the national team setup and prepare for their first major international assignment representing the Philippines.

     

    The trio recently appeared at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) media room, where they spoke about their experiences and their aspirations with the national team.

     

    Their immediate target is the Asian Under-19 Championships in India, scheduled for December 1 to 7. The young rowers are currently undergoing intensive training under national team head coach Aliaksandra Tsekhanovich as they work toward earning a place in the Philippine delegation.

     

    Although they will return to their respective countries after their current training stint, the three athletes are expected to remain part of the federation’s long-term plans as it continues to develop a wider pool of Filipino rowing talent.

     

    Tsekhanovich believes the young rowers have already shown encouraging progress since arriving in the Philippines, while stressing the importance of using data and consistent monitoring to track their development.

    “We have our targets and we are working hard. They are improving every day, every row. We all dream big together – one dream. But we will track their performances through GPS,” Tsekhanovich said.

     

    The inclusion of foreign-based athletes represents another avenue for the Philippine rowing federation to discover talent beyond the country’s traditional grassroots system.

     

    With rowing requiring years of technical development, physical conditioning and international-level experience, the federation sees the addition of young Filipino athletes from overseas as an opportunity to establish a deeper talent pool that can eventually compete at major regional and global events.

     

    The program also aligns with the Philippine Sports Commission’s renewed emphasis on grassroots development and talent identification. Rather than waiting for athletes to emerge at the senior level, the PSC has been pushing national sports associations to identify promising athletes at a much earlier stage and provide them with the necessary training and support.

     

    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, who has made grassroots development one of the commission’s priorities, welcomed the arrival of the three young rowers and believes their inclusion could be a significant step forward for Philippine rowing.

     

    “Our search for rowing talents continues. These are stunning, positive developments for Philippine rowing,” Gregorio said.

     

    For Llaneta, Santos and Manalo, the opportunity represents more than simply competing in international rowing. It is also a chance to reconnect with their Filipino heritage and represent a country that their families continue to call home.

     

    Their presence gives the Philippines another potential pathway toward developing athletes capable of competing against the best in Asia.

     

    At just 15 and 17 years old, the three rowers are still at the beginning of their competitive careers. But with the national federation investing in their development and the PSC backing a broader search for Filipino talent, the trio could form part of the next generation of athletes carrying the Philippine flag in international rowing.

     

    For now, their focus is on training, improving their performances and earning the chance to compete at the Asian Under-19 Championships later this year.

     

    And with the Philippine rowing program continuing to look beyond its traditional talent base, Llaneta, Santos and Manalo could be the latest young athletes to help shape the country’s future on the water.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala thanks Filipinos for unforgettable Toronto experience

    Alex Eala thanks Filipinos for unforgettable Toronto experience

    Alex Eala’s rapid rise on the international tennis circuit continues to draw attention, with the Filipina star earning praise from some of the biggest names and influential figures in Philippine sports.

     

    At just 21, Eala has established herself as one of the brightest young talents in world tennis, building on an impressive junior career with a steady ascent on the WTA Tour.

     

    Her journey has been marked by patience, determination and a series of historic achievements, further cementing her status as one of the Philippines’ most prominent athletes.

     

     

     

     

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    Eala’s first Canadian Open campaign, however, came to an end in the round of 16 after she fell 6-4, 6-2 to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic.

     

    Despite the defeat, Eala made a lasting impression in Toronto, where Filipino supporters turned out in force to cheer her on. The city was swept up in “Eala-mania,” with Filipino fans filling the stands and Philippine cuisine even making an appearance at food concessions around the venue.

     

    Following her loss, Eala took to social media to thank the fans who supported her throughout her memorable debut in Toronto.

    “Beyond thankful for all the love and kind messages received from people all around the world but especially the Filipinos. I knew it was the last time that I was gonna be out on that court for a while. It’s hard to describe to other people the feeling of being in that stadium full of the fans and all the love,” Eala wrote.

     

    “I’m super grateful for the experiences that I have had here in Toronto. It’s been an amazing debut. So, yeah, I will carry these memories with me for a really long time,” she added.

     

    Eala also credited the Filipino community for helping shine a spotlight on the country, saying the support she received in Toronto reflected the pride and unity of Filipinos around the world.

     

    “I am kind of just like a drop in the ocean when it comes to Filipinos and their pride for their culture and where they come from. Me, I do a lot to kind of represent my country and I’m very proud of it,” Eala said.

     

    “But you see, I mean, the stadium was full of people who do the same thing, right? I guess that just shows you what kind of community we are and what kind of a people we are and how supportive we are of each other.”

     

    Eala’s popularity has also caught the attention of tournament organizers, with the Filipina quickly becoming one of the Canadian Open’s biggest crowd draws.

     

    Canadian Open tournament director Karl Hale described Eala as an “absolute blessing” not only for the event but for tennis as a whole, highlighting the impact she has had in bringing new fans and energy to the tournament.

     

    While her Canadian Open run ended earlier than she would have hoped, Eala’s debut in Toronto showed that her influence extends well beyond her results on the court—and that “Eala-mania” is only beginning.

     

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  • Philippine squash team trains with Japan, Thailand in preparation for 2026 Asian Games

    Philippine squash team trains with Japan, Thailand in preparation for 2026 Asian Games

    The Philippine national squash team is stepping up its preparations for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, hosting players from Japan and Thailand for a week-long training camp at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

     

    Philippines head coach Wee Wern Low said the camp, which brought international opponents into the country, provides the team with valuable preparation ahead of the Asian Games.

     

    Four Japanese players and two from Thailand arrived in the Philippines last Monday and trained alongside the national team until Saturday, giving the Filipinos an opportunity to test themselves against different opponents and playing styles.

     

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    “The goal of this is to get more doubles practice, to familiarize with each other, and also play different pairings as well. We are used to playing with each other in training, so it’s good to have people from different countries and different playing styles this week around so that they can get better practice,” Low told the media last week.

    The Philippine squash contingent is composed of Reymark Begornia, Aero Dalida, Jemyca Aribado, Alyssa Dalida, David Pelino and Jonathan Reyes.

     

    While the Philippines does not have the same pedigree as some of Asia’s traditional squash powerhouses, Low believes the team’s underdog status could work to its advantage in Nagoya.

     

    “Yeah, I mean, the Asian Games is probably one of the biggest events in Asia, and playing for your country is obviously a very different feeling than playing for yourself in the professional circuit,” Low said.

     

    “So as Team Philippines go into the Asian Games, I mean, we are the underdogs. There’s nothing to lose and just all the experience to gain and to try their best against the much more experienced countries in Asia.”

     

    Malaysia enters the tournament as the prohibitive favorite after dominating the previous edition of the Asian Games, where it collected three gold medals, one silver and one bronze.

     

    India will also pose a significant threat, having won two gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals in the previous edition.

     

    For the Philippines, however, the focus is on maximizing its preparation and making the most of its opportunity against Asia’s best when the Asian Games gets underway in Nagoya.

     

     

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  • Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante capture silver in historic Philippine Junior International Series

    Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante capture silver in historic Philippine Junior International Series

    The Philippines took another significant step in strengthening its credentials as an emerging host for international sporting events after staging the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series from August 4 to 9 at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

     

    Sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the tournament marked the first time the Philippines hosted an international junior competition listed on the world governing body’s calendar, providing a major boost to the country’s growing badminton scene.

     

    Beyond bringing international junior talent to Philippine shores, the event also gave local players an opportunity to compete on home soil against some of the region’s promising young shuttlers.

     

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    The hosts made their presence felt on the final day, with Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante securing a silver medal in the girls’ under-15 doubles competition.

     

    The Filipino pair advanced to the championship match but saw their run come to an end against Malaysia’s Leanne Fong and Xin Lian Yiew, who prevailed 21-19, 21-13 to claim the gold medal.

     

    Despite falling short of the top prize, Berce and Tablante remained proud of their campaign and the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the historic tournament.

     

    “We are sad that we lost, but we will come back stronger. We will make up for this,” Berce said after the final.

     

    Tablante echoed her partner’s sentiments, acknowledging that they were disappointed with the result but emphasizing the positives from their run to the final.

     

    “I feel the same way as Seanna, but we know that wasn’t our 100 percent. Still, we gave our best today and worked well together, and what’s important is that we made it to the finals,” Tablante said.

     

    The two young shuttlers, who study at the University of Perpetual Help System Delta, also highlighted just how meaningful the opportunity was given the challenges they faced in securing the chance to compete.

     

    For Tablante, representing the Philippines in an international tournament was an opportunity she and Berce were determined to seize.

    “This is extremely important to us because we really had no budget. But we were surprised when the chance came up, so we grabbed the opportunity right away and prepared hard for it,” she added.

     

    Their silver-medal finish provided a memorable moment for the Philippine delegation and underlined the potential of the country’s young badminton players.

     

    More importantly, the tournament itself represents a significant development for Philippine badminton.

     

    Hosting a BWF-sanctioned junior event allows the country to provide its young athletes with valuable exposure to international competition without requiring them to travel abroad. It also gives emerging players the chance to gain experience against different styles of play and compete in an environment that mirrors the demands of higher-level international tournaments.

     

    For local badminton enthusiasts, the Philippine Junior International Series offered a rare opportunity to watch some of the sport’s brightest young talents compete on home soil.

     

    The tournament showcased the speed, athleticism and technical quality of junior badminton while providing aspiring Filipino players with a glimpse of the level they will need to reach as they progress through the sport.

     

    The successful staging of the event could also have implications beyond the competition itself.

     

    As the Philippines continues to develop its sporting infrastructure and invest in athlete development, hosting more BWF-sanctioned tournaments could provide an important pathway for local players while simultaneously strengthening the country’s reputation as a reliable venue for international competitions.

     

    For Filipino shuttlers, particularly those still in the early stages of their careers, the opportunity to compete in internationally recognized tournaments at home could prove invaluable.

     

    It can help young athletes gain confidence, earn experience and understand the demands of international competition while being supported by family, coaches and local fans.

     

    The inaugural Philippine Junior International Series therefore served a dual purpose: it placed the Philippines on the BWF junior tournament calendar while giving the country’s next generation of badminton players a platform to test themselves against international opposition.

     

    Berce and Tablante’s silver medal provided an early highlight for the hosts, but the larger victory may be the foundation the tournament has laid for the future of Philippine badminton.

     

    With continued investment in grassroots development and the successful hosting of international events, the Philippines has an opportunity to further establish itself as both a producer of promising badminton talent and a capable host of major competitions.

     

    For the next generation of Filipino shuttlers, the hope is that the inaugural edition will be more than a one-off event — but the beginning of a stronger international pathway and another step toward putting Philippine badminton firmly on the global map.

     

     

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  • Aiden Lazaro keeps MLB dream alive after becoming first Filipino to sign for the IMG Academy

    Aiden Lazaro keeps MLB dream alive after becoming first Filipino to sign for the IMG Academy

    For 13-year-old Filipino baseball prospect Aiden Lazaro, the road toward his ultimate dream of playing in Major League Baseball has taken him thousands of miles from home.

     

    The Philippine junior standout recently completed the first phase of his development program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, gaining valuable exposure to elite-level facilities, training methods and competition at one of the world’s most renowned sports education and athletic development institutions.

     

    For Lazaro, the opportunity represents more than simply another step in his baseball journey. It is a chance to test himself in a highly competitive environment as he pursues an ambitious goal: becoming the first homegrown player from the Philippines to reach the MLB.

     

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    “I think it’s pretty wild that I am the first, but mainly I don’t let any of the pressure or expectations get to me that much. I just imagine that I’m just training normally and to just play my game,” Lazaro said in a media interaction.

     

    “Right now, my goal currently is to just train and get better. But you know, in the future, the ultimate goal is obviously to play in the MLB, play professionally.”

     

    Lazaro’s aspirations come with a growing awareness of the history surrounding Filipino baseball players who have attempted to make their mark in the American professional game.

     

    The closest the MLB has come to having a Philippine native play in the league dates back to Claudio Manela of Cavite, who played for the Cincinnati Cuban Stars in the Negro Leagues in the 1920s.

     

    Bobby Chouinard, meanwhile, is recognized as the first player born in Manila to play in the MLB following its integration in 1947, appearing for the Oakland Athletics.

     

    Lazaro hopes to eventually add his name to that history, but for now, the young pitcher remains focused on development rather than the weight of expectations that come with his ambitions.

    His experience at IMG Academy has provided him with an early glimpse of what it takes to compete at an elite level.

     

    “It felt so surreal that I was able to train at the facilities that a lot of ex-professional and still professional players use almost every day,” Lazaro said.

     

    “I also love that I was in a new training environment where I could play with people of my skill level and even higher.”

     

    Beyond the physical aspects of the game, Lazaro was particularly impressed by IMG Academy’s emphasis on developing athletes away from the playing field.

     

    The academy’s holistic approach combines athletic training with mental and personal development, something Lazaro believes will be equally important as he continues to progress.

     

    “I really felt like I belong there and I really liked their training plans and not just the fact that they train athletes to become better at their sport, but also train athletes mentally to become better leaders and better teammates for others,” he said.

    The opportunity also allowed Lazaro to represent more than just himself.

     

    As the first homegrown Filipino player selected to train at the academy, the youngster said he takes pride in introducing his teammates and coaches in the United States to his country and his experiences playing baseball in the Philippines.

     

    “When they ask me, I really love firstly telling them about the Philippines. And I love also telling them about all my bonds with teammates and all the teams I have played for in the Philippines,” Lazaro said.

     

    “I think that’s a really big accomplishment for us since in the Philippines, the famous sports, obviously basketball and football. I really like that baseball is also getting more popular.”

    Lazaro’s journey to IMG Academy also mirrors the early international development path taken by another Filipino sporting prodigy.

     

    Philippine tennis star Alex Eala made the move toward elite overseas training at the age of 13, joining the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. That experience played an important role in her development and eventual rise to becoming one of the most accomplished tennis players in Philippine history.

     

    IMG Academy’s sister brand, IMG Tennis Management, currently represents Eala, further illustrating the organization’s connection to Filipino athletes seeking to develop their talents on the international stage.

     

    For Lazaro, however, the immediate task is to continue improving his game while balancing his commitments on both sides of the Pacific.

     

    Despite spending time training in Florida, he remains a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles baseball program and will continue traveling between the Philippines and the United States as he balances his education with his athletic development.

     

    That dual commitment will be an important part of Lazaro’s development as he continues to grow both as a pitcher and as a student-athlete.

     

    His first stint at IMG Academy has already given him a clearer understanding of the level he needs to reach. Rather than viewing the experience as an endpoint, Lazaro sees it as the beginning of a much longer journey.

     

    “This year, for me, I’m expecting to train harder, be more disciplined and hopefully play at a higher level,” he said.

     

    And while the dream of reaching the MLB remains years away, Lazaro already understands that the path toward professional baseball will be filled with challenges, setbacks and failures.

    For the young Filipino, those obstacles are simply part of the process.

     

    “For those who want to get into baseball, I really want to say that baseball is a sport where you can fail a lot of times, but still be good,” Lazaro said.

     

    “So even if you face mistakes or problems, always keep pushing and find joy and love in the sport.”

     

    For now, Lazaro’s focus remains firmly on getting better — one training session, one game and one opportunity at a time.

     

    But with an elite development program behind him, international experience beginning to accumulate and an MLB dream firmly in sight, the young pitcher is already charting a path that could eventually take him into uncharted territory for Philippine baseball.

     

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  • Tagaytay to host inaugural Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027

    Tagaytay to host inaugural Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027

    Tagaytay City is strengthening its credentials as one of the Philippines’ emerging sports hubs after securing the hosting rights for the inaugural Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027.

     

    The development adds another major international event to the city’s growing sporting calendar and further highlights the versatility of the Tagaytay City Velodrome, which has quickly become an important venue for cycling competitions in the country.

     

    The velodrome recently underwent a major transformation, temporarily shifting from a cycling venue into a gymnastics arena to accommodate the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships from August 4 to 7.

     

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    The successful hosting of the continental gymnastics competition was another demonstration of the facility’s ability to accommodate events beyond its primary purpose, while the upcoming Asian Youth Plus Track Championships will once again put the venue in the international spotlight.

     

    Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed Tagaytay as the host city for the inaugural championships following the approval of the event during the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Management Committee Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.

     

    The new competition is designed specifically for young cyclists aged 16 and under, providing developing riders from across Asia and Oceania with an opportunity to gain valuable international racing experience at an early stage of their careers.

     

    Tolentino said the creation of the championships is an important step toward developing the next generation of cyclists in the region and exposing young athletes to a wider and more competitive international field.

     

    “The Asian Youth Plus Track Championships aims to provide a platform to develop young cyclists in the whole of Asia with an expanded scope including Oceania. It will enable young Asian cyclists to compete against a broader international field and further raise the standard of competition,” Tolentino said.

     

    The event is expected to focus primarily on boys’ and girls’ categories, giving young riders an opportunity to test themselves against their peers from other countries while gaining experience in a continental-level competition.

     

    ACC president Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill also emphasized the developmental importance of the new championships, particularly in providing young athletes with more opportunities to compete internationally.

    “The new championships will focus primarily on Boys and Girls categories, providing young riders with valuable international competition opportunities at an early stage of their development,” Gill said.

     

    The introduction of the Asian Youth Plus Track Championships could provide a significant boost to youth cycling across the region, with the competition expected to serve as an important pathway for young riders aspiring to progress to higher levels of international competition.

     

    For the Philippines, hosting the inaugural edition also provides the country with an opportunity to showcase its facilities and organizational capabilities while giving its young cyclists the benefit of competing on home soil.

     

    Tolentino said the exact itinerary and details of the 2027 championships will be announced at a later date.

     

    The event will also add to what has already been a busy period for the Tagaytay City Velodrome.

    The facility hosted the ACC Track Championships and Para Track Championships in March this year, bringing some of Asia’s leading cyclists and para cyclists to Tagaytay.

     

    It is also scheduled to host two legs of the Track Asia Cup in December, further cementing its place on the regional cycling calendar.

     

    With the Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships already held at the venue in August, the Track Asia Cup events in December and the Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027 will give Tagaytay a steady pipeline of international sporting events.

     

    That growing schedule is a reflection of the city’s broader ambition to establish itself as a premier sports destination in the Philippines.

     

    The Tagaytay City Velodrome was originally built to serve the country’s cycling community, but its recent use for gymnastics has demonstrated the facility’s potential to accommodate a wider range of sporting disciplines. Its ability to transition between events could make it an increasingly valuable venue for major competitions in the coming years.

     

    For Philippine cycling in particular, the hosting of the Asian Youth Plus Track Championships represents an opportunity to place greater emphasis on grassroots and youth development.

    With athletes aged 16 and under set to take center stage, the inaugural competition could help identify and nurture the next generation of Asian cycling talent.

     

    And for Tagaytay, the event will be another opportunity to prove that the city can successfully host high-level international competitions while building a reputation as one of the country’s leading sporting destinations.

     

    From transforming its velodrome for continental gymnastics to welcoming Asia’s young cycling talents, Tagaytay is steadily expanding its role in Philippine sports — one major international event at a time.

     

     

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  • Filipina Chezka Centeno denies match-fixing claims after falling short of historic World 10-Ball title

    Filipina Chezka Centeno denies match-fixing claims after falling short of historic World 10-Ball title

    Filipina cue artist Chezka Centeno has cemented her status as one of the world’s premier young pool players, with a decorated career highlighted by multiple world titles and international accolades.

     

    However, her latest campaign at the World Pool Association (WPA) Women’s World 10-Ball Championship ended in heartbreak after she fell short of another historic milestone.

    Centeno suffered a 4-1, 4-0, 1-4, 0-4, 4-0 defeat to Margarita Fefilove in the championship match held in Rome, Italy on Thursday, August 6, missing out on the opportunity to claim a record-breaking third world 10-ball title.

     

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    The loss also denied the 27-year-old the chance to become the first player—male or female—to win three world 10-ball championships and the first athlete to capture back-to-back titles in the event. Centeno previously ruled the tournament in 2023 in Austria and successfully defended her crown in 2025 in Indonesia.

     

    While the defeat was difficult to accept, Centeno revealed that the most painful part was facing accusations from some fans who alleged that she intentionally lost the match and was involved in match-fixing.

     

    Addressing the controversy, the Zamboanga City native dismissed the claims and emphasized that mistakes are part of any sport, even at the highest level.

    “I understand why some people are disappointed with the outcome, but everyone has off matches. I have seen the match-fixing accusations circulating in some Filipino comment sections, and while I know they don’t represent everyone, those claims are simply not true. Miscues and mistakes happen, even at the highest level. That’s the reality of sports,” Centeno wrote in a Facebook post.

     

    Centeno acknowledged that she was unable to deliver her best performance in the final but gave full credit to Fefilove for producing the stronger showing when it mattered most.

     

    “I stepped to the table with one goal: to defend my title. Unfortunately, things didn’t go my way, and my mistakes cost me the match. That’s part of competition, no matter how difficult it is to accept,” Centeno said.

     

    “That said, Margarita played a great match, earned the championship, and deserves every bit of the credit,” she added.

     

    Despite falling short in the final, Centeno remained proud of her overall tournament performance. She earned $33,000 for finishing runner-up after winning six consecutive matches on her way to the championship clash.

     

    “I’m proud of how hard I worked to reach the finals, even though the ending wasn’t what I had hoped for. I’m allowing myself to be proud of that, and I’m also choosing to give myself the same grace I would give any other athlete who gave everything they had,” Centeno concluded.

     

    Centeno’s journey in pool began at just five years old, and by the age of 11, she was already competing in the Philippine National Games. Since then, she has developed into one of the Philippines’ most accomplished cue sports athletes, earning world championship honors and representing the country on the international stage.

     

    Beyond her success in individual competitions, Centeno has also been a key contributor to Philippine sports, winning four gold medals across three editions of the Southeast Asian Games.

    Although she missed out on another piece of history in Rome, Centeno’s continued success at the highest level further strengthens her reputation as one of the greatest Filipino pool players of her generation.

     

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