Alex Eala's Jingshan Open Run Ends in Semifinals Against Lulu Sun

Filipino tennis standout Alex Eala's campaign at the Jingshan Tennis Open concluded on Saturday, September 27, 2025, following a hard-fought semifinal defeat to New Zealand's Lulu Sun. Eala, currently ranked No. 58 globally, secured the first set 6-3 and initially led 2-1 in the second set. However, Sun, ranked No. 146, quickly turned the match around by winning four consecutive games to take control and level the match. In the final set, Sun surged ahead with a decisive 4-0 lead. Despite Eala's efforts to mount a comeback, Sun maintained her composure to close out the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, advancing to the tournament final. This defeat marks Eala's second loss to Sun, who previously defeated the Filipino player in the Wimbledon qualifiers last year. Nonetheless, the 20-year-old Eala demonstrated impressive form throughout the tournament, earning semifinal berths by overcoming Aliona Falei, Mei Yamaguchi, and Jia-Jing Lu in earlier rounds.

Junior Philippine Golf Tour Finals Kick Off with North-South Ryder Cup-Style Showdown

The Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) reaches its exciting climax with the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals commencing Wednesday, October 1, at The Country Club in Laguna. This season-ending championship introduces a unique Ryder Cup-inspired format pitting the top junior golfers from Luzon (North) against their counterparts from the Visayas and Mindanao (South) in a highly anticipated three-day team competition. Unlike previous editions, the tournament adopts an innovative structure emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and adaptability alongside individual skill. The competition is divided into three distinct formats over three days: - **Day 1 (Oct. 1) — Four-Ball (Best Ball):** Each pair plays their ball independently with the best score per hole counting, demanding partnership trust where one player can compensate for another’s errors. - **Day 2 (Oct. 2) — Foursomes (Alternate Shot):** Teammates alternate shots using a single ball, testing their coordination and composure. - **Day 3 (Oct. 3) — Singles:** Head-to-head individual matches where every hole is critical as players vie for points to secure their team's victory. The format fosters thrilling unpredictability, with momentum swings and heroics capable of shifting outcomes instantly. Team North, captained by Francis Talion and co-captained by Ryan Tambalque, is determined to reverse last year’s defeat where Team South clinched six out of eight titles. North’s lineup features standout players aged 15 to 18, including Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc, and Kristoffer Nadales, who replaced Shinichi Suzuki due to international commitments in Japan. The women’s elite team includes Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino, and Chloe Rada, all aiming to avenge prior results. Meanwhile, Team South, led by Alfred Gaccion with Boyet Zaragosa as co-captain, brings a strong contingent of veterans and rising stars. Alexis Nailga, a multi-leg winner, heads the boys’ roster alongside Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III, and Eric Jeon. The girls’ team features Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa, and Mike Guillermo, who recently secured a slot after Zero Plete had to withdraw due to academic conflicts. In the 11-14 age division, competition intensifies with the Sarines twins Lisa and Mona, Kendra Garingalao, and Alexie Gabi representing the North, while Southern challengers Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos, and Rafella Batican promise a tightly fought contest. Organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, this groundbreaking event offers an electrifying conclusion to the junior golf season, spotlighting emerging talents and fostering sportsmanship through team dynamics across the Philippines’ premier junior circuit.

ICTSI Elite Junior Finals Commence with North vs. South Showdown in Sta. Rosa

The ICTSI Elite Junior Finals, bringing together 48 of the nation’s premier young golfers from Luzon (North) and Visayas-Mindanao (South), officially started on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at The Country Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The tournament adopts a format similar to the Ryder Cup, pitting Team North against Team South in a series of matches. Competitions include Four-Ball (Best Ball) on the first day, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on the second day, followed by Singles matches on the last day. Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque emphasized the strategy for the opening day, stating, \"Keep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation.\" He conveyed confidence in his team’s capabilities, noting their individual strength and independent training. The boys’ 7-10 age group started from the first tee, followed by the 11-14 and 15-18 divisions, while the girls began play simultaneously on the 10th tee. \"Let them enjoy the game. I’m confident in our players — lahat sila malalakas (they’re all strong), and they’ve been training independently. No matter the pairings, I know they will give their best,\" Tambalque added. Meanwhile, Team South’s captain Alfred Gaccion highlighted his team’s blend of talent, experience, and tenacity. \"The opposing team is equally equipped, so our focus is on fielding a balanced lineup. Fortunately, we have strong representatives in every age group,\" he commented. Gaccion particularly pointed out the competitiveness of the girls’ 15-18 division, featuring players like Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa, and Mikela Guillermo. Team North’s squad in the same category includes Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino, and Chloe Rada. \"This is fundamentally a team event, and strong team play is crucial to overcoming challenges. Mutual support in Four-Ball and Foursomes will form the backbone of our strategy,\" Gaccion explained. Tambalque also noted the camaraderie developed among Team North members through frequent tournaments and training sessions. \"We see each other nearly every week, and even the parents have formed strong bonds. That chemistry is a definite advantage,\" he said. The full roster for the competition is as follows: **Team North:** - Boys 7-10: Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad, Halo Pangilinan - Girls 7-10: Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio, Tyra Garingalao - Boys 11-14: Vito Sarines, Zianbeau Edoc, Ryuji Suzuki, Jacob Casuga - Girls 11-14: Lisa Sarines, Mona Sarines, Kendra Garingalao, Alexie Gabi - Boys 15-18: Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc, Kristoffer Nadales - Girls 15-18: Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino, Chloe Rada **Team South:** - Boys 7-10: Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo, James Rolida - Girls 7-10: Denise Mendoza, Soleil Molde, Claren Quiño, Francesca Geroy - Boys 11-14: Ralph Batican, Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban, Marcus Dueñas - Girls 11-14: Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos, Rafella Batican - Boys 15-18: Alexis Nailga, Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III, Eric Jeon - Girls 15-18: Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa, Mikela Guillermo The three-day tournament promises intense competition and showcases the country’s finest junior golf talent. Fans and participants alike look forward to an engaging display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Alas Pilipinas Women Set to Compete in SEA V.League Opening Leg in Thailand

The Alas Pilipinas Women’s volleyball team is gearing up for their participation in the SEA V.League, with the first leg of the competition scheduled in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. This tournament marks an important regional showdown where the team will face some of Southeast Asia’s strongest opponents. Returning to the roster are Bella Belen and Angel Canino, who were absent from the recent VTV Cup. They join seasoned players Jia De Guzman, Maddie Madayag, and Dawn Catindig, who are expected to bring valuable experience and leadership to the squad. The complete team roster includes Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Jia De Guzman, Dawn Catindig, Eya Laure, Dell Palomata, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Mars Alba, Justine Jazareno, Shaina Nitura, Leila Cruz, Cla Loresco, Maddie Madayag, and Vanie Gandler. Alas Pilipinas will face stiff competition in the opening leg, including the reigning gold medalists Indonesia, multiple-time champions Thailand, and formidable Vietnam. The team’s match schedule is as follows: - August 1, 6:00 p.m.: Alas Pilipinas vs. Thailand - August 2, 2:30 p.m.: Alas Pilipinas vs. Vietnam - August 3, 2:30 p.m.: Alas Pilipinas vs. Indonesia These critical encounters will test the team’s skills and cohesion as they aim to make a significant impact in the league.

WBC Minimumweight Champion Melvin Jerusalem Aims for Unification Bout

Melvin Jerusalem, the current World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion, has declared his intention to face top contenders and unify all the belts in his weight division. "We will always be prepared and train really hard, so that if a world title unification comes, we\'ll be ready," Jerusalem stated. Oscar Collazo, who holds the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight titles, is also recognized as The Ring Magazine minimumweight champion. Jerusalem has a history with Collazo, the unbeaten Puerto Rican who dethroned him as WBO champion in 2023 through a seventh-round stoppage. Another prominent champion in the minimumweight class is Pedro Taduran of the Philippines, who currently holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title. Jerusalem expressed openness to facing either opponent, emphasizing his commitment to rigorous preparation. "I\'m willing to fight either of them, if given the chance. I will train harder because I know I\'ll be facing the best," he said. Jerusalem recently defended his WBC title successfully on October 29, 2025, during the main event of the "Thrilla in Manila" 50th Anniversary card held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Praising his 22-year-old challenger Siyakholwa Kuse, Jerusalem remarked, "He was a tough opponent. That\'s why we should never underestimate our opponent regardless of their record because they too have trained for the fight. I don\'t know what round I adjusted but it was in the later rounds. In the early rounds, I had a hard time breaking a sweat and I was very sleepy. Our fight started at around 1 a.m. But I don\'t make that as an excuse. He was a good fighter and he has a good chance of becoming a world champion in the future." Kuse challenged Jerusalem early in the fight with his rapid speed and swift combinations, but Jerusalem ultimately outmaneuvered him using his experience to close the fight decisively.

Adamson University Edges UST to Halt Four-Game Losing Streak in UAAP Season 88 Juniors Basketball

MANILA — Adamson University’s Baby Falcons secured a vital 87-76 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs in the UAAP Season 88 juniors basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 25, 2025. This win snapped UST’s four-game winning streak and avenged an earlier one-point loss to the Tiger Cubs. Fran Flores led Adamson with an impressive stat line of 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. Supporting Flores, Edison Jordan contributed 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Seb Esma delivered 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Keefy Iledan also had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, helping Adamson tie with UST for third place in the standings at 6-3. The Baby Falcons took a narrow 36-34 lead into halftime and extended their advantage to 66-52 by the end of the third quarter, powered by consistent efforts from Vengcs Vengco, Edison Jordan, Keefy Iledan, Fran Flores, Seb Esma, and Majiq Padrejuan. Flores then cemented the lead with consecutive layups, while Uno Del Monte’s three-pointer pushed the margin to 77-58 with 6:37 remaining. Adamson head coach Dante Tengco praised his team’s mental fortitude, stating, \"All throughout the week, after that game, we always had to instill in them — 'one point, one point.' We don’t want that again. Even if we won by one point, it’s fine as long as we say that we’re not supposed to lose this time. The boys became men today and really answered the call, so thank you for that.\" For UST, CJ Tabbuga was the top scorer with 26 points, along with five rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Rowie Cabañero added 15 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and four steals, while Gab Castro chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds. In another close contest, the University of the East (UE) narrowly defeated De La Salle Zobel 72-69. Mark Perdigon’s late three-pointer gave UE a 70-66 lead with under 30 seconds left. Although Lorenzo Purugganan responded with a three for DLSZ, Austin Delos Santos sealed the game with two free throws. UE’s Goodluck Okebata led all scorers with 26 points and 14 rebounds, coupled with two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Delos Santos also contributed 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals, while Perdigon recorded 12 points and added defensive presence with three blocks. Despite the loss, Purugganan scored 26 points alongside three assists and three steals for the Junior Archers, who remain winless. Jullian Pangan posted a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Isaac Purugganan managed 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Looking ahead, Adamson will face FEU-Diliman at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, with De La Salle Zobel taking on National University-Nazareth School at 9:30 a.m.

University of the Philippines Secures First Victory Over Ateneo in UAAP Season 88

In a significant UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball clash on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons handed Ateneo de Manila University its first defeat, winning 83–69. With this victory, the Fighting Maroons improved their record to 3–2, marking their third consecutive win in the tournament. Ateneo, previously undefeated, saw their record drop to 4–1 following the loss. This game highlighted the Fighting Maroons' growing momentum as they continue to make a strong impact in the season.

NCAA Season 101 Kicks Off with New Initiatives and Expanded Sports Lineup

MANILA – The 101st season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) officially begins on Wednesday, with defending champions Mapua University (MU) hosting Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in the men's basketball opening game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The MU Cardinals will face off against the LPU Pirates at 2:30 p.m., followed by a matchup between the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers and the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions at 5 p.m. Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Patrick Gregorio is slated as the guest speaker during the opening ceremony, which starts at noon. Entertainment acts include performances by singers Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, Naya Ambi, and Aicelle Santos. Jose Rizal University athletic director Paul Supan, speaking at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, emphasized the significance of the milestone season. He said, \"Season 101 is easy to remember, and with this year’s theme ‘Building Greatness,’ we reflect on a century of student-athletes rising to elite levels. Moving forward, in partnership with the PSC and member schools, we aim to continue contributing to the national training pool.\" Joining the forum, Emilio Aguinaldo College Vice President for Administration Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo highlighted the NCAA's plan to enhance grassroots athlete development by incorporating demonstration sports such as gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing, and golf into this year’s calendar, to be contested in the second semester. He noted, \"The NCAA and the Philippine Sports Commission collaborate closely on training and developing these grassroots athletes.\" Under NCAA regulations, demonstration sports that consistently feature for three years may be approved as regular events. Notably, athletes like weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, a CSB alumna and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, and gymnast Carlo Yulo, a two-time gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, exemplify the NCAA's role in nurturing world-class talent. This season's basketball tournament will return to its traditional home at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Supan remarked, \"This is our home where the NCAA began, and our goal is to bring all games during the eliminations and semifinals back to this historic venue.\" Junior basketball games featuring Mapua versus Lyceum and St. Benilde against San Beda are scheduled for Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Additional sports including taekwondo, swimming, and lawn tennis will be held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The league is also hopeful to host football within this venue. Track and field events will take place at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.

Bryce Miller to Start Game 1 of ALCS for Seattle Mariners Against Toronto Blue Jays

The Seattle Mariners have announced that right-handed pitcher Bryce Miller will start Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, the opening game of the best-of-seven showdown. Speaking on Saturday, Miller expressed his enthusiasm, stating, \"I\'m fired up. Yeah, I\'m ready to go. Pitching in the playoffs is something you dream of, and just getting the opportunity to start us off and get us going early and set the tone is super meaningful.\" Miller is the freshest available option after starters Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert contributed relief innings during Seattle\'s grueling 3-2, 15-inning win over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the AL Division Series on Friday night. The 27-year-old Miller last pitched on Wednesday in Game 4 at Detroit, where he threw 55 pitches before being relieved, a performance he found somewhat unsatisfactory. Despite Seattle holding a 3-0 lead when he exited after 4 1/3 innings, Miller was charged with two runs on four hits, although he did not permit any walks and struck out two. The Mariners eventually lost that game 9-3 but rebounded to claim an epic Game 5 victory. Reflecting on his recent outing, Miller remarked, \"My last outing, I felt really good. I think that was the best my stuff has been in a while. So yeah, I\'m excited and looking forward to the opportunity.\" During the regular season, Miller posted a 4-6 record with a 5.68 ERA across 18 starts. The previous game against Detroit marked his first career postseason appearance and start. Seattle\'s manager Dan Wilson expressed confidence in his young pitcher, saying, \"We\'re excited to hand (Miller) the ball. We\'ll take him as far as he can go.\" Opposing Miller on the mound will be the Toronto Blue Jays\' right-hander Kevin Gausman, who earned the win in Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees on October 4, allowing one run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, the Mariners are finalizing their ALCS roster, submissions due Sunday morning. The team is considering including All-Star right-hander Bryan Woo, who sat out the ALDS due to a pectoral injury. Woo, 25, has not pitched since September 19 but threw a bullpen session on Friday. Team officials are closely monitoring his recovery. Wilson commented, \"We\'re continuing to assess (Woo\'s) availability. He seems to be rebounding pretty well. He\'s coming back. Right now, we\'re continuing to weigh what that timetable might be and when he\'ll be available.\" In the regular season, Woo compiled a 15-7 record with a 2.94 ERA in 30 starts, making him a vital potential addition for the Mariners in this postseason run.

NCAA Basketball Returns to Rizal Memorial Coliseum with Defending Champion Mapua Facing CSB

The 101st NCAA basketball tournament makes its much-anticipated return to the renowned Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila with two exciting matchups scheduled for today. At 11 a.m., defending champions Mapua University will take on last season's runners-up, the College of St. Benilde (CSB). Later, at 2:30 p.m., Lyceum will face off against powerhouse San Beda University. This marks the league's return to the venerable venue for the first time since August 2006, reviving historic rivalries on a storied court. Currently positioned second in their respective pools—Mapua in Pool A and CSB in Pool B—both teams are striving to secure consecutive wins as they approach the conclusion of the cross-pool phase. Mapua coach Randy Alcantara emphasized the importance of contributions beyond their reigning finals MVP, Clint Escamis. He expressed optimism that other squad members would elevate their performance to support the team’s defense of their championship title. "We are not relying on just one player; everyone must step up to strengthen our chances," Alcantara stated. Fans can expect a competitive and thrilling day of collegiate basketball as these top contenders aim to solidify their standing in this prestigious league.