Category: Athletic

MANILA - Cherry Tiggo claimed its first win in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League, overcoming the College of Saint Benilde in a tightly contested match at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the game ended in scores of 29-27, 27-29, 25-18, 25-23, marking a significant comeback for Cherry Tiggo after their previous loss to the Cignal HD Spikers.

Mylene Paat led the scoring for Cherry Tiggo with 16 points, supported by contributions from Abigail Maraño, Victonara Galang, and Czarina Carandang, who each added 12 points. The team's effort reversed their fortunes following a challenging match against the Cignal HD Spikers, which they lost in straight sets. Ennajie Laure, Maraño, Seth Rodriguez, and Ma. Shaya Adorador also made key contributions in the victory, which took over two hours to secure.

The College of Saint Benilde, despite a strong performance from Jhasmin Gayl Pascual who scored 19 points, could not sustain their momentum from a previous win against the Philippine Army Lady Troopers.

The PNVF Champions League continues with upcoming matches featuring Saint Benilde against Cignal HD and Cherry Tiggo against the Philippine Army, promising more exciting volleyball action.

XIMENDING, WANHUA DISTRICT — Filipino pool player Carlo Biado triumphed over his younger compatriot Bernie Regalario in the all-Filipino final of the 2024 Chinese Taipei 9-Ball Open on Friday night at Hulk Billiards hall.

Biado, aged 40 and a 2017 Poland World Games gold medalist, clinched the title with a 13-7 victory, securing a prize of USD10,000 (approximately PHP558,000). On the other hand, the 19-year-old rising star Regalario earned USD5,000 for his runner-up position.

According to Philippines News Agency, To reach the championship round, Biado defeated Chang Yu-Lung from the host country with a score of 11-9. His path to the final also included impressive wins over several notable competitors. He overcame World No. 1 and world champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain with a score of 10-5 in the quarterfinals, followed by a dominating 10-0 victory against Liu Yun-Cheng of Chinese Taipei in the last 16, and a 9-3 win over Bui Troung An of Vietnam in the round of 32. Celebrating his victory, Biado expressed his gratitude on Facebook, posting, "Thank you, God! It's all yours."

Regalario's journey to the final was equally remarkable. He narrowly defeated Aloysius Yapp of Singapore 11-10 in the semifinal. His tournament run also included victories over fellow Filipino and Marboys Billiards Club teammate Michael Feliciano 10-8 in the quarterfinals, and wins against local players Tang Ching-Ting 10-5 in the Last 16, and Kuo Wei-Hsuan 9-1 in the Round of 32. Reflecting on his performance, Regalario shared his gratitude on Facebook, stating, "I'm still very grateful for making it to the final. Congratulations, kuya (older brother)!"

Other members of the Marboys Billiards Club, including Johann Chua, James Aranas, Anton Raga, Jeffrey Ignacio, Kyle Amoroto, Marvin Asis, and Jefrey Roda, also participated in the tournament, showcasing the depth of talent in Filipino billiards.

XIMENDING, WANHUA DISTRICT — Filipino pool player Carlo Biado triumphed over his younger compatriot Bernie Regalario in the all-Filipino final of the 2024 Chinese Taipei 9-Ball Open on Friday night at Hulk Billiards hall.

Biado, aged 40 and a 2017 Poland World Games gold medalist, clinched the title with a 13-7 victory, securing a prize of USD10,000 (approximately PHP558,000). On the other hand, the 19-year-old rising star Regalario earned USD5,000 for his runner-up position.

According to Philippines News Agency, To reach the championship round, Biado defeated Chang Yu-Lung from the host country with a score of 11-9. His path to the final also included impressive wins over several notable competitors. He overcame World No. 1 and world champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain with a score of 10-5 in the quarterfinals, followed by a dominating 10-0 victory against Liu Yun-Cheng of Chinese Taipei in the last 16, and a 9-3 win over Bui Troung An of Vietnam in the round of 32. Celebrating his victory, Biado expressed his gratitude on Facebook, posting, "Thank you, God! It's all yours."

Regalario's journey to the final was equally remarkable. He narrowly defeated Aloysius Yapp of Singapore 11-10 in the semifinal. His tournament run also included victories over fellow Filipino and Marboys Billiards Club teammate Michael Feliciano 10-8 in the quarterfinals, and wins against local players Tang Ching-Ting 10-5 in the Last 16, and Kuo Wei-Hsuan 9-1 in the Round of 32. Reflecting on his performance, Regalario shared his gratitude on Facebook, stating, "I'm still very grateful for making it to the final. Congratulations, kuya (older brother)!"

Other members of the Marboys Billiards Club, including Johann Chua, James Aranas, Anton Raga, Jeffrey Ignacio, Kyle Amoroto, Marvin Asis, and Jefrey Roda, also participated in the tournament, showcasing the depth of talent in Filipino billiards.

Quezon City - In a crucial game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night, San Miguel Beer triumphed over Blackwater with a score of 125-117, securing a significant twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the victory propelled San Miguel Beer to an 8-3 finish in the elimination round, guaranteeing them a Top 4 finish and the accompanying quarterfinal bonus. Despite leading by 17 points early in the third quarter and maintaining a comfortable lead near the start of the final period, San Miguel Beer faced a resilient challenge from Blackwater, who narrowed the gap to just two points with over 10 minutes left in the game.

Responding to Blackwater's 12-0 run, San Miguel Beer managed to extend their lead once again. However, Blackwater kept the pressure on, closing the gap to a single point with 6:27 remaining on the clock. After a missed opportunity by Blackwater's Bradwyn Guinto at the free-throw line, San Miguel Beer took control with a decisive 12-2 run, solidifying their lead with only 1:14 left in the game.

Despite a late surge from Blackwater, San Miguel Beer clinched the win, bolstered by six consecutive free throws from Jericho Cruz. Bennie Boatwright was a standout performer for San Miguel Beer, scoring 44 points, including eight three-pointers, and contributing 12 rebounds and five assists. CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo also made significant contributions to the victory.

The game's outcome leaves San Miguel Beer in a strong position, potentially finishing as high as second depending on the results of upcoming games, including Phoenix's clash with TNT.

On the other side, Chris Ortiz's impressive 43-point performance for Blackwater was not enough to prevent their 10th consecutive loss, concluding their conference with a 1-10 record.

In related news, Meralco enhanced their chances for a twice-to-beat quarterfinal advantage after defeating Terrafirma, moving to an 8-3 record. Shonn Miller led Meralco with 29 points and 21 rebounds, while Terrafirma's Stephen Holt's career-high 26 points proved insufficient to avoid their eighth consecutive loss.

The PBA Commissioner's Cup continues to deliver thrilling basketball action as teams jostle for positioning in the crucial quarterfinal stages.

ISTANBUL: Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic faced his first defeat in Australia in six years, losing in straight sets to Alex de Minaur at the United Cup Tennis in Perth. Djokovic, hindered by a wrist injury, was defeated with scores of 6-4 and 6-4 on Wednesday. This loss also ended his 43-match winning streak in Australia. De Minaur, following his victory, acknowledged Djokovic's significant contributions to tennis and expressed the importance of resilience and enjoyment in the game.

According to Philippines News Agency, Djokovic had not experienced a defeat in Australia since 2018, when he lost to South Korea's Chung Hyeon at the Australian Open. The 36-year-old Serbian tennis star holds a record of 24 grand slam titles to date.

MANILA — Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) announced on Thursday the selection of 44 swimmers, comprising 22 boys and 22 girls, to represent the country at the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championships. The event is scheduled from February 26 to March 9 at the New Clark City (NCC) Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

According to Philippines News Agency, Eric Buhain, the athletes were chosen based on their World Aquatics qualifying points during the national tryouts last October. The championships, which are expected to draw around 1,400 swimmers, were initially planned for this month. Leading the Philippine team are 2023 Fukuoka World Championships veteran Xandi Chua and 2022 Vietnam SEA Games gold medalist Chloe Isleta. The tournament will also feature notable participants like Thanya Dela Cruz, Erin Castrillo, Alyssa Ng, and Quendy Fernandez, among others. The event is seen as a critical platform for Olympic qualification and a showcase of Asia's top aquatic talent.

MANILA: The Atty. Elpidio Bautista Jr. National Executive Chess Championship, organized by the Philippine Executive Chess Association and the Rotary Club of Nuvali, is set to take place on December 30 at the Vista Mall in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, ranked fourth in the Philippines, will compete in the Open division of the event, which supports the Rotary Club of Nuvali's Bright Eyes, Bright Future project.

According to Philippines News Agency, This initiative aims to provide free eyeglasses to 300 students with eye disorders at Pulong Sta. Cruz Elementary School. Notable participants include GM-elect Ronald Dableo, International Master Ricardo de Guzman, and several Fide Masters and National Masters. The tournament, sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, will follow a seven-round Swiss system format. The event also features an Executive division, with prizes for the top ten players, including PHP20,000 and a trophy for the champion. The Open and Senior divisions offer similar cash prizes and trophies for the winners.

MANILA: Filipino weightlifters, including Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, are gearing up for two critical Olympic qualifying tournaments. The team will participate in the Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from February 3-10 and the World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, from March 31 to April 11.

According to Philippines News Agency, The squad comprises eight athletes from various regions, including Zamboanga City, Angono, Rizal, Cebu City, and Bohol. At the recent International Weightlifting Federation Grand Prix II in Doha, Qatar, Rose Jean Ramos and John Febuar Ceniza stood out by winning medals and setting new national records. National coach Christopher Bureros expressed confidence in the athletes' preparation and focus, underscoring the importance of surpassing personal records for a better chance at qualifying for the Paris Olympics. The top ten lifters in each category will secure a quota place for their country through the IWF Olympic Qualification Ranking tournaments, which run until April 28, 2024.

Manila, Philippines - The National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT), set for January 27 and 28, 2024, at Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo, will feature the Philippines' best triathletes. The event will include a range of categories such as Super Sprint Distance, Sprint Distance, Standard Distance Individual and Team Relay, and Super Trikids events. The registration deadline is December 31.

According to Philippines News Agency, the tournament will serve as a qualifying race for the 2025 Thailand Southeast Asian Games and is part of the association's efforts for team trials and talent identification. Last year's sprint elite champions were Fernando Jose Casares and Raven Faith Alcoseba, with Dayshaun Ramos and Kira Ellis winning the Junior Elite divisions.

MANILA: Baguio City has surged to the forefront of the Batang Pinoy National Championships, accumulating 17 gold, 16 silver, and 28 bronze medals, bolstering their campaign to retain the title. Cebu City, previously leading the medal tally, now ranks second with 17 golds, 14 silvers, and 19 bronzes. Following closely are Davao City, Pasig City, Mandaluyong City, Zamboanga City, Quezon City, Leyte, and Rizal, showcasing a competitive field in this tournament for athletes under 17.

According to Philippines News Agency, there is a strong sense of confidence and positivity in their team. Last year, Baguio City triumphed in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, with a remarkable haul of 31 golds, 30 silvers, and 39 bronzes. Pasig City and Quezon City followed in second and third places, respectively. The Philippine Sports Commission has announced a PHP5 million reward for the overall champion, highlighting the importance of the Batang Pinoy as a grassroots development program in the Philippines.

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports launched the Day of Action campaign with a series of volunteer activities at the Youth Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan. The event, featuring various activities, began at 8:30 AM and continued until 4:30 PM.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The campaign, which runs until the 10th of December, aims to inspire public involvement in volunteering. By offering help, sharing knowledge, and expertise, the event encourages community engagement and support for the Day of Action campaign.

Taguig City - Tennis sensation Alex Eala and muay thai champion Alyssa Kylie Mallari are set to lead a group of 58 young athletes at the 3rd Siklab Youth Sports Awards. The ceremony, scheduled for December 4 at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig City, will honor talents from 33 different sports. Eala and Mallari, along with other notable young athletes, will receive the Go for Gold Siklab Young Heroes awards.

According to Philippines News Agency, world youth weightlifting champion Prince Keil Delos Santos, Asian Championship junior gymnastics silver medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo, Southeast Asian Games aquathlon gold medalists Kira Ellis and Matthew Hermosa, and several other distinguished young athletes across various sports will be recognized. Ernest John 'EJ' Obiena, the world's No. 2 pole vaulter and Asia's No. 1, will be honored with the 'Sports Idol' award.

Special citations will be awarded to the Youth Football League and the Davao Aguilas Football Club, supported by Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde. Swimmer Ariel Alegarbes will receive the Para Youth Star award for his double gold medal win at the Asean Para Games in Cambodia. Additionally, Senator Bong Go will be recognized with the Godfather Award for his contributions to sports.

The Siklab Awards will also celebrate world champions in modern pentathlon and softball, along with achievers in muay thai, gymnastics, wrestling, obstacle sports, and karate. Chess, jiu-jitsu, skateboarding, and fencing will also see their rising stars honored. Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission - Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group, the Siklab Awards are dedicated to athletes aged 18 years and below. The event, which began in 2018, aims to recognize and encourage young sports talent in the Philippines.

Bandar Seri Begawan – A significant development in Brunei's football scene occurred following the Grand Finals tournament held on December 2nd in Singapore, organized by Dash Football Academy (DFA) in collaboration with Singapore Albirex Football Club. This event aimed to provide a platform for future national football players and strengthen international relations with football academies and partners.

According to Radio Television Brunei, ten players from seven participating teams were selected for training and friendly matches in Niigata, Japan. This selection includes two promising young national football players. Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda 'Abdul Muntaqim ibni His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah from DPMM FC Club, who participated in the tournament, has been chosen for the friendly match. Additionally, Awang Hariz Raziq bin Fendi Bohary from IKLSMB 5 Club is also among the selected players. This opportunity marks a significant step in the development and international exposure of Bruneian football talent.