3,500 jins set to clash at Milo National meet

Tennis star Alex Eala and Olympic medalist Carlo Paalam bannered the Philippines" campaign in the 2026 Asian Games as their wins assured them of medals in the continental multi-sport event.

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino netters Alex Eala and Shaira Rivera bowed out of the 20th Asian Games women's doubles after falling to the Chinese duo of Jiang Xinyu and Yang Zhaoxuan, 5-7, 2-6, in the second round at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan Wednesday evening. Eala and Rivera defeated Hong Kong rivals Lai Ching Laam and Liu Kallista, 6-1, 6-3, in the first round on Tuesday. Riviera sees action in more event as she teams up with Francis Alcanra in the mixed doubles. Eala shifts all her focus to the singles play where she faces Wang Xiyu in the semifinals.

NAGOYA, Japan — Alex Eala is closing in on two goals. The tennis gold medalist at the Asian Games gets an automatic berth into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. A two-for-one deal. The Philippines' Eala reached the semifinals on Wednesday after defeating Joanna Garland of Taiwan 7-5, 6-0. Eala will next face Wang Xiyu of China on Thursday. The winner advances to Friday’s final. “The Olympics is a dream for me to be able to compete there, to represent my country," Eala said. "So, yeah, let’s see how it goes.” She took bronze medals in singles and mixed doubles with Francis Alcantara at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and is a favorite for gold this time. In order to compete in the Asian Games, Eala had to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing — a mandatory WTA 1000 event. She could be fined $10,000. She said she's not aware of any official notice from the WTA. “I want to say that it’s easy for people to relate to wanting to represent their country and wanting to play these types of Olympic Games,” Eala said. She indicated other players have recognized the conflict and supported her. One seems to be Zhang Shuai of China, No. 57 on the WTA rankings. Eala is No. 18. “It is incredible that the two competitions are in the same weeks," Zhang said. “Some of the previous competitions have been like this. Last week, the Billie Jean King Cup was in the same week as the Singapore and Seoul competitions. “That’s life," Zhang added. "If two things are very important to you, or if they’re both very important tournaments, you can choose one of them." Eala has made her choice.

The pair of Alex Eala and Shaira Rivera ended its campaign in the 2026 Asian Games women"s doubles after falling to China"s Jiang Xinyu and Yang Zhaoxuan, 7-5, 6-2, on Wednesday in Japan.

Far Eastern University put pedal to the metal in its early season test against De La Salle University, claiming victory over the reigning champions, 90-78.

MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University drubbed defending champ De La Salle, 90-78, to roll to its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday. The Tamaraws charged at the Green Archers wit a 22-8 start and took control of the game for the rest of the way. Kirby Mongcopa banged 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists to lead FEU, which rose to 2-1 and created a 5-way tie at the top with NU, UP, Ateneo, and UST. La Salle dropped to 1-2 just behind the 1-1 Adamson and ahead of the cellar-dwelling 0-4 University of the East.

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament FEU def. La Salle, 90-78 Kirby Mongcopa Player of the game #UAAPSeason89

Veteran international pool campaigner Aivhan Maluto is set to compete in the 2026 RBC Bali 9-Ball Open slated on Oct. 6-9, 2026 in Bali, Indonesia. “I hope to perform well in this event," said the 39-year-old Maluto, who hails from Cavite City.  Maluto, who paid a courtesy visit to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Francisco Rivera on Wednesday, is gunning for the champion’s prize of 200 million rupiah, roughly P700,000, in Bali. Maluto is fresh from topping the Moon Cake Festival 10-Ball Tournament held at the famous Pacman's Cue Club in Mandaluyong City last Saturday.  He defeated Jack de Luna, 8-6, in the finals to receive the top prize of P120,000 in the event sponsored by Filipino Chinese Billiards Association president Danny Chong, supported by many-time snooker champion Marlon Manalo and sanctioned by GAB. Maluto is also scheduled to compete in the Maharlika 10-Ball Tournament on Oct. 14-17 at the Star Billiards Center, Grace Village, Quezon City and the World 10-Ball Championships on Oct. 24-28 in Doha, Qatar.  Maluto was accompanied by Japan billiards champion Roel Esquillo, billiards promoter Darwin Dizol and Nympa Selleza when he visited the GAB chairman’s office on Wednesday.

Bianca Pagdangan was off to a rousing start in her 2026 Asian Games run, placing at joint third in the first round of women's individual stroke play.

After a hard-fought match against Joanna Garland at the 20th Asian Games, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala"s thoughts quickly turned to her opponent, who was seen in tears after the contest.

The University of Santo Tomas obtained its second consecutive win after fending off University of the East, 98-87, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.