Alcaraz helps Europe into Laver Cup lead

THE Alas Pilipinas men’s national volleyball team faces a steep uphill battle as it opens its 2026 Asian Games campaign against a formidable South Korean squad on Sunday at the Park Arena Komaki in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The game is set at 12 noon (Manila time). Slated in Pool D alongside South Korea, China and Taiwan, Alas Pilipinas must secure at least two victories to finish among the top two in the pool and advance to the quarterfinals. Currently ranked 114th in the world, the underdog Philippine team will need Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni to work his tactical magic against higher-ranked opponents—South Korea (25th), China (34th), and Taiwan (55th). Nevertheless, Alas aims to defy the odds by drawing confidence from its historic FIVB World Championship victory over then-World No. 21 Egypt. To mount its campaign, the national squad has retained its full FIVB World Championship roster. Heavy hitters Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo lead the outside hitters alongside Buds Buddin and Jude Garcia, while Leo Ordiales and John Lirck Mendoza anchor the opposite position. Middle blockers Lloyd Josafat, Peng Taguibolos, and Joshua Magalaman, together with libero Josh Ybañez, round out the defensive and net efforts. Adding a crucial boost to the lineup, star playmaker Owa Retamar arrived in Japan following a long-haul flight from Poland, where his club team, Ordu, released him from training camp to answer the national call. Retamar expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country across the SEA Games, World Championship, and now the Asian Games, emphasizing that playing for the national team goes beyond contracts and obligations as the team unites to focus on supporting each other. “This goes beyond contracts or obligations. When the country calls, you play for something bigger than yourself. I’m grateful to Ordu for allowing me to represent the Philippines, and after the Asian Games, I will return with the same commitment to fulfill my responsibilities to the club,” Retamar said. The setter made sure to not waste any chance to represent the Philippines. “This is for the young Owa who had all of these on his bucket list—to play in the SEA Games, the World Championship, and now the Asian Games. Playing with the Philippine team will always be a mix of excitement and challenge. Let’s set aside the noise and focus on supporting each other and playing as one team.”

Macmac Alfanta starred as National University defeated the University of the Philippines, 72-64, in the UAAP Season 89 men"s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

MANILA, Philippines — National University held off University of the Philippines, 72-64, at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday to claim its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament.   The Bulldogs barked to a 21-4 start and did just enough down the stretch to deny any uprising by the Fighting Maroons. Reinhard Jumamoy logged 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists for NU which improved to 2-1 and dragged UP to the same record. NU, UP, and Ateneo now share the lead in the team standings. Mac Alfanta came through with 13 points as Paul Franciso and Mo Diassana chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively. Arvie Poyos paced UP with 13 points, four assists, and three steals.

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament NU def. UP, 72-64 Macmac Alfanta Player of the Game #UAAPSeason89

Alex Eala has arrived in Japan as she begins the final stretch of her preparations for the 2026 Asian Games, where the Filipina tennis star will lead the country"s medal hopes in the women"s singles event.

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala arrived in Nagoya, Japan on Saturday as she prepares for the 20th Asian Games. "Proud and excited," said Eala in a quick interview at the airport as posted by the Philippine Olympic Committee Facebook page Saturday evening.  Eala is coming off a shock second-round exit at the WTA 500 Singapore Open, where she fell to world No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, last Thursday. As the top seed in the Asiad women's singles play, Eala earned a first-round bye in the tournament at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center. The competition will run from September 27 to October 3.

Carlos and Eldrew Yulo's medal haul in the 2026 Asian Games tell a story of success, but the brothers know all too well that it is only part of the story.

Far Eastern University broke through in UAAP Season 89 with a 93-70 victory over the University of the East on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

MANILA, Philippines — Asian Games bronze medalist Albert Ian delos Santos dedicated his medal to his late father after delivering a podium finish at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Delos Santos lifted 141 kilograms in the snatch and 183 kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 324 kg, good for the bronze medal in the men’s weightlifting competition on Saturday. In a Facebook post by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Delos Santos said he felt his father’s presence throughout his performance. “Coincidentally, the lights are not that bright from the others. But my platform was the brightest,” he said. “I said I’m gonna be sentimental. That’s papa,” he added. Delos Santos brought with him a photo of his father, Alvin delos Santos, who was also a former weightlifter and served as his coach. The elder Delos Santos died earlier this year. “To my Filipino supporters, thank you for supporting and watching. And for those curious, that is my late father… every lift, I dedicate it to him and to him only,” Delos Santos said.

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda University secured its second straight victory after holding off Jose Rizal University, 65-62, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. Sean Torculas spearheaded the Red Lions with 29 points and eight rebounds, while Andrei Ugaddan chipped in 11 points. Chris Hubilla paced JRU with 14 points and three rebounds in the losing effort. Eligado added 13 points, while Salvador finished with 11. Laurence Mangubat contributed 10 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Bombers. With the victory, San Beda improved to 2-1, while JRU also dropped to 2-1 in Pool A.

Andrei Ugaddan and Aldous Torculas took turns to help San Beda University escape their preseason tormentor Jose Rizal University, 65-62, in the NCAA Season 102 on Saturday.

NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament San Beda def. JRU, 65-62 Sean Torculas Player of the Game #NCAASeason102