Kayla Sanchez misses Asian Games podium, breaks PH 50m backstroke record twice

Carloz Alvarez settled for a bronze medal after losing to Kazakhstan's Yerkingali, 0-3, in the semifinals of the men's traditional -77kg in the 2026 Asian Games on Monday.

MANILA, Philippines — Jean Claude Saclag defeated Japan's Daisuke Murayama to advance to the finals of the 2026 Asian Games MMA men's traditional -65kg division on Monday in Nagoya, Japan. Saclag will face Tajikistan's Otabek Rajabov in the finals on Tuesday. Saclag aims to capture the Philippines' first gold medal in this edition of the Asian Games.

MANILA, Philippines — Carlos Alvarez secured a bronze medal for the Philippines after falling to Kazakhstan’s Yerkingali Burkutalin in the semifinals of the Mixed Martial Arts traditional -77kg division at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Alvarez previously secured his spot in the semifinals with a knockout victory over Indonesia’s Ananda Wahyu Setyo in the quarterfinals. This brings the country’s tally to two bronze medals, following a historic performance by the soft tennis quintet of Bien Zoleta, Princess Catindig, Hilary Paas, Shyryn Salazar, and Christy Sañosa in the women's team event on Sunday.

Kayla Sanchez turned in an impressive performance in the women"s 50m backstroke at the 2026 Asian Games, breaking the Philippine national record in the heats on Monday at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Japan.

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team did what its more prominent male counterparts couldn’t pull off in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. In a first in Team Philippines’ participation at the Games, the female dribblers are again in the quarterfinals of women’s basketball, almost a

MANILA, Philippines – Yuen Verbruggen saved his biggest burst of speed for last, surging past Jerald Federiso in a frenetic closing run to capture the overall Sunrise Sprint crown in the Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon in Davao del Norte in Samal. Verbruggen stayed within striking distance of Federiso through the 750-meter open-water swim and 20-km bike leg before unleashing a powerful finishing kick over the 5-km run to clock 1:11:31. He timed 14:06 in the swim, 34:24 on the bike and 20:15 in the run to complete the sprint-distance course. Federiso had the early advantage, posting faster splits of 13:46 and 33:48 in the first two legs. But Verbruggen proved too quick in the run, where his 20:15 was more than a minute better than Federiso’s 21:18, allowing him to secure the overall victory by 40 seconds. Federiso settled for second in 1:12:11, while John Carl Lim completed the podium in 1:12:49. Verbruggen, Federiso and Lim also swept the top three spots in the 18-24 age category in the Sunrise Sprint, a fast-paced side event designed for newcomers, returning competitors and seasoned triathletes looking to sharpen their speed and race strategy. In the women’s division, Alessandra Aquino dominated the field to claim the overall and 18-24 titles in 1:26:01. She posted splits of 14:42 in the swim, 42:18 on the bike and 25:17 in the run, finishing well ahead of Andrea Cui (1:29:38) and Keena Clarke (1:46:58). James Van Ramoga and Natalie Doromal-Lim, meanwhile, captured the overall titles in the second Damosa Land 5150, while Edgie Arances and Anisha Caluya topped the Filipino Elite categories in the demanding Olympic-distance event featuring a 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run of the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., with the support of Damosa Land president Cary Lagdameo and Samal Mayor Lemuel Reyes. Other Sunrise Sprint age-group winners were Yohann Hernandez (male 16-17, 1:29:03); Seanna Clarke (female 16-17, 1:45:20); Justine Pabuala (male 25-29, 1:19:14); Elaine Montante (female 25-29, 1:46:26); Rolen Tarife (male 30-34, 1:13:15); Regine Valentin (female 30-34, 1:34:08); Jefferson Tabacon (male 35-39, 1:18:40); Kristine Dasargo (female 35-39, 1:35:50); Randie Briones (male 40-44, 1:22:23); Monica Ugarte (female 40-44, 1:45:44); Eric Vasquez (male 45-49, 1:32:12); Tyr Cyd Alarin (male 50-54, 1:37:14); Fe Justeniani (female 50-54, 2:11:47); Porferio Banquirigo Jr. (male 55-59, 1:35:26); and Ed Camacho (male 60-64, 1:53:21). Team Juna 2 ruled the men’s relay in 1:02:30, followed by Team FOV Tri Team (1:05:04) and Team Orangutri SR1 (1:08:56), while Team TDN Consteel Builders Tri captured the women’s relay in 1:23:53 and also topped the mixed relay in 1:10:27, beating Team Tri FM (1:15:27) and Team SCTR Plus 1 (1:27:31). In the Damosa Land 5150 team competitions, Team Somats, led by Leo Bingcang and Gio Juaneza, topped the women’s division in a combined 13:11:35. Ferrumtri was second in 13:44:29, followed by Tri DavSur in 13:49:07. Team TDN Consteel Builders won the men’s relay in 1:57:39, while Team NCC Tri Team 3 topped the mixed relay in 2:08:03. Other Damosa Land 5150 age-group winners were Zita Clarke (female 16-17, 2:57:07); Moira Aves (female 18-24, 3:05:24); Lorelle Sorongon (female 25-29, 2:58:02); Aime Teodisio (female 35-39, 2:57:14); Joanna Cruz (female 40-44, 2:55:15); Rhen Marte (female 45-49, 3:07:58); Catherine Arias (female 50-54, 2:52:10); Maria Goc-ong (female 55-59, 2:58:36); Jo Cudmore (female 60-64, 4:01:14); Allan Sola (male 25-29, 2:27:55); Jupert Remollo (male 30-34, 2:30:12); Nelson Cañedo (male 35-39, 2:24:31); Johnson Ejase (male 40-44, 2:35:04); Arthur Abogado (male 45-49, 2:23:09); Ritchie Solana (male 50-54, 2:28:36); Andreas Goros (male 55-59, 2:41:55); Jens Jacobsen (male 60-64, 3:01:24); Rodrigo Lara (male 65-69, 3:26:01); and Nick Cudmore (male 70-74, 3:09:08). Team Alfa captured the women’s team title in 2:35:01, edging Team FLIQ FerrumTri (2:36:02) and NCC Tri Team 2 (2:37:19).

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 NAGOYA—The bronze medal may have been modest in color, but for Bien Zoleta and the Philippine women’s soft tennis team, it carried the shine of something brighter. The Filipinas’ breakthrough at the 20th Asian Games was more than a podium finish. For Zoleta,

MANIILA, Philippines -- Yulo brothers Eldrew and Carlos finished first and second, respectively, after subdivision 1 in the 20th Asian Games men's artistic gymnastics individual all-around at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium Rainbow Hall in Japan Monday morning. Eldrew posted a total of 77.264 points while Carlos logged 75.465 in the individual all-around that doubles as qualification to individual apparatus. The top eight in each apparatus advance to the final with a limit to two gymnasts per country. Eldrew unleashed a 14.600 performance in floor exercise while amassing 8.233 in pommel horse, 13.500 in rings, 13.166 in vault, 14.266 in parallel bars, and 11.700 in horizontal bar. "Caloy" anchored his performance with his specialty, scoring 14.300 in vault and and 13.966 in floor exercise -- the same events he ruled at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Caloy logged 11.733 points in pommel horse, 11.666 in rings, 12.166 in parallel bars, and 13.433 in horizontal bar. Eldrew unleashed a 14.600 performance in floor exercise while amassing 8.233 in pommel horse, 13.500 in rings, 13.166 in vault, 14.266 in parallel bars, and 11.700 in horizontal bar. Later at 1:30 p.m., the subdivision 2 will take place and feature Japanese reigning Olympic individual champion Oka Shinnosuke as well as the defending Asian Games champ Zhang Boheng.

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 Bernadeth Pons and Sisi Rondina, the celebrated Alas Pilipinas duo known as ‘SiPons,’ debuted in the Asian Games in style, showing no mercy to Bangladesh’s Most. Sabina Khatun and Mst. Lucky Khatun in a 21-6, 21-6 ripping on Sunday at Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach

UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament – first round Gani Stevens is slowly easing himself into the role of the University of the Philippines’ main man in the middle. In the Fighting Maroons’ 94-75 conquest of Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball at Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Stevens played the role of UP

Edgie Arances and Anisha Caluya turned in standout performances to claim top honors in the Filipino Elite Category of the Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon on Sunday. Arances was particularly dominant, combining a strong swim, blistering bike leg and steady run to capture the men’s crown in two hours, 13 minutes and five seconds, beating Al-Rasheim

MANILA, Philippines — Global pickleball giant Franklin Sports has officially named the Philippines as the first stop for its highly anticipated Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase this October 2026.  The landmark multi-nation showcase will kick off in Manila before continuing in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. The Manila leg centers on an exclusive appearance by Franklin’s star athlete, Anna Leigh Waters (ALW), the undisputed World No. 1 player and most dominant athlete in professional pickleball. Local fans and the fast-growing Filipino pickleball community will get a rare opportunity to see ALW showcase her high-octane skills that has dominated the global tour. The selection of the Philippines as a primary destination reflects the country’s emergence as a global phenomenon in racket sports. With a staggering 1,213% year-over-year growth rate, the Philippines currently stands as the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world, topping Franklin Sports’ global expansion priorities. "We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines," said Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports. "The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the no. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila.”  “As a world leader in pickleball, Franklin is committed to developing the sport and bringing players the very best products and innovation. It’s even more special to have Anna Leigh, the game’s greatest player, competing with and showcasing Franklin products that she trusts at the highest level. "This visit reflects Franklin’s commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball on a global scale. We’re thrilled to connect with the incredible pickleball community in the Philippines and to play a part in the continued growth of this amazing sport." As an industry pioneer, Franklin Sports delivers premium equipment trusted by elite global professionals that have won 105 medals year to date on the PPA and APP Pro Tours, including Hayden Patriquin, Paris Todd, Will Howells, Jimmy Liong, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart among others.  During the Showcase, Filipino fans will get an up-close look at Franklin’s latest innovations. The showcase directly follows ALW’s viral September 2 Instagram post in front of her Times Square LED billboard in New York City, where she posed holding an all-black paddle featuring a bold white "?" graphic.  The mystery paddle serves as a global teaser for Franklin’s upcoming paddle launch and was the paddle Anna Leigh Waters won Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals with.  Attendees will also see in action the legendary Franklin X-40 ball, universally regarded as the global gold standard for the sport. Holding over 75% market share in North America, the X-40 serves as the Official Ball of Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, the APP Tour, the Pickleball Slam, USA Pickleball, and over 1,000 additional tournaments worldwide.  Franklin also revealed plans to introduce an all-new, faster-playing ball endorsed by ALW near the turn of the year called the X-44. Filipino players can access Franklin’s full range of paddles, balls, bags, footwear, and accessories nationwide through leading local retail partners, including Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports, and Juego PH among several others. Full details regarding local Showcase venues, schedule of play, and fan interaction opportunities for the Manila leg will be released in the coming weeks via Franklin Pickleball on Facebook and Instagram @franklinpickleball.    About Franklin Sports Founded by Irving Franklin in 1946, Franklin Sports is a USA based sporting goods brand that manufactures and sells over 10,000 products across many different categories. Franklin Sports is proud of its partnerships with Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Major League Volleyball, USA Pickleball, Women’s National Basketball Association, National Women’s Soccer League, Hasbro and many others.  Franklin is a multigenerational, family-owned business with a rich history and trusted reputation as a quality sporting goods brand – from recreational sports all the way up to the professional level. At Franklin Sports, the team believes that sports make life better.  For more information on Franklin Sports, please visit www.franklinsports.com or follow their official social accounts on Facebook and Instagram @franklinpickleball. TMT