by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | commerce, soccer, sports, tournaments
Cebu City, Philippines – The Toledo Xignex Trojans continued their impressive performance at the PCAP All-Filipino Conference, recording two resounding wins on Thursday, March 26.
Leading the Trojans’ outstanding play was recently signed Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua, who showcased an impeccable performance in their decisive 17-4 victory over the Iloilo Kisela Knights. The Trojans continued their stellar form by defeating the Camarines Soaring Eagles 17.5-3.5 in their subsequent game later that same day.
Thanks to these consecutive victories, coupled with their initial win, the Trojans currently lead the South Division rankings with a perfect 3-0 (win-loss) record and have amassed a total of 54.5 points.
The Bacolod Blitzers, who remain undefeated at 3-0, follow closely with 45 points, whereas Camarines holds the third spot with a record of 2-1.
During their match against Iloilo, Grandmaster Paragua outperformed Erol Parando at Board 1, securing victories in both the blitz and rapid rounds. Completing flawless performances alongside Paragua were International Masters Joel Banawa and Joel Pimentel, who defeated Hubert Canto and Horizon Villanueva respectively without dropping a single game.
In the match against Camarines, FIDE Master (FM) Ellan Asuela engaged in a tightly fought battle with Chin Lim on Board 1. The encounter concluded as a tie in both the blitz and rapid rounds.
Nevertheless, the remaining members of the Trojans secured vital victories. WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, along with IMs Barlo Nadera and Kim Steven Yap, dominated their respective games against Virginie Ruaya and ex-Trojan Angelo Young. Additionally, IM Yap triumphed over both Coellier Graspela and Marco Balane in individual matchups, clinching an overwhelming victory for Toledo.
At the same time, in the North Division, the AQ Prime Cavite Spartans and the previous PCAP champions, San Juan Predators, lead at the top with matching undefeated records of 3-0.
RELATED STORIES
Toledo-Xignex Trojans celebrate 5-year milestone in PCAP with commanding win
The Toledo Xignex Trojans will be hosting their end-of-year chess competition.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | politics, sports, tennis, tournaments, women's sports
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is anticipated to break into the top 100 of the WTA World Rankings as she keeps making waves at the 2025 Miami Open.
Eala, who is currently ranked 140th in the world, defeated three players with Grand Slam titles to advance to the semifinals of the Miami Open.
And the most recent top player she defeated was World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, as the 19-year-old Filipina pulled off a significant 6-2, 7-5 victory to move into the Final Four on Thursday (Manila time).
READ:
Alex Eala defeats world No. 2 Iga Swiatek at the Miami Open.
After her impressive performance at the WTA 1000 event, Eala has climbed to 75th place in the live rankings and should break into the top 100 irrespective of how she performs in this competition.
The player, who graduated from the Rafael Nadal Academy and has reached a career peak at World No. 134, is expected to receive direct entries into the main draws of Grand Slam tournaments once she breaks into the top 100.
As stated by the WTA, Eala has matched the finest outcome secured by a wildcard entry at the Miami Open since the event began in 1985.
The young Filipino tennis star became just the second wildcard entry to secure three back-to-back victories against Grand Slam winners at a single WTA tournament.
She made history as the initial Filipina to advance to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event and defeat a competitor ranked within the top two since the inception of the WTA Tour rankings in 1975.
Alex Eala versus Jessica Pegula at the Miami Open: Where can you catch it on television?
Eala secured her initial victory at the Miami Open main draw by defeating World No. 73 Katie Volynets with scores of 6-3, 7-6(3) in the Round of 128.
She defeated the World No. 25 and 2017 French Open winner Jeļena Ostapenko from Latvia with a score of 7-6 (2), 7-5, then shocked WTA player number five Madison Keys with a 6-4, 6-2 victory in the third round. She advanced directly to the quarterfinals when Spain’s Paula Badosa had to pull out of their fourth-round game because of a lower back injury.
Eala sets her sights on the Miami Open championship after facing World No.4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Friday at 8:30 a.m. Manila time.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | politics, sports, tennis, tournaments, women's sports
Alex Eala aims to prolong her remarkable journey in the 2025 Miami Open as she faces off against high-ranking competitor Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Friday at 8:30 am Manila time.
As the world looks on, Eala has emerged as an unlikely wildcard at the WTA 1000 event following her upset victories over three Major winners—Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek.
READ:
Jessica Pegula gears up for a showdown against Alex Eala in the Miami Open semifinals.
Following her victory over the World No. 2 Swiatek earlier on Thursday, Eala expressed gratitude to all the Filipino supporters who remained awake late at night to catch her quarterfinals game.
“Thanks to all those who made it here today, and thank you to everyone watching from their homes,” she stated.
Here’s how Filipino fans can catch Eala as she competes in the semifinals against Pegula.
Where to catch the action on television: Miami Open semis – Alex Eala versus Jessica Pegula
The semifinal game featuring Alex Eala against Pegula will be broadcasted on both free television and cable on Friday morning.
In the Philippines, it will air on A2Z Channel, Kapamilya Channel, and ABS-CBN News Channel as well as on Premier Sports 2 which can be found on channel number 273 via Cignal.
SANGGRALOKASports will likewise offer the latest updates about the prominent Filipino tennis player across its different channels.
X (Formerly Twitter)
,
Facebook
and
website.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | sports, tournaments
MANILA, Philippines — For the third consecutive time, Cignal and Criss Cross face off against each other for the top spot in Spikers’ Turf.
The defending champion Cignal and Criss Cross, the runner-up of the past two tournaments, earned their second straight win in the semifinal round after taking down separate foes on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum to clinch a best-of-three finals duel for the 2025 Open Conference title.
The HD Spikers advanced to their eighth successive final, whereas the King Crunchers stayed undefeated after 12 matches and haven’t missed out on the championship round since entering the top-tier men’s volleyball league last year.
READ:
Criss Cross Stuns Cignal Again for Unblemished 8-0 Record on Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross
In previous championship playoffs, Cignal has defeated Criss Cross twice. However, this time around, Criss Cross turned the tables, securing victory in their initial two encounters with authority.
Prior to their championship series starting on Wednesday at Philsports Arena, Cignal and Criss Cross face off in a decisive semi-final match on Sunday at the same location.
The undefeated Criss Cross received a boost as Japanese V.League player Marck Espejo made a return, aiding his home team in securing a spot in the finals through a decisive win against VNS-Laticrete with scores of 25-20, 25-15, and 25-11.
“I’m enthusiastic about facing Cignal once more because during their trip to Japan, we played an exhibition match with my Japanese club team. I will keep following Coach Tai (Bundit)’s system. I’ll strive to be a valuable supporting player and a supportive elder brother to my teammates,” stated Espejo in Filipino as he competes against his previous squad, Cignal.
READ:
CIGNAL triumphs in Spikers’ Turf Invitational, defeating CRISS CROSS
In his comeback match last Sunday after playing sparingly, Espejo exploded with 14 points from 10 spikes, two blocks, and two serves.
“I came from Japan maintaining my rhythm. The primary change for me has been adjusting to the weather and getting used to Coach Tai’s training approach, which differs from what we had back home,” explained the ex-league MVP, who landed here only on Saturday. “However, because of the intensity of his practice sessions, I managed to adapt swiftly.”
Espejo gets back together with his setter Ish Polvorosa, who maintains his strong performance with 13 outstanding sets along with scoring three points and making six digs.
Nico Almendras contributed 10 points, and the current MVP Jude Garcia scored an additional nine.
“I’m the one adapting to them since their rotation performed effectively during the elimination round. I wish to remain synchronized with them,” he stated.
At the same time, Cignal defeated Savouge with scores of 25-19, 25-20, and 25-18, as setter Owa Retamar directed the team’s well-coordinated assault, delivering an impressive 21 outstanding sets.
Steven Rotter led the HD Spikers with 13 points. The team captain, JP Bugaoan, along with Wendel Miguel, contributed nine and eight points each.
“Our squad performed exceptionally well. I’m grateful that our strategy, which we worked on for several days, proved successful,” stated Cignal coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.
Savouge is not an easy adversary. During the elimination stage, they made Criss Cross go to a fifth set two times. They also pushed us to a fifth set in the second round, indicating that we shouldn’t underestimate them.
Mark Calado spearheaded Savouge with 11 points and 10 outstanding receptions. Giles Torres notched up eight points, whereas Shawie Caritativo contributed seven points, along with six superb digs and 11 receptions.
Savouge and VNS-Laticrete are set to face off for the bronze medal on Wednesday; however, they will first meet in a meaningless match on Sunday.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | basketball, sports, tournaments
ADORE him or despise him, you must acknowledge that
Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes
Is one of the most insightful coaching talents in the nation.
He boasts numerous championships and awards as proof: 10
PBA
titles with Purefoods, Coca-Cola, and TNT; a record six Coach of the Year accolades from the PBA Press Corps, along with remarkable achievements as the Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
However, if there’s one achievement conspicuously absent from
Reyes
Based on his resume, it’s a grand slam—a achievement only five teams and four coaches have pulled off, specifically the late Baby Dalupan, Tommy Manotoc, Norman Black, and Tim Cone (on two occasions).
READ
These teams were incredibly close to achieving a grand slam.
Reyes
is on the wrong side of history based on the same criteria; despite leading his TNT squad to become one of just 10 teams in the 49-year history of the professional league to clinch the titles of the initial two conferences within a single season, they fell short of achieving a three-peat in the concluding conference.
This occurred during the 2010-2011 season when the Texters clinched the Philippine Cup by defeating San Miguel in the finals with a score of 4-2, and later triumphed over Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals with the same scoreline of 4-2, before
lose to a Petron
In Game 7 of the Governors’ Cup championship series, side (currently known as SMB), guided by coach Ato Agustin and spearheaded by Arwind Santos, competed for the title.
PHOTO: PBA Images
Fourteen years later, Reyes, who guided TNT to the championship of the opening Governors’ Cup by defeating Ginebra in the finals, was still on course for another three-peat after this.
Tropang Giga defeated the Kings with a score of 87-83.
on Wednesday evening to compel a decisive Game 7 in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Could winning the grand slam be on his mind at this moment?
“No way. Not even close,” Reyes stated firmly. He maintained that once he stepped away from the PBA to focus on his role with Gilas Pilipinas as a coach, he ceased pondering over achieving a career grand slam. Since then, these thoughts have not crossed his mind.
“When I retired, I ceased pondering over it and haven’t given it another thought since,” Chot stated.
PHOTO: Mark Cristino
Regardless of whether he wants to or not, Reyes along with his Tropang Giga team will be confronted with inquiries regarding a grand slam if they defeat Ginebra in Game 7 this Friday evening—or they’ll have to contemplate yet another opportunity for a hat-trick slipping through their fingers should they lose.
Then which one should it be? Abangan.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | basketball, sports, tournaments
BY Andrei Barrantes
For the third consecutive year, the formerly dominant NU-Nazareth School ended up disappointed following the conclusion of the UAAP boys’ basketball championship.
During Game 3 of the Season 87 championship series, the Bullpups lost in overtime to the University of Santo Tomas—a setback following their bronze medal win in Season 85 and their second-place finish in Season 86.
READ:
Tiger Cubs clinch basketball championship for Espana
Certainly, the team in blue and gold continued to make the match competitive despite falling behind by as many as 17 points and facing significant difficulties shooting from beyond the arc. They subsequently launched an intense comeback effort in the second half but still found themselves down by two at 72-74 with just 5.8 seconds remaining in the game.
Following a timeout, Mac Alfanta’s attempt fell short, but luckily for NUNS, Migs Palanca was in the perfect position for the follow-up shot that equalized the score and sent the game into overtime.
PHOTO: UAAP Media Bureau
Although they eventually exhausted their energy in overtime, the Bullpups found encouragement in Palanca’s performance, scoring 21 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking three shots across 28 minutes of play.
“Even though my personal output might be good, if the end result is not winning, what I did will be overshadowed because they’ll say it was insufficient,” he explained.
Once again we fell short, but it wasn’t our loss though — it’s either we win or we learn from it.
Moving on to the next one for Migs
With the 6-foot-7 forward wrapping up his final season in NUNS, he reflected on his journey from barely seeing play off the bench to becoming an essential player.
As he explained, “Everyone needs to be worked on. My current position, even those who know about it, during my first year, I was at a bank, and I didn’t have a single minute to spare. However, I treated that as a learning opportunity.”
I watch them during study sessions, at movies; I keep my focus on the board. In my second year, I started translating a little bit but wasn’t consistent about it. By my third year, everyone noticed, and I contributed regularly to the group.
Without any doubt, Palanca shared his wish to remain in Jhocson, continuing to be under the vigilant eye of renowned coach Jeff Napa.
“I’ll just stay for now. I’ll do what I did during my first year as a junior: focus on learning, learning, and more learning,” he said.
Although he can proudly claim that he rose through the ranks during his years in high school, the native of Agusan del Norte expects a higher degree of competition when he reaches college. He states, “I’ll see what their physicality is like because they say in college, it’s all about IQ. If you really observe, the freshmen dominate mostly with sheer strength. But for the seniors, it’s true skill that counts.”
Given all the hurdles coming up, National U’s tight-knit program appears not to pose an adjustment issue for him, since he has already established relationships with important Bulldogs who even showed up at Game 3.
“They’re there, Reinhard [Jumamoy], my companions. During our rehearsals, we reach up to the university level, so I engage in conversations with them. Sometimes, I am right alongside them,” he explained.
