AsiaLogue - Women's Sports

Oct 15, 2026

NBA preview: Hawks aim for bigger leap after first-round playoff exit

Team preview of the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season. Last NBA season: 46-36, lost to the Knicks in the first round of playoffs. Coach: Quin Snyder (sixth season, 13th overall, 505-399) Season opener: Oct. 21 at Orlando. Departures: F Zaccharie Risacher, F Jonathan Kuminga, G Buddy Hield, PG Gabe Vincent, C Christian

Oct 15, 2026

NBA preview: Dybantsa, Young, Davis form Wizards’ promising core–for now

Team preview of the Washington Wizards ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season. Last NBA season: 17-65, missed playoffs. Coach: Brian Keefe (fourth season, 43-160). Season Opener: Oct. 21 vs. Milwaukee. Departures: G D’Angelo Russell, F Julian Reese, F Cam Whitmore. Additions: F AJ Dybantsa, C Deandre Ayton, G Tre Mann. What to expect After three

Canelo Alvarez’s fight in peril

Oct 15, 2026

Calls are mounting for the cancellation or resetting of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s upcoming fight with World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight champion (168 pounds) Christian Mbilli. The 12-round title fight is set to take place on October 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The undercard is packed with great fights, including a contest between Filipino world title prospect Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin and Mexican adversary Alan David Picasso. Martin, 28-0 with 21 knockouts, is ranked No. 1 by the WBO in the junior featherweight (122 pounds) division and the fight with Picasso is thus far the biggest in his young career. Mexican superstar Alvarez, 63-3, 2 draws, with 39 knockouts, is making his first ring appearance since losing to American Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025 and undergoing successful elbow surgery. While Alvarez, Mbilli and the boxers appearing in the undercard are all raring to go, safety concerns have been raised following the escalation of military activities in the region. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been targeting Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport with drone and missile attacks, resulting in multiple fatalities and hundreds of injuries. As of this writing, the most recent Houthi attack in Saudi Arabia occurred last October 14, when a Houthi missile hit a Saudi Aramco administrative building in the eastern city of Dhahran. The continuous wave of cross-border missile and drone strikes has thus far claimed the lives of close to 20 individuals and injured hundreds. The Alvarez-Mbilli fight card is scheduled to take place at The Venue (although initial promotional materials referenced the Kingdom Arena) in Riyadh. The Venue has an audience capacity of almost 10,000.00. Critics say this could make The Venue a target for the Houthi rebels. Recently, the Mexican Embassy and the United Mission in Saudi Arabia have issued warnings advising citizens to exercise extreme caution or avoid areas near major Saudi airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The United States has also issued a level 3 security alert and called on U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Riyadh. Despite the pressure to postpone or move the event to a safer venue like Las Vegas, Nevada, Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh has insisted that the fight will proceed as planned in Riyadh. “Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing,” Alalshikh wrote on his “X” (formerly Twitter) account. Reports are swirling that Alvarez is planning to take a private jet and head to a private airport. Many of the boxers set to appear in the card are represented by the United States-based Top Rank Promotions. WBC super middleweight champ Mbilli is co-represented by Top Rank alongside Eye of the Tiger Management. Mexican and WBA super middleweight champ Jaime Munguia, who will face unbeaten Russian Nikita Lon, is also co-represented by Top Rank. Mexican Rafael Espinoza, who will defend his WBO featherweight crown against Lorenzo Parra, is also represented by Top Rank. Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum may be having second thoughts on sending his fighters to Riyadh. Moving the entire card to the United States definitely makes sense. Then again, the card has to be moved to a later date because it not that easy to set up a boxing card in such a short span or time or by October 31. Believe it or not, some of the boxers are reportedly not that keen on rescheduling the fight. Alvarez has been guaranteed around $47 million while Mbilii will reportedly bankroll nearly $9 million. Alvarez’s purse is part of a multi-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Boxers in the undercard have also been promised huge paydays. However, should the boxers fail to show up in Riyadh come fight time, there is the possibility that they will not be paid. The Alvarez-Mbilli fight is not the only major sports event that is facing the possibility of being scrapped because of the situation in Riyadh. The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has booked a special event on November 7 in Riyadh. A tennis event dubbed “Six Kings Slam,” featuring tennis superstars Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and several others, is being penciled for October 21-24. The staging of the aforesaid events arguably hangs in the balance.

Oct 15, 2026

PVL: Sisi Rondina-led Flying Titans sweep ZUS for win No. 2

MANILA, Philippines — The Choco Mucho Flying Titans notched back-to-back wins after making quick work of the ZUS Coffee Thunderbolts, 25-20, 25-17, 25-20, in the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference-Siklab Series on Thursday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. After winning in a five-setter clash against Capital 1 in PVL’s opening day, the Flying Titans doubled it up and dominated ZUS to tally a 2-0 win-loss record The Flying Titans banked on Sisi Rondina-Rosales’ 15-point output all on attacks, as she was backed up by Eya Laure’s 13 markers. Kat Tolentino added eight points, while Jaila Atienza and Caitlin Viray added five and four points each for Choco Mucho’s victory. The Thunderbelles struggled on the offensive end as there were no players who scored in double digits, with Alexis Miner chipping in nine points and Zam Nolasco adding eight.

Oct 15, 2026

Cardinals eye to extend win streak vs Altas

MAPUA University will look to secure its fifth consecutive victory when it faces University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta in the crossover round of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. Currently holding a 5-3 record, the Mapua Cardinals aim to climb higher in the Group A standings. They take on the Perpetual Altas at 3 p.m., followed by a matchup between winless San Sebastián College-Recoletos (0-7) and Lyceum of the Philippines University (2-5) at 5 p.m. The Cardinals started their campaign with three consecutive losses before bouncing back with four straight wins against San Beda University, Arellano University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Letran. In their narrow 69-67 victory over Letran, Mapua displayed a well-rounded offensive attack. Five players—Yam Concepcion, Lance Nitura, Marcus Nitura, Jamal Diaz, and Marc Igliane—contributed identical 11-point performances to seal the win. Mapua currently sits behind Group A leaders Benilde (6-1), Jose Rizal University (6-1), and San Beda University (5-3). A victory against Perpetual could allow Mapua to overtake defending champions San Beda in the standings and boost their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round. The Cardinals will need to get past the Perpetual Altas, who are eager to snap a four-game skid. Perpetual is coming off an 89-98 defeat against Lyceum, despite a strong showing from Ray Maglupay and LA Casinillo, who tallied 19 and 17 points, respectively. Meanwhile, the 5 p.m. fixture features Group B’s bottom-seeded San Sebastián seeking its first win of the season against Group A’s Lyceum. The Golden Stags suffered a 102-78 blowout loss to the JRU Heavy Bombers and will lean on Rey Gabat and Niel Castor, while Lyceum counters with the duo of Matthew Rubico and Renz Villegas. Under tournament rules, the top two teams from each pool will secure a twice-to-beat quarterfinals advantage, while the bottom two teams will advance to the play-in round.

Oct 15, 2026

PVL: Bella Belen erupts for career-high as Capital1 tops Akari

ANTIPOLO — Bella Belen set a new career-high 35 points to lead Capital1 to the win column in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Thursday at Ynares Center Antipolo here. The Solar Spikers fended off Akari, 28-26, 22-25, 25-15, 23-25, 21-19, after saving six match points, with Belen drilling two clutch kills to

Oct 15, 2026

Philta supports Eala: She inspired a nation

PHILIPPINE Tennis Association (Philta) Secretary General John Rey Tiangco said the federation is standing behind tennis star Alex Eala, following her recent stint in Wuhan, China. Her upset loss in the first round prompted questions from netizens about her priorities, that included appearances in fashion shows in Europe and the United States. “Alex Eala has already achieved what many once thought impossible. She has single-handedly put the Philippines on the world tennis map. Today, conversations about international tennis include Alex Eala and the Philippines. That alone is a remarkable achievement,” Tiangco said in a statement late on Wednesday. “Her rise to world No. 18, her WTA title, and her victories over some of the world’s best players are milestones that have changed the landscape of Philippine tennis. We are equally grateful for her decision to represent our country at the Asian Games, putting the Philippine flag ahead of other opportunities,” he added. The Navotas mayor said that Eala already inspired a nation and “opened doors for the next generation of Filipino tennis players.” “At this level of competition, victories and defeats are part of the journey. What matters is Alex’s determination to keep improving, her discipline, and her commitment to the sport,” Tiangco said. “We at Philta are immensely proud of Alex, grateful for everything she has done for Philippine tennis, and fully behind her as she continues to make history,” he added. Eala, who was also fresh off a bronze medal finish at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, is continuing her journey in China, as she takes on the Ningbo Open.

Oct 15, 2026

Fajardo 5 points away from 10K career points

NINE-TIME league Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo is just five points away from reaching the 10,000 career points following San Miguel Beer’s lopsided 135-105 beating of Terrafirma in their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Cebuano gentle giant finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds as he dominated the paint against the Dyip’s rookie big man Geo Chiu, who only had eight and two against the powerhouse Beermen. The 6-foot-10 Fajardo admitted he’s not even thinking of joining the elite club, but still thankful to eventually become part of it. “I’m not chasing it (10,000-point club) but thankful that I’ll be included in the 10,000 points club. It’s one big honor to be a part of that,” he told media men. Fajardo, who will turn 38 in November, has a chance to become just the 18th local player to reach the 10,000-point club on Oct. 21 when San Miguel battles NLEX at the close of the elimination round. While joining the elite club is a matter of time, Fajardo is set to be the second active player to achieve it after TNT guard Jayson Castro who registered the milestone last May 13, 2026 in a game against NLEX at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. As per PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, Fajardo will also become the just the fifth player for both local and import to reach the 10,000-point mark as a San Miguel player, following the footsteps of legendary reinforcement and later, grand slam PBA coach Norman Black, Abet Guidaben, Allan Caidic, and Nelson Asaytono.

Oct 15, 2026

Letran, SBU fight to stay alive in playoffs race

LETRAN and San Beda University battle for survival in the race for the last playoffs berth in Pool A of the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. With the unbeaten reigning champion National University already through to the second round, four other squads in the pool are scrambling for the final bus ride to the next phase. The Lady Knights and Lady Red Spikers are looking to get back on the winning track when they collide at 1 p.m. to open the busy triple-header playdate of the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R&B Milk Tea. Letran, the reigning NCAA champion, suffered a 21-25, 14-25, 19-25, defeat at the hands of the Lady Bulldogs last week and slipped to a 1-1 win-loss slate tied with University of Perpetual Help System Dalta. Winless San Beda, on the other hand, squandered a 2-1 match lead against Lady Altas in a sorry 30-28, 19-25, 25-23, 17-25, 14-16, loss last Saturday for a 0-2 slate, pushing the team on the brink of elimination. Meanwhile, NU shoots for a group stage sweep when it takes on desperate Perpetual at 5 p.m. The five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs rolled past their first three opponents without dropping a single set. But head coach Norman Miguel is not taking the Lady Altas lightly. “Honestly, that’s No. 1 that I always remind the team: not to underestimate the skills of NCAA teams. I always tell them that they train hard too in order to win. The level of competition in the NCAA is getting higher,” he said. In Pool B action, College of Saint Benilde and Jose Rizal University collide at 3 p.m., with the winner earning a lifeline to the group’s last playoff ticket. Both squads dropped their opening assignments. Only the top two teams in each pool will advance to the next phase of the tournament, supported by Smart, PusoP.com DICT, Executive Optical, Milo and Summit Natural Drinking Water. Pool D’s University of the Philippines (2-0) and Adamson University (2-1), Far Eastern University (2-0) of Pool C and Pool B’s University of Santo Tomas (2-0) have also punched their way to the playoffs of the competition, which has the Philippine Sports Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology, Jersey Haven, Solar Sports and 12 Beyond Production as technical partners.

PNVF rolls out major organizational reform

Oct 15, 2026

THE promised reform is now being delivered as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) overhauled its organization with some key appointments that aim to boost the national teams in future international events. PNVF Executive Director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico Suarez announced the major changes in the Alas Pilipinas Men's and Women's indoor volleyball teams, while the beach volleyball squads will remain intact following their successful campaign in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya recently. Leading the list of appointments will be the return of Dante Alinsunurin as head coach of the Alas Pilipinas Men squad. Alinsunurin, the head coach of the National University Bulldogs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), will regain the role he had seven years after steering the Alas Pilipinas Men squad to a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019. He will take over from Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni, who has been tasked to handle the Alas Pilipinas Women squad in an interim capacity as the federation begins its long-term development for the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup that the country will host in 2029. Suarez added that to avoid conflict, PNVF president Frank Lao will focus his resources on the Alas Pilipinas Men squad through his Strong Group Athletics (SGA) — the organization behind the PVL franchises Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee. A distinguished business leader and avid sportsman who was elected as PNVF president just last August, Lao vows to direct all the financial resources to the national athletes to streamline the administrative process and eliminate the delay in the disbursement of allowances. So far, Lao has used his personal funds to cover the financial liabilities and other obligations that he inherited from the previous PNVF administrations. Lao will also chair the national team commission together with Bo Perasol of the UAAP, Victor Calvo of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Sherwin Malonzo of the PVL, and Dr. Ian Laurel of the Shakey’s Super League. “Our president, Mr. Frank Lao, is delivering on his commitment to drive reforms within the federation,” Suarez said in an official statement on Thursday. “He wants to eliminate delays in the issuance of allowances, which is why he is disbursing his financial support directly to our national athletes. By doing so, he is setting a clear precedent for other potential sponsors to follow. Through these steps, we are laying a strong foundation of integrity, credibility, and good governance — values that will anchor our organization moving forward.” Rebisco, on the other hand, will serve as chief sponsor of the beach volleyball teams, bannered by Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara who won the bronze medal in the women’s event of the 20th Asian Games. The PNVF also gave bigger roles to Creamline Cool Smashers team coordinator Ma. Carlota Celda and volleyball commentator Jaime Ascalon. Celda will replace Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan as team manager of the Alas Pilipinas Men while Ascalon will be stepping in for Hollie Reyes as team manager of Alas Pilipinas Women. Furthermore, former Cignal Super Spiker team manager Juanito Gregorio will serve as Deputy Executive Director to assist Suarez with administrative duties, while being considered for the Athletes Commission are Alyssa Valdez, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ysay Marasigan, Ran Abdilla, Julia Coronel, Rex Intal, Majoy Baron, Jia Morado-de Guzman, Jessie Lopez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Bernadeth Pons, Alyssa Solomon, and Len Escollante, who was part of the national squad that won a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 1993. “These executives bring not only high-level capability, work ethic, and wisdom, but also an unwavering commitment to driving Philippine volleyball to greater heights,” Suarez said. “We are confident that we have the right people, the right vision, and the right strategy to build a national sports federation fully capable of bringing glory to the country on the international stage.