AsiaLogue - Women's Sports

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.

Oct 15, 2026

Top seed Sabalenka falls in Wuhan

WUHAN, China — A frustrated Aryna Sabalenka suffered a second successive early exit as her bid for a fourth Wuhan Open title was foiled by American world No. 31 Ann Li, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5), in round two on Wednesday night. The top-seeded Sabalenka fell to Nikola Bartunkova in the third round at the China Open last week and squandered a 6-3, 4-2 lead against Li to stumble at her very first hurdle in Wuhan. The Belarusian four-time major winner lost her number one ranking to Elena Rybakina last month and has not won a title since March. Playing with protective taping around her right knee, Sabalenka was in control of the match until Li swung the momentum in her direction halfway through the second set. Sabalenka asked for the trainer when she was broken early in the decider and appeared to be struggling with her movement. Still, she was able to wipe a 2-5 deficit, saving nine match points along the way. Li steadied the ship, though, and finished the job in two hours and 27 minutes on her 10th opportunity, to set up a last-16 clash with Indonesia’s Janice Tjen. Meanwhile, second-seeded Jessica Pegula, the runner-up in Wuhan last year, was also sent packing. The American suffered a 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-3 upset at the hands of Jelena Ostapenko, wasting three match points en route. Ostapenko is the first player to beat Pegula in her opening match at a WTA 1000 event since Indian Wells two and a half years ago, snapping Pegula’s 22-event winning streak in openers at this level. Earlier, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek launched her Wuhan Open campaign by triumphing 6-2, 6-1 in an all-Polish battle against lucky loser Magdalena Frech. Swiatek posted her 40th victory of the season in one hour and 42 minutes and no longer has Sabalenka as a potential roadblock in the quarterfinals. “We know each other pretty well, so I just wanted to focus on being consistent and playing as good as possible,” Swiatek, the seventh seed, said of Frech. “I know she is running to every ball always and sometimes using the power of the opponent, so I wanted to not play too crazy but play solid and I’m happy that I did that,” said Swiatek, who is chasing a qualification spot for the year-end WTA Finals. Despite the lopsided scoreline the opening set was tight, lasting over an hour and requiring Swiatek to erase a 0-2 deficit and save seven of eight break points before she finally took the lead on her fourth set point. Upping the pressure with her relentless forehand, Swiatek breezed through the second set to advance to a round of 16 meeting with American lucky loser Ashlyn Krueger. Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova weathered a three-hour storm to come through 3-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/4) against American qualifier Caty McNally to extend her record in tiebreaks this season to a perfect 10-0. The sixth-seeded Muchova will face Diana Shnaider in the round of 16. British world number 170 Sonay Kartal, who missed six months this year with a spinal stress fracture, upset ninth-seeded Belinda Bencic, 6-0, 7-5, to book a third-round date with Italian 15th seed Jasmine Paolini.

Oct 15, 2026

McIlroy targets Race to Dubai finale

NEW DELHI — Since completing the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy has been constantly looking for new ways to inject some freshness and spark into his golf. Turns out two of his longtime Ryder Cup teammates are providing some inspiration. For this week’s DP World India Championship, McIlroy has brought along a new look — baggy golf pants. After all, Tommy Fleetwood has been wearing them for a while. “I have watched and I have admired Tommy Fleetwood over the past year,” McIlroy said, with a smile, on Wednesday’s DP World Locker Room show about his style that has generated plenty of chatter in New Delhi this week. “And in my everyday life, when I don’t have to wear what is my golf uniform, I wear a lot of wide-legged pants. It is the in-thing, the fashionable thing.” But how, McIlroy was asked, do they feel to play golf in? “These hit a little low, maybe a little short ... I understand they are maybe not as well-fitting as they need to be,” he said, “but they are a work in progress.” Also in the works for the Northern Irishman is a replica of what he calls his “performance trailer” that he uses in the United States to aid his fitness and recovery during and between PGA Tour events, in an effort to gain an edge over rivals. Now, he wants one for when he plays on the European tour, too. McIlroy said that idea came from tennis great Novak Djokovic but also fellow golfer Justin Rose. “I decided to pull the trigger on it when Justin won in Memphis last year,” McIlroy said. “He’s 45 years old, playing great, contending in major championships, and at that time I was 36. I was like, I want to play really well for the next 10 years — I feel like I need to do something like this.”

Oct 15, 2026

Luka Doncic ready to lead Lakers post-LeBron

THIS is firmly Luka Doncic’s team now after LeBron James left behind the Lakers — and his oldest son — to chase another ring in Philadelphia, and the reigning NBA scoring champion seems determined to demonstrate his ability to carry a team deep into the playoffs. Doncic spent the offseason getting into top shape after mis-sing last spring’s playoffs with a hamstring injury, and he invited the entire roster on a bonding trip to his native Slovenia. The Lakers will miss James’ playmaking and reliability when healthy, but Doncic and high-scoring Austin Reaves lead a roster that is deeper than last season, according to Redick. It’s definitely younger, and it should be better defensively. The Lakers brought in nine new players in the latest summer of total roster upheaval, but they believe this group will stay together long enough to turn into a true title contender. That’s largely up to the brilliance of the 27-year-old Doncic, who is squarely in his prime years as he chases his first NBA championship. The good: Doncic remains one of the NBA’s most brilliant offensive players, and the undrafted Reaves has grown into a dependable counterpoint who deserved his $185 million extension. The biggest addition is center Kessler, who fills Doncic’s desire for a rim protector and lob finisher. Kessler has been dominant at times when healthy in his brief NBA career, and he appears to embrace the challenge of playing under Holly-wood’s bright lights. The Lakers are indeed deeper, with guards Sexton and Grimes leading a new supporting cast. The not-so-good: It’s hard to imagine the Lakers being more than mediocre without Doncic, whose health will be paramount. He hasn’t played in more than 70 games since he was a rookie, and he managed only 64 last season. Reaves has carried the Lakers for short stretches without Doncic and James, but he was limited to 51 games last season. Kessler played only five games for Utah last year before starting the preseason deliberately, but he expects to be at full health. The Lakers also need somebody to step up as a 3-and-D contributor on the perimeter, but they have several good candidates.

Oct 15, 2026

Messi, Inter Miami blank NYC to book playoffs spot

MIAMI — Lionel Messi set up a Rodrigo De Paul goal and German Berterame snapped his scoring drought as Inter Miami booked their place in the MLS playoffs with a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila). Victory gave Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez his first back-to-back wins since taking over as head coach last month, guaranteeing second-placed Miami at least a place in the wild card round, with five games left to play. “I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said. Messi — who had scored twice on Saturday after returning to his club side from last week’s emotional Argentina send-off — was again a dangerous presence, playing a hand in both first-half goals. In the 20th minute Messi trapped the ball just outside the penalty area and passed it to De Paul, who found Suarez on the byline with a diagonal looping ball. Suarez rolled it flat across the face of the goal, giving Berterame a simple finish for his first goal since May. De Paul grabbed Miami’s second on a quick counter with the final kick of the first half. Berterame brought the ball across the halfway line and was slightly fortunate to find Messi to his right with a mishit pass. Messi drew in three defenders then laid it off with the outside of his left foot to De Paul, who slammed it high to the keeper’s right. In a goalless second half, Messi sent a curling effort from just outside the box over the bar. As the game clock hit 90, Messi played a short corner to De Paul, who unleashed a shot from outside the box toward the far top corner. United States national team goalkeeper Matt Freese made a superb diving save, tipping the ball onto the post. New York City, on a dire streak of just one win in their last 11 MLS games, at least had a chance for a consolation deep in stoppage time with a penalty. Ian Fray brought down fellow substitute Talles Magno, who turned sharply away from goal and ran into the defender’s trailing leg. But Dayne St. Clair made a brilliant save, flinging himself low and right to palm the ball around the bar. It was Inter Miami’s second straight clean sheet, after none in their previous 10.

Oct 15, 2026

NBA Preview: Clippers face steep reset without Kawhi, Ballmer courtside

Team preview of the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season. Last NBA season: 42-40, lost in the play-in tournament. Coach: Tyronn Lue (17th season, 750-527). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 21 vs. Sacramento. DEPARTURES: F Kawhi Leonard, F/C John Collins, G Bogdan Bogdanovic, G Chris Paul, F Nicolas Batum, G/F Bennedict Mathurin. ADDITIONS: F

Oct 15, 2026

NBA preview: Grizzlies turn to Cameron Boozer as post-Morant era begins

Team preview of the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season. Last season: 25-57, missed playoffs and draft lottery moved them up to No. 3 overall. Coach: Tuomas Iisalo (29-62, second full season). Season opener: Oct. 21 at home vs. Utah Jazz. Departures: F Jaren Jackson Jr., G Ja Morant, F Santi Aldama, G

Oct 15, 2026

AFC Champions League 2: Hong Kong’s Tai Po ‘cross a line’ but fail to tame Lion City Sailors

Streetwise Lion City Sailors condemned Tai Po to a 1-0 AFC Champions League 2 defeat at Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday, but victorious boss Mark Jackson accused the hosts of “crossing a line” in their attempts to ruffle the Singaporean team. A husk of the side that was unbeaten at home in last season’s competition, following a summer firesale, Tai Po nevertheless ran themselves into the ground in a vain attempt to recover from the blow of Matthias Phaeton’s strike shortly after half-time. While...

Oct 15, 2026

AFC Champions League 2: Hong Kong’s Tai Po ‘cross a line’ but fail to tame Lion City Sailors

Streetwise Lion City Sailors condemned Tai Po to a 1-0 AFC Champions League 2 defeat at Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday, but victorious boss Mark Jackson accused the hosts of “crossing a line” in their attempts to ruffle the Singaporean team. A husk of the side that was unbeaten at home in last season’s competition, following a summer firesale, Tai Po nevertheless ran themselves into the ground in a vain attempt to recover from the blow of Matthias Phaeton’s strike shortly after half-time. While...

Oct 15, 2026

NBA preview: Blazers look to build on last season with Lillard, Morant

Team preview of the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season. Last NBA season: 42-40, lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. Coach: Micah Nori (first-time NBA coach, hired on June 23). Season opener: Oct. 21 vs. the Phoenix Suns. Departures: F Jerami Grant, F Kris Murray,