AsiaLogue - Women's Sports

ONE Championship: Chatri floats Ryujin clash as Nadaka snaps bonus drought in style

Oct 19, 2026

Nadaka Yoshinari finally ended his wait for a ONE Championship bonus with a US$100,000 finish, as CEO Chatri Sityodtong raised the prospect of a tantalising future kickboxing clash with Ryujin Nasukawa.

Oct 19, 2026

ESPN on Disney+ now available in PH with NBA, UFC

MANILA, Philippines – Disney+ is bringing even more excitement to sports fans with ESPN on Disney+ now available in the Philippines with blockbuster matchups, unmissable moments and a wide line-up of live sports action for subscribers. Available through the new Disney+ app and included as part of existing subscriptions, ESPN on Disney+ gives fans access to a dedicated ESPN hub via the ESPN navigation tab. Launching alongside the new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, ESPN on Disney+ welcomes sports fans in the Philippines to a new home ground for the games, stories and moments they follow every day. Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+. Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming. “The Philippines is an incredibly important sports market in Asia Pacific, with a deep-rooted passion for basketball and combat sports and a fan base that brings tremendous energy to the region's sports culture,” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Head of ESPN, Asia Pacific. “As we continue to expand ESPN's presence across Asia Pacific, the Philippines plays a key role in that growth. Bringing ESPN to Disney+ allows us to build on that passion, connecting Filipino fans with more of the sports, athletes and stories they love, while strengthening ESPN's position as a leading sports destination across the region.” National Basketball Association (NBA) Following last season’s success, the NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ for fans in the Philippines, with marquee matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week. On October 22, the Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to take on the Miami Heat, followed by the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers. The action continues on October 23 as the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder meet the Denver Nuggets. Across the season, fans can follow live games featuring favourite teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics. Subscribers can also stream all Christmas Day games, including a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James facing his former team. The excitement continues into the postseason, with Playoff games from the First Round through the Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals. The Western Conference Finals will stream live on Disney+, while the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals will be available on demand. Beyond live games, fans can enjoy ESPN NBA studio shows and NBA-produced programming, including NBA Tip-Off, Inside the NBA, NBA Countdown, NBA Today, and NBA Action. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) As mixed martial arts continues to surge in popularity across the Philippines, UFC and ESPN are teaming up to bring fans in the Philippines closer to the UFC through ESPN on Disney+. The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili. Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content, as well as original and behind-the-scenes programming including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC, the breakout tournament offering Asia-Pacific's top professional MMA prospects a direct pathway to UFC. Together, the line-up brings elite MMA athletes, compelling matchups and stories behind the fights to one dedicated destination. A New Home Ground for Sports Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities; NCAA events, including March Madness; and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series. ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on Disney+. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption. “We’re thrilled ESPN on Disney+ is now streaming for subscribers in the Philippines, bringing live sports, studio shows, documentaries, original programming and more to fans in one dedicated destination,” said Vineet Puri, Vice President and General Manager, Emerging Southeast Asia, The Walt Disney Company. “ESPN on Disney+ gives fans a new home ground for sports entertainment, with adrenaline-pumping action that is the perfect match-up with Disney+ must-stream shows and movies. With our new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, we are celebrating the passion fans in the Philippines bring to every game, screen and shared conversation — all on one platform together like only Disney+ can do.” Fans can also follow highlights, news and key moments from ESPN on Disney+ across Disney+ Philippines’ social channels throughout the season. In addition to ESPN on Disney+, subscribers in the Philippines can look forward to a strong line-up of premium Asian original content, including highly anticipated Korean Originals The Remarried Empress and Portraits of Delusion as well as more must-stream entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu — all in one place on Disney+. Experience ESPN on Disney+ in one click through the ESPN hub, accessible via the ESPN navigation tab by downloading the new Disney+ app now. TMT

Oct 19, 2026

Alex Eala seeks redemption at Ningbo Open

Alexandra “Alex” Eala is set to begin her campaign at the Ningbo Open against France"s Diane Parry in the first round of the WTA 500 tournament.

Oct 19, 2026

Wembanyama targets title breakthrough as NBA season tips off

French phenomenon Victor Wembanyama, knocking on the door almost since his arrival in the NBA three years ago, is poised for the ultimate breakout season with the San Antonio Spurs.

Oct 19, 2026

Alex Eala drops to world No. 20 ahead of Ningbo Open

Alexandra “Alex” Eala has slipped in the latest WTA rankings, dropping to world No. 20, according to the rankings released by the Women"s Tennis Association (WTA) on Monday.

Oct 19, 2026

Lee, Bisera, Avaricio brace for South Pacific shootout

MANILA, Philippines – A deep 27-player field, easily one of the biggest casts in recent years on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, gears up for a fierce battle for supremacy as the ICTSI South Pacific Championship gets going on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with momentum, home-course familiarity and a hunger for redemption fueling a compelling mix of contenders. Tiffany Lee rides the confidence of a long-awaited victory, local ace Yvon Bisera banks on her familiarity with the South Pacific layout, while Chanelle Avaricio seeks to reclaim the spotlight and strengthen her bid for the season’s honors in the P1.25-million championship. Lee’s victory, which ended a two-year title drought, meant far more than another trophy. It was a reward for the quiet persistence that carried her through a difficult stretch and restored her belief in her game. “That win means a lot. It’s a great reward for all the days that I’ve silently and continuously fought for,” said Lee, who secured a hard-fought two-shot victory over Bisera at Pueblo de Oro last week. Beyond the personal breakthrough, Lee also credited the camaraderie among LPGT players for helping her navigate the demands of professional golf. Though they compete fiercely for the same titles, she said the tour’s welcoming atmosphere has made the journey more rewarding. “The LPGT members made me feel like family and accepted me as I am on this tour. They helped me a lot, and they make it feel like home. So, even though we’re enemies on the course, outside they’re very friendly and they make the course feel like a happy place,” she said. The friendly atmosphere, however, will give way to fierce competition once the championship gets underway. Bisera will be eager to capitalize on her home-course advantage and avenge her narrow loss at Pueblo de Oro. Avaricio, coming off a stint on the China Tour, is out to break away from Bisera in the season’s win race by adding a third victory to her tally, while Sarah Ababa, Princess Superal, Mafy Singson and the rest of the title-hungry field are determined to press their bids from the opening tee shot. “Knowing the course is a big advantage for any player. Familiarity with the layout and greens will also help a lot. I really want to win this time after losing by just one stroke last year, but I’ll trust God’s plan and do my best,” said Bisera, who narrowly missed out on the title to Ababa the last time out. Meanwhile, Avaricio is keeping her expectations in check, opting to focus on her game and maintain a steady approach as she looks to contend for another title. “No expectations for the week. I’ve used the time to reset, take it one shot at a time and do my best,” said Avaricio, who stressed the importance of patience, consistency and trusting her game as she seeks to put herself in a strong position to contend for the title. “I’m grateful for my two wins this season, and I’ll just focus on my game and give my best. Hopefully, I can get another chance to win,” added Avaricio, who triumphed at Pinewoods and Summit Point before competing in the China Tour. But the three headline acts face a formidable challenge from a talent-laden field determined to make its own mark in the 54-hole tournament. Harmie Constantino hopes to recapture the form that powered her dominant triumph at Caliraya Springs, while reigning Order of Merit champion Ababa remains eager to nail another victory as the season winds down. Proven winners Superal, Singson, Daniella Uy and Chihiro Ikeda, meanwhile, are primed to mount their own title bids. The depth of the field underscores the challenge awaiting the favorites. Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano, Apple Fudolin, Velinda Castil, Marvi Monsalve, Monica Mandario, Kayla Nocum, Gretchen Villacencio, Rev Alcantara, Korean Eunhua Han, Angela Mangana, Samantha Beltran and Eva Miñoza are likewise out to contend for their maiden victories, adding further intrigue to what shapes up as an open and fiercely contested title chase. Five amateurs, including standout campaigners from the Junior PGT, will also test their mettle against the professionals. Ace Superal, Brittany Tamayo, Rafella Batican, Isabella Tabanas and Johanna Uykiing complete the 27-player cast, each hoping to spring a surprise in the season-ending stretch. Still, Lee arrives with a particularly timely boost after ending a title spell in dramatic fashion at Pueblo de Oro. The 18-year-old Korean outlasted Bisera in a nerve-racking finish, recovering from a four-shot overnight lead that slipped away after a shaky front-nine 39. Trailing by one, Lee responded with a decisive closing charge, birdying three of the last five holes to beat the Davaoeña by two strokes after Bisera bogeyed the final hole. The victory was especially meaningful for Lee, who made an immediate impact by capturing her first LPGT title in her professional debut at Splendido Taal in 2024, prevailing against a strong field in stormy conditions. After a prolonged winless stretch, her Pueblo de Oro feat offered a timely reminder of what she can accomplish when her game clicks. With 27 players bringing an array of winning experience, local knowledge, youthful ambition and renewed confidence to the course, the South Pacific Championship is poised to deliver one of the LPGT’s most compelling title battles in recent years. TMT

Oct 19, 2026

Zaragosa rides momentum, Lumbo seeks redemption as ICTSI South Pacific unfolds

MANILA, Philippines – Fresh from ending a year-long title drought, Rupert Zaragosa hopes to ride his newfound momentum to another victory, while Jeffren Lumbo seeks redemption from a string of agonizing near-misses as a talent-laden field braces for battle in the P2.5-million ICTSI South Pacific Classic, which unwraps Tuesday (Oct. 20) at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Davao City. The two headline a formidable cast bolstered by the return of several aces, including Asian Development Tour winners Sean Ramos, Aidric Chan and Carl Corpus, who resume their Philippine Golf Tour campaign with contrasting results in last Sunday's Macau Open of the Asian Tour but share one goal: to contend for the crown in the 72-hole championship. With the season winding down, the penultimate leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. takes on added significance, as players scramble for a strong finish in the final two stops, both in Davao, and a chance to boost their earnings before the holidays. But few will be more driven than Lumbo, who has endured a frustrating run of near-misses. The Sarangani native suffered back-to-back one-stroke defeats in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, then remained in contention for three days at last week's Pueblo de Oro Championship before faltering in the final round to finish tied for sixth. South Pacific, however, looms as a prime venue for redemption. "My game plan for South Pacific is simply to play the way I do during practice. I just want to execute everything I’ve worked on, stay focused, and enjoy the game," said Lumbo in Filipino. "Coming here, I’m not thinking about defending a title. I’ll just give it my absolute best and surrender the rest to God," he added. Lumbo’s late stumble at Pueblo kept him out of a chaotic finish where Zaragosa emerged as an unlikely champion – finally converting his steady progress and relentless work ethic into a another victory. "My biggest motivation was my strong desire to win, and I’m so happy that all the everyday practice and sacrifices finally paid off," said Zaragosa, whose Pueblo triumph snapped a year-long title drought. Averaging just 270 yards off the tee, Zaragosa gives up considerable distance to the Tour's power hitters. But he makes up for it with reliable wood and iron play and a steady putting touch – qualities that could again prove decisive at South Pacific. The course presents a different test on nearly every hole, with shifting winds adding another layer of difficulty and potentially neutralizing the advantage of the long hitters. Zaragosa will need to bring the same all-around game that carried him to the Pueblo crown if he hopes to sustain his surge. Ramos, meanwhile, looms as one of the players to watch. The 22-year-old broke through for an ADT victory in Egypt last month and followed it up with a top-15 finish in Macau last Sunday, giving the young gun a timely confidence boost as he pursues a second PGT title. He captured his maiden Tour victory at Lakewood two years ago. Corpus and Chan, also ADT winners, will be eager to rebound from their Macau campaigns, where the former wound up 71st after his Asian Games stint, and the latter missed the cut. Corpus, in particular, could draw inspiration from the season's closing stretch after claiming his first PGT victory in last year's season-ending Valley Golf Challenge. The returning challengers will have plenty of company. Reigning Order of Merit champion Angelo Que, a two-leg winner this season, leads a formidable group of multi-titled campaigners that includes Keanu Jahns, Clyde Mondilla, Zanieboy Gialon and Reymon Jaraula. All are still chasing their first leg victory of the season and will be eager to make their presence felt as the circuit approaches its climax. Fidel Concepcion and Russel Bautista are also expected to figure prominently. Concepcion heads into the tournament with his title defense at next week's Apo Golf Classic in sight, while Bautista returns with unfinished business after losing to Lumbo in a dramatic five-hole playoff here last year. Though still winless this season, Bautista has put together several strong finishes and appeared poised to contend at Pueblo, even taking control of the final round before succumbing to the pressure and settling for solo fifth. With Zaragosa eager to build on his breakthrough, Lumbo determined to turn heartbreak into triumph and a deep roster of proven winners and emerging talents ready to pounce, the South Pacific layout is poised to deliver another test of nerve, precision and patience as the race for the season's remaining titles intensifies. TMT

Oct 19, 2026

McLaren put five iconic F1 cars driven by champions and Brad Pitt up for sale

McLaren are selling five fully-functioning Formula One cars driven by champions, including Lewis Hamilton and the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna, with one also tested by Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The cars, to be sold through high-end dealer Tom Hartley Jnr and expected to raise tens of millions of dollars, will be prepared by the reigning constructors’ champions for ‌their next owners. Hartley Jnr also sold the collection of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and 20 road cars belonging to the...

ONE Championship: Akimoto camp alleges illegal knees in Haggerty title defeat

Oct 19, 2026

Japanese challenger Hiroki Akimoto’s camp has renewed its call for a review of his ONE Championship defeat by British champion Jonathan Haggerty, alleging that two illegal knee attacks went unpunished.

Oct 19, 2026

NU looking like legitimate title threats again after beating FEU

National University didn’t look like much of a threat in the early goings of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. After the graduations of Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez and Jolo Manansala, the Bulldogs had their difficulties in sustaining their image as perennial title contenders with a relatively young core. After the end of