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

Manila Times - Oct 19, 2026

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...

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EJ Obiena sticks up for under-fire Alex Eala

Oct 19, 2026

EJ Obiena sticks up for under-fire Alex Eala

MANILA, Philippines–Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena came to the defense of Alex Eala, who’s been facing criticism over her recent string of early exits. In a lengthy post on social media, Obiena spoke broadly about the nature of competing in professional sports and how “failure is not synonymous with losing.” “So asking if Alex’s

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Diane Parry – Ningbo Open first round

Oct 19, 2026

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Diane Parry – Ningbo Open first round

Alex Eala faces France’s Diane Parry in the Ningbo Open round of 32 in China. SCHEDULE: Alex Eala at Ningbo Open October 19, Monday – Center Court 7:30 p.m. (tentative) – Alex Eala vs Diane Parry LIVE: Alex Eala vs Diane Parry – Ningbo Open round of 32 Alex Eala back on track, sweeps Diane

Carlos Yulo eyes double gold finish at Worlds

Oct 19, 2026

Carlos Yulo eyes double gold finish at Worlds

CARLOS Yulo looks to add another medal to his collection when he conquers the vault and floor exercise events at the 2026 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam. Fresh off winning a double gold medal in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the two-time Olympic gold medalist is set to conquer the Rotterdam mats, eyeing another golden finish. Yulo displayed his caliber and placed second in the floor exercise event with 14.500 points and sixth on vault with 14.266 points to book a finals slot. The floor exercise final is slated for Oct. 24, while the vault final is scheduled for Oct. 25. Yulo garnered a total of 77.631 points, ranked 34th in the individual all-around, and was short of booking a final ticket, as only the top 24 gymnasts will head to the next round. While he displayed strong performances in vault and floor exercise, he only managed to tally 14.166 in parallel bars, 11.166 in pommel horse, 10.766 in horizontal bar, and 13.033 in still rings. The 26-year-old gymnast settled for a bronze medal in the floor exercise event at the 2025 World Championships. The last time he won a gold medal in his pet event was in 2019. While Yulo enjoys a peak form this year, Russian Dukhno Arsenii outscored the Filipino bet in the qualification round with 14.700 points, earning the top spot. But a different story goes for the vault apparatus as he needs to defend his 2025 Worlds title. He was a World champion in the previous edition after scoring 14.866 points in vault (15.200 on piked Dragulescu + 14.533 on handspring front 2.5 twist). The decorated gymnast edged out Armenia's Artur Davtyan (14.833) to reclaim the world title in vault — his second career gold on the apparatus (after winning it in 2021) and his third world title overall. Placing sixth in the qualification round does not paint the whole story for the Olympian gymnast as Yulo was known for hiding his routines in the qualification round. Recalling that he also slipped and fell flat during the Asian Games vault qualification round, before earning his second gold medal. His younger brother Eldrew, 18, who won a bronze medal in Asian Games, did not qualify for any final round as he was still grasping the senior level. Eldrew scored 8.666 points in parallel bars, his pet event. Followed by 10.866 score in horizontal bar, 12.100 in floor exercise, 11.933 in pommel horse, 9.833 in still rings, and 13.700 in vault. The 18-year-old Yulo totaled 67.032 points for his individual all-around performance, also not enough to book a finals ticket. The Gymnastics World Championships served as the highest-level global competition outside the Olympic Games.

Solar Spikers gun for 2nd win vs Thunderbelles

Oct 19, 2026

Solar Spikers gun for 2nd win vs Thunderbelles

THE loaded Capital 1 Solar Spikers are gunning for their second consecutive victory when they face the win-seeking ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference-Siklab Series on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Capital 1 (1-1) and ZUS (0-1) open the Tuesday triple-header action at 1 p.m., followed by Spikers’ Turf teams National University and VNS Always Bright Laticrete chasing their first win at 3:30 p.m., and capped by the PLDT High Speed Hitters (0-1) and Akari Chargers (0-2) match at 6 p.m. The Solar Spikers secured their first win of the tournament after outlasting Akari in a thrilling five-setter, powered by Bella Belen’s career-high 35-point performance, which she stuffed with 20 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions. “What I always draw motivation from is what we achieved last conference. Last conference, we didn’t make it to the playoffs. So this conference, more skillful players joined us. I feel like we have a chance to perform even better compared to last conference,” Belen told the media in Filipino. “All they want is for us to enjoy and win. That’s what we do every game, we try to enjoy, and of course, as much as possible, we need to win,” she added. As a young franchise that entered the PVL in 2024, Capital 1 has heavily bolstered its roster by adding fiery hitters Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos. After opening their campaign with a tight five-set heartbreaker against Choco Mucho, the squad bounced back strongly against the veteran-laden Akari side. Now eyeing their second straight win, the Jorge de Brito-mentored squad must prepare for a ZUS team bannered by Alexis Miner and Zam Nolasco. Miner and Nolasco contributed nine and eight points, respectively, in their straight-set loss to the Flying Titans. The Thunderbelles also feature veterans Jov Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis, who could provide the spark needed to lift the squad. Following the matchup between National University and VNS Always Bright Laticrete, the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Akari Chargers will clash for their first victory of the conference. PLDT was stunned by the Nxled Chameleons in its opening match, where Savi Davison led the team as the only double-digit scorer with 10 points, alongside Dell Palomata’s nine markers.

Letran, Benilde seek strong finish in crossover round

Oct 19, 2026

Letran, Benilde seek strong finish in crossover round

COLEGIO de San Juan de Letran and the College of Saint Benilde are gearing up to finish the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament crossover round with a statement victory on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. The action kicks off at 3 p.m. with the Letran Knights (5-3) locking horns with the Benilde Blazers (6-2). Following that matchup at 6 p.m., the University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta (2-6) will face off against the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers (6-2). Letran heads into the game fresh off a hard-fought 70-66 win against JRU, powered by Chad Gammad’s 21 points and four rebounds, with Denzil Walker chipping in 11 markers. The Knights achieved the victory despite playing without their star guard, Titing Manalili, who continues to recover from a right knee injury sustained against the Lyceum of the Philippines University. “Despite Jonathan (Titing) not playing, I can see them step up, the other guards. I know the boys are working really hard and they worked as a team, they found their rhythm and we managed to handle the pressure,” head coach Allen Ricardo said during the post-game press conference. However, overcoming a vengeful Benilde squad will be no easy task. The Blazers are looking to bounce back from an 86-78 loss to Emilio Aguinaldo College, where Justine Sanchez and John Morales each contributed 16 points. A victory for Benilde could propel them to the top of the Group A standings, while Letran aims to break a 5-3 deadlock with Arellano University. Meanwhile, the JRU Heavy Bombers look to regain their footing in Group A as they take on the struggling Perpetual Altas, who are currently mired in a five-game skid. With the crossover round coming to a close, teams will return to their respective group stages to face bracket opponents once more. The top two teams at the end of this phase will secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, the third seed will need to win twice to advance, and the bottom two squads will head to the play-in tournament.

Wemby targets title breakthrough as NBA tips off

Oct 19, 2026

Wemby targets title breakthrough as NBA tips off

LOS ANGELES — 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. “He just changes everything,” superstar LeBron James said of the towering 22-year-old, who will be aiming to further break the mold with his ferocious defense and an extraordinarily versatile playing style for a player who stands 7-foot-4 (2.24 m). Wembanyama was unanimously voted Defensive Player of the Year last season. With spectacular averages of 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks he finished third in Most Valuable Player voting. With another year under his belt Wembanyama is widely tipped to contend for both awards — and lead the young, ultra-talented Spurs back to the Finals a year after they were agonizingly denied by the New York Knicks. “We’re very hopeful, very ambitious and ready,” Wembanyama said as training camp began. Rejoining Wembanyama for another title tilt are 21-year-old Stephon Castle and 20-year-old Dylan Harper. In the offseason they added another piece to the puzzle in 34-year-old veteran Tobias Harris, who along with experience adds size and strength in the paint. Harris was tabbed as the most underrated signing of the offseason in a survey of the league’s general managers. But the Spurs fortunes will ultimately rest with Wemby. “I think he has a ton of room to improve in all aspects,” says Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, who took the helm in May 2025 as the Spurs said goodbye to the iconic Gregg Popovich, who led the team to five titles. “One thing for him will just be continue to manipulate the game and dictate the game, not just by scoring but by making plays for his teammates forcing the defense to make a decision, and taking advantage of opportunities in front of him,” said Johnson, who wants to see his star “almost puppeteering the game as we see the best players in our game do and we’ve seen him do. “I think that’s an area for him to continue growing.” Steve Nash, the former two-time Most Valuable Player, says Wembanyama has the tools to earn MVP honors. “In my eyes, Wemby had a case for MVP last year because of the totality of how he affects the game,” Nash said as he discussed Wembanyama’s MVP prospects with James on the “Mind the Game” podcast. “I think the difference is that traditionally you look at who closed the game for your team and Wemby can close games, but he doesn’t, he’s not necessarily a closer,” Nash said. “Some nights, it’s not his thing.” Nevertheless, Warriors veteran Draymond Green didn’t hesitate to tip Wembanyama for MVP — and Defensive Player of the Year again. “With his impact defensively and offensively, the only thing that can stop him from MVP this year is injury... 1000% I think he takes home both of them this year,” Green said on his podcast. Having enjoyed a spectacular ascent in his first three seasons, Wembanyama seems more than happy to embrace the expectations.

Chwalinska fights back to win Wuhan Open

Oct 19, 2026

Chwalinska fights back to win Wuhan Open

WUHAN, China — Maja Chwalinska pulled off an impressive comeback to defeat Britain’s Sonay Kartal, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, and claim the first tour-level title of her career at the Wuhan Open on Sunday. The Polish 16th seed trailed by a set and a break before she turned things around to become just the fourth player to win her maiden tour-level title at a WTA 1000 event. She joins Naomi Osaka (2018 Indian Wells), Bianca Andreescu (2019 Indian Wells) and Victoria Mboko (2025 Montreal) in that exclusive club. The 25-year-old Chwalinska started the year ranked 146 in the world and provided one of the biggest surprises of the season when she reached the French Open final as a qualifier in June. “(This title) tastes very sweet. I feel like I still don’t realize that I won,” Chwalinska said in the post-match press conference. “But it feels special, because after French Open, it was obviously amazing, but then I had some tough moments. I feel like people also were very rough towards me. And it took a toll on me as well. “I’m just a human. But I kept working really hard and I’m just very grateful that my work paid off.” The talented lefty will now rise to a career-high No.11 in the world, making her top-20 debut when the new rankings are released on Monday. “I feel like my energy level was very low at the beginning, but also Sonay played amazing,” added Chwalinska. “Gradually I started to play much better and much more aggressive. Also, the depth on my shots improved. “I feel what I’m proud of is the fighting spirit that I had. I just wanted to fight for every single ball and hoped that things would click at some point.” Kartal, who was contesting her second tour event back from a six-month hiatus due to a spinal stress fracture, entered Wuhan ranked 170 in the world but will return to the top 50 after reaching the first WTA 1000 final of her career. AFP

Tampa Bay Rays one win from World Series return

Oct 19, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays one win from World Series return

LOS ANGELES — The Tampa Bay Rays moved to within one win of a return to the World Series on Sunday (Monday in Manila) after defeating the Cleveland Guardians, 3-1, to edge into a crucial 3-2 lead in their MLB playoff series. A dazzling pitching performance from starter Drew Rasmussen laid the foundation for another deserved victory for the Rays, who had leveled the best-of-seven American League Championship Series on Saturday. Rasmussen restricted the Guardians to one run and four hits through seven innings with six strikeouts. Rays catcher Liam Hicks paid tribute to Rasmussen’s gem after the win. “He’s an ace, it’s as simple as that,” Hicks said. “He rises to the occasion and no moment is ever too big for him. I don’t think there’s anyone we’d rather have on the mound. “He’s such a hard worker. He has a plan and then he just executes.” The Rays, meanwhile, pounced on a string of early opportunities to edge into a lead that proved decisive. Tampa Bay’s bats caused problems for Guardians starter Parker Messick in the first inning, with Yandy Diaz getting the ball rolling with a leadoff double. Messick soon found himself in a bases loaded jam and walked Jonny DeLuca to surrender a run that gave Tampa Bay an early 1-0 lead. The Rays doubled their advantage in the second inning when Jonathan Aranda drove in a run for Ben Williamson. Messick was promptly pulled from the mound after 57 pitches to leave Cleveland improvising a bullpen game. Tampa Bay continued to make the most of the scoring chances that came their way, with Hicks singling off Guardians reliever Tim Herrin in the top of the third to make it 3-0. With Rasmussen in complete control, the Guardians had to wait until the sixth inning to get on the board, outfielder Steven Kwan coming home on Chase DeLauter’s ground out to first base. The Guardians raised hopes of a rally in the ninth, when Rays closer Bryan Baker gave up a leadoff walk to start the inning. But Baker coolly held firm to claim his 35th consecutive save and a Rays win. Tampa Bay — one of only five Major League Baseball teams never to win a World Series title — now need only one more win to book their third appearance at the Fall Classic after losing in 2008 and 2020. Game 6 of the series takes place at Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on Monday. “There’s no place we’d rather be playing in a must-win game than at home,” Hicks said. “So it’s huge.”

Grizzlies’ Cam Boozer adjusting to NBA spotlight as solo act

Oct 19, 2026

Grizzlies’ Cam Boozer adjusting to NBA spotlight as solo act

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could join rare club of NBA MVPs

Oct 19, 2026

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Boxers Miel Fajardo, Zyvyr Medecilo eye world title glory in Japan

Oct 19, 2026

Boxers Miel Fajardo, Zyvyr Medecilo eye world title glory in Japan

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Alex Eala makes strong start in Ningbo Open

Oct 19, 2026

Alex Eala makes strong start in Ningbo Open

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala opened her 2026 Ningbo Open campaign on a strong note after defeating Diane Parry of France, 6-3, 6-1, on Monday night (Manila time) to advance in the Round of 16 at the Ningbo Yinzhou Tennis Center The 20-year-old Eala, currently ranked No. 18, defeated World No. 34 Parry in the tournament. The Filipina swept the French after relying more on her strong backhand swings and smart placement shots. Eala will next face Russian Diana Shnaider in the Round of 16, who is seeded No. 16 in the tournament. This win serves as a redemption for the Filipina after suffering her worst loss in the Wuhan Open, when she fell to World No. 217 Shi Han of China last October 12.

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