Argentina beaten by Uruguay in first game since Messi retirement

Manila Times - Nov 14, 2026

BUENOS AIRES — Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay on Friday in their first game since Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. A second-half own goal by Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi followed by a fluky effort from Uruguay midfielder Maxi Araujo sealed defeat for the 2026 World Cup runners-up. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alavarez gave Argentina hope of a comeback with a 73rd-minute strike but Uruguay held on to clinch a third victory for new manager Diego Forlan. Messi played his final game for Argentina in an emotional farewell friendly victory over Benin last month, calling time on a glittering career that spanned 207 caps and 125 goals. With the 39-year-old genius missing, Argentina struggled to break down a resilient Uruguay team for long stretches of Friday's friendly. Nico Paz had Argentina's best chance of the first half, but saw his shot well-saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin. Uruguay made the breakthrough soon after half-time when a Giorgian de Arrascaeta free-kick from the left caused chaos in the Argentina defence. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez attempted to clear with a header but his effort instead cannoned off team-mate Balerdi and into the net. De Arrascaeta then set up Uruguay's second in the 53rd minute, his corner appearing to...

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Batang Pinoy now serves greater purpose following Dakar YOG success

Nov 14, 2026

Batang Pinoy now serves greater purpose following Dakar YOG success

DAKAR, Senegal — The Batang Pinoy now serves a greater purpose following the country’s best-ever campaign in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games coming up next year. "Naomi’s [Marjorie Cesar] silver in the 800 meters and Pi’s [Durden Forward Wangkay]  bronze in the 200 meters in Dakar show the world what the next generation of Filipino athletes is capable of,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio said from Manila on Saturday. “Their incredible grit on the track in Senegal proves that our national sports programs and grassroots initiatives are bearing fruit.” Gregorio said. “The PSC remains fully committed to nurturing these young champions as they transition from youth competitions to the global senior stage.” Cesar and Wangkay’s achievements net them financial incentives of P2.5 million and P1 million, respectively, under Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Their coaches, too, will benefit from the act and will receive half incentives the two athletes are receiving from the government. Enter the PSC’s flagship program for the youth—the Batang Pinoy which will stage its 2026 edition from December 12 ro 18 Bacolod City is hosting. “With this best-ever finish in the YOG, the International Olympic Committee’s program for the young athletes, the Batang Pinoy now serves a greater purpose,” Gregorio said. "The Batang Pinoy is no longer just a national showcase, it is the direct launchpad for international glory,” he said. “With the hosting of the SEA Plus Youth Games next year, the action in Bacolod City becomes our ultimate talent identification battleground.” The PSC staged the first Batang Pinoy which catered to varied age groups—12 and under and 18 and under—but for this year’s edition, Gregorio has set the maximum age at 15. In almost exactly a year’s time—from December 2 to 14, 2027—the country, through the Philippine Olympic Committee, will host the inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games in Manila, Pasig, Tagaytay and Subic Bay featuring 23 sports. In line with his grassroots thrust, Gregorio reiterated his battle cry since assuming office in July last year. “From grassroots to gold, from gold to greatness!” Gregorio stressed. The PSC supported the campaign of Cesar, Wangkay and seven other athletes in Senegal, the first African country to host an International Olympic Committee event. They were swimmers Jamesray Mishael Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman, cyclist Maritanya Krog, artistic gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III, wushu artist Angel Polo and windsurfer Jade Justine Justiniane. Cesar’s silver and Wangkay’s bronze surpassed the silver won by Christian Tio in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding at the 2018 Buenos Aires Games—the gold Luis Gabriel Moreno shared with China’s Li Jiaman in mixed NOC in archery at Nanjing 2014 didn’t officially count. TMT

Svitolina stuns Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals last four

Nov 14, 2026

Svitolina stuns Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals last four

LOS ANGELES — Ukrainian veteran Elina Svitolina beat world number two Aryna Sabalenka in a rollercoaster three sets on Friday to punch her ticket to the WTA Finals last four, where she'll face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Broken to start the third set, sixth-ranked Svitolina stormed home, winning six straight games to triumph 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. She claimed just her second career victory in eight meetings with the Belarusian star, whose first-serve struggles and 35 unforced errors proved too much to overcome. The match concluded round robin play in the elite season-ending event. Earlier Friday, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva capped an unbeaten run through the group stage with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Diana Shnaider. It was a lackluster end to a disappointing season for Sabalenka. She won three tournaments, including the prestigious "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami in March. But she finished the year without a Grand Slam title, losing in the finals of both the Australian and US Opens, and lost her world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina. After an error-strewn first set Sabalenka steadied in the second, racing to a 5-1 lead. Broken as she served for the set Sabalenka held on to force the third and looked on the ascendant when she broke again for a 1-0 lead. But the errors were piling up again, and Svitolina took advantage. Sabalenka saved three match points in the final game, Svitolina twice responding with an ace before sealing the win with an emphatic forehand winner. "It was an extremely tough match, especially mentally," said Svitolina, who continues her campaign for a second WTA Finals crown to go with the one she won in 2018. "I was just trying to play one point at a time and find my game, find the fighting spirit until the end ... she gave me a few chances here and there so I could find my shots." Andreeva cruises Andreeva, already assured of a semi-final spot as a group winner, needed just 56 minutes to beat Shnaider, a late replacement for ailing Karolina Muchova. The 19-year-old Russian, ranked third in the world, next faces fifth-ranked American Jessica Pegula. She'll be playing Pegula for the first time just a week after Pegula was caught by a practice court microphone describing Andreeva as a "diva". Pegula, who was unaware that the microphone could pick up her comments, quickly apologized and said Andreeva had taken the controversy in stride. "She was totally fine, and she was like 'I'm a diva,'" Pegula said. "Like she embraces it, and so it was kind of funny." The WTA apologized over the incident in which microphones installed to pick up general court sounds for a WTA livestream recorded conversation between Pegula and her coach. Pegula said she knew that even as both players tried to downplay the repercussions the incident would hang over their match. "The storyline writes itself," she said. "I think it maybe gets fans interested ... whatever works. We're all good, but if it gets people to watch I think it's fine."

Jacq Buncio takes road safety advocacy beyond racetrack

Nov 14, 2026

Jacq Buncio takes road safety advocacy beyond racetrack

MANILA, Philippines — For motorcycle racing champion Jacq Buncio, being fast is only part of the responsibility that comes with riding. The Filipina racer is using her experience on the racetrack to remind motorists that public roads are not places to test their limits, stressing that responsible riding means knowing when to slow down. “You can’t be fast if you can’t slow down,” Buncio said in an interview on The Scorecard of Bilyonaryo News Channel. Buncio called on motorcycle riders to be more mindful of other road users, pointing out that reckless driving is not just a personal risk but also a danger to other people. “You can’t be selfish. You can’t be selfish na if you guys don’t want to go home to your families, we want to,” she said. The champion racer also shared that she has encountered road rage incidents, particularly from motorists who appear to challenge her because she is a woman. But Buncio chooses not to engage, saying that responding to such behavior would contradict her role as a road safety advocate. “I have to. I have to. Kasi kapag pumatol ako doon, what’s the point of being a safety advocate, hindi ba?” she said. Her advocacy carries added weight given her accomplishments in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Buncio made history in 2016 when she became the first female motorcycle circuit racer to win an overall Philippine Pirelli Superbike Championship title. She went on to capture the Rookie overall crown in the 2018 Philippine Superbike Championship and the Intermediate category title in 2021. But beyond collecting trophies, Buncio hopes to help make motorsport more accessible to aspiring riders, giving them a proper venue to develop their skills instead of taking unnecessary risks on public roads. She also wants to leave a lasting legacy for women in the sport, having spent more than a decade competing in a male-dominated field. Buncio revealed that her journey began in 2011, following the death of her brother, Maico, who also lost his life in a racing accident. She initially pursued the sport to continue what he had started and to bring back the passion for racing that her family had shared. Now, she hopes her journey can inspire more women to take their place on the starting grid. As she continues her racing career, Buncio’s message to fellow riders remains simple: getting home safely is more important than winning a race. “Always ride safe. Always, you need to go home. Walang championship sa kalsada, guys. Umuwi lang kayo nang safe sa pamilya ninyo, panalo na kayo,” she said. TMT

Race for glory intensifies as SSL quarterfinals action begins

Nov 14, 2026

Race for glory intensifies as SSL quarterfinals action begins

MANILA, Philippines — Four teams seek a quick entry to the semifinals while four others fight for dear life as action in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup quarterfinals erupts on Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center. Twice-to-beat defending champion National University looks to continue its unbeaten run against group stage victim Letran in the main game at 5 p.m. The five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs are on a roll after winning their first seven games, drawing closer to extending their dynastic reign in the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R&B Milk Tea. NU head coach Normal Miguel has emphasized the importance of finishing off the Lady Knights in one fell swoop to avoid a dangerous deciding match.    “We have to stay focused, stay hungry to win and stay humble. No room for complacency. We'll not waste the twice-to-beat advantage,” Miguel said as his squad eyes to replicate its emphatic sweep of the reigning NCAA champion in the first round. The Lady Bulldogs completed a Round of 8 sweep with a 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-16, victory over erstwhile undefeated Far Eastern University last week. Meanwhile, Ateneo De Manila University tries to force a rubber match against the twice-to-beat Lady Tamaraws at 1 p.m. The Blue Eagles, who are coming off a shocker over University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, last week, want payback from a straight-sets loss to FEU in the group stage. “I expect the team to work even harder and be hungrier to win more games. I think we definitely showed that we have it in us to work hard and to perform,” Ateneo captain Sophia Buena said. Adamson University is also fighting for survival in the curtain-raiser at 11 a.m. against twice-to-beat UP. The Lady Falcons defeated College of Saint Benilde, 26-24, 25-15, 25-21, last week to build momentum heading into a second meeting with the Fighting Maroons. “It helped us build confidence and momentum heading into our next game. It is very important to the team. We hope to have more wins in the future games and I’m really excited for the next game,” Adamson top gunner Frances Mordi said. On the other hand, last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas puts its unbeaten record on the line as it takes on the Lady Blazers at 3 p.m. The twice-to-beat Golden Tigresses have won six in a row, including an 80-minute sweep of CSB, which dropped its last three outings, in the first round.   If necessary, the do-or-die game for a Final Four seat in the competition, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology, Jersey Haven, Solar Sports and 12 Beyond Production as technical partners, is on Sunday at the same Muntinlupa venue. All games in the competition are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports. TMT

Hong Kong bridge half-marathon’s ‘platinum’ status set to boost distance running in city

Nov 14, 2026

Hong Kong bridge half-marathon’s ‘platinum’ status set to boost distance running in city

Hong Kong’s position as the host of one of only five platinum-level half-marathons in the world could be the key to boosting distance running in the city, athletics chiefs said on Friday. This weekend’s Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge race was elevated to World Athletics’ highest tier in April, making it the top-rated race in the city. Other platinum events are held in Chonburi in Thailand, Mexico’s Guadalajara, and in the mainland China province of Sichuan and city of Yangzhou. And...

Ginebra coaches shift focus on Gilas Pilipinas

Nov 13, 2026

Ginebra coaches shift focus on Gilas Pilipinas

BARANGAY Ginebra coach Tim Cone and several of the team’s coaching staff are shifting their focus on Gilas Pilipinas as part of the sacrifices they are making for the Philippine team, which will play two crucial matches in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in the last week of November. Cone knows how big of a semifinal series the Gin Kings will be having since their reward for beating the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals is facing defending champion TNT Tropang 5G in the next round. “We couldn’t have picked a tougher opponent. We had San Miguel (in the quarterfinals) and we got to go through Talk ‘N Text. We are going to bring that same fire into the Talk ‘N Text series and see what we can do,” said Cone, whose team outlasted San Miguel, 110-94, in their sudden death Game 5 to advance to the best-of-five semifinal series against TNT. Cone recognized how tough the Tropang 5G are with three-time PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson back in harness and regaining his old, deadly form. “Obviously, we know how good he is,” Cone said of Hollis-Jefferson. “We know how great the team is and we know how well they are playing. They swept Magnolia right off the floor and three easy wins.” But the all-time winningest coach knows he has to set the semifinal series aside so he can better focus on Gilas Pilipinas, which will have Syria as its opponent on Nov. 27 followed by Iran on Nov. 29 in Seremban, Malaysia. “I’m not going to be focused too much on it right now because I’ve got Gilas duties coming up first. All the other teams, they are going to have an opportunity to rest and prepare. We are not going to have that opportunity with Ginebra," said Cone. "I’ll be gone, (assistant coach) Richard del Rosario will be gone, a lot of our staff will be gone, Scottie (Thompson) will be gone,” he added. Cone mentioned that his other Ginebra deputies Olsen Racela and Johnny Abarrientos will be taking charge of practice while some of them focus their attention on the national team. “That’s the sacrifice that we make, that Ginebra, as an organization, makes for Gilas. It’s a tough one. I certainly would love to have a break, as I know (Scottie) would love to have a break. But we are also proud and excited to coach in this really important window,” he said. Cone said he will rejoin Ginebra in practice by Dec. 2, two days before the semifinal series against TNT begins.

Lakers' Austin Reaves day to day with bruised heel. Luka Doncic's ankle is OK

Nov 13, 2026

Lakers' Austin Reaves day to day with bruised heel. Luka Doncic's ankle is OK

LOS ANGELES — Lakers guard Austin Reaves has a bruised heel that's thought to be a minor injury, and NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic is fine after rolling his ankle in Los Angeles' most recent game. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Friday that Doncic is expected to be available for their next game in Phoenix on Sunday, while Reaves is listed as day to day. Reaves and Doncic both raised cause for concern Wednesday night during the Lakers' 123-112 victory at Milwaukee. Los Angeles' win was its seventh straight to move atop the overall NBA standings at 11-2. Reaves injured his left heel during the third quarter when he landed awkwardly on a dunk attempt. He checked himself out of the game later in the third and didn't return. Redick said the team and Reaves collectively decided not to have imaging exams on Reaves' heel, instead giving him a day-to-day designation. “I would assume a day-to-day injury is minor, yeah,” Redick told reporters at the Lakers' training complex in El Segundo. Lakers guard Collin Sexton is also day to day after bumping heads with Milwaukee's Ryan Rollins, but a concussion has been ruled out, Redick said. Doncic is the NBA's top scorer with 38.6 points per game, while Reaves is 15th with 24.7. The prolific backcourt is the offensive engine driving the Lakers, who have yet to lose in November during their first season after LeBron James' departure. Both Doncic and Reaves were significantly limited by injuries last season. Reaves played in only 51 games, while Doncic played in barely enough games — 64 — to qualify for his second NBA scoring title. After the Lakers made an impressive run through March to stamp themselves as a dark-horse contender, both Doncic and Reaves got hurt in a loss at Oklahoma City on April 2. Reaves didn't return until April 29, while Doncic's season was over.

PVL: Tots Carlos refuses to lose confidence after Creamline skid

Nov 13, 2026

PVL: Tots Carlos refuses to lose confidence after Creamline skid

MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos remains defiant that Creamline can secure a semifinal berth despite back-to-back losses in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series. The Cool Smashers fell short of completing a comeback against Choco Mucho, 23-25, 25-13, 25-23, 22-25, 15-13, on Thursday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum. With Creamline now at 4-2 but

PVL: Maddie Madayag sees confidence boost in Choco Mucho’s win

Nov 13, 2026

PVL: Maddie Madayag sees confidence boost in Choco Mucho’s win

MANILA, Philippines — Maddie Madayag, one of the pioneers of Choco Mucho, welcomed a crucial win over sister team and defending champion Creamline as the race for the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series semifinals heats up. Madayag may have been limited to three points, but her leadership and timely touches contributed to Choco Mucho’s 23-25,

Jessica Pegula advances to WTA Finals semifinals; Coco Gauff out

Nov 13, 2026

Jessica Pegula advances to WTA Finals semifinals; Coco Gauff out

LOS ANGELES–Jessica Pegula saved a match point on the way to a three-set victory over Linda Noskova on Thursday to book her WTA Finals last-four berth as Coco Gauff was eliminated. Fifth-ranked American Pegula fired a career-high 16 aces to come up with a 7-6 (7/2), 4-6, 7-5 victory in the must-win match against Wimbledon

Choco Mucho leans on Cebuano chemistry

Nov 13, 2026

Choco Mucho leans on Cebuano chemistry

CHEMISTRY is vital between a setter and a spiker and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina-Rosales and Deanna Wong have no problem with that. Rondina-Rosales and Wong, who are both from Cebu, carry a natural kinship and trust that translated into their performance against powerhouse Creamline last Thursday in the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference-Siklab Series. Rondina-Rosales, the team’s pint-sized gunner, churned out 20 points in the match, while Wong orchestrated 15 excellent sets in a crucial five-set win over the defending champion. The 23-25, 25-13, 25-23, 22-25, 15-13 victory also boosted Choco Mucho’s bid to make the final four. The Flying Titans improved to 4-3 and dropped the Cool Smashers to a 4-2 record. Choco Mucho, however, is currently fourth in the team standings behind Nxled (5-0), Creamline (4-2) and Farm Fresh (4-2). Wong, meanwhile, recognized her connection with Rondina-Rosales, not only because they both speak the same language and share a love for dried mangoes. “Maybe one factor is that we’ve been together for a long time, aside from the fact that we’re both Bisaya so we understand each other. I think it’s also because she’s easy to talk to,” Wong said. “I can easily talk to her, and that helps build our confidence as a setter-spiker duo. And of course, I get jealous of Alina (Bicar) and the others, so we just work harder on our sets,” she added. Rondina-Rosales echoed the same sentiment, but while saying their Cebu roots is a factor, she also credited the amount of time that they shared together on and off the volleyball court. “For me, I don’t really choose my setter. Whoever gets put in, I just trust them. I really trust them,” she said. “And with Deanna, I told her we should strengthen our connection. Because among all the setters, she’s the only one who really gets my sets.” Rondina-Rosales and Wong have been playing together for three years with Choco Mucho but they go way back in Cebu as fledgling volleyball stars. Thursday’s win was the first by the Flying Titans after seven straight losses against the Cool Smashers. It was also Choco Mucho’s second win against Creamline in their 21 head-to-head games in the PVL since 2019.

Cone excited to coach Gilas bigs

Nov 13, 2026

Cone excited to coach Gilas bigs

GILAS Pilipinas coach Tim Cone can’t hide his excitement with the chance of handling a myriad of talented and skilled big men for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers late this November. Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu and Mile Phillips were all named to the Gilas Pilipinas final 12 that will be playing against Syria on Nov. 27 in Seremban, Malaysia. “It’s no secret that I like big lineups, so I’m excited to work with this one,” Cone told The Manila Times. The 7-3 Sotto is back in harness after missing seven games with his team Altira Chiba in the Japan B.League. Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 15 rebounds and over 3 assists in the Manila window of the qualifiers last August where the Philippines pulled off crucial victories against Jordan and Iran. Adding size and rebounding is Millora-Brown, while Phillips, the 6-8 former De La Salle University standout, brings athleticism and energy to the team. Millora-Brown and Phillips missed the fourth window against Jordan and Iran. “We’ll see if we can make it work and be efficient,” added Cone, who also has the 6-10 Edu at his disposal. The entry of Bennie Boatwright as the team’s naturalized player gives Gilas Pilipinas the depth and outside shooting as the Philippines needed back-to-back victories to boost its bid to secure a FIBA World Cup spot for 2027 in Doha, Qatar. After Syria, the Philippines takes on perennial Asian powerhouse team Iran on Nov. 30. The Philippine team is expected to be in Kuala Lumpur for a brief preparation, with the 6-10 Boatwright arriving straight from China on the 23rd. Gilas Pilipinas enters the fifth window that will be held in Seremban, about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, with an even 4-4 record, to occupy fifth spot in Group E. Australia leads Group E with its immaculate 8-0 record, followed by New Zealand (6-2), while Iran and Jordan are tied for third to fourth spots at 5-3. The Boomers are already assured of a World Cup berth from the group, with the two next best squads expected to advance outright. The last Asian qualification slot will be contested by the best fourth-placed teams coming from Groups E and F.

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