Can Zaragosa make it three at Marapara?

Manila Times - Sep 17, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Rupert Zaragosa returns to Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club on Monday (Sept. 21) with a chance to turn a remarkable run of success into Philippine Golf Tour history. The diminutive but gifted shotmaker goes after a third straight ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic title at what is known as the Marapara layout, where he has developed what is beginning to look like a special romance with one of the Tour’s toughest layouts. Zaragosa first cracked the code of the tight, demanding Marapara course in 2024, charging to the top early and eventually claiming an abbreviated 36-hole victory after bad weather forced the tournament to be reduced by half. He proved that triumph was no one-off a year later. Playing the full 72 holes, Zaragosa again emerged on top, holding off a formidable cast led by Clyde Mondilla, Keanu Jahns and young stalwart Aidric Chan to win by two strokes. Now he returns seeking a third consecutive victory on the same course – a feat that would further cement his remarkable affinity with Marapara and put him in position to become the first player on the Tour to win the same event three straight times at the same venue. Marapara has become something of...

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New era of PH volleyball seeks growth spurt via Asian Games stint

Sep 17, 2026

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It was far from the start Alas Pilipinas wanted for its women’s team in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games—but neither was it unexpected. So the nation’s brightest volleyball stars are milking the result for whatever they can get from it. “[W]e came into this tournament very excited, very ready to learn, and very ready to be

Means makes debut as Gilas women take on Kazakhstan

Sep 17, 2026

Means makes debut as Gilas women take on Kazakhstan

Elizabeth Means is set for her national team debut on Thursday when Gilas Pilipinas opens its women’s basketball 5-on-5 campaign in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games minus some notable names. Means, whose naturalization was completed a few months earlier, will be a prominent figure for Gilas in the 3 p.m. matchup (Manila time) with Kazakhstan at

In front of late teammates’ parents, Blue Eagles forge hot season start

Sep 17, 2026

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All eyes were on Ateneo as the team made its debut in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. For the Blue Eagles, however, some eyes mattered more than the rest. The Katipunan-based squad smashed University of the East, 101-74, on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena, but the result’s place in the team standings

Asian Games: Filipinas battle Hong Kong with two targets in mind

Sep 17, 2026

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The Philippine women’s football team will be eyeing the maximum three points on Thursday when it goes up against Hong Kong in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Gifu. Coach Mark Torcaso is hoping to see a better version of the Filipinas in the 6 p.m. match (Manila time) at Nagaragawa Stadium after snatching a

Travis Kelce named a victim in $35M Ponzi scheme

Sep 17, 2026

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Gilas Pilipinas Women at the 2026 Asian Games: Lineup and schedule

Sep 17, 2026

Gilas Pilipinas Women at the 2026 Asian Games: Lineup and schedule

The Gilas Pilipinas Women will open their campaign at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday, September 17, as they face Kazakhstan in their first group stage game.

Messi heads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup triumph

Sep 17, 2026

Messi heads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup triumph

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Chinese runner becomes first athlete to complete 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours

Sep 17, 2026

Chinese runner becomes first athlete to complete 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours

Chinese runner Zhao Jiaju became the first athlete to complete the 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours on Wednesday, breaking the course record to claim victory in Italy using a “fragmented sleep” strategy. Wearing bib No 1, he crossed the finish line in Courmayeur at 9.55am with a winning time of 65 hours, 55 minutes and 22 seconds, making history as the first Asian competitor to win the event. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most gruelling ultra-trail races, the flagship event offers...

Chinese runner becomes first athlete to complete 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours

Sep 17, 2026

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Chinese runner Zhao Jiaju became the first athlete to complete the 330km Tor des Géants in under 66 hours on Wednesday, breaking the course record to claim victory in Italy using a “fragmented sleep” strategy. Wearing bib No 1, he crossed the finish line in Courmayeur at 9.55am with a winning time of 65 hours, 55 minutes and 22 seconds, making history as the first Asian competitor to win the event. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most gruelling ultra-trail races, the flagship event offers...

LIVE UPDATES: Team Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games -- September 17 | Alas Pilipinas Women, Gilas Pilipinas Women, Filipinas football

Sep 17, 2026

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Sep 17, 2026

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SACOMBANK signs deal to sponsor national football leagues

Sep 17, 2026

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Saigon Treasure Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SACOMBANK) has become the official sponsor of two football tournaments in the 2026-27 season following a signing ceremony September 16 in Hà Nội.

VTV to broadcast Asian Games in Việt Nam

Sep 17, 2026

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Alas Pilipinas Women at the 2026 Asian Games: Lineup and Schedule

Sep 17, 2026

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The Alas Pilipinas Women are competing in the 2026 Asian Games and opened their campaign with a loss to China.

Việt Nam look to improve as they face hosts Japan

Sep 17, 2026

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After the unexpected 1-2 loss to Chinese Taipei in Group E on September 14, coach Hoàng Văn Phúc asked his players to clear their minds and focus on their next task.

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Sep 17, 2026

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MANILA, Philippines — Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Daquis have been around long enough to remember when Philippine volleyball was built around the Shakey’s V-League — the predecessor of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL)— when they were still playing together for Army. A decade later, the two veterans are still playing, now with ZUS Coffee entering

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Sep 17, 2026

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MANILA, Philippines—Kieffer Alas had one of the best UAAP debuts in recent memory, leading Ateneo to a 101-74 win over University of the East on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. Alas, however, downplayed his dazzling performance that came close to setting a new UAAP record for most points scored in a debut. READ: UAAP

Hong Kong Premier League on up but Kitchee face AFC Champions League test against Koreans

Sep 17, 2026

Hong Kong Premier League on up but Kitchee face AFC Champions League test against Koreans

Although he cheesed off some of his England players when he accused them of being “sloppy” and committing “lots of technical mistakes” following their World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway this summer, Thomas Tuchel’s angst perhaps stemmed from the knowledge that a much tougher test was around the corner. So it would prove, the head coach’s team punch-drunk by the end of their semi-final capitulation against Argentina. For Tuchel two months ago, and indeed Alex Ferguson after the 1983...

UAAP: Pido Jarencio fires back at haters with UST win over La Salle

Sep 16, 2026

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MANILA, Philippines—Coach Pido Jarencio was all smiles and banter following University of Santo Tomas’ victory over defending champion La Salle in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday. Jarencio, who is in his second tour of duty as UST’s coach after leading the school to a championship in 2006, poked fun at his

UAAP: Jacob Cortez takes blame for La Salle loss to UST

Sep 16, 2026

UAAP: Jacob Cortez takes blame for La Salle loss to UST

MANILA, Philippines—Jacob Cortez shouldered the blame for La Salle’s loss to the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday. The Green Archers lost 80-75 after the Growling Tigers outsteadied them down the stretch despite having one of the league’s best clutch performers in

Barca hit Racing for seven as Atletico crush Osasuna

Sep 16, 2026

Barca hit Racing for seven as Atletico crush Osasuna

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Asian Games: when it starts, how to watch, what’s new, where Hong Kong could win gold

Sep 16, 2026

Asian Games: when it starts, how to watch, what’s new, where Hong Kong could win gold

The Asian Games get officially under way on Saturday with the opening ceremony in Nagoya, although early rounds in several sports have already taken place. Hong Kong’s men began their football campaign on Wednesday, losing 2-0 to hosts Japan, while their female counterparts started two days earlier with a 5-1 defeat at the hands of China. It will not be until Sunday that the first gold is handed out, with triathlon and road cycling the most likely candidates to get their athletes on the podium...

Former Brazil president Jose Sarney, 96, discharged from hospital

Sep 16, 2026

Former Brazil president Jose Sarney, 96, discharged from hospital

BRASILIA — Brazil's first civilian president after military rule, Jose Sarney, 96, was discharged from hospital Wednesday after a short stay with pneumonia. Sarney, who was admitted to hospital on Sunday with the respiratory infection, will continue receiving home-care, the UDI Hospital in the northern city of Sao Luis said in a statement. A lawyer, politician, and writer, Sarney became president in tragic circumstances and served from 1985 to 1990. He was supposed to be vice president under Tancredo Neves, who won indirect elections called in January 1985 by the military regime. But Neves was hospitalized on the eve of his scheduled inauguration with intestinal inflammation. He died 38 days later after multiple surgeries and a bacterial blood infection. During his tenure, Sarney oversaw the drafting and approval of a new constitution in 1988, which paved the way for direct presidential elections the following year -- the first in almost 30 years. Brazil also experienced soaring inflation, which his government failed to curb, leading to hyperinflation at the end of his presidency. After leaving office, Sarney served several terms as a senator, including as president of the Senate. He retired from politics in 2015.

UAAP: UST bounces back, squeaks past La Salle

Sep 16, 2026

UAAP: UST bounces back, squeaks past La Salle

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas recovered from its opening loss by nipping defending champion La Salle, 80-75, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena. The Growling Tigers, who absorbed a 92-85 loss at the hands of last year’s losing finalist University of the Philippines on Sunday,

UAAP: Parents of Adili, Baterbonia attend Ateneo game

Sep 16, 2026

UAAP: Parents of Adili, Baterbonia attend Ateneo game

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With late teammates in mind, Ateneo has rousing UAAP Season 89 debut

Sep 16, 2026

With late teammates in mind, Ateneo has rousing UAAP Season 89 debut

MANILA, Philippines—Playing the first game of the tournament dedicated to its fallen teammates Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, Ateneo opened UAAP Season 89 with a rousing 101-74 win over University of the East on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. With Adili’s parents in attendance, the Blue Eagles pulled away in the second quarter and

Aby Maraño, the tenacious ex-PH captain, retires from volleyball

Sep 16, 2026

Aby Maraño, the tenacious ex-PH captain, retires from volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — Aby Maraño, former Philippine women’s volleyball team captain, known for her grit and resilience, has called it a career after 22 years. Maraño announced her retirement on Wednesday. She last played for the Nxled Chameleons in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. “Actually, retiring wasn’t an overnight decision for me. I had been

Alas’ Canino shines in Asian Games debut, ready for must-win vs Kazakhs

Sep 16, 2026

Alas’ Canino shines in Asian Games debut, ready for must-win vs Kazakhs

MANILA, Philippines — Angel Canino sticks to the positives after her impressive Asian Games debut ended with Alas Pilipinas Women getting swept by defending champion China. Canino shone in her first Asiad with 14 points in the 18-25, 22-25, 8-25 loss the defending champions on Wednesday at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Japan. “Actually,

NU targets ‘five-peat,’ P1M cash prize in SSL Unity Cup

Sep 16, 2026

NU targets ‘five-peat,’ P1M cash prize in SSL Unity Cup

MANILA, Philippines — National University eyes a fifth consecutive title in the Shakey’s Super League when the Unity Cup opens on September 25 at Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The Lady Bulldogs, now led by Vange Alinsug, Arah Panique, and Sam Cantada, brace for another tough competition against the six other UAAP teams, sans La Salle, and

Eala gets No. 3 seed in Singapore Open

Sep 16, 2026

Eala gets No. 3 seed in Singapore Open

ALEXANDRA “Alex” Eala is poised to secure the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye at the WTA 500 Singapore Tennis Open slated from Sept. 21 to 27 at the OCBC Arena, The Kallang. Initially seeded No. 6, world No. 18 Eala moved three places up after No. 3 Jessica Pegula, No. 13 Diana Shnaider and No. 15 Sorana Cirstea pulled out of the tournament. Pegula, Shnaider and Cirstea were supposed to claim the No. 1, No. 4 and No. 5 seeds, respectively. The top four seeds in the 28-player field earn a first-round bye, starting their campaign in the second round. French Open champion No. 5 Mirra Andreeva and No. 10 Amanda Anisimova are the No. 1 and No. 3 seeded players, respectively. The other direct entrants listed on the tournament website are world No. 19 Elise Mertens, No. 21 Ekaterina Alexandrova, No. 26 Maja Chwalinska, No. 28 Sara Bejlek and No. 33 Maria Sakkari. Completing the list are No. 37 Donna Vekic, No. 38 Barbora Krejcikova, No. 40 Wang Xinyu, No. 41 Oleksandra Oliynykova and No. 51 Janice Tjen. The Singapore Open serves as Eala’s perfect buildup for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The Asian Games tennis play will run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, running smack into WTA 1000 China Open’s Sept. 30 to Oct. 11 schedule. Eala will skip the China Open in a bid to win the Asiad gold medal, which also merits a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 21-year-old will suffer a zero-point penalty, a $10,000 (P626,000) fine and potentially lose year-end bonuses if she skips China Open without WTA exemption. The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) requested the WTA to give Eala an exemption so she could avoid the penalties for skipping a 1000-tier tournament like the China Open. Top players like Eala are contractually obliged to compete in Grand Slams and 1000-tier tournaments. As of writing, there’s no word yet whether the WTA approved or denied Philta’s request albeit it already denied the same request from Indonesia’s Tjen. Tjen thus will play at the China Open and skip the Asian Games, instead. As for Eala, she will skip China and play at the Asian Games with or without the WTA exemption.

PBA stands by Gilas after disastrous Asiad

Sep 16, 2026

PBA stands by Gilas after disastrous Asiad

LEAGUE commissioner Willy Marcial came to the defense of the PBA-backed Gilas Pilipinas, which on Monday, bowed to China by 44 points, leading to the country’s worst-ever ninth place finish in the 20th Asian Games men’s basketball in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The amiable PBA Commissioner noted how big of a sacrifice the team has made in the national team’s quest to defend the Philippines’ Asian Games basketball championship. “The players made a big sacrifice. I salute them for all that they have done for the country,” Marcial told The Manila Times in Filipino. “People don’t see what the players have done behind the scenes.” Filipino basketball-crazy fans expressed their frustration on social media following the Philippines’ 105-61 shellacking at the hands of a vengeful China side at the close of the group stage on Monday at the Aichi International Arena. The 44-point beating sent the Philippines out of quarterfinal contention in the process as Gilas ended the group stage with a 1-2 record. The Filipinos opened the tournament with an 85-89 loss to Bahrain, recovered by scoring a 109-78 rout of Kazakhstan before the 44-point defeat at the hands of the Chinese. Despite the embarrassing ending and the national team’s failure to retain the Asian Games basketball gold, Marcial said the PBA remains steadfast in its support to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). “We’ve made all the adjustments already, but we, in the PBA, will continue to send all the support, all the help to SBP. If they need ball boys, we will send them. If they need players, or coaches, we will send them to support SBP also. Whatever help they need, we will help,” shared Marcial. Marcial was on hand to support Gilas, along with some members of the PBA board of governors in Nagoya.

Alas women fall to China in Asian Games

Sep 16, 2026

Alas women fall to China in Asian Games

ALAS Pilipinas fell to China, 18-25, 22-25, 8-25, in the Asian Games women’s volleyball opener at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Japan on Wednesday. The Filipino volleybelles managed to be competitive against the defending champs, especially in the second frame, but collapsed in the third as the Chinese dominated to secure the Pool B win. Alas fell into a 4-19 hole and trailed by as many as 17 points, 7-24, in the third set. China finished the match in one hour and eight minutes. Angel Canino fired 14 points to lead Alas as Eya Laure aided her with 10. Alyssa Solomon chipped in nine points for the Taka Minowa-coached team. Thea Gagate and Dell Palomata added three and two points, respectively. The Filipinos put up the most fight in the second set, where they came back from a 16-20 deficit and tie the count at 20 following a Gagate block on Tang Xin. Staying composed, the Chinese responded with a 4-0 run to eventually take the set. China carried the momentum in the third frame as it shut down the Philippines, which is now in a must-win situation against Kazakhstan on Thursday. A loss will end the Filipinos’ quarterfinal bid and relegate them to classification matches. Tang banged 18 points to lead the Chinese as Yushan Zhuang punched 17. Aoqian Wang chipped in 13 markers.

Leonard returns to Raptors after cap scandal

Sep 16, 2026

Leonard returns to Raptors after cap scandal

LOS ANGELES, California — The Toronto Raptors have finally acquired Kawhi Leonard back from the Los Angeles Clippers, in a trade that was delayed due to an NBA probe into major salary cap violations concerning the star forward. The Raptors confirmed in a statement that Leonard would return to the franchise where he played 2018–2019, after the NBA investigation concluded earlier this month, and the Clippers said they would comply with the league’s penalties. “We’re thrilled to welcome Kawhi back to Toronto. His impact on our organization, our city and our country is undeniable, and he embodies the competitiveness and championship mindset that we value,” said Raptors general manager Bobby Webster in a statement. “We believe his leadership, experience and talent will help us as we continue building toward our next championship.” Leonard was acquired in exchange for forward Brandon Ingram, guard-forward Gradey Dick, two future first-round draft picks, one future first-round pick swap and two future second-round picks. “We also want to thank Brandon and Gradey, and appreciate their work ethic, character and basketball excellence they brought to our team every day,” said the Raptors. During his previous Raptors stint, Leonard helped Toronto win its first and only NBA championship. Leonard subsequently moved to the Clippers, where he became embroiled in controversy. Earlier this month, the Clippers were found to have aided Leonard in evading salary cap rules in deals with team corporate sponsors. The Clippers were stripped of five first-round draft picks and fined $30 million by the NBA. Leonard was fined $700,000. The Clippers had agreed to trade Leonard to Toronto in July, but the Raptors said they would await the result of the investigation before finalizing the deal. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said on Sunday he would comply with the NBA’s punishment even though he disagreed with aspects of the league’s probe, paving the way for the trade to be completed.

Messi all set for Argentina farewell   

Sep 16, 2026

Messi all set for Argentina farewell   

BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi was on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) named in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on Oct. 6, a match that will serve as his farewell appearance after announcing his international retirement last month. The 39-year-old said in August he was retiring from Argentina duty after a two-decade international career that included winning the 2022 World Cup and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024. “We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on Oct. 6 here in Argentina,” said Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia. The match against Benin will take place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which can accommodate 85,000 spectators. Tapia also invited all of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winners to join Messi for what he said would be an “unforgettable” occasion. Argentina begin a series of three friendlies against Bolivia on Sept. 30 in Cordoba — their first match since losing the World Cup final to Spain — before taking on Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on Oct. 3. Messi has been included in the squad for the third match against Benin, when he is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for the national team. He is Argentina’s all-time record scorer with 125 goals. Following the death of his father Jorge last month, Messi had said he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football of any sort for “much longer.” “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi said when he called time on his Argentina career. His contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season. Last month, FIFA ordered Argentina to play their next home match with capacity reduced to 50 percent for breaches of its disciplinary code relating to using a sports event for making demonstrations of a nonsporting nature. After Argentina beat England, 2-1, in a tense World Cup semifinal in July, several players held up a banner saying: “The Falklands are Argentine.”

PGA Tour rejects special return route for LIV golfers

Sep 16, 2026

PGA Tour rejects special return route for LIV golfers

CEO Brian Rolapp said on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) the PGA Tour is not considering a path back for LIV Golf players like the program it offered Brooks Koepka and three other top players at the start of the year. LIV’s future has never been more murky after the rival circuit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week as it plots a new model no longer bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund. Still to be determined is how many players stick around for the less lucrative “LIV 2.0.” The other part of the equation is where else they would go. Koepka got out of the last year of his LIV contract and was offered a path back to the PGA Tour through the “returning member program.” Rolapp then offered that to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith — all major champions since 2022 when LIV launched — and gave them a three-week deadline to accept with no guarantee it would be offered again. “In terms of where we are today, we are not currently contemplating a returning member program like the one you saw in January,” Rolapp said on a conference call to discuss the eligibility for the new competition model on the PGA Tour that starts in 2028. “Everyone at the PGA Tour, myself included, has been focused on what is best for the organization.” Rolapp has leaned into meritocracy in the new model, making players earn their place. Koepka, along with the other players offered a return, had five-year exemptions from winning majors. Koepka was required to pay $5 million to charity, and he had no access to player equity grants for five years. He also was not eligible for any of the $20-million signature events unless he qualified for them through his play. Koepka failed to get into any of those tournaments, and he did not qualify for the PGA Tour’s postseason. Rahm has been elusive when it comes to his plans. He has one year left on the contract he signed ahead of the 2024 LIV season and now that contract is in doubt because of the Chapter 11 filing. “There’s a long legal process they have to go through before a lot of things fall into place,” Rahm said on Tuesday at the BMW PGA Championship on the European tour. “I really can’t give you an answer right now. ... Until this current season is done, I really won’t be able to give you an answer.”

Douglas Whyte heaps praise on Zac Purton as pair collects race-to-race Happy Valley double

Sep 16, 2026

Douglas Whyte heaps praise on Zac Purton as pair collects race-to-race Happy Valley double

Douglas Whyte heaped praise on his former fierce rival Zac Purton after the nine-time champion jockey helped get his season up and running with a Happy Valley double on Wednesday night. Live Wire’s success in the Class Four Community Chest Cup (1,200m) was an easy watch for Whyte, but it was the complete opposite when it came to Young Arrow in the second section of the Class Four Lido Handicap (1,200m). Forced to settle back early, Purton again had to steady his mount heading out of the back...

Sri Lanka’s javelin champ Pathirage returns to ‘broken’ welcome

Sep 16, 2026

Sri Lanka’s javelin champ Pathirage returns to ‘broken’ welcome

Sri Lanka’s Asian Games 2026 medal prospect Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage returned home after winning the title at a top international event on Tuesday to find his prized javelins in pieces. The 23-year-old rising star, who has taken the javelin world by storm this year with a series of impressive victories, was heartbroken to discover that

Alas Pilipinas puts up early fight in Asian Games opening loss to China

Sep 16, 2026

Alas Pilipinas puts up early fight in Asian Games opening loss to China

LIVE: Alas Pilipinas vs China – Asian Games 2026 women’s volleyball MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas Women were swept by defending champion China, 18-25, 22-25, 8-25, in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Japan. Alas put up a gallant stand in the first two sets, but China,

Aby Maraño retires with gratitude, no regrets

Sep 16, 2026

Aby Maraño retires with gratitude, no regrets

MANILA, Philippines — After 22 years of competing at the highest level, veteran volleyball player Aby Maraño has announced her retirement from professional volleyball. Maraño, who last played for the Nxled Chameleons in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), made the announcement on Wednesday, saying her decision was the result of a long and deeply considered process. “Today, with a heart that is both incredibly heavy and incredibly grateful, I am announcing my retirement from professional volleyball,” Maraño said in a social media post. “For 22 years, this has been my world. And for a long time, I have known that the day would come when I would have to close this chapter as a professional volleyball player in the Philippines,” she added. Maraño admitted that walking away from the sport was painful, but said she eventually found peace in her decision. “This hurts even more than breaking up with someone. It hurts so much. I don’t know where to put all this pain. But when that moment finally came, somewhere between the tears and the sadness, I felt something I never expected: peace,” she said. The veteran player also reflected on her career, saying she had given everything she could to volleyball and had no regrets about the path she took. “I have made the most of it. I have poured my heart and soul into it. And most importantly, I have no ‘what ifs’,” Maraño said. Maraño represented the Philippine national team from 2015 to 2023 and built a decorated club career with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, Chery Tiggo Crossovers and Nxled Chameleons in the PVL. After more than two decades on the court, Maraño now closes the chapter on a career that saw her become one of the familiar faces of Philippine volleyball.

UAAP: Acido, Akowe lead UST past La Salle for first win in Season 89

Sep 16, 2026

UAAP: Acido, Akowe lead UST past La Salle for first win in Season 89

Amiel Acido and Collins Akowe led the University of Santo Tomas past De La Salle University, 80-75, for the Growling Tigers" first win of UAAP Season 89 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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