SCMP Best Bets: 1 October

South China Morning Post - Sep 30, 2026

Jay Rooney MAJESTIC VALOUR - R11 (11) Has trialled well and looks ready to fire first up for his new stable   Owen Goulding GOOD FORTUNE - R1 (5) Hosed up on return, trialled well since and looks poised to win again   Paul Lally VIRTUS GLORY - R8 (4) Big run last start when wide throughout and is drawn to win here   Phillip Woo VIRTUS GLORY - R8 (4) Was a gallant second first up and can go one better from an ideal gate   Trackwork Spy VIRTUS GLORY - R8 (4) Went down fighting on his return and...

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UAAP: Koji Buenaflor readjusts on return to UST, carries lessons from Asian Games 3x3 basketball

Sep 30, 2026

UAAP: Koji Buenaflor readjusts on return to UST, carries lessons from Asian Games 3x3 basketball

After donning national team colors in the 2026 Asian Games for the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Basketball Team, Koji Buenaflor is back in University of Santo Tomas gold, contributing to his team"s 98-87 win over the University of the East.

PH routs Singapore in Asian Games women's softball to boost medal bid

Sep 30, 2026

PH routs Singapore in Asian Games women's softball to boost medal bid

The Philippine Blu Girls continued their impressive run at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a dominant 10-0 victory over Singapore in women's siftball on Sept.30 at the Anjo Softball Ground. This is the third consecutive win for the Philippines, which opened the tournament with back-to-back losses against Japan and Chinese Taipei. The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls rebounded with convincing wins over Korea, Thailand and Singapore to raise their win-loss record to 3-2. The winning streak keeps the Philippines in contention for a podium finish as the preliminary round enters its crucial final stretch. Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asa-Phil) president Jean Henri Lhuillier hailed the team's sustained response after its challenging start inthe tournament. “Three straight wins show the character and determination of this team. What is encouraging is that we are seeing contributions from across the lineup, backed by strong pitching and defense," said Lhillier, who is also predident and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. "The Blu Girls understand what is at stake, and we are proud to see them continue fighting for every opportunity to bring honor to the Philippines. We remain behind them all the way as they pursue our goal of a historic Asian Games medal." Ahead of the Asian Games, Lhuillier expressed confidence in the team's growth and reiterated his support for its pursuit of the Philippines' first Asian Games softball medal. The Blu Girls overwhelmed Singapore with a balanced offensive attack, collecting 13 hits in the shortened four-inning contest. Skylynne Kopia Ellazar went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs, while Mylia Isabel Perez delivered two hits, two RBIs, and two runs. Nicole Adra Hammoude added two RBIs and scored twice, while Alyssa Marie Daniell also drove in two runs. Francesca Altomonte and team captain Ma. Charlotte Sales each contributed an RBI, with Ma. Angelu Gabriel adding two hits and a run as the girls consistently found ways to get runners on base. The Philippine pitching staff was just as commanding, holding Singapore to one hit and zero runs.

Asian Games: Alex Eala assured of at least bronze, Carlo Paalam advances to gold medal match

Sep 30, 2026

Asian Games: Alex Eala assured of at least bronze, Carlo Paalam advances to gold medal match

Tennis star Alex Eala and Olympic medalist Carlo Paalam bannered the Philippines" campaign in the 2026 Asian Games as their wins assured them of medals in the continental multi-sport event.

Asian Games, day 11: Hong Kong’s squash teams guarantee bronze, Wong battles into last 8

Sep 30, 2026

Asian Games, day 11: Hong Kong’s squash teams guarantee bronze, Wong battles into last 8

Hong Kong will collect at least two more bronze medals in squash on Thursday, although the men’s and women’s teams have loftier goals in mind at the Asian Games. Semi-finals against Pakistan and India at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena stand between the Hong Kong players and a shot at gold. With cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing in action in the women’s Madison, Coleman Wong Chak-lam into the quarter-finals of the men’s singles, and the start of the rugby sevens, the city’s athletes will have designs on...

Eala, Rivera bow out in Asiad women's doubles

Sep 30, 2026

Eala, Rivera bow out in Asiad women's doubles

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino netters Alex Eala and Shaira Rivera bowed out of the 20th Asian Games women's doubles after falling to the Chinese duo of Jiang Xinyu and Yang Zhaoxuan, 5-7, 2-6, in the second round at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan Wednesday evening. Eala and Rivera defeated Hong Kong rivals Lai Ching Laam and Liu Kallista, 6-1, 6-3, in the first round on Tuesday. Riviera sees action in more event as she teams up with Francis Alcanra in the mixed doubles. Eala shifts all her focus to the singles play where she faces Wang Xiyu in the semifinals.

Alex Eala eyes LA Olympics if she takes tennis gold at the Asian Games

Sep 30, 2026

Alex Eala eyes LA Olympics if she takes tennis gold at the Asian Games

NAGOYA, Japan — Alex Eala is closing in on two goals. The tennis gold medalist at the Asian Games gets an automatic berth into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. A two-for-one deal. The Philippines' Eala reached the semifinals on Wednesday after defeating Joanna Garland of Taiwan 7-5, 6-0. Eala will next face Wang Xiyu of China on Thursday. The winner advances to Friday’s final. “The Olympics is a dream for me to be able to compete there, to represent my country," Eala said. "So, yeah, let’s see how it goes.” She took bronze medals in singles and mixed doubles with Francis Alcantara at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and is a favorite for gold this time. In order to compete in the Asian Games, Eala had to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing — a mandatory WTA 1000 event. She could be fined $10,000. She said she's not aware of any official notice from the WTA. “I want to say that it’s easy for people to relate to wanting to represent their country and wanting to play these types of Olympic Games,” Eala said. She indicated other players have recognized the conflict and supported her. One seems to be Zhang Shuai of China, No. 57 on the WTA rankings. Eala is No. 18. “It is incredible that the two competitions are in the same weeks," Zhang said. “Some of the previous competitions have been like this. Last week, the Billie Jean King Cup was in the same week as the Singapore and Seoul competitions. “That’s life," Zhang added. "If two things are very important to you, or if they’re both very important tournaments, you can choose one of them." Eala has made her choice.

Asian Games: Alex Eala, Shaira Rivera fall short against China's duo to end women's doubles run

Sep 30, 2026

Asian Games: Alex Eala, Shaira Rivera fall short against China's duo to end women's doubles run

The pair of Alex Eala and Shaira Rivera ended its campaign in the 2026 Asian Games women"s doubles after falling to China"s Jiang Xinyu and Yang Zhaoxuan, 7-5, 6-2, on Wednesday in Japan.

UAAP: Mongcopa, Cabonilas star in FEU victory over La Salle

Sep 30, 2026

UAAP: Mongcopa, Cabonilas star in FEU victory over La Salle

Far Eastern University put pedal to the metal in its early season test against De La Salle University, claiming victory over the reigning champions, 90-78.

FEU drubs La Salle, rolls to second straight win

Sep 30, 2026

FEU drubs La Salle, rolls to second straight win

MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University drubbed defending champ De La Salle, 90-78, to roll to its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday. The Tamaraws charged at the Green Archers wit a 22-8 start and took control of the game for the rest of the way. Kirby Mongcopa banged 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists to lead FEU, which rose to 2-1 and created a 5-way tie at the top with NU, UP, Ateneo, and UST. La Salle dropped to 1-2 just behind the 1-1 Adamson and ahead of the cellar-dwelling 0-4 University of the East.

LOOK: FEU def. La Salle (90-78)

Sep 30, 2026

LOOK: FEU def. La Salle (90-78)

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament FEU def. La Salle, 90-78 Kirby Mongcopa Player of the game #UAAPSeason89

Maluto to compete in Bali 9-Ball Open

Sep 30, 2026

Maluto to compete in Bali 9-Ball Open

Veteran international pool campaigner Aivhan Maluto is set to compete in the 2026 RBC Bali 9-Ball Open slated on Oct. 6-9, 2026 in Bali, Indonesia. “I hope to perform well in this event," said the 39-year-old Maluto, who hails from Cavite City.  Maluto, who paid a courtesy visit to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Francisco Rivera on Wednesday, is gunning for the champion’s prize of 200 million rupiah, roughly P700,000, in Bali. Maluto is fresh from topping the Moon Cake Festival 10-Ball Tournament held at the famous Pacman's Cue Club in Mandaluyong City last Saturday.  He defeated Jack de Luna, 8-6, in the finals to receive the top prize of P120,000 in the event sponsored by Filipino Chinese Billiards Association president Danny Chong, supported by many-time snooker champion Marlon Manalo and sanctioned by GAB. Maluto is also scheduled to compete in the Maharlika 10-Ball Tournament on Oct. 14-17 at the Star Billiards Center, Grace Village, Quezon City and the World 10-Ball Championships on Oct. 24-28 in Doha, Qatar.  Maluto was accompanied by Japan billiards champion Roel Esquillo, billiards promoter Darwin Dizol and Nympa Selleza when he visited the GAB chairman’s office on Wednesday.

Bianca Pagdanganan hits six birdies for joint 3rd in first round of Asian Games golf

Sep 30, 2026

Bianca Pagdanganan hits six birdies for joint 3rd in first round of Asian Games golf

Bianca Pagdangan was off to a rousing start in her 2026 Asian Games run, placing at joint third in the first round of women's individual stroke play.

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