Spikers’ Turf: Alpha’s Axel Van Book shines on big stage

Inquirer.net - Oct 19, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — In front of the biggest crowd the league had ever seen, Alpha Insurance newcomer Axel Van Book showed he belonged on the big stage. Book rose to the occasion, helping the Protectors pull off a stunning 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 22-25, 16-14 upset of star-studded Savouge Spin Doctors for a winning start in

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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

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Cam Boozer finds himself in an unfamiliar space as he embarks on the NBA career he has prepared for his entire life. He’s on his own. Sure, father Carlos, a two-time NBA All-Star and 13-year veteran, is just a phone call or text away. The biggest difference on the court and in

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could join rare club of NBA MVPs

Oct 19, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could join rare club of NBA MVPs

Bill Russell. Wilt Chamberlain. Larry Bird. That’s the full list of those who managed to win three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards. Nobody has pulled off that feat in 40 years, and the star power not on that list — names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — speaks to how

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

Filipino boxers Miel Fajardo and Zyvyr “Blitz Kid” Medecilo will get their shots at world championship glory when they challenge two Japanese champions on November 26 at the Ebara Wave Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

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.

Chinese basketball player Barry Wang tipped as NBA prospect after US university match

Oct 19, 2026

Chinese basketball player Barry Wang tipped as NBA prospect after US university match

Rising Chinese basketball star Barry Wang Junjie was tipped to be an NBA prospect after he flourished in only his second game with his new team, the Massachusetts Minutemen, on Sunday. Wang erupted for 31 points on eight-of-12 shooting, including knocking down a pair of three-pointers and converting 12 of his 13 free throws, to go with six rebounds as the University of Massachusetts beat Brown University 88-86 in a tight exhibition game. The Massachusetts Minutemen represent the university in...

Chinese basketball player Barry Wang tipped as NBA prospect after US university match

Oct 19, 2026

Chinese basketball player Barry Wang tipped as NBA prospect after US university match

Rising Chinese basketball star Barry Wang Junjie was tipped to be an NBA prospect after he flourished in only his second game with his new team, the Massachusetts Minutemen, on Sunday. Wang erupted for 31 points on eight-of-12 shooting, including knocking down a pair of three-pointers and converting 12 of his 13 free throws, to go with six rebounds as the University of Massachusetts beat Brown University 88-86 in a tight exhibition game. The Massachusetts Minutemen represent the university in...

Alex Eala beats Diane Parry, advances to Ningbo Open second round

Oct 19, 2026

Alex Eala beats Diane Parry, advances to Ningbo Open second round

Alexandra Eala defeated France"s Diane Parry, 6-3, 6-1, on Monday to advance to the second round of the Ningbo Open in China.

NCAA: Mapua routs San Sebastian to complete crossover phase sweep

Oct 19, 2026

NCAA: Mapua routs San Sebastian to complete crossover phase sweep

Mapua University completed a sweep of the NCAA Season 102 crossover phase after routing San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 71-43, on Monday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

NBA: Kings’ Ben Simmons tears Achilles tendon in practice

Oct 19, 2026

NBA: Kings’ Ben Simmons tears Achilles tendon in practice

Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon in practice on Sunday, ending his comeback attempt this season with the Sacramento Kings before the season even started. The Kings said Simmons hurt himself during a live drill and will need to undergo surgery three days before the season opener on Wednesday night on the road against

Steph Curry ‘fine’ after tweaking ankle in practice, says Kerr

Oct 19, 2026

Steph Curry ‘fine’ after tweaking ankle in practice, says Kerr

SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry limped off the court after tweaking his right ankle in a noncontact play during an open practice for fans Sunday. “He said he’s fine,” coach Steve Kerr said after the event at Chase Center. The Warriors open the season Wednesday on the road against the Los

Philadelphia 76ers fans dare to dream of NBA title with LeBron James in star-studded team

Oct 19, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers fans dare to dream of NBA title with LeBron James in star-studded team

Long-suffering Philadelphia 76ers fans haven’t celebrated an NBA title in 43 years, but with newly arrived LeBron James headlining a star-studded team, they are daring to dream. “We never had a team like this,” enthuses Kairee Harvey, a 32-year-old police officer and diehard LeBron supporter. “I still can’t believe it,” the resident of neighbouring New Jersey said of the arrival of James in July. “I feel like I’m in a dream a little bit.” Suddenly, Harvey said, “I think that this will be our...

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