Blackwater's resurgence faces stern test from vengeful Ginebra

The last time Blackwater won three straight games, the team lost its next seven and failed to make the playoffs. Now the Bossing approach their three-game win streak with guarded optimism

Abet Guidaben’s new life

In over 12 years, two-time PBA Most Valuable Player Abet Guidaben has never consented to any interviews. Finally, the 6’5” center has opened up in an exclusive conversation with this writer for The STAR and DWAN 1206 AM, where he talked about life in retirement with his wife, children and grandchildren. Guidaben left the Philippines in 2003, and subsequently survived a rare debilitating illness and a stroke. “The players in the PBA today are...

Thai coach praises progress of PH volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — Est Cola assistant coach Wilavan Apinyapong, who played her last Southeast Asian Games in Manila five years ago, relished the opportunity in her return to the country, this time, in guiding the under-20 Thailand national team in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference. Apinyapong was reminiscent of their 14th gold medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games at Philsports Arena after her young squad received an opportunity to play...

The astronomical prize money Jannik Sinner earned at the US Open

Marlon Tapales dismantles Indian challenger in Cambodia

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Former two-division world champion Marlon “Nightmare” Tapales delivered a dominant performance over India’s Saurabh Kumar on Saturday, September 7, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tapales secured a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Kumar to successfully defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian Continental super bantamweight title. The 32-year-old Tapales showcased his superior skill and experience, earning the favor...

Notable People who died in 2024

Jhomel Ancheta saves day as Benilde survives San Beda in OT

Jhomel Ancheta took charge in the extra period to help De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde gut out a 70-65 overtime win over San Beda University to remain undefeated in the NCAA Season 100 on Tuesday. The rookie guard, who hit a big three-pointer with 19.7 seconds left in regulation, scored five more in overtime en route to a team-high 14 points and five assists as the Blazers secured the win for a 2-0 record and an early lead in the standings...

UAAP: UST Tigers–no longer sporting buzz cuts–are buzzing

MANILA, Philippines — Ditching the buzz cut isn’t the only thing different from University of Santo Tomas’ current UAAP team to last year’s. More than anything else, this version of the Growling Tigers is far from the whipping team of old. “[Ang] dami ko kasi nababasa, nahuhuli mga nakukulong puro mga kalbo e. Sabi ko tama na yan kung ano gusto niyong buhok isuot niyo e bagay naman sa mga itsura nila may mga buhok. Ok na ko diyan basta...

US Open final: Sinner beats Fritz, bags 2nd 2024 Grand Slam title

NEW YORK, United States — Jannik Sinner won his second Grand Slam title of 2024 on Sunday when he swept aside Taylor Fritz in the US Open final, shattering American hopes of a first male champion at the majors in 21 years. World number one Sinner, who won his maiden Slam at the Australian Open in January, became the first Italian man to triumph in New York with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory. For 23-year-old Sinner, it was a 55th match win of the...

UAAP: UP one-and-done recruit Millora-Brown solid in debut

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines center Quentin Millora-Brown stood tall in his UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball debut Saturday night. Millora-Brown was an early revelation for the Fighting Maroons in their rousing 77-61 win over rival Ateneo at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The 6-foot-10 center, a one-and-done recruit, made his presence felt with 17 rebounds on top of seven points with a pair of blocks and assists in 25 minutes of...

PVL: Creamline overcomes Kurashiki by staying ‘disciplined’

MANILA, Philippines–Creamline showed resilience and endgame poise as it overcame fatigue and a determined Kurashiki Ablaze for a 25-22, 25-22, 26-28, 25-21 win before a big Sunday crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. With the win, Creamline matched Cignal’s 2-0 start in the PVL Invitational 2024, while halting Kurashiki’s strong 2-0 start. The Cool Smashers were on track for a sweep after narrowly taking the first two frames, but a...

'Trae Young,' 'Trail Blazers' give face to Chambers' unique play calling

When it's your first day on the job, you take all the help you can get

Tiongson could've been perfect match-up for Adams, says Guiao

Guiao rues rookie bruiser's absence from game vs SMB

St. Benilde downs San Beda in early clash of NCAA contenders

Tony Ynot nailed the backbreaker against his former team

Wonder Boy Martin scores TKO win in Mexico

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Filipino boxing prospect Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin made easy work on his Mexican opponent, Anthony Jimenez Salas, during their bout on September 6 (September 7, Manila Time) in Sinaloa, Mexico. Martin dismantled Salas en route to clinching an easy second round technical knockout, marking an impressive outing in his first fight abroad. The 25-year-old Martin kept his unbeaten record intact with 24 wins and 19...

Who has won the most consecutive F1 world drivers' championships?

Drivers to have won at least three consecutive world championships since Formula 1 began in 1950.

UAAP: With Padrigao, UST Tigers growl to hot Season 87 start

Pido Jarencio is on a mission to bring University of Santo Tomas (UST) out of the doldrums of the UAAP. And after an offseason spent assembling a crack pack that seems capable of doing that, the Growling Tigers’ bid rests a lot on a point guard that has embraced the challenge of taking the title back to España. Forth Padrigao, the transferee from Ateneo after Season 85 where he spearheaded the Blue Eagles to their last championship, will play a...

Filipina Cue Master Rubilen Amit Wins WPA World Women’s 9-Ball Championship Crown in New Zealand

The Philippines’ billiard champion Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit made history by winning the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Women’s World 9-Ball Championship in New Zealand. The 42-year-old pride of Cebu dominated and claimed the world title for the Philippines during the competition held on September 3 to 8, 2024 at the Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton. In […] The post Filipina Cue Master Rubilen Amit Wins WPA World Women’s 9-Ball...

Creamline one win away from Grand Slam and 3rd straight PVL crown

MANILA, Philippines — The third time’s the charm, and Creamline could prove just that after getting another crack at an elusive Grand Slam in the Premier Volleyball League. Completing a PVL season sweep has evaded the Cool Smashers for the past couple of years but they find themselves on the verge of finally pulling it off after reaching the 2024 Invitational Conference final. Creamline made its third straight trip to the championship round in...

With coach Pido behind him, Padrigao gets back on track with UST

Embattled playmaker hoping to do right by school and squad that gave him a second chance

PBA: Vintage Jayson Castro comes through in clutch for TNT

MANILA, Philippines—TNT has endured various changes, but one thing remains the same–the Tropang Giga still rely on their veteran Jayson Castro to make the right plays. With TNT clinging to a 93-91 lead against Converge approaching the final minute, TNT turned to Castro who delivered a dagger 3-pointer with 1:09 remaining. “As a veteran, I have a job to do for my teammates and coach Chot (Reyes) makes to be given plays. I have to find ways for us...

Magnolia crisis averted as Shabazz Muhammad gets Fiba clearance

Sigh of relief as Magnolia import finally gets Letter of Clearance from Fiba

PBA takeaways: Is Felix Lemetti the steal of PBA Season 49 draft?

No. 8 pick in last PBA Rookie Draft is No. 1 in the hearts of ROS fans

UAAP: FEU coach Sean Chambers explains his unique playcalling

MANILA, Philippines—PBA legend Sean Chambers made his coaching debut for Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday. And Chambers’ unique playcalling–using photo boards on the sidelines–quickly caught the attention of many. The American mentor said the quirky signs from NBA star Trae Young to the Portland Trail Blazers logo make it easier for him and his coaching staff to communicate with his players on...

COLUMN: Is bringing back Robinson still an option for Magnolia?

PBA rules allow it, but the problem is ....

BIZ BUZZ: Gokongwei Group renews support for UP-MBT

Season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines opened in style last Saturday with no less than the Eraserheads—from host University of the Philippines—giving a spirited performance to rally the teams, universities and their supporters. Among the most ardent of these supporters is Robinsons Retail Holdings of the Gokongwei Group, which last week renewed its 15-year sponsorship of the UP Men’s Basketball Team (MBT), a sign of...

UAAP: Refusing to lose, Kevin Quiambao carries La Salle on his back

MANILA, Philippines–With the game on the line, Kevin Quiambao took matters into his own hands to tow defending champion La Salle past National University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday night. The reigning UAAP MVP played true to form, scoring nine of the Green Archers’ final 14 points to finish with 22 points on top of eight rebounds and seven assists. Quiambao said his clutch performance, capped by a go-ahead triple...

Signs of the times: Pictures call plays louder than words for FEU

Don’t be surprised if you see cardboard photos of Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa or Jeffrey Cariaso during UAAP games this season. It’s not going to be fans paying homage to the basketball legends. It’s going to be Sean Chambers and the Far Eastern University (FEU) coaching staff. Chambers, one of the most successful imports to ever see action in the PBA said he won’t hesitate to use pictures of his old Alaska teammates when he resorts to...

‘Filipinos can achieve greatness’: Carlos Yulo’s win celebrated with another P5-M gift

After Carlos Yulo’s successful two-gold-medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a digital entertainment company presented the gymnast with a P5 million cash reward and a plaque of appreciation as symbols of gratitude for the honor he brought to the country. Carlos received the cash gift during the “Astig Ka, Carlos!” press conference last Saturday, August 31, […]

Romero Duno bids farewell to boxing after career-ending loss in the U.S.

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Filipino lightweight boxer Romero “Ruthless” Duno has officially stepped away from the sport that defined his life for over a decade. The 28-year-old Duno’s career ended on a somber note, as he suffered his second consecutive knockout loss on American soil. His latest defeat came at the hands of Latin-American prospect Cain Sandoval (14-0, 12 KOs), who stopped him in the sixth round of their 10-round bout on August 31 in...

Miami GP organisers "wouldn't mind" F1 double-header with Montreal

With sustainability increasingly important, geographical changes to the future F1 calendar could be key

One-and-done recruits QMB, Lane out to make lasting impression

Impacting winning is the only thing in the minds of UP's Quentin Millora-Brown and UST's Chase Lane

Blackwater, Barangay Ginebra set for explosive rematch

Will the crowd darlings get back at the resurgent Bossing?

Padrigao up for the challenge when he faces old squad Ateneo

Retooled UST, La Salle target win no.2 in Wednesday's double header

COLUMN: Hotshots have no one to blame but themselves for import blunder

By letting go of GRIII before getting a clearance for Muhammad, the Hotshots basically shot themselves on the foot

How Trillo, Nenad moved past shouting matches, developed winning bond

Once Meralco coach and active consultant got past the disagreements, they developed a winning relationship that led to the Bolts' first-ever PBA championship

UAAP Best Five: KQ, QMB shine as opening week's top performers

The opening weekend came and went, and here are your top performers to kick off the UAAP Season 87

Quiambao shines with new mindset as La Salle begins more difficult title hunt

Nothing came easy for La Salle when it ended a seven-year championship drought in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament last year. The Green Archers know things will be even harder this season. “We really have to find ways to win. We know that all teams are gonna be out there guns blazing every time that they’re going to be up against us,” coach Topex Robinson said on Sunday night after a 78-75 escape act against National University (NU) in their...

EJ Obiena on getting called pogi: 'I don't know how to feel'

EJ Obiena may not have won a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the Filipino pole vaulter has been winning many hearts since then thanks to his eloquence and charm. On Wednesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," EJ admitted that he is still not used to getting called "pogi" by his supporters. Tito Boy asked him how many times he was called handsome on the same day. "Medyo marami. Hindi ako [sanay]," EJ said. "I don't know how to feel. I don't...

Otom saves best for last in Paris

MANILA, Philippines — Angel Otom finished fifth in the women’s 50-meter butterfly S5 event despite registering her best time in that discipline in the 17th Paris Paralympics at the La Defense Arena yesterday. Otom, 21, gave it her all and clocked 45.78 seconds in eclipsing her personal best of 47.52 she posted in the World Para Swimming Championships last year in Manchester, England. Chinese Lu Dong took the gold with a record-breaking 38.17...

'Caitlin Clark made a fool out of herself' according to prominent sports analyst

The WNBA is painfully killing Caitlin Clark’s shooting ability

UAAP TAKEAWAYS: KQ is only getting better, Bahay is on his way

Five key takeaways from the UAAP Season 87 opening weekend

Novak Djokovic suffers shock loss in US Open third round

NEW YORK— Novak Djokovic did not go easy on himself when assessing the listless way he performed from the start of the U.S. Open, pointing to his sloppy serving as the main reason the defense of his 2023 title surprisingly ended in the third round. “I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly,” Djokovic said, just after midnight as Friday turned to Saturday. “Serving — by far — the worst ever.” With 14 double-faults,...

Jared Bahay shuts out bright lights, hostile crowd to show promise for Ateneo

J-House puts dismal preseason behind him

Pacquiao drops 39 in Executives' Game; McAloney, Baltazar lift North over South

Pacman knocks down eight triples before the North stands tall in the end

Adamson gives Sean Chambers a rude reception to UAAP Season 87

Soaring Falcons turn down the hype on Veejay Pre and Janrey Pasaol

Alas Pilipinas Women show improvement in loss to Japan team

MANILA, Philippines–Alas Pilipinas women showed marked progress in a short period, putting up a fight against nine-time Japan champion Saga Hisamitsu Springs before dropping a 14-25, 21-25, 19-25 loss on Sunday in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals at the PhilSports Arena. Alyssa Solomon came up with two crucial points in an impressive run that put Alas Pilipinas women ahead 16-12 in the second set. Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma and Vanie Gandler also...

Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz, JP Boral power Perpetual past JRU

Mark Gojo Cruz made quite the impression in his seniors debut, steering University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to a convincing 82-66 win over Jose Rizal University on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 100 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The rookie, who helped the Perpetual Junior Altas reach the finals of NCAA Season 99, led the Altas’ second half barrage as they gave head coach Olsen Racela a rousing debut with a 1-0 slate. Veteran big man JP Boral...

Perpetual rips JRU in fitting welcome to new coach Olsen Racela

Racela leaves venue hurriedly to join Ginebra in PBA game vs Blackwater