News
Alex Eala eyes third top-10 win as she takes on Paolini in Dubai
For the fifth time in less than a year, Alex Eala will face a player ranked in the top 10 in the world.
After defeating recent WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open semifinalist Hailey Baptiste of the United States in the opening round of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships on Sunday, Eala will take on the 2024 champion of the same event, Jasmine Paolini of Italy, in second-round action on Tuesday.
As the sixth seed in the tournament, Paolini received a first-round bye.
The 30-year-old Italian is among the elite in both singles, where she is ranked 8th, and doubles, where she sits at No. 4. Paolini’s breakthrough came relatively late in her career.
In 2024, she stunned the field at the Dubai Tennis Championships by winning the title as an unseeded entry.
She followed that first WTA 1000 trophy by reaching the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Later, she captured the doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics and capped an incredible year by helping Italy win the Billie Jean King Cup, defeating Slovakia in the final.
In 2025, Paolini continued her dominance by claiming both the singles and doubles titles at the WTA 1000 Italian Open.
That year, she and compatriot Sara Errani faced Eala and Coco Gauff in the doubles quarterfinals in Rome, narrowly winning in three sets, 7-5, 3-6, 10-7.
However, Paolini has struggled in 2026. After an opening-round bye at the WTA 1000 Doha Open, she was ousted in the second round by Maria Sakkari of Greece.
Her only other singles appearance this year was at the Australian Open, where she lost in straight sets to rising American teen Iva Jovic in the third round.
It is this slow start and lack of match activity that gives Eala hope.
The Filipina will have more than just a puncher’s chance to pull off an upset when they meet in the final match of the day at Center Court of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
Paolini is known for taking control of matches, dictating rallies with her relentless attacking style and putting opponents on the defensive.
Eala, however, has the tools to counter Paolini’s aggression.
The world No. 47’s flat backhand and on-the-rise forehand, which return the ball deep into the opponent’s court, can neutralize Paolini’s topspin-heavy forehand.
If Eala complements her groundstrokes with high-bouncing shots and well-timed drop shots—elements that have been missing from her recent game—she could make Paolini run and force her to expend energy across the court.
Eala has a respectable record of two wins and two losses against top-10 players.
She has defeated former world No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Świątek of Poland and 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the United States.
She has also lost in three sets to Świątek and American world No. 5 Jessica Pegula. Eala will be aiming to improve her record to 3-2 by adding Paolini to her list of top-ten victories.
The post Alex Eala eyes third top-10 win as she takes on Paolini in Dubai appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.
News
PCU-D dethrones LPU-Batangas in UCAL Streetdance showdown
Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas captured the PG Flex-Universities and Colleges Athletic League Streetdance Competition, providing an energetic start to the league’s ninth season on Saturday at the FilOil Center in San Juan.
Behind their dazzling choreography, high-energy routine, and synchronized movements, the PCU Dance Group impressed the judges and scored 7.79 points to dethrone defending champion Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas.
PCU-D posted 3.99 points in skills and 3.81 in performance, improving on its third-place finish from last season.
(C) UCAL
Host Manila Central University finished second with 7.30 points, while LPU-Batangas and University of Batangas tied at 7.14 points for third and fourth place, respectively.
The Pirates could have scored higher, however, after receiving a 0.05-point deduction when some of their costume accessories fell off during their performance.
Centro Escolar University rounded out the top five with 6.88 points. Immaculada Concepcion College placed sixth with 6.15, followed by Diliman College with 5.79, Olivarez College with 5.39, and Philippine Women’s University with 5.29.
(C) UCAL
The Streetdance Competition served as the highlight of the opening ceremony for the brand-new UCAL season, which is supported by Smart Sports, Mighty Bond, UNDFITD Sportswear, Spalding, Happee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Cafe France, BYND the GAME, Dazz, and Akari.
The colorful opening ceremony also featured performances by OPM artists Lola Amour and Matthaios.
The UCAL calendar continues with the volleyball, esports, and badminton tournaments.
The post PCU-D dethrones LPU-Batangas in UCAL Streetdance showdown appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.
News
12 teams battle for P1M prize in inaugural MPPT Invitational
The Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour is partnering with Solar Sports as its official broadcast partner, bringing select matches from the inaugural MPPT Invitational to a wider Filipino audience.
The first leg of the five-leg season is set for October 3–4 at the PCPH Court in Angeles City, Pampanga, where 12 founding teams will battle for a P1-million prize pool.
The field includes the Rizal Illustrados, led by former national tennis player Bambi Zoleta, Pampanga Chiefs, Bacoor Strikers, Muntinlupa Smashers, Batangas Bangers, Alfonso Siklab, Bangued Miki, GenSan Punchers, Parañaque Titans, Camarines Norte Golden Hawks, Abra River Paddlers, and Tacloban Aces.
For MPPT Founder and Chairman and National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Manny Pacquiao, the partnership marks another step toward building a sustainable platform for Philippine pickleball.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to give Filipino athletes a bigger platform and help bring pickleball to more people across the country,” said Pacquiao.
“Having Solar Sports as our broadcast partner allows us to bring the MPPT and our athletes to an even bigger audience. This is another important step forward for the MPPT and for the sport in the Philippines.”
Solar Sports President Wilson Tieng welcomed the partnership, which follows the network’s existing relationship with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“Solar Sports is thrilled to carry the momentum into pickleball as the official broadcast partner for the inaugural MPPT Invitational,” said Tieng.
“With pickleball rapidly becoming a favorite pastime nationwide, the MPPT is bringing players and fans together, and we at Solar Sports are delighted to air select matches, bring top-level pickleball action to viewers and help propel the sport forward.”
Teams will compete in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles in a single-round-robin format on Saturdays, with the top eight advancing to the playoffs on Sundays. Should teams finish tied under the point-ranking system, a singles match between their best players will determine the winner.
The MPPT Invitationals will then move to Tagaytay, Abra, and Bacoor, with the venue for the fifth leg and national finals still to be determined. The championship is expected to be staged at a bigger venue in Metro Manila at the end of October, with a bigger prize purse also anticipated.
Pacquiao and his wife, both avid pickleball players and fans, are expected to attend the opening ceremony, alongside celebrities and influencers who have embraced the sport, including Tacloban team owner Karla Estrada.
Licensed by the Games and Amusements Board, the professional league is open to all Filipinos aged 18 and above. Teams may field younger players provided they secure the required parental consent or waiver.
Solar Sports will air select group-stage matches live from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on October 3, followed by the semifinals from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the finals from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 4. Replays will air from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The post 12 teams battle for P1M prize in inaugural MPPT Invitational appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.
News
Newcomer Clearskiiin out to make mark in Spikers’ Turf
Clearskiiin is set to make their mark in the Spikers’ Turf as the league welcomes its newest team for the 2026 Invitational Conference.
Clearskiiin was formally introduced on Friday at Seda BGC, with team owners Sydney Calderon and Luis Calderon joining the squad and coaching staff for the presentation.
The UV Smashers were formed to provide another avenue for players who have been left without teams but still want to pursue competitive volleyball.
“The Clearskiiin UV Smashers started with a really simple but meaningful reason. We wanted to create an opportunity for players who suddenly found themselves without a team. A place for them to continue doing what they love, continue competing, and at the same time have a source of income through volleyball,” said Calderon, who also serves as head coach of Savouge.
“Para sa akin, sayang ang talent kapag mawawalan ng opportunity. Maraming magagaling na players na gusto pang maglaro pero minsan, nawawalan talaga sila ng team o pagkakataon para maipagpatuloy nila ito that’s why we decided, me and my bana Luis Calderon, to build this team to give them another opportunity, platform, and chance to prove themselves,” she added.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Joe Bangit will call the shots for the UV Smashers, supported by assistant coaches Sandy Montero, Peter Torres, John Pagtalunan, Kenneth Hernandez, and Pawix Agir.
Louis Gamban and JM Ronquillo will serve as the team’s co-captains, while the roster also features experienced players Edward Camposano, Jay Rack dela Noche, Charlee Magpayo, JM Paglaon, Kim Dayandante, Nas Gwaza, and Vince Abrot.
Rounding out the lineup are Rick Adao, KC Andrade, Renzel Antonio, Jester Bornel, Bhim Diones, Angelo Gayud, and Robert Flores.
Bangit, who has spent more than 14 years coaching in the United States, emphasized that building a strong team will require more than individual talent.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“I’ve been coaching for over 14 years in the United States and one thing I’ve learned is that talent can bring players together but talent alone doesn’t build a team. Standards too. From day one, our standard has been simple, show up, work, compete, and hold each other accountable,” said Bangit.
The UV Smashers will get their first taste of Spikers’ Turf action when the 2026 Invitational Conference opens on October 10 at SM Seaside City Cebu.
The tournament will also mark a milestone for the Spikers’ Turf and Premier Volleyball League as both leagues celebrate their 10th anniversary.
Sports Vision Management Group Inc. president Ricky Palou welcomed Clearskiiin to the league and challenged the newcomers to immediately establish themselves as contenders.
“This is your second team, you have Savouge and now you have Clearskiiin. We welcome you to the Spikers’ Turf. We’re more than happy to have you join us again. I hope you will do your best, show everybody your skills and hopefully soon you win a championship,” said Palou.
The post Newcomer Clearskiiin out to make mark in Spikers’ Turf appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.
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