News
Aislinn Yap seals PH’s three-gold haul at Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships
Filipino fighters capped their campaign in style, with Aislinn Yap capturing the country’s third and final gold medal to wrap up a highly successful showing in the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission on Sunday.
Competing before an energetic home crowd at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Yap edged Kazakhstan’s Zamzagul Faizollanova, 1-0, to successfully defend her women’s -80kg combat sambo title. The victory came after Yap executed a decisive takedown midway through the match against the five-time Kazakhstan national champion.
Faizollanova’s camp protested the scoring of the takedown, but following a video review, technical officials upheld the original decision, sealing Yap’s title defense.
Yap’s triumph completed the Philippines’ three-gold haul after national team standouts Jomary Torres and Princess Cortez ruled their respective divisions the previous night in the tournament held under the auspices of the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee led by PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.
(C) PSC
World No. 7 Torres delivered one of the tournament’s most spectacular finishes, knocking out Kazakhstan’s Zhadyra Paiyz just seconds into the women’s 50kg combat sambo final with a picture-perfect right roundhouse kick to the head.
After observing that Paiyz remained on her knees and appeared dazed, the referee stopped the bout and awarded Torres an 8-0 victory for the gold medal.
In a display of sportsmanship, Torres immediately checked on her fallen opponent after the stoppage.
Inspired by her teammate’s performance, Cortez followed with a dominant 9-2 victory over Kazakhstan’s Mervet Berdhinakova in the women’s 59kg combat sambo division.
The three gold medals helped soften the disappointment of defending women’s +80kg combat sambo champion Sydney Sy, who fell, 6-0, to familiar rival and former world champion Arailym Abenova of Kazakhstan.
The Philippines also collected its third silver medal through national team newcomer Jasmaine Henryk Ching, who lost by submission to Kazakhstan’s Gulo Almukhanbetova in the women’s -54kg sport sambo final.
The host nation concluded the championships with three gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals, surpassing last year’s tally of two gold medals won by Yap and Sy. The performance earned the Philippines fifth place overall in the medal standings among the 22 participating countries in the tournament organized by the Pilipinas Sambo Federation, Inc.
(C) PSC
“Ang sabi namin ni Coach Jerry (Legaspi) na dadaanin namin sa suntok, pero sabi ko sa sarili ko na maliit yung kalaban ko kaya sinubukan ko. At tumama naman,” said Torres, a native of Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.
“Malaki ang paghihirap ko na manalo ito kaya masarap ang feeling ko na makuha ang gold,” added the former mixed martial arts practitioner, who at 30 years old is the most veteran member of the national team.
“Torres has come full circle, and she is deserving of her gold medal,” said national team head coach Ace Larida. “She is the complete package and deserves that victory.”
Despite settling for silver, Sy remained proud of the team’s overall accomplishment.
“I really, really wanted to win but it was not my day,” Sy said between sobs while being consoled by her brother, Chino.
“But I am proud of how national team performed because we won three golds and saw how our sport practically grew from nothing,” added Sy, who also played a key role in organizing the competition and had limited training while her father, Pilipinas Sambo Federation president Paolo Tancontian, was recovering from illness.
Tancontian expressed satisfaction with both the staging of the tournament and the performance of the Filipino athletes.
“We proved once again we are among Asia—and the world’s—best. I am very happy with the outcome,” Tacontian said.
“Now that we’ve hosted the Asia-Oceania Championships, our next goal is the worlds.”
The post Aislinn Yap seals PH’s three-gold haul at Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships 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.
-
DLSU7 months agoShan Nunag shows composure beyond year in La Salle debut
-
News7 months agoCamilla Lamina shows calm leadership even off the bench
-
Football7 months ago
2026 Uganda Cup: The confirmed fixtures, venues & kick off times at round of 32
-
Foreign Pros7 months ago
‘Eric Chelle must pay compensation to quit Super Eagles post’
-
Football7 months ago
Divine Mukasa plays full time as Leicester City bows out of FA Cup to Southampton
-
Cricket News7 months agoT20 World Cup 2026: 'We've got to stay positive' – Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott remains hopeful of reaching Super 8 despite back-to-back losses
-
Basketball5 months agoPBA slaps ₱20k fine on Calvin Abueva for F2 upgrade vs Magnolia
-
Others8 months ago
Sarah Babirye Kityo: The majestic return to 12th Parliament, to front sports talent development
