Missed podium leaves Polo hungry for int’l success

Inquirer.net - Nov 5, 2026

DAKAR, Senegal—Angel Polo fell short of the podium in the women’s taijiquan combined event at the fourth Youth Olympic Games, but the 15-year-old Filipino wushu standout is determined to turn the experience into another step toward international success. “I will learn from this experience to get better and better,” Polo said before leaving the Youth

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Creamline looks to continue unbeaten run
Nov 4, 2026

Creamline looks to continue unbeaten run

DEFENDING champion Creamline looks to continue its unbeaten run as it faces PLDT in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday. Undefeated through four games, the league-leading Cool Smashers take on the High Speed Hitters at 6 p.m. in the final game of a triple-header. The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles and the Farm Fresh Foxies clash at 1 p.m. to raise the curtains. Before the Creamline-PLDT encounter, Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference takes center stage featuring the battle between the AFP Cavaliers and the Alpha Insurance Protectors at 3:30 p.m. Creamline last saw action on Oct. 29 in Santiago, Isabela, where it defeated the Capital 1 Solar Spikers, 25-18, 31-29, 25-16. Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses stressed the importance of banking wins in the eliminations. “We prepare for every game because the elimination round is very important. If we get good results during the eliminations, we’ll have a better chance of securing an outright spot in the semifinals. But for now, we’ll take it one game at a time,” said Meneses. “We have to prepare, especially since PLDT has momentum right now. That’s where we’ll focus our attention first,” added Meneses, whose team leads the pack with 12 points, ahead of fellow 4-0 team Nxled, which has 11 points. Meanwhile, PLDT also last played on Oct. 29 in Santiago, defeating ZUS Coffee, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16. The Kianna Dy-powered High Speed Hitters improved to 2-2 in sixth place. “We didn’t start the conference well, and hopefully, we can sustain the momentum from our two wins. We also hope to continue building our chemistry and work on the areas where we still need to improve,” said Dy. “I guess I can say that the two losses were bad, but they also served as a wake-up call for us, especially in this conference, where every point matters and making it to the top four is important. For us, every game is like a do-or-die situation, so we have to give it our all.”

Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross delivers statement win over NU
Nov 4, 2026

Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross delivers statement win over NU

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Criss Cross showed National University-Archipelago Builders who runs the league with a statement 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20 win in their highly anticipated showdown in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. Five-time Conference MVP Jude Garcia imposed his dominance with 24 points off 19 kills,

Guerra leads balanced Griffins attack past Event Masters
Nov 4, 2026

Guerra leads balanced Griffins attack past Event Masters

HOWARD Guerra orchestrated a dazzling display of playmaking, steering VNS-Laticrete to its second consecutive victory with a 26-24, 25-13, 25-27, 25-17 triumph over 3B in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Center. The 16-year-old Guerra took his playmaking to another level, dishing out a conference-best 37 excellent sets alongside six points. He previously recorded 18 excellent sets in the Griffins’ first victory against the Armed Forces of the Philippines last Oct. 27. “We really prepared for this because, as you know, we just came from a win, and we are chasing victories. We want to take all our remaining games so we can secure the win in this conference,” said Guerra. Guerra kept the VNS offense humming with his precise distribution, spearheading a balanced attack that kept 3B guessing throughout the one-hour, 44-minute contest as five Griffins finished in double figures. Team captain Noy Pedrosa led the charge with a game-high 18 points on 16-of-26 attacks, while Jau Umandal recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 11 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs to help the Griffins climb to fifth place with a 2-3 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision. CJ Segui added 13 points, while Djomari Gamotea and Andrie Bakil chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively, completing VNS’ balanced offensive effort. Meanwhile, Mohammad Patadon anchored the Griffins’ defense with 26 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs. Despite surrendering the extended third set, VNS maintained its offensive grip on the match, outclassing the Event Masters in the major scoring departments with a commanding 62-49 advantage in attacks, a 14-5 edge in blocks, and an 8-5 cushion in service aces. With the Griffins beginning to find their rhythm, they will look to sustain their momentum against contender Savouge in a Sunday showdown at 5 p.m. at the same venue. Meanwhile, 3B absorbed its second consecutive defeat to slide to a 1-3 record. TMT

Djokovic battles through Paris opener
Nov 4, 2026

Djokovic battles through Paris opener

PARIS — Novak Djokovic battled from behind to beat Valentin Vacherot, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1, in the first round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday, while Ben Shelton opened his campaign with a comfortable win. For the Serbian 24-time Grand Slam champion, it marked a return to winning ways at ATP 1000-level tournaments for the first time since his run to the fourth round at Indian Wells back in March. Djokovic also exacted his own bit of revenge on Vacherot in just the second meeting between the pair — the Monegasque downed the 39-year-old on his way to a sensational Shanghai Masters title last season. “I knew that coming into the court it was going to be a very tight match as it was,” Djokovic told reporters. “He’s very confident, and he’s one of the best servers we have in the game,” he added of Vacherot, who lifted the second title of his career last week in Basel. Victory also kept alive Djokovic’s chances of landing a spot in the season-ending ATP Finals later in November. Djokovic is currently 11th in the race to the eight-man tournament in Turin. However, he insisted his main focus was not the ATP Finals but “to win every match” on his return to the Paris Masters. In his last appearance at the tournament in 2023, he lifted the trophy for the seventh time. In an even opening frame, Vacherot got his nose in front at the end of an error-strewn first-set tiebreak as he put together a run of four points to take the lead. After going down a break early in the second set, Djokovic called for a medical timeout for a massage on his right shoulder. The short stoppage seemed to break Vacherot’s concentration as he dropped his serve straight away. On Djokovic’s second break point, the 27-year-old completely misjudged a routine return from his opponent and could only watch in disbelief as the ball bounced on the line right in front of him. Vacherot then received treatment for a foot issue and soon found himself level at one set each as Djokovic displayed his trademark killer instinct to seize his first break opportunity in the 12th game of the set and send the match to a decider. The 10th seed ground down Vacherot in his first service game to get his nose in front before then running away with the match. He will next meet Rinky Hijikata in the second round on Wednesday. US Open finalist Shelton, who as third seed enjoyed a bye through the first round, put on a commanding display in the night session with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Cameron Norrie.  The world No. 4 needed just 71 minutes to see off the former eighth-ranked Briton, with the only hiccup being a break of his own serve near the end of the second set, which the 24-year-old instantly righted to close in on victory.

Nelly Korda clinches LPGA Player of the Year
Nov 4, 2026

Nelly Korda clinches LPGA Player of the Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — Nelly Korda clinched the points-based LPGA player of the year on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), her second such award in three years and moving her one victory away from qualifying for the LPGA Hall of Fame. Korda won four times this year, including two majors at The Chevron Championship and the US Women’s Open at Riviera, her signature win during another dominant season. She won the award when double major winner Haeran Ryu of South Korea had to withdraw last week in Malaysia due to injury, and Miyu Yamashita of Japan and Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand did not enter The Annika next week in Florida. That left them mathematically unable to catch Korda. Korda’s season was so stellar she wrapped up the LPGA’s top award with three tournaments remaining on the schedule — she also did that when she won the award in 2024. Korda skipped the entire four-week Asia swing, as she often does. The 28-year-old American plans to play the final two weeks in Florida. Those tournaments — The Annika and the CME Group Tour Championship — suddenly take on extra meaning. The LPGA player of the year gives Korda 26 points, one short of getting into the LPGA Hall of Fame. She could get the last point by winning either of the next two tournaments. Korda would not be the youngest player to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame. Inbee Park reached the requirements when she was 27. Park also was a finalist this year for the World Golf Hall of Fame, separate from the LPGA’s hall with players and contributors from around the world selected by a panel of administrators, Hall of Fame members and media.

PSG crushes Villarreal to keep perfect run
Nov 4, 2026

PSG crushes Villarreal to keep perfect run

VILLAREAL, Spain — Reigning champion Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) scored four times in the first 17 minutes on their way to a 6-0 demolition of Villarreal in Spain in the Champions League on Tuesday, as the French side shrugged off injuries to key players to maintain their perfect record in the competition this season. Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Senny Mayulu and Fabian Ruiz all struck at the Estadio de la Ceramica as PSG set a record for the fastest team to score four times in a match in Europe’s elite club competition. Ruiz added another early in the second half, and teenager David Boly completed a comprehensive demolition of the side that finished third in La Liga last season. PSG have probably lost star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the rest of the campaign after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in last month’s win over Barcelona, while Ousmane Dembele, captain Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes are also missing just now. Despite that, the Ligue 1 leaders made it 10 straight wins in all competitions, including four in the Champions League as they aim to lift the European Cup for a third season running. They are the only team to have maximum points after four matches in this year’s Champions League, and Luis Enrique’s prolific side have now scored 20 goals on that run. Like all matches in the Champions League on Tuesday, a minute’s silence was held prior to kickoff in tribute to Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife player who died following a collision in a Spanish second-division match on Monday. Neves opened the scoring from close range in the ninth minute, and PSG netted three more goals in under eight minutes following that. Doue swept in as the hosts were punished for calamitous defending, and Villarreal collapsed under the intensity of PSG’s pressing as Mayulu made it 3-0.

AFAD gears up for Firearms and Ammunition Expo
Nov 4, 2026

AFAD gears up for Firearms and Ammunition Expo

THE Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) is set to hold Part 2 of its 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show on Nov. 18–22 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, bringing together industry stakeholders in support of responsible gun ownership, strict regulatory compliance and the campaign against illegal firearms. AFAD President Aric Topacio said the association remains committed to promoting a responsible, law-abiding and well-regulated firearms industry while supporting the government’s efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms. Invitations have been extended to officials of the Philippine National Police, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other concerned government agencies to participate in the event and strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors. “Responsible gun ownership goes beyond simply possessing a firearm. It means understanding and complying with the law, ensuring proper storage and handling, and recognizing the responsibility that comes with owning one,” Topacio said. He emphasized that legitimate firearms dealers and industry stakeholders have an important role to play in preventing illegal firearms from entering circulation by complying with existing laws, regulations and licensing requirements. “AFAD supports the government’s campaign against illegal firearms. We believe that strong cooperation between legitimate industry players and law enforcement agencies is essential to stopping the proliferation of unregistered and illegally traded firearms,” Topacio added. The association also seeks to promote constructive dialogue with government authorities on policies and regulations that will strengthen firearms control, improve industry compliance and protect public safety without unduly burdening legitimate firearm owners and businesses. Aside from its advocacy for responsible gun ownership, AFAD hopes to work with concerned government agencies and sports authorities to help Filipino shooting athletes improve their competitiveness on the international stage. Topacio expressed hope that the country’s qualified national shooting team members would be allowed, subject to applicable laws, permits and regulatory safeguards, to bring an adequate supply of ammunition for training and competition preparation. He said consistent and sufficient training is vital to developing athletes capable of competing against the world’s best and restoring the Philippines’ prominence in international shooting sports. “We want our Filipino athletes to have every opportunity to train properly, develop their skills and represent the country with pride. With the appropriate government clearances and compliance with all regulations, we hope to find practical ways to support their training requirements,” Topacio said, whose older brother Hagen is one of the country’s top Shotgun shooter. TMT

PVL: Jean Asis, Galeries hope to build on momentum after first win
Nov 4, 2026

PVL: Jean Asis, Galeries hope to build on momentum after first win

MANILA, Philippines — More than the momentum they built from their breakthrough win, Jean Asis urges the Galeries Tower HighRisers to keep carrying their trust and confidence in each other in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series. Asis helped Galeries hold on after blowing a two-set lead, as she delivered in the clutch and finished

PVL: MJ Phillips seeks improvement despite Nxled’s unbeaten start
Nov 4, 2026

PVL: MJ Phillips seeks improvement despite Nxled’s unbeaten start

MANILA, Philippines — Even as Nxled continues to establish itself as one of the PVL’s best blocking teams, MJ Phillips knows there is still plenty of work to be done on her end. The Chameleons have made their defensive presence felt with 59 kill blocks to win their first four games in the All-Filipino Conference

Tarlac State University hosts Disc Golf Asian Summit
Nov 4, 2026

Tarlac State University hosts Disc Golf Asian Summit

TARLAC CITY– The Tarlac State University (TSU) is hosting the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Asia Summit from Wednesday to Friday, opening its doors as the first permanent university-based disc golf course in the Philippines. Delegates from 14 countries are competing at the TSU Lucinda campus in Tarlac City. The 9-hole course features a beginner-to-intermediate

Alex Eala battles Czech Tereza Valentova in Hong Kong Open last 16
Nov 4, 2026

Alex Eala battles Czech Tereza Valentova in Hong Kong Open last 16

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala gets another crack at Czech Tereza Valentova in the round of 16 of the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open. Eala is 0-2 against Valentova, who swept the Filipino rising star in their first two meetings, including a 7-6(6), 6-1 victory in February at the Qatar Open round of 64. Their third encounter

Alex Eala: 'My net game is in the process of improvement'
Nov 4, 2026

Alex Eala: 'My net game is in the process of improvement'

Throughout the 2026 season, notable improvements have been visible in Eala's court coverage, particularly her volleys and net play. Alex Eala shared that she is actively working on her net game, acknowledging it as an aspect of her toolkit that is still “in the process of improvement.”

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