INDIAN WELLS, California — Top-ranked Elena Rybakina and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka head their respective singles groups for the WTA Finals, with Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula landing in the same group. The draw on Tuesday divided the eight qualifying singles and doubles teams into round-robin groups for the season-ending championships, which begin Sunday and run through Nov. 15 at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Each player and team will face the other three in their group over the first six days, with the top two advancing to the semifinals. Besides defending WTA Finals champion Rybakina, fourth-seeded Gauff, fifth-seeded Pegula and No. 8 seed Linda Noskova are in Group 1. “Feeling very excited,” said Rybakina, who won the U.S. Open. “It's definitely every year different. Now we're playing outside. It's a lot of tough players, all great champions.” It's the first time since 2023 in Cancun, Mexico, that the Finals will be played outdoors. After Sabalenka, the others in G

PARIS, France — Record seven-time champion Novak Djokovic overcame a scare late in the second set to beat big-serving Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday. The men's record 24-time Grand Slam winner is chasing a 103rd career title, which would move him level in second place with Roger Federer. Jimmy Connors leads in the Open era on 109. But the 10th-seeded Serb could have gone out early in Paris. Serving at 4-4 in the second set, he needed to save three break points to prevent Vacherot — who won the Swiss Indoors on Sunday and beat Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters semifinals last year — from serving for the match at the indoor tournament. “His second serves are faster than my first serves, so it's very tough to play a guy in these conditions, which are really, really fast," Djokovic said. “Last year was very slow, this year is like ice.” Djokovic was bamboozled by the Monaco player's “huge” serves and saw 22 aces fly past him. “For a set and a half, I had difficulty reading his serve," Djokovic said. "Even if I guessed right, it was coming with some speed.” After breaking Vacherot to level the match, he broke him at the start of the deciding set to seize the momentum. Djokovic won on his second match point with a fine two-handed backhand winner down the line from the back of the court. Both players took a medical timeout during the second set, with Djokovic having some massage on his right shoulder and Vacherot having his left ankle strapped. Also Tuesday, third-seeded Ben Shelton moved into the third round after beating fellow left hander Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4 to equal his season-best total with a 42nd win. The American player has added Carlos Alcaraz’s former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero to his team for 2027. Shelton has already secured his spot in the Nov. 15-22 ATP Finals, along with top-ranked Alexander Zverev, seven-time major winner Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic is chasing a spot but is an outsider at 11th in the race. He needs to reach at least the semifinals here to stay in contention, the ATP said, with only an ATP250 event remaining in Stockholm after Paris. No. 11-seeded Taylor Fritz, who is one place below Djokovic, won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Benjamin Bonzi. In other first-round matches Tuesday, French teenager Moïse Kouame — a fan favorite at the French Open this year — lost 6-3, 6-1 to Nuno Borges, and 2022 champion Holger Rune lost 7-5, 6-4 to No. 12-seeded Tommy Paul. Rune is still finding his way back following an Achilles injury. The 23-year-old Dane returned to action in September and lost to Vacherot in the quarterfinals last week at the Swiss Indoors. In the third round on Wednesday, Zverev faces mercurial Italian Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic plays qualifier Rinky Hijikata while second-seeded Alcaraz takes on Alex Michelsen and No. 4 Medvedev plays Ignacio Buse.

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament FEU def. UE, 94-83 Jorick Bautista Player of the game #UAAPSeason89

Arellano University could be getting one of their key weapons back at full strength just in time for the crucial stretch of the NCAA Season 102, where the Chiefs are eyeing to clinch the No. 2 spot in Group B.

MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — More than 6,000 runners are expected to join "Dagan Cebu 2026" brings its 21-kilometer (21K) half marathon to the city on Nov. 29. Kathyleen Javier, founder and owner of KNC Entertainment Production, event's race organizer, said the 6K, 12K and 16K categories have sold out, while registration remains open for the 21K half marathon. Organizers will hold the third consecutive edition of the race, which directly translates to "Run Cebu,"  at Gatewalk Central in Mandaue City. Javier told The Manila Times said Dagan Cebu aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle, strengthen Cebu's running community and encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to take up the sport. Since its first edition in 2024, the event has expanded its reach by improving the race experience, strengthening partnerships and attracting runners from different cities and communities across Cebu, she said. This year's 21K half marathon will give participants an opportunity to test their endurance while showcasing Mandaue as part of Cebu's growing sports and running community. Javier said KNC is working with the Mandaue City Sports Office, particularly Olympian marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, to deliver the opening remarks and take part in the 21K gun-start ceremony. The organizers are also coordinating with the Mandaue City Government and concerned agencies on traffic management, road safety, route marshals, hydration stations and medical assistance. Javier said the organizers are prioritizing the safety and welfare of participants and are working with offices handling sports, traffic management, public safety and emergency response to finalize race-day arrangements. Meanwhile, KNC conducted free community training runs throughout October in partnership with running clubs across Cebu to encourage more people to embrace an active lifestyle ahead of the event. Javier said the activities welcome beginners, experienced runners and those who simply want to stay active. The community runs also allow the organizers to connect running groups and bring together participants regardless of their age, location, experience or pace. Four running groups recorded a combined 820 participants, based on figures provided by Javier. The Mandaue Runners Group recorded 400 participants, followed by Island Runners Group and Guild of Runners with 150 each, and RWP Cebu with 120. The organizers held community runs in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu City and Mandaue City. “Our message is simple. Running has no age, and you don't have to be an athlete to be a runner. Wr run as one,” Javier said. KNC will award the top three finishers in the designated male and female competitive categories.  The organizers are also preparing raffle prizes for participants, although Javier did not disclose the specific items. Registration fees are P699 for 6K, P899 for 12K, P1,099 for 16K and P1,299 for 21K. Each registered participant will receive an event shirt, race bib, finisher's medal, post-race meal, raffle entry and access to hydration stations. Finishers in the 12K, 16K and 21K categories will also receive exclusive finisher's shirts.

SIARGAO, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio believes hosting the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour at Cloud 9 is a major breakthrough for Philippine sports, opening the door for Filipino surfers to compete on the world stage. Gregorio described the competition as one of the biggest events in international surfing, even comparing its stature to the premier tournaments in other sports.       “If you talk about the NBA, this is like the NBA Finals. If you talk about Formula One, this is like Formula One. This is the French Open of surfing,” Gregorio said.       The Philippines Pro presented by the PSC was the 11th stop of the Championship Tour, bringing some of the world's best surfers to Siargao before the circuit heads to Hawaii for its season finale.       For Gregorio, however, the significance of the event goes beyond the international attention it brings to the island. He sees it as an opportunity to develop local talent and give Filipino surfers a chance to measure themselves against the world's elite.        Among those benefiting from the opportunity is 15-year-old Mara Lopez of La Union, who received a wildcard entry to compete against established international stars.        Gregorio pointed to the US$13,000 prize money available to eliminated surfers as an example of the opportunities that international competition can provide.        He contrasted this with the roughly P80,000 prize money at national-level competitions, highlighting the difference in the financial rewards available to athletes competing on the global stage.       “These are world-class surfers who have never been given a chance to perform on the world stage,” he said.       Gregorio credited the Philippine government, headed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Vinny Marcos, Surigao del Norte officials, local government units and WSL executives for helping bring the competition to Siargao.       He also thanked WSL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Stark for trusting the Philippines with the prestigious event, noting that Siargao had attracted the attention of WSL officials for around 30 years.       The PSC chairman hopes the tournament will encourage other surfing communities across the country to pursue similar opportunities.       While Siargao has established itself as a major surfing destination, Gregorio believes other Philippine islands also have the potential to host international competitions.        Realizing that ambition, he said, will require cooperation among national agencies and local governments, along with improved access and support for communities looking to develop their surfing programs.         The WSL's different competition levels, from the Qualifying Series and Challenger Series to the Championship Tour, also provide possible pathways for Filipino athletes to gain experience and work their way toward the sport's highest level.     Gregorio stressed that hosting an event of this scale should not be measured solely by the competition itself. Its lasting value, he said, lies in the opportunities it creates for young athletes and the growth it can bring to Philippine sports.        “Hosting is an enabler. It is an enabler to do bigger things for the country. It is an enabler for the youth to pick up the sport,” Gregorio said.        He maintained that international sporting events should be viewed as an investment rather than simply a government expense, particularly when they help promote tourism, support local communities and encourage young Filipinos to take up sports.         For Gregorio, the Siargao stop provides a chance to build on the country's natural advantages and strengthen its position as a destination for international sporting events.         Gregorio hopes the competition will leave a lasting mark beyond the waves of Cloud 9, giving Filipino surfers greater opportunities to compete internationally while encouraging other communities to invest in the sport. TMT

MANILA, Philippines — 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 November 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 (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), 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. AFAD's November exhibition is expected to provide a venue for industry participants, sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders to exchange information, showcase products and services, and discuss developments affecting the legitimate firearms and ammunition sector. Through continued engagement with government agencies, AFAD aims to reinforce its commitment to a professional, compliant and responsible firearms industry—one that supports public safety, discourages illegal firearms trading and contributes to the development of Filipino shooting sports. TMT

Alexandra Eala will look to settle some unfinished business against Tereza Valentova when the Filipina and the Czech clash for the third time in their careers in the Hong Kong Open second round.

Former Chinese women’s team captain Shang Chunsong credited her gymnastics career for laying the groundwork after she clinched gold at the parkour World Cup, while also voicing hope that the sport will one day be included in the Olympics. The 30-year-old won the women’s freestyle title at the FIG Parkour World Cup leg in Beijing, sealing the 2026 overall series crown in an event that attracted more than 100 competitors from over 20 countries and regions. Sporting green hair, Shang had a starkly...

The Sacramento Kings would like to see success on the road carry over to the start of a seven-game homestand when they host Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite—Converge would be the first to tell everyone that being so close to a breakthrough PBA semifinals berth is no guarantee that it will become a reality. The FiberXers closed in on fulfilling that milestone feat yet again with Tuesday’s 105-89 rout of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at City of Dasmariñas Arena

For Galeries Tower to become successful, Erika Deloria believes they need to overcome tough times in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series. “You have to be mentally tough,” she said. “Even when you don’t feel like training because you’ve been losing, you still have to show up. That’s what it takes—you really have to stay

DAKAR, Senegal—Filipino swimmer Riannah Chantelle Coleman withdrew from the women’s 100-meter breaststroke heats at the fourth Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday after experiencing breathing difficulties that also required medical attention a day earlier. The 17-year-old Coleman was advised to rest for at least two days after hyperventilating following Monday’s 200-meter breaststroke heats at the Dakar

With the winds blowing harder at this time of the year, the roughs growing taller by the day and the fairways of Manila Southwoods Masters the narrowest the Asian Tour will see, the 108th playing of the Philippine Open promises to be one of the tougher tests of the season that’s about to end. No

Unbeaten Filipino boxer Carl Jammes Martin is setting his sights on a world championship after defeating Mexican David Picasso, while young karting prospect Mariano “Axel” Nocom prepares for a title-deciding race in Italy. Martin, 27, said Tuesday at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that winning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight crown remains his

Mindanao's biggest hope for a grandmaster title Christian Gian Carlo Arca of Zamboanga City and Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City were off to a good start  in the 7th Asean Individual Chess Championships being hosted by Governor Henry Oaminal Sr and the province of Misamis Occidental. Both full-pledged International Masters, Arca and Canino are gearing to sustain their winning ways in round 2 of the men and women's open divisions, respectively on Wednesday at the Mildives-like Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Adventure Park (AMORAP) in Sinacaban town. Only seeded 24th, the white-wielding 2349-rated Arca shocked the 4th seed International Master Shrivatri Anuj (2450) from India in a wild attacking game, while the 9th seed Canino overwhelmed unrated compatriot Kate Nicole Ordizo on Tuesday's opening round action. So impressive was Arca's handling of the London system which saw him giving up a Bishop in exchange of two unstoppable passed pawns that led to Anuj's eventual resignation. "I think I'm playing now with more composure after my heartbreaking experience here last year. I'm supposed to earn an outright GM title during the 6th Asean but mishandled a winning position in the final round against a Woman FIDE Master from Mongolia," the 18-year-old Canino told the Manila Times. Canino's mentor and Philippine Olympiad teammate Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, however, suffered an upset loss to another compatriot in the Samarkand Olympiad in Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego. This, as the No.1 seed Indian WIM Bordoloi Pratitee held on with a hard-earned win opposite local foe WFM Jemaicah Yap Mendoza. Second seed WFM Thi Mail Hung Nguyen of Vietnam also prevailed over Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of the Philippines. In men's open,  Vietnamese IM Quoc Hey Nguyen lived up to his top seed billing by defeating Filipino IM Mark Jay Bacojo, even as GM Dashzegve Sharavdorj of Mongolia and GM Darwin Laylo of the Philippines were slowed down to contrasting draws by  IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia of the Philippines and IM Ganzong Amartuvshin of Mongolia, respectively. GM Duck HOA Nguyen of Vietnam also split the point with IM Miroslav Vlasenko of the Federation, as the country's youngest GM Daniel Cuizon breezed through the opening round versus fellow Filipino Darry Bernardo on board 13. "It's still in the first round but it was unforgettable and very memorable to me," enthused untitled Filipino Edmundo Gatus after halving the point with the youthful Thailander IM Prin Laohawirapap. Laohawirapap (2381), who is mentored by Filipino FM and chess vlogger Daniel Caruso, rose to chess prominence after his upset victory over Indian super GM and world No. 9 Arjun Erigaisi (2759) during the opening round of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand recently.

Check out Alex Eala's schedule and draw at the Hong Kong Tennis Open.

The Asian Cup has been postponed from early 2027 to December next year, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Tuesday following attacks on hosts Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

Top-seeded Sorana Cirstea survived a three-hour, 10-minute test from Maria Timofeeva of Uzbekistan, pulling out a 7-6 (6), 1-6, 7-5 victory Tuesday in the first round of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open.

Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday at the age of 30, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision during a match, the Spanish second-tier club said.

DAKAR, Senegal — Angel Polo poured everything she had for a remarkable 9.250-point performance in Taijiquan, but it wasn’t enough for a podium finish in women’s Taijiquan combined of wushu in the 4th YOG at the Dakar Exhibition Center in Diamiando. Polo lost .20 points when she touched the floor as she had difficulty losing her balance in the Taijishan phase in the morning, giving her 9.026 points in her YOG campaign for Team Philippines supported by the Philippine Sports Commission. World champion Ng Zhe Nin of Singapore was superbly consistent and added 9.360 points to her 9.353 to win the gold medal, beating Chinese Taipei’s Chu Yu En to third (9.166-9.333) by .214. Germany’s Zhuo Mia Arelja Xianglin saved her best for last to bag the bronze medal (9.266-9.216-18.482). Uzbekistan’s Uzbekistan’s Gulirano Kholmuminova was fourth (9.120-9.240-18.360) and Canada’s Miranda Wei was sixth (9.093-9.053-18.146). Brunei Darussalam’s Lauren Emily Yu Qing Chua (8.980-9.013-17.933) was sixth and Tunisia’s Zeineb Manai (9.003-8.530-17.533) seventh. TMT

MANILA, Philippines — Seeking a quarterfinal spot at the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open, Filipino sensation Alex Eala looks to finally solve the puzzle that is Czech Tereza Valentova on Thursday. The time and court assignment for the second round clash between the 21-year-old Eala and 19-year-old Valentova at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium were not yet available as of writing. World No. 17 and tournament No. 2 seed Eala topped lucky loser and world No. 132 Emerson Jones of Australia, 6-4, 6-3, to begin her campaign last Tuesday. On the same day, world No. 85 Valentova dispatched Japanese and world No. 129 Himenu Sakatusume in their first round clash, 6-3, 7-5. While Eala has a higher ranking and a main Tour title (500 D.C. Open), she has failed to beat Valentova in their two encounters. Eala yielded to Valentova first at the 250 Osaka first round, 1-6, 2-6, in October last year. The Filipino fell to the Czech anew at the 1000 Doha Open first round, 6(6)-7, 1-6, last February.

DASMARINAS, Cavite—San Miguel Beer extended its PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series to a fourth game after holding off Barangay Ginebra, 101-98, and prevented a sweep on Tuesday here. Import George King overcame his struggles while June Mar Fajardo delivered as the Beermen escaped a last-ditch attempt by the Gin Kings to steal a win before

MANILA, Philippines — The FIVB and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) have recognized the new Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) board, led by president Frank Lao. Lao, who was elected with the new board last August, received the official recognition from the FIVB in a letter dated November 2. “Reference is made to the election process

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled mounted a big comeback in the third set and beat Choco Mucho, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, to stay unbeaten in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Tuesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Brooke Van Sickle continued to show her Most Valuable Player numbers with 19 points, 12 digs, and 10

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Emerson Jones – Hong Kong Open Round of 32 MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala staved off a scare from lucky loser Emerson Jones, 6-4, 6-3, to advance to the Hong Kong Open round of 16 on Tuesday night. Eala was again buoyed by a big Filipino crowd at Center Court and she raced

CAINTA, Rizal — National player JP Macatula scored a perfect game Tuesday, the first achieved in the ongoing 28th Sletba Open Championships at the Sta. Lucia East Bowling Center here. Macatula made the feat, his 17th career 300-game, on lanes 7 and 8 using a 15-pound 900 Global Tough Reality ball. Macatula, who is representing

DASMARINAS, Cavite—Converge moved closer to securing its first-ever semis berth after defeating Rain or Shine, 105-89, on Tuesday for a 2-1 lead in their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series here. Juan Gomez de Liano put on the finishing touches with 19 points, 13 rebounds and six assists as the FiberXers defeated the Elasto Painters for

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Emerson Jones – Hong Kong Open Round of 32 MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala plays Australian lucky loser Emerson Jones instead to begin her Hong Kong Open campaign on Tuesday night. Jones was a last-minute replacement for American Alycia Parks, who pulled out due to a shoulder injury. Eala, who climbed to a

MANILA, Philippines — ClearSkiiin took the solo lead in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after surviving winless but gritty Armed Forces of the Philippines in five sets, 25-12, 25-12, 24-26, 14-25, 15-9, on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. After pulling off a five-set comeback against VNS before the Halloween break, the UV Smashers blew a