SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia – Diego Maradona roared and gesticulated through every anguished second of Argentina's rollercoaster World Cup victory over Nigeria on Tuesday, June 26, before triggering alarm with a health scare after the final whistle.

Lionel Messi may have dominated the on-field action in Saint Petersburg, but from his VIP box in the stands Maradona reigned supreme as the undisputed center of attention.

The 57-year-old football legend started the evening dancing playfully with a female Nigeria fan, saluting and waving to well-wishers applauding him in the moments before kick-off.

Throughout Argentina's nerve-shredding 2-1 victory, which secured the South American giants' passage into the last 16, the host broadcaster television feed regularly cut to images of Maradona as the tension mounted.

When Messi gave Argentina the lead early in the first half, Maradona screamed his delight, crossing his hands across his chest and gazing to the heavens.

The 1986 World Cup-winner looked increasingly frazzled as the game wore on, at one stage slumped forward in his seat just before half-time.

After Nigeria made it 1-1 from the penalty spot after the break – a scoreline that would have sent Argentina crashing out of the tournament – Maradona grew increasingly distraught.

By the 80th minute he sat with his hands covering his face, unable to watch as the seconds ticked towards a footballing calamity for Argentina.

Yet when Marcos Rojo swept in a sumptuous volley with 4 minutes remaining, Maradona exploded with emotion, shouting an obscene insult before raising the middle finger of each hand in the direction of the pitch.

Cocaine addiction

But the jubilation turned to alarm soon after the final whistle when a video emerged on social media of Maradona walking with difficulty and being guided into the dining room of the VIP section by two friends.

Other photographs showed two uniformed paramedics attending to him, with one appearing to take his pulse.

Argentina media reported that Maradona had suffered a spike in his blood pressure. Argentinian newspaper Ole later reported that Maradona was able to walk and had gone to his hotel.

Maradona has had a series of health problems, including cocaine addiction. 

In 2007 he reportedly came close to death after being admitted to a hospital in Buenos Aires to be treated for hepatitis and substance abuse.

As images of him being treated by paramedics went viral late Tuesday, some commentators expressed concern about his health. 

English former footballer turned broadcaster Stan Collymore said he believed it was time Maradona "took a break from football."

"The guy had serious heart issues years ago, yet FIFA and sponsors keep indulging him and he himself," Collymore wrote on Twitter, above a widely shared image of Maradona being tended to by paramedics.

"Whatever you think of him, anyone deserves decent health," Collymore added.

BBC broadcaster Mark Chapman said Maradona's plight was "sad."

"Maradona was the greatest footballer of my youth," Chapman wrote on Twitter. 

"Now he appears to be the joke cutaway of choice for tv directors. Not that he helps himself but sad." – Rappler.com

MOSCOW, Russia – Football fans across the globe reacted with humor and anger at the "worst World Cup game ever" as Denmark and France played out the first 0-0 of the tournament on Tuesday, June 26.

France got the point they needed to clinch top spot in Group C and Denmark also qualified for the last 16 in a soporific affair.

But that did not stop the French fans watching in Moscow jeering their own team's lack of ambition, while on social media the reaction was more rabid.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">France and Denmark - such great pastries, such terrible football. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DENFRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DENFRA</a></p>&mdash; Pundamentalism (@Pundamentalism) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pundamentalism/status/1011636475652378624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gary Lineker, the former England striker and now a BBC television presenter, stuck to the facts, tweeting: "The 37/38th game of the World Cup between France and Denmark is the first goalless draw of the tournament. 

"A record that surely will never be beaten."

Most others were far less charitable.

"Wow! This Denmark-France game is officially the worst match of this World Cup!! Feel bad for the people who actually took time off work and paid to watch this nonsense," one outraged observer, in India, wrote on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIFA have found France and Denmark guilty of playing the most boring game at the World Cup. Their punishment will be to rewatch the match right after their game.</p>&mdash; Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) <a href="https://twitter.com/deejayfaremi/status/1011637638347022336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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From England, another Twitter user agreed: "Feel sorry for the fans that have gone to watch the DENFRA game, pathetic from both sides (especially France). It's not even a friendly, it's just a kickabout."

Several called it the worst game they had ever seen at a World Cup, while others reacted more lightheartedly.

"The Denmark France game is like a boring date where the guy who asks a girl what's the capital city of China," joked one Twitter user.

Another said: "I once locked myself in the stairwell between my flat and the front door for three hours without a phone or a book. That was more exciting than this."

"France and Denmark – such great pastries, such terrible football," added another observer, while some online posted GIFs of people falling asleep.

Even the official FIFA World Cup Twitter account hinted at boredom: "Lots of huffing and puffing, but..... Both sides progress to round of 16."

Goal achieved

France coach Didier Deschamps insisted his side had "achieved their goal" even after a drab draw with Denmark.

Deschamps made 6 changes to the starting XI that beat Peru 1-0 and his side happily played out a mutually beneficial stalemate with Denmark, which saw the Scandinavians reach the last 16 for the first time since 2002.

"The goal is achieved. It was difficult for us too, because the teams have been very well prepared," the 1998 World Cup-winner told French TV channel TF1.

"Facing blocks (of defenders), staying tight, it's never easy. I made changes as well, which hurts team cohesion but it's good for all the players to feel involved."

A 2-1 victory over Australia and the win against Peru had already seen France into the knockout rounds, but they have been unconvincing so far in Russia despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Antoine Griezmann, who was top-scorer at Euro 2016, was again a peripheral figure and failed to even complete a pass to strike partner Olivier Giroud.

"There was no need to take any undue risks," said Deschamps. "The result suits both teams even if we had the opportunity to win this game."

France will next face the runners-up from Group D, which could be any of Croatia, Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland.

"We are waiting to see what we are capable of in the following matches because we will have to raise the level of play, and test ourselves," said centre-back Raphael Varane. – Rappler.com

Games on June 28 (Filoil Flying V Centre)

1 pm – St. Benilde vs UP

2:45 pm – San Beda vs Adamson

4 pm – La Salle vs FEU

7 pm – Ateneo vs Letran

MANILA, Philippines – The last 8 teams standing battle it out in a win-or-go-home scenario in the quarterfinals of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Thursday, June 28, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The surprising College of St. Benilde Blazers, who topped Group B with a 7-1 record, will take on the University of the Philippines, the Group A 4th seed, in the opening match at 1 pm.

CSB will have its hands full against a UP side that rebounded from 3 straight losses with 6 straight wins.

Along with the undefeated Ateneo Blue Eagles, UP is one of the hottest squads heading into the quarterfinals.

In the 2:45 pm offering, defending tournament champion San Beda University will face a tall and deep Adamson University squad.

The Red Lions’ late charge in the standings saw them pull down De La Salle from the second seed despite finishing with similar 7-2 slates. San Beda secured the No. 2 spot when it defeated the Green Archers, 72-70.

Adamson, on the other hand, had the opportunity to take the Group B top seed going into the last day of the elimination round. But CSB’s comeback win over San Sebastian rendered everything moot and academic.

La Salle will face off against heated rival Far Eastern University in the 4 pm match. The Green Archers have a potent mix of highly experienced veterans and talented newcomers. They will match wits and skill against a loaded FEU team.

In the 7 pm nightcap, Ateneo stakes its unbeaten 9-0 record against dangerous Letran that finished Group B competition with a 5-3 slate.

The Knights have the league’s leading scorer in Bong Quinto, who is averaging 20 points a game.

While Ateneo rules almost every statistical category on offense as well as defense, they are arriving from a European camp and jetlag and tiredness will be a concern.

The winners will meet in the semifinals on Friday, June 29, with the last two teams standing battling for the crown on Saturday, June 30.

Tickets to the games can be purchased at the venue gates. – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Rafael Nadal remains the king of clay, but the world number one arrives at Wimbledon harboring only slender hopes of winning the tournament for the first time since 2010.

Nadal extended his incredible record on the red dirt of Roland Garros earlier this month as he crushed Dominic Thiem to win his 11th French Open title.

The Spaniard has enjoyed another golden period on his favored clay this year, claiming the Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome titles as well as his latest triumph in Paris.

That dominant streak extended Nadal's impressive renaissance after two years of injury woe.

He has won 3 of the last 5 Grand Slams, taking the French Open two years in a row and lifting the US Open trophy in 2017.

But, while the 32-year-old's superiority on clay is unquestioned, Nadal has found it far harder to transfer that dominance to the All England Club's lawns in the latter stages of his career.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion won the most recent of his two Wimbledon titles 8 years ago and hasn't been past the last 16 since 2011.

Nadal has admitted in the past that he finds it hard to make the transition from clay to grass.

The low bounce on grass threatens to aggravate the knee injuries that have plagued him for years.

With that in mind, Nadal decided to withdraw from last week's Wimbledon warm-up at Queen's Club to rest his aching body after the gruelling clay campaign.

"I had a very intense campaign on clay and my body needed rest because drastic changes are not good," Nadal said.

"I had to spend time adapting physically and in my tennis to the surface.

"I will certainly arrive at Wimbledon with less preparation, but I'm going with confidence high because I played very well through the whole clay-court season."

Nadal has been preparing for Wimbledon by training for the past week on the grass courts of the Mallorca Open near his home in Manacor.

Tale of woe

During that training block he suffered a scare after appearing to twist his ankle.

But Nadal, who hasn't played a competitive match since the French Open, appeared to recover quickly and will take part in exhibition matches near London this week in a bid to hone his grass game.

Even so, his absence from Queen's and the subsequent lack of grass game-time raises doubts about his chances of a 3rd title at Wimbledon, which starts its 150th edition on Monday, July 2.

Nadal did receive a boost on Sunday when he regained top spot in the ATP rankings from Roger Federer after his old rival's surprise defeat against Borna Coric in the Halle final.

Between them, Federer and Nadal have won the last 6 major titles, the old rivals sharing them out with 3 each.

But it is Federer who heads to London as the reigning Wimbledon champion, with the Swiss legend favored to win the tournament for the 9th time after resting during the clay season.

Although Nadal reached 5 successive Wimbledon finals from 2006 to 2011 – discounting his 2009 absence due to injury – the tournament has become a house of horrors for him lately.

His tale of woe started in 2012 with a stunning loss to world number 100 Lukas Rosol.

There was worse to come for Nadal in 2013 when unheralded Belgian Steve Darcis dumped him out and a year later Nick Kyrgios, ranked 144, inflicted yet more misery on the Spaniard.

Dread-locked Dustin Brown was the next player outside the top 100 to send Nadal home early in 2015 and last year's calamity came against Luxembourg journeyman Gilles Muller in a 5-set marathon. – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams has been seeded 25 for this year's women's singles by the organizers despite being ranked 183 in the world.

The 36-year-old – who was not seeded for the French Open – has made only a tentative return to action following complications during daughter Alexis Olympia's birth last September.

Some had argued against her being seeded with world number 32 Dominika Cibulkova telling the BBC it would be "unfair" as she would be the player to lose out as there are 32 seeds.

The All England Club usually follows the WTA ranking list, but reserves the right to make a change if it "is necessary to produce a balanced draw."

Williams played her first Grand Slam for over a year at the French Open last month, reaching the 4th round before a shoulder injury forced her to quit ahead of her clash with old rival Maria Sharapova.

Murray misses out

By contrast Britain's two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has not been seeded in the men's singles although he has returned to action in the past fortnight.

The 31-year-old – who spent nearly 11 months off the court due to a hip injury and then a subsequent operation – has not yet committed himself to play at Wimbledon and is due to play compatriot Kyle Edmund at Eastbourne later Wednesday.  

Romanian's French Open champion Simona Halep is the women's top seed, with Swiss legend and 8-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer the men's top seed. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The BanKo Perlas Spikers clinched the number 3 seed in the semifinals after sweeping the quarterfinal round of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season 2 Reinforced Conference. 

The Perlas Spikers drubbed the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-19, 25-19, 25-19, to complete a 5-0 sweep of the round on Wednesday, June 27, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

American import Lakia Bright topscored for Banko Perlas with a huge 21 points, 19 coming off attacks, while Thai import Jutarat Montripilat tallied 12 points and 12 digs. 

Banko Perlas will take on next the second-ranked PayMaya High Flyers, who clinched an outright semifinal berth after finishing in the top two of the eliminations. 

Creamline, which secured the top seed after dominating the elimination round, will clash with defending champion Pocari Sweat-Air Force in the other semifinal pairing. 

"Relaxed na kami nitong 3rd set kasi alam namin na number one na kami sa quarters. So magaan na yung pakiramdam ng players," said Perlas Spikers head coach Ariel Dela Cruz.

(We played relaxed in the 3rd set because we knew we're already the number one team in the quarterfinals. So the players weren't feeling pressured.)

The Angels tried to keep pace behind Olena Lymareva-Flink, but the Perlas Spikers managed to quell every comeback attempt.

Lymareva-Flink led the Angels with 17 points, while  Anastasiia Trach also tallied 13 points with 9 attacks, 3 blocks, and one ace.

Dela Cruz hopes the Perlas Spikers' strong quarterfinal run will give them an advantage over the High Flyers.

"Advantage namin is yung dere-derecho yung game namin, active kami. Sila medyo napahinga sa laro," he said.

(We've been playing straight games, we're active, and that could be our advantage. They had a long break.)– Carla Molina/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - After 3 straight defeats, BaliPure ended its campaign on a high note as the Water Defenders took down the Tacloban Fighting Warays in straight sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season 2 Reinforced Conferenceon Wednesday, June 27 at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

American import Janisa Johnson led BaliPure with 17 points, including 13 attacks and two blocks. Faith Nisperos also contributed 13 points built on 9 attacks and 4 aces, while Alexis Matthews tallied 8 points.

"Overall, I think it's a very productive season for [the players]," BaliPure head coach Babes Castillo said. "It was a good start, but I think we anticipated that they will be challenged midway in the league."

Both teams bowed out as the BanKo Perlas Spikers and the Pocari Sweat-Air Force clinched the last two semifinal berths to join league leaders Creamline and PayMaya.

Amporn Hyapha had 13 points to lead the Warays, who dropped all their quarterfinal assignments. – Carla Molina/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Vietnam regained the overall crown even as the Philippines ruled the blitz tournament in the 19th Asean Chess Age Group Championship on Wednesday night, June 27, in Davao City.

Gritty wins by the Filipinos in the final event, the whole-day blitz tournament, came too late as Vietnam had dominated the standard and rapid chess events.

Vietnam amassed a total of 70 golds, 56 silvers and 30 bronze medals, while the Philippines had 55 golds, 45 silvers and 26 bronzes. Indonesia had 3 silvers and one bronze.

The Philippines got a boost from Far Eastern University players, who won 17 golds, 8 silvers and two bronze medals under the watch of grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

Paulo Bersamina closed out his final age group tournament by ruling the under-20 standard, rapid and tying for first in blitz chess. Bersamina could have won the blitz tournament outright had he not lost to John Marvin Miciano, who finally won against the National University bet after 4 games.

Bersamina ended up sharing first with Pham Minh Hien and Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano, who faltered in the last round against Sarri Subajani, the tournament sensation from Sulu. But Bersamina got his second grandmaster result with his Davao achievements and needs to get a 3rd result to become a grandmaster. 

Daniel Quizon, earlier fielded in the under-20 division because of his strong performance in the first quarter, won the blitz tournament to add to his triumph in the rapid section at the under-14 division. 

Alekhine Nouri also ruled the under-16 blitz after faltering in the standard and rapid chess events.

Shania Mae Mendoza, who won the nationals less than two weeks ago, also took the blitz section to add to her standard chess victory.

Aside from Mendoza's twin golds, a highlight was the surprise victory of Dale Bernardo – a reserve in Gonzales' FEU high school team – in the under-18 standard chess. 

"I am surprised and happy. But we still have to study further," said Bernardo, who will likely playoff with John Merill Jacutina for FEU's Board One for the 2018-2019 UAAP season. The victory gave him the International Master title.

Allaney Doroy, who topped the eliminations for the national women's championship, finally showed her form by taking the under-18 blitz,while defending junior champion Francois Magpily captured the under-16.

Al-Basher Buto and Ruelle Canino, rulers of their own age divisions, failed to win their categories in standard chess for the first time.

Buto, the 8-year-old who won the under-8 from 2016 to 2017, settled for a bronze, while Canino, who won the under-8 girls twice and was seeking the under-10, also faltered.

In the 50-and-above blitz tournament, veteran Alex Milagrosa won ahead of Mario Mangubat, the Cebuano who dealt Eugene Torre a rare defeat in the 1979 National Open.

The medal winners were awarded by acting World Chess Federation (FIDE) president Georgios Makropoulos. – Rappler.com

YEKATERINBURG, Russia – Sweden surged into the last 16 of the World Cup with a deserved 3-0 victory on Wednesday, June 27, over a poor Mexico side, who still qualified ahead of Germany after the defending champion's loss to South Korea.

The Swedes went through to the knockout rounds as the unlikely winners of Group F, taking the beaten Mexicans with them.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWE</a> wins Group F and has now reached the knockout round in each of its last 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> appearances (2018, 2006, 2002, 1994). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEX</a> reaches the knockout round for the 7th straight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>; only <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRA</a> (12 straight entering today) has a longer active streak. <a href="https://t.co/dV5CeS3WtC">pic.twitter.com/dV5CeS3WtC</a></p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1012003424894898178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Second-half goals from defenders Ludwig Augustinsson and Andreas Granqvist, from the penalty spot, plus a comical own goal were reward for a physical display from Sweden, who only made it to Russia by beating Italy in the playoffs.

Sweden and Mexico, which were ragged throughout, will next play whichever two teams emerge out of Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia in Group E, which concludes later on Wednesday.

Mexico came into the game at the Yekaterinburg Arena in the driving seat in a group where all 4 teams, including South Korea, could qualify, but they appeared the more nervous.

It took them less than 30 seconds to make their mark on Sweden, Jesus Gallardo earning a yellow card for clattering into Ola Toivonen almost straight from kick-off.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa handled outside the box and then flapped at the resulting free-kick. On 12 minutes Marcus Berg clipped wide from close range with a bicycle kick.

On the quarter-hour mark, Mexico, who had the overwhelming support inside the stadium, should have taken the lead when Carlos Vela found himself in space on the edge of the box.

His bending left-footer shaved the post, catapulting a few sombreros off the heads of Mexico fans as they expectantly sprang to their feet.

They were up again on 30 minutes when referee Nestor Pitana of Argentina took a look at a video replay when the ball hit Mexico striker Javier Hernandez on the arm in the box.

After lingering at the pitch-side monitor, then going back for a second glance, Pitana ruled it no penalty – the Mexicans celebrated as if they had scored a goal.

The Swedish players and coach Janne Andersson were furious, and understandably – Hernandez appeared to move his arm towards the ball. 

Sweden, with their greater physicality, were on top, but the Mexicans were dangerous on the break.

At the interval, with the game also goalless in Kazan, Mexico and Germany were going through.

Sweden badly needed a goal and 5 minutes after halftime they got it after defender  Augustinsson popped up from left-back to volley in.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a time for Ludwig Augustinsson to score his first career international goal for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWE</a><br><br>As it stands in Group F, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWE</a> would win the group and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEX</a> would finish runner-up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GER</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KOR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KOR</a> would be eliminated. <a href="https://t.co/iWaNT2U4wx">pic.twitter.com/iWaNT2U4wx</a></p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1011990728640290817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There was more drama on the hour, as Hector Moreno brought down Berg in the box and skipper Andreas Granqvist held his nerve in front of the massed ranks of Mexicans to bury his penalty.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWE</a> takes a 2-0 lead on a penalty by Andreas Granqvist, his 2nd goal at this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a><br><br>That is the 18th converted penalty at the 2018 World Cup, already the most at a single <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> all-time <a href="https://t.co/kxkejH6bFG">pic.twitter.com/kxkejH6bFG</a></p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1011994085425590273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Plastic beer cups rained down, before Mexico defender Edson Alvarez compounded a miserable evening with a 74th-minute own goal when he miskicked past Ochoa.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An own goal by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEX</a> gives <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWE</a> a 3-0 lead<br><br>It is the 4th own goal by Mexico at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>, most by any team in World Cup history.<br><br>It is also the 7th own goal at the 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>, setting the record for most in a single World Cup tournament.</p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1011996917809713152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mexico was left in a perilous position, as a late German winner would have sent the Central Americans crashing out, but two injury-time South Korean goals in Kazan ensured Juan Carlos Osorio's men edged through as runners-up.

Mexico will need to pick themselves up quickly if they are to go beyond the last 16 for the first time since 1986 and end a run of 6 consecutive second-round defeats. – Rappler.com

KAZAN, Russia –  Germany crashed out of the World Cup on Wednesday, June 27, after a stoppage-time VAR-assisted goal from Younggwon Kim and a late second by Son Heungmin earned South Korea a famous 2-0 win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">South Korea is the first Asian team to beat Germany at the World Cup and the first Asian team to score vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GER</a> at the World Cup since 1994 (also South Korea).<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KOR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KOR</a> was +2000 (20-1) to beat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GER</a> today (according to Westgate), by far the biggest upset in this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/xwj82aDRuB">pic.twitter.com/xwj82aDRuB</a></p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1012005475276218368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Germans needed to beat Korea by two clear goals in their final group F match at Kazan stadium to advance to the last 16.

But Joachim Loew's men wasted a series of chances in a tense match that saw a pale version of the world champion become the 4th defending champion of the title this century to be sent packing at the first hurdle. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> 98: France win World Cup<br>02: France exit the group stages<br><br> 06: Italy win World Cup<br> 10: Italy exit the group stages<br><br> 10: Spain win World Cup<br> 14: Spain exit the group stages<br><br>14: Germany win World Cup<br>18: Germany exit the group stages</p>&mdash; FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) <a href="https://twitter.com/FootballFunnnys/status/1012001997170663425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Germany's team of superstars could only look on in shock in the final minutes of the match as US referee Mark Geiger called for the video assistant referee to intervene after the unmarked Kim had bundled his shot past Germany 'keeper Manuel Neuer from a corner early in stoppage time.

The goal was awarded because Toni Kroos' touch had played him onside, and minutes later Germany was 2-0 down after Neuer ran up the pitch in a desperate attempt to get a goal.

A long punt upfield saw Tottenham forward Son chase a clearance to fire into an empty net. 

It means Germany, the 4-time champions who had competed in the past 16 editions of the World Cup, failed to make it past the first hurdle of the tournament since 1938.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Germany at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> since 1938:<br><br>&#39;54 - <br>&#39;58 - SF<br>&#39;62 - QF<br>&#39;66 - Runners-up<br>&#39;70 - SF<br>&#39;74 - <br>&#39;78 - QF<br>&#39;82 - Runners-up<br>&#39;86 - Runners-up<br>&#39;90 - <br>&#39;94 - QF<br>&#39;98 - QF<br>&#39;02 - Runners-up<br>&#39;06 - SF<br>&#39;10 - SF<br>&#39;14 - <br>&#39;18 - Bottom of their group <br><br>A new Löw. <a href="https://t.co/6SwMR94dQY">pic.twitter.com/6SwMR94dQY</a></p>&mdash; ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNUK/status/1012002198715236352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Germany coach Joachim Loew caused a surprise by leaving midfield attacking stalwart Thomas Mueller on the bench for the first time since 2012 after his underwhelming displays against Mexico and Sweden.

But by the end of a frustrating opening half, Loew was left desperately studying his options.

Germany suffered the first of several scares after South Korea won a free kick on the quarter hour when Sami Khedira's boot connected with the head of Jung Wooyoung.

From 30 yards out, it should have been fodder for World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but after fumbling Jung's dipping drive Neuer scrambled desperately to clear as Son raced to pounce.

Germany spurned a series of chances soon afterwards.

Marco Reus, who hit a crucial leveller in the 2-1 win over Sweden, saw his drive deflected and Mesut Ozil saw his effort deflected off a Korean boot and out for a corner, after which goalkeeper Hyeonwoo Jo smothered desperately when Goretzka's header found Hummels trying to pounce on the loose ball. 

Germany resumed with more urgency after the interval, but despite edging closer when Loew introduced Mario Gomez just before the hour the big Stuttgart striker headed straight at Jo from Kimmich's cross.

Striker Timo Werner then met another Kimmich ball from the left byeline with a right-foot volley that skewed agonisingly wide of Jo's upright.

Germany urgency was not matched by their normal efficiency and soon legs started to tire.

Loew played his final card when he introduced Mueller for Leon Goretzka.

But the late changes failed to spark Germany into life as Korea hung on for a famous win that, unfortunately for the impressive Asians, saw them bow out after Sweden beat Mexico 3-0. – Rappler.com

MOSCOW, Russia – Brazil and star striker Neymar rediscovered their attacking flair with a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Serbia Wednesday, June 27, to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

The victory fired Brazil into the last 16 and sent the Selecao's fans into party mode at Moscow's Spartak Stadium, raising hopes a 6th title is now a realistic prospect.

It was a stark contrast to their first two outings – a shock 1-1 draw with Switzerland and labored 2-0 win over Costa Rica – that left Brazil needing a draw against Serbia to avoid a group stage exit.

But unlike the defending champion Germans, who were eliminated hours earlier after losing to South Korea, the South Americans managed to produce when it mattered.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><br><br>----<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/0ujVK7lV1P">pic.twitter.com/0ujVK7lV1P</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1012062497581432833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Brazil comprehensively outplayed Serbia, peppering their goal while restricting their opponents to just one shot on target. Coach Tite said there was more improvement in the team who, in Germany's absence, are now favorites to lift the trophy.

"We don't live off expectations, we live off reality," he said. "We can take the pressure, we are a balanced team and for us, this is about getting stronger and growing."

Philippe Coutinho, who scored in the opening two games, again provided a dynamic presence, defending like a terrier and setting up Paulinho's opening goal in the 38th minute with a superb long-range pass.

But it was Neymar who characterized the change in Brazil as they approach a round of 16 showdown with Mexico in Samara on Monday.

Concerns were raised about his emotional state when he sank to the ground sobbing after scoring an injury time goal against Costa Rica, with pundits in Brazil fearing he could crack under pressure to deliver in Russia.

Against Serbia he was far more positive, working hard to get involved in attack and delivering the corner that Thiago Silva headed home 22 minutes from time.

He responded to Silva's goal with delight, thumping his chest and waving his arms to urge the fans to make more noise.

The 26-year-old showed no sign of the foot injury that sidelined him for months in the lead-up to the tournament and grew in confidence as the match wore in.

In the last 10 minutes alone he shot over the bar, almost lobbed the goalkeeper and took on 3 defenders in the box as the crowd chanted his name.

Neymar showed no frustration when he wasn't rewarded with a goal of his own.

Instead, like the Brazil team as a whole, he looked like he was once again enjoying his football and took time out after the match to thank fans and blow them kisses. – Rappler.com

KAZAN, Russia – Germany coach Joachim Loew said he felt "huge disappointment" at seeing his defending champion crash out of the World Cup but said the team had fully deserved it after getting sensationally beaten 2-0 by South Korea on Wednesday, June 27.

"The disappointment of us being eliminated is just huge," Loew conceded. "We didn't deserve to win the title again, we didn't deserve to make the last 16. We tried hard to win, but we never earned the chance to take the lead."

The 4-time champions needed to beat the unfancied Asians by two clear goals in their final group F match in Kazan to advance to the last 16.

But after spurning a series of scoring chances, Germany got stunned in 5 dramatic stoppage-time minutes as South Korea scored twice to record a historic win over the world's number one-ranked team and leave the Germans rock bottom of the group.

It is the first time Germany failed to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup since 1938. But it's also the 4th time this century that the defending champions got knocked out in the first round.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> 98: France win World Cup<br> 02: France exit the group stages<br><br> 06: Italy win World Cup<br> 10: Italy exit the group stages<br><br> 10: Spain win World Cup<br> 14: Spain exit the group stages<br><br> 14: Germany win World Cup<br> 18: Germany exit the group stages</p>&mdash; FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) <a href="https://twitter.com/FootballFunnnys/status/1012001997170663425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Leaving aside Uruguay – which won the inaugural World Cup in 1930 before not travelling to Italy for the 1934 edition – it is the 6th time in the history of the competition that the reigning champions have failed to make it past the first hurdle.

AFP Sport looks back at the previous sides to fall victim to the champion's curse:

 Italy 1950 

Italy had won back-to-back World Cups before the Second World War got in the way, and much had changed by the time the 1950 tournament came around in Brazil.

Their team also opted to travel across the Atlantic by boat after several Italian internationals were killed in the Superga air disaster of May 1949 that decimated the great Torino side of the time.

Out of shape after the long journey by sea, the Italians played just two matches, losing 3-2 to Sweden before beating Paraguay 2-0. Sweden topped the group, and Italy went home.

Brazil 1966 

Pele's great Brazil side rocked up in England having won the previous two World Cups. They would win the 1970 trophy too, but 1966 was a disaster. 

Pele and Garrincha scored to secure a 2-0 win over Bulgaria at Everton's Goodison Park home in their opening game. However, Bulgaria's rough treatment of Pele forced him to miss their next match, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hungary.

'O Rei' returned for their decisive last group outing against Eusebio's Portugal, but was the victim of another meaty tackle and was forced to limp his way through the remainder of the match as Brazil lost 3-1 again to go out.   

France 2002 

France came to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea with a wonderful side that had won the trophy on home soil in 1998 and then won the European Championship in 2000.

However, nothing went right for Les Bleus as they went home with their tails between their legs having failed to score a goal never mind win a game.

Zinedine Zidane was missing due to injury as France were stunned 1-0 by Senegal in their first game, and they followed that with a 0-0 draw against Uruguay, as Thierry Henry was sent off. 

Zidane was back in time for their last group outing, but could not prevent a 2-0 loss at the hands of Denmark that had them heading home after the worst trophy defence in tournament history.

Italy 2010 

After the miracle of 2006, when the Azzurri won the trophy in Germany despite the chaos being caused in their domestic game by the Calciopoli scandal, 2010 in South Africa was a spectacular disaster for the Italians.

The presence of veterans like Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro and that of Marcello Lippi on the bench could not prevent Italy from being humbled in the group stage as they failed to win any of their matches. 

After having to come from behind to draw with Paraguay and New Zealand, Italy's fate was sealed as they suffered a humiliating 3-2 loss at the hands of Slovakia, who advanced at their expense

Spain 2014 

The curse of the champions struck again 4 years ago in Brazil, as Spain's all-conquering side was stopped in their tracks. 

Vicente del Bosque's team arrived in South America having won 3 consecutive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012, but this proved a step too far for a side lacking the hunger of old. 

They knew they were going home after just two matches of a disastrous trophy defence, as a 5-1 humbling at the hands of the Netherlands was followed by a 2-0 defeat against Chile at the Maracana. 

It was the end of an era for the likes of Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso. A 3-0 win over Australia in their last game was scant consolation. – Rappler.com

MOSCOW, Russia – South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong hailed the unfancied Asians' momentous 2-0 World Cup victory over defending champion Germany on Wednesday, June 27, but admitted it left him feeling "a little bit empty."

A pair of late goals from Kim Young-gwon and Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, combined with a superb display from goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo helped South Korea create one of the greatest shocks in the history of the tournament.

But unfortunately for the South Koreans, who had been given no hope following defeats to Mexico and Sweden, it was not enough to secure their passage to the last 16 for the first time since 2010.

"I feel great but at the same time I feel a little bit empty, so I feel a little bit ambivalent," Shin said when asked to put his side's historic feat into context.

"Yesterday we said there was only a 1% chance and so I told my players it really was a last-ditch effort for them and I told them that they had to fight until the end.

Germany, the 2014 champions, Confederations Cup champions and FIFA's top-ranked team, was eliminated at the first hurdle for the first time since 1938.

"[The Germans] are the defending champions and number one in the FIFA ranking, so I thought about what mistakes Germany might make, because they probably felt they would be able to beat us – that’s what everybody thought.

"I thought we could use that as a reverse strategy and that has really hit the nail on the head."

Sweden's 3-0 win over Mexico in the group's other match meant the pair advanced on 6 points apiece. South Korea, on 3, finished 3rd, ahead of Germany on goal difference.

Shin said he took some encouragement from his side's performance.

"We're not going to the last 16, but we did manage to beat the champions and the world number one team," he added.

"I hope we can build on that, manage to improve and do better in the future." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Mexico fans know that South Korea was the true hero as their team squeaked into the 2018 FIFA World Cup's last 16 after the Koreans eliminated defending champion Germany, 2-0, on Wednesday, June 27.

Prior to the end of South Korea's shocking win, Mexico suffered a heavy 0-3 loss to Group F winners Sweden that left Mexico fans clinging on to the Asians for hope. 

However, in the 90+2' minute of the game, this happened: 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mexico fans became South Korea fans on Wednesday. <a href="https://t.co/s68RxJWesq">pic.twitter.com/s68RxJWesq</a></p>&mdash; ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1012028580912680962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Heung-Min Son sent the corner kick that found Hyun-Soo Jang, who mishandled the ball to Toni Kroos. Hearts stopped when the German fumbled with his pass to teammate Niklas Süle that saw the ball land in front of Young-gwon Kim, who fired it past the goalkeeper. 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Goal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a>  0-1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoreaRepublic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoreaRepublic</a> <br><br>Kim Young-Gwon scores.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/qlNFu4UJum">pic.twitter.com/qlNFu4UJum</a></p>&mdash; Football GIFs (@FootballGIFs4) <a href="https://twitter.com/FootballGIFs4/status/1012001518269001729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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When the match ended with Heung-Min Son tapping the ball into an open goal off a counterattack in the 90+6' minute, the ecstatic mob found a random Korean outside the stadium and hoised him up – even though he was cheering for Sweden. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Mexicans found a South Korean outside the stadium  <a href="https://t.co/9gG7V9wtOd">pic.twitter.com/9gG7V9wtOd</a></p>&mdash; Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) <a href="https://twitter.com/SiavoushF/status/1012011145660715008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There goes the same thing for a Korean Mexico fan, who felt the best of both worlds back at home. 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Things you only see during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>: A crowd of Mexicans parading the one single Korean around on their shoulders because Korea&#39;s win against Germany put Mexico through to the next round. It may just be a game, but it sure does bring people together in touching ways. <a href="https://t.co/M77zkVKYqC">pic.twitter.com/M77zkVKYqC</a></p>&mdash; Dave Whiteside (@dave__whiteside) <a href="https://twitter.com/dave__whiteside/status/1012052881371828224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

But the best part is seeing the fans frolic in front of the South Korean embassy with tequila bottles for consul general Byoung-Jin Han in their hands. 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the best you&#39;ll see today  <br><br>Hundreds of Mexican fans marched to the Korean embassy in Mexico City to thank the Korean Ambassador, danced with him and forced him to drink tequila straight from the bottle after South Korea beat Germany  <br> <a href="https://t.co/b5mOZzJ3F3">pic.twitter.com/b5mOZzJ3F3</a></p>&mdash; FlFA World Cup (@WorIdCupFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorIdCupFC/status/1012113894720954368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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And Han did give in to peer pressure:

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One last tweet about Byoung-jin Han: that tequila shot he took while wearing a Mexico jersey lent to him by a fan? Another fan <a href="https://twitter.com/sebasaspe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sebasaspe</a> passed this along: <a href="https://t.co/JtCAe8390y">pic.twitter.com/JtCAe8390y</a></p>&mdash; James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByJamesWagner/status/1012121083301023744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

But for a day, he was definitely the star of the city. 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That’s the Korean consul general to Mexico, Byoung-Jin Han, celebrating with grateful Mexican fans outside the Korea embassy here. One fan said he took a shot of tequila with them earlier. <a href="https://t.co/NGWEmRADUW">pic.twitter.com/NGWEmRADUW</a></p>&mdash; James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByJamesWagner/status/1012041283400093710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mexico will try to come up with another highlight in the last 16, but El Tri will need a lot more than luck as the team clashes with a tough Brazil team on Monday, July 2.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Terrence Romeo will be making his keenly-awaited return to the international scene as Gilas Pilipinas' 12-man lineup against Chinese Taipei was revealed on Thursday, June 28. 

In a report by ESPN5's JC Ancis, Romeo, after missing the first two windows of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup due to injuries, joins Jayson Castro, Andray Blatche and June Mar Fajardo when the national team squares off with the Taiwanese on Friday, June 29, at the Taipei Heping Basketball Stadium. 

Romeo's comeback provides a major offensive boost for Gilas, which is missing the services of spitfire guards Kiefer Ravena (suspension) and Kevin Alas (injury). 

Japeth Aguilar, Gabe Norwood, Calvin Abueva, Jio Jalalon, Allein Maliksi, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario and Matthew Wright complete the lineup. 

Baser Amer, Carl Bryan Cruz and Gilas cadet Troy Rike are the other members of the 15-man pool who flew to Chinese Taipei.

Gilas Pilipinas seeks to repeat on the Taiwanese, whom the Nationals defeated, 90-83, in the first window. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It is not news anymore when Gilas Pilipinas has little time to prepare for its international tournaments.

And against Chinese Taipei, the Nationals will be relying on what they have used to pull through before: familiarity. 

Gilas barely had a week to fully prepare for the 3rd window of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup as its 15-man pool arrived just last Monday, June 25, in Chinese Taipei before facing the Taiwanese squad on Friday, June 29. 

The national team had been conducting Monday practices for the past few weeks, but the players had their focus on their respective PBA teams as the playoff race for the Commissioners' Cup tightens. 

Still, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes believes his wards have already accustomed themselves to dealing with time constraints. 

"The good part is we're used to this already. So hopefully, we'll have to bank on the familiarity of the guys with each other, with the system," said Reyes. 

Against Chinese Taipei, familiarity will heavily come to play. 

Gilas has had the Taiwanese's numbers for the past few years and on Friday, the Filipinos look to do the same. 

One thing Gilas needs to avoid is having a slow start, especially when it faces a jampacked crowd at the Taipei Heping Basketball Stadium – which has a seating capacity of more than 7,000 – that has already sold out on tickets. 

The last time the two nations faced in the first window in November, the Philippines fell behind by as much as 14 points early before turning the tides en route to a 90-83 win– partly thanks to the rowdy Filipino crowd at the Araneta Coliseum. 

With all of Chinese Taipei against them, the Filipinos are aiming to play spoiler. 

"Who knows, perhaps we can punch above our weight. That's the only way we can win in these games – to constantly punch above our weight," said Reyes.  

Whatever happens, Gilas is already assured of a spot in the second round of the Qualifiers with a 3-1 card in Group B, although a win is very much welcome to build up momentum with a clash against the undefeated Australia looming. 

Chinese Taipei, which carries a 1-3 card just above the winless Japan (0-4), needs all the win it can get to advance. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas looks to reassert its mastery over Chinese Taipei as the two lock horns at the start of the 3rd window of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. 

The Philippines resumes its quest for a World Cup berth against the Taiwanese squad on Friday, June 29, at the Taipei Heping Basketball Stadium. 

Pressure will be on Chinese Taipei's side as Gilas downed the Taiwanese, 90-83, in the first window.

But the visiting Filipinos will still vie for a win even as Gilas already secured a seat in the second round of the Qualifiers with a 3-1 record in Group B. Chinese Taipei, which has a 1-3 slate, needs a win to advance. 

Game time is at 7 pm. Follow Rappler's live coverage of the game below:

{source}<a class="twitter-timeline" data-width="100%" data-height="1500" data-partner="tweetdeck" data-link-color="#E95F28" href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/timelines/1012264338113978373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">FIBA WCQ: PHvTPE - Curated tweets by RapplerSports</a> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As the country's only female Olympic silver medalist, Hidilyn Diaz broke barriers to pave way for the rise of young women weightlifters like Rosegie Ramos and Jane Linette Hipolito. 

After dominating national competitions and even snatching medals in international events, Ramos and Hipolito – who both earned the POC Super Kids awards in the inaugural Siklab Youth Awards – banner the young Filipino athletes vying for berths in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. 

"Yung time ko, ang daming nagda-doubt, maraming nagsasabi na ‘Hey, hindi mo yan kaya, babae ka’ pero sa time nila (Ramos and Hipolito) parang nabreak ko yung ganung stigma na babae ka, sa bahay ka," said Diaz. 

(There were so many doubters during my time that they're saying: 'Hey, you can't do that because you're a girl,' but during Ramos and Hipolito's time, I already broke the stigma that girls should only stay at home.) 

Hailing from Zamboanga City, Ramos and Hipolito receive guidance and support from Diaz as they are beneficiaries of the Alsons Power-Hidilyn Diaz scholarship program. 

Without hesitation, the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist would also share advice to the two girls, as she hopes that both of the country's budding weightlifters will also deliver Olympic medals for the Philippines. 

"Ako mismo yung nag-advice sa kanila na ito yung gawin niyo after training, kailangan niyo mag-stretching before training, supplements to take care of yourself, mga ganun kasi nandun na ako, pinagdaanan ko na yun, so sa akin, parang responsibilidad ko yun para ishare sa kanila," explained Diaz. 

(I personally advice them on what to do after training, that they need to stretch before training, to take supplements to take care of yourself. I give them those advices because I've been through that, so it's like my responsibility to share those experiences to them.) 

Thirteen-year-old Ramos and Hipolito, 16, are among the 50 awardees in the first Siklab Youth Awards night held on Wednesday, June 27, at Century Park Hotel.

In the same event, Diaz was honored with the inaugural Sports Idol award along with retired boxer Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, who also won an Olympic silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. 

Diaz is already assured of a 2018 Asian Games berth, but the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas hopes more Filipinos can show their wares in the continental meet by appealing for more slots during the POC congress on Wednesday, July 4.

But whether or not Diaz  will be joined by more Philippine bets, she just hopes young athletes will grab more opportunities.

"Sa mga young athletes, yung [go signal to pursue the sport] nandun na. Ang tanong doon: Ano ginagawa nila para sa dream nila? So you need to prepare already para maging reality yung dream na ito," said Diaz. 

(The go signal to pursue the sport is there for the young athletes. The question is: What are they doing to pursue this dream? So you need to prepare already to make this dream a reality.)  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The College of Saint Benilde Blazers outlasted the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in a 76-74 thriller to reach the semifinal round of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Wednesday, June 28.

A clutch coast-to-coast basket by Unique Naboa with 12.7 seconds left gave the Blazers a slim 75-74 lead before a Carlo Young free throw sealed the win in their knockout quarterfinal match at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“From day one... it was all about defense. I think [those identities] held it through all the way until the end of the game,” said Blazers coach TY Tang. 

The Blazers' relentless defense led to a crucial turnover by UP's Paul Desiderio and a steal by St. Benilde's Justin Gutang with 3.3 seconds left. A foul then sent Young to the free throw line where he converted one of two shots.

Senegalese big man Clement Leutcheu had 16 points and 7 rebounds as the Blazers snapped the Fighting Maroons' 6-game winning streak. 

Tang said his players crafted a new team slogan – “We are here, united as one” – during their team-building last weekend.

"The biggest change that we have in this team right now is their solidarity," said Tang. "[The motto] showed that they want to be together in everything that they do right now, whether it's on the court or off the court." 

Yankie Haruna notched 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals, while Naboa contributed 12 points.

Gutang rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points, 9 from 3-point range, on top of 8 assists. 

Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie carried the Maroons with 22 points built on an 82% shooting and 9 rebounds.

Desiderio poured in 15 points on a 3-of-4 shooting clip from deep to go with 3 assists and 3 steals, while Jun Manzo chipped in 10 points and 5 assists. 

The Blazers pulled off the win despite an injury on JJ Domingo, who went down with a sprained angle midway through the third quarter.

Tang hopes the the Blazers will ride on the momentum going into the semifinals. 

“What's more important to me is the [experience] of this kind of environment. We've never played a win-or-go-home game yet ever,” he said.

“This is what's going to carry us through in this [coming] NCAA season,” he added.

The Scores:

ST. BENILDE (76) - Leutcheu 16, Haruna 15, Naboa 12, Gutang 11, Young 8, Domingo 8, Pasturan 2, Belgica 2, Pagulayan 2

UP (74) - Akhuetie 22, Desiderio 15, Manzo 10, Jaboneta 8, Javi Gomez de Liano 6, Juan Gomez de Liano 6, Murrell 3, Prado 2, Dario 2

Quarter Scores: 18-16, 39-37, 58-54, 76-74

– Franco Luna/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions escaped the Adamson University (ADU) Soaring Falcons, 64-62, in their knockout quarterfinal match in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Thursday, June 28, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

With the win, the Red Lions will advance to the semifinals against the Saint Benilde  Blazers, who also pulled off a slim win over the University of the Philippines in their own quarterfinal duel.

The Lions and the Blazers will clash in another winner-take-all battle on Friday, June 29, at 6:30 pm also in San Juan. 

Robert Bolick topscored with 23 points and Javee Mocon racked up a double-double of 16 points – including the Red Lions' last 8 points – and 11 rebounds to power San Beda. 

The Falcons tried to put up a fight as Sean Manganti chalked up 20 points, 15 from beyond the arc, and 6 rebounds. Papi Sarr also posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. 

 It was in the fourth where Manganti came alive for Adamson as he went on a solo 8-2 run, including two triples, to tie the match at 56-56 in the last two minutes.

However, it was not enough to rattle the Lions as Mocon took charge in the final stretch. 

Coach Boyet Fernandez, though, said they can’t just rely on Bolick and Mocon to get them out of tight spots all the time.

"I need somebody to step up also [because] it’s not everyday that they’ll play the way that they played," said Fernandez.  

“Im hoping we’ll be consistent [with] what we’re doing,” he added. “We’ll be ready for Saint Benilde.” 

The Scores:

SAN BEDA (64) – Bolick 23, Mocon 16, Presbitero 7, Tankoua 6, Tongco 3, Carino 3, Abuda 3, Doliguez 2, Cabanag 1, Canlas 0, Nelle 0, Oftana 0, Eugene 0.

ADAMSON (62) – Manganti 20, Sarr 13, Ahanmisi 7, Lastimosa 7, Espeleta 5, Camacho 4, Colonia 2, Magbuhos 2, Catapusan 2, Mojica 0, Zaldivar 0, Maata 0, Bernardo 0

Quarter Scores: 10-10, 27-21, 40-34, 64-62  

– Tonichi Regalado/Rappler.com