MANILA, Philippines – Dante Alinsunurin was appointed as the Philippine national men's volleyball team head coach, according to Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Incorporated (LVPI) president Peter Cayco. 

"Dante Alinsunurin from National University is the head coach of the men's team, as his performance was good in the UAAP," Cayco confirmed in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum on Tuesday, February 12.

"He was recommended by the men's volleyball committee chaired by Rod Roque."

The three-time UAAP champion coach, who was also a former national team member, was present in the men's volleyball tryouts which was attended by over 85 hopefuls last Saturday to Sunday, February 9 to 10, at the University of the East.

Due to the overwhelming number of attendees, Cayco said a men's Under-23 team might be created, similar to the women's counterpart.

"A total of 85 attended the tryouts for the men's volleyball [team] and we're very happy, it's a good problem," added Cayco, who expects both the men's and women's teams to target a podium finish in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. 

Last December, Alinsunurin steered Team Pilipinas-NU to a gold medal finish over Thailand in the ASEAN University Games. He will continue to lead the NU Bulldogs to a title defense in the UAAP Season 81 men's volleyball tournament. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After Far Eastern University (FEU) came close to clinching a record 30th UAAP women's volleyball crown last season, the Lady Tamaraws got all the more driven to go for another shot.   

The Lady Tamaraws – whose title hopes got dashed by three-peat champion La Salle Lady Spikers in the title round last year –  aim for at least a repeat Finals appearance in Season 81.

Despite the graduation of topscorer Bernadeth Pons, head coach George Pascua remains confident that the Lady Tamaraws will stay as competitive.

The veteran core remains intact with setter Kyle Negrito, Heather Guinoo, Jerrili Malabanan, and Celine Domingo all returning equipped with more experience from various tournaments in the preseason.

Rookie outside hitter Lycha Ebon also can’t wait for her UAAP debut after proving her leadership on and off the court as the team captain in the 2018 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Collegiate Grand Slam.

With a stacked roster, expect a determined FEU Lady Tamaraws to flash a more mature game in their bid to end an 11-year title drought. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Limited time was a concern for Andray Blatche as he rejoined Gilas Pilipinas, but head coach Yeng Guiao believes the former NBA player has accustomed himself with the team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. 

Being away from the national team for half a year, Blatche immediately made up for lost time by practicing with the Filipinos regularly since February 4 and attending training sessions with Guiao's PBA team NLEX. 

In that short period of time, the fiery mentor saw how quickly the 6-foot-10 big man familiarized himself with his read-and-react system. 

"Palagay ko na nakuha na niya. Kahit noong pina-practice namin siya with NLEX team, he has a very good understanding of the system," Guiao told reporters on Monday, February 11. 

(I think he already gets what we want to do. Even when he was practicing with NLEX, he has a very good understanding of the system.)

It also helps that Blatche actually likes the system, Guiao added.

After missing the fourth window due to a FIBA suspension, Blatche had a chance to suit up for Nationals in the fifth window but was not included in Guiao's pool of players.

Blatche said he was hurt by the snub, but all of that is water under the bridge now as he and Gilas have turned their focus to winning must-win away matches against Qatar and Kazakhstan in the sixth and final window. 

"Siya mismo naman sinasabi niya na gusto niya 'yung sistema, he can get used to it very easily," Guiao said. 

(He said that he likes the system and he can get used to it very easily.) 

"Importante din na magustuhan niya. Mas mahirap turuan 'yung isang tao sa isang bagay na hindi niya gusto. At least ito gusto niya, he's making an extra effort to learn," the coach added.

(It's important that he likes it. It's hard to teach someone a thing he doesn't like. At least he likes it and he's making an extra effort to learn.)

Blatche is currently in China to honor his commitments with Chinese Basketball Association team Tianjin Gold Lions and will reunite with the Philippine national team in Qatar on Saturday, February 16.

There, the Filipinos have less than a week to gear up for their clash against the Qataris on February 21. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – In support of Team Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the PBA Philippine Cup is set to go on a two-week break beginning Thursday, February 14. 

The doubleheader at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, February 13, will be the last for the league in the All-Filipino conference before giving way to the national team’s preparation and participation for the sixth and final window of the qualifiers.

The twinbill will feature Alaska against Blackwater at 4:30 pm followed by the clash between Magnolia and Rain or Shine at 7 pm.

“There’s no turning back in our support for the national team. Sabi ko nga ang PBA all-out support yan sa Team Pilipinas,” said commissioner Willie Marcial.

(I did say the PBA will give its all-out support to Team Pilipinas) 

The season-opening conference will resume on Wednesday, February 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when Meralco tangles with Columbian Dyip and Phoenix goes up against NorthPort.

Team Pilipinas is currently preparing for its last two must-win games in the qualifiers against Qatar and Kazakhstan, respectively. (READ: Blatche, Barroca return to Gilas in 14-man pool for World Cup qualifiers)

The Filipinos are currently in fourth spot in Group F with an even 5-5 record, hoping to earn a berth in this year’s World Cup to be held in China in September.

The team leaves for Doha, Qatar on Saturday, February 16 to play the host country on Thursday, February 21, and will be traveling to Astana on February 22 to battle Kazakhstan on Sunday, February 24. – Rappler.com

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea has picked its capital Seoul for its bid for the 2032 Summer Olympics, which it aims to jointly host with North Korea.

The Koreas will officially inform the International Olympic Committee of their decision to bid at an event in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday, February 15.

North Korea is expected to announce its candidate city later this week – the likely choice is its capital Pyongyang – before or during the IOC meeting, Seoul officials told AFP.

The decision to pursue a joint bid – as well as to jointly participate in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games –was made following a series of inter-Korean talks last year, as cross-border reconciliation gathered pace.

In a meeting held by the country's Olympic committee on Monday, February 11, Seoul edged out its rival, the southern port city of Busan.

Seoul mayor Park Won-soon said he would ensure the bid serves as an opportunity to "change the fate of the Korean peninsula".

"If the 1988 Seoul Olympics was 'reconciliation Olympics' amid the cold war between East and West and the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics was a touchstone of peace, the 2032 Olympics will be promoted to become the last stop to establish the peace".

The last time Seoul hosted the summer Olympics, in 1988, Pyongyang boycotted the Games. 

But in recent months the Koreas have turned to sports diplomacy to ease tensions.

During the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics  last year, North Korea sent leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, to express the reclusive regime's interest in an inter-Korean summit.

The unified Korean women's ice hockey team was also a symbol of unity in Pyeongchang, despite losing all their games and finishing last.

Kim Jong Un went on to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in three times in the wake of the Games and held a landmark summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June.

However, the joint bid poses some difficulties. North Korea is subject to economic sanctions and these are unlikely to be lifted by the UN Security Council unless Pyongyang takes firmer steps toward denuclearization. – Rappler.com

TOKYO, Japan – Japanese swim queen Rikako Ikee, the poster girl for next year's Tokyo Olympics, has been diagnosed with leukemia, the 18-year-old tweeted on Tuesday, February 12.

In a shock announcement, Ikee said: "After feeling unwell I returned in haste from Australia and following tests I was diagnosed with leukemia. I still can't believe it myself, I'm in a state of confusion."

Ikee shot to fame at last year's Asian Games, where she captured a record 6 gold medals to fire a warning for the 2020 Olympics in her home city.

The teenage superstar, who holds a string of national records, has been tipped to push for gold on several fronts, in particular in the women's 100 metres butterfly.

Ikee told fans she was determined to beat her illness after being forced to abandon her training camp on Australia's Gold Coast.

"If treated properly it's a disease that can be beaten," said Ikee, who confirmed she will withdraw from the Japanese championships in April. 

"I will devote myself to my treatment and strive to be able to show an even stronger Rikako Ikee."

Ikee's coach Jiro Miki confessed he had never seen the swimmer struggle as much as she had while training in Australia.

"I had never seen her breathing as heavily as that," he said.

"We took her to a local hospital to check her blood and heart but decided to return to Japan as quickly as possible to undergo further tests. But as for her motivation to beat this disease, I can only bow my head at her determination."

Miki revealed that Ikee has been admitted to hospital to begin treatment.

"She is not moping about," he added. "She is absolutely positive about beating this as quickly as possible."

Ikee stole the headlines from giant Chinese swimmer Sun Yang at the Asian Games in Jakarta as she finished with 8 medals in total, a haul previously achieved only by North Korean shooter So Gin-man in 1982.

Breakout performance

Japan's new swimming pin-up would have gone into this year's world championships in South Korea as a strong favorite in the 100m butterfly, while also a threat in the 200m freestyle.

After her breakout performance in Jakarta, Ikee told AFP that she welcomed the pressure to produce at the Tokyo Olympics.

"Pressure for me is something I thrive on," she said. "There will be a lot of Japanese fans cheering for me at the Tokyo Olympics in my home city – maybe even some from overseas too – and that's going to give me great strength.

"The more fans that come, the stronger I'll be," added Ikee. "When it comes to swimming, I just really hate to lose."

Japanese swim officials were left stunned by the news after Ikee's return to Japan late last week.

"I could never imagine Ikee could suffer an illness like this," said Japan Swimming Federation vice-president Koji Ueno, noting that doctors believe they detected the disease in its early stages.

"It's just so very hard to comprehend. It is a severe diagnosis and a tough road back but we would ask everyone for their warm prayers to help her make a full recovery. We want to do everything we can to allow her to compete at the Tokyo Olympics."

Ikee can take strength from several top athletes who beat cancer, including cyclist Lance Armstrong and ice hockey star Mario Lemieux.

Closer to home, former Australia rugby international Christian Lealiifano overcame leukemia and currently plays for Super Rugby's Brumbies, while Malaysia's former badminton world number one Lee Chong Wei is set to return to the sport after recovering from nose cancer. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After being in hot water for several months, Global FC owner Mark Jarvis is committing to pay the salaries the team owes its players and staff for as long as 8 months. 

"We're addressing the issues of the players past and present. We're planning part-payments over two months – in waves – to pay the players off," Jarvis told reporters on Tuesday, February 12. (READ: Broken promises: Why Global Cebu players are unhappy)

"It's been a tough couple of months. This is to start 2019 with a clear and positive look." 

At the start of February 2019, Global player Anton del Rosario revealed the names and how long the mentioned players and staff have not been receiving compensation from the club. 

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The Philippine Premier League (PPL) is monitoring Global – now renamed United Makati FC following the results of a Facebook poll – as the club is mandated to pay out its debts before the league kicks off at the end of March 2019. 

Noncompliance would forfeit the club's entry to the new top tier football league of the Philippines. 

According to Jarvis, the reason why the payments were delayed was because the club sponsors of the 2018 Philippines Football League season have not completely paid their dues.

But Jarvis promised that the Makati-based team will enforce programs to keep the club financially sustainable in the inaugural PPL season together with its partner MMC Sportz.

This has resulted to the re-signing of 7 to 8 players and head coach Dragutin Stević-Ranković, while new talents are coming in to see action in the country's professional club football league. 

United Makati looks to activate the fans in its locality, work together with the local government, and tap Makati-based businesses to prevent the poor financial situation that unfolded in 2018. 

"We're going to have a meeting with the new league management and to see how the commercial rights can be distributed, then we create a program to take advantage of the fellowship of the fans," MMC Sportz Asia CEO Eric Gottschalk said. 

"Everything will be related to United Makati and we will help the league to grow. We have support from the highest authority of the Makati government." 

In turn, the club which will be based in University of Makati will continue providing its grassroots program catered to the Makati community, with a goal to eventually pull in the country's talents to their youth and professional teams. 

The focus on the grassroots level has also led Jarvis to put a salary cap on the club's players.

As Global FC, the club has won 3 national titles in the United Football League, has seen action in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup thrice, and nailed an AFC Champions League berth once in 2017. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – In the end, there is no denying Arellano University a three-peat.

Showing grit and experience, the Lady Chiefs ended the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) Lady Altas’ fairy tale run in 4 sets, 22-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-18, on Tuesday, February 12, to clinch a third straight title in the 94th NCAA women's volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Regine Anne Arocha fired a match-best 16 points including 5 service aces to help power the Lady Chiefs to a 2-1 series win over the Lady Altas, their third championship in a row and fourth overall in the last 5 seasons.

It was an effort that also won Arocha her second straight Finals MVP plum.

Princess Bello scattered 12 hits while the power-spiking Nicole Ebuen, the newly-crowned season MVP, drilled in 11 points, all coming on kills.

Arellano displayed championship experience specifically in Game 2 last Friday, February 8, when it recovered from a fourth-set meltdown to escape with a thrilling 23-25, 25-9, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12 victory that knotted the series at one game apiece and force a deciding game.

UPHSD, which stole the series opener on February 1, 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20, gained the early headway in the sudden death when it took the opening set.

But it turned out its last show of force as Arocha and Arellano took charge and dictated the pace.

That denied the Las Piñas-based school its first title since winning a three-peat of its own 6 seasons ago and a rare triple kill. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Australian Georgia Peregrina smashed the Philippine record in the women's senior 200m backstroke record, eclipsing the feat set by Olympian Akiko Thomson in 1992. 

Peregrina, 17, clocked two minutes, 16 seconds and 33 miliseconds to clinch the gold at the NSW Senior State Age Championships in Sydney, Australia last December 19, 2018.

The Australia-based swimmer also reset the junior national record in the 16-18 age group previously set by Chloe Kennedy Anne Isleta (2:17.19) in 2015.

Philippine Swimming Inc (PSI) president Lani Velasco confirmed to Rappler on Tuesday, February 12 that Peregrina has registered with the national swimming federation, which also validates her time as a Philippine record.

The 26-year-old mark (2:16.44) set by Thomson in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain was the last of her Philippine records that was broken. 

Peregrina's registration with PSI also recognizes her 2:17.09 clocking in the 200m butterfly event in the State Age championships as the junior national record in the 16-18 age group. 

She surpassed Nicole Oliva's 2:18.15 record that was set in July 2018. 

Peregrina's father is from Marikina, while her mother is Australian. 

The Filipino-Australian is qualified to vie for a slot in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games to be hosted in New Clark City that will serve as a Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifying meet as well. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska wasted a double-digit lead against Blackwater but got things done in the endgame en route to a 103-101 win in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, February 13.

Five players breached double figures as the Aces rallied in the final two minutes to bag their second straight win for a 2-1 card and deal the Elite their fourth straight loss for a woeful 1-6 record.

Chris Banchero was in his element all night, putting up 11 points, a career-high 16 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals and burying the jumper that gave Alaska a 101-100 lead with a minute left.

Sonny Thoss had his breakout game of the conference of 16 points and 5 boards and hit a jumpshot from the top of the key with 36 seconds remaining that preserved the win for the Aces. 

Still without starters Vic Manuel, Simon Enciso, JVee Casio and Kevin Racal, Alaska received a big boost from Jeron Teng and Carl Bryan Cruz, who each had team-highs of 18 points. 

The Elite, who erased a deficit as large as 13 points, were primed to return to the winning track after taking a 97-94 lead behind Allein Maliksi's hot hands.

However, the Aces answered with a Ping Exciminiano layup and a Cruz triple to gain a 99-97 advantage.

Maliksi returned the favor with a three-pointer of his own for a 100-99 Blackwater lead with 1:18 minutes left but his side was limited to a single point in the final minute. 

Exciminiano came off the bench and finished with 14 points and 9 boards rookie MJ Ayaay and Jake Pascual chipped in 9 and 8 points, respectively, in the win.

Maliksi chalked up a game-high 25 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists while Roi Sumang and Mike Digregorio had 18 and 14 markers, respectively, in the losing cause. 

The Scores

Alaska 103 – Cruz 18, Teng 18, Thoss 16, Exciminiano 14, Banchero 11, Ayaay 9, Pascual 8, Galliguez 7, Potts 2, Baclao 0.

Blackwater 101 – Maliksi 25, Sumang 18, Digregorio 14, Jose 9, Tratter 7, Belo 7, Sena 6, Cortez 6, Desiderio 4, Alolino 3, Eriobu 2, Javier 0, Banal 0.

Quarters: 29-28, 49-48, 75-72, 103-101.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Expect James Yap to deliver in the clutch.

Yap showed he is still deadly as ever by converting the game-winning three-point play in Rain or Shine's 75-74 triumph over Magnolia in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, February 13. 

The Elasto Painters trailed 72-74 with under 10 seconds left before Yap curled to the top of the key and hit the game-tying one-handed floater with 5 ticks left plus the foul from Rome dela Rosa. 

Yap then coolly sank the bonus free throw as Rain or Shine secured its fifth straight win and seventh overall in 8 games after Ian Sangalang muffed a potential game-winning bucket at the buzzer. 

The two-time Most Valuable Player finished with a game-high 18 points to go with 5 rebounds and also drilled in a crucial triple that knotted the score at 70-all with 1:15 minutes remaining. 

Dela Rosa and Beau Belga exchanged buckets for a 72-all deadlock before Paul Lee gave the Hotshots the upper hand by burying an up-and-under jumper over Gabe Norwood with 7 seconds left. 

However, it didn't take long before Yap stole the show and the win from his former team. 

Maverick Ahanmisi finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists while Norbert Torres had 11 markers in the win. Raymond Almazan added 14 boards, 5 points, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

Ian Sangalang put up a monster double-double of 16 points and 18 boards but that couldn't prevent Magnolia from remaining winless in 3 games. 

Mark Barroca had 16 points, Robbie Herndon finished with 11 markers and 11 rebounds while Paul Lee finished with 10 points in the loss. 

The Scores

Rain or Shine 75 - Yap 18, Ahanmisi 13, Torres 11, Rosales 7, Norwood 6, Almazan 5, Belga 4, Nambatac 3, Ponferada 3, Mocon 3, Onwubere 2, Daquioag 0.

Magnolia 74 - Sangalang 16, Barroca 16, Herndon 11, Lee 10, Reavis 9, Brondial 7, Dela Rosa 2, Jalalon 2, Pascual 1, Melton 0.

Quarters: 24-14, 40-33, 55-49, 75-74.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Hong Kong Eastern yanked out an annoying thorn on their side as they finally beat San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, 88-83, in ABL Season 9 in Hong Kong on Wednesday, February 13.

Without 7-foot-3 banger PJ Ramos to bother him, 7-foot-5 giant Sam Deguara ran wild all over Alab, tallying 18 points with eye-popping game-highs of 31 rebounds and 8 blocks.

Newly-acquired import Michael Holyfield also chipped in a huge 19-point, 20-board double-double to help out Eastern, who snapped Alab’s season-high seven-game winning streak.

Alab lost their big anchor for the night as Ramos was hit with food poisoning.

After losing their first 3 matchups, Hong Kong finally scored the breakthrough win to go up 12-9 in the standings while the defending champs fell to 13-3, albeit still at 1st place.

Reigning two-time Local MVP Ray Parks Jr erupted on a personal 8-0 run at the start of the 4th frame to give Alab their first lead of the night, 72-71.

Caelan Tiongson and Parks then conspired for 5 more markers to extend the lead to 5, 77-71, at the 6-minute mark.

However, Marcus Elliot and Ki Lee piled on two straight threes to tie the game, 77-all, just 50 seconds later.

Holyfield then punctuated the 11-0 response with a clutch putback, 82-77, with 1:22 left in regulation. 

After Deguara pushed the lead to 4, 84-80, Alab wasted its next crucial possession with a 24-second violation ending at the 33-second mark.

Lee then sealed the deal with two charities off the penalty, 86-80. 

Parks ended with a game-high 29 points on a 10-of-17 (58%) shooting.

Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Renaldo Balkman filled in as the team’s center and only managed 14 points and 12 rebounds as a result. Stud point guard Ethan Alvano chipped in 11 points and 10 assists for the double-double finish.

Alab finished with 36 team rebounds, only 5 more than Deguara’s solo effort.

The Scores 

Hong Kong 88 – Holyfield 19, Deguara 18, Lee 17, Elliott 13, Chan 9, Lau 6, Tang 3, Lam 3, Siu 0, Yang 0, Xu 0. 

Alab Pilipinas 83 - Parks 29, Balkman 14, Alvano 11, Urbiztondo 11, Tiongson 9, Domingo 6, Alabanza 2, Rosser 1, Javelona 0, Rivero 0, Torres 0.

Quarters: 27-15, 43-36, 71-64, 88-83.

– Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – It was a dime-dropping delight kind of night for Chris Banchero in Alaska's 103-101 win over Blackwater in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, February 13. 

Banchero issued a career-high 16 assists to go with 11 points and 2 steals as the Aces booked their second straight triumph despite still missing starters Vic Manuel, JVee Casio, Kevin Racal and Simon Enciso to injuries. 

Just how impresive was Banchero's feat? The rest of his teammates combined for 11 dimes, with no one having more than 3. The Elite had 22. 

And all of the gutsy playmaker's assists were important, particularly his last for a Sonny Thoss jump shot that gave Alaska a 103-100 lead and essentially, the win. 

"It's incredible. I didn't realize that [he dished out that many assists]," said Aces head coach Alex Compton.

"One of the things I've talked about with Chris prior to last season was he's got an ability to get PBA players open shots that a lot of guys don't have."

"It's not purely unique, it's not completely different than anybody else in the league, but he's got one of those upper echelon abilities to create for other people." 

The PBA's top assist man last season with an average of 5.8 per outing, Banchero issued only a combined 6 dimes in his first two games this conference. 

But his assist average has quickly skyrocketed to 7.3 per game, which ranks second only to San Miguel's Chris Ross (8.3). 

"Sixteen assists is phenomenal," Compton added. "I'll have to buy him a steak dinner for that." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – History beckons for De La Salle University (DLSU) as the Lady Spikers vie to become the first team to capture 4 straight UAAP women's volleyball titles in the Final Four era. 

Ramil de Jesus, currently the most decorated coach in the UAAP with 11 crowns, looks to extend the Lady Spikers' reign even if he's back in the cycle of developing new players. 

The graduation of La Salle's star trio – Dawn Macandili, Kianny Dy and Majoy Baron – has left veteran attackers Desiree Cheng, Tin Tiamzon and May Luna to take over the reins. 

Setter Michelle Cobb aims to embrace her role as the team's main playmaker as Aduke Ogunsanya adds height and reinforcement to the frontline's defense. 

Middle blocker Lourdes Clemente from NCAA's Perpetual Help also hopes to bring in some veteran experience. 

It may be an uphill climb for the rebuilding Lady Spikers, but De Jesus might just work his magic again and turn this young squad into a champion. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Just like any other game.

James Yap insisted he had no extra motivation against former team Magnolia when he converted the game-winning three-point play in Rain or Shine's 75-74 triumph in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, February 13. 

"Actually, hindi ko na iniisip 'yun kasi pag iisipin mo 'yun, nandoon 'yung gigil, nandoon lahat eh na gusto mong magpakita," the two-time Most Valuable Player, who finished with a game-high 18 points, told reporters. 

(Actually, I wasn't thinking of winning against my former team because when you look at it that way, you will become overeager to show what you've got.) 

With the Elasto Painters trailing 72-74, "Big Game James" turned back the hands of time by pump faking two defenders and knocking down a one-handed floater and fetching a foul from Rome dela Rosa with 2.5 ticks left. 

Knotting the score at 74-all, Yap then calmly sank the go-ahead free throw as Rain or Shine tightened its grip on the top spot with its seventh win in 8 outings. 

Once the face of the Purefoods franchise, Yap admitted to have always wanted to be in his best form against his former team since he was traded to Rain or Shine in 2016.

But in time, that feeling has subsided. 

"[A]aminin ko noong mga bago pa lang na trade. Pero ngayon, mag-tu-two years na so kailangan ko rin mag-relax kasi laging gigil 'pag sila kalaban so ngayon, relax lang," he said. 

(I admit that I was always overeager back then. But now, it will be two years since I was traded so I need to relax.) 

For the 36-year-old, it's always euphoric to bail out Rain or Shine just like he used to during his time with Purefoods. 

"Masarap talaga 'yung feeling na ginagawa mo dati sa team mo, sa kalaban mo, tapos ngayon nagawa mo sa bago mong team." 

(It always feels good that what I did for my old team, I'm still able to do it for my new team.) 

Yap and Rain or Shine head into a three-week break before they tangle with TNT on March 3 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – James Yap is no stranger to winning a championship. After all, he has a ton of it, having won 7 PBA titles under the Purefoods franchise.

But as he turns 37 on February 15, the two-time Most Valuable Player has one wish: to bag his first championship with Rain or Shine. 

"Sana mag-champion kami as a Rain or Shine player naman," he told reporters after their 75-74 win over former team Magnolia in their 2019 Philippine Cup clash on Wednesday, February 13. 

(I wish I can win a championship as a Rain or Shine player.) 

It has been more than 4 years since Yap last captured a title, back when he helped the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers complete a rare Grand Slam by ruling the 2014 Governors' Cup. 

Since he was traded to the Elasto Painters in 2016, though, the sweet-shooting guard has never reached the finals again.

But with a resurgence in his game and Rain or Shine boasting a league-best 7-1 record, Yap's wish just might come to fruition should they maintain their fiery form. 

"Ito 'yung isa sa mga magandang gift: 7-1, No. 1 kami ngayon and magbe-birthday," he said.  

(This is one of the best gifts I received: we're up 7-1, we're No. 1 and it's almost my birthday.) 

Although now in the twilight of his career, Yap assured he still has plenty of gas left in the tank, proven by averaging a team-best 14.8 points on a 40% shooting this conference. 

"Okay pa naman. Kayang kayang kaya pa naman. Alaga lang sa katawan."

(I'm okay. I can still play. I just need to take care of my body.) – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – It's the time of the year where the UAAP women's volleyball title is at stake once again. 

But things are looking different even for powerhouse De La Salle Lady Spikers, who are aiming to be the first team in the Final Four era to clinch a four-peat championship. 

In the opening weekend, all 8 teams will battle it out in a bid to get a head start in their journey to the Final Four. (SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball round 1)

UP vs UE

The UP Lady Maroons have been on a roll in the preseason, copping the 2018 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference and 2018 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Collegiate Grand Slam titles.

(WATCH: U.P. Lady Maroons out to live up UAAP hype)

Former Kenyan national team coach Godfrey Okumu will be leading State U in his second year in the UAAP together with captain Tots Carlos who is returning from injury. 

Although they look to continue that winning streak over the UE Lady Warriors, the Recto-based squad will go out to prove that they're no longer league pushovers. 

(WATCH: UE Lady Warriors aim higher in UAAP Season 81)

Veteran libero Kath Arado – who bagged the UAAP Season 80 best receiver and best digger awards –  will captain the Lady Warriors in their new-found strength in defense. 

The Lady Maroons and Lady Warriors open the women's volleyball season on Saturday, February 16, 2 pm at the Filoil Flying V Arena. 

FEU vs NU

Season 80 finalist FEU will face last year's 4th placer NU, with both teams missing their topscorers – Bernadeth Pons and Season 80 MVP Jaja Santiago– who have graduated from the UAAP. 

Despite losing Pons to graduation, the Lady Tamaraws still have an intact veteran core that looks to build on its championship-round experience and shoot for FEU's 30th women's volleyball title.

(WATCH: Nothing less than a title slot for FEU Lady Tamaraws)

On the other hand, the 11-woman NU team will be led by star rookies who are no strangers to winning  championships.

Five rookies were farmed from the NU girls volleyball team that clinched a four-peat crown in the juniors division. 

(WATCH: Young NU Lady Bulldogs dare to challenge league vets)

Catch the exciting clash on Saturday, February 16, 4 pm, at the Filoil Flying V Arena. 

Adamson vs UST

Last season, Adamson capped off its campaign with a sweep of UST. Now, both teams are off to start Season 81 with a rematch. 

The UST Golden Tigresses aim to bounce back from an injury-filled season that was a main factor in their slide to 7th place last year. 

Season 80 best scorer Sisi Rondina vies to provide firepower to the España-based squad for one last time, but UST has also beefed up its roster with star recruits like Eya Laure. 

(WATCH: It's the UST Golden Tigresses' turn to shine)

The Adamson Lady Falcons, meanwhile, hope to recover from their own injury woes in the preseason and be in peak form in the UAAP. 

(WATCH: Adamson Lady Falcons put themselves to the test)

Like the Golden Tigresses, the Lady Falcons will also rely on their top recruit, Trisha Genesis, to aid the veterans. 

Adamson and UST face each other on Sunday, February 17, 2 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Ateneo vs La Salle 

After battling in the finals for 6 straight seasons,  Ateneo and La Salle will treat their fans to an early clash of archrivals in the opening weekend. 

La Salle, mentored by 11-time UAAP champion coach Ramil de Jesus, will go out to prove that their young team can match up to the collegiate veterans by starting their season strong with a win over Ateneo. 

(WATCH: La Salle Lady Spikers return to make history)

The graduation of star trio Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron and Season 80 Finals MVP Dawn Macandili has left the reins with captain Desiree Cheng. 

The Ateneo Lady Eagles ended their Finals streak last season after getting booted out by FEU in the semifinals. 

Even without two-time UAAP champion coach Tai Bundit, the Lady Eagles found another mentor with championship experience in Oliver Almadro, who led the Ateneo men's volleyball team to a three-peat title. 

(WATCH: Ateneo Lady Eagles eye grand comeback)

Bea de Leon, Maddie Madayag and Kim Gequillana return for their 5th year to end their UAAP careers the same way they started it – with a championship.

Almadro, who was once part of De Jesus' coaching staff in La Salle, will meet his colleague at the opposite side of the court on Sunday, February 17, 4 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

New commissioner

Host school National University has appointed international referee Yul Benosa as this year’s commissioner for the men’s and women’s volleyball wars.

An international volleyball referee since 2009, Benosa has officiated various tournaments such as the Asian Men’s Club Championships held in Manila in 2014 and the ASEAN University Games in Singapore in 2016.

The Sison, Pangasinan native knows the collegiate volleyball games circuit as well because he has been the UAAP’s chief referee from 2008 to 2018. Besides officiating the highest level of collegiate volleyball in the country, Benosa has been serving as assistant tournament manager of the Palarong Pambansa Volleyball Tournaments since 2012.

He is also a coaching clinician and volleyball event organizer for the Philippine Volleyball Federation and teaches senior high at the Pasay City North High School-Tramo Campus.

Benosa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education Major in Physical Education, Health and Music from the University of Santo Tomas. He was a student-athlete in college who helped capture 3 UAAP men’s volleyball titles for his school from 1989 to 1991.

As an athlete, he represented the country as RP Youth Team captain in Kanchanaburi Thailand in 1992 as member of the National Men’s Senior Volleyball Team in Fukuoka, Japan in 1993 and the National Beach Volleyball Competition in Yokohama, Japan in 1993 before moving on to coaching and officiating.

His volleyball career began as a high school junior at Pasay City West High School when he was selected to the RP Youth Volleyball Team that competed in Australia in 1987. Benosa brings this wealth of volleyball playing and technical experience to the Season 81 volleyball tournament. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Romero Duno and Reymart Gaballo can't wait to join the long list of Filipino champions in the world stage. 

And the two up-and-coming boxers, who are both coming off rousing stoppage victories, can turn that goal into a reality this year if they keep on claiming one victim after the other. 

The 23-year-old Duno, whose record stands at 19-1 (15 knockouts), could be up for a world title fight before 2019 ends. 

Co-promoted by Golden Boy and Sanman, the pride of General Santos City will see action under the Cinco de Mayo card of the middleweight title unification bout between superstars Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs. 

"Sabi ng Golden Boy, this year most likely [ang world title fight]. Maybe sa May, maybe after that, but 'yun ang sabi nila sa amin," said Sanman Promotions honcho JC Manangquil. 

(Golden Boy said he may contend for a title most likely this year. Maybe in May, maybe after that, but this year.) 

Meanwhile, Gaballo – undefeated in 21 bouts with 18 KOs – is the mandatory challenger to the World Boxing Association bantamweight title after clinching the interim belt in March 2018.

That means the 22-year-old, who also hails from General Santos City, will go up against either compatriot Nonito Donaire, who holds the WBA Super crown, or Japanese Naoya Inoue, who has the WBA World belt. 

"Gagawin ko po ang lahat kung mangyari man 'yun (I will do everything I can if ever that happens)," Gaballo said when asked about a potential all-Filipino world title bout. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The 2019 PBA D-League season officially kicked off with a blowout as the Cignal-Ateneo Blue Eagles drubbed the Go for Gold-CSB Scratchers, 103-75, at the Ynares Sports Arena on Thursday, February 14.

Sweet-shooting big man Isaac Go led Cignal’s dominance with 21 points off the bench on a 4-of-6 (66%) clip from downtown.

Fellow anchor Ange Kouame tallied a 13-point, 18-rebound double-double with 4 blocks to boot, while veteran sniper Adrian Wong chipped in 17 markers on a 5-of-12 (41%) shooting from deep.

Despite fielding only 9 players due to ongoing classes, the defending UAAP champions erupted for a massive 24-1 run in the 2nd quarter to essentially put the game away at 44-17 with 3:36 to go.

Athletic stud Justin Gutang managed to trim the Scratchers’ deficit to 15, 43-58, after a layup at the 5:35 mark of the 3rd frame, but the 2018 Foundation Cup champions never got closer than that down the stretch.

Kouame sealed the game for good late in the 4th after a contested one-hand tomahawk jam for the 100-73 lead.

Multi-titled head coach Tab Baldwin commended his wards’ stellar offensive performances after the game. 

“You know we only had 9 guys,” he said. “This isn't how we play in the UAAP. We'll press a lot more, we'll do a lot of other things that we really can't do when our numbers are down. So offensively, I was surprised, we played pretty well.”

Gutang paced Go for Gold with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals off the bench. Vocal leader Yankie Haruna added 11 markers as the only other Scratcher in double-digit points.

Valencia City Bukidnon-SSC outlasts Marinerong Pilipino

In the second game, the Valencia City Bukidnon-San Sebastian Stags snuck past the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers in a 110-104 overtime thriller.

After Skipper big man Art Aquino nailed a clutch buzzer-beating putback to send the game to overtime, 100-all, the Stags put that to waste with an 8-0 charge in the extra period for the 108-102 gap. 

Former La Salle forward Santi Santillan made it a four-point game, 104-108, after a layup at the 1:06 mark, but the Skippers tumbled in the clutch as spitfire Stag RK Ilagan closed them out with two charities off the penalty, 110-104.

San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya was in a good mood with the win despite needing an extra period.

“Everybody, nakita naman ninyo, 'yung sa extension, hindi nag-give up 'yung mga bata eh. So I guess, 'yun 'yung bini-build namin dito ngayon,” he said. “Imagine Marinero ang lakas ng team, tapos 'yung competition at saka building ng character ng Baste, then at least nakita ko na hindi kami nag-give up, and that is the very thing that I'm very happy about.” 

(As you can see, everybody didn’t give up in the extension. So I guess, that’s what we’re building off on today. Imagine, Marinero is a strong team, plus the competition here and the character-building with Baste, at least I saw that we didn’t give up. That’s the very thing that I’m very happy about.)

Lanky swingman Allyn Bulanadi led San Sebastian’s closeout with 32 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Ilagan fired off 28 markers in tow with 7 boards and 6 assists on 5-of-9 (56%) clip from downtown. 

Former CEU point guard Orlan Wamar came one rebound short of a triple-double, tallying 15 markers, 9 boards and a game-high 14 assists in the losing effort.

Team veteran Mike Ayonayon led the team in scoring with 23 points while Aquino added 19 markers and 5 boards.

The Scores 

First Game:

Cignal-Ateneo 103 – Go 21, Wong 17, Ma. Nieto 14, Kouame 13, Mi. Nieto 9, Navarro 9, Belangel 9, Daves 6, Credo 5. 

Go for Gold-CSB 75 – Gutang 21, Haruna 11, Belgica 9, Pasturan 8, Naboa 7, Young 6, Dixon 6, Carlos 5, Leutcheu 2, Nayve 0.

Quarters: 20-14, 49-26, 80-55, 103-75.

Second Game: 

Valencia-San Sebastian 110 – Bulanadi 32, Ilagan 28, Calma 9, Villapando 8, Capobres 7, Dela Cruz 6, Are 5, Altamirano 5, Sumoda 4, Desoyo 3, Bonleon 3, Calahat 0, Tero 0, Loristo 0. 

Marinerong Pilipino 104 – Ayonayon 23, Aquino 19, Wamar 15, Rodriguez 15, Santillan 12, Asistio 9, Mendoza 6, Reyes 3, Serrano 2, Victoria 0, Bonifacio 0, Bunag 0. 

Quarters: 30-26, 50-53, 78-68, 100-100, 110-104.

– Rappler.com

PERTH, Australia – Miguel Tabuena equalled the European Tour record for the most birdies in the opening nine holes to share the lead with Norway's Kristoffer Reitan on day one of the World Super 6 in Perth.

The Filipino rattled off 7 birdies in a row after starting on the 10th at Lake Karrinyup Country Club and then sunk another on the 18th to make the turn in 28 shots.

He flirted with the course record of 63 but two bogeys on the back nine saw him home in a seven-under-par 65 for a share of the lead with Reitan.

"I just got ahead of myself the last few holes," said Tabuena, who has won two times on the Asian Tour.

"I'm not going to lie, I started to force shots that I wasn't comfortable with. I started to go at pins that I shouldn't have and the bogey on the par-3 (5th) cost me."

His 8 birdies by the turn equalled the record held by Marten Olander in the opening round of the 2002 France Open and Craig Lee in round 3 at the 2013 European Masters, according to European Tour officials. 

The blitz came just a week after Australian James Nitties equalled a world record with 9 consecutive birdies at the Vic Open, matching the feat first accomplished by Mark Calcavecchia at the 2009 Canadian Open.

The innovative World Super 6 is making its third appearance in the Race to Dubai, with 3 rounds of stroke play cutting the field before the top 24 players go head-to-head in six-hole knockout matchplay on Sunday to decide a winner.

Reitan, who went through European Tour qualifying last year, followed Tabuena's lead by plundering 8 birdies in his round, offset by one bogey.

"Played some good golf tee to green very well, and holed some putts as well, so I'm really happy about the round," he said.

The pair are two clear of New Zealand's Ben Campbell and England's Richard McEvoy.

Scotland's David Law, who won his maiden European Tour title at the Vic Open last week, is 5 behind the leaders, alongside Nitties.– Rappler.com