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Your latest sports news, in the Philippines and around the world.

Atlanta Dream Outlast New York Liberty in Overtime Thriller (101 – 98)

October 8, 2026
Atlanta Dream Outlast New York Liberty in Overtime Thriller (101 – 98)

The Atlanta Dream extended their postseason run with a thrilling 101-98 overtime victory over the New York Liberty in Game 2 of the WNBA Semifinals, seizing a 2-0 series lead.

Angel Reese delivered a dominant performance for Atlanta, recording 23 points and seven rebounds, including six key points during the extra period. Point guard Jordin Canada matched Reese with 23 points alongside eight assists to pace the Dream’s attack. New York star Breanna Stewart put up a game-high 35 points and 11 rebounds, lighting up the scoreboard early with 25 first-half points. Jonquel Jones added 21 points and eight rebounds for the Liberty, but New York struggled with 16 total turnovers.

The physical contest feature late lead changes down the stretch in regulation. In overtime, Naz Hillmon scored the go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds remaining. After Sabrina Ionescu committed a critical turnover on the ensuing possession, Reese sealed the victory with two late free throws.

Full Game Highlights;

Atlanta now heads to New York needing just one more win to secure their first WNBA Finals berth since 2013.

Golden State Valkyries Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Las Vegas Aces (83 – 81)

October 8, 2026
Golden State Valkyries Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Las Vegas Aces (83 – 81)

The Golden State Valkyries are one win way to eliminate the defending champs and to reach the WNBA Finals after edging out the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 in Game 2 of their Semifinals series. Playing in front of a energetic home crowd, the expansion Valkyries controlled much of the contest before fending off a fierce second-half comeback by the defending champions.

Tiffany Hayes spearheaded the Valkyries’ attack ff the bench with 21 points, while Gabby Williams added 20 points, five rebounds, and crucial late-game playmaking. Golden State built a substantial early margin behind balanced scoring and perimeter efficiency from Kayla Thornton, who chipped in 16 points. Las Vegas rallied late to erase a double-digit deficit, driven by interior pressure and clutch shot-making. However, with the game tied in the final minute, Veronica Burton sank a clutch three-pointer with 41 seconds left off a setup from Williams to give Golden State a decisive edge. The Aces had one final chance to respond, but their last-second attempt fell short.

Full Game highlights;

With a commanding 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five series, Golden State now travels to Las Vegas for Game 3, putting the Aces on the brink of elimination.

Let’s learn some Tennis Terminology and Vocabulary

October 7, 2026
Let’s learn some Tennis Terminology and Vocabulary

Unless you’re living under a rock with not access to the outside world, you probably heard the name Alexandra “ALEX” Eala, the Filipina Tennis sensation whose mere presence disrupt the TENNIS Status QUO and If you’re new to Tennis, just like me, I’m pretty sure there are terms, words and even phrases that are still difficult to understand, so I created this post for your ultimate guide to Lawn Tennis or just simply Tennis.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock without Wi-Fi, you’ve definitely heard the name Alexandra “Alex” Eala—the Filipina tennis sensation who’s been casually disrupting the sport’s status quo one baseline winner at a time. If you’re brand new to tennis (guilty as charged!), the terminology can quickly start sounding like a foreign language. Is Love a score or a feeling? Why are they scoring 15, 30, and suddenly 40?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here is your ultimate, jargon-free guide to lawn tennis (or just tennis, for those of us who don’t play on a palace lawn).

Tennis has one of the most distinctive vocabularies in all of sports—a blend of old-world tradition, technical mechanics, and modern player slang (where “love” means zero, a “bagel” is a set score, and a “tweener” is a trick shot).

Here is a comprehensive, structured guide combining essential rules, court knowledge, stroke dynamics, and commentary lingo into one complete reference.

Scoring & Match Essentials

Tennis scoring follows a unique progression that can seem bizarre at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

  • Love: Zero points. The word likely derives from the French l’œuf (“the egg”), referring to the shape of a zero.
  • 15, 30, 40: The point progression in a standard game:
    • 1st point = 15
    • 2nd point = 30
    • 3rd point = 40
    • 4th point = Game (unless tied at 40–40).
  • Deuce: A tied score of 40–40. A player must win two consecutive points from Deuce to win the game.
  • Ad (Advantage): The point scored directly after Deuce.
    • Ad-In (Advantage In): The server won the point after Deuce.
    • Ad-Out (Advantage Out): The receiver won the point after Deuce.
  • Break Point: A scenario where the receiving player needs just one more point to win the game off the server.
  • Hold / Break:
    • Hold: Winning a game when you are serving.
    • Break: Winning a game when your opponent is serving.
  • Tiebreak: A structured game played when a set reaches a 6–6 tie to determine the set winner (first to 7 points, leading by 2).
  • Bagel & Breadstick:
    • Bagel: Winning or losing a set 6–0 (named for the shape of the zero).
    • Breadstick: Winning or losing a set 6–1.

Court Layout & Playing Surfaces

Understanding court geography helps with positioning, strategy, and recognizing match commentary cues.

  • Baseline: The line running parallel to the net at the very back boundary of the court.
  • Service Box: The two rectangular boxes on either side of the center net where a serve must land.
  • No Man’s Land: The open area between the baseline and the service line. It is generally risky to linger here because incoming balls bounce directly at your feet.
  • Tramlines (Doubles Alley): The outer side strips of the court used exclusively during doubles matches.

Surfaces & Playing Styles

  • Clay: A slower surface that produces high-bouncing rallies and allows players to slide into shots. Suits a baseliner who stays back and trades heavy groundstrokes.
  • Grass: A fast, low-bouncing surface favoring big serves and rapid points. Suits a serve-and-volleyer who rushes the net directly behind a serve.
  • Hard Court: A balanced surface made of acrylic/concrete that sits right between clay and grass in speed and bounce height.

Strokes, Shots & Spin

Mastering shot terminology makes both playing and watching the sport easier to follow.

Basic Strokes

  • Serve (Service): The overhead stroke that initiates every point, aimed diagonally across the net into the receiver’s service box.
  • Groundstroke: Any shot (forehand or backhand) struck after the ball bounces once on the court.
  • Forehand: A shot struck on the side of your body corresponding to your dominant hand.
  • Backhand: A shot hit across your body with the back of your hand facing the direction of the stroke (executed one-handed or two-handed).
  • Volley: A shot hit out of the air before the ball bounces, typically played close to the net.
  • Overhead (Smash): A powerful shot hit high above the head with a motion similar to a serve, usually in response to a shallow lob.

Tactical Shots

  • Lob: A high, arching shot deep into the opponent’s court, usually designed to pass over an opponent positioned at the net.
  • Drop Shot: A touch shot played softly over the net, intended to catch an opponent who is deep behind the baseline.
  • Passing Shot: A sharp groundstroke hit past a player standing at the net rather than over them.
  • Moonball: A very high, slow, looping shot meant to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and force them back.

Spin Mechanics

  • Topspin: Forward rotation on the ball causing it to dip sharply into the court and bounce high.
  • Slice (Backspin): Backward rotation causing the ball to float low over the net and stay skid-low after bouncing.
  • Flat: A shot struck with little to no spin, resulting in maximum speed and a lower trajectory.

Errors, Faults & Officiating

  • Ace: A valid serve that lands in the service box and goes completely untouched by the receiver.
  • Fault: An illegal serve—such as landing outside the service box or hitting the net.
  • Double Fault: Two consecutive service faults, resulting in a loss of the point.
  • Foot Fault: A violation called when a server’s foot touches or crosses the baseline before the racket makes contact with the ball.
  • Let: A point or serve that is replayed, most commonly when a serve clips the net cord but still lands inside the correct service box.
  • Unforced Error: A mistake made on a routine shot without significant pressure from the opponent.
  • Forced Error: A mistake caused directly by the high quality, speed, or difficulty of the opponent’s shot.

Tournaments & Draw Structure

  • Draw: The official schedule and bracket map of match pairings in a tournament.
  • Seed: A top-ranked player positioned intentionally in the draw so that the highest-ranked competitors do not meet in the earliest rounds.
  • Bye: An automatic advancement to the next round of a tournament without playing a match, usually awarded to top seeds in draw brackets with uneven field sizes.
  • Walkover: Advancing to the next round because an opponent withdraws prior to the start of the match.
  • Retirement: When a player is forced to stop mid-match (typically due to injury), awarding the victory to their opponent.

On-Court Slang & Player Characterizations

  • Tweener: A dramatic trick shot hit between the legs while running back toward the baseline.
  • Pusher: A defensive player who focuses entirely on safely returning every ball back into play without attempting aggressive winners.
  • Grinder: An endurance-focused player who wears down opponents through long, physically demanding rallies and high consistency.
  • Gets: High-effort retrievals of seemingly impossible or out-of-reach shots.
  • Clutch: Performing at your absolute best during high-pressure, crucial points.
  • Choke: Suffering a sudden performance decline due to nerves, especially when close to winning a match.

Here’s a list of tennis terminology I’ve compiled so far. If I missed anything or left something out, let me know in the comments below!

As for the history of Tennis, then you may want to checkout this Wikipedia Page – History of tennis

Atlanta Dream Stun Liberty 92–82 in Game 1 (92-82)

October 5, 2026
Atlanta Dream Stun Liberty 92–82 in Game 1 (92-82)

The Atlanta Dream issued a clear warning to the rest of the league on Sunday night, earning a hard-fought 92–82 victory over the New York Liberty to capture Game 1 of their WNBA Semifinals series. Playing in front of an energetic home crowd, Atlanta rode a high-intensity defensive strategy and a dominant late-game execution to take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-five series.

The victory came despite a huge setback for Atlanta midway through the contest, as leading scorer Allisha Gray was forced to leave the game with a left hand injury. However, Atlanta’s depth and second-half composure proved too much for New York to handle.

Jordin Canada was the undisputed engine for Atlanta, delivering a brilliant all-around display with 25 points, 5 steals, and 4 assists. Canada put the team on her back in the second half, scoring 20 of her game-high 25 points after halftime. Her relentless pressure on defense disrupted New York’s rhythm on perimeter possessions, while her decisive drives and clutch pull-up jumpers helped Atlanta maintain control down the stretch as the Liberty pressed to close the gap.

Veteran DeWanna Bonner stepped up immensely with 23 key points off the bench, providing essential firepower when the starters needed relief and during Allisha Gray’s absence.

Atlanta’s perimeter trapping defensive scheme repeatedly forced New York into costly miscues, resulting in multiple steals and fast-break points that kept the momentum in Atlanta’s favor throughout the final quarters.

The series continues in Atlanta for Game 2, where the Dream will look to protect home court once again before the series shifts to Brooklyn.

Full game highlights;

Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
New York Liberty 24 16 15 27 82
Atlanta Dream 21 16 32 32 92

Golden State Valkyries Stun Las Vegas in WNBA Semifinal Opener (71-60)

October 5, 2026
Golden State Valkyries Stun Las Vegas in WNBA Semifinal Opener (71-60)

The Golden State Valkyries sent a loud message to the rest of the WNBA on Sunday afternoon at the Chase Center. Hosting Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Semifinals against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, Golden State put on an elite defensive display to secure a 71–60 victory and take a 1–0 series lead.

Dubbed “Valkatraz” by the Bay Area faithful, the home defense turned Chase Center into a fortress, holding a stacked Las Vegas roster featuring A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray to just 60 total points on 33.9% shooting from the field.

Golden State forward Gabby Williams was the best player on the floor from the opening tip, finishing with a game-high 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 4-for-7 from three-point range. Carrying the offensive load while playing relentless defense, she lead Golden State’s scoring thrusts whenever Las Vegas threatened a run to cap off a dominant double-double performance.

Despite A’ja Wilson putting up a team-high 24 points, Golden State forced her into an inefficient 8-of-21 shooting night while swarming the paint. Kiah Stokes grabbed 14 rebounds and recorded 4 rejections to anchor the paint defense.

Las Vegas shot just 33.3% from beyond the arc, as Golden State guarded key scoring guards Chelsea Gray (16 PTS, 5/14 FG) and Jackie Young (11 PTS, 4/15 FG) tightly on the perimeter.

Golden State dominated the boards 52 to 25, including 17 offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points.

Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
Las Vegas Aces 18 13 17 12 60
Golden State Valkyries 22 12 22 15 71

Full Game highlights;

Game 2 of the series remains at Chase Center on Wednesday night before heading to Las Vegas for Game 3.

Alina Charaeva Upsets the World No.1 Rybakina in three sets 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the 2026 China Open

October 4, 2026
Alina Charaeva Upsets the World No.1 Rybakina in three sets 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the 2026 China Open

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina suffered a shock early exit on Tuesday, falling 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to 118th-ranked Oksana Charaeva in a historic upset.

The victory marks the biggest win of the Russian-born Armenian’s career and her first over a top-20 opponent. Charaeva delivered a clinical performance, converting five of eight break points and winning 76 percent of her first-serve points to orchestrate the comeback.

With the defeat, Rybakina became just the second top-ranked woman in WTA history to drop her opening match after reaching No. 1. Charaeva also made history as the lowest-ranked player to rally from a set down to defeat a World No. 1 since computer rankings were introduced in 1975.

Rybakina, who struggled with seven double faults throughout the match, later pointed to physical strain following the U.S. Open and an ongoing foot injury as key factors in her performance.

WNBA Playoff Roundup: Four Contenders Collide in Best-of-Five Semifinals

October 4, 2026
WNBA Playoff Roundup: Four Contenders Collide in Best-of-Five Semifinals

The 2026 WNBA postseason delivered an electric First Round, setting up thrilling Semifinals matchups.

In a shocking upset, the No. 8-seeded New York Liberty swept the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, punching their ticket to face the high-powered No. 4 Atlanta Dream, who sweeps the Washington Mystics in two games.

On the other side of the bracket, the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces outlasted the Indiana Fever in a hard-fought three-game series. They advance to face the expansion No. 2 Golden State Valkyries, who edged out the Dallas Wings in Game 3.

The 2026 WNBA Semifinals will start Sunday, October 4th.

Aces Eliminate Fever in Game 3, Advance to Semifinals (94-83 )

October 3, 2026
Aces Eliminate Fever in Game 3, Advance to Semifinals (94-83 )

The Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 94-83 on Thursday night to win their first-round series 2-1.

The teams were tied 31-31 after one quarter. Las Vegas then outscored Indiana 23-17 in the second and 24-18 in the fourth. The Aces went 28-of-35 at the free-throw line, while the Fever shot just 38.5% from the field.

A’ja Wilson scored 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting, made 12 of 15 free throws, and grabbed 10 rebounds. Chelsea Gray added 23 points, and Jackie Young had 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. For Indiana, Kelsey Mitchell scored 23, and Aliyah Boston had 19 points and 10 rebounds. Caitlin Clark scored 18 but committed six turnovers.

Full game highlights;

The Aces open the semifinals against the winner of the Dallas Wings-Golden State Valkyries series, which was tied 1-1 as of this posting.

Wang Xiyu defeat Alex Eala to Advance to the Women’s Single Tennis Finals of the 2026 Asian Games (3-6, 6-3, 6-2)

October 1, 2026
Wang Xiyu defeat Alex Eala to Advance to the Women’s Single Tennis Finals of the 2026 Asian Games (3-6, 6-3, 6-2)

In a thrilling semifinal clash at the 2026 Asian Games, China’s Wang Xiyu staged a remarkable come from behind win to defeat top seed Alex Eala of the Philippines, earning a spot in the women’s singles gold medal match. 

Eala came out strong in the opening set, controlling the tempo from the baseline to capitalize on early opportunities and take the first set 6-3. However, the fourth-seeded Wang quickly change her strategy, leaning into her powerful left-handed serve and aggressive forehand to dictating play. Elevating her precision, Wang broke Eala early in the second set to claim it 6-3 to force a decider 3rd set.

Carrying momentum into the final set, Wang dominated the long exchanges and capitalized on crucial break points to seal a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory. With this hard-fought win, Wang advances to the finals to compete for the gold medal, while Eala finishes her campaign with a bronze medal.

No. 8-seeded Liberty Sweeps top seeded Lynxs to Advance to WNBA semifinals (87 – 71)

September 30, 2026
No. 8-seeded Liberty Sweeps top seeded Lynxs to Advance to WNBA semifinals (87 – 71)

New York Liberty just completed one of the biggest upset in WNBA Playoff history as they sweep the top seeded Minnesota Lynxs (87 – 71). New York became the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the league’s 30-year history.

The Liberty set the tone early, leading wire-to-wire behind dominant performances from their frontcourt core. Jonquel Jones delivered a monster double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Breanna Stewart added 21 points to anchor New York’s relentless offense. Sabrina Ionescu chipped in 18 points, orchestrating a balanced attack that kept Minnesota on its heels all evening.

The Lynx, coming off an impressive regular season, struggled to establish momentum against New York’s physical defense. Courtney Williams led Minnesota with 18 points, while Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride contributed 14 points each. However, Minnesota could not close a late gap after Stewart sank key free throws following a flagrant foul in the second half.

The loss marks a bittersweet moment for the Lynx; despite the early exit, guard Olivia Miles was named Rookie of the Year, and head coach Cheryl Reeve was honored with the Coach of the Year award.

Full Game Highlights;

New York now advances to the WNBA semifinals, awaiting the winner of the Atlanta-Washington series.

Caitlin Clark Leads Indiana Past Las Vegas to Set Up Game 3 Showdown (99 – 89)

September 30, 2026
Caitlin Clark Leads Indiana Past Las Vegas to Set Up Game 3 Showdown (99 – 89)

The sixth-seeded Indiana Fever evened their first-round series with the third-seeded Las Vegas Aces at 1-1, winning Game 2 by 99-89 at home on Tuesday night after a sluggish start.

Las Vegas led 26-18 after the first quarter, but Indiana flipped the script with a 30-17 second quarter and added a 24-17 third to take control of the game.

Caitlin Clark was the top performer, finishing with 27 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds, including five three-pointers. Kelsey Mitchell added 26 points, and Aliyah Boston scored 22 on 10-of-15 shooting. Indiana outscored Las Vegas 58-26 in the paint.

Jackie Young led all scorers with 31 points for the Aces, going 13-of-13 at the free-throw line, and A’ja Wilson added 22 points and nine rebounds. But Las Vegas shot just 42 percent from the field.

Full game higlights;

The best-of-three series now comes down to a decisive Game 3 in Las Vegas on Thursday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET (4 a.m. Friday in Riyadh). The Aces carry a 61.5 percent win probability, but Indiana has the momentum. The winner advances to the semifinals.

Lynx Sweep Top WNBA Honors as Olivia Miles Wins Rookie of the Year and Cheryl Reeve Coach of the Year

September 29, 2026
Lynx Sweep Top WNBA Honors as Olivia Miles Wins Rookie of the Year and Cheryl Reeve Coach of the Year

The Minnesota Lynx received two major WNBA awards on Monday: Olivia Miles was named Rookie of the Year, and Cheryl Reeve was named Coach of the Year for a league-record fifth time.

Miles, the second overall pick out of TCU, was a unanimous selection after setting the WNBA rookie scoring record. She broke the mark with 790 points. She averaged 19.8 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 49.2% from the field. She also set a rookie record with eight three-pointers in a single game, a June 4 win over the Valkyries. She is the sixth Lynx player to win the award.

Reeve received 40 of 74 votes from the media panel, and Golden State’s Natalie Nakase finished second with 20. Reeve led the Lynx to a 33-11 record and the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and became the league’s all-time winningest coach on July 8.

The awards came just before the Lynx traveled to New York for an elimination game in their best-of-three first-round series, after losing the opener at home to the Liberty.

Caitlin Clark Named by Associated Press as Comeback Player of the Year

September 29, 2026
Caitlin Clark Named by Associated Press as Comeback Player of the Year

Indiana Fever Superstar Guard Caitlin Clark has been selected as the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year.

Indiana Fever wrote, “After missing 31 of the team’s 44 regular season games in 2025 and the entirety of the Fever’s playoff run due to injury, Clark returned to the court, setting both career and league records in the 2026 season. This past year Clark averaged 22.3 points per game, the third highest average in the league, and 8.3 assists per game, the second-most in the league becoming the first player in league history to finish in the top three for both points and assists. Her 41.2 points per game created are also a new league record.

With 891 total points scored and 333 assists, Clark became the first player in league history to record 800+ points and 300+ assists in a single season. Clark’s five 30+ points and 10+ assists games this season are more than every other player in the history of the league combined. Additionally, her 13 games with 20+ points and 10+ assists this season alone are more than double what any other player has in the entirety of their careers. This season, Clark also became the first player in league history to record 40+ points and 10+ assists in a single game.

Clark’s 22.3 points per game average set a new career high, while marking the second-highest points per game average in franchise history, behind only Mitchell this year. This year Clark joined Mitchell as the only other player in franchise history to record 20+ points per game.”

Now, if only Indiana can advance to the next round of the WNBA Playoffs, this award will be much sweeter.

Alex Eala Sweeps Patcharin Cheapchandej 6-1, 6-0 at the Asian Games

September 28, 2026
Alex Eala Sweeps Patcharin Cheapchandej 6-1, 6-0 at the Asian Games

Top seed Alex Eala began her Asian Games gold bid with a dominant win. She beat Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej 6-1, 6-0 at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center’s Indoor Court C on Monday.

The highly anticipated matchup faced early complications as heavy rainfall disrupted outdoor scheduling, forcing a delay of nearly five hours before tournament officials moved the contest inside to Indoor Court C. The wait didn’t bother the world No. 18. Eala broke early in the second set, went up 5-0, and finished with an ace.

The result was expected. Eala, seeded first, had a first-round bye, and she had already beaten Cheapchandej 6-3, 6-4 at a 2022 ITF event. It also helps her recover from a Round of 16 exit at the Singapore Tennis Open. 

Her next match will be against Chinese Taipei’s Joanna Garland in the quarterfinals.

WNBA First-Round Game 1 Roundup, Upset by Liberty, Fever missing their Big 3

September 28, 2026
WNBA First-Round Game 1 Roundup, Upset by Liberty, Fever missing their Big 3

The opening salvo of the WNBA postseason did not disappoint. Game 1 across the First-Round matchups set an intense baseline for the rest of the series. With early-series momentum on the line, home-court advantages were defended, high-profile road upsets delivered early drama, and championship contenders laid down explicit statements.

Here is a full breakdown of how Game 1 unfolded across the league.

New York Liberty 91, Minnesota Lynx 75

  • Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, MN)
  • Series State: New York leads 1–0

In one of the most compelling matchups on the schedule, the New York Liberty delivered a dominant performance on the road to silence the crowd in Minneapolis. New York controlled the pace from the early going, utilizing crisp ball movement and structured perimeter defense to disrupt Minnesota’s rhythm.

Key Performers & Turning Point

  • Execution Breakdown: The Liberty pulled away after half-time, capitalized on transition opportunities, and restricted high-efficiency looks inside.
  • Impact: Stealing Game 1 away from home puts immense pressure on Minnesota heading into Game 2.

Las Vegas Aces 102, Indiana Fever 85

  • Location: Michelob ULTRA Arena (Las Vegas, NV)
  • Series State:Las Vegas leads 1–0

The Storyline

The championship-caliber Las Vegas Aces put on an offensive clinic at home, breaking the 100-point threshold to handle a spirited Indiana Fever squad. Las Vegas used their veteran playoff experience to weather an early perimeter push from Indiana before pulling away in the second half.

Key Performers & Turning Point

  • Execution Breakdown: The Aces’ inside-out offensive balance proved too much to contain, generating high-percentage paint points and baseline cuts.
  • Impact: Indiana showcased flashes of rapid transition scoring, but costly turnovers prevented them from keeping pace with Las Vegas’ relentless firepower down the stretch.

Atlanta Dream 92, Washington Mystics 77

  • Location: State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA)
  • Series State: Atlanta leads 1–0

The Storyline

After falling behind 41–36 at half-time following a sluggish opening two quarters, the Atlanta Dream exploded in the third quarter to completely upend the Washington Mystics. Atlanta flipped the switch defensively and dominated the second half.

Key Performers & Turning Point

  • Rhyne Howard & Allisha Gray: Gray led all scorers with 17 points, while Howard took control in the third period by scoring 12 of her 16 points to anchor the game-altering run. Dewanna Bonner added 11 third-quarter points to solidify the surge.
  • Turning Point: Atlanta forced 7 third-quarter turnovers, converting them into 14 quick points while holding Washington to just 20% shooting in the period.

Golden State Valkyries 104, Dallas Wings 80

  • Location: Chase Center (San Francisco, CA)
  • Series State: Golden State leads 1–0<

The Storyline

Making their mark on the playoff stage at Chase Center, the Golden State Valkyries made quick work of the Dallas Wings in a 24-point blowout. Golden State establish early tempo, crashing the glass aggressively and running the floor at every opportunity.

Key Performers & Turning Point

  • Execution Breakdown: Golden State scored effortlessly in transition, building an early double-digit lead that Dallas could never meaningfully chip away at.
  • Impact: The Valkyries set a firm defensive blueprint, limiting Dallas’ primary interior options and taking full advantage of home-court momentum.

Strategic Takeaways Ahead of Game 2

  • Protecting Home Court Isn’t Guaranteed: New York showed that home advantage can vanish quickly if road teams strike early with intense defensive game plans.
  • Third-Quarter Adjustments: Half-time adjustments were the deciding factor in games like Atlanta vs. Washington, where forcing live-ball turnovers completely re-routed the series trajectory.
  • Elimination Pressure: With the short First-Round format, every trailing team now faces an immediate high-stakes Game 2 where season survival is on the line.

It’ll be interesting to see what adjustments the losing teams make in Game 2. If no adjustments are made, this will be a short series.

A’ja Wilson Leads Aces to Game 1 Victory Over Fever (102 – 85)

September 28, 2026
A’ja Wilson Leads Aces to Game 1 Victory Over Fever (102 – 85)

A’ja Wilson delivered an MVP-worthy performance as the third-seeded Las Vegas Aces beat the sixth-seeded Indiana Fever 102-85 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three.

Wilson finished with 38 points on 15-of-19 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three and 6-of-7 at the line. She also grabbed 16 rebounds, blocked four shots and had two steals. The Aces shot 59.4 percent as a team and stretched their lead to as many as 27 points, outscoring Indiana 35-24 in the second quarter to lead 62-47 at halftime.

Jackie Young added 21 points and 10 assists, and Chelsea Gray had 14 points and eight assists. Las Vegas scored 28 points off turnovers, and Indiana never led by more than two.

For the Fever, Aliyah Boston led the way with 18 points and eight rebounds. Caitlin Clark had 15 points and 10 assists but shot 6-of-17 with six turnovers, and Kelsey Mitchell managed 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Indiana rallied to win the fourth quarter 20-16, but the deficit was too large.

Full game highlights;

The Fever will head back to Indiana in a must win Game 2 to extend the series to game 3. Game 2 tips off Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 PM ET in Indianapolis (1:30 AM Wednesday in Riyadh).

2026 WNBA Playoffs Tip Off: First-Round Matchups Set for Sunday

September 25, 2026
2026 WNBA Playoffs Tip Off: First-Round Matchups Set for Sunday

The 2026 WNBA regular season has officially concluded, setting up a high-stakes first round of the postseason starting Sunday, September 27. With a competitive 44-game slate in the books, eight teams now advance to battle in the best-of-three quarterfinal series.

The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx (33-11) lead the postseason field after locking up the league’s best record, driven by stellar rookie playmaker Olivia Miles and forward Napheesa Collier. Minnesota faces a dangerous opening-round challenge against the No. 8 New York Liberty (26-18), who boast Championship-caliber star power in Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.

In the second seed, the expansion Golden State Valkyries (32-12) cap off a historic inaugural run powered by the WNBA’s top-rated defense. They host Paige Bueckers and the No. 7 Dallas Wings (27-17).

Meanwhile, the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces (31-13) hold the No. 3 seed and square off against Caitlin Clark and the No. 6 Indiana Fever (28-16) in a blockbuster matchup featuring two of the league’s premier offenses. Rounding out the bracket, the No. 4 Atlanta Dream host the No. 5 Washington Mystics in a tightly contested 4-vs-5 clash. Game 1 action tips off this Sunday, across ABC, Prime, and USA Network.

Lynx Cruise Past Fever to Close Out 2026 Regular Season (86-66)

September 25, 2026
Lynx Cruise Past Fever to Close Out 2026 Regular Season (86-66)

The Minnesota Lynx wrapped up their 2026 WNBA regular season with an authoritative 86-66 victory over the Indiana Fever on Thursday night at Target Center.

Minnesota set a commanding tone right from the opening tip. Capitalizing on crisp ball movement and aggressive defense, the Lynx surged to a 32-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, Minnesota held a dominant 62-32 advantage, effectively putting the game out of reach. Kayla McBride led all scorers with 22 points, sinking six three-pointers, while Natasha Howard added 21 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Point guard Courtney Williams efficiently orchestrated the offense, dishing out 10 assists alongside nine points and seven rebounds.

The Fever struggled to break down Minnesota’s defense, shooting just 34.2% from the field and committing 15 turnovers. Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell were held to a combined 12 points as Indiana’s high-powered offense faltered under relentless pressure.

With the victory, Minnesota carries strong momentum into the postseason. Despite the loss, Indiana concludes its campaign as the highest-scoring offense in WNBA history (96.0 PPG) and locked in as the No. 6 seed, setting up an intriguing first-round playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces.

Full game highlights;

Prozorova Mounts Stunning Comeback to Upset Top-20 Seed Eala in Singapore Open

September 24, 2026
Prozorova Mounts Stunning Comeback to Upset Top-20 Seed Eala in Singapore Open

In a thrilling round-of-16 marathon at the Singapore Open, world No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova delivered a career-defining upset, overcoming third-seeded Alex Eala 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a grueling three-hour-plus clash.

Eala, ranked No. 18 in the world, seemed firmly in control early on. After snatching the opening set 6-4, the Filipina star surged to a 4-2 lead in the second, looking poised for a straightforward victory. However, Prozorova refused to yield. Relying on relentless, aggressive shot-making, the 22-year-old Russian unleashed 52 winners—more than double Eala’s 24—shifting the momentum by claiming five of the next six games to force a decisive third set.

In the final set, Prozorova maintained her composure through long, punishing baseline exchanges. She secured a crucial late break before serving out the match. The victory marks Prozorova’s first-ever win over a top-20 opponent and earns her a spot in her debut WTA tour-level quarterfinal.

Following her exit from Singapore, Eala will shift her focus to representing the Philippines at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Demonstrating her dedication to national duty, the top-ranked Filipina has elected to skip the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing to wear her country’s colors on the international stage. While Prozorova celebrates a sensational main-stage breakthrough, Eala turns her sights toward chasing national glory.

Clark’s Big Night Powers Fever Past Minnesota (96 – 77)

September 23, 2026
Clark’s Big Night Powers Fever Past Minnesota (96 – 77)

The Indiana Fever closed out last regular game at home with a statement, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 96-77 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 22, 2026. Caitlin Clark led all scorers with 27 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals, while Kelsey Mitchell added 20 points with four assists The Fever led by 23 points at halftime, prompting Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve to bench her starters to rest them rather and be ready for the coming play off.

The two teams will meet again Thursday in Minneapolis for the final game of the regular season before the playoffs begin.

Fuull game highlights:

Playoff scenarios: The Lynx (32-11) can clinch the top seed for the third straight season with a win Thursday, or if Golden State loses either of its final two games, and Minnesota can finish no worse than second regardless of Thursday’s result. For Indiana, the win already guarantees no worse than sixth place, and the Fever (28-15) could still climb as high as third in a longshot scenario requiring a win over Minnesota plus losses by both Atlanta and Las Vegas. A more realistic outcome has Indiana finishing sixth and opening the playoffs against defending champion Las Vegas.

Mystics routs Fever Following Dominant First Half (93–77)

September 21, 2026
Mystics routs Fever Following Dominant First Half (93–77)

The Indiana Fever suffered a tough 93–77 loss at home to the Washington Mystics, a defeat largely driven by a bad performance in the first half.

Indiana struggled early as Washington opened the game on a hot shooting run, outscoring the Fever 34–19 in the first quarter. The Fever struggled to find offensive rhythm, going cold from perimeter range and getting out-rebounded inside. The Fever shot 21% from the 3-point line and 37% from the field. With the Mystics extending their lead to as many as 26 points, Indiana headed into halftime down 51–30. Despite a second-half push led by Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, the early deficit proved too steep to overcome.

Full game highlights;

This loss carries major playoff implications for the Fever (27–15). The Mystics (26–16) pulled within just one game of Indiana for the No. 5 seed, while the Fever lost crucial ground in their push for top-four playoff hosting privileges. With only two regular-season games remaining, Indiana faces a challenging final stretch against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx to protect their postseason positioning.

ICYMI: Mitchell and Clark Lead Fever Past Tempo on Historic Night (103–85)

September 20, 2026
ICYMI: Mitchell and Clark Lead Fever Past Tempo on Historic Night (103–85)

The Indiana Fever secured an emphatic 103–85 road victory over the Toronto Tempo, driven by a masterclass from their star backcourt tandem. Caitlin Clark turned in a stellar performance, recording 28 points and matching a season-high 14 assists for her 14th double-double of the campaign.

However, the night belonged to guard Kelsey Mitchell, who made WNBA history by breaking the single-season scoring record. Pouring in 33 points on 12-of-17 shooting—including seven 3-pointers—Mitchell eclipsed A’ja Wilson’s 2024 record of 1,021 points with a smooth third-quarter shot from beyond the arc. Mitchell reached 1,034 total points for the season while extending her league record of 25 consecutive games with 20 or more points.

The timeline of the accomplishment highlights Mitchell’s incredible consistency. While A’ja Wilson set the previous benchmark of 1,021 points over 38 games during a 40-game regular season in 2024, Mitchell achieved her record-breaking total in her 41st game of an expanded 44-game regular season.

With Clark dishing out plays and Mitchell delivering unprecedented efficiency, Indiana continues to cement its status as a top contender heading into the postseason.

Full Game Highlights

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The Indiana Fever will host the Washington Mystics this Sunday afternoon. A victory for Indiana would help solidify a top-4 seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the WNBA Playoffs while applying pressure on the Atlanta Dream and Las Vegas Aces. Meanwhile, a win for the Mystics would allow them to push upward in the standings and avoid a tough first-round matchup against a top seed.

POC and PSC Pledge Full Support for Alex Eala

September 15, 2026
POC and PSC Pledge Full Support for Alex Eala

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) have rallied behind tennis phenom Alex Eala as she prepares to represent the country. Choosing patriotism over professional obligations, Eala has opted to compete in the Asian Games despite facing potential Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) sanctions for skipping a mandatory WTA 1000 event held during the same timeframe.

Both governing bodies are offering comprehensive support to ensure Eala can prioritize national duty without unmanageable career setbacks. PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio assured that the commission is coordinating closely with the POC and the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) to appeal to the WTA for an official exemption. However, the WTA is expected to deny PHILTA’s petition for an exemption to skip the mandatory WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing. The penalties for skipping a mandatory WTA 1000 event include a fine of approximately $10,000 USD (₱627,340.00) and a mandatory “zero-point” score applied to her 52-week ranking breakdown.

Should these fines or administrative penalties be levied, Philippine sports leaders—backed by lawmakers—are committed to providing legal assistance and transparent financial backing to cover any monetary sanctions. By managing administrative hurdles, coordinating international appeals, and guaranteeing financial safeguards, the POC and PSC demonstrate that no elite athlete should bear the cost of representing the flag alone. This unified stance reinforces national sports development, allowing Eala to focus entirely on bringing home honors for the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from September 27 to October 3 at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan.

Source: GMA News, Spin.ph

China routs Philippines in the 20th Asian Games Men’s Basketball Group Stage (105-61)

September 14, 2026
China routs Philippines in the 20th Asian Games Men’s Basketball Group Stage (105-61)

China exacted a decisive measure of revenge at the 20th Asian Games men’s basketball group stage, delivering a 105-61 thrashing to dethrone defending champion Gilas Pilipinas.

Looking to avenge their heartbreaking semi-final loss from the previous Asian Games, a laser-focused Chinese squad asserted dominance early. Levering their massive size advantage, China controlled the paint and punished the Philippines’ defense to construct a commanding 66-30 lead by halftime.

A depleted Gilas roster—competing without star naturalized player Justin Brownlee and key frontline anchors like Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos—struggled to match China’s physical execution on both ends of the floor. Despite brief offensive sparks in the second half led by Sedrick Barefield, the Philippines had no answer for Team Dragons’ relentless transition play and inside-outside scoring depth. China pushed their advantage to as high as 45 points in the final quarter, comfortably securing a 3-0 record to sweep Group C.

The 44-point defeat dropped the Philippines to 1-3 in group play, bringing an early and painful end to their Asian Games title defense.

Breanna Stewart Leads Team USA to Victory Over France in FIBA World Cup Final (97-79)

September 14, 2026
Breanna Stewart Leads Team USA to Victory Over France in FIBA World Cup Final (97-79)

Team USA asserted their international basketball dominance once again, overcoming an early 14-point deficit to defeat France 97–79 in Berlin and capture their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Gold.

The French national team came out firing in the gold medal game, capitalizing on a hot shooting start to take a commanding 31–17 lead early in the second quarter. However, the Americans quickly found their rhythm. Behind a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Caitlin Clark before halftime, Team USA cut the deficit to 45–43. The second half belonged entirely to the U.S., as they unleashed a 30–12 surge in the third quarter to pull away permanently.

The game’s top performer was Team USA captain Breanna Stewart. Delivering a stellar double-double performance, Stewart dominated the court with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. Her elite leadership and clutch scoring sparked the U.S. comeback, earning her tournament MVP honors for the second time in her decorated career. Jackie Young provided vital secondary scoring with 18 points, while Dominique Malonga led France with 21 points in their silver-medal effort.

Team USA will have four days to rest before players return to their respective teams to finish the remaining WNBA regular season games on September 18.

Alex Eala Chooses Asian Games Over China Open Despite Facing WTA Penalties

September 13, 2026
Alex Eala Chooses Asian Games Over China Open Despite Facing WTA Penalties

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala will lead the Philippine tennis delegation at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, set to run from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Fresh off a career-high ranking inside the world’s top 20, the 21-year-old will represent the nation in both Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles alongside veteran Francis Casey Alcantara.

Eala’s participation comes with high stakes. The Asian Games tennis schedule (September 27 to October 3) directly overlaps with the mandatory WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing. Under WTA Tour rules, qualified top-tier players are contractually required to compete in mandatory WTA 1000 tournaments. Because Eala chose to prioritize representing her country in Japan over the event in China, she faces strict tour enforcement.

The penalties for unexcused absences from mandatory WTA 1000 events are two-fold: a financial late-withdrawal fine of around $10,000 USD and a mandatory “zero-point” score applied to her 52-week ranking breakdown. This zero-point penalty locks up a valuable tournament slot on her ranking tally that would otherwise be occupied by points earned from another WTA event, dealing a minor blow to her ranking progress.

The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) formally petitioned the WTA for an official exemption on national representation grounds. However, her chances of being granted a waiver are virtually zero. The WTA recently denied an identical exemption request submitted by Indonesian star Janice Tjen, forcing Tjen to withdraw from the Asian Games to avoid penalties. Because the WTA Rulebook strictly limits non-penalty exemptions to medical injuries and specific personal hardship, the tour maintains a firm policy against waiving penalties for non-ITF multi-sport events.

Knowing the consequences, Eala remains steadfast in her decision, accepting the financial fine and ranking hit to chase Asian Games glory for the Philippines.

Alex Eala confirms participation in the 2026 Singapore Tennis Open

September 13, 2026
Alex Eala confirms participation in the 2026 Singapore Tennis Open

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is set to headline the 2026 Singapore Tennis Open, scheduled for September 21–27 at the OCBC Arena in Kallang. Fresh off a third-round exit at the US Open, world No. 18 Alex Eala shifts her focus to Asia as one of the featured stars in the upgraded WTA 500 hard-court event.

The tournament boasts a competitive 17-player singles field, headlined by top-10 mainstays including World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva (No. 5), and Amanda Anisimova (10). Entering as the sixth seed, Eala aims to carry her momentum from a breakout season—highlighted by her landmark WTA 500 title in Washington—into the Asian swing.

Returning to Singapore holds special personal significance for Eala, who previously competed in the city-state during her junior career at the WTA Future Stars event. Beyond offering crucial ranking points and world-class competition, the hard-court tournament serves as Eala’s primary tune-up ahead of representing the Philippines at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Southeast Asian fans are eager to watch the 21-year-old push for another deep WTA run on regional soil.

Elena Rybakina defeat Aryna Sabalenka to bag 2026 US Open title (6-4, 5-7, 6-2)

September 13, 2026
Elena Rybakina defeat Aryna Sabalenka to bag 2026 US Open title (6-4, 5-7, 6-2)

Elena Rybakina produced a masterclass in composure and ball-striking to claim her maiden US Open title, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a dramatic final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory also secures Rybakina the world No. 1 ranking, ending Sabalenka’s 99-week reign at the top.

The showdown highlighted one of modern tennis’s fiercest rivalries. Rybakina drew first blood by breaking in the fifth game of the opening set, leveraging her formidable serve to secure the lead. Sabalenka mounted a fierce rally in the second set, utilizing her trademark explosive power to break late and force a deciding third set.

However, Rybakina quickly regained control in the final set. Winning 85.4% of her first-serve points and unleashing 12 aces throughout the match, the Kazakh dictating play from the baseline and broke Sabalenka twice to close out the victory in two hours and 21 minutes.

Adding Flushing Meadows to her Australian Open crown earlier this season, Rybakina now holds three Grand Slam singles titles. Her triumph cements her status at the peak of women’s tennis.

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina 2026 US Open Final Highlights

Team USA Survives Spain Scare to Reach FIBA Women’s World Cup Finals

September 13, 2026
Team USA Survives Spain Scare to Reach FIBA Women’s World Cup Finals

The United States national team secured a hard-fought 76-66 victory over Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, advancing to its fifth consecutive championship game.

Spain came out aggressive, leaping to a 11-4 lead in the opening quarter and utilizing a physical, high-pressure defense that disrupted the American offense throughout the first half. Led by standout performances from María Conde and Iyana Martín—who each scored 17 points—Spain kept pace with the four-time defending champions, forcing a 58-58 deadlock entering the final quarter.

The U.S. turned the tide in the fourth quarter with an intense defensive push, holding Spain to just eight points while scoring 18. Head coach Kara Lawson’s squad launched a decisive 12-2 run to build a 10-point lead with five minutes remaining, creating enough of a cushion to secure the victory.

Full Game highlights;

Breanna Stewart led the Americans with 16 points, while Kahleah Copper added 13 off the bench. The win extended the U.S. World Cup winning streak to 35 consecutive games and set up a gold-medal matchup against France. Spain will face Germany for the bronze medal.