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Max Verstappen aims for another win at Spanish Grand Prix

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Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen walks before during the first practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya on June 21, 2024 in Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona, ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix. (Photo by Manaure QUINTERO / AFP)

MONTMELO, Spain — Max Verstappen will be out to quash any hopes that his Red Bull could be beatable at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, where the three-time world champion enjoyed his breakout as a teenager and has won for the past two years.

The race just north of Barcelona kicks off a run of three grand prix in as many weeks and five in a six-week span. Given that tight schedule, teams will have less time to tweak their cars. So the upgrades they are bringing to Spain could be key to determining who has the edge as the summer heats up.

Verstappen has won six of the nine races so far this season and recorded his 60th career win in Montreal two weeks ago. Overall, the 26-year-old Dutchman has won 50 of the last 75 events and holds a 56-point over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc going into Sunday’s race.

READ; Max Verstappen ‘very happy’ at Red Bull but could quit F1 in 2028

While some races have practically been over once Verstappen sped off the starting line, there have been signs that his chasers could at least make this season a bit more interesting.

Both Mercedes and McLaren led the pace during stretches of the Canadian GP before Verstappen steered clear. And two of the last four races have gone to other drivers: McLaren’s Lando Norris won in Miami after Verstappen clipped a chicane and had to pit, while Leclerc won in his home race in Monaco.

Spain, however, usually lets the flat-out fastest cars dominate. Twenty-four of 33 races here have been won by pole sitters, and no driver has won from starting further back than fifth. It is also well known to drivers because pre-season testing used to be held here.

The 4.6-kilometer Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit was made even more fit for speed last year when a chicane that was unpopular among drivers was replaced by two fast turns head of the main straightaway.

READ: F1: Verstappen wins ‘crazy’ rain-hit Canadian Grand Prix

“I think it’s always very tricky, in a way of course exciting,” Verstappen said about the state of the competition before practice started for the race on Friday.

“This is normally a track that is a bit more straightforward. People have a bit more information about a track like this, it’s been on the calendar for a while. Of course, from our side we are hoping to have a good weekend here.”

Verstappen has fond memories of a track where he showed the stuff of a future champion by winning the 2016 Spanish GP on his Red Bull debut. That made him F1’s youngest race winner at age 18. He also scored wins here the last two seasons.

In Canada, Norris lamented not having taken his chance to get a second win. Now he hopes McLaren can match the Red Bulls for pure speed.

“The whole season we’ve been strong, at every race,” Norris said on. “If we can get the car performing like it has done in the past on high-speed circuits, and then I’ll be confident that we can. We should be able to fight.”

For Mercedes’ George Russell, who finished third in Montreal, a good result here should translate into better things to come.

“I think this is going to be a real test and if we can be fast this weekend, that bodes really well for the season,” Russell said.

Ferrari is looking to bounce back from a frustrating weekend Canada, when both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggled in qualifying and then neither were able to finish the race.

Sainz’s showcase

F1 Spanish Grand Prix Carlos Sainz

(From L) Ferrari’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, Haas F1’s Danish driver Kevin Magnussen and Kick Sauber’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas attend a press conference at the Circuit de Catalunya on June 20, 2024 in Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona, ahead of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

With Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin so far unable to reproduce their fine 2023 season, the home fans will likely place their faith in Sainz. He is trying to claim his second race of the season after winning the Australian GP in March, when an engine fire knocked Verstappen out.

Sainz is the best driver who does not have a seat guaranteed for next season, after seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton agreed to switch Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. So Sainz is in need of strong performances, especially ahead of teammate Leclerc, to showcase his talent.

Montmeló’s future

This is the first race in Barcelona since it was announced that Madrid will be getting a new F1 event for Spain’s capital in 2026. That sparked questions about the future of the Spanish GP that has been held at Montmeló since 1991.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali has said that the race in Catalonia could stay on the calendar beyond 2026, when its current contract expires. Even so, the Catalan regional government, which holds an 83% stake in the Barcelona track, has moved to spruce up the permanent track.

Some 50 million euros have been invested to upgrade areas both for teams and for fans, including changes to the control tower and pitlane, as well as hospitality and the installation of solar panels.



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“We are not worried about Madrid, our competition is the entire world,” Roger Torrent, the leading government official in charge of the track, told The Associated Press.

EJ Obiena’s Olympics stint ‘just a bonus’ for dad Emerson

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FILE–Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

MANILA, Philippines—Amid all his son EJ’s achievements so far, Emerson Obiena feels like a second stint in the Olympics feels like “just a bonus.”

Emerson, who was in attendance during the Philippine Airlines’ special dinner for the country’s Paris-bound athletes for the 2024 Olympics at Century Park Hotel on Wednesday, said he is already immensely proud of his son even before the Paris Summer Games where his EJ gets another shot at a historic medal.

“Well, to tell you the truth, this is just a bonus,” said Emerson in Filipino. “My dream when I started teaching pole vaulting was to develop world-class athletes. I’m already very proud of the achievements he’s made.”

READ: EJ Obiena nabs gold in Poland tilt as Paris Olympics looms

Emerson wasn’t just a father to EJ in his early years of training to become a world class pole vaulter.

After achieving triumph during his heyday as a pole vaulter himself, even winning a medal in the 1993 Southeast Asian Games, Emerson turned to training EJ to become where he is now as the world No. 2

From his humble beginnings at University of Santo Tomas to the world stage, Emerson has been behind EJ all the way.

But even Emerson acknowledged the up-and-down season that EJ’s been having this year with just a few weeks to go before the Paris Olympics late in July.

READ: EJ Obiena embraces responsibility as Asia’s top track and field athlete

If he had anything to say about it, having a rocky stint is normal for an athlete, especially considering EJ’s equipment mishaps in the past.

“In his past competitions, his problem was his equipment,” explained Emerson.

“Maybe somewhere along the way, they had a mishandling or an accident with the equipment so he wasn’t ready for those. His falls were dangerous,” he added.

Emerson also revealed that EJ’s hips were stretched during the season but it was nothing serious.

READ: The difference between EJ Obiena and Mondo Duplantis

It seems like EJ is still fairing well with the competition despite his hardships, winning gold in the Irena Szewinska Memorial on Friday with his highest jump of the year at 5.97 meters.

While the season has been rocky for EJ, Paris will be a different beast and Emerson acknowledged one of the athletes that EJ will be facing in France in a few weeks.

And Emerson knows all eyes will be on world No. 1 Mondo Duplantis.

“Anything can happen when it comes to game time. Until it’s over, you have to have hope. Mondo is one of the greatest. His caliber is far from the usual pole vaulters.”

“However, as you know, people make mistakes. Sometimes they have ups or downs so we can’t say what can happen there [in Paris]. I’m just hoping. Whatever color the medal is, it’s okay with me and I’ll be happy.”



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Before Paris, EJ will compete in Poznan, Poland on Sunday, Manila time.

Japan bounces back with sweep of Netherlands

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Japan’s Yuji Nishida in a VNL 2024 Week 3 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa brought Japan back to its winning ways torching the Netherlands, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 on Friday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

After losing to Canada in the Manila leg opener and missing Ran Takahashi, who was ruled out of the crucial week, Nishida stepped up when it mattered most with 16 points.

He led the Japanese’s comeback in the third set, where they trailed the Netherlands, 6-10.

READ: Japan star Ran Takahashi out for remainder of VNL 2024

“It’s very important, this win. Last game, the Japanese team lost and that’s on me. The mentality was down, but we tried to push the mentality, the passion, the important things this game,” said Nishida, who finished with 10 kills, three aces, and three blocks.

“I’m happy. It’s a very good win. Now, we have the next two matches and it’s very important to win. Now, there’s no recovery [time].”

The Japanese found their groove in the third set with Nishida’s back-to-back aces and massive back row kill put them ahead 16-12 and never looked back to improve their record to 7-3 in sixth place.

Nishida scored 10 points in the final set as Japan seeks to solidify its spot in the Final Eight when it wraps up its third consecutive stint in Manila against France on Saturday before battling the USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.

READ: VNL 2024: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada

Ishikawa backstopped Nishida with 15 points off 12 kills, two aces, and a block, while Tatsunori Otsuka stepped up with eight points to fill in the void left by Takahashi.

“We have to think of our volleyball always even if he isn’t here. Today was an important match for us because we lost against Canada. And we should focus on our [team]. We won 3-0, so it’s important for us,” he said.

Japan's Kentaro Takahashi and Yuji Nishida

Japan’s Kentaro Takahashi and Yuji Nishida. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The hard-hitting Japanese pair also accommodated their fans–majority of them went to the fan zone even before the game started.

“It’s so incredible. I gave in to the energy so I’m so happy. Every fan is good today, so thank you so much,” Ishikawa said. 

“I’m so happy because the crowd is always full, and cheers a lot, so it’s amazing to [play] out here,” added Nishida.

Nimir Abdel-Aziz, who scored 38 and 37 points in the first two games, was limited to just seven points, as Maarten Van Garderen was the lone bright spot with 10 points.

The Netherlands slid to 13th place with a 3-8 record, hoping to end its Manila stint against Canada on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Japan’s Ran Takahashi leaves Manila to treat knee injury

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FILE–Japan’s Ran Takahashi during a VNL 2024 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Japan star Ran Takahashi has already departed Manila to treat his nagging knee injury especially the Paris Olympics just a little over a month away, according to Philippine National Volleyball Federation Tats Suzara.

Takahashi on Friday was shut down for the remainder of the Manila leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and was replaced by Shoma Tomita in the lineup. The Japan Volleyball Association didn’t announce the reason for the switch.

Despite his absence, Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa carried Japan to a 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 win over the Netherlands Friday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Japan star Ran Takahashi out for remainder of VNL 2024

The two players respectfully refused to give more details about Takahashi’s injury but Ishikawa lauded Tatsunori Otsuka, who stepped up with eight points to fill in the void left by their teammate.

Team Japan's Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa in the VNL Week 3 in Manila

Team Japan’s Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa in the VNL Week 3 in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I cannot say for the team but we have to play without him. And Otsuka was playing well, so we are so happy, and when someone [has an] injury, we have to play always. So we have a single body,” said Ishikawa, who dropped 15 points off 12 kills, two aces, and a block.

Nishida, who led the Japanese with 16 points, wished Takahashi well.

“This happened, so I hoped that he would come back but it is the situation and it’s more important to have that mentality. Maybe, we were a little bit nervous, I think the guys are keeping the motivation and energy,” Nishida said.

READ: VNL: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada

“I hope that [Ran] will come back much better at his game and join the team. So, it’s not so long before the Olympics, so, [he’s not in a hurry]. But keep improving step-by-step, for the important games. “

Japan, which improved to a 7-3 record, wraps up its campaign against France on Saturday before battling USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.

“[We have] two more different games coming. But I think we’re at a point where we’re like enjoying [playing] volleyball. So for us to win, [the goal] isn’t like this anymore but it’s more important to enjoy the game. So I keep this mindset like this [for the weekend],” Nishida said.



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With Final 8 chances slim, Team USA turns focus to Olympics

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Team USA’s Micah Christenson in the VNL Week 3 in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — USA skipper Micah Christenson has accepted they won’t make it to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Final Eight despite the slim chance, but he looks to make the most of their Manila experience to entertain Filipinos and prepare for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Christenson had a playmaking masterpiece of 41 excellent sets to treat the Filipino fans with USA’s 25-21, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-9 win over Brazil on Thursday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

The veteran setter, who is averaging 30.7 excellent sets per game in the VNL, gave his best effort to greet and sign autographs of their supporters at the fan zone after their game.

READ: VNL 2024: Team USA overcomes Brazil for first win in Manila

“Back in the United States, we play in certain areas where other teams’ fans fill the gym a little bit more. So, this feels like a pretty true home game for us and we’re very grateful for that,” said Christenson, whose teammates also felt at home with the hospitality and energy of the Filipinos.

“I can’t say enough about the support. We felt it a lot, even being here in the Philippines. So now we’re finally here, and we get to feel it in the stadium, it’s something really really special and we can’t say enough about it. We can’t thank the fans enough for being here and supporting us.”

USA, the runner-up of last year’s VNL, still has a chance to the Final Eight with a 4-6 record in 11th place but Christenson is already shifting their focus to the Olympics.

READ: Team USA has ‘mountain to climb’ as VNL unfolds in Manila

“We’re probably not gonna make the VNL Finals so what we’re gonna do is try to build and work our way towards the Olympic Games and getting ready. Tonight was just the first step, the first building block,” said Christenson. “Hopefully, for these next two games, we continue to get just a little bit better.”

“We can do a little bit more in certain phases of the game but we’re having that mindset of just getting a little bit better and trusting the process with the building blocks that we can build,” he added. 

USA wraps up its VNL campaign against Germany on Saturday at 11 a.m., before facing fellow crowd-favorite Japan on Sunday at 7 p.m.



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“I think we’ve shown over the years that we are a very resilient team. We know how to respond to a lot of difficult situations so, we’re gonna fix a few things, but at the same time, we’re gonna trust our process,” Christenson said. “I think, like I said before, it’s a step in the right direction. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Bong Go, PSC provide financial support to each Filipino Olympian

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Photo from the Office of Sen. Bong Go

MANILA, Philippines — As they represent the country and embark on the journey that brings them closer to their Olympic gold medal dream, the athletes representing the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympics received an added boost from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Friday.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go, who is a sports enthusiast and an athlete himself, expressed his unwavering support for Filipino Olympians as he personally led the turnover of checks together with PSC chair Richard Bachmann, commissioners Bong Coo and Ed Hayco, Executive Director Paulo Tatad, and other officials for the fifteen competing athletes with nine physically present during the ceremony held at the PSC office in Manila City.

Bong Go, PSC provide financial support to each Filipino Olympian

Photo from the Office of Sen. Bong Go

The financial support was made possible through the efforts of Go and the PSC. Each Filipino athlete competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics received P500,000 to help them in their preparations.

READ: Filipino aces fly to Paris Olympics with pocket money like no other

“Your budget is always something I fight for… I will fight for it because I know it helps you. As Nesty (Petecio) said, I know you’re not after the incentives, the honor, that cannot be bought. The honor you bring to our country, you will carry that for life,” Go said in Filipino.

The athletes who received financial support include Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Aira Villegas, Eumir Marcial and Carlo Paalam for boxing; Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, and Elreen Ann Ando for weightlifting; Carlos Edriel Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Jung, Emma Malabuyo for gymnastics; Joanie Delgaco for rowing; Samantha Catantan for fencing; and EJ Obiena for pole vaulting.

“Don’t thank us. We should be thanking you because you’ve given us the opportunity to serve you. I will never neglect our athletes,” said Go in his speech.

The senator also thanked the PSC officials for their collaborative efforts, emphasizing their shared advocacy for strengthening the country’s sports programs. “We need to work together to ensure our athletes have the support they need,” he expressed.

“The Philippine Sports Commission is very thankful for all the support received for the Filipino athletes. Special thanks to Senator Bong Go for your commitment to enrich our sector as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee of Sports. Your dedication to be always at the forefront and fight for better policies and programs for all the athletes deserved to be given a salute,” PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo said.

Furthermore, Petecio also expressed the athletes’ gratitude, saying, “Sir, senator, we really feel the support you give us. We are deeply grateful for that because you made us feel the support we athletes need… I also want to be honest that I have felt the support now.”

Go, who is also the chair of the Senate committee on health and demography, has been a staunch advocate for sports, consistently promoting it as a means to steer the youth away from vices and promote a healthy lifestyle.

“Sports and health are connected. That’s why I always say ‘get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit.’ When we are physically fit, we are healthy and our lives are extended. Sports are a big help, not only for physical health but also for mental health,” said Go.

The senator also shared that he has consistently supported the Philippine delegates in various international competitions. He earlier attended the Asian Games in China and the SEA Games in Cambodia, cheering on and motivating Filipino athletes firsthand as part of his steadfast support for Filipino athletes.

He firmly believes in the potential of Filipino athletes to excel on the global stage, frequently rallying the nation with his enthusiastic cheer, “Go for Gold! Always remember those words… Those are your motivation. We are here for you.”

Go’s sports advocacy extends beyond support to elite athletes as he continuously helps promote grassroots sports development in the country. This, he believes, will lay a strong foundation for future generations of Filipino athletes.

Notable among these is Republic Act No. 11470, authored and co-sponsored by Go, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac, aimed at providing specialized education and training for aspiring student athletes.

He also led the passage of Senate Bill No. 2514 or The Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. Already approved on the third reading by the Senate, the bill aims to institutionalize an inclusive platform for a national sports competition that extends to the grassroots to help identify and develop sports talents if enacted into law.

Recognizing the critical need for sufficient funding in the sports sector, the senator emphasized his successful efforts to secure an increased budget for sports programs as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance in the international stage, as well as launch effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts in the grassroots.



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Go concluded the event by wishing the Olympian athletes good luck and encouraging them with the words, “Fight for the Philippines!” He assured them that win or lose, the entire nation stands proud and supportive. “As your chairman of the Senate committee on sports, I am always behind you,’ he affirmed.”

EJ Obiena nabs gold in Poland tilt as Paris Olympics looms

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EJ Obiena wins gold in the Irena Szewinska Memorial in Poland. –WORLD ATHLETICS

MANILA, Philippines–EJ Obiena continued his season by reigning victorious in his most recent conquest in Bydgoszcz, Poland on Friday (Manila time).

Not only did he snag gold in the Irena Szewinska Memorial, but the Filipino pole vaulter also registered his highest jump of the year at 5.97m.

Obiena expressed his excitement over winning gold while competing in Poland with hometown bet Paweł Wojciechowski.

READ: EJ Obiena bounces back with pole vault silver in Norway tilt

“I am extremely happy to have shared this [trophy] with friends and especially @wojciechowski_pv (Pawel) as he bids his farewell to his home fans,” wrote the Tokyo Olympian.

“We hold the despedida! Poznan is still to come!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by World Athletics (@worldathletics)

According to Obiena’s post, it was Wojciechowski who invited him to compete in the Szewinska Memorial.

Emmanouil Karalis of Greece won silver after clearing 5.92m while home bet Piotr Lisek rounded up the podium with 5.75m cleared.

READ: EJ Obiena wins gold in Croatia to begin 2024 season

With just a few weeks away from the Paris Olympics, Obiena will continue his season with more competition before the quadrennial sporting event in France.



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Next up for Obiena is a competition in Poznan with just two days to prepare.

“Til’ next time! Now some much needed rest and we go again to Poznan on the 23rd!” wrote Obiena.

Japan star Ran Takahashi out for remainder of VNL 2024

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Japan’s Ran Takahashi during a VNL 2024 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

VNL 2024 SCHEDULE: Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg

MANILA, Philippines — Japan men’s national volleyball team has ruled out Ran Takahashi for the remainder of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg.

The Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) on Friday announced that Takahashi will be replaced by Shoma Tomita in the lineup hours before Japan’s game against the Netherlands.

“We are pleased to announce that there have been changes to the players competing on the Japanese men’s national team for the Philippines tournament in the third week of the Volleyball Nations League 2024,” the federation wrote. “Tomita will be available to play from the match against the Netherlands.”

READ: VNL 2024: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada

The JVA, though, didn’t disclose the reason but a Filipino fan wasreported to have seen Takahashi at the airport.

Takahashi delivered 13 points in their 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10, dropping to a 6-3 record still in sixth place.

The Japanese star has been one of the crowd favorites in Japan’s third straight year to play in Manila.

Takahashi suffered from injuries in the previous VNL Manila leg last year where he also missed their games.

Japan, which holds a 6-3 record, seeks to solidify its Final Eight chances against the Netherlands.



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Ryan Garcia suspended for year; win over Haney ruled no-contest

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FILE–Ryan Garcia (white trunks) knocks down Devin Haney (gray trunks) during their WBC Super Lightweight title bout at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP

Ryan Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled Thursday that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

The commission also said Garcia would have to forfeit the $1 million he made on the fight and pay a $10,000 fine.

Garcia would be eligible to fight again in New York state after April 20, 2025, if he passes a drug test, the commission ruled.

READ: Ryan Garcia failed drug test before Devin Haney win, ESPN reports

“The Commission will continue to hold athletes to the highest professional standards and protect the integrity of all sports under our jurisdiction,” NYSAC said in the statement.

Though the suspension applies only to fights in New York state, athletic commissions typically abide by rulings in other jurisdictions.

Garcia said several times on X, previously known as Twitter, before news of the suspension that he was retiring from boxing and later even posted that he wants to talk to UFC president Dana White about joining that organization.

READ: Ryan Garcia’s B-sample also tests positive for banned substance

“I really hope boxing good without me,” Garcia posted. “I fought everyone and was willing to. They have turned there (sic) back on me. I’m innocent. I stand by that I don’t care what everyone says. Gun yo my head I say I didn’t take PED’s.”

Garcia’s attorneys said in a statement he “was a victim of substance contamination” and that the boxer has repeatedly passed drug tests, even when not in training for a fight.

The statement said: “… he never intentionally took any banned substance. It’s simply not in his nature.”

ESPN previously reported that Garcia’s A-sample tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine the day before and the day of the bout with Haney, citing a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association letter. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator, and its use can stimulate muscle growth. It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The results of the test weren’t known until later.

Ryan Garcia defeated Haney by majority decision in New York. Garcia knocked Haney down three times and handed the WBC super lightweight champion his first loss, but did not win the title because he was over the weight limit.



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Haney thanked the commission in an interview with ESPN.

“The facts are the facts and I wasn’t on an even playing field,” Haney said. “Happy I was able to receive justice for what happened. It’s all part of my story and it’s only going to make me better. I look to enjoy this time with my family and friends and see what’s next.”

France halts Iran streak to boost Final Eight push

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Team France celebrates a win during VNL 2024 Week 3 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jean Patry led France’s bounce-back win to send Iran crashing back to earth,  25-21, 25-17, 25-20, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Following a tough loss to Germany two days ago, Patry dropped 16 points off 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace as the French Spikers rose to the fourth seed with a 7-3 record and solidified their Final Eight chances. 

“It was important for us to play a good game today after one day’s rest. It was important to find a new victory and continue to work for our goal to go in the Finals. We are happy, it was a great match and we worked well,”  said Patry, who also enjoyed the energy of the Filipino fans.

VNL 2024 SCHEDULE: Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg

“The Philippine fans are amazing. They are here, they like the atmosphere. They like to be in the match, they like to support, so the fans are amazing.”

Trevor Clevenot also delivered the goods for France with 12 points, while Yacine Louati added nine points.

“It was important, I think, for our confidence. It’s important after you lose to [get a] win, I think we played a good game,” Clevenot said. “The most important is three points always and we’re happy to win and we have to focus now on the next game, it will be a really difficult game so, this is the point.”

READ: VNL 2024: Germany beats France, stays in Final Eight hunt

France battles crowd darling Japan on Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Iran’s two-game winning streak in its third straight game as Milad Ebadipour was the lone double-digit scorer with 10 points, as Amin Esmaeilnezhad, who erupted for 29 points in their win over the Netherlands, was limited to just seven points.

Iran, which slid to a 2-9 card, will wrap up its VNL campaign against Germany on Sunday at 11 a.m.



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