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Kento Miyaura steps up for Takahashi-less Japan in crucial win

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Japan’s Kento Miyaura celebrates during a game against France in the VNL.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Kento Miyaura stepped up when it mattered most for depleted Japan as he provided the spark off the bench to book a ticket to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Final Eight.

After missing Ran Takahashi due to a nagging injury, Japan suffered another blow as Yuji Nishida needed to be subbed out early in the second set due to abdominal pain but Miyaura showed his next-man-up mentality to rise from two sets down and stun Olympic champion France, 17-25, 19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-10, on Saturday evening before an ecstatic 11,879 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

The 25-year-old spiker dropped 19 points off 16 attacks, two aces, and a block, expressing his gratitude to the Filipino fans, who inspired him to unleash his breakout game in Manila.

READ: VNL 2024: Yuki Ishikawa, Japan rally past Olympic champion France

“Sometimes this kind of situation [happens] but we were able to keep our concentration and Philippine fans pushing a lot for us. It’s a nice atmosphere,” Miyaura said.

Miyaura conspired with captain Yuki Ishikawa, who erupted for 33 points, as they delivered the finishing blows in the fifth set for an improved 8-3 record to secure their entry to the final round in Poland.

He believes that tough games like this will help them prepare for the Final Eight and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I can’t believe [we won] this match because it was so difficult match but I’m so happy to win and also it will be helping us for the Olympics,” said Miyaura, who plays in the French pro league.

READ: VNL 2024: Japan bounces back with sweep of Netherlands

Japan coach Philippe Blain lauded Miyaura and his wards for showing a never-give-up attitude against the 2022 VNL champions amid the absence of their stars. 

“In the first two sets, France played so good, making no mistakes, [and had a] great defense. We just kept on fighting. In these kinds of moments, we have to stay patient and try to stay inside the match. And fortunately from the third set, [our] substitution [worked] and controlled a bit more of the game,” Blain said. “It was a very tough match and I’m very proud of how my team stayed calm with their minds. It was a great experience tonight and I hope it will be very useful for [future] tournaments.”

Miyaura vows to stay ready for Japan as it wraps up its VNL Manila campaign against fellow fan-favorite USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.

“We are prepared for the next match. And it will be tougher,” he said.



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Petecio takes on ‘elder’ role for Filipino Olympians

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Weightlifters Vanessa Sarno and Elreen Ando, boxers Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan, Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, rower Joanie Delgaco and weightlifter John Febuar Ceniza left Saturday for a training camp in France. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Nesthy Petecio has fully embraced her role as the eldest sibling in the present batch of Filipino athletes bound for the Paris Olympics.

And what made it superbly special is the affectionate treatment that the Tokyo Olympics boxing silver medalist has instilled within their clique.

“We treat each other as family. I want my fellow Olympians to be as close to each other as possible,’’ Petecio told the Inquirer during the sendoff ceremony at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Petecio, on her second straight tour of duty to the global sports spectacle, left for the Metz training camp in France on Saturday along with eight other athletes, roughly five weeks before the opening of the Games.

Gymnast Carlos Yulo, rower Joanie Delgaco, weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, Vanessa Sarno and boxers Carlo Paalam, Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas also received a parting gift of P500,000 each from Sen. Bong Go.

Joining the eight athletes at the monthlong camp in Metz, a three-hour train ride from Paris, are pole vaulter EJ Obiena, fencer Samantha Catantan, boxer Eumir Marcial and gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar.

Petecio and Paalam have been designated the nation’s flag bearers during the opening rites as Team Philippines aims to accomplish a similar objective of capturing a gold medal achieved by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in 2020 Tokyo.

“We know there’s an attractive incentive waiting for us. But we don’t only fight for those incentives. We fight to reach the dreams of our families and give pride and honor to our country,’’ said Petecio.



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After soaring into PBA lore, Newsome hopes to make the same impact for Gilas Pilipinas

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Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Last week saw Chris Newsome weave himself into PBA lore with a shot that ended Meralco’s long wait for a championship.

But next week will see Newsome test himself once more against some of the best international basketball has to offer, with a bigger role expected of him for Gilas Pilipinas in the OIympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

“I’m a natural competitor, and I want to see what I’m capable of,” said Newsome, who is seen as a key cog in Gilas’ daunting task facing host Latvia and Georgia in Riga for the final phase of qualification for the Paris Games.

Odds are stacked against Gilas, with Latvia and Georgia seen as the two sides progressing past Group A of the OQT phase which starts July 2.

But Newsome will head to the OQT with confidence at a high level following a performance that keyed Meralco’s triumph over San Miguel and end the franchise’s 14-year wait for a PBA crown.

Important presence

His heroic role, ending with a baseline jumper in Game 6 that sealed the championship, capped off a season in which Newsome has been playing at a level never before seen since he entered the league in 2015.

Much of the credit is on his important presence in Gilas’ victory in the Hangzhou Asian Games, a result that ended the Philippines’ 61-year gold medal drought.

“It definitely helped me going up against [some of] the best in the world,” he said. “It helped me understand where I am as a player and what skills that I have to work on.”

Winning a PBA title and his newfound status as one of the country’s best players, however, can’t satisfy Newsome, who’ll now try to not only put Gilas in a position to give both European countries a run for their money, but also hold his own against the players he’ll go up against.

“Sometimes, I fail. But I’m okay with failing, because I know I did my best,” he said. “Even with this [PBA] championship, I have so much to improve on.”

Gilas is wrapping its short camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, and is scheduled to take on the Taiwan Mustangs of The Asian Tournament on Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.



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Then it’s off to Europe for Gilas for tune-up matches with Turkey and Poland in the leadup to the OQT.

Team USA has ‘fun’ interaction with ‘friendly’ Alas Pilipinas

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Members of Alas Pilipinas and Team USA.–Photo from Alas Pilipinas volley Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — The stars of Team USA were thrilled to interact with the members of the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s squads on Friday evening at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati.

Alas players Bryan Bagunas and his teammates had a chance to meet USA’s TJ Defalco and Matt Anderson and even libero Erik Shoji, who watched Bagunas’ heroics in the Philippines’ historic silver medal run in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. 

Shoji posted a series of YouTube vlogs in 2020, reacting to the Philippine men’s volleyball team’s matches in the SEA Games including its five-set thriller against Thailand in the semifinal.

READ: VNL 2024: USA star Taylor Averill wants to come back, explore PH

“It was really fun. I’ve watched Bryan Bagunas before on YouTube and the team in the SEA Games 2019. It was fun to watch those players. I know they’re so popular here and it was nice to meet him [Bryan]. I’ve seen him play, so, I know how good he is for sure,” said the USA libero of Bagunas, who is now playing in Chinese Taipei.

Besides Bagunas, Shoji was pleased to meet the other members of the squad, taking photos and sharing volleyball tips.

“We met them for maybe five minutes before, then we had the interview and then we talked for five to 10 minutes after. They were fun, you know, I love the Filipino people, the energy they have, it’s so—I’m from Hawaii, and we have similar kind of energies so, it’s been so fun and we just love interacting any time we can,” he said.

Alas setters Jia De Guzman and Owa Retamar also got the opportunity to talk and take a selfie with USA star setter and captain Micah Christenson.

“We talked to the two guy players, there was the setter and we talked about setting a little bit and then the three women’s team players, we shared food together like we’re friends. It was really informal, felt really friendly and that’s the best thing,” Christenson said. 

READ: VNL 2024: USA posts second straight win ahead of Japan clash

Christenson shared he also encouraged Alas to cheer for them when they wrap up their VNL campaign against fellow fan-favorite Japan on Sunday evening.

“It was awesome just to get to talk to them, listen to their experience and talk about how who they’re gonna cheer for if it’s gonna be Japan or us tomorrow. So we put a little pressure on them to cheer for us. But that was great they’re all really good people and it’s cool that we’re able to meet them,” said the setter.

Alas players shared their pictures with the USA stars, relishing their time to meet the VNL runner-up and Olympic-bound Americans. 

Defalco said their short but precious dinner with Alas Pilipinas made their first Manila stint more special aside from the warm support from Filipino fans.



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“It was awesome to see the Manila team, especially in a country like this is amazing. To see some of the culture and get exposed to it is awesome. I had a really great time,” Defalco said. “We kind of conversed with all of them. Little pieces here and there. It was just kind of a quick turnaround to get to know each other, and answer some questions and that was it. It was a great time.”

Alex Eala advances to WTA Veneto Open quarterfinals

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Filipino tennis player Alex Eala in the WTA Veneto Open. -VENETO OPEN/RAFA NADAL ACADEMY

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala entered the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Veneto Open quarterfinal after dominating home bet Georgia Pedone, 6-3, 6-3, on Thursday (Manila time) in Gaiba, Italy.

The 19-year-old Filipino netter is making her first quarterfinal appearance in the WTA Tour, where she suffered early exits in her previous outings.

It took an hour and 23 minutes for Eala to beat Pedone to move to the farthest she had reached in the WTA.

READ: Alex Eala vows to come back stronger after Miami Open exit

Eala is facing former World No. 5 Sara Errani early Saturday morning (Manila time) as she hopes to continue her dream run.

“First WTA Quarterfinal! Fully focused for the next round!” Eala wrote.

The World No. 169 Eala opened her campaign in Italy with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Carole Monnet of France.

The Rafael Nadal Academy product faces a 37-year-old veteran in World No.91 Errani, whom she upset in the qualifiers of the Miami Open with a 6-3, 6-1 win last March 18.



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USA star Taylor Averill wants to come back, explore PH

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USA star Taylor Averill goes up for a hit during a VNL 2024 Week 3 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Taylor Averill hopes to come back to Manila but not for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

The USA star wants to explore the Philippines — which he said is his new favorite country —more, once he gets some free time.

“I wish we had more time to explore. I mean, I’ll definitely be coming back. The people here are incredible,” said Averill after scoring 11 points in their 25-21, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-9 win over Brazil on Thursday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: VNL 2024: Team USA’s Erik Shoji lauds ‘awesome’ Filipino fans

Averill has been expressing his love for the Philippines on his Instagram reels. 

He loves the food, accommodation, the playing venue, and most especially the Filipinos, who have been very nice and supportive.

“We play volleyball and in the US, for the men, we don’t get so much love and to come to a country like the Philippines and I feel so loved by the people here,” he said. “It makes it really special and I think a lot of us embrace that as well.”

Following a tough five-set loss to Iran on Wednesday, the Americans bounced back and completed a fifth-set win buoyed by “USA! USA!” chants during the match.

READ: VNL: Micah Christenson, USA grateful for fans’ support in loss

“It’s the best. You need it. It’s the seventh player on the floor. It really changes the momentum and it helps a lot and we’re so grateful to have the support of the Philippines,” said Averill.

“This is the best environment, playing one of the best teams in the world. I’m so proud of the way we bounced back from yesterday’s loss. We showed a lot of resilience and I’ve probably said it a thousand times, I love the Philippines. Like, to have so much support when games are really close, to have the fans really cheering in our favor, I think it helped a lot,” he added.

Amid their busy schedule including the Paris Olympics, Averill has one wish before leaving the Philippines.



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“Hopefully, we can go to a Jollibee’s soon. That’s what I’m hoping to do,” he said.

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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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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Thunder trade guard Josh Giddey to Bulls for Alex Caruso

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Oklahoma City Thunder’s Josh Giddey handles the ball in Game 6 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. Giddey has been traded from Oklahoma City to Chicago for guard Alex Caruso, a person familiar with the situation said. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because trades can’t be announced until July 6. ESPN first reported the deal. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, file)

The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Alex Caruso, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because trades can’t be announced until July 6. ESPN first reported the trade.

The 21-year-old Giddey was investigated following accusations by an anonymous social media user that he had an improper relationship with an underage girl.

READ: NBA looks into Thunder’s Josh Giddey alleged relationship with underage girl

The NBA and the Newport Beach, California, Police Department investigated Giddey during the season. The Newport Beach police completed their investigation in January and detectives were “unable to corroborate any criminal activity. ” The NBA also later dropped its investigation.

Giddey’s play suffered this season and he was constantly booed on the road. The point guard averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists with 47.5% shooting this season. Those averages were down from 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists the previous season.

Giddey’s play improved the second half of the regular season, after the Thunder traded for Gordon Hayward. He averaged 16.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 57.2% from the field in April regular-season games. His playing time was cut significantly in the playoffs, and he lost his starting job for the first time in his career.

READ: Bulls to acquire Lonzo Ball, sign Alex Caruso

Giddey was the No. 6 overall pick in 2021 and he made the All-Rookie second team. He is a member of Australia’s national team that will play at the Paris Olympics this summer. He is an exceptional passer and at 6-foot-8, his size makes him a solid rebounder.

The 30-year-old Caruso, who plays point guard and shooting guard, has established himself as a defensive presence in four years with the Los Angeles Lakers and then three years with the Bulls. He has career averages of 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He averaged a career-high 10.1 points this past season. He was on the all-defense first team in 2023 and the second team in 2024.

The Thunder also have Cason Wallace, a second-team all-rookie selection this past season, in place at point guard.



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