UFC All-Access now available on TAP Go

Coming to TAP Go

TAP DMV is doubling down on its investment on the UFC, officially unveiling its specific vertical within its OTT platform TAP Go for UFC All-Access on Thursday. 

UFC All-Access is a mixed martial arts fan's dream, able to satisfy one's craving with content available inside the world's largest MMA library, while also providing live and catch-up action.

One can relive the recent UFC events that have been shown on TAP Go, which includes the last three UFC Fight Nights, as well as the recent episodes of the Dana White Contenders Series, all while waiting for the two big pay-per-view events: UFC 267 and UFC 268, the former featuring the light heavyweight title fight between Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira taking place at Fight Island, and the latter being the much anticipated title rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

Other non-live content such as UFC Classics, UFC Submissions, UFC The Walk, UFC Greatest Fights, UFC Ultimate Knockouts and many more can now be accessed on demand simply by downloading TAP Go.

In addition, TAP DMV also revealed on Friday that both TAP Go and its linear television channel Premier Sports are now the exclusive home of UFC in the Philippines.

In making the announcement, TAP DMV Marketing Manager Rely San Agustin shares, "We are excited to bring the Filipino UFC fan all the terrific action of the most exciting MMA organization in the world, through UFC All-Access on TAP GO. Get your fill of all the UFC action both live and non-live programs; all in one TAP."

UFC All-Access is bundled within the TAP Go Premium Plus package, which is available monthly for PhP 599. However, TAP DMV is offering a special promo for the month of October, costing just PhP 1499 for the next three months for those inclined. Fans can either log on to www.tapgo.tv or download the TAP GO app on IOS and Android and click on one of the plans being offered on the site.

Chooks-to-Go tapped to take over MPBL operations

Time to REIGNITE the MPBL

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is set to be reignited, with founder Manny Pacquiao tapping Chooks-to-Go to handle its league operations.

Pacquiao and Chooks-to-Go President Ronald Mascariñas finalized the updated partnership on Sunday night, one that started out as a five-year title sponsorship back in December 2019.

The Senator shares, "I am elated to have this new partnership given that Chooks-to-Go is a very organized organization especially in basketball."

He adds, "I saw the world-class event of their one-day invitational league in San Fernando and I was impressed. They are the only group in partnership with FIBA 3x3 in the country. With that, they basically know what they are doing. I am thankful to Kuya Ronald and I can only entrust the MPBL to Chooks-to-Go."

Pacquiao is referring to the recently-concluded Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational, which took place this past week at San Fernando, Pampanga.

"Being a presidential candidate is no easy task and we understand the busy schedule of the senator," said Mascariñas. "That is why we accepted the gargantuan responsibility to take over the full basketball operations of the MPBL. We will work hand in hand with Commissioner Kenneth [Duremdes] in this endeavor."

Plans are in place for the MPBL to have an invitational tournament to end the year, with Chooks-to-Go  also looking at integrating its successful 3x3 program into the league.

Founded in 2017, the MPBL was founded to fill a need for a regional men's basketball competition. It has bore fruit to three tournaments: the Rajah, Datu, and Lakan Cups.

The updated partnership ensures a strong sporting portfolio for Chooks-to-Go, with its support of fellow regional leagues Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup and the National Basketball League-Pilipinas, as well as its FIBA 3x3-endorsed and Games and Amusements Board-regulated professional league, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3. For Chooks-to-Go, all of these leagues serve as a means for provincial players to secure a source of livelihood through basketball.

Xiandi Chua completes PSI Nationals domination

Xiandi Chua

Xiandi Chua went three-for-three in the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Selection bubble, securing the final piece with the 100-meter freestyle title on Sunday at the New Clark City Aquatics Center.

The All-Star Swim Club standout was the lone swimmer to finish the race in under a minute, clocking in at 59.68 seconds and fending off two UAAP Season 82 Most Valuable Players.

The twenty-year old San Juan native shares, "My times in this meet weren't really good because my times went up. But I think it's a nice opportunity to race again because I was able to see where I'm actually at and how I can I improve on it in training."

Camille Buico of Rising Atlantis Swim Club nipped Chloe Daos of QC Buccaneers for second by .01 second with a time of 1:00.34.

Daos will not come home empty-handed in this meet, topping the 200-meter butterfly at 2:22.57, fending off Michaela Mojdeh and her 2:25.22.

The Ayala Harpoons completed their dominance in the meet, thanks to Miguel Barreto and Thanya Dela Cruz.

Barreto topped both the 100-meter and 800-meter freestyle events, beating out Joshua Del Rio of the Ateneo Blue Knights, 8:48.39 to 9:15.80 in the latter while nipping Sacho Ilustre in the former, 53.52 to 53.59.

Dela Cruz, on the other hand, secured the 200-meter breaststroke title, clocking in at 2:43.44.

BEST Main also had their share of winning in the meet, led by John Neil Paderes.

The 19-year-old took the 50-meter backstroke title with a time of 27.77 seconds, completing a clean sweep of all three backstroke events.

Meanwhile, teammates Jordan Lobos and Ivan Radovan claimed their respective 200-meter races. Lobos needed 2:21.49 to top the breaststroke, while Radovan ruled the butterfly with 2:13.71.

Completing the cast of winners are Hannah Sanchez, who took the 800-meter freestyle for the All-Star Swim Club at 9:57.36, and Shayne Lugay of the Ace Seawolves, who took the 50-meter backstroke in 32.32 seconds.

The three-day event was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation.

Miguel Barreto tops 200m free in PSI Nationals

Miguel Barreto

National team stalwart Miguel Barreto topped a thrilling 200-meter freestyle race highlighting Day 2 of the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Selection bubble at the New Clark City Aquatic Center on Saturday.

With a time of 1:56.74, Barreto beat out teammate Sacho Ilustre for the win. Ilustre finished third with a time of 1:59.29, as Marco Daos sneaked past him at the touch with a 1:59.10.

He shared afterwards, "Yung kahapon, expected ko malapit sa best time. Okay naman yung feeling. Pero nothing to expect naman kasi wala namang training. So ngayon, enjoy lang, have fun."

The Ayala Harpoons Swim Club standout unfortunately missed out on a double in the 400-meter individual medley as a result of a disqualification.

Instead, it was Ted Laminta who claimed his second win in the meet with a time of 4:49.00, beating out Joshua del Rio's 5:01.04.

Fellow Harpoon Thanya Dela Cruz continued to impress, securing a third win in the competition with a near-national record at the 100-meter breaststroke.

The Marikina resident was clocked at 1:11.28, just .36 seconds off Desirae Mangaoang's record time of 1:10.92.

After being the lone competitor in the 200-meter individual medley, Xiandi Chua got tested in the 200-meter freestyle, beating UAAP Season 82 MVP Chloe Daos, 2:09.17 to 2:11.66.

Fellow UAAP Season 82 MVP Camille Buico did win her event, clocking a 28.69 second time to claim the 50-meter butterfly for Rising Atlantis SC.

In the other events, BEST Main's Jordan Lobos topped the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:04.66, beating out Sam Alcos and Rian Marco Tirol, who finished second and third with respective times of 1:05.84 and 1:05.96.

Lobos' teammate Michaela Mojdeh claimed the 400-meter individual medley title fending off Gianna Garcia, 5:23.63 to 5:38.73. The fifteen-year-old had a crack at another race, but fell short against Hannah Sanchez in the women's 1500-meter freestyle, 18:58.71 against the latter's 18:55.97.

Garcia did top the women's 200-meter backstroke with 2:33.96, fending off Keneily Trinidad's 2:45.71.

QC Buccaneers SC's Seb Wong beat out Ilustre in the 50-meter butterfly with a time of 25.67 seconds. Ilustre nipped Marcus De Kam for second, 26.40 to 26.50. 

Completing things off for second day action in the meet, which is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation, is John Niel Paderes and his 2:14.94 time to secure the men's 200-meter backstroke.

Final day of pool action is slated on Sunday.

Thanya dela Cruz sets record in PSI Nationals

Thanya Dela Cruz stars in Day 1 action

Thanya Dela Cruz makes an early impression in the early part of Day 1 action in the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc.'s National Selection bubble at the New Clark City Aquatic Center.

The 18-year-old Marikina resident set a new mark in the 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 32.89 seconds, beating then-record holder Joy Rodgers' 32.93 that she established during the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the same venue.

She shared afterwards, "Sobrang saya kasi sobrang tagal nating hindi nakapag-swim. I mean, so coming here wala namang expectations, just to get back the feeling lang. I didn't expect na mag-rerecord."

Rodgers finished second behind Dela Cruz with 33.94 seconds.

Dela Cruz also topped the field in the 50-meter freestyle event, as the Ayala Harpoons Swim Club standout claimed it with a time of 27.92 seconds, with Trixie Ortiguera of Tarlac Mako Sharks SC finishing in second with 29.31 seconds.

Harpoons teammates also topped a couple more events, with Miguel Barreto winning the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 4:39.21 and Ryan Marco Tirol taking the 50-meter breaststroke at 30.05 seconds.

UAAP Season 82 Most Valuable Players Sacho Ilustre, Chloe Daos and Camille Buico set the pace in their respective events, with Ilustre clocking the fastest time in the 100-meter butterfly at 57.13 seconds, nipping Joshua Ang of the Golden Sea Eagles and his 57.44 seconds.

Daos, on the other hand, won the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 4:39.21 for the QC Buccaneers, while Buico snatched the 100-meter butterfly by clocking in at 1:03.94.

Chloe's teammate in QC, Seb Wong, more recognized as the brother of SEA Games wushu gold medalist Agatha, swam the fastest in the 50-meter freestyle. The 22-year-old touched at 24.00 seconds for the win.

Other winners on Friday include:

John Niel Paderes (100-meter backstroke at 1:01.22)

Shayne Lugay (100-meter backstroke at 1:10.38)

Ted Laminta (200-meter individual medley at 2:13.89) representing D'Ace Seahawks.

Joshua Del Rio (1500-meter freestyle at 16:40.12) representing Ateneo Blue Knight Swim Club

Michaela Mojdeh (1500-meter freestyle at 18:58.71)

Meanwhile, Xiandi Chua set a time a 2:25.32 in the women's 200-meter individual medley, the only participant in that particular event.

More swimming action is set to take place on Saturday in the meet, which is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation.

More sports to come in October for SKY

What to watch on SKY

As the month of October winds down, SKYcable remains committed to provide die-hard sports fans access to some of the biggest sporting events LIVE in the comfort of their own homes.

beIN Sports will showcase the much-anticipated El Clasico between storied LaLiga rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona on October 24, 1010pm.

Premier Sports will have the prime selection of NFL Week 7 games, including Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns on October 22 at 8am, Indianapolis Colts vs San Francisco 49ers on October 25 at 8am, and New Orleans Saints vs Seatlle Seahawks on October 26 at 8am. Said channel will also showcase the F1 United States Grand Prix in the early morning of October 25.

If one prefers a different kind of speed, MotoGP is slated to have its Italian GP on October 23-24, with SPOTV set to showcase the race.

Also set to be shown on Premier Sports this Halloween is UFC 267, with the main event taking place at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi being a light heavyweight title showdown between Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira. Action begins at 2am.

And on Fight Sports this coming October 24, Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson are set to slug it out for the WBO junior lightweight title, starting at 9am.

Make sure to take advantage of these sporting events through the different subscriptions plans SKYcable is offering, especially with the new HD plans (HD500, HD1000, HD1500) now available. Check out mysky.com.ph for specifics on the different plans or one can already apply for them by texting SKY <space> APPLY <space> <NAME> to 23662 (free on all networks).

Make sure to follow SKY on Facebook (fb.com/myskyupdates), Twitter, and Instagram (@myskyupdates) for the latest updates.

Swimmers set for PSI National Selection Bubble

New Clark City Aquatics Center

The quest to determine the composition of the national team starts Friday at the New Clark City Aquatics Center with the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Selection Bubble.

Sanctioned by FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation), the three-day competition provides opportunities for swimmers to earn points and set times that can meet qualifying standards for a couple of major competitions: the 15th World Swimming (25) Championships set to take place in Abu Dhabi in December and the 19th World Aquatics Champhionships in Fukuoka this coming May 2022.

PSI president Lailani Velasco shares, "We hope that the event can show to the youth that we can rise again and recover from this pandemic. We hope to encourage current swimmers to train even more to reach their dreams. And what better dream than to have a chance to represent the country, and bring pride and honor to the flag."

Notable participants in the 71-member field are UAAP Season 82 Most Valuable Players Chloe Daos and Sacho Ilustre, each participating in four events. Also set to swim are the likes of Xiandi Chua, Camille Buico, and Joy Rodgers for the women and Ianiko Limfilipino and Miguel Barreto in the men.

The three-day event is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation.

Manila HeiHei wins Chooks 3x3 Invitational

Mac Tallo was the Best Player of the Game in the 21-6 final for Manila HeiHei

It was the Mac Tallo show at the Laus Events Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga on Wednesday, as Manila HeiHei finished atop the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational.

Much like the cars being showcased in the different showrooms nearby, Tallo revved out and torched the 3x3 opposition, finishing undefeated in the one-day tournament supported by TM, Wilson Basketball, Homegrown Grains, and Adam Ezli.

The former SWU standout outscored Pasig Kingpin by himself in the final, dropping thirteen points on five two-pointers and lead Manila to a 21-6 victory with 4:41 left in the ten-minute matchup.

Manila went on an 8-1 lead and never looked back, with Tallo scoring seven of those. He and Chico Lanete put in the work on defense as well, checking the Monteclaro brothers. Ryan and Nikki, who each had their way from deep all tournament long, were limited to just a point each.

Zach Huang added five markers while defending Toba Eugene. Mike Nzeusseu bucked a hand injury in their 18-10 semifinal against ARQ Builders-Cebu to tack on a couple of points. The former Lyceum standout got the knock battling with Landry Sanjo for a rebound with 118 seconds remaining in their grueling match.

Manila HeiHei would net PhP 110,000 with the victory, with the additional PhP 10,000 coming from the final being the Fastest Game of the tournament.

Manila head trainer Aldin Ayo was pleased with the result. He shares, "Happy that this tournament happened. I hope that they got the confidence and the rhythm. It's important that we simulate the actual situations and we can't do that in practice."

On whether Nzeusseu's injury could affect their upcoming stint in the 2021 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters, Ayo says, "Malayo sa bituka yun e. I hope he recovers in time for Abu Dhabi. He has a big responsibility with our team and he has to overcome that. It's not a major injury."

To get to the final, Pasig dispatched Essen Immunoboost Sarangani, 21-15. In finishing second, they are PhP 50,000 richer. Sarangani netted PhP 20,000 for the third place finish.

In the side events for the FIBA 3x3-endorsed and Games and Amusements Board-regulated tournament, Janus Lozada of AMACOR Mandaluyong claimed the two-point shootout after going 9/10, netting PhP 10,000. As for the newly-renamed Sudan Slam Dunk Competition, David Carlos beat Nhomar Gonzales and Lennon Abiso to earn PhP 20,000.

Tallo knocked down the championship-clinching deuce with 4:41 left, marking the finals as the fastest game of the day as well. It gave them an additional P10,000 on top of their P100,000 prize in this tournament endorsed by FIBA 3x3, regulated by the Games and Amusements Board.

Kicking off the knockout rounds and setting up the semifinal dramatics, Mandaluyong ran out of luck against Cebu, 19-21; Homegrown Grains Bocaue fell short against Sarangani, 15-21; Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod got outsniped by Pasig, 15-21; and BRT Sumisip Basilan ran into the Manila freight train, 10-21. 

The Scores:

Manila 21 - Tallo 13, Huang 5, Nzeusseu 2, Lanete 1.

Pasig 6 - Eugene 3, Monteclaro R. 1, Monteclaro N. 1, Belencion 1.

Manila secures berth into Chooks 3x3 Invitational knockout rounds

Mike Harry Nzeusseu for Manila HeiHei

Manila HeiHei smoothly entered into the knockout rounds of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational powered by TM on Wednesday afternoon.

The Laus Group Events Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga witnessed Manila win both its games in Pool Play, defeating Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod 21-15 and dispatching Adam Esli Pasay 21-13.

By topping Pool A, they earned a quarterfinal matchup against BRT Sumisip Basilan, who secured second spot by defeating Zamboanga Valientes MLV, 21-15.

Pasig Kingpins topped its pool by defeating the Valientes, 22-10, behind some steady sniping from the Monteclaro brothers. They will face Bacolod in the quarters.

Homegrown Grains Bocaue topped its pool with victories over ARQ Builders-Cebu (21-16) and MNL Kingpin Quezon City (21-17). They will face Essen Immunoboost Sarangani in the quarterfinals, after they were pipped by AMACOR Mandaluyong, 21-20.

Cebu secured second after an impressive rout of Quezon City, 21-11, to set up that matchup against Mandaluyong.

The champion of the invitational will receive PhP 100,000, while PhP 50,000 and PhP 20,000 awaits the rest of the podium finishers.

The Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitationals powered by TM is endorsed by FIBA 3x3, regulated by the Games and Amusements Board, and supported by Wilson Basketball.

Bocaue makes early impression in Chooks 3x3 Invitational

Mark Yee vs Landry Sanjo

Homegrown Grains-Bocaue claimed a victory on their opening assignment at the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational, dispatching ARQ Builders-Cebu, 21-16, at the Laus Group Events Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Bocaue survived the African duo of Frederick Elombi and Landry Sanjo, who provided an early spark for Cebu. Ralph Tansingco and Dennis Santos helped claw their way back to a 16-all deadlock, setting up Mark Yee's heroics.

The MPBL MVP netted key buckets down the stretch while matching Sanjo's physicality on the defensive end. He also iced the game with a couple of free throws after drawing a foul while taking a two-pointer.

In what could be considered as potentially the game of the early rounds, Marvin Hayes' deuce with 17.9 seconds left allowed AMACOR Mandaluyong to snatch the win against RBR Cabiao Nueva Ecija, 21-20.

Completing the first set of matches are Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod securing a 22-14 victory over Adam Esli Pasay, while the Monteclaro brothers sniped their way to a 21-9 win for the Pasig Kingpins against BRT Sumisip Basilan.

PhP 100,000 awaits the champion of the invitational.

Chooks 3x3 Invitational to prepare Manila Chooks for World Tour stint

Aldin Ayo

Aldin Ayo is just happy that 3x3 competition in the country is set to resume Wednesday, with the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational powered by TM taking place at the Laus Group Events Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The Manila Chooks head coach shares, "I'm happy because we are going to have games which we lacked. Yung first game natin lagi tayo nagstruggle tapos second game nakaka-adjust. Hopefully, after this, we learn more about adjusting in tournaments."

The two stints in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour are the only competitions Manila Chooks has participated this year, with a 13th place finish in Doha back in March and an 11th place finish in Montreal last month. The pandemic has shut down 3x3 competition both locally and regionally.

Manila Chooks is expected to compete in the Abu Dhabi leg of the 3x3 World Tour on October 29-30, and the invitational is a perfect opportunity to prepare for the competition.

For the invitational, Ayo has enlisted Chico Lanete, Mac Tallo, Zach Huang, and Lyceum alumnus Mike Nzeusseu to represent Manila as Manila HeiHei. Manila Chooks reserves Mark Yee and Dennis Santos, who comprised half of the team in Montreal, are tapped to play with Homegrown Grains Bocaue with Ralph Tansingco and Jayvee Marcelino.

Manila is slotted with Adam Esli Pasay and Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod in Pool A, while Bocaue joins MNL Kingpin Quezon City and ARQ Builders-Cebu in Pool B.

Pool C consists of Pasig Kingpins, Zamboanga Valientes MLV, and BRT Sumisip-Basilan, with remaining teams AMACOR Mandaluyong, Essen Immunoboost Sarangani and RBR Cabiao Nueva Ecija in Pool D.

Standard 3x3 tournament rules apply for this invitational, with the top two teams in Pool A facing off with Pool C and Pool B with Pool D in the crossover knockout rounds.

Ayo acknowledges Manila's status as favorites, noting that they "are going to accept the challenge but what is important is we improve."

The multi-titled head coach also expessed appreciation to league owner Ronald Mascariñas, who ensured a tournament is slated to take place.

"We know that this is not easy and this is not cheap. Ginagawa eto ni Sir Ronald to help us gain points for the 2024 Paris Olympics," expressed Ayo.

The 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational powered by TM and supported by Gatorade is endorsed by FIBA 3x3 and regulated by the Games and Amusements Board. Action will be streamed both on the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas page on Facebook as well as the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.

Manila Chooks split into two for Chooks Pilipinas Invitational

Henry Iloka is back for some Chooks 3x3.

Manila Chooks will be split into two teams for the special Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas Invitational powered by TM, with the revelation of the participating players for the one-day event.

Half of the quartet who played in the Montreal Masters last month will be playing for HeiHei Manila, while the other half will represent Bocaue in the tourney that takes place the Laus Events Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Playing for the former is Zach Huang and Mac Tallo, while the latter fields Mark Yee and Dennis Santos. 

Key Manila Chooks cog Chico Lanete will also be part of the Manila quartet, joined by Lyceum standout Mike Nzeusseu, who is one of seven former foreign student-athletes set to play.

Two of those seven have had a previous stint in Chooks Pilipinas 3x3, including Chibueze Ikeh, who is joining Ronjay Buenafe, Paul Sanga, and Donald Gumaru for Essen Immunoboost Sarangani, as well as Frederick Elombi, set to join ARQ Builders Cebu alongside fellow Cameroonian Landry Sanjo, and noted CESAFI standouts Monbert Arong and Ralph Dinolan.

The other foreign reinforcements are Hamadou Laminou for BRT Sumisip-Basilan, Henry Iloka for RBR Cabiao-Nueva Ecija, and Eugene Toba for the Pasig Kingpins.

About having these foreigners in the invitational, league owner Ronald Mascariñas shares, "We opened up the one-day Invitational tournament that we have to imports for the sole reason that these former student-athletes have not played for such a long time and have been stranded in our country since the pandemic."

He adds, "This will also help our local players in adjusting to the global FIBA 3x3 game as there are a lot of skilled 6-foot-6 and above players in those competitions."

As for Bocaue, Ralph Tansingco and Jayvee Marcelino complete their quartet.

Joining Laminou in Sumisip are Junjie Hallare, Shaq Alanes, and Darwin Lunor; Cabiao has Ian Dela Torre, Ichie Altamirano, and King Importante alongside Iloka, with Pasig tagging Toba with the Monteclaro brothers Ryan and Nikki alongside Jaypee Belencion.

The other participating teams are as follows:

Zamboanga Valientes MLV continue their commitment to Chooks 3x3 with its homegrown core of Paulino Rebollos, David Sebastian, Gino Jumao-as, and Alex Mohammad.

Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod fields JK Casino, Cyrus Tabi, Joseph Eriobu, and Jayjay Manlangit.

Adam Esli Pasay has Jan Jamon, Elvin Chan, Jerome Pasia, and Agosto Flor.

AMACOR Mandaluyong has Michael Macaballug, Janus Lozada, Martin Gozum, and Marvin Hayes.

MNL Kingpin Quezon City has Jerome Garcia, Mon Mabayo, John Amboludto, and Joseph Peñaredondo.

The champion of this invitational will take home P100,000. Second and third place finishers will bank P50,000 and P20,000, respectively.

This one-day tournament that is endorsed by FIBA 3x3, regulated by the Games and Amusements Board, and supported by Gatorade will air on the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas' Facebook page and on FIBA 3x3's Youtube channel.

Chooks to hold 3x3 invitiational

Ready for the Chooks 3x3 Invitiational

A year after the President's Cup, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 makes its return to the sports scene with a one-day tournament.

Twelve teams are set to participate in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational powered by TM, which will take place on Wednesday, October 20, at the Laus Events Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga.

League owner Ronald Mascariñas noted the time passed since the President's Cup, which took place at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna. "The pandemic has really affected our goal of garnering valuable FIBA 3x3 points for the country in our dream of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. For us to re-ignite the fire of our stakeholders and team owners, we organized this one-day tournament which has no entry fee."

"It's about time 3x3 basketball returns," he adds.

The participating teams are: HeiHei Manila, Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod, BRT Sumisip Basilan, Homegrown Grains Bocaue, AMACOR Mandaluyong, RBR Cabiao Nueva Ecija, Pasig Kingpins, Adam Esli Pasay, MNL Kingpin Quezon City, Essen Immunoboost Sarangani, Zamboanga Valientes, and ARQ Builders Cebu.

Supported by Gatorade, Uling Roasters, Adobo Connection, and the soon-to-be-launched Chooks! restaurant, the invitational will adopt the familiar 3x3 World Tour format that is also used on the Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 events. As a professional league, it is under the auspices of the Games Amusements Board and has always secured the backing and endorsement of FIBA 3x3.

The twelve teams, who are allowed to tap a foreign reinforcement, will be allocated into four pools, which will play a single round robin within each pool. Top two of each pool will advance into the knockout rounds, which take place later in the day.

Participating teams met with the organizers on Saturday to not only explain the 3x3 rules, but also the necessary health and safety protocols in place as a result of the pandemic.

League doctor Dr. Jefferson Pagsisihan shares, "Actually, I commend the company for preparing for this event. I am so thankful to Chooks-to-Go for pulling off this event kasi it's time to go back to normal. Definitely, it is possible to have this safe event for as long as the teams and the league will adhere to the rules of GAB and the IATF, we will be able to do this tournament." He also adds, "For all the players, just come and play. We will take care of the safety and health of everyone. Just play and entertain the people because we need 3x3 back."

Technical Head Comm. Hector Villanueva notes, "Ready kami because we have reviewed the rules of FIBA 3x3. Ang importante kasi dito is mabigay natin yung international standard of officiating in our league. Si Chooks kasi ang nagpapataas sa ranking natin kaya dapat we need to follow the same officiating as the international tournaments."

The winner of the invitational will take home PhP 100,000, with the second and third place finishers banking, PhP 50,000 and PhP 20,000.

F1 set for restart with TAP Go

Coming to TAP Go this weekend.

 

Racing fans need not worry about where they can watch F1.

TAP DMV has snapped up the rights to the remainder of the much-loved global racing competition this season, starting with the Formula 1 Rolex Turkish Grand Prix this weekend.

Those on the go can watch through the TAP Go app, which is available at both iOS and Google Play. To be able to check it out, one has to available of the TAP Go Premium Plus package, which is PhP 599/monthly. However, TAP DMV this October currently has a promo for the next three months at just PhP1500. One can also access this through their computers via www.tapgo.tv.

Those who have cable subscriptions can inquire with their respective local provider for Premier Sports, which is TAP DMV's newest sports linear channel. TAP DMV says that the channel will be made available to over a hundred providers nationwide.

Re-introduced last year after a nine-year hiatus, the race saw Lance Stroll secure his first pole, whilst also becoming the race that clinched Lewis Hamilton's seventh Drivers' Championship.

The 2021 edition looks to have its own drama, as Hamilton tries to fend off Max Verstappen for his eighth title. A potential engine penalty could force the Mercedes maven to start from the back, which would be to the advantage of the Dutch star of Red Bull Racing.

For more information about the Premier Sports, TAP Go, and Tap DMV, log on to www.tapdmv.com.

Akaho named Tissot MVP, leads FIBA Asia Cup for Women All-Star Five

The All-Star Five

Himawari Akaho was named as the Tissot MVP at the conclusion of the FIBA Asia Cup for Women on Sunday at the Prince Hamza Arena.

Akaho averaged 10.6 points, five rebounds, and 2.2 steals for Japan in the tournament, but it was her leadership and defense that shone brightest in helping the Olympic silver medalists secure their fifth straight title, namely her last-second block in the semifinal against Australia and securing the rebound off a missed triple in the final against China to help preserve the victory.

Joining her in the All-Star Five is her teammate Saori Miyazaki, who starred in the final with 26 points and eleven assists. The latter ensured she would finish the tournament as the leader in assists at 9.6 per game.

Like Japan, China also had two members make the team. Yueru Li towered over the opposition with 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. Sijing Huang netted 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Completing the quintet is Sami Whitcomb of Australia, capping off a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Opals skipper and New York Liberty star. She averaged a near-triple-double performance for the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup hosts with 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.

Japan claims FIBA Asia Cup for Women

Saori Miyazaki

Japan claimed their fifth successive FIBA Asia Cup for Women on Sunday at the Prince Hamza Arena, fending off China, 78-73.

The Olympic silver medalists extricated themselves out of a sticky situation in the fourth quarter, scoring twelve straight points to cancel a seven-point deficit and establish a 64-59 lead with six minutes to go.

China would answer back to tie things up at 66, capped by a Sijin Huang triple with just over four minutes remaining.

From then on, it was a nip and tuck battle, with China even taking the lead at 73-72 after a Liwei Yang layup with 62 seconds left.

However, Japan took the lead for good with Saori Miyazaki finding Monica Okoye open for an and-1 layup with 44 seconds to go, putting them on top. 74-73.

Okoye would miss the bonus free throw, but more than made up for it by blocking Liwei's layup attempt with 31 seconds remaining.

China had a chance to tie the game after two Miyazaki free throws made it 76-73, but Sijin missed a triple with eight seconds left. Himawari Akaho secured the miss for her eighth rebound, with Miyazaki icing the game with two more free throws for the final score.

Miyazaki finished with 26 points and eleven assists, with Okoye adding 21 markers.

Sijing Huang led China with 18 points, while Yueru Li added sixteen and eleven rebounds.

The third place game saw Australia demolish Korea, 88-58 to secure their third straight podium finish.

Opals skipper Sami Whitcomb almost netted a triple-double with fifteen points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, with Darcee Garbin adding fourteen points.

Up next for all four nations is the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament, where the field for the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup will be determined.

Japan, China set up Asia Cup Women final

China makes it to the final.

Japan and China won their respective semifinal matches at the FIBA Asia Cup for Women on Saturday, setting up an interesting final involving two titans.

Japan secured their spot with a 67-65 victory over Australia, doing so with some added drama.

The defending champions were trailing 62-56 with less than four minutes left, before a 9-0 run allowed them to take a 65-62 lead. Sami Whitcomb tied it with a three with 2:18 left, but that was the last points the Opals would score.

Himawari Akaho's bucket with 118 seconds remaining allowed the Olympics silver medalists to retake the lead, then sealed the victory with a rejection of Whitcomb's game-winning attempt with four seconds left.

Akaho finished with an all-around performance of twelve points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks. Saki Hayashi led all scorers with seventeen points.

Whitcomb finished with a team-high sixteen points, with Lauren Scherf contributing a double-double with twelve points and fifteen rebounds.

Standing in the way of Japan and a fifth straight title is China, which dispatched Korea, 93-69.

China decided to impose its will against their East Asian rivals, jumping out to a 23-9 lead and never looked back to coast their way to the finals.

Yueri Li finished with a twenty-point and twelve-rebound double-double, with Sijin Huang adding sixteen points.

Inyoung Yang led Korea with twelve points.

In the last game of the triple-header, New Zealand defeated Chinese-Taipei, 74-59, to finish in fifth place. Penina Davidson led the way for the Tall Ferns with a game-high 26 points.

UFC lands on TAP

Mixed martial arts fans need not worry in the aftermath of Disney's decision to shut down its channels in Asia.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has found a new home. This was made possible with a new partnership with TAP DMV, allowing its content to be shown on its OTT platform TAP Go, as well as its linear channel Premier Sports. Terms for the deal were not disclosed, but it is for multiple years.

The partnership will effectively commence starting October 3 with UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Walker. All in all, 42 live UFC events, including twelve in pay-per-view and thirty UFC Fight Nights will be shown both on TAP Go and Premier Sports. Other UFC-related content will also be made available, like the upcoming Dana White's Contender Series Asia, as well as UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, and archival footage.

Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President - Asia, shares "The Philippines has such a long history and love for combat sports, and UFC has had a tremendous following for many years. Now, more than ever before, our partnership with TAP GO and PREMIER SPORTS will give these fans variety and accessibility to the UFC."

TAP DMV Chief Technology Officer Gonzalo de Guia adds, "We are excited to bring the Filipino UFC fan all the terrific action of the most exciting MMA organization in the world, UFC to TAP GO and PREMIER SPORTS. UFC fans are some of the most passionate and loyal fans and we plan to bring them an incredible menu of UFC content through our platforms. We can’t wait to get started."

Fight fans will be able to subscribe for the UFC with the TAP Go Premium Plus package, which is worth PhP 599 monthly. However, a special promotional deal for the month of October allows subscribers to avail of an introductory promo of PhP 1490 for three months. TAP DMV also expressed interest in crafting a UFC-specific package in the future. One can either download the app on Google Play or the Apple Store or go online at www.tapgo.tv and register.

Do check with your cable provider if the channels under the auspices of TAP DMV are available

Thirdy vs Kiefer highlight TapGo's opening B League coverage

 

TAP DMV is set to kick off its B League coverage this weekend, highlighted by the historic first meeting of Ravena siblings.

Thirdy's San-En NeoPhoenix visit Kiefer's Shiga Lakestars in their respective season openers is one of 51 games that TAP DMV will showcase on both their OTT platform TAP Go, as well as on its cable channels.

TAP already showed the league opener on Thursday between Ryukyu Golden Kings and Alvark Tokyo at the Okinawa Arena, and they have plans on showing as much of the games involving our eight Filipino players currently signed by the league.

Six Pinoys are with B1 teams, including historic barrier-breaker Thirdy, and Kiefer. Bobby Ray Parks, Jr., the only other player aside from Kiefer who has PBA experience, is with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, while former University of the Philippines standouts Kobe Paras and Javi Gomez de Liano are with Niigata Albirex BB and Ibaraki Robots, respectively. Completing the six is Dwight Ramos, the Gilas standout snapped up by the Toyama Grouses.

Two more Filipinos are in B2, with Javi's younger brother Juan in Earth Friends Tokyo Z and Kemark Carino departing from San Beda to join Aomori Wat's.

Kiefer shared his thoughts to philstar.com about his upcoming debut, "I am looking forward to playing against my brother and getting that first win for the Shiga Lakestars." He adds, "I am doing well here in Japan in the city of Otsu in the prefecture of Shiga. The transition is easy and it’s a cool, and fun place to be. The people are very polite people -- kahit sino ma meet mo."

When asked about what to expect from the Lakestars this coming season, the Phenom notes that they are a "young team full of promise," citing team captain Teppeo Kashiwagura, Shotaro Hayashi, and Reon Shibuta as the other guys to check out on the side.

Kiefer summed things up with, "I am excited to be a part of a professional team that represents the city of Shiga. Hopefully, we can get a win against my brother’s team."

Make sure to check out TAP Go's social media platforms for more details about what to watch in the coming B League season. The app is already available on both the Apple Store and Google Play, and do check with your cable provider regarding the TAP DMV channels.

Korea, Australia complete FIBA Asia Cup for Women semifinal cast

Sami Whitcomb

After suffering setbacks against fellow title contenders on Wednesday, both Korea and Australia won their respective FIBA Asia Cup for Women quarterfinal matchups on Thursday.

Korea needed a triple from Hyejin Park with a minute remaining to fend off Chinese-Taipei, eventually snapping up a 80-74 victory.

Park would finish with a team-high 22 points on 5/7 shooting from three. Leeseul Kang added three triples on her way to fifteen points.

Chinese-Taipei had managed to remain within striking distance for most of the game, but was unable to move past the multiple-time former champions. Hsiao-Tong Peng led the team with eighteen points.

The other quarterfinal matchup saw Australia defeat New Zealand, 72-61.

New York Liberty sharpshooter Sami Whitcomb sizzled with 29 points on 4/7 from three-point distance. The Opals skipper also made 11/13 free throws, grabbed seven boards, and dished six dimes. Lauren Marie Scherf and Darcee Garbin had thirteen and ten points, respectively.

Charlisse Leger-Walker led the Tall Ferns with seventeen points.

The quarterfinal results also officially complete FIBA-Asia's contingent in the FIBA Women's World Cup, joining fellow Asia Cup semifinalists Japan and China.

Semifinal action is slated Saturday.

Gilas Women earn Division A stay

Gilas Women staying in Division A

The Philippines is set to depart from Jordan on a winning note, holding on to a 74-70 victory over India in the seventh-place game at the FIBA Asia Cup for Women.

Janine Pontejos and Khate Castillo took over for the Gilas Women late Thursday, each torching the net for 22 points.

With the Philippines struggling to find an offensive contributor early on, Pontejos carried the team on her back, scoring their first eight points.

Castillo then took over in the second half with her sniping from deep, allowing the Pat Aquino-coached side to have a large enough cushion to fend off a late comeback from the South Asian side.

"Just so happy. I'm very, very happy with the girls. They didn't stop competing," Aquino shared post-match. "I know for the past three games, we were struggling, definitely. But today, I know they played together, and as a team. Good victory for us."

The mentor and Gilas Women program director also credited the Filipino fans who flocked to the Prince Hamza Arena all tournament long.

"The fans are very special everywhere we go," he shares, adding "There are lots of Filipinos around the world and the fans always come out and support us. They really supported our athletes and our journey here and without them, we probably would not have been as lucky as we were today. We are so happy and would like to say thank you to everyone who supported us."

Pushpa Senthil Kumar led India with fifteen points.

By securing the victory, the Philippines locked up another stint in Division A for a couple more years. India drops down to Division B, to be replaced by that group's winner when they play later this year.