Italy Secures Last Round of 16 Spot with Victory Over Ukraine at 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship

In a strong comeback following a defeat to Belgium, Italy triumphed over Ukraine in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-18, on Thursday at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Alessandro Michieletto led the Italian squad with 13 points, helping the team close the pool phase with a 2-1 record. On the Ukrainian side, Yurii Semeniuk was the top scorer, accumulating 14 points as Ukraine ended the pool play at 1-2. Italy captain Simone Giannelli reflected on the team’s challenging journey, stating, "It’s amazing to be here, to compete for our goal. We knew before we came here [that] our ride in this tournament is very difficult because we’re gonna face a lot of very good teams." With this victory, Italy secured the final berth in the Round of 16 and is set to face Argentina in the knockout stage. Earlier the same day, Belgium continued their flawless run by sweeping Algeria 25-22, 25-20, 25-12, finishing pool play with a perfect 3-0 record. Belgium will meet Finland in the Round of 16. This marks a pivotal moment in the championship as the knockout rounds approach, with highly anticipated matchups on the horizon.

Alas Pilipinas Claims First Victory at 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship

In the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, Alas Pilipinas secured their first triumph on Tuesday with a hard-fought 3-1 win against Egypt, finishing 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21. The victory marks a significant milestone for the team in Pool A competition. Earlier in the day, Iran emerged victorious over Tunisia, prevailing 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16, further shaping the standings in the pool. According to the official Volleyball World website, the current pool rankings reflect these recent results, keeping the race for the top two spots competitive, as only those teams will qualify for the Round of 16. The upcoming fixtures in Pool A include Egypt facing Tunisia at 1:30 p.m., followed by Alas Pilipinas taking on Iran at 5:30 p.m. on September 18. These matches will be crucial for teams aiming to secure their advancement in the tournament. "Winning our first match gives us momentum," a team representative said. "We look forward to building on this and competing strongly in our next games."

Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton Passes Away at 46; Manny Pacquiao Pays Tribute

The boxing world mourns the loss of Ricky Hatton, who passed away at the age of 46. Hatton was found deceased at his residence in Hyde, northwest England, with local authorities confirming there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. According to Greater Manchester Police, officers responded to a call on Sunday morning and discovered the boxer’s body. Manny Pacquiao, a fellow Hall of Famer and Hatton’s opponent in a high-profile 2009 match, expressed his shock and sadness over the news while vacationing in Istanbul with his wife. Pacquiao described Hatton as a memorable figure in boxing, emphasizing his lasting impact on the sport. "His contributions to boxing will never be forgotten. We all will always remember Ricky Hatton," Pacquiao stated. Reflecting on their encounter, Pacquiao noted the significance of their bout, which concluded with his knockout victory, calling it one of the most unforgettable moments of his career. "It was an honor to share the ring with such a proud British fighter. May he rest in peace," he added. Ricky Hatton was renowned for his aggressive fighting style, winning world titles in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions. His rise from amateur and domestic competitions to world-class challenges against opponents like Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather, and Pacquiao solidified his status as a beloved figure in British boxing.

Creamline Bolsters Roster with Import Courtney Schawn Ahead of PVL Reinforced Conference

The Creamline Cool Smashers have announced the addition of American outside spiker Courtney Schawn to their lineup as they prepare for the upcoming PVL Reinforced Conference next month. Schawn, a 29-year-old athlete from Washington standing 6-foot-2, is expected to significantly enhance the team’s chances of retaining their title in the import-heavy tournament. Schawn recently contributed to the Orlando Valkyries' triumph in the Major League Volleyball championship in the United States. Beyond her domestic success, she brings valuable international experience, having competed professionally in Italy, Greece, and France. After winning the Grand Slam last year, Creamline has experienced a dip in form, finishing as runners-up in the 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference and securing bronze medals in the On Tour and Invitational tournaments. Coach Sherwin Meneses and his squad are determined to end this dry spell and recapture their dominance. The team will also rely on the return of key players such as Alas Pilipinas captain and setter Jia De Guzman, alongside seasoned veterans Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, and Pangs Panaga. With this reinforced roster, the Cool Smashers are poised for a strong campaign in their quest to regain their championship status.