ALLAN THE MAN

Everyone's still on a high from Gilas Pilipinas' silver medal finish in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. But not only has our team delivered, but from what I can see, so have our organizers.

If you'll recall, Lebanon was supposed to host this event, but FIBA moved it to the Philippines because nearby Syria was, and still is, embroiled in a nasty civil war. It turned out to be an even better move since Lebanon was suspended by FIBA and their team forbidden from playing in the Asian championship.

Maria Sharapova's return to WTA tournament play after more than a month away was short-lived following an upset loss to 17th-ranked American Sloane Stephens 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the second round of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday.

[ W&S OPEN CINCINNATI LIVE STREAMING]

In a match that lasted two hours and 22 minutes, Stephens overcame double faults on two match points to pick up her first victory over Sharapova in four meetings.

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao believes his decision to fight the dangerous Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios will go a long way in restoring the faith of fight fans in him.

Many boxing fans are wondering if Pacquiao is on the downside of his career after losing back-to-back matches, including a stoppage loss at the hands of Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

The 2013 Western and Southern Open is a tennis tournament to be played on outdoor hard courts. It was part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and of the WTA Premier. 

The tournament will take place at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, near Cincinnati, United States, from August 12 to August 19 2013. 2013 Men's Singles Draw  / 2013 Women's Singles Draw

Antipolo Rep. Robbie Puno, author of the bill bestowing Filipino citizenship on Marcus Douthit, is batting for more naturalized players for inclusion in the long-term program of the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas.

Puno delivered a privilege speech in Congress the day after Gilas Pilipinas completed its historic showing in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship, hailing his fellow congressmen for their contribution to the success of the Gilas campaign.

Jimmy Alapag may have promised to retire from international competitions, but he wouldn't miss Gilas Pilipinas’ most important competition for anything in the world.

The 35-year-old play maker, who keyed Gilas’ most important plays against Korea, said he wanted to be with the Nationals when they campaign in the Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fans should expect LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar to immediately join the team when they begin their campaign in the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup.

Fresh from their stint in the recently concluded 27th FIBA Asia Championship -- where they helped the Philippines notch a seat in the 2014 FIBA World Cup -- the two Ginebra cagers vowed to suit up when the team clashes with the Petron Blaze Boosters on Sunday. (PBA Live Streaming here)