![Venus Williams showed flashes of brilliance despite an opening-round loss at the ASB Classic in Auckland. [Venus Williams Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_500-400x200.png)
Venus Williams’ return to competition ended with a three-set defeat to Magda Linette at the ASB Classic in Auckland, though the former world No. 1 showed flashes of her trademark power ahead of the Australian Open.
Stephen Loman enters 2026 married, motivated, and ready to return to BRAVE CF after a two-year hiatus, combining personal happiness with professional drive.
![Real Madrid cruise past Betis 5–1 thanks to a brilliant hat-trick performance from Gonzalo Garcia. [photo credit: Gonzalo Garcia Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_498-400x200.png)
Real Madrid stayed in the La Liga title race as young forward Gonzalo Garcia scored a hat-trick in a 5–1 win over Real Betis. Atletico Madrid dropped points in a 1–1 draw with Real Sociedad, while Levante and Girona enjoyed important victories.
![Filipino surfers gear up to compete against elite international longboarders on home waves. [WSL photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/la-union_WSL-Photo-400x200.png)
The Philippines starts the year by hosting a first-of-its-kind World Surf League Longboard International Qualifying event in La Union, offering surfers a direct route to the 2026 WSL Longboard Tour.
![A milestone moment for Philippine football and women’s sports worldwide. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/7be673ee-2fce-4b2e-beb8-0406dbbe297b-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines’ staging of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 highlighted not only world-class hosting, but a nationwide show of unity, leadership, and long-term commitment to women’s football.
![Scottie Thompson attacks the lane during Ginebra’s win over the Beermen. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES1911-400x200.jpg)
RJ Abarrientos powered a dominant Barangay Ginebra second unit that outplayed San Miguel Beer’s reserves, lifting the Gin Kings to a 99-90 Game 1 win in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
![Calvin Oftana attacks the basket during TNT’s fourth-quarter surge against Meralco. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES440-400x200.jpg)
A second-half defensive overhaul fueled TNT Tropang 5G’s stunning comeback from 21 points down as it defeated the Meralco Bolts, 100-95, in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
![Kobe Bryant watching Manny Pacquiao’s sparring session at Wild Card Boxing Club in 2011. [photo credit: Chris Farina of Top Rank | Tempo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_495-400x200.png)
In November 2011, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant made a rare visit to Manny Pacquiao’s Wild Card Boxing Club workout, highlighting a unique crossover between basketball and boxing.
![PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio with Philta officials and Local Organizing Committee [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/att.js-Y6ngdJEBIpi6VVb1wWyrzoCKWlOHfYuUSEiFYF60-400x200.jpeg)
Former world No. 2 Donna Krevic and German veteran Tatjana Maria headline the early entry list for the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, the country’s first WTA 125 tournament set to begin Jan. 26 in Manila.
Just days into the new year, the Philippine Olympic Committee confirmed plans to host two major international events, securing the SEA Plus Youth Games in late 2027 and targeting the Asian Beach Games for early 2028 as part of a wider sports tourism push.