![Straight-sets victory sends Rybakina into the third round in Brisbane. [photo credit: Elena Rybakina Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_504.png)
Third seed Elena Rybakina used her dominant serve to defeat China’s Zhang Shuai in straight sets on Tuesday night, advancing to the third round of the Brisbane International.
Adrian Dantley reflects on feud with Isiah Thomas after 1989 Pistons trade
Adrian Dantley opens up about his turbulent time with the Detroit Pistons and why his relationship with Isiah Thomas never developed, decades after the 1989 trade.
![Sabalenka powers through her Brisbane International opener in under an hour. [photo credit: Aryna Sabalenka Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_502-1024x609.png)
Brisbane International: Sabalenka opens 2026 with dominant straight-sets win
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka launched her 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion at the Brisbane International, overwhelming Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in her opening match as she builds momentum toward the Australian Open.
![A place in the Spanish Super Cup final is at stake in Jeddah. [FC Barcelona Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_501.png)
Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona favored against Athletic Bilbao in semifinal
Barcelona opens its Spanish Super Cup campaign against Athletic Bilbao in Jeddah as the in-form La Liga leader, with depth and recent results tipping the balance in its favor.
![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.png)
Venus Williams exits ASB Classic opener after three-set loss
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 starts 2026 with personal milestones and BRAVE CF comeback
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.png)
Garcia Hits Hat-Trick as Real Madrid Rout Betis 5–1
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-1024x526.png)
PH opens 2026 WSL pathway with historic La Union Longboard Pro
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-1024x682.jpg)
Philippines’ historic FIFA futsal women’s world cup delivers legacy beyond the pitch
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-IMAGES1911-1024x615.jpg)
PBA Philippine Cup: Ginebra bench mob outworks San Miguel in Game 1 Excerpt:
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.