IN PHOTOS: Biggest sports stories of 2015 for Filipino fans

Twenty fifteen had been an eventful year for the world of sports, be it in the local or international scene.

As Filipino sports fans welcome 2016 with the promise of more exciting games and even bigger sporting events here in Philippines, let’s take a look back at the biggest sports stories in past year through photos.

Fight of the Century

On February 20, it was announced that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., after half a decade of of on-off negotiations, finally inked a deal to face each other inside the ring. The hype was tremendous heading into their May 2 megabout. But what was dubbed as the “Fight of the Century” proved to be a dud as Mayweather fought on the defensive all night even as Pacquiao failed to bring the fireworks on offense. It was later revealed that the Filipino boxing champ, who bowed to his rival via unanimous decision, fought with an injured shoulder.

UFC Fight Night Manila

Filipino fight fans got a real treat as the Ultimate Fighting Championship staged its first ever Fight Night in Manila on May 16 at Mall of Asia Arena. There was no shortage of action as quality undercards were lined up ahead of the main event between Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber. Edgar took down Faber via unanimous decision.

2015 Southeast Asian Games

The Philippines finished sixth in the standings in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore with a medal haul of 29 golds, 36 silvers and 66 bronzes. It was a slight improvement from the previous installments of the biennial meet, but it remains grim compared to the 2005 when the country ruled the competition with 113 golds. There were high points like Eric Cray’s record-setting performance in athletics to win gold.

2015 NBA Champions – Golden State Warriors

After four decades of title drought, the Golden State Warriors brought back the NBA championship to the Bay Area. Led by league MVP Stephen Curry, the Warriors capped their tremendous season highlighted by spellbinding display of talent with a title-clinching win in game six of the finals over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

San Miguel wins PBA Governors’ Cup crown

The San Miguel Beermen reasserted their mastery of the Alaska Aces as the two squads faced off for the second time in the 2014-2015 PBA season, the first for the Philippine Cup crown. The Beermen, spearheaded by center June Mar Fajardo, swept the Aces in the best-of-seven series to claim their second title of the season, just one short of a Grand Slam.

Tim Cone to Ginebra

Multi-titled head coach Tim Cone, who was once an author of many heartbreak stories in the past for the Barangay Ginebra Kings, transferred to the crowd-darlings in a move last July that surprised the local basketball scene. From the Star Hotshots where he engineered a coveted Grand Slam, Cone was tasked to lead a Ginebra side desperate for a title amid an eight-year drought.

LeBron James Nike Rise Tour

NBA superstar LeBron James visited Manila for the second time in August, this time for the Nike Rise tour. It was a longer visit this time for the “King” as aside from the fan showcase, he also got to drop by the Taguig Tenement where a larger-than-life image of James is painted on the court. It was easier for the fans, too, as tickets for the MOA Arena event were made available online, compared to 2013 Witness History tour when fans lined up for days at Nike’s flagship store in Bonifacio Global City just to get access.

Jason Day wins PGA Championship

Fil-Australian golfer Jason Day finally won a major, taking home the 2015 PGA Championship in August. He delivered a record-setting performance as he scored 20-under par, the lowest by any player in history in a major championship. Day is born to a Filipino mother who migrated to Australia.

Stephen Curry in Manila

Another NBA superstar delighted the basketball-crazed Filipino fans. Reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry paid the Filipinos a visit in September for an Under Armour Road Show. Curry, who even wore a “Thrilla in Manila” tee in the press conference of his one-day visit, was met by thousands of appreciative fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

Letran Knights back on top

Letran finally found a way to beat its rival San Beda in the biggest stage yet—the NCAA finals. The Knights ended the Red Lions five-year reign and the school’s decade-long title drought in the country’s oldest collegiate league. It was a finals match-up to remember with both sides displaying tremendous shooting that had everyone in the venue on their feet.

Gilas Pilipinas puts China to work in Fiba Asia finals

Gilas Pilipinas proved that the Philippines is still among Asia’s most formidable basketball nation after its spirited run to the final of the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship that included  a win over defending champion Iran. It may have hit a big China wall in the finale, but Gilas was able to go toe-to-toe with a powerhouse team in its home turf. 

Azkals go to North Korea

The Philippine Azkals trooped to the mysterious and reclusive North Korea, where it held the home team to a scoreless draw in front of thousands of locals chanting in unison, as part of the Fifa World Cup qualifying. It was a historic feat for Philippine football playing in he Kim Il-sung stadium, one one of the toughest places to play in the continent.

Ronda Rousey ends unbeaten reign in UFC

November saw Ronda Rousey’s reign in the UFC women’s division end with just one vicious head kick from challenger Holly Holm. It was shocking for  fight fans to see the once invincible Rousey, who finishes off her opponents in seconds, sprawled on the canvas having been knocked out cold.

Ray Parks continue NBA dream

Former National U stalwart Ray Parks Jr. made a breakthrough in his pursuit of the NBA dream after making the line-up of the Texas Legends in the NBA Developmental League. Parks, the son of legendary PBA import Bobby Parks, was picked 25th overall in the draft.

Kobe Bryant is calling it career

Kobe Bryant, one of the most popular players in the NBA, is hanging up his sneakers at the end of the current NBA season. While it had been expected that he would be retiring soon after injuries marred his last few seasons in the league, the news still sent fans heartbroken. Bryant has visited the Philippines, where a majority of Filipino NBA fans support the Los Angeles Lakers, several times.

FEU Tamaraws regain UAAP supremacy

Far Eastern University likewise ended a decade-long drought in the UAAP with a game 3 victory over an equally-tough University of Santo Tomas. Head coach Nash Racela and the Tamaraws proved that all the pre-season hype surrounding the team were not unfounded as they emerged champions amid a tough, well-balanced men’s basketball tournament.

Tennis stars align in Manila for IPTL 

Tennis superstars like Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams provided electrifying tennis action in the three-day International Premier Tennis League Manila leg in December.  Nadal, one of the most adored icons of the sport today who plays for the Indian Aces in the IPTL, stole the home court edge from Williams and the Manila Mavericks athrough out the competition.