Sta. rosa: The Alas Pilipinas men's team withdrew from the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Friday due to health concerns. The decision came after player Roniel Rosales experienced a sudden increase in blood pressure on Thursday, prompting him and his partner, Ranran Abdilla, to pull out of the competition.

According to Philippines News Agency, the pair was set to compete against England's Frederick Bialokoz and Issa Batrane, who advanced to the next round of the event organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Abdilla expressed concern over Rosales's health, noting that although he showed some improvement, he was not fully recovered and still experiencing headaches.

During their opening match against Americans Hagen Smith and Ryan Lerna, Rosales requested medical assistance as they were trailing, 10-21, 2-3. This led to their withdrawal and the Americans moving forward in the tournament. Abdilla reflected on the situation, emphasizing the importance of health and the need for better preparation in the future.

Abdilla hopes the team can participate in the upcoming Asian Games and is looking forward to more international competitions in China and Chinese Taipei with support from the PNVF. Meanwhile, the Philippines' representation in the women's division also ended after Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons lost to Switzerland's Annique Niederhauser and Menia Bentele.

In other matches, the Americans Chase Budinger and Trevor Crabb defeated Brazil's Henrique De Barros and Mateus Rodriges, while Austrians Julian Horl and Laurenc Grossig won against Canadians Luke De Greeff and Tynan Gannett. Additional victories included triumphs by Israel's Eylon Elazar and Kevin Cuzmiciov, Denmark's Jacob Brinck and Nicolai Houmann, and several other teams across various pools, showcasing an array of competitive matchups throughout the event.