Kim Malabunga Shoulders Blame in Alas Pilipinas’ Loss to Iran

Alas vet Kim Malabunga apologizes after huge net touch call vs Iran

MANILA, Philippines – For 30 seconds, Alas Pilipinas lorded on top of the world again after seemingly completing a monumental five-set upset ouster of world No. 16 Iran to reach the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship knockout Round of 16. Kim Malabunga fell to the floor, swarmed on top by his teammates as he seemingly scored the match-winning block in a heart-stopping, extended 20-18 finish. But it was not to be. Iran, with nothing to…

Kim Malabunga shoulders blame in Alas Pilipinas’ loss to Iran

MANILA, Philippines—Kim Malabunga thought he had just sealed the biggest win in Philippine men’s volleyball history. Instead, he walked off the court carrying the weight of one of the sport’s toughest heartbreaks. And he faced the prospect of dealing with agonizing what-ifs. LIVE: Alas Pilipinas vs Iran – FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 With 14,240 fans on their feet at Mall of Asia Arena, Malabunga’s block on Ali Haghparast appeared to send …

Ybañez, Alas Pilpinas miss FIVB knockout phase after Iran’s comeback win

IT WAS a heartbreaking exit for Alas Pilipinas after falling short to four-time Asian champion Iran in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Despite a valiant effort, the national team suffered a 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 22-20 loss at the hands of the 16th-ranked Iran. […] The post Ybañez, Alas Pilpinas miss FIVB knockout phase after Iran’s comeback win appeared first on The Flame.

Alas Men exit World Championship with pride after epic duel vs. Iran

Alas Pilipinas’ first-ever World Championship run came to an end on Thursday night, but not without a display of fight and heart. World No. 16 Iran survived the Philippines—and an electrified SM Mall of Asia Arena crowd—in a thrilling five-set duel, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20, to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship as the last Asian team standing. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Philippine m…