Valdez first checked in the third when Creamline 20-17 and scored right away before Pons tied the set at 23-all and reached match point after Carlos’ kill broke the wall of Choco Mucho, 24-23.

MANILA, Philippines—Petro Gazz stunned defending champion Creamline, taking Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals series, 25-22, 24-26, 25-23, 26-24, on Sunday to move on the cusp of the 2023 ...