Dhoni to play for Pune in IPL
MUMBAI, India (AP): India’s limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina will play for new franchises Pune and Rajkot for the coming two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pune and Rajkot are temporary replacements for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who are suspended for two years over corruption and spot-fixing in 2013. Players from Chennai and Rajasthan were made available in a draft yesterday for the two teams to pick five players each at the salary they were getting with their old teams. Dhoni was earning $2 million per season at Chennai, while Raina used to get $1.5 million. Australian captain Steven Smith, South African batsman Faf du Plessis and Indians Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin were also selected by Pune. Rajkot picked India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, flamboyant New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum, Australian all-rounder James Faulkner and West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. The remaining players from Chennai and Rajasthan will be available to Pune and Rajkot in an auction to be conducted in February. Last week, New Rising Consortium-owned Pune and mobile phone manufacturer Intex-owned Rajkot were selected as the replacement franchises following a reverse-bidding process in which bidders were asked to discount their annual revenue share of $6 million. New Rising gave up that revenue entirely and also committed to pay $2.4 million per year to the BCCI. Intex will pay $1.5 million per year.
KINGSTON:Edwin Allen High School’s girls and St Jago High School’s boys were the big winners, taking the champion school titles at the 2016 Digicel Grand Prix Athletics Championship, which came to an end at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport on Saturday.Edwin Allen retained the girls title they won in 2015, finishing with 215 points, well ahead of Holmwood Technical on 153, while St Jago’s boys tallied 234 points to finish ahead of Calabar, with 164.Michael Dyke, head coach of Edwin Allen’s girls team, credited retaining the title with proper planning.”Based on our experience with the Grand Prix after winning last year, we were able to properly distribute our athletes across the events and the meets. I must also say that I’m very happy we won as this victory will help us to continue to enhance the track and field programme at Edwin Allen.”Gary Walsh, coach of the St Jago boys’ team, is happy with the boost that the school’s track and field team will get courtesy of their outstanding performance.”Winning the Digicel Grand Prix is a big boost to our confidence, especially for the athletes who will be performing at the Championships in another two weeks. But more important, the money that we’ve won is going to go a far way in helping us to prepare ourselves, get additional equipment for our gym, and so on,” said Walsh.”The St Jago team really came out and performed at the highest levels and they certainly deserve this win. I’m very proud of them,” he added.Five records were established at the Grand Prix final, which was staged during the G.C. Foster Classics.Sanique Walker of Vere Technical clocked 55.17 seconds to win the girls Under-17 400m, lowering the previous best of 55.77.Edwin Allen’s Shannon Kalawan set a new meet record, 53.19 seconds, in the Under-20 girls 400m, lowering the previous record held by Sashene Gayle.Excelsior High’s Shanice Love continued her march through the girls Under-20 discus, throwing 50.39m to win the event and improving the old mark, 45.16m, thrown by Shadae Lawrence of Hydel High last year.Fiona Richards, who was second, also improved on the record, with a distance of 45.36m.Kimone Reid of Edwin Allen High threw a new record, 38.08 metres to win the girls Under-17 discus, bettering the previous distance of 34.59m set by Vere’s Avery Pryce last year.NEW RECORDShevan Parks of Bellefield High clocked a record in the boys’ Under-20 800m, coming in at 1:52.73, lowering the previous mark of 1:55.89 held by Kingston College’s Chad Miller.Basilia Haughton of Rusea’s jumped a junior record 5.03m to finish fifth in the girls Under-20 long jump, which was won by Telecia Briscoe of Edwin Allen, with a leap of 5.72m.Damar Marshall of St Jago also cleared a junior record 1.85m to finish second in the boys’ Under-17 high jump, as the winner, Andrew Betton of Calabar High, registered a similar height.Meanwhile, Xavior Angus of Calabar High and Patrice Moody of Edwin Allen claimed the blue riband Under-20 boys and girls’ 100m titles, respectively.Angus was in superb form, outclassing his teammate Fabian Hewitt to win in 10.79 seconds. Hewitt ran 11 seconds flat.Moody was smooth as she claimed the girls’ equivalent in 12.17 seconds ahead of Camperdown High’s Rushelle Burton in 12.38.Kimone Shaw of St Jago continued her sprint dominance, taking the Under-17 girls 100m in a time of 12.33 seconds ahead of Sashieka Steele of Holmwood Technical in 12.55.The Under-17 boys 100m was won by Calabar’s Tyreke Wilson in 11.34, with Malik Shepherd of Wolmer’s Boys’ second in 11.71 seconds.Nigel Ellis of St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) showed his class over the short sprints. Having claimed the Under-20 boys’ 100m title in 2015, he went on to win the boys’ Under-20 200m this year in a time of 21.37 ahead of his teammate Hujaye Cornwall, 21.75.Kevona Davis of Edwin Allen was a winner in the Under-17 girls 200m, posting 24.63 seconds ahead of Dazsay Freeman of Manchester in 24.88.Anthony Cox of St Jago won the boys’ equivalent in 23.00 ahead of Excelsior’s Craig Campbell in 23.01 seconds.Ashley Williams of Holmwood Technical secured the Under-20 girls 200m ahead of Kimone Hinds of Green Island in times of 24.43 and 24.54.Calabar High School’s 16-year-old sensation Christopher Taylor was at his sparkling best, clocking an astounding 45.87 seconds to blow away the field in the Under-17 boys 400m. Javed Black of St Jago was well behind in 49.08 seconds.Collin Sewell of St Jago won the Under-20 boys’ 400m in 47.88, followed by Leonardo Ledgister of STETHS in 48.05 seconds.Junelle Bromfield of STETHS could not be stopped in the Under-20 girls 800m, comfortable enough to look behind at the rest of the field as she blew through the line in 2:09.95 ahead of Holmwood Technical’s Chrissani May in 2:14.25.BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ 800MCamone Donald of Edwin Allen clocked 2:10.63 to win the Under-17 girls 800m, ahead of Britney Campbell of Holmwood in a time of 2:15.60, while Keenan Lawrence of St Jago won the boys’ equivalent in 1:56.66, with Rhodes Hall High’s Rovane Williams almost a full second behind in 1:57.65.Annia Ashley of Edwin Allen won the Under-17 girls long jump with 5.95m, finishing ahead of Holmwood’s Susan Francis, 5.70m.In the final events of the night, STETHS, with Bromfield on anchor, came from behind to win the girls 4x400m in 3:39.26 ahead of St Jago, 3:40.70.In the boys’ event, St Jago won an exciting race, as St George’s College (STGC) led for the first three legs before St Jago stormed through on the final leg to win in 3:13.72. Holmwood Technical ended second in 3:14.59, with STGC fifth in 3:17.52.
RAIPUR (CMC): Chris Gayle flopped again with the bat but grabbed two wickets as Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Carlos Brathwaite’s Delhi Daredevils by six wickets, to book their spot in the play-offs of the Indian Premier League here Saturday. Chasing 139 for victory at the International Cricket Stadium, Gayle was dismissed for just one, but captain Virat Kohli extended his incredible run of form with an unbeaten 54 to see RCB home with 11 balls to spare. They finished the preliminaries second on 16 points, just two behind table-toppers Gujarat Lions, with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders also finishing on 16 points to be third and fourth, respectively. Sent in, Delhi rattled up 138 for eight off their 20 overs with opener Quinton de Kock stroking a top score of 60 off 52 balls and fellow South African gathering an unbeaten 27 from 18 deliveries. Batting at number seven, Brathwaite scored just one before scooping a wide delivery from Gayle low to Australian Shane Watson at backward point at 98 for six in the 15th over. Gayle finished with two for 11 from two overs of his unpractised off-spin. In reply, RCB lost the 36-year-old Jamaican in the second over with the score on five when he inside-edged an innocuous delivery from medium Morris on to his stumps. For the West Indies star, it was his sixth single-digit score in eight innings. There were no such problems for his opener partner Kohli, however. He faced 45 balls and counted six fours as he sped to his sixth half-century of the season to move to a massive 919 runs from 14 innings. He has also scored three centuries. Seamer Brathwaite was economical, if not penetrative, finishing with one for 18 from 3.1 overs. At Eden Gardens in Kolkata, West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine grabbed three wickets as Kolkata Knight Riders also clinched a spot in the play-offs with a 22-run victory over Sunrisers. In pursuit of 172 for victory, Sunrisers were hurt by Narine’s spell of three for 26 from four overs to finish on 149 for eight. SIXTH SINGLE-DIGIT SCORE
Denbigh High and Excelsior High were crowned urban and rural senior champions, respectively, at yesterday’s ISSA schoolgirls netball finals at the G.C. Foster College.Denbigh seniors clipped Manchester High 37-35, while Excelsior stopped, Gaynstead High 44-37.In the junior finals, Gaynstead defeated former champions Queen’s 26-23 for the urban title, while Holmwood captured their first junior final in six years after a 23-18 victory over Denbigh.Goal shooter Moya Manning, with 17 goals from 19 attempts, was the leading scorer for Denbigh in the rural senior final. She got good support from Zandria Cohen with 16 from 16, and Dane Thomas 10 from 16. Manchester High’s goal shooter, Janalee Johnson, scored 27 from 33 attempts and goal attack Shaunakaye Morgan, eight from nine.In the urban senior final, Excelsior were inspired by goal shooter Kimberly Hudson with 22 goal, from 24 attempts and goal attack Quannie Walker, 20 from 28. Goal shooter Amanda Pickney top-scored for Gaynstead with 21 from 25, and goal attack Astia Brooks got 16 from 19.The all, island finals will be played next Wednesday, December 7, at the Leila Robinson Courts.
It will be the biggest test of the second round for University of West Indies (UWI) FC when they journey to Wespow Park in Montego Bay to challenge leaders and defending champions Montego Bay United in the Red Stripe Premier League.The team, which is enjoying only its second year in the competition, is coming off a massive 4-0 win over former champions Portmore United and a 0-1 loss to the promoted Jamalco in its last two matches, which speaks to inconsistency. Additionally, they will be without two of their best players in captain and leading scorer Rochane Smith and their defensive rock Deno Schaffe.For the onlooker, the above picture looks like a certain struggle for UWI FC, especially with Montego Bay United’s deep squad and home advantage. However, UWI FC’s coach Marcel Gayle sees things differently.”They are the top, and if you want to go to the top, you have to beat the best, or who are at the top, and if you want to beat the best, you have to play your best football. That is what it is about and that is what we will have to do,” Gayle said, making the assignment seem a simple thing.PAID THE PRICE”I think we got a little bit ahead of ourselves against Jamalco after beating Portmore United. We got complacent and paid the price.”We put in the work in the past week and we hope that everything falls into place and that we get a favourable result,” Gayle added.Gayle added that while Smith and Schaffe are important members of his group, he will not dwell on their absence.”Both players are significant members of our unit, but we have a large squad and, for me, their absence is an opportunity for others to step up. Others such as Kemar Cummings, who was a regular starter last season, and the returning Akeem Thenstead are capable. There is also enough experience in the group to provide leadership,” he explained.Montego Bay United, like UWI FC, are coming off a loss in their last game. They lost 1-2 to Humble Lion and required a late goal from Johan Weatherly to see off Maverley-Hughenden in their previous game. Another loss could see them overtaken by their opponents, as well as Tivoli Gardens, both of whom are on 29 points, two below them.”They have been doing very well and, them being in third position and former leaders, is no fluke. They have ambitions,” Orville Powell of Montego Bay United said of UWI FC.”They came here before that and we won that game. With the ambition that they have, I am sure they are coming with a reversal of that first result or revenge on their mind, so we have to take this game seriously,” added Powell.A win and putting on a good performance for the home fans, Powell said, are very important, and he expects no less. Among the players he will be looking to are the competition’s joint leading scorer Dino Williams, Allan Ottey and veteran midfielder Dwayne Ambusley, who recently made his national debut.Second-placed Tivoli Gardens should be fancied to get the better of 10th-placed Harbour View when the two meet at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, especially with the return of the rejuvenated Jermaine Johnson, while Portmore United should end their mini slump run with a win over Waterhouse at Prison Oval.The Jamalco-Boys’ Town affair should be a tricky one as, while Jamalco, the home team, are coming off a draw and an away win in their last two games, bottom-of-the-table Boys’ Town are showing the kind of fight that have seen them survive when many have written them off. The presence of bright prospect Shamar Nicholson in the Boys’ Town team should be a major plus for them.Home advantage could help Reno clinch a point from their match-up with Humble Lion, while pride should help Arnett Gardens see off Maverley-Hughenden.Today’s Games:o 3 p.m.: Tivoli Gardens FC vs Harbour View FC @ Edward Seaga Sports Complexo 3 p.m.: Portmore United FC vs Waterhouse FC @ Prison Ovalo 3 p.m.:Jamalco FC vs Boys Town FC @ Wembley Centre of Excellenceo 3 p.m.: Montego Bay United FC vs UWI FC @ Wespow Park/Fairfieldo 3 p.m.: Reno FC vs Humble Lion FC @ Frome Complexo 3 p.m.: Arnett Gardens FC vs Maverley-Hughenden FC @ Anthony Spaulding Complex
National striker Jourdaine Fletcher said that despite the conditions in his debut game for the Jamaica senior men’s team being unusual to him, he enjoyed the experience.Fletcher got his first international cap in the last seven minutes of the Reggae Boyz’s 1-0 loss to the United States in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Friday night and he said that getting used to the climate was challenging.”It was very, very, very cold,” he said. “I couldn’t feel my fingers and my toes were numb, but it was a very great experience.”He said that although his performance had not gone as well as he had pictured it in his head ahead of the game, he made the most of the time he got on the field.”It was a faster pace (than playing in Jamaica) because the pitch was very fast,” he told The Gleaner. “I was thinking about scoring a goal, but I didn’t get enough time to do what I wanted to, but I did well in the time that I got, so I’m grateful for that.”The 19 year-old said that he is optimistic about his next opportunity to represent the country when the team faces Honduras. He said that he feels no pressure to perform, given the public demand to see him on the national team.”I’m not pressured because I know I’m a great player and I will play to the best of my ability,” he said.
Title favourites Kingston College (KC) have taken the early lead going into today’s third day of the 107th ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. KC, who are aiming to win the boys’ title for the first time since 2009, captured two gold medals on yesterday’s second day of competition at the National Stadium. The Purples lead the way with 27 points after two finals, with Jamaica College next best on 12. Defending champs Calabar are on 11, while Green Island, St Jago and Wolmer’s Boys are on 7 each. KC’s Shacquille Lowe won the first gold medal when he captured the boys’ Class Two long jump with a season best leap of 7.23m. Green Island’s David Tomlinson was second with a mark of 6.86m, while Jamaica College’s Jowayne Harrison was third with a leap of 6.76m. The 15-year-old Lowe said he was happy with his performance despite his poor execution of the event. “I am very grateful that I won the first gold medal at the Champs this year,” said Lowe. “My execution was not very good because I didn’t follow some instructions as my drive was too long and the middle part of the run up wasn’t correct,” he said. KC completed the double when Carey McLeod, the Class One long jumper leaped to a best mark of 7.72m. Wolmer’s Dameon Creary was second in the event with a leap of 7.31m, while third went to Rashaun Dawkins of St Jago with 7.24m. KC’s Ugandan athlete Arymanya Rodgers opened his account at the championships when he easily won his heat in the boys Class Two 800m in 4:03.79 to advance to the final. Rodgers’ rival Kimar Farquharson of Calabar, who broke the 800m record in the heat on Tuesday’s opening day, also advanced to the final after finishing third in 4:08.14. Rodgers returned a few hours later to win heat two of the boys’ 5000m Open in 16:17.08. Tajshae Wilson from Bellefield won heat two in 16:30.61. BROKEN RECORD Petersfield’s Kevin Nedrick, who broke the national junior record in the boys’ Javelin on Tuesday, advance to the final of the boys’ discus with a throw of 53.73m. Also making it through discus final are Jamaica College’s Douglas Cyrus, 52.95m, Roje Stona from St Jago, 50.65m, Calabar’s Kyle Mitchell, 49.44m, Kai Chang from Titchfield, 47.07m, and Calabar’s Savion Burke , 46.61m. Calabar’s Christopher Taylor advanced to Friday’s semi finals of the boys Class One 400m after winning his heat in 48.42. Earlier, Taylor’s teammate Evaldo Whitehorne clocked an impressive 47.55 to advance to the semi finals of the boys Class Two 400m. Zidane Brown from Glenmuir, 49.01, Petersfield’s Antonio Watson, 49.05, and Kobe Simpson from Manchester, 49.14, were the other leading qualifiers.
IT’S Jockeys’ Guild Day at Caymanas Park, the 10-race programme featuring the grade one Lady Geeta Trophy, which brings together the reigning Horse of the Year, SEEKING MY DREAM, and top sprinter CAMPESINO over 1200 metres.Also on the card is the annual renewal of the Jamaica Jockeys’ Guild Trophy over 1400 metres to be contested by 14 starters, including the consistent WAR TIME, the one to beat in this restricted allowance race for native-bred four-year-olds and up (non-winners of two). But the big clash is definitely between SEEKING MY DREAM with champion jockey Omar Walker again, riding for 16-time champion trainer Wayne DaCosta; and CAMPESINO to be ridden by in-form Robert Halledeen for 14-time champion Philip Feanny.SEEKING MY DREAM, who won the ultra-rich Diamond Mile for a second straight year on December 10, came back with a record-equalling performance on his seasonal debut in the Chairman’s Trophy over 1500 metres on March 11, tries sprinting for the first time since establishing himself prior to his 2015 derby winning campaign, and faces a formidable opponent in the reigning Caribbean Sprint champion CAMPESINO in receipt of 5.0kg. It’s left to be seen whether he can overhaul a fit CAMPESINO over sprint distances.Top classCAMPESINO, in fact, has won his two races so far this season in fast times. He really looked a top class campaigner when slamming BRAWN in the grade one Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy over 1300 metres with topweight of 57.0kg and in present shape, will only go down fighting.SEEKING MY DREAM, however, is in the best shape of his life and gives the impression that he can beat any horse over any distance at present.Owned by Member of Parliament Derrick Smith, the classy 5-y-o horse by Seeking The Glory out of the 2008 Horse of the Year Alsafra, has looked razor sharp at exercise, and having beaten CAMPESINO convincingly when they last met in the $13.9 million Diamond Mile, his status as the best horse in the country should impact on the proceedings, even from the head of the handicaps.DaCosta and Walker should also team up to win the fourth race over 1100 metres with ALEXANDER REW (working well), who showed promise behind SILENCE on his February 14 debut. UNBREAKABLE, a recent winner, is tipped to repeat in the opening race over 1500 metres for $450,000-$400,000 claimers, MONEY MOVE to win the third, BORDER LINE in the sixth for exercise riders, as well as BIRDIE MY LOVE in the seventh for overnight allowance horses and NEWTON’S FIRST LAW in the eighth for the Al Gopie Memorial Cup.
Former NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire speaks to a journalist during a basketball training session with his new club Hapoel Jerusalem in Jerusalem on October 7, 2016.Stoudemire, who followed a winding path from poverty to professional basketball fame in the United States, has embarked on a new journey. After an NBA career that began with great promise before being cut short by injuries, Stoudemire has decided to make Jerusalem his home, becoming the most famous name to ever join the Israeli league./ AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEXFormer NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire, who became the most famous name to join Israel’s basketball league when he signed with Hapoel Jerusalem last year, will not play for the team next season, the team said Sunday.The 34-year-old will return to his status as a minority owner of the team, Jerusalem spokesman David Bassan told AFP. He had sold his stake ahead of last season to be eligible to play.ADVERTISEMENT Pacquiao wants Horn rematch in the Philippines “I feel it is my time now to return to the shareholder’s position and help make this team even better.”Stoudemire came to Jerusalem after an NBA career that began with great promise was cut short by injuries, particularly to his knees.He described his decision as a spiritual quest, with the former New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns star identifying as a Hebrew Israelite, African-Americans who believe they descended from the ancient tribes of Israel.Stoudemire repeatedly expressed his excitement at being in Jerusalem, though he faced criticism earlier this year and apologised following a backlash over his comments he would avoid a gay teammate.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to give up royal titles Bishop Baylon encourages faithful in Albay to help Taal evacuees LATEST STORIES National Historical team rescues Amorsolos, artifacts from Taal Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Search on for 5 Indonesians snatched anew in Lahad Datu Jerusalem won Israel’s premier league last season, with Stoudemire averaging 9.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Stoudemire addressed his decision in an Instagram post.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’“It has been a great ride for myself and my family. We enjoyed the city, its people, the holy places and of course Hapoel fans,” he said.“Although I would have liked to return for another season, the team, coach and I could not find a role that I felt would allow me to meaningfully contribute in the way I have always been accustomed to play.” Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ Police seize P68-M worth of ‘shabu’ in Pasay Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to give up royal titles Hotdog’s Dennis Garcia dies Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments
Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ June 1991: The Koreas send a unified team to the FIFA World Youth Championship in Portugal. The team reaches the quarterfinals.___2000: Athletes from the two Koreas march together under a “unification flag” depicting their peninsula during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Sydney Olympics. It’s the Koreas’ first such parade since their 1945 division.___FILE – In this Aug 7, 2016, file photo, South Korean gymnast Lee Eun-ju, right, and her North Korean counterpart Hong Un Jong shake hands and smile together for photographers during the artistic gymnastics women’s qualification at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The photo captured global headlines, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach describes it as a “great gesture.” (Kim Do-hoon/Yonhap via AP, File)2002: North Korea attends the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. The countries’ athletes conduct a joint march during the opening and closing ceremonies. North Korea sends a cheering group of young women. Dubbed the “squad of beauties” in South Korean media, they often draw more attention than the North’s athletes.___2003: North Korea participates in the University Games in Daegu, South Korea, and its athletes walk with their South Korean counterparts during the opening and closing ceremonies.___2004: Athletes from the two Koreas march jointly at the Athens Olympics.___ ___1988: Seoul hosts the Summer Olympics, and North Korea again boycotts.___April 1991: The Koreas send their first-ever unified male and female teams to the world table tennis championships in Chiba, Japan. The women’s team wins the championship by defeating the powerful Chinese.___ADVERTISEMENT 2005: North Korea attends the 2005 Asian Athletics Championships in Incheon, South Korea. Included in the North’s cheering squad is Ri Sol Ju, who is now the wife of Kim Jong Un.___2006: The two Koreas march together at the Turin Winter Olympics.___2007: Athletes from the two Koreas march together at the Asian Winter Games in Changchun, China, but have not done so since.___2014: North Korea attends the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. At the close of the event, three top North Korean officials make a surprise visit and hold the highest-level face-to-face talks with South Korea in five years.___2016: At the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, a 17-year-old South Korean gymnast takes a selfie with a North Korean gymnast while training for competition. The photo captures global headlines, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach describes it as a “great gesture.”___ View comments 2017: North Korea’s taekwondo demonstration team visits South Korea for its first performance in the rival country in 10 years.___Jan. 1, 2018: North Korea’s Kim says in his New Year’s address that he is willing to send a delegation to the Pyeongchang Olympics.___Jan. 5, 2018: South Korea says North Korea has agreed to hold talks on how to cooperate for the Pyeongchang Games.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson Brian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defense Steve Kerr calls LaVar Ball ‘the Kardashian of the NBA’ Meralco ‘never the same’ after Almazan injury in PBA Finals There could be similar drama at next month’s Winter Olympics in the South Korean ski resort town of Pyeongchang, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un saying he’s willing to send a delegation to the games. The two Koreas will meet at their tense border on Tuesday to discuss how to cooperate on the Olympics.Some key moments in Korean sports ties:FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk___1986: Seoul, the South Korean capital, hosts the Asian Games. North Korea boycotts. Scottie Thompson also worthy of Finals MVP, thinks Cone SEOUL, South Korea — Despite the frosty political ties between their home countries, athletes from North and South Korea have sometimes produced emotional scenes of reconciliation at international sports events.They tearfully hugged after winning a world table tennis championship, drew a standing ovation while parading together at the opening of the Olympics and took a selfie with each other that captured international headlines.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina LATEST STORIES Top Pentagon general: US maintains ‘high levels of readiness’ regarding N. Korea PLAY LIST 01:11Top Pentagon general: US maintains ‘high levels of readiness’ regarding N. Korea00:50Trending Articles02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours
Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year Even with the pullout of Meralco Manila and Ilocos United last month, PFL officials expressed confidence of a better season, following a compressed and extended 2017 competition.“We’re taking into account lessons from the first season to improve this year’s competitions,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who sits in the league’s board. “We’re confident that even with six clubs, we will see much improved competition from the teams.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkA total of 75 matches will be staged this year with the champions of the League eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League next year. The champion of the PFL Cup, on the other hand, will gain outright entry to the AFC Cup. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track The 2018 Philippines Football League season kicks off March 3 with six clubs disputing two trophies and the chance to represent the country in continental competitions next year.Reigning champion Ceres-Negros, fresh off a historic run in the AFC Champions League qualifying round, headlines the six-team field that includes Davao Aguilas, Kaya Makati, JPV Marikina, Stallion Laguna and Global Cebu.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed MOST READ Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew
Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments Jerwin Ancajas: Relaxed and ready LATEST STORIES Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak
Michael Christian Martinez of the Philippines reacts as his score is posted following his performance in the men’s short program figure skating in the Gangneung Ice Arena at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)Though he failed to improve his standing in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Michael Christian Martinez is proud with his showing in the men’s figure skating given the circumstances he had to deal with.“With three weeks to prepare for PyeongChang and to be able to perform what I just did, that was just unbelievable,” he told INQUIRER.net in an online interview.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ LATEST STORIES Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Joint Koreas hockey team ends historic Olympic run Sea turtle trapped in net freed in Legazpi City Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano UK plans Brexit celebrations but warns businesses may suffer It may not have been enough to advance to the free skate round, where Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu claimed the gold medal, but Martinez was satisfied with what he was able to showcase.“A lot of people knew about it and very surprised that the fact I am back on doing my triple jumps again and be able to skate a clean program is truly something else,” he shared. “Usually it takes two to three months to get the jumps the way it was before, and need at least another two months of training to be able to prepare for a competition, but I only did it in three weeks.”With another Olympic experience under his belt, Martinez hopes that his showing would serve as an inspiration for the young figure skaters as he seeks to continue hoisting the Philippine flag in the Winter Games.“I really worked so hard for me to be able to do what I needed to do out there. I really am proud that I get to represent our country at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. To be part of this Olympic Journey is truly amazing,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed Martinez, 21, wasn’t even supposed to make it to the Games after finishing eighth in the 2017 CS Nebelhorn Trophy, which served as an Olympic qualification last September.READ: Martinez finishes 28th, fails to advance to Olympics free stake roundFEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkBut after the pullout of Swedish figure skater Alexander Majorov, he was given the last quota spot and earned his ticket to PyeongChang.Despite the short notice, Martinez still pulled off a clean performance, scoring 55.56 in his short program performance, which was only good for 28th place among 30 competitors. GALLERY: Barangay Ginebra back as PBA Governors’ Cup kings Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Alab Pilipinas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netAn epic championship series gets an explosive ending on Wednesday night as San Miguel Alab Pilipinas and Thailand’s Mono Vampire go at it one last time for the Asean Basketball League crown at Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Laguna.Game time is at 8 p.m.ADVERTISEMENT P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast The Filipino club got the split that it set out for in Bangkok, but coach Jimmy Alapag’s charges might rue the missed opportunity to close out the series Monday night when Alab committed a season-high 26 turnovers in an 88-83 defeat that forced the rubber match of this best-of-five series.“It’s just (now about) coming home and getting the championship at home,” two-time league MVP Ray Parks told Filipino scribes Monday night.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown
Thrilla in Malaysia fast shaping up MOST READ Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew View comments Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding
Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum MOST READ Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Brandon Vera makes his return vs Italian challenger in ONE Manila card Palawan State University will have Zarah Javarez and April Sayang.The men’s division will include former UAAP champions KR Guzman and Ian Yee, Air Force’s Philip Nunez and Mike Abria, Army’s Joshua Barrica and Randy Flores, Manula Unicorns’ Neil Flores and Justin Santos, Wildcard’s Mikhail Shavrak and James Buytrago, and PSU’s Janry Corpuz and Allan Aborot.The winners in both divisions will receive P50,000.ADVERTISEMENT Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next LATEST STORIES View comments Eight women’s and eight men’s teams, including teams from Lio El Nido and Palawan State University, will compete over the weekend. BVR founder Charo Soriano will also return to action.“I’m back in the game and this will be the first time playing beach volleyball again and it feels so good,” said Soriano, who last played in the Santa Open, as she spent much of her time behind the scenes as an organizer.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissSoriano will reunite with teammate Bea Tan to form Perlas-1 for the sixth time this year and try to replicate their success in January when they won the Puerto Galera leg.Dzi Gervacio and Roma Doromal will form Perlas-2, Mariel Legaspi and Mae Crisostomo will play under the banner of Air Force 1 while Coyah Abanto and Jen Acain will be Air Force 2. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Beach Volleyball Republic On Tour is heading into one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines for its eighth leg this year on Saturday at Lio Beach in El Nido, Palawan.ADVERTISEMENT Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown
MOST READ View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Dallas Mavericks center DeAndre Jordan, right, celebrates with forward Harrison Barnes after scoring a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, in Chicago. The Mavericks won 103-98. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO — The Dallas Mavericks didn’t need a big contribution from Luka Doncic to beat the Chicago Bulls. Harrison Barnes and J.J. Barea took care of that.Barnes scored a season-high 23 points and the Mavericks overcame a sluggish performance by their prized rookie to beat the Bulls 103-98 Monday night.ADVERTISEMENT Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award UST star CJ Cansino takes ACL injury in stride: ‘God said rest a bit first’ LATEST STORIES Dallas’ bench outscored Chicago’s subs 44-26. “Our bench has been playing great for us all season,” Barnes said. “So it has been great to see them keep us in games, get us in games, finish games.”3-POINT WOESThe Bulls, who came into the game shooting 36.9 percent on 3-pointers, were 8 of 33. LaVine missed all six.TIP-INSMavericks: Mavericks G Wesley Matthews missed Monday’s game because of a strained left hamstring. Matthews did not travel to Chicago. He played 31 minutes in a win over Oklahoma City on Saturday. Coach Rick Carlisle says the Mavericks hope he can play Wednesday, when the Mavericks host Utah. … Jalen Brunson, who’s from suburban Lincolnshire, scored two points in his first NBA game in Chicago. … Carlisle said the Mavericks would have drafted Wendell Carter Jr. with the fifth overall pick this year had they not traded up to get Doncic at No. 3. Carter went to the Bulls at No. 7. “I see him as another coming of an Al Horford-type player,” Carlisle said.Bulls: The Bulls expect F Lauri Markkanen to miss more time than they initially anticipated because of a left elbow injury he suffered in the preseason. Coach Fred Hoiberg said Markkanen will likely wind up missing nine to 11 weeks. The Bulls initially thought he would be out six to eight weeks after he was hurt in practice in late September. Hoiberg said Markkanen still is experiencing some pain and is not shooting from long range. … Hoiberg said G Kris Dunn (sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee) has not started running on the court. He was hurt at Dallas on Oct. 22.UP NEXTMavericks: Host Utah on Wednesday.Bulls: Visit Boston on Wednesday. Barea added 14 points, five rebounds and five assists, and the Mavericks won for the third time in four games after losing six in a row, even though Doncic struggled. The leading scorer among NBA rookies, Doncic finished with 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting.“Sometimes, (Doncic)’s gonna have bad games,” Barea said. “He’s still young, and he can’t be great every game. So we’ve got to help him out.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissThe Mavericks led by as many as 14 points and never trailed after the first quarter. But they struggled to put this one away, with Chicago pulling within a point four times in the second half.Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points. Jabari Parker scored all but two of his 16 points in the second half. Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title
Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? LaVine’s breakaway windmill dunk cut Dallas’ lead to 58-57, but Dennis Smith Jr. responded with a 3-pointer.“We came out too lackadaisical,” LaVine said. “We’ve got to come out and play better. We’ve got to have more energy.”It was 87-84 midway through the fourth when Smith hit a jumper and Barnes made two free throws to stretch the lead to seven points. Doncic hit a 3 with just over three minutes left to make it 96-88. After the Bulls got within four, Barnes made two free throws with 10.5 seconds left and the Mavericks hung on.“We’ve had a lot of tough losses this year, times where we were close and just couldn’t get over the hump, couldn’t make the right play,” Barnes said. “Things are finally starting to come together.”BENCH BOSSESADVERTISEMENT Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew
Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Rafale Nadal during the 2019 Australian Open. (AP Foto/Aaron Favila)MELBOURNE, Australia — Rafael Nadal has missed a lot of tennis since last September. He hasn’t missed a beat.The No. 2-seeded Nadal had a 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 win over Australian wild-card entry James Duckworth on Monday in the first round of the Australian Open, his first match back on Rod Laver Arena since he had to retire in his quarterfinal match last year.ADVERTISEMENT High five Philippine Army to acquire MANPADS, self-propelled howitzers Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college LATEST STORIES View comments The 17-time major winner hasn’t played since retiring from his semifinal at the U.S. Open because of a knee injury, and then had surgery on his right ankle in November. He withdrew from a warm-up tournament in Brisbane in the first week of the season because of a muscle strain in his thigh.“Not easy to come back after a lot of months of competition, especially against a player playing super aggressive every shot,” Nadal said. “It’s very difficult to start after an injury — I know it very well. It’s very special to be back.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissWearing a sleeveless top, he showed no signs of any issues against Duckworth. His only hiccup came when he served for the match in the ninth game of the third set and was broken at love. He returned the favor very quickly, though, to seal his spot in the second round.Nadal has only lost twice in the first round at Grand Slams — to Steve Darcis at 2013 Wimbledon, and to Fernando Verdasco here in 2016 — and is aiming to be the first man in the Open era two win all four majors at least twice. Maria Sharapova has the second-best record among active women’s players in first-round matches at the majors, and she gave an illustration of why that’s the case with a ruthless 6-0, 6-0 win over Harriet Dart.The 2008 Australian Open champion got play started on Rod Laver Arena and needed only 63 minutes to advance.In her 15th trip to Melbourne Park and her 55th Grand Slam tournament, she’s acutely aware of the toll that the sun and long early matches can have on a player’s title ambitions, so she gets straight to business.The 22-year-old Dart, playing in the main draw of a major for only the second time after getting a wildcard to play last year at Wimbledon, only got a look at one break point in the match — when Sharapova served a double-fault in the second set. She got seven of her 29 points from Sharapova’s double-faults.Sharapova said she was still feeling pain in her right shoulder despite sitting out the end of last season after the U.S. Open.ADVERTISEMENT Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title
Tom Brady most dominant player in AFC championship history Japeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for Ginebra MOST READ In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Boeing pitch to PH military: Get Apache, stop being ‘pushed around’ in WPS PLAY LIST 02:48Boeing pitch to PH military: Get Apache, stop being ‘pushed around’ in WPS00:50Trending Articles03:22SEA Games 2019: Charly Suarez stops Burmese foe, advances to boxing semi02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Stung by a first-round loss at Wimbledon last year, Sharapova said she couldn’t afford to feel any empathy for Dart.“I mean, there is no time for that, I’m sorry to say … when you’re playing the first round of a Grand Slam,” she said. “I think I was just focused on not having a letdown.“I think it’s very easy to be in a position where things are flowing, you know, you’re doing all the right things, she’s making a few errors, you’re comfortable, easy to get complacent, and, you know, complacency is not great. I was glad that I did the right things from the beginning till the end.”Up next for Sharapova is Rebecca Peterson, who beat Sorana Cirstea, 6-4, 6-1.Also advancing were 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens, No. 11 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 19 Caroline Garcia, No. 29 Donna Vekic and No. 31 Petra Martic.Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of a major for the first time following a 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win over No. 14-seeded Julia Goerges, who won the title in Auckland to start the season.Katie Boulter earned the distinction of winning the first 10-point tiebreaker under the Australian Open’s new system for deciding sets.Boulter beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (6), including 10-6 in the tiebreaker. The new rule was introduced to ensure matches don’t get too lengthy — previously the third set in women’s matches and the fifth set in men’s matches at the Australian Open had to be decided by a two-game advantage.Fifth-seeded Kevin Anderson won his first match at Melbourne Park since 2015 when he beat Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. Also advancing on the men’s side were No. 19 Nikoloz Basilashvili and No. 26 Fernando Verdasco.Defending champions Caroline Wozniacki and Roger Federer were scheduled to play night matches later Monday. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines?