Racial slur spray-painted on gate of LA home of NBA star LeBron James on eve of finals

Basketball superstar LeBron James’ Los Angeles home was vandalized with a racial slur, police said on Wednesday, one day before the Cleveland Cavaliers player was ...

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Moriwaki strikes late to send Urawa to Asian Champions League quarterfinals

Ryota Moriwaki picked the perfect time to open his 2017 account as the Urawa defender sent Reds into the Asian Champions League quarterfinals by scoring ...

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Vissel, Vegalta book spots in Levain Cup quarterfinals

A Junya Tanaka strike lifted Vissel Kobe into the Levain Cup quarterfinals with a 1-0 Group B victory at struggling Albirex Niigata on Wednesday night. ...

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Wheeler leads charge as Eagles crush Giants again

Zelous Wheeler hit his third homer in two games and drove in three runs to lead the Tohoku Rakuten Eagles in a 6-0 beating of ...

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Arsenal gives Wenger new two-year contract

Arsene Wenger will stay on as Arsenal manager, earning a new two-year contract on Wednesday despite missing out on Champions League qualification. Arsenal said the ...

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Nara loses to Williams in second round of French Open

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams advanced to the French Open’s third round for the first time in two years by beating Kurumi Nara on ...

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Antlers fire manager Ishii

Kashima Antlers have let go of manager Masatada Ishii after they missed their chance to advance to the Asian Champions League quarterfinals, the J. League ...

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MLB hands down suspensions for Harper, Strickland after Nationals-Giants brawl

There is widespread agreement on one topic the day after a bench-clearing brawl that led to a six-game suspension for Giants reliever Hunter Strickland and ...

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Volleyball league announces shakeup but will not turn professional

The Japan Volleyball Organization (V. League) announced Wednesday it will launch a new league but said there would be no professional competition coming anytime soon. ...

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Takayasu’s rise built on solid family support

When yokozuna Hakuho was interviewed ringside on Sunday, after wrapping up his first title in a year, he congratulated the people of the Philippines on ...

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Gambler Halilhodzic hoping chips keep falling his way

National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic’s willingness to take risks has worked out well in recent months, and Japan will be hoping that his instincts continue ...

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Ozuna borrows Ichiro’s bat, homers in Marlins’ win

Marcell Ozuna borrowed teammate Ichiro Suzuki’s bat and needed only four pitches to hit a homer. That’s no surprise, because lately the Miami Marlins are ...

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Sato still reveling in Indy triumph

There is no rest for Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato, and that’s OK. Still ecstatic on Tuesday at his new place in history as the ...

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Nishikori ousts Kokkinakis; Osaka exits French Open

World No. 9 Kei Nishikori advanced to the second round of the French Open on Tuesday, when Japan’s women crashed out one after another. In ...

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Brave Thunders’ Fazekas receives MVP accolade at festive award show

Were the title game and the promotion/demotion contest the grand finale of the memorial inaugural season for the B. League? Not really. Even after all ...

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Frontale trounce Muangthong United to reach Asian Champions League quarterfinals

Kawasaki Frontale finished off Thailand’s Muangthong United with a 4-1 second-leg win to advance to the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League 7-2 on aggregate ...

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Kikuchi powers Carp past Lions on opening night of interleague play

Ryosuke Kikuchi drove in three late runs to ignite the Central League-leading Hiroshima Carp to a 5-0 victory over the Seibu Lions on Tuesday, the ...

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Venezuela eliminates Japan at Under-20 World Cup

Japan’s Under-20 World Cup campaign came to a halt in the round of 16 in a 1-0 loss to Venezuela after extra time on Wednesday. ...

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Kerr’s status remains undecided for Game 1

Steve Kerr expects to decide soon whether he will coach the Golden State Warriors at all in the NBA Finals, saying Monday he is not ...

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Barcelona names Valverde new coach

Barcelona picked one of its own to improve its winning ways. Former player Ernesto Valverde was hired as the new coach, the club confirmed on ...

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Djokovic, Nadal cruise into second round

Back on the court where he completed his career Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic showed no sign of the crisis of confidence that has affected his ...

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Hanyu set for Cup of Russia, NHK Trophy

The annual release of the Grand Prix assignments by the ISU traditionally signals the start of the new skating campaign. It came last Friday, so ...

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Legendary sportswriter Deford passes away at 78

Frank Deford, the award-winning sportswriter and commentator whose elegant reportage was a staple for years at Sports Illustrated and National Public Radio, has died. He ...

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Hot start for Astros raises expectations for postseason run

Move over Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees; step aside LA Dodgers-San Francisco Giants; slide down Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Make room ...

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Penguins down Predators in Game 1

This is what the Pittsburgh Penguins do. They find a way. Even on nights when they blow a three-goal lead, they go an entire period ...

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Harper, Strickland fight, trigger wild brawl

Drilled in the hip by a heater, Bryce Harper knew where this was headed. In a hurry, too. “You see red,” he said. Enraged, the ...

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Denver Post axes sportswriter who took exception to Japanese winning Indy 500 over Memorial Day weekend

An American sportwriter has been sacked after voicing dismay at Takuma Sato’s Indianapolis 500 victory as the United States honors its war dead, the journalist’s ...

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Tiger Woods booked on DUI charge in Florida, released

Tiger Woods was arrested early Monday on a DUI charge in Jupiter, Florida, and spent nearly four hours in a county jail before he was ...

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Relieved Takayasu eyeing first title with ozeki promotion in the bag

Soon-to-be ozeki Takayasu spoke on Monday of his relief in coming through the crucial Summer Grand Sumo Tournament unhurt and with enough wins to make ...

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Takakura keeps faith in youth for Nadeshiko trip to Europe

Nadeshiko Japan coach Asako Takakura stuck to her youth policy in naming a 23-member squad on Monday for her team’s tour of the Netherlands and ...

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Workers embrace Square Mile Relay Tokyo

Marunouchi is the district located right next to Tokyo Station where you will see a lot of business people in suits and ties on weekdays. ...

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Carp star Suzuki working on ‘godlike’ encore

Hiroshima Carp outfielder Seiya Suzuki was “godlike” last season. At least that was the word. “Kamitteru,” or godlike, topped the list of buzzwords in Japan ...

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LeBron gears up for major challenge

There’s a four-headed, shot-making, scoreboard-breaking monster out West awaiting LeBron James and the Cavaliers. The Warriors are stomach-churning scary. James, though, can’t run or hide. ...

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Ono misses out as Japan names test-match squad

Hitoshi Ono was the biggest casualty Monday when Japan head coach Jamie Joseph named his squad for the June internationals against Romania and Ireland. The ...

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Trout sprains thumb in Angels’ loss

Mike Trout stood at his locker and frowned as he looked down at his left thumb, which was puffy and red and sending a clear ...

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Retiring golfer Miyazato laments loss of motivation

Former women’s world No. 1 golfer Ai Miyazato won nine LPGA Tour titles in her career. Her trademark smile is still beloved by fans, and ...

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Honda captains Milan in final game

Keisuke Honda made his final appearance for AC Milan on Sunday, making only his second start of the Serie A season in a 2-1 defeat ...

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Kisner holds off Spieth to claim Colonial title

Kevin Kisner came so close several times before finally winning on the PGA Tour. He now has another victory, withstanding a charge by Jordan Spieth ...

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Top-ranked Kerber upset in first round

A French Open already missing Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova is now without No. 1-ranked Angelique Kerber, too, lending even more of a feeling that ...

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Takuma Sato becomes first Japanese to win Indianapolis 500

Takuma Sato won the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, becoming the first Japanese driver to triumph in America’s iconic race. Sato passed ...

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Tenerife’s Shibasaki celebrates 25th birthday with goal, victory over Alcoron

Midfielder Gaku Shibasaki scored his first goal for Spanish second-division side Tenerife in a 3-1 away win over Alcoron on Sunday. On his 25th birthday, ...

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Makarova stuns top-ranked Kerber in first round

Angelique Kerber has not been playing at all like someone ranked No. 1 this season, and on Sunday she became the first woman seeded No. ...

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Crislan nets two late goals to lift Vegalta past Albirex

Albirex Niigata lost for the first time under new manager Wagner Lopes on Sunday, 2-1 away to Vegalta Sendai. Niigata’s Thiago Galhardo broke the deadlock ...

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Hakuho completes tournament with 15-0 record

A day after clinching his 38th career championship, yokozuna Hakuho put the icing on the cake Sunday, when he finished the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament ...

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Buffaloes halt nine-game slide

The Orix Buffaloes snapped their nine-game losing streak on Sunday, pinch hitter Yuki Miyazaki driving in the go-ahead run with a seventh-inning infield single in ...

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Omiya part ways with Shibuya, promote Ito

Last-place Omiya Ardija fired manager Hiroki Shibuya and promoted assistant Akira Ito in his place, the J. League first-division side announced on Sunday. Shibuya is ...

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B-Corsairs beat Dragonflies to maintain first-division status

The Yokohama B-Corsairs successfully survived the humiliating prospect of demotion to the second division in the B. League’s inaugural season with a 74-53 victory over ...

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Lemaire, Fujisawa taste Japanese Derby glory with Rey de Oro

Christophe Lemaire and Kazuo Fujisawa struck gold for the second straight weekend on Sunday, with the jockey and trainer this time teaming up to win ...

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16-year-old surfer Kawai triumphs at Ichinomiya Chiba Open

Minori Kawai captured the Ichinomiya Chiba Open on Sunday, part of the World Surf League’s qualifying series. The 16-year-old Kawai, who came from behind to ...

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Hall of Fame pitcher Bunning, a longtime U.S. senator, dies at 85

Former U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, a Hall of Fame pitcher who parlayed his sports fame into a political career as an uncompromising advocate for conservative ...

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Wheelchair rugby ready to crash Tokyo 2020 party

Japan’s No. 7 catches the ball but before he has time to react, a hulking, tattooed Australian is bearing down on him. The collision sends ...

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Darvish’s shaky control plays part in Texas’ loss to Toronto

Texas ace Yu Darvish struggled with his command and took his third loss of the season in the Rangers’ 3-1 defeat to the Toronto Blue ...

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Cup glory gives Wenger respite

Removing the record seventh F.A. Cup winner’s medal from his pocket, Arsene Wenger was gratified and yet apprehensive. “For once I have kept my medal,” ...

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Tokyo Games ‘too far’ for Farah

Mo Farah says he is unlikely to compete at the Tokyo Olympics as he prepares to wind down his glittering career. The four-time Olympic champion ...

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Wawrinka beats Zverev in Geneva Open final

Stan Wawrinka warmed up for the French Open by retaining his home Geneva Open title on Saturday, beating Mischa Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. The top-seeded ...

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Doan double sends Japan through at Under-20 World Cup

Ritsu Doan’s brace erased a two-goal deficit as Japan reached the knockout phase of the Under-20 World Cup with a 2-2 Group D draw to ...

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Kamata feels fan support helped fuel Tochigi’s run to B. League crown

Perhaps it was fitting that it was the Tochigi Brex hoisting the first B. League championship trophy at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on Saturday evening. Tochigi ...

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Peguero’s grand slam helps Eagles soar above Lions

Carlos Peguero hit a grand slam and Manabu Mima worked six innings as the Pacific League-leading Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles came from behind to beat ...

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Kashiwa moves atop J. League after seventh straight victory

Kashiwa Reysol stretched their winning streak to seven games Saturday, topping the J. League first division with a 4-2 defeat of last-place Omiya Ardija. Kosuke ...

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Hakuho wraps up 38th championship

Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho defeated ozeki Terunofuji on Saturday to capture a record-extending 38th career title with a day to spare at the Summer Grand Sumo ...

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Momota makes return to sport

Fallen Japanese badminton star Kento Momota made his competitive comeback Saturday after his ban for illegal gambling was lifted earlier this month. Momota, whose suspension ...

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Kanter lashes out over Turkish arrest warrant

Enes Kanter, the Turkish NBA star whose home country has revoked his passport, on Friday expressed disdain on social media at reports that Turkey’s government ...

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Brex claim first B. League title

An exciting new era for pro basketball in Japan produced an appropriate final chapter to close out its inaugural season on Saturday afternoon. The first ...

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Cheetahs blow out Sunwolves

The Sunwolves failed to pick up their second win of the Super Rugby season on Saturday after a 47-7 defeat to South Africa’s Cheetahs. The ...

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Nishikori upset in semis

Top seed and defending champion Stan Wawrinka on Friday reached the Geneva clay court final, where he’ll face German outsider Mischa Zverev, who stunned Kei ...

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Yankees fall despite strong performance from Tanaka

Masahiro Tanaka threw seven-plus strong innings and had a major league career-high 13 strikeouts Friday, but it was not enough to stop the New York ...

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Carp hurler Okada gets big support from offense, holds Giants in check

The Hiroshima Carp have pretty much dominated the Yomiuri Giants this season. They met for the ninth time this year on Friday night, and the ...

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Nishikori fights way into Geneva Open semis

Kei Nishikori survived three match points and produced a thrilling comeback to beat South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) to reach the semifinals ...

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Salazar denies USADA allegations: report

Nike Oregon Project coach Alberto Salazar has denied allegations made in a 2016 U.S. Anti-Doping Agency report, portions of which were revealed in a New ...

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Fan favorite Totti leaves future uncertain before final match with Roma

Francesco Totti has finally announced that Sunday’s match against Genoa will be his last with Roma after an incredible 25-season career with his hometown club. ...

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Sprinter Suetsugu set to make first appearance at nationals since 2008

Veteran sprinter Shingo Suetsugu will take part in his first national championships in nine years after qualifying for the event in Osaka next month, and ...

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Journeyman midfielder Kato grateful for surprise call-up

Kohei Kato vowed to show his worth to coach Vahid Halilhodzic after the Bulgarian-based midfielder received a surprise call-up to Japan’s 25-man squad ahead of ...

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Hakuho nears Spring Basho title

Hakuho capitalized on a loss by fellow yokozuna Harumafuji by knocking over Tamawashi to zero in on his 38th career championship title at the Summer ...

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Yamashita to become next AJJF chairman

Yasuhiro Yamashita, the men’s open-weight category gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, is set to be appointed as the next chairman of the ...

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Rachel Robinson to receive Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award

Rachel Robinson will receive the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award from baseball’s Hall of Fame on July 29, the day before this year’s induction ceremony. ...

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Wenger admits his uncertain status has affected Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is not a man to show much emotion. The Arsenal manager tends to deal with the good, bad and ugly of football in ...

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Miyazato plans to put away clubs for good at end of season

Former women’s world No.1 Ai Miyazato, a nine-time winner on the U.S. LPGA Tour, will retire at the end of this season, her management team ...

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Cavaliers throttle Celtics, book trip back to NBA Finals

The NBA Finals has its first “three-match,” courtesy of a King who passed His Airness. LeBron James scored 35 points and passed Michael Jordan to ...

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Pens top Sens in 2OT, make Stanley Cup Final

Chris Kunitz spent a portion of the spring nursing a lower-body injury and wondering if his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins was over. The veteran ...

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McCaw hopes to inspire kids with charity work in Japan

All Blacks legend Richie McCaw kicked off a four-day charity tour of Japan on Friday and vowed to bring a smile to the faces of ...

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Maeda sparks Dodgers on mound, at plate

Kenta Maeda fell into a 3-0 hole in the first inning of his first start for the Dodgers in two weeks coming off the disabled ...

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WBA chief orders rematch of Murata-N’Dam title fight, suspends 2 judges

Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, the president of the World Boxing Association, on Thursday ordered a rematch of a middleweight title fight between Ryota Murata and Hassan ...

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Eagles hurler Norimoto matches Nomo strikeout record set in 1991

Takahiro Norimoto tied the NPB record for striking out 10 or more batters in six successive games Thursday as he steered the Pacific-League leading Tohoku ...

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Halilhodzic selects Kubo, a few newcomers for friendly, World Cup qualifier

Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic picked in-form Gent striker Yuya Kubo and also sprung a few surprises on Thursday as he named his 25-man squad for ...

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Nagasato finalizes deal with NSWL’s Chicago Red Stars

Midfielder Yuki Nagasato has signed with the Chicago Red Stars, the U.S. women’s pro league (NSWL) club said on Wednesday. Nagasato, who helped Japan win ...

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Kamegai to face Cotto for vacant WBO junior middleweight title

Former Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation welterweight champion Yoshihiro Kamegai will take his first shot at a world title this summer, his gym said Wednesday. ...

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Super League to add teams for planned 2018 launch

The new Super League the Japan Volleyball League Organization aims to launch in the fall of 2018 will have more teams than the current top ...

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KHL to cut Metallurg Novokuznetsk over cash woes

The Kontinental Hockey League has cut a Russian team as it tries to fix worsening financial problems, including debts to league players of over $17 ...

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Murray calls Agassi good hire for Djokovic

World No. 1 Andy Murray admitted Wednesday he was surprised by Novak Djokovic’s appointment of Andre Agassi as coach at the French Open, but believes ...

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Hakuho stays on course for another crown

Yokozuna Hakuho moved a step closer to capturing a record-extending 38th championship title with a routine win over Tochiozan at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament ...

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Striker Ogawa sustains knee injury, forced to exit U-20 World Cup

Japan’s Koki Ogawa has withdrawn from the U-20 World Cup after the forward was diagnosed with a ruptured left anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury ...

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Game 7 offers chance at history for Penguins and Senators

Craig Anderson is a realist, the byproduct of 15 years playing the most demanding position in the NHL. The Ottawa goaltender would like to chalk ...

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Hall of Famer Kennedy found dead in Florida

Cortez Kennedy was a hulking force at defensive tackle, the cornerstone of a franchise that had little to cheer about for most of his playing ...

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Weltman steps in to lead Magic

Jeff Weltman was perfectly content as the general manager of the Toronto Raptors two weeks ago. He was working alongside someone he considers a close ...

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Man United wins Europa League title

A guttural roar of “Manchester, Manchester” thundered around the Friends Arena at the full-time whistle. Purely in soccer terms, Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Ajax ...

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Sale falls short of breaking strikeout record

Chris Sale was perfectly happy to sit back and watch the Red Sox hitters do the work this time. Sale cruised into the fifth inning, ...

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Kawasaki, Tochigi to clash in B. League final

The inaugural B. League championship pits two teams with established stars, deep benches, up-and-coming players, accomplished coaches and growing fan bases. What’s more, Saturday afternoon’s ...

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Oita woman pushes herself as firefighter, strives for karate Olympic gold

As a member of a world karate championship team aiming for Olympic gold in 2020, Hikaru Ono is confident of her strength. But even for ...

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Japan falls against Uruguay at U-20 World Cup

Japan’s second-round hopes at the Under-20 World Cup will rest on their final Group D game against Italy after Atsushi Uchiyama’s side lost 2-0 to Uruguay on Wednesday. Nicolas Schiappacasse and Mathias Olivera scored on either side of the break for Uruguay, who booked a spot in the knockout phase with its second win in […]

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Disgraced Japanese men’s volleyball coach set for return to national team

Japan men’s coach Yuichi Nakagaichi, who caused a serious traffic accident last year, will rejoin the national team as of June 8, the Japan Volleyball Association announced Wednesday. The 49-year-old Nakagaichi was ordered by the Osaka Summary Court on Monday to pay a ¥700,000 settlement. In November on the Chugoku Expressway in Hiroshima Prefecture, Nakagaichi […]

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Cerezo edge Kobe in league-cup Kansai derby

Cerezo Osaka defeated Vissel Kobe 1-0 behind Kota Fujimoto’s first-half strike to rise to the top of Group B in the Levain Cup on Wednesday. Kobe, with a game in hand, are in second on 12 points, two points behind Cerezo in the league cup group phase which has one more round of games next […]

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Osera pitches Carp past Swallows

Daichi Osera threw six shutout innings to lead the Hiroshima Carp to a 6-1 victory over the Tokyo Yakult Swallows on Wednesday. Before 30,469 at rainy Mazda Stadium, Osera (2-0) allowed three hits and a walk, while striking out six against a Swallows lineup that lost slugger Wladimir Balentien in the first inning. Balentien struck […]

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Urawa falls to Jeju in first leg of ACL last 16 clash

Urawa Reds face a tall order at home next week against Jeju United after losing to the K-League side 2-0 in the first leg of the Asian Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday. Marcelo Toscano opened the scoring early and Jin Seong-uk locked up the win with a second for the hosts in the […]

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Dodgers outlast Cardinals in 13th

Logan Forsythe batted in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the first time in a month and promptly struck out in his first four at-bats. After getting a few extra innings to find his stroke, the infielder put a celebratory cap on his return. Forsythe doubled in a run in the 13th inning to lift […]

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Latest leaders Gamba trying to hold position

Top spot in the J. League has changed hands with every weekend so far this May, but Gamba Osaka will be hoping to make their lead stick after taking over in first place last Saturday. Gamba beat Sagan Tosu 3-0 to move top of the table for the first time since winning the title in […]

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Japan women’s basketball team satisfied with experience in U.S.

The provisional Japan women’s national basketball team made a two-week trip to the United States from April 30 to play some practice games against WNBA squads, and the players and coaches believe it was an important experience. During the team’s stay in the U.S., the “Akatsuki Five” traveled to Dallas, San Antonio and Seattle and […]

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Senators take Penguins to Game 7

Craig Anderson and the Ottawa Senators bounced back nicely two days after a blowout loss put them on the brink of elimination. Anderson stopped 45 shots, Mike Hoffman scored the tiebreaking goal early in the third period and the Senators beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 Tuesday night to force a decisive Game 7 in the […]

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Irving leads Cavaliers to brink of NBA Finals

Kyrie Irving gritted his teeth, tightened up his left sneaker and hopped to his feet. The pain couldn’t stop him. The Celtics couldn’t either. Irving took over in the second half and finished with 42 points despite playing on a tender ankle, LeBron James added 34 and the Cleveland Cavaliers moved within one win of […]

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Nishikori makes winning start at Geneva Open

World No. 9 Kei Nishikori got off to a winning start at the Geneva Open on Tuesday, taking care of Kazakhstan’s 88th-ranked Mikhail Kukushkin in straight sets in the second round. Nishikori, recently hampered by a right wrist injury, saved two break points to advance to the quarterfinals 6-4, 6-3 and said he was pleased […]

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Kubo delighted with Gent contribution

Japan striker Yuya Kubo returned home on Wednesday pleased with his goal-scoring exploits over the second half of the season at Belgium first-division club Gent. Kubo bagged 11 goals for Gent after joining the Jupiler League side from Swiss club Young Boys in January, raising hopes he can replicate that form for Japan when the […]

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Yokozuna Kisenosato pulls out of Summer Basho with injury

Japanese-born yokozuna Kisenosato, who had been gunning for his third straight title, has withdrawn from the ongoing Summer Grand Sumo Tournament after failing to recover from upper body injuries, sumo officials said Wednesday. The 30-year-old wrestler from the Tagonoura stable becomes the second yokozuna to pull out of the 15-day meet at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan […]

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Allardyce quits Palace, intends to retire

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce announced Tuesday that he is leaving the club after just five months and does not plan to continue his 26-year career in coaching. A season that started with Allardyce managing the England national team, before leaving after just one match in charge, ended with him guiding Palace safely away from […]

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Frontale take control in ACL knockout match

Kawasaki Frontale scored a resounding 3-1 victory over Muangthong United in the first leg of the Asian Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday. After Teerasil Dangda handed the hosts the lead in the third minute of first-half injury time, Kawasaki captain and reigning J. League MVP Kengo Nakamura, Yu Kobayashi and Hiroyuki Abe netted […]

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Manchester United calls of Europa League news conference after bomb attack

Manchester United canceled its pre-match newsconference in Stockholm on Tuesday ahead of the Europa League final after a bomb attack in Manchester killed 22 people, including children. “Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the effect that this has had on everyone here at our club and within our city, we have […]

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Giants hurler Sugano avenges lone loss of season against Tigers

Tomoyuki Sugano paid Hanshin back for his only loss of the season with seven scoreless innings as the Yomiuri Giants held off the Tigers 1-0 in the Central League on Tuesday. Before 46,227 at Koshien Stadium, Sugano (6-1) dueled Takumi Akiyama for six scoreless innings before Giants catcher Seiji Kobayashi’s bloop RBI double made it […]

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Whiteley chosen as new Springboks captain for three-test series against France

No. 8 Warren Whiteley has been named the new Springboks captain and coach Allister Coetzee included eight uncapped players in his squad to prepare for a three-test series against France next month. Whiteley replaces Adriaan Strauss, who retired from internationals at the end of 2016, a year of woe for the two-time world champions. South […]

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Clippers should stay the course despite disappointments

Coach Doc Rivers: Headed back to Orlando where he began his NBA coaching career and where he still owns a home and where his family has remained. To run the Magic franchise. Chris Paul: To the San Antonio Spurs to step in for the aging Tony Parker and finally get past the second round of […]

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Rio venues are ‘white elephants’: prosecutor

A federal prosecutor looking into last year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics says that many of the venues “are white elephants” that were built with “no planning.” The scathing report offered Monday at a public hearing confirms what The Associated Press reported several months after the games ended. Many of the venues are empty, boarded up, […]

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Spanish authorities detain ex-Barcelona president Rosell, wife in money laundering probe

Spanish authorities say former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and his wife have been detained in a probe over his businesses in Brazil. The detentions early Tuesday are part of a money laundering investigation related to buying television rights for past matches of Brazil’s national team. Three other people have been detained, but their identities were […]

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Uchida remains confident he can still make impact for Schalke

Defender Atsuto Uchida returned to Japan on Tuesday confident that he can still do a job for Schalke, despite managing just one game for the Bundesliga club this season after returning from a serious knee injury. The right-back returned to action after a 21-month injury break in Schalke’s 2-0 UEFA Europa League defeat to RB […]

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Kisenosato falls again; Hakuho, Harumafuji still unbeaten

Yokozuna Kisenosato’s fading hopes of winning a third consecutive championship were all but shattered with a fourth loss at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday. Kisenosato (6-4) was bumped out by sekiwake Kotoshogiku and lost his second straight match to fall four wins behind unbeaten Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho and Harumafuji, who improved to 10-0 […]

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Indy 500 winners robbed at Taco Bell

Police say Indianapolis 500 pole-winner Scott Dixon and fellow former race winner Dario Franchitti were robbed at gunpoint while in a Taco Bell drive-thru lane. A police report that the robbery happened shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday at the fast-food restaurant less than a mile from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Dixon had hours earlier […]

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Mizutani determined to succeed at worlds

Rio Olympic bronze medalist Jun Mizutani knows what he must do in order to stand on the podium at the World Table Tennis Championships for the first time, and is poised to continue challenging China’s dominance in the sport. “I won’t be able to win a medal if I don’t beat Chinese players,” Mizutani said […]

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Moyes resigns after Sunderland’s relegation from Premier League

David Moyes quit as Sunderland manager on Monday following relegation from the English Premier League, having failed to revive a reputation damaged so badly at Manchester United. After impressing during 11 years at Everton, Moyes has lasted less than a year in his three subsequent coaching positions. The Scot’s once glowing career started to go […]

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Iwano confirms quad salchow for free skate next season

It is rare for an athlete to make history the first time they embark on a new level in their career. Usually they settle in, bide their time, and work their way up. But one aspiring Japanese skater has a different plan for the upcoming season. Moa Iwano, a 13-year-old from Kobe, who finished second […]

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Predators make Stanley Cup Final for first time

Different players just keep stepping up for the Nashville Predators, and now their magical postseason run has an even bigger destination: the franchise’s first trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Colton Sissons scored his third goal with 6 minutes remaining left, and the Predators eliminated the Anaheim Ducks with a 6-3 win in Game 6 […]

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Warriors sweep away Spurs, make NBA Finals again

Golden State made sure the inevitable was unavoidable. Heavily favored to beat the Spurs, especially once Kawhi Leonard sustained a series-ending injury, the Warriors completed a dominant sweep in the Western Conference finals. Stephen Curry scored 36 points and Golden State beat injury-ravaged San Antonio with a 129-115 victory Monday night, becoming the first team […]

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Giants’ Panik rebounds from batting slump with big game against Cubs

Joe Panik felt a little better the past couple days in St. Louis. He felt a lot better after his performance Monday night. Panik hit his first career leadoff homer and doubled twice, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 6-4 victory against the Chicago Cubs. Brandon Belt also connected and Ty Blach (2-2) pitched […]

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Report: Promoted Brighton chasing Haraguchi

Brighton & Hove Albion is chasing Hertha Berlin’s Japan attacker Genki Haraguchi as it prepares for its return to the English top flight next season, German sports magazine Kicker reported Monday. Hertha has been trying to tie Haraguchi down to a new contract with his current deal expiring next summer, but the side based in […]

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Kisenosato suffers third loss; Hakuho, Harumafuji roll on

Yokozuna Kisenosato succumbed to his third loss at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday while Mongolian grand champions Hakuho and Harumafuji secured their ninth straight wins at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Kisenosato’s hope of a third straight championship was dealt a severe blow by Tochiozan (5-4). The yokozuna’s slap off the initial charge did not deter […]

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Hawks’ Wada out for three months after elbow surgery

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada will be out of action for about three months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow, the Pacific League club said Monday. “I don’t want to tell him to rush (through the rehab),” skipper Kimiyasu Kudo said about the 36-year-old who had loose fragments removed at a hospital […]

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Agassi to coach Djokovic at French Open

Novak Djokovic revealed on Sunday that American great Andre Agassi would be his new coach, but said they did not yet have a “long-term commitment.” “I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he’s gonna be there. We’ll see what the future brings. […]

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Nishikori to play in final French Open tune-up

World No. 9 Kei Nishikori admitted Sunday he is not in perfect condition, but he hopes to win the Geneva Open and use the tournament as a much-needed chance to fine-tune his game in pursuit of Grand Slam glory. Still recovering from a right wrist injury that has forced him to withdraw from the recent […]

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Honda set for AC Milan exit

Midfielder Keisuke Honda said on Twitter on Sunday he will be departing AC Milan at the end of the season, bringing an end to a difficult stint at the Italian giant that was characterized by frustratingly limited playing time. But the 30-year-old Japan international refused to go quietly, scoring his first — and probably last […]

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Darvish, Napoli key Rangers’ win

Yu Darvish received backing from a 15-hit offense and overcame a shaky start Sunday, picking up his fifth win of the season in the Texas Rangers’ 5-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Darvish (5-2) allowed two runs and five hits while striking out seven and walking four in five innings — his shortest outing of […]

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Liverpool, City deny Arsenal top-four finish

Manchester City and Liverpool claimed the last two Champions League qualifying spots with comfortable wins on Sunday that meant Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal missed out on Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 20 years. The big guns blew away the rest on the final day of the Premier League season — City thrashing […]

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Horschel beats Day to win Byron Nelson in playoff

American Billy Horschel parred the first playoff hole to beat world No. 4 Jason Day on Sunday to win the PGA Byron Nelson tournament, registering his first victory since 2014. Horschel came into the tournament having missed four consecutive cuts but turned his fortunes around with some incredible putting this week at the TPC Four […]

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Gutsy Celtics rally for stunning win over Cavs

Leprechauns are imaginary. Celtic pride is very real. Avery Bradley’s 3-pointer danced on the rim and dropped with less than a second left and Boston, blown out in the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals and playing without star Isaiah Thomas, stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-108 on Sunday night in Game 3 to […]

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Penguins fire on all cylinders in Game 5

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan calls it “getting to our game.” It means he wants his team to attack opponents with speed, aggression and a dash of responsibility. Physically translated, it looks like the 60 minutes the defending Stanley Cup champions put together Sunday in a 7-0 demolition of the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 […]

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Kubo sparks triumphant Japan in Under-20 World Cup opener

Takefusa Kubo came off the bench and set up Ritsu Doan’s winner as Japan came from behind to defeat South Africa 2-1 on Sunday in its Group D opener at the Under-20 World Cup. Grant Margeman handed South Africa the lead in the seventh minute, but Koki Ogawa leveled three minutes after the break, and […]

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Inoue retains WBO super flyweight title title with third-round KO of Rodriguez

It was nearly a sparring for Naoya Inoue. The difference was that he did it surrounded by 6,500 spectators. The young Japanese champ gave challenger Ricardo Rodriguez no chance, quickly wrapping up the bout. Inoue posted a third-round knockout win to defend his WBO super flyweight title for the fifth time at Ariake Colosseum on […]

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Hagino avenges loss to Seto by winning 200 IM at Japan Open

Kosuke Hagino exacted swift revenge over Daiya Seto to win the men’s 200-meter individual medley at the Japan Open on Sunday. A night after he was beaten by Seto in the 400 IM, the Rio Olympic champion touched in 1 minute, 56.30 seconds at Tatsumi International Swimming Center, completing the race more than a full […]

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Brex survive fierce duel with SeaHorses in tiebreaker, advance to B. League Championship final

The Tochigi Brex advanced to the B. League Championship final, holding off the visiting SeaHorses Mikawa in the Game 3 tiebreaker on Sunday afternoon. The Brex’s 14-12 win in the 10-minute mini-game came after their 65-63 defeat before a 15-minute intermission. Third-seeded Mikawa led 57-38 after three quarters in Game 2, holding on despite Tochigi’s […]

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Gatlin outruns Cambridge, Sani Brown for 100-meter victory at Golden Grand Prix Kawasaki

American top sprinter Justin Gatlin withstood challenges from Japanese prospects Aska Cambridge and Abdul Hakim Sani Brown in a 100-meter race on Sunday at the Golden Grand Prix Kawasaki. Gatlin crossed the finish line first with a time of 10.28 seconds with a 1.2-meter-per-second head wind at Todoroki Stadium. “I’ve been plagued with a couple […]

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Soul Stirring triumphs in Japanese Oaks

Frankel-sired Soul Stirring captured the second jewel in the filly’s Triple Crown on Sunday, comfortably winning the Japanese Oaks at Tokyo Racecourse. Runaway favorite Soul Stirring did her legendary father of 10 Grade 1 wins proud, bouncing back from last month’s disappointment of finishing third in the first race of the series, the 1,600-meter Oka-sho, […]

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Giants southpaw Taguchi tosses six-hitter against BayStars

Kazuto Taguchi threw a six-hit shutout on Sunday to lead the Yomiuri Giants to a 4-0 win over the Yokohama BayStars. Taguchi (4-1) was tagged with his first loss of the year a week ago but recovered with a 116-pitch effort and issued no walks at Yokohama Stadium. The Giants led 4-0 by the fourth […]

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Rivals Hakuho, Harumafuji improve to 8-0

Hakuho put on another sumo clinic on Sunday to stay unbeaten and tied for the lead with fellow Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji after eight days of action at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho oozed class in his bout against struggling Kotoshogiku (1-7) at Ryogoku Kokugikan, quickly taking the sekiwake down with a textbook pulling overarm […]

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Djokovic, up-and-comer Zverev advance to Italian Open final

Novak Djokovic won twice on Saturday to play for another Italian Open title, his first final since January. Djokovic, the four-time champion, will play Alexander “Sascha” Zverev, the youngest Masters Series finalist at 20 since Djokovic won Miami a decade ago at 19. The day could have dragged on for Djokovic, but he closed out […]

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‘King Kohei’ extends reign at NHK Cup with remarkable 40th straight all-around title

Kohei Uchimura secured his ninth straight individual all-around title at the NHK Cup on Sunday, clinching a place in the world championships, starting in late September in Montreal, along with runner-up Kenzo Shirai. The two-time Olympic gold medalist in the event trailed Shirai by 0.500 point heading into the final high bar but Shirai could […]

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Tanaka delivers second straight woeful performance

Yankees hurler Masahiro Tanaka was roughed up for the second straight start Saturday, allowing six earned runs and three home runs in just three innings in New York’s 9-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Coming off the worst outing of his major league career in which he was hit around for eight runs and […]

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Sato competing for pole position at Indy 500

American Ed Carpenter and Takuma Sato led nine finalists for the Indianapolis 500 pole position battle while France’s Sebastien Bourdais suffered a fractured hip and pelvis after a fiery wreck in Saturday qualifying. Carpenter, the 2013 and 2014 Indy 500 pole sitter, had a four-lap qualifying average of 370.902 kph (230.382 mph) in his Chevrolet-powered […]

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Cloud Computing makes late charge to overtake Classic Empire for Preakness victory

Cloud Computing caught Classic Empire in the final strides Saturday to win the Preakness by a head. The 13-1 long shot was one of five fresh horses in the race that didn’t run two weeks ago in the Kentucky Derby. Derby winner Always Dreaming and Classic Empire dueled for most of the race before Classic […]

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Sharks outclass lowly Sunwolves

The Sunwolves were once again reminded Saturday of the gulf that exists between Super Rugby and the Top League in a 38-17 defeat to the Sharks at Singapore National Stadium. Three tries in the last six minutes handed the South African side its first bonus-point win of the season as it exploited the Sunwolves’ inability […]

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Warriors pounce on injury-plagued Spurs

The Spurs were injured but Golden State was expecting a fevered fight on the home floor of the five-time NBA champions. The Warriors’ depth and talent settled things early. Kevin Durant had 33 points and 10 rebounds as Golden State beat injury-riddled San Antonio 120-108 on Saturday to take a 3-0 lead in the Western […]

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Aberg notches winning goal to down Ducks

Pontus Aberg spent most of the season in the minors, and he had a part-time depth role for the Nashville Predators in these Stanley Cup playoffs until injuries thrust him into a key role in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. And now the unassuming Swede has another new role for Nashville: He’s the […]

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WBA chief says he’ll ‘demand’ N’Dam-Murata rematch

WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza said Sunday that he will order a rematch of the middleweight title fight between Ryota Murata and Hassan N’Dam after the bout ended in controversy. A night after N’Dam won a split decision over the London Olympic gold medalist, Mendoza took to Twitter to say he had Murata as the […]

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Murata comes up short in title fight against N’Dam

When the announcement was made, Ryota Murata, standing near his blue corner, was dumbfounded. The Japanese fighter came up short, losing to interim champion Hassan N’Dam in a 2-1 split decision (116-111, 115-112, 110-117) in a WBA middleweight title fight at Ariake Colosseum on Saturday night. It marked the first professional loss for Murata (12-1), […]

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Seto beats Hagino in 400 IM at Japan Open

Daiya Seto again earned bragging rights over Kosuke Hagino in the men’s 400 individual medley, beating the Rio gold medalist on Saturday at the Japan Open after beating him at April’s national championships. Seto, the Olympic bronze medalist in Brazil, won in 4 minutes, 10.18 seconds at Tatsumi International Swimming Center. Hagino settled for third […]

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Brave Thunders catch fire at right time to beat Alvark for spot in B. League final

For the Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Alvark Tokyo, bonus play was the high-pressure result of Saturday’s thrilling B. League Championship semifinal contest at Todoroki Arena. Forty minutes, aka the regularly scheduled Game 2, was not enough time to determine which team would advance to next Saturday’s title game at Yoyogi National Gymnasium against the Tochigi […]

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Gatlin sees bright future ahead for young Japanese sprint stars

Justin Gatlin, one of the top sprinters in the world, insists the future for Japanese sprinters looks promising. One day before the Golden Grand Prix Kawasaki, the second meet on the IAAF World Challenge circuit, the smiling American said the development of elite Japanese sprinters like Aska Cambridge and Hakim Abdul Sani Brown has been […]

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Murakami wins first NHK Cup all-around title to book spot at worlds

Mai Murakami won the individual all-around title at the NHK Cup for the first time on Saturday, booking her spot at the world championships in October in Montreal. Murakami, who won her second straight national championship last month, scored 56.150 on Saturday and came in with 56.450 from the nationals, giving her a winning total […]

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Hakuho beats Daieisho to keep share of lead

Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho did his best impression of a bulldozer on Saturday to retain his share of the lead after the first week of action at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho, looking to win a record 38th career title in his return from injury, got stuck into Daieisho at the charge and faced little […]

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Matayoshi gets revenge against Carp as Dragons win third straight

Reliever-turned-starter Katsuki Matayoshi got a measure of revenge on Saturday, with seven impressive innings in the Chunichi Dragons’ 2-1 win over the Hiroshima Carp. The 26-year-old right-handed side-armer allowed a run on four hits and three walks, while striking out three. Matayoshi (3-0) won his second game in his five starts, a string that was […]

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LeBron not one of finalists for MVP award this season

LeBron James will have to settle for trying to win another NBA title. He isn’t even a finalist for the MVP award. Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are the three players in the running for the league’s top individual honor. The NBA announced the three finalists for that and its five other individual […]

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Rangers extend win streak to 10

The Texas Rangers are the hottest team in baseball. That hasn’t done much for them in the standings because they’re in the same division as Houston, the best team in the majors so far this season. Mike Napoli and Joey Gallo hit homers, giving Texas enough offense to help it hold on for a 5-3 […]

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Crosby, Murray lead Pens in win

Matt Murray was back — and so was Sidney Crosby. Crosby had a goal and an assist, Murray made 22 saves in his first start of the playoffs and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on Friday night to even the Eastern Conference finals at 2-2. Crosby had only one point as the […]

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Cavs send Celtics to record loss

An NBA playoff-record, 41-point halftime lead. A franchise record for total points. A 13th consecutive playoff win, tying another league record. And LeBron James says the Cleveland Cavaliers can still do better. “I believe we’ve got another level, as well,” he said after Cleveland steamrolled the Boston Celtics 130-86 on Friday to take a 2-0 […]

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Nadal’s winning streak on clay ended in quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal’s winning streak ended at 17 matches as he lost in straight sets to Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open on Friday. Thiem’s 6-4, 6-3 victory came after he was beaten by the Spaniard in the Madrid Open final last week. “Of course I came in with a very aggressive game […]

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Hara leads Swallows to win over Tigers

Juri Hara allowed a run in six innings, pitching the Tokyo Yakult Swallows to their third straight victory, a 4-2 win over the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers on Friday. Before 28,264 at historic Jingu Stadium, the second-year right-hander faced only one scoring threat through five innings, but surrendered a leadoff homer in the sixth. He […]

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Frontale cruise past spluttering Antlers

Kashima Antlers suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to Kawasaki Frontale on Friday as the away side won its third straight and moved above the reigning champs ahead of the weekend fixtures. Kashima, which fell from the top of the table last weekend, started the day a point behind leaders Urawa Reds and Gamba […]

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Brave Thunders too strong for Alvark in Game 1 of semifinals

Overcoming a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter against any foe is a big challenge. To do so in the final 10 minutes against a team that won 49 of 60 regular-season games was the even greater challenge the Alvark Tokyo faced in Game 1 of a B. League Championship semifinal series against the Kawasaki […]

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Sunwolves’ Matsushima relishing clash with former team Sharks

Sunwolves fullback Kotaro Matsushima has extra reason for the Japanese Super Rugby side to come away with a win against the Sharks this weekend. The 24-year-old, who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, to a Zimbabwean father and Japanese mother, joined the Sharks Academy in 2012 after graduating from Yokohama’s Toin Gakuen High School, having […]

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Kisenosato trails leaders by two wins

Yokozuna Kisenosato squashed Daieisho to stay within two wins of grand champion rivals Hakuho and Harumafuji at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday. In arguably his most convincing win of the meet, Kisenosato quickly wrapped both arms around Daieisho and flattened the winless No. 3 maegashira with an abisetaoshi backward force down technique at […]

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Premier League season winds down to underwhelming finish

A Premier League season that began with justified hopes of a competitive, high quality battle between six heavyweight clubs with some of the finest coaches in football ends with a whimper on Sunday. Even Sky Sports, who can normally upgrade the mundane into mind-blowing, will struggle to make the fight for third place a nail-biting […]

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Del Potro knocks Nishikori out of Italian Open

World No. 9 Kei Nishikori crashed out of the Italian Open on Thursday as he suffered a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 defeat to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in the third round. The seventh-seeded Nishikori, coming back from a right wrist injury, lost the opening set in a tiebreaker after struggling with his first serve, a […]

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LeBron, Harden, Westbrook lead All-NBA first team picks

For Cleveland’s LeBron James, there was history. For Houston’s James Harden, there was affirmation. And for Indiana’s Paul George and Utah’s Gordon Hayward, a chance at signing contracts exceeding $200 million this summer is gone. James and Harden headlined the All-NBA first team that was unveiled by the league on Thursday. James made the first […]

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Hachimura hopes to get game back for Under-19 World Cup

Just listening to how he talks and reacts, he just seems the same kid that we came to know from his high school days in Japan. But this past year has surely made Rui Hachimura a better basketball player. The 19-year-old phenom has returned to Japan for the first time since he left to play […]

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Ducks down Predators in OT, even series 2-2

Corey Perry just keeps finding the net in overtime this postseason, and his third goal in extra time helped the Ducks tie the Western Conference finals at 2-2. Perry’s shot deflected in off Nashville defenseman P.K. Subban’s stick 10:25 into overtime, and the Ducks snapped the Predators’ 10-game home playoff winning streak with a 3-2 […]

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Kane scores four as Spurs thrash Leicester

A rampant Harry Kane netted four goals and livewire Son Heung-min scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed Leicester City 6-1 in an action-packed Premier League clash on Thursday. The match was a effectively a dead rubber with Spurs already assured of finishing second behind champions Chelsea but Kane produced a superb individual performance to go […]

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Baez hits grand slam, Bryant homers as Cubs beat Reds 9-5

By ANDREW SELIGMAN AP Sports Writer Chicago Illinois USA AP BC-BBN—Reds-Cubs Eds: Cubs 9, Reds 5. With AP Photos. CHICAGO (AP) — The Cubs are starting to show the pop that helped propel them to their first championship in 108 years. For that, manager Joe Maddon credited their starting pitching. Javier Baez hit a grand […]

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MLB wants to change posting system

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday he would like revisions made to the posting system agreement for Japanese players that the league has with Nippon Professional Baseball by this offseason. Under the current posting system which has been in place since 2013, any major league team willing to pay a maximum fee of […]

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Brave Thunders, Alvark renew rivalry with trip to title game on the line

When the Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Alvark Tokyo square off in the B. League Championship semifinals on Friday and Saturday, expect the foes to display physical, hard-nosed basketball. But it’s not just because it’s the postseason, but also because of their longtime rivalry. Japanese players are humble in general — at least on the surface […]

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Potent offense, stellar pitching carry Carp past BayStars

Tomohiro Abe hit a two-run single in the bottom of the first inning to erase an early deficit and put the Hiroshima Carp in a 9-2 victory over the Yokohama BayStars on Thursday. Yuta Nakamura (2-0) scattered seven hits and yielded two walks over six innings but held the visitors to two runs, while three […]

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Sunwolves veterans return to bolster lineup before match against Sharks

There were some familiar faces on show Thursday as the Sunwolves trained on the grounds of UWCSEA international school ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby game against South Africa’s Sharks at Singapore National Stadium. Veteran internationals Harumichi Tatekawa, Shota Horie and Hitoshi Ono have all been recalled to the Super Rugby side, having missed most or […]

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Antlers’ Leo Silva, Endo to miss several weeks due to injuries

The Kashima Antlers suffered a double injury blow Thursday as midfielders Leo Silva and Yasushi Endo were both ruled out of action for several weeks. The reigning J. League champions said Brazilian star Silva will be out for up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery Wednesday for damaged meniscus in his left knee. Endo has […]

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Berchelt to defend WBC super featherweight title against Miura in July

Takashi Miura will take on WBC super featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt of Mexico in the United States this summer in an attempt to reclaim his crown, Golden Boy Promotions announced Wednesday. The fight will take place in Inglewood, California, on July 15. Top-ranked challenger Miura, 33, became WBC super featherweight champion in April 2013 and […]

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Marines sign Cuban outfielder Santos

The Chiba Lotte Marines have agreed on a deal worth $200,000 with Cuban outfielder Roel Santos, the Pacific League club said Thursday. The 29-year-old Santos, who throws and bats left-handed, is known for his speed and defensive skills, and served as the leadoff hitter for the Cuban national team at the World Baseball Classic in […]

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Hawks’ Wada weighing options to treat elbow ailment

Five-time All-Star lefty Tsuyoshi Wada is considering having surgery to repair his left elbow inflammation, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo said Thursday. “Surgery is one of the options,” Kudo said. “If he keeps pitching when his condition doesn’t look good he will be risking next season. We have to think about what would be […]

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Kisenosato back in win column

Yokozuna Kisenosato dug in deep to get his faltering bid for a third straight championship title back on track with a win over second-ranked maegashira Chiyoshoma at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday. Looking to rebound from a shock second defeat Wednesday, Kisenosato (3-2) had his hands full as Chiyoshoma got himself into a […]

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Marlins’ Tazawa placed on disabled list with rib injury

Miami Marlins right-hander Junichi Tazawa has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with rib cartilage inflammation, team officials announced Wednesday. The 30-year-old setup man was tagged with his first loss of the season after giving up a go-ahead grand slam in Monday’s game against the Houston Astros. Marlins pitching coach Juan Nieves said what […]

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Manchester United, Southampton play to scoreless draw

Sergio Romero showed Manchester United will be in safe hands in the Europa League final by saving an early penalty and producing many other great stops in a 0-0 draw at Southampton in the Premier League on Wednesday. Filling in for the rested David de Gea, the Argentina goalkeeper tipped aside Manolo Gabbiadini’s sixth-minute spot-kick […]

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Bob Marley’s grandson signs with Redskins

Nico Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, has signed a contract with the Washington Redskins after a tryout last weekend, the club announced on its website. Marley, a 22-year-old linebacker who played collegiately at Tulane, is the son of Bob Marley’s son Rohan, a former college football standout who turns 45 on Friday. Nico […]

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Nishikori ‘shocked’ by Mitsuhashi’s lifetime ban

Kei Nishikori said Wednesday he was stunned to learn his former junior doubles partner Junn Mitsuhashi has been banned from tennis for life for attempted match-fixing and betting on the sport. “I was shocked,” Nishikori said, after winning his first match in two sets at the Italian Open against David Ferrer. “It’s just surprising.” World […]

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Feyenoord captain Kuyt announces retirement

Dirk Kuyt, the veteran Feyenoord captain who led his team to its first Dutch League title in 18 years, is retiring. The 36-year-old Kuyt, who returned to Rotterdam two years ago saying he wanted to win the league, told coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst of his decision early Wednesday. The announcement came just three days after […]

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Nishikori advances to quarters in Rome

Kei Nishikori rolled into the Italian Open quarterfinals for the third straight year by beating David Ferrer in straight sets Wednesday. Nishikori, who had a bye into the second round and also defeated Ferrer in two sets at last week’s Madrid Open, won 7-5, 6-2 and will face Juan Martin del Potro in the next […]

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LeBron, Cavaliers manhandle Celts

So much for the Cavaliers being rusty. LeBron James embarrassed every defender Boston threw at him and Cleveland picked up where it left off following a long layoff, rolling to a 117-104 victory Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. James had 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Love added […]

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Murata, N’Dam primed for middleweight title showdown

It’s time. Well, almost. Two days before a WBA middleweight championship fight, Ryota Murata and Hassan N’Dam were not really in fight mode yet. But they certainly seemed to be focused on their Saturday bout at Ariake Colosseum. The fight will be the first world title shot for Murata while N’Dam (35-2, 21 knockouts), the […]

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Senators chase Fleury, rout Pens

Mike Hoffman and his Ottawa Senators teammates heard all the chatter on social media about their style of play, which some perceived as “boring.” Their response? Well, LOL. And another big W. Marc Methot, Derick Brassard and Zack Smith scored in a 2:18 span midway through the first period to chase goalie Marc-Andre Fleury and […]

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Familiar foes set to face off in semis

For the final title-chasing participants in the B. League Championship, familiarity over the years is a common thread. After all, the Tochigi Brex, SeaHorses Mikawa, Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Alvark Tokyo played often against one another in the old JBL and its successor, the NBL, before the FIBA-enforced merger, along with the revamped Japan Basketball […]

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Herrmann hammers homer in 11th to sink reeling Mets

Chris Herrmann and the Diamondbacks made it another long day for the sinking New York Mets. Herrmann homered off Rafael Montero leading off the 11th inning, giving the Diamondbacks a 5-4 victory on Wednesday and sending the Mets to their season-high seventh straight loss. New York went 0-6 in Milwaukee and Arizona, the Mets’ longest […]

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Sato ends epic winless drought against Giants

Haunted to some extent by a poor showing in his last outing, Yoshinori Sato took the mound determined to set things right. Mission accomplished. Sato put together one of the best games of his last several injury-plagued seasons, Yuhei Takai powered the offense, and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows routed the Yomiuri Giants 7-0 in the […]

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Japan Tennis Association stunned by news of Mitsuhashi’s lifetime ban for match-fixing

Japan Tennis Association executive members said that the lifetime ban on Junn Mitsuhashi completely came out of the blue. “We had not had any previous contact (with the Tennis Integrity Unit),” JTA managing director Tsuyoshi Fukui said at a news conference at Tokyo’s Kishi Memorial Hall on Wednesday evening. JTA press officer Nobutaka Hatta said […]

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Kisenosato falls to 2-2 with loss to maegashira Endo at Summer Basho

Kisenosato crashed to a second defeat at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament after the yokozuna was upset by top-ranked maegashira Endo on the fourth day of action on Wednesday. Kisenosato, who is aiming for a third straight title, was made to pay for not finishing Endo off at Ryogoku Kokugikan and dropped two wins off […]

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Sunwolves stay positive despite steep learning curve

The Sunwolves may have won only one game out of 10 so far this season, but Japan’s Super Rugby team is confident that its efforts will pay off somewhere down the line. “For us it’s about focusing on the process rather than just results,” second-row forward Sam Wykes told The Japan Times at the Sunwolves’ […]

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All Blacks to tour Japan in November 2018

Japan will play the two-time defending Rugby World Cup champions All Blacks in a November test match next year, the two unions announced jointly on Wednesday. The announcement was made with New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English in attendance. English had said he is keen for the All Blacks to play in Japan before the […]

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French Open denies Sharapova wild-card invitation

Maria Sharapova’s popularity and past success did not earn her the wild-card invitation she needed to get into the French Open after serving a 15-month doping ban. “I’m very sorry for Maria, very sorry for her fans. They might be disappointed; she might be very disappointed,” French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said Tuesday in […]

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Chiefs rookie quarterback Mahomes unharmed in robbery

Rookie Kansas Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes escaped injury after being robbed outside a Texas home after attending a college baseball game, authorities said Monday in describing the holdup as random. Mahomes and the three other people were stepping from a vehicle on a home’s driveway outside Tyler on Friday night when a suspect approached, gestured […]

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Sugano, Abe guide Giants past Swallows in series opener

Tomoyuki Sugano made quick work of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows to pick up his fifth win of the season, striking out six and allowing one run in eight innings as the Yomiuri Giants won 5-1 Tuesday. The Giants needed just 2 hours, 16 minutes to complete the victory in the opener of a three-game homestand […]

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Toyota changes driver lineup for 24 Hours of Le Mans

Toyota announced a shakeup in its driver lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 17-18, reuniting the three who finished second last year. Stephane Sarrazin will return to the No. 7 car to share the driving duties with Kamui Kobayashi and his co-driver Mike Conway, replacing Jose Maria Lopez who has had […]

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Kisenosato holds off challenge from Chiyonokuni in first duel

Kisenosato survived a scare and squeezed out his second win of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, while fellow yokozuna Hakuho and Harumafuji kept their perfect record intact after three days. Kisenosato was on the back foot throughout against No. 1 maegashira Chiyonokuni (1-2), who handed yokozuna Kakuryu his second defeat a day earlier. […]

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Chelsea’s Terry scores in first start since September as 22-year tenure with team nears triumphant end

Scrambling in his first Chelsea goal in 485 days. Blundering to gift an equalizer less than two minutes later. If this is how John Terry’s 22-year association with Chelsea ends, it was a memorable sign-off against Watford on Monday. Not perfection, but that wouldn’t be in keeping with the 36-year-old defender’s career of dizzying highs […]

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Gurriel lifts Astros with grand slam

Short on sleep, the Houston Astros were listless and hitless until the fifth inning. Then their lumber stirred from its slumber. Yuli Gurriel hit a grand slam and Jose Altuve homered and drove in three runs as Houston overcame a slow start to beat the Miami Marlins 7-2 Monday night. The Astros arrived at their […]

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Mitsuhashi banned for life for match-fixing

Junn Mitsuhashi, who reached a career ranking high of No. 295 in 2009, was banned for life Tuesday for match-fixing and fined $50,000. The Tennis Integrity Unit said in a statement that Mitsuhashi was found guilty of “making corrupt approaches to other players, betting on tennis matches and refusing to co-operate” with the TIU investigation. […]

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Dodgers’ Maeda optimistic after first live workout since going on DL

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Kenta Maeda came away positive after throwing 60 pitches off a mound Monday in his first live workout since landing on the 10-day disabled list. Maeda, who is on the DL for the first time since arriving in the majors last season, went through the simulated workout with the Dodgers on […]

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Disgraced sprinter Ben Johnson featured in ad for sports betting agency

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency has made an official complaint over an advertisement for an online sports betting agency which features disgraced Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson. Johnson, who was stripped of his gold medal in the 100 meters final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics after testing positive for anabolic steroids, features in the 90 second […]

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Paris leaders say funds not secured for 2028 Olympic bid

Paris leaders of their latest Olympic bid stressed to IOC inspectors on Monday that their planned €1.7 billion ($1.86 billion) athletes’ village had guaranteed funding only for the 2024 Games and not 2028. The International Olympic Committee is assessing the possibility of giving Paris and Los Angeles the next two Olympics in September, and the […]

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Marlins try to honor Fernandez’s memory as they move forward

Miami Marlins players wear a black circle containing the number 16 on their jerseys, just above their beating hearts. That patch reflects the reality of their present situation: Life goes on after death — even in pro baseball. It is in memory of the late Jose Fernandez, the Marlins former dominant ace pitcher and ebullient […]

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Former Japan captain Leitch set to return

Michael Leitch is heading back to Japan after announcing Tuesday that this season will be his last Super Rugby campaign with the Chiefs. Leitch, who captained Japan at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has been a full-time member of the Hamilton, New Zealand, franchise for the past three seasons. He originally signed as part of […]

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Iwakuma eyeing July return

Seattle Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma, who was placed on the disabled list last week due to right shoulder inflammation, said Monday he expects to return to the mound before the All-Star break. The 36-year-old told reporters in Seattle that he had been experiencing pain in his right shoulder for some time and the recovery period […]

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Celtics push past Wizards in Game 7

Isaiah Thomas said he didn’t feel any pressure entering his first Game 7. His play backed up his confidence and with the help of Kelly Olynyk and the Boston Celtics bench, Thomas earned the biggest win of his career. Thomas scored 29 points and had 12 assists, Olynyk scored a career-playoff high 26 points and […]

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Spurs’ Leonard to miss Game 2

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has ruled Kawhi Leonard out for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals with a sprained left ankle caused by what Popovich described as a “dangerous” and “unsportsmanlike” closeout by Golden State’s Zaza Pachulia. Leonard had an MRI on Monday and Popovich had no timetable on when he’d be able to […]

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Federer to skip French Open

After spending a few days practicing on clay courts in Switzerland, a healthy and well-rested Roger Federer settled on his upcoming schedule: He will bypass the French Open and turn his focus to Wimbledon, then the U.S. Open. “It was a tough decision to take, because he likes to play the French Open, likes to […]

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Japan beats Honduras in final Under-20 World Cup warm-up

Japan won its last preparatory game ahead of the Under-20 World Cup on Monday, coming from behind to beat Honduras 3-2 in a friendly at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa. Koki Ogawa headed in the opener from a Daisuke Sakai corner in the 15th minute but slack defending saw Honduras level on a counter only three minutes […]

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Manager Lopes relishing long-awaited chance at Albirex

New Albirex Niigata manager Wagner Lopes is embracing the opportunity to manage a team in Japan after letting one slip by in 2012 for not having a license to manage in the J. League. “I was waiting for a chance like this. I want to show what I’ve learned in Brazil,” the Brazilian-born former forward, […]

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Disgraced badminton player Momota plans comeback

Fallen badminton star Kento Momota is set to make his competitive comeback later this month in a domestic tour event, sources told Kyodo News on Monday. Momota, whose suspension was lifted Monday, has entered the May 27-31 Japan Ranking Circuit tournament in Saitama with the former world No. 2 looking to regain his standing on […]

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