Brave Thunders continue tear with win over Sunrockers

The Kawasaki Brave Thunders are starting to hit their stride.Led by a fierce determination to improve and dynamic defensive tenacity, the 2016-17 B. League championship ...

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Nathan Burns leaves Sanfrecce to return to A-League

Australian striker Nathan Burns will leave Sanfrecce Hiroshima and return to the Australian A-League, the J. League first-division club announced Sunday.According to the Wellington Phoenix ...

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Infielder Murata still searching for new home

One of the curious things about the current Hot Stove season in Japan has been Shuichi Murata’s inability to find a job for 2018.Shortly after ...

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Alex Hornibrook carries Wisconsin past Miami in Orange Bowl

Alex Hornibrook’s first pass of the night was a wobbler, one that seemed to slip out of his hand.Nearly everything else he threw was just ...

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Capitals beat Devils to move into first place in Metropolitan Division

Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz didn’t know his team had just overtaken the New Jersey Devils to move atop the Metropolitan Division.Sure, the season isn’t ...

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Joshua Smith, balanced offensive attack lead Hannaryz past Evessa

Kyoto Hannaryz big man Joshua Smith notched his 10th double-double of the season on Saturday afternoon against the Osaka Evessa.Smith’s banner performance — 22 points ...

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Naoya Inoue, Ken Shiro defend world titles with ease

WBO super flyweight champion Naoya Inoue and WBC light flyweight champion Ken Shiro both easily retained their titles on Saturday.Inoue demolished France’s Yoan Boyeaux in ...

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Nao Kodaira, Miho Takagi are among 16 named to Japan speedskating squad for 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics

Nao Kodaira and Miho Takagi were among the 16 speedskaters named to the Winter Olympic team by the Japan Skating Federation on Saturday, after the ...

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Novak Djokovic injured, may not play in Australian Open

Former world No. 1 and 12-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Friday with elbow pain to raise ...

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Keisuke Honda to form partnership with Orange County SC to develp youth players

Keisuke Honda announced Friday his company will partner with United Soccer League’s Orange County SC to help develop young players.Honda, whose company also participates in ...

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Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane delivers game-winning goal in overtime against Oilers

Jeff Glass worked a long time for his NHL debut, playing 575 games for 11 teams ranging from the Western Hockey League to a stint ...

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Fourth Ashes test ends in frustrating draw

Australia captain Steve Smith tormented England with another century as the fourth Ashes test ended in a frustrating draw for Joe Root’s side at the ...

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Ski jumper Junshiro Kobayashi places second in qualifying for World Cup event

Junshiro Kobayashi set himself up for a potential second World Cup win this season, when he took second place Friday in a qualifier.Kobayashi jumped 133.0 ...

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Wallabies’ Karmichael Hunt arrested for drug possession

High-profile Wallabies star Karmichael Hunt has been arrested, reportedly for possessing drugs, with Rugby Australia on Saturday launching an investigation into the incident.Hunt, a former ...

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Raptors suspend Serge Ibaka for one game for fight with team staff member

Raptors forward Serge Ibaka was suspended for Toronto’s game Friday night against Atlanta because of an altercation with a team staff member.Coach Dwane Casey would ...

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Rockets lose 5th straight game

The Houston Rockets won 25 of their first 29 games to notch the NBA’s best record, then quickly entered their worst tailspin in nearly five ...

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Jets give GM Mike Maccagnan, coach Todd Bowles extensions

The New York Jets are choosing stability over a shake-up.The team announced Friday it extended the contracts of general manager Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd ...

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Spurs’ Rudy Gay sidelined for at least two weeks with right heel injury

Spurs forward Rudy Gay will miss at least two weeks after an MRI revealed retrocalcaneal bursitis in his right heel.Gay exited in the final minute ...

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Ohio State routs USC in Cotton Bowl

Playoff-snubbed Ohio State got a bit defensive even without one of its best defenders in the Cotton Bowl.Damon Webb returned an interception for a touchdown ...

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Alexis Pinturault wins combined with future of event in doubt

Alexis Pinturault realizes that the Alpine combined event is moving toward extinction.Maybe that’s why he’s dominating the races that remain. The Frenchman secured another combined ...

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All-around team effort carries Brex past Albirex in comeback victory

The Tochigi Brex were a slow-starting team on Friday night.But they heated up in the second half against the host Niigata Albirex BB, turning the ...

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Striker Yoshito Okubo heading back to Frontale after one season with FC Tokyo

Yoshito Okubo will return to Kawasaki Frontale after spending a year with FC Tokyo, the two teams announced Friday.The former Japan striker played four seasons ...

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Gamba Osaka’s Yosuke Ideguchi set to move to Leeds United

Gamba Osaka have reached a basic agreement with English second-tier club Leeds United to enable Japan international midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi to move to the Championship ...

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Takuro Oda wins men’s 1,500, earns spot on Japan Olympic team

Takuro Oda earned a spot on Japan’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympic team when he cruised to victory in the men’s 1,500 meters at a qualifying meet ...

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TCU storms back to beat Stanford

Kenny Hill passed for two touchdowns, ran for another and even caught one as No. 13 TCU rallied from a big early deficit to beat ...

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Gap between big and small clubs a real issue

You could imagine the Sky Sports executives’ expressions as they heard soccer pundit Jamie Carragher at halftime during Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Newcastle on ...

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Knights conquer Kings in overtime for sixth consecutive win

The rest of the hockey world may be waiting for the expansion Golden Knights to come crashing back to reality. Vegas is having way too ...

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Mikaela Shiffrin victorious in World Cup slalom again

Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin mastered a tricky slalom course on Thursday to cruise to her 36th career World Cup win.Backed by a huge 1.14-second lead ...

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Celtics deal Rockets fourth straight loss

Marcus Smart helped complete a furious comeback for Boston on two plays he never touched the ball.Smart drew an offensive foul on James Harden with ...

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Photographer accuses Twins’ Miguel Sano of assault

A photographer who has covered the Minnesota Twins accused Miguel Sano of assault, posting on Twitter that the All-Star third baseman forcibly attempted to kiss ...

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Dave Gettleman returning to Giants as new GM

The New York Giants are turning their rebuilding process over to an old hand who believes in old-time football.The Giants (2-13) hired former Carolina executive ...

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Ichi Ban declared handicap winner of Sydney to Hobart race

Ichi Ban was declared the handicap winner of the Sydney to Hobart race on Friday after an anxious overnight wait.The 52-footer (15.8 meters) was the ...

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Sophomore backup Rui Hachimura helps lead Gonzaga past Pacific

Rui Hachimura scored 19 points, Josh Perkins added 16, and No. 20 Gonzaga beat Pacific 81-48 on Thursday night, winning its 22nd consecutive West Coast ...

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Carp re-sign veteran reliever Jay Jackson

The Hiroshima Carp announced Friday that they have re-signed setup man Jay Jackson who has played for the Central League ballclub the past two seasons.The ...

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CFL says it would approve contract for Johnny Manziel

The Canadian Football League said Thursday it would approve a contract for quarterback Johnny Manziel if one is reached with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who have ...

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Rain washes out play on fourth day of fourth Ashes test

Rain forced play to be abandoned late on the fourth day of the fourth Australia-England Ashes test on Friday.There was no further play from 3 ...

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Paolo Cannavaro set to retire, work in China on brother’s staff at Guangzhou Evergrande

Paolo Cannavaro will quit soccer after this weekend and join his brother on the technical staff at Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande.Cannavaro announced on Thursday that ...

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2018 World Cup chief Vitaly Mutko steps down

Vitaly Mutko bowed to mounting pressure and stepped down as chairman of the 2018 World Cup organizing committee on Wednesday after being dogged by investigations ...

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Struggling Swansea hands reins to Carlos Carvalhal

Swansea has hired Carlos Carvalhal as manager of the struggling Premier League club, days after the Portuguese coach left second-tier Sheffield Wednesday.Carvalhal has only been ...

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Miho Takagi takes second in women’s 1,000 meters at Olympic qualifying event in Nagano

Miho Takagi is practically guaranteed a third Olympic berth after finishing second in the women’s 1,000 meters at a qualifying meet on Thursday.The 23-year-old, who ...

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Cristian Demuro guides Time Flyer to first Grade One win at Hopeful Stakes

Time Flyer, ridden by Italian Cristian Demuro, won the Hopeful Stakes on Thursday at Nakayama Racecourse and nabbed his first Grade One victory.The 2-year-old colt ...

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Alpine skier Naoki Yuasa punches ticket to third Winter Olympics

Naoki Yuasa claimed a berth for the men’s Alpine skiing slalom event for his third Olympics at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games after winning the event ...

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Batsman Alastair Cook puts England in command in fourth Ashes test

Alastair Cook produced a master class in concentration by scoring an unbeaten double century on Thursday to put his team in complete control of the ...

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Iowa prevails in frigid Pinstripe Bowl

Drake Kulick fought for a 1-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter on his only carry of the game and Iowa beat Boston College ...

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Man City stretches winning streak to 18

Manchester City moved 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League as it extended its winning run to 18 games at Newcastle on ...

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Thunder rack up sixth straight win

The Oklahoma City Thunder are having fun playing basketball and that’s translating into a long winning streak.Paul George went 7 of 10 from 3-point range ...

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Coyotes center Zac Rinaldo gets six-game ban for punching foe

Arizona Coyotes center Zac Rinaldo has been suspended six games for punching Samuel Girard of the Colorado Avalanche.Rinaldo was expected to take part in a ...

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Astros star Jose Altuve named AP Male Athlete of the Year

Jose Altuve led the Houston Astros to their first World Series title with a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in November and picked up ...

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Ted Williams’ letters to mistress during his military service up for auction

Thirty-eight letters penned by Hall of Fame baseball player Ted Williams, including one in which he described crash-landing a fighter jet with “holes all over” ...

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Hawks hurler Kodai Senga wants to move to majors: source

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks right-hander Kodai Senga stated during recent salary negotiations with the team that he is eyeing a future move to the major leagues ...

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Rafael Nadal withdraws from Brisbane International

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Brisbane International due to his “late start of preparation” for the new season.Brisbane International tournament director Cameron Pearson ...

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Liverpool sets transfer fee record for defender

Liverpool is breaking the world transfer record for a defender by signing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in a $100 million move.Following Liverpool’s long-running pursuit ...

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Giants suspend cornerback Eli Apple for season finale

A day after Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins referred to him as a cancer, cornerback Eli Apple was suspended Wednesday by the New York Giants ...

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Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin score in shootout to lead Penguins past Blue Jackets

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan called it the biggest character win of the season for his struggling team.Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin scored in the shootout, ...

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Legendary trainer Jack Van Berg dies at 81

Jack Van Berg, a Hall of Fame trainer who oversaw Alysheba to victories in the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, died Wednesday. He was 81.He ...

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Lakestars’ Narito Namizato one of top talents at ball distribution

The art of the pass isn’t in vogue like rapid-fire 3-point shooting at any juncture, but there are a number of gifted ball-distribution artists in ...

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2017: top sports news

The Japan Times newsroom selected these domestic sports stories as the most important of 2017.1 Fall from grace: Yokozuna Harumafuji retired from sumo to take ...

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Arisa Go punches ticket to Winter Olympics

Arisa Go earned herself a spot on Japan’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympic team by finishing behind World Cup sensation Nao Kodaira, who had already secured her ...

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Guy Noves fired as France rugby coach; Jacques Brunel takes over

France rugby coach Guy Noves has been fired two years after taking the job and replaced by Jacques Brunel.French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte announced ...

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Alastair Cook century puts England in control in fourth test

Alastair Cook was urged to capitalize on his drought-breaking, unbeaten century after England’s much-maligned old guard finally enjoyed a day to remember in the Ashes ...

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Mavericks finish on high note to beat Raptors

J.J. Barea has fresh memories of San Antonio scoring the final 13 points in a recent Dallas loss, and Atlanta getting the last five with ...

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Belief could lift young talent to glory in 2018

Before the Harumafuji scandal broke, 2017 had been shaping up to be one of the better sumo years of recent times.It started with Kisenosato finally ...

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Yankees finalize CC Sabathia’s $10 million deal

CC Sabathia’s $10 million, one-year contract has been finalized by the Yankees, a deal that raises New York’s projected luxury tax payroll for next year ...

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Maple Leaf great Johnny Bower dies at 93

Johnny Bower didn’t even want to come to Toronto. Yet the pint-sized goalie with the big heart became a part of Maple Leafs lore.Bower, a ...

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F1 champion Lewis Hamilton apologizes for video mocking nephew

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has apologized for posting a video online in which he can be heard yelling at his young nephew for wearing ...

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Katie Ledecky named AP’s female athlete of year

Katie Ledecky got her start in swimming because she just wanted to make friends. Her brother was eager to join a team at a pool ...

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Former Steeler James Harrison signs with Patriots

James Harrison is no longer the odd man out or the oldest man in the locker room.The ex-Steelers star signed a one-year deal with the ...

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Record-breaker Harry Kane eclipses Lionel Messi in Tottenham win

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane became Europe’s most lethal marksman of 2017 with a second hat-trick in four days to break a 22-year-old Premier League record ...

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Veteran reliever Yoshihisa Hirano embraces mindset of rookie as he moves to Diamondbacks

Despite 12 years in professional baseball, Yoshihisa Hirano said Tuesday he is ready to adopt the mindset of a rookie when he joins the Arizona ...

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Eagles clinch No. 1 seed with win over Raiders

The road to the Super Bowl in the NFC goes through Philadelphia.Jake Elliott kicked a 48-yard field goal with 22 seconds left, and the Eagles ...

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Eagles finalize deal with veteran outfielder O’Koyea Dickson

The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles have signed outfielder O’Koyea Dickson, the club announced Tuesday.The 27-year-old Dickson, a 180-cm, 100-kg, right-handed hitter, hit 24 home runs ...

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NFL seems to be getting stranger by the week

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. A classic Clint Eastwood spaghetti Western flick.And, now, also an apt description for the current state of the ...

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Sending Kaori Sakamoto to Olympics the right call

This time the Japan Skating Federation got it right.Twelve years after controversially sending Miki Ando to the 2006 Turin Olympics when Yukari Nakano had enjoyed ...

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Takefusa Kubo left out for AFC U-23 Championship

Japan Olympic men’s soccer team manager Hajime Moriyasu on Tuesday left former Barcelona youth team starlet Takefusa Kubo out of his squad for next month’s ...

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Near collision at start of Sydney to Hobart race

Supermaxi LDV Comanche led the fancied big boats as the grueling Sydney to Hobart race began Tuesday, after a close call that saw the yacht ...

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David Warner’s century gives Australia solid start in fourth Ashes test

David Warner posted a century after a no-ball reprieve and skipper Steve Smith was on track for four straight Boxing Day tons as Australia made ...

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Stanford women drop out of AP Top 25 poll for first time since 2001

Stanford’s 17-year run in the Top 25 is over.The Cardinal on Monday fell out of The Associated Press women’s basketball poll for the first time ...

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Vitaly Mutko temporarily leaves post as Russian Football Union president

Vitaly Mutko, a Russian government official who has been dogged by allegations of involvement in doping, said Monday he would temporarily step down as president ...

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WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa to defend title in Naha

WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa will face Mexican challenger Moises Fuentes in his hometown of Naha, Okinawa, in February, officials of his Shirai Gushiken Sports ...

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Hakuho poised to tie another record at New Year tourney

Yokozuna Hakuho will take the next step in his career achievement calendar next month when he steps into the ring to start the New Year ...

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Kevin Durant delivers defensive clinic as Warriors top Cavaliers

LeBron James drove to the basket in the waning seconds and Kevin Durant swatted away any chance Cleveland had at a Christmas Day comeback.Durant pumped ...

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Kaori Sakamoto looking for further improvement ahead of Pyeongchang Games

Kaori Sakamoto said Monday she still has room to improve, a day after she was handed one of Japan’s two spots for the women’s figure ...

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Surfer Kanoa Igarashi keen to get on board for Japan at 2020 Olympics

World Surf League Championship Tour professional Kanoa Igarashi said Monday he aims to surf for Japan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.“My family and relatives are ...

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New Angels star Shohei Ohtani bids farewell to Fighters fans

Slugging ace pitcher Shohei Ohtani donned his new Angels shirt before throwing a final pitch at Sapporo Dome on Monday following his farewell news conference.Ohtani, ...

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Fighters have to look for successor as Ohtani says goodbye

Generous Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters fans gathered at Sapporo Dome on Christmas Day to put a bow on the present they spent the last five ...

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V.League hoping to shake up volleyball scene

The name of the new league is nothing fresh, but Japan’s top volleyball circuit will shake things up next fall.The Japan Volleyball League Organization had ...

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Juan Mata backs Manchester United to rebound against Burnley

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata admits his teammates are furious after dropping two points at Leicester, but he hopes they can channel that frustration into ...

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Ritsu Doan nets fourth goal of season for Groningen

Midfielder Ritsu Doan scored a goal to cap Groningen’s 4-0 win against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday in the Dutch first division.The 19-year-old, on loan from ...

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Injured Lonzo Ball to miss Lakers’ Christmas game

Lonzo Ball has a sprained left shoulder and will sit out of the Lakers’ game against Minnesota on Christmas night.The team said Sunday an MRI ...

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Yuzuru Hanyu to make competitive comeback at Pyeongchang Games

Yuzuru Hanyu, who is undergoing treatment for a right-ankle injury, is set to make his competitive comeback in the men’s figure skating at February’s Pyeongchang ...

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Yoshito Okubo to return to Frontale after year at FC Tokyo

Former Japan striker Yoshito Okubo will return to Kawasaki Frontale next season after spending a year with FC Tokyo, sources close to the matter said ...

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Rams wrap up first division title since 2003

The Los Angeles Rams and first-year coach Sean McVay saved the real celebration for the locker room.That’s where McVay, the youngest coach in modern NFL ...

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Yuki Togashi and Gavin Edwards power Jets past Diamond Dolphins in Christmas cracker

In a dazzling treat for basketball fans, the Chiba Jets Funabashi made a few more key plays down the stretch to seal an entertaining victory ...

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Shoma Uno defends national title despite free skate struggles

Shoma Uno captured his second straight national title on Sunday night in decisive fashion at Musashino Forest Sports Centre. The young star dominated his opponents ...

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Kitasan Black ends distinguished career with Arima Kinen victory

Kitasan Black fans rejoiced when the race favorite, ridden by jockey Yutaka Take, captured the Arima Kinen at Nakayama Racecourse on Sunday and ended his ...

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Suntory ends Toshiba’s Top League title hopes

Suntory Sungoliath showed no seasonal goodwill to local rival Toshiba Brave Lupus on Sunday as they won the Fuchu derby 28-24 at Ajinomoto Stadium.The result ...

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Hawks catch break with Yanagita

On one hand, Yuki Yanagita will be one of the most well-paid players in Japan next season. On the other, he’ll be kind of a ...

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Warriors’ 11-game win streak grinds to halt

Warriors coach Steve Kerr didn’t see much passion from his team Saturday.Golden State better find some fast for Christmas Day, when LeBron James and the ...

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Cory Schneider outshines rival as Devils beat Blackhawks

Cory Schneider was sharp for the Devils. Corey Crawford had a rough night for the Blackhawks. That was basically the difference Saturday night.Schneider made 39 ...

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Craig Overton out of England lineup for fourth Ashes test

England right-arm seam bowler Craig Overton won’t play in the Melbourne Cricket Ground test against Australia because of a fractured rib.Overton, who made his test ...

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Japanese players chase dreams in Montenegro

Montenegro is an unlikely magnet for Japanese soccer players hoping to catch the eye of the major European leagues.Some 40 Japanese are playing in 22 ...

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Barcelona opens up 14-point lead over Madrid with victory in clasico

Barcelona has almost ended Real Madrid’s defense of its Spanish league title, and there’s still half a season to go.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez left ...

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Ravens top Colts to edge closer to postseason

The Baltimore Ravens didn’t force a turnover, scored only two touchdowns and were dangerously close to going into overtime at home against lowly Indianapolis.“We didn’t ...

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Hokkaido secures narrow victory over Yokohama at free-throw line

In a physical game on Saturday night, the Levanga Hokkaido were rewarded for their composure and consistency at the free-throw line.Hokkaido attempted 43 foul shots ...

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Drama on ice: Satoko Miyahara captures fourth consecutive national title

Satoko Miyahara showed her mettle when the chips were down on Saturday night, coming from second place after the short program to capture her fourth ...

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Cerezo, Marinos advance to Emperor’s Cup final

Yoichiro Kakitani scored the winner as Cerezo Osaka advanced to the Emperor’s Cup final against Yokohama F. Marinos thanks to a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time win ...

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Hawks star Yuki Yanagita signs three-year contract

Star center fielder Yuki Yanagita signed a three-year deal with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on Saturday.The contract, reportedly worth ¥400 million ($3.53 million) a year ...

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Clayton Keller lifts Coyotes over Capitals in overtime

Clayton Keller scored 4:33 into overtime, and the Arizona Coyotes rallied to beat the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Friday night.Arizona had lost seven in a ...

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Russia loses two more Olympic silver medals because of doping

Russia has lost two more Olympic medals from Sochi because of doping, and luge has now been touched by the scandal for the first time.Albert ...

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Ichiro encourages youngsters, dodges question about possible NPB return

Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki dodged a question about possibly returning to play in Nippon Professional Baseball on Saturday.Ichiro, who has 3,080 career major league hits, was ...

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Reigning champion Shoma Uno takes control at nationals

Shoma Uno is halfway to his second straight national title after taking a comfortable lead following the short program at the All-Japan Championships on Friday ...

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Snowboarders Ayumu Hirano, Tomoka Takeuchi named to Japan Olympic team for Pyeongchang Games

The Ski Association of Japan announced Friday that Sochi snowboarding silver medalists Ayumu Hirano and Tomoka Takeuchi, as well as 10 other athletes, will compete ...

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Narito Namizato plays instrumental role in Lakestars’ victory over Susanoo Magic

The Shiga Lakestars pulled away in the third quarter of Friday night’s game against the Shimane Susanoo Magic.They transformed a three-point advantage entering the half ...

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Kei Nishikori withdraws from season-opening Brisbane International

Kei Nishikori, who has been sidelined since August with a wrist injury, has withdrawn from the 2018 ATP World Tour season opener where he had ...

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Rikako Ikee establishes another national record at Swim Cup Lausanne

Rikako Ikee set another national record at the Swim Cup Lausanne, finishing second in the women’s 50-meter freestyle on Thursday night.Ikee clocked 23.95 seconds to ...

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Former MLB All-Star Takashi Saito has high hopes for Shohei Ohtani with Angels

Eleven years before Shohei Ohtani captured the attention of American baseball fans by agreeing to a minor league deal, Takashi Saito walked the same path, ...

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Tokyo 2020 organizers slash budget to ¥1.35 trillion

The Tokyo 2020 organizers Friday unveiled a “significant” cut in the budget for hosting the Olympics as the capital comes under pressure to keep a ...

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Hampus Lindholm’s first career hat trick lifts Ducks past Islanders

On most nights, Hampus Lindholm is not a huge threat to score. But the Anaheim Ducks defenseman was in the right place three times Thursday.Lindholm ...

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Cristiano Ronaldo, who called himself ‘best player’ ever, faces test against Lionel Messi in clasico

Cristiano Ronaldo has made his claim. Now he has to live up to it.Ronaldo will face Lionel Messi on Saturday for the first time since ...

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Kaori Sakamoto rises to occasion, holds slim lead over Satoko Miyahara at nationals

The final battle for the two women’s spots on Japan’s 2018 Olympic skating team began in earnest at Musashino Forest Sports Centre on Thursday night ...

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Birmingham selected as replacement host for 2022 Commonwealth Games

English city Birmingham was picked Thursday as the replacement host for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, nine months after the South African city of Durban was ...

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WBA light flyweight champ Ryoichi Taguchi confident he can handle Milan Melindo in title bout

WBA light flyweight champion Ryoichi Taguchi said Thursday he can beat hard-hitting Filipino Milan Melindo in their upcoming title bout if he executes his fight ...

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Dragons to give Daisuke Matsuzaka a tryout in January

The Chunichi Dragons said Thursday they will hold a tryout in January for former major league right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka.The 37-year-old recently parted ways with the ...

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Japanese men dominate podium in snowboard World Cup halfpipe

Japan swept the podium in the men’s halfpipe at a snowboard World Cup event on Thursday, with Ayumu Hirano, Raibu Katayama and Yuto Totsuka finishing ...

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Marathon runner Risa Shigetomo to retire next March

Former Olympian and two-time Osaka Women’s Marathon winner Risa Shigetomo announced Thursday that she will retire next March.“I judged that this is the best time ...

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Venus Williams and other driver cleared in fatal crash

No charges will be filed against tennis star Venus Williams or the other driver for a crash in June that fatally injured the other driver’s ...

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Yui Ohashi and Rikako Ikee set national records at short course meet

Yui Ohashi and Rikako Ikee set national records while winning the women’s 400-meter individual medley and women’s 50-meter butterfly, respectively, at the Swim Cup Lausanne ...

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Bristol City stuns Man United in League Cup

Even Jose Mourinho couldn’t help savoring the scale of Bristol City’s achievement, however painful it was seeing Manchester United’s League Cup defense ended by a ...

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Tepco hoping Rugby World Cup can help Fukushima

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. (Tepco), the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, is hoping the 2019 Rugby World Cup will provide ...

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Geno Auriemma wins 1,000th game as UConn beats Oklahoma

Geno Auriemma is now a member of one of college basketball’s most elite groups — the 1,000-win club.Auriemma became the fourth women’s coach to reach ...

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Champion Hawks honored with Japan’s top pro sports award

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks fittingly received the nation’s top pro sports accolade for their dominant season in 2017.The Nippon Professional Baseball club was bestowed the ...

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Swallows sign lefty Dave Huff

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows said Wednesday they have acquired former major league pitcher Dave Huff, who played this year with the Korea Baseball Organization’s LG ...

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East Asian tournament provides few clues for World Cup

National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic may have learned a great deal from last week’s E-1 Football Championship, but it is open to question how much ...

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Former Sanfrecce boss Jan Jonsson takes over at S-Pulse

Swedish manager Jan Jonsson, who parted ways with Sanfrecce Hiroshima earlier this month, will take charge at Shimizu S-Pulse, the J. League first division side ...

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Rangers beat Ducks for third straight victory

As he has so many times before, Henrik Lundqvist kept the New York Rangers in the game long enough for their scorers to break through.Lundqvist ...

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Vissel’s Lukas Podolski to miss Emperor’s Cup semi

Vissel Kobe striker Lukas Podolski, who is back in Germany treating a left thigh injury, will not take part in this weekend’s Emperor’s Cup semifinals, ...

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Steelers, Eagles, lead way in Pro Bowl selections

The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the NFL in one category this season: most Pro Bowl players.Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and Ben Roethlisberger are among eight Steelers ...

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Former Wimbledon champ Marion Bartoli to come out of retirement

Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, says she is coming out of retirement and returning to the tennis tour next season.The 33-year-old Frenchwoman made the ...

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Bucks hold nerve, finish Cavs in fourth quarter

The Milwaukee Bucks have blown big fourth-quarter leads far too many times this season, leading to disheartening losses.The Bucks wasted another sizeable advantage in the ...

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Packers shut down Aaron Rodgers with playoff hopes dashed

This will be a strange couple of weeks in Titletown: The Green Bay Packers’ streak of eight straight NFL postseason appearances is over.And quarterback Aaron ...

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Swallows slugger Tetsuto Yamada takes huge pay cut

Tetsuto Yamada, two years removed from being Japan’s brightest young star, received an estimated ¥70 million pay cut from the Tokyo Yakult Swallows on Tuesday.The ...

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JAAF recognizes top athletes at annual awards banquet

Post-Olympic years are usually considered down years. But it wasn’t necessarily the case for Japan’s track and field scene, which was highlighted by some notable ...

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JFA moves up final of next season’s Emperor’s Cup to Dec. 24

The final of next season’s Emperor’s Cup will be moved from Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 24, 2018, to accommodate the start of the 2019 ...

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NPB to adopt no-pitch intentional walk rule

Nippon Professional Baseball will implement the no-pitch intentional walk rule starting next season, a source familiar with the matter said Tuesday.According to the source, NPB ...

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Nathan Chen credits rival Yuzuru Hanyu for inspiration

With less than two months to go until the Pyeongchang Olympics, American Nathan Chen is finding himself the focus of a lot of attention. And ...

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ESPN chief John Skipper quits with substance abuse issue

John Skipper, president of the sprawling ESPN sports network, said Monday that he is resigning to treat a substance abuse problem.Skipper’s sudden announcement will force ...

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Falcons top Bucs to continue surge

Devonta Freeman pounded away all night until he finally found a way into the open field, helping the Atlanta Falcons remain in the thick of ...

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Yu Darvish holds talks with Cubs officials without translator

The Chicago Cubs are making a pitch for Yu Darvish.The free agent right-hander says he had a “very good meeting” Monday with Cubs officials. Darvish ...

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Dragons eye signing hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka

The Chunichi Dragons are considering acquiring former major league right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, with whom the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks parted ways recently, sources said Monday.The 37-year-old ...

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Marinos announce hiring of ex-Australia coach Ange Postecoglou

Former Australia national team coach Ange Postecoglou has been appointed manager of the Yokohama F. Marinos, the team announced on Tuesday.The 52-year-old resigned as Australia ...

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Antlers make offer to defender Atsuto Uchida

Kashima Antlers have offered Atsuto Uchida a contract in the hope of bringing the Japan defender back to the club where he started his professional ...

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Police probe alleged assault of Man City’s Raheem Sterling

Police are investigating the alleged assault of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling at the club’s training ground.The Daily Telegraph reported Sunday that Sterling was kicked ...

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to address inaugural Jazz Congress

A new jazz conference seeks to determine what role jazz can play in today’s society, and it has tapped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as its keynote speaker.Jazz ...

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Justin Gatlin fires coach, faces new doping probe after report

World 100-meter champion Justin Gatlin, twice suspended for doping, could face another scandal after The Daily Telegraph reported Monday that members of his entourage offered ...

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Bruins rout Blue Jackets

Rookie Jake DeBrusk set up second-period power-play goals by David Backes and fellow rookie Charlie McAvoy and added a goal of his own, Tuukka Rask ...

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Lakers fete Kobe with special night

Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant was hailed as the “greatest” Los Angeles Laker of all Monday by fellow legend Magic Johnson in a ceremony to ...

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Wayne Rooney scores again as Everton beats Swansea

Wayne Rooney had one penalty kick saved and scored another in Everton’s 3-1 win over last-place Swansea in the Premier League that maintained the team’s ...

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Frontiers set new points record in Japan X Bowl rout of BigBlue

No team would have been able to match the Fujitsu Frontiers on this day.The Frontiers racked up a Japan X Bowl-record score in their 63-23 ...

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Nasa Hataoka named Rookie of the Year at Japan LPGA awards

After earning her second American LPGA Tour card earlier this month, teenager Nasa Hataoka won the Rookie of the Year Award at Monday’s Japan LPGA ...

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Koharu Yonemoto, Shiho Tanaka take crown at World Super Series Final

Koharu Yonemoto and Shiho Tanaka claimed the women’s doubles title at the World Super Series Final on Sunday, when they defeated world silver medalists Yuki ...

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Australia claims Ashes after crushing victory in third test

Australia won back the Ashes after bowling England out cheaply despite rain delays and a pitch controversy to secure an innings win on the final ...

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Giants, Tigers reel in sluggers in hopes of boosting offense

The Central League’s two most historic clubs had a mini arms race last week, with each hoping to have added a little more power to ...

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Yuzuru Hanyu pulls out of nationals due to ankle injury

World No. 1 Yuzuru Hanyu will not compete at the upcoming national championships due to his right-ankle injury, the Japan Skating Federation said Monday.Although the ...

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Stoic striker Lukaku helps fire United past West Bromwich

After his barren run in the Premier League, it’s two goals in two games for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku.What he’s yet to rediscover is ...

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Sports agency Wasserman enthusiastic about finding players spot in B. League

Diante Garrett made a big impact with Japanese hoop fans in the B. League’s inaugural season last year, showing them flashy perimeter techniques and moves ...

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Flames snap losing streak with victory over Canucks

The Calgary Flames were happy with their overall game despite winning just twice in their last seven games. That faith in the system paid off ...

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LeBron James makes statement as Cavaliers beat Wizards

LeBron James joked that he changed out of his shoes — one black, one white, with “equality” in gold capital letters — at halftime because ...

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Jerry Richardson to sell Panthers amid claims of sexual misconduct, use of racial slur

Facing a growing investigation that accuses him of sexual misconduct and using racist language at work, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced Sunday he will ...

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Patriots edge Steelers late in thriller

New England benefits from controversial call with 28 seconds left The New England Patriots have built a dynasty on second chances. Miss an opportunity to ...

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Rising star Daiki Tanaka inspires Alvark to win over Brex

Daiki Tanaka isn’t a secret offensive weapon for the Alvark Tokyo.He is a potent force for his team at both ends of the floor, and ...

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Ayane Yamaguchi claims first badminton World Super Series Finals title

Akane Yamaguchi defeated India’s Rio Olympic silver medalist Pusarla V Sindhu in the women’s singles final to clinch her first title at badminton’s World Super ...

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French sailor Francois Gabart smashes solo around-the-world record

French sailor Francois Gabart smashed six days and 10 hours off sailing’s around-the-world record Sunday, producing what many pundits felt was a previously unthinkable time ...

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Momo Koseki dethrones Yuko Kuroki for WBC minimum flyweight title

Challenger Momo Koseki defeated champion and Japanese compatriot Yuko Kuroki on a unanimous decision to capture the women’s WBC minimum flyweight title on Sunday.The 35-year-old ...

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Mastaka Morizono and Yuya Oshima triumph at table tennis Grand Finals

Japan’s world table tennis silver medalists Masataka Morizono and Yuya Oshima played a tenacious, drama-filled match in the men’s doubles final on Sunday to earn ...

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Danon Premium claims first Grade 1 victory

Race favorite Danon Premium bested the pack in a late comeback on Sunday to claim his first Grade 1 victory at the 69th running of ...

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Suntory clinches first place in Top League’s Red Conference

Suntory Sungoliath ensured they will top the Japan Rugby Top League’s Red Conference when the regular season comes to an end next weekend after they ...

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Japanese players stay in swing of things even during winter

While it might be the time of year when temperatures are a little cooler and the regular season for almost every major baseball league is ...

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Senators brave frigid weather for win in NHL 100 Classic

The Senators needed a big effort from their top players Saturday night, and they got it.Craig Anderson stopped 28 shots for his 40th career shutout, ...

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Japan leaps to team crown

Yuki Ito posted two big leaps to help Japan win the inaugural women’s ski jumping World Cup team event on Saturday.The team of Ito, Kaori ...

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Chiefs rout Chargers for division lead

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their bandwagon empty during a midseason swoon, fans jumping ship almost as quickly as Kareem Hunt hitting a hole or ...

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Knicks spoil Carmelo Anthony’s return to Madison Square Gardens

Carmelo Anthony’s return to Madison Square Garden was much like the 6½ years he spent playing for the Knicks.A video played on the overhead scoreboard ...

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Funa Tonaki and Soichi Hashimoto win at World Judo Masters

Reigning world champions Funa Tonaki and Soichi Hashimoto were among the four Japanese who won their respective weight divisions at the World Judo Masters in ...

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Kemp heads back to Los Angeles as part of five-player deal between Braves, Dodgers

Matt Kemp is returning to the place where he began his major league career, reacquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday as part of ...

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Cristiano Ronaldo powers Real Madrid to Club World Cup title

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from a free-kick as Real Madrid claimed its third Club World Cup title after beating Brazilian team Gremio 1-0 Saturday.The Ballon d’Or ...

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Vahid Halilhodzic looks to bright side after Japan fails to capture E-1 Football Championship title

National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic declared Japan’s performance at the E-1 Football Championship a success despite missing out on the title with a 4-1 defeat ...

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South Korea crushes Japan in E-1 Football Championship final

Japan failed to win the E-1 Football Championship after collapsing 4-1 against South Korea on Saturday on the final day of the tournament.Japan headed into ...

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Tomokazu Harimoto ousted in quarterfinals at ITTF World Tour Grand Finals

Tomokazu Harimoto crashed out in the men’s singles quarterfinals on Saturday at the season-ending ITTF World Tour Grand Finals.Ranked 17th in the world, the 14-year-old ...

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SeaHorses outplay Albirex, improve to 19-3

Strength in numbers led the title-chasing SeaHorses Mikawa past the Niigata Albirex BB on Saturday afternoon.The SeaHorses had six double-digit scorers and four players with ...

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Ryuta Iiyama sparks Green Rockets in victory over Eagles

Two tries from debutant Ryuta Iiyama helped the NEC Green Rockets beat the Canon Eagles 25-20 in the Japan Rugby Top League on Saturday at ...

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Giants deal left-hander Matt Moore to Rangers

Texas acquired Matt Moore in a trade with the San Francisco Giants on Friday, raising the possibility of four left-handers in the Rangers’ rotation.“As far ...

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FIFA suspends Brazil soccer chief Marco Polo del Nero

Marco Polo del Nero was suspended as president of Brazil’s soccer confederation on Friday, two years after he was indicted in the United States on ...

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Pete Rose defamation lawsuit dismissed

A defamation lawsuit filed by Pete Rose last year against the lawyer who got him kicked out of baseball was dismissed Friday, federal court documents ...

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Angels continue to spend, land Zack Cozart with 3-year deal

After spending his entire career at shortstop in Cincinnati, Zack Cozart was willing to switch positions for the chance to join the Los Angeles Angels’ ...

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Corey Schneider leads Devils past Sabres

Corey Schneider and the New Jersey Devils rebounded quickly from an overtime loss the night before in Montreal and push aside the Dallas Stars.Schneider made ...

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Panthers owner Jerry Richardson probed for workplace misconduct

The Carolina Panthers founder and owner Jerry Richardson is under investigation for allegations of workplace misconduct.The team said Friday former White House Chief of Staff ...

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NHL debuted 100 years ago

It was a night of sticky ice, last-minute player signings and a small crowd.Such were the glitches when the NHL it made its debut 100 ...

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Thunder outlast 76ers in triple overtime

Russell Westbrook said goodbye to a three-overtime thriller and trolled Joel Embiid with a smile and a wave.“I was telling him, ‘Go home,’ ” Westbrook ...

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Julian Mavunga provides big spark as Hannaryz outlast NeoPhoenix in overtime

The Kyoto Hannaryz overcame a slow start and a 12-point deficit entering the fourth quarter.They rallied to force overtime and prevailed 69-64 over the host ...

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North Korea women prevail over Japan in E-1 Football Championship final

North Korea claimed its third straight women’s E-1 Football Championship title on Friday with a 2-0 win over Japan.Kim Yun Mi again proved the hero ...

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Shohei Ohtani’s new contract takes effect with Angels

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters said Friday that they have been notified by Major League Baseball that Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Angels ...

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Steve Smith steers Australia comeback in third Ashes test against England

Steve Smith countered an early loss of Australia’s opening batsmen with a dominating 92 not out as the home side responded positively to England’s 403 ...

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Swallows finalize one-year deal with veteran southpaw Jordan Norberto Armengot

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows announced Friday that they have acquired former major league pitcher Jordan Norberto Armengot, who spent the past two seasons with the ...

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Outfielder Oswaldo Arcia joins Fighters

Former major league outfielder Oswaldo Arcia will play for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters next season, the team announced Friday.Arcia, who played for the Reno ...

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Roger Federer picked as BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year

Roger Federer has been voted BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year for a record fourth time after an astonishing season during which he picked ...

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Sean Dyche has Burnley moving in right direction

The Visit Lancashire website lists as one of the things to see in Burnley as the “iconic Singing Ringing Tree which towers high above Burnley ...

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Giants sign CL home-run champ Alex Guerrero

The Yomiuri Giants have acquired infielder Alex Guerrero, who led the Central League in home runs this past season, the club announced Friday.Guerrero, who left ...

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Brock Osweiler leads Broncos past Colts

Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler played like a relaxed reliever on Thursday.He couldn’t have picked a better time. With Paxton Lynch inactive and Trevor Siemian ...

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WADA says lab data could reopen, start new doping cases

Evidence from a Moscow laboratory database has been shared by World Anti-Doping Agency investigators with international sports bodies who must decide on prosecuting Russian athletes ...

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College wrestling champ Taishi Narikuni handed two-year doping ban

National collegiate champion Taishi Narikuni has been handed a two-year ban by the Japan Anti-Doping Agency for failing a drug test, it was announced on ...

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SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son among new partners for David Beckham’s MLS expansion team

David Beckham has a new trio of partners in his bid to bring a Major League Soccer club to Miami.The league said Thursday it had ...

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Hamburg gives striker Tatsuya Ito a three-year extension

Hamburg SV have extended striker Tatsuya Ito’s contract by three years and replaced his youth contract with a professional contract through 2021, the German first-division ...

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Struggling Charlotte fires basketball coach Mark Price

Charlotte 49ers athletic director Judy Rose said the decision to fire men’s basketball coach Mark Price was strictly performance-based, citing the team’s lack of intensity.The ...

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Amazon to livestream AVP tour matches

Amazon is going shopping for TV content, and it’s putting some beach volleyball in its cart.The internet retail giant has an agreement with the AVP ...

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Tomokazu Harimoto chosen as ITTF’s Breakthrough Star award recipient

Czech Open winner Tomokazu Harimoto was honored Thursday for his standout performance in 2017 by receiving the Breakthrough Star award from the International Table Tennis ...

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Alex Chiasson, Capitals conquer Bruins in third period

Alex Chiasson had already scored once when he blocked a shot on the penalty kill, gave the puck a little kick and went off toward ...

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LeBron James teaches Lonzo Ball a lesson

Lonzo Ball got an up-close look at the biggest baller of them all.LeBron James recorded his 59th career triple-double in front of Ball and his ...

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Marlins continue fire sale, deal All-Star Marcell Ozuna to Cardinals

Miami completed its trade on Thursday that sent left fielder Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals, the third All-Star jettisoned by the Marlins this ...

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Angels acquire Ian Kinsler from Tigers

The busy Los Angeles Angels filled a big hole at second base, acquiring Ian Kinsler from the Detroit Tigers for two minor leaguers Wednesday night.Detroit ...

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Japan men’s soccer team to be based in Kazan for 2018 World Cup

Japan will be based in the city of Kazan for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia, the Japan Football Association said Thursday.Kazan is roughly ...

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Miu Hirano loses in first round at season-ending ITTF World Tour Grand Finals

Miu Hirano, a bronze medal winner at this year’s World Table Tennis Championships, made a first-round exit in the women’s singles at the season-ending ITTF ...

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Cerezo Osaka, Argentina’s Independiente to meet in Suruga Bank Championship

Cerezo Osaka will face Independiente of Argentina in the Suruga Bank Championship next summer, the Japan Football Association said Thursday.The match between the winners of ...

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Angels are not worried about Shohei Ohtani’s elbow

The Los Angeles Angels knew Shohei Ohtani was recovering from a sprained elbow before they agreed to a minor league contract with the right-hander and ...

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Man City extends record with 15th straight victory

Another win, another record for rampant Premier League leader Manchester City.And this one might be the most impressive of the lot. By beating Swansea 4-0 ...

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Aaron Rodgers back with Pack, prepping for Panthers

The Green Bay Packers stayed afloat in the postseason race while hoping for nearly two months that Aaron Rodgers would return.News that the two-time NFL ...

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Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome fails doping test, faces suspension

Chris Froome failed a doping test during the Spanish Vuelta in September and is facing a suspension from cycling ahead of his attempt to win ...

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ICC claims no evidence of corruption at third Ashes test

The International Cricket Council said there is no evidence the third Ashes test has been “corrupted” after claims emerged in a British newspaper that bookmakers ...

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Olympic rowing icon Simon Dickie passes away at age 66

Simon Dickie, who coxed New Zealand rowing crews to Olympic victories at Mexico City in 1968 and Munich in 1972, has died. He was 66.Rowing ...

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Agent Scott Boras, Nationals hold talks about new Bryce Harper contract

With Bryce Harper a year from free agency, the agent for Washington’s star opened contract talk with the Nationals.The 25-year-old right fielder earned $13,625,000 this ...

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Louisville files counterclaim to ex-coach Rick Pitino’s lawsuit

The University of Louisville has filed a counterclaim to former basketball coach Rick Pitino’s lawsuit and is seeking monetary damages from vacated games and bonuses.WDRB-TV ...

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Indianapolis awarded 2021 NBA All-Star Game

Larry Bird’s final drive through New York City paid off Wednesday.Seven months after the NBA Hall of Famer hand delivered the Indiana Pacers’ All-Star bid ...

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Injured Yuzuru Hanyu’s timetable for return still unknown

Olympic and world champion Yuzuru Hanyu revealed Thursday he suffered right ankle tendon and bone injuries in a training fall last month, adding the complaints ...

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Veteran broadcaster Bob Costas wins Ford C. Frick Award

As a boy, Bob Costas took a cross-country drive with his dad, delighting in spinning the radio dial and listening “through the crackle and static” ...

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North Korea coach Jorn Andersen upbeat about future

City slicker Jose Mourinho famously lives in a plush Manchester hotel, but he has nothing on North Korea coach Jorn Andersen — he has a ...

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Chris Paul, James Harden guide red-hot Rockets past struggling Hornets

With the way Mike D’Antoni has handled Houston’s rotation lately, there are times nine-time All-Star Chris Paul is left to run Houston’s offense against second-team ...

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P.K. Subban nets pair in rout of Predators

P.K. Subban scored two strange goals, including one from center ice, and the Nashville Predators routed the skidding Vancouver Canucks 7-1 on Wednesday night.Craig Smith ...

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Japan’s para Alpine skiing trio aim for gold rush at Pyeongchang Games

Three medalists are aiming to sweep the podium in the men’s Alpine skiing sitting category when the Paralympic Games kick off in Pyeongchang, South Korea, ...

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On thin ice: Japan’s paralympic hockey team weighed down by budget, aging woes

With little luck attracting funding and new players to the sport, Japan’s Paralympic ice hockey team has been busy dealing with challenges outside the arena ...

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Japan gets spot in Olympic pairs competition after North Korea misses deadline

Japan has qualified for pairs figure skating at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which begin in February, the Japan Skating Federation announced Wednesday.Japan clinched the ...

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Brave Blossoms to face Italy, Georgia in June

Japan will play a pair of test matches against Italy and a single test against Georgia on home soil in June next year, the Japan ...

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Yuzuru Hanyu could be out longer than expected because of injury

Sochi Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu has sustained ligament damage to his right foot and may be sidelined longer than expected, Japan Skating Federation director Yoshiko ...

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Injured Oshima pulls out of Japan squad at E-1 Football Championship

Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Ryota Oshima has pulled out of Japan’s squad at the E-1 Football Championship through injury, the Japan Football Association said Wednesday.Oshima suffered ...

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Packers quarterback Rodgers cleared for return to field

Aaron Rodgers has been “medically cleared to return” to action after missing seven games with a broken right collarbone, the Green Bay Packers quarterback announced ...

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Angels’ Shohei Ohtani has damaged elbow ligament according to report

New Los Angeles Angels acquisition Shohei Ohtani has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow according to a medical report dated Nov. 28, ...

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Hanshin signs Dominican slugger Rosario

The Hanshin Tigers have signed former Colorado Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario, the Central League club announced Wednesday.The Dominican slugger will join the Osaka-based Tigers on ...

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Marines add Mike Bolsinger, Edgar Olmos to pitching staff

The Chiba Lotte Marines on Wednesday announced the acquisitions of former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Mike Bolsinger and southpaw Edgar Olmos, who also has major ...

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Chris Froome failed doping test during Spanish Vuelta

Chris Froome failed a doping test during the Spanish Vuelta in September and is facing a suspension from cycling ahead of his attempt to win ...

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Lightning beat Blues in clash of top two teams

Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy erased the memory of a bad outing in St. Louis with one solid performance.Vasilevskiy stopped 32 shots, Nikita Kucherov and ...

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Japan’s World Cup hopefuls seize chance in win over China

Japan’s third-string players are forcing their way into World Cup contention with their performances at the E-1 Football Championship, according to manager Vahid Halilhodzic.“I think ...

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Yu Kobayashi, Gen Shoji spark Japan in triumph over China at E-1 Football Championship

Japan scored twice in the final six minutes to beat China 2-1 on Tuesday and make it two wins out of two at the E-1 ...

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Japan women’s national basketball teams stage training camp to develop uniformity among various squads

Japan women’s basketball has come up with positive results internationally in recent years, and now it is looking to legitimately put itself on the global ...

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Japan midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi set to join Leeds United: report

Japan international midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi is set to join English second-tier club Leeds United from Gamba Osaka on a deal worth about £500,000, according to ...

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Time is now for Grizzlies to be all shook up

Memphis is a slow-moving city along the Mississippi River that dissects the United States. It is probably best known for its most famous modern resident, ...

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MLB veteran umpire Dale Scott announces retirement

As a big league umpire, Dale Scott saw maybe 1 million pitches from the field. His final call, it turned out, was the easiest of ...

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New Angel Shohei Ohtani arrives back in Japan

Shohei Ohtani returned to Tokyo on Tuesday a member of the Los Angeles Angels, having made his career-changing team choice this past weekend.The pitcher-slugger, who ...

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Race for two Olympic spots still wide open

Satoko Miyahara and Wakaba Higuchi came into the Grand Prix Final with excellent chances to solidify their positions as the favorites for Japan’s two spots ...

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Tracy Stallard, who yielded historic homer to Roger Maris, dies at age 80

Tracy Stallard, the pitcher who gave up Roger Maris’ record 61st home run in 1961, has died. He was 80.The Sturgill Funeral Home in Coeburn, ...

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SMU hires ex-California coach Sonny Dykes to fill vacancy

SMU hired former California and Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes on Monday as its new coach, replacing one Texan with a reputation for directing potent ...

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Eagles turn to Nick Foles after Carson Wentz tears ACL

Carson Wentz got the Eagles this far. Now, it’s up to Nick Foles to deliver Philadelphia its first Super Bowl title.Wentz has a torn left ...

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Well-traveled Matt Barnes retires after 14 seasons

Matt Barnes is retiring from the NBA after playing for nine teams over 14 years and winning a championship with Golden State last season.The 37-year-old ...

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Kevin Durant does it all for short-handed Warriors

Golden State returned from a dominant road trip that might help shape its season and showed once more how important depth is to its success.Kevin ...

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Jakob Silfverberg lifts Ducks past Hurricanes

In the very first period after the Anaheim Ducks finally got captain Ryan Getzlaf and Jakob Silfverberg back from long-term injuries, Corey Perry hobbled off ...

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Dolphins trip up Patriots as Tom Brady intercepted twice

The Miami Dolphins wore their perfect season uniforms, and for at least one game in 2017, they looked the part.Tom Brady was intercepted twice by ...

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Yankees unveil NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton

Giancarlo Stanton eased his 198-cm frame into a pinstriped No. 27 jersey, ready to join 201-cm Aaron Judge as the Towers of Power on the ...

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Real Madrid to face PSG in Champions League knockout round

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid will resume its bid for a first European Cup treble in 42 years against Neymar’s Paris Saint-Germain after the big-spending duo ...

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Nadeshiko Japan beats China for second win at East Asian tournament

Former women’s world champion Japan edged China 1-0 on Monday to make it two wins out of two at the E-1 Football Championship.Mina Tanaka scored ...

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Seibu submits application for Kazuhisa Makita to use posting system

The Seibu Lions have submitted the relevant paperwork that will allow submarine right-hander Kazuhisa Makita to move to the major leagues via the posting system, ...

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Karate hoping to make mark at Tokyo Games

With its practitioners numbering over 130 million around the world and nearly 200 nations having become members of its international governing body, karate has become ...

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Incoming Angels star Shohei Ohtani enters MLB with game-changing potential

With his hair perfectly coiffed and a red Los Angeles Angels uniform having replaced his suit jacket, the most sought-after player of the offseason began ...

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Jockey Yutaka Take chosen for International Award of Merit

Renowned jockey Yutaka Take became the first Japanese recipient of the 2017 International Award of Merit, the Japan Racing Association announced on Monday.Established in 2013 ...

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Mao Asada completes Honolulu Marathon

Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada checked one item off her bucket list Sunday in Honolulu, giving herself a passing grade after completing her first ...

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Victor Oladipo leads Pacers to victory over Nuggets

Victor Oladipo is enjoying his return to Indiana.Oladipo, who starred in college at Indiana University, had a career-high 47 points and added seven rebounds and ...

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Jack Morris, Alan Trammell elected to Hall of Fame

Fittingly, Jack Morris reached the Hall of Fame in extra innings.Morris was elected to the Hall by its Modern Era Committee on Sunday along with ...

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Blackhawks get back on track with win over Coyotes

The Chicago Blackhawks staggered home last week in desperate need of some positive results.Enter goalie Corey Crawford — and a perfectly timed homestand against three ...

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Bills brave blizzard to beat Colts

The snow sure suits Shady.LeSean McCoy scored on a 21-yard run with 1:33 left in overtime to secure the Buffalo Bills’ 13-7 win over the ...

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Surging Manchester City beats United for 14th straight league victory

Manchester City capitalized on two defensive lapses by Romelu Lukaku to claim a record-setting 2-1 win over Manchester United and open up an 11-point lead ...

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Kodaira sets world record in 1,000-meter race

Nao Kodaira and Canada’s Ted-Jan Bloemen set world records Sunday on the final day of the World Cup speedskating event at the Utah Olympic Oval.Kodaira ...

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Alvark use early surge to put away Evessa

Osaka Evessa forward Shinnosuke Negoro canned a 3-pointer with 7:39 to play in the opening quarter on Sunday afternoon.Briefly, that put the Evessa ahead 5-4. ...

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Maple Leafs bury Pens early

A strong start helped the Toronto Maple Leafs knock off the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.Tyler Bozak scored two goals, and the Maple Leafs scored ...

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Harden leads Rockets to ninth straight victory

The NBA’s hottest team has found a home on the road.Houston won its ninth consecutive game after James Harden scored 48 points and the Rockets ...

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Injured Olympic champ Hanyu still unable to practice

Defending world and Olympic men’s figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu has yet to return to the ice after suffering an injury that forced him out ...

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Kenzo Shirai grabs vault title for second gold medal of meet

Kenzo Shirai won the men’s vault at the Toyota International Gymnastics Competition on Sunday, adding to the floor title he won the previous day.Shirai, who ...

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Panasonic rolls into Top League playoffs with 11th straight victory

Panasonic Wild Knights picked up their 11th straight win of the season Sunday to become the second side to book a spot in the playoffs ...

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Oklahoma’s Mayfield wins Heisman in landslide

Baker Mayfield took a unique road to the Heisman Trophy, a long and winding climb from walk-on to one of the most accomplished players to ...

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Yankees set to reel in NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton from Marlins

After helping the New York Yankees to five World Series titles, Derek Jeter might help them win another.The Yankees and Jeter’s Miami Marlins have agreed ...

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Ogawa captures vacant IBF super featherweight title

Kenichi Ogawa won a split decision over American Tevin Farmer to capture the vacant IBF super featherweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday night.Fourth-ranked Ogawa ...

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Miho Takagi wins women’s 1,500 meters at World Cup

Miho Takagi won the women’s 1,500-meter race Saturday in the World Cup speed skating event at the Utah Olympic Oval, while compatriot Nao Kodaira stayed ...

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Debutants Kosuke Nakamura, Junya Ito catch manager’s eye during Japan’s victory over North Korea

National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic singled out young debutants Kosuke Nakamura and Junya Ito for praise after Japan kicked off its E-1 Football Championship campaign ...

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Urawa falls in quarterfinals of Club World Cup; Keisuke Honda, Pachuca advance

Urawa Reds dominated possession but were unable to capitalize Saturday in their Club World Cup quarterfinal clash with Al Jazira, going down 1-0 to the ...

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Excited Angels celebrate arrival of Shohei Ohtani

General manager Billy Eppler rose from his seat in rapturous joy when he got the phone call telling him Shohei Ohtani wanted to join the ...

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Japan to share hosting of 2023 FIBA World Cup with Philippines and Indonesia

The 2023 FIBA World Cup will be hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.FIBA on Saturday said its central board picked the Asian co-hosting bid ...

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Brave Thunders avenge loss to rival SeaHorses

After a high-scoring loss on Friday night, the Kawasaki Brave Thunders regrouped and salvaged a series split the next day.Reigning B. League MVP Nick Fazekas ...

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Japan’s Yosuke Ideguchi delivers winning goal against North Korea in injury time

Yosuke Ideguchi scored with virtually the last kick of the game to give Japan a 1-0 win over North Korea on Saturday in its opening ...

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Alina Zagitova dazzles en route to Grand Prix Final title

Russia’s Alina Zagitova continued her amazing debut season in the senior ranks with a comprehensive victory at the Grand Prix Final on Saturday night. The ...

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Kenzo Shirai extends reign as floor exercise champion at Toyota International Gymnastics Competition

Reigning world champion Kenzo Shirai won the men’s floor exercise for the third year in a row at the Toyota International Gymnastics Competition on Saturday.The ...

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Manager Go Oiwa to remain with Antlers

Go Oiwa will remain at the helm of the Kashima Antlers next season, the eight-time J. League champions said Saturday.Oiwa, 45, took over after Masatada ...

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Manny Pacquiao opens talks to face MMA star Conor McGregor next spring

Manny Pacquiao said on Friday he has opened talks to fight mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor in April when he takes a break from ...

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Rafael Nadal, Garbine Muguruza named ITF players of the year

Rafael Nadal and Garbine Muguruza on Friday won the International Tennis Federation’s player of the year awards.Nadal won a 10th French Open and a third ...

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FIFA to examine Russian doping

FIFA is expecting to receive new evidence next week from a Moscow laboratory database about doping cases in Russian soccer.Players from Russia’s squad at the ...

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Sungoliath trounce Green Rockets and clinch playoff spot

The Suntory Sungoliath booked themselves a spot in the playoffs to determine the Japan Rugby Top League champions on Saturday thanks to a 28-13 win ...

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Pacers end Cavs’ 13-game winning streak

Victor Oladipo keeps delivering knockout blows.And nobody in the NBA seems to be immune from his closing flurries. Two nights after beating the league’s worst ...

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Stanton says no to Giants, Cards

Giancarlo Stanton has ruled out the San Francisco Giants. St. Louis, too.The Giants announced Friday they were no longer in the mix to work out ...

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Blue Jackets’ Artemi Panarin notches five assists in five-goal triumph over Devils

Artemi Panarin was the perfect setup man Friday night.The 26-year-old forward had a record-tying performance with five primary assists, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to ...

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Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani chooses Los Angeles Angels

Shohei Ohtani has decided he’s on the side of the Angels.The two-way Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters star announced Friday he will sign with the Los ...

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NHL boss Gary Bettman announces league will consider Seattle expansion bid

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league’s board of governors agreed to consider an expansion application from Seattle.Bettman said the expansion fee has been set ...

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Nagoya’s Justin Burrell provides clutch performance at free-throw line in OT victory over Hokkaido

Justin Burrell displayed poise time after time at the free-throw line on Friday night.It paid off for the visiting Nagoya Diamond Dolphins. Burrell sank 16 ...

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Nathan Chen captures Grand Prix Final title with narrow triumph over Shoma Uno

Nathan Chen ended Japan’s run of five straight Grand Prix Final titles with a narrow victory over Shoma Uno on Friday night.The 18-year-old American edged ...

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Japan’s Mana Iwabuchi delivers winning goal in 83rd minute against North Korea

Mana Iwabuchi hit a late winner as the Japan women’s team edged South Korea 3-2 in their opening game of the E-1 Football Championship on ...

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Former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar sentenced to 60 years in prison for child porn crimes

A former elite sports doctor whose sexual assault cases have rocked Michigan State University and the group that trains U.S. Olympic gymnasts was sentenced to ...

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Deion Jones’ leaping interception seals Falcons’ win over Saints

With the season potentially hanging in the balance, Deion Jones leaped high in the air, about as high as he could go.He reached even higher, ...

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U.S. team still planning to compete at Pyeongchang Olympics despite confusion

Members of the Trump administration surprised the U.S. Olympic Committee by suggesting the nation’s participation at the upcoming Pyeongchang Games in South Korea was “an ...

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East Asian rivals prepare amid serious tensions

The E-1 Football Championship featuring Japan, China and the two Koreas comes at a time of serious tensions in the region, but there is unlikely ...

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Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or for fifth time

A decade of dominance as the world’s two best soccer players has left Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi level with five Ballon d’Or awards each.Despite ...

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Ex-USA Gymnastics doctor jailed 60 years for child porn, faces further sentencing for child molestation

Former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, accused of sexually assaulting more than 100 young girls, including members of the US Olympic team, was sentenced to ...

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Nathan Chen executes two quadruple jumps to build lead over Shoma Uno at Grand Prix Final

American Nathan Chen captured the lead after the men’s short program at the Grand Prix Final on Thursday night with a solid if not spectacular ...

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Sanfrecce hand reins to veteran coach Hiroshi Jofuku

Sanfrecce Hiroshima have named former FC Tokyo coach Hiroshi Jofuku as successor to Swedish manager Jan Jonsson, the team announced on Thursday.After he was fired ...

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Veteran forward Takeomi Ito to retire after season: source

Former Japan international Takeomi Ito will retire after this season, ending his 25-year rugby career, a source said Thursday.The 46-year-old forward, who plays for the ...

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Ron Meyer, former NFL and SMU coach, dies at 76

Ron Meyer, the football coach behind SMU’s powerhouse “Pony Express” teams and whose call for a snowplow to clear a spot so the New England ...

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Honda boss Yusuke Hasegawa leaves team in management shake-up

Honda on Thursday made a major change at the top of its Formula One engine supply operation, parting ways with chief Yusuke Hasegawa and eliminating ...

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Brave Thunders captain Ryusei Shinoyama surprised and upbeat about team’s impending ownership change

Energetic veteran Ryusei Shinoyama said that he did not get upset with the announcement because he is competing in an anything-can-happen professional sports circuit.One day ...

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Lions’ Ginjiro Sumitani elected as Motohiro Shima’s successor as JPBPA chairman

Seibu Lions catcher Ginjiro Sumitani was elected to succeed Motohiro Shima as the head of the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association on Thursday.“I’ll do my ...

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Antlers midfielder Shoma Doi called up to national team

Kashima Antlers midfielder Shoma Doi has been called up to the men’s national team for the upcoming E-1 Football Championship to replace Hiroshi Kiyotake, who ...

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Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon sued for sexual harassment

Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon has been accused of sexual harassment by an assistant for his sports marketing firm, according to a lawsuit filed ...

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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell signs five-year contract extension through 2024

Roger Goodell has signed a five-year contract extension to remain commissioner of the NFL through 2024.A memo from the NFL’s compensation committee to team owners ...

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Rookie standout Hassan Martin says defensive focus fuels Ryukyu’s success

The retooled Ryukyu Golden Kings have reshaped their team with a savvy formula that combines speed, finesse and power and the vital contributions of newcomers.Sharpshooter ...

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Frederik Andersen comes up big in goal for Maple Leafs

Frederik Andersen stole another two points in the standings for the Toronto Maple Leafs.Anderson made 47 saves in regulation and overtime and stopped three more ...

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Despite doping ban, Putin doesn’t support a Pyeongchang boycott

Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t boycott the Pyeongchang Olympics.Putin said Wednesday his government will allow Russians to compete as neutral athletes at the upcoming games ...

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Shohei Ohtani, representatives wrap up round of meetings with seven MLB clubs

Shohei Ohtani has completed a round of meetings with all seven major league clubs in the running to sign him, U.S. media reported Wednesday.Ohtani and ...

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Skateboarding, 3×3 basketball sites approved for Tokyo 2020

The International Olympic Committee has approved the planned venues for skateboarding, 3×3 basketball and freestyle BMX at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Japanese officials said Wednesday.The ...

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DeNA to assume ownership of Brave Thunders from Toshiba

This isn’t the first ownership change in the brief history of the B. League, but in terms of sheer magnitude, it’s an unparalleled one.Beginning from ...

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Tomoaki Kanemoto to return as Hanshin manager

The Hanshin Tigers have renewed the contract of manager Tomoaki Kanemoto, who was in the final year of a two-year deal, the director of the ...

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Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka hopes Shohei Otani succeeds as two-way player

New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka gave compatriot and major league prospect Shohei Otani some encouraging words at an event in Tokyo on Wednesday.“There aren’t ...

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BayStars re-sign slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo for ¥350 million

The Yokohama Baystars re-signed outfielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo on Wednesday for an annual salary of ¥350 million ($3.12 million) for next season, up ¥50 million from ...

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Kenyu Sugimoto withdraws from Japan squad ahead of E-1 Football Championship

Cerezo Osaka striker Kenyu Sugimoto has pulled out of Japan’s squad for the upcoming E-1 Football Championship due to injury, the Japan Football Association said ...

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Former Yomiuri pitcher Miles Mikolas signs with MLB’s Cardinals

Free-agent starter Miles Mikolas has signed a two-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, the club announced Tuesday, setting up the 29-year-old righty’s return to ...

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Kosei Tanaka gives up light flyweight belt

Kosei Tanaka has returned his World Boxing Organization light flyweight championship belt and will move up to the flyweight division he announced Wednesday.“I want to ...

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Frontale worthy J. League champions despite Antlers’ slip-ups

Kawasaki Frontale captain Yu Kobayashi said he believed his team was “cursed” when it lost to Cerezo Osaka in last month’s J. League Cup final, ...

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Pavelec bails out Rangers in win over Penguins

Ondrej Pavelec didn’t know he was getting just his third start in the last six weeks until late Tuesday afternoon, when New York Rangers star ...

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Westbrook, Adams lead Thunder

With all the excitement about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s new Big Three this season, Steven Adams had become a bit of an afterthought.Not anymore. The ...

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No winners in IOC’s decision to ban Russia

If you’re looking for winners after the International Olympic Committee’s decision to boot Russia from the upcoming Games, keep on looking.There are none. Yes, it’s ...

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Stepanov: doping culture will take years to change

Russia’s doping “culture” will take years to change, regardless of the nation’s ban from the Winter Olympics, whistle-blower Vitaly Stepanov said on Tuesday.The International Olympic ...

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Shohei Otani hears pitches from Cubs, Mariners, Rangers

Coveted two-way star Shohei Otani met with representatives from the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to U.S. ...

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Man United advances in Champions League

Manchester United and Juventus were among the sides to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, while Bayern Munich ...

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IOC bans athletes from competing under Russian flag at Winter Olympics

Russian athletes will be allowed to stand on the medal podium at the Winter Olympics — just not with their anthem playing or their nation’s ...

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Kawasaki Frontale’s Yu Kobayashi named J. League MVP

Yu Kobayashi, who was the J. League’s top goalscorer and a key part of Kawasaki Frontale’s run to their first league title, was named J. ...

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Shohei Otani wants to train in Arizona

As decision day nears for Shohei Otani, the question on many people’s minds seems to be, “What does this guy want?”Everyone knows about the hitting ...

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England coach Eddie Jones calls Sapporo Dome excellent venue for 2019 Rugby World Cup

England head coach Eddie Jones visited Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto on Tuesday and also toured Sapporo Dome, where his team will kick off its 2019 ...

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Joe Root guides spirited England comeback in Ashes thriller

Skipper Joe Root led a spirited English fightback to frustrate Australia and raise hopes of a miracle victory in the gripping second Ashes test in ...

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Yuna Shiraiwa impresses in first season as a senior

She is the longest of long shots to make Japan’s team for the Pyeonchang Olympics, but in the long view her prospects are very bright.Yuna ...

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Swallows sign former MLB pitcher Matt Carasiti

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows on Tuesday announced the acquisition of right-hander Matt Carasiti from the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.The 26-year-old ...

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Ex-NBA player Kermit Washington pleads guilty in fraud case

Former NBA player Kermit Washington has pleaded guilty to spending thousands of dollars donated to an African charity he organized on jewelry, vacations and other ...

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GW senior Yuta Watanabe named Atlantic-10 Conference co-Player of the Week

George Washington University senior guard Yuta Watanabe and Virginia Commonwealth’s Justin Tillman are the Atlantic-10 Conference’s co-Players of the Week, it was announced on Monday.Watanabe ...

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Steelers rally past Bengals in hard-hitting battle

No matter how high the stakes, how big the deficit or how late in the game, Ben Roethlisberger and his tough-to-catch playmakers always find a ...

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Alex Ovechkin leads way as Capitals top Sharks

Alex Ovechkin scored his NHL-leading 20th goal and assisted on another, helping the Washington Capitals snap their recent run of futility against the San Jose ...

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S-Pulse part ways with manager Shinji Kobayashi

Shimizu S-Pulse have terminated the contract of manager Shinji Kobayashi, the club announced on Tuesday, just days after it narrowly avoided relegation to the second ...

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Inured Derrick Rose returns to Cavaliers to resume treatment and physical rehabilitation

Point guard Derrick Rose has returned to the Cavaliers.The former NBA MVP left the team on Nov. 9 after being sidelined with a sprained left ...

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Yankees, new manager Aaron Boone finalize three-year contract

Aaron Boone’s hiring was finalized Monday by the New York Yankees, who gave the ESPN broadcaster a three-year contract to succeed Joe Girardi as manager.New ...

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Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski receives one-game suspension for late hit

The NFL suspended New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski one game on Monday for a late, gratuitous hit to the head of Bills defensive ...

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Olympic legend Edwin Moses recovers from head injuries

Edwin Moses turned the corner, saw the blue police lights in the distance and, immediately, started spinning.His senses overwhelmed by the strength of the strobing ...

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George Brett, Rod Carew are on 16-man committee to decide on Hall of Fame candidates

Hall of Fame players George Brett, Rod Carew, Dennis Eckersley, Don Sutton, Dave Winfield and Robin Yount will be on the 16-man committee that decides ...

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Giants fire head coach Ben McAdoo, general manager Jerry Reese

Believing the team was spiraling out of control, the New York Giants went out of character by making two major in-season moves, firing coach Ben ...

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San Francisco Giants send Bruce Bochy, Buster Posey and top executives to Otani meeting

The San Francisco Giants, one of the seven finalists in the Shohei Otani sweepstakes, became the first MLB club to hold a face-to-face meeting with ...

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Cavs cruise to 12th straight victory

LeBron James could sense the Cleveland Cavaliers were starting to click the last time they lost. But a streak like this? He wasn’t about to ...

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Hiroshi Hase says Japan’s NCAA must address safety

With Japan’s version of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Japanese NCAA) set to be established during the 2018 fiscal year, there has been an increase ...

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Wilson dominates as Seahawks sink Eagles

The Seahawks felt they were being written off, with injuries and the schedule converging to create doubt about whether Seattle was still among the NFC’s ...

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Jamie Joseph aiming to lead Sunwolves to top five in Super Rugby

Sunwolves coach Jamie Joseph announced Monday a squad of 26 players for the 2018 Super Rugby season, adding that the team had set itself the ...

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Streaking Kings beat Blackhawks to stretch winning streak to five

There’s nothing magical about the surging Los Angeles Kings’ rise to the top of the Pacific Division. The formula of tight defense, sharp goaltending and ...

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College Football Playoff field set

Alabama is in, winning the great debate over Ohio State to reach the College Football Playoff yet again.The Crimson Tide got the nod Sunday for ...

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Rested Warriors cool off Heat

Golden State coach Steve Kerr gave the Warriors an unexpected day off Saturday, so they could enjoy some balmy weather and get beach time in ...

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Fowler rallies on final day to capture Hero World Challenge

Rickie Fowler was the first player to offer a scouting report on Tiger Woods ahead of his celebrated return to golf, hinting that Woods was ...

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Sara Takanashi claims first podium finish of season

Sara Takanashi failed to set the record for career ski jumping World Cup wins Sunday but reached the podium for the first time this season ...

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Nao Kodaira wins speedskating World Cup 500 meters in national-record time

Reigning world sprint champion Nao Kodaira rewrote her own Japanese national record Sunday while winning the women’s 500 meters at a speedskating World Cup meet.Kodaira ...

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Rehabbing Kohei Uchimura to skip next event

Six-time individual all-around world champion Kohei Uchimura, who is nursing a left ankle injury, has withdrawn from the upcoming Toyota International gymnastics competition, the Japan ...

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Sanfrecce Hiroshima part ways with manager Jan Jonsson

Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Swedish manager Jan Jonsson will part ways due to a termination of contract, the J. League first-division side said Monday.Sanfrecce, who escaped ...

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Shohei Otani rules out Yankees, Red Sox among others

The Yankees and Red Sox are among the teams pitcher and outfielder Shohei Otani has ruled out, and it seems the Japanese star will likely ...

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Nasa Hataoka earns LPGA Tour card for 2018

Nasa Hataoka won the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament Sunday at LPGA International to earn one of 20 full tour cards for next season.The 18-year-old Hataoka ...

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Golden Kings ease to victory over B-Corsairs

The Ryukyu Golden Kings put points on the board in a hurry on Sunday afternoon.Along the way, they made it look easy, too. Five Ryukyu ...

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Yusei Ogawa wins first Grand Slam Tokyo judo championship

Yusei Ogawa, the son of an Olympic silver medalist judoka, won his first Grand Slam Tokyo championship in the over-100 kg division on Sunday.On the ...

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Grampus come through playoff to seal return to J. League top flight

Nagoya Grampus withstood a wave of late pressure to secure promotion back to the J. League first division at the first time of asking on ...

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Michael Leitch saves the day as Brave Lupus hold off Yamaha Jubilo

Japan captain Michael Leitch saved a 27-22 Japan Top League win for Toshiba Brave Lupus on Sunday by stealing a turnover with Yamaha Jubilo pressing ...

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Levir Culpi to take over at Gamba Osaka; Kenta Hasegawa at FC Tokyo

Gamba Osaka on Sunday announced the appointment of former Cerezo Osaka boss Levir Culpi as the J. League first-division club’s manager next season.The 64-year-old, who ...

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Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota deny Rio champs national badminton title

Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota won their maiden women’s doubles title at Japan’s badminton national championships on Sunday, when they denied Rio de Janeiro Olympic ...

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Gold Dream claims Champions Cup

Gold Dream, ridden by Englishman Ryan Moore, blew past race favorite T M Jinsoku at the wire on Sunday to win the Grade One Champions ...

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Hideki Matsuyama fifth at Hero World Challenge as Tiger Woods struggles

Hideki Matsuyama shot a par-72 to remain in fifth place after Saturday’s third round of the Hero World Challenge, while tournament-host Tiger Woods struggled with ...

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Osaka Evessa top B. League earnings chart after inaugural season

The Osaka Evessa topped all 36 clubs in revenue in the inaugural B. League season last year with about ¥1.17 billion, followed by the Tochigi ...

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Yuri Okubo makes snowboarding World Cup podium for first time

Teenager Yuri Okubo placed second in the men’s snowboarding big air competition to make the World Cup podium for the first time at an event ...

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Norway’s Sondre Moen wins Fukuoka International Marathon

Norway’s Sondre Moen cruised to victory in the Fukuoka International Marathon on Sunday, posting the second-fastest time in the race’s history.The 26-year-old crossed the finish ...

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Getafe looking to sign Cerezo Osaka striker Kenyu Sugimoto

Spanish first division side Getafe is moving to acquire Cerezo Osaka striker Kenyu Sugimoto, a source close to the matter said Saturday.The 25-year-old Sugimoto may ...

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Tyler Johnson ends drought as Lightning top Sharks

Tyler Johnson broke out of a scoring slump just in time to help the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning.Johnson scored twice in the third period to ...

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No. 6 Georgia routs No. 4 Auburn

What a difference three weeks can make.Bouncing back from a blowout loss to Auburn, No. 6 Georgia turned the rematch into a rout of its ...

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LeBron James takes over to clinch Cavs’ 11th straight win

The Cavaliers’ winning streak was in unexpected jeopardy Saturday night before LeBron James took over.James scored 34 points, including seven in the final 1:22, and ...

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Man United bags win over Arsenal

Manchester United ended Arsenal’s 12-match home winning run in a breathless encounter to close the gap on Manchester City on Saturday but Tottenham slipped further ...

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Sara Takanashi settles for fourth again

Sara Takanashi missed another chance to set the record for all-time ski jumping World Cup wins at the season-opening women’s event in Lillehammer, taking another ...

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Hifumi Abe and sister Uta top podium at Grand Slam Tokyo

Hifumi Abe defended his men’s 66-kg division title at Grand Slam Tokyo on Saturday while his sister Uta earned her first career Grand Slam gold ...

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Japan wins speedskating World Cup women’s team pursuit in new world-record time

Japan won the women’s team pursuit event in a new world-record time at a speedskating World Cup meet on Saturday.Miho Takagi, her older sister Nana ...

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Steelers, Shining Arcs settle for draw; Black Rams thump Red Hurricanes

Kobe Kobelco Steelers and NTT Communications Shining Arcs drew 28-28 on Saturday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground as the Japan Rugby Top League resumed ...

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Alvark end SeaHorses’ 16-game winning streak

The SeaHorses Mikawa’s epic winning streak is over.In a battle of title contenders, the Alvark Tokyo came through with key plays in the closing seconds ...

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Injured Nozomi Okuhara pulls out of World Superseries Finals

Reigning world champion Nozomi Okuhara withdrew from the women’s singles event of the World Superseries Finals to be held Dec. 13-17 in Dubai, national head ...

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Alex Guerrero leaves Dragons after failing to reach agreement with team on new contract

Infielder Alex Guerrero, who hit the most home runs in the Central League this past season, is leaving the Chunichi Dragons after failing to reach ...

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Sara Takanashi places fourth in season-opening World Cup event

Sara Takanashi missed the chance to set the record for all-time ski jumping World Cup wins at the women’s season-opening event in Lillehammer, Norway on ...

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MLB approves new posting deal

Major League Baseball owners voted unanimously Friday to approve a new posting agreement with their Japanese counterparts, a move that allowed bidding to start for ...

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Frontale capture J. League title with rout of Ardija; Antlers held

Kawasaki Frontale clinched their first-ever J. League title with a 5-0 win over Omiya Ardija on Saturday, snatching the silverware from under Kashima Antlers’ noses ...

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Spurs send lowly Grizzlies to 10th consecutive defeat

LaMarcus Aldridge had 22 points, Rudy Gay added 18 and the San Antonio Spurs handed the Memphis Grizzlies their 10th straight loss on Friday.San Antonio ...

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USC beats Stanford in Pac-12 title game

Sam Darnold threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns and engineered a back-breaking 99-yard drive in the fourth quarter to lead No. 11 Southern California ...

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Penguins clobber Sabres as Tristan Jarry earns first career shutout

Tristan Jarry made 34 saves for his first career shutout, Sidney Crosby extended his point streak to five games and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the ...

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Miho Takagi sets national record with 3,000-meter triumph in World Cup meet

Miho Takagi became the first Japanese speedskater to win the women’s 3,000 meters title at a World Cup on Friday.Takagi finished the race in a ...

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Yankees to hire Aaron Boone as skipper

The Yankees have picked ESPN broadcaster Aaron Boone to succeed Joe Girardi as manager, a person familiar with New York’s decision told The Associated Press.The ...

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Tiger remains in hunt at Hero World Challenge

One of the biggest cheers at the Hero World Challenge came from seeing the name Tiger Woods moved to the top of the leaderboard.It just ...

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Japan to open Russia World Cup against Colombia

Japan have been presented with a chance for revenge in their opening match of next year’s World Cup finals after being drawn against Colombia, Senegal ...

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Sunrockers top Brave Thunders, extend winning streak to eight

The Sunrockers Shibuya collected their eighth straight victory on Friday night, recording a 79-70 road win over the Kawasaki Brave Thunders.The Sunrockers jumped out to ...

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Evgenia Medvedeva pulls out of Grand Prix Final due to broken foot

Two-time world champion Evgenia Medvedeva will miss the Grand Prix Final because of a broken foot, the latest blow to her Olympic preparations.The Grand Prix ...

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Naoko Fujioka captures fifth world title with unanimous decision over Yokasta Valle

Naoko Fujioka became the first Japanese boxer to be crowned world champion in five different weight classes on Friday, when she claimed the WBO women’s ...

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Kashima manager Go Oiwa keeps calm before potential title-clinching match against Iwata

Kashima Antlers boss Go Oiwa has sought to play down the pressure on his team ahead of Saturday’s potential J. League championship title clincher away ...

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WBO light flyweight champ Kosei Tanaka relinquishes title, eyes flyweight crown: source

World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka has returned his title, an informed source said Friday.The 22-year-old will likely aim for his third WBO ...

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Everton turns to Allardyce in bid to stay up

“Sam Allardyce has resigned as manager of Crystal Palace and says he has ‘no ambition to take another job’ in football.”—Newspaper report, May 2017 “While ...

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Feds seek 60-year sentence for sports doctor under investigation for sexually assaulting female gymnasts

Federal prosecutors on Thursday asked for a 60-year prison sentence for a Michigan sports doctor who was caught with child pornography while under investigation for ...

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Athletics reach two-year deal with veteran reliever Yusmeiro Petit

Versatile right-hander Yusmeiro Petit agreed to a $10 million, two-year contract with the Oakland Athletics, a deal that is pending a physical.His agent, Rafael Godoy, ...

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Rick Pitino sues University of Louisville Athletic Association for nearly $39 million

Rick Pitino has sued the University of Louisville Athletic Association for $38.7 million, saying it breached his contract by placing him on unpaid administrative leave ...

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Consadole to hire Mihailo Petrovic as new manager: sources

Mihailo Petrovic is poised to take the helm of Consadole Sapporo for next season, sources said Thursday.Sapporo sees the 60-year-old Serbian, who was Urawa Reds ...

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Tom Wisman moves to B-Corsairs as adviser

The Yokohama B-Corsairs this week hired veteran bench boss Tom Wisman as an adviser.The well-traveled Wisman guided the Tochigi Brex to a title in the ...

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Jim Nabors, iconic voice of the Indianapolis 500, dies at 87

Jim Nabors, whose rendition of “Back Home Again in Indiana” became an Indianapolis 500 fixture for more than four decades, has died at 87.Husband Stan ...

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Yankees star Aaron Judge gets 10 votes for NYC mayor

A unanimous winner of the AL Rookie of the Year Award and runner-up in Most Valuable Player voting, Aaron Judge also received ballots in another ...

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Tiger cards 69 in return from layoff

Tiger Woods looked a lot better in his return to golf than he did when he left.Playing for the first time since his fourth back ...

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Maple Leafs skate past Oilers with help of unusual mistake

Thanks to Kris Russell’s embarrassing mistake, Patrick Marleau wound up with one of the easiest goals of his career Thursday nightIt was a big one, ...

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Cavaliers reel off 10th straight win

LeBron James’ unusual midgame defensive switch was the hot topic after he helped Cleveland extend its winning streak.James took command of a challenging defensive assignment ...

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Cowboys rout Redskins despite Dak Prescott’s injury

Dak Prescott was getting X-rays on his swollen right hand when rookie Ryan Switzer scored his first career touchdown on an 83-yard punt return.The extra ...

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