Top sports stories of 2018

The Japan Times newsroom selected the following sports stories as the most important of 2018.

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2R4fo1R

Floyd Mayweather dominates Tenshin Nasukawa in exhibition

Legendary former world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. tamed Japanese kickboxing phenom Tenshin Nasukawa via technical knockout on Monday.The special boxing exhibition, a dramatic conclusion to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2R2xssU

Kazuto Ioka’s bid for fourth world title ends in split-decision defeat

Japan’s Kazuto Ioka suffered his first loss in over four years on Monday when Donnie Nietes won a split decision to capture the vacant WBO ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ap4o4K

Former NTV producer Nobuhisa Sakata looks back on pioneering live television coverage of ekiden

As a former director and producer for the Nippon Television Network Corporation, Nobuhisa Sakata has participated in live broadcasts of many different major professional sporting ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2s3LvzL

1912 Olympian Kanakuri helped create Hakone race

This will be the 95th winter featuring the New Year’s tradition — the Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race, or as it’s more commonly known, the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LIlbnz

Tokyo Paralympics aim to leave legacy of accessibility

Japan hopes to use the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics as an opportunity to become a more inclusive and accessible society, and in 2018 games organizers made ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LGPgE7

Jaguars void Leonard Fournette’s contract guarantees

The thought of Jacksonville parting ways with running back Leonard Fournette would have been unimaginable a few months ago.It’s much more plausible now. The Jaguars ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2F1sGVJ

Kobayashi wins Four Hills opener for fifth World Cup title of season

Ryoyu Kobayashi picked up his fifth World Cup title of the season with a win at the Four Hills Tournament opener on Sunday night.Kobayashi posted ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2F1pJFg

Roger Federer looking forward to facing Serena Williams in mixed doubles during Hopman Cup

Roger Federer’s wish is about to be granted — he’s getting the chance to return Serena Williams’ powerful serve.The famously unflappable Swiss acknowledges being excited ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EVopD4

Ravens, Eagles secure playoff berths on final day of regular season

The playoff chase went down to the final minutes of the season Sunday, when Baltimore squeezed in as AFC North winner, and defending Super Bowl ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EZ1UxR

Masayuki Ito defeats Evgeny Chuprakov by TKO in first title defense

Most of the fans at the arena seemed to notice the fight was over before the referee.Referee Laurence Cole was concentrating on a corner, where ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ApEBcu

Shigehiro Taguchi plays leading role in Jets comeback over Hannaryz

On a star-studded roster, Chiba Jets Funabashi shooting guard Shigehiro Taguchi can be overlooked at times.That wasn’t possible on Sunday, though. Taguchi captured the attention ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SqHtwT

Nao Kodaira wins sixth national sprint championship title

Nao Kodaira won her sixth national sprint championship on Sunday, beating Miho Takagi by a narrow margin.Kodaira kept her lead from the previous day by ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SnIDJv

Thai international Teerasil Dangda parts ways with Sanfrecce

J. League first division runner-up Sanfrecce Hiroshima will part ways with Thai international Teerasil Dangda after his loan period concludes on Monday.The 30-year-old forward joined ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2AnWKHG

JOC to grant age limit exemption to president Tsunekazu Takeda

The Japanese Olympic Committee plans to not apply its age limit to president Tsunekazu Takeda, 71, in order to let him stay on until the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GK4x8g

James Harden scores 41 as Rockets keep rolling, beat Pelicans

James Harden is on a run the NBA hasn’t seen since Oscar Robertson.Harden had 41 points and six assists to become the first player since ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SnFM3f

Former Hawks ace Tadashi Settsu to retire

Former Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks ace Tadashi Settsu will retire after he was unable to land a contract with a Nippon Professional Baseball club for next ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Al7Ugw

Amanda Nunes KOs Cyborg in 51 seconds, Jon Jones wins at UFC 232

Amanda Nunes knocked out Cris “Cyborg” Justino 51 seconds into the first round at UFC 232 on Saturday night, ending the featherweight champion’s 13-year unbeaten ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SsX7YC

Tokyo continues march toward 2020 Olympic Games

With just over a year and a half to go until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, some significant challenges remain for organizers, but 2018 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2AmnxUJ

Liverpool crushes Arsenal

Roberto Firmino scored his first Premier League hat trick as Liverpool rallied to a 5-1 win over Arsenal to open a nine-point lead at the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Tdpvhg

Stars switching numbers, changing names becoming staple of NPB offseasons

Offseasons in NPB are about change, just not exactly the type that immediately springs to mind.Japanese baseball has seen some big-name players change teams this ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2CFifWb

No. 1 Alabama beats No. 4 Oklahoma to reach title game

This season’s Alabama juggernaut has yet to be stopped, and Oklahoma’s shaky defense sure wasn’t going to get in the way.Maybe Clemson can. Tua Tagovailoa ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Qc0YXU

No. 2 Clemson lights up No. 3 Notre Dame in Cotton Bowl

When Clemson’s Dabo Swinney handed his national championship-contending team to freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence in September, this is what the Tigers’ coach had in mind.Lawrence ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EYrOSq

Floyd Mayweather says fight against Tenshin Nasukawa is nothing to worry about

People have been a little skeptical that he would really fight against Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year’s Eve.But here he is. He’s at least arrived ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EYfamc

Britain defeats Greece in opening Hopman Cup match

Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter beat Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari 4-3, 3-4, 4-3, including 5-4 in a tiebreaker in the deciding mixed doubles set ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LIN3by

Naoya Kumagae’s shooting touch pivotal for Evessa in victory over Lakestars

As a scorer, Naoya Kumagae is having his best stretch of the season.Kumagae scored a game-high and season-best 26 points in the Osaka Evessa’s 76-71 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rZCK9R

Angels, catcher Jonathan Lucroy finalize deal

A person with knowledge of the agreement says catcher Jonathan Lucroy has agreed to join the Los Angeles Angels.The person spoke to AP on condition ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LCdMq9

Giants, veteran reliever Ryan Cook agree to terms of $1.3 million deal

The Yomiuri Giants have reached an agreement to acquire former major league pitcher Ryan Cook, the team announced on Saturday.The 31-year-old Cook, who played this ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BI5k3O

Raiders great Warren Wells dies at 76

Former Oakland Raiders star wide receiver Warren Wells died Thursday, the team announced.Wells, who was 76, died from congestive heart failure in Beaumont, Texas, according ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rXS7j0

Kashima Antlers defender Gen Shoji to transfer to French club Toulouse

Kashima Antlers defender Gen Shoji is set to complete a transfer to French first-division side Toulouse, the J. League club announced Saturday.The two teams have ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LE2Xnk

Matthaw Barzal ignites Islanders in rout of Senators

Mathew Barzal had two goals and an assist to help the New York Islanders rally for a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Friday ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2s1tfqO

Rick Pitino leads Panathinaikos to victory in first game in charge

Coach Rick Pitino has won his first game in Greece, lifting troubled Panathinaikos to a 96-84 win Friday over CSKA Moscow in Europe’s main competition. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LD7MgI

Petra Vlhova wins giant slalom, makes history for Slovenia

Petra Vlhova became the first Slovakian winner of a women’s World Cup giant slalom on Friday, benefiting from first-run leader Mikaela Shiffrin’s uncharacteristic second run ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rZf857

Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic has 30 points, 20 rebounds in rout of Toronto

The Orlando Magic have had a forgettable December — until Friday night.Nikola Vucevic had 30 points and 20 rebounds and the Magic snapped a four-game ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LGXSdO

Rams rule out injured Gurley for finale vs. 49ers

Rams running back Todd Gurley has been ruled out of Los Angeles’ regular-season finale against San Francisco because of a knee injury.Safety Lamarcus Joyner also ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SrvLSP

Gonzaga routs North Alabama

Gonzaga came out refreshed and focused after a weeklong Christmas break.Zach Norvell Jr. scored 20 points, and the seventh-ranked Bulldogs started with a 29-1 run ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Va1GbY

Stars CEO Jim Lites rips Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin

Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites ripped captain Jamie Benn and fellow high-priced forward Tyler Seguin, telling reporters Friday their play has been “terrible” and saying ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ao2i4W

SeaHorses outgun Brave Thunders in high-scoring duel

In 13 previous road games before Friday, the SeaHorses Mikawa had lost 10 times.The SeaHorses reversed that trend with an entertaining 106-98 triumph over the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EWu78k

Wild Oats XI secures Sydney to Hobart line honors

Wild Oats XI won the 74th Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Friday, claiming line honors for the ninth time.The Mark Richards-skippered super maxi crossed ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EVznbR

Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald not revealing whether this is his NFL finale

Someday, obviously, Larry Fitzgerald will play in his last NFL game. Whether that game is Sunday, when his beleaguered Arizona Cardinals play at Seattle, is ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BLdw3y

Wisconsin hammers Miami in Pinstripe Bowl

Jonathan Taylor ran for 205 yards and a touchdown and topped the 2,000-yard season mark to help Wisconsin rout Miami 35-3 in a chilly Pinstripe ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QWrBoY

Christophe Lemaire breaks JRA’s single-season win record

Jockey Christophe Lemaire picked up two wins on Friday to set a single-season Japan Racing Association record with 213 wins.The French-born Lemaire steered 2-year-old colt ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BLQMQP

Sakamoto’s ascension no surprise to gifted choreographer Richaud

Kaori Sakamoto was impressive in victory at the Japan nationals on Sunday, rising to the occasion on the biggest domestic stage of the year.That the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Sknwrv

Bill Baillie, 1964 Olympian and holder of obscure running records, dies at 84

New Zealand athlete William “Bill” Baillie, who once held world records in the now obscure 20,000-meter and one-hour running events, has died. He was 84.Athletics ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VhYICz

Lightning blow big lead, conquer Flyers in OT

The NHL-leading Tampa Bay Lightning rebounded again following another dismal third period against the Philadelphia Flyers.Alex Killorn scored 18 seconds into overtime and the Tampa ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Sksog5

Rockets stay hot as Harden drops 45 on Celtics

James Harden thinks he should be in the MVP discussion again this season and showed why on Thursday night.Harden had 45 points and six assists, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Agzo6H

Hoop pioneer Wat Misaka reflects on breaking barriers in an incredible life

Wataru “Wat” Misaka never demanded the spotlight nor shouted from the roof tops seeking attention.But the reserved, humble man gained a measure of fame late ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2AfGLLO

The Japan Times newsroom selected the following sports stories as the most important of 2018.1 Prizes in Pyeongchang: Japan celebrated its best-ever showing at the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rXHI6P

Former Japan midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara retires

Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara is retiring, the team announced Thursday.“I am very happy and honored that I played until now with such a wonderful ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SiOXBP

India bats dominate Australia in scorching Melbourne on second day of third test

Australia’s openers survived the final nervous overs of a scorching hot afternoon as the home side reached eight without loss at the end of day ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2CBKLIi

Nasa Hataoka’s rise to stardom big story of season for Japanese golf

Nasa Hataoka had a major breakthrough year with two victories on the LPGA Tour in 2018, Hideki Matsuyama’s frustrating season saw the former world No. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TcU4Ua

Yusei Kikuchi prepared himself for move to majors

Yusei Kikuchi’s impending move to the major leagues this winter has been planned out long in advance, according to sources close to the left-handed pitcher.From ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TdsLZX

Shohei Ohtani made big splash in debut season in majors

Shohei Ohtani’s historic big league debut wasn’t the only story coming out of the majors this year, but it often seemed like it.The ups and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LFVYug

Sigi Schmid, winningest coach in MLS history, dies at 65

Sigi Schmid, the winningest coach in MLS history, has died. He was 65.Schmid’s family said he died Tuesday at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Schmid ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EPfMd8

Rookie Luka Doncic lifts Mavs past Pelicans in final minute

Devin Harris faked once, twice, three times before making a 3-pointer in a big fourth quarter for the Dallas Mavericks.There was no such hesitation from ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q5aKvc

Liverpool extends Premier League lead as Man City falls again

Rafael Benitez has little doubt Liverpool is ready to end a 28-year wait to win the English title.While Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp refused to get ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QRbJnH

Serena Williams selected as AP Female Athlete of the Year for fifth time

She showed up in Paris wearing a black catsuit, a reminder that nobody can command the Grand Slam stage quite like Serena Williams.She reached the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SmMkz3

Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa lead surge as ‘Generation Z’ QBs take over college football

Trent Dilfer has been head coach for the national high school quarterback competition known as Elite 11 since 2011, and even in that short period ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BRbUW7

Cameron Bancroft David confirms Warner asked him to tamper with ball

Banned Australian player Cameron Bancroft on Wednesday confirmed David Warner asked him to alter the ball during the tampering scandal in South Africa and said ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EJsf25

Swallows bring veteran reliever Ryota Igarashi back into fold

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows said Wednesday the Central League club will acquire former major league reliever Ryota Igarashi, who was released by the Fukuoka SoftBank ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EO9Wtf

Trailblazer Norika Konno ready to turn heads in U.S.

With about 2 minutes and 25 seconds left in the game, Norika Konno scored off a Eurostep, one of her signature moves, for a layup.By ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Vb1hpV

Cloud of uncertainty hovers over Top League

The New Year is traditionally a time for looking back on the past and looking ahead.And while the future may appear bright with the Rugby ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q3ARlZ

Sumo’s young guns ready to make big impact in 2019

Last December, when looking ahead to 2018, I wrote that this would be the year when a new generation of sumo talent would rise to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VbF4rv

LeBron injured in win over Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers lost LeBron James in the third quarter to a strained left groin then went out and beat the two-time defending champions ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q5QEB3

Broncos rookie Phillip Lindsay doubtful for Pro Bowl after injuring wrist

Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay’s sensational rookie season is over after tests showed he sustained major damage to his right wrist in Denver’s loss at ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VbF0YN

Jozef Adamec, youngest member of Czechoslovakia’s 1962 World Cup team, dies at 76

Former Czechoslovakia striker Jozef Adamec, the youngest member of the team beaten 3-1 by Brazil in the final of the 1962 World Cup in Chile, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rSVibH

Athletics hand pitcher Mike Fiers two-year deal

Free agent right-hander Mike Fiers agreed to a two-year contract worth more than $14 million to stay with the Oakland Athletics, who were determined to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2T84h4l

Sumo plagued by violence, harassment in 2018

The violence and scandals that have plagued Japan’s sumo world came full circle just after the year’s sixth and final tournament, leaving maiden victories by ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Lz1NJT

Kisenosato plans to compete in New Year Basho

Yokozuna Kisenosato, whose career has been threatened by a string of injuries, said Tuesday he intends to return to the raised ring at the New ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rRA0Ls

Fighters’ Kensuke Tanaka announces plan to retire after next season

Former major leaguer Kensuke Tanaka said Tuesday he will retire at the end of his 20th and final season with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SjNBqN

LeBron James apologizes for posting rapper’s ‘Jewish money’ lyric

LeBron James is sorry for posting a lyric that referenced “Jewish money.” The Los Angeles Lakers star on Monday said he simply got caught up ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ae1j7y

Seahawks give coach Pete Carroll contract extension through 2021

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is sticking around through the 2021 season after signing a three-year contract extension.Carroll said he was first approached about an ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2RfNtLn

Raiders trounce Broncos in possible last game in Oakland

After the final seconds ticked off, Derek Carr ran straight to the Black Hole with several teammates before taking a victory lap around the Coliseum ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GOHKYW

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe mulls visiting Twickenham Stadium, home of England rugby team

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering visiting Twickenham Stadium, home of the England rugby team, during his trip to the U.K. in January, it has ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2T7X9VD

Larry Nassar abuse scandal, gymnastics turmoil chosen as AP Sports Story of the Year

The depths of Larry Nassar’s depravity began to emerge some 15 months before the calendar flipped to 2018 — when reports of his sexual abuse ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EOrlCk

Shoma Uno smashes competition to win third straight national title; Daisuke Takahashi finishes second

An Injured Shoma Uno Captured His Third Straight Title In Decisive Fashion At The Japan Championships On Monday Night.The Olympic And World Silver Medalist, Who ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Cxn57y

Giants experience downside of NPB free agency as Tetsuya Utsumi departs

The images late last week of lefty pitcher Tetsuya Utsumi posing for photos wearing a white Seibu Lions uniform over his dress shirt — he ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TdIHvB

Nolan Patrick lifts Flyers over Rnagers in shootout

After firing their general manager and coach in recent weeks, the Philadelphia Flyers have responded to a midseason shake-up.Nolan Patrick scored the lone goal against ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2CxXuvr

Liberated Alba playing vital role for Barca alongside Messi

With Lionel Messi wowing fans game after game, it’s easy to overlook Jordi Alba, the player who often puts him in position to score so ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TarumE

Seahawks soar into postseason

Doubted before the season began, questioned even more after a 0-2 start, the Seattle Seahawks are back where they’ve spent most seasons since Pete Carroll ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Cved2j

Five London 2012 weightlifters suspended for doping after retest of samples

Two Olympic champions and three other weightlifters have been provisionally suspended after retests on their urine samples from the 2012 London Games were shown to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q3LWUo

Police: LSU player kills man trying to rob him, teammate

Two LSU football players were trying to sell an electronic item when one of them fatally shot an 18-year-old man trying to rob them, police ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V6M9tt

Curry lifts Warriors just before buzzer

On a night the Los Angeles Clippers set records with their 3-point shooting, Steph Curry won the game for Golden State at the rim.Curry made ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q1cuW2

#MeToo movement played prominent role in sports in 2018

One by one they came forward, more than 150 in all. Fearful yet defiant. Vulnerable but resolute, buoyed by the hope of catharsis and the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V5QnBI

Tottenham crushes Everton to remain within striking distance of Premier League leaders

Tottenham crushed Everton 6-2 Sunday to move within two points of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League.England captain Harry Kane returned to Tottenham’s starting ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V6tyxN

Kaori Sakamoto bests Rika Kihira and Satoko Miyahara to win national title

Kaori Sakamoto put on a stunning performance Sunday night, using an incredible combination of power and grace, to win the title at the Japan championships.The ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rRh13Z

Dynaboars earn long-awaited Top League return

The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars made the leap into the Top League on Sunday with a 31-7 win in their relegation-promotion game against the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2AdjyKh

Alvark complete sweep of B-Corsairs

The reigning champions Alvark Tokyo gave their fans an early Christmas present on Sunday afternoon.Actually, it was their second gift to team supporters over the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q0ppaS

Kaori Icho flashes old form to win rematch against Risako Kawai

Four-time Olympic champion Kaori Icho took a step toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, winning her rematch against fellow Rio Olympic champion Risako Kawai ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ab9Wji

Beal gets first triple-double, Wizards beat Suns in triple overtime

Bradley Beal had 40 points and his first career triple-double to lift the Washington Wizards over the Phoenix Suns 149-146 in triple-overtime Saturday night.With All-Star ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Tci0HF

Kenichi Ikezoe steers Blast Onepiece to victory at Arima Kinen

Jockey Kenichi Ikezoe steered third-favorite Blast Onepiece to the horse’s first Grade 1 title at the Arima Kinen on Sunday.Blast Onepiece, a three-year-old colt and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2CuydCv

Betis fans shower pitch with stuffed toys for charity

It was raining stuffed toys at the home of Spanish club Real Betis on Saturday.Many of the 49,000 spectators tossed stuffed toys onto the pitch ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2T8hhah

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes instant impact with Manchester United

Manchester United was stunning and Manchester City was stunned.United responded to a change in coach by producing a rampant display to thrash lowly Cardiff 5-1 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PZDHbE

Mikaela Shiffrin equals World Cup record

Mikaela Shiffrin wrote more World Cup history Saturday, winning a slalom for a women’s record-equaling 35th career victory in the discipline and 50th win overall.Shiffrin ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V5Lbh9

Ravens pick up crucial victory over Chargers

Lamar Jackson threw for 204 yards and had the longest touchdown pass of his brief career, and the Baltimore Ravens strengthened their chances of clinching ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2CtYUqG

Niigata introduces first pitch limit in Japanese high school baseball

Japan’s complex relationship with marathon pitching performances will get a new look next spring, when the Niigata Prefectural High School Baseball Federation revealed Saturday it ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QODu0q

Real Madrid cruises to Club World Cup title

Luka Modric scored one goal and set up another in leading Real Madrid to the Club World Cup title by easing past host side Al ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EFyT9t

Niigata outplays Mikawa in series opener

Niigata Albirex BB star Davante Gardner received an abundance of Christmas presents from the SeaHorses Mikawa on Saturday afternoon.The B. League’s leading scorer was repeatedly ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SeEyav

Shoma Uno builds sizable lead at nationals; Daisuke Takahashi second in short program

Shoma Uno took a commanding lead at the Japan championships on Saturday night with an effective short program.The Olympic and world silver medalist skated to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2A8PfEj

Risako Kawai upsets Kaori Icho in first round at national championships

Rio Olympic gold medalist Risako Kawai upset four-time Olympic champion Kaori Icho in a 2-1 decision in the first round of the women’s 57-kg weight ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GxUzqr

Yankees’ CC Sabathia had heart blocked that required stent

Left-hander CC Sabathia had a stent inserted after a blockage was found in an artery from his heart, and the New York Yankees anticipate the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SiEpTq

Russia refuses to give data to WADA

World Anti-Doping Agency inspectors are leaving Moscow empty-handed after Russian authorities prevented them from accessing key doping data that the country’s authorities had agreed to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2A5X79R

FIU edges Toledo in Bahamas Bowl; BYU hammers Western Michigan in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Florida International University fumbled away the opening kickoff, gave up a touchdown 23 seconds into the game and found itself trailing by double digits by ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SiEmHe

Sagan Tosu appoint new manager Lluis Carreras

Spaniard Lluis Carreras will manage Sagan Tosu next season, the club announced on Friday.The 46-year-old Carreras is a former teammate of ex-Spain international Fernando Torres, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2AbXuzH

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry defends LeBron James’ comments about Anthony Davis

New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry made it clear Friday that center Anthony Davis will not be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers or anywhere else ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2CsLI5k

Rui Hachimura nearly perfect as Gonzaga routs Denver

Rui Hachimura was perfect from the field and missed just one free throw, but what he really wanted to talk about was his defense.“I think ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SioEvK

Unstoppable Mikaela Shiffrin earns fourth straight World Cup victory

Mikaela Shiffrin appears unstoppable.The American skier won a giant slalom on Friday for her fourth successive World Cup win. Shiffrin sat out the races in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QKNfg8

Liverpool heads into Christmas in first place after beating Wolverhampton

Liverpool will be on top of the English Premier League at Christmas after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 thanks to goals by Mohamed Salah and Virgil ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BzfVy7

Dodgers trade Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood to Reds

The Los Angeles Dodgers had a surplus of outfielders. With one attention-getting deal, they reshaped their roster in hopes of another pennant run.The reigning NL ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Bw15Iw

New Jersey high school wrestler told to cut dreadlocks or lose bout

A New Jersey high school wrestler had his dreadlocks cut off minutes before his match after a referee told him to lose the hairstyle or ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rLDcse

Satoko Miyahara holds slim lead over Kaori Sakamoto after short program at nationals

The more things change, the more they stay the same.Four-time national champion Satoko Miyahara is in the lead after the short program at the Japan ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ED3X9G

Diamond Dolphins edge Brave Thunders in series opener

Three sets of numbers jump out at you from Friday night’s Kawasaki Brave Thunders-Nagoya Diamond Dolphins game at Todoroki Arena: turnovers, points in the paint ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2T23q59

World Cup final attracted global audience of 1.12 billion

A combined global audience of 1.12 billion watched the World Cup final between France and Croatia in July, FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, said on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ECQ7o4

Rafael Nadal donates €1 million to Mallorca flood victims

Rafael Nadal has given €1 million ($1.14 million) to the victims of floods in his native Mallorca, the mayor of the affected town Mateu Puigros ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EI5so7

Carp second baseman Ryosuke Kikuchi seeking move to major leagues in 2020

Six-time Golden Glove-winning second baseman Ryosuke Kikuchi said Friday that he has informed the Hiroshima Carp of his desire to move to the major leagues ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ECQ1wI

Longtime Clippers fan Billy Crystal to serve as TV analyst for one game

Los Angeles Clippers announcer Ralph Lawler was approached two months ago with a special request. A longtime season-ticket holder asked team president Gillian Zucker if ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2rN9TVY

Hustle’s Yuta Watanabe contributes 22 points, seven boards in NBA G League Winter Showcase victory

Yuta Watanabe scored in double digits for the second straight day to help the Memphis Hustle sweep their games at the NBA G League Winter ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PUcBma

Strong numbers as Tokyo 2020 volunteer drive closes

Volunteer recruitment for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games is well on track to meet its target of 80,000 volunteers, according to figures revealed ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EzdO0e

Tokyo 2020 budget revised with eye on transportation

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will cost about ¥1.35 trillion, according to the third and most recent budget announced to the press on Friday.The local organizing ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V2q2EA

Former Louisville coach Rick Pitino accepts offer to lead Greek team Panathinaikos

Former NBA coach Rick Pitino, fired last year by the University of Louisville after a pay for play recruiting scandal, has agreed to coach Greek ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PT5kmB

NBA to hold first games in India in 2019

The first NBA games to be played in India will be staged next October in Mumbai with preseason contests between the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V1Ksh2

Hanshin reach deal for former Angel Marte

The Hanshin Tigers have reached an agreement to acquire former major league infielder Jefry Marte, the Central League club said Thursday.Marte played for the Detroit ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EGWjfr

Longtime Iditarod chief to step down

The longtime head of Alaska’s 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is resigning in mid-January after 25 years on the job.Iditarod Trail Committee CEO Stan ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EEZeVj

Olympic champion Allyson Felix gives birth by emergency C-section

Six-time Olympic athletics champion Allyson Felix revealed Thursday she has given birth to a baby daughter who was born prematurely and only after an emergency ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PPVqm1

Patriots’ Josh Gordon suspended indefinitely for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy

Patriots receiver Josh Gordon was suspended indefinitely Thursday by the NFL for violating an agreement that allowed him to play after multiple drug suspensions, casting ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2R8HYhI

J. League touts star power, digital marketing developments

For fans of the J. League, there is perhaps no date more anticipated than the opening day of the season.But for those who share a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EJamkK

Shoma Uno, Daisuke Takahashi making final preparations for Japan championships

Olympic and world silver medalist Shoma Uno and former world champion Daisuke Takahashi went through their paces at practice ahead of the start of the ...

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JAAF seeks to ban use of iron injections by long-distance runners

The Japan Association of Athletics Federations said Thursday it is looking at stricter controls on iron injections which can enhance the performance of long-distance runners.The ...

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Shohei Ohtani receives Prime Minister Cup for second time at Japan Pro Sports Awards

Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani has collected another Prime Minister Cup at the Japan Pro Sports Awards.Los Angeles Angels player Ohtani was given the grand prize ...

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Japanese boxers fearful of dashed dreams at 2020 Games

Yudai Shigeoka has long dreamed of becoming a world boxing champion, but a decision that could see the sport excluded from the 2020 Olympics might ...

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Pitcher Tetsuya Utsumi to join Lions as compensation for Giants’ signing of Ginjiro Sumitani

The Yomiuri Giants announced Thursday they will send veteran left-hander Tetsuya Utsumi to the Seibu Lions in compensation for their recent acquisition of free agent ...

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High-flying top line carries Avalanche past Canadiens

Gabriel Landeskog broke a tie 35 seconds into the third period by batting in a goal, Philipp Grubauer stopped 35 shots and the Colorado Avalanche ...

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Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson set to make ONE Championship debut against Yuya Wakamatsu

Mixed martial arts superstar Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson will make his ONE Championship debut in Japan against Yuya Wakamatsu the organization announced on Thursday.The bout ...

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Olympic star Missy Franklin retires due to chronic shoulder pain

Five-time Olympic champion Missy Franklin is retiring from swimming at age 23, citing chronic shoulder pain that has affected her for the last 2½ years.She ...

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Sunrockers orchestrate impressive turnaround under new bench boss Tsutomu Isa

Sometimes teams need to shake things up to produce the desired results.That certainly appears to be the case for the Sunrockers Shibuya, who were nearly ...

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Gareth Bale notches hat trick as Real Madrid defeats Kashima, advances to Club World Cup final

Real Madrid advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup final with a 3-1 victory over Kashima Antlers in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.In a ...

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Yuta Watanabe shines in G League Winter Showcase opener

Rookie forward Yuta Watanabe returned from a concussion to start and score 20 points on Wednesday in the Memphis Hustle’s 135-123 win over the Raptors ...

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Nikita Kucherov, Lightning pound Canucks in fight-filled game

Once all the fighting was finally done, the Tampa Bay Lightning looked up and found themselves in a familiar position: ahead on the scoreboard.Nikita Kucherov ...

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Japan Sumo Association takes steps to address violence against younger wrestlers

The Japan Sumo Association on Wednesday conducted a special workshop for wrestlers on how to treat their lower-ranked peers, while also announcing several measures it ...

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Fighters complete deal with Taiwanese slugger Wang Po-jung

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters finalized their deal for one of the biggest stars of Taiwanese baseball on Wednesday, signing a three-year contract with outfielder ...

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Ole Solskjaer looks to rescue Manchester United again, this time as coach

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on another rescue mission at Manchester United, this time as manager.The former striker who became a United great by conjuring up ...

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Passion and technology behind English sumo coverage

Sumo fans around the globe are spoiled for choice these days when it comes to following their favorite sport.Livestreams, tournament preview shows in English, ever-increasing ...

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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi committed to giving back to children in South Africa

When Japan takes on South Africa next September at Kumagaya Rugby Ground the Brave Blossoms will come up against a player in Siya Kolisi whose ...

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer set for United interim role while Mauricio Pochettino emerges as summer candidate

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to replace Jose Mourinho as Manchester United’s interim manager after the club appeared to accidently announce the appointment on their ...

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Former Cerezo mainstay Hotaru Yamaguchi signs with Vissel

Vissel Kobe on Wednesday announced the signing of World Cup defensive midfielder Hotaru Yamaguchi from neighboring J League first-division side Cerezo Osaka.A fan favorite at ...

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Man City reaches League Cup semifinals after shootout win

On a tumultuous day for beleaguered Manchester United, crosstown rival Manchester City advanced to the English League Cup semifinals to stay in the hunt for ...

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One Championship raises U.S. profile

One Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong expects the company’s recently-announced deal with U.S. broadcaster Turner Sports will go a long way toward raising the martial arts ...

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Four-time Asia champion Paper Cranes to fold in 2019

Nippon Paper Industries Co. announced Wednesday its decision to shut down its four-time Asia League-winning ice hockey club in a bid to streamline management and ...

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Rui Hachimura, Brandon Clarke lead No. 8 Gonzaga in rout of UT-Arlington

Gonzaga’s rebounding was poor in a loss at No. 9 North Carolina last weekend, and Brandon Clarke said the No. 8 Bulldogs were determined to ...

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Kazuyoshi Tatsunami highlights tough Hall of Fame choices

For the first time in two years, there are no slam-dunk candidates on this winter’s ballot for Japan’s Baseball Hall of Fame.Kazuyoshi Tatsunami, the longtime ...

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Chargers lead Pro Bowl selections with seven players

The Los Angeles Chargers placed seven players in the Pro Bowl, including safety Derwin James, one of six rookies across the league to make the ...

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Al Ain upset River Plate at Club World Cup in penalty shootout

South American champion River Plate was upset by Al Ain FC in the Club World Cup on Tuesday, losing in a penalty shootout after the ...

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Shohei Ohtani hopeful for MLB showdown with school alum Yusei Kikuchi

Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani said Tuesday he hopes to get the chance to face his high school alumnus Yusei Kikuchi should the ...

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Barcelona’s Lionel Messi garners record fifth Golden Shoe award

Lionel Messi received his record fifth Golden Shoe award on Tuesday for leading all of Europe’s leagues in scoring last season.Messi’s fifth win breaks the ...

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Frontale’s Akihiro Ienaga selected as J. League MVP

Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Akihiro Ienaga was named the J. League’s Most Valuable Player at Tuesday’s J. League Awards.It was the first MVP award for the ...

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Confident kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa preparing for unique showdown with Floyd Mayweather

No matter how one of the all-time best boxers views his New Year’s Eve showdown with Tenshin Nasukawa, the kickboxing phenom is planning to shock ...

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World championship silver medalist Megumi Tachimoto decides to retire

World championship silver medalist Megumi Tachimoto is retiring from competition, her sponsor announced Tuesday.Tachimoto, who competed in the open weight class early in her career ...

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Manchester United dismisses embattled coach Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho was fired by Manchester United on Tuesday, two days after English soccer’s biggest club reached a new low in its disappointing season by ...

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Fighters re-sign hurler Nick Martinez

Right-hander Nick Martinez has re-signed with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, the Pacific League club announced Tuesday.Martinez, a 28-year-old who made 68 starts for the ...

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Ehime’s Andrew Fitzgerald looks back on record-setting scoring performance

Andrew Fitzgerald scored the Ehime Orange Vikings’ first two points on an outside jumper on Sunday, and never stopped scoring.He had a career-high 55 points ...

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Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker receives five-year extension

David Baker is remaining president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame under a five-year extension and will take the role of chairman ...

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Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly named AP Coach of the Year for second time

Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly is The Associated Press college football Coach of the Year and the third coach to win the award twice since it ...

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Brave Blossoms to face Fiji, Tonga in 2019 Pacific Nations Cup

Japan’s preparations for the 2019 Rugby World Cup became a lot clearer Tuesday with the announcement that the Brave Blossoms will play in a revamped ...

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Spurs hammer 76ers, go 5-1 on homestand

While the San Antonio Spurs search for their identity as a team, Rudy Gay is showing that he has returned to form.Gay had 21 points ...

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High drama for nationals with return of Daisuke Takahashi

With two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu out of this week’s Japan nationals in Osaka due to injury, the focus will be squarely on the battle ...

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WTA alters rules affecting players returning from pregnancy, long absence due to injury

The WTA approved rule changes Monday that are meant to ensure players are not penalized after they return from pregnancy or an injury that causes ...

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Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia receives $500,000 bonus despite ejection

Plunking an opponent paid off for CC Sabathia.The New York Yankees gave Sabathia a $500,000 performance bonus, even though the 38-year-old left-hander was ejected from ...

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Volunteers audition for Rugby World Cup roles

Tokyo resident Masaru Seto knows why he wants to become a volunteer at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.“I’ve been a rugby fan for ...

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Saints put clamps on Panthers in victory

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints still have one of the league’s top-scoring offenses, but lately it’s the defense that’s been carrying the NFL’s ...

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Dave Hakstol out as coach of Flyers; Scott Gordon named interim replacement

It took less than two weeks as general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers for Chuck Fletcher to see what he needed to see with coach ...

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Frontiers ease past IBM for third straight Japan X Bowl title

Trashaun Nixon used to make plays as a linebacker by pressuring quarterbacks and tackling runners. One year later, he became the Japan X Bowl MVP ...

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Tigers scoop up former Dragon lefty Onelki Garcia

The Hanshin Tigers have signed Cuban lefty Onelki Garcia, the Central League club announced Monday.Garcia went 13-9 with a 2.99 ERA this year, his first ...

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Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas voted top U.K. sports personality

Geraint Thomas was crowned the BBC’s U.K. sports personality of the year on Sunday after his maiden Grand Tour triumph in the Tour de France.Welshman ...

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Japan to host first direct qualifier for 2020 Olympic surfing competition

The International Surfing Association announced Sunday that the World Surfing Games will return to Japan next year and serve as the first direct qualifier for ...

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Giants ace Tomoyuki Sugano equals largest reported deal for Japanese player

Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano signed a ¥650 million contract Monday, equaling Nippon Professional Baseball’s highest reported deal for a Japanese player.The 29-year-old’s one-year deal, worth approximately ...

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Marathon runners Sugaru Osako, Hiroto Inoue amongst recipients at Athletics Award

The 2018 season wound up being a remarkable year for Japanese men’s marathon as two athletes broke the national record.The latter of the two, Suguru ...

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Naomi Osaka donates tennis rackets to quake-hit Hokkaido

Naomi Osaka, this year’s U.S. Open women’s singles champion, on Monday donated 30 tennis rackets to children in Hokkaido, which was hit by a major ...

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Kolisi looking forward to facing Japan again

Despite unhappy memories of their previous meeting, South Africa captain Siya Kolisi welcomed the announcement Monday that the Springboks will play Japan on Sept. 6 ...

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Lionel Messi scores hat trick to hit 50-goal mark in 2018

Lionel Messi hit the 50-goal mark for club and country in 2018 after scoring his 43rd career hat trick for Barcelona on Sunday.Messi’s brilliance powered ...

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Yusei Kikuchi arrives in Los Angeles to court MLB clubs

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, who was posted to Major League Baseball two weeks ago, arrived in Los Angeles to a throng of reporters but did not ...

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Southampton strikes in 85th to edge Arsenal

Nicknamed “The Klopp of the Alps,” new Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuettl showed why he has been compared to Liverpool’s eccentric boss by running onto the ...

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Ex-Japan captain Makoto Hasebe extends contract with Eintracht

Former Japan captain Makoto Hasebe has signed a contract extension to remain with Eintracht Frankfurt for another season, the German first-division club announced Sunday.Hasebe, 34, ...

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Ryoyu Kobayashi soars to victory

A day after missing the podium for the first time this season, Ryoyu Kobayashi cemented his position as the world’s best ski jumper with a ...

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Bears beat rival Packers to clinch NFC North

The Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North and helped knock Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers out of playoff contention.They could not have asked ...

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Sunrockers improve to .500 with win over NeoPhoenix

Fueled by a potent inside attack and a well-orchestrated passing performance, the Sunrockers Shibuya etched an 80-57 victory over the San-en NeoPhoenix on Sunday afternoon.What’s ...

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Tomokazu Harimoto becomes youngest Grand Finals singles champ

Tomokazu Harimoto became table tennis’ youngest World Tour Grand Finals singles champion on Sunday with a win over world No. 4 Lin Gaoyuan of China.The ...

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FIBA task force positive on Tokyo 2020 berth for Japan

Japan’s men’s basketball team is on the right track to earn a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, FIBA task force co-chairman Ingo Weiss told ...

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Ayaka Takahashi, Misaki Matsutomo grab Tour Final doubles crown

Olympic champions Ayaka Takahashi and Misaki Matsutomo captured their second badminton’s World Tour Finals championship in women’s doubles on Sunday.Takahashi and Matsutomo, the top seeds, ...

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Unbeaten Admire Mars earns 1st G1 win at Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes

Admire Mars earned his first Grade 1 victory on Sunday and remains undefeated in four races after winning the 70th running of the Asahi Hai ...

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Canelo Alvarez wins third division title after stopping Rocky Fielding in third round

Canelo Alvarez threw a Garden party Saturday night. A short and powerful fiesta.Alvarez landed dozens of body punches, knocking down Rocky Fielding four times and ...

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North Carolina beats Gonzaga despite Hachimura’s 17 points

North Carolina made shot after shot, finally backing its Hall of Fame coach’s claim that he has a sharp-shooting bunch. And when they did miss, ...

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Osaka, Nishikori carried flag for Japanese tennis in ’18

With Naomi Osaka enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2018 and Kei Nishikori making a strong comeback from a career-threatening injury, the past season proved fruitful ...

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Kosei Okuno leads Kwansei to Koshien Bowl title

Kosei Okuno, the victim in the illegal tackle scandal which rocked Japan in May, made history for himself on Sunday.The Kwansei Gakuin University sophomore quarterback ...

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Kobe’s Carter named Top League MVP in first season

Dan Carter wrapped up his first season in Japan by claiming the Top League MVP award Sunday.A day after helping his team to the league ...

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Nao Kodaira pushes 500-meter win streak to 34

Nao Kodaira extended her winning streak to 34 straight races with a gold-medal 500-meter sprint performance at a World Cup event in the Netherlands on ...

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Suns trade Trevor Ariza to Wizards to end confusing saga

After a three-way trade fell apart over mistaken identity, the Wizards are getting Trevor Ariza after all.Washington agreed in principle Saturday to acquire Ariza from ...

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Texans engineer late comeback to ground Jets

The Houston Texans were trailing late and facing a second straight loss after a nine-game winning streak.Deshaun Watson wasn’t having it. The cool-headed, playmaking quarterback ...

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Kashima wins to set up showdown against Real Madrid in Club World Cup semifinals

Kashima Antlers advanced to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, and a showdown with Spanish giant Real Madrid, after outlasting Mexican powerhouse Guadalajara ...

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Hannaryz outlast SeaHorses in 2OT; Julian Mavunga, Kennedy Meeks notch triple-doubles in wild game

The Kyoto Hannaryz and SeaHorses Mikawa produced a high-scoring drama on the hardwood on Saturday night.And they gave fans additional memories to hold onto — ...

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Wrestle mania: The changing landscape of professional wrestling in Japan

In June 1976, professional wrestler Kanji “Antonio” Inoki took on iconic American boxer Muhammad Ali at the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo in a fight ...

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Nozomi Okuhara, Kento Momota book spots in title matches at BWF World Tour Finals

Nozomi Okuhara advanced to the women’s singles title match of badminton’s BWF World Tour Finals with a straight-games victory over compatriot Akane Yamaguchi on Saturday.In ...

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Steelers claim Top League title

The Kobe Kobelco Steelers claimed their second Japan Rugby Top League title Saturday with a 55-5 drubbing of Suntory Sungoliath at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby ...

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Oilers pounce on Flyers

Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist, Leon Draisaitl added three assists and the resurgent Edmonton Oilers beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 on Friday ...

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Late rally lifts Warriors by Kings

Golden State coach Steve Kerr praised his team’s smothering defense for providing the spark it needed to bounce back from a disappointing loss. He also ...

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Aksel Lund Svindal takes World Cup lead

Aksel Lund Svindal hasn’t felt this good in nearly three years, even though he still has metal support pieces inside his surgically repaired left thumb.The ...

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NFL fines umpire Roy Ellison for dispute with Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes

A person familiar with the move says the NFL has fined umpire Roy Ellison $9,300 and reinstated him from administrative leave after his dispute in ...

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Salt Lake City gets backing for Olympic bid

Salt Lake City got the green light to bid for the Winter Olympics — most likely for 2030 — in an attempt to bring the ...

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Wallabies shake up leadership ranks

Michael Cheika will survive the ax as Wallabies coach but his powers will be curtailed with Scotland-based Scott Johnson appointed director of rugby above him, ...

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Brandon Hyde departs Cubs to be new manager of Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles hired Brandon Hyde to be their new manager Friday, hoping his experience as Cubs bench coach will help the team move forward ...

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Bill Fralic, All-American and Pro Bowl offensive lineman, dies at 56

Bill Fralic, the burly, bruising and athletic offensive lineman who starred for the Atlanta Falcons and was a three-time All-American at Pittsburgh, has died. He ...

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Samurai Blue optimistic for 2019

Following a turbulent year that brought joy and heartbreak, the Japan men’s national team will head to the Asian Cup full of optimism, with a ...

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Mima Ito, Hina Hayata advance to women’s doubles final at ITT World Tour Grand Finals

Mima Ito and Hina Hayata booked their ticket to the women’s doubles final at the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals with victory over South Korean ...

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Northern Happinets soar past Levanga in overtime

Momentum can change a game in the blink of an eye.For instance, Kohei Sekino’s layup and free throw had given the Levanga Hokkaido a 74-72 ...

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Olympiakos ousts AC Milan from Europa League

Captain Kostas Fortounis scored late from the penalty spot to help Olympiakos defeat AC Milan 3-1 on Thursday and knock the seven-time European champion out ...

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Tokyo, Singapore among cities competing with London to host ATP Finals in 2021

Tokyo and Singapore are battling London to host the ATP Finals from 2021 to 2025, the governing body of men’s tennis announced on Friday.The shortlist ...

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Former Tokyo Verdy manager Miguel Angel Lotina hired to lead Cerezo Osaka

Miguel Angel Lotina, whose contract as head coach of J. League second-division side Tokyo Verdy expired after two seasons, has been appointed manager of Cerezo ...

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Brave Blossoms must beat higher-ranked nations to gain respect

Playing against my England team at Twickenham last month was incredible for Japan.The Brave Blossoms also played New Zealand at home last month and Australia ...

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Yasuhiro Koseki finishes fourth in 200-meter breaststroke at short course world championships

Yasuhiro Koseki missed the podium and finished fourth in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke on Thursday, the third day of the FINA World Short Course Swimming ...

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UAB coach Bill Clark wins Eddie Robinson Award

UAB’s Bill Clark has won the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award.Clark has led the Blazers to their first Conference USA championship with ...

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Rookie forward Yuta Watanabe expected to rejoin Grizzlies for weekend games

Memphis Grizzlies rookie forward Yuta Watanabe, who is progressing through the NBA’s concussion protocol, said Thursday he can return to the court this weekend.Watanabe, who ...

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Andreas Zagklis takes reins at FIBA

Nearly two months after longtime secretary general Patrick Baumann’s death on Oct. 13 in Buenos Aires, FIBA has appointed his successor.At a FIBA Central Board ...

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Chargers outscore Chiefs in thriller

Arrowhead Stadium was already emptying by the time Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers jogged to the locker room, triumphantly waving his hand as a satisfying cascade ...

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Canadiens storm past Hurricanes in third

The Montreal Canadiens showed their mettle after their worst performance of the season.Jeff Petry scored twice as the Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 6-4 on ...

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Mariners acquire Edwin Encarnacion in three-way trade

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto was in the hospital, making a trade from a bed.Cleveland counterpart Chris Antonetti was boarding a plane headed back ...

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Steve Hansen to quit All Blacks after 2019 Rugby World Cup

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will step down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, ending a 16-year involvement with the world’s top-ranked team.Hansen, 59, said ...

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James Harden drops in 50 as Rockets run past Lakers

The Houston Rockets were clinging to a lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter on Thursday night when James Harden told coach ...

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Ben Smith to leave All Blacks after 2019 Rugby World Cup

All Blacks fullback Ben Smith confirmed on Wednesday that he will quit New Zealand rugby to play in France after the 2019 World Cup.The 32-year-old ...

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Jose Canseco makes pitch for chief of staff job in tweet to President Trump

Jose Canseco is ready to take a swing at politics.The former major league slugger has made his pitch for a big job at the White ...

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Japan Esports Union vows to promote gaming with eye on 2020 Olympics

Japan Esports Union said Thursday it will accelerate efforts to enhance recognition of competitive video gaming in the country, eyeing possible exposure at the 2020 ...

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Reysol bring back Nelsinho for second stint as manager

Kashiwa Reysol, who were recently relegated to the J. League second division, announced Thursday that former manager Nelsinho will take the helm for the second ...

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Manchester United loses chance to top group

Manchester United missed the chance to finish top of its Champions League group as an understrength team lost 2-1 at Valencia on Wednesday, with an ...

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Yuzuru Hanyu to miss nationals for third consecutive year

Yuzuru Hanyu will miss the upcoming national championships in Osaka due to a right ankle injury, the Japan Skating Federation announced Thursday.It will be Hanyu’s ...

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Tochigi flourishing with solid team play

The Tochigi Brex are playing at an astonishingly high level this season.But it really shouldn’t be a big surprise. After all, the nucleus of the ...

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Former Sacramento Kings executive Jeffrey David admits to defrauding team

A former Sacramento Kings top executive agreed Wednesday to plead guilty to siphoning $13.4 million from the team to buy Southern California beachfront properties, court ...

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Anthony Davis does heavy lifting for Pelicans in triumph over Thunder

Anthony Davis smiled slightly and joked about his relative youth when the topic of his heavy workload came up.His nearly 40 minutes on the court ...

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Johnny Gaudreau’s OT goal rallies Flames past Flyers

Johnny Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames showed off their resilience in another impressive win.Gaudreau scored 35 seconds into overtime, and the Flames rallied to beat ...

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Rangers’ Kevin Shattenkirk sidelined with shoulder injury

The New York Rangers announced that defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will be sidelined two to four weeks with a shoulder injury.Shattenkirk left in the second period ...

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U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame referee Paul Stewart wants women officiating in NHL

Paul Stewart has a very big goal for the next stage of his already lengthy hockey career, and that’s helping women follow in his footsteps ...

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Yasuhiro Koseki establishes 100-meter breaststroke national record at short course world championships

Yasuhiro Koseki set a new national record Wednesday as he took bronze in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke at the FINA Short Course World Swimming Championships.The ...

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Morton, Rays agree on two-year, $30 million deal; Yankees focus on retaining pitcher Happ

The Tampa Bay Rays are perfectly comfortable putting relief pitchers on the mound to begin games. But the chance to add an All-Star to their ...

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Injured Eagles QB Carson Wentz could still play against Rams

Carson Wentz is sidelined with a back injury, but two people familiar with the situation tell AP the quarterback hasn’t been ruled out for Philadelphia’s ...

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Keisuke Honda’s passion showing in Australia

Not long after midfielder Keisuke Honda joined the Melbourne Victory, he mentioned at the A-League season launch that “I’ve made people disappointed, I’ve made people ...

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Kenta Maeda will return to Dodgers’ starting rotation in 2019

Kenta Maeda will return to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation next season, manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday.Speaking at Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings, Roberts ...

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Yakult reaches deal with pitcher Albert Suarez

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have reached an agreement to acquire former major league pitcher Albert Suarez, the Central League club said Wednesday.The 29-year-old Suarez played ...

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Keisuke Honda named Player of Month in Australia’s A-League

Keisuke Honda on Wednesday received Player of the Month honors in Australia’s A-League after making an instant impact for his new club Melbourne Victory.Player representative ...

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Verdy announce Gary White as new manager

Former Hong Kong head coach Gary White has been appointed as the new manager of Tokyo Verdy, the club announced on Wednesday.The 44-year-old UEFA Pro ...

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Media-savvy One Championship attracting fighters

Martial arts promotion One Championship is perhaps one of the most rapidly-growing sports properties in the world and hopes one day to become the biggest ...

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World champion Kento Momota makes short work of Sameer Verma

World badminton champion Kento Momota made a lightning start at the BWF World Tour Finals in China on Wednesday, rampaging past India’s overwhelmed Sameer Verma ...

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Raptors hand Clippers worst loss of season

Kyle Lowry was in a funk right along with his Toronto Raptors. He had a combined 15 points in his last five games while the ...

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Oakland sues NFL, Raiders over move to Las Vegas

The city of Oakland has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit trying to recover damages for the Raiders’ upcoming move to Las Vegas.The suit filed Tuesday ...

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Ticket sales brisk despite Takanoiwa scandal

Once again, sumo finds itself embroiled in a violence scandal.It is of course depressing that the sport can’t seem to get out of its own ...

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Dynamic trio of Takumi Minamino, Ritsu Doan, Shoya Nakajima named to Japan’s Asian Cup squad

Southampton’s Maya Yoshida, Salzburg’s Takumi Minamino and Groningen’s Ritsu Doan were among the players named in Japan’s squad for next month’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup, ...

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Troy Tulowitzki released by Blue Jays, owed $38 million

Troy Tulowitzki has been released by the Toronto Blue Jays, who owe the oft-injured shortstop $38 million for the remaining two years of his contract.Now ...

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Alex Ovechkin’s 21st hat trick helps Capitals rout Red Wings

Alex Ovechkin scored his 21st hat trick and first this season to lift the Washington Capitals over the Detroit Red Wings 6-2 on Tuesday night.Ovechkin ...

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English teams edge Italians to advance in Champions League

It ended England 2, Italy 0 on a tense night of decisive Champions League group games on Tuesday.Liverpool advanced to the round of 16 by ...

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Seto breaks 200-meter butterfly world record to stun Chad Le Clos

Daiya Seto smashed Chad le Clos’s short-course record in the men’s 200-meter butterfly as he grabbed gold at the world championships to stun the South ...

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Japan to send full-strength senior side to Copa America

Japan will send a full-strength senior squad to next June’s Copa America in Brazil, the Japan Football Association said Tuesday.The JFA initially considered sending an ...

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Yuta Watanabe making solid impact for NBA G League’s Memphis Hustle

Yuta Watanabe has demonstrated in the early days of his pro basketball career that he has the all-around skill set to be a quality contributor.Those ...

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Tokyo 2020 organizers unveil volunteer nickname shortlist

Organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games on Tuesday announced the four finalists for the official nickname to be given to volunteers working ...

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Yamaha coach Katsuyuki Kiyomiya to retire after season

Yamaha Jubilo head coach Katsuyuki Kiyomiya said Tuesday he will retire at the end of the Japan Rugby Top League season.“I’m proud of this club. ...

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Chelsea suspends four people amid investigation over Raheem Sterling racism claims

Amid an outcry over the treatment of Raheem Sterling by England’s media and soccer fans, Chelsea suspended four people from attending its matches as police ...

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Marcus Morris carries depleted Celtics past Pelicans

Kyrie Irving’s shoulder wasn’t sore enough to keep him from cheering for Marcus Morris Sr. when he hit three 3-pointers to start the second half ...

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Rika Kihira now the favorite for world title

Rika Kihira’s super season continued over the weekend with a decisive victory at the Grand Prix Final in Vancouver, British Columbia. The young star dethroned ...

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Harold Baines surprised by Hall of Fame election

Harold Baines is aware many fans are questioning whether his credentials are Hall of Fame worthy. He’s not sweating.“Well, they can’t take it away from ...

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Sascha Bajin selected as WTA Coach of the Year

Sascha Bajin has been chosen as the first winner of the WTA Coach of the Year award after helping Naomi Osaka collect the U.S. Open ...

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Fighters, Swallows authorize four-player trade

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and Tokyo Yakult Swallows have agreed to a four-player deal, the two NPB teams announced Tuesday.The Fighters, in need of ...

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Kansas returns to No. 1 in AP poll; Gonzaga slips to fourth

Kansas has returned to No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll following Gonzaga’s loss to Tennessee.The Jayhawks received 57 first-place votes from a ...

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Raiders fire GM Reggie McKenzie after 3-10 start

From the moment Jon Gruden was brought back for a second stint as coach of the Oakland Raiders with a 10-year contract, general manager Reggie ...

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Brian Cashman says Yankees interested in Manny Machado

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says he has been talking about Manny Machado with the infielder’s agent.New York shortstop Didi Gregorius is expected to miss ...

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Lucas Digne’s last-gasp free kick gets Everton draw

Lucas Digne curled home a free kick in the sixth minute of injury time to earn Everton a 2-2 draw with Watford after a wild ...

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Steven Stamkos fires Lightning to seventh straight win

Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning are piling up points.Stamkos had three goals to become the first player from the 2008 draft to reach ...

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Seahawks near playoffs after win over Vikings

Bobby Wagner leaped over the line of scrimmage, swatted Dan Bailey’s field goal attempt and sparked the Seattle Seahawks to two late touchdowns.Whether or not ...

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Gymnastics association lifts officials’ suspension over alleged harassment

The Japan Gymnastics Association announced Monday it has lifted the temporary suspension of two senior officials over the alleged harassment of 2016 Rio de Janeiro ...

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Eri Suzuki finishes third at Honolulu Marathon

Eri Suzuki placed third in the women’s race at the Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, as Kenya swept the titles at the 46th running of the ...

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Ogawa eligible to fight after one-year doping suspension

The Japan Boxing Commission announced Monday that Kenichi Ogawa is eligible to fight once again after serving a one-year suspension for failing a doping test.Ogawa ...

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Crashed Ice makes Asian debut in Yokohama

Four skaters, all wearing hockey gear, brace themselves in their starting gates on the lip of a 22-meter drop atop a long course covered entirely ...

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Mikaela Shiffrin wins parallel slalom for third straight World Cup victory

Mikaela Shiffrin won a World Cup event for the third time in eight days, beating Petra Vlhova in the head-to-head final of parallel slalom on ...

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Bucks come out on top of showdown against Raptors

After playing a starring role down the stretch, Malcolm Brogdon called this Milwaukee’s best performance of the season.Brogdon hit tying and go-ahead 3-pointers in the ...

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Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling says media coverage helps ‘fuel racism’

British newspapers are helping to “fuel racism” with their portrayal of black soccer players, Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling said Sunday as police investigate whether ...

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Miho Takagi races to third gold medal in Poland

Miho Takagi earned her third gold medal of the week Sunday when she led Japan to victory in the women’s team sprint at the ISU ...

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Dolphins pull off miracle on final play to stun Patriots

The celebratory mob scene in the corner of the end zone broke out far from Ryan Tannehill, leaving him in the open field, running and ...

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Rui Hachimura, No. 1 Gonzaga fall against Tennessee

Tennessee lost the reigning SEC player of the year down the stretch against the nation’s top-ranked team.The Vols still had the Admiral to lead them. ...

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Ryan Rossiter sends big brother home happy as Brex beat Golden Kings

It’s not every day that a brother who lives on the other side of the Pacific Ocean gets the chance see a younger sibling play ...

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Urawa outlasts Vegalta in Emperor’s Cup final

Many pivotal moments in Japanese soccer history have been be drilled down to the question of “which team can get it done on a cold ...

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Chelsea ends Manchester City’s unbeaten start in Premier League

For 45 minutes Chelsea was under siege, pinned back in its own half by Manchester City. With halftime approaching, Chelsea finally managed a shot from ...

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Blues edge Shuttles to notch first victory of season

Munakata Sanix Blues picked up their first win of the season on the penultimate weekend of Japan Rugby Top League action as they held on ...

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Vasiliy Lomachenko picks up second lightweight title via unanimous decision

Two down, two to go.Vasiliy Lomachenko is halfway to owning all the major lightweight titles after just two fights, and he’s already eyeing the guy ...

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Luka Doncic lifts Mavericks to victory over Rockets

Luka Doncic started with a routine 3-pointer from the corner.Then the Dallas rookie skipped back several feet behind the arc to hit one over Houston ...

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Japanese runners fail to qualify for Olympic trials at Saitama International Marathon

Marie Imada finished fourth for Japan’s best performance in the Saitama International Marathon on Sunday, but failed to meet the qualifying standards for the Marathon ...

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Danon Fantasy wins Hanshin Juvenile Fillies

Top favorite Danon Fantasy scored a half-length victory over second-pick Chrono Genesis on Sunday to capture the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, a showcase for two-year-old fillies.Danon ...

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Nadeshiko Japan drawn into Group D for 2019 Women’s World Cup

Japan has been drawn alongside England, Scotland and Argentina in Group D of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and will open its campaign against ...

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Miho Takagi claims first 1,500-meter gold of season

Miho Takagi clinched her first gold of the season when she cruised to victory in the 1,500 meters on the third stop of the ISU ...

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Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray edges Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa for Heisman Trophy

Kyler Murray waited three years to fulfill the five-star potential he brought to college football. With one shot to deliver, Murray replaced a Heisman Trophy ...

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Rika Kihira wins Grand Prix Final

Sixteen-year-old Rika Kihira claimed gold in the women’s event at the figure skating Grand Prix Final on Saturday, becoming the first Japanese skater since Mao ...

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Robert Dozier delivers double-double performance as NeoPhoenix outplay Lakestars

Robert Dozier’s 20-point, 13-rebound performance helped lead the San-en NeoPhoenix to a 69-60 win over the Shiga Lakestars on Saturday.Dozier also made two steals and ...

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Sungoliath, Steelers advance to Top League final

Matt Giteau’s Suntory Sungoliath and Dan Carter’s Kobe Kobelco Steelers will play for the Japan Rugby Top League crown after winning their respective semifinals Saturday ...

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Japan shines at World Cup meet

Japan dominated the men’s and women’s team pursuit events on the opening day of the third World Cup meet of the season on Friday.The women’s ...

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Spurs show grit in triumph over Lakers

Jakob Poeltl and Davis Bertans walked off the court to huge cheers and the embrace of San Antonio Spurs veterans Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge.In ...

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Hurricanes cool off Ducks

Clark Bishop scored his first NHL goal by crashing into the Anaheim net along with the puck. Two lengthy video reviews later, the rookie finally ...

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Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi receives offer to serve as goalkeeping coach for men’s national team: source

The Japan Football Association has offered former Samurai Blue custodian Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi a job as national team goalkeeping coach, a source said Friday.The 43-year-old Kawaguchi, ...

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Yuki Ota selected to serve as one of International Fencing Federation’s vice presidents

Yuki Ota was elected as a vice president of the International Fencing Federation on Friday, the Japan Fencing Federation said.The 33-year-old Ota, who heads the ...

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Stefan Luitz under investigation for doping

Alpine skier Stefan Luitz is under investigation for allegedly breaking anti-doping rules by inhaling oxygen between runs during his giant slalom win at Beaver Creek ...

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Jubilo top Verdy in J1 playoff

The J. League’s 26th season drew to a close on Saturday with a showdown between two storied clubs that would seem familiar — yet in ...

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Nathan Chen wins Grand Prix Final; Shoma Uno places second

Nathan Chen made some mistakes at the Grand Prix Final, yet was good enough to win the gold medal.Chen, the first American men’s world champion ...

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Former All-Pro linebacker Isiah Robertson, 69, killed in Texas car crash

Former two-time All-Pro linebacker Isiah Robertson was killed when the limousine he was driving skidded on a rain-slicked curve on a dark, rural East Texas ...

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Former MLB players Luis Valbuena, Jose Castillo die in Venezuela car crash

Former major league players Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo were killed in a car crash caused by highway bandits who then robbed them, officials said ...

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Nationals owner certain Bryce Harper won’t be returning

If there were doubts about whether All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper would return to the Washington Nationals, team owner Mark Lerner on Friday didn’t give fans ...

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SeaHorses heat up in second quarter, pull away in win over Rizing Zephyr

After the first quarter ended, the SeaHorses Mikawa held the slimmest of margins on Friday night in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture.Then the SeaHorses heated up on ...

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Consadole’s Mihailo Petrovic selected as J1 Manager of the Year

Consadole Sapporo’s Mihailo Petrovic on Friday was named the J. League first-division Manager of the Year after the Serbian-born head coach steered the club to ...

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Taiwanese slugger Wang Po-jung accepts three-year deal from Fighters

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters said Friday they have reached a deal to acquire hard-hitting outfielder Wang Po-jung from the Lamigo Monkeys of the Taiwanese ...

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SANZAR rejects bid for Pacific Islands’ Super Rugby team

An ambitious bid to set up a Pacific Islands Super Rugby team has failed after competition organizers decided it was not commercially viable, the Fiji ...

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Takanoiwa retires following recent assault on stablemate

Mongolian rank-and-file wrestler Takanoiwa on Friday submitted his resignation to sumo’s governing body for assaulting a younger wrestler in the latest scandal to tarnish the ...

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Tigers finalize deal with free agent pitcher Yuki Nishi

The Hanshin Tigers announced Friday they have acquired pitcher Yuki Nishi, who had declared free agency after his 10th season with the Orix Buffaloes.The Central ...

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Shoya Nakajima expected to transfer to Wolves in January

Japan international Shoya Nakajima is set to join Premier League side Wolverhampton from Portimonense, the Portugese club’s chairman Rodiney Sampaio said on Thursday.“Nakajima is 80 ...

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Fired Packers coach Mike McCarthy returns to say goodbye to players

Fired shortly after Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to the ...

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Floyd Mayweather, kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa set for nine-minute exhibition match on New Year’s Eve

Floyd Mayweather Jr. says he and kickboxing star Tenshin Nasukawa will meet after all — but only in a nine-minute New Year’s Eve exhibition.Mayweather said ...

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Leicester helicopter crash caused by mechanical fault: investigators

Investigators say the helicopter involved in a crash that killed the owner of English soccer team Leicester and four other people lost control because of ...

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Rika Kihira in lead at Grand Prix Final; Shoma Uno in second place

Sixteen-year-old starlet Rika Kihira blew away the competition with a stellar short program Thursday at the Grand Prix Final, posting the highest women’s score in ...

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George Foreman becomes business giant after boxing career

Third in a three-part seriesIn his book “Only in America: The Life and Crimes of Don King,” the late author Jack Newfield noted that Sonny ...

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Jazz whip sloppy Rockets despite ejection of Rudy Gobert

Utah smothered the Houston Rockets for the better part of four quarters en route to a 118-91 victory Thursday night. The Jazz pestered and pressed ...

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Derrick Henry romps for 99-yard TD as Titans cruise past Jaguars

Under center at the 1-yard line, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota checked out of a quarterback sneak, and Derrick Henry did the rest — as much ...

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Penguins steamroll Islanders as veteran stars click

A renewed commitment to defense has the Pittsburgh Penguins back on track after a bumpy November.Pittsburgh’s dynamic offense appears to have found its stride, too. ...

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Levanga part ways with bench boss Jose Neto, promote Tomohide Utsumi

As the Levanga Hokkaido return to action after the B. League’s break due to FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying, a new bench boss will be ...

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Sint-Truiden’s Daichi Kamada scores in Belgian Cup victory

Midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the eventual game-winning goal for Sint-Truiden in a 3-2 Belgian Cup round of 16 victory against fourth-tier amateur team Mandel United ...

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Cardinals acquire star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from Diamondbacks

The St. Louis Cardinals struck gold in their search for a big hitter, acquiring slugging first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in a blockbuster trade with the ...

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Trey Hillman among Miami Marlins’ new coaching hires

Former Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters manager Trey Hillman has joined the Miami Marlins as the team’s new first base and infield coach, it was announced ...

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Former Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma to join Yomiuri Giants

The Yomiuri Giants announced Thursday they have reached an agreement to acquire former major league pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma for next season.Iwakuma left the Seattle Mariners ...

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Derek Fisher hired to coach WNBA’s Sparks

Former NBA player and coach Derek Fisher has been hired to coach the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.The Sparks announced the move Wednesday, five days after ...

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XFL announces cities for first season

Los Angeles, the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area and Dallas were among the eight cities and venues chosen to be the home sites when the ...

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Yasir Shah becomes fastest cricketer to 200 test wickets, eclipses 82-year record

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah Thursday became the fastest cricketer to take 200 test wickets, breaking an 82-year-old record on the fourth day of the third ...

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Embattled AIBA chief tries to placate voters amid Olympic inquiry

The president of the amateur boxing association says the body has “finally and fully left the troubled past behind,” despite being put under an International ...

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Broncos loses top receiver Emmanuel Sanders to injury

Although the schedule gets easier for the Denver Broncos this month, the degree of difficulty in reaching the playoffs keeps going up.The Broncos (6-6) lost ...

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USA Gymnastics files for bankruptcy protection

USA Gymnastics said Wednesday it had filed for bankruptcy protection as the embattled governing body continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Larry Nassar ...

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Table tennis icon Ai Fukuhara expecting second child

Retired table tennis star Ai Fukuhara announced Wednesday she is pregnant and expecting her second child next spring.“I have been blessed with a second child,” ...

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Liverpool keeps pressure on Man City

Manchester City just cannot shrug off Liverpool in what is looking increasingly like a two-horse race for the Premier League title.Three days after scoring a ...

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Nathan Chen seeking balance in student, skating life

Nathan Chen mostly goes unnoticed when he strolls through the picturesque campus of Yale, and the few times that he can recall happened months ago ...

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Timo Meier gives Sharks boost in win over Hurricanes

Timo Meier’s return to San Jose’s lineup gave the Sharks just the charge they needed after a rough road trip.Meier had a goal and two ...

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Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant light up Cavaliers

Stephen Curry made nine 3-pointers and scored 42 points, Kevin Durant added 25 and the Golden State Warriors came back to face a very different ...

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Rui Hachimura lifts No. 1 Gonzaga in thriller

In the closing seconds of a tie game, Gonzaga guard Josh Perkins dribbled out high looking for somewhere to pass the ball.He spotted Rui Hachimura ...

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Fighters acquire former Cubs pitcher Justin Hancock

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters announced Wednesday they have signed a one-year contract with pitcher Justin Hancock for an estimated ¥70 million (about $620,000).Hancock threw ...

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Reds, Vegalta win to set up showdown in Emperor’s Cup final

Urawa Reds beat recent Asian Champions League winners and bitter rivals Kashima Antlers 1-0 in their Emperor’s Cup semifinal on Wednesday to set up a ...

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Southampton hires Ralph Hasenhuettl as new manager

Southampton hired Ralph Hasenhuettl as its fourth permanent manager in 18 months on Wednesday, tasking him with developing the talent to revive the struggling Premier ...

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Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa assaults attendant

The Japan Sumo Association said Wednesday that rank-and-file wrestler Takanoiwa, whose beating by former yokozuna Harumafuji caused a scandal last year, assaulted an attendant of ...

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NHL adds Seattle as league’s 32nd franchise; new team will begin play in 2021

Seattle is getting a National Hockey League team. It will just have to wait a little bit longer to drop the puck.The NHL Board of ...

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Don’t expect Urban Meyer to coach in college again

After leading Utah to an unbeaten season in 2004, Urban Meyer had a choice to make. He could become the coach at Notre Dame — ...

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Takeshi Inoue to face Jaime Munguia for WBO super welterweight belt

Takeshi Inoue will challenge Mexico’s Jaime Munguia for the WBO world super welterweight belt on Jan. 26, his gym said Wednesday.Inoue, ranked No. 3, will ...

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Lions slugger Hotaka Yamakawa signs new deal

Pacific League MVP Hotaka Yamakawa has signed a new contract with the Seibu Lions, the Saitama club said Wednesday.The 27-year-old first baseman, who led Nippon ...

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Uno sharp ahead of bid for first GP Final victory

Shoma Uno looked sharp in practice Tuesday as he warmed up in the suburbs of Vancouver ahead of the elite Grand Prix Final.Looking to win ...

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Official quits over ‘Garlic Girls’ scandal

A beleaguered South Korean curling official says he and his family will leave the sport for good as the government investigates their alleged abusive treatment ...

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Kei Nishikori has sights set on winning Grand Slam title

A career-threatening wrist injury left Japanese tennis’ top male player fighting the fear that he may never again find himself among the world’s best.But after ...

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Change in stable can revive wrestlers’ careers

Takakeisho, winner of this year’s Kyushu tournament, was pictured alongside his stablemaster on Nov. 26 holding up a large red sea bream and drinking sake ...

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Patric Hornqvist hat trick buries Avalanche

Patric Hornqvist’s natural hat trick in the third period powered the Pittsburgh Penguins past the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 on Tuesday night.The Avalanche had erased a ...

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Sixers guard Fultz out indefinitely with thoracic irritation

Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz is out indefinitely with thoracic outlet syndrome.Fultz visited with several specialists to figure out what’s ailing him. The Sixers said ...

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Veteran forward Joakim Noah signs with Grizzlies

Joakim Noah will to try revive his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies.Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace announced Tuesday that the team has signed the ...

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Redskins coach Jay Gruden says team ‘discussed’ Colin Kaepernick

The possibility of bringing in Colin Kaepernick for a tryout was “discussed” by the quarterback-needy Washington Redskins, according to coach Jay Gruden, who said Tuesday ...

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Deontay Wilder wants rematch ‘ASAP’ with Tyson Fury

WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder says he wants a rematch with Tyson Fury “ASAP.”Wilder said in a conference call Tuesday he’s “ready and willing to ...

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Shohei Ohtani admits to lack of confidence despite historic year in MLB

Shohei Ohtani could rightfully be brimming with confidence following a historic rookie season, but the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way talent said Tuesday he still feels ...

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Ohio State coach Urban Meyer retiring after Rose Bowl

Ohio State said Urban Meyer will retire after the Rose Bowl and assistant Ryan Day will be the next head coach.After seven years and a ...

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Carp validate one-year deal for former Mariners pitcher Casey Lawrence

The Hiroshima Carp have acquired former major league pitcher Casey Lawrence for next season, the Central League club said Tuesday.Lawrence, a right-hander, went 1-0 with ...

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Moved by Hanyu: A fan’s story of love for the skating legend

Two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu’s impact on the Japanese public during his career has been profound. This is irrefutable.One fact many Japanese skating fans may ...

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Fighters sign longtime Buffaloes pitcher Chihiro Kaneko

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters announced Tuesday they have reached a contract agreement with right-handed free agent pitcher Chihiro Kaneko, who sepnt 13 seasons with ...

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Former WBA middleweight champ Ryota Murata plans to continue fighting

Ryota Murata, who lost his WBA middleweight title in October, announced Tuesday that he will continue his career.After losing by unanimous decision to American Rob ...

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Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts finalize four-year contract extension

Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a four-year contract extension Monday that would keep him as manager through 2022.The 46-year-old skipper led ...

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Latest proposal has Tokyo 2020 marathon start set for 6 a.m.

Organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have decided to move up the start time of the men’s and women’s marathons from 7 a.m. to 6 ...

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Southampton dismisses manager Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes has been fired as manager of Southampton after just eight months in charge, the struggling Premier League club announced on Monday, despite an ...

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Struggling Bulls fire Fred Hoiberg, hand coahcing reins to Jim Boylen

The Chicago Bulls came into the season thinking they would start to climb in the wide-open Eastern Conference with a promising group of young players. ...

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IAAF hires former hurdler Jon Ridgeon as CEO

Former British hurdler Jon Ridgeon was on Monday unveiled as the new CEO of track and field’s governing body, the IAAF.Ridgeon, 51, competed in both ...

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Liverpool draws Wolverhampton in F.A. Cup third round

Liverpool was drawn away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in one of two all-English Premier League matchups in the draw for the third round of the F.A. ...

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Nikita Kucherov sparks Lightning in win over Devils

Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point like playing on the same line, and it’s a combination that’s working out well for the Tampa Bay Lightning, too.Kucherov ...

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Redskins lose another QB in loss to Eagles

Carson Wentz was at his best back on the move again.Wentz tossed two touchdown passes, Darren Sproles ran for a score and the Philadelphia Eagles ...

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Versatile Nikola Jokic directs Nuggets past Raptors

Nikola Jokic got his second triple-double of the season to help the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets overcome another key absence.Jokic capped a big night with three ...

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Mets get Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz from Mariners in seven-player trade

Aiming for an instant upgrade after two failing seasons, the New York Mets and their rookie general manager turned to a most familiar face.The Mets ...

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Akatsuki Five extend winning streak to six after downing Kazakhstan

Nick Fazekas has said he would welcome one of Japan teammates stepping into the limelight.But as usual, it was he who came through, becoming the ...

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Dragons acquire former major league lefty Enny Romero

The Chunichi Dragons announced Monday the acquisition of Dominican pitcher Enny Romero, who participated in last year’s World Baseball Classic.Romero, 27, signed a contract with ...

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Injury-plagued Kisenosato resumes training

Injury-plagued yokozuna Kisenosato, who has failed to start or complete nine of the past 10 tournaments, resumed training Monday for the first time since pulling ...

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Jonathan Quick gets 50th shutout in Kings’ 2-0 win over Hurricanes

Alec Martinez scored with 2:13 left, Jonathan Quick stopped 34 shots for his 50th career shutout and the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes ...

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Naomi Osaka joins field for Sydney International

World No. 1 Simona Halep and U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka will headline a strong field in the women’s draw of the Sydney International, organizers ...

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Samurai Blue’s young guns deliver for European clubs

Striker Takumi Minamino netted the winning goal in Salzburg’s 1-0 victory over Rheindorf Altach at home on Sunday.Minamino scored his fourth league goal of the ...

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IOC continues to review esports

Is there a future for esports in the Olympics?It’s a question some have begun to ask as competitive gaming continues to rise in popularity and ...

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Anthony Davis teases Hornets again in dominant performance for Pelicans

Six years later, Anthony Davis still haunts the Charlotte Hornets.Davis had 36 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists, and the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the ...

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Ryoyu Kobayashi leaps to third title of season

Ryoyu Kobayashi posted his third victory of the season, and of his career, at the ski jumping World Cup event on Sunday to take the ...

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Gunners on target in testy derby

Arsenal scored three goals in the second half to come from behind to beat Tottenham 4-2 in a dramatic north London derby on Sunday that ...

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Oklahoma earns final playoff spot

Faced with a tricky choice, the College Football Playoff selection committee fell back on some simple criteria: One loss is better than two. Winning a ...

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Struggling Cardinals upset Packers

The Green Bay Packers have fired coach Mike McCarthy and made offensive coordinator Joe Philbin the interim head coach.The move announced by team president Mark ...

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Lions post Yusei Kikuchi

The Seibu Lions have posted left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to the major leagues, the Pacific League champions announced Monday.Kikuchi, 27, applied to Nippon Professional Baseball, and ...

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Kobayashi follows up twin World Cup wins with third place in Russia

Japanese ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi finished third in Saturday’s FIS World Cup event, one week after racking up his first two victories on the circuit.The ...

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Legendary Samurai Blue goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi plays final game

Former Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi brought down the curtain on his professional career Sunday in the final game of the season for third-division SC Sagamihara.Kawaguchi, ...

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Akatsuki Five ready for key battle against Kazakhstan

The Akatsuki Five were once in a miserable situation, with their chances of earning a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics seemingly fading away.Nine months ...

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Kento Momota wins men’s singles at national championship

World No. 1 Kento Momota won his second badminton national championship on Sunday, beating Kenta Nishimoto in the men’s singles final.Momota, the reigning world champion, ...

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Verblitz down Wild Knights, Kobe ease past Ricoh to reach semis

Toyota Verblitz and Kobe Kobelco Steelers are set to meet in the Japan Rugby Top League semifinals following two contrasting quarterfinals on Sunday.Clinton Swart scored ...

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Bremen’s Yuya Osako nets third league goal

Japan international Yuya Osako scored his third goal of the season on Saturday in Werder Bremen’s 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich.The 28-year-old striker headed the ...

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Yuma Hattori ends Japanese drought in Fukuoka

Yuma Hattori became the first Japanese runner in 14 years to win the Fukuoka International Marathon on Sunday.The 25-year-old held off Ethiopia’s Yemane Tsegay and ...

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Verdy to face Jubilo for place in J1 after beating Yokohama FC

Tokyo Verdy will face Jubilo Iwata for a place in the J. League first division after beating J2 playoff opponents Yokohama FC 1-0 with a ...

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Pistons spoil Stephen Curry’s return to court

Golden State got Stephen Curry back on Saturday night.Even that wasn’t enough for the Warriors against Detroit’s Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. Griffin scored 26 ...

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Yudai Baba aims for greatness under father’s watch

Toyama City Gymnasium belonged to local star Yudai Baba on Friday night.But there was no bragging from either himself or his father, Toshiharu. Baba was ...

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United overcomes slow start for tie against Southampton

It seemingly takes a sleepy start to a game to jolt Manchester United’s players into action these days.Their latest stirring comeback came at Southampton on ...

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Deontay Wilder keeps heavyweight title after draw with Tyson Fury

Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury fought to a split draw Saturday night, with Wilder retaining his WBC heavyweight title after knocking down his British challenger ...

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No. 1 Gonzaga rallies past Creighton

Gonzaga’s Zach Norvell Jr. got off to a slow start against Creighton for the second year in a row. Like last year, he finished with ...

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Jalen Hurts comes off bench to lead No. 1 Alabama over No. 4 Georgia in SEC title game

Jalen Hurts spent most of the season watching from the sideline, cheering on the guy who took his job and hoping for one more chance ...

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Utsunomiya to host 2019 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final

Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, has been chosen to host next year’s FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final, basketball’s global governing body announced on Friday.The event is scheduled ...

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Japan coach Julio Lamas says team won’t take Kazakhstan lightly

One night after its crushing victory over Qatar in the second round of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the Akatsuki Five have no intention ...

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Etsuko Tada claims WBO women’s minimumweight title with unanimous decision over Kayoko Ebata

Etsuko Tada defeated Kayoko Ebata on Saturday to win the WBO women’s minimumweight world championship.The 37-year-old Tada overcame a knockdown to win a unanimous decision ...

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Rockets fire on all cylinders in lopsided victory over Spurs

The Houston Rockets are starting to feel whole, and they demonstrated that by taking apart the San Antonio Spurs.Clint Capela had 27 points and 12 ...

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Jubilo face relegation playoff after loss to Frontale on own goal in 94th minute

Jubilo Iwata will face a playoff to remain in the first division after a 94th-minute own goal by captain Kentaro Oi gave Kawasaki Frontale a ...

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Suntory, Yamaha move on to Top League semifinals

Suntory Sungoliath will play Yamaha Jubilo for a spot in the Japan Rugby Top League final after both sides won hard-fought quarterfinals on Saturday.Suntory held ...

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Ex-Barcelona striker David Villa announces move to Vissel Kobe

Former Spain and Barcelona striker David Villa announced Saturday that he has signed with Vissel Kobe, joining his former teammate Andres Iniesta.Villa tweeted a video ...

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Sara Takanashi finishes third in first World Cup event of season

Sara Takanashi opened the World Cup season on Friday with a third-place finish in the women’s normal hill, coming in behind first-time winner Juliane Seyfarth ...

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Brian Agler resigns as coach of Los Angeles Sparks

Brian Agler is ready for a new challenge.The longtime WNBA coach resigned as coach of the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday after four years with ...

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Cardiff climbs out of relegation zone

Cardiff coach Neil Warnock will spend his 70th birthday a happy man after his squad climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with a ...

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Pacers guard Victor Oladipo sidelined with sore knee

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo will be out indefinitely as he tries to recover from a sore right knee.Oladipo already has missed six straight games ...

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Reds decline new offer for Billy Hamilton

Speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton became a free agent when the Cincinnati Reds failed to offer a 2019 contract by Friday’s deadline.Hamilton, 27, hit .236 with ...

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IOC leader Thomas Bach speaks out on many issues

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the organization is still reviewing multiple proposals concerning the possibility of extreme heat during the 2020 Summer Games ...

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Capitals capture seventh straight victory

Tom Wilson got back on the score sheet and put himself back under the microscope that has become a part of his existence in the ...

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Beat Feuz wins World Cup downhill

Swiss racer Beat Feuz has no doubt why he wound up on top — the downhill race was moved from the top.Given the weather conditions, ...

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Chiefs cut star Kareem Hunt after video of assault surfaces

The Kansas City Chiefs released running back Kareem Hunt on Friday night after video surfaced that showed the NFL’s reigning rushing champion knocking over and ...

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Japan dominates second half in rout of Qatar

The Akatsuki Five received a tough challenge from Qatar early but wound up posting a 85-47 victory in a FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier at ...

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Tomoya Mori, Ko Shimozura recipients of Sky Perfect Dramatic Sayonara of the Year Award

Tomoya Mori sent the fans at Seibu Dome into hysterics with his sayonara double in April. Ko Shimozura did the same in July with a ...

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Bruins retire former star Rick Middleton’s No. 16

Rick Middleton raised his No. 16 to the TD Garden rafters Thursday night, nearly three decades after playing his final game with the Boston Bruins.Middleton, ...

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CL MVP Yoshihiro Maru set for free agent move to Giants

Central League MVP Yoshihiro Maru has decided to exercise his domestic free agent option and sign with the Yomiuri Giants, sources said Friday.The biggest name ...

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Takaaki Nakagami impresses during Jerez MotoGP testing

Takaaki Nakagami had MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez in his slipstream when posting the quickest lap at testing for next season on Thursday.Fresh from competing ...

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Copa Libertadores final second leg moved to Madrid

CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing body, on Thursday confirmed that the twice-postponed Copa Libertadores final second leg between Argentine rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors ...

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George Foreman reflects on bouts in Japan, interactions

Second in a seriesWhen he was presumably closer to retirement home age than prime-time sports figure, George Foreman produced one of the most stunning feats ...

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BayStars star Tsutsugo eyes future in major leagues

Yokohama BayStars left fielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo informed his team Friday that he intends to pursue a career in the major leagues.Tsutsugo, 27, will be eligible ...

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Lightning stop Sabres’ 10-game win streak

The Buffalo Sabres came up just short of a history-making run.Cedric Paquette broke a tie with 5:41 left and the Tampa Bay Lightning ended the ...

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Ex-Buffalo QB Jim Kelly OK after cancer-related surgery on jaw

The wife of Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly said her husband has undergone what is hoped to be his last cancer-related surgery.On ...

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Defense carries Cowboys past Saints

Dak Prescott desperately scrambled for a first down in a game of fourth-quarter keepaway, then took three knees starting from the New Orleans 1 to ...

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Kevin Durant’s 51 not enough for Warriors in loss to Raptors

Not even a dominant Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors could slow down the red-hot Toronto Raptors.Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 37 points, Pascal ...

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Arsenal, Chelsea post big victories in Europa League

Londoners Chelsea and Arsenal both enjoyed high-scoring Europa League wins on Thursday as Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers were left with work to do on ...

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IOC chief Thomas Bach heaps praise on suspended Sheikh Ahmad

Sheikh Ahmad al Fahad al Sabah, who has stepped away temporarily from the presidency of an Olympic umbrella group to fight a criminal court case ...

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Japan faces pivotal contest against Qatar in FIBA World Cup qualifier

Looking for a fifth straight victory in its upcoming match against Qatar in the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the ...

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Unbeaten Hiroto Kyoguchi eyes second world title in New Year’s Eve bout

Hiroto Kyoguchi, the WBA’s top-ranked contender, will fight super light flyweight champion Hekkie Budler of South Africa on New Year’s Eve in Macau, Kyoguchi’s Watanabe ...

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Makoto Hasebe voted AFC’s top Asian international player

Former Japan captain Makoto Hasebe was named Asian International Player of the Year on Wednesday at the Asian Football Confederation Annual Awards in Muscat.Hasebe, currently ...

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Japan making the top eight at 2019 Rugby World Cup will be no easy task

Japan coach Jamie Joseph said earlier this week that his team’s “Rugby World Cup final would be making the top eight.”But for a side hoping ...

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Shuto Ando’s role growing for Nagoya in third season

Don’t discount the impact that Shuto Ando is making for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins this season.The evidence is in the numbers. The backcourt dynamo has ...

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Athletics announce plans for waterfront ballpark to open in 2023

Dave Kaval can look out his office window and immediately envision a new privately funded ballpark he plans to get built, and it now feels ...

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