Shimane snaps 21-game losing streak

The streak is over.The Shimane Susanoo Magic dominated the fourth quarter en route to a convincing 94-75 victory over the Nishinomiya Storks on Saturday night. ...

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Koji Uehara delights Giants fans in season debut after nine years in MLB

Koji Uehara returned to Japan in a flurry of energy, splitters and high-fives.If anyone was expecting the 42-year-old pitcher to dial anything back — no ...

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Buffaloes rookie Daiki Tajima triumphs in first start

Orix rookie Daiki Tajima impressed in his pro debut as he pitched the Buffaloes to an 8-4 win over the reigning Pacific League champion Fukuoka ...

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Marinos score early, hold off S-Pulse on road

Yokohama F. Marinos moved into the top half of the J. League table Saturday with a 1-0 win on the road against Shimizu S-Pulse.In one ...

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Ray Wilkins in coma after heart attack

Former England captain and Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan midfielder Ray Wilkins was fighting for his life on Friday following a heart attack with ...

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Isner, Zverev reach Miami Open final

John Isner most prestigious title of his 14-year career by beating a weary Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) in Friday’s Miami Open semifinals.Dominating ...

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Notre Dame edges UConn in semis

Notre Dame’s Arike Ogunbowale hit a jumper with 1 second left in overtime for a 91-89 win over UConn on Friday in the NCAA Women’s ...

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Uehara slips to 4th at ANA Inspiration

Ayako Uehara shot a 1-under 71 to fall back to fourth place Friday after the second round of the ANA Inspiration, the first of the ...

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Paul Millsap leads Nuggets past Thunder in OT

Denver coach Michael Malone said before the game that Paul Millsap was improving, but it wouldn’t be fair to expect the veteran forward to be ...

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Yankees star Masahiro Tanaka handcuffs Blue Jays

The bottom of the New York Yankees’ deep lineup delivered on an empty night for sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.Brandon Drury had two hits ...

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Knights near division title

Jonathan Marchessault’s goal 22 seconds into overtime lifted the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues, inching the playoff-bound expansion ...

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Mark Rypien details battle with depression

Former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien said he has attempted suicide, hired prostitutes and suffers from persistent depression. Now, he’s wondering if he sustained brain ...

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LeBron breaks Jordan’s double-digit scoring mark

LeBron James accepted the game ball and raised it high over his head for everyone to see — the perfect pose.With the crowd standing and ...

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Tigers hurler Randy Messenger silences Giants in season-opening triumph

Whoever wins the Sawamura Award this year might want to do whatever it takes to avoid Randy Messenger and the Hanshin Tigers on Opening Day ...

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Junya Ito’s two-goal effort carries Reysol past Vissel

Junya Ito’s second-half brace helped Kashiwa Reysol end a two-game losing skid in the J. League with a 2-1 home victory over Vissel Kobe.After a ...

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Alvark flourish on offense in series-opening win over Brave Thunders

The Alvark Tokyo outplayed the Kawasaki Brave Thunders in Friday’s series opener, and it all started with an impressive offensive performance.The Alvark sank 26 of ...

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Shohei Ohtani singles in first MLB at-bat

Shohei Ohtani got off to a perfect start at the plate.The two-way newcomer from Japan quickly put aside a rugged spring training, hitting a single ...

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Bruins knock Lightning out of first place

The Boston Bruins appear to be quite ready for the playoffs.And the Tampa Bay Lightning are slumping at the wrong time of the season. The ...

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Sloane Stephens rallies past Victoria Azarenka to book spot in Miami Open final

Sloane Stephens has a simple approach to her game these days.“Keep fighting,” she said. That was Stephens’ mantra when her U.S. Open championship last year ...

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LaMarcus Aldridge leads way as Spurs down Thunder

Needing a win to strengthen their playoff hopes, the Spurs turned to the only things they have been able to rely on this season.Defense and ...

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Sixers center Joel Embiid needs eye surgery to repair orbital fracture

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid will need surgery on an orbital fracture of his left eye and he has a concussion.There was no timetable ...

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Milan, Turin to present joint bid for 2026 Games

Milan and Turin are to present a joint bid for the 2016 Winter Olympics, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said on Thursday.CONI sent a letter ...

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Virginia’s Tony Bennett wins AP coach of the year award

Virginia coach Tony Bennett isn’t going to waver from his foundation, whether it’s the philosophy that built the Cavaliers into a contender or the big-picture ...

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Ayako Uehara starts strong at ANA Inspiration

Ayako Uehara shot a 6-under-par 66 Thursday to claim a share of second place after the first round of the ANA Inspiration, the first of ...

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Blue Jays place shortstop Troy Tulowitzki on 60-day DL with bone spurs

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been put on the 60-day disabled list, retroactive to March 28, because of bone spurs on the heels ...

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Lamar Jackson bolsters case as QB during workout

Lamar Jackson’s determined look as he threw the football left no question about his NFL intentions.Quarterback is the only position he will play in the ...

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Longtime MLB slugger Rusty Staub dies at 73

The New York Mets have announced that former slugger Rusty Staub has died at 73.The team said in a statement he died Thursday after an ...

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With new name and mission, Japan Sport Association seeks greater public participation in sports

The Japan Sports Association is modifying its organizational name beginning with the start of the new fiscal year on Sunday.Well, in English, the change is ...

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Report: Giants want two first-round picks for star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

If any NFL team wants to trade for Odell Beckham Jr., it’ll have to pony up at least two first-round picks, according to ESPN’s Adam ...

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B. League in need of draft shake-up

Every new sports league encounters challenges related to its competitive structure.For the B. League, nearing the end of its second season, the biggest challenge is ...

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Carp loook to remain on throne as Central League rivals prepare to mount challenge

The following is the second of a two-part NPB preview concluding with the 2018 Central League.In order of predicted finish: Hiroshima Toyo Carp Last season: ...

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Yoshihisa Hirano finding how his pieces fit in major league puzzle

As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepared to break camp this week, Yoshihisa Hirano’s role with his new club is not yet clear.The former closer of the ...

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Olympic bronze medalist Ryunosuke Haga undergoes surgery on left shoulder

Ryunosuke Haga, a bronze medalist in judo at the Rio Olympics, underwent surgery last week on a dislocated joint in his left shoulder, the All ...

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Momoka Muraoka reflects on historic performance at Pyeongchang Paralympics

Momoka Muraoka, who won five medals at the recent Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics, was all smiles during her post-Paralympic news conference at the Japan National Press ...

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Hawks look set to maintain stranglehold over Pacific League rivals

The following is the first of a two-part NPB preview beginning with the 2018 Pacific League.In order of predicted finish: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Last season: ...

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Angels’ Ohtani scheduled to make MLB debut as pitcher on Sunday

Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his major league pitching debut Sunday when he starts for the Los Angeles Angels in their fourth ...

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Quiet man Kakuryu on top after long struggle

Kakuryu won his fourth championship last Sunday. It was the yokozuna’s first Emperor’s Cup in eight tournaments and the relief on his face was visible ...

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Heat defense stifles LeBron, Cavs

Dwyane Wade is completely convinced LeBron James is still the best basketball player in the world.And the Miami Heat accepted the challenge of slowing him ...

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Ski jumper Sara Takanashi vows to extend World Cup wins record

Ski jumper Sara Takanashi said Tuesday she aims to extend her record number of World Cup victories as she returned to Japan after winning the ...

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Wakaba Higuchi seizes on defining moment at worlds

“Man looks in the abyss, there’s nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out ...

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Yankees first baseman Greg Bird needs ankle surgery again

Oft-injured New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird will need surgery on his ailing right ankle and could be sidelined for nearly two months.The Yankees ...

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ESPN playing it for laughs with list

It’s beyond comprehension how ESPN The Magazine could omit Michael Phelps from its new list dubbed the “Dominant 20” athletes of the past 20 years.The ...

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Tubby Smith to become High Point hoop coach: source

Tubby Smit has agreed to take over as head men’s basketball coach at High Point, said a person familiar with the situation. Smith played for ...

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Ex-MLB slugger Albert Belle arrested on DUI charge

Former Cleveland Indians All-Star outfielder Albert Belle was arrested on charges of indecent exposure and extreme driving under the influence outside a soccer stadium in ...

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Former world champ Shinsuke Yamanaka retires

Shinsuke Yamanaka, who successfully defended his WBC bantamweight crown in 12 consecutive fights spoke on Monday about his career and his decision to retire.“There is ...

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Rams, veteran Ndamukong Suh finalize one-year deal

Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, joining All-Pro Aaron Donald on a potentially fearsome defensive ...

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Shohei Ohtani gets hit in first game at Dodger Stadium

Shohei Ohtani brought his hyped bat to the bright lights of Los Angeles, one step closer to the real thing for the Angels’ two-way experiment.Ohtani ...

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Vegas clinches playoff spot in first season

The Vegas Golden Knights chose to celebrate a monumental moment for the franchise by thinking back to how its inaugural season began — hoping the ...

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Patriots owner Robert Kraft discounts any discord in organization

Every marriage has its ups and downs. So New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft urges everyone not to read too much into any reported discord ...

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Hall of Fame mentor Mel Rosen passes away at 90

Mel Rosen, a former Auburn and Olympic track and field coach, has died.An Auburn spokesman said Rosen died Sunday at an Auburn nursing home with ...

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San Francisco Giants bring Dusty Baker back as special adviser

One of the organization’s most popular managers, Dusty Baker, is rejoining the San Francisco Giants nearly 16 years after his difficult departure.The 68-year-old Baker, who ...

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Slugger Wladimir Balentien alters focus going into new season

Wladimir Balentien switched things up a little this spring.While the Tokyo Yakult Swallows star still got in his swings in the batter’s box, he spent ...

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No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz plays in first game for 76ers since October

Markelle Fultz heard 20,000 fans chanting “Fultz! Fultz! Fultz!” and for a fleeting moment he thought they were serenading Philly’s most popular athlete.“I thought they ...

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Fighters choose Kitahiroshima for new ballpark site

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters will build their proposed new stadium in Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido, the Pacific League ballclub said Monday.The team, based in the capital ...

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Seibu ace Kikuchi refuses to rest on laurels

Yusei Kikuchi has put last year behind him. All the wins, the career numbers and accolades, firmly in the rearview mirror. His brush with the ...

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Jets beat Predators to earn postseason berth

Captain Blake Wheeler wasn’t certain at the beginning of the season if his Winnipeg Jets would contend for a playoff spot. Now he has his ...

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Munenori Kawasaki released by Hawks, likely to retire

Popular former major league infielder Munenori Kawasaki has been released by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and is likely to retire, sources close the matter said ...

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Relieved Kakuryu revels in spring triumph

Yokozuna Kakuryu said Monday he is relieved he was able to claim a long-awaited fourth championship despite suffering from a right-hand injury he sustained two ...

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Del Potro cruises past Nishikori

Kei Nishikori was defeated by Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets on Sunday and was forced to make a third-round exit at the ...

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Takanashi wins season’s last meet

Sara Takanashi ended the women’s ski jumping season on a winning note Sunday when she claimed her second straight World Cup victory and 55th of ...

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Kansas edges Duke in OT to advance to Final Four

Kansas is going back to the Final Four.It’s hard to argue Duke shouldn’t be headed there as well after the most riveting show of the ...

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Akito Watabe finishes Nordic combined World Cup championship season in style

Akito Watabe overcame a 9-second deficit to win the season’s final Nordic combined World Cup race on Sunday.It was the eighth win of the season ...

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Brave Thunders pull away late to sink Brex

The final quarter, especially the final four-plus minutes, produced the defining story line of Sunday’s Tochigi Brex-Kawasaki Brave Thunders series finale.Kawasaki heated up on offense. ...

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‘Hard-bitten’ marathon runner Yuki Kawauchi recognized by Guinness World Records

Marathon runner Yuki Kawauchi received a certificate from Guinness World Records in his hometown on Sunday recognizing him for completing the highest number of marathons ...

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Takayasu rains on Kakuryu’s Spring Basho victory parade

Ozeki Takayasu may have finished without a title, but he finished the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in style with a win over yokozuna Kakuryu on ...

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Fine Needle edges Takamatsunomiya Kinen on photo finish

Fine Needle earned his first Grade 1 win Sunday after a photo finish confirmed victory in the 48th running of the Takamatsunomiya Kinen.Let’s Go Donki ...

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Kenta Maeda ready for fresh start with Dodgers

This spring has been a homecoming for pitcher Kenta Maeda, who will be back in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation after spending time as a ...

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Ben Simmons goes for triple-double as Sixers tame Timberwolves

After his 10th triple-double, Ben Simmons was asked if he’s done enough to lock up NBA Rookie of the Year award.“I think so,” he said. ...

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Sebastian Vettel holds off Lewis Hamilton to win Australian GP

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel captured his third Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, holding off his hard-charging Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic start to ...

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Qualifier Kokkinakis stuns No. 1 Federer at Miami Open

Roger Federer lost his second consecutive match and the No. 1 ranking Saturday.Big-serving Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, a qualifier ranked 175th, rallied to upset Federer 3-6, ...

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Michigan edges Florida St. to reach Final Four

Moe Wagner climbed the ladder, snipped the final strand and whipped the net around his head while thousands of Michigan’s West Coast fans roared.The Wolverines ...

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NBA stars Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving sidelined with knee injuries

The NBA playoffs start in three weeks. Whether Boston’s Kyrie Irving and Golden State’s Stephen Curry will be ready when the postseason starts seems doubtful, ...

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Cricket Australia to probe ball-tampering scandal

Cricket fans hoping for a swift resolution to the Australian test team’s ball-tampering scandal won’t get it.Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said an investigative ...

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Avs beat Golden Knights in shootout

The game had a postseason intensity. So Gabriel Landeskog of course brought out his best shot — even if he might’ve had his eyes closed ...

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Shoma Uno places second at world championships as Nathan Chen captures men’s title

American quad-jumping prodigy Nathan Chen claimed men’s gold in the World Figure Skating Championships on Saturday.The 18-year-old from Salt Lake City took his first world ...

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Nagoya’s Takaya Sasayama makes huge difference on defense in triumph over Osaka

Takaya Sasayama’s fast hands and quick feet produced big results on Saturday afternoon.The Nagoya Diamond Dolphins star led all players with six steals — no ...

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Kakuryu clinches fourth career title

Yokozuna Kakuryu clinched his fourth career championship on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.The 32-year-old Mongolian defeated ozeki and local favorite ...

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Kyle Connor lifts Jets in overtime over Ducks

Kyle Connor scored with 1:44 to go in overtime to help the Winnipeg Jets break the franchise record for points in a season with a ...

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Villanova returns to Elite Eight

Villanova’s 3-point party rolled past the intense pressure of West Virginia to bring the Wildcats to the doorstep of another Final Four two seasons after ...

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Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner sidelined after line drive shatters bone on left hand

For the second consecutive season, the San Francisco Giants will be without injured ace Madison Bumgarner for a while.Bumgarner broke a bone in his pitching ...

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Svitolina eliminates Osaka at Miami Open

Naomi Osaka’s bid for the “Sunshine Double” of Indian Wells and Miami Open titles ended with a straight-sets loss to Elina Svitolina on Friday.Osaka came ...

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Chiefs crush winless Sunwolves

The Sunwolves failed to pick up their first win of the Super Rugby season on Saturday in a 61-10 thrashing by New Zealand’s Chiefs.The Sunwolves ...

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Hideki Matsuyama eliminated in Dell Technologies Match Play

Hideki Matsuyama was eliminated from the Dell Technologies Match Play on Friday after losing his final round-robin pairing 4 and 3 to Patrick Cantlay of ...

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LaMarcus Aldridge drops career-high 45 on Jazz

NBASpurs 124 Jazz 120 LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs outlasted Utah rookie Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz.Aldridge had a career-high 45 points, helping ...

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Queen Elizabeth II to launch London Marathon from Windsor Castle

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II will be the official starter for this year’s London Marathon for the first time in the event’s history, organizers announced on ...

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Former NPB infielder Shogo Kimura joins national cricket team

Former pro baseball infielder Shogo Kimura was named Friday to the 20-man national cricket team for the 2018 season.The 37-year-old Kimura took up cricket this ...

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Usain Bolt delights fans by scoring a goal in Borussia Dortmund training session

Usain Bolt trained again with Borussia Dortmund and this time scored a header in front of more than 1,000 spectators.The 31-year-old retired sprint great took ...

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Stablemaster Takanohana seeks fresh start with Japan Sumo Association

Stablemaster Takanohana said Friday he is willing to withdraw his complaint against the Japan Sumo Association and start from scratch.The former yokozuna had submitted a ...

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Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed to square off in Dell TechnologiesMatch Play

Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed improved to 2-0 in the Dell Technologies Match Play and now face off to see who advances to the weekend.On ...

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All Blacks legend Conrad Smith to retire after season

All Blacks legend Conrad Smith has confirmed he will hang up his boots at the end of the season after three seasons with Top 14 ...

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Kakuryu steamrolls Kaisei to close in on clinching title

Yokozuna Kakuryu inched toward his fourth career championship on Friday, the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.Kakuryu (12-1) defeated No. 6 maegashira Kaisei, ...

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Florida State bounces Gonzaga to reach Elite 8

Terance Mann grabbed the basketball with both hands and screamed, relishing his turn to be the high-scoring hero while Florida State steadily pulled away from ...

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Kohei Uchimura struggles in return from ankle injury

Two-time Olympic all-around gold medalist Kohei Uchimura capped off a disappointing showing Thursday at the FIG Artistic Individual Apparatus World Cup by failing to qualify ...

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Kemba Walker scores 46 as Hornets throttle Grizzlies by 61 points

Kemba Walker was surprised to learn his Charlotte Hornets had just recorded the sixth-largest win in NBA history.“That’s not something you see every day,” Walker ...

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Nishioka tops De Minaur in Miami Open first round

Yoshihito Nishioka advanced to the second round of the Miami Open with a straight sets victory Thursday over Alex De Minaur of Australia.Nishioka, ranked 374th, ...

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Nathan Chen leads at worlds as Shoma Uno struggles

American quad-jumping sensation Nathan Chen surged to the lead after the men’s short program as Shoma Uno struggled in fifth at the world championships on ...

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Kings star Anze Kopitar burns Avalanche with four-goal night

Anze Kopitar was asked over and over about scoring four goals. All he wanted to do was talk about earning two points. That’s the No. ...

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Former NHL standout Eddie Olczyk says he’s cancer-free

Former NHL forward and coach Eddie Olczyk is cancer-free after months of treatment.The 51-year-old Olczyk made the announcement during the first intermission of Thursday night’s ...

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Bumgarner, S.F. Giants look for turnaround

Madison Bumgarner learned a tough lesson and he’s ready for a do-over. San Francisco’s ace is as motivated as ever after the embarrassment of a ...

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Ex-Argentina striker Rene Houseman dies at 64

Rene Houseman, a striker who won the 1978 World Cup with Argentina, died after fighting tongue cancer for the past year. He was 64.The Argentine ...

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Jason Pierre-Paul traded by Giants to Buccaneers

Sending two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to Tampa Bay for two draft picks gives the New York Giants much-needed salary cap space for ...

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NeoPhoenix star Robert Dozier provides leadership, confidence for club

With power forward Robert Dozier in the lineup, the San-en NeoPhoenix are a more complete team. A more balanced team. A more dangerous team.Dozier improves ...

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Tochinoshin hands Kakuryu first defeat at Spring Basho

Yokozuna Kakuryu suffered his first loss on Thursday, the 12th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, where he remained in the lead.Facing Georgian sekiwake ...

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Gareth Southgate faces difficult decisions to select England lineup for World Cup

As the countdown to Russia 2018 begins, England head coach Gareth Southgate does not so much have a selection headache as a full-blown migraine. The ...

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Sprinters Yoshihide Kiryu, Justin Gatlin set to square off in 100 meters at Golden Grand Prix Osaka

Sprinter Yoshihide Kiryu, and men’s 100-meter world champion Justin Gatlin are set to compete in the 100 at the Golden Grand Prix Osaka, the Japan ...

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Midfielder Ryota Morioka could get opportunity in friendly against Mali

With playmakers Shinji Kagawa and Hiroshi Kiyotake sidelined due to injuries, Japan manager Vahid Halilhodzic may call upon Belgium-based midfielder Ryota Morioka to provide attacking ...

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Sunwolves overhaul starting lineup for match against Chiefs

Sunwolves coach Jamie Joseph once again wielded the ax Thursday despite his team putting in one of its best ever performances last week in Johannesburg.Joseph’s ...

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Hideki Matsuyama beats Yusaku Miyazato in group stage at Dell Match Play

World No. 6 Hideki Matsuyama’s bogey-free effort earned him a win over compatriot Yusaku Miyazato on Wednesday in the group stage of the Dell Technologies ...

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Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby gets 700th career assist in victory over Canadiens

Sidney Crosby doesn’t really have an explanation for how he does what he does. He just does it.So if you’re looking for clarity on how ...

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Charlotte’s Dwight Howard becomes only eighth player in NBA history with 30-point, 30-rebound game

One of Dwight Howard’s close friends wasn’t too enthused with the center’s effort at halftime. So, he sent him a text message to let him ...

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Naomi Osaka overpowers ‘favorite player’ Serena Williams in Miami Open first round

Naomi Osaka followed her first career title by knocking former world No. 1 Serena Williams out of the Miami Open in straight sets Wednesday.Fresh from ...

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Cubs starter Yu Darvish tames Rangers in six sharp innings

Yu Darvish looked as if he would stumble on the mound, yet still managed to unleash a pitch that struck out Drew Robinson of the ...

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Carolina Kostner takes lead at world championships; Satoko Miyahara sits in third place

Satoko Miyahara overcame an early mistake to sit in third place in after the women’s short program at the World Figure Skating Championships on Wednesday.Miyahara, ...

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Elite defense enables Michigan to win ugly in NCAA Tournament

When Jordan Poole’s long 3-pointer dropped through the net for Michigan, a whole lot of unsightly shooting beforehand was forgotten.It’s been that kind of season ...

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Yokozuna Kakuryu takes down Ichinojo to maintain perfect record

Unbeaten yokozuna Kakuryu is primed to win his fourth makuuchi division championship after capturing an 11th straight victory with a massive effort Wednesday at the ...

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Rockets snap Blazers’ 13-game winning streak

James Harden says he’s constantly working on his step-back 3-pointer. It paid off against Portland.Harden scored 42 points, including a pair of 3s down the ...

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Halilhodzic leaves door open as World Cup draws closer

Japan’s squad for this summer’s World Cup appears to be taking shape, but don’t bet against manager Vahid Halilhodzic ripping up the blueprint before he ...

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Lightning rally to beat Maple Leafs

Alex Killorn and the Tampa Bay Lightning pulled off a rare comeback to knock off their division rival.Killorn broke a tie with 10:46 left in ...

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Rui Hachimura making splash in second year with Gonzaga

It has been two seasons since Rui Hachimura took his talents to Spokane, Washington, and this year, the Gonzaga University forward began showing some of ...

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2019 Rugby World Cup organizers predict ¥437 billion in economic benefits to Japan

The local organizing committee for the 2019 Rugby World Cup said Tuesday the event will likely deliver an economic impact of ¥437.2 billion ($4.11 billion) ...

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Cristiano Ronaldo insists self-belief is key to success

Cristiano Ronaldo says the key to his staggering success is believing nobody is better than he is — and he advised his Portuguese teammates to ...

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Heat score 149 in 2OT victory

They broke the stat system. That’s how good Miami and Denver were — even modern technology couldn’t keep up with the Heat and Nuggets.For 48 ...

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Kakuryu alone at top as Kaisei suffers first defeat

Yokozuna Kakuryu maintained his perfect record and took sole command of the lead on Tuesday, the 10th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.The yokozuna ...

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Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict appeals four-game suspension

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is appealing a four-game suspension from the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances, the third straight season that ...

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Dodger Stadium adding Kirk Gibson seat to commemorate epic 1988 World Series homer

The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay tribute to one of baseball’s most celebrated home runs by introducing a “Kirk Gibson seat” at Dodger Stadium.The seat ...

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Pyeongchang medalists discuss games

Sit skier Momoka Muraoka now realizes that she has become the athlete to beat after earning five medals at the Pyeongchang Paralympics, which wrapped up ...

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Memphis set to hand reins to Penny Hardaway

A person familiar with the situation said the University of Memphis will announce Penny Hardaway as its men’s basketball coach Tuesday.The person spoke to The ...

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Dwane Casey has Raptors looking like the real thing

The Toronto Raptors through the 2016-17 season had been one of the best teams in the NBA the previous four years, averaging 51 wins, top ...

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Uno aims for first senior world title in Milan

Olympic silver medalist Shoma Uno and four-time national champion Satoko Miyahara will lead Japan’s team at the world championships this week in Milan. With two-time ...

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Naomi Osaka to face Serena Williams in first round at Miami Open

It has never happened before: an opening-round match pitting a player who just won her first title against a 23-time Grand Slam champion.Naomi Osaka, a ...

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Defender Gotoku Sakai called up for upcoming friendlies in Belgium

Hamburg SV defender Gotoku Sakai has been added to the Japan squad for the upcoming friendlies to be held in Belgium, the Japan Football Association ...

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Yankees-Red Sox series in the works for London next year

MLBNEW YORKAP Major League Baseball is working to finalize a two-game series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at London’s Olympic Stadium ...

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Predators continue hot streak behind Pekka Rinne, blank Sabres

Predators stalwart Pekka Rinne briefly stopped to marvel when informed of the elite NHL goaltending company he joined in becoming a three-time 40-game winner — ...

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Kakuryu survives mighty scare to keep Spring Basho tied at top

Yokozuna Kakuryu’s awkward win kept him atop the standings with Brazilian maegashira Kaisei on Monday, the ninth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.The yokozuna ...

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Japan to face Romania in 2019 Rugby World Cup opener

Spain’s surprise 18-10 defeat at the hands of Belgium in the Rugby Europe Championship on Sunday allowed Romania to qualify for the 2019 World Cup, ...

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Thunder end Raptors’ winning streak at 11

Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan praised his team’s poise following a hard-fought road win over the streaking Raptors.Toronto, meanwhile, found it harder to stay calm ...

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Nevada stages epic comeback to upend Cincinnati

Nevada’s Jordan Caroline sat in the Wolf Pack’s locker room and shouted the three words that were being repeated in households across the country.“What just ...

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Naomi Osaka savors first pro tennis title

Naomi Osaka had just won the first title of her career and was waiting to be introduced for her post-match comments.The 20-year-old had prepared, knowing ...

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Brandon Laird confident Fighters can compete in 2018

Brandon Laird rounded third base wearing a big smile on Saturday afternoon at Jingu Stadium. As he headed for home, Laird held out his left ...

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SeaHorses beat Sunrockers for 12th straight win

The SeaHorses Mikawa opened the season with a road loss to the defending champion Tochigi Brex in late September.Then they rattled off a team-record 16 ...

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Kakuryu, Kaisei stay perfect at Spring Basho

Yokozuna Kakuryu and No. 6 maegashira Kaisei each won on Sunday to remain unbeaten and in the lead on the eighth day of the Spring ...

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Tuukka Rask leads Bruins’ shutout of Lightning

Tuukka Rask and the stubborn Boston Bruins stymied the Tampa Bay Lightning — and got even closer in the standings.Rask stopped 23 shots to hand ...

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S-Pulse hold on to claim draw with Vegalta

Shimizu S-Pulse fended off a persistent attack by visiting Vegalta Sendai for a 1-1 draw in the J. League first division on Sunday.Shimizu midfielder Shota ...

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NPB stars look to build momentum in spring

While most baseball fans know spring numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, some players make it hard to remember at times. Because ...

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Grizzlies snap 19-game skid with victory over Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets did something no NBA team has done in almost seven weeks — lost to the Memphis Grizzlies.Dillon Brooks scored 24 points, Tyreke ...

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Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga edge Ohio State to reach Sweet 16

Zach Norvell Jr. pulled up for 3-pointers, drove fearlessly to the rim and bulled his way into the trees to snare rebounds.A spectator during Gonzaga’s ...

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Momoka Muraoka claims silver on final day as Japan wraps up strong showing in Paralympics

Competition wrapped at the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics on Sunday, closing out 10 days marked by strong performances by the younger members of Team Japan.With 10 ...

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Sunwolves come up just short of improbable upset of Lions

The Sunwolves may have once again tasted Super Rugby defeat on Saturday but the manner in which they played in their 40-38 loss to the ...

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Ireland beats England to secure Grand Slam

To pull off a Grand Slam in Six Nations rugby, planning, talent and commitment takes you only so far.“You need some luck,” Ireland coach Joe ...

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Shohei Ohtani working diligently to get up to speed on MLB level

Now that slugging pitcher Shohei Ohtani has reached the promised land, it’s time for him to make good on his promise — although the day ...

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Brex make pivotal plays in closing seconds to beat Jets

The defending champion Tochigi Brex didn’t have the same swagger and chemistry when the season began.But they have made steady progress over the past few ...

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Marcel Hirscher ties pair of legends with 13th World Cup win in a single season

Marcel Hirscher took the season closing giant slalom on Saturday to equal the record of 13 wins in a single campaign.The 29-year-old Austrian entered a ...

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Evander Kane nets four goals for Sharks

Evander Kane scored four goals to lead the San Jose Sharks past the Calgary Flames 7-4 on Friday.Tomas Hertl had a goal and an assist ...

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Kakuryu, Kaisei improve to 7-0 at Spring Basho

Yokozuna Kakuryu survived a scare to remain unbeaten and tied for the lead on Saturday, the seventh day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.After a ...

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Hideki Matsuyama falls nine strokes off pace at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Hideki Matsuyama carded an even-par 72 in the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Friday, sliding down the leaderboard into a tie for ...

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Naomi Osaka routs world No. 1 Simona Halep to make BNP Paribas Open final

Naomi Osaka booked her place in the BNP Paribas Open final in emphatic fashion Friday night, powering past world No. 1 Simona Halep 6-3, 6-0 ...

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Shohei Ohtani gets shelled by Rockies

Shohei Ohtani was rocked for seven runs over 1⅓ innings in his second major league spring training start for the Los Angeles Angels, allowing long ...

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Ravens sign veteran receive Michael Crabtree to three-year deal

The Baltimore Ravens’ unyielding effort to land a big-play receiver finally paid off Friday when nine-year veteran Michael Crabtree signed a three-year contract.Hours after disclosing ...

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Video review OK’d for World Cup

FIFA has finally and fully approved video review to help referees at the World Cup.The last step toward giving match officials high-tech help in Russia ...

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Yoshihiro Nitta wins cross-country 10-km classical gold medal

Yoshihiro Nitta won gold in the standing cross-country 10-km classical skiing on Saturday at the Winter Paralympics.Nitta crossed the finish line at Alpensia Biathlon Centre ...

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Ed ‘The Glider’ Charles, third baseman of 1969 World Series champion Mets, passes away at 84

Ed Charles, the third baseman known as “The Glider” who helped lead the Miracle Mets to the 1969 World Series title with his veteran guidance ...

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Raptors top Mavs for 11th straight

The Toronto Raptors are on top of the Eastern Conference and learning how to deal with the view.DeMar DeRozan made the game-winning basket in overtime ...

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UMBC pulls off historic upset by beating No. 1 Virginia

Jairus Lyles couldn’t suppress a smile, knowing that a school known more for chess than hoops had finally made it happen — a 16 ousting ...

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Minami Itahashi collects two bronze medals at FINA Diving World Series event

Minami Itahashi earned a pair of bronze medals on Friday, the second day of a FINA Diving World Series event.Itahashi took third in the women’s ...

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Brave Thunders run past Lakestars

The Kawasaki Brave Thunders had more points through three quarters than the visiting Shiga Lakestars accumulated in Friday’s game.Not a good sign for the Lakestars. ...

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Kakuryu whips former ozeki to stay tied for top spot with Kaisei

Yokozuna Kakuryu remained on top of the heap on Friday, the sixth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, with a solid win over former ...

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MLB warns Yankees’ Aaron Judge about tampering rules

Major League Baseball has told New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge his comments attempting to recruit Baltimore shortstop Manny Machado violate the sport’s tampering rules, ...

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Gurimu Narita captures men’s snowboarding gold medal at Pyeongchang Paralympics

Gurimu Narita won gold Friday in men’s snowboarding banked slalom at the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics.The Osaka native claimed his second medal at these games after ...

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Capitals thrash struggling Islanders

T.J. Oshie scored twice, Dmitry Orlov and Nicklas Backstrom each had a goal and two assists, and the first-place Washington Capitals beat the struggling New ...

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Vikings give quarterback Kirk Cousins a welcome party, $84 million contract

The leverage of free agency in his prime brought Kirk Cousins the market-setting contract with Minnesota.Now the Vikings have their latest franchise quarterback to try ...

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Norway’s Lena Schroeder fulfills dream by competing at Winter Paralympics

Not only does Norway’s Lena Schroeder care very little about being the only female among the 135 ice hockey players at the Pyeongchang Winter Games, ...

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Gonzaga escapes upset against UNC Greensboro in opening round of NCAA Tournament

Zach Norvell Jr. watched Gonzaga’s greatest moments play out from the sideline last year.This year, the redshirt freshman will be part of the highlight reel. ...

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Rockets wrap up Southwest Division title

There was no celebrating in Houston’s locker room on Thursday night after the Rockets clinched the Southwest Division title.“It’s good, but not this year. We ...

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Tom Benson, owner of Saints and Pelicans, dies at 90

Tom Benson, a successful auto dealer and longtime owner of the New Orleans Saints who brought the franchise its only winning seasons and the “Benson ...

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Roger Federer, Venus Williams cruise into BNP Paribas Open semifinals

Roger Federer defeated Hyeon Chung 7-5, 6-1 to reach the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday night and equal his career-best start of ...

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Hideki Matsuyama returns to competition and cards 2-under 70 at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Hideki Matsuyama was six shots off the pace Thursday following the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.Sweden’s Henrik Stenson led the way with an ...

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Sunwolves coach Jamie Joseph shuffles lineup for match against Lions

Sunwolves coach Jamie Joseph named his team Thursday for this weekend’s Super Rugby clash with the Lions at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airlines Park.Scrumhalf Yutaka Nagare returns ...

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Kakuryu makes most of second opportunity against Takarafuji

Yokozuna Kakuryu survived a scare Thursday to remain undefeated on the fifth day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.Pushed to the edge of the ...

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Halilhodzic reveals roster for upcoming friendlies

National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic on Thursday warned World Cup qualifying heroes Takuma Asano and Yosuke Ideguchi to force their way onto their club teams ...

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Determination inspires Momoka Muraoka in gold-medal quest

After winning two bronze and a silver, Alpine sit skier Momoka Muraoka’s determination pushed her to win the best-colored medal at the Pyeongchang Winter ParalympicsAt ...

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Japan Golf Association offers national team coaching position to Ai Miyazato for 2020 Olympics

Former world No. 1 Ai Miyazato has been offered a position as national women’s team coach for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Japan Golf Association executive ...

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Naomi Osaka upsets No. 5 seed Karolina Pliskova to reach BNP Paribas Open semifinals

Naomi Osaka kept her fine run at the BNP Paribas Open alive on Wednesday, beating fifth seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic in straight ...

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Syracuse, Texas Southern advance with First Four victories

Freshman Oshae Brissett had his 13th double-double while leading Syracuse’s second-half comeback, and the Orange — the last team to make the NCAA Tournament — ...

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Bradley Beal leads Wizards past Celtics in double overtime

The Washington Wizards came back from a big deficit to force one overtime, then outlasted the Boston Celtics in the second OT.Bradley Beal scored 34 ...

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Lionel Messi notches 100th Champions League goal

Lionel Messi joined Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League’s 100-goal club after scoring twice to lead Barcelona past Chelsea and into the Champions League quarterfinals ...

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Devils pounce on Golden Knights

The New Jersey Devils are fighting for their playoff lives.And they’re certainly playing like it. Blake Coleman scored twice, Michael Grabner and Nico Hischier each ...

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FC Tokyo’s Takefusa Kubo, 16, becomes youngest player to score goal in league cup

Takefusa Kubo’s 76th-minute strike lifted FC Tokyo to a 1-0 home win over Albirex Niigata in the Levain Cup on Wednesday.Kubo, born in June 2001, ...

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Alvark guard Seiya Ando developing into a star

When Seiya Ando left the Akita Northern Happinets last summer to join the Alvark Tokyo for the 2017-18 campaign, it was an intriguing move to ...

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Yuzuru Hanyu to participate in talk session at ice show in Tokyo

Reigning Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu will make a much-anticipated appearance before fans at an ice show in Tokyo next month, event organizers said Thursday.Hanyu, who ...

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Kenyu Sugimoto strikes late to help Cerezo salvage point in Asian Champions League contest

Kenyu Sugimoto’s 88th-minute equalizer salvaged a 2-2 Asian Champions League draw for Cerezo Osaka against Thailand’s Buriram United on Wednesday.Tightly marked for most of the ...

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Kakuryu bulldozes Arawashi on fourth day of basho

Despite lingering pain in his right fingers, yokozuna Kakuryu fought like he was in top form Wednesday to remain unbeaten on the fourth day of ...

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Russell Westbrook notches 100th triple-double in win

Welcome to the club, Russell Westbrook.Not bad company. Not bad at all.Westbrook became the fourth player in NBA history to record 100 triple-doubles and sparked ...

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Hanshin, Seibu swap pitchers in first NPB trade of 2018

The Hanshin Tigers and Seibu Lions announced Wednesday they have swapped left-hander Daiki Enokida and right-hander Yosuke Okamoto in Nippon Professional Baseball’s first trade of ...

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Chernobyl victim captures gold at Paralympics

An American skier who suffered birth defects due to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and spent her early life in orphanages said she was “on cloud ...

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Bruins catch fire late to erase three-goal deficit in victory

The Boston Bruins trailed 4-1 with 10 minutes to go and were down to four healthy defensemen. It was an adverse set of circumstances, to ...

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St. Bonaventure stuns UCLA for first NCAA Tournament win since 1970

The basketball was still high in the air — flung to start the celebration — when the buzzer sounded and the Bonnies’ long-awaited March celebration ...

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Momoka Muraoka claims Japan’s first gold of Pyeongchang Paralympics

Sit skier Momoka Muraoka raced to Japan’s first gold medal of the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics on Wednesday in the women’s Alpine skiing giant slalom.Muraoka finished ...

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Kawasaki Frontale fall to Melbourne Victory in Asian Champions League

Kosta Barbarouses’ 90th-minute strike earned three points for Melbourne Victory in Tuesday’s 1-0 Asian Champions League Group F win over Kawasaki Frontale, while the Kashima ...

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Greek prosecutor to probe armed PAOK Thessaloniki owner Ivan Savvidis

A Thessaloniki prosecutor ordered a judicial investigation Tuesday after the gun-toting owner of PAOK Thessaloniki marched onto the field following a disputed goal in a ...

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Para-skiing legend Brian McKeever and guide Graham Nishikawa share Japanese roots

In cross-country skiing for visually impaired athletes, trusting the sighted guide and being in sync with the person who sends navigational commands makes all the ...

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Evgenia Medvedeva pulls out of world championships

Olympic figure skating silver medalist Evgenia Medvedeva has withdrawn from the world championships later this month, ending the prospect of another showdown for gold with ...

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Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher suspended for spitting at 14-year-old girl

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was suspended as a soccer analyst by the Sky television network on Monday after being filmed spitting in the direction ...

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Kakuryu stays tied for lead with victory over Tamawashi

Yokozuna Kakuryu picked up another victory on Tuesday to remain undefeated on the third day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.Kakuryu (3-0) got the ...

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Back to work: Astros refuse to rest on laurels after team’s first World Series crown

Over the last four decades, there has been only one repeat World Series champion — the New York Yankees, who three-peated from 1998-2000.A post-title hangover, ...

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Mako Yamashita’s bronze at world juniors impressive

Lost in the glare of Alexandra Trusova’s phenomenal performance in landing two quadruple jumps on the way to victory at the world junior championships in ...

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Bronze in super combined gives Momoka Muraoka third medal at Paralympics

Sit skier Momoka Muraoka won her third medal of the Pyeongchang Paralympics on Tuesday, taking third in women’s Alpine skiing super combined.The 21-year-old Muraoka finished ...

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Tiger Woods, Ernie Els to serve as Presidents Cup captains again

Tiger Woods and Ernie Els will duel in the Presidents Cup again, this time as captains.Woods and Els have agreed to be captains for the ...

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Senior leader Joe Berry II hoping Tar Heels are repeat champs

Joel Berry II is ready to take any big shot North Carolina needs in his final NCAA Tournament.The senior was last year’s most outstanding player ...

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Alex Ovechkin joins 600-goal club

Everyone around Alex Ovechkin had a hunch this was his night.His wife, Nastya, had flown back from Moscow just in time. Coach Barry Trotz noticed ...

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David Silva bags two goals as Manchester City inches closer to title

David Silva underlined his importance to Manchester City’s impending title success with both goals on Monday in the 2-0 Premier League win over Stoke City.The ...

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Dennis Rodman receives three years’ probation for DUI arrest

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman was sentenced to three years’ probation after pleading guilty to two misdemeanors stemming from a January DUI arrest in California.Rodman ...

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Struggling Southampton fires manager Mauricio Pellegrino

Southampton fired manager Mauricio Pellegrino on Monday in a bid to stop the team sliding out of the English Premier League.The south-coast club decided to ...

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Venus posts straight-sets win over Serena at Indian Wells

Venus Williams defeated younger sister Serena 6-3, 6-4 in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Monday night, her first win in the ...

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Grizzlies dealt 18th straight defeat

Brandon Jennings feels a sense of urgency in trying to prove he belongs back in the NBA after signing a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee ...

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Kakuryu holds firm to pick up second win of Spring Basho

Yokozuna Kakuryu survived a scare Monday to remain undefeated on the second day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.Kakuryu (2-0), who suffered an injury ...

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Gurimu Narita captures snowboarding bronze at Paralympics

Gurimu Narita won the bronze medal in the men’s snowboard cross at the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics on Monday, while fellow Japanese Daichi Oguri and Atsushi ...

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Arsenal cruises past Watford as Petr Cech records 200th clean sheet in Premier League

Few goalkeepers get the man-of-the-match award when their team wins 3-0. Petr Cech did just that on Sunday in Arsenal’s victory over Watford as he ...

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College sports reformers stay positive despite setbacks

Implementing change is often a painful procedure.That is apparently the case for the leaders working to revamp the landscape of college sports in Japan. It ...

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Virginia gets top billing for tourney

From the top seed in the NCAA Tournament — Virginia — to those that barely made it into the bracket — Arizona State and Syracuse ...

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Young Lakers impress LeBron during victory over Cavaliers

If this game was a Hollywood audition, the young Los Angeles Lakers certainly did well enough to impress budding entertainment mogul LeBron James.The Lakers will ...

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Yuta Toyokawa scores hat trick for Eupen in Belgian League

A hat-trick from striker Yuta Toyokawa spearheaded struggling Belgian first-division side Eupen to a much-needed 4-0 win Sunday in its relegation battle with Royal Excel ...

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Tiger Woods comes up short as Paul Casey wins Valspar Championship

Right when Paul Casey felt he was a winner in the Valspar Championship, he looked up at the TV and saw a scene that was ...

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Alvark steady ship with series sweep of Sunrockers

The Alvark Tokyo got back on track with a pair of hard-earned victories over the weekend, ending their three-game losing streak on Saturday and completing ...

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Momoka Muraoka captures hearts and medals at Pyeongchang Paralympics

Alpine skier Momoka Muraoka wrote in her elementary school yearbook in fourth grade that her dream was to compete at the Paralympics.And now in Pyeongchang, ...

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Bellmare halt Grampus’ perfect start with scoreless draw

Shonan Bellmare snapped Nagoya Grampus’ perfect start to the J. League season on Sunday, when the two promoted clubs played to a 0-0 draw.With a ...

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Lone yokozuna Kakuryu makes strong start to Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Injured yokozuna Kakuryu bulled his way to victory on Sunday, the first day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.Kakuryu, whose participation at Edion Arena ...

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Serena, Venus win to set up third-round clash

Serena Williams and sister Venus each won at the BNP Paribas Open to set up a third-round clash in the desert tournament.Serena got by No. ...

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Win a free autographed copy of ‘Mao Asada: My Skating Life’

The Japan Times is offering several readers the chance to win an autographed copy of the recently released Japanese book “Mao Asada: My Skating Life.”Mao, ...

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Flyers steal Patrick Laine’s thunder in win over Jets

While the Philadelphia Flyers couldn’t prevent Patrik Laine from scoring his 40th goal, they were able to stop everyone else and end their slide.Claude Giroux ...

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Hanami Sekine moves closer to Olympic berth with Nagoya Women’s Marathon performance

Hanami Sekine took a step toward appearing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Sunday, when she led the Japanese runners at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, ...

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Tiger one shot back heading into final round

Tiger Woods chipped in from behind the ninth green and the roar was unmistakable, the tree-rattling variety that belongs to only one player in golf. ...

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Ireland clinches Six Nations title

The Grand Slam is on for Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day. Spicing it up a little more, Ireland go to Twickenham next weekend holding the ...

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Miho Takagi captures allround world title

Miho Takagi became the first Japanese woman to win the speedskating allround world championships after beating defending champion Ireen Wust in a thrilling 1,500-meter race ...

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Momoka Muraoka claims bronze in super-G for second medal of Paralympics

Momoka Muraoka got her second medal of the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics on Sunday when she took bronze in the Alpine skiing super-G sitting category.The 21-year-old ...

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Sharks make Sunwolves pay dearly for mistakes

The Sunwolves found out again Saturday that you cannot win a Super Rugby contest if you do not make your tackles and turn pressure into ...

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Hannaryz cruise past Lakestars for sixth straight victory

The Kyoto Hannaryz are playing inspired basketball, and it’s producing positive results.Coach Honoo Hamaguchi’s team extended its winning streak to six games by beating the ...

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Former synchronized swimmer Miho Takeda to be inducted into International Swimming Hall of Fame

Decorated synchronized swimmer Miho Takeda will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in May.The ISHOF, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will honor ...

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Yokozuna withdrawals open up field for Spring Basho

The Spring Grand Sumo Tournament begins Sunday with a unique window of opportunity for wrestlers to rise in the rankings.The spate of yokozuna injury withdrawals ...

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Facebook to air 25 MLB games

Facebook is getting deeper into the professional sports streaming game, partnering with Major League Baseball to air 25 weekday afternoon games in an exclusive deal.The ...

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Sagan keep Marinos winless

Sagan Tosu beat Yokohama F. Marinos 2-1 on Saturday to keep former Australia manager Ange Postecoglou waiting for his first J. League win.Cho Dong-geon put ...

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Seattle Seahawks release star cornerback Richard Sherman

The Seattle Seahawks cut ties on Friday with star cornerback Richard Sherman, who became one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks during his seven seasons with ...

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Miho Takagi surges ahead at world championships

Miho Takagi took a big lead over six-time champion Ireen Wust of the Netherlands after the first races of the three-day World Allround Speed Skating ...

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Sharapova, coach decide to split

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova has decided to split with her tennis coach Sven Groeneveld following her shock first-round exit from the BNP Paribas ...

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Flames skate past Senators

David Rittich was one save short of his first career shutout in Buffalo on Wednesday night. He came one penalty shot stop away from one ...

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Rockets fall to Raptors as winning streak ends at 17

After 17 consecutive wins, Houston star James Harden wasn’t going to let one little loss spoil his outlook.Kyle Lowry scored 30 points, DeMar DeRozan had ...

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Naomi Osaka whips Agnieszka Radwanska, advances to third round at BNP Paribas Open

Naomi Osaka beat former world No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3, 6-2 in a singles match Friday to advance to the third round at the BNP ...

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Mikaela Shiffrin claims World Cup title

American Mikaela Shiffrin won her second straight overall World Cup title on Friday, five races before the end of the season.The Olympic champion finished third ...

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Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics open as biggest in history

A Korean amputee performer beat a giant drum on a freezing, foggy Friday night to celebrate the opening of the largest Winter Paralympics in history.A ...

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Second-division powerhouse Northern Happinets overpower Orange Vikings for 15th straight victory

The B2 title-chasing Akita Northern Happinets collected their 15th consecutive victory on Friday night.Captain Shigeiro Taguchi and Wichita State alum Kadeem Coleby scored 21 points ...

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Allister Coetzee hired to lead Top League’s Canon Eagles

Allister Coetzee will take over as head coach of Canon Eagles, the Japan Top League side announced Friday.The 54-year-old South African ran Kobe Kobelco Steelers ...

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Ex-MLB closer Koji Uehara returns to Giants

Former major league pitcher Koji Uehara has returned to the Yomiuri Giants.The Central League team announced on Friday that it signed Uehara, but financial terms ...

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Atsushi Yamamoto steps off the field and onto the slopes

He is arguably Japan’s best-known disabled athlete, but some may be surprised to see Atsushi Yamamoto at the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics.Famous for Summer Paralympics track ...

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Durant steps up after Curry goes down with injury

Steve Kerr chuckled not about Stephen Curry’s latest ankle trouble but just how good the Golden State Warriors can be without their two-time MVP.“We still ...

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GW’s Yuta Watanabe injures ankle as team exits Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament

Jalen Johnson scored 18 points and No. 6 seed Saint Louis roared back from an 11-point halftime deficit to down 10th-seeded George Washington 70-63 in ...

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Predators extend win streak to 10

Austin Watson scored a short-handed goal late in the second period and the Predators beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 on Thursday night to extend their ...

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Serena Williams triumphs in first match in comeback

Serena Williams has won her first match in her comeback at the BNP Paribas Open after a 14-month layoff for the birth of her first ...

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Wenger putting off the inevitable

Yes, it was a big win. No, Arsenal was not expected to beat AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro in the Europa League.Yes, it saved ...

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Broncos approve trade of cornerback Aqib Talib to Rams

A person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos have agreed to trade star cornerback Aqib Talib to the ...

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Compatriots in MLB happy Ichiro playing on

Fellow Japanese major leaguers welcomed Wednesday’s news that Ichiro Suzuki would be returning to the Seattle Mariners and Major League Baseball for at least one ...

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Arsenal halts losing streak

Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first Arsenal goal as his new club rebounded from a run of four successive losses with a 2-0 win at AC ...

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Injured yokozuna Hakuho pulls out of Spring Basho

Yokozuna Hakuho decided Friday to withdraw from the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament starting Sunday to treat a toe injury, exiting his second straight meet because ...

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Sunwolves starting lineup features 11 changes for match against Sharks

Sunwolves coach Jamie Joseph made wholesale changes to his team Thursday ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby game against the Sharks in Durban, South Africa.The starting ...

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Thousands gather for funeral of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori

Thousands of people gathered in one of Florence’s main squares for the funeral of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori on Thursday.Some arrived at 7 a.m., three ...

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Man City suffers rare home defeat, reaches Champions League quarterfinals on aggregate

Manchester City advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals despite suffering its first home defeat in over a year, going through 5-2 on aggregate after a ...

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Nao Kodaira to skip last World Cup event of sea son

Nao Kodaira will miss the final speedskating World Cup of the season due to poor physical health, the Japan Skating Federation announced Thursday.The Pyeongchang Olympic ...

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Naomi Osaka tops Maria Sharapova in first-round clash at BNP Paribas Open

Maria Sharapova’s return to the BNP Paribas Open for the first time in three years ended in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Naomi Osaka on ...

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Japan looks to boost medal count as Paralympics commence

The Winter Olympics may have ended, but there is plenty more high-level competition to come in Pyeongchang, South Korea.The Winter Paralympics kick off on Friday, ...

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Rockets into orbit, win 17th straight

The Houston Rockets had trouble at times holding on to the ball and keeping up with the young Milwaukee Bucks.But as long as the Rockets ...

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NBA lookining to claims of sexual assault against Mavericks owner Mark Cuban

The NBA is reviewing 2011 allegations of sexual assault against Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and the investigation that led to a decision by prosecutors ...

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Canada downs Japan in teams’ Algarve Cup final

Japan drew a blank as it lost to fifth-ranked Canada in the teams’ final Algarve Cup match Wednesday, finishing sixth in the 12-team invitational women’s ...

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Track legend Johnson says sport needs new stars

Athletics has to be able to stand on its own two feet and not rely on personalities raising its profile in the post-Usain Bolt era, ...

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Yokozuna Kisenosato withdraws from Spring Basho

Kisenosato, one of three yokozuna in the latest banzuke rankings, will withdraw from the upcoming Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, his stablemaster Tagonoura said Thursday.Tagonoura said ...

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Pens down Flyers, retake first place

Sidney Crosby’s continued dominance of the Flyers helped the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins move back into first place.Conor Sheary scored two goals, Crosby ...

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Seahawks start purge, send Michael Bennett to Eagles

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is joining the Super Bowl champions, after Seattle agreed to trade Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday.The Seahawks will ...

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Source says Cowboys owner Jerry Jones agrees to pay NFL $2 million for legal fees

Jerry Jones has agreed to pay the NFL more than $2 million in legal fees resulting from two disputes the Dallas Cowboys owner had with ...

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Woody Durham, longtime voice of the Tar Heels, dies at 76

Woody Durham, the retired “Voice of the Tar Heels” who called North Carolina football and basketball games for four decades, died Wednesday. He was 76.Son ...

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Kawasaki star Nick Fazekas gives support to referees

Any meaningful discussion about the quality of a pro basketball league’s officiating ought to include prominent players.Which is why this reporter reached out to Kawasaki ...

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Injury-crippled Mariners bring back 44-year-old hitting legend Ichiro Suzuki

The Seattle Mariners are bringing back Ichiro Suzuki.Seattle finalized a one-year deal with 44-year-old Japanese star on Wednesday after several outfielders got hurt. Suzuki spent ...

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Reds rout Grampus in Levain Cup opener

Braces from Shinzo Koroki and teenage debutant Takuya Ogiwara propelled Urawa Reds to a 4-1 win over Nagoya Grampus in the opening round of the ...

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Antlers beat Sydney to remain unbeaten in Asian Champions League

Kashima Antlers remained unbeaten in their Asian Champions League campaign Wednesday night with a 2-0 away victory over Australian domestic competition leaders Sydney FC.In what ...

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Boxer Katsunari Takayama fighting to realize Olympic dream

Former four-organization world champion boxer Katsunari Takayama is trying to earn a chance to take a shot at another shiny reward.Except this time, it’s not ...

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Hanyu pulls out of worlds

Figure skating gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu will not compete in this month’s world championships in Italy due to injury, the Japan Skating Federation said Wednesday.Hanyu ...

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Surprise names fly out blocks with two wins

A good start can be a precious commodity in the J. League, and the three teams with perfect records after two games of the new ...

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Rockets beat Thunder to extend streak to 16

The Rockets are still rolling.Chris Paul scored 25 points, James Harden had 23 points and 11 assists, and Houston beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-112 ...

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Ross Taylor gives New Zealand thrilling win over England

A hobbling Ross Taylor scored an unbeaten 181 to guide New Zealand to a thrilling five-wicket victory over England on Wednesday at University Oval and ...

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Real Madrid punctures PSG’s Champions League dreams

Paris Saint-Germain’s dream of joining Europe’s elite with a Champions League trophy will have to wait another season, as Real Madrid delivered a brutal reality ...

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Yu Darvish throws two hitless innings in spring training debut for Cubs

If Yu Darvish was tipping his pitches in the World Series last year, he seems to have fixed it.Darvish threw two hitless innings in his ...

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Almost 900,000 applications received for 2019 Rugby World Cup tickets

Rugby’s international governing body said Tuesday it has received nearly 900,000 applications from fans in more than 100 countries for tickets to the 2019 World ...

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Junya Ito carries Reysol past Kitchee in Asian Champions League

Kashiwa Reysol defeated visiting Hong Kong side Kitchee 1-0 Tuesday night for the first win of their Asian Champions League campaign.Substitute forward Junya Ito broke ...

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Hokkaido hammers struggling Nishinomiya

The Nishinomiya Storks were reminded on Tuesday night that it’s nearly impossible to win when an opponent routinely makes more than seven out of every ...

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JBIC delivers blunt critique of Japan men’s basketball issues, demands talks with JBA

Observing the dismal results of their men’s national team in the ongoing FIBA World Cup qualifiers, former Olympic basketball players and coaches are deepening their ...

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IAAF CEO Olivier Gers stepping down over strategic clash

The IAAF on Monday announced that CEO Olivier Gers is resigning because of a clash over commercial strategy.Track’s governing body said Gers cited “the pre-existing ...

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Damian Lillard takes over in fourth quarter in Blazers’ victory over Lakers

When Damian Lillard starts knocking down shots, no deficit is insurmountable for the Portland Trail Blazers.Down 11 to the Los Angeles Lakers with 5:26 remaining? ...

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Japan women defeat Denmark at Algarve Cup to finish second in Group C

Ninth-ranked Japan finished second in its group in the Algarve Cup pool stage with a 2-0 win over Denmark on Monday.For Nadeshiko Japan, the victory ...

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Knicks owner James Dolan sues over Clippers’ arena plan

Billionaire Steve Ballmer’s plans to move the Los Angeles Clippers to a new home in Inglewood, California, has prompted a lawsuit by New York Knicks’ ...

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Candeloro feels Hanyu will skate 2-4 more years

The big extravaganza in Pyeongchang is over now and what a show it was. In every category, the skating performances were simply amazing.Yuzuru Hanyu and ...

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Late Fiorentina captain Davide Astori’s contract extended

Italian soccer club Fiorentina has extended the contract of its deceased captain Davide Astori, who was found dead in a team hotel room on Sunday.The ...

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George Washington senior Yuta Watanabe honored at team banquet

George Washington University senior guard Yuta Watanabe was recognized during the men’s basketball team’s annual awards banquet on Sunday.The Kagawa Prefecture native received the Patricio ...

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Naoya Inoue gets title shot against WBA bantamweight champ Jamie McDonnell

Naoya Inoue announced Tuesday that he will seek a title in his third weight class when he challenges WBA bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell of Britain ...

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Pens post another home win in OT

Mike Sullivan would love to point to a coaching tactic or some semblance of strategy that explains why the Pittsburgh Penguins are so good in ...

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Raiders release Aldon Smith after latest run-in with law

The Oakland Raiders released pass rusher Aldon Smith on Monday after his latest run-in with the law.The Raiders retained Smith’s contractual rights even as he ...

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Manchester United wins five-goal thriller over Crystal Palace

Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic volleyed a stunning added-time winner as it fought back from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park ...

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Report says Ichiro poised to return to Mariners

The Mariners and Ichiro Suzuki are close to finalizing a one-year deal for the franchise icon to return to Seattle, according to multiple reports Monday.USA ...

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Mariners, Ichiro near agreement on one-year deal

The Mariners and Ichiro Suzuki are close to finalizing a one-year deal for the franchise icon to return to Seattle, according to multiple reports Monday.USA ...

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Cerezo ready for steamy ACL showdown with Buriram

Cerezo Osaka ran through final preparations Monday on the eve of their Asian Champions League clash away to Thai side Buriram United.With hot and humid ...

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Hornets come up short against impressive Raptors

After three double-digit losses to Toronto, the Charlotte Hornets finally turned in a strong performance against the Raptors.Unfortunately, it still wasn’t enough to beat the ...

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Mickelson prevails in playoff to end four-year drought

The shot through a gap in the trees only he could see. The two birdies he had to have when time was running out.Phil Mickelson ...

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Former Lakers star Bryant wins Oscar for animated short

Kobe Bryant is a winner in retirement, too.The former Los Angeles Lakers star won an Oscar in the animated short category for “Dear Basketball,” a ...

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Veteran goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi still striving to improve in J3

Even though his prime is way behind him, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi is still protecting his goal with the same enthusiasm as ever.At age 42, the former ...

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Japan goalie Shinobu Fukushima set to take ice at Paralympics at 61

At age 61, Japanese para ice hockey goalie Shinobu Fukushima hopes to make good use of his long experience at the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games ...

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Predators continue tear with win over Avalanche

Nashville pulled off another comeback victory to remain the NHL’s hottest team.Filip Forsberg scored at 1:07 of overtime and the Predators matched the franchise record ...

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Samurai Japan beats Australia again to sweep two-game series

Japan defeated Australia in an international friendly for the second straight night on Sunday, as Takahiro Norimoto and five other pitchers shut out the visitors ...

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Roger Bannister, first runner to break the 4-minute mile, dies at 88

Roger Bannister, who as a lanky medical student at Oxford in 1954 electrified the sports world and lifted postwar England’s spirits when he became the ...

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Nick Fazekas heats up in second half to lead Brave Thunders past B-Corsairs

Anyone who forgot that Kawasaki Brave Thunders star Nick Fazekas was the B. League’s 2016-17 MVP was reminded of his scoring prowess in the second ...

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Roger Bannister, first person to run mile in under 4 minutes, dies

Roger Bannister, the first runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile, has died. He was 88.Bannister’s family said in a statement that he ...

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Ailing Nao Kodaira pulls out of speedskating worlds

Nao Kodaira missed her chance to defend her overall title at the World Sprint Speed Skating Championships on Sunday after she pulled out of her ...

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Fourteen-year-old Ai Mori wins lead climbing national championship

As a slender 14-year-old girl, Ai Mori can probably walk down the street without anyone thinking she is a top athlete.But the thing is, she ...

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Sanfrecce beat Urawa to pick up second straight win

Sanfrecce Hiroshima extended their winning start in the J. League by beating Urawa Reds 2-1 away on Sunday.Sho Inagaki scored the winner for Hiroshima in ...

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Macharia Ndirangu wins Lake Biwa Marathon; Shogo Nakamura leads Japanese in seventh

Shogo Nakamura led the Japanese runners in the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon on Sunday, finishing in seventh place behind winner Macharia Ndirangu of Kenya.Nakamura finished ...

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Capitals put on show at U.S. Naval Academy

T.J. Oshie found a moment of tranquility as he stared through the darkness and into the crowd at fans holding their cellphones up to light ...

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Rockets rally by Celtics late to run winning streak to 15

The Houston Rockets know people understand how good they are on offense.They hope games like this one showcase that they can play pretty good defense, ...

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Starstruck Sharma takes lead into final round in Mexico

Shubhankar Sharma stayed up in the middle of the night in India to watch golf at the highest level, usually the majors, and the best ...

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Deontay Wilder survives pummeling to retain title against Luis Ortiz

Deontay Wilder was out on his feet. Forget defending his WBC heavyweight title, Wilder was lucky to find his corner when the seventh round concluded.About ...

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Curling charms flying off shelves at shrine in Olympic bronze medalists’ hometown

Miniature curling stone charms have become a sold-out success at a shrine in the hometown of the Japanese women’s curling team which won bronze at ...

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Mohamed Salah helps Liverpool ease past Newcastle

Liverpool moved into second place in the Premier League as Egyptian international Mohamed Salah continued his remarkable scoring run in a 2-0 victory at home ...

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J.R. Smith keeps mum about Cavs’ ‘soup opera’

J.R. Smith’s soup choice remains unknown, and so do the ingredients that steamed him so much he threw a bowl of soup at assistant coach ...

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Samurai Japan beats Australia in exhibition

Japan opened its two-game series against Australia with a 2-0 victory Saturday night at Nagoya Dome, giving six pitchers a workout in the exhibition game.After ...

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Anderlecht’s Ryota Morioka scores for second game running

Japan midfielder Ryota Morioka scored in his second straight match Saturday to help Anderlecht beat Zulte-Waregem 3-2 for the Belgian first division side’s second win ...

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High-powered offense propels Jets past Sunrockers

Points came in a hurry for the home team at Funabashi Arena on Saturday, especially in the first and third quarters.The Chiba Jets Funabashi led ...

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Nao Kodaira establishes rink record in women’s 500 meters at world championships

Nao Kodaira set a rink record in her pet event Saturday despite battling a cold on the opening day of the World Sprint Speed Skating ...

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Michael Leitch disappointed by mistakes in Sunwolves debut, but sees positive steps in team’s development

Michael Leitch was happy to make his debut with the Sunwolves on Saturday, but it didn’t remove the frustration of the Super Rugby team’s 37-17 ...

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Xavier carries Grampus past Jubilo

Nagoya Grampus continued their impressive return to the J. League first division Saturday with a 1-0 win over visiting Jubilo Iwata.An eighth-minute goal from Brazilian ...

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Ikuma Horishima triumphs in men’s moguls at World Cup meet in Akita Prefecture

Ikuma Horishima defeated newly crowned Pyeongchang Olympic champion Mikael Kingsbury to win the men’s moguls Saturday at the Freestyle Skiing World Cup held at Lake ...

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Seahawks QB Russell Wilson fans in first at-bat with Yankees

Russell Wilson struck out in his first spring training at-bat with the New York Yankees.The Seattle Seahawks quarterback pinch hit for AL Rookie of the ...

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Rebels stick it to Sunwolves

The Sunwolves fell to their second defeat of the Super Rugby season on Saturday after collapsing early in the second half in a 37-17 loss ...

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Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist ties NHL mark with 50 saves in consecutive games

Henrik Lundqvist has put together a two-game stretch unlike any since goaltenders began wearing facemasks full-time.In fact, it’s possible that nobody in the NHL has ...

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Shohei Ohtani strikes out eight for Angels

Ohtani strikes out 8 for AngelsMLBShohei Ohtani struck out eight of the 12 batters he faced Friday for the Los Angeles Angels in a split-squad ...

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Nadeshiko tops Iceland at tourney

Japan rebounded from an opening-day loss to defeat Iceland 2-1 on Friday in their second Algarve Cup Group C match.Japan midfielder Rumi Utsugi converted a ...

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Shibutanis to skip worlds in Milan

Double Olympic bronze medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani have dropped out of the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships.Also passing on worlds in Milan, Italy, from ...

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Dolphins agree to acquire Rams pass-rush specialist Robert Quinn: source

The Miami Dolphins can’t wait to improve their pass rush.Miami agreed to acquire Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Robert Quinn for a mid-round draft pick, ...

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WBC suspends bantamweight Luis Nery

Luis Nery, who failed to make weight ahead of his WBC bantamweight title match against challenger Shinsuke Yamanaka earlier this week, was suspended indefinitely by ...

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Aly Raisman files suit against USOC, USA Gymnastics

Aly Raisman spent months urging the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics to get serious about taking a long hard look into how Larry Nassar’s ...

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Surging Raptors down Wizards

These days it doesn’t seem to matter who is on the floor for the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors.DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points, reserve CJ Miles ...

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Temma Matsuda nets first goal in top flight as Bellmare earn draw against Frontale

Temma Matsuda scored his first J. League first-division goal in Shonan Bellmare’s 1-1 draw against the defending champion Kawasaki Frontale on Friday.The 22-year-old scored the ...

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Hassan Martin ignites Golden Kings in fourth-quarter surge against Evessa

The Ryukyu Golden Kings relied on steady forward Hassan Martin in a big way down the stretch on Friday night.The impressive rookie scored all 12 ...

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Hideki Matsuyama to skip Valspar Championship

Hideki Matsuyama, who sustained a left thumb injury in February, will miss the Valspar Championship beginning March 8 in Florida, his management company said Friday.The ...

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Sunwolves focused on containing Rebels standouts Amanaki Lelei Mafi, Will Genia

The Sunwolves are under no illusions about what they must do Saturday to beat the Melbourne Rebels in their second game of the Super Rugby ...

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Veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon throwing strikes for Rangers at age 44

Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister remembers the first time he saw Bartolo Colon pitch was in Class A ball in 1995.“He was young and throwing ...

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Sixers put on show in win over LeBron, Cavs

First, the billboards. Now, the scoreboard.The Philadelphia 76ers are giving LeBron James an eyeful and even more to think about. J.J. Redick scored 22 points, ...

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Olympic champion Biles returns to U.S. gymnastics team

Simone Biles is back on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team.The Athlete Selection Committee at USA Gymnastics named Biles to the senior national team Thursday after ...

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Barcelona sends signed jersey to Florida student for heroism during school shooting

Barcelona says it has sent a signed team jersey to the student who was credited with saving the lives of at least 20 other students ...

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Neymar could be out for up to 3 months with toe injury

Neymar will have surgery on a fractured toe on his right foot and could be out for up to three months, an estimate that would ...

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David Krejci sparks Bruins in eight-goal outburst against Penguins

David Krejci and his new linemate have taken no time at all to find a rhythm.The Bruins center capitalized on his pairing with trade deadline ...

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Shinji Okazaki set to make return to pitch for Leicester City

Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki could return to the squad for Saturday’s English Premier League match against Bournemouth after shaking off a knee injury that ...

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Disgraced Luis Nery records second-round TKO against Shinsuke Yamanaka

The ex-world champ faced a harsh reality.Shinsuke Yamanaka fell to a disgraced Luis Nery in a second-round technical knockout loss at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan on ...

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Neymar arrives in Rio de Janeiro before foot surgery

Brazilian superstar Neymar arrived in Rio de Janeiro early Thursday ahead of an operation on his fractured foot that rules him out of Paris Saint-Germain’s ...

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Rangers’ John Gilmour nets winning goal in overtime against Canucks

After enduring a long losing streak, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist didn’t much care how the New York Rangers won a hockey game.Lundqvist made a season-high 50 ...

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Yuta Watanabe scores career-high 31 points as George Washington beats Fordham

Yuta Watanabe scored a career-high 31 points and George Washington beat Fordham 72-56 on Wednesday night.Watanabe was 11 of 17 from the field and hit ...

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USOC chief Scott Blackmun quits after sex abuse scandal

Scott Blackmun resigned as chief executive of the U.S. Olympic Committee on Wednesday, stepping aside so he can tackle his worsening bout with prostate cancer ...

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Can Japan’s women skaters catch up with Russians?

In the wake of Alina Zagitova and Evgenia Medvedeva winning the gold and silver medals in such dominating fashion at the Pyeongchang Games, many are ...

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Shimane hopes ex-NBA forward Al Thornton can boost woeful offense

With 12 consecutive losses, the Shimane Susanoo Magic have endured a difficult stretch in a season with few tangible positive results.Shimane has a 1-22 record ...

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Rockets beat Clippers for 14th straight win

The Houston Rockets really didn’t need an exclamation point to their dominating first quarter Wednesday night. James Harden provided one anyway.The Rockets had already blown ...

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