Nasa Hataoka one shot back after first round of HSBC Women’s World Championship

Nasa Hataoka carded a 3-under-par 69 on Thursday, sitting one stroke off the pace after the first round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship in ...

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Kazuki Himeno looks to follow example set by Japan captain Michael Leitch

With the 2019 Rugby World Cup set to kick off in less than seven months, members of the Japan squad went through their paces Thursday ...

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Collegiate hammer thrower suspended two years for doping

The Japan Anti-Doping Agency said Thursday it has suspended a Nihon University hammer thrower for two years after he tested positive for a banned substance.Following ...

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Hosting bids open for Tokyo 2020 table tennis qualification events

The International Table Tennis Federation announced Thursday it has opened the bidding process for cities to host two qualifying events next year for the 2020 ...

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Tokyo 2020 establishes smoke-free policy at all Olympic, Paralympic venues

Tokyo is still a smoker’s heaven. Despite tougher laws enacted last year, smokers can light up in some restaurants and bars. Tobacco advertising is allowed ...

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With ban lifted, Christian Loamanu hopes for return to Top League

Former Brave Blossoms wing Christian Loamanu is hoping for a shot at redemption and the opportunity to finish his rugby career in Japan. But he ...

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Sara Takanashi sixth in Seefeld as Maren Lundby wins first world title

Japan’s four-time World Cup overall champion Sara Takanashi finished sixth in the women’s ski jumping final won by Norway’s Olympic champion Maren Lundby at the ...

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Naomi Osaka brings in new coach Jermaine Jenkins to replace Sascha Bajin

World No. 1 Naomi Osaka announced on social media Thursday that Jermaine Jenkins, who was recently hired as the United States Tennis Association national coach ...

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Shohei Ohtani progressing toward DH comeback

Shohei Ohtani swung off a tee and tracked pitches in the bullpen at the Los Angeles Angels’ spring training camp Wednesday as the two-way star ...

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Liverpool, City win to set up duel for EPL title

The Premier League title race looks to be a duel between Liverpool and Manchester City after the top two collected contrasting home wins on Wednesday ...

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Kei Nishikori suffers shock loss in second round of Dubai Championships

Top seed Kei Nishikori crashed out in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday with a 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 loss to 77th-ranked ...

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Nadeshiko Japan draws with U.S. in thriller

A last-gasp strike from Yuka Momiki earned Japan a deserved 2-2 draw against the United States on Wednesday in the opening round of the four-nation ...

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Johnny Manziel released by Alouettes, barred from other CFL teams

Johnny Manziel’s time in the Canadian Football League is over.The CFL terminated the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner’s contract with the Montreal Alouettes on Wednesday. The ...

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Manchester City to face Marinos in friendly in Japan during July

Yokohama F Marinos will play English glamor club Manchester City in a friendly on July 27, the J. League first-division side said Wednesday.The match will ...

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‘King Kazu’ still driven by passion at age 52

A day after his 52nd birthday, former Japan striker Kazuyoshi Miura said Wednesday his “passion” for soccer was driving him to continue playing at a ...

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Hisashi Iwakuma throws in practice for first time since returning to Japan with Giants

Former major league pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma on Wednesday threw for the first time in practice since making his return to Japanese baseball with the Yomiuri ...

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Chinese table tennis apparatus lays down warning to coaches ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Chinese table tennis has gone on a war footing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, vowing to dock coaches their pay and demote them if they ...

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Koki Ikeda tops 20-km race walk in IAAF’s first global rankings

Koki Ikeda was named the first 20-km race walk world No. 1 when the International Association of Athletics Federations launched its new official rankings system ...

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Opening Series players to wear MGM patches

When Major League Baseball holds its opening series in Japan next month, some of the players will have an unusual look as patches on their ...

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Terutsuyoshi adds flair to makuuchi division

It’s late February, which means all 650 or so wrestlers of the Japan Sumo Association have decamped to Kansai and are deep in preparation for ...

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Teen prodigy Kubo growing up fast as Europe awaits

The roughly four-month countdown to the end of FC Tokyo midfielder Takefusa Kubo’s J. League career is ticking.When it hits zero, which will likely be ...

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Akatsuki Five journey from agony to ecstasy

The Akatsuki Five players were beaming on Sunday after they accomplished their feat, booking a ticket to this summer’s FIBA World Cup.But just one year ...

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Break dancers ready to unleash on Paris 2024

With the push for break dancing to be added to the 2024 Summer Olympics, the future looks bright for Japan and its already prominent group ...

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Japan lands sixth, Germany wins first women’s team world title

Japanese ski jumpers finished in a disappointing sixth place on Tuesday as Germany claimed the first-ever women’s team world title at the Nordic World Ski ...

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Cubs’ Darvish shakes off wildness, excited by spring debut

After dealing with various arm injuries and trying to adjust to a new team, Yu Darvish was pleased with his spring debut. Pumped, in fact.Darvish ...

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Sanfrecce youth midfielder Ohori set to join Portimonense

J. League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima announced Tuesday that 18-year-old youth team midfielder Ryonosuke Ohori is transferring to Portuguese first-division club Portimonense.Ohori, who has not played ...

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Tokyo 2020 organizers prepare backup day tickets for surfing

Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will sell alternative competition day tickets for surfing in case weather conditions force the rescheduling of the currently ...

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Masataka Taniguchi falls to Vic Saludar in WBO minimumweight title bid

Japanese challenger Masataka Taniguchi fell short in his bid for the World Boxing Organization minimumweight title on Tuesday, losing a unanimous decision to champion Vic ...

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Nishikori makes his way through ‘tricky’ Dubai debut

Top seed Kei Nishikori dispatched the “tricky” Benoit Paire 6-4, 6-3 on his debut at the Dubai Championships on Tuesday, while Marin Cilic was knocked ...

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Kashima Antlers to be without striker Yuma Suzuki for two months

Kashima Antlers’ star striker Yuma Suzuki will be out for roughly two more months after aggravating a right hamstring injury in training, the J. League ...

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Sumo wrestlers no longer allowed grow beard for “good luck”

Sumo’s governing body told wrestlers Tuesday they are no longer allowed to grow beards, which some competitors in Japan’s ancient sport believe will bring them ...

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Suns beat Heat to end 17-game losing streak

Devin Booker came into his final matchup against Dwyane Wade looking to be the next player on the list of those who have snared a ...

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Gonzaga reclaims No. 1 in AP Top 25; Wofford debuts at 24th

Gonzaga is back atop the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll.The Zags moved up a spot Monday to begin a second stint at No. ...

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Fukuroi ready to welcome fans for Rugby World Cup

When it comes to international sports, the cozy western Shizuoka Prefecture town of Fukuroi has already been there and done that.At this year’s Rugby World ...

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Dodgers reportedly back in pursuit of free agent Harper

Bryce Harper reportedly met with representatives of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday in Las Vegas as the drawn-out pursuit of baseball’s top free agent ...

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Japan shows skating power with 5 golds at Challenge Cup

The Japanese skating juggernaut rolled into The Hague last week for the Challenge Cup and left town on Monday with a total of five golds ...

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All eyes on Kikuchi in his spring debut for Mariners

Yusei Kikuchi felt the nerves Monday that would normally accompany taking the mound in front of tens of thousands of fans in a major ballpark, ...

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NFL updates stance on Robert Kraft as he faces prostitute-solicitation arrest warrant

An arrest warrant for Patriots owner Robert Kraft is expected Monday, which prompted the NFL to release an updated statement on the status of the ...

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Kasumigaseki offers tradition, expectation to Olympic golf

Golf returned to the Olympics three years ago in Rio de Janeiro after a 112-year absence. But few play golf in Brazil, which kicked up ...

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Sunwolves lose Craig Millar, Ed Quirk to injury for extended periods

The Sunwolves’ run of bad injury luck continued at the weekend with the news that cocaptain Craig Millar and Ed Quirk, one of their most ...

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Triumphant Akatsuki Five return after accomplishing World Cup mission

When Japan clinched a berth for the second round of FIBA World Cup qualifying last July in Taiwan, Nick Fazekas said that the Akatsuki Five ...

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Hisayoshi Harasawa wins over 100-kg title at Dusseldorf Grand Slam

Judoka Hisayoshi Harasawa clinched his first international crown in three years on Sunday when he won the men’s over 100-kg title on the final day ...

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Wrestlers prepare for crucial battles in Osaka

Yokozuna Hakuho emerged in pole position for his push for a 42nd career championship when the rankings for March’s Spring Grand Sumo Tournament were published ...

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Time has come for Japan to consider burden placed on young arms

Kosei Yoshida threw more pitches in six games during last summer’s National High School Baseball Championship than NPB hurlers did in any one month last ...

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City beats mutinous Chelsea in cup final

As Manchester City celebrated defending the League Cup, Chelsea was trying to clean up the fallout from a player mutiny on the Wembley field.In the ...

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Japan team captures bronze at Nordic World Ski Championships

Japan, anchored by overall World Cup leader Ryoyu Kobayashi, finished third in the men’s team competition on Sunday and claimed the country’s first medal of ...

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Nao Kodaira defends lead to capture world title

Nao Kodaira claimed the women’s overall title for the first time in two years at the ISU World Sprint Speed Skating Championships in Heereveen on ...

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Rika Kihira overtakes leader to win Challenge Cup; Wakaba Higuchi places third

Teenager Rika Kihira continued her unbeaten international run on Sunday when she came from behind to win the Challenge Cup in the Netherlands.The 16-year-old, who ...

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Japan routs Qatar to secure berth in basketball World Cup

Japan completed an amazing turnaround to qualify for the basketball World Cup on Sunday, with Nick Fazekas keying an eighth straight win that punched the ...

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Connecticut sprinters part of debate over transgender athletes

Andraya Yearwood hears the comments, usually from adults and usually not to her face.She shouldn’t be running, they say, not against girls. Yearwood, a 17-year-old ...

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Naomi Osaka will learn to deal with fame, says Kei Nishikori

Kei Nishikori is confident his Japanese compatriot Naomi Osaka will learn to cope with pressure as she deals with her new elite status in tennis.Nishikori, ...

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Hidetaka Miyachi wins high bar at Individual Apparatus World Cup event

Japan’s Hidetaka Miyachi won the high bar title Sunday at an artistic gymnastics Individual Apparatus World Cup event, which doubles as a qualifier for the ...

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Thai shooting prodigy aims for World Cup gold, Tokyo 2020 appearance

Thailand’s James Bond-loving ace sport shooter says he is unfazed by his older opponents as the high school prodigy sets his sights on World Cup ...

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Japan wins three more golds on second day of Dusseldorf Grand Slam

Olympic gold medalist Shohei Ono defeated countryman Masashi Ebinuma in the men’s 73-kg division final as Japan won three gold medals on Saturday, the second ...

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Belinda Bencic beats Petra Kvitova to win Dubai Championships

Unseeded Swiss player Belinda Bencic pulled off another upset to win her first WTA title in three-and-a-half years, beating Petra Kvitova 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 Saturday ...

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Wales outlasts England to emerge as final unbeaten team in Six Nations

Warren Gatland loves training camp. The Wales coach especially loves a good training camp.After two weeks on the road — and two opening wins — ...

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Ole Miss players kneel in response to Confederacy rally

Eight University of Mississippi basketball players knelt during the national anthem Saturday before a victory over Georgia in response to a Confederacy rally near the ...

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Flyers rally for wet win outdoors

Claude Giroux reigned again as Philadelphia’s captain in the clutch.Giroux’s shield provided little relief from the heavy rain that turned the ice into such a ...

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Hachimura, Norvell Jr. help power No. 2 Gonzaga to lopsided victory

Rui Hachimura had to think for a bit when asked how No. 2 Gonzaga was able to score with ease against BYU.Zach Norvell Jr. scored ...

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Sunwolves prove they belong in Super Rugby

Facing calls for the team to be cut from the competition, the Sunwolves and their Tokyo faithful showed once again Saturday that Super Rugby would ...

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Mauricio Pochettino loses cool after Tottenham lose to Burnley

After Tottenham lost vital ground in the Premier League title race, Mauricio Pochettino lost his temper as well.The Tottenham coach angrily squared up to referee ...

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Nationals ace Scherzer opposed to pitch clock

If three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer has his way, Major League Baseball’s pitch clock will die in the South Florida humidity.“I know as ...

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Nao Kodaira sprints to top of standings at worlds

Nao Kodaira won the first 500-meter race and finished fourth in the 1,000 to position herself at the top of the women’s standings at the ...

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Ryoyu Kobayashi places fourth at world championships

Ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi finished fourth in the men’s large hill individual event on the fourth day of action at the two-week FIS Nordic World ...

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Olympic champion Sofia Goggia wins first downhill of post-Vonn era

Olympic champion Sofia Goggia won the first World Cup downhill of the post-Lindsey Vonn era on Saturday.Goggia was rewarded with her first victory this season ...

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Frontale, Tokyo battle to draw

After winning two straight J. League first division championships, Kawasaki Frontale was favored by many to become just the second team in the league’s 26-year ...

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Waratahs hold off Sunwolves

The Sunwolves battled valiantly but ultimately suffered their second straight loss of the young Super Rugby season Saturday, defeated 31-30 by the New South Wales ...

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Dustin Johson leads Mexico Championship by two shots

Tiger Woods delivered the shot that had the gallery buzzing. Dustin Johnson produced the golf that left everyone chasing him.Johnson made it through another round ...

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Raptors beat DeRozan, Spurs

A crucial turnover brought a sour end to DeMar DeRozan’s first game back in Toronto.Kawhi Leonard stole the ball from DeRozan to score the go-ahead ...

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Ichiro singles in first spring training game

Ichiro Suzuki still felt the nerves of competition at age 45.Ihciro started what may be his final spring training with a two-run, two-out single in ...

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Padres could bring in more stars after signing Machado

Manny Machado pulled on a dark blue San Diego hat and slipped a crisp No. 13 Padres jersey over his broad shoulders.“It’s finally over,” Machado ...

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FIFA bans Chelsea from signing players for a year over violations

Just hours after Chelsea win in the Europa league earned its under-fire ex-banker coach Maurizio Sarri some breathing space, the club owned by Russian billionaire ...

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Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid suspended for check to head

Edmonton Oilers All-Star Connor McDavid has been suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of the New York Islanders’ Nick Leddy during ...

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Tatsumi Swimming Center to be converted to ice rink

Plans are being considered to convert Japan’s chief swimming venue, the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center, into a figure skating and ice arena after the ...

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Patriots owner Kraft charged with soliciting prostitute

Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, faces charges of soliciting a prostitute after he was twice videotaped in a sex act ...

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FIFA bans Chelsea from signing players in two transfer windows

Chelsea was banned by FIFA on Friday from signing players until the 2020 offseason transfer window for breaching rules covering youngsters.The Premier League club has ...

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Junior high-level tournament joins reform trend by introducing pitch limits

The Pony League’s national tournament for first-year junior high school students on Friday became the latest in Japan to move toward protecting children’s arms with ...

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Zion Williamson’s freak injury sends ripples through basketball, business worlds

Soon after Zion Williamson’s shoe ripped apart, Nike’s stock price took a hit.The freak injury during one of the college basketball season’s marquee games immediately ...

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Sunwolves looking for marked improvement against Waratahs

The Sunwolves face the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday knowing they will need a marked improvement from their opening-round performance if they are to ...

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Tired Mikaela Shiffrin takes break from World Cup stage

The only sure way to beat Mikaela Shiffrin these days is to have her not show up.And that’s about to be the case. A worn ...

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Padres announce Manny Machado’s $300 million deal

The Padres are getting closer to getting Manny Machado in uniform and on the field.San Diego announced its $300 million, 10-year contract with the All-Star ...

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Chelsea, Arsenal advance in Europa League

Chelsea shook off its recent troubles and easily advanced in the Europa League with a 3-0 second leg victory over 10-man Malmo on Thursday, a ...

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Durant leads Warriors by Kings

Fresh off his MVP performance in the All-Star Game, Kevin Durant made certain the Golden State Warriors got off on the right foot for their ...

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Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim strikes, kills pedestrian on highway

Longtime Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim struck and killed a man along an interstate late Wednesday night as he tried to avoid hitting the man’s ...

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NBA, union move forward with talks to end ‘one-and-done’ rule: source

The NBA and its players are continuing to move forward on plans to eliminate the “one-and-done” rule in college basketball, something that the sides have ...

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Kucherov reaches 100 points

Nikita Kucherov is keeping exceptional company in the NHL record book — the kind of crowd that could fill out a wing at the Hall ...

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Makoto Hiejima, Nick Fazekas bring Japan to brink of World Cup berth

A hot-shooting 24-point, six-assist game from Makoto Hiejima pushed Japan past Iran and to the brink of World Cup qualification on Thursday.Hiejima came up big ...

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Hachimura powers No. 2 Zags in victory

Rui Hachimura scored 23 points as No. 2 Gonzaga beat Pepperdine 92-64 on Thursday night, keeping the door open to a possible No. 1 ranking ...

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McIlroy opens with 63 as Tiger struggles in Mexico

Rory McIlroy flirted with a hole-in-one on the same par 4 where Tiger Woods hit out-of-bounds with his first shot in Mexico.That’s about how their ...

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Naoto Tobe sets sight on world title after indoor triumph

Japanese high jumper Naoto Tobe capped off a breakthrough IAAF World Indoor Tour with victory in the sixth and final meeting in Dusseldorf on Wednesday.The ...

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Scott Hansen avoids big changes despite flat start from Sunwolves

Sunwolves acting head coach Scott Hansen resisted making wholesale changes Thursday as his side looks to put aside a disappointing start to the 2019 Super ...

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Paris 2024 proposes breakdancing competition, gives cold shoulder to baseball and karate

Breakdancing has been invited as a new sport by the organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the head of the local organizing committee said Thursday.Skateboarding, ...

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Financial questions hound two of F1’s three races in North America

Two of Formula One’s three races in North America are facing financial issues that are raising concern about their future.Organizers of the U.S. Grand Prix ...

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Sixers’ All-Star center Joel Embiid out a week with sore left knee

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid will miss at least a week with a sore left knee.Embiid underwent an MRI on Tuesday, which revealed no ...

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Steve Stricker appointed U.S. captain for Ryder Cup

Steve Stricker is going to his seventh straight Ryder Cup, this time in his home state of Wisconsin as the American captain.Stricker officially was appointed ...

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Japan Gymnastics Association bids for 2023 world championships

The Japan Gymnastics Association announced Thursday it has submitted a bid to host the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo.The International Gymnastics Federation concluded ...

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N. Carolina routs Duke after Zion gets hurt

Zion Williamson blew out his shoe, and then No. 8 North Carolina blew out top-ranked Duke.Luke Maye took full advantage of a freak injury to ...

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Rivera denies child support allegations

Just weeks after becoming baseball’s first unanimous Hall of Fame selection, Mariano Rivera is defending himself from accusations in his native Panama that he has ...

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Atletico silences Cristiano Ronaldo, upends Juventus in Champions League round of 16

Atletico Madrid’s vaunted center-back pairing finally got the better of Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday, even providing the goals after holding their long-time rival scoreless for ...

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Organizing committee chief Akira Shimazu hopes World Cup will be catalyst for growth

With half a year to go until the first-ever Rugby World Cup in Asia, organizing committee chief Akira Shimazu insisted that the hosts are focused ...

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Jordan Spieth staying patient amid worst slump of career

For a brief moment, Jordan Spieth had reason to believe he finally caught a good break with a bad shot.He was trying to hit a ...

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High school baseball federation to seek review of pitch limits

The Japan High School Baseball Federation said Wednesday it will ask a local prefectural body to review its decision to implement the country’s first pitch ...

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Japan heading into World Cup qualifiers with ultimate goal still in sight

Japan’s men’s national team faces a simple calculation in its upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Iran and Qatar — win to advance.But with the absence ...

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Japan to bid for 2023 Women’s World Cup

The Japan Football Association announced Wednesday it will go forward with a long-planned bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.The announcement came after FIFA ...

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NHL Players brace for moves with trade deadline looming

Thomas Vanek remembers waking up in Edmonton, Alberta, and turning on the TV in his hotel room to find out where he was heading.It was ...

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Liverpool, Bayern draw in first leg of Champions League matchup

Bayern Munich still can’t find a way to score, let alone win at Liverpool.In their fourth visit to Anfield, the German champions drew 0-0 in ...

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Time ‘rapidly’ running out for boxing at Tokyo Games, official warns

Time is “rapidly” running out to organize an Olympic tournament in 2020, the executive director of the International Boxing Association said Tuesday amid disputes with ...

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F. Marinos boss Ange Postecoglou seeks consistency in 2019

One of the many intriguing storylines heading into the 2019 J. League season is how much progress Yokohama F. Marinos can make after a season ...

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Barack Obama, Stephen Curry call for more opportunities for minority boys at national gathering

Former President Barack Obama and Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry told a roomful of minority boys on Tuesday that they matter and urged them ...

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Antonio Brown meets with Steelers owner Art Rooney

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has ended his lengthy standoff with the team by meeting with president Art Rooney II, though any shot at ...

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Sumo in Heisei Era defined by dominant foreign yokozuna

The upcoming Spring Grand Sumo Tournament marks the end of an era.Literally. While that phrase has been used recently to describe a changing of the ...

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Former Dodgers great Don Newcombe dies

Don Newcombe, the hard-throwing Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher who was one of the first black players in the major leagues and who went on to win ...

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AP source claims Manny Machado, Padres agree to blockbuster 10-year deal worth $300 million

With their city’s long-suffering fans desperate for a winner, the rebuilding San Diego Padres delivered their splashiest free agent signing ever by agreeing with All-Star ...

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Naomi Osaka falls apart in second round of Dubai Championships

Naomi Osaka lost her first match since moving up to No. 1 in the WTA rankings — and first since splitting from her coach.The two-time ...

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Antlers easily down Jets as Sanfrecce need penalties to beat Chiangrai

Kashima Antlers will have the chance to defend their Asian Champions League title after qualifying for the continental club tournament with a 4-1 demolition of ...

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

Indonesia submits formal bid to host the 2032 Olympics

Indonesia has submitted a bid to host the 2032 Olympics, officials said Tuesday, after the Southeast Asian nation’s widely-lauded handling of the Asian Games last ...

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

NFL great Joe Montana invests in California marijuana brand

Joe Montana, the former Hall of Fame quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is betting on the newest California gold rush: cannabis.Montana, who founded a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2X6dwoF

Injury to keep Mashu Baker out of Dusseldorf Grand Slam

Olympic gold medalist Mashu Baker will skip this week’s Dusseldorf Grand Slam due to a right hamstring injury, the All Japan Judo Federation said Tuesday.Baker, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2NdYo42

Blackhawks outscore Senators on wild night

Alex DeBrincat had the best game of his career, and the Chicago Blackhawks needed all of his production.DeBrincat had three goals and two assists, and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ScO3Gq

PGA Tour approves shorts for practice, pro-am rounds

Players will be allowed to wear shorts in PGA Tour practice and pro-am rounds under a change in player appearance guidelines unveiled Monday.The change, effective ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2X8RVM9

Hosoda content with triple axel achievement, but hopes to skate on

Fame has come late for Ayaka Hosoda, but she acknowledges that is better than it never having come at all.The Kansai University student grabbed the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E2ZkUP

Naomi Osaka named ‘breakthrough athlete’ at World Sport Awards

Naomi Osaka was named the recipient of the Breakthrough of the Year Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Monday ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Gx66Wf

Embattled Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri booed in FA Cup defeat

Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba each scored first-half goals as Manchester United defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Monday at Stamford Bridge to advance to the quarterfinals ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Nfzq41

Sunwolves boss Yuji Watase hopes team will survive

The Sunwolves’ big loss to the Sharks on the opening weekend of this year’s Super Rugby competition has seen the honing of already sharp knives, ...

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

Giants manager Bruce Bochy to retire after season

Bruce Bochy has always managed with his gut. Those same instincts told him it’s nearly time to retire.Bochy announced Monday this will be his last ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Gy5akI

Masayuki Kuroda to fight for IBF flyweight title in May

Masayuki Kuroda announced Monday he will take another shot at a world title when he challenges South Africa’s Moruti Mthalane for the IBF flyweight belt ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TWbJk6

Steelers’ Dan Carter returning to Racing 92 for rest of Top 14 season

Kobe Kobelco Steelers flyhalf Dan Carter will finish out the rest of the French first-division season with his former team Racing 92, the Top 14 ...

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

French fencing federation recognizes lightsaber dueling as competitive sport

Master Yoda, dust off his French, he must.It’s now easier than ever in France to act out “Star Wars” fantasies, because its fencing federation has ...

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

Lions need Imai to step up with Kikuchi gone

Yusei Kikuchi, as Japanese fans can easily see on news reports every night and also on the internet and in newspapers, is doing just fine ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SZmc0B

Orimo continues to speak mind about Japan

Legendary star player Takehiko Orimo has always been brutally honest and outspoken about Japanese basketball, and his stance on the Akatsuki Five is no different.The ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ne14ym

Fighters’ Kotaro Kiyomiya named to Samurai Japan squad for Mexico friendlies

Japan manager Atsunori Inaba named 11 new players Monday to the national team’s squad for upcoming international friendlies with Mexico, including Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters ...

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

Kei Nishikori rises to sixth in world rankings

Kei Nishikori rose one spot in the world rankings released Monday by the ATP, moving up from seventh to sixth.On Saturday, Nishikori lost his semifinal ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2T5JWk5

Team LeBron rallies to beat Team Giannis in NBA All-Star Game

LeBron James was trading lob passes with Dwyane Wade again, one last time. Catching lobs from former teammate Kyrie Irving once again, too. And after ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2NdS3FF

Ohtani hoping to begin hitting off tee next week

Shohei Ohtani hopes to hit off a tee next week for the first time since Tommy John surgery.“That’s the thought, but I’m not trying to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ik0z77

Kobayashi leaps into rarefied air with 11th World Cup win of season

Ryoyu Kobayashi won his 11th event on the 2018-2019 World Cup circuit on Sunday, the third day of competition in Willingen, becoming the sixth ski ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Gv4RXD

Colin Kaepernick’s lawyer predicts NFL return

Now that Colin Kaepernick has settled his collusion grievances with the NFL, the next step is getting him back in the league, his lawyer said ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SbSxx7

Naomi Osaka says ‘happiness’ primary reason behind split with coach Sascha Bajin

Australian Open champion and new world No. 1 Naomi Osaka talked Sunday about her recent break with coach Sascha Bajin ahead of next week’s Dubai ...

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

Daisuke Matsuzaka takes leave from Dragons to treat shoulder injury

Chunichi Dragons pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka took leave from his Central League club on Sunday in order to treat a right shoulder injury sustained when an ...

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

Time ripe for Japan’s Super Cup to hit road

The annual Fuji Xerox Super Cup, held the weekend before the J. League opens for business, has over the last 25 years become a celebration ...

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

Inti wins February Stakes as first female jockey finishes fifth in G1 debut

Race-favorite Inti ran away with an undisputed victory on Sunday at the February Stakes, while Nanako Fujita became the first female Japan Racing Association jockey ...

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

Mikaela Shiffrin skis through sickness for ‘sweetest’ win of career at world championships

Mikaela Shiffrin couldn’t breathe. She felt like she was suffocating. She had no energy, and self-doubt had set in.Then came some words of encouragement from ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ii92Yt

CC Sabathia looking to end career with 2019 victory parade

CC Sabathia can envision the perfect ending to his final big league season.“Right now I’m just focused on trying to win the championship and have ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GuEbq0

Ryoyu Kobayashi ties national record with 15th World Cup podium

Ryoyu Kobayashi landed on the ski jumping World Cup podium for the 15th time this season following his third-place finish in Willingen, Germany.The 22-year-old has ...

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

Rui Hachimura, No. 3 Gonzaga use strong second half to beat San Diego

For the first 20 minutes Saturday night, Rui Hachimura and the Gonzaga Bulldogs looked pretty average.Once they got warmed up, there was no doubt they’re ...

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

Jayson Tatum, Hamidou Diallo help spice up All-Star Saturday night

Boston’s Jayson Tatum got his gamewinner from midcourt. Oklahoma City’s Hamidou Diallo went over Shaquille O’Neal to help win his trophy. Brooklyn’s Joe Harris? All ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GO5lYs

Ryota Morioka nets first goal since joining Charleroi

Midfielder Ryota Morioka scored his first goal since moving to Belgian side Charleroi in the club’s 2-1 win over Kortrijk in the first division on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2tp5Boy

Sunwolves bitten by poor preparation

The Sunwolves learned the hard way at Singapore National Stadium that practice only makes perfect if it is done under conditions that replicate the real ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BG71zB

Sharks rout Sunwolves in Super Rugby opener

The Sunwolves were taken to school on Saturday in a 45-10 loss to the Sharks in their Super Rugby season opener in which the Durban-based ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SCNn25

Stan Wawrinka upsets top-seeded Kei Nishikori to reach final in Rotterdam

World No. 7 Kei Nishikori’s hopes of a second ATP title this season were dashed by Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals of the Rotterdam Open ...

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

Ichiro back in Mariners camp at 45

Ichiro Suzuki fluidly went through a variety of stretches on the floor in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse even before going onto the field. Once outside, ...

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

Harukyo Nomura remains three off pace at Women’s Australian Open

Harukyo Nomura moved into second place after Saturday’s third round of the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open with a 2-under-par 70.Nomura, who earned her first ...

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

MLB still missing two big stars, but will avoid labor strife

Spring training has started, yet two of baseball’s biggest stars, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, are sitting at home.For those who think this is a ...

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

Curry ‘family reunion’ gets off to special start at NBA All-Star Weekend

The Curry family All-Star Weekend is off to a rousing start — a Curry knocked down a big shot on Friday.Not surprising, except it was ...

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

Finalists for Basketball Hall of Fame announced for 2019

Paul Westphal says it’s an honor these days to have anyone remember that he played basketball.The Hall of Fame obviously remembers. Westphal is one of ...

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

Kei Nishikori advances to semifinals in Rotterdam

World No. 7 Kei Nishikori moved into the semifinals of the Rotterdam Open on Friday following a straight-sets victory over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.The top seed ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2toP6ZL

Pelicans fire GM Dell Demps amid Anthony Davis fallout

The New Orleans Pelicans have decided to fire ninth-year general manager Dell Demps and start the process of finding someone to deal with the fallout ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GMSA0g

Matt Kuchar apologizes, to pay caddie $50,000

Matt Kuchar apologized Friday for what he said were insensitive comments about the caddie he used at the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico last fall and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ijhnv7

Cubs’ Addison Russell offers no details in first meeting with media since suspension

Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell apologized Friday for the “hurt” and “pain” he caused his ex-wife but didn’t detail what prompted a 40-game suspension under ...

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

Luis Severino, Yankees agree to deal

Right-hander Luis Severino avoided an arbitration hearing with the New York Yankees, agreeing Friday to a $40 million, four-year contract.Severino’s deal includes a team option ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ijhl6t

Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid settle collusion grievances with NFL

With a public hearing looming and the threat of owners and league officials facing depositions, the NFL settled collusion cases brought by Colin Kaepernick and ...

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

Australia tops Japan in Sydney SailGP final

Tom Slingsby and his Australia high-speed catamaran won the opening Sydney SailGP event, finishing first in four of the five races and then winning the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ijhh6J

Kristoffersen topples sick Hirscher, wins giant slalom

Norwegian skiing is in safe hands, even with its beloved king now in retirement.Henrik Kristoffersen gave Norway its second individual gold medal of the world ...

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

Frontale top Reds in Super Cup

A goal by Leandro Damiao was enough for defending J. League champion Kawasaki Frontale to triumph 1-0 over 2018 Emperor’s Cup winner Urawa Reds on ...

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

Calls mounting for JOC chief Takeda to resign amid bribery scandal

Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated by French authorities for alleged bribery related to Tokyo’s bid for the 2020 Olympics, will ...

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

Alliance of American Football had conversation with Colin Kaepernick

A person with knowledge of the conversation tells AP the new Alliance of American Football spoke with Colin Kaepernick during its development about joining the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SEd9TJ

Harukyo Nomura three strokes back after second-round 67 at Women’s Australian Open

Harukyo Nomura shot a bogey-free 67 on Friday, to sit in a tie for third after the second round of the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian ...

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

Longtime Timberwolves fan Mitsuaki Ono seeks to foster Japan relations with Minnesota

Like countless sports fans, Mitsuaki Ono can pinpoint a formative period in his life that cemented his fandom.The Kawasaki native was living in Rochester, Minnesota, ...

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

Sunwolves confident ahead of battle against Sharks in Super Rugby opener

The Sunwolves kick off their 2019 Super Rugby season on Saturday in the heat and humidity of Singapore against the Durban-based Sharks, and co-captain Michael ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GJ5AnA

Japan drawn against France, Serbia in Davis Cup finals

Japan was drawn Thursday against top-seeded France and Serbia in Pool A for November’s Davis Cup finals.The International Tennis Federation’s new format for the competition ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2IcKYX2

Japan, Australia dominate first day of SailGP in Sydney

Olympic gold medalists Tom Slingsby and Nathan Outteridge dominated the opening day of the inaugural SailGP races for their respective teams in light winds on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2N8jhgV

Rika Kihira sets sights on world title during practice session with Satoko Miyahara

Rika Kihira said Friday she aims to cap her remarkable senior debut season with a world championship.The 16-year-old, who won the women’s individual titles at ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SU3k38

Knicks snap 18-game skid with win over Hawks; Pelicans’ Davis injured

Knicks coach David Fizdale gives his team credit for not giving up during a losing streak that lasted nearly six weeks.“I keep talking about this ...

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

Padres continue pursuit of free agent Machado

The San Diego Padres have doubled down on their pursuit of free agent infielder Manny Machado. Padres general manager A.J. Preller flew to Miami last ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2N6yjUm

Hachimura helps No.3 Zags win 15th straight

Third-ranked Gonzaga was trailing midway through the second half and the nation’s highest-scoring team was being slowed.The Bulldogs came up with a late burst to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SVu2by

Kei Nishikori rolls into quarterfinals in Rotterdam

World No. 7 Kei Nishikori breezed past Latvian lucky loser Ernests Gulbis 6-1, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the ABN AMRO World ...

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

Stern says Kaepernick would have job in NBA

Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback whose NFL career was cut short after he knelt in protest during the national anthem, would still have a job if ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GQ3fHB

Blues blank Coyotes to earn eighth straight win

The goal is looking awfully big when Vladimir Tarasenko is shooting. Jordan Binnington is making it look awfully small when he’s in it.The combination has ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Bym7Hq

Petra Vlhova claims giant slalom gold at world championships

Mikaela Shiffrin 1, Petra Vlhova 1: Over to the slalom to determine who is the queen of the skiing world championships.Vlhova won the latest episode ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2UY01FF

United paid $25 million in wake of Jose Mourinho firing

The firing of Jose Mourinho cost Manchester United $25 million.In its latest financial results, published Thursday, United lists £19.6 million ($25 million) in exceptional items ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2X0aq5n

WADA says North Korea not complying with anti-doping code

The World Anti-Doping Agency said North Korea’s testing program has failed to comply with its code, threatening to derail a joint Korean bid for the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SN2B3Y

Nanako Fujita set to make history for female JRA jockeys

Nanako Fujita said Thursday that victory will be foremost on her mind on when she makes history this weekend as the first female Japan Racing ...

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

Daisuke Matsuzaka to have examination after freak shoulder injury

Chunichi Dragons pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka skipped practice Thursday to seek a second medical opinion about a freak right shoulder injury sustained when an overzealous fan ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BC6IWz

76ers hand Knicks 18th straight loss

With a big lead and bigger games ahead, Joel Embiid could have opted for safety.He could have simply let the ball go out of bounds, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2N70ORR

Son shines as Tottenham routs Dortmund

Son Heung-min sparked Tottenham’s second-half overwhelming of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, setting the London club on its way to a 3-0 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SOf1IJ

Sunwolves prep for season with higher purpose

With the Rugby World Cup looming, there’s a renewed sense of urgency for the Sunwolves as the Japan-based club prepares for its fourth season in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2N4rvGU

Darvish admits he felt pressure last season after signing big deal with Cubs

Yu Darvish felt stress after signing a $126 million, six-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.“At the time I didn’t say anything about that, but I ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2N4wnf4

Japan women begin road to 3×3 World Cup with training camp

Japan’s women aren’t just eyeing a podium finish in traditional 5-on-5 basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, they’re also aiming for a medal in the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2X3BQas

Iniesta excited about new season

The J. League set out to leverage its newfound star power on Thursday at the league’s annual kickoff conference.The media event usually offers a chance ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2S0xr4v

Rikako Ikee expresses gratitude for outpouring of support after leukemia diagnosis

Swimming sensation Rikako Ikee expressed gratitude on Wednesday for the messages of encouragement she received following her announcement that she has been diagnosed with leukemia.“Thank ...

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

Lindsey Vonn’s legacy not solely defined by wins, crashes

The temperature: absolutely freezing. The time: barely after sunrise.The place: the bottom of a training hill in Vail, Colorado, waiting for Lindsey Vonn to finish ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DEkB6H

Step-back 3 emerges as NBA’s perfect weapon

James Harden turned to it to become the NBA’s most unstoppable scorer.Luka Doncic has ridden it to stardom on both sides of the Atlantic. The ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E7ByYG

Mikaela Shiffrin, skiing’s brightest star, cites Naomi Osaka as inspiration

During her inexorable rise to someday becoming the most successful Alpine skier in history, Mikaela Shiffrin has been shooting some admiring glances at another young ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SsR6Py

Celtics maintain dominance over 76ers behind 26 from Gordon Hayward

The Boston Celtics still own the Philadelphia 76ers no matter who is on the court.Gordon Hayward scored 26 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:50 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DB0l6c

Osaka’s split with coach shocks tennis world

Deep into the Melbourne night on Jan. 26, the newly crowned world No. 1 was still fielding questions from a room full of reporters.“For the ...

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

Wrestlers put aside differences to promote U.S. sumo

Kelly Gneiting is a religious fundamentalist.The 205-kg bearded giant is also an outspoken member of the ultraconservative Independent American Party, whose social media feeds are ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DD1Gt2

Werder Bremen won’t allow Yuya Osako to play for Japan at Copa America

Japan striker Yuya Osako will not be able to participate in the 2019 Copa America in Brazil later this year, his German first-division club Werder ...

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

Naoya Inoue to challenge Emmanuel Rodriguez for IBF bantamweight title in May

Naoya Inoue will challenge Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodriguez for the IBF bantamweight title in the World Boxing Super Series semifinals on May 18 in Scotland, ...

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

PSG inflicts Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first United loss

Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain handed Manchester United a reality check under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, winning 2-0 in the Champions League last-16 Tuesday to inflict ...

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

Words of support pour in for swimmer Rikako Ikee after leukemia diagnosis

Words of encouragement poured in for Japanese swimming star Rikako Ikee on Tuesday after she revealed she had been diagnosed with leukemia.Ikee, an 18-year-old Tokyo ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E8HIrH

Angels manager Brad Ausmus hopes to have Shohei Ohtani’s bat back in May

Los Angeles Angels manager Brad Ausmus said Tuesday he hopes two-way star Shohei Ohtani will return to the lineup as a designated hitter for the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TNf6th

Kei Nishikori rallies to overcome tough Rotterdam opener

Top seed Kei Nishikori was tested by a stubborn opponent before finally putting away Pierre-Hugues Herbert 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 on Tuesday at the Rotterdam Open.The ...

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

Antonio Brown asks Steelers for trade, says AP source

The Pittsburgh Steelers still haven’t decided whether there’s a path for wayward wide receiver Antonio Brown to return in 2019.Not that it matters to Brown. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Dz76Fx

Matsuzaka hurts shoulder after fan pulls arm

Former big leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka has another hurdle to clear with inflammation in his right shoulder after a fan pulled his arm during an event ...

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

World Cup-winning England goalkeeper Gordon Banks dies at 81

Gordon Banks, the World Cup-winning England goalkeeper who was also known for blocking a header from Pele that many consider to be the greatest save ...

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

Cavs send Knicks to franchise-record 17th straight defeat

The New York Knicks’ franchise-record 17th straight loss might have been the toughest one to take.The Knicks erased a 17-point deficit in the second half ...

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

Three Japan teams consider forming new league

KYODOThree Japanese teams are considering withdrawing from Asia League Ice Hockey and re-forming a domestic league, sources close to the matter revealed Monday. While the ...

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

Japan squad set for big challenges

The players and staff seemed relaxed. That is a good indication of their state of mind as they get into the final window of the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Bytej2

Kikuchi reports to first MLB camp

New Seattle Mariners left-hander Yusei Kikuchi said Monday he is “really looking forward” to making his debut on the major league stage he has dreamed ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GD9NsU

DH talk brings back memories of reverse experiment

One thing the current conversation about a possible universal DH in MLB is showing is that a lot of people have great disdain for the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TMex3c

Kihira, Uno lead gold haul for Japan

It was a banner weekend for Japan on the ice, with Rika Kihira and Shoma Uno taking the gold medals at the Four Continents Championships ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ti9X0I

Star Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee Star announces leukemia diagnosis

Star Japanese swimmer and Asian Games MVP Rikako Ikee has been diagnosed with leukemia, the 18-year-old Olympic hopeful announced via Twitter on Tuesday. ご報告です。 pic.twitter.com/zP2ykLRgCD ...

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

No. 1 Naomi Osaka splits with coach Sascha Bajin two weeks after bagging her second major title

Naomi Osaka surprisingly split from coach Sascha Bajin, a little more than two weeks after she won the Australian Open for a second consecutive Grand ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2I85Crd

Thai court orders release of refugee soccer player Hakeem al-Araibi

A Thai court ordered the release of a refugee soccer player on Monday after prosecutors said they were no longer seeking his extradition to Bahrain ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2I8a9Kl

South Korea picks Seoul for 2032 Olympic bid

South Korea has chosen its capital, Seoul, for its bid for the 2032 Summer Olympics, which it hopes to jointly host with rival North Korea ...

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

Miho Takagi cruises to 1,500 silver on final day of worlds

Pyeongchang Olympic silver medalist Miho Takagi finished second in the women’s 1,500-meter race on Sunday, the final day of the ISU World Single Distance Speed ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2N6lTvX

Yusei Kikuchi bullpen draws big audience ahead of spring training

New Seattle Mariners left-hander Yusei Kikuchi took to the bullpen for the second straight day on Sunday ahead of his first major league spring training.The ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SMS8VU

Chelsea routed by Man City for worst loss in 28 years

Chelsea was handed its heaviest loss in 28 years on Sunday when Manchester City routed Maurizio Sarri’s side 6-0 in the Premier League.The meeting of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E4UiIs

Alexandar Georgiev makes 55 saves as Rangers beat Maple Leafs

Alexandar Georgiev had a career-high 55 saves in the New York Rangers’ 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night.Mika Zibanejad, Jimmy Vesey ...

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

Joel Embiid leads new-look 76ers to win over LeBron James’ Lakers

Joel Embiid had 37 points and 14 rebounds, Tobias Harris scored 22 points in his second game with Philadelphia and the new-look 76ers beat LeBron ...

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

Panama beats Cuba to win the Caribbean Series

With a team that wasn’t even supposed to be in the tournament, Panama beat Cuba 3-1 on Sunday to win its second ever Caribbean Series ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Bv1xrz

Yoko Ono wins Japan’s fifth gold medal as Paris Grand Slam concludes

Japanese judoka Yoko Ono defeated France’s Margaux Pinot on Sunday and earned her country’s fifth gold medal on the final day of the prestigious Paris ...

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

Sara Takanashi claims first World Cup victory of season

Japan’s Sara Takanashi overcame difficult weather Sunday to claim her first World Cup victory of the season and end Maren Lundby’s winning streak.At Ljubno’s Savina ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2BuFv8e

Kei Nishikori back to full strength ahead of Rotterdam Open

Kei Nishikori insisted on Sunday he is back to “100 percent” as he returns to action after a right knee injury forced a painful exit ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2I4pGef

Nick Fazekas leads Brave Thunders to team win over NeoPhoenix

Franchise cornerstone Nick Fazekas delivered a big, bold reminder about his importance to the Kawasaki Brave Thunders on Sunday afternoon.It was, however, far from a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GzBX83

Brandon Clarke leads No. 4 Gonzaga over Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s has been No. 4 Gonzaga’s toughest nemesis in the West Coast Conference in the past decade. The Gaels didn’t pose much of a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E2lCXQ

Georgina Garcia-Perez destroys Japan in Fed Cup

Spain’s Georgina Garcia-Perez, ranked 161st in the world, drove a stake through Japan’s heart on Sunday by completing wins in all three of her matches ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2THvuf0

Japan claims four gold medals on first day of Paris Grand Slam

Reigning world champion judoka Naohisa Takato led Japan’s haul of four gold medals on Saturday, the first day of the Paris Grand Slam in the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Dtda2t

Ryoyu Kobayashi lifts Japan to third at World Cup team event

Overall leader and breakout talent Ryoyu Kobayashi helped Japan’s men reach their first World Cup team podium of the season on Sunday.Kobayashi’s final 125-meter jump ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SprF1w

New signing Kosuke Kinoshita makes sudden impact for Sint-Truiden

Kosuke Kinoshita celebrated his debut with Sint-Truiden by scoring the late winner, four minutes after entering as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 Belgian top-flight victory ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DnmiW9

Shohei Ohtani visits former Fighters teammates at spring camp

Shohei Ohtani took a break from his rehabilitation program on Saturday to visit his former Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters teammates in Arizona.The slugging Los Angeles ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Bv1P1p

Chihiro Kaneko draws attention from Yu Darvish, others, because of change-up

Chihiro Kaneko, as a 35-year-old veteran of 13 seasons, probably possesses a fair amount of wisdom he can impart on the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters ...

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

Shoma Uno captures Four Continents title after world record-breaking free skate

Shoma Uno performed a world record-breaking free skate on Saturday to win the men’s competition at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships.Uno, who finished fourth ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TFr0W7

Thunder rally past Rockets

Paul George said it took a fiery halftime discussion to help the Oklahoma City Thunder overcome the largest deficit they’ve seen all season.“We just knew ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Buagu9

United edges into hunt for spot in Champions League

Manchester United moved into the Premier League’s top four by beating Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday, with Paul Pogba scoring two more goals ...

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

Wales picks up 11th straight win

Wales equaled its own record for consecutive wins after overcoming a plucky Italy 26-15 in Six Nations rugby on Saturday.Italy scored the only try of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2UQH47w

Former yokozuna Kisenosato reflects on end of career

Recently retired yokozuna Kisenosato showed little emotion on the raised ring, but he has since revealed that the final days of his injury-troubled career were ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2tgCa89

Impressive outside shooting carries Brex past Sunrockers

The Tochigi Brex didn’t have a single player carrying the offense on Saturday.Instead, it was an across-the-board effort that produced a 91-71 victory over the ...

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

Brazil soccer academies offer hope of future stardom, demand sacrifice

A promising goalkeeper who was being monitored by European clubs. A defender who hoped to become a professional player like his cousin. A forward who ...

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

Boxing faces breakaway threat ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Amateur boxing faces a breakaway threat ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after its international federation elected a president accused of ties to organized ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2THq3wK

Japan, Spain split singles on first day of Fed Cup World Group II tie

Japan came within one point of taking a 2-0 lead against Spain, but Misaki Doi was unable to hang on for victory as the two ...

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

Wendy Holdener narrowly retains combined title at worlds

Everything fell into place for Wendy Holdener.Her two biggest challengers — Mikaela Shiffrin and Michelle Gisin — weren’t competing in the Alpine combined at the ...

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

Snowboarder Yuto Totsuka claims silver in halfpipe at worlds

Yuto Totsuka took silver in the men’s halfpipe Friday at the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships.The 17-year-old earned a score of 92.25 on ...

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

76ers retire Moses Malone’s No. 2 jersey, unveil statue of late legend at team’s practice facility

The Philadelphia 76ers are paying tribute to the late Moses Malone, a three-time NBA MVP and one of basketball’s most ferocious rebounders, with a sculpture ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HZVp00

Rika Kihira wins Four Continents title

Rika Kihira was steadfast that she was going to land a triple axel at the Four Continents Championships.She didn’t land it during the short program ...

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

MLB promotes Jim Small to senior vice president of international business

Jim Small has been promoted to senior vice president of Major League Baseball’s international business and will move back to the New York area after ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2THO86s

Sara Takanashi places second in normal hill event on World Cup circuit

Sara Takanashi finished second in the women’s normal hill individual competition on Friday as Norway’s Maren Lundby claimed her sixth straight World Cup victory.Takanashi grabbed ...

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

Knicks suffer 15th straight loss

It was another relaxing fourth quarter for Blake Griffin.Andre Drummond had 29 points and 20 rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons handed New York its 15th ...

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

No DH changes for 2019 season

Don’t look for a National League designated hitter this year or for new anti-tanking rules in June’s amateur draft.Commissioner Rob Manfred said Friday that management ...

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

Hurricanes spoil Rangers’ 25th anniversary title celebration

Petr Mrazek and the Carolina Hurricanes had a reason to enjoy themselves, too, on Friday night.Mrazek made 27 saves and the Hurricanes spoiled a celebration ...

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

Nao Kodaira’s 37-race unbeaten streak at 500 meters ends

Olympic champion Nao Kodaira’s two-year undefeated run in the 500-meter race came to an end Friday when she finished second at the ISU World Single ...

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

Liverpool reveals record profit of £162 million

Liverpool has reported pre-tax profit rising to a record £125 million ($162 million), fueled by last season’s run to the Champions League final.Turnover rose by ...

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

Wrestler retires for bullying apprentice

The Japan Sumo Association on Friday accepted the retirement of a sumo wrestler who repeatedly choked and bullied a lower-ranked apprentice wrestler at the stable ...

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

Fire at Flamengo training center in Rio kills 10

A fire at the training center of soccer club Flamengo killed 10 people and injured at least three others on Friday, firefighters said.The fire broke ...

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

Phil Jones signs new contract with Manchester United through 2023

Phil Jones has become the latest Manchester United player to be rewarded with a new contract, signing a deal which will keep him at the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E1SEr1

Ex-Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops joins XFL’s Dallas team

Bob Stoops initially rejected the idea of coming out of retirement to join the reincarnation of the XFL.Then the former Oklahoma coach had time to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ghs0N3

MLB to start using phrase injured lists instead of disabled lists

MLB is changing the name of its disabled lists to injured lists.Deputy commissioner Dan Halem said the change is being made at the suggestion of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2I0keck

Scoring flurry lifts Sharks past Flames

Evander Kane scored twice and added an assist in the San Jose Sharks’ 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.Tomas Hertl also scored ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DZA6YA

Sakamoto in 2nd after short program; Uno struggles to 4th at Four Continents

Defending champion Kaori Sakamoto placed second, just over half a point behind Bradie Tennell of the United States, after the women’s short program at the ...

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

East contenders make deals as Davis stays put

Toronto, Milwaukee and Philadelphia made their moves. Anthony Davis will have to wait until the summer for his.The New Orleans Pelicans held onto Davis but ...

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

Grizzlies’ Yuta Watanabe sets new career high with 10 points in loss to Thunder

Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuta Watanabe scored an NBA career-high 10 points and grabbed five rebounds in a 117-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E0AS7B

Phil Mickelson hits every fairway for first time in 21 years

Phil Mickelson on Thursday did something he had not managed in more than two decades when he hit every fairway in the first round at ...

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

Fourth-ranked Gonzaga wallops San Francisco

Fourth-ranked Gonzaga was clinging to a three-point lead over San Francisco late in the first half Thursday when someone flipped the switch on guard Zach ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GlaJD1

LeBron James makes Kevin Durant first selection in NBA All-Star Game draft

LeBron James opted for Golden State star Kevin Durant with the first pick of the All-Star draft on Thursday.James, who will lead a team against ...

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

Marlins deal catcher J.T. Realmuto to Philadelphia for three players

In October, J.T. Realmuto’s agent predicted the Miami Marlins’ All-Star catcher would be with another team by spring training.He was right. Realmuto was traded Thursday ...

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

Emiliano Sala’s body recovered from plane wreckage

More than two weeks after the plane carrying Emiliano Sala to a new career in the English Premier League crashed into the sea, police confirmed ...

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

Hall of Famer, pioneer and first African-American MLB manager, Frank Robinson dead at 83

Hall of Famer and trailblazing baseball legend Frank Robinson passed away Thursday at the age of 83.It was reported last week that Robinson, Major League ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SFW7Uw

Re-elected UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin vows he won’t be FIFA ‘yes man’

Promising European soccer leaders that he won’t be a “yes man” for FIFA’s expansion plans, Aleksander Ceferin was re-elected as president of UEFA for four ...

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

Wizards revamp frontcourt with two trades

The Washington Wizards pulled off a pair of swaps on Wednesday, the eve of the NBA trade deadline.First, Washington traded forward Otto Porter Jr. to ...

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

Top League Cup to be staged before Rugby World Cup

Japan’s top-flight and second-tier rugby teams will compete for the Top League Cup ahead of this year’s World Cup, the Japan Rugby Football Union announced ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2TB29mv

Japan men’s soccer team climbs to No. 27 in world rankings

Japan jumped 23 spots to No. 27 in the FIFA world rankings announced Thursday following its runner-up finish in the just-concluded Asian Cup in the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2MTiu3l

Retired Olympic champ Kaori Matsumoto to pursue dream of opening ice cream shop

Two-time Olympic medalist Kaori Matsumoto said Thursday she has put her judo days behind her and is looking forward to kick-starting a new career at ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Dgy5pd

Ayaka Hosoda very likely to continue competitive career next season

Veteran skater Ayaka Hosoda, who stole the show with her triple axels at the Japan Championships in December, is very likely to continue her skating ...

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

Body recovered from wreckage of Emiliano Sala plane

Authorities have recovered a body from the seabed wreckage of a plane that was carrying soccer player Emiliano Sala and his pilot, authorities said on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2RP0jgc

Dominik Paris victorious in super-G at worlds

Dominik Paris crowned what was already a stellar season by winning the super-G at the world championships on Wednesday.Despite a few wild turns on the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2RLc07A

Warriors unstoppable in victory over Spurs

Kevin Durant had 23 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, Klay Thompson scored 26 points and the Golden State Warriors ran away in the second ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2MV1hq2

Wild captain Mikko Koivu to miss rest of season due to knee injury

Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu will miss the rest of the season after tearing a ligament and cartilage in his right knee in an on-ice ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SC5aFC

Akita struggling in step up to first division

The Akita Northern Happinets know their limitations.But that hasn’t stopped second-year head coach Josep “Pep” Claros from pushing his charges to play an up-tempo game ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HWlY6d

Morgan Rielly scores winner as Maple Leafs edge Senators

Toronto’s victory over Ottawa was a little too back-and forth for Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock’s liking.“Way too entertaining for the coach,” Babcock said. Morgan ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Gf9Mf5

Former Canucks captain Andre Boudriasdies at 75

Andre Boudrias, the former Vancouver Canucks captain and Montreal Canadiens assistant general manager, has died. He was 75.The Canadiens said Boudrias died Tuesday in Whistler. ...

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

Falcons release kicker Matt Bryant, team’s all-time scoring leader

The Atlanta Falcons released kicker Matt Bryant on Wednesday, ending the 10-year run of the team’s all-time leading scorer.The decision to not renew the team’s ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WMlG5q

FIVB launches Snow Volleyball World Tour

Snow volleyball has scheduled two events in a first-ever world tour as the new discipline attempts to gain a global footing, it was announced on ...

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

Mariners southpaw Yusei Kikuchi touted as one of top newcomers to majors

New Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who debuts in Major League Baseball this year after eight seasons with the Seibu Lions, has been selected by ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WN0w72

Cubs reliever Junichi Tazawa named non-roster invitee to spring training

Right-hander Junichi Tazawa, who has finalized a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, is among the 27 non-roster players invited to major league spring ...

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

Giants latest team to join Bryce Harper sweepstakes

The latest team to join the Bryce Harper sweepstakes is the San Francisco Giants, according to a multiple reports on Wednesday.Highly sought free agent outfielder ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DgOw4Z

Manchester City back into first place

Manchester City climbed atop the Premier League standings — at least provisionally — for the first time since December by beating Everton 2-0 on Wednesday, ...

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

Boston celebrates Patriots’ sixth Super Bowl title

With cheers of “We want seven!” and “Next year, right here!” hundreds of thousands of jubilant fans jammed downtown Boston on Tuesday for a parade ...

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

Lindsey Vonn sitting out downhill training after super-G crash

Lindsey Vonn is sitting out downhill training at the world championships following her crash in the super-G.Vonn had the wind knocked out of her after ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Sdme5M

Rams begin to look ahead after Super Bowl defeat

The Los Angeles Rams have plenty of offseason work to do. Thanks to their run to the Super Bowl, they have a relatively short amount ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2UKCp78

Determined sekiwake Takakeisho not shying away from desire to become ozeki

Sumo wrestler Takakeisho said Wednesday he sees himself in a new light as he began training ahead of next month’s Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, where ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ShDw1p

Alex Ovechkin passes Sergei Fedorov for Russian scoring record in NHL

By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Hockey Writer Washington District of Columbia USA APBC-HKN—Ovechkin-Russian Record,1st Ld-Writethru Eds: Recasts with quotes, details, adds byline, photo. With AP Photos.WASHINGTON ...

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

European sumo overcomes schism to build popularity

What do Baruto, Dejima, Kotomitsuki and Goeido have in common besides being ozeki who have won championships?The answer of course is that all four men ...

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

Shoya Nakajima says “everything attractive” about new club Al-Duhail

Winger Shoya Nakajima said Tuesday he is eager to get on the pitch following his reported record transfer to Qatari first-division club Al-Duhail.The club announced ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2t9HwlI

Yuta Watanabe has career night in Grizzlies’ victory over Timberwolves

Mike Conley had 25 points and nine assists in possibly his last game for Memphis, and the Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106 on Tuesday ...

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

Amateur coaches feted at annual gala

The Japan Coaches Association rewarded amateur coaches who accomplished remarkable feats in 2018 during the sixth annual Japan Coaches’ Awards ceremony on Sunday in Tokyo.But ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2t7Mnnm

Paralympian hangs up her skis and looks to compete in taekwondo in Tokyo 2020

Two-time Paralympic medalist Shoko Ota hung up her skis following the 2014 Sochi Games, but she has taken up a new sport: the martial art ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Sv0yRD

Australia government ramps up pressure to free jailed soccer player Hakeem al-Araibi

The Australian government on Tuesday urged Thailand to exercise its legal discretion to free a refugee soccer player who lives and plays in Australia and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GqcNJ1

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir banned for four years

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir has been disqualified from horse racing for four years after being found guilty of possessing electric-shock devices and for bringing ...

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

Naomi Osaka out of Qatar Open with back injury

World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has pulled out of next week’s Qatar Open because of a back injury, tournament organizers ...

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

Former quarterback Vince Young arrested on drunken-driving charge

Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young is free on bond after he was arrested on a drunken driving charge.In a statement, the Fort Bend County ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2t3NKDI

New Besiktas signing Shinji Kagawa thrilled to be in Istanbul

Shinji Kagawa said Tuesday he is excited about life in Istanbul after joining Turkish first-division side Besiktas on loan.“I’ve heard it’s a wonderful city. I’m ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DUCKP3

Police won’t seek indictment of ex-Nihon University coaches over dirty tackle

Police have decided not seek an indictment against former coaches of Nihon University’s American football team over accusations that they instructed a player to commit ...

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

Lindsey Vonn crashes in super-G at world championships

American Lindsey Vonn crashed heavily in the super-G at the Alpine Ski World Championships on Tuesday in what was the penultimate race of her glittering ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Dd4RYt

Jose Mourinho avoids jail but fined for tax fraud in Spain

Ex-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has avoided jail for tax fraud as part of a deal with Spanish prosecutors revealed Tuesday but will pay a ...

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

Nadeshiko Japan to face France in pre-World Cup friendly

Japan will warm up for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with a friendly against host France in April, the Japan Football Association said Tuesday.Nadeshiko ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2RFkxc6

Vissel Kobe showcase stars in U.S. before J. League opener

Vissel Kobe are set to wrap up a weather-interrupted preseason tour to southern California on Tuesday, which the J. League club hopes will jump-start its ...

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

Selina Joerg, Dmitry Loginov nab gold in parallel giant slalom at worlds

Selina Joerg of Germany captured gold by beating Russia’s Natalia Soboleva in the final of the women’s parallel giant slalom at the freestyle ski and ...

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

Japan prepares for crucial FIBA World Cup qualifiers at Iran, Qatar

With a significant pair of wins during the previous window of the Asian qualifiers in Toyama late last year, the Akatsuki Five got much closer ...

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

Kihira, Sakamoto look to lead Japan to sweep again at Four Continents

The skating season gets back in full swing this week with the Four Continents Championships in Anaheim, California, starting on Thursday. Japan’s women will be ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2I2qmAy

Hart sparks Flyers to eighth straight victory

Carter Hart’s incredible stop saved the game and the Flyers’ winning streak.Hart turned away 41 shots — including a stellar right arm save late in ...

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

Patriots to celebrate sixth Super Bowl win with Boston parade

The New England Patriots are being feted in Boston after defeating the Los Angeles Rams to claim their sixth Super Bowl title.The parade kicks off ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GuE11h

Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson to retire

Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson plans to retire after the annual induction ceremony in July.The Hall made the announcement Monday. The 54-year-old Idelson ...

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

Rebuilding Cavaliers trade Rodney Hood to Trail Blazers

Rodney Hood made minimal impact on the Cavaliers’ postseason run last season. He’ll get a chance to do more with Portland.Hood was traded Monday by ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Gsymc1

Heat to retire Chris Bosh’s jersey in March

Chris Bosh, who had arguably the biggest rebound and assist in Miami Heat history, will have his No. 1 jersey retired by the franchise on ...

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

Ex-Brave Blossoms forward Luke Thompson joins Sunwolves

The Sunwolves on Tuesday announced the signing of former Japan international forward Luke Thompson for the upcoming Super Rugby season.Playing primarily as a lock and ...

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

Ski jumping legend Matti Nykanen dies at 55

Matti Nykanen, the four-time Olympic ski jumping champion whose personal life was affected by alcohol problems, has died. He was 55.Nykanen, who also won seven ...

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

Energetic Pistons end Nuggets’ win streak

For the second straight game, the Detroit Pistons had a big third-quarter lead at home.This time, they kept pouring it on. Andre Drummond scored 14 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2D79Z04

Flores leaves Super Bowl champs for Dolphins

When Brian Flores was asked how he celebrated winning the Super Bowl, he paused for several seconds and laughed.“I kissed my wife on the field,” ...

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

Draw with West Ham deals another setback to Liverpool’s title challenge

With points dropped for the second consecutive game and a title challenge getting jittery, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp is keen to transmit serenity.After all, Liverpool ...

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

Sara Takanashi finishes second as Maren Lundby wins fifth straight World Cup meet

Sara Takanashi finished second in the women’s normal hill individual competition on Sunday as Norway’s Maren Lundby claimed her fifth straight World Cup victory.Takanashi landed ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2D7G4Vx

Japan Sports Agency chief Daichi Suzuki call for high school pitch limits

The head of the Japan Sports Agency on Monday said he hopes high school baseball establishes pitching limitations to protect the arms of young athletes.In ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2G9K8Zi

Throwback night: Pats wins Super Bowl the old-fashioned way

Graying but still gritty, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots came to the Super Bowl intending to stave off, for at least one more ...

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

Wreckage of Emiliano Sala’s plane found according to specialist leading search

The wreckage of the plane carrying soccer star Emiliano Sala was located on Sunday, two weeks after it disappeared from radar over the English Channel, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HOK5Ug

Kyrie Irving, Celtics get job done against Thunder in thriller

Eight days after letting a win slip away against the Golden State Warriors, the Celtics were able to finish the job against another tough Western ...

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

Giants go on offseason flurry in effort to revive glory days

The Yomiuri Giants are often referred to as Japan’s answer to the New York Yankees — the “Evil Empire” version of the Bronx Bombers anyway ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2REPVr8

Restrictions on Japan’s soccer media leads to frayed relations with players

In the days since Japan’s 3-1 defeat to Qatar in the 2019 Asian Cup final, Japan’s soccer media has had plenty of time to unload ...

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

Donald Trump says he wouldn’t steer son toward football

President Donald Trump says he wouldn’t steer son Barron toward football, saying it’s “a dangerous sport,” but also wouldn’t stand in the way if the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2t5NFPI

Shoya Nakajima makes record move to Qatar’s Al-Duhail

Qatari first-division club Al-Duhail on Sunday announced the signing of Shoya Nakajima from Portuguese top-flight outfit Portimonense.Al-Duhail has reportedly paid €35 million ($40 million) for ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GjJZ4G

Rams’ high-powered offense hits snag in Super Bowl

Jared Goff trudged to the Los Angeles Rams’ bench, his face betraying confusion and despair while the Patriots celebrated their interception behind him.Sean McVay left ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Sq7XBP

Shinji Kagawa strikes twice in debut with Besiktas

Midfielder Shinji Kagawa came off the bench late to strike twice in his debut for Besiktas in a 6-2 win at Antalyaspor in the Turkish ...

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

Patriots outlast Rams to win Super Bowl

The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 to win Super Bowl LIII on Sunday in Atlanta.The Patriots scored the only touchdown of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2t3JTX6

Harden has 43 points for 26th game in a row with 30 or more

Once James Harden figures out the best way to take over a game, there isn’t much other NBA teams can do to stop him.Harden attacked ...

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

New Mariner Yusei Kikuchi departs for first major league camp

New Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi left Japan on Sunday ahead of his first spring training in the major leagues, declaring his determination to earn ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WE71sX

Sunrockers still shine without Ryan Kelly in win over Northern Happinets

With star forward Ryan Kelly given the day off to rest after games on Wednesday and Saturday, the Sunrockers Shibuya relied on the contributions of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2RD7TKs

Three Japanese marathoners book tickets for 2020 Olympic trials

Unheralded Kohei Futaoka, along with two other Japanese men, earned berths for the Marathon Grand Championship, Japan’s new 2020 Olympic trials event, after meeting the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2G8GE9w

Ryoyu Kobayashi soars to 10th World Cup title of season

Ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi won the flying hill event held in the German resort of Oberstdorf Saturday for his 10th victory of the World Cup ...

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

Former college, JBL teammates Igarashi, Kashiwagi enjoying reunion in Niigata

Star guards Kei Igarashi and Shinsuke Kashiwagi were reunited this season and are cherishing the opportunity to once again don the same jersey, this time ...

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

Nao Kodaira wins 37th straight 500-meter race

Olympic champion Nao Kodaira won the first of two women’s 500-meter races at a World Cup round in Norway on Saturday to continue her two-year ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WDxtD2

Volunteers participate in RWC orientation

Rugby World Cup 2019 organizers held an orientation session Saturday in Osaka for some of the roughly 13,000 volunteers who will assist visitors at the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2SpeRY3

Tony Gonzalez leads new class into Pro Football Hall of Fame

For towering tight end Tony Gonzalez, this was a slam dunk.The 196-cm Gonzalez, who turned the celebratory post-TD dunk over the crossbar into an art ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Gk6NBt

Resurgent England upsets Ireland in Dublin

England is back and its reputation restored after upending Ireland 32-20 in the defending Six Nations champion’s Lansdowne Road stronghold on Saturday.Following its worst championship ...

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

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu confident about future despite loss in Asian Cup final

Despite the disappointment of a surprise 3-1 loss against Qatar in the Asian Cup final on Friday, Japan saw encouraging performances from several of its ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2UAnA7h

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes wins NFL MVP award

Patrick Mahomes’ breathtaking breakthrough season has earned him the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.The Chiefs quarterback landed a pair of honors at the NFL Honors ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2G6zYIO

SeaHorses star Kosuke Kanamaru delivers shooting clinic in victory over Evessa

There are times when the obvious top scoring option for the SeaHorses Mikawa is this: Give Kosuke Kanamaru the ball and get out of the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2t1skXN

Clermont routs Top League All-Stars in charity match

A select team from Japan’s Top League lost to French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne 50-29 on Saturday.The charity match at Gifu Memorial Center Nagaragawa ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2D0kPoy

Japan rallies to beat China in Davis Cup qualifying

Taro Daniel completed a comeback by Japan in a Davis Cup qualifier with a 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3 win over China’s Li Zhe in the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2RzheD0

Upstart Rams take aim at historic Patriots

A sixth Lombardi Trophy would further cement the legacy of the New England Patriots, and specifically Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, but the upstart Los ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HOt4tq

NFL Legends Community provides valuable resources for ex-players

Sammy Baugh, Otto Graham and Joe Montana were the first names that came up during a random online search for “NFL legends.” Jim Brown and ...

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

Perfect attendance: Three fans to keep Super Bowl streak alive

Don Crisman knows precisely when the streak began: Jan. 15, 1967. The ticket price for the Super Bowl at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was ...

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

Celtics guard Kyrie Irving fires up Knicks fans in win

Kyrie Irving heard the “We want Kyrie! We want Kyrie!” chants that echoed through Madison Square Garden.He seemed more annoyed than flattered. “It’s nothing but ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2D2RkCt

Wales storms back, beats France

George North accepted two gift tries as Wales rallied from 16-0 down at halftime to beat France 24-19 in a rainy Six Nations opener on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2S1GpDm

Vegas sportsbooks make Patriots 2 ½-point favorites for Super Bowl LIII

Thousands of football fans from around the country converge at Las Vegas casinos every February to place their bets on the Super Bowl’s winner, MVP, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2S5Q8c0

Commissioner Adam Silver adds Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade to All-Star player pool

Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki and Miami’s Dwyane Wade are both NBA champions, NBA Finals MVPs and longtime ambassadors for the game of basketball.And now, one more ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2CZXR0O

Bulls part ways with 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony on Friday was waived by the Chicago Bulls, making the 10-time All-Star forward a free agent.The Bulls acquired Anthony from Houston on Jan. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2S7XBrb

Panthers star Julius Peppers retiring after 17 seasons

Carolina’s Julius Peppers has announced his retirement after 17 NFL seasons, nine Pro Bowl appearances and six All-Pro selections.Peppers spent the first eight seasons of ...

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

Lindsey Vonn moves up retirement

Lindsey Vonn transcended her sport in a way only a handful of Olympic athletes could even imagine. She was about more than skiing. She was ...

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

London Olympic gold medalist Kaori Matsumoto to retire

Kaori Matsumoto will close the curtain on her competitive career, a source close to the 31-year-old said Saturday.A two-time world champion and 2012 London Olympic ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2S85wV9

Former NFL quarterback Wade Wilson dies on 60th birthday

Wade Wilson, the quarterback who led the Minnesota Vikings to an NFC Championship Game and coached the position with the Dallas Cowboys for more than ...

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

Qatar upset Japan 3-1 to claim first Asian Cup title

Qatar foiled Japan’s bid for a record-extending fifth AFC Asian Cup title on Friday, winning the tournament for the first time in a 3-1 upset.Despite ...

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

Balanced scoring helps NeoPhoenix defeat B-Corsairs

The San-en NeoPhoenix built a cushion in the third quarter and cruised past the Yokohama B-Corsairs in Friday’s series opener, winning 80-69.San-en outscored the hosts ...

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

LIVEBLOG: Japan vs Qatar

Welcome to our liveblog, following the action of the Asian Cup final where Japan is facing Qatar.

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2RZzn1W

Request made in Thai court to send detained soccer player to Bahrain

Thai prosecutors submitted a request in court Friday for Thailand to extradite to Bahrain a detained soccer player who has refugee status in Australia.Hakeem al-Araibi, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2G36POU

Lockdown cornerback Stephon Gilmore quietly made big noise in Patriots’ Super Bowl run

In two years, Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower still has never heard Stephon Gilmore yell.Not in practice. Not in a game. Not ever. “He’s stays quiet, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Sj4aWN

Japan splits two opening matches against China in Davis Cup qualifying round

Japan broke even in its first two singles matches against China on Friday, the first day of the 2019 Davis Cup qualifying round.Taro Daniel won ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2t0BDqP

Newcastle breaks bank as transfer window closes

The January transfer window shut in Europe’s leading leagues at 11 p.m. GMT on Thursday, with Newcastle United’s signing of Miguel Almiron the biggest deal ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DODfu7

All-Star Nolan Arenado, Rockies agree to $26 million deal to avoid arbitration

Nolan Arenado produces big numbers whether he steps into the batter’s box or up to the negotiating table.The All-Star third baseman and the Colorado Rockies ...

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

Takuro Miuchi, Frederic Michalak offer tentative support for League of Nations

Former Japan captain Takuro Miuchi and ex-France flyhalf Frederic Michalak welcomed World Rugby’s proposed “League of Nations” but cautioned Thursday issues such as player burnout ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2MO2Je8

Snowboarding queen Chloe Kim aims to soar at Princeton

Snowboarder Chloe Kim has long been in a class by her herself in the lofty subjects of double corks and front-side twists.Soon, instead of defying ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DQ78tZ

LeBron returns from 17-game injury absence, leads Lakers to OT triumph over Clippers

LeBron James looked like his old self, even if he wasn’t feeling like it after his first game since Christmas.James had 24 points and 14 ...

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

Fourth-ranked Gonzaga pummels BYU for 28th straight conference road victory

Brandon Clarke scored 23 points and Rui Hachimura added 20 to lead No. 4 Gonzaga to a 93-63 win over BYU on Thursday night.Clarke and ...

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