Kei Nishikori wins marathon match against Laslo Djere, advances to French Open fourth round

World No. 7 Kei Nishikori prevailed against Serbia’s Laslo Djere on Friday and advanced to the fourth round of the French Open.The 29-year-old Nishikori started ...

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

Antonio Conte appointed Inter Milan coach

Antonio Conte has been named Inter Milan coach after being out of a job since June 2018 after being fired by English Premier League side ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2wxv6Wu

BayStars hand Swallows 15th consecutive loss

Shota Imanaga struck out 11 over seven scoreless innings and Neftali Soto hit his 15th home run and the Yokohama BayStars held off the Tokyo ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2wwCeT6

Teruhito Nakagawa ignites Marinos in victory over Bellmare

Teruhito Nakagawa scored one goal and set up another in Yokohama F. Marinos’ 2-1 win at Shonan Bellmare on Friday night.Nakagawa scored the winner in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WCzH8r

Strong outside shooting carries Japan past Belgium

Japan kept hitting shots from beyond the 3-point line and tamed Belgium 91-75 in the first game of their two-game exhibition series at Adastria Mito ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WGMW8k

Alisson could be piece Liverpool missed in last year’s Champions League final

The key to Liverpool’s Champions League success this year may just be in the hands of Alisson.Liverpool paid a record $85 million fee for a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QBO6w0

B. League’s steady growth continues

The B. League continued its steady growth in its third season that concluded on May 11.The overall attendance in the first and second divisions in ...

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

Sunwolves seeking to give loyal fans something to remember in final home game of season

The Sunwolves head into their final home game of the 2019 Super Rugby season on Saturday hoping to salvage a disappointing year.The Japanese franchise has ...

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

J.R. Sakuragi returning to SeaHorses for 2019-20 season

Veteran forward J.R. Sakuragi accepted a contract offer for the 2019-20 season from the SeaHorses Mikawa, continuing his long association with the basketball team.The SeaHorses ...

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

Blues’ Oskar Sundqvist suspended for Game 2 hit on Matt Grzelcyk

Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist has been suspended for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final for delivering an elbow to the head of Bruins defenseman ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EIR8tW

Teenage pitcher Carter Stewart excited to begin pro career in Japan

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks signee Carter Stewart said Thursday he has a “fantastic opportunity” starting his professional baseball career in Japan.The first marquee American amateur to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JNi93v

Veteran coaches worry about future of Japanese rugby

Two leading coaches believe the Japan Rugby Football Union does not understand just how much of an impact this year’s Rugby World Cup will have ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Wir3N9

Angels pound Mariners starter Yusei Kikuchi in rout

Even without Shohei Ohtani in the lineup, nullifying a highly anticipated matchup for Japanese baseball fans, the Los Angeles Angels had no problem solving Yusei ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2W0e0uJ

Yushiro Hirano follows nomadic path in bid for NHL

Yushiro Hirano’s offseason isn’t filled with lazy, idyllic days in the sun.The Pittsburgh Penguins prospect is staying busy. He laced up his skates for the ...

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

Pascal Siakam, Kawhi Leonard power Raptors to Game 1 victory over Warriors

The first NBA Finals game outside the U.S. was a party 24 years in the making.Then Pascal Siakam and the Raptors really gave Toronto something ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EJNj7U

Pele, Barack Obama discuss world affairs in Brazil

Pele met with former U.S. president Barack Obama in Sao Paulo Thursday where the pair discussed how “to make the world better,” the Brazilian soccer ...

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

Higa in lead after first-round 65 at U.S. Women’s Open

Looks like experience might not matter at the U.S. Women’s Open, at least not in Thursday’s opening round.Mamiko Higa shot the lowest round in an ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HNA8Vd

Carp rookie Sho Yamaguchi shines in first start as Swallows drop 14th straight

Rookie Sho Yamaguchi allowed one hit over seven scoreless innings in his starting debut on Thursday in the Hiroshima Carp’s 13-0 victory over the Tokyo ...

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

Naomi Osaka stages another great escape at Roland Garros

Top seed Naomi Osaka staged a second successive Roland Garros great escape on Thursday when she battled back from a set and a break down ...

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

Former New Zealand national team coach Nenad Vucinic hired to lead Kumamoto Volters

Well-traveled coach Nenad Vucinic served an assistant for the New Zealand men’s national team during the 2006 FIBA World Basketball Championship in Japan.Thirteen years later, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YUhi4p

Haloti Ngata retires as a Raven; former coach Brian Billick also honored by team

On a day designed to honor Haloti Ngata’s retirement as a member of the Ravens, his former coach in Baltimore stole a portion of the ...

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

Wallabies to wear indigenous-themed jersey at Rugby World Cup

The Wallabies will wear an indigenous-themed jersey for at least one Rugby World Cup match, it was revealed Thursday.Australia has donned a shirt paying tribute ...

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

Angels capitalize on rare Matt Olson error in 11th inning

The Los Angeles Angels blew a pair of late two-run leads including one by closer Hansel Robles and ran themselves out a potentially big inning ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Z0Pj3h

Sunwolves coach Tony Brown to return to Otago Highlanders

Sunwolves coach Tony Brown announced Thursday he will return home to the Otago Highlanders as an assistant for the 2020 season following the demise of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VXmS4k

Hazard leads Chelsea to Europa League title

For Eden Hazard, it was the perfect goodbye. For Petr Cech, it was a painful way to retire.Hazard scored twice past his former teammate as ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JRX6Np

Caster Semenya appeals testosterone ruling

South African runner Caster Semenya filed an appeal Wednesday against the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision to uphold testosterone regulations for some female athletes ...

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

Tiger Woods targets Sam Snead record after PGA Championship flop

Winning the Masters gave Tiger Woods his 15th major and allowed him to resume the pursuit of Jack Nicklaus and his 18 majors.It moved him ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2wtD3Mh

Analysis: Why the Raptors will capture NBA title

Last time Kawhi Leonard played Golden State in the playoffs, he was running the Warriors off the floor.The only thing that stopped him that day ...

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

Analysis: Why the Warriors will win NBA Finals again

Golden State coach Steve Kerr dropped the hint eight months ago that this season may be the end of the Warriors, at least as the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2MdC9ya

Kei Nishikori overcomes slow start, beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in second round

World No. 7 Kei Nishikori advanced to the third round of the French Open with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over France’s Jo-Wilfried ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HIFD7u

Blues triumph in OT, even series at game apiece

St. Louis Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson bumped into coach Craig Berube in the bathroom before the start of overtime and told him: “I just need ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YXII9M

Hawks soar back into first place with win over Buffaloes

Go Kamamoto drove in the tiebreaking run in the fourth inning as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks moved back to the top of the Pacific League ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Xg9VnI

Garbine Muguruza, Sloane Stephens advance with straight-set victories at French Open

Former champion Garbine Muguruza and last year’s runner-up Sloane Stephens both posted straight-set wins Wednesday to reach the third round of the French Open.On a ...

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

Toronto’s Jurassic Park adds college vibe to NBA Finals

There’s nothing quite like Jurassic Park anywhere else in the NBA.The college vibe of the writhing, rowdy mass of bodies crammed into an area that ...

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

Edmonton Oilers hire Dave Tippett as head coach

The Edmonton Oilers hired NHL veteran Dave Tippett as their next head coach Tuesday, the first big move for new general manager Ken Holland.Tippett, who ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30PpaGe

British stars expect Japan to be strong

With the 100-day-to-go milestone fast approaching, two well-known British rugby stars have said they think Japan will be one of the teams to watch out ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EHCmU2

Honus Wagner baseball card sells privately for $1.2 million

A Honus Wagner baseball card has been sold privately for $1.2 million.SCP Auctions in Southern California says the 1909-11 T206 card was graded in Good ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Xb2bDe

NBA executive Amadou Fall picked as first president of Basketball Africa League

Amadou Gallo Fall is the first president of the Basketball Africa League, and Anibal Manave has been tabbed as the inaugural president of the board ...

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

Trump’s basho visit boosts sumo’s reputation overseas

U.S. President Donald Trump’s attendance at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, and presentation of a large trophy to its winner, made headlines around the globe.The ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2MfV4IV

Shohei Ohtani lifts Angels to win over Athletics with two-run single in ninth inning

Joakim Soria took issue with a 1-2 curveball he believed should have been strike three to Shohei Ohtani, who two pitches later lined a go-ahead ...

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

Top U.S. prospect R.J. Hampton signs with New Zealand team

Guard R.J. Hampton, a top U.S. prospect, has decided to forego his college eligibility to sign with the New Zealand Breakers in the National Basketball ...

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

Liverpool, Tottenham boast loyal Japanese support

When Liverpool and Tottenham enter the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium pitch on Saturday night for the UEFA Champions League final, the 67,000 fans in Madrid won’t ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QsOvB9

Olympic ticket lottery concludes with 7.5 million registered users

The extended 12-hour window for Japanese residents to enter the 2020 Tokyo Olympic ticket lottery closed at 11:59 a.m. on Wednesday after organizers allowed people ...

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

One but not done: Top-seeded Naomi Osaka avoids upset at French Open

The wind was swirling, Naomi Osaka’s shots were flying everywhere except where she wanted and her debut as the No. 1 seed at a Grand ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YR5Ma3

Carp squander big lead, end Swallows’ comeback hopes in ninth inning

Closer Shota Nakazaki steered the Hiroshima Carp through a nail-biting ninth-inning as the Central League leaders held on to beat the Tokyo Yakult Swallows 8-7 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EE4xn3

Dale Steyn to miss South Africa’s Cricket World Cup opener

Dale Steyn has been ruled out of South Africa’s Cricket World Cup opener against England on Thursday.The 35-year-old paceman injured his shoulder during the recent ...

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

Juan Martin del Potro, Yoshihito Nishioka win opening matches at French Open

Juan Martin del Potro fired up his power game after a sluggish start to ease past Nicolas Jarry in an all-South American first-round clash at ...

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

Leeds, coach Marcelo Bielsa finalize deal for next season

Marcelo Bielsa will remain in charge at Elland Road after Leeds United extended the Argentine coach’s contract for a second season and said it had ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2MgMg5i

Urawa fires manager Oswaldo Oliveira

The Urawa Reds have dismissed manager Oswaldo Oliveira, the J. League first-division team announced Tuesday.The move comes after the Reds suffered their heaviest defeat of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2M9ZKzH

After odd shoe delay, Red Sox stomp on Indians

Cleveland reliever Oliver Perez broke a spike loose on his shoe, and three batters later, the Boston Red Sox broke the game open.Sandy Leon hit ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HFP8Ev

Warriors star Kevin Durant won’t play in NBA Finals opener

Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant will not play in the opening game of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday because of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Mgg0zk

Capitals investigating Evgeny Kuznetsov video showing white powder

The Washington Capitals said Monday they have confirmed star Evgeny Kuznetsov is shown in a now-deleted video on social media that appears to show him ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ke2aLn

Dani Alves replaces Neymar as Brazil captain for Copa America

Dani Alves will replace Neymar as the captain of the Brazilian national team in the Copa America, the country’s soccer announced Monday.“The decision was communicated ...

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

Bruins rally past Blues for Game 1 win

Torey Krug flew down the ice with his helmet off, like his big, bad predecessors on the Boston defense from the days of Eddie Shore ...

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

Serena Williams rebounds from slow start to avoid upset in French Open first round

This was one mistake too far for Serena Williams.Sure, the bad backhand put her behind only 15-30 at the outset of the second set of ...

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

Majority of Nadeshiko Japan’s players going to Women’s World Cup for first time

Jun Endo turned 19 a few days ago and is headed to her first Women’s World Cup.The Japan forward has lots of company. Sixteen others ...

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

Bill Buckner, forever known for costly error in 1986 World Series, dies at 69

Bill Buckner was an All-Star and batting champion, a gritty gamer who was welcome on any team.A reliable fielder, too. But a little grounder forever ...

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

Tottenham’s Harry Kane eager to return for Champions League final against Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane is adamant he’s “ready to go” for Saturday’s Champions League final against Liverpool in Madrid after returning to full trainingThe ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30OAx0X

Trophy presented by Trump to go on display at sumo museum

The American-made trophy presented by U.S. President Donald Trump at a sumo tournament will join the sport’s historical materials at a museum in Tokyo, the ...

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

Former Wallabies star calls for Super Rugby to boot Jaguares

Wallabies great Phil Kearns has called for the Jaguares to be kicked out of Super Rugby, claiming they have an unfair advantage as their line-up ...

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

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert recovering after stroke symptoms

Cavaliers owner and billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert is recovering after suffering symptoms of a stroke and seeking hospital care.Officials with Detroit-based Quicken Loans said in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2M7TGrr

Nadeshiko Japan departs for Women’s World Cup in France

Nadeshiko Japan departed Monday from Tokyo’s Haneda airport for the Women’s World Cup in France, on the hunt to capture the winner’s trophy for a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2MlER50

Asanoyama wants to build on first title

A day after receiving his first Emperor’s Cup trophy, Summer Grand Sumo Tournament winner Asanoyama said the reality of his maiden top-level title was still ...

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

Stewart’s bold move to Japan could shake up MLB, NPB

Hiroshima Carp pitcher Kyle Regnault doesn’t know what he’d do if he were in Carter Stewart’s cleats.Stewart, a 19-year-old pitcher from Melbourne, Florida, finalized a ...

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

Team GB boss expects Japan to have strong showing during 2020 Games

Britain’s Olympic chief believes Japan will shoot up the medal table when it hosts the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, making it difficult for his ...

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

Kenta Maeda wins in return from injury

Kenta Maeda returned from the 10-day injured list and earned his sixth victory of the season, after the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a sweep of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2woBj7a

Kei Nishikori breezes into second round of French Open

Kei Nishikori weathered a third-set rally from France’s Quentin Halys on Sunday to reach the second round of the French Open for the fifth year ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2K2ZFLw

Takuma Sato finishes third at Indy 500

Takuma Sato took advantage of a late-race crash to move into contention at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, scything into third place to finish in ...

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

Legendary Packers quarterback Bart Starr, MVP of first two Super Bowls, dies at 85

Iconic former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr died on Sunday in Birmingham, Ala.Starr, who was 85, suffered a major stroke in 2014 and his ...

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

Kento Momota stunned as China wins Sudirman Cup

Shi Yuqi stunned world champion Kento Momota as hosts China whitewashed Japan for an 11th Sudirman Cup title on Sunday.Japan has never won the badminton ...

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

Kensuke Kondo, Sho Nakata help Fighters rally past Lions

Kensuke Kondo and Sho Nakata capped a late rally on Sunday as the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters fought back from a four-run deficit to claim ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30JTKkx

Sanfrecce find scoring touch against Reds

Sanfrecce Hiroshima broke out of its scoring doldrums in a 4-0 trouncing of Urawa Reds in the J. League first division on Sunday.After scoring once ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HE2qBz

Nike to end financial penalties for pregnant athletes

U.S. sporting goods giant Nike, under fire for financially penalizing sponsored athletes who become pregnant, is changing its maternity policy, the New York Times reported.“We’ve ...

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

Sumo 101: Sumo and singing

Though sumo and song may not seem obvious bedfellows, Japan’s national sport has musical connections both varied and historical.Jinku, a form of folk singing, is ...

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

Asanoyama falls on basho’s last day

U.S. President Donald Trump became the main attraction on an otherwise anticlimactic final day at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, a day after ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HE2ocV

Roger Barows wins Derby

The first Japanese Derby of the Reiwa Era turned out to be a surprising one, even for the winning jockey.Roger Barows, the 12th favorite, came ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2W5X7Dy

Athletics rough up Kikuchi, hold off Mariners

Yusei Kikuchi surrendered 10 hits and four earned runs against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, suffering his second loss of the season as his Seattle ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WteUE8

Raptors rally past Bucks to reach first NBA Finals

Kyle Lowry stole the ball and pushed it ahead, then waited for Kawhi Leonard to arrive before feeding his All-Star teammate for a thunderous one-handed ...

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

Nasa Hataoka fires third-round 67 to move into tie for first place

Nasa Hataoka eagled the par-5 15th and shot a 4-under 67 on Saturday to finish with a share of the 54-hole lead alongside Bronte Law ...

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

Valencia beats Barcelona in Copa del Rey final

There was no lifting of a winner’s trophy this time for Lionel Messi.The Barcelona star had to settle on receiving the runner-up plate from Spanish ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2M6iq3j

Nepal’s record-setting Everest guide Kami Rita returns home as hero

Family, friends and supporters greeted a veteran Sherpa guide upon his return to Nepal’s capital on Saturday, days after his 24th climb of Mount Everest, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Wi08Aj

Olympic, Paralympic athletes join 4,600-person walk to promote 2020 Games

Olympic and Paralympic athletes participated in a walk with some 4,600 people near the venues of the Tokyo Games on Saturday in a bid to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2K9oZPY

Southpaw starter Kris Johnson helps Carp extend winning streak to 11 games

Left-hander Kris Johnson pitched into the eighth inning and drove in a run to help the Hiroshima Carp extend their winning streak to 11 games ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2W44Cv0

Hawks finalize deal with highly touted amateur pitcher Carter Stewart

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks made history on Saturday by becoming the first NPB team to sign a highly rated American amateur by announcing their acquisition ...

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

Kanoa Igarashi triumphs for first time on World Surf League’s Championship Tour

Kanoa Igarashi became the first Japanese surfer to win an elite World Surf League’s Championship Tour event on Saturday, when he topped the men’s competition ...

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

Late Cerezo Osaka goal sends FC Tokyo to first defeat of season

Bruno Mendes’ 78th-minute header ended FC Tokyo’s unbeaten record on Saturday as Cerezo Osaka held off the league leader 1-0 at home.A long stretch of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2wkvNT6

Asanoyama captures first title

Rank-and-filer Asanoyama clinched his maiden championship on Saturday by beating ozeki Goeido with one day remaining at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.In addition to the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2X7iMYD

Tigers put end to nine-game skid

Winless for almost two weeks, the Detroit Tigers finally busted loose for nine runs and needed every last one of them.JaCoby Jones homered and had ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YRS2Mn

Rebels crush Sunwolves

An earthquake jolted the stands at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday, but it was the Melbourne Rebels who did the moving and shaking ...

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

Sumo 101: Controversial decisions

Friday’s controversial overturning of an apparent Tochinoshin win has people up in arms.Irate fans flooded social media with photos, videos and gifs that they felt ...

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

Clay a big challenge for Naomi Osaka

It’s been 10 months since a woman other than Naomi Osaka hoisted a Grand Slam singles trophy, but if the star is to make it ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2W2VyXa

Monaco Grand Prix plans to honor late F1 icon Niki Lauda

Special tributes will be held in memory of Formula One great Niki Lauda at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.The three-time champion died on Monday ...

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

Warriors’ Kevin Durant unlikely for Game 1

Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant is unlikely to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday against either the Toronto Raptors or ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QpO7Df

Legends pay final respects to Celtics great John Havlicek

Sports legends were in Boston to honor basketball great John Havlicek.Former Celtics and Bruins stars gathered at Trinity Church in Boston on Thursday for a ...

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

Nasa Hataoka cards second-round 67, sits two strokes off lead at Pure Silk Championship

Nasa Hataoka fired a second-round 67 to position herself two shots behind a trio of leaders at the midway point of the 72-hole Pure Silk ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QmnC1D

Carp crush Giants to extend winning streak to 10

The first several weeks of the NPB season had many wondering how it was possible for the Hiroshima Carp to start off so slowly.Now the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2M95idR

After injury setbacks, Manami Fujioka, Sanae Motokawa enjoying chance to compete for national team

Competition can be a blessing.Just ask Manami Fujioka and Sanae Motokawa. While they are getting into tough battles to compete for roster spots on Japan’s ...

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

Mets’ Yoenis Cespedes likely to miss rest of season after undergoing ankle surgery

The New York Mets say slugger Yoenis Cespedes is expected to miss the entire season after having ankle surgery.The Mets revealed that the 33-year-old Cespedes ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2X23fJL

Japanese Derby stands out as one of racing’s big events

It’s the 86th running of the Japanese Derby (or the Tokyo Yushun as it’s known in Japan) this coming Sunday, and the race will be ...

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

Many ways to enjoy Derby Day

On a sunny afternoon last Sunday, more than 60,000 people witnessed Loves Only You, ridden by Mirco Demuro, win the Japanese Oaks at Tokyo Racecourse ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Esnf0U

Asanoyama takes lead after judges reverse decision

Rank-and-file wrestler Asanoyama seized the sole lead at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday with a controversial win over sekiwake Tochinoshin, as Kakuryu dropped ...

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

Sunwolves hope Amanaki Lelei Mafi can lead team to upset over Rebels

Amanaki Lelei Mafi will spearhead the Sunwolves attack against the Melbourne Rebels at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday as the hosts look to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JI577x

Satoko Miyahara enhances Benoit Richaud’s growing influence in Japan

Daisuke Takahashi, Kaori Sakamoto, Mai Mihara, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Bradie Tennell.These are just some of the prominent skaters who have chosen to work with rising choreographer ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Hxk0aa

Marcello Lippi returning for second stint as China head coach

Marcello Lippi is set to return for a second stint in charge of China’s national team as the country targets a place at the 2022 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YOmmY9

Samurai Blue boss Hajime Moriyasu selects squad of Olympic hopefuls for Copa America

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu on Friday named a young and inexperienced squad for the upcoming Copa America in Brazil, giving a preview of his potential ...

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

Sepp Blatter blasts FIFA chief Gianni Infantino over FIFA’s World Cup plans

Sepp Blatter has blasted his successor as FIFA head Gianni Infantino for thinking he can ride roughshod over decisions already made by the organization after ...

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

Yankees sweep lowly Orioles; Masahiro Tanaka gets no-decision

Aaron Hicks drew a bases-loaded walk with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, and the New York Yankees completed a four-game sweep ...

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

Raptors push Bucks to brink with third straight victory

Kawhi Leonard arrived in Toronto thinking he could pick up another championship to go with the one he already has.One more victory and he’ll play ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QiRgF4

Sumo 101: Mongolians

Sumo might be Japan’s national sport, but for most of the last two decades it has been dominated by Mongolians.From November 2002, when Ulaanbaatar native ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EunXe3

Morinari Watanabe takes helm for Tokyo 2020 boxing competition

Morinari Watanabe, the Japanese head of the International Gymnastics Federation, understands what it means to stick the landing.As the newly appointed boss of an IOC ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30DEOV4

Doping cheat Lance Armstrong says he ‘wouldn’t change a thing’

Disgraced former American cyclist Lance Armstrong says he wouldn’t change a thing about the reign of doping that led to him being stripped of his ...

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

Kento Itohara delivers walk-off single as Tigers complete series sweep of Swallows

Kento Itohara’s ninth-inning RBI single broke up a scoreless tie, lifted the Hanshin Tigers to a 1-0 win and a three-game sweep over the struggling ...

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

High-scoring forward Thomas Kennedy joins Hiroshima Dragonflies

Thomas Kennedy, a dynamic scorer for the Gunma Crane Thunders for four seasons, has joined the Hiroshima Dragonflies.The move was announced by Hiroshima on Thursday. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Hy1YEH

F1 icon Niki Lauda remembered in heartfelt tributes at MonacoGrand Prix practice

Poignant tributes to Niki Lauda, including a solitary red baseball cap left hanging on his earphones peg, were all around the Mercedes team motorhome and ...

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

Former BayStars pitcher Yujo Kitagata joins Dodgers on minor league deal

The Tochigi Golden Braves of the independent Baseball Challenge League confirmed Thursday that former Yokohama BayStars pitcher Yujo Kitagata has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers ...

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

Takefusa Kubo, 17, named to Japan’s senior national squad for first time

Seventeen-year-old J. League star Takefusa Kubo on Thursday received his first call-up to Japan’s senior national squad for next month’s friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2M4sgml

IOC’s John Coates pleased with Tokyo 2020’s progress in managing issues such as traffic congestion

Tokyo 2020 Coordination Commission Chairman John Coates praised the local organizing committee on Thursday, citing unparalleled interest in ticket sales and progress toward managing issues ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WlEYB4

Kakuryu back in tie for first place

Yokozuna Kakuryu recovered from his second upset of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament to reclaim a share of the lead with rank-and-filer Asanoyama, who suffered ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YKk5NI

Sumo 101: Yobidashi (ring announcers)

The busiest men in sumo are the yobidashi (ring announcers).Named after their most conspicuous duty, yobidashi do far more than just call rikishi up to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Hw1wXy

Alvark coach Luka Pavicevic instills confidence with his approach

There was a recurring theme game after game during the Alvark Tokyo’s march to their second consecutive B. League title.Trust amplifies winning. As much as ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Wjo4Df

IOC seeks to remove AIBA from Tokyo Olympics

Dealing a blow to Olympic boxing officials after months of investigations, the IOC has set up a vote next month on removing the sport’s amateur ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30E60D5

Rockies rap out 16 hits in rout of Pirates

Another feat of strength from Josh Bell didn’t do the Pittsburgh Pirates much good Wednesday night.For the second time in two weeks, the switch-hitting slugger ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VK6wf0

FIFA keeps 32 teams for 2022 World Cup

FIFA scrapped plans to expand the 2022 Qatar World Cup to 48 nations, deciding Wednesday to stick with 32 countries due to the political and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30BvLUC

Allyson Felix criticizes Nike maternity policy

Olympic track and field star Allyson Felix joined a chorus of recent criticism against Nike on Wednesday, accusing the sporting goods giant of penalizing female ...

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

Michigan hands coaching reins to Juwan Howard

Juwan Howard is coming back to Michigan.The former member of the Fab Five agreed to a five-year deal, which will pay him $2 million in ...

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

Warriors owner Joe Lacob confident team will keep Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob intends to re-sign Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant when they become unrestricted free agents this summer, even though Durant’s ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2wbu6XY

Daichi Osera, Tsubasa Aizawa carry red-hot Carp to ninth straight win

Daichi Osera threw a complete game and contributed with his bat as he pitched the Hiroshima Carp to their ninth straight win, a 3-1 victory ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2M3KpRj

J2 side Nagasaki reaches Levain Cup playoff round

Yu Hasegawa scored the winner and Yuki Omoto added another in second-half injury time as second-division V-Varen Nagasaki booked a spot in the Levain Cup ...

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

Hiroshima spoils Keisuke Honda’s Victory farewell

Yusuke Minagawa scored the 73rd-minute winner on Wednesday as Sanfrecce Hiroshima beat Keisuke Honda’s Melbourne Victory 3-1 in the final group round of the Asian ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2K2uujo

New pro swim league to hold meets in U.S., Europe

A new professional league for elite swimmers will launch in October with meets in seven cities across the U.S. and Europe, ending with a championship ...

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

Sumo 101: Large rikishi

The first thing that comes to mind when people think of sumo is the size of the participants.While the height of most wrestlers doesn’t generally ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HOv0iv

Asanoyama takes lead as rivals slip

Yokozuna Kakuryu and sekiwake Tochinoshin both suffered upsets on Wednesday at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, with each falling one win behind rank-and-file wrestler Asanoyama ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VV1YHF

Blown call leaves Japanese soccer world scrambling to enact reforms

Friday night’s 3-2 win by Shonan Bellmare over Urawa Reds showcased everything great about the J. League, with the plucky underdogs winning in stoppage time ...

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

Hawks in negotiations with top American amateur prospect Carter Stewart

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks are closing in on a precedent-setting deal with amateur pitcher Carter Stewart, a No. 1 pick in Major League Baseball’s 2018 ...

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

Bills running back Senorise Perry wearing O.J. Simpson’s former No. 32

For the first time in 42 years, the Bills have a player wearing O.J. Simpson’s former No. 32.Running back Senorise Perry wore the jersey number ...

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

Former partner of deceased skater John Coughlin accuses him of abuse

One of the former skating partners of two-time U.S. pairs champion John Coughlin has accused him in a series of Facebook posts of sexually assaulting ...

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

Raptors rout Bucks to even Eastern Conference finals

With a weary Kawhi Leonard fighting through fatigue, the Toronto Raptors found enough energy to pull away from the Milwaukee Bucks.Kyle Lowry led the way. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VCG8E4

Blues beat Sharks, march on to Stanley Cup Final

The St. Louis Blues are marching into the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in decades.David Perron had a goal and an assist, Jordan ...

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

Carp’s Yusuke Nomura tosses seven scoreless innings in series-opening triumph over Dragons

Yusuke Nomura had just one strikeout but got the win after throwing seven scoreless innings as the Hiroshima Carp beat the Chunichi Dragons 3-2 on ...

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

Wallabies great George Smith, who earned 111 test caps, retires

Wallabies great George Smith announced his retirement Tuesday after a stint with Bristol in the England Premiership, retiring after nearly 20 years playing rugby.The veteran ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30C2v0a

Urawa cruises past Beijing to reach Asian Champions League knockout stage

Kazuki Nagasawa and Yuki Muto scored first-half goals, while Shinzo Koroki added a third late in the game as the Urawa Reds advanced to the ...

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

High-ranking IOC official says more budget cuts possible for 2020 Games

Tokyo 2020 organizers can make further reductions to its budget, a top Olympic official said Tuesday, despite some sports associations voicing concerns that cost-cutting could ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YDmk5d

Sumo 101: Small rikishi

Sumo has no weight classes.The David vs. Goliath clashes that arise as a result of that lack of regulation are a big part of the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Hso0sp

Three wrestlers tied for lead at 9-1

There were no big surprises at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, with yokozuna Kakuryu and sekiwake Tochinoshin both emerging victorious to stay in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HuU8vN

Yuko Takahashi shows promise at Yokohama triathlon

Two years ago, Yuko Takahashi moved to San Diego to join an elite multinational triathlon team, seeking to become a legitimate athlete.Her decision has paid ...

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

Pro women hockey players establish union in step toward league

More than 200 of the world’s top female players have taken the next step toward a viable professional league by forming a union.The Professional Women’s ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Yz1rrQ

Angels’ Shohei Ohtani hurts right hand in loss to Twins

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani was struck on the right hand while swinging at a 151-kph Taylor Rogers fastball in the eighth inning ...

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

Three-time F1 champ Niki Lauda passes away at 70

Three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, who won two of his titles after a horrific crash that left him with serious burns and went ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VS5Zgi

Warriors returning to NBA Finals after sweep

Experience bred confidence for the Golden State Warriors, even when challenged by the upstart Portland Trail Blazers.No matter how far they were down, they’ve been ...

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

Sumo 101: Cancellations

Sumo tournaments are rarely canceled.The last time one didn’t go ahead was 2011, when the Japan Sumo Association called off the March Basho in the ...

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

Nozomi Okuhara rescues Japan from early exit at mixed-team world championships

Japan gambled by resting top-ranked Kento Momota and nearly paid the price, suffering a huge scare before battling back to beat Russia 3-2 in their ...

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

Stanka’s family reunited with ’64 MVP trophy

Joe Stanka’s Pacific League MVP trophy was missing for over 30 years.He won the award with the Nankai Hawks during the 1964 season. Pitching to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LW4WqM

Yokozuna Kakuryu bounces back on ninth day

Yokozuna Kakuryu rebounded from his first loss at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament with a smooth victory on Monday, while sekiwake Tochinoshin found himself granted ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Wib0Og

Israel Folau’s ban a formality after he misses appeal deadline

Rugby Australia has closed its code of conduct case against Israel Folau after the star fullback missed a deadline to appeal against the termination of ...

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

Blues move to brink of Cup final with win over Sharks

Vladimir Tarasenko scored on a penalty shot and Jaden Schwartz added the first of his three goals during a dominant second period that carried St. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HCDB7Q

Kawhi Leonard, Raptors outlast Bucks in double overtime to win Game 3

Pascal Siakam felt guilty about a pair of missed free throws and the extra minutes they added to his teammates’ night.Fortunately for Siakam and the ...

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

Brooks Koepka avoids stunning collapse to win second straight PGA Championship

His place in PGA Championship history finally secure, Brooks Koepka draped both arms around the top of the Wanamaker Trophy and let out a deep ...

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

Pitcher Koji Uehara to retire

Former major league pitcher Koji Uehara has told the Yomiuri Giants he is calling time on his playing career, baseball sources said Monday.The 44-year-old right ...

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

Reiya Konishi stumbles in second world title fight

Reiya Konishi failed in his second shot at a world championship Sunday, losing to IBF world light flyweight champ Felix Alvarado of Nicaragua by unanimous ...

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

Top pick Loves Only You wins Japanese Oaks

No. 1 favorite Loves Only You picked up her maiden Grade 1 victory on Sunday, winning the Japanese Oaks by a neck.Ridden by Italian jockey ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WMMO3L

Rookie Lion Wataru Matsumoto beats Buffaloes in pro debut

Wataru Matsumoto worked five innings to win his pro debut for the Saitama Seibu Lions in a 9-3 Pacific League victory over the Orix Buffaloes ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30tYkTL

Kakeru Tanigawa wins first NHK Cup, qualifies for worlds

Kakeru Tanigawa won the men’s competition at the NHK Cup for the first time Sunday, booking his spot at this year’s world championships in Germany.Tanigawa, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VCHs9K

Kakuryu, Tochinoshin fall on Day 8

Overnight leaders Kakuryu and Tochinoshin fell into a three-way tie with rank-and-file grappler Asanoyama following their upset losses at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30uRVb1

Eagles’ Jabari Blash heeding Shohei Ohtani’s advice early on in Japan

Jabari Blash was in demand before the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles’ “home” game at Tokyo Dome on Thursday.When he came off the field after batting ...

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

Naoya Inoue dominates Emmanuel Rodriguez to win second world bantamweight belt

Naoya Inoue claimed another world title belt in dominant fashion Saturday, beating International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez by second-round technical knockout.Inoue, the undefeated ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WT4aMe

Sumo 101: Tachiai

One of the first words every new sumo fan learns is tachiai.Combining the characters for “stand” and “meet,” it is the term for the initial ...

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

Shohei Ohtani helps ice Angels win with two-run homer

Two-way player Shohei Ohtani drove in a pair of insurance runs with a home run for the Los Angeles Angels in a 6-3 win over ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2X0XBY0

Shinji Kagawa scores for Besiktas in loss to Trabzonspor

Shinji Kagawa scored his fourth Turkish first-division goal for Besiktas on Saturday, but it was not enough to avoid a 2-1 loss to Trabzonspor.The Japan ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EjA8Kv

Kevin Durant-less Warriors march to 3-0 series lead

With Kevin Durant out, Draymond Green has taken it upon himself to boost Golden State.And boy, has he. Green had 20 points, 13 rebounds and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JpFN65

Brooks Koepka blowing away field at PGA Championship

Brooks Koepka is on the cusp of some elite company at the PGA Championship — in the record book, not on the leaderboard.He is all ...

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

Manchester City routs Watford to complete historic treble

Manchester City swept aside Watford to complete the first clean sweep of English men’s soccer trophies.The fourth piece of silverware of the season was sealed ...

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

Johanna Konta outlasts Kiki Bertens to reach Italian Open semifinals

Johanna Konta rallied past sixth-seeded Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 in nearly three hours on Saturday to reach the Italian Open final for the biggest ...

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

Asuka Teramoto wins NHK Cup women’s title for third time

Asuka Teramoto won her third title at the NHK Cup women’s competition on Saturday and claimed a berth for this year’s Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.Teramoto, ...

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

AIBA faces Olympic inquiry team before Tokyo ruling

The embattled amateur boxing federation faces an Olympic inquiry on Monday fearing it could be punished for forcing out a longtime IOC member as its ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2QcfW1I

Hawks’ Kodai Senga fans nine, improves to 5-0

Kodai Senga allowed a run over seven innings to win his fifth straight start as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks exploited their opponent’s mistakes in a ...

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

Kris Bryant slugs three late homers as Cubs pound Nationals

Kris Bryant matched a career high with three home runs and drove in five as the Chicago Cubs routed the Washington Nationals 14-6 on Friday.Albert ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q9eflS

Rugby World Cup ticket sales resume for all matches

General ticket sales for this year’s Rugby World Cup resumed Saturday evening, when tickets to all 48 matches at the month-long tournament in Japan are ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VMg6Tz

NBA bans Pacers’ Tyreke Evans for violating league anti-drug policy

The NBA has banned Indiana Pacers guard Tyreke Evans at least two years for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.The league announced that Evans had been ...

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

Kakuryu, Tochinoshin tied for lead

Yokozuna Kakuryu and sekiwake Tochinoshin stayed undefeated Saturday to remain joint leaders of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.Pre-tournament favorite Kakuryu took another step at Ryogoku ...

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

Sumo 101: Endorsements

One of the unique aspects of sumo’s attire is a lack of associated wearable merchandise.While manufacturers are able to sell an endless array of baseball ...

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

FC Tokyo continues superb start to season

A crucial lesson in FC Tokyo’s 12-game unbeaten run to start the 2019 J. League first-division campaign has been that goals don’t need to come ...

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

Bucks rout Raptors for 2-0 lead

Giannis Antetokounmpo started the game with an emphatic dunk. The next possession, a sprawling block to deny Marc Gasol. The next possession, another dunk.The tone ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30sUQ3Z

Jordan Binnington, Blues edge Sharks to even series 1-1

Jordan Binnington made save after save to pull off yet another playoff victory — and make some team history — for the Blues.The rookie goalie ...

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

Tiger misses PGA Championship cut; Koepka reaks 36-hole record for a major

What felt like a battle for Brooks Koepka looked like a runaway Friday in the PGA Championship.Koepka backed up his record-tying 63 with a round ...

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

Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda placed on 10-day disabled list

Kenta Maeda fouled a ball off his left thigh in his last start, leaving a bruise that prompted the Los Angeles Dodgers to put him ...

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

Diego Schwartzman tops Kei Nishikori in Italian Open quarterfinals

Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman cruised past Kei Nishikori in straight sets to advance to the Italian Open semifinals on Thursday.Schwartzman won 6-4, 6-2 in 87 minutes ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JKN4N3

Frontale salvage home draw against Grampus

Two of the league’s strongest attacking clubs, a packed Todoroki Stadium and one of Japan’s most popular all-girl rock acts bringing down the house.Business as ...

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

Akiyoshi Katsuno loses shutout in sixth inning as Dragons fall to Giants

Akiyoshi Katsuno took a one-hitter into the sixth inning of his first professional start on Friday but gave up three runs and took the loss ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2EeTf8p

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri leaving club at end of season

Massimiliano Allegri will not coach Juventus next season, leading to speculation the Italian club champion is preparing to rehire former manager Antonio Conte.Allegri “will not ...

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

Stephen Curry’s 37 lead Warriors past Blazers, to 2-0 lead

These Golden State Warriors have long been able to score in fabulous, jaw-dropping flurries. Down by eight to the Portland Trail Blazers at home with ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WPMYY0

Naomi Osaka withdraws from Italian Open with right hand injury

Top-ranked Naomi Osaka withdrew from her Italian Open quarterfinal due to a right hand injury on Friday.Osaka was scheduled to meet Kiki Bertens, who advanced ...

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

Title chase down to two unbeatens

Sekiwake Tochinoshin survived a trial of endurance on Friday to remain in a tie with yokozuna Kakuryu after both men collected wins on Day 6 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LQ8TNG

Tigers’ Pierce Johnson striving to improve his Japanese

Sitting in the Hanshin Tigers’ bullpen has given Pierce Johnson a chance to pick up some new things. Namely, his teammates have been teaching him ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JKkYl3

With revamp, B. League could make Reiwa its own

After decades of stagnation and instability, Japan men’s basketball is finally headed in the right direction.As the B. League marks the third anniversary since its ...

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

Bruins sweep Hurricanes to reach Stanley Cup Final

Boston’s top line kept finding ways to score, especially on the power play. With a chance to clinch another series, Tuukka Rask was perfect — ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VJl43n

Brewers slugger Christian Yelich whacks two homers in rout of Phillies

Christian Yelich took advantage of the few pitches he saw in the zone.Yelich hit his major league-leading 17th and 18th homers to help Zach Davies ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JK3g16

Sumo 101: Online sumo games

Fantasy football is a multi-billion dollar business with millions of participants.The sumo version? Not so much, though the world champion does get a trophy. The ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ed8kHA

Brooks Koepka off to record-setting start at PGA Championship

Three majors in two years, and Brooks Koepka can still feel as though he has something to prove.He delivered again on golf’s biggest stage. And ...

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

Naomi Osaka, Kei Nishikori advance to Italian Open quarterfinals

Women’s world No. 1 Naomi Osaka and seventh-ranked men’s player Kei Nishikori both advanced to the Italian Open quarterfinals with two wins apiece on Thursday.A ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YsHz9M

Shota Hiranuma lifts Fighters with RBI double in seventh, earns first post-game hero interview

For a second, Shota Hiranuma thought he might’ve hit the first home run of his pro career.He came up a few centimeters short, but being ...

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

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal reach third round of Italian Open

World No. 3 Roger Federer eased into the third round of the Italian Open on Thursday with a straight sets win over Portugal’s Joao Sousa.Federer ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JplhT8

Jets star Yuki Togashi looks back on banner season, expresses excitement about future

For sure, the game the Chiba Jets Funabashi lost on Saturday was a big one.Once again, they failed to win their last game, falling to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q7Dsgg

Trio tied for lead at Summer Basho

Yokozuna Kakuryu and sekiwake Tochinoshin each won on Day 5 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday to retain their share of the lead.Kakuryu ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JHNl3j

Scotland’s Stuart Hogg looks ahead to rematch with Brave Blossoms

Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg admits the autumn heat in Japan could hamper his team’s chances of claiming a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal spot at the ...

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

Sumo 101: Injuries

One of the most surprising aspects of sumo for first-time watchers is the sheer violence of the sport.Notions of cuddly pandas gently belly bouncing each ...

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

Sharks beat Blues in overtime after controversial no-call

Timo Meier handed a big win to Erik Karlsson and the San Jose Sharks.Karlsson scored 5:23 into overtime after the officials missed a hand pass ...

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

Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda fans 12, drives in both runs in victory over Padres

Kenta Maeda struck out 12 batters and drove in both runs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 2-0 on Wednesday night.The ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2w3l7Im

Bob Baffert-trained Improbable 5-2 Preakness favorite

In a field without the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby, the odds that Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert wouldn’t have the favorite ...

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

Maria Sharapova pulls out of French Open, citing right shoulder

Two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova pulled out of the year’s second Grand Slam tournament because of her surgically repaired right shoulder, it was announced ...

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

Bucks finish with a flourish, take Game 1

Down for most of the game, clearly rusty at times after nearly a full week off, the Milwaukee Bucks looked very much like a team ...

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

Knee injury forces Takakeisho out of Summer Basho

New ozeki Takakeisho has pulled out of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament due to a right-knee injury, the Japan Sumo Association said Thursday.The 22-year-old wrestler, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2w3zfRD

Sherpa climber Kami Rita scales Mount Everest for record 23rd time

Sherpa climber Kami Rita scaled Mount Everest on Wednesday for a 23rd time, breaking his own record for the most successful ascents of the world’s ...

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

Jets star Yuki Togashi named B. League MVP

The Chiba Jets Funabashi’s diminutive star guard Yuki Togashi just won the biggest individual accolade of his basketball career.The 25-year-old Togashi was named the Most ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YyqQ5c

Eagles rally from eight runs down to beat Fighters

Kazuya Fujita scored the winning run in the 11th inning Wednesday as the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles rallied from eight runs down to beat the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LFFrd9

J. League levels up video

In the third year of the J. League’s decade-long, $2 billion domestic broadcasting deal with DAZN, the league is hitting its digital stride and starting ...

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

Sumo 101: Americans in sumo

There are two rikishi from the United States of America in sumo currently.They are Musashikuni (Fiamalu Penitani) and Wakaichiro (Ichiro Young). Both are in Musashigawa ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VWCM31

Kakuryu wins 4th; ozeki rebound

Lone yokozuna Kakuryu maintained his pursuit of a sixth top-level title Wednesday by beating Endo on Day 4 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.The Mongolian ...

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

Shohei Ohtani reaches 100th MLB hit with three-hit day in Angels loss

Shohei Ohtani notched his 100th major league hit in a 3-for-4 effort Tuesday but was tagged out in pivotal innings as the Los Angeles Angels ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30nTDv0

Stephen Curry leads Warriors past Trail Blazers in Game 1

Stephen Curry had all kinds of room for a change and capitalized, finding his shooting touch in a hurry to get Golden State on a ...

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

Ben Simmons says he’s ready to play for Australia’s Boomers

Ben Simmons is set to play for Australia after confirming in an online video “I’m going to be a Boomer for the upcoming events.”Simmons’ NBA ...

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

Bruins beat Carolina to take 3-0 series lead

Tuukka Rask and the Boston Bruins stood tall during an early deluge of shots and penalties, patiently waiting for their chance to take over the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WaHJp2

Pelicans win first pick, right to draft Zion Williamson

New Orleans has bucked the odds and won the NBA draft lottery, and now will have the first chance at choosing Zion Williamson next month.The ...

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

Tiger Woods eyeing first Olympics appearance in Tokyo

Tiger Woods indicated Tuesday that he has every intention of representing the United States at the Tokyo Olympics next year.When questioned by media ahead of ...

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

Aston Villa beat West Brom on penalties to reach playoff final

Aston Villa progressed to within one game of a return to the English Premier League after edging West Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion 4-3 on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2W1RjKx

Manchester City expresses concern over Champions League ban story

Premier League champion Manchester City said Tuesday it was concerned “individuals intent on damaging” the club may be behind a news report that European soccer’s ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E7KT2h

Fighters hurler Kohei Arihara improves to 5-1 with banner performance against Eagles

Kohei Arihara threw four-hit ball over eight innings behind a strong defense on Tuesday as the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters opened a three-game series against ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2YygAd7

Kakuryu wins as three ozeki beaten

Yokozuna Kakuryu earned his third straight win on Tuesday and gained some breathing room as all three ozeki were defeated on Day 3 of the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HlWz2k

Sumo 101: Impact of tourism

Sumo’s popularity abroad has exploded over the past few years.That’s due in large part to recent changes making it possible to watch bouts in real ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WIBB42

Ducks’ Ryan Kesler expected to miss upcoming season after hip surgery

Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler is expected to miss the upcoming season after undergoing right hip resurfacing surgery last week.The Ducks said the surgery was ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2vWr7Td

Blues even up series with Sharks

After the San Jose Sharks relied on a usual suspect to tie the game, the St. Louis Blues took back momentum with a tiebreaking goal ...

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

Jockey Luis Saez banned 15 days for Kentucky Derby interference

Jockey Luis Saez was suspended for 15 days for failing to control Maximum Security and causing interference that resulted in the horse’s historic disqualification as ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E71Qdf

Schumacher documentary to hit market at Cannes Film Festival

Former world champion Formula One driver Michael Schumacher will be the subject of a new documentary by two German filmmakers in a production fully supported ...

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

Lakers name Frank Vogel new coach; Cavaliers hand reins to John Beilein

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially named Frank Vogel as coach, two days after the sides agreed to terms.The team announced the hiring Monday and ...

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

Longtime NFL coach Gunther Cunningham dies at 72

Gunther Cunningham’s life would have been vastly different had his family not emigrated from postwar Germany, settling in California when he was a young boy.For ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2HipJR6

Angels’ Shohei Ohtani bashes first homer of season in victory over Twins

One week into Shohei Ohtani’s return to the Los Angeles Angels, the lineup is looking sharp.Minnesota ace Jose Berrios bore the brunt of their batting ...

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

Masayuki Kuroda loses decision to IBF flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane

Japanese challenger Masayuki Kuroda fell short in his bid to unseat International Boxing Federation world flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane on Monday, losing a unanimous decision ...

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

IAAF chief Sebastian Coe lauds Abdul Hakim Sani Brown as ‘phenomenal talent’

International Association of Athletics Federations President Sebastian Coe on Sunday hailed Japanese sprinter Abdul Hakim Sani Brown as a “phenomenal talent” following the 20-year-old’s sub-10-second ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WBI29i

Naomi Osaka clings to top spot as Simona Halep cuts gap

Naomi Osaka narrowly retained her No. 1 ranking on Monday ahead of Simona Halep, after the Romanian missed the chance to reclaim the top spot ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VAra66

Keisuke Honda ends A-League career with semifinal loss

Former Japan star Keisuke Honda made his last appearance in the Australian A-League for Melbourne Victory in a 6-1 semifinal loss to archrivals Sydney FC ...

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

Sumo 101: Amateur sumo

What do Takakeisho, Tochinoshin and Mitakeumi have in common, apart from recently becoming first-time winners of the Emperor’s Cup?The answer, of course, is that all ...

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

Favorites cruise on Day 2 of tourney

Lone yokozuna Kakuryu stayed unbeaten Monday at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, cruising to victory over rank-and-file opponent Hokutofuji.Kakuryu, seeking his sixth top-division title, improved ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q0Dmam

‘Home Run Jizo’ testament of bond between Sadaharu Oh, ailing boy

It’s raining hard at Shimbamba station in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward. Pouring, actually, real cats-and-dogs-type stuff.Sac Bunts is here, on the Keikyu Line platform, with Marty ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2vX6MNj

Tanaka pitches Yankees to win

Masahiro Tanaka needed only 73 pitches over seven innings Sunday to get his third win of the season and lead the New York Yankees to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Hg3bjT

CJ McCollum steps up to lead Blazers past Nuggets in clincher

Damian Lillard’s shots kept banging off the backboard, rattling off the rim, going everywhere but through the hoop.The Portland Trail Blazers are going to the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WImlV8

Novak Djokovic cruises past Stefanos Tsitsipas to capture third Madrid Open title

Novak Djokovic celebrated a lot more than a record-tying 33rd Masters 1000 title at the Madrid Open.Djokovic left the Spanish capital feeling pretty good about ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VjQs3B

Bruins rout Hurricanes in Game 2 to take 2-0 lead in series

With a five-goal, third-period lead and the Bruins still not done scoring, the crowd in the new Boston Garden began a throaty chant of “We ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/307Dl9c

Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas finish 1-2 for Mercedes at Spanish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton wasn’t going to be kind to his teammate this time.Hamilton blasted past pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas at the start of the Spanish Grand Prix, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Jya01S

Olympic snowboard medalist Ayamu Hirano wins national skateboarding title

Two-time Olympic snowboard silver medalist Ayumu Hirano strengthened his bid to represent Japan in skateboarding at the 2020 Tokyo Games by winning the men’s park ...

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

Kawhi Leonard hits buzzer-beater to lift Raptors over Sixers in Game 7

Kawhi Leonard hit a shot from the corner over Joel Embiid at the buzzer that bounced off the rim four times before falling to give ...

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

Manchester City wins to retain Premier League title on final day

All the strain Pep Guardiola feels during the pursuit of titles becomes worthwhile when a winners’ medal is placed around his neck.It happens a lot. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Yp6riB

Donald Trump to present trophy to winner of Summer Grand Sumo Tournament

U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the ongoing Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan later this month and present a newly made trophy ...

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

Israel, judo federation hail letter from Iran; Tehran silent

A letter from Iran over judo rules is being heralded by Israel and the International Judo Federation as a sign the Islamic Republic will allow ...

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

Normcore earns first G1 title at all-female Victoria Mile

Fifth favorite Normcore set a Japan record Sunday by outstriding her opponents in the home stretch to win the Victoria Mile, a spring queen decider ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30gFCzc

Hawks blow lead in 7th as Marines claim series

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks bullpen squandered a two-run lead on Sunday as the Chiba Lotte Marines came back for a 5-4 win to claim the ...

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

Antlers beat struggling Vissel Kobe on Serginho goal

Serginho struck his first goal of the J. League first-division campaign Sunday as Kashima Antlers outclassed struggling Vissel Kobe 1-0.The Brazilian forward found the net ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30aVHX7

Sunwolves’ errors ruthlessly exploited by Brumbies

The Sunwolves fell to their 10th Super Rugby loss of the season Sunday as they went down 33-0 to the Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.The ...

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

Political power of stables embedded in system of clans

Sumo’s family unit is the stable.A wrestler’s life is defined by his heya (stable) to such an extent that “family” is no mere analogy. While ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30aVDql

Kakuryu gets off to winning start

Kakuryu kicked off the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on a winning note Sunday, collecting an opening-day victory in front of a sellout crowd at the ...

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

Alphas reach B2 after swatting Bee Trains

The B. League third-division runner-up Koshigaya Alphas earned a promotion to the second flight with a crushing 86-64 win over the Hachioji Bee Trains in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WBAHq4

Angels’ Shohei Ohtani has two hits, RBI in victory over Orioles

Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-5 and drove in the last run for the Los Angeles Angels, who beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-2 Saturday for their third ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PYmbq0

Sharks attack Blues to take Game 1 of West finals

On a San Jose Sharks team filled with established stars, 22-year-old Timo Meier can get overlooked at times even though he scored 30 goals in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30cljmh

Abdul Hakim Sani Brown becomes second Japanese to break 10-second barrier

Abdul Hakim Sani Brown became the second sprinter from Japan to join the sub-10 second club when he clocked 9.99 seconds in the men’s 100 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LMR9Tk

Rafael Nadal’s slump on clay continues with loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Madrid Open semifinals

For the third straight time this season, Rafael Nadal won’t be fighting for a title on his favorite surface.Nadal’s slump on clay continued on Saturday ...

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

Lakers hire Frank Vogel as coach; Jason Kidd added as assistant

A person familiar with the search says the Los Angeles Lakers have hired Frank Vogel as coach and Jason Kidd as an assistant.The person spoke ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JvB3uR

Alvark spark plug Yudai Baba rises to occasion in B. League final

On the talented Alvark Tokyo team, youngster Yudai Baba has been more like a sidekick who comes off the bench to provide the team with ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30bLjOy

Yuya Yanagi tosses gem as Dragons cage Tigers

Yuya Yanagi went eight innings without allowing a run to help lead the Chunichi Dragons to a 5-1 win over the Hanshin Tigers on Saturday.Yanagi ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30dPxFq

B. League, Korean Basketball League cement new partnership

The B. League and Korean Basketball League have agreed to a partnership looking to develop their player development as well as improving their products on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E1MNS1

Struggling Sagan Tosu gives fans something to cheer for in win over Gamba Osaka

Spanish midfielder Isaac Cuenca gave a man-of-the-match performance as last-place Sagan Tosu secured just their second win of the season by beating fellow strugglers Gamba ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WA1Vxi

Alvark prevail in title thriller

A year ago, the Alvark Tokyo built a 10-point lead by halftime, then overwhelmed the Chiba Jets Funabashi in the second half of the B. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2vXG8DX

Murray impresses in first practice with Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals’ rookies took the practice field for the first time on Friday, and all eyes were on quarterback Kyler Murray.Murray, the top overall ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E3W3Fl

Federer falls in Madrid quarters; Nadal into semis

Roger Federer’s return to clay lasted only three matches.A day after saving two match points at the Madrid Open, Federer squandered two match points himself ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2E3wWT2

Warriors oust Rockets again

After Stephen Curry bounced back from the first scoreless first half of his playoff career to score 33 points in the last two quarters and ...

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

Kenta Maeda shines in Dodgers’ victory over Nationals

Kenta Maeda pitched six stellar innings on Friday, limiting the opposition to a hit while striking out six in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-0 victory ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/309nUxk

Marines pound Hawks starter Shota Takeda, improve to 16-16

The Chiba Lotte Marines bludgeoned Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks starter Shota Takeda on their way to a 9-1 win on Friday.By opening their series against the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LBf0pf

PSG striker Neymar receives three-match ban after clash with fan

Neymar won’t play again at the Parc des Princes this season.The Paris Saint-Germain striker was given a three-game ban on Friday for lashing out at ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Yl2YBE

Nadeshiko Japan boss Asako Takakura goes with youth for Women’s World Cup

Japan women’s national team manager Asako Takakura named her Women’s World Cup squad, going with a youthful team as the country aims to regain its ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PYm7X7

76ers down Raptors, force Game 7

Jimmy Butler lived up to his Jimmy Buckets nickname.With “Jimmy! Butler!” chants ringing from the rafters, he helped Philadelphia force a seventh game against Toronto ...

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

Lakers to interview Frank Vogel for coaching vacancy

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to quickly rebound in their head coaching search after failing to land Tyronn Lue.A person familiar with the search ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30iUnl0

Surfers eye 2020 Games while enjoying the ride

A long Golden Week holiday period had just ended the previous day.Not surprisingly, Tsurigasaki Beach wasn’t crowded with spectators on Tuesday, the final day of ...

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

NBA commissioner Silver targets hiring more female referees and coaches

NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants half of all new referees joining the league to be women — and he would like to see teams hire ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/301L2Oa

Angels’ Shohei Ohtani gets first two hits of season in rout of Tigers

Shohei Ohtani picked up his first hit of the season in a 2-for-4 showing at the plate and three Los Angeles Angels pitchers combined on ...

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

Warriors star Kevin Durant out for rest of West semifinals

The Golden State Warriors will be without postseason scoring leader Kevin Durant as they try to close out the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Hc9mWr

Alvark, Jets ready for marquee showdown

The Alvark Tokyo and Chiba Jets Funabashi are ready to rumble in their championship game rematch.One day before the B. League Championship final, both teams ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VdP6Y0

CFL quarterback Ricky Ray retires after 16 seasons

Ricky Ray has retired, ending his Canadian Football League career after 16 seasons and a record four Grey Cup titles as a starting quarterback.The 39-year-old ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/30aKOo8

Chelsea, Arsenal advance to Europa League final

England became the first country to provide two finalists in both European competitions in the same season after Chelsea and Arsenal made it through to ...

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

Naomi Osaka ousted in quarterfinals at Madrid Open; Kei Nishikori loses in third round

World No. 1 Naomi Osaka lost in three sets to unseeded Swiss Belinda Bencic in the Madrid Open quarterfinals on Thursday as Simona Halep, Sloane ...

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

Bruins top Hurricanes in Game 1

The door to the visiting team’s penalty box had scarcely slammed shut before the official was opening it again for another Carolina Hurricanes player to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Hc9S6C

Koji Oshiro’s two-run blast powers Buffaloes past Fighters

Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed seven solid innings as the Orix Buffaloes recorded a 2-1 victory over the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters on Thursday.Yamamoto (2-1) fanned six ...

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

Simona Halep holds off Ashleigh Barty to reach Madrid Open semifinals

Two-time champion Simona Halep overcame Ashleigh Barty 7-5, 7-5 to reach her fourth Madrid Open semifinal on Thursday.The Romanian third seed and former world No. ...

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

Man City, Liverpool vying for title in Premier League’s final weekend

They’ve combined for nearly 200 points, lost only five times between them, and won every single game in the past two months.Compliments have flowed between ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2vLHAt1

Kakuryu emerges as clear favorite to capture title

Gambling on sumo, like most sports in Japan, is illegal.The Japan Sumo Association also takes a tough line with any of its members involved in ...

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

Sumo attracts famous politicians seeking public affection, attention

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the final day of the upcoming Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.Often when visiting dignitaries watch sumo at Ryogoku ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Ha38pV

Rui Hachimura opts to skip NBA Draft Combine: report

Former Gonzaga University forward Rui Hachimura will not attend the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.Hachimura’s name did not appear on the final list of 66 ...

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

Mariners starter Yusei Kikuchi looks strong in victory over Yankees

Facing the famous New York Yankees for the very first time, Yusei Kikuchi really stuck it to ’em.Maybe he had a little illicit help. Kikuchi ...

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

Kevin Durant goes down with calf injury as Warriors top Rockets in Game 5

The Golden State Warriors have won plenty of games on the postseason stage without their biggest stars.This time, Kevin Durant got hurt, and Klay Thompson ...

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

Joe Pavelski returns, inspires Sharks in Game 7 win

Joe Pavelski was positioned just a few feet away from the spot where he was bleeding from his head on the ice just over two ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VNOzR2

Salute to Hanyu: U.S. ballet troupe paying tribute to legend

Awards, medals, proclamations, trophies, monuments. Two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu has them all.So what do you get the superstar who has everything? How about a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WvB6dv

Naomi Osaka rolls into quarterfinals in Madrid; Kei Nishikori advances

World No. 1 Naomi Osaka delivered an improved display to reach the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open on Wednesday, beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-3, while ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2J9i75H

Tottenham completes epic comeback to reach Champions League final

Facing a three-goal deficit at halftime, Tottenham pulled off another Champions League comeback for the ages.Lucas Moura completed a hat trick in the sixth minute ...

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

Alvark, Jets set for battle in title tilt

Two powerhouse East Division teams are right where they want to be.The Alvark Tokyo need one more victory to capture back-to-back B. League titles, while ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2H9Uzvh

Hakuho pulls out of Summer Basho with arm injury

Yokozuna Hakuho, who was diagnosed with a torn biceps tendon after winning his 42nd title in March, has withdrawn from the upcoming Summer Grand Sumo ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Q3hco9

Application period for Tokyo Olympics ticket lottery begins for Japan residents

Applications to buy tickets for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics officially opened to residents of Japan at 10 a.m. on Thursday.Those wishing to purchase tickets can ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Vpw2eo

Yokohama routs Sapporo in Levain Cup tilt

Former Japan forward Tadanari Lee struck his first goal of the year in all competitions Wednesday, as Yokohama F Marinos brought Levain Cup Group A ...

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

Hiroshima beats Guangzhou to reach Asian Champions League knockout stage

Sanfrecce Hiroshima booked their ticket for the Asian Champions League last 16 with a game to spare following a 1-0 win over Group F rivals ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Lwu1bF

‘Mentality of giants’ helped fuel Liverpool’s Champions League triumph over Barcelona

Like the rest of the soccer world, Jurgen Klopp had his doubts.Given the scenario — the big first-leg deficit, the presence of Lionel Messi on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DQPE0f

Rookie Ryosuke Tatsumi hits sayonara double as Eagles rally to stun Hawks

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks looked set for their sixth straight victory until the bottom of the ninth on Wednesday, when Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles rookie ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WxCXP1

Trio of young J. Leaguers could debut for Samurai Blue next month

Three of the J. League’s youngest stars will likely receive Samurai Blue debuts and a trip to Brazil as head coach Hajime Moriyasu looks to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Vnb7Zj

Shohei Ohtani goes 0 for 4 in season debut as Angels beat Tigers

Shohei Ohtani looked so eager to make an impact in his highly anticipated season debut that he swung so hard his helmet flew off his ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2H70AaU

Pat Maroon’s OT goal lifts Blues past Stars

Pat Maroon always imagined becoming a hometown hero.The 31-year-old St. Louis native got to live out that fantasy Tuesday night. Maroon scored 5:50 into the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VLAt2A

Raptors crush Sixers to take 3-2 series lead

The Toronto Raptors came up with a new load management plan for Kawhi Leonard. It was to make sure their star forward didn’t have to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PRmEu0

Kentucky Derby winner Country House out of Preakness due to illness

After being declared the winner of the Kentucky Derby by disqualification, Country House will not run in the Preakness because of illness, ending any chance ...

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

Rikako Ikee opens official website, says leukemia treatment ‘proceeding smoothly’

Star Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee announced the opening of her official website on Wednesday, providing one of the most substantial updates to her status since ...

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

John Daly approved to use cart at PGA Championship

John Daly has been approved to use a cart next week in the PGA Championship because of arthritis in his right knee that he says ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2J6QZnE

Liverpool sinks Barca in historic Champions League comeback

Liverpool’s players had their hands on their heads, seemingly unable to comprehend their achievement. One of them, James Milner, was in tears. When he wasn’t ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Lrq9Zy

Reds triumph, Frontale earn draw in Asian Champions League

Shinzo Koroki and Yuki Muto struck in the first half as the Urawa Reds picked up a much-needed 2-1 win against Thai side Buriram United ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Yj3U9Z

Alvark outplay Golden Kings in semifinal series finale, advance to title game against Jets

Strength in numbers defined the Alvark Tokyo’s performance on Tuesday night.Seven of nine Alvark players who stepped onto the court scored eight or more points ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Joq9XN

Dragons’ Yudai Ono tosses three-hit shutout, fans 13 batters in rout of Carp

Yudai Ono pitched a complete-game shutout Tuesday to lead the Chunichi Dragons to a 6-0 win over the Hiroshima Carp.Ono (3-1) struck out 13 while ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2J8epsP

Referees Nigel Owens, Wayne Barnes to appear in Rugby World Cup for fourth, final time

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will have a chance to control his second Rugby World Cup final after making the 12-man list on Tuesday for the ...

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

Life still normal for Kentucky Derby winner Country House

Kentucky Derby winner Country House isn’t a racing rock star just yet.If not for the garland of roses draped across the white saw horse outside ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2H62zgC

Israel Folau found guilty of breach of conduct over anti-gay tweet

A disciplinary hearing ruled Tuesday that Wallabies fullback Israel Folau committed a “high-level breach” of Rugby Australia’s code of conduct when he used social media ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2vK50iI

Shohei Ohtani expected to return as DH against Tigers

Los Angeles Angels player Shohei Ohtani will meet up with his team on Tuesday and could return as a designated hitter in that night’s game ...

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

Defending champion Petra Kvitova reaches third round at Madrid Open

Defending champion Petra Kvitova defeated Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) to reach the third round of the Madrid Open on Monday.The second-seeded Czech outlasted Mladenovic ...

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

Kentucky racing officials reject appeal of Maximum Security’s owners

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission dismissed an appeal against Maximum Security’s dramatic Kentucky Derby disqualification on Monday as the thoroughbred’s owners raised the prospect of ...

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

Rockets hold off Warriors to even series at 2-2

James Harden and the Houston Rockets dug out of a 0-2 hole to even their Western Conference semifinals series with the Golden State Warriors after ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2J2Z1yd

Jets star Yuki Togashi impresses former Texas Legends coach Tyler Gatlin

While the Chiba Jets Funabashi are loaded with a roster filled with talented players, the team is built around a diminutive point guard: Yuki Togashi.His ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2WA6qrX

Padres rookie Chris Chris Paddack outduels Mets’ Jacob deGrom

Chris Paddack struck out fellow rookie Pete Alonso on a 158-kph fastball in the first inning, pumped his fist and hollered.It was on. The fired-up ...

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

Bruins put away Blue Jackets, advance to conference finals

Tuukka Rask was impenetrable when it counted in Game 6, and the Boston Bruins are on their way to the Eastern Conference final.Rask made 39 ...

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

Vincent Kompany’s spectacular goal propels Man City past Leicester, back into lead

Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League with one round left after captain Vincent Kompany hit a sensational goal to beat Leicester ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LoBiu1

Trump honors ‘true legend’ Tiger at White House with top award

President Donald Trump awarded golfer Tiger Woods the nation’s highest civilian honor on Monday, describing the 43-year-old as a “true legend” who transformed golf and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VNt9Dn

Hawks knock around Buffaloes starter Andrew Albers in victory

Andrew Albers allowed nine runs in 1⅔ innings on Monday as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks cranked out a 9-6 win over the Orix Buffaloes.Albers (1-2) ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PNbK8J

Eliud Kipchoge taking attempt at two-hour marathon to London

Eliud Kipchoge has funding from Britain’s richest man for a bid to break the two-hour marathon barrier later this year.The fastest marathon runner of all ...

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

Jets, Brex reap benefits from B. League’s top rivalry

In the history of Japanese top-flight men’s hoop circuits, there have been certain teams who got extra motivation from playing against each other.That seems to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2J3cFkQ

Yuto Nagatomo’s Galatasaray beats Shinji Kagawa, Besiktas in Istanbul derby

Japan teammates Yuto Nagatomo and Shinji Kagawa faced off Sunday in one of Turkish soccer’s biggest grudge matches, with Nagatomo’s Galatasaray emerging as a 2-0 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2JiByZ2

Kenta Maeda avoids loss as Dodgers fall against Padres

Kenta Maeda exited with his team trailing on Sunday but avoided taking a loss despite the Los Angeles Dodgers suffering an 8-5 walk-off defeat against ...

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

Maximum Security’s status for Preakness uncertain after Kentucky Derby disqualification

The next stop in the chase for the Triple Crown is the Preakness, though both Maximum Security and Country House remain noncommittal for the May ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/303msN9

Red Sox manager Alex Cora will skip visit to White House

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora will not attend the ceremony at the White House on Thursday honoring the 2018 World Series champions.Cora cited the ...

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

Yuki Kawauchi, fiancee Yuko Mizuguchi win titles at Vancouver Marathon

Distance runner Yuki Kawauchi and his fiancee Yuko Mizuguchi both prevailed at the Vancouver Marathon on Sunday.Kawauchi won the men’s race in 2 hours, 15 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ZVU9Qs

Blues roll over Stars to force Game 7

Colton Parayko was shooting to score for the St. Louis Blues, and delivered a stunning blow to the Dallas Stars even without getting the puck ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2UZh9dP

Nuggets shake off fatigue to beat Blazers in Game 4

The Denver Nuggets have been good at bouncing back all season.Not even a draining four-overtime defeat could keep this team down. Nikola Jokic had 21 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2ZYJ5Cd

Raptors bounce back in Game 4 to even series

Kawhi Leonard got some help from his teammates to stay close and then finished it off himself.Leonard scored 39 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V50tS6

Manchester United misses out on Champions League spot as Chelsea secures place

Manchester United will have to settle for Europa League soccer next season after a dismal end to this campaign reached another low.Chelsea, though, can start ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2vCYF8J

Trump slams Kentucky Derby result as ‘political correctness’ after winning horse is disqualified

Trump slams Kentucky Derby result as ‘political correctness’ after winning horse is disqualifiedU.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday blasted the result of the Kentucky Derby ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2H4Vf51

Jets oust Brex to clinch Championship berth

The Chiba Jets Funabashi soared to great heights during the regular season.But the East Division champions had higher aspirations all along, and the team’s third ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GWlmK3

Naomi Osaka plays through pain to beat Dominika Cibulkova in Madrid

Naomi Osaka eased concerns about her form and fitness by coming through a tricky first round against Dominika Cibulkova on Sunday at the Madrid Open.Osaka ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Vgc9GK

Ryuichi Funai outclassed by IBF super flyweight champ Jerwin Ancajas

Japanese challenger Ryuichi Funai was no match Saturday for International Boxing Federation super flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines, who comfortably defended his ...

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

Tatsuya Imai pitches first career shutout as Lions blank Eagles

Right-hander Tatsuya Imai threw a three-hitter for his first professional shutout on Sunday in the Saitama Seibu Lions’ 4-0 win over the Tohoku Rakuten Eagles.Imai ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V205DO

Tomas Hertl scores twice as Sharks beat Avalanche in Game 5

Tomas Hertl scored his second goal of the game at 6:26 of the third period and the San Jose Sharks beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 ...

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

Tosu manager Lluis Carreras leaves club after dire start to season

Struggling J. League first division club Sagan Tosu on Sunday announced the resignation of manager Lluis Carreras less than three months into the season.The 46-year-old ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VD9BBV

Rika Kihira working on encore to stunning first senior international season

Following her incredible debut season on the senior international circuit, teenage star Rika Kihira said she is preparing to take the figure skating world by ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V1r8is

IOC head Thomas Bach says he has ‘sympathy’ for Caster Semenya

IOC President Thomas Bach said Saturday he has “a lot of sympathy” for Caster Semenya after the South African runner lost her Court of Arbitration ...

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

Rockets get back in series with win over Warriors in Game 3

James Harden made a 3-pointer to finish off the Golden State Warriors in overtime.Eric Gordon helped the Rockets get to that point with the best ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2UZqKB7

Sascha Bajin taking on new challenge after split with No. 1 Naomi Osaka

Sascha Bajin believes the challenge of trying to help Kristina Mladenovic return to the top-10 is one of the main reasons why he chose to ...

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

Javier Baez and Cubs overcome Yu Darvish’s rough outing

Taylor Davis got the comeback started with a grand slam in the fourth inning. Javier Baez finished it with a go-ahead homer in the eighth.Just ...

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

Japan’s catamaran takes three straight in San Francisco

Nathan Outteridge skippered Japan to three straight victories on San Francisco Bay on Saturday as the fledgling SailGP league made its U.S. debut in fast, ...

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

Country House wins Kentucky Derby after controversial ruling

Maximum Security became the first winner disqualified for interference in the Kentucky Derby, leading to an agonizing wait and an eventual stunning reversal that made ...

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

Alvark, Jets post victories in semifinal series openers

The Alvark Tokyo scratched and clawed their way to a third-place finish in the brutal East Division during the regular season. Forty-four wins in 60 ...

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

Amuro Tsuzuki rides waves to World Surf League victory in Ichinomiya

Amuro Tsuzuki had the best ride of the women’s final on Saturday to win the World Surf League’s Ichinomiya Chiba Open.At Tsurigasaki Beach, where surfing ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VNz1wo

Nomadic Neumann lived an incredible basketball life

Johnny Neumann forged an unconventional path in life.As a prep basketball phenom at Overton High School in Memphis, Tennessee, in the late 1960s, Neumann was ...

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

Katsuya Kakunaka, Seiya Inoue deliver clutch hits as Marines top Fighters

There was sun, rain, a little hail, sun again and finally a blanket of gray clouds at Zozo Marine Stadium on Saturday.Eventually, the Chiba Lotte ...

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

Spirited attacking produces 1-1 draw for Bellmare, Grampus

The first match of the Reiwa Era for Shonan Bellmare and Nagoya Grampus did indeed feature “beautiful harmony” of a sort, with the two teams ...

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

Phoenix victorious in return

Taisuke Miyagawa needs some more time to make his comeback, but the Nihon University Phoenix have returned to college football.Junior quarterback Taiki Hayashi threw a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2LB7UkH

Catcher Josh Phegley powers A’s past Pirates

The Oakland Athletics have been playing baseball for nearly 120 years. No catcher in team history has ever put together a game quite like the ...

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

Serengeti Empress victorious in Oaks

Serengeti Empress dispelled questions about her health and ability with a signature performance in the biggest race of her career.The filly went wire-to-wire to win ...

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

Melbourne Victory’s Keisuke Honda leaving A-League after season

Former Japan national team star Keisuke Honda has said he will leave Australia’s A-League at the end of this season, Fox Sports reported Friday.“I still ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2UUT9IB

Celtics honor legend John Havlieck with moment of silence before playoff game

The Boston Celtics honored Hall of Famer John Havlicek before their playoff game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, observing a moment of silence beforehand ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PK3A0R

DAZN hires Jay Horowitz as executive vice president

Jamie Horowitz has been hired by DAZN as its executive vice president for content in North America.The announcement was made by DAZN executive chairman John ...

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

Hurricanes finish off Isles

Teuvo Teravainen scored a quick goal, and moments later, so did Greg McKegg. Just that quickly, the Carolina Hurricanes chased New York’s goalie out of ...

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

Blazers outlast Nuggets in epic 4OT game

CJ McCollum delivered 41 points as the Portland Trail Blazers edged the Denver Nuggets 140-137 in four overtimes Friday in the longest NBA playoff game ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PNGtT1

Yusei Kikuchi fans 10 Indians, gets no-decision

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi struck out 10 over seven solid innings but missed out on his second win of the season on Friday night as the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2vEp066

Bob Baffert eyes history at 145th Kentucky Derby

Bob Baffert times three. In a Kentucky Derby lacking a dominant favorite, the two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer saddles the top three choices.On what could be ...

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

In pictures: A visit to Naruto Beya

In late April, Japan Times sports-desk staff dropped in on a training session — called keiko or asageiko in Japanese — at Naruto Beya, a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GU3NKL

Penalties prove costly in Sunwolves’ defeat to Reds

Indiscipline once again cost the Sunwolves as they went down 32-26 to the Queensland Reds on Friday night at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.Tony Brown’s side was ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VbMnn1

Timberwolves to hire Rockets executive Gersson Rosas as new president of basketball operations

With just one appearance in the playoffs over the last 15 years, the Minnesota Timberwolves are seeking progress. They turned to one of the NBA’s ...

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

Fighters pound out 17 hits, clobber Lions

Left-hander Takayuki Kato threw five solid innings and Yushi Shimizu drove in three runs as the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters hammered the Seibu Lions 10-3 ...

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

Marinos’ Teruhito Nakagawa notches lone goal in victory over Sanfrecce

Teruhito Nakagawa’s 34th-minute goal lifted Yokohama F. Marinos to a 1-0 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Friday.The win at Edion Stadium Hiroshima lifted Marinos ahead ...

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

Shinji Okazaki to part ways with Leicester at end of season, manager Brendan Rodgers says

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said Thursday forward Shinji Okazaki will part ways with the Premier League club at the end of the season, according ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GSMf1z

Struggling Nationals fire pitching coach Derek Lilliquist

The Washington Nationals have fired pitching coach Derek Lilliquist.Minor league pitching coordinator Paul Menhart has been promoted to replace Lilliquist. General manager Mike Rizzo made ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Vdx7Ga

Mets’ Noah Syndergaard homers, twirls shutout in same game

Noah Syndergaard became the first pitcher in 36 years to homer and throw a shutout in a 1-0 victory, lifting the New York Mets over ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GTuS0D

Bruins shut down Blue Jackets to even playoff series 2-2

Boston’s stars were going to be kept off the scoresheet in this playoff series for only so long.David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand had ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Vdx39o

Joel Embiid, 76ers rout Raptors, take 2-1 series lead

Joel Embiid had knocked the air out of Toronto by the time he punctuated a Game 3 victory with a windmill dunk. Embiid sprinted down ...

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

Arsenal, Chelsea take initiative in semifinals of Europa League

The possibility of an all-English final in the Europa League grew likelier after Arsenal and Chelsea moved into strong positions in the semifinals on Thursday.Arsenal ...

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

Former world champion Katie Osmond retires from skating

Canada’s Kaetlyn Osmond, the 2018 world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, is going out on top.The 23-year-old Osmond announced her retirement from competitive figure skating ...

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

Hall of Famer Red Kelly, star on pair of dynasties, dies at age 91

Hockey Hall of Famer Red Kelly packed several careers into his lifetime — sometimes at the same time.But hockey was always at the heart of ...

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

Japan’s Master Fencer to make history at Kentucky Derby

Master Fencer, the first Japanese-bred horse to run in the Kentucky Derby, took a very circuitous route to Churchill Downs.Everyone involved with the chestnut colt ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DJ14TO

Mo Farah spurns world marathon spot as track return speculation mounts

Britain’s Mo Farah has turned down the chance to contest the marathon at this year’s IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, increasing the possibility of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VcG2HK

Hawks lefty Kotaro Otake collects first victory of season

Left-hander Kotaro Otake worked seven scoreless innings Thursday to pick up his first win of the season as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks blanked the Tohoku ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2PGbng6

Angels’ Shohei Ohtani moves closer to return

It appears increasingly likely that Shohei Ohtani will return to active duty with the Los Angeles Angels within a week after saying Wednesday his rehab ...

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

JRFU’s bewildering plans for Top League reform spark skepticism, opposition

The news that the Japan Rugby Top League is to undergo reform following this year’s World Cup should have been met with heraldic fanfare, given ...

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

Maya Nakanishi, Shunsuke Itani land deals to endorse prosthetic limbs

Top amputee athletes Maya Nakanishi and Shunsuke Itani feel like they have gotten a boost to aim high with one year to go until the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Y0hoqQ

Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka suffers second straight loss

Right-hander Masahiro Tanaka surrendered three runs over four innings on Wednesday, and suffered his third loss of the season, in the New York Yankees’ 3-2 ...

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

Blazers down Nuggets to even series 1-1

CJ McCollum scored 20 points, picking up the slack with backcourt mate Damian Lillard struggling, and the Portland Trail Blazers turned back the Denver Nuggets ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Y08U2P

Messi leads Barca past Liverpool

Facing its toughest opponent of the season, Barcelona once again turned to Lionel Messi to move the team within one step of reaching its first ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Y6aqAN

Chiba set for semifinal clash with Tochigi; Ryukyu faces Tokyo

Motivation can be a powerful emotion in sports.For the Chiba Jets Funabashi, last season’s defeat in the B. League Championship final to the Alvark Tokyo ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DJFu1v

Maria Sharapova withdraws from Italian Open with lingering shoulder injury

Three-time champion Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the upcoming Italian Open as she continues to recover from a right shoulder injury.Rome organizers announced Wednesday that ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2XZDh9B

Kentucky Derby favorite Omaha Beach scratched due to breathing problem

Suddenly, the Kentucky Derby is wide open.Favorite Omaha Beach was scratched because of a breathing problem Wednesday night, leaving a pair of Hall of Famers ...

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

Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas recovering after heart attack

Veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas has had a heart attack but is out of danger, Porto said Wednesday.The Portuguese club said Casillas fell ill during a ...

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

Hurricanes take 3-0 series lead against Islanders

The Carolina Hurricanes put an old goalie in net and welcomed back their teenage draft pick. With the game tied, another young star set up ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2Y7jVzJ

Giants ace Tomoyuki Sugano opens Reiwa Era in NPB with complete-game victory over Dragons

Tomoyuki Sugano lost his bid for the first shutout of Japan’s new imperial era but still managed to go the distance as the Yomiuri Giants ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GRl8Eh

South African runner Caster Semenya loses appeal against IAAF’s testosterone rules

Caster Semenya lost her appeal Wednesday against rules designed to decrease naturally high testosterone levels in some female runners.The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s panel ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2V90c5k

Pint-size Enho could shake up banzuke in Reiwa Era

The first banzuke (ranking) of the Reiwa Era was released on Tuesday with newly minted ozeki Takakeisho the standout promotion.It’s been a fantastic 12 months ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2GLMT0S

Woeful Tosu facing turmoil on and off pitch

Once protest banners emerge behind the goal and applause turns to jeering following loss after loss, J. League clubs tend to draw from a limited ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2VHQB4W

CC Sabathia throws 3,000th career strikeout in defeat

CC Sabathia struck out a former teammate for No. 3,000 of his career, celebrated with the rest of the New York Yankees on the field ...

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

Durant leads way for 2-0 Golden State

Kevin Durant scored 29 points and established an early defensive tone against James Harden, leading the Golden State Warriors past the Houston Rockets 115-109 on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times http://bit.ly/2DGKl3w