New Zealand becomes latest nation to face claims of abuse from gymnasts

Gymnastics New Zealand has launched "urgent inquiries" into allegations of systemic psychological and physical abuse of its athletes, media reports said, echoing similar complaints in ...

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Paris Saint-Germain wins League Cup final to complete treble

French champion Paris Saint-Germain edged Lyon on penalty kicks to win the tightly contested final of the League Cup on Friday and complete a domestic ...

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Yu Darvish shines in Cubs’ victory over Pirates

Yu Darvish pitched six shutout innings, Jason Heyward hit a key two-run single and the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3 on Friday night.Darvish ...

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New National Stadium to host first track meet on Aug. 23

Tokyo’s new National Stadium will host its first track and field meet on August 23, exactly two weeks after the 2020 Games’ athletics program was ...

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Cowboys listed as world’s most valuable sports team for fifth straight year

The Dallas Cowboys were ranked as the world’s most valuable sports team for a fifth consecutive year according to an annual list published by Forbes ...

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USTA moving ahead with plans to stage U.S. Open in September

As coronavirus cases spike in other parts of the country a month before the U.S. Open is supposed to start in New York, the U.S. ...

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Rui Hachimura’s 21-point night not enough as Wizards fall against Suns in first game of restart

The Washington rookie scored a team-high 21 points along with eight rebounds, one assist and one steal.

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MLB postpones another game as league struggles to keep playing amid COVID-19 pandemic

The latest game to be postponed was Milwaukee’s home opener against St. Louis. Two Cardinals players have tested positive for the virus.

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Terunofuji continues epic comeback with win over Asanoyama

Terunofuji took a big step toward his first championship in over five years with a win Friday against ozeki Asanoyama that gave him the outright ...

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Japanese stars say farewell to Olympic dreams after postponement

Some athletes have chosen not to wait another year to participate in the delayed Tokyo Games.

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Shohei Ohtani homers in second straight game

Shohei Ohtani homered for the second consecutive night and recorded his first stolen base of the coronavirus-delayed season in the Los Angeles Angels' 8-5 loss ...

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Former All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden bound for Steelers

Former All Blacks Ben Smith and Aaron Cruden will join the Kobe Kobelco Steelers in the Japan Rugby Top League next season, the club announced ...

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Calls for social justice, close games mark NBA’s resumption

Black players were next to white players. Coaches from one team were next to their compatriots from the opposing side. Many locked arms with the ...

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Japan Basketball Association to host marquee event in Yoyogi

Elite players from the country's men's and women's teams as well as members of Japan's 3x3 and wheelchair basketball sides are set to participate.

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MLB postpones Blue Jays-Phillies series after more positive tests

Major League Baseball has postponed this weekend's scheduled series between Toronto and Philadelphia because of concerns about the coronavirus after two Phillies staffers tested positive."Major ...

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MLB will play seven-inning games in doubleheaders: source

The agreement between the league and its players' union will allow for teams to conserve pitchers during an already tight 60-game schedule.

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Hakuho withdraws from July Basho, leaving both yokozuna out

The 44-time champion's exit due to injury puts ozeki Asanoyama in a solid position to claim his second Emperor's Cup with an 11-1 record heading ...

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Russia given second deadline by World Athletics to pay fine

World Athletics gave Russia's troubled track and field federation a second deadline on Thursday to pay a $5 million fine by mid-August after saying the ...

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Swiss criminal case opened against FIFA president Gianni Infantino

A criminal case against FIFA president Gianni Infantino was opened by a Swiss special prosecutor on Thursday, plunging the soccer body into a new scandal ...

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Fulham and Brentford to meet in $220 million game

Fulham will face Brentford in the Championship playoff final after holding on to beat Cardiff 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat in the second ...

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Knicks bring Tom Thibodeau back to New York as new coach

Tom Thibodeau brought the Chicago Bulls to their greatest success since Michael Jordan.He returned the Minnesota Timberwolves to the playoffs after a 13-year absence. All ...

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Swallows’ Keiji Takahashi outduels Tigers’ Shintaro Fujinami

Unheralded lefty Keiji Takahashi pitched and fielded his position well over eight innings for the Yakult Swallows in a 6-0 Central League win over the ...

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Mitakeumi stuns Hakuho to leave Asanoyama, Terunofuji tied for lead at July Basho

A day after his first defeat at the hands of komusubi Daieisho, yokozuna Hakuho was outmaneuvered by sekiwake Mitakeumi.

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Sprinter Ryota Yamagata using Tokyo 2020 delay to refine technique

The competition between Japanese sprinters has become intense in the past few years as more quality athletes have been added to the mix.

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Shohei Ohtani hits first homer of year during Angels’ loss against Mariners

The Mariners' Kyle Seager drove in three runs and Dylan Moore hit a three-run homer to help the team rally from two late deficits.

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Dutch gymnastics federation halts training over abuse probe

The Dutch gymnastics federation suspended its women’s top training program Wednesday with immediate effect while it carries out an investigation into allegations of intimidation and ...

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Divers pull Paralympic hopeful’s prosthetic leg out of ocean after searching for three days

When DeWalt Mix lost his prosthetic leg while paddle-boarding off the coast of Long Beach, the local fire department dove right in to try to ...

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No. 1 Ash Barty pulls out of U.S. Open due to coronavirus concerns

The 24-year-old Australian is the highest-profile player so far to opt out of the tournament.

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Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly sends message to cheating Astros

A few errant pitches. A few choice words. Then an old-fashioned bench clearing where no punches were thrown but lots of droplets were probably sprayed.

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Ozeki Takakeisho pulls out of July tourney after avoiding demotion

Takakeisho posted his eighth win a day earlier to escape his second career kadoban, or demotion from the second-highest rank of ozeki to sekiwake, the ...

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Hakuho loses sole possession of lead after being upset by Daieisho on Day 11 of July Basho

With his first defeat of the 15-day tournament, the overnight leader fell back into a three-way tie at 10-1

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NBA finally set to play games that count again

Games were canceled. Practice facilities were shuttered. A season ended unceremoniously for eight teams. The draft process was delayed, as was free agency. Some players ...

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History shows Abi’s flouting of virus protocols will likely be last straw for Japan Sumo Association

Many of those who have transgressed against the JSA’s myriad rules (whether official or unwritten) in the past have found themselves out of the sport ...

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Complying with virus protocols proves difficult for MLB players

MLB teams haven't been able to totally curb players' natural tendencies to engage in physical contact during the ebb and flow of actual games.

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All Blacks lock Andy Haden, known for lineout dive, dies at age 69

All Blacks lock Andy Haden, whose feigned fall from a lineout won New Zealand a match-winning penalty against Wales in 1978 and earned him lasting ...

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Rick Renteria returns to manage White Sox after COVID-19 scare

The Chicago White Sox got their manager back just before their first road game of this strange, shortened season.Rick Renteria returned to the team Tuesday ...

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Yoshitomo Tsutsugo comes up with key hit in Rays’ win over Braves

Yoshitomo Tsutsugo has driven in five runs in the Rays' first five games.

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Patriots starters Dont’a Hightower, Patrick Chung opt out of season due to coronavirus concerns

The Patriots were already going to have a completely different look following an offseason that saw former franchise cornerstone Tom Brady depart to Tampa Bay.

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Scottie Pippen downplays rift with Michael Jordan in wake of ‘Last Dance’

Scottie Pippen says he’s talked with Michael Jordan since "The Last Dance” documentary aired in the spring and downplayed any rift between the retired Chicago ...

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MLB suspends Marlins’ season through weekend amid COVID-19 outbreak within team

The Marlins received positive test results for four additional players, bringing their total to 15.

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Hakuho takes sole lead at July tournament as Asanoyama stumbles

The yokozuna remained undefeated at Ryogoku Kokugikan as his ozeki rival was handed his first loss.

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Scotland could get Japan rematch in eight-nation tournament: reports

Scotland will get the chance to avenge their defeat by 2019 Rugby World Cup host Japan when the Six Nations countries along with the Japanese ...

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WE League chair plots ambitious, progressive path for women’s game

After spearheading the growth of Japanese women's soccer in the 80s, Kikuko Okajima hopes to make the new league a force for social change.

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Kenya forward Michael Olunga on fire for Reysol this season

Kashiwa Reysol forward Michael Olunga is turning heads in the J. League first division this season, bagging a hat trick against Vegalta Sendai on Sunday ...

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David Warner determined to lead Sunrisers to another IPL title

David Warner isn’t going back to the Indian Premier League for redemption. In a delayed and disrupted season caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Warner wants ...

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Bubble hockey begins: NHL playoff teams adjust to quarantine

When the Boston Bruins boarded their flight bound for Toronto, they thought of it as just another long road trip.Sure, they were spaced out and ...

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Tokyo-hosted Pan Pacific Open canceled over safety concerns

The annual women's tournament had initially been postponed from September to November because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Shohei Ohtani goes hitless one day after horror pitching debut

Shohei Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as designated hitter on Monday as the Oakland Athletics beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 to win three ...

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Brazil sets Olympic camp in Portugal due to pandemic at home

Brazil has set up its Olympic training camp in Rio… Rio Maior that is, a relatively small Portuguese city of 21,000 residents outside Lisbon.The Olympic ...

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Liberty, Nets owner wants WNBA, NBA teams on equal ground

Coming from the business world, Liberty owner Joe Tsai didn't understand why his WNBA franchise didn't have a CEO similar to the team's NBA counterpart ...

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Vikings’ infection control officer tests positive for COVID-19

The day before the scheduled arrival of returning players to training camps around the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings served as a sobering example of the ...

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Roger Goodell sends letter to NFL fans explaining plans for season

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a letter to fans outlining the league’s plans to play during the coronavirus pandemic.As veterans begin reporting to training ...

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At least three MLB games postponed amid Marlins’ virus outbreak

The days-old season was thrown into turmoil on Sunday after over a dozen Miami players and staff tested positive for the new coronavirus.

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Klopp named LMA Manager of the Year

Jurgen Klopp was voted the League Managers' Association Manager of the Year on Monday after ending Liverpool's 30-year wait to win the Premier League.Klopp led ...

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Takefusa Kubo loan reportedly pursued by several Spanish clubs

After clinching a record 34th La Liga title, Real Madrid's order of business for the off season includes a big decision on the future of ...

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Hakuho, Asanoyama cruising towards clash at July meet

The tournament's lone remaining yokozuna and the wrestler considered to be the sport's next top-ranked star are both undefeated after nine days.

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MLB returns with thrills; red flags remain after opening weekend

The World Series champion Washington Nationals stood six feet apart along the first base line and watched as a banner commemorating their title was raised, ...

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J. League, NPB to maintain restrictions on crowd size in order to help limit spread of virus

The task force met one day after several positive tests for COVID-19 forced the postponement of a J. League first-division game.

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Lions remain unbeatable with Zach Neal on mound

The Lions are 6-0 when Neal pitches this season.

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Jim Thorpe’s scandal-tainted 1912 golds still resonate

It has been described as the first major international sports scandal, and still resonates more than a century later.Jim Thorpe, a Native American who seemed ...

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Juventus wins ninth straight title as Cristiano Ronaldo scores 31st

Before the break for the coronavirus pandemic. After the lockdown. And now for nine years running.Juventus is the undisputed leader of Italian soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo ...

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Upstart Dash beat Red Stars to win NWSL Challenge Cup

As the underdog Houston Dash celebrated winning the Challenge Cup title, forward Rachel Daly was asked if she could define the team's identity after the ...

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Michael Thompson wins 3M Open by two strokes in Minnesota

Without a gallery around him on the 18th green, Michael Thompson settled for a subdued victory celebration at the 3M Open with a FaceTime call ...

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Marlins postpone trip home amid fear of COVID-19 outbreak within team

The Miami Marlins scratched right-hander Jose Urena from his scheduled start Sunday in Philadelphia and delayed their postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible ...

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Manchester United grabs Champions League spot by denying Leicester

By the time the season ended Sunday, United was the team in third and Leicester four points behind in fifth.

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Donald Trump now says he won’t throw out first pitch at Yankees game

U.S. President Donald Trump won’t throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium next month after all.In a tweet Sunday, Trump blamed the turn of ...

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Angels’ Shohei Ohtani fails to record an out in first start since 2018

Ohtani allowed the first six Oakland batters to reach base before his day was done after 30 pitches.

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Hakuho, Asanoyama remain flawless in two-way tie at July meet

Yokozuna Hakuho and new ozeki Asanoyama cruised to their eighth straight wins at the July Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday to sit in a two-way ...

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Knicks close to deal to make Tom Thibodeau coach

Tom Thibodeau is coming back to the New York Knicks, who are still seeking the success they enjoyed when he was an assistant two decades ...

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Marinos midfielder Keita Endo loaned out to Union Berlin

Yokohama F. Marinos will loan out Japan midfielder Keita Endo to the Bundesliga's Union Berlin until the end of next June, the J. League first-division ...

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Zion Williamson could clear NBA’s quarantine bubble on Tuesday

Zion Williamson will be out of quarantine by the time New Orleans plays in the first official game of the NBA restart at Walt Disney ...

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Denny Hamlin downright dominant as NASCAR season pushes on

There was no talk of championships when Denny Hamlin's team met during NASCAR's offseason to discuss goals for the upcoming year, even though that is ...

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Jets trade disgruntled star safety Jamal Adams to Seahawks

Jamal Adams' wish was finally granted: He's leaving New York in a stunning trade.The Jets dealt the disgruntled star safety to the Seattle Seahawks on ...

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Cubs’ Yu Darvish tagged with loss in first start of season

The right-hander allowed three runs in four innings against the Brewers at an empty Wrigley Field in Chicago.

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More coronavirus infections in Grampus camp force postponement of J1 game

Nagoya's scheduled match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima was called off after a player and team staff tested positive for the coronavirus.

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Abi criticized by sumo officials after violating coronavirus guidelines

The Japan Sumo Association had some harsh words on Saturday for 26-year-old wrestler Abi for eating out with supporters in violation of guidelines meant to ...

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Hakuho, Asanoyama remain in 3-way tie for lead at July meet

Yokozuna Hakuho ozeki Asanoyama each improved to 7-0 at the July Basho

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Australian Open to feature smaller crowds, bio-security in 2021

Australian Open organizers have settled on a plan to host the 2021 tournament complete with bio-security and fewer spectators.Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley will ...

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Nagoya Grampus’ Kazuya Miyahara tests positive for coronavirus

Nagoya Grampus defender Kazuya Miyahara has become the first player to test positive for the novel coronavirus since Japan's professional soccer league resumed its season ...

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Dusty Baker wins debut as Astros top M’s in first game since sign-stealing scandal

Dusty Baker posted a win in his debut as Houston's manager and the Astros, playing for the first time since their sign-stealing scandal rocked baseball, ...

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Black Lives Matter prompts important conversations in Japanese sports

Despite its distant origins the movement has resonated in the nation, where a growing number of biracial athletes have faced racial issues.

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After rough start, MLS bubble in Florida seems to be working

Jeff Agoos arrived inside the Major League Soccer bubble in Florida in late June.About a month into his stay, the number of restful, relaxing moments ...

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F1 adds races in Europe after canceling events in Americas

Formula One is expanding in Europe and will not be reaching the Americas, where the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of races in Brazil, Canada, ...

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Rays’ Yoshitomo Tsutsugo homers in MLB debut; Shogo Akiyama hits RBI single in first at-bat for Reds

Tsutsugo, who signed with the Rays over the winter, blasted an opposite-field home run off Blue Jays starter Ryu Hyun-jin.

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Kenyan trailblazer Ben Jipcho, who helped Kip Keino beat Jim Ryun, dies at 77

Ben Jipcho, a Kenyan runner who sacrificed his hopes of winning a medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to help teammate Kip Keino beat ...

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Paris Saint-Germain loses Kylian Mbappe to injury during French Cup final victory

A tearful Kylian Mbappe limped off with an apparent ankle injury as Paris Saint-Germain beat 10-man Saint-Etienne 1-0 to win the French Cup on Friday.The ...

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Chelsea’s Frank Lampard says Liverpool staff broke touchline code

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes Liverpool’s staff broke soccer’s touchline code when he launched his foul-mouthed tirade this week at Anfield.Lampard became embroiled in a ...

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Blue Jays to play in Buffalo amid pandemic after being barred from hosting games in Canada

The team had been looking for a major league ballpark for its home games but its search was unsuccessful.

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Zion Williamson returns to NBA bubble as others deal with family issues

Zion Williamson is back in the NBA bubble, after tending to a family situation.He won’t be the last to go through the re-initiation process. The ...

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Hakuho remains undefeated as leading group shrinks to three

New ozeki Asanoyama and sekiwake Mitakeumi also rose to 6-0 as the July Grand Sumo Tournament approached its midway point.

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Singapore sports agency ‘dismayed’ over skater’s abuse in China

Singapore's national sports agency said Friday it was "dismayed" to learn of a figure skater's claims that she suffered physical and mental abuse while training ...

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Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ set to conclude without a hitch

After a 100-day break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the world's richest league managed to complete its season on the pitch.

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Olympic swimming star Katie Ledecky staying focused amid pandemic

The 15-time freestyle world champion is ready to make adjustments ahead of next year's postponed Tokyo Olympics.

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Yankees, Nationals kneel in Black Lives Matter salute on opening day

The closed-door game at Nationals Stadium included a ceremonial first pitch by Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has played a key role in the country's handling ...

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MLB, players agree to expand playoffs to 16 teams

Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed Thursday to expand the playoffs from 10 teams to 16 for the pandemic-delayed season, a decision that ...

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Tennis tours cancel tournaments in China over coronavirus fears

All international tennis tournaments in China this year, including the Shanghai Masters and WTA Finals, were canceled on Friday because of the coronavirus, the ATP ...

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Juventus fails to secure title after loss at Udinese

Juventus missed a chance to clinch a record-extending ninth straight Italian league title as it lost 2-1 at relegation-threatened Udinese on Thursday.Ilija Nestorovski canceled out ...

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Seattle unveils ‘Kraken’ nickname for 32nd NHL franchise

The name Seattle Kraken seems to have had an air of inevitability around it even during the earliest days of the NHL expansion franchise."The first ...

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English Premiership unhappy with ‘unilateral’ calendar changes

English Premiership chiefs have criticised World Rugby's "unilateral decision" to stage test matches in December.The global governing body announced Wednesday a revised international calendar in ...

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Mike Tyson to make boxing comeback at 54 against Roy Jones Jr.

Mike Tyson, the former world heavyweight champion who retired in 2005, said Thursday he will make a comeback at age 54, fighting Roy Jones Jr. ...

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Ex-Redskins become Washington Football Team for 2020 season

The NFL team formerly known as the Redskins will go by the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season, giving the organization time to choose ...

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Giants slay Dragons after late rally

The Central League-leading Yomiuri Giants overpowered the Chunichi Dragons 6-1 on Thursday, with Kazuma Okamoto driving in the go-ahead run as part of a five-run ...

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Hakuho, Asanoyama cruise to 5-0 in July Basho

The two stars are part of a five-way tie for first place after Day 5.

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Japan’s athletes hitting reset button in preparation for postponed Tokyo Olympics

The Japanese Olympic Committee is sticking to its goal of winning 30 gold medals at the Tokyo Games.

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MLB finally arrives at opening day to bizarre season

A baseball season that was on the brink before it ever began because of the virus outbreak is set to start Thursday night.

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NPB to keep current restrictions on fan attendance in place through August

Nippon Professional Baseball announced Thursday that restrictions on the number of fans who can attend games will remain in place through the end of August ...

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Scottish scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw looking forward to challenge of playing in Japan

The 34-year-old was officially introduced to Japanese rugby in an online news conference held by his new club, the NTT Communications ShiningArcs.

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Olympic champ Katie Ledecky inspired by Rikako Ikee’s positivity amid cancer fight

Ledecky said she came to know the 20-year-old Ikee through competing against her and is delighted to see the progress she has made on her ...

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Liverpool players receive Premier League trophy during long-awaited celebration at Anfield

Not since 1990 — two years before the inception of the Premier League — has Liverpool been crowned champion of England.

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Wizards’ Rui Hachimura excited to return to court as NBA scrimmages begin

The Wizards rookie scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 26 minutes.

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Hakuho and Asanoyama maintain perfect record on Day 4 of July tournament

Hakuho took another step toward a second straight Emperor’s Cup on Wednesday by improving to 4-0 at the July Grand Sumo Tournament, while new ozeki ...

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July meet could go down as one of most important in sumo history

Less than a third of the way through 15 days of action at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan there are talking points aplenty.

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Pro surfer Kanoa Igarashi shows off skills in FIFA 20, welcomes pressure of Olympics

The rising star is already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

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Aaron Judge says Yankees will discuss gesture against racial injustice

Aaron Judge knows San Francisco manager Gabe Kapler took a knee along with several of his players, and the New York Yankees star wants to ...

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Players, coaches preparing for whole new ballgame when NBA returns to court

There’s no bench. The courtside broadcasters will not be courtside. And the stat crew will be doing their work inside what loosely can be described ...

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Defensive end Michael Bennett retires after 11 pro seasons

Michael Bennett, who won a Super Bowl as a defensive end with the Seattle Seahawks and made three Pro Bowls, says he is retiring.The 34-year-old ...

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NFLPA agrees to league’s offer to eliminate 2020 preseason

The NFL Players Association has agreed to the league's plan to drop all preseason games for the 2020 season, a person familiar with the decision ...

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4-0 rout by Manchester City deepens Watford’s relegation concerns

As the ball rolled past him and Manchester City's score racked up, goalkeeper Ben Foster increasingly feared for Watford's Premier League survival."You get into a ...

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Indians players, owner meet to discuss potential name change

Cleveland's players met with owner Paul Dolan on Tuesday to discuss a potential name change for the team, which has been called the Indians for ...

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Kylian Mbappe to stay at PSG next season ‘whatever happens’

Kylian Mbappe said on Tuesday he would remain with French champion Paris Saint-Germain next season "whatever happens," despite constant speculation over his future."I'm here. I'm ...

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Masahiro Tanaka throws BP, on track for July 31 season debut

The 31-year-old right-hander is 75-43 in six major league seasons and is entering the final year of his contract.

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Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori against idea of holding Tokyo Games without spectators

On Friday, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach hinted at possible spectator reductions at the Tokyo Games following their one-year postponement

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Japan’s pro basketball, volleyball leagues want foreign players hit by travel ban to be allowed into country

Most of the V. League's 40 foreign players and staff are unable to enter Japan, while the B. League says some 110 players and 20 ...

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Hakuho, Asanoyama claim third straight wins at July meet

Hakuho, the tournament's lone remaining yokozuna, easily dispatched Endo in the final bout on Tuesday at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

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IOC’s Dick Pound against locals-only crowds for Tokyo Olympics

The senior Olympic official believes that preventing fans from attending the games from overseas would run counter to the event's cosmopolitan spirit.

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Giants manager Gabe Kapler, players kneel during anthem

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler plans to use his position to speak out against racial injustice and provide a voice for those who aren't ...

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Jon Rahm going places in hurry with his rise to world No. 1

Jon Rahm made his first trip to Muirfield Village in a dark suit and a royal blue tie, no golf clubs.He won the Jack Nicklaus ...

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Ronaldo puts Juventus on brink of ninth straight Italian title

Cristiano Ronaldo put Juventus on the brink of a ninth consecutive Italian league title on Monday after he scored twice in a 2-1 win over ...

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‘Nothing is normal’ for Lakers’ LeBron James in trying 2020 season

LeBron James keeps hearing the same questions. How’s it going? How’s the bubble?He now has a one-size-fits-all answer. "I just say it’s 2020,” James said. ...

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Joe Girardi back in Bronx for exhibition ahead of Phillies debut

Joe Girardi’s new path was evident Monday. And unfamiliar.So was the result. Girardi’s Philadelphia Phillies tied the New York Yankees 2-2 Monday night in a ...

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NFL offers players to scrap all preseason games: source

The NFL has offered to scrap all preseason games, a person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press.The players’ association had sought no preseason ...

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J. League extends attendance restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise

The J. League on Monday announced that its attendance caps would remain in place through Aug. 10, reflecting concerns over a rising number of new ...

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Human Rights Watch report documents abuse of child athletes in Japan

A Human Rights Watch report has found child athletes in Japan often suffer physical and verbal abuse and sometimes sexual abuse during training.

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Asanoyama, Hakuho cruise to easy victories on Day 2 of July Basho

Newly promoted ozeki Asanoyama and yokozuna Hakuho cemented their position as top contenders.

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Yudai Baba excited about new challenge with NBL’s Melbourne United

Yudai Baba's ultimate goal is to earn a spot on an NBA team in the future.

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Shohei Ohtani to pitch for Angels during opening weekend

Los Angeles Angels two-way standout Shohei Ohtani will pitch in his first Major League Baseball game since 2018 next Sunday against the Oakland Athletics and ...

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Lewis Hamilton matches one of Michael Schumacher’s F1 records with Hungarian GP victory

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix for the eighth time to equal Michael Schumacher's single-venue record and take the championship lead ...

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Chelsea takes advantage of David De Gea’s miscues to reach F.A. Cup final

Frank Lampard's first season as Chelsea manager will end with a cup final.

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Injured Kakuryu pulls out of July meet after Day 1 loss

The yokozuna injured his elbow when he slipped trying to execute a leg sweep against No. 1 maegashira Endo.

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Tigers back on prowl in Central League

Their resurgence continued last week at Koshien Stadium, where Hanshin took two of three against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and swept the Chunichi Dragons.

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Six-time defending champ Marc Marquez fractures right arm in crash at Spanish GP

Six-time defending MotoGP champion Marc Marquez broke his right arm in a crash at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.His Honda team said Marquez "suffered ...

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John Rahm wins Memorial to secure No. 1 spot in world rankings

The drama was more than Jon Rahm wanted. The result was what he always imagined.Rahm became the No. 1 player in the world Sunday with ...

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Jack Nicklaus reveals positive COVID-19 test

Jack Nicklaus revealed Sunday during the CBS telecast of the Memorial that he and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus at the onset of ...

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Hakuho survives, Kakuryu falls on Day 1 of July meet

Yokozuna Hakuho claimed his first win of the July Grand Sumo Tournament in front of a live crowd on Sunday as the sport returned after ...

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Yudai Baba signs with NBL’s Melbourne United

The Akatsuki Five star's next destination will be Australia following a season with the Texas Legends in the NBA G League.

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Sumo returns after four-month coronavirus shutdown

The July Grand Sumo Tournament commenced in front of spectators in Tokyo on Sunday, the start of the sport's first top-level meet since March's Spring ...

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MLB teams host first COVID-era exhibition games

Didi Gregorius watched over the top of his face mask as his drive off Washington ace Max Scherzer sailed into empty outfield seats.Fake cheers — ...

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JRFU executive pushes for Top League sides’ inclusion in new Southern Hemisphere tournament

If Japan's national rugby team is to grow stronger in the long term, the country's top clubs must compete against the best from the Southern ...

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Matildas head coach Ante Milicic steps down due to Olympics delay

Australia women's soccer coach Ante Milicic has stepped down from his role because of the delay of the Tokyo Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ...

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Mariners’ Yoshihisa Hirano joins team after coronavirus recovery

Seattle Mariners pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano, who tested positive for the new coronavirus late last month, joined his team at their preseason camp on Saturday after ...

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Blue Jays barred from playing games in Toronto

Canada's government indicated concern over the risk of players traveling back and forth from the United States, which has seen a sharp increase in coronavirus ...

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Sixth-inning power surge lifts Lions over Eagles

Sixth-inning home runs by Hotaka Yamakawa and Takeya Nakamura brought the Seibu Lions from three runs down in a 4-3 win over the Pacific League-leading ...

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Arsenal beats City to reach F.A. Cup final

Manager Mikel Arteta, who took over the London club earlier this season, outwitted mentor Pep Guardiola in an empty Wembley Stadium.

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NBA going with shorter games for Disney exhibition openers

The first exhibition games of the NBA restart will go a little more quickly than usual.The NBA is tweaking the rules for those initial matchups, ...

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Former world junior champion Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya dies

The Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed the death of former world junior pairs figure skating champion Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya in Moscow.The cause of the 20-year-old Alexandrovskaya's ...

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Tokyo ends seven-year winless streak against Urawa

Goals from Diego Oliveira and Adailton gave supporters plenty to applaud in the team's first home game with fans since the J1 resumed play.

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South Africa hopeful world champion Springboks can play this year

South Africa Rugby said on Friday it hopes the world champion Springboks can play this year despite the coronavirus pandemic."SA Rugby continue to work with ...

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Cutouts provide virtual MLB audience with no actual fans allowed

Some teams in Japan and Taiwan put cutouts in the stands before fans were allowed to attend games.

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Shinji Okazaki scores as Huesca secures promotion to La Liga

Former Japan forward Shinji Okazaki helped Spanish second-division club Huesca book its ticket back to the top flight Friday, scoring his 12th goal of the ...

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Tony Finau, Ryan Palmer share lead at Memorial

Tiger Woods managed two birdies and a 7-foot par save on his final three holes for a 76 that allowed him to make the cut ...

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Simon Pagenaud snaps Ganassi streak with IndyCar win at Iowa

Simon Pagenaud's worst-to-first run capped a wild opening night to IndyCar's doubleheader at Iowa Speedway.The former series champion, who was unable to qualify because of ...

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Fans allowed back into English sporting events starting next week

Spectators will be allowed back into some sports events in England from next week as coronavirus prevention measures are tested ahead of a planned wider ...

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Washington owner Dan Snyder vows to change team’s culture amid allegations of sexual harassment

Washington NFL owner Dan Snyder said Friday he's committed to improving the culture inside the team after allegations of sexual harassment, while the league will ...

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Games played in NBA bubble won’t factor into races for individual awards

The NBA’s MVP race is over. So is the battle for every other individual regular-season trophy.The league told teams Friday that none of the seeding ...

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Leeds secures return to Premier League after 16-year absence

Marcelo Bielsa's side secured promotion from the second-tier Championship with two games to spare.

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Canadian Football League’s Edmonton club will reportedly drop ‘Eskimos’ nickname

The Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League will reportedly will change their name, though the team would not confirm the two reports.TSN and Postmedia ...

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Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe tests positive for coronavirus

Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed Eric Bledsoe tested positive for COVID-19, but remains cautiously optimistic the veteran point guard will be ready for the ...

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England declares at 469-9 against West Indies

Ultra-careful centuries by Ben Stokes and Dom Sibley allowed England to declare against the West Indies on 469-9 and reinforce their command of the second ...

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West Ham closes in on EPL survival after crucial win over Watford

Manager David Moyes urged West Ham to finish the job after the club effectively sealed its Premier League survival with a first-half blitz in Friday's ...

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Delayed Tokyo Olympics to retain same venues and games schedule

Organizers have been negotiating with facility owners to ensure the use of the previously arranged venues when the games take place in July 2021.

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Atsunori Inaba to remain in charge of Samurai Japan for 2020 Olympics

The former outfielder, who represented Japan at the 2008 Beijing Games, remains steadfast in his goal of achieving a gold medal at the postponed competition.

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J. League demonstrates leadership on road to resumption

It’s been less than three weeks since J. League teams played their first “remote matches,” the phrase chosen by the Japan Top League Alliance to ...

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New Zealand plans to cut South Africa, Argentina from Super Rugby

New Zealand is pushing for a new Super Rugby competition that would exclude South Africa and Argentina but include a Pacific Islands team and an ...

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Track champions form athletes’ rights group to seek bigger voice

A group of track and field champions is spearheading a new organization designed to give athletes a greater voice in their sport.Two-time Olympic triple jump ...

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Lionel Messi blasts ‘weak’ team after Barcelona loses league title

After seeing Barcelona’s Spanish league title defense come to a disappointing and meek end, Lionel Messi didn’t hold back.Messi blasted his team for being “weak” ...

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Real Madrid clinches Spanish league title with win

Zinedine Zidane's side earned its 10th straight victory to claim the domestic league for the first time since 2017 as archrival Barcelona faltered.

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Mets bidder Alex Rodriguez wants players to accept cap system

Alex Rodriguez, among four groups of bidders for a possible purchase of the New York Mets, called for baseball players accept the type of revenue-sharing ...

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MLB ballparks to use crowd noise from video game during season

Big league players will still hear the roar of the crowd even though the stands will be empty when the baseball season opens next week.Taking ...

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Washington’s NFL team hires law firm to review culture

Owner Dan Snyder has hired a District of Columbia law firm to review the Washington NFL team’s culture, policies and allegations of workplace misconduct.Beth Wilkinson ...

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Zion Williamson leaves Pelicans for ‘family medical matter’

The New Orleans Pelicans say top overall draft choice Zion Williamson left the club on Thursday to attend to an urgent family medical matter.The Pelicans ...

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Takumi Oshiro, Giants beat up on Carp

Takumi Oshiro homered to cap a three-run first inning as the Yomiuri Giants took advantage of tentative pitching from the Hiroshima Carp and never looked ...

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NBA players have plenty of options inside bubble

Every team in the NBA bubble has played golf. Most have had at least a few players go fishing. Some have taken boats out. Bowling ...

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NHL’s older coaches consider taking precautions amid coronavirus

After two days behind a mask and off his skates, Rick Bowness returned to his natural habitat on the ice with air inside the rink ...

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Upcoming July Basho could be fascinating, unpredictable affair

It’s hard to know just what kind of physical or mental condition rikishi will be in when things kick off at Ryogoku Kokugikan on July ...

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Japan’s women still fighting for equality in judo

Judo's founder Jigoro Kano was decades ahead of his time by empowering women to take up a sport that prizes technique over brute force.But Japan's ...

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IOC postpones Dakar Youth Olympics to 2026

The 2022 Dakar Youth Olympics were postponed by four years on Wednesday, in further fallout from delaying the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 due to the ...

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All eyes on Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau ahead of Memorial

Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau pounded shots along the front nine of Muirfield Village, a nine-hole practice round Wednesday that no doubt would have attracted ...

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Liverpool’s bid for points record ends with loss against Arsenal

This was only Liverpool's third loss of the season but it means the club can only finish with 99 points by winning its remaining two ...

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Dak Prescott to play under franchise tag after failing to reach deal with Cowboys

Dak Prescott will play whatever becomes of the 2020 season under the one-year franchise tag after the Dallas Cowboys and their star quarterback couldn't agree ...

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IOC doesn’t want to stage Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors

IOC President Thomas Bach said holding the competition without fans is 'clearly something we don't want.'

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Reds hope search for leadoff hitter ends with Shogo Akiyama

The Cincinnati Reds hope their long-running search for a consistent leadoff hitter comes to an end with Shogo Akiyama.The first Japanese-born player in franchise history ...

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JSA’s decision to let fans attend July Basho catches everyone off guard

Few insiders had expected sumo’s governing body to allow the public back in so soon.

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WNBA stars Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi say playing in 2020 was only option

Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird know that they are on the tail end of their basketball careers.After missing last season due to injuries, they had ...

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B. League revises criteria for club licenses due to COVID-19 fallout

The decision was made to help clubs cope with the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Mariners pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano tests positive for coronavirus

The 36-year-old returned a positive result after undergoing testing per protocols established by Major League Baseball before the team convened for training camp.

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Real Madrid warns fans against gathering in usual celebration spots as club approaches title

Real Madrid is asking its fans to stay away from the team’s usual celebration spots in Madrid if it wins the Spanish league title.The request ...

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Refreshed Pekka Rinne eager to continue playoff streak for Predators

Pekka Rinne’s string of starting every playoff game for the Nashville Predators since 2010 may be in jeopardy.That 89-game run may change Aug. 2 when ...

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Dodgers selling fan cutouts for up to $299

Fans wanting to see their faces at Dodger Stadium can buy cutouts for prices ranging up to $299.The team said Tuesday that net proceeds from ...

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Chiefs, Jones agree to 4-year, $85M extension, source says

The Kansas City Chiefs and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones agreed to a four-year contract that could be worth up to $85 million on ...

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Giroud gives Champions League-chasing Chelsea win against Norwich

Olivier Giroud put Chelsea closer to Champions League qualification Tuesday by sealing a 1-0 victory over relegated Norwich.Giroud headed in Christian Pulisic’s cross from the ...

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Manager Joe Maddon confirms Shohei Ohtani will be part of Angels’ rotation

Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon said that Shohei Ohtani will pitch once per week in what is expected to be a six-man rotation.

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About 10 MLB umpires opt out over virus concerns, sources say

About 10 Major League Baseball umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the ...

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Marathon swim course likely to be moved at postponed games

The meteorological outlook for the amended race dates shows significantly different tidal conditions around the course at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo.

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Tokyo Olympics could help Sapporo land 2030 Winter Games

With marathons and race walking events scheduled, Sapporo has a chance to showcase the city to the International Olympic Committee in its bid for the ...

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Washington facing difficult choices in search for new name for NFL team

The organization is working quietly to try to roll out a fresh moniker and logo in time for the 2020 season.

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Yanks’ Masahiro Tanaka unsure whether he can take first rotation turn

Tanaka was hit on the right side near the temple by Giancarlo Stanton's shot during batting practice July 4.

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Kings’ Harrison Barnes isn’t at NBA restart, says he has coronavirus

Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings became the latest NBA player to reveal that he has the coronavirus, making the announcement Tuesday and saying he ...

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Economist says IOC should pay half of costs for delayed Tokyo Games

A U.S. economist with a focus on the sports business says the International Olympic Committee should shoulder half of the additional cost of postponing the ...

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Japan to mull easing travel curbs for Tokyo Games participants

Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto indicated Japan would be in a "difficult situation" without plans in place to allow for the entry of athletes and officials ...

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Memory of missed field goal drives Toshiki Sato’s NFL ambitions

Making the NFL would not only make the BigBlue kicker's dreams come true but would also have positive impact on both the NFL and Japan.

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Russian athletics president resigns amid doping stalemate

The president of the Russian Athletics Federation resigned on Monday after less than five months in the job amid a stalemate with World Athletics regarding ...

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Virus knocks Jamel Herring out of second straight title bout

Jamel Herring was supposed to fight Tuesday night as part of a feel-good card topped by two boxers who had tested positive for the coronavirus.The ...

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Court ruling, late goal hurt Man United’s Champions League hopes

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side faces an uphill battle to get into UEFA's elite club competition after Monday's disappointing draw with Southampton.

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Washington’s NFL team drops ‘Redskins’ name after 87 years

The Washington NFL franchise announced Monday it is dropping the “Redskins” name and Indian head logo, bowing to recent pressure from sponsors and decades of ...

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Chicago Marathon canceled over coronavirus concerns

The Chicago Marathon became the latest major marathon to fall victim to the coronavirus on Monday as organizers confirmed cancellation of the race for only ...

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Pucks and masks prevalent as 24 NHL teams open training camp

St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington is so accustomed to wearing a mask, he didn’t mind doing so for the past four months during the ...

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Major league teams try to ramp up the competition in camp

Well-traveled Milwaukee Brewers first baseman-outfielder Logan Morrison figures it will be easy for him to adjust to games without spectators this season.“I played for the ...

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Rockets’ Russell Westbrook has virus as NBA bubble faces first test

Houston’s Russell Westbrook hasn’t made it to the NBA restart yet.The coronavirus did — but health protocols seemed to work as the league and its ...

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Manchester City overturns two-year Champions League ban

Manchester City successfully overturned its two-year ban from the Champions League on Monday in a surprising legal victory.The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld City’s ...

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Lakers’ Rajon Rondo out 6 to 8 weeks after breaking thumb in practice

Rajon Rondo broke his right thumb in practice with the Los Angeles Lakers in Florida.The veteran point guard will be out for six to eight ...

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B. League reveals opening matchup for 2020-21 season

The two-time champion Alvark Tokyo and Kawasaki Brave Thunders will opening the B. League season on Oct. 2.

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Yuki Yanagita powers Hawks past Eagles in six-game series

With no All-Star Game, Yuki Yanagita held his own personal home run derby last week in Fukuoka.The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles may have arrived from ...

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Japan Sumo Association to allow fans into Tokyo-hosted July basho

The decision was made despite a recent rise in coronavirus cases in the capital.

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Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen encourages masks after positive test

Play ball – and mask up, too.Protective face coverings won't be out of sight when Major League Baseball resumes in less than two weeks. Some ...

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Report: Washington to shed ‘Redskins’ name Monday

Washington’s NFL team will get rid of the name ‘Redskins’ on Monday, according to multiple reports.It’s unclear when a new name will be revealed for ...

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Lewis Hamilton raises right fist in fight against racism

Lewis Hamilton has spoken out against racism since the death of George Floyd in May.

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West Indies wins first test against England in return of international cricket

The West Indies won the first international cricket match since the sport went into global shutdown for the coronavirus pandemic, beating England late on the ...

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Rising star Collin Morikawa outguns Thomas in dramatic playoff to win Workday Charity Open

Morikawa has already established a reputation for a high level of consistency on the PGA Tour.

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Lewis Hamilton wins Styrian GP

Lewis Hamilton won the Styrian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday to clinch his 85th career win and move within six of Michael Schumacher's ...

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Leicester’s Champions League hopes take hit after collapse against Bournemouth

In the top four since September, Leicester's Champions League hopes are no longer so certain.A 4-1 capitulation at relegation-threatened Bournemouth on Sunday summed up Leicester's ...

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Late sub Kazuma Watanabe nets winner as Gamba beat S-Pulse

Late substitute Kazuma Watanabe struck in the 89th minute to earn Gamba Osaka a 2-1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse in the J. League’s first division ...

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Lions’ Daisuke Matsuzaka undergoes cervical spine surgery

Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka underwent cervical spine surgery at a hospital in Ibaraki Prefecture on July 5, the Pacific League club said Sunday.According ...

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Kamaru Usman, Petr Yan leave UFC’s Fight Island with belts

Kamaru Usman retained his welterweight title with a smothering victory over short-notice challenger Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 on Sunday.Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title ...

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Rui Hachimura ready to carry Wizards in Orlando

The rookie small/power forward is expected to play a major role in the absence of teammates who have elected to skip the NBA's expanded playoff ...

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Yuzuru Hanyu named Most Valuable Skater at first ISU Awards

The two-time Olympic champion was recognized for a successful 2019-20 season that included gold-medal finishes at the Four Continents as well as the NHK Trophy.

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Union Berlin plans virus tests to bring fans back to stadium

German top-flight soccer club Union Berlin is so keen to see its stadium filled with fans once again that it is prepared to pay for ...

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LeBron James won’t wear social justice message on Lakers jersey

LeBron James says his thoughts on social justice can't be contained on the back of a basketball jersey.The Los Angeles Lakers superstar won't wear one ...

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Oilers’ Mike Green joins list of players opting out of NHL return

Edmonton's Mike Green and Boston's Steven Kampfer are opting out. Dallas defenseman Roman Polak isn't reporting for now, and Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos isn't ...

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Marines overpower Lions

Tsuyoshi Sugano and Seiya Inoue both hit two-run first-inning home runs and right-hander Atsuki Taneichi allowed three runs over six innings to earn the win ...

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Akihiro Ienaga brace drives Frontale past Reysol as fans return to J1

There were no songs or chants.There were no drums beaten or flags waved. But there was plenty of applause for Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday night, ...

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England World Cup winner Jack Charlton dies at 85

Jack Charlton, an uncompromising central defender who played alongside his brother, Bobby, in England’s World Cup-winning side in 1966 before enjoying coaching success with Ireland, ...

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Pac-12 joins Big Ten in eliminating nonconference games

The Pac-12 has become the second major conference to shift to a conference-only fall schedule amid growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.The announcement came after ...

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MLB players adjusting to new reality as they prepare to play during pandemic

Players are being asked to set aside behaviors stitched into the game's fabric under rules designed to contain the coronavirus.

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England’s Stuart Broad ‘frustrated, angry and gutted’ after being dropped for first test

Stuart Broad sought reassurances about his future in England's cricket team after feeling "frustrated, angry and gutted” about being dropped for the first test against ...

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NHL, players agree on date to resume season

Hockey became the latest sport to finalize a return during a global pandemic after NHL owners and players approved an agreement Friday to resume the ...

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Collin Morikawa grabs lead before storms hit Muirfield Village

Among the lessons Collin Morikawa took away from missing his first cut as a pro was that his reliable cut shot had left him. He ...

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Real Madrid moves closer to title with eighth straight win

Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid move one step closer to dethroning Lionel Messi’s Barcelona on Friday.Benzema scored one goal and set up another to lead ...

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Buster Posey becomes latest high-profile player to opt out of MLB season

One week into Major League Baseball's strange summer camp, the constant churn of rosters is one of the few constants.

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Dutch short-track world champion Lara Van Ruijven dies at age 27

World champion short-track speedskater Lara van Ruijven died on Friday as a result of complications from an autoimmune reaction, the Netherlands skating association said. Van ...

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West Indies leads England by 99 runs after Day 3 of test

Half-centuries by Kragg Brathwaite and Shane Dowrich set up the West Indies’ first-innings lead of 114 against England on day three of the first test ...

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Noah Lyles appears to break world record due to glitch during remote track meet

It was a strange sight to see 200-meter world champion Noah Lyles race on a track in Florida while two opponents started simultaneously in Switzerland ...

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Fans welcomed back into NPB stadiums as COVID-19 precautions eased

Masks, physical distancing and refrained celebrations were the order of the day as teams played in front of crowds for the first time this year.

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Brave Thunders’ plans for new arena undaunted by pandemic

The Kawasaki Brave Thunders plan to build a new home arena capable of generating a more professional sports atmosphere.Despite the negative economic impact caused by ...

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Reds newcomer Thomas Deng used hiatus to build rapport with squad

The Australia international had an extra four months to learn Urawa's tactics while the J. League was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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New extra-inning format stirs debate as teams plot strategy

After trialing the new rule in the minor leagues, MLB teams will start extra innings with a runner on second base.

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Players begin restart routines as NBA teams arrive at Disney complex

All 22 teams participating in the NBA's restart tournament were set to enter the virus-free "bubble" by Thursday night.

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Dana White’s ‘Fight Island’ dream now a reality for UFC

The imagery evoked by Dana White's crazy idea was undeniably intoxicating: An octagon perched amid swaying palm trees on a white sand beach, waves lapping ...

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Former Lotte pitcher Randy Jackson arrested for cannabis possession

Former Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Randy "Jay" Jackson Jr. was arrested Friday on suspicion of cannabis possession at his home in Hiroshima.The 32-year-old American, who ...

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Sevilla rallies for win; Takefusa Kubo goal keeps Mallorca alive

Sevilla rallied in the second half to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 in the Spanish first division on Thursday, moving closer to a Champions League berth.The ...

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Big Ten scraps nonconference football games due to pandemic

The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday it will not play nonconference games in football and several other sports this fall, the most dramatic move yet ...

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Nashville SC out of MLS is Back after nine players test positive

Nashville SC has withdrawn from Major League Soccer's MLS is Back tournament in Florida after nine players tested positive for the coronavirus, the league announced ...

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Tigers slugger Justin Bour goes deep in Koshien debut

Justin Bour homered in his home debut at historic Koshien Stadium, lifting the Hanshin Tigers to a 2-1 Central League victory over the Yomiuri Giants ...

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Broncos owner Jun Ikeda has ambitious plans for basketball franchise

Ikeda is thrilled about his new challenge with the Broncos, perhaps more than ever before, because as owner he has the freedom to do things ...

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Ryder Cup postponed until 2021; Presidents Cup pushed back

Seth Waugh knows how a Ryder Cup is supposed to look and how it should sound.In his first week as CEO at the PGA of ...

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Brave Thunders’ Nick Fazekas tests positive for COVID-19

Kawasaki Brave Thunders big man Nick Fazekas has tested positive for COVID-19, the B. League club announced Wednesday.According to the team, Fazekas underwent a PCR ...

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Tokyo 2020 organizers to issue ticket refunds due to delay

The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee will issue ticket refunds to people unable to attend the games due to their one-year postponement, sources close ...

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Japan midfielder Kento Hashimoto to join Russia’s FK Rostov

Japan midfielder Kento Hashimoto will join FK Rostov in the Russian top flight on a full transfer later this month, his J. League club FC ...

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Japanese players getting into swing of things ahead of MLB season

The Mariners' Yusei Kikuchi threw live batting practice on Wednesday in Seattle.

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MLS returns to action after poignant moment of silence

Nearly 200 players took the field for an 8-minute, 46-second moment of silence to protest racial injustice before Major League Soccer’s return to action Wednesday ...

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MLB continues to take small steps toward opening day

Several teams welcomed back players who might have been exposed to the coronavirus and the San Francisco Giants resumed workouts.

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Alexander Zverev hires David Ferrer as coach

Alexander Zverev has hired David Ferrer as a coach on a trial basis, the seventh-ranked German said Wednesday.Zverev wrote on Instagram that he "could not ...

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Swiss gymnastics team boss suspended during bullying inquiry

Amid turmoil after claims of a bullying culture, Switzerland’s gymnastics federation suspended its head of elite sport Wednesday during an external inquiry.The federation fired two ...

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Raheem Mostert asks 49ers for trade

San Francisco 49ers postseason breakout star Raheem Mostert requested a trade from the team after being unable to renegotiate his contract.Agent Brett Tessler made the ...

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Frontale crushes FC Tokyo with first-half goal rush

The empty stadium was unusual. The lopsided scoreline was not.Kawasaki Frontale maintained their recent stellar record over Tamagawa Classico rival FC Tokyo on Wednesday with ...

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Sumo’s unique kanreki ceremonies provide windows into past

It’s looking increasingly likely that it could be December (or even 2021) before Isegahama will be able to don the red rope.

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Augmented reality sports promote a new style of inclusive competition

The appeal of yuru sports comes from the laid-back nature of the games on offer.

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Patrick Mahomes’ big bet on football pays off with $503 million deal

Patrick Mahomes risked everything when he opted for football over baseball.Turns out he got baseball money anyway. One day after the former two-sport star got ...

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Ex-coach Mike Shanahan elected to Broncos Ring of Honor

Former head coach Mike Shanahan has been elected to the Denver Broncos Ring of Honor and will be inducted in 2021 because of COVID-19 precautions.Shanahan, ...

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Chelsea moves into third place in Premier League

On a night of spectacular goals in the Premier League, it was a pair of tackles that had the most significant impact on the hard-fought ...

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Blackhawks say team name honors Native American leader

The Chicago Blackhawks say they will continue to use their team name because it honors a Native American leader who has been an inspiration to ...

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Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson apologizes for anti-Semitic post

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has apologized after backlash for sharing anti-Semitic posts on social media over the weekend.Jackson initially posted a screenshot of ...

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Ryder Cup postponed to 2021 per report

The biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe was scheduled for Sept. 25 to 27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin

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NFL, NFLPA remain at odds over protocol for training camps

The NFL and the NFLPA haven’t come to an agreement on all protocols for training camp and the preseason as the report date for teams ...

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Wizards’ Bradley Beal, Nets’ Spencer Dinwiddie to miss rest of NBA season

Wizards leading scorer Bradley Beal and Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie won't take part in the restart of the NBA season, two significant absences in the ...

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A’s lefty Jake Diekman questions whether there will be a season

For now, Diekman still plans to play. He must be extra careful given he has the autoimmune condition ulcerative colitis.

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Japan to consider easing travel curbs for Olympic athletes

Since February, Japan has been strengthening travel restrictions for inbound visitors as part of its border control measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Lazio’s Patric could face lengthy ban for biting opponent

Lazio defender Patric could be facing a lengthy ban after being sent off for biting an opponent.The incident happened in stoppage time of Lazio’s 2-1 ...

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Olympic hopeful Sewon Okazawa redirects his focus to repair of flooded gym

Boxer Sewon Okazawa, who will compete in the welterweight division at the Tokyo Olympics, said Tuesday he plans to help repair the damage done to ...

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More positive tests, canceled workouts add to MLB unease

As baseball nears the two-week countdown to the start of its delayed season, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep more players, including Boston Red Sox ...

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Shohei Ohtani pitches in intrasquad game at Angel Stadium

Two-way star struggled with control and walked eight in first outing at The Big A since 2018.

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Junior Wimbledon champion Shintaro Mochizuki may have more surprises in store

The 17-year-old Kawasaki native, who broke a 50-year grand slam drought for Japanese boys last year, is turning heads with his impressive net play.

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LAFC’s Carlos Vela opts out of MLS restart as FC Dallas withdraws

FC Dallas has withdrawn from Major League Soccer's restart tournament on Monday after 11 members of the franchise tested positive for COVID-19, another blow for ...

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MLB releases pandemic-shortened schedule amid testing delays

The schedule was a bright spot on an otherwise shaky day in baseball’s reboot following a shutdown of more than three months.

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PGA Tour, Memorial scrap plans to have limited spectators

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said the decision was made due to the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Trump lashes out at NASCAR, Bubba Wallace over flag and noose

NASCAR’s layered relationship with President Donald Trump took a sharp turn Monday when Trump blasted the series for banning the Confederate flag and wrongly accused ...

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JSA says membership free of coronavirus after tests

Of the 891 members tested, five were positive for antibodies to the virus. Four of them were cleared via polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests.

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Native American groups ask NFL to force Redskins name change

A letter signed by 15 Native American advocates has demanded the team and the NFL cease the use of Native American names and imagery.

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Tokyo Olympic organizers seek COVID-19 defenses, but what exactly?

Quarantines for athletes and few fans at venues are among ideas being floated by the organizing committee, the city of Tokyo and the International Olympic ...

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Nationals, Astros cancel workouts over virus testing delays

Baseball’s two World Series teams canceled workouts Monday because of coronavirus testing delays that one executive worried could endanger the season.The defending champion Washington Nationals ...

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SANZAAR head confident of Rugby Championship in 2020

The head of southern hemisphere rugby body SANZAAR is confident the Rugby Championship will be played this year despite borders remaining locked amid the continuing ...

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Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes agree to 10-year, $503 million extension

The Kansas City Chiefs made sure they'll have Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes around as long as possible.Mahomes agreed to a 10-year extension worth $503 ...

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NHL, players’ union announce plan to resume play on Aug. 1

The National Hockey League and NHL Players’ Association announced a tentative agreement Monday to return to play this season and extend their collective bargaining agreement ...

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Jose Mourinho delighted by Lloris-Son clash during Tottenham win

When Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris confronted Son Heung-min on the field at halftime, Jose Mourinho was far from annoyed.The manager renowned for his own flashpoints ...

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‘King Felix’ opts out of MLB season due to coronavirus

Former Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez has joined the list of major leaguers opting out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, ...

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Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw to join Shining Arcs

Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw will play for the NTT Communications Shining Arcs next season, the Japan Rugby Top League club said Monday.The 34-year-old scrumhalf ...

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NPB and J. League moving ahead with plans to allow fans

Nippon Professional Baseball and the J. League will allow up to 5,000 fans to attend games starting Friday.

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South Korean officials vow to look into triathlete’s abuse claims

Top South Korean officials on Monday offered a public apology and vowed to delve into the death of a triathlete who had reported to government ...

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Bryson DeChambeau wins Rocket Mortgage Classic by 3 shots

Bryson DeChambeau pounded protein shakes and lifted iron to transform his body, adding 40 pounds (18 kg) of mass, and changed his game to put ...

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Pablo Sandoval’s weight not an issue for Giants

Pablo Sandoval's size and round middle have ignited the internet and brought out the body critics as baseball begins again.Manager Gabe Kapler said Sunday the ...

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Masahiro Tanaka returns to Yankee Stadium after being hit by comebacker on Saturday

The Yankees had their Sunday brightened by Masahiro Tanaka, who came to the ballpark and seemed well a day after being hit in the head ...

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Valtteri Bottas wins season-opening Austrian GP

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton finished fourth after getting a late time penalty.

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Barcelona president says Lionel Messi will end career with club

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said that captain Lionel Messi will end his career at the Catalan club, dismissing a report saying the Argentine ...

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Inter title hopes all but over after late collapse against Bologna

Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte said his team "gifted" Bologna a 2-1 win on Sunday after they blew a goal and a man advantage to ...

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Eagles soar to front of line in Pacific League after strong week

The top teams and the Central and Pacific Leagues had very good weeks.

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Liverpool makes winning return to Anfield as Premier League champion

The players walked out to another guard of honor, with a huge rectangular banner high up in the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand reading: "Liverpool FC ...

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NHL, players’ association agree on protocols to resume season

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association agreed Sunday on protocols to resume the season, a major step toward the return of hockey this summer.Deputy Commissioner ...

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NFL to discuss union’s desire to cancel preseason

The NFL plans to consider the NFL Players Association’s recommendation to cancel the preseason though it prefers to cut the schedule in half, a person ...

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Pandemic helps soccer star strike new balance at home

While soccer has been on hiatus, Yoshito Okubo has embraced the domestic life.

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Pep Guardiola confident Man City will avoid Champions League ban

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has "a lot of confidence" his club will avoid a two-season ban from European competitions when the verdict of their ...

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Determined Shohei Ohtani charging back into two-way role with Halos

The Angels star is hitting both the mound and the batter's box to contribute on both sides of the ball when the MLB season opens ...

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NBA emphasizes mental health as teams await Disney ‘bubble’

Jrue Holiday expects basketball to be the easy part.The Pelicans guard will be living in the NBA’s "bubble” when 22 teams gather near Orlando, Florida, ...

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Bellagio error may be biggest sportsbook loss for Vegas

The nearly quarter-million dollars in winning wagers reportedly placed at MGM Resorts last Sunday might be the largest sportsbook loss in Las Vegas history on ...

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Not ‘end of the world’ if Spurs miss top six, says Jose Mourinho

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said it would not be the end of the world if his side failed to finish in the top six of ...

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Formula One drivers to support fight against racism at Austrian GP

All 20 Formula One drivers are going to show their support for the fight against racism before Sunday's season-opening Austrian Grand Prix, although they will ...

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Gianluigi Buffon sets Serie A record with 648th appearance

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon set an outright Serie A record on Saturday with his 648th appearance in Italy’s top flight.The derby game against Torino moved ...

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Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka ‘all good’ after being hit by line drive

The star pitcher was taken to a hospital with concussion symptoms following the freak accident at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

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Hawks veteran Tsuyoshi Wada gets first win

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks southpaw Tsuyoshi Wada held the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters hitless through the sixth inning in an 8-3 Pacific League victory on Saturday.The ...

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Rui Hachimura’s desire to play outweighs worry as Wizards prepare to resume NBA season

Going to Orlando to resume the NBA season was a no-brainer for the Wizards' Japanese forward.

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Reds, Marinos battle to draw as J. League’s top flight resumes

The J. League’s first division was finally back at Saitama Stadium on Saturday night, even if the fans weren’t.Surrounded by seats festooned in red, white ...

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Indians will look into changing name amid pressure

Amid new pressure sparked by a national movement to correct racial wrongdoings, the Cleveland Indians said they will review their long-debated nickname."We are committed to ...

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Paint schemes go political as NASCAR season heats up

Many a fan is quick to insist they do not like politics in their sports — no kneeling, no raised fists, no T-shirt messages. Just ...

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Nairo Quintana hit by car during training ride in Colombia

Two-time Grand Tour winner Nairo Quintana was been hit by a car while on his cycle training in Colombia, his team said on Friday."Nairo Quintana ...

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Russia says athletes hurt by World Athletics freeze

The president of Russia's track and field federation said Friday it is "catastrophic” to suspend Russian athletes' applications to compete over a unpaid fine of ...

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MLB players get back on field to prepare for upcoming season

Mike Trout says he’s not "comfortable” in this COVID-19 environment and isn’t sure he’ll play this season.

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Hinako Shibuno hopes virus won’t derail Women’s British Open title defense

Following her surprise victory last year, Hinako Shibuno said Friday she hopes to play for a second straight Women's British Open title next month.The tournament ...

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‘King Kazu’ targeting Zico’s mark as oldest to score in J. League’s top division

The 53-year-old star is also poised to extend his record as the J. League's oldest-ever player for newly promoted Yokohama FC.

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MLB cancels All-Star Game for first time since 1945

Dodger Stadium’s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer.The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of ...

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Redskins to have ‘thorough review’ of name

Native American advocacy groups have tried for decades to force a change.

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NBA reportedly plans Chicago bubble for ‘Delete Eight’

The eight teams that weren’t invited to participate in the NBA’s restarted season near Orlando might be allowed to gather in a separate “bubble” in ...

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Former baseball prospect Tsuyoshi Akuzawa takes over Crane Thunders

The Gunma Prefecture native has been tapped to run the B. League second-division side, four decades after he became a local legend for his Koshien ...

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J. League grows audience abroad with English social media channels

The league's English-language efforts have coincided with a push to expand its international broadcasting footprint.

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One week after toasting title, Liverpool routed by Man City

Even a 4-0 drubbing is forgivable for Jurgen Klopp now the Premier League trophy has been sealed.But losing so comprehensively — to Liverpool's closest yet ...

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All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett to play in Japan

The New Zealand star will join Suntory on a one-year contract that will make him one of the sports highest-paid players.

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Galatasaray announces Yuto Nagatomo exit, shares tearful goodbye

Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo's departure from Galatasaray was made official on Thursday, with the Turkish side announcing the expiration of his contract and posting photos ...

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Blue Jays granted exemption to train in Toronto

All 30 Major League Baseball teams will train at their regular-season ballparks for the pandemic-shortened season after the Toronto Blue Jays received a Canadian federal ...

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Ginjiro Sumitani, Toshiki Sakurai lift Giants past BayStars

Ginjiro Sumitani's two-run fourth-inning double broke up a scoreless tie, and right-hander Toshiki Sakurai (1-0) allowed a run over eight innings for the Yomiuri Giants ...

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BWAA to reconsider Kenesaw Mountain Landis’ name on MVP trophy

The baseball organization that presents the annual MVP awards will consider whether the name of former commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis should be pulled from future ...

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FedEx asks Redskins to change name after letter from investors

The title sponsor of the Washington Redskins’ stadium wants the NFL team to change its name."We have communicated to the team in Washington our request ...

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J. League’s top division scraps relegation to protect clubs struggling due to virus

When the J. League top flight resumes on Saturday, teams will play without the threat of relegation for the first time since the launch of ...

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Rikako Ikee aiming to return to competition in October

Swimmer Rikako Ikee, who has been battling leukemia since last year, said Thursday she intends to return to competition in early October.The 19-year-old university sophomore ...

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Lotte reliever Jay Jackson inspired by demonstrations for racial equality around globe

As is the case for many Black Americans, the push for equality is both familiar and personal for Jackson, a 32-year-old South Carolina native.

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J.R. Sakuragi reflects on long career in Japanese basketball

Sakuragi would not have played as long as he did without a love for the game.

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Formula 1 season set to start four months later than planned in landscape altered by pandemic

Four months after the opening race was called off at the last minute, the Formula One season finally gets underway this weekend on another continent ...

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NBA teams reject notion of asterisk on this year’s title

To the players and coaches in the NBA, this championship might be the toughest one ever claimed.

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Russia says it can’t afford to pay fine to World Athletics

Russia is expected to miss Wednesday's deadline to pay more than $6 million to the governing body of track and field.Russian track federation president Yevgeny ...

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West Ham beats Chelsea to boost Premier League survival bid

Andriy Yarmolenko boosted West Ham’s hopes of staying in the Premier League by clinching a 3-2 victory over Champions League-chasing Chelsea on Wednesday.The substitute completed ...

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NFL cutting preseason in half to give teams more time to prepare for regular season

The NFL will cut its preseason in half and push back the start of exhibition play so teams have more time to train following the ...

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Hinako Shibuno among eight Japanese players given spots in 2020 U.S. Women’s Open

Eight Japanese players, including 2019 Women's British Open winner Hinako Shibuno, were given exemptions for the postponed U.S. Women's Open, which will be played in ...

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MLB players begin reporting for testing ahead of workouts

Most players underwent a battery of health checks, not only for COVID-19 but also for any other lingering ailments from spring training.

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Yuto Nagatomo reportedly leaving Galatasaray

Japan international defender Yuto Nagatomo will leave Turkish giant Galatasary, Turkish media reported Tuesday.The 33-year-old, who has played left back for Samurai Japan since the ...

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Makoto Hasebe eager to see fans fill stadiums again after pandemic

After helping guide Frankfurt from the fringes of the relegation zone to a ninth-place finish, Makoto Hasebe said the experience reminded him of soccer's "special" ...

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Heart by far most important factor toward achieving success in grueling world of sumo

In a sport where bouts are over in a matter of seconds, any kind of doubt or hesitation inevitably leads to a loss.

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