Mavericks rout Timberwolves in Game 5 to book place in NBA Finals

After being denied a sweep at home on Tuesday, the Mavs left no room for doubt in Minneapolis.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/smcQRaD

Kei Nishikori pulls out of French Open due to shoulder injury

The former world No. 4 threw in the towel after dropping the first two sets to American No. 15 seed Ben Shelton.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Z8Y90XG

Yuka Saso on top at U.S. Women's Open after first round

Saso's search for a second U.S. Women's Open title got a boost on the first day of the tournament.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/XRzFPkJ

England will not use disrupted preparation as excuse at T20 World Cup

Mark Wood said his side is strong enough to cope with the curtailed preparations.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/5PiYStO

Negro Leagues stats added to MLB record book in landmark move

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick hailed the move as a "major milestone in baseball history."

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/LDrM35z

Naomi Osaka gains confidence despite losing epic French Open clash against Iga Swiatek

Swiatek, the defending champion, staged an impressive rally for a 7-6 (7-1), 1-6, 7-5 win.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Jf1yoHx

Tyson says he feels '100%' after plane health scare

Mike Tyson insisted on Tuesday he felt "100%," despite a recent health scare, as he prepares for his July bout against YouTuber Jake Paul.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/W0gBVFr

No easing into job for Canada's new national team coach

With upcoming matches against the Netherlands, France and World Cup champions Argentina, for Jesse Marsch there will be no easing into his new post as head coach of Canada's men's national team.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/uyintba

Spanish court orders FIFA, UEFA to halt opposition to Super League

A Spanish judge has ordered soccer ruling bodies FIFA and UEFA to halt their opposition to a parallel European competition known as the European Super League (ESL), ruling they were practicing anticompetitive behavior and abusing their dominant position.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/dYPoC2v

Paris darling Nadal exits French Open in farewell-like defeat

Rafael Nadal exited what could be his last French Open to an outpouring of love and support with a first-round defeat by Alexander Zverev, wishing to be back at Roland Garros for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Dsd8nRg

Charles Leclerc pays tribute to late father after emotional win in Monaco

Charles Leclerc had tears in his eyes and thoughts of his late father surging through his mind as he sped to an emotional victory in his home Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/xuckQlo

Newgarden wins second straight Indianapolis 500

Josef Newgarden of Team Penske denied a late challenge from Mexican Pato O'Ward to win a thrilling and incident-packed Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, becoming the first back-to-back winner in 22 years.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1IynB32

Osaka sets up possible Swiatek clash at French Open

Naomi Osaka reached the second round of the French Open for the first time in three years after battling past Italy's Lucia Bronzetti on Sunday at Roland Garros.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/oxuhXVz

PGA golfer Grayson Murray dies at 30

PGA Tour member Grayson Murray died at age 30, commissioner Jay Monahan announced Saturday, one day after Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/wYdkJuz

Naomi Osaka hopes dedication to improving on clay pays off at French Open

Naomi Osaka said she was encouraged by her progress on clay ahead of the French Open, as the four-time Grand Slam winner eyes an elusive trophy on tennis' slowest surface since returning from a 15-month maternity break.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/spRH5Ao

United stuns City in FA Cup final as Erik ten Hag makes case to keep job

Erik ten Hag made a convincing case to keep his job as Manchester United upset Manchester City to win the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory in the final on Saturday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hKluIYE

Solid Kentucky Derby showing offers hope

“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” refers to the Kentucky Derby, a 2,000-meter dirt track race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds run at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is the first race of the Triple Crown, the second and third being the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, and celebrated its 150th running this year.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/o4jlCA1

Ryo Miyaichi focused as Marinos set sights on Asian Champions League crown

Yokohama F Marinos winger Ryo Miyaichi is confident the Japanese side can maintain their focus to overcome hosts Al-Ain in the second leg of the Asian Champions League final on Saturday and claim the continental title.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/aNC51nL

Taming Teahupo'o: Olympic surf rehearsal in Tahiti

Two months before the surfing events of the Paris Olympics take place there, the world's best waveriders are getting an early taste this week of the majestic waves of Teahupo'o in Tahiti.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/D0WFask

Women's rugby in Japan braces for a boom

Women’s rugby in Japan appears to be on the precipice of a boom.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1u2p3WU

Luka Doncic carries Mavericks across finish line against Timberwolves in Game 1

To hear Luka Doncic describe it, the Dallas Mavericks' victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals resembled a relay race.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/mZQ5lR1

LeBron James gives advice to WNBA star Caitlin Clark

LeBron James knows a thing or two about having great expectations thrust upon him before he even entered a professional basketball league.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/6MhGTVg

Coco Gauff to begin French Open campaign with positive mindset

World No. 3 Coco Gauff will take the lessons she learned from a challenging clay-court swing to the French Open, as she looks to build on her Grand Slam breakthrough at last year's U.S. Open.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/k2bqKMs

Young female drivers take aim at F1's male monopoly

No woman has raced in Formula One for nearly half a century, but a group of 13— and 14-year-old female racers is making its first moves on a long road that could lead to the top.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/i5r49H8

Team Japan in Paris will be strongest, says gymnastics medalist Kaya

Tokyo Olympics medalist Kazuma Kaya said Japan would field its strongest men's gymnastics squad yet at Paris 2024, where his only goal was to win the team title to improve on the silver medal he helped nab at the last Games.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/GkqiJRs

Japanese basketball star Rui Machida fights for Olympic spot

Basketball star Rui Machida, who helped lead Japan to its first ever Olympic medal in the sport at the Tokyo Games in 2021, is fighting for a ticket to this summer's Paris Games.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Tc3Ui6O

Timberwolves rally past defending champion Nuggets to reach conference finals

The Minnesota Timberwolves erased a 20-point deficit to stun the Denver Nuggets 98-90 and knock the defending champions out of the NBA playoffs on Sunday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hmrzaJi

Triumphant Xander Schauffele wins PGA Championship to claim first major title

Faced with a life-changing birdie putt, a nervous Xander Schauffele was determined it was finally the moment to seize his first major title.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/VEA5sSe

Manchester City makes history with fourth straight Premier League title

Manchester City won an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title with a 3-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday to edge rival Arsenal on the final day of a thrilling Premier League season, sending fans onto the pitch in a sea of blue.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1s5eIXP

Shota Imanaga continues hot start as Cubs win in dramatic fashion

Christopher Morel hit a walk-off single to score Cody Bellinger from second base in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Chicago Cubs beat the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/lV0wEdb

Iga Swiatek hopes to remain humble ahead of French Open after winning in Rome

Iga Swiatek refused to take victory at the French Open for granted despite romping to her third title in Rome by sweeping aside Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in Saturday's final.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/l3rKGa9

Seize the Grey wins Preakness Stakes to deny Triple Crown hopeful Mystik Dan

Seize the Grey led all the way to win the 149th Preakness Stakes on Saturday to make 88-year-old D. Wayne Lukas the oldest trainer to saddle a Triple Crown race winner.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/fmvoA8F

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion

Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years — an unprecedented feat in boxing's four-belt era.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ixCWjbD

City of Los Angeles celebrates 'Shohei Ohtani Day'

The city of Los Angeles feted their newest superstar on Friday, the City Council proclaiming May 17 "Shohei Ohtani Day" in honor of the Dodgers' Japanese slugger.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ieZ7yMI

Oleksandr Usyk fighting for legacy in bid to unify heavyweight title

Oleksandr Usyk may be the reigning WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight world champion, but to many, the Ukrainian is the underdog going into Saturday's long-awaited unification fight with Tyson Fury in Riyadh.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/5KeEWMJ

Kimia Alizadeh targets Olympic gold with Bulgaria after fleeing Iran

Kimia Alizadeh made history by becoming the first Iranian woman to win an Olympic medal back in 2016, and despite since defecting and all the difficulties involved, the taekwondo athlete is now aiming for gold this year in Paris.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/W8T9t5c

Mystik Dan to vie for second leg of Triple Crown in Preakness Stakes

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan will vie for the second jewel of U.S. flat racing's Triple Crown when he runs in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, with his path becoming easier after Muth, the early favorite, was scratched due to illness.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/9ct1hWH

Netflix reaches deal to air NFL games

Netflix will broadcast two NFL games next season for the first time in a landmark move that comes as the streaming giant bolsters its portfolio of sports-based programming, the network and the NFL announced on Wednesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/RpHVZXk

Rory McIlroy losing confidence in PGA-LIV merger

Without Jimmy Dunne on the PGA Tour policy board, Rory McIlroy said he believes a discussed merger with LIV Golf is moving in the wrong direction.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/MWrbZt7

Formula One leader Max Verstappen hoping to get back on track at Imola

Max Verstappen will being trying to bounce back and put his friend Lando Norris back in his place among the chasing pack when Formula One returns to Europe for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/qiNelTh

Brother-and-sister act eye more Olympic judo golds

Japan's brother-and-sister Olympic judo champions Hifumi and Uta Abe said Tuesday that they are spurring each other on in their bid to defend their titles at this year's Paris Games.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/24yLUfI

Ohtani interpreter appears in court over $17 million fraud

Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter appeared in court in California on Tuesday on charges of illegally transferring nearly $17 million from the baseball star's bank account to pay off gambling debts.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/BPgyNkt

Figure skating champion Shoma Uno says he has 'no regrets' in retirement

Three-time figure skating Olympic medalist Shoma Uno has no regrets retiring from competitive sports, saying he wants to give himself a pat on the back for what he has accomplished.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/KsSI2Ob

Mike Tyson gives warning to Jake Paul ahead of July fight

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, preparing for his first professional fight since 2005, warned YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Monday that his life will be on the line during their July 20 bout.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Gwg0TZU

Kylian Mbappe plays final match with PSG

Kylian Mbappe scored in his final home appearance as a Paris Saint-Germain player on Sunday, but the French champion suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat against Toulouse on the night it picked up the Ligue 1 championship trophy.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/inAS4ms

Caitlin Clark prepares for debut as WNBA heads into new era

A new era for women's basketball gets under way when Caitlin Clark makes her full professional debut for the Indiana Fever as the new WNBA season tips off on Tuesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/tx26RuI

Yu Darvish sharp, Padres hit three HRs in win over Dodgers

Yu Darvish retired the first 14 batters he faced and allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings as the San Diego Padres blanked the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the rubber game of a three-game series on Sunday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/nct3Nhb

Onosato in position to use Summer Basho as springboard to stardom

The race for glory in the upcoming meet appears destined to be led by two men who have yet to win the Emperor’s Cup.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/YvQ8C5M

Caitlin Clark feeling no pressure as WNBA debut approaches

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is embracing the moment as she brings her super-sized star power from the collegiate game to the pro ranks.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ur7iEgF

Lando Norris confident McLaren can compete for Formula One title in 2025

Norris topped the podium at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday to earn the first win of his career.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ytQgIcX

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic named NBA MVP for third time in four seasons

Jokic is the ninth player to win the award three or more times.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/KJecsDi

Olympic flame arrives on French soil for 2024 Paris Games

"It marks the end of preparations, the Games arrive in the life of the French people," French President Emmanuel Macron said.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/VODfiSw

Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter to plead guilty to bank fraud

Mizuhara agreed to plead guilty to one count of felony bank fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/EbtVOIJ

Is Brazil still the land of soccer?

With its famed "jogo bonito" (beautiful game), iconic stars and record five World Cup titles, Brazil has long been known as the land of soccer.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/5UTrF21

Kipchoge's road to third Olympic gold starts in Kenya's Rift Valley

Dawn has not yet broken over the highlands of Kenya's Rift Valley when marathon great Eliud Kipchoge crosses through the gate of his training camp.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/GZXyHhf

Brazil's bid to host Women's World Cup tops European rival

Brazil's bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup scored higher than its rival — a joint bid from Belgium, Netherlands and Germany — in a FIFA evaluation report released on Tuesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/oxfPcKl

Nadal to make Rome return against qualifier

Rafael Nadal was drawn on Monday with a qualifier in the first round of the Italian Open, as the 22-time Grand Slam winner continues his comeback from injury on clay in Rome.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/6FSk2mN

Inoue KOs Nery to defend super-bantamweight titles

Japan's undisputed super-bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue survived an early scare to stop Mexico's Luis Nery in the sixth round at the Tokyo Dome on Monday and defend his titles.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/khCBOLR

McLaren's Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for maiden F1 win

McLaren's Lando Norris won the first Formula One race of his career with a shock victory over world champion Max Verstappen in the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/YULwGRa

Japan’s tween skateboarders get head start on preparations for 2028 Olympics

It’s never too early to start skateboarding.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/C1qRAJT

Bruins end Leafs' season with OT win in Game 7

David Pastrnak scored 1:54 into overtime as the Boston Bruins beat the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 on Saturday night in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/4xAIC3f

Swiatek outlasts Sabalenka in marathon final to win Madrid Open

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek edged Aryna Sabalenka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) in a gripping and grueling Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time on Saturday in what was a repeat of last year's summit clash at the WTA 1000 clay court tournament.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/6T0sLVK

Mystik Dan wins Kentucky Derby thriller as Japan's Forever Young finishes third

Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, snatching victory over Sierra Leone at the wire in a scintillating first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown at Churchill Downs.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/zDc3VCA

Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons

The Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham on Friday after two seasons and a 90-74 regular-season record.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/dTlBtZp

'Monster' Inoue ready to tear down Luis Nery in title defense at Tokyo Dome

Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum was not in Japan when Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas fought at Tokyo Dome in February 1990. When Douglas scored a 10th-round knockout in one of the most shocking upsets in boxing history — the image of Tyson on the canvas searching for his mouthpiece has reverberated through the years — Arum was watching the fight at a restaurant in Las Vegas.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/8S6yqWe

Kokubo's injury time penalty save secures Under-23 Asian Cup for Japan

Japan clinched the Under-23 Asian Cup after it beat Uzbekistan 1-0 on Friday, with an injury time penalty save by Leo Kokubo securing the trophy for Go Oiwa's side.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/URXDufJ

Jakob Ingebrigtsen expects Paris to be 'walk in the park' compared to Tokyo

Jakob Ingebrigtsen believes his 1,500-meter Olympic title defense will be a breeze as long as he avoids illness and injury on the road to Paris, the Norwegian said on Wednesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/fD9BZya

Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen bats away rumors about leaving Red Bull

Three-time reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said on Thursday that Red Bull was his home, but then closed his meeting with the media at the Miami Grand Prix by teasing that you never know what life holds.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/oe0H1Vy

Contenders prepare for 150th running of Kentucky Derby

Florida Derby winner Fierceness and Blue Grass Stakes winner Sierra Leone are favored in Saturday's 150th Kentucky Derby, where suspended star trainer Bob Baffert will be absent for a third consecutive year.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/LA4U35h

Tokyo Dome to host boxing for first time since Buster Douglas upset Mike Tyson

When 42-1 underdog James "Buster" Douglas shocked "Iron" Mike Tyson 34 years ago at Tokyo Dome, the result reverberated around the world.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/BEUQJoZ

Cubs' Shota Imanaga shuts down Mets to continue strong start to MLB career

Shota Imanaga had another strong start, and Pete Crow-Armstrong had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the fifth inning as the visiting Chicago Cubs beat the New York Mets 1-0 on Wednesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/iNI3YGZ

Travis Kelce 'extremely grateful' for new deal with Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce wanted more money but was not interested in executing a leverage play as a means to get it.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/o70NrDq

Dortmund expects tougher challenge after upsetting PSG in first leg

Borussia Dortmund's disciplined performance against favored Paris St. Germain earned it a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal, but coach Edin Terzic said the return encounter next week will be far tougher.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/IWzHylj