As Shohei Ohtani embarks on Year 2 in Dodger Blue, a unique encore begins

Ohtani has won two Most Valuable Player Awards as a two-way player, for the Angels in 2021 and 2023.

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

Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca delivers in Indian Wells debut

Fonseca, ranked 80th in the world, enjoyed the vocal support of the boisterous Brazilian fans on hand for the match at the ATP 1000 event.

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

Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho denies racism allegations

Fenerbahce said Mourinho's comments were taken out of context.

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

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc put on show for Ferrari fans in Milan

Some 35,000 "tifosi" attended the event as seven-time world champion Hamilton performed smoking tire burnouts after filling the city streets with noise.

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

Naomi Osaka falls in first round at Indian Wells

The four-time Grand Slam champion never looked comfortable against Osorio's dynamic game and piled up unforced errors on a cool evening in the California desert.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Fys1cvH

Skeleton racer Akwasi Frimpong wants to open doors for more African athletes

The 39-year-old broke barriers in 2018 when he and Nigerian Simidele Adeagbo became the first African skeleton racers to compete at an Olympics.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/4SnDN3r

Liverpool stuns Paris St. Germain late in first leg of Champions League clash

Goalkeeper Alisson, who was named man of the match, said it was the performance of his life.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/iHh7s5Y

LeBron James becomes first NBA player to score 50,000 total points

James has shown no sign of slowing down in his 22nd season in the league.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/CAX0Utc

McLaren still the team to beat in F1, says Leclerc

Formula One champion McLaren will still be the team to beat when the season starts in Australia next week, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc said on Tuesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/K7go2Xl

Alcaraz chases third straight Indian Wells title

Carlos Alcaraz, coming off a quarterfinal defeat in the Qatar Open, is seeded second behind Germany's Alexander Zverev.

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

Lopes gives Marinos upper hand in Asian Champions League last 16

Steve Holland's side will take a slender advantage over Shanghai Port into the second leg in Yokohama.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/vw24Tjd

Houston Dash forward Yuki Nagasato retires after storied career

The 37-year-old appeared in 134 National Women's Soccer League matches, recording 23 goals and 25 assists.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/5K2CQdh

Figure skating stars pay an emotional tribute to the Washington plane crash victims

Dozens of stars from the sport, going back decades, attended the benefit.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/6dxQ3V0

Stefanos Tsitsipas finds comfort zone after winning with 'mystery' racket

The 26-year-old's first tour title since Monte Carlo last April ended his long drought in ATP 500 tournaments and vaulted him back into the top 10 of the world rankings.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/FrElw8k

New Aston Martin designer Adrian Newey ready to get back to drawing board

Cars designed by Newey have won 12 constructors' championships for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull and 223 grand prix since 1991.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/laVE6ie

Fulham upsets Manchester United to reach FA Cup quarterfinals

Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno was the hero in the shootout

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/O4RlHva

Kevin Durant uses unique and meticulous pregame routine to get into zone

Golden State’s Stephen Curry is perhaps best known for his pregame shooting routine, but Durant’s is also legendary.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/l3czjf0

Manchester City survives scare from Plymouth in FA Cup

Manchester City survived an FA Cup scare for the second straight round as it beat Championship struggler Plymouth Argyle 3-1 to reach the quarterfinals on Saturday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Ye9MbS2

Wayne Gretzky faces backlash in Canada over support for Donald Trump

Trump's provocative comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state have raised tensions.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/RtBlK8I

Donald Trump to issue 'complete pardon' of former MLB great Pete Rose

Trump made the declaration late Friday on his Truth Social account. It wasn't exactly clear what the pardon would cover.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/v1lOhMG

Famed artist Takashi Murakami partners with MLB for Tokyo Series

The new collection includes t-shirts and sweatshirts adorned with Murakami’s signature style, along with hats, baseballs and gloves.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/OZ1LW04

Lewis Hamilton "really enjoying" driving Ferrari during testing

The seven-time world champion was second overall on the day but only 0.031 seconds slower than Carlos Sainz.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/AFd5fS8

World Boxing looks toward Olympics after provisional recognition from IOC

The Olympic body said World Boxing had met several key criteria to merit provisional recognition.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/dEr9TbR

IOC President Thomas Bach to resign as member after tenure as leader ends

The 71-year-old, who joined the IOC in 1991, could have remained a member until the age of 80.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/KGu4zC0

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani set to make spring debut against Angels

Ohtani was injured stealing second base during the Dodgers' victory in Game 2 of the World Series.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/lGs9foZ

Lakers' Doncic makes triple-double in winning reunion with Dallas

Doncic admitted that despite his key role, his shooting was off in a game where the Lakers needed a big fourth quarter from LeBron James to secure the win.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/UDrH1Xd

Chiefs GM expects Travis Kelce to play in 2025: 'He was fired up'

Kelce, 35, said earlier this month he was weighing his future in the wake of the Chiefs' 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ZNjRAy6

Mercury and Team USA icon Diana Taurasi retires after 20 seasons

Taurasi is a three-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and the league's all-time leading scorer.

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

Japan seeks answers after Asia Rugby suspends vice president

Asia Rugby said Kensuke Iwabuchi had been suspended "in line with Asia Rugby principles of equality, transparency and accountability."

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/m2PnKN4

Australia mulls Asian Cup as Central Asian nations launch joint bid

United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Indonesia have also expressed interest in holding the 2031 event.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/4VZ3NOf

Tanaka scores in Leeds' late-show win over Sheffield United

Ao Tanaka headed into the top corner two minutes from time to spark delirious scenes among the traveling fans.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/AfJCbV6

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari opens new possibilities

The driver is hopeful that an eighth world championship will be within his sights once again.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/E4QX5U9

France's Antoine Dupont looking ahead to blockbuster showdown against Ireland

France trails Ireland by three points in the Six Nations standings.

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

Liverpool strikes potentially decisive blow in Premier League title race

Liverpool is now on course to match Manchester United's record of 20 league titles.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/F6bIZcp

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani faces live pitching for first time since surgery

According to multiple reports, Ohtani saw 32 pitches Sunday from Dodgers pitchers and put three in play. He did not hit any home runs.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/T9PZSJz

Russian teen Mira Andreeva makes WTA history with title in Dubai

After ousting three Grand Slam winners, including second-seeded Iga Swiatek, en route to the final, Andreeva ended Clara Tauson's own dream run at the tournament.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/04LygRP

Roki Sasaki surprises Dodgers teammates with marriage news

Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki surprised teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Friday with the big news.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/D0kiZFb

Canada beats U.S. to win 4 Nations tournament filled with political tension

The taut action on the ice mirrored the geopolitical tensions bubbling in North America since U.S. President Donald Trump took office last month.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/oFICu8V

Swallows employee who portrayed popular mascot Tsubakuro dies

Tsubakuro became a ubiquitous presence at Jingu Stadium after his debut in 1994.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/BkfCL7M

Mina Tanaka scores twice Japan crushes Australia in SheBelieves Cup opener

In the later match, Catarina Macario scored her first national team goal in nearly three years as the United States beat Colombia 2-0.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/UVD0yr2

Victor Wembanyama expected miss remainder of regular season with blood clot

The announcement brings a premature end to another outstanding campaign by Wembanyama.

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

Abdul Hakim Sani Brown ready to sprint past Paris disappointment

Despite setting a personal best with a time of 9.96 seconds, Sani Brown finished fourth in his semifinal heat in the 100-meter sprint in Paris.

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

WTA stars express concern after Emma Raducanu's incident with 'fixated' fan

Iga Swiatek, the current world No. 2, believes the tour did the right thing, and acknowledges such situations can be hard to avoid, even with strict safety measures in place.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ZH7VAhr

Shota Imanaga honored to be named Cubs' opening day starter for Tokyo Series

Imanaga is expected to oppose countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers in the first of a two-game series at Tokyo Dome.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/F1aogyN

Bayern edges out Celtic to reach Champions League last 16

Alphonso Davies scored in injury time to make the score 1-1 on the night and clinch the tie for six-time European champions Bayern 3-2 on aggregate.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/SDxgGW4

Canada downs Finland to set up ice hockey grudge clash against U.S.

Canada's players said Monday they were relishing the chance of another crack at the Americans after an ill-tempered tussle on Saturday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/bvh76U3

British Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas to retire at end of season

Thomas won the Tour de France in 2018, after securing gold for Britain in the team pursuit in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

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

Brendan Rodgers urges underdog Celtic to be bold against Bayern Munich

Bayern is in the driver's seat for a spot in the last 16 after a 2-1 win at Celtic Park on Wednesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/gPVTu0e

U.S. President Donald Trump attends Daytona 500

"This is your favorite president," Trump told the drivers in a radio message before the race. "I'm a big fan.

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

Mac McClung leaps over car to three-peat as NBA Slam Dunk champ

The Miami Heat's Tyler Herro won the 3-Point Contest

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

Adam Silver happy with NBA despite Draymond Green calling league 'boring'

Silver said he likes where the NBA is at, even with a surge in 3-point shooting.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1avR7wJ

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani throws first bullpen session of spring

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has said Ohtani could face live hitters in March and could be in the team's rotation sometime in May.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/y2rUEfM

Ichiro to donate personal collection to Hall of Fame

Suzuki wants "to follow in the footsteps of Hank Aaron and Tom Seaver," two players who pledged their entire collections to Cooperstown, said a former Hall of Fame official.

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

Chelsea has no plans to discipline star player Sam Kerr after acquittal

Kerr was found not guilty by a jury at Kingston Crown Court in London on Tuesday after calling a British police officer "stupid and white" during an incident in January 2023.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/3znD09u

Jets announce intention to part ways with Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers, a highly decorated quarterback, has options should he wish to continue playing in the NFL.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/TPou9fv

Bayern outlasts Celtic in first leg of Champions League playoff showdown

Daizen Maeda scored for Celtic to inject late drama into the match.

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

Frosty face-off: Over 120 teams throw down in epic Japanese snowball tournament

Teams of five players competed in two-minute matches between two teams on a field the size of a tennis court, with points awarded for direct hits with a snowball.

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

Dodgers expect Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki to pitch in Tokyo

The defending champions will face the Cubs at Tokyo Dome in March to open the MLB season.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/OrFCIz9

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani expected to throw first bullpen session this weekend

Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023 while still with the Los Angeles Angels. He was unable to pitch in 2024.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/7ZOAIKo

Fox attracts a record 128 million viewers for the Super Bowl

The Philadelphia Eagles’ easy win over the Kansas City Chiefs became the most-watched event in U.S. TV history.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Mfi7ITK

Djokovic 'almost 100%' after injury, aiming for 100th title in Doha

The 24-time Grand Slam champion retired due to a hamstring injury in his semifinal against Alexander Zverev last month.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/7r9xAky

'Just not ready' — Tiger Woods pulls out of Torrey Pines tournament

His decision to play came just days after Woods announced his mother, Kultida, had died last week.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/9OXoA5t

Eagles dominate Chiefs to capture Super Bowl title and prevent three-peat

The game was played before a crowd that included U.S. President Donald Trump and pop superstar Taylor Swift.

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

Liverpool 'hurt' after upset loss against second-tier Plymouth in FA Cup

The Reds had been on course for a quadruple of trophies before they traveled to face Plymouth.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/iRj3aWu

Super Bowl LIX kicks off with Trump and Swift in attendance

The Super Bowl in New Orleans' Superdome has attracted a star-studded crowd that includes U.S. President Donald Trump, Taylor Swift and Hollywood celebrities.

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

Mbappe secures Real Madrid derby draw against Atletico

Kylian Mbappe scored in his first Madrid derby to secure a 1-1 draw in a tense clash against Atletico, keeping Real Madrid atop La Liga.

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

Anthony Davis dominant in Dallas debut

Anthony Davis impressed in his Mavericks debut with 26 points and 16 rebounds, but an apparent groin injury in the third quarter overshadowed Dallas’ win over Houston.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/bT1GwxF

Trump plans Super Bowl visit after years of tumult with the NFL

Donald Trump plans to attend the Super Bowl, making him the first sitting president to do so, while continuing his long-running feud with the NFL and its stars.

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

Tokyo world athletics party can make up for Olympic lockout, says CEO

Organizing committee head Takashi Takeichi is confident that all nine days of the World Athletics Championships will be sold out.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1hEw0GB

Chiefs eye first three-peat, Eagles out to avenge Super Bowl LVII loss

The Chiefs' run of good fortune has led to a sentiment among fans and media that someone else should get a turn.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/lGnFhD0

Warriors reportedly land Heat's Jimmy Butler in multi-team trade

Butler has agreed to a new two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors through 2026-27, according to multiple reports.

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

Howe's master-plan pays off as Newcastle reach Wembley again

Newcastle's intense pressing smothered Arsenal from the start and forced the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba and Declan Rice into a series of uncharacteristic mistakes.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/lbRntL3

Beauden Barrett wants Japan back in expanded Super Rugby

"I'd love to see the Japanese become part of the competition," Barrett said. "I feel like we need to grow the competition and in that respect, that would be great."

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/mFwr7SY

Olympics on horizon as China hosts Asian Winter Games

The Games crucially come just a year ahead of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Od3D1w2

The closed-door battle to lead the Olympics

For such a consequential election, much of it is taking place in the dark, away from any form of public or private debate.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/cfE8p7m

Doncic hungry for titles after shock Lakers trade

Doncic said the prospect of playing alongside LeBron James for arguably the NBA's most iconic franchise represented a "dream come true."

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

Once Manchester United's golden boy, Marcus Rashford's run ends in divorce

Rashford appeared to have the world at his feet when he signed a new five-year contract with United in July 2023, but the relationship recently soured.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/D6ofmEs

NFL boss Roger Goodell sees big potential for overseas Super Bowl

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell rates New Orleans as the perfect Super Bowl host but envisions taking the league's marquee event beyond U.S. borders.

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

Canadian sports fans boo U.S. anthem amid anger over Trump tariffs

The incidents appear to be linked to Trump's decision on Saturday to impose broad tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, citing a "major threat" from illegal immigration and drugs.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/4sUj8v5

Aston Villa signs Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United

Villa moved to bolster its attacking options after selling Colombia striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr on Friday.

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

Sizzling McIlroy captures PGA Pebble Beach title

Rory McIlroy delivered an overwhelming performance on the back nine to earn a two-stroke victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am to capture his 27th career PGA Tour title on Sunday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/5y1KeM7

Mavericks defend stunning move to send superstar Luka Doncic to Lakers

In his first reaction to the move, Doncic on Sunday thanked Mavericks fans and looked forward to the next phase of his career.

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

Lakers reportedly land Luka Doncic in blockbuster that sends Anthony Davis to Mavs

The Lakers and Mavericks have sent the NBA world into a frenzy with the deal involving the two superstars.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/yp85Otq

Reigning champion Al-Ain faces must-win clash as Asian Champions League resumes

With just two points from six matches in the league phase of the competition, Al-Ain sits three points adrift of the qualifying spots for the knockout rounds.

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

Slot urges Salah to sign new Liverpool deal after Saudi links

Salah has been in sensational form this season but is out of contract in June, with speculation persisting that the Saudi Pro League could be a possible destination.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/NRAzuD7

Formula One champion is confronting changes off the track and on

The reigning four-time Formula One champion, who is set to become a father, has his sights set on a fifth straight title, a feat only Michael Schumacher has accomplished.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/3xQDCzp

IOC presidential contenders make pitches to voters

They are vying to succeed Thomas Bach as arguably the most powerful person in global sports.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/7wmXacI

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama makes All-Star team

The 21-year-old Frenchman will be making his NBA All-Star Game debut. 

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

Travis Kelce embraces Chiefs' role as villains ahead of Super Bowl

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is offering no apologies for his team's success.

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

Tight-knit U.S. figure skating community mourns skaters lost in plane crash

The athletes, coaches and family members on board the flight were returning from the National Development Camp in Kansas.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/oa6tzxI

France set to open Six Nations campaign against 'transitioning' Wales

France's results have vastly improved since Galthie took over in 2020.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/q45AVKi

NFL enhances Super Bowl security after New Year's Day attack in New Orleans

The NFL is set to host the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles facing off at New Orleans' Superdome.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/0IobyCZ

Arsenal boss Arteta urges stop to abuse after red card rescinded

The referees' body, PGMOL, said the police were investigating threats and abuse directed at referee Michael Oliver following the game.

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

Sirianni revisits painful defeat as he fine-tunes Super Bowl strategy

The Eagles let a 10-point halftime lead slip through their fingers two years ago as the Chiefs triumphed 38-35 at Super Bowl 57.

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

Kanoa Igarashi dreams big as surfing championship tour gets underway

With new tricks up his sleeve, the Olympic silver medalist is eyeing a world title.

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

Sumo avoids chasm at top with as Hoshoryu picked for top rank

The 25-year-old will become only the 74th wrestler to reach the exalted rank in the history of the sport.

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

Ange Postecoglou uncertain about future after Tottenham hits new 'low'

Postecoglou's side suffered its sixth defeat in its last seven Premier League matches to increase the pressure on the Australian.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/cH2dWfC

NFL-Hurts, Barkley propel inspired Eagles past Washington in NFC Championship

The loss marked the end of the Commanders' fairy-tale season.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/za9eOMR

Wembanyama's Spurs fall to Pacers in Paris homecoming

Wembanyama connected on seven of his 16 shots from the field to score 20 points in a losing cause.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/zFK60On

Crawford wins Kitzbuehel downhill for maiden World Cup victory, Odermatt sixth

Crawford, with just four podium places to his name in seven seasons on the circuit, laid down a near-perfect run.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/eJTFP0j

Sparkling Keys stuns Sabalenka to claim maiden Grand Slam title

The 29-year-old became the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam champion in the professional era with an upset of the two-time defending champion.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/JiW6BVK

After racking up another KO, 'Monster' Inoue set for bright lights of Las Vegas

There may also be a big payday in Saudi Arabia on the horizon as Inoue takes his thrilling style overseas after a long run of bouts on home soil.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/8X1Q4Zj

Celtic boss braces for life without Japan star Kyogo Furuhashi

Furuhashi, 30, has been strongly tipped to join French club Rennes as he seeks new challenges.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/pomSxy2

Rivals Bills and Chiefs clash again with Super Bowl on the line

The rivalry between the Chiefs and the Bills may not have the long history of the great divisional clashes, but its intensity is fueled by the high stakes in their recent meetings.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/6A5TXju

Sabalenka and Keys book big-hitting Australian Open final

The Australian Open women's final will pit two of the game's big hitters against each other.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/LD9zRHo

Lewis Hamilton calls first laps in Ferrari car 'one of the best feelings'

The 40-year-old Briton shocked the paddock last February when he announced he was departing for the iconic Italian team after 12 highly successful years with Mercedes.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/kKj7ZQh

Dodgers introduce Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki

Sasaki was 29-15 during his time in Japan with the Marines.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/L1DvmPV

Swiatek sweeps into Australian Open semifinal with Keys

The Polish second seed was phenomenal on a gusty day at Rod Laver Arena, powering past the eighth-seeded American 6-1, 6-2.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/mIv56it

Haas makes Laura Mueller F1's first female race engineer

Mueller will serve as the race engineer for driver Esteban Ocon, who will debut with the U.S. team this year.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/oB64cRn

Iconic Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

Ichiro, who began his career in Japan, was a 10-time All-Star in MLB.

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

Hamilton begins 'new chapter' at Ferrari

The 40-year-old announced last February that, after 12 successful years with Mercedes, he was moving on.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/eqUK3rt

Bills outlast Ravens to set up showdown with Chiefs in AFC title game

In Sunday's other playoff game, the Eagles beat the Rams to reach the NFC championship game.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/0B6QKhl

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City back on track after routing Ipswich

City struck three times in the first half in its biggest league win this season.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/LXbk5BQ

Gauff turns up heat on Bencic to reach Australian Open quarters

The world No. 3 was not at her best but outlasted Switzerland's Belinda Bencic 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 on the hottest day in Melbourne so far.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/jzmEO0B

Rising star Japan star Aemu Oyama signs with Manchester City Women

Oyama, one of Japan's most promising young talents, will join the English club from Waseda University.

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

Tien becomes the youngest man into Australian Open last 16 since Nadal

Tien's win in the battle of left-handers came two days after he pulled off the upset of the tournament by beating former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/CbGM59P

Rampant Swiatek has ball 'listening' to her in rout of Raducanu

Swiatek has only once reached the semifinal in Melbourne but signaled she is ready to go all the way with a 6-1, 6-0, destruction of the 2021 U.S. Open winner.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/RgjdS5w

Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki signs with Dodgers

Sasaki is considered one of the most talented young pitchers on the planet. 

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

Beloved Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker dies at 90

"Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss," the team said in a statement.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/jB6qKJb

Yokozuna Terunofuji plans to retire

Terunofuji, who has already acquired Japanese citizenship, will become a stablemaster after his retirement.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/pVS24En

Naomi Osaka's Australian Open and the rediscovery of a tennis superpower

Osaka will play her first third-round match at a Grand Slam event since the 2022 Australian Open.

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

Tiger Woods has no news on status of Genesis Invitational amid wildfires

With wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area, Woods said that real life carries more weight than the event.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Ab7cMTS

Confident Mikel Arteta says Arsenal back in Premier League title race

Desperately needing a win to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the table, Arteta's side staged a stirring rally after Son Heung-min's early opener for Tottenham.

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

'Queen Wen' deposed in huge shock at Australian Open

The normally ice cool Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen got hot under the collar as she was sent packing 7-6 (3), 6-3 by the world No. 97.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ahDQZ2e

Law enforcement prepared for Super Bowl in New Orleans after attack, official says

Tens of thousands of football fans are set to descend on the city next month, with the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, capping a weeklong celebration.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Wk2iS8s

Klopp excited about Red Bull role as he dismisses return to management

Klopp insisted he was happy to be away from the daily grind of club management after more than two decades working in a dugout.

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

Is retirement really the end of the road for Tyson Fury?

Fury has previously announced his exit on a number of occasions, most recently in April 2022.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/qVbDZY5

Osaka secures win in Australia, but distracted by LA wildfires

The 27-year-old has lived in the U.S. since childhood and has made Los Angeles her home.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/N9J7ufG

Doping cases in spotlight as Jannik Sinner tops Nicolas Jarry at Australian Open

In the lead-up to the match, Jarry told Chilean newspaper La Tercera that he wished he had "the same support" as Sinner from tennis authorities.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/t2E1DqS

Coco Gauff cruises past Sofia Kenin in first round at Australian Open

The American has been on a scintillating run of form that has made her a major threat to two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Bfj8plb

Ruben Amorim sees signs of improvement after FA Cup win over Arsenal

After outperforming expectations with a brilliant display against Liverpool last weekend, United followed that up against Arsenal to keep its FA Cup defense alive.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/tH5WFe7

China's women esports players defy sexism for love of the game

For female esports players in China, mastering the game is just the first hurdle to carving out a space for themselves in the male-dominated field.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/XdYCAQ5

Rusty Zheng into second round as Grand Slam tennis returns to Melbourne

The fans were sent scurrying for cover inside the first hour when a dramatic thunderstorm swept across the area.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/IdcMn6H

Oliver Rowland earns Formula E triumph for Nissan in Mexico City

Starting from fourth, Rowland put in an outstanding performance to secure the Japanese manufacturer's 20th win.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/E7lUJOB

Goodman out of Inoue title fight after reinjuring eye

The Jan. 24 fight in Tokyo had already been rescheduled from its original Christmas Eve date after Goodman was injured while sparring in December.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/3KkYLGJ

Jannik Sinner declares innocence in doping case ahead of Australian Open

Defending Australian Open champion Sinner twice tested positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/AX26gK7

Man City's troubles on field would pale in comparison to loss in legal case

While form is temporary and fixable, a much larger and darker cloud has stationed itself over the Abu Dhabi-owned club.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/T7YU1rC

Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate help Celtic extend lead in Scottish Premiership

Maeda netted midway through the first half at Parkhead as Celtic increased its lead over second-place Rangers.

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

U.S. withholds payment to WADA amid dispute over Chinese doping tests

The move to hold back 2024 WADA dues comes in the wake of WADA's controversial handling of positive doping tests by 23 Chinese swimmers who were later allowed to compete.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/U4LiSO3

Sinner turns focus to Australian Open defense after 'amazing' year

The Italian is coming off a breakthrough year in which he backed up his maiden Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park by winning the U.S. Open and ATP Finals.

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

Neymar hints at reunion in Miami with Messi and Suarez

Neymar has played only seven times for Al-Hilal since moving from PSG for a reported fee of €90 million in 2023, with injuries keeping the Brazilian sidelined.

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

Rugby 'superstar' Maher on a mission to promote women's game

The 28-year-old has signed a three-month contract with English women's Premiership side Bristol.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1gtGbr7

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher draws record crowd in debut for Bristol

She came off the bench for the final 20 minutes at Ashton Gate to huge cheers but was unable to make a major impact.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes calls on United to replicate Liverpool performance

United is way down in 13th place, but at least it ended a three-game losing run in the league.

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

Tokyo falconers keep ancient traditions soaring

While a recent showcase was all about fun and education, like other sports involving animals, falconry is also serious business for competitors at the upper echelons of the sport.

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

Tragedy in New Orleans casts somber mood over Sugar Bowl

Heavy security blanketed New Orleans on Thursday as the Sugar Bowl went off without a hitch.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/KeBEJV5

World's oldest Olympic champion Agnes Keleti dies at 103

Keleti's life story, including surviving the Holocaust and Olympic glory, reads like a gripping Hollywood film script.

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

Lions and Vikings to determine No. 1 seed in winner-take-all showdown

The stakes are clear in the latest game in the long-running rivalry between NFC North foes Detroit (14-2) and visiting Minnesota (14-2).

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

'El Matador' Carlos Sainz ready to defend Dakar Rally crown

Sainz's fourth title came when he was 61 — making him the oldest winner of the race — and was the first Dakar victory for German outfit Audi.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/kdiOh2r

World Rugby chief says U.S. star Ilona Maher will help fuel World Cup fever

The versatile American back — a breakout star at the 2024 Paris Olympics —  is the world's most popular rugby player on social media

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

Jets quarterback Rodgers ponders NFL future ahead of season finale

The 41-year-old Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, said he would make a decision about whether he'll play in 2025 before free agency in March.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/UW3cBHP

Gabriel Jesus plays starring role as Arsenal closes gap on Liverpool

Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted in quick succession soon after halftime to ensure Arsenal moved into second place above Nottingham Forest.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://ift.tt/309kR14