Tony Becca: Sehwag: I did it my way
As one of four batsmen, Don Bradman, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Sehwag, to score triple centuries on two occasions, Sehwag’s 319 against South Africa in Chennai in 2008 was scored off 304 deliveries and included 42 fours and five sixes, and his 309 versus Pakistan in Multan in 2004 came off 375 deliveries and included six sixes and 39 fours were awesome. In some respects, however, although they were bigger scores, they failed to compare with many of his smaller yet exquisite offerings. Sehwag’s 195 off 233 deliveries with five sixes and 25 fours against Australia at Melbourne in 2003 before he got out caught on the boundary was mind-boggling. His 254 scored off a mere 247 deliveries with one six and 49 fours against Pakistan at Lahore in 2006 was earth shattering, and his 180 off 190 deliveries with two sixes and 20 fours was devastating. There were also his 173 off 197 deliveries with one six and 24 fours against New Zealand at Ahmedabad in 2010, and his 117 off 117 deliveries with one six and 15 fours against England at Ahmedabad in 2012. Probably the best of them all, however, according to those who saw it, was his innings of 297 versus Sri Lanka in Mumbai in 2009, an innings which lasted for 254 deliveries, and included seven towering sixes and 40 powerful and wonderful fours. Sehwag failed sometimes, but it never mattered to him. He played cricket like how the fans loved to see cricket play. His Test career, studded with 1,233 fours and 91 sixes, was a glittering and unforgettable one. “God has been good to me and I have done what I wanted to do”, said Sehwag on the day he retired. “I did it my way.” There was never a dull moment when Virender Sehwag was batting. Thank God, he did it his way. Rare accomplishment Virender Sehwag was an opening batsman like no other. He was not a sheet anchor, and he was not a man who played cautiously and sometimes timidly. He was a happy, carefree batsman. He feared no one. He was also, especially in his early days, a lookalike of India’s great batsman, and his cricketing hero, Sachin Tendulkar. On his Test debut versus South Africa at Bloemfontein in 200, he totally enjoyed himself. Batting alongside Tendulkar, who scored a century, he was in seventh heaven. Sehwag scored a century also, a lovely, attractive innings of 105 off 173 deliveries with 19 boundaries. Those who saw it said there was hardly a debut like it. It was as if he and Tendulkar were twins, reeling off classic and elegant stroke after stroke. That was the early Sehwag. Three years after that, however, in 2003 against Australia in Melbourne, Sehwag exploded, and the explosion lasted for another 10 years, until 2013 when he played his last Test match. Sehwag played in 104 Test matches and scored 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34 while notching 23 centuries, including two triple centuries, and a top score of 319. Although he once scored 201 out of 329 against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2008, the runs he scored were only a part of his legacy. They marked him as one of India’s best batsmen, as one of the world’s greatest batsmen, and, even if this is not important, one of my favourite batsmen of all time. His victims included bowlers of the quality of fast bowlers Chaminda Vaas, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar, James Anderson, and Stuart Broad as well as spin bowlers like Saqlain Mushtaq, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Shane Warne. Sehwag was not a stodgy batsman, and he was not just an attractive batsman. He was the most attacking and ruthless batsman the game has ever seen. Left to him, there would have been no need for the one-day or the T20 versions of the game, if the intention was solely that of playing entertaining cricket in order to attract spectators. As he said, his mission in life was to entertain the fans. To see him driving off the back-foot, driving straight along the ground and in the air, or whipping the ball off his legs was something special. His square-drives were also powerful and beautiful. For those who do not know, Sehwag, in Test matches, scored at a rate faster than anyone else has ever done, which means he is the fastest scorer in Test cricket’s history. His 8,273 runs and 15 centuries from 251 ODI’s, including his best of 219 versus the West Indies at Indore in 2012, is impressive. They were, however, not as staggering or as dazzling as his collection of amazing deeds in Test matches, some of them achieved against the odds whenever India were facing long odds on troublesome pitches and against the fast bowlers, especially really fast and fearsome bowlers.
At Emirates Stadium, Laurent Koscielny scored the decisive goal for Arsenal, but goalkeeper Petr Cech was the one celebrated after the victory over Newcastle strengthened their position at the summit of the standings. Koscielny scored from close range in mid second half after Cech made two outstanding saves to deny Georginio Wijnaldum. “He is calm and never panics. We needed that,” manager Arsene Wenger said of Cech. Second-place Leicester failed to keep pace with Arsenal after being held to 0-0 at home by 10-man Bournemouth. Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty to frustrate Leicester, who are only a point above City after their comeback at Vicarage Road. Watford went ahead when Aleksandar Kolarov diverted Ben Watson’s corner into his own net in the second half. But City overturned the deficit with two late goals in as many minutes. Yaya Toure scored with superb control from Kolarov’s corner, then Sergio Aguero’s header followed swiftly after to secure City’s first away win since September. “We have to build on this. We hadn’t won in six on the road,” City goalkeeper Joe Hart said. “It’s not championship-winning form, but we’re somehow still in it.” Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll scored to take their tally to two goals each in as many games as West Ham achieved a first-league double over Liverpool in 52 years. Klopp was not impressed by the performance of his side, which dropped to eighth. “Today is not a day to be disappointed. It is a day to be angry,” Klopp said. Meanwhile Norwich beat Southampton 1-0, West Bromwich Albion overcame Stoke 2-1, and Sunderland beat Aston Villa 3-1. LONDON (AP): Manchester United rediscovered what winning felt like as Arsenal edged Newcastle 1-0 to move two points clear atop the English Premier League yesterday. Manchester City came from a goal down to beat Watford 2-1 to stay a point behind Leicester, and West Ham rose to sixth in beating Liverpool 2-0, leaving the latter’s coach, Juergen Klopp, furious. At Old Trafford, there were only smiles for United’s first win since November 21, ending a win-less run of eight games, their longest in 26 years. Anthony Martial put United ahead after half-time, and set up Wayne Rooney to flick in the winner with his heel. The goal made Rooney second on the club’s all-time scoring list on 238 11 behind Bobby Charlton and second all-time in the Premier League on 188, behind Alan Shearer’s total of 260. “It was his left foot behind his right foot. You cannot imagine what a goal that is,” manager Louis van Gaal said of his captain’s strike. United stayed in fifth place, provisionally two points behind Tottenham, who will be at Everton today. Outstanding saves
Track and field’s golden boy, Usain Bolt, says he felt ‘let down’ by the sport’s leaders following recent doping and bribery controversies but thinks that suggestions to reset the world records – including the three that he currently holds are pointless. Bolt, who was on Friday evening named the 2015 RJR Sports Foundation National Sportsman of the Year, admitted shock at the crisis currently engulfing the sport with former IAAF president Lamine Diack currently facing criminal investigations around allegations he accepted bribes to sweep positive drugs tests under the carpet. The issues affecting the sport have also seen Russia being banned from competition after being accusations of a state-backed, systematic doping system. This led to UK Athletics last week releasing a document ‘A Manifesto for clean athletics’ detailing several proposals, it believes will protect clean athletes and recover the sport’s credibility, including a controversial suggestion to wipe the record books clean. The Jamaican sprinter, whose world records in the 100m (9.58), 200m (19.19) and as a member of the Jamaican 4x100m that ran 36.84 at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, would be wiped if UK Athletics has its way, admitted shock at the crisis. “When I heard the news it was quite shocking because as far as I was concerned, they were doing a good job to clean up the sport and to hear something like that was quite shocking,” Bolt said of the troubles plaguing his sport. “You feel let down as an athlete, from wanting to help clean up the sport and then for something like this to happen coming from the body of the sport,” Bolt noted. The six-time Olympic and 11-time World Championships gold medal winner, however, thinks that the suggestions to erase the world records is pointless and thinks the focus should be on ensuring that the sport’s future is a positive one. “I found it really funny, as my coach would say, you can’t change history so what they are saying (suggestions to erase records) is really pointless. What’s done is done we have to just move forward and try to make the next Olympics and World Championships and records as best as we can and look to the future. We can’t worry about the past,” Bolt added.
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 16: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 16, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFPPHOENIX, Arizona—James Harden had 23 of his 48 points in the second quarter while the Houston Rockets scored 90 points in the first half en route to a 142-116 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.Houston dominated with Chris Paul back in the lineup after missing 14 games with a knee injury. The Rockets made 61 percent of their first-half shots to match the second-most points in a first half in NBA history.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES MOST READ He finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds.Monroe played amid speculation that he could be traded or have his contract bought out.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Ryan Anderson added 24 points for the Rockets, who have won seven of eight.The Suns also shot well in the first half, getting 65 points before the break. They got the lead down to 14 with one of Troy Daniels’ six 3-pointers in the second quarter, but the Rockets repeatedly scored with ease at the other end.Daniels tied a Suns franchise record for 3s in a quarter and led Phoenix with 23 points. Devin Booker added 18 points and 10 assists.The Suns have lost seven of eight.As the first half came to a close, a fan yelled at D’Antoni from the stands. “Sit down Mike, you’re up 40!” D’Antoni, a former Suns coach, turned and deadpanned, “It’s 25. You can’t count.”Center Greg Monroe made his Suns debut, starting and playing 26 minutes. Monroe, acquired by Phoenix from Milwaukee with two draft picks for guard Eric Bledsoe on Nov. 7, was dealing with a left calf strain when he arrived.ADVERTISEMENT Wilder calls out Joshua again for big heavyweight fight Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Houston came up 14 points shy of the franchise record for points in a game. The Rockets knocked down 21 of 44 3-point attempts, and Harden made all 18 of his free throws.Harden, the NBA’s leading scorer, had 33 points at halftime. Houston used a 13-1 over the final 3:08 of the first quarter to take control and was never threatened after that, leading 45-23 going into the second.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSBack on the thronePaul, who hadn’t played since the season opener, got the start and didn’t miss a beat, scoring 11 points and handing out 10 assists in limited action.Coach Mike D’Antoni said before the game that getting the two stars, Harden and Paul, in sync will “take care of itself over the next week or so.” D’Antoni planned to play Paul for 20 minutes; Paul saw 21 minutes of action and sat out most of the fourth quarter. It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson View comments
“I’m pretty excited because it’s a really big thing. Not everyone can have the opportunity,” said Tio on Tuesday during a sit-down interview with select media at Fairway Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.READ: PH kiteboarding ace Tio clinches lone Youth Olympic Games berthFEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk“The target is to get that gold, to win,” said Tio.Tio, who has a very laid back demeanor, isn’t unfazed despite facing a tall order to win it all. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. READ: Beach winds, challenges fuel dreams of Boracay kiteboarder He also believes a kitesurfing is one sport where Filipinos can definitely excel in.“Yeah. We’ve got lots of beaches, we’ve got lots of good wind so a lot of people here can do it.Tio, who turns 17 on Wednesday, flies back to Boracay Tuesday night. He is scheduled to be in Norway next month for an event which he also intends to use as part of his buildup for the YOG.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina LATEST STORIES Recto seeks to establish Taal rehab body to aid community, eruption victims Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Cabuyao City rising above the ashes through volunteerism Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Conor McGregor seeks to emerge from controversy in UFC comeback PH’s kiteboarding ace Christian Tio.Filipino-Norwegian kiteboarding ace Christian Tio isn’t settling for less when he competes against the world’s best in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in October in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Tio, the only representative in the Asia and Oceanic regions in the YOG, has his sights set on the gold medal.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown among SAG Awards presenters In Liverpool, Man United sees the pain and path to recovery ONE: Catalan not after revenge against brother’s conqueror Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown “I don’t really feel any pressure. I just feel happy to be representing my country,” he said.READ: PH bet Tio, Swedish star Kappel top kiteboard Boracay leg “It will be tough. I don’t really know the level but there are really a lot of tough competitors out there so I’ll train really hard to get that gold.”The frizzle-haired Tio, who hails from Boracay Island where he was taught by his mother to kite at 7 years old before participating in his first kitesurfing competition against adults at 10, thinks living in a tropical country will be his edge heading into his stiffest challenge yet.“It’s kind of an advantage that we have a lot of places to kite,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT View comments
MOST READ Five years later, a repentant Balkman began his journey of redemption, winning the hearts of Filipino fans as a reinforcement for Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League. Playing alongside the charismatic Justin Brownlee, Balkman rediscovered the adoration that only Filipino fans can give and realized what he was missing.And fans of the game saw what they had been missing, as Balkman churned out strong performances with both his trademark passion and newfound maturity.Balkman was “happy” about the ban lifted by current PBA top chief Willie Marcial, his management team said. But he remained cautious and did not issue a statement, electing to focus on Alab Pilipinas’ campaign.“He wrote a letter of appeal then personally appeared in my office,” said Marcial. “But I didn’t decide just based on that. I solicited the thoughts of Commissioner Chito Salud and Arwind Santos. Both gave their thumbs-up for the lifting of the ban.”“I trust that he has learned his lesson and has become a better person and a more disciplined athlete. Good luck to him,” said Salud via a statement released by the PBA Media Bureau.ADVERTISEMENT “If he had his way, a return to San Miguel would be perfect because he has unfinished business there,” said Balkman’s agent, Sheryl Reyes.With the hardworking and passionate Balkman in tow during the Commissioner’s Cup five years ago, the Petron Blaze Boosters (now San Miguel Beer) were touted as heavy favorites for the title. Instead, his passion and fire caught the better of him and all it took was one major explosion to reduce the team’s bid to ashes.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownIn a game against the Alaska Aces, Balkman lost his cool and got into a tussle with teammate Arwind Santos, resulting in that controversial choking incident.And the punishment was swift and hard. Balkman was fined P250,000 and banned for life by then commissioner Chito Salud. St. Clare trips Letran, notches playoff berth Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown among SAG Awards presenters Cabuyao City rising above the ashes through volunteerism Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Conor McGregor seeks to emerge from controversy in UFC comeback “Balkman was apologetic and gave assurance for his behavior on and off the court. He has matured since the incident now that he’s 33,” said Marcial.The Beermen have already booked an import for the coming Commissioner’s Cup, which gets going April 22. And if San Miguel does elect to release him, Reyes said they are open to any offers from any team.”But should the Beermen need some extra muscle in their title hunt and ring up the Puerto Rican star, the lure of completing unfinished business would be too tantalizing to resist.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next In Liverpool, Man United sees the pain and path to recovery Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ Recto seeks to establish Taal rehab body to aid community, eruption victims With Renaldo Balkman no longer banned from the Philippine Basketball Association, it is but fitting that the 33-year-old workhorse has set his sights on a comeback with one squad in mind—San Miguel Beer.And it’s not just because the Beermen own his rights.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Recto seeks to establish Taal rehab body to aid community, eruption victims Conor McGregor seeks to emerge from controversy in UFC comeback In Liverpool, Man United sees the pain and path to recovery To put the streak in context, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is third at 787 games, followed by Karl Malone at 575. Among current players, James Harden is second to James with 257 games, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.James typically avoids talking about his accomplishments, saying that’s what he’ll do once he retires. But the double-digit scoring streak, which dates to Jan. 5, 2007, and an eight-point game against Milwaukee in his fifth season, has turned him somewhat reflective.“I’ve stayed available, obviously,” James said following a 41-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist performance in a win over the Hornets. “I haven’t played every game but for the most part I’ve played over 70 percent of my games throughout that journey. … It’s just another feat for me to be appreciative and humbled by what I’ve been able to do. And just knowing where I come from, I look at it and say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m in this position,’ knowing where I come from.”As a child being raised by a single mom, James found father figures in the coaches who helped him refine his game. There were others in Akron, Ohio, who protected the basketball prodigy and made sure he didn’t stray from a path toward greatness.Then there was Jordan, whose blend of passion, skill and artistry made an indelible impression on a young James.ADVERTISEMENT “I think I fell in love with the game because of Mike, just because of what he was able to accomplish,” James said last year after breaking Jordan’s playoff scoring record. “When you’re watching Michael Jordan, it’s almost like a god. So I didn’t think I could be Mike.”And yet James has surpassed expectations and more than lived up to the “Chosen One” label, a tag he got in high school and had tattooed across his shoulders before turning pro.One of the few coaches who worked with Jordan and James, Cavaliers assistant Larry Drew was asked to compare the two hardwood heroes.“Oh man, that’s a tough one,” said Drew, filling in while Cleveland coach while Tyronn Lue is on medical leave. “Certainly Michael was as good of a finesse player as there was. You just never seen anything like LeBron with his size, his speed, his power. He’s something different. But the one thing that both guys do have in common, they’re really driven to win and to be the best.”Watching James catch and overtake Jordan has been thrilling to his teammates, who are continually awed by a player who shows little signs of wear. James told The Associated Press earlier this week that he would vote for himself as MVP this season, and there’s not a player on Cleveland’s roster who would oppose his case.James has excelled during perhaps the most challenging season of his career as the Cavs have been ravaged by injuries and overhauled with three major trades at the deadline.J.R. Smith is savoring the chance to witness greatness.“It’s pretty dope,” the forward said. “It seems like every game it’s something. When you’re up there with Mike, it’s a different level. You can actually sit there and tell your grandkids hopefully one day that you were part of that. … It’s kind of overwhelming at times.”Jordan, the Hornets’ majority owner, didn’t attend Wednesday’s game, which ended with the hoop-savvy Charlotte crowd standing to salute and serenade James with chants of “M-V-P!”It was a moment to set aside loyalty and honor a once-in-a-generation player. Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown among SAG Awards presenters Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ MOST READ
LATEST STORIES Terence Crawford-Jeff Horn bout rescheduled for June 9 in Las Vegas Cabuyao City rising above the ashes through volunteerism LeBron James lives there.Without a father in his life, James viewed Jordan as a role model and on Friday night the indomitable Cleveland Cavaliers star, playing at an MVP level in his 15th NBA season, likely will surpass a record held by a player he once admired “like a god.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownOn Wednesday night in Charlotte, James equaled Jordan’s NBA mark by scoring in double digits in 866 consecutive games, an extraordinary streak of consistency and durability that may not end until James wants it to. No one else seemingly can stop him.Once he scores 10 points against New Orleans, probably at some point in the first half Friday night, James will surpass Jordan’s record and add another check mark to his side in the greatest-player-of-all-time debate. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments “Everywhere we go he gets a standing ovation,” Smith said. “It’s like watching Michael Jackson on tour.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James goes up to dunk against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)CLEVELAND — A generation of kids wanted to be like Michael Jordan. They bought his red-and-black Nikes and sported his No. 23 Bulls jersey. They mimicked Jordan’s spin move and fadeaway jumper and even wagged their tongues the way he did on a flight to the rim.While millions worshipped Jordan, only a handful entered his rarefied air.ADVERTISEMENT Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew
Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ Bernadeth Pons, who silently crept into the MVP conversation of Season 79, became a legitimate superstar under Pascua as the Lady Tamaraw featured in the top five of three major categories after the eliminations.And Pascua believes it’s high time for Pons to become the queen of the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown“She deserves to win the MVP,” said Pascua in a chat with Inquirer. “You know how she works, you really can’t measure her heart and her dedication.”After the 14 games of eliminations, Pons averaged 15.38 points to become the fourth-best scorer of the league behind Cherry Rondina, Jaja Santiago, and Diana Carlos. ‘Underdog’ Dasmariñas surprised at early KO win over Frenchman SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS) PLAY LIST 02:11SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)02:43Philippines make clean sweep in Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Basketball02:43Philippines make clean sweep in Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Basketball02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next LATEST STORIES Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ Pons was also the third-best digger on 3.71 excellent digs per set and the third-best receiver with an efficiency rating of 45.16 percent.Ahead of Pons in the defensive areas are the UAAP’s best liberos in Kath Arado and Dawn Macandili.Pons, though, doesn’t look at the MVP plum as the high prize for her this season as the title is the all-important piece of hardware she wants to take home.“That’s just a bonus for me,” said Pons. “My focus is what I will do every game, do my job as the team captain, my job as a senior because I’m one of the people that my teammates rely on.”ADVERTISEMENT Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast George Pascua returned to his alma mater with a Far Eastern University team already stacked with experience and talent that emanated from a quiet star who needs just enough push to get to the main spotlight.ADVERTISEMENT Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew MOST READ
Winfrey details her decision to withdraw from Simmons film “Of course I would love to have 20, like Roger, in the future — or even more,” Nadal said Sunday evening after beating Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 in the final at Roland Garros, “but being honest, (it’s) something that is not in my mind.”He added that it’s not an “obsession.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown“Let me enjoy this title,” Nadal said. “I can’t be always thinking of more. Of course, I have ambition. Of course, I have passion for what I am doing. But I never have been crazy about all this kind of stuff. No, you can’t be frustrated always if somebody has more money than you, if somebody have a bigger house than you, if somebody have more Grand Slams than you. You can’t live with that feeling, no?”Nadal’s uncle, Toni, who used to also be his coach, attended Sunday’s match and was asked afterward whether Rafael can pull even with Federer. After losing her first three Grand Slam finals, Simona Halep added major championship No. 1 to her No. 1 ranking by coming back to defeat Sloane Stephens in three sets. Halep kept insisting she needed to do it, and could do it — and she was correct. “Now she can relax, go out there, let her game go,” said her coach, Darren Cahill.SERENA STILL SUPERBAt her first major in 16 months, and first as a mother, Serena Williams showed with three victories that she still has the game and the grit to go far and — even at age 36 — could be a threat to add to her 23 major titles. She withdrew from the field before her much-anticipated fourth-rounder against Maria Sharapova, citing a chest muscle injury, so it’s not clear whether Williams will be someone to watch at Wimbledon.NOT THEIR TIME YETRunner-up Thiem, a 24-year-old from Austria, might very well be the second-best player on clay in the world, but there’s still a large gap, at least at Roland Garros, where he is 0-3 against Nadal. Thiem and the man he beat in the quarterfinals, 21-year-old Alexander Zverev of Germany, are the two most well-rounded rising stars in the game. The question is when each will be ready for the next step.AMERICAN WOMENBefore her loss to Halep, Stephens, 25, eliminated Madison Keys, 23, in the first all-American semifinal at the French Open since 2002, when Williams defeated Jennifer Capriati. “All in all,” Stephens said, “I don’t think anyone can complain.” It was also a rematch of last year’s U.S. Open final, in which Stephens topped Keys. For all the hand-wringing in years past over what would happen to U.S. women’s tennis after the Williams sisters, they seem to be in pretty good shape. Plus, consider this: Coco Gauff, a 14-year-old from Florida, beat Caty McNally, a 16-year-old from Ohio, in the junior final, the fourth time at the last five Grand Slam tournaments that two Americans played each other for the girls’ title.DON’T LEAVE!One important lesson from this French Open: If you fail to make it out of qualifying, do not skip town. Thanks to a new rule that awards some prize money to players making late injury withdrawals, more than a half-dozen men got into the draw as a “lucky loser” to replace those who pulled out. None of the beneficiaries was more celebrated than 190th-ranked Marco Trungelliti. He headed home to Barcelona after being beaten in qualifying, then learned he could sign up for a spot in the field. So he made the 10-hour drive back to Paris with his 88-year-old grandmother, mother and younger brother in a rental car, then went out and won in the first round. LATEST STORIES Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Weinstein rape trial Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses with ball girls and boys as he celebrates winning the men’s final match of the French Open tennis tournament against Austria’s Dominic Thiem in three sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-2, at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, Sunday, June 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)PARIS — Rafael Nadal’s 11th French Open title raised his Grand Slam trophy count to 17, three away from the men’s record held by Roger Federer.That doesn’t necessarily mean Nadal is fixated on catching his rival.ADVERTISEMENT Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award View comments MOST READ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew
Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours DepEd’s Taal challenge: 30K students displaced Animam calls for ‘consistent support’ for PH women’s basketball team Dave Chappelle donates P1 million to Taal relief operations “I want to think that is possible,” Toni said. “But I know (that) maybe in one month, Federer will win again Wimbledon.”Federer, of course, sat out the French Open to rest and prepare for the grass-court season. He did the same a year ago, and then went on to claim his record eighth championship at the All England Club, where play begins July 2.The only man with more titles at a single major is Nadal in Paris. He is now 86-2 at the French Open — and, by the looks of things, as good as ever at the place.Here are other things we learned at the 2018 French Open:HALEP CAN WIN THE BIG ONEADVERTISEMENT China population now over 1.4 billion as birthrate falls Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’
View comments The suspension was handed down by anti-doping officials, who made clear that Lochte was not taking any banned substance. His mistake was getting an IV that exceeded the legal level of 100 milliliters — something he and his wife did together at a Gainesville, Florida, clinic on May 24 in an effort to bolster their immune systems after their infant son got sick.Lochte posted a photo of the scene on his Instagram account, and USADA opened an investigation after seeing that image.Lochte cooperated with the USADA probe, but apparently was shown no leniency. His penalty: A 14-month sanction, going back to the date of the photo. It will cost him the chance to swim at this week’s U.S. national championships, the Pan Pacific Championships later this year, and next year’s world championships.Hence, his concern about rust.“It’s something I’ll have to deal with,” Lochte said.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. San Miguel, Ginebra expect long, gruelling PBA Finals series FILE – In this Aug. 9, 2016, file photo, United States’ Ryan Lochte prepares before a men’s 4×200-meter freestyle heat at the 2016 Summer Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Lochte has been suspended until July 2019 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The 12-time Olympic medalist has been sanctioned for getting an intravenous infusion, a method that broke anti-doping rules. U.S. officials say Lochte was not using a banned substance. But under anti-doping rules, athletes typically cannot receive IVs unless related to a hospitalization or through an exemption. Lochte posted a photo of himself getting the IV in May and that image prompted the investigation. He was entered in four events at the national championships that start Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in California. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Ryan Lochte doesn’t know when he’ll be in another race.And that worries him.ADVERTISEMENT Putin’s, Xi’s ruler-for-life moves pose challenges to West Palace OKs total deployment ban on Kuwait OFWs In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ LATEST STORIES Trump assembles a made-for-TV impeachment defense team Report: Disney dropping the ‘Fox’ from movie studio names Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew DepEd’s Taal challenge: 30K students displaced He said he will continue his daily training regimen. It’s possible Lochte could race in some unsanctioned events during the suspension — he said he would review options. He hasn’t raced often since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he left in shame after his story about how he and three teammates were victims of an armed robbery unraveled and ultimately led to him being suspended for 10 months by U.S. officials.“As soon as you get to a certain point or level, in any kind of sport career, you’re always going to have an eye on you,” Lochte said. “I think I’ve learned it the hard way, definitely — especially since Rio. And now this.”And now, he’s on the deck again, over what he insists was an honest mistake. He simply didn’t know the rule about IVs. Under most circumstances, athletes cannot receive IVs unless related to a hospitalization or when allowed under the terms of a USADA-approved exemption, and Lochte fell into neither of those categories.So instead of heading to California to compete at nationals, Lochte was holding a news conference inside a hotel conference room in South Florida — vowing that this experience will only stoke his fire to be at those 2020 Tokyo Games.“I definitely made myself a better person after Rio,” Lochte said. “I was back in training. I was feeling good. I was swimming fast. My son being born, everything was happening, everything was perfect. And then this happened. And it’s devastating. But we’re a family, we’re going to stick together and we’re going to get through this.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ What’s next for Lochte is a mystery, even to himself. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to suspend the 12-time Olympic swimming medalist because he broke a rule by getting an intravenous infusion of vitamins will keep him from competing in any major meet through July 2019.So essentially, the only opponent he’ll be facing other than training partners as he preps for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is rust.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone still willing to coach Gilas but admits decision won’t be ‘simple yes or no’READ: Swimmer Ryan Lochte suspended until July 2019 for use of IV“I’m worried about that 100 percent,” Lochte said Monday, shortly after USADA announced his ban. “I know I’ll be able to swim in 2020, but in swimming, you have to compete. You have to race. It doesn’t matter how well you train. That doesn’t matter. It’s how you compete when you get on those starting blocks. And the less chance I have of getting on those blocks, the worse it’s going to be for me.” Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award ‘High crimes and misdemeanors’: Trump impeachment trial begins Lacson: Calamity fund cut; where did P4 billion go?
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