Sports

Usyk in tears for late father after historic heavyweight win

An emotional Oleksandr Usyk shed tears for his late father after crowning a brilliant career by becoming boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight world champion on Sunday. The 37-year-old Ukrainian won a split decision against Britain’s Tyson Fury in Riyadh in the first heavyweight unification fight since 1999. The former European and world amateur champion, Olympic gold medalist and undisputed cruiserweight champ — still undefeated as a...

Horner: Verstappen a "racing machine" after unique F1 and sim race double

Red Bull's Christian Horner called Max Verstappen a "racing machine" after the Dutchman won Formula 1's Imola Grand Prix and the Nurburgring 24 Hours sim race on the same day.

UAAP: After breakthrough year, Aringo tipped to play bigger role for NU

MANILA, Philippines — Leo Aringo rose to the occasion on the biggest stage to help National University earn a historic “four-peat” in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball Finals against University of Santo Tomas. Buds Buddin did most of the damage to UST but Aringo provided the steady presence, averaging 18.5 points in the championship series to complete a sweep and keep NU on top of the collegiate men’s volleyball scene. “Kuya Owa [Retamar] gave...

Klitschko and Shevchenko laud 'historical' win for Ukrainian Usyk

Usyk, who hails from Ukraine, was crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after a gruelling battle in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night. Two judges scored the bout 115-113 and 114-113 in Usyk's favour.

Nuggets HC Michael Malone loses cool with reporters following Game 7 collapse

Denver Nuggets HC Michael Malone wasn't having it during his postgame news conference.

Timberwolves rally to oust defending champion Nuggets

LOS ANGELES — The Minnesota Timberwolves authored a stunning second-half comeback to beat the Denver Nuggets 98-90 on Sunday (Monday in Manila), knocking the defending champions out of the NBA playoffs. It marked the sixth straight season that the defending champions failed to make it out of the second round. "The teams are more hungry, better, (more) talented than last year," Denver star Nikola Jokic said of the difficulty of repeating, even in...

Far from done: Alyssa Valdez aims to return to 100% health before thinking on-court farewell

Philippine volleyball star Alyssa Valdez says she is far from done with the volleyball courts. In a Rappler Talk Sports interview, she shares she is well-aware that she has not been in her best form for quite some time. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/sports/volleyball/alyssa-valdez-aims-return-health-before-thinking-on-court-farewell/

NU coach Norman Miguel finishes what he started with UAAP title

MANILA, Philippines — After reprising his coaching role at National University, Norman Miguel finished his story by winning his first UAAP title with the Lady Bulldogs at the expense of University of Santo Tomas, where his career started. Miguel had a full circle moment after NU completed its title redemption bid in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament following a final series sweep of UST, where he was once an assistant coach 14...

Noynay takes on Japanese knockout artist in Tokyo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Joe “Jaw Breaker” Noynay and Japanese Jin Sasaki passed the official weigh-in for their double regional title showdown at the Korakuen Hall scheduled in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, May 16. Noynay, a native of Bogo City in northern Cebu, will battle Sasaki for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific welterweight title. Also up for grabs in this 12-rounder bout is the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF)...

Forthsky Padrigao eager to make his presence felt for UST

Forthsky a staple piece in rebuilding Growling Tigers

PBA: Standhardinger’s career game not enough for Ginebra in Game 2

MANILA, Philippines—Christian Standhardinger was in no mood to celebrate his latest career feat on Sunday. After all, his herculean effort went down the drain after Barangay Ginebra lost to Meralco in Game 2 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series. Standhardinger set a career-high 41 points that went with 11 rebounds and four assists but still not enough as the Bolts leveled the series at 1-1. “I didn’t even think about that,” said...

The F1 driver market dominoes about to fall

Formula 1’s driver market dominoes are on the verge of falling down, with decisions set to be taken imminently that could finalise some key seats.

Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Casiey Dongallo out of AVC Cup team

MANILA, Philippines — National University’s MVP duo Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon have begged off participating in Alas Pilipinas’ upcoming AVC Challenge Cup campaign while University of the East star rookie Casiey Dongallo has also been ruled out due to a right wrist fracture. Philippine women’s volleyball team coach Jorge Souza De Brito told Inquirer Sports that Belen and Solomon will no longer play for the upcoming AVC hosting from May 22 to...

St. Benilde inches closer to another unchallenged reign; Perpetual triumphs

St. Benilde is on the verge of a third straight 11-game title sweep in NCAA women’s volleyball and even as it showed off its dominance against Letran in Game 1 of Season 99’s championship series, coach Jerry Yee refuses to be complacent. “I know there is still a next game that we have to work hard for, that there’s a chance we will lose,” Yee said after the Lady Blazers’ 25-21, 25-15, 25-14 victory over the Lady Knights on Sunday, one that...

PBA: June Mar Fajardo too much for Rain or Shine in Game 2

MANILA, Philippines—It was another day at the office for June Mar Fajardo on Sunday in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. Like clockwork, Fajardo had a field day in the third quarter where he made his first five attempts in the period and scored 18 of his game-high 22 points to propel San Miguel Beer past Rain or Shine for a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven series. Fajardo, who went 9-of-13 from the field and also had 10 rebounds and...

Kiefer Ravena, Shiga crowned B2 champs

Ravena puts on a show with 10 points, eight assists, and three rebounds

Why forcing Red Bull to make a “bad choice” is Vasseur’s main F1 target

As someone who understands well the challenges of Formula 1, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur knows there is no magic bullet that guarantees success.

British boxer Sherif Lawal dies after being knocked down in pro debut

LONDON — A British boxer has died after he lost on his professional debut in London. Sherif Lawal was knocked down by a blow to the head from Malam Varela in the fourth round of a scheduled six-round middleweight fight on Sunday at Harrow Leisure Centre. READ: Mexican teen boxer dies of injuries suffered in ring The referee waved it off to allow paramedics to attend to Lawal. He was taken to hospital but died. He was 29. “The British Boxing...

Jaja Santiago felt sense of fulfillment seeing NU win UAAP title

MANILA, Philippines — Despite not winning a UAAP title in her playing years for National University, Jaja Santiago felt as if she had finally won one after witnessing the Lady Bulldogs reclaim the glory in the Season 86 women’s volleyball Finals. Santiago was part of the proud NU faithful among the ecstatic 22,515 crowd at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday when the Lady Bulldogs completed a series sweep of the UST Tigresses in Game 2, 25-23,...

David Moyes appreciates Pep Guardiola after West Ham lose

Manchester City have today won an unprecedented fourth Premier League title in a row after sweeping aside West Ham in a 3-1 win. A sensational unbeaten run of 23 games extinguished Arsenal's hopes of picking up their first Premier League title.

Meralco a much different team under coach Nenad, says Cone

'This is a familiar team with a different system. And we struggled with it at times'

NBA: Kinder, gentler Luka Doncic has Mavericks on verge of series win

DALLAS — A kinder, gentler Luka Doncic has the Dallas Mavericks in the same place they were in the first round, headed home with a chance to clinch an NBA playoff series in Game 6. The difference is the smile on the face of the 25-year-old superstar, replacing the scowl that often accompanies his complaints toward officials over their calls, or non-calls. Doncic focused on other things in his third career 30-point playoff triple-double, leading...

Tyson Fury unsure on rematch after Usyk inflicts his first loss

Tyson Fury was undecided about a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after losing his unbeaten record in one of the biggest fights in boxing history on Sunday. Britain’s Fury dominated the early rounds of their undisputed heavyweight clash but lost a split decision to the Ukrainian maestro, who nearly sent him to the canvas in the ninth round. It was the only loss in 36 professional bouts for Fury, who was contesting the first heavyweight unification...

Carlos Yulo wins elusive all-around gold at Asian Championships

Carlos Yulo had long desired to reach the Asian summit of the men’s artistic gymnastics individual all-around competition. Amazed by the breathtaking view at the top, perhaps it won’t be a stretch if the Filipino dynamo aspires to climb the Mt. Everest of his event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “We were jumping with joy for Carlos being No. 1 in Asia. That’s how happy we are,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia...

NBA: Jamal Murray hurts elbow in Game 6 flop by Nuggets

MINNEAPOLIS — Jamal Murray failed to make a fadeaway on Denver’s first possession, then tried a floater that spun around the rim and spit out in portending fashion. Neither of those misses hurt the normally smooth-shooting Nuggets point guard like what came next for him on defense in Minnesota in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals. As he tried to move around a high screen by Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert early in the first quarter...

F1 Imola Grand Prix – Start time, starting grid, how to watch, & more

Max Verstappen will start from pole position after topping qualifying for the Formula 1 Imola Grand Prix. Here's how and when you can watch the race.

Maliksi, Newsome star as Bolts rap Gin Kings to level series at 1-1

MANILA, Philippines — Allein Maliksi and Chris Newsome delivered the goods for Meralco as the Bolts rolled past Barangay Ginebra, 103-91 to level their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at 1-1 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The sharp shooting Maliksi fired 25 points, while Newsome added 20 as the two veteran stars provided the much-needed leadership and stability for the Bolts, who rebounded from a 92–88 loss in Game 1. "I think we...

UAAP: UST Tigresses and the ghosts of Game 2s at Mall of Asia Arena

MANILA, Philippines—There is a ghost inside the Mall of Asia Arena… and University of Santo Tomas just couldn’t exorcise it. Back in Season 81, the Golden Tigresses figured in a women’s volleyball Finals affair against Ateneo only to fall short to the eventual champions Lady Eagles. Five years later, UST saw itself on a collision course with National University in the hopes of doing what it couldn’t do five years prior. READ: UAAP: All-heart UST...

Obiena captures gold in LA Grand Prix

MANILA, Philippines — Pole vaulter Ernest John 'EJ' Obiena resumed his Paris Olympics build up by capturing the gold medal in the Los Angeles Grand Prix at the Drake Stadium on Sunday, May 19 (Manila time). The first Filipino Paris Games qualifier cleared 5.80 meters to rule the competition and claim his third championship out four tournaments he joined this year. Obiena bested Norway's Simen Guttormsen and home bet KC Lightfoot who both cleared...

Verstappen "almost ended in the grandstands" amid Imola F1 hard tyre struggles

Max Verstappen felt like he was "driving on ice" on the hard tyres in Formula 1's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, saying he "almost ended up in the grandstands".

Cone calls out on other Kings to step up after Game 2 loss

Cone: We need to get contributions from everybody

ESPN Is Taking Serious Heat For Its 'Embarrassing' Game 7 Broadcast

The only thing more embarrassing than the New York Knicks' efforts in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers was ESPN's pregame show on ABC. ESPN went all-in on Stephen A. Smith and the Knicks, basically turning their Game 7 pregame show into a lovefest for New York and their top personality. If you ...

Usyk edges Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Oleksandr Usyk has been shorter, lighter and older than all of his opponents since he moved up to the heavyweight division. Usyk’s heart and skill are enormous, and he overcame a major size disadvantage against Tyson Fury to become the world’s first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years. Usyk defeated Fury by split decision on Sunday, knocking down his hulking opponent in the ninth round and eventually earning...

Boxing fans forced to pay £25 to watch Fury v Usyk on pay-per-view

Furious boxing fans have labelled the lack of radio coverage for the Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk fight a 'tradegy' as supporters are forced to cough up £25 to watch the clash on pay-per-view.

NBA: Josh Hart, OG Anunoby questionable for Knicks in Game 7 vs Pacers

NEW YORK — Starting forwards Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are both listed as questionable to play for the New York Knicks on Sunday in Game 7 of their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks have been without Anunoby since he strained his left hamstring in Game 2. Anunoby scored a career playoff-high 28 points that night as New York took a 2-0 lead, but the Pacers have won three of the four games in his...

Notable People who died in 2024

Video: Controversial Finish To HS Baseball State Championship Sparks Major Debate

A controversial finish to a high school baseball state championship game in California has sparked major debate on social media. Moorpark’s Taylor Busch hit what appeared to be a game-winning home run in the bottom of the 7th inning. However, the umpires ruled that it was a ground-rule double. The ...

The Gypsy King Tyson Fury insists he beat Usyk despite losing by split decision

The Gypsy King lost on a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk as the Ukrainian became the undisputed heavyweight world champion, but Tyson Fury is insisting he should have won the fight.

Letran last team in front of St. Benilde juggernaut

If St. Benilde remains unchecked, it will continue a run of wins that has gone on for 30 games thus far. In the current NCAA Season 99, women’s volleyball championship, Letran remains the last team that can put the brakes on the streak. So maybe it’s easy to dismiss the Knights, or at least label them heavy, heavy underdogs—emphasis on heavy. There is one person who doesn’t think so. And he sits at the front end of the Lady Blazers bench....

Anthony Edwards had great message for Charles Barkley after Game 7 win

Anthony Edwards did not want to hear any excuses from Charles Barkley on Sunday after the Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

Fajardo still a dominant force, but deflects credit to SMB teammates

MANILA, Philippines — June Mar Fajardo remains a reliable force for San Miguel Beer. And he demonstrated that again last Sunday after leading the Beermen to a 106-89 demolition of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters en route to a 2-0 lead in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series. The 6-foot-10 Fajardo showed his dominance especially in the third period after racking up 18 of his game-high 22 points that enabled SMB to pull away after a tight...

PBA: Trusty vet Allein Maliksi steps up for Meralco in Game 2

MANILA, Philippines—Allein Maliksi turned in a silent but lethal performance to push Meralco past Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday. In danger of falling to a tough 0-2 predicament, the Bolts relied on one of their veterans to tie their best-of-seven series despite Christian Standhardinger’s 41-point effort for the Gin Kings. Maliksi, who turns 37 years old in September, delivered a team-high...

Carlos Yulo, now king of Asia, eyes Paris Olympics throne

Carlos Edriel Yulo had long desired to reach the Asian summit of the men’s artistic gymnastics individual all-around competition. Now armed with a view from the top, perhaps it won’t be a stretch if the Filipino dynamo aspires to climb the Mt. Everest of his event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “We were jumping with joy for Carlos being No. 1 in Asia. That’s how happy we are,’’ said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia...

PVL breaks new ground, holds first Rookie Draft

MANILA, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League is set to hold its first-ever Rookie Draft on July 6, a landmark event designed to bolster team rosters with fresh talent and enhance the league's competitive balance. This comes on the heels of another successful PVL All-Filipino Conference, where Creamline triumphed over Choco Mucho, securing its fourth straight AFC championship and eighth overall crown. The draft process will allow member...

Marcio Lassiter has dream scenario on breaking PBA 3-point record

MANILA, Philippines—It might take a few more games but Marcio Lassiter can leapfrog to the top of the list of the PBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. And the San Miguel shooter has an ideal scenario on when he wants that to happen. “I’m not a good mathematician with numbers like that but it would be great to do it if it’s given to me in the Finals,” said Lassiter after their 101-98 win over Rain or Shine on Friday at Mall of Asia...

Bryson DeChambeau Praised For 'Classy' Move After Losing PGA Championship

Bryson DeChambeau came oh-so-close to forcing a playoff at the PGA Championship on Sunday, but Xander Schauffele's put dropped into the hole to clinch the win. DeChambeau finished his final round at -20, which at the time was tied for the lead. But Schauffele was able to birdie the final hole ...

NBA: Mavericks beat Thunder in wild finish to reach West finals

DALLAS — Kyrie Irving probably wondered if his uncanny run of closeout victories without a loss in his career was finally near an end. The streak lives, and the Dallas Mavericks are through to the NBA Western Conference semifinals for the second time in three seasons. P.J. Washington Jr. made two free throws before an intentional miss with 2.5 seconds left as the Mavs rallied from 17 points down in the second half for a 117-116 victory over the...

Cone sees a lot of upside on future Gilas stars Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quimabao

MANILA, Philippines — Tim Cone has high expectations on Gilas Pilipinas' two young players in Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao, whom the national coach sees as the future stars of Philippine basketball. The 6-foot-7 Tamayo is coming off a stint with Japan B.League's Ryukyu Golden Kings, and in 23 games played, he averaged 3.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 13 minutes of action. Though his playing time has been limited with the Golden Kings, where he...

PBA: Tim Cone needs time figuring out Meralco’s game plan

Because even if they seem to know the Bolts from head to toe, coach Tim Cone acknowledged that they may have to buy some time before figuring a way to get past their best-of-seven semifinal series in the PBA Philippine Cup. “This is a familiar team, but they have a different system,” Cone said as the Gin Kings attempt to take a 2-0 lead at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena. Double-seeking San Miguel Beer likewise ges for a similar lead...

Discipline, respect among things Canino will pack for PH stint

Being under the wings of Ramil de Jesus, De La Salle University’s Angel Canino has learned two important virtues, among other things: Discipline and respect. “We have to bring [those] because [if] not … [how can] you [represent] the school and also [the] Philippine flag?” Canino said. “Everywhere you go, you have to have that discipline and respect.” Canino, after leading La Salle to a bronze finish in the recently concluded UAAP Season 86...