Cut off Balotelli’s tongue – Agent
Mario Balotelli’s, agent Mino Raiola, claims to have found the solution to the Italian striker’s problems. “We’ll cut off his tongue!” Raiola joked after the Nice striker was again found himself at the centre of controversy Balotelli was sent off last weekend for swearing at the referee in English during Nice’s 1-0 victory over Lorient. “I’ve found the solution, we’ll cut off his tongue,” said Raiola, who is the agent of some of the world’s biggest names, including Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Gianluigi Donnaruma. “You don’t need a language to play football, so we’re going to cut it off,” he laughed. “In all seriousness, though, I know that he made a big mistake. He can have no excuses, it’s something that he knows he must improve on. It’s sad for himself and the team.”
Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Luis Severino had another abbreviated start in Houston and Aaron Judge struck out two more times to match a major league record for strikeouts in a postseason before a towering home run in the Yankees’ 7-1 loss in Game 6 on Friday night.With a series lead for the first time this postseason after winning all three ALCS games in the Bronx, the Yankees were again stifled by Justin Verlander — just like in Game 2. The big right-hander didn’t go the distance this time, but he did get his ninth win in nine appearances since being acquired by Houston.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogNew York will have veteran left-hander CC Sabathia on the mound for Game 7 on Saturday night. Sabathia, reliever David Robertson and left fielder Brett Gardner are the only holdovers from the Yankees’ last World Series team eight years ago — in Joe Girardi’s second season as their manager.It will be the first Game 7 for the Yankees since the 2004 ALCS, when the Boston Red Sox came back to claim the AL pennant after losing the first three games in that series. 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 MOST READ LeBron James delivers as Cavaliers breeze past Bucks Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino leaves the game during the fifth inning of Game 6 of baseball’s American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON — The New York Yankees will have to win one more elimination game to get to their first World Series since 2009.This time, the Baby Bombers are going to a Game 7 after missing a chance to close out the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros.ADVERTISEMENT Severino threw only 62 pitches — exactly half as many as Verlander — in Game 2. The 23-year-old right-hander didn’t even take the mound for the fifth in that game after he uncharacteristically wound his arm several times after giving up a solo homer to Carlos Correa, and was struck on the wrist of his non-throwing hand on the last out.Robertson gave up a solo homer to Altuve, and four runs without recording an out, in the eighth.Verlander has thrown 16 scoreless innings and won twice against the Yankees in the ALCS.The closest the Yankees came to scoring against Verlander in Game 6 was after Greg Bird drew a walk to lead off the seventh and Starlin Castro was hit by a pitch — though Girardi had to issue a replay challenge after home plate umpire Jim Reynolds initially just called the pitch a ball. The ball clearly hit off Castro’s arm.But Aaron Hicks struck out and Todd Frazier hit a deep drive to center field, where Springer made a leaping catch on the warning track and came down against the wall. Chase Headley, already with two more hits Friday to give him seven in nine at-bats after starting the postseason 0 for 18, then ended the inning with a groundout.In Game 2, Verlander had already thrown the last of his 124 pitches before Altuve’s dash from first base to score on Carlos Correa’s double in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 2-1 victory that had put the Astros up 2-0 in the series.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson The Yankees haven’t lost when facing elimination this postseason. After beating Minnesota in the win-or-go-home AL wild-card game, New York lost the first two games in the best-of-five AL Division Series against Cleveland before winning three straight to advance.Judge’s third homer of this series — he hit two in New York — was a soaring shot off reliever Brad Peacock in the eighth projected to 425 feet by Statcast.But in his other three at-bats, Judge grounded into a double play and struck out twice. That’s 26 strikeouts this postseason for the rookie slugger, matching the record set by Alfonso Soriano while with the Yankees in 2003.Severino got into trouble against the bottom half of the Astros order in the fifth. After No. 6 batter Alex Bregman walked to lead off, Evan Gattis drew a one-out walk and No. 9 batter Brian McCann got his first hit in the ALCS with a ground-rule double that drove in the first run.George Springer, the Astros leadoff hitter still hitless in the ALCS, then drew a walk, and Jose Altuve ended an 0-for-12 slide with a two-run single that made it 3-0 and chased Severino.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ View comments Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’
Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ “It’s all worth it. But we won’t stop here. We’ll keep this thing going,” said the big man.READ: Ginebra escapes Meralco in Game 7, completes title repeatFEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogHe is no stranger to winning titles after leading University of the Visayas and Ateneo to the pinnacle of their respective collegiate leagues, but Slaughter shared that it’s still a unique feeling hoisting a trophy in the professional level knowing how hard it was to win one.“This is the top league. Just getting to the Finals isn’t easy. It’s very hard. But luckily for us, everyone dug deep and we just pulled it out. This is really, really special,” he said. The Cebuano giant averaged 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in the seven-game championship series and made sure he left a mark, pouring 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the title clincher.READ: Slaughter the difference maker in Ginebra’s game 1 winThe 6-foot-11 slotman, though, acknowledged that staying on top necessitates a whole lot of hard work.That’s why when asked what’s next for him, the conference’s Best Player pointed back to the site where he plotted his return to recovery from his devastating ACL injury: the gym.“I’ll keep getting better, keep working. I don’t think my body is at 100-percent, so I hope to have a better understanding of the things I do during the rehab. You just have to keep working and keep getting better,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT #KicksStalker: Irving gets cheaper sneaker line Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Greg Slaughter. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netBOCAUE — Greg Slaughter finally know what it feels to win a championship in the PBA.After missing the Kings’ ride to the title last year, Slaughter got his turn this season after Ginebra escaped Meralco with a 101-96 Game 7 thriller to complete a title repeat in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny MOST READ View comments READ: ‘Not about numbers’: Slaughter looking to help Ginebra in any way he can And he expects the same focus from his fellow Gin Kings as they hope to contend not just in the import-laden conferences but also in next season’s Philippine Cup.“I expect everyone else to be working hard too. If you’re not, somebody’s outworking you, so I just got to keep doing my job, getting better every day,” he said.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson ‘Pamana’: Mausoleum caretaker cherishes humble work for family PLAY LIST 03:06‘Pamana’: Mausoleum caretaker cherishes humble work for family01:28‘The Two Popes’ movie explores depth of faith, frailties of man00:50Trending Articles02:14Carpio 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. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson “We play as a team now, there aren’t that much isolation sets,” said Escoto of his team which had 19 assists, four more than what TNT did. “But in the end some players still played individualistic. I hope we can continue playing as a team.” MOST READ Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year LATEST STORIES Escoto played just 24 minutes in the Picanto’s 90-85 loss to TNT Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena, and the loss wasn’t the only thing that bothered him.“I’m happy that I’m back and playing again, but of course I’m yet to get into tiptop shape,” said Escoto, who tore his ACL in January 27, 2017, in Filipino.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk“I tire easily, I think my conditioning is still lacking but I’m working on it day by day.”Escoto scored five points and grabbed five rebounds on his return, and in his first game back he already saw both the positives and negatives in the way the Picanto plays. Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Kia’s Russel Escoto. PBA IMAGESIt took more than a year but Russel Escoto is back and running for Kia.It wasn’t, however, the best of comebacks.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson With Alvarez, Versoza leading the charge, JRU coach confident of Final 4 chances Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles01:33Leo Austria, SMB wary of ‘more experienced’ Hotshots ahead of PBA Finals rematch00:412 buses bound for SEA Games opening collide in Bulacan02:14Carpio 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 Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed View comments
LATEST STORIES Ancajas impresses in US debut, stops Gonzalez to retain IBF title Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netMany labeled Blackwater’s tussle against Magnolia on Friday as a revenge game for Elite swingman Allein Maliksi, who faced his former team for the first time.But it was the least of Maliksi’s concerns with his focus giving his coach Leo Isaac a win a victory on his birthday which the he and the rest of the Elite failed to do.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina MOST READ View comments OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year
Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Just like last time, Maliksi hopes that Blackwater learned its lesson following another tight loss as it seeks to finally end its misery against San Miguel next Friday.“We need to improve as teammates and as a team for our next game,” he said.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew “It was supposed to be our birthday gift to coach Leo. It’s unfortunate because we were there and faltered in the end,” he said after Blackwater lost to Magnolia, 78-72.Blackwater had a chance to steal the game, tying the game at 72 with 1:07 left after trailing by as much as 18.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkThe Elite, however, didn’t have enough gas left in their tank in the endgame to fall to their fourth consecutive defeat.“It’s unfortunate because we were there in the game. But we shouldn’t have allowed ourselves to be down that big. We need to help each other and give a collective effort so that we can beat an elite team,” said Maliksi, who finished with 17 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the field, to go along with four rebounds. Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track 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
SAN MIGUEL 102 — Santos 23, Pessumal 18, Lassiter 17, Cabagnot 15, Fajardo 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Ross 6, Heruela 4, Espinas 2, De Ocampo 0, Semerad 0.GINEBRA 90 — J. Aguilar 17, Mercado 17, Thompson 17, Mariano 12, Caperal 8, Tenorio 6, Ferrer 5, Cruz 4, Devance 4, R. Aguilar 0, Manuel 0, Taha 0.Quarters: 26-20, 50-41, 78-63, 102-90.RELATED VIDEO Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Marcio Lassiter also sizzled from downtown, going 5-of-11 to tally 17 markers, five boards, five assists, while Von Pessumal caught fire late to finish with 18 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting along with three rebounds.The trio accounted for the lion share’s of San Miguel’s 16-of-34 shooting from three that allowed them to methodically pull away from the Gin Kings.FEATURED 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“I think in a series, it’s very important to win your first game,” said coach Leo Austria. “If you’ll look at the history, the ones who win the first game has the bigger chance to advance. But we know that with this win, we cannot rest on our laurels.”Game 2 is on Sunday, still at the Big Dome. Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Semerad, Taha injured in physical SMB-Ginebra Game 1 GALLERY: Barangay Ginebra back as PBA Governors’ Cup kings Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano .@barangayginebra coach @manilacone: (@TheSMBeermen) lived up to their reputation. #PBA2018 pic.twitter.com/X5Mt1bmQ8I— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) March 9, 2018 UK plans Brexit celebrations but warns businesses may suffer MOST READ LATEST STORIES Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano 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 Sea turtle trapped in net freed in Legazpi City Alex Cabagnot also went for 15 markers and six assists while June Mar Fajardo tool the back seat and wound up with nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.San Miguel opened the third period with a 14-4 charge to finally break off from Ginebra, turning a close 50-41 halftime edge to a 19-point lead, 64-45 lead, with 7:11 left in the third frame and going on cruise control from that point on.The Beermen also avenged their 96-100 eliminations defeat to the Gin Kings.Japeth Aguilar fired 17 points and seven rebounds to lead Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson and Sol Mercado also both had 17.The Scores:ADVERTISEMENT It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson San Miguel Beermen vs Ginebra Gin Kings. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netFour-peat-seeking San Miguel drubbed last season’s runner-up Ginebra, 102-90, to take a 1-0 lead in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.Arwind Santos helped the Beermen get a headstart in the best-of-7 series, going 5-of-8 from three to lead the mauling with 23 points and eight rebounds.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis, center, celebrates with team mates during the first half of a NBA basketball game against Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden in New York. APNEW YORK — Kristaps Porzingis thought he would go right back into the game when he hurt his knee last month.Now he’s not sure when he can play again.ADVERTISEMENT That came at the hospital, where tests confirmed the torn ligament. He underwent surgery and said he is keeping a positive mindset in his recovery, already working on his upper body strength while rehabilitating the knee.“I was shocked at first. I couldn’t believe that it happened to me, and then about 30 seconds later I said, ’OK, what can I do now?’” Porzingis said. “Now it’s just time for me to make a comeback and then I focused on the next thing, and that was prepare myself for the surgery.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil LATEST STORIES In Liverpool, Man United sees the pain and path to recovery Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown among SAG Awards presenters 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 Wizards coach not concerned about timing of Wall’s return MOST READ 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 Cabuyao City rising above the ashes through volunteerism View comments Porzingis said Tuesday there is still no timetable for his return from a torn left ACL that will keep him out the remainder of this season and at least some of the next.The All-Star forward was hurt upon landing after a dunk in a game against Milwaukee on Feb. 6. The 7-foot-3 forward said there was sharp pain when the injury happened, but that he quickly felt better.FEATURED 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“I got up, I started walking a little bit, it felt better with every step, so once I got to the locker room I was like, ‘Can I go back in the game?’” he said. “I almost felt that good.”“I thought it was like a sprain honestly. I didn’t feel it pop, I didn’t feel anything. So once it happened on the floor I was trying to get back in as soon as possible, because I thought I don’t want to be on the floor too long. It’s just a sprain. But then I got the bad news.”
Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident “We’re happy and proud that in whatever way we were able to match up with them it’s just that we fell short in the end,” said Rondina, whose partnership with Gervacio ended in wins over USA and Canada.Japan’s experience was evident in the first set after Tanaka and Fujii made quick work of Rondina and Gervacio, but the second set became a different story altogether for the Philippines.READ: Rondina, Gervacio oust Canada to barge into FIVB quarterfinalsRondina, the most powerful scorers in the UAAP, starred in the Filipinos’ stirring run, scoring the kill for a 16-11 lead before nailing two straight to seal the second set.Japan, however, found its groove back in the third set after Fujii denied Rondina for the 12-8 lead.ADVERTISEMENT P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC Although Rondina kept the Philippines alive in the third set with back-to-back points, 13-11, Tanaka was eager to put the hosts away as she sent her service ace bouncing off the Philippines’ star to bag the win.Tanaka and Fujii are set to face compatriots Takemi Nishibori and Ayumi Kusano in the semifinals on Sunday.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ MOST READ ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ The Philippines’ last stand in the one-star tournament fell to the partnership that was once the top team in Japan and had already played in a four-star event before the Manila Open.Rondina and Gervacio, meanwhile, are both first timers in an FIVB World Tour and taking an experienced team to a third set was enough for them to give themselves a pat on the back.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 crownREAD: Rondina, Gervacio stun USA for PH’s first win in FIVB Manila Open“We played against a top seed team and we were able to stretch them to three sets,” said Gervacio in Filipino of Tanaka and Fujii, who topped Pool C after two wins in as many games. Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames Cherry Rondina and Dzi Gervacio’s Cinderella run has come to an end after a bitter defeat to Japan’s Shinako Tanaka and Sakurako Fujii, 21-13, 17-21, 15-11, in the quarterfinals of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open Saturday at SM Sands by the Bay.ADVERTISEMENT Japan bullfighting lifts ‘men-only’ rule Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 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 Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding LATEST STORIES View comments
‘High crimes and misdemeanors’: Trump impeachment trial begins While Nadal has found grass difficult of late, he insists some of those results were misleading.“To be fair and honest, we have to think about the things that happened. In 2012, 2013, I was not able to compete. Even if I played, I was not able to compete with the knees the way I had. (In) 2014, I played a good tournament. I lost in the fourth round against a player I can lose to (Nick Kyrgios), 2015 was a very bad year for me, not on grass, on most of the surfaces. It’s normal that I lost here, too. In 2016 I didn’t play because of my wrist. In 2017 I played well, 2018 I am playing well.”Vesely can attest to that.Nadal hit 37 winners to only 12 unforced errors and erased the only break he allowed by breaking back immediately in the third set.His play already has fans and commentators dreaming of another final between Nadal and Roger Federer — on the 10th anniversary of their five-set classic that the Spaniard won. Standing in the way yet could be fourth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro in the quarterfinals — the Argentine’s fourth-round match was suspended with him holding a 2-1 set lead — and then possibly three-time champion Djokovic in the semifinals.ADVERTISEMENT Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew The idea of another Nadal-Federer final seems to have most people quite excited — except Nadal himself. The Spaniard is hoping his old rival, and eight-time champion, gets knocked out before that.“If he’s in the final, I am excited to play Roger,” he said. “Facing Roger again will be something fantastic. If you ask me if I prefer another (opponent), I say yes. That’s the point. It’s about being smart, no?”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Big fightback Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his men’s singles match against Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely, on day seven of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London, Monday July 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)LONDON — After seven years of struggles, Rafael Nadal is finally looking like a contender again at Wimbledon.The top-ranked Spaniard is back in the quarterfinals at the All England Club for the first time since 2011 — and playing a lot like the man who reached his fifth final that year.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 LATEST STORIES Trump assembles a made-for-TV impeachment defense team MOST READ Putin’s, Xi’s ruler-for-life moves pose challenges to West Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Report: Disney dropping the ‘Fox’ from movie studio names Palace OKs total deployment ban on Kuwait OFWs “It’s true it has been a while,” Nadal said about his return to the last eight. “But when I come here, I come here thinking that I can do a good result, no?”Clearly, the King of Clay hasn’t forgotten how to play on grass.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’The 11-time French Open champion beat Jiri Vesely 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 on Centre Court on Monday and has yet to drop a set in this tournament. While tougher tests are still to come, it seems the old Nadal is back at Wimbledon.That’s the Nadal who earned two titles and three runner-up finishes in a six-year span from 2006-11, despite missing the 2009 tournament with knee problems. Not the one who made it past the second round only once in the four years after that, or who was knocked out by Gilles Muller in the fourth round last year after missing 2016 with another injury. View comments
Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew 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 Eagles and Tamaraws’ half of final four up Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown “Winning against Adamson is not easy,” Perasol noted. “We have things that we need to adjust on when we get back to the drawing board. But my guys just made a play when it mattered. Juan made a great pass to Bright. Paul made that jump shot when it was needed.”“Everybody just contributed. There was a time when we got ahead. For sure, some are thinking we could’ve won it right away. But Adamson is not No. 2 and 10-4 for nothing. They’re very resilient,” he added.Franz Pumaren couldn’t agree more.“I guess we should’ve gotten this victory despite of us playing bad,” he said. “It’s a very good sign. We played bad, we were down the whole game. but when we played the right system, our brand of game, we were able to get back the lead.”“We’re disappointed, but you got to give them (Maroons) credit,” Manganti said. “They played a great game. They made some clutch baskets, so you got to give it up to them.”The Scores:UP 73 – Desiderio 19, Gomez de Liano Ju 19, Manzo 9, Gomez de Liano Ja 9, Akhuetie 6, Prado 4, Dario 3, Jaboneta 2, Vito 2, Murrell 0, Gozum 0, Lim 0, Tungcab 0ADAMSON 71 – Sarr 23, Manganti 15, Ahanmisi 9, Camacho 8, Lastimosa 7, Espeleta 5, Magbuhos V 4, Pingoy 0, Mojica 0, Catapusan 0, Bernardo 0Quarters: 17-16, 28-29, 54-43, 73-71 Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum
HEROIC MAROONS Paul Desiderio (main photo) reacts after scoring 17 second half points, counting a brilliant jumper with 5.3 seconds left, and Bright Akhuetie (below), who hit the marginal short stab. —SHERWIN VARDELEONJuan Gomez de Liaño and Bright Akhuetie tried perfecting an alley-oop play during practice on Friday night and got disappointing results.ADVERTISEMENT View comments MOST READ With the stakes higher, the lights brighter and the crowd significantly larger, the duo completed a less than scintillating play that led UP to a 73-71 victory over Adamson at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday to take their UAAP Final Four match-up to a deciding game and fan the flames of a first title series appearance in ages.“It was just a drill [on Friday]night. Juan made that alley-oop pass to Bright, [but] he missed [the shot],” said coach Bo Perasol after the mammoth celebration on the floor among UP’s faithful died down.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissDe Liaño and Akhuetie completed the play that mattered in this game with two seconds left as the Maroons came out on top of a wild game that had UP blowing command and rallying when everything seemed lost in the stretch.It was not all De Liaño and Akhuetie for the Maroons, though, with graduating gunslinger Paul Desiderio responsible for keeping UP in the game with 17 second half points, capped by a difficult jumper that gave them a 71-69 lead with under six seconds left. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. “At the back of my mind, how can we disappoint these people who are supporting us? I was actually praying: ‘Just give us a good game that these people could be proud,’” said Perasol as the Maroons shoot for a title series berth on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.Trailing by as many as 13, Adamson turned things around with a 17-6 run to set the tables up for the edge-of-your-seat finish.Sean Manganti, who was behind that rally, put the Falcons up by four before Christopher Vito and De Liaño conspired to knot it at 69 with 49 ticks remaining.That was before Desiderio hit that bold step-back jumper from the left side that gave UP the lead—albeit briefly—as Manganti forged the last deadlock with two free throws on the other end.Akhuetie, the Most Valuable Player, was held down to just four before the winning basket by the tight Adamson defense.ADVERTISEMENT Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil