McGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next “Due to bad weather and suspension of classes, the NCAA games today, July 27, are cancelled,” he said in a statement. The league was supposed to hold the third leg of NCAA on Tour in San Sebastian-Cavite, where juniors and seniors games between San Sebastian and Jose Rizal University were to be played. FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’Tropical storm Gorio has been ravaging Metro Manila leading to heavy downpour and flooding.The NCAA has yet to reschedule the said games. 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Cavs officials downplay tension between James, Irving Indian national gunned down in Camarines Sur Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio 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 respite MOST READ Due to inclement weather, the NCAA was forced to postpone its Thursday games.NCAA management committee chair Fr. Glynn Ortega, OAR of host school San Sebastian announced the news early Thursday morning.ADVERTISEMENT Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ LATEST STORIES ‘I’m out!’: PewDiePie releases last video before taking break from YouTube End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. LeBron James scores 31 points, Lakers beat Rockets Kawhi Leonard, Clippers rally to beat Pelicans Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments read more

View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano warn public of fake account posing as her The Generals shoot for solo third against the Arellano Chiefs at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.A third win in five games will put the Generals behind unbeaten Lyceum (6-0) and defending champion San Beda (5-1).FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’Mapua and St. Benilde, both struggling at 1-4, try to climb out of the cellar in the other match at 4 p.m.It’s the Blazers’ strongest chance to win on court as their lone victory came off Perpetual Help’s forfeiture of their first game. Last D-League semis slot at stake The top two teams may be way ahead of the pack, but Emilio Aguinaldo College hopes to narrow the gap in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday.“We have a veteran squad and it’s a matter of getting that will to win,” said EAC coach Ariel Sison.ADVERTISEMENT 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Albay to send off disaster response team to Batangas Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio 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 respite A loss will put the Generals outside the top four while the Chiefs will jump to a share of third with the Letran Knights at 3-3.The Chiefs aim to rebound from an 82-75 loss to the Knights last week where Kent Salado fueled a late run that fell short.Lervin Flores delivered a personal season-best of 17 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Chiefs, while Salado wound up with 15 markers, four assists and three boards.Their individual efforts, though, went for naught as the Chiefs absorbed a second straight setback and fell into a four-way tie at 2-3 with Perpetual Help, Jose Rizal U and San Sebastian.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Teen gunned down in Masbate Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ Their junior counterparts sandwich the games with the Brigadiers and the Junior Chiefs tangling at 12 noon and the Red Robins and Junior Blazers clashing at 6 p.m.Although the Generals haven’t seen action in two weeks, Sison hopes his players will show the same focus they had in their 77-72 triumph over the Cardinals.In that game, the Generals wasted a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter but recovered just in time behind Sydney Onwubere, Jerome Garcia and Raymund Pascua.“I told them (during the game) no worries, let it happen—good defense, focus, that’s all,” said Sison.Onwubere dropped 22 points while Juju Bautista finished with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ 2 nabbed in Bicol drug stings read more

787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Although this isn’t China’s main team, the Chinese showed their class in handling the world’s 21st-ranked squad.Jin Ye put up 20 points to lead China while captain Liu Meng Ya and Cai Xiao Qing adding 15 and 13 points, respectively.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’Katerina Tatko had 15 points to pace the Kazakhs.Korean team in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship. Photo from asianvolleyball.netIn the second game, Korea blasted Chinese-Taipei 25-20, 25-11, 28-26, to secure its semifinals spot. MOST READ View comments Maria Sharapova claims in memoir Serena Williams had nasty words against her Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio 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 respite China vs Kazakhstan in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship. Photo from asianvolleyball.netBIÑAN, Laguna—China and Korea locked up their respective seats in the semifinal stage of the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship Tuesday at Alonte Sports Arena here.Both Asian powers swept their quarterfinals opponents with China, the no. 1 team in the world, taking down Kazakhstan 25-16, 34-32, 25-23, in the first game.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Albay to send off disaster response team to Batangas Teen gunned down in Masbate 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Skipper Kim Yeon-koung led the 10th-ranked team in the world with 17 points while Park Jeongah added 16.Kim Heejin and Kim Suji also finished in double-digits with 12 and 10 points, respectively.Chang Li-Yun had 12 points to lead Chinese Taipei, the no. 55 team in the world.China will face the winner between Japan and Vietnam while Korea will wait for either Thailand or the Philippines.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano warn public of fake account posing as her 2 nabbed in Bicol drug stings Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend read more

Bishop Baylon encourages faithful in Albay to help Taal evacuees “We had the presence of mind, the character needed to survive those two overtimes,” Isaac said. “And Lady Luck also smiled at us in the end.”Henry Walker had a monster game, to say the least, finishing with 35 points and 32 rebounds as he continues to provide the Elite with the inspiration, leadership and firepower when they need it in the stretch.Only the pint-sized Mark Cruz failed to finish in twin digits in scoring from among Isaac’s starters, with Walker, the comebacking JP Erram and Bam-Bam Gamalinda completing double-doubles and shooting guard Mike DiGregorio finishing with 17 points.DiGregorio’s third triple with 63 seconds left was his biggest shot of the night as it ushered the Elite to a 107-106 lead they never lost as the Aces bungled several chances to turn the game around.It was an ending that looked far from happening as the Elite were playing with complete command until the final six minutes of regulation.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. National Historical team rescues Amorsolos, artifacts from Taal Search on for 5 Indonesians snatched anew in Lahad Datu Hotdog’s Dennis Garcia dies Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio 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 respite Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to give up royal titles Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ PBA IMAGESMore than the franchise record, Leo Isaac knows exactly what Blackwater’s third straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup could be all about.“We will cherish this win, definitely,” Isaac said after his hard-fighting Elite went through the proverbial eye of the needle before repulsing Alaska, 111-106, in double overtime on Wednesday night that put Blackwater in serious playoff contention at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.ADVERTISEMENT Police seize P68-M worth of ‘shabu’ in Pasay What’s in store for your animal sign this year MOST READ “It was really hard. You can never get an easy win in this league,” Isaac said. “We thought that we would have an easy ending (to the game) going into the last six minutes when Alaska made a charge.”The Aces rallied from deficits of as large as 11 points in the fourth and had a chance to sew it all up in regulation only for Simon Enciso to miss an open triple from right quarter court at the buzzer which would have shattered a 91-all tie.LeDontae Henton scored 31 points to pace the Aces, but he missed two straight shots after that DiGregorio triple to help doom Alaska.Gamalinda fired 15 points and had 11 rebounds with Erram contributing 13 and 13.The next Blackwater game will be against TNT KaTropa on Wednesday and Isaac is hoping to keep this streak going to creep closer to the next round.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next “But I hope that it would push us more (to play harder) and elevate us to the next level,” he said as the Elite shoot to make it past the eliminations for just the second time in three seasons in the pros. “This win is special.”Blackwater won three consecutive games for the first time in its PBA existence and the team has never looked this good at any time, rising to 3-3 to be in the middle of the 12-team pack.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’Alaska, on the other hand, has never looked this bad as the Aces’ woes continued with the franchise’s longest losing streak stretching to 13 games now counting the last eight games of the Commissioner’s Cup.And it was as if the Aces didn’t have any chances. They had several, actually. LATEST STORIES SEA Games: Gilas cadets dump host Malaysia View comments read more

Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments 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 In ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ Comedy and Drama Collide Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene FEU held a minute 49-48 at the end of the third before staging a crippling 18-3 run to take a 67-51 lead that left UST looking startled.The Tamaraws improved to a 2-2 record while the Growling Tigers remained at the bottom of the eight-team ladder with a miserable 0-4 card.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smog For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. The Tamaraws put a clamp on UST’s offense, limiting the Tigers to a 33 percent shooting. Their 29 fourth quarter points also matched the whole second half output of the Tigers.Ball movement was also crucial for FEU as it registered 20 assists compared to UST eight, and those passes led to seven uncontested field goals.Arvin Tolentino put up a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead FEU on both ends while Ron Dennison had 15 points of his own.Jeepy Faundo led UST with 16 points and 11 rebounds.ADVERTISEMENT DAY6 is for everybody How to help the Taal evacuees FEU vs UST. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netFar Eastern University frustrated University of Santo Tomas with a 78-65 drubbing in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.The Tamaraws flipped the switch in the fourth quarter to turn the game around after trailing the Tigers early in the game.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Mos Burger to open in Manila; teases with a pop-up UAAP: UP can field in Ricafort, but face risks if TRO ‘invalid’ FEU head coach Olsen Racela commended his team a better second half performance after allowing UST to go tit-for-tat with the Tamaraws for the first 20 minutes.“I told the players that we have to grind it out since there’s no sure win in this league,” said Racela in Filipino. “We have to put in the effort, and it showed in the second half that we really have to grind it out.” Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours read more

Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Brian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defense Scottie Thompson also worthy of Finals MVP, thinks Cone OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson 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 ESPN chief resigns, citing ‘substance addiction’ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew MOST READ Point guard Mike Conley was shelved in mid-November with an aching left Achilles tendon . Their usually gritty defense disappeared. With Randolph being allowed to leave for Sacramento and Allen moving to New Orleans as free agents last summer, Gasol was the only one left from the core four that led Memphis to a franchise-record seven straight postseason appearances.The losses mounted, reaching eight straight when Brooklyn came to town. Inexplicably in a close game, Fizdale left Gasol on the bench the entire fourth quarter. In the postgame interviews, Gasol said he was given no explanation for the decision. Fizdale was fired the following day , leaving the perception Gasol used his influence for a change.Gasol reiterated Monday that he had nothing to do outside the court with Fizdale’s firing after just one season. Gasol said he obviously was not playing at the level he should but that he and Fizdale “couldn’t make it work.”“I think we both wanted what was best for the team, and we were not figuring it out how to be on the same page,” Gasol said. “It got to a point that things were getting out of control fast, and (management) decided to go in a different direction.”J.B. Bickerstaff was promoted to interim coach for the rest of the season. Yet the Grizzlies have lost 17 of their last 19 and are 14th out of 15 teams in the West.Gasol leads the Grizzlies in scoring, rebounds, assists and blocks. He said he understands Memphis trying to move forward without Randolph and Allen and develop younger players who don’t all understand the Grizzlies’ defensive approach.The Grizzlies announced Monday that backup forward Brandan Wright is expected to return from a right groin injury this week, which should help. Guard Wayne Selden, who has played only two games with a right quad injury, could return in two weeks. Conley’s status remains unchanged with another update expected in two more weeks.Gasol’s ties to Memphis go deep. He grew up here while older brother, Pau, played for the Grizzlies. He later was traded to Memphis as part of the deal that sent Pau to the Lakers. Now in his 10th year with the Grizzlies, Gasol never met with any other team before signing a multi-year contract with Memphis in 2015.The center insists he wants to stay with the Grizzlies and can’t imagine himself with another team. He also said he will do whatever is best for the franchise.“Obviously, if it comes to a point that the situation might improve, and I’m the issue to get better … I’m all for it,” Gasol said. Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Yes, Gasol had a strained relationship with Fizdale before the firing.Gasol called letting forward Zach Randolph and guard Tony Allen leave as free agents last summer a mistake.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 folkBut no, Gasol won’t ask to be traded.“I understand that I’ve made some mistakes,” Gasol said Monday. “I understand I’m responsible for some of the things – not all the things. In any relationship, there’s multiple moving pieces. Not just one. Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson View comments Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) controls the ball between Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Al Horford, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Marc Gasol wants to clear up a few things with the Memphis Grizzlies struggling through one of the worst stretches in franchise history, doing his best to defend himself.No, Gasol says he did not get David Fizdale fired as head coach.ADVERTISEMENT Meralco ‘never the same’ after Almazan injury in PBA Finals “There’s not a message I want to get across. I just want to win games.”A target for criticism, Gasol spoke for about an hour with a handful of reporters around a conference table to answer questions in a session that came at his request and was often retrospective and confessional with a touch of humor.“The season’s not going the way we all wanted early on, obviously,” Gasol said. “It’s not an easy situation for anybody.”The season couldn’t have started better. The Grizzlies won five of their first six games, including a win over Golden State and two against Houston to put them atop the Western Conference.Then the Grizzlies collapsed.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES read more

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ LOOK: Injured Gordon Hayward shoots free throws from chairSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next “I signed to play for the Boston Celtics this year now to only sit and watch the Boston Celtics this year. That part has been difficult and much more difficult to deal with than the pain.”Before breaking his ankle just five minutes into the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward was a sough-after free agent, who opted to sign with the Celtics to a four-year $128 million contract.Despite still not having an official timetable for his return, Hayward is adamant that he will return a much better player.“I work out every day to try to increase my range of motion and increase my strength in my legs so that I can be back as fast as I can,” he said in the same interview. “Whether that’s this year or this summer or next year, I will just let that happen. But for sure, as a competitor, I’m just trying to come back faster than anyone has ever done it.” Khristian Ibarrola /raRELATED STORY:ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES View comments Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending 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 Meralco ‘never the same’ after Almazan injury in PBA Finals Although the 27-year-old Butler University product’s health is improving each day, he is still far away from a possible return to the hardwood.In a recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Hayward gave an update on his status in responding to the mental hurdles he is currently facing.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“Which has been harder, the physical pain or the mental depression from the injury?” the host asked, to which he replied: “Definitely the depression.”“It’s been painful, but it’s nothing like sitting around watching the team you were supposed to be playing with this year,” Hayward explained, as relayed by Complex Sports. Brian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defense Scottie Thompson also worthy of Finals MVP, thinks Cone Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward grimaces in pain in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, in Cleveland. Hayward broke his left ankle on a play. AP/Tony DejakBoston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward appears to be on the fast track to a full recovery, as he shed his walking boot earlier this week after a gruesome NBA opening-night injury last October.READ: Gordon Hayward suffers gruesome ankle injury in Celtics’ season-openerADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew USOC CEO apologizes, says he was unaware of Nassar abuse Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours read more

Defending men’s singles champion Switzerland’s Roger Federer poses for a photo with his trophy during a ceremony for the official draw at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)MELBOURNE, Australia — With Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic among the walking wounded and Serena Williams already deciding not to defend her title, injuries and absentees have been the focus of attention ahead of the Australian Open.That’s not bothering Roger Federer, who is returning as defending champion just 12 months after entering the season-opening Grand Slam tournament seeded 17th and uncertain of his prospects after six months off the tour with an injured left knee.ADVERTISEMENT Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew This time, Federer breezily walked into the Australian Open drawcarrying the trophy just a few days after helping Switzerland win the Hopman Cup mixed team even. His 2017 comeback could be inspiration for the likes of Djokovic, who has won the Australian title a record six times but has been sidelined since Wimbledon with a right elbow injury.They’re in the same half of the draw — along with No. 4 Alexander Zverev, No. 5 Dominc Thiem, No. 7 David Goffin and No. 9 Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open winner who is also returning from injury.Nadal skipped the year-end championship last November and delayed the start of his 2018 season, so he’s also had only exhibition matches to see how his right knee has recovered.“If I’m not feeling good, probably I will not be here,” Nadal said after his error-filled loss to Richard Gasquet in an exhibition this week. “So that’s the good news.”Five-time finalist Andy Murray withdrew more than a week ahead of time, deciding to have surgery on a right hip problem that had kept him off the tour since Wimbledon. Kei Nishikori also withdrew.ADVERTISEMENT And so if the 2017 Australian Open was one for the ages — the revival of the Federer- Nadal rivalry and another Williams sisters final — the 2018 edition is shaping as a survival of the fittest.Serena Williams, who was pregnant when she beat Venus here last year to claim her 23rd major title, gave birth to her first child — Alexis Olympia — in September. She said it didn’t leave her enough time to feel confident of winning a major.The No. 1-ranking changed seven times in 2017, with five different women assuming top spot — three for the first time.Venus Williams says Serena is “here in spirit” supporting her in Australia, where she’s hopeful of ending an almost decade-long Grand Slam title drought. At 37, Venus is seeded No. 5, coming off a loss to former No. 1 Anglique Kerber in Sydney and has a tougher opener against Belinda Bencic, who combined with Federer last week to win the Hopman Cup.“I feel my biggest expectation is from myself,” Venus Williams said, dismissing any notion that age or expectations will weigh heavily on her. “No one ever wants to let themselves down.”She led the WTA Tour in prize money last year ahead of Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep, who ended the year at No. 1.Entering as the No. 1 seed for the first time at a major and at a tournament where she’s had back-to-back first-round exits, two-time French Open finalist Halep opens against teenage wild-card entry Destanee Aiava. She could face two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the third round and Karolina Pliskova in the quarters.Muguruza, who withdrew from the Sydney International before the quarterfinals with a sore right thigh after retiring during her first match at the Brisbane International because of cramping, is in the same quarter as U.S. Open finalist Madison Keys, Australian Open 2016 champion Kerber and five-time major winner Maria Sharapova, returning to Melbourne two years after a failed doping test here led to a 15-month suspension.Muguruza is expecting the constant changes at the top of the women’s game to continue in 2018.“I don’t feel there’s somebody that different from the rest,” Muguruza said. “This is going to be a very interesting year. A lot of changing, I feel.” Brian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defense Help on its way after Hidilyn Diaz puts spotlight on sorry state of training facilities LATEST STORIES He beat Nadal in a five-set final for his 18th Grand Slam title — and his first since 2012 — and later won Wimbledon.“I just thought that the game and the wins weren’t going to come … because I would just run into a red-hot Djokovic or Murray or Nadal or somebody and my game wasn’t going to be good enough,” Federer recalled. “I had all these great five-setters and, at the end, the epic match against Rafa. After six, seven matches, you start feeling like a different player, that you can’t miss anymore. The fifth set (of the final) was maybe the best set I ever played.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“What a comeback it was and it was definitely the highlight of the year.”Second-seeded Federer and No. 14-seeded Djokovic have almost traded places. Meralco ‘never the same’ after Almazan injury in PBA Finals Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki, who hasn’t won a major and last appeared in a Grand Slam final in 2014, is on the bottom half of the draw with Williams and has French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and last year’s Australian semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe in her quarter.While there were four different Grand Slam singles winners on the women’s side, with Ostapenko (French) and Sloane Stephens (U.S. Open) claiming their first titles, the men’s side rolled back the years with Federer and Nadal each winning two apiece.Djokovic, a surprise second-round loser here last year, is hoping he can get fit enough to change that in 2018.“I’m still not 100 percent — hopefully in three or four days I will be there,” Djokovic said after beating Thiem in an exhibition match at Kooyong this week. “I played better than I thought might happen, and most importantly I played without pain.”The 12-time major winner said he was doing everything possible to be ready in time for the Australian.“I’ll be over the moon if I can play,” he said. “Everything at the moment is going in the right direction.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson 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 Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Scottie Thompson also worthy of Finals MVP, thinks Cone View comments read more

Given a chance to shine, Heruela shows true worth 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 Halep spent just shy of 10 hours on court in her first five matches, the longest of any of the semifinalists, and fended off triple match point in her third-round win over Lauren Davis that ended 15-13 in the third.Wozniacki has had a slightly smoother run, though she had to save match points and rally from 5-1 down in the third set of her second-round win. She also had some nervous moments in her 6-3, 7-6 (2) semifinal win over Elise Mertens.Wozniacki appeared to be coasting against Mertens, getting breaks in the middle of each set. But she began getting tight when she was serving for the match at 5-4: From 30-15, she double-faulted twice and Mertens passed her with a forehand winner to level the set at 5-5.The No. 37-ranked Mertens lifted her intensity, holding her serve at love and then having two set points in the next game before Wozniacki eventually held in a service game lasting 8 ½ minutes.“I got really tight at 5-4,” Wozniacki said. “I think I was nervous. I didn’t do much wrong for the first three points of that game. I served two good serves, then I had that forehand down the line which I missed by a couple of millimeters. It was 30-15 instead of 40-Love. All of a sudden, yeah, it just turned around.”ADVERTISEMENT Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Halep was on a 10-match winning streak after collecting the title in Shenzhen, China, while Kerber was on a 14-match streak that included the Hopman Cup and her title run in Sydney.“Well, definitely was very tough. I’m shaking now — I’m really emotional,” Halep said after her 2-hour, 20-minute semifinal win over Kerber, the only major winner to reach the last four. “I’m really glad that I could resist. I had two match balls and I lost them. Today I was like a roller coaster — up and down — (but) I had confidence in myself.”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 folkFor Halep, now, it’s a first Grand Slam final appearance off the clay at Roland Garros. For Wozniacki, it’s a first Grand Slam final outside of America.Both finalists have had to save match points to reach Saturday’s championship match. Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track In the tiebreaker, Wozniacki’s experience made the difference.“Once she had set points. I thought, ‘OK, now you just have to go for it … she’s nervous now, too,’” Wozniacki said. “I managed to just gather myself and thankfully closed it out in the end.”The 27-year-old Dane squandered a match point in a semifinal here against Li Na seven years ago, but held her composure this time around and converted her first match point in the tiebreaker.Wozniacki lost U.S. Open finals to Kim Clijsters in 2009 and to Serena Williams in 2014, but it was that semifinal loss to Li that has haunted her most among her near-misses.“I’ve had many bad losses, many great wins (but) that’s one of the ones that hurt extra because it was going into the finals of a Grand Slam,” she said. “I felt like I was playing better on the day. I felt like it was my time to get there.“I think that’s why it hurt extra that I lost that day, especially with being one point away. I think if you ask any player, they always have one or two matches that they’ll think back on that hurt extra.”The last time the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds met in an Australian Open women’s final, No. 1 Serena Williams beat No. 2 Maria Sharapova in straight sets in 2015. That was 11 years after the previous time, when No. 1 Justine Henin beat No. 2 Kim Clijsters in three.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates after defeating Germany’s Angelique Kerber in their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)MELBOURNE, Australia — Simona Halep fended off Angelique Kerber to set up a high stakes Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki that will have a first Grand Slam title and the No. 1 ranking on the line for both players.After No. 2 Wozniacki had secured her spot in the final, top-seeded Halep raced to a 6-3, 3-1 lead in the second semifinal before Kerber rallied to force a third. Both players had chances to serve out the match, and both staved off match points in long and engrossing rallies, before Halep converted her fourth match point in a 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 victory.ADVERTISEMENT View comments Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours MOST READ Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew LATEST STORIES OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson read more

LATEST STORIES Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed But Pringle responded with his personal 6-0 spurt, hitting back-to-back triples to put the Batang Pier ahead for good, 90-85, with 6:49 to go.GlobalPort kept its foot on the gas pedal with a basket by Jeric Teng to beat the shot clock buzzer reestablishing a double-digit advantage before Julian Sargent put the game away by sinking a right corner triple off good ball movement, 103-87, with 1:37 left.RELATED VIDEO GALLERY: Barangay Ginebra back as PBA Governors’ Cup kings Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours 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 Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano View comments UK plans Brexit celebrations but warns businesses may suffer UAAP volleyball: La Salle back on winning track, hammers UE ADVERTISEMENT It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Sea turtle trapped in net freed in Legazpi City Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next “Our position got better with this win and we’re not focusing on getting the No. 6 spot to avoid facing one of the top two teams which have a twice-to-beat advantage,” said GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio, whose team climbed to 5-5.Kelly Nabong powered GlobalPort with an impressive effort on both ends, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks while Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle came up big in the fourth quarter that kept the Picanto at bay.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 folkAnthony also wound up with 21 points, six coming in the final frame while Pringle shot nine of his 15 points in the fourth.Kia momentarily took the lead, 85-84, after Reden Celda hit a 3-pointer and completed a three-point play with 7:58 remaining. MOST READ PBA IMAGESGlobalPort used a late run to hold off Kia, 108-91, and bolster its bid for a quarterfinals berth in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at Smart Aranetea Coliseum.The Batang Pier blew a 16-point lead in the third quarter before answering with a 24-6 run in the last seven minutes and 39 seconds of the game.ADVERTISEMENT read more