Luis Manzano jokes about Mikee Morada’s proposal to Alex Gonzaga: ‘Baka nagtali lang ng sintas’ Adamson boosted its Final Four bonus bid, while University of Santo Tomas pulled off a shocker to keep its semifinals hopes alive Tuesday in the UAAP juniors’ basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre.Gerry Abadiano fired 18 points, Jason Celis added 12 points while Evan Agbong had 11 points and eight rebounds as the Baby Falcons routed De La Salle-Zobel, 78-51, to stay on top of the standings at 10-1.ADVERTISEMENT 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 LATEST STORIES DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. ‘Neymar Jr’s Five’ football tournament reaches Manila Ben&Ben, IV of Spades, SB19 win big at 5th Wish Music Awards Bulacan inmates, jail guards raise donations for Taal victims Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town The Tiger Cubs won back-to-back for the first time this season, ending the game with a telling 9-0 run to nip Far Eastern University-Diliman, 54-52, and dropping the Baby Tamaraws to third place. FEU-Diliman’s stunning defeat allowed defending champion National University, which came away with a 107-56 winner over University of the East, to seize solo second.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnJohn Lloyd Clemente came through with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals while Rhayyan Amsali had a double-double effort of 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Bullpups improved to 9-2, a full game ahead of the Baby Tamaraws in the race for the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. SJ Belangel sizzled with 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while Dave Ildefonso contributed 20 points as Ateneo solidified its hold of the No. 4 slot with a 103-77 dismantling of UP Integrated School. Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely MOST READ Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal CJ Cansino had a solid 20-point outing as UST booked its fourth win in 11 matches in fifth place to bolster its slim Final Four aspirations.The Tiger Cubs trail the Blue Eaglets (6-5) by two games in the race for the remaining semis berth at stake.The Junior Archers and the Junior Maroons are on the brink of elimination with their eighth defeat in 11 starts, while the Junior Warriors fell at 1-10. ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Anne Curtis talks about renewing faith in God amid the world’s ‘noise and clutter’ View comments
Monthly Archives: January 2020
Shell-shocked Alab five losing steam, bows to HK
PSC talent search kicks off Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties HK EASTERN LONG LIONS 83—Lamb 24, Boone 23, Elliott 18, Fong 5, Chan 5, Guinchard 4, Lau 3, Tang 1, Lee 0, Wu 0, Chung 0, Ip 0.ALAB PILIPINAS 61— Domingo 15, Hughes 12, Celiz 12, Parks Jr. 9, Fortuna 7, Carter 6, Acuna 0, Hubalde 0, Mendoza 0, Cawaling 0.Quarters: 24-12, 48-28, 67-44, 83-61Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Alab was on the wrong end of a blowout for the second time in three nights as the Lions scored an 83-61 victory Sunday night at Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex here.Despite the rousing home crowd support, the Filipinos had no answer to the visitors’ early barrage as they fell behind early on their way to a fifth defeat in their last six games.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“We just have to get our acts together in the next game because it’s not going to get easier for us from hereon,” said Alab coach Mac Cuan, whose team will play the Lions again on Sunday in Davao City.With the loss, Alab also went down to an even 9-9 record. But while they don’t look in danger of losing the third seed to the Saigon Heat, serious concerns over their performance abound as they head into the playoffs. Photo from Asean Basketball League Facebook pageSANTA ROSA, Laguna—The Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions and Alab Pilipinas are flashing contrasting forms as they head into the homestretch of the elimination round in the 2017 Asean Basketball League.Unfortunately for the Filipino club, they look like they are the ones losing steam at the tailend of a gruelling season, while the Long Lions are growing in confidence.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. The Lions looked sharp with their long-range shooting clicking anew as they sealed top spot and homecourt advantage for the rest of the playoffs with a 10th straight victory.The Filipinos were looking to turn things around after losing twice via double-digit margins to the Long Lions, including an 87-100 defeat on Friday at Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong.But just like in their first two meetings, the Lions dominated the game right from the get-go with the trio of Tyler Lamb, Marcus Elliot and Josh Boone doing most of the damage.Lamb fired 24 points on 5-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc, while Boone, an NBA veteran, wound up with 23 points and 19 boards.HK LIONS 83 – ALAB PILIPINAS 61ADVERTISEMENT Duterte promises to look for funds to establish rail transport in Cebu Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos MOST READ ‘Bad Boys for Life’ debuts so good with box office top spot ‘1917’ takes top honor at the Producers Guild Awards LATEST STORIES 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 Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home ‘It’s not my shame’: Why Filipino women are calling out sexual misconduct on social media View comments
Aces tap new import days before first game as Ellis flies home
Valdez, Maraño, Gonzaga ready to bring experience to nat’l team “Octavius had to take care of a family emergency and we don’t get in the way of family man so we respect him and wish the best for him,” Compton told INQUIRER.net on Wednesday after practice. “There’s a bit of a challenge. That’s just part of import conferences that you gotta get somebody else.”“I’m working to get somebody here. It looks like we have a guy but I just don’t call somebody and say hop on a plane, be here tomorrow. It’s a little bit more extensive than that,” Compton added. “But we do have a guy we like that we’re working and hopefully we can get that process done and get him here as soon as we can.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnThe replacement import, whom Compton refused to name, is expected to arrive in Manila on Thursday.Compton, though, doesn’t want to speak too soon. MOST READ ‘1917’ takes top honor at the Producers Guild Awards Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next LATEST STORIES Alaska will be bringing in a new import just days away from its opening game in the Commissioner’s Cup after Octavius Ellis had to head home due to a family emergency.Although the Aces have already secured a backup to replace Ellis, head coach Alex Compton said the real challenge is getting enough time for the new import to adjust right with three days away from Saturday’s game against the GlobalPort Batang Pier.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Duterte promises to look for funds to establish rail transport in Cebu 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 View comments “I’ll know it when we pick him up from the airport and I see that he’s got two working legs and he’s good, but right now, we’re working on somebody. Like I said, the turnaround time for these things isn’t overnight. It’s a process,” he said.Veteran swingman Dondon Hontiveros also hopes the import won’t have a hard time in learning Alaska’s system.“We just lost our import because of personal matters and he has to attend to family matters and that’s the challenge we’re facing right now,” Hontiveros said.“We only have a few days left before our first game and it would be hard for the import to do everything with only a few days before the first game. But hopefully, with our system it’s just going to be easy for him to adjust. Guys are really willing to help.”ADVERTISEMENT ‘It’s not my shame’: Why Filipino women are calling out sexual misconduct on social media Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties ‘Bad Boys for Life’ debuts so good with box office top spot
Warriors coach willing to take pay cut for reduced NBA schedule
‘Bad Boys for Life’ debuts so good with box office top spot LATEST STORIES ‘1917’ takes top honor at the Producers Guild Awards Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is among those who seem to maximize the scheme, having rested his key players on some stretches of the long NBA season.On Wednesday, the reigning NBA Coach of the Year suggested that the regular season be cut from 82 games to 75—even at the cost of taking a pay cut.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“I wouldn’t be opposed to it, even at the expense to my own salary, but it’s something that everyone would have to agree to,” he told ESPN. “I think even just going down to 75 games, I think that would make a dramatic difference in schedule. Now I don’t see that happening because there is money at stake for everybody.”The issue has become a rough topic over the years, which San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich popularized to get his aging stars ready for the playoffs. 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 Steve Kerr AP FILEThe ongoing debate whether players without injuries should be allowed to sit out games has been the latest mystery in the league today.READ: Popovich, coaches searching for answers on rest issueADVERTISEMENT Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Day heads home as his mother faces lung cancer surgery ‘It’s not my shame’: Why Filipino women are calling out sexual misconduct on social media Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties Duterte promises to look for funds to establish rail transport in Cebu Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Last week, the defending champions Cleveland Cavaliers sat out their trio of superstars LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving against the Los Angeles Clippers. Both the Warriors and Spurs also rested their starting units during their previous match-up.Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver already released a memo to team owners regarding resting healthy players, calling it “an extremely significant issue for our league.” Khristian Ibarrola /RARELATED STORY:Karl Malone rips NBA for healthy players sitting out gamesADVERTISEMENT Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town View comments
Ateneo completes elims sweep, blasts NU
LATEST STORIES Presidency bid needs ‘deep reflection’ – Sara Duterte Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town The Ateneo Blue Spikers celebrate after getting a point in Game 2 of the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Finals. Led by Marck Espejo (2nd from right) and Ysay Marasigan (right), the Blue Spikers notched their second straight UAAP title. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.netDefending champions Ateneo completed its immaculate run in the elimination stage of the UAAP Season 79 men’s volleyball tournament after a three-set sweep of National University, 25-17, 25-21, 25-16, Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.The Blue Eagles finished with a 14-0 card and got an automatic bye to the finals while the 12-2 Bulldogs get to wait in the semifinals as the second seeds.ADVERTISEMENT Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Bryan Bagunas had nine points to lead NU.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Dozens wounded as Iraqi protesters up pressure on government Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Canadian military mobilized to help Newfoundland dig out Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely
Despite reaching a perfect card, Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro said they still have to double their effort if they have plans of retaining their title.“It’s history, yes, but we’re not yet done,” said Almadro. “We have to reset, we have to start back, the 14-0 is now history, we’re in the Finals but the job is not yet done. We will prepare for the championship.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnMarck Espejo, who played under the weather against the Bulldogs, still finished with a game-high 16 points while Antony Koyfman and Rex Intal had 11 and 10 points, respecrively.Almadro said his three-time MVP has had fever the past days due to the fatigue he sustained from the academic load as a senior in Ateneo. MOST READ LeBron, Cavs stunned by Hardaway, Hawks SpaceX launches, destroys rocket in astronaut escape test 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 On the edge of America, census begins in a tiny Alaska town Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos View comments
NBA: LeBron sparks Cavaliers to playoff sweep of Pacers
Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Irving added 28 points while Kevin Love pulled down 16 rebounds, Tristan Thompson grabbed 11 and James contributed 10 rebounds in the victory.Lance Stephenson came off the Indiana bench to lead the Pacers with 22 points. CBBSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Presidency bid needs ‘deep reflection’ – Sara Duterte Final Four exit to serve as challenge for FEU, says Delos Santos Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ 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 Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James is defended by Indiana Pacers’ Paul George during the second half in Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Sunday, April 23, 2017, in Indianapolis. Cleveland defeated Indiana 106-102 and won the series 4-0. APLOS ANGELES, United States — LeBron James scored 33 points and made key plays late to give the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers a 106-102 victory at Indiana and a sweep of their playoff series.The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 4-0 in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round matchup and will next face the winner between the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks.ADVERTISEMENT
LATEST STORIES Wildlife rescuers asked to turn over animals to DENR Bulacan town gears up for biggest cookie jar Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely READ: James tops NBA’s most popular jersey list in PHJames sank a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a 103-102 edge, made a steal, then missed another 3-point shot, but Kyrie Irving grabbed the rebound and Kyle Korver was fouled, hitting two free throws to stretch the Cavaliers lead to 105-102.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnIn the dying seconds, Indiana’s Paul George missed a 3-pointer and James grabbed the rebound. Fouled with one second remaining, he sank a free throw to create the final margin.“Tough team,” James said of the Pacers. “We knew we had something to deal with but we locked in. We listened to our coaching schemes and stuck with the plan and got the job done.” MOST READ View comments
Barcelona wins Copa del Rey in Luis Enrique’s last game
LATEST STORIES Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Back in the saddle It was the final competitive match at Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon Stadium, which will be demolished to give way to a housing complex. Atletico moves into a new venue next season.Alaves, the minnow Basque Country club promoted to Spain’s top flight this season after 10 years in the lower divisions, was playing in the final of a major tournament for only the second time in its 96-year history. The other was the UEFA Cup 16 years ago, when it lost to Liverpool 5-4 in extra time.Barcelona dominated and opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a well-placed shot by Messi from just outside the box after a pass by Neymar.Alaves, which beat Barcelona in the Liga, equalized three minutes later with a superb free kick shot by Theo Hernandez.But Barcelona regained control with a couple of goals just before halftime. Neymar scored after a pass by Andre Gomes in the 45th and Alcacer added to the lead from inside the area after a great slalom run by Messi three minutes into stoppage time.ADVERTISEMENT Swing Out Sister back to PH this April Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next 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 Trump’s impeachment defense, prosecutors dig in China reports 17 new cases in viral pneumonia outbreak Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, second left, celebrates celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during the Copa del Rey final soccer match between Barcelona and Alaves at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday May 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)MADRID — The Luis Enrique era in Barcelona came to an end with the coach lifting one last trophy.The coach raised the Copa del Rey after Barcelona defeated Alaves 3-1 in the final on Saturday.ADVERTISEMENT
Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer Lionel Messi, Neymar and Paco Alcacer scored in the first half as Barcelona won its third straight copa and 29th all-time.Luis Enrique capped his three-year stint with the club with his ninth title out of a possible 13.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnSPORTSBreak new groundHe celebrated by waving his winner’s trophy and singing the club’s anthem in front of the Barcelona fans who traveled to the final in Madrid.“We finished the season how we wanted to finish it,” Luis Enrique said. “I leave with the feeling of mission accomplished.” More Taal volcanic quakes recorded despite weaker eruptions Gerald: Just because I’ve been bashed doesn’t mean I’d stop working For Ina, portraying a zombie is like an ‘out-of-body experience’ End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Alaves almost opened the scoring when Ibai Gomez struck the post after a blunder by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique just before Messi’s goal.“There are mixed feelings,” Alaves coach Mauricio Pellegrino said. “We are disappointed with the result, we had high hopes, but we are happy for what we did the entire season.”It was only the second title for Barcelona in a relatively disappointing season. It was eliminated by Juventus in the quarterfinals of the Champions League and lost the Spanish league title to Real Madrid in the final round last weekend. Its other title was the Spanish Super Cup.Luis Enrique, who made the surprising announcement in March that he was leaving Barcelona so he could get some rest, never lost a Copa del Rey home-and-away series since he took over the club, a run of 12 straight triumphs ahead of the final.Defender Javier Mascherano had to be substituted less than 10 minutes into the game with a head cut after colliding with an Alaves defender. He also injured his right knee on the play, and was on crutches during the title celebrations.Barcelona played without striker Luis Suarez because of a suspension.Before the game, five members of a radical group of Barcelona supporters were arrested after they allegedly robbed and trashed a small store in the Spanish capital.Barcelona’s victory meant Athletic Bilbao will earn the final spot from Spain in the Europa League. Athletic finished seventh in the Spanish league, outside of the automatic qualification spots, but it earned a berth because Barcelona will play in the Champions League. Alaves needed to win the Copa del Rey title to qualify. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Six Jamaicans get all-expenses-paid trips to see Bolt in London
For Garnet Tucker, a public-sector professional and Camperdown High School past student, this is simply an unbelievable opportunity. “Camperdown is our local sprint factory, so you know I’m an athletics fan. Those days in the 1980s were lovely,” he recalled, reflecting on the likes of Usain Bolt’s coach, Glen Mills, who as a student coached several members of the Camperdown track team; and the country’s first Olympic gold medallist over the 100 and 200 metres, Donald Quarrie, one of the high school’s most famous alumni. He explained that he was drawn to JN VISA credit card because of the mutual structure of JN Bank. “It’s the bank you own and I thought to myself: that’s something to look into, because it means the management will take us seriously when there is an issue,” he said. For Sheena Baker, a small business owner in Kingston, who has never won a competition before this one, winning this trip was a perfect first time. The chef-in-training is also an avid track and field fan. “I’m not excited yet. I’m going to be excited when I get to the airport and I realise that this is really real,” she said. “Over the decades, and particularly at this point in our athletics history, track and field has become a very important part of the Jamaican identity and global brand,” said Candice Minott, manager, brand and integrated marketing at JN Bank. Loxley Tulloch is a neighbour of the legendary Usain Bolt in the Corporate Area, but the avid track fan has never seen the sprinting phenomenon blaze down the track in “live and living colour”. However, that will change soon, as the shipping executive and his wife are preparing to jet off to London, England, to attend the 16th IAAF World Championships, August 4-13, and to see Usain Bolt perform in his final hurrah. The St George’s College old boy is one of three JN Bank members, and their guests, who have won all-expenses-paid trips, plus hotel accommodations, to the upcoming championships, after simply activating and spending approximately $10,000 with their JN Bank VISA credit card. But, the circumstances which placed Tulloch, a JN member of more than 35 years, in a winning position were not ideal. However, for him, despite circumstances, the prize is definitely a boon. “My daughter had a bad accident, and she was hospitalised; and they (the medical staff) needed some things for her, which had to be bought privately. I was not sure how I would come up with that kind of money overnight,” Tulloch disclosed. Luckily, he had recently received a JN Bank VISA Classic credit card, which he had set aside for use in an emergency. The emergency had emerged. Bolt, the fastest man on earth, will compete only in the 100 metres at his final World Championships. UNBELIEVABLE OPPORTUNITY
French kiss! – Les Bleus win second ever FIFA World Cup title
MOSCOW (AP): Taking turns sliding across the rain-soaked turf holding the FIFA World Cup trophy tight, teenager Kylian Mbappe and the rest of France’s players acted like the youthful bunch they are. Nothing, not a Pussy Riot protest nor a postgame downpour that soaked Russian President Vladimir Putin, was going to stop the party. It carried on long after a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia yesterday. In the locker room with French President Emmanuel Macron striking poses with players, then a champagne-spraying, water-splashing interruption of the coach Didier Deschamps’ news conference. “Sorry! They’re young and they’re happy,” said Deschamps, like a proud father. Deschamps had good reason to indulge them. His team is mostly aged 25 or under and can return almost intact to defend their title in 2022 in Qatar. “Our children are going to be very proud,” forward Antoine Griezmann said. “The World Cup, it’s a lot.” The 19-year-old Mbappe became only the second teen after Pele to score in a World Cup final. Mbappe had just shown his electrifying speed in the 52nd minute when play was held up by four protesters who ran onto the field. Russian punk band Pussy Riot later took credit for the incident – watched from the VIP seats by Putin, whose government once jailed members of the activist group. Charges were filed against the group yesterday, too. Putin was later on the field to award medals to the players in a ceremony soon drenched in rain and joy. As thunder pealed and lightning cracked, FIFA president Gianni Infantino handed France captain Hugo Lloris the gold World Cup trophy. Gold confetti stuck to the soaked Les Bleus as they paraded the trophy around the Luzhniki Stadium, a final act of an enthralling tournament in which Croatia reached its first final while powers Brazil, Germany and Argentina went home early. About 12 minutes after a protester gave Mbappe a double high-five on the field, Mbappe sent a right-footed shot from 25 yards past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic. The goal put France up 4-1, closing the door on Croatia who had been the better team until Mbappe took control. The only other teen to score in a World Cup final was Pele, who was 17 when Brazil beat Sweden 5-2 in 1958. Mbappe, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain in the French league, was born months after France won its only other World Cup title in 1998. “I have a whole story to write,” Mbappe said. “This is just the beginning.” DRENCHED IN JOY
French Open bans Serena’s catsuit
PARIS (AP): Serena Williams will no longer be allowed to wear her skin-tight black catsuit at the French Open. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) president, Bernard Giudicelli, says the tournament that Williams has won three times is introducing a dress code to regulate players’ uniforms because “I think that sometimes we’ve gone too far”. In an interview in Tennis Magazine’s 500th edition, Giudicelli singled out the figure-hugging black suit that Williams wore this year at Roland Garros and said made her feel like a superhero. Giudicelli said: “It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place.” He said Roland Garros’ new rules won’t be as strict as Wimbledon’s, which require that players wear white, but will “impose certain limits”. Many player uniforms for 2019 have already been designed, but Giudicelli said the FFT will be asking manufacturers for an advanced look at them.