Ginebra rips Kia for back-to-back wins
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/Inquirer.netBarangay Ginebra didn’t even need its import Justin Brownlee to play in the fourth quarter on Wednesday.Brownlee had already done his work through three quarters and the Gin Kings outclassed an overmatched Kia Picanto side, 120-99, in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.ADVERTISEMENT Reden Celda had a team-high 21 points for the Picanto, who slid to 0-4.RELATED VIDEO LeBron James scores 31 points, Lakers beat Rockets 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson View comments Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles03:13Robredo pushes back, asks what’s the real figure on drug war01:40Filipinos 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 Ginebra flaunted its depth and had eight players scoring at least eight points led by Brownlee and Slaughter, who finished with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists in just his third game back since being sidelined for 10 months due to an ACL injury.Even the 37-year-old Mark Caguioa, who is in his 15th season in the league, got into the scoring act and came away with a season-high 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field in less than 14 minutes off the bench.The Gin Kings, who climbed to 2-1, never trailed and led by as much as 34, 98-64. They went on a 16-2 run in the first three and a half minutes of the third quarter to take a 74-45 lead and put the game away for food.Ginebra clicked on both ends of the floor, assisting on 39 out of its 44 made field goals and limiting Kia import Markeith Cummings to just 14 points on 6-of-20 shooting from the field with five turnovers in 35 minutes.The Gin Kings’ assist total was the most in 14 years, according the league head statistician Fidel Mangonon. Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson dished out a game-high 10 assists.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES PSC partners with USANA Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend MOST READ McGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return ‘I’m out!’: PewDiePie releases last video before taking break from YouTube Indian national gunned down in Camarines Sur Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ The versatile forward had his fingerprints all over the game, nearly having a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists with two blocks to boot in close to 32 minutes of action.The Gin Kings, who are even deadlier than before with the 7-foot Greg Slaughter getting back into top form, just had too much firepower for the Picanto.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’“We kind of displayed all of our weapons tonight, all of our weapons came in play,” Ginebra head coach Tim Cone told reporters.“I just thought we had too many weapons for Kia, too many people they had to account for,” said Cone. “But I’m really happy with the focus of our guys, coming out and sustaining it for 48 minutes.” Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Kawhi Leonard, Clippers rally to beat Pelicans
End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Paras, whose father Benjie also won for the country a SEA Games gold, added that he will be taking on whatever role the coach requires of him.“You know I’m not selfish,” he said. “I won’t walk in and be like I wanna be the main scorer or anything like that. If coach tells me to defend, I’ll defend the best player out there. If he tells me to rebound, I’m gonna do it as much as I can.”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’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next LATEST STORIES Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Teen gunned down in Masbate 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. SEA Games 2019: No surprises as Gilas Pilipinas cruises to basketball gold PLAY LIST 06:27SEA Games 2019: No surprises as Gilas Pilipinas cruises to basketball gold01:45Explosive Gilas Pilipinas not yet at its best, says Tim Cone00:50Trending 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 Albay to send off disaster response team to Batangas
Gilas Pilipinas routs Iraq, stays unscathed in Fiba Asia Cup 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano MOST READ Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano warn public of fake account posing as her 2 nabbed in Bicol drug stings Photo from Fiba.comNineteen-year-old basketball sensation Kobe Paras said Gilas Pilipinas will be a dominant force in the coming Southeast Asian Games and doesn’t mind taking a reduced role in the team’s gold-medal bid.“You can see the lineup, this is the best I’ve been part of,” said Paras, who has played in the US NCAA Division I, during a sendoff for Team Philippines Thursday night. “My teammates, when I was in high school, these guys are the ones I looked up to.”ADVERTISEMENT View comments
End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend A costly, catty dispute finally settled DAY6 is for everybody It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next PH bid in Aimag goes in full swing “It’s a high-scoring game and we shot well from the field, even from the three-point line,” said Arespacochaga. “But we also gave a lot of points to FEU and they shot the ball well also and they got to the line a lot of times more than what we would’ve wanted to.”“But we’re happy to come off with a win, especially since this is our third game in eight days.”Anton Asistio added 16 points while Matt Nieto and Vince Tolentino combined for 21 points.Wendell Comboy had 12 points to lead the Tamaraws.ADVERTISEMENT Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene How to help the Taal evacuees Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netAteneo remained spotless in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball fending off Far Eastern University, 94-82, Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.The Blue Eagles have the best record in the league with a 3-0 card while the Tamaraws are at 1-2.ADVERTISEMENT In ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ Comedy and Drama Collide
OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Thirdy Ravena had an all-around game with 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for Ateneo.FEU battled back in the fourth with Arvin Tolentino cutting the lead down to nine, 87-78, on a triple but Matt Nieto had the quick counter hitting a three of his own to put Ateneo back up by a dozen, 90-78, with 3:09 left.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogRavena, then, essentially finished FEU after tipping in Anton Asistio’s missed three at the 2:30 mark to give Ateneo a 92-80 lead.Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga was proud of what his team had done on the offensive side of the floor but he wanted more effort on the defensive end after they allowed FEU to score more than 80 points. Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award View comments Mos Burger to open in Manila; teases with a pop-up MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES
Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed The pivotal Game 3 is on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.“Game 3 is going to be different. We’re definitely going to be ready.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Saddled with foul trouble, Rice had no doubt TNT locals could get job done PBA IMAGESBarangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee praised TNT for its execution on both ends of the floor in Game 2 of their semifinals series.Aiming to avoid facing a 0-2 hole in a best-of-5, the KaTropa played with a sense of urgency and it showed from the onset.ADVERTISEMENT View comments In ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ Comedy and Drama Collide Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ DAY6 is for everybody LATEST STORIES It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson “They just came out aggressive. They just came out like they needed to win,” said Brownlee after a 103-96 loss.TNT took an 18-point lead early in the second quarter before Ginebra mounted a rally and made it interesting.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“We kind of countered their aggression in the second quarter, but they were just really focused, and whatever their game plan was, they executed it very well, gave us a problem tonight.” The KaTropa took the Kings’ best shot and rolled through the punches with Glen Rice Jr. and Jayson Castro delivering in the crucial stages. Rice and Castro combined for 41 points. Castro held TNT together in the third quarter when Rice had to sit on the bench the entire third quarter with four fouls.A well-rested Rice, then, flourished in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of his 21 points.“They just came out very physical. Early, we didn’t match it, but I think in that second quarter, we battled them pretty good. But I think they were just very focused on the details, on how they were guarding certain players,” said Brownlee, who topscored with 25 points.Rookie Roger Pogoy served as one of TNT’s anchors defensively that caused problems for Ginebra’s execution and disrupted the Kings’ offensive flow.“I think that’s a conference-low for us. I think we definitely need to move the ball better,” said Brownlee, referring to Ginebra’s 20 assists. “They did a good job, they were pressuring on the passing lanes, so I have to give a lot of credit to Talk ‘N Text.”ADVERTISEMENT Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles01:24Tsukii seizes kumite Gold, focuses on making Olympics next01:07SEA Games: PH dancesport plucks 4 gold medals so far02:14Carpio 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 OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson How to help the Taal evacuees Mos Burger to open in Manila; teases with a pop-up Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. The Titans, who also paraded new signees Arvin Tolentino and Kyles Lao, finally won after four tries.The Generals slumped to 0-4.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 folkIn the second game, Gamboa-St. Clare whipped Jose Rizal U, 93-76, for its third straight win.The Titans almost lost the game after leading by as many as 28 points as Cedric de Joya, Cedric Ablaza, and Jerome Garcia moved the Generals to within 95-93 in the final 11.0 seconds. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson View comments Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Robbie Manalang remained a force to reckon with as AMA Online Education finally ended its drought with a 96-93 win over Batangas-EAC in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Monday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.Manalang, the former Adamson playmaker, sizzled anew in his second game for the Titans, finishing with a conference-high 40 points on 8-of-16 shooting from three-point zone.ADVERTISEMENT Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year 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 Martinez could only muster a split from the foul line to keep the door open for Batangas-EAC in the last 9.9 ticks, but Earvin Mendoza and Garcia both muffed their attempts that could have forced overtime.“Maybe the players just got tired,” said AMA coach Mark Herrera. “But we got players who can score. At least now, we have options where we can go in our games.”Meanwhile, Mila’s Lechon has decided to withdraw from the league, citing internal problems.Team owner Aika Salanguit made the announcement to discontinue the Mighty Roasters’ campaign in their maiden conference.Mila’s Lechon ended its stint with a 0-4 card and an average losing margin of 26.3 points—RANDOLPH B. LEONGSON, INQUIRER.NETADVERTISEMENT MOST READ LATEST STORIES OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Philsteel returns as major sponsor of PBA Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next
SEA Games 2019: Filipina fencers bag gold medal in team epee PLAY LIST 01:38SEA Games 2019: Filipina fencers bag gold medal in team epee03:24PH’s James Palicte boxing light welterweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)00:50Trending 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 MOST READ On her way to the title, Ochoa defeated Luna Barea of Spain on points to set a fierce showdown finale opposite Nelson, who toppled eventual bronze medalist Shouq Aldhanhani of United Arab Emirates in the semifinals.“I just talk to God on every fight and He was the one who fought for me out there,” said Ochoa, an Under Armour endorser and three-time jiujitsu world champion.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 folkShe also expressed gratitude to Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez and Philippine Sports Institute national training director Marc Velasco for supporting her London trip.Ochoa, competing in the women’s Newaza -45kg category, delivered one of the two gold medals the Philippine captured in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed Annie Ramirez, who accounted for the other gold in Turkmenistan, wasn’t as successful as Ochoa in London over the weekend.Ramirez fought in the finals of the women’s 62kg purple belt division and lost to Caroline Prill of Ireland while Kaila Napolis also took home a silver after Elina Moestam of Sweden defeated her in the gold-medal match of the women’s 55kg category.Ochoa and Ramirez are tipped to win the gold in the forthcoming Asian Games in Indonesia.They will also compete in the Abu Dhabi World Pro next month, European Jiujitsu Championships in June and the Thailand Open on June 16.ADVERTISEMENT CONTRIBUTED PHOTOJiujitsu specialist Margarita “Meggie” Ochoa again conquered the world stage with a gold medal in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiujitsu World Tour held in London.The 27-year-old world champion forced Fransisca Nelson of Indonesia to call it quits with a paralyzing choke to rule the women’s -49kg purple belt division Monday at the Copper Box Arena, a multi-sport venue used for the 2012 London Olympics.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next LATEST STORIES UK plans Brexit celebrations but warns businesses may suffer Well-suited Keuchel, champ Astros set for White House visit Sea turtle trapped in net freed in Legazpi City It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson 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 Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil 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 “We need to learn from our experiences last season. We’ve been in this position, leading 3-2 before. So we know how it is,” he said.“After the game, there were no celebrations. We just need to focus on our next game because we couldn’t let them get that game. We want that game and we’ll push as hard as we can to get it. And it all starts on defense.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew In Liverpool, Man United sees the pain and path to recovery “We’re confident on each other that we’ll be able to perform. We were lucky that we made the right adjustments and they weren’t able to keep up in the fourth quarter,” he said in Filipino.Sangalang played a key role in Magnolia’s killer 16-4 blast to open the fourth quarter that extended a 59-58 lead to a decisive 75-62 advantage with seven minutes to play. He scored six of his 12 points during that crucial stretch. while also hauling down 11 rebounds and dishing out six assists in the win.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 folkWith everything seemingly clicking for the Hotshots, Sangalang, who also had 11 rebounds and six assists, is hopeful that they can sustain their groove heading into Game 6 on Tuesday as they aim to finish the job off at Smart Araneta Coliseum.But just like what Magnolia coach Chito Victolero has been preaching, the Hotshots have to learn from their mistakes if they want to finally end their finals drought. Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown among SAG Awards presenters Conor McGregor seeks to emerge from controversy in UFC comeback Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina
PBA IMAGESANTIPOLO — Already without the injured Marc Pingris and coming off a horrible performance in Game 4, Magnolia silenced its doubters with an 87-78 win over NLEX on Sunday to take a 3-2 lead in their 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series.Ian Sangalang believes the stellar showing in Game 5 was rooted in the team’s collective confidence as the Hotshots almost had the perfect game plan in foiling the Road Warriors.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Cabuyao City rising above the ashes through volunteerism Recto seeks to establish Taal rehab body to aid community, eruption victims Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Paul Lee warns Magnolia against complacency ahead of Game 6 LATEST STORIES View comments
Santiago admits: I thought Pons would win UAAP MVP P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Pledging to unite their efforts are (from L-R) former PSC commissioner Akiko Thompson, PSI president Ral Rosario, PSL head Susan Papa and PSL Secretary General Dr. Susan Benasa. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOChalk another victory up for sports.The embattled national swimming program saw light in the horizon Tuesday when leaders of two warring organizations agreed to unify themselves to further the development of the sport.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast LATEST STORIES 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 Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames But the PSI’s recognition of PSL has made Papa optimistic that her pool of swimmers will finally get “the chance to win for the country.”Papa was joined by PSL secretary general Dr. Susan Benasa while former pool star Akiko Thompson accompanied Rosario.The development is seen as part of the sporting community’s effort to heed the call of new Olympic chief Ricky Vargas to shoot for inclusion instead of exclusion.Rosario called the development a “new era for swimming that will finally mend (the sport).”ADVERTISEMENT Philippine Swimming Inc. head Ral Rosario and Philippine Swimming League chief Susan Papa have vowed to unify their efforts toward a truly national program when the two met in a press conference Tuesday morning at Behrouz Persian Cuisine in Quezon City.The united stand by both now allows the PSI to include talents from the PSL in its pool of athletes for the formation of national teams to international competitions.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 crownRosario said the unification provides hope of a “turnaround of Philippine swimming from bad to best.”Papa and the PSL had long been at loggerheads with the PSI, especially when the national federation of swimming was under former president Mark Joseph. Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Italy’s Fabio Fognini falls as he returns the ball to Austria’s Dominic Thiem during their Italian Open tennis tournament match, in Rome, Wednesday, May 16, 2018. (Ettore Ferrari/ANSA via AP)ROME — Fabio Fognini got the Italian Open crowd fired up with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 win over sixth-seeded Dominic Thiem to reach the third round Wednesday.Italy’s top player came out wearing a black shirt with a red lightning bolt design down his chest and he was energized from the start, grazing the flower beds lining the court to return Thiem’s high-bouncing topspin serves and frustrating the Austrian with well-placed lobs and touch volleys.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES China population now over 1.4 billion as birthrate falls “I beat a top clay-courter,” Fognini added. “I think I deserved it at the end. … I ruined a few flowers but I think the federation can afford to buy some new ones.”Thiem was already looking ahead to the French Open, which starts on May 27.“It’s a loss which is not too painful, which is just motivating me for the next weeks,” the Austrian said.In women’s action, Simona Halep routed Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-0 for the first of two wins she needs this week to keep Caroline Wozniacki from taking her No. 1 ranking.Last year in Rome, Halep rolled her ankle in the final and lost a lead and the championship to Elina Svitolina.Wozniacki eliminated Belgian qualifier Alison van Uytvanck 6-1, 6-4, three-time Rome champion Maria Sharapova came back to beat Dominika Cibulkova 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, and 1999 Rome champion Venus Williams advanced with a 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 win over Elena Vesnina.Maria Sakkari of Greece rallied past sixth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.At 5-5 in the third, Pliskova got engaged in a lengthy argument after she had an overhead smash called out. The chair umpire acknowledged that she “lost” the ball mark and therefore said the point should be awarded to Sakkari. On the next point, Sakkari converted a break then served it out.After the match, Pliskova didn’t shake hands with the chair umpire and struck the chair several times with her racket.Also, U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens held off a comeback from Estonian qualifier Kaia Kanepi in a 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 victory, and seventh-seeded Caroline Garcia defeated Timea Babos 6-3, 6-4. “I played very well today,” said Thiem, who beat Rafael Nadal in the Madrid Open semifinals last week. “It was just him, he was very pumped playing at home.”Nadal, a seven-time Rome champion, and four-time champion Novak Djokovic also advanced. Nadal routed 31st-ranked Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 6-0, while Djokovic beat Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-2.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown“It was important after a loss in Madrid to come back strong. And that’s what I did today,” Nadal said.Nadal will next face Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov, who got by Robin Haase 7-6 (3), 6-7 (5), 6-3, while Djokovic will play Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who rallied past eighth-seeded John Isner 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5). De La Hoya ‘75%’ sure of Golovkin-Alvarez September rematch In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ 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 Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Winfrey details her decision to withdraw from Simmons film
View comments Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Former No. 1 Angelique Kerber rallied past Irina-Camelia Begu 3-6, 7-5, 7-5, and 14th-seeded Daria Kasatkina eliminated American qualifier Danielle Collins 6-2, 6-3.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Weinstein rape trial Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Dave Chappelle donates P1 million to Taal relief operations Defending champion Alexander Zverev beat Italian wild-card entry Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-2.Also on the red clay of the Foro Italico, Kei Nishikori rallied to beat third-seeded Grigor Dimitrov 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4, and Juan Martin del Potro eliminated Greek qualifier Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3.While Fognini drop-kicked his racket onto the court after a miss early in the third set, it was Thiem who ultimately lost his cool. In the final game, Thiem smashed his racket into a mangled wreck and handed it to a befuddled fan in the front row.When Thiem netted a service return two points later to end it, the White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army was blasted over the stadium sound system and the crowd began singing along in an atmosphere that more closely resembled a soccer game than a tennis match.“We’re finally connecting and I think that’s the most beautiful thing,” Fognini said of the crowd, which whistled him off the court following an erratic performance a few years ago. “They finally understand me.ADVERTISEMENT
FORWARDSIn the 4-2-3-1 formation, Mandzukic leads the attack and scored five goals in qualifying, taking his tally to 30 in 82 appearances.With support from Inter forward Ivan Perisic and AC Milan’s Nikola Kalinic, they should pose a real threat. Hoffenheim striker Andrej Kramaric also stepped up in qualifying, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory at Ukraine, securing a spot in the playoffs.Keep an eye on Perisic’s head. When an outline of a map of Croatia was shaved into his hair at Euro 2016, Perisic scored twice. When he replaced it with the red and white checkerboard design of Croatia’s flag sprayed into his cropped hair for a match against Portugal, he didn’t score and Croatia was eliminated from the tournament.GROUP GAMESCroatia opens its Group D campaign against Nigeria on June 16 before facing Argentina on June 21 and Iceland on June 26.FULL SQUADGoalkeepers: Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Lovre Kalinic (Gent), Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb)Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Domagoj Vida (Besiktas), Ivan Strinic (Sampdoria), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Sime Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid), Josip Pivaric (Dynamo Kiev), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen), Duje Caleta-Car (Red Bull Salzburg)Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan), Filip Bradaric (Rijeka) FILE – In this Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 filer Croatia’s players pose for a team photo prior to the World Cup Group I qualifying soccer match between Ukraine and Croatia at the Olympiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File)Even with the talent oozing through the squad, Croatia only squeezed through the playoffs to qualify for a second straight World Cup.More is expected of Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic in Russia.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Lyon goalkeeper Danijel Subasic has become the first choice after conceding twice in eight qualifiers. Subasic, who has made 36 international appearances since his debut in 2009, might also be able to chip in with goals. He scored from a free kick while playing for Lyon in 2012. Gent’s Lovre Kalinic is the likely backup.DEFENDERSSubasic has decent support from the defensive line. In qualifying, Croatia only conceded four times, the same as World Cup holder Germany and reining European champion Portugal.The defense could yet be stronger. Vedran Corluka is back at full strength after missing last year with an Achilles tendon injury. A veteran of 98 international appearances, the 32-year-old Lokomotiv Moscow center back has experience from the Premier League with Manchester City and Tottenham, where he played alongside Modric.Domagoj Vida of Besiktas and Josip Pivaric of Dynamo Kiev were mainstays in the team in qualifying. Liverpool center back Dejan Lovren is also available.MIDFIELDERSCroatia’s creative midfield pairing of Modric and Rakitic might be facing its last chance to deliver at this World Cup. Modric is 32, with 105 caps, and Rakitic is 30 and has made 91 appearances.Croatia needs them to replicate their club form at a major tournament. So far, their best achievement with the national team was reaching the Euro 2008 quarterfinals.Dalic has a number of other attractive choices who are hungry to impress: Milan Badelj, who became the captain of Fiorentina after Davide Astori died in March; Sime Vrsaljko of Atletico Madrid; Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic; and Modric’s Madrid teammate, Mateo Kovacic.With such creative power, Croatia should be able to outplay most opponents. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Whenever an opponent scored, Croatia could find no way to win.Here’s a closer look at the Croatia team:COACHZlatko Dalic took charge at a critical time with one game remaining in qualifying. The win over Ukraine carried Croatia into a playoff series against Greece that Croatia won 4-1 on aggregate. His immediate impact was called “phenomenal” by Modric. Although Dalic had been in charge of clubs in United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia since 2010, he wasn’t entering unknown territory given he worked with many players as assistant coach of the under-21 national team.GOALKEEPERSADVERTISEMENT Winfrey details her decision to withdraw from Simmons film Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Weinstein rape trial LATEST STORIES Can they emulate the performance in 1998 when Croatia finished third at its first World Cup?Davor Suker, who was that tournament’s top-scorer, now has overall responsibility as the head of Croatia’s football federation.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 crownAfter France, Croatia qualified for three more World Cups in 2002, 2006 and 2014 but was always eliminated in the group stage.In qualifying for the 2018 edition, Croatia was robust in defense but lacked consistency in attack. Only 15 goals were scored, the second lowest after Ireland among the top two finishers from all qualifying groups in Europe. 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