아시아뉴스통신

홈 > 스포츠

Scientists will study brain of former NFL player who police say killed five people then took his own life

Adams' father, Alonzo Adams, told Charlotte TV station WCNC on Thursday that his son was a quiet, good kid -- but he thought football had taken its toll. (File photo by=Tom Gannam/AP) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Officials said Friday that the brain of a former NFL player who police said shot and killed five people before taking his own life will be studied by researchers at Boston University. CNN said that York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said on Wednesday that Phillip Adams, 32, shot two air conditioning technicians -- killing one -- outside the home of a prominent doctor in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He then forced his way into Dr. Robert Lesslie's home. Lesslie, his wife, and two grandchildren, ages 5 and 9, were killed inside. York County Coroner Sabrina Gast said Friday her office reached out to Boston University to study Adams' brain to see whether he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE. Scientists believe that CTE results from repeated head trauma. In football, this can happen not just from hard hits that result in concussions but from the constant rattling of the brain inside the skull that occurs during tackles and other plays. These repeated hits are known as subconcussive hits and can result in a buildup of an abnormal protein called tau. Adams played six seasons in the NFL. In 2012, he suffered two concussions in a three-game span with the Oakland Raiders, his former agent told CNN earlier Friday.

Hometown pitcher throws the first no-hitter in San Diego Padres history

Joe Musgrove of the San Diego Padres threw a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers Friday. (Photo by= Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Pitcher Joe Musgrove tossed the first no-hitter in Padres franchise history on Friday night, as San Diego defeated the Texas Rangers 3-0 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The Padres, who started playing in 1969, were the only team in Major League Baseball to have never thrown a no-hitter, according to CNN. Musgrove struck out 10 and only allowed one base runner when he hit Joey Gallo, which prevented a perfect game. Afterward, Musgrove told reporters he was aware he had no hits late in the game but figured his pitch count was too high to continue. "It's incredible. It's cool to know that I'll always be recognized as the first one to do it. I think a no-hitter regardless of where you're playing is really special, but it almost seems like this was meant to be," Musgrove said. Musgrove added, "It feels really good to be in a Padres uniform when I did it. That was my first no-hitter I've ever thrown in my life. Pretty crazy it comes on a big league stage and in a Padres uniform." Musgrove grew up in El Cajon, a suburb of San Diego, and attended games at the Padres' Petco Park, according to the team.

Ex-NFL, FSU wide receiver Travis Rudolph jailed on first-degree murder charge

Former Florida State wide receiver Travis Rudolph, seen here on November 11, 2016, faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder. (Photo by= Logan Stanford/ Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Travis Rudolph, a former wide receiver for the Florida State Seminoles, faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with a shooting early Wednesday morning, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, CCN said. Deputies responded to a double shooting in Lake Park, Florida, soon after midnight Wednesday, the sheriff's office said in a statement. One man at the scene had been taken to a local hospital for treatment. Another man was found dead not far away in the city of West Palm Beach, the sheriff's office said. Investigators identified Rudolph as the suspect and he was arrested. He's being held without bond in the Palm Beach County Jail, the sheriff's office said in a statement. According to court documents, he faces one charge of first-degree premeditated murder and three charges of attempted first-degree murder. Highly recruited out of high school, Rudolph attended Florida State University, where he spent three seasons as a member of the Seminoles from 2014 to 2016. He received All-ACC Second Team honors his sophomore and junior seasons. Rudolph spent two seasons in the NFL as a player for the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. In 2017, he played seven games for the Giants, catching eight passes for 101 yards.

New Zealand v Australia: Tourists win rain-affected match to complete ODI series sweep

Australia won both the ODI and T20 series against New Zealand. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Australia completed a clean sweep over New Zealand with a 21-run victory in a rain-affected final one-day international of the series. The match was reduced to 25 overs a side after rain in Tauranga, according to BBC Sports. Australia posted 149-7, with White Ferns off-spinner Leigh Kasperek taking three wickets in five balls to disrupt their progress. However, New Zealand once again struggled for impetus with the bat, finishing on 128-9. Alysaa Healy top-scored for Australia with 46 but she, Ashleigh Gardner, and Rachael Haynes all fell to Kasperek in one over. New Zealand slipped to 51-4 and 77-6 in their chase, Megan Schutt taking 2-22 as the hosts struggled for runs. Georgia Wareham also took 2-25 on her one-day debut as Australia extended their record-breaking winning streak to 24 matches.

Social media abuse: Premier League managers call for football-wide boycott

Players wear anti-racism messages on their shirts. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Some Premier League managers have called for a football-wide boycott of social media platforms to combat continued abuse and discrimination, BBC Sports reported. Championship sides Birmingham City and Swansea and Scottish champions Rangers have announced week-long boycotts. Additionally, police are investigating racist and sexist comments sent to Liverpool winger Rinsola Babajide on Thursday. A league-wide boycott will be discussed at next week's Premier League meeting. The England women's Twitter account called on social media companies to "step it up" in response to the abuse directed at Babajide, which Liverpool have reported to the police. In response to the racist abuse directed at Babajide, a spokesperson for Facebook said: "There is no place for discriminatory abuse on Instagram and this comment has been removed for breaking our rules." Liverpool players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Naby Keita, and Sadio Mane were sent racist comments and emojis on Instagram after their Champions League defeat by Real Madrid earlier this week. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said it is a "big step in the right direction" for players to cut themselves off from social media. Two years ago, a number of footballers took part in the #Enough campaign - a 24-hour social media boycott in protest at a similar spate of abuse. However, there has been a recent increase in abusive messages being sent to players.

England lost to France in Caen

Kirby's spot-kick reduced the deficit with 11 minutes remaining, but Marie-Antoinette Katoto's close-range effort three minutes later sealed victory. (Photo by= Reuters) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Fran Kirby's penalty was England's only reward as they lost 3-1 to France in an entertaining friendly, according to BBC Sports. Goals in each half from Sandy Baltimore and Viviane Asseyi put the hosts in control in Caen. Kirby's spot-kick reduced the deficit with 11 minutes remaining, but Marie-Antoinette Katoto's close-range effort three minutes later sealed the victory. Nikita Parris and Beth Mead also had chances well saved by France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. A minute's silence was held before kick-off and the England players wore black armbands to mark the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. In world number three side France, England faced a team ranked in the world's top 10 for the first time since March 2020. Temporary boss Hege Riise, who’s also leading Team GB at this summer's Olympics, is likely to have taken a lot from their attacking display, with the Lionesses creating a host of chances only to be denied by a fine performance by goalkeeper Peyraud-Magnin. However, they looked vulnerable at the back without the injured Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze. Kadidiatou Diani had already gone close before her fine run and cutback set up Baltimore to power the ball into the top corner from the left side of the penalty area for the opener.

Euro 2020: Eight venues will have spectators watching games, says Uefa

Wembley will host the final on 11 July among its seven games. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Uefa announced that eight of the 12 host cities for this summer's Euro 2020 will have spectators attending games. BBC Sports said that the four remaining cities - Munich, Rome, Bilbao, and Dublin - have until 19 April to provide additional information on their plans before final decisions are made whether they can host matches. The Football Association expects 25% of Wembley to be full for its three group matches and one last-16 game and is hoping to have more fans for both semi-finals and the final. The tournament, delayed a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, will take place between 11 June and 11 July. Host associations had been asked to submit plans to accept fans by 7 April. London, Glasgow, Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Bilbao, Munich, Budapest, Baku, Rome, and Bucharest are all due to host matches. Meanwhile, Budapest aims to host spectators at full capacity, while Baku and St Petersburg have confirmed a 50% capacity, although the Russian city is hoping to increase that figure. Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Russia are the only nations that are planning exemptions from entry restrictions and requirements. Ticket holders traveling to these countries may be able to avoid entry bans or quarantine requirements.

Prince Philip: Sporting fixtures to pay tribute to Duke of Edinburgh

A two-minute silence was held at Craven Cottage before Fulham played Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Tributes will be paid across the sporting weekend to Prince Philip, who died on Friday aged 99. BBC Sports said that Aintree will hold a two-minute silence before the Grand National (17:15 BST), with jockeys wearing black armbands and flags flown at half-mast. There will be periods of silence before all Premier League and English Football League matches, with players and officials wearing black armbands. England women's Six Nations game against Italy will also pay tribute. The English flag will be flown at half-mast for Saturday's match at the Stadio Plebiscito in Padua and a two-minute silence will also be observed. England players and UK officials will wear black armbands for the match. All clubs in Scotland's four professional divisions will also observe a minute's silence this weekend. A moment of silence will be observed before all Cymru Premier and Welsh Premier Women's League matches this weekend, while the Northern Ireland Football League said a decision on tributes would be made by the clubs. Tributes will be paid at rugby league's Challenge Cup matches, while British Rowing athletes will wear black ribbons at the ongoing European Championships. Prince Philip was an honorary member of the Jockey Club and a former president of the Marylebone Cricket Club. He’s a Football Association president from 1955-57, and accompanied the Queen to Wembley when England won the World Cup in 1966.

China holds testing program for 2022 Beijing Olympics to curb virus

An official of the organizer said, "After the test program, we will analyze what is not enough while hearing opinions from the International Olympics Committee." (Photo by= Kyodo) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] China has been holding a testing program for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in a bid to gauge how the country can take steps to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading during major sports events,Kyodo reported. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, the organizer continually monitors venue staff's temperatures and checks to make sure journalists can work remotely. The 10-day test run is scheduled to be held through Saturday at five of the Feb. 4 to 20 Winter Games venues, where skating, curling, and other on-ice matches took place. At a venue for ice hockey, around 1,000 staff members had wireless chip-type thermometers placed under their arms and other parts of the body. The data was sent to the management center via smartphone. All the staff members have already received a coronavirus vaccine, according to the organizer. Spectators have been allowed to enter some venues, but they have been prohibited from sitting side-by-side. Before the entry, they have also been required to present their health code on a smartphone, which can confirm whether they have a high risk of infection. The system, launched by the Chinese government in early 2020, assigns citizens multicolor QR codes to register where they went and whether they had contact with infected patients.

'엘 클라시코' 레알 VS 바르셀로나, ‘혼전’ 라리가 우승 경쟁 분수령 될까

(사진출처=바르셀로나, 레알 마드리드 공식 SNS) [아시아뉴스통신=이상진 기자] 11일 새벽, 지상 최대의 축구 쇼로 불리는 라이벌 매치 ‘엘 클라시코’가 펼쳐진다. 스페인 라리가를 넘어 전 세계 최고의 명문 클럽으로 꼽히는 레알 마드리드와 FC 바르셀로나. 두 강팀이 벌이는 자존심을 건 한 판 승부에 전 세계 축구 팬들의 시선이 집중되고 있다. 한 치 앞을 알 수 없는 우승 경쟁을 벌이고 있는 두 팀의 2020-21 라리가 30라운드 경기는 11일 새벽 3시 45분 스포티비 온2(SPOTV ON2), 스포티비 나우(SPOTV NOW)에서 독점 생중계된다. 80년대 중반부터 지난해까지 쭉 대부분의 우승트로피를 나눠 가졌던 레알과 바르셀로나지만, 올해는 얘기가 다르다. 두 팀 모두 시즌 초반 삐끗하면서 또 다른 강팀 AT마드리드에게 선두 자리를 내준 것. 하지만 시즌 중반 이후부터는 양팀 모두 정상 궤도를 되찾으면서 라리가 왕좌를 두고 3강 구도가 형성됐다. AT마드리드가 승점 66점으로 아슬아슬한 1위를 지키고 있고, 바르셀로나와 레알 마드리드가 각각 승점 65점, 63점으로 2위와 3위에 올라 있어 우승팀 향방은 그야말로 안갯속이다. 늘 많은 관심 속에 치열하게 펼쳐지는 엘 클라시코지만, 이번 경기는 더욱 뜨거울 전망이다. 혼전 속에서 승자는 단숨에 리그 선두로 치고 나갈 수 있기 때문이다. 바르셀로나의 쿠만 감독 또한 “엘 클라시코는 항상 중요하게 생각한다”면서 “이번에는 레알과 바르셀로나 모두 우승을 위해 AT마드리드와 싸우고 있어 더욱 중요하다”고 강조했다. 2위 바르셀로나는 지난해 12월 카디스전 이후 리그에서 19경기 연속 무패를 기록하고 있고, 무승부도 단 세 번에 불과하다. 레알 또한 리그 9경기 연속 무패를 이어가는 중이고, 지난 7일 새벽에는 챔피언스리그 8강 1차전에서 프리미어리그 디펜딩챔피언 리버풀을 3대 1로 제압해 기세가 하늘을 찌른다. 상승세의 두 팀 중 누가 선두에 오를까. 최근 우열을 가릴 수 없이 선전을 이어가고 있는 두 팀이 만나는 이번 시즌 마지막 엘 클라시코는 11일 새벽 3시 45분 스포티비 온2(SPOTV ON2), 스포티비 나우(SPOTV NOW)에서 독점 생중계된다 dltkdwls3170@naver.com

안산그리너스FC, 안방경기 문제없다…전남 상대로 홈 2연승 도전

오는 11일 경기 안산시의 안산그리너스가 전남을 상대로 홈경기에서 2연승에 도전한다.사진은 최건주 선수가 드리볼하는 모습./사진제공=안산그리너스 [아시아뉴스통신=신영철 기자] 경기 안산시의 축구 구단인 안산그리너스FC가 전남드래곤즈를 홈으로 불러 승리에 도전한다. 안산은 오는 11일 오후 1시30분 안산 와~스타디움에서 전남과 '하나원큐 K리그2 2021' 6라운드를 치른다. 안산은 현재 5경기를 펼친 현재 안산은 2승 2무 1패 승점 8점으로 3위에 올라 확 달라진 모습을 보여주는 안산이 안방 경기를 통해 선두 승리를 향해 추격에 나선다. 안산은 지난 3일 부산아이파크와 펼친 원정 경기에서 1-1로 비겼고, 최건주의 선제골을 지키지 못한 건 아쉽지만 쉽지 않은 원정에서 값진 승점을 챙긴 부분과 무패 상승세를 이어간 것은 고무적이다. 안산은 부산을 상대로 준비한 플레이를 잘 보여줬고, 왕성한 움직임이 장점인 김륜도, 이상민, 김현태를 통해 상대 빌드업을 방해하는 전방 압박이 주효했고 뒤로 물러선 상황에서는 송주호, 연제민, 김민호의 스리백이 안정감을 지탱했다. 하지만 문전 혼전으로 동점골을 내준 장면은 아쉬웠지만 이번 시즌 경기당 1골 정도만 내주는 짠물 수비를 이어갔다. 공격에서도 최건주와 아스나위의 새로운 측면 조합이 의미를 부여했고, 지난해 영플레이어상 후보에 오르며 안산이 기대하는 유망주로 자리 잡은 최건주는 2년차 징크스 우려를 떨치는 멋진 골로 이목을 끌었고, 워낙 스피드가 좋아 안산의 역습 축구에 용이하다. 인도네시아 대표팀 출신의 아스나위가 K리그에 순조롭게 데뷔한 점도 값지다. FA컵에서 우측면 수비수로 첫 선을 보인 아스나위는 부산전에서 우측 윙어로 새로운 능력을 보여주며 빠르게 국내에 적응한 모습이라 이준희, 민준영과 함께 오른쪽 공수에서 안정된 선발 로테이션을 가져가게 됐다. 여러 조합의 성공 가능성을 본 안산은 전남과 홈경기에서 승리를 다짐 하고 지난해 홈 첫 승이 늦어 마음고생이 컸지만 올해는 다르다. 이미 충남 아산전을 통해 안방 승리를 신고했으며 기세를 몰아 홈 2연승을 한다는 것이 목표다. 상대인 전남은 3경기째 승리가 없어 흐름면에서 안산이 탁월하며 지난 2019시즌부터 전남에 홈 전적 2승 1무로 무패행진이라 더욱 기대가 크다. 전남과의 홈경기를 앞둔 김길식 감독은 “홈에서 지지 않겠다는 강한 의지를 드러내며. 지난 시즌에는 늦게 첫 승을 올렸지만 올 시즌에는 일찍 승리를 올렸다며 철저히 준비를 잘해 반드시 이기겠다”고 말했다. sinyouc119@hanmail.net

안산그리너스FC 강수일, ‘K리그 드림어시스트‘ 멘토단 참가

10일 경기 안산시 축구 구단인 안산그리너스FC 강수일 선수가‘K리그 드림어시스트‘ 멘토단에 참가한다. 사진은 K리그 드림어시스트 발대식 단체사진./사진제공=안산그리너스 [아시아뉴스통신=신영철 기자] 경기 안산시의 축구 구단인 안산그리너스FC(구단주 윤화섭) 강수일이 K리그 공식 후원사 현대오일뱅크, 대한축구협회 축구사랑나눔재단이 함께하는 사회공헌 캠페인 ‘K리그 드림어시스트’에 멘토로 참여한다. ‘K리그 드림어시스트’는 전, 현직 K리그 선수의 자발적인 참여로 프로축구선수를 꿈꾸는 축구 유소년들에게 1:1 멘토링을 진행하는 프로그램이다. 9일 복합문화공간 ‘에무(emu)’에서 진행되는 발대식을 시작으로 강수일은 션, 이영표, 조원희, 조현우 등 현역선수 7명, 은퇴선수 17명 총 24명의 멘토들과 함께 ‘K리그 드림어시스트’ 2기로 활동할 예정이다. 올해 11월까지 진행되는 ‘K리그 드림어시스트’를 통해 강수일은 1:1 멘토링 뿐만 아니라, 멘토와 멘티가 함께 K리그 경기를 관람하고 토크콘서트에 참여하는 등 활발한 활동으로 축구 꿈나무들을 지원할 예정이다. 한편, 안산은 오는 11일 오후 1시 30분 와~스타디움에서 ‘하나원큐 K리그2 2021’ 6라운드 전남과의 홈경기를 갖는다. sinyouc119@hanmail.net

China suffers consecutive losses at men's curling worlds

Chinese skip Zou Qiang delivers a rock vs. Canada at the Men's World Curling Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, March 31, 2019. (Photo by=IC) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] China suffered two straight defeats at the world men's curling championship held in Calgary in Canada on Thursday, China Daily reported. China lost to Germany 8-4 in the 19th round and then suffered another defeat losing to Japan 7-6 in the 20th round. China led Germany 3-2 after the five-end break, but Germany gathered momentum and won three points in the sixth end. After that, Germany never looked back. In the 20th round, China and Japan played a close match that was tied 3-3 after six ends. China earned one point in the seventh but in eighth Japan responded by taking two points. China took two points of their own in the ninth end to bring the score to 6-5 in their favor. In the 10th end, Chinese skipper Zou Qiang executed a freeze with his last stone to attempt to neutralize one of two Japanese stones in the house. With the last stone advantage, the Japanese skipper Yuta Matsumura took out the Chinese stone, earning two points for a 7-6 win.

Football: Nadeshiko Japan rout Paraguay 7-0 in friendly

Japan forward Mana Iwabuchi (L) attempts a shot on goal in the first half of an international friendly against Paraguay at Yurtec Stadium Sendai on April 8, 2021. (Photo by=Kyodo) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Mana Iwabuchi led the way with a goal in each half Thursday as Japan thrashed Paraguay 7-0 in an international women's friendly. Kyodo said that five different Nadeshiko Japan players found the net at Yurtec Stadium Sendai in the team's first international outing since March last year. Defender Moeka Minami opened the scoring after a corner kick in the sixth minute, and Aston Villa forward Iwabuchi doubled the advantage with a composed finish 20 minutes later. Head coach Asako Takakura's side, ranked 10th in the world, took a 3-0 lead into the break after Paraguay defender Tania Riso put the ball into her own net under pressure. Iwabuchi helped set up a goal for Yuika Sugasawa early in the second half before capitalizing on a mix-up between a defender and goalkeeper Isabel Ortiz to net her brace midway through the term. Injury-time goals from substitutes Yuka Momiki and Mina Tanaka completed the rout."The players fought hard and showed what they are capable of in defense and attack," Takakura said."I think the team was able to execute the game plan, but couldn't always finish, so that's something to work on." Nadeshiko Japan will continue warming up for this summer's Tokyo Olympic Games with another friendly against 47th-ranked Paraguay at Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday.

PBA chair wants league ‘Warriors’ vs China team friendlies

PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas.(Photo by= PBA IMAGES) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas came up with a plan to kickstart the league’s 46th season, proposing an exhibition match between the Chinese national team and a select squad,PH Inquirer Sports reported. In a statement, Vargas said that there could be a PBA Warriors selection team to go up against China with former Gilas coach Yeng Guiao leading the Filipino side. “I think he would be perfect to lead a courageous charge for national pride and honor,” said Vargas of Guiao. “I would like to see Season 46 jumpstarted with this exhibition match, the technical aspects of which could be crafted by our tournament officials. We need to give our people inspiration and hope. I will even join the team in their ‘friendlies.’ As Vargas envisioned a series of exhibition matches between Team Dragon and the select team, the most important thing to do is get the players vaccinated. The PBA has yet to finalize the start for the 2021 season with the league pushing back tip-off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases in the Philippines increased with the total number of infections reaching 840,554 on Friday after 12,225 new cases were reported.

K League contenders looking to create two-horse race for 3rd straight year

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors this 2021. (Photo from K League United) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] SEOUL - They've dominated South Korean club football for the past two years. And Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, the K League 1 champions in both seasons, and Ulsan Hyundai FC, runners-up both times, are trying to turn the 2021 season into yet another two-horse race. Jeonbuk are sitting pretty atop the tables thanks to an eight-match undefeated run to open the season. With 20 points from six wins and two draws, Jeonbuk are three points ahead of Ulsan (five wins, two draws and one loss). Below Ulsan are three clubs all tied up at 12 points: FC Seoul, Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Seongnam FC. In 2019, Jeonbuk and Ulsan were tied in points with 79 apiece, and Jeonbuk prevailed on their tiebreak edge in goals scored. FC Seoul were a distant third with 56 points. Last year, Jeonbuk topped the table with 60 points, three ahead of Ulsan. Pohang ended in third place at 50 points. The top two contenders will try to create an even larger gap between themselves and the rest this coming weekend. Jeonbuk will have an eminently winnable match against Incheon United at 7 pm Sunday at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. Incheon are stuck in 10th place with seven points.

Alex Eala exits W60 tournament after bowing to hometown bet

“Alex Eala has achieved two important victories at the @ITFTennis tournament in Bellonzona and will climb more than 200 places in the WTA rankings. VAMOS! MABUHAY!” tweeted the academy. (Photo by= Rafa Nadal Academy) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Alex Eala’s journey in Switzerland has come to an end after she absorbed a three-set loss to hometown bet Simona Waltert, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 in the third round of ITF W60 Bellinzona tournament Thursday (Manila time), according to PH Inquirer. “Alex Eala has achieved two important victories at the @ITFTennis tournament in Bellonzona and will climb more than 200 places in the WTA rankings. VAMOS! MABUHAY!” tweeted the academy. This was the third match between Eala and Waltert with the 20-year-old Swiss prospect now holding two wins against the Filipino teen prodigy. The 15-year-old Eala won her first match against Waltert back in March in the W25 Manacor tiff, 6-1, 6-4, but lost the second, 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, in the W25 Manacor tournament. A Rafa Nadal Academy scholar, Eala powered through her first matches in Switzerland defeating World No. 323 Margot Yerolymos of France, 7-6 (6), 6-2, in the first round and World No. 206 Laura-Ioana Paar of Romania, 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-0, in the second. Eala has yet to win another title after her W15 Manacor championship in January when she defeated Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in Spain.

Despite tough loss, Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin pleased with early-season performance

Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays. (Photo from The Score) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] SEOUL -- In his first two starts of the 2021 season, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays has limited opponents to four runs in 12 1/3 innings. He has struck out 12 and walked just one. Compare those numbers to the first two outings of 2020, when he was roughed up for eight runs on 13 hits in just nine innings combined. He also uncharacteristically walked four batters in that span. This is why, despite his 0-1 record after a tough loss against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday (local time), Ryu is pleased with his early-season performance. "I've been able to limit opponents to under three runs in both of my games so far, and I think I am doing what a starting pitcher is supposed to do," Ryu said in his postgame Zoom sessions with the media. "Things are going much better than last year after two games." In his Opening Day start last Thursday, Ryu kept the New York Yankees to two runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Rangers managed two runs in seven innings against the Korean left-hander. The Blue Jays gave him zero run support, though, as they fell 2-1. The lone run came via Marcus Semien's solo home run in the eighth inning, after Ryu's day was finished.

Women's football coach says Olympic dream not over yet despite loss to China

South Korean's Women football head coach, Colin Bell. (Photo from The League Paper) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] SEOUL-- One loss, however crushing it may be, won't end South Korea's dream of playing in the women's football tournament at this year's Tokyo Olympics, head coach Colin Bell said Thursday. Bell's charges lost to China 2-1 in the opening leg of the Olympic women's football qualifying playoffs at Goyang Stadium in Goyang. Wang Shuang's 73rd-minute penalty was the difference in a hard-fought contest. Down by one goal in the aggregate score and by two in away goals, South Korea face an uphill battle in the second leg, set for Tuesday at Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre in Suzhou, China. In case of a tie in the total score, the team with more away goals will hold the tiebreaker. This means South Korea must take the next match by at least 3-2. A 2-1 South Korean victory will set up extra time because the two sides will be deadlocked in both the aggregate score and the away goals. A 1-0 win won't suffice for Bell's team. In his post-match press conference, Bell lamented that South Korea "gifted them both goals." The first score, by Zhang Xi in the 33rd minute, came after a momentary lapse of concentration in the box. The second-half penalty was awarded after a physical challenge by Son Hwa-yeon on Tang Jiali.

Choo Shin-soo belts 1st homer in KBO

Choo, the 2018 American League All-Star for the Texas Rangers, had gone 0-for-10 with two walks prior to Thursday's game and had reached on an error in the first inning of this contest. (Photo from Reddit) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] INCHEON -- After hitting 218 home runs over 16 years in the majors, Choo Shin-soo has now homered for the first time in South Korea. The new outfielders for the SSG Landers launched a solo home run off Hanwha Eagles' starter Nick Kingham in the bottom of the third inning of their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) regular-season game on Thursday. The no-doubter traveled 115 meters into right-field seats at Incheon SSG Landers Field in Incheon. That one swing took care of a lot of firsts for Choo: in addition to being Choo's first KBO home run, it was also his first hit and gave him his first RBI and first run in the Korean league. Choo, the 2018 American League All-Star for the Texas Rangers, had gone 0-for-10 with two walks prior to Thursday's game and had reached on an error in the first inning of this contest. "I feel like I should have made it here (to the postgame press conference as the Player of the Game) earlier in the season," Choo said after the game. "I wanted to do something early in the season, and I was feeling some pressure because things weren't going my way. I want to thank my teammates because they played so well in the first three games while I was struggling."

Sol Bamba: Cardiff City defender allowed to resume training

Sol Bamba joined Cardiff City following his release from Leeds United in 2016. (File photo by= Huw Evans Picture Agency) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Cardiff defender Sol Bamba has described the "pure joy" of resuming light training, according to BBC Sports. The Bluebirds announced in January that the Ivory Coast international was being treated for cancer. The 36-year-old was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has been undergoing chemotherapy. Bamba has been allowed to take part in "light, socially-distant training" ahead of the final session of his chemotherapy course. "There's still a long way to go, but it's a very important step for me and one that I'm so happy to take," Bamba said. "The last couple of months have been very difficult for me and the family so to be ahead of schedule and out there with the lads enjoying myself has been unbelievable." "I'm fortunate as I've got a lot of support from the footballing world, from my club, teammates, and everyone I know in football around the world."

MLB All-Star Game will move to Denver

It will be the second All-Star Game in Denver since the 1998 Midsummer Classic at Coors Field. (File photo by= Jeffrey McWhorter/ AFP) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Coors Field in Denver: home of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies, will be the new host of this year's All-Star Game, according to CNN Sports. "Major League Baseball is grateful to the Rockies, the City of Denver and the State of Colorado for their support of this summer's All-Star Game," MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. said in a statement. The statement said the Rockies were already in the bidding process to host a future All-Star Game, and had supplied a detailed plan for hotel, event space and security. Additionally, MLB staff already made visits to Denver. MLB also noted the commitment of Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock to provide the necessary facilities and services. "We are confident that our organization along with the city, state, VISIT DENVER and the Denver Sports Commission are capable of putting on this premier event in a relatively quick time frame because of the preparations that had already been done," Rockies Chief Operating Officer Greg Feasel said in the statement. It will be the second All-Star Game in Denver since the 1998 Midsummer Classic at Coors Field. Political leaders in the state had expressed enthusiasm about potentially hosting the game before MLB officially confirmed the change.

ESPN fired Paul Pierce after his racy Instagram Live video

On Monday, Pierce posted a short video of him smiling with the caption, "Big Things coming soon stay tuned make sure u smile #Truthshallsetufree." (Photo by=Paul Marotta/ Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] ESPN fired NBA analyst Paul Pierce after the Boston Celtics legend posted a racy Instagram Live video over the weekend. CNN said that the video featured Pierce in a room with exotic dancers. The cable sports network ended its working relationship with Pierce Monday, an industry source told CNN Business. ESPN declined to comment on Pierce leaving the network. Representatives for Pierce also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The news of Pierce's firing was first reported by Front Office Sports. Pierce was an analyst for the network on multiple NBA shows. That included the studio show, "The Jump" and its pregame show "NBA Countdown." Pierce, who went by the nickname "The Truth," won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008. Pierce joined ESPN before the 2017-2018 season. The racy nature of the live stream was likely a breaking point for ESPN — a company owned by the family-friendly Walt Disney Company (DIS). Also, Pierce and others in the video do not appear to be wearing masks or following Covid protocols that have been set up at the network. Pierce seemingly addressed the situation on Twitter shortly after the news broke. It’s unclear if anyone will replace Pierce on ESPN's NBA programming or if the network will just rotate in other commentators, reporters, and analysts to fill his spot.

Phillip Adams: South Carolina shooting suspect named as former NFL player

Mr Adams, pictured in 2010 when he was a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Authorities in South Carolina have identified the man suspected of shooting and killing five people as former NFL player Phillip Adams. Dr Robert Lesslie, 70; his wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69; grandchildren Adah Lesslie, 9; and Noah Lesslie, 5; and worker James Lewis, 38, were killed. The family was found in their home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, 30 miles (48km) from Charlotte, North Carolina. The attack came as President Joe Biden announced new gun control measures. Officials said the murders were committed on Wednesday evening by Mr. Adams, 32, who then killed himself after a standoff with police. Police said that Mr. Adams' parents live near the doctor's home and that he shot himself in a bedroom thereafter police attempts to get him to leave the house voluntarily failed. The motive for the attack remains unclear. A person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity said that Dr Lesslie had treated Mr. Adams. Mr. Adams played in 78 NFL games over five seasons for six teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets. On Thursday, an NFL spokesperson expressed condolences in a statement, saying: "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims of this devastating tragedy."

French Open postponed by one week in hope more fans can attend

Matches at the 2020 French Open were played in front of a maximum capacity of 1,000 fans. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] The French Open was postponed for a week in the hope that more spectators will be permitted to attend. BBC Sports reported that the Grand Slam tournament at Roland Garros will now run from 30 May to 13 June with qualifying the week before. The 2021 tournament is now due to finish just two weeks before the start of Wimbledon. Its postponement is set to have an impact on the ATP and WTA calendars, with the grass-court season scheduled to start on 7 June with tournaments in s Hertogenbosch, Stuttgart and Nottingham. The ATP and WTA governing bodies said in a joint statement they were "working in consultation with all parties impacted by the postponement". France is in a third nationwide lockdown amid a surge in coronavirus cases, which president Emmanuel Macron previously said he expected to end in mid-May. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) said postponing was the "best solution". In 2020, the French Open was postponed to autumn because of the pandemic. Rafael Nadal won the men's singles title - his 13th at Roland Garros - while Polish teenager Iga Swiatek won her first Grand Slam title in front of a crowd of 1,000 fans, which was the maximum permitted at the time.

Man Utd too strong for Granada in first leg

Marcus Rashford has scored eight goals in European competition this season-six in the Champions League and two in the Europa League. (Photo by= Getty Images) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Manchester United took a big step towards the Europa League semi-finals with an away win over Granada in the first leg of their last-eight tie. BBC Sports said that Marcus Rashford put United ahead when he superbly collected Victor Lindelof's long pass and slid a finish past home goalkeeper Rui Silva. Yangel Herrera, on loan from Manchester City, hit the outside of the post for the Spanish side and ex-Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado also fired wide. United doubled their lead late on when Bruno Fernandes squeezed a penalty past Silva after Yan Brice fouled the Portuguese midfielder. The second leg is at Old Trafford in a week's time with the aggregate winners advancing to a semi-final against either Ajax or Roma, with the Italian side leading that tie 2-1 after the first leg in the Netherlands. United have now only lost one of their past 17 matches in all competitions but will be without midfielder Scott McTominay, left-back Luke Shaw, and central defender Harry Maguire for the second leg as they will all be suspended after picking up bookings in Spain. United hasn't won a trophy since winning the Europa League four years ago when Jose Mourinho's side defeated Ajax. They have not reached a final in Solskjaer's two and a half seasons in charge.

IPL 2021: The world's biggest T20 cricket competition kicks off on Friday

Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals by five wickets in last year's IPL final.(Photo by= BCCI) [Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] The richest franchise tournament in world cricket is back on Friday as the Indian Premier League kicks off its 14th edition. BBC Sports said that the global cricketing superstars - including India icon Virat Kohli and England all-rounder Ben Stokes - will be on show in the Twenty20 tournament, with ball-by-ball radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live sports extra and online. The 2021 IPL returns to India after last year's competition took place in the United Arab Emirates because of Covid-19. This year, for at least the beginning of the tournament, matches will be played behind closed doors. But despite the lack of boisterous Indian crowds and with bio-secure bubbles and quarantine rules in place. There are eight franchises representing different cities in India, with matches taking place in neutral venues across six cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The competition begins with Mumbai Indians - the current holders and most successful team in IPL history - facing Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai. Each squad has a maximum of eight overseas (non-Indian) players but no more than four can be selected in a starting XI. The top four sides will then enter the play-offs, with the final taking place on 30 May.