Author Archives: markthatmike

By Agence France-Presse JOHANNESBURG– The racial transformation of the Springboks roared into overdrive when Siya Kolisi skippered a team including six black players to a Rugby World Cup final triumph over England. South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi (C) lifts the Webb Ellis Cup as they celebrate winning the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup final matchContinue reading “Racial unity powers South Africa to Rugby World Cup crown”

By WAYLON GALVEZ The Philippine Sports Commission is implementing stricter rules and guidelines in providing financial assistance to athletes next year. PSC chairman Butch Ramirez said only performing athletes would receive assistance next year based on their achievement in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. PSC chairman Butch Ramirez reiterates that only performing athletes inContinue reading “Deserving athletes to get financial support next year – PSC chairman Butch Ramirez”

By the Associated Press WASHINGTON — The song “Baby Shark” blared over loudspeakers and a wave of red washed across this politically blue capital Saturday as Nationals fans rejoiced at a parade marking Washington’s first World Series victory since 1924. Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo holds up the World Series trophy during a paradeContinue reading “World Series: Nationals fans rejoice in red as hometown heroes honored”

By the Associated Press SHENZHEN, China — Top-ranked Ashleigh Barty advanced Saturday to the finals of the WTA Finals where she faces defending champion Elina Svitolina, a player she has never beaten in five previous attempts. Ashleigh Barty of Australia hits a backhand shot against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic during the WTA FinalsContinue reading “Ashleigh Barty, Elina Svitolina advance at WTA Finals”

By the Associated Press PARIS— Injury blighted Rafael Nadal again as he pulled out of his Paris Masters semifinals on Saturday, meaning top-ranked Novak Djokovic will go for his fifth title at the indoor tournament against Denis Shapovalov. Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks during a press conference after pulling out of the Paris Masters tennis tournamentContinue reading “Injury blights Rafael Nadal at Paris Masters; Novak Djokovic into finals”

By the Associated Press NEW YORK— President Donald Trump was on his feet for the main event as Jorge Masvidal defeated a bloodied Nate Diaz via TKO before the fourth round at UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, center, places the “BMF” belt on Jorge Masvidal, left, asContinue reading “The Rock, Donald Trump watch Jorge Masvidal win big against Nate Diaz at UFC 244”

By the Associated Press LAS VEGAS— Canelo Alvarez used a big punch to beat a big fighter. Alvarez landed a left-right late in the 11th round Saturday night, dropping Sergey Kovalev to the canvas and ending their light heavyweight title fight. Kovalev was left on his knees, his arms draped over the middle ring ropeContinue reading “Canelo Alvarez stops Sergey Kovalev in 11th round, captures WBO light heavyweight title”

By Kristel Satumbaga Grandmaster Wesley So outclassed reigning world classical titlist Magnus Carlsen 13.5-2.5 to emerge as the inaugural champion of the World Fischer Random Chess Championship in Hovikodden, Norway on Sunday. Wesley So, center, during the awarding ceremony. (Photo courtesy of tournament website) It was a one-sided affair for So, who was born inContinue reading “Wesley So whips World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, captures World Fischer Random Chess title”

By the Associated Press NEW YORK— Aroldis Chapman is staying with the New York Yankees, amending his contract to a $48 million, three-year deal. Milwaukee Brewers Josh Hader, right, and New York Yankees Aroldis Chapman pose with their reliever of the year trophies at a news conference before Game 4 of the baseball World SeriesContinue reading “MLB: Aroldis Chapman, Yankees agree to $48M, 3-year contract”

By the Associated Press NEW YORK— Stephen Strasburg opted out of the final four years of his contract with the Washington Nationals, three days after the star pitcher was chosen MVP of the World Series. Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, center, celebrates with teammates Anibal Sanchez, left, and Gerardo Parra during a rally following aContinue reading “MLB: Stephen Strasburg opts out of Nats deal, $100M, to become free agent”