By the Associated Press

Her Grand Slam losing streak up to four matches, Maria Sharapova surely was aware questions about her future would be coming.

She wasn’t able to provide answers.

Might this have been her last trip to the Australian Open, a tournament she won in 2008 as part of a career Grand Slam?

“I don’t know,” Sharapova said, her head shaking and eyes looking down. “I don’t know. … It’s tough for me to tell what’s going to happen in 12 months’ time.”

Might she try to enter low-level tournaments to try to raise a WTA ranking that once was No. 1, all those years ago, already was only 145th entering play at Melbourne Park — which is why she needed a wild-card invitation to participate — and now will tumble outside of the top 350 following a 6-3, 6-4 loss to Donna Vekic on Tuesday?

“I just don’t know,” Sharapova said. “I haven’t thought of my schedule moving forward from here yet.”

After a rainy Day 1 that filled up Tuesday’s schedule with 96 matches, up to seven on some courts, the sun was out and there was plenty of action around the grounds at the first Grand Slam tournament of the decade. Joining Sharapova on the way out in early action was three-time major semifinalist Johanna Konta, 2019 French Open semifinal Amanda Anisimova and the 20th-seeded man, Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Seeded winners included No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who began his bid to equal Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 victory over Hugo Dellien, three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka, two-time French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem, No. 12 Fabio Fognini and No. 16 Karen Khachanov.

Among those slated to play at night: U.S. Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev against 2019 Australian Open quarterfinalist Frances Tiafoe of the U.S., and volatile Australian Nick Kyrgios.

This is the only time in Sharapova’s long career that the 32-year-old Russian has lost in the first round at three consecutive major tournaments.

Indeed, there only was one other instance of Sharapova dropping opening matches at Slams twice in a row: All the way back in 2003, when she was a teen and made immediate exits at the very first two major appearances of her career.

Hampered by right shoulder problems that have been an off-and-on issue for more than a decade, Sharapova is no longer the player she once was. One difficulty is simply that shoulder itself; another is the lack of match play because of her health.

She played a total of only 15 matches last season, going 8-7. After a promising run to the fourth round in Melbourne a year ago, including a victory over reigning champion Caroline Wozniacki that was her most recent win against a top-20 opponent, Sharapova went 5-6 the rest of 2019.

“It’s tough to say I’m on the right track right now, 45 minutes after the match,” she said Tuesday. “But, I mean, there is no way to get out of it except to keep believing in yourself, because if you do do all the right things and you don’t believe in yourself, then that’s probably a bad formula.”

Against the 19th-seeded Vekic, who’s never been past the second round at the Australian Open, Sharapova appeared to be righting herself at the outset of the second set, grabbing a 4-1 lead, before ceding the final five games.

“She’s still hitting it as hard as I can remember,” Vekic said.

Perhaps. But Sharapova was not putting the ball where she wanted, especially on her forehand side, which produced 18 miscues alone — more than Vekic’s full unforced error total of 17.

“She had some amazing results in her career. You know, her work ethic is pretty amazing. I saw her training in the offseason and she’s really working hard,” said Vekic, who practiced with Sharapova before the start of the season. “So I think her results will come.”

Maybe they will.

Maybe not.

No one can know, of course. That includes Sharapova herself.

“As far as the work that I did, yeah, I did all the right things. I put in all the right work. There is no guarantee that even when you do all of those things, that you’re guaranteed victory in a first round or in the third round or in the final. That’s the name of this game,” she said. “That’s why it’s so special to be a champion, even for one time.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Rafael Nadal says he’s thinking about his next opponent … and his next practice session … and trying to recreate the superb tennis he played in his straight-set victory in the Australian Open’s first round.

What he insists is not on his mind is the number 20 — as in Roger Federer’s record 20 Grand Slam singles titles, which Nadal would equal by claiming the trophy at Melbourne Park.

“I don’t care about 20 or 15 or 16. I just care about (trying) to keep going, keep enjoying my tennis career. It’s not like 20 is the number that I need to reach. If I reach 20, fantastic,” Nadal said Tuesday, raising his hands in the air. “If I reach 21, better. If I (stay at) 19? Super happy about all the things that I did in my tennis career, no?”

He must have been pleased with the way his 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 win over Hugo Dellien went.

That was built with a 38-15 edge in winners and breaks in eight of Dellien’s 11 service games.

Nadal, at age 33 the oldest No. 1 in ATP history, owns 19 major championships, but only one came in Australia, 11 years ago.

Twelve, of course, were collected at the French Open, four at the US Open and two at Wimbledon.

“I won the US Open a few months ago, and I was super happy in that moment. But today I’m happier than if I didn’t win the US Open? Probably not,” Nadal said with a hearty laugh. “The only thing I can do is put all my efforts on (trying) to keep going the best way possible. The rest of the things, the future will see.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

Games Thursday (The Arena, San Juan)

8:30 a.m. – JRU vs Arellano (Junior’s)

10 a.m. – JRU vs Arellano (Men’s)

12 noon – JRU vs Arellano (Women’s)

2 p.m. – EAC vs St. Benilde (Women’s)

3:30 p.m. – EAC vs St. Benilde (Men’s)

5 p.m. – EAC vs St. Benilde (Junior’s)

By WAYLON GALVEZ

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA came through with clutch plays down the stretch to beat Lyceum of the Philippines University in a nail-biting five-settter 25-27, 25-23, 26-24, 14-25, 17-15 in NCAA Season 95 volleyball Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.

Jhona Rosal led the Lady Altas with 20 points punctuated by three service aces in a match that lasted two hours and 11 minutes to post their second straight victory in three games.

“Itong game namin ngayon, kumpara sa San Sebastian, unti-unti kaming nag-improve, yun naman ang importante. Kulang kasi kami sa preparation, so dito na lang namin sa NCAA nagagawa,” said Perpetual Help mentor Macky Cariño.

Yanca Tripoli, a graduating player, contributed 19 points while Jenny Gaviola had seven blocks to finish with 10 points, tossing in 13 excellent sets for Perpetual Help, which improved to 2-1.

Shyra Umandal contributed three of the Lady Altas’ 14 blocks.

Cariño said he wants the team to play with more consistency after committing 40 errors.

“Nakuha namin ng konti, pero kailangan namin maging consistent. Anyway, malayo pa naman ang liga, ang susunod namin na kalaban eh Mapua. Tatlong araw pa, marami pang dapat pag-ensayuhan,” said Cariño.

It was another heartbreaking five-setter loss for LPU, which could not get the job done when it had the chance.

The Lady Pirates fell to 0-3.

Alexandra Rafael, Ciamelle Wanta and Joy Onofre each scored 15 points while Jacquiline Acuña had five blocks for an 11-point outing for the Lady Pirates.

In the second game, Cesca Racraquin collected 19 points while Nieza Viray had 14 points to help San Beda improve to 2-0 to tie defending champion Arellano University at second spot with a 25-13, 25-9, 25-21 win over San Sebastian.

Racraquin and Viray combined for nine of the Lady Red Spikers’ 13 service aces in the one hour, 27 minute match.

The Lady Stags dropped to their third loss as in many games.

In men’s play, Louie Ramirez dropped 23 points while Ronniel Ramirez added 15 as reigning champion Perpetual scored a quick 25-22, 31-29, 25-20 win over LPU.

The Altas are unbeaten in three starts.

Kirth Rosos, meantime, had 10 points to lead juniors titleholder Perpetual Help in sweeping LPU 25-17, 25-17, 25-15 for a 3-0 card.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO

The corona virus that is slowly spreading in the Chinese city of Wuhan and across Asia is giving the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines sleepless nights.

Wuhan is the site of the Asia-Oceania qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics scheduled Feb. 3-14 and up until Tuesday, there was still no word whether the slugfest will be scrapped or moved elsewhere.

“The biggest concern now is if it will proceed or not,” said Abap secretary-general Ed Picson, who had earlier offered the IOC boxing task force that the Philippines is more than willing to take over as host from Wuhan.

While awaiting word from China organizers and the International Olympic Committee, Picson said the men and women’s teams remain immersed in training.

Picson said time is running out since the boxers are slated to leave for Wuhan on Jan. 31.

As this developed, Picson got a call from IOC representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, who assured the Abap of her intention to lend a hand whatever way possible.

Standouts from the triumphant SEA Games squad will make up the team, including 2019 world championships silver medalist Eumir Felix Marcial and women’s world champion Nesthy Petecio.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Kai Sotto will no longer join Mighty Sports-Creative Pacific in the Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament which starts Thursday in the United Arab Emirates.

The team said Sotto won’t make the trip to Dubai due to “unresolved logistical and scheduling issues on his part,” thus leaving Mighty Sports without the 7-foot-2 beanpole who in the United States pursuing his NBA dreams.

Mighty coach Charles Tiu, however, remains confident that Sotto’s absence won’t hinder the team’s chances of winning the competition.

“Despite the absence of Kai, our team is still complete with a formidable lineup of young, athletic, very talented and inspired amateur players who are ably reinforced and strengthened by the likes of experienced and spirited players like Andray Blatche, Renaldo Balkman and McKenzie Moore,” said Tiu.

Thirdy Ravena, Dave Ildefonso and Juan Gomez de Liano are some of the top amateur standouts Mighty will field along with import Jelan Kendrick and PBA veteran Beau Belga of Rain or Shine.

Mighty is seeking to win the Dubai cagefest after finishing third in last year’s edition.

The team owned by Alex Wongchuking and backed by Go for Gold, Gatorade and Oriental Game is in Group B along with the UAE national team, Syria’s Al Itihad, Lebanon’s Beirut Sports Club and Tunisian side Rades.

Mighty opens its campaign Thursday against UAE followed by a match opposite Al Itihad before taking a two-day break.

“We’re all hoping we can bring more excitement to the Filipinos in the Emirates so we hope we can hurdle our first two games,” said team owner Alex Wongchuking.

Mighty returns to action Monday against Rades before battling Beirut Sports Club on Wednesday.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

 

The Philippine Rowing Association aims to produce Olympics qualifiers to the 2020 Tokyo Games late in July as part of its short-term program this year.

Newly elected president Patrick Gregorio said Tuesday they are sending three athletes to the Asia and Oceania Olympic Qualification Tournament in Chungju, South Korea on April 27 to 29.

Cris Nievarez will compete in the men’s lightweight sculls, while Joanie Delgaco and Melcah Caballero will see action in the women’s lightweight double sculls.

The three are responsible for the country’s three-gold medal haul at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila last December.

“I’m confident that we can qualify (to the Olympics),” said Gregorio in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel.

Gregorio noted Caballero and Delgaco’s recent achievement of ranking fourth at the 2019 Asian Rowing Championships and eighth in the 2019 World Rowing Championships.

The Olympic qualifier stakes three slots in the women’s double sculls and five in the men’s singles sculls.

“We want to open more doors of opportunity for the sport and for these athletes kasi malaki talaga ang potential eh. We hope that we can provide that for them,” Gregorio said.

The last time a Filipino rower qualified to the Olympics was at the 2000 Sydney Games courtesy of Benjie Tolentino. He finished 18^th in the men’s single sculls.

National team coach Ed Mayrina said they are continuing with the programs left by Uzbekistan coach Shukhrat Ganiyev, who mentored them for five months as part of their SEA Games preparation.

“More on strengthening sa legs at arms, yan ginagawa namin. Saka yung mga techniques na tinuro niya, ang laki ng improvement sa mga atleta,” Mayrina said.

Gregorio was elected last week along with former chief and now chairman emeritus Benjie Ramos, deputy secretary general and treasurer Magnum Membrere, and board members Quintin Pastrana (Vice President), Jercyl Lerin (secretary general), John Mepig (director) and Con Fornea (director).

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

When Pedro Taduran makes the first defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini-flyweight crown on Feb. 1 in Mexico, there is going to be just one way he’ll handle business.

“Isang bagay lang ang sinabi ko sa kanya, (I told him just one thing),” his chief handler Art Monis said as Taduran clashes with the rugged challenger Daniel Valladares in Guadalupe in the state of Nuevo Leon.

“Pasukin mo (Take it to him),” said Monis, admitting that whoever gets to land solidly is going to win the scheduled 12-rounder.

Taduran (14-2 with 11 KOs) is booked to leave the country on Saturday with Monis and lead trainer and ex-world champion Tacy Macalos.

“Kumpyansa kami dahil maganda ang ensayo nya (We are confident of winning becausr he had a great training camp),” added Monis.

Taduran won the IBF 195-lb title in September last year after stopping compatriot Samuel Salva in three rounds.

Valladares (22-1 with 13 KOs) is coming off an emphatic stoppage victory over the previously unbeaten Filipino prospect Christian Araneta.

To get ready for his first trans-Pacific journey, Taduran spent his training in La Union.

Taduran, 23, is just one of four reigning Filipino world champions aside from Manny Pacquiao, Jerwin Ancajas and John Riel Casimero.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, once again, gave its fans a night to remember during a victory party celebrating the Kings’ 4-1 triumph over the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Monday at the Metrotent in Ortigas.

More than 1,000 Gin Kings faithful flocked the venue as early as 11 a.m and some fans couldn’t hide their excitement and had to leave home at midnight to witness their favorite players.

Long-time Ginebra fan Ronald Rabanal, 50, brought his 10-year-old son Rondian to the special gathering to witness their idols Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee.

The father-and-son duo, hailing from Paranaque City, braved the metro traffic and MRT rush hour to join the celebration.

“Syempre ‘pag Ginebra fan ka, kahit sabihin mo ‘yung malayo pa ‘yung [venue], pupuntahan at pupuntahan mo kahit may trabaho,” the older Rabanal said. “Gagawa at gagawa ka ng paraan.”

Rabanal said he’s been a fan since PBA and Ginebra great Robert Jaworski rose to fame.

But in today’s roster, he picked the 26-year-old guard-forward Thompson as his personal favorite because of his prowess and hustle in rebounding.

“Malaking bagay si Scottie sa team dahil sa kanyang hustle sa rebound. Siya ‘yung pinakagusto ko sa pag-rebound kasi lahat ng mga malalaki [ng players] talagang kinukuhaan niya ng bola.”

Jojit Roberto Torres, 45, another Ginebra faithful, was joined by his son and daughter when the victory party ended.

Torres walked outside all smiles as he wrapped around signed Ginebra jerseys and souvenir shirts.

“Kanina umalis kami sa bahay madaling araw, gawa ng kada champion [ang Ginebra] pumupunta talaga kami,” he said. “Bonding na rin sa amin ‘to.”

Torres, who hails from North Caloocan, believes that the Kings might be able to get the championship in the Philippine Cup if the locals continue to play the same way they did in the season-ending conference.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone and San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua, meanwhile, extended their gratitude to the fans who supported the Kings throughout the season-ending conference.

Ginebra defeated Meralco 105-93 in Game 5 last Friday.

A performance by the band Rocksteddy capped off the night while Ginebra players went down the stage to take selfies and sign autographs for their loud ‘sixth man.’

(For live updates, click here)

Source: Manila Bulletin

By JONAS TERRADO

Game Tuesday

(Bangkok, Thailand)

8 p.m. — Port FC vs Ceres

 

Ceres-Negros anticipates an even-tougher challenge when it seeks a spot in the final phase of qualifiers in the AFC Champions League against Port FC at the PAT Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Philippines Football League and Copa Paulino Alcantara champions will have their hands full against Port in the 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. Philippine time) duel in the Thai capital.

At stake is a trip to Japan next week to face FC Tokyo for the right to secure a berth in Asia’s top continental club competition.

Ceres began its Champions League bid last week by defeating Myanmar’s Shan United 3-2 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium thanks to goals from Robert Lopez Mendy, Bienvenido Maranon and OJ Porteria.

The Busmen already have an idea of how to play Port, which finished third in last season’s Thai League 1.

“They were always competitive in the league. They’ve got great players and this year they signed a couple of decent ones,” said Ceres midfielder Mark Hartmann, who had previous stints in Thailand.

They will also face a familiar player in Philippine Azkals midfielder Martin Steuble, who played close to four years for Ceres before joining Port during last year’s transfer window.

Steuble helped the Busmen collect three league championships from 2015 to 2019.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Mark Caguioa announced Monday that he will return for one more season with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The 40-year-old guard made the announcement during Ginebra’s victory celebration at the Metrotent in Ortigas where fans gathered to savor the team’s third PBA Governors’ Cup title in four years following a 4-1 series defeat of Meralco.

Caguioa bared his plans to suit up for a 19th PBA campaign after holding talks with San Miguel Corporation Sports Director Alfrancis Chua in the days following the title victory.

Only Robert Jaworski (24 seasons), Abet Guidaben (21), Ramon Fernandez (20) and Asi Taulava (20) have played more seasons than Caguioa.

“Coach Al pulled me aside, sinabi niya sa akin na he’s gonna give me one more year,” said Caguioa, drawing loud cheers from the audience.

He averaged 2.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.2 steals in 23 games this conference but revered by Ginebra teammates for his leadership and locker room presence.

Selected third overall in the 2001 Draft, Caguioa is the winningest player in Ginebra history with eight championships, six of which while pairing with good friend Jayjay Helterbrand.

The 2012 Most Valuable Player later paid tribute to his teammates for their dedication during Ginebra’s title run.

“These guys, hindi niyo nakikita kung anong nangyayari. These guys work so hard,” Caguioa told the audience.

Source: Manila Bulletin