By Field Level Media-Reuters

Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving underwent successful surgery Tuesday to relieve a right shoulder impingement, the team announced.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley Williams III at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Irving, who will miss the remainder of the season, is expected to make a full recovery.

In his first season with Brooklyn, Irving averaged 27.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals in 20 games. He shot 47.8 percent from the field, 39.4 percent from 3-point range and 92.2 percent from the free-throw line.

The six-time All-Star scored 30 or more points seven times, including two games of 50-plus points, becoming the first player in Nets history with multiple 50-point games.

Irving, who turns 28 on March 23, has averaged 22.4 points and 5.7 assists in 528 career games with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2011-17), Boston Celtics (2017-19) and Nets.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Field Level Media-Reuters

Pistons point guard Derrick Rose is expected to miss weeks recovering from an ankle injury and could be done for the year in Detroit.

According to Yahoo Sports, Rose continues to rehab his sprained right ankle but will not be rushed back to the court. The Pistons are counting on his return to the roster next season.

With the playoffs out of the equation, veteran Brandon Knight will likely man the point for the rest of the season.

Rose signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Pistons prior to this season.

The 31-year-old former league MVP underwent an MRI exam that revealed no major damage.

Rose has averaged 18.1 points and 5.6 assists in 50 games this season, his first in Detroit.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

The Tokyo Olympics contract could allow the Games to be postponed until later in 2020, a Japanese government minister said Tuesday as concerns over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) surge.

Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto said Japan’s government, Tokyo organizers and the International Olympic Committee are “doing their best” to make sure the Games start as scheduled on July 24.

But she said the hosting agreement appears to allow some flexibility in the timing of the Games.

“It says in Article 66 that the IOC holds the right to cancel the Games by deactivating the contract… If you look further inside, it only states ‘in case the Games will not be held in 2020’,” Hashimoto told parliament, in answer to a question.

“This could be interpreted as postponement is possible if it is within 2020.”

Officials have repeatedly stressed they are committed to holding the Games on time. The Olympics have only been cancelled on three occasions, during the first and second world wars.

COVID-19 has spread to more than 70 countries, killing over 3,100 people and causing chaos as governments clamp down on travel and mass gatherings. Football, rugby and Formula One are among the long list of sports affected.

“At this moment, the Tokyo 2020 committee, the IOC and Tokyo (city government) are doing their best to make sure the Games will be held from July 24,” Hashimoto said.

“The government will fully support that.”

She added that May looked like an “important benchmark” for deciding whether the Games go ahead as scheduled.

“An IOC member has said the end of May is the final deadline for making the decision,” Hashimoto said, referring to remarks by senior IOC member Dick Pound.

“So I think the end of May is an important benchmark,” Hashimoto said.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stepped up measures to contain the virus, urging schools to close for several weeks and calling on organizers of large events to consider cancelling or delaying them.

Everything from football matches and music concerts have been affected, while sumo’s spring tournament will be held behind closed doors.

Also on Tuesday, a wheelchair rugby test event for the Paralympics, which are scheduled to start on August 25, was cancelled over the virus.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Tuesday it was busy with preparations for a “successful” Summer Games in Tokyo in less than five months and at a time when the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is widening.

IOC president Thomas Bach, speaking at the opening of the Olympic body’s two-day executive board meeting in Lausanne, said: “We are preparing for a successful Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020.”

The IOC, he later added, remained “fully committed to” and “very confident of” that success.

“We will continue this regular consultation with this task force to be able to address any development which would occur.”

Many sporting events around the world have either been cancelled or postponed in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

More than 3,100 people have died and over 90,000 have been infected in more than 60 countries worldwide.

The vast majority of cases are in China, but South Korea, Italy and Iran have emerged as the countries with the most cases outside the epicenter.

The virus has infected at least 230 people across Japan and been linked to five deaths.

Following its board meeting, the IOC issued a statement in which it “expressed its full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.”

Joint taskforce

The IOC heard a report on “all the measures taken so far to address the coronavirus situation, which was followed by a comprehensive discussion”.

“A joint task force had already been created in mid-February, involving the IOC, Tokyo 2020, the host city of Tokyo, the government of Japan and the World Health Organization (WHO),” the IOC said.

“The IOC EB (executive board) appreciates and supports the measures being taken, which constitute an important part of Tokyo’s plans to host safe and secure Games.

“The IOC will continue to follow the advice of WHO, as the leading United Nations agency on this topic.”

The IOC also welcomed the close collaboration and flexibility between sporting federations, Olympic committees and governments with regard to the preparations for the Games, and particularly the qualification events.

“All stakeholders continue to work closely together to address the challenges of the coronavirus,” it said.

“The IOC EB encourages all athletes to continue to prepare for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The IOC will keep supporting the athletes by providing the latest information and developments, which are accessible for athletes worldwide on the Athlete365 website.”

IOC president Bach earlier said that the board meeting would also be used to “prepare many of the final decisions that we will have to take” at a first pre-Games EB meeting between June 15-17, also in Lausanne.

“We will have to make some proposals for the session in Tokyo.”

The IOC EB is also set to meet on July 18-19 in Tokyo, with the Olympics running from July 24-August 9.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Eight Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies are facing administration action for taking or sharing graphic photos of the Kobe Bryant crash scene, authorities said.

“We identified the deputies involved, they came to the station on their own and had admitted they had taken them and they had deleted them,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in interviews with several broadcast outlets on Monday. “And we’re content that those involved did that.”

Villanueva said his key priority on learning of the deputies’ action “was to make sure those photos no longer exist” or are widely circulated.

“Had we done the original, usual routine, which was relieve everybody of duty and everybody lawyers up and all that, that would increase the odds ten-fold that those photos would have somehow made their way into the public domain,” he told NBC-4. “And that’s definitely what we do not want.”

Villanueva said he was “shocked” on learning some of his deputies may have taken or shared photos of the crash site and felt betrayed.

Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died in a January 26 helicopter crash in the hills west of Los Angeles.

The only people authorized to take pictures of the scene were investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the coroner’s office.

Tha NBA’s legend’s widow, Vanessa, said through her attorney at the weekend that she was “absolutely devastated” by the reports of deputies having taken pictures of the crash site.

‘Unspeakable violation’

A statement written by Gary Robb, her attorney, and posted on her Instagram page, said she specifically asked sheriff’s officials on the day of the crash to declare the area a no-fly zone to guard against photographers trying to cash in on the accident.

“First responders should be trustworthy,” the statement said.

“This is an unspeakable violation of human decency, respect, and of the privacy rights of the victims and their families,” the statement added. “We are demanding that those responsible for these alleged actions face the harshest possible discipline, and that their identities be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated. We are requesting an internal affairs investigation of these alleged incidents.”

Villanueva said he was reviewing his department’s policies and trying to push for state officials to adopt legislation that would make it illegal to take photos of crime scenes that show human remains.

He said such a law would help law enforcement agencies get search warrants.

Villanueva also told CNN that he had reached out to the families of those who died in the crash to express his disgust over the action of deputies.

“I personally apologized … on behalf of the poor conduct of our employees and we want to make things right,” Villanueva said. “We don’t want to extend or increase anybody’s anguish.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Movie director and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee says he will not attend any more games at Madison Square Garden this season after a row with the team over what entrance he can use.

Lee, 62, is one of the Knicks’ most famous celebrity superfans, faithfully sitting at courtside despite the team’s struggles in recent seasons.

However, Lee told ESPN on Tuesday he would no longer attend games at Madison Square Garden this season.

“I’m coming back next year, but I’m done for the season,” Lee said. “I’m done.”

Lee’s comments came after video footage circulated on social media on Monday appearing to show the director in a confrontation with security at the venue.

Lee told ESPN he had been unfairly treated by security staff who objected to him using the wrong entrance.

“I’ve been using the same entrance for 20-plus years,” Lee said.

Lee eventually arrived in his seat to watch the Knicks defeat the Houston Rockets 125-123 in an upset on Monday.

Lee was later seen exchanging words with Knicks owner James Dolan during the game.

The Knicks on Tuesday pushed back at the suggestion Lee had been unfairly treated.

“The idea that Spike Lee is a victim because we have repeatedly asked him to not use our employee entrance and instead use a dedicated VIP entrance — which is used by every other celebrity who enters The Garden — is laughable,” the team said in a statement.

“It’s disappointing that Spike would create this false controversy to perpetuate drama. He is welcome to come to The Garden anytime via the VIP or general entrance; just not through our employee entrance, which is what he and Jim agreed to last night when they shook hands.”

The Knicks have not posted a winning season since 2013 and this year are languishing near the foot of the Eastern Conference once again with a 19-42 record.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

The launch of the inaugural Basketball Africa League has been postponed due to fears over the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), the NBA said in a statement on Tuesday.

The NBA-backed 12-team league had been due to tip off on March 13 in Dakar, Senegal but has now been put on hold due to health concerns.

The announcement came a day after Senegal confirmed its first case of COVID-19, only the second infection in sub-Saharan Africa.

Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall confirmed the postponement in a statement released by the NBA.

“Following the recommendation of the Senegalese government regarding the escalating health concerns related to the coronavirus, the BAL’s inaugural season will be postponed,” Fall said.

“I am disappointed we are not able to tip off this historic league as scheduled but look forward to the highly-anticipated launch of the BAL at a later date.”

Twelve club teams from across Africa had been due to participate in the league, which is backed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA.

It is the first time the NBA has helped organize a league outside North America.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By WAYLON GALVEZ

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla heads a solid cast that will aim for the title and the top purse in The Country Club Invitational Wednesday at the TCC course here.

Mondilla, who won with a two-over total for his first Open championship last year, expects a tough competition as the event gathers Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit’s Top 30 from last year.

“It’s a tough competition kasi madami naman na magagaling sa tour. Also alam naman natin gaano kahirap and golf course – mahaba at mahangin,” said Mondilla, who won at Pradera Verda in PGT Asia last January.

Aside from Mondilla, also seeing action in the P5 million event are former TCC champions, Tony Lascuña and Korean-American Micah Shin.

Lascuña had three impressive victories late last year, including one in PGT Asia in Taiwan and he is optimistic on going up against the best in the tour for the top prize of P1.5 million.

Lascuña won here in 2004, and nearly duplicated that feat in 2014 but lost to Cassius Casas.

“Medo matagal-tagal na nga yung last na nanalo ako, pero mahirap na din kasi. Marami ng magagaling na bata. Pero tignan natin, maganda naman laro ko sa mga nakaraang buwan,” said Lascuña.

The 23-year-old Shin, for his part, won here two years ago when he bested top Filipino bet Miguel Tabuena in this event put up by ICTSI president and chairman Ricky Razon in 2003 to honor the memory of his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo Razon.

Frankie Miñoza also won here in 2013 by beating the Bayrons brothers – Jay and Rufino – on the second playoff hole. A former Philippine Open champion, he likewise eyes a solid performance in this event.

Miñoza and Lascuña drew each other in one of the featured flights alongside Dutch Guido Van der Valk, No. 3 in last year’s OOM, at 9:30 a.m., after the 9:20 a.m. group of Michael Bibat, Reymon Jaraula and Ira Alido.

The 18-year-old Alido is among the young players expected to deliver great performance, alongside Keanu Jahns, the 23-year-old who posted two runner-up finishes last year, including in the Philippine Open.

Mondilla is in the group with Jahns and Jhonnel Ababa at 9:10 a.m. while teeing off at 8:50 a.m. are Jay Bayron, James Ryan Lam and Fidel Concepcion, followed by the group of Rufino Bayron, Nilo Salahog and Richard Sinfuego.

Completing the cast are Elmer Salvador, Rico Depilo, Albin Engino Ferdie Aunzo, Jerson Balasabas, Rene Menor, Zanieboy Gialon, Mhark Fernando, Paul Echavez, Marcos Pastor of Spain, Gerald Rosales, American Lexus Keoninh, Joenard Rates, Art Arbole and Rupert Zaragosa.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Games Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
9 a.m. – UST vs NU (men’s)
10:30 a.m. – UST vs NU (women’s)
2 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (men’s)
3:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (women’s)

Far Eastern University made its title campaign felt at the start of the UAAP Season 82 women’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday after sweeping University of the East 25-9, 25-20, 25-17 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Tams, who made to the last season’s Final Four, asserted their might at the service area by hammering down 14 aces while taking advantage of the Lady Warriors’ sluggish plays.

Jeanette Villareal and Ivana Aguda steered FEU with 11 and 10 points while Lycha Ebon, who is returning from an ACL injury last year, contributed nine points.

Skipper Gel Cayuna finished with nine points including five aces apart from 18 excellent sets.

FEU coach George Pascua is satisfied with their strong start, but said they still have a long way to go.

“Ang instruction ko sa kanila, umpisahan nang maganda yung season. Kasi yung first game yung gauge kung gaano katibay at ka-effective yung mga preparation na ginawa namin,” he said.

The Lady Tams hardly broke a sweat in disposing of the Lady Warriors, closing in the victory in 69 minutes.

Mary Ann Mendrez scored 13 points for UE, which only saw six players scoring for the squad.

Source: Manila Bulletin

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur—Kenneth Solis of Team Tarlac claimed his very first lap victory even as George Oconer of Standard Insurance-Navy stayed firm and unflappable at the helm in the ninth and penultimate stage of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 10^th anniversary race yesterday.

Solis, 26, came from behind and edged Christopher Garado of South Luzon-Batangas and Mar Sudario of Bike Xtreme to top the 170.6km Stage Nine that started in Pugo, La Union and ended in front of the provincial capitol here for his most significant performance since joining here four years ago.

Bryant Sepnio of Celeste Cycles, Mervin Corpuz of 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 by Roadbike Philippines and two-time champion Santy Barnachea of Scratch It were part in that first group that clocked four hours, 15 minutes and 27 seconds.

The Army man then dedicated his triumph to one-month old daughter Brianna Kate.

“This is special to me and I’m dedicating it to my baby,” said an ecstatic Solis in Filipino.

It was the second lap triumph for Team Tarlac after Ryan Tugawin reigned supreme in Stage Two in Legazpi City.

Garado, despite finishing only second, likewise considered his feat exceptional since his team almost did no make the race after the fund intended for their campaign were used to help victims of the Taal eruption.

The day, however, belonged to the 28-year-old Oconer, who kept his iron grip of the individual general classification lead with an aggregate clocking of 31:50:52 ahead of teammates Ronald Oranza (31:52:07), Ronald Lomotos (31:52:10), John Mark Camingao (31:52:45), Junrey Navarra (31:53:09) and El Joshua Carino (31:54:43).

Rounding up the top 10 were the Go for Gold troika of Jonel Carcueva (31:56:16), Daniel Ven Carino (31:56:38) and Ismael Grospe, Jr. (31:56:40), and Bicycology-Army’s Marvin Tapic (31:59:38).

The final stage—a criterium—here will be Oconer’s coronation lap as he will finally end a long search for the title.

Oconer and the rest of the Navymen, who have also virtually sealed the overall team crown, dedicated their effort to Standard Insurance Group chairman Ernesto “Judes” Echauz.

“We are dedicating this to him (Echauz) because without his full support, we wouldn’t have achieved any of this,” said Oconer.

Source: Manila Bulletin