Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Tenorio flourishing in finals despite playing through injury In his return, Melecio scored just three points and turned the ball over twice in the Green Archers’ 85-62 win over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 83 men’s basketball tournament.Melecio, though, is just glad to be back for La Salle after missing four games and didn’t mind the measly numbers he tallied. 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“I told myself that I’d be happy by just being on the floor, if I do that I’m already set,” said Melecio in Filipino. “I really missed playing and I was so happy when I was able to play again.” “I’m not at a hundred percent yet because it’s not like you’ll play well immediately after an injury or sickness,” said Melecio. “I’ll just have to be patient.” Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ FILE – La Salle’s Aljun Melecio during the Green Archers game against the UP Fighting Maroons in the first round. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netDe La Salle guard Aljun Melecio just had his first game back after contacting dengue fever almost a month ago, and looked like a shell of his former self.Melecio averaged 14 points, three rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals in his first four games before getting hospitalized for two weeks.ADVERTISEMENT Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene 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 OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set MOST READ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Fajardo unleashes best game for Gilas in win over Chinese Taipei
Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon/INQUIREREven after having his best game in a Gilas Pilipinas uniform, June Mar Fajardo still defrayed the credit to the entire team.“I’m thankful to my teammates and to coach for the trust he gave me,” Fajardo said in Filipino after helping the Philippines hold off Chinese Taipei, 90-83, Monday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.ADVERTISEMENT READ: Gilas Pilipinas rallies, fends off Chinese TaipeiBut there’s no denying that Fajardo deserved all the praise for his stellar effort for the Philippines, which went unbeaten through two games in the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSBack on the throneThe Cebuano giant fired 17 points and collected eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in what was easily his best performance in a tournament of this magnitude. Fajardo, however, knows that the win came with its own set of lessons as Gilas’ resolve was tested after the team had to crawl back from an early 14-point deficit. Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set 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 Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ View comments Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene MOST READ Reyes says Fajardo ‘saved’ Gilas vs Taipei Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny LATEST STORIES “This game showed us that we need to follow our game plan. We relaxed in the first quarter, but it’s good that we’re able to recover because of our defense,” said Fajardo, whom national team coach Chot Reyes hailed as Gilas’ savior against a resilient Taipei side.READ: Reyes says Fajardo ‘saved’ Gilas vs TaipeiComing to his own in front of a capacity crowd, fans couldn’t help but fantasize how much Fajardo can still improve in the international stage.But just like how he approaches any game, the four-time PBA MVP would rather stick to the system than hunt for his own stats.“This good game gave me a bit of a pressure, but I know all I had to do is to trust the team, trust coach’s system, and trust each other,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
Carlo Biado rules world 9-ball
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 Brian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defense Carlo Biado shoved the Philippines back on top of world pool Thursday night.Flaunting the full range of his armory, Biado trounced Roland Garcia, 13-5, in their all-Filipino tussle for the World 9-Ball Championship title in Doha.ADVERTISEMENT Pitted against the 18-year-old Kaci, Garcia, a former money game player, shattered a 2-2 count to forge ahead, 7-4, and finally break Kaci’s fighting spirit, 9-5.Biado became the fourth Filipino to rule the event, tracing the footsteps of Reyes in 1999, Ronato Alcano in 2006 and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in 2010. Alex Pagulayan topped the event in 2003, but he was representing Canada then.With his runner-up finish, Garcia matched Alcano’s effort in 2011 and that of Antonio Gabica in 2013. Bustmante also placed second in 2002 and Roberto Gomez in 2007.Biado did not break a sweat in advancing to the Final Four as his quarterfinals opponent, Chinese Liu Haitao, overslept and got disqualified for failing to show up for the match within the 15-minute grace period. Liu arrived ten minutes past the allotted extra time and Biado was rewarded an 11-0 victory without pocketing a single ball.In 2015, Biado came close to his first major win, yielding to Taiwanese Ko Pin-yi, 11-9, in their battle for the World 10-ball title.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina LATEST STORIES Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Scottie Thompson also worthy of Finals MVP, thinks Cone F2 forces rubber match for PSL Grand Prix title, survives Petron MOST READ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson View comments Once regarded in the same mold as the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes, Garcia made one last push to 11-5, but Biado quashed his desperate bid by reaching the hill in the next rack, 12-5.If it’s any consolation, Garcia earned $15,000 for his effort.Earlier in the morning, Biado and Garcia hurdled separate semifinal rivals.Biado subdued Taiwanese Wu Kun-lin, 11-6, while Garcia trounced Albanaian sensation Klenti Kaci by the samescore.Against Wu, Biado broke free from a 3-3 count by taking the next four racks, reaching the hill at 10-6, and eventually ousting the last Taiwanese standing.ADVERTISEMENT All that Biado needed was win the first seven racks to frustrate Garcia, who was hoping to complete an amazing climb to international acclaim.From 7-0, it was a virtual cruise for the 34-year-old Biado to the $30,000 (about P1.8 million) champion’s purse at Al Arabi Sports Club.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 folkGarcia, lacking in big-time tournament experience, tried to make a fight out of the alternate break format, but could come no closer than 8-3.Showing the form that netted him the World Games gold medal in Poland last July, Biado took the next three racks for an imposing 11-3 spread. Meralco ‘never the same’ after Almazan injury in PBA Finals Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours
Just 2 games in, Cruz proving to be a perfect fit for TNT
GALLERY: Barangay Ginebra back as PBA Governors’ Cup kings Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours UK plans Brexit celebrations but warns businesses may suffer Sea turtle trapped in net freed in Legazpi City Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netIt’s only been two games, but Jericho Cruz looks like he has found a new home in TNT.After having a solid debut for the KaTropa last Wednesday, the 27-year-old was at it again, this time punishing the Phoenix defense on his way to 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in a 118-97 victory for the last quarterfinals slot.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next It was a perfect encore just days after he posted 17 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals in a 101-75 blowout of NLEX.And Cruz only has one man to thank for his early success.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 folk“I just want to thank coach Nash for giving me all the trust. That’s big for me because without him, I wouldn’t be in this position right now,” he said.Cruz has put his past behind him as he moved forward from the mid-conference trade that saw him go from Rain or Shine to TNT. And in his two-week stay, the former Adamson guard has made strides joining his new backcourt partners like Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, and RR Garcia. Castro, TNT unfazed ahead of quarters duel vs top seed SMB 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 Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson MOST READ “We’re just having fun,” he shared. “We help each other up, we’re pushing each other. Especially kuya Jayson who is vocal to us. All I want is to help the team because I’m really happy to be here right now.”Cruz also acknowledged that it’s not just all fun and games especially with a quarterfinal duel against San Miguel set on Tuesday.“As we all know, San Miguel is the number one team right now, especially if it’s in the all-Filipino because nobody can guard June Mar (Fajardo),” he said. “But for us, we’ll just gonna help each other out. We’re just excited to play, try to put up a show, and help the team win.”ADVERTISEMENT Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
Salah magic leads Liverpool to win over Roma in Champion League semis
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Liverpool and Roma at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Tuesday, April 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)LIVERPOOL, England — Mohamed Salah looked to the ground and held up his hands, almost apologizing for the sheer beauty of his goals.Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp laughed to himself in incredulity. Roma’s players, former teammates of Salah, were shellshocked. Anfield rocked in jubilation.ADVERTISEMENT In the latest virtuoso performance of his stunning first season at Liverpool, Salah produced two world-class finishes in the first half then set up further goals for Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to help his team into a scarcely believable five-goal lead in the Champions League semifinals. Then he handed his old club a lifeline — by leaving the pitch.After Salah was substituted in the 75th minute, Roma seized the initiative and scored two late goals to escape from Anfield with a 5-2 loss from the first leg on Tuesday.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 crownThe Italian side has already shown in this season’s competition that a three-goal deficit can be overcome. Just two weeks ago, Roma beat Lionel Messi’s Barcelona 3-0 in the Stadio Olimpico to advance from the quarterfinals on away goals.Liverpool has been warned ahead of next week’s second leg. Nets hire Prigioni as assistant coach, Splitter as pro scout The Egypt forward’s display was as exquisite as Roma’s defending was naive, with his two goals moving him on to 43 goals for the season in all competitions. Salah won English soccer’s Player of the Year award on Sunday and, at this rate, the Ballon D’Or could be his next year.His first goal came after Roma striker Edin Dzeko gave up possession cheaply in Liverpool’s half. The ball made its way to Salah, who cut inside from the right edge of the penalty area and curled a shot in off the crossbar, near to the post. It couldn’t have been placed any better.If that was a typical Salah finish from his first half of the season, his second goal was a replica of a couple of his more recent strikes. Firmino timed his through ball perfectly and Salah outpaced Juan Jesus before applying a dinked finish over goalkeeper Alisson, just like he did to eliminate Manchester City in the quarterfinals.“Outstanding, pretty much undefendable,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said of Salah, who he signed from Roma for 42 million euros (then $47 million) in June. “He is playing a season that is not normal.”Salah didn’t celebrate either of his goals, out of respect for his former teammates, but he made them suffer by setting up goals for the other members of Liverpool’s devastating forward line.Taking advantage of Roma’s recklessly high defensive line, Salah provided right-wing crosses for Mane and Firmino to score almost identical, close-range goals in the 56th and 61st minutes, respectively. Salah, Firmino and Mane have now scored 28 goals between them in this season’s Champions League — more than every other team that has taken part in the competition.When Firmino glanced home a header from James Milner’s corner in the 69th to make it 5-0, Liverpool had scored five goals in 33 minutes either side of halftime and Roma’s players were on the floor — literally in the case of its distressed goalkeeper, Alisson. The semifinal looked over with 110 minutes remaining.However, Klopp took off Salah in the 75th minute and Roma suddenly began to swarm all over the home side, outshooting them eight to one in the final 15 minutes.Two of them resulted in goals. Dzeko chested down a long pass to slot a low finish inside the near post in the 81st and when Milner handled a shot from Radja Nainggolan, Diego Perotti converted the penalty in the 89th.“If anyone wants to say it is my mistake we conceded the two goals because I change the striker, I have no problem with that,” Klopp said. “We did not prepare our passes and he (Salah) was running all the time and it would not have helped us if he gets an injury.” Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew LATEST STORIES Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles03:42SEA Games: Rogen Ladon enters flyweight boxing semis03:13SEA Games 2019: PH’s Carlo Paalam boxing light flyweight semi final (HIGHLIGHTS)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 “The tie is not over, we have already proven that against Barcelona,” Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco said. “Whoever doesn’t believe in a comeback should stay home. That applies to the fans in the stands as well.”There was a strange atmosphere after the final whistle of one of the most extraordinary Champions League matches. Liverpool had just become the first team in 23 years to score five goals in one leg of a semifinal, yet its players left the field thinking it was an opportunity lost.Roma’s fans, meanwhile, sang loudly and proudly long after the final whistle. They had been given unlikely hope.“We have to work again in Rome now, that is no problem,” Klopp said. “There would have been work if we had won 5-0.”It is still in Liverpool’s hands, though. Especially with Salah in the team.ADVERTISEMENT Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident
A three-goal deficit will not scare Roma’s players after what happened against Barcelona. Yet it is highly unlikely that Liverpool, the master of the counterattack, will fail to score against a side that has to take chances going forward“If any of my players think Roma doesn’t have enough to come back, they will not play,” Klopp said.Bayern Munich plays Real Madrid in the other semifinal, with the first leg in Germany on Wednesday.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ MOST READ
Despite Pocari’s early exit, Myla Pablo happy to win PVL MVP plum
Trump assembles a made-for-TV impeachment defense team It was a bittersweet moment for Pocari Sweat-Air Force captain Myla Pablo, who claimed the second conference Most Valuable Player award in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Wednesday.ADVERTISEMENT Putin’s, Xi’s ruler-for-life moves pose challenges to West Rex Intal of the HD Spikers was named first Best Middle Blocker while JP Bugaoan of Vice Co. nabbed the 2nd Best Middle Blocker honors.PLDT’s John Vic de Guzman bagged the Best Opposite Spiker awards.Ultra Fast Hitters Jeff Villegas and Rence Melgar wrapped up the awards after being named as Best Setter and Best Libero, respectively. Ivan Ruiz L. SuingSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Report: Disney dropping the ‘Fox’ from movie studio names LATEST STORIES MOST READ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Alyssa Valdez stays positive despite PH loss in volleyball opener PLAY LIST 01:14Alyssa Valdez stays positive despite PH loss in volleyball opener00:50Trending 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 While she was unable to help the Lady Warriors in their do-or-die semifinal match against Creamline last July 6 due to a back injury, Pablo chose to look at the bright side.“I’m still happy that I got the MVP because I was able to get the team to the semifinals,” said Pablo, who is still awaiting medical results to find out the extent of her injury, in Filipino.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone still willing to coach Gilas but admits decision won’t be ‘simple yes or no’Pablo also bagged second Best Outside Hitter while Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez grabbed the first Best Outside Hitter award.Pocari’s Jeanette Panaga and BanKo-Perlas’ Joy Dacoron were named best first and second Middle Blocker, respectively. ‘High crimes and misdemeanors’: Trump impeachment trial begins Palace OKs total deployment ban on Kuwait OFWs In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Kobe Paras joins UP Maroons Jia Morado of the Cool Smashers claimed her second Best Setter Award in the league. Paymaya’s Lizlee Ann Pantone was named Best Libero.Lakia Bright of the Perlas Spikers claimed the Most Points in a single game award after dropping 41 points in their semifinals game against PayMaya last July 6.The High Flyers’ Tess Nicole Rountree claimed the Best Foreign Player award.In men’s play, Cignal’s Marck Espejo bagged both the MVP and the first Best Outside Hitter awards.Fauzi Ismail of Philippine Air Force was named second Best Outside Hitter.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil View comments
UAAP men’s basketball starting 5: Week 4
The second-year guard racked up 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists but there was one more mark that left a big imprint on his relegation from the starting five to the honorable mentions.Gomez De Liaño made just one free throw in six attempts in a game that UP badly needed those to fall. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil (The Inquirer Sports’ Starting 5 weekly ranking is based on the players’ individual numbers and their respective team’s outcomes during the competition week.)ADVERTISEMENT 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 Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal PH’s Nayre drops out of YOG table tennis; Tio off to strong start in kiteboarding Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Phivolcs: Slim probability of Taal Volcano caldera eruption FrontcourtAngelo Kouame (Ateneo de Manila University, center)Angelo Kouame. Photo by Tristan TamayoThere’s no doubt that Angelo Kouame has emerged as one of Ateneo’s most vital stars this season.The 6-foot-10 Kouame isn’t just a screen-setter or a mere rebounder for the Blue Eagles, he is the undisputed man in the middle for the defending champions.Kouame followed up his impressive Week 3 performance, where he averaged 14 points and 15 rebounds, with a master class in his first Ateneo-La Salle in the UAAP in the Blue Eagles’ 71-55 win.ADVERTISEMENT Every team has tasted the sweet nectar of victory while also consuming the bitter soup of defeat.Ateneo found itself tied atop the standings when Adamson University finally lost in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissFar Eastern University notched its first string of back-to-back wins, De La Salle got lambasted in its rivalry game against the Blue Eagles, and star forward Alvin Pasaol continued to dazzle for University of the East.The first round’s about to draw to a close, but before that happens here are some delectable rankings. Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown
In spite of those contrasting games, there was one constant and that was the diminutive Aljun Melecio.La Salle’s spitfire guard had 19 points and eight rebounds against the Growling Tigers and followed that up with 21 points and seven rebounds as he carried the Green Archers against the Blue Eagles.Honorable mentions Alvin Pasaol (University of the East, power forward)Alvin Pasaol. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netUniversity of the East is still in the bottom of the standings with a 1-5 record but in the middle of that darkness is a beacon of light that has indisputably made the Red Warriors must-watch television.The Red Warriors only had one game this week and Pasaol showed once more he’s an unstoppable force of offensive energy.Pasaol, who once put up 49 points in Season 80 against the defense of Ben Mbala and La Salle, had 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in UE’s 80-66 loss to the Growling Tigers.What made Pasaol’s efforts even more remarkable was that his nine field goals were just one shy of the combined mark of his team.Juan Gomez De Liaño (University of the Philippines, guard)Juan Gomez De Liano. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netJuan Gomez De Liaño’s performance in UP’s 89-88 win over the Bulldogs was still an impressive sight to behold. Kouame’s towering presence punished the Green Archers with 20 points, on 7-of-10 shooting, 13 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.Bright Akhuetie (University of the Philippines, center)Bright Akhuetie. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netUniversity of the Philippines had just one game in Week 4 and Bright Akhuetie’s brilliance was once again in full display.Akhuetie was a force for the Fighting Maroons as he led the charge in their close 89-88 win over National University on Sunday.The 6-foot-8 center pulled off another 20-20 line of 21 points and 20 rebounds while also shooting 7-of-10 from the free throw line in game where the Fighting Maroons shot just 11-of-30 from the stripe.CJ Cansino (University of Santo Tomas, small forward)CJ Cansino. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netSomeone transitioning from the juniors to the seniors division of the UAAP is always seen under a microscope but University of Santo Tomas’ CJ Cansino has turned that illuminator into his personal spotlight.The Growling Tigers’ youngster has distanced himself from the other eight rookies in UST’s rotation becoming a bona fide star for the black-and-gold.Cansino was limited to just seven points and four rebounds in UST’s 99-72 loss to De La Salle but that was due to the Green Archers’ defensive focus on him and head coach Louie Gonzalez said it himself.Against UE, however, Cansino was a predator on the loose putting up 17 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and dishing out four assists to lead the Tigers to an 80-66 win. Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum BackcourtWendell Comboy (Far Eastern University, shooting guard)Wendell Comboy. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netNeed anyone to be the team’s best scorer while being his team’s leading wing threat? Then, Wendell Comboy has that covered.Comboy showed his defensive and offensive prowess in FEU’s 73-68 win over NU when he put up 18 points and dished out three assists while keeping tabs on Dave Ildefonso.NU’s rookie still managed to put up 11 points but went just 4-of-11 from the field.Comboy was at it again in the Tamaraws’ 88-85 overtime win over the Soaring Falcons when he notched up 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.Prior to FEU’s game against Adamson, Comboy had one block the whole season and his third rejection against the Soaring Falcons came in the final seconds of overtime when he denied Sean Manganti’s attempt that could tied the game at 88.Aljun Melecio (De La Salle University, shooting guard) Aljun Melecio. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netDe La Salle was a polarizing figure this past week.The Green Archers first laid waste to UST with a 99-72 win but got shell-shocked by Ateneo, 71-55. View comments Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew LATEST STORIES Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity.
Canelo Alvarez inks $365M deal with sports-streaming service
And while planning his next fight, Golden Boy Promotions also needed a place to put it. With HBO bowing out of boxing after this year, the company had talks with Showtime, ESPN and Turner Sports about televising Alvarez’s future bouts.But Skipper made an aggressive offer for DAZN (pronounced Da-Zone) when he met with Golden Boy about two weeks ago and the deal was quickly finalized.“John came with the best deal. John Skipper came, he wasn’t playing games,” Golden Boy President Eric Gomez said. “He said, our first meeting with him over two weeks ago, he came to our office and said, ‘I’ve got a blank check, I’m not leaving until we make a deal.’ And he put his money where his mouth is.”Skipper said it wasn’t quite a blank check, but one that ensured Alvarez wouldn’t be taking a pay cut to leave pay-per-view. He said Alvarez’s last three fights generated 3.6 million buys and nearly a quarter of a billion dollars, making him someone who can be transformative to a subscription service focused largely — at least for now — on combat sports.“So I’ve got to find those fans,” Skipper said. “They are going to want to watch his fights and they’re going to get to buy them for a lot less expensive than they did before.”ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Alvarez will move up in weight to challenge WBA super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding on Dec. 15 at Madison Square Garden.A massive moneymaker when he fought on pay-per-view, Alvarez will be able to be seen for much cheaper through the subscription service that launched in the U.S. in September and now features perhaps the two biggest figures in boxing in Alvarez and heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back Chriss“We have No. 1 and No. 2. They’re the two most important fighters in the world,” DAZN executive chairman John Skipper said. “Canelo fighting on DAZN, we believe that that will help us attract some of the other fighters, some of the other premier fighters.”Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) is coming off a victory over Gennady Golovkin in a middleweight showdown in September. That fight, like most of boxing’s biggest, was shown on pay-per-view. It cost $84.95 to be seen in high definition. It will cost them $9.99 a month for a subscription in the U.S. Under the five-year partnership, Golden Boy also will put on up to 10 fight nights per year that will stream live on DAZN beginning in early 2019.Gomez said Alvarez is committed to fighting 11 times during the deal and willing to fight any of the contenders at 160 or 168 pounds. Alvarez said for now his plan is to return to 160 after the bout against Fielding (27-1, 15 KOs), a British fighter who appeared significantly taller than Alvarez, who will be trying to win a title in his third weight class.A third fight with Golovkin would be a natural after their draw and Alvarez’s narrow victory in the rematch, but there would be plenty more options at middleweight if they don’t meet again.Whoever he ends up with, at least Alvarez knows now where it can be seen.“I’ve always said that when one door closes another one opens and we’re very happy with this new alliance that we’ve made with DAZN,” Alvarez said through an interpreter. “Forget about what the price is, the amount of money that we’re making. The most important thing is that fans can enjoy this fight at a very low price.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Boxer Canelo Alvarez poses for photos at Madison Square Garden in New York, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018. He will meet Rocky Fielding in a 12-round, super middleweight bout Dec. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)NEW YORK — Canelo Alvarez is boxing’s new $365 million man.Alvarez has signed an 11-fight deal that his promotional company says is the richest athlete contract in sports history, guaranteeing the Mexican middleweight champion at least that much money to have his fights shown on the sports-streaming service DAZN, beginning with his next bout.ADVERTISEMENT Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Mayweather says Khabib Nurmagomedov fight will happen 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 LATEST STORIES Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew View comments
Khachanov stuns Djokovic to win his 1st Paris Masters title
After also being taken to three sets by Marin Cilic in Friday’s quarterfinals, Djokovic’s semifinal finished at around 8 p.m. local time and he felt he was unable to recover sufficiently from that draining encounter.“I didn’t unfortunately. But I don’t want to talk about that,” Djokovic said. “I want to talk about how well (Khachanov) played all week and absolutely deserved to win today.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissAsked again whether it was a case of emotional fatigue, after such an intense tussle with Federer, Djokovic repeated his praise for Khachanov.“Karen played really well and he deserved to win,” Djokovic said. “All the credit to him.” “He was playing big from the back of the court, flat backhands and forehand. He can really hurt you,” Djokovic said. “His serve is really, really strong and precise.”After both players held to love, Khachanov showed no nerves — even though he was in his first Masters final — and served out the match.He secured victory on his first match point when Djokovic chopped a backhand return wide. The imposing Khachanov thrust both his arms in the air and, moments later, knelt down to kiss the court.“It’s a breakthrough season. And this title, it’s a good year-end I would say,” Khachanov said. “Maybe I’m not crying, but still I’m really happy.”Djokovic will return to No. 1 in the rankings for the first time in two years on Monday, but the Serb will be disappointed at missing out on a 73rd career title, having withstood the best of Federer on Saturday.Still, the Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion has plenty to feel good about after a 22-match winning streak, and he remains favorite for the season-ending ATP Finals in London, beginning Nov. 11.“I’m satisfied of course and I’m going to be No. 1 tomorrow. What more can I ask for? I mean, I won 20-plus matches in a row and had a most amazing last five months,” he said. “I’m getting into (the) season finale feeling good about my game.”The 22-year-old Khachanov, ranked 18th, is the first Russian to win here since Nikolay Davydenko in 2006. Marat Safin won it three times before that.Two-time Grand Slam champion Safin won the last of his Paris Masters titles in 2004, when Khachanov was a young boy.“I watched (Safin’s) matches but later, not at the age of eight,” he said. “I’m just really proud of myself that I could be in this list of winners.” Although Djokovic broke in the fourth game to move 3-1 up and then led 30-0 on serve, the unseeded Khachanov broke him straight back and the momentum abruptly shifted away from Djokovic.“I stepped in more inside the court,” Khachanov said. “I started to move him and maybe he didn’t expect that I could do it after being down 3-1 with a break.”Djokovic seemed agitated at times and twice turned to his box to remonstrate about an unspecified issue during the first set.Khachanov broke for 6-5 when he hit a powerful shot down the line that Djokovic could only scoop back into the net. The Russian won the first set with a big first serve that Djokovic could not return, stretching out his racket in vain as the fizzing ball clipped the frame.Djokovic struggled to handle Khachanov’s brutal two-handed, cross-court backhands from the baseline, which often landed near his ankles, and dropped his serve again to trail 2-1 in the second set. He had to save three more break points in the seventh game to hold for 4-3 down.ADVERTISEMENT Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Khachanov added this title to the Kremlin Cup in Moscow last month for his third title of the year and fourth overall.He had won his previous three finals, and said his 100 percent record helped him when he stepped on court against the 14-time Grand Slam champion.“I was thinking, ‘OK, (Djokovic) has, I don’t know, 70 titles and I have three,’” Khachanov said. “But 3-0, you know? So maybe it was in the back of my mind.” 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 Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Ginebra, Phoenix 1-2 Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum MOST READ Karen Khachanov of Russia raises the trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in their final match of the Paris Masters tennis tournament at the Bercy Arena in Paris, France, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)PARIS — Karen Khachanov upset a tired-looking Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-4 to win the Paris Masters title and deprive Djokovic of the chance on Sunday to match Rafael Nadal’s record of 33 Masters titles.Djokovic, a record four-time champion at the indoor event, looked out of energy after an epic three-hour semifinal win against Roger Federer on Saturday.ADVERTISEMENT Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments
Kei Nishikori, Karolina Pliskova win Brisbane International titles
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments Pliskova improved her record in Brisbane to 13-2 and joined Victoria Azarenka (2009, 2016) and Serena Williams (2013-14) as the third woman to win the tournament twice. Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Kei Nishikori of Japan reacts after missing a shot during his finals match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)BRISBANE, Australia — Kei Nishikori won his first ATP title since Memphis in 2016 with a dominating final set to beat Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in the Brisbane International final on Sunday.The 2014 U.S. Open finalist served for the match at 5-1 in the third set, but Medvedev earned a temporary reprieve when he broke the Japanese player’s serve to extend the match.ADVERTISEMENT Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college 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 But Nishikori, who had lost nine consecutive ATP finals over 52 tournaments in nearly three years, broke the Russian player’s serve on four consecutive points in the final game to clinch the match in just 2 hours, 6 minutes, at Pat Rafter Arena.Earlier, Karolina Pliskova won her second Brisbane title, beating Lesia Tsurenko 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 after coming within just two points of defeat.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSJapeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for GinebraSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissServing for the title at 5-4 Sunday, Tsurenko lost 13 straight points. It came after Tsurenko rolled her ankle in the second game of the deciding set.Tsurenko was 4-0 in her previous WTA finals. Pliskova won her first Brisbane title two years ago. Dwyane Wade hits 500th 3, joins Michael Jordan, LeBron James on elite list Philippine Army to acquire MANPADS, self-propelled howitzers Japeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for Ginebra Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title LATEST STORIES In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Tom Brady most dominant player in AFC championship history Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title MOST READ