Pacers still unbeaten after shutting down Grizzlies

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers say their unbeaten record doesn’t mean as much as how they’ve earned it.

The Pacers used the same formula that has worked so far to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night — a dominant defensive effort anchored by 7-foot-2 center Roy Hibbert, timely shooting from forward Paul George, improved play from guard Lance Stephenson and steady production from the bench. George scored 23 points and Stephenson had a triple-double as the Pacers beat the Grizzlies 95-79.

“I think the most important thing is the way we’re playing and the level of confidence we’re playing with,” Pacers reserve forward Luis Scola said. “We’re playing like we belong to be the No. 1 seed in the East, at least for these eight games. We know we’re going to lose games too, but we’re playing the right way, we’re playing with the right attitudes, right approach for the game.”

Stephenson’s triple-double was the first of his career. The guard had 13 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. The assist total was a career high, and the rebounding total matched his regular-season career high.

The Pacers knew Stephenson was getting close to the triple-double. He got it on an assist to George for a free-throw-line jumper with 10:56 remaining that gave Indiana a 78-55 lead.

“We were talking a little bit before he got his 10th assist, and we both celebrated on it,” George said.

Stephenson tried to downplay the significance of the accomplishment because he feels he has more great moments ahead.

“I’m just being aggressive, playing like I normally play,” he said. “We played good as a team and made smart plays and got the ‘W.’ We locked in together, everybody on the same page.”

Stephenson came to the Pacers with some baggage, but he has begun to mature under coach Frank Vogel.

“He’s come a long way,” Vogel said. “He had a lot to learn about professionalism and how to work. He’s playing within himself and playing with efficiency. Winning basketball games is about confidence, and he gives us an edge, a swagger.”

George had just four points at halftime, but the forward scored 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting in the second half.

Point guard George Hill scored 13 points and Scola added 12 for Indiana. The Pacers (8-0) improved on their franchise-best start and dominated a team that played in the Western Conference finals last season.

Center Marc Gasol scored 15 points and forward Zach Randolph added 12 points, and each grabbed six rebounds for the Grizzlies (3-4). Point guard Mike Conley, who entered the game averaging 20.2 points, was held to 11 points on 4-for-11 shooting. Memphis shot just 41 percent from the field and posted its lowest point total of the young season.

“They came out aggressive and outrebounded us and made shots from the start,” Memphis guard Tony Allen said. “They played harder than we did and were the aggressors. And when a team does that, they usually win. They imposed their will on us and hit us in the mouth from the start.”

The Pacers held the Grizzlies to 34 percent shooting in the first half to lead 46-39 at the break. Stephenson had eight points, nine rebounds and eight assists before the break. George, who entered the game as the league’s No. 3 scorer, made only two of eight shots in the opening two quarters.

The Pacers, as they often have, fixed their problems at halftime.

“We have open discussion at half,” Pacers forward David West said. “We watch video, we watch film of the mistakes we made in the first half and we demand that everybody comes out of this locker room with the intent to change, correct the mistakes we made in the first half.”

Two quick buckets by George gave the Pacers a 53-41 lead and caused the Grizzlies to call timeout three minutes into the second half.

The Pacers came up with the ball in a scramble, and West found Stephenson under the basket for a layup that pushed Indiana’s lead to 61-46 and led to another Grizzlies timeout.

Allen was called for a flagrant foul with 1:19 left in the third quarter. George made the first of two free throws, then made a tough up-and-under basket on the extra possession to put the Pacers up 70-52. Indiana led 72-55 at the end of the period.

George scored 13 points in the third quarter on 5-for-6 shooting from the field.

“Paul George is playing at an all-world level,” Memphis coach David Joerger said. “They’re an elite team, there’s no question.”

Stephenson left the game to a standing ovation with 4:11 remaining.

“He’s growing,” West said. “We still have to reel him in. He still has a ways to go in terms of his maturity, but everything he’s doing, he’s helping, contributing to this group.”

NOTES: Pacers coach Frank Vogel said F Danny Granger could return to practice this week. Granger has not played this season because of a strained left calf. Vogel did not say when he expected Granger to return to game action. … Pacers F Paul George was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday. … Grizzlies G Mike Conley and F Zach Randolph both played high school ball in Indiana. … Indiana entered the game leading the NBA in scoring defense (85.3 points per game), point differential (9.6 ppg) and field-goal percentage defense (.389). … Pacers C Roy Hibbert, the league’s leading shot blocker, swatted four in the first quarter and finished with five on the night.

source: interaksyon.com

Pacers remain undefeated with win over Raptors

INDIANAPOLIS — Once Paul George stopped trying so hard, points came in bunches.

The Indiana Pacers forward, who has emerged as one of the league’s top scorers, scored just five points in the first half against the Toronto Raptors.

Then he found his rhythm. He scored 17 of his 23 points in the third quarter and the Pacers defeated the Raptors 91-84 on Friday night to remain the NBA’s only unbeaten team.

George made just 2 of 10 shots from the field in the first half but 5 of 9 in the third quarter.

“I think I was just pressing,” he said of his shaky first half. “I’ve just got to continue to let the game come to me and let the game flow. I feel like a lot of times I’m pressing, and that’s taking me out of my comfort zone.”

Once he found that zone, Indiana took control. The Pacers (6-0) matched their best start in franchise history. Every other team in the Eastern Conference has at least two losses.

“It feels good,” George said. “We’re just taking one game at a time. That’s the best thing we can do. It’s teamwork — relying on one another, the chemistry we have. It’s our whole DNA and makeup, everybody from the coaching staff on down to every guy on the roster. We’re all on the same page and we have all bought into what we want to get accomplished.”

Pacers center Roy Hibbert had 20 points and seven rebounds and guard George Hill, who missed the previous three games with soreness in his left hip, started and finished with 14 points.

Forward Rudy Gay led the Raptors with 30 points. He scored 22 in the first half, mostly on difficult shots against George, one of the league’s top perimeter defenders.

“Thank God he just stopped making those contested shots,” George said. “It was frustrating because he was hitting some tough ones, but he’s a guy that shoots jump shots, and as I know in this league, jump shots don’t always last. So I was just trying to pressure up and contest all his shots.”

Hibbert, the league’s top shot blocker, got into the act offensively by making 9 of 14 shots from the field.

“It just came together tonight,” he said. “I don’t expect to have 20-point nights all the time. I just want to be solid on defense and give the team as much as I can on offense. I try to be the backbone of the defense, and luckily, some of my shots went in tonight.”

Forward Amir Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds and guard Kyle Lowry added 12 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for the Raptors (2-4), who lost their third straight. Toronto scored 32 points in the first quarter and 52 the rest of the game. The Raptors made just 19 of 58 shots from the field after the first quarter.

“We have to be able to put together a full game,” Gay said. “There are spurts where we play as good as any team in the league. But we let up just a little bit, and they were able to come right back and take advantage of that.”

Toronto’s largest lead was 12 points in the second quarter. The Pacers whittled away at their deficit, and Hibbert’s jumper from near the free-throw line trimmed the Raptors’ lead to 46-44 at halftime.

Indiana guard Lance Stephenson, who had been off to a strong start this season, left the game in the first half with a sore left knee but returned to start the second half.

Indiana opened the second half on a 10-0 run. A 3-pointer by George caused Toronto to call a timeout just three minutes into the third quarter with Indiana leading 54-46. Gay made two free throws with 8:43 left in the third quarter for Toronto’s first points.

George made a 3-pointer over forward Landry Fields as time expired in the third quarter to push Indiana’s lead to 72-59. He helped Indiana outscore the Raptors 28-13 in the quarter.

Gay, who was unstoppable in the first half, was held to two points on 0-for-4 shooting from the field in the third quarter. Toronto made just 5 of 18 in the quarter.

The Pacers extended their lead to 78-62 on a jumper by forward Luis Scola early in the fourth quarter, and they led by at least six points the rest of the way.

The Pacers say they won’t let up. They travel to Brooklyn on Saturday.

“We have a young team and everybody’s locked in,” Hibbert said. “We’re laser focused.”

NOTES: Raptors F Tyler Hansbrough and G D.J. Augustin played for the Pacers last season. Hansbrough was booed when he entered the game late in the first quarter. … George entered the game ranked fourth in the NBA at 25.8 points per game. … Hibbert blocked at least five shots in four of his first five games. … Indiana was leading the NBA in scoring defense (84.4) and second in point differential (11.0). … The Pacers and Raptors split their series 2-2 last season. … The Raptors led 32-22 at the end of the first quarter. The 32 points were the most the Pacers had surrendered in a quarter this season. … The Raptors shot 57 percent from the field in the first quarter and the Pacers shot 50 percent.

source: interaksyon.com

Manchester United moves closer to Champions League knockout phase after win over Real Sociedad

MANCHESTER – Manchester United ground out a tight 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Wednesday to move closer to a place in the Champions League knockout phase.

The decisive goal in the first ever meeting between the teams came within moments of kick-off, Inigo Martinez scoring an own goal after the excellent Wayne Rooney had struck the post.

Both sides hit the woodwork thereafter, Real Sociedad on two occasions, but unlike in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Southampton in the Premier League, United were spared the pain of shipping a late equalizer.

“I thought we played well tonight. I thought we created opportunities,” said United manager David Moyes.

“But while it was 1-0, I still had feelings of Saturday left inside me and while it was 1-0, you know you can always lose a goal from a corner kick or a free-kick.

“But it wouldn’t have been right if we hadn’t taken all three points tonight.”

Victory, coupled with Bayer Leverkusen’s success against Shakhtar Donetsk, leaves United a point above the German side at the top of Group A ahead of their return fixture against La Real on November 5.

“It makes life difficult when you go 1-0 down so early on,” said visiting coach Jagoba Arrasate, whose side have lost their first three games.

“You have to say it’s a fair result.”

Amid domestic shortcomings, the win also eased some of the pressure on Moyes, whose storied predecessor, Alex Ferguson, was once again in attendance, a day after launching his new autobiography.

With Robin van Persie carrying minor toe and groin injuries, Javier Hernandez was handed a start up front for United, while La Real recalled captain Xabi Prieto following a spell out with hamstring trouble.

United were trialling a new ‘singing section’ in the East Stand and the 1,500 fans in that area were given something to sing about within only 69 seconds of kick-off.

Rooney left three defenders in his wake with an uncharacteristic jinking run on the left-hand edge of the penalty area and although his shot hit the post, Martinez inadvertently shanked the rebound into his own net.

Rooney was one of several players criticized in Ferguson’s book, with the Scot repeating his allegation — contested by Rooney — that the striker asked to leave the club in May, but he was at the heart of every United attack.

He had a volley saved by Claudio Bravo and then volleyed acrobatically over the bar from an Antonio Valencia cross, while Hernandez saw a header disallowed for offside.

The visitors began to threaten on the break, however, and after David de Gea tipped a Haris Seferovic shot over, Antoine Griezmann almost silenced the stadium with a free-kick that bounced back off the left-hand upright.

The scares continued early in the second half, with Jonny Evans slicing a cross from Seferovic inches over his own bar in the 51st minute.

Bravo had to produce a sharp save to block a Phil Jones header from point-blank range, but in response, Alberto de la Bella almost embarrassed De Gea with a cross-shot from close to the left-hand touchline that hit the near post.

Rafael ceded his place to Chris Smalling with half an hour to play, apparently due to injury, but gradually United began to reassert control.

Valencia and Rooney each shot straight at Bravo, before the latter produced a piercing through ball for the former, whose low effort came back off the foot of the left-hand post.

Only a smart block by Carlos Martinez prevented Shinji Kagawa from tucking away a pull-back from Valencia, before Rooney blazed a half-volley over from just inside the box.

Substitute Ruben Pardo served a reminder of the visitors’ threat by bending a free-kick a couple of feet wide.

Bravo had to field a curler from Rooney and then rush out to thwart substitute Ashley Young, but although United could not put the game to bed, on this occasion they did not pay the price.

source: interaksyon.com

Ex-NBA star Stephon Marbury donates thousands of shoes for underprivileged kids

Former NBA all-star Stephon Marbury made good on his promise, donating thousands of pairs of shoes for underprivileged children in the Philippines.

He led the distribution of his Starbury line of shoes on Thursday to different parts of Metro Manila along side Air 21 Express stalwarts Asi Taulava and Ren-Ren Ritualo. The two PBA players are represented by agent Sheryl Reyes, who is instrumental in bringing Marbury to the Philippines.

Marbury went to Juan Sumulong High School in Quezon City in coordination with Air 21 coach Franz Pumaren, who is also a city councilor, and mayor Herbert Bautista. They proceeded to Boystown in Marikina to deliver shoes as part of the Alagang PBA outreach program by the league.

The group also made shoe donations to the Ahon Pamilyang Lansangan foundation as well as for kids from Iloilo province, spearheaded by Petron Blaze swingman Ronald Tubid, who hails from that region.

source: interaksyon.com

Loyola falls in Indonesian invitational debut

The Loyola Meralco Sparks yielded a 1-nil result to Arema Malang to drop its debut match in the 2013 Menpora Cup, an invitational tournament in Indonesia, on Saturday night at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java.

Arema, one of the most popular clubs in Indonesia that boasts a mix of naturalized members of the Indonesia national team, proved to be too much for Loyola as Brazilian striker Alberto Goncalves scored at the 21st minute to give his team the lead.

While the Sparks held 56 percent of the match’s possession, they failed to convert any of their seven shots, only two of which was on target.

Loyola will have a chance to bounce back when it takes on local clubs Mitra Kukar FC on Monday and Persepam Madura United on Wednesday to complete their matches in the Malang Group.

The 2013 Menpora Cup is an invitational club tournament pitting local clubs in Indonesia against some international teams. This marks the second time for Loyola to play in an international competition after bowing out of the Singapore Cup quarterfinals last July.

Also playing in the other group of the tournament, the Bandung Group, are defending Australian League champion Central Coast Mariners, reigning Southeast Asian Games champion Malaysia Under-23 football team, domestic sides Persib Bandung, one of the most successful clubs in Indonesian history, and Sriwijaya FC, 2012 champion of the Indonesia Super League.

source: interaksyon.com

‘Hardest few points of my life,’ says Andy Murray of dramatic finish at Wimbledon

LONDON – Andy Murray described the dramatic conclusion to his historic Wimbledon triumph as the hardest points he had ever played.

Murray ended Britain’s agonising 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men’s singles champion with a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who lost in a tearful Wimbledon final against Roger Federer last year, became the country’s first male winner since Fred Perry in 1936.

Murray squandered three matches points before finally taking the title at the fourth attempt.

And the world number two, whose only other major crown came at the US Open last year, admitted the pressure of closing out the win was almost unbearable.

“Probably the hardest few points I’ve ever had to play in my life,” Murray said.

“I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters.

“He did the same today and that is what made it tough. I understand how much everyone wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it.”

Murray clambered into the players’ box to hug his girlfriend Kim Sears, coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his support team.

But he almost forgot his mother Judy, who was sitting just behind the box, before returning to give her a joyous embrace.

“I did forget Mum, but then I did remember,” he added.

“My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he was playing. He’s fantastic, he’s been patient and I thank him.”

Murray’s mother admitted she could barely remember how Murray actually won the final game because she had been reduced to a nervous wreck by that point.

“I was an emotional wreck but now it is the best feeling ever to watch your son win Wimbledon,” she said. “I can’t remember what happened in the last game but he was gutsy and determined to win that trophy today.

“I have been shaking for about three hours now. I have been around tennis for many years, you can never sit back and relax and think it is in the bag.

“The minute you start thinking too far ahead, it is dangerous. Never count your chickens, just be as supportive as you can be but he got through in the end.”

Djokovic, who lost in straight sets at a Grand Slam for the first time since the semi-finals at Wimbledon three years ago, praised Murray.

“It wasn’t easy. Andy deserves the win, he played incredible tennis. Congratulations to him and his whole team and the country, I know what it means to you all,” said the Serb.

“It makes the success even bigger as I am aware of the pressure he gets. There are always lots of expectations on him to win this tournament. It’s a great achievement.”

Four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman was delighted to see his compatriot and close friend finally end Britain’s long wait for an All England Club champion.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. It was the sheer will, that ability to find a way to get the job done when Djokovic would not go away,” he told BBC Sport.

“He was serving for history, 40-0 up and Djokovic saved three match points.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement for him and one we’re all incredibly proud of. He always in his heart of hearts believed he could win the tournament.

“He had the huge disappointment of losing the final 12 months ago but knew he could do it.”

Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, saluted Murray’s will to win.

“It is reality now, and for where he’s come from and what he’s gone through, it’s an incredible performance,” he said.

source: interaksyon.com

Heat strike back against Spurs to tie NBA finals series

The Miami Heat showed championship pride, rebounding from a blowout loss with a 109-93 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday (Friday morning Manila time).

With its Game Four win, Miami tied the NBA finals series at 2-all.

“They kicked our butts the other night,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. “We were horrible. There was a better response today.”

LeBron James led the way with 33 points and 11 rebounds, but it was Dwyane Wade’s vintage performance that turned things around for the Heat. The 2006 NBA finals MVP played his finest game of the postseason with 32 points, six rebounds, and six steals.

San Antonio committed 19 turnovers, which Miami turned into 23 points.

“Turnovers obviously hurt us. We can’t give them over 20 points on turnovers. They’re too good,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

Chris Bosh added 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Heat.

Miami looked nothing like the team that was humiliated 113-77 in Game Three as once again they displayed their ability to recover from defeats.

Miami is now a perfect 6-0 following a defeat in the post-season and all six wins have come by double digits. Miami hasn’t lost back-to-back games since January 8 and 10.

Tony Parker had 15 points and 11 assists and Tim Duncan finished with 20 points for the Spurs, who were looking to take a stranglehold on the series after their dominating victory in the last match.

Parker was playing with a sore hamstring he injured in the previous game.

Spoelstra decided to shake up his lineup Thursday by starting forward Mike Miller. James also made good on his guarantee to play better after a dismal performance in the game three loss.

Miami outscored the Spurs 28-17 in the fourth quarter after the teams were tied 49-49 at the half.

James drained a 25-foot three pointer for the last of his 33 points with 23 seconds left in regulation to help seal the win in front of a crowd of 18,581 at the AT&T Center.

James said going into Thursday’s game that he took “full responsibility” for the Heat’s ugly loss in game three and vowed to do better.

He got his first field goal halfway through the first quarter on a driving layup to cut the Spurs’ lead to six points, 15-9.

San Antonio did come out the stronger of the two teams Thursday as France’s Parker scored six points and the Spurs hit three from beyond the arc to jump out to a 15-5 lead in the first five minutes.

But Miami shot 60 percent from the field in the first quarter and Wade made a running eight foot jump shot to give the Heat a 29-26 lead heading going into the second quarter.

The Spurs closed the second period on an 11-2 surge which included seven points from Parker.

Boris Diaw’s driving layup allowed the Spurs to tied the score, 49-49, going into halftime.

Diaw completed a nice give-and-go with Danny Green who got the assist on the final basket of the first half.

Game Five of the series is set on Sunday (Monday Manila time) in San Antonio.

source: interaksyon.com

1-0 lead over Ginebra a huge deal for Alaska, say veterans Dondon Hontiveros, Sonny Thoss

The Alaska Aces rode a hot start to cruise to an 87-70 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the opening match of the Commissioner’s Cup championship round Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

For Alaska’s veteran players, the 1-0 advantage is a huge deal in a short series.

“Sobrang laking bagay ng Game One sa best-of-five series kasi kapag nanalo ka ulit sa Game Two isa na lang champion ka na,” said guard Dondon Hontiveros.

“It’s huge winning first game of best-of-five series,” added center Sonny Thoss. “Game Two is going to be just important so we need to stay focused.”

Hontiveros said that Alaska was the fresher team heading into the series, and it showed in the opening period of Game One, which saw the Aces outscore the Gin Kings, 28-6.

“I think fatigue factor has something to do with Ginebra’s slow start. They’re coming off five games versus Talk ‘N Text which loves to run. Pero we played good defense on [Ginebra import Vernon] Macklin early in the game,” said Hontiveros.

The two men are wary of Ginebra’s trademark never-say-die spirit, which has allowed the Gin Kings to rebound from a 0-4 start in the conference before winning four do-or-die playoff games to reach the finals.

“Hindi pa rin dapat mag-relax kasi yung Ginebra capable of coming back just like they did in the third and fourth quarter,” said Hontiveros.

“Ginebra is gonna come out strong in Game Two,” added Thoss.

source: interaksyon.com

PXC star Mark Striegl to headline four-man tournament for featherweight belt

Filipino rising MMA star Mark ‘Mugen’ Striegl is set to headline a four-man featherweight tournament that will decide the fate of the vacated Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC) 145-lb. division title.

With champion Joe Taimanglo making a move to US-based MMA promotion Bellator, the featherweight belt is now very much up for grabs, and two matches with major title implications will be on the PXC 37 card slated for May 18 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Striegl, one of the country’s fastest-rising local stars, will fight debuting Japanese fighter Yusuke Yachi, a Shooto champion from the famed Krazy Bee dojo in Tokyo, while longtime contender Jang Yong Kim of Korean Top Team takes on Hawaii’s Nate Thorell in the other side of the bracket.

The winners will be scheduled to fight for the title in August.

Striegl, undefeated in 12 MMA fights and 2-0 in the PXC, catapulted himself into contention after a high-profile win over PXC lightweight champion Harris Sarmiento at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum in PXC 34.

The Filipino-American fighter out of Fight Corps MMA in Baguio has breezed through his PXC opposition, winning both of his fights with submission finishes in the first round.

Striegl was actually in line to fight for the belt before Taimanglo was released so he could pursue a title in a US mainland-based promotion.

But Striegl’s young opponent figures to be a challenge, touting an impressive 9-3 Shooto record and becoming a champion at only 22 years old, with significant victories over veterans like Wataru Miki and Yuji Hoshino. One of his losses was to PXC fighter Guy Delameau in 2011.

Yachi joins the crop of new talent in the PXC, a promotion that has prided itself on showcasing future MMA stars on their way to the top level of the sport like the UFC.

“We pride ourselves on recruiting young talent and giving them exposure with tough fights against some of the best fighters from California to China,” said PXC CEO and promoter EJ Calvo. “We are happy to welcome Yusuke Yachi to our PXC roster of elite featherweights. He is an exciting technical fighter on his feet as well as on the ground.”

On the other end of the bracket, South Korean challenger Kim , whose most recent fight was a loss in a title fight against Taimanglo, looks to re-establish himself in the division as he takes on 808 Fight Factory’s Thorell, who is 4-1 as a pro and 1-0 in the PXC so far.

Kim, like Striegl, holds a win over lightweight champ Sarmiento in the 145-lb. division.

PXC 37 will also feature Filipino bantamweight champion Crisanto ‘The Slugger’ Pitpitunge defending his belt against dangerous challenger Michinori Tanaka and another homegrown PXC titlist, flyweight champ Ale Cali, making a defense against young contender Louis Smolka.

The event will be broadcast nationwide on AKTV via IBC-13 and streamed online via PXC’s Facebook page. Those interested can visit www.pxc.com.ph or www.facebook.com/pxcmma for more news and information.

PXC 37 is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports 5. With special thanks to PLDT MY DSL, Fitness First, FHM Philippines, FHM.com.ph, Premiere Condoms, Healthway Agility Philippines, Beer Below Zero, Real Sports Radio, Loqal.ph, Filquest Media Concepts, Eden Night Club, SM Tickets and TicketWorld.

source: interaksyon.com

Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods say they're dating

ORLANDO, Florida (AP) - Sport has a new power couple: Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn confirmed they're dating.

Two months after rumours began circulating in Europe, Woods and Vonn posted separate items on their Facebook pages on Monday afternoon to announce their relationship. The posts include photos of golf's 14-time major winner and the Olympic and World Cup downhill ski champion.

"This season has been great so far and I'm happy with my wins at Torrey and Doral," Woods said. "Something nice that's happened off the course was meeting Lindsey Vonn. Lindsey and I have been friends for some time, but over the last few months we have become very close and are now dating."

Woods made a stop in Austria - where Vonn was competing in the Alpine skiing world championships - in January on his way to Abu Dhabi to start his season. Two weeks ago, after he won the Cadillac Championship at Doral for his second win this year, The Daily Mail published photos that showed a woman, who appeared to be Vonn, in a golf cart at the marina where Woods' yacht "Privacy" was docked.

source: straitstimes.com

After loss to Marquez, Mommy Dionisia wants Manny Pacquiao to hang up his gloves

Manny Pacquiao’s mother is at peace with the result of the boxer’s latest fight, a knockdown at the hands of old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez Sunday at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

But Dionisia Pacquiao, in a televised interview after the match, said she wants her son to retire from boxing already, pleading with promoter Bob Arum not to ask Manny to fight anymore.

“Hindi hayop ang anak ko, tao siya,” said the elder Pacquiao, who had been imploring the fighter to hang up his gloves for good. Dionisia said Pacquiao has a lot of options, since he has already started a career in politics, representing Sarangani province in Congress.

Dionisia also hinted at problems brought about by the boxer’s involvement with born-again Christian pastors.

“Magulo ang mga pastor dito sa bahay,” said Dionisia, a devout Roman Catholic.

In the past year, the younger Pacquiao has undergone intensive bible studies with born-again pastors, although he has repeatedly denied leaving the Catholic religion. He has credited his newfound faith for his renewed commitment to his family, leaving his vices in the past.

source: interaksyon.com

Data show Pacquiao dominating punch stats before getting knocked out by Marquez

Before being shocked late in the sixth round, Manny Pacquiao was winning the fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Punch stats showed that Pacquiao had the edge in punches connected (94-of-256) compared to Marquez (52-of-246).

The Filipino fight icon also had a major advantage in power shots (68-of-148) over the Mexican (41-of-150).

Pacquiao was also leading all three judges’ scorecards, 47-46, before he walked into a lethal right hand from Marquez that knocked him out cold.

Marquez caught Pacquiao with a right straight in the third round for the fight’s first knockdown. The Filipino battled back to score his own knockdown in the fifth round to turn things around before the fateful ending.

source: interaksyon.com

Younghusband brothers ‘delighted’ to be back in Azkals lineup

Philippine football stars Phil and James Younghusbands harbor no ill will toward the management of the national team over their non-inclusion in the Azkals lineup for the recently-concluded Philippine Football Peace Cup, calling the whole matter a “miscommunication”.




In a statement released to News5′s Chiqui Roa-Puno, the brothers said they are “delighted” to be back with the Azkals.



Earlier, Azkals team manager Dan Palami announced the return of the brothers to the lineup after being left off the Peace Cup roster over what the Philippine Football Federation called “economic and non-economic demands.”

“As a team, we take this time to bridge differences as we work towards a common goal: bringing honor and pride to the country,” Azkals manager Dan Palami said in a statement last Wednesday.

The Younghusbands said they want to work with Azkals management on schedules for the national team. Apart from being football stalwarts, the brothers also run their own football school and are in-demand product endorsers.

Despite the absence of the Younghusbands, the Azkals swept all of their three matches to win the Peace Cup last September 29 behind the team’s new faces led by tournament’s Most Valuable Player Denis Wolf.

The Azkals will face Bahrain on October 12 in its capital Manama and Kuwait on October 16 at Kuwait City.

The matches are part of the their preparations for the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup this November, where they look to surpass their historic semifinal finish in the same tournament two years ago.

The full statement of the Younghusbands follows:

YH BROTHERS STATEMENT ON TRIP TO BAHRAIN

James and Phil Younghusband are delighted to be back with the Philippine Men’s Football National Team. They remain committed to the endeavors of the national team and chalk up their being dropped from the lineup for the recently concluded Peace Cup as “miscommunication”. They look forward to working this out with team management and their teammates. The focus right now is to help the Philippines advance deeper into the Suzuki Cup tournament this November and December.

As for the other engagements of the Younghusband brothers, they look forward to working with national team management on schedules and timelines.

They likewise remain fully committed to the Loyola Meralco Sparks and their own Business and Corporate endeavors.

source: interaksyon.com

NFL bounty case means Jerry Gray should tread lightly

In these bounty-sensitive times, Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray has delivered a message that may prove costly.

Gray told SN correspondent Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean that he wants his unit to play less timid, without worrying about fines. But Gray also made reference to the Gator cart, a vehicle used to take injured players off the field.

“If you are worrying about that, you are not going to go out and try to blow the guy up,” Gray told The Tennessean. “Great football players have to put that out of their mind. You have to say, ‘This is my territory between the numbers, and if you throw the football, you better bring the Gator truck.’ And that’s how you have to play. You can’t play timid in the NFL.

“Have we blown anybody up? … Maybe we’re playing too timid.”

With the league preaching increased emphasis on player safety, it would be wise for coaches to refrain from references to the Gator. Gray’s defense is already giving up too many points. Surrendering money for fines will not make the situation any better.

According to ESPN.com, the NFL is already reviewing Gray's comments, and Gray himself has apologized.

"This is football, but my choice of words under the circumstances was probably bad,'' Gray told the network. "If I could take that part of it back, I would. I don't want guys thinking about injuring people, and when you say 'Gator truck' that's probably what comes up. I just want our guys to be tougher.''

source: aol.sportingnews.com

Dez Bryant needs work; former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson knows it

Dez Bryant was so disappointed about his Week 4 woes, he’s working out at the team’s Valley Ranch headquarters during the Dallas Cowboys’ bye week.

Drew Pearson’s comments likely won’t make him feel any better.


Pearson, one of Dallas’ best-ever receivers and a member of the club’s highly prestigious Ring of Honor, criticized Bryant’s effort in a third person-filled analysis to the Midland Reporter-Register.

And Pearson’s disdain appeared to be centered around Dez’s jersey—No. 88, the same number Pearson and Michael Irvin wore during their respective careers.

“He’s not living up to the expectations that were placed on him by wearing that number,” Pearson told the newspaper. “Drew Pearson took it to the Ring of Honor level and Michael Irvin took it way beyond that to the Hall of Fame level. When Michael and I had a chance to talk to Dez when he came in his rookie year we told him, ‘Don’t do what Drew Pearson did in it. Don’t do what Michael did in it. Do more than that.’ I know that’s a lot to live up to, but what else is there?”

Bryant, in his third season, actually had one of his best statistical outings in Monday’s 34-18 loss to Chicago. He had eight catches for 105 yards, just his second career 100-yard receiving game.

The downside: Bryant dropped two passes and ran the wrong route on a play that resulted in a Bears pick-six. It was one of Tony Romo’s five interceptions in the game.

Other than choosing to wear 88, something of a sacred franchise number, expectations have been abnormally high for Bryant since his rookie season due mainly to his immense talent.

He was thought to be a surefire top-five pick before being suspended for the second half of his junior season at Oklahoma State for violating an NCAA rule—Bryant had improper contact with Deion Sanders, who coincidentally also starred for the Cowboys.

That caused Bryant’s draft stock to slide before Dallas snatched him up with the No. 24 overall selection in 2010.

source: aol.sportingnews.com

Seattle Seahawks reveal QB Matt Flynn is injured

The Seahawks are struggling offensively with rookie quarterback Russell Wilson at the reins of what Pete Carroll calls a scaled-back scheme. But Carroll, despite his team having the NFL's worst passing game (No. 32) isn't thinking about making a change to high-priced veteran acquisition Matt Flynn—because Flynn isn't healthy enough to play.

"We have a little bit of a problem with Matt," Carroll revealed to ESPN Seattle on Monday. "Matt's still not full speed. Anybody that thinks, OK, let's go with the other guy, well, he can't practice yet."





The problem, according to Carroll, is an elbow injury which affects Flynn's ability to throw the ball. So at the moment, Flynn, signed away from Green Bay in the offseason, isn't an option to create a quarter-pole quarterback controversy.

"He throws 15 throws a day, a couple days a week, so that's not really enough to get him ready in a game plan," Carroll told ESPN Seattle. "He has to throw 50 balls a day to get ready, so that's not even an issue for us yet to have a chance to put him in."

So now the questions are when exactly did Flynn get hurt to such a degree, and whether Carroll chose Wilson outright for the starting job in the preseason without factoring in injury.

Flynn was a hot free agent after the former Packers backup to Aaron Rodgers threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns in a Week 17 win over Detroit last season. Consider in four starts this season, Wilson has throw for only a combined 594 yards.

The Seahawks have a strong, physical defense with a strong, physical running game led by Marshawn Lynch to match. At an asterisked 2-2 with a tough matchup at Carolina coming up in Week 5, they're not getting enough from Wilson and their receivers to be a legitimate NFC playoff threat.

It will be interesting to see what happens if the offense continues to stagnate and the Seahawks keep losing with teens on the scoreboard. At this rate, when Flynn is healthy, Carroll strongly needs to consider making a change.

source: aol.sportingnews.com

Pacquiao flies to US Friday to sign contract vs Marquez

Manny Pacquiao will leave for the United States Friday to sign a contract for a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in December, according to longtime lawyer Franklin Gacal Jr.

Gacal will accompany Pacquiao when the latter leaves Friday.

Details of the fight will be announced later, with Pacquiao to immediately start the fight’s promotional tour while in the US.

It is believed that among the contentious issues preventing Pacquiao from agreeing to another fight deal with Marquez was his guaranteed purse.

Gacal however declined to give any comment on how much Pacquiao will get in this fight.

“It is still subject to discussion,” Gacal said.

Pacquiao and Marquez fought three memorable battles — all ending up in hairline decisions.

The Filipino legend, however, enjoys the edge over Marquez, having won two of their previous fights via split decisions. Their first fight ended in a controversial draw in May 2004 after Marquez survived three knockdowns in the first round to rally and retain his World Boxing Council featherweight crown.

The Filipino boxing icon then rose to become the number one pound-for-pound boxing king and replaced Oscar de la Hoya as a king of pay-per-view fights in 2009.

Pacquiao is coming off a controversial loss against American Timothy Bradley where he lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.

Many believed Pacquiao was robbed of the decision. The Nevada State Athletic Commission later asked the judges who scored the fight to explain their scores. But no sanctions were imposed against the judges.

Pacquiao is widely believed to be contemplating retirement as he seemed to be running out of marquee opponents with the exception of the flamboyant Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather, however, keeps on insisting on his terms before taking a much anticipated fight with Pacquiao.

A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is being touted as a possible fight of the century affair between two of the biggest box office attractions in boxing.

Gacal said Pacquiao will still return to the Philippines after signing the fight deal with Marquez before going into serious training.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach has already expressed his desire to have Pacquiao in the US for the duration of his training.

Roach said Marquez has always given Pacquiao a hard fight.

The 53-year old American trainer said Pacquiao must not have any of the distractions that attended his previous fights as a loss to Marquez could spoil his box office appeal.

source: interaksyon.com

Chris Tiu excited by idea of playing at B-MEG for Tim Cone, with James Yap

If there’s one team that piques the curiosity of former SMART-Gilas Pilipinas team captain Chris Tiu, it’s the B-MEG Llamados.

“That would be an exciting one. Imagine playing alongside James Yap and playing for Coach Tim Cone in B-MEG?” said Tiu in a telephone interview with InterAKTV.

“I’ve always wanted to play for a team that has a structured system like the triangle offense being ran by Coach Tim. I also like the fact that Coach Tim is a very respected coach, who entails discipline on his team.”

The Llamados are scheduled to select ninth in Sunday’s PBA draft, while Tiu is projected to be among the top five picks. However, the annual lends itself to surprises, and any team could make a trade to move up in the draft.

B-MEG coach Tim Cone has kept his lips tight about the squad’s possible moves on Sunday.

“We would try to keep it quiet on our side,” Cone said, adding he didn’t want to tip off other teams about what to do.

In an InterAKTV poll asking which team Tiu should end up with, B-MEG was the top choice garnering more than 28 percent of the vote. The Ateneo alumnus sees himself as a good fit for the team, too.

“My game is more concentrated on creating opportunities for my teammates. If ever I will be given he chance to play there, I would set up James Yap and give him scoring chances,” said Tiu, who anticipates he’ll be given point guard chores in the PBA.

The most popular player in the draft is also excited by the possibility of playing alongside the most popular player in the league, a development which he considers good for the PBA.

“Definitely, the fans will be excited to see that. I don’t know how this will happen, but if it does, then definitely they will be in for an exciting treat. I’m sure it will bring the fans to the coliseum,” Tiu said.

source: interaksyon.com

Obama lauds hosting of ‘extremely successful’ Olympic Games

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama congratulated British Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday for hosting an “extremely successful” Olympic Games in London.

The warm statement was a sharp contrast to the barbed comments Obama’s Republican rival in the November elections, Mitt Romney, made about the Games during a visit to the British capital to attend the opening ceremony.

Obama called Cameron “to congratulate him and the people of the United Kingdom and London on an extremely successful Olympic Games, which speaks to the character and spirit of our close ally,” the White House said in a statement as the games came to a close.

The Americans cemented their place on top of the medal table at the end of the Games — with a total of 104 medals, including 46 gold medals — ahead of China’s 38 gold medals, while Britain finished third in the standings with 29 gold medals.

Obama and Cameron “commended the exceptional performances by both the Olympic teams of the United States and Great Britain and noted how proud we all are of them,” the statement said.

“The president thanked the prime minister for hosting so many US athletes and fans and for the extremely warm welcome shown to First Lady Michelle Obama.”

Romney kicked up a small diplomatic storm with his remarks about London’s Olympic preparations after arriving in Britain on the first stop of an international tour designed to showcase his diplomatic skills.

Within hours of landing, NBC television broadcast an interview in which the Republican said it was “hard to know just how well” the Olympics would turn out and that there were “a few things that were disconcerting.”

He even questioned the British Olympic spirit, adding: “Do they come together and celebrate the Olympic moment? That’s something which we only find out once the Games actually begin.”

Cameron duly responded with what appeared to be a veiled attempt to belittle one of Romney’s crowning achievements, his rescue of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City from financial ruin.

“We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world,” the British prime minister said. “Of course it’s easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere.”

source: interaksyon.com

US bags Olympic football gold

WEMBLEY, England (AP) – Hope Solo found herself enveloped in a group hug at the final whistle. Abby Wambach ran to join the fun in a celebration that unleashed a year of bottled-up frustration.

The U.S. women's football team won its third straight Olympic gold medal Thursday, beating Japan 2-1 in a rematch of last year's World Cup final and avenging the most painful loss in its history.

Carli Lloyd scored early in both halves, Solo leaped and dived to make saves, and the entire roster found the redemption it had been seeking since that penalty kick shootout loss in Germany last summer.

Before 80,203 at Wembley Stadium, a record crowd for a women's football game at the Olympics, the teams put on a back-and-forth, don't-turn-your-head football showcase, proving again that these are the two premier teams in the world. Women's football is still in its formative stages in Britain, but the match proved more than worthy for the hallowed grounds of the beautiful game.

And the Japanese perhaps played just as beautifully as the Americans, using their speed and discipline to dominate possession and scoring chances for long stretches before finally cutting a 2-0 deficit in half with about a half-hour to go.

Back home, America was paying attention – just as it was last year and despite the rest of the Olympic events. Even President Barack Obama, during a campaign speech at Colorado College during the second half of the game, noted that, “The women are doing pretty good right now in soccer.”

Lloyd's goals came in eighth and 54th minutes, making it four goals in the tournament for the midfielder who lost her long-held starting job weeks before the Olympics. She got back on the pitch when Shannon Boxx injured her hamstring in the opening game and started every game since.

Yuki Ogimi answered in the 63rd minute, and Asuna Tanaka nearly had the equalizer in the 83rd – only to be thwarted when Solo flung her entire body to the left to push the ball away.

The U.S. team has won four of the five Olympic titles since women's football was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Games, settling for mere silver at the 2000 Games in Sydney.

In the first half, Japan was unfortunate not to have a penalty kick awarded for a clear hand ball by U.S. midfielder Tobin Heath, who stuck out her left arm to stop a free kick inside the area.

Japan also had two shots hit the crossbar, one off the left hand of a leaping Solo, who was kept consistently busy for the first time this tournament. The closest the U.S. came to doubling the lead in the first 45 minutes came when Azusa Iwashimizu attempted to clear a routine ball played in front of the net – and headed it off the post.

The U.S. goal in the eighth minute began with a run by Heath down the left side. She fed Alex Morgan, who settled the ball near the goal line, spun and chipped it toward Wambach. Wambach raised her left foot for the shot, but Lloyd charged in and got to it first, her strong running header beating goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto from 6 yards out.

Lloyd extended the lead with a 20-yard right-footer just inside the left post after a long run with the ball through the middle of the Japanese defense.

Ogimi soon cut the deficit to one after a mad scramble in front of the net. Captain Christie Rampone saved a shot off the line, but the ball went to Homare Sawa, who fed Ogimi for the tap-in.

Another scramble followed after U.S. defender Amy LePeilbet saved yet another shot off the line in the 74th minute, but this time her teammates were able to corral the ball before a Japanese player could pounce on it.

Boxx was back into the starting lineup after the missing four games with the hamstring injury. Lauren Cheney, who injured an ankle in the semifinals, began the game on the bench for the first time this tournament.

Canada won the bronze earlier Thursday, beating France 1-0 at Coventry.

source: mb.com.ph