“In transition, they just make you pay,” Celtics center Al Horford said. “They just present a whole different challenge.”BROWN OUTStevens said guard Jaylen Brown still had some soreness from a hamstring injury he sustained in Game 7 and is doubtful for Game 1 against the Sixers. Tests on Sunday were negative, the coach said.“It looks like it could be something that allows him to play as the series goes on,” Stevens said.The No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 draft, Brown averaged 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season. He said on Saturday he would be back.“Whatever it takes, I wouldn’t miss this series for the world,” Brown said.The Celtics are already without stars Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, as well as Daniel Theis.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next All those banners hanging from the Garden rafters.All that history on the parquet floor.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 crownAll that bad blood between the two cities.A civic rivalry that dates back to the Revolutionary War era came of age on the basketball court with Wilt Chamberlain leading the Philadelphia Warriors, and later the 76ers, against Bill Russell’s Celtics in the 1960s. Larry Bird and Julius Erving picked it up in the 1980s. Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Two years after winning just 10 games, the Process is paying off for the 76ers.Embiid, the third overall pick in 2014, returned after missing the first two games of the playoffs and averaged 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds in three wins over Miami.Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 before missing all of last season, averaged 18.2 points and 10.6 rebounds against the Heat — both improvements over his regular-season numbers.“They’re super-talented,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “That’s what happens when you’re in the NBA playoffs. It’s fun.”HOMETOWN SHOUTOUTMorris said he’s enjoyed watching the hometown Eagles win the Super Bowl, followed by Villanova’s NCAA basketball championship.“Philly, we had a great year,” the Celtics forward said. “(Rapper) Meek Mill got out of jail — it’s funny, but it was pretty big for our city. A lot of people really appreciated it. You can tell that feeling when you get there, where it’s coming back. A guy that’s been there my entire life and not really seeing it at its peak. Right now Philly is at its peak with everything, sports, living out there. It’s coming back.”RUNNING GAMEThe Celtics held Milwaukee and star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to zero fast break points in Game 7 of their first-round series.They know that transition defense will also be a key against Philadelphia, which was one of the best in the NBA on the break. ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ LATEST STORIES P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC View comments Forward step: LeBron, Cavs pushed to limit but not done yet
Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew MOST READ 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 Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 18: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics battle for a loose ball during the first half of their game at TD Garden on January 18, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. Tim Bradbury/Getty Images/AFPWALTHAM, Mass. — Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are about to find out what the NBA playoffs are really about.After dispatching the Miami Heat in five games in the first round in their first career postseason appearance, the Philadelphia 76ers’ youngsters will open the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night in Boston against the Celtics.ADVERTISEMENT Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Celtics forward Marcus Morris, a Philadelphia native, grew up watching the Allen Iverson-led 76ers that went to the NBA Finals in 2001 but lost to Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker’s Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals the following year.He’s not expecting any favors from his hometown crowd.“I’m expecting the same treatment as far as them not even caring that I’m from Philadelphia,” he said after practice on Sunday, a day after the Celtics advanced by eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of their first-round series. “I really don’t care either, when I’m competing against them.”The franchises have met 19 times in the playoffs (though only three times in the past 33 years), with Boston holding a 12-7 edge.YOUTH IS SERVEDADVERTISEMENT Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames
Already a pro, Doncic set to join college stars in NBA draft
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 And he might just be the most accomplished and intriguing player in this class.After capping his brilliant stay in Spain with another title, the Slovenian guard heads the list of international players expected to be selected Thursday, a teenager whose resume is already more complete than even some of the most season veterans.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 crown“He may be the most accomplished European teenager to ever come into the draft,” ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas said. “You know, there’s very little that is unknown about him. He’s not some workout wonder that people are projecting. He’s accomplished things, and he has been seen in 5-on-5 against high-level competition for a number of years. He’s played professional basketball since he was 13.”Doncic couldn’t join Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III and the other headliners in New York on Wednesday because he was en route from Spain after finishing off his dream season by helping Real Madrid win its ACB league championship Tuesday. The 6-foot-7 guard made a 3-pointer off one leg with the shot clock running down and Real Madrid clinging to a three-point lead, and his team held on to win the series in four games and allow him to get to Barclays Center in time for Thursday’s festivities, rather than stay behind for a Game 5. Bicol riders extend help to Taal evacuees LATEST STORIES After only 2 matches, Egypt eliminated from World Cup Even with Ayton, a native of the Bahamas, and Doncic at the top of the list of international candidates, the strength of this draft is at the college level. Power programs such as Duke (Bagley and Wendell Carter Jr.), Michigan State (Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges), national champion Villanova (Mikal Bridges and Donte DiVincenzo) and Kentucky (Kevin Knox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) could have multiple players taken in the top 10-15 selections of the two-round draft, and teams looking for point guards could choose between freshmen Trae Young of Oklahoma and Collin Sexton of Alabama.They could give the NBA a second straight strong rookie class, after Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, Boston’s Jayson Tatum and 2016 No. 1 pick Ben Simmons of Philadelphia all helped their teams advance to at least the second round of the postseason.“I think it’s a transformational class,” Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr. said. “I think we’ve got a lot of different kinds of players: Deandre, Marvin, the big dudes who are special, and then me along with a couple other wings who can do a lot of different things, and then point guard, Trae, Collin Sexton, and then I heard that Luka dude — I ain’t seen much on him but I heard he’s special, too. So I think we’re a great draft, one of the best in a while.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next He had already been the MVP of both the Euroleague season and its Final Four, the youngest player ever to win both honors, as Real Madrid won that title as well.“I’m speechless,” he told the team’s website after Tuesday’s victory. “It has been the season of my life. It’s incredible.”The Phoenix Suns have the No. 1 pick and are widely expected to draft Arizona center Deandre Ayton, even though new coach Igor Kokoskov coached Doncic last summer on the Slovenian national team that won the nation’s first EuroBasket gold medal.Then it’s Sacramento, Atlanta, Memphis and Dallas, and any of them could consider a player who’s only 19 but has been playing against some of the toughest competition outside the NBA for years. And while there may always be some skepticism of European players because Darko Milicic bombed so badly after being taken right behind LeBron James and ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade 15 years ago, it would be a surprise if Doncic failed after all he’s already done.“He should easily transition to the league really well,” Miami guard Lonnie Walker IV said. “I mean, look at what he’s doing in the Euroleague. You’ve got to respect what he’s doing. You can’t say he’s not good and he’s the MVP and everything of that spot. So pay respect where it’s due. He’s a great player. All you can say is tell him to continue to work hard and prove everyone that’s doubting him wrong.”ADVERTISEMENT Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Harvey Weinstein rape trial Cloudy skies over Luzon due to amihan Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Christopher Tolkien, son of Lord of the Rings author, dies aged 95 Taal victims get help from Kalayaan town View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding MOST READ Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina FILE – In this May 20, 2018, file photo, Real Madrid’s Luka Doncic (7) reacts with teammate Trey Thompkins after winning their Final Four Euroleague final basketball match against Fenerbahce, in Belgrade, Serbia. The Slovenian guard heads the list of international players expected to be selected in the NBA draft. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File)NEW YORK — Luka Doncic is about to become an NBA player, though he’s unlike the other top prospects who will be drafted.He’s already a pro. He’s already a champion.ADVERTISEMENT
Trainers employ ‘shock’ routines for Pacman make-or-break bout
Palace OKs total deployment ban on Kuwait OFWs Photos by Wendell Alinea/MP PromotionsKUALA LUMPUR—Manny Pacquiao opted to skip gym work and instead went for a jog under overcast skies on Tuesday afternoon here.Five days before what he described as an “important fight” of his career, Pacquiao decided to follow what his body says and take it slow.ADVERTISEMENT Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Fortune said Pacquiao thrice did “power gliding,” an uphill jog on a terrain in General Santos City that he described as “brutal and horrible that conquering it means a lot (psychologically).”Closed-door trainingMeanwhile, Matthysse went straight to the gym put up right on the massive driveway of the Le Meridien Hotel after the traditional welcome by media and supporters.The Argentine’s public relations director Ramiro Gonzalez refused to let anyone inside his noonday training amid buzz that the reigning World Boxing Association welterweight champion is “seven pounds overweight.”Pacquiao, according to head trainer Buboy Fernandez, is at 145 pounds “eating regularly,” but he would like him to be at 146 on Thursday’s weigh in, and 150 lb on fight day.Matthysse is said to normally climb the ring at 160 lb with his vaunted punching power intact.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Trump assembles a made-for-TV impeachment defense team 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 “I am more than ready and excited to show the Malaysian fight fans the fruits of hard training and preparation,” said Pacquiao as his July 15 fight against Lucas Matthysse got hyped by local television, newspapers and billboards across this city.The Filipino global superstar, preparing for the battle that could either extend his glorious career or end it altogether, said he had a “great training camp.”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’Conditioning coach Justin Fortune said he “shocked his body into working,” after a year-long respite following his unanimous decision loss to Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane.“Oh, we changed things around, changed training routines, stuff that shocked his system,” said Fortune, who once fought Lennox Lewis as a heavyweight contender. “He (Pacquiao) had more plyometrics, more circuit training, like shocking his body into working again.” Putin’s, Xi’s ruler-for-life moves pose challenges to West In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’
Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Report: Disney dropping the ‘Fox’ from movie studio names ‘High crimes and misdemeanors’: Trump impeachment trial begins MOST READ Three-in-oneFor Fernandez, Matthysse is a combination of three other fighters whom his best friend had fought before.He compared the Argentine titlist to Mexican slugger Hector Velazquez, all-out brawler Brandon Rios and Pacquiao archnemesis Juan Manuel Marquez.While there were no problems with Velazquez and Rios who both suffered punishments from Pacquiao’s fists, Fernandez is convinced that Matthysse will try to pull off a Marquez.“I see what they are trying to do, to work on the timing of his counterpunch like Marquez,” said Fernandez. “But we already worked on it, we’ll let him (Matthysse) come to us and then we attack.”Fernandez said Matthysse won’t be able to stand waiting for the counterattack.“We devised a plan for him to make a move,” he said.Before stunned spectators in 2012, Marquez dealt Pacquiao his worst defeat when the Mexican knocked him out cold via a perfectly-timed right to the face in the sixth round of their fourth and last fight.Fernandez said he would prefer Matthysse play that game because “we are preparing something for him. He will be met by a storm.” View comments Can’t waltz with Father Time Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew
Back in flight
LATEST STORIES And just like that, despite enduring a two-game slide before Wednesday’s dominating victory, Adamson grabbed a piece of the lead with its sixth win in eight outings.The Falcons share the same record with idle Ateneo but own the tiebreak against the defending champion for now.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 ChrissJerrick Ahanmisi fired 21 points and Papi Sarr finished with 15 points for Adamson.Earlier, former Adamson high school star Encho Serrano bucked an illness to key La Salle’s second straight victory at the expense of University of the East, 79-59. Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college But it was Serrano’s play that turned out to be the biggest difference for La Salle.A dominant presence in high school with his strength and athleticism, Serrano scored on transition baskets and daredevil drives, providing a quick reminder why so many schools wanted to recruit him.What made the performance even more remarkable was the fact that Serrano had to go to the hospital for a checkup the morning before the game as he was suffering from a flu.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next 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 Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netOver the past few playdates, three schools have had their moment at the No. 1 spot in the UAAP men’s basketball standings. And on Wednesday afternoon, Adamson took its turn at the top anew.On a day a rookie from its high school program finally showed his worth, the Falcons snapped a two-game slide with a 69-58 drubbing of National University at Mall of Asia Arena.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ With Aljun Melecio cooling off after an explosive performance against Adamson last Saturday, Serrano, the former high school star from Adamson, finally came out of his shell, finishing with 18 points in just 18 minutes.“I just really wanted to play to get my confidence,” said Serrano in Filipino.Andrei Caracut also dished out his best game of the season with 16 points as the Archers kept their explosive form against a UE team that showed little fight in the middle quarters.“We need everyone to step up in the second round,” said La Salle coach Louie Gonzales, whose team pulled level with FEU at third spot with a 5-3 record.Melecio was held to just eight points after back-to-back 20-point performances against Ateneo and Adamson, but big men Santi Santillan and Justin Baltazar put together 25 points for the Archers.ADVERTISEMENT Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Looking to cruise, Aces slog past Dyip on Harris’ heroics Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? View comments Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil
From heartbroken to hero, Nunez delivers in Red Sox win
“So I come through with a lot of injuries this year with my knee, a lot of issues. But thank God I come through, and we’re here. I’m very excited to have the win.”– ‘It was a great job’ –After knee and ankle injuries, Nunez had his magical moment.“When you’ve got a guy like him on the bench, it’s a weapon for us. And when he’s going well, we all seem to go well,” Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi said. “It’s not easy to come off the bench and pinch-hit, especially when it’s (cold). It was a great job.”Cora appreciated how much the moment meant.“As a baseball man, that was sad to see last year. He changed the complex of the Red Sox. He carried this offense and put this team in a different dimension. And he got hurt and only one pitch in the playoffs, and then he was out of it,” Cora said.“For him to show up today and put up a big swing, that’s his first World Series swing, it’s very gratifying to see him do that.” LATEST STORIES View comments Boston Red Sox’s Eduardo Nunez reacts after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)A year after collapsing injured on the field to start the Major League Baseball playoffs, Boston Red Sox second baseman Eduardo Nunez went from heartbroken has-been to World series hero.The 31-year-old Dominican infielder smashed a three-run homer Tuesday over Fenway Park’s giant “Green Monster” left-field wall to secure host Boston’s 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening game of the 114th World Series.ADVERTISEMENT Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Raptors, Spurs can both claim trade victory MOST READ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next 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 “It’s weird because I don’t care about being a hero. As long as we have the win, that’s all that matters,” Nunez said. “We’re here to win and lose together. Who cares who’s the hero that night? As long as we have a hero, that’s a good feeling because we have the win.”Both managers made substitutions in the seventh inning that left pinch-hitter Nunez at the plate against Dodgers reliever Alex Wood with two runners on base and two outs and Boston clinging to a 5-4 lead.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 ChrissNunez blasted the ball high to left field and into the first row of seats atop the iconic landmark.“In the beginning I thought it was going to be a single, because the ball go so high,” he said. “When I see the ball is going, I was excited, because I didn’t expect the ball going away.” Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title
Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew As Nunez circled the bases, he looked at the cheering Red Sox supporters delirious with delight.“That was the best feeling as a player, see all the fans, they paid tickets to watch us, to play and be crazy,” Nunez said. “That’s a great feeling.”Nunez began his major league career for Boston’s arch-rival, the New York Yankees, in 2010 and also played for Minnesota and San Francisco before joining the Red Sox last year.But Nunez suffered a right knee injury in September 2017 that was later diagnosed as a severe ligament sprain. He aggravated the injury in his return later that month and when he started Boston’s playoff opener, he collapsed on the field after trying to run out a ground ball in his first time at bat. He was carried off the field and dropped from the lineup.“For sure I was disappointed in myself last year. I was getting injured in the wrong time,” Nunez said. “So my teammates lost in the first round. Was awful. So I signed back. I told Alex (Cora, the Red Sox manager), the only reason I signed back here, was I want to win rings. I never have that experience. I never have a World Series game.ADVERTISEMENT
Teen gymnast Carlos Yulo makes PH history with bronze in world championships
Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college Yulo tallied 14.600 points to wind up on the podium in the men’s floor final.Artur Dalaloyan of Russia took home the gold medal with 14.900 points while Kenzo Shirai of Japan was a close second with 14.866 points.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 Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown Eyeing an encore MOST READ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew 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 Carlos Edriel Yulo of The Philippines competes on the floor exercise during day nine of the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the Aspire Dome on November 2, 2018 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)Carlos Yulo won a historic bronze medal for the Philippines in the 2018 FIG Artistic World Championships Friday at Aspire Academy Dome in Doha, Qatar.The 18-year-old Yulo, the youngest among all participants, bagged the country’s first medal in the world championship.ADVERTISEMENT Artur Dalaloyan is the 2018 Men’s Floor World Champ🥇🥇 Dalaloyan RUS – 14.900🥈Shirai JPN – 14.866🥉Yulo PHI – 14.600 – 1st ever medal!Results 👉 https://t.co/N66JL7iOy6Women’s Vault next @DohaGym2018🎥👉 https://t.co/N66JL7iOy6#DohaGym2018 #GoGymtastic— FIG (@gymnastics) November 2, 2018 Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Allen Durham still determined to help Meralco win 1st PBA title Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Gov’t to employ 6,000 displaced by Taal Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Japeth Aguilar embraces role, gets rewarded with Finals MVP plum View comments
TJ Dillashaw gives up UFC 135-pound title because of drug test
FILE – In this Jan. 20, 2019 file photo, TJ Dillashaw reacts after a flyweight mixed martial arts championship bout against Henry Cejudo at UFC Fight Night in New York. Dillashaw has surrendered the UFC 135-pound championship because of an “adverse finding” in his last drug test. Dillashaw posted on social media that he would give up the belt after he was informed by the New York State Athletic Commission and the United States Anti-Doping Agency of the results of his test leading up to his last fight in January. Dillashaw suffered first-round loss to Henry Cejudo and failed to become a two-division champion. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)LAS VEGAS— TJ Dillashaw has surrendered the UFC 135-pound championship because of an “adverse finding” in his last drug test.Dillashaw posted on social media that he would give up the belt after he was informed by the New York State Athletic Commission and the United States Anti-Doping Agency of the results of his test leading up to his last fight in January. Dillashaw suffered first-round loss to Henry Cejudo and failed to become a two-division champion.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ SEA Games: Agatha Wong defends wushu title, scores 2nd gold for PH PLAY LIST 01:05SEA Games: Agatha Wong defends wushu title, scores 2nd gold for PH00:50Trending 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 Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title Rogue cops marked as Gamboa’s targets in his appointment as PNP chief Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title View comments Tom Brady most dominant player in AFC championship history Japeth Aguilar wins 1st PBA Finals MVP award for Ginebra
“While words can’t even begin to express how disappointed I am at this time, please know that I’m working with my team to understand what has occurred and how to resolve this situation as quickly as possible,” Dillashaw said. “Out of fairness and respect to the rest of the division, I’ve informed the UFC that I’ll be voluntarily relinquishing my title while I deal with this matter.”A spokesman with the New York commission said Wednesday that Dillashaw was fined $10,000 and suspended for one year for drug use, but declined to give further details.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGolden State Warriors sign Lee to multiyear contract, bring back ChrissSPORTSCoronation night?SPORTSThirdy Ravena gets offers from Asia, Australian ball clubsThe 33-year-old Dillashaw (16-4) had cut 10 pounds of weight to fight Cejudo. Dillashaw used a program devised by a triathlete math professor and performance specialist to cut some serious weight in his attempt to hold championships in two weight classes.He’s a two-time bantamweight champion and won the title for a second time when he defeated Cody Garbrandt at UFC 217 in November 2017. Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Eugenie Bouchard’s bid for Australian Open spot ends in qualifying Will you be the first P16 Billion Powerball jackpot winner from the Philippines? Damian Lillard unleashes 33 as Blazers beat struggling Mavericks Gretchen Barretto’s daughter Dominique graduates magna cum laude from California college LATEST STORIES Phivolcs: Slim probability of Taal Volcano caldera eruption
Rivercess Citizens’ Movement Descend on ‘Pit-sawyers’
The Rivercess Concerned Citizens Movement, represented by their secretary-general, Dailay D. Konway, has condemned in the strongest terms the felling of high forest trees in the county by ‘pit-sawyers.’He said pit-sawyers were pillaging the forests without any due benefit to the county.According to Konway, pit-sawyers are “operating illegally in and around concessional forests.He made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer Wednesday, April 23, when he — along with a few other members of the association — walked into the McDonald Street offices of the paper to present their position statement.In Konway’s opinion, forests are not exclusively owned by community dwellers; therefore, they cannot authorize or allow pit-sawyers to operate.He then mentioned that pit-sawyers’ money does not make any positive impact on the county; instead it is used to bribe and mislead the local inhabitants while they (pit-sawyers) deplete the forest to the detriment of the county.The pit-sawyers’ action, Konway believes, has the propensity to scare away potential investors coming to the county to change the present living condition of its residents.He said, it has become an “open secret” in the county that illegal logging aimed at depleting the forests was ongoing, adding “The Concerned Citizens Movement will stand against any act that could potentially stall developmental activities in the county. We will stand against anyone; whether they are an official or a local leader.” Mr. Konway is therefore calling on those involved in “dubious and or clandestine logging activities in the county” to desist. He said this was because, “the forests belongs to the residents, who have the legitimate right to sign any agreement with any well-recognized logging company in the county.”“The movement is also calling on the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to intervene and force any suspected illegal pit-sawyer to leave Rivercess,” he concluded. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Lawn Tennis’ Elections Today
The chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee of the Liberia Tennis Federation (LTF), Cllr. Lloyd Kennedy has dismissed report on the postponement of the federation’s elections on Friday, 4 April at the SKD complex.Cllr. Kennedy stated, via mobile phone yesterday that the Committee would not acknowledge or act-upon any complaint or protest for the postponement of the elections for the fourth time since the end of its recent dispute in the Court law.The veteran sports lawyer said the LTF’s elections will begin at 2:00p.m., and would be observed by representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and others. Elections Commission chairman Dr. W. Taylor Neal revealed 42 members have registered to vote and interested individuals have applied for four of the five positions up to press time yesterday.He named John P. Dexter and Adolphus Wade as candidates for the presidential post, while the vice president, secretary and treasurer position have each candidate applying.Meanwhile, Coaches Alfred Kandakai and Josiah Gono, on behalf of the Coaches Committee, have called for the postponement of the elections, questioning the voters’ registration and the qualification of candidates.The duo argued that there are discrepancies in the voters’ list and there is no civic education regarding the Friday’s elections.In 2013, the Secretary General of LTF, John P. Dexter and colleagues petitioned the Civil Court against the elections arguing that the then Vice President, Houssein Cheaitou was not qualified to contest the elections based on his nationality, few months after the death of president, Prof. Harold J. Monger.Veteran lawn tennis players and officials at the Ministry of Youth and Sports influenced the withdrawal of the case.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
MOE Pays ‘Untrained Teachers’ More Money
The ongoing fight to improve Liberia’s educational system has experienced a setback following the revelation that authorities at the Ministry of Education were paying more money to teachers that are being classified as “untrained” than those who are “trained” to teach. The Director-General of the National Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Michael P, Slawon made the disclosure during a presentation Wednesday, April 23, at a one-day national symposium on higher education and early childhood development. The day-long symposium was hosted by the MOE under the theme, “Higher Education and Early Childhood Development—the Awakening.” Dr. Slawon presented a paper on the topic, “Higher Education in Liberia: A Destination for Early Childhood Development.” According to him, too few students graduating from the nation’s high schools are prepared for tertiary education. This situation made Dr. Slawon question the role of educational authorities regarding the improvement of early childhood education in the country.He narrated his experience leading to the discovery of difficulties and expense of upgrading the credentials of teachers at the pre-primary and primary levels.He said the early grade reading assessment data has shown that too few students graduating from the nation’s high schools are prepared for tertiary education; with 100 percent of 25,000 high school graduates who took the University of Liberia’s (UL) last administered entrance exam failing. “No student who sat last year’s examination administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for Liberian high schools scored in Division 1, and only 100 achieved a Division two pass. In the other WAEC countries, only Division 1 and 2 students are considered prepared for tertiary education.” He noted that qualified and dedicated teachers are the most important elements in educating students.“In Liberia,” Dr. Slawon said, “the shortage of qualified teachers is a major impediment to reforming the nation’s education system.”He proposed that all teachers and school administrators become eligible to hold their positions through an itemized system. He said teachers should only be licensed to teach after meeting requirements such as a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or its equivalent and an A-Certificate; for Upper Basic Education (Junior Secondary) Teachers and Administrators.“At least an Associate’s Degree from a recognized teacher training institute and a B-Certificate from the authority established under the educational Act empowered to issue Teachers’ Certificates should be required,” he said.He continued, “For Lower Basic Education (Primary Schools) teachers and administrators,” Dr. Slawon said, “at least an Associate Degree for grades (4-6), and a high school diploma with a year of post-secondary teacher training at a recognized teacher training institution; the person must also possess a minimum B or C-Certificate, because the overwhelming number of students are in the pre-primary and primary grades.” Reading from 2012 Public School Census data, Dr. Slawon reported that there was a total of 1, 593 schools, with 9, 655 teachers assigned. Of those teachers, he said, 38.5 percent of them are “trained,” while 37.5 are untrained; leaving the rest in an unknown category.Of the “trained” teachers, 0.7 percent holds an A.A. Certificate; 2.6 percent B. Certificate; 36.2 C. Certificate; with only 0.2 percent holding University degrees, but the rest were placed in an unknown category. “Most teachers are under-educated. The overwhelming numbers of students in these primary grades are in classes with too many students to achieve optimum results,” he explained.Other individuals who presented papers included the president of the Stella Maris Polytecnic University, Sister Mary Laurine Brown, and deputy Education Minister for Planning, Research and Development, Dr. Kalipha Bility among others.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)