Lionel Messi’s Argentina is now a win away from its goal of World Cup glory after dismantling a weary-looking Croatia, 3-0, in the first semifinal match this morning (3 a.m., Dec. 14 in Manila) at Lusail Stadium. It is the sixth time Argentina reached the World Cup final, and they are now waiting for the...
Category: Sports
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Hidilyn Diaz, aka ‘powerhouse’
Because she did it again, “powerhouse” may well be her middle name. Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Francisco Diaz-Naranjo, now 31, added three more gold medals to complete her collection and finally became a world champion at the ongoing IWF World Weightlifting Championships held in Bogota, Colombia, starting Dec. 5. Hidilyn reigned over Rosalba Morales of Colombia...
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Where we’re at in World Cup: 4 teams remain in thrilling tournament
Except for some shockers like powerhouses Argentina and Germany losing to unheralded opponents at the start of the Group Stage, the 22nd FIFA World Cup in Qatar began uneventfully. But as expected, the quadrennial event exploded into life with the semifinals set this week. Anxiety levels soared through the roof in this weekend’s quarterfinals, in...
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A muddled recollection (or did Sonny Padilla really influence a title fight?)
It was an interview Carlos “Sonny” Padilla Jr. should not have engaged in. For the few unaware, the name Sonny Padilla is synonymous with boxing not only in the Philippines but also in the United States. Last Aug. 8, he was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (Class of 2020) along with Miguel...
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World Cup 2022: Thrilling for reasons other than the games
As the biggest show on earth reaches fever pitch in Qatar, fans are being treated to thrilling sideshows that have little to do with the tournament, but with far-reaching implications for the participating countries. Since kicking off on Nov. 21 at the Khalifa International Stadium, the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been abuzz with...
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When you let your fists do the talking
What is it with blowout games and big brawls? Retribution for a humiliating beatdown? Payback for the other team’s 3-point shots that never seem to miss? Vengeful warning to an opponent for dunking on one’s team’s misery? It could have been any of those in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) match between the College...
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Looking for the next Eugene Torre
In a society where attitudes and behaviors are easily swayed by what’s viral or trending on social media, the 1,500-year-old board game called chess might help improve how people approach some of the most pressing and complex issues, mold them to be better observers, and improve their critical thinking. But first, the Philippines needs...
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Obiena heads back to training with sights set on 6-meter mark
Ernest John “EJ” Obiena was on easy street on home grounds. In the three weeks that he was in the Philippines for much-needed R&R, the world’s No. 3 pole vaulter was peppered with profit-making deals that made him ambassador of top consumer brands. Of course, there were also the mandatory courtesy calls to various sports...
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Alex Eala notches a first for the motherland
It took just three years, and it was sweet. This time, no one will be in any position to ask the Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala whether she’d ever win a Grand Slam singles title. Last Sept. 4, the 17-year-old lefty claimed her first junior Grand Slam singles title at the 2022 US Open,...
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‘Pamana’: Archery enthusiasts aim at heritage target
Every Tuesday and Friday on a grassy lot behind the University of the Philippines’ (UP) Albert Hall in Diliman, Quezon City, archery enthusiasts are shooting arrows at a circular straw target from different distances. Rather than hitting the bull’s eye and running up points as in competitive archery, they are focused on perfecting the athletic...