MANILA, Philippines – Rocky Marciano Jr, the son of the legendary heavyweight champion of the 1950s, said the 50-0 record of Floyd Mayweather Jr should have an asterisk next to it – because he was facing a boxer making his pro debut.

Mayweather, 40, came out of a two-year retirement on Saturday, August 26 (Sunday, August 27, Manila time) and stopped mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in 10 rounds to break a tie with Marciano for the mythical unblemished 49-0 record, which Marciano retired with in 1955.

Other boxers have at some point surpassed it, like Julio Cesar Chavez Sr at 87-0, but Marciano and Mayweather had retired before being defeated.

"To me, it's an exhibition fight. I think it definitely should [have an asterisk]. There's such a big difference from the boxing ring to a UFC octagon, and it's such a big learning curve," said Marciano Jr to the New York Post.

"Mayweather's had an incredible career and he's had 20 years of greatness, but I would honestly give a boxer who has come up through the amateur ranks, having his first professional fight more of a chance than McGregor."

Mayweather had retired before but vowed this fight would be his final fight, saying of McGrego, "tonight I chose the right dance partner to dance with."

Despite a competent early start, McGregor quickly deteriorated as the rounds progressed and Mayweather began systematically breaking him down.

"The fight went pretty much the way I expected it to go. Mayweather would take it slow in the beginning and see what McGregor would throw at him. Mayweather knew that McGregor would tire in the later rounds. If people want to say this is breaking Marciano's record, sure, it's disappointing because you want to see him challenged and fight the best he could," said Marciano Jr.

"If he wants to be the best pound-for-pound fighter of his generation or his weight class, I think as fans of boxing, we want to see people pitted against the best and then see the result, and that's not what we [got]. There is such a discrepancy in experience. Will they say, 'Yeah, he got it, but look how he got his 50th win?' That's the conversation moving forward." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines tries to remain perfect in AFC Asian Cup qualifying when they play Yemen in Bacolod City's Panaad Stadium on Tuesday, September 5. 

The Azkals are atop Group F with 6 points from wins over Nepal and Tajikistan. Yemen, which beat the Philippines in World Cup qualifying in Manila in 2015, defeated Tajikistan and drew at Nepal, so they are on 4 points. The best two teams from this four-nation double round-robin group proceed to the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup in UAE in 2019. 

The Azkals then play Yemen in Qatar in October before traveling to Kathmandu to collide with Nepal in November. Hopefully by the time we host Tajikistan in Bacolod for our last game in March, we will have had secured qualification. 

The team has numerous challenges coming into this match, especially on the personnel side. 

WHO'S OUT: There is no shortage of big names who will not be suiting up for a variety of reasons. 

Javier Patiño is out with a knee injury sustained in July while playing for his Chinese club side, Henan Jianye. That will be a massive loss for the team. Patiño, when healthy, is our most reliable striker. 

Amani Aguinaldo is also suffering from an injured knee. Good chance he will not take part. Unfortunately, one of his possible replacements, Camelo Tacusalme, is likewise unavailable because of a hamstring pull. 

Stephan Schrock has apparently retired from international football based on this post from his official Facebook page. 

The Ceres Negros man was unlikely to be selected anyway since the relationship between him and coach Thomas Dooley appears to have soured again. Schrock, who turned 31 this month, will continue playing for Negros in the PFL. 

No Martin Steuble either, it seems. He has lost favor with Dooley as well and will likely be left off the squad as he was versus Tajikistan and China. 

Steuble would have been an option for left back. We will need one since Daisuke Sato is not coming. The Fil-Japanese is in great health playing for his new club in Denmark, but two accumulated yellows in this campaign mean he won't be allowed to play. 

Another left back, Jeff Christiaens, also of Ceres, has also retired from international football at the age of 26, according to Dooley. The Fil-Belgian is a father of two and wants to focus on his family. 

No Roland Müller either. The goalie has also retired from international football. 

Kaya Makati striker Kenshiro Daniels is also injured and will likely not participate, according to the coach. 

WHO'S IN: There is no reason to panic yet because many of the Azkals who we know and love will take the field. 

Phil Younghusband, with three goals in the first two games, is in the roster alongside brother James. The duo has been in Malaysia with their new club Davao Aguilas on a training camp. Iain Ramsay will be in the saddle as well. 

Misagh Bahadoran will be on the team, and not as goalkeeper, the position he played for Global in a recent 5-2 loss against JPV Marikina. 

Neil Etheridge, on fire for his English Championship club Cardiff, is planing in, with Pat Deyto and Nick O'Donnell backing him up in goal. Dooley says Etheridge is the probable starter.

Both Manny and Mike Ott are available. The younger Ott, Mike, has been plying his trade in Thailand. 

Fans of Simone Rota will be glad to see him slip on an Azkals shirt once again. The Fil-Italian is now with Davao and could be an option at centerback for Dooley. 

Another player coming back from a long absence is Patrick Reichelt of Ceres. Dooley says the right-sided attacker probably won't start but he wants to see him in training to check his fitness. Dooley says Rota is in the same boat. 

Stephan Palla is making a long-awaited return to the Philippine team. The Fil-Austrian has been away with knee and back issues that kept him off the field for much of 2016. Palla has been playing often for Wolfsberger in the Austrian league and it is highly possible he starts at left back with Sato, Christiaens, and Steuble all not around. 

Two players from the SEA Games U22 side have been summoned to Bacolod. Dylan De Bruycker can cause lots of problems out wide while Josh Grommen was solid in central defense in Malaysia. Grommen has been asked to train with the Azkals in the past but it looks like this is his first full call-up. 

Another new face will be Meralco's Tyler Matas, a Filipino-American wide player who has played every single minute for the Sparks in their PFL campaign this year, all 18 matches. Matas also supplies something the national team hasn't had since the days of Jason Sabio and Anton Del Rosario: a long throw-in. Manila has scored two goals this season directly off his tosses this season. 

Filipino-German Harry Föll is also making the trip. The 19-year old midfielder from Hansa Rostock in the third division of German football. Dooley describes Föll as being a tall winger with good size but also very quick. 

“We'll see if he can bring something to the team,” says the coach. 

Kevin Ingreso, Dennis Villanueva, Hikaru Minegishi, and Luke Woodland are also expected to line up. They will train in Bacolod all week leading up to the game. Dooley says he has also called up Paul Mulders. The Global Cebu veteran will be the oldest player there at 36. 

THE OPPONENT: Dooley comes straight to the point when he assesses our chances for victory.

“With our current circumstances I think we are the underdogs,” he says. 

According to Dooley he has studied the side and appreciates the technical ability of Alaa al-Sasi and Ayman Al-Hagri. He has also described their central defender, Mohammed Fuad Mohammed Omar, as a “giant.”

Dooley believes that Yemen has improved since its shocking 1-0 win over the Philippines in Rizal Memorial in November of 2015. Yemen is 19 spots behind us in the current FIFA rankings, at 146 to our 127. 

The coach thinks that Yemen struggled with the altitude in Nepal hence the 0-0 result. According to Dooley the team from the war-torn Gulf nation dominated that match. 

Hopefully the visitors also struggle in the heat of Bacolod. The Azkals return to Panaad after an almost 4-year absence. Their last match there was a 3-1 win over Pakistan in the Peace Cup in October of 2013. Tickets for this game are already on sale, ranging from P50 to P500. Details are here. 

Broadcast and/or streaming details have yet to be finalized but an announcement will hopefully come soon. 

It will likely be a tough match but the coach thinks fitness will, as always, be key. 

“As long as we are 100% fit, we can win. If we're not fit, we don't have a chance.”  – Rappler.com

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.

LOS ANGELES, USA – Gennady Golovkin says defending his world titles against Canelo Alvarez in his first fight in Las Vegas may be the most difficult bout of his career. 

"It is the biggest fight of my career," said Golovkin. "Canelo is the biggest champion and the biggest name out there."

Three-belt champion Golovkin and Alvarez will meet for middleweight supremacy at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 16.

The 35-year-old Golovkin told a news conference at Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, August 28, (Tuesday, August 29, Manila time) that if he wants to establish a legacy in boxing he needs to beat the likes of Alvarez. 

"I need this fight to get back to boxing. I have been working hard in training every day," said Golovkin, who has fought in seven different countries and 22 cities but never in Las Vegas.

He is undefeated with a 37-0 record while Alvarez has only lost once in 51 fights (49-1-1). 

Promoter Tom Loeffler said WBC, IBF and IBO champion Golovkin is having no trouble getting motivated for this fight which is sold out. 

"He has the sparkle in his eye again," said Loeffler.

Alvarez, meanwhile, added that this fight will be on the same level as his 2013 bout against Floyd Mayweather which he lost by a decision.

"It is right there with Mayweather and possibly bigger. That fight taught me a lot. But this fight will bring out the best in me," said the 27-year-old Mexican.

"(Golovkin) is the most dangerous fighter at this moment. We want to show him that on this side, there is a lot more to give, too."

Meanwhile, Golovkin, of Kazakhstan, admitted he didn't see the Mayweather-Conor McGregor spectacle and being a boxing purist he feels he didn't miss anything. "I didn't watch it. I am too busy," he said. 

Five-division champion Mayweather won the novelty fight by a TKO in the 10th round to improve to a perfect 50-0 in his career in a one-sided bout that played out the way many had expected.

Golovkin's advice to McGregor, who was making his professional boxing debut, would be to not quit his day job. "McGregor in boxing, no. He's not a boxer. He is a UFC fighter."

Golovkin's promoter Loeffler said Mayweather shouldn't be allowed to include that fight in his official boxing results. 

Asterisk needed

"There should be two asterisks," said Loeffler of Mayweather, who could earn $200 million from the event.

"When you talk about breaking records you can't count that as a 50th fight. Just like when Muhammad Ali fought Inoki. It was a spectacle."

Loeffler was referring to another novelty event in 1976 when Ali battled Japanese professional wrestler Antonio Inoki in Tokyo.

Former world champion and Olympic gold medallist Oscar De La Hoya has been one of the biggest critics of Mayweather-McGregor from the start. De La Hoya, who promotes Alvarez, didn't pull any punches Monday when talking about the Mayweather-McGregor event.

"I thought it was a fraud," De La Hoya said. "Only Mayweather knows why it lasted 10 rounds." – Rappler.com

BARCELONA, Spain – French wonderkid Ousmane Dembele shrugged off comparisons with Neymar and insisted he still has much to learn, despite becoming the second most expensive player in history as he was presented by Barcelona on Monday, August 28 (Tuesday, August 29, Manila time).

The 20-year-old's 105 million-euro ($125 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund could rise to 145 million-euro ($174 million) with add-ons depending on his performance, as Barca splashed out to fill the gap left by Neymar's own world record 222 million-euro ($266 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain.

"I'm not here to replace Neymar," said the Frenchman.

"I will try to make good progress. I am only 20 years old and have a lot to learn. That's why I came to this big club."

Dembele will form a fearsome forward line alongside 5-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as Barca aims to wrestle the Champions League and La Liga titles back from rivals Real Madrid.

And Dembele expects to learn firsthand from Messi, who he described as the best player in history.

"It's an honor to be a part of Lionel Messi's team," added Dembele.

"He's a great player, the best player in the world, the best in the history of football and I am very happy to play in his team.

"I will learn, watch how he plays, and how he is on and off the field."

Dembele's Barca career got off to an inauspicious start as his presentation in front of 18,000 waiting fans at the Camp Nou was delayed for nearly two hours due to a paperwork issue in releasing his registration from Dortmund.

With the supporters' patience tested there were whistles during the delay and chants for Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign.

Barca's board has been under huge pressure due to the club's fading fortunes on the field and being caught cold by Neymar's decision to leave.

The attendance was also well down on the 50,000 fans that welcomed Neymar on his presentation 4 years ago.

"With a player like Ousmane we have a competitive team that can aim, like every year, for the greatest success," said Bartomeu.

Dembele finally emerged in Barca's famous red and blue strip, sporting the number 11 jersey vacated by Neymar.

However, he will have to wait until at least September 9 to make his debut when Barca host Espanyol in a Catalan derby.

Dembele announced himself as one of Europe's top prospects with a stellar season at Dortmund, scoring 10 goals, after joining from Rennes for just 15 million euros a year ago.

However, he had been suspended by Dortmund since he boycotted training on August 10 in protest after the German club rejected Barca's first bid.

Dembele becomes Barca's 5th signing of the summer after Marlon Santos, Gerard Deulofeu, Nelson Semedo and Paulinho.

And the Catalan giants intend on completing at least one more deal before the transfer window closes on Friday with Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho top of their wish list.

Coutinho, 25, hasn't played for Liverpool since submitting a transfer request to try and force through a move earlier this month.

"My intention is that another player will come, if possible two," said Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez. – Rappler.com

*1 Euro = US$1.20

NEW YORK, USA – Marin Cilic tried to find confidence from the heartbreak of an injury-hampered Wimbledon final loss in his return Monday, August 28, (Tuesday, August 29, Manila time) at the US Open after an adductor muscle strain.

The thigh injury left him in tears on the court as he lost to Roger Federer last month in a bid for a second Grand Slam crown after his 2014 US Open triumph.

"I knew that, OK, I was not physically 100% in that final. That was just tough for me to handle, especially in that moment," Cilic said.

"But I took all positives out of it. Up to the end of Wimbledon, I had really consistent play, maybe the best ever in my career, so that's extremely positive for me. Now I'm looking to build on that."

In his first match since Wimbledon, the Croatian 5th seed outlasted 105th-ranked American Tennys Sandgren, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, on Monday to reach the second round on the New York hardcourts.

"Reaching another Grand Slam final is big motivation for me," Cilic said. 

"I'm looking forward to getting to my good form, keep it month after month. Hopefully next 12, 18 months I can be looking back with some great results as well."

After the long injury layoff, Cilic hopes to quickly play his way into shape as the Flushing Meadows fortnight unfolds.

"Everything feels OK physically. I'm very happy with that. That's the number one thing," he said.

"On the court I'm just lacking a little bit of that consistency point after point, to be continuing with my aggression. After those first two sets, which were quite good considering I haven't played, just dropped little bit with my game.

"I was actually feeling that could be also quite good for me to get in some rallies, battle it out, just mentally wise to get myself in a good position. Not the best as I would want, but still in a good way."

Cilic inherited the draw spot belonging to Britain's Andy Murray when the second seed withdrew Saturday due to a left hip injury, meaning a new path to the final and a switch in first-match foe from Frenchman Gilles Simon on short notice.

"It didn't bother me much in my preparation," Cilic said. "Basically still my biggest focus is on myself, to get my game on a good level.

"It's a great opportunity. That bottom part of the draw is a little bit more open there. Still focusing on myself to get to the good form and try to pass first couple rounds. Then I think my tennis is going to get better."

With defending champion Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic joining Murray out of the event, and stars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the other half of the draw, the chances for Cilic improve to reach another Slam final.

The only higher-ranked rival on his side of the draw is German 20-year-old 4th seed Alexander Zverev, who has never gone past the 4th round in a Slam.

"I had to take a long break without tennis, without running, so just pushed me back a bit," Cilic said. "The opportunities are there. It's just whether to be ready or not." – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA – Venus Williams celebrated her 20th anniversary at the US Open on Monday, August 28 (Tuesday, August 29, Manila time), as the tournament celebrated 20 years of Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she claimed two of her 7 Grand Slam titles.

Williams was a 17-year-old upstart with beads in her hair when she rallied to defeat Latvia's Larisa Neiland, 5-7, 6-0, 6-1, in the first round of the 1997 US Open in her Flushing Meadows debut on her way to her first Grand Slam final, which she lost to Martina Hingis.

"It has been 20 wonderful years," Williams told the crowd after a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 first-round victory over Slovakian qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova.

"I'm not sure there are going to be 20 more."

Since Williams became the first unseeded US Open women's finalist since 1958, she has won the 2000 and 2001 US Opens and 5 Wimbledon crowns, including her most recent Slam title in 2008.

But this season, at age 37, Williams has turned back the clock, reaching the finals at Wimbledon and the Australia Open. 

She lost to Spain's Garbine Muguruza on the All England grass and to her pregnant sister Serena at Melbourne last January.

She reached Arthur Ashe Stadium having played in two Grand Slam finals in a year for the first time since 2003, marveling at the largest venue in tennis from her airplane window.

"It's massive. When I was flying in, we flew right over it," Williams said. 

"A certain excitement I get to play there. It's a privilege. It's an honor. I take it quite seriously. Everybody does."

Asked what her career timetable might be, the oldest woman in the US Open said, "I don't know. We'll see. I have no plans. Zero."

Well, she has one. With 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena giving birth in the next few weeks, Venus will become an aunt for the first time as an adult. It's one of the few adventures the sisters haven't been able to fully share in their careers.

"It's definitely a different experience, especially for she and I, because we spent our whole lives so focused on work," Venus said. "So when you have an experience that is not work, it's pretty intense. It's a completely different experience for both of us."

'It won't be forever'

Tour life without Serena has Venus spending more time down Memory Lane than just a landmark night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I definitely have adjusted at this point. It takes time," Venus said. "There are moments where you have very distinct memories of togetherness.

"I've been able to remember those and be fond or have some longing or happy memories, all those feelings. But the plan is hopefully that it won't be forever."

Until Serena is able to return as doubles partner and singles star, something she has said her goal would be to do in time to defend her Australian Open title in 2018, Venus will have to settle for some coaching advice from afar.

"We always coach each other pretty much. We know what it's like to be out there," Venus said. "It's like I know I relate to her, she relates to me. I know exactly what it feels like. It's great to get advice from someone like that."

Especially when your game is making a return to star form like that of Venus.

"I feel like my game always rises a lot in the bigger events," she said. "That's what I feel like, like I'll be ready to play when push comes to shove." – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA - Maria Sharapova begins to explore just how well she can finish at the US Open on Wednesday, August 30 after a successful and emotional Grand Slam comeback following a 15-month doping ban.

The 30-year-old Russian, who ousted second seed Simona Halep in her opener, faces Hungary's Timea Babos for the first time in the second round of the year's final Grand Slam tournament.

And with Halep and British seventh seed Johanna Konta both ousted already, Sharapova would not see another top-10 foe until potentially 10th-ranked Dominika Cibulkova in the quarter-finals even as three top-10 foes lurk as possible semi-final rivals.

The draw is wide open for a deep run by Sharapova despite her relative lack of matches and nagging injuries that allowed her only one hardcourt tuneup to the Open.

"From the moment that I've been here, I've really understood what this means to me, to be back and to be playing," Sharapova said.

"Not playing a lot of matches coming into this, it almost seemed like I had no right to (beat Halep). And I somehow did. I think that is what I'm most proud of."

Sharapova served a 15-month doping ban after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open, returning in April to fanfare and controversy.

She missed Wimbledon with a thigh injury after being snubbed for a French Open wildcard but was given a wildcard into the US Open and wants to make the most of it.

"I was obviously extremely excited. I realized how long it had been since I played at the US Open," said Sharapova, who missed three of the prior four New York showdowns.

"Since I've come back, I feel like I'm on a team. I'm not just winning for myself, but I'm winning for everyone that has stood behind me. That is a very special feeling to have."

Applause and support from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium bolstered her confidence and enthusiasm against Halep as she improved to 18-0 in night matches on the main court.

"So much. So special. I felt the support in the States," Sharapova said. "This is obviously a different scale, completely different caliber to anywhere you play in the world. It's electric."

Spanish third-seed Garbine Muguruza, the reigning Wimbledon champion, can reach the US Open third round for the first time by beating China's Duan Ying-Ying.

US ninth seed Venus Williams, this year's Wimbledon and Australian Open runner-up, meets France's Oceane Dodin while Danish fifth seed Caroline Wozniacki faces Russian Ekaterina Makarova.

On the men's side, German 20-year-old fourth seed Alexander Zverev, the top ranked player in his half of the draw, meets Croatian Borna Coric in the second round as he tries to crack the final eight at a major for the first time.

"You have to improve everything a little bit," Zverev said. "Obviously you can't be satisfied after a first-round win. I want to go deeper." – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA – Rafael Nadal has conquered the French Open 10 times and battled career-threatening knee and wrist injuries, but his greatest challenge awaits him – telling rowdy New Yorkers to be quiet.

The world number one and two-time US Open champion took his first-round record at the season's concluding Grand Slam to 13-0 on Tuesday with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-2, 6-2 win over Serbia's Dusan Lajovic.

But with torrential rain lashing the Flushing Meadows site, the roof on the showpiece Arthur Ashe stadium was shut tight, creating a giant echo-chamber for the boisterous crowd of 24,000 beneath.

"Being honest, it (the noise) is a little bit too much," said the 31-year-old Spaniard, whose Grand Slam collection of 15 titles includes the 2010 and 2013 US Open crowns.

"The energy and support of the crowd is massive. I enjoy it and I have unforgettable memories from this tournament and this court, because the energy is different from in other places. 

"But at the same time, under the roof, it's too much noise. I was not able to hear the ball when hitting.

"I understand it's a show, but under the roof we need to be a little bit more strict about the noise. All the noise stays inside, and this is difficult."

Nadal's complaints echoed similar concerns made by Andy Murray last year when the huge $150 million roof over the world's biggest tennis stadium was rolled into action for the first time.

Murray, the 2012 champion, claimed that when the rain was bouncing off the outside of the roof, it was impossible to hear line calls inside.

Even the umpire in that match appealed to spectators to cut the volume, a desperate and often futile appeal during the tournament's famed night sessions when the alcohol-fueled atmosphere is not for the meek.

Nadal said the noise on Tuesday meant that he was unable to hear the ball and that his opponent couldn't hear him when he asked for a service game to be delayed.

Meanwhile, Nadal said he was equally flummoxed by Murray's decision to withdraw from the US Open last Saturday – after the draw had been made.

Murray was suffering from a hip injury and his decision to pull out of the event, where he would have been second seed, came too late to affect Nadal's half of the draw which he shares with old rival Roger Federer.

"Was a little bit strange that he retired just the morning after the draw was made," said Nadal.

"You don't retire Saturday morning. You retire Monday morning or Sunday afternoon. If not, you can do it before the draw. That's why I say it's strange."

"Was something that is a little difficult to understand, but the worst thing is he is not healthy and I wish him a very fast recovery." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines－ Retired NBA player and one of the league’s lethal 3-point snipers Ray Allen made the news on Tuesday, August 29, when he shared an Instagram photo of the Manila traffic that greeted him on his first visit.

Allen took Filipino hoop fans by surprise when he announced his arrival－ and even NCAA league leaders Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates were left speechless when the two-time NBA champion came out to visit their campus. 

The Pirates, who are currently undefeated at 9-0 after the first round, got some valuable piece of advice from the 10-time all star’s sudden visit. 

The university’s Facebook page posted a clip of Allen’s inspiring message on Tuesday night.

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“It’s hard when you’re at the top, right? Because you gotta work extra had,” Allen shared to the Season 93 leaders. 

“They’re gonna step up their game against you guys,” he added. “That’s how the best teams [in the NBA] lose to the teams that aren’t so good record-wise. Because you take them for granted.” 

“You don’t win a championship the day they give you the trophy. You win the championship every morning when you get up at 6 in the morning. That’s where the reward comes.” 

Allen, also known as "Jesus Shuttlesworth" for his role in the movie He Got Game, came from Hong Kong where he was the main guest for the Sneaker Con event during the weekend before arriving in Manila. 

The veteran, who won rings with Boston and Miami, formally announced his retirement last November. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA – Japanese teen Naomi Osaka first conquered her shaky nerves and then crushed defending champion Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-1 Tuesday, August 29 (Wednesday Manila time) to reach the second round of the US Open.

The 19-year-old daughter of a Haitian father and Japanese mother captured her first victory over a top-10 opponent by dispatching the German sixth seed, but first she had to fight off bad memories.

A year ago on the same Arthur Ashe Stadium court, Osaka squandered a 5-1 lead in the final set and lost to American Madison Keys 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3) in a third-round match.

"When I stepped on the court and I heard all the people and I saw how big the stadium was, I got a little bit freaked out, but I tried to hold it in," Osaka said.

"I never played a defending champion and also, I was playing on Ashe again, which wasn't really the best memory for me."

Osaka dominated former world number one Kerber, but as the match creeped closer to conclusion, a nagging thought popped up -- "I really hope I don't do what I did last year."

She didn't. Osaka polished off Kerber, the first defending US Open champion to crash out in her opener since Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2005, and set aside a bad memory in the proces.

"I felt the same type of nerves come up 4-1 in this match, so I wanted to tell myself just to keep playing how I was playing and not let the nerves get over me as much as last year," Ozaka said.

"The experience last year helped me this year. I feel like I know that I can play with the top players now, so I don't have to be as nervous as I was today."

Osaka, ranked 46th, tried to compare the situation to facing Venus Williams in a third-round loss at Wimbledon.

"I tried to tell myself I'm probably not going to get as nervous against Kerber as I did against Venus," she said. "That wasn't the most reassuring thing I have ever said, but it helped me through."

Osaka waited until after the match to focus on Kerber's status and skills and take full pride in her achievement of eliminating her.

"It means a lot, I feel, especially since how I ended last year's US Open. But I tried not to think how good she was while I was playing her.

"I felt really relieved, especially since I was so nervous on the last point. I just barely returned the serve. I just really didn't want to play a long point on the last one, so I was really glad when she made an error."

'Really negative' at times

Osaka watched as a young girl as other stars became champions on the same Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

"I grew up watching the greatest players play on that court, so to win a match on it felt really special," Osaka said. "When we were little, we would come to the US Open every year so the site feels really familiar to me. It's nostalgic every time I come here."

Osaka is coached by Australian David Taylor, the former coach of 2011 US Open winner Samantha Stosur, and credits him with helping keep her positive.

"I tend to be really negative on myself, to the point where I don't really know what I'm doing anymore," Osaka said. "Since Toronto, I would say, I've been being really solid about that." – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines - The TNT KaTropa spoiled the Blackwater Elite’s attempt to extend their franchise-best winning streak further with a lopsided victory, 117-96, in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, August 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The game was witnessed by NBA veteran Ray Allen, who was in attendance at courtside. The two-time NBA champion also had a chance to reconnect with the Elite's import Henry Walker, whom he played with during his stint with the Boston Celtics.

Keeping in mind that Blackwater was in the midst of a franchise-best 3-game winning streak, the KaTropa wasted no time in locking in defensively, and they cruised to a comfortable 22-point lead at the half. 

The Elite, who had been undefeated since Walker marched in, were unable to spark a rally down the stretch as TNT likewise displayed balanced offensive output throughout. 

Walker finished with a game-high 33 points and 18 rebounds for Blackwater, shooting only 10-of-26 from the field. JP Erram added a double-double of his own with 18 markers and 13 boards. 

Glen Rice Jr delivered a team-high 31 points to go with 6 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 assists for TNT. He got ample support from Kelly Williams, who pitched in 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting off the bench.

The KaTropa were at full force in the match as Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, and Troy Rosario suited up for action after their respective Gilas Pilipinas duties in the FIBA Asia Cup and the Southeast Asian Games. 

TNT has now won two straight games to register a 4-2 record, while Blackwater meanwhile slips to 3-4. 

Scores:

TNT (117) - Rice Jr. 31, Williams 21, Castro 11, Lingganay 10, Tautuaa 9, Reyes 8, Pogoy 8, De Ocampo 7, Carey 6, Rosario 3, Semerad 3, Golla 0, Nuyles 0, Hernandez 0. 

Blackwater (96) - Walker 33, Erram 18, Digregorio 12, Sumang 8, Belo 7, Canaleta 6, Cruz 4, Pinto 4, Gamalinda 2, Pascual 2, Miranda 0, Sena 0. 

Quarter scores: 28-25, 62-40, 92-71, 117-96. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings continued on with their hot streak as they posted a 5th straight win at the expense of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 105-92, in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, August 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Gin Kings started to pull away midway through the third frame after almost doubling Phoenix’s output in that quarter, 32-18. They dominated the paint throughout the match, tracking down 34 offensive rebounds that immensely helped in stopping whatever rally the Fuel Masters tried to orchestrate. 

Justin Brownlee paced the Gin Kings with a team-high 24 points to go with 17 rebounds and 5 assists.

Japeth Aguilar contributed 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Joe Devance and Greg Slaughter had 14 apiece. 

Brandon Brown dished out a game-high 26 points coupled with 18 boards for the Fuel Masters, while Matthew Wright added 21 markers and 6 rebounds. 

With the win, Ginebra now moves to a 5-1 record alongside fellow leaders Meralco Bolts. 

Phoenix, on the other hand, has yet to break free from its slump, which now extends to 7 games. – Rappler.com

BORDEAUX, France - World 800m champion Pierre-Ambroise Bosse sustained "multiple facial fractures" after a vicious late-night attack in the southwest Gironde region of France last weekend.

Bosse, 25, said on his Facebook page Wednesday, August 30 that he was the "victim of a violent attack" while on holiday and had been "brutally assaulted by 3 individuals". 

He said he had suffered "unspeakable psychological damage" as a result of the incident and had been forced to put an early end to his season.

"Me who has always loved people, I love 3 less of them today," Bosse wrote.

A police investigation is continuing after a complaint was filed, with authorities still on the hunt for the assailants.

According to the website of the Sud Ouest newspaper, the attack occurred at around 4 am local time on Sunday morning in the car park of the Gujan-Mestras casino. 

Bosse had reportedly spent the night out with friends when he was approached by the 3 people, posing for a photo alongside them before events turned sour.

At the world championship final in London this month Bosse produced a stunning burst with 150m to go to give France their first-ever gold in the 800m. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA - Australia's 14th-seeded Nick Kyrgios crashed out in the first round of the US Open on Wednesday, August 30 with a right shoulder injury then beat himself up verbally for lacking dedication.

Two weeks after upsetting Rafael Nadal on the way to the biggest final of his career, Kyrgios lost to 235th-ranked compatriot John Millman 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Kyrgios, who had been the highest-seeded obstacle in Roger Federer's path to the quarter-finals, grabbed his right shoulder in the fourth game of the third set.

"Early in the third set I hit one serve and I never felt the same after that," Kyrgios said. "Something didn't feel right in my arm."

Still uncertain of the problem, Kyrgios lamented a year that saw him make second-round exits at the Australian and French Opens and retire from his Wimbledon opener with a hip injury that nagged him for weeks.

"I've had a diabolical year at the Slams," Kyrgios said. "It doesn't surprise me. It's just the story of my career, really. I will have good weeks. I'll have bad weeks. It's just a roller-coaster.

"I'm not having the greatest year like I should have done, but the last 3 months has been a nightmare, really."

Uncertain about his status for Australia's Davis Cup semi-final in just over two weeks, Kyrgios downed himself for his lack of dedication, saying his French coach, Sebastien Grosjean, deserved to work with a more inspired player.

"I'm not good enough for him," Kyrgios said. "He's very dedicated. He's an unbelievable coach. He probably deserves a player that's probably more dedicated to the game than I am.

"He deserves a better athlete than me. I'm not dedicated to the game at all. He has helped me a lot, especially in training sessions.

"There are players out there that are more dedicated, that want to get better, that strive to get better every day, the one-percenters. I'm not that guy."

Asked if he might be one day, Kyrgios said, "I really don't know. Probably not, honestly not."

The 22-year-old beat Nadal on the way to his first ATP Masters final at Cincinnati, where he fell to Grigor Dimitrov.

"In Cincinnati, I was not doing anything different. I was probably less dedicated than I was this week," Kyrgios said, citing pre-match basketball games and daily milk shake runs to an ice cream shop.

"I was less dedicated. And this week I was dedicated and my shoulder starts hurting."

Asked how worried he was about injury issues and needing a break, Kyrgios said, "I don't know. I don't know. I keep letting people down. So I don't know. I really don't know."

'Arm is totally dead'

Kyrgios told a physiotherapist his troubles during an injury timeout and while getting treatment during changeovers.

"One serve and arm is totally dead. It's so dead and numb. It's incredibly weak," said Kyrgios. "How can something happen all of a sudden? I wasn't feeling it at all and then Bang, one serve. I lost power in my serve."

Frustration grew as Kyrgios screamed an obscenity while glaring at his right hand after slamming down a racket following the fifth game of the third set, earning a language warning.

"My forehand is painful. It's so annoying," Kyrgios told the trainer. "I try hard and then one serve I can feel it. I don't get it. I don't know what to do.

"I'm feeling good. I finally have a good week last week, come to the US Open feeling good, playing a good match against an Aussie, third set and it's throbbing."

After his last available treatment, Kyrgios lost eight of the last nine games to drop the match. – Rappler.com

LAUSANNE, Switzerland - Punches are flying in and outside the ring at the amateur boxing world championships in Germany this week as a bitter power struggle rages for control of the historic Olympic sport.

In one corner in Hamburg is Wu Ching-Kuo, the embattled Taiwanese president of ruling body the AIBA and an influential member of the International Olympic Committee.

The opposite corner is crowded with the majority of the governing body's executive committee who have joined forces to establish a temporary administration.

They are out to KO Wu, who has led the Lausanne-based AIBA since 2006.

Wu's opponents want to oust him from power, and seize control of the organization in what the current AIBA boss has compared to "a military coup".

Their main gripe is that Wu has left the sport facing bankruptcy, placing the AIBA in peril.

They claim the "AIBA is not in a position to repay" debts totaling 15 million Swiss francs (13 million euros).

"Wrong!" says Wu, who contests that the AIBA's finances are in fact "healthy" with "16mn Swiss francs in the bank".

The rebels, led by Italian Franco Falcinelli and Pat Fiacco of Canada, attempted to force through an urgent management shake-up in the Swiss courts.

A ruling this month rejected their request, saying the matter would have to wait for a proper hearing in September.

The legal action came after Wu's executive committee passed a motion of no-confidence in him at a meeting in Moscow in July.

Wu claims he is being targeted because of his attempt to reform the AIBA and specifically singled out former executive director Ho Kim of South Korea for seeking "revenge" after his ousting over allegations of financial wrongdoing. 

Wu insists he is "the legitimate president" and said he had written to IOC chief Thomas Bach to explain the situation, pinning Ho as a main plotter. 

Bach was a noticeable absentee from the championships, all the more so with the event being held in his native Germany.

The IOC explained that "the circumstances which AIBA currently faces are not the right environment for a visit of the IOC President to this year’s championships".

Careful to avoid an accusation of taking sides in the internecine conflict, the IOC added: "Such a visit could be interpreted by either side as a statement of support".

'Dodgy dealings'

At Sunday's opening ceremony Wu's rivals met with international federation members who according to a statement were "surprised and concerned" about the AIBA's plight.

Wu had a very different take, claiming "I received lots of support" from his talks with the federations.

The disputing parties are set to clash again in the ring at an extraordinary congress scheduled for November.

But here again it's a case of warring press releases.

The provisional executive board have announced the congress will take place on November 12 in Dubai, while Wu says: "They've got no right to decide where the congress will be held, it's going to be in Lausanne."

When Wu succeeded Pakistan's Anwar Chowdry 11 years ago at the helm of amateur boxing he set about cleaning up a sport associated at the time with questionable practices.

"When Wu arrived it seemed as though things were going better. Under Chowdry there were some very dodgy dealings and it was known that medals could be bought at that time," confided an IOC member who wished to remain anonymous.

"It's hard to understand the reasons for this current crisis. Has Wu been careless or too ambitious over investments? Or is it revenge of ousted former officials?" he added.

Whatever the causes the AIBA feud is an embarrassment for the IOC at a time when in the wake of the crippling FIFA corruption scandal, it is pursuing widespread reform of international federations, with none more enshrined in the Olympic family than amateur boxing. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA - Maria Sharapova made the US Open last 32 Wednesday, August 30 (Thursday Manila time), insisting she has instilled renewed fear into her rivals and rekindled the love from her fans.

The former world number one and 5-time major winner pulled off a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-1 win over Timea Babos of Hungary.

It was her second three-set match, having seen off world number two Simona Halep on Monday in what was her first Grand Slam match since being hit with a 15-month doping ban.

"I think with the way that I played Monday night, I don't think there are any more questions," said the 30-year-old when pushed on whether her spot in the tournament was justified.

The 2006 champion, and guaranteed arena-filler, needed a wild card to play in New York after her prolonged absence from the sport had left her with a world ranking of 146.

It was a decision widely criticized with many insisting she should work her way back into the main draw and not be given a helping hand.

"I definitely feel the respect from the athletes," Sharapova insisted.

"Certainly when I play against them, in terms of the level they play. That's important to me. I think from a respect level, when you're able to respect your rivals and compatriots, that's really important, and I feel that."

"I've also had an amazing reaction from fans since I've been back, and that's been very special. I felt it while I was away. I felt it in a real presence since I've been back. It's a very special feeling."

But the questions over the ban, imposed when she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in 2016, still keep coming.

After her win over Babos, she was asked how many times she had been drug-tested this year.

"At the end of the year, the ITF usually produce those numbers," she fired back.

Sharapova's return was still splitting fellow players on Wednesday even as her marketing appeal was evident in playing back-to-back matches on the showpiece Arthur Ashe stadium.

Fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 2004 champion, again lobbied for her compatriot.

"I've been always supportive to Maria. For her it has been tough. She paid for her mistake," said Kuznetsova.

"It's great to have her back because tennis misses her. Tournament directors, people around, they love to watch her play. You can see after her first match how the crowd welcomed her back."

However, Coco Vandeweghe said the wild card should have gone to an American player.

"Wild cards are appointed by the USTA. I can't say I agree. I wish it was an American instead, selfishly, because it is a USA tournament," she said.

No money for Sharapova foe

Sharapova will look to reach the last 16 on Friday when she faces Russian-born American Sofia Kenin, the world 139.

Win or lose, 18-year-old Kenin will be none the richer as her amateur status means she cannot claim the $144,000 prize money at the risk of losing a place on her college squad.

But Kenin said she is still looking forward to the challenge of facing Sharapova, her childhood idol.

"I have looked up to her all my life, she's a great player," said the teenager.

"I am really happy she's back. I have a lot of respect for her." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings have dealt high-flying guard Chris Ellis to the Blackwater Elite, according to a report by Sports 5. 

In an article published on Thursday, August 31, it's revealed that the Filipino-American player will be headed to the Elite in exchange for sophomore Art Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz, the 9th overall pick in the 2015 rookie draft, averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his first two years in the league. He had previously suffered an injury (torn achilles) in a Gilas Pilipinas camp last March. 

Meanwhile, Ellis is expected to gain more minutes on the floor following the end of his 5-year stint with the Gin Kings. He will be joining a young Elite squad which has won 3 of its last 4 Governors' Cup games. 

Ginebra, on the other hand, is on its quest of defending the season-ending conference title. They are currently on top of the preliminaries ladder with a 5-1 slate, which they share with the Meralco Bolts. 

The two-on-two trade also includes Ginebra forward Dave Marcelo being dealt to Blackwater for Raymond Aguilar. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Steve Akomo will make his UAAP debut for the UST Growling Tigers this season. What is unknown to many is that he first tried out for the same team 5 years ago.

Before suiting up for the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers in the CESAFI, Akomo was a just a 17-year-old teenager from Cameroon who came to the Philippines on the invitation of a friend. 

The 6-foot-8 big man tried out for the Tigers and was told to wait for a callback that never came. UST still had Karim Abdul, a 3-time UAAP Mythical Five member, playing until 2015 and Akomo had to go elsewhere to play college ball.

“Actually, I was not choosing where I will play,” Akomo said. “I was looking where I can have an opportunity to play and study because that’s why I’m here in the Philippines.”

Akomo found his first home in the country with UV, helping the Green Lancers reach the finals in 2012 and 2015, and helped them win the championship in 2013 before sitting out 2014 after being demoted briefly to the B-team. However, he lost his eligibility to play in the CESAFI after playing for a commercial league in Manila, which ultimately led him back to UST. 

Change of scenery

Admittedly, Akomo said he found it hard to live in Manila in the first few months. Back in Cebu, he had his own condominium unit and he lived by himself, a luxury he did not experience while being in Manila. 

“Compared to where I’m coming from in Cebu, the life there was not that much hard for me. When I came here, everything changed. The situation changed, the rules changed, the practice changed, the class also changed.”

But Akomo, who has been with UST for a year now, understands that sacrifice is a part of the process that will lead to his goal. 

“I adjust in class, school and practice. Even if it’s tiring, that’s sacrifice, that is the way if you really want to win. If you really want success, you have to sacrifice,” he said. 

After a year of serving his residency, Akomo is expected to make a big impact for the Tigers who crashed to the bottom last season in the UAAP. 

“He is a better rebounder and he has a lot more experience,” said UST head coach Boy Sablan when asked what separates Akomo from William Afoakwah, the Tigers’ former big man. “Sabi ko sa kaniya, you have to accept your role, you have to get those rebounds.” (I told him, you have to accept your role, you have to get those rebounds.)

Statistically, Akomo will provide a better presence in the paint than what Afoakwah brought last season with the Tigers. 

In the Filoil Flying V Premier Preseason Cup last summer, Akomo normed 11.7 boards to land third in the rebounding department. His average of 9.0 defensive rebounds per game, which led the tournament, even tops Afoakwah’s 8.8 rebounding figure last year in the UAAP. 

Akomo is also a more formidable defender. He swatted 16 shots in the Filoil Cup in just 7 games, far better than Afoakwah’s 12 blocks in 11 outings. 

“Magaling siya sa mga blocks e, malakas rumebound tapos kaya niya din umiskor. Kapag magkasabay kami sa loob ng court, syempre lahat sa kaniya magfofocus ng bantay, matutulungan niya ako makakuha ng rebounds,” said UST veteran bigman Jeepy Faundo. (He is good in blocking shots, he is a strong rebounder and he can score as well. When we play together, the defense will definitely focus on him and he can help me get rebounds.)

If there is one thing Akomo has to take care of, it is his turnover rate. Akomo led the Filoil Cup in turnovers with 4.6 per game and he could not afford to do the same in the UAAP, especially since the Tigers were ranked second in turnovers last season with 23.3 per game. 

Not a superstar

After news came out last year that Akomo will play in the UAAP, word started to spread that he would become reigning UAAP MVP Ben Mbala’s ‘stopper’ since the two shared a history back in Cebu.

The two faced each other in 2012 when Akomo’s Green Lancers met Big Ben’s Southwestern University in the CESAFI finals. Mbala and the Cobras eventually won the championship, their first in tournament history. 

But Akomo said that the UAAP is a completely different territory.

“I will not show that, ‘Yes, it’s me who’s really the stopper.’ You just play your game and people will see it. What happened with my friend Ben Mbala in Cebu stays in Cebu. I’m happy to compete against him again.”

“I will not take myself as the super player. You just have to be humble and everything will be fine. It’s more blessing if [the compliments] are coming from the fans,” he added.

Aside from Mbala, Akomo will have a handful of fellow foreign student-athletes to keep his days busy. FEU and Adamson still have Prince Orizu and Papi Sarr, respectively, while UP and NU have both found promising big men in Ibrahim Ouattara and Issa Gaye, respectively. 

“Right now, I’m not pressuring myself because of that. I will just play my game, I will not be intimidated. I really have no intimidation in my life, especially when I’m in the court. I’m ready to compete with them.” – Rappler.com

ROME,Italy - Italian motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi has suffered a possible broken leg after a crash in training, Italian media reported on Thursday, August 31.

The 38-year-old 7-time MotoGP world champion was on board an endurance bike when the accident occurred.

"He fell and it's feared he's fractured his tibia," Gazzetta dello Sport reported, adding that the Yamaha star was due to undergo surgery later Thursday.

The 9-time world champion in all categories is lying fourth in this season's MotoGP standings after 12 of 18 races. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA - Former champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal battled into the US Open last 32 on Thursday, August 31 (Friday Manila time) while the women's draw lost the fifth seed from its top eight.

Federer recorded his 80th career win in New York but he needed 5 sets for the second successive match before claiming a 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Mikhail Youzhny.

It was his 17th win in 17th meetings with the grizzled Russian, who, at 35, is his junior by just one year.

World number one Nadal, meanwhile, saw off Japan's world 121 Taro Daniel 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 after being blown off court in the first set.

Federer, 36, and the five-time champion at the US Open, next faces another 35-year-old, Feliciano Lopez of Spain, for a place in the last 16. His record against Lopez is just as solid - 12-0.

"It was quite a lot of fun out there - I feel quite warmed up by now," said Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Federer, who fired 63 winners and 68 unforced errors.

Youzhny admitted he had cramped, which meant he could move left to right but not forward and back.

"That was hard to watch," said Federer. "But this was probably the best match we have played against each other."

Top seed Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion, was rocked by New York-born Daniel in the first set.

But Daniel, who has never beaten a top-10 player, paid the price for his all-out assault as Nadal prevailed to book a third round date with Argentine lucky loser Leonardo Mayer.

"All the matches are difficult but especially here as everyone wants to play their best and if you don't play your best it will be very difficult," said Nadal, who recovered from a set and break down.

He saw room for improvement after converting six of 11 break points.

"I didn't play very well but I will work hard to find better feelings because I know I can do much better," he said.

Andrey Rublev became the second teenager to make the third round when he stunned Bulgarian seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

Rublev, just 19 and the world number 53, joins 18-year-old Denis Shapovalov of Canada in the last 32 at a Grand Slam event for the first time.

However, 19-year-old Taylor Fritz of the United States was unable to join Rublev and Shapovalov in the next round when he lost 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 to Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem.

Thiem saved 16 of 18 break points he faced in a stalwart defensive display.

Also going through to the last 32 was 2009 champion Juan Martín Del Potro, the 24th seeded Argentine, who saw off Spanish qualifier Adrian Menendez-Maceiras 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).

Belgian ninth seed David Goffin beat Guido Pella of Argentina 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 in a marathon 4hr 12min match.

Women play longest match

A record was set when American Shelby Rogers and 25th-seeded Australian Daria Gavrilova played out the longest ever women's singles match.

Their 3hr 33min clash saw Rogers win 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5).

Their second-round tie went past the previous longest of the 3 hours and 23 minutes it took Johanna Konta to beat Garbine Muguruza in the second round two years ago.

Russian eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 2004 champion, saw her outside chances of taking the world number one ranking end when she lost to Japan's Kurumi Nara 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Kuznetsova is the fifth of the top 8 seeds to lose before the third round after Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki, defending champion Angelique Kerber and Johanna Konta also exited.

World number one Karolina Pliskova, the 2016 runner-up, downed American qualifier Nicole Gibbs 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

She was joined in the third round by fourth seed Elina Svitolina, one of the pretenders to her top ranking, and French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

Ukraine's Svitolina reached the last 32 for a third successive year by breezing past Russia's Evgeniya Rodina 6-4, 6-4.

Ostapenko, the 12th-seeded Latvian, made the third round for the first time with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Romania's Sorana Cirstea. – Rappler.com