NEW DELHI, India – A 12-year-old Indian boy described as "unstoppable" by his proud father has become the world's second youngest chess grandmaster ever.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the son of a bank employee from the southern city of Chennai, achieved the feat with some aggressive play at an event in northern Italy that ended Sunday, June 24. 

Praggnanandhaa – whose 17-year-old big sister Vaishali Rameshbabu is also no slouch at the game, being a two-time youth chess champion – was aged 12 years, 10 months and 13 days when he won the title.

But this was too old to beat the current record-holder, Sergey Karjakin of Ukraine, who was 12 years and exactly seven months when he made the grade in 2002.

Praggnanandhaa's father said that his son, who practices 6 hours a day and watches past matches online, was not even 4 when he first started taking an interest in chess.

However, he said that the family could not afford to pay for extra travel and training for both the boy and his sister.

"But the passion in him to play chess was unstoppable, I had to give in and put him in coaching classes. And he has been unstoppable since," the 53-year-old, who has the same name as his son, told Indian media.

"He was just 6 years old when he came second in the under-8 national championship. That is when I knew that I can't hold him back because of our financial situation," he told online paper The News Minute.

A predecessor to chess is thought by some to have originated in India in the 6th century AD, from where it spread to Persia and developed into the "Game of Kings" it is today.

However, in modern times it only achieved major popularity in India when Vishwanathan Anand became the country's first grandmaster aged 18 in 1988 and dominated the game in the 2000s.

On Sunday, the 5-time world champion congratulated Praggnanandhaa.

"Welcome to the club & congrats Praggnanandhaa!! See u soon in chennai," he wrote on Twitter.

"He plays other outdoor sports too when he wants to relax his mind," the prodigy's father said.

"When his focus is not on the board, he is quite a handful. But he saves most of his aggression for the chessboard," he said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Thirdy Ravena continues to show he can deliver in crunch time for the Ateneo de Manila University, not just in the UAAP but overseas, as well. 

Ravena beat the buzzer with a contested triple to tow the Blue Eagles to a thrilling 84-82 win over the Greece under-21 national team in Athens, Greece last Sunday, June 24 (Philippine time). 

The Greeks led 82-81 thanks to a free throw and Ateneo found its back against the wall with no timeouts left, meaning the Blue Eagles needed to race the full length of the court for a decent look.

Fortunately, Matt Nieto found Ravena lurking at the top of the 3-point line and the reigning UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player banked in the trey right as the buzzer sounded to his teammates' delight. 

Ateneo flew to Greece to gain experience as the school seeks to defend the UAAP title it won last season. 

And Ravena has made the overseas training his own avenue to showcase his wares, especially his hops. Against another Greek team, the second-generation cager slammed home two dunks. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shhhhhh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shhhhhh</a>  <a href="https://t.co/lWLcmQ303I">pic.twitter.com/lWLcmQ303I</a></p>&mdash; Thirdy (@ThirdyRavenaaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThirdyRavenaaa/status/1009642206209159168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Part 2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shhhhhh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shhhhhh</a>  <a href="https://t.co/PVWjtw7Jxg">pic.twitter.com/PVWjtw7Jxg</a></p>&mdash; Thirdy (@ThirdyRavenaaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThirdyRavenaaa/status/1009692338267017217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ravena and the Blue Eagles return to the Philippines this week to face the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knight in the quarterfinals of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on June 28 at the Arena in San Juan. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Cocolife Asset Managers pulled off a 4-set win over the Cherrylume Iron Lady Warriors to open their 2018 Philippine SuperLiga Invitational Cup campaign on a high note at the Arena in San Juan on Monday, June 25. 

Gyra Barroga made her Invitational Cup debut remarkable with a team-high 17 points, built on 12 attacks and 4 blocks, as the Asset Managers bucked off a slow start en route to a 22-25, 25-13, 25-22, 25-18 triumph. 

Alex Tan added 15 points off 13 attacks and two blocks, including an off-the-block hit that sealed Cocolife's first win against the pesky Cherrylume squad. 

“For me, it’s [a] big win,” said Cocolife head coach Moro Branislav.

Following an error-strewn first set, the Asset Managers underwent a major revamp and led by as much as 11 points in the second set, 22-11.

Although Cocolife still struggled with its errors in the second set, its lead was too large to overcome for the Iron Lady Warriors as the Asset Managers tied things up at one set apiece. 

Cocolife continued to take control – leading 23-15 in the 3rd set – before the Iron Lady Warriors unloaded 7 straight points to come within a whisker, 22-23. 

However, a Judith Abil error and a Tan attack put the Cocolife Managers a set away from the victory. 

Abil poured in 12 points off 9 attacks and 3 aces while Mary Anne Mendrez chipped in 11 points from 10 attacks and a block. – Carla Molina/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Orlan Wamar erupted for 31 points as Centro Escolar University overwhelmed Marinerong Pilipino, 97-79, for its 3rd win in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena on Monday, June 25.

Wamar shot 7-of-13 from 3-point range, highlighted by 3 straight treys that powered an early 13-2 run the Skippers never bounced back from, to lead the Scorpions, who improved to a 3-2 record. 

Pierce Tyron Chan chalked up 19 points while Cameroonian big man Giles Oloume notched a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. 

Tempers flared at the beginning of the 4th quarter when Trevis Jackson collided with Wamar in a loose ball play.

An all-out brawl nearly escalated and the head coaches of both teams were slapped with technical fouls shortly after. Marinerong Pilipino’s Jerson Prado received a flagrant call.

Jackson was one of the few bright spots for the Skippers as he finished with an all-around game of 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

Robbie Manalang and Frankie Johnson chipped in 14 points apiece while Abu Tratter had 12 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort. 

In the earlier game, the Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals outlasted the AMA Online Education Titans in a thrilling 97-95 triumph. 

Batangas almost squandered a 25-point lead after the Titans trimmed their deficit to one points, 95-96, off an Andre Paras triple with 6.6 seconds left but managed to hold on to the win. 

Clark Bautista was lights out from deep – hitting 5 of his 9 3-point attempts – to finish with a game-high 25 points with 5 assists to pace the Generals while Clark Derige scored 20 points thanks to a 4-of-7 clip from downtown. 

Earvin Mendoza joined the 3-point party with 3 treys to chip in 11 points while Cedric de Joya had 16 points, including 9 straight markers that sparked a 15-0 run Batangas used to lead 51-31 in the second quarter. 

Jason Jordan churned 20 points off an ultra-efficient 10-of-13 shooting to go with 8 boards but those weren't enough to give AMA, which carry a 0-5 card, its first win. 

Irvin Palencia scored 17 on top of 8 assists and 5 steals, Domark Matillano had 17 points and 8 rebounds while Ken Soriano and Owen Graham finished with 15 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss. 

The Scores:

First game:

Batangas-EAC (97): Bautista 25, Derige 20, De Joya 16, Mendoza 11, Arim 7, Manalo 7, Dela Peña 5, Tabi 4, Mohammed 2, Harris 0, Saldana 0

AMA Online Education (95): Jordan 20, Matillano 17, Palencia 17, Soriano 15, Graham 10, Liwag 8, Paras 5, Garcia 3, Alao 0, Nakpil 0, Serrano 0

Quarter scores: 30-20, 61-38, 79-63, 97-95

Second Game:

CEU (97): Wamar 31, Chan 19, Oloume 16, Fuentes 8, Guinitaran 7, Keanu Caballero 6, Kobe Caballero 6, Intic 2, Rojas 2

Marinerong Pilipino (79): Jackson 20, Manalang 14, Johnson 14, Tratter 12, Napoles 9, Medina 4, Gomez de Liano 2, Prado 2, Thiele 2

Quarter scores: 18-30, 33-48, 52-64, 79-97 – Franco Luna/Rappler.com 

PARIS, France – Spain's Rafael Nadal regained the top spot in the men's ATP rankings from old rival Roger Federer on Monday, June 25, after the latter's surprise final loss on the grass in Halle.

Nadal had slipped down to number two despite his 11th French Open success after Federer, 36, took the Stuttgart Cup to bag the number one ranking for the 6th time in his career and bask in a record 310th week at the summit.

But his Halle loss to Borna Coric cost him not only a 99th career title but his pole position as Nadal moved back above him by 50 points as the countdown to Wimbledon nears its end.

Coric's win lifted him 13 places, meanwhile, to a career-high 21st.

Queen's Club champion Marin Cilic moved up a spot to 5th after his win over Novak Djokovic, who moves back into the top 20.

ATP rankings as of June 25:

1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8770 pts (+1)

2. Roger Federer (SUI) 8720 (-1)

3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5755

4. Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG) 5080

5. Marin Cilic (CRO) 5060 (+1)

6. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4780 (-1)

7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3835

8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3635

9. David Goffin (BEL) 3110

10. John Isner (USA) 3070

11. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 2435

12. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2145

13. Sam Querrey (USA) 2130

14. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2120 (+2)

15. Jack Sock (USA) 2110 (-1)

16. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2030 (-1)

17. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 1965 (+5)

18. Kyle Edmund (GBR) 1950 (-1)

19. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 1855 (+2)

20. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 1835 (-2) – Rappler.com

YEKATERINBURG, Russia – Attack-minded Japan has defied sceptics who said it would flop at the World Cup and instead head into its final group game on Thursday, June 28, needing just a draw to reach the last 16.

Japan sacked its coach just two months before the World Cup, throwing its preparations for Russia into chaos.

Following a series of poor friendly results and reported clashes with senior players, the Japan Football Association (JFA) gambled in getting rid of Vahid Halilhodzic and replaced him with JFA technical director Akira Nishino.

The move in April was deeply controversial, coming so close to the World Cup, even if not quite on the scale of the risk taken by Spain, which dumped its coach on the eve of the tournament.

Philippe Troussier, a former coach of the Asian side, told AFP before the tournament that a team bereft of confidence had "no chance" of reaching the knockout stages.

Japan may still fail to get out of Group H, but it has surpassed expectations and play already eliminated Poland with its fate in its own hands.

Adventurous 

It has been a roller-coaster few weeks for Japanese fans.

Friendly defeats to Ghana and Switzerland following Nishino's appointment deepened the sense of foreboding, although Japan did beat Paraguay just before the World Cup.

From there, it became history-makers when it beat 10-man Colombia 2-1 in its opening game, the first Asian side to defeat a South American team at a World Cup.

Japan followed that up with a 2-2 draw against Sadio Mane's Senegal on Sunday, June 24 – a game in which Japan had enough chances to win but ended up twice chasing the match because of poor defending.

Even Senegal coach Aliou Cisse admitted the Asians were the better side.

In the Colombia victory in particular, Japan was rewarded for Nishino's adventurous approach.

On the eve of the Senegal showdown, in which Japan was again the underdog, Nishino revealed that at half time against Colombia, some of his players wanted to settle for 1-1.

"But I said that we could win and we will win so we went for victory and that is why I gave them attacking tactics and that is why we are top of the group," said Nishino.

Behind the rather dour demeanour, Nishino has shown himself to have a dry wit.

Asked before the Senegal match how he would counter their strength and height advantage, he replied tongue-in-cheek: "For the past several days I have been telling my players to gain 5 centimeters and 5 kilos, but it failed, so we need other measures."

Going for broke

Unfortunate to be 2-1 down on 71 minutes, Nishino made what turned out to be a masterstroke against Senegal.

He immediately hauled off the ineffectual Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa and replaced him with 32-year-old Keisuke Honda in a like-for-like change.

He also replaced midfielder Genki Haraguchi with Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki as he went for broke.

Six minutes after coming on, Honda equalized.

Knowing that victory would effectively seal a spot in the next round, Nishino threw on attacking midfielder Takashi Usami in the dying minutes.

Japan looked more likely to win, though Nishino said he was content with a point.

"I suggested some improvements and I thought we could go for the win and I told them that (at half time)," said Nishino, a former Gamba Osaka coach criticized in the past for his buccaneering approach. 

"In the second half we wanted to win and after twice equalizing, I put on Usami. There was an option to put on a defender, but I chose to attack." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Dandan has resigned as the head coach of the Columbian Dyip in the PBA, according to an official statement on Monday, June 25.

In his statement, Dandan said that he would return as a full-time assistant to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons coaching staff under current chief tactician Bo Perasol.

He also said that he "arrived at this decision after much thought and consideration."

He leaves the Dyip crew with nothing but kind words.

"In spite of the difficulties of all the losses, both Governor Bobby (Rosales) and Coach Joe (Lipa) showed unwavering support for the coaching staff and the team,” he said. “This led to our improved performance in the Commissioner’s Cup."

Reyes is the Columbian Dyip governor while the seasoned Lipa is the team manager. 

Dandan mentored UP for 3 years before getting sacked mid-season in 2013.

The Maroons are tabbed among the favorites in the next UAAP season.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Smart Army Giga Hitters upset the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in straight sets, 25-14, 25-16, 25-23, for their first franchise win in the Philippine Superliga Invitational 2018 on Monday, June 25 at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

A 4-touches error sent the Giga Hitters to match point. However, Joanne Bunag’s service went straight to the net that extended the game. A service error from Realtors’ team captain Pam Lastimosa ended the match in favor of the Giga Hitters.

Nerissa Bautista topscored for the Giga Hitters with 9 points while making 9 excellent digs. Lutgarda Malaluan followed with 8 points.

MJ Phillips led the Realtors with 8 points while Dhannylaine Demontano and Jonah Sabete chipped in 5 points apiece. 

Sta. Lucia missed the services of their key players Jho Maraguinot, Chinchin Basas and Rica Rivera. The former Ateneo Lady Eagle will be out for two weeks due to a muscle strain while Basas is recovering from an ear infection. Rivera will be out until the All-Filipino conference due to a knee injury.

The Giga Hitters started the game strong with a 13-2 run, highlighted by aces from team captain Ging Balse-Pabayo and Nerissa Bautista that led to their early 18-9 lead. They savored this advantage and closed the first set with an 11-point lead, 25-14. 

The Giga Hitters continued the momentum into the second set, preserving a 9-point lead. The Realtors answered with a 5-1 run that trimmed the deficit, 11-16. The Giga Hitters still stayed in control as Joanne Bunag's attack brought it to set point, 24-14, and Smart eventually took the 2-1 match advantage.

The Realtors stayed within reach of the Giga Hitters in the third set as Phillips' back-to-back points tied the score at 8-all. Errors continued to plague the team that led to its defeat. –  with reports from Carla Molina/Rappler.com

SAMARA, Russia – Luis Suarez helped fire Uruguay into the last 16 of the World Cup as Group A winners on Monday after opening the scoring in their 3-0 win over host nation Russia, who had a man sent off.

A pinpoint free-kick from the Barcelona star and an own goal from Denis Cheryshev put Uruguay 2-0 up inside 23 minutes in Samara before Edinson Cavani added a late 3rd in Samara.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> goal no.7 for <a href="https://twitter.com/LuisSuarez9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LuisSuarez9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URURUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URURUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mjPDCVDzmA">pic.twitter.com/mjPDCVDzmA</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1011251057496817664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Russia was reduced to 10 men after 36 minutes when right-back Igor Smolnikov was sent off for two yellow cards in a match which will be a reality check for a team that easily won its first two matches.

This is the first time Uruguay has won all 3 group games at a World Cup.

The South Americans will play their last-16 tie in Sochi this Saturday against the Group B runners-up, either Spain, Portugal or Iran.

Russia, who had sealed their spot for the last 16 before the match, will have the consolation of a day's extra rest and huge support at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium when they face the Group B winners on Sunday, July 1.

Uruguay stamped its authority early in the group decider.

When Russian midfielder Iury Gazinsky fouled Rodrigo Bentancur on the edge of the area, Suarez expertly placed the direct free-kick in the gap between the out-stretched glove of Russia's goalkeeper and the post on 10 minutes.

Uruguay doubled their lead when Diego Laxalt's shot took a wicked deflection off the leg of defender Cheryshev and flew past the despairing Akinfeev on 23 minutes.

It was heart-breaking for Cheryshev, who scored twice in the 5-0 trouncing of Saudi Arabia in the opening game.

Russia kept battling 

To compound Russia's problems, Smolnikov was sent off after scything down Laxalt just 8 minutes after his first booking.

Smolnikov, one of 3 changes from the team which enjoyed a 3-1 win over Egypt, was on the verge of tears as he trudged off with the home crowd stunned into near silence.

Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov responded by taking Cheryshev off and slotting Brazilian-born Mario Fernandes into the vacant right-back berth.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Russia had opportunities to get back in the game as they kept battling.

With 20 minutes remaining, the video assistant referee turned down Russian appeals for a penalty after Artem Dzyuba appeared to be elbowed in the face by Diego Godin.

Moments later, a badly-hit clearance kick by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was snapped up by the Russians and Dzyuba fired just over the bar from 14 meters out.

Cavani sealed the win on 90 minutes by tapping home the rebound, after Akinfeev had parried Godin's header. – Rappler.com

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and 2010 winners Spain progressed to the World Cup knockout rounds on a night of high drama dominated by video assistant referee (VAR) decisions, as Uruguay pipped Russia to top spot in their group.

Spain ended up topping Group B by virtue of goals scored after an injury-time strike by Iago Aspas – confirmed by the VAR – rescued a 2-2 draw against Morocco on Monday night, June 25, in Kaliningrad and will take on the host nation in Moscow on Sunday.

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESP</a> <br><br>Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/SeFutbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SeFutbol</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/6vUQwSKw89">pic.twitter.com/6vUQwSKw89</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1011342376454049795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Portugal, who finished level with Spain on 5 points, conceded a late penalty as Iran drew level at 1-1 and faced a heart-stopping moment as Mehdi Taremi put a shot inches wide – a goal that would have sent the European champions crashing out.

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Ronaldo was at the heart of a series of VAR incidents in Saransk. First he had a penalty saved by Ali Beiranvand and was later saved by a review as Iran's players called for him to be sent off following an incident with Morteza Pouraliganji.

Furious Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Portugal captain Ronaldo, who was booked, should have been sent off for using an elbow and lashed out against VAR, saying it was "not going well". 

"I don't want to talk too much, it's about my country and a player. I know it'll be a war against me," said Queiroz, who coached his native Portugal at the 2010 finals in South Africa."

"But the reality is you stopped the game for VAR, there is an elbow," he added. "An elbow is a red card in the rules. In the rules it doesn't say if it is (Lionel) Messi or Ronaldo."

Portugal will face Uruguay in the last 16 in Sochi on Saturday. 

Relieved Spain boss Fernando Hierro, who took over as coach on the eve of the World Cup, said he knew the group was going to be tough, acknowledging his side had to tighten up.

"The first conclusion I draw is that despite all these challenges we ended on top. I'm looking at the silver lining," he said.

"Obviously we can improve. 5 goals in 3 matches is not the way forward. The players are professional, they understand what the situation."

Trademark

Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma curled in a trademark trivela goal on the stroke of half-time at the Mordovia Arena, but Karim Ansarifard's late penalty dropped Portugal to second in Group B behind neighbors Spain.

Ronaldo won a second-half spot-kick after a video review but saw his effort saved, with the Real Madrid star unable to add to his 4-goal tally at the tournament.

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Portugal will face Uruguay in Sochi on July 30 for a place in the quarterfinals after ending Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout phase for the first time.

"I think we did very well, we have achieved our goal and now we have to recover and think about the next match," said Quaresma.

"We know the difficulties we'll face, they're a big team with very good players."

Quaresma fired Portugal ahead just before the interval when he exchanged passes with Adrien Silva before bending home in style from the edge of the area with the outside of his right foot.

Ronaldo had the chance to double the lead 5 minutes into the second half after he was upended by Ezatolahi, with a spot-kick awarded following consultation with the VAR.

But the Portugal captain was denied by Beiranvand who dived to his left to smother Ronaldo's attempt.

Clever flick

Spain survived a real scare from a spirited Morocco side who had been leading 2-1 when the 90th minute began. 

Aspas' clever flick from a wide free kick was initially adjudged by the assistant referee to have been offside. 

But after intervention from VAR it was given as a goal, much to the consternation of the Moroccan players and substitutes, some of whom stormed the pitch in protest.  

Morocco coach Herve Renard said before the game his team, the first to be eliminated this tournament, had been victim to "total injustice" in their opening 1-0 losses.

The North Africans, who had yet to score a point or even a goal before Monday, started brightly, compact without the ball and breaking at speed. 

Morocco took the lead on 14 minutes when Boutaib took advantage of a horrible mix-up between Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta to race through and slide the ball calmly through David De Gea's legs.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers took down the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 73-69, on Monday, June 25, at the Buddha Care Gym in Quezon City. 

Ricci Rivero waxed hot in his second game with the Maroons, as he dropped 27 points on his former team, but baskets from Taane Samuel and Jollo Go snatched the come-from-behind win for DLSU. 

Samuel led the Green Archers with a massive double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds. Go followed with 22 points on top of 6 assists and 5 rebounds. 

The Green Archers stand on a 6-3 record and advance to the semis to face top-seeded Letran (7-2). 

The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, drop out of the top 4 due to their back-to-back losses and end the tournament with a 4-5 record.

Rivero has played only two games with his new team, but has not been able to lead UP to a victory. The newest acquisition of the Fighting Maroons averages 30.5 points on a 50% shooting to go along with 4.5 steals, 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3.5 turnovers in two games. 

Meanwhile, Univerisity of the East missed out on a chance at the semifinals after getting frustrated by Arellano University, 53-62.

Kraniel Villoria topped the scoring column with 10 points, while Michael Canete and Levi Dela Cruz chipped in 9 and 8 markers, respectively, to help the Chiefs wind up their campaign at 5-4.

The Red Warriors also stand at 5-4, and are one win away from a shot at the Final 4. – Rappler.com 

KAZAN, Russia – Marco Reus has no intention of allowing South Korea to get in the way of Germany progressing to the last 16 on Wednesday, June 27, now that the World Cup holders have already saved their skins once.

Reus was a substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Mexico, but given a starting role against Sweden he bundled in a 48th-minute leveller to drag Germany back into the game.

With seconds on the clock in Sochi, Germany secured a vital 2-1 win thanks to Toni Kroos's superb curling shot, with Reus setting it up in a set-piece move.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That&#39;s a World Class assist from Marco Reus <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GERSWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GERSWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/RTIJuM7KOn">pic.twitter.com/RTIJuM7KOn</a></p>&mdash; Jim (@Jimothey1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jimothey1/status/1010615036337942528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

It meant Germany avoided the ignominy of becoming the 6th team to crash out as World Cup holders, but they are not safe yet.

In 2014, Spain became the 5th champion team that packed up after a disastrous group-stage campaign. Germany head coach Joachim Loew's team could still be stopped at the first round for the first time since 1938.

While the exuberant, post-match celebrations by Germany's coaching staff upset Sweden, they belied the champion's desire to show the rest of the world that their business in Russia is far from over.

However, the Germany team that won all 10 of their qualifiers with a whopping 39-plus goal difference has yet to convince many they deserve a place in the last 16, let alone the World Cup final.

Germany's path to the second round is littered with obstacles.

Although South Korea sit bottom of the group without a point following defeats to Mexico (2-1) and Sweden (1-0), all 4 teams can still qualify.

Germany will go through if it wins by two or more clear goals against South Korea, who can qualify if they beat Germany and Sweden lose, and finish with a better goal difference than both teams.

If Germany and Sweden draw their games, the team in the higher-scoring game will finish second. If the matches finish with the same score, Germany will finish second because they beat Sweden.

'Too much talk'

After missing out on Brazil 4 years ago when Mario Goetze's extra-time winner against Argentina handed Germany their 4th World Cup title, Reus arguably has more reason than most to make sure Die Mannschaft avoid an early departure.

The Borussia Dortmund forward missed Brazil 2014 with torn ankle ligaments, Euro 2016 with a groin problem and Germany's 2017 Confederations Cup triumph with torn knee ligaments.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marco Reus, year of birth 1989, football player, captain and philosopher <a href="https://t.co/yUWJwHM80F">pic.twitter.com/yUWJwHM80F</a></p>&mdash; Bog (@bogsigplatz) <a href="https://twitter.com/bogsigplatz/status/1010410113553911808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Of course, we played badly against Mexico and we had to face criticism, but we've been talking a bit too long about it in my opinion," Reus told reporters on Monday.

"We have to do our duty and win the game, preferably not by just 1-0 but higher."

On top of that, Korea has no intention of making Germany's task any easier.

"Germany played aggressively in both of their opening matches but I think we can get a good result," said midfielder Ju Se-jong.

"I expect them to come out strong and try to score as many goals as possible, which could allow us some space at their back."

"We’d have to take full advantage of that with our quick counter-attacks through Seungwoo or Seonmin."– Rappler.com

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia – Lionel Messi's Argentina faces their World Cup day of destiny on Tuesday, June 26, needing a win to have any chance of progressing to the last 16 after VAR chaos in Russia.

Argentina will look to join Spain, Portugal,  Russia and Uruguay in the next round but must rely on the outcome of the other match in Group D.

Held to a draw by tiny Iceland – with Messi missing a penalty – and humbled by Croatia, Jorge Sampaoli's men could already be packing their bags.

The math is simple: if Argentina beats Nigeria and Iceland fails to win against Group D leaders Croatia, it will go through to the last 16. If Iceland wins, it will be time to get the calculators out.

Argentina pressure

Argentina's struggles in Russia come after their pre-tournament preparations were wrecked by controversy and poor form, coupled with a reliance on a top-heavy, limited squad.

The Argentine federation was even moved to confirm that coach Jorge Sampaoli would continue for the final group game amid rumors of a rift between players and coach.

"We have to make our goal 5 games to reach the final. Tomorrow will be the first final," said the defiant coach on the eve of the game in Saint Petersburg.

"No matter who plays tomorrow will have the obligation to give until the last bead of sweat so that Argentina will go through."

Euro 2016 heroes Iceland can still dream of progress to the knockout rounds but they must beat Croatia and hope the other result goes their way.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, 1998 champions France take on Denmark in Moscow with top spot in Group C up for grabs.

Denmark require just a point to join France in the knockout stages, and could even pip Les Bleus to top spot with a victory.

"We are not going to give them a helping hand. Our goal is to guarantee first place and two results will allow that," Deschamps said. 

"I would never say to my team that we're playing for a draw. I want my team to go out onto the pitch without any ambiguity and to do everything to win this match."

Australia still have a slim chance of progressing if they beat Peru heavily and Denmark lose to France.

Russia were buoyed by huge support in their first two matches, sweeping aside Saudi Arabia and Egypt, but the wheels came off against Uruguay in a chastening 3-0 defeat, in which they were reduced to 10 men.

Disappointed Russian coach Stanislav Cherchesov said it was better to lose heavily now than in future games but added: "Psychologically we are well prepared for the next games."

Two-time winners Uruguay, with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani on the scoresheet, pipped Russia to top spot in Group A. – Rappler.com

YEKATERINBURG, Russia – Sweden coach Janne Andersson must find a way to pick up his deflated players following their devastating defeat to Germany in a World Cup Group F that stands tantalisingly poised.

Sweden was on course for the last 16 until Toni Kroos stepped up with a wonderful winner in the 5th minute of injury time to rescue the reigning champions 2-1 in a Saturday-night thriller.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FULL-TIME: GERMANY 2-1 SWEDEN!<br><br>WHAT A GAME! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE WORLD CUP! FOOTBALL IS JUST AMAZING! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>⁠ ⁠<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GER</a>⁠ ⁠<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWE</a>⁠ ⁠<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GERSWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GERSWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/uqE0rcfFUo">pic.twitter.com/uqE0rcfFUo</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup (@WorIdCupUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorIdCupUpdates/status/1010613911643705344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

It left Group F on a knife-edge going into the final round of games on Wednesday, June 27, when Sweden will face Mexico in Yekaterinburg while at the same time Germany will play South Korea in Kazan.

Mexico has 6 points and one foot in the knockout rounds, with Germany and the Swedes both with 3 points and the same goal difference. 

Sweden will progress if it registers a better result than Germany. 

Several Sweden players were left prone on the turf such was the late, excruciating nature of the defeat to Germany.

Andersson said: "The whole group is still alive so we will have to lick our wounds and come back for the last game." 

The 55-year-old, who accused Germany's backroom staff of "rubbing it in our faces", also needs to deal with the delicate fall-out surrounding his winger Jimmy Durmaz.

Durmaz, born in Sweden to Assyrian parents who emigrated from Turkey, was subjected to racial hatred and death threats on social media for giving away the foul that led to Kroos's late winner.

The 29-year-old was moved to read out a statement to reporters at the team's Black Sea coast base in Gelendzhik on Sunday, saying of the abuse: "Who the hell does such things? 

"It is completely unacceptable."

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sweden midfielder Jimmy Durmaz was abused on social media with racist comments and death threats after he conceded the foul that led to Kroos&#39;goal. Durmaz was born in Sweden to Assyrian parents.<br><br>He delivered this powerful message today. <a href="https://t.co/RoZi5RCK11">pic.twitter.com/RoZi5RCK11</a></p>&mdash; Bayern &amp; Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1010993301326098432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

Record-breaker 

The biggest problem for Mexico, who will have the majority of the Yekaterinburg Arena behind it on Wednesday, will be complacency.

A deserved 1-0 victory over Germany was followed by a 2-1 win against the Koreans to put it in control of the group, but it still needs a point to make absolutely sure of reaching the knockout rounds.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said Mexico is determined to secure the result they need to make sure of top spot, revealing that the squad is fired by criticism they received from home fans before arriving in Russia.

The Mexicans were booed during a friendly win over Scotland at the Azteca Stadium. 

Several members of the squad, including Ochoa, were also lambasted for their presence at a farewell party attended by around 30 prostitutes.

"We always knew we would have to fight all the way to the last game," Ochoa said. 

"We remember everything this squad has been through. We haven't forgotten hearing the boos at the Azteca, and that has strengthened us mentally," Ochoa said.

West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez became the first Mexican player to score 50 goals for his country – in 104 appearances – with his strike against South Korea.

As West Ham fans know well, the 30-year-old can be hit and miss, yet "Chicharito" seems to reserve his best performances for the green of Mexico.

"He's a great goalscorer, but offers a lot more than that," said Mexico team-mate Miguel Layun.

"He's an incredibly dynamic player. He makes 4 or 5 runs when others might just make one. 

"And he's always in the right place at the right time," the Porto defender told FIFA.com. – Rappler.com

TEHRAN, Iran – For many of the thousands of joyful women packed into Tehran's largest football stadium, their first ever chance to watch a game at a sports arena was a victory for freedom despite Iran's agonizing World Cup elimination.

Cheering and with their cheeks painted with the national colors, women showed they were just as caught up in the World Cup fever sweeping the country as they seized the opportunity to attend a live screening at the 100,000 capacity Azadi (Freedom) Stadium, which, like other sports arenas, has been off-limits to them since the the Islamic revolution of 1979.

While the exuberance turned to tears when Iran missed the chance to snatch a last gasp winner against Portugal, ending their tournament dreams, some in the mixed gender stands said they would still treasure the landmark night watching an open-air screening of the national team.

"It felt weird to buy my ticket online, it's so exciting to come to the stadium," said Arezou, a psychologist in her thirties. 

"When I felt the heat of the crowd in the stadium, I told myself I really wanted to remember this moment as one of the best of my life."

The decision to throw open the gates of the iconic stadium came after Iran's opening victory over Morocco, when tens of thousands took to the streets of the capital in rare and wild celebration, many of them women.

Many Iranian clerics oppose women attending football matches, saying they must be protected from the masculine atmosphere, though the ruling is frequently criticized from across the political spectrum.

"It's the first time I have come to the stadium. I really wanted to be here and I am so happy! Even if we don't win, it will still be a victory and we are proud of our players," said Raana, a flight attendant. 

Nail-biter 

A good natured family atmosphere prevailed among the young crowd in the stands, who watched the crunch match in Russia on a screen placed below twin portraits of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The match was one of nail-biting drama and controversy after Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo caught Iran defender Morteza Pouraliganji with an elbow to the face.

In an electrifying game that went down to the wire, Portugal defender Cedric was penalized in stoppage time for a handball, and Karim Ansarifard converted from the spot to give Iran a lifeline.

Mehdi Taremi nearly snatched a dramatic winner after a deflected shot rolled into his path, but he fired into the side netting as Iran were eliminated, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout phase for the first time.

New freedoms? 

The vacillation by Iranian authorities over whether mixed spectators would be allowed to attend open-air screenings of the country's World Cup bid shows their deep sensitivity over women's rights.

Iran's opening game had initially been due to be shown live in stadiums and parks but authorities cancelled all open-air screenings just hours before kick-off forcing fans to watch in cinemas.

After the public celebrations of that victory, Tehran provincial council buckled and again said stadiums would screen the games.

"I really hope this is the start of a culture in which women can go see games in stadiums. From now on, it's possible," said Arezou.

At half-time, from a podium on the Tehran pitch, well-known actress Behnoosh Bakhtiari thanked President Hassan Rouhani for the evening and expressed hope that similar opportunities will follow.

A moderate conservative, who was re-elected in May 2017, Rouhani has said repeatedly he wants to see women at sports stadiums, but the idea has met fierce opposition from hardliners.

After the game, fans both female and male celebrated in the streets into the early hours, undaunted by Iran's elimination. – Rappler.com

SOCHI, Russia – Brazil's inability to keep its emotions in check contributed to its spectacular implosion at the 2014 World Cup, so the worry is that once again the pressure might prove too much for the 'Selecao' in Russia.

The enduring image of the 2-0 win over Costa Rica that kickstarted its campaign in Saint Petersburg last Friday was Neymar's tears at full-time, after he scored the goal that clinched the victory.

The world's most expensive player is carrying the weight of the nation on his shoulders, and only recently returned from 3 months out after a foot operation.

However, seeing Neymar cry also brought back memories of Brazil's unravelling as hosts 4 years ago.

Then, Thiago Silva and Neymar were among the players who memorably broke down in tears at the end of their penalty shoot-out win over Chile.

At the time, some sections of the media labelled the team crybabies, and 1970 World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto accused them of not being mentally tough enough. Meanwhile, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari brought in a sports psychologist to help the squad deal with the pressure.

That campaign, of course, ended with their 7-1 capitulation against Germany in the semi-finals, and in Russia it is vital current coach Tite keeps a lid on emotions as Brazil seek to atone for the disaster of 2014.

Brazil's performance in qualifying ensured that the squadcame to Russia as one of the favorites, but it has not yet completely convinced and is still not certain of reaching the knockout phase going into Wednesday's game against Serbia.

"Everything we did in qualifying and in our friendlies created a lot of expectation. That weighed on us, and there was an obligation to win our opening game," admitted the full-back Fagner.

But while the squad can be excused for feeling some pressure, not everyone back home has been sympathetic towards Neymar for his tears  and his perceived play-acting in the Costa Rica game.

Yellow card threat

The Paris Saint-Germain player has been attacked on social media, leading his father to call for a truce. And Neymar even found himself on the end of criticism from Silva after swearing at him for giving the ball back to the opposition when the game was still goalless.

"He is my little brother, and I try to look after him, give him advice (but) I was very upset with him," Silva later said.

"When I gave the ball back, he swore at me. But I think I was right. My conscience is clear and I am very upset with the way he insulted me."

It all hints at an emotional fragility within Neymar that could be damaging to Brazil's chances – against Costa Rica he picked up a late yellow card and another booking on Wednesday would rule him out of the last 16, should they qualify.

Among those rounding on Neymar is Eric Cantona, with the former Manchester United and France forward pointedly posting a photograph of another great Brazilian, Socrates, alongside a message calling for "no more cheating" and "no more crocodile tears".

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkaqMAJDc0g/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:61.23399301513388% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkaqMAJDc0g/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">No more cheating. No more crocodile tears. No more Narcissism. Let us love Brasil like we used to love them.#socrates #brasil #worldcup2018 #cantona</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericcantona/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Eric Cantona</a> (@ericcantona) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-06-24T17:55:20+00:00">Jun 24, 2018 at 10:55am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> {/source} 

Nevertheless, perhaps it is unfair to single out Neymar for his tears when this World Cup has also seen Mexico's Javier Hernandez cry at the end of their win over Germany.

On Sunday, Panama captain Roman Torres was unable to contain his emotion during the national anthem before his team's game against England.

In any case, there is nothing unusual in seeing a Brazilian weep.

A teenage Pele cried tears of joy after the 1958 final win over Sweden, while Toninho Cerezo is said to have broken down in the dressing room after a mistake gifted Paolo Rossi a goal in Italy's unforgettable 3-2 win at the 1982 tournament.

But one thing that is clear is that finding a way of taking some of the pressure off Neymar can only be beneficial to Brazil's prospects in Russia. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Generika Lifesavers kept their clean record after defeating the Foton Tornadoes in 5 sets, 25-23, 20-25, 21-25, 25-12, 15-13, in the Philippine Superliga Invitational 2018 on Tuesday, June 26 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. 

Generika made a 6-0 run that got them ahead of Foton, 12-10. Bang Pineda's down-the-line attack sealed the win for Generika.

"Sabi ko sa kanya, 'pag pumalo ka, bigay mo lahat kasi si Jaja nag-bblock sa'yo.' [...] Gumana naman yung mga palo niya," said Generika head coach Sherwin Meneses.

(I told her 'give your all when you spike because Jaja's blocking you. Her spikes came effective.)

"Mag-stick lang kami dun sa game plan namin kasi yung service receive namin pag gumanda, mas madaling cumounter attack sa Foton kasi nga medyo malalaki sila. Tyinaga lang namin sa service receive yung 8-4 na yun," Meneses added. 

(We should just stick to our game plan because when our service receive went well, it would be easier to counter attack Foton. We strive hard for that 8-4 through service receive.)

Pineda topscored for Generika with 20 points off 18 attacks while Patty Orendain tallied all her 19 points from attacks.

Jaja Santiago led the Foton Tornadoes with a game-high of 28 points off 21 attacks, 4 aces and 3 blocks. Dindin Santiago-Manabat also contributed 12 points while Bea de Leon and Team captain Maika Ortiz scored 6 points apiece. 

The Generika Lifesavers are now enjoying a 2-0 win-loss card while the Foton Tornadoes trails at 0-2.

Generika were down early in set one by as much as 6 points, 5-11. However, they answered with a 5-0 run as an attack error from Foton tied the game at 12-all. Back-to-back attacks from Orendain and Araneta and blocks from Meneses led to their domination in the first frame holding a slim lead of 25-23.

The Tornadoes took the lead in the second set after dropping a 7-0 bomb highlighted by aces from Jaja Santiago that catapulted them to set point, 24-15. Generika enforced its own 5-0 run, but Dindin Santiago buried an attack that tied the match, 1-1.

The match extended to a deciding set as Generika overpowered Foton with a 6-0 run that build an 11-point lead, 22-11. Pineda gained her momentum and he ace lifted the team and extended the match. – with reports from Carla Molina/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational defending champions Cignal HD Spikers earned their first win and handed the Cherrylume Lady Warriors their second loss in 4 sets, 19-25, 26-24, 25-21, 25-22 , on Tuesday, June 26 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Mylene Paat's crucial ace sent her team to match point in the 4th set. Team captain Rachel Ann Daquis' easy tap led to the HD Spikers' first win in the PSL. 

Paat led the HD Spikers with 20 points off 13 attacks. Daquis contributed 14 points from 11 attacks and two blocks.

Me-an Mendrez led the Lady Warriors with 18 points built from 16 attacks and an ace. Judith Abil chipped in 14 points all from attacks. 

Cignal stands at 1-0 while the Lady Warriors fall to a 0-2 record.

Cherrylume got the early advantage in first set powered by attacks from Mary Anne Mendrez and Judith Abil. The Lady Warriors pulled away their one-point lead, 20-19, with a 5-0 run to end the first set in their favor. 

"Actually, nagulat ako sa naging attitude nila sa loob ng court. Parang nagulat sila eh – nanibago kami actually. Yung attitude nila, parang hindi sila palaban kanina," said Cignal HD Spikers head coach Edgar Barroga about the HD Spikers' numerous errors.

(Actually, I was shocked about their attitude inside the court. They seemed shocked too – we were getting used to it. They were not in their fighting attitude a while ago.)

After an exchange of attacks in the second set, an easy push from Shirley Salamagos brought Cignal to set point, 24-23. Lhara Clavano managed to extend the set, but Daquis' attack and Cherrylume's reception error surrendered the set to Cignal. 

The HD Spikers rode on their second set momentum to nab the 3rd set, powered by attacks from Salamagos and Daquis.– with reports from Carla Molina/Rappler.com

LAGUNA, Philippines – The Philippine Volcanoes completed a two-match sweep against Singapore, 38-12, for an aggregate score of 70-46, in the Division 1 Asia Rugby Championship on Tuesday, June 26 at the Southern Plains in Laguna. 

Robert Fogerty bolstered the Volcanoes' offense as he came alive in the second half, smashing through the goalposts with two penalties as well as completing two conversions off the tries of Justin Coveney and Joe Dawson . 

Only in his first year with the Philippine team, Fogerty lifted the Volcanoes to their first Division 1 Asian Championship since 2012. 

"We talked a lot about puso (heart). I think you saw in the last 20 minutes of the game, that we just never gave up," said the rookie. 

With this win, the Philippines is now a contender in Asia and will have to maintain their champion reputation until next year according to Volcanoes captain Steve Howorth. 

"Our goal is to keep building on this win. Come next year, beat them all again and reclaim the Division 1 trophy,” said the captain

Singapore led the match just once, starting the game on a strong 0-5 note off a Matthew Humphries try on a missed conversion. 

Philippine captain Howorth was the first to draw blood with a perfect seven (7-5) until Fogerty poured in two penalties to bring the lead to 13-5. 

Singapore answered back with a perfect seven off the backs of Peter McFeely and Ishraff Marah (13-12). The first half ended with a try from Justin Coveney 18-12. 

Singapore drew nothing in the second half owing it to the Volcanoes’ tight defense preventing the visiting opponent from crossing the line. 

“We just stuck together at the defensive line and forced errors and when we had the ball, we capitalized and broke their line and scored,” said Coveney. – with reports from Tonichi Regalado and Franco Luna/Rappler.com

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia – A relieved Lionel Messi admitted the stress at the prospect of crashing out of the World Cup at the group stages was the worst he had ever experienced after Marcos Rojo's late strike beat Nigeria 2-1 to send Argentina into the last 16.

Messi opened the scoring in Saint Petersburg with his first goal of the tournament, but Victor Moses' early second-half penalty made it another nervous night for the 5-time world player of the year and under-fire coach Jorge Sampaoli.

"I don't remember such suffering," said Messi when asked if it was the most stressful match of his career.

"It was due to the situation and what we were playing for. It is a huge joy for everyone for the difficult days we lived after the last defeat. Luckily we achieved our objective."

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> 2014 <br> 2018 <br><br>Marcos Rojo loves a winner against Nigeria at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a><br><br> TV listings  <a href="https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO">https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO</a> <br> Highlights  <a href="https://t.co/LOdKDX2Cwn">https://t.co/LOdKDX2Cwn</a> <a href="https://t.co/rNOy3LJsP9">pic.twitter.com/rNOy3LJsP9</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1011719716732358656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Messi's quest for World Cup glory faces a much tougher test on Saturday, June 30, as Argentina faces a highly-fancied France side in the last 16.

The Barcelona star will come face-to-face with club teammates Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele and is aware of the improvement needed to make the last 8.

"They are a very complete team. They have top players individually," added Messi.

"I have teammates I know very well at the back and up front. It will obviously be very difficult."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never in doubt. <br>Was it? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NGAARG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NGAARG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISLCRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISLCRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/i2YhosG1Aa">pic.twitter.com/i2YhosG1Aa</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1011700085967769602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Sampaoli had been fiercely criticized after a 3-0 defeat to Croatia on Thursday left Argentina on the brink of an embarrassing early exit.

And despite changing his tactics and making 5 changes to free up Messi to have a more influential role, he refused to take credit for the victory.

"A coach who has to train Leo knows that everybody surrounding him needs to make him feel secure," Sampaoli said.

"We need to make passes to Leo so he can create chances. If not we suffer, we know we have the best player in the world and we have to benefit from that.

"It is for that reason I said the Croatia match was our fault not his."

Argentina's success was also accompanied with a good slice of fortune and more controversy over the VAR system used to review contentious decisions.

With the score at 1-1, Nigeria thought they should have had a second penalty when Rojo headed the ball onto his arm inside the area.

Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakır reviewed the incident, but stood by his original decision not to award the spot-kick.

"I don't understand how that wasn't a penalty, for me it was a clear penalty," said Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel.

"Maybe the referee has given the first one and he doesn't want to give the second one." – Rappler.com