MANILA, Philippines – As if the Ateneo Blue Eagles couldn't get any better, their Ivorian tower Angelo Kouame has shown that he doesn't need a lot of time to be the anchor that the defending champs need him to be.

In just his fifth game in the collegiate ranks against the UST Growling Tigers, the 6-foot-11 big man posted career-highs of 20 points and 15 rebounds with 4 blocks on a near-perfect 8-of-9 clip (86%) in just 19 minutes of action. 

He roundly outplayed his more-seasoned matchup Steve Akomo in the 85-53 rout on Sunday, September 30. 

Despite the career night that got him a standing ovation from the packed Ateneo crowd, the soft-spoken Kouame only deflected all praises to his teammates who set him up.

"My teammates are the best," he said in the post-game presser. "I really like my teammates – the way we move in the court, the way we share the ball – it makes me open so I say thank you to them."

With the win, Kouame upped his averages to 9.6 points, 12.4 rebounds and a league-high 3.6 blocks.

Likewise, assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said that it was a team effort that helped them destroy UST.

"I wish we could tell you that we had a game plan wherein he's gonna score 20 points, but that's not how we play," he said. "We played based on the system. It can be Raffy Verano, he had a lot of points last game. It's Angelo today. I don't know next game who it will be. It's just the way we play."

"It was a very good team effort on our part because if you noticed, because it's not one-on-one moves with Angelo," he continued. "Of course, he had a couple of good moves and we're happy that he's improving, but it's the passes from guards, from Thirdy and from four men that were important for us in getting the scoring opportunities."

Indeed, in coach Tab Baldwin's perfected team-based system, any one player can have a career night. It's that dangerous and potent.

But even for just one night, Kouame can claim it as his. Certainly, more are on the way. It's only a matter of time. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines women's team began its ascent to chess' Mount Olympus by climbing to 19th place with a 3-1 win over Spain at the Batumi Chess Olympiad Sunday night, September 30. 

But whether the Filipinas will stay at a dizzying 19th place when they face Georgia 2 in the seventh round on Monday, October 1, remains to be a question. The Georgians, then world champions, were trounced by the Philippines two years ago in Baku.

"Let us see what will be the final result. But we are hopeful to finish decently after all the members of the team are doing their hard work and preparations," said coach Jayson Gonzales through a Viber message.

The Filipinas, who started the tournament ranked 27th, has now won 4 matches, drew one and lost one for 9 points. Spain, meanwhile, has dropped to 41st place after having an initial ranking of seventh. 

In men's play, the Philippines whipped Jersey, 4-0, as it climbed to 77th place from 101st before the sixth round began on Sunday. The Eugene Torre-coached Filipinos meet Albania in the seventh round. The sweep gave the Filipinos 6 points after winning 3 matches and losing 3.

Bernadette Galas and Shania Mae Mendoza won their games while woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna repulsed a dangerous attack to earn a draw. Marie Antoinette San Diego, under pressure for so long, capitalized on her foe's mistake to gain the advantage only to lose it and settle for draw.

Galas, who has been fielded only if she plays White, defeated veteran woman grandmaster Monica Calzetta Ruiz in 56 moves of a Trompovsky Opening. San Diego, used only if she plays Black, drew with Ana Matnadze in 73 moves of a Double Fianchetto Opening.

"It was a great endgame performance. Bernadette chose the simplest and safest moves to win. San Diego showed her resourcefulness which is her asset," said Randy Segarra, who handles these two players at the De La Salle University.

National champion Shania Mae Mendoza outplayed Monica Garcia Martin in 85 moves of a Slav Defense where the FEU freshman temporarily sacrificed a knight on the 42nd moves and then regained it with a two-pawn edge which she nursed to victory.

Frayna drew with Sabrina Vega Martinez in 43 moves of an irregular opening that later became a King's Indian Defense.

In the men's results, Julio Catalino Sadorra won over Krzysztof Belzo in 43 moves of an English Opening, John Paul Gomez downed Paul Wojiciechkowski in 38 moves of a King's Indian Defense, Jan Emmanuel Garcia defeated John Ponomarenko in 40 moves of a King's Indian and national champion Haridas Pascua trounced David Wilson of in 39 moves of a King's Indian Attack. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Cousins Dave and Carlo Peñalosa, Reymart Gaballo and Marlon Tapales all made quick work of their Tanzanian opponents for an all-Filipino boxing sweep at the SM Skydome on Sunday, September 30. 

The 4 Filipinos, who starred in the card promoted by boxing legend Gerry Peñalosa, barely broke sweat as they never went beyond the third round in their respective bouts.

Dave, son of former two-division champion Dodie Boy, kept his record unscathed with a second-round knockout of Twalib Tuwa in their featherweight bout that served as the main event in the card. 

Knocking down Tuwa in the 1st round, Dave delivered another nasty left shot to the body with 45 seconds left in the 2nd to completely end the bout as the Tanzanian failed to get up after 10 counts from referee Danrex Tapdasan. 

Dave improved to 14-0 (10 KOs) while Tuwa dropped to 21-6-2 (14 KOs). 

Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo, meanwhile, needed only 2:20 minutes to remain undefeated and earn his 20th win when he defeated Julias Kisarawe via technical knockout. 

Kisarawe, whose record fell to 29-7-1 (15 KOs), went down twice no thanks to Gaballo's left shots to the body before referee Ferdinand Estrella stopped the fight. 

Former World Boxing Organization bantamweight king Marlon Tapales also impressed following a one-year hiatus with a first-round KO of Goodluck Mrema. 

Luck may be on his name but Mrema had nothing good going for him when he was floored with a powerful right hook to the head with 40 seconds left in the 1st. 

Tapales hiked his record to 31-2 (14 KOs). Mrema absorbed his second straight loss for a 22-4 (12 KOs) slate. 

On the other hand, Carlo demolished Jemsi Kibazange with a third-round TKO to wrest the WBA Asia South flyweight belt. 

Carlo, now with a 13-1 (6 KOs) record, unleashed a left jab to the head to end fight just before the bell rang for the third round. Kibazange's slate slipped to 12-3-2 (1 KO) – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Bo Perasol breathed a sigh of relief after the UP Fighting Maroons snapped a 3-game skid, but he knows they could still be better in closing out wins. 

The Maroons arrested a fourth-quarter meltdown against the injury-plagued De La Salle Green Archers to eke out a 67-61 triumph that earned them their second win in 5 games in the UAAP Season 81 basketball tournament. 

Flashbacks of their last-second loss to the Adamson Soaring Falcons flashed before UP's eyes as its 14-point lead turned into a slim one-point advantage as the Green Archers erected a 13-0 fightback with 2:20 minutes left. 

Thankfully for UP, it kept its composure and escaped after a few penalty shots to seal the deal.

A mere escape after a leading by double digits in the final frame is not enough for Perasol, though.

"We all know that there's much to be desired with how we ended the game, but then again we can't forget the fact that we won it," he said in the post-game presser.

"We would have wanted to be better in the endgame, but probably we needed these kind of wins so that we would know how to be better."

The third-year tactician admitted that the Adamson loss was well in his mind at the time.

"That was a painful loss for us against Adamson. The first thing that's going to be taken away from you when you lose successively is the confidence," he said.

"That's something that's very difficult to get back, and the only way to get that back is to win."

"We all know we can, but then when you play the game you tend to doubt yourselves most of the time," he continued. "I'm just relieved that we were able to get this win back and hope that we can get again into the winning groove into the next game."

Despite the near-collapse, Perasol's stars all came to play.

Bright Akhuetie, surprisingly the league's second-leading assist man, followed his 20-point, 20-rebound game with a 19-19 performance with 3 assists.

Juan Gomez de Liano finished with 17 points, 6 dimes and 3 boards while Paul Desiderio had his best game of the early season with 12 markers, 7 boards, 4 steals and 2 assists with 3-of-10 (30%) shots from downtown.

And when the stars align for UP, that's when they can start living up to the hype they inevitably attracted. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – There will be no finals apperance for the Meralco Bolts in the 2018 FIBA Asia Champions Cup. 

The Bolts fell short of its finals bid in the club tournament after suffering a sorry 74-79 loss to Iran's Petrochimi at the Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Monday, October 1. 

Allen Durham frolicked in the paint with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists but Meralco badly missed his services when it mattered most after he fouled out with 1:30 minutes left in the game. 

The Philippine bets were trailing by just 4 points down the stretch, 72-76, before Durham incurred his fifth foul as Petrochimi, which is chock-full of Iran national team players, sealed the victory and the trip to the finals. 

Import Diamond Stone chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Garvo Lanete added 12 markers for Meralco, which could still end the tournament on a high note with a bronze medal. 

Behnam Yakhchali paced the Iranians with 29 points and 8 rebounds while Sajjad Mashayekhi chalked up 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Both are members of the Iran national squad in the World Cup qualifiers. 

Meralco entered the final frame with a slim 55-54 advantage but was not able come out victorious no thanks to Petrochimi's 25-19 fourth-quarter output. 

The Bolts face the loser between Japan's Alvark Tokyo and Korea's SK Knights in the battle-for-third game on Tuesday, October 2. 

The Scores 

Petrochimi 79 - Yakhchali 29, Mashayeki 15, Kardoust 10, Pazrofteh 7, Mirza 6, Kazemi 6, Abadi 5, Arghavan 1.

Meralco 74 - Durham 29, Stone 15, Lanete 12, Tolomia 9, Amer 5, Hugnatan 4, Atkins 2, Canaleta 0, Caram 0. 

Quarters: 16-18, 33-34, 54-55, 79-74.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – One more fight at super flyweight before moving up for Jerwin Ancajas.

And if talks proceed smoothly, it's going to be against Thai superstar Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.

Joven Jimenez, Ancajas' chief trainer and manager, made this revelation early Monday, October 1, while Team Ancajas was waiting for their luggage from San Francisco, California, at NAIA 1.

"Nag-usap kami nang matagal after ng laban (Ancajas-Alejandro Santiago Barrios) at sinabi ko sa kanya, 'Laspag ka na yata sa 115 dapat na siguro tayong umakyat.'"

(We talked after the fight against Alejandro Santiago Barriors and I told him, "You're body looks like it's done with the 115-pound division, maybe we should move up in weight.") 

Instead of an expected dominant performance against Barrios, Ancajas settled for a draw against the shorter Mexican on Friday, September 28, (Saturday, September 29, Manila time) at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

According to Ancajas, his timing was off that night and he felt slight legs cramping from the 6th round onwards.

It was the 6th title defense of Ancajas and – for the second straight time – he failed to stop the challenger.

After knocking out his first four challengers (Jose Alfredo Rodriguez, Teiru Kinoshita, Jamie Conlan and Israel Gonzalez) Ancajas made do with a unanimous decision win over compatriot Jonas Sultan last May 26 in Fresno, California.

While Ancajas had no difficulty making weight, checking at 114.2 pounds, Jimenez noticed that the snap in his punches was waning against Barrios. Jimenez also took the cramping as a warning sign, going down to 115 is already taking a toll on Ancajas body.

Ancajas agreed with Jimenez, but requested for a career-defining fight before clmbing to 118 pounds.

He had Rungvisai, the World Boxing Council super flyweight titlist, in mind.

Rungvisai will be dangling his crown against Iran Diaz on Saturday, October 6, in Bangkok and Ancajas will have the opportunity to size him up.

Given the go-signal by Top Rank Inc., Ancajas and Jimenez will proceed to Bangkok on Friday to watch the fight.

There, they will hook up with matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who'll be flying in from San Francisco, and meet with the camp of Rungvisai to finalize details.

Ancajas said he feels ready to take on Rungvisai, who was a southpaw like him, either in December or January next year.

"Mas comfortable ako sa kaliwete (I'm more comfortable fighting a southpaw)," said Ancajas, who was given arrival honors by the Philippine Navy, where he is a reservist Chief Petty Officer. 

Jimenez said he'll allow Ancajas to have total rest for 3 weeks before they resume training.

Most likely for Rungvisai. – Rappler.com

SYDNEY, Australia – Socceroos' skipper Mile Jedinak will not lead Australia in its defense of the Asian Cup next year after calling an end to his international football career on Monday, October 1. 

The 34-year-old, who plays for English Championship side Aston Villa and led his team to two World Cups, announced his decision in a lengthy message on Instagram.

"After a huge amount of time reflecting and discussing with those closest with me, I feel that it is the right time to move aside in order to focus on my club football and prolonging that journey," Jedinak wrote.

"As a young boy growing up it was my dream to play for Australia and to pull on the famous green and gold shirt to represent my country."

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BoYZjKIHh6d/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" 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">I can confirm that after much deliberation I have made the decision to retire from playing international football. As a young boy growing up it was my dream to play for Australia and to pull on the famous green and gold shirt to represent my country. To have been given the opportunity to not only fulfil that dream, but to have done it 79 times, and many of which as captain, makes me incredibly proud and thankful. The countless unbelievable moments that I have experienced will stay with me forever, and I can honestly say that looking back I’ve had some of the best times of my life on the pitch playing for the Socceroos. It is an enormous privilege to represent your country and one I did not take lightly. Words will never be able to do justice the feeling of immense pride I felt when representing Australia. I gave everything I had in every single game I played to try and achieve success for our nation. However, after a huge amount of time reflecting and discussing with those closest with me, I feel that it is the right time to move aside in order to focus on my club football and prolonging that journey. Looking back, I feel blessed to be able to leave with memories that will last a lifetime. The feeling of captaining our country to Asian Cup glory in 2015, and to have been able to contribute to achieving success for Australia, will stay with me forever. Additionally being able to captain the team, and score, in two World Cups is something I could only have dreamed about as a boy. There are just too many highlights to mention them all. I would like to thank all of those who helped make it all possible. Thank you to everyone at the FFA, the team management and all of my teammates throughout the years. It’s been an incredible journey alongside you all. Thank you to my family for your unwavering love and support throughout my international career. And finally I have to say a special thank you to the Australian fans for believing in me and supporting me through thick and thin. I’ve tried to do you all proud every time I’ve stepped out on to the pitch. We have an exciting generation of players coming through and I now can’t wait to support the team in the future </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/milejedinak15/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Mile Jedinak</a> (@milejedinak15) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-10-01T06:57:02+00:00">Sep 30, 2018 at 11:57pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>{/source}

Jedinak, who has 79 caps for the Socceroos and scored 20 international goals between 2008 and 2018, helped the team qualify for this year's World Cup after scoring a hat-trick against Honduras in a playoff.

He was hailed by governing body Football Federation Australia as a role model for younger players.

"Mile Jedinak has been a fantastic servant to Australian football over a long period of time and his leadership of the national team has been truly inspirational," FFA chairman Steven Lowy said in a statement.

Jedinak led Australia to the Asian Cup title in 2015 and his retirement means the team will be without him and veteran goalscorer Tim Cahill when they defend the trophy in the United Arab Emirates early next year.

Cahill, 38, hung up his boots in July after a stellar career for his country that saw him go to four World Cups and score 50 international goals in 107 appearances. – Rappler.com

MOSCOW, Russia – Russia's World Cup captain and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev announced Monday, October 1, he was retiring from international football after playing 111 times for his country.

The 32-year-old said that after 15 years with the national side, he had decided to give way to his younger colleagues and to focus completely on his club duties with CSKA Moscow. 

"Every story has its beginning and its end. So, my story with the national team has come to its logical conclusion," he said in a statement on CSKA's website.

"It was a great honor for me to captain Russia's national side at a home World Cup. I hadn't even dreamt it could happen. But it has happened and it was probably the peak of my career."

"I leave with a clear conscience. A young and promising generation (of players) has appeared in Russia," he added. "We must believe in our youth and support them."

At the World Cup, Akinfeev played every minute of Russia's matches as they confounded pre-tournament predictions by reaching the last eight, where they were beaten by eventual finalists Croatia in a penalty shoot-out.

Akinfeev saved a penalty from Iago Aspas in the last-16 shoot-out against Spain that secured Russia a place in the quarterfinals.

He made his debut for Russia in 2004. He was a member of the national squad which reached the last four of Euro 2008 and played for Russia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Zenit's Andrey Lunev played in last month's games against Turkey and the Czech Republic and now looks set to have the chance to establish himself as Russia's first-choice goalkeeper.

Anton Shunin of Dynamo Moscow and the Brazilian-born Guilherme Marinato are also in the squad for this month's Nations League games against Turkey and Sweden.

Alexander Golovin of Monaco and Alan Dzagoev of CSKA are also in a 25-man squad after recovering from injuries.

Russia takes on Sweden on October 11 in Kaliningrad and then faces Turkey in the Black Sea resort of Sochi 3 days later. – Rappler.com

BEIJING, China – Naomi Osaka made the startling admission on Monday, October 1, that winning the US Open was "bittersweet" and "not the happiest memory" and revealed that she has been trying to forget about the career-defining victory.

The 20-year-old rising star from Japan stunned Serena Williams last month in a tempestuous final in which the American called chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" and later accused him of sexism.

"There's a lot of stuff I want to say about how I felt and whatever," the world No. 6 said.

Williams's high-profile meltdown made headlines over Osaka's feat in becoming the first Japanese to win a Grand Slam, although Osaka has declined to point the finger at the American great.

"For me, I don't know, I don't know, the memory of the US Open is a little bit bittersweet," Osaka said.

"Right after, the day after, I really didn't want to think about it because it wasn't necessarily the happiest memory for me."

"I just sort of wanted to move on at that point."

Speaking in Beijing, where Osaka powered into round two of the China Open with a dominant performance over Kazakh qualifier Zarina Diyas, the young Japanese light-heartedly compared her Grand Slam success to green-tea ice cream.

"When you bite into it, it's sweet, but also very strong – that's how that memory feels to me."

"Of course I'm happy that I won a Grand Slam, I don't think there's anything that can take away from that... but I feel like it was so strange, I didn't just want to think about it."

"I wanted to just push it to the side." 

Osaka, who defeated Diyas 6-4, 6-3 despite not playing her best, faces unseeded American Danielle Collins next. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – Cristiano Ronaldo is facing allegations of rape by a former model who accuses the Portuguese superstar of attacking her in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite in 2009.

Ronaldo, who now plays for Juventus in Italy's Serie A, rejected the charges as "fake news" during a live chat on Instagram.

"What they said today, fake – fake news," the 33-year-old star of the Portuguese national team said in a post that was later deleted.

Kathryn Mayorga, 34, of Las Vegas, accused Ronaldo in a 32-page complaint filed last month with a district court in Nevada of raping her on June 13, 2009.

Mayorga alleges in the lawsuit that she was pressured into signing a nondisclosure agreement to keep the alleged rape secret and is seeking $200,000 in penalties and damages.

The complaint was first reported by the German magazine Der Spiegel.

In the suit, Mayorga said she met Ronaldo on the evening of June 12, 2009 at the Rain Nightclub in the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

It said she accepted an invitation to join Ronaldo and others in his penthouse suite to "enjoy the view of the Las Vegas strip."

She was invited to join guests in a hot tub but she declined because she did not have a bathing suit, the complaint said.

Ronaldo offered her clothing and then followed her into a bathroom where she was going to change clothes, it said.

After she refused his demand to perform oral sex and said she wanted to leave, Ronaldo pulled her into a bedroom and anally raped her while she screamed "no, no, no," the complaint said.

"When Cristiano Ronaldo completed the sexual assault of the plaintiff, he allowed her to leave the bedroom stating he was sorry, he was usually a gentleman," it said.

The lawsuit said Mayorga reported the alleged assault to the Las Vegas police the same day and underwent an examination at a local hospital.

It said the assault had left her with "severe emotional and bodily injuries" and "major depression."

Under pressure from Ronaldo's "fixers," Mayorga settled the case "in exchange for a payment of $375,000 and non-disclosure of the sexual assault," the lawsuit said.

The unidentified "fixers" were also named as co-defendants in the lawsuit, which accuses the Juventus forward of violating the nondisclosure agreement. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The ONE lightweight world championship won't be vacant for long after all.

The Philippines' Eduard Folayang and Singapore's Amir Khan will lock horns for the world lightweight title days after it was announced that former champ Martin Nguyen was forced to relinquish the belt. 

ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed the development on Facebook, saying that the two powerhouse names will clash at ONE: Conquest of Champions on November 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

"The stakes could not be any higher for both warriors in what will be the biggest fight of their careers," Sityodtong said. 

Folayang, 33, is coming off back-to-back unanimous decision victories over  undefeated Russian grapplers Aziz Pahrudinov and Kharun Atlangeriev.

The Team Lakay star first captured the title with a third-round TKO victory over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in Singapore back in 2016 but lost it to Nguyen in November 2017.  

He will attempt to wrest the belt again in front of a partisan Filipino crowd. 

"Eduard wants to reclaim his title and go down as the greatest Filipino martial artist in history," Sityodtong said.

Standing opposite Folayang will be Khan, a 23-year-old knockout artist from the famed EVOLVE MMA stable in Singapore.

Khan has emerged victorious in 8 of his last 9 contests and is coming off a magnificent first-round submission win over fellow top lightweight contender and Folayang's Team Lakay stablemate Honorio Banario, in September.

This will be Khan's first shot at a world championship, and presents an opportunity to be known as Singapore's first homegrown world champion.

"Amir wants to become Singapore's first homegrown world champion in history and stamp his legacy as the greatest Singaporean martial artist the world has ever seen," Sityodtong said. 

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Sityodtong also announced that the winner will have a challenger already waiting. 

Top contenders Shinya Aoki and Ev Ting will duke it out in a title-eliminator bout at the ONE: Kingdom of Heroes on Saturday, October 6, at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. 

"Barring any injuries or unforeseen circumstances, I fully expect the winner between Ev and Shinya to face the winner between Eduard and Amir in Tokyo," Sityodtong said. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Super rookie CJ Cansino is perplexed at how the Growling Tigers have yet to show their performance during practice at the actual UAAP games as UST slumped to its third loss in 4 games. 

"'Di ko alam bakit 'di pa lumalabas 'yung talagang kami – 'yung paano kami mag-practice, paano kami maglaro nung off-season," wondered the 18-year old swingman. "'Di ko pa nakikita 'yung 100% na kung paano maglaro 'yung UST."

(I don't know why our  we haven’t played the way we really are – how we do it in practice or how we played in the off-season. I still haven't seen UST playing 100%.)

UST crashed to its worst defeat in Season 81 when it received a 32-point beating from the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, September 29.

The lopsided loss was already a hard pill to swallow for Cansino, but it stung even more given his history with the mighty Ateneo program. 

"Ang bigat sa loob, lalo na ngayon kasi gustung-gusto ko talagang matalo 'yung Ateneo," Cansino revealed. "Sa ilang years kong naglalaro ng UAAP, kahit noong juniors, 'di ko pa [sila] natatalo so gustung-gusto ko talaga."

(It's really disappointing, especially now since I really want to beat Ateneo. In all my years playing in the UAAP, even in the juniors division, I never defeated them so I really wanted this one.)

Indeed, the one-man high school show of Cansino really found trouble edging out the loaded Blue Eaglets program, which boasted a multitude of surefire talents in Kai Sotto, Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, SJ Belangel, Joaqui Manuel, Jolo Mendoza, and Gian Mamuyac.

But more than a personal vendetta against the blue and white, Cansino just wants to lift UST from the bottom of the barrel, where the once-mighty program has languished in recent years.

"Ayoko lang talaga magaya last year [na 1-13 record]. Gusto ko makapasok kami ng Final Four, so gagawin ko talaga lahat nang makakaya ko para makatulong sa team at sa UST," he said.

(I just don't want a repeat of last year's 1-13 record. I want us to get into the Final Four, so I'll do everything in my power to help the team and the school.)

Cansino doesn't even care that he has at least 4 more years to help the Tigers return to contending form. He wants to win now, which can only bode well for him and the team in the long run. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – Cristiano Ronaldo rejected the rape charges made by a former model as "fake news" during a live chat on Instagram.

"What they said today, fake – fake news," said the 33-year-old star of the Portuguese national team said in a post that was later deleted.

Police said Monday, October 1 they had reopened an investigation into the rape accusation that said the football star, who now plays for Juventusn in the Serie A,  attacked the victim in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite in 2009.

Kathryn Mayorga, 34, of Las Vegas, accused Ronaldo, in a 32-page complaint filed last month with a district court in Nevada, of raping her on June 13, 2009.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed in a statement that didn't name the superstar it had responded to a call of a sexual assault on that date. 

"At the time the report was taken, the victim did not provide detectives with the location of the incident or suspect description. A medical exam was conducted," it said.

"As of September 2018, the case has been reopened and our detectives are following up on information being provided by the victim."

Mayorga alleges in the lawsuit that she was pressured into signing a nondisclosure agreement to keep the alleged rape secret and is seeking no less than $200,000 in penalties and damages.

The complaint was first reported by the German magazine Der Spiegel. Lawyers for Ronaldo have reportedly threatened to sue the magazine over the story.

In the suit, Mayorga said she met Ronaldo, who was then 24 years old, on the evening of June 12, 2009 at the Rain Nightclub in the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

It said she accepted an invitation to join Ronaldo and others in his penthouse suite to "enjoy the view of the Las Vegas strip."

She was invited to join guests in a hot tub but she declined because she did not have a bathing suit, the complaint said.

Ronaldo offered her clothing and then followed her into a bathroom where she was going to change clothes, it said.

'No, no, no'

After she refused his demand to perform oral sex and said she wanted to leave, Ronaldo pulled her into a bedroom and anally raped her while she screamed "no, no, no," the complaint said.

"When Cristiano Ronaldo completed the sexual assault of the plaintiff, he allowed her to leave the bedroom stating he was sorry, he was usually a gentleman," it said.

The lawsuit said Mayorga reported the alleged assault to the Las Vegas police the same day and underwent an examination at a local hospital.

It said the assault had left her with "severe emotional and bodily injuries including but not limited to anal contusions, posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression."

She developed an alcohol problem and was suicidal, according to court documents.

Under pressure from Ronaldo's "fixers," Mayorga settled the case "in exchange for a payment of $375,000 and non-disclosure of the sexual assault," the lawsuit said.

It claimed the agreement should be voided because she was "incompetent and lacked the mental capacity to participate in negotiations and settlement of her claims due to the injuries suffered during the initial sexual assault."

The suit also called for the agreement to be dismissed because it amounted to concealment of a crime for which there is no statute of limitations.

The unidentified "fixers" were named as co-defendants in the lawsuit, which also accuses the Juventus forward of violating the 2010 nondisclosure agreement.

In an interview with Der Spiegel, Mayorga, who has a degree in journalism from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said she was inspired to come forward in part by the #MeToo movement that has exposed the sexual abuse of women by powerful men.

Ronaldo is a five-time winner of FIFA's men's player of the year award.

The Portuguese striker, who is a married father of four, left Real Madrid this year to join Juventus for 100 million euros ($117 million).

Ronaldo won two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns with Real after joining from Manchester United in 2009 for a then world-record fee of £80 million ($94 million). – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Green Archers United (GAU) stayed perfect while Ateneo and Army picked up a point apiece in matches on Sunday, September 30, in the Weekend Futbol League Elite Division.

In the Moro Lorenzo Football field, their home pitch, the Blue Eagles drew 1-1 against Army. 

Nino Herrera struck in the 39th minute to open the scoring. The UAAP veteran faked out one defender before drilling the ball in from the edge of the box past Army keeper Kuloy Muñoz. 

Early in the second half, Army drew level when Justine Chaves tapped in an assist from Jomar Acedo. 

Army finished the game with 10 men after Reynan Doromal was controversially sent off for a DOGSO foul minutes before time.  

The result was a big improvement for Ateneo, which lost 3-0 in the reverse fixture played in ASCom (Army Sports Command) football field a few weeks back. 

The Blue Eagles started many of their top players like Herrera, Rupert Baña, and Will Grierson. Jarvey Gayoso was unavailable due to Azkals duty.

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It's the third draw this season for Ricky Cain's squad.

In the other match on Sunday, the Archers cruised to a sixth straight win in as many outings, dispatching Adamson 3-1 in De La Salle Zobel. 

The Archers got goals from Jimuel Ariola, Lucien Okono, and Greggy Yang. Adamson got a goal from Allen Lozano. 

The loss snaps a 3-game unbeaten streak for the Falcons but they can hold their heads up high. In the previous meeting between the teams, the Archers prevailed 6-0. 

The 3 points vault GAU to 18, 11 clear of second-place Adamson, who is a point ahead of Army. 

The match between Fleet Marine and Stallion B, originally scheduled for this past weekend, was postponed and will be held at a later date. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The men's squad squeezed out victory from a surprisingly tough Albanian squad in the 7th round of the 43rd Batumi Chess Olympiad on Monday, October 1, while the Philippine women's team fell from their lofty perch in Georgia.

Host Georgia's second team avenged the loss of their compatriots two years ago in Baku by whipping the Filipinas, 3-1, with woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and Marie Antoinette San Diego drawing their matches. 

The Filipinos battled their way to 66th place, still below their seeding of 54th as they have 8 match points from 4 wins and 3 draws. They play Uruguay in Tuesday night's 8th round.

The Filipinas dropped from 18th place to 31st with 9 match points from 4 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses. They clash with Argentina tonight.

Julio Catalino Sadorra's ability to turn losing positions into draws has placed him in a tie for 3rd place for best board 1 score according to tallied points.

He has 5.5 points out of 7 rounds for 78.6% as he tied Badem Al-Hajiri of Kuwait. They trail the pace-setting pair of Anish Giri of the Netherlands and Nils Grandelius of Sweden, who both have 6 points from 7 rounds.

Sadorra carried the team once more on his shoulders just like the team's captain Eugene Torre done in his 46 playing years in the Olympiad. Inferior against Mehmeti Drita, Sadorra fished in muddy waters and reeled in the scrappy Albanian.

It seemed to create a ripple effect: Haridas Pascua  beating Seitaj Ilir in a quiet position and Jan Emmanuel Garcia holding a rook endgame against Franc Ashiku. The magic didn't work on John Paul Gomez, whose piece sacrifice backfired, losing to Llambi Pasko.

For once social media was quiet. No comments, snide or otherwise floated as it seemed the Philippines would fall to the 91st seeded Albanians. One official of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines said: "I was so dejected. I did not watch anymore after midnight. I was surprised to see we won in the morning."

The Filipinas had good positions in their games early on. But Bernadette Galas, one of the heroines in the Philippines' stunning upset of Spain, got into trouble with a positional bind, against Miranda Mikadze. The other star in the conquest of Spain, Shania Mae Mendoza, lost hold of good position against Inga Charkhalashvili and lost despite tough defense.

San Diego was piece ahead against Sofio Gvetadze but time pressure prevented her from consolidating and Gvetadze forced a draw by perpetual check. Frayna hung on against Salome Melia, one of the members of the Georgian team that lost to the Philippines two years ago. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) outdueled Mapua in a bruising showdown and scored a 92-76 win on Tuesday, October 2, to move closer to snaring a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four of the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Pirates and Cardinals fouled each other a whopping 61 times including 6 technical fouls that resulted to a total of 54 foul shot attempts with each team making 19.

It escalated when LPU’s MJ Ayaay and Mapua’s Jasper Selanga got entangled late in the 3rd quarter that almost triggered a fight before game officials controlled the situation.

In end, LPU’s firepower and depth proved enough to clinch it its 14th win in 15 games and at least a playoff for a place in the top two and the twice-to-beat incentive that goes with it.

LPU will then battle Letran on Friday, St. Benilde on October 11 and defending champion San Beda on October 18 – all title or Final Four contenders – hoping to get that one win that will ensure it a place in the top two after the elimination round.

“It’s a good game for us to prepare for our last three tough games,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson.

Mapua slipped to 4-11 record. 

Earlier, Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) survived a furious second half fightback by Arellano University (AU) and carved out a 78-70 victory  to post its first streak of the season.

Jerome Garcia led the way with a game-high 25 points including three triples and spiked it with 6 rebounds and 5 assists while JP Magullano had a double-double with 15 points and 10 boards to power the Generals to their second straight win and 4th overall against 12 defeats.

“We want to finish the season strong,” said EAC head coach Ariel Sison, who has three games left in their schedule. “The good thing now is that were showing teamwork and I can see the desire in the players.”

EAC is already out of Final Four contention.

Garcia and Magullano set the tone early as the two combined for 30 points to match AU’s total after the first half when EAC led comfortably, 48-40.

Paced by Levi dela Cruz, the Chiefs tried to mount a serious rally but EAC’s Hamadou Laminou hit some baskets that quashed the uprising.

AU slipped to 4-10 and is out of the hunt.

The Scores

First Game

EAC 78 – Garcia 25, Magullano 15, Laminou 14, Bautista 6, Neri 6, Bugarin 4, Mendoza 3, Gonzales 2, Tampoc 2, Corilla 1, Cadua 0, Diego 0.

Arellano 70 – Dela Cruz 15, Alban 14, Dela Torre 12, Concepcion 10, Alcoriza 6, Bayla 4, Canete 4, Sacramento 2, Ongolo Ongolo 1, Viloria 1, Segura 1, Sera Josef 0.

Quarterscores: 21-11, 48-30, 63-50, 78-70.

Second Game

LPU 92 – Perez 20, Jc. Marcelino 14, Nzeusseu 12, Caduyac 8, Ayaay 7, Pretta 6, Ibanez 4, Santos 4, Tansingco 4, Yong 4, Lumbao 3, Cinco 2, Serrano 2, Valdez 2.

MU 76 –  Bonifacio 17, Serrano 15, Bunag 13, Pelayo 13, Aguirre 10, Jabel 3, Salenga 3, Victoria 2, Gamboa 0, Lugo 0, Nieles 0.

Quarterscores: 21-17, 53-32, 73-60, 92-76.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts finished their 2018 Fiba Asia Champions Cup campaign at 4th place as they lost to the Seoul SK Knights, 87-91, on Tuesday, October 2, at Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand. 

Diamond Louis Stone led the Bolts with a massive double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds while Allen Durham followed with 17 points. 

In the Korean side, DaJuan Summers topscored for 26 points to gift the Knights with the bronze medal. 

The Philippine bets managed to cut an 11-point deficit in the first half capped off by back-to-back triples by KG Canaleta that tied the score at 56-all in the 3rd quarter. Garvo Lanete shot his first points from downtown that gave Meralco the 59-57 lead. 

As the shot clock winded down, Wonhyuk Choi drained a halfcourt shot to get the Knights within one at the end of the 3rd period, 62-63. 

The Koreans opened the payoff period with a 7-0 run and the Bolts never recovered in the game.

Durham almost closed the gap as his layup made it one-possession game, 83-86, but the Bukyung Choi hit the dagger jumper in the last 56 seconds of the game. 

The Bolts missed a final berth after losing to Iran's Petrochimi last Monday, October 1.

The Scores

Meralco 87 – Stone 32, Durham 21, Canaleta 15, Amer 12, Lanete 3, Caram 2, Tolomia 2, Atkins 0, Ballesteros 0, Hugnatan 0, Jamito 0, Salva 0.

SK Knights 91 – Summers 26, An 17, M. Kim 14, W. Choi 13, Lee 11, B. Choi 8, G. Kim 2, Byun 0, Jung 0, S. Kim 0, Ryu 0.

Quarter scores: 25-27, 38-46, 63-62, 87-91. – Rappler.com

MELBOURNE, Australia –  WWE Super Show-Down in Melbourne this Saturday, October 6, isn’t really a pay-per-view event, but for all intents and purposes (mostly because the company has enough on its schedule to pull off an all-women PPV later this month) it is one.

With the advent of the WWE Network and the ability to broadcast any large-stadium event from around the world on it as though it were a monthly special in the US, expect even more dates on the WWE calendar. If you thought around eight hours of wrestling every week, plus an added four to five more on some Sundays, was too much, Vince McMahon disagrees with you. You’re getting more WWE wrestling (the distinction is important) whether you like it or not.

Strangely, though, WWE Super Show-Down is still booked somewhat like a house show. Even though they’re trying to draw in WrestleMania levels of attendance for a show in Australia – banking on fans from neighboring countries in the region who would rather go to nearer Australia than cross oceans to go to the States – it isn’t really a WrestleMania-caliber card. Sure, there are semblances of big-money Mania matches in the headliner Triple H vs. the Undertaker and a rare John Cena appearance, but the rest of the card feels like a regular episode.

That said, I do think there are possibilities for some big results here despite the paint-by-numbers card. Given that this is the only stop for the males before WWE Crown Jewel, their second Network event in Saudi Arabia this year, if they’re going to pull the trigger on some things, it’s gotta be now. Two things come to mind: the WWE and the WWE Cruiserweight Championship matches, which have been brewing for a while now. AJ Styles and Samoa Joe have been duking it out over the former’s family for two long months, while the as-yet undefeated Cedric Alexander’s going up against hometown guy Buddy Murphy.

Let’s see what we’ve got here:

Asuka and Naomi vs. The Iiconics

It’s at least something for the four women to do after a while of being sidelined (nobody noticed, though, with how good/frustrating Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch over the SmackDown Women’s Championship has been). I just realized that there are two matches involving villainous Australians here, so would they let both sets of Australians win that night? If it has to be only one, I’m guessing it’s the Iiconics taking it.

Winner: The Iiconics

Buddy Murphy vs. Cedric Alexander (c) for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Here’s the other one. While Alexander has been champion for so long and it’s already time for a change, Murphy’s got the more slippery slope to the title. This is Murphy’s second shot at it, and I’m just glad they made him earn this shot. The long Cedric Alexander reign would be more meaningful if it felt like they had something planned for him with this run, but at this point, after beating pretty much every challenger they’ve built up on 205 Live, it’s like they’ve stuck it on him for the sole purpose of good matches. That’s noble, but it does absolutely little for everyone else. Have your Buddy Murphy investment pay off already and give him the hometown pop. The man has worked his ass off to earn it.

Winner: Buddy Murphy (new WWE Cruiserweight Champion)

The Bar vs. The New Day (c) for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship

The New Day doesn’t really need this title reign; it only really happened because Rowan of the Bludgeon Brothers got injured. You could also argue that the Bar doesn’t really need it either, but I would rather see a refreshed tag division on SmackDown with all these new teams taking on the Bar instead of the New Day’s chokehold on it. They’re good, but they’re also oversaturated.

Winner: The Bar (new SmackDown Tag Team Champions)

The Bella Twins and Ronda Rousey vs. The Riott Squad

Brie Bella botches aside, it’s not like there’s gonna be a different result for this one, right? Ronda Rousey losing at a big show? Ronda Rousey losing?

Winner: The Bella Twins and Ronda Rousey

Bobby Lashley and John Cena vs. Elias and Kevin Owens

See above match. I guess this show is still a house show, after all.

Winner: Bobby Lashley and John Cena

Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch (c) for the SmackDown Women’s Championship

I don’t see the title changing hands here, as putting it on Lynch to cap off almost a month of uncertainty and frustration on who’s really the good guy here was the best thing they’ve done in this story so far. Of course, they could still turn it into some sort of hero’s journey for Flair (it’s the kind of thing they love doing, and Flair is the kind of Superstar they love doing it with and for) and having Lynch lose it. They can argue it as them already giving what the fans wanted, so they can do whatever they want now.

Then again, it’s just a house show, so I hope this doesn’t change.

Winner: Becky Lynch

The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre

So all male titles on RAW are still on four of these six men. The RAW Women’s Championship on Ronda Rousey isn’t being defended on this show, so that means RAW has zero title shots on this card, unless you count the Cruiserweight Championship as still being a part of the red show. That’s… really, really strange.

Which is why it makes me wonder why they couldn’t have just split this up into two or three different matches to promote the same storyline. Doesn’t Strowman deserve a Universal Championship rematch, or will we wait five more grueling weeks for WWE Crown Jewel? Can’t Rollins defend the Intercontinental Championship against someone else on RAW, and then Reigns and Ambrose go up against Strowman and McIntyre or Ziggler?

Oh, right. It’s a house show, so the Shield’s got to be together. I guess I also know who wins.

Winner: The Shield

Daniel Bryan vs. the Miz to determine the #1 Contender to the WWE Championship

So far, SmackDown Live and 205 Live are the only brands on this show with actual stakes. This feels like the end of the current Bryan/Miz feud, and for good measure; it’s just gone on for so long, and now that Bryan’s officially re-signed with the WWE, it’s time to move on to the other dream matches on the docket. I do feel like Bryan is getting this win, which means it doesn’t matter who wins the title match up next because Bryan could get an instant classic from either of them, but it also does make me feel good because of the resulting logic. Read on to find out what that is.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles (c) in a No-DQ, No-Count Out Match for the WWE Championship

So naturally, if Bryan is going on to be the #1 contender, then surely we need a new villain for him, right? Because if not, it’s either Bryan or Styles turning heel, and that’s not good for business. No, the most logical move is the best move for all involved. It’s been a great run for AJ Styles.

Winner: Samoa Joe (new WWE Champion)

Triple H (with Shawn Michaels) vs. The Undertaker (with Kane)

With Triple H being the only good body in this match--the Undertaker is running on fumes, Kane is injured the last time we saw him, and Shawn Michaels has been retired for eight years now)--I really don’t have high hopes for this one. It’s apparently building toward a tag match with all four involved, and a possible Shawn Michaels/Undertaker rematch at Survivor Series, none of which I really would like to see. But I’m guessing the casual fans they need to attract in Melbourne will. They just don’t know what’s coming.

Winner: The Undertaker

Who do you have for WWE Super Show-Down?

*****

Do you listen to podcasts? Would you want to listen to a local podcast about pro wrestling? If the answers to those questions – especially that last one – are yes, then you should check out the cleverly-named Smark Gilas-Pilipinas Podcast, featuring PWR General Manager Stan Sy, wrestling writer and Wrestling God Romeo Moran, and all-around multimedia person and former voice of PWR Raf Camus! On last week’s episode, stand-up comedian Chino Liao reviews PWR Live: Homefront! Listen to it here or on Spotify! – Rappler.com

PARIS, France – Champions League holders Real Madrid slumped to a rare defeat in the competition as they went down 1-0 away to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, October 2, while Jose Mourinho's Manchester United misfired again in a 0-0 draw with Valencia.

While Bayern Munich also got held by Ajax, it was a happier evening for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City as they beat Hoffenheim 2-1, and Juventus also emerged as comfortable winners thanks to Paulo Dybala's hat-trick.

Real wasn't expected to struggle in Group G as they look to continue their recent dominance of the Champions League, but Julen Lopetegui's side went behind inside two minutes in Moscow following a mistake by Toni Kroos.

The German's drilled backpass turned into a gift for Nikola Vlasic, and the winger on loan from Everton fired past Keylor Navas to put CSKA ahead.

Casemiro hit the post in the first half – one of 3 attempts that found the woodwork for the visitors – but Real was weakened by the absences of Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos, while Luka Modric started on the bench.

CSKA held on, despite having goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev sent off in injury time, and they move above Real to the top of Group G.

"I am sure we will soon be scoring again and winning again," said Lopetegui, whose team have not found the net in three matches.

It was only Madrid's third defeat in the Champions League group stage this decade, but Real will nevertheless expect to bounce back next against Czech champions Viktoria Plzen, who were crushed 5-0 by Roma.

Edin Dzeko scored a hat-trick for the Italian side, with Cengiz Under and Justin Kluivert also netting.

At Old Trafford, the pressure continued to build on Mourinho as United produced another insipid attacking display in their goalless stalemate with Valencia.

They are now 4 games without a win, and Mourinho's decision to recall Alexis Sanchez – after dropping the Chilean for the weekend defeat at West Ham United – failed to pay off.

"Our attacking players aren't in their best moments of confidence and individual level," moaned Mourinho. "We thought with 3 or 4 chances we would score and win the game."

Dybala shines in Ronaldo absence

Mourinho's side stands second in Group H, two points behind Juventus.

Juve eased to victory against 10-man Young Boys in Turin, with Dybala scoring a hat-trick to take center stage in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was serving a one-game ban.

"We were without Cristiano, and at times it is easier with him in the side, but we have to be a great team both with and without him," said Dybala.

Guardiola saw Manchester City come from behind to beat Hoffenheim in Germany in Group F.

David Silva scored three minutes from time to get the Premier League champions back on track after they started their campaign with a 2-1 home defeat against Lyon.

Ishak Belfodil had put Hoffenheim ahead after just 44 seconds, but Sergio Aguero equalized in the eighth minute before Silva's late winner.

"This competition isn't always a red carpet. Manchester City is a fantastic club, but we don't have a history of having to fight and we fought for absolutely everything here," said Guardiola.

"This is one of the happiest days I have had at this club as it will help us going forward."

City next face Shakhtar Donetsk, who squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Lyon in France, in a game played behind closed doors.

Brazilian forward Junior Moraes scored twice for Shakhtar, but Lyon fought back to draw with goals from Moussa Dembele and Leo Dubois.

It was a good result for Lyon, whose fans were missing as a punishment for trouble at a game against CSKA last season, and they now top the group.

Meanwhile, Bayern could not hang on to the early lead given to them against Ajax when Mats Hummels headed in Arjen Robben's cross. Young full-back Noussair Mazraoui equalised to give the Dutch side a 1-1 draw.

Those sides are level atop Group E ahead of Benfica, who won 3-2 in a thriller at AEK Athens with Alfa Semedo scoring the deciding goal. – Rappler.com

PARIS, France – Triple major winner Brooks Koepka said Tuesday, October 2, he was "heartbroken" that a Ryder Cup fan hit by his wayward tee shot had been blinded in one eye.

Koepka posted a statement on Twitter saying he had been in contact with Corine Remande and her family and offered his "heartfelt sympathy."

Frenchwoman Remande, aged 49, said she was taking legal action against the event's organizers after being hit on Friday's opening day, when Koepka's drive on the par-four 6th hole careered into the crowd at Le Golf National near Paris.

"I spoke to her at the time on the golf course and after now learning her condition is worse than first thought, I have made contact with her family to offer my sincere and heartfelt sympathy," said Koepka.

"I am heartbroken by the incident. My thoughts remain with Ms Remande and her family, and I have asked to be kept informed on her condition."

Remande launched her legal action in the French city of Lyon on Tuesday. The complaint, seen by AFP, alleges organizers were responsible for "a lack of safety rules."

"The player should have shouted 'ball,' or 'fore' for English speakers. Given the distance, the stewards should have relayed this information to the green," she adds in the complaint. 

Remande told AFP after being examined at a Lyon hospital on Monday: "They told me I'd lost the sight in my right eye and this was confirmed to me today."

She has a fractured eye socket and a damaged eyeball.

Remande said there was no warning from stewards at the course before the ball hurtled into the gallery.

"Quite clearly, there is responsibility on the part of the organizers," she told AFP.

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Remande and her husband Raphael had travelled to France from their home in Egypt to watch the biennial showdown between Europe and the United States.

Ryder Cup organizers said they would "continue to offer support" to Remande, but said a warning was shouted to spectators.

'Extremely rare' 

"We can confirm that 'fore' was shouted several times but also appreciate how hard it can be to know when and where every ball is struck if you are in the crowd," a statement said.

"It is distressing to hear that someone might suffer long term consequences from a ball strike," the organizers said. "Ball strikes are an occasional hazard for spectators but this kind of incident is extremely rare."

Organizers said they had been in contact with the family and had helped "with the logistics of repatriation, including providing a transfer for the family from Paris to Lyon.

"We will continue to offer support for as long as necessary.

"We are hugely sympathetic and will do everything we can to support the spectator, insofar as that is possible under very difficult circumstances."

Remande received first aid on the spot before being transferred to a specialist eye hospital in Paris.

She was then driven to her parents' home in Lyon after doctors advised her not to fly immediately back to Egypt.

Remande said: "More than anything I want them to take care of all the medical bills to make sure there is no risk of infection." – Rappler.com