STA. ROSA CITY, Philippines – Blackwater withstood a gutsy comeback stand from Rain or Shine to eke out a 99-93 win in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex here on Sunday, October 7. 

Henry Walker delivered a triple-double as the Elite improved to 6-1 to claim a share of the lead with Barangay Ginebra and virtually clinched a quarterfinals berth – their first after missing the playoffs for the last two conferences. 

The American import chalked up 14 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists and 2 blocks and served as the stabilizer just when Blackwater almost squandered a lead as large as 16 points. 

Blackwater enjoyed a 68-52 advantage and entered the final frame up 73-64 until the Elasto Painters trimmed their deficit to just 2 points with under a minute left off a Maverick Ahanmisi layup, 92-94.

But the Elite retaliated with a confidence-crushing triple courtesy of John Pinto with 17 seconds remaining to completely put the game beyond the reach of Rain or Shine, which remained winless at 0-4. 

Pinto went a perfect 3-of-3 from deep to finish with 16 points on top of 5 rebounds while Mike DiGregorio added a team-high 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the win. 

Allein Maliksi added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists and Paul Zamar had 11 points and 8 boards for Blackwater. 

Ahanmisi churned out 25 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals yet his all-around numbers weren't enough for the Elasto Painters to end their dry spell. 

Import Terrence Watson pumped in 17 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks and Ed Daquioag had 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in the loss. 

The Scores

Blackwater - Digregorio 17, Pinto 16, Walker 14, Maliksi 13, Zamar 11, Jose 8, Belo 6, Sena 5, Javier 4, Sumang 3, Erram 2, Cortez 0. 

Rain or Shine - Ahanmisi 25, Walson 17, Daquioag 15, Ponferada 9, Torres 8, Belga 7, Borboran 5, Nambatac 4, Norwood 3, Washington 0, Tiu 0, Cansino 0. 

Quarters: 27-30, 47-39, 73-64, 99-93.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Arvin Tolentino top scored for Far Eastern University (FEU) but he wasn't exactly happy. 

Just when the game was heading to its most crucial stretch, Tolentino got ejected and was no longer around when the Tamaraws completed a thrilling win over the erstwhile undefeated Adamson Soaring Falcons in the UAAP men's basketball tournament. 

With the Tamaraws up 76-68 with 3:43 left in the 4th quarter, the FEU forward was caught clotheslining Sean Manganti at halfcourt and got slapped with unsportsmanlike and disqualifying fouls. 

"Hindi naman intentional eh. Tanggap kong unsportsmanlike foul talaga pero disqualifying foul? I don't think so," said the frustrated forward. 

(It wasn't even intentional. I would accept the unsportsmanlike foul, but really, disqualifying foul? I don't think so.) 

The Season 77 Rookie of the Year had the hot hand in the game as he erupted for a team-high 19 points for the Tamaraws on Sunday, October 7. 

"You guys be the judge pero wala akong intention saktan siya (Manganti) lalo na ganyan pa ang laro, mainit pa ang laro, maganda pa yung laro ko. Parang nakakainis," added Tolentino. 

(You guys be the judge but I didn't have the intention to hurt Manganti especially when the game was still intense, and I was playing well. It was frustrating.) 

Tolentino won't be around next game as he will serve an automatic one-game suspension when the Tamaraws battle the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

"I hope they review it, i-downgrade nila (ang tawag). I just hope. But kung gano'n man, wala rin ako magagawa kay sa mag-mukmok ako," said Tolentino.

(I hope they review it and downgrade the call. I just hope. But if that's the case, I can't do anything about it and it's better than just moping.) 

On the exact same day last year, Tolentino was also ejected from the Tamaraws' game against Adamson after kicking Dawn Ochea's crotch. 

The Tamaraws will face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, October 10, 4 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas' Sisi Rondina and Babylove Barbon made history by winning a third straight UAAP beach volleyball championship on Sunday, October 7, at Sands SM By The Bay.

The Tigresses pulled off a dominant 21-7, 21-16 win over De La Salle's Michelle Morente and Tin Tiamzon in the Season 81 finals to complete another perfect run.

"Nag-start ako ng first year parang alam ko sa sarili ko na wala pang napapatunayan kasi ganito lang, maliit lang ako. Pero the time na nananalo kami, puwede pala," said Rondina, who won her fourth season MVP award as UST became the first women's beach volleyball team to complete a three-peat.

"Bonus na itong MVP. Ang goal ko lang talaga manalo at makapagbigay para sa UST." 

(When I started in my first year, I knew that I haven't proven anything because I wasn't too tall. But when we started winning, I realized that it's possible. The MVP is a bonus. My goal is really to win the championship for UST.) 

Tipped to win the championship before the start of the tournament, UST has actually won 19 consecutive matches – a new league mark – dating back from the Season 79 Finals.

 The mighty Tigresses overcame a tough 2nd set to prevail over the Lady Spikers in Game 1, 21-12, 21-19, earlier in the day.

UST made it a doube celebration as the Tigers reclaimed the men's throne with Krung Arbasto and Jaron Requinton outlasting a gallant stand by Far Eastern University's Jude Garcia and Richard Solis in Game 2 to carve out a 21-13, 22-24, 15-10 win.

The Growling Tigers halted the Tamaraws' perfect run with a 21-14, 21-16 victory in the finals opener. 

Arbasto dedicated the title conquest to his former partner KR Guzman, who failed to win in his final year after the Tigers lost to the Bulldogs in last season's championship.

"Wala akong iniisip na maibawi ang championship para kay KR.  Ang saya ko lang kasi graduating ako at lalabas ako ng UST na naibalik ang korona para sa kanila," said Arbasto. 

(I wanted to reclaim the championship for KR. I'm happy because I'm graduating as a champion in UST.)

The Tigers were at championship point in the 2nd frame but Requinton's rookie jitters came into play.

"Ang sabi ko lang kay Jaron, huwag lang bibitiw. Nandito lang ako. Pupunuin ko lang ang pagkukulang natin," said Arbastom, who was adjudged as the season MVP.

(I told Jaron to hold on and I'm just here. I'll make up for whatever it is that we lacked.) 

With Requinton already calmed down, UST produced a dominant third-set performance.

The Tigers' youth movement was displayed all season-long as Barbon and Requinton won the Rookie of the Year awards in their respective divisions.

UST is now tied with National University at 4 for most number of titles. – Rappler.com

STA. ROSA CITY, Philippines – As if Rain or Shine's woes in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup couldn't get any worse, it is now missing star center Raymond Almazan for unknown reasons.

Almazan was nowhere to be found as the Elasto Painters absorbed a 93-99 loss to Blackwater on Sunday, October 7, and head coach Caloy Garcia bared he has not heard from his ward for some time now. 

"'Di ko pa siya nakakausap (I haven't talked to him) for the last 3 days so we really don't know where he is," Garcia told reporters after the game.

It was not the first time the lanky big man was absent as Rain or Shine also missed his services in a blowout 89-106 defeat to Alaska last October 7. 

"Hindi nagpaalam (He didn't inform us of his whereabouts). I haven't talked to him. Even management can't get a hold of him so we don't know what's going on with Raymond." 

Almazan had averaged 5.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in two games and he would have been a welcome addition to a Rain or Shine squad seeking its first win.

But Garcia insisted the Elasto Painters should find ways to win without Almazan.

"Sabi ko naman sa mga players na umaasa ako na (I told the players that I am wishing that) one day that everybody steps up, we might be able to win a game that might start a streak for us," he said. 

Rain or Shine isn't given any reprieve as it seeks to barge into the winning column against the league-leading Barangay Ginebra on Saturday, October 13, in Lucena, Quezon. – Rappler.com

STA. ROSA CITY, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra secured its playoffs seat in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup following a come-from-behind 111-105 win over Meralco at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex here on Sunday, October 7. 

Justin Brownlee and Japeth Aguilar conjoined for 62 points as the Gin Kings improved to 7-1 to gain solo lead in the standings and bolster their chances of a Top 4 finish, which comes with a twice-to-beat advantage. 

Ginebra trailed by as much as 8 points late in the 3rd quarter, 64-72, before unleashing an 11-0 spurt within two minutes to turn the tides for a 75-72 lead – an advantage that stood until the final buzzer. 

With the momentum on their side and the jampacked crowd rallying behind them, the Gin Kings kept their foot on the gas and extended their lead to as large as 14 points, 102-88. 

Meralco tried to mount a last-ditch comeback and narrowed the gap to 4 points within the last 30 seconds but that was the closest it could get as LA Tenorio secured iced all of his 4 insurance freebies. 

Brownlee chalked up 31 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks, Aguilar pumped in 31 points and 7 boards while Tenorio finished with 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

Scottie Thompson flirted with a triple-double of 8 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds while Prince Caperal made his presence felt in Greg Slaughter's absence with 8 points and 4 boards. 

Import Allen Durham flexed his muscles with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists but the Bolts' freefall continued as they dropped their fifth game in 6 tries. 

The Scores

Ginebra 111 - Brownlee 31, Aguilar 31, Tenorio 18, Caperal 8, Thompson 8, Chan 6, Ferrer 4, Mariano 3, Caguioa 2. 

Meralco 105 - Durham 36, Newsome 25, Canaleta 11, Salva 11, Hodge 10, Amer 6, Caram 2, Hugnatan 2, Bono 2, Lanete 0, Jamito 0, Tolomia 0. 

Quarters: 23-24, 46-48, 75-72, 111-105.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – BanKo-Perlas cashed in on Ateneo-Motolite’s meltdown and cruised to a 27-25, 25-19, 25-11 victory to extend its win run to 4 in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Open Conference before a big Sunday crowd, October 7, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

In a duel of the last two unbeaten teams that had barely taken hours of rest, the Perlas Spikers used their veteran smarts and wore down the Lady Eagles with their power game behind Nicole Tiamzon and Kat Bersola to remain on top of the eight-team field.

Tiamzon, who scored just 6 points in their 25-20, 19-25, 25-22, 25-16 win over the Adamson-Akari Lady Falcons Saturday, came away with 17 hits, including 12 attack points and 4 blocks as the Perlas Spikers broke away at endgame of the 2nd frame then pounced on their listless rivals who simply lost steam and faded in the 3rd.

Dzi Gervacio also flashed fierce form against her former team, blasting away backrow attacks to provide solid backup to the former UP teammates with 13 kills for a 14-hit output. Bersola finished with 11 points.

The back-to-back weekend victories came 3 days after the Perlas Spikers took the bronze in the Vinh Long Cup in Vietnam.

The Lady Eagles, who outlasted the fancied PetroGazz Angels in 5 the previous night, blew 2 set points in the opener and failed to keep pace with the latter’s sustained charge in the next two frames.

Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag combined for 21 markers while Bea de Leon added 6 hits and Deanna Wong chipped 4 points for Ateneo, which dropped to third at 2-1 behind idle Pocari-Air Force’s 3-1 mark.

“We stayed focused and worked point-for-point,” said Tiamzon, referring to their extended first set escape where the Perlas Spikers outhit the Lady Eagles, 16-10, but got clobbered in blocks, 1-7.

“Na challenge siguro ang mga players ko kasi parehas kaming walang talo,” said BanKo-Perlas coach Dong dela Cruz, whose wards battled back from 22-24 down in the first set to force a deuce.

(They were challenged because it's a battle between unbeaten teams.)

For a while, the 2nd set appeared headed to another tight finish with the Lady Eagles keeping the game close at 16-18. But the Perlas Spikers, with Tiamzon on the firing end, unleashed a strong finishing kick to go 2-0.

Five straight points kicked off BanKo-Perlas’ third-set charge and Ateneo-Motolite failed to recover from there with Bersola joining Tiamzon on the net. The duo also combined for at least 4 kill blocks as the Perlas Spikers went unassailably ahead at 13-2.

Joy Dacoron’s running attack gave BanKo-Perlas a 23-8 bubble then Bersola finished off the Lady Eagles with two quick hits that sandwiched Ateneo’s last three points.

In the second match, Alyssa Valdez blasted in 12 kills, came through with 3 kill blocks and delivered an ace as Creamline crushed Iriga-Navy in a virtual workout, scoring a 25-13, 25-12, 25-9 victory to join Ateneo at second.

The Lady Oragons fell to 0-5.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A fresher, faster Ken Shiro foiled Milan Melindo’s bid to become world champion again Sunday night, October 7, stopping the Filipino in the 7th round to retain his WBC light flyweight crown in Yokohama, Japan.

Melindo did not go down, but the fight was cut short at the 2:47 mark due to a bloody cut over the left eye the challenger sustained because of jabs and combinations in the earlier rounds.

The 26-year-old Shiro was ahead, 59-55, on the 3 judges ‘scorecards and was on the attack when American referee Laurence Cole called a halt to the bout upon the recommendation of the ring physician.

The 30-year-old Melindo stole the 2nd round when he caught and jarred Shiro with a wicked  overhand right.

It turned out to be his lone bright moment, however, as Shiro, 3 inches taller at 5-foot-5, peppered the ALA fighter with punches to the face going in and out.

After the 4th round, Shiro was in control, 39-37, in the open scoring system and Melindo had trouble keeping up in step due to the Japanese’s agility and mobility.

Regarded as one of Japan’s current elite champions, Shiro improved to 14-0 with 8 knockouts in his fourth title defense.

Melindo, the former IBF light flyweight titlist, dropped to 37-4 with 13 knockouts and may have to rethink about his ring career following another botched title attempt. Last New Year’s Eve, Melindo lost to WBA champion Ryoichi Taguchi in a unification bout.

The Filipino left his mark in Japan last year with a first round annihilation of Akira Yaegashi in their IBF title duel in Tokyo. Now, it’s but a blurry memory. – Rappler.com

STA. ROSA CITY, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra may be badly missing Greg Slaughter's services due to an injury but Prince Caperal has done a steady job to compensate for his absence.

Caperal played quality minutes for the Gin Kings in their playoff berth-securing 111-105 win over Meralco in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday, October 7.

In nearly 19 minutes against the Bolts, he registered 8 points and 6 boards and finished with the highest plus-minus among the team with +13.

"Ako kasi lagi lang ako ready, kasi ganoon lang naman ginagawa ko ever since dumating ako sa Ginebra," Caperal told reporters after the game.

(I'm always ready because that's what I've been doing since I arrived here at Ginebra.) 

The 6-foot-7 product of Arellano University has established himself as one of Ginebra's fan favorites by proving to be a serviceable backup to Slaughter, who has already missed 4 games due to an ankle injury.

With Slaughter reduced to a spectator, Caperal's playing time has risen to an average of 20 minutes and he has repaid coach Tim Cone's trust with per game counts of 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.

"Pagka-injured si Greg ready to play lang ako lagi. Kumbaga ako naman practice lang araw-araw, kaya pag may pagkakataon mabunot ni coach perform lang ako," he said.

(Whenever Greg's injured, I'm always ready to play. I practice every day so whenever I'm called up by coach, I can perform.) 

"'Di ko naman masyado iniisip 'yung playing time. Lagi lang ako ready."

(I don't give much attention on my playing time. I'm just ready.)

The Gin Kings need Caperal to maintain his performance as they shoot for their eighth win against Rain or Shine on Saturday, October 13, in Lucena, Quezon. – Rappler.com 

PARIS, France – Kylian Mbappe tore Lyon to shreds on Sunday, October 7, with 4 goals as a 5-0 thrashing at the Parc des Princes saw Paris Saint-Germain set a new French top-flight record of 9 straight wins to start a season.

Thomas Tuchel's Ligue 1 leaders broke the 82-year-old record of 8 consecutive wins set by Olympique Lillois in 1936, having equaled the mark with their 3-0 victory at Nice last weekend.

"Fantastic, incredible. It was super hard in the first half, it was a crazy match," PSG coach Tuchel told Canal+.

A Neymar penalty gave PSG a ninth-minute advantage, but Presnel Kimpembe was sent off just after the half-hour mark to give Lyon hope.

Bruno Genesio's side threw away their man advantage, though, as Lucas Tousart was dismissed, and after missing a string of chances, the sensational Mbappe capped an virtuoso display by scoring 4 times in 13 minutes to seal history for PSG.

The capital-city giants, bidding for a sixth title in 7 seasons, are already 8 points clear of second-placed Lille at the top of the table, with Lyon 5 points further back in sixth.

Lyon endured the worst possible start to the match, as star man Nabil Fekir was forced off injured in the seventh minute, and the hosts were awarded a spot-kick just seconds later.

Mbappe raced to reach a loose ball, and visiting goalkeeper Anthony Lopes needlessly charged off his line to bring down the teenager.

Neymar stepped up and sent Lopes the wrong way with a stuttering run-up to score his 11th goal of the season.

Lyon responded well, though, with veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon having to shovel a Memphis Depay free-kick over the bar, before Di Maria was fortunate not to concede a penalty for handball.

The reigning champions thought they had got lucky again when Kimpembe was only shown a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Tanguy Ndombele, but with the young midfielder lying stricken on the ground, a video review resulted in the center-back's punishment being upgraded to red.

But Lyon shot themselves in the foot on the stroke of half-time as Tousart tripped Mbappe inside the PSG half and was given a second yellow card.

OL should have equalized early in the second period, but Maxwel Cornet contrived to miskick with the goal at his mercy.

Cornet, who came on for Fekir, almost scored in bizarre circumstances shortly after, as a Silva clearance ricocheted off his back and bounced back off the base of the post.

Eight-minute hat-trick 

Mbappe almost put PSG out of sight 3 times in the space of 5 minutes – powering clear after Cornet's unwitting effort and drilling against the far post, seeing Lopes dive at his feet as he ran through one-on-one, and shooting too close to the Lyon 'keeper.

But the World Cup-winner's persistence finally paid off in the 61st minute as he latched onto the ball inside the area after Neymar had burst forward, turned his man and smashed the ball in off both posts.

Confidence was coursing through PSG, and the floodgates opened as center-back Marquinhos drove into the box and squared for Mbappe to stab in his eighth goal of the campaign.

Neymar soon sent the 19-year-old bearing down on goal yet again, and Mbappe lofted the ball into the net to complete an incredible eight-minute hat-trick.

He was not done there, though, as he pounced to slam home his fourth with 16 minutes left after Neymar had seen a low shot blocked.

Monaco crisis intensifies 

Earlier on Sunday, 10-man Monaco slumped to a fifth defeat in 9 Ligue 1 matches as former PSG outcast Hatem Ben Arfa earned Rennes a 2-1 victory with his first league goal since April 2016.

Leonardo Jardim's Monaco, runners-up to PSG last season, remain winless since the opening weekend and above the automatic relegation spots only on goal difference.

Elsewhere, ex-Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic saw his Nantes side beaten 3-0 at Bordeaux on his return to French football, while Kostas Mitroglou and Florian Thauvin scored as Marseille climbed to third following a 2-0 victory over Caen. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Seeking to defend its throne in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), Alab Pilipinas brings back the man who helped it reach the pinnacle. 

Renaldo Balkman is set to reinforce the Philippine ball club as it sees action in the 2018-2019 season of the regional basketball league. 

Alab head coach Jimmy Alapag bared the development on his Instagram account. 

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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/Bop-oeunVF5/?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">#BALKMANIA returns!!! Welcome back to the San Miguel Alab Pilipinas family @rbalkman! @alabpilipinas #Family #DefendTheCrown #ABL9 #NewSeasonSameGoal  c/o @richardesguerra</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/jalapag3/?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"> Jimmy Alapag</a> (@jalapag3) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-10-08T02:48:10+00:00">Oct 7, 2018 at 7:48pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>{/source} 

Partnering with beloved Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee, the Puerto Rican was a key piece in Alab's championship run that gave the Philippines its third ABL title. 

The 34-year-old won Defensive Player of the Year and averaged 24.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks in 25 games. 

This time, though, Balkman will be teaming up with 7-foot-3 and fellow Puerto Rican PJ Ramos.

Alab Pilipinas begins its title-retention bid on December 9 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna against Indonesia's CLS Knights. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University (FEU) may have been criticized for their erratic form, but the Tamaraws intend to work hard to prove everyone wrong. 

After back-to-back victories – the last a cardiac overtime win that sent the Adamson Falcons reeling to their first UAAP Season 81 loss – the Tamaraws vow that they're no longer taking a relaxed approach to their games.

While they celebrated after the Tamaraws slipped past the Falcons, 88-85, in overtime last Sunday, October 7. the players know they have to build on their winning momentum. 

"[Coach Olsen Racela] said that we deserved this win," said FEU guard Wendell Comboy. "[Sana] hawak na namin ‘yung victory na iyon and hindi na babalik ‘yung relaxed na approach sa next game." 

(I hope that we are able to hold on to this victory and we won't go back to the relaxed approach in the next game.) 

The Tamaraws – who downed powerhouse squads yet shockingly lost to cellar-dwellers University of the East and University of Santo Tomas – said they're working to play at a more consistent level. 

"Kailangan namin i-resolve namin iyon. Kunwari, masyadong malaki lamang namin, tapos mas maganda na diinan ang laro namin kasi ‘di pa naman nag-bubuzzer so ‘di pa kami ang panalo," added Comboy. 

(We have to resolve that. Like even if we have a big lead, we still have to stay aggressive because we haven't won until we hear the final buzzer.) 

Next game, though, will be a tough test as the Tamaraws look to show their renewed form against no less than the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, October 10.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Talent really runs in the family.

When the University of the Philippines escaped National University with a one-point win, 89-88, on Sunday, October 7, it was also an athletic showdown between a fast-rising pair of brothers – the UP Fighting Maroons' Gomez the Liaños and the NU Bulldogs' Ildefonsos.

And in their first collective matchup in the collegiate level, the tandem of Juan and Javi GDL and the duo of Dave and Shaun Ildefonso – the sons of hoops legend Danny, who is also active on the NU sidelines as an assistant coach – prove they're all good as billed.

Juan stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in almost 38 minutes of action. Javi was no slouch off the bench, sparking UP with a career-high 19 points, 8 boards, 4 dimes and a block. The pair even connected on a perfect transition alley-oop in the 2nd quarter with Juan dishing and Javi finishing.

But the Ildefonsos also brought their A-game in the heartbreaking loss. Dave dropped a career-best 20 points with 6 boards and 6 assists with no turnovers in just 25 minutes on the floor. Big bro Shaun had 12 markers and 8 boards with a swat in exactly 20 minutes.

After the game, both brotherly duos gave one another due props for their standout performances. Dave in particular, heaped high praise on Juan, UP's undoubted go-to scorer.

"Si Juan matagal ko na nakilala iyan. RP Under-16, may kulitan [na]," Dave said after the game. "Juan is a very skillful player and it's his time now, it's his time. He's at his prime and he's just going to get better and better."

(I've known Juan for a long time. We were already horsing around in the RP Under-16.)

Likewise, the GDLs held the Ildefonsos in high regard.

"They're young and good," Javi said. "Dave is really aggressive. Shaun is really showing his game and he wasn't able to show that in Ateneo. I think it's a good move for them to transfer to NU. They can maximize their potential. They're both good players."

"Dave is a really good close friend of mine," Juan chimed in. "We've been teammates since Batang Gilas days so it was really just fun competing with them."

Competitive sparks flew in the brothers' first match together, and it certainly won't be the last. It's frightening to think that all of them are nowhere near their primes. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Just over a week ago, the UP Maroons lost by one point against the top-ranked Adamson Falcons to a Sean Manganti game-winner after leading by double digits in the 3rd quarter. 

Then just last Sunday, October 7, the Maroons came close to repeating the exact same thing – collapsing at the very last moment against the reeling NU Bulldogs.

However, UP got a lucky break this time as the Bulldogs botched their final play that led to a one-point Maroons win, 89-88.

They got the UAAP win, but the fact remained that they were up big just a quarter prior. They also blew 4 straight free throws in the clutch that would have put the game to bed.

Of course, those lapses didn't escape their head coach Bo Perasol, but the third-year tactician didn't blow his gasket on his wards after the game.

"The positive way of saying it is we won while learning. I'd rather have that than learning and losing," he said in the post-game presser.

"I have a bad feeling every time we end a quarter. It's not just the end of the quarter in the 4th, it was just a culmination of what happened in the past. The important aspect of this is we can put this aside because we have a game on Wednesday, and I'm hoping that we all learn how to finish a game."

"If I have to review the game, I'll have to be happy about 50 percent of it," he continued. "Regardless of what happens, if we could have just shot 50 percent of our free throws, that could have helped us also. I think we have to revisit what we do on our free throw drills, but mostly it’s going to be mental. I’m just relieved that we were able to get this win.”

Still, the Gomez de Liaño brothers and Akhuetie – UP's best performers – bowed their heads in apparent shame while in the press room.

"I think we could have won by a huge margin, but then we gave them so much chances," said Juan Gomez de Liaño, who finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

"A win's a win, we could have done much better from our free throws to our defense but we'll take it any day and after this game, we found out that we have a lot to improve on," chimed in Javi Gomez de Liaño, who recorded a career-high 19 points with 8 boards and 4 dimes off the bench.

Perasol saw how his boys were looking and delivered a pep talk on the spot.

"The good thing about this is before, we'll be happy escaping with a one-point win. But now, we're sad about this because we know we're better than that," he said.

"We need to be better than that if we're going to live up to our own expectations. We're going to work on it. There's really no time to rest. We need to go back, work it out and prepare for Wednesday's game."

After skidding down to 1-3 with 3 straight losses, UP now has a chance to finish the first round with a 4-3 winning record by downing UST – that is if they take in their words and hold on to the leads they make. – Rappler.com

HONG KONG, China – Chinese tennis great Li Na said US Open champion Naomi Osaka can go on and win multiple Grand Slam titles – if she can find the inner desire to match her physical abilities.

Osaka has admitted feeling burdened by expectations after last month's stunning victory in New York, saying she puts pressure on herself to "do more, do better".

The 20-year-old world No. 6 was also in tears after her "bittersweet" US Open win, which was marred by Serena Williams' explosive row by the chair umpire. 

"I believe with her abilities and strength, she can win many (Grand Slam titles) – that is if she really has the desire to be a champion," Li told AFP ahead of the Hong Kong Open.

Osaka, Asia's second Grand Slam singles champion after Li, has pulled out of the Hong Kong tournament with a back injury.

Williams, 37, brought a halt to her season after the US Open final, where her latest attempt at a record-equaling 24th major title ended in acrimony.

But Li, the former French Open and Australian Open winner who retired in 2014, cautioned that it was unwise to judge Williams, who is back on the circuit after becoming a mother last September.

"Looking at the players from the sidelines, we might not really understand some of their psychological goings-on on the court," said Li.

"I've always thought she is a very strong player. There are very few players who can give birth and then immediately come back out," she added.

"For me, it's really hard to find a balance between family and the tennis court, but she very quickly got into the US Open final."

Li is often credited with igniting tennis interest in Asia and especially in China, but she said the sport still had a long way to go.

"Tennis in Asia is still in its adolescence. We have just passed the infancy stage, so we can still go a lot further," said Li. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – From staging its first boxing event to hiking its capital, ONE Championship has had a busy yet successful weekend following its Kingdom of Heroes card in Bangkok, Thailand.

Here's what you might have missed from the mixed martial arts promotions: 

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs Iran Diaz 

In the main event that saw ONE Championship present a boxing match for the first time, Thailand's Srisaket Sor Rungvisai kept his World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight belt via unanimous decision against Mexico's Iran Diaz. 

Although forced to go the distance, Rungvisai still stamped his class against the challenger with the 3 judges scoring the bout 119-109, 120-108 and 119-109 in favor of him. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Srisaket puts on a boxing clinic against Iran Diaz, scoring a unanimous decision win to retain his WBC Super Flyweight World Title!  <a href="https://twitter.com/srisaket_ssr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@srisaket_ssr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreONE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingdomOfHeroes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingdomOfHeroes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangkok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangkok</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MartialArts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MartialArts</a> <a href="https://t.co/XjvsihgKmA">pic.twitter.com/XjvsihgKmA</a></p>&mdash; ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) <a href="https://twitter.com/ONEChampionship/status/1048634494326956032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He defended his belt for the third straight time and could be on the way to a unification clash against Filipino and International Boxing Federation super flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas. 

Stamp Fairtex vs Kai Ting Chuang

Seeing action before her countrymen, Stamp Fairtex turned in a debut to remember after dethroning China's Kai Ting Chuang via unanimous decision for the ONE kickboxing atomweight title in the co-main event. 

A flurry of strikes in the 5th round sealed the triumph for the 20-year-old. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thailand&#39;s own Stamp Fairtex put on a fiery performance against Kai Ting Chuang, scoring the unanimous decision victory &amp; ONE gold! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreONE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingdomOfHeroes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingdomOfHeroes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangkok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangkok</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MartialArts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MartialArts</a> <a href="https://t.co/He62myx0Mo">pic.twitter.com/He62myx0Mo</a></p>&mdash; ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) <a href="https://twitter.com/ONEChampionship/status/1048615534978191360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shinya Aoki vs Ev Ting 

Two powerhouse names collided and it was Japan's Shinya Aoki who prevailed over Malaysia's Ev Ting. 

Aoki needed only 57 seconds to solidify his case for a shot at the ONE lightweight world championship after putting Ting to sleep with an arm triangle in their title eliminator duel. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shinya Aoki puts Ev Ting to sleep with an INSANE arm-triangle choke at 0:57 of Round 1!  <a href="https://twitter.com/a_ok_i?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@a_ok_i</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreONE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingdomOfHeroes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingdomOfHeroes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangkok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangkok</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MartialArts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MartialArts</a> <a href="https://t.co/wjAN2uxYP6">pic.twitter.com/wjAN2uxYP6</a></p>&mdash; ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) <a href="https://twitter.com/ONEChampionship/status/1048605622579617792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Japanese will face the winner between the Philippines' Eduard Folayang and Singapore's Amir Khan, who will vie for the lightweight championship on November 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Ramon Gonzales vs Dodi Mardian

Filipino Ramon Gonzales claimed his second straight win in the ONE Championship stage after submitting Indonesia's Dodi Mardian with a rear naked choke at the 3:33 minute mark of 1st round of their flyweight bout. 

Robin Catalan vs Hayato Suzuki

While his compatriot Gonzales opened the ONE Championship card with a rousing triump, the Philippines' Robin Catalan was on the receiving end of a submission. 

Catalan was forced to tap out with 3:42 minutes into the 2nd round of his strawweight bout against Japanese grappler Hayato Suzuki, who caught him off guard with a rear naked choke. 

ONE Championship hikes total capital to over $250 million

ONE Championship announced on Monday, October 8, that it has closed a $166 million Series D financing round led by Sequoia Capital that hiked its total capital base to over $250 million.

The equity investment further bolsters ONE's market leadership position in the sports media industry in Asia. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Adamson Soaring Falcons' perfect run may have come to an end,  but leave it to multi-titled UAAP coach Franz Pumaren to not worry about such things.

"In hindsight, if you look at the other side of the coin, we lost the game, yeah. But if you look at the old Adamson, if we’re down 14 or 15, probably we'll end up losing by 20 or 25," he said.

"But this time around, it showed a sense of character with my team right now. We can make a comeback. We just have to make sure that it's 40 to 45 minutes of really good basketball."

 The Falcons dropped their first game of the season to the FEU Tamaraws in an 88-85 overtime thriller on Sunday, October that ended their best start in decades.

However, the Falcons still showed why they're the early leaders after climbing their way from a 17-point deficit late in the 3rd quarter.

Pumaren's wards showed that against them, no lead is safe as the trio of Jerrick Ahanmisi, Sean Manganti and Simon Camacho conspired to win back the game in the face of grave odds.

Ahanmisi showed why he's the league's top shooter, finishing with 21 points on a 4-of-11 (36%) shooting from downtown and 6 rebounds

Manganti stuffed the statsheet as well with 20 markers, 6 boards, 4 steals, 3 dimes and a block while Camacho rounded them out with a 10-point, 11-board double-double with 8 points coming in the 4th frame alone.

Although downcast, Ahanmisi also noted the Falcons' revelatory comeback abilities.

"I think that showed something in our team," he said. "Like the past few games against UP and NU, we were down but we never gave up. That's what we showed in this game."

"The execution was fine, it's just that we didn't convert the shots that we were taking," he continued. "If we converted some of those, things would have changed."

The Soaring Falcons are raring for revenge in their next game against the La Salle Green Archers, their Final Four tormentors who have eliminated them in two straight playoff runs.

FEU may have won the battle, but Adamson showed it's ready for war. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – There are few things in life more precious than the bond between a mother and her son.

For Ateneo Blue Eagles junior Raffy Verano and his mom, Therese, that's even more substantial every time this month of the calendar arrives.

October is known worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness month. In lieu of this, millions around the globe wear pink – which for decades now has been the color associated with showing support for those who go through the challenging ordeal.

When the Ateneo Blue Eagles handed rival La Salle Green Archers a 16-point beating on Saturday, October 6, Verano finished with 8 points – including two big three-pointers in the final period – to help his team seal the victory.

After making his deep balls from the right corner, Verano flexed his muscles and pumped his fists while playing to the excitement of the Ateneo crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was easy to surmise that he was running on more emotion than usual. If you took a look at his socks – so pink that it stood out among the shades of green and blue – and the meaning behind it, you'd understand exactly why.

"I wear them 'cause my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer back when I was entering high school and she came out cancer-free during high school," Verano said about the pink socks. "So ever since then I wear them for my mom."

It's undoubtedly a sweet gesture by Raffy for Therese, who besides being his mom is also like a "best friend" to him, he admits.

Rappler reached out to mother and son this week, with the pair giving more information on one of the toughest journeys of their family’s life.

But it's also a tale about resiliency, trust, and love.

The road to recovery

August 8, 2012. It's a day the Verano family will never forget.

"To our surprise Raffy recalled the exact day [I was diagnosed]," shared Therese. "It was a difficult time for him especially because it was the awkward year of transition from middle school to high school, not to mention the beginning of being a teenager."

In a way, Therese could consider herself lucky for finding out on that day that she had breast cancer. She used to work at a hospital in California which was an advocate and supporter of early detection and self-examination, which, in hindsight, might have played a role in saving her life.

"I am an example in which my lump was not detected by a mammogram but from my feeling when I was laying down. Fortunately, it so happened that I was scheduled for my yearly mammogram that when I went, I informed the technician of my concern then that was the start of it all," she said.

Therese and her husband, Mike, decided to keep an open line of communication with their children from the get-go. She admits her two young boys had many questions and concerns about the process their mother was about to go through, but one specific inquiry by Christian, Therese's youngest, stood out.

"Mom is it my fault you got your ouchy?" he asked the night before her first round of chemotherapy.

"Almost in tears," said Therese, "I assured him it was not anyone's fault. He felt that since we play around he could have hit my chest, causing my lump."

As painful as it was to look her son in the eyes and ease his concern, Therese felt gratitude that she was able to raise kids who were unafraid of being open to her and her husband with their thoughts.

"This was a moment where I was glad that our children are comfortable and open to say how they feel rather than keep inside which can cause unnecessary worries or feelings even anxiety," she said.

"The bond between my mother and I, I can honestly say that we're the best of friends. She plays a huge role in my life. She motivates and inspires me to go above and beyond," added Raffy.

Of course, the two also had difficult conversations.

Positive despite the taxing obstacle she was about to go through, Therese told Raffy that it was one of his responsibilities to take care of his little brother while maintaining his performance at school and on the basketball court.

Therese's road to recovery included 6 cycles of chemotherapy, 20 sessions of radiation, and surgery. She said that throughout the process, the Verano family tried to live their lives as they normally would, despite the change in her schedules.

Better yet, she kept an optimistic outlook without meddling in self-pity.

"I must say I never asked why me as we don't have a history in our family, but [instead] took the stand to move forward to beat this as I was diagnosed as stage 2 breast cancer as I had lymph nodes affected as well," she said.

"Has to be one of the most difficult stages our family faced," Raffy reminisced about that time in their lives. "Everything was different for a long time and it was painful to see what my mom had to go through. But we just put our faith in the hands of God and he answered our prayers."

Therese admits that Raffy can sometimes be stubborn, although she can't be too hard on him for that because, as Raffy's dad would say, he gets it from his mother. Maybe that's why they're the best of friends.

Take this instance, for example.

"On the day of my surgery the dates were mixed up that it was scheduled on the last season league game of Raffy's freshman year," said Therese.

"I begged my surgeon for permission for me to go and watch his game in the afternoon. Yes, I am strong willed and stubborn," she laughed.

Therese was eventually given the green light to attend the contest, despite her weakened condition and having to wear some of the doctor-prescribed tubes connected to her body. Needless to say, her on-the-rise son and his team were touched by her sacrifice.

Eventually, less than a year after she learned of the diagnosis that brought out all kinds of emotion known to mankind: Therese fully recovered.

"I was fortunate and blessed that I didn't have difficulty throughout my process. Everything was manageable. Even my doctors were surprised and happy as I was going through my treatment. I truly believe that having faith, being positive, [and] a lot of love from your family is the formula to a smooth recovery," she said.

Although it's been over 5 years since the Verano family got the good news, they continue to spread awareness for breast cancer and show support for both the survivors and those still fighting through the pain with their actions – like participating in walks and efforts organized by Therese's hospital.

Raffy has brought that good will here to the Philippines, where he wears pink socks in games played by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in October.

"Raffy is a loving, compassionate person and from August 2012 to my last day of radiation June 10, 2013, Raffy matured in a blink of an eye," Therese said, a proud mother evident in her tone.

"I am very happy and proud that he wears the socks to somehow get attention to spread early detection as I am living proof of having a high rate of success."

"It's really important to me," explained Raffy, who's played a major role in helping Ateneo get a 5-1 record so far in UAAP Season 81.

"I know what it's like when a family member goes through this type of pain. So I want to spread the love and awareness as much as I can – to show and in a way tell those out there that they aren't alone and that God is always with them." – Rappler.com

PARIS, France – Japan's US Open champion Naomi Osaka rose to fourth place in the latest WTA rankings released Monday, October 8, on the strength of her outstanding form in recent weeks.

Romania's Simona Halep tops the table ahead of second-placed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark with Germany's Angelique Kerber holding onto third place.

The 20-year-old Osaka, who reached the semifinals of the China Open last week, moves up from sixth to fourth place on 4,770 points and is closing in on Kerber, who has 5,400 points.

The rising Japanese star become only the second Asian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title with last month's stunning win over Serena Williams in the US Open final. 

Latest WTA rankings:

1. Simona Halep (ROU) 7421 pts

2. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 6490

3. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5400

4. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 4770 (+2)

5. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4350

6. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 4345 (+1)

7. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4255 (-3)

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4022 (+1)

9. Julia Goerges (GER) 3785 (+1)

10. Kiki Bertens (NED) 3740 (+1)

11. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3265 (+5)

12. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3240 (+8)

13. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 3170 (+2)

14. Daria Kasatkina (RUS) 3150 (-2)

15. Elise Mertens (BEL) 3115 (-1)

16. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 3045 (-8)

17. Serena Williams (USA) 2976

18. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 2863 (-5)

19. Madison Keys (USA) 2816 (-1)

20. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 2605 (-1)

– Rappler.com

PARIS, France – Spain's Rafael Nadal maintained his comfortable lead in the latest ATP tennis rankings released on Monday, October 8, ahead of second-placed Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in third place.

Only one change affected the top 10 with Kevin Anderson of South Africa moving from ninth to eighth place while the biggest winner of the week was Georgia's giant-killer Nikoloz Basilashvili.

The unseeded Georgian rose 11 places to 23rd in the rankings after beating world No. 4 Juan Martin Del Potro in a shock China Open win.

Latest ATP rankings: 

1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8260 points

2. Roger Federer (SUI) 6900

3. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6445

4. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 6130

5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4755

6. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4535

7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3825

8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3640 (+1)

9. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 3620 (-1)

10. John Isner (USA) 3380

11. David Goffin (BEL) 2865

12. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 2730

13. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2315

14. Kyle Edmund (GBR) 1990 (+2)

15. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 1987

16. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 1975 (-2)

17. Jack Sock (USA) 1850

18. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 1825 (+1)

19. Borna Coric (CRO) 1815 (-1)

20. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1800

– Rappler.com

PARIS, France – FIFA best player of the year Luka Modric remains on track for a second major award after he was named Monday, October 8 (Tuesday, Manila time), among 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or alongside the likes of ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

Modric, a World Cup runner-up with Croatia, beat Juventus' Ronaldo and Salah to win the FIFA prize  last month after Messi was surprisingly left off the final three-man list.

Ronaldo, currently facing allegations of rape dating back to 2009 that he strenuously denies, has already won the Ballon d'Or five times and is the current holder of the award. Messi has also won the award on five occasions.

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> We have our 30 nominees for the 2018 Ballon d&#39;Or France Football! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/M01sH5gspj">pic.twitter.com/M01sH5gspj</a></p>&mdash; #ballondor (@francefootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/francefootball/status/1049352343010066432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

FIFA split from the Ballon d'Or in 2016 to launch its own set of awards. The winner of the prestigious Ballon d'Or organized by France Football magazine will be announced on December 3.

Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale and Manchester City's Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne also featured among a list of familiar names.

Bale, who scored two goals in Real's triumph in the final of the Champions League against Liverpool including a spectacular overhead kick, is joined by club teammates Karim Benzema, Raphael Varane, Isco, Marcelo and Sergio Ramos.

De Bruyne was nominated for helping City win the Premier League and Belgium reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Antoine Griezmann, a World Cup winner with France and Europa League champion at Atletico Madrid, is nominated alongside international teammates, Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, Manchester United's Paul Pogba and PSG's Kylian Mbappe.

Eden Hazard gives Chelsea another player in the running after starring alongside De Bruyne at the World Cup, with England's Golden Boot winner Harry Kane also included.

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and PSG's Neymar are nominated as are two other prolific South American strikers: Uruguayans Edinson Cavani of PSG and Luis Suarez of Barcelona.

Liverpool's Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino and Uruguay's rugged defender Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid also got the nod.

Four goalkeepers are also among the 30 – Thibaut Courtois of Belgium and Real Madrid, Liverpool and Brazil stopper Alisson Becker, Tottenham's France World Cup winner Hugo Lloris and Atletico's Jan Oblak.

Also making the cut are Juve's Mario Mandzukic and Liverpool's Sadio Mane, while Barcelona are also represented by Croat defender Ivan Rakitic.

Lyon dominate women's list

For the first time, a Ballon d'Or for women players will be awarded this year, with Champions League winners Lyon accounting for seven of the 15 nominees. 

France internationals Amandine Henry, Amel Majri and Wendie Renard are joined on the list by Germany's Dzsenifer Marozsan, England's Lucy Bronze, Ada Hegerberg of Norway and Japan defender Saki Kumagai.

Brazil's Marta, crowned best women's player for a record sixth time at last month's FIFA awards, is also in contention after her role in winning the Copa America.

Other nominees are Pernille Harder, Lindsey Horan, Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr, Lieke Martens, Megan Rapinoe and Christine Sinclair.

In another first, the best under-21 player will receive the Kopa Trophy. Kylian Mbappe, the Paris Saint-Germain striker who burst onto the global scene with his performances as France won the World Cup, is the favorite.

The Ballon d'Or, which was first won by Englishman Stanley Matthews in 1956, is decided by a ballot of journalists from around the world.– Rappler.com