MANILA, Philippines – Despite being undefeated this UAAP season, riding a 6-game winning streak against their chief rivals, Alyssa Valdez and the Ateneo Lady Eagles are not taking the DLSU Lady Spikers for granted.

Valdez, the league’s reigning two-time MVP, and her Lady Eagles close their first-round campaign against the team they beat in the last two finals on Saturday, February 27. 

“Definitely, we always say La Salle really has a good system,” said a complimentary Valdez after ADMU swept UE in straight sets on Wednesday, February 24.

“They’re really prepared every time they go in a game, every time, and they’re going to go back to their system kahit ano mangyari (no matter what happens).

“Whether they’re down or up, they really have that standard that they really, through the years, have a polished system,” Valdez added in Filipino.

La Salle will enter the anticipated game on Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum owning a 4-1 record, with NU as the only team to have defeated them thus far.

The last time the Lady Spikers tasted victory against the Lady Eagles was back in Game 2 of the 2014 Finals, which was also the last time Ateneo lost a UAAP match. It’s been on a 24-game winning streak since, spanning nearly two years.

“We’re going to have a tough time and he’s (Ateneo head coach Tai Bundit) going to do his job of assisting us, so that we’re guided with what we need to accomplish on Saturday,” said Valdez, whose Lady Eagles have lost only one of 19 sets this season despite the graduation of ace libero Denden Lazaro.

Although its rivalry with Ateneo has been one-sided of late in favor of the latter, La Salle is still going to enter the upcoming match confident and with the belief that they are better than last season, according to veteran Mika Reyes.

Does Valdez see the same improvement in the Lady Spikers?

“I [don't have the] right perspective to say that, I guess, because I don’t coach,” said the Ateneo superstar. “I really don’t know what’s the fluidity or something like that."

“I need to focus on being a player, on being a teammate, and to also help the team," she added.

Valdez did note the intensity that always surrounds Ateneo-La Salle games. “It’s Ateneo-La Salle. The game’s different when it’s Ateneo-La Salle, so let’s see what’s going to happen on Saturday.”

With 2016 being her last year, she’s also aware the remaining Ateneo-La Salle games she will be in are numbered. Saturday’s contest will be the first of the final two, unless both teams meet in the championship round a fifth straight time.

“Well it’s definitely a factor, but…I’m not thinking this is [one of] the last. I’m just taking my time. I’m really, I think, making the most out of the few months that I’m getting,” she said.

“It’s another game, it’s another game for us," Valdez added. "We don’t really need to not think it’s a big game, but it’s another game. It’s the last game of the first round, so it’s really huge.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry added his name to the NBA record books anew by nailing a 3-pointer during his team’s game against the Orlando Magic on Friday, February 26. 

It was the 128th consecutive game Curry had made a triple, breaking the previous record held by Atlanta Hawks shooter Kyle Korver.

Watch the record-setting 3-pointer below:

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By the end of the regular season, Curry could likely break two more records.

He set the record for most made 3-pointers in an NBA season with 276 last year. This season, he’s already drained 266, per ESPN, with 25 games to go.

Curry’s Warriors, currently 51-5, could also end up breaking the 72-10 record for best NBA regular season performance by the 1996 Chicago Bulls. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA – Former All-Star guard Joe Johnson was released by the NBA's Brooklyn Nets on Thursday,  February 25, opening the door for the 34-year-old American to join another club in time for the playoffs.

The Nets and Johnson are in talks on a buyout for the remainder of his $24.9 million season salary, the final year of a mammoth 6-year deal worth $124 million.

Because the Nets dropped Johnson before next Tuesday, he would be eligible to take part in the playoffs for his new club. Later deals are good only for the rest of the regular season.

"Joe has been a quality professional since joining the Nets four years ago, was a valued member of three playoff teams, and provided many thrilling moments for his teammates and Nets' fans," Nets general manager Sean Marks said. "We wish him much success in the future."

Johnson wants to sign with a team in the playoff picture, something the Nets were not at 15-42.

Among the teams reportedly interested in Johnson are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Johnson offers the versatility of being able to play as a small forward or shooting guard depending on a team's needs.

Seven-time All-Star Johnson owns career averages of 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists over 15 NBA seasons with Boston, Phoenix, Atlanta and the Nets.

Johnson is averaging 11.8 points this season, his lowest scoring average since the 2002-03 campaign. – Rappler.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – World number one Novak Djokovic's stunning streak of 17 successive finals came to an end Thursday, February 25, when a right eye infection caused the 11-time Grand Slam champion to quit his Dubai quarter-final against Feliciano Lopez.

The top-seeded Serb lost the opening set 6-3 during which he had to summon the tournament doctor before quitting after half an hour on court.

The retirement represents the first time the 28-year-old has failed to make a final since Doha in January 2015.

"The eye problem will fade away in a few days," said Djokovic, who conducted his post-match press conference wearing sunglasses.

"I've got a lot of important events waiting – starting with the Davis Cup at home next week, followed by Indian Wells, Miami and the claycourt season. Physically I feel fine. I'm really sad to end the tournament this way, but I was forced to," he added.

Sixth seed Lopez said he only discovered Djokovic's problem when the pair shook hands at the net.

"I had no idea before the match, he told me he had an infection in the eyes since a few days already," said the left-hander. "It's very sad when one of the greatest players ever has to retire from a match like that."

Djokovic, whose last retirement from a match came in a Davis Cup clash in 2011, committed 18 unforced errors in the 9 games played.

The Australian Open champion, who racked up his 700th career win on Wednesday, was booed by some fans as he walked off court having suffered his first loss in 15 matches in 2016.

French Open champion Stan Wawrinka reached the semi-finals where he will face brash Australian Nick Kyrgios for the first time since their infamous spat in Canada last year.

Wawrinka saw off Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 6-1 while Kyrgios stunned third-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-4.

When the pair met in Montreal last August, Kyrgios was widely lambasted for making crude sexual remarks concerning Wawrinka's girlfriend Donna Vekic, a Croatian WTA professional.

'We're not friends'

Kyrgios was handed a suspended 28-day ban and $25,000-fine.

Wawrinka admitted that the two men are not close.

"He's a tennis player, I'm a tennis player. We are not friends, for sure. We don't go to dinner together. But there is nothing else," said the Swiss.

Kyrgios, ranked 33rd and who won his maiden title in Marseille last weekend, isn't expecting fireworks.

"Since the incident, I think we've both moved on," said Kyrgios.

"We played on the same team in the IPTL (International Premier Tennis League). That was actually really good. I got to know him a little bit more. 

"He played great there. He's one of the best players in the world, no doubt."

Second seed Wawrinka had to break in the final game of the first set against Kohlschreiber after twice losing leads. 

He then took hold of the match to clinch a runaway victory with 27 winners and 5 breaks of serve.

Kyrgios brought out the physio after the fifth game of the opening set for a tight back.

The right-hander, who was injured during the Australian Open in January, has been going flat-out since returning last week.

"I wasn't in the greatest shape, obviously. I think I got a bit of food poisoning last night," said Kyrgios, who had also defeated Berdych in Marseille.

He will be further tested physically next week with a Davis Cup tie in Melbourne against the United States.

Berdych, a two-time Dubai finalist, had reached the semi-finals at the Aviation Club in 4 of the last 5 years.

Kyrgios took 41 minutes to win the first set but dominated in the second, losing only 3 points on serve as he rolled to the win, finishing with a 10th ace.

Marcos Baghdatis returned to the semi-finals after a 6-year absence as he knocked out fourth seed Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5, 6-0.

Baghdatis will face Lopez for a place in the final. – with reports from Scott Williams, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning NBA MVP Steph Curry was up to his usual tricks again by nailing 3-pointers from all over the floor and filling up the stat sheet in the Golden State Warriors’ 130-114 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday, February 26.

Curry scored 51 points, hit 10 3-pointers, and recorded 8 assists plus 7 rebounds as the Dubs improved to 52-5 this NBA season.

Early in the game, Curry also set the NBA record for most consecutive games with a made 3-pointer. It was the 128th straight match he hit a shot from downtown.

Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut each posted 12 points in the win for Golden State.

All starters scored in double figures for Orlando, led by the 20 of Evan Fournier. Aaron Gordon also played well with 19 points and 8 boards, but the Magic dropped to 25-30. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers stayed alive in the UAAP Season 78 juniors finals with a 71-60 Game 2 win over the NU Bullpups on Friday, February 26, at the San Juan Arena.

Zobel was led by the strong play of league MVP Aljun Jay Melecio and Marco Sario to snap NU’s 15-game winning streak and hand the Bullups their first loss of the season.

Game 3 of the finals is next Friday, March 2. NU, which has a thrice-to-beat advantage, needs one more win to win the championship while the Archers need two more.

Both teams were tied at the half at 30, but an 11-2 run to open the second half for Zobel gave it momentum. The Archers were able to hold on the rest of the way.

Sario finished with 16 points while Melecio posted 14.

John Lloyd Clemente propelled the Bullpups with 25 points while Justine Baltazar had 15 points and 20 boards. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Former University of the Philippines Maroons swingman JR Gallarza will graduate the university as Magna Cum Laude thanks to his performance in the classroom.

Gallarza, a transferee from De La Salle University, played his final UAAP season of eligibility in 2015.

According to a report by ABS-CBN Sports, the 23-year-old majored in Education Teaching in Early Grades and is now working in Canada, where his son resides, as a “program director for the YMCA that helps on after-school programs for kindergarten students.”

The report also indicates that Gallarza’s unsure if he can make it back to the Philippines in time for graduation.

“… it feels really comforting to have that solidified that I am graduating with honors from the school that I love thats given so much to me, yeah its amazing,” Gallarza was quoted in the report.

The standout student-athlete played 4 years for the Maroons with averages of 5.2 points and 4.1 rebounds a game, per pba-online.net.

UP had its most successful campaign in recent history during Gallarza's final season as it went 3-11. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Mahindra Enforcers continued their impressive start to the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a 106-99 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Thanks to big shots down the stretch by the their key guys, the Enforcers have now tied their best start to a conference since entering the PBA in the 2014-2015 season.

NLEX, which was looking for its own 3-1 start, dropped to an even 2-2.

Mahindra import Augustus Gilchrist led his team in scoring with 30 points to go with 10 boards. KG Canaleta also played well with 25 points and 7 boards, while the starting Chito Jaime had 15 points and 11 boards.

Mike DiGregorio and Aldrech Ramos posted 13 and 12 points, respectively, off the bench, while LA Revilla had 10 points and 6 dimes.

Import Al Thornton spearheaded his team with 29 points and 9 rebounds, while Sean Anthony had 18 points in the loss.

“Very crucial game for us, but what I told them is we have to play 48 minutes of consistent basketball,” Enforcers coach Chito Victolero said post game.

“I know NLEX is a second-half team. They will play very hard in the second half. That’s why I [wanted] my players to play consistent basketball for 48 minutes,” the coach also said in Tagalog.

The game was still in the balance when Mahindra was ahead only by two, 93-91, as 3:20 remained on the clock. 

With 3:03 left, Ramos drilled a big 3-ball from the right corner for some breathing room. After Asi Taulava, who recorded his 6000th career rebound on Friday, split a visit to the foul line, Revilla hit a big shot to make it a 98-92 game as 2:14 remained.

Anthony then split his own visit to the foul stripe. On the next Enforcers play, Revilla missed a 3-pointer, but a Canaleta offensive board opened the door for Revilla to make a basket that put his team up 7 and sealed the win.

“We stayed composed. We stopped the runs, and we went on a run,” Victolero said post-game. It was in last season’s Governors’ Cup when the franchise last started 3-1.

Mahindra is back in action on Wednesday, March 2, when it faces Barangay Ginebra, while NLEX will aim to bounce back on Friday, March 4, against Rain or Shine.

Scores:

Mahindra (106): Gilchrist 30, Canaleta 21, Jaime 15, Digregorio 13, Ramos 12, Revilla 10, Dehesa 5, Guinto 0, Yee 0, Pinto 0, Hubalde 0

NLEX (99): Thornton 29, Anthony 18, J. Villanueva 15, Taulava 10, Enciso 9, Alas 8, Lanete 5, Borboran 3, Khobuntin 2, E. Villanueva 0, Reyes 0

Quarter scores: 27-20; 48-45; 74-70; 106-99 – Rappler.com

KABUL, Afghanistan - The 5-year-old Afghan boy who won the Internet's heart when he was pictured wearing a plastic bag as an improvised Lionel Messi jersey is still eager to meet the Argentine football superstar, he told AFP Friday.

Murtaza Ahmadi travelled with his family to Kabul this week to receive two jerseys autographed by Messi and presented to the young fan by UNICEF. 

Despite his obvious delight in the gifts, Murtaza, who is from the persecuted Hazara ethnic minority in Taliban-infested Ghazni province, said he still dreams of coming face-to-face with Messi. 

"I want to meet Messi. I like him," he told AFP Friday, proudly dribbling his new ball across a dusty field in Kabul while swimming in one of his new jerseys, which was much too big for him. 

Murtaza's elder brother Homayoun, 15, turned a blue-and-white-striped plastic bag into a jersey for his sibling by scrawling "Messi" on it in marker pen, then posted the photos of Murtaza wearing it on Facebook in mid-January.

The image struck a chord with football fans around the world, as social media swiftly dubbed Murtaza "little Messi".  

The Afghan Football Federation had said Messi was in contact with them to arrange a meeting with Murtaza as soon as possible, with the Spanish embassy in Kabul telling AFP it would do whatever possible to help.

But setting up a meeting in war-torn Afghanistan is fraught with security challenges. A source close to Messi's entourage said earlier this month they could neither confirm nor deny the speculation regarding a possible meeting.

"Murtaza is very happy to receive the autographed jerseys from Messi but he wants to meet him face-to-face," Arif Ahmadi, the child's father, told AFP.

He said the family also dreams of Murtaza becoming a goodwill ambassador for children in the conflict-stricken country, while uncle Yasin Ahmadi said the family hoped Messi's team Barcelona would establish a football club in Afghanistan "so that children who are talented like Murtaza could become the future Messi".

Football and cricket are the two most popular sports in Afghanistan - but sports were rarely played under Taliban rule, and the football stadium in Kabul was a notorious venue for executions, stonings and mutilations. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – With 3:23 left in the fourth quarter of the NLEX Road Warriors’ game against the Mahindra Enforcers on Friday, February 26, Asi Taulava grabbed an offensive rebound that made history.

Taulava, who cleaned the glass after a miss by his rookie teammate Simon Enciso, grabbed his 11th rebound of the game and 6,000th of his career, becoming just the fifth player in PBA history to reach that landmark.

The accomplishment was just the latest in the career of the soon-to-be 43-year-old, who already has a league MVP award (2003) and 4 PBA Mythical First Team selections to his name.

“It would have felt better with a win,” was what Taulava said about it after the game, which his Road Warriors lost, 106-99, to drop to 2-2 in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.

But he did acknowledge his achievement, expressing gratitude for  still being able to play at a high level.

“I’m just happy and grateful that I’m still playing at my age,” said the 17-year veteran. In a couple of days (March 2), I’ll be the big 43. I guess I can take that as an early birthday gift, but I just want to continue working, help NLEX win games.”

If Taulava has plans of breaking the league’s all-time rebounding record, he has a long way to go. 2,651 to be exact. 

The record is held by Ramon Fernandez (8,652), who’s closely trailed behind by Abet Guidaben (8,570). Jerry Codinera (7,034), Alvin Patrimonio (6,152), and Taulava (6.001) round out the top 5.

“I try not to look at it that way. I just want to continue playing, enjoying the game,” he said about performing with the finish line of his career in sight, although he’s unsure when exactly he plans to call it quits.

“I don’t know, I don’t know,” was his response to whether he can grab a thousand more boards. “If I can hold it together, If I can hold my body together, I’ll just continue playing.”

Winning a championship

The reason why Taulava continues to persevere and fight through wear and tear is his dream to taste another PBA title. 

He’s only celebrated one so far in his career: the 2003 All-Filipino Conference championship, which was given to him along with a Finals MVP plum.

The Fil-Tongan big has many other feats to be proud of, such as being a 3-time PBA Mythical Second Team selection, 3-time PBA Defensive Team selection, winning the PBA’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2014, and being a member of both the 5,000 points club and the 40 Greatest Players list.

But getting to celebrate another PBA title, with the confetti falling from the heavens, is what he really hopes to achieve, even with how appreciative he is of the other accolades he has attained.

“Everything else that falls, comes in along the way, is great, but the ultimate thing that I have on my checklist is to win a championship,” said Taulava.

“That’s the reason I’m still playing. That’s the reason I’m still challenging myself every day, coming in, pushing myself.”

The 6-foot-10 Taulava has recently lost weight to reduce the strain on his body. He says that winning a silver medal with Gilas during the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship was the other goal he needed to accomplish. Now that that’s done - thanks to some help from Andray Blatche, Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo and company - he turns to his remaining task.

If he achieves it, that’s when he believes he’ll walk away from the game that’s made him a household name for nearly two decades.

“I think if I win it, I think it might be time to walk away, end it on a good note,” he said, before adding this caveat:

“But you never know with Boss Ronald [Dulatre] (NLEX team manager).”

Taulava also said that his current contract ends after the Governors’ Cup conference this season. “I don’t know, you should ask him, huh?” he jokingly answered while looking at Dulatre, who was a few feet away, if an extension is in play, before taking a more serious note:

“Whatever boss wants. I’ll be happy to stay. It would be great to have a younger guy come in so I can teach him the ropes before it’s all said and done with me.” 

Only time will tell how long that may be. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beermen import Tyler Wilkerson had an impressive performance with a league season-high 52 points and 11 rebounds to lead his team past the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 120-109, on Friday, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Wilkerson, who fouled out in a little over 43 minutes of play, went 10-of-18 from the field including 7-of-11 from long range as San Miguel improved to 1-1 in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Swingman Marcio Lassiter was also outstanding with 28 points, 8 3-pointers, and 6 assists, while reigning two-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo had 15 points and 5 rebounds.

The Batang Pier was led by import Calvin Warner, who posted 27 points and 17 rebounds. Terrence Romeo battled foul trouble in the first half but still registered 22 points and 4 assists.

As a team, San Miguel shot 50% from the field and a superb 19-of-36 from downtown – also a league season-high.

“I think it’s a good win for us, considering we were really pressured to win our first game,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria, whose team is gunning for a fourth title in the last 5 conference.

“I’m so grateful with our players, because, what can you ask more from these players, especially our import?”

GlobalPort, now 2-2, also shot 50% from the field but committed 20 turnovers which led to 22 San Miguel points.

The Batang Pier won the rebounding battle, 47-38, but San Miguel had more assists, 25-18.

Romeo and company will aim to bounce back on Sunday, February 28, when they face the unbeaten Meralco Bolts. San Miguel’s next game is against Blackwater on March 2, a Wednesday.

Scores:

San Miguel (120): Wilkerson 52, Lassiter 28, Fajardo 15, Cabagnot 12, Ross 5, Tubid 4, Espinas 2, Semerad 2, Arana 0, De Ocampo 0, Heruela 0, Lutz 0

GlobalPort (109): Warner 27, Romeo 22, Pringle 19, Washington 13, Taha 9, Mamaril 7, Yeo 6, Sumang 4, Kramer 2, Maierhofer 0, Semerad 0

Quarter scores: 34-23, 67-58, 93-86, 120-109 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The two teams which have met in the finals of the last 4 UAAP women’s volleyball tournaments finally have their first head-to-head encounter in Season 78 when the DLSU Lady Spikers take on the Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday, February 27, at 4 pm.

The anticipated contest takes place at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, where La Salle will try to snap a 6-game losing streak to Ateneo and the Lady Eagles aim to make it 25 straight wins overall.

Follow all the action with Rappler’s live blog:

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - As a youngster growing up in Los Angeles, California, USA, Kayla Richardson was always running around. You know, playing children’s games.

By the age of 7, after beating all the boys she ran against in a race in school, her father, Jeff, realized their potential and took the young girl to try out for a local track team. That put her on the path to higher education and now, an Olympic dream.

The 17-year old Kayla Richardson is one of the Philippines’ top bets for the Rio Olympics, and she had an incredible year in 2015. Days after winning a pair of California Interscholastic Federation track championships as a junior in Walnut High School, she boarded a plane to Singapore and won a gold medal for the Philippines in the 100-meter dash and a silver in the 200-meter dash.

When she returned to the United States following the games, Richardson was named Track and Field Athlete of the Year in her home state.

The Fil-Am who traces her Philippine roots to Zamboanga City is already the fastest woman in Southeast Asia. She knows that the Summer Games are on a completely different level of competition, but that doesn’t mean she won’t chase any golden dreams.

Rappler caught up with Richardson who had just finished competing at the Simplot Games in Idaho, USA, last weekend.

Rappler: Hi, Kayla. Pleased to talk to you. Do tell us something about your background.

Kayla: My mother and father met here in Los Angeles. My mom, Ludivina Siguiente, is from Zamboanga City while my dad, Jeff is from Los Angeles. 

My first sports experience was playing volleyball as a kid. I later joined a track team when I was 7 years old after I was able to beat all of the boys in a school race. In spite of that, I still played a lot of volleyball and was named Most Valuable Player during my first two years in high school. After that, I committed to track and field. 

So far, my favorite and biggest sports accomplishment is winning the 2015 SEA Games 100m dash. I really did not expect to win so it was a great surprise. I didn't win the 200m so that gives me something to aim for at the next SEA Games. 

Rappler: We understand that it took a while for you to compete for the Philippines. What’s the story there?

Kayla: Before the Southeast Asian Games, my dad attempted to contact many people in the Philippines to try to connect me with the Philippine track and field team but they were unsuccessful. He was later contacted by Andrew Pirie who was instrumental in getting us connected with PATAFA.

Rappler: So how has the Philippine experience been for you?

Kayla: Competing for the Philippines is awesome because I have the experience of meeting other Filipinos and learning about Philippine culture. I also have the opportunity to inspire other people my age to achieve their goals and that nothing is impossible if you work hard and sacrifice. I am excited about representing the Philippines and bringing pride and joy to other Filipinos as I compete and try to win for them.

Rappler: Now, there’s that incredible chance of a lifetime to go to the Olympics. How do you size that up?

Kayla: The Rio Olympics will be an opportunity to compete with other great athletes on the highest stage for track and field and it will give me the opportunity to use the experience as a stepping stone to help build a strong Philippine team for the future. It will great if we can send a relay team as well. My goal is to surpass the 100m standard and the 200m standard and compete in both events. We also hope to bring a young team for the 4x100 meter relay as well. – Rappler.com

ZURICH, Switzerland - Gianni Infantino on Friday won FIFA's presidential election and vowed to lead the scandal-tainted body into a new era as he faced immediate calls to ensure genuine reform.

The 45-year-old UEFA general secretary scored a convincing victory in the battle to replace the disgraced Sepp Blatter, whose 18-year reign ended with FIFA mired in unprecedented crisis. 

Infantino, a Swiss-Italian, defeated Asian rival Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa in the second round of the vote of 207 members.

"FIFA has gone through sad times, moments of crisis, but those times are over," he said, asserting that a "new era" had begun for world's football's governing body, dogged by a vast set of corruption scandals. 

Blatter, who many hold responsible for the culture of patronage and graft that plagued FIFA, congratulated Infantino on his win. 

"With his experience, his capacities, his sense of strategy and diplomacy, he has all the qualities to continue my work," Blatter said in a statement. 

Second round win

Infantino got 115 votes in the election's second round while Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman, from Bahrain, got 88. They were just three votes apart in the first round.

Five candidates started the day in contention.

Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan and former FIFA official Jerome Champagne saw their support fizzle after the first round, while South African tycoon Tokyo Sexwale withdrew before polling opened. 

Infantino said he would have no trouble uniting world football after an election which exposed divides between Europe, Infantino's power base, and voters in Asia and Africa. 

"Today it was an election but not a war," the new FIFA supremo told reporters. "In an election you win or lose and then life goes on."

Sheikh Salman said he was looking forward to working with his campaign rival, and called for "unity" while stressing that FIFA needed to be more "inclusive and reflect the diversity of world football".

Infantino's election was hailed by world figures such as Russia's President Vladimir Putin and federation chiefs.

Putin, whose country will host the 2018 World Cup, said Infantino comes into the post with "high authority".

Pressure to change

The multilingual lawyer takes over leadership of the world's top sport with its reputation at an all-time low.

Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini have been banned from football for six years, US prosecutors have charged 39 people over more than $200 million in football business bribes and Swiss authorities are investigating FIFA's management and the awarding of hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Infantino, who only entered the contest after Platini was ruled out, will also face immediate financial problems.

Acting secretary-general Markus Kattner said "general uncertainty" caused by the crisis meant FIFA was $550 million behind in its $5 billion budget target for 2015-2018.

The shortfall could complicate Infantino's ability to deliver on a campaign pledge of more than doubling the amount given back to national associations to over $1.2 billion in total every four years.

Hours before he was elected, FIFA members approved a reform package that aims to limit the powers of the new president and to end the corruption that prevailed under Blatter.

The president will become more like a corporate chairman of the board, providing strategic guidance but with less management authority.

FIFA's executive committee, which had become an epicentre of graft allegations, has been rebranded as a FIFA council. It will operate like a corporate board of directors.

Measures such as declaring the salary of the new president to improve financial transparency were also included.

But sponsors gave a cool reaction to the measures.

"We urge FIFA's new leadership to prioritise their implementation," major backer Visa said of the reforms.

"As we have said before, we believe it is in the best interests of FIFA, the fans, sponsors and everyone involved, that there is long-term independent oversight of the reforms."

Atlanta-based FIFA backers Coca-Cola said in a statement that deeds, not words, regarding accountability will be the critical factor in judging future support of Infantino's FIFA. 

"Under Mr Infantino's leadership, FIFA must regenerate itself," it said.

End of an era?

FIFA still has doubters and considerable judicial troubles ahead, particularly from the US investigation with trials that could start this year.  

Blatter, 79, the big absentee at the congress, suffered a spectacular fall over the last nine months.

He has since been banned from football for 6 years for ethics breaches and could face criminal charges.

Infantino also faced questions over his UEFA ties to Platini, but offered thanks for the French football legend's years of support.

He also pledged to work "tirelessly" to drag the organization out of one of the darkest period's in its 112-year history.

"You will be proud of FIFA," he said. "You will be proud of what FIFA will do for football." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The stage is set for the marquee match-up between former middleweight titleholder Anderson Silva and Michael Bisping as both fighters made weight for their 5-round encounter in the UFC Fight Night 84 headliner on Sunday, February 28 (PH Time).

Silva met the allowable non-title middleweight limit of 186 pounds, while Bisping tipped on the scales at exactly 185 pounds to receive the green light.

When the two went face-to-face on center stage, Silva and Bisping exchanged heated words and had to be separated by UFC president Dana White.

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Recognized by many as the greatest mixed martial arts competitor, Silva (33-6, 1 NC) was last seen inside the Octagon when he scored a lopsided decision victory over Nick Diaz in January of this year. 

However, Silva’s unanimous decision win over Diaz was overturned to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission when multiple banned substances were found in the 40-year-old Brazilian’s system. 

On the other hand, Bisping (27-7) has won 3 of his last 4 UFC appearances and last competed in July 2015 when he scored a 5-round split decision triumph over Thales Leites. 

The 37-year-old Englishman has the fight that he wanted for years and gets it in front of a partisan crowd as the bout against Silva takes place at his backyard of The O2 in London, United Kingdom. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Adamson Lady Falcons made it two wins in a row in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament by defeating the UE Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19, on Saturday, February 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Coming from a momentum-building comeback win against FEU, Adamson won its second straight game and closed its first round campaign with a 3-4 record in the thick of the Final Four chase.

UE, which has been disappointing this season, dropped to a winless 0-7 and lost for the 52nd straight time.

Adamson had 3 players score in double-figures led by the 15 of veteran Jessica Galanza. Team captain Mylene Paat posted 13 in the win, while May Roque had 10.

Adamson dominated the attacks battle against UE, 44-27, and converted more service aces, 7-4.

UE, which received 26 points from Adamson errors, was led by the 13 points of Shaya Adorador, who was the club’s lone scorer in double digits.

Judith Abil posted 7 points while Mary Mendrez had 6. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Tropang TNT kept the Phoenix Fuel Masters at bay, 108-96, to end a 3-game losing slide in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, February 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The defending champions, now 2-3, won their first game in 17 days as they dealt with the ban of original reinforcement Ivan Johnson and missing key men due to injuries.

"Everybody contributed, everybody played well today. I didn't have to coach that much today," said head coach Jong Uichico. "It's the players' energy and execution that made us get through this game. We lost 3 straight games so they know the importance of today's game."

Import David Simon paced the Tropa with 33 points on field goals on top of 22 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Simon, who came in on Monday, February 22 and debuted in Wednesday's loss to Alaska, picked up his first win with TNT.

Ranidel De Ocampo caught fire and buried 6 of his 9 3-pointers, including two crucial ones to squash Phoenix's rallies late in the fourth, on his way to a 20-point game.

Jayson Castro likewise sizzled with 4-of-9 triples for 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Rookie Troy Rosario finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds and a block while Larry Fonacier added 8 markers and 6 assists.

"We shot pretty well compared to last game," Uichico noted as TNT made a total of 15 treys and registered 26 assists.

The Fuel Masters had new import Kevinn Pinkney debut with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists.

Pinkney, a globe-trotter with over a decade of experience playing around the world, arrived last Wednesday, February 24 to replace Nigerian Kenny Adeleke as Phoenix braces for tougher foes in the elimination round.

JC Intal and RR Garcia had 16 and 14 points, respectively, as the Fuel Masters lost their second straight for a 1-2 slate. 

Scores:

TNT (108): Simon 33, De Ocampo 20, Castro 19, Rosario 9, Fonacier 8, Reyes 5, Rosser 4, Williams 4, Aban 3, Ababou 0, Carey 0.

Phoenix (96): Pinkney 26, Inral 16, Garcia 14, Baracael 9, Pennisi 8, Wilson 6, Brondial 5, Lanete 4, Urbiztondo 4, Fortuna 2, Monfort 2, Forrester 0.

Quarter scores: 26-21, 51-42, 75-67, 108-96.

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle University Lady Spikers looked dominant from start to finish in their 3-set sweep of the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 25-22, 25-14, 25-18, on Saturday, February 27, at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Facing the team that beat them in the last two UAAP women’s volleyball finals, La Salle played superb defense and took advantage of Ateneo errors to improve to 5-1 in Season 78.

Ateneo, which dropped to 6-1, saw its 24-game winning streak snapped.

La Salle had a balanced scoring output from its main stars with Kim Fajardo leading the way by posting 13 points - 7 on service aces - plus 16 excellent sets.

Ara Galang and Mary Baron had 10 points each, while Mika Reyes registered 9 as DLSU ended a 6-game losing streak to its rivals.

Alyssa Valdez was the defending champions’ lone double-digit scorer with 11 points. Jhoana Maraguinot was the next top scorer with 8.

La Salle out-attacked Ateneo, 33-29, and had way more service aces, 13-6.

The Lady Spikers defense up front was also noticeable as they registered 7 points on blocks compared to the Lady Eagles’ two. 22 errors by Ateneo also came back to bite them.

La Salle has one more game left in its first round campaign against UST on Wednesday, March 2.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Calvin Abueva uncorked a game-high 25 points and 8 rebounds, and the Alaska Aces snuffed out the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 128-102, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, February 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Manuel had 12 in a 36-point Alaska third quarter and totaled 20 points for the now 2-1 Aces, whose hot shooting was too much for the skidding Painters in the second half.

Alaska, who came out firing to open the game, led only by 59-54 at the half before a huge third period output stretched the lead to 95-78 entering the fourth.

Once Abueva took his rest in the final frame, RJ Jazul kept fanning the flames with 4 triples as Alaska led by as much as 120-90 with under 6 minutes to play. Jazul finished with 15 points.

"You all know what Calvin can do," Alaska head coach Alex Compton said of Abueva, who went 9-of-16 from the field including a pair of triples on top of two assists and two steals as a starter.

"He has a whole different level of energy and his ability to rebound the ball, get the ball, and his toughness is sometimes otherworldly. And if he's stroking the 3, that changes the game a little bit."

But it was a good all-around offensive night for the Aces making 12 of their 23 3-point attempts and going 58% from the field. Six of Compton's men also finished in double figures.

Manuel had a perfect third quarter with 5-of-5 field goals and two makes from the free throw line as Alaska pulled away and Rain or Shine scrambled for options sans primary guard Paul Lee, who is still recovering from his knee injury.

The Aces out-rebounded their foes by 50-33 and out-ran them on the break with a 22-4 edge in fastbreak points.

"It's one of those games where the basket got bigger for us and smaller for them," Compton pointed out.

Import Shane Edwards had 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Chris banchero added 14 markers, 6 boards, and 6 assists off the bench. Sonny Thoss had 10.

Antoine Wright led the Painters with 21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals, while Chris Tiu came off the bench and went 6-of-11 from the field for 21 points along with 7 rebounds.

Jericho Cruz and Maverick Ahanmisi registered 16 and 12 points, respectively, while Gabe Norwood added 10 as Rain or Shine lost its third game in a row and dropped to 1-3. 

Scores:

Alaska (128): Abueva 25, Edwards 23, Manuel 20, Jazul 15, Banchero 14, Thoss 10, Baguio 6, Exciminiano 6, Dela Rosa 4, Magat 3, Racal 2, Dela Cruz 0, Eman 0.

Rain or Shine (102): Tiu 21, Wright 21, Cruz 16, Ahanmisi 12, Norwood 10, Quinahan 8, Trollano 5, Belga 3, Chan 2, Ibanes 2, Nimes 2, Almazan 0, Ponferada 0.

Quarter scores: 29-25, 59-54, 95-78, 128-102.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Although betting odds are in favor of featherweight titleholder Conor McGregor to win his welterweight showdown against Nate Diaz in the headliner of the UFC 196 pay-per-view event on March 6 (March 5 in the US), the American stalwart holds two aces under his sleeve going into the marquee match-up. 

McGregor was originally penciled to face Rafael Dos Anjos for the UFC lightweight championship and was aiming to become the first UFC fighter to hold two world titles at the same time, but the Brazilian was forced to withdraw due to a foot injury.

After the sudden pullout of Dos Anjos, many in the UFC roster offered themselves as replacement foes for the featherweight champion. 

However, only one man struck the jackpot in the McGregor sweepstakes as Diaz was given Dos Anjos’ spot to face the 27-year-old Irishman at UFC 196, which is scheduled to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We figured that this would be the most exciting fight. A lot of people wanted to fight Conor McGregor, but Diaz wanted the fight. We felt this was the fight to make and the fight that fans wanted to see,” UFC president Dana White said during an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” on Wednesday, February 24. 

When the bout between McGregor and Diaz was announced, numerous cageside observers raised their eyebrows on the weight class, where both men will compete. 

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, White explained that Diaz demanded that the much-awaited showdown should take place at a catchweight of 165 pounds before McGregor decided to go all out as a full-fledged 170-pound encounter.

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“Nate says that he wants it at 165. Now this kid (McGregor) is moving up from 145 to 155,” he stated. “I called Conor and told him that he (Diaz) can’t do it 160 pounds. He wants 165 pounds. Conor says, ‘You tell him is 170!’” 

Moving up to another division is not a new scenery to McGregor as he has done it before when he defeated Ivan Buchinger for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship’s version of the lightweight belt via first-round knockout in December 2012. 

However, McGregor has never fought as high as the welterweight division in his 21-fight career. 

Although Diaz is a known mainstay of the lightweight bracket, the 30-year-old native of Stockton, California fought 4 times as a welterweight, winning his first two outings against the likes of Rory Markham and Marcus Davis in 2010 before yielding to top contender Dong Hyun Kim and Rory MacDonald in 2011.

Aside from his advantage in size and weight, Diaz also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Cesar Gracie.

Diaz has won 11 of his last 18 victories by submission and was able to compel several notable names to tap, including Manny Gamburyan, Kurt Pellegrino, Melvin Guillard and Takanori Gomi.

“I came here to fight. They asked me to fight. I said yes from the beginning. I don’t know what problem they have. I came here and ready to fight any weight class. It doesn’t matter,” Diaz stressed during the pre-UFC 196 press conference on Thursday, February 25.

Even though he is riding high on an impressive 15-fight winning streak, McGregor was once seen having difficulties against high-level grapplers. 

McGregor’s two losses in his record came via first-round submission, bowing down to Artemij Sitenkov’s kneebar in January 2008 before tapping out to Joseph Duffy’s 38-second arm-triangle choke in November 2010.

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The 5-foot-8 native of Dublin, Ireland was able to survive the toughest test of his prizefighting run when he squared off with Chad Mendes in July 2015.

Mendes opened a cut near McGregor’s right eye with a slashing elbow, and piled on the punishment with ground-and-pound from inside guard in the first round. 

After spending most of the second period defending himself from his back, McGregor found a way to return to his feet and then launched several straight left hands and a kick to the body to get the stoppage.

Diaz is entering the welterweight contest as the 3-to-1 underdog, but he presents a difficult task at hand for McGregor. 

“Kill or be killed, that's what I'm coming with. I didn't have a fight camp, but it's all good,” Diaz said. – Rappler.com