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Sinner stages great escape to pip Medvedev for Australian Open crown
Italian Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old Novak Djokovic-slayer, completes an incredible comeback against Daniil Medvedev to become the youngest Australian Open champion in 16 years.....»»
Sinner ends 10-time champion Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open streak, faces Medvedev for the title
Sinner ends 10-time champion Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open streak, faces Medvedev for the title.....»»
Sabalenka enjoys edge vs Zheng
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is confident she will have a crucial emotional edge over Zheng Qinwen in Saturday’s Australian Open final, but the fast-rising Chinese star believes destiny is on her side......»»
Awesome Alcaraz reaches Australian Open last 16 for first time
‘This is the first time I've played the second week here and it feels special,’ says Spanish champion Carlos Alcaraz, who watched last year's Australian Open from his couch while nursing an injury.....»»
Australian Open: Osaka out, Gauff, Medvedev in for next round
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam comeback ended at the first hurdle on Monday but US Open winner Coco Gauff and men’s third seed Daniil Medvedev surged on in Melbourne. On a baking-hot day, men’s seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and women’s sixth seed Ons Jabeur also tasted first-round victory. But Wimbledon champion Marketa.....»»
POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine
If you’re a talented fighter nursing dreams of becoming a world champion, there is one guy you need to get in touch with. If you’re a promoter who has got a bevy of promising fighters but with no strong connections to the guys who matter in the world of big-time boxing, you have to meet the fellow who makes things happen. That dude is no other than Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions and a sprinkling of other influential outfits in the United States that gives boxers from all over the opportunity they deserve. Having trouble with your boxer’s stagnant world rating? Call Sean Gibbons. Can’t seem to get the big breaks? Call Sean Gibbons. Being given the run-around by a scammer, give Sean Gibbons a call. You see, Gibbons is a do-it-all boxing man who is a big daddy to just about any major Filipino fighter. He has got a deep knowledge of the fight game since he used to fight during his heyday. But before you start conjuring up images of Gibbons battling it out with boxing’s marquee names, pinch yourself first. Gibbons never achieved greatness as a boxer. He was more of a pretender than a contender, having racked up a 14-7-3 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts before finally calling it a day in 1996. He never even fought in Las Vegas and instead showcased his wares in obscurity, hopping into one small town and city after another. After spending his first five pro bouts in Oklahoma City, Gibbons brought his act elsewhere and in places he never knew existed: Hugo, Purcell, Waubeek. A year before he retired in 1995, Gibbons, now 56, even traveled to Germany and fought and lost by knockout to local boy Ruediger May. Two more bouts on American soil — the first in Des Moines, Iowa, and the second in Miles City, Montana — paved the way for one final stop in Denmark against Peter Madsen. Gibbons would lose that by stoppage again and decided that enough was enough. Pretty soon, Gibbons got himself doing odd jobs in boxing through a relative — uncle Pat O’ Grady — father to former world lightweight champion Sean O’Grady. “I got the boxing bug from him. I would set up the ring, help sell tickets and train fighters… I started from the bottom,” Gibbons, born in Long Beach, California, said, noting that the first fighter he trained was heavyweight Wimpy Halstead. Oftentimes, Gibbons “would jump in as one of the fighters in the card and I was able to travel the world.” He also got aligned with Top Rank and credits Hall of Fame Bruce Trampler and fight coordinator Pete Susens as his mentors and takes great pride in his close association with eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao. Gibbons actually came to the Pacquiao show rather late. But his seven-year stint working for Pacquiao was the most memorable, saying it doesn’t compare with the 35 other years of involvement with boxing. “Seven years I spent with him were better than the other 35 years,” Gibbons, who graduated from Simi Valley High, said. Gibbons revealed that after Australian banger Jeff Horn elbowed and butted and wrestled his way in carving out a controversial points win in Brisbane in July 2018, “Pacquiao had pretty much been left for dead by some people.” It was right at this time when Gibbons entered the scene as Pacquiao’s go-to-guy for meaningful fights while also providing other Filipino boxers the break they need to become successful. Gibbons didn’t disappoint and was instrumental in striking a deal for fights involving Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman that resulted in a “tremendous run.” The victory over Thurman would go down as an epic as it made Pacquiao the oldest to win a world welterweight crown in July 2019 in Las Vegas. Now that Pacquiao has sailed into the sunset, Gibbons is dedicating his time and effort to the betterment of the other talents under MP Promotions, the Pacquiao-owned company that has majority of the country’s top ring talent under contract. And this is where Gibbons wields his expertise and proof of his savvy can be seen on Jerwin Ancajas, Pedro Taduran, Rene Cuarto, Mark Magsayo and current two-belt world super-bantamweight titleholder Marlon Tapales. Also under Gibbons’ care are Jonas Sultan, Vincent Astrolabio, Jade Bornea and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Asian Games silver medalist Eumir Marcial. Though not every one of them managed to win a world title, Gibbons draws utmost satisfaction from the helping hand that he had extended to them. “The most satisfying thing is to change lives of the fighters and take fighters who wouldn’t normally get these opportunities.” Also, Gibbons points to Pacquiao as a reason why he was able to pull it off. “I had the name Manny Pacquiao promotions and Manny Pacquiao was behind me but the biggest, biggest key was Al Haymon and he took my word for guys like Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo, Jonas Sultan and many, many others.” And there is no stopping Gibbons from doing the same thing especially when his clients’ welfare is on the line. A few months ago, Gibbons earned the ire of a state commission and got slapped with a ban. Still, Gibbons swears it is his way of showing that he always got his clients’ back. So how does he want people to remember him? “I would like to be remembered as someone who gave his all, no regrets. Just you know, when I work with someone, I put all my heart and soul into it. I got suspended for five for screaming at referees but I would like to be remembered for a guy who always had his client, fighters and boxers’ back and that when we went at it, we gave it our all.” If you end up going to war, you’d certainly want somebody like Sean Gibbons right by your side. The post POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Times Education picks Pacquiao as ambassador
STRENGTHENING their presence in Southeast Asia and appealing directly to prospective students in the Philippines, Education and Training provider Times Education Group Australia announced its partnership with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao as their brand ambassador and investor, to collaborate on several education-related projects in both the Philippines and Australia. The plan is to expand Times Education – an Australia-based education and training provider – worldwide in 2024, with the goal of making it a premier institution for education. In addition to a variety of courses, including English, Hospitality, Accounting, Information Technology, Cookery, Travel and Tourism, Real Estate, Digital Marketing, Human Resource Management, Social Media Marketing, Business and Management, Leadership and Management, Marketing and Communication, Aged Care and Community Services, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Higher Education Diploma and Graduate Diploma, Times Education will grow their curriculum to include Sport Coaching and Exercise Management with the creation a new Sports Institute. Additional expansion into residential aged care and employment recruitment services is slated. In a statement welcoming the eight-division world champion to the team, Times Education founder and CEO Charles Shiao explained, through their partnership with Manny Pacquiao and planned collaborations with Philippines colleges, lifelong scholarships will be provided to aspiring students. "Manny is a proven winner in life, and we couldn't be more enthusiastic to have him onboard as an investor and brand ambassador. His ring exploits continue to inspire the youth to keep persevering in life, and his passion for education, as proven by his efforts to pursue his studies, is perfectly in line with our ideals," Shiao said. Pacquiao — himself a holder of a master's degree in management Major in Public Education — emphasized the importance of education, even as he encouraged prospective investors to join him in helping Times Education in its expansion efforts. “Education is not merely a process of acquiring knowledge; it is a catalyst for personal growth, social progress, and economic development. It empowers individuals, enhances critical thinking, and equips us to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world,” the former eight-division world champion said. “My journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a testament to the transformative power of education. Despite facing numerous challenges, my unwavering determination and commitment to self-improvement led me to become not only a sporting icon but also a respected leader and advocate for education. My story inspires countless individuals around the world, proving that education is the great equalizer that transcends social and economic barriers,” he added. One of Australia’s largest institutions offering vocational education and training, and higher learning among others, Times Education has delivered training to over 35,000 students across seven colleges and 12 campuses in key Australian cities. The company has set its sights on a global expansion, and Pacquiao is keen on helping them achieve the goal. “The partnership between Times Education Group Australia and Manny Pacquiao symbolizes the transformative power of education,” Pacquiao said. The post Times Education picks Pacquiao as ambassador appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stolen Italian artifacts found in Australia museum
Italian art detectives have traced a stolen ancient vase and plate to Australia, finding the artifacts at a university museum which unwittingly bought them from a 1984 Sotheby’s auction. The Australian National University said Friday it was working with the “specialist art squad” of Italy’s Carabinieri military police to return the priceless pieces. Italy’s government has agreed to loan the vase and the fish plate to the ANU until they are returned at a “future date.” The 2,500-year-old amphora depicts Greek champion Heracles fighting the mythical Nemean lion. Museum curator Georgia Pike-Rowney described the vase dating back to 530 BC as a “stunning example” of ancient Mediterranean craftmanship. Italian police discovered an old Polaroid photo of the Heracles vase while investigating an unnamed art thief, which led them to believe it had been illegally plundered before it was sent to Australia. Meanwhile, the stolen red fish plate from the Italian region of Apulia was initially trace to David Holland Swingler who smuggle to the United States artifacts sourced from tomb robbers by hiding it under piles of pasta and other Italian foods. WITH AFP The post Stolen Italian artifacts found in Australia museum appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Volkanovski retains title; Pantoja new UFC flyweight king
In the main event of UFC 290, Australian Alexander Volkanovski broke Mexican hearts once more when he thoroughly outclassed interim UFC featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez......»»
Booed Azarenka blasts ‘unfair’ Wimbledon crowd after Svitolina defeat
Victoria Azarenka blasted the Wimbledon crowd as "unfair" and "drunk" after she was booed off Centre Court following her defeat to Elina Svitolina in a politically charged clash on Sunday. Ukraine's Svitolina came through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) after two hours and 46 minutes of thrilling shotmaking on Court One to set up a quarter-final clash with world number one Iga Swiatek. As has become a common feature, Svitolina did not shake hands with Belarusian Azarenka in protest over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is a key military ally of Moscow. Azarenka, who held her hand up in the direction of Svitolina, seemingly in a gesture of respect, left the court to the sound of boos. "It wasn't fair. It is what it is. What can I do?" said Azarenka. "I haven't done anything wrong, but I can't control the crowd. I'm not sure that a lot of people were understanding what's happening. "But if people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or a quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame." Svitolina and her fellow Ukraine players all refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian rivals at the recent French Open. Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk were jeered by the Paris crowd for their stance after losing to Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka. At the US Open last year, Kostyuk offered only a racquet touch following her defeat to Azarenka. Svitolina believes the booing could be stopped if tennis authorities issue a statement explaining the position of Ukraine players. - 'Victory for Ukraine' - "It was like this for me in Paris. It was also unfair," said Svitolina. "I already said multiple times that until Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we take back our territories, we are not going to shake hands. So I have a clear statement." Despite the controversy, Svitolina described victory as the "second happiest moment" of her life after the birth of her daughter. "I think after giving birth to our daughter this is the second-happiest moment in my life," said Svitolina, who is married to French tennis star Gael Monfils. "When I was down I heard you guys cheering for me and I almost wanted to cry." Svitolina, a semi-finalist in 2019, was 4/7 down in the final-set tiebreak and only three points from defeat. However, she clawed her way back, saw one match point slip away at 9/8 before sealing victory with an ace. "I know that a lot of people back home are watching, supporting me. I feel responsibility, as well," she added. "When I play against Russians, Belarusians, I feel more pressure that I need to win. That's why it means a lot to get these kinds of wins. In my own way, to bring this victory, small victory, to Ukraine." Svitolina, 28, only returned to the tour in April after maternity leave. She has now reached the last eight of successive majors after also making the quarter-finals of the French Open. "When I started playing again I didn't think that I would be here. I didn't think on the grass I would play that good," she added. "I'm just really enjoying the atmosphere, this chance. I'm really thankful for the chance to play here." On the court on Sunday, 76th-ranked Svitolina served up a love game to start the match but Azarenka then broke in the third and fifth games to pocket the first set. The former world number one and two-time Australian Open champion broke again in the first game of the second set. Svitolina pulled herself level for 2-2 but was then unable to convert four break points in the eighth game. In a tense, big-hitting conclusion, Azarenka saved a set point but Svitolina pounced on the second to level the contest. Svitolina raced to a 3-0 lead in the decider, helped by an Azarenka double fault in the second game. Back came the Belarusian to break back in the fifth game as the tie headed to its dramatic tiebreak and post-match conclusion. dj/jw © Agence France-Presse The post Booed Azarenka blasts ‘unfair’ Wimbledon crowd after Svitolina defeat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘It’s why I keep playing’: Wawrinka rolls back years in French Open marathon
Former champion Stan Wawrinka shrugged off his 38 years to reach the French Open second round on Monday, winning a five-set marathon against Albert Ramos-Vinolas which stretched to four hours and 35 minutes, and said: "It's why I keep playing". Wawrinka, ranked 89 in the world, came through 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 1-6, 6-4, and will next face Australia's world number 108 Thanasi Kokkinakis after winning a match at Roland Garros for the first time since 2020. Playing out on the semi-sunken Court 14 arena, the Swiss veteran fired 76 winners and committed 79 unforced errors in an all-out attacking performance which brought back memories of his 2015 title triumph in Paris. "It's one of the big reasons why I keep playing is to relive those emotions," said Wawrinka. "I think it was special today again to be here, a lot of support, a lot of fans here. It helped me a lot to stay in the match and to keep fighting for it. "I always try to make it special, try to have a connection with the people, with the fans, because as I say, it's one of the main reasons why I keep playing and I want to enjoy it as much as possible." With 14-time champion Rafael Nadal sidelined from the tournament for the first time since 2004 through injury, Wawrinka is one of only two champions in the draw -- the other is Novak Djokovic, the title winner in 2016 and 2021. "I won here many years ago, a long time ago. I was much younger and playing different tennis," said Wawrinka. "But it's always going to be special to be back here and always have that memory about 2015." Wawrinka, a three-time major winner, has been battling a series of knee injuries in recent years. The former world number three missed four successive majors after the 2021 Australian Open before returning to Paris last year. However, he was defeated in the first round at the French Open and then at Wimbledon, the US Open, and this year's Australian Open. Wawrinka and Kokkinakis, a player who has waged his own injury battles in recent years, have never met. "When he's healthy, like he's been this year, he's always a dangerous player," said Wawrinka. The post ‘It’s why I keep playing’: Wawrinka rolls back years in French Open marathon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LIV boss Norman says ‘long list’ of players want to join rebel tour
LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says "a long list" of players want to join the rebel tour as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson on Wednesday conceded it would benefit from more depth. Norman, who is preparing for the Saudi-backed circuit's first event in his Australian homeland this week, said some of the names would "surprise" people. "It's an ongoing process. We've got a long list of players who want to come in. We just don't have the ability today because players are under contract," he told NewsCorp Australia, without giving names. "But we'll get to a position where there will be a relegation series and places will start opening up. "It's incredible the amount of players who want to come on board," he added. "It would surprise you how good those names are." Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV split the golf world last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) with lucrative contracts to its 54-hole, no-cut experiment. Now in its second season, it has faced resistance from traditionalists and struggled for credibility in the United States, in particular. Campaigners accuse Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" -- using sport to deflect from its human rights record, including the murder and dismembering of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate in 2018. But LIV looks to have been embraced by Australians with tickets selling out for this week's event in Adelaide. Koepka, runner-up at the Masters two weeks ago, and current British Open champion Cameron Smith are among the top names who have defected to LIV. They headline the action at The Grange Golf Club this week. Phil Mickelson, who tied for second with Koepka at Augusta, and Dustin Johnson also jumped ship to LIV, as did Patrick Reed, who finished fourth at the Masters. There have been no more recent big-name defections, and if there are it would be another setback for the US PGA Tour. Koepka, who had a two-stroke lead going into the final round at the Masters but imploded to finish four strokes behind winner Jon Rahm, said he had not spoken to any players about making the move to LIV because it was "not my style". But he added: "I'm sure there's a bunch of guys who are still looking to come over, whether that be college players, younger players, to guys who have played on the PGA Tour and the DP Tour. "And yes, you can always add depth to anything -- the stronger we get, the better we are." Two-time major winner Johnson agreed that more star power was needed to grow LIV. "Obviously the better players we have playing the stronger LIV gets and it's better for the game," he said. "But I haven't talked to Greg this week, so I can't really comment too much on what he was saying." The post LIV boss Norman says ‘long list’ of players want to join rebel tour appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Novak Djokovic shrugs off dad drama to reach 10th Australian Open final
MELBOURNE—-Novak Djokovic shrugged off controversy involving his father to reach a record-extending 10th Australian Open final on Friday and set up a blockbuster decider with Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas and a battle for the world number one ranking. Nine-times champion Djokovic maintained his perfect semi-final record at Melbourne Park with a 7-5 6-1 6-2 win […] The post Novak Djokovic shrugs off dad drama to reach 10th Australian Open final appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Donaire comeback fight against Moloney pre-approved by WBC
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The former four-division world champion, Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr., is likely going to face Australian world title challenger Jason Moloney in his comeback fight next year. This was announced during the World Boxing Council (WBC) Convention in Acapulco, Mexico last week along with a long list of marquee bouts slated […] The post Donaire comeback fight against Moloney pre-approved by WBC appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Eastern Communications partners with AICI and ANZCHAM to champion diversity in Pride Month Celebration
In line with the Pride Month celebration this June, Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (ETPI) advocates for diversity in the workplace by partnering with the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ANZCHAM) in a series of events that highlights gender equality and the power to voice […].....»»
Spence’s best can’t beat Manny’s best
Los Angeles-based Australian strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune is convinced that WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence has no chance to beat super WBA ruler Sen. Manny Pacquiao when they battle in a scheduled 12-round triple unification bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Aug. 21......»»
Osaka advances while Barty ousts Azarenka at Miami Open
Reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals on Monday, stretching her win streak to 23 matches by defeating Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3......»»
Osaka aims to inspire new generation - but says Williams is still the queen
Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka said she felt comfortable being a role model for the next generation after her fourth Grand Slam victory solidified her position at the forefront of a new era for tennis......»»
Jennifer or Jenny? Confused Osaka ‘so sorry’ for Brady blunder
Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka told Jennifer Brady she was “so sorry” on Sunday after making an embarrassing gaffe with the American player’s name. After beating Brady 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday to win her second Melbourne Park title, the ever-polite Osaka started her victory speech by asking if she preferred being called Jennifer or Jenny. […] The post Jennifer or Jenny? Confused Osaka ‘so sorry’ for Brady blunder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ROUNDUP: Djokovic peaking just at the right time
MELBOURNE (AFP) – Eight-time champion Novak Djokovic said he was peaking just at the right time Thursday after ending the dream run of Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev to reach his ninth Australian Open final. The 33-year-old Serb, showing no ill-effects from an abdomen injury sustained in the third round, overwhelmed the 114th-ranked Karatsev, 6-3, 6-4, […].....»»