BEIJING — Tennis great Novak Djokovic credited his “never-die spirit” for carrying him to the 102nd title of his career as he won the China Open on Tuesday night when his opponent Alex de Minaur retired injured from the final. With the win, the 39-year-old Serbian extended a perfect record to 34 wins in as many matches for his seventh title in Beijing — his first since 2015. Djokovic said afterward that in more than two decades as a professional player, “the grit and the dedication, and the kind of never-die spirit that really is always with me” have carried him through. Tennis is “quite a cruel sport” with players competing in knock-out tournaments year-round, Djokovic told reporters, adding that the stakes and pressure of performing in front of fans made the sport “so demanding and so special.” “You can feel so much weight on your shoulders, but it is what I have been destined to do,” he said. In front of a jam-packed stadium, Djokovic won the first set in the tiebreak 7-6 (7/3) and was down a game in the second set when the Australian ended the match early. “I always want to visualize myself with the trophy, particularly here in Beijing,” Djokovic said during the trophy ceremony. “But I was also quite aware that reality is a little bit different these days,” he said, adding that it had been a challenging year with “physical and health issues.” “I was just trying to find the good feeling on the court,” he said. The first set was a physical battle that lasted more than one hour, and both men needed medical timeouts before the second. De Minaur, the world No. 9, won the first game of the second set before retiring due to a left adductor strain. The 27-year-old had walked back onto the court after his medical timeout with a white wrap around his left thigh. “I don’t feel great,” de Minaur told the crowd afterward. “I want to say sorry to the amazing fans that came to watch ... I didn’t want to finish like this.” De Minaur advanced to the final after his opponent Hubert Hurkacz retired injured from their semifinal on Monday, while Djokovic moved through when Daniil Medvedev was disqualified for hitting a fan with a ball. But Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, put on a valiant show to lift the trophy, ousting top seed Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal after defeating home hope Bu Yunchaokete in a demanding three-set match. It means Djokovic will end the season with at least one title for the 21st consecutive year, and as the oldest man to win a singles final after Ken Rosewall in Hong Kong in 1977 at age 43. In the women’s draw, Karolina Muchova beat former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka on her ninth match point to reach the quarterfinals, triumphant in a tense tiebreak. Muchova, the seventh seed, overcame 50 unforced errors across the two-hour-and-52-minute match to beat Osaka, 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (9/7). Osaka, who represents Japan, saved eight match points but could not get past Muchova’s match-winning volley.

LONDON — United States Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk said on Tuesday he will ask his players to “do more than any American team has in the past,” to end a woeful run on European soil. The US head to Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland, next year aiming to end a wait since 1993 to win the biennial team event away from home. Furyk was in charge for one of those defeats in Paris in 2018. The 56-year-old has been given a chance to make amends, with Furyk saying he has learned valuable lessons from that loss as well as his other experiences of team golf in the Presidents Cup. “I’m going to ask this team to do more than any other United States team has in the past,” said Furyk, who revealed his team selection for Le Golf National eight years ago left him without “horses for the course.” “I changed a few things immediately upon taking the captaincy,” added Furyk, speaking alongside Europe captain Luke Donald during a press conference at Adare Manor. “You’re always coming up with new, creative ways to create that team atmosphere and that bond, but we’ve got a lot to work on.” Since the turn of the century, Europe has won nine out of 12 Ryder Cups. Foursomes or alternate shot — two players playing one ball — has proved a particular problem for the Americans. In their last four Ryder Cups and Presidents Cup matches they have won just eight of 34 points in the format, with just three from 16 against Europe. In order to increase the US team’s chances of victory, Furyk wants all his likely players available for a scouting trip to Adare Manor ahead of the 100th anniversary event in September 2027.

BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires. In a perfectly scripted finale, the 39-year-old widely regarded as the greatest football player in history signed off with his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 supporters as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin. Messi, playing in his record-extending 208th international, also provided the assist for the opening goal scored by veteran Nicolas Otamendi, with Nico Paz also scoring. But the match was a footnote to the occasion itself, which saw Messi savoring the adulation of the Monumental Stadium crowd one last time for an event which had been billed as “The Last Tango.” “It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told fans in a post-match address. “Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.” Messi though said he had no regrets about his decision to retire, citing Argentina’s grueling World Cup campaign, which took place as his late father was seriously ill, as a factor. “Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment. The last World Cup was too much, everything I had to live through,” said Messi. Beforehand, Messi wiped away tears as the bus carrying him and his Argentina teammates made its way through crowds of well-wishers en route to the stadium. Messi took the field alongside his three children and received affectionate waves from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, who were watching from a VIP box. Shortly before kick off, a giant Argentina jersey bearing the word “Gracias” (Thank You) above the football superstar’s No.10 was laid out on the pitch as the crowd roared their approval. Messi welled up again as Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem beside a banner which read — “The Malvinas are Argentine” — the same banner held aloft by players after their 2-1 World Cup semifinal win over England.

PARIS — The 13 shareholder clubs in EuroLeague basketball have rejected a partnership offer by the NBA, which is seeking to set up a rival competition on the continent, a source said on Tuesday. The NBA is looking to set up a franchise league in Europe from 2027 for 16 teams based in some of the continent’s major cities. Franchises, though, would need to stump up at least $500 million, and potentially up to $1 billion, to take part, with the NBA promising to distribute hundreds of millions of dollars per year to the teams in return. “The 13 shareholders unanimously rejected the offer, which they consider unacceptable in its current state,” the source said, while adding that the EuroLeague teams had not closed the door on future negotiations. Several media reports said that one of the participants at the meeting of EuroLeague clubs in Cernobbio in northern Italy had described the NBA offer as “colonialist.” The NBA’s project envisages a new league comprised of 12 permanent franchises based in London, Manchester, Berlin, Munich, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Lyon, Milan, Rome, Athens and Istanbul. The other four teams would be able to qualify for the NBA Europe competition. The sums involved, though, raise questions as the major European basketball clubs are already losing money. EuroLeague, which is the continent’s primary competition, is itself due to grow from 13 teams to 21 for the 2027/2028 season with 15 teams having applied to be among the eight new permanent franchises admitted to the competition. They would join Real Madrid, Barcelona, Vitoria, Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, Fenerbahce, Efes Istanbul, Bayern Munich, Asvel, Zalgiris Kaunas, CSKA Moscow, Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Olimpia Milan as shareholders.

LOS ANGELES, California — Enrique Hernandez and Freddie Freeman smacked home runs on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to power the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers over Atlanta, 3-1, and to the brink of advancing in the Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs. A two-run blast by Hernandez and a solo shot by former Braves star Freeman in the fourth inning combined with a stellar pitching effort from Japan’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto to seal Atlanta’s fate. Yamamoto, a 28-year-old right-hander, struck out 10, matching his MLB career high, while surrendering only one run on four hits over seven innings. “I was feeling really good. I was able to control my pitches,” said Yamamoto through a translator. “That’s why I got the swings and misses. “My fastball was coming out of my hand pretty good, so naturally I ended up relying on it.” The Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five National League (NL) divisional series, which continues in Atlanta on Wednesday. The reigning World Series champion Dodgers are trying to win a third consecutive title, something no NL club has ever done. In a later game, the Milwaukee Brewers seek a road victory at San Diego to complete a sweep of the Padres and reach the best-of-seven NL Championship Series (NLCS) for the second consecutive year. The Dodgers swept Milwaukee in last year’s NLCS. Yamamoto, last year’s World Series Most Valuable Player, improved to 8-1 in his MLB playoff career. Atlanta ace Chris Sale started against Yamamoto. It was only the third game in MLB playoff history, the first since 1938, with rival starters who both had closed out a World Series-clinching contest. Sale, a 37-year-old left-hander who threw his first shutout since 2019 in August against the Dodgers, struck out seven while allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings. After Andy Pages singled to open the fourth, Hernandez smashed a two-run homer over the left-field wall to open the scoring. Freeman, robbed of a homer by Mauricio Dubon’s leaping catch in the third inning, followed moments later with a solo homer for a 3-0 Los Angeles lead. That gave the Dodgers their first 10 runs of the playoffs all from homers, the longest such streak to start a postseason in MLB history. Dubon and Lane Thomas opened the Atlanta fifth with back-to-back singles and Yamamoto walked Rowdy Tellez to load the bases.

Michael Chang Chun-wai celebrated his 400th Hong Kong win and continued his strong start to the season with a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The veteran trainer repeated his brace at Sha Tin last Sunday when New Power and Kwai Chung Talents struck at the Valley under Keith Yeung Ming-lun, who bagged his first two wins of the campaign. Now 64, Chang was an apprentice jockey in Britain for three years before returning to Hong Kong in 1987 to work for the Jockey Club. He worked his way...

While this fabled rivalry turned another page, with the Green Archers coming out on top in the 100th UAAP game, Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson was nothing but grateful to be part of this historic event.

Calvin Oftana suited up for TNT in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup for the first time, starring in a 116-92 takedown of Terrafirma on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The 100th UAAP matchup between De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University lived up to its billing, with the Green Archers coming out on top, 83-76, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

MANILA, Philippines -- De La Salle took down Ateneo de Manila, 83-76, at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament to even their overall rivalry record at 50-50. Leading by just two at 72-70, the Green Archers unleashed an 11-2 run capped by a Jacob Cortez trey to take an 83- essentially put the Blue Eagles away in the last 2:16. Joaquin Tovera racked up 15 points, 4 assists, and four rebounds to lead La Salle, which rose to 3-2 and dragged Ateneo to the same record. La Salle, Ateneo, and NU are now in a 3-way tie from second to fourth places.

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX completely overwhelmed a severely undermanned Macau, 138-78 as it picked up from where it left off at the resumption of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Road Warriors, already assured of a playoff berth, took advantage of the Giant Pandas’ depleted roster as they booked their eighth win in 10 starts to regain solo lead in Group A. The foreign guest squad, which showed up without its top gunners, except Kobey Lam, dropped to 2-7 overall. Macau trailed by as many as 60 points in one of the most lopsided contests in years. Schonny Winston led NLEX with 25 points, new import Deonte Burton had 22, 14 rebounds and eight assists in a solid PBA debut in lieu of Dequan Jones, who is out for good after sustaining a broken leg last August. Robert Bolick added 14, while three other Road Warriors had 10 points apiece. Oscar Lopez, taking over the spot vacated by import DeVondre Perry, led Macau with 36 points and 13 rebounds but had eight turnovers. Lam was the only other double-figure scorer for Macau with 22 points, but had 10 turnovers. Macau no longer had top local gunners like big man Ramon Cao, Damian Chongqui, and Jenning Leung as they signed with different teams in the East Asia Super League when the PBA Governors’ Cup went on a seven-week break.

NLEX punched its PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup quartefinal ticket in a record-breaking fashion after a 138-78 victory---the biggest win margin in league history---against a depleted Macau on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Supreme Sha Tin have pulled off an astonishing coup after tempting David Silva out of retirement and into a short-term deal with the ambitious Hong Kong Premier League club. World Cup winner Silva hung up his boots three years ago following an enormously decorated career with Valencia, Manchester City and Real Sociedad. Nonetheless, the 40-year-old was unable to resist the opportunity with newly-promoted Supreme, who this week appointed Englishman Tom Ballantyne as their head coach, and he could...

The reward of a military service exemption for gold medal-winning South Korean athletes could be abolished or reduced in future after public backlash to some controversial comments from winners at the Asian Games. Three players from the men’s football team came under fire for comments following South Korea’s 1-0 win over Japan in the Asian Games final last weekend in Japan. All three apologised but a broader debate had already reignited over whether athletes should receive special treatment for...

National University quickly got back in the win column as it convincingly defeated Adamson University, 85-66, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

MANILA, Philippines -- National University returned to winning form after holding off Adamson University, 85-66, in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday. The Bulldogs went on a 16-5 run capped by a Mo Diassana dunk to seize an 18-point, 82-65 lead and put the Soaring Falcons away with 2:09 left. PJ Palacielo poured 19 points and 8 assists to lead NU, which led by as many as 21 points in the first half before Adamson got within nine, 57-66, in the final canto. Bouncing back from their loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles last Saturday, the Bulldogs rose to 3-2 for third place. The Falcons dropped to 2-2 for a 4-way tie with UP, UST, and La Salle from fourth to seventh places as of posting time.

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament NU def. Adamson (85-66) PJ Palacielo Player of the game #UAAPSeason89

No longer on the Mapua bench, Clint Escamis still knows when his old team needs a lift.

Top seed NLEX alongside four other teams will parade new imports when the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup resumes on Wednesday after a lengthy break.

MANILA, Philippines — Unranked Ella Mhae Paglalunan and fellow Gen. Trias, Cavite standout Raven Licayan powered a sweep of the MVP honors in the Zentro Juniors Age-Group Championships, with Paglalauan completing a two-title romp and Licayan adding a boys’ crown at the Zentro courts and Pulilan Tennis Club in Bulacan. Paglalunan stole the spotlight in the girls’ 16-and-under singles, toppling three seeded rivals on her way to the title before ruling the 14-and-U division as well to emerge as the lone double-gold medalist in the Group 2 tournament sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis Ranking. The rising star from Gen. Trias first disposed of Maxine Chua and Alexa Morales in the opening rounds, then routed No. 4 seed Michaela Suarez, 6-1, before scoring a 6-3, ret. victory over No. 2 Jan Cadee Dagoon in the semifinals. Paglalunan then capped her stunning run with a 6-1, 6-0 demolition of No. 6 seed Lilith Rufino in the championship. Earlier, Paglalunan lived up to her top billing in the girls’ 14-and-U class, dropping just eight games in five matches. She completed the sweep with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Rufino in the final. Licayan likewise emerged as a double finalist and one of the tournament’s two co-MVPs, securing the boys’ 12-and-U crown with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Leonardo Manio III. The Gen. Trias bet, however, fell short in his bid for a second title after yielding to top seed Jan Caleb Villeno, 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, in the boys’ 14-and-U semifinals. Villeno went on to beat Juan Antonio Cablitas, 6-2, 6-1, for the championship. The two Gen. Trias players’ MVP performances highlighted a week-long tournament that drew a maximum field of 256 entries across eight boys’ and girls’ age-group divisions, underscoring junior tennis’ continued growth and popularity. Troan Vytiaco, unseeded Cyrus Javier, Eilythia Comia and Dagoon were the other singles champion in the tournament, backed by ICON Golf & Sports and Palawan Group of Companies, the event marked the resumption of the Palawan Pawnshop junior circuit following another successful swing through Mindanao in September. Vytiaco edged Anthony Cosca, 4-6, 6-1, 5-1, ret., for the boys’ 16-and-U title, while Javier stunned Cosca, 6-0, 6-2, in the boys’ 18-and-U final. Comia turned back Misty Principe, 7-5, 6-3, to rule the girls’ 12-and-U division, while Dagoon bounced back from her 16-and-U setback to regain redemption in the girls’ 18-and-U class, trouncing Suarez, 6-3, 6-3. Licayan also teamed up with Rafael Cablitas to capture the boys’ 14-and-U doubles crown, while Patrice Garcia and Suarez topped the girls’ doubles field in the same age group. Dagoon and Ayl Gonzaga claimed the girls’ 18-and-U doubles plum, while Javier and Raffy Pagtalunan ruled the boys’ side. Morales and Lance Recto completed the list of champions by taking the 14-and-U mixed doubles title. TMT

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxers will begin to hunt for Olympic berths at the World Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan in April next year. The tournament is the first direct qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. A total of 44 total quota spots will be rewarded across 14 Olympic weight categories -- seven each for men and women. Carlo Paalam, the lone Philippine boxer to make the podium at the just concluded Asian Games in Japan, is expected to lead the charge for the Filipino pugs. Paalam claimed a silver medal in the men's 55kg class after a controversial split decision loss to home bet Rui Yamaguchi in Nagoya. Paalam's fellow Olympians Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are seen as the top bets for the Philippines in the women's side. Paalam is a silver medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, while Petecio likewise snared silver in Tokyo and bronze at the 2024 Paris Games. Villegas took her bronze medal in Paris as well. If the Filipino pugs could not secure Olympic berths in Astana, they can still make the Games in three tournaments. Offering Olympic spots are the Asian qualifier in China and two final world qualifying tournaments in 2028. The schedule for the three tournaments hasn't been released yet.

MANILA, Philippines — Having snapped a two-year title drought, Jhonnel Ababa hopes to ride the momentum and growing confidence from his victory last week as he shoots for back-to-back championships in the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship, which blasts off on Oct. 12 in Cagayan de Oro City. Ababa overcame a nerve-wracking, see-saw battle in Iloilo last week, coming from behind with clutch birdies on the final two holes to force a tie with Jeffren Lumbo and then claim his 14th Philippine Golf Tour victory. The triumph was as emotional as it was unexpected. Unlike his previous victory at Apo Golf in 2024, when he prevailed in a sudden-death playoff over Guido van der Valk before a home crowd, Ababa said his Iloilo triumph felt like a blessing that came when he least expected it. He had trailed Lumbo by three heading into the final stretch. With the odds seemingly stacked against him, Ababa could only credit his faith for turning the tide. “God simply gave me this victory. I honestly didn’t expect to win because Jeffren had such a big lead. But God made it possible,” said Ababa in Filipino, who dedicated the victory to his family, including his late wife, Mailyn, and their sons, John Michael and Samuel. Ababa will now be hard-pressed to make it two in a row, with a slew of seasoned campaigners and hungry contenders also determined to shine in the eighth stop of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Among them is Reymon Jaraula, the last player to win at the Pueblo de Oro layout when it hosted a PGT event in 2019. Jaraula edged Tony Lascuña in a dramatic playoff that year and returns to the venue after a strong third-place finish in Iloilo with the Del Monte ace looming as one of the players to watch in the P2.5-million championship. Lascuña, meanwhile, will try to bounce back from a 10th-place finish in Iloilo. He headlines a formidable cast that also includes Zaragosa, Lumbo, van der Valk, Russell Bautista and Angelo Que. The reigning Order of Merit champion, Que likewise hopes to regain top form after a hectic stretch of campaigns at home and abroad. He is chasing a third victory of the season after topping the Caliraya Springs and Summit Point legs. But the Pueblo de Oro field is deep, with recent Negros Occidental leg winner Art Arbole, Russell Bautista joined by Elee Bisera, Francis Morilla,Jay Bayron and Ira Alido, as well as Korean bets Kim Tae Soo, Chon Koo Kang and Lee Song. Also in the mix are US-based Jeremy Tandoy and Ivan Yabut, along with a number of other foreign challengers, setting the stage for another fiercely contested week on the PGT. TMT

Defending champion San Beda Red Lions aim for their fifth straight victrory when they face the Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.  Game time is 5 p.m.  While San Beda seeks to extend its winning run, Perpetual Help will try to avoid its third straight setback after losing back-to-back games against Arellano University and College of St. Benilde.  “We need more players to step up and consistency, and execution of plays we have set, good defense,” said Altas head coach Olsen Racela. Coach Yuri Escueta and his Red Lions, on the other hand, are fresh from a hard-earned 74-65 overtime win over Letran College last Oct. 5.  Escueta will continue to lean on Jomel Puno, Andrei Ugaddan, Lawrence Hawkins, Aldous Torculas, RC Calimag, Bismarck Lina and Jimuel Reyes. Racela, meanwhile, will rely on Mark Gojo Cruz, LA Casinillo, Ray Allen Maglupay, Gelo Gelsano, JM Tulabut, Shawn Orgo, Kenji Duremdes, Aries Borja, Jan Roluna and rookies Jim Corpuz and Kurt Velasquez. Meanwhile, the Junior Altas are gunning for their fifth consecutive win when they clash with the Red Cubs at 12 noon. "After our last game against La Salle Greenhills, we practiced well for this game," said Perpetual Help coach Joph Cleopas.  The Junior Altas, the NCAA Season 100 juniors champion, are currently tied with the Letran Squires in Group B with identical 4-1 records. Defending juniors champion Letran and Lyceum will face off at 10 a.m. while their seniors counterparts collide at 3 p.m.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will not play again in the 2026 season as he seeks to treatment for his ailing right knee, he announced Tuesday.

Lionel Messi delivered one last master class in blue and white on Tuesday as Argentina's captain brought the curtain down on his extraordinary 21-year international career by scoring one goal and setting up two others in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin.

Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” on Tuesday in Buenos Aires after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin. Messi, who scored a goal and provided two assists in the victory at the Monumental Stadium, took to the field after the win to express gratitude to fans and teammates as he reflected on his 21-year career with Argentina. “It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20...

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires. In a perfectly scripted finale, the 39-year-old widely regarded as the greatest football player in history signed off with his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 supporters as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin. Messi, playing in his record-extending 208th international, also provided the assist for the opening goal scored by veteran Nicolas Otamendi, with Nico Paz also scoring. But the match was a footnote to the occasion itself, which saw Messi savoring the adulation of the Monumental Stadium crowd one last time for an event which had been billed as 'The Last Tango'. Beforehand, Messi wiped away tears as the bus carrying him and his Argentina team-mates made its way through crowds of wellwishers en route to the stadium. Messi took the field alongside his three children and received affectionate waves from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, who were watching from a VIP box. Shortly before kick off, a giant Argentina jersey bearing the word "Gracias" (Thank You) above the football superstar's No.10 was laid out on the pitch as the crowd roared their approval. Messi welled up again as Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem beside a banner which read -- "The Malvinas are Argentine" -- the same banner held aloft by players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England. The match was halted in the 10th minute -- in tribute to Messi's famous shirt number -- for a minute-long ovation to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star. He crowned the occasion with a goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. 'Gave it my all' At the final whistle a drone show lit up the night sky above the stadium, showing Messi's image and thanking the eight-time Ballon D'Or-winner for his career. Messi's farewell came two and a half months after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi exited in tears after making little impression in an ill-tempered 1-0 loss. "I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance," Messi wrote at the time. Before Tuesday's game, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate in a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) headquarters. Messi, who has in the past spoken of his regret at not studying more, expressed pride at the distinction. "To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!," he joked. Outside the Argentina Football Association headquarters, fans unfurled a huge Argentine flag with his image inscribed "The joy of my life." Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar paid tribute to the departing champion on X. "It's not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more," he said. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he revealed he may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated. Messi's departure comes four years after his greatest triumph in international football, leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup to end the country's 36-year wait for a third title, cementing his status as Diego Maradona's heir. "I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn't bother me at all that he's leaving. He has more than earned it, let him enjoy himself, let him rest," Cecilia Adriano, 52, told AFP. During his time with the Albiceleste, Argentina won one World Cup, were runners-up twice (Brazil 2014 and North America 2026) and were also crowned Copa America champions in 2021 and 2024.

After completing the interminable process of assembling a world-class coaching team that “knows what it is to win”, Herve Dagorne said he needed to “hurry up” and deliver a champion Hong Kong cyclist before time runs out on his reign. The appointment of two-time Olympic silver medallist Kevin Sireau to lead the city’s sprint squad was the final piece in a particularly tricky jigsaw that head coach Dagorne has been attempting to piece together for the past two years. Also a three-time world...

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala has finally met former Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova. In a social media post, Sharapova shared Eala's guest appearance on her Pretty Tough podcast. Eala’s excitement was clearly visible upon meeting Sharapova in person—one of her biggest idols in the tennis world, from her playing style to her fashion. "Oh my God. Nice to meet you," Eala said in the video posted by Sharapova. Sharapova expressed her gratitude to Eala for taking the time to be part of her podcast. "Look at you. Thank you for finding time for us," Sharapova replied. Sharapova noted that Eala was one of the most highly requested guests by her social media followers. "By very popular demand — and rightfully so … she’s the girl of the moment," Sharapova wrote in her post. TMT

MANILA, Philippines — TNT hopes the long conference break will do the team well as the Tropang 5G try to rev up their title-retention bid in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup with new import Nick Hornsby in tow against Terrafirma on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Following a long, seven-week break to give way to Gilas’ international tournaments, the PBA resumes, something that may have given TNT the needed long time off considering it started the conference without some of its key players. But in the tournament’s resumption, the Tropang 5G are welcoming back sharp shooter Calvin Oftana and veteran Jayson Castro, while Hornsby got some time to adjust with his teammates. Game time is at 7:30 p.m. with TNT shooting for its fifth win in nine games against Terrafirma, which enters the match with a 3-5 card. Both teams are looking for the all important win that can galvanize their Top Four hopes in Group A. NLEX and San Miguel Beer lead the with their similar 7-2 slates, while Converge occupies solo third 5-4.  Only the Top Four advance to the crossover semifinals against Group B's best. The Tropang 5G welcome the 31-year-old Hornsby, who incidentally will be the team’s third import for the conference after Darius Day and Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson. Hornsby is fresh off a stint with the Hangtuah Jakarta in the Indonesian Basketball League, while also playing previously for the coming off a recent stint with the Edmonton Stingers   in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Original import choice Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is still unavailable as he continues the road to recovery since sustaining an Achilles injury while playing for Meralco in the EASL last year. "RHJ still rehabbing. Hopefully, he's ready by quarters," TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said. Meanwhile, NLEX will be gunning for its eighth win in 10 starts under new coach Jimmy Alapag when the team battles Macau at 5:15 p.m. The Road Warriors have been a revelation under Alapag, even though the former crack TNT and Gilas playmaker was named the team’s new coach, a few weeks before the tournament started. NLEX will unveil new import Deonte Burton as he takes the spot of Dequan Jones, who sustained a conference-ending injury last August. The Road Warriors will be facing a decimated Black Pandas with key players Ramon Cao, Damian Chongqui, Jenning Leung, and import DeVondre Perry - reportedly will no longer be with the team.