Nishimura surges ahead at LPGA Arkansas

Manila Times - Sep 26, 2026

ROGERS, Arkansas — Yuna Nishimura had a big finish to her front and back nines Friday (Saturday in Manila) for an 8-under 63 that carried her to a one-shot lead in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship as the LPGA Tour got back to its regular schedule following the Solheim Cup. Nishimura, a six-time winner on the Japan LPGA now in her fourth year on the LPGA Tour, closed out the front nine at Pinnacle Country Club with three straight birdies. Even better was the finish, birdie-eagle for a one-shot lead over         Yu Liu. “I really went for the last putt. I wanted to make it so I kind of went aggressively and it went in, so I’m hoping it’s going to continue tomorrow,” Nishimura said. Europe once again had the upper hand among the Solheim Cup players, even if there won’t be a score to settle for two more years. Celine Boutier and Charley Hull each had a 65, while Lottie Woad had a 66. The eight players from Europe’s winning Solheim Cup team all broke par. Auston Kim and Andrea Lee had the top scores from the US team at 67. “I feel like you’re in bit of a downer...

Read full article

More News

Pereira makes history with stunning 200m victory, Yan blows away field at Asian Games

Sep 27, 2026

Pereira makes history with stunning 200m victory, Yan blows away field at Asian Games

Most of Sunday’s athletics events at the Asian Games were seen by many as background noise to the women’s javelin clash between China sensation Yan Ziyi and Japan’s Haruka Kitaguchi, although don’t dare suggest that to Singapore’s Shanti Pereira. While the much-anticipated throwing competition was ultimately as damp as the rain that blanketed Nagoya for much of the day, Pereira’s breathless victory in the women’s 200m was everything sprinting is supposed to be. The 30-year-old’s successful...

A'ja Wilson wins AP WNBA Player of the Year for 3rd straight year; Angel Reese top defensive player

Sep 27, 2026

A'ja Wilson wins AP WNBA Player of the Year for 3rd straight year; Angel Reese top defensive player

NEW YORK — A'ja Wilson is in a class by herself, winning the AP's WNBA Player of the Year award for an unprecedented third straight year. Wilson received 15 of the 17 first-place votes from a national media panel Sunday. She topped Olivia Miles of Minnesota as well as Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell of Indiana, who all had stellar seasons. “It’s big. It's an honor for me to do it three times in a row. It’s not easy,” Wilson said in a phone interview. “My counterparts in this league are really good. I don’t take it lightly because of how much talent we do have in this league." It's the fourth time that Wilson has won the AP award, breaking a tie with Breanna Stewart for most since the awards were first given in 2016. “That’s got a nice ring to it,” Wilson said. “That’s pretty cool.” The AP voting is done by a 17-member panel that votes on the power poll each week. It’s the 11th year of the awards. The WNBA will announce its postseason awards over the course of the playoffs, which begin Sunday. Wilson is a huge favorite to win the WNBA MVP for the third straight season. Wilson once again led the league in scoring (26.2) while shooting nearly 53% from the field. She also averaged 9.4 rebounds, a career-best 3.2 assists and 1.9 blocks. Angel Reese dethroned Wilson as the AP Defensive Player of the Year. Wilson had won the award in three of the last four seasons. Reese made the most of her move to Atlanta this offseason. She was third in the league in steals and had the versatility to guard most positions defensively. She also topped the league in rebounds for the third consecutive season. Miles had an incredible first season and was honored as the AP Rookie of the Year as a unanimous choice. The No. 2 pick in the draft by the Lynx averaged 19.8 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds to help Minnesota finish with the best record in the league. She set the WNBA record for points by a rookie, surpassing Clark's from 2024. Miles was joined on the AP All-Rookie team by Dallas' Azzi Fudd, Chicago's Sydney Taylor, Seattle's Flau'jae Johnson, New York's Pauline Astier and Toronto's Kiki Rice. Wilson, Clark, Miles and Mitchell headlined the AP All-WNBA first team. They were joined by New York's Stewart. Reese was on the second team along with teammate Rhyne Howard, Dallas' Paige Bueckers, Las Vegas' Jackie Young and Golden State's Gabby Williams. Other AP winners included: — Coach of the Year: Cheryl Reeve. It's the third time the Lynx coach has won the award, also being honored in 2020 and 2024. She guided the team to the No. 1 seed in the playoffs while it was missing superstar Napheesa Collier for the first half of the season when she recovered from offseason surgery on both her ankles. Reeve beat out Golden State's Natalie Nakase and Washington's Sydney Johnson. — Comeback Player of the Year: Clark. The Fever guard missed much of last season with a variety of injuries. She came back strong this year, playing in 40 games. She averaged 22.3 points, 8.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds. Washington's Georgia Amoore and Chicago's Courtney Vandersloot also received votes. — Most Improved Player: Jessica Shepard. The Dallas Wings forward came to the team as a free agent and excelled. Shepard averaged career highs in points (14.5), rebounds (11.1), assists (5.3) and minutes (31.7). Shepard had six triple-doubles this season. Washington's Shakira Austin and Seattle Dominique Malonga were next in the balloting. — Sixth Woman of the Year: Janelle Salaun. The Valkyries forward came off the bench in all 40 games she played this season and averaged 12.7 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 39.2% from behind the 3-point line. She led all reserves in scoring this season and the Golden State bench averaged over 36 points a game. Marine Johannes of New York was next in the voting.

China’s Wang Manyu beats Sun Yingsha in women’s singles table tennis final at Asian Games

Sep 27, 2026

China’s Wang Manyu beats Sun Yingsha in women’s singles table tennis final at Asian Games

China’s Wang Manyu beat compatriot and defending champion Sun Yingsha in the women’s singles final at the Asian Games on Sunday to cement her position as the sport’s new table tennis queen. Wang’s win came days after she displaced Sun at the top of the world rankings. China also enjoyed success in the men’s doubles final, with Huang Youzheng and Lin Shidong beating Japan’s Harimoto Tomokazu and Shinozuka Hiroto 4-2. Wang reclaimed the title she last won at the Jakarta Asian Games in 2018,...

Three talking points from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Sep 27, 2026

Three talking points from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

He did not win, but in finishing within a whisker of George Russell's triumphant Mercedes on Saturday, Max Verstappen showed he could be a factor in this year's drivers' title race. With at least seven races to go, depending on the survival of the season-ending events in the Middle East, the four-time champion's pace and commitment in his resurgent Red Bull could upset Mercedes' supremacy. As championship leader Kimi Antonelli showed signs of vulnerability in Baku, even with a 66-point cushion, AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from Saturday's dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix: - Verstappen remains a force - Having signed a new contract to settle his future and driving a car that is rapidly improving, Verstappen is chasing a long-awaited 72nd victory. He has not won since last year's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and is in danger of completing a season winless for the first time since he joined Red Bull 10 years ago. Given McLaren's inconsistency and Ferrari's recent decline, he and team-mate Isack Hadjar can emerge as the chief threat to Mercedes as the F1 circus flies to Asia for a Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia followed by the Singapore race. "I was close and it was fun," said Verstappen after a strong drive from eighth on the grid to finish less than two-tenths adrift of Russell. "For most of the race, we were on the wrong tires because the medium, unfortunately, didn't work like a lot of people expected. "Once we swapped to the soft, you could see George and I were pulling away. Can we win a race? We'll keep trying, and we'll see what happens!" Hadjar returned from injury to finish third. "The car is great," he said. "This weekend it was the second-fastest. I took it easy to avoid the walls and it was my comeback." "I had the better grip, but honestly I was fine to sit behind Max. Third was my target and I'm satisfied." With a power unit that the team has developed into one of the strongest, Red Bull could shake up the run-in. - Briatore ponders Colapinto future - Alpine team boss Flavio Briatore said he will reflect before deciding what action to take after Franco Colapinto's "rush of blood" crash into his team-mate Pierre Gasly, who then smashed into world champion Lando Norris's McLaren, wiping all three out of the race. It cost Alpine a solid points haul. Norris called for a one-race ban for Colapinto but race stewards settled for a 10-second time penalty, converted into a five-place grid drop for the next race. "I feel very sorry for the team and for Pierre and my apologies also go to Lando and McLaren for ruining their race," said Briatore. "I know that Franco has taken full responsibility for it, as he should -- he braked far too late considering the context of the race and the safety car restart. It was a very poor move for a driver of his experience. "I want to take time to reflect and consider what action should be taken." The Argentine driver was fortunate to keep his seat this year and Briatore will surely consider alternatives for 2027. - Russell can press Antonelli - Kimi Antonelli faces a test of his composure and emotions after Mercedes team-mate Russell ramped up the pressure for the run-in. The 20-year-old Italian's 66-point lead looks solid enough, but Russell returned to winning form with his first 'grand slam' of pole position, fastest lap and leading from lights to flag. "I never lost faith in myself," said Russell, after his eighth career win. "Even in the tough moments. So I am confident and I've been on the front row of the grid in three of the last four races and had three podiums. I can fight for victory now, week in and week out."

China’s Zhu Yuanling wins street skateboarding – just the latest teen winner at Asian Games

Sep 27, 2026

China’s Zhu Yuanling wins street skateboarding – just the latest teen winner at Asian Games

China’s 15-year-old Zhu Yuanling won gold in the women’s street skateboarding competition at the Asian Games on Sunday, the latest in a series of young winners at this edition of the continental multi-sport event. Zhu’s win came a day after Japanese primary school student Yuki Kurihara, 11, demolished opponents three times his age on the way to a historic gold in esports. Earlier in the Games, Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 13, became one of the faces of the event with three golds, all in record...

China’s Zhu Yuanling wins street skateboarding – just the latest teen winner at Asian Games

Sep 27, 2026

China’s Zhu Yuanling wins street skateboarding – just the latest teen winner at Asian Games

China’s 15-year-old Zhu Yuanling won gold in the women’s street skateboarding competition at the Asian Games on Sunday, the latest in a series of young winners at this edition of the continental multi-sport event. Zhu’s win came a day after Japanese primary school student Yuki Kurihara, 11, demolished opponents three times his age on the way to a historic gold in esports. Earlier in the Games, Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 13, became one of the faces of the event with three golds, all in record...

Asian Games organizers fend off bed-size complaints in Nagoya

Sep 27, 2026

Asian Games organizers fend off bed-size complaints in Nagoya

Complaints about cramped rooms and small beds surfaced on social media from athletes staying in the modular units, as organizers get flak for not building a traditional Athletes' Village.

Nichola Yuen loses 10lb claim with ‘surprise’ treble as Pierre Ng takes trainers’ title lead

Sep 27, 2026

Nichola Yuen loses 10lb claim with ‘surprise’ treble as Pierre Ng takes trainers’ title lead

Apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu continued a season full of milestones with her first Hong Kong treble at Sha Tin on Sunday which saw her claim reduced to 7lb. Perhaps fittingly, she claimed both accolades by edging out Zac Purton with a masterful ride to get Aeroinvincible from pillar to post in the Class Three Kestrel Handicap (1,400m). “It was a very tight finish, I thought I lost the race. I was riding against Zac Purton again and I beat him again, sorry not sorry,” Yuen joked. “Quite a few...

PNVF acknowledges Bagunas' concerns, vows to be better

Sep 27, 2026

PNVF acknowledges Bagunas' concerns, vows to be better

MANILA, Philippines -- The Phlippine National Volleyball Federation acknowledged the grievances of Alas Pilipinas team captain Bryan Bagunas in an interview following the national team's 16-25, 25-27, 22-25 opening loss to South Korea in the 20th Asian Games men's volleyball tournament in Japan Sunday. Bagunas said that the team lacked in financial support to the point that players have to shoulder expenses from their personal pockets and even borrow money. "We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr. Bagunas in his recent interview," the PNVF wrote in a statement.  "We recognize the sacrifices our athletes have made, including having to shoulder their own expenses and, in some instances, borrow money. This is a situation that no National Athlete should ever have to endure." Led by president Frank Lao, the PNVF said that it will work harder to cater to the needs of the athletes.  "Our national athletes deserve a Federation that works just as hard for them as they battle for our country. Our athletes deserve better. Philippine volleyball deserves better. And we will work tirelessly to deliver better." PNVF shared that it inherited financial burden from the previous administration led by Tonyboy Liao, making it hard for the federation to function. "When President Frank Lao assumed leadership of PNVF in August 2026, he inherited a Federation burdened with substantial financial liabilities and outstanding obligations," the PNVF shared. "While there have been reports of funding received by the PNVF from various sources, the current leadership is in the midst of a comprehensive inventory and accounting of its financial records, including reconciling funds previously received and determining their corresponding disbursements.  "We remain committed to establishing a clear and accurate picture of the Federation's financial position and ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of its resources." The PNVF said these problems don't excuse the federation to cater to the urgent needs of the athletes today, though. Hence, Lao used his personal funds to provide allowances to the men's national team. This contradicts Bagunas' claims that the national team has only been receiving allowances from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and not from the PNVF. "President Frank Lao has personally advanced funds to address many of the immediate concerns raised by our National Teams. In particular, before their departure for the Asian Games, President Lao personally provided allowances to the men's national team," the PNVF said. "He also facilitated the necessary ticketing and visa requirements to ensure that certain members of the National Team would be available to participate in the Asian Games.  Furthermore, when the National Team requested an additional round-trip ticket for one of its members, the Federation accommodated the request. These are among the measures undertaken by the current leadership to address the immediate needs of our athletes while working toward more sustainable solutions. Nevertheless, we agree with Mr. Bagunas. These efforts are not enough."

Invincible Ibis exceeds Mark Newnham’s expectations with thrilling first-up win in Celebration Cup

Sep 27, 2026

Invincible Ibis exceeds Mark Newnham’s expectations with thrilling first-up win in Celebration Cup

Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Invincible Ibis exceeded trainer Mark Newnham’s expectations on his return to record a thrilling victory in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Handing Newnham and jockey Luke Ferraris back-to-back wins in the HK$4.2 million feature, Invincible Ibis ran on strongly from midfield and held off a late burst from Galaxy Patch to score by a neck. The son of Hellbent made a statement in his return from last season, which saw him claim Champion...

Asian Games: PNVF admits efforts to support Alas Pilipinas Men 'not enough', vows to address athletes' financial woes

Sep 27, 2026

Asian Games: PNVF admits efforts to support Alas Pilipinas Men 'not enough', vows to address athletes' financial woes

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) admitted to its shortcomings in financially supporting its athletes after Alas Men veteran Bryan Bagunas raised concerns over the lack of allowances in their Asian Games campaign.

Bryan Bagunas laments lack of support for Alas Pilipinas

Sep 27, 2026

Bryan Bagunas laments lack of support for Alas Pilipinas

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas team captain Bryan Bagunas has voiced deep frustration over the national team's financial struggles, revealing that players have not received their allowances since July and have resorted to borrowing money just to commute to training. The revelation came shortly after the squad's straight-sets loss to Japan, where Bagunas scored a team-high 15 points. Speaking on behalf of the squad, the team captain highlighted how the financial strain is hurting player morale and training attendance, particularly for younger student-athletes. "It’s really sad because we represent the country, but we don’t feel the support meant for us. I’m really affected, especially for the younger players," Bagunas shared. He added that the lack of transportation funds often prevents players from attending practice, sometimes leaving as few as seven or eight athletes on the court. The financial burden has followed the squad overseas. While in Japan for their campaign, players have had to pay out-of-pocket for basic necessities like meals when training schedules clash with hotel dining hours. Outside of basic Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) allowances, Bagunas noted that team members are forced to shoulder their own daily expenses. The current national team roster retains the same core lineup from the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, now competing in the Asian Games. The squad is led by heavy hitters Bagunas and Marck Espejo, outside hitters Buds Buddin and Jude Garcia, and opposite spikers Leo Ordiales and John Lirck Mendoza. The national team's financial complaints follow recent administrative changes within the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), which elected businessman Frank Lao as its new president.

Recommended