Japan Times: Sports

Lucroy, Brewers pile more misery on Zito

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:10:00 PDT

Put Jonathan Lucroy anywhere in the lineup this season, and he's hit the ball well.
Put Barry Zito in Miller Park, and he struggles.

Honda delivers vintage performance in return

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:11:00 PDT

Coach Alberto Zaccheroni hailed Keisuke Honda as Japan's "extra man" after the CSKA Moscow star delivered a typically robust display on his long-awaited return to the team in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifying tuneup.
Honda, back with the Asian champions after an injury-enforced nine-month absence, helped set up a cracking opener for Shinji Kagawa three minutes before halftime and created the second for Shinji Okazaki to earn top marks from Zaccheroni.

Sixers force Game 7

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:12:00 PDT

The buzz at the start was for Allen Iverson's ceremonial return.
By the end, more than 20,000 fans were on their feet and going wild for Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala and the rugged-and-determined play that kept the eighth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers alive for at least one more game.

Miyaichi makes cut for qualifiers

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:13:00 PDT

Burgeoning Arsenal talent Ryo Miyaichi made the cut Thursday as Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni named a 25-man squad for three upcoming final-round World Cup qualifiers against Oman, Jordan and Australia.
The 19-year-old Miyaichi, one of three players to win their first caps in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Azerbaijan in Shizuoka, got the nod but there was no place for the more experienced Jungo Fujimoto, who was unavailable for selection for Wednesday's game due to club commitments with Nagoya Grampus.

Haslem gets one-game ban for foul

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:14:00 PDT

Heat forward Udonis Haslem has been suspended by the NBA for Game 6 of the Miami-Indiana series.
Haslem committed a flagrant foul against Indiana's Tyler Hansbrough during the second quarter of Game 5 on Tuesday night, shortly after Hansbrough struck Miami's Dwyane Wade and opened a cut over his right eye.

Baltimore's Wada begins rehab work

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:15:00 PDT

The Baltimore Orioles' Tsuyoshi Wada started on his long road back to full health Wednesday, beginning rehab work on his surgically repaired left elbow.
The 31-year-old Wada, who was sidelined before throwing a single pitch in the majors, is expected to be out for at least a year.

Usami to go on loan to Hoffenheim

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:16:00 PDT

Japan Under-23 international Takashi Usami is to join German Bundesliga club Hoffenheim this summer on a one-year loan deal from Gamba Osaka, Hoffenheim said Wednesday on its official Website.
Usami, who endured a frustrating spell on loan with Bayern Munich since joining from Gamba last summer, has the option of joining Hoffenheim permanently next year.

Dragons blank Eagles

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:17:00 PDT

Yudai Kawai three-hit the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles over eight shutout innings as the Chunichi Dragons won 3-0 in interleague action Thursday.
Kawai (2-1) allowed the Eagles just a single and a pair of infield hits during a 111-pitch outing before handing the baton to closer Hitoski Iwase, who pitched a perfect ninth to collect his 17th save.

Namizato involvement casts cloud over Golden Kings' win

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:18:00 PDT

Ryukyu Golden Kings' 2011-12 championship memorabilia are now proudly displayed throughout Okinawa, what with the team dethroning the Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix in Sunday's title game. At the same time, the long summer of discontent has already arrived.
And it's not even June 1 yet.

Trainer O'Neill may face suspension

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:19:00 PDT

Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O'Neill could be facing up to a six-month suspension when the California Horse Racing Board meets to discuss a case involving one of his horses testing for a high level of total carbon dioxide in 2010.
The board meets in a closed session Thursday at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, where O'Neill's stable is based. He won't attend the meeting that occurs on the same day he turns 44.

Morita sweeps into quarterfinals

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:20:00 PDT

Ayumi Morita booked her spot in the quarterfinals of the Internationaux de Strasbourg by defeating Virginie Razzano of France on Wednesday.
Morita dismissed the 115th-ranked Razzano in just under an hour and 20 minutes, converting five of 10 possible break points en route to a 6-1, 6-3 victory.

Evessa split with coach Blackwell

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:21:00 PDT

The Osaka Evessa have decided not to renew coach Ryan Blackwell's contract, The Japan Times learned late Wednesday night.
Team manager Keisuke Hirose informed Blackwell of ownership's decision on Wednesday. This came after Blackwell had detected Osaka general manager Hirotaro Nomamoto's demeanor was different at the Final Four last weekend at Ariake Colosseum than it had been throughout his two years as head coach. It appeared the GM was uncomfortable being around him now, Blackwell said.

Devils keep composure after blowing lead to edge Rangers

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:22:00 PDT

The Devils turned a stellar first nine minutes and an opportunistic final five into a stirring victory over the Rangers that moved New Jersey within one win of a trip to the Stanley Cup finals.
Suddenly, No. 1 seed New York is on the brink — again.

Nadal looking to make history at French Open

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:23:00 PDT

Rafael Nadal could become the first man to win seven Roland Garros titles, but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard's history-making campaign.
Ever since the early, members-only French championships were thrown open to foreign players in 1925, no man has won the title more than six times, a feat Nadal shares with Bjorn Borg after his 2011 victory.