DIGICEL SPORTSMAX2:12 A.M.: STOKE CITY VS CRYSTAL PALACE5 A.M.: WEST BROM VS BOURNEMOUTH8:30 A.M.: WATFORD VS LIVERPOOL11 A.M.: SWANSEA VS WEST HAM DIGICEL SPORTSMAX2:10 A.M: EVERTON VS LEICESTER CITY12:30 A.M.: NEWCASTLE VS ASTON VILLA10 P.M.: MAN UNITED VS NORWICHDIGICEL SPORTSMAX:5 P.M.: CHELSEA VS SOUTHAMPTONSUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
#JaVotes2016: No cooking gas, no vote
Various party affiliates have, however, been making the rounds in vehicles in an effort to mobilise voters. One resident, who was offered a lift to the polling station told The Gleaner that she refused, as she has no reason to vote. Seventy – five year – old Mercelin Bennett says she will be willing to vote if she was provided with cooking gas. Bennett says she has voted in past elections, but will not yield unless her immediate needs are met, which at this time is gas to prepare her next meal. Voting in the community of Danvers Pen in the St Thomas West constituency is off to a slow start. Most of the persons at the Prospect Primary School polling station in the district are in fact election day workers, with actual voters few and far between.
Dr Paul Wright: Life ban for drug cheats
The news that Liverpool footballer Mamadou Sakho has tested positive for a banned substance comes as a shock to football lovers, and indeed, fans of sport around the world. Sakho tested positive after a Europa League match in which he played the full 90 minutes against Manchester United, helping his side to earn a draw, thus qualifying them for the next round. The banned substance has not been officially released, but information suggests that it is a ‘fat burner’ similar to the drug used by his friend and teammate Kolo Toure, who tested positive in 2011 and received a six-month ban. While Sakho is not banned by the administrative body controlling the Europa League (UEFA), he has been provisionally banned by his club, who now awaits the B sample result and the mandatory investigation. This blot on the integrity of sports is another in the spate of positives from icons in a variety of sports. In December last year, Pakistani leg spinner Yasir Shah tested positive for a banned substance (a diuretic and masking agent) after playing in a one-day international (ODI) against England in Abu Dhabi. Maria Sharapova, a tennis superstar, has admitted to using the banned drug Melindronate (Meldonium) “for years”. And the list seems to be endless. Everybody is looking for an edge. Elite athletes seem to be especially vulnerable to “expert” advice from confidants and medical acquaintances who promise a “boost” that is necessary to compete consistently at the highest level. It seems as if the standard advice from anti-doping agencies that you don’t need dope to cope is falling on deaf ears. The lure of these supplements seems to lie in the promise of “extra energy”, not weight loss as the name suggests. They work by increasing your heart rate and metabolism so that you feel less tired, and in the case of an elite footballer, these drugs allow you to play at a high level of output for 90 minutes. However, taken as supplements, these substances can have devastating effects. DMMA, (DimethoxyNmethylamphetamine and methylhexanamine) have been implicated in the death of a marathon runner in the 2012 London Marathon. I have noticed the spirited attempt at defending athletes who bought a supplement that supposedly guaranteed them faster sprint times but was found to contain methylhexanamine. These athletes were appropriately sanctioned, mainly in the hope of sending a message that would resonate in the local athletic community. One athlete, unfortunately, never competed again, but if memory serves me right, none of the other athletes affected in that sordid episode tested positive again. Message learnt! Sport fans around the world are very wary of some of the astounding performances that we see from time to time. Drug testers are under keen scrutiny as laboratories are being accused of reporting negative results on samples that contain banned substances, while one lab simply threw away the samples. Administrators, doctors, doping control officers, and chemists have all been named and implicated in protecting cheaters. But the fight for clean sport continues. Money seems to be the driving force in the continued effort to win at all costs. I do believe, however, that once anti-doping agencies are given the requisite funding and an appointment to these positions is no longer in the hands of politicians, the fight can be won. Clean sport is possible. Those who are caught cheating have no business in sports. Life bans, after investigation and hearings, must be the new international order.
FIFA suspends Blatter’s right-hand man Valcke
GENEVA (AP): FIFA suspended president Sepp Blatter’s right-hand man Jerome Valcke yesterday and ordered an investigation into alleged unethical conduct, throwing world football’s scandal-scarred governing body into further turmoil. Valcke, FIFA’s secretary general for the past eight years under the embattled Blatter, was hours earlier the subject of allegations over a deal for black market sales of tickets to 2014 World Cup matches. “FIFA today announced that its secretary general, Jerome Valcke, has been put on leave and released from his duties effective immediately until further notice,” the governing body said in a brief statement, which did not specify details. “Further, FIFA has been made aware of a series of allegations involving the secretary general and has requested a formal investigation by the FIFA Ethics Committee.” A call to Valcke’s mobile phone was not answered late yesterday. It was unclear if he was already in Russia, where the 1,000-day countdown to the 2018 World Cup kick-off is being marked today in Red Square, Moscow. The 55-year-old Frenchman’s main duty is overseeing organisation of the world’s most-watched sports event, which earned FIFA around US$5 billion for the 2014 tournament in Brazil. An alleged deal linked to that World Cup threatens to end Valcke’s FIFA career months early. The former television journalist and sports marketing executive has been scheduled to exit on February 26 with Blatter amid American and Swiss investigations of corruption. Earlier yesterday, a former FIFA ticketing partner made allegations about Valcke supplying top-category tickets to matches in Brazil, which were sold at three times face value. The marketing executive, Benny Alon, also made an unproven allegation that Valcke had been prepared to profit personally from the deal. Alon circulated a contract, seen by The Associated Press, to receive 8,750 tickets in the best seats for each World Cup from 2010 to 2018. The Israeli-American showed journalists copies of email correspondence, also seen by the AP, which appeared to show Valcke referring to potential ticket sales as “my pension fund”.
Work on KC track to begin on Monday
GRATEFUL FOR TRACK Kingston College is following in the path of history by breaking ground for its new synthetic running track at the Melbourne campus on Elletson Road yesterday. They will become the second local high school to do so in one year following in the footstep of Calabar High, which opened its track last January. The new track is being facilitated by Bachelor’s family-headed RuJohn Foundation, which has contributed 75 per cent of the US$400,000 estimated cost of construction. Yesterday’s ceremony was well attended by past and current students, as well as political representatives. Work on the track will begin on Monday and is expected to be completed in late February. Byron Bachelor handed over the initial contribution to Byron Ingleton of Pavecom, the company responsible to start the early work on the project. The track will have a full 100m straight, but will measure 350m in complete length, along with international standard curves. This is not the first contribution from the Bachelors, who a year ago helped in building one of two new basketball courts for the North Street-based institution and Byron, along with wife Ingrid and daughter Christine, were all present yesterday. Byron, who represented Kingston College at the Boys Athletics Championships as a part of the successful medley relay team in 1979, where he ran in the preliminary round spoke about his love for Kingston College and giving back. “While at Kingston College, I was encouraged by George Thompson, then coach, that once you give, you will receive and it is not only when you are wealthy you are to give, as whatever you can give early in your life, it will add up big time after a while; and because of my love for the institution I had no problem to give back,” said Byron, who stated that his daughter, Christina played a great part as she had a secret meeting with Principal Dave Myrie, making it known that she wanted to help. The young Bachelor was very ecstatic about her family’s contribution. “I think this is a great project, and it gives us an opportunity from the RuJohn Foundation to touch a lot of lives. I think there is so much talent in Jamaica in track and field and this gives the kids the proper tools to be able to excel to their full potential,” she said. Myrie was thankful in his address. “I must thank RuJohn Foundation for its major role here, along with all others who have contributed. Special thanks to the Florida Old Boys Chapter, led by Audley Hewitt and all the other Old boys locally and overseas. This will definitely go a far way with the preparation of the track team, as this will guarantee less injuries and definitely will result in optimum performance.” he said Also present yesterday were JAAA president Dr Warren Blake; Juliet Campbell representing Puma; Denzil Wilks – chairman of the Sports Development Foundation; and Michael Vaccianna, board chairman of Kingston College.
With family waiting at the finish line, Tara Borlain cruises to last IronKids win
LeBron James scores 31 points, Lakers beat Rockets It was a stark difference from the past years, where Tara and Samantha would always be neck-and-neck en route to their expected 1-2 finish before hugging it out in celebration.READ: Tara Borlain, Juan Baniqued eye fitting end to IronKids stintStill, with Samantha and her parents cheering her on from the sidelines, Tara felt like she was on cloud nine.“It’s actually the best thing I can ask for. When I’m with them, I feel more confident. I got to know myself more because of them,” she said.Dominant since she first started joining the IronKids, Borlain could only smile as she now puts all her attention on her studies in St. Paul University, while still joining some small triathlon events from time-to-time.ADVERTISEMENT View comments Kawhi Leonard, Clippers rally to beat Pelicans MOST READ Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite McGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return As she is about to take her curtain call, Tara left a few words of wisdom to her fellow youth triathletes.“Keep believing in yourself,” she said.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Tara Borlain. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netLAPU-LAPU CITY — Soaking in the cheers, Tara Borlain comfortably crossed the finish line by her lonesome as she once again ruled the girls’ 13-14 category of the 2017 Alaska IronKids Saturday morning at Shangri-La Mactan here.But for the rising triathlete, she was never alone.ADVERTISEMENT Reyes not replacing injured Fajardo in Gilas’ Fiba Asia Cup roster Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Indian national gunned down in Camarines Sur LATEST STORIES 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano ‘I’m out!’: PewDiePie releases last video before taking break from YouTube End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Though older sister Samantha no longer competed in the youth circuit, the middle Borlain sibling felt her family’s support from start to finish as she capped off a decorated IronKids career.READ: Graduating Baniqued, Borlain reign in IronKids anew FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’“Ever since I started, the most important thing I learned is that family is the key. Winning is just in your mind and in your heart, and if you give your best, you’re already a champion. I believe that your family will be the one to push you for that success to happen,” the 14-year-old said.Borlain pulled away from the field early and was hardly threatened as she finished the race in 41:34, almost a full four minutes ahead of her closest pursuant. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
Ebondo, Scorpions move on from tough semis Game 1 loss
LATEST STORIES “Our team has many young players and sometimes, they panic in the crucial moments of the game. But next game, we will just try to be more confident so maybe we can force a Game 3 and go to the Finals.”The Scorpions now that if they want to extend their stint in the Foundation Cup, they have no choice but to fight harder in game 2 on Tuesday.“In basketball, nothing is impossible. We just have to deal with it and focus on the next game. This is a do-or-die for us,” he said. “We just have to come back stronger. We hope that we give our best and play hard to force a Game 3.”ADVERTISEMENT Albay to send off disaster response team to Batangas End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend 2 nabbed in Bicol drug stings Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano warn public of fake account posing as her Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite MOST READ 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano View comments Teen gunned down in Masbate The Congolese big man did all he could, firing 20 points and 27 rebounds in the defeat. Unfortunately, he had the ignominy of being the one to commit the charging foul on Gab Banal in the waning seconds that took the fight out of the Scorpions.Still, Ebondo lauded CEU’s efforts after they came just within breaks away from dealing Flying V its first loss of the conference.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’“We just wanted to give them their first loss. We really played hard, but we just have to move on and adjust next game. We want to be more mature, especially in the end game,” he said.Ebondo also seeks to be more of a veteran as he wants to calm his fellow teammates in the clutch. Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Rod Ebondo. PBA IMAGESSeeing his herculean effort go down the drain, Rod Ebondo opted to move on rather than dwell on Centro Escolar University’s sorry 65-61 Game 1 loss to Flying V in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup semifinals on Thursday.“This is basketball. We can’t say anything about it. It just happened,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT PBA opens doors to 2017 draft applicants
FEU rolls to 3rd straight win, routs UP
Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments With that in mind, the Tamaraws held the Fighting Maroons to just four triples and 31 percent shooting (23-of-73) from the field.Ron Dennison, who hounded Paul Desiderio throughout the game, led FEU with 16 points to go along with seven rebounds.Richard Escoto added 12 points to the Tamaraws’ cause while Prince Orizu had eight points 14 rebounds, and two blocks.Ibrahim Ouattara paced UP with 17 points, 13 boards, and two blocks while rookie Juan Gomez De Liaño added 16 points.After finishing with a career-high 30 points against the Green Archers, Desiderio struggled, converting four of his 12 field goal attempts for nine points.ADVERTISEMENT Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netFar Eastern University picked up a big win after blowing out University of the Philippines, 78-59, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.The Tamaraws streaked to its third straight win for a 4-2 record to move up to solo third while the Fighting Maroons dropped to fourth with a 3-2 slate.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. How to help the Taal evacuees Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene In ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ Comedy and Drama Collide
LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. DAY6 is for everybody OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson After UP staged a quick 6-0 run to cut the deficit to 10, 58-48, the Tamaraws pulled all the stops and unleashed a brutal 16-0 counter with Jasper Parker capping it off with a corner triple for a 74-48 lead with 2:50 left.FEU head coach Olsen Racela said the offense wasn’t the first thing they thought of to repel UP’s scoring splurge, but a well-executed defensive plan.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smog“I always tell them that when a team makes a run, we should focus on stops and normally when a team goes on a run they want to score immediately,” said Racela. “So we focused on stops, and it’s a good thing they responded.”FEU was aware of its opponent’s hot shooting, something the Fighting Maroons displayed in a stunning victory over defending champion La Salle in a game where they put up 16 three-pointers. Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Los Angeles Sparks a win away from repeating as WNBA champs Mos Burger to open in Manila; teases with a pop-up It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson
Kai Sotto juggles basketball, studies during Batang Gilas’ Fiba Asia stint
The MVP votes are due, and let the annual debate begin Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ View comments Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC Kai Sotto. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netNot even attending to academic obligations kept Kai Sotto from playing true to form in the Philippines’ successful stint in the Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship.Sotto was the lone player from Batang Gilas allowed to use his cellphone throughout the team’s campaign in Foshan, China as he needed to finish his school work.ADVERTISEMENT Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’
Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew MOST READ True to his word, Sotto delivered as he averaged 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game to lead Batang Gilas to a fourth-place finish and a spot in the Fiba U-17 Basketball World Cup.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES The team has a no-cellphone policy during the course of the tournament to keep the players away from any distractions.The Ateneo standout admitted it wasn’t easy having to prepare himself for the game and meet his academic requirements at the same time.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown“Before Fiba Asia we learned that I have summer classes. It’s hard because after every practice and game, every night I had to ask for my cellphone and some were wondering why I’m allowed to get my phone and they’re not,” said Sotto in Filipino.“It’s not that easy but I know that I will give everything because that’s the promise I told to myself that no matter what happens, I will give my 100 percent.”
PH boxer Moralde overcomes early knockdown, deals Ugandan foe 1st loss
Dave Chappelle donates P1 million to Taal relief operations LATEST STORIES Japan’s Nishikori plays 1st Grand Slam match since Wimbledon Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ China population now over 1.4 billion as birthrate falls Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Weinstein rape trial Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Winfrey details her decision to withdraw from Simmons film Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS) PLAY LIST 02:11SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)04:07SEA Games: John Marvin 1st Filipino boxer to crash out, bows to Vietnam bet03:24PH’s James Palicte boxing light welterweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award The 24-year-old Moralde earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory, 76-74, 76-74, 77-73, to improve his record to 20-1, with 10 knockouts after coming off a loss to American Toka Kahn Clary five months ago in Rhode Island.Muwendo, 29, was dealt with his first setback after starting his professional career with 19 wins, 12 coming by knockout.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownThe eight-rounder fought at a catchweight of 132 pounds was part of the undercard of the Jerwin Ancajas-Jonas Sultan main event that featured two Filipinos in a world title fight for the first time in 93 years.Ancajas dominated Sultan en route to a unanimous decision win, 119-109, 119-109, 117-111. Filipino John Moralde shook off an early knockdown to beat Ismail Muwendo of Uganda Sunday (Manila time) at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California, USA.Moralde recovered after getting dropped in the first round and returned the favor to Muwendo, who tasted the canvas in the fifth round.ADVERTISEMENT View comments