Record-breaking Messi scores twice as Barcelona hammer Real Sociedad, 6-1

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Lionel Messi celebrated becoming Barcelona’s highest appearance maker of all time by scoring twice as his rampant side crushed Real Sociedad (6-1) away in La Liga on Sunday with a stunning team display.

Pro hoops commissioner is PSA’s executive of the year awardee

LOCAL professional basketball league commissioner Willie Marcial is the recipient of this year’s Executive of the Year award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).

Dončić’s 3-pointer barrage leads Mavs past Blazers

LUKA Dončić matched his career best of eight 3-pointers and scored 37 points in just three quarters as the Dallas Mavericks steamrolled the host Portland Trail Blazers (132-92) on Sunday night.

Matt Jones ends ‘tough’ 7-year drought with Honda triumph

AUSTRALIAN Matt Jones won the Honda Classic on Sunday to end a seven-year drought on the PGA Tour and turn the page on what he said was at times a challenging stretch in his career.

International spectators to be barred from Olympics

TOKYO — International spectators will not be allowed to enter Japan for this summer’s Olympic Games amid public concerns over coronavirus, organizers said on Saturday, crushing many fans’ hopes and setting the stage for a drastically scaled-back event.

IBF super flyweight champ Jerwin Ancajas raring to get it going in ring return

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas has not fought in more than a year, which is why in his ring return next month he is all in and ready.

National athletes’ Tokyo Summer Olympic preparation continues

A CLOUD of uncertainty still hovers on the staging of the Olympic Games in Tokyo this year, but Team Philippines’ preparation for the sporting spectacle continues.

James-less Lakers

By Anthony L. Cuaycong
There’s no question that LeBron James continues to be the National Basketball Association’s most influential star. Even at an old 36 and close to the end of a distinguished career, he remains the biggest name on the marquee. He once again led all players in All-Star votes, and his jersey is number one in sales. Even his “moments” are the most coveted; he has the top four and six of the top eight Top Shot collectibles. Meanwhile, he’s the engine that makes the Lakers, defending champions, run smoothly. His on-off numbers are among the highest in the league, with the purple and gold a decided net negative in his absence.

Rudy Gobert swats nine shots as Jazz rout Bulls

RUDY Gobert had 21 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high nine blocked shots, and the Utah Jazz pulled away for a 120-95 win over the host Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

Olympics – Tokyo organizers to bar most international volunteers

TOKYO — Tokyo Olympic organizers said on Monday that Japan would not allow in volunteers from overseas except for some who are deemed essential, after it decided to bar international spectators amid public concerns over the novel coronavirus.

Bike and plant for Sarangani Bay protected seascape 

More than 500 bikers from Soccsksargen Region took part in the recent bike and plant activity marking the 25th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS).

MPBL stands by decision not to allow Basilan Steel to play in Subic ‘bubble’

THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is standing by its decision not to allow Basilan-Jumbo Plastic Steel in the recent playoffs of the league done in a “bubble” setting inside the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Zambales.