Sports — International

NBA: Pistons lose guard Jackson for six to eight weeks

CHICAGO, United States (AFP) — Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson has suffered a severe right ankle sprain and will miss the next six to eight weeks of the NBA season before being re-evaluated, the NBA club announced Wednesday. Jackson sustained the injury midway into the third quarter of Tuesday’s 107-83 home victory over the Indiana Pacers, immediately dropping to the court in pain. The 27-year-old backcourt standout could not put any pressure on the leg and was […]

NHL, New York Rangers give back to South Bronx Community

  By Tennie Sumague EBC Sports International, New York Bureau NEW YORK (Eagle News) –Preparations for the 2018 Bridgestone Winter Classic showdown between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers are underway, with the National Hockey League (NHL)  busy holding events around New York City leading to the marquee game at Citifield on New Year’s Day. As part of the Winter Classic Legacy Project, the league and the New York Rangers, in partnership with […]

Embiid, 76ers outlast Porzingis, Kanter and Knicks

  By Tennie Sumague EBC New York Bureau NEW YORK (Eagle News Service) — Joel Embiid and Kristaps Porzingis, two of the NBA’s most promising players, faced off as the visiting Philadelphia 76ers battled against the New York Knicks. The much-hyped matchup between “the Process” and “the Unicorn” grabbed the media’s attention but it was the Knicks Enes Kanter and 76ers reserve point guard T.J. McDonnell’s performances that stole the show. McDonnell capitalized on a […]

NBA: Mirotic comes off the bench to power Bulls over Bucks

LOS ANGELES. United States (AFP) — Chicago forward Nikola Mirotic came off the bench to score 24 points and spark the visiting Bulls over Milwaukee 115-106 in an NBA matchup Tuesday. The 26-year-old Montenegro-born Spaniard made 9-of-18 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range, and grabbed eight rebounds to spark the Bulls to their 11th win in 33 games. “Great game by us. We really stepped up,” Mirotic said. “We’re moving in the right […]

Saudi chess PR gambit checked by controversies

by Alison Tahmizian Meuse Agence France-Presse DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Saudi Arabia brushed aside rulings from top clerics to host a big money chess tournament, but the gambit to improve the kingdom’s image has been jolted by regional powerplays. The landmark event and its record $2 million (1.7 million euro) prize pot come as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman looks to repackage his oil-rich nation as more welcoming — and moderate. But a […]

Smith denied as England hit back with five wickets

MELBOURNE, Australia (AFP) – Australia skipper Steve Smith was denied his fourth straight Boxing Day Test century on Wednesday as England fought back with five wickets to leave the hosts at 326 for eight at lunch on day two. England, already an irretrievable 3-0 down in the five-match series, dismissed Smith, Mitchell and Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine and Jackson Bird to take five for 82 in the first session in baking temperatures. Debutant Tom Curran celebrated his […]

NBA: League says refs missed three late Durant fouls, one by LeBron

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — An NBA “last two minutes” game report reviewing referee calls released Tuesday said officials missed two late Kevin Durant fouls and another by LeBron James in a controversial finish Monday. Defending champion Golden State defeated Cleveland 99-92 in a rematch of the past three NBA Finals. It also marked the third year in a row the teams have played on the holiday. James complained about being fouled twice by […]

Golf: Els still trying to qualify after honorary Masters invite

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) – Four-time major winner Ernie Els clarified his status for the 2018 Masters on Tuesday, saying he is still working to qualify after receiving an honorary invitation to Augusta National next April. A five-year qualifying spot in the Masters from his 2012 British Open triumph ended this year for the 48-year-old South African. Els received an honorary invitation to appear at Augusta National during Masters week in 2018 rather than being granted […]

Golf: Els receives special invitation to Masters: reports

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Four-time major champion Ernie Els has received a special exemption to compete in next year’s Masters golf tournament, multiple websites reported Monday. Golfweek, Golf Digest and Golf magazine reported that his management had confirmed the 48-year-old South African had been given a special entry into the field for next April’s major championship at Augusta National Golf Club. “Thank you for a Great present! @TheMasters Can’t wait!” Els tweeted on Sunday […]

NBA: Durant, Thompson lead Warriors over Cavaliers

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — Kevin Durant scored 25 points, Klay Thompson added 24 and both made crucial plays in the final seconds Monday, lifting the NBA champion Golden State Warriors over Cleveland 99-92. In a rematch of the NBA Finals that marked their third consecutive meeting on the holiday, the host Warriors won for the 12th time in 13 games to reach 27-7 while the Cavaliers fell to 24-10. Golden State grabbed a […]

NBA: Embiid, Redick lead 76ers over Knicks

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — Joel Embiid scored 25 points and grabbed 16 rebounds while J.J. Redick added 24 points to power the Philadelphia 76ers over host New York 105-98 on Monday. Redick sank four 3-pointers while Australian Ben Simmons, who finished with only eight points, made a steal and breakaway slam dunk with 66 seconds remaining to give the 76ers an eight-point cushion. The Sixers’ victory at Madison Square Garden was the opener of five […]

NBA: Lakers’ Ball sprains left shoulder

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball is out of the lineup after suffering a sprained left shoulder in Saturday’s NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Ball will not play in the Lakers’ Christmas Day matchup against Minnesota and is expected to be re-evaluated by team doctors in one week, the club announced on Sunday. Ball returned to the court on Saturday after initially suffering the injury when he collided with […]