King’s 21 helps Adelaide win second straight
ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC):All-rounder Stacy-Ann King shone, albeit briefly, but her Adelaide Strikers were still strong enough to beat West Indies teammate Deandra Dottin’s Perth Scorchers by 35 runs in the Women’s Big Bash here on New Year’s Eve.Opting to bat first at Adelaide Oval, the hosts rattled up 135 for six off their 20 overs, with King stroking a run-a-ball 21 in a 50-run opening stand with Sarah Taylor who top-scored with 48 off 37 balls.King struck three fours before perishing in the seventh over, leg before wicket to left-arm seamer Katie-Jane Hartshorn who finished with two for 20.Sophie Devine chipped in with a run-a-ball 32, posting 41 for the third wicket with Taylor.In reply, the Scorchers were dismissed for 100 in the last over, to lose their third straight game in the inaugural tournament.Jenny Wallace struck 29 from 33 deliveries but no other batsman managed to make it past 15.Dottin looked to be getting into stride when she stroked three boundaries in reaching 13 off 11 balls but was third out in the fifth over with the score on 30.Fast bowler Megan Schutt (3-11) and 18-year-old seamer Amanda Wellington (3-13) both wrecked the innings with incisive spells as Strikers won their second straight.
Lucy Lindo wanted to make one thing clear after she and her husband of nearly 50 years, Joseph, exited a polling station together in Gordon Town, St Andrew East Rural. They acknowledged voting for the same political party, but Lucy insists that it was her choice to vote like her husband. “Him can’t tell me who fi vote fah. A me waan vote dah way deh,” she insisted, with her smiling husband standing nearby. Explaining his decision to vote, Lindo said he wanted to support a political party that would make things right for all Jamaicans. The Jamaica Labour Party’s Juliet Holness is challenging the People’s National Party’s Imani Duncan-Price to become the parliamentary representative for the constituency
Been fortunate KINGSTON: Squash queen Karen Anderson cemented her dominance with a record-breaking 13th title, while defending men’s champion, Chris Binnie continued his winning streak as the JNGI All- Jamaica Squash Championships wrapped up at the Liguanea Club on Friday night. Anderson fought off a nagging injury to beat Barbadian Alex Jordan 11-9, 11-6, 11-6 and add another achievement to her storied career. The victory puts Anderson on par with the legendary Wayne Burrows, who holds the men’s record. Putting the achievement in perspective, Anderson said: “This time, 13 is a lucky number because, although this record has not come easy for me, I have been fortunate to play such an amazing sport and to have remained relatively healthy throughout my career.” For his part, Binnie added another chapter to his own story by winning his sixth consecutive title and seventh overall. The squash ace won 11-4, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7 victory to hold off his nemesis, Lewis Walters, yet again. “All-Jamaica is a special tournament because it’s one of the few times I get to play in Jamaica and so I was happy to win it in front of my home crowd and to defend my title against Lewis, who is such a great player and a tough competitor,” Binnie said. In the third place play-offs, the number three seed, Bruce Burrowes, beat Julian Morrison 11-5, 10-12, 11-7, 2-11, 11-7 in a blistering showdown. Then rising star, Mia Mahfood defeated Nathlee Boreland 11-7, 11-4, 12-10. Chris Hind, general manager of JN General Insurance, the tournament’s title sponsors, said, “It was a week of exciting competition, which ended on the perfect note with Karen Anderson winning a record 13th title. JNGI is proud to have supported this excellent tournament and to continue contributing to the development of local squash.”
Jimmy Alapag, who was part of the team that ended the Philippines’ curse to South Korea in 2013, put into words what Gilas players are probably feeling right now.No better feeling than getting the opportunity to represent our country!!! #PUSO 🏀❤️— Jimmy Alapag (@JAlapag3) August 9, 2017LA Tenorio, meanwhile, turned into a big fan—like most of those who witnessed Terrence Romeo’s mesmerizing performance against China—when talking about the sly guard.Grabe ka @tbvromeo!!! #Puso #LabanPilipinas— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) August 9, 2017Romeo unleashed 26 points including eight of the Philippines last 12 points that put Gilas Pilipinas out of danger in the last four minutes of the game.He’s on his way to earning nick name of big shot Romeo of Asia @hoopnut @JAlapag3 @FIBA 2 nabbed in Bicol drug stings End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend — Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) August 9, 2017Ginebra coach Tim Cone, a former national team coach, also marveled at the Filipinos’ tenacity against their Asian rivals, saying Gilas Pilipinas is “ready for anyone.”READ: Gilas shatters Great WallHe also praised his player Japeth Aguilar, who made a big impact on the defensive end, with a team-best five blocks.Who’s next??? Bring ’em on!! Gilas is ready for anyone!ADVERTISEMENT Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Sweet win. Proud of Japeth. Chot coached brilliantly. Like all of us in the PBA, China didn’t know what to do with Terrence. Again, awesome!— Tim Cone (@manilacone) August 9, 2017Fellow players–some former members of the national team—also took to Twitter to share their excitement over the Filipinos’ strong start in the Fiba Asia Cup, where the country has finished second the past two editions. — Tim Cone (@manilacone) August 9, 2017 Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano warn public of fake account posing as her READ: Philippines stuns China to open 2017 Fiba Asia Cup bidGilas Pilipinas was playing with an undermanned, All-Filipino roster with June Mar Fajardo sitting out with an injured calf and naturalized center Andray Blatche begging off a week before the tournament.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’Perhaps the biggest cheerleader of Gilas Pilipinas was sportsman-businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, who couldn’t help but be proud of the Filipinos’ effort in the victory.What a great win tonight!Made more special with an all Filipino crew. Great job Team. Great job @coachot !— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) August 9, 2017 Gilas Pilipinas hopes to sustain the momentum as it faces Iraq on Friday in the continuation of the group stages.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Terrence Romeo is taking over the clutch role that Jimmy Alapag left! #BigTimeClutchBaskets @tbvromeo @JAlapag3 #LetsGoPilipinas #Gilas— Vince Hizon (@VinceHizon12) August 9, 2017 The whole country was watching tonight, and rejoicing. Nakakatayo ng balahibo! And very proud of you. #PUSOADVERTISEMENT Pocari bucks 2-set hole, grounds Air Force to book Finals berth Helll f**king yea!!! I see you T-Romeo!!! Lil bro Balling! #PUSO— Asi Taulava (@agelessasi88) August 9, 2017 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano — sam daghlas (@samd13) August 9, 2017 Teen gunned down in Masbate 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 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano LATEST STORIES MOST READ Not surprised by @tbvromeo performance… I gotta guard that every day in practice!! 🕺🕺🕺🕺— mike cortez (@mikecortez_11) August 9, 2017 View comments Albay to send off disaster response team to Batangas Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Photo from Fiba.comSocial media exploded after the Philippines’ monumental victory over China Wednesday night in the 2017 Fiba Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon.The Filipinos showed tremendous heart and grit in beating the Asian champions, 96-87, at the start of the continental tilt and that fact did not escape the fans.ADVERTISEMENT
President Rodrigo Duterte awarded Wednesday medals and cash incentives to the Filipino medalists in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.ADVERTISEMENT Winning start The Philippines bagged 121 medals, including 29 golds, to finish sixth overall in the 11-country regional sporting meet.The gold medalists received P300,000, silver winners got P150,000 and bronze medalists took home P60,000.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 End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson A costly, catty dispute finally settled LATEST STORIES Break new ground View comments A costly, catty dispute finally settled
Filipino Olympian and Sea Games gold medalist Mary Joy Tabal shows her medal to #PresidentDuterte. pic.twitter.com/1Gh9yNoxcP— Nestor Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) September 13, 2017 Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles02:11SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)08:07Athletes treated to a spectacle as SEA Games 2019 officially ends06:27SEA Games 2019: No surprises as Gilas Pilipinas cruises to basketball gold05:02SEA Games 2019: Philippines clinches historic gold in women’s basketball05:21Drama in karate: Tsukii ‘very sad’ over coach’s bullying, cold shoulder03:24PH’s James Palicte boxing light welterweight final (HIGHLIGHTS) MOST READ It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson UAAP Season 80: Ateneo asserts might over UP End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Learning about the ‘Ring of Fire’ The incentives for the medal-winning athletes and the coaches were based on Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.For team sports with less than five participants per team, the law said the team shall receive the same cash incentives for individual medal winners.For competitions with five or more participants per team, the law said each team member shall receive twenty-five percent (25%) of the cash incentives for individual medal winners.P18,037,500 was given to the athletes while a P7,181,250 were awarded to the coaches.ADVERTISEMENT Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy also gave an additional P50,000 for the gold medalists, P30,000 for the silver medalists, and P10,000 for the bronze medalists.Aside from cash incentives, the medal-winning athletes received presidential citations.Philippine Sports Commission President Butch Ramirez and Philippine Olympic Committee President Peping Cojuangco were present during the event.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin hangs on the net after throwing the ball out of bounds while trying to pass it to guard Lou Williams with seconds left in an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Timberwolves won 126-118. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons were finalizing a trade Monday night to acquire star forward Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. The Pistons would send forward Tobias Harris, guard Avery Bradley and center Boban Marjanovic to Los Angeles, with the Clippers also receiving draft picks. Detroit also would receive forward Brice Johnson and center Willie Reed.ADVERTISEMENT Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Heat complete another season series over Mavs with 95-88 win Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next LATEST STORIES ESPN first reported the deal.Griffin is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 33 games this season, but the Clippers have been plagued by injuries and are ninth in the Western Conference standings.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkDetroit is struggling as well. The Pistons have lost eight straight heading into Tuesday night’s game against Cleveland.pic.twitter.com/1uoIZ0Sxcc— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) January 30, 2018The 28-year-old Griffin has been the face of the Clippers while playing his entire career with the team. Last July, he agreed to a $171 million, five-year deal, ending a brief flirtation with free agency. He told his teammates, coach Doc Rivers and owner Steve Ballmer, “I want my legacy to be a Clipper.”ADVERTISEMENT Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year
The deal didn’t include a no-trade clause.The Clippers drafted Griffin first overall out of Oklahoma in 2009. However, he missed the 2009-10 season after surgery on his broken left kneecap, the first of several injuries that have marred his career.Griffin missed 21 games last season and 47 in 2015-16 because of injuries.As a rookie, he was an All-Star, won the slam dunk contest and was named NBA Rookie of the Year.He has averaged 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his career.Detroit’s season was looking promising until a late-December injury to point guard Reggie Jackson. The Pistons have stumbled while he’s been out with a sprained right ankle.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ The addition of Griffin would give Detroit’s frontcourt another standout alongside Andre Drummond, but it also would represent a clear change in course from the roster that the Pistons had assembled. Detroit acquired Bradley in a trade with Boston last offseason, but he’s in the final season of his contract. Harris has been impressive for the Pistons this season, shooting a career-best 41 percent from 3-point range.Although neither team announced the deal Monday, there was plenty of reaction on social media. Harris had a message on his accounts thanking Detroit for its support. Griffin’s Twitter account had its own message with no words — just an image of actor Will Smith with a surprised expression on his face.For the Clippers, moving Griffin would continue a makeover of a franchise that has never made it past the second round of the playoffs.The Clippers traded All-Star point guard Chris Paul to Houston last summer. He had been credited with bringing respectability to the team that was once the laughingstock of the league. Without Paul, Los Angeles won its first four games to open the season, and then lost nine of its next 11. The team is one game above .500 going into Tuesday night’s game against Portland.Paul’s replacement, Patrick Beverley, has missed the entire season after right knee surgery. Also missing time have been DeAndre Jordan, Danilo Gallinari, Austin Rivers and Milos Teodosic. 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 Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours View comments Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases
Carlos says UP ‘got nervous’ amid UE rally “I’ve been playing against him for seven years now. He’s a hell of a player. You need to be at your best when you’re guarding him,” said Banchero after Alaska’s 105-98 overtime victory over GlobalPort on Sunday.From their days in the ASEAN Basketball League, where Pringle played for the Indonesia Warriors while Banchero was with the San Miguel Beermen, to now in the PBA, the Fil-Italian guard bared that he never gets tired with the familiar matchup.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk“I believe he brings out the best in everybody. He’s very, very shifty when he gets to the basket and he can shoot the ball so you have to be at your best when you’re guarding him,” he said.Pringle’s brilliance was once again in full display, leading the fight for the Batang Pier with 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Nueva Ecija warehouse making fake cigarettes raided, 29 Chinese workers nabbed LATEST STORIES Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netANTIPOLO — Some things never change.For Chris Banchero, facing Stanley Pringle every conference always gets him hyped as he welcomes the challenge of defending the speedy guard.ADVERTISEMENT Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles02:14Carpio 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 Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases MOST READ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Banchero, meanwhile, had a decent game of his own, finishing with 16 points and four rebounds.But more importantly, it was his Aces who got the last laugh despite facing a 13-point hole in the second half.“(Pringle) had a big game, but we gutted it out. It was a good win for us, it was a great week for us,” he said as Alaska improved to 6-2 after starting the season with two straight losses.Banchero, though, doesn’t want the streak to get into the Aces’ heads as they brace for their final three elimination assignments.“Teams make runs and we now won six in a row. But we haven’t accomplished anything yet. It’s still the regular season,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll use this momentum in the playoffs and we keep it going. It’s been a good 2018 and I hope it continues.”ADVERTISEMENT Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Belangel averaged 17.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.7 steals in his senior year in Ateneo last UAAP Season 80, where he earned a spot in the Mythical Five and steered the Blue Eaglets to the juniors’ championship.The 18-year-old guard’s arrival boosts coach Tab Baldwin’s stacked backcourt, which features Matt Nieto, Anton Asistio, Gian Mamuyac, Aaron Black, Tyler Tio, and the comebacking Adrian Wong. 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 It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. LATEST STORIES MOST READ UK plans Brexit celebrations but warns businesses may suffer He announced his decision on Thursday on his Twitter account, writing: “Home is where the heart is.”Home is where the heart is 💙🦅 #ThankyouGod pic.twitter.com/hmv5UoDfedFEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk— Sj Belangel (@sjbelangel) March 8, 2018
Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina GALLERY: Barangay Ginebra back as PBA Governors’ Cup kings Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Sea turtle trapped in net freed in Legazpi City Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netSJ Belangel is staying home.The 6-foot playmaker has committed to remain in of Ateneo where he will bolster the Blue Eagles’ already potent backcourt rotation.ADVERTISEMENT Balanced attack helps Sta. Lucia in rout of Cignal Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano View comments
Cabuyao City rising above the ashes through volunteerism Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next READ: Romeo ‘feeling like a rookie again’ as he joins first TNT practiceRomeo won’t be alone in finding his part in the team as Racela looks forward to integrating new guys like Don Trollano and Taha, and even Jericho Cruz who arrived to the team late last conference, in hopes of performing better in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.“Again, what’s important for us is to work on things that we need to work on,” he said. “I think the first step is building relationships. We’ve had a lot of changes in the past two to three months, and changing personnel is just the first step. I think the more important step now is really build relationships.”ADVERTISEMENT 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 Fajardo continues surreal rise as he bags 6th Best Player plum Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Recto seeks to establish Taal rehab body to aid community, eruption victims View comments Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown among SAG Awards presenters Conor McGregor seeks to emerge from controversy in UFC comeback Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil MOST READ TNT traded for Romeo, along with Yousef Taha as it sent 2015 top pick Mo Tautuaa along with future picks to GlobalPort in the deal approved on Tuesday.READ: TNT acquires Terrence Romeo in trade with GlobalPort 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 crownBut rather than look at Romeo as a savior of sorts, Racela would like the narrative to be more of the three-time Scoring Champion finding his way to mesh with the squad and help the KaTropa contend once again.“It’s always the team that gives you wins and losses. It’s always the team that gives you championships. As long as we put in the right pieces, it should give us a better chance,” he said. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netTNT coach Nash Racela isn’t putting much pressure on new recruit Terrence Romeo, unwilling to brand the high-scoring guard as the missing piece for TNT.“There’s always a lot of pieces in a puzzle. Every piece is important. You can never say if a puzzle is complete until you get to your main objective. I always believe that only time can tell,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ LATEST STORIES In Liverpool, Man United sees the pain and path to recovery
Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames This time, it’s right within his grasp, though he’ll have to chase down a scorching-hot player who’s turned in three straight rounds in the 60s.“I feel like all the pressure is on him,” the 28-year-old McIlroy said of Reed, who’s never won a major title. “He’s got that to deal with and sleep on tonight. I feel like I can go out there and play like I’ve got nothing to lose.”Of course, this isn’t the first time McIlroy has put himself in position to win the Masters. Back in 2011, before he had any major titles on his resume, he led after each of the first three rounds, went to the final day with a four-stroke lead and was still ahead as he made the turn. He totally fell apart after that, playing the last nine holes at 7 over to finish with an 80.He’s played well since then at Augusta, including top-10 finishes each of the last four years.But this is his clearest path to victory since that 2011 debacle.“I’ve been waiting for this chance,” McIlroy said. “I always have said that 2011 was a huge turning point in my career. It was the day that I realized I wasn’t ready to win major championships, and I needed to reflect on that and realize what I needed to do differently. But now I am ready.”This certainly feels different than seven years ago.“Obviously, I’m not in the lead like I was going into that day, so I probably don’t have as much pressure,” he said. “I don’t have to protect anything. I can go out and sort of freewheel like I did today, which is a great position to be in. I wish I was a little closer to the lead or leading, but I’m in the final group and I’ve shot 65 on moving day at the Masters. It’s all I can ask for.”The chip-in eagle sent up a roar that carried across the course. But McIlroy’s most fortuitous hole was No. 13, the dogleg of a par-five that finishes off Amen Corner.With the off-and-on rain really coming down, McIlroy yanked his second shot into the azaleas lining the left side of the green, the club flying out of his hand after the follow-through. As he walked toward the last place he saw his ball, he wasn’t even sure he’d be able to find it. Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the azaleas on the 13th hole during the third round at the Masters golf tournament Saturday, April 7, 2018, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy was laughing and bouncing and swaggering all the way around Augusta National.After his final stroke on a soggy Saturday, he delivered an emphatic pump of the fist.ADVERTISEMENT Agent says McGregor wants to fight again as UFC 223 begins 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 Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew No wonder he’s so excited.This is McIlroy’s best chance yet to join one of golf’s most exclusive clubs .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 crownTaking advantage of several fortuitous bounces, McIlroy shot a 7-under 65 Saturday to match his lowest score ever at the Masters , pushing him within three shots of the lead and into the final group with Patrick Reed.There are plenty of days when a golfer feels like the breaks go against him. P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES MOST READ This wasn’t one of those days for McIlroy.He chipped one in from 23 yards away for an eagle at the par-5 eighth hole . He saved par at the 13th after knocking his ball into a thick patch of pink azaleas. He watched an errant tee shot at the final hole ricochet back into the fairway, setting up a birdie that could have easily been a bogey.“I rode my luck a little bit out there today,” McIlroy conceded. “Hopefully I don’t have to rely on it too much tomorrow.”This is the fourth straight year that he’s arrived at Augusta National looking to complete the career Grand Slam — a feat accomplished by only five of the game’s greatest players.The last three times, he was simply too far back to make a serious run at the green jacket on Sunday.ADVERTISEMENT Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments Then, McIlroy got an impromptu lesson in horticulture.“It was a sea of pink,” he said. “But azaleas are actually pretty thin down below. They look pretty thick on top, but down below they are actually not too bad. I could take a stance and just sort of pick the club straight up and get it back down on top of it and just trundle it out through the pine straw and back on to the grass.”McIlroy advanced his ball to the edge of the green with his third shot, and then knocked it up within 4 feet of the cup before rolling in the par-saving putt. He birdied two of the last four holes to match Fowler and Rahm for the best 18-hole score of the tournament.Now, he’s ready for a moment that seems like it’s been six years in the making.And the stakes couldn’t be higher.McIlroy already has a U.S. Open, a British Open and a PGA Championship.The Masters is the only missing link.“Patrick is going for his first,” McIlroy said, pausing for effect, “and I’m going for something else. It’s going to be good fun.”With that, McIlroy delivered one more smile on a day filled with them.