Badminton: Japan’s Hoki-Kobayashi target world No. 1 spot after title win
The Star -- Jul 04
World champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi of Japan have set their sights on becoming the world No. 1 for the first time after capturing the Malaysian Open men’s doubles title in style.
Yesterday, the world No. 2 came out on top against world No. 7 Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto of Indonesia when they pulled off a sensational 24-22, 16-21, 21-9 win in 65 minutes.
They had also beaten Fajar-Rian in the final of the Thailand Open in May but then, the Indonesians were forced to concede a walkover due to an injury to the former.
With their second title this year, Hoki-Kobayashi have inched closer to the current world No. 1 Marcus Fernaldi-Kevin Sanjaya of Indonesia who have been hampered by injuries and poor form and have not won any titles this year.
The duo had pulled out of the home tournament at the eleventh hour, citing an injury to Marcus.
Japanese Olympic triathlete hopeful killed by driver while riding in France
cyclingmagazine.ca - Jul 30
25-year-old Tsudoi Miyazaki was killed by a motorist on Wednesday near the city of Orlans, France, according to a statement from the Japan Triathlon Union (JTU).
Japan's National High School Baseball Championship allows girls as ball children
nationworldnews.com - Jul 30
The National High School Baseball Championship, also known as Koshin, is about to begin in Japan. The tournament is considered one of the most important sporting events in the country and this year has seen some innovations. Now girls are allowed to work as ball children.
Ichinojo wins first sumo title
NHK - Jul 25
Rank-and-filer Ichinojo won his first title on Sunday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with 12 wins and three losses.
Ohtani Shohei hits 20th homerun of season
NHK - Jul 25
Japanese two-way baseball star Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Angels has hit his 20th homer of the season.
Japanese figure skating icon Hanyu to retire from competition
Nikkei - Jul 19
Japanese figure skating superstar Yuzuru Hanyu on Tuesday announced that he will retire from competitive skating, though suggested will continue to perform at ice shows.
MLB Ohtani bats 1st in All-Star Game
NHK - Jul 19
In Major League Baseball, Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Angels will not be a two-way player in this year's All-Star Game as he will be the leadoff hitter for the American League.
10-year-old Japanese golfer closing in on 12th sponsor
voanews.com - Jul 18
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA — Miroku Suto of Japan looks like a professional golfer with logos of 11 sponsors splashed across her polo shirt, cap, bag and even her belt.
Japan's world athletics team hit with 11th coronavirus case
Kyodo - Jul 18
Marathon runner Hitomi Niiya has become the 11th member of the Japanese team at the World Athletics Championships to test positive for the coronavirus, the Japan Association of Athletics Federations said Sunday.
Disc golf taking flight as Japan looks for outdoor escape
Japan Times - Jul 18
Disc golf is attracting players from all walks of life in Japan, with the frisbee-flinging sport proving a hit with people seeking an accessible but challenging outdoor activity during the pandemic.
Sumo: Shodai ends Ichinojo's perfect run after 7 days at Nagoya
Kyodo - Jul 16
Demotion-threatened ozeki Shodai ended No. 2 maegashira Ichinojo's perfect start at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament after seven days on Saturday, with seven wrestlers a win behind the sole leader.
Yamanishi wins gold in 20K race walk at world championships
NHK - Jul 16
Japan's Yamanishi Toshikazu and Ikeda Koki have won gold and silver medals, respectively, in the men's 20-kilometer race walk event at the World Athletics Championships.
Sumo: Mitakeumi forced to leave Nagoya meet after COVID case at stable
Kyodo - Jul 16
Demotion-threatened ozeki Mitakeumi was forced to pull out of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday after a positive COVID-19 case was reported at his Dewanoumi stable.
