Kofu is the first J2 team to reach the title match since 2014, while Hiroshima aims to end its run of disappointment in the tournament final.
“I don’t want to think about it too much, the playoffs," Darvish said. "I’m trying to be the same as I am in the regular season.”
The Nagoya Diamond Dolphins recorded the first victory of the 60-game B.League season, a 101-86 triumph over the SeaHorses Mikawa.
Ohtani's new one-year contract is the largest ever given to an arbitration-eligible MLB player, surpassing Mookie Betts' $27 million deal in 2020.
Winning jockey Luke Morris grabbed the lead from Kazuo Yokoyama near the end of the prestigious race, which was first held in 1920, in Paris.
“It was an amazing experience,” said Curry of the preseason spectacular. Hachimura’s wish: “Hopefully we can come back here anytime soon and play an NBA game.”
Golden State enjoyed a winning start to its preseason schedule, and Washington forward Rui Hachimura electrified the crowd with high-energy play.
The 15-day tournament offered sumo fans plenty of memorable moments. Veteran sports reporter Armstrong joins the podcast for a wrapup of the event.
The NBA teams were holding workouts in Tokyo the day before the first of their two preseason contests at Saitama Super Arena.
Led by slugger Munetaka Murakami, closer Scott McGough, overall pitching depth and strong managerial leadership, Yakult won its second straight pennant.
France outscored Japan 19-9 in the pivotal fourth quarter, including a 17-2 run that defined the overall play in the final period.
The Russian earned her third WTA Tour title of the season without dropping a set in her five matches at Tokyo’s Ariake Colosseum.
