Category: Sports

Few players in South Korean baseball have had as drastic a fall from grace in recent years as Seo Geon-chang.

Seo was voted the regular season MVP in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2014, after leading the league with a record 201 hits for the Nexen (currently Kiwoom) Heroes. No other player has topped 200 hits in KBO history.

Injuries began piling up in ensuing years, and Seo has been on a steep decline since being traded to the LG Twins in 2021.

In 2023, Seo only played 44 games while hitting a career-worst .200.

When most thought his career was done at age 34, Seo’s hometown team, the Kia Tigers, extended him a lifeline in January. The Gwangju-based club signed him to a one-year deal worth up to 120 million won (US$89,960), including incentives.

Born and raised in the southwestern city of Gwangju, Seo said he was pleased with how his first spring training went with the new team.

“My primary goal for this camp was to settle in as quickly as possible,” Seo told reporters at Incheon Internatio
nal Airport, west of Seoul, on Wednesday, after arriving back from camp in Japan. “My teammates and coaches went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. More than anything, I wanted to become a part of the team fast, and I am happy with how things played out in that aspect.”

On the field, the second baseman said he found his groove right away and started spraying hits in all directions, just like old times.

“In earlier camps, I was always dealing with some sort of pain or injuries. But this year, I was completely pain free,” Seo added. “For the first time in quite a while, I felt like my body was building up really nicely for the new season. I haven’t played enough games to know where I am technically. But physically, this is the best I’ve felt in a few years.”

Seo said having a handful of players around his age — “It’s not often you have that many guys in this age group on the same team,” Seo said — helped with his adjustment. And he will also be ready to step into a leadership role when the situa
tion calls for it.

“As one of the older guys, I have to think about speaking up when I have to,” Seo said. “But I think the clubhouse is already set, thanks to the veterans who’ve been around here a long time. I want to fit in quietly at first.”

Seo, who made his KBO debut in 2008, has yet to win a Korean Series title, and he hopes it will change this year with the Tigers, considered one of the title contenders in 2024.

“I joined this team because I really wanted to win a championship, and I know pundits think we’re going to be good this year,” Seo said. “Personally, I want to help the team the best I can, and play in as many games as I can. I don’t really care where I play. I will be ready to compete wherever the team wants me.”

Source: Yonhap News Agency

After mulling over his next career option last winter, following a season in Triple-A, outfielder Victor Reyes decided to give South Korea a shot. The Venezuelan player heard great things about the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) from his countryman and close friend, Dixon Machado, a slick-fielding shortstop who played for the Lotte Giants from 2020 to 2021. And Reyes signed with the same Giants in December, agreeing to a one-year deal that could pay him as much as US$950,000 with incentives.

Reyes, 29, could not have anticipated then that he would also have an opportunity for an exciting rematch against a former Major League Baseball (MLB) foe — so much so that it gets Reyes’ heart pumping.

On Aug. 21, 2021, Reyes and the Detroit Tigers visited the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. They went up against Toronto’s South Korean starter, Ryu Hyun-jin, and mustered only five hits against the left-hander over seven scoreless innings in a 3-0 loss.

Reyes had two of those five hits by himself — a single in
the third and another single in the sixth.

About two months after Reyes signed in the KBO, Ryu reunited with his former KBO team, Hanwha Eagles, for whom he’d first pitched from 2006 to 2012. With 11 big league years in the rearview mirror, Ryu, the 2019 MLB ERA champion, sent a jolt throughout the KBO even before throwing his first pitch in an official game.

Ryu is scheduled to make two preseason appearances before making his Opening Day start on March 23. And the second of those two outings is expected to come against Reyes and the Giants on March 17.

“When I faced him in Toronto, I only had two at-bats against him,” Reyes told Yonhap News Agency through an interpreter at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Tuesday, after returning from spring training in Japan. The insinuation was clear: Reyes wanted to see Ryu more.

“The prospect of meeting him again in South Korea gets my heart beating fast,” Reyes added with a smile. “It’s exciting.”

Reyes brings 394 games of big league experience to t
he table. While he didn’t exactly set MLB on fire, with a career .264/.294/.379 line, the Giants said they signed the 29-year-old switch hitter because of his compact swing and ability to drive the ball. In 2023, he led the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, with 20 home runs. The Giants also said Reyes has a strong throwing arm and can cover a lot of ground in the outfield.

KBO teams can each sign a maximum three foreign players, with no more than two pitchers. All 10 clubs will each have two pitchers and one position player from overseas this season.

Foreign hitters are counted on to put up big numbers from the middle of the lineup right away. Pressure is an inherent part of their job description. And perhaps no one will be under as much scrutiny as Reyes, since his Giants boast a famously devoted fanbase that hasn’t seen a title since 1992. One foreign hitter may not be able to deliver a championship by himself, but having an unproductive player taking up that spot defini
tely hurts a team’s chances.

When asked about dealing with that kind of burden, Reyes shrugged and said: “I don’t have much to say about that. I just think that if I keep working hard, results will follow.

“I’ve heard all about how passionate Lotte Giants fans are,” Reyes added. “And I think every one of them will be hungry for victories.”

The Giants and their fans may have specific numbers they hope to see out of Reyes, be it 20 home runs, a .300 batting average or 100 RBIs.

However, the only number that Reyes will be focusing on will be the one under the win column in the standings.

“I don’t really pay attention to my stats. I want to win as many games as possible, reach the postseason and win a championship. That’s my biggest goal,” Reyes said. “Personally, I want to stay healthy for the entire season.”

Asked what he most looked forward to about his first season in Korea, Reyes smiled and said, “I just want to hit well.”

Source: Yonhap News Agency

South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in and his Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are off to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

Lee recorded his first career Champions League assist to help PSG defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 in the second leg of the round of 16 at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Spain, on Tuesday (local time). PSG won 4-1 on aggregate, and they have made it to their first European quarterfinals since the 2020-2021 season.

Lee came off the bench to begin the second half, with PSG up 1-0 on Kylian Mbappe’s 15th-minute goal. Then 11 minutes after the restart, Lee sent a long pass into open space for Mbappe, who collected the ball, cut inside and struck a low shot into the bottom left corner.

It was Lee’s first assist since rejoining PSG following South Korea’s semifinal exit at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in Qatar last month. Lee caused a stir when it was later revealed that he had gotten into a scuffle with captain Son Heung-min over a game of table tennis on the eve of Sou
th Korea’s semifinal loss to Jordan. Lee has since apologized to Son and the rest of his teammates.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Bayern Munich blanked Lazio 3-0 in their second leg of the round of 16 at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, and advanced to the last eight by winning 3-1 on aggregate. But Bayern’s South Korean center back Kim Min-jae did not see action, with Eric Dier starting ahead of Kim.

Kim had not been with Bayern’s “A” team in their final training session Monday. This was the first match Kim missed this season for reasons other than injury or international duty.

The draw for the quarterfinals will be held March 15. The opening legs will be on April 9 or 10, and the return legs will be played on April 16 or 17.

Lee scored his first Champions League goal during the group stage in October last year. For the season, Lee has three goals and three assists in all competitions.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

South Korean high jumper Woo Sang-hyeok grabbed the bronze medal at the world indoor championships in Scotland on Sunday, coming up short in his title defense.

Woo jumped 2.28 meters to finish third at the World Athletics Indoor Championships at Emirates Arena in Glasgow. Hamish Kerr of New Zealand won the gold medal at 2.36m, and Shelby McEwen of the United States took home the silver medal with 2.28m.

McEwen had the tiebreaker over Woo after clearing 2.24m in one attempt, compared to Woo’s three.

Woo was trying to join Javier Sotomayor (1993 and 1995) and Stefan Holm (2001, 2003 and 2004) as the only male high jumpers to win consecutive world indoor titles. Woo won his 2022 world indoor gold medal in Serbia by clearing 2.34m.

He entered this year’s competition as the co-owner of the season-best record of 2.33m, tied with McEwen. In the absence of two all-time greats, Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy, Woo had been regarded as a strong title favorite in Glasgow.

However, Woo di
dn’t come close to matching his season best and barely avoided early elimination.

Woo began the final by jumping the bar set at 2.20m in one attempt. He survived a scare when he needed the maximum three tries to go over 2.24m and stay alive.

It took Woo two jumps to clear the bar at 2.28m. McEwen also jumped 2.28m in two tries.

With nine of the 12 finalists eliminated, Woo and McEwen trailed Kerr, who soared to the lead after clearing his season-best 2.28m in a single attempt.

Woo was the first of the remaining trio to go for 2.31m but failed when the back of his thighs touched the bar. Kerr again needed just one attempt to jump 2.31m, staying perfect and improving on his season best. McEwen couldn’t keep pace with the leader.

Both Woo and McEwen were pushed to the brink after their second straight miss. And Woo became the first of the three to be eliminated when he couldn’t go over 2.31m in his third and final attempt.

McEwen took his chance at 2.34m but failed. With the gold medal secured, Kerr went f
or 2.36m and succeeded in two attempts to cap his impressive afternoon.

Woo, 27, is gearing up for his first career Olympic medal in Paris this summer. Since finishing fourth at the previous Summer Games in Tokyo three years ago, Woo has been on a strong run that includes the 2022 world indoor title, 2022 world outdoor silver medal, 2023 Diamond League Final gold medal and 2023 Asian Games silver medal.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has scored his first Premier League goal in two months.

Son scored the team’s third goal in the 88th minute of their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday (local time).

After pouncing on the loose ball in the opponent territory just past the halfway line, Son went on a mad dash toward the box and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner for his team-leading 13th marker of the campaign.

It was Son’s first goal since rejoining Spurs following the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in February. His previous goal had come on New Year’s Eve against Bournemouth.

Son sits tied for sixth in the Premier League’s goal scoring race, four back of the leader, Erling Haaland of Manchester City.

“I was very, very happy to score my first goal since I came back from the Asian Cup,” Son said afterward. “Seeing fans celebrate made me even happier.”

Son, who was subbed out during added time, admitted he was “a little b
it tired” when he went on his one-man fast break.

“I tried to stay as calm as possible because when you get excited, most of the time, you miss the ball,” he said. “I tried to hit the bottom of the corner, which is what I did today.”

After rallying from a 1-0 deficit, Spurs remained in fifth place with 50 points. Aston Villa are in fourth place with 55 points, but Tottenham have a match in hand.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Thailand women’s national volleyball team. Announcing the first list of 25 people under the team control of “Coach Ya” Natthaphon Srisamutnak, who is acting in place of “Coach Urgent” Danai Sriwacharamethakul.

Volleyball Association of Thailand Announcing the first list of female volleyball players this morning In order to train and prepare for the international competition in 2024, there is a list of 25 people. This team will be led by “Coach Ya” Natthaphon Srisamutnak, who will act as the head coach of the batting team. Senior Thai women’s national team, replacing “Urgent Coach” Danai Sriwacharamethakul who asked to leave to work on a team in the Indonesian league and had “Coach Gift” Wilawan Apinyapong act as assistant coach, a list of 25 people, led by Phonphan Kerdprach, Piyanuch Pannoy, Chatchu-on Moksri, Ajcharaporn Kong. Yot, Pimpitchaya Kokram, Taddao Nuekchaeng, Supattra Pairoj, Hatthaya Bamrungsuk

In addition, there are Kanokporn Saengthong, Natnicha Jaisaen, Jidapa Nahuanong, Wiranyupha Inchan,
Dolphon Sinpho, Thanatcha Suksod, Wipawee Srithong, Darin Pinsuwan, W. Risara Sitalert, Siriwan Dekaew, Kattika Kaewphin, Sasipaporn Chattrawisut, Warunee Karam, Thichakorn Boonlert, Jarasporn Bantasak, Kanyarat Khunmuang, Wimonrat Thanaphan by athletes who There is a list of names to report and undergo a fitness test on March 1 at the Sports Science Center. As for athletes who have competing duties abroad Will report in later

Source: Thai News Agency

Ellis Simms scores a hat-trick, helping Coventry City beat Maidstone United 5-0 and advance to the quarter-finals of the English FA Cup.

England’s FA Cup, Round 5 or the Round of 16, Coventry City from the Championship, the blue team, meets Maidstone United from the National League in the 9th minute, Casey Palmer flows through the channel. Ellis Simms, former Everton striker He slipped in and shot with his right to give the home team a 1-0 lead. In the 14th minute, Kasey Palmer came and let Ellis Simms hit with his left to score the second goal of the match for the home team. Leading 2-0 in the 35th minute, Kasey Palmer hit a right shot from outside the box but was saved by the Maidstone goalkeeper before Ellis Simms followed in for a hat-trick. In this match, the home team led 3-0.

Second half, 88th minute, Fabio Tabarez, Portuguese striker. Came to score the home team 4-0 ahead in the 90+2 minute. Fabio Tabarez scored the 2nd goal of the match, the final goal, helping Coventry City win 5-0 and advance to
the 8th round. The last team gets to be the first team. for Coventry Used to reach the final 8 of this program in 2008-2009 before losing to Chelsea, who won the championship that year, 0-2.

English Premier League results: West Ham beat Brentford 4-2.

Spanish La Liga results: Girona beats Rayo Vallecano 3-0.

Italian Serie A results: Roma beats Torino 3-2, Fiorentina beats Lazio 2-1

Source: Thai News Agency

South Korean media analyzes the South Korean Football Association may appoint Park Hang So, former coach of the Vietnam national team. Came in to take the position of head coach of the South Korean national team. To control the team duel with Thailand

“Osen” South Korean newspaper News report said There is a possibility that the South Korean Football Association May appoint Park Hang So, 66-year-old former coach of the Vietnam national team in its heyday. Come to accept the position of coach of the South Korean national team. Temporarily managing the team in place of German coach Jurgen Klinsmann. who had been fired from their position previously After failing to win the Asian Cup Because the White Ginseng team There is a schedule to meet with the Thai national team in 2 matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifying game, round 2, on March 21 in South Korea and return to play in Thailand on March 26, possibly appointing Coach Park on a short-term contract. 3 month

Everton club side In the English Premier League
, the penalty for violating financial regulations has been reduced from 10 points to just 6 points, previously in November. Blue Toffee Team Was penalized up to 10 points for breaking Premier League financial rules. for a period of up to 3 years until the 2021/22 season, after which the team management decided to lodge an appeal. Until the penalty was reduced to only 6 points. This makes them move from 17th place to 15th place with 25 points from 26 matches, increasing their chances of escaping relegation.

Source: Thai News Agency

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager. Accepted that winning the Carabao Cup is a very special award after defeating Chelsea 1-0.

Carabao Cup or League Cup final last night At Wembley Stadium, Chelsea, the 5-time champion, met Liverpool, the 9-time champion of this competition. It appears that in this game the two teams played very closely. Goalkeepers from both teams, Jorje Petrovic of Chelsea and Kevin Kelleher of Liverpool. They pulled out super saves to help the team, finishing 90 minutes tied 0-0, having to add another 30 minutes of extra time until the 118th minute, Kostas Tsimikas took a corner kick for Virgil van Dijk to head in to give the Reds the lead. 1-0 and was the winning goal for Liverpool to successfully win the Carabao Cup for the 10th time.

After the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp Who hopes to lead the team to sweep 4 championships, leaving behind his control of the army, said that this trophy is the most special trophy that he has ever received. Because you probably won’t see it again.
Because we used many young players to go onto the field and win championships. and feel proud of the children’s work that is shown

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said that all the players feel the pain. And must do better But I don’t want to blame anyone. Because I have fully dedicated myself. I just didn’t get the rewards I wanted.

German Bundesliga football: Borussia Dortmund, ranked 4th at home, meets Hoffenheim, ranked 10th. The game started 2 minutes ago. Ehlas Bebu snatched the ball from an offense. A defender’s mistake gave Hoffenheim a 1-0 lead, but in the 21st minute, from a corner kick, the loose ball came to Donyell Malen, who charged at close range. Dortmund equalized by 1. -1 minute 25, the Yellow Tigers turned over to the lead from Niko Schlotterbeck’s header. The first half ended with Dortmund leading Hoffenheim 2-1, but in the 61st minute Hof Fenheim equalized 2-2 when Maximilian Beyer dribbled alone before shooting a deflected ball into the goal. Three minutes later, Maximilian Beyer c
harged in from close range to score the winning goal for Hoffe. Nheim beat Dortmund 3-2, leaving the Yellow Tigers 4th in the table, 20 points behind leader Leverkusen.

As for the other 2 results, Frankfurt tied with Wolfsburg 2-2, Augsburg won 2-1 with Freiburg.

Italian Serie A football results: Juventus beats Frosinone 3-2, Cagliari draws with Napoli 1-1, Lecce loses to Inter Milan 0-4, AC Milan draws with Atalanta 1-. 1

Spanish La Liga football results, interesting match: Real Madrid wins Seville 1-0.

English Premier League football results: Wolverhampton beat Sheffield United 1-0. – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

The Thai national shuttlecocks won two world championships in the women’s singles and men’s doubles categories. Badminton World Championships for the Disabled 2024

The 2024 Badminton World Championships for the Disabled at the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Pattaya, concluded yesterday (25 February) with the Thai national shuttlecocks taking home 2 runner-up world championships in the women’s singles category. WH1 ‘Pu’ Sujirat Pukkham, number 4 in the world, at the finals lost to Yin Meng Lu from China 0-2, 12-21, 15-21, and the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 Mongkol Bunsun and Siriphong Termarom. At the finals, they lost to Dwiyoko Dwiyoko and Fredi Setiawan from Indonesia 0-2, 17-21, 14-21.

From the results of this program, Lt. Col. Nayanop Bhirombhakdi, Chairman of the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, believes that the 2024 Paralympic Games, Paris Games, August 28 – September 8, Thai badminton players are another The hope of winning a medal by the Badminton World Federation The names of athletes who have the right to
go to the Paris Games will be announced on April 3.

Source: Thai News Agency