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Tim Noonan
Tim Noonan
Tim Noonan has been crafting uniquely provocative columns for the SCMP and SMP for more than a decade. A native of Canada, he has over 20 years’ experience in Asia and has been a regular contributor to a number of prominent publications, including Time magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune and The Independent.

A transcendent moment for Japan – as well as an entire sport – in victory over the US in final of a memorable World Baseball Classic tournament.

The scaled-down Sevens reappeared after three years and showed it has a formula that still works, but the tournament will need to be worthy of its new home in Kai Tak.

Things have changed around this town, where nostalgia is only slightly less dangerous than the enterprise of opinion, but informed choices are the order of the day at this wonderfully apolitical tournament.

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No since Babe Ruth has a player dominated as a pitcher and a batter, but Judge, who has been historically good this year too, has the noise of New York behind him.

While Olympic organisers will look to exploit the golfing star’s historic victory, hopefully it will raise awareness on other pressing domestic issues.

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The Houston Rockets general manager had to know his number would eventually be up and almost one year to the day of that fateful tweet supporting Hong Kong protesters he is gone.

A highly damning ESPN expose about abuses at NBA academies in China counters the league’s mantra of protecting individual freedoms and human rights as the season resumes.

The stakes are high on a number of levels as the league returns to a truncated and contrived format in the midst of the pandemic and endless protests over social justice.

Japan holding its breath for International Olympic Committee to make the call, fearing initial refusal to consider postponing the Games could take a terrible toll on the nation.

The ‘David Beckham of Asia’ returned from a storied career in Europe to learn about his country. Now he is set to use sake to tell the tale of Japan’s time-honoured craftsmanship.

Cherry blossoms, musicians and Vince Carter fans in the capital’s green oasis during the tournament offer a quiet reprieve for locals and tourists alike.

Despite being dwarfed by the huge shadow of the other three semi-finalists, Wales won’t take a back seat to anyone – particularly their long-time English rivals.

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Despite four huge matches on the card this weekend including the Japanese team, the Rugby World Cup has to share the stage in the world’s largest city.

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