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 Andrew MCKIRDY

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Andrew MCKIRDY
Andrew McKirdy is a sports writer for The Japan Times. His main beat is soccer, but he has also covered rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and even tug-of-war. A native of the Scottish Borders, he has written for The Scotsman newspaper and organized filming for a program on Japanese soccer for ITV television.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 30, 2016
Free-falling Grampus' winless streak reaches 14 games
Nagoya Grampus slipped further into relegation trouble after a 0-0 draw with Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday that extended the 2010 J. League champions' winless streak to 14 games.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jul 27, 2016
Tokyo facing uncertain time after managerial change
A season that promised much has turned badly sour for FC Tokyo, and the firing of manager Hiroshi Jofuku may not be enough to stop the rot.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 23, 2016
Frontale's Kobayashi notches winning goal in 81st minute against FC Tokyo
Yu Kobayashi scored for a fifth straight game to give Kawasaki Frontale a 1-0 win over FC Tokyo on Saturday and open up a five-point lead at the top of the overall J. League table.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jul 20, 2016
Japan badminton team ready to escape gambling shadow in Rio
The head coach of Japan's Olympic badminton team insists the gambling scandal that engulfed the sport three months ago will not cast a shadow over his squad at next month's Rio Games.
Japan Times
JAPAN / NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Jul 17, 2016
Kuma confident about National Stadium's prospects ahead of 2020 Games, clears up gripes about design
When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scrapped Zaha Hadid's design for the new National Stadium on July 17 last year, many feared the venue might not be completed in time to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jul 6, 2016
Many pitfalls ahead for Japan's medal bid at Rio Olympics
Japan Olympic team manager Makoto Teguramori believes his side is capable of winning gold at this summer's Rio Games, but there are too many factors clouding the water to predict anything for certain.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jul 3, 2016
Uchimura determined to lead Japan to team gold in Rio
If the pressure to lead Japan back to Olympic team glory at this summer's Rio Games is weighing heavily on Kohei Uchimura's muscular shoulders, the gymnastics superstar does well to hide it.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jul 1, 2016
Teguramori confident about Japan's medal chances in Rio
Japan Olympic men's soccer team manager Makoto Teguramori set his sights on the gold medal as he announced his 18-man squad for the Rio Games on Friday.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 30, 2016
Kyoto selected to host draw for 2019 Rugby World Cup
Kyoto will host the draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in May next year, tournament organizers announced on Thursday.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 26, 2016
Japan looks to future after narrow defeat to Scotland
Japan back-row forward Amanaki Lelei Mafi admits that the absence of injured Rugby World Cup stars including Ayumu Goromaru and Michael Leitch hurt the Brave Blossoms in their two test-match defeats to Scotland.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jun 25, 2016
Laidlaw leads Scotland to triumph over Brave Blossoms
Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw came off the bench to deny Japan a famous victory as the Brave Blossoms fell to a 21-16 defeat on Saturday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jun 14, 2016
Three clubs remain in race for first-stage title
The J. League first-stage title may ultimately count for nothing when the championship playoffs begin in November, but that will not stop the current front-runners from wanting to claim the silverware.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 11, 2016
Antlers prevail over Reds, remain in hunt for first-stage title
Kashima Antlers kept themselves firmly in contention for the J. League first-stage title after a 2-0 away win over Urawa Reds on Saturday.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jun 7, 2016
How a bizarre 'bout of the century' between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki led to a firm friendship
Of all the episodes in the iconic boxing career of Muhammad Ali, who died Friday at age 74, perhaps the most curious came in a Japanese ring.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 29, 2016
Frontale escape with home victory after Iwata's 88th-minute own goal
Kawasaki Frontale stayed top of the J. League table after an 88th-minute own goal by defender Daiki Ogawa handed them a 1-0 win over Jubilo Iwata on Sunday.
JAPAN
May 26, 2016
IOC execs stand with scandal-hit Tokyo 2020 organizers
International Olympic Committee executives put on a show of solidarity after arriving in Japan to check on preparations.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 21, 2016
Wako header gives Reysol triumph over Avispa
Naoki Wako scored an 86th-minute header to give Kashiwa Reysol a roller-coaster 3-2 win over Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
May 17, 2016
Kanagawa woman, 26, taps crowdfunding to raise money for her spouse search
From tech products to movies, the recent advent of crowdfunding has allowed companies and creators to make their dreams a reality.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
May 11, 2016
Gamba, Tokyo running out of time to get going in J. League
Fortunes can change quickly in the J. League, but the division's misfiring big guns will have to start finding their range soon if they want to make a mark this season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 10, 2016
Australia women's squad completes three-game sweep of Japan
The Japan women's basketball team gave world No. 2 Australia a huge fright before succumbing to an 84-73 loss to suffer a series sweep on Tuesday.

Longform

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