Page 667 - Sports
Barça thump Levante to advance in Copa del Rey
Ousmane Dembele had a brace to lead FC Barcelona to a 3-0 victory over Levante in the second leg of their Copa del Rey knockout stage tie for a 4-2 triumph on aggregate.
Sharapova upsets defending champion Wozniacki
Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova upset defending champion Caroline Wozniacki to reach the Australian Open fourth round Friday after an epic three-set match. The Russian, who is seeded 30 at Melbourne Park, bundled Denmark's world number three out of the tournament 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to claim her biggest scalp since returning from a drugs ban in 2017. Sharapova's win sets up a last 16 clash with in-form Australian hope Ash Barty for the 31-year-old, who won the tile at Melbourne Park in 2008 and has reached the final a further three times. "I knew I was going to get a really tough match as she's the defending champion of this event and it's no secret she loves this arena," she said after shocking Wozniacki. "I haven't played many matches in the last year, especially against top players and these are the ones I train for, so it's really rewarding to win." There were dramatic momentum shifts in the battle between the two former world number ones, but the decisive period came when ..
Warner's switch to right-hand batting within cricket laws: MCC
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has confirmed that Australian cricketer David Warners' change of stance from left-hand to right-hand batting during Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash is within the cricketing laws."MCC has reviewed the footage of David Warner switching to batting right-handed in the Bangladesh Premier League match yesterday and feels that his actions were within the Laws of Cricket," the MCC, the custodians of the Laws of the game, told ESPNcricinfo."The laws do not state that a batsman can bat only in one way and, from the footage seen, it seems clear that Warner made it obvious that he was changing to batting right-handed. The bowler, Chris Gayle, altered the field accordingly and everyone seemed to know what was happening," they added.Warner batted in right-hand stance to smash West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle for 14 runs off three balls in a BPL match between his side Sylhet Sixers and Rangpur Riders on Wednesday.The Australian was struggling on the pitch ...
Injured Ashton Agar ruled out of BBL
Australian spinner Ashton Agar has been ruled out of the ongoing eighth season of the Big Bash League (BBL) owing to an injured finger.The 25-year-old dislocated his right index finger during a training session. His team, Perth Scorchers, have confirmed that Agar is all set to undergo finger surgery in the coming days."Ash Agar, unfortunately, suffered a fracture dislocation to his right index finger whilst fielding at training yesterday," Cricket.com.au quoted Scorchers' sports medicine manager Nick Jones, as saying."Ash sustained an intra-articular fracture that will require surgical repair. We expect that Ash will undergo surgery in the coming days, and as a result will be unavailable for the remainder of the BBL," he added.Meanwhile, Perth Scorchers have named right arm Australian bowler Will Bosisto as Agra's replacement for their today's clash against Hobart Hurricanes.
Chahal six-for restricts Australia to 230 in series decider
Australia's vulnerability to quality leg-spin was exposed by Yuzvendra Chahal, who returned with his second overseas fifer to help India restrict the hosts for a megre 230 in the series-deciding third ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Friday.
Chahal grabs six as India bowl out Australia for 230
Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal grabbed his first opportunity in the series with both hands, taking a career-best 6 for 42 to decimate Australia for a paltry 230 in the third and final ODI here on Friday. At the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Chahal matched Ajit Agarkar's 6-42 during 2004 tri-series to record the joint best-ever ODI figures on Australian soil. In doing so, he also improved on his previous best of 5-22 against South Africa at Centurion in January 2018. For Australia, Peter Handscomb (58) scored a fighting half-century and took them to a respectable total after they were reduced to 161-6 at one stage. This was after India won the toss and opted to field on a rainy day in Melbourne. Chahal, who replaced Mohammed Siraj, made life difficult for the Australian batsmen with deceptive flight and varying the pace of his deliveries. Play was delayed by ten minutes because of rain and, after the first two balls in the Australian innings there was a further 20-minute delay .
Australian Open: Federer breezes past Fritz to enter pre-quarters round
Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer on Friday entered the pre-quarters round of the ongoing Australian Open after defeating Taylor Fritz of America in the third round of the men's singles event.The 37-year-old registered a comprehensive 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 win over his American counterpart in a clash that lasted less than 90 minutes.The defending champion dropped only three first-serve points and won more than half of his break points to completely dominate the clash. Fritz, on the other hand, never seemed to be on the top as he won no break point in the match.The twenty times Grand Slam champion smashed 11 aces in the match and won 57 serving points to strengthen his grip on the clash.After the match, Federer admitted that he was aware of the threat that Fritz could be, adding that it was good to win against a player who could be dangerous in the future."I think I wanted to get out of the blocks quickly because I knew of the threat of Taylor, his possibilities of the serve. I think I had a .
Mark Wood replaces injured Olly Stone for Windies Tour
Pacer Mark Wood has been named as a replacement for Olly Stone in the England team for their upcoming tour to West Indies.Stone was diagnosed with a bone injury to the left lower back when he underwent a medical Test, following which he was ruled out of the English team.Expressing delight over his inclusion in the team, Wood said that he is really excited for the series and is hoping to have a successful start to the year."I am really pleased to get the call and I do feel for Olly in these circumstances. I am excited to be joining up with a team that's flying at the minute. The lads, under Rooty [Joe Root], showed what they are capable of. They are in a great place going into the West Indies tour and hopefully a successful 2019," ESPNcricinfo quoted Wood, as saying.Wood further stated that he had worked hard when he was with the team in UAE last year, adding that it gave him a lot of clarity and a positive mindset."I have put a lot of work into my game when I was away with Lions in ...
Kusal Mendis cleared of serious injury ahead of Australia Tests
Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Mendis, who had sustained a nasty blow while fielding during a tour match against Cricket Australia XI, has been cleared of any serious injuries.The 23-year-old got hit on the field by a powerful sweep by Jake Doran, following which he immediately left the field. He spent the rest of the off-field raising concerns about his availability for the rest of the tour. An X-ray has, however, revealed that there is no breakage or fracture in his finger.Sri Lanka team manager Jeryl Woutersz informed that Mendis' finger is still sore but he is doing fine."We took him for an X-ray in the morning and it showed that he was fine. We're not sure if he will bat yet, because the finger is quite sore. But he's okay," ESPNcricinfo quoted Woutersz, as saying.Mendis was picked for the Australia series following an impressive performance against New Zealand in the recently concluded two-match Test series. He had played an unbeaten knock of 141 runs in the first Test ...
Fast Federer celebrates 100 with Fritz blitz at Open
Ageless defending champion Roger Federer marked his 100th match on Rod Laver Arena Friday by storming past American Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 in the third round. The 21-year-old world number 50 had no answer to the precision and finesse of the Swiss master, who extended his Open-era record for the most appearances in the fourth round of a Grand Slam to 63 with an 88-minute demolition. The 20-time Grand Slam champion will continue his quest for a record seventh Australian Open title against Greek 14th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last 16. Federer blitzed the young American from the start, barrelling through the first set in just 20 minutes. It prompted Nick Kyrgios, commentating on Australian TV, to proclaim: "The way Federer is moving is scary. This is ridiculous tennis." Former junior world number one Fritz was bidding to reach the last 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time and put up a better fight in the second stanza. He held serve to lead 4-3 and had a glimmer of hope at 0-30 .
Chelsea clash vital in Arsenal's need for Champions League cash
The need for the riches as much as the prestige of a return to Champions League football leaves Arsenal little room for error when Chelsea visit the Emirates on Saturday. A run of three defeats in their last six Premier League games has left the fifth-placed Gunners six points adrift of their London rivals in the battle for a top-four finish. However, it is Chelsea and not Arsenal who are reinforcing in the January transfer window to ensure they are not forced to cope with the consolation prize of the Europa League for a second consecutive season. Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri seems set to finally get the striker he wanted in Gonzalo Higuain on a loan deal from Juventus having worked with the Argentine international during a prolific 38-goal season at Napoli in 2015/16. Arsenal's problems are at the other end of the field. No side in the top half of the table have conceded more than the 32 goals Unai Emery's men have in 22 Premier League games. However, Emery has revealed that Arsenal ..
Juventus move to next target in Serie A as AC Milan 'lick wounds'
AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso conceded his side will have to lick their wounds and come out fighting after losing the Italian Super Cup trophy to an all-conquering Juventus who turn their focus back to their next target -- an eighth consecutive Serie A title -- after the three-week winter break in Italy. Unbeaten Juventus host bottom club Chievo in Turin on Monday, a team they opened their season against with a 3-2 win in Verona, looking to stretch their lead to 12 points after 20 games. Massimiliano Allegri's side currently have a nine-point advantage on second-placed Napoli who face a tricky test against Lazio on Sunday. "We've started 2019 on the right foot. Forward to the next target," warned Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the only goal in Jeddah against Milan in midweek to bring his tally to 16 in all competitions. It was Allegri's tenth trophy as Juventus boss and, after losing two of the last three Super Cup trophies, a boost in his side's assault on all fronts including the ...
Thunder coach fumes after lights go out at the Gabba
Fuming Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond has urged a review of the rules after farcical scenes in Australia's Big Bash League when a game was abandoned after the lights went out. The Thunder had plundered 186 for four against Brisbane Heat in the Twenty20 competition on Thursday evening, anchored by a century from veteran Shane Watson. In reply, the Heat were reeling at 10 for two in pursuit when two floodlights failed in one part of the Gabba -- which is due to host a day-night Test next week between Australia and Sri Lanka. After an hour of waiting the match was abandoned and the points split, but Bond felt the lighting was sufficient to carry on. "There are grounds around the world that have worse lighting even with this light tower out, so that was disappointing," he told reporters. "It's a bad look for the competition and I think there needs to be some reflection or review ... particularly when you have the ability to finish a game of cricket." Bond said the match could have been ..
Fabregas braced for home bow as PSG return from the sun
Cesc Fabregas is set for his home debut as a Monaco player, while Paris Saint-Germain look for revenge against their recent Cup conquerors Guingamp in Ligue 1 on Saturday. AFP Sport picks out four things to watch in France on a weekend that will be capped by Sunday's derby clash between Saint-Etienne and Lyon. - Cesc back for Monaco - ======================== Cesc Fabregas got his first taste of the unusual experience of a matchday in Monaco in midweek, but the Spain star had to watch from the stands as Thierry Henry's side drew 1-1 with Nice, coached by another former Arsenal star in Patrick Vieira. Signed from Chelsea last week, Fabregas impressed on his debut in a 1-1 draw at Marseille, but the 31-year-old was ineligible against Nice, a match that was originally due to be played in December before being postponed. Just hours after admitting to journalists it had been a wrench to leave the Premier League, Fabregas sat next to fellow new signings Naldo, Fode Ballo-Toure and William ..
WADA say 'successfully retrieved' doping data from Moscow lab
WADA said Thursday that they have "successfully retrieved" data from the Moscow laboratory at the heart of Russia's state-sponsored doping scandal which involved more than 1,000 athletes and 30 sports. The world anti-doping agency had demanded the data be handed over to complete its probe into the 2011-2015 scandal which saw Russia's athletics team barred from the 2016 Rio Olympics and exiled from the 2018 Winter Olympics. "This is a major breakthrough for clean sport," said WADA President Craig Reedie. In September, WADA conditionally lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for its reinstatement. One of the conditions was access being granted to the data by the end of 2018. But when a WADA team arrived last month, Russian authorities raised issues with the certification of their equipment under Russian law and a December 31 deadline was missed. "It shows we are continuing to make real progress that simply would not have happened without the September ..
Flexible Fabinho eases burden on Liverpool's injury-hit defence
An untimely series of injuries to defenders has left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp short-handed at the back as he tries to keep the Premier League leaders on track for a first title in 29 years at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold joined a growing injury list with a knee problem picked up in the warm-up ahead of last weekend's 1-0 win at Brighton that could keep the English international out for up to a month. Centre-backs Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip are still working their way back to fitness, while the decision to let Nathaniel Clyne leave on loan to Bournemouth earlier this month has been questioned. However, Klopp has been able to rely on the versatility of summer signing Fabinho to cover both at the heart of defence alongside the commanding Virgil van Dijk, and at right-back. The 25-year-old, signed for nearly 40 million (USD 51 million) from Monaco, took his time to adapt to English football, something Klopp predicted would happen .
Lukaku on outside looking in at Solskjaer's new-look Man Utd
Romelu Lukaku's Manchester United future is in the spotlight as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plots to maintain his 100 percent winning record against Brighton on Saturday. Solskjaer is the first manager in the club's history to begin his career with six straight victories and the feel-good factor is back at Old Trafford after a miserable spell under Jose Mourinho. A former super-sub himself, Solskjaer warned his players when he took over from Mourinho that some would have to take the opportunities given to them from the bench, and Belgium striker Lukaku has been one of the losers from the switch in tactics and positive vibes that have arrived under the Norwegian interim boss. Mourinho stood loyally by the 25-year-old despite a drop in form and productivity during a season that eventually cost the manager his job. Solskjaer's own decision about the forward positions was made for him when he took over at Old Trafford before Christmas, with Lukaku on leave from the club for personal ...
Dembele double helps Barca defeat Levante but threat of disqualification looms
Barcelona overturned a first leg defeat to beat Levante in the Copa del Rey but could yet be thrown out of the competition after being accused of fielding an ineligible player. Barca won 3-0 at the Camp Nou on Thursday, with Lionel Messi setting up two Ousmane Dembele goals and then scoring himself to seal a 4-2 victory on aggregate. Their place in the quarter-finals, however, is under threat after Levante president Francisco Javier Catalan confirmed shortly before kick-off that the club would lodge a complaint to the Spanish Football Federation on Friday. Levante claim Barcelona defender Juan Brandariz 'Chumi' played illegally in the first leg as he should have been serving a suspension. "Whatever happens on the field of play today, Levante are going to take this situation to the Federation tomorrow," Catalan said earlier on Thursday. "We feel that there is a solid enough precedent to back up the club's decision to do so." Chumi was banned after he received a yellow card playing for .
AC Milan coach Gattuso banned for Italian Super Cup ref protest
AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso was handed a one-game touchline ban for angrily confronting the referee after his side's Italian Super Cup final defeat to Juventus in Saudi Arabia midweek. Gattuso, 41, angrily confronted officials on Thursday for not awarding a penalty for a foul by Juventus's German midfielder Emre Can on Andrea Conti late in his side's 1-0 defeat in Jeddah. The Lega Serie A on Thursday banned the former AC Milan and Italian international midfielder and imposed a 15,000 euros (USD17,000) fine. Gattuso was punished for "shouting at the referee in a threatening manner and challenging his decisions, as well as having subsequently, while waiting for the prize-giving ceremony, addressed further offensive words and insinuations towards the referee". AC Milan club doctor Mario Brozzi has also been banned until February 4 for making "seriously insulting, offensive remarks in an arrogant, derogatory manner towards one of his own players," which referee Luca Banti noted in his .
Melbourne ODI: India opt to bowl against Aussies
India opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the final ODI of the ongoing three-match series against Australia here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.Ahead of the toss, all-rounder Vijay Shankar was handed over his debut cap.Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that since rain is in the forecast, batsmen may never get the chance to settle in the first innings, which is the reason they want to go with the ball first.Talking about the team combination, Kohli informed that Kedar Jadhav is in for Ambati Rayudu while Yuzvendra Chahal has replaced Kuldeep Yadav for the match."It's overcast and it might be stop-start, so as a batsman you may never get momentum. We have had a good time here. Levelling the series was important, now we want to finish it off with a win. It can get difficult after a Test series like that to get into the zone. I had to step up for the team and MS played superbly as well," Kohli said."Mohammad Siraj is out and we have Vijay Shankar making his debut in his