HomeLatest XML Feed Football: Wales draw blank against Albania in final Euro warm-up Wales failed to get a winning send-off to Euro 2020 as Albania held them to a 0-0 draw in front of 6,500 fans in Cardiff on Saturday. Rugby-Boks recall veteran flyhalf Steyn for British & Irish Lions tour South Africa have included veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn in their 46-man squad to face the British & Irish Lions next month, a return to the side for the player who kicked the Springboks to a series win when the teams last met in 2009. Basketball: Magic say Clifford won't return as coach Steve Clifford will not return next season as coach of the Orlando Magic, the NBA team announced on Saturday, saying the two have "mutually agreed" to part ways. Formula 1: Norris says F1 stewards should rethink his grid drop McLaren's Lando Norris said he had been unfairly punished and stewards should have a rethink after being handed a grid penalty at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday. Tennis-Swiatek overcomes slow start to reach French Open fourth round PARIS: Defending champion Iga Swiatek overcame a sluggish start to book her place in the last 16 of the French Open with a 7-6(4) 6-0 victory over Estonian Anna Kontaveit on Saturday. The eighth-seeded Polish player was out of sorts as she fell 3-1 behind in the opening set, but eventually ... Tennis-Gauff eases through to last 16 as Brady retires Teenager Coco Gauff reached the last 16 of the French Open for the first time after fellow American Jennifer Brady quit having lost the first set 6-1 on Saturday. Soccer-Sobolev penalty gives Russia 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Euro build-up Substitute Aleksandr Sobolev's late penalty earned Russia a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in their final warm-up friendly before the European Championship kicks off next Friday. Athletics-Fraser-Pryce sets fastest 100m time in 33 years Jamaican sprint darling Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became the second-fastest woman of all time behind 100 metres world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner when she clocked 10.63 seconds at a meet in Kingston on Saturday. Football: South Korea trounce Turkmenistan but Lebanon keep pace Hwang Ui-jo scored a brace as South Korea thumped Turkmenistan 5-0 on Saturday to regain first place in Group H in the second phase of Asian World Cup qualifying. Motor racing-Hamilton hails 'monumental' Mercedes after Baku qualifying Lewis Hamilton hailed a monumental turnaround by his Mercedes Formula One team on Saturday after overcoming problems in practice to secure a front row starting position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Tennis: Nadal crushes Norrie to reach French Open fourth round A relentless Rafa Nadal cruised into the last 16 of the French Open for the 16th time on Saturday, with a brutal 6-3 6-3 6-3 dismantling of Briton Cameron Norrie. Sri Lankan cricket players refuse to sign reduced pay contracts Sri Lanka's national cricket players Saturday refused to sign new pay contracts by a weekend deadline, but said they will take part in the tour of England later this month. Swim star Hagino keeps chin up amid struggles Japanese swim star Kosuke Hagino insisted Saturday he was not feeling as down about his floundering form "as everyone might think", as he gears up for the Tokyo Olympics. Tennis: Djokovic to play 'future of tennis' Musetti in French Open last 16 Novak Djokovic cruised into the French Open last 16 for the 12th consecutive year with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Lithuania's 93rd-ranked Ricardas Berankis on Saturday. Soccer-Hwang scores two as South Koreans cruise past Turkmenistan HONG KONG: South Korea handed Turkmenistan a 5-0 defeat in Goyang on Saturday to stay top of Group H in the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Hwang Ui-jo scored twice while Nam Tae-hee, Kim Young-gwon and Kwon Chang-hoon were also on target for Paulo Bento's side, who ... Tennis-Kenin roars back to topple Pegula in all-American clash PARIS: Fourth seed Sofia Kenin rallied from a set down to book a place in the French Open last-16 on Saturday, defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-1 6-4 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Kenin, who finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek last year, made a bright start to take a 3-0 lead before ... Motorcycling-Quartararo fastest in Catalunya for fifth straight MotoGP pole Yamaha's world championship leader Fabio Quartararo claimed his fifth straight pole position of the MotoGP season after going fastest in qualifying at the Catalunya Grand Prix on Saturday. Motor racing-Leclerc on pole in Baku after crash-hit qualifying Ferrari's Charles Leclerc grabbed a surprise pole position for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday in a qualifying session littered with crashes and four red flag stoppages. Football: Belgium relief as De Bruyne to join squad on Monday Kevin de Bruyne has had minor surgery on the eye socket he injured in the Champions League final and will join the Belgium squad on Monday as they complete their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament. Tennis-Outplayed Svitolina joins top names tumbling at French Open PARIS: Fifth seed Elina Svitolina crashed out of the French Open with a third-round 6-3 6-2 loss to 33rd-ranked Czech Barbora Krejcikova on Saturday, as the big names in the women's draw continued to fall at the claycourt Grand Slam. Roland Garros is already without its top three women's seeds ... Cricket-New Zealand's Southee runs amok as English wickets tumble before lunch LONDON: English wickets tumbled early on day four of the first test on Saturday, leaving the home side on 164-6 at lunch, 214 runs behind New Zealand after fast bowlers Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson tore through their middle order. Opener Rory Burns was unbeaten on 72 with debutant Ollie ... Tennis: Serena rival Rybakina thrives at French Open after border crossing When Elena Rybakina takes on Serena Williams for a place in the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, she will be representing Kazakhstan but there will be envious glances cast from her native Russia. Motor racing-Wolff hits back at 'windbag' Horner in bendy wing row Mercedes Formula One team boss Toto Wolff branded Red Bull rival Christian Horner a "bit of a windbag" on Saturday as a war of words over "bendy wings" showed no sign of abating at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Tennis-American Stephens ousts 18th seed Muchova to reach fourth round PARIS: Former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens overcame an attacking Karolina Muchova at the French Open on Saturday, ousting the Czech 18th seed with a 6-3 7-5 victory and progressing to the fourth round. Former world number three Stephens, who reached the final at Roland Garros in 2018 ... Football: Man City trio sweep Premier League end of season awards Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Phil Foden were named the Premier League's best player and best young player of the season on Saturday, while City boss Pep Guardiola was named Manager of the Season for a third time. Motor racing-Gasly fastest in final Baku practice as Verstappen crashes AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly was surprisingly fastest in final practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday, as Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen crashed into the barriers. Tennis: Wawrinka out of Wimbledon due to foot injury Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a foot injury that also ruled him out of the ongoing French Open, the governing body of men's tennis (ATP) has said. Rugby-Highlanders weather frantic first half to beat Waratahs REUTERS: The Otago Highlanders emerged from a frantic first half to notch up a 59-23 win over the New South Wales Waratahs in Dunedin on Saturday to secure a bonus point and pull level with the Canterbury Crusaders in the Super Rugby Trans Tasman series. The Highlanders crossed for nine tries ... Athletics-Sofia Marathon winner Sbaai gets four-year doping ban REUTERS: Moroccan distance runner Youssef Sbaai has been banned for four years for a doping violation at the Sofia Marathon he won last year, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has said. Sbaai set a course record 2:13:03 to win the bronze label race in Bulgaria in October before testing ... Football: Brazil captain says to delay formal comment on Copa America controversy The captain of Brazil’s soccer team said the players will wait until next week to comment on reports they are opposed to Brazil hosting the Copa America, with Casemiro saying any decision would be made jointly by the players and coach. Football: Tottenham call off talks with Conte over manager role Tottenham Hotspur have called off talks with Antonio Conte to become their new manager to replace the sacked Jose Mourinho, British media reported. Football: Bale to discuss Real Madrid future with Ancelotti after Euro 2020 Wales forward Gareth Bale has said he expects to discuss his future at Spanish giants Real Madrid with the team's new manager Carlo Ancelotti after the European Championship starts this month. Gymnastics-Biles takes lead at US Championships with eye on seventh title Four-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles stayed on course for a seventh national title with a superb performance at the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday to lead the field with 59.550 points. Soccer-Richarlison, Neymar score in Brazil's 2-0 win over Ecuador Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 in an insipid World Cup qualifying tie in Porto Alegre on Friday to maintain their perfect record and stay top of the South American qualifying group for Qatar 2022. Golf-'Brooksy' vs. Bryson: Golf's juiciest feud spills over at Memorial The feud between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka went to the next level on Friday, when fans were reportedly removed from the Memorial Tournament for heckling the reigning U.S. Open champion with his rival's nickname "Brooksy." Tennis: Steely Tsitsipas keeps cool to beat Isner in four sets Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was handed his first real test at this year's French Open before he subdued big-serving American John Isner 5-7 6-3 7-6(3) 6-1 to move into the fourth round on Friday. Soccer-Spain coach Luis Enrique wants fans to stop booing players Spain coach Luis Enrique implored fans not to boo players after they were left frustrated by Friday's 0-0 draw with Portugal. Tennis-Gauff gears up for biggest clay test against Brady American teen sensation Coco Gauff will aim to reach the last-16 of the French Open for the first time in her fledgling career on Saturday when she takes on compatriot Jennifer Brady. Football: Ruthless Italy sweep past Czechs 4-0 in Euro 2020 warm-up Italy swept aside the Czech Republic 4-0 on Friday with a ruthless attacking display that could make them a dangerous side when Euro 2020 kicks off next week. Football: Rio mayor says he could cancel Copa America games The mayor of Rio de Janeiro said on Friday that he would not hesitate to cancel Copa America matches scheduled in his city if the COVID-19 pandemic worsened. Football: Man City captain Fernandinho named on Premier League released list REUTERS: Manchester City captain Fernandinho has been included on the list of players set to be released at the end of the season, the Premier League said on Friday (Jun 4). Although City have not made an official announcement on the Brazilian midfielder's departure, the 36-year-old is into the ... Football: Spain and Portugal play out entertaining stalemate Spain and Portugal played out an entertaining 0-0 draw on Friday as both sides prepared for this month's European Championship. Golf: Cold and windy Olympic Club shows its teeth at US Women's Open Dense coastal fog and frigid winds frustrated players in the early goings of round two at the Women's U.S. Open at The Olympic Club on Friday. Soccer-Al Mawas hat-trick takes Syrians to verge of next round REUTERS: Syria moved closer to securing their place in the third round of Asia's preliminary competition for the 2022 World Cup after a hat-trick from Mahmoud Al Mawas secured a 4-0 win over the Maldives in Sharjah. Al Mawas scored twice in the first half either side of a strike from Aias ... Soccer-Finns fall to Estonia despite Pukki return REUTERS: The return of Teemu Pukki from injury took the sting out of Finland's 1-0 loss at home to Estonia in their final pre-Euro 2020 friendly in Helsinki on Friday, with the striker looking fresh in a half-hour substitute appearance. The 31-year-old, who netted 10 goals in qualifying ... Football: Spain and Portugal launch official bid for 2030 World Cup Spain and Portugal made their bid to host the 2030 World Cup official on Friday in a small symbolic ceremony at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, ahead of a Euro 2020 warm-up between the two nations. Cycling-Giro d'Italia champion Bernal tests positive for COVID-19 Giro d'Italia champion and 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal has tested positive for COVID-19, his Ineos-Grenadiers team said on Friday. Football: Buoyed by Champions League winning goal, Havertz eyes Germany berth Fresh from scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final, Chelsea star Kai Havertz is hoping his club form can earn him a starting berth for Germany at Euro 2020. Football: Man City dominate PFA team of the year Premier League champions Manchester City dominated the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Team of the Year which was announced on Friday, with six players making the cut. Tennis-Serena powers past Collins to reach last 16 in Paris Serena Williams powered confidently into the fourth round of the French Open with a 6-4 6-4 defeat of fellow American Danielle Collins on Friday as the draw opened up enticingly. Tennis: Serena powers into French Open fourth to boost record hopes Serena Williams sent out a warning to the rest of the depleted women's draw on Friday with a dominant straight-sets win over Danielle Collins to reach the French Open last 16 for the first time since 2018. Tennis-Second seed Medvedev cuts Opelka down to size to reach fourth round Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev put in a commanding performance against towering 32nd seed Reilly Opelka, beating the American 6-4 6-2 6-4 to storm into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday. Formula 1: Singapore Grand Prix cancelled for second year in a row amid COVID-19 pandemic SINGAPORE: The Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled for the second year in a row amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Race promoter Singapore GP on Friday (Jun 4) announced the cancellation of the 2021 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, citing "ongoing safety and logistic ... Soccer-Rio mayor warns city could cancel Copa America games A potential increase in COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro could force the city to abruptly cancel matches in this month’s Copa America, Mayor Eduardo Paes warned on Friday. Nishikori says 'shame and no fun' if Tokyo Olympics without fans Japan's Kei Nishikori said Friday it would be "a shame and no fun" if his home Olympics takes place without spectators. Manchester United to create fan advisory board, fan share ownership scheme :Manchester United said on Friday it would create a fan advisory board and fan share ownership scheme as the soccer club steps up engagement with its fans. Perez fastest in second Azerbaijan practice as Hamilton struggles Sergio Perez was fastest in the second practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday as Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes struggled on the streets of Baku. Tennis-Zidansek warming to the challenge in Paris Tamara Zidansek gave up a future as a snowboarder because she could not stand the cold and after reaching her first Grand Slam fourth round on Friday it looks to have been a wise choice. Alpine skiing-FIS elects billionaire Eliasch as new president REUTERS: Swedish-born billionaire businessman Johan Eliasch, a candidate endorsed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was elected president of skiing's world governing body on Friday. The International Ski Federation (FIS) said the 59-year-old chief executive of sporting goods company ... Soccer-European Super League plan not a coup but a 'cry of alarm', Agnelli says The plan to create a breakaway Super League was not a coup but a way to save the soccer industry, which has been dramatically hit by the coronavirus pandemic, European Super League founder and Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said on Friday. Tennis-ATP cancels Swiss Indoors Basel tournament for second straight year REUTERS: The Swiss Indoors Basel, a tournament Roger Federer has won 10 times, has been cancelled for a second year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers said on Friday. The ATP 500 tournament was scheduled to be held from Oct. 25-31 after it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic ... Tennis-Question marks over Osaka's Wimbledon participation, says Bartoli PARIS: Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli says there are big question marks about whether or not Naomi Osaka will play at the grasscourt championships this year after her withdrawal from the French Open, citing mental health issues. Japan's Osaka pulled out of French Open on Monday after ... Doping-Olympic champion McNeal banned for five years, CAS to hear appeal before Tokyo Games American Olympic 100 metres hurdles champion Brianna McNeal has been banned for five years for an anti-doping rule violation, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Friday. Turkish court issues 1,000-year jail terms in Fenerbahce case ANKARA: A Turkish court on Friday sentenced a media executive and a former police chief to more than 1,000 years each in prison for conspiring to bring match-fixing charges against top soccer club Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce's president was jailed for match-fixing a decade ago and the club was ... Rugby-Blues beat Reds to go top, Crusaders denied bonus point SYDNEY: The Auckland Blues failed to secure a bonus point but stayed top of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman standings after a 31-24 victory over the Queensland Reds at Lang Park in Brisbane on Friday. The Canterbury Crusaders earlier beat the Western Force 29-21 in the opening match of the round ... Football: Chelsea extend Tuchel's contract to 2024 LONDON: Chelsea have extended Thomas Tuchel's contract until 2024 after the German manager won the Champions League this season, the London club said on Friday (Jun 4). Tuchel took over midway through the 2020-21 season after the Premier League club sacked Frank Lampard and the German led them to ... Tennis: Azarenka in French Open fourth round for first time in eight years PARIS: Former world number one Victoria Azarenka reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time since 2013 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory against American Madison Keys on Friday (Jun 4). The Belarusian, who reached a career-best semi-final at Roland Garros eight years ago, was a doubt for ... Football: 14,000 fans allowed for Euro matches in Munich's Allianz Arena MUNICH, Germany: About14,000 fans will be allowed to attend Euro 2020 matches in Munich's Allianz Arena this month if infection rates in Bavaria remain as low as at the moment, Bavarian State Premier Markus Soeder said on Friday (Jun 4). "We believe it is possible to have up to 20 per cent, about ... Are YouTubers ruining boxing? Sport's biggest names not so sure LOS ANGELES: With a fight between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and YouTube star Logan Paul looming, some fans are asking whether the increasing number of celebrity exhibition bouts is reducing the sport to a carnival-style sideshow. The bout on Sunday (Jun 6) in Miami is expected to be a one ... Cricket-Rain delays England v New Zealand test on day three at Lord's The start of play on day three of the first test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's was delayed due to rain on Friday. Tennis-Third seed Sabalenka crashes out with loss to Pavlyuchenkova Third seed Aryna Sabalenka crashed out of the French Open with an error-filled third-round defeat to experienced Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Friday, leaving the women's draw without its top three seeds at the claycourt Grand Slam. Doping-India's Tokyo-bound wrestler Malik fails dope test NEW DELHI: India's Olympic-bound freestyle wrestler Sumit Malik has been provisionally suspended after failing a dope test in Bulgaria, a senior Indian federation official told Reuters on Friday. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Malik secured his Olympic place in the 125kg category by ... Motor racing-Threat of a 'bendy wing' protest hangs over F1's Baku race REUTERS: The threat of a protest hung over the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday as a row over 'bendy' rear wings dominated the conversation in the Formula One paddock. The sixth round of the season is the last before the governing FIA introduces new flexibility tests after some teams were ... Tennis-Russia's Sizikova arrested at French Open over match-fixing allegations PARIS -Russian player Yana Sizikova has been arrested at the French Open and placed in custody over match-fixing allegations related to last year's tournament, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, told Reuters on Friday. "Yana Sizikova is shaken and denies accusations of crimes she ... Motor racing-Verstappen fastest in Azerbaijan first practice REUTERS: Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace in first practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday, with the two Ferraris close behind. The 23-year-old Dutch driver, leading the standings for the first time in his career after winning in Monaco last month ... Tennis-Reviews promised but no changes yet after Osaka exit PARIS: Two of tennis's governing bodies have promised to review the impact of the press on players' mental health after Naomi Osaka stunned the sporting world by walking out of the French Open to place the issue firmly in the spotlight. Japan's Osaka left the claycourt Grand Slam on Monday ... Cricket - England may review players' social media posts: Thorpe England may review players' social media history before naming them in future squads, batting coach Graham Thorpe said after fast bowler Ollie Robinson's historical racist and sexist tweets came to light during his test debut this week. No Olympics if no athletes come to Japan, says Tokyo 2020 president TOKYO: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games cannot happen if no athletes can make it to Japan for the event, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Seiko Hashimoto said at a news briefing held on Friday (Jun 4). She said that the decision on whether to host the Games depended on rapidly changing ... Cricket-NZ need self-belief to end world title jinx: Australia's Lee New Zealand must believe in themselves if they are to make it third time lucky at a global tournament and defeat India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee said. Olympics-Transgender weightlifter could set dangerous precedent: Samoa coach MELBOURNE: Allowing transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard to compete in the women's competition at the Tokyo Olympics would be like letting athletes dope and may set a dangerous precedent for future Games, Samoa's weightlifting boss told Reuters. New Zealander Hubbard, who competed against ... Cricket-Pakistan recall Naseem and Abbas for tests in West Indies Pakistan recalled teenaged fast bowler Naseem Shah and seamer Mohammad Abbas on Friday for the team's two-test series in the West Indies in August, also picking spinner Yasir Shah who has yet to recover fully from a knee injury. Cricket: Play late and close to line to master Dukes swings, Vihari tells India Hanuma Vihari's county stint with Warwickshire has given him an insight into how much the Dukes ball swings and the all-rounder said playing it late and close to the line could help India succeed in England. Football: Grealish happy to face rough treatment to help England at Euros Jack Grealish was the most-fouled player in the Premier League last season, and the playmaker said that he is to happy to "take the kicks" at the European Championship if it gives England opportunities with free-kicks. Football: Australia withdraws teams from Asian Champions League MELBOURNE: Australia has withdrawn Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar from the 2021 Asian Champions League (ACL), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Friday (Jun 4). "The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC committees, with a decision to be communicated in due ... Olympics-Britain to have mental health support for athletes, staff at Tokyo Britain will have a team of mental health specialists at the Tokyo Olympics to offer support to their athletes and staff, The Times https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mental-health-specialists-will-monitor-team-gb-athletes-in-tokyo-zrckf3hvw newspaper reported on Friday. Japan 'cornered' into holding Olympic Games, says local Olympian One of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday (Jun 4) her nation had been "cornered" into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic. Golf-Amateur Ganne holds her nerve to tie for US Women's Open lead High school student Megha Ganne showed remarkable composure in compiling a four-under-par 67 at the U.S. Women's Open on Thursday to sit tied for the lead after the first round of the major. Cycling: UCI confirms women's Tour de France to return in 2022 AIGLE, Switzerland: Cycling's world governing body said on Thursday (Jun 3) that the women's Tour de France will return in 2022 after a 33-year absence and will be held after the men's event. The race, which was previously held from 1984 to 1989, will take place from Jul 24 to 31, starting on the ... Soccer-Brazil players to reveal Copa stance next week: coach REUTERS: Brazil coach Tite said he and the squad will not discuss their stance on the Copa America until after World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay amid reports that some players are reluctant to take part in the South American tournament. Brazil was unexpectedly chosen to host ... China gives Li Na the 'cold shoulder' a decade on from changing tennis SHANGHAI: A decade ago, more than 110 million people tuned in from China to watch Li Na become the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam singles title. But now she is rarely seen on TV or in the country's media. Her big breakthrough for Chinese and Asian tennis at the 2011 French Open was ... Football: Singapore resume 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with 4-0 loss to Palestine RIYADH: Singapore returned to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying action after more than 18 months on Thursday (Jun 3) with a 4-0 loss to Palestine. The second round of joint qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China has resumed after a lengthy delay ... Soccer: Australia coach Arnold labels Hrustic future 'star' after Kuwait win Australia coach Graham Arnold has hailed Ajdin Hrustic a "star of the future" after the midfielder helped the Socceroos to a comfortable 3-0 win over Kuwait in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Soccer-Uruguay draw 0-0 with Paraguay in World Cup qualifier Uruguay had the best chances but they could not convert and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at home to Paraguay in a South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Golf: Morikawa grabs early lead at storm-hit PGA Memorial Collin Morikawa, last year's PGA Championship winner, fired a six-under par 66 to seize the early first-round lead Thursday at the US PGA Memorial tournament before thunderstorms halted play. Tennis-Barty and Osaka exits open door for dark horses at French Open PARIS: The women's draw at the French Open was blown wide open on Thursday after world number one and top seed Ash Barty followed second seed Naomi Osaka in bowing out of the claycourt Grand Slam despite neither player actually losing a match. While an injury ended 2019 champion Barty's ... Tennis-Ruthless Nadal demolishes Gasquet to reach French Open third round PARIS: Claycourt machine Rafa Nadal celebrated his 35th birthday by handing his longtime pal Richard Gasquet a 6-0 7-5 6-2 masterclass as he stormed into the third round of the French Open on Thursday. Thirteen-time Roland Garros champion Nadal showed no mercy as he demolished the Frenchman ... Tennis-Murray not yet ready to compete, skips Nottingham grasscourt event Britain's former world number one Andy Murray has withdrawn from a June 5-13 grasscourt ATP Challenger event in Nottingham as he is not yet ready to compete while he continues his recovery from injury, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) said on Thursday. Football: Spirited Greece hold top ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw A spirited Greece fought back to hold top ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their friendly international in Brussels on Thursday as Georgios Tzavellas’ second half goal cancelled out an early strike for the hosts from Thorgan Hazard. Tennis-I felt I could do anything, says Swiatek, after cruising into third round PARIS: Defending champion Iga Swiatek said she felt like she could do anything she wanted with ball after reaching the French Open third round with an ominous 6-1 6-1 demolition of Rebecca Peterson on Thursday. The 20-year-old needed only 61 minutes to overwhelm Peterson, the only Swede in the ... Tennis-Federer happy to find higher gear against Cilic PARIS: With so few matches in the tank over the past 17 months, Roger Federer knew the first big test of where his game was at would likely come against Marin Cilic on Thursday. The 39-year-old Swiss had made his first-round win over Denis Istomin look like an exhibition match as he enjoyed a ...

Football: Wales draw blank against Albania in final Euro warm-up Wales failed to get a winning send-off to Euro 2020 as Albania held them to a 0-0 draw in front of 6,500 fans in Cardiff on Saturday. Rugby-Boks recall veteran flyhalf Steyn for British & Irish Lions tour South Africa have included veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn in their 46-man squad to face the British & Irish Lions next month, a return to the side for the player who kicked the Springboks to a series win when the teams last met in 2009. Basketball: Magic say Clifford won't return as coach Steve Clifford will not return next season as coach of the Orlando Magic, the NBA team announced on Saturday, saying the two have "mutually agreed" to part ways. Formula 1: Norris says F1 stewards should rethink his grid drop McLaren's Lando Norris said he had been unfairly punished and stewards should have a rethink after being handed a grid penalty at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday. Tennis-Swiatek overcomes slow start to reach French Open fourth round PARIS: Defending champion Iga Swiatek overcame a sluggish start to book her place in the last 16 of the French Open with a 7-6(4) 6-0 victory over Estonian Anna Kontaveit on Saturday. The eighth-seeded Polish player was out of sorts as she fell 3-1 behind in the opening set, but eventually ... Tennis-Gauff eases through to last 16 as Brady retires Teenager Coco Gauff reached the last 16 of the French Open for the first time after fellow American Jennifer Brady quit having lost the first set 6-1 on Saturday. Soccer-Sobolev penalty gives Russia 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Euro build-up Substitute Aleksandr Sobolev's late penalty earned Russia a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in their final warm-up friendly before the European Championship kicks off next Friday. Athletics-Fraser-Pryce sets fastest 100m time in 33 years Jamaican sprint darling Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became the second-fastest woman of all time behind 100 metres world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner when she clocked 10.63 seconds at a meet in Kingston on Saturday. Football: South Korea trounce Turkmenistan but Lebanon keep pace Hwang Ui-jo scored a brace as South Korea thumped Turkmenistan 5-0 on Saturday to regain first place in Group H in the second phase of Asian World Cup qualifying. Motor racing-Hamilton hails 'monumental' Mercedes after Baku qualifying Lewis Hamilton hailed a monumental turnaround by his Mercedes Formula One team on Saturday after overcoming problems in practice to secure a front row starting position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Tennis: Nadal crushes Norrie to reach French Open fourth round A relentless Rafa Nadal cruised into the last 16 of the French Open for the 16th time on Saturday, with a brutal 6-3 6-3 6-3 dismantling of Briton Cameron Norrie. Sri Lankan cricket players refuse to sign reduced pay contracts Sri Lanka's national cricket players Saturday refused to sign new pay contracts by a weekend deadline, but said they will take part in the tour of England later this month. Swim star Hagino keeps chin up amid struggles Japanese swim star Kosuke Hagino insisted Saturday he was not feeling as down about his floundering form "as everyone might think", as he gears up for the Tokyo Olympics. Tennis: Djokovic to play 'future of tennis' Musetti in French Open last 16 Novak Djokovic cruised into the French Open last 16 for the 12th consecutive year with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Lithuania's 93rd-ranked Ricardas Berankis on Saturday. Soccer-Hwang scores two as South Koreans cruise past Turkmenistan HONG KONG: South Korea handed Turkmenistan a 5-0 defeat in Goyang on Saturday to stay top of Group H in the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Hwang Ui-jo scored twice while Nam Tae-hee, Kim Young-gwon and Kwon Chang-hoon were also on target for Paulo Bento's side, who ... Tennis-Kenin roars back to topple Pegula in all-American clash PARIS: Fourth seed Sofia Kenin rallied from a set down to book a place in the French Open last-16 on Saturday, defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-1 6-4 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Kenin, who finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek last year, made a bright start to take a 3-0 lead before ... Motorcycling-Quartararo fastest in Catalunya for fifth straight MotoGP pole Yamaha's world championship leader Fabio Quartararo claimed his fifth straight pole position of the MotoGP season after going fastest in qualifying at the Catalunya Grand Prix on Saturday. Motor racing-Leclerc on pole in Baku after crash-hit qualifying Ferrari's Charles Leclerc grabbed a surprise pole position for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday in a qualifying session littered with crashes and four red flag stoppages. Football: Belgium relief as De Bruyne to join squad on Monday Kevin de Bruyne has had minor surgery on the eye socket he injured in the Champions League final and will join the Belgium squad on Monday as they complete their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament. Tennis-Outplayed Svitolina joins top names tumbling at French Open PARIS: Fifth seed Elina Svitolina crashed out of the French Open with a third-round 6-3 6-2 loss to 33rd-ranked Czech Barbora Krejcikova on Saturday, as the big names in the women's draw continued to fall at the claycourt Grand Slam. Roland Garros is already without its top three women's seeds ... Cricket-New Zealand's Southee runs amok as English wickets tumble before lunch LONDON: English wickets tumbled early on day four of the first test on Saturday, leaving the home side on 164-6 at lunch, 214 runs behind New Zealand after fast bowlers Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson tore through their middle order. Opener Rory Burns was unbeaten on 72 with debutant Ollie ... Tennis: Serena rival Rybakina thrives at French Open after border crossing When Elena Rybakina takes on Serena Williams for a place in the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, she will be representing Kazakhstan but there will be envious glances cast from her native Russia. Motor racing-Wolff hits back at 'windbag' Horner in bendy wing row Mercedes Formula One team boss Toto Wolff branded Red Bull rival Christian Horner a "bit of a windbag" on Saturday as a war of words over "bendy wings" showed no sign of abating at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Tennis-American Stephens ousts 18th seed Muchova to reach fourth round PARIS: Former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens overcame an attacking Karolina Muchova at the French Open on Saturday, ousting the Czech 18th seed with a 6-3 7-5 victory and progressing to the fourth round. Former world number three Stephens, who reached the final at Roland Garros in 2018 ... Football: Man City trio sweep Premier League end of season awards Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Phil Foden were named the Premier League's best player and best young player of the season on Saturday, while City boss Pep Guardiola was named Manager of the Season for a third time. Motor racing-Gasly fastest in final Baku practice as Verstappen crashes AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly was surprisingly fastest in final practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday, as Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen crashed into the barriers. Tennis: Wawrinka out of Wimbledon due to foot injury Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a foot injury that also ruled him out of the ongoing French Open, the governing body of men's tennis (ATP) has said. Rugby-Highlanders weather frantic first half to beat Waratahs REUTERS: The Otago Highlanders emerged from a frantic first half to notch up a 59-23 win over the New South Wales Waratahs in Dunedin on Saturday to secure a bonus point and pull level with the Canterbury Crusaders in the Super Rugby Trans Tasman series. The Highlanders crossed for nine tries ... Athletics-Sofia Marathon winner Sbaai gets four-year doping ban REUTERS: Moroccan distance runner Youssef Sbaai has been banned for four years for a doping violation at the Sofia Marathon he won last year, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has said. Sbaai set a course record 2:13:03 to win the bronze label race in Bulgaria in October before testing ... Football: Brazil captain says to delay formal comment on Copa America controversy The captain of Brazil’s soccer team said the players will wait until next week to comment on reports they are opposed to Brazil hosting the Copa America, with Casemiro saying any decision would be made jointly by the players and coach. Football: Tottenham call off talks with Conte over manager role Tottenham Hotspur have called off talks with Antonio Conte to become their new manager to replace the sacked Jose Mourinho, British media reported. Football: Bale to discuss Real Madrid future with Ancelotti after Euro 2020 Wales forward Gareth Bale has said he expects to discuss his future at Spanish giants Real Madrid with the team's new manager Carlo Ancelotti after the European Championship starts this month. Gymnastics-Biles takes lead at US Championships with eye on seventh title Four-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles stayed on course for a seventh national title with a superb performance at the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday to lead the field with 59.550 points. Soccer-Richarlison, Neymar score in Brazil's 2-0 win over Ecuador Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 in an insipid World Cup qualifying tie in Porto Alegre on Friday to maintain their perfect record and stay top of the South American qualifying group for Qatar 2022. Golf-'Brooksy' vs. Bryson: Golf's juiciest feud spills over at Memorial The feud between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka went to the next level on Friday, when fans were reportedly removed from the Memorial Tournament for heckling the reigning U.S. Open champion with his rival's nickname "Brooksy." Tennis: Steely Tsitsipas keeps cool to beat Isner in four sets Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was handed his first real test at this year's French Open before he subdued big-serving American John Isner 5-7 6-3 7-6(3) 6-1 to move into the fourth round on Friday. Soccer-Spain coach Luis Enrique wants fans to stop booing players Spain coach Luis Enrique implored fans not to boo players after they were left frustrated by Friday's 0-0 draw with Portugal. Tennis-Gauff gears up for biggest clay test against Brady American teen sensation Coco Gauff will aim to reach the last-16 of the French Open for the first time in her fledgling career on Saturday when she takes on compatriot Jennifer Brady. Football: Ruthless Italy sweep past Czechs 4-0 in Euro 2020 warm-up Italy swept aside the Czech Republic 4-0 on Friday with a ruthless attacking display that could make them a dangerous side when Euro 2020 kicks off next week. Football: Rio mayor says he could cancel Copa America games The mayor of Rio de Janeiro said on Friday that he would not hesitate to cancel Copa America matches scheduled in his city if the COVID-19 pandemic worsened. Football: Man City captain Fernandinho named on Premier League released list REUTERS: Manchester City captain Fernandinho has been included on the list of players set to be released at the end of the season, the Premier League said on Friday (Jun 4). Although City have not made an official announcement on the Brazilian midfielder's departure, the 36-year-old is into the ... Football: Spain and Portugal play out entertaining stalemate Spain and Portugal played out an entertaining 0-0 draw on Friday as both sides prepared for this month's European Championship. Golf: Cold and windy Olympic Club shows its teeth at US Women's Open Dense coastal fog and frigid winds frustrated players in the early goings of round two at the Women's U.S. Open at The Olympic Club on Friday. Soccer-Al Mawas hat-trick takes Syrians to verge of next round REUTERS: Syria moved closer to securing their place in the third round of Asia's preliminary competition for the 2022 World Cup after a hat-trick from Mahmoud Al Mawas secured a 4-0 win over the Maldives in Sharjah. Al Mawas scored twice in the first half either side of a strike from Aias ... Soccer-Finns fall to Estonia despite Pukki return REUTERS: The return of Teemu Pukki from injury took the sting out of Finland's 1-0 loss at home to Estonia in their final pre-Euro 2020 friendly in Helsinki on Friday, with the striker looking fresh in a half-hour substitute appearance. The 31-year-old, who netted 10 goals in qualifying ... Football: Spain and Portugal launch official bid for 2030 World Cup Spain and Portugal made their bid to host the 2030 World Cup official on Friday in a small symbolic ceremony at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, ahead of a Euro 2020 warm-up between the two nations. Cycling-Giro d'Italia champion Bernal tests positive for COVID-19 Giro d'Italia champion and 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal has tested positive for COVID-19, his Ineos-Grenadiers team said on Friday. Football: Buoyed by Champions League winning goal, Havertz eyes Germany berth Fresh from scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final, Chelsea star Kai Havertz is hoping his club form can earn him a starting berth for Germany at Euro 2020. Football: Man City dominate PFA team of the year Premier League champions Manchester City dominated the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Team of the Year which was announced on Friday, with six players making the cut. Tennis-Serena powers past Collins to reach last 16 in Paris Serena Williams powered confidently into the fourth round of the French Open with a 6-4 6-4 defeat of fellow American Danielle Collins on Friday as the draw opened up enticingly. Tennis: Serena powers into French Open fourth to boost record hopes Serena Williams sent out a warning to the rest of the depleted women's draw on Friday with a dominant straight-sets win over Danielle Collins to reach the French Open last 16 for the first time since 2018. Tennis-Second seed Medvedev cuts Opelka down to size to reach fourth round Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev put in a commanding performance against towering 32nd seed Reilly Opelka, beating the American 6-4 6-2 6-4 to storm into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday. Formula 1: Singapore Grand Prix cancelled for second year in a row amid COVID-19 pandemic SINGAPORE: The Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled for the second year in a row amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Race promoter Singapore GP on Friday (Jun 4) announced the cancellation of the 2021 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, citing "ongoing safety and logistic ... Soccer-Rio mayor warns city could cancel Copa America games A potential increase in COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro could force the city to abruptly cancel matches in this month’s Copa America, Mayor Eduardo Paes warned on Friday. Nishikori says 'shame and no fun' if Tokyo Olympics without fans Japan's Kei Nishikori said Friday it would be "a shame and no fun" if his home Olympics takes place without spectators. Manchester United to create fan advisory board, fan share ownership scheme :Manchester United said on Friday it would create a fan advisory board and fan share ownership scheme as the soccer club steps up engagement with its fans. Perez fastest in second Azerbaijan practice as Hamilton struggles Sergio Perez was fastest in the second practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday as Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes struggled on the streets of Baku. Tennis-Zidansek warming to the challenge in Paris Tamara Zidansek gave up a future as a snowboarder because she could not stand the cold and after reaching her first Grand Slam fourth round on Friday it looks to have been a wise choice. Alpine skiing-FIS elects billionaire Eliasch as new president REUTERS: Swedish-born billionaire businessman Johan Eliasch, a candidate endorsed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was elected president of skiing's world governing body on Friday. The International Ski Federation (FIS) said the 59-year-old chief executive of sporting goods company ... Soccer-European Super League plan not a coup but a 'cry of alarm', Agnelli says The plan to create a breakaway Super League was not a coup but a way to save the soccer industry, which has been dramatically hit by the coronavirus pandemic, European Super League founder and Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said on Friday. Tennis-ATP cancels Swiss Indoors Basel tournament for second straight year REUTERS: The Swiss Indoors Basel, a tournament Roger Federer has won 10 times, has been cancelled for a second year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers said on Friday. The ATP 500 tournament was scheduled to be held from Oct. 25-31 after it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic ... Tennis-Question marks over Osaka's Wimbledon participation, says Bartoli PARIS: Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli says there are big question marks about whether or not Naomi Osaka will play at the grasscourt championships this year after her withdrawal from the French Open, citing mental health issues. Japan's Osaka pulled out of French Open on Monday after ... Doping-Olympic champion McNeal banned for five years, CAS to hear appeal before Tokyo Games American Olympic 100 metres hurdles champion Brianna McNeal has been banned for five years for an anti-doping rule violation, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Friday. Turkish court issues 1,000-year jail terms in Fenerbahce case ANKARA: A Turkish court on Friday sentenced a media executive and a former police chief to more than 1,000 years each in prison for conspiring to bring match-fixing charges against top soccer club Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce's president was jailed for match-fixing a decade ago and the club was ... Rugby-Blues beat Reds to go top, Crusaders denied bonus point SYDNEY: The Auckland Blues failed to secure a bonus point but stayed top of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman standings after a 31-24 victory over the Queensland Reds at Lang Park in Brisbane on Friday. The Canterbury Crusaders earlier beat the Western Force 29-21 in the opening match of the round ... Football: Chelsea extend Tuchel's contract to 2024 LONDON: Chelsea have extended Thomas Tuchel's contract until 2024 after the German manager won the Champions League this season, the London club said on Friday (Jun 4). Tuchel took over midway through the 2020-21 season after the Premier League club sacked Frank Lampard and the German led them to ... Tennis: Azarenka in French Open fourth round for first time in eight years PARIS: Former world number one Victoria Azarenka reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time since 2013 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory against American Madison Keys on Friday (Jun 4). The Belarusian, who reached a career-best semi-final at Roland Garros eight years ago, was a doubt for ... Football: 14,000 fans allowed for Euro matches in Munich's Allianz Arena MUNICH, Germany: About14,000 fans will be allowed to attend Euro 2020 matches in Munich's Allianz Arena this month if infection rates in Bavaria remain as low as at the moment, Bavarian State Premier Markus Soeder said on Friday (Jun 4). "We believe it is possible to have up to 20 per cent, about ... Are YouTubers ruining boxing? Sport's biggest names not so sure LOS ANGELES: With a fight between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and YouTube star Logan Paul looming, some fans are asking whether the increasing number of celebrity exhibition bouts is reducing the sport to a carnival-style sideshow. The bout on Sunday (Jun 6) in Miami is expected to be a one ... Cricket-Rain delays England v New Zealand test on day three at Lord's The start of play on day three of the first test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's was delayed due to rain on Friday. Tennis-Third seed Sabalenka crashes out with loss to Pavlyuchenkova Third seed Aryna Sabalenka crashed out of the French Open with an error-filled third-round defeat to experienced Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Friday, leaving the women's draw without its top three seeds at the claycourt Grand Slam. Doping-India's Tokyo-bound wrestler Malik fails dope test NEW DELHI: India's Olympic-bound freestyle wrestler Sumit Malik has been provisionally suspended after failing a dope test in Bulgaria, a senior Indian federation official told Reuters on Friday. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Malik secured his Olympic place in the 125kg category by ... Motor racing-Threat of a 'bendy wing' protest hangs over F1's Baku race REUTERS: The threat of a protest hung over the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday as a row over 'bendy' rear wings dominated the conversation in the Formula One paddock. The sixth round of the season is the last before the governing FIA introduces new flexibility tests after some teams were ... Tennis-Russia's Sizikova arrested at French Open over match-fixing allegations PARIS -Russian player Yana Sizikova has been arrested at the French Open and placed in custody over match-fixing allegations related to last year's tournament, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, told Reuters on Friday. "Yana Sizikova is shaken and denies accusations of crimes she ... Motor racing-Verstappen fastest in Azerbaijan first practice REUTERS: Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace in first practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday, with the two Ferraris close behind. The 23-year-old Dutch driver, leading the standings for the first time in his career after winning in Monaco last month ... Tennis-Reviews promised but no changes yet after Osaka exit PARIS: Two of tennis's governing bodies have promised to review the impact of the press on players' mental health after Naomi Osaka stunned the sporting world by walking out of the French Open to place the issue firmly in the spotlight. Japan's Osaka left the claycourt Grand Slam on Monday ... Cricket - England may review players' social media posts: Thorpe England may review players' social media history before naming them in future squads, batting coach Graham Thorpe said after fast bowler Ollie Robinson's historical racist and sexist tweets came to light during his test debut this week. No Olympics if no athletes come to Japan, says Tokyo 2020 president TOKYO: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games cannot happen if no athletes can make it to Japan for the event, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Seiko Hashimoto said at a news briefing held on Friday (Jun 4). She said that the decision on whether to host the Games depended on rapidly changing ... Cricket-NZ need self-belief to end world title jinx: Australia's Lee New Zealand must believe in themselves if they are to make it third time lucky at a global tournament and defeat India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee said. Olympics-Transgender weightlifter could set dangerous precedent: Samoa coach MELBOURNE: Allowing transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard to compete in the women's competition at the Tokyo Olympics would be like letting athletes dope and may set a dangerous precedent for future Games, Samoa's weightlifting boss told Reuters. New Zealander Hubbard, who competed against ... Cricket-Pakistan recall Naseem and Abbas for tests in West Indies Pakistan recalled teenaged fast bowler Naseem Shah and seamer Mohammad Abbas on Friday for the team's two-test series in the West Indies in August, also picking spinner Yasir Shah who has yet to recover fully from a knee injury. Cricket: Play late and close to line to master Dukes swings, Vihari tells India Hanuma Vihari's county stint with Warwickshire has given him an insight into how much the Dukes ball swings and the all-rounder said playing it late and close to the line could help India succeed in England. Football: Grealish happy to face rough treatment to help England at Euros Jack Grealish was the most-fouled player in the Premier League last season, and the playmaker said that he is to happy to "take the kicks" at the European Championship if it gives England opportunities with free-kicks. Football: Australia withdraws teams from Asian Champions League MELBOURNE: Australia has withdrawn Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar from the 2021 Asian Champions League (ACL), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Friday (Jun 4). "The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC committees, with a decision to be communicated in due ... Olympics-Britain to have mental health support for athletes, staff at Tokyo Britain will have a team of mental health specialists at the Tokyo Olympics to offer support to their athletes and staff, The Times https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mental-health-specialists-will-monitor-team-gb-athletes-in-tokyo-zrckf3hvw newspaper reported on Friday. Japan 'cornered' into holding Olympic Games, says local Olympian One of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday (Jun 4) her nation had been "cornered" into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic. Golf-Amateur Ganne holds her nerve to tie for US Women's Open lead High school student Megha Ganne showed remarkable composure in compiling a four-under-par 67 at the U.S. Women's Open on Thursday to sit tied for the lead after the first round of the major. Cycling: UCI confirms women's Tour de France to return in 2022 AIGLE, Switzerland: Cycling's world governing body said on Thursday (Jun 3) that the women's Tour de France will return in 2022 after a 33-year absence and will be held after the men's event. The race, which was previously held from 1984 to 1989, will take place from Jul 24 to 31, starting on the ... Soccer-Brazil players to reveal Copa stance next week: coach REUTERS: Brazil coach Tite said he and the squad will not discuss their stance on the Copa America until after World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay amid reports that some players are reluctant to take part in the South American tournament. Brazil was unexpectedly chosen to host ... China gives Li Na the 'cold shoulder' a decade on from changing tennis SHANGHAI: A decade ago, more than 110 million people tuned in from China to watch Li Na become the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam singles title. But now she is rarely seen on TV or in the country's media. Her big breakthrough for Chinese and Asian tennis at the 2011 French Open was ... Football: Singapore resume 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with 4-0 loss to Palestine RIYADH: Singapore returned to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying action after more than 18 months on Thursday (Jun 3) with a 4-0 loss to Palestine. The second round of joint qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China has resumed after a lengthy delay ... Soccer: Australia coach Arnold labels Hrustic future 'star' after Kuwait win Australia coach Graham Arnold has hailed Ajdin Hrustic a "star of the future" after the midfielder helped the Socceroos to a comfortable 3-0 win over Kuwait in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Soccer-Uruguay draw 0-0 with Paraguay in World Cup qualifier Uruguay had the best chances but they could not convert and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at home to Paraguay in a South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Golf: Morikawa grabs early lead at storm-hit PGA Memorial Collin Morikawa, last year's PGA Championship winner, fired a six-under par 66 to seize the early first-round lead Thursday at the US PGA Memorial tournament before thunderstorms halted play. Tennis-Barty and Osaka exits open door for dark horses at French Open PARIS: The women's draw at the French Open was blown wide open on Thursday after world number one and top seed Ash Barty followed second seed Naomi Osaka in bowing out of the claycourt Grand Slam despite neither player actually losing a match. While an injury ended 2019 champion Barty's ... Tennis-Ruthless Nadal demolishes Gasquet to reach French Open third round PARIS: Claycourt machine Rafa Nadal celebrated his 35th birthday by handing his longtime pal Richard Gasquet a 6-0 7-5 6-2 masterclass as he stormed into the third round of the French Open on Thursday. Thirteen-time Roland Garros champion Nadal showed no mercy as he demolished the Frenchman ... Tennis-Murray not yet ready to compete, skips Nottingham grasscourt event Britain's former world number one Andy Murray has withdrawn from a June 5-13 grasscourt ATP Challenger event in Nottingham as he is not yet ready to compete while he continues his recovery from injury, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) said on Thursday. Football: Spirited Greece hold top ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw A spirited Greece fought back to hold top ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their friendly international in Brussels on Thursday as Georgios Tzavellas’ second half goal cancelled out an early strike for the hosts from Thorgan Hazard. Tennis-I felt I could do anything, says Swiatek, after cruising into third round PARIS: Defending champion Iga Swiatek said she felt like she could do anything she wanted with ball after reaching the French Open third round with an ominous 6-1 6-1 demolition of Rebecca Peterson on Thursday. The 20-year-old needed only 61 minutes to overwhelm Peterson, the only Swede in the ... Tennis-Federer happy to find higher gear against Cilic PARIS: With so few matches in the tank over the past 17 months, Roger Federer knew the first big test of where his game was at would likely come against Marin Cilic on Thursday. The 39-year-old Swiss had made his first-round win over Denis Istomin look like an exhibition match as he enjoyed a ...

bymanash June 06, 2021

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Football: Wales draw blank against Albania in final Euro warm-up

Wales failed to get a winning send-off to Euro 2020 as Albania held them to a 0-0 draw in front of 6,500 fans in Cardiff on Saturday.

Rugby-Boks recall veteran flyhalf Steyn for British & Irish Lions tour

South Africa have included veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn in their 46-man squad to face the British & Irish Lions next month, a return to the side for the player who kicked the Springboks to a series win when the teams last met in 2009.

Basketball: Magic say Clifford won't return as coach

Steve Clifford will not return next season as coach of the Orlando Magic, the NBA team announced on Saturday, saying the two have "mutually agreed" to part ways.

Formula 1: Norris says F1 stewards should rethink his grid drop

McLaren's Lando Norris said he had been unfairly punished and stewards should have a rethink after being handed a grid penalty at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday.

Tennis-Swiatek overcomes slow start to reach French Open fourth round

PARIS: Defending champion Iga Swiatek overcame a sluggish start to book her place in the last 16 of the French Open with a 7-6(4) 6-0 victory over Estonian Anna Kontaveit on Saturday. The eighth-seeded Polish player was out of sorts as she fell 3-1 behind in the opening set, but eventually ...

Tennis-Gauff eases through to last 16 as Brady retires

Teenager Coco Gauff reached the last 16 of the French Open for the first time after fellow American Jennifer Brady quit having lost the first set 6-1 on Saturday.

Soccer-Sobolev penalty gives Russia 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Euro build-up

Substitute Aleksandr Sobolev's late penalty earned Russia a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in their final warm-up friendly before the European Championship kicks off next Friday.

Athletics-Fraser-Pryce sets fastest 100m time in 33 years

Jamaican sprint darling Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became the second-fastest woman of all time behind 100 metres world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner when she clocked 10.63 seconds at a meet in Kingston on Saturday.

Football: South Korea trounce Turkmenistan but Lebanon keep pace

Hwang Ui-jo scored a brace as South Korea thumped Turkmenistan 5-0 on Saturday to regain first place in Group H in the second phase of Asian World Cup qualifying.

Motor racing-Hamilton hails 'monumental' Mercedes after Baku qualifying

Lewis Hamilton hailed a monumental turnaround by his Mercedes Formula One team on Saturday after overcoming problems in practice to secure a front row starting position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Tennis: Nadal crushes Norrie to reach French Open fourth round

A relentless Rafa Nadal cruised into the last 16 of the French Open for the 16th time on Saturday, with a brutal 6-3 6-3 6-3 dismantling of Briton Cameron Norrie.

Sri Lankan cricket players refuse to sign reduced pay contracts

Sri Lanka's national cricket players Saturday refused to sign new pay contracts by a weekend deadline, but said they will take part in the tour of England later this month.

Swim star Hagino keeps chin up amid struggles

Japanese swim star Kosuke Hagino insisted Saturday he was not feeling as down about his floundering form "as everyone might think", as he gears up for the Tokyo Olympics.

Tennis: Djokovic to play 'future of tennis' Musetti in French Open last 16

Novak Djokovic cruised into the French Open last 16 for the 12th consecutive year with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Lithuania's 93rd-ranked Ricardas Berankis on Saturday.

Soccer-Hwang scores two as South Koreans cruise past Turkmenistan

HONG KONG: South Korea handed Turkmenistan a 5-0 defeat in Goyang on Saturday to stay top of Group H in the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Hwang Ui-jo scored twice while Nam Tae-hee, Kim Young-gwon and Kwon Chang-hoon were also on target for Paulo Bento's side, who ...

Tennis-Kenin roars back to topple Pegula in all-American clash

PARIS: Fourth seed Sofia Kenin rallied from a set down to book a place in the French Open last-16 on Saturday, defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-1 6-4 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Kenin, who finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek last year, made a bright start to take a 3-0 lead before ...

Motorcycling-Quartararo fastest in Catalunya for fifth straight MotoGP pole

Yamaha's world championship leader Fabio Quartararo claimed his fifth straight pole position of the MotoGP season after going fastest in qualifying at the Catalunya Grand Prix on Saturday.

Motor racing-Leclerc on pole in Baku after crash-hit qualifying

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc grabbed a surprise pole position for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday in a qualifying session littered with crashes and four red flag stoppages.

Football: Belgium relief as De Bruyne to join squad on Monday

Kevin de Bruyne has had minor surgery on the eye socket he injured in the Champions League final and will join the Belgium squad on Monday as they complete their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament.

Tennis-Outplayed Svitolina joins top names tumbling at French Open

PARIS: Fifth seed Elina Svitolina crashed out of the French Open with a third-round 6-3 6-2 loss to 33rd-ranked Czech Barbora Krejcikova on Saturday, as the big names in the women's draw continued to fall at the claycourt Grand Slam. Roland Garros is already without its top three women's seeds ...

Cricket-New Zealand's Southee runs amok as English wickets tumble before lunch

LONDON: English wickets tumbled early on day four of the first test on Saturday, leaving the home side on 164-6 at lunch, 214 runs behind New Zealand after fast bowlers Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson tore through their middle order. Opener Rory Burns was unbeaten on 72 with debutant Ollie ...

Tennis: Serena rival Rybakina thrives at French Open after border crossing

When Elena Rybakina takes on Serena Williams for a place in the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, she will be representing Kazakhstan but there will be envious glances cast from her native Russia.

Motor racing-Wolff hits back at 'windbag' Horner in bendy wing row

Mercedes Formula One team boss Toto Wolff branded Red Bull rival Christian Horner a "bit of a windbag" on Saturday as a war of words over "bendy wings" showed no sign of abating at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Tennis-American Stephens ousts 18th seed Muchova to reach fourth round

PARIS: Former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens overcame an attacking Karolina Muchova at the French Open on Saturday, ousting the Czech 18th seed with a 6-3 7-5 victory and progressing to the fourth round. Former world number three Stephens, who reached the final at Roland Garros in 2018 ...

Football: Man City trio sweep Premier League end of season awards

Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Phil Foden were named the Premier League's best player and best young player of the season on Saturday, while City boss Pep Guardiola was named Manager of the Season for a third time.

Motor racing-Gasly fastest in final Baku practice as Verstappen crashes

AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly was surprisingly fastest in final practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday, as Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen crashed into the barriers.

Tennis: Wawrinka out of Wimbledon due to foot injury

Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a foot injury that also ruled him out of the ongoing French Open, the governing body of men's tennis (ATP) has said.

Rugby-Highlanders weather frantic first half to beat Waratahs

REUTERS: The Otago Highlanders emerged from a frantic first half to notch up a 59-23 win over the New South Wales Waratahs in Dunedin on Saturday to secure a bonus point and pull level with the Canterbury Crusaders in the Super Rugby Trans Tasman series. The Highlanders crossed for nine tries ...

Athletics-Sofia Marathon winner Sbaai gets four-year doping ban

REUTERS: Moroccan distance runner Youssef Sbaai has been banned for four years for a doping violation at the Sofia Marathon he won last year, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has said. Sbaai set a course record 2:13:03 to win the bronze label race in Bulgaria in October before testing ...

Football: Brazil captain says to delay formal comment on Copa America controversy

The captain of Brazil’s soccer team said the players will wait until next week to comment on reports they are opposed to Brazil hosting the Copa America, with Casemiro saying any decision would be made jointly by the players and coach.

Football: Tottenham call off talks with Conte over manager role

Tottenham Hotspur have called off talks with Antonio Conte to become their new manager to replace the sacked Jose Mourinho, British media reported.

Football: Bale to discuss Real Madrid future with Ancelotti after Euro 2020

Wales forward Gareth Bale has said he expects to discuss his future at Spanish giants Real Madrid with the team's new manager Carlo Ancelotti after the European Championship starts this month.

Gymnastics-Biles takes lead at US Championships with eye on seventh title

Four-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles stayed on course for a seventh national title with a superb performance at the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday to lead the field with 59.550 points.

Soccer-Richarlison, Neymar score in Brazil's 2-0 win over Ecuador

Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 in an insipid World Cup qualifying tie in Porto Alegre on Friday to maintain their perfect record and stay top of the South American qualifying group for Qatar 2022.

Golf-'Brooksy' vs. Bryson: Golf's juiciest feud spills over at Memorial

The feud between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka went to the next level on Friday, when fans were reportedly removed from the Memorial Tournament for heckling the reigning U.S. Open champion with his rival's nickname "Brooksy."

Tennis: Steely Tsitsipas keeps cool to beat Isner in four sets

Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was handed his first real test at this year's French Open before he subdued big-serving American John Isner 5-7 6-3 7-6(3) 6-1 to move into the fourth round on Friday.

Soccer-Spain coach Luis Enrique wants fans to stop booing players

Spain coach Luis Enrique implored fans not to boo players after they were left frustrated by Friday's 0-0 draw with Portugal.

Tennis-Gauff gears up for biggest clay test against Brady

American teen sensation Coco Gauff will aim to reach the last-16 of the French Open for the first time in her fledgling career on Saturday when she takes on compatriot Jennifer Brady.

Football: Ruthless Italy sweep past Czechs 4-0 in Euro 2020 warm-up

Italy swept aside the Czech Republic 4-0 on Friday with a ruthless attacking display that could make them a dangerous side when Euro 2020 kicks off next week.

Football: Rio mayor says he could cancel Copa America games

The mayor of Rio de Janeiro said on Friday that he would not hesitate to cancel Copa America matches scheduled in his city if the COVID-19 pandemic worsened.

Football: Man City captain Fernandinho named on Premier League released list

REUTERS: Manchester City captain Fernandinho has been included on the list of players set to be released at the end of the season, the Premier League said on Friday (Jun 4). Although City have not made an official announcement on the Brazilian midfielder's departure, the 36-year-old is into the ...

Football: Spain and Portugal play out entertaining stalemate

Spain and Portugal played out an entertaining 0-0 draw on Friday as both sides prepared for this month's European Championship.

Golf: Cold and windy Olympic Club shows its teeth at US Women's Open

Dense coastal fog and frigid winds frustrated players in the early goings of round two at the Women's U.S. Open at The Olympic Club on Friday.

Soccer-Al Mawas hat-trick takes Syrians to verge of next round

REUTERS: Syria moved closer to securing their place in the third round of Asia's preliminary competition for the 2022 World Cup after a hat-trick from Mahmoud Al Mawas secured a 4-0 win over the Maldives in Sharjah. Al Mawas scored twice in the first half either side of a strike from Aias ...

Soccer-Finns fall to Estonia despite Pukki return

REUTERS: The return of Teemu Pukki from injury took the sting out of Finland's 1-0 loss at home to Estonia in their final pre-Euro 2020 friendly in Helsinki on Friday, with the striker looking fresh in a half-hour substitute appearance. The 31-year-old, who netted 10 goals in qualifying ...

Football: Spain and Portugal launch official bid for 2030 World Cup

Spain and Portugal made their bid to host the 2030 World Cup official on Friday in a small symbolic ceremony at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, ahead of a Euro 2020 warm-up between the two nations.

Cycling-Giro d'Italia champion Bernal tests positive for COVID-19

Giro d'Italia champion and 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal has tested positive for COVID-19, his Ineos-Grenadiers team said on Friday.

Football: Buoyed by Champions League winning goal, Havertz eyes Germany berth

Fresh from scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final, Chelsea star Kai Havertz is hoping his club form can earn him a starting berth for Germany at Euro 2020.

Football: Man City dominate PFA team of the year

Premier League champions Manchester City dominated the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Team of the Year which was announced on Friday, with six players making the cut.

Tennis-Serena powers past Collins to reach last 16 in Paris

Serena Williams powered confidently into the fourth round of the French Open with a 6-4 6-4 defeat of fellow American Danielle Collins on Friday as the draw opened up enticingly.

Tennis: Serena powers into French Open fourth to boost record hopes

Serena Williams sent out a warning to the rest of the depleted women's draw on Friday with a dominant straight-sets win over Danielle Collins to reach the French Open last 16 for the first time since 2018.

Tennis-Second seed Medvedev cuts Opelka down to size to reach fourth round

Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev put in a commanding performance against towering 32nd seed Reilly Opelka, beating the American 6-4 6-2 6-4 to storm into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday.

Formula 1: Singapore Grand Prix cancelled for second year in a row amid COVID-19 pandemic

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled for the second year in a row amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Race promoter Singapore GP on Friday (Jun 4) announced the cancellation of the 2021 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, citing "ongoing safety and logistic ...

Soccer-Rio mayor warns city could cancel Copa America games

A potential increase in COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro could force the city to abruptly cancel matches in this month’s Copa America, Mayor Eduardo Paes warned on Friday.

Nishikori says 'shame and no fun' if Tokyo Olympics without fans

Japan's Kei Nishikori said Friday it would be "a shame and no fun" if his home Olympics takes place without spectators.

Manchester United to create fan advisory board, fan share ownership scheme

:Manchester United said on Friday it would create a fan advisory board and fan share ownership scheme as the soccer club steps up engagement with its fans.

Perez fastest in second Azerbaijan practice as Hamilton struggles

Sergio Perez was fastest in the second practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday as Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes struggled on the streets of Baku.

Tennis-Zidansek warming to the challenge in Paris

Tamara Zidansek gave up a future as a snowboarder because she could not stand the cold and after reaching her first Grand Slam fourth round on Friday it looks to have been a wise choice.

Alpine skiing-FIS elects billionaire Eliasch as new president

REUTERS: Swedish-born billionaire businessman Johan Eliasch, a candidate endorsed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was elected president of skiing's world governing body on Friday. The International Ski Federation (FIS) said the 59-year-old chief executive of sporting goods company ...

Soccer-European Super League plan not a coup but a 'cry of alarm', Agnelli says

The plan to create a breakaway Super League was not a coup but a way to save the soccer industry, which has been dramatically hit by the coronavirus pandemic, European Super League founder and Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said on Friday.

Tennis-ATP cancels Swiss Indoors Basel tournament for second straight year

REUTERS: The Swiss Indoors Basel, a tournament Roger Federer has won 10 times, has been cancelled for a second year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers said on Friday. The ATP 500 tournament was scheduled to be held from Oct. 25-31 after it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic ...

Tennis-Question marks over Osaka's Wimbledon participation, says Bartoli

PARIS: Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli says there are big question marks about whether or not Naomi Osaka will play at the grasscourt championships this year after her withdrawal from the French Open, citing mental health issues. Japan's Osaka pulled out of French Open on Monday after ...

Doping-Olympic champion McNeal banned for five years, CAS to hear appeal before Tokyo Games

American Olympic 100 metres hurdles champion Brianna McNeal has been banned for five years for an anti-doping rule violation, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Friday.

Turkish court issues 1,000-year jail terms in Fenerbahce case

ANKARA: A Turkish court on Friday sentenced a media executive and a former police chief to more than 1,000 years each in prison for conspiring to bring match-fixing charges against top soccer club Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce's president was jailed for match-fixing a decade ago and the club was ...

Rugby-Blues beat Reds to go top, Crusaders denied bonus point

SYDNEY: The Auckland Blues failed to secure a bonus point but stayed top of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman standings after a 31-24 victory over the Queensland Reds at Lang Park in Brisbane on Friday. The Canterbury Crusaders earlier beat the Western Force 29-21 in the opening match of the round ...

Football: Chelsea extend Tuchel's contract to 2024

LONDON: Chelsea have extended Thomas Tuchel's contract until 2024 after the German manager won the Champions League this season, the London club said on Friday (Jun 4). Tuchel took over midway through the 2020-21 season after the Premier League club sacked Frank Lampard and the German led them to ...

Tennis: Azarenka in French Open fourth round for first time in eight years

PARIS: Former world number one Victoria Azarenka reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time since 2013 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory against American Madison Keys on Friday (Jun 4). The Belarusian, who reached a career-best semi-final at Roland Garros eight years ago, was a doubt for ...

Football: 14,000 fans allowed for Euro matches in Munich's Allianz Arena

MUNICH, Germany: About14,000 fans will be allowed to attend Euro 2020 matches in Munich's Allianz Arena this month if infection rates in Bavaria remain as low as at the moment, Bavarian State Premier Markus Soeder said on Friday (Jun 4). "We believe it is possible to have up to 20 per cent, about ...

Are YouTubers ruining boxing? Sport's biggest names not so sure

LOS ANGELES: With a fight between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and YouTube star Logan Paul looming, some fans are asking whether the increasing number of celebrity exhibition bouts is reducing the sport to a carnival-style sideshow. The bout on Sunday (Jun 6) in Miami is expected to be a one ...

Cricket-Rain delays England v New Zealand test on day three at Lord's

The start of play on day three of the first test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's was delayed due to rain on Friday.

Tennis-Third seed Sabalenka crashes out with loss to Pavlyuchenkova

Third seed Aryna Sabalenka crashed out of the French Open with an error-filled third-round defeat to experienced Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Friday, leaving the women's draw without its top three seeds at the claycourt Grand Slam.

Doping-India's Tokyo-bound wrestler Malik fails dope test

NEW DELHI: India's Olympic-bound freestyle wrestler Sumit Malik has been provisionally suspended after failing a dope test in Bulgaria, a senior Indian federation official told Reuters on Friday. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Malik secured his Olympic place in the 125kg category by ...

Motor racing-Threat of a 'bendy wing' protest hangs over F1's Baku race

REUTERS: The threat of a protest hung over the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday as a row over 'bendy' rear wings dominated the conversation in the Formula One paddock. The sixth round of the season is the last before the governing FIA introduces new flexibility tests after some teams were ...

Tennis-Russia's Sizikova arrested at French Open over match-fixing allegations

PARIS -Russian player Yana Sizikova has been arrested at the French Open and placed in custody over match-fixing allegations related to last year's tournament, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, told Reuters on Friday. "Yana Sizikova is shaken and denies accusations of crimes she ...

Motor racing-Verstappen fastest in Azerbaijan first practice

REUTERS: Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace in first practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday, with the two Ferraris close behind. The 23-year-old Dutch driver, leading the standings for the first time in his career after winning in Monaco last month ...

Tennis-Reviews promised but no changes yet after Osaka exit

PARIS: Two of tennis's governing bodies have promised to review the impact of the press on players' mental health after Naomi Osaka stunned the sporting world by walking out of the French Open to place the issue firmly in the spotlight. Japan's Osaka left the claycourt Grand Slam on Monday ...

Cricket - England may review players' social media posts: Thorpe

England may review players' social media history before naming them in future squads, batting coach Graham Thorpe said after fast bowler Ollie Robinson's historical racist and sexist tweets came to light during his test debut this week.

No Olympics if no athletes come to Japan, says Tokyo 2020 president

TOKYO: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games cannot happen if no athletes can make it to Japan for the event, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee President Seiko Hashimoto said at a news briefing held on Friday (Jun 4). She said that the decision on whether to host the Games depended on rapidly changing ...

Cricket-NZ need self-belief to end world title jinx: Australia's Lee

New Zealand must believe in themselves if they are to make it third time lucky at a global tournament and defeat India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee said.

Olympics-Transgender weightlifter could set dangerous precedent: Samoa coach

MELBOURNE: Allowing transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard to compete in the women's competition at the Tokyo Olympics would be like letting athletes dope and may set a dangerous precedent for future Games, Samoa's weightlifting boss told Reuters. New Zealander Hubbard, who competed against ...

Cricket-Pakistan recall Naseem and Abbas for tests in West Indies

Pakistan recalled teenaged fast bowler Naseem Shah and seamer Mohammad Abbas on Friday for the team's two-test series in the West Indies in August, also picking spinner Yasir Shah who has yet to recover fully from a knee injury.

Cricket: Play late and close to line to master Dukes swings, Vihari tells India

Hanuma Vihari's county stint with Warwickshire has given him an insight into how much the Dukes ball swings and the all-rounder said playing it late and close to the line could help India succeed in England.

Football: Grealish happy to face rough treatment to help England at Euros

Jack Grealish was the most-fouled player in the Premier League last season, and the playmaker said that he is to happy to "take the kicks" at the European Championship if it gives England opportunities with free-kicks.

Football: Australia withdraws teams from Asian Champions League

MELBOURNE: Australia has withdrawn Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar from the 2021 Asian Champions League (ACL), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Friday (Jun 4). "The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC committees, with a decision to be communicated in due ...

Olympics-Britain to have mental health support for athletes, staff at Tokyo

Britain will have a team of mental health specialists at the Tokyo Olympics to offer support to their athletes and staff, The Times https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mental-health-specialists-will-monitor-team-gb-athletes-in-tokyo-zrckf3hvw newspaper reported on Friday.

Japan 'cornered' into holding Olympic Games, says local Olympian

One of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday (Jun 4) her nation had been "cornered" into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic.

Golf-Amateur Ganne holds her nerve to tie for US Women's Open lead

High school student Megha Ganne showed remarkable composure in compiling a four-under-par 67 at the U.S. Women's Open on Thursday to sit tied for the lead after the first round of the major.

Cycling: UCI confirms women's Tour de France to return in 2022

AIGLE, Switzerland: Cycling's world governing body said on Thursday (Jun 3) that the women's Tour de France will return in 2022 after a 33-year absence and will be held after the men's event. The race, which was previously held from 1984 to 1989, will take place from Jul 24 to 31, starting on the ...

Soccer-Brazil players to reveal Copa stance next week: coach

REUTERS: Brazil coach Tite said he and the squad will not discuss their stance on the Copa America until after World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay amid reports that some players are reluctant to take part in the South American tournament. Brazil was unexpectedly chosen to host ...

China gives Li Na the 'cold shoulder' a decade on from changing tennis

SHANGHAI: A decade ago, more than 110 million people tuned in from China to watch Li Na become the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam singles title. But now she is rarely seen on TV or in the country's media. Her big breakthrough for Chinese and Asian tennis at the 2011 French Open was ...

Football: Singapore resume 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with 4-0 loss to Palestine

RIYADH: Singapore returned to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying action after more than 18 months on Thursday (Jun 3) with a 4-0 loss to Palestine. The second round of joint qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China has resumed after a lengthy delay ...

Soccer: Australia coach Arnold labels Hrustic future 'star' after Kuwait win

Australia coach Graham Arnold has hailed Ajdin Hrustic a "star of the future" after the midfielder helped the Socceroos to a comfortable 3-0 win over Kuwait in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Soccer-Uruguay draw 0-0 with Paraguay in World Cup qualifier

Uruguay had the best chances but they could not convert and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at home to Paraguay in a South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Golf: Morikawa grabs early lead at storm-hit PGA Memorial

Collin Morikawa, last year's PGA Championship winner, fired a six-under par 66 to seize the early first-round lead Thursday at the US PGA Memorial tournament before thunderstorms halted play.

Tennis-Barty and Osaka exits open door for dark horses at French Open

PARIS: The women's draw at the French Open was blown wide open on Thursday after world number one and top seed Ash Barty followed second seed Naomi Osaka in bowing out of the claycourt Grand Slam despite neither player actually losing a match. While an injury ended 2019 champion Barty's ...

Tennis-Ruthless Nadal demolishes Gasquet to reach French Open third round

PARIS: Claycourt machine Rafa Nadal celebrated his 35th birthday by handing his longtime pal Richard Gasquet a 6-0 7-5 6-2 masterclass as he stormed into the third round of the French Open on Thursday. Thirteen-time Roland Garros champion Nadal showed no mercy as he demolished the Frenchman ...

Tennis-Murray not yet ready to compete, skips Nottingham grasscourt event

Britain's former world number one Andy Murray has withdrawn from a June 5-13 grasscourt ATP Challenger event in Nottingham as he is not yet ready to compete while he continues his recovery from injury, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) said on Thursday.

Football: Spirited Greece hold top ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw

A spirited Greece fought back to hold top ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their friendly international in Brussels on Thursday as Georgios Tzavellas’ second half goal cancelled out an early strike for the hosts from Thorgan Hazard.

Tennis-I felt I could do anything, says Swiatek, after cruising into third round

PARIS: Defending champion Iga Swiatek said she felt like she could do anything she wanted with ball after reaching the French Open third round with an ominous 6-1 6-1 demolition of Rebecca Peterson on Thursday. The 20-year-old needed only 61 minutes to overwhelm Peterson, the only Swede in the ...

Tennis-Federer happy to find higher gear against Cilic

PARIS: With so few matches in the tank over the past 17 months, Roger Federer knew the first big test of where his game was at would likely come against Marin Cilic on Thursday. The 39-year-old Swiss had made his first-round win over Denis Istomin look like an exhibition match as he enjoyed a ...

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