Japan coach Aguirre fired
Tokyo: Japan coach Javier Aguirre was fired on Tuesday over concerns that allegations of his involvement in match-fixing will interfere with qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Aguirre agreed it was unavoidable, Japan Football Association president Kuniya Daini said at a news conference. Former Mexico coach Aguirre became embroiled in a massive match-fixing probe launched by Spain's state prosecutor in the Spanish league. Aguirre denies any wrongdoing.
Somdev loses in Challenger
Burnie (Australia): India's struggling singles star Somdev Devvarman suffered yet another first round defeat and this time against a player who is ranked outside the bracket of 1600. Third seed Somdev, competing in a $50,000 ATP Challenger tournament here, lost the contest 6-1, 6-7(4), 4-6 to New Zealand qualifier Finn Tearney in two hours and 27 minutes. Somdev is also competing in the doubles event with compatriot Sanam Singh. They are seeded fourth and play Aussie pair of Maverick Anes and Gavin Van Peperzeel in their opening round.
Moscow added to Formula E
Moscow: Moscow has been added to the calendar of the inaugural Formula E Championship, taking the number of races back up to 10. The Moscow street race will be held on June 6 and has been slotted on the calendar after the Rio round was called off last year. FIA President Jean Todt, together with Executive Director of the Russian Automobile Federation, Sergey Ivanov, Formula E CEO, Alejandro Agag, and the Chairman of FEH Russia, Valentin Buhtoyarov, today announced the addition of Moscow. The ePrix will take place on a 13-turn street circuit adjacent to the Kremlin.
Damani stuns Advani in asian qualifier
Bengaluru: Kolkata cueist Brijesh Damani stunned world and national champion Pankaj Advani in the opening game of the selection camp trials for the Asian Billiards Championship, here on Tuesday. While Advani recovered to win his second match against Jaiveer Dhingra 3-1, Damani was outplayed by Mumbai cueist Dhruv Sitwala in his second fixture 1-3. The eight players attending the camp (February 3-5) are involved in a league to decide the Indian contingent for the Asian Championships. The snooker trials will start February 7.
Nasr fastest on Day 3 of testing
Jerez (Spain): Felipe Nasr, one of three newcomers to Formula One, clocked the fastest time on the third day of pre-season testing on Tuesday. One of the others, Carlos Sainz Jr completed a mammoth 136 laps in often wet and rainy conditions. The 22-year-old Nasr, a Williams test driver last year before joining Sauber, was timed in 1 minute, 21.545 seconds on the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. Ferrari, quickest for the first two days, settled for second best with former champion Kimi Raikkonen finishing .205 slower.