Celtic strike late as Rangers slip
Glasgow: Scott Brown's dramatic injury-time strike gave Celtic a 2-1 win over Hamilton to move the Hoops two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as Rangers let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 at Aberdeen. Celtic looked on course for a routine evening when Ryan Christie pounced to score from close range in the 13th minute to put the home side in front. But the Accies stayed in the game and seemed to have secured an unlikely point when Marios Ogkmpoe bundled in a leveller in the 90th minute. Celtic, though, snatched winner when captain Brown burst into the box to fire two minutes into injury time.
Barca raise Fati's release clause
Barcelona: Barcelona have raised teenage star Ansu Fati's release clause from 100 million to 170 million euros ($188.3 million). The 17-year-old's release clause will also be bumped up to 400 million euros — almost double the world-record 222 million euros PSG paid Barcelona for Neymar — when he signs a professional contract with the first team. “FC Barcelona and the player Ansu Fati have agreed on an improved contract until June 30, 2022, with two years optional, and on his release clause, which moves from 100 to 170 million euros,” Barca said in a statement.
Khedira out for three months
Turin: Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has been ruled out for three months after undergoing knee surgery, the Italian champions announced. The 2014 World Cup winner had surgery in his native Germany. “The operation was perfectly successful and the player will be able to start rehabilitation immediately,” Juventus said in a statement. “The expected recovery time is around three months.” The 32-year-old has played a key role this season where he featured in 13 of the 14 league games.
Bopanna aims to play Qatar Open
Mumbai: Forced out of India's recent Davis Cup tie due to a shoulder injury, doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna said his recovery is on the right track and he plans to compete at the Qatar Open in January. “It (the shoulder) is getting better and I just started training, maybe 2-3 days ago. So, I have a whole month before the season starts. So it will be fine by the time the first tournament starts, which is on the January 6th — Doha event in Qatar,” Bopanna said. The tourney will be held in Doha from Jan 6 to 12.
SL overhaul cricket coaching team
Colombo: Sri Lanka's cricket board Thursday announced a major revamp of the national team after their poor showing at the recent World Cup, confirming Mickey Arthur's appointment as head coach. SLC's secretary Mohan de Silva said the country had been without a proper coach since the early World Cup exit. “We are very pleased to have Mickey and hope his experience in Asia will help build our team to a very high standard,” de Silva told reporters after hiring the 51-year-old. Grant Flower was appointed the new batting coach, David Saker as bowling coach while Shane McDermott is in charge of fielding training.