Thiago Silva joins Chelsea
London: Brazil center back Thiago Silva joined Chelsea on a one-year deal on Friday after his contract expired at PSG, becoming the latest big-name signing for the English club ahead of the new season. Chelsea said the club has the option of signing Silva for a further year. “I am so happy to be joining Chelsea. I am delighted to be a part of Lampard's exciting squad for next season and I'm here to challenge for honours,” said Silva.
Expectant father Kohli to travel Aus
New Delhi: India captain Virat Kohli is likely to travel to Australia later this year despite his wife expecting their first child in January, a BCCI official told Reuters. “He's available for the tour, at least he has not said anything to the contrary,” said the official. “Now, if he has to come back in the middle of the tour, he has not said anything about that either. Of course there's plenty of time before the series.”
Satterthwaite, Watkin return in NZ squad
Christchurch: Leg-spinner Deanna Doughty was handed a maiden call-up, while former skipper Amy Satterthwaite and all-rounder Jess Watkin also returned as New Zealand named a 17-member women's squad for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia. While Doughty will hope to make her debut, Satterthwaite is returning after a maternity leave. Watkin had last played in 2018.
Vinesh Phogat tests COVID-19 positive
New Delhi: India's top woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Friday said she has tested positive for Covid-19. Selected for this year's Khel Ratna award, the Asian and CWG Gold-medallist, had been training at her village in Sonipat with coach Om Prakash. “Yes, I have tested positive for Covid-19 when my sample was taken in Sonipat before the dress rehearsal for the awards ceremony,” Vinesh said. “I will recover soon, God willing. I am in isolation at home,” she added.
Rain hits Australia's 1st practice match
Southampton: Australia's first intra-squad practice match of its white-ball cricket tour of England was abandoned midway through because of rain on Friday. Rain stopped play in the T20 hit-out in Southampton when a team led by vice-captain Pat Cummins was on 60-0 in reply to the 150 made by an opposition side captained by Australia's limited-overs skipper, Aaron Finch. Just 25.5 overs were possible in total.
IOC, IPC thank Abe for Tokyo vision
Tokyo: Olympic officials thanked outgoing Japanese premier Shinzo Abe on Friday for his commitment to bringing the Games to Tokyo and said they would work closely with his successor as Japan bids to overcome the coronavirus pandemic to hold the event next year.
Matic calls time on Serbia career
Belgrade: Serbia's football federation (FSS) confirmed on Friday that Man Utd midfielder Nemanja Matic has chosen to retire internationally. FSS sports director Vladimir Matijasevic said: “Other than saying it was time for younger players to take over, Matic did not state any other specific reasons for quitting. We respect his decision. He is 32 years old and he's had an exerting club season. European club football is demanding and hence we are aware that we'll have to inject fresh blood into the national team.”