Aus Open 2021 set to begin on Feb 8
Melbourne: The Australian Open was pushed back to February 8 on Thursday after weeks of negotiations as coronavirus disruption hits a second Grand Slam tennis season. Men's qualifiers will be held in Doha but Australia will host a series of build-up events including the flagship ATP Cup, the men's ATP Tour said, announcing its early 2021 schedule. Fans are expected to be allowed at Melbourne Park, but players will need to undergo 14 days of quarantine.
Amir announces retirement
Karachi: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammed Amir on Thursday announced a dramatic end to his international cricket career, alleging that he has been “mentally tortured” by the management of his national board, which called the move a personal decision. “I am quitting cricket this time because I have been mentally tortured. I can't bear this torture. I had faced torture from 2010 to 2015, I remained outside cricket for whatever the reason. I served the punishment and did everything,” Amir, said referring to the ban he served for his involvement in spot-fixing. “But I feel tortured by this continuous talk that PCB has invested (on me). I can't play under this current management.”
Russia banned from using name, flag
Geneva: Russia was banned on Thursday from using its name, flag and anthem at the next two Olympics or at any world championships for the next two years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling also blocked Russia from bidding to host major sporting events for two years. Russian athletes and teams will still be allowed to compete at Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, as well as world championships including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, if they are not implicated in doping or covering up positive tests.
4 medals assured at boxing World Cup
New Delhi: Amit Panghal (52kg) stormed into the final after three other Indian boxers were assured of medals at the World Cup in Cologne on Thursday even as a positive Covid-19 case among the support staff caused some anxiety in the contingent. Asian Games champion Panghal defeated Frenchman Billal Bennama, a Bronze-medallist from the world championship 5-0 in the clash. Earlier, three Indian women (Pooja Rani (75kg), Manisha (57kg) and Simranjeet Kaur (60kg)) were also assured of medals after finding themselves in semifinals when draws were unveiled.
Brazil F1 GP at Interlagos until 2025
Paris: The Brazilian Grand Prix will remain at its traditional Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo after promoters signed a five-year deal, Formula One said. F1 said in a statement on Wednesday that the race will take place on Nov 14 next year. The announcement scuppers any plans to move to a new circuit in Rio de Janeiro.
Liverpool beat Spurs 2-1 to top EPL
Liverpool: Roberto Firmino scored with a 90th-minute header as Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 to climb above its opponent to the top of the Premier League. In a victory reminiscent of so many which carried the Reds to their first title in 30 years last season, Liverpool's relentlessness was rewarded when the Brazil striker powered home a header from Andy Robertson's corner with the clock ticking toward stoppage time on Wednesday.