Bayern to sign young Schalke keeper
Munich: Goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel has agreed to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer becoming the latest potential successor to Manuel Neuer, the club announced on Saturday. The 23-year-old, who has played 17 times for Germany's under-21 team, had refused to extend his contract at Schalke and will join the German champions at the end of the season on a five-year contract. Neuer, who moved from Schalke in 2011, has been injury prone in recent years but the 33-year-old has started 26 games this season and remains the Bayern captain.
Ter Stegen out of Spanish Super Cup
Barcelona: Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will miss the derby match against Espanyol through injury and is unlikely to play in next week's Spanish Super Cup. “It is true that he has some problems in the tendon,” said coach Ernesto Valverde in a press conference. “He will not be available tomorrow and for the Super Cup it will be difficult too. He will return after the Super Cup.” The club had said on Monday that Ter Stegen is undergoing treatment on a problem with his right knee. Ter Stegen's absence means Neto will likely play in goal.
Saurabh wins 10m air pistol Gold
Bhopal: Ace shooter Saurabh Chaudhary stamped his class to win the men's 10m air pistol Gold at the 63rd National Shooting Championship competitions. The 17-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, who is touted as India's biggest hope for a medal in shooting in Tokyo Games, went below his recently lost world record score by just 0.1, shooting a classy 246.4 to finish on top. Second-placed Sarabjot Singh of Haryana was well behind with a score of 243.9, while world number two Abhishek Verma settled for Bronze in a high-quality final.
Lagat, Alemu to defend titles
Mumbai: Defending champions Cosmas Lagat and Worknesh Alemu will return to the Tata Mumbai Marathon to defend their titles at the prestigious IAAF Gold Label Road Race which is set to be the strongest marathon ever to be staged in the country. The marathon which will be held here on January 19, will feature 14 men, who have run faster than 2:10:00, making it the strongest marathon ever in India. Lagat will be aiming to become just the second man to win back-to-back Mumbai Marathon titles in the race's 17-year history.
Barty gets tough draw in brisbane
Brisbane: No 1-ranked Ashleigh Barty will begin the new year with a tough draw at the Brisbane International. She's one of six Grand Slam champions in her half of the draw. She will have a first-round bye before a potential second-round match against five-time major winner and wild-card entry Maria Sharapova, who plays a qualifier in the first round. If Barty reaches the quarterfinals, the French Open champion could take on either 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens or two-time Wimbledon champion and fifth-seeded Petra Kvitova.
Sonam shocks Sakshi Malik in trials
Lucknow: Two-time World Cadet champion Sonam Malik stunned Rio Olympic Bronze medallist Sakshi Malik while another promising junior Anshu Malik knocked out 2018 World Championship medallist Pooja Dhanda to seal their places in the Indian team for the Asian Championship. Pitted against heavyweights in their respective first round, both Sonam and Anshu cared little for reputations, fighting fearlessly. There were no surprises in other categories with Vinesh Phogat (53kg) and Divya Kakran (68kg) easily winning in their respective bouts. Agencies