Shenzhen, China | AFP | Former world number one Maria Sharapova abandoned her quarter-final tie in the Shenzhen Open on Friday after struggling with a thigh injury. Just 10 days before the start of the Australian Open, Sharapova received treatment for a painful left thigh after losing the first set …
Read More »Zola tells Hudson-Odoi to keep the faith with Chelsea
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Callum Hudson-Odoi should fight for a place in the Chelsea starting line-up and not be swayed by a multi-million euro offer from German giants Bayern Munich, according to Blues assistant manager Gianfranco Zola. The 18-year-old winger — a pivotal member of the England side …
Read More »LeBron, Antetokounmpo top early NBA All-Star vote totals
New York, United States | AFP | Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James and Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo led the first fan balloting updates announced Thursday for next month’s NBA All-Star Game. Los Angeles Lakers star playmaker James received the most votes with 1,083,363 to pace the Western Conference …
Read More »Villarreal’s Cazorla spoils Real Madrid Liga return
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla scored twice as Villarreal drew 2-2 with Real Madrid in La Liga on Thursday, with the pint-sized midfielder producing a late header for a share of the spoils. This was Madrid”s first game since winning the World Club Cup in …
Read More »Five things we learned from the Premier League’s festive season
Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Liverpool emerged from the Premier League’s packed festive season with a four-point lead at the top of the table, despite slipping to a first defeat of the campaign to Manchester City on Thursday. That huge win puts City back in the title race after …
Read More »Four things we learned from Manchester City v Liverpool
Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Manchester City reignited their Premier League title challenge with a crucial 2-1 win over leaders Liverpool on Thursday. Leroy Sane’s superb second half strike handed Liverpool their first league defeat this season and moved the champions to within four points of Jurgen Klopp’s side. …
Read More »Man City snap Liverpool winning streak to reignite title race
Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Manchester City inflicted Liverpool’s first Premier League defeat of the season to breathe new life into their title defence with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad on Thursday. City now trail Jurgen Klopp’s men by just four points thanks to Leroy Sane’s winner 18 …
Read More »Djokovic battles through to Qatar semi-finals
Doha, Qatar | AFP | World number one Novak Djokovic won another gruelling battle in Doha on Thursday to continue his unbeaten start to the year and progress to the Qatar Open semi-finals. The Serb came from a set down, just like in his previous match, to beat Georgia’s Nikoloz …
Read More »Walker dropped as Guardiola reshuffles defence for Liverpool test
Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Pep Guardiola reshuffled his Manchester City defence for Thursday’s must-win top of the table Premier League clash with Liverpool as England international Kyle Walker was again dropped to the bench. City trail league leaders Liverpool by seven points with Guardiola admitting anything other than …
Read More »F1 pays tribute to stricken Schumacher on his 50th birthday
Maranello, Italy | AFP | Ferrari issued an emotional message on Thursday to mark the 50th birthday of Michael Schumacher, who has not been seen in public since he suffered head injuries in a skiing accident five years ago. The German, who won a record seven Formula One drivers’ championships …
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