Nuggets and results | Mitoma makes Japan's Asian Cup squad despite injury, Poland and Norway make hay at United Cup

Persistent Japan ease past Thailand, name strong squad for Asian Cup

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu hailed his team's persistence after they warmed up for this month's Asian Cup with a 5-0 friendly win over Thailand in Tokyo on Monday.

The four-time Asian champions were held scoreless in the first half in front of a New Year's Day crowd of more than 60,000 before breaking Thailand's resistance after the interval.

Japan will start as one of the favourites to win the Asian Cup in Qatar and Moriyasu warned that they will need to show the same spirit when the tournament kicks off on January 12.

"They weren't an easy team to break down but the players attacked with positivity," said Moriyasu, who named the injured Kaoru Mitoma in his 26-man Asian Cup squad. 

"It didn't happen for us at first but we stuck to the task and kept attacking time and time again, and we got our reward with our goals in the end."

Moriyasu fielded an inexperienced line-up missing several overseas-based players against a Thailand side that is also heading to the Asian Cup.

Ao Tanaka broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half before goals from Keito Nakamura, Takumu Kawamura, Takumi Minamino and a Thailand own goal gave the hosts a comfortable win.

Moriyasu said his players had been proactive in attacking the opposition but urged them to keep improving.

"In order to win at the Asian Cup and to beat the very best teams in the world, we have to be dogged in defence and get better at winning the ball back from them," he said.

Japan have been drawn in Group D at the Asian Cup and will face Indonesia, Iraq and Vietnam in the first round, with Moriyasu also picking a strong squad for the Asian Cup.

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo and Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu were also selected, along with Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Takefusa Kubo.

Lazio's Daichi Kamada was left out as Japan look to win the Asian Cup for a record fifth time.

Celtic's Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate made the cut but club-mate Kyogo Furuhashi was not selected.

They lost 3-1 to Qatar in the final of the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates and they beat Australia 1-0 in the final the last time the tournament was held in Qatar, in 2011.

Japan squad:

Goalkeepers: Daiya Maekawa (Vissel Kobe), Zion Suzuki (Sint-Truiden/BEL), Taishi Brandon Nozawa (FC Tokyo)

Defenders: Shogo Taniguchi (Al-Rayyan/QAT), Kou Itakura (Monchengladbach/GER), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Gent/BEL), Yuta Nakayama (Huddersfield/ENG), Koki Machida (Union SG/BEL), Seiya Maikuma (Cerezo Osaka), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal/ENG), Hiroki Ito (Stuttgart/GER), Yukinari Sugawara (AZ/NED)

Midfielders/forwards: Wataru Endo (Liverpool/ENG), Junya Ito (Reims/FRA), Takuma Asano (Bochum/GER), Takumi Minamino (Monaco/FRA), Hidemasa Morita (Sporting/POR), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton/ENG), Daizen Maeda (Celtic/SCO), Reo Hatate (Celtic/SCO), Ritsu Doan (Freiburg/GER), Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord/NED), Keito Nakamura (Reims/FRA), Kaishu Sano (Kashima Antlers), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad/ESP), Mao Hosoya (Kashiwa Reysol)

Ruud takes charge to steer Norway past Croatia at United Cup, Swiatek also powers Poland at same tourney

A sharp Casper Ruud won his second straight singles match of the season on Monday before backing up in the mixed doubles to steer Norway past Croatia at the United Cup.

World number 23 Donna Vekic ground past unheralded Malene Helgo 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 to give the Croats a winning start to the Group F tie at the mixed teams tournament in Sydney.

But three-time Grand Slam finalist Ruud swept past Borna Coric 6-4, 6-1 in just 89 minutes to level proceedings, then teamed with Ulrikke Eikeri to beat Vekic and Ivan Dodig 6-2, 3-6, 10-7.

It was a much-needed win for Norway who lost against the Netherlands at the weekend.

"I'm motivated for the new year, I'm fresh and I'm ready," said world number 11 Ruud.

"Another great singles match. I'm very happy to start the new year that way."

It followed a similarly dominant 6-3, 6-4 win over Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor on Saturday.

Ruud has dropped serve just once through the two matches, and was not broken on Monday.

He also won 12 of 13 net approaches and said he had been working hard to improve his volleys.

"I'll never be the guy who is all over the net, but I'm trying to come into the court a little more," he said.

Vekic needed two hours and 49 minutes to battle past Helgo, who played far better than her ranking of 539 suggested.

"She's a really good player and her ranking doesn't do her justice," said Vekic, a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open last year.

"Finally my serve showed up in the third set, which made it easier."

Vekic was put to the test in the first set, falling 5-2 behind before winning the next eight points to get back on serve and coming through 7-5.

At the same tournament, An irrepressible Iga Swiatek unleashed on Spain Monday as Poland booked a 2-1 win to move into the quarter-finals.

The world number one showed no mercy to Sara Sorribes Tormo in a 6-2, 6-1 singles victory before teaming with Hubert Hurkacz to clinch the tie with a 6-0, 6-0 mixed doubles thrashing in just 53 minutes.

Hurkacz was ambushed in the day's opening singles, losing 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The top-seeded Poles finished Group A play with a perfect 2-0 record and await a last-eight opponent.

Swiatek, who has lost only seven games in two singles matches to start her countdown to the Australian Open, said playing mixed doubles was good experience.

"It's lessons for the future and great practice," the 22-year-old said.

"I hardly ever play mixed. You use different skills, it's about feeling the geometry of the court."

Hurkacz credited his teammate with doing most of the hard yards.

"She carried me throughout the whole match, in every game she was making amazing shots," the world number nine said.

'Super nervous' Osaka wins comeback match at Brisbane international

Former world number one and new mother Naomi Osaka said Monday she was proud to have won her first match back after a long break, admitting she had been "super nervous".

The 26-year-old was on court at the Brisbane International for an hour and 47 minutes before finally seeing off gallant German Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6 (11/9) on Pat Rafter Arena.

"I was super nervous, but I was excited to be out there," said Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion who stepped away from tennis in September 2022, citing mental health concerns.

"I think it's better to have harder matches early because it will train me for what's to come.

"I know all the opponents I play aren't easy anyway, so it would be very 'out there' for me to think my first match would be a 6-1, 6-1 win.

"Looking back on the match now, honestly I'm very proud of myself. I feel like I played at a pretty good level."

After giving birth to a baby girl in July, Osaka rediscovered her love of the game and decided to return for the 2024 season.

It looked like she had never been away when she broke Korpatsch to love in the opening game then broke once more to take the first set relatively comfortably.

But it was a different story in the second set as Korpatsch lifted and Osaka began to feel the pressure.

Korpatsch broke Osaka's serve to start the second set and although the Japanese star broke straight back, she was no longer as settled against the tenacious German.

Osaka did break once more and was serving for the match at 5-4, but she was broken again and it went to a tiebreak, where both players had their chances.

Osaka squandered two match points and Korpatsch two set points before Osaka prevailed on her third opportunity with a powerful forehand down the line.

She said courtside that motherhood had changed her outlook on the game, and she had felt too isolated from fans and fellow players previously.

"The last couple of years that I played before I had my daughter I didn't return as much love as I was given," she said.

"So I really feel like that's what I want to do in this chapter. I just really appreciate people coming out and cheering for me.

"I would say she's (her daughter) helped me grow up so much so quickly," Osaka added.

"Off the court I'm more aware of people and I appreciate them a lot more, even my opponents and everything."

Pregnant Kvitova puts career on hold

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova said Monday she was pregnant and putting her career on hold as the new season is due to start in Australia."

On the first day of 2024 I wanted to wish you a happy new year and share the exciting news that Jiri and I will be welcoming a baby into our family this summer!" Kvitova said on Instagram.

The 33-year-old world number 17 married her coach Jiri Vanek in July 2023.

"While I will miss my annual trip to Australia and competing in the sport I love, I'm looking forward to spending some time at home preparing for this exciting next chapter in our lives," she added.

Kvitova, the Wimbledon champion from 2011 and 2014, has won 31 WTA singles titles.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner took four wickets as they beat Bangladesh by 17 runs in a rain-affected third and final Twenty20 international on Sunday to draw the series 1-1.

After dismissing the tourists for 110 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand's top-order collapsed to 49-5 before Jimmy Neesham and Santner recovered to reach 95-5 off 14.4 overs.

When heavy rain halted play, the Black Caps were comfortably ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target, thanks largely to an unbeaten 28 from all-rounder Neesham.

The result denied Bangladesh a first series victory on New Zealand soil in any format, having lost the preceding ODI series 2-1.

After asking Bangladesh to bat first on a lively Bay Oval pitch, Santner claimed 4-16 off his four overs, stifling an innings that was already struggling at 41-3 when he was introduced.

Seamers Tim Southee, Adam Milne and Ben Sears all took two wickets.

Milne (2-23) removed Bangladesh captain and top-scorer Najmul Hossain Shanto for 17 when he skied a full-pitched delivery to point.

Four other Bangladesh batsmen reached double figures but failed to convert into a substantial score.

Four of New Zealand's top order were dismissed for one run and when Finn Allen followed after scoring 38, Neesham held the innings together as the storm clouds gathered, with solid support from Santner who was unbeaten on 18.

Seam bowler Shoriful Islam took 2-17 off 3.4 overs.

Bangladesh won the first game in Napier on Wednesday by five wickets, before Friday's second match was abandoned after 11 overs because of rain in Mount Maunganui.

- AFP

New mum Osaka's love for tennis rekindled as she makes comeback

Japan's Naomi Osaka admitted Saturday she almost gave up tennis but had rekindled her love of the sport after becoming a mother earlier this year as she prepares for a return in Brisbane.

Osaka, 26, stepped away from the game in September 2022, citing mental health concerns following her withdrawal from the second round of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

In her time away, she gave birth to daughter Shai, and did not watch any tennis until last year's Wimbledon.

Although excited to be back, she conceded that retiring permanently had crossed her mind.

"I would say right after Tokyo for, like, a month maybe I was thinking about retirement because I felt like all my joy went away for the sport," she said at the season opening Brisbane International.

"I felt like it kind of wasn't fair, both for the people watching and myself.

"But then I thought, I've played tennis since I was three and there's so many more things that I want to do."

Osaka said since giving birth her approach to tennis had changed.

"I think in the time I had away, I appreciated the sport a lot more," she said. "I think definitely becoming a mum changed my mindset a lot."I think I'm a lot more open-minded, a lot more patient, but also I feel a lot stronger physically."

The four-time Grand Slam champion was awarded a wildcard to the Brisbane event in the lead-up to the Australian Open and will play Germany's 84th ranked Tamara Korpatsch in the first round.

"I feel definitely I'm nervous, I haven't played a match in a long time, but I'm competitive so I'm thinking I'm nervous and I want to win," Osaka said.

"There's a lot of things that are going on in my head.

"I think the biggest thing is just walking onto the court and sort of absorbing all the energy and experiencing the atmosphere. For me that is something that I'm definitely going to treasure a lot."

- AFP

Nadal draws qualifier at comeback tournament in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal avoided meeting a seed first up at his comeback tournament after drawing a qualifier in the Brisbane International, with Russia's Aslan Karatsev a potential second-round opponent.

The 37-year-old Spaniard has been out of the game for almost 12 months following hip surgery after the 2023 Australian Open in January.

It was feared that Nadal, the winner of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, would never play professionally again.

However, he has fought his way back and was granted a wildcard to the season-opening Brisbane International in preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park beginning 14 January.

While he missed out on facing a seed, there are plenty of accomplished players competing in Brisbane qualifying, including 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem and former world number eight Diego Schwartzman.

If Nadal advances, he will play eighth-seeded Karatsev or Australian wildcard Jason Kubler in the second round, with fourth seed Ugo Humbert lurking as a potential quarter-final opponent.

Britain's Andy Murray drew second-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in an intriguing first-round clash.

Murray is a two-time winner of the Brisbane International, and beat Dimitrov in the final in 2013.

In the women's draw, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will be pitted against Germany's world number 84 Tamara Korpatsch in the opening round as she makes her highly anticipated return.

The Japanese star, who gave birth to daughter Shai in July and has previously struggled with her mental health, has not played since September 2022.

If she sees off Korpatsch, she will face three-time Brisbane champion Karolina Pliskova in the second round.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka received a first round bye.

- AFP

Former Nepal cricket captain Lamichhane convicted of rape

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane was on Friday convicted of rape after a repeatedly delayed trial that had left him free to continue his sporting career.

Lamichhane, 23, was once the poster boy for the rise of cricket in Nepal and the leg spinner's on-field success had boosted the sport's profile in the Himalayan republic.

Last year he was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel but was freed on bail in January and returned to the squad to compete in international tournaments.

His lawyer Saroj Ghimire told AFP that a court had convicted Lamichhane on Friday.

"His sentence will be decided in the next hearing," he added.

District court official Ramu Sharma confirmed the verdict to AFP.

"The event was not consensual," he said.

When authorities issued an arrest warrant Lamichhane initially failed to return from Jamaica, where he was playing in the Caribbean Premier League.

He was dismissed as national captain and arrested last year but Nepal lifted his playing ban after he was freed on bail.

This allowed him to remain in the national team, including for the World Cup qualifiers and September's Asia Cup.

Lamichhane has consistently denied the charge against him and enjoyed strong public support despite the accusations.

"You are hero of Nepali cricket team be strong we can understand your problem take care of your self," one fan wrote on his official Facebook page in October.

Hundreds of cheering cricket fans welcomed him when he first returned to the field in February.

But his continued playing career has also sparked anger and caused numerous Nepalis to disavow the team.

Scotland's cricketers refused to shake hands with him after their matches during an international tournament in Dubai.

The case against Lamichhane took more than a year to conclude after repeated delays on procedural grounds.

Cricket does not enjoy the same adulation in mountainous Nepal as it does elsewhere in South Asia.

But it has been growing in popularity, with Nepal given one-day international status by the world governing body in 2018.

Lamichhane has been a major part of this rise as the most sought-after Nepali cricketer in lucrative leagues around the world.

The leg spinner's big break came when he was snapped up for the lucrative Indian Premier League, the world's richest cricket tournament, in 2018.

About 2 300 rape cases were reported in Nepal in the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to police, but rights workers say many more assaults go unreported.

Only a handful of women in Nepal spoke out during the #MeToo movement, and those accused have faced little or no repercussions over the allegations.

- AFP

Man City's Grealish burgled during match

Manchester City winger Jack Grealish was burgled while the England star was playing in his club's Premier League match at Everton on Wednesday.

Grealish's Cheshire mansion in north-west England was targeted by thieves as he was in action for the Premier League champions during their 3-1 victory on Merseyside.

Members of Grealish's family and his fiancée Sasha Atwood were watching the televised match at the house when they heard a disturbance, according to reports on Friday.

An alarm was raised and an emergency response was launched with a helicopter, police dogs and a number of officers sent to the property, but no suspects were detected.

It was reported the robbers made off with £1 million ($1.2 million) worth of jewellery and watches.

Grealish, 28, was informed of the raid after City's match finished.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Constabulary said: "At around 9.50pm on Wednesday 27 December police were called to reports of a burglary.

"The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.

"Officers, supported by the police dogs and NPAS (National Police Air Service), were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area, but there was no trace of the suspects.

"No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing."

City manager Pep Guardiola was relieved nobody was hurt in the incident, but did not confirm if Grealish would be available for Saturday's home game against Sheffield United.

"Fortunately nothing wrong happened where the family was inside," Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

"It is what it is today in the modern day, with many things happening. It was a bad moment for him and his family but, fortunately, what was not damaged were the people inside."

- AFP

Ancelotti extends Real Madrid contract until 2026

Carlo Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid to June 2026 on Friday which would rule him out of becoming Brazil national coach.

"Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti have reached agreement on the extension of his contract till June 30, 2026," Real said in a statement.

It had been reported in July this year that 64-year-old Ancelotti would become the first foreigner to coach Brazil in almost 60 years once he saw out his present Real contract next year.

The Brazil Football Confederation had named Fernando Diniz as the temporary manager before they anticipated Ancelotti taking control for the 2024 Copa America.

Ednaldo Rodriguez, the then president of the CBF, held months of negotiations with Ancelotti, who had previously stated the Real job would be his last in football.

However, it appeared one of the most glamorous and challenging jobs in football had brought a change of mind.

"We went after him not only due to his record, but also because he is a decent person," Rodrigues told beIN Sports earlier this year.

"Those who have worked with him say that he is open, cultured, and he appreciates Brazilian football.

"However, under Diniz Brazil's woes on the pitch have continued and they presently occupy the sixth and final regional qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup.

Ancelotti is regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time.

He has won the Champions League four times - twice with AC Milan and also on two occasions with Real Madrid.

He has won domestic league titles with Real and Milan, in England with Chelsea, in Germany with Bayern Munich and in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

- AFP

World number one Djokovic taking it 'season by season'

World number one Novak Djokovic is hoping his latest trip to Australia is not the last, but admits that at 36 he is now taking it "season by season".

The Serbian superstar is the king of the Melbourne Park hard courts, winning the Australian Open a record 10 times, with an 11th in his sights next month.

He gets his preparations under way in Perth at the ATP-WTA United Cup on Sunday after another incredible season that brought three more Grand Slam titles for a record 24.

That included another Australian Open, taming Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) in the 2023 final.

So dominant is Djokovic that he has won four of the last five Australian Opens with the only exception being 2022, when he was kicked out of the country for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

"I hope it's not the last, to be honest," he said of being in Australia again after his arrival in Perth and a late training session on Thursday.

"Coming back to Australia, I've always felt like I played my best tennis over the years and had great support. So I'm not sure, I don't really have a plan (for) what's going to happen next year.

"I'm kind of taking season by season to see how far it takes me."

Djokovic's absence from the 2022 Australian Open saw long-time rival Rafael Nadal add to his only other title at Melbourne Park in 2009.

Nadal, 37, returns after a year away from the sport at the Brisbane International this week following hip surgery, with the two greats set to cross paths in Australia one more time.

Djokovic, who has largely escaped injuries over the years, said he expects the 22-time Grand Slam winner to be as competitive as ever.

"He's not a kind of a player that will come back to the tour just to play - let's say - on a medium level, play a few matches," Djokovic said at an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia before heading to Perth.

"He wants to win titles, he wants to be the best, that's why he is who he is: a legend of our sport."

- AFP

Australian Open prize money hits record high

Players at January's Australian Open will be competing for a record prize pool with organisers on Friday announcing a 13 percent boost in the total purse to Aus$86.5 million (US$59.0 million).

The winners of the men's and women's titles at the first Grand Slam of the year will both take home Aus$3.150 million, with players beaten in earlier rounds, and qualifying, faring better than ever.

Those crashing out in round one will receive Aus$120,000, up 13 percent, while second-round players get the same increase to Aus$180,000.

Even players knocked out in the first round of qualifying will receive Aus$31,250.

In total, an extra Aus$10 million has been made available for the 2024 event.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said it was critical to ensure "the best players in the world are compensated appropriately".

"We know this allows players to invest in their own careers and in many cases, helps set them up for success throughout the year," he said.

"We want to ensure Australia remains the launchpad for the global tennis season and the players and their teams have everything they need to help them perform at their best and continue to enjoy the Happy Slam."

Prize money at the tournament, which gets underway at Melbourne Park on 14 January, has more than doubled in the past decade.

- AFP

Marsh's 96 leads Australia fightback after Pakistan blitz

Mitchell Marsh hit a counter-attacking 96 in a fighting rescue mission with a dogged Steve Smith Thursday to help Australia build a 241-run lead and regain control of the second Test against Pakistan.

The hosts were reeling at 16-4 after dismissing Pakistan for 264 in reply to their first innings 318 in Melbourne.

But Marsh and Smith put their heads down to compile what could be a match-saving 153-run partnership.

At stumps on day three, the hosts were 187-6 with Smith out for 50, off 176 balls, in the last over of the day, leaving Alex Carey unbeaten on 16.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza both took three wickets.

It could have been a different story but Abdullah Shafique spilled a regulation catch in the slips when Marsh was on 20.

Marsh eventually fell four runs short of a deserved century, but it took a superb one-handed diving catch at slip from Agha Salman to remove him.

After Cummins took 5-48 and Nathan Lyon 4-73 to dismiss Pakistan, Australia needed to negotiate a tricky 15 minutes of the morning session.

But Usman Khawaja was out for a duck second ball, caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan off bowling spearhead Afridi.

The same combination struck again when Marnus Labuschagne edged down the legside on five as the hosts slumped to 6-2 at lunch.

When they returned, David Warner let rip with a drive to the boundary off Afridi, but he didn't last, dragging a Mir Hamza ball on to his stumps on six.

He received a standing ovation as he walked off for the last time as a batsman at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the third Test in Sydney set to be the last of his long career.

Things got worse for the hosts when Travis Head was bowled by Hamza's in-swinging yorker next delivery to leave Australia in disarray at 16-4.

But Marsh saw off the hat-trick ball and along with Smith dug in to take the sting out of the attack.

Cummins takes five

When Aamer Jamal came on, Marsh slammed three boundaries in four balls to further relieve the pressure before the missed chance by Abdullah.

Smith played a crucial supporting role, taking 101 balls for his first boundary before reaching a gritty 40th Test half-century.

Pakistan had begun the day on 194-6, after an electric spell from Cummins in the final session on Wednesday saw a collapse from 124-1, and the Australia skipper was again in the thick of the action.

Rizwan made a confident start, adding 13 to his overnight 29.

But he was no match for a canny Cummins, who tempted him into a drive that flew straight to Warner who had just been moved to cover from slip.

It broke a 45-run partnership with Jamal who began to play his shots.

New partner Afridi crunched four boundaries before he was undone by Lyon's spin, trapped lbw for 21.

Jamal was in good touch, finding the ropes three times in six balls at one point in his 33 not out. Cummins grabbed his fifth wicket by bowling Hasan Ali for two before Lyon had Hamza stumped for the same score.

- AFP

Gakpo backs Liverpool forwards to fill in for absent Salah

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo believes his side have the forward firepower to cope without Mohamed Salah when the Egypt star departs for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Darwin Nunez ended a run of 12 games without a goal, while Diogo Jota came off the bench to score after a month out injured in a 2-0 win over Burnley on Tuesday which took Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table.

Salah has one more Liverpool game - at home to Newcastle on Sunday - before he departs for the African Nations Cup and the 16-goal winger is set to be away from Anfield on international duty for up to a month.

That makes Nunez and Jota's goals against Burnley all the more timely, with Gakpo having scored seven himself so far this season.

"For every attacking player who didn't score for a few games, it's always nice to get back on the scoresheet and Darwin did it with a very good goal," said Gakpo.

"For Diogo as well. When you are injured and you come back and score that's always nice and good for the confidence. So really happy.

"Mo is gone after the Newcastle game so we need the goals. Of course, I think I can contribute even more."

Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk added: "It's always important for the guys up front to score goals. I am delighted for Darwin. Diogo, it's the same story. It's good to see the boys back on the scoresheet.

"I also want to say that Cody was outstanding, in the first half especially. It's good to see. Everyone has to keep pushing each other. That's the only way we can get better," the Netherlands defender explained.

"Others have to step up anyway. We have to deal with losing Mo and we have the players up front who can make the difference. Let's see how we deal with it."

Liverpool are now two points ahead of Arsenal, although the Gunners will return to the summit with victory at home to London rivals West Ham on Thursday.

"The table is not looking in a bad place but we have to take it one game at a time, don't let our heads go everywhere all over the place, just stay focused and keep doing what we are doing now and even improve more," said Gakpo.

The 24-year-old Dutch attacker has never before experienced English football's packed Christmas and New Year schedule, with Gakpo enjoying himself as matches come thick and fast.

"It's the first time I played with this intensity - a lot of games in a few days - and it's nice as if you play a good game you can play again and if you play a not-so-good game, you can make it good in the next game as it's coming nice and quick," he said.

"Everybody wants the three points - also the opponents - so you have to work really hard every game and you have to be able to win games different ways."

- AFP

Khawaja sports shoes with daughters' names in Pakistan Test

Australia's Usman Khawaja wore shoes marked with his daughters' names as he batted against Pakistan on Tuesday, after being banned from wearing references to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

An AFP close-up photo of the 37-year-old's shoes showed the names of Khawaja's daughters Aisha and Ayla taped to the side of his footwear during the opening day of the second Test in Melbourne.

Khawaja, who was out for 42, had been denied permission by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to have a sticker showing a black dove holding an olive branch on his bat and shoes during the match.

The logo, which he displayed during training on Sunday, also had the words 01:UDHR - a reference to Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - written on it.

Khawaja, a Muslim, was previously stopped from wearing shoes emblazoned with the hand-written slogans "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal" during the first Test in Perth.

The ICC said they flouted its rules on messages that relate to politics, religion or race.

Khawaja posted an Instagram message on Monday seemingly venting his frustration: "Merry Christmas everybody. Sometimes you just gotta laugh. Cya at Boxing Day!" He marked his post with the hashtags #inconsistent and #doublestandards.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said Khawaja was "passionate about human rights".

"We supported Usman with an application [to the ICC] which really felt non-partisan, non-religious, apolitical," he told broadcaster ABC of Khawaja's bid to wear the dove symbol.

"Equally, the ICC has its regulations and they are there for good reason so we have to respect those.

"But I think the main way we deal with this [type of issue] is through good communication and working together."

Last week, Khawaja spoke about how the Israel-Hamas conflict had affected him.

"When I'm looking at my Instagram and seeing innocent kids, videos of them dying, passing away, that's what hit me the hardest," he said.

"I just imagine my young daughter in my arms ... I get emotional talking about it again. I don't have any hidden agendas."

The ICC has been contacted for comment.

- AFP

India women beat Australia by eight wickets in historic Test

India's women's cricket team cruised to their first-ever win against Australia in Test cricket Sunday, beating the visitors by eight wickets in a one-off match in Mumbai.

India dominated play in the four-day match at the Wankhede Stadium, smashing 406 runs in the first innings to take a 187-run lead.

On the final day, Australia knocked out 261, with India's bowlers earning five wickets for just 28 runs, including right arm offbreak bowler Sneh Rana, later awarded player of the match, taking two wickets in two balls.

Set a target of 75, India's skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's team chased down the runs in dramatic play in just under 19 overs for two wickets.

For India's women, it was their first Test victory against Australia after 11 attempts since 1977.

It follows India's victory against England last week, also in Mumbai.

Jay Shah, the Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary, celebrated the back-to-back Test wins.

"They conquered it with brilliance," Shah posted on social media, praising skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

"History made today!"

India on December 16 thrashed England by 347 runs in another one-off women's Test, their first ever win at home against the rivals.

India's victory margin against England was the largest by runs in women's Test cricket and also their first Test win against England at home.

"Everything went very well for us," Kaur told reporters on Sunday.

"Hopefully after these two wins we will get many more Test games in upcoming games."

Khawaja denied permission to use peace symbol on bat: reports

Australia's Usman Khawaja has been denied permission to place a peace symbol on his bat and shoes for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, reports said Sunday.

A sticker showing a black dove and the words 01:UDHR -- a reference to Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- was on his bat and shoes during training in Melbourne on Sunday.

The star batter had multiple meetings with Cricket Australia over recent days to find a message that would be appropriate for the second Test this week, local media said.

But his latest humanitarian gesture has been turned down by the International Cricket Council, The Australian and Melbourne Age newspapers reported.

The ICC were not immediately available for comment.Khawaja, a Muslim, was stopped from wearing shoes emblazoned with the hand-written slogans "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal" during the first Test in Perth.

The 36-year-old had wanted to show his support for the people of Gaza.But he was told they flouted ICC rules on messages that relate to politics, religion or race.

He wore a black armband during the match and was reprimanded by the ICC, but insisted afterwards it was for a "personal bereavement" and vowed to contest the ruling.

Khawaja spoke on Friday about how the Israel-Hamas conflict had affected him, saying he despaired at seeing how many children had been killed.

"When I'm looking at my Instagram and seeing innocent kids, videos of them dying, passing away, that's what hit me the hardest," he said.

"I don't have any agendas other than trying to shine a light on what I feel really passionately, really strongly about."

England's Curran has 'deep regrets' over intimidating umpire

England bowler Tom Curran expressed "deep regrets" Sunday after losing an appeal over a four-match Big Bash League ban for intimidating an umpire, saying he has always respected match officials.

The Sydney Sixers' Curran, who has played 30 T20 games for England, was slapped with the punishment following a pre-match incident against the Hobart Hurricanes this month.

It involved umpire Muhammad Qureshi having to move to avoid a collision with him during a practice run.

Curran was charged with "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match".

He said he has "deep regrets" about the way he reacted."

"Across my decade-long professional career I have always sought to have a friendly and respectful relationship with match officials, which I believe is reflected in the lack of prior code of conduct breaches across the world," Curran added."

I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practise my run up in the direction of umpire Qureshi, and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him.

"I would like to apologise to everyone that this has affected."

In upholding the ban, Cricket Australia general manager Alistair Dobson said match officials must be respected.

"Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game," he said.

"We acknowledge the remorse Tom's shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours."

Sixers head Rachael Haynes said the club accepted the punishment.

"We sought to appeal the original decision based on previous code of conduct cases," she said.

"Whilst not disagreeing that Tom had breached the code through his conduct, we felt that the charge was inconsistent with other offences. Following the ruling, we respect that not to be the case."

Osimhen commits to Napoli with new big money deal

Victor Osimhen on Saturday signed a contract extension with Napoli until 2026, ending months of speculation over whether he would commit to the ailing Italian champions with Premier League suitors circling.

Napoli announced the long-awaited deal with the simple social-media message "Victor and Napoli together until 2026", above pictures of the Nigeria striker putting pen to paper alongside club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Napoli have not revealed any details of the contract, but Italian media report that a release clause worth 130 million euros ($143 million) has been inserted to ensure the club do not lose their star player without cashing in.

The 24-year-old will also reportedly earn 10 million euros a year after tax.

Osimhen's previous deal would have expired in June 2025 and his renewal has been a subject of discussion in Italy since Napoli won their first league title in over three decades last season, under former coach Luciano Spalletti.

Osimhen scored 26 league goals as Napoli captivated Europe with thrilling football and was crowned champion for the first time since Diego Maradona was with the club.

In total, Osimhen, who was named African Player of the Year earlier this month, has scored 67 times in 118 Napoli appearances since signing from Lille in 2020 for an initial 70 million euros.

This season has been a difficult one for Osimhen, with a hamstring injury keeping him out of action for a chunk of the campaign and internal rows threatening to spoil what had been an idyllic relationship with the city of Naples. 

- AFP

Welch becomes first female referee in English Premier League

Rebecca Welch became the first woman to referee an English Premier League football match when she blew the whistle on Fulham's game against Burnley at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Welch, a 40-year-old from Washington in northeast England, was working for the National Health Service when she began her refereeing career in 2010.

She rose through the officiating ranks and, in 2021, became the first woman appointed to referee a match in the English Football League when she took charge of the fourth-tier fixture between Harrogate and Port Vale.

Welch was also the first female official to referee matches in the Championship and third round of the FA Cup.

Last month, she became the first woman to act as fourth official in a Premier League game as part of the officiating team for Fulham's match against Manchester United.

Welch has also taken charge of several high-profile women's fixtures, including games at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

- AFP

Bangladesh coast to historic win in third ODI against New Zealand

Bangladesh's pace attack shredded New Zealand's batting on a green Napier pitch to record a historic nine-wicket win in the third and final one-day international on Saturday.

Having been well beaten in the first two matches to cede the series, Bangladesh produced a remarkable form reversal at McLean Park to dismiss the hosts for just 98 in 34.1 overs.

The run chase was a procession, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring an unbeaten half-century as they coasted to 99-1 in 15.1 overs.

It was Bangladesh's first ODI win over the Black Caps on New Zealand soil, where they had lost the 18 previous fixtures since their first attempt in 1990.

Shanto said victory would be a source of pride and was just reward for the improvements he believes his eighth-ranked team are making.

"Really proud of the boys playing in this match," he said.

"Before we started this series we really believed that we could win the series.

"The last couple of matches we played well but we couldn't finish. Today the boys played some good cricket and we got the result."

Shanto's contribution began with him winning the toss and inserting the Black Caps on a lush, bouncy surface which also offered sideways movement -- and his seamers responded.

Three of them picked up three wickets as New Zealand were skittled for their lowest total in 45 ODIs between the teams.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/14) and Soumya Sarkar (3/18) both bagged career-best figures while Shoriful Islam's 3/22 included the scalp of top-scoring Will Young, caught in the gully for 26.

Sakib said his methods were simple.

"I tried to bowl wicket to wicket and I tried to bowl line and length. The wicket did the rest of the work. It really helped me."

Young has been in superb touch in the series, scoring 105 and 89 in the wins in Dunedin and Nelson respectively.

Captain Tom Latham (21) put on 36 with Young for the third wicket but his dismissal,  clean bowled by Islam, sparked a collapse which saw the last eight wickets fall for 40 runs, many of them to wayward shots.

There was an early blemish in the run chase when opening batter Sarkar, who scored 169 in a losing cause in Napier on Wednesday, was forced to retire hurt for four because of an eye problem.

Loose New Zealand bowling meant there were few problems from that point, with Shanto (51 not out) putting on 69 with opener Anamul Haque, who was the only batsman dismissed when edging paceman William O'Rourke on 37.

O'Rourke had earlier been struck for four successive boundaries by the free-hitting Shanto in the 11th over of the innings.

New Zealand had rested a number of senior players for the series and Latham said some of his newer squad members will have learned a lot.

"Obviously it was a very below-par performance," he said.

"Bangladesh found a way to bowl on that surface and managed to get plenty out of it. We weren't able to build any sort of pressure and put it back on them so it's pretty disappointing."

The teams will prepare for a three-match T20 international series, starting in Napier on Wednesday.

Sanderson elated as Premiership leaders Sale edge Saracens

Sale supremo Alex Sanderson was understandably delighted after the English Premiership leaders won 22-20 at home to fellow title contenders Saracens on Friday.

The match had been billed as a clash of two childhood friends in Sale's George Ford and fellow England fly-half Owen Farrell, who recently announced he would miss the Six Nations after deciding to take a break from international rugby "to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing".

But the fixture was about more than the two stand-offs, with northwest club Sale posting their 12th straight home league win thanks to tries from Agustin Creevy, Tom Roebuck and Luke Cowan-Dickie and seven points from the boot of Ford.

Sale are now four points clear at the top heading into the weekend's fixtures, with Sanderson saying: "There is a sense of relief, but I'm so happy the lads made good of their intentions against a really good Saracens side.

"I suppose it makes Christmas that bit sweeter for us -- we'll all enjoy our Christmas morning now.

"Farrell kicked 10 points for Saracens but tries from Ivan van Zyl and Gareth Simpson were only enough for the London club to claim a losing bonus point as Saracens suffered successive Premiership defeats after going down to Northampton earlier this month.

"We knew it would be a difficult game away at a quality side like Sale," said Saracens chief Mark McCall.

"Having said that, I'm proud and pleased of the way we played throughout the 80 minutes.

"The players showed real energy and they kept fighting right until the end, and we almost clawed our way back to claim a victory.

"We're not too far away, we're getting there. We've got some really tough fixtures coming up, but also we've got a few players to come back into the reckoning over the next few weeks."

Bristol won 21-13 away to Newcastle in Friday's other Premiership match as the Falcons suffered a 12th straight defeat.

Tau's Al Ahly claim third-place consolation at Club World Cup

African champions Al Ahly secured third place at the Club World Cup after overcoming a Urawa Reds fightback to win 4-2 in Jeddah on Friday.

The Egyptians got off to a flying start as goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Percy Tau put Al Ahly 2-0 up inside 25 minutes.

Asian champions Urawa were outclassed by Manchester City in the semi-finals but were able to muster a response either side of half-time.

Jose Kante reduced the arrears before half-time and Alexander Scholz converted from the penalty spot to level.

Al Ahly took just six minutes to regain the lead when Yoshio Koizumi deflected Mohamed Hany's effort into his own net.

Ali Maaloul then missed a penalty with the chance to seal the game but made amends in stoppage time when he curled home a free-kick to secure the bronze medal.

European champions City face Brazil's Fluminense later at the King Abdullah International Stadium, aiming to win the Club World Cup for the first time.

- AFP

England cricketer Curran vows appeal after 'intimidating umpire' ban

England star Tom Curran has been banned for four Big Bash League games after intimidating an umpire, but his franchise Sydney Sixers said on Friday it was not intentional and vowed to appeal.

The slick fast bowler, who has played 30 T20 games for England, was slapped with the punishment after being charged under Cricket Australia's code of conduct.

It stemmed from a pre-match incident against the Hobart Hurricanes this month in which the umpire had to move to avoid a collision with him during a practice run.

He was charged for "intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match".

"Curran contested the charge, and the matter was heard by Code of Conduct Commissioner, Adrian Anderson," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

"The Commissioner found that Curran committed the offence and imposed a penalty of four suspension points, equating to four BBL matches."

Head of the Sixers Rachael Haynes said the club would "vigorously" appeal the sanction.

"Tom and the club maintain that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official, and on legal advice, we will exercise our right to appeal the decision," she said.

"We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field."

- AFP

Khawaja insists armband was not political, after ICC reprimand

Australia's Usman Khawaja said on Friday that a black armband he wore in the first Test against Pakistan was for a "personal bereavement" and not politically motivated, after the star batter was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The 36-year-old donned the armband during the team's 360-run victory in Perth, a move seen at the time as support for people in Gaza, where thousands have been killed.

He had wanted to wear shoes emblazoned with the hand-written slogans "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal" during the match, saying he had been hit hard by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

But Khawaja, who is Muslim, was told that it flouted ICC rules on messages that relate to politics, religion or race.

He covered the messages with tape and wore the armband.

Khawaja insisted he told the ICC during the match that it was for a personal bereavement and no hidden meaning.

However, the ICC said it breached their clothing and equipment regulations.

"Usman displayed a personal message (armband) during the first Test match against Pakistan without seeking the prior approval of Cricket Australia and the ICC to display it, as required in the regulations for personal messages," the ICC said late on Thursday.

"This is a breach under the category of an 'other breach' and the sanction for a first offence is a reprimand."

Khawaja said he would not wear an armband during the second Test in Melbourne next week, but remained defiant.

"No, I'm not wearing it again. As I said to the ICC, the armband was for a personal bereavement," he told reporters in Melbourne.

"The armband was different to my shoes. The shoes were very obvious. At the end of the day I didn't wear the shoes. I respected the rules and procedures and left it at that."

He added that being reprimanded for the armband "makes no sense" and pointed to other players who had previously put stickers on their bats and names on their shoes without approval and escaped punishment, urging the ICC to be more consistent.

"I will just be asking and contesting that they (ICC) make it fair for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That's all I ask for, and from my point of view, that consistency hasn't been done yet," he said.

- AFP

Australia recruit World Rugby stalwart to shake up Wallabies

Long-serving World Rugby administrator Peter Horne was on Friday appointed as Australia's director of high-performance, with part of his brief to "purpose-build a new Wallabies programme from scratch".

Horne, an Australian, spent nearly 14 years working for the sport's world governing body, most recently as its high-performance director after a stint as general manager at Saracens.

He was hired by Rugby Australia after the Wallabies' abysmal World Cup campaign under coach Eddie Jones, where they failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

Jones has since quit and taken over at Japan, with a successor yet to be appointed.

Horne's remit will cover coaching, strength-and-conditioning and player development among both men and women and the Sevens team.

In particular, he will help develop a new Wallabies staff, while aligning Super Rugby franchises to better prepare players for international duty.

"We have an opportunity to purpose-build a new Wallabies program from scratch," he said.

"And there is universal agreement across the Super Rugby clubs that the high-performance systems and pathways need a major overhaul to ensure everyone is pushing in the same direction; to deliver sustainable success for our Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams.

"To have this sort of agreement and understanding on the path forward is exciting and I look forward to working with the Australian Rugby community."

Alongside Horne, David Nucifora will return home from his role as high-performance director with Ireland to take on an advisory role with Rugby Australia.

"Peter understands Australian rugby, and he has a keen sense for what we need to do to get everyone working towards the same goals," said Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh.

"Combine that understanding with strong expertise of high-performance environments and he is clearly the right person for the job - all five Super Rugby clubs agree."

- AFP

Hope leads West Indies to T20 series win over England

Shai Hope's unbeaten 43 led West Indies to a four wicket victory over England and secured a 3-2 Twenty20 series win in a tense encounter.

England were bowled out for 132 in the decider and while West Indies never got into their rhythm, Hope held their reply together and then won the game with a powerful six over extra-cover off the second ball of the final over.

The win is the third straight T20 international series win for West Indies in 2023 as they prepare to host the World Cup for the shortest format in June.

It was a disappointing end to the mini-tour for Jos Buttler's England side, who had also lost the 50-over series in the Caribbean 2-1.

The low-scoring contest was in marked contrast to Tuesday's game where England scored a team-record 267 but with conditions helping the bowlers, West Indies were able to add to their T20i series wins over South Africa and India.

The surface at the Brian Lara Academy offered help to the spinners and slow left-armer Gudakesh Motie took full advantage, picking up three wickets for 24 runs in his four overs.

West Indies' other left-arm orthodox spinner, Akeal Hosein, chipped in with two for 20 in his four overs as the home side restricted England to the lowest target set in the series.

England skipper Buttler was removed for 11 when he stepped outside the off-stump and tried to turn seamer Jason Holder down the leg-side but was caught by Oshane Thomas.

Hosein then bowled Jacks before a beautiful delivery before Motie got significant turn as he claimed the prize wicket of Phil Salt (38).

Salt had scored rapid centuries in both the last two games, won by England as they fought back to level the series at 2-2.

Liam Livingston threatened with a swift 28 before he was caught and bowled by Motie and Moeen Ali was also aggressive before he was caught by a teamwork catch with Andre Russell throwing the ball to skipper Rovman Powell as he headed towards the boundary rope.

England were bowled out with three balls remaining of their 20 overs when Sam Curran was caught by Sherfane Rutherford off Holder.

The home side's reply got off to a flying start with 20 off the first two overs before Brandon King was removed by Topley and when Woakes bowled Nichola Pooran there was hope for England.

But Sherfane Rutherford (30) put on a 41-run partnership with Hope that stabilised the innings only for England to apply some late pressure after Rashid removed Rutherford and then Powell was dismissed by Topley in the 17th over.

Left-arm seamer Sam Curran delivered an excellent penultimate over, removing Andre Russell and conceding just two runs to leave West Indies needing nine off the final over.

An inside edge from Holder allowed West Indies to scamper three before Woakes went full and wide to Hope who smashed the ball over the rope to the delight of the home crowd.

"We kept on losing wickets at key times but we always knew that Shai Hope was going to be an important man on this wicket," said Powell.

"We realised this wasn't a wicket that offered a lot of shots but if we have someone in the middle order who can get to 40 off 35 balls, that would serve us as batting group well," he added.

Buttler said England had paid the price for trying to force their shots early in their innings.

"We probably didn't quite manage to adapt quickly enough. I thought 160 would have been a decent score to try and defend. [Then] we needed wickets to try to win the game and I thought we did well to hang in as long as we did," he said.

"If we would have had a few more runs to play with, we could have put a bit more pressure on the opposition but I thought it was a really good effort with the ball," he added.

- AFP

Welbeck salvages draw for Brighton at Crystal Palace

Danny Welbeck's late equaliser denied Crystal Palace a first Premier League win in seven games as Brighton salvaged a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park on Thursday.

Jordan Ayew headed the Eagles into the lead in first half stoppage time as Palace pounced on Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen's poor clearance.

However, the home side could not hold out as this fixture ended 1-1 at Selhurst Park for the fifth consecutive season.

After a bright start to the season, Brighton have won just twice in their last 12 league games as a lengthy injury list and the club's first ever foray into European football has taken its toll.

The Seagulls have also now gone a club-record 22 successive league games without keeping a clean sheet.

But Robert De Zerbi's changes for the second half summoned a response from the visitors.

"I think we lost two points but if we lost two points it is because we made too many mistakes, especially in the first half," said De Zerbi.

"We played with more energy in the second half and found the chance to score."

Welbeck's introduction was one of two half-time substitutions and the former England international's precise header into the top corner from Pascal Gross' cross levelled on 82 minutes.

A point edges Brighton up to eighth in the table, while Palace move nine points clear of the relegation zone in 15th.

Roy Hodgson's men have still won just once at home all season, but the former England manager admitted Brighton were worthy of at least a point after dominating the second half.

"I can't deny the quality of Brighton's second half performance, and they were worthy of their goal," said Hodgson.

"I think I've got to say that at the end of the day, with [it being] a derby game, I think we have to be satisfied with one point."

- AFP

Luton's Lockyer discharged from hospital after on-pitch cardiac arrest

Luton captain Tom Lockyer has been discharged from hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match, the club announced on Thursday.

Lockyer collapsed in the second half of Saturday's match at Bournemouth and the game was subsequently abandoned.

The 29-year-old has had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted -- a small device used to treat people with dangerously abnormal heart rhythms.

"We are thankful to report that our captain Tom Lockyer has now begun a period of rehabilitation from the comfort of his own home after he was discharged from hospital on Wednesday," Luton said in statement.

"This encouraging news follows a successful procedure that took place on Tuesday whereby Tom had an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) device fitted to prevent a repeat of Saturday's incident."

The Wales defender had surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation after collapsing during Luton's Championship play-off final win against Coventry in late May.

The club said in their statement that tests had revealed the issue was "different from the atrial fibrillation".

Lockyer returned to action for the start of the new season and had made 15 appearances in all competitions before Saturday's abandoned match.

The Premier League board has decided to replay the match in full, but no date for the fixture has yet been agreed.

- AFP

UEFA court defeat revives battle with breakaway Super League

The promoters of a Super League announced plans for a new breakaway competition on Thursday after the EU's top court ruled that UEFA had used illegal tactics to stifle a previous project.

The European Court of Justice ruling did not constitute an endorsement of the Super League idea, which still faces furious opposition from many football fans and from Europe's existing national leagues.

But it marks a serious legal setback for UEFA and for soccer's world governing body FIFA, finding that their tactic of threatening to ban future Super League clubs and players from taking part in their competitions broke EU law.

And it was seized upon by the promoters of the Super League project, A22 Sports Management, to promote their vision of a new 64-team tournament that would feature promotion and relegation and would be broadcast live for free "on a new streaming platform".

"The FIFA and UEFA rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions, are unlawful," the ECJ ruled.

Because UEFA operates as a monopoly in setting the rules, while also organising tournaments of its own such as the Champions League, its criteria for authorising rival competitions should be "transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate".

"However, the powers of FIFA and UEFA are not subject to any such criteria. FIFA and UEFA are, therefore, abusing a dominant position," the court ruled.

The planned Super League project has been mothballed since it collapsed in early 2021 amid fan fury at the threat it posed to national league competitions, but after the ruling the promoters claimed victory and promised rapid announcements.

"We have won the right to compete. The UEFA monopoly is over. Football is free," the firm's CEO Bernd Reichart declared in a social media post from the A22 account.

"Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures."

But UEFA chose to emphasise a different part of the ECJ judgment, stressing that the ruling "does not signify an endorsement or validation of" the breakaway competition.

UEFA went on: "It rather underscores a pre-existing shortfall within UEFA's pre-authorisation framework, a technical aspect that has already been acknowledged and addressed in June 2022.

"UEFA is confident in the robustness of its new rules, and specifically that they comply with all relevant European laws and regulations."

Fans will 'fight it'

Many football fans fear that a closed, US-style league with no promotion or relegation of clubs will destroy the hopes of glory for smaller teams and the prestige of beloved national competitions.

Football Supporters Europe (FSE), an umbrella lobby group also spoke out, saying "since 2021, FSE and fans across Europe have stood firm against a breakaway super league time and time again, and repeatedly called for the greater protection of our game.

"Whatever comes next, the super league remains an ill-conceived project that endangers the future of European football. FSE, our members, and fans across Europe will continue to fight it."

The case goes back to April 2021, when 12 of Europe's biggest clubs announced they had signed up to the planned Super League, a direct competitor to UEFA's flagship competition the Champions League, which features the most successful clubs from Europe's various national leagues.

The upstart league quickly fell apart in the face of a strong backlash from supporters and both UEFA and the world body FIFA threatened to take disciplinary action against the clubs involved.

English fans in particular remained loyal to their traditional domestic league model and nine of the 12 rebel clubs - including six from the English Premier League - threw in the towel within 48 hours.

Two years on, only Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have stood by the dormant project, with Italian giant Juventus withdrawing in July. Real Madrid's chairman Florentino Perez hailed Thursday's court decision, declaring that: "European club football will no longer be a monopoly."

But the club's current parent league, La Liga, denounced the Super League idea as "a selfish and elitist model".

- AFP

UEFA bid to block Super League broke EU law

Europe's top court ruled on Thursday that moves by football governing bodies UEFA and FIFA to stifle the creation of a rival Super League had broken EU law.

"The FIFA and UEFA rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions, are unlawful," the European Court of Justice ruled.

The summary of the written judgment stressed that its ruling doesn't necessarily mean that the Super League project should now be authorised, just that FIFA and UEFA have been "abusing a dominant position" in the football market.

A22 Sports, the company promoting the Super League project, claimed victory.

"We have won the right to compete. The UEFA monopoly is over. Football is free," the firm's CEO Bernd Reichart declared in a social media post from the A22 account.

- AFP

Cricket SA confirms U19 tri-series against Afghanistan and India

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday confirmed a 50-over tri-series between South Africa Under-19, Afghanistan U19 and India U19 later this month.    

The series, which will serve as the final preparation ahead of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024, consists of seven matches to be played at Old Edwardians Cricket Club in Johannesburg from 29 December - 10 January.   

The hosts, who are drawn in Group B alongside England, Scotland and West Indies, will get their World Cup campaign underway on 19 January against the West Indies at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.    

Head of High Performance Grant van Velden commented: "CSA would like to extend our gratitude to the cricket boards of India and Afghanistan for their cooperation and commitment to ensuring the tri-series goes ahead.     

"These games are a crucial component of our preparation for the World Cup. They provide our young cricketers with the perfect platform to test their skills against competitive opponents in India and Afghanistan. The series will also serve as a final opportunity for our players to fine-tune their game ahead of the World Cup on home soil."

SA U19 squad - Tri-Series and ICC U19 Men's World Cup 2024

David Teeger (captain, Lions), Esosa Aihevba (Lions), Juan James (Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (KwaZula-Natal Coastal), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Lions), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland)

- CSA   

Injured Pakistan quick Shahzad out of Australia series

Pakistan suffered a setback Thursday with pace bowler Khurram Shahzad ruled out of their series against Australia after pulling up sore following a heavy defeat in the first Test.

The 24-year-old impressed on his debut in Perth, finishing with match figures of 5-128, removing Steve Smith twice.

But he complained of discomfort and scans showed a stress fracture in the ribs along with an abdominal muscle tear.

"PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player," the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

"He will then return to Lahore, where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation."

Pakistan already had a weakened bowling attack after speedster Naseem Shah was omitted from the tour due to a long-term injury.

Spinner Abrar Ahmed missed the Perth Test, which they lost by 360 runs, with leg discomfort, but could return for the second match in Melbourne that begins 26 December.

Pakistan, who have not won a Test in Australia since 1995, have Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim in their squad as potential replacements for Shahzad.

- AFP

CAF Confederation wrap: Sekhukhune sunk but SuperSport record first win

Stade Malien 1-0 Sekhukhune United

Sekhukhune United fell to a 1-0 defeat in their CAF Confederation Cup Group D clash with Stade Malien on Wednesday.

Franck Tiesse scored the only goal of the game at Stade du 26 Mars on 63 minutes to claim all three points for the Malian Premiere Division side.

The result left the DStv Premiership side in third place on the standings with four points from four games; three points behind second-placed Stade Malien and six adrift of leaders RSB Berkane.

Diables Noirs are bottom with one point.

SuperSport United 2-1 Al Hilal Benghazi

SuperSport United picked up their first points of the group stages with a late 2-1 victory at hom to Al Hilal Benghazi.

Matsatsantsa had lost their opening three games but claimed all three points at the Peter Mokaba Stadium with Etiosa Ighodaro netting an 88th minute winner despite Washington Arubi leaving his side with 10 men after being dismissed on just 31 minutes.

Selaelo Rasebotja had opened the scoring on 11 minutes for SuperSport before an equaliser from Mohamed Salim on 23 minutes.

Al Hilal were also reduced to 10 men when Ahmed Abdulaziz was sent off with 52 minutes on the clock.

SuperSport remain bottom of Group A, level on points with Al Hilal in third, but three behind Modern Future and seven adrift of leaders USM Alger.

- TEAMtalk media

Liverpool destroy West Ham to reach League Cup semi-finals

Liverpool destroyed West Ham 5-1 on Wednesday to set up a League Cup semi-final against Fulham, easing the frustration of their weekend Premier League stalemate against Manchester United.

Curtis Jones scored twice and Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah were also on the scoresheet for Jurgen Klopp's dominant team, who were trophyless last season.

No team have won more League Cups than Liverpool, who lifted the trophy for the ninth time in the 2021/22 season.

The Reds had 34 shots against United in Sunday's Premier League match without finding the net, failing to win at home for the first time this season to their intense frustration.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said he was delighted with his team's "joyful football" as they once again clicked in front of goal against West Ham.

"We were brave in our positioning, our second ball game was exceptional," he said.

"It was a really, really good performance from start to finish.

"It is really tough for all of us, there's a lot of games and the boys played a lot of football already."

The much-changed home side, with Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench and Alisson Becker rested completely, launched wave after wave of attacks, with West Ham struggling to lay a glove on their opponents.

Harvey Elliott blasted over the bar in the 14th minute and Szoboszlai fired wide but the Hungary midfielder gave Liverpool the lead they deserved shortly before the half-hour mark.

It came after Said Benrahma lost the ball carelessly in midfield, squandering a chance for a rare West Ham break.

Jarell Quansah fed Szoboszlai on the right of the Liverpool attack and he let fly with powerful shot from outside the area that flew into the far corner, giving goalkeeper Alphonse Areola no chance.

The game continued in the same pattern, with West Ham forced to feed off scraps - a familiar feeling for a team who have won just once at Anfield since 1963.

The home side could have doubled their lead in the final moments of the opening period but Gakpo headed narrowly wide following a fine cross from Elliott.

Liverpool had 11 shots in the first 45 minutes to West Ham's zero.

The London side also had a clutch of star names on the substitutes' bench, with the impressive Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse omitted from the starting line-up.

The second half unfolded in a similar way to the first, with Liverpool probing and David Moyes' men looking toothless.

Darwin Nunez, who started the game without a goal in his past 10 games for Liverpool, got a shot away after wriggling clear in the box but Areola was equal to the task.

However, Jones gave Liverpool a buffer in the 56th minute, firing the ball through Areola's legs at the near post.

Moyes threw on Paqueta but Klopp countered by bringing on Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool made it 3-0 when Gakpo fired low inside Areola's right-hand post from the edge of the area following Konate's charge forward.

Jarrod Bowen pulled one back, cutting inside Quansah and producing a fine curling finish around Caoimhin Kelleher but worse was to come for the hapless visitors.

Salah netted a breakaway goal from Alexander-Arnold's pass and Jones capped a fine night with his second after dancing through the Hammers defence.

Liverpool, who host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday with a chance to leapfrog the London side, will face Fulham in the first leg of the two-legged League Cup semi-final in the week beginning 8 January.

Middlesbrough will take on Chelsea in the other last-four tie.

- AFP

Nottingham Forest appoint Nuno as new manager

Nuno Espirito Santo has been appointed as the new manager of Nottingham Forest, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

"Nottingham Forest can today confirm the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as first team head coach," said a club statement.

"Nuno joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge of his first match on Saturday when Forest face Bournemouth at The City Ground."

The 49-year-old Portuguese coach succeeds Steve Cooper, sacked by Forest on Tuesday after a dismal run of one win in 13 Premier League games left the club just one place, and five points, above the relegation zone.

Nuno has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in November.

But he has now returned to English football following a two-year absence since his departure after an ill-fated four-month spell at Tottenham Hotspur which featured a mere 10 Premier League games.

Nuno also had four years in charge of Wolves, guiding the club to promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge.

Wolves enjoyed consecutive seventh-place finishes in the Premier League and a run to the Europa League quarter-finals under Nuno's leadership.

Cooper's exit from the City Ground came with Forest having lost five of their past six games.

The 44-year-old Welshman led Forest to promotion to the Premier League in 2022, ending a 23-year absence from the top flight for a club twice crowned champions of Europe under celebrated manager Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980.

Cooper had retained the support of Forest fans after taking them from the bottom of the Championship to Premier League survival last season.

But with Cooper's summer of heavy investment in new signings failing to deliver the required results, Forest's Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis finally lost patience with the former Swansea boss.

"Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club. His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the club's history," Marinakis said on Tuesday.

"We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham.

"Steve will always remain a friend of the club and will forever be welcome at The City Ground."

- AFP

New Zealand down Bangladesh in second ODI despite Sarkar's huge innings

Henry Nicholls fell agonisingly short of a century on Wednesday as New Zealand eased to a seven-wicket win and sealed victory in their one-day international series against Bangladesh.

A superb 169 off 151 balls from opener Soumya Sarkar was not enough to end Bangladesh's miserable ODI streak in New Zealand, where they have now lost all of their 18 previous 50-over matches against the Black Caps.

The win in Nelson gives New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after their 44-run win in the first game on Sunday.

The third and final ODI will be played in Napier on Saturday.

Sarkar's boundary-heavy innings took the visitors to a respectable 291 all out. But Nicholls led a strong Black Caps reply with 95 off 99 balls, steering the hosts to a comfortable victory.

- AFP

Salt smashes ton as England set up decider with West Indies

Phil Salt smashed a superb 119 from just 57 balls as England beat West Indies by 75 runs to level their Twenty20 international series 2-2 and set up a decider on Thursday.

Led by Salt's aggressive stroke play and swift half-centuries from skipper Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone, England made a team record of 267 for three in their 20 overs at the Brian Lara Academy.

England's tally was second-highest innings score in a match between full member nations and although West Indies made a fast-scoring start they rapidly lost wickets and ended up bowled out for 192 in 15.3 overs.

Having trailed 2-0 in this series and having lost the ODI series in the Caribbean, England were facing a demoralising end to their tour but now have the chance to secure the series back at the same venue.

- AFP

Chelsea back from brink to reach League Cup semis

Chelsea came back from the brink to reach the League Cup semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory against Newcastle after Mykhailo Mudryk's last-gasp equaliser on Tuesday.

Mauricio Pochettino's side were joined in the semi-finals by Fulham, who beat Everton on penalties, and second-tier Middlesbrough, 3-0 winners against Port Vale.

Beaten three times in their previous five games, a wretched run that started with their 4-1 loss at Newcastle, Chelsea showed some much needed fighting spirit to win the quarter-final 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Languishing in 10th place in the Premier League, Chelsea were two minutes from being knocked out before Ukraine winger Mudryk came to the rescue with the leveller that set the stage for the Blues' shoot-out success.

Pochettino's only silverware as a manager is a French league title and domestic cup with Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea's progress keeps the Argentine in contention for his first trophy in England after he lost the 2015 League Cup final during his time at Tottenham.

"We are so happy. The fans and the club deserve this sort of feeling. It's a big motivation," Pochettino said.

"We are so young. We are creating a very good bond. This type of result will help us."

The defeat was a painful blow for Newcastle, who failed in their attempt to avenge last season's League Cup final loss to Manchester United at Wembley.

After crashing out of the Champions League group stage, Newcastle's exit was another setback for the Saudi-backed club in their bid to land a first major trophy since 1969.

"It hurts a lot. We defended really well but didn't get over the line," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.

"It's a very painful moment for us. We'll just have to accept it and digest it."

Newcastle had been gifted the lead by Chelsea's shambolic defending in the 16th minute.

Callum Wilson seized possession inside his own half and accelerated away from Thiago Silva as his lung-bursting run carried him into the Chelsea area.

Benoit Badiashile should have snuffed out the danger, but the defender's woefully miscued attempt to clear allowed Wilson to fire home with ease.

With 20 minutes left, France forward Christopher Nkunku came on for his Chelsea debut after a prolonged injury absence since his close-season move from RB Leipzig.

Two minutes into stoppage time, Chelsea forced a shoot-out as Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier made a hash of dealing with a cross, misdirecting his header to Mudryk, who drilled into the bottom corner.

Trippier's misery was compounded when he smashed Newcastle's second penalty wide in the shoot-out.

Nkunku converted Chelsea's third penalty in his first significant contribution for the club.

Djordje Petrovic sealed Chelsea's victory as he dived to his left to make a brilliant save from Matt Ritchie's kick.

Fulham moved into the semi-finals for the first time after a 7-6 shoot-out win against Everton following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva enjoyed a measure of revenge on the club that sacked him in 2019 by leading Fulham into their first domestic semi-final since the 2002 FA Cup.

Tosin Adarabioyo scored the decisive spot-kick after Everton's Idrissa Gueye hit the post.

Amadou Onana had missed a chance to win the tie for Everton earlier in the shoot-out when his kick was saved by Bernd Leno.

Fulham went ahead in the 41st minute through Michael Keane's own goal before Everton substitute Beto equalised with eight minutes left.

"It's incredible what the players have been doing," Silva said. "We wanted to make history in the football club."

Middlesbrough cruised past third tier Port Vale to reach the semi-finals for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2004.

Michael Carrick's Championship side ruined Vale's first quarter-final appearance with goals from Jonathan Howson, Morgan Rogers and Matt Crooks.

Liverpool host West Ham in the last quarter-final on Wednesday.

- AFP

African giants Wydad in trouble after loss to Simba

African club giants Wydad Casablanca of Morocco are in danger of a shock early exit from the CAF Champions League after a 2-0 defeat to Simba of Tanzania on Tuesday.

Cameroonian Leandre Onana scored twice within two minutes during the first half in Dar es Salaam to inflict a third Group B loss in four matches on the three-time title-holders.

Wydad are last on three points with two rounds remaining, behind ASEC Mimosas (10) of the Ivory Coast, Simba (five) and Jwaneng Galaxy (four) of Botswana.

ASEC became the first qualifiers for the quarter-finals by beating Jwaneng 3-0 in Abidjan, and Simba will be join them if they can secure four more points.

The only realistic chance Wydad have of making the last eight is to win their remaining two matches and hope Simba lose one.

Simba visit ASEC in February and host Jwaneng in March while Wydad are away to Jwaneng and at home to ASEC.

Wydad have been the second most successful Champions League club after Al Ahly of Egypt from 2016, reaching four finals, two of which they won, and never failing to make the knock-out stage.

The Casablanca club fired coach Adil Ramzi last weekend and brought back veteran Tunisian Faouzi Benzarti for a fourth spell in charge.

Benzarti is the second most successful African coach in CAF club competitions with five titles - one less than currently unemployed South African Pitso Mosimane.

Decisive ASEC

ASEC, whose lone Champions League title came 25 years ago, boast a nursery that has produced many players who went on to achieve fame in Europe, like the Toure brothers Yaya and Kolo.

Among the stars of the current side is Sankara Karamoko, who scored his fourth goal of the campaign to complete a decisive victory over Jwaneng, who stunned Wydad in matchday one.

Leibe Avo gave the Abidjan outfit an early lead, Essis Aka scored on 80 minutes and Karamoko netted in added time.

Victories for TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa moved them three points above Nouadhibou of Mauritania and Pyramids of Egypt in Group A.

Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro set up Teboho Mokoena to fire a low shot into the corner of the net after 17 minutes and give former champions Sundowns a 1-0 win over Pyramids in Cairo.

Five-time title-holders Mazembe left it late against Nouadhibou in Lubumbashi with 19-year-old Malian Cheick Fofana scoring after 80 minutes and again in added time for a 2-0 victory.

Petro Luanda let slip a chance to qualify from Group C after drawing 0-0 at home against four-time champions Esperance of Tunisia, but they remain first, and likely quarter-finalists.

- AFP

Man City ease into Club World Cup final

Manchester City shrugged off their sluggish Premier League form to cruise into the Club World Cup final, 3-0 over Urawa Reds on Tuesday, despite missing the presence of Erling Haaland.

Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva struck after Marius Hoibraten's own goal opened the scoring as City set up a clash with South American champions Fluminense in Friday's final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

City have won only one of their last six Premier League matches and fallen behind Arsenal and Liverpool in the title race.

But they were never troubled as an unblemished record for European sides against Asian teams at the Club World Cup was extended to 14 games.

Haaland sat out a third consecutive game due to a foot injury, with the Norwegian facing a race against time to be fit for the final.

However, Haaland still provoked the biggest cheer of the night from a barely half-full King Abdullah Sports City Stadium when he offered the crowd a wave as he appeared on the big screens during the first half.

Kevin De Bruyne was also absent from the City squad despite making his return to training on Monday from a four-month layoff due to a hamstring injury.

Without their biggest goal threat and creative hub, City lacked penetration and punch for the first 45 minutes despite enjoying over 80 percent of possession against the Asian champions.

Urawa had lost six of their previous 10 games but largely kept the European champions at bay before a self-inflicted blow opened the game up for City on the stroke of half-time.

Guardiola made the surprise call to leave Julian Alvarez on the bench, leaving City without a natural striker in their starting 11.

It took the Champions League winners 30 minutes to even create a clear sight of goal as Matheus Nunes cut inside and blasted a shot goalwards that Shusaku Nishikawa tipped over.

City were slowing building momentum towards the break as Phil Foden was next to test Nishikawa from outside the box.

But they needed a slice of fortune to break the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.

Nunes fired a low cross into the box that Hoibraten turned into his own net under little pressure.

As Urawa tired from chasing the ball in the sweltering Saudi heat, City were then able to cut loose in the second half.

Kovacic drilled in his first City goal after racing onto Kyle Walker's pass that cut the Japanese defence wide open.

Both Kovacic and Nunes have struggled to make a meaningful impact since arriving at the treble winners in the summer transfer window.

Nunes should have followed the Croatian's lead by netting his first goal for the club when he headed a glorious chance wide from Jack Grealish's cross.

A third goal for City did not take long to arrive as Hoibraten's bad luck continued when Silva's shot deflected in off the Norwegian defender.

Silva warned of the heightened risk of injury put upon players by a "crazy" schedule after FIFA confirmed that the Club World Cup will expand to 32 teams and a month-long competition in 2025.

A hugely one-sided contest did little to whet the appetite for many more matches between Europe's elite clubs and the rest of the world as the financial gulf between the two continues to grow.

European teams are now unbeaten in 21 Club World Cup matches stretching back to 2012.But a comfortable evening did at least offer Guardiola the chance to rest Silva, Foden, Manuel Akanji, Rodri and John Stones for the closing stages.

- AFP

Australian quicks Cummins, Starc set salary records at IPL auction      

Australian fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins became the most expensive players in Indian Premier League history Tuesday, with franchises dishing out millions of dollars for their services at the glitzy Twenty20 tournament.

Starc, who last played in the IPL eight years ago, made a smashing comeback when he was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for 247.5 million rupees ($2.98 million), setting an all-time IPL auction record.

"We won, Mr Starc!" the franchise posted on X.

Starc, 33, broke the record set by Cummins earlier in the day when Sunrisers Hyderabad paid 205 million rupees ($2.47 million) for the World Cup-winning skipper.

Before Tuesday, England all-rounder Sam Curran was the most expensive player after being bought for $2.23 million last year by Punjab Kings.

"Pumped to be joining SRH for the upcoming IPL season," Cummins, who skipped this year's IPL because of a packed calendar, said in a video posted by the franchise on social media.

"I have played in Hyderabad a few times and always loved it so can't wait to get started."

Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in a fervent bidding session for Cummins, to claps and cheers from other franchises participating in the auction, held this year in Dubai.

Both Australians were key members of the team that led Australia to ODI World Cup victory in November, beating hosts India in the final at Ahmedabad.

Cummins had silenced a crowd of nearly 100 000 when he bowled out star batsman Virat Kohli, and was widely lauded for leading Australia to the title.

The 30-year-old made a previous auction record of $2.17 million when he signed with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019.

Both Starc and Cummins had entered this auction with a base price of $240 000, the top tier at which players can start the bidding for their services.

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was the third-top player at the auction, grabbed by Chennai Super Kings for $1.6 million.

Mitchell, 32, was also one of the breakout stars at the World Cup, scoring two centuries against India - in the group stage and in the semi-final.

Bumper salaries

Chennai coach Stephen Fleming said Mitchell's performances over the last 18-24 months had "warranted this type of a price".

"He is an unfashionable player, often goes under the radar. With his ability to play spin he is competitive, and he is also a handy bowler."

West Indies star Rovman Powell went to Rajasthan Royals for $890 000 and Travis Head of Australia will play alongside Cummins for Hyderabad after being sold for $818 000.

South African paceman Gerald Coetzee was sold to Mumbai Indians for $602 000.

But up-and-coming New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra failed to arouse much interest, with Chennai paying an underwhelming $216 000 for his services.

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith went unsold in the first round, along with fellow wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.

More than 300 players were up for grabs at Tuesday's auction for the cash-rich tournament, likely to be held from March next year.

The IPL is a huge earner for Indian cricket and the tournament makes more than $11 billion for the economy each year, according to pre-pandemic estimates.

Last June, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sold the broadcast rights for the next five IPL seasons to global media giants for an eye-watering $6.2 billion.

Mumbai Indians are the richest and most successful side in IPL history, with five titles to their name.

Attracting some of world cricket's top stars with bumper salaries, the pioneering IPL helped make Twenty20 hugely popular, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers and spawning copycat events worldwide.

This year, the BCCI staged its inaugural women's edition of the T20 tournament, earning nearly $700 million in combined franchise and media rights.

- AFP

Fluminense beat Percy Tau's Al Ahly to reach Club World Cup final

Fluminense advanced to the Club World Cup final after two goals in the final 20 minutes proved enough to beat a spirited Al Ahly 2-0 in Jeddah on Monday.

Jhon Arias' penalty broke the deadlock before John Kennedy secured victory over the Egyptian side in the final minute of the 90 in Saudi Arabia.The Brazilians will face either Champions League winners Manchester City or Japan's Urawa Reds in Friday's final.

Al Ahly were left to rue a number of missed chances as the African champions failed to find a way past 43-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio.

The last 10 Club World Cups have been won by European sides.

But if the gulf is growing between Europe's elite and the rest of the world at club level, the gap between South America's best and the rest of the world has narrowed significantly.

Twice in the past three years, the Copa Libertadores winners have failed to qualify for the final and Fluminense could easily have followed suit.

Al Ahly had dumped out a star-studded Al-Ittihad featuring Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho on their home patch in the previous round.

And roared on by thousands of travelling fans from just across the Red Sea, they were the more energetic and enterprising side throughout.

But Fluminense's wealth of experience saw them over the line.At the age of 40, Felipe Melo became the oldest outfield player in Club World Cup history, while former Real Madrid captain Marcelo won the decisive penalty.

Fluminense's best two efforts before half-time both came back off the woodwork from Arias.

The Colombian international's first sweet strike rebounded off the angle of post and bar before he hit the post from a well-worked corner.

But Al Ahly should have made their first half ascendency count when Kahraba headed a glorious chance straight at Fabio.

The chances continued to come and go for the Egyptians after the break.

Kahraba fired too close to Fabio before the veteran 'keeper denied Emam Ashour.Al Ahly were made to pay for that profligacy when a rare moment of quality from Marcelo lured Percy Tau into a mistimed challenge inside the box.

Mohamed Elshenawy saved a penalty from Benzema in the quarter-finals, but this time was beaten by Arias' accurate spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Tau had an immediate chance to make amends but headed straight at Fabio.

Substitute Taher Mohamed was next to waste a big opportunity to equalise, but Al Ahly failed to find a way through despite having 18 attempts on goal.

Kennedy, whose goal won the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors last month, then showed the poise Al Ahly had been missing in front of goal by coolly turning inside his marker and slotting into the far corner.

Fluminense coach and interim Brazil manager Fernando Diniz has described his style of football as the opposite of Pep Guardiola's.

The Manchester City boss begins his quest to win the Club World Cup with a third different club on Tuesday.But on this evidence there is little for Guardiola's City to fear in the final should they see off Asian champions Urawa.

- AFP

Draw for the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs:

First legs to be played February 15, second legs on February 22

Holders Man City drawn to play Copenhagen in Champions League last 16

Holders Manchester City were handed a tie against FC Copenhagen in Monday's draw for the Champions League last 16, from which the meeting of last season's runners-up Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid appears the standout tie.

Pep Guardiola's City, who are looking to retain the title they won in Istanbul last June, will be expected to comfortably get the better of the Danish side, who qualified from their group at the expense of Manchester United after beating the Red Devils 4-3 at home.

Inter, the Serie A leaders, were one of the teams to avoid after finishing second in their group and their meeting with Atletico will see Diego Simeone, the coach of the Spanish club, come up against a team with whom he spent two years as a player in the late 1990s.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have gone out in the last 16 in each of the last two seasons and in five of the last seven campaigns, were also braced for a tough draw having come second in their group behind Borussia Dortmund.

They will therefore be relieved at being handed a tie against Real Sociedad, who topped their section above Inter but are appearing in the Champions League last 16 for the first time since 2003/04, when they were knocked out by Lyon.

Barcelona's meeting with Italian champions Napoli is another standout tie, while Arsenal will be expected to get the better of Porto.

Bayern Munich will be strong favourites against Lazio and record 14-time European champions Real Madrid will also be heavily fancied against RB Leipzig.

The other tie sees Dortmund come up against PSV Eindhoven, who are coached by former Borussia manager Peter Bosz and are through to the last 16 for the first time in eight years.

The first legs will take place in mid-February with the return matches in March.This season's Champions League final will be staged at Wembley in London on June 1.

Champions League last 16 draw:

First legs to be played on February 13/14/20/21; second legs to be played on March 5/6/12/13

FC Porto (POR) v Arsenal (ENG)

Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP)

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Real Sociedad (ESP)

Inter Milan (ITA) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)

PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Lazio (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER)

FC Copenhagen (DEN) v Manchester City (ENG)

RB Leipzig (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP)

- AFP

Tiger encouraged for comeback after knocking off the rust

Tiger Woods says he has been encouraged by his performance in two December events, the first competitive golf for the 15-time major winner since April ankle surgery.

Woods, who turns 48 later this month, had not played since the Masters eight months ago before placing 18th of 20 in the Hero World Challenge two weeks ago.

"A lot of things are aching a lot more than my ankle, which is the way it goes," Woods said.

"I'll be able to walk and play. We've been working out hard, been able to recover."

On Sunday, he and 14-year-old son Charlie Woods combined to shoot 61 and grab a share of fifth at the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida.

They finished on 19-under 125 in the parent-child pairs event to stand six strokes adrift of German winner Bernhard Langer and his son Jason.

Woods had struggled to walk four rounds after severe leg injuries suffered in a 2021 car crash but has said he plans to compete once a month next year thanks to a strong fitness recovery.

"We've been training every day, which is great," Woods said. "It has been nice to knock off a lot of the rust and some of the doubt I've had because quite frankly I haven't hit a shot that counted in a long time.

"So having to post a score and hit shots on the right number, hit shots with consequence, it has been nice."

Woods says his surgically repaired right ankle, which once had him limping through rounds at majors, is no longer such an issue.

"The ankle was fine because it's now fused but other parts were definitely aching," Woods said.

"The fact we were able to train right away and get after it, and start hitting balls, it was encouraging."

Woods is not exempt for next year's US Open, but the three-time US Open champion would likely receive an exemption.

"As of right now, no, I'm not in," Woods said. "Whether or not I have to formally ask them or they invite me or give me an exemption or I have to go qualify, who knows? I don't know what the process is."

Woods said his comeback events have boosted his confidence that he can still strike the golf ball competitively with the world's best.

"If I'm able to practice and do the things I know I can do, and prepare, I know I can still do it," Woods said.

"I can still hit the golf ball. It's just a matter of prepping and get enough reps in and get enough work in and being right physically, and endurance capability of it.

"I haven't had the leg good enough where I've been able to compete and play a lot of rounds."  

- AFP