West Ham name Julen Lopetegui as new boss

West Ham name Julen Lopetegui as new boss
Lopetegui will officially begin work with the Hammers on July 1, replacing Moyes after the Scot’s exit at the end of this season. (AFP)
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Updated 23 May 2024
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West Ham name Julen Lopetegui as new boss

West Ham name Julen Lopetegui as new boss

LONDON: West Ham named former Real Madrid and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui as their new manager on Thursday after David Moyes’ departure from the London Stadium.
The 57-year-old Spaniard had been out of work since leaving Wolves on the eve of the just-concluded Premier League season.
Lopetegui will officially begin work with the Hammers on July 1, replacing Moyes after the Scot’s exit at the end of this season.
“We came here with the idea and the thought to make a big, big noise,” he said. “That’s why we came here, and we are excited by this challenge.
“Of course, we are going to do our best to help the club and the team to achieve the best level and to achieve our aims.
“I assure the fans that they are going to be key in all our achievements.”
West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said Lopetegui’s appointment would “ensure a strong opportunity to build on the positive progress made in recent seasons.”
The Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season.


Clinical Swiatek romps as Tsitsipas crashes at United Cup

Clinical Swiatek romps as Tsitsipas crashes at United Cup
Updated 28 sec ago
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Clinical Swiatek romps as Tsitsipas crashes at United Cup

Clinical Swiatek romps as Tsitsipas crashes at United Cup
  • Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek was on court for the first time since news broke in late November that she served a one-month ban for a doping violation
  • Kazakh world No. 6 and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina survived a late wobble before burying Greek hopes with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Maria Sakkari

PERTH: Iga Swiatek romped to an emphatic victory in her season-opening match at the United Cup Monday, but Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed as Kazakhstan upset Greece to make the knockout round of the mixed-team tournament.

Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek was on court for the first time since news broke in late November that she served a one-month ban for a doping violation.

But the Pole quickly shook off any nerves in Sydney with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of Norway’s Malene Helgo.

“Pleased with everything, honestly. I’m happy for sure with the performance,” said the world No. 2.

“It’s not always easy to play for your country, sometimes the pressure is a bit bigger.

“I feel good, I feel happy, happy I can play tennis overall,” she added. “I’m just going step by step and we’ll see what’s next.”

The 23-year-old tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample in August when she was ranked No. 1.

However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the violation was not intentional and she escaped with a one-month sanction.

While she was in electric form, Greek star Tsitsipas had a day to forget.

He is coming off a mediocre 2024 in which his ranking dropped to its current 11 from a career-high three and was hoping for a confidence-boosting fresh start in Perth.

But he was stunned 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) by 78th-ranked Alexander Shevchenko.

Kazakh world No. 6 and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina then survived a late wobble before burying Greek hopes with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Maria Sakkari.

“I’m really happy for the team,” said Rybakina, now working with Novak Djokovic’s former coach Goran Ivanizevic. “We all tried hard.

“It was a tough match for me today and I’m so happy to be in the quarter-finals.”

Rybakina took the first set and led 5-0 in the second, but the former world No. 3 Sakkari won three games in a row to threaten a comeback.

Rybakina came through on her third match point as Sakkari mis-hit an overhead.

“At 5-0 you have nothing to lose, she played more aggressively and hit some good shots,” said Rybakina.

Shevchenko called his defeat of a sluggish Tsitsipas “one of the best” of his career.

“He was not at his best today. But I played really well and found the moment to win that match,” he said.

“It will definitely go in my record as one of my best wins.”

Defending champions Germany, led by Alexander Zverev, defeated China 2-1 in the Perth evening session as both nations reached the quarterfinals.

The Germans finished top in their group and will line up on Wednesday against Kazakhstan. China advanced as the best of the three runners-up in Perth.

Second-ranked Zverev recovered from a bad start to beat Zhang Zhizhen 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 but unfancied Gao Xinyu stunned German Laura Siegemund 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to even the tie.

The German pair combined in mixed doubles to defeat Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).

Zverev had his problems in the opening rubber against an inconsistent Zhang, who swept the opening set but disappeared after that.

“I didn’t start off well. I was missing more shots from my backhand side, which is normally the most stable,” said Zverev.

“He was also playing extremely well, so aggressive. He was not letting me into the match or find my rhythm.

“Then I found my rhythm and I’m happy with my performance in the second and third sets.”

In Sydney, Katie Boulter led Britain to victory over Argentina with all three teams in the group, which also includes hosts Australia, still in contention for the knockout rounds.

World No. 24 Boulter downed 100th-ranked Nadia Podoroska 6-2, 6-3.

Underdog Billy Harris looked on track to seal the tie for Britain when he went a set up against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

But the Argentine rallied for a gutsy 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win to send the tie to a deciding mixed doubles.

Etcheverry fronted up again with Maria Carle to take on Boulter and Charles Broom, with the British pair coming out on top 7-6 (7/4), 7-5.


Chelsea’s title hopes rocked by shock defeat at Ipswich

Chelsea’s title hopes rocked by shock defeat at Ipswich
Updated 56 min 8 sec ago
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Chelsea’s title hopes rocked by shock defeat at Ipswich

Chelsea’s title hopes rocked by shock defeat at Ipswich

IPSWICH: Enzo Maresca admitted Chelsea should not think about challenging for the Premier League title after lowly Ipswich beat the Blues 2-0 at Portman Road on Monday.
Maresca’s side were rocked by Liam Delap’s early penalty and a second-half goal from former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson.
Chelsea’s second successive defeat after their Boxing Day loss against Fulham left them without a win in their last three matches.
The west Londoners had emerged as surprise title contenders after an eight-match winning run in all competitions.
But Maresca had insisted throughout that spell that Chelsea’s inexperienced squad do not have what it takes to win the title in his first season after arriving from Leicester.
And the Italian’s prediction looks spot on after a shock result in Suffolk that leaves Chelsea in fourth place, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
“We focus game by game. We are not focused on title race or those things,” Maresca said.
“It was a strange game. We had many chances but we could do many things better, defend better in some moments.
“Now we’ve finished the first part of the season, no one expected us to be where we are. It’s a long race.”
Third-bottom Ipswich climb within one point of safety after winning for the second time in their last four matches.
Kieran McKenna’s side have renewed belief they can avoid relegation back to the Championship thanks to their first top-flight home win in 22 years.
“Special night for the club. First home win in the Premier League at Portman Road for 22 years and to do it against Chelsea was fantastic,” McKenna said.
“Everyone involved with Ipswich can enjoy a glass of sparkly stuff tomorrow night and think about some of the moments we’ve had over the last couple of years.”
Ipswich took the fight to Chelsea right from the start as Delap bullied the visitors’ defense in pugnacious fashion.
Delap raced onto Leif Davis’ inch-perfect pass in the 12th minute and went to ground after the faintest of kicks by Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Referee John Brooks awarded the spot-kick and Delap drilled into the bottom corner for his seventh goal of the season.
Cole Palmer almost levelled immediately when his free-kick from 22 yards smacked against the post.
Palmer’s superb left-footed cross was converted by Joao Felix midway through the first half but the Portugal striker’s powerful finish was disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR check.
Just before half-time, Palmer’s superb 20-yard curler looked destined for the top corner after Felix’s lay-off, only for Christian Walton to brilliantly parry onto the crossbar.
Felix’s header was cleared off the line by Wes Burns early in the second half before Walton thwarted Noni Madueke’s low effort.
Chelsea’s profligacy came back to haunt them as Ipswich doubled their lead in the 53rd minute.
Axel Disasi carelessly passed straight to Delap on the halfway line and he ran at Levi Colwill before passing back to Hutchinson.
Intelligently working a yard of space, Hutchinson drilled into the bottom corner.
It was a special goal for Hutchinson against a club that released him twice from their youth team.
Chelsea were unable to muster a response as Ipswich inflicted a painful defeat with repercussions at both ends of the table.


Newcastle extend Man United’s losing run with ease

Newcastle extend Man United’s losing run with ease
Updated 31 December 2024
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Newcastle extend Man United’s losing run with ease

Newcastle extend Man United’s losing run with ease
  • The Magpies cruised to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford
  • Alexander Isak and Joelinton struck inside the first 19 minutes as a fifth consecutive win lifted Newcastle into fifth place

MANCHESTER: Manchester United ended a 2024 to forget with a fourth consecutive defeat as Newcastle cruised to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford to intensify the scrutiny on Red Devils’ boss Ruben Amorim.
Just two months into his tenure, Amorim conceded this week that his job is on the line unless results begin to improve.
The Portuguese has won just two of his first nine league games to leave United languishing down in 14th, just seven points above the relegation zone.
Alexander Isak and Joelinton struck inside the first 19 minutes as a fifth consecutive win lifted the Magpies into fifth.
Amorim stood aghast at what he was witnessing in the first half as Newcastle cut through the home side at will.
Just over three minutes were on the clock when Isak was afforded space inside the six-yard box to head in Lewis Hall’s cross and score for the sixth consecutive Premier League game.
United badly missed the presence of suspended captain Bruno Fernandes as the Newcastle midfield three of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton played around the aging duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen with ease.
Isak blew a huge chance to double the visitors’ lead when he fluffed an attempted dink over Andre Onana and the Swedish striker also had a goal ruled out for offside.
However, it was just a matter of time before Newcastle added a second and it arrived when Joelinton burst in to meet Anthony Gordon’s cross.
Amorim responded by replacing Joshua Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes — a move greeted with cheers by the frustrated Old Trafford crowd.
Tonali should have made it 3-0 when he hit the post at the end of a flowing Newcastle move through the heart of the United defense.
However, Eddie Howe’s men nearly gifted the Red Devils a route back into the game before half-time.
Rasmus Hojlund missed a glorious chance to pull a goal back when the Dane fired wide with just Martin Dubravka to beat.
Casemiro then wasted an even better opportunity after Fabian Schar presented possession to Mainoo.
Amorim’s half-time pep talk did at least muster some response as United began the second half far better.
Harry Maguire’s header came back off the post before Hall blocked De Ligt’s goalbound follow-up effort.
Marcus Rashford had been restored to the United squad for the first time in five games but remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes as Amorim turned to another outcast in Alejandro Garnacho to make a difference.
But the Argentine international was introduced just as Newcastle had ridden the storm and began to assert their control once more.
A third consecutive home league defeat for the first time since 1979 is the latest in the list of sorry statistics that have marked United’s decade of decline.
The fear for Amorim is that the losing run only looks set to continue into 2025.
A daunting trip to runaway league leaders Liverpool awaits on Sunday before United travel to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.


All smiles as Djokovic and Kyrgios treat crowd to flashy shots in doubles victory

All smiles as Djokovic and Kyrgios treat crowd to flashy shots in doubles victory
Updated 30 December 2024
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All smiles as Djokovic and Kyrgios treat crowd to flashy shots in doubles victory

All smiles as Djokovic and Kyrgios treat crowd to flashy shots in doubles victory
  • It was Kyrgios’ first match in 18 months due to wrist and knee injuries, while Djokovic missed the season-ending ATP Finals

BRISBANE: Exchanging smiles, laughs and flashy shots, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios teamed up in doubles on Monday as they both returned to the court in preparation for the Australian Open.

The two former Wimbledon final opponents reached the second round of the Brisbane International with a 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-8 win against Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies.

It was Kyrgios’ first match in 18 months due to wrist and knee injuries, while Djokovic missed the season-ending ATP Finals last month with an unspecified injury.

They had the crowd on their feet several times at Pat Rafter Arena, including when Djokovic flicked an around-the-net backhand winner during the first set. Djokovic then turned to point at a grinning Kyrgios, who slapped Djokovic’s outstretched hand in celebration.

“That’s just an iconic Novak moment. The way the guy moves around the court, I’ve never moved like that in my life. I was just loving it,” said Krygios, who treated the crowd to some shot-making of his own.

When Kygrios won another point following another extravagant shot — playing the ball between his legs, known as a tweener — he jogged proudly around the court with a grinning Djokovic chasing after him.

Then, after Kyrgios sealed the win with an ace, the pair jumped in the air to chest-bump each other.

“We tried to get the crowd on our side,” Djokovic said. “Get that energy and just use it for some good tennis.”

Kyrgios lost to Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, but the 29-year-old Australian had not played tennis since June 2023.

“This injury has been brutal for me so I wasn’t taking any of this for granted,” Kyrgios said afterward in a courtside interview. “I don’t know how many Aussie summers I’ve got left so I was just looking around and loving the energy and just so happy to be back out here.”

The 37-year-old Djokovic has won the Australian Open singles title a record 10 times and counts a men’s record 24 majors. He owns 99 singles titles overall but only one in doubles.

Kyrgios won the won the 2022 Australian Open doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, and said the timing was right to team up with Djokovic in Brisbane before the Australian Open starts next month.

“We promised that we were going to do this one more time before either he goes or I go, so I’m glad we’re still alive,” Kyrgios said.

Djokovic quickly agreed to the idea.

“He said the other day that it should be a pleasure to play with him, and it is. I’m glad to share the court with him on his comeback,” Djokovic said. “I haven’t played that many doubles matches in my life.”

They were given a wild-card entry into the doubles tournament and next face top-seeded pair Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.


Saudi Pro League finalizes preparations for 2024-25 season winter transfer window

Saudi Pro League finalizes preparations for 2024-25 season winter transfer window
Updated 30 December 2024
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Saudi Pro League finalizes preparations for 2024-25 season winter transfer window

Saudi Pro League finalizes preparations for 2024-25 season winter transfer window
  • Clubs will be able to sign new players between New Year’s Day and Jan. 30
  • The league organized workshops for clubs to assess specific needs and help provide tailored support for them

RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has finalized its preparations for the 2024-25 season’s winter transfer window, which runs from Jan. 1 to 30.

League authorities said they held a series of workshops with member clubs to assess specific needs and objectives for the transfer window and help provide tailored support for them, including the facilitation of transfers within the league.

During the 2024 summer transfer window, the 18 SPL clubs used 16 of the 36 available slots for foreign players under the age of 21; 13 clubs signed at least one U-21 player from another country, five did not make any signings in this category. The remaining slots are available to eligible clubs during the winter window.

All 18 teams utilized their maximum allowance of eight foreign players over the age of 21 during the summer transfer window. Any clubs planning new signings in this category will therefore have to terminate contracts, sell players or deregister members of their squads.

The SPL said it will also coordinate with clubs and the Financial Sustainability Committee to ensure compliance with league policies and regulations.

A total of 115 domestic players are registered for the 2024-25 SPL season, while 132 departed due to the end or termination of a contract, or sales to clubs in other leagues. Meanwhile, 101 foreign players joined the league this season, and 32 departed. The average player age of players in the league fell from 27.6 years old to 26.2.

The SPL said its preparations for the transfer window reflect its commitment to supporting clubs through the facilitation of transfers, improved governance and planning, efforts to ensure player welfare, and enhanced financial sustainability.