Djokovic hopes Sinner doping case ‘resolved as soon as possible’

Djokovic hopes Sinner doping case ‘resolved as soon as possible’
Djokovic had previously said he could “understand the sentiments of a lot of players” who were questioning whether Sinner’s rank had protected him. (AFP)
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Djokovic hopes Sinner doping case ‘resolved as soon as possible’

Djokovic hopes Sinner doping case ‘resolved as soon as possible’

SHANGHAI: Novak Djokovic said Wednesday that he hoped current world number one Jannik Sinner’s steroid case would be “resolved as soon as possible,” as he again bemoaned the tennis anti-doping system’s “inconsistencies.”
Sinner failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of wrongdoing and allowed to keep playing by tennis authorities.
But the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Saturday it had mounted an appeal, and was seeking a ban of up to two years.
Djokovic had previously said he could “understand the sentiments of a lot of players” who were questioning whether Sinner’s rank had protected him.
On Wednesday, speaking at a press conference at the Shanghai Masters, the former world number one acknowledged it must be “very tough” for the Italian.
“I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well... There’s way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved and, you know, just this whole case is not helping our sport at all,” the 37-year-old said.
“Whatever is going to happen at the end of the day, just I wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible.”
Tennis authorities accepted Sinner’s explanation that trace amounts of a steroid unintentionally entered his system from a physiotherapist who used a spray containing it to treat a cut, then provided massage and sports therapy to the player.
The WADA appeal has reignited the case, with Sinner saying he has had sleepless nights over the issue.
The 23-year-old has pushed through the controversy to win the US Open, as well as progressed to the final of the China Open, facing world number three Carlos Alcaraz.
“It’s impressive what (Sinner’s) been doing in the whole process of what’s been happening, that he’s playing on such a high level,” Djokovic said.
Both Sinner and Alcaraz will also head to Shanghai for the Masters, where they and Djokovic are among the favorites.
The Serbian is aiming for a 100th singles title — which he said was “extra motivation” — but admitted he had “some catching up to do” as he hadn’t played many tournaments recently.
“Hopefully I can use that freshness in a way, and also the past experiences and success I had,” he said.
Djokovic is a four-time champion in Shanghai, but has not played there for five years.
Asked what the secret to his previous success was, he laughed: “I love dumplings and the Chinese language, I think that helps!“


England cricket team arrives in Pakistan for three-match Test series 

England cricket team arrives in Pakistan for three-match Test series 
Updated 02 October 2024
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England cricket team arrives in Pakistan for three-match Test series 

England cricket team arrives in Pakistan for three-match Test series 
  • World Test Championship cycle matches to be played in Multan, Rawalpindi
  • Pakistan have not won a Test match on home ground since February 2021

ISLAMABAD: The England cricket team arrived in Pakistan today, Wednesday, to play a three-match Test series from Oct. 7-28, a month after Bangladesh completed a 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan. 

The three-match series is part of the World Test Championship cycle. After being whitewashed by Bangladesh at home this month, Pakistan are placed at number eight on the points table, just ahead of the West Indies. 

The English side is led by all-rounder Ben Stokes and will resume practice from Oct. 4 after resting on Oct. 2-3.

“The first Test match between Pakistan and England will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium from October 7. The second Test will also be played in Multan from October 15, while the third Test will be played in Rawalpindi from October 24.”

Pakistan have a busy cricket schedule in the months to come, with the green shirts scheduled to play an away white-ball series against Australia in November before playing another white-ball series against Zimbabwe in November and December. 

The green shirts will tour South Africa for a T20, ODI and Test series in December and January before they host the West Indies for a Test series the same month.

Pakistan’s recent lackluster performances in all three formats of the game have invited scathing criticism from cricket experts and fans alike. Both have blamed a lack of quality pitches and infrastructure in the country for Pakistan’s hapless performances while many also point to frequent changes in the PCB’s management and a lack of unity in the team for Pakistan’s losses.

The country has not won a Test match at home since Feb. 2021.

On Wednesday, the PCB confirmed batting ace Babar Azam had tendered his resignation as Pakistan men’s white-ball captain on Tuesday evening, and it had been accepted by the Board. The national selection committee has been tasked with beginning the process of formulating future white-ball cricket strategies, including recommending a new captain, the PCB said. 

“Although the PCB had backed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, his decision to step down reflects his desire to focus more on making a greater impact as a player.

“This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket. He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team’s success in the shorter formats.

“The PCB acknowledges Babar’s contributions as white-ball captain, his ability to prioritize the team’s needs and his unwavering dedication to Pakistan cricket. The PCB will continue to support Babar Azam, recognizing he still has much to offer both as a world-class batter and a senior statesman of the team.”

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mehmood.

England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.


Game On: Garbine Muguruza champions ‘gigantic’ WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

Game On: Garbine Muguruza champions ‘gigantic’ WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia
Updated 02 October 2024
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Game On: Garbine Muguruza champions ‘gigantic’ WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

Game On: Garbine Muguruza champions ‘gigantic’ WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia
  • As the world’s top female players gear up for Riyadh, the tournament director envisions bright future for tennis in the Middle East

RIYADH: As the Kingdom’s capital gears up for the highly anticipated WTA Finals this November, the tournament’s director and former world No. 1 Garbine Muguruza believes the event will be “gigantic” for tennis in the country and region.

In an interview with Arab News recently, she said the contest, which will feature some of the world’s top female tennis players, will showcase the power of sport to inspire and unite people.

“I’m very excited that we can bring this gigantic tournament to Saudi Arabia,” she said, noting the significance of introducing this premier event in a region that is still becoming acquainted with the sport at the highest level.

The WTA Finals is regarded as one of the crown jewels of women’s tennis.

Muguruza, who has experience working in the Middle East, said: “This is going to make such an impact for the kids, for the next generation.”

She praised the Saudi Tennis Federation and the broader sports community for the work they are doing. “They’re bringing exhibitions, next-gen (tournaments), and now the finals,” said Muguruza.

She said the focus on community engagement — through several clinics and coaching sessions — was vital for fostering local talent. The ultimate aim is to have 1 million tennis players in the country.

“Every time I do it, there’s more people,” she said.

“They’re doing a great job letting them dream and giving them the options to do it,” she said, recalling her own journey to the top of the sport.

“Why not dream, right? Like I dreamt when I was little to one day be the world No. 1, you know?”

Muguruza’s dual perspective as both a former elite player and a tournament director enriches her approach. “I can tell what the players could need, what to expect. How can we get the crowd excited,” she said.

As she reflected on the evolution of tennis in the Kingdom, Muguruza acknowledged the strides being made, particularly among young female players.

Witnessing Saudi Arabia’s Haniya Minhas compete at Wimbledon this year in the under-14 category was a poignant moment for her.

“I felt great because I’m like, ‘wow, you see, finally we have a representation,’” she said.

“We see every country has their timing, has their step,” Muguruza added.


Professional Fighters League reveals ‘Battle of the Giants’ video ahead of Riyadh showdown

Professional Fighters League reveals ‘Battle of the Giants’ video ahead of Riyadh showdown
Updated 02 October 2024
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Professional Fighters League reveals ‘Battle of the Giants’ video ahead of Riyadh showdown

Professional Fighters League reveals ‘Battle of the Giants’ video ahead of Riyadh showdown
  • Event on Oct. 19 is headlined by Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira for the heavyweight title

RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League has released the promotional film for the “Battle of The Giants: Brace for Impact” event, created with award-winning studio Duality, which takes place on Oct. 19 at Mayadeen in Riyadh.

The video is inspired by the epic movie classic “Godzilla vs. King Kong,” and was filmed entirely on green screen using state-of-the-art technology.

It features larger-than-life versions of headliners Francis “The Predator” Ngannou and 2023 PFL Heavyweight World Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira towering over a city and clearing everything in their paths to fight.

The card will also feature Bellator Women’s Featherweight World Champion Cris “Cyborg” taking on two-time PFL World Champion Larissa Pacheco in the co-main event, and a lightweight showdown between AJ “Mercenary” McKee and Paul “Big News” Hughes.

“Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Francis Ngannou (17-3) vs. Renan Ferreira (13-3, 3 No Contest).

Women’s Featherweight Co-Main Event: Cris “Cyborg” (27-2, 1 NC) vs. Larissa Pacheco (23-4).

Bellator Middleweight World Title Bout: Johnny Eblen (15-0) vs. Fabian Edwards (13-3).

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Husein Kadimagomaev (11-1, 1 NC) vs. Zafar Mohsen (13-4).

Lightweight Main Card Bout: AJ McKee (22-1) vs. Paul Hughes (12-1).Early Card:

Bantamweight Early Card Bout: Raufeon Stots (20-2) vs. Marcos Breno (15-3).

Lightweight Early Card Bout: Makkasharip Zaynukov (15-4) vs. Dedrek Sanders (9-4).

Featherweight Early Card Bout: Ibragim Ibragimov (7-0) vs. Nacho Campos (5-0).

Middleweight Early Card Bout: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Ahmed Sami (11-4-0, 1 NC).

Featherweight Early Card Bout: Youssef Al-Housani (4-1) vs. Taha Bendaoud (3-0).


Sabalenka wins 15th match in a row to reach Beijing quarters

Sabalenka wins 15th match in a row to reach Beijing quarters
Updated 02 October 2024
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Sabalenka wins 15th match in a row to reach Beijing quarters

Sabalenka wins 15th match in a row to reach Beijing quarters
  • The US Open champion will face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic or Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the last eight in Beijing

BEIJING: Top seed Aryna Sabalenka won her 15th match in a row to power into the China Open quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Madison Keys on Wednesday.
The US Open champion will face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic or Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the last eight in Beijing.
World number two Sabalenka has won more matches on tour this season than anyone else and extended her red-hot streak with a fairly routine victory over the 24th-ranked American.
On a sunny Beijing day, Sabalenka and Keys exchanged breaks in the first set for 3-3 before the hard-hitting Belarusian pulled away go a set up.
The second took a similar course and Keys double-faulted on the first match point to gift Sabalenka victory in 65 minutes.
Sabalenka is on a collision course in the semifinals with China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who faces 43rd-ranked Amanda Anisimova in the last 16 later Wednesday.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka can take a major step toward overhauling Iga Swiatek at the top of the rankings by lifting the title in Beijing.
Swiatek is not playing in the Chinese capital because of “personal matters.”


Bridgestone latest Japan firm to end Olympics sponsorship

Bridgestone latest Japan firm to end Olympics sponsorship
Updated 02 October 2024
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Bridgestone latest Japan firm to end Olympics sponsorship

Bridgestone latest Japan firm to end Olympics sponsorship
  • The decision comes after Japanese electronics giant Panasonic and auto titan Toyota said last month they had decided to end their top-tier Olympic sponsorship
  • Bridgestone struck sponsorship deals with the Olympics for 10 years in 2014 and the Paralympics for six years in 2018
  • The contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of 2024, the firm said

TOKYO: Tire giant Bridgestone has become the latest Japanese firm to end its Olympics sponsorship, following pullouts by Toyota and Panasonic, saying it wants to focus on motorsport.

Bridgestone said on Tuesday that it “still strongly believes in the IOC’s vision of ‘building a better world through sport’,” referring to the International Olympic Committee.

“Still believing in the power of sports, the company will carry that momentum forward” by using tire products to “drive innovation,” a statement said.

The decision comes after Japanese electronics giant Panasonic and auto titan Toyota said last month they had decided to end their top-tier Olympic sponsorship.

Toyota’s chairman Akio Toyoda has said the Olympic Games were “becoming increasingly political,” while Panasonic announced their withdrawal citing “management considerations.”

Bridgestone struck sponsorship deals with the Olympics for 10 years in 2014 and the Paralympics for six years in 2018, a company spokesman told AFP on Wednesday.

The contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of 2024, the firm said.

In December, Bridgestone said it had been named as the tire supplier for the Formula E World Championship from 2026.

It described its role in the championship for electric cars as “a cornerstone of the company’s sustainable global motorsports strategy.”