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COVID-19: Major League Soccer Cancels All-Star Game, Leagues Cup And Campeones Cup

The 2021 All-Star Game is expected to feature the same format and take place at same venue. © AFP Major League Soccer (MLS) on Tuesday announced the cancellation of this year's MLS All-Star Game, Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league, in a statement, said that the decisions were taken in order to provide as many available dates as possible for the remainder of the MLS season, which has been suspended since March 12 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 MLS All-Star game was scheduled to take place in Los Angeles at Banc of California Stadium and for the first time feature a matchup between the best of MLS and Liga MX.The 2021 All-Star Game is expected to feature the same format and take place at the same venue."Both MLS and Liga MX took the decision to cancel the second annual Leagues Cup, with a plan to resume the competition next year. The same decision was taken for the Campeones Cup, a matchup between the MLS Cup winners and the Liga MX Campeon de Campeones winners that this year was set to be hosted by Seattle Sounders FC on August 12. Campeones Cup will return in 2021," the statement read. Topics mentioned in this article Football Read the full article

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Smash Hit Michael Jordan Documentary Fills TV Void For NBA Fans

In all, 6.1 million people watched the opening episodes in the United States, making the Michael Jordan documentary Twitter's top trending topic and ESPN's most watched original program since the network began producing such shows 16 years ago. An average of 5.9 million viewers watched the latest episodes aired in the US on Sunday."The Last Dance" mixes previously unaired behind-the-scenes footage taken by a special camera crew with the Bulls during their 1997-98 NBA championship run with the retelling of Jordan's amazing story from his youthful days to Chicago's amazing dynasty run of six 1990s NBA titles.The project was set to be broadcast in June when the NBA Finals were scheduled, but when sports programs were wiped out due to the global virus pandemic, ESPN advanced the release date.The Jordan documentary's blockbuster success looks likely to spark similar projects.Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar who died in a January helicopter crash, had a personal camera crew follow him around during his final NBA season, ESPN reported last week, hinting that behind-the-scenes footage could become part of a Bryant documentary.Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, scored 60 points in his final NBA game in 2016, which capped the worst season in Lakers history at 17-65.Dwyane Wade, a member of the 2008 US Olympic "Redeem Team" that won Beijing gold after a 2004 bronze at Athens, says he is already executive producing a documentary about that collection of NBA talent.A lingering hatredESPN has aired discussion shows about the documentary after telecasts, with Sunday's episodes about Jordan's lingering hatred of the Detroit Pistons leading to Monday interviews with former Detroit star Isiah Thomas, notably about the Pistons snubbing the Bulls for post-game handshakes when Chicago swept the defending champions out of the 1991 playoffs."I hated them," Jordan said in the fourth chapter of the documentary. "And that hate carries even to this day."Thomas was not selected as a member of the 1992 Barcelona US Olympic gold medal "Dream Team" -- an NBA all-star lineup that featured Jordan -- and Thomas said Monday on ESPN that he hoped the handshake snub wasn't the reason why he didn't make the historic lineup."If I'm not part of the Dream Team for that lapse of emotion, for not shaking somebody's hand, then I'm more disappointed today than I was back then when I wasn't selected," Thomas said."I paid a heavy price. If that moment meant I'm not selected to be on the Dream Team because of that moment, that's hurtful. That cuts deep." Read the full article

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South Korea Women's Golf Resumption Draws World Top-10 Players: Report

Professional women's golf will resume in South Korea next month after a coronavirus hiatus, with a report Tuesday saying two of the world's top 10 would seize the chance to return to competition. South Korea dominates the women's game globally, with its best players gravitating towards the lucrative US-based LPGA tour, where they occupy three of the top six ranking spots and eight of the top 20. But sport events around the world have been put on hold as the novel coronavirus has swept the globe with total cases nearing 2.5 million.South Korea once had the largest confirmed cases outside China but appears to have brought the outbreak under control with a huge "trace, test and treat" strategy.And government officials have said that outdoor sports events will now be allowed, with restrictions.The Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Championship is scheduled to be played over four days from May 14 in Yangju, east of Seoul.World number six Kim Sei-young and 10th-ranked Lee Jeong-eun will be part of the 144-strong field, Yonhap news agency reported.The tournament prize fund totals 2.3 billion won (US$1.8 million) with 160 million won for the winner.KLPGA officials were still discussing whether spectators would be allowed on the course, a representative told AFP, declining to confirm Kim or Lee's participation.The organisers "put the utmost priority on the safety of athletes and fans" and the details of the event will depend on the course of the outbreak, the KLPGA said in a statement.South Korea reported nine new cases on Monday -- its fourth consecutive day of less than 20 new infections -- taking the national total to 10,683. Read the full article

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Glenn McGrath Picks Pat Cummins As The Most Complete Bowler Of Current Generation 

Australia's Pat Cummins is the most complete pacer among the current crop, says the legendary Glenn McGrath, who feels bowlers, in general, are "better blokes" and more hardworking than batsmen. McGrath was answering 25 rapid-fire questions from 'ESPNCricinfo' on a range of subjects, including who he would like to see as himself in a biopic. Asked to name the most complete bowler in world cricket now, McGrath replied: "Pat Cummins. I like the way he goes by." Cummins is currently no.1 in ICC Test rankings and occupies the fourth spot in the ODI list.One of the best fast bowlers through the '90s till late 2000s, McGrath also addressed the big debate of his era -- who was harder to bowl at, Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara? "Tough," he said when asked to pick between the two icons."I would go with Lara just (a bit) from my experience. The hat-trick wish-list would be Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid."Asked if there was any delivery which was missing from his armoury, he cheekily replied: "the 100miles per hour delivery."According to him, the bowlers work a lot harder than batsmen."Fast bowlers are better blokes, work harder and batsmen expect everything," he opined.Asked if he would indulge in 'Mankading' a batsman in a World Cup final where he has to get the last wicket but with only two runs to defend, the legendary pacer said he would never do it.He also feels that after watching Jim Carrey's performance in 'Dumb and Dumber', he would like the iconic funny-man to play his role if a biopic is ever made on him. "Brad Pitt or Hugh Jackman," are his other choices.Not known to be an extravagant dresser, McGrath said he nonetheless likes wearing outfits by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.Away from cricket, the sporting legends that he has felt privileged to meet include Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, tennis icon Roger Federer and five-time Olympic champion rower Steve Redgrave. Read the full article

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‘A Masterpiece’: The Undertaker returns in a new avatar at WWE WrestleMania 36 and fans absolutely loved it - other sports

When it was announced that The Undertaker is going to take on AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36, fans rejoiced. AJ has been an internet darling for a long time due to his superior wrestling ability while no words can describe the legend of The Undertaker. When it announced that Styles vs Taker is going to be a boneyard match, fans were extremely skeptical.Things were a little different this as a lot of elements from 55-year-old Mark Calaway’s personal life were used in the build-up to the match. No one knew what to expect from the ‘boneyard’ match. But the match delivered and it delivered big time.READ | WrestleMania 36: The Miz’s ‘undetermined illness’ leads to change in WWE Tag team title matchThe Undertaker wasn’t the undertaker who was just the reaper, he was different. While AJ came into the match in a casket, Taker came riding a motorcycle with Metallica playing in the background. It was the return to Undertaker’s ‘American Bad Ass’ gimmick. But not fully, he retained the elements of his supernatural persona.  The legacy continues. @WWE superstar The @Undertaker walked out to "Now That We’re Dead" on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/mC4hCGLpOm— Metallica (@Metallica) April 5, 2020 It was like a buried alive match in a barn with an open grave. It was back and forth with Styles getting the upper hand in between due to Gallows and Anderson’s interference. There were hooded ‘druids’ also to distract Taker.  We thought we were ready for this #BoneyardMatch. We were , wrong. #WrestleMania #Undertaker @LukeGallowsWWE @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/FCFlUhTIZC— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 5, 2020 There was one thing absolutely clear that Taker was the protagonist of this story and he always had the back against his wall. We saw the battered and bruised Mark Calaway in the middle where it looked like he would be overwhelmed by Styles. AJ even managed to put him in the grave and the end seemed near for Taker.But that was just the anti-climax. Dramatically Undertaker appeared behind Styles and that was actually the means to the end for AJ. He had to beg Taker not to bury him but it was of no avail. AJ was buried alive and Taker prevailed in heroic fashion. The #Deadman rises. #Undertaker #BoneyardMatch #WrestleMania @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/LPToSahsME— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 5, 2020 READ | Braun Strowman finally wins his first world title in the WWE, defeats Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 "This is what you asked for, right?" - #Undertaker@AJStylesOrg #WrestleMania #BoneyardMatch pic.twitter.com/moGhONZeWH— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2020 Even though the storytelling and atmosphere were campy and nothing like the traditional wrestling match but fans absolutely enjoyed every bit of it.  The Undertaker just had his best match in years it was worth the wait #BoneyardMatch #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/cYDgyURmhB— Alastair McKenzie🏴 (@Mckenzieas93) April 5, 2020  Undertaker vs. AJ Styles is easily the WWE match of the year. 👏👏👏#Wrestlemania pic.twitter.com/0GDhArVBGu— Daniel from NEUTRAL Wrestling (@neutralwres) April 5, 2020  WWE, AJ, and Undertaker just secured their Grammy, Oscar, Academy Award, AND Emmy with that one. #Wrestlemania#BoneyardMatch pic.twitter.com/clArQ7sHxg— savant 🤴🏾 (@banksavant) April 5, 2020 In a bit of storytelling and foreshadowing, AJ stuck his hand out of the ‘grave’ to signal that things are still not finished between the two. And if anything this proved is that Taker is definitely not finished. In fact, he has reformed and reinvented himself. Read the full article

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"Chalo Dinner Time": Anushka Sharma Hilariously Gatecrashes Virat Kohli-Kevin Pietersen Live Chat

Virat Kohli and Kevin Pietersen had a freewheeling chat on 'Instagram Live' where they spoke about a range of topics. From the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) failure to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title, the star duo's candid chat was a big hit on social media. However, Virat Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, hilariously brought it to a grinding halt with her comment during the live chat. The Bollywood star wrote, "Chalo chalo dinner time".Kevin Pietersen posted a screenshot of Anushka's comment with an even funnier caption."When the BOSS said time was up, time was up! @anushkasharma @virat.kohli Hope you all enjoyed that? Just two dudes hanging out...," wrote the England superstar. Pietersen and Kohli began the much-anticipated chat by discussing the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We managed to get away to a farm just before the lockdown. There is some space here. It is heart-breaking to see. People are having a tough time," Kohli said.“We have never been in one place for so long. It's bizarre. It's not a good thing to single out something like this as an opportunity to spend time together. But it is what it is. We are being cautious and staying positive. If not for this, I'd be hanging out with you at Chinnaswamy Stadium," Kohli added.Pietersen then asked Kohli where he got his nickname "Chiku" from and the Indian captain said," I got this nickname from a coach in the Ranji Trophy. I used to have big cheeks then. In 2007 I thought I was losing hair. I got my hair cropped and my cheeks and ears stood out. I got the name from a cartoon character. The rabbit in the comic book Champak."Interestingly, Kohli revealed that it was MS Dhoni who made his nickname famous by shouting it out at all times from behind the stumps.Kohli also went on to reveal that the lowest point in his career came in 2014 during the England tour.In the end, Kohli answered some questions from the fans on social media and picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi because of work ethic and drive. Read the full article

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2011 World Cup: Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh Relive Moments From Famous Victory

Suresh Raina, the Indian middle-order batsman, was an integral part of India's triumph in the 2011 World Cup win. The left-handed batsman took to Twitter to share an image in which the whole team was celebrating with the trophy. Raina captioned the post saying, "Things end but memories last forever. Remembering the rush, excitement, the thrill of it all, of the fantastic moments leading up to us lifting the world cup. Irreplaceable.Unforgettable.Thankful to have been part of this iconic moment in the history of cricket. #worldcup2011". Things end but memories last forever. Remembering the rush, excitement, thrill of it all, of the fantastic moments leading up to us lifting the world cup. Irreplaceable. Unforgettable. Thankful to have been a part of this iconic moment in the history of cricket. #worldcup2011 pic.twitter.com/qIISLuzS0k — Suresh Raina???????? (@ImRaina) April 2, 2020 The left-handed batsman played a crucial role in the quarter-final of the 2011 World Cup against Australia. Raina alongside Yuvraj Singh helped India beat Australia in what was one of the most memorable partnerships of the tournament.India had lost half their side chasing 260 against Australia. However, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina kept their nerve and stitched a 74-run partnership for the sixth-wicket which turned out to be match-winning for India. Suresh Raina scored a valuable 34 off 28 balls which included two boundaries and a six to help India win the match. India's win knocked the defending champions out of the tournament in Ahmedabad.Yuvraj Singh also took to Twitter to share the memory and wrote, "Words will never be able to describe what a moment for every Indian it was, this is what we live for !! jai Hind". Words will never be able to describe what a moment for every Indian it was , this it what we live for !!jai Hind ???????? pic.twitter.com/rsldfWv79E — yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 2, 2020 In the final of the 2011 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir, and MS Dhoni scored 97 and 91 respectively to help India lift the World Cup for the first time since 1983. Yuvraj Singh was adjudged player of the tournament for his brilliant performances throughout the 2011 World Cup. Yuvraj scored 362 runs and took 15 wickets in the 2011 World Cup and helped India lift the trophy. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: F1 Team Mercedes To Manufacture Breathing Aid For Patients

Medical researchers and engineers have teamed up with Formula One outfit Mercedes to adapt a breathing aid for mass production that could keep coronavirus patients off much-needed ventilators. University College London said UK regulators had approved its adaptation of the continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP), which helps patients with breathing difficulties. A version of the equipment, which increases air and oxygen flow into the lungs, has already been used in hospitals in Italy and China to help COVID-19 patients with serious lung infections.Teams at UCL and Mercedes have reverse-engineered the device and say they can make them quickly "by the thousands" and provide hospitals across Britain, as pressure builds due to more confirmed cases.Reports from Italy indicated about 50 percent of patients given CPAP did not need mechanical ventilation, which requires sedation and a tube placed into the patient's windpipe, UCL said.Clinical trials with 100 of the machines are to be carried out at University College London Hospital, it added in a statement on Sunday."These devices will help save lives by ensuring that ventilators, a limited resource, are used only for the severely ill," said UCLH critical care consultant Mervyn Singer."While they will be tested at UCLH first, we hope they will make a real difference to hospitals across the UK by reducing demand on intensive care staff and beds, as well as helping patients recover without the need for more invasive ventilation."Britain's state-run National Health Service currently has some 8,000 ventilators and the government has ordered 8,000 more. But there is concern there will be a shortage as the virus peaks.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put his government on a war footing, appealing to major manufacturers and industry to repurpose their production, including for medical devices.Tim Baker, from UCL's mechanical engineering department, said the process took days instead of years and improvements were made to the devices using computer simulations to help mass production.UK-based Formula One teams and their technology partners have been involved in a variety of schemes to meet medical needs in a partnership called "Project Pitlane".With the season suspended due to the outbreak, they say they are well-placed to help because of their engineers' expertise in rapid design, making prototypes, testing and assembly.Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains, said: "We have been proud to put our resources at the service of UCL to deliver the CPAP project to the highest standards and in the fastest possible timeframe." Read the full article

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Coronavirus: FIFA Monitoring COVID-19 Threat In India With Women's U-17 World Cup In Mind

World football governing body, FIFA, on Wednesday said it is monitoring the developments arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, which is scheduled to host the Women's U-17 World Cup in November. FIFA said it is also exploring "alternative solutions". The coronavirus outbreak has so far claimed lives of over 20,000 people across the world while infecting more than 4,25,000. In India, the pandemic has affected over 600 people besides 10 deaths."FIFA is currently monitoring developments regarding the coronavirus outbreak in India to decide the future of the U-17 Women's World Cup which is slated to be held in the country in November," the apex body said in a statement after PTI inquired."With public health and safety in mind, FIFA is also working with the Local Organising Committee to identify any potential impact on preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020, as well as finding alternative solutions to upcoming events that were planned in India in the lead up to the tournament," it added.Sixteen teams will take part in the World Cup, of which only three have sealed their berths.India has qualified as the host nation, while North Korea (winner) and Japan (runner-up) progressed from the Asian qualifiers.The pandemic has led to either cancellation or postponement of all sporting events lined up in the coming times, the biggest being the Tokyo Olympics and Euro.FIFA is also working with representatives of all confederations regarding dates for their respective qualifying tournaments.The World Cup is scheduled to be held from November 2 to 21 with matches to be played in Navi Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati.  Read the full article

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Coronavirus: ATP, WTA Seasons Suspended Until June 7

The ATP and WTA tennis competitions have extended the suspension of their seasons until June 7 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the two tour organisers announced on Wednesday. "The professional tennis season is now suspended through 7 June 2020, including the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF (International Tennis Federation) World Tennis Tour," the ATP and WTA said in a joint statement. At this time, tournaments taking place from 8 June 2020 onwards are still planning to go ahead as per the published schedule."The announcement temporarily shuts down the men's and women's European clay court season a day after the French Open was pushed back to September.It also further pushes back the restart to the tennis season as both tours were already shut down, with the ATP last week originally halting proceedings until April 27 and the WTA announcing no play until May 2 on Monday."In these challenging times, it is more important than ever for our sport to pull together to provide as much certainty as possible to all those affected by these postponements," said ITF president David Haggerty."We recognise the huge impact this will have, but ultimately the health and safety of players, officials and spectators has to be our primary concern."Events affected by the shut down include the combined ATP/WTA tournaments in Madrid and Rome, the WTA events in Strasbourg and Rabat and ATP events in Munich, Estoril, Geneva and Lyon. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: India Open In Doubt After Delhi Government Bans All Sports Activities

Delhi government's decision to ban all sports activities due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has raised fresh doubts over the fate of India Open badminton, a crucial event in the Tokyo Olympics qualification cycle. The USD 400,000 Super 500 event was supposed to be held without any spectators to avoid spreading the deadly disease. "We will go by what the government decides. It is not in our hand. We have to follow the government's decisions. Currently there is no clarity on the visa process of the foreign players and on top of it now the Delhi govt has come up with this directive," a Badminton Association of India (BAI) official told PTI.The BAI and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) had issued a joint statement on Wednesday, informing that the event will be held inside closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.However, the government on Wednesday night issued a revised travel advisory, suspending all existing visas, except diplomatic and employment, till April 15.The Sports ministry on Thursday asked all national federations, including the cricket board, to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events.Given the circumstances, the BAI has sought clarity from the sports, health and external affairs ministries regarding the visa process of the foreign players.The federation has sent a letter to the respective ministries, attaching the names of the foreign players who were supposed to travel for the India Open."We have provided the details of the foreign players who were supposed to come for the India Open. We are waiting for a response," the official said."It is a difficult situation for us as well. A decision has to be made at the earliest. Being hosts we have to continue with the preparation."The COVID-19 outbreak, which has claimed close to 5,000 lives and infected more than 100,000 people globally, has forced the postponement of four Olympic qualifying badminton events so far -- Lingshui China Masters (February 25 to March 1), Vietnam International Challenge (24-29 March 24-29), German Open (March 3 to 8) and Polish Open (March 26-29). Earlier, the shooting World Cup and the Indian Open golf tournament were postponed in Delhi. Read the full article

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Australia Overcame Lots Of Bumps On The Way To Win Women's T20 World Cup, Says Meg Lanning

Everything was worthwhile by the end, however, with the unity of her Australian team a mentality to behold for the ever-modest Lanning."There's a lot of pride. This tournament was always going to be massive, we had our ups and downs throughout and everything was thrown at us," she said."To be able to come through and have the complete performance on the biggest stage, it's something that's pretty amazing and is testament to the group for delivering on that. The New Zealand game and the semi-final, that's the most nervous and sick I've felt playing cricket.""To get through that, coming in to the Final, everyone was a little on edge but it just happened. It was just there from the first ball, there's ups and downs throughout but to be able to lead this group is a real privilege - they make my job really easy.""It's such a great group to be a part of. Everyone rode the bumps, the highs and lows, to finish like this is just incredible."Such was the magnitude of the Melbourne final, Lanning struggled to settle at all prior to the match. Never before has the women's game seen a crowd comparable to the 86,174 that packed into the MCG, with the International Women's Day occasion one to behold for all involved.But the 27-year-old was calm when it mattered most - largely thanks to her Australia teammates holding back their own nerves on the big day. It wasn't always that way throughout the competition, admitting that their narrow escape from elimination forced a roller coaster of emotions in front of their home fans."This day is incredible, we couldn't have dreamed of this," she added. "When the organisers said they wanted to get that many people for the final, I must admit I was a bit skeptical. But you wanted to be there and be involved. There was such a big build-up, all the outside pressure and expectation - we wanted to come and win this tournament but it was something else.""The way we were able to react and deal with that was testament to the group - this day is certainly the best of my career so far. With this group of people, the support staff as well, Tayla and Pez who weren't out there on the field but were as much a part of it, it's such a special group and we really just good mates and love going out there and playing together." Read the full article

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‘It’s impossible,’ Lebron James says won’t play in empty arenas as NBA mulls coronavirus strategy - other sports

Basketball superstar LeBron James said he won’t play if his Los Angeles Lakers have to hold games behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.The NBA has reportedly told teams to look into strategies on how to play without fans in the arena amid concerns over the spreading virus.“Nah. It’s impossible,” James said after the Lakers’ 113-102 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.“If I show up to the arena and there ain’t no fans in the crowd, then I ain’t playing.” The league sent a memo to each team on Friday asking them to develop contingency plans to combat the spread of the virus. One of the alternatives is playing games behind closed doors.“I ain’t never played the game without no fans,” James said. “Ever since I started. This ain’t Europe.“I play for my teammates and I play for the fans. That’s what it is all about.” James and Anthony Davis scored all but one of the Lakers’ points in the final quarter Friday as they rallied to beat the NBA-leading Bucks and clinch their first playoff spot since 2013.- No high-fives -As fears grow over the spread of the virus, and sports leagues formulate contingency plans, the NBA’s Friday memo told teams to start “developing” plans on how to play games with only “essential staff” in attendance, American sports broadcaster ESPN reported.The NBA had sent out a previous memo to teams earlier this week, recommending players to use fist-bumps instead of high-fives with fans. It also said to avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys from fans to sign.“The health and safety of our employees, teams, players and fans is paramount,” the NBA said in a statement on Monday.The NBA said it has been taking advice from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).“We are coordinating with our teams and consulting with the CDC and infectious disease specialists on the coronavirus and continue to monitor the situation closely.” The global spread of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the international sporting calendar with Formula One motor racing, golf and athletics among the sports canceling or postponing events.In Italy, the hardest-hit European country with 148 deaths from the novel coronavirus, all major sports events, including football matches, will be played behind closed doors until April 3. Six Nations rugby games in Italy have been postponed.Davis Cup tennis ties in Italy and Japan are being played behind closed doors this weekend.The World Health Organization has called the spread of the virus “deeply concerning” as a wave of countries reported their first cases of the disease -- which has now killed nearly 3,500 people and infected more than 100,000 across 92 nations and territories. Read the full article

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Goalkeeper makes five penalty saves in German Cup match - football

The Tuesday night German Cup encounter saw a wild upset after a fourth-division FC Saarbrucken took down Bundesliga club Fortuna Dusseldorf, thanks to a fantastic effort from the goalkeeper Daniel Batz. Batz, in the match, made five penalty saves - one in the second half, and four in the shootout. The save in the regulation time came in the 83rd minute with Rouwen Hennings from Fortuna taking the strike. Fortuna were leading 1-0 at the time with a 31st minute goal from Tobias Janicke. Batz flung himself low to his right-hand side and parried the spot-kick.Fortuna suffered another blow seven minutes later when Mathias Jorgensen struck in a 90th minute equaliser to push the match to extra-time. Neither of the two teams managed to find the net in the extra time, and the match went to penalty shootouts, where Batz saved four penalties to help his side to a 7-6 win from the shootout.Doing so, Saarbrucken became the first fourth-division team to reach the semifinals, where they could face Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen. The last time any team from outside the top flight has lifted the trophy was Hannover 96 back in the year 1992. Read the full article

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AUS vs SA: Australia Beat South Africa By 5 Runs To Book Final Showdown Against India

Defending champions Australia powered into their sixth Women's T20 World Cup final Thursday to meet India after ending South Africa's dreams in a rain-hit semi-final. Set a revised 98 from 13 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after Australia made 134 for five off their 20 overs, the South Africans managed 92 for five to just miss out on a first-ever final. The Proteas won the toss and put Australia in to bat at the Sydney Cricket Ground after rain that soaked the city all day finally cleared.Their total was spearheaded by skipper Meg Lanning's 49, while Nadine de Klerk took three wickets for just 19 runs.Set a revised chase, big-hitting South Africa opener Lizelle Lee smacked a huge six off spinner Sophie Molineux to get the run chase underway, but then holed out to Ashleigh Gardner on the boundary ropes.Skipper Dane van Niekerk looked dangerous but pace spearhead Megan Schutt clean-bowled her for 12, then Lanning took a difficult catch to remove Mignon du Preez and leave South Africa struggling at 26 for three after five overs.  Laura Wolvaardt (41 not out) and Sune Luus (21) got them back on track with some power-hitting to set up an exciting finale with 32 runs needed off the last three overs -- only to fall five runs short.Earlier, Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy aggressively set about building a big total for Australia.Healy was dropped in the fourth over by wicket-keeper Trisha Chetty after smacking two successive fours from Nonkululeko Mlaba.But she didn't make the most of her second life, falling in the next over after a quickfire 18 off 13 balls.In-form fellow opener Mooney blasted 28 and looked in fine fettle until she was clean-bowled by Nadine de Klerk.South Africa successfully put the brakes on the run rate with Jess Jonassen gone after three balls as Australia reached 70 for three at the halfway mark.Ashleigh Gardner then went without scoring to de Klerk, getting an outside edge as the collapse continued.Rachael Haynes made a battling 17 in a 32-run stand with Lanning before she too departed to de Klerk, as the captain was left to carry her team to what became a winning total. Read the full article

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Ranji Trophy Semi-Final: Sheldon Jackson Century Puts Saurashtra On Top Against Gujarat

Sheldon Jackson struck a gritty hundred before the bowlers shone as Saurashtra gained the upper hand on the second day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Gujarat here on Sunday. Jackson's knock of 103 helped Saurashtra post 304 and then the home team bowlers wreaked havoc on Gujarat's batting line-up to reduce them to 119 for six. Resuming on overnight 217 for five, through Sheldon Jackson and Chirag Jani (29), Saurashtra negated the early challenge posed by the opposition bowlers.Jackson got a reprieve on 82 when skipper Parthiv Patel dropped a catch off pacer Arzan Nagwaswalla. He made the most of this by notching up his 19th first-class hundred and third this season.Jackson and Jani were looking good before Gujarat bounced back with medium-pacer Roosh Kalaria sending both the batsmen back to the pavilion.He first trapped Jani in front of the wicket and then got Jackson to edge to Parthiv as Saurashtra slipped to 266 for seven.Jackson and Jani added 103 run wicket for the sixth wicket. Prerak Mankad (15) and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (15) ensured the hosts didn't lose any further wicket till lunch. Saurashtra took lunch at 290 for seven.After lunch, Gujarat bowlers wrapped up the tail as Saurashtra lost three wickets for seven runs. Pacer Arzan Nagaswalla (5/81) grabbed a five-for, while Axar Patel took three wickets and Roosh Kalaria bagged two.However, Saurashtra pacers reduced Gujarat to one for 2 after Unadkat sent Priyank Panchal (0) in the first over and in the second over Chetan Sakariya cleaned up Samit Gohel (1).Then, Dhruv Raval (35) and Bhargav Merai (13) tried to steady the ship, but the latter was dismissed when he offered a sitter to Jackson off Prerak Mankad, as the visitors slipped to 37 for three.Raval, too, was unable to convert his start as he became Unadkat's second victim with Gujarat in deep trouble at 58 for four.Dharmendrasinh Jadeja then struck twice and got the prize wicket of Parthiv (27) as Gujarat had lost half the side for 95. It soon became 97 for six when Jadeja sent back Chirag Gandhi for a zero.Rujul Bhatt (27 not out) and Axar Patel (7 not out) made sure that there were no further losses before stumps.Brief scores: Saurashtra 304 (Sheldon Jackson 103, Kishan Parmar 37; Arzan Nagwaswalla 5-81) vs Gujarat 119/6. Gujarat trail by 185 runs Read the full article