#4sportsinjuryprevention

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Manchester United Urge Fans To Stay Away If Matches Resume

If the Premier League get their wish to play at clubs' normal stadiums rather than at neutral venues, then United will have four home league matches to play.Aware of the danger of supporters gathering in large groups during the health crisis, United have pleaded with their fans to stay away from matches and watch on television."We share your disappointment that you will not be able to watch United in person from within the stadium, but we would encourage you to give your continued loyal support from the comfort and safety of your home," United said in an email to supporters on Tuesday."To help with that, the Premier League and their media partners will work to deliver the very best broadcast coverage of our games."We also ask for your co-operation not to travel to any stadiums at which we are playing on matchdays."By supporting from home and following Government guidance, you will be playing your part to keep your friends, your family and all United fans safe."This united effort to stay at home will give us the best chance of protecting the health of everyone in our community." Read the full article

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Dean Jones Shares Hilarious Video Of Australian Comedian Andy Lee Trying To Catch A Ball. Watch

Dean Jones, the former Australian cricketer, shared a fun video of Australian comedian Andy Lee. In the catching challenge video, Andy Lee can be seen hitting the ball high in the sky over his bungalow's roof. As soon as he hits the ball, Andy starts running through his house to catch the ball. Andy catches the ball but funnily enough, falls in his swimming pool after losing his balance in the video. To this, Dean Jones took to Twitter and said," Great job Andy .... But .. any time someone falls in the pool while attempting the catch.. it's a 6.. reload start again".According to Andy Lee, it took him 68 minutes and 52 attempts to finally catch the ball. He also revealed that he lost 12 tennis balls during the process. Great job Andy.... BUT .. anytime someone falls into the pool while attempting to catch.. it's a 6.. reload start again.. https://t.co/HrnqqTk2AC — Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) April 10, 2020 Dean Jones made his debut for Australia on January 30, 1984, against Pakistan in an ODI. Soon after, Jones made his Test debut against West Indies in the same year. Dean Jones played 52 Test matches for his country and scored 3,631 runs with an average of 46.55. He scored 11 Test centuries with a career-best score of 216 runs.The right-handed batsman featured in 164 ODI's and scored 6,068 runs with an average of 44.61. He retired from international cricket back in 1994.With the coronavirus pandemic bringing all sporting events to a standstill, sports personalities from around the world have been finding ways to keep their fans entertained. India is currently under a 21-day lockdown and chances are that it can affect the upcoming edition of the IPL.The BCCI had announced that the IPL will begin from April 15, after it got postponed from its original date of March 29. It will be interesting to see if BCCI still goes ahead with the revised schedule as coronavirus cases rise in the country. 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: Track Legend Carl Lewis Wants Tokyo Olympics Postponed For Two Years

"The best part about that is they're creating some solidarity in their message," Lewis said."I just think it's really difficult for an athlete to prepare, to train, to keep their motivation if there's complete uncertainty. That's the hardest thing."Because it's a health issue, it's beyond everyone's control. I think most athletes are accepting that."The Tokyo Olympics are set to start July 24 while US swim and athletics trials to determine the nation's two largest delegations for the event are set for June.Many athletes have struggled to continue training while being forced to stay home to avoid spreading the deadly virus."The athletes cannot prepare for an Olympic Games if they don't have an Olympic Trials, if they don't have competition," Lewis said."I think USATF, in this case, stepped up. I think they're creating a voice that puts the athletes first and I think the athletes appreciate it."Lewis called upon the International Olympic Committee to consider pushing back the Olympics to 2022, after the scheduled 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics."If we delay what should we do?" Lewis said. "I think a more comfortable situation would be two years and put it in the Olympic year with the Winter Olympics and then make it kind of a celebratory Olympic year."There are some athletes who are right on the edge of retiring that that may hurt, but in reality, you have to focus on what (will best serve) the masses."2022 Tokyo, 2024 Paris?For Lewis, that would mean staging a Tokyo Olympics only two years ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics."Two years isn't a big deal, and then two years later we have the summer (Olympics) again. I think that that would kind of give them time to re-prepare," Lewis told the TV station."I just think there's a way to put sports in its perspective, understand the athletes' lives and their dedication and give them a second chance they deserve in a way that they can be respected and also have a chance to be the best they can be."Lewis, an assistant coach for the University of Houston track team, knows the pain of missing an Olympics. He missed out on the 1980 Moscow Games after qualifying in the long jump and 4x100m relay when the United States boycotted the event.Lewis said any idea to cancel the Tokyo Olympics outright was wrong."That would be devastating and what happens is, then all of a sudden you take the athlete's voice out of the conversation," Lewis said."Canceling to me would be a non-starter for the athletes. It's just not fair. If you delay and say this is what we're going to do, then it gives the athletes a chance to make a positive out of a negative." Read the full article

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Chinese Footballer Wu Lei Diagnosed With Coronavirus In Spain

Wu Lei moved to Espanyol from Shanghai SIPG in January last year. © AFP Chinese football star Wu Lei, who plays for Espanyol in Spain, has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on Saturday. "Wu Lei has mild symptoms and is currently undergoing treatment," the CFA said in a statement, adding that they had been given the news by La Liga strugglers Espanyol. "The Chinese Football Association has maintained close communication with Wu Lei and the club, and will provide all necessary assistance as appropriate. We wish Wu Lei a speedy recovery."The 28-year-old striker, China's best-known player, is in self-isolation at home in Barcelona, Xinhua news agency said.Wu is the only Chinese playing in one of Europe's five top leagues, having moved to Espanyol from Shanghai SIPG in January last year.The coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and has since turned into a pandemic that has killed thousands around the world. Topics mentioned in this article Football Read the full article

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Indian Olympic Association Confident Of Tokyo Olympics Starting On Time

"The coronavirus is creating havoc throughout the world but we are hopeful it will be contained in one or two months. It has already been controlled in China, the epicenter of the disease, and we are expecting the Olympics to be held without any hindrance on its scheduled time," a senior IOA office-bearer told PTI."But having said that IOC is our parent body, we will have to abide by what the IOC decides. If the IOC says the Olympics will go on we will have to participate irrespective of any threat," he said.The IOC's stance has angered many athletes, who have accused it of putting them at risk. Some officials have also expressed their apprehension.Responding to the criticism, the world body on Wednesday conceded that there are no easy solutions for the current situation.The pandemic, which has caused more than 8,000 deaths since being discovered in China, has wreaked havoc on Olympic preparations of athletes, including those from India. Several qualifiers have been suspended and training trips abroad are off the table thanks to COVID-19 travel restrictions.The IOA admitted that country's preparations have been hit hard but should the Games happen, it is nonetheless expecting an unprecedented double digit medal haul from the athletes."Yes, it is true our preparations have been hit with many Olympic qualifiers, Test events and preparatory camps abroad being postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus," the official said."But it is not just India, every country is facing the same situation so, the impact is same for every competing nation. So, our expectations still remain the same -- 10 or more medals in Tokyo," he asserted.He said the IOA is closely monitoring the situation with all the stakeholders in the country."We are monitoring all our athletes' preparations as well as their well-being. We are also closely working with the Government of India, Tokyo Games orgainsers as well as IOC in this tough time," he said.The number of people infected with the highly contagious novel coronavirus has risen to 169 in India with three deaths reported in the country so far.The total number of cases reported worldwide so far stand at more than 218,800. Read the full article

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Australia F1 rules out fan ban in wake of Bahrain GP move - other sports

Australian Formula One chiefs Monday ruled out any chance of the opening grand prix of the year following the lead of Bahrain and barring spectators because of the coronavirus.On Sunday it was announced that the season’s second race in Bahrain would go ahead without fans in a bid to prevent a spread of the deadly virus that has forced a growing number of sports events to be cancelled, postponed or played behind closed doors.But Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott said that won’t be happening in Melbourne.“Not at all,” he told Melbourne radio station SEN when asked if barring fans was being considered.“When you look at 86,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last night, and the footy the week after, we’ve got to go around things sensibly and keep moving on through life while taking the necessary precautions.” A world record crowd of 86,174 for a women’s cricket game crammed the MCG on Sunday evening to see Australia beat India in the Twenty20 World Cup final.Big crowds are also expected for the start of the Australian Football League season later this month, despite the number of coronavirus cases rising to 93 on Monday.Most Formula One teams are already in Australia or en route, including powerhouse Ferrari and Alpha Tauri from their bases in Italy, where swathes of the country are now in lockdown in a bid to halt the spread of the virus.There were fears that the Australian government could bar travel from Italy, which would have prevented staff from the two teams being at the grand prix.But it has yet to do so with travellers from Italy still granted entry with more stringent health checks.“The interesting thing is the Italian freight. The Alpha Tauri cars and the Ferrari cars are on their way from Melbourne (airport) as we speak, so it’s really good. The key personnel are on their planes,” said Westacott.He said the only Ferrari people not arriving from Italy were drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who were heading from Switzerland and France respectively.“All the others are on their way, and we’re expecting (them) in the next 12 to 24 hours.” Westacott added that ticket sales were “very strong” with more than 300,000 fans usually flocking to Albert Park.Victoria state Health Minister Jenny Mikakos told media the fact there had been no reported cases of community transmission of the virus meant the race could go ahead.“At this point in time our advice around the grand prix and other public mass gathering events remains unchanged,” she said. Read the full article

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Tamim Iqbal Replaces Mashrafe Mortaza As Bangladesh ODI Captain

Tamim Iqbal earlier led Bangladesh in three ODIs against Sri Lanka in July last year. © AFP Bangladesh on Sunday named opening batsman Tamim Iqbal as captain of the national one-day side, replacing pace bowler Mashrafe Mortaza. Mashrafe stepped down as ODI captain this week after the third and final game of a three-match series against Zimbabwe. He had led the side for more than five years. "The board has unanimously selected Tamim Iqbal as our new ODI captain," Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan announced at a press conference after a meeting of the governing body's board of directors."We thought of appointing a captain for a short duration and then giving the job to someone else next year. But we finally decided against a short-term appointment. We hope Tamim would serve for a long term," he added.Tamim earlier led Bangladesh in three ODIs against Sri Lanka in July last year in the absence of the injured Mashrafe, but failed to inspire the team with Bangladesh losing all three matches.His fresh tenure as ODI captain will start with the one-off match against Pakistan on April 1. Read the full article

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Seventeen-Year-Old Power-Lifter Struggling To Get Support

Class 12th student Aditi Bairagi has already won many laurels at the state and national level. © NDTV Seventeen-year-old power-lifter Aditi Bairagi is aggressively pumping iron to actualize her dream of making the country proud at the Asian Equipped Powerlifting Championship in Indonesia in May 2020, but lack of financial support to remit the necessary Rs 1.30 lakh for meeting the cost of participation has dashed her hopes.  A resident of Satyam Shivam Colony in Chhindwara was selected by the national power-lifting body to represent India in the 69 kg (sub junior) category at the Asian Equipped Powerlifting Championship slated in Indonesia from May 6-10. Class 12th student Aditi has already won many laurels at the state and national level she said, "I'm working hard to see the national tricolour fly high in Indonesia in May. I fervently hope our CM wont disappoint me by timely helping me." Her grandfather Narayan Das Bairagi said "We somehow managed to arrange half the sum (Rs 65,000) by the February 20 deadline for confirming the participation. But we are unable to arrange the remaining half of the cost of participation due to extreme financial difficulties. We've met all concerned authorities for help, including the Chief Minister and Chhindwara district collector for help, but have failed to get any support till date.   Read the full article

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Burnley vs Tottenham: Dele Alli Rescues Point For Spurs

The draw leaves Tottenham in eighth place, just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who play on Sunday, and two behind fifth-placed Wolves. Burnley are a further two points adrift.Fifth spot could be enough to secure Champions League football next season depending on the outcome of Manchester City's appeal against their European ban."There was a lot of aggression at half-time, we knew we were not good enough," Alli told Sky Sports."If you switch off for a second they can punish you. Going in at half time 1-0 down, it was a sticky changing room to be. But we did better and created enough opportunities to win."Spurs, again without the injured Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, started brightly but Burnley were quickly into their stride and deservedly took the lead in the 13th minute.Jay Rodriguez shot straight at Hugo Lloris from the edge of the box but the Tottenham goalkeeper spilled the shot and Wood pounced to tap home the rebound.Burnley continued to carry more of a threat, regularly unsettling the Spurs defence and Dwight McNeil forced a flying save from Lloris from a free-kick.Ashley Westwood fired wide eight minutes before the break while Wood was narrowly off target from Westwood's free-kick.Spurs changesMourinho made two substitutions at half-time to lift his flat team, bringing on Lucas Moura and Giovani Lo Celso for Oliver Skipp and Tanguy Ndombele.The Spurs boss was strongly critical of midfielder Ndombele, who arrived from Lyon for a club-record 60 million euros ($68 million, 52 million pounds) last year."He's a player with great talent," said Mourinho. "He has to know he has to do much better and know I cannot keep giving him opportunities to play because the team is much more important."The visitors were given a lifeline when Ben Mee clumsily tripped Erik Lamela in the 48th minute.Alli stepped up and sent Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope the wrong way, burying the ball in the bottom right corner.The goal lifted Spurs, who were suddenly playing with more confidence but Burnley's players believed they had a case for a penalty minutes later when Davinson Sanchez made a robust challenge on Wood.There were chances for both sides as the second half wore on.Wood shot straight at Lloris while Lo Celso curled just wide at the other end. Minutes later Burnley substitute Matej Vydra saw his close-range shot saved by the sprawling Spurs goalkeeper as they pushed for the winner.Dyche was happy with his side's performance, despite the disappointment of conceding an equaliser."A very rare mistake from Ben Mee and you wonder how it would affect things, but we gripped the game and I was really pleased with it," he said."We build slowly, we are not the real deal yet. But I think everyone saw a good Burnley side here."Liverpool are just three wins away from guaranteeing their first top-flight title since 1990 and Manchester City look secure in second place, seven points clear of Leicester.But just six points separate Chelsea from Crystal Palace in 11th spot. Read the full article

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Ashish Kumar enters quarters of boxing’s Asian Olympic Qualifiers - other sports

Asian silver-medallist Ashish Kumar (75kg) sailed into the quarterfinals of the continental Olympic Qualifiers for boxing with a thumping win over fourth-seeded Kyrgyz Omurbek Bekzhigit Uulu in the last-16 stage here on Thursday. Ashish prevailed 5-0 in the mostly lop-sided contest to set up a clash with Indonesia’s Maikhel Roberrd Muskita.Muskita defeated New Zealand’s Ryan Scaife in his pre-quarterfinal bout. Making the semifinals would assure Ashish of his maiden spot in the Olympics scheduled in July-August this year. Up against a spunky rival, who he defeated in the Asian quarterfinals last year, Ashish played the waiting game to perfection, allowing Uulu to expend himself trying to connect.Uulu swung his arms more than the Indian but it was Ashish who connected more accurately in the opening three minutes. However, Uulu kept up the pressure in the second round as well and managed to land a couple of solid rights, which caught the Indian off-guard and led to scores being split.Ashish’s powerful and precise right hand served him well in the final three minutes as judges ruled unanimously in his favour. On Wednesday, fast-rising women boxers Simranjit Kaur (60kg) and Sakshi Chaudhary (57kg) notched up hard-fought victories to enter the quarterfinals.World Championships bronze-medallist Simranjit defeated Kazakhstan’s Rimma Volossenko 5-0, while former junior world champion Sakshi stunned Asian silver-medallist and fourth seed Nilawan Techasuep of Thailand in a split 4-1 verdict. Read the full article

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Newcastle United Ban Handshakes To Guard Against Coronavirus

Premier League club Newcastle United have introduced a handshake ban to protect against the spread of the coronavirus, manager Steve Bruce said on Friday. "There's a ritual here that everybody shakes hands with everybody as soon as we see each other every morning -- we've stopped that on the advice of the doctor," Bruce said. "We are like everybody else. Thankfully, we've got a superb doctor here and he will keep us informed of what we have to do."We're like everybody else, we're glued to the TV for where it's going to go next and let's hope it doesn't get any worse in this country."Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the club took the threat of the coronavirus seriously but there was no current advice not to shake hands at the club."We don't do some things that we maybe usually would do but that's when the flu is going around it's for us the same," he told his pre-match press conference. "We cannot do anything different to that."He added: "In the end nobody has told us yet that we don't have to play football so as long as that doesn't happen we will play football, which is a contact sport, not to forget."Sports events across the world are increasingly being affected by the spread of the virus.The clash between Juventus and title rivals Inter Milan is among five Serie A games that will be played behind closed doors this weekend because of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy.The Swiss government on Friday said it was suspending all events in the country involving more than 1,000 participants. All matches in the top flight will be postponed to a later date.In cycling, the UAE Tour was abandoned on Thursday after two Italian staff members of one of the teams taking part tested positive for the coronavirus.The virus has proliferated around the globe over the past week, emerging in every continent except Antarctica, prompting many governments and businesses to try to stop people travelling or gathering in crowded places.It has killed more than 2,800 people and infected over 83,000 worldwide -- the vast majority in China -- since it emerged apparently from an animal market in a central Chinese city in late December. Read the full article

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Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney Star As Australia Thrash Bangladesh By 86 Runs

Australia strolled to back-to-back victories at the Women's T20 World Cup as a potent opening partnership between Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney helped the hosts beat Bangladesh by 86 runs. Healy's return to form continued as she made a carefree 83 to hit the top of the tournament's run-scoring charts, ably supported by Mooney who ended unbeaten on 81. Sri Lanka gave them a fright three days earlier but there were no such scares for the hosts as Bangladesh only managed 103 for nine in reply and Meg Lanning's side climbed to second in Group A.Healy began with bristling intent, peeling three boundaries from Jahanara Alam's opening over as Bangladesh's seven-strong off-side field failed to foil the opener.Salma Khatun opted to take pace off the ball with five overs of spin in the Powerplay but Healy rocked back and cleared long-on to take the score to 53 without loss from the first six overs.The keeper-batter made it look easy as she struck sixes over long-off and then midwicket from Khadiza Tul Kubra, bringing up a brutal 26-ball fifty.Mooney turned over the strike before showing her own strength down the ground with three boundaries in as many overs, helping bring up the first T20I century partnership for the openers.Their first reprieve came when Rumana Ahmed beat Mooney's bat and Nigar Sultana Joty was ponderous in whipping off the bails, saving the batter's skin.Mooney reverse swept for four to take the stand to 122, Australia's highest partnership for the first wicket in T20Is.The breakthrough finally came when Healy sliced to point off Salma, departing for 83 from 53 balls.The final two overs went for 30 runs and Australia rose to 189 for one from their 20 overs, their second-highest total at the Women's T20 World Cup.Brief Scores: Australia 189/1 (Alyssa Healy 83, Beth Mooney 81 not out; Salma Khatun 1/39); Bangladesh 103/9 (Fargana Hoque Pinky 36; Megan Schutt 3/21, Jess Jonassen 2/17) Read the full article

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ISL: Goa To Host Indian Super League Final On March 14

Goa had last hosted the ISL final in 2015. © Instagram Nita Ambani, Founding Chairperson, Football Sports Development Limited on Sunday announced Goa as the venue to host the final of Indian Super League (ISL). The summit clash is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on March 14. "Goa deserves to host the ISL final. There is no denying that Goa loves its football and we would like to bring the most crucial football event to the city for the people of Goa," announced Ambani.FC Goa have secured a berth in the AFC Champions League 2021 group stage by finishing the league stage competition on top."It has been such a joy to watch FC Goa this season. A fantastic team and the most consistent club in ISL over last six years. My heartiest congratulations to FC Goa's captain Mandar, their lead goal scorer Coro (Ferran Corominas) and entire squad, coaching staff and the management for winning the first-ever ISL League Shield," said Ambani.Goa had last hosted the ISL final in 2015 played out between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa, with the latter losing 2-3 in a dramatic fashion, after leading 2-1 till 90 minutes.As another continental honour for India this season onwards, the winner of the ISL final will be eligible to play the AFC Cup qualifiers. In case the ISL final winner is same as the league winner, then the league runners-up will be awarded the AFC Cup qualifier berth. Read the full article

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Stefanos Tsitsipas to battle Auger-Aliassime for Marseille Open title - tennis

Greek second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik 7-5 6-3 to advance to his second consecutive Open 13 Provence final in Marseille on Saturday where he will face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.Tsitsipas has yet to drop a set in Marseille and was clinical in the semi-final, dropping just one point on serve in the second set, as he looks to become the first man to win back-to-back titles at the tournament since Sweden’s Thomas Enqvist in 1998.“It keeps getting better and better,” Tsitsipas said. “I really appreciate all the love that I receive here and tomorrow is an exciting day.“I need to prepare, be ready for it and I can’t wait to show an even better Stefanos tomorrow.”The world number six is looking to win his first trophy of the year after premature exits at the Australian Open and the Rotterdam Open.Auger-Aliassime, who lost the final in Rotterdam last weekend, will look to make amends after he beat Frenchman Gilles Simon 7-5 7-6(2) to advance.The 19-year-old Auger-Aliassime, who fired five aces and needed only two break points to seal his place in his second final of the season, holds a 2-1 winning record over Tsitsipas. Read the full article

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Champions League: Atalanta Thrash Valencia To Put One Foot In Quarter-Finals

It was an extraordinary night for the side from Bergamo who travelled to the San Siro with over 40,000 of their fans as their home stadium 55km away does not meet UEFA regulations.Denis Cheryshev pulled one back for Valencia in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the San Siro, the same stadium where the Spanish side lost the 2001 final to Bayern Munich on penalties.Valencia, seventh in La Liga, had finished top of their group after away wins over Ajax and Chelsea but were missing several key players through injury and suspension."It certainly complicates things a bit, it's a pretty overwhelming result, this 4-1," said Valencia coach Albert Celades."In the end it doesn't reflect much what we saw on the pitch."Atalanta's run comes despite losing their opening three Champions League group games, before finishing second behind Manchester City."Three goals ahead is a nice reward," added Gasperini. "But there were a lot of dangerous situations, these are things we'll need to improve in Valencia."We are satisfied with this victory and above all with this advantage."Yesterday I would have signed to go to Valencia in the return game with a three-goal lead."The tournament debutants dominated the first half with Mario Pasalic having their first chance on eight minutes, but Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech pushed the ball over the bar at full stretch.Hateboer opened the scoring just after quarter of an hour, though, meeting a low Gomez cross to poke past Domenech for his first goal of the season.Ferran Torres struck the post for Valencia on the half-hour mark, before Eliaquim Mangala missed a chance to connect with Goncalo Guedes' shot across the face of goal.Marten de Roon and Gomez both fired over before Ilicic collected Pasalic's pass and drilled a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner three minutes before half-time.'Clear result'Gasperini's side put the result on the night beyond any doubt 12 minutes after the break as Freuler curled in a magnificent third from the edge of the box.Hateboer completed his brace five minutes later, ensuring that Atalanta's 12 goals in their first Champions League campaign have been scored by 10 different players.Maxi Gomez had a golden chance to pull a goal back on the hour mark for the visitors but his weak effort was brilliantly saved by Pierluigi Gollini in the Atalanta goal.Cheryshev came off the bench and immediately scored in the 66th minute, pouncing on a poor Jose Luis Palomino pass to give Valencia an away goal and a glimmer of hope to take into the second leg on March 10 at the Mestalla."We had opportunities and we didn't finish them," said Celades."The result is clear enough today, but it's not impossible (to turn around). Let's see what happens at Mestalla, let's play well in our stadium." Read the full article