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Smith’s Century Powers Australia’s Dominance Over India

Steve Smith's commanding 140 propelled Australia to a strong position against India in Melbourne, helping the hosts reach 474 in their first innings. This marked Smith's second consecutive century after breaking a 26-Test drought in Brisbane, and his 34th Test hundred overall, placing him alongside cricket legends Brian Lara and Sunil Gavaskar in joint seventh on the all-time list. The 34-year-old's innings featured a crucial 112-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins (49) before ending unusually when he charged Akash Deep, resulting in an inside edge onto his pads that dislodged the leg stump bail. India's response started poorly as captain Rohit Sharma's struggles continued, falling for three to Cummins. KL Rahul's dismissal to an exceptional Cummins delivery left India at 51-2. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli temporarily steadied the innings with a 102-run stand before Jaiswal's run-out for 82 triggered […]

How One Man's Tennis Journey is Revolutionizing Chinese Sports
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How One Man’s Tennis Journey is Revolutionizing Chinese Sports

Zhang Zhizhen concludes 2024 as he began it, representing China in international competition, now at the United Cup starting Friday in Perth. The 28-year-old's landmark year saw him reach World No. 31, achieve his first tour-level final at the Hangzhou Open, and secure an Olympic mixed doubles silver medal with Wang Xinyu in Paris. His success has broader implications for Chinese tennis. "If people are watching us do something and then trying to follow us, that's great news for us," Zhang shared in Perth. "Most Chinese people are watching table tennis or badminton at the Olympics, not tennis. But suddenly they're watching [our] final live on TV. Right away, more people are knowing us and more people are trying to play, trying to learn." Zhang's pioneering role has coincided with the emergence of fellow Chinese players Shang Juncheng and Buyunchaokete […]

New Mom Bencic Returns as De Minaur Chases Redemption in Star-Studded United Cup
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New Mom Bencic Returns as De Minaur Chases Redemption in Star-Studded United Cup

The United Cup mixed teams event kicks off Friday in Perth, with Sydney's competition set to begin Saturday. Australian hope Alex de Minaur enters the tournament with momentum, following his career-best season that included ATP Finals qualification and a memorable victory over Novak Djokovic in Perth last year. De Minaur's preparation continued Thursday under national captain Lleyton Hewitt's guidance, including practice with Czech player Tomas Machac. A historical footnote connects the teams, as Czech captain Daniel Vacek holds a 1-1 record against Hewitt, including a five-set victory at the 1998 Australian Open. Italy's campaign features WTA World No. 4 Jasmine Paolini, alongside men's singles representative Flavio Cobolli and potential mixed doubles asset Andrea Vavassori, who was part of 2024's Fans' Favourite doubles team with Simone Bolelli. Argentina's hopes rest with Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Group F, which includes Australia and […]

Halep Withdraws from Australian Open Qualifying Citing Knee and Shoulder Pain
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Halep Withdraws from Australian Open Qualifying Citing Knee and Shoulder Pain

Former world number one Simona Halep has withdrawn from Australian Open qualifying and the Auckland Classic due to knee and shoulder pain experienced after competing in the World Tennis League exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian had recently received a wildcard entry from tournament organizers. Halep, who was cleared to return to competition after her four-year doping ban was reduced to nine months, announced her decision on Instagram after consulting with her team. Currently ranked 877th in the world, the former French Open and Wimbledon champion plans to make her comeback at her home event in Cluj, Romania in early February. The two-time Grand Slam winner, who finished runner-up at the 2018 Australian Open to Caroline Wozniacki, had maintained her innocence throughout the doping case. The Australian Open qualifying tournament is scheduled for January 6-9, with the main […]

Rashford Favors Barcelona Move Despite Financial Hurdles
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Rashford Favors Barcelona Move Despite Financial Hurdles

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford reportedly views Barcelona as his preferred destination should he leave Old Trafford, according to SPORT. The 27-year-old, who has missed United's last three matchday squads, has indicated he's seeking a "new challenge." New United head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed concerns about Rashford's attitude in training. The England international reportedly believes Barcelona's playing style would suit him better than other Spanish clubs, including previous suitors Atletico Madrid. However, significant financial obstacles stand in the way of any potential transfer. Barcelona cannot match the expected ยฃ40 million January transfer fee, and Rashford's current wages exceed ยฃ300,000 weekly. The Spanish club has indicated that any move would require Rashford to accept at least a 50% salary reduction. Given these financial constraints, a transfer to Barcelona appears unlikely unless Rashford agrees to substantial wage concessions.

Guardiola's Shocking Admission Sends Shockwaves Through Man City
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Guardiola’s Shocking Admission Sends Shockwaves Through Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged potential financial implications if the team fails to secure Champions League qualification amid their current form slump. The defending champions have slid to seventh place in the Premier League, with their recent performance showing just one victory in eight matches. Guardiola's focus has shifted from title retention to securing a top-four finish. "Financial is an issue, of course it is, but it's not just that," Guardiola stated. "Now we're at risk." He reminded critics who previously dismissed Champions League qualification as insufficient success for City, noting how historically dominant clubs have fallen from Europe's elite competition. The manager emphasized City's consistent Champions League presence over the past decade, adding, "If we don't qualify it is because we don't deserve it. Because we were not prepared, because we had a lot of problems and […]

Spanish Coach ABANDONS Championship Club for Dream Job at Struggling Valencia
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Spanish Coach ABANDONS Championship Club for Dream Job at Struggling Valencia

Valencia has named Carlos Corberan as their new head coach after paying a ยฃ3-4m release clause to acquire him from West Bromwich Albion. The 41-year-old Spaniard has signed a contract running through 2027 with his hometown club, which currently sits second-bottom in La Liga. Corberan leaves West Brom after a successful 14-month tenure during which he guided the team from a relegation battle to playoff contention, despite operating under significant financial constraints. The club achieved a ninth-place finish in his first season and reached the playoff semi-finals last term. Currently, West Brom sits seventh in the Championship table. Valencia made the appointment following the dismissal of Ruben Baraja, who managed just two wins in 17 league matches this season. The Spanish club faces an immediate challenge, with their next fixture against Real Madrid scheduled for January 3. West Brom has […]

NBA Star EXPLODES at Female Ref, Gets Ejected
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NBA Star EXPLODES at Female Ref, Gets Ejected

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was ejected during his team's 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs following a dispute over officiating. The incident occurred at 2:59 in the first half when referee Jenna Schroeder called Embiid for his third personal foul after a collision with Victor Wembanyama. Embiid contested the call and became increasingly animated, removing his protective face mask during the confrontation. Officials issued him two technical fouls, resulting in his automatic ejection. Earlier in the game, a similar situation had occurred when Philadelphia's Andre Drummond received two technical fouls for a challenge on Wembanyama, though that decision was later reversed. Despite Embiid's early departure, the 76ers secured the win behind Tyrese Maxey's strong performance of 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Wembanyama finished with an impressive stat line of 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 blocked […]

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Olympic Snowboarder Sophie Hediger Tragically Killed in Avalanche

Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger, a member of the Swiss snowboard cross national team, tragically died in an avalanche accident near Arosa, Switzerland, on Monday. The Swiss-Ski federation confirmed the 26-year-old's death but stated that no further details would be released out of respect for her family and partner's wishes.   Hediger represented Switzerland at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, competing in the snowboard cross event, a discipline where athletes race head-to-head down a course featuring jumps, turns, and other obstacles. This season, 2023/24, marked a significant breakthrough in her career, as she achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes. These results highlighted her growing potential within the sport and made her loss even more devastating.   Swiss-Ski sport chief executive Walter Reusser expressed the federation's deep sorrow and condolences to Hediger's family and loved ones. Avalanches are a […]

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Is Jack Draper the Next Big Thing in Men’s Tennis?

Jack Draper believes he has the potential to compete with top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner by 2025. This year saw significant progress for Draper, as he climbed the rankings to a career-high of 15 and secured two ATP Tour titles. He also reached the US Open semi-finals, where he was defeated by Sinner, who shared Grand Slam titles with Alcaraz this year and finished the season as world number one.   Despite a 39-22 win-loss record this season and a first-ever win against Alcaraz at Queen's Club, Draper acknowledges the gap that still exists between him and the top two. However, he feels he is gaining the necessary experience to bridge that divide. "I think I do belong at the top of the game with all the weapons I have at my disposal, and mentality and all […]

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