Brittney Griner makes unofficial return for Mercury - ESPN
PHOENIX — Brittney Griner's unofficial return to the WNBA on Friday night was full of hugs, hellos and flashes of old.
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Weegar collects 3 points as Canada routs host Latvia in men's hockey worlds opener
MacKenzie Weegar had a goal and two assists as Canada downed co-host Latvia Friday in its opening game at the world men's hockey championship.
Russia’s Arman Adamian wins world judo gold under neutral flag
DOHA: Russia’s Arman Adamian won a world judo title on Friday at the first major international team competition to welcome back Russian and Belarusian athletes since last year’s invasion of Ukraine.Adamian, taking part under a neutral flag, defeated Lukas Krpalek of the Czech Republic in the men’s -100kg final.Ukraine pulled its team from the event in Doha last week over the presence of Russian team members it argued were active soldiers.After Adamian’s victory, which he only secured in overtime, the Russian flag was replaced on the medals podium by a flag displaying instead the logo of the competition.The International Judo Federation (IJF) official music replaced the Russian anthem.“I feel very good, I can’t wait to speak to my family on the phone to celebrate with them,” Adamian said, speaking in Russian through a translator.On his emotions, standing on the podium, he added: “I just enjoyed my victory and listened to the IJF anthem.”The IJF has allowed Russian and Belarusian judokas to take part in these championships as neutral competitors, having previously banned them after the invasion of Ukraine.That decision followed a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee.Eight Russians were banned from the tournament but the IJF insisted that none were athletes.The judokas taking part are not allowed to have Russian colors on their outfits, instead they bear the letters “AIN” on the back to signify “Individual Neutral Athletes.”Other competitors display the letters of their country.Russian President Vladimir Putin was honorary president and international ambassador of the IJF from 2008 until he was suspended from the post in 2022.In September 2022, judo was one of the last sports to exclude Russians and
Ukraine war: Ukraine claims Bakhmut breakthrough, grain deal extension, Zaporizhzhia under fire
Kyiv says it has seized ground in the besieged city of Bakhmut, though Russia denied it this morning.
Belgium midfielder Witsel retires from international football
Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has retired from the national side after more than 15 years of international duty.
U.S. upsets defending champ Finland to open hockey worlds - ESPN
TAMPERE, Finland — The United States overcame defending champion Finland 4-1 to open the ice hockey world championship on Friday.
International Paralympic Committee overturns suspension of Russia, Belarus memberships, athletes still barred
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Norrie into round three while Swiatek looks unstoppable
Cameron Norrie eased into the third round of the Italian Open while defending women's champion Iga Swiatek was in ruthless form.