Griekspoor shocks Medvedev in Dubai quarter-final
Top-seed Daniil Medvedev was stunned by Tallon Griekspoor at the Dubai Tennis Championship on Thursday as the world number 47 recorded the biggest win of his career.
Daniil Medvedev Sport News
Endrick gives Real Madrid edge on Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey semi
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain: Endrick’s well-taken strike earned Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad in a tight Copa del Rey semifinal first leg clash on Wednesday. However there was controversy when just before half-time the match was briefly paused because of chants of “Asencio die” being aimed at Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, according to Spanish media. A video subsequently emerged on social media of a Real Sociedad fan appearing to make monkey gestures at Vinicius Junior while the game was stopped. Spanish and European champions Madrid took control of the tie ahead of the second leg on April 1 at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Endrick pounced after 19 minutes, finishing with the outside of his boot after racing on to Jude Bellingham’s diagonal ball, and it was enough to claim his side the win. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was without French superstar Kylian Mbappe after a dental problem as well as Fede Valverde and Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid boss chose to rotate his side ahead of the visit to face Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday and next week’s Champions League last 16 clash against Atletico Madrid. Despite his many changes, including starts for Arda Guler, Fran Garcia and Eduardo Camavinga, Madrid put on a solid showing at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian. Endrick sent Los Blancos ahead when Bellingham sent the 18-year-old attacker in on goal. After taking one touch to control, with his second Endrick stroked home stylishly at the near post. It was his sixth goal of the campaign, four of those coming in the Copa del Rey, where Ancelotti has given him the most chance to shine. Bellingham, who missed Madrid’s win against Girona in La Liga last weekend through suspension, looked fresh and helped his side
Liverpool 13 points clear in Premier League after Newcastle win
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool took another giant stride toward the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over Newcastle to move 13 points clear at the top of the table on Wednesday. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were on target either side of half-time as the Reds further stretched their advantage after Arsenal were earlier held 0-0 at Nottingham Forest. Unbeaten in 24 league games, Liverpool are cruising toward a record-equalling 20th English top flight title but just their second in 35 years. Defeat leaves Newcastle down in sixth, three points adrift of the top four. Liverpool boss Arne Slot had to make do with a seat in the stands after being handed a two-match touchline ban for his red card in a fiery Merseyside derby at Everton earlier this month. With Slot’s assistant Sipke Hulshoff also banned, it was another member of his coaching staff — former Everton defender — Johnny Heitinga who patrolled the touchline. Newcastle were dealt a huge blow before a ball was kicked as 21-goal top scorer Alexander Isak was ruled out due to a groin injury. The Anfield crowd were in a mood to party after their side secured a statement 2-0 win at Manchester City on Sunday. And they were given plenty of reason to remain in good voice. It took the home side just 11 minutes to go in front when the lively Luis Diaz cut the ball back for Szoboszlai to roll in, although questions will be asked over Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope’s poor attempt to keep it out. The sides will meet again in the League Cup final on March 16. Despite a third defeat in four league games, there was some encouragement for the Magpies looking ahead to Wembley, especially if Isak is back fit. The Swede’s stand-in Callum Wilson had a huge chance to equalize when he
Late penalty dents Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League title hopes
Al-Ittihad were held to a 1-1 away draw at Al-Khaleej on Wednesday thanks to a late, late penalty that cut their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League from seven points to five.
Daniil Medvedev reaches Dubai quarterfinals, Marin Cilic also advances
DUBAI: Top-seeded Daniil Medvedev didn’t have time to think about how to return Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s blazing serves Wednesday at the Dubai Championships on Wednesday. Medvedev, ranked No. 6, still reached the quarterfinals after a 6-4, 6-4 victory over the 21-year-old Frenchman. The Russian player was asked about facing serves exceeding 230 kph (143 mph). “You don’t have any time so it’s pure reflexes and sometimes it makes life even easier because as I say, you don’t think much,” Medvedev said in his on-court interview.
’It’s a joke’ as Tour of Algarve riders take road to nowhere
With around 800m left on the opening stage, most of the peloton took a right-hand exit“It’s a joke! It’s completely ridiculous!” said Austrian rider Marco Haller PARIS: The Tour of the Algarve was branded as “ridiculous” and a “joke” on Wednesday when a pack of riders took the wrong road and completely missed the finish line.With around 800m left on the opening stage, most of the peloton took a right-hand exit, reserved for officials and team cars, at a roundabout instead of the left which headed to the finish.Only around 30 riders chose the correct route including Filippo Ganna who came home ahead of Frenchman Romain Gregoire and Jan Christen of Switzerland.However, their joy was short-lived as the stage was swiftly canceled and Ganna’s career wins total remains at 33.“It’s a joke! It’s completely ridiculous!” said Austrian rider Marco Haller who blamed the chaos on the lack of clear signage at the entry to the right-hand lane.“The diversion was not blocked off. As a result, the riders followed the motorcycle (of the organization).
De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals
DOHA: Four of the top-seeded players of the Qatar Open advanced on Wednesday to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, and Jack Draper won their matches in straight sets. Top-seeded player Carlos Alcaraz can join them among the last eight later if he beats Italy’s Luca Nardi. Second-seeded De Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp by a double 6-4.
Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends
DUBAI: World number one Aryna Sabalenka slumped to a 6-3, 6-2 loss against Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the last 16 of the Dubai Championships on Wednesday, as Jasmine Paolini’s title defense came to a painful end. Sabalenka, who beat the 38th-ranked Tauson on her way to last month’s Australian Open final, suffered a second straight premature exit after losing in her opening match in Qatar a week ago. Tauson broke Sabalenka’s serve six times and the Dane will go on to play Czech youngster Linda Noskova, who knocked out fifth seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals. The 22-year-old Tauson beat Noskova in the first round of the Australian Open.