Sports
Japan to launch new professional rugby league in 2022
The Japan Rugby Football Union said on Friday it will launch a three-tier professional league from January 2022 in a bid to raise the domestic game to a new level, though the changes fell short of the dramatic shake-up some had been calling for. The new format, which has yet… Read
Man United face title test in Liverpool showdown
Manchester United's bid to win the Premier League for the first time in eight years will face a major test when the leaders face champions Liverpool on Sunday. With points certain to be dropped by one of the title contenders at Anfield this weekend, third placed Manchester City can climb… Read
NBA, NHL delay games as COVID-19 once again threatens professional sport
The National Basketball Association (NBA) postponed three more games and the National Hockey League (NHL) once again pushed back the Dallas Stars' season opener, amid a surge of COVID-19 cases that has put professional sport on notice in North America. Two games between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards set… Read
Players arrive for Australian Open; straight into quarantine
Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka was among the earliest arrivals into Melbourne on one of the 15 charter flights bringing players and officials into the city for the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year. And she wanted everyone to know she was pleased to be in Australia… Read
Japan to bar entry of foreign athletes during state of emergency
Japan will temporarily suspend exemptions allowing foreign athletes to train in the country ahead of the Summer Olympics, Kyodo News reported, as it closes its borders to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases just six months before the Games. The suspension will last until Feb. 7, the scheduled end of… Read
Murray's Australian Open participation in doubt after positive virus test
Andy Murray's participation in the Australian Open has been thrown into doubt after it was revealed on Thursday he had tested positive for coronavirus. The Scottish former world number one was due to travel to Australia on one of a series of charter flights laid on by tournament organizers but… Read
Yokozuna Hakuho released from hospital after COVID infection
Japan's top-ranked sumo wrestler, Yokozuna Hakuho, has been released from hospital after being treated for a coronavirus infection, Japanese sports daily Sports Hochi reported on Thursday. Hochi reported that Mongolian-born Hakuho, who is the longest-serving yokozuna of all time, has now tested negative for COVID-19 and has left hospital to… Read
UEFA plans for Euro and Champions League unchanged despite pandemic fears
UEFA is not planning any imminent changes to the format for the upcoming Champions League knockout stages or to its plans to hold the delayed Euro 2020 this year despite ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic and other sporting events being cancelled. "As far as the Euro is concerned nothing… Read
Surfers ride out pandemic in paradise ahead of Olympic debut
Athletes around the world have searched for ways and places to ride out the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for the Tokyo Olympics but surfers Brisa Hennessy and Michel Bourez may have found two of the best. While some worked out in backyard pools or turned cramped basements into weight rooms,… Read
Arsenal lack spark in Palace stalemate
Arsenal's recent resurgence in the Premier League was checked by Crystal Palace as they were held to a dull 0-0 draw on Thursday. Mikel Arteta's side were bidding for a fourth successive league win but could find no way through an obdurate Palace. Palace were well worth their point and… Read
