Barty, Djokovic maintain No.1 ranking; Collins in Top 10
Melbourne, Jan 30: Newly crowned Australian Open women’s singles champion Ash Barty has maintained her more than two-year grip on the number one ranking after winning her third major title with a straight sets victory over Danielle Collins. Barty, winner of the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon the following year, has extended her ranking points lead over incumbent No.2 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, with French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova rising one spot into third. Poland’s Iga Swiatek moves up five places into fourth after making her first major semifinal outside of a clay court, while 28-year-old Collins jumps up 20 places to be in the top ten for the first time. (AP)
Barça bring back Traoré on loan from Wolverhampton
Barcelona, Jan 30: Adama Traoré is returning to Barcelona on loan from Wolverhampton until the end of the season, the Spanish club said. Barcelona said it will pay for the winger’s salary and there will be an option to make the deal permanent. The conditions for any permanent deal were not immediately disclosed, though Wolverhampton technical director Scott Sellars said the Premier League club had secured “a very healthy option in the deal should Barcelona wish to make the move permanent this summer.” The 26-year-old Spain international came through Barcelona’s youth squads and debuted with the first team in 2013 at age 17. (AP)
Liverpool strengthen attack by signing winger Luis Diaz
LIVERPOOL, Jan 30: Liverpool signed Luis Diaz from Porto on Sunday to strengthen its attacking options on the penultimate day of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old Colombia international is yet to be granted a British work permit to complete the transfer that will see Porto receive 45 million euros ($50 million) and potentially 15 million euros more in the years to come depending on Diaz’s success with Liverpool. Diaz is a skilful, exciting winger who has played for Porto since July 2019. He was tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the leading scorer at the Copa America last season. (AP)
Man Utd suspend Greenwood amid allegations of violence
MANCHESTER, Jan 30: Manchester United on Sunday have suspended Mason Greenwood “until further notice” after allegations were made against the striker. “Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice,” a statement from the Premier League club read. Earlier in the day, the club said they are aware of images circulating on social media regarding the 20-year-old striker. The statement in full reads: “We are aware of images and allegations circulating on social media.”We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established.” “Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind,” the statement added. (ANI)
Lahiri finishes T46 at Farmers Insurance Open
San Diego, Jan 30: India’s Anirban Lahiri began the final day with a superb 36-foot putt for birdie and added two more on front nine, but bogeys on second and ninth ensured a tied 46th-place finish at the Farmers Insurance Open here. However, he did close with a birdie for 2-under 70. Lahiri, who was tied 62nd after three rounds improved his ranking but that must have been small consolation for the Indian, who was looking for a good start to the year. He was tied 66th last week at American Express and missed the cut in four of the six starts in the Fall season. (PTI)
Aditi shoots 76 on challenging day, drops to tied 17th
Boca Raton (Florida), Jan 30: Indian golfer Aditi Ashok dropped to tied 17th on a very difficult day for scoring, when it was both chilly and windy, at the Gainbridge LPGA here. The four-over card for Aditi began with a birdie but she had four bogeys in a row from fifth to ninth and another on 11th for a 76 after 54 holes. Aditi shot 72 on the second day of the first event for the Indian this year. Lydia Ko held her own for 72 in the tough conditions and carried a two-shot lead into the final round at 11-under overall. Last week’s Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions winner Danielle Kang signed for a 2-over 74 on Saturday. (PTI)
IOA boss urges Nagaland govt to set up hockey pitch
Kohima, Jan 30: President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and also International Hockey Federation, Narinder Batra has urged the Nagaland government to set up a hockey pitch in the state and has assured all support towards it. Addressing the gathering during the inauguration of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) six-storey office complex here on Saturday night, Batra said the state does not have any hockey pitch and requested the government to pursue one. Batra said he would approach the Indian Hockey Federation to extend support towards popularizing the game and training Naga youngsters. (PTI)