Sports

MALAYSIA: The Malaysia Open final was Japan’s Kento Momota’s first final appearance of the year, when he beat Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in straight sets on Saturday. Viktor Axelsen, the world number one, overcame Jonatan Christie, the second seed, 21-15, 20-22, 21-11, to reach the final on Sunday. An important step forward for Momota’s career had been set back by a …

UK: The British Grand Prix was red-flagged on Sunday (Jul 3) after a horrifying opening-corner multi-car accident at Silverstone, with Zhou Guanyu’s Alfa Romeo flipping over and flying over the circuit’s safety barrier. Marshals raced to rescue Zhou, who was stranded in his wrecked car, as Max Verstappen overtook polesitter Carlos Sainz at the first corner. The Mercedes of George …

UKRAINE: As a tennis player, Elina Svitolina has a “purpose” to aid her homeland, and she plans on using her platform to do it. Tennis has taken a backseat for the 27-year-old Ukrainian, who keeps in touch with her family and friends back home and is actively working to raise money and awareness for the country’s crisis. Svitolina said, “It’s …

MANILA: On Wednesday, Manny Pacquiao paid a visit to FC Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou. President Joan Laporta and Vice President Rafa Yuste welcomed Filipino boxing legend Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao to FC Barcelona on Wednesday. After spending some time at the Camp Nou, Pacquiao decided to explore the museum, dressing room and other facilities in the presence of Laporta, …

CALIFORNIA: It was announced Tuesday that Russell Westbrook would return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23 after he exercised his $47.1 million player option, ESPN and The Athletic reported. It’s the final year of a five-year, $206 million contract for the nine-time All-Star point guard and 2016-17 Most Valuable Player. He is entering his final season. To avoid missing …

TEXAS: Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been named as one of the defendants in a civil lawsuit against the team. The Houston Texans and Deshaun Watson’s activities have prompted us to launch the first of several lawsuits against the team. To put it succinctly, the evidence accumulating showing the Houston Texans encouraged Watson’s actions is shockingly damning, according to …

PARIS: An unprecedented number of regulatory organizations, including the International Swimming Federation (FINA) and World Triathlon, have pledged to reexamine their policies regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports in the wake of last weekend’s FINA verdict. For the first time in its history, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has voted to exclude transgender swimmers from the top …

PARIS: FIA proposals to implement improvements to lessen or eradicate the “porpoising” issue plaguing Formula One vehicles this season have confused Lando Norris, McLaren’s director of racing, who stressed on Monday that driver safety was important. As a result of this year’s drastic regulation change in Formula 1, vehicles now produce the majority of their downforce from the bottom. Thus, …

ENGLAND: FIFA, the world ruling body of football, has begun taking actions to safeguard foreign players directly impacted by the Ukrainian crisis by allowing them to pause their contracts until June 2023. Andriy Pavelko, president of Ukraine’s football federation, disclosed earlier this month details of talks with FIFA and UEFA officials about continuing men’s and women’s games in the country …

INDIA: Jehan Daruvala will test a Formula One car for the first time this week at Silverstone, as part of his attempt to become only the third Indian to compete at the highest level of motorsport. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Red Bull junior driver, who is now third in the Formula Two standings and has already qualified for a …