Sports
Colin Montgomerie bid in Tour Championship fades as Peter Baker wins
Peter Baker beat Simon Griffiths on the third hole of a sudden-death play-off to retain the MCB Tour Championship Mauritius at Constance Belle Mare Plage.
The Englishmen both birdied the last two holes of the regular tournament – which is the finale to the Legends Tour season – to finished tied on 16 under, three clear of the field.
They then matched each other with birdies on the first two occasions they played an extra hole, the par-five 18th, before Baker got up and down from a greenside bunker to make a winning four.
Baker, who nearly pulled out of the tournament before his second round through illness, retained the title he won last year en route to claiming the order of merit but his victory in the tournament was not enough to keep hold of the John Jacobs Trophy.
Instead, that title went to the man Baker pipped last year for it, Brazilian Adilson da Silva. Griffiths had the consolation of winning the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year award.
Earlier, Baker – the 1993 Ryder Cup player – went out in 35 thanks to a birdie-bogey-birdie run in the middle of the front nine then picked up a shot at the 10th to move to 14 under.
Six pars followed before he got to 15 under on the short 17th then tapped in for a four at the par-five last after his eagle putt for victory missed on the left side.
Griffiths made birdies at the first, third, fifth and eighth for a brilliant front half of four-under 32 and picked up another stroke at the par-five 13th before his birdies at 17 and 18.
There was no last-day charge on the Indian Ocean island for Colin Montgomerie, the champion on the Legends course at Belle Mare Plage in 2017.
England’s new era under head coach Brendon McCullum began with a crushing defeat as India dominated the first T20 international in Kolkata, winning by seven wickets with 43 balls to spare.
The visitors were bowled out for just 132, with captain Jos Buttler’s 68 from 44 balls the only significant contribution in a batting display that crumbled against India’s spinners.
India’s response was swift and decisive, as Abhishek Sharma smashed 79 from just 34 balls to guide the world champions to a comfortable victory.
The defeat, England’s heaviest in T20 cricket in terms of balls remaining, highlighted familiar weaknesses against spin as McCullum’s multi-format coaching tenure got off to a nightmare start at Eden Gardens.
England suffered a thrashing at the hands of India in Kolkata
Reuters
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, India struck early through seamer Arshdeep Singh, who removed Phil Salt for a three-ball duck and Ben Duckett in his first two overs.
England’s middle order then collapsed against India’s spinners, falling from 65-2 in the eighth over as wickets tumbled regularly.
Buttler stood alone in the wreckage, striking eight fours and two sixes in his classy 68, while Harry Brook’s 17 was the next highest score.
The lower order offered little resistance, with Jacob Bethell struggling to seven from 14 balls, Jamie Overton making just two, and Gus Atkinson managing only two from 12 deliveries.
India’s three spinners – Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi – combined for impressive figures of 12-1-67-5 on a decent batting pitch.
Chakravarthy proved particularly devastating for England, finishing with figures of 3-23 in a masterful display of mystery spin.
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The Indian spinner struck a crucial double blow in the eighth over, first bowling Brook with a googly that came via inside edge and pad.
Two balls later, Livingstone was bowled through the gate by another googly, leaving England’s inexperienced lower order exposed.
Chakravarthy saved his final blow for England’s captain, returning in the 17th over to have Buttler caught at deep square leg just as the visitors harboured hopes of a strong finish.
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel provided excellent support with 2-22, including the wickets of Overton and Atkinson, as England’s batsmen struggled to pick India’s varied spin attack.
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India’s use of spin bamboozled England
Reuters
In contrast to India’s spin-heavy attack, England opted for pace, with Jofra Archer providing early hope through figures of 2-21.
Archer struck twice in his third over, removing Sanju Samson and India captain Suryakumar Yadav to briefly silence the Kolkata crowd.
However, Abhishek Sharma, the 24-year-old left-handed opener, dominated proceedings with a blistering innings that included eight sixes.
Sharma was particularly severe on England’s quicks, pulling them over fine leg and peppering the off side with powerful strokes.
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England were all out for 132 before India surpassed their score with 43 balls to go
Reuters
He was dropped by Adil Rashid on 29 and immediately punished the error by hitting the next three balls for four, six and six.
Atkinson bore the brunt of the assault, conceding 38 runs from just two overs as India raced towards their target.
The second match of the five-game series takes place on Saturday in Chennai at 13:30 GMT, with England seeking to level the series.
England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged the difficult start, saying: “There was a little bit in the wicket early on and we probably didn’t expect that. We wanted to enforce the game we want to play.
England had heralded a ‘new era’ – but issues remain largely the same
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“We were not quite capable of doing that against good bowlers but we are better for the run out and look forward to the next one.”
India’s dominance continues their impressive run since winning last year’s T20 World Cup, with this victory marking their 15th win from their last 18 matches under Yadav’s leadership.
The result emphasised India’s fearsome depth following the T20 retirements of several stars including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.
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Sports
Man City threatened with legal action after allegedly ‘encouraging transfer target to break contract’
Real Valladolid have accused Manchester City of encouraging 18-year-old defender Juma Bah to break his contract after the player failed to attend training and deposited money to terminate his deal.
The Spanish club claim City requested transfer negotiations on Tuesday before Bah informed them of his intention to unilaterally break his contract.
Valladolid say they have been left in a “defenceless position” and are threatening legal action over the Premier League champions’ alleged involvement in the situation.
The situation unfolded when Manchester City sent a request to Valladolid on Tuesday afternoon seeking to open negotiations for a permanent transfer.
Juma Bah did not turn up to training on Wednesday after telling the Real Valladolid he wants to leave
Later that same day, Bah and his agent informed Valladolid of their intention to terminate the player’s contract.
The Sierra Leonean defender then failed to report for Wednesday morning training.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation has since confirmed that Bah has deposited the required funds to trigger the unilateral termination of his contract.
Bah had initially joined Valladolid last summer on loan from Sierra Leone club AIK Freetown.
The Spanish club exercised their purchase option on January 1 to make the move permanent with an improved contract.
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Man City chiefs Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Ferran Soriano have been busy in the transfer window
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In a strongly-worded statement, Valladolid said: “The club considers that Manchester City is behind the player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route.”
The Spanish club expressed “great disappointment and indignation” over the situation, stating they had “welcomed Juma Bah with open arms and gave him the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Valladolid confirmed they have instructed their legal department to initiate disciplinary action.
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Real Valladolid have accused Manchester City of encouraging one of their players to break his contract to force through a move to the Premier League club.
Defender Juma Bah told the Spanish club on Tuesday that he intends to terminate his contract, allowing City to sign the player for a much lower fee.
City had sent a request to Valladolid earlier in the day asking to begin negotiations over a permanent deal for the 18-year-old, Valladolid said in a statement.
Bah then did not turn up for training on Wednesday, with the Spanish Football Association confirming he had deposited the necessary amount to terminate his contract.
Valladolid say the teenager’s decision was “supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent” and has “caused great disappointment and indignation”.
“The club considers that Manchester City is behind the player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route.”
The 18-year-old joined Valladolid on a season-long loan from AIK Freetong in his native Sierra Leone last summer and the club exercised a clause earlier this month to turn it into a permanent deal.
But Bah is still under a youth contract and has so far refused to sign a senior deal that would significantly increase his release clause.
Valladolid say they will take disciplinary action against Bah and will do whatever they can to “defend” the clubs’s interests.
BBC Sport has approached Manchester City for comment.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says he is “not taking the responsibility from the players” during their poor form.
Darts sensation Luke Littler marked his milestone 18th birthday on Tuesday with a special delivery from Au Vodka, featuring a personalised golden dart and an exclusive three-litre bottle.
The newly-crowned world champion received the bespoke birthday gift from Au Vodka sales director Tom Smith, who personally delivered the celebratory package.
The unique present arrives as Littler can now legally purchase alcohol, adding another memorable moment to his remarkable rise in professional darts.
The custom-made golden dart prominently displays Littler’s nickname ‘The Nuke’ on its flight, marking a distinctive tribute to the teenage champion.
Luke Littler has turned 18 and has been gifted a huge bottle of vodka
PA
The commemorative vodka bottle features an image of Littler hoisting the Sid Waddell Trophy, capturing his historic world championship victory.
The exclusive gift adds to what was undoubtedly a day of numerous presents for the young darts star, who has rapidly become one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.
Au Vodka, the company behind Littler’s birthday gift, is a Swansea-based business valued at £150m, founded by Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn in 2015.
Morgan gained earlier controversy as the ballboy involved in a 2013 incident with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, who was sent off for appearing to kick him during a match against Swansea City.
Morgan’s dad, Martin, is a director of Swansea City and owns the city’s four-star Morgan’s Hotel.
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Luke Littler was gifted a huge golden dart and a personalised three-litre vodka bottle
Tom Smith – Linkedin
The boyhood United fan presented the Sid Waddell Trophy at half-time, with his appearance rescheduled from pre-match due to tributes to club legend Denis Law.
Speaking to MUTV before the game, Littler said: “It means the world to bring the trophy pitchside at the club I’ve supported all my life.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
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Luke Littler received the gift from Au Vodka, founded by Tom Smith and Charlie Morgan
Tom Smith – LinkedIn
Littler is set to return to competitive action at the 2025 Dutch Darts Masters, which begins on January 24.
The tournament follows his recent quarter-final exit at the Bahrain Darts Masters, where he was unable to defend his title against eventual winner Stephen Bunting.
The teenage sensation enters the Dutch competition having already accumulated impressive career earnings of over £1.5million, largely thanks to his 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the world championship final.
Australian Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton says some broadcasters conducting post-match interviews during the tournament have been disrespectful to players.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has stepped back from his description of his team as “maybe” the worst side in the club’s history but said it would be “delusional” to think they do not have major problems.
Amorim said he made a mistake by ripping into his players immediately after the 3-1 home defeat against Brighton on Sunday, which he felt then led to his press conference outburst afterwards.
Asked about the storm his comments created before United’s Europa League game against Rangers, Amorim said he was talking more about himself than his players.
But he also accepted results since he took over in November – 11 points and six defeats from 11 Premier League games – were not good enough.
“I was talking more for myself than for my players,” he said. “But sometimes it is really hard to hide my frustration in that moment.
“The good thing is I said the same things in a different way in the dressing room five minutes before. The response was quite normal because I’m really blunt with my players.
“Normally I don’t talk (to the players) after a game. After this game, I needed to talk. Maybe it was a mistake because then I got more nervous, went to the press conference really nervous and said things I shouldn’t say.”
However, Amorim did not say he regretted the general observation that his team is in major trouble.
While three successive victories have put United in a good position to secure a top-eight berth and direct entry to the Europa League’s last 16, they are out of the League Cup and are 13th in the Premier League.
Amorim believes it would be unhelpful to try to disguise the fact there are significant issues that must be resolved.
“I am not taking the responsibility from the players,” he said. “I am saying, and I am really direct in these things, at this moment we are performing really badly and our results are really bad.
“I’m saying the obvious. If you want, I can be delusional and say different things. But I say it as I saw it.
“I think it is a good thing to be really honest. You saw one thing, I saw one thing. If you are in the stadium you can understand it. So let’s face it and work on it.”
However, Amorim and defender Harry Maguire have different explanations as to why United have been so poor – particularly at Old Trafford, where they have lost four of their last five league games.
United’s six defeats in their opening 12 home league games is their worst performance since 1893-94.
Amorim focused on the anxiety that ripples through his team when they play on home soil.
“It’s clear,” he said. “We are more nervous playing at home than away and it’s getting harder.”
However England defender Maguire pointed to United going behind in all of their last five league games – including in three of them conceding within five minutes.
“If I could explain it, we’d change it straightaway,” said Maguire. “We have players who have won lots of trophies in club football but we are not playing well enough as a team.
“We gave Brighton a goal. We had spoken about it pre-match. The first goal against Nottingham Forest was a set play – and against Bournemouth.
“These aren’t things that are tactically a problem. You have to be mentally ready to win a match. At the moment we are not getting the small margins because we are not mentally focused.”
Central defender Victor Lindelof has returned to training after missing the previous seven matches while striker Marcus Rashford also took part in the main session despite not featuring since being axed for last month’s Manchester derby.
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are also expected to be involved despite being linked with transfer window moves away from the club.
Sports
Jannik Sinner provides health update after Alex De Minaur victory amid concerns over wellbeing
World number one Jannik Sinner brushed aside concerns about his health with a commanding straight-sets victory over home favourite Alex De Minaur in the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The defending champion showed no lingering effects from his previous round’s medical issues, dispatching the Australian 6-3 6-2 6-1 in just one hour and 48 minutes.
The 23-year-old Italian’s performance marked a remarkable turnaround from his troubled match against Holger Rune two days earlier.
In his previous match, Sinner had required a lengthy medical timeout against Rune, appearing visibly shaken and admitting to feeling unwell.
Jannik Sinner suffered a health scare in his last match against Holger Rune
Reuters
The Italian explained his quick recovery: “(Tuesday) was a very easy day, I played just half an hour, 40 minutes.
“I feel like the illness has gone away now. I was feeling much, much better this morning,
“I feel like, especially when you’re young, you recover very fast.”
“I have a very experienced team with me, which I’m very grateful and happy (for),” he added, noting he knew immediately he was ready for the quarter-final.
For De Minaur, it was a familiar outcome against his Italian rival, having lost all nine previous encounters and winning just one set in their head-to-head meetings.
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Jannik Sinner was in flying form against Alex De Minaur
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Sinner’s dominance was evident across all aspects of the match, with his weight of shot proving too much for De Minaur to handle.
“I feel like today I was feeling everything,” Sinner said after the match. “When you have days like this and you break early in each set, it makes it a bit easier.”
The Italian remained focused throughout, acknowledging that such matches “can change very fast if I go down with the level a little bit.”
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Jannik Sinner is the favourite to win the Australian Open
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Sinner will now face American Ben Shelton in Friday’s semi-final showdown.
Shelton, 22, secured his spot in the last four with a hard-fought 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (4) victory over unseeded Italian Lorenzo Sonego in just under four hours.
The 21st-seeded American, who reached the US Open semi-finals in 2023, benefited from a quarter of the draw that opened up following early exits of several top-10 seeds.
“I feel relieved right now,” Shelton said after his win. “Shout out to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis.”
Earlier this week, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic refused to do his usual on-court interview after his fourth-round win against Jiri Lehecka following what he described as “insulting and offensive” comments by Channel Nine’s Tony Jones.
Jones shouted “Novak, he’s over-rated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” towards Djokovic fans while live on air at the Australian Open on Friday.
The Australian broadcaster has since apologised for his remarks but Shelton says that incident was not a one-off.
“I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” he said.
“I don’t think that [Djokovic being mocked] was just a single event. I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.”
Shelton also referred to an “embarrassing and disrespectful” on-court interview with 19-year-old American Learner Tien after his shock second-round victory against fifth seed Daniil Medvedev.
The on-court interviewer told Tien “19-year-olds aren’t meant to be that good” before asking him if he had heard of his third-round opponent Corentin Moutet.
“I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments,” added Shelton.
“I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change.”
BBC Sport has contacted Tennis Australia, which organises the Australian Open, for comment.
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