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COVID-19: Major League Soccer Cancels All-Star Game, Leagues Cup And Campeones Cup

The 2021 All-Star Game is expected to feature the same format and take place at same venue. © AFP Major League Soccer (MLS) on Tuesday announced the cancellation of this year's MLS All-Star Game, Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league, in a statement, said that the decisions were taken in order to provide as many available dates as possible for the remainder of the MLS season, which has been suspended since March 12 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 MLS All-Star game was scheduled to take place in Los Angeles at Banc of California Stadium and for the first time feature a matchup between the best of MLS and Liga MX.The 2021 All-Star Game is expected to feature the same format and take place at the same venue."Both MLS and Liga MX took the decision to cancel the second annual Leagues Cup, with a plan to resume the competition next year. The same decision was taken for the Campeones Cup, a matchup between the MLS Cup winners and the Liga MX Campeon de Campeones winners that this year was set to be hosted by Seattle Sounders FC on August 12. Campeones Cup will return in 2021," the statement read. Topics mentioned in this article Football Read the full article

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Manchester United Urge Fans To Stay Away If Matches Resume

If the Premier League get their wish to play at clubs' normal stadiums rather than at neutral venues, then United will have four home league matches to play.Aware of the danger of supporters gathering in large groups during the health crisis, United have pleaded with their fans to stay away from matches and watch on television."We share your disappointment that you will not be able to watch United in person from within the stadium, but we would encourage you to give your continued loyal support from the comfort and safety of your home," United said in an email to supporters on Tuesday."To help with that, the Premier League and their media partners will work to deliver the very best broadcast coverage of our games."We also ask for your co-operation not to travel to any stadiums at which we are playing on matchdays."By supporting from home and following Government guidance, you will be playing your part to keep your friends, your family and all United fans safe."This united effort to stay at home will give us the best chance of protecting the health of everyone in our community." Read the full article

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Rishi Kapoor Death: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Mourn Legendary Actor

"This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It's hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace," Kohli tweeted."I'm at an absolute & total loss for words.Holding this phone in disbelief. Yesterday Irrfan and now .... Gutted , sad , heartbroken .I truly believed you'll come out of this .You will be missed , Sir . RIP . Om Shanti," Anushka tweeted."Very very sad to hear about the passing away of Rishi ji. I grew up watching his movies and he was always very gracious when we met over the years. May his soul Rest in Peace," Tendulkar tweeted. "My heartfelt condolences to Neetu ji, Ranbir and the whole Kapoor family," he added."It's shocking to hear about the sudden demise of #RishiKapoor ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace," Shikhar Dhawan tweeted."Deeply saddened by the demise of #RishiKapoor ji, just as we are all coming to terms with the passing away of #IrfanKhan . Truly bad times these," Ravichandran Ashwin wrote on the microblogging site."What an absolutely heartbreaking news to wake up to. I'm at a loss of words, rest in peace #RishiKapoor ji," tweeted former India batsman Mohammad Kaif. This is unreal and unbelievable. Yesterday Irrfan Khan and today Rishi Kapoor ji. It's hard to accept this as a legend passes away today. My condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 30, 2020 I'm at an absolute & total loss for words.Holding this phone in disbelief. Yesterday Irrfan and now .... Gutted , sad , heartbroken .I truly believed you'll come out of this .You will be missed , Sir . RIP . Om Shanti. — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) April 30, 2020 Very very sad to hear about the passing away of Rishi ji. I grew up watching his movies and he was always very gracious when we met over the years. May his soul Rest in Peace.My heartfelt condolences to Neetu ji, Ranbir and the whole Kapoor family. pic.twitter.com/MItdmmSnVz — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 30, 2020 It's shocking to hear about the sudden demise of #RishiKapoor ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/pAfOGhdzm0 — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 30, 2020 Deeply saddened by the demise of #RishiKapoor ji, just as we are all coming to terms with the passing away of #IrfanKhan . Truly bad times these. — lets stay indoors India (@ashwinravi99) April 30, 2020Rishi Kapoor, beloved star of films such as 'Bobby' and 'Chandni', fought a long battle with cancer and had spent much of last year in New York being treated. A statement from the Kapoor family said that the actor "remained jovial" and "kept doctors entertained till the end. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: Novak Djokovic "Personally Against Vaccination" If Made Compulsory For Tennis Players

Novak Djokovic has said he would be against a compulsory coronavirus vaccination if it became a requirement for tennis players to travel to tournaments. "Personally I'm against vaccination. I wouldn't like that someone forces me to get a vaccine in order to be able to travel," the world number one said late on Sunday. The Serbian star was speaking from Spain, where he is in lockdown with his family, in a video conference held on his Facebook for Orthodox Easter. "We (players) will have to travel. I think it will be the number one challenge," the 32-year said."If it (vaccination) will become compulsory what will happen? I will have to take a decision," on whether to get a vaccine or not, he said."This is my opinion at the moment. Whether it will change I don't know."There is currently no vaccine for the virus that has claimed some 165,000 lives around the globe, though labs around the world are racing to develop a treatment. Like the rest of the sporting world, tennis has been on pause since early March, with the ATP and WTA Tours suspended until mid-July at the earliest and Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II.Djokovic estimated tournaments would not restart "before September or October"."The season will officially restart when everyone will be 100 percent certain that people can return, that there is no risk, that people are resistant to the virus and this takes time."Tournaments with travel limited to one country or a region could be possible, he said. Read the full article

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Glenn McGrath Picks Pat Cummins As The Most Complete Bowler Of Current Generation 

Australia's Pat Cummins is the most complete pacer among the current crop, says the legendary Glenn McGrath, who feels bowlers, in general, are "better blokes" and more hardworking than batsmen. McGrath was answering 25 rapid-fire questions from 'ESPNCricinfo' on a range of subjects, including who he would like to see as himself in a biopic. Asked to name the most complete bowler in world cricket now, McGrath replied: "Pat Cummins. I like the way he goes by." Cummins is currently no.1 in ICC Test rankings and occupies the fourth spot in the ODI list.One of the best fast bowlers through the '90s till late 2000s, McGrath also addressed the big debate of his era -- who was harder to bowl at, Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara? "Tough," he said when asked to pick between the two icons."I would go with Lara just (a bit) from my experience. The hat-trick wish-list would be Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid."Asked if there was any delivery which was missing from his armoury, he cheekily replied: "the 100miles per hour delivery."According to him, the bowlers work a lot harder than batsmen."Fast bowlers are better blokes, work harder and batsmen expect everything," he opined.Asked if he would indulge in 'Mankading' a batsman in a World Cup final where he has to get the last wicket but with only two runs to defend, the legendary pacer said he would never do it.He also feels that after watching Jim Carrey's performance in 'Dumb and Dumber', he would like the iconic funny-man to play his role if a biopic is ever made on him. "Brad Pitt or Hugh Jackman," are his other choices.Not known to be an extravagant dresser, McGrath said he nonetheless likes wearing outfits by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.Away from cricket, the sporting legends that he has felt privileged to meet include Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, tennis icon Roger Federer and five-time Olympic champion rower Steve Redgrave. Read the full article

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‘A Masterpiece’: The Undertaker returns in a new avatar at WWE WrestleMania 36 and fans absolutely loved it - other sports

When it was announced that The Undertaker is going to take on AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36, fans rejoiced. AJ has been an internet darling for a long time due to his superior wrestling ability while no words can describe the legend of The Undertaker. When it announced that Styles vs Taker is going to be a boneyard match, fans were extremely skeptical.Things were a little different this as a lot of elements from 55-year-old Mark Calaway’s personal life were used in the build-up to the match. No one knew what to expect from the ‘boneyard’ match. But the match delivered and it delivered big time.READ | WrestleMania 36: The Miz’s ‘undetermined illness’ leads to change in WWE Tag team title matchThe Undertaker wasn’t the undertaker who was just the reaper, he was different. While AJ came into the match in a casket, Taker came riding a motorcycle with Metallica playing in the background. It was the return to Undertaker’s ‘American Bad Ass’ gimmick. But not fully, he retained the elements of his supernatural persona.  The legacy continues. @WWE superstar The @Undertaker walked out to "Now That We’re Dead" on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/mC4hCGLpOm— Metallica (@Metallica) April 5, 2020 It was like a buried alive match in a barn with an open grave. It was back and forth with Styles getting the upper hand in between due to Gallows and Anderson’s interference. There were hooded ‘druids’ also to distract Taker.  We thought we were ready for this #BoneyardMatch. We were , wrong. #WrestleMania #Undertaker @LukeGallowsWWE @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/FCFlUhTIZC— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 5, 2020 There was one thing absolutely clear that Taker was the protagonist of this story and he always had the back against his wall. We saw the battered and bruised Mark Calaway in the middle where it looked like he would be overwhelmed by Styles. AJ even managed to put him in the grave and the end seemed near for Taker.But that was just the anti-climax. Dramatically Undertaker appeared behind Styles and that was actually the means to the end for AJ. He had to beg Taker not to bury him but it was of no avail. AJ was buried alive and Taker prevailed in heroic fashion. The #Deadman rises. #Undertaker #BoneyardMatch #WrestleMania @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/LPToSahsME— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 5, 2020 READ | Braun Strowman finally wins his first world title in the WWE, defeats Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 "This is what you asked for, right?" - #Undertaker@AJStylesOrg #WrestleMania #BoneyardMatch pic.twitter.com/moGhONZeWH— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2020 Even though the storytelling and atmosphere were campy and nothing like the traditional wrestling match but fans absolutely enjoyed every bit of it.  The Undertaker just had his best match in years it was worth the wait #BoneyardMatch #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/cYDgyURmhB— Alastair McKenzie🏴 (@Mckenzieas93) April 5, 2020  Undertaker vs. AJ Styles is easily the WWE match of the year. 👏👏👏#Wrestlemania pic.twitter.com/0GDhArVBGu— Daniel from NEUTRAL Wrestling (@neutralwres) April 5, 2020  WWE, AJ, and Undertaker just secured their Grammy, Oscar, Academy Award, AND Emmy with that one. #Wrestlemania#BoneyardMatch pic.twitter.com/clArQ7sHxg— savant 🤴🏾 (@banksavant) April 5, 2020 In a bit of storytelling and foreshadowing, AJ stuck his hand out of the ‘grave’ to signal that things are still not finished between the two. And if anything this proved is that Taker is definitely not finished. In fact, he has reformed and reinvented himself. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: 2020 F1 Championship Should Be Cancelled, Says Bernie Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone says this season's Formula One championship should be cancelled because it appears unlikely that enough races can be completed for it to be valid due to the coronavirus pandemic crisis. The opening eight rounds of the 2020 F1 season have been either cancelled or postponed, with doubts over a number of the other 14 races as the coronavirus pandemic continues to overshadow the sporting calendar. A minimum of eight races are required for the championship to be valid, but former F1 chief executive Ecclestone believes that will not be possible."We should stop the championship this year and start again next year, hopefully, because I can't see it's going to be possible to get the right amount of races in that count for a championship," the 89-year-old Ecclestone told BBC Radio."There's got to be eight from memory, and I can't see them getting that in. It's a difficult situation," he saidMercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was this year aiming to match Michael Schumacher's record of seven drivers' titles, though there have been suggestions a truncated season would diminish the achievement.But Ecclestone, set to become a father for the fourth time, said: "I don't think it will make a lot of difference to Lewis. He would win whatever the race number, whether it be eight, 16 or 20."If it's a world championship and he wins, it would go on his record and say he has won a world championship. The terrible thing is he would win all eight races. It wouldn't be a super championship." Read the full article

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‘Incredibly kind gesture’: Morgan on Buttler’s decision to auction World Cup final shirt - cricket

England ODI skipper Eoin Morgan has praised his team-mate Jos Buttler’s decision to auction off his 2019 World Cup final shirt to raise funds for two London-based hospitals to combat COVID-19. England had managed to defeat New Zealand in the finals of the 2019 50-over World Cup by the barest of margins as both normal 50 overs-action and super over ended in a tie.The Three Lions managed to win the trophy on the basis of boundary-countback rule, and it was Buttler who broke the stumps during the super-over, denying New Zealand their first World Cup win.“It’s an incredibly kind gesture. We have seen people donate during the Australian bush fires; we saw Shane Warne auction his Baggy Green cap for a million dollars or something absolutely ridiculous,” ESPN Cricinfo quoted Morgan as saying.“The impact that can have on many lives as opposed to sitting in someone’s drawer as a bit of a trophy... personally, it’s something I don’t understand. People have come out and said they would never do it. Justin Langer said he could never see a situation where he would do something like that but I find that hard to believe,” he added.On Monday, Buttler posted a video message on Twitter and captioned the post as: “I’m going to be auctioning my World Cup Final shirt to raise funds for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity. Last week they launched an emergency appeal to provide lifesaving equipment to help those affected during the COVID-19 outbreak”.The United Kingdom on Wednesday reported 563 deaths in a day, bringing the total number of patients in the country who died in hospitals to 2,352.Some 29,474 people have now tested positive, a jump of 4,324 over the previous day, according to Al Jazeera.The World Health Organisation had termed coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11. Read the full article

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Manchester City Midfielder Says Liverpool Deserve To Be Premier League Champions

Liverpool should be awarded the Premier League title if the season cannot be completed due to the coronavirus pandemic, says Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. Jurgen Klopp's men were a tantalising two wins away from their first league crown since 1990 when the season was suspended earlier this month. The shutdown is currently due to last until April 30. Premier League chiefs are due to meet on Friday, with no indications of when football will resume. Gundogan, whose side trail Liverpool by 25 points, told German broadcaster ZDF that if the season could not be finished, Klopp's side deserved the title."It would be OK for me," he said. "As a sportsman you have to be fair."The 29-year-old German international, who has won the Premier League title with City for the past two seasons, said it was unlikely that he and his teammates could resume training at the end of April."Honestly, I can't imagine (that happening) and also, I don't know how realistic it is," he said.Figures on Sunday revealed that 1,228 people with coronavirus have died in Britain. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is among more than 19,500 people who have tested positive for COVID-19.Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football's governing body UEFA, said on Saturday that the 2019/20 campaign could be "lost" if it could not be restarted by the end of June.Gundogan conceded that Premier League chiefs were faced with a difficult choice."There are different opinions," he said. "For clubs who have had a very good season, it obviously wouldn't be nice if it was cancelled now."On the other hand, for clubs who aren't doing as well and are maybe in the relegation places, an abandonment would obviously suit them."Cancellation would have a knock-on effect on the second-tier English Championship, with both Leeds United and West Brom occupying the two automatic promotion places.Gundogan said he would be willing to take a pay cut if English clubs followed the examples of Serie A leaders Juventus and his former club Borussia Dortmund."Of course I think it's OK, that goes without saying -- (but) there's been no discussion in England yet," he said. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: Track Legend Carl Lewis Wants Tokyo Olympics Postponed For Two Years

"The best part about that is they're creating some solidarity in their message," Lewis said."I just think it's really difficult for an athlete to prepare, to train, to keep their motivation if there's complete uncertainty. That's the hardest thing."Because it's a health issue, it's beyond everyone's control. I think most athletes are accepting that."The Tokyo Olympics are set to start July 24 while US swim and athletics trials to determine the nation's two largest delegations for the event are set for June.Many athletes have struggled to continue training while being forced to stay home to avoid spreading the deadly virus."The athletes cannot prepare for an Olympic Games if they don't have an Olympic Trials, if they don't have competition," Lewis said."I think USATF, in this case, stepped up. I think they're creating a voice that puts the athletes first and I think the athletes appreciate it."Lewis called upon the International Olympic Committee to consider pushing back the Olympics to 2022, after the scheduled 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics."If we delay what should we do?" Lewis said. "I think a more comfortable situation would be two years and put it in the Olympic year with the Winter Olympics and then make it kind of a celebratory Olympic year."There are some athletes who are right on the edge of retiring that that may hurt, but in reality, you have to focus on what (will best serve) the masses."2022 Tokyo, 2024 Paris?For Lewis, that would mean staging a Tokyo Olympics only two years ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics."Two years isn't a big deal, and then two years later we have the summer (Olympics) again. I think that that would kind of give them time to re-prepare," Lewis told the TV station."I just think there's a way to put sports in its perspective, understand the athletes' lives and their dedication and give them a second chance they deserve in a way that they can be respected and also have a chance to be the best they can be."Lewis, an assistant coach for the University of Houston track team, knows the pain of missing an Olympics. He missed out on the 1980 Moscow Games after qualifying in the long jump and 4x100m relay when the United States boycotted the event.Lewis said any idea to cancel the Tokyo Olympics outright was wrong."That would be devastating and what happens is, then all of a sudden you take the athlete's voice out of the conversation," Lewis said."Canceling to me would be a non-starter for the athletes. It's just not fair. If you delay and say this is what we're going to do, then it gives the athletes a chance to make a positive out of a negative." Read the full article

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Chinese football star Wu Lei has coronavirus in Spain - football

Chinese football star Wu Lei, who plays for Espanyol in Spain, has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on Saturday. “Wu Lei has mild symptoms and is currently undergoing treatment,” the CFA said in a statement, adding that they had been given the news by La Liga strugglers Espanyol.ALSO READ: UEFA admit error over ‘Euro 2020’ name for 2021 tournament“The Chinese Football Association has maintained close communication with Wu Lei and the club, and will provide all necessary assistance as appropriate. “We wish Wu Lei a speedy recovery.” The 28-year-old striker, China’s best-known player, is in self-isolation at home in Barcelona, Xinhua news agency said.Wu is the only Chinese playing in one of Europe’s five top leagues, having moved to Espanyol from Shanghai SIPG in January last year. The coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and has since turned into a pandemic that has killed thousands around the world. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: UFC Postpones Next Three Events

The Ultimate Fighting Championship said Monday it is postponing its next three events with officials unable to find venues to stage bouts amid global restrictions being put in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic. UFC president Dana White, who had previously defended the circuit's decision to press ahead with a card in Brazil on Saturday, confirmed the news in a message to employees later posted on Twitter. The decision affects fight cards in London on March 21, Columbus on March 28 and Portland on April 11.The move comes as authorities around the world impose restrictions of gatherings of large numbers of people."We did everything we could to relocate our next three events, London, Columbus, and Portland," White told employees in his email."But every day, there are new restrictions put in place on travel and large public gatherings that are making it impossible to stay on schedule."The UFC has also been prevented from holding events in its Las Vegas home because of a ban on combat sports by Nevada state officials which runs until at least March 25."I've been in the fight game for 20 years, and this is what we do - we find a way to keep our events going no matter what," White said. "But this is different. The whole world is being affected right now, and nothing is more important than the health and safety of you and your families."The UFC is also closing all offices with immediate effect and asking employees to work from home. Read the full article

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Aamir Khan Birthday: Sachin Tendulkar's 'Laal Singh Chaddha' Wish

Sachin Tendulkar tweeted his greetings to actor Aamir Khan on his birthday with a special twist. Referring to Aamir's upcoming movie 'Laal Singh Chaddha', Tendulkar tweeted "Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha." The legendary batsman also tweeted a photo with the iconic actor, who turned 55 on Saturday. 'Laal Singh Chaddha' is the Hindi remake of the famous Tom Hanks flick, "Forrest Gump". The movie, which is slated to release around Christmas, stars Kareena Kapoor along with Aamir Khan. Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha. pic.twitter.com/86fJldMJT4 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 14, 2020 The two giants of their respective fields share a good bond and often engage with each other on social media. This is not Tendulkar's first filmy wish for Aamir Khan. The two shared a funny exchange on Aamir's last birthday as well, with Tendulkar quoting Aamir's famous song 'Aati Kya Khandala'. India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane also wished Aamir Khan on his special day. "A great actor and even better human being. Wish you a very happy birthday @aamir_khan. Stay blessed!" he tweeted. A great actor and even better human being. Wish you a very happy birthday @aamir_khan. Stay blessed! — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) March 14, 2020 Tendulkar recently made a cricketing comeback of sorts, playing for India Legends in the Road Safety World Series, which could not be completed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament also boasted of other legends like Brian Lara, Virender Sehwag, Jonty Rhodes and Muttiah Muralitharan. The India Legends team, led by Sachin Tendulkar, won their first two matches, before the tournament was indefinitely postponed. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: India Open In Doubt After Delhi Government Bans All Sports Activities

Delhi government's decision to ban all sports activities due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has raised fresh doubts over the fate of India Open badminton, a crucial event in the Tokyo Olympics qualification cycle. The USD 400,000 Super 500 event was supposed to be held without any spectators to avoid spreading the deadly disease. "We will go by what the government decides. It is not in our hand. We have to follow the government's decisions. Currently there is no clarity on the visa process of the foreign players and on top of it now the Delhi govt has come up with this directive," a Badminton Association of India (BAI) official told PTI.The BAI and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) had issued a joint statement on Wednesday, informing that the event will be held inside closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.However, the government on Wednesday night issued a revised travel advisory, suspending all existing visas, except diplomatic and employment, till April 15.The Sports ministry on Thursday asked all national federations, including the cricket board, to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events.Given the circumstances, the BAI has sought clarity from the sports, health and external affairs ministries regarding the visa process of the foreign players.The federation has sent a letter to the respective ministries, attaching the names of the foreign players who were supposed to travel for the India Open."We have provided the details of the foreign players who were supposed to come for the India Open. We are waiting for a response," the official said."It is a difficult situation for us as well. A decision has to be made at the earliest. Being hosts we have to continue with the preparation."The COVID-19 outbreak, which has claimed close to 5,000 lives and infected more than 100,000 people globally, has forced the postponement of four Olympic qualifying badminton events so far -- Lingshui China Masters (February 25 to March 1), Vietnam International Challenge (24-29 March 24-29), German Open (March 3 to 8) and Polish Open (March 26-29). Earlier, the shooting World Cup and the Indian Open golf tournament were postponed in Delhi. Read the full article

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Coronavirus: Australian Cricketers Stick With Handshakes Despite Threat

Australia's cricketers will continue to shake hands, coach Justin Langer said Monday, despite England enforcing a strict fist-bump only policy to prevent spread of the coronavirus. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of three Australians, with the global outbreak forcing a host of sporting fixtures around the world to be cancelled or played behind closed doors. Australia's three-game one-day series against New Zealand begins Friday and Langer said there were no plans to change how the team interacts in the dressing room or on the field. "No, we'll keep shaking hands... there's plenty of hand sanitiser in the Australian kits," he told cricket.com.au Monday following the team's 3-0 series loss in South Africa."I'm sure we'll just keep shaking hands and move on from that," he added.England captain Joe Root last week said his players would be talking sensible precautions on their tour of Sri Lanka."We are not shaking hands with each other, using instead the well-established fist bump, and we are washing hands regularly and wiping down surfaces using the anti-bacterial wipes and gels we've been given in our immunity packs," he said.Langer admitted that some players were exhausted heading into the series against New Zealand having featured in all three formats almost continuously since last year's World Cup, including the likes of leading batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner."The truth is we've got some weary boys at the moment, particularly our senior players," he said."They play so much cricket and you think about what they've done... since we started the World Cup (in England last year)."They're mentally tough guys but it's a real challenge for us."The first one-dayer begins in Sydney on Friday with the second two days later, before the series wraps up in Hobart on March 20. Read the full article

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Bayern go clear at top as Bundesliga faces virus threat - football

Thomas Mueller scored as Bayern Munich opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with a 2-0 victory over Augsburg at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, while the spread of the coronavirus threatened to curtail the season.Bayern lacked fluency in the opening stages despite scoring 13 goals in their previous three Bundesliga games, but did enough to edge closer to an eighth straight title.German health minister Jens Spahn on Sunday called for the cancellation of all gatherings of more than 1,000 people in the country over fears surrounding the spread of the new coronavirus.But the German league immediately reacted, insisting that it was “out of the question” that the season would be delayed beyond its scheduled finish on May 16, a week before the German Cup final.Cases of COVID-19 in the country reached close to 850 on Sunday.Bayern extended their unbeaten run to 15 games despite starting slowly.It was not until near the end of the first half when the home side looked like troubling the scorers, with Mueller shooting over the crossbar with just the keeper to beat.Mueller made no mistake in the 53rd minute however, collecting a long ball from Jerome Boateng and side-footing into the net.The goal, reminiscent of the prolific Mueller of a decade ago, continued his recent strong form under manager Hansi Flick.Since Flick took over, Mueller has scored six Bundesliga goals and assisted 12 more in 15 games.Augsburg had several chances to equalise on the counter. Their best opportunity came when Florian Niederlechner had two bites at the cherry just two yards from goal in the 80th minute.He had his first effort saved by Manuel Neuer and was unable to take advantage of a fortunate bounce from the rebound, shooting straight into the desperate Bayern defence.Niederlechner found the back of the net in the 89th minute, but the goal was later ruled out for a marginal offside near the halfway line.Leon Goretzka put the game beyond doubt with a goal in second-half stoppage time after being expertly fed by Serge Gnabry before dribbling the ball past keeper Andreas Luthe.Mueller blamed his side’s slow start on “a failure to invest in running - both on and off the ball” but praised his teammates for coming out “more forcefully in the second half”.“We didn’t show the killer mentality that we’ve shown in recent weeks. We can thank Manu (Neuer) that it didn’t go to 1-1 in the 80th minute,” Mueller told Sky.Flick echoed Mueller’s sentiments. “We knew that it was going to be a difficult game - and the first half proved that,” he said.“Augsburg stood deep and worked hard to close all available space.” In Sunday’s other game, 16th-placed Fortuna Duesseldorf head to 15th-placed Mainz in a crucial game in the clubs’ relegation battle. Read the full article