Sports News

Naomi Osaka cemented her place as the star of the women's game by beating American Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final to win her fourth Grand Slam title. The 23-year-old remains unbeaten in major finals after a 6-4 6-3 win in Melbourne.

Japan's Osaka edged the first set when Brady, in her first Grand Slam final, paid for some glaring errors in the final game. The third seed seized control from that point, racing 4-0 ahead in the second set before sealing a deserved victory. She has now won two Australian Open titles after also triumphing at Melbourne Park in 2019, with her other Grand Slam successes coming at the US Open in 2018 and 2020.

Around 7,500 fans were allowed to watch the final on Rod Laver Arena and Osaka lapped up the acclaim after her US Open victory came behind closed doors. She said: "It feels incredible to have fans. I played the last Grand Slam without fans, to have this energy means a lot. I feel like playing a Grand Slam is a privilege."

A clear favourite in the final at Melbourne Park, Naomi is the first women's player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991. And, as she continues to blaze an unbeatable trail on court, off the court, she has grown into one of the world's most marketable athletes whilst finding her voice as a prominent social activist.

Despite her straight-sets victory, she said: "I feel like I have to get more comfortable on those surfaces a I didn't play juniors, so I didn't grow up playing on grass at all.

"I honestly think I'd have better luck on clay, because I think last year I didn't play bad at all. It's just something that I have to get more used to."

Now 4-time ‘Slam winner, the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) world ranked No. 3, Osaka, will see if she can now transfer her hard-court dominance onto the clay and grass surfaces.

The British Basketball League (BBL) and its women’s equivalent, the WBBL, have had significant funding confirmed in the latest round of funding from the Sports Winter Survival Package.

This is the second tranche of funding to be announced from the Government’s £300 million Sport Winter Survival Package that is focused on helping those major spectator sports severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions survive the winter.

The funding package has allowed the BBL and WBBL to undertake the 2020/ 21 season, with the leagues playing consistently since early November behind closed doors, with the outcomes of the BBL and WBBL Cup Finals, already determined. In addition, the respective Championship campaigns are already proving evidence they will be amongst the most competitive and exciting ever.

Sir Rodney Walker, chair of the BB said: “We were very pleased with the outcome from our negotiations, which will go a very long way to sustaining the top flight of our great game, and to sustaining our associated community programmes.”

“We know the Government recognizes the impact of basketball, and the work of many BBL WBBL Clubs, through their Foundations and Community Interest Companies, goes well beyond sport. These activities by our Clubs go to the heart of the challenges faced by our young people in our disadvantaged communities, including related to physical activity, healthy eating, education related, social cohesion and mental health.”

“This support will be very important in sustaining these programmes when the Covid pandemic is behind us. The BBL would also like to thank the hard work by various DCMS and Sport England staff, who we know worked tirelessly to get to a position that the funding provided could be properly justified.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "We are committed to helping our treasured sports through these challenging times. And today’s announcement is more evidence of our support for them. This targeted funding will enable sports to keep playing and inspire many more stars of the future.”

Sir Ian Cheshire, Chair of the independent Board, said: “Following thorough conversations with each party to assess their individual needs, the Independent Board is pleased to be able to confirm a substantial package of survival funding for netball, badminton, basketball and women’s football, totalling over £10 million.

“For those confirmed as recipients of support as part of this second tranche, this funding is vital in helping keep their respective clubs and leagues operational at this time.”

Team GB's Elliot Giles ran the second-fastest indoor 800m in history as he set a new British record at the World Indoor Tour in Torun, Poland. The 26-year-old clocked one minute 43.63 seconds to beat compatriot Jamie Webb, who finished second in 1:44.54.

The British record had been held by Sebastian Coe since 1983 with this being Giles' third victory of the series. This victory follows wins for him in the season opener in Karlsruhe and the tour's second meet in Lievin on 9 February.

He said: "I'm still trying to process what even happened. It really felt like a blur. I couldn't believe I ran 1:43 indoors. I couldn't put into words how it felt. I was so overwhelmed by it all. It felt like I was on cloud nine." It was another personal best for Elliot following his 1:45.49 in France last week, and in history is only bettered by Wilson Kipketer's indoor world record of 1:42.67.

James Webb, who is also 26, also ran within the record previously set by Coe as he too clocked a personal best. In addition to a $10,000 victory bonus for the Tour winner in each discipline, the winner will also receive a wildcard for the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade.

The meet in Torun was the fourth event of the World Indoor Tour series, with the final leg set to take place in Madrid, in Spain, on February 24.

Premier League clubs like Wolves face a huge challenge to create a hygienically safe environment in the battle against Coronavirus. Touch surfaces like doors, handles, rails and touch screens are a breeding ground for germs. The rise in demand for new innovative products to help combat bacteria and viruses spreading from person to person has been huge and British company Veraco has been part of that growth and demand. Veraco produces Antimicrobial products that make touch points safer to use and they have been improving hygiene standards for businesses and organisations in education, sport, healthcare, manufacturing and hospitality.

The technology uses ‘Silver Ions’ that break down the biological makeup of dangerous pathogens, killing 99% of common bacteria and superbugs on touch, as well as being effective against Human Coronavirus. Antimicrobial silver technology is not new and has been used in surgical environments for a long time, but the technology now has much broader relevance, so their use at football stadiums like Molineux is understandable and overtime measures like this will become normal.

Stuart Jones from Wolves said: “We have to do as much as we can to create an environment that’s safe, hygienic and clean and especially on match days and at our training ground. Working with Veraco has been great and in my opinion, it’s products like these that are the new standard of hygiene now and for the future.”

Veraco’s Harrison Dingle said: “We are thrilled to be supplying our products to Wolves and to be part of helping them meet the new challenges they are facing. Working with them is a great milestone in our mission to create affordable, easy to install solutions for all hygiene critical touchpoints.’

India’s second Test victory against England in Chennai followed the visitor’s hopeless task of chasing 482 on a deteriorating pitch when they lost all 10 wickets to spin as they were bowled out for 164 and falling to an inevitable 317-run defeat. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel claimed 5-60 on his debut, while off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 3-53 - and match figures of 8-96 - to go with a century in India's second innings

For England, it was only captain Joe Root who provided to have any kind of resistance, but even he needed plenty of fortune in his 33, before Moeen Ali chanced his arm for 43 off only 18 balls. Between them, Rohit Sharma and Ashwin made more runs than the entire England team. Ashwin and Axar applied more pressure than England spinners Jack Leach and Moeen, while Rishabh Pant pulled off as many moments of wicketkeeping brilliance as Ben Foakes.

From 53-3 overnight, England's only goal on the fourth of the five-day Test, was to survive as long as possible on a pitch offering huge and unpredictable turn as well as occasional spitting bounce.

While Root survived offering a simple chance to Mohammed Siraj off a reverse sweep, Ollie Pope and Foakes were caught miscuing conventional sweeps. England’s captain, though, could do nothing about a ‘snorter’ of a ball from Axar that took the glove and was held at gully.

For player of the match, Ravichandran Ashwin, he said: "This wicket is very different to what we played on in the first game. The balls that were doing much were not getting wickets. You had to play on the mind of batsmen to get wickets. It is easy to say 'go out bowl and you will get wickets'. It's not as easy as it looks. It takes a certain amount of guile to be able to do it."

The victorious captain, Virat Kohli, added: "It was a bit strange in the first game playing at home without the crowd. This game the crowd made a massive difference. Our application with the bat was outstanding. Conditions were challenging for both sides but we showed more application to grit it out. It was a perfect game for us."

After two matches, the series moves to the more seamer-friendly Ahmedabad for the day-night third Test which begins on February 24.

to leave the four-Test series poised at 1-1.

 on the fourth day of the

Faced with the hopeless task of chasing 482 on a deteriorating pitch, England lost all 10 wickets to spin as they were bowled out for 164 to leave the four-Test series poised at 1-1.

Only captain Joe Root provided prolonged resistance, but even he needed plenty of fortune in his 33, before Moeen Ali chanced his arm for 43 off only 18 balls.

Debutant left-arm spinner Axar Patel claimed 5-60, while off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 3-53 - and match figures of 8-96 - to go with a century in India's second innings.

After two matches in Chennai, the series moves to Ahmedabad, with the day-night third Test beginning on 24 February.

Moeen will miss those matches, choosing to go home as part of England's rotation policy.

Halfway through, this series between two Test heavyweights is living up to its billing.

After England produced one of their finest away performances to win the first Test by 227 runs, India have dominated the second, exploiting their expertise in dusty, spinning conditions.

While the tourists cashed in on winning the toss in the first Test, India did the same in the second. Even if this match will be remembered for the pitch, that should not detract from the fact that the home side have been vastly superior.

Between them, Rohit Sharma and Ashwin made more runs than the entire England team. Ashwin and Axar applied more pressure than England spinners Jack Leach and Moeen, while Rishabh Pant pulled off as many moments of wicketkeeping brilliance as Ben Foakes.

The floodlit third Test, played with the pink ball, will add a different dynamic, with pace bowling perhaps having a bigger role.

On the line in the final two matches will not only be the outcome of the series, but also a place in the World Test Championship final. England, India or Australia can make it through to meet New Zealand in June.

From 53-3 overnight, England's only goal on the fourth day was to survive as long as possible on a pitch offering huge and unpredictable turn as well as occasional spitting bounce.

Dan Lawrence tried to be proactive, running at Ashwin's first ball to be nutmegged, with Pant completing a spectacular diving stumping.

In contrast, Ben Stokes was almost shot-less, tormented by Ashwin in making eight from 51 balls before he offered a bat-pad catch.

While Root survived offering a simple chance to Mohammed Siraj off a reverse sweep, Ollie Pope and Foakes were caught miscuing conventional sweeps.

Root, though, could do nothing about a snorter from Axar that took the glove and was held at gully.

With the game gone, Moeen blazed five mighty sixes and was in with a chance of the fastest half-century in Test cricket, only to be the last man out, stumped by some distance off Kuldeep Yadav.

England left to regroup

This is the first blemish on a winter that had seen England win their three previous Tests, an overall run of six successive away wins going back to December 2019.

Although defeat in Chennai was reminiscent of their historical struggles in Asia, in particular the 4-0 hammering on their last tour of India, there are still reasons for optimism looking to Ahmedabad.

In the one previous pink-ball Test in India, albeit in Kolkata, none of the hosts' spinners took a wicket in the victory over Bangladesh, the only occasion that has happened in an India home win.

Seamer-friendly conditions in Ahmedabad would be more suitable to England than the turn of Chennai, with seamer James Anderson - rested this week - likely to come back into the side.

England will also have Jonny Bairstow available after he was rested for the first two Tests, with Zak Crawley also potentially fit following a wrist injury. They would provide alternatives to Rory Burns or Lawrence.

Sam Curran and Mark Wood have also rejoined the squad, while Jofra Archer could also be available after missing the second Test with an elbow problem.

'We are very much in this series' - what they said

England captain Joe Root: "Credit has to go to India. They outplayed us in all three departments.

"We are 1-1 in the series with two important games to come. We are very much in this series. It is set up very nicely.

India captain Virat Kohli: "It was a bit strange in the first game playing at home without the crowd. This game the crowd made a massive difference.

"Our application with the bat was outstanding. Conditions were challenging for both sides but we showed more application to grit it out. It was a perfect game for us."

Player of the match Ravichandran Ashwin: "This wicket is very different to what we played on in the first game. The balls that were doing much were not getting wickets. You had to play on the mind of batsmen to get wickets.

"It is easy to say 'go out bowl and you will get wickets'. It's not as easy as it looks. It takes a certain amount of guile to be able to do it."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on The Cricket Social: "England can't just say 'these things happen on these kinds of wickets' because they will come up against India again in the next two Tests on similar kinds of wickets. It's all about how they improve and learn."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has appointed Ama Agbeze and Geoff Thompson to the board of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee to help deliver the biggest sporting and cultural event ever staged in the West Midlands. 

Originally from Birmingham, Ama Agbeze captained Team England's netballers to their historic Commonwealth gold medal at the Gold Coast 2018 Games, as well as winning a bronze medal at the Melbourne 2006 Games. Ama is also ambassador for the United by Birmingham 2022 community programme. With her in-depth knowledge of international sport and as a qualified lawyer, she has held a number of roles as an ambassador, trustee and board member to various charitable organisations as well as Commonwealth Games England over recent years.

Geoff is a former five times world karate champion and sports administrator, with experience in the bidding, hosting and legacy planning of major events including the Manchester 2002 and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. He is the founder of Youth Charter, a UK-based international charity and has also held a number of board appointments including with the London Legacy Development Corporation, the Muhammad Ali Center and the Independent Advisory Panel of the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “I’m delighted to be able to appoint Ama and Geoff to the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee board. Having both competed at the highest level and excelled in work across sport more widely, I know their experience will be invaluable to the board.

“They will play an important role in delivering the biggest sporting and cultural event the West Midlands has ever held, showcasing the best of the UK in what will be a landmark year for the country."

The board oversees the planning and delivery of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It remains on budget and on schedule to be held from 28 July to 8 August 2022. 

The board is made up of sports, civic and business experts and leaders representing Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, the UK Government, Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games England. Members of the board will serve until 30 June 2023 following the delivery of the Games. 

Chair of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee board, John Crabtree, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be able to welcome Ama and Geoff to the Birmingham 2022 board and I am very much looking forward to getting their input, insight and ideas as we ramp up the delivery of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Their sporting expertise speaks for itself  - they are world beaters and incredibly inspiring individuals.  They know what it takes to seize an opportunity in order to achieve something great.  From our conversations so far they have made clear how passionate they are about Birmingham and the West Midlands and how they share in our vision to bring the benefits of these Games to as many people as possible. They are very welcome additions to the board.” 

Ama Agbeze said: “Having a major competition on your doorstep is a rarity. Therefore, being part of the Organising Committee for a Commonwealth Games that will showcase your home city and its surroundings to the world is an absolute privilege for me - a definite once in a lifetime opportunity which I will relish. I am looking forward to fully engaging with the role and working with John and the rest of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee Board to ensure the Games are a celebration of sport, community, culture and equality.”

Geoff Thompson added: “I am excited to be returning to my home region of the West Midlands and joining the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee. My aim is to contribute to the delivery of a Games that will bring the global Commonwealth community together and celebrate a diversity of legacy, hope and opportunity to our young people and communities both at home and abroad.”

Newcastle United are said to be leading a list of English Premier League teams for the signing of former England striker Daniel Sturridge. The Magpies have been offered the chance to sign free agent striker for the remainder of the season.

The 31-year-old has been without a club since March 2020, when his contract with Turkish side Trabzonspor was terminated after just six months at the club. He has been keeping fit whilst mindful of the possibility of a return to football, with a move to Major League Soccer also been suggested.

However, it has been confirmed that the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City still yearns for the chance to return to the Premier League. West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United have both made contact with Sturridge, but Newcastle who have just lost star striker Callum Wilson to a hamstring injury, have been said to be showing the greater interest.

Intermediaries have offered Newcastle the chance to bring in Sturridge on a short-term deal until the end of the season. Sturridge is said to be open to any Premier League offers as he is keen to prove both his fitness and his level, and the interest in him means a potential move could arrive before the current campaign comes to a close.

Newcastle are yet to make a decision on Sturridge, who has 26 England caps was a UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea, and starred in the Team GB football team during the London 2012 Olympics. They are considering all of their options with top scorer Wilson, with ten goals this year, expected to miss up to two months of action, leaving manager Steve Bruce with only Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle as senior strikers to choose between.

Starting at Aston Villa, before moving on to Coventry City, at his peak, Sturridge starred for Liverpool as he linked up with Luis Suarez at Anfield, as they formed a deadly partnership, most notably in the 2013/14 season. Injuries have hampered his career since then, but on his day he surely has what it takes to offer something to teams like Newcastle at the lower end of the table.

Qatar Airways, official airline partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2020, congratulates FC Bayern Munich who secured a 1–0 win in the final, concluding an action-filled tournament that featured the world’s continental club champions. The finals, at The Education City Stadium, saw the European representatives defeat Mexico’s Tigres UANL in a thrilling contest.

Qatar Airways cabin crew graced the prize distribution ceremony, presenting the individual player awards and trophies, with Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, saying: “Over the last week, we have witnessed the artistry of players capture the excitement of fans around the world. I congratulate FC Bayern Munich for emerging as worthy victors after their match winning display.

“I would also like to commend Tigres for their spirited performance and for coming this far. Our partnership with FIFA remains tied to the mission of utilising the power of football to unite people of all ages and backgrounds.

“Following a passionate and entertaining FIFA Club World Cup 2020 campaign, we look forward to welcoming the world to Qatar, as we prepare to host a memorable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022”. In addition to being the Official Airline Partner of FIFA, the Qatar Airways football family of top global clubs includes Al Sadd SC, AS Roma, Boca Juniors, FC Bayern München, K.A.S. Eupen and Paris Saint-Germain.

The company’s global sporting partnership portfolio aims to reflect the values of sport in bringing people together. The national carrier of the State of Qatar has key partnerships with several other high-profile sport events and organisations.

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 800 weekly flights to over 120 destinations across the globe. By the end of March 2021, Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its network to over 130 destinations with many cities to be served with a strong schedule of daily or more frequencies. 

Facebook says it is "horrified" at the continued online abuse of footballers and has announced what is says are tougher measures to tackle the issue. The social media platform is changing the rules governing direct messaging on Instagram, a platform it also owns. It will disable the accounts of those found to have repeatedly sent abusive private messages on Instagram.

UK head of content policy Fadzai Madzingira said it was saddening to see continued abuse on the platforms. She said: "I'm horrified at the type of abuse that people, especially these footballers, have to deal with on the basis of who they are, whether it's their race or their religion or their gender, and as a company, we're disappointed to see that sort of behaviour that plays out offline also playing out on our platform.

"It's why we're making the announcements today about taking tougher measures to go after accounts that are violating our community standards and our goals within Instagram direct messages."

A number of Premier League footballers including Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe, West Brom's Romaine Sawyers and Chelsea full-back Reece James have been subjected to abusive online messages in recent weeks. The Football Association has called for action from the government, which has since stated social media companies could face "large fines" potentially amounting to "billions of pounds" if they fail to tackle abuse on their platforms.

Asked whether Facebook was enabling such abuse, Madzingira said: "No, to imply that it's about enabling I think would be inaccurate. I think that platforms like ours allow communities of people to connect on the things that they love. If we need to have a conversation about hate, it really needs to be not what is just happening on the platform."

Footballers past and present have called for users of social media platforms to be required to provide verification documents when creating accounts so that they can be traced more effectively if they breach rules. Facebook says this measure would prove challenging in communities where such documents would not be readily available.

Fadzai added: "If we were to insist on using government ID or passport details we would be barring access to the very people who use our platforms to build communities, so we are very conscious we allow for that access." The company claims it took action on 6.5 million pieces of hate speech on Instagram between July and September last year, including within direct messages which are harder to police because of privacy rules. She explained: "To date, if someone violated the rules in Instagram direct messages, we would set a specific ban or a block for a certain amount of time and extend that period, should they continue to violate.

“Today we're announcing that we will now be removing those accounts, should they continue to violate within Instagram direct messaging." Facebook said it would not spell out how many offences would trigger removal as offenders could use the information to game the system and said it was doing everything they can to fight hate and racism on their platform, but added that the problems are bigger than them.

Some users have sought a ban on specific emojis commonly used in racist messages but Ms Madzingira argued against banning symbols that could be used innocently in other contexts. She also said filters could be used to prevent others from leaving offensive comments on posts, and that work was also being done to prevent banned users from opening new accounts.

Asked whether Facebook has prioritised profits over clamping down on abuse, Madzingira said: "I think that would be an inaccurate assessment. Because if people didn't feel safe on the platform they wouldn't be able to be there.

"We accept that being able to deal with this issue is everyone's responsibility and we want to play our part. The frustration that these players have is right - it is horrifying the abuse they are receiving."

The risk of coronavirus transmission from sharing sports equipment is "lower than once thought", a study suggests. Researchers, led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, applied live virus particles to nine types of sports equipment and a control material. They concluded that it seems unlikely that sports balls and accessories are a major cause for transmission.

Last June Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that cricket balls are a "natural vector" of coronavirus. The Strike study found the virus was least transferrable on absorbent materials like cricket gloves and tennis balls, compared with non-porous equipment like racing saddles and rugby balls. The researchers found that there was rapid decay of viral particles across several types of equipment, and it was very difficult to transfer live virus back off it. Close contact between players is likely to be a more important mode of spreading the virus than sharing equipment, researchers concluded.

James Calder, from Imperial College and Fortius Clinic, said: "The findings in this study are important not only for elite athletes, but also for community sports and our schools.

"It shows that the risk of transmission when sharing sports equipment is lower than was once thought and it highlights the importance of promoting other infection control measures in sports, whilst urging equipment manufacturers to identify surfaces that may be less likely to retain viable virus."

During the study a low dose and a high dose of live coronavirus was applied to a cricket glove, a football, a golf ball, a piece of gym pit foam, a horse saddle, both red and white cricket balls, a rugby ball and a tennis ball, as well as a piece of stainless steel as a control material. Each was tested after one minute, five minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 90 minutes, to see whether live virus could be transferred off the equipment at time points that were relevant to sports events.

When the low dose was applied, virus was recoverable on seven of the 10 items tested after one minute, one of the 10 after five minutes - the horse saddle - and none of the 10 after 15 minutes. When the high dose was applied, virus was recoverable on nine out of the 10 items after one and five minutes - all except the cricket glove - six out of 10 after 30 minutes, and two out of 10 after 90 minutes (the rugby ball and horse saddle). However, the study - which is awaiting peer review - found that the "mean recovery of the virus fell across all materials to 0.74% at one minute, 0.39% at 15 minutes and 0.003% at 90 minutes".

Dr Emily Adams, a senior lecturer at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said: "Anything that is slightly absorbent like a tennis ball or some of the leathery cricket balls, it's very difficult to transfer any live virus off those. So we think that transmission from sports equipment is probably very low in these cases. In many sports, like tennis, really the public health intervention should be focused on players and how players interact before a game, during a game and after a game and in transport rather than the sports equipment itself." The study found there was a noticeable difference in the viral recovery of red and white cricket balls.

It says: "Despite the white and red cricket ball surfaces both being composed of bovine leather, the different coatings used to finish the surfaces (synthetic grease on the red ball, nitrocellulose on the white ball) had a noticeable effect on viral recovery, with the red ball having a lower level." The study concludes that, given the differences in virus transfer between the types of sports equipment, the findings could "direct the engineering of materials that retain and absorb virus" as opposed to water-repellent materials, where the ability to transfer virus particles back off a surface is greater.

Another significant milestone has been reached at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick after the dive tower, which will be used for the diving competition at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, was completed. The dive tower, which took five weeks to build, includes 31 separate English made, concrete pieces weighing 233 tonnes in total. The structure is 10m and took five people 2000 hours to build.

The diving competition at Birmingham 2022 will see men and women compete in the 1m and 3m springboard events and the 10m platform event, as well as the 3m springboard and 10m platform synchronised events. For the first time ever at a Commonwealth Games, there will also be mixed synchronised 3m springboard and mixed synchronised 10m platform diving included on the programme.

Team England has a great record of winning diving medals at the Commonwealth Games having previously bagged 75, including 31 golds, 22 silvers and 22 bronze medals. One of the team’s most recent diving medallists is Noah Williams, who won silver in the men’s 10m synchronised platform competition on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Noah, who is also a European bronze medallist, recently saw photos and video footage of the completed dive tower and said: “The dive tower looks so impressive, as does the whole Sandwell Aquatics Centre – it is going to be a fantastic facility to compete in and there will be lots of divers across the Commonwealth who will be really excited to see this phenomenal progress.

“Seeing the completed dive tower means that you can now start to visualise what it would be like to compete at Birmingham 2022 and I’m sure that come Games time the atmosphere inside that venue will be absolutely unreal, especially with a home crowd to support Team England.”

The Sandwell Aquatics Centre will host swimming and para swimming at the Commonwealth Games from 29 July to 3 August and the diving competition from 4 August to 8 August. With 66 medal events in total set to be held at the facility, it will be the stage for more medal moments than any other Birmingham 2022 venue.

As it is such a crucial facility for the Games, Birmingham 2022 Chief Executive, Ian Reid, has been carefully following progress over the last 18 months and said: “This is another key milestone in the construction of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, the only brand new venue for Birmingham 2022. The progress on this facility is clear for everyone to see and it is remarkable how much has been achieved in the space of 12 months. The dive tower looks incredible and I’m sure its completion will really help to focus the minds of those divers looking to compete at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in 18 months’ time.”

The £73 million project is being funded by several partners. Sandwell Council is contributing £27 million, with £38.5 million coming from the overall Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games budget. A further £7.6 million is funded by other external partners Sport England, Black Country LEP, Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) and University of Wolverhampton.

Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage said: "The Aquatics Centre is really taking shape and the new dive tower is another important milestone in this exciting build. The Centre will be a spectacular stage for our home nation swimmers and divers, and an important sporting legacy for the people of Sandwell."

The project is being overseen by Sandwell Council and the council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “We are thrilled to be marking yet another major milestone, the completion of the 10-metre dive tower, at the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre on Londonderry Lane in Smethwick. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our construction partners who have worked diligently throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to bring this amazing venue to life.

“The completion of the dive tower marks a pivotal moment for the aquatics centre and displays this world-class facility as the host venue for the swimming and diving events for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Reaching this milestone is testament to the strong relationships we have forged with all our partners since the beginning of this project which has enabled us to deliver this project on time and on budget.”

CGF President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “The completion of the dive tower at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre is another exciting milestone as we progress towards Birmingham 2022. I believe this state-of-the-art facility will be one of the outstanding legacies of the Commonwealth Games.

“In addition to jobs and investment for Sandwell, the local community will benefit immeasurably from having a world-class facility that has a 50m swimming pool, a 25m diving pool and a community swimming pool, in addition to seats for up to 1,000 spectators. As we begin to look optimistically ahead to the Games, I have no doubt that the Sandwell Aquatics Centre will provide the perfect stage for the world’s top athletes to showcase the very best of Commonwealth Sport.” 

Robyn Birch, is another Team England diver, who will be hoping to compete at the new centre. She said: “The dive tower looks fantastic and its completion is a really important milestone for those divers looking to compete at Birmingham 2022.

“Seeing the photos and video footage of the new centre as it develops will help to inspire me during training over the next 18 months. Gold Coast 2018 was a fantastic experience, but it would be truly amazing to compete at a home Games.”

James Anderson and Jack Leach bowled England to a famous 227-run victory against India on the final day of the first Test in Chennai. Anderson inspired England with 3-17 and Jack Leach took 4-76 as England inflicted just a second home defeat on their hosts in eight years.

India made a decent start in their pursuit of a world record 420, before Anderson swung the game in devastating fashion when introduced. He bowled Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane in an incredible over of reverse swing and had the dangerous Rishabh Pant caught soon after.

Virat Kohli held England up in the afternoon session with 72 but he was bowled by one that scuttled low from Ben Stokes. Leach claimed the key wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara at the start of the day and saw off Ravichandran Ashwin, who put on 54 with Kohli. Jofra Archer sealed the win by having Jasprit Bumrah caught behind 35 minutes before tea.

England, heavy underdogs before the series began, take a 1-0 lead into the second match of the four-Test series, which begins on Saturday at the same ground. They have also jumped to the top of the standings in the World Test Championship but must win the series 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0 to reach this summer's final. The victory must rank as England's greatest in recent years in Test cricket.

There have been landmark successes: the Ben Stokes-inspired victory in the 2019 Ashes, a historic win in Cape Town 13 months ago and a fine comeback against Pakistan last summer. But this is India in India. Kohli's side had lost one of their last 35 home Tests, a run going back to their last series defeat on home soil - England's victory under Alastair Cook in 2012.

There were questions about the tourists' tactics on the fourth day, and Kohli delayed things for a while, but Anderson and Leach ensured those whispers were irrelevant. It was almost the perfect performance from England, who are unbeaten in 11 Tests under Joe Root's captaincy. Root has also equalled Michael Vaughan's record of 26 Tests wins as England captain, doing so in 47 Tests as opposed to Vaughan's 51.

There were stand-out performances from experienced players like Root, whose first-innings 218 set up the win, Stokes and Anderson but also contributions from their emerging young players.

Kohli batted well on the final day and looked to be finding form after a period out for the birth of his first child. Spinner Ashwin will also be boosted by nine wickets in the match. India showed during their recent series in Australia they can respond to adversity. There they were bowled out 36 in losing the first Test and recovered to take the series 2-1.

They must do so again now to maintain their run of 12 home series wins in a row.

Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks has died. The American achieved a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in 1978, in just his eighth professional fight. He had suffered with health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019.

A statement from his management company said: "His final fight was fought with the same skill, grace and grit that had carried him through so many lifetime challenges." The former US marine died in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Brenda Glur Spinks by his side.

The statement added: "Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile. Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel."

Born in St Louis, Spinks won gold at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, then rose to greater prominence a little more than 18 months later, given the nod via a split decision to stun Ali and claim the WBC, WBA and lineal heavyweight titles. In one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport, Spinks defied his 10-1 underdog odds with bookmakers to prevail after 15 rounds, winning 145-140 and 144-141 on two scorecards while a third went 143-142 in favour of Ali.

His reign as world champion lasted exactly seven months as a sharper and fitter Ali gained revenge in a rematch in September 1978, becoming the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion after a comfortable points win. Spinks did get another opportunity for heavyweight glory in June 1981, but was stopped inside three rounds by Larry Holmes.

Spinks then dropped down to cruiserweight but was defeated by WBA champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1986. He boxed on for another nine years and finished with a record of 26 wins, 17 defeats and three draws.

Known for his gap-toothed grin, Spinks' battles in the ring contributed to his ill health in later life. It was found he had shrinkage in the brain in 2012 before his cancer diagnosis was confirmed a few years later. His son Cory, 42, is a former undisputed welterweight champion who also won a world title in the light-middleweight division.

Spinks' younger brother Michael, 64, was undisputed light-heavyweight champion for a period in the 1980s, before moving up to heavyweight, where he won the IBF title and avenged Leon's loss to Holmes.

He was 67.

A Midlands firm has been appointed to design, license, and retail a comprehensive range of official Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sport products, with the first due to go on sale online in the next couple of months.

Birmingham 2022 and CGF Partnerships have appointed Cube International, with offices in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as the master licensee responsible for designing, sourcing, delivering and retailing licensed products at official Birmingham 2022 shops, other local and national retail outlets and via a dedicated online shop accessed via the birmingham2022.com website.

Around 1,500 products will be developed and sold, featuring Birmingham 2022, Commonwealth Sport and Home Nations branding. A first phase of merchandise, including hoodies and t-shirts, mugs, water bottles and pin badges will go on sale online in the next couple of months. Cube International will also create exclusive ranges for the Birmingham 2022 official mascot, which will be unveiled later this year. Around 35 official retail stores will be set up, including a Birmingham city centre megastore, and at a number of other city centre locations, transport hubs, Games venues and temporary live sites. Cube International will also be responsible for building and operating the official online store.

The retail stores will employ around 300 people, with staff recruited where possible with the support of the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority to generate job opportunities for and improve the skills of local people. Roles will include customer service, security and warehousing positions. In addition to these official retail stores, other local and national retailers are being encouraged to register their interest in selling Commonwealth Games products.

Games organisers are also keen to work with West Midlands firms to develop further product lines that bring the region’s creative flair to life. In line with Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sport’s social value commitments, the range of products and the shops they are sold in will have a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on limiting single use plastics, responsibly managing waste materials, and reducing carbon emissions.

Ian Reid, Birmingham 2022 CEO, said: “Our retail offering will help to bring the Games to life, building excitement as Birmingham 2022 draws closer. It will also help to support the West Midlands’ economic recovery as we recruit around 300 people to work in our retail outlets in the run up to the Games.

“I’m also happy to be working with a Midlands business, Cube International, which has the global expertise to deliver this product range.  I can’t wait to see a whole variety of Commonwealth Games items for sale online and in shops over the next few months. I’ll be first in line to buy a cuddly toy!”

Cube International is an expert sports retail, e-commerce, licensing, and merchandise business which works with international sports events such as The Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the Cricket World Cup, as well as with the NHS and brands including Sainsbury’s.

Andy Moss, Cube International’s Executive Chairman, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the Master Licensee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The vision of the Games and the values that they represent harmonises with Cube’s working philosophy and enables us to fully collaborate across all areas to deliver an incredible experience for visitors, fans and commercial partners.

“It is incredibly exciting to be working with such an imaginative team and, together, we are looking to reimagine and redefine major event retail. We very much look forward to opening our first official store and bringing to life an exciting and sustainable retail and merchandise programme.”

CEO of CGF Partnerships, David Leather, said: “We selected Cube International as our master licensee following an internationally competitive process. Cube has the experience and capability to deliver this official product range, and shares the social values and ambitions both of the Commonwealth Sport movement and Birmingham 2022. I am confident we will see that reflected in the exciting yet sustainable range of products they are developing.

“As preparations for the Games continue, this range will help to create an inspiring brand identity that gives the public the chance to own a part of the Commonwealth Games story and a piece of history.”

Paul Blanchard, Commonwealth Games England Chief Executive, said: “We can’t wait to see what Cube International produce for the nation to get behind their favourite athletes and support them at a home Games. This is an exciting point in time as we get closer to the Games and we can see that support come to life.”

Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, Andy Street, said: “One of the main reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the region was the employment opportunities it will create across the West Midlands, and I am pleased to see today’s announcement is unlocking hundreds more jobs for local people.

“We are so fortunate to have the Commonwealth Games coming to our region at what will be such a difficult time for many people’s livelihoods, and I would encourage everyone to look at the job opportunities available through the Games and see how they can get involved.”

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is another exciting step towards the Birmingham 2022 Games and the agreement will boost business locally, opening up many opportunities for retail jobs, which is crucial at a time when the sector is coming to terms with the devastating impact of the pandemic.

“I know when I see someone wearing a Birmingham 2022 pin badge of carrying a reusable branded water bottle. I will have an immense feeling of pride.”

It was announced that the English Football League's first Black manager, Tony Collins, has died.

He spent seven years in charge of Rochdale A.F.C. and led them to a League Cup final in 1962, before later worked as chief scout at both Manchester United and Leeds United.

After a playing career with Sheffield Wednesday, York City, Watford, Norwich City, Torquay United, Crystal Palace and Rochdale, he went into management at Rochdale, who were, at the time, in what was the old Division Four - now League Two - during his time there.

He managed Rochdale, initially while playing, until 1967 but worked again as a manager only as caretaker in 1980 at Bristol City, where he had been chief scout and assistant.

He then scouted for Don Revie at Leeds and for Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, where the players he brought in included former England international Lee Sharpe. When Revie became England manager he employed Collins to provide dossiers on the opposition.

The highlight of his tenure there was when he took Dale to the League Cup final, which was then a two-leg affair before it was switched to its present Wembley venue in 1967. Dale lost 4-0 on aggregate to Norwich City.

Former Manchester United boss Ferguson sent his "deepest condolences", adding: "His family should be very proud of all he achieved."

Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton, who is also a League Managers Association (LMA) board member, added: "Tony has always been an inspiration to me as I continue alongside my colleagues to campaign to see more diversity in management and coaching across the game. He will be very sorely missed."

LMA chair Howard Wilkinson said: "Tony was a true pioneer of the sport.

"He was known throughout the game for his ability to recognise and nurture talent, a skill which enabled him to have a huge impact on the lives of others."

He was 94.

Surrounded by 33,643 red roses - one for each and every point he scored in his 20-year

Career - athletes, musicians, actors, and adoring fans gathered together to mark a year since the tragic passing of one of the NBA’s greatest ever.

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, WNBA superstar Diana Taurasi, Connecticut Women's Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma, fellow-NBA Hall of Famers Shaquille O'Neal, and Michael Jordan all spoke to pay their homage one year after the tragic helicopter crash which took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven other people who on board.

Showered in a purple, and with spotlights shining on his two gold jerseys hanging in the rafters, thousands gathered inside and out on the corner of Chick Hearn Court and Figueroa Street for a celebration of life.

February 24, 2020 was a symbolic day combining both Gianna and Kobe Bryant's jersey numbers with the 20 years he played for the all-conquering LA Lakers. And with every major television network around the world carrying the event live, millions of people watched with tears in their eyes for a send-off the likes of which has never been recorded before.

Legends of the music industry too made their telling and heart-felt emotions known too with superstars Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé all performing – all remembering Kobe Bean Bryant. All reflecting back on the year that was, and the legacy he leaves behind.

During the celebration of life ceremony at the Staples Centre, widow and mother, Vanessa, still grieving a year on said: "God knew they couldn't be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home together." Reflecting on first hearing the news of the tragic accident, current Lakers' forward Anthony Davis mused: "I knew he was known and popular, but I didn't know how impactful he was worldwide.

"He inspired so many people, and that's why so many people feel the pain the basketball community felt last year. As we approach his one-year anniversary, it saddens our hearts to actually come to the realization that he's gone." But Kobe's legacy goes on - beyond basketball.

After retiring, age 37, he became a filmmaker and won an Oscar. He also became a storyteller – and published many books. He also became a philanthropist and established the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and even began coaching 13-year-old Gianna's youth basketball team. On the day they died, he was travelling to a basketball tournament to coach her and her teammates.

Michael Jordan, who ‘wore’ the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) tag just as Kobe was establishing himself as a Lakers all-time geat, said: "Kobe gave every last ounce of himself to whatever he was doing. After basketball, he showed his creative side.

“In retirement, he seemed so happy. He found new passions and continued to give back as a coach to his daughters. More importantly, he was an amazing dad and an amazing husband. He loved his daughters with all his heart."

The memories of Kobe and Gianna Bryant will live on in the hearts of people the world over for what they represented – on and off the court – for generations to come.