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Nottingham Open: Harriet Dart beats Anhelina Kalinina for all-British quarter-final
Watch the best shots as Great Britain's Harriet Dart beats Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina 6-0 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals of the Nottingham Open, where she will face compatriot Katie Boulter.
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Nottingham Open 2023: Andy Murray, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart & Jodie Burrage all reach quarter-finals
Andy Murray reached the Nottingham Open quarter-finals with a 6-3 7-5 victory over France's Hugo Grenier to cap a record-breaking day for British tennis.
Murray's win came after Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage joined Heather Watson in the women's last eight - the first time four British women have reached the quarter-finals of the same WTA Tour event.
Burrage's 7-5 6-3 victory over world number 21 and Australian Open semi-finalist Magda Linette was arguably the standout result.
"When we are all doing well it really pushes everyone on," said world number 131 Burrage. "It is a bit daunting going on after the other two [Boulter and Dart] won, it was a little bit of pressure.
"But in the same breath it did help as well, but when you're out on court you're just wanting to win."
The 24-year-old will face Poland's Magdalena Frech in her first WTA quarter-final in the opening match on Centre Court at 11:00 BST on Friday.
Boulter and Dart will play each other in an all-British quarter-final in the following match, ensuring there will be at least one home player in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Watson, who booked her quarter-final spot on Wednesday, takes on Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic in the third match on Centre.
Murray praises 'brilliant' British results
Murray, having claimed his first title on home soil since Wimbledon in 2016 with his win at Surbiton last week, secured an early break to take control of the first set against Grenier.
The Frenchman came out firing in the second but the Scot rallied with a hold to love to draw level at 5-5 before following up with a break and then serving out the match to secure a straight-set win.
He is ranked 44th in the world and is trying to secure a top-32 seeding for Wimbledon, which begins on 3 July.
"It's been a lot of matches for me," said Murray. "I'm an old boy now so it takes me a bit longer to recover but I'm feeling good."
Murray joins fellow Briton George Loffhagen in Friday's quarter-finals and said it was exciting to see so many home players having success at the tournament.
"It's brilliant, especially for the women, they've done well this week. A lot of them have had injury problems but they've all started the grass-court season well. Let's keep it going into the weekend."
Anther Briton, Ryan Peniston, ranked 201 in the world, lost 6-4 6-2 to Switzerland's number eight seed Dominic Stricker - who Murray will now face not before 16:00 BST on Friday.
Boulter and Dart set up all-British quarter-final
New British number one Boulter came through a tricky encounter with Ukrainian lucky loser Daria Snigur in straight sets to reach her third quarter-final at the Nottingham tournament.
Boulter, ranked 126 in the world after reaching the semi-finals of the Surbiton Trophy last week, beat 21-year-old Snigur 7-5 6-3.
Boulter squandered seven break points in the first set but was persistent and went on to capitalise on Snigur's hampered movement, due to a knee injury she received treatment for midway through the second set.
"It was an absolute battle, I'm really proud of myself," said Boulter.
"I put my heart on the line and played as well as I could. A couple of those games were ridiculous. It was so tough."
Dart set up a quarter-final against her compatriot with a 6-0 7-5 win over Ukrainian fifth seed Anhelina Kalinina.
The 26-year-old dominated the first set and did not drop a single game as Kalinina, number 25 in the world, struggled to get going.
But after Dart received treatment to what seemed like a lower-back strain, she was made to work for the second, going a break down but battling back to secure a late break of her own and progress.
"I hope to play more sets like that [first set]," said Dart. "I knew I had to come out firing - I'm just really pleased to be able to come through in two sets."We're [she and Boulter] good friends but let the better player win tomorrow!"
Doubles success for Brits
In the men's doubles, British duo Liam Broady and Jonny O'Mara secured a comfortable 6-1 6-4 win over India's Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni to reach the semi-finals.
Joining them in the last four are fellow Britons Jacob Fearnley and Johannus Monday, who beat Anirudh Chandrasekar and Vijay Sundar Prashanth 7-6 (7-4) 6-3, and the British pairs could meet in the title match should they both win their semi-finals.
In the women's doubles, British pair Watson and Dart beat Spain's Cristina Bucsa and Japan's Makoto Ninomiya 6-4 7-6 (9-7) as they prepare for their respective quarter-finals on Friday.
Meanwhile in the Libema Open in the Netherlands, Britain's Neal Skupski and Dutch team-mate Wesley Koolhof moved into the quarter-finals of the men's doubles.
The top-seeded pairing, who lost in the US Open final last year, overcame American pair Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow in a final-set tie break 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (5-7) 10-3.
ITTF President and CEO Visit Paris 2024 Table Tennis Venue
ITTF President Petra Sörling and ITTF Group CEO Steve Dainton today visited the table tennis venue for the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Accompanied by Gilles de la Bourdonnaye, Paris 2024 Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis Sport Manager, and Michel Gadal, consultant for GL Events, the delegation explored the state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to hosting this prestigious event.
Table tennis and Para Table Tennis will be hosted in South Paris Arena #4, an exhibition and convention centre which will be a major hub for the Paris 2024 Games.
The visit began with a tour of the competition hall, where the world’s top table tennis athletes will showcase their skills in pursuit of Olympic and Paralympic glory. The venue’s design will provide an optimal setting for the exciting matches that lie ahead. Next on the agenda was the practice hall, that will cater to the needs of athletes from across the globe, ensuring they have the best possible preparation for the Games.
In addition to the sporting arenas, the delegation explored the hospitality areas of the venues, which will offer a first-class experience.
The ITTF President and CEO expressed their admiration for the venue’s quality and praised the collaborative efforts between of the Paris 2024 team.
“The venue for table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games is remarkable. It showcases the commitment and experience of Paris 2024 and the ITTF to provide world-class facilities for our athletes to compete at the highest level.” – Petra Sörling
“With 407 days to go, I am delighted with the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I am confident the table tennis events will offer an extraordinary experience for athletes and spectators alike.” – Steve Dainton
Richard Collier-Keywood becomes Welsh Rugby Union's first independent chair
Richard Collier-Keywood has become the first independent chair of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
The barrister is a former senior adviser to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Collier-Keywood is joined on the WRU board by Alison Thorne who has been appointed as an independent non-executive director (INED).
Thorne, who was shortlisted for the chair post, is chair of National Dance Company Wales.
She also holds the chair of Barcud Housing Association and non-executive roles as a board member at Sport Wales, governor of Cardiff Metropolitan University and independent panel member for public appointments for Welsh Government.
Collier-Keywood, whose mother grew up in Maesteg in south Wales, becomes the first appointed - rather than elected - chair in WRU history and will take over the post officially in July from Ieuan Evans.
"I'm absolutely delighted to accept the role as chair of the WRU. Welsh rugby has always been hugely emotional for me and it is such a strength that there are millions of us that care and feel the same way," said Collier-Keywood, a former global vice-chairman of financial services firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).
"The hard work of Ieuan Evans and (WRU acting chief executive) Nigel Walker over the last few months has meant that we have a solid platform to take forward."
Collier-Keywood will lead the process of appointing a permanent WRU chief executive - the role filled by Walker since the resignation of Steve Phillips following allegations of misogyny, sexism and racism within Welsh rugby's governing body.
Walker has applied to become the permanent WRU chief executive, while the organisation has one further vacant INED spot to fill following the appointment of Thorne.
Thorne said of her role: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the WRU board at this exciting time for the game in Wales.
"Change has been necessary and, perhaps, overdue as recognised by the commitment to a new way forward by the community and professional game members. This commitment will enable the game to become truly inclusive and successful as we all work together towards that aim.
"It will be incumbent upon myself and colleagues joining the board to ensure that progress continues to be made... Welsh rugby has been the pride of Wales and it will be a privilege to be a part of rebuilding and developing that pride and passion."
The appointments are part of modernisation proposals that were passed overwhelmingly at the WRU's extraordinary general meeting in March, which included a commitment that at least five members of the 12-person board should be women.
"We have made two hugely exciting appointments in both Alison and Richard and I welcome them both to Welsh rugby," said former Wales and British and Irish Lions wing Evans, who will stay on as chair for a short transition period and work alongside his successor over the next few weeks.
"I would like to personally thank everyone who has expressed an interest in joining the WRU board at this time of seismic change for our governance structure, we have been humbled by the high calibre of candidates in all quarters.
"Our new-look board is beginning to take shape and I have every confidence that we will have the diversity of talent and skillset to ensure our place in the elite women's and men's game and to continue to grow and support all sections of our community game, both male and female, when the process is complete."
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad needs shoulder surgery and will miss the start of training camp.
Ekblad, who also played most of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a broken foot, confirmed the news Thursday.
"We're going to get it fixed," he said. "So no, I won't be ready for September, but shortly after that."
Ekblad and the Panthers lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final in five games. He recorded two goals and six assists and averaged 23 minutes and 57 seconds of ice time in 20 postseason games.
He sustained the foot injury in the first round against Boston and dislocated his shoulder against Carolina in the Eastern Conference finals.
"It wasn't easy, but it was worth it, and it was fun," Ekblad said. "You adjust to the pain and stuff like that. It actually gets easier as you go. First three weeks with the foot was tough and it was more painful off the ice than on the ice, which was good. And then everything else, it was tough, but again, you're just evolved to just adjust over time."
Ekblad, 27, recorded 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 71 games during the regular season. He has 329 points (111 goals, 218 assists) in 625 games since making his NHL debut with Florida in 2014.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice also confirmed Thursday that forward Eetu Luostarinen broke his tibia in Game 4 of the conference finals against the Hurricanes, causing him to miss the series against Vegas.
Luostarinen, 24, does not need surgery. He recorded 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) in 82 games during the regular season and added two goals and three assists in 16 playoff games.
Forward Jesper Bratt has signed an eight-year, $63 million contract extension with the New Jersey Devils ahead of restricted free agency this summer, the team announced Thursday.
The contract has an average annual value of $7.875 million against the salary cap, the third-highest on the Devils behind defenseman Dougie Hamilton ($9 million) and center Jack Hughes ($8 million).
"It was always a priority to keep Jesper Bratt here long term, and both parties are thrilled that a deal was completed," general manager Tom Fitzgerald said. "I value and commend the commitment Jesper made to this organization. We believe that he is a special player and a key member of our core group of talent who will contribute towards the team's long-term success and organizational goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to New Jersey."
The contract salary breakdown is: 2023-24: $10 million; 2024-25: $9 million; 2025-26: $9 million; 2026-27: $8 million; 2027-28: $7.2 million; 2028-29: $7.2 million; 2029-30: $6.6 million and 2030-31: $6 million.
The deal does carry some trade protection.
Bratt will wear his contract value on his back -- he's No. 63 on the Devils.
The 24-year-old winger has 276 points, including 102 goals, in 389 NHL games over six seasons. Bratt had his highest goal-scoring season in 2022-23 with 32 and has posted 73 points in back-to-back seasons.
Bratt, who was born in Sweden, was selected at No. 162 in the 2016 NHL draft by the Devils.
The extension eliminates a potential headache for New Jersey in the offseason. Bratt was due to become a restricted free agent who was eligible for arbitration. His past two contract negotiations with Fitzgerald were at times contentious, especially last summer's talks, which ended with the two sides settling on a one-year deal worth $5.45 million last August.
In signing Bratt, the Devils secure one of the foundational players for their rebuild, which saw them win a playoff round for the first time since 2012 this season.
The next big order of business for New Jersey: Pending restricted free agent winger Timo Meier, their big trade deadline acquisition. Meier is due a one-year, $10 million qualifying offer for the Devils to retain his rights unless the Devils ink him to a new contract extension.
Report: U.S. Justice Department to investigate PGA Tour-PIF deal
Last week’s announcement that the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia had reached a “framework” agreement to create a new entity has drawn the attention of the Justice Department.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, a Tour official informed employees that the Justice Department plans to review the agreement for antitrust concerns. That review could delay the implementation of the agreement and cast doubt on the deal that was supposed to end the turf war between the Tour, LIV Golf, which is funded by the PIF, and the DP World Tour.
According to the WSJ report, the regulatory review could take a year.
The broad terms of the agreement call for an end to all litigation between the Tour, LIV Golf and the PIF and a pathway back to the Tour for players who joined the breakaway circuit but there were few other details. The Tour’s policy board is scheduled to meet in two weeks to begin work on a more definitive agreement.
The Justice Department was already investigating the Tour for possible antitrust violations and this will only intensify that review. Complicating things even more is the possibility of a similar review of the DP World Tour in Europe.
News of the intensified review is not a surprise given the push back from lawmakers since the agreement was announced.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the chairman of the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman on Monday asking for documents relating to the deal.
Two days later Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to examine the deal for potential antitrust violations, according to ESPN.com.
Lawmakers were likely not pleased by a letter sent to them by Monahan last week explaining the framework of the agreement and claiming that Congress left the Tour “on [its] own” against LIV Golf and the PIF.
Italian champions Napoli have named Rudi Garcia as their new coach, replacing Luciano Spalletti, the Serie A side said on Thursday.
Napoli did not specify the length of Garcia's contract.
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The 59-year-old coached Italy's AS Roma from 2013-16, before moving to French Ligue 1 sides Marseille and Lyon.
The Frenchman coached Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr last season. They finished second in the Saudi Pro League with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack.
Al Nassr parted ways Garcia in April, amid reports of an uneasy relationship with Ronaldo.
Former Napoli coach Spalletti, who led them to their first Italian league title since 1990, asked to take a break from the job for a year.
Kylian Mbappé said French President Emmanuel Macron has no influence on his career choices as the Paris Saint-Germain forward lost his cool Thursday when questioned about his future with the Ligue 1 champions.
Mbappé sent a letter to PSG stating that he had no intention of extending his contract, which expires in 2024, but he later clarified that he had not asked the French club to allow him to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
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When Mbappé was linked with a move away from PSG in 2021, Macron had urged him to stay at PSG and to continue playing in the French top flight.
French media reported earlier this week that Macron said he would push for Mbappé to stay, but the 24-year-old simply reiterated his stance that his plan was to remain with PSG next season.
"What influence does the president have? On my career today, in 2023, none. He wants me to stay in Paris, my objective is to stay. We're on the same wavelength," Mbappé told reporters ahead of France's European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar on Friday.
"Am I going to leave PSG? I've already answered, I've said that my objective is to stay at PSG, that's my only option at the moment. I'm ready to come back when preseason resumes.
"I didn't think a letter killed anyone or that I had offended anyone."
PSG face the dilemma of allowing Mbappé to run down the final year of his contract and being unable to recoup any of the €180 million ($196.94m) they spent in 2017 to sign the forward from AS Monaco.
Sources have told ESPN that Madrid are ready to bid for Mbappé this summer, with PSG willing to listen to offers of around €150m ($161.5m) rather than risk losing him for free in a year's time.
While Mbappé said he wants to stay in Paris next season, sources close to the club dressing room have told ESPN that he informed teammates he wasn't ruling out leaving this summer, either.
Sources added that Madrid are the player's preferred destination if he were to leave PSG this summer.
Mbappé has finished as Ligue 1's top scorer in the past five seasons.
"I've been used to it since I was very young. I'm thinking about tomorrow's game. That's my only concern," he said.
"What happens outside is secondary, I've always managed to do both. I want to show tomorrow that I'm a great player."
France coach Didier Deschamps also stood by Mbappé, who was named the team's captain in March.
"We discuss a lot of things with Kylian, he's captain of the team. ... He's committed to the group," Deschamps said.
"He's no more tense than usual. He's always in the spotlight, a bit more so recently, but that doesn't have any impact on him and not at all on the group."
Information from Alex Kirkland, Rodrigo Faez and Julien Laurens was used in this report.
Warwickshire prepare spare pitch in case of Just Stop Oil protests
Warwickshire have ramped up security levels to mitigate the threat of activists running onto the Edgbaston pitch and disrupting the first Ashes Test, and have also prepared a spare pitch that will be used in the event that the playing surface is damaged.
Just Stop Oil, a coalition of environmental action groups, have disrupted a number of high-profile sporting events in the UK over the past 18 months including Premier League football matches, the final of rugby union's Premiership and the World Snooker Championship.
"Like most high-profile venues, the security's already tight," Stuart Cain, Warwickshire's chief executive, said. "We've had a severe terrorism threat for the last four or five years, so you do plan very rigorously to manage that. But obviously it brings another dimension on top with some of the things that have gone on."
The ground have introduced enhanced bag-checks and pat-downs on entry and are encouraging fans to arrive early in order to ensure that they are in the seats in time for the start of play on Friday morning.
"If you rock up at 10.40am with a rucksack, hoping to get in at 10:45am for the anthems, you're just not going to make it," Cain said. "We've got protection like that and then we've got more protection around the ground and around the perimeter."
The ICC and Surrey also prepared a spare pitch for the World Test Championship final at The Oval last week, while MCC took measures to protect the Lord's Test against Ireland, which eventually passed without incident despite England's team bus being briefly delayed by a protest in central London on the first morning of the match.
"It's not unusual to have a spare wicket because who knows what might happen?" Cain said.
"But it's just become a bit more pronounced this year because of some of the concerns about what might happen with different kinds of protest groups. We're ready on the perimeter, we're ready in the ground, in the stands and around the rope. We hope that most people respect the fact that people just want to come and watch a great day of cricket and go home safely. "
The vast majority of tickets for the first four days of the Test have sold out and both captains are expecting lively crowds. "The Hollies Stand there is pretty vocal, but it's great," Pat Cummins said. "It's why playing and winning overseas is hard - because you've got hostile crowds who are pretty vocal in which team they're supporting."
But Cain is responsible for ensuring that the crowd's behaviour does not get out of hand - as it did during England's victory against India last year, when some fans were racially abused. "There's a lot we've done around promoting a safe and welcoming environment here," he said.
"I was really disappointed we had the issue, but I was really pleased with the response. We were able to pinpoint the two guys that were alleged to have caused the racist abuse, and then working with the police, they were both charged with a racially aggravated public order offence. I think really the best way to stamp some of that stuff out is real consequence.
"You try to make sure that you have facilities that mean everyone feels safe and welcome here: things like prayer rooms, food offerings, alcohol-free areas. Making sure that if you are a group of girls coming to watch, you feel safe and there's no sexism; if you are a couple of gay guys, you feel safe, there's no homophobia.
"It has become a lot more complicated now to stage games like this, but I do think that the atmosphere, the environment, the stadium and the day out that fans have is better as a consequence of that."
Matt Roller is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98