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Coco Gauff used her greater experience to fight back from a set down against 16-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva to reach the French Open fourth round.

American sixth seed Gauff, who is still only 19, remained calm and turned the match around to win 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-1.

Andreeva, who turned 16 in April, was perhaps fortunate not to be defaulted after angrily hitting a ball into fans.

Poland's Iga Swiatek, who beat Gauff in last year's final, also progressed with a 6-0 6-0 win over China's Wang Xinyu.

Swiatek, going for a third Roland Garros title, needed just 51 minutes to record her first 'double bagel' at a Grand Slam.

The world number one will face 2019 US Open winner Bianca Andreescu or Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko in the last 16.

Gauff is also waiting to find out who she will play, with Slovakia's world number 100 Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and American qualifier Kayla Day in action later on Saturday.

Gauff wins battle of the teenagers

With Gauff bursting on to the scene as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019 still feeling fresh in the memory, it felt odd seeing her in the rare position of playing a younger opponent.

Andreeva was still only 15 when she started her stunning run to the Madrid Open quarter-finals in April, turning 16 during the tournament and attracting praise from seasoned professionals - including Britain's former world number one Andy Murray - in the process.

Gauff insisted "age would not be a factor" when the two teenagers, who have practised together recently, played competitively for the first time.

But it was the American's greater experience that shone through.

In front of an enthralled Court Suzanne Lenglen, packed with fans eager to see two players who could be around at the top for years to come, the pair demonstrated their talent in a dramatic first set full of stunning shot-making, intense long rallies but also fragility.

Gauff fell a set behind on the same court in her opening match against Spain's Rebekah Masarova, saying afterwards she told herself not to "freak out" despite having lost her previous 15 matches when falling behind.

Instead, it was Andreeva whose frustration spilled over.

The youngster received a code violation, as per Grand Slam rules, in the first-set tie-break when she thumped a ball into the crowd and it hit a spectator, although the world number 147 could have been defaulted if umpire Timo Janzen had deemed it more serious.

She regained her composure to take the first set, but was unable to maintain her level as Gauff fought back.

"Mirra is super young and has a big future," Gauff said.

"I remember I played here when I was 16 so she has a lot to look forward to. I'm sure you'll see a lot more matches between us."

Barcelona want Messi and defensive mid - Xavi

Published in Soccer
Saturday, 03 June 2023 09:06

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is targeting the return of Lionel Messi and the signing of a defensive midfielder this summer.

Messi, 35, will play his final game for Paris Saint-Germain this weekend, with his contract expiring at the end of June, and Xavi has not hidden his desire to bring the forward back to the Catalan club.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Xavi said recently he expects a decision from Messi next week, with a club in Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami also reported to be options.

Replacing captain Sergio Busquets, who will not renew his contract at the club, is another task facing Barca ahead of next season, with ESPN previously revealing Martin Zubimendi, Ruben Neves and Sofyan Amrabat have all been considered.

"The priorities are very clear, I would really like Messi to return," Xavi said in a news conference ahead of Barca's final LaLiga game of the season away at Celta Vigo on Sunday.

"[Messi] knows that and I have spoken with him. From there, Leo aside, the other priority is a midfielder [to replace Busquets] in the ideal scenario.

"I can't give names really, but the club know my priorities and also the targets. I have been very clear. There are names and positions are in place depending on different scenarios."

Asked if Barca were in a position to make Messi an offer financially, Xavi added: "That's the club's issue, it's a question for [director of football] Mateu [Alemany].

"I am not responsible for that side of things. On the sporting side of things, I think it would be a spectacular signing. He would help us a lot.

"I wouldn't say I am nervous [about the situation]. I am expectant because I have been speaking with [Messi]. I would be thrilled if he came back.

"However, it's more a decision for him to make right now, a personal one. I would understand any outcome, but as Barca fan I would really like him to come back."

Delaying Barca's ability to act decisively is their financial situation. The club have submitted a two-year viability plan to LaLiga -- which details how they will make cutbacks to be able to register new contracts and make signings -- and hope to have it approved soon.

Therefore, all deals are on ice, with Xavi also having to postpone making a decision on which players will be allowed to leave this summer until the financial position is clear.

"I have not spoken with anyone about leaving because maybe we can't even bring players in," he explained. "And, if we can't, I'm not going to speak with players about leaving.

"The situation doesn't allow me to act. We are on standby at the moment, waiting to find out the exact scenario and what we can do. We're dependent on LaLiga and this viability plan."

Barca are looking to build on the back of winning their first LaLiga title since 2019 in Xavi's first full season as coach.

Their campaign comes to an end on Sunday at Celta, who could still be relegated to the second division if they lose, and Xavi says Barca want to bow out with a win even though they have nothing to play for.

"We want to end the season well and we want to hit individual objectives, which are [Robert] Lewandowski winning the top scorer award and [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen breaking the [LaLiga] clean sheet record," Xavi said.

"We don't have as much to play for as Celta, but we want to win. We've enjoyed this week, we have trained well and we will try to win."

Neither Busquets nor Jordi Alba will be involved in Vigo having played their final games for the club last weekend ahead of summer exits, while Ronald Araujo, Pedri and Alejandro Balde are all injured.

Youth team players Unai Hernandez, Marc Giui, Pau Prim and Dani Rodriguez will all travel with the first team to make up the numbers.

Gundogan scores fastest-ever FA Cup final goal

Published in Soccer
Saturday, 03 June 2023 09:06

Ilkay Gundogan scored the quickest goal in FA Cup final history, giving Manchester City the lead against Manchester United inside 13 seconds on Saturday.

City captain Gundogan thumped an unstoppable volley past David De Gea after Erling Haaland flicked on a goal kick.

- Stream LIVE: Man United vs. Man City, Saturday, 9:40 a.m. ET, ESPN+

The previous fastest goal in a final was by Louis Saha for Everton in the 2009 final against Chelsea. That was 25 seconds.

It is the 142nd FA Cup final.

Man City win FA Cup, keep Treble dream alive

Published in Soccer
Saturday, 03 June 2023 09:59

Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-1 at Wembley to win the FA Cup and keep their Treble hopes alive.

City stormed into the lead with the fastest-ever FA Cup final goal, after just 12 seconds, thanks to Gundogan's right-footed volley from outside the penalty area that left United goalkeeper David De Gea motionless.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

United were second-best for much of the first half but they were given a way back into the game when Jack Grealish was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box after a VAR review.

Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, sent Stefan Ortega the wrong way and rolled the ball home to put United on level terms after 33 minutes; it was the first goal City have conceded in the 2022-23 FA Cup campaign.

However, a second Gundogan volley, this time with his left foot, restored City's advantage on 51 minutes.

Gundogan thought he had a hat-trick goal on 70 minutes, scoring from close-range after De Gea could not hold an effort from Erling Haaland, but it was ruled out for offside.

City can complete the Treble by winning the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10.

Josh Tongue included in England Ashes squad

Published in Cricket
Saturday, 03 June 2023 05:31
England have announced an unchanged squad for the first two men's Ashes Tests. The 16-man party, which includes Worcestershire seamer Josh Tongue who was drafted in as bowling cover for the one-off Test against Ireland currently taking place at Lord's, will report to Birmingham ahead of the Edgbaston Test starting on June 16.

The announcement comes as no surprise, particularly with James Anderson (groin) and Ollie Robinson (ankle) progressing well in their respective recoveries from injury. The pair have been bowling at Lord's, where England were pushing for a three-day victory over Ireland having registered a 352-run first-innings leads following a mammoth 524 for 4 declared.

Both are likely to return to the XI for the first Test against Australia, along with Mark Wood who missed the Ireland Test to spend time with his second child born last week. Chris Woakes has also been retained, giving Ben Stokes seven pace-bowling options to pick from.

The majority of the group are due to head to Loch Lomond in Scotland next week as part of a team-bonding trip ahead of the five-match series with Australia. A number of players are heading up at the start of the week before a more official gathering at the weekend. While essentially a golf trip, the getaway is geared towards giving the players more time together, building on a successful week reestablishing the connections and frame of mind that has been a huge part of life under Brendon McCullum and Stokes.

They will be in situ for the first Test the following Monday, before their first training session at Edgbaston on Tuesday, June 13.

England men's Ashes Test squad: Ben Stokes (capt), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

David Warner would like to see the World Test Championship (WTC) final played as a three-Test series instead of a one-off game.

Australia take on India at The Oval from June 7, the first step in a big six months for them as they challenge for the Test title, the Ashes and then the ODI World Cup. Warner has played in World Cup finals before - has won them too - but is looking forward to a first five-day title.

"I think it's great," he said ahead of a training session in Beckenham. "I have been - I won't say critical - but I do think it should be at least a three-game series with Test cricket only. You play two years of good cricket, then you play on a neutral venue against an opposition. We've all played here before but [this game is] not against the same [host] nation.

"It's a great reward for the two best teams. Two world-class bowling attacks bowling with a Dukes ball on foreign land. It's great and we're excited for that."

Given an increasingly cramped calendar and the demands on a schedule a three-Test series will make on any host nation, it is unlikely Warner's wish will become reality anytime soon. Speaking last week, the ICC's general manager cricket, Wasim Khan said that though there is constant review of the structure, the current feedback from members was that the league and one-off final was "continuing to work as it is".

Members have committed to the league and final for the next eight-year cycle.

Warner cops blow on elbow but he's good to go

Warner should be fine to play in the final, despite taking another hit to his left elbow in nets a couple of days ago. It hit him on the same spot as the Mohammed Siraj delivery in the second innings of the Delhi Test earlier this year. That blow resulted in a hairline fracture which ruled him out of the remaining two Tests of the series.

"It was sore, it got me right on the same point from a different angle," he said. "It went numb, had to get it strapped. It's fine now, a little bit sore. Luckily it didn't hit me on top.

"The last one hit from above and had a hairline fracture. This one was a straight blow on the corner of the elbow which was quite sore. Just one of those things, you get hit, you get hit, can't do anything about it."

Warner goes into the final with questions around his Test form. He averages 26 since the start of 2022 but said he'd been batting in the nets better than he ever remembers.

"I remember 2013, I was in the nets and copping it left, right and centre in the media about getting bowled by Mitchell Starc and all the other guys and how I wasn't in form in the nets. I found that a bit bizarre because I'm probably one of the worst netters going around. But here, I've actually been superb, in terms of how my feet have been moving. My energy's been moving, I've been up and about. I'm probably batting better than I ever have in the nets."

With a Test underway at Lord's already and the Ashes to start in just under two weeks, the WTC final - in England but without England - has had to fight a little for its share of the attention. Warner, at least, was clear about his immediate priorities: Stuart Broad later, Mohammed Shami and Co for now.

"I haven't really worked on that [plans for Broad] yet," he said. "I'm concentrating on the WTC final. Mohammed Shami and [Mohammed] Siraj and Shardul Thakur is what's on my mind first. That's what important to us right now, then I'll switch on and worry about Stuart Broad if they select him for the first Test this time."

"We've played some outstanding cricket over the last 18-24 months. We know what India will bring to the table. It's a great neutral venue, two world-class bowling attacks with a Dukes ball and from a batter's perspective, I can't wait to get out there."

Sources: Harris taking next step for Commanders

Published in Breaking News
Saturday, 03 June 2023 08:45

Josh Harris, who reached an agreement to buy the Washington Commanders last month, will meet with the NFL's finance committee Wednesday, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.

It's another step towards a possible vote by NFL owners to approve the sale this summer.

Harris has been working with the NFL to make the required adjustments to his offer to complete the sale, a source told ESPN. He'll meet with the eight finance committee members in New York.

The Washington Post first reported the meeting.

At the owners meetings last month, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, a member of the finance committee, said Harris needed to get in compliance with NFL guidelines -- from the debt load to the amount of equity in the offer. A prospective owner must have a 30% equity stake in the team and can't take on more than $1.1 billion in debt.

The Harris group also has 20 limited partners, according to a source, and each one must be vetted for financial and security reasons.

A spokesman for the Harris group declined comment.

Harris signed an exclusive agreement with Dan and Tanya Snyder on May 12 to buy the Commanders for a record $6.05 billion, pending approval by NFL owners. It topped an offer by Steve Apostolopoulos of $6 billion.

Last year, the Walton family reached an agreement to buy the Denver Broncos on June 7 for $4.65 billion. They had only three limited partners. The owners didn't vote to approve until Aug. 9.

Multiple sources familiar with the process have expected Harris' deal to be completed, citing the motivation by owners to move on from Snyder as well as for Harris to buy his hometown team.

Harris was born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and attended high school in Washington, D.C. Sources have said the Snyders are motivated to move on as well.

It remains uncertain when the sale will be completed, though if all goes well Wednesday -- the committee will also meet separately in subsequent weeks -- it could be resolved this summer and possibly before training camp opens in late July.

Irsay said last month that a special session could be scheduled sometime after July 4.

Once it's recommended for approval, Harris would need votes from 24 of the 32 owners.

"I think we'll get it to a place where it will be approved," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said last month.

Knicks All-Star Randle has surgery on left ankle

Published in Basketball
Saturday, 03 June 2023 08:46

All-NBA forward Julius Randle underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle and is expected to be ready for the New York Knicks' training camp in the fall, the team announced Saturday.

The procedure, which was performed Friday and considered successful, will allow Randle to resume basketball activities later this summer and be fully recovered for the start of the 2023-24 season, sources told ESPN on Saturday.

Randle played through two significant ankle sprains in the final stages of the Knicks' season when he became aware of the probable need for surgery, but he decided to push through the injury to remain in the lineup for New York's run to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

After playing the first 77 games of the season, Randle missed the regular season's last five games with the first sprained ankle. He reinjured the ankle in Game 5 of the first-round series against Cleveland, and eventually missed his lone game of the playoffs: Game 1 vs. Miami in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Randle averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds during the regular season, earning All-NBA and All-Star honors for the second time in his Knicks career.

Briton Neal Skupski and Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof have reached the French Open men's doubles quarter-finals.

The top seeds beat Kazakh Aleksandr Nedovyesov and Mexican Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela 7-5 6-4 in the third round on Saturday.

Reaching the last eight equals Skupski's best result at Roland Garros, while Koolfhof made the semi-finals in 2020.

Neither have won a men's doubles Grand Slam title.

The British-Dutch pairing broke in the penultimate game of the match, which lasted eight minutes and proved to be crucial.

Also on Saturday in the men's doubles, Briton Joe Salisbury will play his third-round match with American partner Rajeev Ram. The second seeds take on Argentinian pairing Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, who are the 14th seeds.

Jamie Murray is also in action with partner Michael Venus of New Zealand, taking on third seeds Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador and Jean-Julien Rojer from the Netherlands.

Skupski will return to the court later on Saturday with Mexican partner Giuliana Olmos in the mixed doubles. They are the third seeds and face Indonesian Aldila Sutjiadi and Dutchman Matwe Middelkoop in the second round.

Lloyd Glasspool and American Asia Muhammad face the fifth seeds in their second-round match against Ukrainian Lyudmyla Kichenok and Australian Matthew Ebden.

Fourth seed Casper Ruud came from behind to end Zhang Zhizhen's hopes of making Chinese tennis history at the French Open.

Ruud made a slow start against Zhang, who was seeking to become the first Chinese man to reach the fourth round at a Grand Slam in the open era, but rallied to win 4-6 6-4 6-1 6-4.

Norway's Ruud will next face Chile's Nicolas Jarry or American Marcos Giron.

A runner-up here last year, Ruud is seeking a first Grand Slam title.

Among the other seeds playing on Saturday at Roland Garros is Danish world number six Holger Rune, with the 20-year-old taking on Argentina's Genaro Alberto Olivieri, who at 231 in the world is the lowest-ranked player to reach the third round in Paris this year.

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