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Mongar Dzongkhag

Tucked between China and India, the hilly Kingdom of Bhutan on the Himalayas values Gross National Happiness more than Gross National Product. Known for its out of the world peacefulness and serenity, the country is unfortunately not immune to the impact from Covid-19.

The pandemic made table tennis training impossible for many as the lack of playing equipment has only gotten worse as Covid-19 has spread. Children and youth who used to enjoy the fun and relaxing table tennis sessions were forced to find other activities to fill the void.

We are delighted to have received the equipment support from the ITTF Foundation. With this donation from the #TableTennisUnited Fund we are happy to bring the children back to the tables and are confident that the development of table tennis in Bhutan will shine like any other sport activities. – Sonam Tshering, representative of Mongar Dzongkhag.

Offiong Edem Foundation

From playing Table Tennis in 1995 on her grandmother’s dinner table, Offiong Eden, the African Games winner in 2019 has come a long way, to founded the Offiong Edem Foundation to help her country and state through table tennis. Despite the goodwill, one of her 2021 programmes to empower youth through table tennis in the Niger Delta faced a rough start due to Covid-19 restrictions and ongoing aftermath.

We are happy to share that with the help of the #TableTennisUnited Fund, the programme went well and has benefited the children and youth in the region greatly.

The programme went so well, and I am happy to see the children going home happily. Their excitement, energy, and the will to play was unimaginable. The success was only made possible with the #TableTennisUnited Fund. Thank you ITTF Foundation for the generous donation to our foundation. We truly appreciate your commitment to the kids in our community. We could not have done it without you! – Offiong Edem, Olympian, the founder of Offiong Edem Foundation.

Thanks to the generosity of the 57 donors worldwide and the ITTF Group, the #TableTennisUnited Fund has so far supported 108 initiatives globally since the beginning of the pandemic. We will continue to be the backbone of the table tennis community, standing firm in our mission to spread solidarity through table tennis.

Real Madrid fight back to beat Sevilla

Published in Soccer
Sunday, 28 November 2021 14:43

Goals from Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior saw Real Madrid fight back from a goal down to beat Sevilla 2-1 at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Benzema pounced on a mistake from goalkeeper Bono to level in the 33rd minute with his 11th league goal of the season, after Rafa Mir had put the visitors ahead with a 12th minute header.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

Madrid pushed for a winner throughout the second half, and Vinicius eventually found the net in the 87th minute with a viciously struck long-range shot.

The result leaves Madrid as LaLiga leaders, four points clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, to give them the advantage in the LaLiga title race.

Sevilla started well and didn't take long to go ahead as Mir was allowed space and time to guide a free header past Thibaut Courtois.

With Madrid reeling, the forward followed up with two chances in quick succession as David Alaba cleared a shot off the line before Mir was denied again seconds later by Courtois.

Lucas Ocampos hit the crossbar with a curling shot before Madrid levelled. Benzema reacted quickest when Militao's speculative effort from distance was fumbled onto the post by Bono.

Referee Jose Sanchez Martinez waved away Sevilla's penalty appeals when Ocampos appeared to be fouled by Alaba, and Marco Asensio fired over the bar before half time. Much of the second half proved frustrating for Madrid, as poor decision-making saw them spurn some promising goalscoring opportunities.

Asensio opted to shoot from distance when he had Benzema alongside him in space, before Vinicius blasted off target rather than passing to the France international.

Alaba volleyed over the crossbar before Vinicius' late goal-of-the-season contender, while Courtois saved Madrid with a point-blank stop in added time.

RSL shocks SKC as playoff late show rolls on

Published in Soccer
Sunday, 28 November 2021 14:43

Substitute Bobby Wood scored in the first minute of second half stoppage time to seal visiting Real Salt Lake's place in Major League Soccer's Western Conference final in a 2-1, come-from-behind semifinal victory over Sporting Kansas City on Sunday afternoon.

Wood, who scored only twice in 17 regular-season appearances, struck 19 minutes after fellow substitute Anderson Julio pulled seventh-seeded Salt Lake deservedly level.

- MLS on ESPN+: Stream LIVE games and replays (U.S. only)

Wood was also involved in the build-up to Julio's equalizer as RSL secured a second consecutive road playoff triumph. Previously, they won on penalties following a 0-0 draw with second-seeded Seattle last Tuesday.

They'll visit the No. 4 seed Portland Timbers in the Western Conference final next Sunday.

Johnny Russell scored on a 24th-minute penalty for No. 3 seed Sporting Kansas City, which lost for the third time in as many games against Salt Lake this season.

Despite playing a second consecutive home playoff match after a 3-1, first-round win over Vancouver, Kansas City was decidedly second-best over the afternoon.

Salt Lake outshot the hosts 11-5 overall and 5-2 in efforts on target.

A third RSL substitute, Justin Meram, helped create Wood's goal with an opportunistic run down the left and an early cross toward the penalty spot.

Wood still had a lot to do, meeting it in stride and sending a perfectly placed, first-time finish inside the right post and well beyond goalkeeper Tim Melia.

Julio tied the match 1-1 for Salt Lake in the 72nd minute.

After getting the ball in the left side of the penalty area, Wood played the ball back to Andrew Brody just outside the left corner of the box.

Brody served in an in-swinging cross with his right foot, and Julio raced to meet it and nod a flashing header past Melia.

Salt Lake had the better of the early play, but trailed after Russell's 24th-minute penalty.

The foul was clear, with Aaron Herrera swinging his leg, missing the ball and making contact with Gadi Kinda's shin.

Russell stepped up and hammered his penalty past David Ochoa, who guessed to his right while Russell's finish went to his left.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- After the Los Angeles Rams dug themselves into a 10-0 first-half hole at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon, quarterback Matthew Stafford provided his team a much-needed spark.

Stafford dropped a deep pass into the hands of sprinting second-year receiver Van Jefferson as Packers cornerback Chandon Sullivan fell to the ground. Jefferson sprinted another 30 yards after the catch for a 79-yard touchdown.

It was Stafford's longest passing play since 2013 and is tied for the second-longest of his career, according to ESPN Stats & Info. It also was the longest reception of Jefferson's career.

Stafford and Aaron Rodgers each threw touchdown passes in the second quarter as the Packers held a 20-17 lead at the half.

Magic's Carter, Heat's Dedmon fined by NBA

Published in Basketball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 15:13

NEW YORK -- Orlando Magic center-forward Wendell Carter Jr. and Miami Heat center Dewayne Dedmon were fined by the NBA on Sunday.

Carter was fined $35,000 for " forcefully throwing " his protective glasses at a game official in the Magic's loss at Cleveland on Saturday night. He received a technical foul and was ejected with 2:09 remaining.

Dedmon was docked $15,000 for kicking a seat cushion from the team bench into the spectator stands Saturday night in a victory at Chicago. He was assessed a technical foul and ejected early in the fourth quarter.

Guard Dragic leaves Raptors for personal matter

Published in Basketball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 15:13

TORONTO -- Goran Dragic has left the Toronto Raptors because of a personal matter.

The Raptors said Sunday before their game against Boston Celtics that the 35-year-old guard -- acquired along with Precious Achiuwa in the offseason deal that sent Kyle Lowry to Miami -- wasn't with the team.

"First of all, he's a really good dude, extremely professional, very wise ... enjoyable guy to be around and coach," coach Nick Nurse said.

Dragic, from Slovenia, has played in just five games with the Raptors, averaging 8.0 points, 1.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds and 17.9 minutes. He has played just once since Oct. 25.

Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said that Dragic had the team's "full support."

"He has been a complete professional in the time that he has been with the Raptors. Goran has been a great mentor to our younger players and a valued teammate for our veterans," Webster said in a statement. "He will continue to work out and stay in shape during his time away."

Webster said there is no definite timeline for a return.

Rehabbing Thompson, Wiseman off to G League

Published in Basketball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 15:13

The Golden State Warriors assigned Klay Thompson and James Wiseman to their G League affiliate on Sunday, the team announced Sunday.

The hope is that Thompson (left ACL/right Achilles) and Wiseman (meniscus) receive practice time at that level while they continue their respective rehabilitation programs.

Thompson, 31, who was cleared for contact more than a week ago and participated in his first team practice in over two years last week, is scheduled to practice with the Santa Cruz Warriors on Sunday as the NBA club starts a two-game road trip in California and Arizona.

Wiseman, 20, still hasn't been cleared for full contact, but Warriors coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic that both players will help his team in the near future.

"Klay will be scrimmaging, and James will continue his work," Kerr said before Sunday's game against the LA Clippers. "I don't think [Wiseman] is scrimmaging yet, but Klay will be doing 5-on-5."

Thompson has not played since tearing his ACL during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals and his Achilles in November 2020. Wiseman has not played since suffering a meniscus tear in April 2021. Kerr also noted prior to the game that Andre Iguodala is with the Warriors on the trip, but he will not play in either of the next two games as he continues dealing with knee swelling and soreness.

Sources: Semien, Rangers have $175M deal

Published in Baseball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 14:49

Infielder Marcus Semien and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a seven-year contract, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Sunday.

The deal is worth $175 million, a source said.

After struggling in the shortened 2020 season with the Oakland Athletics, Semien bet on himself last offseason, accepting a one-year offer from the Toronto Blue Jays in an attempt to rebuild his value and reenter free agency. He bet right. Semien moved to second base with Toronto and responded with one of the best power seasons from a second baseman in major league history, hitting .265/.334/.538 with 45 home runs, breaking Brian Dozier's record for home runs by a second baseman.

The move to second base went smoothly as well, as Semien won a Gold Glove. He played every game for the second time in three seasons (and has missed just 10 games over the past four) and led the majors with 86 extra-base hits. While he played in the shadow of teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. throughout the season, Semien finished second in the American League in Baseball-Reference WAR behind Shohei Ohtani and third in FanGraphs WAR behind Ohtani and Guerrero, then finished third in the MVP race, matching his result in 2019, and making him the only player with two top-three MVP finishes in the past three seasons.

Even including 2020, when he hit .223, Semien leads all position players in both bWAR and fWAR since 2019.

In order to cash in on his big season, Semien brought on Scott Boras as his new agent. He is entering his age-31 season after turning 31 in September and reportedly went into free agency seeking a $200 million contract. The last position player that age (or older) to receive that much in free agency was Robinson Cano, who signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2014 season.

Semien's approach at the plate was a little different in 2021 than during his 2019 breakout season, when he hit .285/.369/.522 with 33 home runs. He walked more that season, but became more aggressive in 2021, especially on fastballs as 36 of his 45 home runs came on fastballs. That approach did leave him more vulnerable to breaking balls, as he hit .193 against curveballs and sliders compared to .246 in 2019.

One evaluator told ESPN's Buster Olney in October that "I know [Semien's] power numbers jumped [in 2021], but I wouldn't expect that's going to continue. He's not really a home run hitter." Perhaps, but Semien's approach did become more geared to power. He became more adept at pulling the ball in the air -- he pulled 39 of his home runs, many of those right down the line -- and increased his fly ball rate from 25.5% in 2019 to 36.7%.

Originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox out of the University of California, Semien returned to the Bay Area when the A's acquired him in 2015. He famously struggled defensively early that season at shortstop, committing 24 errors by the end of June (he finished the season with 35 errors, the most in a season since 2000). Through work with A's coach Ron Washington, however, Semien became an above-average shortstop, finishing with plus-17 defensive runs saved combined over the 2016-19 seasons.

He was even better at second base, leaving Semien attractive to teams seeking a player at either up-the-middle position, although Semien had stated his preference was to return to shortstop. He also comes with a high reputation as a person and teammate, leading one insider to tell Olney, "I would put my head on the pillow every night knowing that the money I spent to sign him is going to be worth it."

ESPN's David Schoenfield contributed to this report.

Sources: OF Garcia, Marlins reach 4-year deal

Published in Baseball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 15:10

Outfielder Avisail Garcia and the Miami Marlins are in agreement on a four-year, $53 million contract, a source told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Sunday.

The Marlins will become Garcia's fifth team. The 30-year-old is coming off his best season, hitting 29 home runs with 86 RBIs -- both career bests -- for Milwaukee in 2021.

Garcia opted for free agency earlier this month, and the Marlins have made it clear in recent weeks that landing outfield help was a top offseason priority.

Garcia has also played in Detroit, Tampa Bay and for the Chicago White Sox, a team he represented in the 2017 All-Star Game played at what was then called Marlins Park in Miami.

In parts of 10 seasons, Garcia has batted .270 with 127 home runs and 475 RBIs. He has played almost exclusively in right field, with limited time in center and left as well.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

The 2021-22 MLB free-agency hot stove is cooking, with teams already making some major moves in an effort to win a title next season.

Below is a running list of notable transactions, along with analysis and grades for the most important ones. Remember: Trades and signings can happen at practically any hour of the day, so make sure to check back regularly.

Key links: Everything you need to know about the MLB offseason | All free-agent signings

Nov. 28

Rangers, Marcus Semien agree on seven-year deal

Shortstop Marcus Semien is the first shortstop to sign, inking a seven-year, $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Story »


Twins sign star Byron Buxton to incentive-laden deal

Center fielder Byron Buxton and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a seven-year, $100 million contract extension, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Story »


Rays add two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber on a one-year deal

The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $8 million guaranteed deal with right-hander Corey Kluber, with the potential for $13 million if he pitches a full season, according to multiple reports. Story »

Grade: Rays hope to solidify rotation with Kluber. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)


Marlins add OF Avisail Garcia on a four-year deal

The Miami Marlins have agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Story »

Nov. 27

Astros sign reliever Hector Neris to two-year deal

The Houston Astros have agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with right-handed reliever Hector Neris, a source confirmed to ESPN. Story »

Mariners trade for Adam Frazier, Padres receive Raymond Kerr and Corey Rosier

The Seattle Mariners have agreed to a trade with the San Diego Padres, acquiring All-Star 2B/OF Adam Frazier for lefty reliever Raymond Kerr and outfielder Corey Rosier. Story »

Nov. 26

Mets continue upgrades, sign Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar

The New York Mets went big on Friday night, signing Starling Marte to a four-year, $78-million deal, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN. Earlier in the night, they had agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract with free-agent infielder Eduardo Escobar, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to ESPN. Story »

Grade: Inside Mets' Black Friday binge and Starling Marte's impact Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)


Red Sox add RHP Michael Wacha

Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing a one-year contract, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Friday. Story »

Nov. 24

Mets sign OF Nick Plummer

Outfielder Nick Plummer has signed a league-minimum contract with the New York Mets. Story »

Nov. 23

Rays go all-in on SS Wander Franco

Sources confirm to ESPN that Wander Franco, 20, has agreed to a 12-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that guarantees him around $185 million. The deal is worth a maximum of $223 million. Story »

Analysis:

• Why 20-year-old Wander Franco is worth every penny to the Rays. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)

• Franco? Rays? MLB? Why EVERYBODY wins with new megadeal. Kiley McDaniel (ESPN+)


White Sox sign RHP Kendall Graveman

Relief pitcher Kendall Graveman, 31, has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, sources confirm to ESPN. Story »


Cardinals add LHP Steven Matz

play
1:16

What Steven Matz's signing does for the Cards

David Schoenfield likes the Cardinals' signing of Steven Matz and has no patience for gripes from the Mets' owner.

Starting pitcher Steven Matz, a key component to a turnaround season for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, has agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, pending a physical, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday night. Story »

More: Mets owner Steve Cohen calls out Matz's agent for "unprofessional behavior." Story »

Nov. 22

Angels add LHP Aaron Loup

Aaron Loup and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract. Story »


Giants keep RHP Anthony DeSclafani

Anthony DeSclafani and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract. Story »

Nov. 21

Brewers add C Pedro Severino

Pedro Severino and the Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $1.9 million contract. Story »

Nov. 17

Astros bring back RHP Justin Verlander

The Houston Astros and Justin Verlander have agreed to a one-year, $25 million contract with a player option for a second season. Story »

Grade: Astros bet on more greatness from Verlander. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)


Giants retain 1B Brandon Belt

Brandon Belt accepted a $18.4 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants, the only one to accept among the 14 free agents who received the offers from their former clubs on Nov. 7. Story »

Nov. 16

Angels add RHP Noah Syndergaard

play
0:58

What Syndergaard's deal with Angels means for pitching landscape

Joon Lee breaks down what Noah Syndergaard's contract with the Angels means for the free-agent pitching landscape.

Right-hander Noah Syndergaard and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a one-year, $21 million deal, pending physical. Story »

Grade: Is Thor the hero the Angels need? Alden Gonzalez (ESPN+)


Blue Jays extend RHP Jose Berrios

Jose Berrios has reached agreement on a seven-year, $131 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays. Story »

Nov. 15

Tigers add LHP Eduardo Rodriguez

play
0:42

What Eduardo Rodriguez in Detroit means for Tigers, Red Sox

Joon Lee breaks down how Eduardo Rodriguez signing with Detroit affects the Tigers and Red Sox.

Former Boston Red Sox left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a five-year deal worth $77 million. Story »

Analysis: Under-the-radar Eduardo Rodriguez brings competitive fire to the Tigers. Buster Olney (ESPN+)

Grade: Tigers add E-Rod, make offseason's first splash. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)


Braves add C Manny Pina

Manny Pina signed with the World Series-champion Braves on a two-year, $8 million deal after hitting 13 home runs in 75 games with the Brewers in 2020. Story »

Nov. 14

Marlins add RHP Louis Head

The Miami Marlins acquired right-hander Louis Head from the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday for a player to be named later or cash. Story »

Nov. 13

Rays trade INF Mike Brosseau to Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired infielder Mike Brosseau from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league pitcher Evan Reifert on Saturday in a trade between division winners. Story »


Rockies keep RHP Jhoulys Chacin

Jhoulys Chacín is staying with the Colorado Rockies, agreeing Saturday to a guaranteed $1.25 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. Story »

Nov. 10

Yankees keep LHP Joely Rodriguez

Left-hander Joely Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract, three days after New York declined a $3 million option in favor of a $500,000 buyout. Story »

Nov. 8

Dodgers add LHP Andrew Heaney

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who entered this offseason with several holes to fill on their pitching staff, signed Andrew Heaney to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million. Story »


Cardinals keep LHP T.J. McFarland

Left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland became the first of this year's major league free agents to reach an agreement, getting a one-year, $2.5 million contract to stay with the St. Louis Cardinals. Story »

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2026 FIFA


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UEFA

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Basketball

Murray 'feels great', 'hungry' for big Game 7

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Baseball

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Gil sets Yanks' rookie record; Soto mashes 2 HRs

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  • FIFA

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  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

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