LONDON: Christian Eriksen says he has no anxiety about playing his first match since a cardiac arrest and believes a return to England was perfect after the incident last summer.
The Denmark international has not played a competitive match since June 12, when he collapsed and in his own words was “gone from this world for five minutes” during a European Championship match against Finland.
After being fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator days after the incident, Eriksen had to be released by Inter Milan in December due to rules in Italy preventing athletes from competing with an ICD. He made a surprise return to the English Premier League with Brentford in January.
Bees boss Thomas Frank revealed on Friday the former Tottenham playmaker will play in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday which could open the door for him to be involved at Arsenal on Feb. 19.
“I do feel in my head and body that the excitement is coming, the adrenaline is coming more and more toward game time,” Eriksen said on Friday at his unveiling news conference at Brentford Community Stadium.
“No, if there was any anxiety I wouldn’t go back.
“If I wasn’t fully committed and feel like I am trusting of the doctors, trusting of my heart, trusting my ICD in me, then I wouldn’t go back. No, I feel 100 percent secure to go back.”
Eriksen trained with his teammates for the first time on Monday but was familiar with several of them who are Denmark internationals.
The 29-year-old Eriksen has previously worked with Frank in Danish age-group teams and yet had no ambitions to return to England before he suffered a cardiac arrest, having spent 6 1/2 years in the UK with Tottenham before leaving in January 2020. Unable then to play in Italy, he considered an England return the best alternative.
He passed the required medical checks and cleared to play in the Premier League with the ICD.
Daley Blind, Eriksen’s former Ajax teammate who also played for Manchester United, is a notable footballer to still play with a pacemaker.
“First of all, I felt from the beginning of this I needed to prove you can play with an ICD and if something that bad has happened, you can be returning to a normal life afterwards,” Eriksen insisted. “That is more the motivation for me, to show I am capable of that.
“At the same time, I haven’t forgotten how to play football. My body is still the same and my vision and ability is still the same. Of course it is about kicking on, getting used to my teammates and falling into the rhythm of the team.”
Eriksen excited to prove he can play after cardiac arrest
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Eriksen excited to prove he can play after cardiac arrest
- The Denmark international has not played a competitive match since June 12
- Eriksen made a surprise return to the English Premier League with Brentford in January.
England’s Moeen Ali retires from international cricket
- The spin-bowling all-rounder says he made the decision after he was overlooked for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia
- Ali, one of the first openly Muslim cricketers to represent England, had already called time in his red-ball international career
LONDON: England’s World Cup-winner Moeen Ali has retired from international cricket, with the 37-year-old insisting: “I’ve done my part.”
The spin-bowling all-rounder, in an interview with Britain’s Daily Mail, said he made the decision after he was overlooked for England’s upcoming white-ball series against arch-rivals Australia.
“I’m 37 years old and didn’t get picked for this month’s Australia series,” Ali told the newspaper.
“I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time for the next generation, which was also explained to me.
“It felt the time was right. I’ve done my part.”
Matthew Mott was sacked as head coach of England’s limited-overs sides in July following woeful title defenses in both the one-day international (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) World Cups.
And there was further change when both Ali and Jonny Bairstow, who have over 400 England caps between them, were left out of the squads for this month’s T20 and ODI matches against Australia.
Ali, one of the first openly Muslim cricketers to represent England, had already called time in his red-ball international career but said he could have extended a stint in the national set-up that has seen him appear in 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20s.
However, he explained he was “trying to be realistic” about his international future, saying: “I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know in reality I won’t.
“Even retiring, I don’t feel it’s because I’m not good enough — I still feel I can play. But I get how things are, and the team needs to evolve into another cycle. It’s about being real to myself.”
Having made his reputation as a batsman, Ali said he was “especially” proud of taking 204 Test wickets, adding: “I’m also proud of getting five Test hundreds.
“It’s only five, but it means a lot, especially when I was often down the order.”
As for his future, Ali said he planned to continue playing franchise cricket, but would then like to stay involved in the game as a coach.
“Coaching is something I want to do — I want to be one of the best,” he said.
“I can learn a lot from (England coach Brendon McCullum).
“I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some nice shots and some bad shots, but hopefully people enjoyed watching me.”
Judd Trump wins Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters final in dramatic final-ball decider
- ‘The Ace in the Pack’ defeats three-time world champion Mark Williams, hails win as ‘one of the best in my career’
RIYADH: On Super Saturday at the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters, Judd Trump clinched the title after a sensational 10-9 win against Mark Williams in a black-ball-deciding final.
After an 18-frame battle at the Green Halls in Riyadh, Williams built up a 62-point lead before a long-range miss gave Trump a chance. With a superb 72 clearance, Trump clinched the match, potting a last black to take the title.
In the immediate aftermath of his win, the world No. 1 said: “To pull off that clearance at the end under that pressure like that; it means this certainly ranks up there with the best wins of my career — it’s in the top two or three. It’s such a great feeling and there was so much elation and disbelief when that black went in. I’m in shock at the moment — but it’s been a life-changing week and I’m delighted to get the win.
“It’s a match I always look forward to when I’m playing Mark,” Trump added. “It’s a privilege to be playing in this era of snooker, against players like him. I’ve never seen anybody pot long shots from that distance like he did tonight — he was the much better player for the majority of the match, but I managed to get over the line at the end with that clearance. I was in my seat hoping for a chance in the last frame and fortunately it came.”
It was advantage Trump after Saturday’s afternoon session with “The Ace in the Pack” leading 3-1 at the interval, extending his advantage to 4-1 before Williams bounced back with successive centuries.
A 121 in the sixth and 132 in the seventh moved the Welshman within one frame at 4-3 before Trump took the eighth to lead 5-3 heading into the evening’s play.
When the match resumed, Williams showed precisely why he’s known as “The Welsh Potting Machine.” The three-time world champion emerged from the break in blistering form, hitting another century en route to winning four of the next five to turn the match on its head and lead 7-6.
Trump responded in frame 14, hitting a cool 76 to make it 7-7. The 2019 world champion then regained the lead at 8-7 before Williams responded once more, effectively making it a best-of-three sprint to the finish line.
Williams again restored the lead. An incredible 138 — his fourth century of the match — moved the 49-year-old within one frame of victory before Trump equalized at 9-9 with a 90 break — setting up the deciding final frame where the 35-year-old came out on top.
With his victory, Trump lifted the fifth major title of his career and 29th ranking event win, moving him beyond the legendary Steve Davis into fourth outright on the all-time list, behind only Ronnie O’Sullivan (41), Stephen Hendry (36), and John Higgins (31).
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese says on social media that her historic rookie season is over due to injury
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese says on social media that her historic rookie season is over due to injury
- Reese announced injury after the Sky ended a 7-game skid with 92-78 victory over Sparks
- Chicago is battling for the WNBA’s final playoff spot, currently tied with Atlanta for the eighth position
CHICAGO: Angel Reese’s historic rookie season is over.
The Chicago Sky forward said on social media Saturday night that she has a season-ending injury, but didn’t specify what it was. She was listed on the team’s injury report with a wrist injury.
“What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol,” Reese wrote. “Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so.”
Reese finishes the season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds. It’s the highest rebound average in the history of the league. Reese also set the rookie record with 26 double-doubles — her last coming in a win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night.
Reese finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds for her rookie record 26th double-double of the season and the Chicago Sky snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 92-78 victory over the Sparks.
Reese made 9 of 15 shots with a 3-pointer and all five of her free throws as Chicago (12-22) remained tied with the Atlanta Dream for the final spot in the postseason with six games remaining.
Chennedy Carter finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in her return for the Sky. Carter had not played since Aug. 25 due to health and safety protocols. Kamilla Cardoso totaled 12 points and nine boards.
Dearica Hamby had 21 points, five assists and four steals to lead Los Angeles (7-27), which has lost three in a row and 10 of its last 11. Rookie Rickea Jackson added 17 points and six rebounds.
Jackson’s layup gave Los Angeles a 19-13 lead with 2:43 left in the first quarter. Diamond DeShields and Rachel Banham hit back-to-back 3-pointers to pull Chicago even. Hamby made 1 of 2 free throws with three seconds left to give the Sparks a 20-19 lead.
Banham had nine points by halftime on 3-for-3 shooting from beyond the arc and Carter also scored nine to help Chicago build a 48-42 lead.
Reese took over in the third quarter, scoring 11 points to push Chicago’s lead to 75-61.
The Sparks fell to 2-16 on the road this season. Chicago won for just the fifth time in 17 home games. The Sky won all three matchups with the Sparks this season.
Sabalenka downs Pegula to win US Open thriller
- World number two Sabalenka triumphed 7-5, 7-5 to add the New York title to her back-to-back Australian Open victories
NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka won the US Open and her third Grand Slam crown with a thrilling victory over a gallant Jessica Pegula in a rollercoaster final on Saturday.
World number two Sabalenka triumphed 7-5, 7-5 to add the New York title to her back-to-back Australian Open victories.
Pegula went down fighting, however, recovering from 0-3 and break point down to lead 5-3 in the second set before Sabalenka came through.
The 26-year-old from Belarus clubbed 40 winners to become the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to capture both hardcourt majors in the same season.
“I’m speechless. So many times I was close to the US Open title and finally I got it,” said Sabalenka, the runner-up last year and semifinalist in 2022 and 2023.
“Never give up on your dream. Work hard. I’m super proud of myself.”
Pegula had arrived in New York with a title in Toronto and runner-up spot to Sabalenka in Cincinnati.
She had won 15 out of 16 matches on the North American summer hard court swing.
“I wish she would have at least let me get one set. We had a tough match in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and she’s one of the best in the world,” said the American.
“She’s super powerful and isn’t going to give you anything. She can take the racquet out of your hand.
“I’m just glad I was able to stay in there and keep taking opportunities.”
Sabalenka lost the 2023 US Open final to Pegula’s compatriot Coco Gauff and she struggled to settle in during the early stages on Saturday as a flurry of errors handed the home favorite a break for 2-1.
But the powerful Sabalenka levelled immediately and broke again for 4-2.
A capacity crowd of 23,000 included sporting royalty such as Olympic 100m gold medallist Noah Lyles, NBA star Steph Curry and former Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton watched on.
Most were behind Pegula but the 30-year-old was defenseless against the remorseless hitting of the world number two, whose screams echoed beneath the closed roof of the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Pegula, who had knocked out world number one Iga Swiatek and then battled from a set and break down to see off Karolina Muchova in the semifinal, clung on.
From 2-5 down, she hit back for 5-5, breaking Sabalenka as the Australian Open champion served for the set.
In a marathon 12th game, however, Pegula saved four set points but not the fifth.
Sabalenka had unleashed 25 winners and committed 23 unforced errors to Pegula’s nine and 11, illustrating a dramatic contrast of styles in the 60-minute opener.
For the second match in succession, Pegula was soon a set and break down again, a double fault allowing Sabalenka to move ahead 3-0.
Incredibly, the 30-year-old stormed back to lead 5-3 before Sabalenka broke in the 10th game as her opponent attempted to level the final.
Sabalenka held her nerve to claim victory when Pegula went long with a weary drive.
Martin roars to victory in San Marino sprint
- Martin has not won a GP since May but his consistency has helped him accumulate a decent advantage
MISANO ADRIATICO: Jorge Martin claimed a statement victory in Saturday’s sprint race at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera MotoGP, extending his overall lead over reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia with a stunning performance.
Pramac rider Martin is 26 points in front of pole-sitter Bagnaia ahead of the main event Grand Prix on Sunday after charging to an unexpected second sprint win of the season.
The Spaniard, who won at Misano Adriatico last year, started in fourth on the grid but got away like lightning and was ahead of Bagnaia by the first turn.
He comfortably held off Ducati’s Bagnaia for the rest of the 13-lap sprint and crossed the finish line 1.495 seconds in front of his Italian rival, improving his position at the top of the standings.
“Today I expected maybe to be fighting with Pecco (Bagnaia) but I didn’t expect to do that start,” said Martin.
“I even had a gap to keep for the last two laps so super happy. For tomorrow it’s another story but I feel confident that we are in a good way, super good and super fast.”
Martin has not won a GP since the French back in May but his consistency has helped him accumulate a decent advantage as he searches for his first MotoGP title. The 27-year-old had finished second in both the sprint and GP at four of the previous five events and his display on Saturday means he cannot be overtaken in the standings this weekend by Bagnaia, regardless of what happens in Sunday’s race.
It was a big blow for Bagnaia, who was favorite to cut the gap separating him from Martin after claiming pole position with a record-breaking fastest lap at the “Marco Simoncelli” circuit earlier on Saturday.
Two-time champion Bagnaia is riding with injuries to his shoulder, neck and collarbone after crashing out of last weekend’s Aragon MotoGP but looked in great form before Martin left him for dust.
“I’m absolutely not happy ... The start was a disaster, I lost first position and from that moment it was very difficult,” said Bagnaia.
“In any case, second position after what happened last week is OK. We will work to improve the start because it was a disaster and try to be in a better shape tomorrow.”
Bagnaia is at least helped by this weekend being the first of two in a row at the Misano, as the same circuit is being used later in September for the Emilia Romagna GP which replaces the canceled race in Kazakhstan.
Marc Marquez, a double winner at Alcaniz last weekend, had a harder time in Italy and lost ground on Martin, dropping to 77 points off the summit in third after finishing the sprint in sixth place.
Six-time champion Marquez battled up the rankings from his starting position of ninth on the grid, but has been caught on 234 points by Enea Bastianini.
