South Sudan to represent Africa, Japan to represent Asia in Paris Olympic basketball field

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South Sudan’s Nuni Omot (2L) shoots the ball during the FIBA Basketball World Cup match between Angola and South Sudan at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines, on September 2, 2023. (AFP)
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Japan guard Keisei Tominaga (30) shoots against Cape Verde forward Ivan Almeida (6) in the first half of their Basketball World Cup classification match in Okinawa, southern Japan, on Sept. 2, 2023. (AP)
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Philippines center Kai Zachary Sotto (11) shoots over China center Hu Jinqiu (21) during their Basketball World Cup classification match at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines on Sept. 2, 2023. (AP)
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Updated 02 September 2023
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South Sudan to represent Africa, Japan to represent Asia in Paris Olympic basketball field

  • South Sudan clinched the Olympic berth as the highest-ranked African team in the tournament after rolling past Angola 101-78 in Manila
  • Japan joined the Olympic field as the highest-ranked World Cup team from Asia after an 80-71 win over Cape Verde in Okinawa

MANILA, Philippines: It was a chant that Luol Deng waited years to lead. He stood along the side of the South Sudan locker room after their run in the World Cup was over, cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled the same thing, over and over.

“Where we goin’?” he shouted.
“Paris,” the players all responded.
Deng’s vision when he founded the national team about a decade ago was to use basketball as a beacon of hope for his homeland. And his vision never seemed more real than on Saturday.
A struggling country just 12 years removed from gaining its independence — making it the youngest nation in the world — is headed to the Paris Olympics as the automatic qualifier from Africa. Carlik Jones finished with 26 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds, and South Sudan rolled past Angola 101-78 on Saturday in the final game of the World Cup for both teams.




Team South Sudan celebrates after winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup match between Angola and South Sudan at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines, on September 2, 2023. (AFP)

The win, combined with Egypt’s 88-86 loss to New Zealand in a game that went final about a half hour later, clinched the Olympic berth for South Sudan as the highest-ranked African team in the tournament. And later Saturday, Japan joined the Olympic field as the highest-ranked World Cup team from Asia — clinching that spot by holding on for an 80-71 win over Cape Verde.
“This team is a beam of light, like I keep on saying,” South Sudan coach Royal Ivey said. “We’re bringing unity, camaraderie, love and friendship to this country. This country’s only been independent for 12 years. To do this, for Luol Deng to put this together, this is incredible. This is incredible.”
Marial Shayok scored 18, Nuni Omot — the reigning MVP of the NBA-backed Basketball Africa League — scored 17 and Wenyen Gabriel added 15 for South Sudan (3-2).
Childe Dundao led Angola (1-4) with 21 points.
South Sudan and Japan joined Australia (the Oceania automatic qualifier) and France (the host nation) as teams to have clinched spots in the 12-team Olympic men’s basketball field.
The World Cup serves as a qualifier for seven teams — the two highest-ranked teams from the Americas, the top two from Europe, and the top finisher from Asia, Oceania and Africa — into the Olympic field. Those seven join France, and the other four spots will be decided in last-chance qualifying spots next summer.
“I love this team,” Ivey said. “Man, this is a great feeling. This is a great feeling. I wish I could bottle this up right now.”
Japan played host to the Olympics two summers ago and now has secured another trip to the games, though it was far from easy at the end.
Keisei Tominaga put the hosts — Japan got to play its World Cup games in Okinawa — up 73-53 on a 3-pointer with 2:00 remaining in the third quarter.




Japan forward Yuta Watanabe raises his arm responding to supporters celebrating after the team defeated Cape Verde in their Basketball World Cup classification match in Okinawa, southern Japan, on Sept. 2, 2023. (AP)

Cape Verde roared back. It held Japan scoreless for the next nine minutes, going on a 15-0 run to get within 73-68 on a 3-pointer by Betinho Gomes. Japan went 11 minutes without a field goal, but Joshua Hawkinson had the team’s only baskets of the final quarter. They both came in the last minute, one setting up a three-point play, the other a 3-pointer to help the hosts advance.
Hawkinson had 29 points and Tominaga had 22 for Japan (3-2). Edy Tavares and Shane De Rosa each had 11 for Cape Verde (1-4).
PHILIPPINES 96, CHINA 75
At Manila, Jordan Clarkson wouldn’t let the host nation finish the World Cup winless.
Clarkson scored 24 of his 34 points in a third-quarter outburst that turned the entire game around and the Philippines (1-4) rolled past China (1-4) in the finale for both teams. The win also ensured that the Philippines will have a chance to play in an Olympic qualifying tournament next summer.
“We didn’t want our hosting to end without gifting the Filipino people with a victory,” Philippines coach Chot Reyes said in a televised interview after the national team ended a nine-game World Cup losing streak. “It’s storming outside, we’re basically playing for nothing, but they still came out.”




Philippine’s Jordan Clarkson (L) dribbles the ball during the FIBA Basketball World Cup match between Philippines and China at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on September 2, 2023. (AFP)

Kaier Li, who goes by the name Kyle Anderson when he plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, led China with 17 points. China was outscored 34-11 in the third quarter.
NEW ZEALAND 88, EGYPT 86
At Manila, Izayah Le’Afa and Finn Delany each scored 27 points for New Zealand (2-3) in a back-and-forth game with 10 lead changes and nine ties.
Ehab Amin and Amr El Gendy each scored 19 for Egypt (2-3).
FRANCE 87, IVORY COAST 77
At Jakarta, Isaia Cordinier scored 19 points and Rudy Gobert added 17 in his 100th national-team appearance for France (3-2).
The Olympic silver medalists were eliminated from medal contention after losing their first two games of group-stage play, then won their final three games in Indonesia and leave the World Cup with a winning record.
Nisre Zouzoua scored 18 points for Ivory Coast (1-4).
FINLAND 90, VENEZUELA 75
At Okinawa, Lauri Markkanen needed just under 25 minutes to score 32 points and grab nine rebounds while leading Finland (2-3) in its tournament finale. Pedro Chourio led Venezuela (0-5) with 17 points.
MEXICO 93, JORDAN 80
At Manila, Gabriel Giron scored 21 points for Mexico (2-3). Rondae Hollis-Jefferson finished with 26 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for Jordan (0-5).
LEBANON 81, IRAN 73
At Jakarta, Wael Arakji scored 21 points for Lebanon (2-3). Mohammed Amini led Iran (0-5) with 22 points.
 


Real Madrid close in on Vinicius contract extension amid Saudi interest

Updated 14 February 2025
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Real Madrid close in on Vinicius contract extension amid Saudi interest

  • Spanish champions discussing new deal with Brazilian
  • Move follows prospect of record-breaking Saudi interest

MADRID: Real Madrid are close to agreeing a contract extension with Vinicius Jr. after discussions began in January amid interest from Saudi Arabia to sign FIFA’s Player of the Year to a record-breaking deal, multiple sources told Reuters on Thursday.

Despite the Brazil forward’s current contract running to the end of the 2026-27 season, the Spanish champions contacted the player’s agents last month to rework his deal and put an end to the Saudi interest that has rumbled on for over a year.

A source close to Vinicius Jr said that, despite multiple contacts from Saudi Arabia showing interest over a possible move to Al-Ahli, a formal contract offer was never discussed and Saudi confidence in a possible move has waned in recent months.

Real have denied being contacted by Saudi authorities but a source close to the Madrid club said they were approached by Saudi Public Investment Fund officials during the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah in early January to enquire about Vinicius Jr.

However, the European champions showed no interest in negotiating a transfer, highlighting the 24-year-old player’s €1 billion ($1.04 billion) buy-out clause as the only scenario in which they would allow the Brazilian to leave.

“I don’t know anything, nobody has talked to me about (a Saudi offer),” Vinicius Jr told TNT Sports after Real’s 3-2 win at Manchester City in their Champions League playoff first-leg on Tuesday. “They have to speak to (Real’s) president. I hope I can stay here for a long time,” added the player of the match.

“It’s always very exciting to be able to open talks with Real Madrid about my renewal. I have a contract until 2027, but I’ve always spoken of my desire to be able to play here for a long time, to be able to make history here.”

Real announced Vinicius Jr.’s last contract extension in October 2023, which was a four-year deal reportedly worth a net €13.5 million in salary per season.

He opted for a shorter, incentive-based deal, rather than the usual five-to-six-year contracts most Real players sign, in a bet on his progress as one of Europe’s leading young players.

Top salary

Following a LaLiga and Champions League double last season and his FIFA Player of the Year award in 2024, sources said Vinicius Jr. had achieved a series of performance and loyalty bonuses that boosted his salary to the top of Real’s wage bill.

Neither the club nor the players disclose the figures in their contracts but multiple soccer sources said Vinicius Jr.’s salary is already at about the same level as their new striker Kylian Mbappe’s, around €18 million per year.

However, the Frenchman’s contract includes a €100 million signing bonus and a large percentage of his image rights that make him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Following a couple of face-to-face meetings in the last few weeks in Madrid attended by Vinicius Jr.’s father, Real have put forward new numbers and a third meeting between club executives and the player’s team is scheduled for next week.

There is growing optimism on both sides that there will soon be an agreement on a contract extension for Vinicius Jr.

A source close to the player said he has no interest in joining another club in Europe and would only start listening to contract offers from Saudi Arabia above €1 billion.

Vinicius Jr. and his staff already have a fruitful business relationship with Saudi Arabia and he has participated in sponsorship and commercial meetings regarding tourism and E-sports events in the Gulf country.

There is also interest from Saudi Arabia in making him an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, which will be held there.


Swiatek tops Rybakina to reach Qatar Open semifinals

Updated 14 February 2025
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Swiatek tops Rybakina to reach Qatar Open semifinals

  • Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her impressive form against sixth seed Jessica Pegula, winning 4-6, 6-1, 6-1
  • After the exits of Rybakina and Pegula, Swiatek is the last survivor among the Doha seeds

DOHA: Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the semifinals of the Qatar Open on Thursday with a straight-sets win over last year’s runner-up Elena Rybakina.

Second seed Swiatek staved off a fightback from the fifth-seeded Kazakh in the second set to win 6-2, 7-5.

Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her impressive form against sixth seed Jessica Pegula, winning 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, having eliminated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the second round.

After the exits of Rybakina and Pegula, Swiatek is the last survivor among the Doha seeds.

“I’m super happy and proud of myself, in the second set I felt she lifted her level,” said Swiatek.

She next plays Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko who eased past Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, a former world No. 2, 6-2, 6-2.

“I need to be prepared for some tricky shots, but I have some myself,” added five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek, who is bidding for a 23rd WTA title but first since the French Open in June.

Swiatek easily won the first set against Rybakina after breaking her rival’s serve twice.

But the Pole was broken at the start of the second and struggled to catch up for a long time, missing five break points before finally finding the opening to get back to 4-4.

A break at 6-5 in favor of Swiatek, sealed by a double fault from Rybakina, secured victory for the Pole.

Alexandrova, ranked 26th, extended her winning run to eight matches following her triumph in Linz, Austria at the start of the month.

The Russian struggled in the first set against Pegula, twice dropping serve and paying for four double faults.

But she took control thereafter and allowed her opponent just two more games as she eased through to the last four.

“I just play every single match and every single point and I don’t think about the future,” said the 30-year-old, who is hunting a sixth career title.

She will meet Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final after the American beat Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 4-6, 7-5, 6-4

“It’s step by step and I am glad that policy is working out as I feel amazing. Being in semis is just great,” said Alexandrova.

“When I saw the draw I thought maybe I will not get very far.

“I’m really happy with the way I’m playing right now. And I want to keep it as long as possible — no matter what.”


Porto draw with Roma as Fenerbahce win in Europa League play-offs

Updated 14 February 2025
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Porto draw with Roma as Fenerbahce win in Europa League play-offs

PARIS: Porto and Roma drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Europa League knockout phase play-off Thursday, while Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce took a big step toward the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Anderlecht.
Zeki Celic gave 2023 runners-up Roma the lead in first-half stoppage time in Portugal, but Porto defender Francisco Moura’s deflected strike ensured the teams will head to Italy next week with the tie finely poised.
Roma played the final 18 minutes a man down after Bryan Cristante was sent off for two yellow cards, with coach Claudio Ranieri fuming at the final whistle.
In Turkiye, Former Premier League duo Dusan Tadic and Edin Dzeko scored in the first half for Fenerbahce before Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri headed in a third for Galatasaray to give them full control.
Mourinho won the competition with Porto in 2003 and again with Manchester United in 2017, also reaching the final when he was in charge of Roma two years ago.
“We played very well, but I can’t say ‘a good result’. We need to advance to the next round for this to be a good result,” said Mourinho.
“Normally, of course, when you are leading 3-0, you are happy, but there is a second leg. Therefore, everything is still out there.”
Real Sociedad triumphed 2-1 away to Midtjylland after a penalty from Brais Mendez and terrific goal by Japan winger Takefusa Kubo saw them past the Danish champions, who pulled one back through Adam Buksa.
The winners of the tie will play United or Tottenham in the last 16.
Ajax took charge of their play-off against Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise with a 2-0 victory in Brussels.
Christian Rasmussen steered the Dutch club ahead just before the hour, with 16-year-old Jorthy Mokio volleying in a second from 20 yards.
Israel’s Mohammad Abu Fani struck the only goal in Budapest as Ferencvaros won 1-0 against Viktoria Plzen.
AZ Alkmaar battered Galatasaray 4-1 with Sven Mijnans, Troy Parrott, Jordy Clasie and David Moller Wolfe all on target for the hosts.
Roland Sallai had equalized for Galatasaray who toiled for much of the second half with 10 men after Kaan Ayhan was dismissed.
Ricky Van Wolfswinkel’s 95th-minute penalty earned Twente a 2-1 win at home to Bodo/Glimt, while Romania’s FCSB won by the same score against PAOK in Greece.
In the UEFA Conference League, Irish side Shamrock Rovers secured a 1-0 win away to Norwegians Molde.
Molde defender Valdemar Lund was sent off before half-time for a challenge on Michael Noonan, who netted the winner in the second half to become the competition’s youngest scorer at 16 years and 197 days old.
Antony scored for the second time in three games since joining Real Betis on loan from United as the Spanish team cruised to a 3-0 victory at Gent.
Heidenheim won 2-1 away to Copenhagen, while Bosnia’s Borac Banja Luka snatched a 1-0 victory over Olimpija Ljubljana.
Omonia Nicosia and Pafos drew 1-1 in an all-Cypriot encounter.
Iceland’s Vikingur Reykjavik beat Panathinaikos 2-1 as the Greeks grabbed a vital late goal from the penalty spot.
Celje of Slovenia drew 2-2 against APOEL Nicosia, while Jagiellonia Bialystok captain Jesus Imaz scored twice in a 3-1 win away to Serbia’s TSC Backa Topola.


Medvedev into first quarter-final of 2025 in Marseille

Updated 14 February 2025
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Medvedev into first quarter-final of 2025 in Marseille

MARSEILLE: Former world number one Daniil Medvedev reached his first quarter-final of 2025 in Marseille on Thursday as China’s Zhang Zhizhen stunned fourth seed Hubert Hurkacz.
Eighth-ranked Medvedev defeated French qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-2, 6-4 in a repeat of the 2021 final, which Medvedev also won.
Medvedev, playing in Marseille on a wild card after second round exits at the Australian Open and in Rotterdam, is seeking his first title since Rome in 2023.
“Funny enough we have played five times on tour and three times in Marseille,” Medvedev said.
“It is where we meet all the time and I am happy that I played at a good level. Did not lose my serve and happy to win.”
He will next play Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who saw off French player Hugo Grenier 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, for a place in the semifinals.
Zhang belied his ranking of 52 to stun Hurkacz 6-4, 6-7 (1/7), 6-3 in a big-hitting battle in which he cracked 37 winners to the Pole’s 30 during their two-hour, eight-minute clash.
“I felt great on court today, it was the same goal as the first match, I tried to put the match to the tie-break, and that’s how I wanted to play,” said Zhang, who reached the quarter-finals in Marseille in 2024.
“I guess I like it here, two years in the quarters.”
Zhang next faces Belgium’s Zizou Bergs who defeated Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2.


Somi Lee leads way at PIF Saudi Ladies International, Team Kyriacou set the pace

Updated 14 February 2025
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Somi Lee leads way at PIF Saudi Ladies International, Team Kyriacou set the pace

  • 7-under-par for leader in opening round at Riyadh

RIYADH: Korea’s Somi Lee surged to the top of the leaderboard at the PIF Saudi Ladies International on Thursday, delivering a flawless 7-under-par 65 in the opening round at Riyadh Golf Club.

The 26-year-old’s performance gives her a one-shot lead over Germany’s Esther Henseleit and England’s Annabell Fuller.

Lee set the tone early, reaching 4-under on the front nine before sinking three crucial birdie putts in the final four holes to cap off a near-perfect round. Fresh off a top-15 finish at last week’s Founders Cup, she remains focused on the task ahead.

“I don’t want to think about what has passed. I just want to think about what’s coming, and that’s my main focus,” Lee said.

Alongside the individual battle, the PIF Saudi Ladies International features a unique team format, with 28 teams of four competing for a $500,000 prize fund. The best two scores on each hole contribute to the team total, adding an exciting dynamic to the event.

A brilliant team effort from Stephanie Kyriacou’s squad propelled them into the lead. The Australian, a two-time Ladies European Tour winner, combined with Germany’s Olivia Cowan, Czechia’s Sara Kouskova, and England’s Liz Young to post a team-best -17.

“We ‘ham and egged’ really well,” Kyriacou said, after closing her round with four birdies in the last five holes to boost her team’s total. Cowan also delivered a dazzling display, carding eight birdies, including a near ace at the par-3 17th.

She added: “I wasn’t really doing much for the first 14 holes but I was able to turn it on (in) the last few that will help us going into Friday.”

Close behind in second place is Team Lee, led by individual leader Somi Lee, whose 65 was backed up by an impressive 67 from Minsun Kim. They were joined by France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s Amy Taylor.

One of the day’s biggest highlights came from Thailand’s April Angurasaranee, who celebrated her first-ever hole-in-one. The 20-year-old struck a perfect 6-iron at the par-3 sixth hole, much to the delight of her team captain Moriya Jutanugarn.

The PIF Saudi Ladies International continues to break new ground, with an equal prize fund to the men’s event.

Round two tees off on Friday, as the world’s best battle for both individual and team glory in Riyadh.