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☆ Berrettini inspires Italy to big victory in United Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In a rematch of their U.S. Open quarter-final and Gstaad final, where world number three Ruud prevailed last year, it was Berrettini who took control of the match on the back of his powerful serve to seal a 6-4 6-4 Group E win. I knew I had to serve my best," Berrettini, who fired 10 aces and won 88% of points on his first-serve, said. The fourth semi-finalist will be a runner-up with the best record from their three matches in the $15 million event. World number 10 Hubert Hurkacz earlier beat Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka 7-6(5) 6-4 to send Poland on their way. Maria Sakkari earned Greece a spot in the Perth final from Group A with a 6-1 7-5 win over Belgium's Elise Mertens.

☆ Azarenka digs deep to beat Kalinina in Adelaide
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 3 (Reuters) - Former world number one Victoria Azarenka overcame a shaky start to beat Anhelina Kalinina 7-6(9) 7-6(5) in a gruelling match at the Adelaide International 1 on Tuesday and reach the second round of the WTA 500 tournament. Twice Australian Open champion Azarenka found herself in trouble trailing 5-1 but she summoned up her fighting spirit to save five set points before edging a tense tiebreaker. "When you talk about first matches that are never easy this one was definitely at the top of the list," Azarenka said. Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko plays Czech Karolina Pliskova later on Tuesday. Top-seeded American Coco Gauff made short work of Tatjana Maria, beating the Wimbledon semi-finalist 6-4 6-1 to snap a five-match losing streak.

☆ Nadal not too worried by shaky start to season before Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 2 (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal said losing two straight matches was hardly the ideal preparation for his Australian Open title defence, but the world number two believes he had no reason to feel alarmed ahead of the season's first Grand Slam starting in two weeks. read moreBut Nadal, who needed pain-numbing injections on his foot en route to the French Open title and pulled out of his Wimbledon semi-final with an abdominal injury last year, said there were still positives despite his shaky start to the new season. I need battles like this," Nadal told reporters. "I have two weeks before the Australian Open starts. I can't say the situation is ideal but at the same time I can't say it's negative, because for moments I was playing good," Nadal said.

☆ Early exits for Rune, Auger-Aliassime in Adelaide
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The 23-year-old Australian fired 11 aces against his second-seeded opponent to wrap up the biggest victory of his career. "I played really well, really solid. Denmark's Rune, who won three titles in 2022 including the Paris Masters, where the 19-year-old beat Novak Djokovic in the final, lost 2-6 6-4 6-4 to Nishioka. Miomir Kecmanovic overcame Australian Christopher O'Connell 6-4 6-4 and could play Daniil Medvedev in the second round if the third-seeded Russian gets past Italian Lorenzo Sonego on Tuesday. Also in action on the second day of the tournament are Djokovic, Denis Shapovalov, Jannik Sinner, Andy Murray and Karen Khachanov.

☆ Belarusian Sabalenka says Wimbledon ban on players 'changed nothing'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Wimbledon organisers banned players from Russia and Belarus last year due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Sabalenka said she was "super disappointed" with Wimbledon's decision and that she trained in Miami when the Grand Slam took place in June and July. "I had a great time in Miami, but I really missed the people because the atmosphere at Wimbledon is super amazing. You can feel these people really love tennis there and I really miss them," Sabalenka said. But if they're going to ban us again; I don't care about Wimbledon's decision.

Wuhan resident Xie Zhicong said he and everyone in his family, aside from his grandmother, had been infected. Xie, a 25-year-old salesman, said it was difficult to see a doctor when he went to a hospital for an examination last week. The hospital that Xie visited did not respond to requests for comment on his claims. People who have recovered, Xie said, are looking ahead to life after three years of “zero-Covid” restrictions. Though China is experiencing a massive outbreak much as it did at the start of the pandemic, once it’s over the virus won’t have many places left to go, Sridhar said.

☆ India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant injured in car crash
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Cricket - Fifth Test - England v India - Edgbaston, Birmingham, Britain - July 1, 2022 India's Rishabh Pant celebrates reaching his century Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffNEW DELHI, Dec 30 (Reuters) - India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was hospitalised on Friday after being involved in a car crash, his Indian Premier League (IPL) team said. His IPL team Delhi Capitals said the crash was in the northern state of Uttarakhand. "Rishabh Pant met with an accident between Manglaur and Narsan in Haridwar district," they said in a tweet. "Praying for Rishabh Pant. Pant was part of the India test squad that sealed a 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh this month.

☆ Djokovic can't forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Serbia's Novak Djokovic practices ahead of the Adelaide International and Australian Open tournaments, at Memorial Drive Tennis Club in Adelaide, Australia, December 29, 2022. Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a three-year travel ban for the country. "You can't forget those events, it's one of those things that stick with you," said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia. I'll do my best to play some good tennis and bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd." It's been my favourite Grand Slam, the results prove that."

The officials said the Biden administration was considering steps similar to those already taken by Japan, which said Tuesday that all travelers from mainland China would be tested on arrival, and Malaysia, which has stepped up tracking and surveillance of travelers from China. Taiwan also said Wednesday that travelers from mainland China would have to take a PCR test on arrival, with those who test positive allowed to isolate at home. Last week, India said it would make virus testing mandatory for travelers arriving from China as well as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand. Any restrictions would be applied to all travelers coming from China, regardless of nationality, the U.S. officials said. Earlier this month, China abruptly eased its “zero-Covid” approach following mass protests, scrapping domestic rules and lifting quarantine requirements for those traveling to China.

☆ Google's management has reportedly issued a 'code red' amid the rising popularity of the ChatGPT AI
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Aaron Mok | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Google issued a "code red" in response to the rise of AI bot ChatGPT, NYT reports. CEO Sundar Pichai redirected some teams to focus on building out AI products, per the report. The move comes as talks abound over whether ChatGPT could one day replace Google's search engine. ChatGPT "is not something that people can use reliably on a daily basis," Zoubin Ghahramani, who leads the Google's A.I. Instead, Google may focus on improving its search engine over time rather than taking it down, experts told the Times.

☆ Analysis: India's post-COVID spending boom drives two-speed economy
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Ira Dugal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The world's fifth-largest economy is expected grow 6% in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, according to a survey by the Indian central bank this month. Importantly, conditions are better than not just the crippling slump during India's devastating COVID surge last year but also the anemic growth of the debt-saddled last decade. "If India does everything right, we could see significant foreign inflows in the next one to two years," said Sridhar Sivaram, investment director at Enam Holdings, a privately managed investment group. India's weight in the MSCI emerging market index has already risen from 8% in 2019 to 16% as of October 2022, said Sivaram. There is also hope that global corporations will diversify supply chains away from China, which would benefit India.

☆ Attention procrastinators: Drop-dead holiday shipping deadlines are coming soon
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —It happens every year — the mad dash to ship holiday gifts to get them to loved ones on time. This means they’re also shipping those purchases later, adding to the congestion.”Another reminder: Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, which means virtually no overnight delivery. The overall holiday gift shipping window is also shorter this season. Last-minute shipping dates are coming up for holiday gifts. With less than two weeks to Christmas Day, that really means this week.

☆ Google execs say the company isn't launching a ChatGPT competitor because it has greater 'reputational risk' than startups like OpenAI
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Britney Nguyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Employees asked execs if failing to launch a chatbot like OpenAI's ChatGPT is a "missed opportunity," CNBC reported. Alphabet's CEO and Google's head of AI said the company has a greater "reputational risk" than startups like OpenAI. ChatGPT reached over one million users within five days of its launch, and is backed by Google's rival, Microsoft. In addition to LaMDA, Google's BERT and MUM AI language models, which are used to improve its search engine, are competitive with ChatGPT. A former Google executive told Bloomberg that ChatGPT could "disrupt" Google's ad business by stopping users from clicking links that have ads.

☆ China's Yan suspended amid match-fixing investigation
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 12 (Reuters) - China's former Masters champion Yan Bingtao has been suspended from the World Snooker Tour as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) said on Monday. The 22-year-old Yan beat Scotland's John Higgins 10-8 last year to become the youngest Masters champion in 26 years. "WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Yan Bingtao from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect," WPBSA, which governs professional snooker, said in a statement. The WPBSA last week suspended five Chinese players - Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu - as part of the match-fixing investigation. Their compatriot Liang Wenbo was suspended in October pending the results of a misconduct investigation.

☆ World Cup 2022: how many migrant workers have died in Qatar?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 9 (Reuters) - Here is a look at migrant workers' rights issues in Qatar, which is hosting the 2022 World Cup from Nov. 20-Dec. 18:WHAT IS QATAR'S RECORD ON MIGRANT WORKERS' RIGHTS? * Britain's Guardian reported last year that at least 6,500 migrant workers -- many of them working on World Cup projects -- had died in Qatar since it won the right to stage the World Cup, according to the paper's calculations from official records. * Qatari World Cup organisers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said that there have been three work-related fatalities and 37 non-work-related deaths among workers at World Cup 2022 sites. * In September, England's FA said families of migrant workers in Qatar who were injured or killed while constructing the infrastructure for this year's World Cup should be compensated. * The shirts worn by the Netherlands team during the World Cup will be auctioned to support migrant workers in Qatar, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said this month.

☆ When is the World Cup 2022 final? Date and kick-off time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 8 (Reuters) - The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup is in full swing in Qatar. WHEN IS THE WORLD CUP FINAL? The World Cup final will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18 which is Qatar National Day. The 80,000 capacity Lusail Iconic Stadium, which is 15km north of central Doha and the largest venue for the tournament, will host the World Cup title clash. Croatia v BrazilNetherlands v ArgentinaMorocco v PortugalEngland v FranceWHO MADE IT OUT OF THE GROUP STAGE?

☆ ChatGPT May Hurt Google's Ad Business Model, Former Exec Says: Report
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Aaron Mok | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The AI-bot ChatGPT could "disrupt" Google's business model, according to a former Google exec. Sridhar Ramaswamy told Bloomberg that ChatGPT offers a better search experience than Google. Sridhar Ramaswamy, who led Google's ad team between 2013 and 2018, said that ChatGPT could "disrupt" Google's business model by preventing users from clicking on links with ads. "It's just a better experience," Ramaswamy told Bloomberg. "The goal of Google search is to get you to click on links, ideally ads, and all other text on the page is just filler."

☆ Neymar: what can we expect from Brazil forward at World Cup 2022?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Nov 24 (Reuters) - Brazil kick off their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title when they play Serbia in Lusail, Qatar on Thursday with all eyes on Neymar who could be playing in his last finals. MORE HEARTBREAK IN RIOHaving become a household name after his move to Barcelona, a lot was expected from Neymar who spearheaded Brazil's attack at the 2014 World Cup on home soil, but the event would end in tears for the talismanic player. Neymar suffered a sprained right ankle that affected the fifth metatarsal in his foot and he was never fully fit during the World Cup in Russia, as Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Belgium. Criticised for his antics off and on the pitch in the past, fans were surprised by a seemingly different Neymar ahead of the Qatar World Cup thanks to his physical and mental preparation. A trophy-laden club career apart, delivering Brazil's first World Cup since 2002 will go a long way in helping Neymar cement his place among the game's modern greats.

☆ Ronaldo to leave Manchester United after criticism of club
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 22 (Reuters) - Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with immediate effect, the Premier League team said on Tuesday, marking a bitter end to the Portugal captain's second spell at Old Trafford after he said he felt betrayed by the club. "Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. "Everyone at United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch." Ronaldo said in a statement on Tuesday that he loved the club and the fans. Ronaldo confirmed on Monday that an awkward handshake between him and midfielder Bruno Fernandes that was caught on camera and went viral was the result of a joke between the Portugal and United team mates.

☆ Wimbledon relaxes dress code to allow women to wear dark undershorts
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Wimbledon will relax its strict rules on white clothing at the championships and allow women players to wear dark undershorts and relieve a potential source of anxiety when they have their periods, the All England Club said on Thursday. "I'm pleased to confirm that, following consultation with players and representatives of several stakeholder groups, the Committee of Management has taken the decision to update the white clothing rule at Wimbledon. "This means that from next year, women and girls competing at The Championships will have the option of wearing coloured undershorts if they choose. The issue of women athletes wearing white clothing came up at this year's Wimbledon, when female players spoke about the anxiety of being forced to wear white. Several English women's club soccer teams have also opted to avoid wearing white shorts.

☆ Ex-FIFA vice president Warner loses appeal against extradition from Trinidad
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner can be extradited from his homeland of Trinidad to the United States to face corruption charges, a London court said on Thursday. Warner's lawyers argued that his extradition was unlawful but London's Privy Council, the highest court of appeal for many Commonwealth countries, unanimously dismissed his appeal. In 2020 a U.S. Department of Justice indictment said bribes were paid to soccer officials to secure their votes for hosting rights. The DOJ alleged that then FIFA vice-president Warner was paid $5 million through various shell companies to vote for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup. Reporting by Sam Tobin in London and Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby ChopraOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Son unsure if he can play in all of South Korea's games
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - South Korea captain Son Heung-min said he is unsure if he can play in all their matches at the Qatar World Cup starting on Sunday after undergoing surgery this month to stabilise a fracture around his left eye. Son was included in South Korea's squad for the tournament despite suffering a fractured eye socket playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League earlier this month. The 30-year-old midfielder, who will wear a protective mask during South Korea's matches in Qatar, had his first training session with the team in Doha on Wednesday. It's difficult for me to say when I can play," Son, whose side begin their campaign in Group H against Uruguay on Nov. 24, told reporters. Son said he was getting used to playing with the mask on and that the swelling on his face had reduced.

☆ Marissa Mayer says Google is concerned about the declining quality of the web
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Tom Dotan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Google worries website quality is declining, according to one of the company's earliest executives. Marissa Mayer, one of Google's earliest employees and a onetime leader of its search team, said that's because Google is concerned about the declining quality of the web. She made the comments on the Freakonomics podcast in an episode that looked into whether the quality of Google search has declined. Her comments about the state of Google search come at a time when criticism of the service is rising. People have complained about the declining quality of search results and the need to include search terms like "Reddit" in a query to find answers written by humans.

☆ Varane says Man Utd players affected by Ronaldo comments
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - France defender Raphael Varane said his Manchester United team mates were obviously affected by Cristiano Ronaldo's comments in a television interview that he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag and felt betrayed by the Premier League side. United said they would address the Portuguese forward's comments only after establishing the full facts but Varane said the situation had impacted players. Varane, who has also played alongside Ronaldo at Spanish side Real Madrid, said the team was ready to accept whatever United decides. "What I want is the best for my team, so whatever the decision, as players, we'll accept it and give the best of ourselves," Varane added. On Tuesday, Portugal midfielder Joao Mario said an awkward handshake between Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes was the result of a joke between team mates for club and country.

☆ Haaland sorry to miss World Cup, focused on Man City return
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

But with Norway only finishing third in Group G of European World Cup qualifying behind the Netherlands and Turkey, Haaland will have to wait to add to his international tally of 21 goals. "I wished I played in the World Cup of course, but that's the reality now (that) I don't do (that), but I will relax my body and my mind a lot and then I will train," Haaland told reporters. Norway last qualified for the World Cup in 1998. "The biggest thing we can do is to get to either a World Cup or a Euros," Haaland said. Haaland said Brazil, Argentina, France and England were the favourites in Qatar, where the World Cup begins on Nov. 20.

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