Sports

Cavaliers bounce back, Warriors roll on in NBA

  • The Cavaliers had struggled from outside the arc in Tuesday's NBA Cup defeat to Boston but enjoyed greater success from three-point range against New Orleans.
  • Ty Jerome scored 29 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a 128-100 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
  • The Cavaliers had struggled from outside the arc in Tuesday's NBA Cup defeat to Boston but enjoyed greater success from three-point range against New Orleans.
Ty Jerome scored 29 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a 128-100 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
The Cavs saw their 15-game unbeaten streak brought to an abrupt end by the Boston Celtics on Tuesday but dominated New Orleans with a wire-to-wire victory before their home crowd.
Cleveland were always in control against a struggling Pelicans side who slumped to their ninth loss in 10 games.
After cruising into a 69-55 halftime lead, the Cavs dropped the hammer in the third quarter, outscoring New Orleans 36-18 to open up a 32-point advantage heading into the final period before cruising to victory.
The Cavaliers had struggled from outside the arc in Tuesday's NBA Cup defeat to Boston but enjoyed greater success from three-point range against New Orleans.
Jerome drained seven of 12 attempts from three-point distance, rattling in six of them during a remarkable second-quarter display that saw him bag 20 points. 
Georges Niang also caught fire, shooting six threes to finish with 20 points.
The win saw Cleveland improve their record to 16-1 at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Pelicans fell to 4-12 and remain one place off the bottom of the Western Conference.
Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson saluted Jerome's electric second-quarter barrage that had the home crowd on its feet.
"It was great. Those moments don't happen a lot in the NBA," Atkinson said. "It was like a superstar performance quite honestly, that's so rare.
"It was great for the crowd, great for the group and great for Ty."
In other games, Giannis Antetokounmpo bagged his third 40-point game of the season after scoring 41 points with nine rebounds and eight assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-106 blowout of the Chicago Bulls.
Antetokounmpo was backed by 21 points from Brook Lopez and 20 points from Damian Lillard as Milwaukee improved to 6-9 for the season to move up to 10th in the Eastern Conference.

Embiid stars in Sixers loss

In Memphis, Joel Embiid shrugged off recent off-court controversy to score 35 points, but it was not enough to stop the Philadelphia 76ers from falling to a 117-111 defeat against the Grizzlies.
Embiid was reportedly taken to task by teammate Tyrese Maxey for his tardiness during a tense locker room discussion following the Sixers' loss to Miami on Monday.
Embiid responded with a season-high 35 points in what turned out to be a losing effort. The Sixers are 2-12 for the season and remain rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
At the top of the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors dominated the Atlanta Hawks 120-97 to improve to 11-3.
The Warriors took the lead midway through the first quarter and led by as much as 31 points early in the third quarter before coasting to victory at the Chase Center.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors scoring with 27 points while Stephen Curry chipped in with 23.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, second in the Western Conference, kept up their pursuit of Golden State with a 109-99 defeat of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder scoring with 30 points while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28.
The injury-depleted Phoenix Suns' problems continued with the team slumping to a fifth straight loss in a 138-122 drubbing at home to the New York Knicks.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 70 points in an emphatic road win for the Knicks, who improved to 9-6. 
Brunson posted seven three-pointers with 10 assists on his way to scoring 36 points, while Towns finished on 34 as six New York players cracked double figures.
rcw/pst

ARG

'Fearless' Argentina await Dupont's resurgent France

  • "There's this match, our final game of the year and the series, and a vision of the 2025 Six Nations with trips to Ireland and England.  
  • Antoine Dupont's resurgent France host a vastly-improving Argentina on Friday in their final game of the November internationals with Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie already thinking of next year's Six Nations. 
  • "There's this match, our final game of the year and the series, and a vision of the 2025 Six Nations with trips to Ireland and England.  
Antoine Dupont's resurgent France host a vastly-improving Argentina on Friday in their final game of the November internationals with Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie already thinking of next year's Six Nations. 
Los Pumas, coached by ex-Test playmaker Felipe Contepomi, are hurting from last week's loss at Ireland, which followed a hammering of Italy earlier in the month and a promising Rugby Championship campaign. 
Galthie's side edged New Zealand by a point last Saturday in a rare highlight to a mixed 13 months since last year's World Cup quarter-final loss on home soil. 
"They've had a great season," Galthie told reporters this week. 
"I think they would have been disappointed with last weekend.  
"They're a team that are fearless," he added. 
France's tough period has included a chastening defeat to Ireland, a drab draw with Italy and July's scandal-hit tour of South America. 
This week's meeting in Paris marks the first game between the sides since two France players returned home following accusations of rape in Argentina and another made racist remarks on social media. 
Scrum-half Dupont has now returned from his Olympics sevens success to play an influential part in a hammering of Japan and the nerve-wrecking All Blacks victory. 
Despite his good form, the skipper has been omitted from the shortlist for the men's 15-a-side player of the year award. 
"We know that he is on the opposing team but we have to be careful not to put all our vision on one player and neglect the other 14 who also have supreme quality," Contepomi told reporters. 
"Without a doubt he is the best player in the world and has been for years," the former Stade Francais centre added. 

'Vision'

For the Test with Los Pumas, who last claimed an away victory in the fixture in 2014, Galthie has dropped one of his key players since he took over in 2020. 
No 8 Gregory Alldritt misses out on the matchday 23 to rest, as Galthie attempts not to over-charge his squad, who play in the intense Top 14. 
The Six Nations is two months away and the 2027 World Cup is already on Galthie's mind. 
"We have a desire to create competition in the squad," Galthie said. 
"There's this match, our final game of the year and the series, and a vision of the 2025 Six Nations with trips to Ireland and England.  
"We also have a vision for 2027," he added. 
Contepomi has made one change from the three-point loss in Dublin as Gonzalo Garcia starts at scrum-half instead of Gonzalo Bertranou. 
The 47-year-old can call upon 10 France-based players this weekend, including versatile full-back Juan Cruz Mallia, who has won three Top 14 titles since joining Toulouse in 2021. 
"Juanchi is a very important player for the team, he is part of the group of leaders," Contepomi said. 
"If you look at his career, he's been constantly improving, and I think he's in a spectacular moment as a player." 
Contepomi ends his first year in charge with the game at the Stade de France, having taken over from Michael Cheika after the World Cup, where Los Pumas finished fourth.
He has overseen six wins from 11 Tests, including an Argentina record of three victories in the Rugby Championship. 
"I think we have improved, that we are on the right track, but there is still a lot to do," Contepomi said. 
"I think we are still a team in the process of development." 
iwd/nf

USA

Verstappen in sight of exclusive club of four-time F1 champions

  • "We'll be under the lights in Las Vegas," said Norris referring to the scheduled Saturday night starting time.
  • Max Verstappen will become just the sixth man in Formula One history to win four world championship titles if he can see off his friend and rival Lando Norris at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.
  • "We'll be under the lights in Las Vegas," said Norris referring to the scheduled Saturday night starting time.
Max Verstappen will become just the sixth man in Formula One history to win four world championship titles if he can see off his friend and rival Lando Norris at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.
Red Bull's three-time champion, who ended a 10-race winless drought by storming to victory from 17th on the grid in Brazil three weeks ago, needs only to stay ahead of Norris, or keep the McLaren driver out of the top eight finishers, to retain his crown. 
The Dutchman, on 393, holds a 62-point lead over Norris, on 331, with 60 more points to be won after the Vegas race. 
He knows he has no need to gamble as he seeks to join multiple champions Juan Manuel Fangio (five titles), Alain Prost (four), Michael Schumacher (seven), Sebastian Vettel (four) and Lewis Hamilton (seven).  
After a blistering start to the season which saw him win seven of the first 10 races, Verstappen suffered a dip that saw his aggressive racing style called into question.
A return to form in Brazil and the experience of having won on the garish streets of Sin City in the inaugural Las Vegas event last year makes Verstappen a clear favourite to take his fourth title in consecutive years.
"Brazil was incredible for us," said Verstappen. "It was a really special moment for myself and for the team and it was great to see us back to the form we were in before.
"The team did an amazing job and we hope to continue that into the next races. It's the final push for everyone. 
"We performed well here last year. It's a really fast circuit with long straights and a lot of overtaking opportunities."
McLaren, however, seeking a first constructors' title since 1998, will aim to postpone the seemingly inevitable as the F1 circus enters a triple-header finale to the season with races to follow in Qatar and Abu Dhabi on December 1 and 8.
McLaren lead the teams' title race with 593 ahead of Ferrari on 557 and Red Bull on 544.

'Not our style'

Norris will have to beat Verstappen and finish in the top eight to keep his challenge alive – but with the constructors' title up for grabs, he will race with clear instructions not to take excessive risks after crashing out last year and flopping in Brazil where he finished sixth after starting from pole in a rain-hit race.
"We'll be under the lights in Las Vegas," said Norris referring to the scheduled Saturday night starting time.
"Driving along the 'Strip' is cool and I'm looking forward to racing there. We've had a good car this year and I can't wait to see what we can do there."
His McLaren team chief Zak Brown urged Norris to push to the limits, but not exceed them this weekend following two flashpoint battles between the pair in Texas and Mexico. 
"He drove brilliantly in Austin and the only thing he could have done differently would have been to drive into Max's car, but that's not our style, nor is it Lando's," he said, recalling a controversial clash between the pair.
"Lando drives hard, but fair but Max pushes the rules to the limit. 
"You have to show him where the limits are and if that's not done, there will be scenes like the one between Lewis (Hamilton) and Max in 2021 when Lewis said to himself 'enough is enough'. 
"I don't think we want to go back to that."
In a close contest, both teams will rely on their second drivers Oscar Piastri of McLaren and Sergio Perez of Red Bull as they attempt to fend off Ferrari's challenge led by Charles Leclerc, who took pole last year and finished second.
With so much at stake in America's famous gambling capital, newly-appointed official race director Rui Marques will be in the spotlight following the unexpected exit of Niels Wittich as the event seeks to polish its image in the local community by offering 10,000 general admission tickets. 
str/bsp/mw

Global Edition

Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid reach Women's Champions League quarters

  • Joining Chelsea in the quarter-finals from the same section will be Real Madrid after their battling 3-2 victory away to Twente. 
  • Chelsea eased into the Women's Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Celtic, while Lyon and Real Madrid also booked their places in the knockout phase.
  • Joining Chelsea in the quarter-finals from the same section will be Real Madrid after their battling 3-2 victory away to Twente. 
Chelsea eased into the Women's Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Celtic, while Lyon and Real Madrid also booked their places in the knockout phase.
England international Lucy Bronze struck with a volley in the second minute at Stamford Bridge and Dutch midfielder Wieke Kaptein's header doubled Chelsea's lead midway through the first half.
Eve Perisset added a third from the penalty spot in second-half stoppage time as Women's Super League leaders Chelsea made it four wins from four in Group B to guarantee their passage to the next round.
"A great result. Really happy with the win, the three points, we are top of the table. It was really important to score the first goal especially really early in the game," Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor told UEFA.com.
"We scored three goals, clean sheet, so a perfect night again."
Chelsea have won all 11 games under Bompastor, who moved to London in May after three years in charge of Lyon.
Joining Chelsea in the quarter-finals from the same section will be Real Madrid after their battling 3-2 victory away to Twente. 
The Dutch hosts led through Jaimy Ravensbergen's opener, but Linda Caicedo levelled on the stroke of half-time before Madrid took control with goals from Signe Bruun and substitute Alba Redondo, who scored in added time.
Twente pulled a goal back right at the end courtesy of Sophie Te Brake.
Madrid are second on nine points but cannot be overtaken by Twente after winning both meetings between the teams.
"I can see Real Madrid going really far in this Women's Champions League campaign," said Danish forward Bruun.
"It has always been my dream to win trophies, and this one might be the biggest, so yet again, we're one step closer."
Lyon came from behind to beat Roma 4-1 to keep their perfect record intact in Group A.
Roma shocked the home side as Giulia Dragoni fired the Italians ahead with 16 minutes to play, but Kadidiatou Diani, who started on the bench, responded with a quick-fire double to put Lyon ahead.
The record eight-time European champions made sure of the points late on with further goals from Eugenie Le Sommer and captain Wendie Renard.
Lyon are six points clear of Roma and Wolfsburg, who thumped Galatasaray 5-0 for the second time in a row as Alexandra Popp bagged a hat-trick for the Germans.
Wolfsburg's other goals came from Janina Minge and Lena Lattwein, leaving Galatasaray still without a point having scored just once and conceded 19 times.
Roma travel to Wolfsburg for their next game on December 11 for a potentially decisive showdown in the race to follow Lyon through to the last eight.
mw/

Championship

Korda seeks eighth win, money mark at LPGA Tour Championship

  • Korda had eight wins for her LPGA career heading into this season and quickly padded that total by winning January's Drive On Championship in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida.
  • Top-ranked Nelly Korda, trying to win her eighth LPGA title of the season, will be the favorite when the season-ending Tour Championship begins on Thursday.
  • Korda had eight wins for her LPGA career heading into this season and quickly padded that total by winning January's Drive On Championship in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida.
Top-ranked Nelly Korda, trying to win her eighth LPGA title of the season, will be the favorite when the season-ending Tour Championship begins on Thursday.
The 26-year-old American has already clinched her spot as LPGA Player of the Year and she could break the one-season LPGA winnings record in the $11 million event at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
"It has been a crazy year," Korda said. "I'm grateful for all of it. I'm grateful for the highs, grateful for the lows, grateful to be doing what I love in front of people hopefully inspiring the next generation."
The top 60 LPGA players in the season points chase qualified for the season finale in Southwest Florida.
Korda had eight wins for her LPGA career heading into this season and quickly padded that total by winning January's Drive On Championship in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida.
She added the Pak Se-ri and Ford championships in March and the LPGA Match Play and Chevron Championship, her second major win, in April.
Korda captured the Americas Open in May and last week's Annika crown to reach $4,164,430 in prize money this season and can set a new LPGA one-season mark with a top-five finish this week.
Mexico's Lorena Ochoa was the most recent player to capture eight LPGA titles in a campaign, doing so in 2007, and she set an LPGA prize money record of $4,364,994 that year.
Her record will be overtaken by whoever captures this week's $4 million top prize, doubled from last year, and Korda will pass Ochoa's mark with a top-five finish, something she has managed three times at Tiburon.
A neck injury sidelined Korda for nearly two months before she returned last week and won the Annika title, but the break gave Korda time to reflect on an amazing year.
"I've had an extended period at home I've definitely reminisced a little bit about the season, but I've also been motivated to finish the year strong," she said.
"It's really tough to win out here against such great players. The caliber of players is really high. It's really nice to know that all the hard work that I put in with my team is paying off."

Jeeno won't win Vare

Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul is set to have the LPGA's lowest scoring average, now on 69.54, but she won't win the Vare Trophy usually given to that statistical season leader.
Seventh-ranked Jeeno, who won last year's Vare on 69.53, will not finish with enough rounds to reach the minimum 70 to qualify for the award, entering the finale with 62 rounds, two more than Korda, who ranks second to Jeeno in scoring average on 69.66.
"I just keep it on my stats that it's two years in a row that I have (low) scoring average, even if I'm going to lift the trophy or not," Jeeno said. "But it's a really good number and really good stat."
The top contenders for the Vare Trophy this week are South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran on 69.98 and Japan's Ayaka Furue on 70.05.
South Korea's Amy Yang is the defending champion, having won by three strokes last year.
Japan's Mao Saigo leads the LPGA Rookie of the Year race with South Korea's Im Jin-hee 66 points adrift. Im needs a top-three finish with Saigo outside the 40 to overtake her for the award.
js/rcw

ITA

Italy's Paolini celebrates 'unbelievable' year after BJK Cup glory

  • "I think it's an unbelievable year for Italian tennis and it's so good for our sport in our country," Paolini told reporters.
  • Jasmine Paolini celebrated an "unbelievable year" for both herself and Italian tennis after driving her nation to Billie Jean King Cup glory on Wednesday.
  • "I think it's an unbelievable year for Italian tennis and it's so good for our sport in our country," Paolini told reporters.
Jasmine Paolini celebrated an "unbelievable year" for both herself and Italian tennis after driving her nation to Billie Jean King Cup glory on Wednesday.
The world number four enjoyed a stunning season, finishing as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, winning her second career title in Dubai and then triumphing with Italy in doubles at the Olympics and again in Malaga.
Paolini won the second singles rubber against Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova to complete a 2-0 win for Italy, following Lucia Bronzetti's victory over Viktoria Hruncakova in the opening match.
Meanwhile in the men's game Italy's Jannik Sinner is the world number one and won the Australian Open, US Open and the ATP Finals last week.
"I think it's an unbelievable year for Italian tennis and it's so good for our sport in our country," Paolini told reporters.
"We have a lot of fans of tennis in Italy now, tennis is growing a lot.
"It's really good to have Jannik as world number one, he's an example for everybody. It was an unbelievable year I have to say."
Italy were beaten in last year's BJK Cup final and Paolini said at that point it would have been "impossible" for her to imagine her success this season.
"This year was crazy, to finish it like that -- it's a dream," said the 28-year-old.
"At the beginning of the week I didn't think we'd end the week with a trophy, it's always tough this competition, with big matches...
"I'm glad that we were able to do it, it's not easy after last year we lost in the final... last year Canada played amazing tennis, this year we played amazing tennis -- we deserve it I think."
Paolini and her team-mates were wearing blue jackets which were given to the winners by former women's tennis great Billie Jean King herself at the trophy ceremony.
"We exchanged jackets, I give her mine and she gives me this one," explained Italian captain Tathiana Garbin.
"It's an honour to talk to Billie, she's a legend... she's the one who changed the game.
"It's an honour to have her here, she changed the way women are treated, not just in sport but in all the situations."
rbs/mw

SanDiego

Spain's Mata joins owners group of new San Diego MLS team

  • "We're absolutely delighted that Juan Mata has joined the club as a partner," San Diego FC chairman Mohamed Mansour said.
  • Spanish World Cup winner Juan Mata has joined the ownership group for San Diego FC, the MLS expansion team making its debut next year, the new club announced on Wednesday.
  • "We're absolutely delighted that Juan Mata has joined the club as a partner," San Diego FC chairman Mohamed Mansour said.
Spanish World Cup winner Juan Mata has joined the ownership group for San Diego FC, the MLS expansion team making its debut next year, the new club announced on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder became the first active international player with an ownership stake in MLS and follows England's David Beckham of Inter Miami as the only international players to be involved in MLS ownership.
"Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that are experiencing incredible growth," Mata said.
"I look forward to contributing my experience and passion for the game and working alongside everyone here to build a club that inspires both on and off the pitch."
Mata, who currently plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia, won club honors in England, Spain, Turkey and Japan. He was also part of the Spain squads that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
"We're absolutely delighted that Juan Mata has joined the club as a partner," San Diego FC chairman Mohamed Mansour said.
"As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League among many other titles, he is a serial winner and in San Diego, we're committed to building a winning team for the long term."
js/mw

AUS

Scotland captain Tuipulotu stunned by 'Greenock granny's' arrival from Australia

  • She will watch Mosese play for Scotland A against Chile on Saturday before attending Murrayfield the following day to see Sione captain the senior team against Australia in their final November international.
  • Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu received a surprise visit after his Greenock-born grandmother made a secret journey from Australia to watch him in action against the Wallabies this weekend.
  • She will watch Mosese play for Scotland A against Chile on Saturday before attending Murrayfield the following day to see Sione captain the senior team against Australia in their final November international.
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu received a surprise visit after his Greenock-born grandmother made a secret journey from Australia to watch him in action against the Wallabies this weekend.
Tuipulotu and brother Mosese thought they were going to meet a fan in the Murrayfield dressing room, only to find Jacqueline Thomson, 77, had been flown over by the team's official travel partner.
Thomson, who left Scotland when she was a child, is the reason both players are eligible for the national side. 
She will watch Mosese play for Scotland A against Chile on Saturday before attending Murrayfield the following day to see Sione captain the senior team against Australia in their final November international.
"It caught me off guard," Sione told Scottish Rugby's official website. "It's not something I thought would be possible.
"I'm over the moon and feeling so happy about everything," added the 27-year-old centre. "Mosese has always been my gran's favourite and it's so cool she will get to see the two of us play this week.
"I'm really looking forward to running out in front of a packed out stadium and then looking up into the stands during the anthems to see my Mum and Gran. It'll be so special."
The brothers did not believe Thomson would be able to see them represent Scotland, given her age and health.
"She's kind of gone a full circle," said Mosese, 23. 
"She left here as a young girl and now she's back here where she grew up and being able to watch both her boys pulling on a Scotland jersey, so it'll be cool for her, I'm sure... She's a great woman with plenty of character so we love her."
jdg/mw

ITA

Paolini's Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup

BY RIK SHARMA

  • "Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it's amazing, I don't have words to describe it," said Paolini.
  • Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the fifth time as Jasmine Paolini beat Rebecca Sramkova to secure a dominant 2-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday.
  • "Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it's amazing, I don't have words to describe it," said Paolini.
Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the fifth time as Jasmine Paolini beat Rebecca Sramkova to secure a dominant 2-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday.
World number four Paolini triumphed 6-2, 6-1 in the second singles rubber to follow up Lucia Bronzetti's 6-2, 6-4 victory against Viktoria Hruncakova.
Italy were runners-up to Canada in last year's final but went one better in Malaga to become world champions for the first time since 2013.
The victory capped a stunning year for Paolini who finished as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
"Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it's amazing, I don't have words to describe it," said Paolini.
"I'm trying just to enjoy it, it's important to understand where you are, I feel lucky to be in this position, I feel lucky to be part of this team...
"I'm really happy that this year we could bring the trophy home again."
Slovakia, who won the competition in 2002, had never lost a BJK Cup tie in Spain.
The underdogs defeated USA, Australia and Great Britain on a stunning run to this year's final, but Bronzetti breezed past Hruncakova in under 90 minutes.
The in-form Sramkova, ranked 43rd, survived two break points to hold for 2-2 in the first set but the superior Paolini broke for a 4-2 lead, which she consolidated.
The Slovakian double faulted to hand Paolini two set points and the Italian took the first of them when Sramkova slapped a shot into the net.
Paolini broke in the second game of the second set and it looked like she might power to victory without a fight, but Sramkova immediately hit back to get back on serve. 
Sramkova defeated Danielle Collins, Ajla Tomljanovic and Katie Boulter on Slovakia's charge to the final but Paolini was a bridge too far.
The 28-year-old Italian restored her advantage with a fizzing forehand to move 3-1 ahead and then consolidated.
Having spent most of her career outside the top 50, 2024 has been a huge leap forward for Paolini.
She broke again when Sramkova went long and served it out to seal an emphatic victory in one hour and five minutes.
"I feel so sad now, disappointed, but all respect to (Italy), for what they did," a deflated Sramkova told reporters.
"Maybe in a few days we will enjoy that we are second and take something for the future from those matches."

'Dream come true'

In the first match world number 78 Bronzetti denied the experienced Hruncakova the chance to use her power and forced her opponent to move around the court.
"I am very proud to be here, to represent Italy and I am so happy for this win," said Bronzetti.
"(The plan was) to hit the ball, stay solid and try to move her when I had the chance."
Bronzetti secured three breaks in the first set, conceding just one in her first service game as she hit her stride.
Hruncakova, ranked 159th, battled gamely in the second set, breaking for a 4-2 lead, but the Italian immediately hit back, winning the last four games to triumph.
Bronzetti sealed her victory serving to love when the Slovakian sent a return long, before Paolini finished the job for Italy.
"For now the emotions are a little bit sad but we need to look at the whole picture and what we did here was actually amazing," said Hruncakova.
"Before the tournament if someone told this to us we would be thrilled."
Italy, captained by Tathiana Garbin, defeated Iga Swiatek's Poland as well as Japan at the finals on the way to winning the tournament dubbed the 'World Cup of Tennis'.
"It's a dream come true... I'm so proud of the (players), they fight every day and this journey was incredible," said Garbin.
"(They) never give up and stayed focused on the goal and they still keep trying to work to be better people and players."
rbs/mw

Dallas

MLS club Dallas names Quill as new head coach

  • Quill, who coached the FC Dallas development club from 2019-2021, replaces Peter Luccin, an interim coach named in June after the firing of Nico Estevez, now the coach of MLS rival Austin FC. Dallas finished 11th in the Western Conference in the 2024 campaign after going 11-15 with eight drawn.
  • FC Dallas, which missed the MLS playoffs this year for the second time in four seasons, named Eric Quill as the club's new head coach on Wednesday.
  • Quill, who coached the FC Dallas development club from 2019-2021, replaces Peter Luccin, an interim coach named in June after the firing of Nico Estevez, now the coach of MLS rival Austin FC. Dallas finished 11th in the Western Conference in the 2024 campaign after going 11-15 with eight drawn.
FC Dallas, which missed the MLS playoffs this year for the second time in four seasons, named Eric Quill as the club's new head coach on Wednesday.
The 46-year-old American, a former assistant coach for the Columbus Crew, had guided New Mexico United to the US Open Cup quarter-finals and United Soccer League quarter-finals this year.
"I can't wait to get started," Quill said. "I'm extremely excited and truly honored to get the opportunity to lead FC Dallas into the 2025 season and beyond."
Quill, who coached the FC Dallas development club from 2019-2021, replaces Peter Luccin, an interim coach named in June after the firing of Nico Estevez, now the coach of MLS rival Austin FC.
Dallas finished 11th in the Western Conference in the 2024 campaign after going 11-15 with eight drawn.
"We're so excited to welcome Eric Quill back to the FC Dallas family," club chairman and chief executive Clark Hunt said. "Eric is a championship-caliber coach who has experience leading teams to the top of the table."
From 1997 through 2005, Quill was a MLS midfielder for the Tampa Bay Mutiny, Kansas City Wizards, New York MetroStars and Dallas Burn.
js/mw

JPN

England adamant Curry 'ready to go' against Japan after concussion

  • "Tom's 100 percent fit, healthy and ready to go," said Strawbridge.
  • England have insisted Tom Curry is "100 percent fit, healthy and ready to go" against Japan on Sunday despite the flanker's latest concussion.
  • "Tom's 100 percent fit, healthy and ready to go," said Strawbridge.
England have insisted Tom Curry is "100 percent fit, healthy and ready to go" against Japan on Sunday despite the flanker's latest concussion.
Curry was knocked out when tackling Australia's Rob Valetini during the 23rd minute of England's 42-37 defeat by the Wallabies at Twickenham on November 9 and had to leave the field.
It was the 26-year-old's second major head injury of the season after he was also removed from a club match for Sale in September, with Curry now having suffered five concussions in the last two years.
Concussion has become a major issue in several sports, with hundreds of former football, rugby union and rugby league players now taking legal action against governing bodies they allege failed to take reasonable action to protect them from permanent injury.
But England assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge said Wednesday all possible precautions were being taken with Curry, including the way he engages in physical contact, after the dynamic back-row was included in Steve Borthwick's training squad to play Japan after completing his graduated return to play protocols.
"Tom's 100 percent fit, healthy and ready to go," said Strawbridge. "There's not a coach on the planet that isn't desperately concerned about the welfare of the players they coach."
Strawbridge added: "He's been through every protocol that exists and we're making some finer adjustments about how he enters contact -- on both sides of the ball -- to keep himself safe.
"He's a very brave player. There are some fundamental aspects to contact. Some of the bravest men are some of the most at risk, so how do we mitigate the risk?"
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was also concussed against Australia but, unlike Curry, the Exeter wing has not recovered sufficiently to be considered for the Japan game.
England are widely expected to end a five-match losing streak against a Japan team coached by former Red Rose boss Eddie Jones following defeats by New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa in their opening three November internationals.
Borthwick's position as head coach appears safe as England head into their final match of 2024, but Strawbridge accepted the backroom staff were in an uncomfortable spotlight.
"We're feeling a little bit of heat at the moment as a coaching group," he said. 
"Our challenge is to remain true to what we believe in as coaches... It's not always easy.
"Steve's attitude hasn't shifted. Our aspirational thoughts remain the same and that is a sign of strong leadership."
jdg/mw

ITA

Paolini's Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup

BY RIK SHARMA

  • "Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it's amazing, I don't have words to describe it," said Paolini.
  • Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the fifth time as Jasmine Paolini beat Rebecca Sramkova to secure a dominant 2-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday.
  • "Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it's amazing, I don't have words to describe it," said Paolini.
Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the fifth time as Jasmine Paolini beat Rebecca Sramkova to secure a dominant 2-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday.
World number four Paolini triumphed 6-2, 6-1 in the second singles rubber to follow up Lucia Bronzetti's 6-2, 6-4 victory against Viktoria Hruncakova.
Italy were runners-up to Canada in last year's final but went one better in Malaga to become world champions for the first time since 2013.
The victory capped a stunning year for Paolini who finished as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
"Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it's amazing, I don't have words to describe it," said Paolini.
"I'm trying just to enjoy it, it's important to understand where you are, I feel lucky to be in this position, I feel lucky to be part of this team...
"I'm really happy that this year we could bring the trophy home again."
Slovakia, who won the competition in 2002, had never lost a BJK Cup tie in Spain.
The underdogs defeated USA, Australia and Great Britain on a stunning run to this year's final, but Bronzetti breezed past Hruncakova in under 90 minutes.
The in-form Sramkova, ranked 43rd, survived two break points to hold for 2-2 in the first set but the superior Paolini broke for a 4-2 lead, which she consolidated.
The Slovakian double faulted to hand Paolini two set points and the Italian took the first of them when Sramkova slapped a shot into the net.
Paolini broke in the second game of the second set and it looked like she might power to victory without a fight, but Sramkova immediately hit back to get back on serve. 
Sramkova defeated Danielle Collins, Ajla Tomljanovic and Katie Boulter on Slovakia's charge to the final but Paolini was a bridge too far.
The 28-year-old Italian restored her advantage with a fizzing forehand to move 3-1 ahead and then consolidated.
Having spent most of her career outside the top 50, 2024 has been a huge leap forward for Paolini.
She broke again when Sramkova went long and served it out to seal an emphatic victory in one hour and five minutes.

'Dream come true'

In the first match world number 78 Bronzetti denied the experienced Hruncakova the chance to use her power and forced her opponent to move around the court.
"I am very proud to be here, to represent Italy and I am so happy for this win," said Bronzetti.
"It was not easy, we are in the final so every match is tough but I'm very happy to bring this point to Italy.
"(The plan was) to hit the ball, stay solid and try to move her when I had the chance."
Bronzetti secured three breaks in the first set, conceding just one in her first service game as she hit her stride.
Hruncakova, ranked 159th, battled gamely in the second set, breaking for a 4-2 lead, but the Italian immediately hit back, winning the last four games to triumph.
Bronzetti sealed her victory serving to love when the Slovakian sent a return long, before Paolini finished the job for Italy.
Italy, captained by Tathiana Garbin, defeated Iga Swiatek's Poland as well as Japan at the finals on the way to winning the tournament dubbed the 'World Cup of Tennis'.
"It's a dream come true... I'm so proud of the (players), they fight every day and this journey was incredible," said Garbin.
"(They) never give up and stayed focused on the goal and they still keep trying to work to be better people and players."
rbs/mw

AUS

Australia coach Schmidt 'proving me wrong' says Wallabies great Campese

  • "He (Schmidt) is proving me wrong again," said Campese.
  • Australia great David Campese said Wednesday he had changed his mind about Joe Schmidt, admitting the New Zealander was "proving me wrong" as Wallabies coach.
  • "He (Schmidt) is proving me wrong again," said Campese.
Australia great David Campese said Wednesday he had changed his mind about Joe Schmidt, admitting the New Zealander was "proving me wrong" as Wallabies coach.
Campese, 62, was furious about Rugby Australia's decision to appoint Schmidt, who helped steer his native All Blacks to a runners-up finish at last year's Rugby World Cup. 
"I don't believe we should have a Kiwi coach," said Campese. "Joe Schmidt hasn't won anything. Yes, he might have won a Six Nations (with Ireland), but the World Cup is the ultimate for any sports player or coach, and he hasn't won anything. 
"We always seem to get a coach that has never won anything. We always seem to get the second-best Kiwi coach, never the first-best."
Campese, who scored 64 tries in 101 Tests added: "Joe Schmidt has got no idea about our culture or history. 
"We're mauling the ball from 22 metres out. We don't do that. That's not Australian rugby."
But a few months on Campese took a very different turn after wins over England (42-37) and Wales (52-20) this month.
Indeed those victories, featuring 13 tries in total, have left Campese calling on officials to offer Schmidt a contract extension through to the 2027 World Cup, a tournament where Australia are the hosts.
"He (Schmidt) is proving me wrong again," said Campese. "It didn't start well but the players have responded well to the coach. He seems to be doing a great job. He is only on a two-year deal until after the British and Irish Lions tour next year. He will do everything he can do in that time."
Campese, speaking to Vision4Sport who offer rugby hospitality packages, added: "There was a rumour that Schmidt was just a stop gap but who knows. If he carries on with the improvement and they do well against the Lions, then they would have to look at a new deal until the World Cup."
A gifted attacking player in his own right, Campese also forecast a bright Wallaby future for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii following the rugby league convert's impressive Test debut against England at Twickenham.
"What impresses me the most about him is that he is not a selfish player," Campese said. "He got the ball and did what he had to do as a centre with his passing and offloading. He demonstrated that he is a team player...He has learned rapidly and he is only going to get better."
Australia continue their tour against Scotland on Sunday.
jdg/dmc

RSA

Springboks rest prop Nche for Wales clash

  • "Ox has been a key player for us this season and, given his high work-rate over the last few months, we opted to rest him for this clash," Erasmus said Wednesday.
  • South Africa have decided to rest prop Ox Nche for their Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
  • "Ox has been a key player for us this season and, given his high work-rate over the last few months, we opted to rest him for this clash," Erasmus said Wednesday.
South Africa have decided to rest prop Ox Nche for their Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
The fearsome front-row forward, renowned for his scrummaging power, was included in the back-to-back world champions' starting 15 announced Tuesday for this weekend's clash at the Principality Stadium.
But he has now been left out of the matchday 23 entirely, with Wilco Louw making a second successive start after being recalled at tighthead prop and Thomas du Toit moving to loosehead prop in Nche's absence.
The 39-times capped Nche started both South Africa's 29-20 win over England at Twickenham last weekend and their 32-15 defeat of Scotland at Murrayfield in the Springboks' opening November international.
But such has been his workload this year, that Springboks supremo Rassie Erasmus has decided to leave him out of the team's final Test of 2024, while the replacements bench remains unchanged. 
"Ox has been a key player for us this season and, given his high work-rate over the last few months, we opted to rest him for this clash," Erasmus said Wednesday.
"Wilco started last week's match, and he's been training well this week, so it makes sense to include him in the starting team and move Thomas to loosehead prop."
Erasmus added several players who were not included in the matchday squad to face Wales would be returning home to spend time with their families before returning to their respective clubs.
Back-row Pieter-Steph du Toit, nursing a shoulder niggle, left on Monday, while the other four players bowing out fron the squad are wing Makazole Mapimpi, centres Lukhanyo Am and Andrew Esterhuizen and loose forward Kwagga Smith.
"We gave a few players who are not playing the option to remain in camp or return home to spend quality time with their families, while at the same time ensuring that we have enough depth in the squad to cover all the positions in case we suffer injuries before the match," said Erasmus. 
"So, we are confident that we all well covered in the event that anything should happen before the game."
Revised South Africa team to play Wales (15-1)
Aphelele Fassi; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi (capt); Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn; Wilco Louwe, Johan Grobbelaar, Thomas du Toit
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard
jdg/dmc

ParisFC

Arnault family to complete Paris FC takeover 'in coming days'

  • Bernard Arnault, one of the world's richest people, has also moved to build the empire in directions other than luxury, notably taking control of the Paris Match weekly magazine.
  • The family of France's richest person, Bernard Arnault, will purchase a controlling stake in Paris FC "in the coming days", the Ligue 2 club's president said during a press conference Wednesday.
  • Bernard Arnault, one of the world's richest people, has also moved to build the empire in directions other than luxury, notably taking control of the Paris Match weekly magazine.
The family of France's richest person, Bernard Arnault, will purchase a controlling stake in Paris FC "in the coming days", the Ligue 2 club's president said during a press conference Wednesday.
The Arnault family, via its Agache holding company, is set to become the majority shareholder of Paris FC, with energy drinks giant Red Bull also acquiring a minority stake.
Paris FC president Pierre Ferracci said a general assembly will be held on November 29, when a new board of directors will be approved. 
Antoine Arnault, whose father Bernard is CEO of the LVMH luxury goods conglomerate, said that the club "will belong to my family", adding that it "will not be a shared property of the Arnault family and Red Bull".
He added that Paris FC will not come under Red Bull's multi-club ownership model, which includes German team RB Leipzig and Austria's Salzburg.
Following next week's assembly, the Arnault family will own 52 percent of the club and Red Bull 11 percent.
The rest will be split between different minority shareholders, including mobile phone operator Lycamobile and Ferracci's Alter Paris company, which will maintain a 30 percent stake.
In 2027, Ferracci, who has been at the helm of the club since 2012, will leave and the Arnault family's share will increase to around 80 percent. Red Bull's will grow to 15 percent.
No figures have yet been released about the size of the pending acquisition or the projected investment. 
However, Antoine Arnault shared that the new owner's primary ambition will be overseeing Paris FC's promotion to France's Ligue 1 from the second division -- of which they are currently the leaders.
Promotion would mean that for the first time in over 30 years there would be two clubs from the French capital in the top flight, with Paris FC joining powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain.
In order to compete with France's -- and eventually Europe's -- top teams, the Arnault family will make a "substantial" investment but also rely upon the footballing expertise of Red Bull, with Antoine Arnault sharing that he had already had conservations with the Austrian company's new head of football Jurgen Klopp.
But the 47-year-old insisted that there would be no short-cuts to success or immediate rivalry with Qatar-owned PSG, and that his family were in it for the long term, promising a commitment over a period of "at least 10, 15 or 20 years".
"We're not here to change everything, or to flip the table," he said. "That's very important, because in football there are no magic solutions."
Bernard Arnault, one of the world's richest people, has also moved to build the empire in directions other than luxury, notably taking control of the Paris Match weekly magazine.
LVMH's high profile and highly visible product placement in the Paris Olympic Games, designing medals, ceremonial uniforms and presentation trays, raised eyebrows and created some tensions with the Games' long-term sponsors.
mh-kn/nf/mw

women

US women to host Japan, Aussies and Colombia in 2025 event

  • Opening matches send the Americans against Colombia and Australia against Japan in Houston on February 20, the USA face the Aussies and Japan meet Colombia on February 23 at Glendale, Arizona, and Japan play the US women while Australia and Colombia meet on February 26 at San Diego. js/dmc
  • The reigning Olympic champion United States women's national football team will compete against Japan, Australia and Colombia in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, US Soccer announced on Wednesday.
  • Opening matches send the Americans against Colombia and Australia against Japan in Houston on February 20, the USA face the Aussies and Japan meet Colombia on February 23 at Glendale, Arizona, and Japan play the US women while Australia and Colombia meet on February 26 at San Diego. js/dmc
The reigning Olympic champion United States women's national football team will compete against Japan, Australia and Colombia in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, US Soccer announced on Wednesday.
The 10th edition of the event will feature a six-game, three day format for round-robin matches with total points deciding a winner and goal difference, most goals then head to head results used as tiebreakers.
The matches will be the first home contests for the US women, who have won the past five SheBelieves titles and seven overall, as they prepare for qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
"This will be my first SheBelieves Cup, but I've followed the tournament and it always produces close games between top teams," US coach Emma Hayes said.
"All four of these teams were in the last World Cup and Olympics, and all are in the building process to qualify for the next World Cup, so to get three games against talented teams and players in a format that replicates group play at a world championship is valuable in our process."
Opening matches send the Americans against Colombia and Australia against Japan in Houston on February 20, the USA face the Aussies and Japan meet Colombia on February 23 at Glendale, Arizona, and Japan play the US women while Australia and Colombia meet on February 26 at San Diego.
js/dmc

Sports

LPGA offers record $131 mln in 2025 for 75th anniverary season

  • Total prize money will have jumped $62 million in four years, next season's payout jumping 90% from the pandemic-hit 2021 campaign.
  • LPGA golfers will compete for a record $131 million in prize money over a 33-event season in 2025, the tour's 75th anniversary campaign, LPGA officials announced on Wednesday.
  • Total prize money will have jumped $62 million in four years, next season's payout jumping 90% from the pandemic-hit 2021 campaign.
LPGA golfers will compete for a record $131 million in prize money over a 33-event season in 2025, the tour's 75th anniversary campaign, LPGA officials announced on Wednesday.
On the eve of the season-ending Tour Championship at Naples, Florida, next year's schedule was unveiled, including two new tournaments and two unofficial events.
Total prize money will have jumped $62 million in four years, next season's payout jumping 90% from the pandemic-hit 2021 campaign.
"The 2024 season was another year of historic growth for the LPGA Tour, and with this 2025 schedule we will continue to improve on that growth," LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said.
The LPGA's global schedule will begin two weeks later than this year and see competition in the United States and 11 other nations.
The season-opening LPGA Tournament of Champions in Orlando on January 30-February 2 will be followed the next week by the Founders Cup at Bradenton before the tour heads for Asia in February and March for events in Thailand, Singapore and China.
The LPGA Match Play will be contested April 2-6 in Las Vegas ahead of the year's first women's major, the Chevron Championship at The Woodlands, Texas.
May will feature two new LPGA events, the Black Desert Championship in Ivins, Utah on May 1-4 and the first LPGA event in Mexico since 2017, the Riviera Maya Open in Cancun on May 22-25.
The second major, the US Women's Open, will be contested May 29-June 1 at Erin Hills in Wisconsin followed by the Women's PGA Championship on June 19-22 at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas.
The year's final majors will be the Evian Championship in France on July 10-13 and the Women's British Open on July 31-August 3 at Royal Porthcawl in Wales.
The LPGA returns to North America until a late-season Asia swing with events in October at Shanghai, South Korea and Malaysia and a November stop in Japan before two final events, the Annika on November 13-16 and the 2025 season-ending Tour Championship in Naples on November 20-23.
The Korean tournaments will include the biennial International Crown team event.
The FM Championship in Boston on August 28-31 will have a $4.1 million purse, the first event to crack $4 million in prize money outside of the majors and Tour Championship.
In all, nine tournaments will have elevated purses from 2024.
js/dmc

Crew

Crew's Nancy named MLS Coach of the Year

  • Columbus went 19-6 with nine drawn for 66 points, second overall in MLS behind Miami, scoring a team-record 72 goals.
  • Wilfried Nancy of the Columbus Crew was named Major League Soccer's 2024 Coach of the Year on Wednesday after guiding the reigning champions to club records for points and goals in a season.
  • Columbus went 19-6 with nine drawn for 66 points, second overall in MLS behind Miami, scoring a team-record 72 goals.
Wilfried Nancy of the Columbus Crew was named Major League Soccer's 2024 Coach of the Year on Wednesday after guiding the reigning champions to club records for points and goals in a season.
The 47-year-old Frenchman coached the Crew to the MLS crown in his first season as manager in 2023 after spending two prior campaigns at Montreal.
This season the Crew squad won the Leagues Cup and were runner-up in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Columbus went 19-6 with nine drawn for 66 points, second overall in MLS behind Miami, scoring a team-record 72 goals.
Nancy became the first Crew coach since Sigi Schmid in 2008 to win the award, which is voted for by players, clubs and members of the media.
Nancy earned 40% of the total votes compared to 33% for runner-up Gerardo Martino of Inter Miami. Nancy dominated player voting, edged Argentina's Martino in media votes, and shared top spot with Martino in club voting.
Columbus was eliminated by the New York Red Bulls in the opening round of the MLS playoffs.
js/mw

GER

Germany power past Canada to reach Davis Cup semis

  • "We're in the semis now, we're very happy, let's look forward to Friday."
  • Three-time Davis Cup winners Germany eased into the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory against Canada on Wednesday.
  • "We're in the semis now, we're very happy, let's look forward to Friday."
Three-time Davis Cup winners Germany eased into the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory against Canada on Wednesday.
Jan-Lennard Struff defeated Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) to avenge Germany's defeat in the 2022 quarter-finals by eventual victors Canada.
Daniel Altmaier beat Gabriel Diallo 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 in the opening singles rubber to send Germany ahead in the quarter-final clash.
Germany, who last won the competition in 1993, will face Netherlands in the final four after they defeated Spain to bring the curtain down on Rafael Nadal's 23-year career.
"It was a very good, tough game, Shapa was firing his serves in, first serves and second serves... he was changing directions a lot, it was tough to read the serve," said Struff.
"The court was pretty fast so it was tough to stay calm. I managed to stay in the game and in the set...
"We're in the semis now, we're very happy, let's look forward to Friday."
Shapovalov clinched the first set against Struff with a fine forehand winner with the only break in the 10th game.
Veteran Struff, world number 43, was up against the ropes for much of the second set but produced a break in the 11th game before holding to force a third set.
The big-serving Shapovalov committed several double faults, with one resulting in Struff breaking for a 4-3 lead in the third set, moments after the Canadian had smashed his racquet onto the floor in frustration for losing the previous point.
Shapovalov, ranked 56th, recovered to break for 5-5 as Struff faltered when serving for the match, leading to a tie-break.
However the Canadian lost the match and the tie for his country with his 13th double fault.
World number 88 Altmaier racked up a 5-0 lead in the first set tie-break against Diallo before closing it out to take the lead.
In the second set Altmaier survived two break points in the first game and then broke himself in the 10th and final game to triumph as Diallo crumbled.
"I wish I could have brought my team the point. They counted on me to deliver and I didn't deliver, so that's on me," said Diallo.
Altmaier admitted he felt extremely nervous ahead of the match.
"Definitely the nerves were a lot, I was saying to the captain in the morning when I was warming up I was really nervous coming up to the match," he said.
"I guess (it) helps me a lot to communicate this openly, not to hide away my nerves."
rbs/mw

Liga

Barcelona push back Camp Nou return to mid-February

  • Barcelona said last month they were aiming to return to the Camp Nou by the end of 2024 with an initial capacity of 62,000.
  • Barcelona said on Wednesday their return to the Camp Nou would be delayed until at least mid-February as the iconic stadium undergoes modernisation and expansion work.
  • Barcelona said last month they were aiming to return to the Camp Nou by the end of 2024 with an initial capacity of 62,000.
Barcelona said on Wednesday their return to the Camp Nou would be delayed until at least mid-February as the iconic stadium undergoes modernisation and expansion work.
The Spanish giants released a statement saying their La Liga home games against Valencia and Alaves, provisionally scheduled on January 26 and February 2 respectively, would be played at their current Montjuic Olympic stadium.
Barcelona cited UEFA rules preventing clubs from changing stadiums during the Champions League's opening phase and "the logistical difficulties and extra costs" if they kept open two grounds at the same time.
The Camp Nou could instead host the Catalan club's following home league clash against Rayo Vallecano on February 16.
Barcelona said last month they were aiming to return to the Camp Nou by the end of 2024 with an initial capacity of 62,000.
The stadium should be completed in the summer of 2026 with a capacity of 105,000, when the project dubbed "Espai Barca" will be finished and the stadium roof installed.
Work on the Camp Nou began in June 2023 but was slowed over permit complications and complaints over working conditions.
As a result Barca requested to extend their contract for the use of the Montjuic Olympic stadium "until March 31, 2025, as a precaution".
al/imm/ds/iwd