Defending champion Novak Djokovic said he played "flawless and dominant" tennis to blast past Frenchman Jeremy Chardy Monday in an ominous start to his bid for an unprecedented ninth Australian Open title.

The Serbian world number one, who clinched his 17th Grand Slam in last year's gripping Melbourne final against Dominic Thiem, wasted little energy in the 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 romp in just 91 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

The writing was on the wall with Chardy failing to take a set off the Serb in 13 previous meetings.

"It felt great. I mean, I started the match really well, broke his serve and was pretty much a flawless match," he said, adding that he felt "relaxed and comfortable".&nbsp;

"Especially on my service games, I was very dominant. Just overall, I think every shot that I executed tonight was really good and on a high level.

"I'm very pleased with the way I opened up the Australian Open."

Djokovic, chasing an 18th Slam crown to close in on the 20 held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, has likened his relationship with the Australian Open to "a love affair".

And he clearly enjoyed himself, dishing up a masterclass for the socially-distanced fans in the stadium.

"It feels great, so great to see people back in the stadium," he said.

"I'm really glad to see a lot of people actually -- this is the most I've seen on a tennis court in 12 months."

"Sometimes we take these things (crowds) for granted, but very very grateful to see you all," he added.

<h2>- 'Sticking to the game plan' -</h2>

The 33-year-old broke Chardy in the opening game and was never troubled, racing through the set in 32 minutes, with the Frenchman winning just two points off the Serb's service game.

It was similar scenario in a lopsided second set, which only lasted 22 minutes, as Chardy struggled to cope with the ferocity of Djokovic's serving, which routinely clocked in at more than 200 kph (124 mph).

Chardy, who made the semi-finals of the warm-up Murray River Open tournament, surrendered meekly, with Djokovic winning the match with his ninth ace.

"Of course, you are expected to win most of the times as a top player and kind of ease your way through the first rounds," said Djokovic.

"But, you know, I don't see it that way, obviously. You still have to do your job on the court. So I was sticking to the game plan."

The Serb has won a record eight times in Melbourne, the scene of his maiden Grand Slam triumph in 2008, and is unbeaten on the famous blue courts since his shock defeat by South Korea's Hyeon Chung in the 2018 round of 16.

He next faces American Frances Tiafoe in a tricky side of the draw with 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka and former world number three Milos Raonic potential obstacles en route to the quarter-finals.

"It's the first time I will face him, he's definitely one of the up-and-coming American tennis players," Djokovic said of Tiafoe. "I'm looking forward to the next challenge."

Defending champion Novak Djokovic said he played "flawless and dominant" tennis to blast past Frenchman Jeremy Chardy Monday in an ominous start to his bid for an unprecedented ninth Australian Open title.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic said he played "flawless and dominant" tennis to blast past Frenchman Jeremy Chardy Monday in an ominous start to his bid for an unprecedented ninth Australian Open title. The Serbian world number one, who clinched his 17th Grand Slam in last year's gripping Melbourne final against Dominic Thiem, wasted little energy in the 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 romp in just 91 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. The writing was on the wall with Chardy failing to take a set off the Serb in 13 previous meetings. "It felt great. I mean, I started the match really well, broke his serve and was pretty much a flawless match," he said, adding that he felt "relaxed and comfortable". "Especially on my service games, I was very dominant. Just overall, I think every shot that I executed tonight was really good and on a high level. "I'm very pleased with the way I opened up the Australian Open." Djokovic, chasing an 18th Slam crown to close in on the 20 held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, has likened his relationship with the Australian Open to "a love affair". And he clearly enjoyed himself, dishing up a masterclass for the socially-distanced fans in the stadium. "It feels great, so great to see people back in the stadium," he said. "I'm really glad to see a lot of people actually -- this is the most I've seen on a tennis court in 12 months." "Sometimes we take these things (crowds) for granted, but very very grateful to see you all," he added. - 'Sticking to the game plan' - The 33-year-old broke Chardy in the opening game and was never troubled, racing through the set in 32 minutes, with the Frenchman winning just two points off the Serb's service game. It was similar scenario in a lopsided second set, which only lasted 22 minutes, as Chardy struggled to cope with the ferocity of Djokovic's serving, which routinely clocked in at more than 200 kph (124 mph). Chardy, who made the semi-finals of the warm-up Murray River Open tournament, surrendered meekly, with Djokovic winning the match with his ninth ace. "Of course, you are expected to win most of the times as a top player and kind of ease your way through the first rounds," said Djokovic. "But, you know, I don't see it that way, obviously. You still have to do your job on the court. So I was sticking to the game plan." The Serb has won a record eight times in Melbourne, the scene of his maiden Grand Slam triumph in 2008, and is unbeaten on the famous blue courts since his shock defeat by South Korea's Hyeon Chung in the 2018 round of 16. He next faces American Frances Tiafoe in a tricky side of the draw with 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka and former world number three Milos Raonic potential obstacles en route to the quarter-finals. "It's the first time I will face him, he's definitely one of the up-and-coming American tennis players," Djokovic said of Tiafoe. "I'm looking forward to the next challenge."

'Flawless' Djokovic crushes Chardy in Australian Open warning

India on Monday reached 39/1 at day four stumps after spinner Jack Leach bowled Rohit Sharma for 12 on a deteriorating Chennai track. India, chasing 420, will resume their innings on day five with Shubman Gill&nbsp;(15*)&nbsp;and Cheteshwar Pujara&nbsp;(12*)&nbsp;at the crease.&nbsp;

Earlier on the day, Ravichandran Ashwin scalped six wickets to bundle out England for 178 with the visitors setting a target of 420.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On a spinner-dominant day, Ashwin picked up his 28th&nbsp;five-wicket haul in England's second innings. The veteran spinner had sent Rory Burns back in the first ball of the innings before striking crucial blows including Ben Stokes.&nbsp;

England skipper Joe Root continued his rich run of form as he scored 40 off 32 balls. He hit 218 in the first innings in what is his 100th&nbsp;Test for England.&nbsp;

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Root was trapped&nbsp;lbw&nbsp;by speedster Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;but had done the damage with seven boundaries. Ollie Pope (28) and Dom Bess (25) helped England extend their lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian spinner Shahbaz Nadeem grabbed two wickets while Dan Lawrence was Ishant Sharma's 300th&nbsp;Test wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commenting on the achievement, Ishant said: "It's been quite a roller-coaster life. I've had a lot of experience, a lot of mentors who taught me how to bowl in the subcontinent and how to bowl abroad. I'm a bit sore, after bowling 4-over bursts in domestic cricket, and then bowling 35 overs within a gap of just 3-4 days.&nbsp;

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"If we get a good start tomorrow, we can chase this down, because we have a batting line-up that is fearless and can chase this down, and it's important to look at 381 runs and not 9 wickets. On the first two days, the pitch was not assisting us and the spinners, it felt like we played on a road, but it started turning later on in Day 4 and it was a lot more responsive then."&nbsp;

India&nbsp;were&nbsp;bundled out for 337 in their first innings – 42 runs short of&nbsp;avoiding&nbsp;the follow on – despite Washington Sundar's stylish unbeaten 85.&nbsp;

England, who scored 578 in the first innings, decided against enforcing the follow-on. India, on day 5, need another&nbsp;381 runs to win.

&nbsp;

India on Monday reached 39/1 at day four stumps after spinner Jack Leach bowled Rohit Sharma for 12 on a deteriorating Chennai track. India, chasing 420, will resume their innings on day five with Shubman Gill (15*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) at the crease.

India on Monday reached 39/1 at day four stumps after spinner Jack Leach bowled Rohit Sharma for 12 on a deteriorating Chennai track. India, chasing 420, will resume their innings on day five with Shubman Gill (15*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) at the crease. Earlier on the day, Ravichandran Ashwin scalped six wickets to bundle out England for 178 with the visitors setting a target of 420. On a spinner-dominant day, Ashwin picked up his 28th five-wicket haul in England's second innings. The veteran spinner had sent Rory Burns back in the first ball of the innings before striking crucial blows including Ben Stokes. England skipper Joe Root continued his rich run of form as he scored 40 off 32 balls. He hit 218 in the first innings in what is his 100th Test for England. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket Root was trapped lbw by speedster Jasprit Bumrah but had done the damage with seven boundaries. Ollie Pope (28) and Dom Bess (25) helped England extend their lead. Indian spinner Shahbaz Nadeem grabbed two wickets while Dan Lawrence was Ishant Sharma's 300th Test wicket. Commenting on the achievement, Ishant said: "It's been quite a roller-coaster life. I've had a lot of experience, a lot of mentors who taught me how to bowl in the subcontinent and how to bowl abroad. I'm a bit sore, after bowling 4-over bursts in domestic cricket, and then bowling 35 overs within a gap of just 3-4 days. ALSO READ: 300 Test wickets! Ishant Sharma joins elusive list as he achieves iconic landmark "If we get a good start tomorrow, we can chase this down, because we have a batting line-up that is fearless and can chase this down, and it's important to look at 381 runs and not 9 wickets. On the first two days, the pitch was not assisting us and the spinners, it felt like we played on a road, but it started turning later on in Day 4 and it was a lot more responsive then." India were bundled out for 337 in their first innings – 42 runs short of avoiding the follow on – despite Washington Sundar's stylish unbeaten 85. England, who scored 578 in the first innings, decided against enforcing the follow-on. India, on day 5, need another 381 runs to win.

IND vs ENG, Day 4: England on top as India need another 381 runs to win

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have agreed to a new deal that will see the seven-time world champion continue with the reigning Formula&nbsp;One World Constructors’ Champion continue together in the year&nbsp;2021. The ground-breaking deal will also witness the Hamilton-Mercedes due continue for a ninth consecutive&nbsp;season.&nbsp;

Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 before joining Mercedes in 2013. He has since won a staggering 74 F1 races as well as six Drivers’ Championships with the team. In 2020, Hamilton broke Michael&nbsp;Schumacher's&nbsp;all-time win record and is now the record holder in F1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After signing the new deal,&nbsp;Lewis Hamilton&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates. Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue. I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport. I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”&nbsp;

Commenting on the new deal, Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, Toto Wolff said that the longer-term project will focus on their shared commitment to greater diversity within the motorsport.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a>

“We have always been aligned with Lewis that we would continue, but the very unusual year we had in 2020 meant it took some time to finish the process. Together, we have decided to extend the sporting relationship for another season and to begin a longer-term project to take the next step in our shared commitment to greater diversity within our sport," Wolff said.&nbsp;

Lewis’s competitive record stands alongside the best the sports world has ever seen, and he is a valued ambassador for our brand and our partners. The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we are hungry to compete and to add more chapters to it," he added.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have agreed to a new deal that will see the seven-time world champion continue with the reigning Formula One World Constructors’ Champion continue together in the year 2021.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have agreed to a new deal that will see the seven-time world champion continue with the reigning Formula One World Constructors’ Champion continue together in the year 2021. The ground-breaking deal will also witness the Hamilton-Mercedes due continue for a ninth consecutive season. Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 before joining Mercedes in 2013. He has since won a staggering 74 F1 races as well as six Drivers’ Championships with the team. In 2020, Hamilton broke Michael Schumacher's all-time win record and is now the record holder in F1. After signing the new deal, Lewis Hamilton said, "I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates. Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track. ALSO READ: Economy to values: Tokyo Olympics highlight stark difference from 1964 to 2021 “I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue. I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport. I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.” Commenting on the new deal, Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, Toto Wolff said that the longer-term project will focus on their shared commitment to greater diversity within the motorsport. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket “We have always been aligned with Lewis that we would continue, but the very unusual year we had in 2020 meant it took some time to finish the process. Together, we have decided to extend the sporting relationship for another season and to begin a longer-term project to take the next step in our shared commitment to greater diversity within our sport," Wolff said. Lewis’s competitive record stands alongside the best the sports world has ever seen, and he is a valued ambassador for our brand and our partners. The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we are hungry to compete and to add more chapters to it," he added.

Lewis Hamilton-Mercedes agree new contract for 2021

The US President Joe Biden has said that any decision on holding&nbsp;the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, must be "based on science". The Games are set to commence in under six months with the Japanese government and International Olympic Committee (IOC)&nbsp;emphasising&nbsp;on holding the quadrennial event as planned, albeit under strict protocols that could include events being held behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Biden, speaking on a Westwood One Sports radio&nbsp;programme&nbsp;broadcast on Sunday, said that he hopes the Tokyo Olympics take place just for the sake of the athletes who have given their blood and sweat for the&nbsp;Games.&nbsp;

"I've spoken with the prime minister of Japan, he's working very hard to be in a position to safely open the Games, to have the Games, and I think that has to be based on science, whether or not it is safe for that to occur," Biden said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tampa-bay-buccaneers-win-super-bowl-2021-heres-the-complete-list-of-winners-362094" hreflang="en">Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl 2021: Here's the complete list of winners</a>

Biden, who took the office in January, said it pains him to even think that athletes won't be able to compete in the Tokyo Olympics after four years of hard work but added if the Games are to go ahead, it has to be based on science.&nbsp;

"Imagine all those Olympians who work for four years, four years for one shot and all of a sudden that opportunity gets lost," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"They are the people that I feel such pain for - but we have to do it based on the science," he&nbsp;further said while adding, "We are a science-driven administration, I think the rest of the&nbsp;world's&nbsp;there too. I hope we can&nbsp;play,&nbsp;I hope it's possible, but it remains to be seen."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;2020 Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.&nbsp;

The US President Joe Biden has said that any decision on holding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, must be "based on science".

The US President Joe Biden has said that any decision on holding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, must be "based on science". The Games are set to commence in under six months with the Japanese government and International Olympic Committee (IOC) emphasising on holding the quadrennial event as planned, albeit under strict protocols that could include events being held behind closed doors. Biden, speaking on a Westwood One Sports radio programme broadcast on Sunday, said that he hopes the Tokyo Olympics take place just for the sake of the athletes who have given their blood and sweat for the Games. "I've spoken with the prime minister of Japan, he's working very hard to be in a position to safely open the Games, to have the Games, and I think that has to be based on science, whether or not it is safe for that to occur," Biden said. ALSO READ: Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl 2021: Here's the complete list of winners Biden, who took the office in January, said it pains him to even think that athletes won't be able to compete in the Tokyo Olympics after four years of hard work but added if the Games are to go ahead, it has to be based on science. "Imagine all those Olympians who work for four years, four years for one shot and all of a sudden that opportunity gets lost," he said. ALSO READ: Brady's magnificent seven as Bucs upset Chiefs in Super Bowl "They are the people that I feel such pain for - but we have to do it based on the science," he further said while adding, "We are a science-driven administration, I think the rest of the world's there too. I hope we can play, I hope it's possible, but it remains to be seen." The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

'It remains to be seen...': US President Joe Biden opines on 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Pakistan on Monday won its first-ever series against South Africa since 2003 as the Babar Azam-led side defeated the Proteas by 95 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi to clean-sweep the series 2-0.&nbsp;

While the likes of Aiden&nbsp;Markram&nbsp;(108), Rassie van der&nbsp;Dussen&nbsp;(48), Temba&nbsp;Bavuma&nbsp;(61) showed great grit and resilience to take the chase closer, other batters failed to support the troika as visitors were bundled out for 274 with Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali picking up a five-fer and his best match figures of 10-114.&nbsp;

Markram&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bavuma&nbsp;put a 106-run stand for the fourth wicket but it was Hasan who dismissed the former with the second new ball.&nbsp;

The 2-0 win is Pakistan's only second over South Africa in 12 series, having lost eight and drawn three. Pakistan had won the first Test by seven wickets in Karachi.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-shabnim-ismail-named-icc-player-of-the-month-for-january-2021-362132" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021</a>

The two-match series against South Africa – who toured Pakistan for the first time in 14 years – is the biggest hosted by Pakistan since the deadly 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan side in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;

South Africa and Pakistan will now play three T20Is on February 11, 13 and 14 – in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Batting first, Pakistan posted 272 runs on the board,&nbsp;courtesy&nbsp;a fine 77-run knock by Babar Azam. While Anrich Nortje picked up a five-fer in the first innings, Keshav Maharaj ended up with three wickets.&nbsp;South Africa in reply, posted 201 runs with&nbsp;Bavuma&nbsp;top-scoring with an unbeaten 44.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a>

With a&nbsp;handy&nbsp;lead, Pakistan went on to score 298 courtesy a cracking century by Mohammad Rizwan and a 45-run knock by Nauman Ali.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I enjoyed the captaincy and got to learn a lot. When the team supports you and plays according to plan there isn't much pressure on the captain. Hasan Ali made an outstanding comeback, he is playing after 2 years and his bowling was really outstanding. Today morning Hasan Ali gave us those early wickets and got us back into the game. We keep trying senior-junior combinations in the slip cordon and we are working on our fielding aspect and really happy with our catching in the series. This gives us a lot of confidence and gives the group a lot of confidence. Markram and Bavuma played really well but we knew we could always manage that one breakthrough and make things happen with the new ball," said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam after the match.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan on Monday won its first-ever series against South Africa since 2003 as the Babar Azam-led side defeated the Proteas by 95 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi to clean-sweep the series 2-0.

Pakistan on Monday won its first-ever series against South Africa since 2003 as the Babar Azam-led side defeated the Proteas by 95 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi to clean-sweep the series 2-0. While the likes of Aiden Markram (108), Rassie van der Dussen (48), Temba Bavuma (61) showed great grit and resilience to take the chase closer, other batters failed to support the troika as visitors were bundled out for 274 with Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali picking up a five-fer and his best match figures of 10-114. Markram and Bavuma put a 106-run stand for the fourth wicket but it was Hasan who dismissed the former with the second new ball. The 2-0 win is Pakistan's only second over South Africa in 12 series, having lost eight and drawn three. Pakistan had won the first Test by seven wickets in Karachi. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021 The two-match series against South Africa – who toured Pakistan for the first time in 14 years – is the biggest hosted by Pakistan since the deadly 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan side in Lahore. South Africa and Pakistan will now play three T20Is on February 11, 13 and 14 – in Lahore. Batting first, Pakistan posted 272 runs on the board, courtesy a fine 77-run knock by Babar Azam. While Anrich Nortje picked up a five-fer in the first innings, Keshav Maharaj ended up with three wickets. South Africa in reply, posted 201 runs with Bavuma top-scoring with an unbeaten 44. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket With a handy lead, Pakistan went on to score 298 courtesy a cracking century by Mohammad Rizwan and a 45-run knock by Nauman Ali. "I enjoyed the captaincy and got to learn a lot. When the team supports you and plays according to plan there isn't much pressure on the captain. Hasan Ali made an outstanding comeback, he is playing after 2 years and his bowling was really outstanding. Today morning Hasan Ali gave us those early wickets and got us back into the game. We keep trying senior-junior combinations in the slip cordon and we are working on our fielding aspect and really happy with our catching in the series. This gives us a lot of confidence and gives the group a lot of confidence. Markram and Bavuma played really well but we knew we could always manage that one breakthrough and make things happen with the new ball," said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam after the match.

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 95 runs, win first series against Proteas since 2003

In a heartfelt effort to help the needy, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant on Sunday said that he will donate his match-fee for the rescue efforts following a glacier burst in Uttarakhand. The youngster also urged more people to help out after the glacier burst as he expressed grief over the loss of lives in the calamity. Pant is currently playing in the first Test against England in Chennai.&nbsp;

"Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out," Pant tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out.
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17/status/1358476781141991426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Social media users lavished high praise on Rishabh Pant following his heartfelt gesture to help in the rescue efforts after the glacier burst in Uttarakhand.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-kyle-mayer-smashes-double-ton-on-debut-shatters-several-records-361977" hreflang="en">West Indies' Kyle Mayers smashes double ton on debut; shatters several records</a>

<h2>Here are some of the reactions:</h2>

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Winning hearts on and off the field. Ek hi toh dil hai Pant sahab, kitni baar jeetoge.🙏❤️
— Jayesh (@jayeshvk16) <a href="https://twitter.com/jayeshvk16/status/1358480996169969665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Great Gesture Rishabh Pant ❤️ 
Immense Respect for You 🙌🇮🇳
— ABHI (@DeadlyYorkers) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeadlyYorkers/status/1358485227409084416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Absolute Champion 💎
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoyalSachinFan/status/1358485572793192448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pant bhai <a href="https://t.co/0ezoQea9qq">pic.twitter.com/0ezoQea9qq</a>
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprayagtiwari/status/1358478207842803712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Huge Respect Sir🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/Fncl4wty1l">pic.twitter.com/Fncl4wty1l</a>
— Amit🇮🇳 (@dark__horse007) <a href="https://twitter.com/dark__horse007/status/1358477350485172225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Mad respect bro ❤️
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Pant missed out on his third Test century on Day 3 of the ongoing Test as the southpaw played a blistering knock of 91 runs. The 23-year-old stitched a 119-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (73) for the fifth wicket to help India steady their innings. England had posted a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, courtesy a fine double century by captain Joe Root.&nbsp;

Fourteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after a chunk of glacier dislodged and unleashed a devastating flash flood in India, officials said.

"A total of 15 people have been rescued and 14 bodies have been recovered from different places so far," the state government of&nbsp;Uttarakhand, in the country's north, said on Twitter a day after the disaster.

ALSO READ&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spirit-of-cricket-stuart-broads-cheeky-comment-on-iccs-post-on-virat-kohlis-gesture-towards-joe-root-361972" hreflang="en">'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root</a>

On Sunday, a glacier broke in the&nbsp;Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand that triggered massive flooding in&nbsp;Dhauliganga&nbsp;and Alaknanda Rivers and damaged housed and the nearby&nbsp;Rishiganga&nbsp;power project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The rescue operations had to be halted in&nbsp;Dhauliganga&nbsp;due to the rise in the water level of the river.&nbsp;Tapovan&nbsp;Hydro-Electric Power Dam was completely washed off following a glacier burst in Chamoli district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Furthermore, Uttarakhand Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of INR 4 lakh each to the kin of those who lost their lives due to the glacier burst.&nbsp;

"We are assuming that around 125 people are missing. The number can be higher," Rawat said. He added that the government has all the needed assistance to handle the situation for now.&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)&nbsp;

In a heartfelt effort to help the needy, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant on Sunday said that he will donate his match-fee for the rescue efforts following a glacier burst in Uttarakhand.

In a heartfelt effort to help the needy, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant on Sunday said that he will donate his match-fee for the rescue efforts following a glacier burst in Uttarakhand. The youngster also urged more people to help out after the glacier burst as he expressed grief over the loss of lives in the calamity. Pant is currently playing in the first Test against England in Chennai. "Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out," Pant tweeted. Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out. — Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) February 7, 2021 × Social media users lavished high praise on Rishabh Pant following his heartfelt gesture to help in the rescue efforts after the glacier burst in Uttarakhand. ALSO READ: West Indies' Kyle Mayers smashes double ton on debut; shatters several records Here are some of the reactions: Winning hearts on and off the field. Ek hi toh dil hai Pant sahab, kitni baar jeetoge.🙏❤️ — Jayesh (@jayeshvk16) February 7, 2021 × Great Gesture Rishabh Pant ❤️ Immense Respect for You 🙌🇮🇳 — ABHI (@DeadlyYorkers) February 7, 2021 × Absolute Champion 💎 — R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 7, 2021 × Pant bhai pic.twitter.com/0ezoQea9qq — Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) February 7, 2021 × Huge Respect Sir🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Fncl4wty1l — Amit🇮🇳 (@dark__horse007) February 7, 2021 × Mad respect bro ❤️ — A (@_shortarmjab_) February 7, 2021 × Pant missed out on his third Test century on Day 3 of the ongoing Test as the southpaw played a blistering knock of 91 runs. The 23-year-old stitched a 119-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (73) for the fifth wicket to help India steady their innings. England had posted a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, courtesy a fine double century by captain Joe Root. Fourteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after a chunk of glacier dislodged and unleashed a devastating flash flood in India, officials said. "A total of 15 people have been rescued and 14 bodies have been recovered from different places so far," the state government of Uttarakhand, in the country's north, said on Twitter a day after the disaster. ALSO READ 'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root On Sunday, a glacier broke in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand that triggered massive flooding in Dhauliganga and Alaknanda Rivers and damaged housed and the nearby Rishiganga power project. The rescue operations had to be halted in Dhauliganga due to the rise in the water level of the river. Tapovan Hydro-Electric Power Dam was completely washed off following a glacier burst in Chamoli district. Furthermore, Uttarakhand Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of INR 4 lakh each to the kin of those who lost their lives due to the glacier burst. "We are assuming that around 125 people are missing. The number can be higher," Rawat said. He added that the government has all the needed assistance to handle the situation for now. (With ANI inputs)

Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.&nbsp;

India’s Rishabh Pant won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for his performances in the two Tests against Australia where he scored a 97 at Sydney and an unbeaten 89 at Brisbane that led India to a historic series win against arch-rivals Australia.

South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for her performances across three ODIs and two T20Is during the month. Ismail took seven wickets in the victorious ODI series against Pakistan, before taking five wickets in the second T20I against the same opposition.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a>

Fans were treated to some sensational cricket during the month of January making the inaugural player of the month awards a highly competitive affair.&nbsp;

Commenting on Pant being awarded the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Both times Pant played under pressure in two different sets of challenges: to draw a game and to win a game. He showed his versatility of skills in both knocks, the clincher being his temperament.”&nbsp;

Commenting on Ismail’s inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award, Mpumelelo Mbangwa representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Ismail reached a hundred T20I wickets in their series against Pakistan. She leads the way and is the first South African to reach the milestone. With her pace and aggression, she continues to lead the South African women’s team’s bowling attack admirably. She is a joy to watch in action.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pants-heartfelt-gesture-after-uttarakhand-glacier-burst-wins-hearts-362086" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts</a>

Reacting to her award win, Shabnim Ismail said: “Winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month in January just shows that all the hard work I put in during the lockdown has paid off for me. This accolade would not have been possible if it were not for my teammates and I am grateful and thankful for all your support. Also, to all my fans and friends all around the world thank you very much for the vote, it really meant a lot to me. And lastly, a special thanks to also my family who have been there for me and supported me all through the way.”&nbsp;

Commenting on his award win Rishabh Pant said: “I am delighted to be receiving the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award. For any sportsperson, contributing to a team win is the ultimate reward but such initiatives help motivate youngsters such as myself to do better each time. I dedicate this award to every member of Team India that contributed to our victory in Australia and also thank all my fans who voted for me.”&nbsp;

Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative by registering on the www.icc-cricket.com website.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year. India’s Rishabh Pant won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for his performances in the two Tests against Australia where he scored a 97 at Sydney and an unbeaten 89 at Brisbane that led India to a historic series win against arch-rivals Australia. South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for her performances across three ODIs and two T20Is during the month. Ismail took seven wickets in the victorious ODI series against Pakistan, before taking five wickets in the second T20I against the same opposition. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket Fans were treated to some sensational cricket during the month of January making the inaugural player of the month awards a highly competitive affair. Commenting on Pant being awarded the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Both times Pant played under pressure in two different sets of challenges: to draw a game and to win a game. He showed his versatility of skills in both knocks, the clincher being his temperament.” Commenting on Ismail’s inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award, Mpumelelo Mbangwa representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Ismail reached a hundred T20I wickets in their series against Pakistan. She leads the way and is the first South African to reach the milestone. With her pace and aggression, she continues to lead the South African women’s team’s bowling attack admirably. She is a joy to watch in action.” ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts Reacting to her award win, Shabnim Ismail said: “Winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month in January just shows that all the hard work I put in during the lockdown has paid off for me. This accolade would not have been possible if it were not for my teammates and I am grateful and thankful for all your support. Also, to all my fans and friends all around the world thank you very much for the vote, it really meant a lot to me. And lastly, a special thanks to also my family who have been there for me and supported me all through the way.” Commenting on his award win Rishabh Pant said: “I am delighted to be receiving the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award. For any sportsperson, contributing to a team win is the ultimate reward but such initiatives help motivate youngsters such as myself to do better each time. I dedicate this award to every member of Team India that contributed to our victory in Australia and also thank all my fans who voted for me.” Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative by registering on the www.icc-cricket.com website.

Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021

Indian bowler Ishant Sharma on Monday became the third Indian pacer to pick 300 Test wickets after the veteran pacer scalped the wicket of&nbsp;Daniel Lawrence during the second innings of the first Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ishant became the third Indian pacer after Kapil Dev (434) and Zaheer Khan (311) to scalp 300 Test wickets for India and sixth overall Indian bowler. While Ishant is the latest entrant in the elusive list of Indian bowlers to have scalped 300 Test wickets, former Indian captain Anil Kumble leads the list with 619 wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ishant trapped England batsman Dan Lawrence plumb to complete the iconic landmark in the longest format of the game as India continue to try and make a comeback in the second innings after trailing by 241 runs&nbsp;in the first innings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{317c162e-a35a-44bb-b463-13c36ec696e4}{221}" paraid="1106525436" >Elusive 300-wicket club for&nbsp;India in Test cricket:&nbsp;</h2>

Anil Kumble: 611 wickets&nbsp;

Kapil Dev:434 wickets&nbsp;

Harbhajan Singh: 417 wickets&nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin: 382 wickets*&nbsp;

Ishant Sharma: 300 wickets*&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pants-heartfelt-gesture-after-uttarakhand-glacier-burst-wins-hearts-362086" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts</a>

Meanwhile, England continue to extend their lead in the second innings after taking a big advantage of 241 runs in the first innings. While Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed&nbsp;opener,&nbsp;Rory Burns off the first ball of the second innings, Sibley (16), Lawrence (18)&nbsp;were&nbsp;dismissed cheaply by the Indian bowling unit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India would be looking to continue their unbeaten&nbsp;run on&nbsp;home soil with their last Test defeat dating back to 2016. Whereas England would want to convert the first-innings advantage into a win in Chennai.&nbsp;

Indian bowler Ishant Sharma on Monday became the third Indian pacer to pick 300 Test wickets after the veteran pacer scalped the wicket of Daniel Lawrence during the second innings of the first Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Indian bowler Ishant Sharma on Monday became the third Indian pacer to pick 300 Test wickets after the veteran pacer scalped the wicket of Daniel Lawrence during the second innings of the first Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ishant became the third Indian pacer after Kapil Dev (434) and Zaheer Khan (311) to scalp 300 Test wickets for India and sixth overall Indian bowler. While Ishant is the latest entrant in the elusive list of Indian bowlers to have scalped 300 Test wickets, former Indian captain Anil Kumble leads the list with 619 wickets. Ishant trapped England batsman Dan Lawrence plumb to complete the iconic landmark in the longest format of the game as India continue to try and make a comeback in the second innings after trailing by 241 runs in the first innings. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket Elusive 300-wicket club for India in Test cricket: Anil Kumble: 611 wickets Kapil Dev:434 wickets Harbhajan Singh: 417 wickets Ravichandran Ashwin: 382 wickets* Ishant Sharma: 300 wickets* ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts Meanwhile, England continue to extend their lead in the second innings after taking a big advantage of 241 runs in the first innings. While Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed opener, Rory Burns off the first ball of the second innings, Sibley (16), Lawrence (18) were dismissed cheaply by the Indian bowling unit. India would be looking to continue their unbeaten run on home soil with their last Test defeat dating back to 2016. Whereas England would want to convert the first-innings advantage into a win in Chennai.

300 Test wickets! Ishant Sharma joins elusive list as he achieves iconic landmark

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. Crawley, 23, had slipped on a marble floor outside the dressing room during training ahead of the first Test against India in Chennai, starting from Friday.

Crawley, with the slip, sprained the joint which led to local inflammation. The England medical team will continue to assess Crawley's progress over the next few weeks.&nbsp;

"Scan results have confirmed that Crawley has jarred his right wrist, which has sprained the joint and led to local inflammation," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.

"It's really frustrating and frustrating for Zak in particular," Joe Root, the England captain, told reporters during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first Test in Chennai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-deserve-to-be-in-wtc-final-india-focused-on-england-series-ajinkya-rahane-361135" hreflang="en">New Zealand deserve to be in WTC final, India focused on England series: Ajinkya Rahane</a>

"It was a freak accident, walking out of the change room and slipped over and landed on his wrist. Hope it's the last one," he said.

However, Root didn't reveal who would replace the Kent batsman, who smashed 267 runs for his maiden Test century against Pakistan at Southampton in August.

When asked whether Root would promote himself up at number three in the batting line-up, the England Test captain said: "There are a different number of things we have got. We have got some brilliant players, different options to choose from. We will look at the balance of the side but we will discuss it over today's course."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-eyes-illustrious-records-in-chennai-test-against-india-361081" hreflang="en">Joe Root eyes illustrious records in Chennai Test against India</a>

India and England will play four Test matches with the first two scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in world's largest cricket stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium - in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The Virat Kohli-led outfit will look to continue their domination on home soil. India last lost a Test match in home conditions in the year 2016 and last Test series in 2012.

&nbsp;

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday.

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. Crawley, 23, had slipped on a marble floor outside the dressing room during training ahead of the first Test against India in Chennai, starting from Friday. Crawley, with the slip, sprained the joint which led to local inflammation. The England medical team will continue to assess Crawley's progress over the next few weeks. "Scan results have confirmed that Crawley has jarred his right wrist, which has sprained the joint and led to local inflammation," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement. "It's really frustrating and frustrating for Zak in particular," Joe Root, the England captain, told reporters during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first Test in Chennai. ALSO READ: New Zealand deserve to be in WTC final, India focused on England series: Ajinkya Rahane "It was a freak accident, walking out of the change room and slipped over and landed on his wrist. Hope it's the last one," he said. However, Root didn't reveal who would replace the Kent batsman, who smashed 267 runs for his maiden Test century against Pakistan at Southampton in August. When asked whether Root would promote himself up at number three in the batting line-up, the England Test captain said: "There are a different number of things we have got. We have got some brilliant players, different options to choose from. We will look at the balance of the side but we will discuss it over today's course." ALSO READ: Joe Root eyes illustrious records in Chennai Test against India India and England will play four Test matches with the first two scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in world's largest cricket stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium - in Ahmedabad. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will look to continue their domination on home soil. India last lost a Test match in home conditions in the year 2016 and last Test series in 2012.

England's Zak Crawley ruled out of first two Tests vs India

Tokyo 2020 Games chief Yoshiro Mori has apologised and said he may have to resign after sparking a sexism row by claiming women speak too much in meetings, a Japanese daily said Thursday.

Mori, an 83-year-old former prime minister known for public gaffes, told the Mainichi Shimbun he was sorry for his "thoughtless" remarks, which prompted calls for him to step down.

"If calls for my resignation grow louder, I might be compelled to resign," Mori was quoted as telling the newspaper on Thursday.

"It was thoughtless. I'd like to apologise," he added.

Mori is reported to have said Wednesday that "board of directors meetings with many women take a lot of time", according to the Asahi Shimbun daily.

"When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly said.

The comments sparked a furious reaction in Japan, with the phrases "enough already," "misogyny" and "we demand Yoshiro Mori resigns" all trending on Twitter.

Mori said he had been taken to task by the female members of his family as a result, with his wife giving him a "thorough scolding."&nbsp;

"She said: 'You've said something bad again, haven't you? I'm going to have to suffer again because you've antagonised women.' This morning, my daughter and granddaughter scolded me as well," he said.

"I was trying to say that I wonder about the general opinion that we should just increase the number of women," he added. "I wasn't trying to slight women at all."

He made the remarks to members of the Japan Olympic Committee, some of whom were reported to have laughed in response.

The JOC decided last year to aim to have 40 percent female board members, but as of November, there are just five women among the board's 24 members.

<h2>- 'Understands their place' -</h2>

"We have about seven women at the organising committee but everyone understands their place," Mori is reported to have said at the Wednesday meeting.

Tokyo 2020 has not responded to a request for comment on Mori's remarks, but has called a press conference for later Thursday that is expected to address the row.

Nippon TV reported that Mori would "firmly respond" to reports on his remarks, but that he was not currently planning to resign.

A government spokesman declined to be drawn on calls for his resignation, but JOC member and former judoka Kaori Yamaguchi called Mori's comments "unfortunate".

"Gender equality and considerations for people with disabilities were supposed to be prerequisite for holding the Tokyo Games," the Sports Hochi newspaper quoted her as saying.

"It is unfortunate that the representative of the organising committee would make such a remark."

While ranking highly on a range of international indicators, Japan persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum.

Mori has a history of making controversial remarks, and made waves earlier this week by insisting the pandemic-posted Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves".

The comments came with polls showing around 80 percent of Japanese oppose holding the Games this year, and as several parts of Japan are under a virus state of emergency.

On Thursday, a popular Japanese comedian described those remarks as "incomprehensible" and said he would no longer take part in the Olympic torch relay, domestic media reported.

Tokyo 2020 Games chief Yoshiro Mori has apologised and said he may have to resign after sparking a sexism row by claiming women speak too much in meetings, a Japanese daily said Thursday.

Tokyo 2020 Games chief Yoshiro Mori has apologised and said he may have to resign after sparking a sexism row by claiming women speak too much in meetings, a Japanese daily said Thursday. Mori, an 83-year-old former prime minister known for public gaffes, told the Mainichi Shimbun he was sorry for his "thoughtless" remarks, which prompted calls for him to step down. "If calls for my resignation grow louder, I might be compelled to resign," Mori was quoted as telling the newspaper on Thursday. "It was thoughtless. I'd like to apologise," he added. Mori is reported to have said Wednesday that "board of directors meetings with many women take a lot of time", according to the Asahi Shimbun daily. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly said. The comments sparked a furious reaction in Japan, with the phrases "enough already," "misogyny" and "we demand Yoshiro Mori resigns" all trending on Twitter. Mori said he had been taken to task by the female members of his family as a result, with his wife giving him a "thorough scolding." "She said: 'You've said something bad again, haven't you? I'm going to have to suffer again because you've antagonised women.' This morning, my daughter and granddaughter scolded me as well," he said. "I was trying to say that I wonder about the general opinion that we should just increase the number of women," he added. "I wasn't trying to slight women at all." He made the remarks to members of the Japan Olympic Committee, some of whom were reported to have laughed in response. The JOC decided last year to aim to have 40 percent female board members, but as of November, there are just five women among the board's 24 members. - 'Understands their place' - "We have about seven women at the organising committee but everyone understands their place," Mori is reported to have said at the Wednesday meeting. Tokyo 2020 has not responded to a request for comment on Mori's remarks, but has called a press conference for later Thursday that is expected to address the row. Nippon TV reported that Mori would "firmly respond" to reports on his remarks, but that he was not currently planning to resign. A government spokesman declined to be drawn on calls for his resignation, but JOC member and former judoka Kaori Yamaguchi called Mori's comments "unfortunate". "Gender equality and considerations for people with disabilities were supposed to be prerequisite for holding the Tokyo Games," the Sports Hochi newspaper quoted her as saying. "It is unfortunate that the representative of the organising committee would make such a remark." While ranking highly on a range of international indicators, Japan persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum. Mori has a history of making controversial remarks, and made waves earlier this week by insisting the pandemic-posted Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus (pandemic) evolves". The comments came with polls showing around 80 percent of Japanese oppose holding the Games this year, and as several parts of Japan are under a virus state of emergency. On Thursday, a popular Japanese comedian described those remarks as "incomprehensible" and said he would no longer take part in the Olympic torch relay, domestic media reported.

Tokyo 2020 boss faces resignation calls over sexist remarks

Olympics organisers unveiled the first of a series of "playbooks" aimed at holding the coronavirus-postponed Tokyo Games safely on Wednesday, warning that rule breakers could be kicked out.

Sports officials will be allowed to skip quarantine as long as they monitor their health for 14 days after arriving in Japan, according to the 32-page document.

During those 14 days, however, the officials will not be allowed to travel outside the Games bubble or watch events as a spectator.

The playbooks are aimed at building confidence that the Games can go ahead even if the pandemic is not under control by the opening ceremony on July 23. The rules are set to be updated in April and again in June.

The first of the guides is aimed at sports officials, with versions for athletes, fans, media and others to follow in the coming weeks.

"We have learned a lot from the best practices of other events," said Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi of the International Olympic Committee.

"It is the mantra of all of us -- the Games have to be safe, for each stakeholder group, for each participant. It's a question of responsibility."

Officials will be subject to a series of rules during their stay in Japan, including mask-wearing, complying with contact tracing and staying within designated areas.

They will have to present a detailed itinerary of their planned movements for their first 14 days in Japan and stick closely to it on arrival.

And they will have to monitor and record their health for two weeks before going to Tokyo.

Details on rules for athletes were still being finalised, but officials said they would be tested for Covid-19 at least every four days, and would be tested before leaving their country and again on arrival in Japan.

The guide released on Wednesday warns rule breakers will face "consequences that may have an impact on participation" at the Games, with "repeated or serious failures" potentially leading to offenders being kicked out.

"These Games in many respects will be different," said Olympic Games Operations Director Pierre Ducrey at the IOC.

"There will be a number of constraints and conditions that the participants will have to respect and follow, which will have an impact on their experience, particularly when it comes to social aspects," he told reporters at a press conference presenting the rule book.

Doubts about the Games have grown as countries have been forced to re-enter lockdowns, with large parts of Japan currently under a state of emergency.

Japan's government approved a month-long extension of its state of emergency on Tuesday, with measures now running through March 7 in parts of the country.

Tighter border restrictions imposed after infections surged have already forced the postponement of some sporting fixtures in Japan, including this year's first Olympic test event, an artistic swimming qualifier that was scheduled for March.

The nationwide Olympic torch relay is still due to begin on March 25.

Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said Tuesday that the Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus evolves", brushing aside doubts about the event.

Olympics organisers unveiled the first of a series of "playbooks" aimed at holding the coronavirus-postponed Tokyo Games safely on Wednesday, warning that rule breakers could be kicked out.

Olympics organisers unveiled the first of a series of "playbooks" aimed at holding the coronavirus-postponed Tokyo Games safely on Wednesday, warning that rule breakers could be kicked out. Sports officials will be allowed to skip quarantine as long as they monitor their health for 14 days after arriving in Japan, according to the 32-page document. During those 14 days, however, the officials will not be allowed to travel outside the Games bubble or watch events as a spectator. The playbooks are aimed at building confidence that the Games can go ahead even if the pandemic is not under control by the opening ceremony on July 23. The rules are set to be updated in April and again in June. The first of the guides is aimed at sports officials, with versions for athletes, fans, media and others to follow in the coming weeks. "We have learned a lot from the best practices of other events," said Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi of the International Olympic Committee. "It is the mantra of all of us -- the Games have to be safe, for each stakeholder group, for each participant. It's a question of responsibility." Officials will be subject to a series of rules during their stay in Japan, including mask-wearing, complying with contact tracing and staying within designated areas. They will have to present a detailed itinerary of their planned movements for their first 14 days in Japan and stick closely to it on arrival. And they will have to monitor and record their health for two weeks before going to Tokyo. Details on rules for athletes were still being finalised, but officials said they would be tested for Covid-19 at least every four days, and would be tested before leaving their country and again on arrival in Japan. The guide released on Wednesday warns rule breakers will face "consequences that may have an impact on participation" at the Games, with "repeated or serious failures" potentially leading to offenders being kicked out. "These Games in many respects will be different," said Olympic Games Operations Director Pierre Ducrey at the IOC. "There will be a number of constraints and conditions that the participants will have to respect and follow, which will have an impact on their experience, particularly when it comes to social aspects," he told reporters at a press conference presenting the rule book. Doubts about the Games have grown as countries have been forced to re-enter lockdowns, with large parts of Japan currently under a state of emergency. Japan's government approved a month-long extension of its state of emergency on Tuesday, with measures now running through March 7 in parts of the country. Tighter border restrictions imposed after infections surged have already forced the postponement of some sporting fixtures in Japan, including this year's first Olympic test event, an artistic swimming qualifier that was scheduled for March. The nationwide Olympic torch relay is still due to begin on March 25. Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said Tuesday that the Games would go ahead this summer "however the coronavirus evolves", brushing aside doubts about the event.

Olympics organisers unveil virus rule book for Tokyo Games

Pep Guardiola admits he wrote off Manchester City's title prospects earlier this season, but the Premier League leaders are now three points clear after a 2-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday.

Guardiola's side had watched Manchester United draw level on points with them on Tuesday after their bitter rivals crushed Southampton 9-0.

But City underlined their determination to hold onto top spot with a composed, mature display at Turf Moor.

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring after a mistake from Burnley keeper Nick Pope and Raheem Sterling grabbed the second before half-time.

After a spluttering start to the season that threatened to derail their title hopes, City, who have a game in hand on second placed United, are in pole position to dethrone champions Liverpool.

So bleak was City's position at one stage that Guardiola expected to be thinking about qualifying for the Europa League rather than winning the title.

"We have to do our job. It's a big mistake to think about other sides," Guardiola said of the title race.

"When we were 12th we were thinking forget about the Premier League, if we can achieve being in Europa League next season.&nbsp;

"It's not about runs of games, statistics. It's always next game, next game."

City head into Sunday's crucial clash at Liverpool -- who face Brighton later on Wednesday -- on a club record run of 13 successive victories in all competitions, including nine in the league.

Arsenal were the last English top-flight side to win 13 consecutive games in all competitions in 2002.

With Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne still sidelined by injuries, City's surge to the top is even more remarkable.&nbsp;

"Strikers need goals for their confidence. Gabriel Jesus played really good," Guardiola said.

Last crowned champions in 2019, City are unbeaten in 20 matches in all competitions stretching back to November and have conceded just four goals during that run.

It is City's miserly defence that has been the key to their resurgence following the signing of Ruben Dias from Benfica.

Their latest rock-solid effort at the back equalled the club league record of six consecutive clean-sheets.

Burnley are 16th after a second successive defeat, but they remain eight points above the relegation zone.

<h2>- Ruthless City -</h2>

Guardiola made five changes from last weekend's win against Sheffield United, with Sterling and John Stones back in the starting line-up.

Aguero is several weeks from returning to action after recently emerging from coronavirus quarantine, leaving Jesus to shoulder the burden of leading City's attack.

Finally rising to that challenge, Jesus struck in the third minute with a clinical close-range header after Pope tamely parried Bernardo Silva's shot into the Brazilian's path.

It was a bad mistake from Pope but Jesus wasn't complaining about the gift.

After scoring just once in 12 games, the 23-year-old, who hit the winner against Sheffield United, has now netted three times in his last four appearances.

City had never lost in the 37 previous league games that Jesus had scored in and Guardiola's side always looked likely to extend that streak as they dominated possession.

Probing away with ruthless efficiency, City's pressure was rewarded with a second goal in the 38th minute.

Mahrez fed Ilkay Gundogan down the right flank and the German's superb low cross reached Sterling, who slotted home from close-range for his 10th club goal of the season.

Burnley didn't have a single shot in the first half and that gulf in class remained obvious after the break.

Gundogan has made a habit of scoring eye-catching goals in recent weeks and he wasn't far away from another as his 20-yard blast fizzed just over.

Sterling was denied by Pope's out-stretched boot after surging clear of the Burnley defence.

Ederson escaped with a yellow card after the City keeper clattered Erik Pieters outside his area, but that was a rare scare on a flawless night for the leaders.

Pep Guardiola admits he wrote off Manchester City's title prospects earlier this season, but the Premier League leaders are now three points clear after a 2-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola admits he wrote off Manchester City's title prospects earlier this season, but the Premier League leaders are now three points clear after a 2-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday. Guardiola's side had watched Manchester United draw level on points with them on Tuesday after their bitter rivals crushed Southampton 9-0. But City underlined their determination to hold onto top spot with a composed, mature display at Turf Moor. Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring after a mistake from Burnley keeper Nick Pope and Raheem Sterling grabbed the second before half-time. After a spluttering start to the season that threatened to derail their title hopes, City, who have a game in hand on second placed United, are in pole position to dethrone champions Liverpool. So bleak was City's position at one stage that Guardiola expected to be thinking about qualifying for the Europa League rather than winning the title. "We have to do our job. It's a big mistake to think about other sides," Guardiola said of the title race. "When we were 12th we were thinking forget about the Premier League, if we can achieve being in Europa League next season. "It's not about runs of games, statistics. It's always next game, next game." City head into Sunday's crucial clash at Liverpool -- who face Brighton later on Wednesday -- on a club record run of 13 successive victories in all competitions, including nine in the league. Arsenal were the last English top-flight side to win 13 consecutive games in all competitions in 2002. With Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne still sidelined by injuries, City's surge to the top is even more remarkable. "Strikers need goals for their confidence. Gabriel Jesus played really good," Guardiola said. Last crowned champions in 2019, City are unbeaten in 20 matches in all competitions stretching back to November and have conceded just four goals during that run. It is City's miserly defence that has been the key to their resurgence following the signing of Ruben Dias from Benfica. Their latest rock-solid effort at the back equalled the club league record of six consecutive clean-sheets. Burnley are 16th after a second successive defeat, but they remain eight points above the relegation zone. - Ruthless City - Guardiola made five changes from last weekend's win against Sheffield United, with Sterling and John Stones back in the starting line-up. Aguero is several weeks from returning to action after recently emerging from coronavirus quarantine, leaving Jesus to shoulder the burden of leading City's attack. Finally rising to that challenge, Jesus struck in the third minute with a clinical close-range header after Pope tamely parried Bernardo Silva's shot into the Brazilian's path. It was a bad mistake from Pope but Jesus wasn't complaining about the gift. After scoring just once in 12 games, the 23-year-old, who hit the winner against Sheffield United, has now netted three times in his last four appearances. City had never lost in the 37 previous league games that Jesus had scored in and Guardiola's side always looked likely to extend that streak as they dominated possession. Probing away with ruthless efficiency, City's pressure was rewarded with a second goal in the 38th minute. Mahrez fed Ilkay Gundogan down the right flank and the German's superb low cross reached Sterling, who slotted home from close-range for his 10th club goal of the season. Burnley didn't have a single shot in the first half and that gulf in class remained obvious after the break. Gundogan has made a habit of scoring eye-catching goals in recent weeks and he wasn't far away from another as his 20-yard blast fizzed just over. Sterling was denied by Pope's out-stretched boot after surging clear of the Burnley defence. Ederson escaped with a yellow card after the City keeper clattered Erik Pieters outside his area, but that was a rare scare on a flawless night for the leaders.

Slick Man City sink Burnley to move three points clear

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