<p>New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s epic 238 in the second Test against Pakistan in Christchurch has helped him reach the best ever-rating points by a New Zealand player while consolidating his position at the top of the list of batsmen in the ICC Men's Test Players Rankings.</p>

<p>Williamson, named player of the series after leading his side to an innings and 176 runs win and a 2-0 victory in the two-Test series, has reached 919 rating points, bettering his own mark of 915 in December 2018. ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Richard Hadlee is the only other player from New Zealand to go past the 900-point mark, reaching a career-high 909 rating points in bowling in December 1985.</p>

<p>In the latest rankings update that includes the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Johannesburg and the third Test between Australia and India in Sydney, Steve Smith has leapfrogged Virat Kohli to second position after scores of 131 and 81 while Dean Elgar has moved to 13<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position with knocks of 127 and 31 not out.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-captain-tim-paine-apologises-for-sledging-against-ashwin-in-sydney-test-356168" hreflang="en">Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p>In other movement for New Zealand players, Henry Nicholls has gained three places to reach ninth among batsmen after his knock of 157 while fast bowler Kyle Jamieson’s match haul of 11-117 has lifted him seven places to a career-best 21<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;place. With 36 Test wickets so far, Jamieson is also fifth among all-rounders after only six Tests.</p>

<p>Azhar Ali’s knocks of 93 and 37 have helped him advance him seven places to 18<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position and his compatriot Mohammad Rizwan’s first-innings half-century has helped him gain 10 places to reach 37<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position.</p>

<p>The drawn Sydney Test saw Marun Labuschagne consolidate the fourth position with a career-best 866 rating points after scores of 91 and 73 while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has gained three places to reach fifth position with four wickets in the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

<p>For India, Cheteshwar Pujara’s knocks of 50 and 77 have taken him from eighth to 10<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position and Rishabh Pant’s scores of 36 and 97 have helped him gain 19 places to reach 26<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position. Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin too have gained after their fighting knocks, as has Shubman Gill.</p>

<p>The Centurion Test saw Anrich Nortje (up 10 places to 38<sup>th</sup>), Wiaan Mulder (up 22 places to 45<sup>th</sup>), Lutho Sipamla (up 23 places to 47<sup>th</sup>) and Lungi Ngidi (up seven places to 49<sup>th</sup>) make huge gains among bowlers while for Sri Lanka, captain Dimuth Karunaratne (up two places to 15<sup>th</sup>) and Kusal Perera (up four places to 56<sup>th</sup>) have moved up in the list of batsmen.</p>


New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s epic 238 in the second Test against Pakistan in Christchurch has helped him reach the best ever-rating points by a New Zealand player while consolidating his position at the top of the list of batsmen in the ICC Men's Test Players Rankings.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s epic 238 in the second Test against Pakistan in Christchurch has helped him reach the best ever-rating points by a New Zealand player while consolidating his position at the top of the list of batsmen in the ICC Men's Test Players Rankings. Williamson, named player of the series after leading his side to an innings and 176 runs win and a 2-0 victory in the two-Test series, has reached 919 rating points, bettering his own mark of 915 in December 2018. ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Richard Hadlee is the only other player from New Zealand to go past the 900-point mark, reaching a career-high 909 rating points in bowling in December 1985. In the latest rankings update that includes the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Johannesburg and the third Test between Australia and India in Sydney, Steve Smith has leapfrogged Virat Kohli to second position after scores of 131 and 81 while Dean Elgar has moved to 13th position with knocks of 127 and 31 not out. ALSO READ: Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test In other movement for New Zealand players, Henry Nicholls has gained three places to reach ninth among batsmen after his knock of 157 while fast bowler Kyle Jamieson’s match haul of 11-117 has lifted him seven places to a career-best 21st place. With 36 Test wickets so far, Jamieson is also fifth among all-rounders after only six Tests. Azhar Ali’s knocks of 93 and 37 have helped him advance him seven places to 18th position and his compatriot Mohammad Rizwan’s first-innings half-century has helped him gain 10 places to reach 37th position. The drawn Sydney Test saw Marun Labuschagne consolidate the fourth position with a career-best 866 rating points after scores of 91 and 73 while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has gained three places to reach fifth position with four wickets in the match. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' For India, Cheteshwar Pujara’s knocks of 50 and 77 have taken him from eighth to 10th position and Rishabh Pant’s scores of 36 and 97 have helped him gain 19 places to reach 26th position. Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin too have gained after their fighting knocks, as has Shubman Gill. The Centurion Test saw Anrich Nortje (up 10 places to 38th), Wiaan Mulder (up 22 places to 45th), Lutho Sipamla (up 23 places to 47th) and Lungi Ngidi (up seven places to 49th) make huge gains among bowlers while for Sri Lanka, captain Dimuth Karunaratne (up two places to 15th) and Kusal Perera (up four places to 56th) have moved up in the list of batsmen.

Kane Williamson sets new Test rankings high for a New Zealand player

<p>Manchester United will face Liverpool in the blockbuster tie of the FA Cup fourth round, while League Two Cheltenham host Manchester City.</p>

<p>Liverpool and United will clash for two consecutive weekends with the top two also facing off in the Premier League on Sunday.</p>

<p>National League North side Chorley's reward for their victory over a depleted Derby was a home tie with Premier League Wolves.</p>

<p>Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio told BBC Sport: "That's what we really wanted, Premier League opposition, great.</p>

<p>"And there's a bit of history because in 1986, Chorley played against Wolves at home and beat them 3-0, so we just need to do that again."</p>

<p>Should Chorley pull off another upset, they could face holders Arsenal in the fifth round.</p>

<p>League Two Crawley, who thrashed Leeds 3-0 in the third round, travel to Bournemouth.</p>

<p>The fourth round ties will be played across the weekend of January 22 to 25 with the fifth round taking place between February 9 to 11.</p>

<h2>FA Cup fourth round draw:</h2>

<p>Manchester United v Liverpool</p>

<p>Cheltenham v Manchester City</p>

<p>Bournemouth v Crawley</p>

<p>Swansea v Nottingham Forest</p>

<p>Southampton or Shrewsbury v Arsenal</p>

<p>Barnsley v Norwich</p>

<p>Chorley v Wolves</p>

<p>Millwall v Bristol City</p>

<p>Brighton v Blackpool</p>

<p>Wycombe v Tottenham</p>

<p>Fulham v Burnley</p>

<p>Sheffield United v Plymouth</p>

<p>Chelsea v Luton</p>

<p>Stockport or West Ham v Doncaster</p>

<p>Brentford v Leicester</p>

<p>Everton v Sheffield Wednesday</p>

<h2>Fifth round draw:</h2>

<p>Manchester United or Liverpool v Stockport/West Ham/Doncaster</p>

<p>Fulham or Burnley v Bournemouth or Crawley</p>

<p>Sheffied United or Plymouth v Millwall or Bristol City</p>

<p>Chorley or Wolves v Southampton/Shrewsbury/Arsenal</p>

<p>Barnsley or Norwich v Chelsea or Luton</p>

<p>Everton or Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe or Tottenham</p>

<p>Swansea or Nottingham Forest v Cheltenham or Manchester City</p>

<p>Brentford or Leicester v Brighton or Blackpool</p>


Manchester United will face Liverpool in the blockbuster tie of the FA Cup fourth round, while League Two Cheltenham host Manchester City. Liverpool and United will clash for two consecutive weekends with the top two also facing off in the Premier League on Sunday.

Manchester United will face Liverpool in the blockbuster tie of the FA Cup fourth round, while League Two Cheltenham host Manchester City. Liverpool and United will clash for two consecutive weekends with the top two also facing off in the Premier League on Sunday. National League North side Chorley's reward for their victory over a depleted Derby was a home tie with Premier League Wolves. Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio told BBC Sport: "That's what we really wanted, Premier League opposition, great. "And there's a bit of history because in 1986, Chorley played against Wolves at home and beat them 3-0, so we just need to do that again." Should Chorley pull off another upset, they could face holders Arsenal in the fifth round. League Two Crawley, who thrashed Leeds 3-0 in the third round, travel to Bournemouth. The fourth round ties will be played across the weekend of January 22 to 25 with the fifth round taking place between February 9 to 11. FA Cup fourth round draw: Manchester United v Liverpool Cheltenham v Manchester City Bournemouth v Crawley Swansea v Nottingham Forest Southampton or Shrewsbury v Arsenal Barnsley v Norwich Chorley v Wolves Millwall v Bristol City Brighton v Blackpool Wycombe v Tottenham Fulham v Burnley Sheffield United v Plymouth Chelsea v Luton Stockport or West Ham v Doncaster Brentford v Leicester Everton v Sheffield Wednesday Fifth round draw: Manchester United or Liverpool v Stockport/West Ham/Doncaster Fulham or Burnley v Bournemouth or Crawley Sheffied United or Plymouth v Millwall or Bristol City Chorley or Wolves v Southampton/Shrewsbury/Arsenal Barnsley or Norwich v Chelsea or Luton Everton or Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe or Tottenham Swansea or Nottingham Forest v Cheltenham or Manchester City Brentford or Leicester v Brighton or Blackpool

Man Utd to face Liverpool in FA Cup 4th round

<p>Two more NBA games were postponed by the league on Monday due to Covid-19 and contract tracing issues, bringing the total to four in the virus-shortened 2020-21 season.</p>

<p>The New Orleans Pelicans game at Dallas on Monday and the Boston Celtics game Tuesday at Chicago were both delayed over unspecified health and safety protocol issues.</p>

<p>The league also said it would meet with the National Basketball Players Association on Monday about possible modifications in the joint safety protocols.</p>

<p>There has been concern expressed by coaches about the health and safety of players being forced into playing unusually high numbers of minutes due to depleted rosters being forced to take the court.</p>

<p>The latest postponements will mark three consecutive days of lost games for the NBA after Miami's matchup on Sunday against the Celtics in Boston was called off because the Heat were unable to field a minimum eight players due to Covid-19 issues.</p>

<p>The Celtics had been reduced to the minimum eight players by virus issues with seven players missing due to the virus or contact tracing.</p>

<p>The Heat were still scheduled to play on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, where the 76ers had only a minimum eight available players, just seven of them healthy, for a home loss Saturday to Denver.</p>

<p>The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the Heat's available players would travel from Boston to Philadelphia while players deemed at risk through contact tracing would be flown to Florida to quarantine.</p>

<p>The first NBA game to be postponed this season due to Covid-19 issues was on December 23 between Oklahoma City at Houston.</p>

<p>Dallas has three players listed as out due to the NBA Covid-19 protocols -- Jalen Brunson, Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith -- and Maxi Kleber listed as questionable for the same reason.</p>

<p>Scott Tomlin, the Mavericks' vice president of basketball communications, told the Dallas Morning News that the team would have had at least eight players available on Monday, but the league chose to postpone the contest "to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and other personnel" as contact tracing continues.</p>

<p>NBA commissioner Adam Silver said before the season started on December 22 that the league, which completed the disrupted 2019-20 season in a quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida, expected disruptions as it forged ahead in teams' home markets with coronavirus still surging.</p>

<p>"We do anticipate there will be bumps in the road along the way," Silver said in December, adding that's why the schedule for only the first half of the season had been released.</p>

<p>"We know it's possible we may have to reschedule games along the way," he said.</p>

<p>Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said Saturday he trusted the procedures the league had put in place to limit spread of Covid-19, but he said losing so many players to contact tracing posed a danger to those remaining with increased minutes on the floor, wear and tear and the push to perhaps play through injury.</p>

<p>"That's long-term health with the accumulation of games," he said. "So I'm actually more concerned about that than I am actually about Covid."</p>


Two more NBA games were postponed by the league on Monday due to Covid-19 and contract tracing issues, bringing the total to four in the virus-shortened 2020-21 season.

Two more NBA games were postponed by the league on Monday due to Covid-19 and contract tracing issues, bringing the total to four in the virus-shortened 2020-21 season. The New Orleans Pelicans game at Dallas on Monday and the Boston Celtics game Tuesday at Chicago were both delayed over unspecified health and safety protocol issues. The league also said it would meet with the National Basketball Players Association on Monday about possible modifications in the joint safety protocols. There has been concern expressed by coaches about the health and safety of players being forced into playing unusually high numbers of minutes due to depleted rosters being forced to take the court. The latest postponements will mark three consecutive days of lost games for the NBA after Miami's matchup on Sunday against the Celtics in Boston was called off because the Heat were unable to field a minimum eight players due to Covid-19 issues. The Celtics had been reduced to the minimum eight players by virus issues with seven players missing due to the virus or contact tracing. The Heat were still scheduled to play on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, where the 76ers had only a minimum eight available players, just seven of them healthy, for a home loss Saturday to Denver. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the Heat's available players would travel from Boston to Philadelphia while players deemed at risk through contact tracing would be flown to Florida to quarantine. The first NBA game to be postponed this season due to Covid-19 issues was on December 23 between Oklahoma City at Houston. Dallas has three players listed as out due to the NBA Covid-19 protocols -- Jalen Brunson, Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith -- and Maxi Kleber listed as questionable for the same reason. Scott Tomlin, the Mavericks' vice president of basketball communications, told the Dallas Morning News that the team would have had at least eight players available on Monday, but the league chose to postpone the contest "to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and other personnel" as contact tracing continues. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said before the season started on December 22 that the league, which completed the disrupted 2019-20 season in a quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida, expected disruptions as it forged ahead in teams' home markets with coronavirus still surging. "We do anticipate there will be bumps in the road along the way," Silver said in December, adding that's why the schedule for only the first half of the season had been released. "We know it's possible we may have to reschedule games along the way," he said. Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said Saturday he trusted the procedures the league had put in place to limit spread of Covid-19, but he said losing so many players to contact tracing posed a danger to those remaining with increased minutes on the floor, wear and tear and the push to perhaps play through injury. "That's long-term health with the accumulation of games," he said. "So I'm actually more concerned about that than I am actually about Covid."

NBA postpones games at Dallas and Chicago due to Covid-19

<p>Tokyo Olympics organisers played down a poll showing plunging support for the Games on Tuesday and said a report claiming cancellation could be discussed next month was "fake news".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comments, less than 200 days before the postponed Games start in July, come with greater Tokyo under a state of emergency over a spike in coronavirus cases and with countries around the world battling outbreaks.</p>

<p>In a New Year's address to staff, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto put a positive spin on a Kyodo news poll published Sunday showing 45 percent want the 2020 Games delayed again, with 35 percent favouring outright cancellation.</p>

<p>"The number of people calling for it to be cancelled has only risen by about five percent," Muto said.</p>

<p>"The number of people calling for it to be postponed has risen a lot, but that means those people still want it to be held," he added.</p>

<p>"Of course, for it to be held, we have to guarantee that we hold a safe Games with anti-virus measures. If you think of it in those terms, I firmly believe people will get more and more behind it."</p>

<p>British rowing great Matthew Pinsent has called for the Games to be cancelled and Tokyo to host the event in 2024 instead, replacing Paris.</p>

<p>Muto also dismissed as "fake news" a Japanese media report claiming the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 organisers would debate the fate of the Games in February.</p>

<p>"When these types of reports surface, some people might feel anxious about them," said Muto.</p>

<p>"I want to say that we are not thinking that way at all, and that these reports are wrong."</p>


Tokyo Olympics organisers played down a poll showing plunging support for the Games on Tuesday and said a report claiming cancellation could be discussed next month was "fake news".

Tokyo Olympics organisers played down a poll showing plunging support for the Games on Tuesday and said a report claiming cancellation could be discussed next month was "fake news". The comments, less than 200 days before the postponed Games start in July, come with greater Tokyo under a state of emergency over a spike in coronavirus cases and with countries around the world battling outbreaks. In a New Year's address to staff, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto put a positive spin on a Kyodo news poll published Sunday showing 45 percent want the 2020 Games delayed again, with 35 percent favouring outright cancellation. "The number of people calling for it to be cancelled has only risen by about five percent," Muto said. "The number of people calling for it to be postponed has risen a lot, but that means those people still want it to be held," he added. "Of course, for it to be held, we have to guarantee that we hold a safe Games with anti-virus measures. If you think of it in those terms, I firmly believe people will get more and more behind it." British rowing great Matthew Pinsent has called for the Games to be cancelled and Tokyo to host the event in 2024 instead, replacing Paris. Muto also dismissed as "fake news" a Japanese media report claiming the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 organisers would debate the fate of the Games in February. "When these types of reports surface, some people might feel anxious about them," said Muto. "I want to say that we are not thinking that way at all, and that these reports are wrong."

Tokyo Olympics organisers say cancellation report 'fake news'

<p>Tennis' top stars face the threat of sanctions if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for an Australian Open deemed by its top boss as needing a "small miracle" to go off without a hitch.</p>

<p>The calendar's first Grand Slam normally starts in the third week of January but planning for this year's tournament has been a logistical nightmare for beleaguered organisers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tennis Australia initially wanted players arriving in Melbourne by mid-December.</p>

<p>But restrictions on international arrivals to the state of Victoria pushed back the tournament start date to February 8, with a series of WTA and ATP events being played at Melbourne the week before to ensure players are up to speed.</p>

<p>Melbourne was the epicentre of Australia's largest second wave outbreak of coronavirus, which prompted strict lockdown measures for four months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This grim backdrop fuelled tense negotiations between government officials, organisers and players to iron out an agreeable health security protocol for the Australian Open.</p>

<p>The sticking point had been over allowing players to practise during the compulsory 14-day quarantine period but eventually authorities gave the green light and granted daily five-hour blocks for training and treatment.</p>

<p>Players, however, face stricter measures compared to last year's US and French Opens held in cities stricken by the virus and will be required to spend 19 hours daily during quarantine confined to their hotel rooms.</p>

<p>Defending Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin admitted it was "not the most ideal situation". "It is what it is. The rules are quite harsh, but it's for&nbsp;everyone," she said.</p>

<p>There is also the threat of sanctions, including hefty fines, spending additional time in quarantine or deportation, if the rules are broken.</p>

<p>Ukrainian world number five Elina Svitolina hired a mental coach in an effort to cope with the stress and uncertainty.</p>

<p>"I think during the difficult time right now, mentally it's very important to stay strong, to stay fresh," she said.</p>

<h2>- 'Just crazy' -</h2>

<p>Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer's decision to withdraw -- breaking his record streak of 21 straight singles appearances in Melbourne -- affects the pulling power of the tournament, which was left reeling after suggestions he skipped because of the quarantine rules.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old had two rounds of knee surgery last year and has not played since his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 12 months ago.</p>

<p>"The problem is that Mirka (Federer's wife) and their children couldn't leave the room," Tennis Australia's head of player liaisons Andre Sa told Brazilian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They would have to stay 14 days in the room. The exception is only for players."</p>

<p>Just days ahead of players arriving organisers were forced into a scramble to find more accommodation after a luxury Melbourne hotel due to host them pulled out.</p>

<p>In a late twist, it was revealed Saturday that a contingent of up to 50 -– including top stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka -– would quarantine instead in Adelaide with an exhibition tournament held there prior to the Australian Open.</p>

<p>It led to world number 72 Jeremy Chardy accusing organisers of preferential treatment.</p>

<p>Australian Open chief Craig Tiley&nbsp;admitted there would be "some benefits" for players amid the smaller cohort in Adelaide but said "the conditions of training will be the same".</p>

<p>Tiley said the toll on organisers had been immense with a 1,270-strong contingent on 80 charter flights, bankrolled by Tennis Australia, journeying to Melbourne and Adelaide this week.</p>

<p>"It's just crazy, we've never seen anything like it," he told the Tennis Channel.</p>

<p>"Logistically, to pull something like this off will be a small miracle but we are giving it a good go."</p>

<p>Even though Melbourne recently experienced a small new outbreak of the virus, Tiley expected crowd capacity at the Grand Slam to be around 50-75 percent, exceeding the biggest audience for a tennis tournament since the pandemic started.</p>

<p>"We are doing the best we can to deliver an Australian Open to as close as it was in 2020," he said. "Hopefully there will be normalcy to it."&nbsp;</p>


Tennis' top stars face the threat of sanctions if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for an Australian Open deemed by its top boss as needing a "small miracle" to go off without a hitch.

Tennis' top stars face the threat of sanctions if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for an Australian Open deemed by its top boss as needing a "small miracle" to go off without a hitch. The calendar's first Grand Slam normally starts in the third week of January but planning for this year's tournament has been a logistical nightmare for beleaguered organisers. Tennis Australia initially wanted players arriving in Melbourne by mid-December. But restrictions on international arrivals to the state of Victoria pushed back the tournament start date to February 8, with a series of WTA and ATP events being played at Melbourne the week before to ensure players are up to speed. Melbourne was the epicentre of Australia's largest second wave outbreak of coronavirus, which prompted strict lockdown measures for four months. This grim backdrop fuelled tense negotiations between government officials, organisers and players to iron out an agreeable health security protocol for the Australian Open. The sticking point had been over allowing players to practise during the compulsory 14-day quarantine period but eventually authorities gave the green light and granted daily five-hour blocks for training and treatment. Players, however, face stricter measures compared to last year's US and French Opens held in cities stricken by the virus and will be required to spend 19 hours daily during quarantine confined to their hotel rooms. Defending Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin admitted it was "not the most ideal situation". "It is what it is. The rules are quite harsh, but it's for everyone," she said. There is also the threat of sanctions, including hefty fines, spending additional time in quarantine or deportation, if the rules are broken. Ukrainian world number five Elina Svitolina hired a mental coach in an effort to cope with the stress and uncertainty. "I think during the difficult time right now, mentally it's very important to stay strong, to stay fresh," she said. - 'Just crazy' - Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer's decision to withdraw -- breaking his record streak of 21 straight singles appearances in Melbourne -- affects the pulling power of the tournament, which was left reeling after suggestions he skipped because of the quarantine rules. The 39-year-old had two rounds of knee surgery last year and has not played since his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 12 months ago. "The problem is that Mirka (Federer's wife) and their children couldn't leave the room," Tennis Australia's head of player liaisons Andre Sa told Brazilian media. "They would have to stay 14 days in the room. The exception is only for players." Just days ahead of players arriving organisers were forced into a scramble to find more accommodation after a luxury Melbourne hotel due to host them pulled out. In a late twist, it was revealed Saturday that a contingent of up to 50 -– including top stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka -– would quarantine instead in Adelaide with an exhibition tournament held there prior to the Australian Open. It led to world number 72 Jeremy Chardy accusing organisers of preferential treatment. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley admitted there would be "some benefits" for players amid the smaller cohort in Adelaide but said "the conditions of training will be the same". Tiley said the toll on organisers had been immense with a 1,270-strong contingent on 80 charter flights, bankrolled by Tennis Australia, journeying to Melbourne and Adelaide this week. "It's just crazy, we've never seen anything like it," he told the Tennis Channel. "Logistically, to pull something like this off will be a small miracle but we are giving it a good go." Even though Melbourne recently experienced a small new outbreak of the virus, Tiley expected crowd capacity at the Grand Slam to be around 50-75 percent, exceeding the biggest audience for a tennis tournament since the pandemic started. "We are doing the best we can to deliver an Australian Open to as close as it was in 2020," he said. "Hopefully there will be normalcy to it."

Strict quarantine awaits world's top tennis stars in Australia

<p>Formula One's Australian and Chinese Grands Prix joined the list of events cancelled or postponed on Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic hit the world of sport once more.</p>

<p>AFP Sport looks at the events impacted by Covid-19 months before the already re-scheduled Olympic Games and European football championships are due to take place:</p>

<h2>Formula One</h2>

<p>-- The season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix was delayed from March to November on Tuesday but no new date was given for Shanghai. The record, 23-race campaign will now begin in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start.</p>

<h2>Rugby Union</h2>

<p>-- On Monday, the European Champions and Challenge Cups were put on hold after the French government said the Covid-19 variant in Britain made it too risky for Top 14 sides to face clubs from the United Kingdom. There are now concerns about the Six Nations tournament, which is scheduled to start on February 6.</p>

<h2>Premier League</h2>

<p>-- Five matches in English football's top division have been postponed in the last two months due to coronavirus outbreaks among squads.</p>

<p>The Premier League said on Monday 36 players and staff tested positive for coronavirus over the past week, a slight fall from the record number of 40 cases in the previous seven days.</p>

<p>Last week, Newcastle coach Steve Bruce -- who has experienced with an coronavirus outbreak in his squad -- became the first Premier League boss to question the morality of football continuing if players and staff are being put at risk.</p>

<h2>Tennis</h2>

<p>-- Preparations for the Australian Open in Melbourne have been badly disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, with the tournament's start date pushed back three weeks to February 8.</p>

<p>Players face the threat of sanctions including hefty fines, spending additional time in quarantine or deportation, if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for the year's first Grand Slam.</p>

<h2>NBA/NFL/NHL</h2>

<p>-- The 2020-21 season is only three weeks old but the NBA has already experienced dozens of cases among squads and coaching staffs and matches have been postponed. The last season was completed by gathering together all the teams still in contention in a 'bubble' in Florida. This season teams are playing in their own arenas.</p>

<p>-- The NFL season has reached the playoffs after a regular season punctuated by the closure of training facilities at some franchises and a raft of positive tests for Covid-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>-- The NHL season has been reduced from 82 games per franchise to 56 and is scheduled to run until May 8 in home arenas with playoffs to follow into July, bringing hope of returning to a normal October start for the 2021-22 season. All seven Canadian outfits are in their own division with new eight-team breakdowns in three US-only divisions.</p>

<h2>Worries surround the Olympics</h2>

<p>-- On Tuesday, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto dismissed a Japanese media report claiming the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 organisers would debate the fate of the Games in February as "fake news". The Games, already pushed back a year, are due to start on&nbsp;July 23.</p>

<h2>Skiing</h2>

<p>-- The prestigious World Cup event at Wengen in Switzerland, scheduled for this weekend, was called off due to increasing Covid-19 cases in the local area.</p>


Formula One's Australian and Chinese Grands Prix joined the list of events cancelled or postponed on Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic hit the world of sport once more.

Formula One's Australian and Chinese Grands Prix joined the list of events cancelled or postponed on Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic hit the world of sport once more. AFP Sport looks at the events impacted by Covid-19 months before the already re-scheduled Olympic Games and European football championships are due to take place: Formula One -- The season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix was delayed from March to November on Tuesday but no new date was given for Shanghai. The record, 23-race campaign will now begin in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start. Rugby Union -- On Monday, the European Champions and Challenge Cups were put on hold after the French government said the Covid-19 variant in Britain made it too risky for Top 14 sides to face clubs from the United Kingdom. There are now concerns about the Six Nations tournament, which is scheduled to start on February 6. Premier League -- Five matches in English football's top division have been postponed in the last two months due to coronavirus outbreaks among squads. The Premier League said on Monday 36 players and staff tested positive for coronavirus over the past week, a slight fall from the record number of 40 cases in the previous seven days. Last week, Newcastle coach Steve Bruce -- who has experienced with an coronavirus outbreak in his squad -- became the first Premier League boss to question the morality of football continuing if players and staff are being put at risk. Tennis -- Preparations for the Australian Open in Melbourne have been badly disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, with the tournament's start date pushed back three weeks to February 8. Players face the threat of sanctions including hefty fines, spending additional time in quarantine or deportation, if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for the year's first Grand Slam. NBA/NFL/NHL -- The 2020-21 season is only three weeks old but the NBA has already experienced dozens of cases among squads and coaching staffs and matches have been postponed. The last season was completed by gathering together all the teams still in contention in a 'bubble' in Florida. This season teams are playing in their own arenas. -- The NFL season has reached the playoffs after a regular season punctuated by the closure of training facilities at some franchises and a raft of positive tests for Covid-19. -- The NHL season has been reduced from 82 games per franchise to 56 and is scheduled to run until May 8 in home arenas with playoffs to follow into July, bringing hope of returning to a normal October start for the 2021-22 season. All seven Canadian outfits are in their own division with new eight-team breakdowns in three US-only divisions. Worries surround the Olympics -- On Tuesday, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto dismissed a Japanese media report claiming the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 organisers would debate the fate of the Games in February as "fake news". The Games, already pushed back a year, are due to start on July 23. Skiing -- The prestigious World Cup event at Wengen in Switzerland, scheduled for this weekend, was called off due to increasing Covid-19 cases in the local area.

How Covid-19 has hit global sport again

<p>Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Fulham have little reason to complain about being told to play a Premier League game at short notice as his opposite number Scott Parker called the scheduling "scandalous".</p>

<p>Spurs had been due to play Aston Villa on Wednesday, but a coronavirus outbreak at the Midlands club forced a postponement on Monday.</p>

<p>The Premier League acted quickly to put Spurs' match with the Cottagers into the vacant slot after the original fixture was postponed with three hours' notice on December 30 due to a Covid-19 outbreak in Parker's squad.</p>

<p>The Fulham boss criticised the decision, with their game against Chelsea scheduled for Friday also put back 24 hours.</p>

<p>But Mourinho, who had feared a crippling fixture pile-up for Tottenham, offered little sympathy given the short notice of the original game's postponement.</p>

<p>Asked whether Fulham had a right to be upset, Mourinho said on Tuesday: "Are you serious? They had 48 hours to prepare for this game. You think so? I had the news I was not going to play them two hours before the game started."</p>

<p>"The biggest impact is to have matches postponed," he added. "That is the biggest impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The changing of the order of the matches, the impact is minimal because in the end you have to play 19 matches at home and away, you have to play two matches against every team.</p>

<p>"So if it's to help the Premier League to go and to end properly, I think it is a solution we all have to accept as a positive solution."</p>

<p>Parker, who played under Mourinho when the Portuguese was in charge at Chelsea, was furious with the decision.</p>

<p>"I am normally the last one to moan or whine," he said. "To confirm a Premier League game at 09:30 on Monday morning is scandalous."</p>

<p>Parker, whose side are third from bottom of the table, said league chiefs had no idea what it took to prepare for a particular opponent.</p>

<p>"It's not about the fixture," he said. "I accept we have to play but it's the notice. The people making these decisions don't understand."</p>


Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Fulham have little reason to complain about being told to play a Premier League game at short notice as his opposite number Scott Parker called the scheduling "scandalous".

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Fulham have little reason to complain about being told to play a Premier League game at short notice as his opposite number Scott Parker called the scheduling "scandalous". Spurs had been due to play Aston Villa on Wednesday, but a coronavirus outbreak at the Midlands club forced a postponement on Monday. The Premier League acted quickly to put Spurs' match with the Cottagers into the vacant slot after the original fixture was postponed with three hours' notice on December 30 due to a Covid-19 outbreak in Parker's squad. The Fulham boss criticised the decision, with their game against Chelsea scheduled for Friday also put back 24 hours. But Mourinho, who had feared a crippling fixture pile-up for Tottenham, offered little sympathy given the short notice of the original game's postponement. Asked whether Fulham had a right to be upset, Mourinho said on Tuesday: "Are you serious? They had 48 hours to prepare for this game. You think so? I had the news I was not going to play them two hours before the game started." "The biggest impact is to have matches postponed," he added. "That is the biggest impact. "The changing of the order of the matches, the impact is minimal because in the end you have to play 19 matches at home and away, you have to play two matches against every team. "So if it's to help the Premier League to go and to end properly, I think it is a solution we all have to accept as a positive solution." Parker, who played under Mourinho when the Portuguese was in charge at Chelsea, was furious with the decision. "I am normally the last one to moan or whine," he said. "To confirm a Premier League game at 09:30 on Monday morning is scandalous." Parker, whose side are third from bottom of the table, said league chiefs had no idea what it took to prepare for a particular opponent. "It's not about the fixture," he said. "I accept we have to play but it's the notice. The people making these decisions don't understand."

Mourinho has no sympathy for Fulham over fixture switch

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8f212cdd-dd56-40c8-889d-d36e25199686}{196}" paraid="1969442979" >Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Tuesday heaped praise on Bernardo Silva as he said the Portuguese winger/attacking midfielder can play in any position, even holding midfielder, while lauding his intelligence and game-awareness.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{007a341a-f4c6-4ba6-a8c7-e6ec778e95e2}{241}" paraid="349833166" >Bernardo, after a tough 2019-20 season, has shown glimpses of his previous self, where fans and pundits lauded him as one of the finest midfielders in the world. More than glimpses, it has been Bernardo’s consistency and&nbsp;versatility that has allowed Man City to perfectly execute their game-plan in many matches of the ongoing 2020-21 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8f212cdd-dd56-40c8-889d-d36e25199686}{206}" paraid="1499512501" >Ahead of Man City’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> match against Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday, Guardiola said Bernardo understands each position perfectly.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8f212cdd-dd56-40c8-889d-d36e25199686}{216}" paraid="1531728489" >“Bernardo Silva&nbsp;is so intelligent.&nbsp;He can play everywhere, even holding midfielder. He understands the game perfectly. He understands each position he has to play,” Guardiola said in the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{974d9720-82de-4ebb-ae3c-675ad45edb29}{113}" paraid="1887690095" >Bernardo returned with a brace in Man City’s FA Cup match against Birmingham including a thumping left-footed volley which left Guardiola mighty impressed. The Portuguese has been working hard and has already played in various positions including right wing, left wing, forward and in different parts of midfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8f212cdd-dd56-40c8-889d-d36e25199686}{112}" paraid="391006481" >“I am incredibly delighted with the two goals because he is fighting to score,” Guardiola added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8f212cdd-dd56-40c8-889d-d36e25199686}{112}" paraid="391006481" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-utd-to-face-liverpool-in-fa-cup-4th-round-356201" hreflang="en">Man Utd to face Liverpool in FA Cup 4th round</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🗣 𝑷𝑬𝑷 𝑻𝑨𝑳𝑲 🗣<br />
<br />
A word from the boss...<br />
<br />
💬 <a href="https://twitter.com/marathonbet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marathonbet</a><br />
🔷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> | <a href="https://t.co/axa0klUGiM">https://t.co/axa0klUGiM</a> <a href="https://t.co/JjzN2X8ifK">pic.twitter.com/JjzN2X8ifK</a></p>
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<p>Analysing&nbsp;Man City’s next opponent, Brighton, Guardiola said that the club is a delight to watch and a joy to&nbsp;analyse. He revealed that he has already warned the Man City players to be at a high standard if they want to beat Brighton.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d1f77ea6-9961-4c5c-a9a8-e89d12166990}{28}" paraid="429143224" >“Brighton&nbsp;are a joy to watch. A joy to&nbsp;analyse.&nbsp;I said to the players today, we have to be at a high standard to beat them. Forget the results we had in the past - they are better in all departments. They create more than they conceded,” Guardiola said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d1f77ea6-9961-4c5c-a9a8-e89d12166990}{28}" paraid="429143224" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-to-play-fulham-instead-of-villa-after-virus-issues-356100" hreflang="en">Tottenham to play Fulham instead of Villa after virus issues</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{17f3364c-54a2-491e-a042-96d9c6b46a3c}{197}" paraid="1329026850" >Man&nbsp;City will take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday with the&nbsp;Cityzens&nbsp;looking to climb the Premier League points table with their matches in hand.&nbsp;</p>


Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Tuesday heaped praise on Bernardo Silva as he said the Portuguese winger/attacking midfielder can play in any position, even holding midfielder, while lauding his intelligence and game-awareness.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Tuesday heaped praise on Bernardo Silva as he said the Portuguese winger/attacking midfielder can play in any position, even holding midfielder, while lauding his intelligence and game-awareness. Bernardo, after a tough 2019-20 season, has shown glimpses of his previous self, where fans and pundits lauded him as one of the finest midfielders in the world. More than glimpses, it has been Bernardo’s consistency and versatility that has allowed Man City to perfectly execute their game-plan in many matches of the ongoing 2020-21 season. Ahead of Man City’s Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday, Guardiola said Bernardo understands each position perfectly. “Bernardo Silva is so intelligent. He can play everywhere, even holding midfielder. He understands the game perfectly. He understands each position he has to play,” Guardiola said in the pre-match press conference. Bernardo returned with a brace in Man City’s FA Cup match against Birmingham including a thumping left-footed volley which left Guardiola mighty impressed. The Portuguese has been working hard and has already played in various positions including right wing, left wing, forward and in different parts of midfield. “I am incredibly delighted with the two goals because he is fighting to score,” Guardiola added. ALSO READ: Man Utd to face Liverpool in FA Cup 4th round 🗣 𝑷𝑬𝑷 𝑻𝑨𝑳𝑲 🗣 A word from the boss... 💬 @marathonbet 🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klUGiM pic.twitter.com/JjzN2X8ifK — Manchester City (@ManCity) January 12, 2021 × Analysing Man City’s next opponent, Brighton, Guardiola said that the club is a delight to watch and a joy to analyse. He revealed that he has already warned the Man City players to be at a high standard if they want to beat Brighton. “Brighton are a joy to watch. A joy to analyse. I said to the players today, we have to be at a high standard to beat them. Forget the results we had in the past - they are better in all departments. They create more than they conceded,” Guardiola said. ALSO READ: Tottenham to play Fulham instead of Villa after virus issues Man City will take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday with the Cityzens looking to climb the Premier League points table with their matches in hand.

'He understands the game perfectly': Bernardo Silva delights Pep Guardiola

<p>Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap on Tuesday withdrew from Thailand Open after Nehwal and Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19. Whereas Kashyap is under quarantine due to close proximity with a player, Badminton Association of India (BAI) has said.</p>

<p>Ace Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy were forced to give walkovers from the much-awaited Thailand Open in Bangkok after the duo tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Saina, after testing positive for COVID-19, gave a walkover ahead of her match on Tuesday in what was supposed to be her first match since the outbreak of coronavirus before pulling out of the tournament along with Prannoy and Kashyap. Saina had played her last match in the All England Open in March 2020. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEWS UPDATE:<br />
Badminton Association of India is in constant touch with @bwf, players, team management and organizers. <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@himantabiswa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AJAYKUM78068675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AJAYKUM78068675</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/badminton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#badminton</a> <a href="https://t.co/CBilGCpmO4">pic.twitter.com/CBilGCpmO4</a></p>
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) <a href="https://twitter.com/BAI_Media/status/1348865931313696769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Saina took to social media platform Twitter to raise concerns surrounding the rules as she said she didn’t receive her test report yesterday while adding she was asked to head to the hospital just before the warm-up. The Olympic medallist further said that, according to rules, that report should have come within five hours of the test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I still didn’t receive the covid test report from yesterday it’s very confusing and today just before the warm up for the match they tell me to got to hospital in bangkok ... saying that I m positive ..according to rules the report should come in 5 hours.. @bwfmedia,” Saina tweeted on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-postpones-games-at-dallas-and-chicago-due-to-covid-19-356198" hreflang="en">NBA postpones games at Dallas and Chicago due to Covid-19</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I still didn’t receive the covid test report from yesterday it’s very confusing and today just before the warm up for the match they tell me to got to hospital in bangkok ... saying that I m positive ..according to rules the report should come in 5 hours.. <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bwfmedia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ETkWiNVHnP">https://t.co/ETkWiNVHnP</a></p>
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/1348887027018731521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Both Saina and Prannoy have been put in isolation in a hospital for at least 10 days. Notably, this is the second time Saina has tested positive for coronavirus having recovered from it only a few weeks ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-organisers-say-cancellation-report-fake-news-356195" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics organisers say cancellation report 'fake news'</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently, Saina had raised concerns about the fitness of the athletes after trainers and physios were restricted from meeting the players during the Thailand tour. Indian shuttlers are currently in Bangkok for Thailand Open 2021 as preparations for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics after a gap of almost one year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides Saina and Prannoy, the Indian contingent in Bangkok for the Thailand Open includes the likes of PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikkanth and Sai Praneeth alongside men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and doubles players Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy. Parupalli Kashyap, Sameer Verma, Dhruv Kapila and Manu Attari are also in the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>UPDATE: Both Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy have been cleared to play in the Thailand Open after the latest test results. Read the full story here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saina-nehwal-hs-prannoy-cleared-to-play-in-thailand-open-356296" hreflang="en">Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy cleared to play in Thailand Open</a></strong></em></p>


Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap on Tuesday withdrew from Thailand Open after Nehwal and Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19. Whereas Kashyap is under quarantine due to close proximity with a player, Badminton Association of India (BAI) has said.

Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap on Tuesday withdrew from Thailand Open after Nehwal and Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19. Whereas Kashyap is under quarantine due to close proximity with a player, Badminton Association of India (BAI) has said. Ace Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy were forced to give walkovers from the much-awaited Thailand Open in Bangkok after the duo tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Saina, after testing positive for COVID-19, gave a walkover ahead of her match on Tuesday in what was supposed to be her first match since the outbreak of coronavirus before pulling out of the tournament along with Prannoy and Kashyap. Saina had played her last match in the All England Open in March 2020. NEWS UPDATE: Badminton Association of India is in constant touch with @bwf, players, team management and organizers. @himantabiswa @AJAYKUM78068675 #badminton pic.twitter.com/CBilGCpmO4 — BAI Media (@BAI_Media) January 12, 2021 × Saina took to social media platform Twitter to raise concerns surrounding the rules as she said she didn’t receive her test report yesterday while adding she was asked to head to the hospital just before the warm-up. The Olympic medallist further said that, according to rules, that report should have come within five hours of the test. “I still didn’t receive the covid test report from yesterday it’s very confusing and today just before the warm up for the match they tell me to got to hospital in bangkok ... saying that I m positive ..according to rules the report should come in 5 hours.. @bwfmedia,” Saina tweeted on Tuesday. ALSO READ: NBA postpones games at Dallas and Chicago due to Covid-19 I still didn’t receive the covid test report from yesterday it’s very confusing and today just before the warm up for the match they tell me to got to hospital in bangkok ... saying that I m positive ..according to rules the report should come in 5 hours.. @bwfmedia https://t.co/ETkWiNVHnP — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) January 12, 2021 × Both Saina and Prannoy have been put in isolation in a hospital for at least 10 days. Notably, this is the second time Saina has tested positive for coronavirus having recovered from it only a few weeks ago. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics organisers say cancellation report 'fake news' Recently, Saina had raised concerns about the fitness of the athletes after trainers and physios were restricted from meeting the players during the Thailand tour. Indian shuttlers are currently in Bangkok for Thailand Open 2021 as preparations for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics after a gap of almost one year. Besides Saina and Prannoy, the Indian contingent in Bangkok for the Thailand Open includes the likes of PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikkanth and Sai Praneeth alongside men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and doubles players Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy. Parupalli Kashyap, Sameer Verma, Dhruv Kapila and Manu Attari are also in the team. UPDATE: Both Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy have been cleared to play in the Thailand Open after the latest test results. Read the full story here: Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy cleared to play in Thailand Open

Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy, Parupalli Kashyap withdraw for Thailand Open after testing positive for COVID-19

<p>Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) on Tuesday confirmed that three of the four players who tested positive for COVID-19 have been cleared to participate in the Thailand Open. The list includes Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy along with Germany’s Ralfy Jansen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nehwal and Prannoy were taken to the hospital to adhere to the safety protocols. Kashyap Parupalli was also asked to self-quarantine. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The four players took an antibody blood test to further confirmation. While Nehwal, Prannoy and Hansen tested positive on the PCR test, their antibody IgG was positive. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 BREAKING 🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRANNOYHSPRI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRANNOYHSPRI</a> and Jones Ralfy Jansen have been cleared to resume their place in the YONEX Thailand Open. They tested positive on the PCR test but their antibody IgG was positive. Read more 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HSBCbadminton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HSBCbadminton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFWorldTour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BWFWorldTour</a><a href="https://t.co/Rc8rt3uWLR">https://t.co/Rc8rt3uWLR</a></p>
— BWF (@bwfmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia/status/1348988571273682953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-open-indias-kidambi-srikanth-left-with-bloodied-nose-after-swab-collection-expresses-frustration-356248" hreflang="en">Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration</a></strong></p>

<p>A positive antibody test means a person has been infected with the COVID-19 virus at some point in the past. It does not mean they are currently infected. The trio all contracted COVID-19 in late 2020. The committee was satisfied that they are not infected and do not pose a danger to the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shuttlers <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PRANNOYHSPRI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRANNOYHSPRI</a> have tested negative in the final test and have been given green flag to participate in the tournament. Timely intervention of BAI ensured with all support from BWF and other stakeholders have made this possible.<br />
<br />
Detailed statement below👇 <a href="https://t.co/tMzB3BmvRm">pic.twitter.com/tMzB3BmvRm</a></p>
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) <a href="https://twitter.com/BAI_Media/status/1348993249273237507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Whereas Egypt’s Elgamal was withdrawn from Thailand Open after his antibody IgG was negative. Elgamal had not contracted the virus before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elgamal, a mixed doubles player, will now be taken to hospital for further observation and tests and will remain in isolation for a minimum 10 days at the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nehwal and Parupalli’s singles matches – declared a walkover earlier today – will be rescheduled for tomorrow. Badminton Association of India, after talks with top BWF officials, ensured that no walkovers will be handed if the tests returned negative.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the Badminton Association of India has put in efforts after Kidambi Srikanth started bleeding after swab collection. Doctors were sent immediately to address the issue.&nbsp;</p>


Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) on Tuesday confirmed that three of the four players who tested positive for COVID-19 have been cleared to participate in the Thailand Open.

Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) on Tuesday confirmed that three of the four players who tested positive for COVID-19 have been cleared to participate in the Thailand Open. The list includes Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy along with Germany’s Ralfy Jansen. Nehwal and Prannoy were taken to the hospital to adhere to the safety protocols. Kashyap Parupalli was also asked to self-quarantine. The four players took an antibody blood test to further confirmation. While Nehwal, Prannoy and Hansen tested positive on the PCR test, their antibody IgG was positive. 🚨 BREAKING 🚨@NSaina @PRANNOYHSPRI and Jones Ralfy Jansen have been cleared to resume their place in the YONEX Thailand Open. They tested positive on the PCR test but their antibody IgG was positive. Read more 👇#HSBCbadminton #BWFWorldTourhttps://t.co/Rc8rt3uWLR — BWF (@bwfmedia) January 12, 2021 × ALSO READ: Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration A positive antibody test means a person has been infected with the COVID-19 virus at some point in the past. It does not mean they are currently infected. The trio all contracted COVID-19 in late 2020. The committee was satisfied that they are not infected and do not pose a danger to the tournament. Shuttlers @NSaina and @PRANNOYHSPRI have tested negative in the final test and have been given green flag to participate in the tournament. Timely intervention of BAI ensured with all support from BWF and other stakeholders have made this possible. Detailed statement below👇 pic.twitter.com/tMzB3BmvRm — BAI Media (@BAI_Media) January 12, 2021 × Whereas Egypt’s Elgamal was withdrawn from Thailand Open after his antibody IgG was negative. Elgamal had not contracted the virus before. Elgamal, a mixed doubles player, will now be taken to hospital for further observation and tests and will remain in isolation for a minimum 10 days at the hospital. Nehwal and Parupalli’s singles matches – declared a walkover earlier today – will be rescheduled for tomorrow. Badminton Association of India, after talks with top BWF officials, ensured that no walkovers will be handed if the tests returned negative. Furthermore, the Badminton Association of India has put in efforts after Kidambi Srikanth started bleeding after swab collection. Doctors were sent immediately to address the issue.

Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy cleared to play in Thailand Open

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d0645e53-5c9f-4cd0-9856-aa0820b46151}{91}" paraid="318954532" >Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday. While the Australian GP, usually the season-opener, was delayed from March to November, no new date has been given for the Chinese GP, which is normally held in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c7d4301b-696c-40a6-8714-77ea16cd6b10}{16}" paraid="1805447876" >The latest development means a second consecutive season of F1 has been disrupted by the dreaded virus, which was delayed and cut short into 17 races last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0ab9090b-6dd5-4694-b1d4-19cec9fa7be3}{135}" paraid="1873616557" >Formula One 2021 will now commence in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start in&nbsp;Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c2b96819-63d0-4e4f-9f57-a4628d4fe61b}{211}" paraid="540904710" >"The&nbsp;global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return," F1 president Stefano&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{14c681b5-7ecb-4e33-a6b5-ad24bca8c38b}{37}" paraid="796282119" >Many of the F1 teams are based in England where COVID-19 cases are surging due to a more infectious new variant, further complicating the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{14c681b5-7ecb-4e33-a6b5-ad24bca8c38b}{37}" paraid="796282119" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e9350f43-9eab-4e92-83b1-a1dafcc21450}{129}" paraid="1573214338" >Domenicali&nbsp;said that talks were still underway about the Chinese Grand Prix. However, an F1 statement stated that the Shanghai race would be conducted&nbsp;"later in the season if possible", citing travel restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{14c681b5-7ecb-4e33-a6b5-ad24bca8c38b}{82}" paraid="1640012070" >"Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021,"&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{14c681b5-7ecb-4e33-a6b5-ad24bca8c38b}{91}" paraid="1126392471" >&nbsp;Formula One&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;said that they expect crowds to return for the 2021 F1 season after the previous season was held behind closed doors in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{16358432-8e60-459c-ba4b-82ceae130003}{206}" paraid="766694202" >Italy’s Imola race is now back on the calendar as it takes the Chinese slot on April 18 with the location of a race scheduled for May 2 is yet to be announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{16358432-8e60-459c-ba4b-82ceae130003}{206}" paraid="766694202" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-open-indias-kidambi-srikanth-left-with-bloodied-nose-after-swab-collection-expresses-frustration-356248" hreflang="en">Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b9f8e584-6301-4b79-a3f3-ead138abeb69}{165}" paraid="1394279461" >The Australian Grand Prix will be held on November 21, soon after the races in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will be followed by Saudi Arabia and season showdown in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c751bfd7-1738-49d6-9fa1-ed4be3795334}{238}" paraid="371984074" >The Australian GP was called off in 2020, hours before the first practice session of the year as one McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. The pandemic resulted in&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;reducing the 2020 season to just 17 events from the usual 22 races.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{14c681b5-7ecb-4e33-a6b5-ad24bca8c38b}{235}" paraid="155889391" >"As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer," said Australian Grand Prix chairman Paul Little.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{14c681b5-7ecb-4e33-a6b5-ad24bca8c38b}{253}" paraid="1517294057" >"We'd like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33764596-bf9a-4b39-b076-c3dd04663cad}{7}" paraid="1843699526" >Australia have been successful in&nbsp;suppressing&nbsp;the virus and has held major sporting events including India’s ongoing cricket tour and next month’s Australian Open. However, the travel restrictions remain a major hurdle for the athletes.&nbsp;</p>


Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday.

Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday. While the Australian GP, usually the season-opener, was delayed from March to November, no new date has been given for the Chinese GP, which is normally held in April. The latest development means a second consecutive season of F1 has been disrupted by the dreaded virus, which was delayed and cut short into 17 races last year. Formula One 2021 will now commence in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start in Melbourne. "The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return," F1 president Stefano Domenicali said in a statement. Many of the F1 teams are based in England where COVID-19 cases are surging due to a more infectious new variant, further complicating the matter. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Domenicali said that talks were still underway about the Chinese Grand Prix. However, an F1 statement stated that the Shanghai race would be conducted "later in the season if possible", citing travel restrictions. "Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021," Domenicali said. Formula One organisers said that they expect crowds to return for the 2021 F1 season after the previous season was held behind closed doors in 2020. Italy’s Imola race is now back on the calendar as it takes the Chinese slot on April 18 with the location of a race scheduled for May 2 is yet to be announced. ALSO READ: Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration The Australian Grand Prix will be held on November 21, soon after the races in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will be followed by Saudi Arabia and season showdown in Abu Dhabi. The Australian GP was called off in 2020, hours before the first practice session of the year as one McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. The pandemic resulted in organisers reducing the 2020 season to just 17 events from the usual 22 races. "As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer," said Australian Grand Prix chairman Paul Little. "We'd like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times." Australia have been successful in suppressing the virus and has held major sporting events including India’s ongoing cricket tour and next month’s Australian Open. However, the travel restrictions remain a major hurdle for the athletes.

Formula One: Australian GP shifted to November, Chinese GP put on hold indefinitely

<p>COVID-19 tests have become a norm for athletes participating in various tournaments around the world. From football, cricket, tennis and other major sport, players and staff have been regularly tested, even twice in some cases, to avoid the spread of the dreaded virus in between a tournament or series. While there have been cases where athletes have expressed their frustration over swab collection, Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth took to social media platform Twitter to show some photographs where his nose was left bleeding after the test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Srikanth, who is in Bangkok for the ongoing Thailand Open, posted three photographs on Twitter on Tuesday as he expressed his anger over the swab collection. The photographs showed his bloodied nose and blood-soaked tissues. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Srikanth in his post wrote that players take care of themselves for matches and don’t participate to shed blood like this referring to the bloodied nose. He added that since landing in Thailand, he gave four tests for coronavirus and none of them was pleasant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant . Unacceptable,” Srikanth wrote. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-open-pv-sindhu-sai-praneeth-knocked-out-in-1st-round-356232" hreflang="en">Thailand Open: PV Sindhu, Sai Praneeth knocked out in 1st round</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant .<br />
Unacceptable <a href="https://t.co/ir56ji8Yjw">pic.twitter.com/ir56ji8Yjw</a></p>
— Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) <a href="https://twitter.com/srikidambi/status/1348920319554121728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>A bit of blood during swab test is common but Srikanth’s nose was bleeding heavily, which irked the Indian shuttler. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As fans expressed their anger after seeing Kidambi’s bloodied nose, Parupalli Kashyap also reacted by posting an angry emoji. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">😠😠😠</p>
— Parupalli Kashyap (@parupallik) <a href="https://twitter.com/parupallik/status/1348928250223857665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Srikanth has been drawn with Sourabh Verma in the first round of Thailand Open with the match scheduled to be played on Wednesday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saina-nehwal-hs-prannoy-parupalli-kashyap-withdraw-for-thailand-open-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-356209" hreflang="en">Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy, Parupalli Kashyap withdraw for Thailand Open after testing positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<h2>Here's how fans reacted:&nbsp;</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never seen this happen to other sports person all of them get tested but not like this <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bwfmedia</a></p>
— Sharah (@bsksara) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsksara/status/1348921508920324099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">this is so unacceptable... please take care</p>
— Jaaee28 (@jaimuk28) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaimuk28/status/1348921290225172480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How can athletes and their fans feel secure if they aren't taken care of properly? <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bwfmedia</a> please improve. We don't want to see such sights ever again 😑 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YonexThailandOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YonexThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen2021</a></p>
— s a n g i t a. 💙 (@sangitahermione) <a href="https://twitter.com/sangitahermione/status/1348929090313601025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is terrible. This can't happen.</p>
— N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) <a href="https://twitter.com/dassport_TT/status/1348921265252286465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You are very precious for us. Please do not risk your lives for the game. Please come back home and stay safe. It might be very tough on you, but please dump these tourneys for some more time. We love you and pray for you <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/parupallik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@parupallik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pvsindhu1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sikkireddy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sikkireddy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/P9Ashwini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@P9Ashwini</a></p>
— King of Hearts 💕 💞 (@rajrebba1) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajrebba1/status/1348933141134643200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;While for the rest of the Indian squad, the Thailand Open will be the first event in almost 10 months, Srikanth had participated in the Denmark Super 750 in October. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking to Olympic channel he said, "I would like to be physically fit and do well in all the tournaments that I play. The New Year resolution that I managed to hold onto was to get physically better. I think I managed to work on my physical fitness and get better."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Srikanth’s maiden BWF Grand Prix title came at the Thailand Open in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, the likes of Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap pulled out of the Thailand Open. While Saina and Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19, Kashyap came in close proximity with a positive player.&nbsp;</p>


COVID-19 tests have become a norm for athletes participating in various tournaments around the world. From football, cricket, tennis and other major sport, players and staff have been regularly tested, even twice in some cases, to avoid the spread of the dreaded virus in between a tournament or series.

COVID-19 tests have become a norm for athletes participating in various tournaments around the world. From football, cricket, tennis and other major sport, players and staff have been regularly tested, even twice in some cases, to avoid the spread of the dreaded virus in between a tournament or series. While there have been cases where athletes have expressed their frustration over swab collection, Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth took to social media platform Twitter to show some photographs where his nose was left bleeding after the test. Srikanth, who is in Bangkok for the ongoing Thailand Open, posted three photographs on Twitter on Tuesday as he expressed his anger over the swab collection. The photographs showed his bloodied nose and blood-soaked tissues. Srikanth in his post wrote that players take care of themselves for matches and don’t participate to shed blood like this referring to the bloodied nose. He added that since landing in Thailand, he gave four tests for coronavirus and none of them was pleasant. “We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant . Unacceptable,” Srikanth wrote. ALSO READ: Thailand Open: PV Sindhu, Sai Praneeth knocked out in 1st round We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant . Unacceptable pic.twitter.com/ir56ji8Yjw — Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) January 12, 2021 × A bit of blood during swab test is common but Srikanth’s nose was bleeding heavily, which irked the Indian shuttler. As fans expressed their anger after seeing Kidambi’s bloodied nose, Parupalli Kashyap also reacted by posting an angry emoji. 😠😠😠 — Parupalli Kashyap (@parupallik) January 12, 2021 × Srikanth has been drawn with Sourabh Verma in the first round of Thailand Open with the match scheduled to be played on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy, Parupalli Kashyap withdraw for Thailand Open after testing positive for COVID-19 Here's how fans reacted: Never seen this happen to other sports person all of them get tested but not like this @bwfmedia — Sharah (@bsksara) January 12, 2021 × this is so unacceptable... please take care — Jaaee28 (@jaimuk28) January 12, 2021 × How can athletes and their fans feel secure if they aren't taken care of properly? @bwfmedia please improve. We don't want to see such sights ever again 😑 #YonexThailandOpen #ThailandOpen2021 — s a n g i t a. 💙 (@sangitahermione) January 12, 2021 × This is terrible. This can't happen. — N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) January 12, 2021 × You are very precious for us. Please do not risk your lives for the game. Please come back home and stay safe. It might be very tough on you, but please dump these tourneys for some more time. We love you and pray for you @NSaina @parupallik @Pvsindhu1 @sikkireddy @P9Ashwini — King of Hearts 💕 💞 (@rajrebba1) January 12, 2021 × While for the rest of the Indian squad, the Thailand Open will be the first event in almost 10 months, Srikanth had participated in the Denmark Super 750 in October. Talking to Olympic channel he said, "I would like to be physically fit and do well in all the tournaments that I play. The New Year resolution that I managed to hold onto was to get physically better. I think I managed to work on my physical fitness and get better." Srikanth’s maiden BWF Grand Prix title came at the Thailand Open in 2013. Earlier on Tuesday, the likes of Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap pulled out of the Thailand Open. While Saina and Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19, Kashyap came in close proximity with a positive player.

Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration

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