Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been confirmed and will commence from September 4. The limited-overs series between England and Australia consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is in what promises to be a cracking contest between two top sides.&nbsp;

Australian players have been handed government clearance to travel for the series as the Aussies pad up for their first internationals in nearly six months. Cricket Australia on Friday announced the squad for the limited-overs series with Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Lyon and Marcus Stoinis returning to the team while Usman Khawaja and Travis Head missed out.

Australia and England were originally scheduled to lock horns in July but the series was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

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Bio-security plans including government exemptions have been agreed, which are needed to Australians to leave the country while the team has also agreed to self-quarantine for 14 days after their return.

They depart from Perth on August 23 en route to Derby ahead of four practice matches -- three T20s and a one-dayer -- before three T20s and three one-day internationals in Southampton and Old Trafford, which have hotels on site.

"We are very excited to be heading to England and to get back into the international fray," said Cricket Australia's interim chief Nick Hockley.

"We congratulate the England Cricket Board on leading the resumption of the game in a way that places the health and safety of players and staff at its core."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a>

Australia's T20 and ODI squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

"I am delighted with how the players have returned to their states from the break back in March. The whole squad has come back fitter and stronger, which is great testament to each of them," said coach Justin Langer.&nbsp;

"We have a massive assignment ahead with World Cups, Test series against India and South Africa and the Ashes next year. We can't wait to get back into it again."

Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been confirmed and will commence from September 4. The limited-overs series between England and Australia consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is in what promises to be a cracking contest between two top sides.

Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been confirmed and will commence from September 4. The limited-overs series between England and Australia consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is in what promises to be a cracking contest between two top sides. Australian players have been handed government clearance to travel for the series as the Aussies pad up for their first internationals in nearly six months. Cricket Australia on Friday announced the squad for the limited-overs series with Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Lyon and Marcus Stoinis returning to the team while Usman Khawaja and Travis Head missed out. Australia and England were originally scheduled to lock horns in July but the series was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series Bio-security plans including government exemptions have been agreed, which are needed to Australians to leave the country while the team has also agreed to self-quarantine for 14 days after their return. They depart from Perth on August 23 en route to Derby ahead of four practice matches -- three T20s and a one-dayer -- before three T20s and three one-day internationals in Southampton and Old Trafford, which have hotels on site. "We are very excited to be heading to England and to get back into the international fray," said Cricket Australia's interim chief Nick Hockley. "We congratulate the England Cricket Board on leading the resumption of the game in a way that places the health and safety of players and staff at its core." ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson Australia's T20 and ODI squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa "I am delighted with how the players have returned to their states from the break back in March. The whole squad has come back fitter and stronger, which is great testament to each of them," said coach Justin Langer. "We have a massive assignment ahead with World Cups, Test series against India and South Africa and the Ashes next year. We can't wait to get back into it again."

Australia announce squad for England tour as Khawaja, Head miss out

A pair of Michael Jordan’s sneakers on Thursday shattered a record set just months ago by the sale of another pair of the basketball legend’s shoes as Christie’s auction house confirmed that the game-worn sneakes have been sold for a whopping $615,000.

The Air Jordan 1 Highs, worn by the NBA superstar during a 1985 exhibition match in Italy, helped Jordan dunk the ball so hard that it ended up shattering the glass backboard.

"This is the original shoe with an actual piece of the backboard, a piece of glass, in the sole of the shoe," said Caitlin Donovan, head of handbag and sneaker sales at Christie's -- which organized the auction with Stadium Goods.

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Jordan ended up with 30 points under his belt while wearing the size 13.5 shoes, red and black in colours of Chicago Bulls team.

Previously, Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 1 had set a record in May when it was auctioned off for a mind-boggling $560,000, while the fresh auction bagged an estimated range of $650,000 and $850,000.

The record setting sales emphasizes the rocketing market value of objects linked to the retired basketball megastar since the release of documentary ‘The Last Dance’ that chronicles the saga of Jordan and Chicago Bulls.

It also confirms that the lowly sneaker now has a place of pride in the world of wealthy collectors alongside more traditional collectibles.

&nbsp;

A pair of Michael Jordan’s sneakers on Thursday shattered a record set just months ago by the sale of another pair of the basketball legend’s shoes as Christie’s auction house confirmed that the game-worn sneakes have been sold for a whopping $615,000.

A pair of Michael Jordan’s sneakers on Thursday shattered a record set just months ago by the sale of another pair of the basketball legend’s shoes as Christie’s auction house confirmed that the game-worn sneakes have been sold for a whopping $615,000. The Air Jordan 1 Highs, worn by the NBA superstar during a 1985 exhibition match in Italy, helped Jordan dunk the ball so hard that it ended up shattering the glass backboard. "This is the original shoe with an actual piece of the backboard, a piece of glass, in the sole of the shoe," said Caitlin Donovan, head of handbag and sneaker sales at Christie's -- which organized the auction with Stadium Goods. ALSO READ: Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final Jordan ended up with 30 points under his belt while wearing the size 13.5 shoes, red and black in colours of Chicago Bulls team. Previously, Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 1 had set a record in May when it was auctioned off for a mind-boggling $560,000, while the fresh auction bagged an estimated range of $650,000 and $850,000. The record setting sales emphasizes the rocketing market value of objects linked to the retired basketball megastar since the release of documentary ‘The Last Dance’ that chronicles the saga of Jordan and Chicago Bulls. It also confirms that the lowly sneaker now has a place of pride in the world of wealthy collectors alongside more traditional collectibles.

Michael Jordan's sneakers set new record, sell for $615,000

England are set to host Pakistan in the second match of the three-match series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton starting August 13. England were down and out in the first innings of the series opener after Pakistan took a strong lead but lackluster batting and dubious captaincy by the visitors allowed England to bounce back into the match and take a 1-0 lead after winning the match by three wickets.&nbsp;

England will be without their talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes after he left the bio-bubble due to family reasons whereas Pakistan will have plenty of thinking to do after the batting line-up failure in the opener in Manchester.&nbsp;

Southampton has been central to hot weather throughout the past week but rain gods are expected to play spoilsport with scattered thunderstorm forecasted during the course of five days, especially on Day 2 and 3.&nbsp;

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The pitch is expected to remain slow and dry and spinners will be feasting in the third and fourth innings of the match.&nbsp;

<h2>When will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test begin?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will begin at 3:30 PM IST on August 13. The toss will take place at 3:00 PM IST.

Where will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test be played?

The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test match will be held at Rose Bowl, Southampton.

Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test?

The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India

How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test?

The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

England are set to host Pakistan in the second match of the three-match series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton starting August 13. England were down and out in the first innings of the series opener after Pakistan took a strong lead but lackluster batting and dubious captaincy by the visitors allowed England to bounce back into the match and take a 1-0 lead after winning the match by three wickets.

England are set to host Pakistan in the second match of the three-match series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton starting August 13. England were down and out in the first innings of the series opener after Pakistan took a strong lead but lackluster batting and dubious captaincy by the visitors allowed England to bounce back into the match and take a 1-0 lead after winning the match by three wickets. England will be without their talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes after he left the bio-bubble due to family reasons whereas Pakistan will have plenty of thinking to do after the batting line-up failure in the opener in Manchester. Southampton has been central to hot weather throughout the past week but rain gods are expected to play spoilsport with scattered thunderstorm forecasted during the course of five days, especially on Day 2 and 3. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell The pitch is expected to remain slow and dry and spinners will be feasting in the third and fourth innings of the match. When will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test begin? The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will begin at 3:30 PM IST on August 13. The toss will take place at 3:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test be played? The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test match will be held at Rose Bowl, Southampton. Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test? The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test? The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs PAK match?

Waqar Younis believes Pakistan captain Azhar Ali can overcome a poor run of form as his side look for a series-levelling win in the second Test against England at Southampton starting Thursday.

Pakistan, despite not having played international cricket for six months because of the coronavirus, dominated the majority of last week's first Test at Old Trafford, with opening batsman Shan Masood hitting a Test-best 156 and leg-spinner Yasir Shah taking eight wickets.

Their pace trio of Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi and teenage rising star Naseem Shah all troubled England's top order.

Pakistan, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277.

But a partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England won by three wickets to go 1-0 up with two to play.

Azhar, criticised for his tactics during Buttler and Woakes' stand, has made just one fifty in 10 innings since becoming skipper in November.

Pace great Waqar, himself a former Pakistan captain and now the team's bowling coach, sympathised by saying Wednesday: "Being captain and playing in the top order is not easy.&nbsp;

"When you're in bad form, or have had a bad game, everything gets scrutinised.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I've been captain myself so I know what he's going through. But he's a seasoned player...He knows how to come out of these situations and I expect him to deliver in the upcoming two Test matches."

Pakistan played two leg-spinners at Old Trafford, with Shadab Khan backing up Yasir, but they could now deploy a fourth seamer on what may be a less receptive Ageas Bowl surface.

If that's the case then Faheem Ashraf, who has played in just four Tests since making his debut against Ireland two years ago, may be in line for a recall.

"We haven't really decided about it but we are definitely going to gear him up and see whether he is ready to go and deliver the goods for Pakistan," said Waqar.

As for the 17-year-old Naseem, the latest fast bowler to come off Pakistan's production line of pacemen, an enthusiastic Waqar said: "What a talent he is.&nbsp;

"When you talk about whether he can be a great it is very difficult to be sure about anyone. Pakistan, over the years, has produced some real quality fast bowlers.&nbsp;

"If he keeps himself fit and strong and keeps bowling, I'm sure he has the potential to become a very good bowler."

It is 10 years since Pakistan lost a Test series against England and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said they "should not be mentally down" following last week's agonising loss.

<h2>- Stokes blow -</h2>

England star all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the last two Tests of the series after travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father.

Zak Crawley, dropped for the last two Tests in favour of an extra bowler deployed by England to compensate for Stokes' quad injury, is now set to return to England's top order.

Meanwhile England captain Joe Root, who has won his last six Tests as skipper, said it was "likely" James Anderson would play this week.

That is despite England's all-time most succesful bowler having taken just six wickets in three Tests at an expensive average of over 41 apiece so far this season, including 1-67 at his Lancashire home ground last week.

But Anderson, just 10 shy of becoming the first paceman to take 600 Test wickets, has dismissed rumours of his retirement, with Root saying: "To question Jimmy's ability and his record -- do that at your own peril."

Waqar Younis believes Pakistan captain Azhar Ali can overcome a poor run of form as his side look for a series-levelling win in the second Test against England at Southampton starting Thursday.

Waqar Younis believes Pakistan captain Azhar Ali can overcome a poor run of form as his side look for a series-levelling win in the second Test against England at Southampton starting Thursday. Pakistan, despite not having played international cricket for six months because of the coronavirus, dominated the majority of last week's first Test at Old Trafford, with opening batsman Shan Masood hitting a Test-best 156 and leg-spinner Yasir Shah taking eight wickets. Their pace trio of Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi and teenage rising star Naseem Shah all troubled England's top order. Pakistan, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277. But a partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England won by three wickets to go 1-0 up with two to play. Azhar, criticised for his tactics during Buttler and Woakes' stand, has made just one fifty in 10 innings since becoming skipper in November. Pace great Waqar, himself a former Pakistan captain and now the team's bowling coach, sympathised by saying Wednesday: "Being captain and playing in the top order is not easy. "When you're in bad form, or have had a bad game, everything gets scrutinised. "I've been captain myself so I know what he's going through. But he's a seasoned player...He knows how to come out of these situations and I expect him to deliver in the upcoming two Test matches." Pakistan played two leg-spinners at Old Trafford, with Shadab Khan backing up Yasir, but they could now deploy a fourth seamer on what may be a less receptive Ageas Bowl surface. If that's the case then Faheem Ashraf, who has played in just four Tests since making his debut against Ireland two years ago, may be in line for a recall. "We haven't really decided about it but we are definitely going to gear him up and see whether he is ready to go and deliver the goods for Pakistan," said Waqar. As for the 17-year-old Naseem, the latest fast bowler to come off Pakistan's production line of pacemen, an enthusiastic Waqar said: "What a talent he is. "When you talk about whether he can be a great it is very difficult to be sure about anyone. Pakistan, over the years, has produced some real quality fast bowlers. "If he keeps himself fit and strong and keeps bowling, I'm sure he has the potential to become a very good bowler." It is 10 years since Pakistan lost a Test series against England and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said they "should not be mentally down" following last week's agonising loss. - Stokes blow - England star all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the last two Tests of the series after travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father. Zak Crawley, dropped for the last two Tests in favour of an extra bowler deployed by England to compensate for Stokes' quad injury, is now set to return to England's top order. Meanwhile England captain Joe Root, who has won his last six Tests as skipper, said it was "likely" James Anderson would play this week. That is despite England's all-time most succesful bowler having taken just six wickets in three Tests at an expensive average of over 41 apiece so far this season, including 1-67 at his Lancashire home ground last week. But Anderson, just 10 shy of becoming the first paceman to take 600 Test wickets, has dismissed rumours of his retirement, with Root saying: "To question Jimmy's ability and his record -- do that at your own peril."

Waqar backs Pakistan captain Azhar 'to deliver' against England

Mitchell Starc remains wary of injuries from bowling too fast but the Australia paceman hopes to push the 160 km per hour mark in the coming home summer after adding five kg to his frame during a long off-season.

The left-armer is one of only a handful of bowlers to have recorded a delivery over that mark, sending down a sizzling 160.4 kph yorker during the second test against New Zealand at the WACA in 2015.

Starc broke down early in the next match at Adelaide Oval, the inaugural day-night test match, with a stress fracture.

He also strained a pectoral muscle last year after cranking up the pace against Sri Lanka in Canberra.

However, feeling refreshed and stronger from the long break since COVID-19 put a halt to cricket in March, Starc hopes he might be able to return to top speed.

"It would be nice but at the same time the two occasions I've been up around that (160 kph) mark I've snapped my foot," he said in comments published by Cricket Australia's website.

“Hopefully that’s not the case but when everything is going well, that rhythm is happening and conditions suit, then I can get that speed gun up.

“Perhaps that extra time in the gym and extra time off I might be able to push the limits again.”

Starc’s next international assignment is expected to be a white-ball tour of England slated for September, with India to tour later in the year amid strict biosecurity arrangements.

Starc tweaked his action with the help of New South Wales assistant coach Andre Adams last year and bowled with pace and control to take 29 wickets in five tests against Pakistan and New Zealand in the last home summer.

“I still want to bowl fast and I’m not going to compromise that but I had to find a way that I wasn’t expensive at the same time,” he said.

“I think that little tweak in the action has helped that.”

Mitchell Starc remains wary of injuries from bowling too fast but the Australia paceman hopes to push the 160 km per hour mark in the coming home summer after adding five kg to his frame during a long off-season.

Mitchell Starc remains wary of injuries from bowling too fast but the Australia paceman hopes to push the 160 km per hour mark in the coming home summer after adding five kg to his frame during a long off-season. The left-armer is one of only a handful of bowlers to have recorded a delivery over that mark, sending down a sizzling 160.4 kph yorker during the second test against New Zealand at the WACA in 2015. Starc broke down early in the next match at Adelaide Oval, the inaugural day-night test match, with a stress fracture. He also strained a pectoral muscle last year after cranking up the pace against Sri Lanka in Canberra. However, feeling refreshed and stronger from the long break since COVID-19 put a halt to cricket in March, Starc hopes he might be able to return to top speed. "It would be nice but at the same time the two occasions I've been up around that (160 kph) mark I've snapped my foot," he said in comments published by Cricket Australia's website. “Hopefully that’s not the case but when everything is going well, that rhythm is happening and conditions suit, then I can get that speed gun up. “Perhaps that extra time in the gym and extra time off I might be able to push the limits again.” Starc’s next international assignment is expected to be a white-ball tour of England slated for September, with India to tour later in the year amid strict biosecurity arrangements. Starc tweaked his action with the help of New South Wales assistant coach Andre Adams last year and bowled with pace and control to take 29 wickets in five tests against Pakistan and New Zealand in the last home summer. “I still want to bowl fast and I’m not going to compromise that but I had to find a way that I wasn’t expensive at the same time,” he said. “I think that little tweak in the action has helped that.”

Bulked-up Mitchell Starc hopes to test 160kph mark

Brazilian superstar Neymar insisted that Paris Saint-Germain always believed they could come back from the brink to defeat Atalanta with two goals in the dying moments of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

"I never thought of going home. From start to finish, from the warm-up, we only thought of qualifying for the semi-finals," the world's most expensive footballer told RMC Sport.

Substitute Eric Choupo-Moting's goal three minutes into added time allowed PSG to beat the Italian outsiders 2-1.

Mario Pasalic gave Atalanta a 27th-minute lead but PSG were rescued when Marquinhos came forward to scramble in a last-minute equaliser.

Kylian Mbappe set up fellow substitute Choupo-Moting to win the tie right at the end.

The French champions will play RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid next Tuesday for a place in the final.

"Nobody is going to take my mind off that I want to go to the final," added 28-year-old Neymar as PSG made the last-four for the first time since 1995.&nbsp;

"We really have a great group, we're a family, we know that with this state of mind it's impossible. to put us out of competition.&nbsp;

"We knew that a ball could arrive, that even after the equaliser we could score a second goal."

Neymar hailed Atalanta, the team which captured the imagination of neutrals, reaching this stage despite their city of Bergamo being one of the worst hit by the coronavirus.

"Atalanta are a great team, they played very well, they are the surprise of the competition. They were very aggressive, we knew they were going to press us," said Neymar.

"Now we're going to have to rest, it was a tough game mentally.&nbsp;

"Another very difficult match is coming."

Brazilian superstar Neymar insisted that Paris Saint-Germain always believed they could come back from the brink to defeat Atalanta with two goals in the dying moments of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

Brazilian superstar Neymar insisted that Paris Saint-Germain always believed they could come back from the brink to defeat Atalanta with two goals in the dying moments of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. "I never thought of going home. From start to finish, from the warm-up, we only thought of qualifying for the semi-finals," the world's most expensive footballer told RMC Sport. Substitute Eric Choupo-Moting's goal three minutes into added time allowed PSG to beat the Italian outsiders 2-1. Mario Pasalic gave Atalanta a 27th-minute lead but PSG were rescued when Marquinhos came forward to scramble in a last-minute equaliser. Kylian Mbappe set up fellow substitute Choupo-Moting to win the tie right at the end. The French champions will play RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid next Tuesday for a place in the final. "Nobody is going to take my mind off that I want to go to the final," added 28-year-old Neymar as PSG made the last-four for the first time since 1995. "We really have a great group, we're a family, we know that with this state of mind it's impossible. to put us out of competition. "We knew that a ball could arrive, that even after the equaliser we could score a second goal." Neymar hailed Atalanta, the team which captured the imagination of neutrals, reaching this stage despite their city of Bergamo being one of the worst hit by the coronavirus. "Atalanta are a great team, they played very well, they are the surprise of the competition. They were very aggressive, we knew they were going to press us," said Neymar. "Now we're going to have to rest, it was a tough game mentally. "Another very difficult match is coming."

Neymar insists PSG always knew they could win after Atalanta triumph

After years of failing to live up to their billing in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain are within 90 minutes of the Champions League final thanks to their dramatic win over Atalanta on Wednesday, and coach Thomas Tuchel now knows "everything is possible" for his team.

PSG were on the verge of another disappointing Champions League exit as they trailed Atalanta 1-0 into the 90th minute in Lisbon, where all the latter stages are being played after the long coronavirus shutdown.

But Mario Pasalic's 27th-minute strike for the Italians was finally cancelled out by Marquinhos, who scrambled in a last-gasp leveller.

Then, three minutes into injury time, Kylian Mbappe set up fellow substitute Eric Choupo-Moting to convert the clinching goal.

"The goals came very late but we deserved the victory. We never stopped believing or attacking," said Tuchel, whose team will face Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig in the semi-final, the club's first since 1995.

"The boys who came off the bench had a big impact. We deserved it, we made our own luck."

The money ploughed into the French champions by their Qatari owners has increased the pressure on PSG to deliver and losing to Atalanta would have invited more criticism of a club whose recent record in such games has been poor.

After all, Atalanta's entire wage bill is believed to be equivalent to what PSG pay Neymar per year (about 36 million euros, or $42.5m).

Absent from decisive Champions League games in the last two seasons because of injuries, Neymar was excellent here, never giving up. He set up the equaliser and played a part in the winner.

"Going home never crossed my mind," said the world's most expensive player.

Mbappe was only fit enough to play the final half-hour, after a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but his pace down the left flank had Atalanta on the back foot in the closing stages and he laid on the winner.

<h2>- Choupo-Moting makes his mark -</h2>

PSG will be hopeful the France star can start the semi-final next Tuesday, but it is thanks to Choupo-Moting that they are there at all.

"We've already won four titles this season but the most important is this one," declared the Cameroon striker.

It seems ironic that PSG -- the world's fifth-richest club according to this year's Deloitte Football League -- needed to rely on a free transfer from Stoke City to take them through to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since the Qatari takeover in 2011.

They had gone out in the last 16 the past three years, but Choupo-Moting's goal saw them break through the glass ceiling on the same day PSG marked their 50th anniversary.

From Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Ronaldinho, some fabulous players have turned out for the club in their relatively short history, although Choupo-Moting has not made much of a mark in his two seasons in Paris.

He had not previously scored in the Champions League and would probably have been best remembered for missing an open goal while standing on the line in a game against Strasbourg.

Indeed he would not even have been playing in this match in different circumstances.

Choupo-Moting's contract expired in June but he agreed to stay on for two months to play a part in the 'Final Eight' after Edinson Cavani -- PSG's all-time top scorer, who was also out of contract -- walked away.

And so the 31-year-old came on for the ineffective Mauro Icardi for the closing stages. He will at best have a bit-part role to play in the semi-final, though.

Mbappe could be ready to start then and Angel Di Maria will return from suspension, although Marco Verratti will probably be out again injured.

"There is a big difference between playing with or without Kylian," Tuchel said.

"That's clear, and it's the same with Marco and Angel. Now we have six days for Kylian to get back to his best.

"I'm not sure about Marco, but we are in the last four, everything is possible."

After years of failing to live up to their billing in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain are within 90 minutes of the Champions League final thanks to their dramatic win over Atalanta on Wednesday, and coach Thomas Tuchel now knows "everything is possible" for his team.

After years of failing to live up to their billing in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain are within 90 minutes of the Champions League final thanks to their dramatic win over Atalanta on Wednesday, and coach Thomas Tuchel now knows "everything is possible" for his team. PSG were on the verge of another disappointing Champions League exit as they trailed Atalanta 1-0 into the 90th minute in Lisbon, where all the latter stages are being played after the long coronavirus shutdown. But Mario Pasalic's 27th-minute strike for the Italians was finally cancelled out by Marquinhos, who scrambled in a last-gasp leveller. Then, three minutes into injury time, Kylian Mbappe set up fellow substitute Eric Choupo-Moting to convert the clinching goal. "The goals came very late but we deserved the victory. We never stopped believing or attacking," said Tuchel, whose team will face Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig in the semi-final, the club's first since 1995. "The boys who came off the bench had a big impact. We deserved it, we made our own luck." The money ploughed into the French champions by their Qatari owners has increased the pressure on PSG to deliver and losing to Atalanta would have invited more criticism of a club whose recent record in such games has been poor. After all, Atalanta's entire wage bill is believed to be equivalent to what PSG pay Neymar per year (about 36 million euros, or $42.5m). Absent from decisive Champions League games in the last two seasons because of injuries, Neymar was excellent here, never giving up. He set up the equaliser and played a part in the winner. "Going home never crossed my mind," said the world's most expensive player. Mbappe was only fit enough to play the final half-hour, after a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but his pace down the left flank had Atalanta on the back foot in the closing stages and he laid on the winner. - Choupo-Moting makes his mark - PSG will be hopeful the France star can start the semi-final next Tuesday, but it is thanks to Choupo-Moting that they are there at all. "We've already won four titles this season but the most important is this one," declared the Cameroon striker. It seems ironic that PSG -- the world's fifth-richest club according to this year's Deloitte Football League -- needed to rely on a free transfer from Stoke City to take them through to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since the Qatari takeover in 2011. They had gone out in the last 16 the past three years, but Choupo-Moting's goal saw them break through the glass ceiling on the same day PSG marked their 50th anniversary. From Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Ronaldinho, some fabulous players have turned out for the club in their relatively short history, although Choupo-Moting has not made much of a mark in his two seasons in Paris. He had not previously scored in the Champions League and would probably have been best remembered for missing an open goal while standing on the line in a game against Strasbourg. Indeed he would not even have been playing in this match in different circumstances. Choupo-Moting's contract expired in June but he agreed to stay on for two months to play a part in the 'Final Eight' after Edinson Cavani -- PSG's all-time top scorer, who was also out of contract -- walked away. And so the 31-year-old came on for the ineffective Mauro Icardi for the closing stages. He will at best have a bit-part role to play in the semi-final, though. Mbappe could be ready to start then and Angel Di Maria will return from suspension, although Marco Verratti will probably be out again injured. "There is a big difference between playing with or without Kylian," Tuchel said. "That's clear, and it's the same with Marco and Angel. Now we have six days for Kylian to get back to his best. "I'm not sure about Marco, but we are in the last four, everything is possible."

PSG break through Champions League glass ceiling after years of disappointment

In what could be termed as a historic and dream move, Cristiano Ronaldo might be seen playing alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Frustrated with Juventus’ lackluster performance in the UEFA Champions League, Ronaldo may head to a new team.&nbsp;

As per reports, Ronaldo has been offered to Barcelona that would see him play alongside Messi. Juventus are reportedly trying to get his massive £28m-per-year salary off their books.

Juventus’ sporting director Fabio Paratici, vice president Pavel Nedved and chairman Andrea Agnelli are set to have a meeting with new manager Andrea Pirlo and will decide on whom to leave out of Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.&nbsp;

The Italian giants have been stuck by financial crisis and can afford to keep only one of Ronaldo or Dybala at the club for next season.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-winning-midfielder-matuidi-leaves-juventus-set-to-join-beckhams-inter-miami-320195" hreflang="en">World Cup winning midfielder Matuidi leaves Juventus</a>

Both Ronaldo and Dybala have contracts at the club until the summer of 2022 and Juventus could get between £50m and £90m for either of their stars.

'He's been offered everywhere, including Barcelona,' Balague told 5 Live Sport on Ronaldo: I'm not sure if they can get rid of him easily with the kind of money he earns. Who is going to pay that kind of money?' &nbsp;

However, even Barcelona have been stuck hard financially due to COVID-19 pandemic and it is unlikely that they will make any big signings this summer.&nbsp;

Ronaldo and Messi have shared 11 Ballon D’Or awards between them and fans have been crying to see the duo together on the pitch. Their rivalry on the pitch is known to all.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-break-through-champions-league-glass-ceiling-after-years-of-disappointment-320136" hreflang="en">PSG break through Champions League glass ceiling after years of disappointment</a>

However, another club who seems to be interested in Ronaldo is Paris Saint-Germain and a link-up of Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe is a dream for them.&nbsp;

Balague explained: 'The reason why Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with PSG, it's not so much because PSG are thinking of getting him, but because Jorge Mendes [Ronaldo's agent] has been given instructions to actually find a team for Ronaldo.'&nbsp;

Balague added: 'We have seen this over the last months, we have seen links with Real Madrid, Madrid said "no chance! He's not coming back."

'There have been talks about MLS et cetera, because Juventus wants to get rid of that wage. It's as drastic as that.' &nbsp; 
<o:p></o:p>

In what could be termed as a historic and dream move, Cristiano Ronaldo might be seen playing alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Frustrated with Juventus’ lackluster performance in the UEFA Champions League, Ronaldo may head to a new team.

In what could be termed as a historic and dream move, Cristiano Ronaldo might be seen playing alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Frustrated with Juventus’ lackluster performance in the UEFA Champions League, Ronaldo may head to a new team. As per reports, Ronaldo has been offered to Barcelona that would see him play alongside Messi. Juventus are reportedly trying to get his massive £28m-per-year salary off their books. Juventus’ sporting director Fabio Paratici, vice president Pavel Nedved and chairman Andrea Agnelli are set to have a meeting with new manager Andrea Pirlo and will decide on whom to leave out of Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala. The Italian giants have been stuck by financial crisis and can afford to keep only one of Ronaldo or Dybala at the club for next season. ALSO READ: World Cup winning midfielder Matuidi leaves Juventus Both Ronaldo and Dybala have contracts at the club until the summer of 2022 and Juventus could get between £50m and £90m for either of their stars. 'He's been offered everywhere, including Barcelona,' Balague told 5 Live Sport on Ronaldo: I'm not sure if they can get rid of him easily with the kind of money he earns. Who is going to pay that kind of money?' However, even Barcelona have been stuck hard financially due to COVID-19 pandemic and it is unlikely that they will make any big signings this summer. Ronaldo and Messi have shared 11 Ballon D’Or awards between them and fans have been crying to see the duo together on the pitch. Their rivalry on the pitch is known to all. ALSO READ: PSG break through Champions League glass ceiling after years of disappointment However, another club who seems to be interested in Ronaldo is Paris Saint-Germain and a link-up of Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe is a dream for them. Balague explained: 'The reason why Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with PSG, it's not so much because PSG are thinking of getting him, but because Jorge Mendes [Ronaldo's agent] has been given instructions to actually find a team for Ronaldo.' Balague added: 'We have seen this over the last months, we have seen links with Real Madrid, Madrid said "no chance! He's not coming back." 'There have been talks about MLS et cetera, because Juventus wants to get rid of that wage. It's as drastic as that.'

Ronaldo and Messi to play together? Juventus star offered to Barcelona: Reports

Shuttler N Sikki Reddy and physiotherapist Kiran C have tested positive for COVID-19 at the ongoing national camp, forcing the closure of the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad for sanitisation, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) said on Thursday.

Women's doubles specialist Sikki and Kiran, who have been attending the national camp at the academy, are both asymptomatic, according to a SAI statement.

They had undergone the SAI's mandatory COVID-19 test for players, coaches and support staff before the start of training on August 7 at the facility.

"SAI's mandatory COVID test was given to all athletes, coaches, support staff and administrative staff at the badminton national camp, and two campers have tested positive for COVID-19," chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand said.

"All necessary precautions as per protocol are being taken so that players can come back for training safely and as soon as possible."

Both Sikki and Kiran are from Hyderabad and have been attending the camp from their homes.

The academy has been closed down for sanitisation and all primary contacts of Sikki and Kiran are undergoing the RT PCR test again.

The badminton camp was allowed by SAI for eight Olympic hopefuls, including Rio Games silver-medallist and world champion P V Sindhu, following the approval from the Telangana government on August 1.

Six Indian men's hockey team players, including skipper Manpreet Singh, had recently tested positi

Shuttler N Sikki Reddy and physiotherapist Kiran C have tested positive for COVID-19 at the ongoing national camp, forcing the closure of the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad for sanitisation, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) said on Thursday.

Shuttler N Sikki Reddy and physiotherapist Kiran C have tested positive for COVID-19 at the ongoing national camp, forcing the closure of the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad for sanitisation, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) said on Thursday. Women's doubles specialist Sikki and Kiran, who have been attending the national camp at the academy, are both asymptomatic, according to a SAI statement. They had undergone the SAI's mandatory COVID-19 test for players, coaches and support staff before the start of training on August 7 at the facility. "SAI's mandatory COVID test was given to all athletes, coaches, support staff and administrative staff at the badminton national camp, and two campers have tested positive for COVID-19," chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand said. "All necessary precautions as per protocol are being taken so that players can come back for training safely and as soon as possible." Both Sikki and Kiran are from Hyderabad and have been attending the camp from their homes. The academy has been closed down for sanitisation and all primary contacts of Sikki and Kiran are undergoing the RT PCR test again. The badminton camp was allowed by SAI for eight Olympic hopefuls, including Rio Games silver-medallist and world champion P V Sindhu, following the approval from the Telangana government on August 1. Six Indian men's hockey team players, including skipper Manpreet Singh, had recently tested positi

Doubles player Sikki Reddy, physiotherapist Kiran C test positive for COVID-19

Test-saving hundreds have become extinct now but Sachin Tendulkar carved out one such innings exactly 30 years ago, the seeds of which were sown during one afternoon in Sialkot, eight months prior to that gloomy Manchester day.

It was on August 14, 1990, that Tendulkar scored the first of his 100 international centuries, a majestic 119 not out on a fifth day track to save the game for India.

Asked about that special first, and it seemed like yesterday.

"I scored that 100 on August 14 and next day was our Independence Day, so it was special. The headline was different and that hundred at least kept the series alive till next Test at the Oval," Tendulkar told PTI on the eve of the 30th anniversary of his first ton.

So what exactly was the feeling, apart from the pure joy of achieving the milestone?

"The art of saving a Test match was a new experience for me," Tendulkar said but added he knew he could save a game when he batted with a "bloodied nose" and a blood-soaked jersey after being hit by Waqar Younis.

"In Sialkot where I got hit and scored 57, we saved that Test match, too, from 38 for 4. Waqar's bouncer and playing through pain defined me. After those kind of hits you are either stronger or you are nowhere to be seen."

As scary as it may seem now, Tendulkar, in the first innings of that Manchester match, was hit on the back of the head by one of the fastest pacers in the world back then, Devon Malcolm.

"Devon and Waqar, during that phase, were easily the two quickest bowlers in the world bowling at 90 mph.

"Yes, I didn't call the phsyio as I didn't want to show them that I am in pain. My pain threshold was fairly high. Its okay to get hit. So what. You don't show your pain to the bowler," the legend said.

Coach Ramakant Acherkar prepared him for all sorts of pain by making him play on the same pitch for 25 days straight at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana.

"I was used to getting hit on my body from my days in Shivaji Park as Acherkar sir would make us play on that and it would have enormous wear and tear.

"The same pitch we played a match on one day and next day we were back for nets. So balls would just jump off length and hit my nose.

"In fact, I would just throw the ball up and take it on my body to absorb the pain."

Back to the match, the shots that he remembers are the exquisite backfoot cover drives off Chris Lewis deliveries that darted in.

"Lewis bowled sharp inswing and throughout my career, backfoot cover drive had been my favourite shot.

"The bowler who was the best by far in that series was Angus Fraser. He had a beautiful late outswing, high arm action, so ball would bounce and move so late that you had to play at it.

"It was a case of showing patience and credit to Manoj that we had a 160-run stand," he said.

Did he feel in the last hour that the team has been able to save the match.

"No way till the last over. We came together when we were six down (183/6) but me and Manoj together said 'yeh hum kar sakte hain, match bacha lenge' (we can save the match).

"Also England had attacking field as they could only win from that position," Tendulkar said.

And any special anecdote that he still remembers?

"Well I was 17 and the Man of The Match was presented with a bottle of champagne. Neither did I drink and also I hadn't reached the legal age for drinking. My senior teammates would tell me 'what would you do with it'," he laughed.

But there is another thing that Tendulkar fondly remembers to this day.

"Sanjay Manjrekar presented me a white shirt which was a gift for scoring a hundred. I was really touched," he concluded.

Test-saving hundreds have become extinct now but Sachin Tendulkar carved out one such innings exactly 30 years ago, the seeds of which were sown during one afternoon in Sialkot, eight months prior to that gloomy Manchester day.

Test-saving hundreds have become extinct now but Sachin Tendulkar carved out one such innings exactly 30 years ago, the seeds of which were sown during one afternoon in Sialkot, eight months prior to that gloomy Manchester day. It was on August 14, 1990, that Tendulkar scored the first of his 100 international centuries, a majestic 119 not out on a fifth day track to save the game for India. Asked about that special first, and it seemed like yesterday. "I scored that 100 on August 14 and next day was our Independence Day, so it was special. The headline was different and that hundred at least kept the series alive till next Test at the Oval," Tendulkar told PTI on the eve of the 30th anniversary of his first ton. So what exactly was the feeling, apart from the pure joy of achieving the milestone? "The art of saving a Test match was a new experience for me," Tendulkar said but added he knew he could save a game when he batted with a "bloodied nose" and a blood-soaked jersey after being hit by Waqar Younis. "In Sialkot where I got hit and scored 57, we saved that Test match, too, from 38 for 4. Waqar's bouncer and playing through pain defined me. After those kind of hits you are either stronger or you are nowhere to be seen." As scary as it may seem now, Tendulkar, in the first innings of that Manchester match, was hit on the back of the head by one of the fastest pacers in the world back then, Devon Malcolm. "Devon and Waqar, during that phase, were easily the two quickest bowlers in the world bowling at 90 mph. "Yes, I didn't call the phsyio as I didn't want to show them that I am in pain. My pain threshold was fairly high. Its okay to get hit. So what. You don't show your pain to the bowler," the legend said. Coach Ramakant Acherkar prepared him for all sorts of pain by making him play on the same pitch for 25 days straight at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. "I was used to getting hit on my body from my days in Shivaji Park as Acherkar sir would make us play on that and it would have enormous wear and tear. "The same pitch we played a match on one day and next day we were back for nets. So balls would just jump off length and hit my nose. "In fact, I would just throw the ball up and take it on my body to absorb the pain." Back to the match, the shots that he remembers are the exquisite backfoot cover drives off Chris Lewis deliveries that darted in. "Lewis bowled sharp inswing and throughout my career, backfoot cover drive had been my favourite shot. "The bowler who was the best by far in that series was Angus Fraser. He had a beautiful late outswing, high arm action, so ball would bounce and move so late that you had to play at it. "It was a case of showing patience and credit to Manoj that we had a 160-run stand," he said. Did he feel in the last hour that the team has been able to save the match. "No way till the last over. We came together when we were six down (183/6) but me and Manoj together said 'yeh hum kar sakte hain, match bacha lenge' (we can save the match). "Also England had attacking field as they could only win from that position," Tendulkar said. And any special anecdote that he still remembers? "Well I was 17 and the Man of The Match was presented with a bottle of champagne. Neither did I drink and also I hadn't reached the legal age for drinking. My senior teammates would tell me 'what would you do with it'," he laughed. But there is another thing that Tendulkar fondly remembers to this day. "Sanjay Manjrekar presented me a white shirt which was a gift for scoring a hundred. I was really touched," he concluded.

30th anniversary of first ton: Sialkot sowed seeds of Manchester hundred, says Tendulkar

With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises have started to test their players for COVID-19 before flying out of India. Indian players of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be assembling in Chennai by August 15 for a mini camp before leaving for the UAE for IPL and ahead of the camp, MS Dhoni had given his sample COVID-19 test on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Dhoni’s COVID-19 report came in negative and the iconic CSK skipper will now head to Chennai for the camp with other players before the squad leaves for IPL 2020 in the UAE. Dhoni’s COVID-19 test report has come negative after his sample was taen by the micro praxis lab at Guru Nanak hospital from his farmhouse in Ranchi.&nbsp;

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Minsara Kanna... 😍 <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyJanmashtami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyJanmashtami</a> <a href="https://t.co/O0h4RP1BoZ">pic.twitter.com/O0h4RP1BoZ</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1293102647738736645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ipl-2020-excited-to-play-for-kings-xi-punjab-and-under-kl-rahul-ishan-porel-320231" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel</a>

Reportedly, Monu Kumar Singh’s test&nbsp;has also come negative and the duo will head to Chennai for the camp. 
With IPL 2020 set to kickstart from September 19, preparations for the tournament have started in full flow. All the players will be tested before jetting off to the UAE and after arriving there as per the BCCI protocols.&nbsp;

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dhoni-raina-among-other-csk-players-to-reach-chennai-by-august-15-319774">CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan had confirmed to WION</a> that the entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

“The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai".

“Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan added.&nbsp;

With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises have started to test their players for COVID-19 before flying out of India.

With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises have started to test their players for COVID-19 before flying out of India. Indian players of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be assembling in Chennai by August 15 for a mini camp before leaving for the UAE for IPL and ahead of the camp, MS Dhoni had given his sample COVID-19 test on Wednesday. On Thursday, Dhoni’s COVID-19 report came in negative and the iconic CSK skipper will now head to Chennai for the camp with other players before the squad leaves for IPL 2020 in the UAE. Dhoni’s COVID-19 test report has come negative after his sample was taen by the micro praxis lab at Guru Nanak hospital from his farmhouse in Ranchi. Minsara Kanna... 😍 @msdhoni #WhistlePodu #HappyJanmashtami pic.twitter.com/O0h4RP1BoZ — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 11, 2020 × ALSO READ: Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel Reportedly, Monu Kumar Singh’s test has also come negative and the duo will head to Chennai for the camp. With IPL 2020 set to kickstart from September 19, preparations for the tournament have started in full flow. All the players will be tested before jetting off to the UAE and after arriving there as per the BCCI protocols. Earlier, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan had confirmed to WION that the entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell “The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai". “Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan added.

IPL 2020: MS Dhoni tests negative for COVID-19

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles.&nbsp;

The US Open 2020 has already been hit with withdrawals of some of the biggest names in the world of tennis. While WTA World no. one Ashleigh Barty has already confirmed that she won’t be participating in the Grand Slam this time, Nick Kyrgios and defending champions Rafael Nadal have also pulled out of the tournament citing health concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

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I’m happy to confirm that I‘ll participate at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CincyTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CincyTennis</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited 😃💪🏼 <a href="https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4">https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4</a> <a href="https://t.co/tg6rgwfFqm">pic.twitter.com/tg6rgwfFqm</a>
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1293876989514915840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Djokovic had expressed his concerns about participating in US Open 2020 but finally made up his mind to play the Grand Slam in New York.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lexington-open-calm-serena-williams-makes-winning-return-319931" hreflang="en">Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return</a>

Djokovic was heavily criticized for organising the ill-fated Adria Tour after which several top players including Djokovic himself tested positive for COVID-19. The Adria Tour didn’t follow any social distancing guidelines while fans were also allowed to attend the event. However, after the fiasco, the Serb posted an heartfelt apology for organising the event.

The Western &amp; Southern Open will be played at Flushing Meadows from August 22-28 while the US Open begins on August 31. Both tournaments will be played without fans.

<h2>Here is the full statement from Novak Djokovic:</h2>

I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western &amp; Southern Open and US Open this year. 
It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited.

During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis center.

I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY.

Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis.

I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organize these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field.

Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best. 
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World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles.

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles. The US Open 2020 has already been hit with withdrawals of some of the biggest names in the world of tennis. While WTA World no. one Ashleigh Barty has already confirmed that she won’t be participating in the Grand Slam this time, Nick Kyrgios and defending champions Rafael Nadal have also pulled out of the tournament citing health concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. I’m happy to confirm that I‘ll participate at #CincyTennis and #USOpen this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited 😃💪🏼 https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4 pic.twitter.com/tg6rgwfFqm — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 13, 2020 × Earlier, Djokovic had expressed his concerns about participating in US Open 2020 but finally made up his mind to play the Grand Slam in New York. ALSO READ: Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return Djokovic was heavily criticized for organising the ill-fated Adria Tour after which several top players including Djokovic himself tested positive for COVID-19. The Adria Tour didn’t follow any social distancing guidelines while fans were also allowed to attend the event. However, after the fiasco, the Serb posted an heartfelt apology for organising the event. The Western & Southern Open will be played at Flushing Meadows from August 22-28 while the US Open begins on August 31. Both tournaments will be played without fans. Here is the full statement from Novak Djokovic: I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and US Open this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited. During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis center. I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY. Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis. I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organize these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field. Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best.

Novak Djokovic confirms participation in US Open 2020 and Western & Southern Open

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Subhayan Chakraborty

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