The enthusiasm for the World Test Championship finale is developing as India and New Zealand gear up to face each other. The inaugural ICC World Test Championship final&nbsp;will be played in Southampton from June 18 to 22.

New Zealand advanced to the final on the back of victories at home as they pounded West Indies and Pakistan. Their billet in the culmination clash of the World Test Championship was affirmed once Australia pulled out of the scheduled visit through South Africa recently, referring to COVID-19 concerns.&nbsp;

India and England were the contenders to make the WTC final. It was Virat Kohli's men who qualified by whipping England 3-1 at home in a four-match test series.

In the head-to-head fight between the two sides. The Black Caps have won just 12 of the 59 Tests between the two teams while India have been victorious in 21.

The main scrutiny of the little example size of six tests at The Rose Bowl in Southampton proposes that swing bowlers are more prevailing than spin. In any case, taking into account that England will not be the home side this time, the World Test Championship final could go either way.

Here are four-player&nbsp;battles to watch out for in WTC final between India and New Zealand:

<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Kane Williamson vs Jasprit Bumrah</h2>

If India wants to win the inaugural World Test Championship final, Jasprit Bumrah needs to come great no matter what. Jasprit Bumrah has been in and out of India's Test side as of late for different reasons. Subsequent to missing the Test series against England on home soil, Bumrah would plan to make a solid rebound in whites as India gear up to confront New Zealand. He didn't have the best of outings against Australia. Nonetheless, he can in any case cause inconvenience to anybody on a given day thinking about his sheer speed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/salman-butt-disagrees-with-michael-vaughans-virat-kohli-kane-williamson-comparison-385360" hreflang="en">Salman Butt disagrees with Michael Vaughan's Virat Kohli-Kane Williamson comparison</a>

Jasprit Bumrah will positively enjoy the seam movement on the proposal in Southampton and it will revive his recollections of 4 wickets against England here in 2018.&nbsp;

Kane Williamson is presently the top-ranked batsman in the ICC Men's Test Rankings while Jasprit Bumrah is the highest-ranked Indian pacer. Kane Williamson is the highest run-scorer for New Zealand with 817 runs in 14 innings. Jasprit Bumrah's match-ups against Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor will be vital to India's odds. Bumrah's capacity to wipe off the tail will prove to be useful against any semblance of Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson too.

<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Ravichandran Ashwin vs Tom Latham&nbsp;</h2>

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is as of now the second-ranked bowler in ICC Test rankings. He caused serious trouble to the Australian batsman with his bowling abilities prior to doing likewise with the England batting line-up in the home test series, recently. He is likewise the third-highest wicket-taker in World Test Championship with 67 wickets.&nbsp;

Ashwin has been India's lead spinner in the last two series against Australia and England in Jadeja's nonattendance and his improved batting abilities have likewise reinforced his case. His wicket-taking capacity is a mystery to none. The off-spinner averages a faltering 16.98 for his 48 wickets against New Zealand. He also has 6 five-wicket hauls against the Black Caps - the joint-most for him against any rival.&nbsp;

New Zealand's vice-captain Tom Latham has been a joy to watch in the course of recent years. He is right now the 12th ranked player in the ICC Test rankings for batsmen. It will be fascinating to perceive how Latham will handle Ashwin in the forthcoming World Test Championship finale.

<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Rohit Sharma versus Trent Boult&nbsp;</h2>

Only weeks in the wake of sharing the dressing room at Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, and Trent Boult will be clashing in the World Test Championship final. It is an obvious fact that Rohit Sharma is by and large not comfortable against quicks that swings the ball in and Trent Boult will be hoping to utilize that. Rohit Sharma has improved exponentially to open the innings in Test matches. Despite the fact that he is yet to demonstrate his value in overseas conditions as an opener.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-new-zealands-tim-southee-expresses-love-for-test-format-385346" hreflang="en">WTC Final: New Zealand's Tim Southee expresses love for Test format</a>

Then again, Boult will be endowed with getting the new ball to swing and getting wickets forthright. He will absolutely hope to unleash ruin with the new ball in a bid to excuse the Indian top-order. His numbers in England - 21 wickets including 2 fifers at 23.14 - are his second-best for all countries he has at any point played in. In the event that the Rose Bowl pitch sets up a greenish-tinge on match day, anticipate that Boult should be the greatest barricade in India's World Test Championship dream.

<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Virat Kohli versus Tim Southee</h2>

Tim Southee has been the main adversary of Virat Kohli. He dismissed the Indian captain twice during their 2-0 home success over Team India a year ago. Tim Southee is the main wicket-taker for the Blackcaps in the World Test Championship with 51 scalps and five fifers.&nbsp;

With the most recent case, he has dismissed multiple times across designs, the most achievement any bowler has availed against the Indian captain. Thrice in tests, multiple times in ODIs, and once in T20Is. To such an extent that he could authentically guarantee that he's Virat Kohli's kryptonite, he could legitimately gloat that he realizes how to outsmart Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli averages 42.75 and will unquestionably be hoping to get the huge runs in this do-or-die clash. He, however, has not scored a century in any format for over a year and a half. Despite the fact that the condition will not be proper to bat long in Southampton, Although, he&nbsp;does hold a good record at the Rose Bowl so this contest should be an enthralling one.

The two sides are loaded up with top-notch players. Hence, one thing can be guaranteed that this marquee conflict has a nail-biter composed on top of it.

The enthusiasm for the World Test Championship finale is developing as India and New Zealand gear up to face each other. The inaugural ICC World Test Championship final will be played in Southampton from June 18 to 22.

The enthusiasm for the World Test Championship finale is developing as India and New Zealand gear up to face each other. The inaugural ICC World Test Championship final will be played in Southampton from June 18 to 22. New Zealand advanced to the final on the back of victories at home as they pounded West Indies and Pakistan. Their billet in the culmination clash of the World Test Championship was affirmed once Australia pulled out of the scheduled visit through South Africa recently, referring to COVID-19 concerns. India and England were the contenders to make the WTC final. It was Virat Kohli's men who qualified by whipping England 3-1 at home in a four-match test series. In the head-to-head fight between the two sides. The Black Caps have won just 12 of the 59 Tests between the two teams while India have been victorious in 21. The main scrutiny of the little example size of six tests at The Rose Bowl in Southampton proposes that swing bowlers are more prevailing than spin. In any case, taking into account that England will not be the home side this time, the World Test Championship final could go either way. Here are four-player battles to watch out for in WTC final between India and New Zealand: Kane Williamson vs Jasprit Bumrah If India wants to win the inaugural World Test Championship final, Jasprit Bumrah needs to come great no matter what. Jasprit Bumrah has been in and out of India's Test side as of late for different reasons. Subsequent to missing the Test series against England on home soil, Bumrah would plan to make a solid rebound in whites as India gear up to confront New Zealand. He didn't have the best of outings against Australia. Nonetheless, he can in any case cause inconvenience to anybody on a given day thinking about his sheer speed. ALSO READ: Salman Butt disagrees with Michael Vaughan's Virat Kohli-Kane Williamson comparison Jasprit Bumrah will positively enjoy the seam movement on the proposal in Southampton and it will revive his recollections of 4 wickets against England here in 2018. Kane Williamson is presently the top-ranked batsman in the ICC Men's Test Rankings while Jasprit Bumrah is the highest-ranked Indian pacer. Kane Williamson is the highest run-scorer for New Zealand with 817 runs in 14 innings. Jasprit Bumrah's match-ups against Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor will be vital to India's odds. Bumrah's capacity to wipe off the tail will prove to be useful against any semblance of Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson too. Ravichandran Ashwin vs Tom Latham Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is as of now the second-ranked bowler in ICC Test rankings. He caused serious trouble to the Australian batsman with his bowling abilities prior to doing likewise with the England batting line-up in the home test series, recently. He is likewise the third-highest wicket-taker in World Test Championship with 67 wickets. Ashwin has been India's lead spinner in the last two series against Australia and England in Jadeja's nonattendance and his improved batting abilities have likewise reinforced his case. His wicket-taking capacity is a mystery to none. The off-spinner averages a faltering 16.98 for his 48 wickets against New Zealand. He also has 6 five-wicket hauls against the Black Caps - the joint-most for him against any rival. New Zealand's vice-captain Tom Latham has been a joy to watch in the course of recent years. He is right now the 12th ranked player in the ICC Test rankings for batsmen. It will be fascinating to perceive how Latham will handle Ashwin in the forthcoming World Test Championship finale. Rohit Sharma versus Trent Boult Only weeks in the wake of sharing the dressing room at Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, and Trent Boult will be clashing in the World Test Championship final. It is an obvious fact that Rohit Sharma is by and large not comfortable against quicks that swings the ball in and Trent Boult will be hoping to utilize that. Rohit Sharma has improved exponentially to open the innings in Test matches. Despite the fact that he is yet to demonstrate his value in overseas conditions as an opener. ALSO READ: WTC Final: New Zealand's Tim Southee expresses love for Test format Then again, Boult will be endowed with getting the new ball to swing and getting wickets forthright. He will absolutely hope to unleash ruin with the new ball in a bid to excuse the Indian top-order. His numbers in England - 21 wickets including 2 fifers at 23.14 - are his second-best for all countries he has at any point played in. In the event that the Rose Bowl pitch sets up a greenish-tinge on match day, anticipate that Boult should be the greatest barricade in India's World Test Championship dream. Virat Kohli versus Tim Southee Tim Southee has been the main adversary of Virat Kohli. He dismissed the Indian captain twice during their 2-0 home success over Team India a year ago. Tim Southee is the main wicket-taker for the Blackcaps in the World Test Championship with 51 scalps and five fifers. With the most recent case, he has dismissed multiple times across designs, the most achievement any bowler has availed against the Indian captain. Thrice in tests, multiple times in ODIs, and once in T20Is. To such an extent that he could authentically guarantee that he's Virat Kohli's kryptonite, he could legitimately gloat that he realizes how to outsmart Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli averages 42.75 and will unquestionably be hoping to get the huge runs in this do-or-die clash. He, however, has not scored a century in any format for over a year and a half. Despite the fact that the condition will not be proper to bat long in Southampton, Although, he does hold a good record at the Rose Bowl so this contest should be an enthralling one. The two sides are loaded up with top-notch players. Hence, one thing can be guaranteed that this marquee conflict has a nail-biter composed on top of it.

WTC Final: 4 key battles to watch out for in the India vs New Zealand clash

Leicester City lifted the FA Cup by defeating Chelsea 1-0 at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday. As Leicester City players passionately celebrated their historic win, owner Khun Top joined in the celebrations on the pitch as he embraced the players and coaching staff after the monumental achievement.&nbsp;

The cameras often focused on Khun Top during the course of the FA Cup final as the Leicester City owner continues to attend matches of his club. Notably, Khun Top took over the&nbsp;reigns&nbsp;of Leicester City following the tragic death of his father in a helicopter crash outside the stadium.&nbsp;

Khun fist pumped the players, and joined in the team huddle after taking a moment to remember his father – Khun Vichai.&nbsp;

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One of the Wembley stands had carried a huge banner of the later owner while Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers explained how the team was playing in&nbsp;Vichai’s&nbsp;memory and wanted to make him proud by lifting another trophy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-dreams-are-made-of-schmeichel-hails-leicester-history-makers-385377" hreflang="en">'What dreams are made of': Schmeichel hails Leicester history makers</a>

Khun Top was also seen hugging goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and was in the team huddle when Jamie Vardy announced his own ‘party’ as the club won its first-ever FA Cup in 137 years.&nbsp;

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— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) <a href="https://twitter.com/FutbolBible/status/1393636592796016642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Youri&nbsp;Teilemans&nbsp;scored an absolute screamer from 30 yards to hand Leicester City a 1-0 lead, which ended up as the match-winning goal as well.&nbsp;

As Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said on BT Sport, while Khun Top hugged Rodgers like a brother: “In a time where the relationships between owners, players and fans are so fractured, to see what we’re seeing here is so refreshing.&nbsp;

“I don’t think there is a club more connected from top to bottom as what we see with this club.”&nbsp;

“There will be some big clubs out there, and some I played for who will be jealous and envious of these owners,” added former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.&nbsp;

“You can be absent owners, but this is what you want, this is what football is about, the collaboration between everyone at the club.&nbsp;

Leicester City lifted the FA Cup by defeating Chelsea 1-0 at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday. As Leicester City players passionately celebrated their historic win, owner Khun Top joined in the celebrations on the pitch as he embraced the players and coaching staff after the monumental achievement.

Leicester City lifted the FA Cup by defeating Chelsea 1-0 at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday. As Leicester City players passionately celebrated their historic win, owner Khun Top joined in the celebrations on the pitch as he embraced the players and coaching staff after the monumental achievement. The cameras often focused on Khun Top during the course of the FA Cup final as the Leicester City owner continues to attend matches of his club. Notably, Khun Top took over the reigns of Leicester City following the tragic death of his father in a helicopter crash outside the stadium. Khun fist pumped the players, and joined in the team huddle after taking a moment to remember his father – Khun Vichai. Leicester City are such a beautiful club 💙 #CHELEI pic.twitter.com/WxxnRgfhmr — RouteOneFootball (@Route1futbol) May 15, 2021 × One of the Wembley stands had carried a huge banner of the later owner while Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers explained how the team was playing in Vichai’s memory and wanted to make him proud by lifting another trophy. ALSO READ: 'What dreams are made of': Schmeichel hails Leicester history makers Khun Top was also seen hugging goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and was in the team huddle when Jamie Vardy announced his own ‘party’ as the club won its first-ever FA Cup in 137 years. This is absolutely brilliant to watch. Leicester City’s culture is brilliant. 👍🏻🤝 pic.twitter.com/QYFYU184L4 — FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) May 15, 2021 × Youri Teilemans scored an absolute screamer from 30 yards to hand Leicester City a 1-0 lead, which ended up as the match-winning goal as well. As Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said on BT Sport, while Khun Top hugged Rodgers like a brother: “In a time where the relationships between owners, players and fans are so fractured, to see what we’re seeing here is so refreshing. “I don’t think there is a club more connected from top to bottom as what we see with this club.” “There will be some big clubs out there, and some I played for who will be jealous and envious of these owners,” added former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole. “You can be absent owners, but this is what you want, this is what football is about, the collaboration between everyone at the club.

Leicester City owner win hearts with passionate celebrations with players, staff - Watch

Robert Lewandowski, dubbed a "machine" by his wife, has added the Bundesliga record for most goals in a season to the long list of major honours and achievements he has claimed in his illustrious career.

Gerd Mueller's mark of 40 goals in a campaign, set in the 1971/72 season, had withstood the test of time until Lewandowski converted a first-half penalty for Bayern Munich at Freiburg on Saturday.

While Mueller set his record over 34 league games, Lewandowski has scored his 40 goals in 28 matches, due to a knee injury last month and squad rotation.

Lewandowski has scored five Bundesliga hat-tricks this term, including a four-goal haul in a 4-3 win over Hertha Berlin in October.

"I have to be honest, I am astonished. I thought Mueller's record would last for forever," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said last weekend, after Lewandowski's treble against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

With 276 goals in 349 games for Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski is already the second-most successful striker in Bundesliga history after Mueller, who scored 365 in 427 matches.

Lewandowski was crowned FIFA's best male player last December, edging out superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Lewandowski's 55 goals in all competitions in 2019/20 were key to Bayern winning the treble, as the Poland striker was the first player to be top-scorer in the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup competitions in a single season.

He was recognised by FIFA after proving himself in the knock-out stage of the Champions League last term.

But Lewandowski was sidelined by a knee injury for Bayern's quarter-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain last month, as the French giants avenged their 2020 final defeat in Lisbon.

He is set to be the Bundesliga's top-scorer the sixth time in eight seasons, but Lewandowski was yet to inspire Bayern to European glory until last year.

His four goals for Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 semi-final first leg against Real Madrid helped his former club into the final, but they were beaten by Bayern at Wembley.

In Lewandowski's first five years at the Bavarian giants, Bayern failed to reach the showpiece match.

But he was crucial to Bayern's run last term.

He scored and set up Serge Gnabry's two goals in Bayern's 3-0 last-16 first-leg win at Chelsea.

When the return leg was played nearly six months later, Lewandowski had a hand in all four goals -- scoring twice and creating two more -- in the 4-1 win at the Allianz Arena.

He followed that up by scoring in the historic 8-2 quarter-final rout of Messi's Barcelona and netted again in the 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon.

He finished as the tournament's top-scorer with 15 goals, two short of Ronaldo's record for a single season.

His five Champions League goals this term saw him pass Real Madrid legend Raul to leave him on 73 Champions League goals, short of only Messi, on 120, and Ronaldo, who has scored 134 times.

<h2>- From raw talent to superstar -</h2>

Lewandowski was spotted as a raw 21-year-old playing for Polish club Lech Poznan, where he scored 41 goals in 82 games, and joined Dortmund in 2010.

He made his breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp, helping Dortmund win back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

He scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 drubbing of Bayern in the 2012 German Cup final, but left for Dortmund's rivals two years later, having scored 103 goals for the club.

Lewandowski has now scored 293 times in 328 games for Bayern in all competitions.

He is known for his disciplined approach to nutrition and training, resulting in his honed physique.

"My husband is a machine," said wife Anna, a former Polish karate international who serves as his personal trainer.

Lewandowski is rarely injured and former Bayern captain Oliver Kahn sees him as "an absolute model of professionalism, a condition for staying at the highest level for a very long time".

Robert Lewandowski, dubbed a "machine" by his wife, has added the Bundesliga record for most goals in a season to the long list of major honours and achievements he has claimed in his illustrious career.

Robert Lewandowski, dubbed a "machine" by his wife, has added the Bundesliga record for most goals in a season to the long list of major honours and achievements he has claimed in his illustrious career. Gerd Mueller's mark of 40 goals in a campaign, set in the 1971/72 season, had withstood the test of time until Lewandowski converted a first-half penalty for Bayern Munich at Freiburg on Saturday. While Mueller set his record over 34 league games, Lewandowski has scored his 40 goals in 28 matches, due to a knee injury last month and squad rotation. Lewandowski has scored five Bundesliga hat-tricks this term, including a four-goal haul in a 4-3 win over Hertha Berlin in October. "I have to be honest, I am astonished. I thought Mueller's record would last for forever," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said last weekend, after Lewandowski's treble against Borussia Moenchengladbach. With 276 goals in 349 games for Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski is already the second-most successful striker in Bundesliga history after Mueller, who scored 365 in 427 matches. Lewandowski was crowned FIFA's best male player last December, edging out superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Lewandowski's 55 goals in all competitions in 2019/20 were key to Bayern winning the treble, as the Poland striker was the first player to be top-scorer in the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup competitions in a single season. He was recognised by FIFA after proving himself in the knock-out stage of the Champions League last term. But Lewandowski was sidelined by a knee injury for Bayern's quarter-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain last month, as the French giants avenged their 2020 final defeat in Lisbon. He is set to be the Bundesliga's top-scorer the sixth time in eight seasons, but Lewandowski was yet to inspire Bayern to European glory until last year. His four goals for Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 semi-final first leg against Real Madrid helped his former club into the final, but they were beaten by Bayern at Wembley. In Lewandowski's first five years at the Bavarian giants, Bayern failed to reach the showpiece match. But he was crucial to Bayern's run last term. He scored and set up Serge Gnabry's two goals in Bayern's 3-0 last-16 first-leg win at Chelsea. When the return leg was played nearly six months later, Lewandowski had a hand in all four goals -- scoring twice and creating two more -- in the 4-1 win at the Allianz Arena. He followed that up by scoring in the historic 8-2 quarter-final rout of Messi's Barcelona and netted again in the 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon. He finished as the tournament's top-scorer with 15 goals, two short of Ronaldo's record for a single season. His five Champions League goals this term saw him pass Real Madrid legend Raul to leave him on 73 Champions League goals, short of only Messi, on 120, and Ronaldo, who has scored 134 times. - From raw talent to superstar - Lewandowski was spotted as a raw 21-year-old playing for Polish club Lech Poznan, where he scored 41 goals in 82 games, and joined Dortmund in 2010. He made his breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp, helping Dortmund win back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12. He scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 drubbing of Bayern in the 2012 German Cup final, but left for Dortmund's rivals two years later, having scored 103 goals for the club. Lewandowski has now scored 293 times in 328 games for Bayern in all competitions. He is known for his disciplined approach to nutrition and training, resulting in his honed physique. "My husband is a machine," said wife Anna, a former Polish karate international who serves as his personal trainer. Lewandowski is rarely injured and former Bayern captain Oliver Kahn sees him as "an absolute model of professionalism, a condition for staying at the highest level for a very long time".

'Machine' Lewandowski adds new record to impressive list of achievements

Kasper Schmeichel described leading Leicester to the club's first ever FA Cup as a dream come true after he played a huge role in beating Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday.

Youri Tielemans's stunning strike just after the hour mark separated the sides in front of the largest sports attendance in England since the coronavirus pandemic hit, with 22,000 fans at Wembley.

But Schmeichel had to rescue his side late on with brilliant saves from Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount.

"I've dreamt about this since I was child," said Schmeichel, whose father Peter Schmeichel won three FA Cups with Manchester United.

"We have talked about wanting to win trophies. The performance today, the grit and determination, I'm so proud of everybody, everybody contributed to get to the final. Everyone has played and been sensational."

Even when Schmeichel was eventually beaten, Chilwell's late equaliser against his former club was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

"Thank you VAR! What an amazing technology," said Tielemans.

"What a moment, I'm really happy. I can't think of a better goal than this. I've scored a few but it was a really nice goal to score in the final of the FA Cup."

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers dedicated the victory to the club's chairman Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabha.

"It is an amazing feeling. I was not aware before I came into Leicester that they had never won the FA Cup, they had lost in four finals previously," Rodgers said.

"To be able to give that to the supporters, to Top and his family, it is such a special occasion.

"It was a monumental performance, and what a day for everyone involved with Leicester."

Celebrating his first major trophy in England football after his successful spell at Celtic, Rodgers added: "It's the FA Cup so it's truly special. It means so much to us, so proud, but happier for everyone else.

"The success of this team and club is getting to positions like this and competing, the so-called bigger clubs are expected to win.

"But our success is competing and, if we can perform like today, we can go and win."

Kasper Schmeichel described leading Leicester to the club's first ever FA Cup as a dream come true after he played a huge role in beating Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday.

Kasper Schmeichel described leading Leicester to the club's first ever FA Cup as a dream come true after he played a huge role in beating Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday. Youri Tielemans's stunning strike just after the hour mark separated the sides in front of the largest sports attendance in England since the coronavirus pandemic hit, with 22,000 fans at Wembley. But Schmeichel had to rescue his side late on with brilliant saves from Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount. "I've dreamt about this since I was child," said Schmeichel, whose father Peter Schmeichel won three FA Cups with Manchester United. "We have talked about wanting to win trophies. The performance today, the grit and determination, I'm so proud of everybody, everybody contributed to get to the final. Everyone has played and been sensational." Even when Schmeichel was eventually beaten, Chilwell's late equaliser against his former club was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. "Thank you VAR! What an amazing technology," said Tielemans. "What a moment, I'm really happy. I can't think of a better goal than this. I've scored a few but it was a really nice goal to score in the final of the FA Cup." Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers dedicated the victory to the club's chairman Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabha. "It is an amazing feeling. I was not aware before I came into Leicester that they had never won the FA Cup, they had lost in four finals previously," Rodgers said. "To be able to give that to the supporters, to Top and his family, it is such a special occasion. "It was a monumental performance, and what a day for everyone involved with Leicester." Celebrating his first major trophy in England football after his successful spell at Celtic, Rodgers added: "It's the FA Cup so it's truly special. It means so much to us, so proud, but happier for everyone else. "The success of this team and club is getting to positions like this and competing, the so-called bigger clubs are expected to win. "But our success is competing and, if we can perform like today, we can go and win."

'What dreams are made of': Schmeichel hails Leicester history makers

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final.

Defending champion Djokovic won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in 2hr 44min against the 33rd-ranked Italian after second seed Nadal earlier swept past American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-4.

Djokovic had earlier survived a three-set battle with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in their rain-delayed quarter-finals.

The five-time Rome winner had been trailing 6-4, 2-1 when the tie was halted overnight.

But he came back to win through 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 after 3hr 16min.

Djokovic and Nadal, who will be facing each other for the 57th time, last played in the 2020 French Open final which the Spaniard won.

The pair have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them while Nadal leads their head-to-head in finals in the Italian capital 3-2.

Djokovic had two match points in the 12th game of the second set of his semi-final before Sonego forced a third set to the delight of the home crowd in the Foro Italico.

The Serb saved three break points in the first game of the third set, coming back from 0-40 before powering towards his 11th Rome final

"I think I bounced back very well after the second set and 0-40, maybe if he started with a break up in the third it would be different," said Djokovic.

"I've only myself to blame for not closing the match in the second set, I could have and should have.

"First of all I need to recover. I don't have much time but hopefully I'll have fresh legs necessary to have against Rafa."

Djokovic and Nadal have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them with Djokovic leading their overall head-to-head 29-27.

Nadal is looking to equal Djokovic's record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles in his 12th Rome final.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final. Defending champion Djokovic won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in 2hr 44min against the 33rd-ranked Italian after second seed Nadal earlier swept past American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic had earlier survived a three-set battle with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in their rain-delayed quarter-finals. The five-time Rome winner had been trailing 6-4, 2-1 when the tie was halted overnight. But he came back to win through 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 after 3hr 16min. Djokovic and Nadal, who will be facing each other for the 57th time, last played in the 2020 French Open final which the Spaniard won. The pair have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them while Nadal leads their head-to-head in finals in the Italian capital 3-2. Djokovic had two match points in the 12th game of the second set of his semi-final before Sonego forced a third set to the delight of the home crowd in the Foro Italico. The Serb saved three break points in the first game of the third set, coming back from 0-40 before powering towards his 11th Rome final "I think I bounced back very well after the second set and 0-40, maybe if he started with a break up in the third it would be different," said Djokovic. "I've only myself to blame for not closing the match in the second set, I could have and should have. "First of all I need to recover. I don't have much time but hopefully I'll have fresh legs necessary to have against Rafa." Djokovic and Nadal have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them with Djokovic leading their overall head-to-head 29-27. Nadal is looking to equal Djokovic's record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles in his 12th Rome final.

Djokovic and Nadal set-up sixth Italian Open final duel and 57th career clash

UEFA Women's Champions League final will see either Chelsea or Barcelona crowned champions of Europe for the first time, and though the Catalan club are hot favorites, the London side are also on a roll.

Barcelona crushed everyone in their path en route to the Primera Division title, winning all 26 of their league games this season and scoring 128 goals while conceding only five.

Chelsea may not have been as dominant in winning the FA Women's Super League last week but having won three trophies this term, Emma Hayes's side are full of confidence as they face the 2019 runners-up in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Hayes said it was a dream leading her ladies, who she says are inspiring a new generation of boys and girls alike, as they march into the final.

"They're amazing women that are inspiring generations… And I'm not talking about little girls here. I'm talking about scores of boys too that are becoming big fans of women's&nbsp;football," Hayes said.

"And being in this final, after so many years with an English team not participating, I think it was about time and I'm just delighted that we got the opportunity to do that," she added.

The Londoners have skillful forwards in Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, and Pernille Harder and they'll be testing their more direct and physical approach with Barcelona's possession-and-passing style.

Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes said his said are hungry for the crown after losing 2019 final 4-1 to Lyon in Budapest.

"We all have renounced so much so we can focus on our project, which is, becoming the best in Europe. That was our goal, our challenge, and we're on the right path," Cortes said.

"Since 2019 we've been working super hard so that we could get another chance and get to another Champions League final. Last year we were knocking on that door, and I think this year everyone is convinced we have a chance," added goalkeeper Sandra Panos.

UEFA Women's Champions League final will see either Chelsea or Barcelona crowned champions of Europe for the first time, and though the Catalan club are hot favorites, the London side are also on a roll.

UEFA Women's Champions League final will see either Chelsea or Barcelona crowned champions of Europe for the first time, and though the Catalan club are hot favorites, the London side are also on a roll. Barcelona crushed everyone in their path en route to the Primera Division title, winning all 26 of their league games this season and scoring 128 goals while conceding only five. Chelsea may not have been as dominant in winning the FA Women's Super League last week but having won three trophies this term, Emma Hayes's side are full of confidence as they face the 2019 runners-up in Gothenburg, Sweden. Hayes said it was a dream leading her ladies, who she says are inspiring a new generation of boys and girls alike, as they march into the final. "They're amazing women that are inspiring generations… And I'm not talking about little girls here. I'm talking about scores of boys too that are becoming big fans of women's football," Hayes said. "And being in this final, after so many years with an English team not participating, I think it was about time and I'm just delighted that we got the opportunity to do that," she added. The Londoners have skillful forwards in Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, and Pernille Harder and they'll be testing their more direct and physical approach with Barcelona's possession-and-passing style. Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes said his said are hungry for the crown after losing 2019 final 4-1 to Lyon in Budapest. "We all have renounced so much so we can focus on our project, which is, becoming the best in Europe. That was our goal, our challenge, and we're on the right path," Cortes said. "Since 2019 we've been working super hard so that we could get another chance and get to another Champions League final. Last year we were knocking on that door, and I think this year everyone is convinced we have a chance," added goalkeeper Sandra Panos.

Chelsea and Barcelona gear up for Women's Champions League Final

ICC World Test Championship finalists India and New Zealand remain the top two teams in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings after the annual update carried out on Thursday. With the latest update, India end&nbsp;as the number 1 Test side in the annual ranking for the 5th consecutive year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

India have gained one rating point for an aggregate of 121 and New Zealand are only one point behind after gaining two points in Thursday’s update, which eliminates results from 2017-18.

India’s 2-1 win over Australia and 3-1 win over England over the past year and New Zealand’s 2-0 series wins over the West Indies and Pakistan have helped them keep ahead of the pack.

The latest update, which rates all matches played since May 2020 at 100 per cent and those of the previous two years at 50 per cent, sees England overtake Australia to third position as England’s 4-0 defeat to Australia in 2017-18 has dropped from the rankings.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-picked-australian-brains-to-build-indias-solid-domestic-structure-greg-chappell-384565" hreflang="en">Rahul Dravid picked 'Australian brains' to build India's solid domestic structure: Greg Chappell</a>

Pakistan have gained three points but remain in fifth position while the West Indies, who beat Bangladesh 2-0 and drew 0-0 with Sri Lanka in series played this year, have moved from eighth to sixth, their best position since 2013.

South Africa are in seventh position, equaling their lowest in Test ranking history, while Sri Lanka are next on the list. Bangladesh have lost five points but remain in ninth position while Zimbabwe have gained eight points but are still nine points behind Bangladesh.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/look-at-ishan-suryakumar-and-krunal-mohammad-amir-hits-out-at-pcb-selectors-384559" hreflang="en">'Look at Ishan, Suryakumar and Krunal': Mohammad Amir hits out at PCB selectors</a>

<h2>ICC Test Team Rankings (as of May 13, 2021, following the annual update):</h2>

Rank &nbsp; &nbsp;Team &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Points

1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;India &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 121 (+1)

2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;New Zealand &nbsp; &nbsp; 120 (+2)

3 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;England &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 109 (+3) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

4 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Australia &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 108 (-5)

5 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Pakistan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 94 (+3)

6 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;West Indies &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 84 (+3)

7 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;South Africa &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 80 (-9)

8 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sri Lanka &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 78 (-5)

9 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Bangladesh &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 46 (-5)

10 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Zimbabwe &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;35 (+8)

ICC World Test Championship finalists India and New Zealand remain the top two teams in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings after the annual update carried out on Thursday.

ICC World Test Championship finalists India and New Zealand remain the top two teams in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings after the annual update carried out on Thursday. With the latest update, India end as the number 1 Test side in the annual ranking for the 5th consecutive year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. India have gained one rating point for an aggregate of 121 and New Zealand are only one point behind after gaining two points in Thursday’s update, which eliminates results from 2017-18. India’s 2-1 win over Australia and 3-1 win over England over the past year and New Zealand’s 2-0 series wins over the West Indies and Pakistan have helped them keep ahead of the pack. The latest update, which rates all matches played since May 2020 at 100 per cent and those of the previous two years at 50 per cent, sees England overtake Australia to third position as England’s 4-0 defeat to Australia in 2017-18 has dropped from the rankings. ALSO READ: Rahul Dravid picked 'Australian brains' to build India's solid domestic structure: Greg Chappell Pakistan have gained three points but remain in fifth position while the West Indies, who beat Bangladesh 2-0 and drew 0-0 with Sri Lanka in series played this year, have moved from eighth to sixth, their best position since 2013. South Africa are in seventh position, equaling their lowest in Test ranking history, while Sri Lanka are next on the list. Bangladesh have lost five points but remain in ninth position while Zimbabwe have gained eight points but are still nine points behind Bangladesh. ALSO READ: 'Look at Ishan, Suryakumar and Krunal': Mohammad Amir hits out at PCB selectors ICC Test Team Rankings (as of May 13, 2021, following the annual update): Rank Team Points 1 India 121 (+1) 2 New Zealand 120 (+2) 3 England 109 (+3) 4 Australia 108 (-5) 5 Pakistan 94 (+3) 6 West Indies 84 (+3) 7 South Africa 80 (-9) 8 Sri Lanka 78 (-5) 9 Bangladesh 46 (-5) 10 Zimbabwe 35 (+8)

Domination continues! India remain atop of ICC Men’s Test team rankings

Atletico Madrid held their nerve to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 on Wednesday and move within touching distance of winning La Liga.&nbsp;

Yannick Carrasco and Angel Correa made a dominant first half count for Atletico, who retreated in the second and were left hanging on after Igor Zubeldia blasted in for La Real with seven minutes left.&nbsp;

When the final whistle blew, Diego Simeone jogged up the tunnel at the Wanda Metropolitano, punching the air as he went, fully aware how important this result could prove.&nbsp;

"We were excellent in the first half but the suffering was unnecessary when we had so many chances," Simeone said.

Outside, Atleti fans had gathered to cheer and sing throughout a nervy contest and when victory was confirmed, fireworks filled the sky.&nbsp;

"We thank all those who are outside tonight and all those who can't come because of everything that is happening," said Atletico captain Koke. "We could hear them outside when we needed them in the last 10 minutes."

Victory puts Atletico four points clear of Barcelona in the table and five ahead of Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane's side playing their game in hand away at Granada on Thursday.&nbsp;

It also raises the possibility of Atletico winning the title in the penultimate round on Sunday when they play at home to Osasuna.&nbsp;

Another victory this weekend would knock Barca out of the race regardless of what the Catalans do against Celta Vigo while Real Madrid would also concede if they had not taken six points from Granada and Sunday's trip to Athletic Bilbao.&nbsp;

Sevilla, in fourth, had earlier edged past Valencia 1-0 but they can no longer overtake Atleti, given their six-point deficit and a losing head-to-head record with the leaders.&nbsp;

Youssef En-Nesyri scored his 26th goal of the season at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The four-horse race is reduced to three and after weeks of various twists and turns, Atletico suddenly appear to have a route to the trophy.&nbsp;

In terms of the table at least, this game against fifth-placed Real Sociedad was their toughest remaining fixture, although Real Valladolid could well be fighting for survival on the final day.&nbsp;

After Granada and Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid finish against Villarreal, who will have the Europa League final three days later. Barcelona face Celta before ending away at Eibar, who could also be battling relegation.&nbsp;

Atletico were brilliant for the first half an hour and could have scored two or three times in the first 10 minutes, Luis Suarez blasting over and Marcos Llorente spurning a chance when sent clear.&nbsp;

Carrasco showed more precision when Llorente curled in a superb cross to the back post, the winger controlling with the outside of his right foot and poking in the opener.&nbsp;

Suarez teed up the second, bustling through midfield and slipping in Correa, who drove the ball inside the far corner to put Atletico in charge.&nbsp;

But they failed to add a third in the second half, Suarez and Carrasco both guilty of wasting chances, and Real Sociedad were revived in the final 30 minutes.&nbsp;

Portu drew an excellent save from Jan Oblak and then struck the post before finally, Zubeldia smashed in when a corner landed at his feet, six yards out. Atletico survived a nail-biting finish.

Atletico Madrid held their nerve to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 on Wednesday and move within touching distance of winning La Liga. Yannick Carrasco and Angel Correa made a dominant first half count for Atletico, who retreated in the second and were left hanging on after Igor Zubeldia blasted in for La Real with seven minutes left.

Atletico Madrid held their nerve to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 on Wednesday and move within touching distance of winning La Liga. Yannick Carrasco and Angel Correa made a dominant first half count for Atletico, who retreated in the second and were left hanging on after Igor Zubeldia blasted in for La Real with seven minutes left. When the final whistle blew, Diego Simeone jogged up the tunnel at the Wanda Metropolitano, punching the air as he went, fully aware how important this result could prove. "We were excellent in the first half but the suffering was unnecessary when we had so many chances," Simeone said. Outside, Atleti fans had gathered to cheer and sing throughout a nervy contest and when victory was confirmed, fireworks filled the sky. "We thank all those who are outside tonight and all those who can't come because of everything that is happening," said Atletico captain Koke. "We could hear them outside when we needed them in the last 10 minutes." Victory puts Atletico four points clear of Barcelona in the table and five ahead of Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane's side playing their game in hand away at Granada on Thursday. It also raises the possibility of Atletico winning the title in the penultimate round on Sunday when they play at home to Osasuna. Another victory this weekend would knock Barca out of the race regardless of what the Catalans do against Celta Vigo while Real Madrid would also concede if they had not taken six points from Granada and Sunday's trip to Athletic Bilbao. Sevilla, in fourth, had earlier edged past Valencia 1-0 but they can no longer overtake Atleti, given their six-point deficit and a losing head-to-head record with the leaders. Youssef En-Nesyri scored his 26th goal of the season at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. The four-horse race is reduced to three and after weeks of various twists and turns, Atletico suddenly appear to have a route to the trophy. In terms of the table at least, this game against fifth-placed Real Sociedad was their toughest remaining fixture, although Real Valladolid could well be fighting for survival on the final day. After Granada and Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid finish against Villarreal, who will have the Europa League final three days later. Barcelona face Celta before ending away at Eibar, who could also be battling relegation. Atletico were brilliant for the first half an hour and could have scored two or three times in the first 10 minutes, Luis Suarez blasting over and Marcos Llorente spurning a chance when sent clear. Carrasco showed more precision when Llorente curled in a superb cross to the back post, the winger controlling with the outside of his right foot and poking in the opener. Suarez teed up the second, bustling through midfield and slipping in Correa, who drove the ball inside the far corner to put Atletico in charge. But they failed to add a third in the second half, Suarez and Carrasco both guilty of wasting chances, and Real Sociedad were revived in the final 30 minutes. Portu drew an excellent save from Jan Oblak and then struck the post before finally, Zubeldia smashed in when a corner landed at his feet, six yards out. Atletico survived a nail-biting finish.

Atletico edge closer to La Liga title after Real Sociedad win

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner won through 7-5, 6-4 in two-hours 10-minutes to bring his record to 16-1 in his opening matches in the Foro Italico.

His 18th-ranked Italian opponent had dug deep to try and pull off an upset, saving six set points in the first set in which he had been twice a break up.

Sinner was again a break up in the second before Nadal powered back for 4-4 seeing off the 19-year-old on his fourth match point.

"After Madrid it was important to start with a positive feeling," said Nadal, who was beaten in the last eight at both previous Masters events, in Monte Carlo and Madrid.&nbsp;

"Today was a tough match. I think I did a lot of things well. I made mistakes too but combined these with positive things too."

Nadal, 34, next plays Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 13th seed, for a place in the quarter-final.

Top seed Novak Djokovic and second seed Nadal have accounted for 14 of the past 16 titles at Foro Italico.

"It's a lesson that's tough to accept," said Sinner, who also lost to Nadal in the quarter-final Roland Garros last year.

The teenager had been hoping to benefit from the presence of the home crowd in later rounds with a 25 percent capacity allowed from Thursday.

"It's tough to accept I'm already out.

"If I'd won today there would have been a bit of a crowd tomorrow and I love to play on front of the crowd. I'm disappointed and sad."

<h2>- Medvedev clay woes continue -</h2>

Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who replaced Nadal this week as world number two, fell 6-2, 6-4 to 27th-ranked compatriot Aslan Karatsev in round two.

Medvedev also exited early in Madrid last week after pulling out of Monte Carlo after testing positive for Covid-19.

Karatsev, who won his first ATP title in Dubai in March, next plays American Reilly Opelka, ranked 47th, in the third round.

Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem rallied from a set down to battle past Hungary's Marton Fucsovics into the third round.

US Open champion Thiem, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, won 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 in 2hr 33min against 44th-ranked Fucsovics in the clay-court tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open.

Thiem, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, will next play Italian Lorenzo Sonego who beat wildcard Gianluca Mager 6-4, 6-4.

"It was tough the whole match. I was struggling with the timing a little bit," said Thiem.&nbsp;

"I was fighting a lot with myself but kept fighting from the first to the last point. That paid off today, and I'm super happy about it."

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, the 2017 Rome winner, eased past Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-2 to set up a third round meeting with Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to a third round meeting with Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini.

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round.

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round. The 20-time Grand Slam winner won through 7-5, 6-4 in two-hours 10-minutes to bring his record to 16-1 in his opening matches in the Foro Italico. His 18th-ranked Italian opponent had dug deep to try and pull off an upset, saving six set points in the first set in which he had been twice a break up. Sinner was again a break up in the second before Nadal powered back for 4-4 seeing off the 19-year-old on his fourth match point. "After Madrid it was important to start with a positive feeling," said Nadal, who was beaten in the last eight at both previous Masters events, in Monte Carlo and Madrid. "Today was a tough match. I think I did a lot of things well. I made mistakes too but combined these with positive things too." Nadal, 34, next plays Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 13th seed, for a place in the quarter-final. Top seed Novak Djokovic and second seed Nadal have accounted for 14 of the past 16 titles at Foro Italico. "It's a lesson that's tough to accept," said Sinner, who also lost to Nadal in the quarter-final Roland Garros last year. The teenager had been hoping to benefit from the presence of the home crowd in later rounds with a 25 percent capacity allowed from Thursday. "It's tough to accept I'm already out. "If I'd won today there would have been a bit of a crowd tomorrow and I love to play on front of the crowd. I'm disappointed and sad." - Medvedev clay woes continue - Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who replaced Nadal this week as world number two, fell 6-2, 6-4 to 27th-ranked compatriot Aslan Karatsev in round two. Medvedev also exited early in Madrid last week after pulling out of Monte Carlo after testing positive for Covid-19. Karatsev, who won his first ATP title in Dubai in March, next plays American Reilly Opelka, ranked 47th, in the third round. Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem rallied from a set down to battle past Hungary's Marton Fucsovics into the third round. US Open champion Thiem, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, won 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 in 2hr 33min against 44th-ranked Fucsovics in the clay-court tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open. Thiem, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, will next play Italian Lorenzo Sonego who beat wildcard Gianluca Mager 6-4, 6-4. "It was tough the whole match. I was struggling with the timing a little bit," said Thiem. "I was fighting a lot with myself but kept fighting from the first to the last point. That paid off today, and I'm super happy about it." Sixth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, the 2017 Rome winner, eased past Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-2 to set up a third round meeting with Japan's Kei Nishikori. Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to a third round meeting with Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini.

Nadal off to winning start in 10th Italian Open title bid

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down talk of a summer spending spree in a bid to revive the Anfield club's fortunes.

The German boss believes it will be a relatively quiet transfer window despite speculation linking Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Jadon Sancho with big-money moves.&nbsp;

But, with clubs across Europe still counting the cost of the coronavirus pandemic on their finances as a result of having to play behind closed doors, the continent's leading teams have a lot less spending money than in previous years.&nbsp;

Liverpool's finances could be stretched even further if the Merseysiders fail to qualify for the Champions League, with Klopp adamant he will not spend heavily after his side ceded the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Klopp believes many teams won't move into the transfer window until after Euro 2022, saying: "The market will be really strange.&nbsp;

"I hear about really big money moves... is Kylian Mbappe going? Haaland? Sancho? I don't see that happening a lot this summer because the football world is still not in the same place it was before.

"We will see how the market will develop but for sure it won't be an early market."

<h2>- 'Beat the best team in the world' -</h2>

Klopp, pointing out Liverpool had won the Champions League and Premier League during his time at Anfield, said: "I never look at other clubs and think 'They can do this, so we can't do that'.

"I am not interested in being the coach of the best team in the world, I am interested in being the coach of the team who can beat the best team in the world."

And he said a fully-fit Liverpool squad could still challenge City, Chelsea and Thursday's opponents Manchester United, with Reds boss looking forward to seeing Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, as well as captain Jordan Henderson, returning to pre-season training.

"Getting the (injured) players back makes us better, definitely. These are our first transfers," he said.

Meanwhile Klopp said it was a "crime" to make United play three games in five days.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made 10 changes ahead of his side's 2-1 home defeat by Leicester on Tuesday, which confirmed Manchester City as champions.

But the result also gave the Foxes, now in third, a nine-point advantage over deposed champions Liverpool, who are scrambling to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Liverpool, who have two games in hand over Leicester, are seven points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, having played a game fewer.

United's congested schedule came about following the postponement of their clash with Liverpool earlier this month as a result of protests at Old Trafford against US owners the Glazers.

"To play Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday is a crime," said Klopp. "It is. But it is not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the players."

He added: "If we don't qualify for the Champions League it is not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team selection or the Premier League, it is our fault."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down talk of a summer spending spree in a bid to revive the Anfield club's fortunes. The German boss believes it will be a relatively quiet transfer window despite speculation linking Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Jadon Sancho with big-money moves.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down talk of a summer spending spree in a bid to revive the Anfield club's fortunes. The German boss believes it will be a relatively quiet transfer window despite speculation linking Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Jadon Sancho with big-money moves. But, with clubs across Europe still counting the cost of the coronavirus pandemic on their finances as a result of having to play behind closed doors, the continent's leading teams have a lot less spending money than in previous years. Liverpool's finances could be stretched even further if the Merseysiders fail to qualify for the Champions League, with Klopp adamant he will not spend heavily after his side ceded the Premier League title to Manchester City. Klopp believes many teams won't move into the transfer window until after Euro 2022, saying: "The market will be really strange. "I hear about really big money moves... is Kylian Mbappe going? Haaland? Sancho? I don't see that happening a lot this summer because the football world is still not in the same place it was before. "We will see how the market will develop but for sure it won't be an early market." - 'Beat the best team in the world' - Klopp, pointing out Liverpool had won the Champions League and Premier League during his time at Anfield, said: "I never look at other clubs and think 'They can do this, so we can't do that'. "I am not interested in being the coach of the best team in the world, I am interested in being the coach of the team who can beat the best team in the world." And he said a fully-fit Liverpool squad could still challenge City, Chelsea and Thursday's opponents Manchester United, with Reds boss looking forward to seeing Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, as well as captain Jordan Henderson, returning to pre-season training. "Getting the (injured) players back makes us better, definitely. These are our first transfers," he said. Meanwhile Klopp said it was a "crime" to make United play three games in five days. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made 10 changes ahead of his side's 2-1 home defeat by Leicester on Tuesday, which confirmed Manchester City as champions. But the result also gave the Foxes, now in third, a nine-point advantage over deposed champions Liverpool, who are scrambling to qualify for next season's Champions League. Liverpool, who have two games in hand over Leicester, are seven points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, having played a game fewer. United's congested schedule came about following the postponement of their clash with Liverpool earlier this month as a result of protests at Old Trafford against US owners the Glazers. "To play Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday is a crime," said Klopp. "It is. But it is not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the players." He added: "If we don't qualify for the Champions League it is not the fault of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team selection or the Premier League, it is our fault."

Klopp wary of Liverpool summer spending spree

Thomas Tuchel said Chelsea face a "big fight" to finish in the Premier League's top four after their damaging 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Tuchel's side missed a chance to climb above Leicester into third place as Emile Smith Rowe bagged the first half winner at Stamford Bridge.

Smith Rowe punished a wayward back-pass from Jorginho to leave Tuchel anticipating a tense finish in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Fourth placed Chelsea are six points ahead of fifth placed West Ham, who have a game in hand, and seven in front of sixth placed Liverpool, who have two games in hand.

Chelsea have two league matches remaining against Leicester and Aston Villa and Tuchel said: "It was always a big fight, it never felt like a relief.

"If anybody felt it like this today, maybe, it's the last lesson to learn.

"It's still in our hands. It is another chance missed. We have had some good results, so we have to cope now with a loss."

Tuchel conceded he was to blame for Chelsea's first defeat in eight games in all competitions after he made seven changes from Saturday's win at Manchester City.

"Maybe I gave some signals to the team with changes that Saturday is on my mind," Tuchel said in reference this weekend's FA Cup final against Leicester.

"Even if it's one per cent or five per cent, this is not how we approach things, because you get punished. It's hard to swallow, hard to accept, but there's no other way."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted the Gunners' first Stamford Bridge win in a decade was much-needed after a difficult period.

Arteta has been under-fire during a troubled campaign, but he insisted his side have not given up hope of qualifying for Europe next term.

They could make the new Europa Conference League and have an outside chance of reaching the Europa League.

"Nothing is broken inside. I don't know how they want to try from the outside. They (the media) try to put things on me that I never said," Arteta said.

"I said if I don't get 120 percent off each player it's my fault and responsibility. It wasn't like this in the press. I'm so annoyed by that.

"They can try but they're not going to break it. The players showed how much they mean it, how much spirit and attitude there is in the group, and how much they care about it.

"It was a big message. Europe is still mathematically possible, so we have to keep giving ourselves the last chance while it's possible."

Thomas Tuchel said Chelsea face a "big fight" to finish in the Premier League's top four after their damaging 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Wednesday. Tuchel's side missed a chance to climb above Leicester into third place as Emile Smith Rowe bagged the first half winner at Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel said Chelsea face a "big fight" to finish in the Premier League's top four after their damaging 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Wednesday. Tuchel's side missed a chance to climb above Leicester into third place as Emile Smith Rowe bagged the first half winner at Stamford Bridge. Smith Rowe punished a wayward back-pass from Jorginho to leave Tuchel anticipating a tense finish in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League. Fourth placed Chelsea are six points ahead of fifth placed West Ham, who have a game in hand, and seven in front of sixth placed Liverpool, who have two games in hand. Chelsea have two league matches remaining against Leicester and Aston Villa and Tuchel said: "It was always a big fight, it never felt like a relief. "If anybody felt it like this today, maybe, it's the last lesson to learn. "It's still in our hands. It is another chance missed. We have had some good results, so we have to cope now with a loss." Tuchel conceded he was to blame for Chelsea's first defeat in eight games in all competitions after he made seven changes from Saturday's win at Manchester City. "Maybe I gave some signals to the team with changes that Saturday is on my mind," Tuchel said in reference this weekend's FA Cup final against Leicester. "Even if it's one per cent or five per cent, this is not how we approach things, because you get punished. It's hard to swallow, hard to accept, but there's no other way." Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted the Gunners' first Stamford Bridge win in a decade was much-needed after a difficult period. Arteta has been under-fire during a troubled campaign, but he insisted his side have not given up hope of qualifying for Europe next term. They could make the new Europa Conference League and have an outside chance of reaching the Europa League. "Nothing is broken inside. I don't know how they want to try from the outside. They (the media) try to put things on me that I never said," Arteta said. "I said if I don't get 120 percent off each player it's my fault and responsibility. It wasn't like this in the press. I'm so annoyed by that. "They can try but they're not going to break it. The players showed how much they mean it, how much spirit and attitude there is in the group, and how much they care about it. "It was a big message. Europe is still mathematically possible, so we have to keep giving ourselves the last chance while it's possible."

Tuchel ready for 'big fight' as Chelsea suffer top four blow

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for inspiring him to become a better manager following Manchester City's Premier League title success.

City were crowned champions for the third time in four seasons on Tuesday when Manchester United lost to Leicester, succeeding Klopp's Liverpool.

Klopp described Guardiola as the best manager in the world at a press conference on Wednesday and the Catalan was full of compliments in return.

"Jurgen, of course, was an inspiration for me," said Guardiola. "He made me, through his teams at Dortmund and Liverpool, a better manager. He made me think a lot about games and opponents. Thank you so much."

Guardiola revealed he and his players celebrated with pizza at an impromptu party at their training complex after defeat for second-placed United.

"It was so nice," he said. "The unexpected parties are the nicest ones.

"We came here in our bubble. We drank a bit, we danced, we hugged a lot, we remembered how good it was. Then at 11:30 15 pizzas arrived and that was the best moment of the night."

City's success this season, which also includes their run to the Champions League final and a League Cup triumph, has come after Guardiola signed a new contract in November.

The Spaniard, who arrived at the club in 2016, had been in the final year of his previous deal but he said he wanted to repay the faith shown in him by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

He said: "I cannot forget my first season here, when we didn't win anything, the behaviour of my chairman. And after the big disappointment against Lyon last season (defeat in the Champions League quarter-finals), the support I had from my chairman.

"That's why he is part of our success and it's dedicated to him, for supporting me, like I support my backroom staff and the players.

"Now we have two weeks ahead of us to prepare for the dream come true of playing in the final of the Champions League."

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for inspiring him to become a better manager following Manchester City's Premier League title success.

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for inspiring him to become a better manager following Manchester City's Premier League title success. City were crowned champions for the third time in four seasons on Tuesday when Manchester United lost to Leicester, succeeding Klopp's Liverpool. Klopp described Guardiola as the best manager in the world at a press conference on Wednesday and the Catalan was full of compliments in return. "Jurgen, of course, was an inspiration for me," said Guardiola. "He made me, through his teams at Dortmund and Liverpool, a better manager. He made me think a lot about games and opponents. Thank you so much." Guardiola revealed he and his players celebrated with pizza at an impromptu party at their training complex after defeat for second-placed United. "It was so nice," he said. "The unexpected parties are the nicest ones. "We came here in our bubble. We drank a bit, we danced, we hugged a lot, we remembered how good it was. Then at 11:30 15 pizzas arrived and that was the best moment of the night." City's success this season, which also includes their run to the Champions League final and a League Cup triumph, has come after Guardiola signed a new contract in November. The Spaniard, who arrived at the club in 2016, had been in the final year of his previous deal but he said he wanted to repay the faith shown in him by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. He said: "I cannot forget my first season here, when we didn't win anything, the behaviour of my chairman. And after the big disappointment against Lyon last season (defeat in the Champions League quarter-finals), the support I had from my chairman. "That's why he is part of our success and it's dedicated to him, for supporting me, like I support my backroom staff and the players. "Now we have two weeks ahead of us to prepare for the dream come true of playing in the final of the Champions League."

Guardiola hails 'inspirational' Klopp as he savours Premier League triumph

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Subhayan Chakraborty

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