WION's Sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo spoke to India's former national team coach Nandan Bal who is also chairman of selectors for the all India tennis association.

WION's Digvijay Singh Deo speaks to Nandan Bal on women's singles final of Australian Open 2022

As England and Italy squared off in the Euro 2020 final, thousands across the world watched anxiously.

The two teams were on the route to make history.

While England had never won a European Football Championship, Italy had won the title in the 1968 edition.

England's loss came as a shock to&nbsp;many. Off-field, some fans took it too far, hurling racist abuses at players from the team and assaulting their Italian counterparts.

Videos indicate fans tussling with one another, and taking on rival supporters.

And that was just the beginning. As shown in a clip, a person was even tossed into the river in London.

ALS0 READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-england-fans-created-mayhem-on-the-streets-of-london-and-outside-wembley-stadium-397537" hreflang="en">Euro 2020: England fans created mayhem on the streets of London and outside Wembley stadium</a>

While some punched one another, hurled abuses, Twitter posts showed that others have taken to attacking Black players and fans in the city.

While it was not clear from the videos when precisely it was recorded, it showed fans outside an arena entrance, tossing things at the counter and shaking one another.&nbsp;

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So “football fans” are Attacking Black people on the street. Attacking England’s Black players. Attacking Italian fans. And the rates of domestic abuse increase by 38% when their team loses? This is why England football fans have the worst reputation. Mortifying and disgusting.⚽️
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) <a href="https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1414385347199344643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have all been subjected to racial abuse following England’s loss in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> final. 
 
If you see racial abuse, report it. We are all in this together. <a href="https://t.co/L1KBf7lXKc">pic.twitter.com/L1KBf7lXKc</a>
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) <a href="https://twitter.com/UtdDistrict/status/1414362449101348864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, several restrictions seem to have been neglected.

Going by the visuals, masks were a scant item and social distancing was non-existent.

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Tonight's winner will undoubtedly be the Wembley variant <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19UK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19UK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euro2020Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euro2020Final</a> <a href="https://t.co/QkrkeRndcQ">pic.twitter.com/QkrkeRndcQ</a>
— Seán MacGobhann (@SeanMacGobhann) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanMacGobhann/status/1414262550548647939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Other than fighting&nbsp;with Italian fans, the English fans additionally flung bigoted, racist abuses online against Black players who missed penalties for England in the European Championship shootout.

Many fans took to Instagram to leave monkey emoticons on posts by Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho after they missed penalties during the game.

Others left abusive remarks on their Instagram posts.&nbsp;

This provoked the English Football Association to give an assertion censuring the language used against the players.&nbsp;

The FA said&nbsp;it was "appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media."

"We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible," it said in a&nbsp;statement.

As England and Italy squared off in the Euro 2020 final, thousands across the world watched anxiously. The two teams were on the route to make history. While England had never won a European Football Championship, Italy had won the title in the 1968 edition.

As England and Italy squared off in the Euro 2020 final, thousands across the world watched anxiously. The two teams were on the route to make history. While England had never won a European Football Championship, Italy had won the title in the 1968 edition. England's loss came as a shock to many. Off-field, some fans took it too far, hurling racist abuses at players from the team and assaulting their Italian counterparts. Videos indicate fans tussling with one another, and taking on rival supporters. And that was just the beginning. As shown in a clip, a person was even tossed into the river in London. ALS0 READ: Euro 2020: England fans created mayhem on the streets of London and outside Wembley stadium While some punched one another, hurled abuses, Twitter posts showed that others have taken to attacking Black players and fans in the city. While it was not clear from the videos when precisely it was recorded, it showed fans outside an arena entrance, tossing things at the counter and shaking one another. So “football fans” are Attacking Black people on the street. Attacking England’s Black players. Attacking Italian fans. And the rates of domestic abuse increase by 38% when their team loses? This is why England football fans have the worst reputation. Mortifying and disgusting.⚽️ — Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) July 12, 2021 × Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have all been subjected to racial abuse following England’s loss in the #EURO2020 final. If you see racial abuse, report it. We are all in this together. pic.twitter.com/L1KBf7lXKc — UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 11, 2021 × Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, several restrictions seem to have been neglected. Going by the visuals, masks were a scant item and social distancing was non-existent. Tonight's winner will undoubtedly be the Wembley variant #Covid19UK #Euro2020Final pic.twitter.com/QkrkeRndcQ — Seán MacGobhann (@SeanMacGobhann) July 11, 2021 × Other than fighting with Italian fans, the English fans additionally flung bigoted, racist abuses online against Black players who missed penalties for England in the European Championship shootout. Many fans took to Instagram to leave monkey emoticons on posts by Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho after they missed penalties during the game. Others left abusive remarks on their Instagram posts. This provoked the English Football Association to give an assertion censuring the language used against the players. The FA said it was "appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media." "We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible," it said in a statement.

Euro 2020: Furious English fans hurl racist abuses at players after team lose final

Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup caused heads to roll but the team looked rejuvenated under new boss Roberto Mancini. The Azzurri qualified with a perfect record in Group J, winning all 10 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only four. They finished the campaign with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia with seven different goal scorers.

<h3>GROUP STAGE</h3>

TURKEY 0-3 ITALY

Turkey were seen as dark horses at the tournament but after a goalless first half, the floodgates opened when an own goal gave Italy the impetus to pile on the pressure.

Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne also got on the scoresheet while at the back Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were rarely troubled by Turkey's top scorer Burak Yilmaz.

ITALY 3-0 SWITZERLAND

Italy's strength was in their goals coming from multiple sources but little did Switzerland expect them to come from midfielder Manuel Locatelli who struck twice to add to his previous international tally of one goal.

Immobile scored again late on to give Italy back-to-back 3-0 wins as the Azzurri became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages.

ITALY 1-0 WALES

Mancini made eight changes but still managed to get all three points when midfielder Matteo Pessina scored from a set-piece in the first half in Rome. Italy also kept a clean sheet for an 11th consecutive match.

<h3>LAST 16</h3>

ITALY 2-1 AUSTRIA (AFTER EXTRA TIME)

Underdogs Austria were in the knockout stage for the first time at the Euros and they gave Italy a scare by with an effort that was ruled out by VAR before they forced extra time as the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.

However, it gave Mancini the opportunity to test Plan B, which worked to perfection as substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina struck to book Italy's place in the quarter-finals.

<h3>QUARTER-FINAL</h3>

BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY

Belgium's "Golden Generation" presented Italy with a headache but a tense match against the top-ranked side in the world was settled with first-half goals from Nicolo Barella and a sublime curling effort from Lorenzo Insigne.

Romelu Lukaku's penalty halved the lead but Italy held on in the second half. The Azzurri's night was soured, however, when influential left-back Leonardo Spinazzola was taken off on a stretcher with a torn Achilles tendon that ended his tournament.

<h3>SEMI-FINAL</h3>

ITALY 1-1 SPAIN (ITALY WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES)

A resurgent Spain represented Italy's toughest test at the Euros as Luis Enrique's side dominated the midfield battle in a compelling 1-1 draw in which Spain substitute Alvaro Morata cancelled out Federico Chiesa's superb curling shot.

With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes, Italy held their nerve in the penalty shootout. Jorginho converted the winning spot-kick with a cool finish as the Azzurri extended their unbeaten run to 33 matches.

Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup caused heads to roll but the team looked rejuvenated under new boss Roberto Mancini. The Azzurri qualified with a perfect record in Group J, winning all 10 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only four.

Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup caused heads to roll but the team looked rejuvenated under new boss Roberto Mancini. The Azzurri qualified with a perfect record in Group J, winning all 10 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only four. They finished the campaign with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia with seven different goal scorers. GROUP STAGE TURKEY 0-3 ITALY Turkey were seen as dark horses at the tournament but after a goalless first half, the floodgates opened when an own goal gave Italy the impetus to pile on the pressure. Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne also got on the scoresheet while at the back Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were rarely troubled by Turkey's top scorer Burak Yilmaz. ITALY 3-0 SWITZERLAND Italy's strength was in their goals coming from multiple sources but little did Switzerland expect them to come from midfielder Manuel Locatelli who struck twice to add to his previous international tally of one goal. Immobile scored again late on to give Italy back-to-back 3-0 wins as the Azzurri became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages. ITALY 1-0 WALES Mancini made eight changes but still managed to get all three points when midfielder Matteo Pessina scored from a set-piece in the first half in Rome. Italy also kept a clean sheet for an 11th consecutive match. LAST 16 ITALY 2-1 AUSTRIA (AFTER EXTRA TIME) Underdogs Austria were in the knockout stage for the first time at the Euros and they gave Italy a scare by with an effort that was ruled out by VAR before they forced extra time as the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes. However, it gave Mancini the opportunity to test Plan B, which worked to perfection as substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina struck to book Italy's place in the quarter-finals. QUARTER-FINAL BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY Belgium's "Golden Generation" presented Italy with a headache but a tense match against the top-ranked side in the world was settled with first-half goals from Nicolo Barella and a sublime curling effort from Lorenzo Insigne. Romelu Lukaku's penalty halved the lead but Italy held on in the second half. The Azzurri's night was soured, however, when influential left-back Leonardo Spinazzola was taken off on a stretcher with a torn Achilles tendon that ended his tournament. SEMI-FINAL ITALY 1-1 SPAIN (ITALY WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES) A resurgent Spain represented Italy's toughest test at the Euros as Luis Enrique's side dominated the midfield battle in a compelling 1-1 draw in which Spain substitute Alvaro Morata cancelled out Federico Chiesa's superb curling shot. With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes, Italy held their nerve in the penalty shootout. Jorginho converted the winning spot-kick with a cool finish as the Azzurri extended their unbeaten run to 33 matches.

Football: Italy's road to the Euro 2020 final

The following is England's road to the European Championship final where they will face Italy at Wembley on Sunday.

EURO QUALIFYING

England topped qualifying Group A with seven wins out of eight, their only setback being a 2-1 defeat away to the Czech Republic after they beat the second-placed Czechs 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Wembley in the opening round of games.

England’s run in which they scored 37 goals and conceded six also included a 7-0 drubbing of Montenegro at Wembley, a 6-0 away rout of Bulgaria and a 5-3 home win over Kosovo in Southampton.

The Czechs qualified alongside England and were drawn in the same group at the finals also including Croatia and Scotland.

<h3>GROUP STAGE</h3>

ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA

The Three Lions started their Group D campaign at Wembley by getting revenge on the Croatians for a 2-1 defeat in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals with an industrious performance.

Although they lacked creativity at times, England ground out the win after Raheem Sterling got on the end of a defense-splitting pass from Kalvin Phillips and powered his shot past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in the 57th minute.

A superb defensive display by England denied Croatia any clear-cut chances at the other end.

ENGLAND 0-0 SCOTLAND

England headed into the clash at Wembley as favorites but were unable to break Scotland down and their profligacy in front of goal was nearly punished at the other end when Reece James had to clear a Lyndon Dykes shot off the line.

Scotland’s 20-year old midfielder Billy Gilmour, man of the match after a superb individual performance, tested positive for COVID-19 after the game and as a result England’s Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell, Gilmour’s Chelsea teammates who embraced him at the final whistle, had to self-isolate for a week.

CZECH REPUBLIC 0-1 ENGLAND

Another workmanlike performance at Wembley saw England finish top of the group after an early goal from Sterling gave them their second win of the tournament and made sure they kept did not concede any goals before the knockout stage.

With striker Harry Kane stifled in the group stage, livewire Sterling stepped up again to nod home a teasing 12th-minute cross from Jack Grealish to book a last-16 clash with Germany.

<h3>LAST-16</h3>

ENGLAND 2-0 GERMANY

A mature-looking England celebrated their first knockout stage win over Germany in a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup final after late goals from Sterling and Kane sank the Germans in a raucous atmosphere at Wembley.

After an even first half, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford kept out a Kai Havertz shot with an acrobatic save and the hosts were on the front foot after Sterling tapped in a Luke Shaw cross in the 75th minute.

Thomas Mueller spurned a golden chance to equalize soon after when he shot wide when through on goal and Kane sealed the win in the 86th with a stooping header from a Grealish cross.

<h3>QUARTER-FINALS</h3>

UKRAINE 0-4 ENGLAND

England stormed into the last four with their most impressive performance of the tournament as the rejuvenated Kane scored twice while Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson added one each at the Olympic stadium in Rome.

Captain Kane slid in from close range to fire England into a fourth-minute lead and Maguire doubled the advantage in the 46th with a thumping header into the far corner as he got on the end of a Shaw free-kick.

Kane made it 3-0 four minutes later with a simple header after another excellent delivery by Shaw and Henderson completed the rout in the 63rd with his first international goal when he headed home a Mason Mount corner.

<h3>SEMI-FINALS</h3>

ENGLAND 2-1 DENMARK

Having conceded their first goal in the tournament as they returned to Wembley, England fought back to win in extra time after falling behind to a sublime Mikkel Damsgaard free kick in the 30th minute.

The forward hit the top corner with a rasping shot which flew over the wall but England were level nine minutes later when Denmark captain Simon Kjaer could only turn a low Bukayo Saka cross into his own net ahead of the onrushing Sterling.

Kane netted the winner in the 104th minute as he swept in a rebound after goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel parried the striker’s penalty straight into his path, with the spot kick awarded after Sterling went down under a challenge from Joakim Maehle.

The following is England's road to the European Championship final where they will face Italy at Wembley on Sunday. EURO QUALIFYING England topped qualifying Group A with seven wins out of eight, their only setback being a 2-1 defeat away to the Czech Republic after they beat the second-placed Czechs 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Wembley in the opening round of games.

The following is England's road to the European Championship final where they will face Italy at Wembley on Sunday. EURO QUALIFYING England topped qualifying Group A with seven wins out of eight, their only setback being a 2-1 defeat away to the Czech Republic after they beat the second-placed Czechs 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Wembley in the opening round of games. England’s run in which they scored 37 goals and conceded six also included a 7-0 drubbing of Montenegro at Wembley, a 6-0 away rout of Bulgaria and a 5-3 home win over Kosovo in Southampton. The Czechs qualified alongside England and were drawn in the same group at the finals also including Croatia and Scotland. GROUP STAGE ENGLAND 1-0 CROATIA The Three Lions started their Group D campaign at Wembley by getting revenge on the Croatians for a 2-1 defeat in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals with an industrious performance. Although they lacked creativity at times, England ground out the win after Raheem Sterling got on the end of a defense-splitting pass from Kalvin Phillips and powered his shot past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in the 57th minute. A superb defensive display by England denied Croatia any clear-cut chances at the other end. ENGLAND 0-0 SCOTLAND England headed into the clash at Wembley as favorites but were unable to break Scotland down and their profligacy in front of goal was nearly punished at the other end when Reece James had to clear a Lyndon Dykes shot off the line. Scotland’s 20-year old midfielder Billy Gilmour, man of the match after a superb individual performance, tested positive for COVID-19 after the game and as a result England’s Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell, Gilmour’s Chelsea teammates who embraced him at the final whistle, had to self-isolate for a week. CZECH REPUBLIC 0-1 ENGLAND Another workmanlike performance at Wembley saw England finish top of the group after an early goal from Sterling gave them their second win of the tournament and made sure they kept did not concede any goals before the knockout stage. With striker Harry Kane stifled in the group stage, livewire Sterling stepped up again to nod home a teasing 12th-minute cross from Jack Grealish to book a last-16 clash with Germany. LAST-16 ENGLAND 2-0 GERMANY A mature-looking England celebrated their first knockout stage win over Germany in a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup final after late goals from Sterling and Kane sank the Germans in a raucous atmosphere at Wembley. After an even first half, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford kept out a Kai Havertz shot with an acrobatic save and the hosts were on the front foot after Sterling tapped in a Luke Shaw cross in the 75th minute. Thomas Mueller spurned a golden chance to equalize soon after when he shot wide when through on goal and Kane sealed the win in the 86th with a stooping header from a Grealish cross. QUARTER-FINALS UKRAINE 0-4 ENGLAND England stormed into the last four with their most impressive performance of the tournament as the rejuvenated Kane scored twice while Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson added one each at the Olympic stadium in Rome. Captain Kane slid in from close range to fire England into a fourth-minute lead and Maguire doubled the advantage in the 46th with a thumping header into the far corner as he got on the end of a Shaw free-kick. Kane made it 3-0 four minutes later with a simple header after another excellent delivery by Shaw and Henderson completed the rout in the 63rd with his first international goal when he headed home a Mason Mount corner. SEMI-FINALS ENGLAND 2-1 DENMARK Having conceded their first goal in the tournament as they returned to Wembley, England fought back to win in extra time after falling behind to a sublime Mikkel Damsgaard free kick in the 30th minute. The forward hit the top corner with a rasping shot which flew over the wall but England were level nine minutes later when Denmark captain Simon Kjaer could only turn a low Bukayo Saka cross into his own net ahead of the onrushing Sterling. Kane netted the winner in the 104th minute as he swept in a rebound after goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel parried the striker’s penalty straight into his path, with the spot kick awarded after Sterling went down under a challenge from Joakim Maehle.

Football: England's road to the Euro 2020 final

Some former cricketers are criticising the boundary countback rule after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defeat-new-zealand-to-win-the-cricket-world-cup-2019-title-235973">England beat New Zealand</a> to lift their maiden ICC Men's Cricket World Cup at Lord's on Sunday night.

The final between England and New Zealand was one for the ages as the match did not have a winner after 50-over and super over action.

In the end, England were announced as the winner as they had hit more boundaries, 26, as compared to New Zealand's 17 boundaries in the match.

The rule, however, did not go well among the cricketing fraternity.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif in a tweet said it was difficult to digest the regulation. He further said it would have been better to share the trophy than deciding on more boundaries.

"Difficult to digest this more boundary rule. Something like sudden death- continuous super overs till a result is a better solution. Understand, wanting a definite winner but sharing a trophy is better than deciding on more boundaries. Very tough on New Zealand," Kaif said.

Yuvraj Singh, the former India cricketer, said he does not agree with the rule. He congratulated England but also acknowledged the fight displayed by New Zealand.

"I don't agree with that rule ! But rules are rules congratulations to England on finally winning the World Cup, my heart goes out for the kiwis they fought till the end. Great game an epic final!!!!" Yuvraj said.

Former Australia speedster Brett Lee said it was a horrible way to decide the winner. He also urged that the rule should be changed.

"Congratulations to England! Commiserations New Zealand. I've got to say that it's a horrible way to decide the winner. This rule has to change," Lee tweeted.

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Congratulations to England! 
Commiserations New Zealand. 
I’ve got to say that it’s a horrible way to decide the winner. This rule has to change.
— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettLee_58/status/1150482278100819969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gautam Gambhir, the former India batsman, termed the rule as ridiculous. He further said that the match should have remained as tie and called both England and New Zealand as winners.

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Don't understand how the game of such proportions, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19Final</a>, is finally decided on who scored the most boundaries. A ridiculous rule <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a>. Should have been a tie. I want to congratulate both <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLACKCAPS</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@englandcricket</a> on playing out a nail biting Final. Both winners imo.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1150476241188741120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Don't understand how the game of such proportions, the #CWC19Final, is finally decided on who scored the most boundaries. A ridiculous rule @ICC. Should have been a tie. I want to congratulate both @BLACKCAPS &amp; @englandcricket on playing out a nail biting Final. Both winners imo," Gambhir wrote.

After missing out on the World Cup trophy, Kiwi skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kane-williamson-says-world-cup-final-defeat-hard-to-swallow-235996">Kane Williamson</a> said the loss against England in the final based on the boundary count was "pretty hard to swallow".

"I never thought I would have to answer this. It's pretty hard to swallow when two teams have worked really hard to reach this point. It's what it is, the rules were there at the start, no one thought it would come down to this. It's a pretty hard loss to swallow.

The rules are there. It is something you don't consider when you go out to play. I didn`t even know what the boundary count was, but we were behind," Williamson said.

Some former cricketers are criticising the boundary countback rule after England beat New Zealand to lift their maiden ICC Men's Cricket World Cup at Lord's on Sunday night.

Some former cricketers are criticising the boundary countback rule after England beat New Zealand to lift their maiden ICC Men's Cricket World Cup at Lord's on Sunday night. The final between England and New Zealand was one for the ages as the match did not have a winner after 50-over and super over action. In the end, England were announced as the winner as they had hit more boundaries, 26, as compared to New Zealand's 17 boundaries in the match. The rule, however, did not go well among the cricketing fraternity. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif in a tweet said it was difficult to digest the regulation. He further said it would have been better to share the trophy than deciding on more boundaries. "Difficult to digest this more boundary rule. Something like sudden death- continuous super overs till a result is a better solution. Understand, wanting a definite winner but sharing a trophy is better than deciding on more boundaries. Very tough on New Zealand," Kaif said. Yuvraj Singh, the former India cricketer, said he does not agree with the rule. He congratulated England but also acknowledged the fight displayed by New Zealand. "I don't agree with that rule ! But rules are rules congratulations to England on finally winning the World Cup, my heart goes out for the kiwis they fought till the end. Great game an epic final!!!!" Yuvraj said. Former Australia speedster Brett Lee said it was a horrible way to decide the winner. He also urged that the rule should be changed. "Congratulations to England! Commiserations New Zealand. I've got to say that it's a horrible way to decide the winner. This rule has to change," Lee tweeted. Congratulations to England! Commiserations New Zealand. I’ve got to say that it’s a horrible way to decide the winner. This rule has to change. — Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) July 14, 2019 × Gautam Gambhir, the former India batsman, termed the rule as ridiculous. He further said that the match should have remained as tie and called both England and New Zealand as winners. Don't understand how the game of such proportions, the #CWC19Final, is finally decided on who scored the most boundaries. A ridiculous rule @ICC. Should have been a tie. I want to congratulate both @BLACKCAPS & @englandcricket on playing out a nail biting Final. Both winners imo. — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 14, 2019 × "Don't understand how the game of such proportions, the #CWC19Final, is finally decided on who scored the most boundaries. A ridiculous rule @ICC. Should have been a tie. I want to congratulate both @BLACKCAPS & @englandcricket on playing out a nail biting Final. Both winners imo," Gambhir wrote. After missing out on the World Cup trophy, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson said the loss against England in the final based on the boundary count was "pretty hard to swallow". "I never thought I would have to answer this. It's pretty hard to swallow when two teams have worked really hard to reach this point. It's what it is, the rules were there at the start, no one thought it would come down to this. It's a pretty hard loss to swallow. The rules are there. It is something you don't consider when you go out to play. I didn`t even know what the boundary count was, but we were behind," Williamson said.

World Cup final: Gautam Gambhir, Brett Lee and others criticise boundary countback rule

Rafael Nadal rued missing out on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-downs-rafael-nadal-to-set-up-novak-djokovic-wimbledon-title-duel-235413">Wimbledon final</a> after losing to great rival Roger Federer and admitted his chances of adding a third title on the grass of the All England Club are receding.

The 33-year-old Spaniard, who remains two off Federer's Grand Slam record title haul of 20, has two Wimbledon crowns to his name.

But he said his game on Friday was never at the level required to repeat his epic win in his first championship victory over Federer 11 years ago.

Nadal, who won his 12th French Open trophy in June, ended up on the wrong end of a 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat.

It will be Federer who bids for a ninth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-to-face-simona-halep-in-wimbledon-final-235136">Wimbledon </a>title against the four-time champion Novak Djokovic, the third member of the great triumvirate that still dominate the sport.&nbsp;

"I am sad for the loss because for me it was another opportunity," he said.

"But at the same time I created another opportunity to be in another final of a Grand Slam.''

"Just accept that was not my day. I played a great event. I take this in a positive way.''

"At the same time, today is sad because for me I know chances are not forever.''

"Last year I had chances here (he lost in five sets to Djokovic in the semi-final), I had another one, and I was not able to convert to win it one more time here," said Nadal.

'We are not done'&nbsp; 
 
Nadal, who suffered his first loss to Federer in a Grand Slam semi-final after winning on the previous four occasions, said it was a wonderful experience to be part of the great rivalry with fellow 30-somethings Federer and Djokovic.

Indeed - Andy Murray aside on two occasions - no other player apart from them has lifted the Wimbledon trophy since Australian Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.

"We spoke about that one thousand times," said Nadal.

"The same time is great to be part of this rivalry, be in the middle of these three players that achieved that much in this sport in the same era," Nadal said.

If the increasingly harassed 'NextGen' group of players - who speak of the unbearable pressure they feel in trying to break up the trio's dominance -&nbsp;were hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel Nadal offered none.

"It is something that is going to be difficult to see again," he said.

"We are not done, so... Things continue. Just another episode this afternoon.''

"Of course, as I said the other day, we know that every time there are less chances to play against each other in these high-quality matches.''

"Was another chance this afternoon," Nadal said.

Nadal said defeat was tough but graciously congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-100th-wimbledon-match-sets-up-clash-with-rafael-nadal-in-semi-final-234850">Federer </a>on being the better player on the day.

Nadal said 37-year-old Federer's qualities remain undimmed and constant.

"The same like all my career, no?" he said. "He is always able to do the most difficult things easy.''

"He's able to move inside the court quicker than anyone.''

"He puts pressure on the opponent all the time because he has the ability to take the ball earlier than anybody else.''

"That's probably the most difficult thing to make that happen, and he is able to do it so well," added Nadal.

Rafael Nadal rued missing out on the Wimbledon final after losing to great rival Roger Federer and admitted his chances of adding a third title on the grass of the All England Club are receding.

Rafael Nadal rued missing out on the Wimbledon final after losing to great rival Roger Federer and admitted his chances of adding a third title on the grass of the All England Club are receding. The 33-year-old Spaniard, who remains two off Federer's Grand Slam record title haul of 20, has two Wimbledon crowns to his name. But he said his game on Friday was never at the level required to repeat his epic win in his first championship victory over Federer 11 years ago. Nadal, who won his 12th French Open trophy in June, ended up on the wrong end of a 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat. It will be Federer who bids for a ninth Wimbledon title against the four-time champion Novak Djokovic, the third member of the great triumvirate that still dominate the sport. "I am sad for the loss because for me it was another opportunity," he said. "But at the same time I created another opportunity to be in another final of a Grand Slam.'' "Just accept that was not my day. I played a great event. I take this in a positive way.'' "At the same time, today is sad because for me I know chances are not forever.'' "Last year I had chances here (he lost in five sets to Djokovic in the semi-final), I had another one, and I was not able to convert to win it one more time here," said Nadal. 'We are not done' Nadal, who suffered his first loss to Federer in a Grand Slam semi-final after winning on the previous four occasions, said it was a wonderful experience to be part of the great rivalry with fellow 30-somethings Federer and Djokovic. Indeed - Andy Murray aside on two occasions - no other player apart from them has lifted the Wimbledon trophy since Australian Lleyton Hewitt in 2002. "We spoke about that one thousand times," said Nadal. "The same time is great to be part of this rivalry, be in the middle of these three players that achieved that much in this sport in the same era," Nadal said. If the increasingly harassed 'NextGen' group of players - who speak of the unbearable pressure they feel in trying to break up the trio's dominance - were hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel Nadal offered none. "It is something that is going to be difficult to see again," he said. "We are not done, so... Things continue. Just another episode this afternoon.'' "Of course, as I said the other day, we know that every time there are less chances to play against each other in these high-quality matches.'' "Was another chance this afternoon," Nadal said. Nadal said defeat was tough but graciously congratulated Federer on being the better player on the day. Nadal said 37-year-old Federer's qualities remain undimmed and constant. "The same like all my career, no?" he said. "He is always able to do the most difficult things easy.'' "He's able to move inside the court quicker than anyone.'' "He puts pressure on the opponent all the time because he has the ability to take the ball earlier than anybody else.'' "That's probably the most difficult thing to make that happen, and he is able to do it so well," added Nadal.

'We are not done,' says Rafael Nadal after loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon

Ahead of the World Cup <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-face-day-of-destiny-in-world-cup-final-against-new-zealand-235415">final against New Zealand</a>, England's Adil Rashid eulogised skipper Eoin Morgan stating that he has full trust in the decision that Morgan makes.

"Me (Rashid) and him (Morgan) have that communication. We have that trust as well. If he senses a feel, we'll go by it. If I sense a feel, we'll go by it - what plans we want or how we should bowl. It's very easy like that. We're easygoing like that. I trust 100 per cent in the decisions he makes,"&nbsp; Rashid said.

Rashid also stated that Morgan knows his game inside out and has been with him through 'good and not so good times'.

"He knows my game now inside out. Been with him for four years, through good times and not so good times. He knows my strengths, what I'm capable of and vice-versa as well," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jason-roy-escapes-world-cup-final-ban-after-dissent-fine-235227">England </a>secured their final spot after they thrashed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-outplayed-by-england-in-world-cup-semi-says-aaron-finch-235138">Australia </a>by eight wickets in the semi-final on July 11.

Rashid said that is a good feeling as they can now lift the trophy.

"At the beginning of the tournament, I couldn't believe it. It's been a good journey in the World Cup. The ups, the downs as well. Some interesting times. We've played good cricket the past three games and now to be in a position where we can win it, it's a good feeling," Rashid said.

England will face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-stun-india-by-18-runs-to-reach-world-cup-final-234755">New Zealand</a> in the World Cup final at Lord`s on July 14.

Ahead of the World Cup final against New Zealand, England's Adil Rashid eulogised skipper Eoin Morgan stating that he has full trust in the decision that Morgan makes.

Ahead of the World Cup final against New Zealand, England's Adil Rashid eulogised skipper Eoin Morgan stating that he has full trust in the decision that Morgan makes. "Me (Rashid) and him (Morgan) have that communication. We have that trust as well. If he senses a feel, we'll go by it. If I sense a feel, we'll go by it - what plans we want or how we should bowl. It's very easy like that. We're easygoing like that. I trust 100 per cent in the decisions he makes," Rashid said. Rashid also stated that Morgan knows his game inside out and has been with him through 'good and not so good times'. "He knows my game now inside out. Been with him for four years, through good times and not so good times. He knows my strengths, what I'm capable of and vice-versa as well," he said. England secured their final spot after they thrashed Australia by eight wickets in the semi-final on July 11. Rashid said that is a good feeling as they can now lift the trophy. "At the beginning of the tournament, I couldn't believe it. It's been a good journey in the World Cup. The ups, the downs as well. Some interesting times. We've played good cricket the past three games and now to be in a position where we can win it, it's a good feeling," Rashid said. England will face New Zealand in the World Cup final at Lord`s on July 14.

Eoin Morgan has been with me through 'good and not so good times': England's Adil Rashid

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-woakes-hails-incredible-england-after-hosts-power-into-world-cup-final-235139">England </a>batsman Jason Roy has avoided a potential ban for the World Cup final after protesting about his dismissal during Thursday's victory over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-outplayed-by-england-in-world-cup-semi-says-aaron-finch-235138">Australia</a>.

Roy, who had struck a magnificent 85 in 65 balls, was given out caught behind off Pat Cummins, although television replays showed the ball had not touched his bat or glove as he attempted a pull shot.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-australia-by-eight-wickets-to-reach-world-cup-final-235127">England </a>opener stood his ground and remonstrated with South African umpire Marais Erasmus. England had used their review appeals by that stage of the semi-final.

With Roy having gained one demerit point already in the tournament, he risked a one-match ban, for Sunday's final, if he was handed three points and reached the four-point limit.

But in a statement, the International Cricket Council said he had been given only two points and a fine of 30 per cent of his match fee.

"Roy admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Ranjan Madugalle and as such, there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said.

Roy has formed a formidable opening partnership with Jonny Bairstow, the pair sharing century stands in the last four matches they have started together.

England batsman Jason Roy has avoided a potential ban for the World Cup final after protesting about his dismissal during Thursday's victory over Australia. Roy, who had struck a magnificent 85 in 65 balls, was given out caught behind off Pat Cummins, although television replays showed the ball had not touched his bat or glove as he attempted a pull shot.

England batsman Jason Roy has avoided a potential ban for the World Cup final after protesting about his dismissal during Thursday's victory over Australia. Roy, who had struck a magnificent 85 in 65 balls, was given out caught behind off Pat Cummins, although television replays showed the ball had not touched his bat or glove as he attempted a pull shot. The England opener stood his ground and remonstrated with South African umpire Marais Erasmus. England had used their review appeals by that stage of the semi-final. With Roy having gained one demerit point already in the tournament, he risked a one-match ban, for Sunday's final, if he was handed three points and reached the four-point limit. But in a statement, the International Cricket Council said he had been given only two points and a fine of 30 per cent of his match fee. "Roy admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Ranjan Madugalle and as such, there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said. Roy has formed a formidable opening partnership with Jonny Bairstow, the pair sharing century stands in the last four matches they have started together.

England's Jason Roy escapes World Cup final ban after dissent fine

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid. Firmino missed Liverpool's memorable semi-final win over Barcelona and the final game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a muscle strain but he has responded well to his return to training said, Klopp.

Robert Firmino 'will be fine' for final says Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp

They may not know the rules of Twenty20 cricket, but the cheerleaders who follow the eight Indian Premier League (IPL) teams have become a key part of the success of the world's wealthiest cricket tournament that will stage a new final on Sunday.

Cheerleaders dance to India's craziness in IPL festival

Liverpool produced one of the most stunning comebacks in Champions League history as Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice to beat Barcelona 4-0 and progress to the final for the second consecutive year 4-3 on aggregate.

Liverpool 'giants' stun Barca to make Champions League final

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Sloane Stephens | #10

Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open.

Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep.

The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings.

Simona Halep | #1

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final.

World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.

"I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier. Sloane Stephens | #10 Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep. The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings. Simona Halep | #1 Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final. World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. "I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

French Open: Sloane Stephens, Simona Halep to meet in women's singles final

Shane Watson played a ruthless knock to steer Chennai to their third IPL title as they defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Watson blazed unbeaten 117 off 57 deliveries, making it the highest score ever made in an IPL final, to guide MS Dhoni's side to victory with nine balls to spare.

The Australian shared a second-wicket stand of 117 with Suresh Raina as Chennai comfortably chased down challenging 179.&nbsp

Stunned with Watson's heroics, Twitteratti were in awe of the veteran, hailing him for being Chennai's hero tonight.

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Things that get better with age : 
 
3. Whiskey 
2. Pickles 
1. Shane Watson<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvSRH</a>
— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/1000779397085872128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shane Watson....... Doesn’t matter how Old you are......... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018Final?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018Final</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1000785534824968192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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IPL 2008 gave Shane Watson's international career a second wind. 
 
IPL 2018 has probably given his retirement a second wind. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018Final?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018Final</a>
— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) <a href="https://twitter.com/saurabh_42/status/1000783037712367617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shane Watson - the only man to twice be IPL man of the tournament, and now a centurion in an IPL final - is one of the greatest T20 cricketers of all time
— Tim (@timwig) <a href="https://twitter.com/timwig/status/1000784471753359360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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?4th IPL Century For Shane Watson 
?2nd Century This Season 
?4th Player To Score 2 Centuries In An IPL Season 
 
One And Only <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShaneWatson?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShaneWatson</a>. ??? 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018Final?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018Final</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvsCSK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvsCSK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvsSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvsSRH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvSRH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/LvnC77nWdV">pic.twitter.com/LvnC77nWdV</a>
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadejaaaa/status/1000785544891195392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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With this century, Watson became the second batsman in IPL history to score a century in a final.

The Australian also shared a second-wicket stand of 117 with Suresh Raina

Shane Watson played a ruthless knock to steer Chennai to their third IPL title as they defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Watson blazed unbeaten 117 off 57 deliveries, making it the highest score ever made in an IPL final, to guide MS Dhoni's side to victory with nine balls to spare. The Australian shared a second-wicket stand of 117 with Suresh Raina as Chennai comfortably chased down challenging 179. Stunned with Watson's heroics, Twitteratti were in awe of the veteran, hailing him for being Chennai's hero tonight. Things that get better with age : 3. Whiskey 2. Pickles 1. Shane Watson#CSKvSRH — SAGAR (@sagarcasm) May 27, 2018 × Shane Watson....... Doesn’t matter how Old you are......... #IPL2018Final — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 27, 2018 × IPL 2008 gave Shane Watson's international career a second wind. IPL 2018 has probably given his retirement a second wind. #IPL2018Final — Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) May 27, 2018 × Shane Watson - the only man to twice be IPL man of the tournament, and now a centurion in an IPL final - is one of the greatest T20 cricketers of all time — Tim (@timwig) May 27, 2018 × ?4th IPL Century For Shane Watson ?2nd Century This Season ?4th Player To Score 2 Centuries In An IPL Season One And Only #ShaneWatson. ??? #IPL2018Final #SRHvsCSK #CSKvsSRH #CSKvSRH #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/LvnC77nWdV — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) May 27, 2018 × With this century, Watson became the second batsman in IPL history to score a century in a final.

Shane Watson's ton helps Chennai lift 3rd IPL title, Twitter goes wild

Zinedine Zidane has told Liverpool his Real Madrid team are hungrier than ever to win the Champions League, despite clinching the title in three of the last four years.&nbsp

Real are gunning for an unprecedented third consecutive success in the competition on Saturday while Liverpool have reached the final for the first time since 2007.&nbsp

"No one can tell us we are less hungry," Zidane said. "I can't speak for our opponents but we want to stress we will always have the same motivation, the same as always, no one can tell us we are less hungry than the rest.&nbsp

"We are Madrid and despite what we have, we always want more, and we will give everything to get even better."

Real's experience at the deep end of the Champions League dwarfs that of this Liverpool team, who do not have a single player to have made it this far before.

Zidane also has his own personal achievements to draw upon, having won the most coveted prize in club football three times as a player and manager combined.

"It's true I lived 18 years as a player inside the changing room, with many coaches, with many players, with just as much ego as me," Zidane said.&nbsp

"I know the changing room and I know the mind of a player and that is an important thing for me, but it is not the only thing.&nbsp

"I am not the best tactician, but I have other things - passion, motivation - and those are worth much more."&nbsp

Some have billed this weekend's showdown as a contest between Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah but when asked if he would swap Ronaldo for the Liverpool forward, Zidane simply replied: "No."&nbsp

On Ronaldo's influence on the final, Zidane said: "The most possible. He is the best so it will be the maximum."&nbsp

Zidane would offer no clues as to his starting line-up in Kiev but he did acknowledge the excellent form of Gareth Bale, who has scored five goals in his last four starts.&nbsp

"He is playing very well, he has scored many goals recently," Zidane said. "Not only that but he has been very consistent. He has not played so much, but the last three games he has played he has played well."

Zinedine Zidane has told Liverpool his Real Madrid team are hungrier than ever to win the Champions League

Zinedine Zidane has told Liverpool his Real Madrid team are hungrier than ever to win the Champions League, despite clinching the title in three of the last four years. Real are gunning for an unprecedented third consecutive success in the competition on Saturday while Liverpool have reached the final for the first time since 2007. "No one can tell us we are less hungry," Zidane said. "I can't speak for our opponents but we want to stress we will always have the same motivation, the same as always, no one can tell us we are less hungry than the rest. "We are Madrid and despite what we have, we always want more, and we will give everything to get even better." Real's experience at the deep end of the Champions League dwarfs that of this Liverpool team, who do not have a single player to have made it this far before. Zidane also has his own personal achievements to draw upon, having won the most coveted prize in club football three times as a player and manager combined. "It's true I lived 18 years as a player inside the changing room, with many coaches, with many players, with just as much ego as me," Zidane said. "I know the changing room and I know the mind of a player and that is an important thing for me, but it is not the only thing. "I am not the best tactician, but I have other things - passion, motivation - and those are worth much more." Some have billed this weekend's showdown as a contest between Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah but when asked if he would swap Ronaldo for the Liverpool forward, Zidane simply replied: "No." On Ronaldo's influence on the final, Zidane said: "The most possible. He is the best so it will be the maximum." Zidane would offer no clues as to his starting line-up in Kiev but he did acknowledge the excellent form of Gareth Bale, who has scored five goals in his last four starts. "He is playing very well, he has scored many goals recently," Zidane said. "Not only that but he has been very consistent. He has not played so much, but the last three games he has played he has played well."

Real Madrid is desperate to win the Champions League - Zidane

The first qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 will be held between the two best teams of the eleventh season -&nbsp;Hyderabad and Chennai -&nbsp;at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.

Hyderabad ended on top of the IPL 2018 Points Table with 18 points, while Chennai finished second, by run-rate.

The ‘Yellow Brigade’ returned to winning ways after defeating R Ashwin-led Punjab by five wickets in the last league match, while Hyderabad’s campaign toppled as they lost their last three games played against Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata.

The MS Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane Williamson outfit on both occasions that they have previously met this year in the league stage.

As the winner sails straight into the final slated for May 27, the match promises to be quite a contest.

Throughout the tournament, Hyderabad have been overtly dependent on skipper Kane Williamson.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-the-top-four-teams-of-ipl-2018--138479">Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018</a>

He has been in red-hot form to rise to the number two slot in the leading run-getters' list with 661 runs.

Kane along with opener Shikhar Dhawan, who took some time to get going, have shown consistency with the bat. The left-handed batsman has made 437 runs which includes four half-centuries.

Meanwhile, their bowling attack is in contrast to their batting ways.

Barring the last few games, the bowlers’ capability to defend paltry totals have been the talking point of the season.

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They have Sidharth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma to rely on. Overseas spinners Rashid Khan and Shakib Al Hasan add depth to their line.

The advantage they have over Chennai is their death-overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar. MS Dhoni is yet to find one for his team.

Chennai, on the other hand, have a plus point that they are not dependent on selected players, although Ambati Rayudu has been their standout performer with 586 runs.

Shane Watson, 438 runs, too has been in top form along with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The form of key batsman Suresh Raina, who anchored the innings splendidly against Punjab with an unbeaten 61, is another encouraging sign.

The outstanding spell of South African Lungi Ngidi, who grabbed 4 for 10 to take the man of the match award last night, could not have come at a more opportune time for the Super Kings.

With Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo doing their bit on the pace bowling front, Chennai will be banking on spin twins Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja to deliver in the middle overs.

Meanwhile, a win here will take Chennai to their seventh IPL final, since its inception, while the loser the loser will be playing Qualifier 2 in Kolkata on May 25.

Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane outfit on both occasions that they have previously met in the league stage

The first qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 will be held between the two best teams of the eleventh season - Hyderabad and Chennai - at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Hyderabad ended on top of the IPL 2018 Points Table with 18 points, while Chennai finished second, by run-rate. The ‘Yellow Brigade’ returned to winning ways after defeating R Ashwin-led Punjab by five wickets in the last league match, while Hyderabad’s campaign toppled as they lost their last three games played against Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata. The MS Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane Williamson outfit on both occasions that they have previously met this year in the league stage. As the winner sails straight into the final slated for May 27, the match promises to be quite a contest. Throughout the tournament, Hyderabad have been overtly dependent on skipper Kane Williamson. Also read: Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018 He has been in red-hot form to rise to the number two slot in the leading run-getters' list with 661 runs. Kane along with opener Shikhar Dhawan, who took some time to get going, have shown consistency with the bat. The left-handed batsman has made 437 runs which includes four half-centuries. Meanwhile, their bowling attack is in contrast to their batting ways. Barring the last few games, the bowlers’ capability to defend paltry totals have been the talking point of the season. × They have Sidharth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma to rely on. Overseas spinners Rashid Khan and Shakib Al Hasan add depth to their line. The advantage they have over Chennai is their death-overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar. MS Dhoni is yet to find one for his team. Chennai, on the other hand, have a plus point that they are not dependent on selected players, although Ambati Rayudu has been their standout performer with 586 runs. Shane Watson, 438 runs, too has been in top form along with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The form of key batsman Suresh Raina, who anchored the innings splendidly against Punjab with an unbeaten 61, is another encouraging sign. The outstanding spell of South African Lungi Ngidi, who grabbed 4 for 10 to take the man of the match award last night, could not have come at a more opportune time for the Super Kings. With Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo doing their bit on the pace bowling front, Chennai will be banking on spin twins Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja to deliver in the middle overs. Meanwhile, a win here will take Chennai to their seventh IPL final, since its inception, while the loser the loser will be playing Qualifier 2 in Kolkata on May 25.

IPL 2018 Qualifier 1: Chennai, Hyderabad to battle to seal final berth

Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked.

Conte ended a troubled season on a high note thanks to Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Saturday's final at Wembley.

Eden Hazard's first half penalty was followed by a backs to the wall display as Conte won the second trophy of his two-year reign in what may prove his final game in charge.

Whether FA Cup glory will be enough to convince Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich not to sack Conte remains in doubt after the Blues finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification.

The Italian has been embroiled in a turbulent campaign marred by his feud with the club's hierarchy over their failure to back his transfer plans following last season's Premier League title triumph.

Conte is also said to have infuriated several Chelsea stars with his intense personality and regimented training sessions.

But the former Juventus and Italy coach is adamant his managerial style has made him a "serial winner" who should be respected.

In a clear warning that he will never stop pushing his players or demanding boardroom backing, Conte emerged from the jubilant Chelsea dressing room to send a defiant message to his club.

Still soaked in champagne from the post-match celebrations, Conte said: "After two years the club knows me very well. If they want to continue to work with me, they know me.&nbsp

"I can't change. My way is always the same hard work and to build a strong mentality with my players.

"I can't change. I'm this and I think my past speaks very clear as a player and as a manager.&nbsp

"You can say what you want, but I'm a serial winner.

"I showed this in England in a difficult moment for the club. I've showed this today, because we found the right way to win this trophy.

"There are moments that you have a lot of questions for yourself. To win in this way this season gives me more satisfaction than my wins in the past."

'We must be honest' 
Conte, who won three Serie A titles with Juventus, has one year left on his contract after signing an improved deal without an extension at the end of last season.

But the 48-year-old has given the impression for much of the season that he would have no problem leaving Stamford Bridge because he knows he would still be in demand from top clubs.

Asked if he expects to be in charge next season, Conte said he would respect whatever decision was taken.

"I always say I'm committed to this club, to respect my contract," he said.

"As you know very well our job is not simple. I understand that the club can make a decision, a positive decision, a negative decision. I'm the first to understand.

"I'm the coach of a great, important club. It's right that the club demands of me a lot. For sure we'll make the best decision."

In truth, Conte may have burned too many bridges to stay with Chelsea amid speculation that former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri are Abramovich's top targets to succeed him.

In another swipe at Chelsea's refusal to sign his top targets last year, he added: "As you know very well I predicted the difficulty at the start of the season.

"To miss a place in the Champions League is not good for a club like Chelsea.

"We must be honest to tell this. But at the same time you have to know the real situation.

"There is the possibility with this group of players we did the maximum."

If Conte does leave, it will be despite the support of Chelsea's fans, who serenaded him as he joined in the celebrations on the Wembley turf.

"After these two seasons I will always love this colour, these fans, this club. Even if my future must be in a different way," he said.

Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final Saturday. Despite the win, Conte could still be sacked

Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked. Conte ended a troubled season on a high note thanks to Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Saturday's final at Wembley. Eden Hazard's first half penalty was followed by a backs to the wall display as Conte won the second trophy of his two-year reign in what may prove his final game in charge. Whether FA Cup glory will be enough to convince Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich not to sack Conte remains in doubt after the Blues finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification. The Italian has been embroiled in a turbulent campaign marred by his feud with the club's hierarchy over their failure to back his transfer plans following last season's Premier League title triumph. Conte is also said to have infuriated several Chelsea stars with his intense personality and regimented training sessions. But the former Juventus and Italy coach is adamant his managerial style has made him a "serial winner" who should be respected. In a clear warning that he will never stop pushing his players or demanding boardroom backing, Conte emerged from the jubilant Chelsea dressing room to send a defiant message to his club. Still soaked in champagne from the post-match celebrations, Conte said: "After two years the club knows me very well. If they want to continue to work with me, they know me. "I can't change. My way is always the same hard work and to build a strong mentality with my players. "I can't change. I'm this and I think my past speaks very clear as a player and as a manager. "You can say what you want, but I'm a serial winner. "I showed this in England in a difficult moment for the club. I've showed this today, because we found the right way to win this trophy. "There are moments that you have a lot of questions for yourself. To win in this way this season gives me more satisfaction than my wins in the past." 'We must be honest' Conte, who won three Serie A titles with Juventus, has one year left on his contract after signing an improved deal without an extension at the end of last season. But the 48-year-old has given the impression for much of the season that he would have no problem leaving Stamford Bridge because he knows he would still be in demand from top clubs. Asked if he expects to be in charge next season, Conte said he would respect whatever decision was taken. "I always say I'm committed to this club, to respect my contract," he said. "As you know very well our job is not simple. I understand that the club can make a decision, a positive decision, a negative decision. I'm the first to understand. "I'm the coach of a great, important club. It's right that the club demands of me a lot. For sure we'll make the best decision." In truth, Conte may have burned too many bridges to stay with Chelsea amid speculation that former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri are Abramovich's top targets to succeed him. In another swipe at Chelsea's refusal to sign his top targets last year, he added: "As you know very well I predicted the difficulty at the start of the season. "To miss a place in the Champions League is not good for a club like Chelsea. "We must be honest to tell this. But at the same time you have to know the real situation. "There is the possibility with this group of players we did the maximum." If Conte does leave, it will be despite the support of Chelsea's fans, who serenaded him as he joined in the celebrations on the Wembley turf. "After these two seasons I will always love this colour, these fans, this club. Even if my future must be in a different way," he said.

'I'll never change,' Chelsea's Conte says after winning FA cup

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United rather than commenting on speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.

A 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season ended Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification as they finished fifth in the standings.

According to British media reports, Conte is expected to leave the London side at the end of the campaign after disagreements with the club hierarchy over transfer policy.

When asked if the final at Wembley will be his last game with Chelsea, Conte said: "I don't know.

"For sure I think we must be focused on tomorrow's game. For us this game is very important because we have, in a difficult season, to finish the season with a trophy.

"It's always important for the players, for the coach, for the manager, for our fans, for the club, to finish the season with a trophy.

"We're focused on this target. We have to try to do everything to win the game tomorrow."

Saturday's clash pits Conte against United manager Jose Mourinho, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2007.

The duo have been involved in a war of words since the start of last season but they shook hands during their league meeting at Old Trafford in February.

"There is a normal relationship between him and me," Conte added. "I will shake his hand tomorrow, for sure. And then we will think about the game."

Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard believes victory at Wembley can salvage a disappointing season.

"At the moment we have nothing," the 27-year-old Belgian told reporters. "We are not qualified for the Champions League next season, so this season has been bad.

"We can save a little bit of the season with this trophy, so we will give everything. I never won the FA Cup in six years. I hope this year is for me and for Chelsea."

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United rather than commenting on speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge. A 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season ended Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification as they finished fifth in the standings. According to British media reports, Conte is expected to leave the London side at the end of the campaign after disagreements with the club hierarchy over transfer policy. When asked if the final at Wembley will be his last game with Chelsea, Conte said: "I don't know. "For sure I think we must be focused on tomorrow's game. For us this game is very important because we have, in a difficult season, to finish the season with a trophy. "It's always important for the players, for the coach, for the manager, for our fans, for the club, to finish the season with a trophy. "We're focused on this target. We have to try to do everything to win the game tomorrow." Saturday's clash pits Conte against United manager Jose Mourinho, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2007. The duo have been involved in a war of words since the start of last season but they shook hands during their league meeting at Old Trafford in February. "There is a normal relationship between him and me," Conte added. "I will shake his hand tomorrow, for sure. And then we will think about the game." Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard believes victory at Wembley can salvage a disappointing season. "At the moment we have nothing," the 27-year-old Belgian told reporters. "We are not qualified for the Champions League next season, so this season has been bad. "We can save a little bit of the season with this trophy, so we will give everything. I never won the FA Cup in six years. I hope this year is for me and for Chelsea."

Antonio Conte focused on securing FA Cup success amid Chelsea exit talk

World No. 1 Roger Federer extended his season win streak to 17 matches, booking his spot in the Indian Wells Masters final by rallying past Borna Coric 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday.

The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world number 49 Coric but managed to hold on for a 17-0 record this year.

He surpassed his prior career-best calendar year start in 2006 when he opened with 16 wins.

&quot;It took a while to get the record,&quot; Federer said.&nbsp;

&quot;But I&#39;m happy. It was just a fighting match, It didn&#39;t come easy, so I had to go get it. I got a little bit lucky. I hung tough and put a lot of effort into it to get the record,&quot; he added.

Federer said it&#39;s time to focus on finals now.&nbsp;

&quot;The focus has to be the finals right now. But it&#39;s nice to get off to a good start this year, and I hope I can play well again tomorrow.&quot;

The defending champion will be aiming for a record sixth Indian Wells title when he squares off against world number eight Juan Martin Del Potro in Sunday&#39;s championship match.

The 36-year-old Federer said he had to draw on every ounce of experience and mental toughness to pull out the match.

&quot;Margins are slim at the top of the game,&quot; he said. &quot;And I have been there so many times. You just hope to take the right decisions along the way, and then it ends up falling your way.&quot;

&quot;But for that you need to have a very positive mindset. You need to be match-tough, you need to be confident, have experience, and I think I have a bit of all of that right now.&quot;

Federer clinched the match when Coric hit a shot wide. The ball was called out but Coric challenged and after the video review the original call was confirmed.

The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world number 49 Coric

World No. 1 Roger Federer extended his season win streak to 17 matches, booking his spot in the Indian Wells Masters final by rallying past Borna Coric 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday. The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world number 49 Coric but managed to hold on for a 17-0 record this year. He surpassed his prior career-best calendar year start in 2006 when he opened with 16 wins. "It took a while to get the record," Federer said. "But I'm happy. It was just a fighting match, It didn't come easy, so I had to go get it. I got a little bit lucky. I hung tough and put a lot of effort into it to get the record," he added. Federer said it's time to focus on finals now. "The focus has to be the finals right now. But it's nice to get off to a good start this year, and I hope I can play well again tomorrow." The defending champion will be aiming for a record sixth Indian Wells title when he squares off against world number eight Juan Martin Del Potro in Sunday's championship match. The 36-year-old Federer said he had to draw on every ounce of experience and mental toughness to pull out the match. "Margins are slim at the top of the game," he said. "And I have been there so many times. You just hope to take the right decisions along the way, and then it ends up falling your way." "But for that you need to have a very positive mindset. You need to be match-tough, you need to be confident, have experience, and I think I have a bit of all of that right now." Federer clinched the match when Coric hit a shot wide. The ball was called out but Coric challenged and after the video review the original call was confirmed.

Indian Wells Masters: Roger Federer to face Del Potro in final

India reached the final of the Nidahas Twenty20 tri-series with a convincing -run win over Bangladesh at R Premadasa stadium, here today.

Skipper Rohit Sharma produced a 89-run knock while Suresh Raina contributed 47 in India&#39;s innings.

India off-spinner Washington Sundar took three wickets to unsettle the top-order, paving the way for India&#39;s win.

For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim scored unbeaten 72.

Brief Scores:

India: 176 for 3 in 20 overs. (R Sharma 89, S Raina 47; Rubel Hossain 2/27).

Bangladesh: 159 for 6 in 20 overs. (M Rahim 72 not out, S Rahman 27; W Sundar 3/22).&nbsp;

Skipper Rohit Sharma produced an 89-run knock while Suresh Raina contributed 47 to India's innings

India reached the final of the Nidahas Twenty20 tri-series with a convincing -run win over Bangladesh at R Premadasa stadium, here today. Skipper Rohit Sharma produced a 89-run knock while Suresh Raina contributed 47 in India's innings. India off-spinner Washington Sundar took three wickets to unsettle the top-order, paving the way for India's win. For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim scored unbeaten 72. Brief Scores: India: 176 for 3 in 20 overs. (R Sharma 89, S Raina 47; Rubel Hossain 2/27). Bangladesh: 159 for 6 in 20 overs. (M Rahim 72 not out, S Rahman 27; W Sundar 3/22).

Nidahas Trophy: India reach final with 17-run win over Bangladesh

Elina Svitolina is set ready to meet Daria Kasatkina in the final of Dubai Championship on February 24 at 8:30 PM as Svitolina beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3 and in a stunner match,&nbsp;Kasatkina saw off&nbsp;Garbine Muguruza 3-6, 7-6 (13/11), 6-1, saving three match points in her semi-final which lasted two and a half hours to reach the finals. Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles.

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One more final here in Dubai ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/DDFTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/wrbSX3q07p">pic.twitter.com/wrbSX3q07p</a>
&mdash; Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/967117062521925633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I&#39;m very pleased to be in the final again,&quot; said Svitolina after her fifth consecutive victory over Kerber.

&quot;It was a tough battle. I played well in the tight moments, I tried to focus only on what I had to do on court and let nothing else into my mind.

&quot;It should be a good final, Daria is playing well, and she&#39;s won some tough matches.&quot;

&quot;It was not my best day, I was trying to find my rhythm. But especially in my serve, I couldn&#39;t find it,&quot; the 30-year-old German said.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DKasatkina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DKasatkina</a> talks about the &quot;fighting spirit&quot; that got her across the finish line and into the <a href="https://twitter.com/DDFTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDFTennis</a> final. <a href="https://t.co/ZpcdWz0ifb">pic.twitter.com/ZpcdWz0ifb</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/967104293705728002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I was just trying to fight for every ball because Garbine, she&#39;s playing unbelievable,&quot; Kasatkina said.&nbsp;

&quot;She&#39;s a very tough opponent. She&#39;s hitting so hard, playing so fast. I was just trying to do whatever I could.

&quot;Before the match I was really, really tired. When you&#39;re going on court, the adrenaline is coming.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;You start to run, blood start to run into your body, that&#39;s it. You&#39;re just focused on every ball. The tired is somewhere, going somewhere.&quot;

Muguruza was aiming to become only the fifth player to reach both Doha and Dubai finals in the same season having lost to Petra Kvitova in Qatar last weekend.

&quot;My game was fine. I feel I really struggled physically because I&#39;ve been playing so many matches in a row. Today was very physical,&quot; Muguruza said.

&nbsp;

Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles

Elina Svitolina is set ready to meet Daria Kasatkina in the final of Dubai Championship on February 24 at 8:30 PM as Svitolina beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3 and in a stunner match, Kasatkina saw off Garbine Muguruza 3-6, 7-6 (13/11), 6-1, saving three match points in her semi-final which lasted two and a half hours to reach the finals. Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles. One more final here in Dubai ???????? @DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/wrbSX3q07p — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) February 23, 2018 × "I'm very pleased to be in the final again," said Svitolina after her fifth consecutive victory over Kerber. "It was a tough battle. I played well in the tight moments, I tried to focus only on what I had to do on court and let nothing else into my mind. "It should be a good final, Daria is playing well, and she's won some tough matches." "It was not my best day, I was trying to find my rhythm. But especially in my serve, I couldn't find it," the 30-year-old German said. .@DKasatkina talks about the "fighting spirit" that got her across the finish line and into the @DDFTennis final. pic.twitter.com/ZpcdWz0ifb — WTA (@WTA) February 23, 2018 × "I was just trying to fight for every ball because Garbine, she's playing unbelievable," Kasatkina said. "She's a very tough opponent. She's hitting so hard, playing so fast. I was just trying to do whatever I could. "Before the match I was really, really tired. When you're going on court, the adrenaline is coming." "You start to run, blood start to run into your body, that's it. You're just focused on every ball. The tired is somewhere, going somewhere." Muguruza was aiming to become only the fifth player to reach both Doha and Dubai finals in the same season having lost to Petra Kvitova in Qatar last weekend. "My game was fine. I feel I really struggled physically because I've been playing so many matches in a row. Today was very physical," Muguruza said.

Dubai Championship: Elina Svitolina to meet Daria Kasatkina in final

World number one Roger Federer&nbsp;thrashed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam to claim his 97th title.

In the Open era, only American Jimmy Connors has won more titles with 109.

Federer surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the top spot aged 33 years and 131 days in 2003, as the oldest man to claim the world number one spot.

It is Federer&#39;s first time back at the summit since October 2012 having first claimed the top position in February 2004.

The 36-year-old said, &quot;What a fantastic week. The goal at start of week was to make it to the semi-finals. This is absolutely amazing, I&#39;m really pleased.&quot;

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And that&#39;s a wrap for the tournament ????! The last photo album of the week ????????️! <a href="https://t.co/GtkU3ebKFb">https://t.co/GtkU3ebKFb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abnamrowtt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abnamrowtt</a> <a href="https://t.co/SZehK52z6P">pic.twitter.com/SZehK52z6P</a>
&mdash; ABN AMRO WTT (@abnamrowtt) <a href="https://twitter.com/abnamrowtt/status/965279234477477889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After winning the title he gave a hilarious statement in the post-match interview, &quot;I will definitely check out the new ranking on Monday morning. To make sure that no mistake has been made.&quot;

Federer will now decide within a few days whether or not to travel to Dubai for the ATP event starting a week from Monday.

Federer has a home and training base in the UAE and has won the hardcourt tournament seven times.

His effort in Rotterdam appeared to take little out of him physically, with his only loss of a set coming in the quarter-final against Robin Haase.&nbsp;

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Thank you Rotterdam! You broke the record for attendance.. 120k people! It was an amazing atmosphere ???????????????? <a href="https://t.co/yAVl8woRgH">pic.twitter.com/yAVl8woRgH</a>
&mdash; Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/965325841788907520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Roger Federer thrashed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam to claim his 97th title

World number one Roger Federer thrashed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam to claim his 97th title. In the Open era, only American Jimmy Connors has won more titles with 109. Federer surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the top spot aged 33 years and 131 days in 2003, as the oldest man to claim the world number one spot. It is Federer's first time back at the summit since October 2012 having first claimed the top position in February 2004. The 36-year-old said, "What a fantastic week. The goal at start of week was to make it to the semi-finals. This is absolutely amazing, I'm really pleased." And that's a wrap for the tournament ????! The last photo album of the week ????????️! https://t.co/GtkU3ebKFb #abnamrowtt pic.twitter.com/SZehK52z6P — ABN AMRO WTT (@abnamrowtt) February 18, 2018 × After winning the title he gave a hilarious statement in the post-match interview, "I will definitely check out the new ranking on Monday morning. To make sure that no mistake has been made." Federer will now decide within a few days whether or not to travel to Dubai for the ATP event starting a week from Monday. Federer has a home and training base in the UAE and has won the hardcourt tournament seven times. His effort in Rotterdam appeared to take little out of him physically, with his only loss of a set coming in the quarter-final against Robin Haase. Thank you Rotterdam! You broke the record for attendance.. 120k people! It was an amazing atmosphere ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/yAVl8woRgH — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 18, 2018 ×

World number one Roger Federer claims Rotterdam Open

Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday.

The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak.&nbsp;

Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net.

Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won.

Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010.

She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark.

&quot;I always believed in myself,&quot; she said. &quot;I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it.&quot;

Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams.

She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final.

The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;

The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore.

&quot;The way she&#39;s playing, she&#39;s not missing,&quot; said Halep of Wozniacki. &quot;She&#39;s running very well. So she&#39;s a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We&#39;ll see what is going to happen.&quot;

Wozniacki won the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net

Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday. The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak. Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net. Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won. Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010. She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark. "I always believed in myself," she said. "I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it." Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams. She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final. The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore. "The way she's playing, she's not missing," said Halep of Wozniacki. "She's running very well. So she's a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times. "It's going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We'll see what is going to happen."

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki wins first set of final match

Caroline Wozniacki is one match away from ending her Grand Slam title drought after overcoming a late wobble to beat unseeded Elise Mertens and reach the Australian Open final Thursday.

The Danish world number two won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in 1hr 37min after almost allowing the world number 37 a way back when serving for the match at 5-4, and seemingly in complete control.&nbsp;

Two double faults enabled Mertens, in her first semi-final at this level on her Australian Open debut, to level at 5-5.

Serving to take it to a tiebreak at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to save three sets points before sealing the match in the tiebreak.

&quot;It means so much to me.&quot; she said after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014, where she will play either top seed Simona Halep or the 2016 Melbourne Park champion Angelique Kerber on Saturday.

&quot;I got really tight at 5-4. I thought &#39;calm down it&#39;s all good&#39;. It wasn&#39;t good anymore. Served a couple of double faults.

&quot;Normally I am really calm so once I started feeling really nervous, it felt like my legs were shaking a bit.

&quot;I just took a few deep breaths and once she had set point, I said: &#39;Well, I guess it is a third set. Just need to go forward&#39;.&quot;

Wozniacki has never quite lived up to the hype in the majors -- this will be just her third Grand Slam final appearance, nine years after her first at the US Open in 2009.&nbsp;

The 27-year-old rose to the top of the world rankings in 2010 but has only made the title match at a Grand Slam once since then, also at Flushing Meadows in 2014.

Mertens, in only her fifth Grand Slam appearance and Australian Open debut, signalled her intent to attack from the start, standing inside the baseline to receive Wozniacki&#39;s second serve.

Aggressive overtures 
It was a high-risk strategy and with Wozniacki repelling all the Belgian&#39;s aggressive overtures, the errors began to flow at regular intervals from Mertens&#39; racket.

Serving at 1-3, 15-40, a netted forehand, her fifth unforced error on that wing, gave the Dane, back in a semi-final at Melbourne for the first time since 2011, the first break.&nbsp;

Mertens, seeking to become the first Belgian since Kim Clijsters here in 2011 to reach a Slam final, kept up the attack and fashioned a break point in the next game but Wozniacki stood up to the challenge and held for 4-1.

Serving at 2-5, Mertens saved a set point when Wozniacki went long with a forehand. The Dane was unperturbed by the minor setback and held to love to seal a comfortable first set 6-3 after 38 minutes.

There was little between the pair in terms of winners in the first stanza, Wozniacki edging the count 13 to 12.&nbsp;

But the unforced error count was telling -- the Dane committing just six while Mertens threw away 14 points.

The second set went with serve until the Dane&#39;s late wobble, before she finally made it through.

The Danish world number two won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in 1hr 37min after almost allowing the world number 37 a way back when serving for the match at 5-4,

Caroline Wozniacki is one match away from ending her Grand Slam title drought after overcoming a late wobble to beat unseeded Elise Mertens and reach the Australian Open final Thursday. The Danish world number two won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in 1hr 37min after almost allowing the world number 37 a way back when serving for the match at 5-4, and seemingly in complete control. Two double faults enabled Mertens, in her first semi-final at this level on her Australian Open debut, to level at 5-5. Serving to take it to a tiebreak at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to save three sets points before sealing the match in the tiebreak. "It means so much to me." she said after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014, where she will play either top seed Simona Halep or the 2016 Melbourne Park champion Angelique Kerber on Saturday. "I got really tight at 5-4. I thought 'calm down it's all good'. It wasn't good anymore. Served a couple of double faults. "Normally I am really calm so once I started feeling really nervous, it felt like my legs were shaking a bit. "I just took a few deep breaths and once she had set point, I said: 'Well, I guess it is a third set. Just need to go forward'." Wozniacki has never quite lived up to the hype in the majors -- this will be just her third Grand Slam final appearance, nine years after her first at the US Open in 2009. The 27-year-old rose to the top of the world rankings in 2010 but has only made the title match at a Grand Slam once since then, also at Flushing Meadows in 2014. Mertens, in only her fifth Grand Slam appearance and Australian Open debut, signalled her intent to attack from the start, standing inside the baseline to receive Wozniacki's second serve. Aggressive overtures It was a high-risk strategy and with Wozniacki repelling all the Belgian's aggressive overtures, the errors began to flow at regular intervals from Mertens' racket. Serving at 1-3, 15-40, a netted forehand, her fifth unforced error on that wing, gave the Dane, back in a semi-final at Melbourne for the first time since 2011, the first break. Mertens, seeking to become the first Belgian since Kim Clijsters here in 2011 to reach a Slam final, kept up the attack and fashioned a break point in the next game but Wozniacki stood up to the challenge and held for 4-1. Serving at 2-5, Mertens saved a set point when Wozniacki went long with a forehand. The Dane was unperturbed by the minor setback and held to love to seal a comfortable first set 6-3 after 38 minutes. There was little between the pair in terms of winners in the first stanza, Wozniacki edging the count 13 to 12. But the unforced error count was telling -- the Dane committing just six while Mertens threw away 14 points. The second set went with serve until the Dane's late wobble, before she finally made it through.

Australian Open: Wobbly Wozniacki beats Mertens to enter final

Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey&nbsp;after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla.

Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns&nbsp;will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.

This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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???? <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a>... Congratulations on getting to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don&#39;t bank on the same result as 2016 ???? 
 
See you very soon... <a href="https://t.co/2rTyqmdwWA">pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA</a>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961731046537662465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating&nbsp;Valencia&nbsp;bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and&nbsp;opened his account for Barcelona.

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???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/q3CrHGlIG0">pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961766869270069248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game.

Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ???? 
 
???? <a href="https://t.co/PGaVeWCfpj">pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj</a>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961701256543834112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Barcelona will face Sevilla in the final set on April 21 and 22

Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla. Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate. This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash. ???? @FCBarcelona... Congratulations on getting to the #CopaDelRey Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don't bank on the same result as 2016 ???? See you very soon... pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 × FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating Valencia bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and opened his account for Barcelona. ???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer @Phil_Coutinho , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 9, 2018 × The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game. Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high. ???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the #CopaDelRey Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 ×

Sevilla FC warns FC Barcelona ahead of Copa Del Rey final

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