The China Mail - Sports (English)

Williamson relishing 'special' India semi-final

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said his side's experience of playing in front of partisan crowds would serve them well when they face hosts India in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final.

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Edgbaston tie and Gibbs epic: Five memorable Australia-South Africa ODI clashes

Five-time winners Australia and South Africa clash in the second semi-final of the Cricket World Cup in Kolkata on Thursday.

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Australia's Head says Coetzee hit a 'blessing in disguise'

Australia opener Travis Head made a late entry into the World Cup after recovering from a fractured hand but on Tuesday said the injury was a "blessing in disguise".

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South Africa hope for fifth time lucky in Australia showdown

South Africa insist they will not be burdened by scarring from their chequered record in Cricket World Cup knockout matches when they clash with Australia on Thursday for a spot in the final.

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Egypt captain Salah leads African stars into World Cup qualifying

Prolific Liverpool scorer and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will be among the stars in action this week when 2026 World Cup qualifying in Africa kicks off with two matchdays.

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Warning for Japan as Asian heavyweights begin World Cup qualifying

Japan, Australia and Jurgen Klinsmann's South Korea will launch their qualifying campaigns on Thursday for the 2026 World Cup, with Palestine also among the 36 teams in action in Asia.

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Hayes eyes elusive Champions League before Chelsea departure

Emma Hayes has vowed the leave her role as Chelsea women's boss "at the top" and is ready for one last crack at the only major trophy to elude her - the Champions League.

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Italy, Netherlands, Wales aim to secure Euro 2024 qualification

Reigning champions Italy are preparing for a decisive qualifier with Ukraine for a place at Euro 2024, while former winners the Netherlands and 2016 semi-finalists Wales are also aiming to book their tickets to the finals in Germany.

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Australia aims to follow USA in 'building' FIFA's Club World Cup

Australia's football chief James Johnson believes his country can help FIFA turn their new Club World Cup into a global success as he seeks get in the driving seat for the bidding process.

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Zverev overpowers Alcaraz, Medvedev prevails in ATP Finals Russian derby

Alexander Zverev battled back from a set down to beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4 at the ATP Finals on Monday as Daniil Medvedev won a Russian derby against Andrey Rublev in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

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Man Utd, Denmark suffer Hojlund, Eriksen injury blow

Manchester United could be without Rasmus Hojlund for a critical Champions League trip to Galatasaray, while Christian Eriksen will be sidelined for a month in the latest injury blow to the Red Devils.

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Suarez returns to Uruguay squad for Argentina clash

Uruguay's record goalscorer Luis Suarez on Monday received his first call-up under new coach Marcelo Bielsa who named the 36-year-old in his squad to face Argentina this week in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

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Zverev overpowers Alcaraz in ATP Finals opener

Alexander Zverev got off to a winning start in his ATP Finals campaign on Monday by battling back from a set down to beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4.

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Zverev battles past Alcaraz in ATP Finals opener

Alexander Zverev got off to a winning start in his ATP Finals campaign on Monday by battling back from a set down to beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4.

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New Zealand's Ferguson says 'we all start from zero' in India semi-final

Lockie Ferguson insisted New Zealand's rocky road to a World Cup semi-final against in-form India in Mumbai on Wednesday was of no concern as "we all start from zero again".

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Thousands line Manchester streets to bid final farewell to Bobby Charlton

Thousands of people lined the streets of Manchester on Monday to pay their final respects to Manchester United and England great Bobby Charlton, who died last month at the age of 86.

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African players in Europe: 'Exceptional' Salah reaches 200 goals

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah reached 200 goals in English football with a double in second-placed Liverpool's 3-0 win against Brentford at the weekend.

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Chelsea's Palmer wins England call-up for Euro 2024 qualifiers

Cole Palmer has been rewarded for his Chelsea form this season with a late call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the team's final two Euro 2024 qualifiers.

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Australia 'peaking at right time' at World Cup, says Starc

Mitchell Starc on Monday said Australia have lived up to their reputation of "peaking at the right time" after overcoming a shaky start to win seven straight World Cup matches.

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Maguire says patience rewarded after reclaiming Man Utd place

Harry Maguire says he feels vindicated over his decision to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United after forcing his way back into Erik ten Hag's team.

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India wary of World Cup's 'glorious uncertainties'

India are the overwhelming favourites to lift a third World Cup but a star of the country's 1983 breakthrough triumph has warned of the threats posed by cricket's "glorious uncertainties".

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India set for New Zealand clash at 'pointy end' of World Cup

India may be the outstanding team at the World Cup but coach Rahul Dravid has warned Wednesday's semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai represents the "pointy end in a tournament".

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Cricket World Cup win would be riches aplenty for Rohit's boyhood coach

Rohit Sharma's boyhood cricket coach says he will be the "richest person in the world" if the India captain lifts the World Cup -- despite never charging for a training session.

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Rockets shoot down Jokic's Nuggets, Maxey's 50 points fuel 76ers

The resurgent Houston Rockets powered to a sixth straight NBA victory on Sunday, withstanding a 36-point triple-double from Denver's Nikola Jokic in a 107-104 win over the Nuggets.

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Cricket World Cup: Ten first round highlights

After almost six weeks of huge totals, shock wins, heartbreaking losses, records and controversies, the group stage of the Cricket World Cup ended on Sunday.

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Barca start Champions League defence hoping to refine perfection

Women's Champions League holders Barcelona kick off their trophy defence this week, aiming to become only the fourth team to win the competition in consecutive years

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Maxey scores 50 to propel 76ers to NBA victory over Indiana

Tyrese Maxey scored a career-high 50 points to lead a Philadelphia 76ers team rattled by the road accident involving forward Kelly Oubre to a convincing 137-126 NBA victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

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Columbus crush Atlanta to set up Eastern semi with Orlando

The Columbus Crew marched into the Eastern Conference semi-finals in Major League Soccer after an impressive 4-2 win over Atlanta United in Sunday's first round, game three.

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49ers end NFL skid with big win at Jacksonville, Cowboys humble Giants

The San Francisco 49ers ended their three game losing run with an emphatic 34-3 NFL win at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday while the Dallas Cowboys crushed NFC East rivals the New York Giants 49-17.

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Djokovic top of the world after sinking Rune at ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic will finish the year as world number one for a record-extending eighth time after beating Holger Rune 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (1/7), 6-3 in his opening match at the ATP Finals on Sunday.

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Oubre 'doing OK' after being struck by car, 76ers coach says

Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. was "resting fairly comfortably at home" Sunday after being struck by a car, coach Nick Nurse said.

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Ex-Wallabies coach Jones expects to be working again by January

Former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones expects to be working again by January, with several countries and a European club side interested in his services, he was cited as saying in Australian media on Monday.

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