Month: September 2019

The Belgium international signed a contract extension with the Reds, and his boss says any effects from his 2016 injury are in the past

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that Divock Origi is like a new signing after the 24-year-old forward signed a new long-term deal at Anfield. 

Origi had appeared to be on the outside looking in with the Reds early in the 2018-19 season, not even making the match-day squad until October, but he exploded in the latter stages of the campaign, bagging crucial goals as Liverpool swept to Champions League glory. 

The Belgium international scored twice in the semi-final second leg as the Merseyside club won 4-0 to overcome a 3-0 first leg deficit against Barcelona. 

He also scored the second goal in the 2-0 final win over Spurs, and those performances were instrumental in seeing Origi sign new terms. 

His head coach said it was clear from the striker’s performances in training that he had finally recovered from a serious injury he sustained in 2016, as a result of a poor tackle by Everton’s Ramiro Funes Mori. 

“Divock made the decisive step in the last couple of weeks of last season and he deserved it [the contract extension],” the German told the Liverpool Echo .

“Not only because he trained, it’s like [his injury problems] fell off him.

“Since he got that injury, it was just glimpses here and there. But then we were training and you saw it, Divock’s back. It is the Divock Origi the whole world wanted.”

Prior to the injury that threatened to derail his Anfield career Origi looked like becoming a star. He scored in both legs of the Europa League quarter-final against Dortmund that year, in what was, to that point, his standout performance.

His stock had fallen so far last year that he almost left to join Wolves, but said a gut feeling made him stay and fight for his place.

Klopp said that he’s now back to where he was after the Dortmund game: an attractive player to a host of top clubs, with his coach happy he chose Liverpool.

“If you could have asked at that moment the clubs around after the Dortmund away game ‘Divock Origi, do you want him?’ there would have been lots of clubs,” the former Dortmund coach continued

“That’s the situation now. Now we have to help him. He looks completely fine, has signed the new contract, all good. A new signing!”

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GUANGZHOU – Serbia, Spain, Poland and Argentina remained unbeaten and reached the last eight of the 2019 FIBA World Cup after games on Friday.

Serbia, regarded as one of the trophy contenders, smashed Puerto Rico 90-47, while Spain edged Italy 67-60 in Group J. The two winners all got four victories so far in the tournament.

Serbia and Spain will clash on Sunday to decide the winner of their group and their rivals in the quarterfinals.

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From group I, Poland, who played on FIBA World Championships or FIBA World Cup for the first time in 52 years, clawed back from an 11-point deficit to defeat European powerhouse Russia 79-74 and Argentina crushed Venezuela 87-67 as both reached last eight.

In the classification round, Guo Ailun’s five points in last two minutes helped China beat South Korea 77-73, and Nigeria trounced Cote d’Ivoire 83-66, both winners getting two victories after four games and keeping alive their hopes of qualifying directly for the Tokyo Olympics.

In Group N, Tunisia, who had five players score in double figures, led from start to finish as the winner over the Philippines 86-67 and top the group rankings on six points, while Iran beat Angola 71-62 for its first victory and will battle for the Asian Olympic ticket.

Performer O’Briain’s guide to space translated for new audience

Internationally popular stand-up comedian Dara O’Briain is hoping to find a new audience in China after one of his science books written for children was translated.

The 47-year-old Irishman, a household name in his homeland and the United Kingdom because of his frequent live performances and television appearances, is a huge science enthusiast, having studied mathematics and theoretical physics at University College Dublin before becoming a children’s television presenter and comedy performer.

“The first I knew about this was when the published book was put in my hand, which was a wonderful surprise,” he told China Daily.”This translation is the cherry on the cake of what was already a hugely enjoyable project. There have been a few changes – my face has gone from the cover, replaced by a reflective visor, and they’ve changed the title. It was Beyond the Sky: You and the Universe but it’s now Fly into Space? Are You Crazy, There’s Nothing There, which is a joke from one of the first pages. I’d love to have a shelf of my book in different languages, so one in an entirely different alphabet is very exciting.”

O’Briain is famed for his fast-talking style and is an in-demand performer around the world, with live performances in places as far apart as New Zealand and Russia scheduled for this year.

He has also performed in Hong Kong, Beijing, and, unforgettably, Shanghai.

“That audience was very mixed but there were about 10 locals in the front row who had obviously been told to come and see me because they were learning English,” he said. “After about five minutes of listening to my accent and how fast I talk, they left because they couldn’t understand a word!”

O’Briain says he has been delighted by the reaction to his books in the UK and Ireland, and is keen to see how they go down in China.

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“Comedy can be quite a cynical industry, but when I have people sending me photos of their children falling asleep with the book on their chest, or even in one case, a boy who went to school for World Book Day actually dressed up as the book itself – that’s so sweet, that kind of feedback is wonderful.

“I must have read science books when I was a child, but I can’t honestly remember which ones, only those from when I was a bit older, like A Brief History of Time, which were genuinely life-changing and made me want to study the subject. There certainly weren’t any funny ones like mine.”

In addition to his profile as a comedian, O’Briain is also a regular co-presenter of science programs on television, including Robot Wars, the series that inspired the popular Chinese show Battle Bots.

“I like the science presentation but I’m aware of the gulf in knowledge between me and the real experts on the shows,” he said. “It’s nice to exercise a different part of my brain but creating a comedy routine is what really makes me feel good.”

One of the biggest thrills of O’Briain’s career was to spend time with hero, Stephen Hawking, in 2014, for a documentary made by the BBC around the release of his biographical film, The Theory of Everything.

“When I first met him, I was so nervous I would talk for ages, not realizing that I needed to stop and give him time to compose his answer,” O’Briain explained. “I felt awful when I saw how clumsy I looked, but a motor neurone disease charity said they were really glad we left that bit in the film, because that’s exactly how everyone behaves at first. Working with him was a wonderful experience. He was a lovely man.”

TEHRAN – In a fresh move to reduce commitments to the 2015 landmark nuclear deal, Iran started up advanced centrifuges on Saturday to boost the country’s stockpile of enriched uranium, state TV reported.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) activated 20 IR-4 centrifuges and 20 IR-6 centrifuges, the AEOI spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi was quoted as saying.

“We have started lifting limitations on our research and development (R&D) program imposed by the deal … It will include development of more rapid and advanced centrifuges,” said Kamalvandi.

Iran’s new move to drop limitations on its R&D will facilitate the enrichment of uranium up to a level of 1,000,000 separative work units (SWUs), he said.

SWU is the standard measure of the effort required to separate isotopes of uranium during an enrichment process. One SWU is equivalent to one kg of separative work.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed about Iran’s new nuclear steps, Kamalvandi said, adding that the IAEA will continue to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.

On Thursday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that the Islamic Republic will expand its nuclear research and development to set aside the restrictions imposed on the country’s research and development activities in the nuclear deal.

Despite progress in the negotiations between Iran and the European parties to the nuclear deal, “final agreement has not been reached so far” pertaining to Iran’s interests under the deal, Rouhani said.

Iran has already broken away with the restrictions, set by the nuclear accord, on the stockpile of its low-grade enriched uranium and its concentration in May in a reaction to the US exit from the international deal last year.

Kamalvandi said on Saturday that the cuts of commitments are reversible if other parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action fulfill their obligations.

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NEW YORK – Three-time champion Rafael Nadal of Spain set a blockbuster US Open men’s singles final against fifth seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia after both players defeated respective opponents in the semifinals on Friday.

Nadal battled past first-time major semifinalist Matteo Berrettini of Italy 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-1 while Medvedev edged past Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-3 to make his first Grand Slam final.

Berrettini denied Nadal on six break points in the first set, jumped ahead 4-0 in the tiebreak and had two set points at 6-4. But the Italian made several unforced errors before Nadal seized the momentum to take the first set. After that, Nadal never looked back.

“The first set was a little frustrating because I had a lot of break points before the tiebreak and he didn’t have any. In the tiebreak I was a little lucky. I finally got the break in the second and then the match completely changed,” Nadal said. “I started to play with more calm and be more aggressive. I’m super happy to be back in the final of the US Open.”

Nadal, who is into his 27th major final, defeated Medvedev in the final to triumph at the Rogers Cup last month, and then the Russian bounced back to lift the trophy at the Cincinnati Masters.

Looking ahead to meeting Medvedev, Nadal said: “He’s making steps forward every single week. He’s having an amazing summer, winning Cincinnati and making the final in Montreal and Washington and now the final here. He’s been playing the best tennis on tour this summer so he will be the toughest opponent in the final. I need to be playing at my best. But in a Grand Slam final you can’t expect an easy opponent.”

In the other semifinal, Medvedev also had a tough battle in the first set before taking control in the rest of the match.

“It’s really tough mentally. That’s what I’ve been missing before. Before, my best Slam result was fourth round. I felt like it’s just so tough to win a five-set match. I knew I was going the right way, I just had to fight for every set, for every point. Didn’t work out before,” Medvedev said.

“But here, this week, everything has worked out. I won a lot of four-set matches, which shows how great mentally I was here, and physically as well,” he added.

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The forward scored and provided an assist with his country, and his international boss hailed his “real relationship” with the winger

Brazil coach Tite admitted Neymar’s performance in the 2-2 draw with Colombia surprised him as he revealed he has a “relationship of truth and loyalty” with the unsettled forward.

After a move from Paris Saint-Germain to Barcelona failed to materialise in the transfer window, fit-again Neymar played for the first time in three months in Brazil’s friendly at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.

He made an impact 19 minutes into the game when his corner teed up Casemiro to give Brazil the lead and, though Colombia turned the game on its head with two goals in nine first-half minutes, Neymar side-footed an equaliser into the net after the break.

Tite said he considered substituting the 27-year-old but instead allowed him to play the full 90 minutes, having been impressed with Neymar’s display.

“I said, ‘I’ll take him off’ for the sake of physical preservation,” Tite told reporters after the game.

“But I saw that his physical responses were strong, intense, and coordinated. I could see him growing.

“As the end of the game approached, he produced more and more. He keeps his technique light and creates space. He was above my expectation.”

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PSG coach Thomas Tuchel has yet to include Neymar in any of his four matchday squads in Ligue 1 this season, but Tite gave a glowing assessment of the forward’s condition.

“We talked yesterday about monitoring the performance of Neymar from 45 minutes,” he said. “A player starts thinking and cannot perform [when fatigued]. But he was thinking and performing. It surprised me.”

After scoring Brazil’s second goal, Neymar wrapped his arms around the Brazil coach, who said the pair enjoy a strong working relationship at a time when the forward’s career is in a tumultuous phase.

“It is a reaction of true loyalty,” said Tite. “We have a relationship of truth and loyalty. We say what we think is right, what is wrong.

“It is a transparent relationship. I don’t analyse other facts, other situations. But I can say that we have a real relationship.”

Tottenham and West Ham fans were the targets of ugly chants from a section of the Blues’ travelling support at Reading on Sunday

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says he doesn’t want to hear offensive songs sung by the club’s fan base after their pre-season friendly with Reading was marred by derogatory chants from the stands.

London rivals West Ham and Tottenham were targeted by a section of the traveling Blues support at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

One song in particular, which celebrates Lampard’s 200th goal for Chelsea against West Ham at Stamford Bridge back in 2013, describes the Hammers as ‘pikeys’ – a derogatory term used as a slur against English Gypsies and travellers of Irish heritage.

In a similar vein, songs referring to Tottenham’s Jewish connections could also be heard in Berkshire.

Speaking after the game, which Chelsea won 4-3 thanks to goals from Ross Barkley, Kenedy and a double from Mason Mount, Lampard – himself a former West Ham player – said the club has worked hard over recent seasons to stamp out disparaging chants.

And while he was quick to praise the behaviour and backing of the majority of the away contingent, the 41-year-old former midfielder said he didn’t want to hear such songs.

“The support for the fans was incredible,” said the ex-England man. “I didn’t hear the song in question, and of course if there’s a song in the modern day or any day that has offensive words I don’t want to hear that. 

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“That’s me saying that as a big Chelsea man who really appreciates the support and had it over the years. 

“We don’t want songs with offensive words. If the fans could sing other songs then I’ll back that. 

“We don’t want to hear that. The club are very clear with the work we do off the pitch about anything that’s offensive or prejudiced and we’ve made a big mark on that in modern years. We don’t want that.”

It is not the first time sections of Chelsea’s support has been called into question regarding their choice of terrace chants.

As recently as April this year, a group of the club’s fans were condemned by anti-racism group Kick It Out after they allegedly sang a song that brandished Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah a “bomber.”

Salah – a former Chelsea player himself – is of the Muslim faith and was reportedly targeted before the Blues’ Europa League quarter-final first leg against Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic.

An apparent carjacking attempt left the two players shaken and their manager said they were better off spending time recovering with their families

Unai Emery revealed that Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac missed Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Lyon because their minds were “not 100 per cent there” following their involvement in an apparent carjacking attempt.

Footage of the incident showed Kolasinac confronting and scaring off two masked attackers who had approached a vehicle driven by Ozil just days before the clash with Lyon at the Emirates Stadium.

While the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette started in a strong Arsenal line-up on Sunday, Emery left Ozil and Kolasinac out of his squad.

Neither player was injured during the incident, but the Spanish manager thought time with their families was more valuable than playing in the game.

“Every player is very important in the team, but also each moment and some circumstances give us a decision between the players and us,” Emery told reporters.

“It’s not a good moment to play because their mind is not now 100 per cent.

“It’s a very personal circumstance and the most important thing now is that they can feel good, they can feel safe, they can feel with their family.”

The Metropolitan Police is investigating the incident in London, which both players referred to in social media posts to reassure fans.

Kolasinac posted a photo of himself with the caption, “Think we’re fine”, while Ozil said he and his family were “doing well again” as he thanked supporters for their well wishes. Ozil’s wife was in the car during the alleged attack.

After Aubameyang scored in the Emirates Cup loss to Lyon, Emery said Ozil and Kolasinac would be back in action soon.

He also said the decision to omit the pair came on the day of the game as both players reported in the morning, but were unready to play.

“They came this morning but I spoke to them and decided it was best to continue resting with their families and wait for a few days to hopefully come and start normally with the team,” he added.

“We are going to see each day. Tomorrow we are going to check again how they are. This morning they came here but weren’t ready to play the match.”

Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign on August 11 away to Newcastle.

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Shanghai Tang, the luxury fashion label where east meets west, has
appointed the founder’s daughter, Victoria Tang-Owen, as its new Creative
Director.

Founded 25 years ago by Sir David Tang, a London and Hong Kong-based
businessman, Ms Tang-Owens succeeds the role after Tang passed away in 2017.

Tang-Owens’ first task will be to develop the company’s lifestyle offerings
and reach a new audience, as she launches her first creatively helmed
spring summer 2019 campaign.

Shanghai Tang is owned by Italian entrepreneur Alessandro Bastagli, who
bought the business from luxury group Richemont in June 2017.

“It’s incredible to think that 25 years after my father founded Shanghai
Tang, I have the privilege of taking over as creative director of the
brand,” Ms. Tang-Owen said in a statement. “I am excited to refresh our
lifestyle offer, engage with our loyal customers and attract a new audience
with our unique take on Chinese luxury aesthetics.”

Photo credit: Shanghai Tang

The Polish frontman has been a revelation in Serie A and is eager to prove that he can match the efforts of the very best forwards in the business

AC Milan forward Krzysztof Piatek says Cristiano Ronaldo would be a dream strike partner, but he is determined to prove himself deserving of the No. 9 shirt at San Siro.

The prolific Poland international has been a revelation since arriving in Serie A as a stunning impact in 2018-19 saw him score 19 goals in 21 appearances for Genoa, before then recording 11 in as many appearances after securing a big-money move to Milan.

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His 30-goal haul is two more than five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo managed in his debut campaign at Juventus.

Piatek acknowledges he could not have wished for a better start to life in Italy and is eager to push on further from this point.

Quizzed by Gazzetta dello Sport on who he would like to play alongside, the 24-year-old said: “Who would be my dream strike partner? Cristiano Ronaldo and Andriy Shevchenko.

“When I arrived in Italy, who would have thought that I would have scored more than CR7. But I want to improve and become top scorer. I will do everything to succeed.”

Piatek has quickly become the main man at Milan and considers the No. 9 jersey he has inherited to be a blessing, rather than a curse.

He added: “Nine is an important number for a striker, all the best have it – [Robert] Lewandowski, [Luis] Suarez, [Karim] Benzema, [Harry] Kane.

“I am happy because the club believed in my qualities, they told me that I should have the shirt, while I said that I would have fought with all my strength to get it, and I did. 

“I don’t believe in superstition and this curse. For me, nine is normal, everything will be fine like with 19. It’s not scary to me.”

Piatek will be chasing down more goals in 2019-20 under the guidance of Marco Giampaolo.

Milan have made a change in the dugout after seeing Gennaro Gattuso walk away from a post that meant so much to him as a Rossoneri legend.

Piatek said of the managerial movement: “Giampaolo is a master of football.

“I like the 4-3-1-2 because it gives us many offensive solutions.

“In Italy I have already had four coaches, he is the fifth, but tactically he is certainly the best.

“Gattuso is a legend and also a bit crazy. He loves Milan with all his heart, he has taken on many responsibilities and came to the end tired and drained.”