Chelsea extends coach Tuchel’s contract to 2024
LONDON: Chelsea rewarded Thomas Tuchel for winning the Champions League in his first five months in charge with a new contract to 2024 on Friday. The German joined in January with the Blues languishing in ninth in the Premier League. But Chelsea were revitalised by Tuchel’s arrival, climbing the table to finish fourth before winning European club football’s biggest prize against Manchester City in Porto last weekend. “I cannot imagine a better occasion for a contract renewal. I am grateful for the experience and very happy to stay part of the Chelsea family,” Tuchel said in a club statement.
Pakistan Super League to resume on June 9
ABU DHABI: The remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be played here from June 9 to 24, following which the Pakistani team will leave for England for the white-ball series on June 25, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said. On June 9, fourth-placed Lahore Qalandars will meet third-placed Islamabad United, the 15th match of the tournament. The Qualifier and Eliminator 1 will be played on June 21 while the Eliminator 2 will played on June 22. The final will be played on June 24, a day before the Pakistan team departs for England. Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20 Internationals against England from July 8 to July 20.
Ex-India hockey player Usman Khan passes away
NEW DELHI: Former India hockey player Usman Khan has passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer, Hockey India announced on Friday. The stylish left-winger was 76. Khan is survived by three sons and a daughter, and was based in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh. “He is remembered for his excellent abilities as a left-winger and was a very stylish player in those times. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend our deepest condolences to his family in this moment of grief,” said president Gyanendro Ningombam.
Tech Mahindra, FIDE launch Global Chess League
NEW DELHI: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Friday announced a new partnership with digital transformation provider Tech Mahindra to create a Global Chess League under the mentorship of five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. First proposed by Tech Mahindra earlier this year with the support of FIDE, the Global Chess League will be provided with an accredited and exclusive status, as the only world league officially recognised by the governing body of the sport of chess, the company said in a statement. The project will count on Anand as mentor and partner, who will not only advise but also help shape the league.
Perez fastest in practice for Azerbaijan GP
AZERBAIJAN: Red Bull dominated both practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday with Sergio Perez setting the fastest time of the day and title rival Mercedes far off the pace. Perez set a time of 1 minute, 42.115 seconds in the second practice to lead teammate Max Verstappen by .101 after the Dutch driver had been fastest in the first session. In Saturday qualifying, Verstappen will aim for his first pole position since the season opener in Bahrain in March.