Digest

Equestrian

China searches for horseback heroes

China has begun a worldwide recruitment of horse owners, riders, trainers, veterinarians and commercial partners in an effort to boost the equestrian team's chances at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Individual, group and corporate owners have been invited to provide horses, while overseas Chinese riders who meet the International Olympic Committee's entry requirements will be considered for selection. Application forms can be obtained at equestrian.sport.org.cn.

"China has pinpointed team showjumping as a possible breakthrough event, and we'll strive to make history in Tokyo in 2020," said Zhang Xiaoning, chairman of Chinese Equestrian Association.

The recruitment process will end at the end of October, with the team to be finalized in early November.

Soccer

Ancelotti axed by Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich has sacked coach Carlo Ancelotti in the wake of its Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the club announced on Thursday.

"FC Bayern Munich has parted company with head coach Carlo Ancelotti as a result of internal discussions following the 3-0 defeat in the Champions League groupstage match at PSG," said a Bayern statement.

Former Bayern player Willy Sagnol, the ex-France international who was Ancelotti's assistant, has been named interim coach.

Sangol, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel and Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann are among the early favorites to succeed 58-year-old Italian Ancelotti.

Giroud milestone in Gunners victory

Olivier Giroud scored his 100th Arsenal goal as a youthful Gunners side beat BATE Borisov 4-2 in Belarus in the Europa League on Thursday.

Theo Walcott netted twice for the Londoners and 22-year-old defender Rob Holding was also on target as they eased to a second victory in as many matches in Group H.

In the same group, Cologne went down 1-0 to Red Star Belgrade, while, in Group E, Wayne Rooney scored one as Everton drew 2-2 at home to Apollon Limassol of Cyprus.

Aguero injured in road accident

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been injured in a road accident in the Netherlands, the club has revealed.

City said the incident happened on Thursday, a day off for Aguero.

The Argentine is due to return to Manchester on Friday and will be assessed by club doctors ahead of Saturday's big Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

City did not disclose the nature of Aguero's injuries.

China Daily - Agencies

(China Daily 09/30/2017 page23)