Digest

BASKETBALL

Harden joins Houston training as rumors fly

James Harden is back in Houston after missing the start of Rockets training camp and went through the NBA's COVID-19 testing protocols on Tuesday.

Coach Stephen Silas said after Houston's practice that the disgruntled superstar had arrived in the city and was getting tested but didn't have much information beyond that.

"That's pretty much all I know right now," Silas said. "It's kind of some moving parts to it, I assume. But him getting tested in Houston is good for everybody."

Harden reportedly spent the past week in Atlanta and Las Vegas celebrating the 26th birthday of his friend and rapper Lil Baby. Regardless, his absence fueled speculation of his discontent in Houston.

Having been linked with Brooklyn, reports now suggest Harden wants a trade to Philadelphia.

Masks mandatory for coaches, NBA rules

For NBA coaches, masks are required this season. Jackets are not.

Rules for coaching attire will be relaxed by the league this year, though not as much as was the case during play at the bubble at Walt Disney World this past summer. Suit jackets or sport coats will not be required－but coaches won't be able to wear the short-sleeved shirts that most donned for games in the bubble, either.

The new league mandate, as detailed in a memo sent to coaches and obtained by Associated Press, requires "business attire... dress shirts, pants, socks, and shoes".There's no mention of ties, which some coaches have often gone without in recent years.

The biggest change, though, is the masks, a decision made with safety in mind as the coronavirus pandemic rages on and NBA teams prepare to play in arenas again for the first time since last season was suspended on March 11 when Utah center Rudy Gobert tested positive.

TENNIS

Aussie champ Kenin voted player of year

Sofia Kenin collected the WTA Player of the Year award on Tuesday after winning the Australian Open in January for her first Grand Slam title and finishing as the runner-up at the French Open in October.

The 22-year-old from Florida went 16-2 at the three major tournaments played in 2020－Wimbledon was canceled for the first time since World War II because of the coronavirus pandemic－and ended the abbreviated season with a career-best ranking of No 4.

In other honors announced Tuesday and based on voting by international media members, Victoria Azarenka was picked as Comeback Player of the Year, Iga Swiatek was named Most Improved Player, Nadia Podoroska was the Newcomer of the Year and Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos were the Doubles Team of the Year.

Swiatek's mentor, Piotr Sierzputowski, earned the Coach of the Year award.

SOCCER

Qatar joins European teams for qualifiers

Qatar will participate in 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers, joining Group A alongside Portugal, Serbia, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan.

As host nation, Qatar has already booked a berth at the 2022 finals, meaning the Asian champion's results in the qualifiers will not count toward the final standings.

In order to facilitate shorter travel times for its group opponents, Qatar will play its "home" fixtures on European soil.

"We are delighted that Qatar will participate in UEFA qualifying matches for the next FIFA World Cup, which our country is proud to be hosting," said Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, president of the Qatar Football Association.

"Playing matches in Group A against high-quality teams provides our national team with an excellent foundation as we continue our journey of preparation ahead of 2022," he added.

MLS down $1 billion because of pandemic

Major League Soccer lost nearly $1 billion in revenue in a pandemic-hit 2020 season, commissioner Don Garber said Tuesday, and it must make key decisions for 2021 without knowing when spectators might fill stadiums again.

Garber said the 26-team league is concerned about next year's prospects even with a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon in the US and Canada as it would be unable to handle another year like 2020.

"The losses have been dramatic. Clubs are going to have to manage their economics as diligently as possible," said Garber.

"We will make adjustments...that's the reality of managing a pro sports league in the middle of a pandemic."

MLS concludes its 25th campaign Saturday when the defending champion Seattle Sounders try to capture their third title in five seasons by beating the host Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final.

Xinhua - Agencies