Digest

ANTI-DOPING

China criminalizes drug cheating in sports

China has formally criminalized doping following a vote by its top legislature on Saturday.

The historic move was enacted into law when the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress voted to add Amendment XI to Article 355.

It stipulates that anyone who lures, instigates or cheats athletes into using banned substances in either domestic or international competitions faces up to three years' imprisonment and a fine. Heavier punishments will be given to those organizing or forcing athletes into using banned substances, while knowingly offering banned substances to athletes is also a criminal offense.

The amendment, which will take effect on March 1, 2021, is the latest measure in China's anti-doping fight. In November 2019, the country's Supreme People's Court announced judicial interpretations on the application of criminal law in handling cases related to doping, which came into effect on Jan 1,2020. The State Council launched the Anti-Doping Regulation in 2004.

TENNIS

Federer pulls out of Australian Open

Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent told Associated Press.

Tony Godsick－Federer's longtime representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8－said Sunday he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who plans to get back on tour soon after the year's first major tennis tournament.

"Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open. He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness. However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open," Godsick said in a statement sent to AP.

"I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year," Godsick added.

The start of the Australian Open's main draw was delayed by three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and is now scheduled to begin on Feb 8 at Melbourne Park. In other news related to the tournament, Tennis Australia announced that five-time runner-up Andy Murray was given a wild-card entry.

SOCCER

Mourinho bemoans Spurs' lack of ambition

Jose Mourinho said Tottenham's lack of attacking intent was not inspired by him after dropping more points from a winning position in a 1-1 draw at Wolves on Sunday.

Spurs have now failed to win in four consecutive league games to heavily dent their hopes of a first league title in 60 years.

Mourinho's men edged up to fifth place, but remain six points adrift of leader Liverpool.

Tottenham has dropped eight points by conceding equalizers in the final 10 minutes this season after also blowing leads against Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace. They also conceded a 90th-minute goal to lose at Liverpool.

"We didn't have that ambition, that desire to go for more," said Mourinho. "One point against Wolves normally wouldn't be a bad result because they are a strong opponent, but scoring a goal in the first minute and having 89 minutes to score more goals, you feel frustrated.

"Defending deep, that's not the intention. They know what I asked them at halftime, if they couldn't do better it's because they couldn't do better."

Li Xiaopeng takes the reins at Wuhan Zall

Former Shandong Luneng boss and Team China star Li Xiaopeng was installed as head coach of Wuhan Zall on Sunday.

"Li will also act as the deputy executive manager of the club," said Wuhan chairman Tian Xudong.

Citing Li's successful career both as a player and a coach, Tian added: "I believe he can guide Zall in a more professional way."

Li told a media conference that he planned to familiarize himself with his new surrounds and fully assess his squad as soon as possible.

"In my opinion, Zall is a team of flexibility and speed, and I hope that I can help the club make the most of their advantages," Li said.

The 45-year-old was a key member of the only Chinese team to play at a World Cup finals, in 2002. He played his entire career with Luneng, helping it win one Chinese top-flight title, three CFA Cups, and one CFA Super Cup.

GOLF

Norman says virus pain 'on another level'

Australian great Greg Norman returned to hospital for further treatment after testing positive for COVID-19, saying on Instagram that the pain of the symptoms he experienced was on "another level".

The 65-year-old, a former world No 1 who won the 1986 and 1993 British Opens, had spent Friday in hospital but said on Instagram on Saturday that he had returned home and was quarantining in his guesthouse in Florida.

Norman said Sunday he returned to the hospital to receive antibody infusion treatment.

He urged his social-media followers to take the virus seriously, writing: "Muscle and joint pain on another level. Headaches that feel like a chisel going through your head ... Then my taste failed where beer tastes bad and wine the same. And finally at times struggling with memory of names and things. So please take care."

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

Jags clinch No 1 pick with Lawrence in sight

Jacksonville's franchise-worst 14th consecutive loss combined with the New York Jets' win on Sunday allowed the Jaguars to clinch the No 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

That also could be termed as winning the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes with the star Clemson quarterback viewed as the clear No 1 pick and labeled by many pundits as a generational talent.

It will mark the first time Jacksonville has owned the No 1 pick in the draft since entering the NFL in 1995.

The Jaguars (1-14) were routed 41-17 by the Chicago Bears on Sunday while the Jets (2-13) posted their second straight upset－a 23-16 triumph over the Cleveland Browns.

Jacksonville has started three different quarterbacks this season－Gardner Minshew (1-7), Jake Luton (0-3) and lately Mike Glennon (0-4)－while missing the playoffs for the 12th time in 13 seasons.

Xinhua - Agencies