Digest

BEACH GAMES

Pandemic blamed for second postponement

The Olympic Council of Asia announced on Wednesday that the 6th Asian Beach Games, due to be held in Sanya, Hainan province from April 2-10, 2021, have been postponed.

The OCA said in a statement that the decision was necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and consequent travel restrictions and health protocols around Asia.

New dates for the Games will be determined following consultation between stakeholders, according to the OCA.

The Games were originally scheduled to take place from Nov 28-Dec 6 this year, but were pushed back to April 2021 due to the pandemic.

"The OCA consulted all members of the Executive Board to seek their approval of the move to postpone, and it was met with unanimous agreement," said the statement.

"The OCA Executive Board decision was made after an in-depth discussion between the Olympic Council of Asia, the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Sanya Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee."

BASKETBALL

Hammon makes history after Popovich ejected

Becky Hammon became the first woman to direct an NBA team, taking over the San Antonio Spurs after coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in a 121-107 loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

Popovich was ejected by official Tony Brown with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter. Popovich screamed at Brown and entered the court following a non-call on DeMar DeRozan's attempted layup and a subsequent attempted rebound by Drew Eubanks.

Popovich was applauded as he exited the court by several of the team's family members that were in attendance at AT&T Center.

Hammon took over the team's huddles during timeouts and walked the sideline following Popovich's ejection. Hammon was the first full-time female assistant coach in league history.

Tim Duncan took over last season when Popovich was ejected against Portland on Nov 16, 2019. The Hall of Famer opted not to return as assistant this season.

A three-time All-American at Colorado State, Hammon played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA as well as overseas before retiring to join Popovich's staff in 2014.

MOTOR SPORTS

Hamilton knighted in Britain's honors list

Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in Britain's traditional New Year's honors list after equaling Michael Schumacher's record of seven Formula 1 world titles.

The list recognizes outstanding achievements in various fields including entertainment, sports and politics, as well as the contributions of everyday citizens.

There are many awards this year for those seeking solutions to the problems posed by COVID-19 as the pandemic drags on.

Hamilton surpassed Schumacher's record number of career race wins during a stellar season in 2020. He said his recent success was partly inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The 35-year-old took the knee on the grid and wore anti-racism slogans during the season.

A group of British lawmakers last month called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to recommend the driver for a knighthood.

Hamilton, who lives in Monaco, has faced scrutiny in the past over his tax arrangements but has insisted he pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain.

SOCCER

Salah misses cost Reds in Newcastle stalemate

Liverpool squandered the chance to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in the final English top-flight match of 2020 after being held to a goalless draw by Newcastle on Wednesday.

The 0-0 stalemate at St James' Park means the champion goes into the New Year with a three-point lead over Manchester United, having played a game more.

But it will rue its missed chances in a match in which it enjoyed nearly three-quarters of possession.

Mo Salah－top of the Premier League scoring charts with 13 goals－missed the target either side of halftime with just goalkeeper Karl Darlow to beat and strike partner Roberto Firmino saw two headers superbly saved.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp rued his side's profligacy in front of goal.

"You might not think I have to tip my hat to my team but I like the performance," the German told the BBC. "It was really good. Can we play better football? Yes, but in this game we did more than enough to win it."

Neymar agents deny link to big Brazil party

Representatives for soccer superstar Neymar are trying to distance him from claims he has flouted pandemic warnings with a huge, multi-day New Year's bash at or near his home in Brazil while on a break from Paris Saint-Germain.

Day Crespo, the main spokesperson for Neymar, said in a message Wednesday that the PSG forward isn't even at the exclusive neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro state where the party is taking place.

"Neymar Jr. will not throw any party this year, we are in a full-blown pandemic and he is with his friends and family members," she said. Earlier on Wednesday, Neymar published on his social media channels a picture of himself and a friend on a boat at a southern Brazilian beach, Praia do Caixa D'Aco.

Xinhua - Agencies