Sports News – Federal News Network https://federalnewsnetwork.com Helping feds meet their mission. Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:34:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cropped-icon-512x512-1-60x60.png Sports News – Federal News Network https://federalnewsnetwork.com 32 32 Griner sends letter to President Biden pleading for his help https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/griner-sends-letter-to-president-biden-pleading-for-his-help/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/griner-sends-letter-to-president-biden-pleading-for-his-help/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:30:07 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4134692 Brittney Griner has made an appeal to President Joe Biden in a letter passed to the White House through her representatives saying she feared she might never return home and asking that he not “ forget about me and the other American Detainees.”

Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas said the letter was delivered on Monday. Most of the letter’s contents to President Biden remain private, though Griner’s representatives shared a few lines from the hand-written note.

″…As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote.

“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” the Phoenix Mercury center added. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”

The two-time Olympic gold medalist is in the midst of a trial in Russia that began last week after she was arrested on Feb. 17 on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for her Russian team. The trial will resume Thursday.

Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.

Griner’s wife, Cherelle, said Tuesday morning she has not had any direct communication with President Biden since the letter was delivered to the White House.

“I still have not heard from him and honestly, it’s very disheartening,” Cherelle Griner said on CBS Mornings.

The White House National Security Council confirmed the White House has received Griner’s letter.

“We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner,” NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on Monday. “President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively – using every available means – to bring her home.”

Cherelle Griner said for Brittney to reach out directly to Biden is an indication of just how afraid her wife is about what’s next.

“BG is probably the strongest person that I know. So she doesn’t say words like that lightly,” Cherelle said. “That means she truly is terrified that she may never see us again. And you know I share those same sentiments. … I’m sure she was like, ‘I’m gonna write him now because … my family has tried and to no avail. So I’m going do it myself.'”

Griner pleaded with Biden in the letter to use his powers to ensure her return.

“Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore,” Griner said “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”

Griner has been able to have sporadic communications with family, friends and WNBA players through an email account her agent set up. The emails are printed out and delivered in bunches to Griner by her lawyer after they are vetted by Russian officials. Once the lawyers get back to their office, they’ll scan any responses from Griner and pass them back to the U.S. to send along.

She was supposed to have a phone call with her wife on their anniversary but it failed because of an “unfortunate mistake,” Biden administration officials.

Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The State Department in May designated her as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

Griner isn’t the only American being wrongfully detained in Russia. Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director is serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction.

___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.”

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To see more stories on Griner: https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner

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Wimbledon’s all-white clothing bothers some, delights others https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wimbledons-all-white-clothing-bothers-some-delights-others/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wimbledons-all-white-clothing-bothers-some-delights-others/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:04:51 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135110 WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Before being interviewed on Centre Court about his return to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, Nick Kyrgios traded in his all-white grass-court shoes for a red-and-white pair of basketball sneakers, and swapped out his white hat for a red one.

Big deal? Not to Kyrgios. Not to many, probably. Still, sure seemed to be to a reporter who peppered him with questions about it afterward.

That’s because the All England Club has a rather strict policy about all-white attire while players are on match courts during the tournament — which is clearly a nod to the earliest days of tennis, and some athletes think might have been better suited to the 1880s than the 2020s.

“I mean, I always want to wear all black, obviously,” Kyrgios, a 27-year-old Australian who faces Cristian Garin of Chile on Wednesday, responded when asked about the dress code during a pre-tournament news conference he attended in a black hoodie and matching cap.

“It would be cool to allow, like, a black headband or black sweatband. I think it would look cool,” Kyrgios said. “Obviously Wimbledon doesn’t really care what looks cool.”

Neither Kyrgios, nor anyone else, expects a change to the rules anytime soon. And there certainly are those who appreciate it as part of what they consider the charm of the oldest Grand Slam event in tennis.

“For me, what I love about Wimbledon is the tradition and that is what makes it so special, and having the all-white attire is one of the small traditions that I really embrace. It looks crisp, especially against the grass court,” said Alison Riske-Amritraj, who reached the third round as the 28th seed. “You don’t have to do it at any other tournament during the year. It’s very professional. I would wear white for every match, everywhere, so I’m probably biased when it comes to that.”

The first of the All England Club’s 10-point list of clothing guidelines states: “Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround.” The second stipulation: “White does not include off white or cream.” There are more details, too, such as that a color trim “around the neckline and around the cuff of the sleeves is acceptable but must be no wider” than 1 centimeter (less than half an inch), that “Caps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks must be completely white except for” that same size allowance for trim, and this: “Shoes must be almost entirely white. Soles and laces must be completely white. Large manufacturers’ logos are not encouraged.”

That’s absolutely fine with some of the “competitors.”

Tommy Paul, who was seeded 30th and got to the fourth round, said that the Royal Palm Tennis Club in Pinehurst, Florida — where the head pro is Eric Hechtman, who has coached Serena Williams and Venus Williams — requires all white when he trains there.

“I don’t mind it at all. It’s kind of cool,” Paul said. “If I see guys doing it at home during practice, then I have no problem doing it for Wimbledon.”

One player in this year’s tournament said she always worries about getting her white outfit dirty while eating. Some say they were annoyed at needing to find new clothes to be able to play at Wimbledon. Others were excited about it.

“It’s very elegant. I really hope they keep this tradition forever, because it’s something different. You don’t always need to see colors on people’s clothes,” said Mihaela Buzarnescu, a Romanian who lost to French Open runner-up Coco Gauff last week. “Every year, I think, ‘Oh, white again. Let’s go!’”

Over the years, players have been chastised for violating the letter or spirit of the written rules.

In 2013, for example, none other than now-eight-time champion Roger Federer showed up with neon orange soles on his shoes for his first-round match, which he won — then was, um, reminded of Wimbledon’s rules by the club, so he switched to white soles before his second-round match, which he lost, his earliest Grand Slam exit in a decade.

In 2007, Tatiana Golovin played at Wimbledon with red underwear beneath her white dress, leading to this opening exchange at a news conference:

Reporter: “Can I ask you about your knickers?”

Golovin: “Excuse me?”

“Could it be maybe a little bit more up to date? Of course. We are in 2022,” said Jessica Pegula, who was seeded No. 8 this year and made it to the fourth round at the All England Club for the first time. “Then again, it’s two weeks out of the calendar where you have to do it. It’s part of what makes Wimbledon, Wimbledon.”

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More AP Wimbledon coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/wimbledon and https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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PSG hires Galtier as new coach after sacking Pochettino https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/psg-hires-galtier-as-new-coach-after-sacking-pochettino/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/psg-hires-galtier-as-new-coach-after-sacking-pochettino/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:02:44 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135050 PARIS (AP) — Christophe Galtier became Paris Saint-Germain’s seventh coach in 11 years of Qatari-backed ownership after Mauricio Pochettino was fired on Tuesday.

PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi presented Galtier to media at a news conference and said, “We have a new era to start, a new atmosphere, new objectives.”

Galtier said he felt “emotional” and “proud” to take charge on a two-year contract.

“We have to work in the right way to make people happy,” Galtier said. “I am prepared. If I accepted this job and this responsibility, it’s because I’m capable of it.”

Galtier stated there will be no favors for star players long perceived as overly indulged at PSG.

“Commitment, respect, and the team above all. If, unfortunately, players step away from that then they will be left out,” Galtier said. “Not one player will be above what a squad should be. I am a very demanding coach.”

Galtier urged for a smaller squad but wants the injury-prone Neymar in it. PSG also boasts Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

“You have to find a balance in the side, but I have a very precise idea about what I’m expecting from Neymar. Of course I want him to stay. It’s better to have world-class players with you.”

Long seen as too close to star players, al-Khelaifi also demanded an improved mentality.

“No one is above the club,” he said. “If a player doesn’t want to respect the rules in place then he has no place here.”

Al-Khelaifi said former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was not approached.

“We never spoke to Zidane,” he said. “Christophe was our No. 1 option from the beginning.”

Pochettino had one year left on his contract. He followed Thomas Tuchel, Unai Emery and Laurent Blanc in being fired by PSG since 2016.

Pochettino won the French league but ultimately paid the price for the club’s humiliating exit from the Champions League to Real Madrid in the round of 16. PSG led 2-0 on aggregate and conceded three goals inside 20 minutes.

Galtier led Lille to the French title in 2021 and joined Nice last season, finishing fifth but knocking PSG out of the French Cup. Nice drew with and beat PSG in the league last season. Nice did not concede a goal and Galtier’s astute tactical sense stood out.

When he guided Lille to the 2021 title, his side drew at home with PSG and won away, again without conceding a goal. Galtier figured out how to shut out PSG’s attacking armada of Mbappe, Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Messi.

The 55-year-old Galtier played for Marseille, where he was born, during two spells as a journeyman defender. His career ended in 1998 amid the obscurity of Italian club Monza.

He improved Saint-Etienne’s fortunes when he coached there, winning the League Cup in 2013 — the year he was voted the French league’s best coach along with PSG’s Carlo Ancelotti.

Since cash-rich Qatari investors QSI took over in June 2011, Ancelotti is the only coach not to be fired, leaving for Real Madrid in 2013. But Ancelotti was hired only after Antoine Kombouare was astonishingly axed in December 2011 when PSG was three points clear at the top.

POCHETTINO’S MIXED RECORD

Former PSG defender Pochettino took charge in January 2021, after Tuchel was fired.

After reaching the semifinals of the Champions League in 2021, PSG lost the French league to Galtier’s Lille. Oddly, perhaps, Pochettino’s contract was extended by one year to 2023.

Even though PSG reclaimed the French title last season there were alarmingly poor performances along the way, and Mbappe’s outstanding form papered over glaring cracks. These weaknesses were ruthlessly exposed by Madrid in the Champions League.

PSG’s lack of composure under pressure has been a familiar flaw, and Pochettino did not fix it.

In 2017, PSG was beaten 6-1 by Barcelona after winning 4-0 at home, and two years later injury-hit Manchester United won 3-1 in Paris in injury time.

HIRE AND FIRE

Like Pochettino, Blanc signed a new contract before he was shown the door, exposing PSG’s impatience and an apparent indifference to massive compensation packages.

Pochettino and his staff reportedly received around 10 million euros ($10.6 million).

The negotiations with Pochettino dragged on but it had been expected for weeks that he would be replaced.

The collapse against Madrid prompted PSG’s first introspective overhaul under QSI’s stewardship. Sporting director Leonardo made way for renowned talent scout Luis Campos, and several former standout PSG players will act as consultants.

Galtier worked with Campos when they were at Lille from 2017-20 and said he played a role in bringing him to a club that is finally trying to shed its glossy image. PSG’s curated slogan of “Dream Bigger” and brazen boasts of future glory were at alarming odds with repeated Champions League failures.

“We must stop saying ,‘We’re going to win this and we’re going to win that,’” al-Khelaifi previously told Le Parisien newspaper.

So living in the future is finally over?

“Dreaming is one thing, reality is another. Perhaps we should change our slogan ‘Dream Bigger,’” al-Khelaifi said. “We must ask ourselves how to improve.”

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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Activists protest over Spain’s San Fermin bull-run festival https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/activists-protest-over-spains-san-fermin-bull-run-festival/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/activists-protest-over-spains-san-fermin-bull-run-festival/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 12:46:48 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135077 PAMPLONA, Spain (AP) — Dozens of animal rights activists dressed as dinosaurs were chased by fellow activists through the streets of the Spanish city of Pamplona on Tuesday to protest alleged animal cruelty in the world famous San Fermin Running of the Bulls festival.

In the protest Tuesday, the dinosaurs were supposed to represent bulls and the mob behind the San Fermín revelers. The activists carried placards reading, “Bullfighting is Prehistoric.” They said the point was to show runs could be lighthearted and held without any cruelty to animals.

It was the 18th annual protest led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and the Spanish NGO AnimalNaturalis. The protests are normally held a day before the festival gets underway with the traditional “chupinazo” firework blast at midday in Pamplona’s town hall square. The runs begin Thursday.

“Bullfighting is the long ritualized execution of bulls and many tourists who come to the bull-runs don’t actually realize that the same bulls they’re running down a couple of streets with are later killed in the bullring that day,” said Chelsea Monroe, PETA senior digital campaign officer.

“They’re stabbed over and over again for 20 minutes until they’re dead,” said Monroe. “We want the tourists to know that their money is supporting this really cruel industry.”

The protests do little to dampen enthusiasm for San Fermín, which normally sees Pamplona’s population of 200,000 balloon to some 1 milllion during peak days of the nine-day festival.

The festival was suspended for the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities fear crowd activities at the festival may lead to a major increase in infections this year as well.

The festival highlight is the early morning “encierro,” or run, which sees thousands of people running like mad to avoid six bulls as they charge along a winding, cobblestoned route to the city’s bullring.

The rest of each day is for eating, drinking, dancing, and cultural entertainment.

The six bulls are invariably killed in bullfights each afternoon during the festival

“The debate over the future of bullfighting in Spain has never been so alive and the authorities must take a clear stance,” said Jana Uritz of AnimalNaturalis in a statement. “We demand the necessary courage from them to say whether they favor animal torture or, on the contrary, are ready to prohibit such barbarities.”

Bullfighting is still immensely popular in Spain although the movement against it has gained much momentum in recent years. Bullfighting is banned only in the Canary Islands although it is not practiced much, or at all, in some other regions such as Catalonia and the Balearic Islands that include Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

The animal rights groups cite Culture Ministry figures, saying 90% of Spaniards did not attend any festival event involving bulls in 2014-2015, the last year the issue was surveyed.

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UK climate protesters glue themselves to Constable frame https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/uk-climate-protesters-glue-themselves-to-constable-frame/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/uk-climate-protesters-glue-themselves-to-constable-frame/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 11:27:13 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135045 LONDON (AP) — Two climate change protesters were arrested after they glued themselves to the frame of a famous John Constable painting hanging in Britain’s National Gallery, the central London museum and police said.

The two, from the protest group “Just Stop Oil,” stepped over a rope barrier on Monday and covered “The Hay Wain” with large sheets of paper depicting “an apocalyptic vision of the future” of the landscape. They then each placed a hand on the frame of the oil painting and protested as security staff ushered out tourists and a group of schoolchildren.

“The painting was removed from the wall to be examined by our conservation team,” the National Gallery said afterward. “’The Hay Wain’ suffered minor damage to its frame and there was also some disruption to the surface of the varnish on the painting — both of which have now been successfully dealt with.”

The National Gallery said the painting was rehung Tuesday.

“Just Stop Oil,” which wants the government to stop giving out licenses for new oil and gas projects, said their version of Constable’s 1821 painting of a rural landscape shows “how oil will destroy our countryside.” Their picture shows pollution on the horizon and an old car dumped in front of the mill in the painting.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to a protest inside the National Gallery Monday afternoon. It said two people were arrested.

The protest came after “Just Stop Oil” activists targeted other art galleries in the U.K. last week and disrupted the British Grand Prix race on Sunday by sitting down on the track during a halt in the Formula One race.

Police said six people were charged with conspiracy to cause public nuisance at the race.

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WTA Grand Est Open 88 Results https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wta-grand-est-open-88-results-2/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wta-grand-est-open-88-results-2/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:42:48 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135052 Tuesday

At Tennis Club de Contrexeville

Contrexeville, France

Purse: €115,000

Surface: Red clay

CONTREXEVILLE, FRANCE (AP) _ Results Tuesday from Grand Est Open 88 at Tennis Club de Contrexeville (seedings in parentheses):

Women’s Singles

Round of 32

Arantxa Rus (5), Netherlands, def. Julie Gervais, France, 6-0, 6-3.

Cristina Bucsa, Spain, def. Maria Carle, Argentina, 6-2, 6-3.

Olga Danilovic, Serbia, def. Varvara Gracheva (2), Russia, 6-4, 6-2.

Sara Errani, Italy, def. Oksana Selekhmeteva, Russia, 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Alexandra Cadantu-Ignatik, Romania, def. Margaux Rouvroy, France, 6-4, 6-1.

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WTA Nordea Open Results https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wta-nordea-open-results-8/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wta-nordea-open-results-8/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:05:22 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135055 Tuesday

At Bastad Tennis Stadium

Bastad, Sweden

Purse: €115,000

Surface: Red clay

BASTAD, SWEDEN (AP) _ Results Tuesday from Nordea Open at Bastad Tennis Stadium (seedings in parentheses):

Women’s Singles

Round of 32

Leolia Jeanjean, France, def. Varvara Flink, Russia, 6-2, 6-3.

Mihaela Buzarnescu, Romania, def. Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Italy, 6-4, 6-2.

Panna Udvardy (5), Hungary, def. Valentini Grammatikopoulou, Greece, 6-2, 7-5.

Caijsa Wilda Hennemann, Sweden, def. Renata Zarazua, Mexico, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1.

Yuan Yue, China, def. Olivia Tjandramulia, Australia, 6-3, 6-1.

Katarina Zavatska, Ukraine, def. Francesca Di Lorenzo, United States, 6-4, 6-2.

Mirjam Bjorklund, Sweden, def. Misaki Doi (7), Japan, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Women’s Doubles

Round of 16

Aldila Sutjiadi, Indonesia, and Miyu Kato (1), Japan, def. Jang Su Jeong, South Korea, and Lu Jia-Jing, China, 4-6, 6-4, 10-4.

Angelina Gabueva and Anastasia Zakharova, Russia, def. Leolia Jeanjean and Clara Burel, France, 6-3, 7-6 (2).

Mihaela Buzarnescu, Romania, and Irina Khromacheva, Russia, def. Renata Zarazua, Mexico, and Rebeka Masarova, Spain, 6-1, 6-1.

Caijsa Wilda Hennemann, Sweden, and Elina Avanesyan, Russia, def. Renata Voracova, Czech Republic, and Panna Udvardy (3), Hungary, 7-5, 6-3.

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Wimbledon Results https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wimbledon-results-21/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/wimbledon-results-21/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:00:43 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135029 Tuesday

At All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

London

Surface: Grass

LONDON (AP) _ Results Tuesday from the Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (seedings in parentheses):

Men’s Doubles

Third Round

Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin (12), France, def. Ivan Dodig, Croatia, and Austin Krajicek (8), United States, walkover.

Women’s Doubles

Quarterfinals

Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova (2), Czech Republic, def. Nicole Melichar-Martinez, United States, and Ellen Perez (10), Australia, 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2.

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Oil wrestlers seek glory in Turkey’s centuries-old contest https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/oil-wrestlers-seek-glory-in-turkeys-centuries-old-contest/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/oil-wrestlers-seek-glory-in-turkeys-centuries-old-contest/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 07:45:26 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135122 ISTANBUL (AP) — It took nearly an hour of grappling with his opponent under the blazing Turkish sun for Cengizhan Simsek to win the tournament and join a long list of previous victors.

A very long list — this was the 661st Kirkpinar oil wrestling championship, taking place in western Edirne province.

In the festival, which is on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, wrestlers cover themselves in olive oil, making it more difficult for opponents to grab each other. The winner is the wrestler who makes his opponent’s back touch the ground — or his “belly face the sky.”

With the cheers of thousands of spectators and the tunes of drums and zurna flutes ringing in his ears, the 26-year-old Simsek, from the Mediterranean province of Antalya, was presented the golden belt by Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu.

“God granted me this. I thank God. I put the belt around my neck and fulfilled my dream,” Simsek said.

This year, more than 2,475 pehlivans, or wrestlers, registered for the event, the highest number ever, according to official Anadolu news agency.

There were moments of joy, but also of tension. At one point, riot police were called in to secure the arena after wrestlers confronted judges under the scorching sun.

The festival reportedly started in the 1360s when legend says the second Ottoman sultan, Sultan Orhan, wanted to keep his soldiers fit and ready for battle. But oil wrestling has been practiced across the region for thousands of years.

The wrestlers are chosen among men who demonstrate moral character and must be invited by the Kirkpinar master. The invitation is delivered by sending a red-based candle to the nominated pehlivans at the beginning of March.

The wrestlers, wearing leather trousers called “kispet,” are covered in oil poured from a copper jug before the wrestling begins, and they engage in a highly ritualized procession to begin their bout. In the early stages of the tournament, dozens of wrestlers fight on a large grass arena.

The winner earns the title of “Baspehlivan,” or head wrestler. Simsek was crowned for the first time after defeating a clutch of established favorites.

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Morgan scores twice and US women down Haiti 3-0 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/morgan-scores-twice-and-us-women-down-haiti-3-0/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/morgan-scores-twice-and-us-women-down-haiti-3-0/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:56:38 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4134852 MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Alex Morgan scored a pair of first-half goals and the U.S. women’s national team defeated Haiti 3-0 on Monday night in the opening match of the CONCACAF W Championship.

The tournament determines the region’s four direct berths in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Midge Purce also scored for the United States, which has won the past two World Cups.

Morgan opened scoring for the U.S. in the 16th minute with a heel flick off a pass from Mallory Pugh that got past Haiti goalkeeper Lara Larco.

Morgan’s second goal came on a header in the 23rd minute.

Haiti was awarded a penalty in the 42nd but Roselord Borgella’s attempt hit the post and caromed away. Borgella was handed a red card in the 45th, but video review rescinded the call and she was given a yellow.

The United States appeared to score on an own goal in the 78th, but Megan Rapinoe was ruled offside. Purce scored her fourth international goal in the 84th.

U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski praised Morgan and said he was pleased with the result, although there’s things to work on before the Americans face Jamaica on Thursday.

“On the other side, we gave up a lot of opportunities, gave up a penalty kick. That’s something we’re going to have to do better and tie up a few things for the next game,” Andonovski said.

Eight teams are split into two groups for the W Championship. The top two finishers in each group earn World Cup berths. The third place finishers in each group advance to a 10-team intercontinental playoff, to be held in New Zealand in February.

The winner of the W Championship also earns a spot in the 2024 Olympics.

Haiti has never qualified for a World Cup or an Olympics.

In the group’s late match, Khadija Shaw scored in the eighth minute and Jamaica held on to defeat Mexico 1-0 in the late match.

Canada, Costa Rica, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago are in the other group.

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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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LEADING OFF: Scherzer returns for Mets, Taillon on a roll https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/leading-off-scherzer-returns-for-mets-taillon-on-a-roll-2/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/leading-off-scherzer-returns-for-mets-taillon-on-a-roll-2/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:40:15 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135093 A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

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MAX IS BACK

Mets ace Max Scherzer returns to a major league mound for the first time since May 18 when the NL East leaders play at Cincinnati.

The right-hander, who turns 38 in three weeks, hasn’t pitched for the Mets since he strained the oblique muscle in his left side while throwing a pitch to the Cardinals’ Albert Pujols.

Scherzer is 5-1 with a 2.54 ERA in his first season with the Mets, who signed the three-time Cy Young Award winner to a $130 million, three-year contract during the offseason. He made a pair of starts for Double-A Binghamton on June 21 and 29, allowing four earned runs and seven hits in eight innings with 14 strikeouts and two walks.

Left-hander Nick Lodolo (1-2, 5.52), who was 10 when Scherzer made his big league debut, starts for the Reds. Cincinnati is starting three rookies in a row against the Mets, with Lodolo following Hunter Greene and preceding Graham Ashcraft.

Scherzer could be joined in the Mets rotation by Jacob deGrom by late July or early August. The two-time Cy Young Award winner hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 7 last year.

DeGrom missed the second half of 2021 with right forearm tightness and a sprained elbow, then has been sidelined this season by a stress reaction in his right scapula that caused inflammation. In his first rehab outing, deGrom struck out five of six batters and threw 18 of 24 pitches for strikes for Class A St. Lucie.

JA-MO ON A ROLL

Jameson Taillon of the New York Yankees is 9-0 with a 3.30 ERA in 14 starts since a 3-0 loss to Toronto on April 11 in his first outing this season.

Taillon starts the series opener at Pittsburgh, the team that selected him with the second overall pick in the 2010 amateur draft.

The 30-year-old right-hander was 29-24 with a 3.67 ERA in four seasons with the Pirates, who traded him to the Yankees in January 2021 for four prospects: right-handers Roansy Contreras and Miguel Yajure, infielder Maikol Escotto and outfielder Canaan Smith.

Taillon will be facing Pittsburgh for the first time.

Left-hander José Quintana (1-4, 3.43) starts for the Pirates. He is 0-3 with a 3.91 in nine outings since beating the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 9.

SHARP SANDY

Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara looks to add to his dominant first half when he faces Mike Trout and the Angels in Miami.

Alcantara (8-3, 1.95 ERA) has pitched at least seven innings in each of his last 10 starts. He’s 6-1 in that span and has allowed just three home runs.

The 26-year-old Alcantara threw a season-high 117 pitches in his last outing, a complete-game win at St. Louis.

Trout is coming off a three-game series in which he went 0 for 11 and struck out nine times as the Angels got swept in Houston. The three-time AL MVP is hitless in his last 14 at-bats overall.

REMEMBER ME?

Zack Greinke returns to Minute Maid Park to start for Kansas City against Houston.

Greinke joined the Astros at the 2019 trade deadline and started Game 7 of the World Series that fall in Houston. The 38-year-old righty also pitched for the Astros in the World Series last season.

Greinke signed with the Royals in the offseason and is 2-4 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 starts. Luis Garcia (6-5, 3.54 ERA) starts for the AL West-leading Astros.

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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Arraez gets 3 hits as Twins beat White Sox 6-3 in 10 innings https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/arraez-gets-3-hits-as-twins-beat-white-sox-6-3-in-10-innings/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/arraez-gets-3-hits-as-twins-beat-white-sox-6-3-in-10-innings/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 04:29:13 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4134868 CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Arraez had three hits, including a tiebreaking RBI single in Minnesota’s four-run 10th inning, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3 on Monday night.

Arraez’s leadoff grounder against Joe Kelly (0-2) drove in pinch-runner Gilberto Celestino. Jorge Polanco added a sacrifice fly, and Alex Kirilloff made it 6-2 with a two-run single.

Kelly hurt himself with two consecutive walks ahead of Polanco’s fly ball to left. Manager Tony La Russa was thrown out by plate umpire David Rackley as the 10th fell apart for the White Sox.

“He’s a better umpire than today and in a close game like that, that’s a potential difference maker,” La Russa said. “But when you get beat, you get beat. You don’t blame the umpire. He made it tougher for us, but we still had a chance to win.”

Chicago also ran itself into a triple play with an embarrassing baserunning display in the seventh.

The AL Central contenders faced off hours after a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago, killing at least six people. The White Sox talked to Major League Baseball about postponing the game, but it went on as scheduled.

The postgame fireworks show was canceled, and a moment of silence was observed before the first pitch.

The division-leading Twins (46-37) won for the third time in four games. The White Sox (38-40), who played the first of 19 consecutive games against AL Central opponents, had won three in a row. They missed a chance to reach the .500 mark for the first time since June 21.

Emilio Pagán (3-3) got three outs for the win. Jhoan Duran allowed AJ Pollock’s RBI single in the 10th before closing it out, striking out Tim Anderson with runners on the corners on his final pitch.

Arraez hiked his major league-leading batting average to .348 and extended his hitting streak against the White Sox to 13 games. He is batting .429 (21 for 49) against the Sox since the streak started on June 5, 2021.

“I bet a lot of baseball people would pick Luis Arraez as the guy to come up with a guy on second and the game on the line,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said.

Chicago trailed 2-1 before Yoán Moncada singled home José Abreu in the seventh. With pinch-runner Adam Engel on second and Moncada on first, Pollock hit a deep drive to center that Buxton tracked down with an over-the-shoulder catch.

Engel and Moncada were running as Buxton brought in the ball. The Gold Glove-winning center fielder then threw quickly to third baseman Gio Urshela, who tagged Moncada between second and third and stepped on second to complete the Twins’ first triple play since June 6, 2021, at Kansas City.

“This was the weirdest one,” Urshela said.

“I had no idea what was going on,” Baldelli said. “I thought we got one out. And (Buxton) turned and fired it in. And as soon as he fired it in, I saw there was some commotion on the bases. I wasn’t even sure who was where and who was trying to get back and what base they started.”

Buxton also went deep, hitting a two-run homer against Johnny Cueto in the fifth. Buxton extended his hitting streak against the Sox to 10 games, during which he’s batting ,488 (19 for 37) with eight homers and 15 RBIs.

The White Sox had grabbed a 1-0 lead on Abreu’s homer off Dylan Bundy in the second. It was Abreu’s team-high 10th on the season.

White Sox closer Liam Hendriks, who was activated from the 15-day injured list after being sidelined since June 11 due to a right forearm strain, struck out the side in the eighth. Hendricks’ fastball topped out at 97 mph.

TRANSACTIONS

Twins: RHP Trevor Megill (shoulder impingement) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list. RHP Juan Minaya was designated for assignment. RHP Tyler Thornburg cleared waivers and has 48 hours to accept a minor league assignment or refuse it and become a free agent.

White Sox: Engel was reinstated from the 10-day IL. OF Adam Haseley and RHP Jimmy Lambert were optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Twins: First baseman Miguel Sano (left knee sprain) started a rehab assignment for Class-A Fort Myers.

White Sox: OF Eloy Jiménez (hamstring tear) could rejoin the team by the end of the week. “It’s closer,” La Russa said of Jiménez, who went 2 for 4 and played the entire game in left field for Charlotte in a 6-3 loss at Gwinnett. … C Yasmani Grandal (back spasms) will resume running the bases Tuesday, but there is no time frame for his return, La Russa said.

UP NEXT

The Twins send RHP Chris Archer (2-3, 3.08 ERA) to the mound Tuesday night. Archer allowed one run in four innings in a 5-3 loss to the Guardians on Thursday. The White Sox will start RHP Michael Kopech (2-5, 2.78 ERA). Kopech allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 4-1 loss to the Angels on Wednesday.

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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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AP Sports SummaryBrief at 9:30 a.m. EDT https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/ap-sports-summarybrief-at-852-a-m-edt/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/ap-sports-summarybrief-at-852-a-m-edt/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4135087 Quieter, calmer Kyrgios in Wimbledon quarters years later

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Nick Kyrgios has reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal in 7 1/2 years with a five-set victory at Wimbledon over Brandon Nakashima of the United States. Kyrgios repeatedly was visited by a trainer to massage his right shoulder. The unseeded 27-year-old Australian hit 35 aces and pulled out the 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-2 win at Centre Court after more than three hours. He was much calmer and quieter than during and after his previous match against No. 4 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. Kyrgios repeatedly argued with the chair umpire in that win and was later fined $4,000 for cursing aloud. He also was docked $10,000 after his first-round match.

Griner sends letter to President Biden pleading for his help

Brittney Griner made an appeal to President Joe Biden in a letter passed on to the White House through her representatives saying she feared she may never return home and asking that he not “forget about me and the other American Detainees.” Griner’s agent says the letter was delivered on Monday. The Phoenix Mercury All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist is in the midst of a trial in Russia that began last week after she was arrested on Feb. 17 on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for her Russian team. The trial will resume Thursday.

Wimbledon’s all-white clothing bothers some, delights others

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — The All England Club’s strict guidelines about wearing white clothing are seen by some players as out-of-date rules. Others appreciate the charm and uniqueness. Put Nick Kyrgios in the former camp. He violated the letter of the stipulations by trading in his all-white grass-court shoes for a red-and-white pair of basketball sneakers and swapping out his white hat for a red one after winning at Centre Court to reach the quarterfinals. He wishes the rules would change. He also acknowledged he doesn’t expect them to. Before Wimbledon began Kyrgios said the event doesn’t care about what looks cool.

Wimbledon appealing fine from women’s tour over Russia ban

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — The All England Club is appealing a fine levied by the WTA women’s professional tennis tour for banning Russian and Belarusian players from tournaments in Britain because of the war in Ukraine. The Lawn Tennis Association also is expected to appeal a financial penalty imposed by the WTA after no players from Russia or Belarus were allowed to take part in grass-court tuneup events last month at Eastbourne, Nottingham and Birmingham. All England Club CEO Sally Bolton says the club appealed its WTA fine and is “is still waiting to hear from” the ATP men’s tour.

Nats’ Soto says MRI showed no damage to injured left calf

WASHINGTON (AP) — Juan Soto says an MRI on his left calf showed no damage after he left the Washington Nationals game Sunday against the Miami Marlins because of tightness. Soto felt something behind his left knee and in his calf after making a throw in right field in the top of the third inning and exited after running the bases in the fourth. Soto was not in the Nats lineup Monday but pinch-hit in the eighth and drew a walk. The 23-year-old star says he’s taking it day by day. Soto had an eight-game hitting streak going into Sunday. The team is in talks to try to sign the face of the franchise to a long-term contract.

De La Cruz homers in 10th, Marlins beat Nationals again

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bryan De La Cruz hit a two-run homer off the foul pole in the 10th inning to keep the Miami Marlins’ domination of the Washington Nationals going with a 3-2 victory. The Marlins beat the Nationals for the 12th time in 13 games this year. They extended their winning streak to five and moved two games back of .500 at nearly the halfway point of the season. It’s the first time De La Cruz had homered in the ninth inning or later in his major league career. Juan Soto pinch-hit and drew a walk a day after leaving the game with left calf tightness.

Arraez gets 3 hits as Twins beat White Sox 6-3 in 10 innings

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Arraez had three hits, including a tiebreaking RBI single in Minnesota’s four-run 10th inning, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3. Arraez’s leadoff grounder against Joe Kelly drove in pinch-runner Gilberto Celestino. Jorge Polanco added a sacrifice fly, and Alex Kirilloff made it 6-2 with a two-run single. The AL Central contenders faced off hours after a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago, killing at least six people. The White Sox talked to Major League Baseball about postponing the game, but it went on as scheduled.

A win on the 4th: USA Basketball pulls away, tops Cuba 87-64

HAVANA (AP) — There were some cheers for “The Star-Spangled Banner” before USA Basketball’s game in Cuba on Independence Day. And then the Americans celebrated the holiday with a big win. Xavier Munford scored 24 points and the U.S. defeated Cuba 87-64 on Monday night to close the first round of qualifying for next year’s Basketball World Cup. The U.S. is now 31-1 all-time against the island nation. Munford was 10 for 12 from the floor for the Americans. Justin Jackson scored 13 points for the Americans. They’ll start the second round of World Cup qualifying in late August.

Morgan scores twice and US women down Haiti 3-0

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Alex Morgan scored a pair of first-half goals and the U.S. women’s national team defeated Haiti 3-0 on Monday in the opening match of the CONCACAF W Championship. The tournament determines the region’s four direct berths in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Midge Purce also scored for the United States, which has won the past two World Cups.

NHL Draft: The risk of attending and not getting selected

The NHL draft in Montreal this week is being conducted in person for the first time since 2019 after the coronavirus pandemic forced the past two events to be held remotely. With prospects again in attendance, it opens the age-old question of whether it’s worth going for some at risk of not hearing their name called through the seven-round draft. Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane recalls almost giving up. He sat in the stands through 12-plus rounds over two consecutive summers before finally getting selected 166th overall by Calgary in the 2015 draft in Florida.

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Oakland 5, Toronto 1 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/oakland-5-toronto-1/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/oakland-5-toronto-1/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:48:22 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4134858
Toronto Oakland
ab r h bi ab r h bi
Totals 32 1 5 1 Totals 29 5 7 5
Springer cf 4 0 0 0 Kemp lf 3 0 0 0
Bichette ss 4 0 1 0 Pinder ph-lf 1 0 0 0
Guerrero Jr. dh 4 1 1 0 Laureano rf 3 2 2 1
Kirk c 4 0 1 1 Brown 1b 4 1 1 0
Hernández rf 4 0 0 0 Murphy c 3 1 1 0
Gurriel Jr. lf 3 0 1 0 Vogt dh 3 1 1 2
Chapman 3b 3 0 0 0 Andrus ss 4 0 1 2
Espinal 2b 3 0 1 0 Machín 3b 2 0 0 0
Biggio 1b 3 0 0 0 Bolt cf 3 0 1 0
Allen 2b 3 0 0 0
Toronto 000 100 000 1
Oakland 300 011 00x 5

E_Springer (1). LOB_Toronto 4, Oakland 4. 2B_Guerrero Jr. (13), Bichette (20), Andrus (19). HR_Laureano (5), Vogt (4). SF_Vogt (1).

IP H R ER BB SO
Toronto
Manoah L,9-3 5 2-3 6 5 4 2 5
Romo 1-3 0 0 0 0 0
Banda 1 1 0 0 0 0
Romano 1 0 0 0 0 1
Oakland
Irvin W,3-6 8 4 1 1 0 4
Jackson 1 1 0 0 0 0

HBP_Manoah (Murphy). WP_Manoah.

Umpires_Home, Ryan Additon; First, Jordan Baker; Second, Chris Guccione; Third, Jose Navas.

T_2:27. A_24,403 (46,847).

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Oakland 5, Toronto 1 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/oakland-5-toronto-1-2/ https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2022/07/oakland-5-toronto-1-2/#respond Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:48:21 +0000 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/?p=4134860
Toronto AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Totals 32 1 5 1 0 4
Springer cf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .254
Bichette ss 4 0 1 0 0 0 .257
Guerrero Jr. dh 4 1 1 0 0 1 .266
Kirk c 4 0 1 1 0 0 .315
Hernández rf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .253
Gurriel Jr. lf 3 0 1 0 0 0 .295
Chapman 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .212
Espinal 2b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .272
Biggio 1b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .234
Oakland AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
Totals 29 5 7 5 2 6
Kemp lf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .213
a-Pinder ph-lf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .232
Laureano rf 3 2 2 1 1 1 .246
Brown 1b 4 1 1 0 0 0 .217
Murphy c 3 1 1 0 0 1 .227
Vogt dh 3 1 1 2 0 2 .169
Andrus ss 4 0 1 2 0 0 .232
Machín 3b 2 0 0 0 1 1 .143
Bolt cf 3 0 1 0 0 1 .154
Allen 2b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .227
Toronto 000 100 000_1 5 1
Oakland 300 011 00x_5 7 0

a-grounded out for Kemp in the 7th.

E_Springer (1). LOB_Toronto 4, Oakland 4. 2B_Guerrero Jr. (13), Bichette (20), Andrus (19). HR_Laureano (5), off Manoah; Vogt (4), off Manoah. RBIs_Kirk (33), Vogt 2 (6), Andrus 2 (20), Laureano (14). CS_Laureano (4). SF_Vogt.

Runners left in scoring position_Toronto 1 (Hernández); Oakland 2 (Allen, Machín). RISP_Toronto 1 for 4; Oakland 1 for 3.

Runners moved up_Guerrero Jr..

Toronto IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
Manoah, L, 9-3 5 2-3 6 5 4 2 5 101 2.33
Romo 1-3 0 0 0 0 0 7 7.02
Banda 1 1 0 0 0 0 13 0.00
Romano 1 0 0 0 0 1 9 2.79
Oakland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA
Irvin, W, 3-6 8 4 1 1 0 4 95 3.35
Jackson 1 1 0 0 0 0 16 3.38

Inherited runners-scored_Romo 1-0. HBP_Manoah (Murphy). WP_Manoah.

Umpires_Home, Ryan Additon; First, Jordan Baker; Second, Chris Guccione; Third, Jose Navas.

T_2:27. A_24,403 (46,847).

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