I Dig Sports
Mahomes 'able to move around,' won't be limited
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Patrick Mahomes said he was eager to test his injured ankle as the Kansas City Chiefs began preparations on Wednesday for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
"When you have a little bit of a roll, it's a little bit sore,'' Mahomes said. "But I'm able to move around and look forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on.''
Coach Andy Reid said the Chiefs wouldn't put limitations on Mahomes at practice.
Mahomes initially injured the ankle in a Week 8 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. He aggravated the injury in Monday night's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he abruptly pulled up from what started as a scramble to throw a touchdown pass to running back Samaje Perine.
Mahomes was helped from the ground after the play and examined briefly on the sideline before returning to the game on the Chiefs' next possession without missing a snap.
He indicated that preparing himself to play against the Broncos was complicated because the Chiefs have a short work week.
"You can only do so much,'' Mahomes said. "It's pretty late [after Monday night's game], but getting some stuff in the training room after the game, then getting some stuff to take home that you throw on there, stuff you can do overnight that you put on there to kind of reduce swelling and stuff like that.
"You come in early [Tuesday] and it was a long day yesterday of watching film and getting treatment and doing some rehab type stuff and preparing yourself for a short week and a practice [Wednesday].''
Bregman has elbow surgery to remove bone chip
SAN ANTONIO -- Third baseman Alex Bregman had surgery to remove a bone chip from his right elbow.
Agent Scott Boras revealed the operation during a news conference Wednesday at the general managers meetings.
"He's had his procedure. He's going to be back swinging here in a few weeks, so he's all through that process," Boras said.
The Houston Astros, Bregman's former team, said any details had to come from Boras.
Bregman, 30, became a free agent last Thursday, after the expiration of a $100 million, five-year deal agreed to in March 2019 that covered 2020-24. He hit .260 with 26 homers and 75 RBIs and has a .272 career average with 191 homers and 663 RBIs in nine big league seasons, all with the Astros.
Boras said Bregman is willing to move to second base. The two-time All-Star has played third exclusively since 2020.
Soto will take time in free agency, Boras says
SAN ANTONIO -- Juan Soto will take his time surveying the free agent market before signing with a team, according to his agent Scott Boras.
Speaking at the general manager's meetings Wednesday, Boras indicated that Soto desires a "thorough" vetting before making a decision.
"Due to the volume of interest and Juan's desire to hear [from teams], I can't put a timeframe on it, but it's going to be a very thorough process for him," Boras said. "He wants to meet people personally. He wants to talk with them. He wants to hear from them."
That includes ownership, even for the New York Yankees, for whom he played in 2024 and hit 41 home runs with a league-leading 128 runs scored. Soto helped New York to a World Series appearance, but that doesn't necessarily give the Yankees a leg up on the competition to sign him.
"He wants ownership that's going to support that they are going win annually," Boras said. "Owners want to meet with Juan and sit down and talk with him about what they're going to provide for their franchise short term and long term."
Soto's overall deal is likely to be at least the second largest in MLB history behind Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Boras refused to compare the two players, but stressed Soto's age (26) as a distinctive factor in teams' pursuit of his client. Ohtani was 29 when he hit free agency.
"I don't think Ohtani has much to do with Juan Soto at all," Boras said. "It's not something we discuss or consider. ... He's in an age category that separates him."
Both New York teams have spoken to Boras already, though there are a handful of other big-market franchises that could be in play for his services, including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays.
Boras was asked how the competitive balance tax on payrolls could impact Soto's free agency.
"I don't think tax considerations are the focal point when you're talking about a business opportunity where you can make literally billions of dollars by acquiring somebody like this," Boras said.
Boras and Soto are only at the beginning stages of what could be a drawn-out process. One thing going for the player, in Boras' estimation, is that Soto is "pretty well known" considering he has already been on three teams and played in 43 playoff games, including twice in the World Series.
In his agent's eyes, every winning team should be interested.
"They're [team executives] called upon to be championship magicians," Boras said. "Behind every great magician is the magic Juan."
Norrie aims to end season on a high after reaching Moselle quarter-finals
Britain's Cameron Norrie beat Luca van Assche at the Moselle Open to reach his first ATP Tour quarter-final since April.
Norrie, who spent almost three months out with a forearm injury, beat the Frenchman 6-3 3-6 6-1.
It is the first time the 29-year-old has registered back-to-back wins on the main ATP Tour since Wimbledon in July.
World number 57 Norrie has not won an ATP title this season, having struggled for rhythm before the injury that led to him pulling out of the Olympics and the US Open.
His last quarter-final showing was on the Barcelona Open clay courts, where he lost to Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
"I'm just trying to enjoy the last week of the year for me competing," Norrie told Sky Sports.
"I'm here another day, which is great, but I'll have to improve my level to keep going further in the tournament."
He will face Belgium's Zizou Bergs for a place in the semi-finals.
ITTF World Hopes Challenge 2024: Witness the Future Stars of Table Tennis in Action
The ITTF World Hopes Challenge is back, featuring the worlds most promising U12 table tennis talents as they prepare for an intense showdown in Asunción, Paraguay.
Following a week of intensive training through the prestigious ITTF Sports Developments flagship Hopes programme, these rising stars are ready to showcase their skills and compete head-to-head in the Challenge phase.
Who will emerge victorious? Tune in live on the ITTF YouTube channel to catch every thrilling moment, streaming from 15:30 (UTC-3) on November 6 and from 10:30 (UTC-3) on November 7.
ITTF World Hopes Challenge Table 1
ITTF World Hopes Challenge Table 2
All Blacks bring in McKenzie & Aumua for Ireland test
New Zealand have made two changes for Friday night's encounter against Ireland in Dublin.
Both are enforced, with Damian McKenzie replacing Beauden Barrett at fly-half, while hooker Asafo Aumua comes in for Codie Taylor.
Beauden Barrett and hooker Taylor were ruled out of the Aviva Stadium game following injuries sustained in last Saturday's dramatic 24-22 victory over England.
Both players failed head injury assessments [HIAs] in the match at Twickenham. McKenzie and Aumua are replaced on the bench by George Bell and Stephen Perofeta.
Ireland also named their team on Wednesday, with prop Tadhg Furlong ruled out with a "slight hamstring strain".
It is the first meeting between the sides since the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter- final, when the All-Blacks edged a thrilling encounter 28-24.
"This is a highly anticipated match that promises to bring all the intensity and passion that we have come to expect from these two rugby-mad nations, both on and off the field," said New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson.
"We are really pleased with how the squad has come through this week and our focus has turned quickly to this encounter post-England. We have trained well, and the players are fresh and ready to face a fierce challenge from the Ireland team."
New Zealand: Will Jordan; Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Tamaita Williams, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett (capt), Tupou Vaa'i, Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea.
Replacements: George Bell, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Pasilo Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Cam Roigard, Anton Leinert-Brown, Stephen Perofeta.
McDavid beats timeline, to return against Vegas
Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is ready to return to the lineup Wednesday against the visiting Vegas Golden Knights.
McDavid initially was expected to miss two to three weeks after injuring his ankle during his first shift against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 28. The three-time Hart Trophy recipient, however, sat out his team's next three games before participating in Wednesday's morning skate on a line with Zach Hyman and Jeff Skinner.
"I feel good," McDavid said after the morning session. "Looking forward to going and getting back in there."
McDavid, 27, has recorded a team-high-tying seven assists to go along with three goals in 10 games this season.
He is one season removed from posting 132 points and guiding the Oilers to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Florida Panthers. McDavid was named the Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP.
A five-time Art Ross Trophy winner as the league's point leader, McDavid has 992 points (338 goals, 654 assists) in 655 career games since being selected by the Oilers with the No. 1 pick of the 2015 NHL draft.
Neymar out 4-6 weeks, Al Hilal future in doubt
Neymar is expected to undergo treatment and rehabilitation lasting four to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, Al Hilal confirmed on Wednesday, intensifying speculation over the Brazilian's future with Saudi Arabian club.
Neymar made his second club appearance following a 12-month injury layoff by coming on as a substitute in the 58th minute of Al Hilal's 3-0 win over Esteghlal of Iran in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.
The former Barcelona star then pulled up after stretching for the ball with three minutes remaining and had to be replaced.
"Unfortunately, it is not a simple injury and he seems to be suffering from muscle pain and it is not a knee issue," Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said Wednesday in a news conference in Riyadh.
Neymar took to social media to update his fans.
"Hopefully nothing too much" he wrote. "It's normal that after one year [out] this happens, the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes."
Saudi Arabian media speculated that Al Hilal may not register Neymar, whose contract ends in June 2025, for the second-half of the Saudi Pro League season.
Neymar has played just seven games for the 19-time Saudi champion since signing in August 2023 for a reported fee of $90 million. He is not currently registered to play domestic league games as the club has a full contingent of 10 foreign players, but is allowed to play in continental competitions.
A new registration window opens in January.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Saha: 'Ganguly pushed me to play and finish with Bengal'
When he gave his nod to play, Saha made it clear he won't be available for the white-ball leg of the domestic season. He knew he wouldn't last the rigours of another full season. It was also partly influenced by his desire to have his spot taken by someone else, because he'd already informed his previous IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans, he wasn't going to play in the tournament anymore.
"I've been pushing myself for the last year. But because of my body condition and injuries, I won't be able to play for the full season," he says. "That's why I chose the most vital format - Ranji Trophy. It will be tough [to carry on] but I will play and hopefully we qualify. If we do, I will play till the end of the season, else I'll finish off at Eden Gardens."
Saha laughs when asked if the decision to contemplate retirement was tough. "It was very easy," he replies spontaneously. "I was already prepared that I won't play this year. But when my wife and Sourav Ganguly pushed me, I couldn't refuse."
Still considered among the best wicketkeepers in India, perhaps even around the world, Saha seems at peace with his decision. He's fully happy with the way his career has panned out, even though his career coincided at different times with two mavericks: MS Dhoni in the early years and Rishabh Pant in the later. Has he ever considered himself unlucky?
"No, I don't think so," he says. "There are so many of them who didn't play despite toiling so hard. Amol Muzumdar, Padmakar Shivalkar sir. I feel fortunate and proud to have played 40 Tests for India."
As he looks ahead, Saha is open to opportunities in coaching and mentoring. He's clear the first rights will be with Bengal. "Not yet [thought of the immediate future], but if I get an offer from another state or Bengal, I will think about it," he laughs. "If not, family life (laughs). I have been playing cricket since childhood. I haven't done anything else. I want to share as much knowledge as I have in cricket. I've already started doing that at a couple of academies back home."
"When I started, I was a wicketkeeper. I knew I could never be as good as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman and Virat Kohli," he says. "I wanted to earn a name in what I did from childhood - that's why I put more emphasis on wicketkeeping."
He grew up working with Kiran More, Saba Karim and Deep Dasgupta. Chats with Dhoni over the years, and occasional interactions with Adam Gilchrist and Ian Healy fueled his pursuits of being his best version. As a seasoned professional, Saha says he's happy to chat with young keepers and help them.
"I've spoken to keepers from the women's team, we keep talking to each other," he says. "Last IPL, Dhruv Jurel spoke to me. Rishabh [Pant] has done it all along when we played together. The understanding was good, he used to share his experiences, I used to give him as much input as possible."
As Saha reflects on his career, he's happy he continued to play for three more years despite being told in late 2021 by then coach Rahul Dravid that the Indian team were moving on from him.
"That door got closed, but I knew domestic, and IPL was still there," he says. "It wasn't like I got demoralised because of that. I've played now for three-four years since that. Why did I start playing? Because I like it. Last year, I'd stopped liking the game and planned to leave. After this season, I'm moving on.
"Hopefully we can make the final. If not, I'll finish off at Eden Gardens."
Shashank Kishore is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
West Indies bowl in decider, changes on both sides
Toss West Indies chose to bowl vs England
Shai Hope chose to bowl after winning the toss at Kensington Oval, with West Indies and England both eyeing a rare ODI series win in the deciding third match. The sides made two changes apiece, with West Indies bringing in Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph for Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph.
"We're not sure what wer'e going to get," Hope said of the playing surface at his home ground. "Got to assess the conditions as a bowling group and put them under pressure.
For England, Reece Topley and Jamie Overton replaced John Turner and Saqib Mahmood. Overton has been playing as a specialist batter since returning from a back stress fracture but was seen marking out his run-up before the toss.
Liam Livingstone, England's captain, said he would have opted to bowl, too. "We'll see what the pitch has to offer, hopefully it gets slower as the day goes on," he said.
West Indies took a 1-0 lead after sweeping to victory in a rain-affected first ODI in Antigua, before England chased down 329 at the same ground two days later.
Neither side has played much bilateral ODI cricket in the last 12 months. West Indies beat England 2-1 when they toured in December, but series losses in Australia and Sri Lanka have limited their attempts to climb the rankings in pursuit of automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
England's last series win, meanwhile, came against Ireland in September 2023.
West Indies: 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Roston Chase, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Matthew Forde
England: 1 Phil Salt (wk), 2 Will Jacks, 3 Jordan Cox, 4 Jacob Bethell, 5 Liam Livingstone (capt), 6 Dan Mousley, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Reece Topley