Asia’s tough says Stephens after exit
US Open champion Sloane Stephens said she found it hard to play in Asia and admitted she was a long-shot for the WTA Finals after her unsuccessful return to action at the Wuhan Open. Stephens was making her first appearance since she landed her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows. The 24 year old American went down meekly 2-6, 2-6 to China's 55th-ranked Wang Qiang on Monday. "Asia is always tough for me. It's hard for me to adjust (to the time change)," said Stephens. "I'm not going to be too upset about this. I mean, things happen. Just kind of, oh well."
Villas-Boas fined $14,000 for remarks
Shanghai SIPG coach Andre Villas-Boas has been fined US$14,000 over his "offensive" comments during the AFC Champions League quarterfinals, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Tuesday. The Portuguese coach, who will be on the bench for Wednesday's semifinal first leg at home against Urawa Red Diamonds, brought the game into disrepute, the AFC ruled. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager made a series of stinging criticisms about the AFC and the referee following a thrilling quarterfinal return-leg at Guangzhou Evergrande earlier this month.
Lacazette double in Gunners’ victory
Alexandre Lacazette stole the spotlight from record-breaker Gareth Barry as the Arsenal striker's double clinched a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in an English Premier League game in London, UK, on Monday. Albion midfielder Barry broke Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearance record by playing in his 633rd game, but it was Lacazette who ended the night as the centre of attention at the Emirates Stadium. The France forward opened the scoring with a first-half header and stroked home a penalty after the interval to give him four Arsenal goals since his club record US$70mn move from Lyon. The Gunners are up to seventh in the EPL.
Toro Rosso replaces Kyvat with Gasly
France's Pierre Gasly will make his Formula One debut in Malaysia this weekend, the 21 year old called up by Toro Rosso on Tuesday to replace struggling Daniil Kyvat. Kyvat has lost his seat with Red Bull's sister team after the Russian managed only four points compared to fellow Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz's tally of 48.