Sport shorts: Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams retires over eyesight fears and groups are drawn for the men’s tennis ATP Finals
Ten things from the world of sport on Wednesday 6 November
1. Boxer Adams retires over eyesight fears
Two-time Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams has retired from the sport over fears of losing her sight.
Adams, 37, who won gold for Team GB at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, said: “I’ve been advised that any further impact to my eye would most likely lead to irreparable damage and permanent vision loss.
“I’m immensely honoured to have represented our country - to win double Olympic gold medals and then the WBO championship belt is a dream come true. But it’s not without taking its toll on my body.”
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2. Chelsea and Ajax play out a thriller
It was a game of two halves at Stamford Bridge last night as Chelsea overturned a 3-1 half-time deficit to draw 4-4 in a thrilling encounter with Ajax.
The result leaves the two clubs on seven points, the same number as Valencia who thrashed Lille 4-1, as group H of the Uefa Champions League looks to go down to the wire.
“It’s hard to put it in perspective,” said a breathless Frank Lampard. “I had some mad nights over the years but for spectacle this is up there.”
3. Djokovic and Federer in same group for ATP Finals
The groups have been drawn for the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals singles tournament taking place in London from 10-17 November.
The “big three” of men’s tennis - Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer - are also the top three seeds for the event at The O2.
Nadal, who currently leads the ATP rankings, is in Group Andre Agassi alongside Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and 2018 winner Alexander Zverev.
In Group Bjorn Borg, Djokovic, fresh from his victory at the Paris Masters, will face Federer, Dominic Thiem and Matteo Berrettini.
4. Solskjaer’s job not under threat
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job at Manchester United is secure, says ESPN, with the broadcaster claiming that the Norwegian “has been told by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that his position as manager is not under threat”.
Apparently he’s done enough in the last month to convince the board that he is the right man to lead the club forward, at least until the end of this season.
Consequently, Solskjaer is “pressing ahead with plans to reshape the squad” with a slew of new signings.
Man Utd transfer news: Mandzukic, Rice, Koulibaly, Havertz
5. Son red overturned
Son Heung-min has had his red card overturned after the challenge which led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes suffering a serious ankle injury. Son was sent off in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park last weekend but he is now clear to play in Tottenham’s next Premier League fixtures.
6. Wenger favourite for Bayern job
According to German newspaper Sport Bild Arsene Wenger is the favourite to become the manager of Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants are searching for a new boss following the sacking of Niko Kovac earlier this week.
7. Black Caps lead T20 series against England
New Zealand will take a 2-1 series lead into the fourth Twenty20 international against England tomorrow (5am start UK time). In the third T20 the Black Caps secured a 14-run victory after an England batting collapse.
8. Alfa Romeo retain Giovinazzi
Formula 1 team Alfa Romeo have confirmed that 21-year-old Italian Antonio Giovinazzi will drive alongside Kimi Raikkonen next season. The final seat to be filled for 2020 is at Williams alongside British driver George Russell.
9. ‘Xhaka canned’
The Sun reports that Granit Xhaka has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy following his outburst against supporters during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last month.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery said: “I had a meeting with him and told him he is no longer in the captain’s group. He accepted my decision. I needed to take a decision and now it’s closed.”
Emery also confirmed that striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the new permanent club captain.
10. Rivals round on Sarries
Exeter Chiefs CEO Tony Rowe has told The Daily Telegraph that Saracens “should be thrown out of the league”.
The English rugby Premiership and European champions have been hit with a 35-point deduction and a £5.3m fine after breaching salary cap rules.
Rowe said: “The penalty does not fit the crime. If you look at other leagues, if you do something like that you get chucked out. They should have been at least relegated and made to reduce their squad immediately.”
Today’s back pages: Saracens ‘should be relegated’
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