Sport shorts: Mo Farah to defend Olympic 10,000m title and Freddie Ljungberg takes temporary charge at Arsenal

1. Farah eyes third 10,000m Olympic gold

British athletics star Mo Farah has announced that he will return to the track to defend his 10,000m title at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.

After winning gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at London 2012 and Rio 2016, the 36-year-old decided to concentrate on marathon running. However, he is now aiming for a third successive gold in the 10,000m at Tokyo 2020.

Speaking on a YouTube video, Farah said: “Next year, I’m going to be back on the track and I’m going to give it a go in the 10,000m. Hopefully I haven’t lost my speed but I will train hard for it and see what I can do. I’m really excited.”

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2. Emery out, Ljungberg in at Arsenal

Freddie Ljungberg has been appointed interim head coach of Arsenal after Unai Emery was sacked this morning.

Spaniard Emery, who replaced Arsene Wenger in May 2018, leaves the club after 18 months in charge.

An Arsenal statement said: “The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level required.”

Arsenal sack Unai Emery: Twitter reactions and next manager odds

3. What is 2019’s greatest sporting moment?

Voting has opened for the BBC’s Greatest Sporting Moment of the Year award. There are six options to choose from and the winner will be announced during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show on Sunday 15 December.

The six choices are:

• Vincent Kompany’s goal that put Man City on verge of the EPL title
• Divock Origi seals Liverpool comeback against Barcelona
• Lucy Bronze scores stunner in World Cup quarter-final
• Jos Buttler breaks the stumps to seal Cricket World Cup victory
• Ben Stokes hits four to seal famous Ashes win
• Suzann Pettersen’s final putt secures Solheim Cup victory

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4. Bottas fastest in FP1 at Abu Dhabi GP

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in first practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula 1’s final race of the season. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel spun and hit a wall late on in the first practice session.

F1 Abu Dhabi GP: preview, predictions and circuit guide

5. Real eye deal for Pogba

Real Madrid are ready to offer Manchester United a package for Paul Pogba that they think is too good to turn down. According to reports, the Spanish giants will give the Red Devils £73m in cold, hard cash along with James Rodriguez and Mariano Diaz in exchange for Pogba.

6. Hillsborough families’ fury at not guilty verdict

Hillsborough campaigners have reacted with anger and hurt after match commander David Duckenfield was found not guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the 1989 disaster.

There were gasps in court as the former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent, 75, was acquitted after the jury spend three days considering their verdict.

Today’s front pages: ‘no justice’ after Hillsborough verdict

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7. Nations to learn Euro 2020 opponents

England and Wales will find out their group opponents tomorrow when the 2020 Uefa European Championship main tournament draw is held in Bucharest, Romania. The Euro 2020 draw starts at 5pm (GMT) and is live on BBC Two.

Euro 2020 draw: how it works, teams, pots

8. RFU appoint O’Shea

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has appointed Conor O’Shea as England’s director of performance. The former Ireland international, 49, replaces Nigel Melville and starts his role next year. O’Shea was previously head coach of Italy.

9. Latham hits ton for Black Caps

Tom Latham hit an unbeaten 101 as New Zealand finished on 173-3 on day one of the second Test match against England. Rain ended play prematurely as only 54.3 overs were completed in Hamilton.

10. UK Athletics drugs shock

The Daily Mail has an exclusive story on its back page today with claims that UK Athletics (UKA) “encouraged use of thyroid medication to enhance performance”. British athletes past and present have “shared concerns” with the Mail as “fears spread of dubious methods used by Mo Farah’s ex coach Alberto Salazar”.

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