Sat, Nov 25, 2023 page7

• World News Quick Take

  • Agencies
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  BASKETBALL

  Yao Ming urges less ire

  Chinese great Yao Ming on Thursday said that criticism of the Chinese men’s national team has gone too far after some players were abused online following a series of disappointing results. National players have been targeted online in the past few weeks, including Zhang Zhenlin of the Liaoning Flying Leopards. “Here I represent the association to make a statement,” Yao, who is president of the Chinese Basketball Association, told a Hall of Fame event in Beijing. “No matter if we play well or badly on the basketball court, we will face up to the result. Some criticism on technique and tactics is welcome, but some things have gone beyond basketball and we don’t agree with that,” he said. “We will always support our players to defend their rights and interests, and in this regard [online abuse], we will provide all the necessary support.”

  RUGBY UNION

  NZ, Japan clubs to clash

  The Waikato Chiefs and the Auckland Blues are to travel to Japan in February for games against top local teams in preparation for the Super Rugby Pacific season, officials said yesterday. The Blues are to play Suntory Sungoliath in Tokyo on Feb. 3 and the Chiefs face the Wild Knights the next day in Saitama. The following weekend the Kubota Spears Funabashi, who recently signed All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, host the Chiefs, with the Yokohama Canon Eagles tackling the Blues.

  CRICKET

  English players complain

  The Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) said that the English men’s domestic schedule for next year is unsustainable and increases the risk of injury for players. The County Championship is scheduled to run from April to September with a break for T20 Blast competition and One-Day Cup. More than 130 matches of the T20 Blast are to take place from May 30 to July 19. “My biggest issue is the welfare of players and support staff being disregarded,” said bowler Sam Cook, Essex’s PCA representative. “Particularly with regards to travel throughout high-intensity periods of T20 cricket. This has an enormous impact on ... performance and increases the risk of injury.” PCA chief executive officer Rob Lynch said that “the announcement of the 2024 fixtures is a reminder that the men’s domestic calendar in England and Wales is unsustainable and is in need of reform.”

  FOOTBALL

  Harald Hasselbach dies

  Harald Hasselbach, a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos during the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl championships in the late 1990s, has died. He was 56. The Broncos announced Hasselbach’s death on Thursday, citing family. Hasselbach’s family said he died at home in the Denver area after a six-month fight with cancer. Hasselback began his career with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He was one of 10 players to win a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl. Hasselbach never missed a game during his seven seasons with the Broncos between 1994 and 2000, getting 154 tackles, 17.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He started 29 regular-season games and three playoff games, including the Broncos’ win over the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl following the 1998 season. He is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren.
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