Evergreen Federer is clear Australian Open favorite
(Reuters) – Roger Federer is the “clear favorite” to retain his Australian Open title over an injury-riddled field when the first grand slam of the season starts next week in Melbourne, tennis analysts said on Wednesday.
Marino leads new wave of American snowboard hopes
LONDON(Reuters) – Julia Marino will head to next month’s Winter Games as a major medal contender, yet the American snowboarder may not have been on the plane to Pyeongchang at all were it not for a twist of fate during her teenage years.
Rallying: Loeb out of Dakar as Peterhansel forges on
(Reuters) – Nine-times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb withdrew from the Dakar Rally on Wednesday while defending champion Stephane Peterhansel stretched his lead after the last full stage in Peru.
Celtics, 76ers out to put on a show for London NBA fans
LONDON (Reuters) – The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are set to meet in a London showdown on Thursday evening in a clash of two of the NBA’s in-form teams.
IOC to host talks on North Korean participation on January 20
LAUSANNE (Reuters) – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will host talks on Jan. 20 to discuss details about North Korea’s participation at next month’s Winter Olympics in neighboring South Korea, such as flags and the number of athletes.
French cycling hero retires: at 106
PARIS (Reuters) – French cyclist Robert Marchand is retiring at the age of 106, a friend of the bike-mad centenarian has announced.
Kvyat joins Ferrari as development driver
LONDON (Reuters) – Red Bull reject Daniil Kvyat has joined Ferrari as a development driver, the Formula One team announced on Wednesday.
Sailing: Holroyd boards Ainslie’s Land Rover BAR as chief designer
LONDON (Reuters) – Former winner Nick Holroyd has joined British sailor Ben Ainslie’s Land Rover BAR team as chief designer for their next America’s Cup challenge.
Vice President Pence to lead U.S. delegation to Winter Olympics
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence will lead the U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, next month, a senior White House official said on Wednesday.
White confident of legacy regardless of Pyeongchang result
LONDON (Reuters) – There are very few winter Olympians who have transcended their sport quite like the pioneering American Shaun White, a two-time halfpipe gold medal winner widely regarded as the greatest competitive snowboarder in history.
