Athletes can trust drug tests despite lab bans: WADA chief
(Reuters) – With four laboratories under suspension the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency moved on Thursday to reassure jittery athletes that they can have confidence in testing protocols ahead of the Rio Olympics.
I am The Thinkerman now, says Leicester mastermind Ranieri
LONDON (Reuters) – Claudio Ranieri re-named himself The Thinkerman on Thursday as he reflected on masterminding Leicester City’s improbable rise from relegation candidates to Premier League champions.
Glen Ella to join England as skills coach for Australia tour
(Reuters) – Ex-Australia rugby union international Glen Ella will join Eddie Jones’ England as skills coach for the three-test series Down Under in June.
Fighters need to learn more about concussion risks, study head says
(Reuters) – Fighters need to learn more about the risks of concussion, especially during training, to protect against brain injury, a medic leading a long-term study into head trauma said.
Red Bull move for Verstappen was always likely
LONDON (Reuters) – Max Verstappen’s sudden promotion to Red Bull will be considered as a slap in the face for Daniil Kvyat, the man he replaces, but it has more to do with the Dutch driver’s potential than the Russian’s failings.
Australia rule out Cooper’s Sevens selection for Rio
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Quade Cooper’s Olympic dreams were dashed on Thursday when the former Wallabies flyhalf was ruled out of selection for Australia’s Rugby Sevens side at this year’s Rio Games.
Syrian whose plight went viral finds refuge in Spanish soccer
MADRID (Reuters) – Mementos from the soccer world that brought Syrian refugee Osama Abdul Mohsen to Spain are strewn around the flat he shares with two of his sons, including a ball signed by Real Madrid’s star players and a banner for the local team, …
Motor racing-Hotshot Verstappen replaces Kvyat at Red Bull
LONDON (Reuters) – Red Bull replaced Daniil Kvyat with Dutch Formula One hotshot Max Verstappen for the remainder of the season on Thursday in a shake-up that punished the Russian for a nightmare home grand prix last weekend.
China eyes consolidation at Rio, excellence at Tokyo
BEIJING (Reuters) – China aims to consolidate its existing strengths at this year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro before striving to achieve a “leading position” at the next summer Games in Tokyo in 2020, the country’s sports ministry said on Thursday.
Nibali’s form under scrutiny ahead of Giro start
PARIS (Reuters) – A big question mark hangs over Vincenzo Nibali’s form as the 2014 Tour de France champion targets a second Giro d’Italia title when the three-week race starts on Friday.
