Ronaldo greets Juventus fans

TURIN: Juventus fans gave Cristiano Ronaldo a rousing welcome today as the club prepared to unveil the superstar summer signing they hope will bring the Champions League trophy back to Turin. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the Allianz Stadium in Turin from early morning singing “Ronaldo, bring us the Champions (League)” as the European competition’s most lethal striker made a brief appearance ahead of his medical on Monday.

Hadlee faces more cancer surgery

Wellington: New Zealand cricketing great Richard Hadlee will undergo a second round of surgery after cancer spread to his liver, his wife Dianne said Monday. Hadlee’s family revealed last month that he had a tumour removed after being diagnosed with bowel cancer and was expected to make a full recovery after a course of chemotherapy.  “This week, Richard will undergo further surgery after secondary cancer was discovered in his liver,” Dianne said in a statement. 

Pakistan thrash zimbabwe in 2nd ODI

Bulawayo: Pakistan continued their dominance over Zimbabwe as they beat the hosts by nine wickets in the second of the five ODIs here today. Opener Fakhar Zaman eased to his second ODI century, finishing with a career-best 117 not out, to seal a win that had been set up by Pakistan’s seam attack, which bowled Zimbabwe out for 194. Usman Khan took four wickets and Hasan Ali chipped in with 3 /32. 

Cook powers England Lions against India A   

Worcester: Alastair Cook warmed up for next month’s Test series against India with an unbeaten century as England Lions made a solid start against India A on the first day of the only four-day unofficial Test here. Opting to bat, England Lions reached 290/2 in 84 overs. Cook was unbeaten on 145 off 229 balls, having found the fence 21 times. — Agencies

Joshua to defend world titles against Povetkin

London: Britain’s Anthony Joshua will defend his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles against Russian Alexander Povetkin at Wembley on Septtember 22. The 28-year-old Joshua takes on his WBA mandatory challenger Povetkin as he returns to Wembley for the first time since his victory over Wladimir Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans in April 2017. Joshua’s last two world title bouts had been at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, where he overcame Carlos Takam before adding the WBO belt in a points win over New Zealander Joseph Parker in March. “I can’t wait to get back in the ring. The end of March feels a long time ago now,” Joshua, who boasts an unbeaten 21-0 record, said. The 38-year-old Russian has suffered one defeat since his professional debut in 2005, losing to Klitschko in 2013. — Reuters