Injured Lakshya pulls out of two Thailand events

New Delhi: Rising Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen has pulled out of this month’s consecutive tournaments in Thailand due to a back strain that he sustained during training. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Kento Momota’s long-awaited return to the international circuit got delayed after the Japanese tested positive for Covid-19, prompting his national team to pull out of events in Thailand.

Riyadh

Defending champion Sainz leads Dakar after first stage

Defending champion Carlos Sainz took the lead in the Dakar Rally car category after winning today’s first proper stage in the Saudi Arabian desert ahead of Mini team mate Stephane Peterhansel. The Spaniard was eight seconds clear of ‘Mr Dakar’ Peterhansel — the Frenchman who has won a record 13 times.

Berlin

Sancho ends scoring drought as Dortmund win

Jadon Sancho scored his first Bundesliga goal of the season as Borussia Dortmund returned to the top-four with a 2-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg. Agencies