Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 14 January 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start with Cricket: Proteas white-ball coach, Rob Walter, says he is confident the squad he has selected for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy has the potential to win the title. The 15-member squad includes fast bowlers Anrich Nortjé and Lungi Ngidi, who have missed the entire home international season due to injuries. Batters Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs, along with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will play in their first senior 50-over ICC tournament. Walter says the squad has a depth of experience:

In more cricket news, MI Cape Town returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 33-run victory over Paarl Royals in the SA20 Cape derby at Newlands. New signing Reeza Hendricks’ 59 provided the foundation for the home side to post 172 for seven in their 20 overs. In reply, George Linde recorded his career-best SA20 figures with three wickets for 15 runs in four overs, as the Paarl Royals were restricted to 139 for nine. MI Cape Town captain, Rashid Khan, says they delivered an all-round performance:

# Tennis: 2024 Australian Open quarterfinalist Taylor Fritz is through to the second round for the seventh consecutive year. The American defeated compatriot Jenson Brooksby, 6-2, 6-0, 6-3. Italy’s Matteo Berrettini fired 32 aces as he overcame Briton Cameron Norrie 6-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3. In the women’s draw, 2023 finalist Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan booked her spot in the second round following a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Australian wildcard Emerson Jones. There were also wins for British number two Emma Raducanu, American Emma Navarro, and Russian Daria Kasatkina.

# Rugby: Under-pressure Wales coach, Warren Gatland, says he accepts that a change is likely if they don’t show signs of improvement during the Six Nations. Wales have not won a Test since beating Georgia during the 2023 World Cup. The team has been bolstered by the return of Taulupe Faletau, Liam Williams and Josh Adams, with their opening game against France in Paris on the 31st of January. Gatland says it’s about rising to the challenge:

# And Boxing: Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has announced his retirement with immediate effect. The 36-year-old Briton last fought in December, when he lost his rematch against WBA, WBC, and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk. This is not the first time Fury has announced his retirement, in April 2022, after beating Dillian Whyte, he said he would be hanging up his gloves. Fury is a two-time heavyweight champion and holds a record of 34 wins, two defeats and one draw.

Stay tuned for more news………….