Digest

OLYMPICS

China's karate chief confident of Tokyo gold

The president of the Chinese Taekwondo and Karate Association, Guan Jianmin, says the nation has a 70 percent chance of winning its first-ever Olympic karate gold medal in Tokyo.

Despite the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Guan is still optimistic about China's prospects at the Tokyo Games, which have been delayed until 2021.

"Our squad is in a good state right now, but this cannot be guaranteed a year later. However, it is the same for all the athletes," Guan said. "We still hope that in a year's time, China's national flag can be raised in the Olympics karate arena."

Karate is one of five new sports set to debut at the Tokyo Olympics.

"There have been many Chinese karate world champions before. I will try my best to inherit the honor," said Yin Xiaoyan, who secured China's first Olympic karate berth.

"My goal is to stand on top of the podium at the Olympic Games," Yin added. "Our karate team hopes to secure more Olympic spots."

SOCCER

Genesio 'struggling' with wait to return

Bruno Genesio

Beijing Guo'an resumed training a couple of months ago as China began to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, yet travel restrictions mean the team's French coach, Bruno Genesio, remains stranded at home in Lyon.

"This situation is frustrating and it has become really heavy," Genesio told French sports daily L'Equipe on Sunday.

The 2020 Chinese Super League season was due to start in February but a resumption date has yet to be decided.

"I deal with the team from a distance, by phone, teleconference," Genesio said.

Some of his staff, like assistant coach Robert Duverne, managed to get to China about two months ago and were able to work after a twoweek quarantine period.

"Five or six foreign coaches have not been able to return, as well as numerous players," said Genesio, who was appointed last July and took the team to second place last season.

"Our players have a program they have to follow but it's getting complicated physically after two months alone. Psychologically, players have been struggling and so have I," Genesio added.

Liverpool loanee treated for severe concussion

Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi was hospitalized with severe concussion after a nasty clash of heads during Mainz's 1-0 loss to Augsburg in Sunday's Bundesliga relegation battle.

Liverpool loanee Awoniyi, 22, was left briefly motionless after landing awkwardly following an aerial collision with Augsburg defender Felix Uduokhai in the first half.

Awoniyi was carried off on a stretcher with his neck in a brace after a long delay while he received medical treatment on the pitch.

Mainz said Awoniyi, a former Under-17 World Cup winner, was responsive and taken to hospital for observation.

"We have received the all-clear from the doctors," said Mainz coach Achim Beierlorzer.

"He has regained consciousness and can remember the things that happened. He has severe concussion and has to stay in hospital for observation."

Awoniyi has yet to make an appearance for Liverpool since joining the club in 2015, spending numerous spells on loan in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Every team has one gay player, reckons Deeney

Troy Deeney

Watford striker Troy Deeney believes there is probably "one gay player in every football team".

Deeney suspects gay soccer players are worried about the scrutiny that would follow if they reveal their sexuality while still playing.

But the 31-year-old claims one top player coming out would lead to others following their lead.

Talking on the BBC's Grounded with Louis Theroux podcast, Deeney said: "I would go on record saying that there is probably one gay or bi-person in every football team. They're there, they are 100 percent there.

"I think people that are gay or from that community definitely are very worried about having to shoulder the responsibility of being the first. I think once the first comes out, there would be loads.

"If he comes out and said it, I genuinely believe you would get in the first week at least 100 people that went'me too'. Just because they don't want to be the face of it."

Former Norwich and Nottingham Forest striker Justin Fashanu, who declared he was gay in 1990 and committed suicide in 1998, remains the only openly gay male soccer player in British history.

TENNIS

'Overwhelmed' Novak in tears at home event

Novak Djokovic

Emotional Novak Djokovic broke down in tears in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Belgrade after he failed to make the final in the first leg of his Balkans charity tournament on Sunday.

"I am not crying because I missed the finals. I am just overwhelmed by emotion because this reminds me of my childhood," the world No 1 told 4,000 fans packed into the Novak Tennis Centre on the banks of the Danube in the Serbian capital.

"It's been an emotional few days and I want to thank everyone who supported the event and made it happen."

Two big surprises marked the first day－Djokovic lost to compatriot Filip Krajinovic in three sets and Grigor Dimitrov went down in two against late call-up Nikola Milojevic.

Djokovic's win against Alexander Zverev on Sunday was not enough to secure him a place in the final which saw Dominic Thiem defeat Krajinovic 4-3, 2-4, 4-2.

Xinhua - Agencies