Reuters Sports News Summary

Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against COVID, said last week he was hoping for a positive outcome shortly after applying to enter the U.S. to compete in ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami this month. NHL roundup: Knights edge Devils in shootout Shea Theodore scored the winner in the fourth round of the shootout and Jonathan Marchessault had two goals and an assist to lead the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night in Las Vegas.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Speed skating-Teenage sensation Stolz becomes youngest world champion

American Jordan Stolz became the youngest world speed skating champion as the 18-year-old won gold in the men's 500 metres event at the World Single Distance Championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands on Friday. Stolz crossed the line in 34.10 seconds, winning by a margin of 0.36 seconds over defending champion Laurent Dubreuil of Canada, who finished 0.02 seconds ahead of Japan's Wataru Morishige, the Olympic bronze medallist.

Tennis-USTA, US Open hoping unvaccinated Djokovic gets special nod to enter country

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the U.S. Open are hoping Novak Djokovic is successful in his bid to enter the country after the Serbian, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, applied for special permission last month. Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against COVID, said last week he was hoping for a positive outcome shortly after applying to enter the U.S. to compete in ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami this month.

NHL roundup: Knights edge Devils in shootout

Shea Theodore scored the winner in the fourth round of the shootout and Jonathan Marchessault had two goals and an assist to lead the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night in Las Vegas. Adin Hill, playing in his 100th career NHL game, made a career-high 47 saves and stopped all four shootout attempts for the Golden Knights, who broke a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with the idle Los Angeles Kings.

Tennis-Medvedev ends Djokovic run to book Dubai final with Rublev

Daniil Medvedev handed Novak Djokovic his first defeat of the year, beating the world number one 6-4 6-4 on Friday to reach the Dubai Tennis Championships final where he plays holder Andrey Rublev for a third title in as many weeks. In a contest where the players put their early season win streaks on the line, it was Rotterdam and Doha champion Medvedev who drew first blood by breaking an error-prone Djokovic twice and closed out the first set with a searing forehand.

NBA roundup: Nets stun Celts with NBA's biggest comeback of season

Mikal Bridges led all scorers with 38 points and the visiting Brooklyn Nets overcame a 28-point deficit, the biggest comeback in the NBA this season, to defeat the Boston Celtics 115-105 on Friday night. Bridges made 13 of 22 field goals, including four 3-pointers. He also had 10 rebounds and four assists.

Tennis-Djokovic happy with injury recovery despite semi-final exit in Dubai

Novak Djokovic suffered his first loss of the season in Friday's semi-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev at the Dubai Tennis Championships but he was pleased with his fitness levels during the tournament, having returned from a hamstring injury.

World number one Djokovic suffered a three-centimetre hamstring tear en route to winning the Adelaide Open before claiming his 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open to go level with Rafa Nadal.

Lawyers for ex-Fox execs attack star witness as FIFA corruption trial closes

Lawyers for two former 21st Century Fox executives accused of bribing South American soccer officials assailed the credibility of the government’s star witness on Friday, as their seven-week trial draws to a close. Carlos Martinez and Hernan Lopez are charged with wire and securities fraud conspiracy for allegedly scheming to pay tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure lucrative broadcasting rights for international soccer tournaments. Cooperating witness Alejandro Burzaco testified that his former business partners knew about and approved the bribes.

Alpine skiing-Shiffrin claims fifth overall World Cup title

Mikaela Shiffrin secured her fifth overall women's World Cup title when she took fifth place in the downhill in Kvitfjell, Norway, on Saturday, but her wait for a record-equalling 86th World Cup win continues. With seven races left, the American has an unassailable lead at the top of the standings over second-placed Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland, who finished in 21st place.

Boxing-Russia and Belarus boxers should compete, IBA president says

Russia and Belarus athletes should be able to compete under their flag, said International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev on Friday. The IBA lifted a ban on Russian and Belarusian boxers last October, against the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) guidance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 last year.

Soccer-Neymar ruled out of Champions League clash with Bayern due to injury

Paris St Germain forward Neymar will miss the next two games due to an ankle injury, coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday, ruling him out of their Ligue 1 clash with Nantes and the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich. The Brazil international was carried off the pitch on a stretcher during PSG's 4-3 win over Lille on Feb. 19 with what was later confirmed to be an ankle ligament injury.