Sports News Roundup: Russell hopes lightning strikes twice at Interlagos; Cricket-Shami, Siraj on fire as India book semi-final spot and more

It was India's seventh win from as many matches in this year's 50-over tournament, and arguably their most dominant, with Sri Lanka's batters lasting under 20 overs while chasing a 358-run target. Soccer-Postecoglou not a dreamer as Spurs continue title push Tottenham Hotspur are top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the top flight this season but their manager Ange Postecoglou said on Thursday he was happy to leave title dreams to the fans.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Soccer-Beleaguered Ten Hag needs away-day boost at Fulham

So dire has Manchester United's home form been this season that perhaps the only saving grace as they prepare for the next match of a so-far torrid campaign is that it is away at Fulham. Erik Ten Hag's stumbling United side were booed at halftime and fulltime on Wednesday as they surrendered the League Cup with a 3-0 home defeat by Newcastle United.

Soccer-Manchester United's woes leave Ten Hag exposed after humbling Cup defeat

Manchester United's beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag is coming under even more pressure after his lacklustre side were knocked out of the League Cup by Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday with the media headlines highlighting their plight. "Ten Hag's total humiliation, United manager facing serious questions after cup horror show" was The Daily Telegraph's headline. The Star chimed in with: "Hag 'N Daze, Erik's sorry troops are given another big lickin'"

Motor racing-Russell hopes lightning strikes twice at Interlagos

George Russell is hoping lightning strikes twice at Interlagos as he returns to the scene of his only Formula One victory a year later and with Mercedes in a similar situation to last season. The Briton gave the former champions their only win of 2022 at the Sao Paulo circuit and returns to Brazil with the team yet to triumph in 2023.

Athletes-Women's marathon record will belong to Kenya again, says Kosgei

Kenya will recapture the women's marathon world record, former holder Brigid Kosgei said on Thursday, as she prepares to make her New York City Marathon debut. Kenyan Kosgei beat one of the most stubborn world records in athletics when she improved on Briton Paula Radcliffe's 16-year-old benchmark by 81 seconds at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, winning in two hours 14 minutes and four seconds.

Cricket-Shami, Siraj on fire as India book semi-final spot

Some fiery fast bowling from India's Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj lit up their World Cup encounter with Sri Lanka and helped the unbeaten hosts secure a thumping 302-run victory on Thursday, making them the first side to book a semi-final spot. It was India's seventh win from as many matches in this year's 50-over tournament, and arguably their most dominant, with Sri Lanka's batters lasting under 20 overs while chasing a 358-run target.

Soccer-Postecoglou not a dreamer as Spurs continue title push

Tottenham Hotspur are top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the top flight this season but their manager Ange Postecoglou said on Thursday he was happy to leave title dreams to the fans. Spurs' win at Crystal Palace last Friday was their fourth in a row and they next face a struggling Chelsea side on Monday, but their Australian boss is not getting carried away.

Soccer-Rodrygo extends Real contract until 2028

Real Madrid's Brazil forward Rodrygo has signed a contract extension until 2028, the LaLiga club announced on Thursday. The 22-year-old joined Real in 2019 from Santos for a reported fee of 45 million euros ($47.77 million) with his original contract running until 2025.

Golf-Rahm withdraws from first TGL league

Masters champion Jon Rahm has pulled out of the inaugural TGL golf league launched by Ryder Cup team mate Rory McIlroy and American great Tiger Woods, the Spaniard said on Thursday. World number three Rahm had initially signed up for the new indoor league which starts in January.

Motor racing-Brazilian Drugovich to continue as Aston Martin F1 reserve

Brazilian Felipe Drugovich will continue as Aston Martin's test and reserve driver next season, the Formula One team said on Thursday. Last year's Formula Two champion will also take part in first Friday practice at this month's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, replacing double world champion Fernando Alonso for the session.

Soccer-Bayern defender De Ligt sidelined with knee ligament injury - club

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt has been ruled out for an unspecified period of time after suffering a knee ligament injury in Wednesday's 2-1 German Cup loss to third-tier Saarbruecken, the club said on Thursday. The Dutch international had to be taken off in the 24th minute of their second-round match.