Sports News Roundup: Formula One set to change sprint format for 2024; Sinner enjoying the 'privilege' of Davis Cup pressure and more

Late in the fourth quarter Bland stepped in front of Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's pass and raced 63 yards down the sidelines to the roars of a sold out U.S. Thanksgiving Day crowd in Dallas for his fifth 'pick six' of the season. Factbox-Oscar Pistorius: South African 'Blade Runner' turned murder convict South African former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was granted parole on Friday after he was jailed nine years ago for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Tennis-Sinner enjoying the 'privilege' of Davis Cup pressure

Jannik Sinner said he was embracing the pressure of the Davis Cup Finals after pulling double duty to help former champions Italy defeat the Netherlands 2-1 and make the semi-finals for the second straight year. Sinner, who arrived in Malaga after losing his ATP Finals title clash to Novak Djokovic, overcame Tallon Griekspoor on Thursday to level the tie at 1-1 and later teamed up with Lorenzo Sonego to down Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof.

Motor racing-Formula One set to change sprint format for 2024

Formula One is set to change its sprint format for 2024 after support from teams and stakeholders to make race weekends easier to follow. The governing FIA said on Friday its Sporting Advisory Committee would present a final proposal to the F1 Commission in January.

Motor racing-McLaren F1 team extend Mercedes engine deal to 2030

The McLaren Formula One team will use Mercedes power units until at least 2030 after extending their existing deal into the sport's new engine era that starts in 2026, both parties announced on Friday. McLaren, whose drivers are Britain's Lando Norris and Australian Oscar Piastri, are the first customer team to commit to the new Mercedes power unit alongside the works outfit.

Soccer-Arsenal have Jesus, Odegaard available after international break - Arteta

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Martin Odegaard have returned from the international break fit to face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Thursday. Jesus and Odegaard both missed Arsenal's last two league games due to injury, but Jesus played in Brazil's 1-0 loss to Argentina this week after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Soccer-Onana ready to face Everton, Hojlund doubtful, says Ten Hag

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is ready to face Everton in the Premier League on Sunday but striker Rasmus Hojlund is doubtful, manager Erik ten Hag said on Friday. Onana sustained an injury playing for Cameroon in their 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Mauritius last week.

NFL-Cowboys' Bland returns interception for record fifth touchdown

Dallas defensive back DaRon Bland returned a record fifth interception for a touchdown on Thursday to help the Cowboys to a 45-10 win over the Washington Commanders. Late in the fourth quarter Bland stepped in front of Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's pass and raced 63 yards down the sidelines to the roars of a sold out U.S. Thanksgiving Day crowd in Dallas for his fifth 'pick six' of the season.

Factbox-Oscar Pistorius: South African 'Blade Runner' turned murder convict

South African former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was granted parole on Friday after he was jailed nine years ago for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Here are some facts about Pistorius' life.

Soccer-Man City innocent until proven guilty, says Guardiola

Manchester City are innocent until proven guilty of over 100 charges of breaking the Premier League's financial rules, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday. Everton were last week handed an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

Tennis-Djokovic says British fans disrespectful during Davis Cup win

Novak Djokovic accused British fans of disrespect during Serbia's Davis Cup quarter-final victory in Malaga on Thursday. The 24-time Grand Slam winner said some fans had tried to annoy him during his straight sets win over Cameron Norrie and snapped at them when they drummed loudly during his post-match interview, telling them to shut up.

South African 'Blade Runner' Pistorius granted parole a decade after killing girlfriend

Jailed South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was granted parole on Friday after serving nine years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, and will be released on Jan. 5, authorities said. Known as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs, Pistorius went from a public hero as a Paralympic champion to a convicted killer in hearings that caught the world's attention.