Sports News Roundup: Aussie PM urges Thailand not to extradite Bahraini player; Rams reset focus on Super Bowl mission
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Australia PM urges Thailand not to extradite Bahraini player
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Asian soccer chiefs called on the Thai government to release footballer Hakeem Al Araibi as prosecutors in Bangkok on Tuesday acknowledged receipt of an extradition request from Bahrain. Bahraini Araibi, who fled to Australia from his homeland in 2014 and was later granted asylum, was arrested in November in Bangkok on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.
Report: Lakers expected to make immediate push for Davis
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make an aggressive play to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans before next week's trade deadline, ESPN reported Tuesday. The Lakers are poised to reach out to New Orleans' brass soon, but the Pelicans made it clear Monday that they are in no rush to deal Davis, saying, "we will do this on our timeline."
NFL: Brady body guards key to unlocking Super Bowl win
Whether it is heads of state, endangered species or Fort Knox there are few things in this world better protected than New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. And keeping Brady safe will be a key on Sunday when the Patriots take on a ruthless Los Angeles Rams defence led by Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh in the Super Bowl.
Murray undergoes hip surgery in London
Former world number one Andy Murray has undergone a hip resurfacing surgery in London, the 31-year-old Scot said on Tuesday. Murray has struggled to regain form since undergoing hip surgery last year and was knocked out in the first round of the Australian Open earlier this month, having said the tournament could be his last as a professional.
Russian chess grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik retires
Russian chess grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, regarded as one of the strongest players in the world, announced on Tuesday he was retiring from professional competition. Kramnik, 43, made waves in 2000 when he defeated defending champion Garry Kasparov at the World Championship. Currently ranked seventh by the World Chess Federation, he became the undisputed world champion in 2006.
Rams reset focus on Super Bowl mission
Rams head coach Sean McVay enjoyed the pomp and circumstance of Super Bowl LIII Opening Night but eagerly turned the page to final preparations for the New England Patriots on Tuesday. "After last night, you can appreciate the magnitude of this game. Getting up this morning, we're going to put the finishing touches on the game plan. The guys will have the day off with the exception of the guys you're going to visit with today," McVay said from the Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center.
NFL notebook: Colts extend OL Glowinski three years
The Indianapolis Colts have reached an agreement on an extension with guard Mark Glowinski worth $18 million, the team announced Tuesday. Terms were not revealed, but ESPN reports the deal is for three years and $18 million.
NFL: Stadium roof expected to be open for Super Bowl
The retractable roof on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta is expected to be open on Sunday when the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams meet in the Super Bowl, a stadium official said on Tuesday. Rain and cold weather early in the week are expected to give way to drier and more temperate conditions, allowing the 70,000 fans in attendance to experience the game under partly cloudy skies.
American qualifier upsets No. 2 seed in Thailand
American qualifier Jennifer Brady upset second-seeded Caroline Garcia in straight sets in the first round of the Thailand Open in Hua Hin. Brady defeated Garcia 6-4, 7-6 (3) in 2 hours and 3 minutes. Brady is ranked 117th in the world and earned the victory over the 19th-ranked Garcia.
Nurmagomedov, McGregor suspended for UFC 229 brawl
The Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended UFC fighters Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor in a unanimous vote Tuesday for their involvement in a brawl after their lightweight championship bout at UFC 229 in October. Nurmagomedov (27-0) was suspended nine months, with the opportunity to reduce to six months by participating in an anti-bullying campaign. McGregor (21-4) was suspended six months. Both suspensions are retroactive to the night of the fight, Oct. 6, meaning McGregor and Nurmagomedov -- if he participates in the campaign -- will be eligible to compete again starting April 6.
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