SPORTS

New York, United States | AFP | Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James and Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo led the first fan balloting updates announced Thursday for next month’s NBA All-Star Game. Los Angeles Lakers star playmaker James received the most votes with 1,083,363 to pace the Western Conference …

Madrid, Spain | AFP | Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla scored twice as Villarreal drew 2-2 with Real Madrid in La Liga on Thursday, with the pint-sized midfielder producing a late header for a share of the spoils. This was Madrid”s first game since winning the World Club Cup in …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Liverpool emerged from the Premier League’s packed festive season with a four-point lead at the top of the table, despite slipping to a first defeat of the campaign to Manchester City on Thursday. That huge win puts City back in the title race after …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Manchester City reignited their Premier League title challenge with a crucial 2-1 win over leaders Liverpool on Thursday. Leroy Sane’s superb second half strike handed Liverpool their first league defeat this season and moved the champions to within four points of Jurgen Klopp’s side. …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Manchester City inflicted Liverpool’s first Premier League defeat of the season to breathe new life into their title defence with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad on Thursday. City now trail Jurgen Klopp’s men by just four points thanks to Leroy Sane’s winner 18 …

Doha, Qatar | AFP | World number one Novak Djokovic won another gruelling battle in Doha on Thursday to continue his unbeaten start to the year and progress to the Qatar Open semi-finals. The Serb came from a set down, just like in his previous match, to beat Georgia’s Nikoloz …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Pep Guardiola reshuffled his Manchester City defence for Thursday’s must-win top of the table Premier League clash with Liverpool as England international Kyle Walker was again dropped to the bench. City trail league leaders Liverpool by seven points with Guardiola admitting anything other than …

Maranello, Italy | AFP | Ferrari issued an emotional message on Thursday to mark the 50th birthday of Michael Schumacher, who has not been seen in public since he suffered head injuries in a skiing accident five years ago. The German, who won a record seven Formula One drivers’ championships …

Perth, Australia | AFP | Serena Williams completed a clean sweep of her singles matches at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth Thursday as she prepares for her bid to make Grand Slam history at the Australian Open. The winner of 23 Slam singles titles, Williams was made to …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Pep Guardiola is convinced Premier League leaders Liverpool will drop points between now and the end of the season as the Manchester City boss prepares for Thursday’s huge title clash with the Reds. Guardiola’s City side have been unable to keep pace with unbeaten …