1. Top pick Murray signs for the Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals selected No.1 pick Kyler Murray at the 2019 NFL Draft. Sky Sports reports that 21-year-old Murray, the Heisman Trophy-winning Oklahoma Sooners quarterback, has made sporting history by becoming the first man to be drafted in the first rounds of both the NFL and MLB drafts. He declared for the NFL draft after turning his back on baseball. Murray was selected ninth in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Oakland A’s.
2. Sterling awarded for racism fight
Manchester City and England footballer Raheem Sterling was honoured at the BT Sport Industry Awards for his fight against racism. The 24-year-old said: “When the next generation come through, you have to set the example. I was just speaking about my personal experiences, I didn’t expect it to get so much attention. I just wanted to bring it to the attention of my audience on Instagram. It’s been really pleasing to see people listening and trying and do better.”
3. Real eye Pogba and Hazard
Manchester United and Chelsea go head-to-head this weekend as they battle to finish in the Premier League top four. Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford (4.30pm) will no doubt be watched closely by Real Madrid. Sky Sports reports that the Spaniards are confident of signing United star Paul Pogba and Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard this summer.
4. Elise Christie reveals depression battle
British speed skating star Elise Christie has revealed she had a two-year battle with depression and anxiety, The Guardian reports, but the 28-year-old has now come off antidepressants. The Scot said on Instagram: “There’s something I feel that’s important to share. During the time I was on medication for two years I felt I couldn’t openly speak about it, I suffered for two years with depression and anxiety, it prevented me being myself and unfortunately I ended up on antidepressants. I’m now really proud to say that I’ve officially managed to get myself off antidepressants and become more myself again!”
5. Hamilton: I see myself in Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton says the start of Charles Leclerc’s Formula 1 career has been very similar to his own. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver said of his Ferrari rival: “When I got to Formula 1, I wanted to win as soon as possible and beat the champion I was racing against. So it is very similar. I see much of myself in Charles and he is doing a great job so far.”
6. Booth backlash over Saudi golf sponsorship
Scottish golfer Carly Booth has faced backlash online after posting on social media that she had a new sponsorship deal with Golf Saudi. Writing on Twitter and Instagram she said: “I am honoured to represent @Golf_Saudi as they acknowledge that women in sport is of paramount importance. Although culturally they are in a different place to some countries, they are doing everything they can to introduce girls and women into sport and lead healthy lifestyles.” The Guardian reports that the posts were later deleted.
7. Premier League’s double trophy plan
Should the Premier League title race between Manchester City and Liverpool go down to the final day of the season plans have been made to have two trophies and two sets of medals on standby, sources have told ESPN.
8. Trump plays down title chances
Judd Trump is through to the last-16 of the World Snooker Championship and despite being a favourite for the title the 29-year-old has played down his chances. Speaking to the BBC he said: “I am one of the players who has a lot to prove here. A lot of the other top players have already won it so they have that experience. The way Neil Robertson is playing, he is definitely the favourite. Mark Selby will always be dangerous and so will John Higgins.” Trump will play Ding Junhui in the last 16 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
9. Liverpool and Rangers win FA Youth Cups
Football’s future stars in England and Scotland were on show on Thursday night. In the English FA Youth Cup final Liverpool beat Manchester City 5-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after extra-time. North of the border Rangers lifted the Scottish FA Youth Cup after a 3-2 victory against Glasgow rivals Celtic.
10. Europa League final tickets will be in demand
Should Arsenal or Chelsea (or both) reach the 2019 Uefa Europa League final fans could be set for major disappointment after ticket numbers were revealed by the Daily Mail. The clubs would receive just 7,000 tickets each for the 29 May final in Azerbaijan despite Baku’s Olympic Stadium having a capacity of 68,700.
