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US Open 2023: Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur zooms into round of 16

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Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur’s quest for a first Grand Slam was boosted on Saturday night after she thumped Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic in a brutal third-round match at the US Open.

The world’s fifth seeded African star who had suffered a series of injuries and illness prior to the tournament, defeated Bouzkova 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium in a gruelling encounter that once again showed her resilient spirit.

After beating the 31st seed Bouzkova in two hours and 56 minutes, Jabuer, who was the runner-up last year at the US Open, told journalists that she had expected a tough match against her opponent and had to dig deep to come up with the fight she required to beat Bouzkova.

“Man it was a very tough match. We both played really well. She didn’t want to stop. She’s a great player. This is a tough sport. You always don’t want to give up. I really respect her for that. I think we both had a great battle tonight, and hopefully I’ll continue getting this ‘warrior’ symbol with me during this great tournament,” she said.

“Hopefully I’ll continue with this warrior symbol. I love fighting. I trust my body. I know I can go all the way playing three sets, no problem.

“It’s not fun starting being sick. I feel like this tournament is testing me and showing me that I have a lot of strength, that I can go really far,” she added.

Next up for the 29-year-old Jabeur is a matchup against Chinese 23rd seed, Zheng Qinwen at the Flushing Meadows as she hunts a first major title.

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Italian couple name new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman

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An Italian couple have reportedly named their new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, after he scored a spectacular goal against Olympic Marseille of France in the Europa League semifinal second leg match to take Atalanta to the final.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring for Atalanta before Ruggeri and Toure sealed the win in their second-leg semi-final tie to set up a mouth-watering final tie with Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen.

According to reports from EuroFoot on X, Ademola’s performance was recognised by the couple who live in Palosco, a district in Bergamo where the Italian club is based.

“Somebody named their child after Ademola Lookman following his goal which helped send the Italian club to the Europa League final!” EuroFoot said in the post.

The post added that Lookman’s contribution to Atalanta’s advancement to the Europa League final caught the attention of the adoring Italian couple who decided to name their child after him.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian international was on Friday, named the Europa League Player of the Week following his outstanding performance in Atalanta’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille in the semifinal.

According to UEFA’s official website, Lookman’s performance also included three attempts, further highlighting his influential role in Atalanta’s dominant display

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AIU suspends Kenyan marathoner Josephine Chepkoech over alleged use of prohibited substances

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The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan half distance runner, Josephine Chepkoech, over alleged use of prohibited substances during the Barcelona Half Marathon held on February 17, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

The AIU, in a statement on Thursday, said Chepkoech was suspended following allegations of doping involving the prohibited substance, testosterone.

In the statement, the AIU said Chepkoech had been served with a Notice of Allegation for violating Article 2.1 and Article 2.2 of its anti-doping regulations.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended Josephine Chepkoech (Kenya) for Presence (Testosterone Metabolites)/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Testosterone),” the AIU stated.

Chepkoech ran a personal best marathon time of 2:22:38 in February at the Seville Marathon, but with the suspension, the record is not likely to stand.

The AIU said the move was part of its crackdown on prohibited substances in athletics which has seen a rising number of Kenyan athletes penalized.

The 35-year-old had made her marathon debut in 2018 at the Nairobi Marathon, dominating the women’s race with a winning time of 2:33:11.

Her provisional suspension means she cannot participate in any competition until a final decision is reached which could result in an acquittal or a formal ban.

She faces a two-year ban pending a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal.

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