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Agencies

Carlo Ancelotti expects the winners of the Champions League to emerge from the clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The two European heavyweights have played in the latter stages of the competition in the past three seasons – with the victor going on to lift the trophy – and they meet again in this year’s play-off round.
The first leg takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday and, even despite City’s indifferent form this season, Real boss Ancelotti still regards opposite number Pep Guardiola as the best in the business.
The veteran Italian, a five-time winner of the trophy as a manager, said: “They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there. It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.
“I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition.”

Plymouth handed City tie
Plymouth’s reward for knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup was to draw Manchester City on Monday in the fifth round.
Plymouth – who are bottom of the Championship – shocked Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday. Next they must go to Etihad Stadium on March 1 to face Pep Guardiola’s side
Holders Manchester United were drawn at home to Fulham in one of three all-top flight matchups. Newcastle host Brighton, and Bournemouth are at home to Wolverhampton.
Aston Villa play second-tier Cardiff, while Burnley, who are chasing promotion to the Premier League, travel to Preston.
Crystal Palace beat League 2 side Doncaster Rovers 2-0 on Monday to set up a fifth-round tie at home to Millwall.
Exeter and Nottingham Forest play on Tuesday for the chance to host Ipswich.
Swab test for athletes
All track and field athletes wishing to compete in the elite women’s category will be required to prove they are biologically female via a cheek swab under new rules set to be adopted by the sport.
World Athletics is consulting athletes on the impact of proposed changes to its regulations on the eligibility of transgender women and athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD).
The effect of the new proposals would be to treat both transgender and DSD athletes the same, with all athletes wishing to continue – or start – competing in the elite female category required to prove they are biologically female through a cheek swab.
The test, which athletes would only need to take once in their careers, would look for the SRY gene, which is almost always on the male Y chromosome and is used as a highly accurate proxy for biological sex. A dry spot blood test could also be used to determine an athlete’s testosterone levels, in addition to the presence of the SRY gene.
Davis out injured
Anthony Davis is out at least through the All-Star break after sustaining a groin injury in his debut with the Dallas Mavericks following the seismic trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis was replaced on the All-Star team on Monday by new teammate Kyrie Irving. All-Star festivities start Friday in San Francisco, and the game is Sunday night.
Multiple media outlets, citing anonymous sources, reported that Davis could miss several weeks with a left adductor strain.
The first missed game for Davis with Dallas will be Monday night against Sacramento, and the Mavs have home games against Golden State on Wednesday and Miami on Thursday before the break.
The 10-time All-Star had a dominant first half for the Mavs in a 116-105 victory over Houston on Saturday before pulling up lame late in the third quarter. He finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.


England’s routine World Cup qualifying win, Osaka out, Raducanu through in Miami

Uefa Nations League thrills with goals galore, Djokovic through, Vonn shines

New boss Thomas Tuchel critical of efficient England, Dodgers game sets Japan TV record

IOC chief Coventry eyes Trump talks; Mbappe and Co stunned; Germany win Euro ‘Clasico’

While you were sleeping

Ancelotti says Real or City will win Champions League, gender test for elite athletes

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti (right) stands alongside Jude Bellingham during a training session at the Etihad Stadium. Photo: DPA

Plymouth fans celebrate after their side beat Liverpool in the FA Cup. Photo: AFP

Vincent Ho in intensive care unit after suffering head injury in nasty Sha Tin fall

Vincent Ho hits the turf after falling from Oldtown at Sha Tin on Sunday. Photo: Kenneth Chan

HKJC

Asian Winter Games: Philippines’ ‘Curling Pilipinas’ bank on unlikely Winter Olympics berth

The Philippines Enrico Pfister (centre) curls a stone as the men’s team take on Kazakhstan at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

The Philippines’ Alan Frei has spent around US$31,000 on the team, who were largely self-funded. Photo: AFP

Enrico Pfister (right) and Christian Haller are part of the Swiss-Filipino quartet competing in Harbin. Photo: Xinhua

The Philippines’ Marc Pfister releases a stone during the match against Kazakhstan. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Premier League’s City can still be kings of Europe. World Athletics eyes one-and-done swab test


Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Premier League’s City can still be kings of Europe. World Athletics eyes one-and-done swab test.


Uefa Champions League