Sports International

World number one Novak Djokovic will be able to play at this year’s US Open after the United States confirmed international travellers will no longer need to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner, 35, was forced to miss last year’s tournament because of his vaccination status.

He also missed the past two Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.

But US policy will change on 12 May, allowing Serb Djokovic to return to Flushing Meadows in August.

“Today, we are announcing that the Administration will end the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air

Haaland record: Manchester City striker breaks Premier League record for goals in a season travellers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends,” the White House said in a statement.

Despite applying for special permission to enter the United States, Djokovic withdrew from Indian Wells in March because he was still unable to enter the country.

He won the Australian Open in January, a year after he was deported from the country on the eve of the 2022 tournament because he had not been vaccinated. Although injury kept him out of the ongoing Madrid Open, Djokovic is due to begin his bid for an overall men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open later this month. (BBC)

MANCHESTER City striker

Erling Haaland has broken the record for most goals in a Premier League season.

The Norwegian scored his 35th league goal of the campaign against West Ham to move past Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole’s previous best of 34.

Haaland had already set a record for a 38-game season, beating Mohamed Salah’s 32 goals for Liverpool in 2017-18.

“It’s a special night and a special moment. I’m really happy and proud,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old has another five games to add to his tally.

“It feels amazing and I’m really happy and I’m also happy for the three points,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “In the end that’s what matters and I’m happy.

“Yeah, it’s going well and now it’s time to focus on game by game. I’ve said this for a long time and that’s what the team is doing. The team is so good and I’m happy.”

Haaland’s 35th top-flight goal of the season came via a deft finish in the second half of a 3-0 win against the Hammers that sent City back to the top of the league.

He was given a guard of honour by his team-mates, boss Pep Guardiola and the club’s backroom staff after the final whistle at Etihad Stadium.

“I’ve not seen it before either,” Haaland added. “It was a nice feeling scoring that goal, it always is.

“It was painful when everyone hit me on the back in the guard of honour.”

Cole’s 34 goals for Newcastle in 1993-94 were matched by Shearer as he fired Blackburn to the title the following year but there were 22 teams in the top flight in both seasons, giving them an extra four matches to play - Shearer started all 42 in his record season, while Cole missed two in his.

Haaland, in his debut season in English football, has set the new marker in just his 31st game of the year.

His 35 goals are also the most by a player in a single campaign in the English top division since Ron Davies scored 37 for Southampton in 1966-67. Dixie Dean holds the record with 60 in 39 games for Everton in 1927-28. (BBC)

Tori Bowie: American three-time Olympic medallist and ex-world champion dies aged 32

American sprinter Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medallist and former 100m world champion, has died aged 32.

Bowie won 4x100m relay gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, plus 100m silver and 200m bronze.

The following year, she won the World Championships 100m in London, as well as relay gold.

USA Track and Field said Bowie’s “impact on the sport is immeasurable”, adding she will be “greatly missed”.

In a post on Instagram, World Athletics said it was “deeply saddened” by her death.

A statement from Team USA, the country’s Olympic and Tori Bowie won 4x100m relay gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, plus 100m silver and 200m bronze

Paralympic fraternity, added: “She was an admired friend, team-mate, and a great representative of Team USA.”

In an individual tribute, current 100m world champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce said: “My heart breaks for Tori Bowie’s family. A great competitor and source of light.

“Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace.”

Two-time men’s world 200m champion and US record holder Noah Lyles said: “This breaks my heart to hear and I will keep the family in my prayers.”

Bowie converted from long jump in 2014 and had an immediate impact on the track, becoming the fastest woman in the world that year.

She is the only American woman to have won an Olympic or world 100m title since Carmelita Jeter in 2011.

Icon Management, her agent, said: “We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away.

“We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister. Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright!

“We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends.” (BBC)