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From Formula One to the Olympics, the sporting world had a lot to offer with major developments across the globe. FIA decided to ban pitlane overtakes after Max Verstappen's antics in Abu Dhabi. The footy world saw the return of club football as major teams like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain registered big wins.
From Europe moving across the Atlantic, the NBA's in-season tournament continued as Orlando Magic continued their dream run built on the league's best defence. Similarly, the Golden State Warriors steadied their shaky start with a comfortable win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Check here for top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Formula One:
F1 to change sprint format for 2024
Formula One to change its sprint format for 2024 after feedback from teams and stakeholders to make race weekends easier. The FIA released a statement stating that the Sporting Advisory Committee would present a final proposal to the F1 Commission in January. "The Commission gave overall support for an update to the sprint format for 2024 to further rationalise the weekend by separating Sprint activities from those for the Grand Prix," the FIA statements said.
FIA bans pitlane overtake in Abu Dhabi
FIA has prohibited overtaking in the pitlane exit during the qualifying in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The decision was taken after triple world champion Max Verstappen zoomed past Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in practice. Race director Niels Wittich issued the directive to the event notes and barred overtaking in the pit exit road unless a car was slow after an obvious issue.
Football:
Vissel Kobe win 1st J.League title in club history
Japanese club Vissel Kobe took home its first J.League title in the club's history after scoring two goals in three first-half minutes to register a 2-1 victory over Nagoya Grampus. With one game left in the season, the home pushes Vissel Kobe four points clear of last year's champions Yokohama F Marinos, who had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Albirex Niigata on Friday.
South Africa withdraws bid for Women's World Cup in 2027
South Africa has withdrawn their bid to host the Women's World Cup in 2027. The Rainbow Nation was among four bids confirmed by FIFA but will instead shift focus to a bid for the 2031 tournament. Confirming the decision, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said: "We felt that it was better to present a well-prepared bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and ensure we put our best foot forward, rather than producing a rushed presentation."
England Women's squad for Uefa Women's Nations League
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City).
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Tottenham, on loan from Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United).
Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
Major Footballing results:
Bundesliga:
Koln vs Bayern Munich: 0 - 1
Ligue 1:
Paris Saint Germain vs AS Monaco: 5-2
La Liga:
Alaves vs Granada: 3 -1
Athletics
Oscar Pistorius gets parole decade after killing girlfriend
South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was granted parole more than 10 years after being indicted for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius will be released on January 5 as per the authorities. Pistorius shot the 29-year-old model and law graduate through a bathroom door on February 14 2013. He justified his actions later by telling courts he had mistaken her for an intruder.
Olympics
Switzerland to bid for 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympics
Switzerland has expressed a desire to bid for either the 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Swiss authorities want to organise a "decentralised" Games using existing facilities present all around the country of around 9 million people. Reports claim the Games would receive finances from the private sector.
NBA:
In-Season Tournament Group stage results:
Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics: 113 - 96
Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns: 89 - 110
New York Knicks vs Miami Head: 100 - 98
Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards: 131 - 128
