Sports NewsRoundup: Horse racing-Implementation of anti-doping program for racehorses in U.S. delayed; Motor racing-Perez laments 'terrible' day after qualifying shocker and more

The Belgium striker found the back of the net for the 15th time this season in the league to put the northerners on 60 points from 29 games, ahead of OM on goal difference after the Provence side drew 1-1 with Montpellier on Friday. Soccer-Man City condemn damage caused to Liverpool's team bus Manchester City have condemned the actions of individuals responsible for causing damage to Liverpool's team bus on their return journey following Saturday's Premier League clash at the Etihad.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Horse racing-Implementation of anti-doping program for racehorses in U.S. delayed

The implementation of the first nationwide anti-doping program for racehorses in the U.S. has been delayed by at least one month as it awaits approval by the federal agency that oversees it, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) said. The new rules, which had been scheduled to take effect late last month, will replace the patchwork of state-by-state regulations after high-profile drug scandals and horse deaths led the federal government to intervene.

Motor racing-Perez laments 'terrible' day after qualifying shocker

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez bemoaned a terrible day at the Australian Grand Prix after a slide into gravel in qualifying left him back of the grid for Sunday's race and dented his championship hopes. The Mexican, one point shy of team mate Max Verstappen in the Formula One title race, locked up at turn three at Albert Park and beached himself in the gravel on his first out lap in the opening session of qualifying.

Soccer-Leaders Arsenal respond in style after Man City thrash Liverpool

Manchester City thumped Liverpool 4-1 even without goal machine Erling Haaland in their ranks but Arsenal took another step towards a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years as they matched the champions with a 4-1 win over Leeds United on Saturday. While the title race gathered pace on the resumption of the top flight after the international break, the relegation battle becomes more intriguing by the week with Leicester City the latest side to fall into the bottom three.

NBA-League and players reach tentative contract agreement

The NBA and the NBA Players Association have agreed to a labor contract that still needs to be ratified by both sides, the league and the union said late on Friday. Details of the agreement will be made available once the term sheet is finalized, the sides said.

Motorcycling-Binder 'fights like hell' to win Argentina sprint from 15th on grid

Red Bull KTM rider Brad Binder put on a masterclass in bravery and skill to win Saturday's MotoGP sprint race at the Argentina Grand Prix after starting 15th on the grid. VR46 Racing's two Ducatis of Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini completed the podium, while championship leader Francesco Bagnaia, who started on the front row, could only finish sixth behind pole sitter Alex Marquez.

Olympics-IOC says Ukrainian athletes only ones to suffer from government decision

The International Olympic Committee criticized Ukraine's decision not to allow Ukrainian athletes to take part in qualifying events for the 2024 Paris Olympics if they have to compete against Russians, saying on Saturday this will hurt only Ukrainian sport and its athletes. Ukrainian government minister Oleh Nemchinov announced the policy on Friday after the IOC issued recommendations on Tuesday for the gradual return to international competition for Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals.

Tennis-Rybakina backs Wimbledon move to allow Russians, Belarusians to play as neutrals

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina said the grasscourt Grand Slam had taken the correct decision to reverse its ban on Russian and Belarusian players and allow them to compete at this year's tournament as "neutral" athletes. Wimbledon was the only Grand Slam to ban competitors from Russia and Belarus last year after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and players competed as individual athletes without national affiliation at the other majors and the tours.

Boxing-Joshua beats Franklin to draw a line under two Usyk defeats

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua got back to winning ways after two straight defeats by beating American Jermaine Franklin on a unanimous decision at London's 02 Arena on Saturday. The non-title fight in front of a 20,000 crowd was the 33-year-old Briton's return to the ring after suffering successive losses to Ukraine's WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Soccer-Openda still on fire as Lens jump up to second with Rennes win

Lois Openda struck in the first half as RC Lens claimed a 1-0 win at Stade Rennais to leapfrop Olympique de Marseille into second place in the Ligue 1 standings on Saturday. The Belgium striker found the back of the net for the 15th time this season in the league to put the northerners on 60 points from 29 games, ahead of OM on goal difference after the Provence side drew 1-1 with Montpellier on Friday.

Soccer-Man City condemn damage caused to Liverpool's team bus

Manchester City have condemned the actions of individuals responsible for causing damage to Liverpool's team bus on their return journey following Saturday's Premier League clash at the Etihad. City, who won the game 4-1, said an object was thrown towards the bus in a residential area.