
Manchester United sign Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig on five-year deal
The 22-year-old's arrival from RB Leipzig on a five-year contract completes an overhaul of the Red Devils' attack. 'Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Benjamin Sesko has joined the club, subject to registration,' read a club statement. — AFP

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The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Indonesian Alwi eyes world stage spotlight after taking Viktor's spot
Indonesia's Alwi Farhan. - AFP PETALING JAYA: Indonesia's rising star Alwi Farhan could be the one to make the loudest noise at the World Championships after earning a last-minute call-up. The world No. 23 was promoted from the reserves list following the withdrawal of Denmark's two-time world champion Viktor Axelsen, who pulled out of the men's singles event from Aug 25-31 in Paris due to injury. Just last week, Alwi underlined his form by clinching the World Tour Super 300 Macau Open title, defeating Malaysia's Justin Hoh in the final. Now, the 20-year-old is determined to make the most of his debut appearance on badminton's biggest stage. "I'm really thankful to get this opportunity. I never expected to play in the world meet," said Alwi in an interview posted in the Indonesian National Badminton Association (PBSI) website. "I'm excited as this will be my first world meet but I need to control my emotions. I want to make the most of this opportunity and gain lots of experience. "I want to prepare well and give my all. Now that it's confirmed, I need to focus fully on training." Alwi has been Indonesia's most promising player since winning the world junior title in 2023. The youngster has steadily moved up the rankings after progressing to the senior level and is currently Indonesia's second highest ranked men's singles player behind world No. 5 Jonatan Christie. Alwi only started competing in World Tour Super 750 and 1000 tournaments this year and the world meet will present him with another platform to showcase his abilities. Meanwhile, Jonatan and Anthony Ginting will be the other Indonesian representatives in the men's singles in Paris. Surprisingly, no Indonesian shuttler has won a medal in the men's singles in the prestigious event since Tommy Sugiarto claimed bronze in the 2014 edition in Copenhagen. Taufik Hidayat was the last Indonesian to win the men's singles title when he triumphed in 2005 in Anaheim.


The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Two Japanese boxers die after brain injuries at the same Tokyo event
Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa died from head injuries in separate bouts at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall. -- Photos: X/@WorldBoxingOrg TOKYO (AFP): Two boxers in Japan have died from brain injuries they incurred in separate bouts during the same event in Tokyo, officials said. Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, fought on the same card in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on August 2. Both were later rushed to hospital where they had brain surgery. Kotari, who battled to a draw after 12 rounds against fellow Japanese fighter Yamato Hata lost consciousness soon after and "passed away at 10:59pm on August 8," his M.T boxing gym said on its website Saturday. "He did his best to fight his way through the surgery and treatment he had been receiving at a Tokyo hospital due to acute subdural haematoma," the gym's post said. Urakawa was stopped in the eighth and final round against Yoji Saito and "tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight", the World Boxing Organization (WBO) said in an Instagram post on Sunday. Urakawa died on Saturday night, according to local media reports. "This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card," the WBO said, adding it extends "our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community." Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the Japan Boxing Commission, told local media after their hospitalisation that it was likely "the first time in Japan two fighters underwent skull-opening surgery for injuries stemming from the same event". - AFP


New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Man United boss Amorim hails Sesko's 'great potential' after big-money move
LONDON: New Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has all the attributes needed to help bolster their attack, manager Ruben Amorim said as he hopes to unlock the 22-year-old Slovenian's full potential after his big-money move to Old Trafford. Sesko completed his 76.5-million-euro ($89-million) switch from German side RB Leipzig to United on Saturday, with a further 8.5 million euros in bonuses. He signed a contract until 2030 to complete a new-look front three alongside fellow close-season signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. The Slovenia international, capped 41 times, scored 39 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions for Leipzig. "He has the characteristics that we needed," Amorim told MUTV on Saturday. "Ben is a player - with all the information that we have - that we need to stop the guy from working, not the opposite! "So that is also important. He's really young. He's good in the air, he's good at running the channels, good on the ball. I think he has great potential. I think he can improve a lot and, for sure, he is going to feel at home in our club. "He has the right character to be in this group, so I'm really happy to have him." Sesko was introduced at Old Trafford before Saturday's friendly match against Italian side Fiorentina, which United won 5-4 on penalties after drawing 1-1. "He is going to notice, since the first day and first training, that he is in the right place," Amorim added. "He is going to a new building (at Carrington), that is also important. Things are getting better but, in the end, we need to win games." United, who have spent around 200 million pounds ($270 million) following their 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season - their lowest in the top flight in 51 years - begin their new league campaign at home against Arsenal on August 17.--REUTERS