Top Five Stories From Friday You Must Read Today

7th September 2019

Koech, Chemutai targeting Prague 10Km race, Argentina legend Diego Maradona appointed coach of Superliga Side Gimnasia FC

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi hands over the winner's trophy to Fancy Chemutai from Kenya (Right) who won the woman's RAK Half Marathon in a time of 1:04:53.PHOTO/ GETTY IMAGES
His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi hands over the winner's trophy to Fancy Chemutai from Kenya (Right) who won the woman's RAK Half Marathon in a time of 1:04:53.PHOTO/ GETTY IMAGES
SUMMARY
  • On the women's side, Chemutai, the third fastest woman of all time on the roads with 30:06, will be looking to break the event's 30-minute barrier
  • Charles Leclerc delighted a rain-soaked crowd on Friday when he claimed the best time for Ferrari in a dramatic opening free practice at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix
  • Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu is eagerly awaiting Saturday's US Open title showdown with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams

NAIROBI, Kenya-  Kenyans Geoffrey Koech and Fancy Chemutai were on Friday set to lead the fields at the Birell Prague Grand Prix 10km, an IAAF Gold Label road race, in the Czech capital on Saturday.

Makazole Mapimpi grabbed a hat-trick as South Africa smashed World Cup hosts Japan 41-7 on the day, avenging the most humiliating loss in Springbok history two weeks before the serious business begins.

Here are the top five stories from Friday compiled by SportPesa News that you must read today:

Last Year’s Runners-Up Koech, Chemutai Out To Bag Prague 10KM Titles

MONACO, France- Kenyans Geoffrey Koech and Fancy Chemutai lead the fields at the Birell Prague Grand Prix 10km, an IAAF Gold Label road race, in the Czech capital on Saturday (7). On the men's side, the main draw is Koech, who clocked 27:18 in this race last year, the 13th fastest performance of all time, to finish second. READ MORE

Spirited Leclerc Claims Best Time In Dramatic Monza GP Opening Practice

MONZA, Italy- Charles Leclerc delighted a rain-soaked crowd on Friday when he claimed the best time for Ferrari in a dramatic opening free practice at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Monegasque, who secured his maiden victory at last Sunday’s tragic Belgian Grand Prix, topped the times ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, the pair making the most of drying conditions in the final part of a mostly-treacherous 90 minutes punctuated by three red-flag stoppages. READ MORE

Mapimbi Grabs A Hat-Trick As Springboks Hammer Japan In Rugby WC Warm-Up

KUMAGAYA, Japan- Makazole Mapimpi grabbed a hat-trick as South Africa smashed World Cup hosts Japan 41-7 Friday, avenging the most humiliating loss in Springbok history two weeks before the serious business begins. The last time the teams met, hitherto tournament no-hopers Japan stunned the Springboks 34-32 on the English south coast in their opening game of the 2015 World Cup -- an upset of such epic proportions it spawned a recent movie. READ MORE

Maradona Appointed Manager Of Argentine Superliga Side Gimnasia

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina- Argentine legend Diego Maradona will take over as coach of Superliga side Gimnasia, the club announced on its Twitter account Thursday. "Welcome Diego! Every corner of the most beautiful club in the world greets you," the La Plata-based club said. READ MORE

Canadian Teen Andreescu Relishing US Open Final Against Serena Williams

NEW YORK, United States- Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu is eagerly awaiting Saturday's US Open title showdown with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, in a rematch of last month's Toronto final that was cut short by injury. The 19-year-old Andreescu, playing at just her fourth Grand Slam and making her US Open main draw debut, has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past nine months after finishing 2018 ranked 178th in the world. READ MORE