عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Sports

Arsenal Goalkeeper Jack Porter, 16, Becomes Club's Youngest-ever Starter

Arsenal's 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Arsenal's 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
TT
TT

Arsenal Goalkeeper Jack Porter, 16, Becomes Club's Youngest-ever Starter

Arsenal's 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Arsenal's 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Jack Porter became Arsenal's youngest-ever player to start a first-team game when the 16-year-old goalkeeper made his debut against Bolton in the English League Cup on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported.
At 16 years, 72 days old, Porter surpasses club icon Cesc Fabregas, who was 16 years, 177 days when he started against Rotherham in October 2003.
Porter was selected in place of first choice David Raya, who was ruled out with a thigh injury, Arsenal said.
Porter is an England under-17 international and was a substitute for Arsenal's game against Manchester City on Sunday.
He is the second-youngest player to represent Arsenal's first team.
Ethan Nwaneri holds that record after coming on as a substitute aged 15 years, 181 days in September 2022.
Nwaneri scored twice in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the third-division club.

Most Viewed

 
 
Sports

Sabalenka Sees off Pavlyuchenkova to Reach Australian Open Semifinals 

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
TT
TT

Sabalenka Sees off Pavlyuchenkova to Reach Australian Open Semifinals 

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the semifinals of the Australian Open with a battling 6-2 2-6 6-3 win over Russian 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, as her quest for a third straight title at Melbourne Park gained momentum.

Sabalenka had looked shaky early in her quest to become the first woman to complete a "three-peat" since Martina Hingis from 1997-99 and the top seed had to manage gusty winds and a gutsy opponent to extend her Melbourne win streak to 19 matches.

"Honestly, I was just praying today. I was just praying to put the ball back in these tough conditions," Sabalenka said.

"We both were trying to put the ball back. It was very difficult to play. She played amazing tennis, aggressive. I'm super happy I was able to somehow magically win this match."

After three straightforward holds of serve at the start of the match, Sabalenka displayed the variety she has added to her game with a drop shot from deep to earn break points and then converted it with a more familiar backhand bullet.

Pavlyuchenkova, who has the word "MEOW" tattooed on her leg in sharp contrast to the tiger on Sabalenka's arm, attempted to claw her way back in a tight game that followed but only found herself in more trouble down 4-1 after a shot into the net.

"I was born in the year of tiger and I literally dreamt for six months about getting a tiger tattoo," Sabalenka added of the animal that has become her totem.

"After six months of this crazy dream, I was like 'you know what, I have to go and get it done' and now, it's a reminder to never give up and just stay aggressive, stay hungry and push yourself no matter what what's going on in your life."

A running crosscourt winner handed Sabalenka the first set but the 26-year-old Belarusian squandered break points early in the next set before surrendering her serve for the first time, as Pavlyuchenkova showed her own repertoire of big shots.

Sabalenka splashed cold water on her face after dropping serve again to go 4-1 down and despite pulling one back with a sliced winner, the world number one allowed Pavlyuchenkova to level up the contest on Rod Laver Arena.

The breaks of serve flowed at the start of the decider before Sabalenka settled herself with a hold to go ahead 3-2 and then 5-3 up with a crucial break, which allowed her to secure victory and book a clash with her best friend Paula Badosa.

"Sometimes maybe it's good to have these tough battles, to go through it, to be tougher for the last stages of the tournament," Sabalenka said.

"I wish I would win this match in straight sets but it is how it is. I'm glad I'm in the semis and I cannot wait to play against Paula."