bbc--2020-01-11--France protests: PM offers pension compromise in bid to end strike

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has offered a concession to unions in a bid to end nationwide strikes against proposed pension reforms .
In a letter , Mr Philippe said he was willing to withdraw a proposal which would raise the age at which workers can claim their pension from 62 to 64 .
One of France 's largest unions , the CFDT , welcomed the announcement saying it showed a willingness to compromise .
However , the CGT union called the proposal `` a smokescreen '' .
In a statement it said it was `` more determined than ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action against President Emmanuel Macron 's planned pension reform is in its 38th day and has badly disrupted France 's transport system - particularly trains .
Protesters again took to the streets of Paris and other cities on Saturday .
In the capital , police fired tear gas at some groups of protesters who smashed windows and set light to rubbish bins and billboards .
• Why are French workers on a nationwide strike ?
Mr Philippe 's announcement followed talks between ministers and union leaders on Friday .
The government says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairer and more sustainable , but unions say workers will lose out .
`` To demonstrate my confidence in the social partners ...
I am willing to withdraw from the bill the short-term measure I had proposed '' to set a so-called `` pivot age '' of 64 with effect from 2027 , he wrote in his letter to the union leaders .
President Macron described it as `` a constructive compromise '' .
Laurent Berger , secretary general of the CFDT , hailed the government 's concession as `` a victory '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said it marked `` the government 's willingness to compromise '' .
`` We obtained the withdrawal of the pivotal age , a victory for the CFDT !
We will now continue our action for a fairer and more united retirement system , '' he said .
However , the CGT said it would continue to demand `` the withdrawal '' of the pension reforms .
It called on people `` to participate massively in strikes and demonstrations planned for next week '' .
French politician and former Socialist Party presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better late than never '' .
`` I hope that it will allow the resumption of serious discussions .
It 's a first step , it will take many more , '' she said , according to Le Figaro newspaper .
What is the strike about ?
Workers are striking over Mr Macron 's plans to replace France 's 42 separate pension regimes with a universal points-based system .
Unions representing millions of staff in both the public and private sectors warn the plan will remove the most advantageous pensions for a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer or face reduced payouts when they retire .
France raised the official retirement age in the past decade from 60 to 62 , but it remains one of the lowest among rich countries - in the UK , for example , the retirement age for state pensions is 66 and is due to rise to at least 67 .
In November , a report commissioned by Mr Philippe concluded that , under the existing system , the country 's pension deficit could be as high as €17.2bn by 2025 .

France raised the official retirement age in the past decade from 60 to 62, but it remains one of the lowest among rich countries - in the UK, for example, the retirement age for state pensions is 66 and is due to rise to at least 67.


bbc--2020-01-11--Sri Lanka elephants: 'Record number' of deaths in 2019

A record number of elephants - 361 - have died in Sri Lanka during 2019 , environmental groups say .
It is highest figure of elephant deaths to be reported since Sri Lanka became independent in 1948 , conservationists said .
Most were killed by people .
There are an estimated 7,500 wild elephants in Sri Lanka .
Killing them is illegal , but the animals often come into conflict with rural communities .
Elephants are revered in Sri Lanka but some farmers view them as pests .
Sajeewa Chamikara , an environmentalist from the Movement for Land and Agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 85 % of elephant deaths last year may have been caused by human activity .
He said communities had used electric fences , poison and explosives concealed as food to kill the animals .
• Do elephants risk their lives to save each other ?
In September , officials said they suspected seven elephants found dead in a reserve were poisoned by local residents for destroying crops .
BBC World Service South Asia editor Anbarasan Ethirajan says the expansion of villages and farms in Sri Lanka has contributed to dwindling supplies of food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have promised to work to resolve the conflict by putting fences between elephant habitats and rural communities .
But Mr Chamikara said the government needed to do more to improve the quality of protected areas , such as tackling the issue of invasive plants which grow over grasslands that feed the elephants .
`` Our development plan is not eco-friendly .
We need a sustainable development plan , '' he said .
Trains are responsible for killing some wild elephants during their migration .
Others die of natural causes , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sri Lanka to raise income from tourists , while others are forced to march at local festivals .

But Mr Chamikara said the government needed to do more to improve the quality of protected areas, such as tackling the issue of invasive plants which grow over grasslands that feed the elephants.


bbc--2020-01-11--Taiwan election: Tsai Ing-wen wins second presidential term

Taiwan 's President Tsai Ing-wen has secured a second term after sweeping to victory in an election dominated by the island 's relationship with China .
Ms Tsai secured just over 57 % of the ballot - a record 8.2m votes - well ahead of her rival Han Kuo-yu .
Ms Tsai opposes closer ties with China , with Mr Han suggesting they would bring economic benefits .
In her victory speech , Ms Tsai told China to abandon its threat to take back the island by force .
Ms Tsai told a news conference : `` Taiwan is showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free democratic way of life and how much we cherish our nation . ''
China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949 .
It says Taiwan must eventually be reunited with China , by force if necessary .
Ms Tsai said China should now drop that threat .
`` Peace means that China must abandon threats of force against Taiwan , '' she said in the capital Taipei .
`` I also hope that the Beijing authorities understand that democratic Taiwan , and our democratically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats and intimidation . ''
Did China get it wrong ?
Eight million votes is an extraordinary tally for a Taiwanese President seeking a second term .
The record-breaking win has delivered a landslide mandate to Ms Tsai , and a major snub to Beijing .
It was the emergence of Taiwan 's relationship with China as the central issue in this campaign that allowed her to revive her flagging fortunes .
And in her victory there is a certain political irony .
Beijing 's rigid , authoritarian vision of a Greater China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been wholeheartedly rejected in the one place actually given the opportunity to vote on the concept .
And had the Communist Party not turned up the pressure on Taiwan , had its approach to the crisis in Hong Kong been subtler , the path to victory for a candidate it wanted so much to thwart may have been much less certain .
After the result was announced I asked Tsai Ing-wen whether she had the Chinese President Xi Jinping to thank for her victory .
The US hailed President Tsai 's victory as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democratic system '' .
`` Under her leadership we hope Taiwan will continue to serve as a shining example for countries that strive for democracy , prosperity and a better path for their people , '' the US State Department said .
Mr Han , the Kuomintang party candidate , had earlier admitted defeat as the results became clear .
`` I have called President Tsai to congratulate her .
She has a new mandate for the next four years , '' he told a crowd in the southern city of Kaohsiung .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was leading in the polls as voters watched the way in which Beijing handled pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong .
Her stance was popular with those who fear Taiwan being overtaken by mainland China .
In the final count she secured 1.3m more votes than in her 2016 victory .
President Tsai insists Taiwan 's future should be decided by its 23 million people .
Voters were also choosing the next members of the Taiwanese legislature , where Ms Tsai 's Democratic Progressive Party ( DPP ) has had a majority .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state - it has its own elected government , constitution and military .
But China refuses to have diplomatic relations with any country that recognises Taiwan as a sovereign nation .
All but a handful of countries have picked Beijing , but most maintain an ambiguous relationship with Taiwan through trade .
The US is also legally bound to supply Taiwan with the means to defend itself .
Where did the candidates stand on China ?
Ms Tsai wants to `` maintain the existing mechanisms '' , according to her website - meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's de facto independence .
In a speech on the Hong Kong protests in June , she said `` anyone who tries to undermine Taiwan 's sovereignty and democracy , or use them as political bargaining chips , will fail '' .
She had also rejected Taiwan ever operating under the `` one country , two systems '' political system used in Hong Kong since it returned to China in 1997 - calling it `` not viable '' .
Speaking to the BBC this week , she said Taiwan should `` learn a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If we do n't insist [ on maintaining Taiwan 's independence ] , we 'll be losing everything we have now . ''
Mr Han and his party the Kuomintang ( KMT ) favour closer ties with China - which they say will bring economic growth - but do not seek unification .
The KMT once ruled China , before fleeing to Taiwan in 1949 after losing to the communist forces in the civil war .
Mr Han made a high-profile visit to Hong Kong and China in March , and has reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be `` scarier than syphilis '' .
What were the other issues ?
Although the economy has grown during Ms Tsai 's presidency , exports have fallen and wage growth is sluggish .
Saturday 's presidential election was also the first since Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage .
The move was rejected in a series of referendums , but parliament passed a special law in order to comply with an earlier court ruling .
Ms Tsai said it was `` a big step towards true equality @ @

And had the Communist Party not turned up the pressure on Taiwan, had its approach to the crisis in Hong Kong been subtler, the path to victory for a candidate it wanted so much to thwart may have been much less certain.


bbc--2020-01-11--US storms: At least eight killed in severe weather

At least eight people have died as a result of severe storms sweeping across parts of the southern US , bringing high winds and heavy rain .
Deaths were reported in the states of Alabama , Louisiana and Texas .
Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by power cuts as a result of the storms , while homes have been destroyed and roads flooded .
Several tornado warnings were in place on Saturday , with Alabama said to be most at risk .
The storms have also brought the threat of ice and snow to parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday at Chicago 's two main airports .
• Could mystery sounds help to predict storms ?
• Why tornado chasers are facing a storm over safety The Bossier Parish Sheriff 's Office in Louisiana said an elderly couple died on Friday , when a tornado destroyed their mobile home , carrying it some 200ft ( 61m ) from its foundations .
The couple 's three dogs remained unaccounted for .
Another man in the state was killed on Friday when a tree fell on his home , officials said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that three people were killed in Pickens County , Alabama .
Details were not immediately clear , but local media reported that they died as a result of an apparent tornado .
`` Please take these warnings seriously , '' the NWS in Birmingham , Alabama , said on Twitter when announcing the fatalities .
In Texas , one person died on Friday night when a car flipped into a creek in the city of Dallas .
A 44-year-old man in the state 's Nacogdoches County also died when a tree fell onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say buildings have been damaged in the extreme weather , while there were widespread reports of trees and power lines being felled .
The states of Missouri , Oklahoma and Arkansas suffered property damage on Friday but reported no injuries .
People affected by the storms were urged on Saturday to seek shelter and avoid flooded roads .
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In Texas, one person died on Friday night when a car flipped into a creek in the city of Dallas. A 44-year-old man in the state's Nacogdoches County also died when a tree fell onto his home, officials said.


bbc--2020-01-11--India demolishes Kerala skyscrapers over environmental violations

Authorities in southern India have demolished two luxury lakeside apartment complexes that were built in violation of environmental rules .
Residents of the high-rises in the state of Kerala watched as their homes and investments imploded in seconds .
The Supreme Court ordered the demolition last year , after a committee found that they were built in breach of rules protecting coastal areas .
Two more skyscrapers were set to be razed on Sunday .
In total , some 343 flats - home to about 2,000 people - were expected to be destroyed over the weekend in what has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demolition drives involving residential buildings .
The H2O Holy Faith complex , containing 90 flats , was the first to be brought down on Saturday .
It took just seconds for the 19-floor building to be destroyed in a controlled implosion .
The twin towers of Alfa Serene were next .
• How do you demolish a skyscraper ?
• The families waiting for their homes to be blown up Resident Shamshudeen Karunagapally said his wife and children could not watch the buildings go down as it was `` too painful for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes '' .
`` We are suffering without any fault , '' he told AFP news agency .
How did we get here ?
The Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority ( KCZMA ) , which was created to prevent degradation of coastal and marine areas , says permission for the buildings to be constructed was given by local officials without its approval .
The KCZMA said the location of the apartment complexes , in the municipality of Maradu , was a critically vulnerable area where no new construction was allowed .
After they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affluent retirees were among those who bought up the luxury apartments .
One bank executive told the BBC last year that he had spent what would now amount to $ 70,000 ( £55,000 ) to purchase a 2,140 sq ft ( 198 sq m ) flat in Alfa Serene in 2006 .
One of his neighbours sold his apartment last year for $ 176,000 , he said .
But in May , the Supreme Court ruled in favour of KCZMA and ordered the demolition of the buildings , although officials had never sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in breach of construction rules and called illegal construction in the area a `` colossal loss '' to the environment .
It also referred to the devastating floods in Kerala in 2018 and said they were the result of `` the entire environment being degraded and coastal zones being illegally occupied '' .
Following the top court ruling , some residents initially refused to leave .
But officials cut water and electricity supplies to the buildings , leaving them with no choice but to go .
The state government has been ordered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 35,000 ( £27,000 ) to affected residents , according to local media reports .
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After they were built, bankers, executives and affluent retirees were among those who bought up the luxury apartments. One bank executive told the BBC last year that he had spent what would now amount to $70,000 (£55,000) to purchase a 2,140 sq ft (198 sq m) flat in Alfa Serene in 2006.


bbc--2020-01-11--Ibrahimovic scores on first start in Milan return

Zlatan Ibrahimovic said scoring his first goal for AC Milan since rejoining the club made him `` feel alive '' as his side eased past Cagliari in Serie A. Rafael Leao had given the Rossoneri the lead just after half-time before Ibrahimovic , starting for the first time since his return , doubled their advantage with a left-footed strike .
The former LA Galaxy and Sweden striker had another goal ruled out for offside .
`` I 'll celebrate like a God at San Siro , not here , '' Ibrahimovic said .
`` The important thing is that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balls at the beginning of the game , but I need to play games to get back in shape . ''
Ibrahimovic , 38 , signed a six-month deal at the Serie A side in December , with the option of another season .
He scored 42 goals in 61 league games for the club between 2010 and 2012 .
His strike on Saturday was his 57th goal for Milan and 123rd in Serie A , having also played for Inter Milan and Juventus .
`` I feel good , the coach just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if I needed a rest , but there 's no problem '' added Ibrahimovic .
`` My brain is always the same and the body has to follow . ''
It was AC Milan 's first win since early December and they move to within four points of sixth-placed Cagliari who occupy the league 's final Europa League spot .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Ibrahimovic was a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy at the end of the Major League Soccer season
Zlatan Ibrahimovic said scoring his first goal for AC Milan since rejoining the club made him "feel alive" as his side eased past Cagliari in Serie A.
Rafael Leao had given the Rossoneri the lead just after half-time before Ibrahimovic, starting for the first time since his return, doubled their advantage with a left-footed strike.
The former LA Galaxy and Sweden striker had another goal ruled out for offside.
"I'll celebrate like a God at San Siro, not here," Ibrahimovic said.
"The important thing is that I feel good. I missed a few balls at the beginning of the game, but I need to play games to get back in shape."
Ibrahimovic, 38, signed a six-month deal at the Serie A side in December, with the option of another season.
He scored 42 goals in 61 league games for the club between 2010 and 2012. His strike on Saturday was his 57th goal for Milan and 123rd in Serie A, having also played for Inter Milan and Juventus.
"I feel good, the coach just wanted to think about my age and see if I needed a rest, but there's no problem" added Ibrahimovic.
"My brain is always the same and the body has to follow."
It was AC Milan's first win since early December and they move to within four points of sixth-placed Cagliari who occupy the league's final Europa League spot.


bbc--2020-01-11--Prince Harry and Meghan: How could the couple make money?

As part of their plans to step back as senior royals , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex say they intend to `` work to become financially independent '' .
Prince Harry and Meghan plan to split their time between the UK and North America - and their global reach could open up a wealth of opportunities .
But any move into the private sector and the monetisation of the Sussex brand would pose challenges for the royal couple .
`` The established rule has always been that if you are a working royal , you do n't really do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other , '' says BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond .
• Your questions : Is Harry still sixth in line to the throne ?
• Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• Jonny Dymond : How they want to do their own thing '' Nearly any employment of the type they are going to get is open to the charge that they are monetising or exploiting their royal brand . ''
If the couple renounced their royal titles , that would give them more freedom - but there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , they have focused on their plans to launch a new `` charitable entity '' .
But what opportunities might there be for commercial ventures ?
While the couple have spoken about their struggles with the intense media interest in their lives , the idea of revealing more about themselves in their own words might be more appealing - and lucrative .
The 2017 book deal signed by Barack and Michelle Obama was believed to be worth more than $ 60m ( £48m ) .
It 's also an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In her introduction to last year 's September issue of Vogue , which she guest edited , Meghan wrote of her `` love of writing '' .
Before she married Harry , she also ran a lifestyle blog , The Tig , where she shared beauty , fashion and travel tips .
Natalie Jerome , a literary agent at Aevitas , says the couple have `` enormous power and reach '' and any book deal would be extremely lucrative .
`` People have compared them to the Obamas and I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she says .
Meghan is an aspirational figure for many women of colour and young people , she adds .
• Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights '' We 're in a period now where we 're talking increasingly about diversity within publishing and there 's a real push to reach wider audiences , '' she says .
`` If she were to publish a book in her own right and reach out to young people on the ground by doing talks and going to schools like Michelle Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hugely successful . ''
As well as potentially sharing more about their own lives , Harry and Meghan could also turn to causes they are passionate about for material .
For Meghan , these include equality and women 's rights , while Harry has been vocal in campaigning on mental health and veterans .
The pair could choose to follow in the steps of the Obamas , who set up their own production company before signing a deal with Netflix , with projects including documentaries addressing social and political activism .
Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mogul Oprah Winfrey on a series addressing mental health for Apple TV , which is due for broadcast in 2020 .
Could there be more TV opportunities in the pipeline ?
Meghan , of course , first found fame as an actress , starring in the TV drama Suits .
She gave up her former career when she joined the Royal Family - but if she chose to return to acting she would surely be in high demand .
Another potential avenue for the pair to explore could be after-dinner speeches and events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency JLA , says if they maintained a positive profile the couple could earn six-figure sums for each appearance .
He predicts demand would be higher in US , where Mr Lee says the pair could earn up to $ 500,000 ( £380,000 ) per engagement .
However , he says companies in the UK would be more sensitive to reputational risk if public opinion turned against the couple .
Mr Lee predicts UK companies would only be willing to take the royals as speakers at an event linked to one of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation to their charitable foundation - rather than a fee - in the region of £100,000 .
But in the US , there would be interest from `` anybody that wants to show off and has got the budget '' , he says .
Whether its a designer handbag or Archie 's hand-knitted bobble hat , whenever the Sussexes are pictured with a product , sales go through the roof .
`` Any brand on the planet would want to work with them , '' says journalist and royal style commentator Elizabeth Holmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question of what they want to do . ''
Ms Holmes suggests any commercial partnerships would be tied to the couple 's charitable causes , perhaps with a secondary opportunity to raise personal income .
For example , Meghan is the patron of a charity that provides free clothing and interview training to unemployed women and has launched her own clothing line for the organisation .
`` Meghan really understands the power of fashion , '' Ms Holmes says , using her choices to promote smaller brands owned by women , often with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't mean we should expect the couple 's 10.5 million Instagram followers to be suddenly bombarded with sponsored content and product placement , Ms Holmes says .
While the royal couple have a huge platform , it pales in comparison to the likes of Kylie Jenner , who has more than 150 million Instagram followers .
The reality TV star , who topped last year 's Instagram rich list , is estimated to earn around $ 1.2m ( £960,000 ) for a single sponsored post .
Could Meghan and Harry follow that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't think that 's necessarily an appropriate thing for a member of the Royal Family . ''
In June last year , the duke and duchess also applied to trademark the `` Sussex Royal '' brand across items including books , calendars , clothing , charitable fundraising and campaigning .
This opens up the option of launching their own brands , from beauty products to clothing lines .
However , any move that could be seen as exploiting the royal brand would be likely to promote criticism .
Ms Holmes says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial venture , adding : `` That 's why I think they 'll be careful about it . ''

Mr Lee predicts UK companies would only be willing to take the royals as speakers at an event linked to one of their campaigning interests, in return for a donation to their charitable foundation - rather than a fee - in the region of £100,000.


bbc--2020-01-11--'Records don't feel special' - Klopp focused on trophies as Liverpool beat Spurs

Liverpool setting records in the best-ever start to a season by a club in Europe 's top-five leagues `` does n't feel special somehow '' , says Reds boss Jurgen Klopp .
Roberto Firmino 's first-half goal ensured the European champions opened up a 16-point lead over Leicester City at the top of the table with a game in hand .
But while Liverpool 's peerless start of 20 wins from 21 games has put them on course for a first top-flight title for 30 years , Klopp played down its significance .
`` We know about it and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' said the German boss .
`` When someone gives you a trophy it is done but until then you need to fight .
It is only the start .
We need to continue because our contenders are so strong .
`` Pep ( Guardiola , Manchester City boss ) will not give up .
I will do the same .
So far , so really good . ''
Klopp 's men have now amassed 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches , scoring in all 21 of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained in London by Brazil forward Firmino , who turned Spurs ' young debutant Japhet Tanganga and beat Paulo Gazzaniga with a sweet left-foot strike to give the visitors a deserved lead .
However Liverpool were then grateful for poor finishing from Jose Mourinho 's side - who were without the injured Harry Kane - in order to record another victory on their seemingly relentless march to a first title in three decades .
Son Heung-Min and substitute Giovani lo Celso missed excellent second-half chances to give Spurs some reward for a performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Reaction to all of Saturday 's Premier League games • What happened in the Premier League on Saturday ?
• The various ways Minamino will help Liverpool But Liverpool , their position at the top strengthened further by Leicester City 's shock home loss to Southampton , held on to increase the sense of formality about the destination of this season 's Premier League trophy .
Liverpool not at most fluent - but win again Liverpool may not have been at their best - there were even spells in the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a team on a seemingly unstoppable run to the Premier League title .
This was their 12th successive league win and it is a remarkable feat to have dropped only two league points from their first 21 games .
It is true they were let off by Spurs ' missed chances but there is perhaps a sense that Liverpool 's dominance is having a psychological impact on their opponents so that when rare opportunities come along , they are being snatched at .
And even when not in prime form , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there is always a goal in them - as Firmino proved with his neat 37th-minute sidestep and thumping finish .
Spurs will claim , with justification , they should have had a throw-in before the goal but Liverpool are now being propelled with growing momentum to end that long wait to reclaim their perch at the summit of the English game .
The root of Spurs ' downfall came in two distinct aspects of their performance - albeit one did get better as the game wore on .
In the first half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative as they sat back , presumably waiting for an opportunity to strike on the counter attack .
The tactic was undone by Firmino 's goal , leaving Spurs with no option but to be more positive in the second period .
It was then , without the marksmanship of long-term injury victim Kane , that they were so wasteful in front of goal - with both Son and Lo Celso missing when it seemed easier to score .
Lo Celso 's miss , in particular , left Mourinho openly lamenting his side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he collapsed dramatically to his knees after the Argentina midfielder failed to hit the target from close range .
Spurs ' wasteful moments against Liverpool may well further convince their manager he has to strengthen his attacking options in this transfer window as the fight for a top-four place intensifies .
'This is the best team in the world ' - what they said Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho , speaking to BBC Sport : `` This is football .
Sometimes you get more than you deserve .
Sometimes you get less .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we deserved something .
This is the best team in the world against a team in a difficult moment , with injuries , in a difficult part of the season .
The boys were fantastic when we tried to change and create problems . ''
On a potential handball in the build-up to the goal : `` I did n't watch it .
What I watch is 200 % that the throw in for the start of the goal was our throw .
I am confused with VAR because of that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It is possible to talk about top four when you start the season on zero points .
But it is hard to talk about it when you start at minus 12 ( the number of points off the top four Spurs were when he took over ) . ''
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp , speaking to BBC Sport : `` It was very hard-fought because we did n't close the game down early .
We should have been one or 2-0 up already when we scored .
If you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't close the game they will come back .
Allison makes things look easy .
It is not what we would have wanted .
It is intense , you lose the ball and you are facing one of the best counter-attacking sides .
We had Robbo ( Andy Robertson ) free two or three times and he did n't find a team-mate , so we did n't help ourselves . ''
On his side 's defensive record : `` We needed Allison for that today .
We had a few dips defensively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot to do with us winning the ball high early .
It is good but there is no other chance to win games than to defend well . ''
• Liverpool have 61 points in the Premier League in 2019-20 - the most any side has ever registered after 21 games in a single season across Europe 's big five leagues ( assuming three points for a win ) .
• Liverpool have collected 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches ( W33 D5 L0 ) - a record total by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the competition 's history , overtaking 102-point stretches by Man City ( ending in 2018 ) and Chelsea ( 2005 ) .
• Tottenham Hotspur have conceded 20 goals in 13 matches in all competitions under Jose Mourinho ; it took Mourinho 's Chelsea side 44 games before letting in their 20th goal during his first spell in England as a manager in the 2004-05 season .
• This is Liverpool 's joint-best scoring run from the start of a season in English top-flight history , with the Reds also scoring in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool have now gone 38 Premier League games without defeat ; since their last league loss at Man City in January 2019 , Tottenham have lost 16 Premier League matches by comparison , including three to the Reds .
• Tottenham have lost back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time this season , having last done so in May 2019 , while this is the first time their manager Jose Mourinho has lost consecutive games in the competition since August 2018 as Manchester United boss .
• Liverpool have kept six consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time since December 2006 ( seven ) .
• Roberto Firmino has scored five goals in his last six games for Liverpool in all competitions , as many as he had in his previous 30 appearances for the Reds before this run .
Tottenham host Middlesbrough in their FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday , 14 January ( 20:05 GMT ) .
They then travel to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday , 18 January ( 12:30 GMT ) .
Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield in their next Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 16:30 GMT ) .

Firmino's goal means this is Liverpool's joint-best scoring streak from the start of a top-flight season in the club's history
Liverpool setting records in the best-ever start to a season by a club in Europe's top-five leagues "doesn't feel special somehow", says Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
Roberto Firmino's first-half goal ensured the European champions opened up a 16-point lead over Leicester City at the top of the table with a game in hand.
But while Liverpool's peerless start of 20 wins from 21 games has put them on course for a first top-flight title for 30 years, Klopp played down its significance.
"We know about it and it is special but I can't feel it," said the German boss.
"When someone gives you a trophy it is done but until then you need to fight. It is only the start. We need to continue because our contenders are so strong.
"Pep (Guardiola, Manchester City boss) will not give up. I will do the same. So far, so really good."
Klopp's men have now amassed 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches, scoring in all 21 of their matches this term.
That record was maintained in London by Brazil forward Firmino, who turned Spurs' young debutant Japhet Tanganga and beat Paulo Gazzaniga with a sweet left-foot strike to give the visitors a deserved lead.
However Liverpool were then grateful for poor finishing from Jose Mourinho's side - who were without the injured Harry Kane - in order to record another victory on their seemingly relentless march to a first title in three decades.
Son Heung-Min and substitute Giovani lo Celso missed excellent second-half chances to give Spurs some reward for a performance that improved as the game went on.
But Liverpool, their position at the top strengthened further by Leicester City's shock home loss to Southampton, held on to increase the sense of formality about the destination of this season's Premier League trophy.
Liverpool not at most fluent - but win again
Liverpool may not have been at their best - there were even spells in the second half when they looked jaded - but this is a team on a seemingly unstoppable run to the Premier League title.
This was their 12th successive league win and it is a remarkable feat to have dropped only two league points from their first 21 games.
Liverpool didn't 'close the door' against Spurs - Klopp
It is true they were let off by Spurs' missed chances but there is perhaps a sense that Liverpool's dominance is having a psychological impact on their opponents so that when rare opportunities come along, they are being snatched at.
And even when not in prime form, Liverpool's forward line is so potent that there is always a goal in them - as Firmino proved with his neat 37th-minute sidestep and thumping finish.
Spurs will claim, with justification, they should have had a throw-in before the goal but Liverpool are now being propelled with growing momentum to end that long wait to reclaim their perch at the summit of the English game.
Spurs lack killer instinct
The root of Spurs' downfall came in two distinct aspects of their performance - albeit one did get better as the game wore on.
In the first half, Spurs were far too passive and negative as they sat back, presumably waiting for an opportunity to strike on the counter attack.
The tactic was undone by Firmino's goal, leaving Spurs with no option but to be more positive in the second period.
Mourinho 'a bit confused' by VAR after defeat by Liverpool
It was then, without the marksmanship of long-term injury victim Kane, that they were so wasteful in front of goal - with both Son and Lo Celso missing when it seemed easier to score.
Lo Celso's miss, in particular, left Mourinho openly lamenting his side's absence of a clinical edge as he collapsed dramatically to his knees after the Argentina midfielder failed to hit the target from close range.
Spurs' wasteful moments against Liverpool may well further convince their manager he has to strengthen his attacking options in this transfer window as the fight for a top-four place intensifies.
Man of the match - Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk was typically imperious as he helped Liverpool to their sixth consecutive clean sheet for the first time since December 2006
'This is the best team in the world' - what they said
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to BBC Sport: "This is football. Sometimes you get more than you deserve. Sometimes you get less. This was an occasion when we got nothing when we deserved something. This is the best team in the world against a team in a difficult moment, with injuries, in a difficult part of the season. The boys were fantastic when we tried to change and create problems."
On a potential handball in the build-up to the goal: "I didn't watch it. What I watch is 200% that the throw in for the start of the goal was our throw. I am confused with VAR because of that."
On finishing in the top four: "It is possible to talk about top four when you start the season on zero points. But it is hard to talk about it when you start at minus 12 (the number of points off the top four Spurs were when he took over)."
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to BBC Sport: "It was very hard-fought because we didn't close the game down early. We should have been one or 2-0 up already when we scored. If you have a quality opponent like Tottenham and you don't close the game they will come back. Allison makes things look easy. It is not what we would have wanted. It is intense, you lose the ball and you are facing one of the best counter-attacking sides. We had Robbo (Andy Robertson) free two or three times and he didn't find a team-mate, so we didn't help ourselves."
On his side's defensive record: "We needed Allison for that today. We had a few dips defensively. Some games he has not had a lot to do with us winning the ball high early. It is good but there is no other chance to win games than to defend well."
Liverpool's record 38-game run - the stats
Liverpool have 61 points in the Premier League in 2019-20 - the most any side has ever registered after 21 games in a single season across Europe's big five leagues (assuming three points for a win).
Liverpool have collected 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches (W33 D5 L0) - a record total by any team across a 38-match spell in the competition's history, overtaking 102-point stretches by Man City (ending in 2018) and Chelsea (2005).
Tottenham Hotspur have conceded 20 goals in 13 matches in all competitions under Jose Mourinho; it took Mourinho's Chelsea side 44 games before letting in their 20th goal during his first spell in England as a manager in the 2004-05 season.
This is Liverpool's joint-best scoring run from the start of a season in English top-flight history, with the Reds also scoring in their opening 21 games in 1933-34.
Liverpool have now gone 38 Premier League games without defeat; since their last league loss at Man City in January 2019, Tottenham have lost 16 Premier League matches by comparison, including three to the Reds.
Tottenham have lost back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time this season, having last done so in May 2019, while this is the first time their manager Jose Mourinho has lost consecutive games in the competition since August 2018 as Manchester United boss.
Liverpool have kept six consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time since December 2006 (seven).
Roberto Firmino has scored five goals in his last six games for Liverpool in all competitions, as many as he had in his previous 30 appearances for the Reds before this run.
What's next?
Tottenham host Middlesbrough in their FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, 14 January (20:05 GMT). They then travel to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday, 18 January (12:30 GMT).
Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield in their next Premier League fixture on Sunday, 19 January (16:30 GMT).


bbc--2020-01-11--Suzuki beats Ashton in women's BDO final

Mikuru Suzuki defended her women 's BDO World Darts Championship title by beating four-time winner Lisa Ashton 3-0 in the final .
Ashton won the first leg but her Japanese rival reeled off three legs in a row to take the first set .
Suzuki was the more clinical on the doubles and won the next two sets on deciding legs to become champion again .
The men 's final will take place on Sunday between Welshmen Wayne Warren and Jim Williams .
It will be the first final for both players , with Warren progressing by overcoming former champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Englishman Mitchell had a late finish to his quarter-final on Friday but he started strongly to go 2-0 up .
Warren , 57 , came back and took a 3-2 lead and then went 5-3 in front in a closely-fought match .
Warren took the first two legs of the ninth set and , despite a slight stutter which allowed Mitchell to level at 2-2 , he took the fifth leg to seal victory .
`` I ca n't explain it .
I 've got so much respect for Scott .
he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Eurosport .
`` Scott did n't play well and I did n't play well but there had to be a winner .
`` I think I gave him too much respect [ at the start ] and you should n't .
I 'm so happy to be in the world final at 57 . ''
The two players were tied at 3-3 before Williams put some daylight between the pair by going 5-3 up .
Vandenbogaerde threatened a comeback by taking the next set but Williams kept his nerve to secure victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenager Keane Barry , 17 , put in an impressive display as he beat England 's Leighton Bennett , 14 , 3-0 .
Bennett , who is nicknamed Boom Boom and once beat 16-time world darts champion Phil Taylor in an exhibition match , was beaten 3-1 by Mitchell in the main draw .

Last updated on .From the section Darts
Suzuki's superior finishing was key to her victory in the final
Mikuru Suzuki defended her women's BDO World Darts Championship title by beating four-time winner Lisa Ashton 3-0 in the final.
Ashton won the first leg but her Japanese rival reeled off three legs in a row to take the first set.
Suzuki was the more clinical on the doubles and won the next two sets on deciding legs to become champion again.
The men's final will take place on Sunday between Welshmen Wayne Warren and Jim Williams.
Ashton had not dropped a set before the final, but Suzuki's ruthless finishing proved crucial against the top seed.
"I can't believe it. The result doesn't show how tough a game it was," said the 37-year-old Japanese winner.
She averaged 83 compared to Ashton's 85 but hit one more 180 with three, while her opponent made the highest checkout of 118.
Suzuki had come agonisingly close to becoming the first woman to win a match at the PDC Championship last month, before losing 3-2 to James Richardson.
Fallon Sherrock went on to make the breakthrough triumph, but the 2015 women's championship runner-up pulled out of this year's BDO tournament amid low ticket sales and prize money problems.
Warren and Williams will meet in the men's final at 19:00 GMT on Sunday
The men's final will be a first for both players, with Warren progressing by overcoming former champion Scott Mitchell 6-3 in his semi-final.
Englishman Mitchell had a late finish to his quarter-final on Friday but he started strongly to go 2-0 up.
Warren, 57, came back and took a 3-2 lead and then went 5-3 in front in a closely-fought match.
Warren took the first two legs of the ninth set and, despite a slight stutter which allowed Mitchell to level at 2-2, he took the fifth leg to seal victory.
"I can't explain it. I've got so much respect for Scott. he is such a nice guy," Warren told Eurosport.
"Scott didn't play well and I didn't play well but there had to be a winner.
"I think I gave him too much respect [at the start] and you shouldn't. I'm so happy to be in the world final at 57."
Williams, 35, beat Mario Vandenbogaerde, of Belgium, 6-4 in a tense semi-final.
The two players were tied at 3-3 before Williams put some daylight between the pair by going 5-3 up.
Vandenbogaerde threatened a comeback by taking the next set but Williams kept his nerve to secure victory.
In the youth final, Irish teenager Keane Barry, 17, put in an impressive display as he beat England's Leighton Bennett, 14, 3-0.
Bennett, who is nicknamed Boom Boom and once beat 16-time world darts champion Phil Taylor in an exhibition match, was beaten 3-1 by Mitchell in the main draw.


bbc--2020-01-11--Nadal to face Djokovic with Spain & Serbia into ATP Cup final

Rafael Nadal will play Novak Djokovic as Spain take on Serbia in the inaugural ATP Cup final in Sydney .
Top-ranked Nadal came from a set down to beat Australia 's Alex de Minaur 4-6 7-5 6-1 and give Spain an unassailable 2-0 lead over the hosts .
World number two Djokovic had earlier beaten US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev 6-1 5-7 6-4 as Serbia beat Russia 3-0 .
Djokovic beat Nadal in straight sets in last year 's Australian Open final and leads their head-to-head 28-26 .
He has also not lost to Nadal on a hard court since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian Open - the first Grand Slam of the year - begins on 20 January , eight days after the ATP Cup finishes .
• US Open champion Andreescu out of Australian Open with knee injury • 'We had to wear our masks indoors ' - Swan on preparing for Australian Open during bushfires Nadal lost his quarter-final singles match to Belgium 's David Goffin and was punished for a slow start by De Minaur , who is at a career-high of 18th in the rankings .
However , as De Minaur tired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racing to a 4-0 lead in the deciding set before serving out victory on his first attempt .
Roberto Bautistua Agut had given Spain a lead in the tie after breezing past Nick Kyrgios 6-1 6-4 , before Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Carreno Busta won in the doubles .
`` Novak likes to play here and Serbia has a great team and is playing very well , '' Nadal said .
`` But Roberto played an amazing match and we have a good team , so we are ready for it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far' Djokovic has not lost a match at the event , although he has dropped sets in his past two matches against Medvedev and Canada 's Denis Shapovalov .
However , he was able to overcome the highly-rated Medvedev to seal Serbia 's place in the final after Dusan Lajovic had beaten world number 17 Karen Khachanov 7-5 7-6 ( 7-1 ) .
Viktor Troicki and Nikola Cacic then made it a clean sweep in the doubles with a 6-4 7-6 ( 9-7 ) win over Teimuraz Gabashvili and Konstantin Kravchuk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ players in the world and he showed today why , '' Djokovic said after their rubber .
`` This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year . ''
The 16-time Grand Slam champion later withdrew from the ATP event in Adelaide , which begins on 12 January .
The Australian Open - the first Grand Slam of the year - starts on 20 January .
The 24-nation event started with six groups of four teams , who each played three round-robin ties .
The ties - comprising two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best of three .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Rafael Nadal has won 19 Grand Slam titles as a singles player
Rafael Nadal will play Novak Djokovic as Spain take on Serbia in the inaugural ATP Cup final in Sydney.
Top-ranked Nadal came from a set down to beat Australia's Alex de Minaur 4-6 7-5 6-1 and give Spain an unassailable 2-0 lead over the hosts.
World number two Djokovic had earlier beaten US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev 6-1 5-7 6-4 as Serbia beat Russia 3-0.
Djokovic beat Nadal in straight sets in last year's Australian Open final and leads their head-to-head 28-26.
He has also not lost to Nadal on a hard court since the 2013 US Open final.
The Australian Open - the first Grand Slam of the year - begins on 20 January, eight days after the ATP Cup finishes.
Nadal lost his quarter-final singles match to Belgium's David Goffin and was punished for a slow start by De Minaur, who is at a career-high of 18th in the rankings.
However, as De Minaur tired, Nadal went up a level, racing to a 4-0 lead in the deciding set before serving out victory on his first attempt.
Roberto Bautistua Agut had given Spain a lead in the tie after breezing past Nick Kyrgios 6-1 6-4, before Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Carreno Busta won in the doubles.
"Novak likes to play here and Serbia has a great team and is playing very well," Nadal said.
"But Roberto played an amazing match and we have a good team, so we are ready for it."
Djokovic overcomes 'most difficult challenge of year so far'
Novak Djokovic is the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion
Djokovic has not lost a match at the event, although he has dropped sets in his past two matches against Medvedev and Canada's Denis Shapovalov.
However, he was able to overcome the highly-rated Medvedev to seal Serbia's place in the final after Dusan Lajovic had beaten world number 17 Karen Khachanov 7-5 7-6 (7-1).
Viktor Troicki and Nikola Cacic then made it a clean sweep in the doubles with a 6-4 7-6 (9-7) win over Teimuraz Gabashvili and Konstantin Kravchuk.
"Medvedev is one of the best players in the world and he showed today why," Djokovic said after their rubber.
"This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year."
The 16-time Grand Slam champion later withdrew from the ATP event in Adelaide, which begins on 12 January. The Australian Open - the first Grand Slam of the year - starts on 20 January.
The 24-nation event started with six groups of four teams, who each played three round-robin ties. The ties - comprising two singles matches and one doubles - are best of three.


bbc--2020-01-11--Barcelona forward Luis Suarez to have surgery on right knee

The Uruguay international has suffered an injury to the external meniscus on his right knee and will be operated on @ @ @ @ @ Cugat .
Suarez played the whole match as Barcelona were beaten 3-2 by Atletico Madrid @ @ @ @ @ semi-final on Friday .
The 32-year-old has made 23 appearances for Barcelona this season , @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Luis Suarez has scored 11 goals in La Liga and three in the Champions League this season
Barcelona forward Luis Suarez will be out for four months following a knee operation on Sunday.
The Uruguay striker suffered an injury to the external meniscus on his right knee and was operated on by Spanish surgeon Dr Ramon Cugat.
Suarez played the whole match as Barcelona were beaten 3-2 by Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
The 32-year-old has scored 14 goals in 23 games for Barcelona this season.
Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona sit top of the Spanish top-flight, level on points with rivals Real Madrid at the halfway stage of the season.


bbc--2020-01-11--'We didn't want revenge for 9-0' - Hasenhuttl after Southampton stun Leicester

Southampton were not motivated by revenge for their 9-0 thrashing by Leicester City in October as they claimed a surprise win at King Power Stadium , says Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl .
Hasenhuttl 's men claimed a deserved victory at the home of the Premier League 's second-placed team courtesy of in-form striker Danny Ings ' late winner .
The Foxes , who were searching for a third successive league win , took an early lead when Dennis Praet tapped in his first goal for the club .
But any thoughts of another easy victory for Brendan Rodgers ' side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a deflected shot .
Ings , who has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 league starts , was a thorn in Leicester 's side all afternoon and having already struck the crossbar twice , he slotted through Kasper Schmeichel 's legs late on .
Leicester thought they had salvaged a draw with a 90th-minute equaliser from Jonny Evans but the video assistant referee ( VAR ) ruled it out for offside .
`` We deserved to win it because we had so many chances .
It was a fantastic team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If you concede the first goal against a team who has previously scored nine against you , you have to be very mentally strong to respond .
`` But we left everything on the pitch and we were a little bit unlucky in the first half , so you could feel we had the potential to win the game at half-time .
`` We did n't want to have revenge , we wanted to show ourselves how far we 've gone in our development . ''
The victory sees Southampton remain 12th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everton and Arsenal , while Leicester stay second but 16 points behind Liverpool , who beat Tottenham .
The victory represents a remarkable turnaround from the previous result between the sides but it was nothing more than the visitors deserved having dominated in the first half and matched Leicester in the second .
But while the Saints shaded the chances , Leicester did have the ball in the net on another two occasions - through Jamie Vardy then Kelechi Iheanacho - but both efforts were disallowed for offside by the on-field officials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second half when Caglar Soyuncu bundled Shane Long over in the box but VAR also overturned that decision .
• Follow the rest of this afternoon 's Premier League action Few could forget the last Premier League match between these two sides - when Leicester ran riot at St Mary 's to claim a record-breaking win .
But since that harrowing night , Hasenhuttl 's side have turned a corner - collecting 20 points from a possible 36 .
That total is especially impressive when you take into account it includes wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The south coast side are now five games unbeaten in the league and on the evidence of this performance it is easy to see why ; they were excellent from the first whistle , with Praet 's opener coming against the run of play .
So when they equalised when Armstrong 's strike found the net , albeit with a heavy deflection off James Maddison , it was not too much of a surprise .
They could have easily gone into the break ahead too , with Ings twice denied by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sterner test in the second half but Saints more than matched them and they would have had a penalty but for the intervention of VAR .
Ings and Long both worked tirelessly in attack , with the former deservedly getting on the scoresheet late on , but it was the defensive display which will have pleased Hasenhuttl most .
They limited the usually creative Foxes to just a few chances and when Saints did come under pressure , Alex McCarthy and Jack Stephens stood firm .
Foxes boss Rodgers made just two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday and his side looked a little heavy-legged .
They were off the pace from the start and Praet 's tap-in from Vardy 's cross came from their first real chance .
And while they did improve in the second half , with Maddison dictating play with more composure , they were still unable to play with their usual flow .
They were also more open at the back than usual , too , with holding midfielder Hamza Choudhury unable to give his back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injured Wilfred Ndidi .
However , it 's perhaps unsurprising Leicester 's players looked a little lacklustre , given they played nine matches between 14 December and the match with Saints .
That is a hectic schedule even by the Premier League 's standards and means Rodgers is likely to be thankful for the eight-day break before they travel to Burnley on 19 January for their next match .
'It could n't have gone any better ' - what they said Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl : `` You could feel in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win today .
So to come back from behind one down with the history of the first game - it was so intense .
`` It was a very important game for us this season to see how we play now - we have changed our mindset and worked to hard to play in a successful way .
Watching this team is enjoyable at the moment . ''
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers : `` The performance probably did n't merit anything from the game .
The players kept going right to the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't press the game strong enough , or well enough , and then when we had the ball , we made too many mistakes when we had the ball .
`` So , it looked like up until the end , it was going to be a draw , which we would have taken because we did n't play well .
`` However , they played through our midfield too easily and then they get in and get the goal , so a disappointing result for us . ''
Southampton striker Danny Ings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am just happy to be scoring goals for the team .
You saw today , the team do their best to provide the chances , they work so hard behind me I feel there is a little bit more pressure to put them away .
`` After hitting the bar twice I thought maybe it was n't my day but we all stuck in there and I thought we deserved to win .
How we have been over Christmas and since then has been massive for us and the club moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It speaks for itself , the work we do on the pitch , we did everything we could at that time to turn it round [ after the 9-0 defeat to Leicester ] , it could n't have gone any better than that .
I 'm so proud of us as a team and how far we have come . ''
• Southampton have claimed three away Premier League victories in a row .
• Leicester have lost consecutive home Premier League games for the first time under Brendan Rodgers , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first 14 matches at the King Power under him in the competition ( W10 D3 L1 ) .
• Southampton are the first side to concede 10+ goals against a specific opponent ( Leicester City ) in a single Premier League season since Everton did so against Arsenal in 2017-18 ( 10 ) .
• Leicester City have scored the opening goal in 13 of their 22 Premier League games this season ( W11 D0 L2 ) - only Manchester City ( 14 ) , Chelsea ( 15 ) and Liverpool ( 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019-20 .
• 40 % of Danny Ings ' Premier League goals have been scored this season ( 14/35 ) - indeed , he is the highest-scoring player for the Saints in a single Premier League season since Jay Rodriguez in 2013-14 ( 15 ) .
• Dennis Praet is the 14th different player to score a Premier League goal for Leicester this season , only Liverpool have had more ( excluding own goals ) .
Indeed , only in 2016-17 ( 16 ) have the Foxes had more different scorers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vardy has had a hand in 21 Premier League goals this season ( 17 goals , four assists ) - two more than any other player .
• Stuart Armstrong 's equaliser was his fourth Premier League goal for Southampton and his first since December 2018 ( against Manchester United ) , ending a run of 34 appearances in the competition without finding the net .
Next up for Southampton is a home Premier League game with Wolves on Saturday , 18 January ( 15:00 GMT ) , while Leicester travel to Burnley @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Danny Ings (second right) has now scored 16 goals across all competitions this season
Southampton were not motivated by revenge for their 9-0 thrashing by Leicester City in October as they claimed a surprise win at King Power Stadium, says Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Hasenhuttl's men claimed a deserved victory at the home of the Premier League's second-placed team courtesy of in-form striker Danny Ings' late winner.
The Foxes, who were searching for a third successive league win, took an early lead when Dennis Praet tapped in his first goal for the club.
But any thoughts of another easy victory for Brendan Rodgers' side were quickly dispelled when Stuart Armstrong equalised with a deflected shot.
Ings, who has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 league starts, was a thorn in Leicester's side all afternoon and having already struck the crossbar twice, he slotted through Kasper Schmeichel's legs late on.
Leicester thought they had salvaged a draw with a 90th-minute equaliser from Jonny Evans but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled it out for offside.
"We deserved to win it because we had so many chances. It was a fantastic team performance again," said Hassenhuttl.
"If you concede the first goal against a team who has previously scored nine against you, you have to be very mentally strong to respond.
"But we left everything on the pitch and we were a little bit unlucky in the first half, so you could feel we had the potential to win the game at half-time.
"We didn't want to have revenge, we wanted to show ourselves how far we've gone in our development."
The victory sees Southampton remain 12th, but move level on points with Everton and Arsenal, while Leicester stay second but 16 points behind Liverpool, who beat Tottenham.
The victory represents a remarkable turnaround from the previous result between the sides but it was nothing more than the visitors deserved having dominated in the first half and matched Leicester in the second.
But while the Saints shaded the chances, Leicester did have the ball in the net on another two occasions - through Jamie Vardy then Kelechi Iheanacho - but both efforts were disallowed for offside by the on-field officials.
Saints were also awarded a penalty in the second half when Caglar Soyuncu bundled Shane Long over in the box but VAR also overturned that decision.
Gutsy Saints earn deserved victory
Saints didn't want revenge for 9-0 - Hasenhuttl
Few could forget the last Premier League match between these two sides - when Leicester ran riot at St Mary's to claim a record-breaking win.
But since that harrowing night, Hasenhuttl's side have turned a corner - collecting 20 points from a possible 36.
That total is especially impressive when you take into account it includes wins over Chelsea, Tottenham and now Leicester.
The south coast side are now five games unbeaten in the league and on the evidence of this performance it is easy to see why; they were excellent from the first whistle, with Praet's opener coming against the run of play.
So when they equalised when Armstrong's strike found the net, albeit with a heavy deflection off James Maddison, it was not too much of a surprise.
They could have easily gone into the break ahead too, with Ings twice denied by the crossbar as half-time approached.
Leicester were a sterner test in the second half but Saints more than matched them and they would have had a penalty but for the intervention of VAR.
Ings and Long both worked tirelessly in attack, with the former deservedly getting on the scoresheet late on, but it was the defensive display which will have pleased Hasenhuttl most.
They limited the usually creative Foxes to just a few chances and when Saints did come under pressure, Alex McCarthy and Jack Stephens stood firm.
Lacklustre Foxes suffer with heavy schedule
Rodgers expected 'dangerous game' against Saints
Foxes boss Rodgers made just two changes to the side held by Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday and his side looked a little heavy-legged.
They were off the pace from the start and Praet's tap-in from Vardy's cross came from their first real chance.
And while they did improve in the second half, with Maddison dictating play with more composure, they were still unable to play with their usual flow.
They were also more open at the back than usual, too, with holding midfielder Hamza Choudhury unable to give his back four the same protection usually provided by the injured Wilfred Ndidi.
However, it's perhaps unsurprising Leicester's players looked a little lacklustre, given they played nine matches between 14 December and the match with Saints.
That is a hectic schedule even by the Premier League's standards and means Rodgers is likely to be thankful for the eight-day break before they travel to Burnley on 19 January for their next match.
Man of the match - Danny Ings (Southampton)
The former Liverpool and Burnley striker was a threat throughout and after missing a one-on-one early in the game and hitting the bar twice, he finally scored a goal his endeavour deserved to clinch all three points for his side
'It couldn't have gone any better' - what they said
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl: "You could feel in every second of the game that we could win today. So to come back from behind one down with the history of the first game - it was so intense.
"It was a very important game for us this season to see how we play now - we have changed our mindset and worked to hard to play in a successful way. Watching this team is enjoyable at the moment."
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers: "The performance probably didn't merit anything from the game. The players kept going right to the end and kept fighting.
"We didn't press the game strong enough, or well enough, and then when we had the ball, we made too many mistakes when we had the ball.
"So, it looked like up until the end, it was going to be a draw, which we would have taken because we didn't play well. "However, they played through our midfield too easily and then they get in and get the goal, so a disappointing result for us."
Southampton striker Danny Ings on BBC Match of the Day: "I am just happy to be scoring goals for the team. You saw today, the team do their best to provide the chances, they work so hard behind me I feel there is a little bit more pressure to put them away.
"After hitting the bar twice I thought maybe it wasn't my day but we all stuck in there and I thought we deserved to win. How we have been over Christmas and since then has been massive for us and the club moving forward and long may it continue.
"It speaks for itself, the work we do on the pitch, we did everything we could at that time to turn it round [after the 9-0 defeat to Leicester], it couldn't have gone any better than that. I'm so proud of us as a team and how far we have come."
Ings' hot streak continues - the stats
Southampton have claimed three away Premier League victories in a row.
Leicester have lost consecutive home Premier League games for the first time under Brendan Rodgers, having been defeated in just one of their first 14 matches at the King Power under him in the competition (W10 D3 L1).
Southampton are the first side to concede 10+ goals against a specific opponent (Leicester City) in a single Premier League season since Everton did so against Arsenal in 2017-18 (10).
Leicester City have scored the opening goal in 13 of their 22 Premier League games this season (W11 D0 L2) - only Manchester City (14), Chelsea (15) and Liverpool (16) have done so on more occasions in 2019-20.
40% of Danny Ings' Premier League goals have been scored this season (14/35) - indeed, he is the highest-scoring player for the Saints in a single Premier League season since Jay Rodriguez in 2013-14 (15).
Dennis Praet is the 14th different player to score a Premier League goal for Leicester this season, only Liverpool have had more (excluding own goals). Indeed, only in 2016-17 (16) have the Foxes had more different scorers in a season.
Leicester's Jamie Vardy has had a hand in 21 Premier League goals this season (17 goals, four assists) - two more than any other player.
Stuart Armstrong's equaliser was his fourth Premier League goal for Southampton and his first since December 2018 (against Manchester United), ending a run of 34 appearances in the competition without finding the net.
What's next?
Next up for Southampton is a home Premier League game with Wolves on Saturday, 18 January (15:00 GMT), while Leicester travel to Burnley the following day (14:00).


bbc--2020-01-11--Rashford double on 200th appearance sends Man Utd fifth

Marcus Rashford marked his 200th Manchester United appearance in style by scoring twice as the Red Devils returned to winning ways by easily despatching bottom-of-the-table Norwich .
Rashford , 22 , became the third youngest player to reach the landmark for the club and opened the scoring in the first half by stabbing home Juan Mata 's deep cross to the back post .
United dominated possession throughout the game and were rampant in the second half , England international Rashford netting his second after Brandon Williams was brought down in the box by Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul .
Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a double century of United games , rose highest to nod in from another inch-perfect Mata cross to seal victory before the hour mark .
Full-back Williams should have scored for the hosts but somehow blazed his effort high into the Stretford End from two yards out with the goal gaping wide open , but Mason Greenwood came off the bench to stroke in a lovely fourth .
Norwich 's best chance fell to midfielder Todd Cantwell at 1-0 on the stroke of half-time , but the England Under-21 international 's low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save from David de Gea .
United move back into fifth place , five points behind Chelsea , while the Canaries remain rooted to the foot of the division , a long seven points from safety having played a game more than the three teams above them .
• Reaction to all of today 's Premier League matches United were comfortably beaten by Arsenal in their last league game , failed to get a shot on target in a match for the first time in five years against Wolves in the FA Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday .
But this welcome victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side in a performance that was a throwback to the Sir Alex Ferguson day , in total control at Old Trafford and taking their chances against a struggling side .
Rashford impressed up front by showcasing a wide array of skills , including putting defender Sam Byram on his backside with an outrageous 'elastico ' .
He was ruthless in front of goal too , taking his tally to 63 goals for United .
He now has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any campaign since his debut in 2015 , and at 22 years and two months he became the third youngest United player to 200 games for the club behind legends George Best and Ryan Giggs .
But Rashford 's withdrawal for Daniel James on 59 minutes meant United remain without a player scoring a Premier League hat-trick since Robin van Persie against Aston Villa in April 2013 - a victory that clinched their 20th and most recent league title .
Fellow academy products Williams and Greenwood both enhanced their reputations , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitch and winning the penalty , contributing five interceptions , while striker Greenwood came off the bench to take his tally to nine for the campaign .
`` Beyond proud to become the third youngest player to hit 200 Man Utd games , '' Rashford wrote on his official Twitter account .
`` Ca n't put into words what it means to follow Giggsy and George Best .
Giggsy was massive in getting my first opportunity so extra special for me .
Grateful to everyone who 's helped me get to where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite more than half an hour remaining , United fans in the Stretford End turned to protest at how the club is being run .
There were loud chants of `` we want Glazers out '' and also aiming their frustration at executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward , who was sitting in his seat up behind the dugout and the man who deals with transfer negotiations .
The chants spread to other parts of the ground and the singing continued for around 20 minutes in the second half .
Ashley Young has agreed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be brought forward to this transfer window , while it 's not certain any players are coming in .
The agent of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes was reportedly in London on Friday and it remains to be seen whether a deal is forthcoming for a player who was heavily linked with United in the summer .
Time is running out for beleaguered Norwich , anchored to the bottom and now with just one victory from their last 17 league games .
Teenage striker Adam Idah , 18 , scored a hat-trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend and came in to replace injured top scorer Teemu Pukki , but could not assert himself against Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as United kept only their fourth clean sheet this term .
Cantwell has impressed for Norwich this season and it could have been a different result had he taken his chance just before the interval , opening up his body and curling a shot that was pushed out by De Gea .
They shocked champions Manchester City earlier in the season at Carrow Road but could not repeat the result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have now conceded 45 league goals , more than any other team .
'We are taking more steps forward' Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , speaking to BBC Sport : `` Very happy .
We started on the front foot .
When you can walk off , and I am sure the opposition are talking about Manchester United as a very hard working team , that is what I want from my team .
`` In any Premier League game you have to take advantage of the pressure and domination you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We reacted today , we can bounce back and we are taking more than two or three steps forward before one back , because behind the scenes we know we are doing good work . ''
On Marcus Rashford : `` Fantastic effort by Marcus getting to 200 games so quickly .
He got through most of the game , he is struggling a little bit so we took him off .
He kept his cool .
Very pleased with Marcus . ''
Norwich boss Daniel Farke : `` When you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counter-attacking side in the league , it is then difficult to win the game so today we have to accept the better side won .
`` We gave the first goal away , sloppy in our defending , but you are still in the game .
We had a good spell before half-time with Todd Cantwell and a great save by the goalkeeper .
`` I was pleased with the reaction at 4-0 .
We had to stick together in the last 20 minutes .
We are disappointed but we also know a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season-defining game for us .
`` We are definitely in the worst position ( in the league ) but we are competitive .
This is what can happen at this level .
We are realistic . ''
• Manchester United have scored 4+ goals in consecutive home league games for the first time since September 2017 .
• Norwich are winless in nine Premier League matches ( D4 L5 ) - their worst run since between January-March 2016 ( 10 games ) .
• Manchester United have kept two clean sheets in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as in their previous 30 in the competition .
• Despite having conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season ( 45 ) , this is the first time Norwich have conceded more than twice in an away game since the opening day of the season ( 1-4 at Liverpool ) .
• Marcus Rashford has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season - only Raheem Sterling ( 20 ) has more among Premier League players .
• Juan Mata provided two assists in a Premier League game for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also against Norwich .
• Anthony Martial has been involved in 14 goals in 22 games in all competitions for United this season ( 11 goals , 3 assists ) , as many as in 38 appearances last term ( 12 goals , 2 assists ) .
• Mason Greenwood has scored four Premier League goals this season , the most by any teenager in the competition .
Manchester United host Wolves in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday ( 19:45 GMT ) before travelling to Liverpool in the Premier League on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home to Bournemouth in the league on Saturday ( 15:00 ) .

Marcus Rashford was making his 200th Manchester United appearance
Marcus Rashford marked his 200th Manchester United appearance in style by scoring twice as the Red Devils returned to winning ways by easily despatching bottom-of-the-table Norwich.
Rashford, 22, became the fourth youngest player to reach the landmark for the club and opened the scoring in the first half by stabbing home Juan Mata's deep cross to the back post.
United dominated possession throughout the game and were rampant in the second half, England international Rashford netting his second after Brandon Williams was brought down in the box by Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul.
Anthony Martial, who is also closing in on a double century of United games, rose highest to nod in from another inch-perfect Mata cross to seal victory before the hour mark.
Full-back Williams should have scored for the hosts but somehow blazed his effort high into the Stretford End from two yards out with the goal gaping wide open, but Mason Greenwood came off the bench to stroke in a lovely fourth.
Norwich's best chance fell to midfielder Todd Cantwell at 1-0 on the stroke of half-time, but the England Under-21 international's low curler was kept out by a stunning save from David de Gea.
United move back into fifth place, five points behind Chelsea, while the Canaries remain rooted to the foot of the division, a long seven points from safety having played a game more than the three teams above them.
Ruthless Rashford marks his milestone
Marcus Rashford now has 14 Premier League goals this season
United were comfortably beaten by Arsenal in their last league game, failed to get a shot on target in a match for the first time in five years against Wolves in the FA Cup and were outclassed by rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
But this welcome victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in a performance that was a throwback to the Sir Alex Ferguson day, in total control at Old Trafford and taking their chances against a struggling side.
Rashford impressed up front by showcasing a wide array of skills, including putting defender Sam Byram on his backside with an outrageous 'elastico'. He was ruthless in front of goal too, taking his tally to 63 goals for United.
Age on 200th game for Manchester United Norman Whiteside: 21 years and four months George Best: 21 years and seven months Ryan Giggs: 21 years and nine months Marcus Rashford: 22 years and two months Cristiano Ronaldo: 22 years and eight months Wayne Rooney: 22 years and 11 months Bobby Charlton: 24 years and four months
He now has 19 goals this season, the most in any campaign since his debut in 2015, and at 22 years and two months he became the fourth youngest United player to 200 games for the club behind legends Norman Whiteside, George Best and Ryan Giggs.
But Rashford's withdrawal for Daniel James on 59 minutes meant United remain without a player scoring a Premier League hat-trick since Robin van Persie against Aston Villa in April 2013 - a victory that clinched their 20th and most recent league title.
Fellow academy products Williams and Greenwood both enhanced their reputations, the left-back making marauding runs up and down pitch and winning the penalty, contributing five interceptions, while striker Greenwood came off the bench to take his tally to nine for the campaign.
"Beyond proud to become the third youngest player to hit 200 Man Utd games," Rashford wrote on his official Twitter account. external-link
"Can't put into words what it means to follow Giggsy and George Best. Giggsy was massive in getting my first opportunity so extra special for me. Grateful to everyone who's helped me get to where I am."
United fans protest
With the game won despite more than half an hour remaining, United fans in the Stretford End turned to protest at how the club is being run.
There were loud chants of "we want Glazers out" and also aiming their frustration at executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who was sitting in his seat up behind the dugout and the man who deals with transfer negotiations.
The chants spread to other parts of the ground and the singing continued for around 20 minutes in the second half.
Ashley Young has agreed a deal to join Inter Milan but that could be brought forward to this transfer window, while it's not certain any players are coming in.
The agent of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes was reportedly in London on Friday and it remains to be seen whether a deal is forthcoming for a player who was heavily linked with United in the summer.
Norwich still in deep trouble
Time is running out for beleaguered Norwich, anchored to the bottom and now with just one victory from their last 17 league games.
Teenage striker Adam Idah, 18, scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Preston last weekend and came in to replace injured top scorer Teemu Pukki, but could not assert himself against Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as United kept only their fourth clean sheet this term.
Cantwell has impressed for Norwich this season and it could have been a different result had he taken his chance just before the interval, opening up his body and curling a shot that was pushed out by De Gea.
They shocked champions Manchester City earlier in the season at Carrow Road but could not repeat the result this time as they were thoroughly outplayed and have now conceded 45 league goals, more than any other team.
Man of the match - Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Juan Mata created two of Manchester United's goals with wonderful deliveries and had a better passing accuracy (90.1%) than any other outfield player for the hosts.
'We are taking more steps forward'
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, speaking to BBC Sport: "Very happy. We started on the front foot. When you can walk off, and I am sure the opposition are talking about Manchester United as a very hard working team, that is what I want from my team.
"In any Premier League game you have to take advantage of the pressure and domination you get. Second half was very good.
"We reacted today, we can bounce back and we are taking more than two or three steps forward before one back, because behind the scenes we know we are doing good work."
On Marcus Rashford: "Fantastic effort by Marcus getting to 200 games so quickly. He got through most of the game, he is struggling a little bit so we took him off. He kept his cool. Very pleased with Marcus."
Solskjaer 'delighted' by Man Utd work-rate
Norwich boss Daniel Farke: "When you are 3-0 down against probably the best counter-attacking side in the league, it is then difficult to win the game so today we have to accept the better side won.
"We gave the first goal away, sloppy in our defending, but you are still in the game. We had a good spell before half-time with Todd Cantwell and a great save by the goalkeeper.
"I was pleased with the reaction at 4-0. We had to stick together in the last 20 minutes. We are disappointed but we also know a game at Old Trafford is not a season-defining game for us.
"We are definitely in the worst position (in the league) but we are competitive. This is what can happen at this level. We are realistic."
Man Utd loss not 'season defining' - Daniel Farke
The stats - United hit scoring form at home
Manchester United have scored 4+ goals in consecutive home league games for the first time since September 2017.
Norwich are winless in nine Premier League matches (D4 L5) - their worst run since between January-March 2016 (10 games).
Manchester United have kept two clean sheets in their last three Premier League games, as many as in their previous 30 in the competition.
Despite having conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season (45), this is the first time Norwich have conceded more than twice in an away game since the opening day of the season (1-4 at Liverpool).
Marcus Rashford has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season - only Raheem Sterling (20) has more among Premier League players.
Juan Mata provided two assists in a Premier League game for the first time since October 2012, also against Norwich.
Anthony Martial has been involved in 14 goals in 22 games in all competitions for United this season (11 goals, 3 assists), as many as in 38 appearances last term (12 goals, 2 assists).
Mason Greenwood has scored four Premier League goals this season, the most by any teenager in the competition.
What next?
Manchester United host Wolves in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday (19:45 GMT) before travelling to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday (16:30).
Norwich are at home to Bournemouth in the league on Saturday (15:00).


bbc--2020-01-12--Australia fires: PM admits mistakes in handling of crisis

Australia 's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed regret over his handling of the bushfire crisis ravaging the country .
The PM has faced mounting criticism over his government 's response to the bushfires and its climate policy .
Since September , bushfires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed thousands of homes .
On Sunday , Mr Morrison conceded there were `` things I could have handled on the ground much better '' .
In recent weeks , Mr Morrison has been heckled by locals when visiting fire-hit communities in the states of New South Wales and Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the town of Cobargo in New South Wales , one woman demanded more resources for the fire service , while others called Mr Morrison an `` idiot '' and said `` you wo n't be getting any votes down here '' .
`` These are sensitive environments , they are very emotional environments , '' Mr Morrison said in a TV interview with ABC .
`` Prime ministers are flesh and blood too in how they engage with these people . ''
Acknowledging the pressure fire services were facing , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appetite '' for the government to take a more direct role in responding to the disaster .
The PM said he would seek a royal commission review - a type of public inquiry - into the country 's response to the bushfire crisis .
Last month , Mr Morrison was criticised for going on holiday to Hawaii as the bushfire crisis worsened .
The rising public anger at his absence eventually forced him to cut that trip short .
What did the PM say about climate change ?
Mr Morrison 's government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address climate change , which experts say could increase the intensity , frequency and scale of bushfires .
But in the interview , the PM defended his government 's approach , which he said took into account the effect of climate change on the bushfires .
`` We 're living in longer , hotter , drier summers , '' the PM said .
`` This is obviously affected by the broader changes in climate . ''
Pressed on his plan to reduce carbon emissions , Mr Morrison insisted his government was on track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets .
Under the Paris climate agreement , Australia has pledged to cut emissions by 26 % to 28 % by 2030 compared to 2005 levels .
However , Mr Morrison said a `` global solution '' was needed to tackle climate change .
Tens of thousands of people across Australia took part in climate change protests on Friday .
In cities including Sydney , Melbourne and Canberra , demonstrators turned out to press Mr Morrison 's government to make a quick transition away from fossil fuels .
What is the current situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , giving firefighters temporary respite in areas where blazes are still raging .
But with more hot weather expected next week , the risk was far from over , authorities warned .
Authorities have warned that the huge fires , spurred by high temperatures , wind and a three-year-drought , will persist until there is substantial rainfall .
More than 123 fires are still burning across New South Wales , with 50 said to be uncontained .
According to NSW Rural Fire Service , more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Victoria , there were 32 bushfire warnings in place as of Saturday .
A firefighter died while tackling a blaze in the state on Saturday , bringing the death toll from this season 's bushfires to 28 .

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bbc--2020-01-12--Queen and Prince Harry to hold talks over Sussexes' future

The Queen has summoned senior royals to Sandringham on Monday for face-to-face talks to discuss the future roles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex .
Palace officials told the BBC that Prince Harry , the Duke of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales would all attend , while Meghan is expected join the discussion over the phone from Canada .
The Sussexes say they plan to step back as senior members of the Royal Family .
There is no suggestion a conclusion will be reached at the meeting .
But BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said it is hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next step '' on the way to defining the couple 's new relationship with the Royal Family - in line with the Queen 's wish to find a solution within days .
He added that there were still `` formidable obstacles '' to overcome in the talks .
• Your questions answered on Harry and Meghan statement • Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights • How could the Sussexes make money ?
Meanwhile , the Duke of Cambridge has spoken of his `` sadness '' at the broken bond with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the paper , Prince William told a friend : `` I 've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I ca n't do that any more ; we 're separate entities .
`` All we can do , and all I can do , is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we 're all singing from the same page . ''
Monday 's gathering at the Queen 's estate in Norfolk - being described as the `` Sandringham summit '' - will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come face-to-face with Harry since the Sussexes ' announcement , which was posted on their official Instagram account .
BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said the trickiest area will be to agree the financial position of the Sussexes , who said in their statement on Wednesday they intend to `` step back '' as senior royals and work to become financially independent .
The couple also said they plan to split their time between the UK and North America , while `` continuing to honour our duty to the Queen , the Commonwealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to be tax implications to any decision to base themselves outside the UK for any length of time and Buckingham Palace will want `` tight protocols to prevent them cashing in on their royal status '' , our correspondent added .
The Royal Family was said to be `` hurt '' at the couple 's statement .
It is understood the Queen was not consulted in advance of their decision .
Monday 's royal summit may not be the last such gathering needed to sort things out ; but enough progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil servants for the most senior members of the family to meet to discuss some pretty concrete proposals on the way ahead for Prince Harry and Meghan .
There are still formidable obstacles - it 's not at all clear how much in the way of royal duties the prince and Meghan see themselves doing .
On that will hang issues such as funding and liaison between the palace and Prince Harry and Meghan 's new organisation .
Unpicking the current relationship is complicated - creating a new one , that lasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong desire to get this done .
But equally the deal must be robust and workable .
Precedent is being established here - a way of doing things that may extend in years to come to other members of the royal family .
The Queen , Prince Charles , William and Harry are expected to review a range of possibilities for the Sussexes , taking into account plans outlined by the couple .
If a deal is agreed in the coming days , there is a general understanding that it will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently in Oman , after travelling overnight to attend the first of three days of official condolences alongside the Prime Minister Boris Johnson , following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said .
He will return to the UK in time to attend Monday 's talks .
Meanwhile , Meghan is in Canada with her eight-month-old son Archie after flying there amid the ongoing discussions , which have involved the UK and Canadian governments .
She and Prince Harry had been in Canada over Christmas , before they returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break from royal duties .
On Friday , the couple 's official Instagram account returned to publicising their appearances .
Pictures were posted showing the couple during a private visit on Tuesday to a community kitchen in north Kensington , west London , where meals were cooked for families displaced by the Grenfell Tower fire .
Last October , Prince Harry and Meghan publicly revealed their struggles under the media spotlight .
Former actress Meghan , who is American , lived and worked in Toronto where she starred in the popular US drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to launch their own Sussex Royal charity , which they set up after splitting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's foundation in June last year .
It was revealed in December the couple had made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across a string of items including books , calendars , clothing , charitable fundraising , education and social care services .
Do you have any questions about Harry and Meghan 's decision to step back as senior royals ?
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Monday's royal summit may not be the last such gathering needed to sort things out; but enough progress has been made by palace staff and civil servants for the most senior members of the family to meet to discuss some pretty concrete proposals on the way ahead for Prince Harry and Meghan.


bbc--2020-01-12--Serena Williams wins first title in three years

Serena Williams won her first title in three years and first since becoming a mother with victory over Jessica Pegula at the Auckland Classic .
It is the 38-year-old 's first singles title since she won the Australian Open in 2017 and her 73rd WTA title overall .
Williams , in her fourth decade on the WTA Tour , lost the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2018 and 2019 and retired from the 2019 Rogers Cup final .
She said after her victory that she would donate her prize money in Auckland and a dress she had worn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels good .
It 's been a long time , I think you could see the relief on my face , '' said Williams .
`` I have been playing for so long and been through so much and I 'm happy to be doing something I love . ''
The Australian Open begins on 20 January , with Williams bidding to equal Margaret Court 's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles .
Williams won her first WTA title in February 1999 , when she beat France 's Amelie Mauresmo on carpet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She made a slow start in Auckland , with Pegula taking a 3-1 lead in the first set , before recovering to win the next five games and close out the opening set .
Williams broke the unseeded Pegula 's serve early in the second set and converted her fourth match point to ensure victory .
She celebrated on court with her daughter , Olympia , with whom she was eight weeks pregnant when she won her last Grand Slam title in Melbourne .
Williams was also in the doubles final with Caroline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6-4 6-4 by Asia Muhammad and Taylor Townsend in the doubles final .
In Brisbane , Karolina Pliskova successfully defended her title with a 6-4 4-6 7-5 win over American Madison Keys .
Singles world number one Ashleigh Barty - who is donating all her prize money to the bushfire appeal - and her doubles partner Kiki Bertens lost their final against Barbora Strycova and Hsieh Su-wei 3-6 7-6 ( 9-7 ) 10-8 .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Serena Williams is in her fourth decade on the WTA Tour
Serena Williams won her first title in three years and first since becoming a mother with victory over Jessica Pegula at the Auckland Classic.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion beat her fellow American 6-3 6-4.
It is the 38-year-old's first singles title since she won the Australian Open in 2017 and her 73rd WTA title overall.
Williams, in her fourth decade on the WTA Tour, lost the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2018 and 2019 and retired from the 2019 Rogers Cup final.
She said after her victory that she would donate her prize money in Auckland and a dress she had worn to the Australian bushfire appeal.
"It feels good. It's been a long time, I think you could see the relief on my face," said Williams.
"I have been playing for so long and been through so much and I'm happy to be doing something I love."
The Australian Open begins on 20 January, with Williams bidding to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
Williams won her first WTA title in February 1999, when she beat France's Amelie Mauresmo on carpet at the Open Gaz de France.
She made a slow start in Auckland, with Pegula taking a 3-1 lead in the first set, before recovering to win the next five games and close out the opening set.
Williams broke the unseeded Pegula's serve early in the second set and converted her fourth match point to ensure victory.
She celebrated on court with her daughter, Olympia, with whom she was eight weeks pregnant when she won her last Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
Williams was also in the doubles final with Caroline Wozniacki, but the two were beaten 6-4 6-4 by Asia Muhammad and Taylor Townsend.
In Brisbane, Karolina Pliskova successfully defended her title with a 6-4 4-6 7-5 win over American Madison Keys.
Singles world number one Ashleigh Barty - who is donating all her prize money to the bushfire appeal - and her doubles partner Kiki Bertens lost their final against Barbora Strycova and Hsieh Su-wei 3-6 7-6 (9-7) 10-8.