Sport shorts: marathon stars Kosgei and Kipchoge praised by Obama and Pope Francis blesses the Saints

1. Obama praises marathon stars

What a weekend it was for Kenyan marathon runners Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei.

On Saturday Kipchoge made sporting history by becoming the first athlete to run 26.2 miles in less than two hours after clocking a time of 1:59:40.2.

Then on Sunday in Chicago Kosgei broke the women’s marathon record with a time of 2:14:04 - 81 seconds faster than Paula Radcliffe’s previous record time of 2:15:25.

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Yesterday former US president Barack Obama praised the two marathon icons for their “staggering” achievements.

He said on Twitter: “Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge became the first ever to break two hours. In Chicago, Brigid Kosgei set a new women’s world record.

“Staggering achievements on their own, they’re also remarkable examples of humanity’s ability to endure - and keep raising the bar.”

Eliud Kipchoge runs 1:59:40.2 marathon: Twitter reacts to sporting history

2. Saints are blessed by Pope’s hashtag

Is Pope Francis an NFL fan? If so then the head of the Catholic Church must be a supporter of the New Orleans Saints.

On his Twitter account yesterday the Pope gave thanks for “our new #Saints”. However, there was a minor problem with the post because by using a hashtag in front of Saints this generated an emoji of the American football team’s logo.

Even if it was a mistake the Saints fans were quick to celebrate the new addition to the “Who Dat?” faithful.

3. Ronaldo on verge of 700th goal

If Cristiano Ronaldo is on target for Portugal in tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifying match against the Ukraine it will be the striker’s 700th career goal.

On Friday against Luxembourg Ronaldo netted his 94th goal in 161 internationals for Portugal - and 699th career goal in 973 games.

Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: all-time goals and career records

4. Mings set for England debut

England are also in Euro 2020 qualifying action tonight against Bulgaria. According to reports Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings is in line to make his international debut in the group A clash in Sofia.

After the 2-1 loss against the Czech Republic on Friday Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is expected to make a number of changes to his team.

• England possible starting XI: Jordan Pickford, Ben Chilwell, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Harry Winks, Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane

5. Boxer Day in critical condition

American boxer Patrick Day is in an “extremely critical condition” after suffering a traumatic brain injury during his bout against Charles Conwell on Saturday.

Day was knocked out by Conwell in the tenth round and his promoter Lou DiBella said: “As of Sunday evening, Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury and is in extremely critical condition.

“On behalf of Patrick’s team, we appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers, and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community.”

6. First WTA title for 15-year-old Gauff

American teenager Coco Gauff won her first WTA singles title yesterday, defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in the final of the Upper Austria Ladies Linz.

The 15-year-old said: “I’m still overwhelmed and shocked. I guess it’s crazy to say it’s my first WTA title. This was definitely not on the calendar at the beginning of the year, because I didn’t think I’d have a chance to get in, and now I’m the champion, so it’s crazy.”

7. Nadal confirmed for Abu Dhabi

Rafael Nadal will prepare for the 2020 season by playing for the tenth time at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, which takes place in Abu Dhabi from 19-21 December.

The Spaniard, a 19-time grand slam champion, is a four-time winner in Abu Dhabi and he will use the event as a warm-up tournament ahead of the 2020 Australian Open major in January.

Djokovic vs. Nadal vs. Federer: who will end their career as the ‘GOAT’?

8. Mercedes: title win is for Niki

Mercedes have dedicated their 2019 Formula 1 championship double to Niki Lauda, the team’s former non-executive chairman who died in May.

Valtteri Bottas’s victory and Lewis Hamilton’s third place at the Japanese Grand Prix secured a record sixth successive title double for the Brackley outfit.

With the constructors’ championship confirmed, the result in Japan also meant that only Hamilton or Bottas can win the 2019 F1 drivers’ title.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “This sixth championship is a very special one - and we dedicate it to Niki. He has been such an important part from the beginning, and we all miss him dearly.”

F1: Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes dedicate record title double to Niki Lauda

9. Tussle for Haaland

Manchester United face competition from Real Madrid in their bid to sign Erling Braut Haaland.

The Daily Star predicts a “tough transfer battle” in January for the teenage striker, who has caught the eye this season playing for Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg.

Having scored a stunning 18 goals in 11 games this season, Leeds-born Haaland is in the form of his life.

Man Utd and Real Madrid battle to sign Erling Braut Haaland

10. Japan set up Springboks clash at RWC

Japan defied not only the weather yesterday but also Rugby World Cup history to become only the fourth non-tier one side to reach the quarter-finals, and the first since Fiji in 2007.

The Brave Blossoms’s stunning 28-21 defeat of Scotland in Yokohama, less than 24 hours after Typhoon Hagibis had ripped through Japan, leaving a trail of death and destruction, put a smile back on the face of the nation.

Host nation Japan will face South Africa in the quarter-final on Sunday.

Rugby World Cup quarter-finals (all times UK)

• 19 October: England vs. Australia (8.15am; Oita Stadium, Oita; live on ITV)
• 19 October: New Zealand vs. Ireland (11.15am; Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo; live on ITV)
• 20 October: Wales vs. France (8.15am; Oita Stadium, Oita; live on ITV)
• 20 October: Japan vs. South Africa (11.15am; Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo; live on ITV)

Today’s back pages: Japan honour typhoon victims after stunning win