Britain's ANDY MURRAY will face world No. 1 NOVAK DJOKOVIC in a practice match on Thursday as part of his preparations for the Australian Open. Murray has lost four times to Djokovic in the Australian Open final. Murray played just six tournaments in '18 and has used his protected ranking to enter the first Grand Slam of the year (BBC, 1/9). ... Former Juventus midfielder ARTURO VIDAL had four properties in Turin seized "because of unpaid debts." Marca reported Vidal had four buildings in the Torinese town of Moncalieri repossessed after he owed €18,849 ($21,765) on them (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 1/8). ... CAMERON SMITH will lead the Melbourne Storm into the '19 National Rugby League season -- and "put himself on track to become the first player to reach 400 games" -- after the club announced his re-signing on a two-year extension on Wednesday (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 1/9). ... Auckland rugby lost one of its "leading coaches" with GEOFF MOON dying on a visit to Italy. Italian reports said that he passed away in Parma, where he had been hospitalized due to illness. He was in Italy on a brief coaching assignment with the Viadana rugby club at the request of friends there (STUFF, 1/9). ... RONALDINHO joined the hall of fame of Rio de Janeiro's famous Maracana Stadium. The 2002 World Cup champion and 2006 Champions League winner with Barcelona was given the honor on Tuesday. The 38-year-old star joined PELE, GARRINCHA, ZICO and other Brazilian greats "who also have footprints in the stadium's hall of fame" (AP, 1/8).
