Your Top Plays for Today

Your Top Plays for Today: AP’s Sports Guide

___

—IOC CHIEF PLAYS DOWN THREAT TO SOCHI GAMES

IOC president Thomas Bach has played down fears of terrorism at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, saying he is “sleeping very well.”

https://wintergames.ap.org/article/bach-backs-russia-security-sochi-olympics

___

—DURANT IMMEDIATELY BACK TO BEST AS THUNDER WINS

Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant returns from injury and extends his run of 30-plus-point games to 11 as the Thunder win again.

https://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268750/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=7zOU8brn

___

—HAAS SERIOUS ABOUT PLANS FOR AMERICAN F1 TEAM

NASCAR team owner Gene Haas says he is serious about starting a U.S.-based Formula One team.

https://racing.ap.org/article/haas-undeterred-challenge-starting-f1-team-0

___

—ESSIEN ENDS LONG STINT WITH CHELSEA, MOVES TO MILAN

Michael Essien signs for Italian giant Milan, ending long stint at Chelsea.

https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Essien-leaves-Chelsea-to-join-AC-Milan-5178248.php

___

—ARSENAL EXPECTS WENGER CONTRACT EXTENSION

Arsenal says it expects head coach Arsene Wenger to soon sign a new deal for his 19th season in charge of the London club.

https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Arsenal-says-Wenger-to-sign-new-deal-with-club-5178397.php