The year in pictures: Best sports photos from 2021

Chelsea’s Pernille Harder celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the FA Women’s League Cup semi-final against West Ham. Chelsea won 6-0 and Harder bagged a hat-trick, with Emma Hayes’ side going on to beat Bristol City in the final.

Spectators watch the action at Coral Romford Greyhound Stadium as fans returned to sporting events following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England.

St Helens’ Morgan Knowles lifts the trophy after his side won the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. St Helens, contesting the match for a record 13th time, beat Catalan Dragons 12-10.

Minella Times, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, clears the water on the way to victory in the Grand National at Aintree. Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the famous race, which was held behind closed doors for the first time in its history.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. It was his eighth victory on home soil.

Chris Woakes appeals against Ravindra Jadeja as England chased victory against India in the fourth Test at the Oval. The tourists won the game by 157 runs to go 2-1 up in the five-match series, which was not concluded after the deciding Test was cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp.

Anthony Joshua makes his way to the ring ahead of his bout with Oleksandr Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Joshua, defending his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles, was outfought by his wily opponent and lost on a unanimous points decision.

It’s time for a laugh with the last of our best sports photos of 2021. A seagull steals Madelene Sagstrom’s golf ball on the fairway during day four of the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie!

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