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The virtual arena has spoken. After an intense month-long qualification battle that saw 212 participants chase their dreams, Nicolas Swiss11Rally Champod from Switzerland and Nathan 11FR-Natping Denéchère from France have emerged triumphant. They secured their spots for the final stage of the inaugural ITTF World Esports Championships on 27-28 November in Helsingborg, Sweden. 

The groundbreaking qualification stage, open to all players, which began on 14 October and concluded on 14 November, showcased table tenniss remarkable ability to captivate and challenge players across different formats. Players demonstrated how the sports fundamental skills translate seamlessly from traditional tables to the virtual realm. 

These additions to the championship field bring fascinating narratives to the pioneering event which will elevate table tennis on the global competitive gaming stage. 

Nicolas Swiss11Rally Champods journey epitomises the sports versatility. A formidable presence in traditional table tennis with appearances at three consecutive ITTF World Championships (2014-2016) he has successfully transferred his real-world expertise to the virtual arena. His qualification demonstrates how players can adapt and excel across different formats, maintaining their competitive edge whether wielding a physical paddle or a VR controller. 

Meanwhile, Nathan 11FR-Natping Denéchères qualification adds another exciting chapter to his table tennis story. The 24-year-old French talent, who first turned heads at age 11 by competing in adult regional competitions, has embraced both traditional and virtual formats with equal passion. His qualification highlights how the next generation of players is seamlessly bridging the gap between physical and digital sport. 

The qualification stage has showcased the extraordinary talent emerging in virtual table tennis, remarked Petra Sörling, ITTF President. These qualifiers bring exactly the kind of competitive spirit and skill that will make our inaugural World Esports Championships truly special. This groundbreaking event marks a pivotal step forward in the federations digital transformation, bringing a fresh dynamic to the sport and expanding its reach to new audiences. Its inspiring to see table tennis continue to evolve and attract players across different platforms while maintaining its core essence. 

The qualification journey was no casual affair. Both players navigated through six intense rounds of VR competition, demonstrating the blend of tactical prowess and virtual adaptability needed to succeed in this innovative format. From an initial field of 212 hopefuls, they emerged as worthy representatives of this new chapter in table tennis history. 

In Helsingborg, the qualified pair will join six wildcards currently being unveiled in the lead-up to the event to complete an elite eight-player field, all vying for the distinction of becoming the first-ever ITTF World Esports champion. The championships mark a special moment for table tennis, as traditional expertise and digital innovation converge in unprecedented fashion. 

Jets fall to Lightning for first road loss of season

Published in Hockey
Thursday, 14 November 2024 19:48

The Tampa Bay Lightning handed the Winnipeg Jets their first road loss of the season and stopped their seven-game win streak with a 4-1 victory Thursday night.

Winnipeg lost for just the second time in 17 games this season and dropped to 7-1 on the road.

The Jets were seeking to become the fifth team in NHL history to win its first eight road games.

The Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy made 24 saves in his 300th NHL win, becoming the 40th goaltender in league history to win 300 games. He reached the milestone in 490 games, the fewest in NHL history, 31 faster than Jacques Plante.

Jake Guentzel scored twice for the Lightning, who had lost their previous five games against the Jets, including 7-4 in Winnipeg on Nov. 3.

Guentzel put Tampa Bay in front 7:24 into the first period, and goals by Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli 57 seconds apart early in the second made it 3-0, the largest deficit the Jets had faced this season.

Winnipeg captain Adam Lowry scored on a deflection at 6:54 of the second, but Guentzel got an empty-netter with 21 seconds left.

Jets backup goalie Eric Comrie made 25 saves but lost for the first time in his four starts this season.

Winnipeg's power play entered the game leading the NHL at 42.2%, but it went 0-for-5.

Tampa Bay, coming off a seven-day layoff, won for the first time this month after going 0-3-1 in its first four November games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

McDavid fourth fastest in NHL to reach 1K points

Published in Hockey
Thursday, 14 November 2024 20:59

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Connor McDavid became the fourth-fastest NHL player to reach 1,000 points, scoring early in the second period of the Edmonton Oilers' 3-2 overtime victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.

McDavid reached the milestone in his 659th game. Wayne Gretzky was the fastest at 424 games, followed by Mario Lemieux at 513 and Mike Bossy at 656.

At 27 years, 306 days, McDavid also is the fourth-youngest player to reach 1,000 career points, trailing only Gretzky (23 years, 328 days), Lemieux (26 years, 171 days) and Steve Yzerman (27 years, 291 days).

McDavid has 341 goals and 659 assists. He's the 99th NHL player to reach 1,000 points and the fourth on the Oilers, joining Gretzky (1,669), Jari Kurri (1,043), and Mark Messier (1,034).

On the milestone goal, McDavid took a pass from Leon Draisaitl on a 2-on-1 break and beat goalie Scott Wedgewood with a shot to the near post to tie it at 1.

McDavid added point No. 1,001 in overtime with an assist on Darnell Nurse's second goal of the game.

Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Cricket Australia has handed former Sri Lanka Test player Dulip Samaraweera with another ban after allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a second player while coaching.
Already suspended from any involvement in Australian cricket for 20 years after being found to have behaved inappropriately towards a female player, Samaraweera has since been accused of further misconduct.

The second matter relates to his time when he worked as a private coach, while employed by Cricket Victoria. Samaraweera has denied the claim but chose not to participate in the investigation and has been banned for 10 years for breaching the sport's code of conduct.

The ban will be served concurrently with his initial 20-year suspension, meaning he is still not able to return to any coaching role with Australia or a state or territory body until 2044 when he will be 72.

AAP understands neither complainant has so far opted to pursue criminal charges.

The seven-time Test representative had been involved in Cricket Victoria's women's program for almost 16 years, including as a long-time assistant coach at the WBBL's Melbourne Stars, before resigning in May.

Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins had previously labelled Samaraweera's conduct "utterly reprehensible" and "a betrayal of everything we stand for" after CA released the findings of its initial investigation in September.

"The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up," Cummins said after the initial charge.  "She will continue to receive our ongoing support to allow her to achieve her goals on and off the field.

"From an organisation perspective, the safety and wellbeing of everyone at Cricket Victoria is paramount. We will not tolerate any behaviour which compromises that position, or our people, and will always support our culture of speaking up."

The Colombo-born Samaraweera opened the batting in seven Tests for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, before later moving into coaching. He was an assistant coach with the Stars from the inaugural WBBL season in 2015, and even served as Victoria's interim head coach for most of last summer.

Samaraweera had been due to take over the role full-time, but resigned in May when Cricket Victoria's conflict of interest policy prevented him from hiring his brother Thilan to the coaching staff.

KL Rahul left the field after being struck on the elbow in an injury concern for India ahead of the first Test, while Virat Kohli shrugged off speculation over his fitness but was one of several batters caught behind the wicket in an intra-squad match simulation at the WACA.

After three days in the WACA nets, India ramped up their preparations a week before the series-opener at Optus Stadium with an XI featuring their main stars out in the middle against a side filled with mostly their fringe and India A players.

In perhaps an indication that he is earmarked to open the batting captain Rohit Sharma misses the first Test, Rahul opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Rahul looked in fluent touch and appeared to be handling short bowling well until he was struck on his right elbow by a rising delivery from quick Prasidh Krishna. The blow left him grimacing and he trudged off the ground after seeking medical attention.

Jaiswal started aggressively with a belligerent whack through the covers, but on 15 he nicked off to second slip in what would become a common sight through a simulation that lasted two and a half hours before lunch.

Amid reports that he has undergone scans in recent days, Kohli looked in fine touch and hit a couple of gorgeous shots through the covers. But on 15 he nicked seamer Mukesh Kumar to second slip before he then spent around 30 minutes in the nearby nets.

Short-pitched bowling had been a priority for India's batters on Thursday, with local club quicks unleashing rapid speed while some batters took part in a drill where a tennis ball was fired from close range aimed at their heads.

The WACA surface so far in this simulation has had considerably less bounce and carry than Sheffield Shield matches this season. But there has been some movement off a length and India's batters looked wanting.

Rishabh Pant, who had struggled against the short ball at times during his net sessions earlier in the week, smoked a boundary through the off-side early in his innings but he seemed shaken after copping a blow to the groin. He was cleaned bowled by a quick delivery from Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was a standout after also later claiming Dhruv Jurel in the slips.

No. 3 Shubman Gill started slowly and struggled to get the strike for his two-hour stay at the crease. He started looking more comfortable before on 28 fending to gully a short of a length delivery from quick Navdeep Saini who celebrated with gusto.

The rare sight at the WACA of spin from both ends occurred just before the interval with Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian bowling in tandem as the batting side reached the break at 106 for 5 after 28 overs.

Pepi puts USMNT by Jamaica in Nations League

Published in Breaking News
Thursday, 14 November 2024 19:39

Ricardo Pepi scored from Christian Pulisic's pass in the fifth minute, Matt Turner saved a penalty kick and the United States beat Jamaica 1-0 on Thursday night at Kingston in a CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal first leg, the Americans' first competitive match under coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The second leg of the total-goals series is Monday in St. Louis, and the winner advances to a March 20 semifinal at Inglewood, California. The United States won the first three editions of the tournament.

Jamaica finished a man short after Mason Holgate was given his second yellow card for pushing Brandon Vázquez in the 86th, 10 minutes after his first for kicking Gianluca Busio.

Pulisic sparked the goal when he received a pass from Johnny Cardoso and dribbled up the center of the field. Pepi burst past Amari'i Bell, ran onto the ball and took a touch, then mis-hit his shot but put the ball in off goalkeeper Andre Blake's far post for his 12th goal in 32 international appearances.

Pulisic became the 33rd player to make 75 U.S. appearances. Pepi is the fourth American to score 12 international goals before age 22 after Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore and Pulisic.

Joe Scally's giveaway led to Jamaica being awarded a penalty kick by Costa Rican referee Juan Gabriel Calderon. Kasey Palmer passed to Shamar Nicholson, who spun around Mark McKenzie and was pulled down by Turner. The goalkeeper dived to his right to bat away Demarai Gray's 14th-minute spot kick, Turner's third save in eight penalty kicks while in the U.S. goal.

Ricardo Pepi scored the Unisted States winning goal against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League.

Getty Images


Malik Tillman replaced an injured Cardoso in the 20th minute.

Pochettino took over the U.S. after Gregg Berhalter was fired for a first-round Copa America exit and started with a pair of friendlies last month.

Pochettino made six changes to the starting lineup from last month's 2-0 loss at Mexico, inserting McKenzie and midfielders Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann and Cardoso along with Pulsiic and Pepi.

McKennie got a yellow card in the 50th minute for pulling down Leon Bailey from behind by the jersey. Antonee Robinson and Bailey received yellow cards in the 69th after teams got into a shoving confrontation.

Aidan Morris will miss both matches after spraining his right knee in training. Brenden Aaronson had flu-like symptoms and skipped the trip, instead traveling to Missouri ahead of the second leg.

Tim Weah served the second match of his two-game suspension for a red card in the Copa America for punching Panama's Roderick Miller.

Jamaica forward Michail Antonio was suspended for yellow card accumulation. The Reggae Boyz are led by former England manager Steve McClaren, hired after they went 0-3 at the Copa America.

PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles extended their NFC East lead, scoring 20 fourth-quarter points to beat the second-place Washington Commanders 26-18 on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley ran for 146 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, while quarterback Jalen Hurts put Philadelphia ahead with a touchdown run to start the final quarter. The Commanders took an early lead in the first quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by Brian Robinson Jr.

Here are the most important things to know from Thursday night for both teams:


Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)

The story of the Eagles' season so far has been the incredible play of Barkley and the surprising performance of Vic Fangio's defense. That continued in Thursday's crucial divisional win over the Commanders.

On a night when Hurts struggled to get going, the defense kept rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels in check and came up with a key fourth-quarter interception courtesy of safety Reed Blankenship to help create a snowball effect in Philly's favor. There were only modest expectations for the defense coming into the season, but the Eagles entered the week ranked second in yards allowed per game and tied for fifth in points allowed per game, figures that stand to hold up after Thursday.

Barkley scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns in a span of 20 seconds to turn what was mostly a nail-biter into a comfortable victory for Philadelphia, which has now won six in a row.

The Eagles' chances of winning the division shot up from 63% to 81%, according to ESPN Analytics. They'll enjoy their mini-bye before turning their attention to a Week 12 matchup against the Rams. It will be their last plane ride of the regular season.

Most surprising performance: The normally reliable Jake Elliott had a subpar night, missing field goal attempts from 44 and 51 yards in the first half. He followed up with a missed extra point early in the fourth quarter after the Eagles went ahead. Elliott entered the game tied for the second-highest field goal percentage (90.9%) among NFL kickers with 80-plus attempts since 2021 but has now missed five field goals this season.

Promising trend: Barkley had his eighth game this season with at least 100 yards from scrimmage, the most in the NFL this season. He finished with 198 total yards (146 rushing, 52 receiving on two receptions). It was Barkley's fourth straight game with 100 scrimmage yards vs. the Commanders, marking the longest streak against Washington in his career. -- Tim McManus

Next game: at Los Angeles Rams (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 24)


Washington Commanders (7-4)

The Commanders showed the NFL they needed to be reckoned with through the first nine games this season. But Thursday night proved that they still weren't good enough to challenge for NFC East supremacy, losing their second game in a row and falling 1.5 games behind Philadelphia.

The Commanders' defense limited explosive Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for most of the game. But Barkley gashed them as a runner and a receiver, while the Commanders could not match his offensive output against one of the NFL's top defenses.

Washington has already won three more games than it did all of last season and is ahead of schedule in coach Dan Quinn's first season. But the Commanders also showed that if they want to win the division, they'll need more firepower to combat the Eagles' diverse and explosive attack.

The Commanders averaged at least 5.3 yards per play in each of their first nine games. In the past two weeks they've averaged 4.1 and 4.2, respectively. That will need to improve for them to progress past being a pleasant surprise this season.

Pivotal play: On fourth-and-2 from the Eagles' 26-yard line with 8:01 remaining in the game, Washington bypassed a field goal and potential 13-12 lead, trying to get more points to aid a tiring defense. Instead, Daniels bobbled the shotgun snap, which caused a delay on a QB sweep around right end. Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stopped him 2 yards short of a first down to turn the ball over to Philadelphia, which scored touchdowns on its next two possessions. The Commanders had converted their first 11 fourth-down attempts this season but now has failed on their past two.

Troubling trend: The offense was held to fewer than 300 yards for the second consecutive game -- albeit against two of the NFL's top defenses in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Both defenses caused problems for Daniels, but the Eagles also pressured him consistently. Washington converted only 3 of 12 third downs after going 5-14 a week ago.

QB breakdown: Daniels had a special start to the season, but Thursday was his worst game of his young NFL career. He was unable to connect with his receivers Thursday -- the wideouts combined for four catches and 28 yards. Daniels' legs have not been a factor of late; he has rushed for 13 yards in the past two games as teams have done well to keep him contained in the pocket. Daniels threw one interception and didn't really threaten the Eagles' defense. -- John Keim

Next game: vs. Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 24)

Sims to replace Sterling as Yankees radio voice

Published in Baseball
Thursday, 14 November 2024 19:27

NEW YORK -- Dave Sims is replacing John Sterling as Suzyn Waldman's play-by-play partner on New York Yankees radio broadcasts.

WFAN made the announcement Thursday.

"It's great to be home," said Sims, a former reporter for the New York Daily News.

Sterling, 86, retired in April, a few weeks into his 36th season, but he returned in the final week of the regular season and worked in the postseason.

Sims, 71, has spent the past 20 years calling Seattle Mariners games.

Sale, Crochet named comeback players of year

Published in Baseball
Thursday, 14 November 2024 19:27

LAS VEGAS -- Left-handers Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox won Major League Baseball's Comeback Player of the Year awards on Thursday.

Cleveland right-hander Emmanuel Clase won his second AL Reliever of the Year award and St. Louis righty Ryan Helsley won the NL honor.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani joined David Ortiz as the only players to win four straight Outstanding Designated Hitter awards. Ohtani and the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge won Hank Aaron Awards as the outstanding offensive performers in their leagues.

Major League Baseball made the announcements at its All-MLB Awards Show.

Sale, 35, was 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts in 177 innings for the NL's first pitching triple crown since the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw in 2011. He earned his eighth All-Star selection and first since 2018.

Sale helped Boston to the 2018 World Series title but made just 56 starts from 2020-23, going 17-18 with a 4.86 ERA, 400 strikeouts and 79 walks over 298 innings. He was acquired by Boston from the White Sox in December 2016 and made nine trips to the injured list with the Red Sox, mostly with shoulder and elbow ailments. He had Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, and returned to a big league mound on Aug. 14, 2021.

Sale fractured a rib while pitching in batting practice in February 2022 during the management lockout. On July 17, in his second start back, he broke his left pinkie finger when he was hit by a line drive off the bat of the Yankees' Aaron Hicks. Sale broke his right wrist while riding a bicycle en route to lunch on Aug. 6, ending his season.

Crochet, 25, was 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA over 32 starts for a White Sox team that set a post-1900 record of 121 losses, becoming a first-time All-Star. He struck out 209 and walked 33 in 146 innings.

He had Tommy John surgery on April 5, 2022, and returned to the major leagues on May 18, 2023. Crochet had a 3.55 ERA in 13 relief appearances in 2023, and then joined the rotation this year.

Sale and Crochet were chosen in voting by MLB.com beat writers.

Clase and Helsley were unanimous picks by a panel that included Hall of Famers Trevor Hoffman, Mariano Rivera, Dennis Eckersley and Rollie Fingers, along with John Franco and Billy Wagner. The AL award is named after Rivera and the NL honor after Hoffman.

A three-time All-Star, Clase was 4-2 with a 0.61 ERA, 66 strikeouts and 10 walks in 74 innings, holding batters to a .154 average. The 26-year-old converted 47 of 50 save chances, including his last 47.

Voting was based on the regular season. Clase was 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in the playoffs, allowing three home runs, one more than his regular-season total.

Helsley, a two-time All-Star, was 7-4 with a 2.04 ERA and 49 saves in 53 chances. He struck out 79 and walked 23 in 66 innings.

Ohtani became the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. A two-way star limited to hitting following elbow surgery, Ohtani batted .310 and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs while stealing 59 bases.

Ortiz won the DH award five years in a row from 2003-07.

The DH award, named after Edgar Martinez, is picked in voting by team beat writers, broadcasters and public relations departments. MLB.com writers determined the finalists for the Aaron awards, and a fan vote was combined with picks from a panel of Hall of Famers and former winners to determine the selections.

Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers and 144 RBIs while hitting .322.

Messi held in check as Paraguay shock Argentina

Published in Soccer
Thursday, 14 November 2024 17:57

A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Argentina in South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Argentina took the lead through Lautaro Martinez 11 minutes into the game, but Paraguay soon levelled after Gustavo Velazquez's cross found Eduardo Sanabria, who unleashed a superb overhead kick that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez helpless.

The shocked visitors struggled to find their feet and two minutes after the break, Paraguay defender Alderete headed in from a free kick following a foul by substitute Leonardo Balerdi on Julio Enciso.

World Cup champions Argentina are top of the standings with 22 points from 11 matches while Paraguay moved up to sixth place, level on 16 points with Uruguay who play on Friday.

The top six are guaranteed a place at the 2026 finals.

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