By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor

It was a long time coming but world No.1 Nour El Sherbini has finally got her hands on the women’s CIB PSA Black Ball Open trophy.

After two previous runner-up finishes, she clinched her first tournament victory at the magnificent Black Ball Sporting Club, beating America’s Amanda Sobhy 3-1 in tonight’s final in Cairo.

El Sherbini, 25, had suffered final defeats to compatriots Raneem El Welily and Hania El Hammamy at the Black Ball Club in the past, while Sobhy got the better of the four-time world champion in the quarter-final stage of December’s tournament.

However, the Egyptian has strung together a number of peerless displays at the PSA World Tour Platinum event this week and she continued that form into her final encounter with Sobhy to win 13-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7 in 42 minutes.

Sobhy, bidding to become the first US player ever to win a major PSA title, had opportunities and looked to have the edge physically in the latter stages.

But El Sherbini’s racket skills saw her come up with winners at the crucial moments to collect the 23rd PSA title of her career as well as more than $22,000 in prize money.

It is El Sherbini’s second title of the season after winning the CIB Egyptian Open in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in October.

It sees her extend her lead atop the CIB Road to Egypt Standings, with her wins at the Egyptian Open and the Black Ball Open seeing her secure qualification for the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, which will take place in June.

“I’m really glad that I finally won the Black Ball Open,” said El Sherbini afterwards. “It’s one of the biggest tournaments and a very special one in Egypt. I’m definitely really happy to finally win this tournament.

“I’d like to dedicate this tournament to a very special person that passed this year. Hany Hamouda [Former Egyptian Squash Board Member and Squash Federation of Africa President] has been one of the main supporters for me and he attended all four (of my) World Championship wins.

“I’m really sorry we lost him. He was a very special person to me, so I’d love to dedicate this trophy to him.”

The men’s CIB PSA Black Ball Squash Open gets under way tomorrow (Friday) at Cairo’s Black Ball Sporting Club at 11:00 (GMT+2). The final will be held on Thursday March 25.

Women’s 2021 CIB PSA Black Ball Squash Open, Black Ball Sporting Club, Cairo, Egypt.

Final:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [6] Amanda Sobhy (USA) 3-1: 13-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7 (42m)  

Pictures courtesy of PSA

England head coach Eddie Jones says "poison" about playing style must be removed from players' minds before Saturday's game against Ireland.

But they cannot retain the title after defeats by Scotland and Wales.

"There's a story around the game," Jones told BBC Sport. "You guys fill players' heads full of poison."

Jones was referring to the praise his England team earned for the way they played against France, in contrast to earlier performances in the tournament.

He added: "We're trying to take the poison out of it."

Jones believes the match in Dublin could be more attritional than the free-flowing win against France.

"We know what the game is going to be like, we've got an idea," he continued.

"But sometimes when all the narrative is about 'fantastic, free-flowing, this is how we want to play all the time' - that seeps into players' heads."

'Sometimes you've got to win ugly'

Following England's win against Italy in their second match, former captain Matt Dawson said the side lacked "an attacking instinct".

But Jones' men appeared to turn things around against France, with Dawson calling the win a "lightbulb moment" for the team.

"The expectation is that the next game is going to be like that - that it's going to be free-flowing," Jones continued.

"But generally speaking, when you've played like that in a game, the opposition will try to take that away from you in the next game, so it becomes a tough, grinding affair.

"I'm not criticising what the media does and the fans have got to have their own opinion. Of course they're entitled to their opinion but the reality of the game is different to that.

"Sometimes you've got to win ugly. Do you think the players put their body on the line because they want to play terrible rugby?

"We all want to play good rugby but sometimes it doesn't happen like that."

Daly for Slade 'like for like'

Centre Henry Slade - a key component in England's attack - will miss the Dublin game through injury and is replaced in the starting XV by Elliot Daly.

Daly usually plays at full-back for Jones but was demoted to the bench against France, replaced by Max Malins who will remain at 15 for the Ireland game.

Jones said the choice to move Daly to the centre was in anticipation of a "strong aerial battle".

"It's a like for like selection," he explained. "We feel like having a left-footer at 13, which Slade gave us, will be handy. Elliot is a high work-rate player which is important in a kicking game."

Scotland's Six Nations match against France has been rearranged for Friday 26 March - six days after the scheduled end to the tournament.

It will kick-off at 20:00 GMT in Paris, outside the allotted international window.

It means both sides could be without key players if their clubs refuse to release them to play.

Premiership Rugby say the release of English-based players has still to be resolved.

While the clubs are considering a request from the Six Nations, it is believed they are seeking compensation in order to release the likes of Stuart Hogg, Jonny Gray, and Sean Maitland.

Premiership Rugby are also thought to be unhappy about the timing of the game, which clashes directly with the Gloucester v Exeter match which kicks off at 19:45.

France head coach Fabien Galthie was backed by his federation despite leaving the squad's bubble on the opening weekend of the Six Nations.

Eleven players, including captain Charles Ollivon, tested positive for coronavirus, eventually leading to the original fixture being postponed.

Scotland, who opened with victory in England before losing narrowly at home to Wales and Ireland, host Italy on Saturday in their penultimate match.

France, who have defeated the Italians and Ireland but lost to England are up against grand slam-chasing Wales on Saturday and must win to keep their Championship hopes alive.

Wayne Pivac admits completing his first Six Nations Grand Slam would be "fantastic" after becoming used to the fickle nature of Welsh rugby.

Victory in Paris will seal what has been regarded by some as the unlikeliest of Grand Slams.

"It would mean everything," said Pivac.

"I have been living for coming up to seven years now in Wales, so you understand what it means to the country and what it can do to productivity.

"I noticed walking round the golf course on our day off, the amount of people that were saying good luck for the weekend, they are very supportive.

"That changes quickly from the autumn to now. To understand what it can do to people, we will give it our best shot to try to get the ultimate prize.

"Winning the Grand Slam and championship would be fantastic. If we end up finishing second it would be a big improvement but we are going there to win."

Life was always going to be initially tough for Pivac as he replaced fellow New Zealander Warren Gatland who had overseen three Grand Slam successes and two World Cup semi-finals during 12 years in charge.

Pivac has referenced the criticism he received in 2020 when Wales finished fifth in the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup competitions.

It all seems part of the master plan of blooding young players and waiting for experienced players like Ken Owens and Josh Navidi to return from injury with Wales now boasting a starting side with almost 1,000 test caps, the most in their history.

So were those critics too quick to judge?

"Possibly, but it goes with the territory," said Pivac.

"The same thing happened with the Scarlets. It took me a while to get that machine rolling, and ultimately we had some success.

"People will always have their opinions, and rightly so. They support the team and put a lot of faith in what we do.

"So if things don't go well, questions get asked. I'm not bothered by that in the slightest. When I watch other sports, I'm probably quite critical as well. It's human nature isn't it?

"As coaches when you've been doing it a while you draw back on experiences.

"It might be at different levels, but I've been lucky enough to be involved with some good teams and had some good results.

"There are always highs and lows. This group of players and coaches have kept believing.

"As I said throughout the autumn, I would be more concerned if it wasn't a happy camp.

"You look at the environment you have off the field and that speaks volumes of where the team is at.

"It wasn't for a lack of hard work. There were a lot of circumstances which we put in place which didn't help the results. We're aware of that, and had a big picture in mind which was the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

"It doesn't always look like that from the outside possibly, but we know where we have to improve and the improvements we've made."

Wales have enjoyed their share of luck with the opening two victories over Ireland and Scotland achieved against 14 men, while there were two controversial tries awarded against England.

The argument of fortune fails to recognise the 17 tries scored in four games or a record 40 points tally amassed against England.

Pivac has also made some tough decisions, parting ways with his defence coach and long-time ally Byron Hayward last November with Gethin Jenkins taking over the duties.

He dropped George North during the autumn campaign and then brought him back into the fold and switched him from wing to centre.

The coach also blooded young players like Kieran Hardy, Louis Rees-Zammit, Callum Sheedy and James Botham who have featured prominently in this Six Nations campaign.

Pivac believes the players deserve the credit in the turnaround.

"I've been impressed," said Pivac.

"Ultimately, they are the ones who pull the jersey on, go out there and throw themselves into some dark places.

"Our job is just to get them ready to go, and hopefully we've done a good job.

"You want to win things. That's what we're here for, but it's also about how you develop players, watch them improve and we're starting to see young fellas develop.

"Like Louis Rees-Zammit, from not playing Six Nations last year to where he is now. Seeing that growth is worth its weight in gold."

France lie in the way of Wales with Fabien Galthie's side the only other team still with a chance of winning the tournament.

"We are in a good space but are not the finished article," said Pivac.

"France are a very good side and they have done a fantastic job in improving since the World Cup.

"It's two teams starting to play some good rugby that makes for a mouth-watering final match."

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – Williams Grove Speedway has canceled its Friday, March 19 racing program due to wet grounds and expected cold temperatures.

The same racing program of 410 sprints and ULMS super late models will now be held next Friday night, March 26, at 7:30 p.m.

The super late models will race in a Frank Sagi Tribute qualifier that will earn the winner a guaranteed starting spot in the May 16 Sagi Tribute event at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Veteran driver Brandon Ward will reunite with Coulter Motorsports this weekend at Florence Motor Speedway for Saturday’s SMART Modified Tour 75-lap event.

“We had planned on competing in this race with Joey (Coulter), but an opportunity opened for him to race in the Bristol Dirt Nationals this week. Joey and I decided to put Brandon back in the car,” said Randy Renfrow, team manager and crew chief of Coulter Motorsports.
“Joey won in the first race with our new Modified at Florence and Brandon finished second at the year-end race.”

Ward will make his second start with Coulter Motorsports and is excited for the opportunity.

“I’ve raced against Randy in the PASS series and he always had top notch equipment,” Ward said. “I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in one of Coulter Motorsports cars. I was at Bristol this week with Kevin Powell and spoke with Joey and his dad (Joe) about the opportunity.”

ARCA Midwest Tour takes their broadcasting to the next level with expanded, easy-to-access live and on-demand events, as well as increased editorial coverage and exposure from SPEED SPORT’s massive audience. 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — SPEED SPORT TV has entered into an exclusive three-year agreement to provide production, broadcast and marketing services for the ARCA Midwest Tour racing series.

Based in Wisconsin, the ARCA Midwest Tour is one of the premier regional super late model racing series in the country with 12 races scheduled throughout the Midwest. Owned by Gregg and Angie McKarns, the series is sanctioned by the Automobile Racing Club of America, which is owned by NASCAR.

A dedicated ARCA Midwest Tour branded streaming app and website will join more than 75 other affiliates as part of the rapidly growing SPEED SPORT Network, which is coming off a year of record growth in 2020.

The SPEED SPORT Network is a joint venture between Turn 3 Media, LLC and the streaming broadcast technology company Riivet, Inc. The network delivers SPEED SPORT’s legendary brand credibility, editorial might and massive audience with a proven, proprietary approach to motorsports broadcasting — creating just the kind of end-to-end media solution ARCA Midwest Tour officials were seeking.

“The SPEED SPORT brand has been very important to our family’s success over the years and we look forward to expanding their role moving forward,” said McKarns. “They understand short-track racing and I believe they will help continue the Tour’s growth.”

The SPEED SPORT Network will dedicate production services, technology, business services, equipment, support and marketing for the full ARCA Midwest schedule, beginning May 2 at Madison (Wis.) Int’l Speedway and concluding with the four-day Oktoberfest Race Weekend Oct. 7-10 at LaCrosse (Wis.) Fairgrounds Speedway.

Pricing and distribution details have not been set, but will be announced soon. Riivet founder and the SPEED SPORT Network’s driving force Chris Graner will be working closely with ARCA Midwest officials to assure a successful launch that delivers for the sanctioning body, its competitors and fans.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with Gregg McKarns to create ARCA Midwest TV and help execute his vision,” Graner said. “This deal represents a rapidly growing trend for promoters in grassroots motorsports. Promoters are now demanding better broadcasting strategies that work in a complementary fashion to promote the sport, promote the sponsors and deliver entertainment at the track.”

ARCA Midwest is an important addition to the SPEED SPORT Network, as co-founder and president Ralph Sheheen explained.

“Gregg McKarns is a chip off the old block when it comes to promoting short-track racing, as he continues the legacy his father, John, began with the creation of the ARTGO Challenge Series during the 1970s,” said Sheheen. “We are proud that the edition of the ARCA Midwest Tour to the SPEED SPORT Network gives us coverage of races at historic racing venues throughout the Midwest.”

About ARCA Midwest

The ARCA Midwest Tour showcases the best touring asphalt super late model drivers against the hometown heroes throughout the Upper Midwest. The “Stars and Cars” continue a strong Midwest tradition of highly competitive fields in fan favorite events each season.

For more information, contact:

Gregg McKarns
[email protected]
(815) 703-0285

About SPEED SPORT TV

The SPEED SPORT Network is a joint venture between Turn 3 Media, LLC and the streaming broadcast technology company Riivet, Inc.  The Riivet platform was founded in 2015 with the goal of elevating the sprouting business of grassroots motorsports video broadcasting into an engine for marketing and promotion. In 2020, SPEED SPORT Network broadcast over 1300 live races generating over 680,000 viewer-hours of engagement.

The SPEED SPORT Network approach is designed to continuously improve broadcast and marketing efficiency by removing barriers to entry and barriers to execution for motorsports media professionals. Riivet previously operated under the HAMMER.TV and RaceFeedX.com brands and aggregates 15+ production groups into 30+ unique branded deployments. Some of its most well-known clients and brands include: carstour.tv, dirttrackdigest.tv, derbynation.tv, derbytees.tv, dirt2media.tv, darntv.com, dacotahspeedway.tv, watchdrc.tv, legendsnation.tv, lowbudget.tv, advantageracing.tv, dirtovaltv.com, sledknawker.tv, badfast.tv, and fullpull.tv.

Contact Info:

Chris Graner
(919) 667-6407
[email protected]

STATESVILLE, N.C. – Jordan Anderson Racing announced Thursday that veteran Northeast big-block modified driver J.R. Heffner will compete in the team’s No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 27 the dirt covered high-banks of the half-mile Bristol Motor Speedway will mark the first time a top-tier NASCAR series has competed outside of the Eldora Speedway since returning to dirt tracks in 2013.

Being no stranger to dirt racing after having a successful big-block modified career, Heffner has jumped at the opportunity to compete with the Truck Series since the first event on dirt in 2013. Having now participated in five of the seven events, Heffner claimed a heat race win and a career best of 15th in the 2016 edition at Eldora.

“I am extremely excited for this opportunity with Jordan Anderson Racing and crew chief Bruce Cook to get back in a NASCAR Camping World Truck on dirt, and of all places at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway,” said Heffner.

“After running the truck races at Eldora and having some success with it. I feel like I have a handle on the way these heavy trucks handle on the dirt, mix in Bruce Cook’s knowledge, and Jordan Anderson’s infrastructure this is going to be my best opportunity yet. With majority of my success in the Big Blocks coming at the high-banks of the Lebanon Valley Speedway in New York, I am hoping my experience there can easily translate to what the high-banks of Bristol is going to offer.”

Heffner’s No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado will dawn support from long-time partners A Colarusso and Son, Inc., Upstate Utilities, Izzi Trucking and Rigging Inc, J Hunziker Paving and Scott Hamlin/Snap on Tools.

“To partner with someone like J.R., who has tons of dirt experience, having him step into our Chevy Silverado with our crew chief Bruce Cook for the Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt at Bristol, gives our team a great opportunity to run up front and come home with a great finish for our program.” said Jordan Anderson Racing President Jordan Anderson.

SEBRING, Fla. – The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires put on another jaw-dropping show for its round three race on Thursday at Sebring International Raceway.

The top three drivers, who ran nose-to-tail for the entire 45-minute race, crossed the finish line three-wide in a textbook photo finish.

Polesitter Gresham Wagner led a three-car train that included Selin Rollan and Michael Carter for most of the race. Wagner and Rollan traded spots in the early laps, but Wagner eventually took control of the lead.

The lead trio lost their advantage on the rest of the field when a full-course yellow came out for a crash in turn one. Luca Mars went wide on the exit of the corner then made contact with Jenson Altzman.

The field followed the safety car around the circuit for 12 minutes while the two cars were cleared from turn one.

When the green came back out, the lead trio resumed their three-car breakaway, but were a bit scrappier and Carter took his turn at the front.

“We were fortunate enough to get a breakaway,” Carter said. “And, you know, that’s how I like to race these races. Get out front in a smaller group and then duke it out for the finish. Fortunately, we were able to do that early in the race and then again after the restart.”

On the final lap, Carter, Wagner and Rollan were pushing each other hard for the top spot. The order had already changed three times as the pack exited the final turn for one last drag race. A fourth and final lead change came as the three cars crossed the finish line door-to-door. The timing screens showed Rollan as the winner by .001-second over Carter, making it the second closest finish in Mazda MX-5 Cup history.

“To start things off, I had no radio,” Rollan said. “We [Michael Carter and Gresham Wagner] made a gap and we were all on board to make a gap and then we got the double yellow. I thought it was all going to be over and that it was going to be a crazy race to the finish. But luckily, we were able to bring that gap back after the restart.

“Once the white flag came out we were racing hard and I was able to get by Gresham (Wagner). I got by (Michael) Carter on the back straightaway. We all went deep into (Turn) 17 and I got a run on Gresham. Then, passing the start finish line I had no idea that Michael was even there or that we even won the race. So I went through that whole cool down lap not knowing where we finished. Thanks to Hixon Motorsports for putting me in this car this year. We worked hard at it, and it wasn’t the best the whole week, but it was the best it’s been during the race. I’m excited for the team and ready to get racing tomorrow.”

Carter was the leader as the pack exited turn one on the final lap, but a mistake in turn seven cost him.

“Selin and Gresham, tried to race each other into 17 on the white flag lap,” Carter said. “I was in the lead and I made a mistake in the hotel turn, so coming down the back straightaway to 17, I kind of thought, well maybe they’ll out-brake each other. So I didn’t lift or anything, but they had a run there to the finish. No one blocked, and I was able to cross over them, but I was one spot short at the end.

“But that was a lot of fun, you know. I was glad, we were three-wide across the finish line clean and we don’t have much work to do for tomorrow, so it should be a good one. It was a really good race.”

Wagner lead the most laps of the race and will score 10 bonus points as a result, but he drew the short stick when it came to the finish.

“It’s a tradeoff to run in the lead; you have the clean air, but you have to run hard and keep the pace up at the front,” Wagner said. “So my water temp was down and my tire temp was up I guess. I like to lead, generally, if I can. The guys behind me were having to pull out of line at every straightaway to get clean air while I could just run my laps.

“I made a mistake going into Turn One which gave up the lead. I wasn’t too worried once I regrouped because I knew that the draft is so important here. I knew they were going to drive in pretty hard going into the last corner, so I just waited for them to push out a little bit. I cut under, and took the lead for a second there, but Turn 17 is a basically a triple apex corner so they did the over under and had a little bit more momentum coming to the line. I wasn’t sure if I got second or third, but it was a good race regardless.”

Rollan is the third different winner of the season so far. The two racers that flanked him on the podium were each winners at Daytona.

The Buffalo Sabres' home game against the Boston Bruins will go on as scheduled "as of now."

The teams issued the same announcement Thursday based on the results of COVID-19 tests and contact tracing.

The Sabres canceled their pregame practice after a member of their staff was placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol. The Bruins also canceled their session after a player was placed in the protocol.