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MLB Weekend Watch: Picks, analysis on the top matchups

Published in Baseball

Thursday, 23 May 2019 18:02

The Orioles are giving up home runs at a historic rate, the Braves and Cardinals will be squaring off in a premium matchup between potential playoff teams, and the latest Dodger with a scoreless inning streak will put his chance to make history on the line.

Here's how we see those matchups and what else we're looking forward to:

Sunday Night Baseball (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET) features a pair of playoff contenders, with the Atlanta Braves facing the St. Louis Cardinals. Which of those teams is more likely to make the postseason?

Eddie Matz: I'm nowhere near as smart as the folks who run sites like FanGraphs, Baseball Prospectus and Baseball Reference. Averaging out the playoffs odds on all three sites, the Braves have a 63 percent chance of making the postseason. The Cards are at 48 percent. I'll side with the wise guys and take Atlanta.

Sam Miller: I will admit that I have, like most baseball fans, occasionally overrated the benefits of youth over experience. But this has been a young players' league for the past couple of years, and the Braves -- with the National League's youngest pitching staff and tied for the second-youngest lineup -- fit the moment better than the veteran Cardinals, some of the most veteran of whom are struggling under the weight of age. Anyway, somebody's got to pick up the playoff odds for the listing Nationals and Mets.

David Schoenfield: The Braves still have 13 games remaining against the Marlins. The Cardinals do not. More importantly, the Cardinals' rotation has really struggled and the team has allowed the second-most home runs in the National League. Meanwhile, the Braves have received strong performances so far from Mike Soroka and Max Fried. With the Nationals playing poorly and the Mets scuffling along, the Braves can take advantage of a mediocre NL East.

Speaking of playoff contenders, the Cleveland Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend. Will the Tribe, which haven't won more than two straight in nearly a month, get their act together and make the playoffs?

Matz: The Twins are legit, so winning the Central seems like a long shot for Cleveland. Snagging a wild card won't be easy, either, as the Indians likely would need to finish ahead of either the Yankees, Red Sox or Rays. Francisco Lindor has finally found his groove, but Jose Ramirez hasn't. So ... can the Tribe make the playoffs? Absolutely. But it sure would help if Ramirez starts producing like his top-five-finish-in-MVP-voting self.

Miller: Probably not, and the front office might figure it's not even worth fighting that hard for a wild-card spot. I'm not all the way convinced Lindor really has found his groove, either. He's so good, he could be an All-Star (if not an MVP candidate) at three-quarters speed; the problem is, according to Statcast's sprint speeds, that isn't that far off.

Schoenfield: The Twins absolutely look like the real deal and have indicated they have payroll room to add something at the trade deadline as needed. You think the Indians will make a big move? Unlikely. Yes, they'll get Mike Clevinger and Corey Kluber back at some point, but right now I'd pick the Twins to win the division and the Indians to battle for -- and fall short of -- a wild-card spot.

The season's two most highly touted rookies -- the Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. -- are in Toronto this weekend. Beyond that pair, there have been numerous impact rookies this year. Who has impressed you the most?

Matz: Pete Alonso is on pace to hit 54 homers, which is pretty dang impressive for anyone, much less a rookie. But I'm reasonably certain that in MLB's current offensive climate, my fourth-grade son could hit 54 bombs. I'm infinitely more impressed by pitching prowess these days. What Mike Soroka has done -- he has surrendered just one homer and hasn't allowed more than one earned run in any of his seven starts -- is just plain crazy.

Miller: I'll take it on faith that David, who said last week he was going to rename his dogs -- rename! give them new names! -- after Chris Paddack, will take care of that response next. I've been in awe of Tampa Bay rookie Brandon Lowe's swing. He's not big, doesn't look imposing, but he hunts for early-count strikes and has a knack for pulling and elevating anything in the zone. That's not the right approach for every hitter, but it's working for Lowe.

Schoenfield: Of course, I have to mention Soroka and Paddack here, two keys to my current first-place fantasy team. What, you don't want to hear about that? Sorry. Oh, Yusei Kikuchi is on my team as well and he's been a solid rookie starter, although obviously he isn't a rookie in the traditional sense. Maybe the most surprising/impressive rookie performer has been Michael Chavis of the Red Sox. We knew he had big-time power potential, but he also had an 80-game PED suspension last season and a high strikeout rate. We also didn't expect to see much of him, as he was buried behind Rafael Devers on the depth chart at third base. He has kept his strikeouts relatively intact, but most impressively he has played a solid second base after playing mostly third base in the minors.

You guys aren't rookies, but you're certainly impressive. What's on top of your weekend must-see list?

Matz: In the past 100 years, there have been six players who have had at least 50 steals and 100 RBIs in the same season (Barry Bonds did it most recently, in 1990). Adalberto Mondesi is on pace for 56 and 132. With seven triples already, he's also on pace for 23 of The Most Exciting Play In Baseball. There has only been one guy in MLB history to ever record 20 triples, 50 steals and 100 RBIs in a single season. (Hint: his name rhymes with Schmy Schmobb.) All of which is to say, I'm going to pay a little extra attention to the Royals.

Miller: Domingo German is going for his 10th win and it's still May. Wins aren't my stat, but my inner 8-year-old still loves to see a ludicrous win-loss record now and again, so I'll be watching Sunday to see if German can improve to 10-1 and stay on pace for an extremely unlikely 30-win season. (Heck, I'd take 29.)

Schoenfield: I'm developing a disturbing fascination with all the home runs the Orioles are allowing. Entering Thursday's game against the Yankees, they've allowed 105 home runs in 49 games, a season pace of 347. That's almost incomprehensible. It would be like Bob Beamon long-jumping 29 feet, 2½ inches at the 1968 Olympics, completely destroying the previous record. And this weekend? The Orioles play in Denver. Protect the kids.

PICK 'EM TIME

Dodgers lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu brings a streak of 31 consecutive scoreless innings into Pittsburgh. Closest to the pin: How long will Ryu's streak last?

Matz: Four of the 10 longest streaks in the live ball era belong to Dodgers: Hershiser, Drysdale, Greinke, Kershaw. Ryu needs 10 more innings to break into that top 10 and become the fifth Dodger. He'll get eight against the Pirates, seven against the Mets after that, and then lose it in the first inning at Arizona. So let's call it 45⅓ innings, tying him with Carl Hubbell for fifth longest.

Miller: I've been debating with a friend about how many innings it takes for a scoreless streak to become must-watch. I say 32 -- since then he's only, theoretically, three outings away from Hershiser -- but my friend insists it's at least 35, since nobody goes nine innings anymore. Anyway, enough stalling: The Pirates have been the fourth-worst offense in baseball against lefties this year, so I'll be optimistic and say he goes six scoreless and gives me and my friend the right to get hyped.

Schoenfield: I say Josh Bell goes yard and ends the streak at 36 innings.

The Orioles are giving up home runs at a record pace (and then some). This weekend they're in the thin air at Coors Field, a potentially volatile combination. Over/under for home runs allowed by the Orioles this weekend at Coors: 6.5

Matz: (Total number of times the O's have allowed more than six homers in a road series this year) + (Total number of time the Rockies have hit more than six homers in a home series this year) = One. I'll take the under.

Miller: I reject Eddie's implied home/road distinction for the Orioles' prodigious dinger-allowing rate. I believe in their ability to allow homers in any park, and certainly in Coors. The Orioles have allowed five or more homers in a game seven times this year, and I really only need one of those to nearly guarantee the over. So I'll take the over.

Schoenfield: Over.

Who wins Sunday night -- Braves or Cardinals?

Matz: Both starters (Jack Flaherty and Julio Teheran) have been much better at home this season. In related news, this game will take place in The Lou. Dame los Cardenales, por favor.

Miller: I like Flaherty so much that I refuse to ever look at his stats. He's a star. I know it. I don't need "proof" or even "supporting evidence." I bet his ERA is, like, 1.60. I'll take the Cardinals.

Schoenfield: Flaherty is the scheduled starter for St. Louis and I keep waiting for him to roll out three or four dominant starts in a row, but he hasn't found a consistent groove yet and walked five Braves two starts ago. Teheran, meanwhile, has allowed just two runs over his past four outings. I'll go with the hot hand and pick the Braves.

TWO TRUE OUTCOMES

Each week, we ask our panelists to choose one hitter they think will hit the most home runs and one pitcher they think will record the most strikeouts in the coming weekend. Panelists can pick a player only once for the season. We'll keep a running tally -- and invite you to play along at home.

Home run hitters

Matz: Marcell Ozuna

Miller: Nolan Arenado

Schoenfield: Dang, I already used Trevor Story, and Sam beat me to Arenado. We're on the same page here. Charlie Blackmon is dinged up, so I guess that leaves me with ... Ian Desmond? (And, yes, I might pick against the Orioles the rest of the season.)

Strikeout pitchers

Matz: Caleb Smith

Miller: Chris Paddack

Schoenfield: Noah Syndergaard

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French Open 2019: Training with Roger Federer an 'eye-opener', says Dan Evans

Published in Tennis

Friday, 24 May 2019 13:04

Britain's Dan Evans says his time spent as Roger Federer's training partner has been an "eye-opener to what's being done in our country" in terms of investment and helping young players.

The British number three trained with Federer in Switzerland ahead of his return to clay in Madrid this month.

"I was pretty surprised with how simple a lot of the drills were," said Evans.

"He was so down to earth off the court. It was a bit surreal sometimes - he didn't hide away or anything."

Evans has also been training with British three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray before the French Open, which kicks off on Sunday.

Murray, who admitted he could make a return to Wimbledon to play doubles, has been increasing his training load.

"He was great. He seemed pretty happy - if I'm honest, a bit happier than normal. Hopefully he can come back and get going again," said Evans.

Evans criticised the Lawn Tennis Association's use of analysis following his time with Federer and wants money to be "spread out better" in order to increase the number of British players inside the world's top 300.

"Let's maybe get the basics right, walk before we can run would be good for me," said the 28-year-old. "We need more people [ranked] inside 200-300 before we start having analysis and stuff like that.

"The people who are running performance obviously don't think it's wasted [money], they want to put their money into that. People are using it so it's not wasted but I think it could be spread out a little better.

"In our country you can't be a tennis player when you have no money or you're from a bad area. It's impossible unless your mum and dad remortgage their house. Why should people do that when there's six analysis guys?"

An LTA spokesperson said: "The LTA is committed to opening tennis up and making every stage of being an aspiring pro more accessible. For example, our National Academies will dramatically reduce the cost for our highest potential juniors and we subsidise the coaching of more than 2,000 children at local and another 220 at regional player development centres.

"We are also making a significant annual investment into the charity Tennis First so it can provide financial assistance to families from less privileged backgrounds and enable more children to progress along our Player Pathway."

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Bangkok highlights: shock defeat for former champion

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 24 May 2019 10:14

It was day when the champion of two year’s earlier bid farewell.

Men’s Singles

…………After beating India’s Ronit Banija, the no.32 seed (11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 12-10), Korea Republic qualifier Park Gyeongtae overcame Japan’s Jin Ueda, the top seed and winner two years ago (6-11, 16-14, 13-15, 11-9, 5-11, 11-4, 11-5).

…………Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yan-Cheng caused the biggest opening round upset. He accounted for India’s Harmeet Desai, the no.6 seed (7-11, 11-8, 16-14, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9); he maintained his form in round two. He overcame fellow qualifier, Canada’s Jeremy Hazin (11-3, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 13-11, 11-7).

…………Ibrahima Diaw took Senegal to totally new heights; he beat Singapore’s Ethan Poh Shao Feng, the no.17 seed (11-4, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7) and Korea Republic’s Hwang Jinha, the no.16 seed (7-11, 14-12, 11-6, 11-4, 10-12, 11-7) to book his third round place.

…………Japan’s Kenta Matsudaira, the no.2 seed alongside colleague Mizuki Oikawa, the no.4 seed and Germany’s Ruwen Filus, the no.3 seed duly progressed to round three.

Women’s Doubles

…………Following success against 14 year old Prithika Pavade of France (11-7, 11-7, 6-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9), Korea Republic’s Lee Nakyung caused the biggest second round upset, she beat Japan’s Satsuki Odo, the no.5 seed (11-8, 13-11, 11-8, 6-11, 14-12).

…………Chinese Taipei qualifier, Yu Hsin-Ting proved the nemesis of India; she accounted for Divya Deshpande, the no.26 seed (10-12, 6-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8), then Ayhika Mukherjee, the no.8 seed (11-6, 11-5, 3-11, 11-1, 11-7).

…………Camille Lutz, 16 years old, was the player to attract the attention. The French teenager beat Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chia-Hsuan, the no.10 seed (9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7), followed by success in opposition to Singapore’s Goi Rui Xuan, the no.28 seed (12-10, 13-11, 11-5, 11-8).

…………Japan’s Hitomi Sato, Saki Shibata, Honoka Hashimoto, the top three seeds, all booked third round places as did Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut, the no.4 seed.

Men’s Doubles

…………The top two seeded pairs fell in the opening round. Germany’s Tobias Hippler and Kilian Ort, the top seeds, lost to Singapore’s Josh Chua Shao Han and Pang Yew En Koen (11-8, 11-6, 11-6); Japan’s Kenta Matsudaira and Jin Ueda, the no.2 seeds, suffered at the hands of Korea Republic’s Baek Hogyun and Seo Hyundeok (11-9, 11-2, 6-11, 11-9).

…………Thailand’s Padasak Tanviriyavechakul and Supanut Wisutmaythangkoon emerged the only pair listed in the top four to book a quarter-final place. The no.3 seeds, in the opening round they beat Belgium’s Louis Laffineur and Adrien Rassenfosse (8-11, 12-10, 11-6, 3-11, 11-8). At the same time, India’s Harmeet Desai and Abhishek Yadav, the no.4 seeds, lost to Korea Republic’s Cho Jaejun and Jung Youghyun (11-6, 14-16, 11-7, 10-12, 11-3).

Women’s Doubles

…………Japan’s Ayane Morita and Yuka Umemura caused a major opening round upset. They beat Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Wen and Li Yu-Jhun, the no.4 seeds (15-13, 11-5, 4-11, 12-10).

…………Honoka Hashimoto and Hitomi Sato, the top seeds, alongside Japanese colleagues Satsuki Odo and Saki Shibata, the no.2 seeds, duly progressed to the quarter-finals; a feat also achieved by the host nation’s Orawan Paranang and Suthasini Sawettabut, the no.3 seeds and defending champions.

Under 21 Men’s Singles

…………Japan’s Masaki Takami, the no.3 seed, beat Singapore’s Pang Yew En Koen, the no.7 seed (2-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-4, 11-7) to emerge the only seeded player to reach the semi-final stage.

…………In the penultimate round Korea Republic’s Oh Minseo meets Chinese Taipei’s Li Hsin-Yu; Belgium’s Adrien Rassenfosse opposes Masaki Takami.

Under 21 Women’s Singles

…………Prithika Pavade of France excelled; only 14 years old, in the quarter-final round, she beat Hong Kong’s Lee Ka Yee (11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9).

…………Japan is guaranteed a place in the final. At the semi-final stage Maki Shiomi meets Yuka Umemura; in the opposite half of the draw Prithika Pavade confronts Korea Republic’s Yoon Hyobin.

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Team titles decided, gold for Brazil and Peru

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 24 May 2019 14:24

A 3-2 margin of victory was the outcome for Felipe Okano and Felipe de Lara in the under 11 boys’ team final against the Colombian partnership formed by Emanuel Otalvaro and Sebastian Bedoya.

Mainstay of the success was Felipe de Lara, he accounted for both Sebastian Bedoya (11-7, 11-7, 4-11, 11-8) and Emanuel Otalvaro (10-12, 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9); hero of the hour was Felipe Okano, in the vital fifth and deciding match of the fixture, he overcame Sebastian Bedoya (11-7, 5-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6).

Testing times for Brazil, it was only marginally less exacting in the under 11 boys’ team final; Leonardo Ilzuka and Augusto Andrade secured a 3-1 victory in opposition to Venezuela’s Yeifrer Soteldo and Carlos Rios. Man of the moment was Leonardo Ilzuka; he accounted for both Yeifrer Soteldo (11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-6) and Carlos Rios (11-2, 11-7, 11-4).

Striking performances from all concerned; in both the under 11 girls’ team and under 13 girls’ team competitions it was the same, in both finals Peru recording 3-1 wins.

Jazmin Colque and Luciana Granados secured the under 11 girls’ team title at the expense of Ecuador’s Anie Rubio and Maybelline Menendez; Jazmin Colque being the star. She accounted for Anie Rubio (11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6) and Maybelline Menendez (11-9, 11-8, 11-13, 4-11, 12-10), whilst sandwiched in between partnering Luciana Granados to doubles success (10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9). Notably, four days earlier Maybelline Menendez had won the girls’ singles title at the 2019 South American Hopes Week and Challenge.

Impressive from Jazmin Colque, it was the same from Valentina Zea in partnership with Karla Mendoza in the under 13 girls’ team final against Colombia’s Ana Isaza and Maria Monroy. She beat both Maria Monroy (11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9) and Ana Isaza (11-7, 11-5, 11-7), in addition to teaming with Karla Mendoza to seal the doubles (11-5, 4-11, 11-13, 11-4, 11-9).

Play in the team events concluded; the individual events now commence.

Entry

2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Entry List (Wednesday 22nd May)

Results – Thursday 23rd May & Friday 24th May

2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Boys’ Team – First Stage
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Boys’ Team – Main Draw
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Boys’ Team – Detailed Results

2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Girls’ Team – First Stage
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Girls’ Team – Main Draw
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Girls’ Team – Detailed Results

2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 13 Boys’ Team – First Stage
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 13 Boys’ Team – Main Draw
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 13 Boys’ Team – Detailed Results

2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 13 Girls’ Team – First Stage
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 11 Girls’ Team – Main Draw
2019 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Under 13 Girls’ Team – Detailed Results

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An omen for Mattias Falck but alone in Shenzhen

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 24 May 2019 15:04

A good omen perhaps and sportsmen can be the most superstitious of characters but whatever the outcome, Mattias Falck can now consider himself a player of true world class; the high level he maintained in seven rounds of intense competition in the Hungarian capital city underlined that fact.

Equally in Budapest, in partnership with Kristian Karlsson, he reached the quarter-final stage of the men’s doubles event, losing to eventual runners up, Romania’s Ovidiu Ionescu and Spain’s Alvaro Robles. It was a somewhat unexpected outcome, the Swedish combination having enjoyed notable success over the years. In 2012 in Herning and last year in Alicante they were the men’s doubles runners up at the Liebherr European Championships; in 2015 on the ITTF World Tour they won in Poland.

Evidence clearly suggests they are the leading Swedish partnership but they are not together in Shenzhen. The name of Mattias Falck does not appear in the men’s doubles event; not amongst the seeds, Kristian Karlsson partners Jon Persson, Anton Källberg joins forces with Truls Möregard.

The reason; undoubtedly the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is very much in the mind, especially the men’s team event, the competition which many coaches see as the best chance of a medal. I would suggest, even taking into consideration the exploits of Mattias Falck in Budapest, the Swedish brains trust thinks the same.

At the Liebherr 2018 World Team Championships, competing on home soil in Halmstad, Sweden secured bronze; now can they repeat or better that feat in Tokyo?

Will it prove more difficult? Most certainly, there is only one bronze medal on offer as opposed to two in Halmstad. Also, in the Japanese capital city it is a different formula. In Halmstad five singles matches but with one member of the outfit only scheduled to play once, time and again, especially in the crucial contests, Mattias Falck, Kristian Karlsson and Jon Persson formed the selection; Jon Persson being the player scheduled just to play one match.

Now, in Tokyo, it is five matches but proceedings start with doubles followed by four singles; no player may appear in more than two contests. Thus if Mattias Falck and Kristian Karlsson, who were seen as the two principal players in Halmstad, join forces for the doubles, the player regarded as the third in status would be scheduled for two singles matches.

Mattias Falck has staked his claim to playing two singles; Kristian Karlsson is the one left hander amongst the Swedish elite so he is an ideal doubles selection. Equally in Halmstad Jon Persson proved himself the man for the pressure match; thus he may be favoured ahead of Anton Källberg, the winner at the recent Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Croatia Open. Truls Möregard, only 17 years old, may just be considered a little young.

Hence the Swedish doubles selection in Shenzhen and Mattias Falck only in the singles; notably for the immediately ensuing Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Tour Hong Kong Open, the Swedes keep the same pairing, a Tokyo vote for Jon Persson?

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Champions out: Sarah-Jane Perry sinks Nour El Sherbini and Mohamed El Shorbagy gets his revenge over Miguel Rodriguez

Published in Squash

Friday, 24 May 2019 14:56

Sarah-Jane Perry celebrates her stunning victory

‘I don’t know how I won that’ says Perry
By SEAN REUTHE in Hull

England No.1 Sarah-Jane Perry and Egypt’s World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy sent defending champions Nour El Sherbini and Miguel Rodriguez out of the 2019 Allam British Open, PSA World Tour Platinum tournament after an action-packed quarter-finals day at Hull’s Allam Sport Centre.

Perry, the 2017 British Open runner-up, has taken a while to get back to full fitness after undergoing elbow surgery in December, but the World No.6 played some of her best squash to recover from a game down, winning 8-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-8 to reach her first Platinum semi-final since November’s Hong Kong Open.

The 29-year-old from Birmingham was at the mercy of a rampant El Sherbini in the opening game as the World No.2 played some sumptuous attacking squash to take a one-game lead.

The two-time British Open winner looked set to double her advantage as she opened up a 7-2 lead in the second game, but a dogged Perry stayed in the rallies and came back to take the game on the tie-break. From there, the Englishwoman rose to the occasion and outplayed her opponent in the next two games to complete an 8-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-8 victory in 49 minutes.

“I don’t really know how I won that,” said Perry. “As everyone saw, I was very down in that second game, I actually told myself ‘don’t worry about this game, just play your way back in like you did in the first game’ and then every time I won a point the crowd was right behind me, and that helped.

“I just wanted to keep the home crowd happy and have some home fans cheering me on tomorrow. I’ve got a tough match tomorrow, but it’s great to see the crowd packed. We don’t get to play in England that much so it’s fantastic and thank you to everyone who has put the tournament on.”

Nouran Gohar celebrates her victory over Raneem El Welily

Perry will line up against 2015 champion Camille Serme for a place in the title decider after the World No.4 defeated Belgium’s Nele Gilis 11-4, 14-12, 13-11.

World No.1 Raneem El Welily also fell on quarter-finals day as she went down in straight games to a rampant Nouran Gohar, meaning both of last year’s women’s finalists have crashed out of the tournament.

Gohar had lost her previous six matches against El Welily – including in last month’s El Gouna International final – but her trademark hard-hitting style was in full flow in Hull as she crashed the ball around the court to win 11-9, 11-7, 11-5 in the day’s opening match.

“She has beaten me in the last three tournaments,” 2016 runner-up Gohar said. “It has been so long since I have beaten Raneem, and I think the head-to-head shows that. I’ve beaten her one or two times on the PSA Tour, so it is huge for me today.

“I just tried to keep it simple and play the basic things because if you make it too complicated, then it is so hard against her, so I just tried to straighten it up and play the normal game.”

She will take on World No.3 Nour El Tayeb in the semi-finals, with El Tayeb putting in an immaculate performance to dispatch New Zealand’s World No.4 Joelle King 11-8, 11-3, 11-6 in just 28 minutes.

Mohamed ElShorbagy gains revenge against Miguel Rodriguez

In the men’s draw, World No.2 ElShorbagy avenged his defeat to Colombia’s Miguel Rodriguez in last year’s final. The 28-year-old stormed to an 11-6, 11-5, 11-9 victory to move to within one win of a fourth British Open final.

ElShorbagy and Rodriguez contested one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s 90-year history 12 months ago, with the latter winning a five-game, 102-minute epic to become the first South American ever to win the iconic trophy.

ElShorbagy has won all four of their matches since that match though, and the form book was never in danger of being thrown out of the window as he powered to the win in straight games.

“Miguel is, of course, a very dangerous opponent, and when he is playing well, he is one of the toughest opponents to play on tour,” ElShorbagy said after the match.

“Every situation is different and I have been in a lot of situations in my career where I have had to perform differently to try and get the best result possible to be able to come back the next day and still be able to perform at my best.”

Former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad awaits ElShorbagy in the semi-finals after he defeated Germany’s World No.5 Simon Rösner 3-2 in a gripping, 89-minute encounter, which is the longest match of the tournament so far.

Paul Coll is delighted after seeing off Mazen Hesham

New Zealand’s Paul Coll also advanced to the last four as he became the first Kiwi in 30 years to reach the semi-finals of the British Open. The World No.6 twice saw a one-game lead slip through his fingers against World No.34 Hesham, but put in a composed performance in the decider to close out the win.

Coll, 27, is the first New Zealander since Ross Norman in 1989 to claim a semi-final berth, and he will now look to end a seven-match losing streak against World No.1 Ali Farag, who beat fellow Egyptian Mohamed Abouelghar to reach the semi-finals here for the first time.

“It’s coming towards the end of the season, and my body is one piece and feeling match fit, so I’m taking each day as it comes and just trying to keep it together and keep pushing, I’m looking forward to my next semi-final today,” Coll said.

“I have massive respect for Ali, he has achieved so much, on and off court he is a deserving No.1, but that doesn’t mean tomorrow that I’m not going to come out and try and smash him.”

Ali Farag gets the better of Egyptian rival Mohamed Abouelghar

2019 Allam British Open, University of Hull Sports and Fitness Centre, Hull, England.

Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [7] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 11-8, 11-9, 11-4 (37m)
[4] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Mazen Hesham (EGY) 11-3, 5-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6 (74m)
[5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [3] Simon Rösner (GER) 11-8, 11-6, 14-16, 10-12, 11-9 (89m)
[2] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 11-6, 11-5, 11-9 (43m)
Semi-Finals:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v [4] Paul Coll (NZL)
[2] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)

Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[7] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) 11-9, 11-7, 11-5 (36m)
[3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt [5] Joelle King (NZL) 11-8, 11-3, 11-6 (28m)
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) bt Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-4, 14-12, 13-11 (51m)
[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 8-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-8 (49m)
Semi-Finals:
[7] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v [4] Camille Serme (FRA)

Report by SEAN REUTHE (PSA PR and Media Manager). Edited by ALAN THATCHER.

Pictures courtesy of PSA

Posted on May 24, 2019

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Glasgow Warriors v Leinster: Trophies don't define Leinster - Contepomi

Published in Rugby

Friday, 24 May 2019 03:58

Leinster coach Felipe Contepomi says that their season will not be defined by winning or losing their Pro14 final against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

The Irish side are seeking back-to-back league titles after failing to retain their European crown against Saracens.

Having swept to a league and European double last season, another loss this week would leave Leinster without any silverware to show for their campaign.

"We see a broader picture rather than just the trophy," said Contepomi.

"We want this club to keep moving forward and obviously trophies and getting silverware is what you play for but when we look back and assess our season it's bigger than just winning or losing one game.

"It doesn't come down to one moment or one game. It is important, we are here to win, we play this sport because we want to win and that is the mentality of our players.

"Definitely we would like to have some silverware but our analysis goes broader than just one game or a final."

Not lacking in motivation

Leinster responded to the disappointment of their Champions Cup final loss in Newcastle by beating arch-rivals Munster in a tense Pro14 semi-final that ensured they would get another chance to finish the season with some silverware.

The Irish province are set to lose several key players this summer with experienced Ireland internationals Sean O'Brien and Jack McGrath both set to leave for London Irish and Ulster respectively. The future of veteran full-back Rob Kearney also remains undecided as he comes to the end of his contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Contepomi is confident that the squad has recovered from the loss of their European title and believes they will be determined to give their departing players a winning send-off: "You don't need much motivation to play these games because they motivate you by themselves.

"Especially when we have had a set-back and we didn't win that Champions Cup final, then coming back and playing a fairly good game against Munster and winning that semi-final, and now having access to another final is good."

Saturday's final at Celtic Park will see the two clubs that finished top of their respective conference tables going up against each other for the second time this season.

Glasgow's five-try thumping of Leinster in Dublin last April helped Dave Rennie's side to finish top of Conference A and the holders will need an improved performance on Saturday if they are to claim a sixth league title.

"We definitely need to be better. We've seen that we have to improve and go up another notch in terms of attack and in defence, and there are a few little things that we want to get better and you always have space to do that," added backs coach Contepomi.

"Glasgow are probably the team on form, they've had a great semi-final and they've played really well against Ulster, and they will be confident going into their back yard, although it's not their home ground but it is their home city.

"We know it's a massive challenge and we'll have to get our best performance of the season to get in there and get that result."

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Pro14 final: Glasgow Warriors v Leinster - team news & preview

Published in Rugby

Friday, 24 May 2019 05:33

Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie has named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's Pro14 final against holders Leinster at Celtic Park.

Callum Gibbins captains the side, while Stuart Hogg makes his final appearance before joining Exeter Chiefs.

Ireland duo Rob Kearney and Jonny Sexton and former Australia lock Scott Fardy come into the Leinster team.

Sexton skippers Leo Cullen's side, having last started in the Champions Cup final defeat by Saracens.

Kearney's place at full-back means Jordan Larmour moves to the wing, while Ross Byrne drops to the bench and Devin Toner, Dave Kearney and Sean O'Brien do not feature, with O'Brien expected to leave for London Irish this summer.

Warriors head coach Dave Rennie has urged "excitement machine" Hogg to concentrate on reproducing his recent form.

"We tried to put the brakes on him today - he went berserk yesterday at training," Rennie said.

"He's an excitement machine. He's desperate to go out on a big note and all we need him to do is to play as well as he has in the last few weeks and hopefully it's enough."

Rennie said that, after a stunning 50-20 win over Ulster in the semi-final, his players are relishing the prospect of playing in the first rugby union match ever to be staged at Celtic Park.

"The field is immaculate and the stadium has a bit of a South African feel to it with the massive stadium, high walls and the crowd being really close," the New Zealander said. "It will be pretty special when it's full."

Rennie hopes that a few on-the-day purchases will boost further the 43,000 ticket sales on a day when Hampden Park in hosting football's Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Hearts.

"But having 40-odd thousand here, 50-odd down the road, that's a hell of an effort from the Glasgow community," he said.

The only change to the Glasgow squad is Siua Halanukonuka's inclusion on the bench with D'Arcy Rae missing out.

While Warriors, whose last trophy win was the 2015 Pro12 title, overcame Ulster in their semi-final, Leinster defeated Munster 24-9.

The only previous meeting of the two sides this season ended in a 39-24 win for Glasgow in Dublin.

Line-ups

Glasgow Warriors: S Hogg, T Seymour, K Steyn, S Johnson, DTH van der Merwe; A Hastings, A Price; J Bhatti, F Brown, Z Fagerson, S Cummings, J Gray, R Harley, C Gibbins (capt), M Fagerson.

Replacements: G Stewart, O Kebble, S Halanukonuka, R Wilson, T Gordon, G Horne, P Horne, H Jones.

Leinster: R Kearney, J Larmour, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, J Lowe; J Sexton (capt), L McGrath; C Healy, S Cronin, T Furlong, S Fardy, J Ryan, R Ruddock, J van der Flier, J Conan.

Replacements: B Byrne, E Byrne, A Porter, R Molony, M Deegan, N McCarthy, R Byrne, R O'Loughlin.

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PHOTOS: ARCA General Tire 150

Published in Racing

Friday, 24 May 2019 12:00

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Santos Sets The Pace On Little 500 Bump Day

Published in Racing

Friday, 24 May 2019 13:00

ANDERSON, Ind. – Three drivers were bumped from the starting field and then found enough speed to make the grid for Saturday’s 71st running of the Pay Less Little 500.

Bobby Santos set the pace during Bump Day on Friday at Anderson Speedway, after not posting a time on Thursday.

Santos was the first car out and turned four laps at an average speed of 78.12 miles per hour. He will start 16th on Saturday night.

The driver missing the field for the second consecutive year was Doug Dietsch, who was bumped out by rookie Joey Schmidt.

Dietsch’s first qualifying attempt found him turning 12-second laps, needing 11.77 to bump Chris Jagger.

With just minutes remaining, Dietsch made the final run of the day but was never able to turn laps quicker than 11.8-seconds.

Santos’s qualifying run bumped Florida driver Johnny Gilbertson from the field. But Gilbertson then found enough speed to knock Chris Jagger out of the field.

Jagger’s final run at 76.46 mph was good enough to bump Dietsch from the field.

“I’ve been in this position before,” Jagger said of having to make his way make into the field. “I was bumped out in 2002 and 2004 and only made it back in once.”

Jagger said on his first qualifying attempt the car was bouncy after changing the shock absorber set up.

“I got some help from Tom Brewer on air pressure and had more bite off the corner.”

Pierce’s team made wholesale changes on Schmidt’s car after the first qualifying attempt and went back to the car set up used in the morning practice session.

Defending Pay Less Little 500 winner Kody Swanson will lead the field to the green flag at 8 p.m. Saturday at Anderson Speedway.

Swanson is joined on the front row by 2017 race winner Kyle Hamilton and late model ace Tyler Roahrig.

Three rookies will be making their first Little 500. USAC veteran Justin Grant will start 26th, with Trey Osborne starting 30th and Schmidt in 31st.

Osborne’s car lost an engine during practice and the Mike Blake Racing team is making a change overnight.

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Sunday Night Baseball (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET) features a pair of playoff contenders, with the Atlanta Braves facing the St. Louis Cardinals. Which of those teams is more likely to make the postseason?

Speaking of playoff contenders, the Cleveland Indians host the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend. Will the Tribe, which haven't won more than two straight in nearly a month, get their act together and make the playoffs?

The season's two most highly touted rookies -- the Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. -- are in Toronto this weekend. Beyond that pair, there have been numerous impact rookies this year. Who has impressed you the most?

You guys aren't rookies, but you're certainly impressive. What's on top of your weekend must-see list?

PICK 'EM TIME

Dodgers lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu brings a streak of 31 consecutive scoreless innings into Pittsburgh. Closest to the pin: How long will Ryu's streak last?

The Orioles are giving up home runs at a record pace (and then some). This weekend they're in the thin air at Coors Field, a potentially volatile combination. Over/under for home runs allowed by the Orioles this weekend at Coors: 6.5

Who wins Sunday night -- Braves or Cardinals?

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Results – Thursday 23rd May & Friday 24th May

England No.1 Sarah-Jane Perry and Egypt’s World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy sent defending champions Nour El Sherbini and Miguel Rodriguez out of the 2019 Allam British Open, PSA World Tour Platinum tournament after an action-packed quarter-finals day at Hull’s Allam Sport Centre.

Not lacking in motivation

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