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Gatland's key Wales issues for Six Nations squad

Published in Rugby
Sunday, 12 January 2025 14:13

At last some positive injury news with the rare sight of a fit and healthy Wales hooker.

Elliot Dee's timely return from a lengthy ankle problem will be welcomed by Gatland, who is without Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Liam Belcher and Efan Daniel.

"It was great to see him out there. He's led with a real competitive edge and has the mentality to play at this and the next level," said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.

Sam Parry, a try scorer for Ospreys on Saturday, is the most obvious selection on paper, but only if he can resolve his differences with Gatland after walking out of the Wales camp last summer.

"Parry is a great set-piece hooker and whatever has gone on between them, they've got put it aside for the best of the team, especially given the injuries," said Hook.

Elias may yet be picked, for the latter stages of the tournament, as well as Cardiff's Evan Lloyd, despite his wayward throwing in Perpignan.

Gatland also has concerns over a third tight-head behind Henry Thomas and Keiron Assiratti.

Archie Griffin, Harri O'Connor and Sam Wainwright are all out and Leon Brown has been forced to retire, so could the coach recall Six Nations winner Dillon Lewis, as he did for the summer tour?

Russell-inspired Bath cruise past 14-man Clermont

Published in Rugby
Sunday, 12 January 2025 12:53

Bath: De Glanville; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Ojomoh, McConnichie; Russell, Spencer (capt); Obano, Dunn, Du Toit; Roux, Ewels, Hill, Reid, Barbeary.

Replacements: Annett, Van Wyk, Stuart, Molony, Bayliss, Schreuder, Bailey, Staddon.

Clermont Auvergne: Newsome; Delguy, Fouyssac, Simone, Tauzin; Belleau, Jauneau; Akhaladze, Fainga'a, Montagne, Simmons, Yato, Tixeront, Kremer, Lee (capt).

Replacements: Fourcade, Lotrian, Ala'alatoa, Ceyte, Rixen, Bezy, Giral, Raka.

Referee: Mike Adamson (Sco)

Kingshott Crowned WAs Speedweek Champion

Published in Racing
Sunday, 12 January 2025 10:45

Dayne Kingshott added another trophy to his impressive cabinet by being crowned the Sprintcar Speedweek champion at Western Australias Perth Motorplex on Saturday night.

The Bunbury-based driver finished fifth in the ninth and final night of the grueling Speedweek campaign, earning enough points to edge out American and former Speedweek champion Brock Zearfoss who was 11th.

The margin between the two drivers after the series was just six points.

South Australian Matt Egel was third overall on 1,186 points, boosted by a sixth-placed finish in the finale.

Former national champion James McFdden was fourth overall after a second to winner Kerry Madsen on Saturday night while Callum Williamson was fifth.

After 14 rounds Kingshott still holds a commanding lead in the Maddington Toyota Sprintcar Series.

Heading into the Speedweek Grand Final at Perth on Saturday night, Kingshott led on 1,962 points over arch rival Williamsons 1,868.

Kingshott started 10th in the feature race and crossed the line in fifth, while Williamson had a barnstorming run from 24th to finish fourth.

As a result Kingshott now leads on 2,102 points from Williamsons 2,010, with the WA-based series now taking a three-week recess.

Taylor Milling, who almost claimed his maiden sprint car feature race Saturday night after a great duel with race winner Madsen and second-placed McFadden, was third, and is still third overall in the series points on 1,952.

Kaiden Manders, who started from pole and finished eighth, is still fourth with 1,896 points, while Andrew Priolo, who started 25th and finished 19th, is still fourth with 1,804 points.

Brad Maiolo has moved up one spot to sixth, Jason Kendrick moved up one spot to seventh, Kris Coyle moved up one spot to eight, while Jack Williamson, a non-starter for the main event, has dropped from sixth to ninth.

Jamie Maiolo is still holding down 10th place.

Speedweek points

Dayne Kingshott 1226, Brock Zearfoss 1220, Matt Egel 1187, James McFadden 1176, Callum Williamson 1156, Taylor Milling 1146, Justin Whittall 1086, Kaiden Manders 1080, Cory Eliason 1070, Andrew Priolo 1064, Kerry Madsen 1058, Brad Sweet 1052, Cole Macedo 964, Gio Scelzi 948, Jason Kendrick 940, Jack Williamson 936, Brad Maiolo 910, Matt Juhl 904, Jock Goodyer 878, Kris Coyle 856, Aaron Chircop 852, Michael Keen 850, Luke Oldfield 832, Daniel Harding 818, Jamie Maiolo 802, Ryan Newton 762, James Inglis 748, Ryan Lancaster 738, AJ Nash 718, Jaydee Dack 628, Jason Pryde 576, Tim King 472, Joel Ettridge 464, Myles Bolger 458, Kyle Larson 424, Cameron McKenzie 262, Brooke Newson 250, Matthew Cross 200.

Maddington Toyota Sprintcar Series points after 14 of 22 rounds

Dayne Kingshott 2102, Callum Williamson 2010, Taylor Milling 1952, Kaiden Manders 1896, Andrew Priolo 1804, Brad Maiolo 1726, Jason Kendrick 1714, Kris Coyle 1694, Jack Williamson 1678, Jamie Maiolo 1606, Aaron Chircop 1592, Michael Keen 1582, Daniel Harding 1546, Ryan Lancaster 1490, Ryan Newton 1436, Jaydee Dack 1362, Kerry Madsen 1342, James McFadden 1326, AJ Nash 1248, Jason Pryde 1242, Brock Zearfoss 1220, Matt Egel 1182, Joel Ettridge 1156, James Inglis 1124, Justin Whittall 1086, Cory Eliason 1070, Brad Sweet 1052, Luke Oldfield 972, Cole Macedo 964, Brooke Newson 948, Gio Scelzi 948, Matt Juhl 904, Jock Goodyer 878, Myles Bolger 864, Wayne Russell 764, Tim King 472, Harrison Peet 468, George Eaton 450, Kyle Larson 424, Michael Pickens 414, Matthew Cross 314, Trent Pigdon 302, Cameron McKenzie 252, Shaun Bradford 214, Todd Davis 202, Brock Kenny 200, Kyle Francis 150.

Moraes Pounces In Latest Dakar Rally Stage

Published in Racing
Sunday, 12 January 2025 12:27

AL DUWADIMI, Saudi Arabia Sundays Dakar Rally Stage Seven loop around the Al Duwadimi bivouac saw confusion cloud the front of the Ultimate class due to an incorrect note in the road book.

The leading group, including Nasser Al-Attiyah and Guillaume De Mévius, lost nearly an hour searching in vain for a waypoint with organizers later announcing that a 20km segment would be delimited from the timings due to the roadblock error Brazilian Lucas Moraes coming out best thanks to his first stage win during the 47th edition.

South African Henk Lategan is still clinging on to the Ultimate overall lead, however Swede Mattias Ekström is now only 10 minutes and 25 seconds back in third place overall in his Ford Raptor T1+, five-time winner Al-Attiyah also within striking distance at 21 minutes, 57 seconds off the category leader.

There was a problem in the roadbook, so we ended up looking like clowns in the circus, Ekström said. That bit wasnt so fun, but afterwards we drove as well as we could. It was quite difficult.

Toby Price and 2009 Dakar champion Giniel de Villiers both retired as co-drivers Sam Sunderland and Dirk von Zitzewitz suffered a concussion and a neck injury respectively.

We had an issue with the car that pushed us back into the dust with poor visibility and Sammy took another blow to the head, losing vision, Price explained. Its a shame to finish like this and were both gutted.

We can fix cars but not humans, and Sam is family to me so his health comes first.

It was another faultless performance on two wheels by bike race leader Daniel Sanders as he clocked up his fifth 2025 stage win for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and thereby stretched his lead at the top of the rankings to 15 minutes, 33 seconds.

My speed was good, my head was good and my focus was good, Sanders said. Were here to win and were doing everything we can to make that happen.

American Corbin Leaverton came out strong again in the Challenger class and bagged his second 2025 stage win to move into sixth overall with Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team team-mate Gonçalo Guerreiro better placed to challenge for the title, lying just 30 minutes, 37 seconds off leader Nicolas Cavigliasso.

Were giving everything we have on every stage, Guerreiro said. Im happy we could pass the big dunes today.

In the SSV class, Francisco Chaleco López closed in on Xavier De Soultrait in second overall with the Chilean cutting the gap to 20 minutes between him and the Frenchman in the classification standings.

Organizers have described Mondays Stage 8 between Al Duwadimi and Saudi Arabias capital city Riyadh as hectic and varied with the timed special stage of more than 480km having the potential to shake things up.

Fun Is The Name Of The Game For Gibbs First Chili Bowl Run

Published in Racing
Sunday, 12 January 2025 15:58

Regardless of how this weeks Chili Bowl Nationals shakes out for Ty Gibbs at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Okla., hell likely be smiling.

The NASCAR Cup Series driver is making his first start at the famed midget event aboard the No. 81 fielded by CB Industries.

While Sunday featured limited practice time for all 389 entires at the tight, quarter-mile dirt oval, Gibbs enjoyed his first in-person experience after only having simulator opportunities prior.

It was really fun, Gibbs began. Luckily, I got to spend time getting ready for this race and having a little bit more time. This is just my second midget race, the other one was at Ventura (Raceway in California).


I actually got to run some laps at Millbridge (Speedway in North Carolina) this week and get a little bit of practice. But nothing really replicates this place. Seems like its really fun and I had a blast, I had so much. We didnt get that many laps, bu its pretty similar to how the Cup stuff is.

Everythings short now, just gotta make the best of it, Gibbs said. I had a lot of fun, I felt comfortable. Just need to get faster and get better. Always can be better, so, Im really having fun out here.

During his first laps, Gibbs couldnt help but crack a smile.

This is super cool, Gibbs said. Really cool experience. I was definitely smiling a lot, but trying to stay focused and just enjoy the whole thing. Its been such a cool environment.

Racing with Chad (Boat) is really fun. (I) enjoy being here. I grew up around the Supercross world of racing and all that with my dad. I really miss that. So, its kinda fun to come back here. This kinda gives me the same feel.

Its always fun playing in the dirt, too.

For Gibbs, handling a 3,300-pound stock car in the Cup Series versus a 900-pound midget comes with massive differences.

Thus, the transition has taken time.

However, some of the best advice Gibbs has been given has been simple Hammer down.

Thats definitely the truth, Gibbs said. Ive got a lot of great guys to work with here.

Gibbs has five teammates this week, including fellow Cup Series competitor Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and USAC standouts Daison Pursley, Chris Windom, Justin Grant and Zach Wigal.

Daisons been helping me out a lot, Gibbs said. Hes been really, really helpful to me. I appreciate him. I think the whole groups been good. Chads been awesome. Having all these guys here is really fun.

Its just such a cool experience. I love racing, Im a fan of it as much as anybody else is, no matter you can say. I just enjoy being here.

Im a fan of it, but also, being able to drive in it, Im very proud and happy to do that.

Gibbs qualifying night is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Penguins place Malkin on IR; Bunting in accident

Published in Hockey
Sunday, 12 January 2025 15:34

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins put center Evgeni Malkin on injured reserve Sunday due to an upper-body injury.

Malkin missed his fourth consecutive game against Tampa Bay. He was a late scratch before Tuesday's home game against Columbus when he participated in the morning skate, but wasn't available for pregame warmups.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said before the matchup with the Lightning that Malkin's IR move was procedural to activate forward Philip Tomasino from injured reserve. Sullivan labeled Malkin as day-to-day.

Malkin had a streak of 209 consecutive games before the injury, the 12th longest in team history. Pittsburgh is 1-1-1 during the current stretch without Malkin, a two-time NHL scoring champion and 2012 Hart Trophy winner.

Malkin, who scored his 500th goal and posted his 1,300th NHL point earlier this season, has eight goals and 24 assists in 41 games.

Sullivan also said Sunday that Malkin's linemate Michael Bunting was involved in a car accident outside PPG Paints Arena before the game. Sullivan said Bunting is OK, but he did not play against Tampa Bay. Bunting has 13 goals and 12 assists in 43 games this season.

'Forever a Hurricane': Staal sees No. 12 retired

Published in Hockey
Sunday, 12 January 2025 17:10

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Eric Staal became the fourth player to have his number retired by the Carolina Hurricanes when his No. 12 was raised at the Lenovo Center prior to the team's 3-2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

The Thunder Bay, Ontario, native and former No. 2 draft pick spent 12 of his 18 NHL seasons with Carolina, recording 455 goals and 608 assists over 1,365 career games. He served as captain from 2009 to 2016 and appeared in six NHL all-star games, winning MVP honors in the 2008 contest.

The 40-year-old Staal, who retired in July after signing a one-day contract with the team, joined Rod Brind'Amour (17), Ron Francis (10) and Glen Wesley (2) in the rafters.

He set several franchise records after the team relocated from Hartford, Connecticut, in 1997, including for goals scored (322), assists (453), points (775), games played (909), power-play goals (105), power-play points (252) and hat tricks (13).

Aside from the individual accomplishments, Staal saw the franchise carve its place in history after winning a Stanley Cup in 2006. He called that the highlight of his career.

"The memory I have of a Hurricane is of a Stanley Cup champion," Staal said. "It's not easy to win one. I only have one, and I won it here."

Staal was joined for the ceremony by family, including his brothers Jordan, who is the current Hurricanes captain, and Marc, a former NHL defenseman. Current Hurricanes players took in the festivities from the bench, and several of his former teammates were also present. Cam Ward and Justin Williams, members of the Hurricanes Hall of Fame, donned varsity jackets and watched the ceremony from the ice.

A video montage was played, featuring highlights and interviews from Staal's playing days.

"Words can hardly do justice how much this means to me," said Staal, who was occasionally interrupted by fans chanting his name. "Growing up ... playing in the NHL felt like an impossible dream."

Staal was presented with a Breitling watch engraved with his name and number and the phrase "Forever a Hurricane."

Speaking with reporters afterward, Staal said he'd like to get involved with hockey again in some capacity. But for now, he's busy at home.

"I have three boys. They're 15, 13 and 10," Staal said. "I'm helping coach my oldest son and my youngest. ... Time just kind of goes fast."

The night ended when Anaheim's Cutter Gauthier scored in overtime, his seventh of the season, off assists from Jackson LaCombe and Frank Vatrano.

Sources: AC Milan leading chase to sign Walker

Published in Soccer
Sunday, 12 January 2025 14:53

AC Milan are leading the chase for Kyle Walker, sources have told ESPN, after he told Manchester City he wants to leave the club.

Walker was left out of the squad for the 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City on Saturday after informing director of football Txiki Begiristain that he wants to move abroad in the January window.

The 34-year-old was close to joining Bayern Munich in 2023. He is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2026 but a source has told ESPN that Milan are open to offering Walker a deal until 2027.

"I said to him now it's a question of the market," Guardiola said.

"He is an incredible player with his incredible physicality, when he is focused he is unstoppable as a right-back, He's a top class player, if he is fit he can play one, two, three, four more years as a professional.

"I never see a player with these physical conditions in my career, and of course I never, never, never have a desire for one player, but he has to have agreement with the club and I'm sorry, I was never involved with all the players."

Guardiola revealed the uncertainty around Walker's future meant he was left out of the squad to face Salford. City face Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday and Guardiola says Walker could miss out again.

"I don't know, it depends on how we are going to train, I don't know," Guardiola said.

"I think I was clear all the time, if he wants to explore, the club is going to explore, and he has to decide, not me. It's not my decision.

"The situation is different now but the transfer window will finish when it finishes and I don't know what's going to happen."

Arteta calls loss to Man Utd one in a thousand

Published in Soccer
Sunday, 12 January 2025 16:29

Mikel Arteta described Arsenal's FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United on Sunday as a one-in-a-thousand occurrence after losing in a dramatic penalty shootout at Emirates Stadium.

Bruno Fernandes put the visitors in front on 52 minutes before Diogo Dalot was sent off nine minutes later for a late tackle on Mikel Merino.

Gabriel Magalhães equalized in the 63rd minute, but despite playing almost an hour against 10 men, Arsenal were unable to find another breakthrough, with captain Martin Ødegaard missing a penalty 18 minutes from the end of normal time.

United felt justice was done given the spot kick was awarded despite Harry Maguire making minimal contact with Kai Havertz in the box (there is no VAR in the FA Cup until the fifth round). But United were left to defend for long periods afterward, as Arsenal probed for a winner.

The hosts registered 26 shots in total, with Havertz guilty of two bad misses. He was also the only player to fail in the shootout, as Altay Bayindir saved his spot kick to give Joshua Zirkzee the chance to win the game and set up a fourth-round tie for United at home vs. Leicester City.

"It's unbelievable," Arteta told the BBC. "Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you know, you deserve to win the game by a mile. But the reality is we are out, and the only thing that's going to be judged is that, but internally, I can't.

"I love my players. I love our team and I love how good they are and what they do because in a thousand games, you should lose one, and probably it was this one. You have to understand this as well, it's part of our industry, our game and move on because you don't have time to do that, because on Wednesday we have a massive one."

Arsenal face a home clash with north London rivals Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Flick hails Barça's 'unbelievable' 5-2 win vs Madrid

Published in Soccer
Sunday, 12 January 2025 14:53

Hansi Flick said he was "really proud" of an "unbelievable" performance from his Barcelona team, after they fought back from a goal down to thrash Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Barça were up against it when Kylian Mbappé put Madrid in front after just five minutes at the Al Jawhara Stadium, Jeddah, but turned the game around thanks to a brace from Raphinha and goals from Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde.

"I'm really proud," Flick said in his post-match news conference. "Proud for the team, the staff, the club, the fans, everyone. Today was an unbelievable match. For the coaches, not so much! But for the fans it's really fantastic."

Flick's team began the season strongly and were leading LaLiga before a poor run of form in November and December saw them drop points in six of their last seven league games, with Flick's tactics questioned.

"We have to learn from every match, and today's match," Flick said, when asked what the Supercopa win meant for the rest of the campaign. "We can do things better, but we have a young team. We had some weeks where we didn't perform so good, and our situation in the league now is not nice. We speak about all these things in the dressing room, but for me it's important to focus on the next match."

"We know what we have to do on the pitch. "We believe in the boss and the boss believes in us," captain Raphinha said in his post-match news conference, after being named the final's MVP. "The important thing is we can fight for titles and win them."

Despite playing with 10 men for the last half hour after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was shown a red card, Barcelona's lead never looked under threat.

Szczesny started both games in the Supercopa, after regular keeper Iñaki Peña was dropped after arriving late for a team meeting.

"When Wojciech was sent off, for us it wasn't easy," Flick said. "Iñaki did fantastic, from zero to hero. But I'm very proud of how we defended, every situation, defending the goal as one team."

It's Barcelona's second Clásico victory of the season after they won 4-0 at Madrid in October.

"I don't want to look back," Flick said. "Today is a good day, we beat one of the best teams in the world, for the second time this season, it's unbelievable, we win a title here and we're very happy. Today is a day to be positive."

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