by Richard Miller (US)

NBA: Herro Ignites Heat with 28 Points in Victory Over Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. – Tyler Herro’s impressive performance of 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists played a pivotal role in the Miami Heat’s 115-106 triumph over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. This victory marked Miami’s fourth win in their last six games, showcasing their resilience and offensive firepower.

Herro, playing in only his 10th game this season, was a force to be reckoned with, shooting an efficient 10 for 17 from the field and 4 for 5 from beyond the arc. “I feel like the more games I play, the more comfortable I’m going to be,” said Herro, acknowledging his growth and potential for further improvement.

The Heat’s bench contributions were significant, with Haywood Highsmith scoring a season-high 15 points, including four 3-pointers, and three other Miami reserves hitting double figures. Coach Erik Spoelstra praised the bench’s role, highlighting their crucial contributions at the end of the second quarter and in the game’s final stages.

Miami’s victory came despite the absence of key players Jimmy Butler and Kevin Love, sidelined due to a strained left calf and illness, respectively. This adversity underscores the team’s depth and adaptability under challenging circumstances.

Cole Anthony led Orlando with 20 points, while Franz Wagner added 15. Paolo Banchero struggled with his shooting, scoring only 10 points on 2-of-12 shooting, but contributed eight rebounds and eight assists. The Magic also welcomed the return of center Wendell Carter Jr., who had been out with a fractured left hand, contributing eight points and six rebounds in 23 minutes.

The game’s turning point came in the second quarter when Miami executed a dazzling offensive display, making their final 12 shots of the first half, including multiple 3-pointers. Highsmith’s consecutive threes were part of a 17-0 run that propelled the Heat to a commanding 58-40 lead. This surge left the Magic scrambling defensively, as noted by Cole Anthony.

Orlando’s coach Jamahl Mosley expressed disappointment after the team’s third consecutive loss, emphasizing the need for accountability and improvement.

Looking forward, the Heat are set to host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, while the Magic face a tough challenge against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. This game serves as a testament to Miami’s depth and resilience, overcoming the absence of key players to secure a convincing win.

by Richard Miller (US)

NBA: Embiid Ignites 76ers with 51 Points in Decisive Victory Over Timberwolves

PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid delivered a masterclass performance Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center, scoring a season-high 51 points along with 12 rebounds, propelling the Philadelphia 76ers to a commanding 127-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In what was a pivotal game for both teams, the 76ers showcased their resilience and offensive prowess, bouncing back from a recent setback against Chicago. Tyrese Maxey complemented Embiid’s dominance with a stellar 35-point contribution, further cementing Philadelphia’s position as a formidable force in the league with a 19-8 record.

Embiid’s display was a blend of tactical awareness and individual brilliance. “I felt like I was playing within the offense and not forcing anything,” said Embiid, whose recent form has seen him averaging 38.3 points over the last 12 games. His ability to balance aggression with team play was evident as he maneuvered through the Timberwolves’ defense with ease.

Despite the loss, Minnesota, who came into the game with the league’s best record (20-6) and a strong recent run, showed flashes of brilliance. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, supported by Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels, who contributed 23 and 21 points respectively. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Philadelphia’s offensive surge, especially in the fourth quarter where the 76ers racked up 37 points.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch expressed his disappointment postgame, citing the need for a more cohesive defensive effort against a team of Philadelphia’s caliber.

Embiid’s performance etched his name deeper into the NBA’s history books. His 50-point game marked the seventh of his career, and he continued his impressive streak of scoring 30 or more points with 10-plus rebounds in 12 consecutive games – a feat not seen since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance in the early 70s.

Philadelphia’s coach Nick Nurse lauded Embiid’s evolving game, highlighting his ability to read defenses and exploit them effectively.

The Sixers’ dominance was particularly evident in the third quarter when Embiid scored 19 of the team’s 26 points, keeping them ahead at 90-87 going into the final period. His free-throw accuracy was also pivotal, going 17 for 18, capitalizing on Minnesota forward Rudy Gobert’s early exit due to foul trouble.

Maxey took center stage in the final quarter, scoring 15 points, many of which came during a crucial stretch with Embiid on the bench. His speed and decisiveness were key factors in breaking down the Timberwolves’ defense.

The game wasn’t without its setbacks for Philadelphia, as they lost starting guard De’Anthony Melton in the second half to a left thigh contusion.

Looking ahead, the Timberwolves return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, while the 76ers host the Toronto Raptors on Friday, hoping to continue their winning momentum.

by Matt Windsor (US)

NHL: Daccord Dazzles with 42 Saves, Kraken Edge Kings 2-1

LOS ANGELES – The Seattle Kraken secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, largely thanks to an outstanding performance by goalie Joey Daccord. Daccord’s 42 saves, including a crucial 20 in the first period, tied the Kraken record for saves in a game and were instrumental in their win.

Daccord, who had previously stopped 42 shots in an overtime loss against the Carolina Hurricanes, expressed his comfort with the high shot volume, noting it helped him settle into the game. The Kraken, with this victory, extended their point streak to five games (3-0-2), showcasing a resurgence in form despite a season of ups and downs.

Brandon Tanev and Jordan Eberle were the scorers for the Kraken. Tanev’s goal came early in the second period after a face-off win by Alex Wennberg. Tanev, seizing the opportunity, scored on his own rebound, capitalizing on a momentary lapse by Kings defenseman Jordan Spence. Eberle extended the lead in the third period with a wrist shot from the slot, breaking his 13-game goal drought since November 20.

The Kings, meanwhile, saw a short-handed goal from Blake Lizotte, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite their efforts and Cam Talbot’s 28 saves, the Kings struggled to capitalize on their chances. Coach Todd McLellan acknowledged the team’s failure to effectively challenge Daccord, especially in close-quarters situations.

A key moment in the match was Daccord’s save on Matt Roy’s attempt during a 2-on-1 rush in the final seconds of the first period. Tanev praised Daccord’s performance, highlighting his crucial role in keeping the team competitive. Despite being outshot 20-8 in the first period, the Kraken maintained composure and seized control as the game progressed.

Lizotte’s goal, a result of a mishandled puck by Seattle defenseman Justin Schultz, provided a tense finish, but Daccord humorously reflected on the sequence that denied him a potential shutout.

The Kings struggled on their power play, failing to convert despite four opportunities, including a critical chance late in the game with Seattle’s Will Borgen penalized for high-sticking and Talbot pulled for an extra attacker. McLellan criticized the team’s slow puck movement, which allowed Seattle’s penalty killers to maintain position.

Noteworthy achievements included Daccord becoming the second goalie this season to make at least 20 first-period saves without conceding a goal, and Lizotte reaching his 100th NHL point in his 281st game. Additionally, Kings center Anze Kopitar excelled in face-offs, winning a significant majority.

This match was a showcase of defensive resilience and goalkeeping prowess from Daccord, who emerged as the Kraken’s anchor in a tightly contested game. The Kraken’s ability to secure points in closely fought matches speaks volumes about their potential, while the Kings will look to refine their offensive execution in future encounters.

by Matt Windsor (US)

NHL: Strome’s OT Heroics Lift Capitals Over Islanders 3-2 in Nail-Biter

WASHINGTON – Dylan Strome emerged as the overtime hero, netting a power-play goal to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Washington Capitals over the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena on Wednesday. The win was a testament to the Capitals’ resilience and strategic play, showcasing their ability to triumph in tight contests.

The game-deciding moment arrived just 1:41 into the overtime when Strome capitalized on a pass from Alex Ovechkin. His decisive wrist shot from between the circles, made more effective by Tom Wilson’s expert screening, found its mark, ending the game in favor of the Capitals. The goal stood after a video review confirmed Wilson’s legal contact with the puck.

Washington coach Spencer Carbery lauded the execution of the winning play, highlighting the pivotal role of Wilson’s screen in the successful outcome. The Capitals’ determination was evident throughout the game, with Hendrix Lapierre contributing a goal and an assist, and Joel Edmundson scoring his first for the team since joining from the Montreal Canadiens.

Goalkeeper Darcy Kuemper’s performance was instrumental, with 30 saves to his credit. Strome, who leads the Capitals in goals and points, emphasized the team’s ability to eke out wins in closely contested matches.

The Islanders, coming off a win against the Edmonton Oilers, found their rhythm as the game progressed. Semyon Varlamov’s 33 saves were crucial in keeping the Islanders in contention. Despite a solid start, Hudson Fasching and captain Anders Lee’s goals were not enough to secure a win for New York. Lee’s equalizer in the third period exemplified the Islanders’ fighting spirit, but the team ultimately fell short in the overtime showdown.

Bo Horvat’s impressive point streak came to an end, but the Islanders’ resilience remained a highlight, as coach Lane Lambert acknowledged the need for improvement in back-to-back game scenarios.

The Capitals demonstrated their strength when scoring first, maintaining an unbeaten record in regulation in such situations. This victory solidifies their position as a formidable force, particularly in tightly contested matches.

On the individual front, Ovechkin’s contribution in overtime placed him alongside Evgeni Malkin for the second-most overtime points in NHL history, trailing only Sidney Crosby. However, his goal drought extended to 14 games, an unusual spell for the prolific scorer.

The Islanders, meanwhile, continue to seek solutions in overtime games and second games of back-to-backs, areas where they’ve faced challenges this season.

by Richard Miller (US)

NHL: Vilardi Powers Jets Past Red Wings 5-2, Extends Scoring Streak in Winnipeg Triumph

WINNIPEG – In a captivating display of skill and teamwork, the Winnipeg Jets soared to a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Canada Life Centre on Wednesday, propelled by Gabriel Vilardi’s exceptional performance. Vilardi, maintaining his scoring streak, contributed a goal and two assists, marking a total of 10 points (five goals, five assists) in his past four games.

Winnipeg coach Rick Bowness praised Vilardi’s growing confidence and prowess, highlighting his remarkable patience and vision on the ice. His ability to read the game and make decisive moves has become a key component of the Jets’ offensive strategy.

The game kicked off with Neal Pionk putting the Jets ahead with a wrist shot from the blue line at 15:38 of the first period. The Red Wings responded early in the second, with Olli Maatta scoring his season’s first goal on a cross-ice assist from Patrick Kane, tying the game 1-1.

However, the Jets regained the lead with Nikolaj Ehlers scoring off Vilardi’s clever assist from behind the goal line. Dylan Samberg’s well-executed stretch pass set up Axel Jonsson-Fjallby for a breakaway goal, bringing the score to 3-1.

Vilardi continued to shine, extending the Jets’ lead to 4-1 with a backdoor tap-in, courtesy of a setup by Cole Perfetti. The Red Wings’ efforts to fight back saw Kane narrowing the gap to 4-2 in the third period with a low-slot rebound goal.

The final nail in the Red Wings’ coffin was hammered in by Mark Scheifele, scoring off another assist by the unstoppable Vilardi, sealing the game at 5-2. Winnipeg’s triumph was not just a show of offensive strength but also a testament to their solid team effort, as noted by coach Bowness.

For the Red Wings, this game added to a string of recent defeats, marking their fourth consecutive loss. Despite efforts to shake up their gameplay with different strategies and line combinations, the team struggled to find their rhythm, as acknowledged by captain Dylan Larkin.

Defensively, the Jets were backed by Laurent Brossoit’s 26 saves, while James Reimer made 36 saves for Detroit. The game’s result reflected Winnipeg’s strong form this season, with the team now holding a record of 19-9-3 and maintaining a significant lead in most games when ahead after two periods.

In individual feats, Patrick Kane showed his resilience with four points in the last two games. Vilardi’s goal streak set a new benchmark for players in their first season with the Jets since the team’s relocation from Atlanta, a record previously held by Maxim Afinogenov with the Atlanta Thrashers.

As the season progresses, the Winnipeg Jets continue to demonstrate their capability as a formidable force in the league, with players like Vilardi and Ehlers consistently contributing to their success. The Detroit Red Wings, on the other hand, face the challenge of regrouping and finding their form to break their losing streak.

by Abhishek Shukla

Thrilling battle lines to be drawn for AFC Champions League 2023/24 Knockout Stage

The excitement levels surrounding the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 will ratchet up another notch when the Knockout Stage encounters are revealed next Thursday, December 28 at 4pm.

Of the 40 teams that contested the 21st edition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s flagship club competition when it kicked off in September 2023, 16 sides have come through the Group Stage to take their places ahead of the official draw ceremony at the AFC House.

Eight teams each from the West Region and East Region – five Group winners and the three best runners-up – will discover their path to the Final, starting with the eight two-legged Round of 16 ties in February 2024.

Two-time champions Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia will appear in the Knockout Stage for a joint-record 14th time, while Uzbekistan’s Navbahor and Saudi Arabia’s Al Fayha FC have impressively reached this stage on their competition debuts. Al Ain FC (United Arab Emirates), FC Nasaf (Uzbekistan), Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia), Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) and Sepahan SC (Islamic Republic of Iran) complete the West Region cast.

In the East, Japanese outfit Ventforet Kofu made history by becoming the first ever second-tier side to reach the Knockout Stage – on their maiden foray into the competition, no less. Thai side Bangkok United have also made it to the Knockout Stage for the first time, while Korea Republic giants Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, who have two titles to their name, join Al Hilal on 14 appearances at this stage. The rest of the East Region teams comprise Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan), Kawasaki Frontale (Japan), Pohang Steelers (Korea Republic), Shandong Taishan (China PR) and Ulsan Hyundai FC (Korea Republic).

The clubs in each Region will be drawn into pairings, where they will each play one home and one away match against their opponents. The Round of 16 (West) ties will take place on February 12 and 13 (first leg), and February 19 and 20 (second leg); the Round of 16 (East) encounters are set for February 13 and 14 (first leg), and February 20 and 21 (second leg).

Each Region will comprise two Pots: Pot 1 for Group winners and Pot 2 for the best runners-up. The Pots are indicated below:

West Region

Pot 1: Al Ain FC (UAE), FC Nasaf (UZB), Al Ittihad (KSA), Al Hilal SFC (KSA), Al Nassr (KSA)

Pot 2: Navbahor (UZB), Sepahan SC (IRN), Al Fayha SC (KSA)

East Region

Pot 1: Bangkok United (THA), Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN), Ventforet Kofu (JPN), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Pohang Steelers (KOR)

Pot 2: Shandong Taishan (CHN), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR), Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR)

Prior to the draw for each Region, one club from Pot 1 will be drawn at random and placed into Pot 2, in order to have the same number of clubs in each Pot. The draw will commence with the West Region, followed by the East, starting with Pot 2 and followed by Pot 1.

Each club in Pot 2 will be paired with a club from Pot 1, with the Group Protection principle applying to both Regions i.e clubs that progressed from the same Group will not be drawn against each other.

The eight winning clubs on aggregate over both ties in the Round of 16 will progress to the Quarter-finals, which will take place on March 4, 5, 11 and 12 (West), and 5, 6, 12 and 13 (East). The Semi-finals are scheduled for April 16 and 23 (West), and April 17 and 24 (East), with the coveted Final to be held over two legs on May 11 and 18, 2024.

Passionate fans of Asian football can watch the draw ceremony of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Knockout Stage on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 4pm here!

by Abhishek Shukla

AFC Cup 2023/24 contenders set for Knockout Stage Draw

The path to ultimate glory in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 will be laid out on Thursday, December 28 at 2pm when the official draw ceremony for the Knockout Stage takes place at the AFC House.

Eleven teams have progressed from the Group Stage of the 19th edition of the iconic tournament, which kicked off in September and featured 36 teams from across the Confederation’s five Zones.

The three group winners – Al Nahda of Oman, Al Kahrabaa Club of Iraq, Al Riffa of Bahrain – and best runners-up – Al Ahed FC of Lebanon – from the West Zone will proceed to the West Zonal Semi-finals, to played in a home-and-away format; the first legs are scheduled on February 12 and 13, 2024 and the second legs on February 19 and 20, 2024. The pairings are as below:

West Zonal Semi-finals

Semi-final 1: Al Riffa (BHR) v Al Nahda (OMA)

Semi-final 2: Al Ahed FC (LBN) v Al Kahrabaa Club (IRQ)

The Semi-final winners then do battle in the West Zonal Final across two legs on April 16 and 23, 2024; the host club for each leg will be determined during the Knockout Stage Draw. The victors will earn a berth in the coveted AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Final, which is set for May 5, 2024.

Meanwhile, the three group winners and best runners-up in the ASEAN Zone – Macarthur FC of Australia, Sabah FC of Malaysia, Central Coast Mariners of Australia and Phnom Penh Crown FC of Cambodia respectively – will contest the ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals, which will be played as single-leg matches on February 12 and 13, 2024. The pairings are as follow:

ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals

Semi-final 1: Macarthur FC (AUS) v Sabah FC (MAS)

Semi-final 2: Central Coast Mariners (AUS) v Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM)

The Semi-final winners will face each other in the single-leg ASEAN Zonal Final on February 22, 2024; the host club will be determined during the Knockout Stage Draw.

The winners of the ASEAN Zonal Final will join the winners of Groups D, E and I, namely Odisha FC of India, FK Abdysh-Ata of the Kyrgyz Republic and Chinese Taipei’s Taichung Futuro FC to contest the two-legged home-and-away Inter-zone Semi-finals.

The Inter-zonal Semi-final pairings will be determined during the Knockout Stage draw using an open-draw principle i.e. there will be no seeding nor country protection applied to the Pot. The lineup is as follows:

Inter-zone Play-off Pot: Odisha FC (IND), FK Abdysh-Ata (KGZ), ASEAN Zone Champion, Taichung Futuro FC (TPE)

The winners of the Inter-zonal Semi-finals will do battle in the two-legged Inter-zone Final on April 17 and 24, 2024 to earn the right to face the winner of the West Zonal Final in the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Final.

Passionate fans of Asian football can watch the draw ceremony of the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Knockout Stage on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 2pm here

by Abhishek Shukla

AKL Football 24 appoint Steve Corica as Men’s Head Coach of new A-Leagues expansion club

Thursday 21 December: AKL Football 24’s appointment of Steve Corica as the inaugural Men’s Head Coach for the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season is another key milestone in the foundation of the club. Corica will work alongside Terry McFlynn, Director of Football, on the recruitment of the men’s playing squad and style of football.

Corica, has plenty of experience working with a start-up club, having been involved with Sydney FC from its inception. He went on to make 106 appearances for the Sky Blues and scored 23 goals, between 2005 and 2010.

An attacking midfielder, Corica became the first national youth player to represent Australia at all age levels (U17 – U23) and went on to make 32 appearances for the Socceroos, scoring 5 goals, between 1993 and 2006.

Post-retirement, Corica remained at Sydney FC, trained for his AFC Pro License, and worked his way up through the ranks from Youth team coach in 2010, to Assistant coach under Graham Arnold from 2011 to 2018, and took over the Head Coach role in 2018 until 2023.

Corica has achieved success throughout his A-League career, both on the pitch and alongside it. As a player, Corica won two A-League Championships (2006 & 2010) and one A-League Premiership (2010), and as a Head Coach, he won back-to-back A-League Championships (2019 & 2020), one A-League Premiership (2020), and one Australia Cup (2023).

AKL Football 24 owner, Bill Foley:

“Steve is a proven winner, both as a player, as a Head Coach, and he plays an attractive style of football. His philosophy is aligned with what we want to achieve at the club, to be successful and to entertain the fans.

“He is passionate about developing young players to succeed in the A-League and we are confident his appointment will attract some of the best talent from around New Zealand. The next step is to start our player recruitment in the January transfer window.”

AKL Football 24 Head Coach, Steve Corica:“I am really excited about joining the new Auckland A-League club. It has all the ingredients needed to succeed, both on the pitch and in the community. We want to build a club that is known for its attacking and entertaining style of football and Aucklanders are proud to call their own.“

Bill Foley is passionate about creating pathways for young talented kiwis to firstly succeed in the A-League and then go overseas with the other clubs in the group. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Patrik Schick’s Hat-Trick Propels Bayer Leverkusen to Top of Bundesliga with 4-0 Win Over Bochum

LEVERKUSEN, Germany – Bayer Leverkusen solidified their position at the summit of the Bundesliga with a commanding 4-0 victory over VfL Bochum, courtesy of a stunning first-half hat-trick by striker Patrik Schick.

Leverkusen’s dominance in the match was epitomized by Patrik Schick’s exceptional performance. The Czech forward opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty in the 30th minute. He quickly doubled his tally two minutes later, finishing off a low cross from Jeremie Frimpong.

In stoppage time of the first half, Schick completed his hat-trick, heading in a corner from Alejandro Grimaldo. This marked a rapid three-goal surge within just 15 minutes.

The scoring spree didn’t end with Schick’s hat-trick. Substitute Victor Boniface added the fourth goal in the 69th minute, further cementing Leverkusen’s dominance in the game.

The win places Leverkusen firmly at the top of the Bundesliga table with 42 points, enjoying a four-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich, who have a game in hand. VfB Stuttgart trails behind in third place with 34 points.

This triumph sends Leverkusen into the winter break on a high note, maintaining their unbeaten run in the league. Their impressive performance sets a strong foundation for the second half of the season, which resumes on January 12.

Bayer Leverkusen’s emphatic win, led by Schick’s hat-trick, underlines their credentials as Bundesliga title contenders. Their ability to blend clinical finishing with cohesive teamwork makes them a formidable force in the league. For Bochum, the match serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in the Bundesliga, requiring strategic reassessment during the winter break.

by Abhishek Shukla

Sergi Roberto’s Brace Secures Barcelona’s Narrow 3-2 Victory Over Almeria

BARCELONA – In a closely contested LaLiga match, Barcelona edged past bottom-placed Almeria 3-2 at home, thanks to two crucial second-half goals from Sergi Roberto. The win ends Barcelona’s three-game winless streak across all competitions as they enter the Christmas break.

Barcelona, asserting their dominance early on, created a flurry of opportunities but struggled to capitalize on them. Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, pouncing on a rebound after Almeria’s Luis Maximiano saved Ronald Araujo’s header.

Almeria struck back with Leo Baptistao’s clever chipped finish just before halftime. Initially ruled offside, the decision was overturned after VAR intervention, leveling the scoreline.

Sergi Roberto emerged as Barcelona’s hero, first restoring their lead with a header from a corner. However, Edgar Gonzalez equalized for Almeria, setting the stage for a tense finish. Roberto then clinched the win for Barcelona, deftly nutmegging Maximiano in a close-range effort.

The victory propels Barcelona to third in the LaLiga standings with 38 points from 18 games, trailing leaders Girona by six points and second-placed Real Madrid by four. Real Madrid and Girona have their matches scheduled for Thursday.

Almeria’s continued struggles in LaLiga see them rooted at the bottom with just five points, still searching for their first league win of the season.

The match highlighted Barcelona’s attacking prowess and their ability to bounce back under pressure, while Almeria displayed resilience despite their position in the standings.

Barcelona’s hard-fought victory over Almeria signifies their determination to stay in contention for the LaLiga title. Sergi Roberto’s crucial contributions underscored the depth and versatility of the squad. For Almeria, the narrow defeat, while disappointing, showed glimpses of potential that they could harness in the latter part of the season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Milwaukee Brewers Sign Catcher Eric Haase to One-Year Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have bolstered their catching options by signing Eric Haase to a one-year contract, as announced by Matt Arnold, the team’s Senior Vice President and General Manager.

Haase, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Monday, brings a wealth of Major League experience to Milwaukee. He has played in 323 games throughout his career with the Cleveland Guardians (previously Cleveland Indians) and the Detroit Tigers. The 2023 season saw him predominantly with the Tigers, appearing in 86 games, before moving to the Guardians via waivers on August 21. Last season, he made a total of 72 starts, dividing his time between catcher, left field, and designated hitter roles.

The right-handed batter delivered his most impressive performance in 2021 while with Detroit, smashing 22 home runs and driving in 61 runs across 98 games. Notably, his slugging percentage stood at .459, and his home run tally placed him fifth among Major League rookies. That year also saw him achieving four two-homer games and earning the title of American League Rookie of the Month for July, a month in which he tied for the AL lead with 9 home runs, led MLB with 29 RBI, and recorded a .627 slugging percentage.

Originally drafted by Cleveland in the seventh round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft from Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, Haase was later traded to Detroit for cash on January 8, 2020.

The addition of Haase to the Brewers’ roster is seen as a strategic move to enhance the team’s depth and experience behind the plate. His proven power-hitting ability and versatility on the field are expected to be valuable assets for Milwaukee as they gear up for the upcoming season. The Brewers’ fans and management will be looking forward to seeing how Haase’s experience and skills translate into success in the National League.

by Abhishek Shukla

Milwaukee Brewers Sign Catcher Eric Haase to One-Year Deal


The Milwaukee Brewers have bolstered their catching options by signing Eric Haase to a one-year contract, as announced by Matt Arnold, the team’s Senior Vice President and General Manager.

Haase, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Monday, brings a wealth of Major League experience to Milwaukee. He has played in 323 games throughout his career with the Cleveland Guardians (previously Cleveland Indians) and the Detroit Tigers. The 2023 season saw him predominantly with the Tigers, appearing in 86 games, before moving to the Guardians via waivers on August 21. Last season, he made a total of 72 starts, dividing his time between catcher, left field, and designated hitter roles.

The right-handed batter delivered his most impressive performance in 2021 while with Detroit, smashing 22 home runs and driving in 61 runs across 98 games. Notably, his slugging percentage stood at .459, and his home run tally placed him fifth among Major League rookies. That year also saw him achieving four two-homer games and earning the title of American League Rookie of the Month for July, a month in which he tied for the AL lead with 9 home runs, led MLB with 29 RBI, and recorded a .627 slugging percentage.

Originally drafted by Cleveland in the seventh round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft from Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, Haase was later traded to Detroit for cash on January 8, 2020.

The addition of Haase to the Brewers’ roster is seen as a strategic move to enhance the team’s depth and experience behind the plate. His proven power-hitting ability and versatility on the field are expected to be valuable assets for Milwaukee as they gear up for the upcoming season. The Brewers’ fans and management will be looking forward to seeing how Haase’s experience and skills translate into success in the National League.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Chicago White Sox Promote Josimar Cousin, Designate Luis Patiño for Assignment

In a recent roster update, the Chicago White Sox have made a strategic move by selecting the contract of right-handed pitcher Josimar Cousin from Class AA Birmingham. Concurrently, the team has designated fellow right-hander Luis Patiño for assignment.

Cousin, 25, has shown promise in his journey through the minor leagues. Last season, he posted a 5.56 ERA with 47 strikeouts over 55.0 innings, appearing in 15 games across three levels: the Arizona Complex League White Sox, Class A Winston-Salem, and Birmingham. He also made an impression in the Arizona Fall League with Glendale, participating in six games, including four starts.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, Cousin signed with the White Sox as an international free agent on May 25, 2023. The Havana, Cuba native brings a rich background in baseball, having pitched for six seasons in the Cuban League. Moreover, his experience extends to the international stage, where he played for the Cuban national team across various age levels for ten seasons, notably alongside White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from U-15 to U-18.

On the other hand, 24-year-old Patiño departs after a season with the White Sox, during which he recorded a 3.57 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 17.2 innings in seven appearances, including one start. Patiño joined the White Sox in a trade from Tampa Bay on August 1 in exchange for cash considerations.

This move keeps the White Sox’s 40-man roster at full capacity. It reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to refine and strengthen its pitching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season. Cousin’s promotion to the major league roster is a significant step in his career and showcases the White Sox’s commitment to nurturing talent within their system. Fans and the team alike will be keenly watching Cousin’s transition to the major leagues and his potential impact on the White Sox’s pitching rotation.

by Abhishek Shukla

2024 Pro Bowl Games Fan Voting to Conclude Dec. 25 as Tua Tagovailoa Continues to Lead

NEW YORK — Dec. 20, 2023 — Miami quarterback TUA TAGOVAILOA, with 175,772 votes, continues to lead all players in balloting for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games Vote presented by Verizon. Fan voting will conclude on Monday, Dec. 25.

San Francisco running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY (131,108) ranks second overall, while San Francisco quarterback BROCK PURDY (120,909), Houston rookie quarterback C.J. STROUD (113,490 votes) and San Francisco tight end GEORGE KITTLE (109,107) round out the top five.

The SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS lead all clubs in total votes received, followed by the MIAMI DOLPHINS, DALLAS COWBOYS, BALTIMORE RAVENS and PHILADELPHIA EAGLES.

The AFC and NFC player rosters for The Pro Bowl Games will be announced on Wednesday, Jan. 3, live on NFL Network’s Pro Bowl special “NFL Total Access: Pro Bowl Players Revealed” and streaming on NFL+ at 8:00 p.m. ET hosted by Kimmi Chex and Mike Yam.

For the first time in three years, the National Football League will return to Orlando to celebrate the league’s best players at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon. Just like in past years, the Pro Bowl Games provides fans with an unmatched opportunity to vote for their favorite players to compete in a multi-day AFC versus NFC competition, featuring Pro Bowl Skills and culminating in an action-packed flag football game, led by head coaches Peyton and Eli Manning.

The 2024 Pro Bowl Games, hosted in partnership with Florida Citrus Sports, Orange County and the City of Orlando, will be a multi-day AFC versus NFC competition culminating on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Camping World Stadium. Fans can visit ProBowl.com/tickets to buy tickets, which start as low as $45, for Sunday’s event, which will also be televised from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, Disney XD, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.

In addition to Sunday’s event, ESPN will air the Pro Bowl Skills Show live from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 1 in the Nicholson Fieldhouse at the University of Central Florida. A made-for-TV event, the Pro Bowl Skills Show will feature the NFL’s top players participating in unique competitions that showcase their on-field and off-field skills. Announced earlier today, the 2024 Pro Bowl Games will feature new and fan-favorite skills, with cumulative scoring leading up to flag football on Sunday.

On Location, the official hospitality partner of the NFL, will offer guests elevated hospitality packages for a one-of-a-kind experience at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, including field access throughout the game, access to closed practice sessions, player introductions and premium seating to the game. Fans interested in tickets and hospitality packages can visit On Location’s website at OnLocationExp.com/probowl.

Fans can vote as often as they would like to send the league’s best players at each position to Orlando for the Pro Bowl Games until Monday, Dec. 25 across a variety of platforms, including:

  • ProBowl.com/Vote
  • On club sites (i.e., https://www.newyorkjets.com/pro-bowl-games/vote)
  • Social voting — During the final two weeks of voting (Dec. 11 – Dec. 25), fans can vote directly on “X” (formerly Twitter) by tweeting the first and last name of the player, tagging the player’s official Twitter handle or creating a hashtag including the player’s first and last name. All three of these methods must include the hashtag: #ProBowlVote. During the final two days (Dec. 24 – Dec. 25), social votes will count as double.

Player selections will be determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches, with each group’s vote counting as one-third toward determining the all-star players who will be selected to this year’s Pro Bowl Games. The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its Pro Bowl teams. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes on Friday, Dec. 29.

NFL PRO BOWL TOP-FIVE VOTE-GETTERS

POS.NAMETEAMVOTES
QBTua TagovailoaMiami175,772
RBChristian McCaffreySan Francisco131,108
QBBrock PurdySan Francisco120,909
QBC.J. StroudHouston113,490
TEGeorge KittleSan Francisco109,107

NFL PRO BOWL MOST VOTES BY TEAM

TEAM
San Francisco 49ers
Miami Dolphins
Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens
Philadelphia Eagles

AFC & NFC LEADING VOTE-GETTERS BY POSITION – OFFENSE

POS.CONF.NAME, TEAM
QBAFCTua Tagovailoa, Miami
QBNFCBrock Purdy, San Francisco
   
RBAFCRaheem Mostert, Miami
RBNFCChristian McCaffrey, San Francisco
   
FBAFCAlec Ingold, Miami
FBNFCKyle Juszczyk, San Francisco
   
WRAFCTyreek Hill, Miami
WRNFCCeeDee Lamb, Dallas
   
TEAFCTravis Kelce, Kansas City
TENFCGeorge Kittle, San Francisco
   
TAFCTerron Armstead, Miami
TNFCTrent Williams, San Francisco
   
GAFCKevin Zeitler, Baltimore
GNFCZack Martin, Dallas
   
CAFCCreed Humphrey, Kansas City
CNFCJason Kelce, Philadelphia

AFC & NFC LEADING VOTE-GETTERS BY POSITION – DEFENSE

POS.CONF.NAME, TEAM
DEAFCMyles Garrett, Cleveland
DENFCNick Bosa, San Francisco
   
DTAFCChris Jones, Kansas City
DTNFCJavon Hargrave, San Francisco
   
OLBAFCT.J. Watt, Pittsburgh
OLBNFCMicah Parsons, Dallas
   
ILBAFCRoquan Smith, Baltimore
ILBNFCFred Warner, San Francisco
   
CBAFCJalen Ramsey, Miami
CBNFCDaRon Bland, Dallas
   
SSAFCKyle Hamilton, Baltimore
SSNFCReed Blankenship, Philadelphia
   
FSAFCGeno Stone, Baltimore
FSNFCJessie Bates, Atlanta

AFC & NFC LEADING VOTE-GETTERS BY POSITION – SPECIAL TEAMS

POS.CONF.NAME, TEAM
KAFCDustin Hopkins, Cleveland
KNFCBrandon Aubrey, Dallas
   
PAFCBryce Baringer, New England
PNFCMitch Wishnowsky, San Francisco
   
LSAFCBlake Ferguson, Miami
LSNFCTaybor Pepper, San Francisco
   
RSAFCBraxton Berrios, Miami
RSNFCKeisean Nixon, Green Bay
   
STAFCDuke Riley, Miami
STNFCTerrell Burgess, Washington
by Matt Windsor (US)

2024 Pro Bowl Games Skills Competitions Announced

NEW YORK — Dec. 20, 2023 — The NFL announced the new and returning skills competitions that Pro Bowl players from the AFC and NFC will compete in during 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon, including Dodgeball presented by Bud Light, Tug-of-War, Precision Passing and much more. 

Taking place over two days in Orlando, the skills challenges will be broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 1, on ESPN from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET on the Pro Bowl Skills Show, a made-for-tv event taking place in the Nicholson Fieldhouse at the University of Central Florida, and continue Sunday, Feb. 4, culminating in epic flag football. 

Fans can buy tickets to Sunday’s event at Camping World Stadium, which will also be televised starting at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, Disney XD, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes and NFL+. Ticketholders will get to witness all the impressive player feats live, including the final day of skills competitions and flag football between the league’s best players. Visit probowl.com/​tickets to buy tickets, which start as low as $45.

A staple of the annual all-star competition, the NFL’s top players are set to participate in the following new and fan-favorite skills competitions that showcase their football and non-football skills:

Thursday, Feb. 1: 

·       Precision Passing: Each of the conference’s three quarterbacks will battle it out in a one-minute accuracy competition, as they attempt to accumulate points by hitting as many targets as possible. The conference with the highest cumulative score among all participants earns three points. There are a total of 10 targets that are either static or attached to robotic dummies and drones, each worth a different amount, ranging from one to five points. 

·       Best Catch: Pre-taped in landmarks around Orlando, Best Catch will feature one player from each conference, as they show off their creativity, inventiveness and talent. Fans will vote online to determine their favorite catch, and the player with the highest number of votes will earn three points for his conference. 

·       Closest to the Pin: This golf accuracy competition will feature six players from each conference. They will drive the golf ball, working to hit it as close to the hole as possible. The winner will earn three points for his conference. 

·       High Stakes: Starting off with a football in hand, each player will attempt to catch punts from a JUGS machine. Each player that succeeds in catching the football without dropping others will advance to the next round and attempt to catch an additional football. The most sure-handed player who catches the most footballs wins. 

·       Dodgeball presented by Bud Light: A multi-round tournament of classic dodgeball featuring four teams of five players. In the first match, the AFC offense will face the NFC defense, and in the second game, the NFC offense squares off with the AFC defense. The winner will earn three points for their conference. 

·       Kick Tac Toe: Each team’s kicker will compete in a giant Tic-Tac-Toe competition to showcase their skills. The first kicker to complete a connecting line of three squares or hit five squares total will be declared the winner and earn three points for his conference.​

Sunday, Feb. 4: 

·       Madden NFL Head-to-Head: For the fourth consecutive year, EA SPORTS will host the Madden NFL Head-to-Head Pro Bowl Games event. Two players will represent the NFC and defend their title against the AFC played in Madden NFL 24 using the official 2024 Pro Bowl Games rosters. New this year, the winning team will earn their conference three points.  

·       Gridiron Gauntlet: A full-field relay race between six AFC players and six NFC players who show off their athletic prowess in a challenging obstacle course. They’ll break through walls and crawl under doors, among other obstacles, to get to the final sled push across the field with the ultimate goal of finishing first. The winning team will earn their conference three points. 

·       Tug-of-War: New this year, Tug-of-War is a five-on-five demonstration of teamwork, strength and strategy. Positioned above a foam pit, players are challenged to pull backwards on the rope, attempting to move the opposing team in their direction. The competition will be the best of three, and the winner who pulls the opposing team across the marker twice gains three points.

·       Move the Chains: This offensive and defensive linemen strength and speed competition takes strategy and teamwork. Each team of five players must work together to move 3,000 pounds of weights off a massive wall and be the first team to pull that 2,000-pound wall across the finish line. The winner will earn three points for their conference.

The Pro Bowl Games skills competitions will be brought to life by A. Smith & Co. Productions, producers of shows such as “American Ninja Warrior,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Titan Games.” The skills will have cumulative scoring leading up to flag football on Sunday.

The 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon will be a week-long celebration of AFC vs. NFC competitions, culminating with 7-on-7 flag football. To help program the week-long event, the NFL will work with longstanding partners, including the Disney family of ESPN and ABC, Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, producers of shows such as ESPN’s “Monday Night Football with Peyton & Eli,” the “Places” franchise and the Netflix docuseries “Quarterback,” and A. Smith & Co. Productions. Peyton and Eli Manning will also be the head coaches for the AFC and NFC teams respectively.

On Location, the official hospitality partner of the NFL, will offer guests elevated hospitality packages for a one-of-a-kind experience at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, including field access throughout the game, access to closed practice sessions, player introductions and premium seating to the game. Fans interested in ticket and hospitality packages can visit On Location’s website at Onlocationexp.com/probowl.

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Mohit Goyat and Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh script perfect end to Puneri Paltan’s home leg with 43-18 victory

PUNE, 20th December, 2023: A superlative performance by the Puneri Paltan saw them decimate Bengaluru Bulls 43-18 in the final game of their home leg at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Wednesday. The win saw Paltan extend their stay at the top of the table and increase their score differential to an incredible +72. The PKL Season 10 will move to Chennai from 22 December 2023.


In a supremely dominant first-half performance, every part of the Puneri Paltan machine worked with precision and synchronisation. They inflicted their first ALL OUT on the Bulls within the first five minutes to take a 10-2 lead. Their defenders in particular were on fire, matching their raiders almost point for point through the half. 

A second ALL OUT followed soon after, and by this time the Paltan were streaking away into the distance with a 23-5 lead. The Paltan defence missed just three tackles in the first half, taking an extraordinary 10 points from them. They went into half-time leading by a massive 20 points. 

The home side inflicted a third ALL OUT in the opening minutes of the second half to take a virtually unassailable 33-10 lead. From thereon it became a battle between the Bulls pride and Mohammadreza Chiyaneh’s determination to grab as many tackle points in as many ways as possible. Chiyaneh missed a mere 2 tackles all evening to finish with 7 points (one even coming from a raid), as the Paltan wrapped up a comfortable 26-point victory.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches on Friday. 

Game 1 – Tamil Thalaivas vs Patna Pirates – 8 pm 

Game 2 – Haryana Steelers vs Telugu Titans – 9 pm

Venue: Chennai

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Mumbai City FC prevails over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a breathtaking encounter

Mumbai City FC secured a 2-1 victory over the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) to end their unbeaten streak in this league in a feisty clash between the two Indian Super League (ISL) heavyweights at the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday. In a match that saw five sending offs, an equaliser by Greg Stewart in the 44th minute coupled with the winner by Bipin Singh in the 73rd minute ensured that the Islanders got past the Mariners to neutralise the opening strike by their Australian striker Jason Cummings.

This fixture always promised an entertaining, end-to-end encounter, and Juan Ferrando and his men began the game on the frontfoot, capitalising on Mumbai City FC fullback Akash Mishra being shown the red card due to a challenge on Manvir Singh in the 13th minute. The Mariners used this numerical advantage to their favour, with Liston Colaco sprinting ahead to receive a pass by Subhasish Bose on the left flank before squaring up an assist for Cummings, who comfortably slotted the ball into the back of the net by getting past Rostyn Griffiths in the 25th minute.

The home side got their act together though, and they benefited with livewire winger Bipin Singh operating in advanced positions on the left wing. Bipin, 28, who had scored a 90th minute winner for the Islanders in the ISL 2020-21 final against the same opponents, lobbed in an insanely impressive cross for Greg Stewart on the far post, who nodded the ball past Vishal Kaith to help Petr Kratky’s side head into the half-time break on level terms.

The Mariners wore a slightly disoriented look in the second essay of the game though, with Asish Rai first getting shown the red card for his foul on Jorge Pereyra Diaz in the 54th minute before a similar challenge by Bose and the subsequent reaction by the Colaco led to the visitors getting down to nine men.

This allowed Mumbai City FC forwards greater freedom, and Bipin began making the most of it by playing in various vacant spaces across the frontline. On one such occasion, he was in control of the ball on the right flank, and pulled off a fantastic shot from outside of his boot that took the deflection of Anirudh Thapa and ended up with the ball getting drilled into the back of the net in the 73rd minute. Mumbai City FC began holding the upper hand in the proceedings thereafter, with Stewart showing some fleet footwork inside the 18-yard-box, but was shown a second yellow card following a quick turn of events amidst a tight situation in the penalty area in the 88th minute.

The home side managed to keep the lead dear though, but they were dealt with another blow in the aftermath of the proceedings, with Vikram Pratap Singh becoming the third player from their side to get sent off from the game. Regardless, Kratky and his side took the game to the Mohun Bagan Super Giant despite losing Akash Mishra early on in the game, and they reaped the rewards for the same with the new head coach bagging his first ISL victory after three games.

Key Performer of the Match

Bipin Singh (Mumbai City FC)

Bipin was a menace for the Mohun Bagan Super Giant backline tonight, completing all but one of his 21 passes, recording an astounding 95% accuracy. He notched a goal and an assist each, made two clearances, as he capped off an all-round performance to seal a crucial win for his team.

What’s next for both teams?

Mumbai City FC will now travel to Kochi to take on Kerala Blasters FC on December 24, whereas the Mohun Bagan Super Giant will next host FC Goa on December 23.

Brief Scores

Mumbai City FC 2 (Greg Stewart 44’, Bipin Singh 73’) – 1 Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Jason Cummings 25’)

Stat Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

NFL Honors Top Week 15 Performers with Player of the Week Accolades

The National Football League has announced its Players of the Week for Week 15, spotlighting the exceptional performances that captivated fans and shaped the week’s outcomes.

AFC

AFC Offense Shines with Buffalo’s Cook

On the offensive front, Buffalo running back James Cook delivered an awe-inspiring performance that etched his name into the franchise’s history books. Cook exploded for 221 scrimmage yards, breaking down to 179 rushing and 42 receiving, complemented by two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving. His effort marked the first time a Bills player amassed over 200 scrimmage yards in a game since 2009, a feat previously achieved by Fred Jackson.

Dolphins’ Chubb Dominates Defense

Miami’s linebacker Bradley Chubb turned in a defensive masterclass, becoming the first Dolphins player since 2000 to rack up more than three sacks, with an additional two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in a single game. His overwhelming presence on the field disrupted the opposition’s offense and set a high watermark for defensive players across the league.

Special Teams Excellence from Fairbairn

In the realm of special teams, Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn was perfect on the day, making all four of his field goal attempts with long-range kicks of 23, 27, 53, and a game-winning 54-yarder. His 13 kicking points not only secured victory for his team but also earned him the title of the player with the most kicking points and field goals in Week 15 across the NFL.

NFC

Mayfield’s Passing Masterclass Leads Offense

Quarterback Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the helm of the offense, delivering a commanding aerial display. Mayfield threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns, achieving a passer rating of 158.3, tying him for the third player in NFL history to reach such numbers in a road game. This remarkable showing was a critical factor in his team’s success and solidified his position as a key player in Week 15.

Love Anchors Defense with Impeccable Game

On the defensive side of the ball, Seattle Seahawks’ safety Julian Love put up impressive numbers, registering eight tackles and two interceptions in a prime-time game. Love’s performance made him the third Seahawks player since 2000 to achieve such a feat, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team’s defensive strategy.

Pineiro’s Special Teams Prowess

In special teams, Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro went a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, including a long of 52 yards, and scored nine points for his team. His consistency in Week 15 saw him tied for the second-most field goals made in the league, highlighting his contributions to the Panthers’ efforts.

All players of the Weeks

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Arjun Deshwal comes back to form as Jaipur Pink Panthers beat U.P. Yoddhas by 17 points

PUNE, 20th December 2023: Defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers gave an incredible account of themselves as they stormed to a 41-24 triumph over U.P Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 match at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Wednesday. Arjun Deshwal got back to his scoring ways as he finished with 13 points.

Both teams got off to a cautious start, with the Panthers narrowly leading 6-5 after the first 10 minutes. And then the Panthers got going – Arjun made light work of the Yoddhas’ defence and Panthers’ captain Sunil Kumar produced a brilliant tackle on Vijay Malik to bag an ALL OUT in the 14th minute. The Panthers raced to an 11-6 lead and went on to seize control of the game.

Arjun got rid of four defenders in as many raids and a couple of sharp tackles saw the Panthers inflict a second ALL OUT within four minutes. The scoreline read 20-7 in the Panthers’ favour and the Yoddhas were completely undone. The defending champs went into the break with a 15-point lead at 24-9 and they were in complete control of the match.

The Yoddhas gained momentum in the second half via two superb tackles from Gurdeep and a burst of pace from Pardeep Narwal offered them hope. The Record Breaker scored points in four successive raids, the last of which saw him get past Ashish and toss aside Lucky Sharma to claim an ALL OUT. The deficit was cut down to eight points and the Panthers led 28-20.

But the score difference was too much for the Yoddhas to catch up to, despite their defence shaping up better. The game was put to rest when Arjun produced a mindblowing SUPER RAID in the final minute of the game, which also led to a third ALL OUT for the Panthers. That final raid saw Arjun pick up his third Super 10 of the season and gave the Panthers a massive 17-point victory. This is their third win of the season.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches on Friday

Game 1 – Tamil Thalaivas vs Patna Pirates – 8 pm 

Game 2 – Haryana Steelers vs Telugu Titans – 9 pm

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Wheelchair Rugby “Hits Hard” in exclusive new all access RugbyPassTV documentary

RugbyPassTV, the world’s home of rugby content online, is shining a light on the world of wheelchair rugby from 19 December with the release of a new feature length, all access documentary “Hit Hard”.

The film follows the fortunes of Australia, the USA and France in their quest for glory at the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup, held in France at the same time as the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The film shows how tough and competitive the sport of wheelchair rugby is, through the athletes that are all grit, determination and inspiration. The hard hits, the camaraderie, the smack talk, the joy and the agony of elite international sport. The documentary peels back the sport’s tough exterior to shine a light on the deeper, rawer side of how these athletes came to be rugby’s toughest. Meeting their families, their other halves, finding out the circumstances that led to their situation, before returning back to find out how they found peace in the brutal sport they now excel in.

The documentary follows the story of three wheelchair rugby stars in Australia’s Chris Bond,  America’s Chuck Aoki and France’s Cédric Nankin. Fans will hear about the players’ incredible stories and how they came to be such influential athletes within the game. The story ebs and flows through each team narrative as they progress through the International Wheelchair Cup held in France in October 2023. The film captures perfectly the complexities of how athletes are classified and see the uniqueness of a sport that has both genders playing side by side.

Hits Hard can be viewed on RugbyPassTV here

Fans can register to watch RugbyPassTV for free where they can see not only the new Hits Hard documentary but also all the latest action from the HSBC SVNS series, relive every game from past men’s Rugby World Cups and catch up on WXV, World Rugby’s new elite women’s tournament.  All that alongside cutting edge content featuring Jim Hamilton talking to some of rugby’s biggest stars plus The Girls Locker Room presented by Red Roses Maud Muir and Sadia Kabeya tackling the issues that matter both inside and outside the women’s game

Fans can sign up to RugbyPassTV here

Speaking in the documentary, a key focal point of the film, Chris Bond of Australia states “People with disabilities and in wheelchairs are generally stereotyped as wrap them in cotton wool and you know don’t touch them they are weak. They are lesser then, they are dis-abled. I guess wheelchair rugby challenges that a bit. You can put anyone in that chair, able bodied or not and we’d probably kick their ass!”

Fellow star Chuck Aoki of the USA says “Disability doesn’t have to be something that holds you back it can empower you and it can open doors you never thought you could go into. You can do these things!”

President of World Wheelchair Rugby Richard Allcroft welcomed Hits Hard and the partnership with RugbyPassTV, saying “This exciting documentary highlights not just the physicality of Wheelchair Rugby but also the phenomenal athletes that compete globally. Their inspirational lives certainly stand out and it demonstrates that the athletes are here to win”

“Wheelchair rugby is not your typical para-sport and Hits Hard provides a unique insight into what makes our sport so special.  Unique content like Hits Hard is just one way in which the sports of rugby union and wheelchair rugby are working closely together to provide competition, opportunity and profile for the best athletes in all forms of rugby.”

World Rugby Chief Marketing and Content Officer James Rothwell said “Wheelchair Rugby is one of the most compelling sports out there and it is sure to once again capture the imagination of a global fanbase at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring the players’ incredible stories to RugbyPassTV and give them a platform alongside all the other global superstars of rugby.  RugbyPassTV’s unique content is fast making the site a must visit for rugby fans around the world and Hits Hard will only broaden that appeal.  With even more original programming set for the platform in 2024 alongside all the fantastic rugby action, we look forward to seeing RugbyPassTV continue to grow from strength to strength.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Dhruv-Tanisha off to a flying start at the Yonex-Sunrise 85th Senior National Badminton Championships

Guwahati, December 20, 2023: The mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto continued their victorious run as they defeated Vanlalringngheta Joseph/Laldingpull Ralte 21-5, 21-7 on day one of Yonex-Sunrise 85th Senior National Badminton Championships being held at R. G. Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati on Wednesday.

The prestigious national championships being held from December 20-24 is organised by Badminton Association of India (BAI) in Assam after four years.

Just three days ago, Dhruv and Tanisha had claimed victory at the Yonex Sunrise Odisha Masters 2023. Their victory over Joseph and Ralte in their round of 64 match in 18 minutes speaks volumes about their level of confidence and dominance. Dhruv and Tanisha will face the pair of Abdul Rahman Syed and Mamaikya Lanka in round two.

In the women’s singles encounter, silver medallist in Badminton Asia’s U17 and U15 Junior Championships in October 2023, Tanvi Sharma, overcame Tanya Hemanth with ease. Tanvi handed her opponent a 21-16, 21-11 defeat in the round of 128 match that lasted 30 minutes. The 14-year-old faced a little challenge in the first game but came back strongly in the second to maintain her lead and secure victory. Tanvi will take on Gujarat’s Shreya Lele who overcame her opponent Amolika Singh after an hour-long battle to register a 13-21, 21-14, 30-28 victory.

Last year’s runner-up at the Syed Modi International, where she went down to PV Sindhu in the final, Malvika Bansod secured a 21-6, 21-16 victory against Mayuri Barman.

Meanwhile, the path to victory for Ayush Shetty, the BWF 2023 World Junior Championships bronze medallist, wasn’t as easy in the men’s singles match. Facing a stiff competition from Adheep Gupta, Ayush managed to claim 22-20, 21-17 win in an encounter that lasted 43 minutes. In the round of 64 clash Ayush will take on Neer Nehwal who defeated Joseph Vanlalringngheta 21-9, 21-13 in the first round.

It was a stroll in the park for 2011 BWF World Junior Championships bronze medallist Sameer Verma while he took on Aditya Mondal in men’s singles round of 128. The 29-year-old shuttler from Madhya Pradesh got the better of Mondal when he registered a 21-11, 21-13 victory in 31 minutes. Verma will now face Meiraba Maisnam Luwang in the next match.

For BAI’s U19 top-ranked player Dhruv Negi, 21 minutes were enough to register a 21-7, 21-11 victory over Prem Singh Chouhan. While Negi did not offer any chance to Chouhan in the first game as he raced to take lead. Chouhan, however, did resist in the second game, fighting for every point till the two players drew parity at 10-10. Negi then took control of the match and bagged the second game at 21-11 to set up his match with Orijit Chahila in the round of 64.

by Abhishek Shukla

Troy Deeney Takes the Helm as Head Coach at Forest Green Rovers

Forest Green Rovers have announced a significant change in their coaching structure, appointing Troy Deeney as the new Head Coach. This announcement follows the mutual departure of David Horseman and Louis Carey after a lackluster start to the 23/24 season.

Deeney, who transitioned to Forest Green Rovers as a Player Coach from Birmingham City earlier this season, steps into his new role with immediate effect. Known for his decade-long tenure and captaincy at Watford, where he was instrumental in the team’s promotions to the Premier League in 2014-15 and 2020-21, Deeney brings a wealth of experience to the position.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the appointment, Deeney said, “I am very pleased and honoured to be appointed as the new Head Coach. We will work our very hardest to bring this wonderful club back to success.” He promised transparency and dedication in addressing the club’s challenges and is set to announce his backroom team shortly.

Dale Vince, Chairman of Forest Green Rovers, expressed gratitude to Horseman and Carey for their contributions and underscored the need for a decisive change. “We’re at the halfway mark of the season and need to act decisively to improve our performances and league position,” Vince stated, affirming his confidence in Deeney’s ability to lead the team forward.

Vince also hinted at strengthening the squad in the upcoming transfer window to bolster the club’s chances in League Two, with an eye towards future advancements to League One.

Deeney’s first test as Head Coach will be a home game against Gillingham on Friday, December 22. His appointment marks a new chapter for Forest Green Rovers, with hopes high for a turnaround in the team’s fortunes under his guidance. The club and its fans eagerly await this new era, looking to Deeney to bring his leadership, experience, and passion to the forefront in navigating the challenges ahead.

by Abhishek Shukla

Russian Football Association Opts to Stay with UEFA, Rejects Move to Asian Confederation

In a significant decision amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Russian Football Association has voted against leaving the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This decision comes in the wake of Russia’s ban from UEFA due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Akhmed Aydamirov, Vice-President of the Russian Football Union, confirmed the unanimous decision, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to remaining in Europe’s football community. “We decided that we will not move to Asia. Everyone supported the decision unanimously,” Aydamirov stated, as reported by TASS, a state-run news agency. He further asserted Russia’s resolve by declaring, “We will fight for Europe. Russia is Europe. We will win.”

The ban, imposed just days after President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, excluded Russia from participating in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. A potential shift to the AFC would have brought substantial financial implications for Russian clubs, particularly those that have historically competed in prestigious European tournaments like the Champions League.

Russian football authorities also expressed concerns about FIFA’s stance on such a transition. Mikhail Gershkovich, a member of the Russian Football Union, highlighted the absence of guarantees from FIFA as a key reason for the decision. “We unanimously voted against since there are no guarantees from FIFA,” he told RIA Novosti, another state-run news agency.

Gershkovich noted that the Russian Football Union would continue its engagement with UEFA and remain open to how the situation evolves in the future. “Let’s see how the situation develops next year,” he remarked, indicating a wait-and-see approach as the football world grapples with the ramifications of Russia’s geopolitical actions.

by Abhishek Shukla

Paris Olympics Chief Counters Criticism over Ticket Prices, Emphasizes Affordability Compared to London 2012

In a recent development surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympics, Tony Estanguet, the president of the organizing committee, has responded to concerns raised by Sebastian Coe about the high cost of attending the Games. Coe, the president of World Athletics and former head of London 2012 Olympics, had warned that the ticket prices for the athletics finals at the Stade de France might deter genuine fans, highlighting prices ranging from €85 to €990 for various categories.

Estanguet argued that the pricing strategy for Paris 2024 was in line with, if not cheaper than, previous Olympics, particularly when compared to London 2012. He noted that a significant portion of the Paris Olympics’ budget relies on ticket sales, necessitating a range of ticket prices, including premium options. He pointed out that, adjusted for inflation, the maximum ticket price for London 2012 would be just over €1,000 today, slightly above the highest ticket price for Paris 2024.

Addressing concerns about potential empty seats, Estanguet reassured that the event’s ticketing strategy aims to ensure full stadiums and a festive atmosphere. He highlighted the commitment to making the Games accessible to a wide audience, with over four million tickets priced at €50 or less and a million seats available at a starting price of €24.

Estanguet’s defense of the ticket pricing comes amidst a broader discussion on the affordability and accessibility of major sporting events. The Paris 2024 Olympics, set to be a significant event in the global sports calendar, aims to balance budgetary needs with the objective of wide public participation and enjoyment. With Estanguet’s remarks, the organizing committee stands firm on its pricing strategy, emphasizing value and experience over cost.

by Abhishek Shukla

Gujarat Giants Announce Captain and Vice-Captain for Second Season of Ultimate Kho Kho League

Cuttack, 20 December, 2023: The much-awaited second season of the Ultimate Kho-Kho League is around the corner, and the Gujarat Giants have announced their captain and the vice-captain. The second season will start in Cuttack on 24 December, 2023, with the final slated for 13 January, 2024. The Gujarat Giants will open their campaign against the Rajasthan Warriors on 25 December.  

Leading the charge for the Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants will be Akshay Bhangre, who hails from Mumbai. This will be the 26-year-old’s first foray into the Ultimate Kho-Kho League. Having started playing when he was in the fifth grade, Akshay, who is a defender, represented Maharashtra in national competitions at the senior and junior levels. He captained the Maharashtra senior team and also the Indian Kho Kho team.  

Patta Narsayya has been given the responsibility of vice-captain, and will help Akshay and the leadership strategise and build plans for the team. The 28-year-old from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, will be playing his second season in the Ultimate Kho-Kho League. An attacker with great flair, Patta is a big fan of Kho Kho players Prasanna Kumar and Amit Patil, and has captained his state team. Patta has also donned the Indian colours when the team faced Nepal in a Test series.  

“It is my first season in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, and I am honoured that Gujarat Giants have trusted me with captaincy. The Giants are a very strong franchise and I promise to do my best to lead the team to glory. We will try to do our very best every day,” said Akshay Bhangre, Captain, Gujarat Giants.  

“The Gujarat Giants have assembled a well-balanced squad. The Adani Sportsline management has given us a free hand to build a squad as per the needs. Akshay Bhangre and Patta Narsayya are good leaders and I am confident they will ensure we put our best foot forward,” said Sanjeev Sharma, Head Coach, Gujarat Giants.  

Adani Sportsline’s CBO Sanjay Adesara said, “Kho Kho is a big part of Indian history and we want to see it get elevated to being one of the most followed in the country. We have invested in Kho Kho with the Gujarat Giants, and believe this is one way of ensuring the sport’s profile is elevated. At Adani Sportsline, we are keen to ensure that indigenous sports have effective support to prosper.”