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World Cup of Darts: Gerwyn Price ruled out for Wales and replaced by Jim Williams | Darts News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

Gerwyn Price has been ruled out of featuring for defending champions Wales at the 2024 BetVictor World Cup of Darts due to health issues.

Price partnered Jonny Clayton to victory over Scotland in last year’s final, their second World Cup title after also beating England to victory in 2020, and had been due to compete again in the doubles event.

The world No 4 has since been ruled out of this week’s tournament in Frankfurt, live on Sky Sports, with Jim Williams replacing him to represent Wales with Clayton.

“I’m massively disappointed that I’m having to miss the World Cup and I always love representing Wales,” Price said.

“I wish Jonny and Jim Williams the best of luck this weekend and hopefully they can bring back the title again!”

Williams gets the late call-up as the next highest-ranked Welsh player from the PDC Order of Merit and will make his World Cup debut.

Under PDC Rules, with the World Cup of Darts draw having been made for the group stage, Wales retain their status as the second seeds and will enter the event in Saturday’s second round at the Eissporthalle.

The top four ranked nations receive a bye through the first round, based on the lowest cumulative PDC Order of Merit ranking of the two competing players, while the remaining 36 teams will be split into 12 groups of three and only the winners progress to the last 16.

The second round is split across two sessions on Saturday before the quarter-finals take place on Sunday afternoon, with the tournament culminating in the semi-finals and final on Sunday evening. The eventual champions to earn a combined £80,000 in prize money.

Top seeds and four-time champions England will be represented by world champion Luke Humphries – making his World Cup debut – and Michael Smith, but Luke Littler will not feature because the two highest-ranked English players in the PDC Order of Merit are picked.

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England vs Slovenia player ratings: Phil Foden improved but Gareth Southgate’s side still searching for spark | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

England have topped Group C after a goalless draw against Slovenia – ranked 57th in the world – who also sealed progression as the pool’s third-placed side.

Here, Sky Sports rates the England players’ performances in Cologne…

Jordan Pickford – 6

Only had one save to make. Can be assured of being busier as the tournament progresses, but swept up well enough.

Kyle Walker – 6

Plays the role of covering defender, utilising his electric pace, really well – which was needed in the opening exchanges. Got more to give going forwards, and will undoubtedly be tested with greater frequency in the knockout phase.

John Stones – 6

The positive: England have only conceded 1.13 xGA all tournament. The pragmatic: still waiting for the ‘step out of defence Stones’ we see playing regularly for Manchester City in the Premier League to show up. Perhaps he’s under instruction to be cautious but there’s more to offer, surely? A calming voice, nonetheless.

Marc Guehi – 7

Solid. Questions were asked of his positional intelligence a few times in the first half and he passed with flying colours – front-footed too. Any signs of a flap on his major tournament debut? Not yet, albeit he did pick up a yellow card following a rare mix-up with Stones.

Kieran Tripper – 6

Got booked for an early foul and was caught upfield on a few occasions. Much brighter on the ball, teasing a particularly good cross from the left towards Kane first half, and linked productively with Foden in fleeting moments.

Declan Rice – 6

Fluency in midfield remains a problem, and dare we say it, Rice is missing his mate. No one is suggesting Kalvin Phillips was in any condition to feature at this tournament but familiarity, or lack of, is a major problem for England. No connections, no creativity. As Gary Neville summarised during ITV’s half-time analysis, England look “basic”, and ideas are lacking most in the middle third of the pitch. Did improve as the game went on.

Conor Gallagher – 5

Sloppy. Lost the ball more times than he retained it, but was, at least, aggressive and combative out of possession. Hooked at half-time does not exactly scream positivity, though.

Jude Bellingham – 6

Untidy in possession, and failed, for the most part, to recover his composure. Anonymous after half time. We’d like Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham to arrive in Germany, please.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Typically energetic. Wanted the ball, and was positive with it. Perhaps lacking in end product but remains one of England’s brighter sparks.

Harry Kane – 6

Kane’s first touch inside the box came in the 28th minute but he lost the ball. Six more followed, none managed to make an impact. Plenty of huff and puff but questions will remain over the captain’s fitness following another indifferent display. England have generated the fourth-worst combined xG (2.26) of any team at the tournament.

Phil Foden – 7

Willing to run behind, with Kane dropping ever deeper to link play. Bit of quick movement and ingenuity nearly produced the opening goal, which Saka rounded off before the offside flag was raised. By far England’s most dynamic attacking threat.

Substitutes

Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher) – 7

Confident. Tried to change the pace of England’s passing to good effect. Ready to run, happy to receive the ball in tight areas, and looked to play forwards. Improved midfield balance too – got to be in with a shout of starting in the last-16 game this weekend.

Cole Palmer (for Saka) – 7

Positive. Direct. Gave England’s flank a different dimension. Shot in stoppage time lacked conviction but at least he was well-placed to take it on. He’s unpredictable in the very best way.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Trippier) – n/a

Confirmed: the midfield experiment is over. Alexander-Arnold spent the final six minutes of this game at full-back.

Anthony Gordon (for Foden) – n/a

Despite coming on at 89 minutes, Gordon created more chances (one) than Saka, Gallagher and Bellingham combined (zero).

France 1 – 1 Poland

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

France had to settle for second-place in Group D after already-eliminated Poland held Les Bleus to a 1-1 draw, despite Kylian Mbappe returning from injury with a goal.

Back in the starting line-up after recovering from a broken nose, the masked Mbappe thought he had given his side a winning end to the group stages as he converted a second half penalty after Jakub Kiwior clumsily fouled Ousmane Dembele.

But VAR drama would strike as Poland were awarded a contentious penalty after Dayot Upamecano was ruled to have fouled substitute Karol Swiderski in the box. Contact was minimal but Italian official Marco Guida gave the penalty after being asked to visit the monitor.

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski saw his initial penalty saved by Mike Maignan but VAR spotted the France goalkeeper off his line, so the effort was retaken. Lewandowski passed the second test, albeit via the woodwork.

It was a frustrating afternoon for France, with Mbappe denied four times by Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski. Dembele also saw a one-on-one saved by the stand-in stopper.

France end the group stages with just one win, one goal scored by their 26-player squad, and their second-placed finish means they will face the runners-up in Group E – one of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia or Ukraine.

A tale of three penalties

Stats: Story of the match

Group D final results…

T20 World Cup: Could rain ruin England’s hopes of defending title with poor weather forecast for India semi-final? | Cricket News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

England have safely negotiated a rocky route and a fair bit of rain to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup – but could the weather again be set to scupper Jos Buttler’s side?

After opening their tournament with a rain-off against Scotland in Barbados which, followed up by defeat to Australia, had England on the brink of elimination before the holders turned things around to sneak into the Super 8s and then secure a final four spot.

But the forecast is again poor for their Thursday semi-final date against India in Guyana – live on Sky Sports Cricket from 3pm (first ball, 3.30pm) – and so what would that mean for England’s hopes of defending their title? We attempt to break it all down for you…

What is the forecast like for England’s semi-final?

According to the Met Office, as of Tuesday, the weather forecast for Thursday in Guyana is currently showing as “thunder showers changing to heavy showers by late morning”, with a 60 per cent chance of rain predicted.

Guyana hosted five matches in the initial group stage of the tournament, none of which were rained off, albeit the last of them came over a fortnight ago on June 8.

As for the first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan in Trinidad on Wednesday evening – live on Sky Sports Cricket from 1am Thursday morning (first ball, 1.30am) – the Met Office suggests there will be “light showers changing to clear by early evening”, around the time the match is scheduled for.

What are the rules if it were to rain?

There is no reserve day available for the second semi-final between England and India – although an extra 250 minutes is available to look to complete the match on the scheduled day.

It means that if the game cannot be completed due to poor weather, India will advance by virtue of topping their Super 8s pool.

The first semi-final between South Africa – who topped Group 2 – and Afghanistan, on Wednesday evening in Trinidad, does have a reserve day factored in for Thursday.

Section 13.6.2.1 of the ICC’s playing conditions for the tournament states: “The Final on 29 June will have a reserve day on 30 June. The semi-finals will each have additional time added in order to complete the match which will total 250 minutes.

“For the first semi-final on 26 June, 60 minutes will be available at the end of the day’s play with the remaining 190 minutes scheduled for 2pm on 27 June. Whilst the additional 250 minutes for the second semi-final scheduled on 27 June will be utilised if needed through extended playing hours on the scheduled day.”

Why are England playing in the second semi-final?

It was pre-determined that if India reached the final four of the tournament, they would play in the second semi-final as it is at a more friendly time for their country’s TV audience (8pm India).

None of India’s matches in the competition have come at the scheduled time of the first semi-final (6am India).

With India finishing as Group 1 winners in the Super 8s and England as runners-up in Group 2, it therefore ensured they’d drop into the second semi.

What do the experts say? – ‘I don’t think it’s ideal at all’

Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton: “England and India’s semi-final doesn’t have a rain day. If there’s rain in that game, whoever finished first in their group goes through.

“The vagaries of the organisation have put pressure on the organising of the tournament, and it’s meant that the two semi-finals are played to slightly different rules and regs.

“Secondly, India knew all along that they were going to be in Guyana for the semi-final and, therefore could plan for it. Their logistics were already in tow for Indian supporters a chance to get to Georgetown… England fans won’t have that chance because it’s so late.

“One team knew that they were going to that semi-final and I don’t think it’s ideal at all.”

Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain: “You can’t have two semi-finals with two different playing conditions, where one has a rain day and the other one doesn’t.

“The first one is made up over two days effectively or a day and a half. The second one, the England-India game, is made up over that whole day – it’s 250 minutes that they can make up.

“We could rock up at 8am in the morning for a 10.30am start (local) and still be there at 10pm at night trying to finish off that game!

“The second semi-final is a 10.30am start because the players, the teams, the officials have to then fly to Barbados for the Saturday final.

“And it’s given to India because of the TV audience in India, the biggest audience for the ICC [International Cricket Council]. Not just India, but Bangladesh, Pakistan and that part of the world.

“My thoughts are that the first part of the tournament seemed to meander along a little bit, with the long gaps… you could have got those games a bit closer together, rather than at the real business end have just one day between a crucial second semi-final and a final.”

Has something similar ever happened before?

England’s Women were dumped out of the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup after a washout in their semi-final against India due to heavy rain in Sydney.

Again there was no reserve day scheduled, allowing for India to qualify for the final by virtue of finishing top of their group, compared to England who were runners-up in theirs after suffering an opening loss to South Africa.

Hosts and eventual winners Australia – runners-up to India – appeared to be facing the same fate, with both semi-finals being played at the same venue on the same day on this occasion, until the clouds cleared sufficiently to see them beat South Africa to a place in the final.

How did England reach the semi-finals?

After England’s hopes of progressing through to the Super 8s were hanging by the proverbial thread due to the Scotland rain-off and Australia loss, they then dismantled Oman – skittling the associate nation for 47 before completing the run chase in just 19 balls to, crucially, take their net run rate above Scotland’s.

They then managed to beat the rain and Namibia in Antigua, comfortably winning a 10-over-a-side encounter by 41 runs on DLS after initially fearing a tournament-ending washout.

Even with those back-to-back wins, Buttler’s side were reliant on Australia beating Scotland in their final match and they would have been jittery when the Scots posted 180-5 batting first and even more so when Australia needed 89 runs still from the final seven overs of their chase, before the 2021 champions ultimately romped home two balls to spare.

Having squeezed into the Super 8s, England truly arrived by dismantling hosts West Indies by eight wickets in their best performance of the tournament, chasing down a challenging target of 181 with 15 deliveries to spare thanks to an unbeaten 87 from 47 balls from Phil Salt.

A seven-run defeat to South Africa followed, despite a late revival from Harry Brook (53 off 37) and Liam Livingstone (33 off 17) threatened to see them over the line.

A thumping win over the USA was therefore required to ensure a semi-final spot and England duly delivered one as Chris Jordan bagged the England men’s team a first T20 international hat-trick before Buttler (83no off 38) hammered his team into the last four as they chased down 116 inside 10 overs and with all 10 wickets in hand.

When are the semi-finals and final?

Thursday June 27

Semi-final #1 – South Africa vs Afghanistan, Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago (1.30am)
Semi-final #2 – India vs England, Providence, Guyana (3.30pm)

Saturday June 29

Final – Bridgetown, Barbados (3.30pm)

Catch every match from the T20 World Cup, including the final in Barbados on Saturday June 29, live on Sky Sports.

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Manuel Ugarte: Manchester United interested in signing Paris Saint-German midfielder this summer | Football News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Manchester United are interested in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with the Uruguay international one of a number of players they are looking at.

Man Utd want to sign a new central midfielder this summer.

Ugarte, who is part of Uruguay’s Copa America squad, made 34 appearances in all competitions for PSG last season.

The 23-year-old joined the French champions from Sporting Lisbon for a reported £51.1m last summer, with his contract at the Parc des Princes running until June 2028.

Man Utd’s other main priorities this summer are a new striker and central defender.

Man Utd continue Zirkzee talks

United remain in talks with the representatives of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the club prepared to pay his €40m (£33.8m) release clause.

Discussions are ongoing over a move for the Netherlands striker, who is currently at Euro 2024 in Germany.

It will then be up to the 23-year-old and his representatives to decide if they want to speak to United over a potential move.

United have other targets if a move for Zirkzee doesn’t materialise.

Arsenal are also said to be interested in the ex-Bayern Munich forward, while AC Milan were close to agreeing a deal earlier this summer, which means United could face competition for Zirkzee.

Man Utd remain interested in Branthwaite

United are also still interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite but have yet to follow up their initial offer, which was rejected.

The England defender remains a primary target – but as yet, there is no indication from Everton that their £70m asking price will be reduced.

United will not go back in for Branthwaite unless they receive assurances that Everton are willing to budge on the transfer fee.

Everton rejected United’s initial offer thought to be worth £35m plus add-ons, and United are reluctant to be drawn into a long-running saga.

Man Utd interested in Lille duo

Erik ten Hag’s side have also made initial contact with Lille over the signing of central defender Leny Yoro.

The 18-year-old is among a number of young centre-backs United are looking at.

Centre-back is thought to be a priority position, with Raphael Varane leaving as a free agent at the end of the month. Victor Lindelof is also attracting interest from Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Man Utd are also among the Premier League clubs interested in Yoro’s Lille team-mate Jonathan David, who is in the final year of his contract.

Chelsea and West Ham are also understood to be interested in the Canadian forward but as yet there has been no club-to-club contact.

Earlier this month, Lille President Olivier Letang said both Yoro and David would be allowed to leave in this transfer window.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Lewis Hamilton ‘sabotage’ email: Mercedes told by police that no criminal offences were committed | F1 News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Mercedes have been told no criminal offences were committed after the British-based Formula One team called on police to investigate an anonymous email which claimed Lewis Hamilton’s car was being “sabotaged”.

Speaking at the recent Spanish Grand Prix, team principal Toto Wolff vowed to go “full force” in response to the correspondence – said to be sent by a disgruntled Mercedes staff member – titled “a potential death warrant for Lewis”.

The email, addressed to Wolff, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem, as well as other major players in the paddock, arrived on June 10, a day after the Canadian Grand Prix – a race where Hamilton was overtaken by team-mate George Russell on the penultimate lap.

Mercedes reported the note to authorities 48 hours later.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman told the PA news agency: “Northamptonshire Police received a report on June 12 regarding an email that had been circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 Team.

“No criminal offences were found to have been committed however advice was given regarding any further emails the team may receive.”

Sky Sports understands that police have asked Mercedes to report any future similar activity to them, while the Silver Arrows have reportedly hired their own investigators to look into this – which will run in parallel to any future police investigation.

The email accused Wolff of being “vindictive” and said the Austrian, 52, “is doing everything possible to get back at him (Hamilton)” for electing to quit Mercedes for Ferrari.

Speaking last Friday, Wolff, who is adamant the email did not originate from within his own organisation, called on “lunatic conspiracy theorists” to “see a shrink” if they think the team is working against Hamilton.

And following Sunday’s race in Spain, which saw Hamilton finally end his losing streak to Russell – out-qualifying his fellow Briton and then taking his first podium of the season – Wolff re-iterated his stance.

He said: “These conspiracy theorists, I have zero respect for, because they have no brain. We want a car that wins races and championships and who doesn’t get that should be watching another sport.

“It’s good to see that Lewis has had a great weekend, because it has been a while that he has been on the receiving end and strategy has worked against him. But today it went in his favour so I am happy we have that podium for him because it has been a while.”

F1’s triple-header continues at the Austrian Grand Prix this coming week – with the Sprint format returning at the Red Bull Ring. Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday’s big race at 2pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Newbury, Newton Abbot and Brighton feature on Tuesday | Racing News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

The live action on Sky Sports Racing continues with both codes with thrilling jumps action from Newton Abbot and flat meetings at Newbury and Brighton on Tuesday.

6.05 Newbury – Entrancement, Eben Zaabeel and Marhaba Million clash

In-form trio Entrancement, Eben Zaabeel and Marhaba Million clash in the Pump Technology Handicap (6.05).

David Menuisier’s Entrancement tackled this distance for the first time last time out at Goodwood. He stayed on strongly for second and should be able to go one better for Oisin Murphy.

Eben Zaabeel is making his handicap debut following a fourth on his last start at Salisbury. He will need to improve to get that elusive first win.

The lightly raced Marhaba Million also makes his handicap debut. This son of Galileo went close last time out but could need more cut in the ground.

5.30 Newbury – Flaming Stone and We Sea You headline

Flaming Stone and We Sea You headline the IRE Incentive, Pays To Buy Irish EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (5.30).

Andrew Balding’s Flaming Stone cost a significant 425,000gns and could well build on her debut fourth at Newmarket under Oisin Murphy. This looks an easier contest.

We Sea You cost connections €150,000 and aims to justify that price tag by winning on debut. She can’t be overlooked first time out for the in-form Ralph Beckett.

Ollie Sangster landed this race last year with Shuwari and must be respected. William Buick takes the mount on Flight.

4.30 Newton Abbot – Mr Tambourine Man seeks hat-trick

Mr Tambourine Man bids for a hat-trick in the Tilly And Seth Wedding Party Handicap Hurdle (4.30).

David Pipe saddles the in-form Mr Tambourine Man. Last time out he won by a whopping seven lengths under the same jockey Jack Tudor, he should go well again.

Townhill justified favouritism in his victory at Plumpton, this comfortable win results in a hike in ratings. Ben Sutton will take off a useful 7lb.

Sea The Clouds will be trying to go one better, following a second after a lengthy break. If he continues in the same vain he could be a danger.

Tuesday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds

Watch every race from Newbury, Newton Abbot and Brighton – live on Sky Sports Racing on Tuesday June 25.

F1 Sprint format: How new 2024 schedule will work at events in China, Miami, Austria, Austin, Brazil and Qatar | F1 News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Formula 1’s new Sprint weekend format for 2024 explained ahead of its return at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

What’s changed for 2024?

There has been a very significant tweak to the running order of Sprint weekends.

As was the case last year, the weekend will begin with a single free practice session on Friday, but from there on it’s all change.

Rather than Qualifying for Sunday’s race, Sprint Qualifying (formerly known as the Sprint Shootout) will follow later on Friday.

Saturday will then begin with the 100km Sprint contest, with full Qualifying to follow later in the day, setting the grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday.

The change of order allows for a crucial switch of parc ferme restrictions, which last year prevented teams from making significant setup changes from the moment full Qualifying began on a Friday through until the end of the weekend.

The new running order will still see cars go into parc ferme when the first competitive session – Friday’s Sprint Qualifying – begins, but they will then be released from the restrictions after Saturday’s Sprint.

Teams will have the chance to use the knowledge they’ve gained to alter setups ahead of full Qualifying, at the start of which they will once more be locked in for Sunday’s race.

Why has there been a change?

There had been a growing feeling in the paddock during last season’s Sprints that giving teams just 60 minutes to prepare for the entire weekend was too much to ask.

While the system provided the potential for more surprises and an initial shifting of the pecking order, there were also downsides.

Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the 2023 United States Grand Prix after their cars failed a physical floor and plank wear inspection after the race, with the former’s Mercedes boss Toto Wolff afterwards citing the challenges of the format.

The situation highlighted the challenge faced by teams, particularly on a bumpy surface like the one at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.

A repeat of a situation like that should be avoided, while there is another significant potential benefit.

As world champion Max Verstappen – the most vocal critic among drivers of the Sprint format – has repeatedly said, the 100km has largely acted as a preview of the Grand Prix, if conditions remain similar, with no major changes allowed.

Under the new rules, there could be significant changes to performance from Saturday to Sunday, which could completely alter the pecking order for Sunday’s race.

How does Sprint Qualifying work?

There is no change to the format of Sprint Qualifying, with the most notable alteration being the dropping of its former title, the Sprint Shootout.

The session will follow the same format as last season, with each of its three parts shorter than full qualifying to address engine and tyre concerns the teams had before last year’s changes.

SQ1 is 12 minutes.

SQ2 is 10 minutes.

SQ3 is eight minutes.

The aim is that each car would only have one flying lap in each session, although two runs could be done in SQ1 while SQ2 and SQ3 would allow time for two timed laps without a pitstop in between attempts.

The other significant difference between Sprint Qualifying and full Qualifying are restrictions on tyre usage in the former.

While drivers are free to use any of their available tyres in regular qualifying, in the Sprint Shootout they are only allowed to run one set of tyres in each part.

A new set of medium tyres are mandatory in SQ1 and SQ2, while a set of tyres is mandatory in SQ3, but they don’t have to be new.

The 2023 rules had initially made a new set mandatory in each of the three parts of Sprint Qualifying, but the regulations were changed mid-season after some teams created an undesirable situation by intentionally leaving themselves unable to compete in SQ3 as they used up their new sets of soft tyres in earlier sessions.

What is the point systems for the Sprint?

Points for the Sprint in 2024 remain unchanged.

A total of 36 points are on offer for the top eight finishers in Saturday’s race. This is allocated as follows:

1st place – 8 points
2nd place – 7 points
3rd place – 6 points
4th place – 5 points
5th place – 4 points
6th place – 3 points
7th place – 2 points
8th place – 1 point

Unlike in the Sunday Grand Prix, there is no point for fastest lap in the Sprint.

And the points certainly can be crucial: Max Verstappen last season became the first driver to clinch a world title in a Sprint on the Saturday in Qatar.

Are there pit stops in the Sprint?

Pit stops are few and far between given how short a Sprint is.

Unlike the Grand Prix, there is no mandatory change of tyres required and, unless cars suffer damage or puncture or it rains, don’t expect them to leave the action on track for the pit lane between lights out and the chequered flag.

Drivers are free to run on whatever tyre compound – hard, medium or soft – that they wish.

Where will Sprint weekends take place in 2024?

As was the case in 2023, there will be six Sprint weekends this season.

The first was hosted by China, as rain during Sprint Qualifying at the Shanghai International Circuit created incredible entertainment.

The first two Sprints of the year were back-to-back, as Miami held Sprint weekend for the first time in May.

April 20	Chinese GP
May 2	Miami GP
June 29	Austrian GP
October 19	US GP
November 2	Sao Paulo GP
November 30	Qatar GP

In June, Austria will host a Sprint for a third successive season, before Austin’s Circuit of the Americas retains Sprint hosting duties at the United States Grand Prix in October.

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix maintains its status as the only track to have hosted a Sprint in every season since the format was introduced in 2021.

Qatar holds the final Sprint weekend on the penultimate weekend of the season.

Who’s won the previous Sprints?

Max Verstappen won seven of the 12 F1 Sprint races to have taken place between 2021 and 2023.

The Dutchman won four of last season’s six events, but actually sealed the world title when coming second to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Qatar.

The other driver to win one was Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who triumphed in Azerbaijan when he appeared to be threatening a title challenge in the early stages of the season.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has never won a Sprint, but Mercedes have three victories – two from Valtteri Bottas and one from the Finn’s replacement George Russell.

Sky Sports F1’s live Austrian GP schedule

Thursday June 27
12.30pm: Drivers’ Press Conference

Friday June 28
7.50am: F3 Practice
9am: F2 Practice
11am: Austrian GP Practice One (session starts at 11.30am)
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3pm: Austrian GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 3.30pm)*

Saturday June 29
8.25am: F3 Sprint
10am: Austrian GP Sprint (race starts at 11am)*
12.25pm: F2 Sprint
2pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: Austrian GP Qualifying
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday June 30
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up*
2pm: The AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction*
5pm: Ted’s Notebook

*also live on Sky Sports Main Event

T20 World Cup: India set up England semi-final as Rohit Sharma fires; Australia in danger of elimination | Cricket News

On: June 24, 2024 By: admin

Rohit Sharma struck a stunning 92 from 41 balls as India beat Australia by 24 runs to clinch a T20 World Cup semi-final against England and leave their opponents in danger of elimination.

Rohit – who hit eight sixes, including his 200th in T20 internationals – raced to fifty off just 19 balls and looked on course for a sixth ton before being bowled by Mitchell Starc, the player he had crunched for four sixes and one four in a 29-run third over in St Lucia.

The skipper’s innings underpinned India’s total of 205-5, a score the 2007 champions would perhaps have hoped to better after being 127-2 in the 11th over with Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 16) at the crease, but they went on to score only 43 runs from the final five.

Travis Head (76 off 43) fired for Australia in the reply, helping his side to 125-2 after 12 overs, but they slumped once Glenn Maxwell (20 off 12) was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav (2-24) at the start of the 14th, with the 2021 champions only mustering 181-7 as India clinched top spot in Group 1 and a Thursday date with England in Guyana (3.30pm).

Australia remain second in the pool but will be dumped out if Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in the final Super 8s fixture in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday (1.30am) while they could also miss out on net run-rate to Bangladesh if the Tigers record a handsome victory and join Australia and Afghanistan on two points.

South Africa await whichever of the three teams progress in the first semi-final in Trinidad (1.30am Thursday), with the Proteas finishing top of Group 2, ahead of England.

Reigning champions England decimated a timid India by eight wickets in the 2022 semi-finals in Adelaide but they will come up against a more aggressive side now – and one unbeaten in this tournament – with captain Rohit leading that shift in mindset.

Rohit racks up runs in India win

After seeing opening partner Virat Kohli (0) caught on the pull off Josh Hazlewood (2-14) in the second over – Kohli is now averaging 11 across six knocks in the tournament with two ducks and a top-score of 37 – Rohit exploded in the third, hitting Starc for sixes over cover, point, midwicket and deep third as well as a four over mid-on.

He then mowed Pat Cummins over midwicket for a 100m six moments before a rain delay and clinched his half-century – the fastest in this World Cup, ahead of the 22-ball efforts from USA’s Aaron Jones and South Africa’s Quinton de Kock – upon the restart.

Rohit tucked into Marcus Stoinis (2-56) as well, with three boundaries in a row in the eighth over including sixes over deep backward square and cover, but his knock was ended when he deflected a Starc yorker onto his stumps in the 12th.

Shivam Dube (28 off 2) hit Starc’s next ball to the fence but India could only manage eight further sixes or fours from that point – Hardik Pandya (27no off 17) nailing two maximums on the trot off Stoinis in the 19th over – with Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins (0-48) and Adam Zampa (0-41) largely restricting their opponents.

Australia lost David Warner – in what is potentially his last game for his country – in the first over of the chase as the veteran opener snicked Arshdeep Singh to Suryakumar at slip for six, only for skipper Mitchell Marsh (37 off 28) and Head to crunch a second-wicket partnership of 81 from 48 balls.

That stand was snapped in stunning style in the ninth over as Axar caught Marsh one-handed on the rope at deep square leg but Australia continued to charge for a while as Head clinched a 24-ball half-century with a four off Hardik and powered three boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja in the 11th.

However, Maxwell was then bowled dancing down the pitch at Kuldeep before Stoinis reverse-swept Axar to point and the innings hit the skids, with the only bright spot for Australia that they kept their net run-rate above Afghanistan’s and held on to second spot – for now.

What’s next?

Afghanistan play Bangladesh in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday (1.30am UK and Ireland), before the semi-finals take place on Thursday. The first game is in Trinidad from 1.30am, with the second in Guyana from 3.30pm.

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Northumberland Plate: Sir Mark Prescott has next race doubts for Pledgeofallegiance | Racing News

On: June 24, 2024 By: admin

Sir Mark Prescott’s Northumberland Plate contender Pledgeofallegiance is now 7-1 for the race but doubts over his running have arisen following his Ascot Stakes win

Pledgeofallegiance ended Prescott’s 28-year drought at the Royal meeting when striking in the Ascot Stakes and, having also scored at Goodwood in the early stages of the campaign, would be seeking a hat-trick if making a quick return to action at Gosforth Park.

However, Prescott has warned the general 8-1 favourite is “unlikely” to participate at this stage as he recovers from his Ascot exertions, although he is not definitely ruled out.

Prescott said: “Pledgeofallegiance, the horse who won at Ascot is favourite but he is unlikely to run. I don’t feel I want to run him back as quick as that. He is unlikely, but that is not the same as he will not run.

“I think he had a hard enough race (at Ascot). If I am pleased with him this week, then I reserve the right to change my mind.”

Prescott could also be represented by Trooper Bisdee and True Legend, with the former carrying a similar profile to his Ascot-winning stablemate Pledgeofallegiance.

Trooper Bisdee returned from 263 days off the track to score at Nottingham last month before adding a convincing four-length success at Pontefract on Sunday.

Prescott added: “Trooper Bisdee will have a 5lb penalty. He would only run in the race if that got him in to the proper race.

“I would probably not run him in the consolation – probably. If the penalty got him in then there would be a serious possibility of him running (in the Plate), but then he would also have to be fine.

“Then also in the race is True Legend who remains a possibility. He is trundling along towards the race and if he got in the proper race, then he would be a very likely runner.”

There was a total of 50 confirmed for the £150,000 event on Monday with Chester Cup winner Zoffee among them.

Cathy O’Leary, Tony Martin’s sister, has Chester Plate winner Alphonse Le Grande, Firstman, Belgoprince and En Or engaged while Prydwen, who ran in the Gold Cup, is another possible for George Scott.

He told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s not the conventional route, we knew we might be up against it in the Gold Cup but he went there on the back of three career-bests.

“The owners have had horses a long time and I felt he deserved the opportunity to run in the race as it is so prestigious.

“Once he was outclassed and the ground was a bit quick, Callum (Shepherd) looked after him and we knew this race was around the corner. I’ve confirmed him this morning and it will be a day-by-day thing and we’ll decide closer to the time.

“These horses are there to run, he’s not a stallion prospect, he’s a gelding, but we would only be going if he was pleasing us at home.”

Live World Cup of Darts

Jordan Pickford – 6

Kyle Walker – 6

John Stones – 6

Marc Guehi – 7

Kieran Tripper – 6

Declan Rice – 6

Conor Gallagher – 5

Jude Bellingham – 6

Bukayo Saka – 7

Harry Kane – 6

Phil Foden – 7

Substitutes

Kobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher) – 7

Cole Palmer (for Saka) – 7

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Trippier) – n/a

Anthony Gordon (for Foden) – n/a

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