Guardiola claims Premier League won’t delay season for Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said City’s plea for a longer recovery period had so far fallen on deaf ears and he does not expect that to change. (Reuters)

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Updated 59 sec ago

AFP

October 05, 2024 12:01

Guardiola claims Premier League won’t delay season for Man City

Guardiola said City had asked the Premier League to postpone their first matches of the 2025-26 campaign to allow extra time to rest after the Club World Cup in the US

Updated 59 sec ago

AFP

October 05, 2024 12:01

LONDON: Pep Guardiola claims the Premier League have refused to accept Manchester City’s request to start next season late due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola said City had asked the Premier League to postpone their first matches of the 2025-26 campaign to allow extra time to rest after the Club World Cup in the United States.
Having already lost influential Spain midfielder Rodri for the rest of this season following his knee injury against Arsenal, Guardiola fears his players will be burnt out and at risk of injury because of the increased workload.
The Premier League champions’ season could run until July 13 if they reach the final of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
That could leave them just a four-week gap to squeeze in player holidays and preparations in time for the anticipated start of the next Premier League season on August 9 or 16.
There could be an even shorter break if City are involved in the Community Shield, as they have been for six of the last seven season.
But Guardiola said City’s plea for a longer recovery period had so far fallen on deaf ears and he does not expect that to change.
City already have a strained relationship with the Premier League as they fight 115 charges of alleged financial breaches, including a failure to co-operate with an investigation.
“The Premier League has not allowed us to postpone — and Chelsea, I think, all the teams that will go to the World Cup — the first two games to have more recovery. Thank you so much! They don’t postpone these games,” Guardiola said.
“I think the club asked the Premier League, for the first or second game, to postpone it one or two, three weeks, in the middle of the week, to have one more week or two more weeks’ holiday after the World Cup.”
Asked to clarify if a request had not been allowed, Guardiola said: “Absolutely not. The Premier League say yes to us? No. Absolutely not. It’s not going to happen.”
The Premier League has not commented but it is believed initial discussions were held over the possibility of postponing fixtures.
Whilst there was no outright refusal, City have not been given the impression any such application would succeed.

Team Abu Dhabi duo ready for powerboating battle after Wyatt claims pole in China

Updated 05 October 2024

Arab News

October 05, 2024 12:51

Team Abu Dhabi duo ready for powerboating battle after Wyatt claims pole in China

Veteran Emirati Thani Al-Qemzi calls on his vast experience as typhoon looms at Grand Prix of Shanghai

Updated 05 October 2024

Arab News

October 05, 2024 12:51

SHANGHAI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al-Qemzi and Alberto Comparato are ready for a tough examination in tomorrow’s Grand Prix of Shanghai, China after Sharjah Team’s Rusty Wyatt secured pole position for Round 4 of the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship.

Rough waters stirred by powerful winds have plagued the championship’s return to Shanghai following a 20-year absence, and Wyatt adapted best to dominate today’s single qualifying session as he looked to extend his lead in the title race.

The Canadian rookie won by an impressive 1.25 seconds from Sweden’s defending world champion Jonas Andersson, who was followed by Victory Team’s Erik Stark as the top three in the championship standings made their mark.

Veteran Emirati driver Al-Qemzi, making his 156th race start, will be looking to call on his vast experience to climb through the field after qualifying eighth, 13 years after securing one of his 10 Grand Prix victories in China.

He was forced to return to the pontoon with technical issues after completing just two qualifying laps, but returned to the circuit later, although he was unable to improve his position.

Abu Dhabi teammate Comparato also has a lot of work to do when he starts in ninth position on the new and demanding 2,153m circuit on the Huangpu River, with typhoon conditions forecast for this weekend.

With that in mind, a last-minute decision was taken to start qualifying 30 minutes early today and reduce it from the normal three phases to a single 40-minute session.

But as conditions deteriorated following the completion of qualifying, the two scheduled sprint races, both carrying championship points, were canceled, and tomorrow’s Grand Prix was switched from the afternoon to a 9 a.m. local time start.

The race could become a test of nerve if there is no reprieve from the stormy weather that greeted the teams on their arrival in Shanghai and forced the cancelation of Friday’s first free practice session because of safety concerns.

As conditions eased later, Wyatt set the fastest time ahead of Stark in the second free practice session, with Al-Qemzi recording the third-best lap ahead of Frenchman Peter Morin and Andersson, and Comparato in ninth spot.

Few are better equipped to handle the conditions, and their effect on the race schedule, than Al-Qemzi, who has seen it all in an F1H2O career that began back in 2000, and he will be determined to get the maximum out of himself, and Team Abu Dhabi 5, tomorrow.

Topics: Powerboating UIM Formula 1 World Powerboat Championship (F1H2O)

Jokic in ‘category of his own,’ despite Nuggets defeat to Celtics in Abu Dhabi

Updated 05 October 2024

Reem Abulleil

October 05, 2024 11:15

Jokic in ‘category of his own,’ despite Nuggets defeat to Celtics in Abu Dhabi

Russell Westbrook praised the Serbian star after Boston beat Denver 107-103 in first of pre-season games at Etihad Arena

Updated 05 October 2024

Reem Abulleil

October 05, 2024 11:15

ABU DHABI: Russell Westbrook believes his new teammate Nikola Jokic “belongs in a category of his own,” the 16-year NBA veteran said in Abu Dhabi on Friday after making his first appearance for the Denver Nuggets.

Playing the first of two preseason games against the Boston Celtics in the UAE capital, the Nuggets squandered a 14-point lead en route to a 107-103 defeat to the reigning NBA champions.

Westbrook, a former MVP and nine-time All-Star, joined the Nuggets in July after spending last season with the LA Clippers, and the 35-year-old made his debut for his new team on Friday, sharing some minutes with Jokic in the first half.

“As we all know, he sits in a category of his own. He’s so unique in the sense of he’s so unselfish,” said Westbrook of the three-time MVP.

“He loves to be able to make the game easy for his teammates and he’s done that and won a championship and multiple MVPs and he’s still the same person since I’ve been around.

“Getting a chance to know a little about him and his background, I really enjoyed that and I’m grateful to be on his team and learn from him as well.”

Jokic is coming off a hectic summer during which he helped guide Serbia to a bronze medal at the Olympic Games.

In a clash that pit the last two NBA champions in front of a capacity crowd at Etihad Arena, Jokic had 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a 71.4 field goal percentage in under 17 minutes of play.

“Last time, I remember, when I played for the national team, we won the championship, so maybe that’s saying something, maybe not, who knows. Most players say that summer tournaments, like the Olympics, kind of helps you stay in shape or to get better maybe,” said Jokic.

“I don’t know if that’s the case or not, but I definitely had a really good time and I think I improved playing for the national team.”

The Celtics started with Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Luke Kornet, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, but it was their second unit that cut their deficit against the Nuggets, with guard Payton Pritchard scoring 21 points, including six 3-pointers from 12 attempts.

Boston players combined for 61 3-point attempts, which would have been a franchise record had it been an official game.

“I feel like we took a lot of 3s last year. I don’t know if we’ll take 61 most nights, but obviously we don’t have two of our interior players and it’s the first game, getting our legs under us, so sometimes repeatedly is tiring. I think we’ll get to the rim more during the season,” said Pritchard, referring to coach Joe Mazzulla emphasizing shooting from beyond the arc throughout their run to the championship.

NBA Finals MVP Brown, who addressed the Abu Dhabi crowd with some Arabic words ahead of the game, had eight points, two rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes of play, while Tatum had 12, six and five.

“We’re definitely getting back into season form, just finding that continuity again, we had some good spots, defensively made some good plays, offensively we got some good looks,” said Brown, who spent a large portion of his summer in the Arabian Peninsula.

“A lot of excitement here in Abu Dhabi as well, so I think the next game we should be better.”

The night in the UAE capital was a star-studded affair with a host of football legends in attendance, including Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Roberto Carlos and Alessandro Del Piero.

Jokic said he was happy to see them all in one place, adding: “Thierry Henry was my favorite player, when he was in Arsenal, I really loved him. He was really fast and I’m going to say a game-changer. He was a really good player.”

Boston and Denver will square off again in a second preseason game on Sunday, Oct. 6. The 2024-25 NBA season tips off on Oct. 22.

Topics: basketball NBA Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets Boston Celtics

Four key match-ups in Pakistan-England Test series

Updated 05 October 2024

AFP

October 05, 2024 10:05

Four key match-ups in Pakistan-England Test series

The Stokes-Shah showdown lit up the Twenty20 World Cup final in Melbourne in November 2022, with the batter surviving Shah’s lethal spell
But barely a month later the rivalry was renewed in Rawalpindi stadium as Shah bowled Stokes for 41 on the day when England piled record haul

Updated 05 October 2024

AFP

October 05, 2024 10:05

MULTAN: Test encounters between Pakistan and England have often been defined by player-on-player showdowns which inject added drama into the already heated confrontation.
Ahead of their three-match series starting Monday in Multan, AFP Sports looks at four key match-ups set to entertain:
Pakistan’s pace spearhead was sidelined with a knee injury when England inflicted a 3-0 clean sweep in 2022. This time he has a chance to halt England’s juggernauts led by opener Duckett.
The left-hander smashed a brilliant century on the Test’s opening day two years ago as England amassed a first-day world record of 506-4 — blazing a trail for Pakistan’s first-ever home whitewash.
Duckett has proven capable of upsetting any bowler with his aggression straight out of the gate.
But Shaheen’s lethal yorkers and swing with a new ball regularly put brakes on the scoring rate and secure wickets up front.
Watch out as the pair tussle for control.
Two years ago, Ahmed was just 18 when he became the youngest England bowler to take a five-wicket haul on debut against Pakistan in Karachi.
Now matured, he is likely to face down Pakistan star batter Azam — one of his victims back in 2022.
Ahmed’s googly could prolong Azam’s run drought, with Pakistani looking to rediscover his touch to counter the wiley spinner.
Azam quit his white-ball captaincy this week to focus on his role at the crease.
His showdown with Ahmed will be the first test of whether he can return to form.
Root has a phenomenal record as England’s top batter — soon set to break former skipper Alistair Cook’s career record of more than 12,000 Test runs.
But in the 2022 tour, it was spinner Abrar who dismissed Root in each innings of the second Test in Multan for low scores of 8 and 21.
Nonetheless, Root holds the record for most hundreds for England with 34, achieving half of them over the past four years.
Pakistan will rely on Abrar for slow and turning wickets. A spin duel between the pair will be a clash to watch.
The Stokes-Shah showdown lit up the Twenty20 World Cup final in Melbourne in November 2022, with the batter surviving Shah’s lethal spell and hitting a fighting half-century to secure England’s triumph.
But barely a month later the rivalry was renewed in Rawalpindi stadium as Shah bowled Stokes for 41 on the day when England piled up its record haul.
Shah missed the next two Tests with a shoulder injury. But when the three-match series starts next week he will have more experience and better fitness — although the contest could be delayed as Stokes races to overcome a hamstring niggle in time for the first Test.
If he’s ready, Stokes will have to overcome a fiery Shah looking to push him to the hilt.

Topics: England cricket team visits Pakistan Pakistan v England Pakistan-England Test series

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow

Updated 05 October 2024

Arab News Pakistan

October 05, 2024 08:46

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow

Pakistan, who have never made it out of the group stages, beat Sri Lanka by 31 runs in opener
On the other hand, India lost their opening group match to New Zealand on Friday by 58 runs

Updated 05 October 2024

Arab News Pakistan

October 05, 2024 08:46

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan women’s team will face India on Sunday in their Twenty20 World Cup group stage match in Dubai, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan, who have never made it out of the group stages in eight previous attempts, beat Sri Lanka by 31 runs in their World Cup opener on Thursday.
The Pakistani side is scheduled to play its second group match against India at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.
“The match will start at 3:00 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time,” the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported on Saturday.
Pakistan made 116 in their 20 overs in the opening match. They staged a determined fightback to beat Sri Lanka, with left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal claiming three wickets.
Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail and player of the match Fatima Sana all took two each for Pakistan against Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, India lost their opening match to New Zealand on Friday by 58 runs.
India were never in the chase after losing openers Shafali Verma, for two, and Smriti Mandhana, for 12, inside the first five overs.

Topics: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Pakistan v India

Bronny James begins Lakers career with a preseason debut

Updated 05 October 2024

October 05, 2024 05:00

Bronny James begins Lakers career with a preseason debut

Bronny James finishes with two points in the Lakers’ 124-107 loss to the Timberwolves
As is typical for inactive players, LeBron largely stays away from the Lakers’ huddles

Updated 05 October 2024

October 05, 2024 05:00

PALM DESERT, California: Bronny James played in his first NBA preseason game Friday night, but LeBron James wasn’t in uniform with him when the Lakers hosted Minnesota in the first of Los Angeles’ two weekend games in the Coachella Valley.
Lakers coach JJ Redick elected to hold out LeBron James against the Timberwolves after three hard days of training camp, but the 39-year-old top scorer in NBA history is likely to play against Phoenix on Sunday — which just happens to be Bronny’s 20th birthday.
Bronny James finished with two points in the Lakers’ 124-107 loss to the Timberwolves, missing his first five shots before making a layup with 56.9 seconds to play. But the 6-foot-2 guard also blocked three shots, and he picked up one rebound and one assist while playing the first half of the second quarter and most of the fourth.
Before they become the first father and son to play in the same NBA game, Bronny James knows he has plenty of work to do. He got his first chance to play in Lakers gold when he took the floor to begin the second quarter at Acrisure Arena outside Palm Springs.
Playing alongside starting Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell, Bronny got caught on a pick on his first defensive possession, allowing Rob Dillingham to hit an open 3-pointer. Bronny’s pass was then intercepted by Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the other end, but Bronny hustled back and blocked his layup attempt.
Bronny missed all three of his shots during his first six minutes of action, including a 3-pointer. He picked up an assist when he found Rui Hachimura for a 3-pointer from the corner on a fast break.
Bronny returned for the start of the fourth quarter, missing a jumper and having a layup attempt blocked. In the final minute, he got a pass from fellow rookie Dalton Knecht and looped a layup over a defender for his first points.
LeBron appeared to be keeping a mindful distance from Bronny during the game, allowing his oldest son to focus on his job. But LeBron spoke at length to Bronny during a timeout halfway through the second quarter, explaining something with hand gestures while Bronny nodded.
Bronny James was the Lakers’ second-round draft pick, and he played in summer league in Las Vegas. He is expected to play for the Lakers in the preseason before spending a significant portion of the upcoming regular season with the G League’s South Bay Lakers.
“Of course there’s nerves,” Bronny said after the Lakers’ pregame shootaround. “But I’m just excited to go out there and learn from the people playing in front of me, and if I get a chance to showcase what I can do, I’m going to do that.”
As is typical for inactive players, LeBron largely stayed away from the Lakers’ huddles. He mostly stood on the perimeter during timeouts with Anthony Davis, who also sat out the preseason opener. Both superstars have been at training camp in El Segundo.
“We felt like, given everything they had this summer, and their level of participation over the past three days, it made the most sense for them to get an off day today,” Redick said. “We told them at shootaround to just stay off their feet.”
Redick said Thursday that both LeBron James and Davis will play in at least one game this weekend. Max Christie and Jaxson Hayes started in the superstars’ place against Minnesota alongside Russell, Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
Friday’s crowd didn’t seem disappointed as it poured into the 22-month-old arena that serves at the home of the American Hockey League’s Coachella Valley Firebirds. Hundreds of fans in gold Lakers jerseys representing everyone from James to George Mikan rushed into the building and down the stairs in the lower bowl for an up-close look at the pregame warmups.
“The beautiful thing about the Lakers is that we have fans all over the world,” Redick said. “The desert over here is an extension, I think in some ways, of our fan base in LA. It’s a great opportunity for our group to play in front of these fans tonight.”
James and Davis are sitting out the first of the Lakers’ six preseason games as they ease back into competition after a busy summer. They joined the Lakers before the game in street clothes.
LeBron and Davis were both on the US team that won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, and they walked to midcourt right before tipoff to greet Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, their Olympic teammate.

Topics: basketball NBA Bronny James LeBron James Lakers

Guardiola claims Premier League won’t delay season for Man City

Guardiola claims Premier League won’t delay season for Man City

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Team Abu Dhabi duo ready for powerboating battle after Wyatt claims pole in China

Team Abu Dhabi duo ready for powerboating battle after Wyatt claims pole in China

Team Abu Dhabi boss expects big response from Thani Al-Qemzi as title race returns to Shanghai

UAE’s Al-Qemzi cruises into record books with 5th powerboating world title

Jokic in ‘category of his own,’ despite Nuggets defeat to Celtics in Abu Dhabi

Jokic in ‘category of his own,’ despite Nuggets defeat to Celtics in Abu Dhabi

Inclusion of Dubai Basketball in ABA League is a ‘great thing’ for UAE sport, says legend Jokic

Nuggets’ Jokic scoops third NBA Most Valuable Player award

Four key match-ups in Pakistan-England Test series

Four key match-ups in Pakistan-England Test series

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan to face India in Dubai tomorrow

Bronny James begins Lakers career with a preseason debut

Bronny James begins Lakers career with a preseason debut

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Guardiola claims Premier League won’t delay season for Man City

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