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Nicky Spinks’ Barkley Marathons mission

Published in Athletics

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:02

Watch the trailer for a new inov-8 film which follows the British ultra-runner’s attempt to become the notorious event’s first-ever female finisher

The Barkley Marathons is among the world’s toughest ultra-distance races. Only 15 runners have completed the full 100-plus miles since it was first staged in 1986. This year saw the UK’s Nicky Spinks attempt to become the first-ever female finisher.

Made famous by a 2014 Netflix documentary, the Barkley Marathons sees runners self-navigate their way around an unmarked course, tearing pages from hidden books as they go and returning them to enigmatic event organiser, Laz Lake.

Staged in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, USA, the course features five laps, each involving around 10,000ft of brutally-steep, obstacle-laden, muddy mountain ascent through thick woodland and viscous undergrowth.

A new film by inov-8 – Last Women Standing: The Barkley Marathons 2019 – follows Spinks as the 52-year-old ultra-running record-holder and breast cancer survivor tackles one of the world’s most notorious and secretive sporting events.

“The Barkleys is a relentless race of ups, downs and where the hells!” – Nicky Spinks

During the film, Spinks – who earlier this year became the first person to complete a 122-mile Double Paddy Buckley Round in the Welsh mountains – forms an allegiance with fellow female ultra-runner Stephanie Case, from Canada. Can the two women beat the Barkley Marathons?

The film will have its online international premiere on Tuesday November 19. Fans can sign up at inov-8.com/last-women-standing to find out how to be among the first to watch it.

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In form in London, seeking repeat in Tokyo

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 01 November 2019 07:23

Japan

First things first, runners up in London and the hosts for next year’s Olympic Games are ready to stage a very important test event. Seeded no.2, Japan will want to have a perfect dress rehearsal for both operations and athletes’ targets – while making sure they push hard to turn last year’s silver into gold.

The 2019 ITTF World Tour Bulgaria Open winner Tomokazu Harimoto will be the perfect speed demon to attack opponents in Tokyo, while his teammates Maharu Yoshimura and Koki Niwa swing the pace of the match to their liking. There will also be enough experience to complement their youthful exuberance with Jun Mizutani and Takuya Jin completing the line-up.

Korea Republic

Having secured the bronze medal at the 2018 ITTF Team World Cup in London, the men’s team for Korea Republic will have seasoned players in the guise of Jeoung Youngsik and Lee Sangsu leading the side. Both Youngsik and Sangsu have been efficient in playing together this year and have side by side excelled for Korea Republic.

The full squad will also field Lim Jonghoon as well as Jang Woojin and Cho Daesong, in hopes to boost their world ranking of number four, as well as make a stake for the final team to play at the Olympic Games next year.

Sweden

Unable to qualify from the group stages in London, this time Sweden will need to cope with the absence of Mattias Falck in Tokyo. The target of leaving a mark on the proceedings in Japan will not waiver no matter the opponents they come across; their grit and ability to turn games around is something for their worthy opponents to take note.

Kristian Karlsson and Jon Persson will have 2019 ITTF Challenge Croatia Open champion Anton Källberg for company. Sadly, after suffering a shoulder injury, upcoming prodigy Truls Moregard will not be able to line-up for the world no.5 team. Instead, the right handed attacking player, Elias Ranefur will replace him and bring his ‘crouched Dimitrij Ovtcharov’ backhand style of serving to help his national side.

England

Previous edition’s hosts, England are about to play in Japan against the very best the sport has to offer. In light of this, they have sent forth a very strong side of their own, hoping to move onto a higher finish than the bronze medal they shared with Korea Republic in 2018.

The world no.9 team includes 19 year old Tom Jarvis alongside Paul Drinkhall, Liam Pitchford and Sam Walker, the trio that against all the odds secured bronze at the Perfect 2016 World Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur. Despite the lack of 2018 home support, it would be highly disrespectful for anyone to rule out the English side making a similarly deep venture in this year’s Team World Cup.

Austria

Another huge team of European challengers comes from Austria, who did not attend last year’s festivities in London for this tournament. Following their fifth place finish in the Liebherr 2018 World Championships, they are now in the running to cause a major upset from the group stages onwards.

The veteran of multiple European Championships, Robert Gardos leads the line for Austria who will also have the experience of Olympians Daniel Habesohn and Stefan Fegerl, as well as the new under 21 Austrian star Andreas Levenko.

Chinese Taipei

Last but not least, the world no. 7 ranked team, Chinese Taipei will consider themselves strong outsiders if their best athletes are in form in Japan next week. After earning his first ITTF World Tour men’s singles title at the 2019 Czech Open in Olomouc, Lin Yun-Ju will be one to watch out for throughout this tournament.

A ninth place finish at the Liebherr 2018 World Championships, Chinese Taipei is making a return to the Team World Cup this time. They have nothing short of the quarter-finals in their sights. Assisting the efforts of their star Lin, will be his former doubles’ partner Liao Cheng-Ting, 2008 World Junior Championships winner Chen Chien‐An plus youngsters Peng Wang‐Wei and Wang Tai‐Wei.

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World Veteran Tour shines in sunny Florida

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 01 November 2019 08:42

Over the span of four days, more than 30 events were played, in different age groups, men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, as well as mixed doubles events. A plethora of notable United States players secured gold medals.

In particular twice United States Olympian, national coach and Hall of Fame inductee Lily Yip won top honours in the women’s singles 50-59 year, women’s singles 40-59 years and in the champion of champions event. Also, she won the women’s doubles partnering Canada’s Hui Huang and was a 50-59 years mixed doubles semi-finalist partnering Gary Osmanoff.

Additional to Yip, the “Ping Pong Man” himself, Scott Preiss, likewise a prominent national coach and Hall of Famer, won the gold medal with a Longtime friend Santos Shih in the men’s doubles 60-64 years, even though this was the first time playing doubles with Santos.

“I was impressed with the playing conditions and venue for the tournament. I would certainly consider attending this tournament again.” Scott Preiss

Meanwhile, Jorge Vanegas, a wearer of many hats, acting as an official and umpire once the tournament was under way, also participated helped in preparation from unloading the trucks with the equipment to installing the flooring, carrying barriers, taking out tables and carrying towel boxes.

“I had many favourite moments… more than anything the friendship and camaraderie that was made present among the players to support each other in the time of the decisive matches. It was customary upon finishing each match, to take a photo as a memento among the two participants and pairs, followed by hugs and big smiles. I believe that this has been what has given this event a different and unique touch in comparison with other events I have been a participant.” Jorge Vanegas

A hearty congratulations to all the participants, crew, and spectators that made this great event a success! Lasting memories were surely made on and off the table.

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Abidjan ready, leading name ambitious

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 01 November 2019 09:27

A veritable feast of high class play is on the menu; excitement is high; a fact reflected at the press conference staged on Thursday 31st October.

Seated alongside Patrice N’zi, Vice President of the Fédération Ivoirienne de Tennis de Table and Patrick Deleba, Secretary-General, the occasion was opened by Professor Germain Karou, President of the Fédération Ivoirienne de Tennis de Table and also Secretary General of Western Africa Region.

“We have put everything in place to ensure a smooth tournament, thanks to the huge support from the ITTF coupled with the backing from the government of Côte d’Ivoire, we are ready to host the best regional championship. As the region with the largest number of countries, I am happy to inform you that 11 of the 15 countries will be in Abidjan for the tournament; this is indeed an encouragement for us in the region. On behalf of the President, ITTF West Africa, Wahid Oshodi, I am happy to officially open the tournament and welcome all our visitors to Abidjan, one of Africa’s cities of pride.” Germain Karou

Oba Kizito

The national association is ready and so is 24 year old Oba Kizito, he has been preparing intensely in recent months.

“I have been training for this tournament for the last two months, particularly at my base in Paris. There is no doubt that we have a lot of good players in the region. I am confident that I will be unstoppable. We are in for a good tournament and I am sure I can mount the podium when the tournament ends on Sunday 3rd November 3, 2019.” Oba Kizito

Positive but Oba Kizito is aware of the quality of the field. He is well aware there will be strong opposition.

“I know that Nigeria and Ghana are top teams but their pedigree cannot intimidate me at home. I am sure that I can make my country proud in this tournament. I look forward to an exciting tournament with support from the home fans. I am ready to do my best and I hope my best will see me through.” Oba Kizito

Notably Papa Lamine, National Technical Director, also believes the Ivory Coast players are ready to make their country proud. He has full confidence in Oba Kizito.

In Abidjan Oba Kizito will be joined in the men’s event by Kouassi Ange. Nadia Kamenan will lead the women’s team alongside Aka Tatiana.

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Nouran Gohar goes back up to No.2 in the world

Published in Squash

Friday, 01 November 2019 07:40

Nouran Gohar (right) in action against Nour El Sherbini

British and US Open triumphs confirm her return to top form
By SEAN REUTHE – Squash Mad Correspondent

Egypt’s Nouran Gohar has returned to World No.2 in the PSA Women’s World Rankings.

Gohar reached a career-high ranking of World No.2 in January 2017 but a loss of form and motivation saw her drop out of the world’s top five, falling as low as No.8 in February of this year.

However, the 22-year-old has returned to her best in recent months and has climbed up the rankings after winning the British Open and last month’s U.S. Open. She lost out to World No.1 Raneem El Welily in the World Championship semi-finals last night.

El Welily’s opponent will be three-time World Champion Nour El Sherbini, who drops to World No.4, which is her lowest World Ranking since March 2016. El Sherbini is appearing at her first tournament of the season after suffering a knee injury, but she has been in dominant form this week in Cairo and will look to celebrate her 24th birthday with a fourth World Championship triumph as she

Egypt’s Nour El Tayeb stays at No.3 after her defeat to Gohar in the U.S. Open final saw her miss out on the chance to rise a place, while France’s Camille Serme drops to No.5.

New Zealand’s Joelle King, England’s Sarah-Jane Perry, America’s Amanda Sobhy, Wales’ Tesni Evans and Hong Kong’s Annie Au complete the top 10.

World Junior Champion Hania El Hammamy – who lost out to El Sherbini last night in the semi-finals – stays at No.11 ahead of India’s Joshna Chinappa, while Victoria Lust is on the rise to No.13 as her fellow Englishwoman Alison Waters moves the other way to No.14.

Egypt’s Salma Hany stays put at No.15, with Hong Kong’s Joey Chan rising a spot to a joint career-high No.16 ranking. Yathreb Adel moves down a spot to No.17 as Belgium’s Nele Gilis rises one place to No.18.

The final two spots are taken up by Olivia Blatchford Clyne and two-time World Junior Champion Rowan Elaraby. Elaraby rises 11 places after reaching her first PSA Platinum quarter-final last month at the U.S. Open.

PSA Women’s World Rankings Top 20 – November 2019.

Pictures courtesy of PSA

Posted on November 1, 2019

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Rugby World Cup final: England fans gear up for South Africa clash

Published in Rugby

Friday, 01 November 2019 08:56

England fans will be glued to television screens up and down the country on Saturday morning as 15 men wearing white line up to face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final.

The game, which kicks off at 09:00 GMT, is being played in Japan but almost 6,000 miles away back home excitement has already reached fever pitch.

It has been 12 years since England were in the final and 16 years since they won it, so fans are understandably getting pretty excited at the prospect of captain Owen Farrell lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

The Queen has also sent a letter of support via Prince Harry to England's head coach Eddie Jones calling for a "memorable and successful" final.

As you would expect, a large number of rugby clubs are planning to show the match.

There will be extra excitement at Crewe and Nantwich Rugby Club as their former player Tom Curry will be lining up for England.

"We are really excited and are hoping Tom has a great game," said coach John Farr.

"He's had a great tournament so far."

Mr Farr said there would be "bacon butties and beer" and forecast some "sore heads on Sunday".

"We are really, really proud that a player who has taken to the field in a Crewe and Nantwich shirt is gong to go out and hopefully lift the Webb Ellis trophy tomorrow," he said.

A crowded clubhouse is also expected at Manchester Rugby Club in Cheadle Hume where England's Ben Spencer used to play.

Bridgnorth Rugby Club in Shropshire is planning to show the game despite having its marquee wrecked and pitches submerged by flood water in recent days.

Meanwhile in Birmingham, newlyweds Rosie and Ken Marshall will face an early test of their marriage as they cheer for competing sides, having spent their honeymoon in Japan following the World Cup.

"Rosie and I will be happy for the other whatever the result - even if bragging rights will be decided for the next four years," said Mr Marshall, 37, originally from Johannesburg.

"It will be a great match and I just hope England win," said 31-year-old Mrs Marshall.

Both agreed that Mrs Marshall will be the loudest of the two during the big match but, as Mr Marshall confided, "it's her dad and brother that will be unbearable for the next four years".

England Rugby has been getting into the swing of things - much like a sweet chariot maybe - by tweeting videos of the team's previous victories over South Africa.

Not that there's that many at the World Cup, the Springboks having won three of their four World Cup encounters with the English.

But don't be disheartened, New Zealand had won all three of their previous World Cup games against England before this year's semi-final, which Eddie Jones's side won 19-7.

Pupils at Moreton Hall Prep School in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, have also voiced their support for England ahead of tomorrow (be warned, they are loud!)

Jack Crawford, 21, is planning to get up at 06:00 to start his preparations for watching the game at home in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, with his father Scott, who will have just finished a supermarket night shift.

"He won't be getting any sleep until after the match has finished," Jack said.

"My prediction is England 40-10 South Africa."

Not every fan will be watching though, as some can't bear the pressure.

"I recorded the semi-final and watched it only once I knew the result," said Mandi Allen from Darlington.

"I just couldn't stand the pressure. Because I did that at the semis, I'm worried about jinxing the final now if I watch it live.

"I'm so excited though, I reckon England will win 34-24."

The Evening Standard estimates some 2,000 pubs and bars will open early in London to show the game, while Boxparks in the capital will also be showing coverage from 08:00.

Thousands of pubs are opening across the rest of the country, from Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle in the north to Gloucester and Cheltenham in the south west.

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'We have been planning this for four years' - Jones 'relaxed' about World Cup final

Published in Rugby

Friday, 01 November 2019 07:03

England coach Eddie Jones has warned South Africa that Saturday's Rugby World Cup final is the game he has been planning for since he took control of the team in January 2016.

England are attempting to land their second World Cup to repeat the 2003 success and avenge the Springboks' victory in the 2007 final.

"We've had four years to prepare for this game," said Jones.

"That's why the players can be relaxed because we know we've done the work."

Jones has had roles in the opposition camp in England's two previous Rugby World Cup finals, pushing England deep into extra time with his native Australia in 2003, before joining up with South Africa on a short-term stint for their 2007 campaign.

He has no doubt that South Africa will deliver the traditional power game promised by opposite number Rassie Erasmus, but believes England can eclipse even the heights they reached in a superb semi-final victory over defending champions New Zealand last weekend.

"South Africa aren't going to give us the game, they are going to come hard. We've got meet their physicality but we are looking forward to that and being able to impose our game on them," Jones added.

"We can definitely play better, there's no doubt about it.

"That's the great thing. We are like any team, we are a bit anxious, a bit nervous but also very excited about the prospect of playing even better."

South Africa's Rassie renaissance

The match at the 72,000-capacity Yokohama International Stadium is set to be the final match in charge for Erasmus, who took the Springbok coaching role in March 2018 after Allister Coetzee's departure.

They were ranked sixth in the world at the time, but Erasmus has overseen a rise to second, losing only eight of his 25 Tests in charge.

Another victory on Saturday would give Siya Kolisi - the team's first black Test captain - the trophy and his country another symbolic moment to follow predecessor Francois Pienaar and former president Nelson Mandela's famous meeting on the podium after their 1995 win.

Kolisi grew up in Zwide township of Port Elizabeth, raised by his grandmother and sleeping on the floor, before his rugby talent earned him a scholarship to an exclusive private school.

"What Siya has achieved has been remarkable. For a young kid to rise above his circumstances and become Springbok captain, and lead the way he has, it's been inspirational to all South Africans - from all walks of life," said team-mate Tendai Mtawarira.

"Rugby is one of the things that, for a few minutes and sometimes a few hours, days and months, if we win people seem to forget about their disagreements," added Erasmus.

"We are trying to win for South Africa, and not just for the supporters, but because our country needs a lot of things and we want to help fix that."

Echoes of 2003 in Yokohama

As England aim to emulate the class of 2003 there were plenty reminders of England's solitary World Cup triumph around Yokohama.

Jonny Wilkinson, whose extra-time drop-goal proved decisive 16 years ago, joined England captain Owen Farrell and scrum-half Ben Youngs at training on Friday as the pair practised their own efforts.

The squad received a good luck message from Prince Harry, which included a picture of his son Archie in an England shirt.

The Duke of Sussex attended the 2003 Rugby World Cup final as a teenager, sitting next to the wife of coach Sir Clive Woodward, and will be in the stands for Saturday's showpiece.

Meanwhile, Matt Dawson, Paul Grayson, Martin Johnson, Mike Tindall and Jason Leonard - all members of the 2003 squad - were reunited in Japan to record a podcast for BBC Radio 5 Live.

Wilkinson, though, believes there is one positive difference between his own mindset and that of the current players.

"A lot of these players are different to me because they are not reclusive and introverted," he told BBC Sport editor Dan Roan.

"They will deal with it in their own way and it feels a bit like business as usual in the hotel and in training

"Creating that environment is key. Your performance comes from inside and not because you are playing this team at this time."

Teams

England are unchanged from their semi-final demolition of New Zealand, while South Africa make one change with wing Cheslin Kolbe recovering from an ankle injury.

England: Daly; Watson, Tuilagi, Farrell (capt), May, Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Lawes, Curry, Underhill, B Vunipola

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Marler, Cole, Kruis, Wilson, Spencer, Slade, Joseph

South Africa: Le Roux; Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk; Mtawarira, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, De Jager, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Marx, Kitschoff, Koch, Snyman, Mostert, Louw, H Jantjies, Steyn

Who is in charge of the match?

Jerome Garces becomes the first Frenchman to referee a Rugby World Cup final. He will be assisted on the touchlines by compatriot Romain Poite and New Zealander Ben O'Keeffe. Ben Skeen - another New Zealander - is television match official for the match.

England v South Africa head to head

Previous World Cup finals

Key player stats

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Kofoid To Receive Brady Bacon Baton Award

Published in Racing

Friday, 01 November 2019 07:00

IRVING, Texas – Seventeen-year-old sprint car racer Buddy Kofoid will receive the Brady Bacon Baton Award during the 10th annual Racers Reunion Banquet on Nov. 9 in Irving, Texas.

The Brady Bacon Baton Award is presented annually to a driver who Bacon, a two-time USAC National Sprint car champion, sees as a rising star in motorsports. The previous Brady Bacon Baton Award winners, Gio Sclezi and Jason McDougal, have each proven through their continued racing successes that Bacon indeed has a keen eye for identifying future talent.

Kofoid began his racing career at 5 years old in outlaw go-karts and first raced a 410 sprint car at 14 years of age. Kofoid spent his 2019 season racing winged sprint cars in the Midwest for Ed Neumeister and scored four wins, including an Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions win, and claimed the Fremont Speedway 410 track championship.

Kofoid recently made his debut in the Lucas Oil POWRi National Midget League with a trio of strong finishes driving a Toyota-powered midget for Keith Kunz Motorsports.

In addition to the award ceremony, the Racers Reunion banquet will feature presentations on the life of Carrol Shelby, the rough and tumble world of AMA Grand National motorcycle racing and the evolution of the sprint car.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting the banquet website at www.radiusnation.net.

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Jerry Savoie Relaxed Heading Into Las Vegas

Published in Racing

Friday, 01 November 2019 08:00

LAS VEGAS – There’s usually a variety of emotions racing at Las Vegas with a potential NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series championship on the line.

Relaxed is usually not one of them, but that’s precisely how Jerry Savoie feels heading to one of his favorite tracks for this weekend’s Dodge NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The former Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion feels perfectly at peace at the high-stakes race in the city of big lights, even if it does serve as the penultimate race in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.

Savoie has always performed well in Las Vegas on his White Alligator Racing Suzuki and with a pair of playoff wins, the veteran – sitting 94 points behind leader Andrew Hines – plans to once again thrive at the facility.

“I don’t know what kind of feeling other people get when they get to Vegas, but the atmosphere there just relaxes me so much,” said Savoie, who has never won in Vegas despite his solid performances. “I just get to the track and let it fly. Mentally for me, Vegas is just a great race and I’ve been very lucky there. The bottom line is, the atmosphere there just relaxes me.

“It’s one of the best places to go and there’s just certain tracks that seem to favor certain riders.”

Las Vegas is the fifth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship, and the 15th of 16 races during a Pro Stock Motorcycle season that has quickly gained steam for Savoie.

He didn’t run a full schedule during the season, but he started to build momentum as the regular season came to a close. Savoie won at Indy and then he opened the playoffs with a win, which changed the course of his year. His goal immediately shifted to trying to win another title and his victory in Dallas kept those hopes alive.

Back-to-back first-round losses in St. Louis and Charlotte hurt, but rebounding in Dallas ensured that everything is still in play heading to Las Vegas.

“I’m pretty fired up right now and I don’t care who gets in the way, I’m going to try to beat them,” said Savoie, who has 12 career wins. “I wasn’t expecting any of this to happen and we’re just peaking at the right time. Engine-wise, performance-wise, I think we’re in good shape and I think we have what it takes to go out there and be competitive.

“Hopefully we can continue to do well and keep things interesting down the stretch.”

Savoie knows he’ll need something big to stay close to Hines, who has a remarkable eight wins this season. But Savoie’s teammate, Karen Stoffer, is also within striking distance, sitting 81 points behind Hines. The two longtime standouts have thrived racing on the same team for the first time and it could lead to even more good results to finish the year.

Savoie also has to deal with the likes of Eddie Krawiec, Arana Jr. and defending world champ Matt Smith, but he and Stoffer have proven to be a formidable duo at the perfect time.

“We came back and did really well in Dallas, and that was big,” Savoie said. “Mentally and physically, I feel great. I feel like I’ve been blessed in so many ways. Andrew is still far ahead of us, but we still have a chance to win. Karen is a great rider and we have some great people behind us. It’s been a great combination.

“Karen is very intelligent and very family-oriented and it all just came together really well. We’re just going to keep working on what we have.”

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Fort Worth Screen Printing Joins Rick Ware Racing

Published in Racing

Friday, 01 November 2019 08:14

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Rick Ware Racing has added Texas-based Fort Worth Screen Printing as an associate partner on the No. 51 at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend.

Josh Bilicki will pilot the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing entry on Nov. 3 in the AAA Texas 500.

Fort Wort Screen Printing provides textile screen printing services to promotional products distributors, marketing firms, advertising agencies and end users throughout the United States.

Based out of Forth Worth, Texas, the team uses state-of-the-art equipment and automated production cycles to get the job done on time and correctly.

“Fort Worth Screen and our team are excited to be a part of Rick Ware Racing,” said FWSP CEO Jon Garrett. “As a longtime race fan and past participant in auto racing, I am especially excited about the Texas weekend.”

“We are excited to have Fort Worth Screen Printing on board the Rick Ware Racing entries this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway,” added team owner Rick Ware. “Jon and his team have been great supporters of RWR all year long, and provide quality products and apparel.”

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