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Everything is better than it used to be

Published in Table Tennis
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 07:38

Some three years ago, 65 year old Nenad Bach, a prominent peace activist who appeared alongside the late Luciano Pavarotti in 1995 at a humanitarian concert for the children of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He started to play table tennis; the result is life has improved.

“Parkinson’s is not a disease, it is a diagnosis.” Nenad Bach

Now, following the signing of a contract with the ITTF Foundation, the inaugural Parkinson World Championships will be staged from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th October at the Westchester Club in New York, the club owned by Will Shortz, the man who designs the crosswords for the New York Times.

Present for the signing in Budapest was Thomas Weikert, ITTF President alongside Steve Dainton, ITTF Chief Executive Officer, Leandro Olvech, ITTF Foundation Director and fellow Croatian, Zoran Primorac, Chair of the ITTF Athletes’ Commission.

“I met Nenad at the World Parkinson Day gathering in Zagreb in 2017, we spoke, we played and it interested me that table tennis could help him; so for me it was how best we could promote the cause. I am grateful to the ITTF for the support, after only one year we have a world championships.” Zoran Primorac

A motivated Zoran Primorac, now there is a highly inspired group of delegates, Marko Spes, Kreso Grobenski, Silvio Grobenski and Danijela Pospis all actively supporting the initiative of the championships.

All are inspired by the positive, forward thinking of Nenad Bach; such initiatives are very much at the heart of Thomas Weikert who sees sport in a wide sphere, more than competition, more than winning and losing.

“We met last year in Halmstad, a pillar of our programme within the ITTF Foundation is health, so we looked at what we could do to support.” Thomas Weikert.

Moreover, Nenad Bach demonstrated the fact that table tennis has helped his musical ability by playing the guitar to the strains of a song written for the occasion.

“My posture is better through playing table tennis, I shake less, I think better and my syncopation when playing the guitar is better. I played table tennis in my youth, it’s an inexpensive sport, everyone can play; it is a sport that is beneficial to all of us.” Nenad Bach

The music was appreciated by all, most certainly in Steve Dainton, Nenad Bach has a fan.

“Last year in Halmstad it was one of those moments you will never forget; it was a step of how we could work together. I am really excited about this first world championship.” Steve Dainton

In Budapest from all concerned there is a sense of anticipation, a sense that table tennis can achieve what no other sport can achieve; a sport that is to the benefit of mankind, a sport that is ahead of the field.

Full details of the Parkinson World Championships will be issued shortly; watch this space.

The following statement was issued by Grand Duke Henri:

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of my beloved father, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean, who has passed away in peace, surrounded by the affection of his family.”

Born on Wednesday 5th January 1921, Jean Benoît Guillaume Robert Antoine Louis Marie Adolphe Marc d’Aviano, when 19 years old and the heir to the throne, fled the Grand Duchy under the protection of the French army following the invasion of German forces on Thursday 9th May 1940.

He lived in exile in France, Portugal, the United States and Canada, alongside other members of the royal family, before arriving in Great Britain where, following the advice of King George VI, he volunteered for the Irish Guards in November 1942.

Notably he trained at the celebrated Royal Military College, Sandhurst in England. Later, he was a member of the Allied forces that took part in the now famous Normandy landings, one of the most daring amphibious operations in history; the enemy holding a strong defensive position. He landed near Bayeux on Sunday 11th June 1944, five days after D-day.

Additionally he was involved in the liberation of Luxembourg, the country having been annexed by Nazi forces.

He married Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium in 1953, and together they had five children. Most notably, he completely changed the Luxembourg from a country with a weak economic structure to a major financial centre.

Meanwhile, in the sporting world he was a prominent member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He was Chair of the IOC Rules Reviewing Commission from 1973 to 1976, he was also a member of the IOC Commission of Enquiry for the Winter Games in 1968 and 1969.

Saddened by the passing André Hartmann, the President of the Luxembourg Table Tennis Federation added his condolences with a degree of pride.

“Prince Louis, a son of the actual Grand Duke Henri is the patron of the Luxembourg Table Tennis Federation. The Luxembourg table tennis team showed a great sign of compassion and expression of condolence to the Grand Ducal family.” André Hartmann

In 2000, he abdicated from office after almost 36 years on the throne in favour of his son Henri.

Leicester Tigers and Wales wing Jonah Holmes has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn hamstring.

Holmes is due to have surgery and will miss Leicester's final three games as they fight to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Welford Road club from Yorkshire Carnegie in 2017 and has two Wales caps, has scored six tries in 19 games this season.

"I'm gutted to not be able to play a part in the next three games," he said.

"But I have every bit of confidence in the lads to get the job done and finish this campaign on a high."

Leicester are 10th in the Premiership table, just eight points above bottom club Newcastle Falcons, and host Bristol Bears on Saturday.

The regular season in the Pro14 reaches a climax on Saturday with seven matches in four countries.

Defending champions Leinster have clinched the Conference B title and with it a home game in the play-off semi finals.

But Glasgow and Munster can both still win Conference A, and there is a battle for third place in Conference B between Benetton, Edinburgh and Scarlets.

Can Benetton claim a Champions Cup spot for Italy, and will any Welsh region make it into Europe's top tournament?

The final weekend - where every game is a local derby - was designed to keep interest high when there was a danger of dead rubbers dominating.

As it turns out, there's a lot more than just local bragging rights at stake.

Here's a closer look:

Pro 14 final day fixtures

Pro 14 tables

Conference A

AT STAKE: Top spot and fourth place.

Glasgow and Munster are out to claim first place and a home draw in the Pro14 semi-finals.

Warriors face Edinburgh at home in a match that could also decide whether Edinburgh make it into the Pro14 play-offs and qualify for the Champions Cup by finishing in the top three in Conference B - more of those permutations below.

For Glasgow the equation is simple - win and they finish top of Conference A. Lose, and Munster can overtake them by beating Connacht, who are safe in third place and cannot catch Munster, who will be keen to secure home advantage in the play-offs after the disappointment of their Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Saracens.

Perhaps the most compelling match of the weekend is the Judgement Day clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, where the Blues tackle Ospreys with fourth place up for grabs.

Is it strange to be worried about finishing fourth? Not if fourth secures a chance to qualify for the European Champions Cup in a play-off against the team finishing fourth in Conference A.

It boils down to that in Cardiff, with Blues trailing their rivals by a point after consecutive defeats against Munster and Connacht.

In a season where there is still a danger of no Welsh region qualifying for the premier European tournament in 2019-20, it's a big incentive.

The Blues and Ospreys might be drinking in the second chance saloon, but it promises to be quite a session...

Conference B

AT STAKE: The final Pro14 championship play-off place and automatic qualification for European Champions Cup.

With the top two places sealed by Leinster and Ulster, it's all about third and fourth place in Conference B.

Benetton are currently third and strong favourites as they visit Italian rivals Zebre in their final match. It was close the last time the teams met in Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, when Benetton won 10-8.

Zebre have won only three league matches all season - all at home against Southern Kings, Edinburgh and Cardiff Blues.

Zebre's motivation is pride, while Benetton have a Pro14 end-of-season play-off and a guaranteed place in the European Champions' Cup at stake.

Edinburgh travel to Glasgow hoping for a win and a slip-up by Benetton.

The fact the Warriors need a win to seal the Conference A crown and with it a home draw in the Pro14 semi final is an issue for the visitors. Finishing top means one game fewer in the play-offs.

It is a tough ask for Edinburgh, who could miss out on even fourth place and a play-off for Champions Cup qualification if they lose and Scarlets beat Dragons in Cardiff.

Scarlets were Pro12 Champions two years ago and Champions Cup semi-finalists last season, but have been a shadow of that side this season.

However, if Benetton and Edinburgh slip up they could still find themselves sealing third with a bonus-point win against their Welsh rivals at the Principality Stadium.

The omens are good on that front. Scarlets have won the last 10 meetings between the sides - but they need a bonus point this time in what could be the final game in charge for the coaching team of Wayne Pivac, Stephen Jones and Byron Hayward, who all join Wales next season.

Even then, Scarlets could miss out on fourth place if other results go against them. Finish fourth, however, and there will be an all-Welsh showdown with Cardiff Blues or Ospreys on 17 or 18 May, with the winners qualifying for the Champions Cup.

Scarlets have appeared in the tournament every year since the advent of regional rugby in 2003.

Play-off schedule:

Quarter finals (4 May): Ulster v Connacht (QF 2); 2nd Conf B v 3rd Conf A (QF1)

Semi finals: (17 or 18 May) - Leinster v Winner QF 1; Glasgow or Munster v Ulster or Connacht

Final: (25 May) Celtic Park, Glasgow

Champions Cup play off: (17 or 18 May) - 4th Conference A v 4th Conference B (venue TBC).

Alun Wyn Jones and George North are in line to return for Ospreys' crucial Pro14 match against Cardiff Blues.

Neither has played since Wales' Grand Slam-clinching Six Nations win against Ireland on 16 March.

Both face fitness tests, but lock Jones is set to return after his knee problem while wing North is close after breaking a bone in his hand.

"They have had some contact this week, we will check again on Thursday and Friday," said coach Allen Clarke.

"We need to take that to another level before we finalise selection.

"It would be great if they could come through but we are not in a position to confirm that yet."

Jones and North were both injured in the same passage of play early in the 25-7 defeat of Ireland in Cardiff.

North left the field while Jones played on with a bandaged knee to lead Wales to a fourth Grand Slam in 14 years.

Saturday's clash with the Blues in the Cardiff Judgement Day double-header will decide who finishes fourth in Conference A and wins a play-off place to qualify for the 2019-20 European Champions Cup.

Ospreys are one place ahead of the Blues after a run of three wins, and North is keen to play after his lay-off.

"It's been a long few weeks and it was not a straightforward break," he said.

"I have put in a good block of training and I will be up for selection and hopefully I will get my name on the team sheet somehow."

Coach Clarke added: "If you look where we were prior to the Six Nations with the turmoil and off-field distraction we dropped down the ladder of the league table.

"When the boys came back in we have really built some momentum again with three bonus-point victories and had a wonderful tour of South Africa.

"We are just happy to have a game that has significant meaning. This region has a great history and this is a chance to put us back on the map."

Cardiff Blues hope to have Wales hooker Kristian Dacey and influential Kiwi number eight Nick Williams fit again.

For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter.

Four Premiership rugby players tested positive for cocaine last season, which the Rugby Football Union say reflects increasing drug use in society.

There were three more cases in 2017-2018 compared to the previous campaign.

"The positives reflect risks 18-35 year-olds are exposed to when going out socially," RFU's Dr Simon Kemp says.

"We are trying to have a policy which continues to protect the game, but recognises illicit drug use in society is becoming increasingly common."

Dr Kemp added that the players who tested positive for recreational drug use had found themselves peripheral figures at their clubs.

"These positives are not from players who are typically playing and training every week," the medical chief explained.

"These are players who [have become] somewhat dislocated from their clubs, either through injury or non-selection.

"All of these players were reviewed by an independent specialist psychiatrist, and plans to manage any ongoing problems were created."

The RFU run an illicit drugs programme independent of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and carried out 332 tests during the 2017-2018 season, 94% of which were hair samples and have a 3-5 month detection period.

"We are confident that this level of testing, which is over and above what we are required to do under the WADA code, tries to cover off both protecting the reputation and integrity of the game and addressing some of the health issues we know are associated with illicit drug use," Dr Kemp added.

Under the programme, players are guaranteed anonymity for a first offence, but are fined and required to undergo a rehabilitation programme, which the authorities insist is enough of a deterrent.

"With 300-plus tests, covering three to five months worth of use, if this was a broader problem and it hadn't been a disincentive, we would see more positives," said Premiership Rugby's Phil Winstanley.

'Anti-doping programme comprehensive'

The two anti-doping violations - Ashley Johnson of Wasps and Brandon Staples of Yorkshire Carnegie - were announced at the time of their failed test.

Johnson received a back-dated six month suspension for taking a banned diuretic, while Staples was banned for four years last April after testing positive for steroids.

Last year it emerged a Premiership player could go a whole season without being tested once, and while this remains the case, there has been an 18% increase in the number of samples taken due to an increase in funding.

"The programme was comprehensive and has now been further improved through UKAD's increased testing investment, so it is still one of the most comprehensive programmes we run," said Hamish Coffey of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).

"But testing is not just about numbers, it is about the quality of those tests."

"It is about striking a balance that not only deters and detects, but is unpredictable," added the RFU's Anti-Doping and Illicit Drugs Programme Manager, Stephen Watkins.

"It is about running something players don't necessarily expect. But we are always looking for ways to improve our programme."

Mystik Lubricants Backing Ragan & Front Row

Published in Racing
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 07:02

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Mystik Lubricants, a member of the CITGO Petroleum Corporation family of brands, will join Front Row Motorsports and David Ragan and the No. 38 Ford Mustang team this season.

Mystik Lubricants will serve as the primary sponsor of Ragan at Kansas Speedway in May and Texas Motor Speedway in November. The brand will also be featured as an associate sponsor throughout the season.

CITGO Petroleum Corporation began its partnership with FRM in 2018 with its CITGARD brand at Darlington Raceway, paying tribute to Dale Jarrett during the annual Throwback Weekend. The popular feedback from race fans and success of the program led to an increased commitment with Front Row and Ragan this season.

“Our partnership with Front Row Motorsports and David Ragan has generated a lot of excitement with our customers,” said Brian Paulson, CITGO General Manager Lubricants. “It feels only natural to expand our involvement with the No. 38 program and introduce our Mystik Lubricants brand to NASCAR fans. We look forward to our continued success throughout the season.”

Mystik Lubricants develops products for real-world conditions that are specially formulated to meet the unique demands of specialized machines. Mystik supplies greases and engine oils for automotive, heavy-duty, commercial, industrial, powersports and agricultural customers.

“I’m really excited to partner with Mystik Lubricants this season,” said Ragan. “Reliable, heavy-duty engine lubricants are such a key part of our operation, and I’m proud that we use the best.”

Fritz Sports & Event Enterprises will oversee the partnership.

“We are thrilled to bring a major new brand, Mystik Lubricants, into the NASCAR family with Front Row Motorsports and David Ragan,” said CEO Doug Fritz.

Justin Haley Joins Spire For Talladega Cup Debut

Published in Racing
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 07:17

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Justin Haley will make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut driving for Spire Motorsports in Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Haley, a three-time NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series winner, will pilot the No. 77 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the 2.66-mile Alabama track.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international non-profit organization uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles donates more than $10 million a year to local communities, fundraisers, charities and more. As part of its philosophy, the F.O.E. gives back 100 percent of monies raised in the form of grants. Fundraisers are conducted for eight major charities, including kidney, heart, diabetes, cancer and spinal cord injury funds, a children’s fund, memorial foundation and the Golden Eagle Fund.

“Our members are incredibly excited to take the next step with Justin in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series,” said Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Worthy President Carl Burnett. “Justin and the Eagles have been together for many of his career firsts and we can’t wait to experience yet another this weekend in Talladega. This is our third year together and we’re proud to continue to break new ground as a team.”

Haley made his professional stock car debut in 2014 and has gone on to record wins in the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and the Truck Series. Last season, Haley parlayed three wins, nine top-five and 18 top-10 finishes into a third-place championship effort behind the wheel of GMS Racing’s No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado.

Meanwhile, all three of his Truck Series wins came with the Fraternal Order of Eagles livery showcased aboard his entry.

The 20-year-old Indiana native currently races full time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Kaulig Racing where he’s notched six top-10 finishes and sits 11th in points. In his most recent NXS start two weekends ago at Richmond Raceway, Haley started 14th and finished 10th.

“This is a dream come true,” explained Haley. “I couldn’t be prouder than to make my Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut with Spire Motorsports and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The F.O.E. has supported my career since the beginning and it feels like our program will come full circle when I make my debut on NASCAR’s biggest stage this weekend at Talladega. I’m incredibly grateful to both Spire Motorsports and the F.O.E. for this opportunity. I’m excited to get on track and see what we can do.”

“Justin Haley is a proven winner and a future super star,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner T.J. Puchyr. “Justin has won at several levels and knows what it takes to compete with the best in the business. He’s a very talented, smart racer so we’re confident he’ll do a good job this weekend.”

Heinricher Racing Sets Mid-Ohio Driver Lineup

Published in Racing
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 08:45

PATASKALA, Ohio – Heinricher Racing with Meyer Shank Racing has announced that Katherine Legge and Christina Nielsen will combine to drive the No. 57 Caterpillar Acura NSX GT3 during the the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio.

The Jackie Heinricher-led effort will enter into the first sprint format race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season at the 2.4-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the home track for Meyer Shank Racing.

The 2018 edition of the Acura Sports Car Challenge saw Legge and teammate Alvaro Parente make a furious pursuit of the win, coming up just .191 seconds short of another winning run on board the Acura NSX GT3.

Legge has four victories with MSR since the team launched the NSX GT3 program in 2017.

Heinricher Racing recently announced the addition of Mobil 1 as a partner for the Caterpillar-backed team. The esteemed brand becomes the official motor oil of the No. 57 car and its all-female driver lineup.

“We’re excited to add ExxonMobil as a sponsor as we continue to build momentum on and off the track,” said team principal Heinricher. “Our effort continues to gain attention and we’re looking forward to getting back to the racetrack and proving our strength behind the wheel.”

The team got off to a fast start at the first two endurance events. Legge and Nielsen kicked off the season at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and continued at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

“I’m looking forward to going back to MSR’s and Acura’s home track and we will try to get another podium for the team in front of the awesome home crowd,” said Legge. “I’m also looking forward to partnering with Christina, she knows the track and has done a good job for us so far this year.”

Nielsen, who has been confirmed to the driver lineup for the two remaining IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup events (Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans), will add to that schedule of outings with the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio.

“I’m excited to be back with Heinricher Racing and MSR for Mid-Ohio,” said Nielsen. “The team had a strong run there last year so I am sure we will be in good hands. It’s the first of the sprint rounds so the mindset will be a bit different compared to the endurance events, but I know everything will come together smoothly.”

SPEED SPORT Power Rankings

Published in Racing
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 09:00

While many racers enjoyed the Easter holiday, there were still plenty hitting the track over the weekend. Did anyone make a move in the SPEED SPORT Power Rankings? Click below to find out!

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