I Dig Sports

Major upsets, talented young names attract attention

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 18 October 2019 17:57

Xu Yingbin, crowned Asian junior champion just over a month ago, was the player to cause the biggest upset. In the opening round of the men’s singles event, he ousted Ukraine’s Kou Lei, the no.2 seed (11-8, 3-11, 14-16, 11-8, 14-12, 11-4), prior to reserving his third round place courtesy of success in opposition to Frenchman, Andrea Landrieu (11-5, 11-6, 13-11, 6-11, 11-6).

Similarly, Hiroto Shinosuke caused a first round upset, he beat Paraguay’s Marcelo Aguirre, the no.3 seed (15-13, 7-11, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11, 11-5), before continuing his advance by overcoming Singapore’s Pang Yew En Koen (11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7).

Impressive from Hiroto Shinosuke; it was the same from Samuel Kulczycki, he beat China’s Yu Heyi (8-11, 3-11, 4-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8) to reserve his third round place; Yu Heyi in the opening round having beaten Mexico’s Marcos Madrid, the no.4 seed (11-6, 11-7, 12-14, 5-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-6).

Defeats for three celebrated names, for the most celebrated, Panagiotis Gionis of Greece, the top seed, it was success; he accounted for Sweden’s Elias Ranefur (11-6, 11-9, 11-3, 11-6) to secure his third round place.

Surprise defeats

Early exits for major names in the opening two rounds of the men’s singles event, it was no different for the women. Japan’s Saki Shibata, the no.2 seed, experienced a first round reverse at the hands of Norway’s Ma Wenting (11-9, 11-13, 9-11, 11-8, 11-2, 16-18, 11-7), who then suffered at the hands of Korea Republic’s Lee Zion 911-13, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10, 14-12).

Likewise, there was an early departure for Hungary’s Georgina Pota, the no.4 seed; she experienced a second round defeat when opposing Italy’s Deborah Vivarelli (11-6, 11-9, 12-10, 3-11, 11-6).

Surprise outcomes but not for China’s He Zhuojia, the top seed, nor for Japan’s Hina Hayata, the no.3 seed. He Zhuojia booked her third round place by beating Russia’s Mariia Tailakova (12-10, 11-7, 13-11, 11-3), Hina Hayata accounted for Italy’s Li Xiang (11-3, 13-11, 12-10, 11-7).

Imposing from He Zhuojia, it was equally imposing from her colleagues Zhang Qiang and Chen Yi. Zhang Qiang recorded a first round win against Britt Eerland of the Netherlands, the no.7 seed (11-9, 13-11, 11-7, 11-9), before accounting for Audrey Zarif of France (11-7, 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-6). Likewise, Chen Yi beat Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut, the no.8 seed, prior to ending the progress of Romania’s Adina Diaconu (11-4, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6).

Second seeds fall

Upsets, it was the same in the men’s and women’s doubles events. In the former Poland’s Maciej Kubik and Samuel Kulczycki recorded an opening round win in opposition to Hong Kong’s Lam Siu Hang and Ng Pak Nam, the no.2 seeds (11-6, 11-8, 12-10); likewise in the women’s doubles the second seeds fell in the opening round. China’s Fan Siqi and Zhang Qiang ousted Korea Republic’s Choi Hyojoo and Lee Zion (10-12, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9).

Problems for the second seeds in the opening round; not for the top seeds. In the men’s doubles Belgium’s Martin Allegro and Florent Lambiet opened their account by overcoming Frenchmen Bastien Rembert and Jules Rolland (11-6, 11-7, 12-10); in the women’s doubles, Japan’s Satsuki Odo and Saki Shibata overcame Korea Republic’s Sim Hyunju and Yoo Eunchong (9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8).

Champions crowned

The early rounds completed, in the under 21 men’s singles and under 21 women’s singles events, the champions were crowned; China emerging the successful nation.

After recording a semi-final success against Chinese Taipei’s Tai Ming-Wei (11-2, 11-5, 11-5), Xiang Peng secured the under 21 men’s singles title at the final expense of Frenchman, Irvin Bertrand (11-6, 13-11, 7-11, 11-1). Similarly, Kuai Man emerged the under 21 women’s singles winner, following success against Sweden’s Filippa Bergand (11-5, 11-4, 15-13), she beat colleague Qi Fei (11-7, 13-11, 11-9) to reserve the top step of the podium.

On Saturday 19th October, the third round and quarter-finals of the men’s and women’s singles events will be completed, the quarter and semi-finals of the men’s and women’s doubles competitions.

Please follow and like us:

Tagged under

Day Two: Uncle Pop 2019 ITTF Women’s World Cup

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 18 October 2019 19:30

She’s done it again!!!

Just when you thought she couldn’t create anymore headlines, Lily Zhang has caused yet another stir at the Women’s World Cup in Chengdu after backing up her sensational victory over Miu Hirano with a quarter-final win at the expense of the top ranked European player Sofia Polcanova.

The American’s quality on the ball was simply breathtaking at time but her Austrian opponent kept her honest throughout the course of the match with both players locked in an unpredictable affair. In the deciding game Polcanova looked well on her way to victory, claiming a 1-5 lead at the change of ends but Zhang refused to give up the fight winning 10 of the following 13 points (11-8) to make the semi-final draw (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 4-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8).

“I did not give up”

Here’s the reaction from that intense duel between Feng Tianwei and Kasumi Ishikawa:

“A 33-year-old old player caused an upset haha! I didn’t have the upper hand in the previous encounters against her. Today I made full preparations. This match was really really close. We both gave out our best performance. I led in the fifth game, then I became a bit anxious. But I did not give up when I was 2-3 down. I made some improvements physically and mentally in recent times. I regard every match as my last match. I want to show the fans a better me every time. I cherish every opportunity.” Feng Tianwei

“I had the chance to finish the match in the sixth game, but I did not make it… Today I played too simple in my placement and the first three shots. My opponent knew where my ball was going to go. I need to change my mindset for the future matches. I cherish every opportunity to play.” Kasumi Ishikawa

Feng edges through, Japanese hopes fade

Wow! What a match we’ve just witnessed in the 4.30pm session of play with Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, seeded seventh, eliminating third seed Kasumi Ishikawa at the quarter-final hurdle.

A crazy battle with twists and turns at every corner Ishikawa was the first to respond turning around a 2-1 deficit to lead 2-3, shifting the pressure on her Singapore counterpart. However, a narrow win in game six saw Feng level the tie at 3-3 and her combination of attacking power and outright pace handed proved too much to handle for Ishikawa in the decider (12-10, 7-11, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-7). Ishikawa’s defeat also signals the end of Japan’s title aspirations in Chengdu.

Jeon exits as Cheng shines

Concluding the round of 16 is quite a result for the Chinese Taipei athlete Cheng I-Ching who has successfully reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after seeing off the first ever challenge of Jeon Jihee at the competition (14-12, 11-5, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8).

The #5 seed needed no more than the five games to reach the last 8 as the Korea Republican Jihee could not muster the energy from her group stage performances. Eventually at the end of 48 minutes, Cheng was the better player on the day and will want to use that momentum when she faces Liu Shiwen.

Liu calmly reaches quarters

China’s Liu Shiwen calmly handled her match in the face of upsets going around the tournament, as the world champion beat Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu 4-1 (11-9, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6).

“I led 8-3 in the fourth game and she won the next three points then I called a time-out. The game was really crucial, because if I could take the 3-1 lead, it would be very helpful. I did not play against her several times. She is very strong player with solid basic skill. Her topspin gave me a lot of pressure today. Generally speaking, I think I performed normally today. I know she is a tough opponent but it helps me for the upcoming matches.” Liu Shiwen

In under 43 minutes, Liu displayed her mental strength to make sure there were to be no comebacks after Chen took the third game 11-7. Using her forceful forehands, Liu reaches the quarter-finals to be played later today.

The upsets are building.. or are they?

Meanwhile it seems like the upset fever is catching Chengdu cold as the Chinese Taipei star Cheng I-Ching is up 2-0 against the Korea Republican Jeon Jihee!

For the World Champion Liu Shiwen things are not exactly rosy with her own Chinese Taipei opponent Chen Szu-Yu giving her trouble, as the two athletes are locked in a cagey battle that Liu leads 2-1. Are there more ‘shocks’ to come?

Speaking after the shock of the tournament

USA’s Lily Zhang is the name on everyone’s lips right now after her magnificent win over Japan’s Miu Hirano in the round of 16. Here’s the 23-year-old’s reaction to that win:

“I am so happy now. I watched her match footage yesterday night. She is much higher than me in world ranking, so I have no pressure today. I just focus on myself today. I led 2-0 which gave me a lot of confidence. Then she won the next three games but I believe I still have chance and I can come back. She is very fast. I am speedy as well. So I feel very comfortable to play against her.” Lily Zhang

More reaction about that stunning upset by Lily Zhang

Wu halted by Sofia

Wu Yue could not match her compatriot Lily Zhang’s achievements as she was knocked out by Sofia Polcanova in a strong display of backhand variety from the Austrian.

In a match lasting 42 minutes, the American Wu was mostly stalled in her attacking play by Polcanova’s resilience and timing of her returns. Taking a three game lead, the #8 seeded Polcanova had complete control over this match and she made it count by reaching the quarter-finals and matching her result in 2018 (13-11, 11-4, 14-12, 6-11, 11-9).

Zhang causes a ‘Hurricane’ upset!

USA’s Lily Zhang has truly lit up the competition in China, as she has now eliminated the #4 seed Miu Hirano. After impressive showings in the group stages, it seems like the American has no plans of slowing down!

Taking a two game lead, Lily had set up the media teams covering the event to look up every synonym for ‘upset’. Even her opponent Hirano was in a state of shock per se, which seemed to wake her up for the next three games. At 3-3 however, it was Lily who entered the decider with momentum. In the end, after all the time-outs used up, Lily managed to gain 5 match points over Hirano and made the first one count to win 4-3 (12-10, 11-8, 8-11,8-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5).

Feng continues consistency, Szocs exits

Singapore’s Feng Tianwei set a marker down here in Chengdu as she saw off Bernadette Szocs in straight games to move on to yet another quarter-final at the Women’s World Cup (11-8, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8).

Making her ninth (!) appearance in this competition, the veteran Feng looks to be just as fuelled as she was in her debut performance. Her Romanian opponent had no response as the match was concluded in under 35 minutes.

Ishikawa wins as Meshref falters

It was just not to happen for Egypt’s Dina Meshref as 3rd seed Kasumi Ishikawa spectacularly defeated her in 27 minutes and four games (11-4, 12-10, 11-7, 11-6).

“I played against two years ago in Team World Cup. I came here fully prepared, but I did not expect that I could take the match in four straight games. The match was not easy. I managed to come back from 0:6 in the sixth game. I am satisfied with my performance in this match.” Kasumi Ishikawa

The Japanese looks to be in hot form in her seventh appearance at the World Cup. This was clearly evident as Ishikawa’s shakehand drives across the table kept Meshref from replying in her usual power-play fashion.

Solja makes a stunning comeback to beat Doo

Germany’s Petrissa Solja pulled off a comeback in a powerful display of her grit as she beat Hong Kong China’s Doo Hoi Kem to make the quarter-finals.

“I am so happy. My first goal was to pass the group and now I even win the first round. I will play against Zhu Yuling in the next round. I am looking forward to it as I am sure there will be many spectators and the venue will be loud. I always need some time to find my rhythm against Asian players. The second match was really closed. I had my chance then I was better into the condition. I always need to put her under pressure then I just play safe on both sides. I could feel that she did not know where to play.” Petrissa Solja

Being down by two games, the gold medallist at the 2019 Europe Top 16 Cup rallied herself back into the tie by winning four straight games and shocking not only the fans, but her opponent too (6-11, 11-13, 11-8, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7).

Zhu makes for an authoritative start

Top seed Zhu Yuling stomped her authority at the Women’s World Cup as she eliminated Mo Zhang in straight games this morning (11-2, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4).

“I really enjoy playing at home soil. The atmosphere is just wonderful. I am fully prepared now. Today my opponent is not that strong and this match helps me to get warmed up. Right after this match, President Liu Guoliang came to talk to me and helped me to prepare the tactics for next match.” Zhu Yuling

The Chinese star was imperious to say the least, wrapping up the match in 25 minutes where the Canadian veteran was not allowed an inch of space. Some way to make sure people know why you’re seeded #1!

And the main draw commences!

Please follow and like us:

Tagged under

Lily Zhang causes a ‘Hurricane’!

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 18 October 2019 23:11

In the world of table tennis, a ‘Hurricane’ can only mean one thing: it is the nickname owned by Japanese star Miu Hirano, renowned for her rapid, attacking play that has seen her achieve so much in the game already for a teenager. Aged only 16, she lifted the 2016 ITTF Women’s World Cup in Philadelphia, United States.

Call it coincidence, but today’s ‘Hurricane’ came from the ‘Land of Stars and Stripes’ in the form of Lily Zhang. The California-raised athlete and world no. 49 entered this week’s big event in Chengdu, China, as a wild card. One of North America’s most exciting talents, Lily’s performances are sending shockwaves through the world of table tennis right now!

The 23-year-old headed to Chengdu off the back of a spectacular showing at the 2019 ITTF-Pan American Championships in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion, winning all four titles she was eligible to compete for. And it seems like she brought that momentum with her in her backpack when she landed this week in China!

Having only competed at the Women’s World Cup twice in her career, she had never crossed the round of 16 barrier – until today. The six-time US national champion has truly cashed in on her third appearance, beating the no.4 seed, Miu Hirano in a stunning 7-game victory to clinch a spot in the quarter-finals.

As she had done the previous day in her victory over Puerto Rico’s highly-rated Adriana Diaz, Lily started strong, taking the game to her opponent and duly took the first two games to the amazement of a capacity crowd at the Sichuan Province Gymnasium.

When Hirano hit back winning three straight games, most thought that a golden opportunity had slipped through the American’s hands. Lily had other ideas however, levelling the scores at 3-3 and entering the deciding game with positive, forward momentum.

For all the speed of Hirano’s play, it was spectacular how Lily handled herself at the table, moving effortlessly where the ball went and being certain to leave the shots destined to go long.

Before long, Lily found herself in the enviable position of having 5 match points over Hirano, and she finished the job in at the first possible opportunity with yet another breath-taking rally.

Final score: 4-3 (12-10, 11-8, 8-11,8-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5) equating to one hour and three minutes of some mind boggling table tennis that you simply must revisit on itTV!

“I am so happy now. I watched her (Miu Hirano’s) match footage last night. She is much higher than me in the world ranking, so I felt under no pressure at all. I just focused on my own game today. I led 2-0 which gave me a lot of confidence. When she won the next three games, I still believed that I had a chance and that I could come back. She is very fast, but I am speedy as well, so I feel very comfortable playing against her.” Lily Zhang

So what’s next for the no. 18 seed at the Women’s World Cup? Well, a tasty battle against Austrian Sofia Polcanova awaits (Live on itTV at 17:15 GMT+8) and who knows, maybe even a spot in the semi-finals??

Watch her journey unfold right here on ITTF and itTV!

Please follow and like us:

Tagged under

Rugby World Cup: Japan 'not planning to stop' at South Africa quarter-final

Published in Rugby

Saturday, 19 October 2019 01:47

Japan are not satisfied by reaching their first World Cup quarter-final, says flanker Lappies Labuschagne.

The Brave Blossoms have been one of the stories of their home World Cup, topping Pool A to reach the knockout stages for the first time.

They play South Africa, who they upset in the 2015 World Cup, for a place in the last four on Sunday.

Labuschagne says they are "not planning to stop here" and will "keep on playing for each other and being one team".

The 30-year-old is one of two members of the Japan squad to be born in South Africa but says Japan is his "new home".

"I really love South Africa and the people there but I also love Japan and everyone here," Labuschagne said. "This is our team. This has become our new home.

"We want to make everyone in Japan proud, everyone in this camp, this group, we've worked really hard to reach the goal we set up for ourselves."

'We never want to go through a shock like Brighton again'

Japan's win over South Africa four years ago was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history but their coach Jamie Joseph says his side will not be drawing on the victory.

"In fact, I've been trying to forget about it for the last four years," Joseph said. "Everyone talked about it, but we're a different team, different players."

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi came off the bench four years ago in Brighton and said it was a "very tough" defeat.

He said it had "stuck with" them until they beat the Brave Blossoms 41-7 in a warm-up to this World Cup.

"It's something that we never want to go through again," Kolisi said.

"But they are a much better team now, and it was good to play that game before the World Cup, just to get that monkey off our back.

"Now it's a different game again. We are going to have to be at our best again, because they have really improved as a team - they are much better now than four years ago. So, we are looking forward to the challenge."

Japan winger Kotaro Matsushima scored five tries in the pool stage, the joint most of any player, and Kolisi admitted he is an "awesome player" but said his side have nothing specific in place to counteract him.

"We have nothing specific to watch one person - their whole team have been doing well, and he's getting great opportunities because the team are doing well with ball-in-hand," Kolisi said.

Teams

Japan: Yamanaka; Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Fukuoka; Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Koo, Thompson, Moore, Leitch (c), Labuschagne, Himeno.

Replacements: Sakate, Nakajima, Ai Valu, Van der Walt, Lelei Mafi, Tanaka, Matsuda, Lava Lemeki.

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

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

Match facts

Tagged under

Hottest ticket in town - Irish and Japanese fans face quarter-final swap

Published in Rugby

Friday, 18 October 2019 11:12

Irish and Japanese supporters have been meeting in Tokyo to swap tickets ahead of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

With Japan topping Pool A after shocking Ireland in their second game, many fans had been caught out by purchasing tickets for the wrong last-eight tie.

New Zealand face Ireland on Saturday morning with Japan aiming to shock South Africa the following day in Tokyo.

Tagged under

England overwhelm Australia to make semi-finals

Published in Rugby

Saturday, 19 October 2019 03:23

England are into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years as they ruthlessly dispatched old rivals Australia.

Two first-half tries in four minutes from Jonny May on his 50th cap helped establish a 17-9 half-time lead before a sensational score from Marika Koroibete brought the Wallabies to within a point.

But prop Kyle Sinckler smashed through from Owen Farrell's flat pass as England regained control, the fly-half landing 20 points with his boot to crush Australian hopes before Anthony Watson applied the coup de grace with a late interception try.

It was England's best performance of a World Cup when they have seldom been tested, the decision of coach Eddie Jones to start Farrell in place of George Ford vindicated by a seventh successive win over his home country.

Four years ago England were sent packing at the group stage from the tournament they were hosting by Michael Cheika's side.

But with the young back-row combination of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill outstanding, this was sweet revenge, a last-four meeting with New Zealand or Ireland in a week's time the rich reward.

May day for Australia as clinical England cut loose

Australia came out fast and battered away at the England defence, the men in white forced into 30 tackles in the first three minutes, Christian Lealiifano's penalty reflecting the early balance of power.

But after England had twice wasted overlaps in the opposition 22, they struck twice in quick succession to stun the Wallabies.

First Farrell went left after Watson had made inroads down the right, and with the defence stretched Curry committed the last man before putting May into the corner.

Farrell curled the conversion over from the touchline and with English celebrations still ringing round the stadium Australia handed over another priceless gift.

David Pocock threw a needless loose pass in midfield, Henry Slade gathered, charged into space and kicked cleverly ahead and May gathered the bouncing ball to dive into the same little patch beyond the try-line.

Lealiifano brought it back to 14-6 with his second penalty after Slade strayed offside but Farrell popped over one of his own to re-establish the 11-point lead on the half-hour.

And there was palpable relief among the gold-shirted support when a scrum penalty after a typically bullocking run from Samu Kerevi allowed Lealiifano to make it 17-9 at the interval.

Sinckler try sinks Australia's hopes

Australia had been nine points down to Fiji and 15 to Wales in the group stage before charging back, and within moments of the restart they had closed the gap to a single point.

Winger Reece Hodge spotted space beyond Slade and threw a long pass to 19-year-old Jordan Petaia, and Koroibete came accelerating up on his inside before leaving Elliot Daly for dead on the outside.

It was a stunning try but England struck back immediately in similar style.

After a poor kick from the struggling Will Genia, England battered to within 25 metres before Farrell's sweet flat pass found Sinckler hammering through like a runaway dumper-truck for his first international try.

Farrell made it 27-16 after Australia's scrum splintered and then the defence held firm on their own line despite repeated Wallaby charges.

Farrell twisted the knife again with two more penalties, England taking control at the scrum, the power of their ball-carriers repeatedly punching dents in the Australian rearguard.

With Australia 17 points down and time running out, Watson picked off Beale's desperate long pass in search of Hooper, and England could celebrate a first win in knock-out rugby since 2007.

Man of the match: Tom Curry

'We haven't been at our best yet' - reaction

England head coach Eddie Jones: "They came back at us in the second half and we had to find ourselves. It was one of those 'bring it on moments'. We had to decide whether we were going to stick at it or go individual and I thought it was brilliant.

"We are so excited about the semi-final. We haven't been at our best yet and that is the challenge to see how we can get to our best."

England captain Owen Farrell: "Australia made that a brilliant game. They attacked throughout but our boys did well in defence and managed to get some field position off the back of it. We know when we have field position we can be pretty dangerous

"We did what was needed. We had the lead and Australia were throwing everything at us again. We wanted to play the game at our pace and we did that in the second half."

England scrum-half Ben Youngs: "We stuck in there, the key point was midway in the second half on our line when we pushed them back, pushed them back.

"We were probably cruising in second gear in those first few games, but we went through the gears today."

Match stats

Teams

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

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Marler, Cole, Kruis, Ludlam, Heinz, Ford, Joseph.

Australia: Beale; Hodge, Petaia, Kerevi, Koroibete; Lealiifano, Genia; Alaalatoa, Latu, Sio; Arnold, Rodda; Naisarani, Hooper (capt), Pocock.

Replacements: Uelese, Slipper, Tupou, Coleman, Salakaia-Loto, White, Toomua, O'Connor.

Tagged under

Flud Strikes Twice With NOW600

Published in Racing

Saturday, 19 October 2019 02:49

CANEY, Kan. – The winningest driver in Lucas Oil National Open Wheel 600 Series history added two more triumphs while another competitor registered his first career series victory on Friday during the opening round of the Border-Town Showdown at Caney Valley Speedway.

Frank Flud hustled to his 14th Stock Non-Wing win and 19 th Winged A Class triumph, producing a series victory in both divisions on the same night for the 12th time this year. Meanwhile, Brenham Crouch scored his first-ever Restricted A Class victory with the series.

Flud drove from last – 21st – to first during the 20-lap Stock Non-Wing main event. It marked the furthest back any driver has started to record a win during series competition this season. Kale Drake place second with Dean Drake Jr. third, Ryan Timms fourth and Kenton Brewer fifth.

Jim Woods, Drake and Baron Silva were the heat race winners.

Flud rallied from sixth to garner the Winged A Class victory. Cole Roberts maneuvered from eighth to second with Drake, Ryder Laplante and Crouch rounding out the top five, respectively.

Drake, Conner Thomas and Flud each won a heat race.

Crouch became the eighth different Restricted A Class winner of the season. Mason Daugherty powered from eighth to second. Timms, who leads the championship standings, ended third with Kayden Cole fourth and Laplante fifth.

Crouch and Joshua Gentry both picked up a heat race triumph.

Tagged under

Stewart Smokes Chatham USCS Field

Published in Racing

Saturday, 19 October 2019 02:56

CHATHAM, La. – Tony Stewart collected his fifth USCS Outlaw Thunder Tour victory of the season on Friday night at Chatham Speedway.

Coming from the third position, Stewart outran Pennsylvania’s Mark Smith on the run to the checkered flag in the 30-lap race for winged sprint cars.

Arriton Olsen was third after starting second. Morgen Turpen finished fourth, with Brad Bowden completing the top-five after starting 13th.

Heat races were won by Turpen, Stewart, Channin Tankersley and Olsen. Dale Howard and Bowden each won a dash.

The finish:

Tony Stewart, Mark Smith, Arriton Olsen, Morgan Turpen, Brad Bowden, Dale Howard, Dustin Gates, Channin Tankersley, Cody Adams, Alan Myers, Johnny Bridges, Butch David, Landon Britt, Terry Gray, Mallie Shuster, Jim Shuster, Jeff Willingham, Chris Banja, Mike Vaculik, Tony Agin, Ronny Howard, Richard Reynolds, Michael Miller, Blake Carrier.

Tagged under

It’s Rico Abreu Again During Trophy Cup

Published in Racing

Saturday, 19 October 2019 03:09

TULARE, Calif. – Rico Abreu ended Friday the same way he ended Thursday, in victory lane at Thunderbowl Raceway during the Abreu Vineyards 26th Annual Trophy Cup Presented by Rudeen Racing.

Abreu, who pocketed $4,000 for his victory out of a $29,630 purse, became the first to win two preliminary mains during one Trophy Cup weekend.

The format was the same as Thursday’s, except group B qualified first and the order within the two groups was reversed. An 86-car field returned, losing three from opening night.

Heat racing was frantic as usual since the first two rows must win to transfer directly to the A main since row three almost always provides the top point car after eight laps.

Six out of 8 fastest time cars in the heats took high point transfer positions. Willie Croft and Justin Sanders each accomplished the unlikely high point finish from the fifth starting position in their respective heats.

Very tough B mains moved four from each to the finale. The 12 inverted cars in the pair of B mains have claimed numerous wins, but the very strong field and demanding format leads to loaded B mains.

The first B main had sliders galore, with Cole Macedo winning over Colton Heath, 18th starting Bud Kaeding, and J.J. Ringo, who survived a last turn slider from micro sprint star Mitch Moles for the final transfer spot.

The second B main went to Buddy Kofoid ahead of two-time Trophy Cup champion Shane Golobic. Chase Johnson and veteran Randy Hannagan also transferred.

Inverting 12 competitors by points put Macedo and Golobic on the front row while the top-two point cars of Justyn Cox and Tim Kaeding filled row six.

Golobic quickly established a lead while Cory Eliason and Macedo chased. Sanders took third on lap 10 with Thursday winner Abreu closing fast.

Abreu took third on lap 14 as Golobic successfully maneuvered through traffic. Two laps later the red flag waved for a tangle involving Dominic Scelzi, D.J. Netto and Johnson.

Sliders began in earnest as soon as the green flag waved again. Eliason and Abreu traded lap 17 sliders before Abreu made a turn four slide work on lap 18 for second.

Another red was needed after Tim Crawley found how treacherous Tulare’s turn four wall can be. A lap 20 restart led to a battle of sliders between Golobic and Abreu until Golobic established a larger lead.

Lap 26 had Abreu right behind Golobic and when the leader went up the track a bit in turn two, Abreu drove underneath and won the race down the backstretch.

Abreu led the final four laps for the $4,000 win over Golobic, Eliason, Jonathan Allard and Sanders.

Abreu is the high point man going into the final night of the Trophy Cup with 283 points. Golobic follows with 277 points, while reigning Trophy Cup champion Jac Haudenschild sits third with 276 points. Kyle Hirst (272 points) and Allard (269 points) are fourth and fifth, respectively.

Tagged under

Schatz & Ford Rule Lakeside Sprint

Published in Racing

Saturday, 19 October 2019 03:24

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – When Ford wanted to win Le Mans against the unstoppable Ferrari team it turned to legendary car designer Carroll Shelby, his team and his ace driver Ken Miles to get the job done.

Spoiler: They won.

A similar mentality was used when Ford wanted to return to sprint car racing with a new 410 engine after a more than 20-year absence in the sport. It turned to NASCAR champion Tony Stewart, his team and his ace driver Donny Schatz.

Friday night at Lakeside Speedway for the FVP Platinum Battery Showdown, Schatz brought a Ford powered World of Outlaws Sprint Car back to victory lane for the first time since Aug. 26, 1998 when Jeff Swindell won at Southern Oregon Speedway.

It was the new Ford FPS 410 engine’s third appearance in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series – Schatz finished on the podium in his first two races with it.

“It’s pretty rewarding,” said Schatz about winning with the new Ford engine. “Sometimes you have to do things in life that are off the beaten path. That’s what this whole program is. They got a lot of dedication to it. Tony (Stewart) does. And what Tony asks us to do we do. Here we are.

“Rick (Warner, Schatz’s former crew chief who helped develop the FPS 410) has put a lot of time and blood and sweat and countless sleepless nights on it and to bring it out and to have two podiums at Williams Grove and a win tonight is huge… It’s going to be a live and learn experience. Tonight, it was a live on it. The next night we might be learning. But they did a great job and that’s what we’re here to do, have fun and win races with it.”

Schatz and his Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing had to fight for the win all night. He finished second in his Drydene Heat race to Logan Schuchart, who was about half of a second faster than everyone else. Schatz then finished fifth in the DIRTVision Fast Pass Dash and had to change a motor after.

The motor wasn’t at fault for the change, Schatz said. It wasn’t sealed properly and leaked oil.

With a new FPS 410 installed for the feature, Schatz put its full potential on display throughout the 30 laps.

The beginning of the race was plagued with multiple cautions for accidents and poor restarts. Brian Brown, in the FVP No. 21 car, led the field through it all. Daryn Pittman, David Gravel, Logan Schuchart, Brad Sweet and Donny Schatz battled amongst themselves for position in the short runs between cautions.

Schatz made his way from fifth to second by lap 10.

A reg flag for Matt Juhl flipping on lap 12 brought out an Open Red, allowing teams to fuel their cars and make adjustments.

When the feature when back green Schatz didn’t waste time testing the limits of his new engine to pass Brown for the lead.

Brown hung on to the high side of the track through turns one and two, while Schatz searched for grip low. What he found allowed him to hammer the throttle and exit the corner side-by-side with Brown.

They drag raced down the backstretch and remained in line through turns three and four. However, Brown couldn’t match the lightspeed launch Schatz got off turn four. The Toco Warranty No. 15 shot to the lead on Lap 13.

Brown was hungry for another hometown win, though. Continuing to favor the top line, he built momentum off turn two and charged to the outside of Schatz down the backstretch. They again raced side-by-side through turns three and four, but the FPS 410 continued to conjure remarkable speed off the corner.

Schatz took the lead and ran away with it. He found himself more than a second ahead of Brown a few laps after passing him.

Schuchart eventually charged his way to second by lap 20 and Sweet moved into third by lap 27. Time was running out to catch Schatz, though. Lap traffic became a factor in the closing laps, but before either driver could try to use it to their advantage a caution came out for Ian Madsen slowing in turn four.

When the green flag flew again, Schatz was gone. The 10-time series champion sprinted away from the field and had almost a second lead over Schuchart when he crossed the finish line.

“I would’ve liked to see what would have happened if we kept going or had some lap traffic,” Schuchart said. “This is a great team. An awesome year. We would’ve liked to have gotten the win… But still a great night.”

Sweet’s third-place finish allowed Schatz to chip away at his points lead. Schatz is now 24 points behind Sweet with five races left this season – three before the World Finals in November.

“We’re happy with a podium run,” Sweet said. “We were just a little bit off and fighting a few things. We’ll take a podium with the NAPA Auto Parts car and move on to tomorrow night.”

Schatz’s victory was his 10th of the year – 293rd career series win – and first win in almost a month.

“These guys, it’s incredible what they do,” Schatz said about his team. “The race car was awesome. Yeah, we got to make changes to it for the extra power and a little bit extra weight, but they do an awesome job. It’s great to finally get a win again.”

For complete results, advance to the next page.

Tagged under