Sports
Messi on target as PSG clinch Ligue 1 title
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JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/ AFP
Lionel Messi found the back of the net as Paris St Germain bagged a record-breaking 11th Ligue 1 title with one game to spare with a mediocre 1-1 draw at Racing Strasbourg on Saturday.
The result put PSG on 85 points, four ahead of RC Lens, who secured second place and a place in next season’s Champions League – a first for the Sang et Or in 21 years – with a 3-0 hammering of AC Ajaccio in a boiling hot Bollaert-Delelis stadium.
“Everything was not perfect, but this title belongs to the players. Being French champions is always something,” said coach Christophe Galtier.
“From a personal point of view I appreciate it a lot.”
Asked about his future at the club after one season in charge, Galtier said: “I’ve been reading a lot of things here and there but there is a difference between what’s being written and what’s happening.”
Olympique de Marseille will finish third after being left with 73 points following a 2-1 home defeat by Stade Brestois.
Lille are fourth on 66 points after a couple of Jonathan David penalties gave them a 2-1 home win against relegation-threatened Nantes.
Stade Rennais leapfrogged Monaco into fifth place with a 2-0 victory against the principality side, who are behind on goal difference with 65 points, leaving the fight for a spot in the Europa League to be decided in the final round of matches.
The fourth-placed team qualifies for the Europa League group stage, where they will join French Cup winners Toulouse.
In Strasbourg, PSG were their usual disappointing selves until Messi opened the scoring with a right footed effort into the top corner after collecting Mbappe’s pass in the area.
Strasbourg had their chances but failed to convert as they secured their place in the elite for next season.
Troyes, Ajaccio and Angers were already relegated and they will be joined into Ligue 2 either by AJ Auxerre or Nantes.
Nantes trail the Burgundy side by two points before hosting bottom side Angers while Auxerre will entertain Lens.
Lens won their ticket for Europe’s premium club competition as Lois Openda became the club’s top scorer in the top flight with 20 goals – level with Roger Boli who reached that tally in the 1993-94 season.
Openda scored the third goal with a penalty after Deiver Machado and Adrien Thomasson had put the hosts ahead in the first half.
“It puts me right up there with a club legend, I’m so happy,” said Belgium striker Openda.
“We did it all together, we were so strong at home this season,” said Lens defender Kevin Danso.
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Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are witnessing a groundbreaking shift in the legendary game of cricket through the World Championship of Legends. Here’s why this championship is reshaping the cricketing landscape
Firstly, it stands out as the only league in its category approved by a Test Playing Nation. This validation brings a new level of prestige and authenticity to the championship.
Secondly, the matches are set to unfold on the iconic grounds of Edgbaston. These hallowed cricketing grounds hold a rich history and add an aura of grandeur to the championship.
One of the distinctive features of this league is that players will proudly don their country’s colors while competing. This patriotic display adds a layer of pride and passion to the matches, fostering a deeper connection with fans.
A highlight of the championship is the India versus Pakistan clash, a rivalry steeped in cricketing lore. This showdown not only ignites the competitive spirit but also captures the imagination of fans worldwide.
Moreover, the championship boasts an extensive pool of cricketers, including legends like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Kamran Akmal, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, and many others. This diverse lineup ensures fierce competition and thrilling performances on the field.
Cricketing legend Kevin Pietersen current player for England Champions at WCL, shares, “I can’t wait to feel the energy of Edgbaston. It is truly one of the exciting atmospheres to be in, especially when you are playing for England at one of the prestigious venues of cricket. Edgbaston is known to have one of the most passionate crowds, and I am excited to be in action.”
Cricketing icon Brett Lee, playing for Australia Champions, shares, ‘I am beyond proud to be a part of World Championship of Legends. Putting on my country’s colors back again and playing on one of the leading venues of world cricket, Edgbaston, is about representing the pride and passion of millions of fans while giving it my all on the field.’
Sharing more on playing for Australia Champions, Brett Lee shares, “Playing for the World Championship of Legends is not just a privilege, it’s a reminder of the honor and passion that fuels the game.”
What sets this league apart is its inclusion of not just retired players but also those who are not currently signed with their respective cricket boards. This inclusion of free agents adds an element of unpredictability and toughness to the competition, making every match a must-watch spectacle.
Adding to the league’s allure is Bollywood megastar Ajay Devgn, who has invested in the championship, further elevating its profile and appeal. This partnership has garnered significant interest, evident in the sale of tickets worth 125K USD on the very first day.
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The Asian Champions League semi-final first leg between Al Ain and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal has been postponed due to the weather, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Tuesday.
The match was set to be played on Tuesday evening in Al Ain but will now be played on Wednesday, April 17 after the country experienced heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
UAE authorities had urged residents to stay at home due to the weather conditions.
“The UAE Football Association has suspended all football activities for Tuesday, keeping in view the safety of all fans, players and stakeholders,” AFC said in a statement.
The match has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.
Due to weather conditions..
The AFC postpones @alainfcae and @Alhilal_FC match until tomorrow, Wednesday at 20:00 #alainclub || @Alhilal_EN #ACL pic.twitter.com/QWM9fEGmwH— Al Ain FC (@alainfcae_en) April 16, 2024
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Former England bowler Derek Underwood has died at the age of 78, his former team Kent County Cricket Club said on Monday.
Underwood played 86 test matches for England and took 297 wickets, the country’s highest wicket-taking spinner of all time in the format and the sixth highest wicket-taker overall. His 16-year international career includes 17 five-wicket hauls.
The retrospective ICC rankings put him as the world’s number one bowler for nearly four years between 1969 and 1973.
Underwood, born in Kent, played for his local club for 24 years before retiring in 1987 and had 10 seasons where he took 100 or more wickets.
“Watching Derek weave his unique magic on a wet wicket was a privilege for all who were able to witness it,” Simon Philip, chair of Kent Cricket, said in a statement.
“His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame shows the esteem in which he was held in world cricket.”
Underwood also served as the president of Kent Cricket and the Marylebone Cricket Club after retiring as a player.
“Derek also made substantial contributions off the field as well as on it and he will be sorely missed by everyone at Kent Cricket,” Philip added.
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