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Shohei Ohtani vaults Dodgers to World Series favourites – ARN News Centre

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AFP

The Los Angeles Dodgers vaulted to the favourites to win the 2024 World Series after bestowing the largest contract in Major League Baseball history upon Shohei Ohtani.

The Dodgers were among the title favourites as they pursued Ohtani, including being offered at +800 by BetMGM. That placed them behind the Atlanta Braves, but that changed after the Japanese superstar agreed to a 10-year, $700 million contract to leave the cross-town Los Angeles Angels.

The Dodgers vaulted to the +550 World Series favorites at the book, followed by the Braves (+650) and New York Yankees (+950). Before the blockbuster Ohtani signing, the Yankees had completed the biggest offseason move with the acquisition of outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani’s signing shifted the balance of power in the National League, where the Dodgers are now the +275 favorites to win the pennant ahead of the Braves (+375) and Philadelphia Phillies (+500).

The Yankees are the co-favorites to win the American League at +450 along with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays’ odds had shortened in recent days with reports that Ohtani was strongly considering Toronto, but they went from +900 to +1400 to win the World Series after losing out to the Dodgers.

Even still, the Blue Jays have shorter odds to win the AL pennant than the Houston Astros and the reigning champion Texas Rangers at +500.

Ohtani was the first major free-agent domino to fall, and now the race will be on among the other contenders to bolster their rosters in an attempt to keep pace.

Ohtani, 29, won his second AL MVP award this past season when he batted .304 with an AL-leading 44 homers with 95 RBIs in 135 games with the Angels. He led the AL with a .412 on-base percentage and led the majors with a .654 slugging percentage.

As a pitcher, Ohtani went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and recorded 167 strikeouts over 132 innings (23 starts). He limited opposing batters to a .184 average.

Ohtani’s pitching efforts ended after he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on August 23. He continued playing as a batter until sustaining an oblique injury on Sept. 3.

Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-September for the second time and isn’t expected to pitch in 2024. He also had the procedure in the fall of 2018.

With the signing, BetMGM also moved the Dodgers’ win total market from 101.5 games to 103.5.

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Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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