Sports
Bahamian Sprinter Surpasses Amusan In 60m Hurdles
Bahamian sprinter, Devynne Charlton beat Nigerian contender, Tobi Amusan in the climactic finale of the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting in Madrid, Spain.
Charlton’s stellar performance in the 60m hurdles event, saw her clock an impressive 7.68 seconds – the third-fastest in history, to secure victory with a total score of 28 points, edging past Amusan’s 27 points.
Charlton’s remarkable win not only earned her the coveted title but also a $10,000 bonus and a wildcard entry for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow.
As per World Athletics regulations, the overall point score for athletes is based on the results of their best three performances.
In the case of Charlton and Amusan, Charlton secured her victory by finishing third at the Boston Indoors, winning at the Milrose Indoor Games, and triumphing again in Madrid.
Amusan, on the other hand, claimed victory in Astana, came second in Boston, and secured another win in Lievin, France, accumulating a total of 27 points.
The critical difference emerged when Charlton earned an additional three bonus points for setting a world record in New York, ultimately giving her a total of 28 points and securing the win over the 28-year-old Nigerian athlete.
Notably, Tobi Amusan has the opportunity to make history as the first Nigerian to clinch a World Indoor title and potentially set records in both indoor and outdoor high hurdles if she emerges victorious in Glasgow this upcoming weekend.
Ese Brume and Ruth Usoro missed out on the final shortlist of seven top performers.
Meanwhile, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi secured the seventh position in the overall shot put rankings, earning six points.
His fourth-place finishes at the Ostrava meet in the Czech Republic and in Madrid last Friday contributed to his standing in the competition.
Sports
Ten Hag Pens Hearty Farewell To Man U Fans
Erik ten Hag has signed off at Manchester United, after being relieved of his duties as Manager of the club, with an emotional letter to fans and employees.
From the letter, the sacked manager wished the club well. “I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory,” he stated.
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He wrote, “Dear fans,
“Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.
“I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.
“I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.
“We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
“I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.
“Thank you for this chapter in my life.
“Erik”.
Sports
Valencia Flood: Real Madrid, Other Matches Suspended
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has postponed Real Madrid’s La Liga away game against Valencia, initially scheduled for this weekend, due to catastrophic flooding that has claimed more than 95 lives in eastern Spain.
The suspension announced on Thursday also extends to Villarreal’s home match against Rayo Vallecano, as well as three second-division matches involving teams from flood-affected areas.
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The RFEF acted at La Liga’s request to delay these matches, following devastating flash floods that have impacted the Valencia region.
“It has been agreed to postpone matches that were to be played in professional and non-professional competitions, both in 11-a-side football and in indoor football (in the Valencia region),” the federation stated.
The federation had already postponed several midweek Copa del Rey first-round matches, including Valencia’s tie against Parla Escuela, in response to the widespread destruction.
As Spain mourns the lives lost, a moment of silence will be observed this weekend at football matches nationwide, including the league leaders Barcelona’s Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday.
Sports
Olayinka Undergoes Surgery, Set For Long Road To Recovery
Nigeria international, Peter Olayinka is set to miss significant game time after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon injury, Red Star Belgrade has confirmed.
The forward sustained the injury during last week’s UEFA Champions League match against AS Monaco, forcing him off the field early.
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In an official statement, the Serbian club revealed that Olayinka had surgery in Finland, performed by a renowned specialist.
“Peter Olayinka was successfully operated on in Finland by a famous doctor, following an Achilles tendon injury he suffered in Monaco,” Red Star’s statement read.
“The surgery went smoothly, and we now await his recovery period to assess his return timeline. We wish him a swift recovery and hope to see him back on the field soon.”
Olayinka, who has contributed two goals and two assists across six league appearances this season, is expected to be sidelined for six to nine months as he recovers.
His absence will be felt both by Red Star Belgrade and Nigeria’s national team, where he has been a valuable asset.
The extended recovery period means Olayinka will miss much of Red Star’s season and a portion of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures.