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Rob Dorsett and Kaveh Solhekol analyse England’s 0-0 draw against USA at the World Cup in Qatar.
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Tag: rugby
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2023 PDC World Darts Championship: Watch the draw live on Sky Sports on Monday
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Watch the draw for the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship live on Sky Sports News and the Sky Sports Darts YouTube channel on Monday – Beau Greaves, Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton will discover their first-round opponents; Peter Wright is defending champion
Last Updated: 24/11/22 7:31pm
Lisa Ashton, Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock will find out their opponents in the first round of the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship
Beau Greaves, Fallon Sherrock and more will discover their Alexandra Palace fate when the draw for the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship takes place live on Sky Sports News and the Sky Sports Darts YouTube channel on Monday evening.
Tune in from 6.25pm as Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster draw the names for the biggest tournament in the sport, which runs from December 15 to January 3 live exclusively on Sky Sports.
There will be three women’s players in this winter’s competition with teenage sensation Beau Greaves and Lisa Ashton taking their spots from the Women’s Series Order of Merit and Fallon Sherrock awarded a place by virtue of winning the inaugural Women’s World Matchplay in July.
On the latest episode of Love The Darts, Devon Petersen and Michael Bridge discuss whether Sherrock deserves her place at the 2023 World Championship On the latest episode of Love The Darts, Devon Petersen and Michael Bridge discuss whether Sherrock deserves her place at the 2023 World Championship
Greaves, 18, has been in sparkling form in the Women’s Series, clinching second spot in the Order of Merit with seven consecutive event wins, and the reigning WDF Lakeside Women’s World Champion could be a real threat at Alexandra Palace.
Greaves, Sherrock and Ashton will enter at the first-round stage alongside the likes of Steve Beaton, Adrian Lewis and Josh Rock, with the top 32 on the PDC Order of Merit, including world No 1 Gerwyn Price, defending champion Peter Wright, Michael van Gerwen, Grand Slam champion Michael Smith and a revitalised Raymond van Barneveld, playing from round two.
Wright beat Smith 7-5 in last season’s World Championship final to win the title for the second time in his career, having also triumphed in 2020 with a 7-3 success over Van Gerwen.
There were three nine-dart finishes in the 2022 tournament with Price, Darius Labanauskas and William Borland pulling off the feat.
Watch the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship live on Sky Sports from December 15 to January 3.
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Jamie Carragher: Julian Ward departure a worry for Liverpool
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Jamie Carragher claims the departure of sporting director Julian Ward is a worry for Liverpool and the uncertainty surrounding the club is a concern in terms of recruitment.
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Sam Warburton: Wales need biggest reform in history | ‘I fear for Wales over next five years’
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“The game in Wales needs the biggest reform in its history if there are not to be repeats of the unacceptable defeat by Georgia. This situation has been brewing for some time. The system is not working. The whole thing needs to be wiped clean. Sadly, I know it won’t happen” – Warburton
Last Updated: 23/11/22 2:07pm
Sam Warburton has spoken about his fears for the future of Welsh rugby
Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has shared his thoughts and fears for the future of Welsh rugby, saying it needs the “biggest reform in history.”
Writing for The Times on Wednesday, Warburton spoke in the wake of Wales’ embarrassing 13-12 defeat to Georgia in Cardiff – a first loss to Los Lelos.
The loss meant Wales have suffered defeats at home to Italy and Georgia in the same year, while also having lost to Ireland, England, France, South Africa (twice) and New Zealand in 2022.
Indeed, their only wins have come against Scotland, Argentina and a much-changed South Africa in the second of their three-Test July series, live on Sky Sports.
The poor year under head coach Wayne Pivac, which saw them finish fifth in the Six Nations, also comes after a 2020 season which saw them lose seven of 10 Tests, beating only Italy (twice) and Georgia, finishing fifth in the Six Nations as well.
“The game in Wales needs the biggest reform in its history if there are not to be repeats of the unacceptable defeat by Georgia last Saturday,” Warburton said.
Wales have lost at home to Italy and Georgia in Cardiff in 2022
“This situation has been brewing for some time both on and off the field. The system is just not working. The whole thing needs to be wiped clean and a fresh start made. Sadly, I know it won’t happen. I know I will say these things and we will be in the same situation in 12 months.
“I genuinely want the best for Welsh rugby. I am a Cardiff boy but if the Scarlets ended up winning the European Cup I would be over the moon. It would be amazing for Welsh rugby. I want everyone in Wales to succeed.
“I would never let any bias towards Cardiff hinder my decision-making and that, unfortunately, is one of the problems in Welsh rugby: there is too much parochialism.
“And the amateur game still has way too much say. Of the 12 directors on the Welsh Rugby Union’s board, there are eight community members. That is like having eight people on the board of a company that are contributing to just one part of the business. It’s just way too many.
Warburton won two Six Nations titles with Wales in 2012 and 2013
“There should be one community member on that board. The community game is hugely important, of course it is, and most of the people involved are well-intentioned, but it should not have eight representatives on the board of a company with a turnover of £100m. It is farcical.
“It is a governance structure that is stuck in the Stone Age. Unless that changes, very little else will change.”
‘It’s such a mess…I really do fear for Wales over the next five years’
In addition to problems in governance, Warburton pointed out how player pathways, funding disputes between the four regions – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets – and the WRU, and lack of playing depth at senior level also point to a bleak future.
Only twice in the professional era (1995, 2010) have Wales had a worst winning percentage than this year
He added: “It is such a mess. There is little trust on either side. I don’t think the WRU trust the regions with their money and then the regions don’t want to be owned by the WRU because their governance is so old fashioned and they do not trust their decisions.
Wales coach Wayne Pivac is under pressure after a run of just three wins in 11 games in 2022
“I really do fear for Wales in the next five years. They are simply not going to have the pool of players to compete, especially once the core of experienced players retire.”
Warburton says he ‘fears for Wales over the next five years’
Calls for ‘a brutally honest review’
Speaking as a pundit on Amazon Prime post-Wales’ defeat to Georgia, Warburton pondered “underlying issues” and questioned “why aren’t the players motivated and desperate?”
The 34-year-old, who picked up 74 caps for Wales between 2009 and 2017 before retiring injured, says drastic change needs to occur, and it needs to start with an immediate review.
Warburton was a coach with Wales under Pivac between November 2019 and October 2020, before stepping away
“There needs to be a very honest review now. If I was in charge at the WRU – and believe me, I am not touting for a job – I would be going around to speak to everyone in the Wales set-up and at the regions,” he said.
“I would be saying: ‘Anonymously, please tell me everything that is good and bad.’ It needs to be brutal across the board to find the answers.”
The former back-row captained the British and Irish Lions on two tours: Australia 2013, New Zealand 2017
Sky Sports has contacted the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) for comment regarding Warburton’s claims and statements
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Manchester United and Liverpool | Football royalty up for grabs?
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Melissa Reddy reports on the news that both Manchester United and Liverpool are considering new investment and the potential of an outright sale, at the same time.
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Gallagher Premiership: Joe Launchbury to join Harlequins after spell in Japan
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Last Updated: 21/11/22 5:44pm
Former Wasps lock Joe Launchbury will join Harlequins after a stint in Japan
Joe Launchbury has signed for Harlequins on a multi-year deal and will join the Gallagher Premiership club in the summer following a stint in Japan.
More to follow…
This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.
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Visit skysports.com or the Sky Sports App for all the breaking sports news headlines. You can receive push notifications from the Sky Sports app for the latest news from your favourite sports and you can also follow @SkySportsNews on Twitter to get the latest updates.
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Worcester Warriors: Administrators’ report reveals full debts of more than £30m
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Worcester’s debts include £16.1m in Government loans from the Covid Sports Survival plan, over £5.8m to ticket holders, suppliers, businesses and banks connected to the club, £2.1m in unpaid taxes to HMRC, £6.8m in payroll and over £2m to former owners
Last Updated: 21/11/22 1:29pm
A report by administrators has revealed Worcester Warriors’ debts total more than £30m
A detailed report by administrators Begbies Traynor has revealed full Worcester Warriors debts total more than £30m, as the relegated Premiership club continue to seek a new buyer.
Former Worcester CEO Jim O’Toole is in pole position to complete a takeover, with the report sent to the club’s creditors revealing O’Toole and James Sandford’s consortium paid a £500,000 deposit to be able to negotiate exclusively until the end of November.
The report also states that former Warriors owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring claim they are still owed over £2m by the club.
Other findings show that O’Toole and Sandford’s consortium have already invested more than £1m in the club, and paid off a £634,000 loan taken on land at Sixways taken by the previous owners.
WRFC Players Ltd – the company which held the contracts of Worcester Warriors’ players and some staff – was liquidated in the High Court.
WRFC Players Ltd – the company which held the contracts of Worcester Warriors’ players and some staff – was liquidated in the High Court
The winding-up petition heard concerned an unpaid tax bill of approximately £6m, and the result saw the contracts of Worcester’s players immediately terminated.
Worcester then had their suspension from the rest of the Gallagher Premiership season and enforced relegation to the Championship confirmed by the RFU.
Former owners Goldring and Whittingham were also disqualified as company directors for 12 months following a court hearing in Cardiff in October for failing to file accounts for the financial year to 28 February 2021.
In the latest report, Begbies Traynor confirm the club owe the Government £16.1m in loans from the Covid Sports Survival plan, and still owe £2.1m in unpaid taxes to HMRC.
Worcester and Wasps both entered administration and were relegated from the Premiership within a fortnight of each other
Ticket holders, suppliers, businesses and banks connected to the club are also owed more than £5.8m, while WRFC Players Ltd owed £6.8m prior to being wound up.
The administrators have also confirmed that even if the entirety of Worcester’s remaining assets were sold, the prospective funds raised would not be enough to pay off the existing debts.
Joint-administrator Palmer said in the report that money owed to the HMRC is “highly likely” to be repaid, while the debt owed to the Government would be taken on by a future buyer.
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DP World Tour Championship | Day 4 highlights
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Highlights from day four of the DP World Tour Championship as the race for being ranked World number one hots up.
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Rugby League World Cup: James Tedesco stars to seal 12th triumph for Australia in 30-10 win over Samoa
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Australia captain James Tedesco put in a player-of-the-match performance to help the Kangaroos win their third men’s World Cup in a row and deny first-time finalists Samoa the chance of making history at Old Trafford
By Marc Bazeley at Old Trafford
Last Updated: 19/11/22 5:51pm
James Tedesco crossed twice as Australia kept their hold on the Rugby League World Cup
Skipper James Tedesco led the way with a player-of-the-match display as Australia broke Samoa’s hearts and retained the men’s Rugby League World Cup with a 30-10 victory in the final at Old Trafford.
The first-time finalists appeared to be in the ascendancy at the start of the contest, but tries from Latrell Mitchell, full-back Tedesco and Liam Martin helped ensure it was the reigning champions who went into the break holding a 14-0 lead.
The Kangaroos were dealt a blow seven minutes into the second half when Angus Crichton was sin-binned for foul play which saw Samoa hooker Chanel Harris-Tavita forced to leave the field with a head injury in his last game before retiring.
Despite being down to 12 men, Australia pushed further ahead through a try from Cameron Murray and although Brian To’o’s converted score briefly raised hopes of a fightback for Samoa, full-back Tedesco crossed again with 12 minutes to go followed by Mitchell putting the seal on a third World Cup triumph in a row with his second.
More to follow…
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England Wheelchair World Cup winner Tom Halliwell revels in Rob Burrow praise after 28-24 final win over France
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England captain Tom Halliwell, who plays for Leeds Rhinos in the Wheelchair Super League, was sent a congratulatory message by Rhinos icon Rob Burrow after playing a starring role in the final; France head coach Sylvain Crismanovich criticised a lack of showering facilities for players
By Marc Bazeley at Manchester Central
Last Updated: 19/11/22 12:02am
Tom Halliwell celebrates with the World Cup after guiding England to victory over France in the final
Tom Halliwell was overcome with emotion after his hero Rob Burrow congratulated him on winning the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
The England captain spoke in the build-up to Friday’s 28-24 win over France in the final about how honoured he was to be wearing the No 7 shirt as Burrow had during his stellar career with Betfred Super League side Leeds Rhinos.
Burrow posted his congratulations to Halliwell, who scored the game-clinching try two minutes from time in England’s win over France, on his Twitter account after the final and the Rhinos wheelchair star was overwhelmed to generate such a reaction.
“It’s special,” Halliwell said. “My try was sort of recreating his from the [2011 Super League] Grand Final, except his was 40 metres out and mine was probably four.
“Those are such kind words and it means a lot, but I can’t rest now. I’ve still got work hard and this is just the beginning for wheelchair rugby league, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
“I’m very grateful to be a part of this sport, it’s amazing and can’t wait to see what it can grow into.
“I’m probably forever in debt to rugby league and wheelchair rugby league has given me a platform to be able to play with family and friends.”
After winning the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, England’s Tom Halliwell and Seb Bechara reflected on the result and atmosphere at the game against France After winning the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, England’s Tom Halliwell and Seb Bechara reflected on the result and atmosphere at the game against France
England had lost the last two wheelchair World Cup finals against France, with the 2017 one seeing their rivals snatch victory with a try on the final play of the game.
This time, however, it was the host nation who won a see-saw contest in which they were 14-12 down at half-time before seizing the initiative after the break.
“I’ve learnt loads of amazing lessons along the way and probably playing France in tight games has been the biggest lesson, so thanks to them,” England head coach Tom Coyd said.
“I said ‘believe in yourselves’ [at half-time] because I thought we were playing within ourselves. Our defence was so solid, we were just a little bit scared of making a mistake. I said to them believe in themselves and they went out and did that.”
Tom Halliwell’s late try sealed victory for England over France
Attention will soon turn to the next Rugby League World Cup in France in just three years’ time, with the aim being to build on the exposure the wheelchair version of the sport has enjoyed being played alongside the men’s and women’s running game competitions.
Halliwell is optimistic it is only going to keep growing in the build-up to the 2025 tournament, but for now, just wants to enjoy the moment of skippering England to glory on the sport’s biggest stage.
“It’s probably the best feeling in the world, lifting it with these players and staff,” Halliwell said.
“We’ve been working so hard for the past five years to be able to get to this point and it’s so good knowing all this hard work has paid off.”
Tom Halliwell lifts the trophy after victory in the World Cup final
Crismanovich criticises lack of showering facilities
The wheelchair World Cup has been widely acclaimed for elevating the sport to a new level and for its inclusiveness, with the sport allowing male and female disabled and non-disabled athletes to compete on an even playing field.
But while France head coach Sylvain Crismanovich felt the action on the pitch brought many positives over the past three weeks, he believes there was still some areas behind the scenes where work needs to be done.
Crismanovich was particularly upset about the lack of showering facilities for the players at the venue for the final, Manchester Central.
“There have been a whole load of positives in front of the cameras, but behind the cameras, I feel there have been some oversights in this tournament,” Crismanovich said.
Reigning champions France were edged out by England in the final this time around
“There has been no discrimination between teams, but tonight we haven’t got any showers.
“All of the players played, but had no showering facilities and I don’t think the women or the men would have stood to have that.”
On the game itself, Crismanovich felt the outcome could have gone either way.
“It was a close game throughout and there was no point we felt we were in command,” Crismanovich said. “It was back and forth the whole way through, so it was a close game.”
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Grand Slam of Darts: Peter Wright dumped out by Nathan Aspinall as Josh Rock sets up Michael van Gerwen clash
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World Champion Peter Wright is dumped out of the Grand Slam of Darts after suffering defeat to Nathan Aspinall while Josh Rock sets up a knockout encounter with Michael van Gerwen watch every dart live on Sky Sports every day through to the final on Sunday, November 20
Last Updated: 15/11/22 11:54pm
World Champion Peter Wright was sensationally dumped out of the Grand Slam of Darts by Nathan Aspinall while Josh Rock set up a blockbuster clash against Michael van Gerwen in Wolverhampton.
On a spectacular night, Aspinall produced a stirring comeback to knock out Wright, while Ross Smith delivered a record-breaking display in his victory over Van Gerwen.
‘The Asp’ reeled off four straight legs from 2-1 down to eliminate World Champion Wright, as Groups E-H concluded on a dramatic Day Four at the Aldersley Leisure Village.
Aspinall sent Wright crashing out with these winning darts… Aspinall sent Wright crashing out with these winning darts…
“I’m so happy to get through and I can’t believe I’ve topped the group,” admitted Aspinall, who will meet Jermaine Wattimena for a place in the quarter-finals.
“Peter is going through a tough time at the moment. I don’t think his head was in the game and I give my best wishes to Jo, but I had to go up there and do my job.”
Tuesday, November 15 – Results
Group F Jermaine Wattimena 5-1 Leonard Gates Group F Jonny Clayton 2-5 Damon Heta Group G Luke Woodhouse 4-5 Nathan Rafferty Group G Michael van Gerwen 4-5 Ross Smith Group E Alan Soutar 5-2 Fallon Sherrock Group E Peter Wright 2-5 Nathan Aspinall Group H Ryan Searle 3-5 Scott Williams Group H Luke Humphries 3-5 Josh Rock 
Nathan Aspinall couldn’t hide his delight after beating Peter Wright to top Group E Nathan Aspinall couldn’t hide his delight after beating Peter Wright to top Group E
Wright required three legs to book his place in the knockout stages, and he was punished for squandering two darts at tops for a 3-1 lead in a crucial fourth leg.
Aspinall capitalised and followed up legs of 14 and 13 darts with a 106 checkout to lead 4-2, and despite spurning five match darts in an edgy conclusion, he regained his poise to wrap up proceedings via double eight.
‘The Asp’ hit this magnificent 106 finish during his win against Wright ‘The Asp’ hit this magnificent 106 finish during his win against Wright
His 5-2 success saw him top the group on leg difference, and the Stockport star advances alongside debutant Alan Soutar, who defeated Fallon Sherrock 5-2 earlier in the night.
“Watching that match backstage – that was the worst feeling I’ve ever had in darts. It was horrible,” admitted Soutar, who will now play Jonny Clayton in Thursday’s second round.
“The Grand Slam was a free roll for me and I’m now in the world’s top 40 after less than two years on the tour, so I’m absolutely delighted.”
Ross Smith says he wanted to show everyone what he could do against Michael van Gerwen Ross Smith says he wanted to show everyone what he could do against Michael van Gerwen
Elsewhere, Van Gerwen sealed top spot in Group G despite succumbing to an inspired Smith in arguably the match of the tournament so far.
‘Smudger’ was assured of qualification before his tie against Van Gerwen following Luke Woodhouse’s defeat to Nathan Rafferty, and he produced a blistering display to prevail in a nine-leg epic.
Smith set a Grand Slam of Darts group stage record by hitting NINE maximums during his sensational win Smith set a Grand Slam of Darts group stage record by hitting NINE maximums during his sensational win
“I wanted to show everyone what I can do against the best in the world,” said Smith, who averaged 107.9 and hit a maximum in every single leg.
“Hopefully I can kick on now. I’m loving my darts and I’m so happy with life in general, so I just want to keep going.”
MVG nailed this stunning 145 checkout during his defeat against Smith MVG nailed this stunning 145 checkout during his defeat against Smith
Woodhouse saw his qualification hopes dashed in a thrilling nine-leg affair against Nathan Rafferty, despite averaging 101, crashing in five 180s and converting the first 170 finish of the tournament.
Rock qualified for the last 16 after hitting 121 against Humphries Rock qualified for the last 16 after hitting 121 against Humphries
In Group H, emerging Northern Irish star Josh Rock joined Luke Humphries in the last 16, after running out a 5-3 winner in a captivating showdown between the pair.
Scott Williams posted a stunning 107 average to come through a high-quality clash against Ryan Searle in the other Group G tie, registering six 180s and two 11-darters in the process.
Josh Rock says he is proud of himself after progressing to the last 16 Josh Rock says he is proud of himself after progressing to the last 16
“I believe I can win this tournament,” insisted Rock, who will play three-time Grand Slam champion Van Gerwen in a huge last-16 tie on Thursday night.
“It will be a fantastic match. I’ve never played Michael before – he’s the second best player of all time in my opinion, but I’m not scared of playing him.”
Luke Woodhouse pinned this wonderful 170 checkout in Wolverhampton Luke Woodhouse pinned this wonderful 170 checkout in Wolverhampton
Earlier in the night, Jermaine Wattimena joined Jonny Clayton in advancing through Group F, punishing a profligate display from North American Champion Leonard Gates to complete an emphatic 5-1 victory.
Wattimena sealed the deal with a clinical 108 kill, and this result meant that Damon Heta needed to whitewash Clayton to keep his Grand Slam dream alive.
The Australian was unable to produce the heroic escape act, although he bowed out on a high, averaging 93 and landing three 180s to inflict Clayton’s first defeat of the campaign.
The best of the action from another dramatic night in Wolverhampton The best of the action from another dramatic night in Wolverhampton
Wednesday, November 17 – Fixtures (7pm)
Last 16 (Best of 19 legs) Raymond van Barneveld vs Simon Whitlock Michael Smith vs Rob Cross Danny Noppert vs Gerwyn Price Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Joe Cullen The last 16 of the Grand Slam gets under way on Wednesday night, as reigning champion Gerwyn Price plays UK Open winner Danny Noppert, while 2012 champion Raymond van Barneveld plays Australia’s World Cup hero Simon Whitlock.
Elsewhere, former World Cup of Darts partners Michael Smith and Rob Cross collide, while Masters champion Joe Cullen meets Dutch star Dirk van Duijvenbode for a place in the last eight.
Watch the Grand Slam of Darts at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton all the way through until the final on November 20 – with every session live on Sky Sports & don’t forget the World Championship is also coming to Sky Sports from December 15 until January 3.
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Grand Slam of Darts: Gerwyn Price, Raymond van Barneveld, Michael Smith and Rob Cross all win
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Defending champion Gerwyn Price wins epic against Dave Chisnall to make it through to the last 16, while Raymond van Barneveld, Michael Smith and Rob Cross also progress watch every dart live on Sky Sports every day through to the final on Sunday, November 20
Last Updated: 15/11/22 12:05am
World No 1 Gerwyn Price stayed on course for his fourth Grand Slam of Darts title in five years after coming through a thrilling final-leg shootout against Dave Chisnall in Wolverhampton on Monday.
The world No 1 Price won an epic straight shootout for qualification against 2014 runner-up Chisnall, while Michael Smith, Rob Cross, Danny Noppert and Joe Cullen also sealed their spots in the last 16.
The Welshman has won all three Grand Slam events staged at the Aldersley Leisure Village, and he continued his bid for a fourth Eric Bristow Trophy by coming through a breathless affair with a 103 average.
Price was edged out by 2012 champion Raymond van Barneveld in an epic contest on Sunday – despite averaging 106 – which set up a blockbuster winner-takes-all showdown against Chisnall in Monday’s headline act.
Monday, November 14 -Results
Group D Dirk van Duijvenbode 5-3 Adam Gawlas Group A Raymond van Barneveld 5-0 Ted Evetts Group B Simon Whitlock 5-3 Christian Perez Group B Danny Noppert 5-4 Mensur Suljovic Group A Gerwyn Price 5-4 Dave Chisnall Group C Joe Cullen 5-3 Lisa Ashton Group C Michael Smith 5-1 Ritchie Edhouse Group D Rob Cross 5-4 Martin Schindler Live Grand Slam of Darts
November 16, 2022, 7:00pm
Live on
Price made a rip-roaring start to break throw in 11 darts, but a sublime 122 finish on the bull from Chisnall catapulted him into a 2-1 lead.
The Welshman responded with a brilliant double-double 99 finish on tops to restore parity at two apiece, only for Chisnall to move to the cusp of victory at 4-3 with back-to-back 14-dart holds.
However, the 2014 runner-up was left to rue missing two match darts in the penultimate leg, as Price sank double five to force a decider, before following up visits of 140, 140 and 137 by converting a clinical 87 kill to prevail in 12 darts.
Gerwyn Price produced a brilliant 19, tops-tops 99 checkout on his way to defeating Dave Chisnall in a thriller Gerwyn Price produced a brilliant 19, tops-tops 99 checkout on his way to defeating Dave Chisnall in a thriller
“Raymond and Dave have both played brilliant games against me, so I’m just glad to get over the winning line,” reflected Price, who posted ton-plus averages in all three of his Group A ties.
“I never felt dead and buried. There is a target on my back, but I’m just fortunate I’ve got a little more in the tank that I can pull out.”
Price conceded he had doubts against Chisnall but managed to win in a last-leg decider to make it through Price conceded he had doubts against Chisnall but managed to win in a last-leg decider to make it through
Price will now take on UK Open champion Danny Noppert in a stellar last-16 tie on Wednesday, after the Dutchman came through a gruelling nine-leg tussle against Mensur Suljovic to claim his third consecutive Group B victory.
Van Barneveld – the 2012 Grand Slam champion – secured top spot in Group A with an emphatic whitewash win over World Youth Champion Ted Evetts in his final round-robin tie.
“I played well. I’m feeling relaxed and I have a wonderful life at the moment,” said Van Barneveld, who is through to the last 16 in Wolverhampton for the first time since 2017.
“The hard work is paying off. I’ve got massive support, I’m the group winner and I’m amazingly proud of myself.”
After winning all three matches and topping Group A, Barney says he is ‘relaxed’ and is ‘enjoying his darts’, with the Dutchman acknowledging his great form After winning all three matches and topping Group A, Barney says he is ‘relaxed’ and is ‘enjoying his darts’, with the Dutchman acknowledging his great form
Elsewhere, Michael Smith maintained his magnificent Group Stage record at the Grand Slam with a comprehensive 5-1 success against Ritchie Edhouse to finish top of Group C.
“It was about keeping my winning streak going in the groups. I want to win every game and that’s the mentality I’ve got,” insisted Smith, who averaged 102 to win a 16th straight game in the round-robin phase.
Masters champion Joe Cullen progressed alongside Smith in Group C, courtesy of a tense comeback win against four-time Women’s world champion Lisa Ashton.
“It was really tough. Lisa was fantastic, particularly early doors, but I’m just relieved I got the job done,” admitted Cullen, who converted a spectacular 158 checkout in leg six.
Watch Joe Cullen hit this sublime 158 checkout against Lisa Ashton… Watch Joe Cullen hit this sublime 158 checkout against Lisa Ashton…
In the evening’s finale, Rob Cross moved through to the last 16 at the Grand Slam for the sixth straight year, recovering from 3-0 and 4-2 down to deny Martin Schindler in a dramatic Group D tie.
“I feel for Martin, because he was the better player tonight and he should be going through,” conceded Cross, who now faces Smith for a place in the last eight on Wednesday.
“I have struggled to settle so far but I’m expecting a better performance in the longer format, and I’m still enjoying my darts.”
Dirk van Duijvenbode had secured top spot in Group D in the evening’s opener, defying five 180s from Adam Gawlas to maintain his 100 per cent record in this year’s group stage.
The best of the action from Day three of the Grand Slam of Darts The best of the action from Day three of the Grand Slam of Darts
Tuesday, November 15 – Fixtures (7pm)
Group F Jermaine Wattimena vs Leonard Gates Group F Jonny Clayton vs Damon Heta Group G Luke Woodhouse vs Nathan Rafferty Group G Michael van Gerwen vs Ross Smith Group E Alan Soutar vs Fallon Sherrock Group E Peter Wright vs Nathan Aspinall Group H Ryan Searle vs Scott Williams Group H Luke Humphries vs Josh Rock The £650,000 tournament continues on Tuesday, where players in Groups E-H will return for their final round of group matches, including a crunch clash between world champion Peter Wright and World Grand Prix runner-up Nathan Aspinall.
Watch the Grand Slam of Darts at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton all the way through until the final on November 20 – with every session live on Sky Sports & don’t forget the World Championship is also coming to Sky Sports from December 15 until January 3.
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Rugby League World Cup: George Williams on England’s ‘heartbreak’ | Shaun Wane: We have to be better
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England’s World Cup came to an end in the semi-finals as they were beaten 27-26 by Samoa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday thanks to a drop goal from Stephen Crichton in golden-point extra-time
Last Updated: 14/11/22 4:05pm
George Williams opened up on how Stephen Crichton’s game-winning drop goal for Samoa will stay with him for a long time
George Williams laid bare the heartbreak he and his team-mates experienced as Stephen Crichton landed the game-winning drop goal in England’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final defeat to Samoa.
The host nation had managed to send the contest into golden point extra-time through Herbie Farnworth’s late converted try following an out-of-sorts showing against the team they beat 60-6 in the opening match of Group A four weeks earlier.
But their hopes of reaching the final were dashed when Crichton kicked a one-pointer three minutes into the extra period to seal a 27-26 win and put Samoa through to face Australia at Old Trafford, with scrum-half Williams revealing that will be on his mind until the next World Cup in France in 2025.
“That will probably sit with us, especially me, for three years, until the next World Cup,” Williams, who will be 31 when rugby league’s next global gathering comes around, said.
“That’s the heartbreaking thing, some people will never play in a World Cup again and we’ll never have this certain group together again, so that’s why it hurts so much.
“It was pretty heartbreaking watching that kick go over. It felt like it was a nightmare, really – it felt it was going over forever, it went that slow.
“We probably got what we deserved, we’re way better than we showed.”
Shaun Wane and Sam Tomkins react to England’s 26-27 semi-final loss to Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup. Shaun Wane and Sam Tomkins react to England’s 26-27 semi-final loss to Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup.
England had breezed through the tournament up to that point, running in a total of 242 points and conceding just 34 after finishing top of their group unbeaten and overwhelming Papua New Guinea 46-6 in the quarter-finals.
Group A opponents Samoa had improved since that first meeting though and while England head coach Shaun Wane felt his side performed below the standards they had set for themselves during the World Cup, he was quick to acknowledge the display from the Pacific Islanders.
“We have to be better, no question,” Wane said. “It wasn’t England standard, I won’t accept it, and neither will the players – they’re hurting.
“I knew it would be a different challenge against Samoa. They had too many good players and they proved they were better, but I can’t, for one minute, doubt my players’ efforts.
Shaun Wane felt England’s showing was below the standards they have set for themselves
“They tried hard and they are absolutely devastated, as is every member of staff. But to make any excuses would be unfair to Samoa, they were better than us.”
Having secured their place in the final for the first time and become only the sixth team in the World Cup’s history to reach the tournament decider, Samoa’s side packed with NRL and Betfred Super League talent have an opportunity to make even more history by lifting the Paul Barriere Trophy.
To do that though, they have to overcome reigning champions and 11-time winners Australia – 16-14 victors over New Zealand in the other semi-final – and while England captain Sam Tomkins sees the Kangaroos as favourites, he is in no doubt it would be good for the sport as a whole for Samoa to go all the way.
“It would be brilliant,” Tomkins said. “Watching the other semi-final between New Zealand and Australia, it’s probably the best game of rugby I’ve seen in a long, long time.
Samoa are aiming to make more history in the World Cup final
“Australia will probably go into the final as favourites and deservedly so.
“But I think what Tonga and Samoa have done in recent years, with players wanting to play for their homeland rather than the bigger nations, has really opened up international rugby and I think it can only be a positive.”
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Hong Kong protest song plays instead of China anthem in rugby final mix-up | CNN
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Hong Kong
CNN
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The Hong Kong government on Monday demanded an investigation after a song associated with the city’s pro-democracy movement was played instead of the Chinese national anthem before a rugby sevens match between Hong Kong and South Korea.
Event organizers played an instrumental version of “Glory to Hong Kong” as the teams lined up for the men’s final of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Incheon, South Korea on Sunday. The song, an unofficial anthem of the city’s 2019 pro-democracy protests, includes lyrics that a Hong Kong court has previously ruled could incite secession – a national security offense.
Clips of the incident, in which the team is shown standing to attention on the field as the song plays, circulated widely on social media Monday, threatening to overshadow the Hong Kong team’s 19-12 victory.
In a statement, the Hong Kong government said it “strongly deplores and opposes” the playing of the song, which it said was “closely associated with violent protests and the ‘independence’ movement in 2019.”
“We have already written to the Hong Kong Rugby Union last evening demanding them to deal with this matter seriously, launch a full and in-depth investigation and submit a detailed report, and convey our strong objection to Asia Rugby, who is the organizer of the Series,” a government spokesperson said, according to the statement.
The match’s local organizer, Korea Rugby Union (KRU), told CNN the mistake occurred when a worker searched online for a Hong Kong anthem and added the top result to a folder labeled “Hong Kong.” The broadcasting room staff played the music file in the Hong Kong folder instead of one labeled “China,” the organization said.
The organizer apologized through the stadium speaker and played the Chinese national anthem at the end of the match, according to KRU.
“Korea Rugby Union will take all measures to prevent a repeat of such an occurrence in future matches,” the organization said, adding that its “Hong Kong” folder has now been erased.
In a statement, the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) said it “expressed its extreme dissatisfaction” over the incident to the organizers. “Whilst we accept this was a case of human error it was nevertheless not acceptable,” the statement said.
Last week, a woman who waved a British colonial-era flag to celebrate Hong Kong claiming Olympic gold became the first person in the city to be jailed on a charge of insulting the Chinese national anthem.
Hong Kong, a former British colony handed over to Beijing’s rule in 1997, sends its own representative teams separate from mainland China to a wide range of sporting events, including the Olympics.
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Alpine give Esteban Ocon team orders | ‘Let me race at the moment!’
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Alpine’s Esteban Ocon was given team orders at the restart to allow Fernando Alonso pass him and did not react kindly to the message.
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Ricky Hatton’s hilarious Zimmer frame ringwalk in Manchester
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Ricky Hatton began his trademark ‘Blue Moon’ ringwalk on a zimmer frame and was warmly received by his hometown crowd.
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Aberdeen 1-0 Dundee United | Scottish Premiership highlights
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Highlights of the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Dundee United.
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Rugby World Cup: England ‘gutted’ after loss but refuse to blame Lydia Thompson’s red card for defeat
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New Zealand win 34-31 to claim the Rugby World Cup for a sixth time and end England’s 30-match winning streak; Lydia Thompson sent off for the Red Roses during the first half of an incredible final in Auckland
Last Updated: 12/11/22 11:04am
Former England international Vicky Fleetwood says that England would have ‘absolutely’ won the Rugby World Cup final if Lydia Thompson had not been shown a red card.
Former England international Vicky Fleetwood says that England would have ‘absolutely’ won the Rugby World Cup final if Lydia Thompson had not been shown a red card.
England captain Sarah Hunter believes the Red Roses can be proud of their World Cup performance and insists Lydia Thompson’s red card cannot be solely blamed for their “cruel” defeat to New Zealand in the final.
The Red Roses saw their 30-match winning streak ended in an epic contest against the tournament hosts and defending champions, as they were beaten 34-31 in front of a sell-out crowd at Eden Park.
England spent more than an hour with 14 players after Thompson was sent off for a reckless tackle, although Simon Middleton’s side led for large spells before being beaten by the Black Ferns in a World Cup final for a fifth time.
2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood says the Rugby World Cup ‘has transcended an 80-minute game’ and believes the Red Roses will sell Twickenham out in the next few years. 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood says the Rugby World Cup ‘has transcended an 80-minute game’ and believes the Red Roses will sell Twickenham out in the next few years.
“I’m gutted,” Hunter said. “I’m so proud of the team, we came out fighting. We had our backs against the wall for 60 minutes but we never gave up.
“One result doesn’t define the squad that we are, the people we are. Hopefully we have inspired the next generation back home and given themselves something to be proud of.
“Sport is cruel. Credit to New Zealand, they found a way and they go home as deserved champions. We left no stone unturned, we left everything on the pitch. We are hurting.”
1994 Rugby World Cup winner Giselle Mather says the Red Roses ‘have given everything for the cause’ during their Rugby World Cup final defeat. 1994 Rugby World Cup winner Giselle Mather says the Red Roses ‘have given everything for the cause’ during their Rugby World Cup final defeat.
How did the red card impact England?
England made the dream start and were 14-0 ahead after early tries from Ellie Kildunne and Amy Cokayne, only for New Zealand to be gifted a way back into the game in the 18th minute with Thompson’s dismissal.
“It [the red card] didn’t help,” Middleton admitted. “It definitely affected how the game was played. You look at the points they scored immediately down the side – it’s difficult to defend. We had to adapt but when you’ve got 14 and cover one area then it weakens you in another.
“Good teams find you out and they found us out a little bit, so it made a tough game a whole lot tougher, but we took it down to the last play and the game was in the balance when the hooter had gone.
“You cannot overstate how proud I am and the rest of the staff are of the players and how proud of they should be of themselves. To get that close, with so many challenges that went on through the game, was immense and it shows what the squad is all about.”
Former England international Vicky Fleetwood says that England’s players will be heart-broken by their defeat in the World Cup final. Former England international Vicky Fleetwood says that England’s players will be heart-broken by their defeat in the World Cup final.
The Red Roses battled valiantly and held a narrow two-point advantage until Ayesha Leti-I’iga scored the winning try nine minutes from time, with Hunter adamant that Thompson has the full backing of her England teammates.
“Lydia’s hurting, she’s such a great person, a great player and in moments like this we need to come around her,” Hunter said. “There’s one thing for sure – and that wasn’t the reason we lost the game.
“We are a team that is as one and we won’t point any fingers or identify a single person on the end result. We’ve got her back, we’ll look after her, we’ll put an arm around her and make sure she’s alright.
“In games, people get sent-off and teams still win. I don’t think it necessarily defined the outcome. It makes it harder, but it’s not the sole reason why we were not on the end of the result we wanted this evening.”
Positives to take for Red Roses?
Middleton said in the build-up to the World Cup that anything less than a win for England would be a disappointment, but the head coach said afterwards he has seen progress from his side during the tournament.
England narrowly missed out on World Cup victory in New Zealand
“That’s the overwhelming feeling, how proud I am and we are of the players, Middleton said “They gave absolutely everything. Not just, tonight but for 50, 51 days. They’ve given nothing but their absolute best every single day.”
“In terms of our goals, it is [disappointing not to win]. Talk to any of the players and they’ll say exactly the same. But we won on massive fronts.
“We wanted to leave these shores a better team than we came. We did 100 per cent. We’ve lost tonight but won massively over the last 51 days.”
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Bath 19-18 Leicester Tigers: Hosts pick up final-play Gallagher Premiership win after Will Butt try
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Gallagher Premiership weekend schedule – Friday: Bath 19-18 Leicester Tigers; Saturday: Gloucester vs Newcastle Falcons (3pm), Exeter Chiefs vs London Irish (5pm); Sunday: Saracens vs Northampton Saints (12.15pm)
Last Updated: 11/11/22 10:46pm
Will Butt’s stunning late finish saw Bath steal victory in the final play vs Leicester in the Premiership
Bath pulled off a stunning 19-18 victory over defending Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester with a remarkable finish at the flag by right wing Will Butt in the closing seconds.
For a side who have spent so much time at the bottom of the table, a third successive victory is a fair indication of progress under the new coaching team headed by Johann van Graan.
Tigers seemed to have gained full reward for a dominant first-half performance, but they conceded a scrum penalty in the Bath half with just 80 seconds remaining.
Matt Gallagher’s hopeful touch kick could not have been closer to the corner and Bath seized the opportunity with secure line-out possession and a succession of drives to the line before Gallagher set Butt free. Bailey’s conversion was wide but it did not matter.
The Rec has seen a few narrow finishes over the years, but this was as close a squeak as any – and never more welcome for the Bath faithful.
Bath had been quickly on the scoreboard with an Orlando Bailey penalty from 30 metres.
But it was an unequal struggle for the next half hour as Leicester brought their heavy guns into action, particularly through the muscular presence of wing Nemani Nadolo.
Nadolo, soon to leave Tigers for a mid-season move to the Waratahs, scored a trademark try after just five minutes, rampaging through the attempted tackles of Butt and Jamie Shillcock. Freddie Burns, whose skip pass created the score, converted from the touchline.
The Fijian was just as much a threat in midfield, adding his pace to the visitors’ heavy infantry as Bath’s defence struggled to cope with the pace and angles of running.
Centre Harry Potter almost profited from a sniping run by Richard Wigglesworth only for Ollie Lawrence to force a knock-on, while Ted Hill made an equally telling tackle on Harry Wells under the Bath posts.
Burns stretched the visitors’ lead to 10-3 with a penalty and they might have had more to show for their territorial domination had Shillcock not been so alert at the back.
Bath’s try on the half-hour therefore came right out of the blue, as Lawrence broke from deep and Bailey found Jonathan Joseph with a flat pass. The England international broke through and Miles Reid was in support to put Hill away, stepping out of Nadolo’s tackle to score. Bailey’s conversion was just wide.
With only a two-point lead from 67 per cent possession, Leicester were not to be long denied however, and prop James Cronin touched down from a catch-and-drive after a rising penalty count saw Bath forced into defending a
line-out in the corner. Burns was unsuccessful with his kick too.Bath were in more combative mood after the break and the hard-running Lawrence was stopped under the posts. Tigers continued to hold out until Bailey settled for a close-range penalty.
Burns hit back with a long-range penalty on 65 minutes, but Bailey helped himself to a third successful kick at the other end after Burns was guilty of a deliberate knock-on to keep Bath within four points before snatching victory at the death.
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Jack van Poortvliet says England must avoid ‘overthinking’ against Japan after Argentina loss
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Jack van Poortvliet adds that England will be tuning in to support the Red Roses as they face New Zealand in the World Cup Final on Saturday morning.
By Press Association
Last Updated: 11/11/22 2:17pm
Jack van Poortvliet insists England aim to play with freedom when they evoke the spirit of their summer tour to Australia to revive their autumn.
Eddie Jones’ side host Japan at Twickenham on Saturday with the goal of delivering an immediate response after falling 30-29 to Argentina, their first loss to the Pumas since 2009.
Knowing they are on the back foot with New Zealand and South Africa next up in the Autumn Nations Series, they have used their experiences Down Under in July as inspiration.
The tour ended with a 2-1 series victory but only once England had recovered from collapsing to defeat in the opener by producing an emphatic high-octane victory in Brisbane that had shades of the 2019 World Cup.
Van Poortvliet, the 21-year-old rookie who has replaced Leicester team-mate Ben Youngs at scrum-half, believes a fast start will help address any hesitancy.
Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet says the men’s rugby team are ‘incredibly proud’ of the Red Roses and that they will be tuning in to watch as they take on New Zealand in the World Cup Final. Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet says the men’s rugby team are ‘incredibly proud’ of the Red Roses and that they will be tuning in to watch as they take on New Zealand in the World Cup Final.
“There has been an appreciation of the common things in both first Tests – the one against Argentina last weekend and the one against Australia. We have spoken about them and addressed them,” Van Poortvliet said.
“We have a clear focus. We want to free ourselves up, play with real excitement and make sure we are not overthinking things. We want to be excited by the challenge.
“To free yourself up you have got to be on the front foot and our challenge is how can we get on the front foot early.
“It’s a mindset and for us we want to hit the ground running and bring that real physicality and aggression.”
England’s attack failed to ignite against Argentina, a recurring shortcoming that is in urgent need of fixing with the World Cup only 12 Tests away.
Attack coach Martin Gleeson insists the greatest concern was not finishing off the chances created and rejected the notion that players operate in a straitjacket of pre-programmed instructions.
Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet says England’s defeat against Argentina didn’t ‘tarnish’ his debut. Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet says England’s defeat against Argentina didn’t ‘tarnish’ his debut.
“We want to attack better this week and be a little more direct, and then when the opportunities come out wide we want to take them,” Gleeson said.
“The pleasing thing is we are getting in those areas and we are causing teams problems. It’s just that last little bit of the puzzle that we’re working on.
“We’re working hard on that and I don’t think we’re too far away. The more the players play together and the more experienced they are, the better we will get.
“No one ever speaks about errors here, no one ever speaks about making mistakes. We want to be as aggressive as we can with our attack. No one says otherwise, there’s a bit of a preconception about that.
“We want the boys to play what they see and be as aggressive and full of intent as they can be.
“Of course they can go off script. We want to play a certain way, which is what we’re building from the summer, but if players see something they’ve got to take it – we want to take it.”
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