Norway Chess 2024: R Praggnanandhaa produces another stunning victory as he beats world champion Ding Liren
This was Praggnanandhaa's third win against higher-ranked players in the Norway Chess 2024 tournament. Earlier, he had defeated Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. Praggnanandhaa will face leader Carlsen in the 8th round.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa pulled off another major upset at Armageddon by defeating world champion Ding Liren in the seventh round of the Norway chess 2024 tournament in Stavanger on Monday.
This was Praggnanandhaa's third win against higher-ranked players in the Norway Chess 2024 tournament. Earlier, he had defeated Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. Praggnanandhaa will face leader Carlsen in the 8th round.
Praggnanandhaa is at third place
In another classical play, Magnus Carlsen lost his Armageddon game against Hikaru Nakamura. On the other hand, Fabiano Caruana and Alireza Firouzja drew their Armageddon game. After the seventh round, Carlsen remains on top with 13 points. Nakamura is at second place with 12 points, while Praggnanandhaa is at third place with 11 points.
Although Liren managed to hold Praggnanandhaa to a draw in the classical game, the Chinese grandmaster succumbed to defeat in the armageddon game, resulting in the 18-year-old Indian grandmaster's victory.
Vaishali lost to compatriot Koneru Humpy
Meanwhile, R Vaishali suffered her second consecutive defeat as she lost to compatriot Koneru Humpy. Humpy registered her first win in the Norway Chess 2024 event. After that, Vaishali remains at third position with 11 points. Anna Muzychuk is on top with 12 points, while Ju Wenjun is in second place with 11.5 points. Humpy remains in the fifth position despite Monday's win. She now has eight points. Vaishali will next face Anna Muzychuk in the 8th round.
Lei Tingjie beat Pia Cramling in the armageddon game to retain her fourth spot. Sweden's Cramling is languishing at the bottom of the leaderboard with 5.5 points.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule
Real Madrid were drawn against Al Hilal, CF Pachuca and FC Salzburg while Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was placed in the same group with FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw on Thursday. Here are all the details.
Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the restructured global club football competition will bring together 32 teams from across the world to vie for the title of world champions.
The draw, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, showcased an impressive lineup of continental and domestic champions from every corner of the globe.
Among the standout contenders are Spain's Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, Brazil's Botafogo, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, and Egypt's Al Ahly, who are consecutive CAF Champions League winners.
New Format
Traditionally featuring six to eight teams, the FIFA Club World Cup will now adopt a new format, hosting the largest number of participants in its history. Teams earned qualification by winning their respective continental club tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, and based on the confederations' four-year rankings.
South America (CONMEBOL) includes six teams, whereas Europe (whose confederation is UEFA) has twelve, making up the largest representation of the 32 teams.
There are four teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (AFC), and Asia (AFC).
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was given a spot, as the domestic champions of the host country, Oceania (OFC) got one spot as well. The top two from each of the 8 groups will advance to the knockout stages after a round-robin group stage.
The final will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on 13 July.
5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Most Goals in Premier League History
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah secured his spot among an elite group of top three non-English players who have achieved remarkable goal-scoring milestones in English top-flight football by netting his 170th goal. Sportz Point breaks down the details of this exclusive club.
The Premier League has traditionally served as a platform for global talent, with players from all over the world displaying their abilities in one of the most competitive football leagues. Few international players have achieved remarkable heights making a lasting impression with their goal-scoring skills.
1. Sergio Aguero-184 goals
Many people consider Argentine forward Sergio Aguero among Premier League history's best strikers. Aguero, who played for Manchester City from 2011 to 2021, changed the course of history with his precision finishing and ability to score goals at pivotal times. He has the best goals-to-games ratio of any player with more than 150 Premier League goals, scoring an incredible 184 goals in 275 games.
Aguero's most memorable moment came in 2012 when he dramatically won Manchester City's first Premier League title with an injury-time goal against QPR. He became a legend for City and the league at large due to his reliability and ability to perform well in crucial games.
Thierry Henry, a French maestro, is known for his grace and skill in front of goal. Over two stints with the North London club, the Arsenal star scored 175 goals in 258 Premier League games. Henry won the Premier League Golden Boot four times, more than any other player in Premier League history, and was renowned for his incredible speed, skill, and ability to score spectacular goals on his own.
He scored 30 league goals and guided Arsenal to the championship during the undefeated "Invincibles" season of 2003–04, which was his most productive performance. Henry established the standard for what it meant to be a complete forward, his legacy endures even after retiring from football.
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Mohamed Salah has become one of the Premier League's most prolific goal-scorers. With more than 150 goals to his name, the Egyptian forward has consolidated his status as one of the greatest of all time. Salah made an explosive start, scoring 32 goals in the 2017-18 season, setting the record for the most goals in a 38-game campaign before Erling Haaland broke it again with 36 goals.
Known for his blistering speed, sharp finishing, and relentless work ethic, Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool's recent successes, including their 2019-20 Premier League title. He may break more records as he continues to find the back of the net with remarkable consistency this season.
4. Robin Van Persie- 144 goals
Robin Van Persie, who scored 144 goals in 280 Premier League games, is renowned for his exquisite finishing and outstanding technique. He won the Premier League Golden Boot twice (2011–12, 2012–13) he played for Manchester United from 2012–2015 and Arsenal from 2004–2012.
His best season was 2012–13 when he scored 26 goals and helped United win their 20th EPL title. Van Persie was one of the most feared strikers in the league because of his versatility, and ability to score from a variety of positions.
5. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink- 127 goals
The Dutchman combined physicality and powerful shots to create a formidable presence in front of goal. Between 1997 and 2007, he made 288 Premier League appearances, scoring 127 goals while playing for Leeds United, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, and Charlton Athletic.
With two Golden Boot victories (1998–99 and 2000–01), he rose to fame for his long-range shots and clinical finishing. He is still regarded as one of the best strikers to play in a Chelsea jersey.
Indian team batsman Abhishek Sharma performed brilliantly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and scored a century in just 28 balls against Meghalaya. With this, Abhishek has jointly become the second batsman to score the fastest century in the T20 format. in this article, we will discuss the fastest hundreds in T20s.
Indian team batsman Abhishek Sharma performed brilliantly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and scored a century in just 28 balls against Meghalaya. With this, Abhishek has jointly become the second batsman to score the fastest century in the T20 format. in this article, we will discuss the fastest hundreds in T20s.
Sahil Chauhan of Estonia holds the record of fastest hundreds in T20s. Chauhan scored a century against Cyprus in just 27 balls in the year 2024. In this match, Sahil had scored unbeaten 144 runs in 41 balls with the help of 6 fours and 18 sixes. His strike rate was 351.21. Sahil Chauhan had created a world record by playing this historic innings in the second innings.
2# 𝗔𝗯𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 (2024) | 28 Balls
Indian Cricket Team batter Abhishek Sharma smashed a 28-ball century featuring for Punjab against Meghalaya. Sharma joined Urvil Patel to hit the joint fastest hundreds in T20s. The southpaw amassed 106 (29), which featured eight fours and eleven sixes. With 11 sixes against Meghalaya, Abhishek also broke Suryakumar Yadav's record for most sixes in a calendar year by an Asian batter in T20s. Sharma has 87 sixes, two more than SKY.
3# Urvil Patel (2024) | 28 Balls
While playing for Gujarat in Syed Mushtaq Trophy 2024 against Tripura, Urvil Patel has done a wonderful job by scoring a century in 28 balls in T-20. Urvil has become the batsman to score the joined fastest century in T-20 for India. The right-handed batter made an unbeaten 113 off 35 balls with seven fours and 12 sixes.
4# Chris Gayle (2013) | 30 Balls
West Indies batsman Chris Gayle, while playing for the RCB team in 2013, made a record of scoring a century on only 30 balls in the IPL match against Pune Warriors and finished on 175 not out. Gayle also holds the record of hitting fastest century in Indian Premier League. Gayle blasted 17 sixes and 13 fours off just 66 deliveries.
5# Rishabh Pant (2018) | 32 Balls
Indian team's wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, while playing for Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy in 2018, scored a century in only 32 balls in the match against Himachal Pradesh. Pant is now the fifth fastest batsman to score fastest hundreds in T20s. He finished with an unbeaten 38-ball 116. Pant made 104 of his runs in boundaries with 12 sixes and eight fours.
AC Milan unveil stunning special 125th anniversary kit
AC Milan and Puma have unveiled a stunning new kit for the club's 125th anniversary. The kit will be worn by AC Milan in their next home match in San Siro against Genoa in the Serie A.
AC Milan have presented a beautiful new kit for the club's 125-year celebration. The new kit is crafted by the renowned brand PUMA to give a tribute to the Rossoneri's 125 years of legacy as one of the greatest Italian clubs ever, and the shirt will be donned by AC Milan players in their next home game against Genoa in the iconic San Siro Stadium.
The fourth kit of AC Milan this season is a special edition kit, to celebrate the club's legacy of long 125 years. Founded in 1899, AC Milan have consolidated themselves as one of the greatest Italian clubs in history. The shirt is significantly unveiled today, on 5 December 2024, which is 12.5 if numerically written.
The iconic red and black striped design which originally emerged in the 1950s now enhances the beauty of the new kit; whereas the logo describes "Milan Football and Cricket Club". The badge pays homage to the very first logo of the club and Herbert Kilpin, the club's founder who wanted the club to represent both football and cricket. An emblematic symbol of AC Milan during the 1980s called 'Diavoletto', which means 'Little Devil', is printed inside the jersey with an inscription that reads 'AC Milan 125.'
Back in December 2023, AC Milan invited some of its loyal supporters to the 'Design our Jersey. Design our Legacy' campaign. The key elements from AC Milan's long pages of history were chosen by the loyal supporters to be designed in the jersey. Only 1899 shirts each for a goalkeeper jersey, a football, and a limited edition retro jersey will be available to be purchased by fans. These shirts will also feature a unique serial number and receive an exclusive packaging. This is a tribute to the club's founding year, 1899.
Franco Baresi, AC Milan's Honorary Vice President expressed his emotions about the special jersey:
This jersey is a reflection of AC Milan’s soul - its passion, its history, and the vision for its future. As someone who has proudly represented this Club for 50 years in many different roles, this milestone represents a moment of celebration and unity for the entire Rossoneri family. The 125th Anniversary is a testament to the values and spirit that make AC Milan extraordinary, and this kit is a beautiful way to honour our journey while celebrating the unwavering bond with our fans.
On behalf of PUMA, Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport said:
The 125th Anniversary kit is not only a celebration of AC Milan’s past but also a tribute to the unwavering passion of its fans. We’re honored to have worked with the Rossoneri faithful to create something that’s not only a piece of football history but also designed for performance and pride.
The 125th-anniversary kit was officially unveiled yesterday in Milan in an exclusive event at the club’s Flagship Store in Via Dante. This special kit will make its exciting on-field debut on December 8 when AC Milan Women will take on Inter Milan in the Milan Derby, followed by the men's team facing Genoa on December 15 at the San Siro Stadium.
Erik Ten Hag is reportedly shortlisted to replace Marco Rose as the next RB Leipzig manager
Ex-Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has reportedly been shortlisted to be appointed as the next head coach of RB Leipzig, following the club's recent poor performance under current manager Marco Rose.
Former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has been reportedly considered to be appointed as the next head coach of RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga side has been struggling across all competitions under current manager Marco Rose, and the Leipzig officials are in hunt for a new coach.
Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after a series of distressing performances and he has not taken up any job since then. Now the Dutch coach has emerged as a strong candidate to sit in the dugout of RB Leipzig as the new head coach.
The scenario
Pressure is mounting on current Leipzig manager Marco Rose following RB Leipzig's poor display in the UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga. Leipzig is currently positioned 34th in the 36-team league phase, losing all five matches they played in the UCL this season. They are currently 4th in the Bundesliga table with 21 points in 12 matches but it is not very convincing for Marco Rose.
Leipzig were on a 6-match winless streak since their second-round win by 4-2 in DFB Pokal against St. Pauli in October 2024. The club lost decisively to Dortmund, Hoffenheim, and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, and fell to Celtic and Inter Milan in both UCL matches. They only managed to bag one point after their goalless draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach on 9 November 2024.
However, Leipzig thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt by 3-0 in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 last night to progress to the next round which has brought a lifeline for Rose. Leipzig will face Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga later this week and they will face Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League next week. Without any further development, both these matches will be very crucial for Rose and the German coach may try his best to save his job.
The shortlisted candidates
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was appointed the Global Strategist for Red Bull Football Group. Klopp will oversee the football operations across the clubs under Red Bull Football Group which are RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, RB Bragatino, and RB New York. There is a list of potential successors of Marco Rose and the next coach's name will be finalized by Jurgen Klopp, although he will start his tenure on 1 January 2025.
🚨 Jurgen Klopp joins The Red Bull Group as new Global Head of Soccer, coordinating all the clubs including RB Leipzig, Salzburg and more.
Klopp will advise all the clubs on transfers/strategy from January 1, 2025.
Erik Ten Hag is reportedly the frontrunner for the job. The former Manchester United boss won two trophies at United but he is mostly respected for the construction of a feared Ajax side that reached the UCL semifinals in the 2018-19 season.
According to Sky Germany, Roger Schmidt is another potential candidate for the job. The 57-year-old coach previously managed RB Leipzig's counterpart RB Salzburg and he was sacked by Benfica in August 2024.
According to BILD, David Baum is also on the shortlist. Baum is currently the academy manager of RB Leipzig. The 45-year-old German coach previously managed German sides such as Augsburg and Schalke 04 and German national team age group teams.