Sports

Girl Hockey Goalie makes a Difference for Thailand

Wasunun Angkulpattanasuk turned in stellar performances for Thailand Hockey team

CHIANGRAI TIMES – Wasunun Angkulpattanasuk almost did not get to play in the Under 18 Challenge Cup of Asia ice hockey championship.

But she did and she was the best goalkeeper in the tournament.

The 17 year old turned in stellar performances for Thailand, allowing only four goals while her team scored 47 in three matches against Malaysia, the UAE and India.

She became the team’s goalie when they were unable to recruit a boy to play the position.

“It may surprise many, but we couldn’t find a goalkeeper for this age-group championship,” said Likit Neimwan, the Thailand coach.

“We have even had to travel without a back-up goalkeeper.”

When the team arrived in Abu Dhabi for the tournament, Angkulpattanasuk’s eligibility to play in a boys’ championship required the approval of organisers and officials of the IIHF, the world governing body.

“Thailand had arrived with one goalkeeper and that was this girl, and certainly they would have been severely handicapped to play without a goalkeeper,” said Aref Al Jachi, a member of the organising committee.

“We, as the organising committee and with the consent of the IIHF and the rest of the participating teams, decided to allow her to play considering the goalkeeper is the only player who will not come into physical contact with other players.”

Neimwan, who is also the captain of Thailand’s senior national team, said he was happy to have her on the squad.

“In my opinion, if the girls are as good as the boys, then they should be given the opportunity to play,” he said. “And given the opportunity, she did a great job for us. She was outstanding throughout the competition, particularly in the crucial match against the UAE.”

She saved 15 out of 17 shots in that game. The 5-2 win, followed by a 23-1 triumph over India, gave Thailand an unassailable lead in the five-team competition.

Angkulpattanasuk, popularly known as “Poppy”, said her ambition is to represent her country in the senior competitions.

“I have always played against the boys so I wasn’t feeling nervy at all,” she said.

“It was different because here I was playing against unknown opponents and at a higher level. But I always knew what to expect.

“After the success we have had as a team, my ambition is to work harder to raise my level to play at the senior level.

“My dream would be to play in the world championship, but I can’t say for sure if it would be with the women’s or men’s team.”

Angkulpattanasuk was inspired by her older brother Pattarapol, who is also a goalkeeper.

“She used to watch me play at first and when she took to the sport she wanted to play as a goalkeeper,” Pattarapol, 20, who accompanied the team as an official, said.

“In Thailand, not many boys want to play as goalkeepers.

“They feel it is less exciting and less glamorous.

“My sister, however, took a liking for goalkeeping, and it was also easier for me to teach her what I already knew.

“She has been playing for about four years and was very excited when she got selected for the national age-group team.”

UAE SETS SIGHTS ON SECOND

With Thailand already the champions of the inaugural IIHF Under 18 Challenge Cup of Asia, the UAE will be trying to finish second when they meet Malaysia in tonight’s final game at the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink.

Matti Fagerstrom, the UAE coach, is hoping his side can complete their first international campaign on a high note against a side beaten 19-1 by Thailand earlier in the competition.

“We can’t become the champions, but to finish second best would be our next objective,” he said.

“We are aware Malaysia were beaten by Thailand by a big margin, but these results don’t matter to us. We must go out there and play at our best as always and win this game convincingly.”

The UAE recorded their biggest win when they outclassed India 31-1, but lost 5-2 against Thailand 5-2.

“For all teams, this first championship has been a wonderful opportunity to play against each other and gain international experience at a young age,” Fagerstrom said.

“For the Emirati players, this was their first against teams from outside [the country] and I think they have done pretty well. Of course they have to improve in all areas but this will come as they gain experience.”

The UAE juniors have been playing for only a year in the newly established Under 20 Emirates Hockey League, which is still at the halfway stage since the season started in January.

Thailand will play an unofficial game tonight against Hong Kong, who were disqualified from the tournament for fielding ineligible players.

Sports

Bo Bichette’s Injury may Permanently Sideline him, According to the Latest Update.

(CTN News) – Bo Bichette, the shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, left the game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday after six innings due to a strained right calf.

The game was played against the Tigers. In the end, the Blue Jays were defeated by a score of 5-4 by the opposing team.

Bo Bichette hit a line drive to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning, and it appeared that he injured his calf when he was sprinting to first base. The damage appeared to be caused by the line drive.

The calf that is causing the problem is the same one that Bo Bichette has been experiencing issues with throughout the entire season. After suffering a strain to his right calf fascia on July 10 while playing against the San Francisco Giants, he was forced to sit out the last four games before the All-Star break from the National Football League.

Because of the discomfort in his right calf, he has been out for nine games since then, and he did not return to action until the 24th of June.

Before the trade deadline on July 30, it is very clear that the Blue Jays will be deconstructed for pieces. It is fairly obvious that the Blue Jays have lost any possibility of winning in the American League East, which is a highly competitive division. Additionally, it is pretty certain that they will be disfigured for pieces.

Bo Bichette’s injuries could prevent him from being traded in the future.

However, it is probable that this injury will preclude him from participating in any further trade conversations. Recent trade rumors have stated that Bo Bichette could be a contender for a trade;

However, it is possible that this scenario will not occur. After an MRI was finished on Friday, Bo Bichette was placed on the injured list for a period of ten days. This list will remain in effect until that time.

Bichette will almost definitely be placed on the disabled list for a period of time that is longer than the minimum of ten days, even if the findings of the MRI come back negative. This is because of the recent spate of calf problems that have been occurring.

There is a lack of clarity on whether or not the Blue Jays would have been willing to trade Bo Bichette regardless of the ailment that he was suffering from.

It has been reported that Toronto has informed other clubs that they are not prepared to trade any players who are under their control beyond the year 2024.

Bo Bichette’s contract with the organization ends in 2025.

Additionally, Toronto has informed other teams for this reason. At the beginning of June, it seemed as though the general manager of the Blue Jays, Ross Atkins, was opposed to the concept of trading Bo Bichette while he was still on the team.

Bichette claimed in a recent comment that he would not be “surprised at all” if he were to be traded to a different team. He said this in reference to the possibility of being traded.

His batting average is even worse than it has ever been in his whole career.He has participated in 79 games so far this season, and he has a batting average of 223 and an on-base percentage of.597 to his name.

The two-time winner Despite the fact that the All-Star is having a challenging season, he would have a far higher chance of having a good season if he were to play for a team that was involved in a more intense level of competition.

On the other hand, it would appear that Bichette will not be participating in a game for a substantial amount of time, regardless of whether he is playing for the Blue Jays or for another team.

SOURCE: FS

Sports

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau started disastrously at the British Open.

(CTN News) – Forget about Rory McIlroy’s final opportunity to compete in a major tournament this year; the British Open may have been his final opportunity.

At present, his most promising prospect is to endure for an additional day. Bryson DeChambeau, the US Open champion, is also present.

On Thursday, Pinehurst No. 2 protagonists encountered Rory McIlroy’s additional complications as a result of an opposing wind that arrived at Royal Troon. McIlroy required two strokes to emerge from a deep hazard located just to the right of the 123-yard eighth hole, which is referred to as the “Postage Stamp.”

Rory McIlroy’s mallet sailed over the rails after three holes.

It culminated in a 7-over 78, which was his lowest major opening round in five years. “I just didn’t do a good enough job on that back nine, and the conditions were tough,” according to him.

DeChambeau was not significantly superior. He encountered difficulties in making par shots at the outset; on the fourth hole, a par-5, he even missed one from three feet.

The par-5 seventh hole resulted in a double bogey for him as he attempted to strike a 7-iron through dense grass, but the ball was only moved a short distance.

Following his 76, he proceeded to the range to evaluate his equipment and determine the reason for his ball’s failure to connect with the driver as anticipated.

He observed, “That day was unusual.” It is highly unlikely that either of them will forget their involvement in the morning wave or their role as the primary attraction following the U.S. Open.

Rory McIlroy was in complete control of his destiny and was leading by two strokes on the back nine before missing a 30-inch par putt on the 16th hole and another par putt from just within 4 feet on the 18th hole, which prolonged his 10-year major drought.

Making a putt from a bunker 55 yards away, DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open victory. Rory McIlroy’s finale was so challenging that he departed Pinehurst No. 2 without expressing his gratitude to DeChambeau or expressing any sentiments.

McIlroy was optimistic about his form as he approached the final major of the year, following his tie for fourth at the Rory McIlroy Scottish Open last week. Conversely, the wind came from the opposite direction, disrupting the plans of both him and his colleagues.

On the shortened front nine, where high scores are possible, it was directly in their faces. Assistance was provided from the left on the longer back nine, which is challenging in any conditions. McIlroy was taken aback by the difficulty of the back nine, as Rory McIlroy had anticipated that it would be less difficult.

“The course was exceedingly challenging.” The circumstances are exceedingly difficult due to the wind that has yet to be observed this week. McIlroy stated that the wind dictated his strategy during the practice sessions.

However, according to him, “it starts to present different options and you start to think about maybe hitting a few clubs that you haven’t hit in practice when you get a wind you haven’t played in.”

“Just one of those days where I didn’t adjust to the circumstances well enough.” It was not a satisfactory conclusion to the round. Following his decision to play a driver off the 18th.

On the left, Rory McIlroy fired sideways due to a pot bunker.

He drove the wedge to a distance of Rory McIlroy approximately eight feet, made one final bogie, and missed one additional putt, indicating that there was still a significant amount of work to be done.

In order to survive the weekend, he declared, “I must improve my performance under those circumstances.” If not, I should endeavor to advance further on the leaderboard and feel as though I have a reasonable chance. McIlroy was ten strokes behind the lead when he finished, but he had hoped for a smaller margin.

Until he reached the par-5 16th, DeChambeau did not complete a hole below par. It is more accurate to describe him as a sluggish bleeding individual. That was the only positive aspect of the day. An eagle putt of 55 feet was executed on the 565-yard hole by him.

“I am satisfied with the way in which I maintained my composure today,” stated DeChambeau. It would have been so easy for me to give up at nine o’clock and declare, ‘I’m going home’.” No, sir. There will be an additional opportunity for me tomorrow. As I anticipate the assignment, I am eager to begin.

“I will be fine if I am able to make a few putts, hit a few shots, and figure out how to use the equipment.”

SOURCE: CT

Sports

France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

(CTN News) – Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal advanced France to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 at Belgium’s expense. A game that lacked quality and excitement for long stretches appeared destined for extra time, but a shot by replacement Randal Kolo Muani rebounded off Vertonghen with five minutes left to win the victory at Dusseldorf Arena.

France had previously missed multiple chances due to a lack of a cutting edge, and even captain Kylian Mbappe made efforts that would typically go wide.

Belgium could have seized the lead before France’s late goal when Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne sprinted into space through the middle, but Mike Maignan blocked his effort.

That was the only real opportunity for the underperforming Belgians, as France closed out the final few minutes to advance to the last eight, where they will meet Portugal or Slovenia.

Didier Deschamps’ team deserved to win, but the 2018 world champions will be relieved more than anything else after struggling to convert chances into goals once more.

They dominated play for long stretches but only had one effort on goal in the first half, Antoine Griezmann’s low strike from distance, which was well saved.

Mbappe is one of the world’s top forwards, but even he struggled when given a shooting opportunity, curling over in the second half after doing well to create space for himself.

France is through but still needs to improve.

In the end, they had 19 shots on goal, but only two were on target, and they are still waiting for their first goal from open play in Germany.

In a theme common to all of the bigger teams remaining in Euro 2024, France is struggling to play at the level they are capable of, but for the time being, they will relish being one step closer to the final.

Belgium was booed off the pitch by some fans after only drawing with Ukraine in their last group game, but their supporters were hopeful that they would improve their performance against the French.

However, they were once again overly cautious for extended periods, and their threatening moments were fleeting.

However, they should have punished France for their carelessness with De Bruyne’s effort in the dying moments, while Romelu Lukaku, who is leaving Euro 2024 without a goal, also saw a low shot saved in the second half.

Like Croatia, this has seemed like one last chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, with players like De Bruyne and Lukaku in their 30s.

And, like Croatia, they will leave the tournament wondering whether this was a squandered chance to achieve what could have been with this set of players.

Source: BBC Sports