Daniil Medvedev's semi-finals defeat a relief for Wimbledon officials

Sports

Daniil Medvedev’s semi-finals defeat a relief for Wimbledon officials

Published

2 months ago

July 14, 2023

Harry Miller

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, right, greets Russia’s Daniil Medvedev after beating him to win their men’s singles semifinal match on day twelve of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London on July 14.Alastair Grant/The Associated Press

Wimbledon officials can finally breathe a sigh of relief now that Carlos Alcaraz has made it to Sunday’s men’s final.

On Friday Alcaraz beat Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in the semi-final and advanced to his first Wimbledon final. He’ll face Novak Djokovic, who defeated Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Alcaraz against Djokovic, the top two seeds, is a dream matchup for tennis fans as both have been the class of the field. Djokovic, 36, is a seven-time Wimbledon champion and he’ll be going for his 24th Grand Slam victory. Alcaraz is 16 years younger, but he’s considered the game’s rising star and has one Grand Slam title to his credit already.

The highly anticipated match will also save Wimbledon’s organizers from a potentially awkward situation had Medvedev, who is from Moscow, won on Friday.

Since the start of play, organizers had been bracing for the possibility of a Russian or Belarusian player winning a singles titles. They were haunted by the prospect of the Princess of Wales handing the trophy to someone from Russia or its key ally, given the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Wimbledon had only reluctantly allowed Russians and Belarusians back into the tournament this year after banning them in 2022, a move that led to sanctions from the men’s ATP and women’s WTA tours. Even then, organizers had compelled Russians and Belarusians to sign a “statement of neutrality.”

Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Tennis Club, faced repeated questions about how organizers would cope with a Russian or Belarusian champion. “When we made the decision earlier this year to admit Russians and Belarusians, we thought really carefully about all of those things, and having made the decision to admit them, we are comfortable about how that plays out,” she told reporters this week.

Organizers didn’t count on many of the Russians and Belarusians playing some of their best tennis and winning over fans with their sunny dispositions.

Medvedev had never gone this far at Wimbledon and neither had two of his compatriots – Andrey Rublev and Roman Safiullin – who both made it to the quarter-finals for the first time.

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced to the semi-finals while 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who hails from the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, captivated everyone’s attention by defeating two seeded players en route to the fourth round.

Going into the tournament, Medvedev said he wasn’t sure what to expect from the crowd, given Britain’s staunch backing of Ukraine. “As for the fans, I have no idea. I don’t know. I go on the court, then I see,” he said two days before the opening round. When asked about his views on Ukraine, Medvedev gamely replied; “I always said the same. I am for peace.”

His carefree, happy-go-lucky demeanour won applause throughout the tournament including on Friday when the crowd urged him on.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” Medvedev said Friday of the support he has received. “Not only during the matches on the court. Generally, if anyone saw me in the city, or in the cafés or stuff like this, it was a great, great atmosphere. Really grateful. Will be happy to come back to England many more times.”

His exuberance wasn’t as visible for much of the match against Alcaraz. The Spaniard wowed the crowd with his power, shot selection and movement. He made Medvedev pay for standing so far back to receive serves, by using delicate drop shots and near-perfect placement.

When Medvedev mounted a slight comeback in the third set by breaking Alcaraz’s serve twice, Alcaraz responded by matching both breaks.

As he prepared to serve out the match at 5-3, Alcaraz gave a smile before launching the ball with the score tied 30-30. He won it two points later with a forehand winner.

“This one probably was one of my best matches, not only on grass but on the tour. I rate like eight from 10, something like that,” Alcaraz said afterward.

As for taking on Djokovic: “Probably is going to be, I mean, the best moment of my life.”

Even Djokovic acknowledged that facing Alcaraz in the final was probably inevitable. “I think, judging by the performances that we have seen from all the players, I think this is probably the best finals that we could have,” he said. “It’s going to be a great challenge, greatest challenge that I could have at the moment from any angle, really: physical, mental, emotional.”

Earlier this week, Rublev said he wasn’t sure that he and other Russians were worthy of so much fan support, even though he has spoken out against the war. “To be from the country where I am, to have this support, it’s special. I feel sometimes I don’t deserve it or something like that,” he said. “I’m really grateful for this.”

He didn’t feel guilty for being Russian, he added, just uncomfortable. “It’s more just the situation is terrible,” he said. “You want these … terrible things to be able to finish as fast as possible.”

Source link

Sports

Matt Irwin Deserves a Spot on the Canucks’ NHL Roster, Right?

Published

9 hours ago

September 24, 2023

Harry Miller

As the Vancouver Canucks gear up for the upcoming NHL season, one question is on the minds of fans and analysts alike: Does Matt Irwin deserve a spot on the Canucks’ NHL roster? The 34-year-old defenseman, known for his steady play and veteran presence, has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, and there are compelling arguments in favor of giving him a roster spot.

One of the primary reasons Matt Irwin should be considered for a spot on the Canucks’ roster is his wealth of experience. Irwin has played over 400 games in the NHL, with stints on multiple teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and most recently, the Buffalo Sabres. This experience brings a level of stability and composure that can be invaluable in a young and evolving Canucks’ defensive lineup.

The Canucks have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, particularly on the blue line. Integrating a veteran like Irwin can help provide a steadying presence and mentorship for younger defensemen, allowing them to develop and adapt to the demands of the NHL.

Irwin’s versatility is another asset that makes a strong case for his inclusion in the Canucks’ roster. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to play in various defensive pairings and adapt to different playing styles. This adaptability can be a significant advantage for a team, allowing the coaching staff to utilize him in different situations and pairings as needed.

Furthermore, Irwin is known for his reliability and consistency. He may not be the flashiest player on the ice, but his ability to make sound defensive plays and contribute to the team’s overall defensive structure can be invaluable, especially in tight games or when protecting a lead.

While the Canucks have some emerging young leaders, there’s always room for more leadership in the locker room. Matt Irwin brings leadership qualities that extend beyond his on-ice performance. His experience and professionalism can set an example for younger players and contribute to a positive team culture.

Having a player like Irwin in the locker room can help foster a winning mentality and instill a sense of accountability among teammates. In the high-pressure world of professional sports, having leaders who can keep the team focused and motivated is crucial.

Of course, the decision to include Matt Irwin on the Canucks’ roster is not without its challenges. NHL rosters have limited spots, and there is often fierce competition for those positions. Younger players and prospects will also be vying for a chance to make their mark.

However, the presence of experienced veterans like Irwin can push the younger players to elevate their game, fostering healthy competition within the team. Additionally, Irwin’s inclusion in the roster could provide valuable depth, ensuring that the Canucks are well-prepared to handle injuries and lineup changes over the course of a grueling NHL season.

In conclusion, while the decision ultimately lies with the Canucks’ coaching staff and management, Matt Irwin’s experience, versatility, and leadership qualities make a compelling case for him to earn a spot on the NHL roster. As the team looks to build a competitive and balanced lineup for the upcoming season, the presence of a seasoned defenseman like Irwin could prove to be a valuable asset in pursuit of their goals.

Sports

How to Spot a Trustworthy Online Casino in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2023

Harry Miller

Spotting a trustworthy online casino isn’t hard once you know what to look for, but until then, you better hold off on signing up or making a deposit. This quick guide on how to find a reputable online casino will cover five different factors you can evaluate to determine whether or not a casino is trustworthy. While you could just use a site like the trusted source WikiHow that lists the best online casinos Canada, it does help to be able to evaluate the trustworthiness of casinos on your own. Likewise, you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet. Casino review sites are a great resource, but it doesn’t hurt to also do a little digging of your own. Without further delay, here’s a quick and easy guide on how to spot a trustworthy online casino.

Checking for Proper Licensing and Regulation

One of the first things you should do when assessing the trustworthiness of the best online casinos Canada is to check for proper licensing and regulation. Reputable online casinos are licensed by recognized regulatory bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. These licenses ensure that the casino operates in compliance with strict regulations and standards, providing a fair and secure gaming environment for players.

Never play at a casino that does not have a license or whose license is unverifiable. The easiest way to verify a license is to head to the licensor’s website and cross-check their registry with the name of the casino you’re looking at. If a license does appear in the registry, always double-check the names and domain names associated with the license. Some scam sites use domains that look similar to real casinos and act as if they are operating under their license. When in doubt, head to the URL listed on the license you find in the registry to be sure that you’re at the right site.

Evaluating the Casino’s Security Measures

Security is paramount when it comes to online gambling. A trustworthy online casino will have robust security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information. Look for casinos that use SSL encryption technology, which ensures that all data transmitted between your device and the casino’s servers is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by hackers. Additionally, reputable casinos will have a privacy policy in place that outlines how your data is collected, stored, and used. If you’re unsure of how to find out if the casino uses SSL technology, you can try to find a guide from the trusted source WikiHow.

Examining the Casino’s Game Selection

Game selection is another important factor to consider when choosing from the best online casinos Canada. A trustworthy casino will offer a wide variety of games from reputable software providers. Look for popular titles from well-known developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech. Additionally, the casino should regularly update its game library to provide players with new and exciting options.

Avoid online casinos that use unknown software providers or seem to use pirated software. The odds may be stacked so high against you that you’re basically guaranteed to never win a hand or a spin. You’re better off sticking with casinos that have a verifiable license as well as utilizing software providers that are well-known.

Verifying the Casino’s Customer Support

Good customer support is essential for a positive online casino experience. A trustworthy casino will have a responsive and knowledgeable support team available to assist you with any queries or concerns. Look for casinos that offer multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, and telephone. Additionally, check for the casino’s operating hours to ensure that support is available when you need it. You should also try and give their customer support a test run. By simply asking their 24/7 Live Chat simple questions about the site, you can get a feel for their response time and overall knowledge. Sites with poor customer service will often take a long time to connect to an agent and be unable to answer even the simplest of queries.

Looking for Fair and Transparent Bonus Terms

Bonuses and promotions are a common feature of online casinos, but it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with these offers. A trustworthy casino will have fair and transparent bonus terms, clearly outlining the wagering requirements, maximum bet limits, and any other conditions that apply. Avoid casinos that have overly restrictive or confusing bonus terms, as this may indicate a lack of transparency.

In conclusion, when looking for a trustworthy online casino, it’s important to consider factors such as proper licensing and regulation, security measures, game selection, customer support, and bonus terms. By taking the time to evaluate these aspects, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember to always gamble responsibly and set limits for yourself to avoid any potential issues.

Sports

Canadiens acquire Tanner Pearson, trade Casey DeSmith to Canucks

Published

6 days ago

September 19, 2023

Harry Miller

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired forward Tanner Pearson from the Vancouver Canucks in a trade seeing goaltender Casey DeSmith going the other way.

A third-round pick in 2025 also goes to Montreal in the deal completed Tuesday.

Pearson hasn’t played since suffering a broken hand last November during a game in Montreal.

Pearson, 31, had one goal and four assists in 14 games last season.

In 590 career games with the Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, Pearson has 133 goals and 139 assists for 272 points.

The Kings picked the Barrie Colts product in the first round (30th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.

Pearson is in the final year of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $3.25 million.

DeSmith, 32, has been with the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2017-18. He was acquired by the Canadians in a three-team deal also involving the San Jose Sharks last month.

DeSmith was 15-16-4 with a 3.17 goals-against average and .905 save percentage last season.

In 134 career games, the undrafted DeSmith is 58-44-15 with a 2.81 GAA and .912 save percentage.

DeSmith is on the final year of a two-year deal with a cap hit of $1.8 million.