The two icons met for potentially the last time in an exhibition game in Riyadh

Cristiano Ronaldo took a blow to the face from former teammate Keylor Navas but recovered to score twice as the Portuguese striker appeared for a Saudi All-Star XI against Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday.

Making his first appearance in Saudi Arabia since joining Al Nassr in a record-breaking deal earlier this month, Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot and added a second goal with a finish in first-half injury time at the King Fahd Stadium.

Messi had put PSG in front after just three minutes of the match, and the French visitors ended up winning an entertaining game 5-4 thanks to further goals from Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, a Kylian Mbappe penalty, and a strike from Hugo Ekitike.

PSG also saw Neymar miss a first-half penalty and had defender Juan Bernat sent off in the 39th minute.

Ronaldo’s brace came after he recovered from a bruising encounter with PSG goalie Navas – his former teammate at Real Madrid. Navas came out to deal with a cross but ended up missing the ball and elbowing Ronaldo in the face, leaving the striker in a heap on the floor.

The incident saw the Saudi All-Stars awarded a penalty, which Ronaldo tucked away to level the game at 1-1. The 37-year-old was left with red marks and bruising, which were inspected more closely by PSG forward Mbappe.

After delighting Saudi fans with his goal-scoring double and some flashes of brilliance – including a cheeky nutmeg on midfield rival Carlos Soler – Ronaldo was substituted in the 61st minute and was later handed the Man-of-the-Match award, while PSG’s megastar trio of Messi, Neymar and Mbappe were withdrawn soon after the Portuguese forward. 

The match was a brief mid-season jaunt to the Middle East for the Qatari-owned PSG, who will return to the business of domestic football when they play Pays de Cassel in the French Cup on Monday.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is finally set to make his official bow for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League meeting against Al Ettifaq on Sunday. The Portuguese star, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal reportedly worth up to €200 million ($217 million) a season, has thus far been prevented from appearing for his new team after serving a two-match ban imposed by the English FA from his days at Manchester United, where he slapped a cell phone out of the hands of a young fan in a fit of frustration last season.

Thursday’s game in Riyadh was billed as potentially the last time fans will get to see Ronaldo and World Cup winner Messi – who boast 12 Ballon d’Ors between them – on the same pitch.   

The two icons met for potentially the last time in an exhibition game in Riyadh

Cristiano Ronaldo took a blow to the face from former teammate Keylor Navas but recovered to score twice as the Portuguese striker appeared for a Saudi All-Star XI against Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday.

Making his first appearance in Saudi Arabia since joining Al Nassr in a record-breaking deal earlier this month, Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot and added a second goal with a finish in first-half injury time at the King Fahd Stadium.

Messi had put PSG in front after just three minutes of the match, and the French visitors ended up winning an entertaining game 5-4 thanks to further goals from Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, a Kylian Mbappe penalty, and a strike from Hugo Ekitike.

PSG also saw Neymar miss a first-half penalty and had defender Juan Bernat sent off in the 39th minute.

Ronaldo’s brace came after he recovered from a bruising encounter with PSG goalie Navas – his former teammate at Real Madrid. Navas came out to deal with a cross but ended up missing the ball and elbowing Ronaldo in the face, leaving the striker in a heap on the floor.

The incident saw the Saudi All-Stars awarded a penalty, which Ronaldo tucked away to level the game at 1-1. The 37-year-old was left with red marks and bruising, which were inspected more closely by PSG forward Mbappe.

After delighting Saudi fans with his goal-scoring double and some flashes of brilliance – including a cheeky nutmeg on midfield rival Carlos Soler – Ronaldo was substituted in the 61st minute and was later handed the Man-of-the-Match award, while PSG’s megastar trio of Messi, Neymar and Mbappe were withdrawn soon after the Portuguese forward. 

The match was a brief mid-season jaunt to the Middle East for the Qatari-owned PSG, who will return to the business of domestic football when they play Pays de Cassel in the French Cup on Monday.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is finally set to make his official bow for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League meeting against Al Ettifaq on Sunday. The Portuguese star, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal reportedly worth up to €200 million ($217 million) a season, has thus far been prevented from appearing for his new team after serving a two-match ban imposed by the English FA from his days at Manchester United, where he slapped a cell phone out of the hands of a young fan in a fit of frustration last season.

Thursday’s game in Riyadh was billed as potentially the last time fans will get to see Ronaldo and World Cup winner Messi – who boast 12 Ballon d’Ors between them – on the same pitch.   

Ian Nepomniachtchi will face Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren in April

The Kazakh capital of Astana will host Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi’s bid for World Championship glory, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced.

Nepomniachtchi, who ranks third in the world, will play the second-ranked Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren over 14 games from April 7 to May 1. A new world champion will be crowned following the withdrawal of the reigning five-time champion, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, who announced on October 31 last year that he would not be competing.

While no specific location has yet been announced for the series of games, Astana will be familiar to chess fans after it hosted the 2012 World Rapid and Blitz Championships and the 2019 World Team Championship, while last September it was the location for the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix.

A total of €2 million ($2.16 million) has been allocated as the prize fund, with the winner taking home 60% of the winnings.

The FIDE World Chess Championship 2023 will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from April 7 to May 1.

A new World Champion will be crowned, as Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren will battle to seize the throne left vacant by Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal.https://t.co/7Y5cwzrNdb pic.twitter.com/bY74yon1Am

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) January 19, 2023

Kazakhstan will be an appropriate host for the event, given that the country shares a land border with both Russia and China.

The Russian player, nicknamed ‘Nepo’ by his supporters, currently holds a narrow head-to-head advantage over Ding Liren, having won three times in classical chess games, while the Chinese player has taken victory in two. There have been eight draws between the pair.

“It is the first time in history that a Chinese Grandmaster reaches the final and fights for the World Championship title,” said FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich.

“We anticipate an enormous interest from China in this event, and that’s an opportunity we must capitalize on to promote chess in Asia.”

Ian Nepomniachtchi will face Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren in April

The Kazakh capital of Astana will host Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi’s bid for World Championship glory, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced.

Nepomniachtchi, who ranks third in the world, will play the second-ranked Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren over 14 games from April 7 to May 1. A new world champion will be crowned following the withdrawal of the reigning five-time champion, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, who announced on October 31 last year that he would not be competing.

While no specific location has yet been announced for the series of games, Astana will be familiar to chess fans after it hosted the 2012 World Rapid and Blitz Championships and the 2019 World Team Championship, while last September it was the location for the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix.

A total of €2 million ($2.16 million) has been allocated as the prize fund, with the winner taking home 60% of the winnings.

The FIDE World Chess Championship 2023 will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from April 7 to May 1.

A new World Champion will be crowned, as Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren will battle to seize the throne left vacant by Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal.https://t.co/7Y5cwzrNdb pic.twitter.com/bY74yon1Am

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) January 19, 2023

Kazakhstan will be an appropriate host for the event, given that the country shares a land border with both Russia and China.

The Russian player, nicknamed ‘Nepo’ by his supporters, currently holds a narrow head-to-head advantage over Ding Liren, having won three times in classical chess games, while the Chinese player has taken victory in two. There have been eight draws between the pair.

“It is the first time in history that a Chinese Grandmaster reaches the final and fights for the World Championship title,” said FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich.

“We anticipate an enormous interest from China in this event, and that’s an opportunity we must capitalize on to promote chess in Asia.”

Anton Walkes came up through the youth system at Tottenham Hotspur

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Anton Walkes has died at the age of 25 in a boating accident in Florida, his current club MLS team Charlotte FC has announced.

According to a report by the Miami Herald, Walkes was found unconscious following a collision between two boats close to the Miami Marine Stadium on Wednesday, while in the area to participate in a preseason training camp.

He received CPR at the scene and was transported to hospital but passed away soon after.

The Londoner was on the books at Tottenham between 2013 and 2018 but made just one appearance for the club in 2016 before loan spells with Atlanta United and Portsmouth, whom he joined permanently in 2018.

He then returned to the United States with Atlanta after two seasons on the English south coast before signing with Charlotte FC in late 2021 where he appeared for the Major League Soccer side 23 times last season.

“Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes,” said David Tepper, owner of Charlotte FC.

“He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.

“Anton made those around him better people in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch. He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heart-breaking time.

“The club offers its full support to all those impacted during this period of mourning.”

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Anton Walkes.

As a mark of respect, our first team will wear black armbands at this evening’s Premier League match against Manchester City, with all our Academy sides to wear black armbands this weekend.

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 19, 2023

There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. pic.twitter.com/9S7hT3fMiM

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2023

Everyone at Portsmouth Football Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Anton Walkes.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/bWZIz324z4

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) January 19, 2023

In a statement of its own, Major League Soccer paid tribute to Walkes, who was described as a “talented and dedicated” player.

“There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans,” the league wrote.

Tottenham, meanwhile, announced that the club will wear black armbands in their Thursday fixture with Manchester City as a mark of respect to their former player.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Anton Walkes. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time,” the club added in a statement.

Anton Walkes came up through the youth system at Tottenham Hotspur

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Anton Walkes has died at the age of 25 in a boating accident in Florida, his current club MLS team Charlotte FC has announced.

According to a report by the Miami Herald, Walkes was found unconscious following a collision between two boats close to the Miami Marine Stadium on Wednesday, while in the area to participate in a preseason training camp.

He received CPR at the scene and was transported to hospital but passed away soon after.

The Londoner was on the books at Tottenham between 2013 and 2018 but made just one appearance for the club in 2016 before loan spells with Atlanta United and Portsmouth, whom he joined permanently in 2018.

He then returned to the United States with Atlanta after two seasons on the English south coast before signing with Charlotte FC in late 2021 where he appeared for the Major League Soccer side 23 times last season.

“Everyone at Tepper Sports & Entertainment is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes,” said David Tepper, owner of Charlotte FC.

“He was a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met.

“Anton made those around him better people in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch. He will be greatly missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with Anton’s family during this heart-breaking time.

“The club offers its full support to all those impacted during this period of mourning.”

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Anton Walkes.

As a mark of respect, our first team will wear black armbands at this evening’s Premier League match against Manchester City, with all our Academy sides to wear black armbands this weekend.

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 19, 2023

There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. pic.twitter.com/9S7hT3fMiM

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2023

Everyone at Portsmouth Football Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Anton Walkes.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/bWZIz324z4

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) January 19, 2023

In a statement of its own, Major League Soccer paid tribute to Walkes, who was described as a “talented and dedicated” player.

“There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans,” the league wrote.

Tottenham, meanwhile, announced that the club will wear black armbands in their Thursday fixture with Manchester City as a mark of respect to their former player.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Anton Walkes. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time,” the club added in a statement.

Usain Bolt is widely considered to have been the greatest sprinter in history

Some $12.7 million has gone missing from an investment account linked to Jamaican Olympic star Usain Bolt, according to his legal team.

Reports emerging from his home country last week say an employee of the Jamaican investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) has been linked to “massive fraud… including the missing sums from Bolt’s accounts.”

Bolt’s manager Nugent Walker told The Gleaner that the retired athlete had been made aware of irregularities related to one of his accounts, and that police and financial regulators are investigating the matter.

“[Bolt] has been with this entity over 10 years… His entire portfolio is being reviewed,” Walker stated.

And per Linton P Gordon, a lawyer representing the ex-sprinter, his account once held a sum of $12.8 million but now shows a total of just $12,000.

“If this is correct, and we are hoping it is not, then a serious act of fraud larceny or a combination of both have been committed against our client,” Bolts lawyers said in a legal letter to Stocks and Securities Limited, in which they also demanded that the sum be returned to his account.

They added that they intend to launch civil and criminal proceedings unless the action is taken within a period of ten days.

Stocks and Securities Limited, meanwhile, say that they discovered the potential fraud earlier in January and that several other clients could be missing vast sums of money.

A message appearing on its website directs enquiries to Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission, which is overseeing an investigation into the firm.

“We understand that clients are anxious to receive more information and assure you that we are closely monitoring the matter throughout all the required steps and will alert our clients of the resolution as soon as that information is available,” the company said in a brief statement.

On Tuesday of this week, Jamaica’s financial authorities took temporary control of the investment firm, a move which will require Stocks and Securities Limited to seek government approval for any financial transactions it makes.

Bolt is generally considered to be the most dominant sprinter in history, and holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

Now aged 36, he retired from athletics in 2017.

Usain Bolt is widely considered to have been the greatest sprinter in history

Some $12.7 million has gone missing from an investment account linked to Jamaican Olympic star Usain Bolt, according to his legal team.

Reports emerging from his home country last week say an employee of the Jamaican investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) has been linked to “massive fraud… including the missing sums from Bolt’s accounts.”

Bolt’s manager Nugent Walker told The Gleaner that the retired athlete had been made aware of irregularities related to one of his accounts, and that police and financial regulators are investigating the matter.

“[Bolt] has been with this entity over 10 years… His entire portfolio is being reviewed,” Walker stated.

And per Linton P Gordon, a lawyer representing the ex-sprinter, his account once held a sum of $12.8 million but now shows a total of just $12,000.

“If this is correct, and we are hoping it is not, then a serious act of fraud larceny or a combination of both have been committed against our client,” Bolts lawyers said in a legal letter to Stocks and Securities Limited, in which they also demanded that the sum be returned to his account.

They added that they intend to launch civil and criminal proceedings unless the action is taken within a period of ten days.

Stocks and Securities Limited, meanwhile, say that they discovered the potential fraud earlier in January and that several other clients could be missing vast sums of money.

A message appearing on its website directs enquiries to Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission, which is overseeing an investigation into the firm.

“We understand that clients are anxious to receive more information and assure you that we are closely monitoring the matter throughout all the required steps and will alert our clients of the resolution as soon as that information is available,” the company said in a brief statement.

On Tuesday of this week, Jamaica’s financial authorities took temporary control of the investment firm, a move which will require Stocks and Securities Limited to seek government approval for any financial transactions it makes.

Bolt is generally considered to be the most dominant sprinter in history, and holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

Now aged 36, he retired from athletics in 2017.

Ivan Provorov declined to wear a Pride-themed jersey in a pre-game warmup

A prominent NHL analyst has called upon Philadelphia Flyers star Ivan Provorov to return to Russia if he cannot accept American ideals, after he snubbed the team’s Pride-themed celebrations this week.

Provorov, 26, declined to take part in a pre-game warmup this week in which his teammates wore rainbow colors on their jerseys, telling the media afterwards that while he “respect[s] everybody and respect[s] everybody’s choices” he chose not to do so because it clashed with his religious beliefs.

“My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say,” he added after his side’s 5-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks, in which he played around 23 minutes.

Provorov’s stance was respected by his coach, John Tortorella, who said that if would be “unfair” to penalize the player due to his beliefs and added that he admired the Russian for “always [being] true to himself.”

The Flyers did not reference the player during a statement following the game, saying only that they “will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.”

But one figure who didn’t back Provorov’s freedom of expression was NHL senior analyst E.J. Hradek, who said on a broadcast on Wednesday that he should return to Russia if he is unprepared to support Western ideologies.

NHL analyst says on the NHL Network! that if Philly Flyers Provorov doesn’t want to wear a pro-LBGTQ uniform he should leave America, go back to Russia, and fight in the war against Ukraine. The tolerant left! Holy shit: pic.twitter.com/wWLFBy2stC

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 19, 2023

“Ivan Provorov can get on a plane any day he wants and go back to a place where he feels more comfortable, take less money and get on with his life that way if it’s that problematic for him,” Hradek said.

“If this is that much of a problem for him, to maybe assimilate into his group of teammates, and in the community and here in this country, that’s OK. Listen, you can feel any way you want.

“But the beauty is, if it bothers you that much, there’s always a chance to leave, go back to where you feel more comfortable – I understand there’s a conflict of sorts going on over there, maybe get involved.”

However, in their own statement on the matter the NHL disavowed any criticism towards Provorov for staying true to his own beliefs.

In their own statement, the NHL said that players have the ultimate authority when it comes to which causes they choose to support.

“Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how – with League counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues,” it said.

Ivan Provorov declined to wear a Pride-themed jersey in a pre-game warmup

A prominent NHL analyst has called upon Philadelphia Flyers star Ivan Provorov to return to Russia if he cannot accept American ideals, after he snubbed the team’s Pride-themed celebrations this week.

Provorov, 26, declined to take part in a pre-game warmup this week in which his teammates wore rainbow colors on their jerseys, telling the media afterwards that while he “respect[s] everybody and respect[s] everybody’s choices” he chose not to do so because it clashed with his religious beliefs.

“My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say,” he added after his side’s 5-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks, in which he played around 23 minutes.

Provorov’s stance was respected by his coach, John Tortorella, who said that if would be “unfair” to penalize the player due to his beliefs and added that he admired the Russian for “always [being] true to himself.”

The Flyers did not reference the player during a statement following the game, saying only that they “will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.”

But one figure who didn’t back Provorov’s freedom of expression was NHL senior analyst E.J. Hradek, who said on a broadcast on Wednesday that he should return to Russia if he is unprepared to support Western ideologies.

NHL analyst says on the NHL Network! that if Philly Flyers Provorov doesn’t want to wear a pro-LBGTQ uniform he should leave America, go back to Russia, and fight in the war against Ukraine. The tolerant left! Holy shit: pic.twitter.com/wWLFBy2stC

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 19, 2023

“Ivan Provorov can get on a plane any day he wants and go back to a place where he feels more comfortable, take less money and get on with his life that way if it’s that problematic for him,” Hradek said.

“If this is that much of a problem for him, to maybe assimilate into his group of teammates, and in the community and here in this country, that’s OK. Listen, you can feel any way you want.

“But the beauty is, if it bothers you that much, there’s always a chance to leave, go back to where you feel more comfortable – I understand there’s a conflict of sorts going on over there, maybe get involved.”

However, in their own statement on the matter the NHL disavowed any criticism towards Provorov for staying true to his own beliefs.

In their own statement, the NHL said that players have the ultimate authority when it comes to which causes they choose to support.

“Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how – with League counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues,” it said.