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Luke Humphries left this arena stunned and staggered, left it the victim of one of the greatest ambushes ever plotted on this stage, left it a former world champion . For an ailing and ageing Peter Wright, the only conceivable reality in which he could win this match existed in his own mind, and over 40 scintillating minutes he set about carving this vision into magnificent flesh. In a way, it was a vision dreamed up days in advance, when Humphries was still the king of the Palace and Wright was simply the washed up world No 17, and the possibility of this game barely registered. But Wright knew what he was doing when he aimed a little barb at Humphries, predicting he would lose early in the tournament. “I’m one world title away from almost matching his career and I’m 25 years younger,” Humphries bit back in jest. But on some remote level, a seed had been planted. And when battle arrived, Wright did not shrink. All the old tics and tricks came out: switching his darts as if they were clubs in a golf bag, refusing bull out-shots even when Humphries was on a finish, showing the world No 1 a magnificent disrespect. But the real target of Wright’s mind games was himself: a daring experiment in manifesting, through sheer will, the man he once was. All that remained was for his darts to cash the cheques his hubris had written for him. At which point, something strange happened. The Palace crowd, often indifferent to Wright in the past, swung firmly behind him. Wright responded with darts of the finest vintage: an average of 101, backed by a 70% rate on the doubles, backed by an impeccable sense of timing and discipline and nerve and spirit. A run of 17 consecutive legs on throw was snapped only by the crucial break of throw that earned Wright a 3-1 lead in sets: an incredible 12-darter at the most important juncture of the match. Because here’s the thing. Humphries didn’t throw badly at all. He averaged 99 and hit 56% of his doubles. He was excellent, verging world class. But set play is about mastering the moments as well as the processes, and here perhaps the prickly pre-match preamble played a little percussion on his nerves. Too much chaos seems to throw Humphries. Dimitri Van den Bergh at the UK Open. Luke Littler in the Premier League final. Playing in the Grand Slam while his young son was unwell at home. Of course he can still throw brilliant darts when he’s angry, when he’s rattled, when he’s distracted, when he’s tired. But he is at his crystalline best when he keeps things simple. What he does not lack, what he has never lacked, is bottle. He kept nailing crucial doubles on his third dart. Kept holding his throw, maintaining his impeccable standard, waited for Wright to blink. But Wright did not blink. He forced a decider in set four with an 89 checkout. Opened 180-121-140 in the decider and cleaned it up in 12 legs. Humphries averaged 108 in that set, and lost it. The end came quickly after that. Wright’s wizened face crumpled into sobs, the facade finally melting. There were fist clasps and hugs from Humphries, a man who for the last 12 months has carried his champion status with real class and skill, and who will absolutely be back. He may even have learned a thing or two from the old man here. Afterwards, Wright was asked how he had done it. “Because I’m a double world champion ,” he answered, still hoarse from the festive cold that has reduced him to a whisper for most of the last week. “That’s why. I’m not too old. You’ve only got to play well for three weeks in the whole year. These three weeks are all that matters.” He’ll play Stephen Bunting or Luke Woodhouse next. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend’s action after newsletter promotion Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'. If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version. In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications. Turn on sport notifications. Wright was not the only player banking on that little nugget of yuletide wisdom. Gerwyn Price is another former champion who at times seems to be physically willing himself into being the player he used to be. He beat his fellow Welsh wizard Jonny Clayton 4-2 with a little fist pump, a mini-roar and just the slightest well of doubt over his ability to last the distance after a flawed but resilient performance. When it’s good, it’s irresistible. At one point in the second set, he was averaging 111. That he finished with an average of 92 tells you how alarmingly he dipped after that point, and a more ruthless opponent than the gently listing Clayton would probably have done him here. Instead he’s a quarter-finalist, a slowly gathering storm, a reminder that on this stage, you’re never done until you’re done.Saint-Denis FC’s dream run in the Coupe de France ended abruptly as they faltered at the 32nd finals, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against SU Dives-Cabourg. The match unfolded at the frosty Heurtematte Stadium in Dives-sur-Mer, Normandy, leaving the Saint-Denis players disheartened while their opponents celebrated their advancement. Before the kickoff, a solemn minute of silence was observed in memory of victims of Cyclone Chido. As the whistle blew, both teams seemed poised for battle, but the first half concluded with a goalless stalemate. Saint-Denis displayed early promise, with midfielder Jeffrey Damour reflecting that an initial lead could have changed the game’s dynamics. Opportunities Slip Away Saint-Denis had their moments, missing several chances to take the lead. Dorian Bertrand’s attempt in the 7th minute was one of few opportunities. However, fortune didn’t favor them, and as Tito, a forward for Saint-Denis, noted, the game hinged on capitalizing on such chances. Normandy Reigns The tide turned in the second half when SU Dives-Cabourg’s Théo Fontaine broke the deadlock at the 60-minute mark. Alban Bekombo sealed the victory with a second goal 15 minutes later. Saint-Denis goalkeeper Tony Derfla lamented a key error that led to new heights for their opponents. Meanwhile, other shocking results on December 21 included Le Puy’s stunning 4-0 victory over Ligue 1’s Montpellier and Saint-Brieuc’s triumph over Le Havre. The thrilling weekend of French football continued with marquee clashes featuring Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon. What the Future Holds for Saint-Denis FC After Their Coupe de France Exit In the chilly ambiance of Heurtematte Stadium, Saint-Denis FC’s promising journey in the Coupe de France came to an end, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to SU Dives-Cabourg. As the team reflects on their performance, questions about the future of Saint-Denis FC and what comes next for the club emerge, along with insights into their journey and the broader footballing trends. Trending Football Insights The Coupe de France remains a tournament where surprises are the norm, as seen with shocking results like Le Puy’s dominant 4-0 victory over Montpellier. Such outcomes highlight the increasing competitiveness and unpredictability in French football, providing optimism for smaller clubs like Saint-Denis FC in future competitions. The Road Ahead for Saint-Denis FC Despite their exit, the journey offers valuable lessons and the opportunity for growth. Developing stronger attacking strategies and focusing on capitalizing on opportunities will be crucial. Saint-Denis FC’s management, including Coach Greg Yao, will likely consider reinforcements and tactical adjustments to enhance the team’s competitive edge. Key Players to Watch Midfielder Jeffrey Damour and forward Tito have shown potential, indicating they could form the spine of future team strategies. Their performance in crucial matches underscores the importance of honing key talent and handling pressure situations effectively. Spotlight on the Club’s Development Programs With a focus on nurturing young talent, Saint-Denis FC might amplify its investment in youth development programs. Initiatives to scout and develop grassroots talent can ensure a sustainable pipeline of players equipped for both domestic and national-level challenges. Embracing Innovation and Technology Saint-Denis FC might explore adopting technology-driven solutions for player training and match analysis. Data analytics could play a pivotal role in devising strategies, improving player performance, and minimizing errors seen in critical match moments. Exploring Financial Sustainability The club also needs to look at financial sustainability and growth. By fostering partnerships and exploring sponsorships, Saint-Denis FC can secure the financial backing necessary for player acquisitions and infrastructure improvements. Conclusion For teams like Saint-Denis FC, a setback in the Coupe de France is both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing innovation, focusing on player development, and ensuring financial stability, the club can pave a path for future success in French football. As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, they will undoubtedly seek to convert experience into triumphs on the field. For more insights and updates regarding Saint-Denis FC, you can explore the relevant resources by visiting the [French Football Federation’s official website](https://www.fff.fr).live fast die hard meaning 。

Melody Chen JD Industrials has relaunched a bid to list in Hong Kong, aiming to raise funds to enhance its supply chain capabilities and expand its business. The industrial technology and service provider was launched in 2017 as an independent unit of its parent JD.com (9618) and was featured on the e-commerce giant homepage as a main category by 2018. As a business-to-business platform for industrial products, the company was the largest player in China's maintenance, repair, and operations procurement services market, measured by gross merchandise value last year, with a size twice that of the next largest competitor, according to China Insights Consultancy. Its GMV soared from around 17.4 billion yuan (HK$18.5 billion) in 2021 to 26.1 billion yuan in 2023, showing a compound annual growth rate of 22.5 percent. JD Industrials recorded an interim net profit of 291.2 million yuan this year from a net loss of 187.2 million yuan during the same period last year. Most of its revenue came from product sales, with the rest derived from marketplace, advertising, technology and other services. Product revenue rose to 8.1 billion yuan in the first half of the year, from 6.6 billion yuan during the same period last year, accounting for over 95 percent of total revenue. Service revenue was 550 million yuan, down from 608.5 million yuan in 2023. JD Industrials offers around 65 product categories across approximately 41.7 million stock-keeping units, topping CIC's list for the broadest variety of industrial products. Leveraging its digital supply chain advantages, the company built the broadest customer coverage and became the largest service provider in the sector, with a market share of 4.1 percent, it says. Its key accounts include around half of China's Fortune 500 companies and more than 40 percent of Global Fortune 500 companies with operations in China. However, the businesses capitalize and depend on the JD group and its associates to a large extent. The revenue generated from the group's platforms was 6.66 billion yuan in 2022, 7.52 billion yuan in 2023 and 3.66 billion yuan in the first half of 2024 respectively, making up 47.1 percent, 43.4 percent and 42.5 percent of total revenue respectively. Therefore, any negative developments in its relationship with the JD group or unfavorable publicity concerning the group could adversely impact the business and brand, the company warns. The listing plan is not new: JD.com had announced plans back in March 2023 to spin off JD Industrials and JD Property for separate listings in Hong Kong. JD Industrials was reportedly looking to raise US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) when it filed for an initial public offering last year but the attempt was unsuccessful due to market volatility and its financial losses at the time. If JD Industrials completes its IPO this time round, it will be JD.com's third successful spinoff after JD Logistics (2618) and JD Health International (6618). JD.com's fintech arm JD Technology had also attempted unsuccessfully to go public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's Star market back in 2020. Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and Haitong International Capital are the sponsors of the share sale.

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James Madison wins 96-64 over MidwayDo you know who Austen Pleasants or Charlie Heck are? Don’t worry about it. Before this week, I didn’t either, and knowing practice-squad-level offensive linemen is my thing. Either way, we’ll likely hear their names often on Monday Night Football, as one of those newcomers will be protecting 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy’s blindside against the Lions. The other might be bookending him at the opposite tackle spot. Best of luck out there, 13! But that’s not all, folks. By extrapolating the way the season has gone for the 49ers into Monday, don’t be surprised if we see a third offensive-line newcomer — interior lineman Matt Hennessy — against the Lions. Yes, a bad situation first turned worse for the 49ers, and now it’s turned downright cruel, with potentially three players who were acquired (on waivers and poached from practice squads) protecting their potentially $60 million man. And with the 49ers having nothing to play for in the standings, it’s enough to make you wonder if Kyle Shanahan should even bother playing Purdy — or any of the Niners’ other top players, for that matter — this week or next. After all, if these next two weeks are, effectively, preseason football for 2025, shouldn’t the 49ers head coach treat them as such? (As a refresher, Shanahan hates the preseason and would, in an ideal world, not play anyone who could potentially make the 53-man roster.) This is the first time the 49ers have faced truly meaningless games in years — going back to the pandemic 2020 season — so it’s a fair question. But I think it should be saved for the season’s final week, when both the Cardinals and 49ers will play a game that both teams would be better off losing. Yes, so long as there is one team in a game with something to play for in the standings — for the Lions, that’s a shot at the No. 1 seed in the NFC – it’s incumbent on the 49ers to maintain a code of professionalism and put something close to their best out on the field. So unless you’re injured, you’re going into harm’s way. “Welcome to the reality of the world,” Shanahan said Thursday. The game might not always mean anything as it releases to the playoffs, but the beauty of the NFL is that every game — no, every snap — is an opportunity to show your worth. “This is your job... Teams all over the league are in this situation. You’ve still got to go out there and perform the same way.” “You get 17 checks for 17 games.” And, for the record, Purdy said this week that he’s “100 percent healthy.” So, yes, he’s playing. And that should remain the case until the Lions open up an insurmountable lead on Monday. (We might not have to wait long.) Not just because of the code of professionalism or pride but also because there is still something to be gleaned from Purdy’s performance. As I wrote a few weeks back, the season’s final games would be a referendum on Purdy . The 49ers will sign him this offseason, but how the team and fan base feel about that new contract will be determined by what Purdy has done for the 49ers lately. I don’t need to tell you that the fan base isn’t too keen on Purdy signing a record-breaking, market-setting deal. Reaching that standard might never happen — the mere concept of a $60 million quarterback has folks’ heads spinning (even though with recent-season salary-cap growth, it’d be the equivalent of Jimmy Garoppolo’s record-setting contract from 2018). But Purdy performing at a high level on Monday could sway at least the rational amongst us. Not only would he be doing that with a makeshift (if that) offensive line and a second-string receiver group (we’ll see if Deebo Samuel shows up again on Monday), but he’d have done it against the kind of defense that has stymied him this entire season. The way to beat the 49ers and Purdy is to play man coverage and blitz in strange and confusing ways. The Lions play more man coverage than anyone else in the NFL and have been blitzing like crazy in recent weeks. It all makes Monday something close to a perfect data point. Yes, the circumstances are hardly ideal for Purdy, but a $60 million quarterback is expected to smooth at least some of the issues the Niners will face. And wouldn’t it be good to know if Purdy can beat man-to-man coverage? Monday’s game would leave zero doubt if he flails and be one hell of a negotiating point for him if he succeeds. And beyond all of that, the Niners quarterback needs to develop some rhythm, chemistry, and verve with this offense heading into next season. It’s not all his fault that the Niners have regressed to the point where this game is meaningless for San Francisco, but he needs to be part of the solution. Can he get something going with Ricky Pearsall? Can he keep George Kittle in that deserved first-team All-Pro spot? Can he help buy another year of Deebo Samuel in Niners’ red? Can he help one of these new offensive linemen land a job with the Niners (or another team) next season? If the risk of injury is deemed too high, then we might as well never practice or play football again. Call the NFL and ESPN and tell them the game is canceled—the Niners can’t win the Super Bowl, so they’re taking their ball and staying home. Because above everything else, it does comes down to professionalism. Is this effectively the preseason? Sure. But you’re not paid for the preseason — you merely earn a per diem for those games. On Monday night, everyone will receive a handsome check for their services. Even Purdy, the lowly-paid quarterback, will earn close to $60,000 for his work week. That’s enough to pay off two-thirds of one of those new trucks he bought his offensive linemen. Yes, being in the NFL is a great job, if you can get it. And the surest way to lose it is to take it for granted. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.