0k bet

0k bet Significant milestones in life and career of Jimmy CarterEileen Gleeson has shut down any talk about her future - while she has hit out at antics from the Welsh bench during Tuesday night’s Euro 2025 play-off defeat at the Aviva Stadium. The Girls in Green boss was handed a contract last December until the end of Ireland’s involvement in this campaign. Now it’s down to the FAI - and chief football officer Marc Canham - to decide whether Gleeson is the person to lead the Girls in Green into next year’s Nations League campaign. READ MORE: Euro heartache for Ireland as Eileen Gleeson's side fall to Wales in play-off READ MORE: Player ratings from the big match as Ireland women's national team crash out of the Euros to Wales Gleeson was pressed on her future, but said: “I understand you have an interest in that but I can tell you now, I’m not talking about it tonight, I'm not thinking about it tonight. “We’ve got a team that's devastated that we are not going to the Euros and that is really where I’m sitting right now.” Gleeson, meanwhile, was critical of the Welsh bench for what she described as “provocation” during a “highly charged” and “very emotional” game. Katie McCabe’s brush with an early exit summed up the tense atmosphere surrounding the tie. The Arsenal ace was booked early on for a rash challenge and was lucky not to see red later in the first-half. “We were all on the edge. On the edge now. It was a highly charged game, very emotional and there was a lot of managing emotions,” said Gleeson. “There was a lot of provocation along the sideline from the Welsh bench. “There were reactions to that as well. It was a team challenge to manage across the night.” Asked to elaborate on the provocation, she said: “Yeah, a lot of shouting at players, aggressive language to our staff. “It’s incidental now, but we manage it on the pitch and you are managing it on the sidelines. “It’s difficult for players in the moment, and there was a lot of high risk and reward associated with this game, but, yeah, it was important for us to keep 11 on the pitch, it was important for us to try and keep Katie calm and not to react, and not to bring anything on herself.” Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson was asked if a line was crossed between the two benches and replied: “It was a battle. “When it’s very physical on the field, when there’s yellow cards, when you see that play that’s right on the edge, you know the benches have a lot of stress as well and it does boil up every now and then. “I think there’s always some words occasionally.” Gleeson, meanwhile, confirmed that there were no handshakes between the two rival managers after the final whistle. “I didn’t see Rhian, she didn’t come near me, I didn’t go near her, I was with my team,” said the Ireland boss. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts

Nick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Justice to work with the National Assembly to address some of the concerns generated by the Tax Reform Bill currently before the Legislature. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris who disclosed this on Tuesday in statement he issued in Abuja, said the nationwide debate on the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly is and commendable. He however pointed out that there are a lot of misinformation and fake news circulating around the tax bills and the overall reform agenda of the Tinubu Administration. Idris noted that the fiscal reforms will not impoverish any State or region of the country, neither will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies. “It is pertinent to state that the government has nothing sinister to warrant the suggestion that the process is being rushed. In line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal General welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill. “In this vein, President Tinubu has already directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials who worked on the drafts to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all genuine concerns have been addressed before the bills are passed. “The robust nationwide debate on the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly is welcomed, and commendable. It is very inspiring to see Nigerians from all walks of life coming out to express their views and opinions of these matters of critical national importance. This is the very essence and meaning of democracy. “Similarly, it is important to be aware that there is a lot of misinformation and fake news circulating around the tax bills and the overall reform agenda of the Tinubu Administration. “Instead, they will bring relief to tens of millions of hardworking Nigerians across the country and empower and position our States and the 774 Local Governments for sustainable growth and development”, the Minister stated. He further noted that President Tinubu is implementing an ambitious fiscal reform agenda that will devolve more resources to Nigeria’s State and Local Governments, and ultimately to the Nigerian people, in the spirit of harnessing democracy that works for the people. Idris maintained that Nigerians are witnessing, at this moment in the history the most far-reaching, impactful and beneficial set of fiscal reforms that the country has seen in decades. “In addition to the four tax bills being debated and deliberated upon, there is also the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, which will significantly empower the tier of government that is closest to the Nigerian people. “In all, these reforms will not only facilitate increased revenues (without imposing additional tax burdens on the people), they will also make it possible for citizens to demand and enjoy greater accountability in the management of public resources at all levels of government. “President Tinubu and the administration will continue to champion policies that close the loopholes and gaps through which Nigeria’s valuable public resources have been frittered away for decades. “On top of this necessary foundation, the resources being conserved and realized from these reforms will be invested in critical infrastructure (healthcare, education, transportation, digital technology, etc) and in social investments that will benefit all Nigerians and ensure that no one is left behind. This is the promise and the reality of the Renewed Hope agenda”, the Minister added. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked ‘War Room’ seminars show Andrew Tate advising men to ‘isolate’ women away from friends, jobsStock market today: Meeting the market estimates, Carraro India's share price is listed on the Indian stock market at a discounted price. Carraro India's share price had a discounted opening on the BSE at ₹ 660 apiece, ₹ 44 per share or 6.25% lower than the upper price band of ₹ 704 apiece. Likewise, Carraro India shares are listed on the NSE at ₹ 651 per share, ₹ 53 or 7.53% lower than the upper price band. However, after a discounted listing in the Indian stock market, Carraro India's share price witnessed strong buying at the lower levels. After the weak opening, the stock climbed to an intraday high of ₹ 682 on the BSE and the NSE. However, the stock could sustain higher levels and slip below the listing price. Currently, at 10:04 AM, Carraro India's share price is quoting 636.75 apiece on the BSE and ₹ 640.75 apiece on the NSE. Carraro India IPO details By the close of bidding on Tuesday, Carraro India Ltd's IPO had been subscribed to 1.12 times. The portion reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) saw a subscription rate of 2.21 times, while the retail individual investors (RIIs) segment garnered 71 per cent of subscriptions. Non-institutional investors accounted for 60 per cent of the subscriptions. Founded in 1997, Carraro India Ltd specializes in producing components ranging from tiny gears to full tractor assembly. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), the company's listed peers include Escorts Kubota, which has a P/E ratio of 43.21, Schaeffler India at 74.22, Sona BLW Precision Forgings with a P/E of 76.93, Ramakrishna Forgings at 42.82, Happy Forgings with 47.08, and Action Construction Equipment with a P/E of 50.56. Launched at a price band of ₹ 668 to ₹ 704 per equity share, Carraro India IPO reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer is reserved for retail investors. Axis Bank Limited, BNP Paribas, and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited were the book-running lead managers for the Carraro India IPO, and Link Intime India Private Ltd served as the registrar. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

Plane Crash Kills 179 In Worst Airline Disaster In S KoreaNick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’

Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro sparked a fight that led to six ejections in the final seconds of the Miami Heat's 104-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. With about 30 seconds left at the Toyota Center, Herro and Thompson were jostling for position ahead of an inbounds pass when things suddenly erupted. Thompson then suddenly got into Herro's face and grabbed him by the collar before he ripped him down to the floor. Instantly, Thompson and Herro were swarmed by both teams onto the pile as chaos ensued. It took several assistant coaches, staff members and even arena security to diffuse the situation. Herro was seen clapping at Thompson as they were both being held back. AMEN THOMPSON AND TYLER HERRO GET IN LATE-GAME SCUFFLE 😱 (via FanDuel Sports Network) — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) That naturally led to a slew of ejections, including Thompson, Jalen Green, Houston head coach Ime Udoka and assistant Ben Sullivan. Terry Rozier and Herro were both ejected for the Heat. It's unclear what sparked the incident specifically. Fred VanVleet was ejected on the previous play in an unrelated incident. "I guess that’s what happens when someone is scoring, throwing dimes, doing the whole thing,” Herro said, . “I’d get mad, too.” Despite the chaotic final sequence, the Heat held on down the stretch to grab a four-point win. Herro had a team high 27 points and nine assists for Miami, which improved to 16-14 with the victory. Nikola Jović added 18 points off the bench, and Haywood Highsmith finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 22 points in the loss. Alperen Şengün finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds, and Green had 19 points before he was ejected. Thompson had just five points off the bench. The loss was the second straight for Houston, which dropped to 21-11 on the year. Thompson has averaged 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds largely off the bench this season, his second in the league. The Rockets selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2023. While everybody involved with Sunday night's fracas is sure to get hit with a penalty from the league in the coming days as a result, whether that's a fine or a multi-game suspension, Thompson's is sure to be the worst.

By Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara, says he is getting stronger daily with the support of the people amid the political crisis in the state. He said it was delightful to see true leaders of the state and well-meaning people standing on the right side of history despite the pressure to surrender to tyranny and oppression. Fubara and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, have been at loggerheads over the political leadership of the state. Governor Fubara, in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday by his Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, vowed to continue to do what is right. He was quoted as speaking during Christmas Ballad hosted by former Rivers State Governor, Sir Peter Odili for him and his family. Governor Siminalayi Fubara said that God has proved Himself worthy as the Ultimate Liberator of the State and its people because God ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it. Blackout in Abuja as TCN announces repairs South Korean team installs rice mills in Bayelsa The governor stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective to leadership, adding that with the support from Rivers people, he stopped seeing the crisis as a problem but as a necessary enabler in governance. He said, “And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people. “So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from everyone of you that is here. You gave me the encouragement; you do the work for me; you make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you. “But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter still remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured.” Governor Fubara said God is in control of the affairs of the state, assuring the people that 2025 would be better than what they had experienced. He promised that his administration would make every succeeding year in the state better with remarkable records of progress, stressing that the excitement experienced among Rivers people during Christmas celebrations was indicative of a brighter future ahead. Former Governor Odili in his speech said governor Fubara confronted the political challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the state as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as they used to be until he (Odili) left office in 2007. Odili explained that it was over 12 months, since October 25, 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Fubara over the soul of Rivers State. He stated that he, his wife and children, decided to host Fubara in appreciation of the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he had demonstrated. Also speaking, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Fubara, his wife, Lady Valerie, and children, said God knew long ago the need for an emancipator and gave Governor Fubara to Rivers State. She stated that Fubara had played the role satisfactorily, and pledged the continuous support of her family to the success of his administration. Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. despite pressure Gov Fubara right side Rivers peopleNew EU Travel Rules in 2025: Biometric Checks and Visa Waivers for UK Citizens

Artificial Intelligence: The Investment Opportunity You Can’t Ignore In the past two years, the surge of artificial intelligence, marked by innovations like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has dramatically boosted stock valuations. While many investors have focused on giants like Nvidia and Palantir Technologies, the real stars of tomorrow might not be who you expect. TSMC: The Unsung Hero in AI’s Supply Chain Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, although it hasn’t captured as much limelight as Nvidia. TSMC is crucial to the ecosystem, serving as the production backbone for many tech leaders like Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet. As demand for AI components skyrockets, TSMC’s financials reflect this momentum. The company’s recent quarterly revenue rose by 39% compared to last year, hitting $23.5 billion, with robust operating margins at 47.6%. The firm’s control of about 90% of advanced chip manufacturing positions it perfectly to seize future opportunities in AI. Upstart: Reinventing Credit with AI On a different front, Upstart is redefining consumer lending with its AI-powered approach. Though its stock has dipped since its pandemic peak, it’s bouncing back, propelled by its innovative AI model that surpasses traditional credit scoring. Recent updates in their technology led to significant gains, allowing more consumers to secure loans. Despite current profitability challenges, the company’s growth potential remains strong, especially as interest rates stabilize, potentially elevating its market position. In conclusion, while the tech giants continue to lead headlines, companies like TSMC and Upstart represent intriguing opportunities for savvy investors in the evolving AI landscape. The Next Big Players in AI Investment: What You Need to Know Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved, creating investment opportunities that extend beyond the well-known tech giants. While Nvidia and Palantir Technologies often dominate the discussion, other companies like TSMC and Upstart are emerging as pivotal players in the AI ecosystem due to their unique contributions and roles. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a critical player behind the scenes of the AI revolution. As a leader in advanced chip manufacturing, TSMC commands about 90% of this segment, cementing its role as an essential supplier for tech behemoths like Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet. The company reported a substantial 39% increase in quarterly revenue, reaching $23.5 billion, driven by the soaring demand for AI components. With robust operating margins of 47.6%, TSMC is positioned to significantly benefit from the ongoing growth and expansion of AI technologies. TSMC continues to innovate and expand its production capabilities, which is crucial as AI applications become more sophisticated and widespread. The market reliance on TSMC for chip manufacturing highlights the importance of considering supply chain investments in the AI industry. Upstart, although lesser-known, is pioneering a transformative approach to consumer lending. By leveraging AI to enhance credit evaluation processes, Upstart is challenging the traditional credit scoring models. Despite experiencing a dip from its pandemic-era stock highs, the company’s shares are rebounding due to technological advancements that have enabled more consumers to access credit. As Upstart continues to improve its AI models, the potential for market expansion grows, especially if economic conditions, such as interest rates, stabilize. This technological edge signifies that Upstart could capture a larger slice of the lending market, making it a worthwhile consideration for investors interested in AI-driven financial services. Upstart demonstrates the potential of AI to bring significant improvements and disruptions to established industries like finance, offering insights into where future growth and opportunities may lie. The landscape of AI investment is broadening, with multiple sectors experiencing transformative changes powered by AI technologies. Companies like TSMC and Upstart exemplify new avenues for investors, focusing on the integral roles these companies play within their respective industries, indicating a shift away from traditional tech giants as the only viable investment opportunities. For investors, understanding these nuanced roles is crucial for making informed decisions. As AI continues to advance, diversifying investment portfolios to include lesser-known yet impactful firms could yield significant returns, aligning with trends towards increased innovation and technological integration across various sectors.Jayden Daniels dazzles again as Commanders clinch a playoff spot by beating Falcons 30-24 in OT LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — The Washington Commanders clinched a playoff spot by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in overtime. Jayden Daniels ran for a season-high 127 yards and threw for 227 and three touchdowns to make the postseason in his rookie year in the NFL. He outdueled fellow top-10 draft pick Michael Penix Jr. in a game each had an interception. The Commanders can move up to the sixth seed in the NFC if they win at Dallas next weekend. The Falcons lost control of their playoff chances and now can only get in if they beat Carolina and Tampa Bay loses to New Orleans in Week 18. NFC's No. 1 seed comes down to Vikings-Lions showdown at Detroit in Week 18 The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final game of the regular season when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday night. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser becomes the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Lions hold the tiebreaker if the teams enter with identical records and play to a tie. The Vikings held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 for their ninth consecutive victory. The Vikings are 14-2. They set up a final-week showdown in Detroit next Sunday night for both the division title and the No. 1 seed for the playoffs in the NFC. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left to pull the Packers within two points. Darnold responded with two completions for first downs to seal the game. Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score and the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the New York Jets. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills improved to 13-3 to match a franchise single-season record. Thompson-Herro fight leads to ejections of multiple players and coaches in Heat's victory in Houston HOUSTON (AP) — Rockets forward Amen Thompson threw Heat guard Tyler Herro to the floor to trigger an altercation that resulted in six ejections in the closing minute of Miami’s 104-100 victory over Houston on Sunday. Thompson and Herro became entangled with Miami about to inbound the ball leading 99-94 with 35 seconds left. Thompson grabbed Herro by the jersey and tossed him, with referee Marc Davis describing it as Thompson “body slams Herro.” Herro, Thompson, and Udoka were ejected, as were Heat guard Terry Rozier, Rockets guard Jalen Green, and Rockets assistant coach Ben Sullivan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Rising Sun Devils: Arizona State looks to pull off another big surprise at the Peach Bowl ATLANTA (AP) — As they prepare for Arizona State’s biggest game in nearly three decades, the guys who made it happen aren’t the least bit surprised to be rated a nearly two-touchdown underdog in the College Football Playoff. That’s a familiar position for the Sun Devils. They've been an underdog most of the season. Of the eight teams still vying for a national championship, there’s no bigger surprise than 11-2 Arizona State. The Sun Devils went 3-9 a year ago and were picked to finish dead last in their first season in the Big 12 Conference. Now, they're getting ready to face Texas in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day. Penn State coach James Franklin says Nick Saban should be college football's commissioner SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Penn State coach James Franklin believes college football needs a commissioner and he even has a candidate in mind: former Alabama coach Nick Saban. Franklin made the suggestion Sunday at Penn State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions are preparing for their game against No. 3 seed Boise State on Tuesday. The veteran coach was responding to a question about Penn State’s backup quarterback situation after Beau Pribula transferred to Missouri before the playoff. Pribula’s decision highlighted some of the frustrating aspects of a new college football world in the Name, Image and Likeness era and the transfer portal, forcing players to make tough decisions at inopportune times. Penn State's polarizing QB Drew Allar puts critics on mute and keeps winning games SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it’s usually a backhanded compliment. They say he’s a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn’t try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here’s the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that’s hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. The polarizing Allar has another chance to quiet his critics on Tuesday, when Penn State plays Boise State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl. Crosby breaks Lemieux's Penguins career assists record in 3-2 victory over the Islanders PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby broke Mario Lemieux’s Pittsburgh franchise career record for assists on Michael Bunting’s power-play goal and the Penguins beat the New York Islanders 3-2 on Sunday night. Crosby has 1,034 assists, good for 12th in NHL history. Only three players — Ray Bourque, Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman — have more assists with a single team. The 37-year-old Crosby has played 1,310-regular-season games. Lemieux played 915. Evgeni Malkin added the deciding power-play goal in the third for Pittsburgh, which has 14 goals with the man advantage in its last 13 games. Anthony Beauvillier also scored to help the Penguins win for the seventh time in their last eight home games. Alex Nedeljkovic made 29 saves in his first start since Dec. 17.Columbia, a perennial football loser, wins Ivy League title for first time since 1961

UK ministers warned housing crisis puts plans for NHS and economy at riskThe controversial Australian has played only one match in more than two years because of injury but that has not stopped him being an outspoken presence on social media during a difficult few months for the sport. First it was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of fault, while in November Swiatek was handed a one-month ban for a failed test caused by contaminated medication. Feels good getting these consecutive days training in the bank man.... Wrist re construction and back out here... blessed..................Without failing any drug tests 🙂‍↕️🙏🏽 be proud kygs doing it the right way 😩😂 pic.twitter.com/J8l21lnTdI — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 5, 2024 Kyrgios has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of Sinner, who could yet face a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the finding of no fault or negligence in his case. At a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International, Kyrgios told reporters: “I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people that are speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug. “I just think that it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.” Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023, returning to action in June of that year, but he played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. He has not played a competitive match since, and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but the 29-year-old will make his comeback in Brisbane this week. Kyrgios will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, while he will also team up with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing. “It’s good to be back,” said Kyrgios. “I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things. A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os) “I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.” Asked whether he could get back to the same level that saw him reach the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said: “I still believe I can, whether or not that’s factual or not. There was another player who was like, ‘You have to be realistic’. That’s not how I am. I always back my ability.” The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday. Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday. That could pit Katie Boulter against fiance Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week. A post shared by Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) “Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing. “My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.” Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British number one facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem. Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.

Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMPOTTAWA — Dave Cameron and his players once again found themselves in an uncomfortable position. Coming off a stunning, embarrassing loss to Latvia some 48 hours earlier at the world junior hockey championship, Canada led another of the sport's lesser lights by a single goal late in regulation Sunday. The tournament hosts would get the job done in the end. It wasn't pretty. Oliver Bonk, Caden Price and Mathieu Cataford, into the empty net, scored as the wobbly Canadians picked up an unconvincing 3-0 victory over Germany. "We're snake-bitten," Cameron, at his third world juniors as the country's head coach, said of the roster's toothless attack. "We're getting chances. That's all you can do ... it'll break." Carter George made 25 saves to register the goaltender's second straight shutout for Canada, which was coming off Friday's 3-2 upset loss to Latvia in a shootout. "I just want to go out there and do my part to get this team a win," said George, who took a shot at the empty net that dribbled wide. "We all pitch into the system." Nico Pertuch stopped 33 shots for Germany, which dropped its Group A opener at the men's under-20 tournament 10-4 to the United States before falling 3-1 to Finland. Canada, which entered with a 17-0 record all-time and a combined 107-26 score against Germany at the world juniors, went more than 120 minutes against a pair of hockey minnows without scoring a goal at 5-on-5. "It gets a little tense there when it was 1-0 with five minutes left," said defenceman Tanner Molendyk. "But I thought we handled it well." "A little tighter than maybe we would have expected," added fellow blueliner Sam Dickinson. Despite another sub-par performance, the victory sets up a mouth-watering New Year's Eve matchup against the U.S. for first place in the pool after the Americans fell 4-3 to the Finns in overtime earlier Sunday. Canada suffered one of the worst defeats in the program's history when Latvia — outscored 41-4 in four previous meetings at the event — shocked the hockey world. And while the plucky Europeans were full marks for their victory, the Canadians were largely disjointed and surrendered the middle of the ice for long stretches despite firing 57 shots on goal. There was more of the same Sunday through the two periods. "It's a quick turnaround, maybe, from (the Latvia loss)," said Canadian forward Berkly Catton. "That hurt, but we've got to be ready." Cameron made a couple of changes to his lineup — one out of necessity and another for tactical reasons. With star defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who could go No. 1 at the 2025 NHL draft, out of the world juniors after suffering an upper-body injury Friday, Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio drew in. Cameron also sat forward Porter Martone for Carson Rehkopf. Canada opened the scoring on the power play, which also had a new look after going 1-for-7 through two games, when Bonk scored from his normal bumper position in the slot at 9:40 of the first period. "Great feeling," said the Ottawa native and son of former NHLer Radek Bonk. "Fans have been awesome." Dickinson then chimed a one-timer off the post on another man advantage before George, who was in goal for Canada's 4-0 opener against Finland, made a couple of stops on the penalty kill inside a red-clad Canadian Tire Centre. "He's been unbelievable," Catton said of the netminder. "He held us in that game when we weren't playing great. He's been the heart and soul of our team." Petruch made a big save off Tanner Howe in the second before also denying Calum Ritchie from the slot on a power play, but the Canadians again looked out of sorts against a decidedly inferior opponent on paper. "You need different clubs in your bag to win this tournament," Cameron said. "Right now our defence and our goaltending are leading the pack. They're the clubs we're using the most. "The offence in this group's going to get going." Catton hit another post for Canada early in the third as a group with 11 first-round NHL draft picks finally started to flex its muscles. Molendyk then also found iron against Germany, set to meet Latvia in a crucial Monday matchup at the bottom of the Group A standings. "It was a lot better," Bonk said of the overall effort. "We didn't score as much as we should have or wanted to. It happens, but the goals will come." Price finally broke the 5-on-5 goose egg with 4:58 left in regulation on a shot that caromed off the end boards, Pertuch and in before Cataford fired into the empty net on another nervy night for the 20-time gold medallists. "Win a hockey game," Catton said of the feeling on the bench. "That's all that really matters — 1-0, 3-0, 10-0 — it's all the same. "We need the wins and we got it." Canada's biggest rival is now on deck. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press

There have been allegations by Kabul that Pakistani forces have carried out air strikes in the Barmal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province. Taliban's spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid has alleged that four locations in Barmal district had been target resulting in the death of 46 people. Pakistan's Foreign Office has, however, denied such allegations, instead saying that an intelligence-based operation has been carried out against terrorists in "border areas". Pakistan maintains that terrorist attacks emanating from across the border have been a grave threat. Just two days before the allegations of attack in Barmal, a group of heavily armed TTP militants had stormed a security outpost in South Waziristan that resulted in the martyrdom of 16 Pakistani soldiers. There is thus likelihood that this deadliest attack in recent months on Pakistani security forces may have triggered a military response. The allegations from Kabul also coincided with a high-level Pakistani political delegation sitting on the negotiating table with their Taliban counterparts in the Afghan capital to figure out the complexity of the issue of cross-border terrorism that surrounds and overshadows everything else between the relations of the two countries. In geopolitics, geography predominantly dictates the type of politics that any two states may engage in. For over four decades now, Pakistan has showcased a lackluster Afghan policy and the classic example of that is the current event - a day on which a political dialogue was held and allegation of air strikes surfaced simultaneously. Afghanistan has used asymmetric warfare to defeat two superpowers. History tells us that Afghans have proved time and again that small battle field victories by a much bigger enemy can be turned into strategic defeat. But we are not the enemy of Afghanistan, we are a brotherly country that not only shares border with them but their deep concerns also. Something is not right, for us to not have a workable Afghan policy - one that prevents us from accepting that Afghanistan is a sovereign state; and living under the yoke of Westphalian principles we must remain shackled as a state when it comes to initiating a military response. Has Afghanistan not proved that with them no kind of deterrence works specially deterrence by punishment as they are the people who don't stop hoping and willing to die? Pakistan's state response, though I haven't heard of it but I assume it will be based on the fact that doing nothing means capitulating to TTP's aggression and such a weakness would invite more attacks. But the big question is the right management of this asymmetric challenge emanating from Afghanistan. Should our response be through conventional military power on a sovereign country based on our assessment of any future threats developing from there? Striking a balance between defensive and offensive measures for managing asymmetric threat is not only a challenge for Pakistan but for the entire world in the 21st Century. In the case of Pakistan, it becomes more critical as it comes from a state with whom we share a huge border that is porous. I remember writing a few months ago about how Russia faced a similar threat from its south western region when it started expanding in the eastern region of Siberia in the early 20th Century. What Russia did was construct over 240 fortified outposts manned by Cossacks to prevent any infiltration towards their eastern border. That brought relief in the lives of locals who came back to the abandoned lands and started living a normal life. Not by punishment but denial we should also create the much-needed deterrence against the TTP threat emanating from Afghanistan. Military training teaches us that for any strategy that is hoping to work, it must correctly identify the core area, the area of the greatest vulnerability of the targeted country - its centre of gravity. Needless to say our country's greatest vulnerability today is the lack of 'political will'. We would not want any non-state actors to hit us at a time when politics in Pakistan is all over the place. Autocracy in Pakistan is already being judged by the outside world for lack of tolerance, violations of human rights, political oppression and strong curbs on public freedom and liberty. Military response to the asymmetric threats provides short-term tactical gains but result in long-term problems. Ask Britain, the Netherlands and Canada that provided combat troops for NATO when it took over in 2005 the responsibility to fight in Afghanistan. Having no experience of conducting counter-insurgency operations, these countries learnt value lessons at an unintended cost when their ordeal ended and the NATO combat operations finally ended in Afghanistan in 2014. Even one can write about the cost Russia paid for its military response to the Chechnya's threat in the 90s, as despite over 200,000 death Chechens kept visiting the Russian heartland. These examples show us that fighting a war against a tactic rather than developing a clear plan to defeat a strategy can play in the hands of the enemy. Even the 9/11 attack and the disproportionate US response show how such a response creates new dilemmas such as military interventions, preemptive wars, homeland defence and peacekeeping and peace promoting operations. All of them are avoidable if you don't respond to a tactics but demonstrate patience to create a sound strategy to deal with it. It is famously said "give a small boy a hammer and he will find that everything he encounters need pounding" or in other words "if the only tool you have is a hammer, you will treat everything as if it was a nail". In my humble opinion the best tool to utilise to work with Afghanistan is diplomacy and that can only come from politicians who conduct politics on the basis of formulation of a sound government that has the popular approval of the people. Those that imagine that a military response can create more security must realise that paradoxically it creates more insecurity. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our

Netanyahu Announces Ceasefire with Hezbollah; Israel's Cabinet ApprovesObituary: veteran TV3 news journalist Bob McNeil dies

'We're snake-bitten': Unconvincing Canada gets past Germany 3-0 at world juniors