Joachim Aschenbrenner Takes Gold At ISAF Youth Match Race Worlds

Joachim Aschenbrenner Takes Gold At ISAF Youth Match Race Worlds

Denmark takes the gold medal in the first ISAF Youth Match Racing World Championship, Australia gets silver, and bronze goes to the USA.

Everybody was nervous in the morning as they waited for the wind to fill in. The wind was too light to start racing the important final matches. Only after 1pm the postponement was lowered and the regatta was ready to continue.

The day started with the semi-finals, both already in the situation of 2-0. Joachim Aschenbrenner (DEN) was leading Pierre Quiroga (FRA) 2-0, and Sam Gilmour (AUS) was leading Nevin Snow (USA) 2-0.

In the first pre-start of today Aschenbrenner held Quiroga on the port side for four minutes, before approaching the start line from above. However things started to look bad for Aschenbrenner as the start approached because Quiroga was starting to get to leeward of them. They raised the spinnaker 10 meters from the starting line, and with only six seconds to go won the start just ahead of Quiroga. Aschenbrenner led the race at the first upwind mark and kept that led to progress into the finals.

In the second semi-final match Gilmour took the right and met Snow at the upwind mark, he went behind, protested and got a green. Snow led until the last downwind leg, in the final rounding Gilmore loaded the gun, and the boats headed for the right corner. Both gybed simultaneously and Gilmore took the lead blocking the wind from Snow, Gilmore took the win and continued to the finals with a result 3-0.

Joachim Aschenbrenner Takes Gold At ISAF Youth Match Race Worlds

The final was raced to three points, and the petit final to two. In the first match of the final Aschenbrenner managed to approach the starting line first and shut the door from Gilmour by luffing, Gilmour had to tack and gybe so Aschenbrenner started well ahead. Aschenbrenner held the lead for the rest of the race even with Gilmour just two boat lengths behind on the final downwind.

The wind dropped for the second match but that didn’t stop Aschenbrenner’s form, he took the pre-start, approaching first blocking the wind from Gilmour and kept the lead until the end, and was sitting now at 2-0.

In the third final match the boats stood in the dial-up for 45 seconds. As they started to move backwards, Gilmour protested as the boats converged, but got a green reply from the umpires. As Aschenbrenner turned back to approach the starting line, Gilmour gybed in front of him and took the start. Gilmour sailed to the right of the course while Aschenbrenner sailed up the left. Gilmour rounded ahead at the first windward mark, but Aschenbrenner got a nice position above him. After both gybed Aschenbrenner went past Gilmour, rounding the downwind mark with a lead of two boat lengths. He held the lead until the finish and won gold with a 3-0 result in the finals against Gilmour having lost only two matches in the whole regatta.

There was a lot of action in the petit final too. Snow started ahead, and kept the lead until the last upwind mark. After the rounding France took the lead, but gybed back to the right side of the course first. The finish was tight and Snow took the win with only half a meter.

In the second match Snow started to windward in a quite even start. Quiroga managed to round the first windward mark ahead, but Snow was in position to strike. Snow gybed first to the downwind mark, taking the lead just before the mark. Snow led until the second downwind where the boats converged towards the pin end, with Snow approaching on port and Quiroga on starboard. Snow used his mark room, took the win, and the umpires gave a penalty on Quiroga. 2-0 for Snow giving him the bronze medal for the United States.

The event was concluded with the prize giving ceremony, where Aschenbrenner and the Danish team were given the youth match race world championship title. Aschenbrenner said, “Thank you NJK for hosting such a nice event. The level of race committee and umpiring was high throughout the event. Also thank you for my crew.”

Joachim Aschenbrenner Takes Gold At ISAF Youth Match Race Worlds

GOLD: DEN
Joachim Aschenbrenner
Hans-Christian Rosendahl
Lars-Peter Rosendahl
Sebastian Bennetsen

SILVER: AUS
Sam Gilmour
Adam Negri
Jack Breislin
Christopher Smith

BRONZE: USA
Nevin Snow
Katia DaSilva
Jacob LaDow
Graham Landy
John Wallace

Final results:
1 Joachim Aschenbrenner, DEN
2 Sam Gilmour, AUS
3 Nevin Snow, USA
4 Pierre Quiroga, FRA
5 Mark Lees, GBR
6 Valerio Galati, ITA
7 Chris Steele, NZL
8 Tyler Rice, ISV
9 Markus Rönnberg, FIN
10 Nelson Mettraux, SUI
11 Philip Bendon, IRL
12 Jakob Klitte, SWE
13 Florian Haufe, GER
14 Vladislav Abramov, RUS
15 Slawomir Plichta, POL

After Pillars, Dolphins Chase Cup Final

After Sunday’s 1-0 won over Kano Pillars in the League, Dolphins will now look ahead to Thursday’s Federation Cup semifinal game against Prime in Abuja.

Dolphins have been in the Federation Cup semifinals six times and have only lost once, in 1993 against Plateau United.

That game ended 4-1.

Since then, Dolphins have played the semifinals in 2001, beating Enyimba 2-0, 2004, Dolphins beat Julius Berger 3-0 in Kaduna, 2006, Dolphins beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 and in 2007 Dolphins beat Sharks 4-2 on penalties after full time ended 2-2.

All 4 times Dolphins won in the semifinals, they have gone ahead to win the Cup

Coach, Stanley Eguma insists Prime will not stop the ambitions of his side.

“We are working hard for victory and we do not see Prime as one that will stop our road to the final,” Eguma said.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, a 23rd minute strike from Emem Eduok ensured Dolphins ended the eleven game unbeaten run of champions, Kano Pillars.

The goal, Eduok’s 8th of the League and 15 in all competitions this season moved Dolphins up to 7th on the GLO NPFL table.

After the game, Stanley Eguma said he was proud of his players for the win, despite their not too impressive play.

“We played, we scored a good goal and we won the game. The players did well and we are happy with the win,” Eguma said.

Dolphins FC

Kano Pillars also had their moments and could have scored with Rabiu Ali, Gambo Mohammed and former Dolphins boy, Azeez Shobowale putting the home side on the back seat a couple of times.

However, Dolphins held back and despite the massive support from the away fans (who outnumbered Dolphins fans 3-1), the home side held on to claim a massive win.

As is usual when his side loses a game, head coach of Kano Pillars, Okey Emordi refused to talk to the press.

Latest Football Transfer Market News And Titbits

Jordan Ayew

In a Sharp contrast to sunday’s slow transfer market here are Paul Ayorinde’s Pick of Mondays Football transfer news and rumours making the rounds plus some football titbits

You can follow Paul Ayorinde on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:

– Arsenal have signed 19 year old right-back Calum Chambers from Southampton for a fee around £16million.

– Lorient have signed Marseille forward Jordan Ayew on four-year deal

– Lazio have confirmed Feyenoord defender Stefan De Vrij has arrived in Rome to undergo a medical ahead of this move to the Stadio Olimpico.

– Brighton have completed the signing of goalkeeper David Stockdale from Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

– Everton have completed the signing of Bosnian international Muhammed Besic for £4million

– Real Sociedad have completed the signing of Esteban Granero from QPR on a four-year deal.

– Real Sociedad have announced they have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the sale of Antoine Griezmann.

– Celtic have signed Norwegian international Jo Inge Berget on loan from Cardiff till January

– Standard liege have completed the signing of Tony Watt from Celtic for £1.2million

– Hull city have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal’s Carl Jerkinson.

– Hull city have also agreed a deal to sign Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire.

Calum Chambers, Arsenal

Today’s Reports and Rumours:

– West ham have joined QPR in the race to sign Gary Hooper from Norwich city

– According to reports, Southampton are close to signing Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry

– Swansea city Manager Gary Monk says Wilfred Bony will only be sold if an “astronomical” bid is put in by one of the top clubs.

– QPR manager Harry Redknapp says “Loic Remy will return to QPR. He’s a Fantastic striker”

– Aston Villa are keen on signing Chelsea Winger Victor Moses.

– Juventus are hoping to sign Fiorentina’s Stefan Savic in an exchange deal involving Mauricio Isla going the other way.

– Gus Poyet wants a face to face meeting with Fabio Borini to discuss why he is opposed to a move to Sunderland after Liverpool accepted a £14million bid for the striker.

– Tottenham right back Kyle Naughton is a subject of enquiry from Swansea city.

– Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria wants to join Manchester United as the £45m-rated Argentina international does not want to return to the Bernabeu and is frustrated by Paris St-Germain’s attempts to secure a loan deal.

– Former England manager Glenn Hoddle is in the frame to become Harry Redknapp’s new assistant at QPR following the departure of Wally Downes.

– Barcelona Boss Luis Enrique is determined to sign Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina but face stiff opposition from Manchester United.

– QPR could make an audacious move for Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

– According to reports, Manchester United midfielder Marouanne Fellaini could be set for a move to Napoli

– Napoli are also believed to be keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksson.

– Swansea city are keen on signing Almeria midfielder Ramon Azeez.

– Atletico Madrid are believed to be closing in on £24million rated Napoli forward Jose Callejon.

Football tit bits:

– A Spanish court will push ahead with prosecuting the Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for alleged tax evasion despite a recommendation from the public prosecutor the charges be dismissed.

– Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has apologized after a video of him singing a derogatory song about Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund was published on the internet.

– Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo matches Messi with third Goal 50 trophy. The award is handed out to the best player of the season, and both Ronaldo amd messi have now won it on three occasions.

– Rio Ferdinand: Giggs wanted me to stay at Manchester United: “Giggs and I had that chat when he got the job, he had to look at it as if he would still be there and he did tell me I would have stayed and been a part of his plans, But things change quickly, the new manager came in and wanted a new direction. I dusted myself down and moved on.” He said at his QPR unveiling.

Team Nigeria Claims Bronze In Table Tennis, As Quadri Remains Unbeaten

After missing out from the medals podium at the 2010 Delhi Games, Team Nigeria on Monday made it to the podium of the men’s table tennis event at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games after beating India 3-1 to claim the bronze medal.

In 2010, Team Nigeria failed to win any medal having been a regular medal winning team since table tennis became part of the Commonwealth Games in 2002, but the efforts of the present board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)-led by Wahid Oshodi yielded positively as the Segun Toriola-inspired team achieved the impossible against the highly rated Indian team.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), even seeded the Indians ahead of Nigeria and most of the Indian players are rated higher that the entire Nigerian team.

But bookmakers were proved wrong, the youthful Nigerian side turned the table against the Asian giants to clinch Nigeria’s first medal in table tennis at the Commonwealth Games in the last eight years.

Despite the 3-0 bashing suffered by Toriola against Sharath Achanta, who is rated 40 in the world, Nigeria’s rave of the moment, Aruna Quadri restored parity for Nigeria after beating Harmeet Desai 3-1.

Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri during the match against India’s Desai on Monday

The turning point for Nigeria came in the third match when Toriola and Ojo Onaolapo partnered to overcome Indian pair of Anthony Arputharaj and Desai 3-2.

However, the fourth game between Onaolapo and Achanta became the biggest upset to be recorded in the tournament when Onaolapo who is rated above 300 in the world overpowered the Indian world number 40, Achanta 3-1 to give Nigeria the desired medal in the event.

An elated NTTF boss, Oshodi described the win as result of years of hardworking, adding that Nigerian players are talented.

“I think the gap between our players and some of these top players is not much and what our players need is more exposure and they will be up there,” he said.

Also, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri has continued his fine form, as the Portugal-based player is yet to lose any match since the commencement of the competition last Thursday.

Meanwhile, the singles and doubles events of the competition begins on Tuesday with all eyes on Singapore, England, India and Nigeria.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Goal 50 award after record-breaking season…Enyeama only Nigerian in the list

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Goal 50 award for the world’s best footballer after a record-breaking season.

The Portuguese forward claims the trophy from digital football brand Goal.com for the third time.

Enyeama makes Goal Top 50

Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was also named in the list and finished in 27th spot after impressive performances with Lille and the Super Eagles in the last season.

Enyeama helped the reigning African champions to the second round of the World Cup where he kept two clean sheets. His heroics with Lille saw him go 1062 minutes without conceding a goal in the 2013/13 Ligue 1 season.

The Goal 50 title – presented by the world’s biggest single-sport website – is in recognition of a magnificent campaign during which Ronaldo led his club to a long-awaited 10th Champions League crown.

Ronaldo, 29, who also claimed the Copa del Rey, struck 51 goals in all competitions for club and country.
He shared the European Golden Shoe with Luis Suarez and also picked up the 2013 Fifa Ballon d’Or.

Ronaldo Wins Goal Top 50

“It’s a very big honour for me to have been chosen as the best player,” Ronaldo told Goal at the trophy presentation held at Real Madrid’s pre-season training camp in Los Angeles.

“I’m sincerely grateful for this award. I also want to thank the fans for their support and for their passion for the game, which is what makes this sport so fascinating throughout the world.”

The Goal 50 is regarded as one of the most credible and respected awards in sport, chosen by over 600 Goal journalists, covering 35 editions around the world to a global audience of over 64 million users.

Voting takes place at the end of domestic and international seasons for the majority of countries.
Ronaldo heads this year’s list in front of second-placed Arjen Robben, who starred for Netherlands at the
World Cup and helped Bayern to four trophies in 2013-14.

Last year’s winner Lionel Messi finished third after another prolific season for club and country.

The Goal 50 has a track record of identifying many of the future stars of the game. Youngsters James Rodriguez and Thibaut Courtois featured in the 2013 list, and this year both made it into the top 10.

Commenting on the results, Graham Shaw, Goal’s Editorial Director, said: “Goal 50 gives a truly global view on the players who have lit up an epic season. Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo who fully deserves to top this year’s list after a sensational campaign.”

2014 Goal 50 – Top 10

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
4. Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
5. Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
6. James Rodriguez (AS Monaco)
7. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
8. Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid)
9. Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
10. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

2014 Goal 50 – positions 11-50

11. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain)
12. Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla)
13. Angel di Maria (Real Madrid)
14. Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
15. Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
16. Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich)
17. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
18. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
19. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
20. Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma)
21. Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
22. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
23. Keylor Navas (Levante)
24. Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
25. Javier Mascherano (Barcelona)
26. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
27. Vincent Enyeama (Lille)
28. Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)
29. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
30. Neymar (Barcelona)
31. Joel Campbell (Olympiakos)
32. Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain)
33. Enzo Perez (Benfica)
34. Charles Aranguiz (Internacional)
35. Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain)
36. Daley Blind (Ajax)
37. Gervinho (AS Roma)
38. Paul Pogba (Juventus)
39. Rafael Marquez (Leon)
40. Abdelmoumene Djabou (Club Africain)
41. Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
42. David Silva (Manchester City)
43. Ciro Immobile (Torino)
44. Serge Aurier (Toulouse)
45. Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale)
46. Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City)
47. Caner Erkin (Fenerbahce)
48. Nadir Belhadj (Al-Sadd)
49. Kim Shin-Wook (Ulsan Hyundai)
50. Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls)

Up Close And Personal With Super Eagles Player Babatunde Micheal

Babatunde Micheal

In Continuation of our Up Close And Personal Series Our Man Sola Rogers had a one on one Interview session with New “Super Eagles” Kid on the Block Babatunde Micheal: below are excerpts of the Interview

my name is Babatunde Micheal i am an indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, born in Maroko, Lagos but i grew up in Surulere Lagos. Somewhere around Lawanson.

Whats your Educational background?

I attended Itire Pry School. and from there i moved to Community Secondary School Mushin.

When did you Start playing Football.

I started at an early age, we had a lot of fields then in my part of Surulere. we played football in places like Agbebi, Adebayo, Oshiga and Fadairo playing grounds.

I was very active while growing up, i was the Class Captain and Games Prefect, i was part of the Athletics team and of course i played Football for my School.

Did you join any academy or team at any point in time?

I started my football career from a team called New star in Sanya Area of Surulere. From there i moved to “Great Olympic” and from Great Olympic i joined Water football Academy in Abuja.

How long were you at Water Football Academy for?

I played there for quite a few years before joining Heartland Football Club Of Owerri.

What position do you actually play on the field? we mean your ideal role?

I can play in any attacking position, i can play on both wings but i prefer playing from the right wing.

But you seem to have played a more central role at the Mundial, did that affect your game?

Not at all, in my Club my coach gives me different roles on the pitch, I can play anywhere, I can play the role of a creative midfielder, i can also double as as a Supporting Striker or even as a top Striker.

How long did you play for Heartland FC?

i was there for a year. i met guys like John Owoeri, Kennedy Chinwo, Ike ThankGod, Ikechukwu Ezenwa to name a few, i was very young then but i still got to play a lot of games.

From Heartland where did you go?

I moved to Ukraine, to join Fc Kryvbas from Krybas i moved Volyn Lutsk also in the top flight in Ukraine, We had other Nigerians like Brown Ideye, Haruna Lukman, Taiye Taiwo and Yusuph Ayila playing in the same league with me.

Have you ever experienced any form of Racism?

No, Nothing like that, i haven’t experienced it on the filed of play and even off the pitch, you see am not an out-going guy, i usually go home after training or matches.

Lets talk about the first time you heard that you had been called up into the Super Eagles

To be honest with you i was completely Surprised, i kept on Praying to God to make it happen, football is all i know and to get a chance to serve my country is the highest honour ever. i know a lot of people were surprised that a guy that wasn’t part of the Nations cup winning team was being called up.

So many people were also shocked to see your name on the Coach Stephen Keshi’s final list for the 2014 World Cup so many uncomplimentary things were said how did you feel about this?

I heard so many things, i know people were asking questions like Who is this boy? and where is he from, But this made me strong and more determined to prove my worth. i really wanted to show the World what i could do.

Nigeria Super Eagles starting 11 With Babatunde Micheal at the 2014 World Cup photo credit Reuters

How were you welcomed into the Super Eagles Fold by the other players?

I have a lot of friends in the Super Eagles, Ogenyi Onazi is my friend, Emmanuel Emenike is my friend, Osaze Odenwingie is my friend, Mikel is my friend , all the Super Eagles players are my friends, we were like one big happy family. So joining the team was easy

They all welcomed me with open arms the treatment was great.

Super Eagles fans were not too impressed with the result of some of the Friendly games the team played leading up to the World Cup, how did you guys feel about this in Camp?

While we know that friendly games are important, footballers also need be be careful so as to not jeopardise their chances of making it to the World Cup Proper.

How did you feel Finally getting to put on the Green white Green for Nigeria at the World Cup in Brazil?

Playing for my country is something that i can never forget? i will keep on serving this Country with all my heart, playing at the World Cup is a Big deal for me, it as boosted my career tremendously. there a lot of players out there looking for this type of opportunity, everything in life has its own time and season, and i believe that this is my time.

Micheal Babatunde battles it out with Emir Spahic during a World Cup game Photo Credit AFP

You incurred an Injury during the Argentina vs Nigeria game when a Shot from your friend and teammate Ogenyi Onazi hit your hands, tell us what went through your mind?

I was like wow what happened, i just found my self on the ground, I actually thought i could continue that game, i really wanted to continue playing, eventually i had to be stretchered off and later the Doctor told me that i had to go through surgery, this effectively ruled me out of the World Cup. i was devastated. but i guess that is Football for you.

We have seen Footballers suffer much worse fate than this, so i just give God all the Glory. Me and Onazi even joked about it afterwards.

Virtually Every footballer has a Nickname, So whats yours?

They call me “African Messi”. Lionel Messi is my Role Model i love watching him play.

Which Football Team do you Support?

I like Arsenal and FC Barcelona, But i am More of a Barcelona fan

Which Football team do you support in Nigeria?

Its Heartland FC of Owerri for me

Apart from Football you mentioned earlier that you also did a bit of athletics?

Yes i represented my school a couple of times at some athletics tournaments and i also played the drum sets for my church

So should we be expecting a Babatunde Micheal Album or single anytime soon?

[Laughs] No, i think i would like to concentrate on my football career

So which car is your dream car?

i love the Porsche Cayenne or the New Range Rover

2014 porsche cayenne turbo s

2014 porsche cayenne platinum edition interior

Whats yours Favourite Colour?

I like White, i also like wearing Black, But White is my Favourite Colour

Whats your Favourite Meal?

i like Rice and Chicken but i love Pounded yam and Egusi more

The ladies will want to know if Babatunde Micheal is Single or Married?

[Smiles] I am in a Relationship

Any Words for young Upcoming footballers?

First ill like to Thank Coach Stephen Keshi for Giving me a chance to prove myself. And for the young ones i would to say to them that they should work hard, and also pray too, if you train once a day at the moment there’s nothing wrong with increasing it to twice a day, Hard work pays.

Micheal Babatunde, with match officials at a recent game in Lagos

A “Slam Dunk” For The Youth Olympic Games! IOC Announces Yao Ming As Ambassador

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced Yao Ming as the latest Ambassador for this summer’s 2nd Youth Olympic Games (YOG) taking place in Nanjing, China.

The Chinese basketball legend will share his advice and experience of international competition with the next generation of young athletes, while inspiring young people around the world to get active and embrace the Olympic values.

Nanjing Youth Olympic Games PHOTO CREDIT IOC MEDIA

Yao Ming is no stranger to the Olympic Games having competed at the 2008 Beijing Games, where he scored the first basket of the tournament in his home nation, a moment which he described as “the proudest of my career”. A popular athlete in China, Yao Ming has also enjoyed success further afield after spending the majority of his career within the illustrious NBA.

Yao Ming will attend the Nanjing YOG, interact with athletes and take in some of the competition, including basketball, which features at the YOG in its 3×3 format. In the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games, this concept was launched to appeal to young audiences and is played in an urban venue.

The IOC chooses Ambassadors for each edition of the Youth Olympic Games to help spread word of the event and inspire young people to get active and enjoy sport. Sports stars Chad le Clos and Michelle Wie have also been chosen as Ambassadors for Nanjing 2014. Previous Ambassadors include Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Yelena Isinbaeva. The campaign is shared with the 43.5 million fans on the IOC’s various social media channels.

mascot Youth Olympic Games Nanjing China PHOTO CREDIT IOC MEDIA

The second edition of the Youth Olympic Games will take place in Nanjing, China from 16 to 28 August 2014. The programme will feature the 28 sports on the Olympic programme, including rugby and golf. Nanjing will also showcase exciting new formats and innovations such as mixed-team and mixed-country events. Off the field of play, athletes will be encouraged to take part in a unique programme of activities and workshops, including sessions on healthy eating, injury prevention, the dangers of doping and illegal betting, careers in sport and media training.

Fans can watch the Youth Olympic Games live via Olympic.org and Olympic.tv.