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F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton called ‘idiot’ by Max Verstappen

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Lewis Hamilton has been marked an “bonehead” by previous colleague Fernando Alonso, while Max Verstappen fixed his hold on the Formula 1 drivers’ title with triumph in Belgium.

Hamilton resigned on the initial lap at the well known Spa-Francorchamps circuit after a crash with Alpine’s Alonso at turn five.

The pair had made a splendid beginning with Alonso driving Hamilton into the chicane in a battle for second spot.

Hamilton, who was on a dash of five continuous platform gets done, took an excess of track while attempting to surpass Alonso and connected with the Spaniard as he turned in on him, sending the back half ot the Briton’s vehicle out of sight before a protected landing.

The power of the accident was sufficient to resign Hamilton and leave Alonso, the Briton’s most memorable F1 colleague, smoldering at his opponent.

“What a simpleton. Shutting the entryway from an external perspective,” Alonso said over his group radio.

“This person just knows how to drive and begin in first.”

Hamilton got a sense of ownership with the accident, let the media know that he was unable to see Alonso.

“He was in my vulnerable side and I didn’t leave him adequate room, so it was my shortcoming today,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton needed to watch his kindred Mercedes partner George Russell take fourth place.

While Hamilton had an evening to neglect, Verstappen drove an ideal competition to take his 10th triumph of the time, broadening his lead in the drivers’ championship.

Beginning fourteenth subsequent to taking a network punishment, the title holder apparently traveled through the field en route to the front, but in the wake of being supported by the security vehicle.

The Dutchman had climbed six spots toward the finish of the principal lap when the security vehicle was sent because of the retirements of Hamilton and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas, who was the survivor of a different accident with Nicholas Latifi, that constrained him into the gravel.

Verstappen then proceeded with his walk to the front, starting to lead the pack of the race on lap 12 of 44 when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz pitted.

Six laps later, Verstappen started to lead the pack of the race again when he passed Sainz on target and he won’t ever think back.

It was sequential race wins for Verstappen in the wake of beginning tenth or lower on the matrix, something which has not occurred in F1 starting around 1960.

“It was a seriously chaotic first lap to attempt to avoid inconvenience, yet when we got comfortable after the security vehicle, the vehicle was on rails,” Verstappen said.

“This entire end of the week has been unimaginable.”

Verstappen’s colleague Sergio Perez completed second, pushing forward of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the standings.

Leclerc, who went into the Belgian Grand Prix with a 80-point deficiency in the title, had fifth spot got until his group settled on a deadly decision to pit him with two laps remaining.

With fifth spot a sureness, Ferrari called Leclerc into the pits for new tires to attempt to get the quickest lap and one extra championship point.

The move blew up in dynamite design with Leclerc speeding in the pit path and being allowed a five-second penalty.

This consigned him to 6th behind Alonso.

His aggravation was matched by that of Daniel Ricciardo.

The Australian’s extreme week finished beyond the focuses as he completed fifteenth in Belgium.

It was an extreme day for both McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris returning home in twelfth.

Ricciardo began the race in seventh after a few drivers took matrix punishments and was doing combating in the main 10 for the vast majority of the race.

In any case, McLaren focused on Norris for the last refueling break forgetting about Ricciardo on more seasoned tires, a move that eventually undermined his race.

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

India started their three-match ODI series against England on a winning note, securing a four-wicket victory in the first match at VCA Stadium on Thursday. The win was powered by Shubman Gill’s 87-run knock and a three-wicket haul from debutant Harshit Rana.

England’s Innings: A Strong Start but a Sluggish Finish

After winning the toss, England skipper Jos Buttler opted to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett gave their team a flying start, adding 73 runs in just 53 balls. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing 43 off 26 deliveries, including three sixes and five boundaries. However, a mix-up between the wickets led to his unfortunate run-out.

England then suffered a setback, losing two wickets in quick succession. Harshit Rana struck on his debut, dismissing Duckett (32) with a brilliant diving catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Soon after, Harry Brook was dismissed for a three-ball duck, reducing England to 77/3.

Veteran batter Joe Root (19) tried to stabilize the innings alongside Buttler, but Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW before he could make a significant impact.

Buttler and Bethell’s Effort Goes in Vain

Despite the setbacks, Jos Buttler played a responsible innings, scoring 52 off 67 balls, marking his first ODI half-century in India. He stitched a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 51 off 64 deliveries, including three fours and a six.

However, once Buttler fell to Axar Patel in the 33rd over, England collapsed from 170/4 to 206/7. Rana sent Liam Livingstone (5) back to the pavilion, and Mohammed Shami cleaned up Brydon Carse (10). Jadeja then struck again, dismissing Bethell LBW, leaving England all out for 248 in 47.4 overs.

India’s Bowlers Shine

  • Harshit Rana (3/53) made an impressive debut.
  • Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) was economical and deadly.
  • Mohammed Shami (1/38) kept the pressure on.

India’s Chase: Gill Anchors the Innings

Chasing 249, India had a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his maiden ODI, was caught behind for 15 off 22 balls. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s poor form continued, as he departed for just 2 runs.

Despite early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer took charge with a 31-ball half-century. His 59-run knock, featuring two sixes and nine boundaries, shifted momentum in India’s favor. He also shared a 94-run stand with Gill in just 64 balls, accelerating India’s chase.

Gill and Patel Take India Home

After Iyer’s dismissal, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5, forming a 108-run partnership with Gill. Patel played a composed innings, scoring his maiden ODI fifty (52 runs off 58 balls).

Gill, on the other hand, paced his innings brilliantly. Battling cramps, he played some exquisite shots, hitting 14 boundaries in his 87-run innings off 96 balls. Unfortunately, he missed out on a century when Saqib Mahmood cramped him for room, leading to a catch at mid-on.

Despite his departure, India comfortably chased the target in 38.4 overs, winning with 11.2 overs to spare.

Series Status and Next Match

With this win, India leads the three-match series 1-0. The second ODI will be played in Cuttack on Sunday, where England will look to bounce back.

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

For the third year in a row, the NFC dominated the Pro Bowl Games and showcased its strength in flag football.

One week before the Kansas City Chiefs sought their third straight Super Bowl title, the NFC achieved its own three-peat, beating the AFC 76-63 in all events, including a 56-50 victory in the flag football matchup on Sunday.

Flag football’s dominance continues


Since the Pro Bowl switched to flag football in 2023, the NFC has gone undefeated in the new format.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff led the charge, earning Offensive MVP honors after completing 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. made a huge impact in his first Pro Bowl, intercepting New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and returning him eight yards for a touchdown, earning him the Defensive MVP award.

A competitive leap with a big incentive

The shift to flag football has increased competition as players are not as concerned about injury risks compared to the previous tackle format.

However, a financial incentive also played a role in the NFC’s determination to win.

“We prepared to win,” exclaimed Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. “They told us what the price was, and I thought, ‘Maybe we should do something more.'”

Each member of the winning team took home $92,000, while the member of the losing team received $46,000.

A winning formula for the future of the Pro Bowl


After years of debate over the format of the Pro Bowl as a result of the declining intensity of tackle football, the flag football model appears to have revived the event.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who has played in both versions, has expressed a clear preference for flag football.

“I like this more because it gives the fans a chance to see our faces and who we are off the field,” Baker said. “We compete, but we keep it very civil.”

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold agreed: “Vlag is a lot of fun, especially after the season where the guys have been kind of chill for three weeks. It’s good to make a game like this.”

Skills Battle Highlights


In Sunday’s additional skills challenges, the NFC continued its dominance by winning the relays and tug-of-war competitions, while the AFC vouched for a victory in the “Point Perfect” event.

With three consecutive Pro Bowl victories, the NFC has cemented itself as the team to beat in the new era of flag football.

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens’ Playoff Exit Against the Bills

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens' Playoff Exit Against the Bills

After another disappointing playoff exit, Lamar Jackson made it clear he wouldn’t pin the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 AFC Divisional loss to the Buffalo Bills on Mark Andrews’ dropped pass during a critical late-game 2-point conversion.

Instead, the reigning NFL MVP channeled his frustration toward the Ravens’ three uncharacteristic turnovers.

“Every time we’re in situations like this, turnovers play a role,” Jackson said, slapping one hand against the other. “We can’t have that, and that’s why we lost the game. You can see it — we’re moving the ball beautifully, but we need to hold on to the ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this is frustrating. I’m tired of it.”

Despite the turnovers — including two by Jackson — the Ravens had a chance to force overtime in the fourth quarter. Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely for a 24-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-25 with just 1:33 remaining.

On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Jackson’s pass hit Andrews in the chest, but the ball slipped through his hands as he fell backward in the end zone.

“There’s no one with more heart or fight than Mark,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “We wouldn’t even be in this position without him. Destiny is shaped by how you handle moments like these, and Mark will respond with resilience.”

Andrews declined to speak with reporters following a game in which he made rare mistakes. Before Sunday, he hadn’t dropped a pass since Week 6. Against the Bills, he dropped two, including the pivotal 2-point conversion, and fumbled near midfield during the fourth quarter — only the second fumble of his career.

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton defended his teammate. “One play doesn’t define anyone,” he said. “Mark is the all-time-leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history. For anyone to criticize him is unfair. He’s been a consistent leader and workhorse for this team.”

Jackson also offered words of support for Andrews. “I’m just as hurt as Mark,” he said. “This loss isn’t on him. It’s a team effort. Everyone played a role. Mark has been incredible all season, and sometimes things just don’t go our way. We need to figure it out as a team.”

Jackson, however, wasn’t immune to errors. After throwing a career-low four interceptions all season, he threw one early in the game and fumbled on the following possession while scrambling under pressure. It was an uncharacteristically erratic performance, marking his fourth postseason game with both an interception and a fumble.

“Protecting the ball is the top priority, and I didn’t do that,” Jackson admitted. “As the leader, I need to set the example, and I didn’t deliver today. That’s on me.”

The Ravens have yet to win back-to-back playoff games during Jackson’s seven seasons as their starter. Now, he’ll face another offseason with the elusive Super Bowl remaining just out of reach.

“I have to get past this because we’re so close,” Jackson said. “I’m tired of being right there. We need to seal the deal, punch that ticket, and get it done. It starts with getting better in the offseason.”

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