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Littler accused of arrogance with angry opponent getting in his face

Luke Littler was baffled by accusations of arrogance after beating Ricardo Pietreczko on his way to winning the Belgian Open.

Littler saw off the German in the semi-finals 7-3 with a visibly angry Pietreczko getting in his opponent’s face when they shook hands at the end.

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Pietreczko wrote on Instagram: “So I appreciated him a lot, that you can play such a game at such an age, but I hope the arrogance punishes him.”

Littler was as confused afterwards as he appeared on stage, saying: “No idea what I did wrong, no idea what he said, something then don’t do it again.”

Littler had the last laugh by going on to claim the title, and throwing a nine-darter in the final against Rob Cross.

The 17-year-old won 8-7 with the nine-darter coming at 5-5.

“I hit the nine and then lost the next two legs, so I’m just glad to get over the line,” said Littler.

“It’s always good to be involved in a good game. We always push ourselves to the last leg.

“I’m really happy to hit a nine-darter, I prefer 144 to 141 to finish a nine because when the first treble 20 goes in I’m confident of following it with another.

“I know the spotlight is on me because I’ve done so well but I just play my darts and get on with it. I just do what I do.”

Emmanuel Katto (EMKA) Foresees an Exhilarating Future for Ugandan Motorsports

Transforming the Scene with Zeal and Insight

Emmanuel Katto, widely recognised as EMKA in the exhilarating realm of motorsports, stands among the rally drivers who have sculpted the future of Uganda’s flourishing motorsport scene. Even though he no longer competes, EMKA remains an integral part of the Ugandan motorsport community, casting light on the sport’s existing opportunities and challenges in Uganda.

A Legendary Figure Re-emerges with a Vision

With a colourful career, Emmanuel Katto’s accomplishments are monumental in Uganda’s motorsport history. Renowned for his intrepid driving and as a symbol of excitement, EMKA embodies the essence of thrill and vigour in the sport. Now residing in Dubai, his fervour for motorsports, both within Uganda and internationally, hasn’t waned. EMKA keeps up with every twist and turn of the FIA WRC Kenya Safari Rally and Formula 1 whenever possible, showing his undying dedication to the sport that shaped his life.

Reflecting on Uganda’s Motorsport Odyssey

Having witnessed the evolution of Uganda’s motorsport landscape firsthand, Emmanuel Katto is cognisant of the enduring challenges. Motorsport, a beloved and historic sport in Uganda, boasts a passionate fan base and a legacy of nurturing exceptional talent. EMKA, from his unique perspective, believes that with the right support and conditions, Ugandan rally drivers could once again achieve regional supremacy, reminiscent of their dominance in the 1990s.

Challenges and Prospects

EMKA openly discusses the hurdles that have stymied the progression of motorsports in Uganda. He acknowledges that challenges are part and parcel of evolving sports landscapes, with Uganda being no exception. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the future, envisioning new opportunities for burgeoning talent. EMKA stresses that confronting these challenges and fostering a positive environment are crucial steps towards enhancing Uganda’s motorsport status in the region.

EMKA’s Blueprint for Uganda’s Motorsport Tomorrow

With fervour and optimism, EMKA outlines his aspirations for the future of Ugandan motorsports. He underscores the importance of consistent support, infrastructural development, and the cultivation of young talent. EMKA dreams of a future where Uganda produces a new generation of skilled drivers who can fiercely compete with regional counterparts and make their mark in various regional competitions.

Fostering Community Involvement and Backing

Recognising the importance of a vibrant fan base, EMKA advocates for broader community involvement and support for Uganda’s motorsport talents. The survival of sports like Formula 1 and rallying hinges on the enthusiasm, energy, and financial backing of their fans. EMKA encourages financial support for local talent, engagement in events, and participation in motorsport-related activities, highlighting the sport’s struggle with securing substantial corporate sponsorship due to its perceived riskiness, which has deterred potential backers.

Navigating Uganda’s Motorsports Towards New Frontiers Collectively

EMKA calls for unity, envisioning a prosperous future for Uganda’s motorsport community. He urges sponsors, supporters, and stakeholders to collaborate in propelling the sport to greater heights. EMKA views rallying not just as a competition but as a platform to showcase Uganda’s talent and national pride.

In the dynamic world of rallying, Emmanuel Katto (EMKA) emerges as a visionary figure, shaping the sport’s future and heralding a new era of motorsport in Uganda, beyond his celebrated past as a rally driver.

Combining a Ghost Immobiliser with a tracker for ultimate car security

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A Ghost Immobiliser and a GPS Vehicle tracker are two of the most effective and popular methods of vehicle security and theft prevention currently on the market.

Utilising the advancements in modern technology, both devices provide a high-tech solution for protecting a vehicle from theft. Popular with owners of high-value cars, the Ghost Immobiliser and a vehicle tracker, like those with Thatcham approval, can work together to provide the most secure level of vehicle protection, providing peace of mind for drivers. 

In this article we will discuss the many benefits of these two pieces of technology and evaluate them working in conjunction with one another. 

The unique features of a Ghost Immobiliser 

One of the very best and most advanced security devices available today, a Ghost Immobiliser provides an advanced level of protection against vehicle theft. Compatible with the majority of major vehicle models, the immobiliser device can be installed discreetly and is undetectable. Requiring the input of a unique sequence code that the main driver can set, the vehicle is completely immobilised unless this sequence is entered correctly. Therefore preventing any way of a thief being able to drive away with the vehicle, even if they have managed to get inside. 

This is an excellent theft prevention solution against modern types of theft, such as relay car theft, which specifically targets keyless entry models. 

Is the Ghost Immobiliser a GPS tracking device?

The Ghost Immobiliser does not offer any vehicle tracking features, it is solely an immobiliser. With its main purpose being to stop anyone who is not authorised from driving the vehicle. Protecting against key theft, keyless entry and key cloning.

If you did want a tracking feature, in addition to the installation of a Ghost Immobiliser, many drivers choose to install an S7 vehicle tracking device. This is one of the most advanced options when it comes to GPS tracking systems and is Thatcham approved. 

How does a GPS tracker work 

A GPS tracker is a device that provides 24/7 monitoring of your vehicle’s location. No matter where you have left your car parked, if at home or away, the device will provide live tracking data of your vehicle directly to a connected mobile device. From this you can keep a close eye on your vehicle and receive alerts to any suspicious activity, reckless driving, or detection of movement.

What roles do these two systems play in preventing vehicle theft? 

Both systems can play a key role in the prevention of vehicle theft. With an immobiliser acting as a way to stop thieves in their tracks and a GPS tracker to assist in the theft recovery process. Both technologies are incredibly valuable and can play a major part in the fight against organised crime gangs that target high value vehicles and sell these for parts and through illegal stolen to order requests. 

Installing a Ghost Immobiliser with a tracker into your vehicle 

Recognising the benefits of both an immobiliser and a vehicle tracker, it is now very common for drivers, particularly those of prestige models, to combine the powers of a Ghost Immobiliser and a GPS tracker for a secure layer of protection. Not only helping to prevent theft and protect the value of their car but simply for peace of mind. The installation of both devices can be done quickly and efficiently and can be found included in many vehicle security packages offered by UK distributors. 

Editorial credit: Peteri / Shutterstock.com

Kevin De Bruyne substituted: Guardiola calls Man City midfielder’s reaction ‘good’ against Liverpool

Kevin De Bruyne’s disgruntled reaction to being substituted during Manchester City’s draw at Liverpool was “good”, manager Pep Guardiola says.

Midfielder De Bruyne remonstrated with Guardiola when he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 69th minute of the 1-1 draw at Anfield on Sunday, with the Spaniard later sitting next to him to engage in a discussion as the 32-year-old continued to argue his case.

Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty had brought Liverpool level five minutes into the second half, replying to John Stones’ 23rd-minute opener as neither side secured the win they required to displace Arsenal at the top of the table.

“It’s fine,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “We needed a player who could have the ball and keep it – it was not about pressing.

“Mateo is really good at that… he can keep the ball and make an extra pass, arrive in the box. It’s not a problem.”

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Asked for his thoughts on De Bruyne’s dissatisfaction, Guardiola said: “That’s good. He will have a chance in the next game to prove how wrong I was. We’re fine.”

De Bruyne set up Stones’ goal with a clever corner to the near post for his first direct goal involvement in three Premier League starts, having set up four goals and scored one in his previous four top-flight appearances.

Liverpool vs Man City result: Guardiola satisfied

City came under pressure from Liverpool after the interval, matching their opponents’ total of six attempts on target across the game but having only 10 of the 29 efforts overall.

“I know how difficult it is at Anfield, but the Etihad is difficult too,” said Guardiola. “In eight years, Liverpool haven’t won there.

“Both teams are incredible competitors. We would prefer to win but… the game we played was good for everyone.”

Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp is the only manager to have stopped City from winning the Premier League in the last six seasons, taking the title in style in 2019/20 as part of a managerial rivalry with Guardiola which has continued from the German’s time as boss of German giants Borussia Dortmund, with whom he took on Guardiola’s Bayern Munich.

Klopp has 12 wins to Guardiola’s 11 in their head-to-head record against each other, and the former Barcelona head coach was asked about their warm embrace on the sideline during what will be the Reds manager’s final season of his tenure.

“We don’t need a hug to show it,” Guardiola said, predicting that Klopp’s love for the game will entice him to return to football after a break. “He defends his club and I defend mine.”

Liverpool 1-1 Man City: Mac Allister goal earns Reds draw as Arsenal stay top of Premier League

Alexis Mac Allister’s 50th-minute penalty earned Liverpool a draw against Manchester City which ensured Arsenal remained top of the Premier League as neither side could find a winner at Anfield.

John Stones steered in a corner from Kevin De Bruyne, who was substituted during the second half to the midfielder’s apparent dismay, to put City ahead after 23 minutes on a day when both sides knew victory would take them above the Gunners.

Substitute Mohamed Salah teed up Luis Diaz with a golden chance to give Liverpool the lead and Phil Foden hit the woodwork later in the second half, as did Jeremy Doku in added time.

The result moves Liverpool level on points with Arsenal but with a seven-goal inferiority, while City are a point behind.

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Liverpool vs Man City result: No change in Premier League table

As part of a classic three-team race to win the Premier League, this encounter between reigning champions City and the only team to have denied them the title during the last six seasons lived up to its billing.

The visitors looked more assured during the first half and took the lead through Stones as part of a clever corner routine, but Mac Allister showed his usual impressive coolness from the spot after City goalkeeper Ederson brough Darwin Nunez down when the striker pounced on a poor backpass by Nathan Ake.

Ederson was injured in the incident and replaced after the penalty by Stefan Ortega, who prevented Nunez from scoring.

Home goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher – continuing to deputise for the injured Alisson – thwarted Foden and was relieved to see the crossbar come to his rescue when he punched Ake’s cross against the England midfielder, while Virgil van Dijk was at the centre of a strong defensive display, helping to keep Erling Haaland quiet as City had 10 of the 29 attempts at goal.

Liverpool top scorer Salah made a fanciful-looking penalty claim but Jurgen Klopp’s side had a stronger unsuccessful appeal when Doku appeared to catch Mac Allister with the end of a gripping game seconds away.

Arsenal will be happiest with the result but the remaining 10 matches of the season each of the contenders have to play promise an enthralling finale to the campaign.

City perhaps have the tougher run-in, welcoming Arsenal in their next league game on March 31 and visiting fifth-placed Tottenham, who thrashed fourth-placed Aston Villa 4-0 earlier on Sunday, on April 20.

Liverpool host Spurs and head to Villa in May, while Arsenal play both of those sides the previous month.

Six Nations 2024: England beat Ireland 23-22 as Marcus Smith drop-goal ends visitors’ Grand Slam hopes in Six Nations thriller

Marcus Smith’s drop-goal with the final kick of the game gave England victory over Ireland as the visitors’ Grand Slam hopes ended in extraordinary fashion in the Six Nations 2024 at Twickenham.

Ireland’s dreams of a second successive slam were ignited when James Lowe’s try put them 22-20 ahead seven minutes from time in a thriller.

But Smith kept his nerve to end Ireland’s 11-match winning run and bring England’s run of four successive defeats in the fixture to a halt.

Ireland will win the the Six Nations if they beat Scotland at home on Saturday – but a slip-up would give England hope of taking the title when they visit France later in the day.

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England produced their most memorable display of Steve Borthwick’s tenure as coach to deny Ireland the Six Nations crown at the last, and there was evidence of the drama to come in a pulsating start to the match.

Ollie Lawrence opened the scoring but four Jack Crowley penalties gave Ireland a 12-8 half-time lead to put them on course for glory.

Ireland’s confidence grew further when Lowe went over during the second half, only for George Furbank and Ben Earl tries to give England the advantage before a finale for the ages.

England vs Ireland: Earl ‘so pleased’ in Six Nations

“Apparently we are the worst England team ever,” Earl told ITV afterwards, addressing “some of the rubbish that has been thrown at this team in the past week”.

“We have done well for that accolade. We knew from the beginning that if we played our best game, we would have a chance. Everything came together today; we are very fortunate.

“We’ve been training like that every day. Sometimes it doesn’t translate onto the pitch. People don’t see half the stuff we do, but they can write what they want.

“I am just so pleased. That’s where we can take this team. Playing the best team in the world brings the best out of you. Credit to Ireland and credit to the fans.”

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix results: Verstappen ‘felt really good’ in win as F1 rookie Bearman takes seventh

Max Verstappen made it two wins out of two at the start of the 2024 Formula One season by leading a Red Bull one-two in front of team-mate Sergio Perez at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Reigning champion Verstappen secured his ninth consecutive victory on a day when arguably the most remarkable result was a seventh-placed finish for 18-year-old Oliver Bearman.

The Briton, who was deputising for Carlos Sainz because the Spaniard needed an appendectomy, finished seventh for Ferrari, holding off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

Bearman’s team-mate, Charles Leclerc, came third, finish 11.4 seconds behind Perez.

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While the action in Jeddah could hardly be described as thrilling, Bearman’s mature race as he became the youngest British driver in F1 history and the third youngest ever made for a memorable race.

Norris and Hamilton switched to soft tyres in late pit stops after not doing so when the safety car came out on lap six because Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll crashed.

After initially gaining ground, though, the pair were left to compete with each other for eighth while Bearman, whose father, David, was pictured watching intently, completed his impressive debut.

Verstappen Saudi Arabia win ‘fantastic’

Norris had briefly taken the lead following the introduction of the safety car but Verstappen swiftly overtook him and proceeded to another crushing win.

“It was a fantastic weekend for the whole team and myself – and for the car,” Verstappen said afterwards. “I felt really good.

“The last stint was a bit longer than we would have liked but, with the safety car, you have to go for it. The last few laps were with those back markers with the cold tyres – a little slippery, but we had good pace all round and we could manage it quite well.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took advantage of Hamilton pitting to eventually claim fourth, with Fernando Alonso fifth for Aston Martin and Mercedes’ George Russell sixth.

Verstappen has a 15-point advantage over Perez ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on March 24.

Man United will not finish in Premier League top four, says Wayne Rooney

Manchester United record scorer Wayne Rooney says the 20-time champions will not finish in the top four of the Premier League because they are “very inconsistent” and “too easy” to attack.

The Red Devils, who are eight points behind Aston Villa in fourth, face an uphill struggle to catch fifth-placed Tottenham in the position which is likely to ensure qualification for next season’s Uefa Champions League.

Spurs have two games in hand on United and Villa have one, while both sides have a significant goal superiority to Erik ten Hag’s team, who have 10 top-flight matches remaining following a 2-0 home win over Everton on Saturday which ended a run of two defeats.

“They have to almost win every game and they’re very inconsistent,” said Rooney, who won the Champions League at the club in 2008 and was part of the squad for United’s most recent title triumph, in 2012/13.

“I don’t think United will make the top four. They conceded 20-odd chances. There were no clear-cut chances for Everton but there are too many gaps. It’s too easy for teams to get opportunities against them.”

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Winless in 11 Premier League games before their latest defeat, Everton had 23 of the 38 attempts at goal as they became the fifth side of the last six United have faced to have at least 20 shots against them.

United’s run-in includes meetings with leaders Liverpool and title contenders Arsenal as they attempt to avoid adding to their 11 league defeats – five more than Villa and Spurs and as many as 13th-placed Bournemouth have suffered.

Man United vs Liverpool will be ‘different story’

“You can’t keep doing that at this level,” former United defender Rio Ferdinand said of the chances United have afforded teams.

“You can get away with it for games here and there but, in the end, you’re going to get punched. Unfortunately, United are not a team who dominates enough of the ball to stop teams at the moment. The way you play football is to stop the opposition from having any chances at goal.”

Ferdinand expects United, who lost 3-1 at Manchester City six days before beating Everton, to be punished if they do not tighten up significantly when they host Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 17.

“[You can’t] play like that against Liverpool, that open,” said Ferdinand. “[There were] huge spaces around Casemiro. He’s someone who needs people around him to make sure the gaps are filled.

“When you’re playing against Liverpool’s more confident and efficient finishers, it will be a different story.”

Man United penalty taker: Rotation for goals vs Everton shows ‘team spirit’, says Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says his players showed “team spirit” by switching penalty taker from Bruno Fernandes to Marcus Rashford during their Premier League win over Everton.

Captain Fernandes fired in the 12th-minute opener but United made the unusual move of entrusting a new taker with their second spot kick of the game, Rashford stepping up to curl in an equally assured finish in the 36th minute of the 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.

“Bruno took the first but we have more very good penalty takers,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports after a result which eased the pressure on him following two successive defeats.

“It shows the team spirit. In this moment, [Rashford] is good, in the team and a threat. We had to put this right and keep the pressure on the teams above us. There are many games to play. Now we are back.”

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United are three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham and have two fewer games to play than the side occupying the position which is likely to ensure Uefa Champions League qualification in 2024/25.

Man United vs Everton: Ten Hag praises defending

While the result was welcome after a surprise last-gasp winner for Fulham in their last home game, the 20-time champions were put under pressure at times by the relegation-threatened Toffees, who have not won in 11 matches.

Everton became the fifth team of the last six United have faced to send in at least 20 attempts at goal – a statistic that could be considered worrying with league leaders Liverpool awaiting Ten Hag’s side in the FA Cup in eight days’ time.

“We defended very well,” said Ten Hag. “We could have been a bit better in the build-up. We could have scored three or four goals, not just the two penalties.

“We could have been calmer and more composed on the ball. Everton did well. They pressed high, which gave us lots of chances in behind.

“Our expected goals [count] is much higher than theirs. We are defending low-quality chances. Sometimes we are defending very low and we can do that very well.

“We can make better choices to rest on the ball, choosing when to break. “Every game we have to win, so every game is a must-need.

Alejandro Garnacho won both penalties, drawing fouls from James Tarkowski and Ben Godfrey. “He’s progressing very well and we are very pleased,” Ten Hag said of the 19-year-old winger.

“His contribution today was huge – his runs, his dribbles. It’s attractive as well for the [fans]… they were well-deserved penalties.”

Man United 2-0 Everton: Bruno Fernandes, Rashford goals end losing run for Ten Hag’s side

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored first-half spot kicks as Manchester United ended their two-match losing run with a comfortable home win which deepened Everton’s relegation concerns.

Alejandro Garnacho won both penalties, James Tarkowski bringing down the winger to afford Fernandes the opening goal and Ben Godfrey mistiming a challenge to set up an opportunity Rashford took to double the lead.

Everton started promisingly but offered little in attack and are five points above third-bottom Luton Town, although the Toffees are 11 games without a win in the Premier League and the Hatters have two matches in hand on them.

Fifth-placed Tottenham have a three-point cushion and two games in hand on United, who had lost at home to Fulham and away to Manchester City in their two preceding matches.

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Man United vs Everton result: Relief for Ten Hag

After their seven-match unbeaten start to the year ended with those successive defeats, United have little room for slip-ups as they try to catch Spurs and reach the fifth spot which is likely to guarantee Uefa Champions League qualification in 2024/25.

Fulham had not won away since August but scored a last-gasp winner last time out at Old Trafford, and there would have been jitters among the home fans when Everton threatened early on.

Garnacho’s incisive runs relieved the tension for United manager Erik ten Hag, drawing Tarkowski and Godfrey into late tackles before Fernandes and Rashford beat Pickford with excellent penalties.

There will be a debate around whether United should rotate penalty takers, and Fernandes almost had a second when Pickford pawed his curling free-kick away with the score 1-0.

United were twice denied penalties after VAR checks, Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko being adjudged to have accidentally handled on both occasions.

Despite containing Everton for longer periods during the second half, United still looked vulnerable and would have been punished but for their opponents’ lack of ruthlessness.

Godfrey was among the culprits, failing to test goalkeeper Andre Onana when Mykolenko provided him with a header in front of goal, but Ten Hag will be more concerned by the shots count, representing the fifth time in their last six Premier League games in which Onana has faced 20 or more attempts.

United are next in action at home to Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 17, while Everton are away to Bournemouth on March 30.