USA Update

Cricket fans have been warned of a potentially record breaking forecast on the annual Boxing Day Test.

Luton have posted a 2-1 comeback win over Derby to jump over their rivals in the Championship table, with Tahith Chong one of their shining lights.

Jannat Zubair and Shivangi Joshi recently graced their look in stunning, vibrant attire, posing for their latest photoshoot in the desert.

James Gunn is celebrating the rollout of the trailer for Superman after releasing the preview for the DC Studios film on Thursday, December 19. The DC Studios co-head and filmmaker took to social media to thank everyone for their support. “Krypto really did take us home: With over 250 million views and a million social […]

Each week on Polygon, we round up the most notable new releases to streaming and VOD, highlighting the biggest and best new movies for you to watch at home. This week, Anora, Sean Baker’s romantic crime comedy starring Mikey Madison, arrives on VOD. That’s not all there is to watch this week, though, as the […]

THE BBC inclination to employ ever more women in jobs that were once male  territory has evoked not even a hum of male irritation.

Gary Lineker is to be replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day . . .

PA

Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of this season[/caption]

Rex

Gabby Logan will form one third of a new presenting trio replacing the former England striker[/caption]

Reaction: So what!

Whether or not three-for-one presenter ratio will work is to become clear after the trio start next season, even if the company’s accountants approve the division of Lineker’s £1.3million salary.

Money well earnt and deserved in my opinion.

The fact I like this increasing number of women commentators should be no surprise, for when I moved into football 32 years ago women were rarer than a hen’s dentist.

Such a short time later women are acknowledged as players both on the pitch and in the offices.

Only with the whistle or in men’s football management are they rare.

But in press boxes, behind microphones and contributing knowledgeably on television, they are as commonplace as they are in boardrooms, politics and executive positions.

In several aspects BBC can be very proud to have led the charge away from attitudes that once were summed up in the insult “monstrous regiment of women”.

Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan are both outstanding broadcasters.

They will work on the show in rotation with Mark Chapman, already a BBC stalwart.

They are a capable front line to follow the former England striker who will have fronted the show for 25 years. He has been witty and fearless.

Criticisms only began seriously after he was revealed to be the corporation’s highest earner.

Both Cates and Logan are daughters of league and international footballers, Kenny Dalglish, one of Scotland’s greatest, and Terry Yorath of Wales.

Critics will approve their background and wait upon their merits.

Getty

Kelly Cates has established a formidable reputation as one of Sky’s finest presenters[/caption]

Logan is probably best known. She ousted male presenters at several Olympic Games and remains a brisk and skilled regular at big events, and deservedly so.

Cates has worked on BBC radio and TV, mainly on Sky, for many years and is as slick and personable as you would expect in a skilled presenter.

If theirs is a semi-takeover then even more striking was the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, which on Tuesday featured three women, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and (of course) Gabby Logan.

As Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson became the fourth consecutive female winner of the top prize and, on the night, beat any competition for the most daring dress.

Men could only hope their duties did not include the washing up afterwards.

The battle for equality is not won yet but the tide is sweeping us forward.

It won’t be too long, I suspect, before the US has a female president.

After all, even the Garrick Club which defined itself as a club for “men of refinement” has just opened the door to women.

It may take some while for one of us to become Pope, Russia’s leader, or to chuck away forced hijabs in Iran but most of the West is now wide open to the new order.

And what a shocking waste of human resources the past has been.

As long ago as the Second World War, women showed they could shoulder martial discipline as well as intellectual pursuits.

The days when us women were nurses but not doctors, are over.

We might not have as much muscle but we have proved that we carry so much else . . . the ability to organise, to lead, to plan and to have children and give birth to every tax payer on the planet.

Quite some contribution.

THE World Darts Championship is well UNDERWAY at the iconic Alexandra Palace – and there are some huge names still to feature.

Fans are still patiently waiting for teen sensation Luke Littler, who kickstarts his campaign on TONIGHT against Ryan Meikle.

Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen powered through past Christmas after a 3-0 whitewash of James Hurrell last night.

However, Sandro Eric Sosing withdrew just minutes before he was due to play after complaining of chest pain backstage and was taken to hospital.

• Start time: From 12.40pm GMT
• Live stream: NOW / Sky Sports app
• TV channel: Sky Sports Darts
• Explainer: When does Luke Littler play?

WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP FREE BETS AND OFFERS

Follow ALL the action from the World Darts Championship with our live blog below…

THE World Darts Championship is UNDERWAY at the iconic Alexandra Palace.

And the players won’t just be eyeing up the biggest honour in the sport as the race for the most 180s at the tournament heats up.

Most 180s at World Darts Championship

Here is how the leaderboard shapes up so far:

(After Day 6)

• Kevin Doets – 12
• Kim Huybrechts, Leonard Gates – 10
• Scott Williams – 9
• Luke Woodhouse – 8
• Keane Barry, Christian Kist, Niko Springer, Wessel Nijman – 7
• Noa-Lynn van Leuven, Jim Williams, Ricky Evans, Cameron Carolissen, Florian Hempel, Jeffrey De Zwaan – 6
• Stefan Bellmont, Madars Razma, Gordon Mahers, Michael van Gerwen – 5
• Thibaut Tricole, Jermaine Wattimena, Connor Scutt, Ricardo Pietreczko, Fallon Sherrock, Peter Wright, Mensur Suljovic, Matt Campbell, Michael Smith, Kai Gotthardt, Dylan Slevin, James Hurrell – 4
• Joe Comito, Darius Labanauskas, Mike De Decker, Jeffrey de Graaf, Rashad Sweeting, Xiao Chen Zong, Ryan Meikle, Wesley Plaisier, Nathan Aspinall, Callan Rydz, Nitin Kumar, Gabriel Clemens, Robert Owen, Nick Kenny – 3
• Luke Humphries, Ryan Joyce, Chris Landman, Martin Lukeman, Stowe Buntz, Stephen Bunting, Tomoya Goto, William O’Connor – 2
• Gerwyn Price, Jim Long, Paolo Nebrida, Mickey Mansell – 1

Do players get prize money for hitting 180s at the World Darts Championship?

Players at the World Darts Championship do not get any extra money for hitting 180s.

That said, for every 180 that is scored at Ally Pally, Paddy Power will donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK.

Last year, 914 180s were hit, but Paddy Power rounded up their donation to a whopping £1million.

Previous winners

Michael Smith has scored the most 180s in an individual World Darts Championship event.

In 2022, he accumulated a stunning tally of 83 maximums, beating Gary Anderson’s previous record of 71.

Bully Boy was defeated by Michael van Gerwen in the final that year, but he went on to finally claim the title 12 months later.

Here are the past 10 players that have hit the most 180s winners:

• 2024: Luke Humphries (73 180’s & won tournament)
• 2023: Michael Smith (66 180’s & won tournament)
• 2022: Michael Smith (83 180’s & finished runner-up)
• 2021: Gerwyn Price (55 180’s & won tournament)
• 2020: Peter Wright (68 180’s & won tournament)
• 2019: Michael Smith (64 180’s & finished runner-up)
• 2018: Rob Cross (66 180’s & won tournament)
• 2017: Gary Anderson (71 180’s & finished runner-up)
• 2016: Adrian Lewis (60 180’s & finished runner-up)
• 2015: Gary Anderson (64 180’s & won tournament)

Which edition of the World Darts Championship has seen the most 180s?

The data suggests that as time goes on, we are being treated to more and more maximums.

Could we see a new record in 2025?

• 1st – 914 in 2024
• 2nd – 901 in 2023
• 3rd – 880 in 2019
• 4th – 877 in 2021
• 5th – 862 in 2020

TEMPLEGATE tackles a cracking Saturday of racing confident of building the bank just in time for Christmas.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

DYSART ENOS (3.35 Ascot, nap)

She rose through the novice ranks last season but is still on a fair handicap mark and tanked along before the lack of a run told last time. She is well up to this standard provided it doesn’t get too testing.

FAMOUS BRIDGE (2.05 Haydock, nb)

He won this race in the mud 12 months ago and has every chance again from just 2lb higher in the handicap. Nicky Richards’ stayer looked promising on comeback at Kelso last time and should be spot on for his cup final.

STRONG LEADER (2.25 Ascot, treble)

He can live up to his name provided the ground doesn’t get too testing. He has smart form in decent ground including when winning the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle in April. He returned with a smooth win at Newbury and has more to come.

Templegate’s TV verdicts

ASCOT

1.50

IROKO was a massive eyecatcher when second at Haydock on comeback last month. He was a mile back turning for home but made up ground quickly to go down by half a length. He’s been placed at Grade 1 level and stays well so can go one better here.

Jungle Boogie was going nicely until a late mistake in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and looks a threat, especially if the ground eases. Henry De Bromhead’s horses are going well.

You can’t discount the other two either as Fil Dor has run well in some hot contests last time although his win at Thurles last time was a 1-40 farce.

James Du Berlais took a tumble at Punchestown in May on the back of an excellent second in the Topham over the National fences. He likes this trip and wouldn’t be a shock winner.

2.25

STRONG LEADER can live up to his name provided the ground doesn’t get too testing. He has smart form in decent ground including when winning the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle in April. He returned with a smooth win at Newbury and has more to come.

Crambo has never been beaten first time out and won this race 12 months after a layoff. There’s no doubt this is the time to catch him and he’ll make another bold bid.

The Wallpark seems to be improving with every run and beat a useful field at Cheltenham last time out in October. He saw out this trip up the hill so won’t lack for stamina with Gordon Elliott’s horses in fine form.

Blueking D’Oroux has to prove he stays this far but can build on his promising comeback second here 28 days ago. Ascot suits him and he could pick up a place.

3.00

VICTTORINO took this race 12 months ago and is back from only 1lb higher in the handicap with trainer Venetia Williams enjoying a dream season. Stable jockey Charlie Deutsch is the best around over fences and he can steer him around despite his unhappy habit of clouting the odd fence. He ran a cracker when third at Newbury on comeback and should be spot-on for fitness.

Trelawne can figure for in-form Kim Bailey. He was a game winner at Haydock last month and likes this trip. The yard also saddles veteran Two For Gold who has a good Ascot record and can’t be ruled out for a place at least.

Threeunderthrufive also likes it here and has run well when fresh. The Changing Man went close at Newcastle last time and is another to consider.

3.35

THIS is a competitive race but it will be disappointing if DYSART ENOS can’t build on her promising Greatwood Hurdle third and win it. She rose through the novice ranks last season but is still on a fair handicap mark and tanked along before the lack of a run told last time. She is well up to this standard provided it doesn’t get too testing.

Be Aware finished just ahead of the tip at Cheltenham and is a big threat again. He comes from behind so Ascot may not be his ideal track but he has ability.

Kabral Du Mathan has won all three hurdle starts and deserves this crack at a higher level. He had plenty in hand on handicap debut at Kempton so an 8lb rise may not stop him.

Steel Ally had his race won a long way out at Haydock last time and has place claims along with Kihavah who was far from disgraced when third behind Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last time.

HAYDOCK

2.05

FAMOUS BRIDGE won this race in the mud 12 months ago and has every chance again from just 2lb higher in the handicap. Nicky Richards’ stayer looked promising on comeback at Kelso last time and should be spot on for his cup final.

With Venetia Williams in fine form Frenchy Du Large is a big danger. It’s pushing three years since his last win but he keeps going close and has plenty of staying power.

East Street won twice over fences before scooting in over hurdles around here last time. He looks a different horse since joining trainer James Owen and could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Credo ran well in this race last season when third and gets her favourite conditions again. She is coming down the weights even before her rider takes off a valuable 10lb.

2.40

LUNE DE LA MER is the most interesting runner in the field coming back from a break. He was a smart bumper winner before winning on hurdle debut at Aintree. The handicapper has taken a chance with his opening mark of 110 and he can figure for Greenall and Guerriero who can get one fit at home.

Milldam can make mistakes but has a decent engine and may have needed the run at Huntingdon earlier this month. He likes this trip on soft and trainer Jamie Snowden is in good form.

Jilaijone ran a decent race when second at Warwick last month. He has come down the weights and handles soft ground.

Admiralty House ran away with his rider at Doncaster last time and would have a chance if settling better for today’s 3lb claimer. He has plenty of scope for improvement.

Templegate’s tips

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TED Lasso star Keeley Hazell has left little to the imagination after posing in a very skimpy bikini.

Keeley, 38, sent pulses racing after snapping a selfie in the mirror while wearing the barely-there two piece.

Instagram

Keeley Hazell has showed off her svelte figure in a tiny string bikini[/caption]

The former Page 3 girl is pouting in the picture while holding one arm across her body.

Keeley’s rock hard abs are on show and she is wearing her bleached blonde hair loose around her shoulders.

She captured the photo, which appeared to have been taken abroad, with: “What a difference a year makes.”

Ted Lasso centres on a small-time football coach, played by Keeley’s ex-boyfriend Jason Sudeikis.

Keeley takes on the role of Bex, the wife of a fictional West Ham owner in the Apple TV+ hit.

The show finished last year after the end of the third series, with Keeley starring across all three.

There is rumours that a fourth series of Ted Lasso could be in the pipeline.

Keeley worked as a hairdresser after leaving school aged 16 before breaking into the modelling world.

The star won The Sun’s Page 3 Idol competition, regularly appeared in the newspaper and featured on the cover of our 2006 and 2007 calendars.

Around the same time, Keeley began branching out into the world of acting and landed a string of small roles in movies.

In 2014, she appeared in Horrible Bosses 2, which starred Jennifer Aniston, and also tried her hand at the small screen.

She got her big TV break as Bex in Ted Lasso in 2020 and remained in the show until it went off air three years later.

Keeley previously told The Sun: “I originally auditioned for one role and got offered a different part playing Bex, a woman who sees all of the good side of a man who has been terrible to his ex-wife.

“I was ecstatic for the opportunity. The show is based in ­Richmond upon Thames, which was great as I got to fly from Los Angeles to London to film throughout summer last year.”

Keeley is now signed with the same Hollywood agents who steered the career of Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle.

She is represented by the Gersh Agency for all areas of her professional life.

Next summer, Keeley is set to take a new step in her career and release her first book.

Titled Everyone’s Seen My T**s: Stories and Reflections from an Unlikely Feminist , the book is described as “a moving, genuine, and hilarious collection of essays about fame, glamour, infamy, and the power of writing your own story, from Page 3 model turned writer Keeley Hazell”. 

Instagram

Keeley began her showbiz career as a Page 3 girl[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

She landed her role in Ted Lasso in 2020[/caption]

Instagram

Keeley has written a book about ‘fame and glamour modelling’ which is released next year[/caption]