Around the Betting Planet: Pogacar makes history at Tour de France

US sports news

Lakers go 2-0 up in NBA West finals

Los Angeles Lakers proved their court dominance with a 126-114 win against the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. Power duo Anthony Davis and LeBron James set the tone from the get-go; Davis added 37 points to the board with 10 rebounds, while LeBron contributed 12 assists, six rebounds, and 15 points.

The Nuggets bounced back with a much more competitive showing in Game 2. The scores were tied heading into the final quarter, but the Lakers did enough to clinch a 105-103 win and take a 2-0 lead into Game 3 on Tuesday.

UK sports news

Hat-tricks and red cards in EPL goalfest

Everton and West Bromwich Albion put on seven goals in a turbulent English Premier League clash on Saturday. Two went to West Brom, as did two red cards.

Grady Diangana put the Baggies ahead in the 10th minute. Just over 20 minutes later, Dominic Calvert-Lewin added the first of his hat-trick to equalize the score. James Rodriguez later hit his maiden Everton goal before colliding with Kieran Gibbs, who retaliated by punching him in the face and received a red card. 

West Brom boss Slaven Bilic confronted the ref and was also sent off. The match concluded with the Toffies victorious 5-2.

Man United disappoint in EPL opener

Manchester United fans were left disappointed as the Red Devils lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace in their opening match of the EPL campaign.

Andros Townsend put the Eagles ahead early in the game. In the second half, former Man United forward Wilfried Zaha gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot and then sealed the deal with a second strike in the 85th minute.

It was a bittersweet game for Donny van de Beek, who scored on his league debut for Man United following his move from Ajax earlier this month.

Africa sports news

Chidera Ejuke blooms at CSKA Moscow

Chidera Ejuke has carried his magic across from Dutch side Heerenveen to his new squad in Russia, CSKA Moscow. Since joining the side three weeks ago, he’s had a hand in breaking their three-game losing streak.

In his maiden appearance during the second half against Akhmat Grozny, the side won 3-0. The young Nigerian forward then showed his skills by sealing a 3-1 victory over Spartak Moscow and featured in a 1-0 win against FC Ufa.

Europe sports news

Pogacar snatches victory at Tour de France

Tadej Pogacar took out the general classification in the 2020 Tour de France on Sunday, becoming the youngest winner of the yellow jersey in 111 years. The 21-year-old Slovenian cruised into the Champs-Elysee after snatching the lead from his countryman Primoz Roglic on Stage 20, where he turned a 57-second deficit into a 59-second advantage.

Rogic claimed the silver, while Australia’s Richie Porte filled out the podium. Pogacar also won the mountains and young rider titles, while Irish sprinter Sam Bennett finished top of the points classification.

South America sports news

Messi returns as Argentina captain

In no surprise, Lionel Messi was selected to lead the Argentina side for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The preliminary squad includes Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, and uncapped players Nehuen Perez and Facundo Medina. Sergio Aguero is absent from the team as he is recovering from a knee operation.

The Albiceleste are scheduled for two matches next month – one against Ecuador, the other against Bolivia. Despite Messi’s impressive career, he still hasn’t been on the winning side at the World Cup.

Australia

Aussies touchdown in UAE for IPL

A total of 12 Australian players have landed in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Indian Premier League after the Aussie tour of England. David Warner, Pat Cummins, and Steve Smith are among the cricketers playing for various IPL squads.

The players let fans know they’d arrived safely after posting pictures of themselves in hazmat suits, which are part of the region’s safety protocols due to COVID-19.

Smith will be monitored closely after missing the ODI series against England while recovering from a concussion.

New Zealand

Adesanya accuses UFC opponent of doping

Israel Adesanya, New Zealand’s star fighter, is set to take on Paulo Costa in the UFC 253 on September 27. The two have engaged in an online feud for the better part of two years, and Adesanya has taken things up a notch by accusing his rival of taking illegal supplements.

Costa hasn’t denied the claims, previously bragging that the US Anti-Doping Agency hadn’t tested him yet. He further stated that it gives him an advantage in the octagon.