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*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

The National Hunt Chase is wide open with a full six horses getting a shout one last time over on the cheat sheet. Micks on Langer Dan as well as Freedom to Dream each way.

Ruby likes Grand Jury at a price and Ginas on Hollow Games. Franks going for Decimation, which is quite appropriate for a trader after this week! Finally, last but certainly not least, Matts on Five OClock to round out the week.

Elimay went one better in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase after hitting the woodwork last year. It was a thrilling climax with four crossing the final obstacle in a row. Head down, go for the line, and Elimay got it by half a length. Pink Legend and Scarlet And Dove followed her home.

Mount Ida and Elimay look like the two to choose from in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase. However, its a 4-1 thrashing in Elimays favour over on the Cheat Sheet.

More pull ups than your local gym in this one but Winged Leader built up a big lead and looked to have it. Billaway had other ideas and launched a last-gasp attack to just pip him on the line. Some run that from the fav and a very popular winner! Slightly less so on Paddys trading floor! Mighty Stowaway was 3rd.

Wow! Try and keep it all together here up next is the Hunter Chase. Billaway is your favourite ahead of Winged Leader in the betting. Matt and Mick are on the fav but theres two shouts for Premier Magic at an each-way price from Frank and Ruby.

What a jockey! What a horse!

Rachel Blackmore and A Plus Tard have won the Gold Cup! The defending champ Minella Indo was right there over the last but the winner just bolted away from the rest and won by a handsome distance!

Rachel makes history once again as the first female rider to win the Gold Cup. Different class from the horse and the rider. Ruby, Gina and Matt all picked the winner well done, guys. Minella Indo was 2nd ahead of Protektorat.

Just minutes to go until the Cheltenham Gold Cup! A Plus Tard is the market leader but Galvin is also hotly fancied. Mick and Matt are going for Galvin while Gina and Ruby like A Plus Tard.

Theres also a couple of each-way plays to mull over with Mick and Frank liking the look of Tornado Flyer while Matts backing Al Boum Photo to be placed again.

Well worth pointing out here that Paddys paying four places instead of three in todays feature race. Maybe those each-way plays just got even more appealing?

Its almost time for the big one. If you missed it earlier heres Paddys panels verdict on the Gold Cup which sets off at 15:30.

It's Gold Cup day at Cheltenham and our experts tell us who they are backing for the big one.

Latest Gold Cup odds here: https://t.co/nETH9vAvNs#Cheltenham2022 | #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/qP5By2opXR

Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 18, 2022

This didnt go to plan for punters as Hillcrest was pulled up around half way before Ginto took a misstep and followed suit on the run down to the last. In the end it was The Nice Guy who finished first for once! Minella Cocooner was 2nd ahead of Bardenstown Lad.

The Albert Bartlett looks to be a two-way tussle between Hillcrest and Ginto. They top the market in that order with Minella Cocooner 3rd. Its 3-2 to Hillcrest from Paddys pundits with Gina and Mick going for Ginto.

Paul Townend and State Man cruise home in the County Hurdle.

Another favourite flies in on Gold Cup day! Its two from two now!

State Man showed plenty of ability to cruise through on the inside after being held up, just as Ruby predicted on the telly. Nice and clean all the way round.

Micks each-way play First Street was 2nd with Colonel Mustard 3rd and West Cork 4th. Well played Ruby and Mick! Dont know if Paddy will ask you back next year, mind!

Its the County Hurdle up next and State Man is the best-backed in this one. West Cork gets the nod from Gina and Matt while the red-hot Micks putting First Street up as an each-way play.

Good start for the punters! It wasnt a faultless display but Vauban showed his electric speed and acceleration after making a bit of the mess of the last after hitting the front. Too good for this lot, though and Fil Dor just had enough to pip Pied Piper into 2nd. Another cracking race for Cheat Sheet followers!

First up today is a not-so small matter of the Triumph Hurdle. Vauban is heavily fancied and will go off a the favourite. Willie Mullins horse gets two votes on the cheat sheet and theres also two shouts for Fil Dor. Pied Piper currently splits the two at the top of the market.

A little more from our pundits on their Gold Cup tips if youd rather use your ears than your eyes this afternoon

It's Gold Cup day at Cheltenham and our experts tell us who they are backing for the big one.

Latest Gold Cup odds here: https://t.co/nETH9vAvNs#Cheltenham2022 | #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/qP5By2opXR

Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 18, 2022

Three hours to go until the Blue Riband chasing event, the Cheltenham Gold Cup! A Plus Tard is the market leader but Galvin is also hotly fancied. Mick and Matt are going for Galvin while Gina and Ruby like A Plus Tard. I told you it was tight!

Theres also a couple of each-way plays to mull over with Mick and Frank liking the look of Tornado Flyer while Matts backing Al Boum Photo to be placed again.

Well worth pointing out here that Paddys paying four places instead of three in todays feature race. Maybe those each-way plays just got even more appealing?

Its probably part of your routine by now but in case youve been having a lie in, loading up on bacon or looking for that old packet of pain killers for the headache its Cheat Sheet time.

Weve had loads of winners across the week and hopefully Fridays no different. Ruby Walsh, Mick Fitzgerald, Gina Bryce, Frank Hickey and Matt Chapmans views on every race are well worth a look right here.

Hello and welcome to the final day of the 2022 Cheltenham Festival! Hows your head?

Theres still plenty of world-class racing to come here today, no less so than the Gold Cup at 15:30. Its looking like a tight race and should be another absolute belter. The suns out, the weekend is calling. Lets enjoy it.

Another cracking day in the bag. Enjoy tonight but dont go too mad as weve got a little something called the Cheltenham Gold Cup to get stuck into tomorrow! Well be back from midday just get some sleep in before then, ok?

A really, really strong showing from Chambard was enough to take the Kim Muir Challenge Cup and round off day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival at an SP of 40/1. Ginas play Mister Coffeey hung on for 2nd just fending off Didero Vallis and Fakir Dalene in that order.

The completion of the Kim Muir Challenge Cup means were 75% of the way through the 2022 Cheltenham Festival! And it should be a cracker with loads having a chance. Ruby and Mick like the look of the fav School Boy Hours while Matts found Come On Teddy at a bit of a price. Frontal Assault is second in the market.

The highly-fancied Dinoblue looked nicely placed but simply vanished as the race got hot. It was left to Love Envoi to put in an eye-catching performance to take the Dawn Run Novices Hurdle from Ahorsewithnoname and Grangee.

Its the Dawn Run Novices Hurdle up next and its the perfect opportunity to remind you once more that you can watch this and the last completely free on PP.com. Dinoblue is well fancied in this one and got some serious support from Lydia Hislop on Paddys Cheltenham Preview show. Matt and Gina are on her on the Cheat Sheet as well. Grangee gets two each-way shouts which should be of interest.

Coole Cody really gutsed it out at a healthy price to power home in the Plate Handicap Hurdle. It looked like his race was run but no he powered round the outside up the hill to absolutely coast home! Some comeback, that. Imperial Alcazar just held off Matts Spiritofthegames who would have reversed the positions if the post was two yards further.

Flooring Porter defends his crown and wins The Paddy Power Stayers Hurdles. #Cheltenham2022 | #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/lB4jemLbgu

Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 17, 2022

Theres a lot of love for The Glancing Queen on the cheat sheet with Mick, Ruby and Gina going for Tom Cannons mount. Franks having Grand Paradis and Matts gone for Spiritofthegames each way.

Flooring Porter made absolutely every inch in a superb, mature, performance from the mad lad! A wonderful race with most of the big names lurking at the last but the winner was just a step above today and, in the end, never looked in doubt. What a race, what a ride Danny Mullins! Hes back-to-back champion and the syndicate are going absolutely postal. Thyme Hill just pipped Paisley Park for 2nd.

Time for the big one the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle! Wide open, this. Klassical Dream, Flooring Porter and Thyme Hill have been ebbing and flowing at the top of the market but its still really tight.

Thyme Hill gets four votes on the Cheat Sheet and Rubys the odd one out hes thrown his weight behind Champ.

Allahos all class! Paul Townend gets over the final obstacle this time as the huge favourite wins in some style. Back-to back-Ryanairs for this wonderful horse. Janidil was next best but some way back.

If you just own up to what you did you wont get into trouble.

But, if you lie to us then we will have no option but to call your father at work to tell him his son has been suspended.#Cheltenham2022 | #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/glgVeajNIS

Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 17, 2022

Omgggggggggggg. Yeessssssssssssssssss! 25-1. Get the **** in @CheltenhamRaces @itvracing @paddypower pic.twitter.com/VHZjDDZGMD

Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) March 17, 2022

Its the Allaho show on the cheat sheet with the perfect 5/5 review and everyone in agreement for once in the Ryanair Chase! Conflated is next in the market with Shan Blue following.

Honest Vic went for it but was soon going backwards and it was left to Rubys tip Alaphilippe and Matts each-way play Third Wind to battle it out for the win. It was the 25/1 punt Third Wind who just pipped it with Mill Green in 3rd and Winter Fog in 4th. Great pick, Matt Chapman! Yeeehaaa!

*Result stands after Stewards Enquiry*

Another tight one next in the Pertemps Final where Winter Fog tops the market ahead of Alaphilippe. Not a lot of love for the fav on the cheat sheet. Two at a price are Franks Folcano and Matts Third Wind.

Well, this one went exactly as expected with the top two going for it from the off, headed by the free-wheeling Galopin Des Champs. The leader looked to have it in the bag but with Bob Olinger beaten but Galopin Des Champs was too keen and fell at the final hurdle to hand it to Rachel Blackmore on Bob who has back-to-back Festival wins!

Not long to go until were underway on day 3! Up first its the Turners Novices Chase. Its 3-2 to slight fav Galopin Des Champs on the Cheat Sheet with Gina and Mick going for Bob Olinger. As theres only four runners might as well give a shout to the outsiders El Barra and Busselton. Thanks for coming, lads.

Theres some really close races from a betting perspective today. Galopin Des Champs and Bob Olinger are split by barely a fag paper in the Turners Novices Chase at 13:30.

The Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle at 15:30 is a three-way tussle at the time of writing with Flooring Porter, Klassical Dream and Thyme Hill all tied at the top of the market. Woof.

A gentle nudge in the direction your your completely FREE /5 bet today. Its good for any race at the Festival on St Patricks Day so go get stuck in.

Theres also the chance to win a /50 worth of free bets in our Cheltenham Knockout game here as well. Youve got until 1.30pm to have a go at todays competition so dont dawdle.

Punters took a hit on Shishkin and Tiger Roll yesterday and youve piled in on Allaho in the Ryanair Chase at 14:50 today. He gets five thumbs up on the Cheat Sheet as well

If racing personalities behaved like football managers

"I would love it if we beat them, love it!"

If racing personalities behaved like football managers#Cheltenham2022 | #TheFestival

(18+ BeGambleAware) pic.twitter.com/0t2nZyTEFN

Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2022

Happy St Patricks Day! Happy Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle day! Happy Cheltenham Festival day 3 day!

After a wet and wild Wednesday it should be rather plainer sailing for all involved on Thursday. Its another busy day so why not get up to speed with the all-conquering Cheat Sheet?

And thats the end of day two at the Festival. There was double disappointment for punters with Tiger Roll pipped into 2nd in his final race and Shishkin getting pulled up in the wet and wild Champion Chase. We did see a pair of brilliant champions in Delta Work and Energumene, though.

The main event tomorrow is the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle on St Patricks day. A match absolutely made in heaven. So, join us once again as we take on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 from midday on Thursday.

Well, it was wet, delayed and dark but Facile Vega looked the business in the Champion Bumper. This ones a real good thing and absolutely cantered home, looking completely at ease and very straightforward. American Mike was 2nd ahead of Matts each-way pick Jamess Gate and Seabank Bistro.

Slight hold up here while the groundsmen wrestle with some rogue barriers. Looks like were getting some tinkering to the course with some jumps being bypassed. Theyre going to post now so were not far away.

Should be an interesting one to round off day two where the much-fancied and well-hyped Facile Vega goes in the Champion Bumper. Hes another whos seen his price drift with the rising water. American Mike could well go off as favourite as a result. Facile gets three votes on the cheat sheet and Matts gone for one at a price, Jamess Gate.

Its not just Tiger Roll whos riding off into the sunset today, 2020 Champion Chase winner Politologue also said goodbye to the Cheltenham crowd after finishing 4th in this years edition.

Global Citizen outran his odds to take the Grand Annual to near silence at Prestbury Park. Hes upset some much more fancied horses including the fav Andy Dufresne who made second ahead of Frero Banbou.

Its the Grand Annual next and the perfect opportunity to remind you that you can watch this and the last on PP.com. Andy Dufresne looks set to go off as fav but Sky Pirate gets two votes on the Cheat Sheet. Ruby likes the big-priced Poseidon.

Dear Lord, what a sad little life, Delta Work.

You ruined my farewell, completely.#FarewellTigerRoll | #Cheltenham2022 | #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/XHuW23zeTP

Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2022

Im not crying, you are. It wasnt quite to be the perfect ending for Tiger Roll as stablemate Delta Work just took him at the end to tongue-in-cheek boos from The Cheltenham crowd! The Tiger hit the front at the 25th and led over the last but just couldnt fend off the charge from the winner.

He just didnt like the ground. You could tell going to the first fence, Nico knew. He appears to be perfectly okay. Its purely ground related. Full stop.

The ground is officially heavy now.

Next up its the last dance for Tiger Roll and the Cross Country Chase. The Grand National hero has been drifting in the market following the rain at Prestbury Park today. Delta Work might now go off as favourite and Mick Fitz likes his chances. Ginas put up the old boy Potters Corner as an each-way play.

There was disappointment as Shishkin was pulled up around half way and Chacun Pour Soi went down shortly after. It meant we were left with five and with two of the big guns now missing Energumene was the clear victor, piling forward from the second last to win by a healthy distance. Shishkin never looked right but it was a perfect ride from Paul Townend to give Willie his first Champion Chase win! Funambule Sivola was second.

See more here:
Cheltenham Festival: Follow all the action with Paddy Power's blog - Paddy Power News

FIFA and UEFA decided to bar Russia only hours after the International Olympic Committee called for international sports federations to prohibit Russian athletes and teams from all global sporting events where possible. The Olympic officials said Russia had breached a commitment known as the Olympic Truce, and signed before the start of the Beijing Winter Games and scheduled to run through the Paralympics that open this week when it invaded Ukraine.

The immediate consequence of soccers ban on Russia is that it will lose its place in a four-team group for one of Europes final places for the World Cup. Poland, which was scheduled to play Russia in March in Moscow, had said flatly that it would refuse to take the field for the game, a stance it repeated after FIFA announced its initial slate of penalties on Sunday night.

Cezary Kulesza, the president of Polands soccer federation, called FIFAs initial decision not to eject Russia totally unacceptable. In a post on Twitter, he added: We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances. Our stance remains intact: Polish National Team will NOT PLAY with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is.

Sweden and the Czech Republic, the teams that could have met Russia also in Moscow if the Russians beat Poland, said that they, too, would refuse to play, even at a neutral site.

A Ukrainian city falls. Russian troops gained control of Kherson,the first city to be overcome during the war. The overtaking of Kherson is significant as it allows the Russians to control more of Ukraines southern coastline and to push west toward the city of Odessa.

The indefinite ban on Russia also extends to its club teams, meaning that Spartak Moscow, its last remaining participant in a continental competition, will no longer be able to compete in its Europa League knockout game against Germanys RB Leipzig. That match was in doubt before Mondays decision, with officials unsure how the Russian team could travel after the European Union issued a blanket ban on Russian flights into the 27-member bloc.

It remains unclear if the decision to exclude Russia will face a challenge in the courts. Russia, as well as some of its athletes, has in recent years successfully fought exclusion from other events, including the Olympic Games, by getting punishments watered down through appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Russian Football Union, known as the R.F.U., called the ban discriminatory, and said it was considering its legal options. Such actions split the international sports community, which has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual respect and independence from politics, the F.R.U. said. We reserve the right to challenge the decision of FIFA and UEFA in accordance with international sports law.

See the rest here:
FIFA Will Ban Russia, Ejecting It From World Cup Qualifying - The New York Times

Former Tottenham and Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp believes Chelseas loss on penalties to the Reds should put to bed the discussion surrounding a change of goalkeepers before a shootout.

It comes as the Blues suffered an 11-10 loss in the penalty shootout at the hands of Jurgen Klopps men, after 120 minutes were unable to separate the two sides.

Towards the end of extra-time, Thomas Tuchel made the brave call to bring on Kepa Arrizabalaga, despite the performance of Edouard Mendy throughout the game.

It was a rehearsed decision from the German coach, who has made the same substitution before in the Super Cup final last summer.

Discussing the reason for that change last year, he said: "It [the substitution] was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came and had the first cup game against Barnsley.

"So we had some statistics, we were well prepared, that Kepa is the best in percentage in saving penalties.

"The analysis guys and the goalkeeping coaches showed me, introduced me to the data, then we spoke with the players, that this can happen when we play in a knockout game, and since then they know.

The move proved costly this time though, as Kepa failed to save 11 straight penalties before blazing his own spot kick over the bar.

It was a decision that, after the game, Jamie Redknapp was against.

The pundit said on Sky Sports: I hope it puts to bed the substitutions now of putting goalkeepers on. Edouard Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and you bring on Kepa instead of him, ridiculous.

I didnt like his behaviour when the penalties were being taken and then he took one of the worst penalties youve ever seen.

I dont like it, I dont understand why you do it. You have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he shouldve stayed in there in the first place.

It may cause Tuchel to readdress his choice in the future for such crucial matches, especially after the showing of Mendy for the majority of the match.

What this means for the Blues now is yet to be seen, though theres little time to do too much reflection, with an FA Cup tie against Luton on the horizon.

Read more:
Jamie Redknapp disagrees with Thomas Tuchel over Kepa Arrizabalaga decision in Carabao Cup final - Football.London

Eddie Hall is being backed by his fellow strongmen to knockout Game of Thrones star Hafthor Bjornsson when they meet next month.

The pair are set to fight on March 19 in Dubai finally settling their long-running feud. They will fight under the super-heavyweight division.

Six out of the eight from the gargantuan group that spoke to Muscle and Health believe that Hall will KO his opponent when they meet.

They think that The Beast will have too much raw power and will be able to do the job on Bjornsson. Bjornsson however already has experience in the ring and therefore could help him in the fight.

Adam Bishop, who was Britains strongest Man in 2020 said: My money would be on Eddie. While Thor has the reach and looks like a technical boxer, I think this fight is going to turn into a proper old suit-up.

Having known Eddie for a long time, I can attest for how stubborn and focused he is when he puts his mind to something. He goes all in. Hell be well prepared and gunning for this fight.

Heres what other strongest men from around the world had to say.

Nine times Canadas Strongest Man, JF Caron had to say: My money is on Eddie because hes a fighter in his mind. Thor is afraid.

Jerry Pritchett, 2017 Americas Strongest Man stated: Im with Eddie all the way! I believe hes kept more size and strength alongside his boxing training, which will pay off.

I think Eddie is just meaner and more aggressive.

Finally, Travis Ortmayer who was a strongest man competitor and now coach went on to say:

In the beginning, I wouldve said Eddie straight away, but he has given Thor so much time to get better that its pretty open. Thors starting to look pretty dangerous.

If Thor can withstand the early barrage of heaving hitting for Eddie, I think hell will. But I dont know if hes quite there yet and Eddies cardio is pretty strong. I think Eddie is going to take this.

Read more from the original source:
Eddie Hall vs Thor Bjornsson: 8 fellow strongmen offer their predictions - GIVEMESPORT

TheMeltwater Champions Chess Tour 2022 reached thesemifinals with 3 Russians andMagnus Carlsen putting more flag colors on theleaderboard.

Photo: Niki Riga / World Chess

Ian Nepomniachtchi scored adecisive third-game point against Vincent Keymer andwon thematch toadvance totheTours semifinals. Later theRussian GM admitted that theRussia/Ukraine crisis has affected him.

After thewar announcement, Nepomniachtchi tweeted: History has seen nolack ofblack Thursdays, buttoday is blacker than theothers

Andrey Esipenko also dominated against thetours underdog, Eric Hansen with a3-1 score toface Nepomniachtchi inthesemifinals. TheRussian GM also commented on thewar: I really hoped forapeaceful solution tothesituation... Its terrible torealize that all this is happening...

Thethird Russian tomove tothesemifinals was Vladislav Artemiev. The23-year-old GM beat Ding Liren with a2.5-1.5 score, leaving thechess world speechless. TheChinese GM has missed several knockout blows buteventually thepressure andmaybe tiredness took him down.

Theone tobreak theRussian dominance inthesemifinals was theWorld Champion Magnus Carlsen. TheNorwegian GM managed towin thefirst knockout game against Liem Quang Le andachieve a2.5-1.5 final score. Inthesemifinals, Carlsen will face Artemiev forhis chance tomove tothetours finals.

Watch it at6PM CET on theWorld Chess broadcasting page.

Read the original post:
This whole situation is really sad for me Nepo states after his advance to the Champions Chess Tour 2022 semifinals - World Chess