Category: Sports

Berlin, Jan 14 (IANS) Nikolas Nartey struck late to settle a breathless five-goal contest as VfB Stuttgart claimed a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart entered the night full of confidence after having routed Bayer Leverkusen and made only one change, welcoming Ermedin Demirovic back into the starting line-up for the first time since October.

Eintracht, fresh from a high-scoring draw with Borussia Dortmund, were forced into several alterations and began with clear attacking intent, reports Xinhua.

The visitors were rewarded inside five minutes when Rasmus Kristensen glanced home a header from Ritsu Doan’s delivery to stun the home crowd. Eintracht continued to play at a high tempo but suffered an early setback when new arrival Younes Ebnoutalib was forced off following a heavy collision.

Stuttgart gradually took control and drew level in the 27th minute as Demirovic capitalised on a handling error by goalkeeper Kaua Santos to finish from close range.

The hosts completed the turnaround eight minutes later when Deniz Undav’s low effort took a decisive deflection on its way in.

Sebastian Hoeness’ side dominated for long spells after the break and created a string of chances, but Eintracht remained dangerous. Ansgar Knauff rattled the crossbar as the visitors threatened on the counter, while Stuttgart failed to extend their lead despite several clear openings.

The momentum swung again ten minutes from time when substitute Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab marked his Bundesliga debut by drilling home to make it 2-2.

Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, substitute Nartey arrived to meet Josha Vagnoman’s delivery and fired in his first league goal to decide the contest in the 87th minute.

The win lifts Stuttgart from fifth to third in the table, leaving them four points behind second-placed Borussia Dortmund, while Eintracht remains seventh.

“It was a deserved victory for Stuttgart. The spirit was there, but it is frustrating that we have taken only one point from games against two top teams. Now the focus is on turning the heavy effort we are putting in into points,” said Eintracht coach Dino Toppmoller.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, runners-up Borussia Dortmund eased to a 3-0 win over hapless Werder Bremen, Mainz edged Heidenheim 2-1 in a match between two relegation-threatened teams, while the match between Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen was postponed due to unsafe wintry conditions.

–IANS

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Navi Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur praised youngsters for taking responsibility after the two-time champions thrashed Gujarat Giants by seven wickets at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. Harmanpreet praised the younger players for embracing responsibility, crediting their preparation and readiness to contribute whenever the team required them.

“Good to see all these girls taking the responsibility and doing their bit for the team. They are always ready to do whatever the team requires. It’s only the preparation. Good to see them preparing really well and wherever the team needs them, they are ready,” she said.

After opting to field, the Mumbai Indians endured a blistering start from the Gujarat Giants, who surged to 62/1 in the powerplay and reached 99/3 at halfway, led by Beth Mooney and Kanika Ahuja. A late onslaught from Bharti Fulmali (36* off 15) and Georgia Wareham (43*)—including 62 runs in the final five overs—powered Gujarat to a daunting 192/5, despite wickets from Shabnim Ismail, Hayley Matthews, Nicola Carey, and Amelia Kerr.

“It was a good game. While bowling, we gave away too many runs. We will have to sit and discuss plans. Amanjot and I calculated well, she batted really well, and then Nicola took the pressure off me,” said Harmanpreet Kaur, Player of the Match and Mumbai Indians captain.

The MI captain stressed the importance of composure and clarity in high-scoring tournaments, highlighting the need to assess match situations, bat deep, and execute plans effectively while chasing imposing totals.

“In tournaments like this, you have to score big and then chase big totals as well. You have to go and bat for your team. We have to bat well and calculate what the team requires. You have to go out and execute yourself.

Downplaying personal milestones, Harmanpreet said her focus remained solely on batting for the team, adding she was unaware of her tally of five WPL half-centuries against the Giants.

Harmanpreet, who enjoyed three lives during her innings, went on to register her fifth half-century against the Giants and became only the second player in WPL history, after Nat Sciver-Brunt, to cross the 1000-run mark.

Nicola Carey then provided the finishing touches with a fluent unbeaten 38 off 23 balls, laced with six boundaries. Harmanpreet sealed the chase with the winning boundary in the final over, finishing on a superb 71 off 43 deliveries, which included seven fours and two sixes.

“Every match is important. I want to just go out there and bat for my team. I didn’t know this stat.”

–IANS

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Navi Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner rued missed chances in the field and dropped catches of “best player in the world” as Harmanpreet Kaur guided Mumbai Indians to a seven-wicket victory at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting target of 193, the Mumbai Indians showed composure and firepower in equal measure, with Harmanpreet (73 not out) finishing the game in style to cap a dominant batting display from the Kaurs — Amanjot (40) and Harmanpreet.

Harmanpreet, who enjoyed three lives during her innings, went on to register her fifth half-century against the Giants and became only the second player in WPL history, after Nat Sciver-Brunt, to cross the 1000-run mark. Nicola Carey then provided the finishing touches with a fluent unbeaten 38 off 23 balls, laced with six boundaries. Harmanpreet sealed the chase with the winning boundary in the final over, finishing on a superb 71 off 43 deliveries, which included seven fours and two sixes.

“Yeah, we did. It’s a cliche, but catches win you matches. We pride ourselves on how we fielded. And tonight, you can’t drop the best players in the world. We have played three close games so far and are disappointed to finish on the losing side,” said Ashleigh Gardner, Gujarat Giants Women captain.

The Giants captain was candid about her tactical choices, acknowledging Harmanpreet Kaur’s dominance against her and reflecting that she could have used herself more with the ball despite having multiple bowling options.

“I don’t have a good match-up over Harmanpreet. She has a wood over me. I thought I under-utilised myself when I’m the captain, and it happens when you have eight bowling options. In hindsight, I was the best option. I can say that standing here. But I could have bowled more overs. But I wasn’t a good match against her.”

Gardner highlighted the Giants’ middle-order firepower, praising Georgia Wareham and others for consistently delivering at the back end and backing 193 as a total that should have been enough to win.

“We have a lot of firepower in the middle. Wareham, we have seen what she’s been able to do at the back end. It’s a pleasing thing to see them do their thing. 193 is a winning target.”

Emphasising the collective approach, Gardner said the focus was on smart running and boundary-hitting, adding that while individual disappointment was inevitable, the Giants had executed their batting plans well in the final overs.

“I guess after our batting innings, I walked towards her and said that it was a team play. We needed to find the boundaries, and we wanted someone to run between the wickets well and clear the ropes. It will be disappointing for her. But I think we finished the innings well.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Jasmine Shekar, a consistent performer on the Women’s Pro Golf Tour, got off to a fine start with two late birdies helping her to a solid round of 3-under 67, that gave her the sole lead after the first round of the first Leg of the Tour in 2026, at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Jasmine, who won once in 2025, was one shot clear of young pro Lavanya Jadon, who also had one win last season. Lavanya carded 2-under 68, and the only other player with a par or better score was former winner, Seher Atwal (70), at the Par-70 layout.

Sneha Singh and Amandeep Drall, two of the multiple winners in 2025, were among five players who shot 2-over 72 each and were tied fourth. The others were Ridhima Dilawari, Jahanvi Bakshi, and Khushi Khanijau.

Jasmine played each of the 15 events in 2025 and finished third on the Order of Merit behind Vani Kapoor, who skipped this week, and Amandeep Drall. Birdies on the third and the eighth saw her turn in 2-under 35, and she added further gains on the 16th and the 17th, while dropping her lone shot of the day on the Par-3 13th hole.

Lavanya opened with a bogey but made no further errors and picked up strokes on the second, sixth, and 12th. Seher Atwal had four birdies and four bogeys in her round of 70. She had two birdies and two bogeys on either side of the BPGC course.

Sneha Singh was 3-over through 17 before picking her first and only birdie on the 18th, while Jahanvi had three birdies in the last six holes after three bogeys and a double bogey earlier on. Amandeep Drall birdied twice while dropping four bogeys, and Ridhima had one birdie against three bogeys. Heena Kang, who turned pro last season and won once in four starts, opened the new season with 75 and was tied-16th.

Four players, including the hugely talented US-bound amateur Zara Anand, shot 3-over 73 each and were tied-ninth. The other three were Shweta Mansingh, Ananya Garg, and Shagun Narain.

Debutant pro Saanvi Somu had a tough start with 6-over 76 and was 19th, while Vidhatri Urs (77) had three straight double bogeys on the back nine and was Tied-20th.

The new season has begun with as many as 10 new players joining the pro ranks as women continue to propel Indian golf to new levels.

–IANS

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Ranchi, Jan 13 (IANS) Jugraj Singh scored his first hat-trick of the season to ensure a commanding 5-3 win for the Sharchi Bengal Tigers against Tamil Nadu Dragons in the ongoing Hockey India League 2026 (Men) at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday.

This was an important win for the Tigers, who were placed 7th in the pool table before this match started, but jumped up to fourth place with this win — keeping their hopes alive in the league.

While Jugraj became only the second player to get a hat-trick of goals after Kane Rusell from HIL GC team who has three hat-tricks in the league so far, goals from Sukhjeet (33′) and Abhishek (55′) helped the Tigers clinch a winner while Adrohit Ekka (36′), Thomas Sorsby (48′) and Blake Govers (51′) scored for the Dragons.

The defending champions, Shrachi Bengal Tigers, were quick to get off the blocks with Abhishek creating the first real shot on goal, but didn’t quite find success. However, an infringement while defending saw the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons give away a penalty stroke in the 11th minute. Jugraj Singh, who was the top scorer from the previous edition, was on par with the legendary David Harte in the goalpost. He kept the ball low and fierce to beat Harte into the goal.

The 1-0 lead put the Tigers in good standing. Though the second quarter was goalless with the Dragons trying their best to equalise with Uttam Singh leading the charge for them, there was not much they could muster from the attempts. Tigers’ coach Valentin Altenburg was not a happy man at half-time, expressing that his team could get ‘a lot of things right’ in this match, and they seemed to do exactly that in the third quarter, which they began with a sensational goal by Sukhjeet Singh. It was a good combination between Tommy Willems and Abhishek, which was eventually finished well by Sukhjeet. This took the Tigers’ scoreline to 2-0.

Though Dragons found a breakthrough in the 36th minute when Adrohit scored from a penalty corner, the quarter belonged to the Tigers with two back-to-back goals coming in from Jugraj Singh, who completed a hat-trick of goals with the 43rd and 45th minute goals.

This put the Tigers in a comfortable 4-1 lead, but they squandered it in the final quarter when they allowed the Dragons to bounce back with two goals in the 48th and 51st minutes through Sorsby and Govers. The final few minutes were nail-biting with video referrals, giving the Tigers an advantage.

A penalty corner in the 55th minute proved crucial in the Tigers’ win, with Abhishek scoring from a fine variation. After injecting, Abhishek positioned himself well to pick up a deflection off Tom Grambusch’s dragflick. This put them ahead 5-3 and eventually helped seal the match.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has rejected allegations of dirt and poor conditions at the venue of the 2026 India Open badminton tournament in New Delhi made by Danish World No. 20 Mia Blichfeldt, claiming her comments were about general playing conditions and not related to the Indira Gandhi Multi-purpose Indoor Stadium, the playing arena for tthe BWF World Tour Super 750 event.

In an official statement, BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra claimed that Blichfeldt’s comments were “not about the playing arena specifically” and were rather about “KD Jadhav Stadium, which serves as the training venue, and not the main playing arena”.

The main draw of the 2026 India Open started on Tuesday and soon landed into controversy with Blichfeldt urging “the BWF to review the setup ahead of the World Championships this August”, which will be held at the same venue.

“Mia’s comments were made in a broader context around general playing conditions and personal health sensitivities, and not about the playing arena at the Yonex-Sunrise India Open specifically. She has clearly stated that the competition venue itself is well-maintained. As mentioned in her conversation regarding the warm-up area, it is important to note that she was referring to the KD Jadhav Stadium, which serves as the training venue, and not the main playing arena,” said Sanjay Mishra in the official statement issued by BAI.

“As an athlete who is more sensitive to dust and environmental factors, she was sharing a personal perspective on how conditions can sometimes impact her health. The playing arena has been kept clean, dirt-free, and pigeon-free, and several players have expressed satisfaction with the conditions at the venue,” he added.

It is worth noting that Blichfeldt had made similar allegations about the India Open last year, too, blaming the dense smog in India and bird droppings inside the stadium for the illness she suffered after the event.

–IANS

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Navi Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 matches scheduled for January 14 and 15 at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, will be conducted behind closed doors, without spectators, due to elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the civic body for Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) in the state.

However, the spectators will be allowed to attend the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru game on January 16, with the BCCI secretary informing that the ‘counting day’ is not being taken into account.

“This decision has been taken in light of the Municipal Corporation Elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15, 2026. Spectators will be permitted entry into the stadium from January 16, 2026, onwards, and all subsequent matches will be played with crowds in attendance. TATA WPL 2026 accredited media will be allowed entry on both days – January 14, 2026, and January 15, 2026 in the stadium,” BCCI, the organising body, said in a statement.

Earlier, Devajit Saikia told IANS that two of the upcoming league stage matches of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 will likely be held behind closed doors due to elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the civic body for Mumbai, and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) in the state.

With most security personnel deployed for elections, it may be difficult to manage the crowd on the day of the polling, January 15, and the day before, January 14. Hence, the Indian cricket board decided not to allow spectators into the DY Patil stadium for the Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz fixture and the Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz contest, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The ticket sales for the Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore encounter were opened after the BCCI made the formal announcements.

The WPL fixture list was released on November 29 last year, while the election schedule was made public on December 15. It is understood that the WPL organisers were informed soon after the election dates were finalised.

–IANS

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Navi Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Georgia Wareham’s unbeaten 43 and late fireworks by Bharti Fulmali (36 not out off 15 balls) helped Gujarat Giants post 192/5 in 20 overs against Mumbai Indians in the sixth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday.

Asked to bat first, Gujarat Giants got off to an amazing start, scoring 62 for 1 in the Power-play and taking control of the early momentum. Leading the charge, Beth Mooney made the most of an early reprieve when G. Kamalini missed a chance off Shabnim Ismail in the first over. With a series of powerful blows, she made the reigning champions pay.

Hayley Matthews and Nicola Carey, on the other hand, proved costly as they were unable to stop the run flow. Kamalini made amends with a deft catch behind the stumps after Ismail gave MI a breakthrough by dismissing Sophie Devine, but the Giants maintained their lead. Kanika Ahuja, who was promoted up the order to No. 3, contributed with a constructive attitude, guaranteeing Gujarat finished the powerplay firmly in control.

Ahuja took charge against Ismail and got a boundary before she smashed Matthews for a maximum and a boundary in the next over. However, Amelia Kerr pulled things back for Mumbai, getting rid of the well-set Beth Mooney (33) in her first over, breaking the key partnership of 42 runs.

Amelia Kerr was taken apart in her second over after a tidy first, conceding 14 runs as the momentum swung back Gujarat’s way. Kanika and Ashleigh Gardner were in full flow, finding boundaries with ease and keeping the pressure on the bowlers. Skipper Ashleigh started positively and scored 11-ball 20 before getting trapped right in front of the stumps.

After the halfway mark, the Gujarat Giants found themselves in a very good position at 99 for 3, but after the dismissal of Kanika (35 runs off 18 balls) in the 11th over, the Mumbai Indians were able to regain some control.

The Mumbai bowlers clawed their way back and put pressure on the Giants batters. In a bold tactical decision, Ayushi was retired by the Giants’ management in the 16th over after scoring just 11 runs off the bat — the decision, which shaped the outcome of the innings.

Fulmali came to the crease and was responsible for the turnaround of the Gujarat innings. After being given two close LBW shouts on consecutive balls, she unleashed an incredible show of power-hitting in the latter part of the innings and blasted an unbelievably impressive 36 runs off just 15 balls, including three fours and three sixes, in the final overs.

Wareham provided key support with an easy batting performance of 43 not out. The last over alone added 23 runs to the team, and they totalled 62 runs in the last five overs. Ultimately, the Giants finished their innings with a massive score of 192 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, enabling the team to have an extremely difficult time back at home with 192 runs to chase.

For the Mumbai Indians, Shabnim Ismail, Hayley Matthews, Nicola Carey, and Amelia Kerr claimed a wicket each.

Broef scores:

Gujarat Giants 192/5 in 20 overs (Georgia Wareham 43 not out, Bharti Fulmali 36 not out; Shabnim Ismail 1-25, Hayley Matthews 1-34) against Mumbai Indians.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Reigning champions MI London have signed up three of the best T20 players in England — Sam Curran, Will Jacks in the men’s team, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge in their women’s team — for their newly re-branded teams in The Hundred.

Sam Curran has been retained and will captain MI London in the new era of The Hundred, and will be joined by Surrey team-mate Will Jacks, another retention, at the reigning champions. Surrey’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge, one of England’s greatest ever T20 cricketers, is the first signing for the women’s team.

Curran, Surrey’s T20 captain, has more than 5,000 runs and nearly 300 wickets in the format, winning the 2022 T20 World Cup for England with a Player of the Match performance. He has a wealth of experience in global cricket, playing regularly in the IPL, BBL, and SA20 in 2023, playing for MI Cape Town.

The all-rounder developed through the Surrey Talent Pathway and has played over 100 times across formats for England. Curran has captaincy experience at the IPL for the Kings XI Punjab, as well as leading the Desert Vipers to the ILT20 title at the start of the year. Curran has been ever-present at the Kia Oval during the Hundred and was a crucial part of the Oval Invincibles’ three-peat of titles.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge is a legend of England cricket, having won the 2017 World Cup, and is the leading run-scorer in IT20 Cricket for her country. She won the inaugural Vitality Blast title with Surrey in 2025 and picked up more silverware over Christmas as her Hobart Hurricanes won their first WBBL trophy. In the Hundred, Wyatt-Hodge is the second-highest run-scorer in the competition’s history and has taken her side to four finals, winning the title in 2023 with a Player of the Match performance.

Will Jacks is another Surrey Talent Pathway graduate who has gone on to represent his country in all formats. Jack is Surrey’s second-highest run-scorer of all time in T20 cricket and has centuries in all three formats for the Three Feathers. He currently represents the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and has extensive franchise cricket experience in the Big Bash, SA20, and ILT20.

The powerful opener also bowls handy off-spin with 80 wickets in T20 cricket to go with more than 6,000 runs in the format. Like Curran, Jacks has played for the Oval Invincibles in every year of the Hundred and is the fifth-highest run-scorer in the competition’s history.

Later, skipper Sam Curran expressed his thoughts on the beginning of a new chapter in The Hundred: “It was very exciting when I found out that MI were joining the Oval Invincibles.”

“MI have had such a huge amount of success around the world, and Surrey, being my home clu,b has a huge amount of trophies and tradition. I am really hoping we can fill the stadiums and bring some more trophies to the cabinet that’s got so many already,” he was quoted as saying by MI London in a statement.

Talking about the decision to retain the three Surrey players, Akash Ambani, Team Owner, MI London, said, “MI London marks an exciting new chapter in taking the Mumbai Indians brand global and our journey in The Hundred. With world-class talent across the men’s and women’s teams – including Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Danni Wyatt-Hodge – and a strong connection to Surrey, MI London brings together elite cricket, local identity and MI’s winning culture. The ethos of excellence, consistency, and success that defines the Mumbai Indians will continue to shape how we play and entertain fans in the UK and around the world.”

MI London Chair Oli Slipper said, “This is a real statement of intent from our playing teams. In Sam and Will, we have signed two of the best English white-ball cricketers there are. They know what it means to step out in front of home fans at the Kia Oval and win trophies for their supporters.

“Danni is a fan favourite in south London with her performances for Surrey and England and has already tasted success at the Kia Oval. She’s been prolific in The Hundred and is one of the most exciting players in the game,” he added.

“I am also excited for supporters to be introduced to the new look and feel of our Hundred team. We have developed a brand that combines the history, heritage, and prestige of the MI family but also brings the youthful vibrancy of the Oval Invincibles that made it one of the most recognisable sides in the competition,” he added.

The new look for the MI London team has also been released, capturing the spirit and vibrancy of the Oval Invincibles, combined with the iconic Mumbai Indians. The new brand features the youthful and vibrant mint green that was synonymous with success in The Hundred, as well as the blue and gold of the Mumbai Indians and MI franchise teams across the world.

The logo incorporates the iconic shape of the Kia Oval and includes elements of the Oval Invincibles logo with the repetition of London and the spark replicated twice in the roundel that surrounds the MI monogram.

–IANS

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Navi Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS) Gujarat Giants confirmed that Anushka Sharma, who was out from Tuesday’s action against the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, has “sustained a minor injury” and will be out of action for a shorter period.

Anushka was seen wearing a strapping on her right hand ahead of Tuesday’s match.

“Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants confirm that young batter Anushka Sharma will be out of action for a short period as she recovers from a minor injury sustained while fielding during our match against Delhi Capitals on Sunday night.

“Anushka is under the close supervision of the team’s medical staff and is progressing well. She will be a big miss for the side, but her health and long-term well-being remain our priority. The entire Gujarat Giants family is firmly behind her and looks forward to welcoming her back soon,” the Gujarat Giants said in a statement on Tuesday.

Anushka, a 22-year-old batting all-rounder, was snapped up by Gujarat Giants (GG) in the WPL 2026 auction after a keen bidding battle with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). She wasted little time in announcing her arrival, striking a fluent 44 off 30 balls on her WPL debut at No. 3 against UP Warriorz (UPW), an innings that laid the foundation for GG’s first-ever winning start to a WPL season.

Ayushi Soni was handed a debut cap by the Giants, replacing Anushka in the eleven.

Gujarat Giants’ initial performance has been impressive this season, with two victories out of two matches — versus Warriorz and an extremely tight game against Delhi Capitals. They stand in second position in the WPL points table currently, as MI has won only one of their first two matches.

However, MI has a strong history against the Giants, having beaten them in each of their previous seven matches in WPL history. For the Mumbai Indians, a fit-again Hayley Matthews is back in the eleven as Nat Sciver-Brunt is unwell.

–IANS

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