Ryan Giggs can look on the funny side during a news conference on Sunday in Sydney. Daniel Munoz / Reuters
Ryan Giggs can look on the funny side during a news conference on Sunday in Sydney. Daniel Munoz / Reuters

‘Crazy’ Ryan Giggs in an Australian state of mind



Ryan Giggs admits it is “crazy” how he still manages to maintain his motivation.

Giggs, about to start his 23rd season as a Manchester United player, is the proud owner of a record 13 Premier League titles.

Speaking on his arrival in Sydney for the second leg of United’s pre-season tour on Sunday, he said he still loved playing the game.

“Crazy, aren’t I?” he said. “I’m enjoying it just as much as I did 20 years ago. It’s as simple as that.

“Every year is a bonus to me. Take last year: winning the league, that feeling you have after the hard work you put in. Winning that trophy makes it all worthwhile.”

It is United’s first visit to Australia since 1999 and this time around Giggs will have the chance to see one of sport’s fiercest rivalries.

Wednesday’s Rugby League State of Origin decider between Queensland and New South Wales – in the same ANZ Stadium that United’s sell-out tour match against the A-League All Stars will take place on Saturday evening – represents an occasion for Giggs to relish.

“I’m a big rugby league fan,” said Giggs, 39.

“I had the great pleasure of spending some time with Melbourne Storm when they were playing in Leeds in the World Cup Challenge.

“I spent some time with Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, who are Queenslanders. I’ve also had a text off Andrew Johns telling me in no uncertain terms who I need to support on Wednesday.

“I’m in Sydney, so I’ll be supporting New South Wales.”

– Press Association

MEDIEVIL (1998)

Developer: SCE Studio Cambridge
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Console: PlayStation, PlayStation 4 and 5
Rating: 3.5/5

Specs

Engine: 2-litre

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 255hp

Torque: 273Nm

Price: Dh240,000

RESULTS

6.30pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Final Song, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).

7.05pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m

Winner Almanaara, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.

7.40pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m

Winner Grand Argentier, Brett Doyle, Doug Watson.

8.15pm Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Major Partnership, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

8.50pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.

9.25pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m

Winner Universal Order, Richard Mullen, David Simcock.

Juvenile arthritis

Along with doctors, families and teachers can help pick up cases of arthritis in children.
Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks.
Dr Betina Rogalski said "The younger the child the more difficult it into pick up the symptoms. If the child is small, it may just be a bit grumpy or pull its leg a way or not feel like walking,” she said.
According to The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in US, the most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Usually it affects the knees, hands, and feet, and it’s worse in the morning or after a nap.
Limping in the morning because of a stiff knee, excessive clumsiness, having a high fever and skin rash are other symptoms. Children may also have swelling in lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body.
Arthritis in children can cause eye inflammation and growth problems and can cause bones and joints to grow unevenly.
In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis.

Du Football Champions

The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.

SPECS

Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol (V Class); electric motor with 60kW or 90kW powerpack (EQV)
Power: 233hp (V Class, best option); 204hp (EQV, best option)
Torque: 350Nm (V Class, best option); TBA (EQV)
On sale: Mid-2024
Price: TBA


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