france24--2020-12-06--Milan battle past Samp to maintain Serie A lead, Napoli third

AC Milan kept hold of their five-point lead at the top of Serie A on Sunday after a hard-fought 2-1 win at Sampdoria , while Napoli moved third after strolling to victory over bottom side Crotone .
Franck Kessie 's penalty on the stroke of half-time and Samu Castillejo 's 77th-minute strike were just enough for the seven-time European champions , who were without injured talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic , to move up to 26 points and keep second-placed local rivals Inter Milan at arm 's length .
Ivory Coast midfielder Kessie coolly struck home his spot-kick after Jakub Jankto unluckily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theo Hernandez .
Sandro Tonali hit the post for Milan just after the break but the away side were on the back foot for much of the second half until substitute Castillejo doubled their lead with his first touch , set up by a fine pull-back from Ante Rebic .
Rebic would then surely have removed all doubt with 11 minutes left had Davide Calabria not ruined a fine team moved by duffing his pass to the waiting Croatian , who is yet to score this season .
That left Stefano Pioli 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Albin Ekdal 's powerful header just escaped Gianluigi Donnarumma 's clutches , and their lead at the top of the table would have been cut to three had Swede Ekdal not put another aerial effort wide with the last attack of the game .
Napoli are six points back in third after goals from Lorenzo Insigne , Hirving Lozano , Diego Demme and Andrea Petagna earned the away side a 4-0 win at Crotone .
Insigne opened the scoring with a trademark curling strike after cutting in from the left with half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became simpler for the away side five minutes after the break when Jacopo Petriccione was sent off for a late , high challenge on Demme .
Italy international Insigne then laid on Lozano for the second with a superb long pass that left the Mexican with a simple finish , and Demme made sure of the result with a drilled low strike 14 minutes from the end following a lay-off from substitute Mertens .
Belgium forward Mertens then supplied the pass that allowed Petagna to hammer home the fourth in stoppage time as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Milan .
Sixth-placed Roma meanwhile are now eight points off the lead after their goalless home draw with Sassuolo as both teams had goals ruled out by VAR and the hosts played the second half with 10 men .
Pedro was sent off for a second bookable offence five minutes before the break .
His coach Paulo Fonseca followed him to the stands at the end of the first half after Henrikh Mkhitaryan 's goal was ruled out for a foul by Edin Dzeko following a VAR check .
The hosts dominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were unlucky to not take the lead when Leonardo Spinazzola 's cross was guided onto the post by Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari , under pressure from Dzeko .
Sassuolo thought they had snatched the points with 15 minutes left when Lukas Haraslin whipped a long-range shot past Antonio Mirante , only for the goal to be ruled out for the tightest of offsides by VAR .
`` I 'm very proud of my team .
We played very well even when down to 10 .
We were very well organised defensively and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Fonseca told Sky Italia .
Parma 's match with newly-promoted Benevento also finished goalless while mid-table side Hellas Verona drew 1-1 with Cagliari .
Atalanta 's match at Udinese was postponed after heavy rain made the pitch unplayable .

Rome (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
AC Milan kept hold of their five-point lead at the top of Serie A on Sunday after a hard-fought 2-1 win at Sampdoria, while Napoli moved third after strolling to victory over bottom side Crotone.
Franck Kessie's penalty on the stroke of half-time and Samu Castillejo's 77th-minute strike were just enough for the seven-time European champions, who were without injured talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to move up to 26 points and keep second-placed local rivals Inter Milan at arm's length.
Ivory Coast midfielder Kessie coolly struck home his spot-kick after Jakub Jankto unluckily handled while challenging for the ball with Theo Hernandez.
Sandro Tonali hit the post for Milan just after the break but the away side were on the back foot for much of the second half until substitute Castillejo doubled their lead with his first touch, set up by a fine pull-back from Ante Rebic.
Rebic would then surely have removed all doubt with 11 minutes left had Davide Calabria not ruined a fine team moved by duffing his pass to the waiting Croatian, who is yet to score this season.
That left Stefano Pioli's team to sweat out the final minutes after Albin Ekdal's powerful header just escaped Gianluigi Donnarumma's clutches, and their lead at the top of the table would have been cut to three had Swede Ekdal not put another aerial effort wide with the last attack of the game.
- Napoli stroll into third -
Napoli are six points back in third after goals from Lorenzo Insigne, Hirving Lozano, Diego Demme and Andrea Petagna earned the away side a 4-0 win at Crotone.
Insigne opened the scoring with a trademark curling strike after cutting in from the left with half an hour gone, and the task became simpler for the away side five minutes after the break when Jacopo Petriccione was sent off for a late, high challenge on Demme.
Italy international Insigne then laid on Lozano for the second with a superb long pass that left the Mexican with a simple finish, and Demme made sure of the result with a drilled low strike 14 minutes from the end following a lay-off from substitute Mertens.
Belgium forward Mertens then supplied the pass that allowed Petagna to hammer home the fourth in stoppage time as Napoli temporarily closed the gap between them and Milan.
Sixth-placed Roma meanwhile are now eight points off the lead after their goalless home draw with Sassuolo as both teams had goals ruled out by VAR and the hosts played the second half with 10 men.
- Roma frustrated -
Pedro was sent off for a second bookable offence five minutes before the break. His coach Paulo Fonseca followed him to the stands at the end of the first half after Henrikh Mkhitaryan's goal was ruled out for a foul by Edin Dzeko following a VAR check.
The hosts dominated after the break despite being outnumbered and were unlucky to not take the lead when Leonardo Spinazzola's cross was guided onto the post by Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari, under pressure from Dzeko.
Sassuolo thought they had snatched the points with 15 minutes left when Lukas Haraslin whipped a long-range shot past Antonio Mirante, only for the goal to be ruled out for the tightest of offsides by VAR.
"I'm very proud of my team. We played very well even when down to 10. We were very well organised defensively and didn't allow Sassuolo many opportunities," Fonseca told Sky Italia.
Parma's match with newly-promoted Benevento also finished goalless while mid-table side Hellas Verona drew 1-1 with Cagliari.
Atalanta's match at Udinese was postponed after heavy rain made the pitch unplayable.
Fiorentina host fellow strugglers Genoa on Monday night.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-06--Lille, Lyon win to keep pressure on PSG

Lille, Lyon win to keep pressure on PSG

Super sub Yazici has scored four league goals this term Yusuf Yazici scored what proved to be the winner as Lille beat fellow title hopefuls Monaco 2-1 on Sunday to retake second place in Ligue 1 , while Lyon cruised past Metz as the pair increased the pressure on leaders Paris Saint-Germain .
Christophe Galtier 's men dug deep at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy to end Monaco 's four-match winning streak and move back to within two points of reigning champions PSG .
Lyon are behind Monaco on goal difference after brushing aside Metz 3-1 .
Marseille are two points further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games in hand .
`` This result is important because we were facing a direct competitor and we had n't won much recently , '' said Lille coach Galtier .
`` When I see what Paris did on Saturday , by beating Montpellier despite rotating eight players , I tell myself that it remains PSG ( as title favourites ) .
`` To be very honest , I look at what is happening behind us ...
There is a terrible fight with Monaco , Marseille , Lyon or Montpellier . ''
Lille , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling Saint-Etienne last weekend , had the best chance of the opening half but Jonathan Bamba 's strike was well saved by away goalkeeper Vito Mannone .
Lille broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute .
Jonathan Ikone avoided two challenges on the edge of the area before slipping a pass through for Canadian striker Jonathan David to score .
The hosts doubled their advantage midway through the second half as Turkish internationals Burak Yilmaz and Yazici combined , with the latter slotting in from close range .
Yazici , who was introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal , has scored four times in the league this season despite only starting twice .
Pietro Pellegri pulled one back for Monaco in the 90th minute , but there was not enough time for an equaliser .
The principality club sit fifth , five points behind PSG , who saw off Montpellier 3-1 on Saturday .
`` It would have deserved to end in a draw , so I am inevitably disappointed , '' said Monaco boss Niko Kovac .
Rudi Garcia 's Lyon extended their unbeaten run to 10 Ligue 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an early penalty miss by Metz midfielder Farid Boulaya .
Hosts Metz wasted a golden opportunity to take a seventh-minute lead when Algerian Boulaya 's spot-kick was comfortably saved by Anthony Lopes .
Lyon took the lead 10 minutes later as Memphis Depay fired into the corner from Karl Toko Ekambi 's pullback .
Cameroonian international Ekambi drilled in his sixth goal in as many matches less than two minutes after the break , before adding a penalty on the hour mark .
A four-goal victory would have taken Lyon above Lille , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ netted a consolation with 14 minutes to play for Metz , who had John Boye sent off late on .
Lyon also had Rayan Cherki dismissed in injury time in a scrappy end to the game .
Elsewhere on Sunday , Saint-Etienne 's winless league run extended to nine matches with a goalless draw at Dijon .
Strasbourg moved out of the relegation zone with a thumping 4-0 success over Nantes , while Hatem Ben Arfa scored a late winner as Bordeaux edged Brest 1-0 .
Nice laboured to a 0-0 stalemate at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Vieira as coach .

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Yusuf Yazici scored what proved to be the winner as Lille beat fellow title hopefuls Monaco 2-1 on Sunday to retake second place in Ligue 1, while Lyon cruised past Metz as the pair increased the pressure on leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Christophe Galtier's men dug deep at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy to end Monaco's four-match winning streak and move back to within two points of reigning champions PSG.
Lyon are behind Monaco on goal difference after brushing aside Metz 3-1.
Marseille are two points further back in third, but have two games in hand.
"This result is important because we were facing a direct competitor and we hadn't won much recently," said Lille coach Galtier.
"When I see what Paris did on Saturday, by beating Montpellier despite rotating eight players, I tell myself that it remains PSG (as title favourites).
"To be very honest, I look at what is happening behind us... There is a terrible fight with Monaco, Marseille, Lyon or Montpellier."
Lille, who were held to a draw by struggling Saint-Etienne last weekend, had the best chance of the opening half but Jonathan Bamba's strike was well saved by away goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
Lille broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Jonathan Ikone avoided two challenges on the edge of the area before slipping a pass through for Canadian striker Jonathan David to score.
The hosts doubled their advantage midway through the second half as Turkish internationals Burak Yilmaz and Yazici combined, with the latter slotting in from close range.
Yazici, who was introduced as a substitute three minutes before his goal, has scored four times in the league this season despite only starting twice.
Pietro Pellegri pulled one back for Monaco in the 90th minute, but there was not enough time for an equaliser.
The principality club sit fifth, five points behind PSG, who saw off Montpellier 3-1 on Saturday.
"It would have deserved to end in a draw, so I am inevitably disappointed," said Monaco boss Niko Kovac.
- Lyon punish Metz -
Rudi Garcia's Lyon extended their unbeaten run to 10 Ligue 1 matches as they made the most of an early penalty miss by Metz midfielder Farid Boulaya.
Hosts Metz wasted a golden opportunity to take a seventh-minute lead when Algerian Boulaya's spot-kick was comfortably saved by Anthony Lopes.
Lyon took the lead 10 minutes later as Memphis Depay fired into the corner from Karl Toko Ekambi's pullback.
Cameroonian international Ekambi drilled in his sixth goal in as many matches less than two minutes after the break, before adding a penalty on the hour mark.
A four-goal victory would have taken Lyon above Lille, but those hopes were dashed when Boulaya netted a consolation with 14 minutes to play for Metz, who had John Boye sent off late on.
Lyon also had Rayan Cherki dismissed in injury time in a scrappy end to the game.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Saint-Etienne's winless league run extended to nine matches with a goalless draw at Dijon.
Strasbourg moved out of the relegation zone with a thumping 4-0 success over Nantes, while Hatem Ben Arfa scored a late winner as Bordeaux edged Brest 1-0.
Nice laboured to a 0-0 stalemate at Reims in their first match since sacking Patrick Vieira as coach.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-06--Russell displays star quality before bad luck strikes twice

Rising star : George Russell led for much of the race before tyre problems ended his challenge A `` gutted '' George Russell proved himself a potential star before being deprived of a win on Sunday by a shocking Mercedes pit-stop blunder and a late puncture in the Sakhir Grand Prix .
The 22-year-old Briton , released by Williams to substitute for coronavirus victim and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton , dominated the 87-lap contest for 62 laps before a mix-up in the pits ruined his race .
Despite an extra pit stop , he climbed to second but punctured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergio Perez .
`` I 've had races where I 've had victories taken away from me , but twice ?
I could n't believe it , '' said Russell , who recovered from his late setbacks to finish ninth and clock the fastest lap –- thus claiming his first three points in Formula One .
`` I could n't believe what was happening .
I drove my heart out .
I had the race under control , especially in the beginning , and then obviously the safety car came out , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I made some good overtakes and I was fired up .
I was ready to chase Sergio to get the win back and it would have been tight , but we would have done it . ''
Russell took the initiative from the start and was five seconds clear of team-mate Valtteri Bottas after their first scheduled pit-stops when , during a second safety car intervention , Mercedes decided to 'double-stack ' their cars in the pits for new tyres .
Team chief Toto Wolff said a radio failure resulted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russell stopped first and after he drove off Bottas came in and the team discovered they did not have the right new tyres .
The front tyres from Bottas ' set of mediums were accidentally put on Russell 's car .
Russell was called in again for a second stop to have his correct tyres fitted but it meant he had driven with tyres which did not carry his driver code .
Russell faced the possibility of disqualification but stewards opted to spare him and fine Mercedes 20,000 euros ( $ 24,620 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in compliance with the regulations still rests with any team and thus a penalty is considered as being required , '' said the stewards .
The pit-stop chaos left Russell fifth at the restart following the second safety car .
He fought back to second before a puncture , ironically likely to have been caused by debris from the Williams car he usually drives , after debutant Jack Aitken lost his front wing in a crash .
Russell had to pit again and dropped to 14th .
He climbed to ninth , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land a remarkable victory .
`` If you 'd told me at the start of this weekend that I would score some points , I 'd have said 'right , that 's going to be a pretty fantastic weekend ' , but if you 'd told me I 'd be leading the race and then end up ... Aargh ...
I do n't know ... '' It really hurts .
Honestly , it really bloody hurt when I got out of the car .
I spoke to my parents straightaway .
I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 've got so much to be proud of . ''
He said Wolff , Mercedes strategist James Vowles and engineer Pete 'Bono ' Bonnington had also been positive .
`` We all hugged it out so , hopefully , I 've given Toto some problems to sort out for the future .
I 'm happy .
I 'm proud . ''

Manama (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
A "gutted" George Russell proved himself a potential star before being deprived of a win on Sunday by a shocking Mercedes pit-stop blunder and a late puncture in the Sakhir Grand Prix.
The 22-year-old Briton, released by Williams to substitute for coronavirus victim and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, dominated the 87-lap contest for 62 laps before a mix-up in the pits ruined his race.
Despite an extra pit stop, he climbed to second but punctured just as he was closing in on Sergio Perez.
"I've had races where I've had victories taken away from me, but twice? I couldn't believe it," said Russell, who recovered from his late setbacks to finish ninth and clock the fastest lap –- thus claiming his first three points in Formula One.
"I couldn't believe what was happening. I drove my heart out. I had the race under control, especially in the beginning, and then obviously the safety car came out, which was annoying, but I felt comfortable.
"I made some good overtakes and I was fired up. I was ready to chase Sergio to get the win back and it would have been tight, but we would have done it."
Russell took the initiative from the start and was five seconds clear of team-mate Valtteri Bottas after their first scheduled pit-stops when, during a second safety car intervention, Mercedes decided to 'double-stack' their cars in the pits for new tyres.
Team chief Toto Wolff said a radio failure resulted in a bungled pit-stop for both drivers. Russell stopped first and after he drove off Bottas came in and the team discovered they did not have the right new tyres.
The front tyres from Bottas' set of mediums were accidentally put on Russell's car.
Russell was called in again for a second stop to have his correct tyres fitted but it meant he had driven with tyres which did not carry his driver code.
- Russell avoids disqualification -
Russell faced the possibility of disqualification but stewards opted to spare him and fine Mercedes 20,000 euros ($24,620).
"The responsibility to fit tyres in compliance with the regulations still rests with any team and thus a penalty is considered as being required," said the stewards.
The pit-stop chaos left Russell fifth at the restart following the second safety car.
He fought back to second before a puncture, ironically likely to have been caused by debris from the Williams car he usually drives, after debutant Jack Aitken lost his front wing in a crash. Russell had to pit again and dropped to 14th.
He climbed to ninth, but he was sorely disappointed at failing to land a remarkable victory.
"If you'd told me at the start of this weekend that I would score some points, I'd have said 'right, that's going to be a pretty fantastic weekend', but if you'd told me I'd be leading the race and then end up... Aargh... I don't know...
"It really hurts. Honestly, it really bloody hurt when I got out of the car. I spoke to my parents straightaway. I knew they were feeling it. They said you've got so much to be proud of."
He said Wolff, Mercedes strategist James Vowles and engineer Pete 'Bono' Bonnington had also been positive.
"We all hugged it out so, hopefully, I've given Toto some problems to sort out for the future. I'm happy. I'm proud."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-06--Three talking points from the Premier League

Liverpool fans returned to Anfield for the first time since becoming Premier League champions After an unpredictable start to the season , a sense of normality is returning to the Premier League as all of the top six won on a weekend when fans were back in stadiums for the first time since March .
Crowds of up to 2,000 are now allowed to attend in tier-two areas for coronavirus restrictions across England , meaning West Ham , Chelsea , Tottenham and Liverpool were the first to welcome supporters back .
The Chelsea , Spurs and Liverpool fans all get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while both Manchester giants also won to ensure they remain in the title fight before they face off next weekend .
Here , AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend .
Despite the limited numbers in stadiums capable of hosting over 20 times more people , there was a welcome difference in atmosphere from months of hearing players ' and coaches ' voices ring around cavernous arenas .
At Anfield , the Kop was open for the first time since Liverpool ended a 30-year wait to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Jurgen Klopp 's injury-hit side saw off Wolves 4-0 .
`` Tonight it was so enjoyable .
It was so nice when we came out to warm up , we all had goosebumps , '' said Klopp , who saluted the Kop after the game with his trademark fist pump .
`` It was much better ( than expected ) .
It was perfect .
The noise , what the people did , you could feel and hear how long they waited for it . ''
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also hailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming from behind to beat Leeds .
`` Their input was huge with the noise they made , '' said the former England midfielder .
However , the difference fans make could lead to a disadvantage for those clubs who still find themselves in tier-three zones where games must still be played behind closed doors .
Burnley , Sheffield United , Manchester City and West Brom were not allowed to welcome supporters back this weekend .
'World-class ' Kane and Son the difference between Spurs and Arsenal Tottenham 's deadly duo Harry Kane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men back to the top of the table as they each produced a clinical finish that goal-shy Arsenal could not match .
Son alone now has as many league goals this season as the Gunners with 11 points and 14 places now separating the north London rivals .
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted his tenure in charge is `` unsustainable '' unless his side start to score goals after a fifth defeat in seven league games .
The visitors had more than twice as much possession as Spurs and more shots on goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being powered by two of the best forwards in the world in peak form .
`` When we needed two world-class strikers to score amazing goals , they did , '' said Mourinho .
The England captain and Son have now combined for 27 goals this season , with Kane providing the assist for 10 of the South Korean 's 13 strikes .
For the fifth consecutive away league game , Manchester United came from behind to win 3-1 at West Ham .
The marked difference between the dismal first half and superb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men could at least be easily explained on Saturday as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford rode to the rescue after the break .
Solskjaer had tried to keep his two key men fresh for Tuesday 's crucial Champions League trip to RB Leipzig .
But Fernandes is an irreplaceable figure for the Red Devils right now .
It was the Portuguese 's arrival in the January transfer window that transformed United 's fortunes to make it into the top four last season .
This season , Fernandes has scored five goals and provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come-from-behind wins on the road .

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
After an unpredictable start to the season, a sense of normality is returning to the Premier League as all of the top six won on a weekend when fans were back in stadiums for the first time since March.
Crowds of up to 2,000 are now allowed to attend in tier-two areas for coronavirus restrictions across England, meaning West Ham, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool were the first to welcome supporters back.
The Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool fans all get the bonus of seeing their sides win, while both Manchester giants also won to ensure they remain in the title fight before they face off next weekend.
Here, AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend.
Fans make their presence felt
Despite the limited numbers in stadiums capable of hosting over 20 times more people, there was a welcome difference in atmosphere from months of hearing players' and coaches' voices ring around cavernous arenas.
At Anfield, the Kop was open for the first time since Liverpool ended a 30-year wait to win the league title and played its part as Jurgen Klopp's injury-hit side saw off Wolves 4-0.
"Tonight it was so enjoyable. It was so nice when we came out to warm up, we all had goosebumps," said Klopp, who saluted the Kop after the game with his trademark fist pump.
"It was much better (than expected). It was perfect. The noise, what the people did, you could feel and hear how long they waited for it."
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also hailed the impact spectators had on his side coming from behind to beat Leeds.
"Their input was huge with the noise they made," said the former England midfielder.
However, the difference fans make could lead to a disadvantage for those clubs who still find themselves in tier-three zones where games must still be played behind closed doors.
Burnley, Sheffield United, Manchester City and West Brom were not allowed to welcome supporters back this weekend.
'World-class' Kane and Son the difference between Spurs and Arsenal
Tottenham's deadly duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min took Jose Mourinho's men back to the top of the table as they each produced a clinical finish that goal-shy Arsenal could not match.
Son alone now has as many league goals this season as the Gunners with 11 points and 14 places now separating the north London rivals.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted his tenure in charge is "unsustainable" unless his side start to score goals after a fifth defeat in seven league games.
The visitors had more than twice as much possession as Spurs and more shots on goal, but Tottenham's title charge is being powered by two of the best forwards in the world in peak form.
"When we needed two world-class strikers to score amazing goals, they did," said Mourinho.
The England captain and Son have now combined for 27 goals this season, with Kane providing the assist for 10 of the South Korean's 13 strikes.
United feckless without Fernandes
For the fifth consecutive away league game, Manchester United came from behind to win 3-1 at West Ham.
The marked difference between the dismal first half and superb second period from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men could at least be easily explained on Saturday as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford rode to the rescue after the break.
Solskjaer had tried to keep his two key men fresh for Tuesday's crucial Champions League trip to RB Leipzig.
But Fernandes is an irreplaceable figure for the Red Devils right now.
It was the Portuguese's arrival in the January transfer window that transformed United's fortunes to make it into the top four last season.
This season, Fernandes has scored five goals and provided four assists in his side's five come-from-behind wins on the road.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-06--Leclerc given grid penalty for causing Sakhir GP crash

Charles Leclerc 's damaged Ferrari after the first-lap crash at the Sakhir Formula One Grand Prix Charles Leclerc was handed a three-place grid penalty for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after being ruled to have caused the first-lap crash in Sunday 's dramatic Sakhir Grand Prix .
The Ferrari driver collided with eventual race winner Sergio Perez 's Racing Point when he misjudged his braking at Turn Four .
He lost control and skewed off the track into the barriers , causing Red Bull 's Max Verstappen to take evasive action , which resulted in him going through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leclerc .
Perez spun , but continued and then drove from last to claim his maiden Formula One triumph .
The stewards ruled that Leclerc had `` braked too late '' and they ruled he was responsible for the accident .
`` It was too late for me to slow down , '' admitted Leclerc .
`` I do n't think it 's a mistake from Checo ( Perez ) and I 'm not putting the blame on Checo .
If there 's anybody to blame today , it 's me . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration , said Leclerc 's actions had been `` reckless '' , especially on the opening lap .
`` I do n't know why they were being so aggressive and so reckless , '' he said .
`` We are all up in the front and at the end of the day , now , three cars basically were the victim of that -- two cars heavily . ''

Manama (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Charles Leclerc was handed a three-place grid penalty for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after being ruled to have caused the first-lap crash in Sunday's dramatic Sakhir Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver collided with eventual race winner Sergio Perez's Racing Point when he misjudged his braking at Turn Four.
He lost control and skewed off the track into the barriers, causing Red Bull's Max Verstappen to take evasive action, which resulted in him going through a gravel trap and into the barriers with Leclerc.
Perez spun, but continued and then drove from last to claim his maiden Formula One triumph.
The stewards ruled that Leclerc had "braked too late" and they ruled he was responsible for the accident.
"It was too late for me to slow down," admitted Leclerc. "I don't think it's a mistake from Checo (Perez) and I'm not putting the blame on Checo. If there's anybody to blame today, it's me."
Verstappen, who kicked the barriers in frustration, said Leclerc's actions had been "reckless", especially on the opening lap.
"I don't know why they were being so aggressive and so reckless," he said. "We are all up in the front and at the end of the day, now, three cars basically were the victim of that -- two cars heavily."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-06--Liverpool turn on style against Wolves in front of joyous Anfield

Liverpool celebrated their first appearance in front of their fans as English champions on Sunday by humbling Wolves 4-0 to join Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table .
Mohamed Salah capitalised on an error by Wolves captain Conor Coady to open the scoring midway through the first half as 2,000 supporters celebrated joyously .
Georginio Wijnaldum doubled Liverpool 's lead with a wonderful curled finish from distance shortly before the hour mark and Joel Matip put the game beyond Wolves before a late own goal added gloss to the scoreline .
The comfortable win took Jurgen Klopp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders Spurs on goal difference , with a summit meeting between the two teams on December 16 .
The visitors started brightly and Ruben Neves hit the roof of the net with an early free-kick .
The lively Sadio Mane had a chance to put Liverpool in front in the 12th minute from an Andy Robertson cross from the left but the Senegal forward could not keep his header on target .
Both teams looked sharp on the break and stand-in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was forced to scramble to his right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daniel Podence .
But the 2,000 home fans inside Anfield -- allowed into the stadium after coronavirus restrictions were eased in certain parts of England -- had something to cheer in the 24th minute .
There did not appear to be much danger when Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson sent a long ball over the top into the Wolves penalty area .
But Coady , who used to be on Liverpool 's books , got his calculations wrong .
The ball came off his chest and Salah nipped in to fire home left-footed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying minutes of the first half after Mane was adjudged to have fouled Coady .
But VAR ruled out the spot-kick after the TV replay showed there had been no contact .
Wolves searched for a way back into the match in the early stages of the second half and Coady found himself in a threatening position in the Liverpool box before Fabinho whipped the ball away .
Seconds later , Liverpool were charging forward again on the counter-attack , towards the Kop .
Henderson played a long ball which Wijnaldum collected before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left-hand corner of Rui Patricio 's net .
Liverpool put the result beyond doubt in the 67th minute when Salah 's inswinging cross was met by Joel Matip from close range .
By now the home side were in total control , with Salah trying to dance his way through Wolves defenders .
Liverpool 's fourth goal came when substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold , returning from injury , produced a delicious cross from the right which was turned in by Nelson Semedo for an own goal .

Liverpool (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Liverpool celebrated their first appearance in front of their fans as English champions on Sunday by humbling Wolves 4-0 to join Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table.
Mohamed Salah capitalised on an error by Wolves captain Conor Coady to open the scoring midway through the first half as 2,000 supporters celebrated joyously.
Georginio Wijnaldum doubled Liverpool's lead with a wonderful curled finish from distance shortly before the hour mark and Joel Matip put the game beyond Wolves before a late own goal added gloss to the scoreline.
The comfortable win took Jurgen Klopp's men to 24 points -- behind leaders Spurs on goal difference, with a summit meeting between the two teams on December 16.
The visitors started brightly and Ruben Neves hit the roof of the net with an early free-kick.
The lively Sadio Mane had a chance to put Liverpool in front in the 12th minute from an Andy Robertson cross from the left but the Senegal forward could not keep his header on target.
Both teams looked sharp on the break and stand-in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was forced to scramble to his right to keep out a cute chipped effort from Daniel Podence.
But the 2,000 home fans inside Anfield -- allowed into the stadium after coronavirus restrictions were eased in certain parts of England -- had something to cheer in the 24th minute.
There did not appear to be much danger when Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson sent a long ball over the top into the Wolves penalty area.
But Coady, who used to be on Liverpool's books, got his calculations wrong. The ball came off his chest and Salah nipped in to fire home left-footed.
Wolves were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the first half after Mane was adjudged to have fouled Coady.
But VAR ruled out the spot-kick after the TV replay showed there had been no contact.
Wolves searched for a way back into the match in the early stages of the second half and Coady found himself in a threatening position in the Liverpool box before Fabinho whipped the ball away.
Seconds later, Liverpool were charging forward again on the counter-attack, towards the Kop.
Henderson played a long ball which Wijnaldum collected before producing a measured finish into the top left-hand corner of Rui Patricio's net.
Liverpool put the result beyond doubt in the 67th minute when Salah's inswinging cross was met by Joel Matip from close range.
By now the home side were in total control, with Salah trying to dance his way through Wolves defenders.
Liverpool's fourth goal came when substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold, returning from injury, produced a delicious cross from the right which was turned in by Nelson Semedo for an own goal.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--Ghana set for close vote as rivals square off for third time

The two leading candidates in Ghana 's presidential race signed a symbolic peace pact on Friday to prevent violence following the poll Ghanaians voted Monday in an election seen as a close fight between President Nana Akufo-Addo and his longtime rival John Mahama , vying to lead the country long viewed a beacon of stability in a troubled region .
From the oceanside capital Accra to the northern city of Tamale , voters lined up at polling stations at the crack of dawn to pick a president among 12 candidates and members of parliament for 275 constituencies .
Crowds cheered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as the incumbent of the New Patriotic Party ( NPP ) cast his vote in Kyebi , a town in the eastern region .
`` I 'm feeling fine , happy that the process is going well and peacefully , '' 76-year-old Akufo-Addo said .
A November survey by the University of Ghana put Akufo-Addo ahead with 51.7 percent of support , while Ghanaian pollster Ben Ephson estimated the incumbent would garner 52.6 percent .
His challenger Mahama , 62 , of the National Democratic Congress party ( NDC ) was surrounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bole , in the northern Savannah Region .
A few polling stations opened late and long queues were seen by AFP journalists in Accra , with voters waiting for hours in the glaring sun .
But by midday , election observers had signalled no major incidents across the 38,000 polling stations , which will remain open until 1700 GMT .
`` It ’ s too early to make an assessment , but I understand there have been a few hitches , '' Mahama said after casting his vote .
`` I hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that voting will go smoothly , '' he added .
The duo have faced each other at the ballot box twice before .
Mahama was president for four years until 2016 , when his rival succeeded him .
Key issues in this year 's vote include unemployment , infrastructure , education and health .
Ghana has made giant strides over the past two decades , becoming the world 's second-largest cocoa-producing country , but many still live in extreme poverty with scarce access to clean water or electricity .
Growth in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard by the coronavirus pandemic , is expected to fall this year to 0.9 percent -- its lowest in three decades -- according to the International Monetary Fund .
At the Bawalshie primary school in a wealthy neighbourhood of Accra , 47-year-old businessman Ben Nikoi said he was voting for `` a change of government , '' adding : `` I want more improvements . ''
But Vida Agyakumaa , 44 , who works at the forestry commission , said she was backing the incumbent .
`` We do n't want change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of free education .
We want him to win . ''
Akufo-Addo has been given high marks for his handling of the pandemic and his record on free education and improving access to electricity .
But he has disappointed some with his performance on tackling graft -- the key issue on which he was elected four years ago .
However Mahama has found it hard to highlight this , as he himself left office under a cloud of corruption allegations .
Mahama has also been criticised for poor economic decisions and racking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will severely affect growth and limit the next government 's spending .
But the skilled communicator has brushed aside the criticism , making ambitious promises to build infrastructure , create jobs and modernise the country .
In a bold move , Mahama picked former education minister Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate -- the first woman on the ticket of a major party .
Ghana 's relative stability contrasts with that of other countries in the region , with deadly unrest this year in Guinea and Ivory Coast .
`` We don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fake , where it 's a theatre , '' EU 's chief observer Javier Nart told AFP at a polling station in James Town , Accra .
In Ghana , `` it 's not the Kalashnikov that commands , it is the ballot box , '' he said .
`` Of course there are hotspots here and there .
We ’ ll see but the most important is that today everything goes normally , the counting is correct , and the outcome is known as soon as possible . ''
The West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power on seven occasions since it returned to democracy nearly 30 years ago .
To ensure its continued tradition of peaceful polls , Akufo-Addo and Mahama on Friday signed a symbolic peace pact .
The coronavirus pandemic has posed a challenge in this year 's election , with 10,000 more polling stations than usual set up for the nation 's 17 million registered voters .
Hand sanitisers are available for voters , who are undergoing temperature checks .
The head of the Commonwealth Observer Group , Emmanuel Ugirashebuja , said in statement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precautions Ghana is taking to keep people safe as they cast their ballots '' .

Accra (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Ghanaians voted Monday in an election seen as a close fight between President Nana Akufo-Addo and his longtime rival John Mahama, vying to lead the country long viewed a beacon of stability in a troubled region.
From the oceanside capital Accra to the northern city of Tamale, voters lined up at polling stations at the crack of dawn to pick a president among 12 candidates and members of parliament for 275 constituencies.
Crowds cheered and chanted "four more years!" as the incumbent of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) cast his vote in Kyebi, a town in the eastern region.
"I'm feeling fine, happy that the process is going well and peacefully," 76-year-old Akufo-Addo said.
A November survey by the University of Ghana put Akufo-Addo ahead with 51.7 percent of support, while Ghanaian pollster Ben Ephson estimated the incumbent would garner 52.6 percent.
His challenger Mahama, 62, of the National Democratic Congress party (NDC) was surrounded by his supporters as he voted in Bole, in the northern Savannah Region.
A few polling stations opened late and long queues were seen by AFP journalists in Accra, with voters waiting for hours in the glaring sun.
But by midday, election observers had signalled no major incidents across the 38,000 polling stations, which will remain open until 1700 GMT.
"It’s too early to make an assessment, but I understand there have been a few hitches," Mahama said after casting his vote.
"I hope that there will be no incidents and I hope that voting will go smoothly," he added.
The duo have faced each other at the ballot box twice before. Mahama was president for four years until 2016, when his rival succeeded him.
Key issues in this year's vote include unemployment, infrastructure, education and health.
- Graft allegations -
Ghana has made giant strides over the past two decades, becoming the world's second-largest cocoa-producing country, but many still live in extreme poverty with scarce access to clean water or electricity.
Growth in the nation of 30 million people, hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, is expected to fall this year to 0.9 percent -- its lowest in three decades -- according to the International Monetary Fund.
At the Bawalshie primary school in a wealthy neighbourhood of Accra, 47-year-old businessman Ben Nikoi said he was voting for "a change of government," adding: "I want more improvements."
But Vida Agyakumaa, 44, who works at the forestry commission, said she was backing the incumbent.
"We don't want change. We need (President) Nana because of free education. We want him to win."
Akufo-Addo has been given high marks for his handling of the pandemic and his record on free education and improving access to electricity.
But he has disappointed some with his performance on tackling graft -- the key issue on which he was elected four years ago.
However Mahama has found it hard to highlight this, as he himself left office under a cloud of corruption allegations.
Mahama has also been criticised for poor economic decisions and racking up unsustainable debts -- a key issue that will severely affect growth and limit the next government's spending.
But the skilled communicator has brushed aside the criticism, making ambitious promises to build infrastructure, create jobs and modernise the country.
In a bold move, Mahama picked former education minister Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate -- the first woman on the ticket of a major party.
- Symbolic peace pact -
Ghana's relative stability contrasts with that of other countries in the region, with deadly unrest this year in Guinea and Ivory Coast.
"We don’t go to places where democracy is fake, where it's a theatre," EU's chief observer Javier Nart told AFP at a polling station in James Town, Accra.
In Ghana, "it's not the Kalashnikov that commands, it is the ballot box," he said.
"Of course there are hotspots here and there. We’ll see but the most important is that today everything goes normally, the counting is correct, and the outcome is known as soon as possible."
The West African nation has ensured peaceful transfers of power on seven occasions since it returned to democracy nearly 30 years ago.
To ensure its continued tradition of peaceful polls, Akufo-Addo and Mahama on Friday signed a symbolic peace pact.
The coronavirus pandemic has posed a challenge in this year's election, with 10,000 more polling stations than usual set up for the nation's 17 million registered voters.
Hand sanitisers are available for voters, who are undergoing temperature checks.
The head of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, said in statement that he was "very impressed with the precautions Ghana is taking to keep people safe as they cast their ballots".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--Toothless Arsenal 'letting down fans', says Holding

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is searching for answers after a poor start to the season Arsenal defender Rob Holding admitted his side were letting their fans down after a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham left them languishing in 15th spot in the Premier League table .
The FA Cup winners have won just one of their past seven league games and have just 13 points from their opening 11 games .
It is their lowest points tally at this stage of a season since the 1981/82 campaign .
Arsenal were sunk on Sunday by first-half goals from Son Heung-min and Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost Mikel Arteta 's side , who have managed just 10 league goals .
`` It is frustrating , '' Holding said of the Gunners ' poor start .
`` It is a record that you do n't want to be a part of .
`` We are frustrated as players and we are letting the fans down .
We need to change that , win some games and put that to bed . ''
Arsenal controlled much of the game in north London but Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was rarely tested as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom three have scored fewer goals than Arteta 's men so far this season and Holding knows that is where the problem lies .
`` Finding the back of the net just seems to be a problem at the moment , but hopefully there is going to be a bit of luck to change that , '' said the defender .
`` Hopefully the goals will start to come .
`` They took their chances and that 's the story of the game .
No matter how many crosses we put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of it , and put it in the back of the net , it is pointless at the end of the day .
`` We are getting the chances , it is just putting them away .
Maybe the first goal we get will just be a bit of a deflection or a trickle into the net and bit of luck on our side . ''

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Arsenal defender Rob Holding admitted his side were letting their fans down after a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham left them languishing in 15th spot in the Premier League table.
The FA Cup winners have won just one of their past seven league games and have just 13 points from their opening 11 games.
It is their lowest points tally at this stage of a season since the 1981/82 campaign.
Arsenal were sunk on Sunday by first-half goals from Son Heung-min and Harry Kane and a lack of creativity again cost Mikel Arteta's side, who have managed just 10 league goals.
"It is frustrating," Holding said of the Gunners' poor start. "It is a record that you don't want to be a part of.
"We are frustrated as players and we are letting the fans down. We need to change that, win some games and put that to bed."
Arsenal controlled much of the game in north London but Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was rarely tested as the visitors drew another blank.
Only the bottom three have scored fewer goals than Arteta's men so far this season and Holding knows that is where the problem lies.
"Finding the back of the net just seems to be a problem at the moment, but hopefully there is going to be a bit of luck to change that," said the defender. "Hopefully the goals will start to come.
"They took their chances and that's the story of the game. No matter how many crosses we put in, if we don't get on the end of it, and put it in the back of the net, it is pointless at the end of the day.
"We are getting the chances, it is just putting them away. Maybe the first goal we get will just be a bit of a deflection or a trickle into the net and bit of luck on our side."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--Japan boosts AI funding to match lonely hearts

Japan is seeking to boost its flagging birthrate by funding the use of artificial intelligence to help match lonely hearts Japan is seeking to boost its flagging birthrate by funding the use of artificial intelligence to help match lonely hearts , an official said Monday .
Although it might not conjure thoughts of romance , AI tech can match a wider and smarter range of potential suitors , the cabinet official told AFP .
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga 's government plans to allocate two billion yen ( $ 19 million ) in the next fiscal year to back local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find love , he said .
Around half of the nation 's 47 prefectures offer matchmaking services and some of them have already introduced AI systems , according to the cabinet office .
The human-run matchmaking services often use standardised forms to list people 's interests and hobbies , and AI systems can perform more advanced analysis of this data .
`` We are especially planning to offer subsidies to local governments operating or starting up matchmaking projects that use AI , '' the official said .
`` We hope this support will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's birthrate . ''
Japan 's fertility rate -- the number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime -- was 1.36 last year , one of the world 's lowest and far below the rate needed to maintain a population .
Its rapidly ageing population , also a result of long life expectancy , poses a major headache for Japanese policymakers trying to ensure a shrinking workforce can pay for the ballooning cost of welfare .

Tokyo (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Japan is seeking to boost its flagging birthrate by funding the use of artificial intelligence to help match lonely hearts, an official said Monday.
Although it might not conjure thoughts of romance, AI tech can match a wider and smarter range of potential suitors, the cabinet official told AFP.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government plans to allocate two billion yen ($19 million) in the next fiscal year to back local authorities that run schemes to help their residents find love, he said.
Around half of the nation's 47 prefectures offer matchmaking services and some of them have already introduced AI systems, according to the cabinet office.
The human-run matchmaking services often use standardised forms to list people's interests and hobbies, and AI systems can perform more advanced analysis of this data.
"We are especially planning to offer subsidies to local governments operating or starting up matchmaking projects that use AI," the official said.
"We hope this support will help reverse the decline in the nation's birthrate."
Japan's fertility rate -- the number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime -- was 1.36 last year, one of the world's lowest and far below the rate needed to maintain a population.
Its rapidly ageing population, also a result of long life expectancy, poses a major headache for Japanese policymakers trying to ensure a shrinking workforce can pay for the ballooning cost of welfare.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--British Open chiefs confirm new dates for championships

Royal Liverpool Golf Club will host the British Open in 2023 with Royal Troon taking its turn the following year @ @ @ @ @ .
Both editions of the championships have been pushed back a year following the cancellation @ @ @ @ @ Royal St George ’ s in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
That event @ @ @ @ @ links course in Kent , southeast England , from July 11 to 18 next year @ @ @ @ @ the 150th Open a year later than planned , in 2022 .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool and Royal Troon and the relevant local agencies to reschedule the championships , '' @ @ @ @ @ executive Martin Slumbers .
`` We are grateful to everyone involved at the clubs and @ @ @ @ @ supporting our plans and showing flexibility to adapt their own schedules .
`` We can @ @ @ @ @ the world 's best players competing at these outstanding links courses in 2023 and 2024 @ @

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Royal Liverpool Golf Club will host the British Open in 2023 with Royal Troon taking its turn the following year, organisers confirmed on Monday.
Both editions of the championships have been pushed back a year following the cancellation of the 149th Open at Royal St George’s in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
That event will be played at the links course in Kent, southeast England, from July 11 to 18 next year.
St Andrews will stage the 150th Open a year later than planned, in 2022.
"We have been working closely with Royal Liverpool and Royal Troon and the relevant local agencies to reschedule the championships," said R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers.
"We are grateful to everyone involved at the clubs and at our partner organisations for supporting our plans and showing flexibility to adapt their own schedules.
"We can now look forward to seeing the world's best players competing at these outstanding links courses in 2023 and 2024."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--Lebanese-French businessman freed but grounded: judicial source

Takieddine , seen in this file picture taken in 2016 , fled to Beirut in June , when a French court condemned him to five years in jail in a case involving millions of euros in kickbacks from arms sales to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed in 1994 Lebanon on Monday released a Lebanese-French businessman who has been on the run from French authorities since June , but banned him from travel pending investigation , a Lebanese judicial source said .
Lebanese security forces detained Ziad Takieddine last week at the request of Interpol .
Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` determining his place of residence , confiscating his passports and banning him from leaving Lebanese territory , '' the source told AFP .
Takieddine had fled to Beirut in June , when a French court condemned him to five years in jail in a case involving millions of euros in kickbacks from arms sales to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed in 1994 .
Lebanon would soon request France provide it with Takieddine 's legal file so it can review charges against him , the judicial source said .
If the charges were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tried in Lebanon as a Lebanese citizen , the source added .
A French judicial source told AFP he was sceptical of the possibility of extradition to France .
`` France and Lebanon have not concluded an extradition agreement and Lebanon does not extradite its nationals .
The proceedings could very quickly end there , '' the source said .
Takieddine was also once the main accuser in an inquiry into suspected Libyan financing of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy 's 2007 election campaign .
The businessman was investigated in late 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered millions of euros in cash from Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi .
Sarkozy caught a break last month when Takieddine suddenly retracted his claim .
A judicial source in France denied Takieddine 's latest arrest was linked to the Sarkozy affair , declining to provide further details .
Takieddine spent two weeks in jail in Lebanon until November 10 as part of a disagreement with his former lawyer Hani Mourad , then was released .
A Lebanese legal source who asked to remain anonymous said Takieddine was being pursued in a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges of slander , fraud and forgery .

Beirut (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Lebanon on Monday released a Lebanese-French businessman who has been on the run from French authorities since June, but banned him from travel pending investigation, a Lebanese judicial source said.
Lebanese security forces detained Ziad Takieddine last week at the request of Interpol.
Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat on Monday freed the 70-year-old under judicial supervision after "determining his place of residence, confiscating his passports and banning him from leaving Lebanese territory," the source told AFP.
Takieddine had fled to Beirut in June, when a French court condemned him to five years in jail in a case involving millions of euros in kickbacks from arms sales to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed in 1994.
Lebanon would soon request France provide it with Takieddine's legal file so it can review charges against him, the judicial source said.
If the charges were found to be justified, he could be tried in Lebanon as a Lebanese citizen, the source added.
A French judicial source told AFP he was sceptical of the possibility of extradition to France.
"France and Lebanon have not concluded an extradition agreement and Lebanon does not extradite its nationals. The proceedings could very quickly end there," the source said.
Takieddine was also once the main accuser in an inquiry into suspected Libyan financing of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign.
The businessman was investigated in late 2016 after he told the media he had delivered millions of euros in cash from Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
Sarkozy caught a break last month when Takieddine suddenly retracted his claim.
A judicial source in France denied Takieddine's latest arrest was linked to the Sarkozy affair, declining to provide further details.
Takieddine spent two weeks in jail in Lebanon until November 10 as part of a disagreement with his former lawyer Hani Mourad, then was released.
A Lebanese legal source who asked to remain anonymous said Takieddine was being pursued in a number of financial cases in Lebanon, including on charges of slander, fraud and forgery.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--African players in Europe: Virus victim Zaha back with a bang

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha made an immediate impact on his return to the English Premier League after testing positive for coronavirus , scoring twice in a 5-1 rout of 10-man West Bromwich Albion .
The brace from the Ivory Coast star took his season goal tally to seven from nine matches as he once again demonstrated is huge value to the Eagles .
Egyptian Mohamed Salah and Cameroonian Joel Matip both scored as Liverpool celebrated the return of spectators to Anfield with a 4-0 whipping of Wolverhampton Wanderers .
Here , AFP Sport rounds up the performances of African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend .
Zaha provoked Darnell Furlong 's own-goal to give the visitors an early lead before Matheus Pereira 's red card left the Baggies a man light for over 55 minutes .
The Ivorian took full advantage by brilliantly curling into the far corner before tapping home a loose ball from close range .
Salah opened the floodgates as Liverpool celebrated the return of 2,000 fans to Anfield for the first time since they were crowned English champions after a 30-year wait with a 4-0 win over Wolves .
Defender Matip made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cross and Mane also played his part despite going a sixth straight league game without a goal for the first time in his Liverpool career .
The Senegalese seemed set to sweep home Liverpool 's fourth until Wolves defender Nelson Semedo slid in and turned the ball into his own net .
The Moroccan goalkeeper gift-wrapped Real Madrid victory on his return to the Sevilla line-up following a four-match absence after testing positive for coronavirus .
As Vinicius Junior stretched to reach a low cross , a distracted Bono spilled the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of a 1-0 loss .
Ivory Coast midfielder Kessie was in imperious form as AC Milan continued their unexpected bid for a first league title since 2011 with a 2-1 win at Sampdoria .
The 23-year-old coolly put away the penalty that gave Milan the lead on the stroke of half-time , sending Stefano Pioli 's side on their way to a hard-fought win that ensured they kept hold of their five-point lead over local rivals Inter Milan at the top of Serie A .
The Moroccan international starred in a 3-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two points behind leaders Milan .
Hakimi , who joined the title chasers from Real Madrid , put Inter two goals ahead just before the break at the San Siro when he latched on to Marcelo Brozovic 's fine long pass , and made sure of the points with a superb individual goal with 20 minutes remaining .
The Nigerian striker gave his side the lead in the Berlin derby , but 10-man Union were ultimately beaten 3-1 away to city rivals Hertha .
Set up by a brilliant pass from Marcus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Schwolow to put Union in front on 20 minutes .
The Mali midfielder set up Justin Kluivert for Leipzig 's second goal in a thrilling top-of-the-table 3-3 draw with champions Bayern Munich .
Haidara released Kluivert in the box to draw Leipzig level after Bayern had come from behind to lead 2-1 in the first half .
The result kept Bayern two points ahead of Leipzig .
The Democratic Republic of Congo winger scored both goals in his side 's 2-1 win at Werder Bremen , but was booked for unsportsmanlike conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After converting a penalty in the first half , Wamangituka pounced on a defensive error in stoppage time and slowly walked the ball into the open net to seal the three points .
The provocative finish earned him a yellow card and prompted a furious reaction from his opponents , with Bremen striker Davie Selke calling it `` disrespectful '' .
Algerian Boulaya , who made his international debut in October , had an early penalty saved before he scored a late consolation as Metz lost 3-1 at home to Lyon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the end after a clash with Lyon 's Marcelo at a set-piece .
The Cameroon forward scored twice and provided the assist for Memphis Depay 's opener as Lyon won for the sixth time in seven games in Ligue 1 .
Toko Ekambi has scored seven goals during that run .
He blasted a left-foot strike into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 before applying a cool finish for his second after running in behind the defence .

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha made an immediate impact on his return to the English Premier League after testing positive for coronavirus, scoring twice in a 5-1 rout of 10-man West Bromwich Albion.
The brace from the Ivory Coast star took his season goal tally to seven from nine matches as he once again demonstrated is huge value to the Eagles.
Egyptian Mohamed Salah and Cameroonian Joel Matip both scored as Liverpool celebrated the return of spectators to Anfield with a 4-0 whipping of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Here, AFP Sport rounds up the performances of African stars in the major European leagues at the weekend.
ENGLAND
WILFRIED ZAHA (Crystal Palace)
Zaha provoked Darnell Furlong's own-goal to give the visitors an early lead before Matheus Pereira's red card left the Baggies a man light for over 55 minutes. The Ivorian took full advantage by brilliantly curling into the far corner before tapping home a loose ball from close range.
MOHAMED SALAH, JOEL MATIP, SADIO MANE (Liverpool)
Salah opened the floodgates as Liverpool celebrated the return of 2,000 fans to Anfield for the first time since they were crowned English champions after a 30-year wait with a 4-0 win over Wolves. Defender Matip made it 3-0 when he headed home Salah's cross and Mane also played his part despite going a sixth straight league game without a goal for the first time in his Liverpool career. The Senegalese seemed set to sweep home Liverpool's fourth until Wolves defender Nelson Semedo slid in and turned the ball into his own net.
SPAIN
BONO (Sevilla)
The Moroccan goalkeeper gift-wrapped Real Madrid victory on his return to the Sevilla line-up following a four-match absence after testing positive for coronavirus. As Vinicius Junior stretched to reach a low cross, a distracted Bono spilled the ball into his own net in the first half of a 1-0 loss.
ITALY
FRANCK KESSIE (AC Milan)
Ivory Coast midfielder Kessie was in imperious form as AC Milan continued their unexpected bid for a first league title since 2011 with a 2-1 win at Sampdoria. The 23-year-old coolly put away the penalty that gave Milan the lead on the stroke of half-time, sending Stefano Pioli's side on their way to a hard-fought win that ensured they kept hold of their five-point lead over local rivals Inter Milan at the top of Serie A.
ACHRAF HAKIMI (Inter Milan)
The Moroccan international starred in a 3-1 win over Bologna that temporarily put Inter just two points behind leaders Milan. Hakimi, who joined the title chasers from Real Madrid, put Inter two goals ahead just before the break at the San Siro when he latched on to Marcelo Brozovic's fine long pass, and made sure of the points with a superb individual goal with 20 minutes remaining.
GERMANY
TAIWO AWONIYI (Union Berlin)
The Nigerian striker gave his side the lead in the Berlin derby, but 10-man Union were ultimately beaten 3-1 away to city rivals Hertha. Set up by a brilliant pass from Marcus Ingvartsen, Awoniyi slotted the ball past Alexander Schwolow to put Union in front on 20 minutes.
AMADOU HAIDARA (RB Leipzig)
The Mali midfielder set up Justin Kluivert for Leipzig's second goal in a thrilling top-of-the-table 3-3 draw with champions Bayern Munich. Haidara released Kluivert in the box to draw Leipzig level after Bayern had come from behind to lead 2-1 in the first half. The result kept Bayern two points ahead of Leipzig.
SILAS WAMANGITUKA (Stuttgart)
The Democratic Republic of Congo winger scored both goals in his side's 2-1 win at Werder Bremen, but was booked for unsportsmanlike conduct for the way he scored the second. After converting a penalty in the first half, Wamangituka pounced on a defensive error in stoppage time and slowly walked the ball into the open net to seal the three points. The provocative finish earned him a yellow card and prompted a furious reaction from his opponents, with Bremen striker Davie Selke calling it "disrespectful".
FRANCE
FARID BOULAYA, JOHN BOYE (Metz)
Algerian Boulaya, who made his international debut in October, had an early penalty saved before he scored a late consolation as Metz lost 3-1 at home to Lyon. Veteran Ghanaian defender Boye was sent off near the end after a clash with Lyon's Marcelo at a set-piece.
KARL TOKO EKAMBI (Lyon)
The Cameroon forward scored twice and provided the assist for Memphis Depay's opener as Lyon won for the sixth time in seven games in Ligue 1. Toko Ekambi has scored seven goals during that run. He blasted a left-foot strike into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 before applying a cool finish for his second after running in behind the defence.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--Macron says French arms sales to Egypt will not be conditional on human rights

French President Emmanuel Macron ( R ) has been criticised for saying during an October 2017 visit by Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Paris that he would not `` lecture '' Egypt .
French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a joint press conference Monday during the Egyptian leader ’ s state visit to France , during which Macron said that placing human rights-related conditions on relations with Egypt would be ‘ inefficient ’ on rights and ‘ unproductive ’ on fighting terrorism .
Macron said that he spoke ‘ frankly ’ to Sisi about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the afternoon conference .
While the talks were to be focused on fighting terrorism , the Libyan conflict and other regional issues , Egypt ’ s rights record has dominated headlines amid criticisms of Macron ’ s reluctance to publicly broach the issue .
The Egyptian leader arrived in France Sunday for a visit that will also include talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian .
Egypt is a key regional ally and has concluded several arms deals with France since 2015 , including the purchase of two French-made Mistral-class helicopter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jets .
French officials have dismissed the criticisms and say Paris is following a policy of not openly criticising countries over human rights so as to be more effective in private on a case-by-case basis .

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said he would not condition the future sale of French arms to Egypt on human rights because he did not want to weaken Cairo’s ability to counter terrorism in the region. Macron however said he spoke “frankly” to Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about human rights during his state visit to France.
Advertising Read more
Speaking to reporters at a joint press conference at the Élysée presidential palace, Macron said it was more “effective” to focus on dialogue between the two countries.
"I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements [over human rights]," said Macron. "It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one of our partners in the fight against terrorism," he added.
Macron however said he had discussed a number of human rights cases with his Egyptian counterpart, including the case of Palestinian-Egyptian activist Ramy Shaath, husband of French national Celine Lebrun, who was arrested in July 2019 on accusations of acting against the state.
Earlier on Monday, France had welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade through Paris.
France views Egypt and its leader as a bulwark against Islamist militants in the Sinai Peninsula and Libya.
Egypt has concluded several arms deals with France since 2015, including the purchase of two French-made Mistral-class helicopter carriers and two dozen Rafale advanced fighter jets.
But Egypt’s human rights record has dominated the headlines during the state visit with rights organisations accusing Macron’s administration of turning a blind eye to what they say are Sisi's government's increasing violations of freedoms.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-12-07--Japan politician voted out after accusing mayor of sexual assault

Campaigns like the # MeToo movement have struggled to take off in Japan , where rape victims rarely report the crime to the police The only female councillor in a Japanese town has been voted out of office after accusing the mayor of sexual assault , in a recall organised by colleagues who claimed she had sullied the town 's reputation .
Shoko Arai last November said that the mayor of Kusatsu had `` forced ( her ) into sexual relations '' in his office several years prior , allegations he denies .
She made the claims at a press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid to go to the police immediately after the incident .
Arai , who was Kusatsu 's only female councillor until the vote , last year said 73-year-old mayor Nobutada Kuroiwa had `` suddenly pulled me closer , kissed me and pushed ( me ) down on the floor '' and she `` could n't push him back . ''
Kuroiwa has said the claims were impossible because his office door and curtains were open on the day of the alleged incident .
He has filed a defamation complaint with local police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians in the town , who accused her of `` scandalous '' remarks that hurt `` the dignity '' of the council .
That decision was then overturned by regional authorities , but local politicians collected enough signatures from voters to stage a recall vote , public broadcaster NHK said .
A town spokesman told AFP that `` 2,542 out of 2,835 residents who voted supported the recall . ''
Arai , 51 , condemned the vote as `` unjust '' , insisting she `` will not be terrorised by pressure from people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily reported .
Her former colleagues defended the decision , with a representative for the lawmakers who organised the vote telling NHK they `` want to work on restoring the damaged reputation of the town . ''
Japan ranks bottom among G7 countries on female representation in politics and business , and campaigns like the # MeToo movement have struggled to take off in the country .
It is rare for rape victims to report the crime to the police -- according to a 2017 government survey , only four percent of women @ @ @

Tokyo (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
The only female councillor in a Japanese town has been voted out of office after accusing the mayor of sexual assault, in a recall organised by colleagues who claimed she had sullied the town's reputation.
Shoko Arai last November said that the mayor of Kusatsu had "forced (her) into sexual relations" in his office several years prior, allegations he denies.
She made the claims at a press conference, saying she had been too afraid to go to the police immediately after the incident.
Arai, who was Kusatsu's only female councillor until the vote, last year said 73-year-old mayor Nobutada Kuroiwa had "suddenly pulled me closer, kissed me and pushed (me) down on the floor" and she "couldn't push him back."
Kuroiwa has said the claims were impossible because his office door and curtains were open on the day of the alleged incident. He has filed a defamation complaint with local police.
Arai was removed from office by fellow politicians in the town, who accused her of "scandalous" remarks that hurt "the dignity" of the council.
That decision was then overturned by regional authorities, but local politicians collected enough signatures from voters to stage a recall vote, public broadcaster NHK said.
A town spokesman told AFP that "2,542 out of 2,835 residents who voted supported the recall."
Arai, 51, condemned the vote as "unjust", insisting she "will not be terrorised by pressure from people with power," the Asahi Shimbun daily reported.
Her former colleagues defended the decision, with a representative for the lawmakers who organised the vote telling NHK they "want to work on restoring the damaged reputation of the town."
Japan ranks bottom among G7 countries on female representation in politics and business, and campaigns like the #MeToo movement have struggled to take off in the country.
It is rare for rape victims to report the crime to the police -- according to a 2017 government survey, only four percent of women come forward.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--Nobel laureates receive prizes at home amid pandemic

A ceremony broadcast live without an audience will be held in Stockholm 's city hall on Thursday , including a concert and videos of the awards being handed out Adjusting to a world where travel is hampered by the pandemic , this year 's Nobel laureates will receive their prizes at home this week following the cancellation of the traditional Stockholm and Oslo ceremonies .
The awards in the six categories were announced in nearly typical fashion in October , albeit with fewer reporters in physical attendance .
However , none of the winners will travel to Stockholm or Oslo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Covid-19 pandemic .
The ceremonies are traditionally held on December 10 , the anniversary of the 1896 death of the prize 's founder , Swedish entrepeneur and inventor of dynamite Alfred Nobel .
The lavish Stockholm ceremony has n't been cancelled since World War II , and the last time the Oslo ceremony was scrapped was in 1976 when the peace prize was `` reserved '' until the following year owing to a lack of suitable nominations .
First out to accept her Nobel this year will be France 's Emmanuelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take part in a ceremony on Monday evening with the Swedish ambassador in Berlin .
Her co-laureate Jennifer Doudna will receive the honours at a ceremony in Berkeley , California , on Tuesday .
The west coast US state will also see economics winners Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson get their awards in Palo Alto on Tuesday and physics laureate Andrea Ghez receive her prize in Los Angeles on Wednesday .
The two other physics winners , Roger Penrose and Reinhard Genzel , will accept their prizes in London and Munich on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles Rice will receive their prizes at Swedish diplomatic missions in Washington and New York .
New York poet Louise Gluck will accept her literature prize at her home , as will Briton Michael Houghton , who shared the medicine prize and lives in Canada .
The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize , which is normally handed out in Norway 's capital Oslo , will be presented in Rome on Thursday to World Food Programme executive director David Beasley at a ceremony broadcast online .
In lieu of the traditional ceremony in Stockholm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royal banquet , a ceremony broadcast live without an audience will be held in Stockholm 's city hall on Thursday , including a concert and videos of the awards being handed out .
The festivities conclude a week of lectures and speeches by the laureates , held online this year .

Stockholm (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Adjusting to a world where travel is hampered by the pandemic, this year's Nobel laureates will receive their prizes at home this week following the cancellation of the traditional Stockholm and Oslo ceremonies.
The awards in the six categories were announced in nearly typical fashion in October, albeit with fewer reporters in physical attendance.
However, none of the winners will travel to Stockholm or Oslo to receive their diplomas and medals due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ceremonies are traditionally held on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of the prize's founder, Swedish entrepeneur and inventor of dynamite Alfred Nobel.
The lavish Stockholm ceremony hasn't been cancelled since World War II, and the last time the Oslo ceremony was scrapped was in 1976 when the peace prize was "reserved" until the following year owing to a lack of suitable nominations.
First out to accept her Nobel this year will be France's Emmanuelle Charpentier, the co-laureate in chemistry who will take part in a ceremony on Monday evening with the Swedish ambassador in Berlin.
Her co-laureate Jennifer Doudna will receive the honours at a ceremony in Berkeley, California, on Tuesday.
The west coast US state will also see economics winners Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson get their awards in Palo Alto on Tuesday and physics laureate Andrea Ghez receive her prize in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The two other physics winners, Roger Penrose and Reinhard Genzel, will accept their prizes in London and Munich on Tuesday.
Medicine laureates Harvey Alter and Charles Rice will receive their prizes at Swedish diplomatic missions in Washington and New York.
New York poet Louise Gluck will accept her literature prize at her home, as will Briton Michael Houghton, who shared the medicine prize and lives in Canada.
The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, which is normally handed out in Norway's capital Oslo, will be presented in Rome on Thursday to World Food Programme executive director David Beasley at a ceremony broadcast online.
In lieu of the traditional ceremony in Stockholm, which is normally followed by a lavish royal banquet, a ceremony broadcast live without an audience will be held in Stockholm's city hall on Thursday, including a concert and videos of the awards being handed out.
The festivities conclude a week of lectures and speeches by the laureates, held online this year.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--Ghana votes as candidates pitch plan to fight inequalities, poverty

Ghanaians vote in elections on Monday in which President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Mahama offer rival promises to @ @ @ @ @ its first quarterly contraction in nearly 40 years .
FRANCE 24 's Sam Bradpiece reports @ @ @

Ghana votes as candidates pitch plans to fight inequalities, poverty
02:03
Video by: Sam BRADPIECE
Ghanaians vote in elections on Monday in which President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Mahama offer rival promises to help the economy rebound from its first quarterly contraction in nearly 40 years. FRANCE 24's Sam Bradpiece reports from Ghana.


france24--2020-12-07--Sissi in France: Egyptian President arrives in Paris for 3-day visit

Sissi in France : Egyptian President arrives in Paris for 3-day visit Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is paying a state @ @ @ @ @ on fighting terrorism , the conflict in Libya and other regional issues , amid criticism @ @ @ @ @ the Egyptian leader 's crackdown on dissent .
El-Sissi has overseen the largest crackdown on @ @ @ @ @ memory , jailing thousands of Islamists along with pro-democracy activists , reversing freedoms won in @ @ @ @ @ , silencing critics and placing draconian rules on rights groups .
FRANCE 24 's Philip @ @ @ @ @

Sissi in France: Egyptian President arrives in Paris for 3-day visit
03:11
Video by: Philip TURLE
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is paying a state visit to France for talks on fighting terrorism, the conflict in Libya and other regional issues, amid criticism from human rights groups over the Egyptian leader's crackdown on dissent. El-Sissi has overseen the largest crackdown on critics in Egypt in living memory, jailing thousands of Islamists along with pro-democracy activists, reversing freedoms won in the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, silencing critics and placing draconian rules on rights groups. FRANCE 24's Philip Turle tells us more.


france24--2020-12-07--Kenya conservationists saved giraffe from flooded island

A team of wildlife conservationists rescued eight giraffes from a flooded island in western Kenya .
Save Giraffes Now say @ @ @ @ @ giraffes will have “ space , protection and an abundance of grazing ” in their @ @ @ @ @

Kenya conservationists saved giraffe from flooded island
01:03
Video by: Sharon GAFFNEY
A team of wildlife conservationists rescued eight giraffes from a flooded island in western Kenya. Save Giraffes Now say the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes will have “space, protection and an abundance of grazing” in their new 1,780 hectare home.


france24--2020-12-07--No visible progress yet on key day for final Brexit deal

No visible progress yet on key day for final Brexit deal One of the most intense days in the long-running @ @ @ @ @ with little good news about any progress Monday , with the United Kingdom and the @ @ @ @ @ on the same issues that have dogged the standoff for months .

No visible progress yet on key day for final Brexit deal
01:44
One of the most intense days in the long-running Brexit trade negotiations started off with little good news about any progress Monday, with the United Kingdom and the European Union seemingly still stuck on the same issues that have dogged the standoff for months.


france24--2020-12-07--Bottas made to 'look like a fool' by Mercedes stand-in Russell

Valtteri Bottas was outshone by Mercedes ' substitute driver George Russell despite finishing a place above the young Briton Valtteri Bottas admitted he was made to look `` like a fool '' in Sunday 's Sakhir Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton 's substitute George Russell outperformed him with a stellar , if unrewarded , drive .
The Mercedes pair finished eighth and ninth , with Bottas ahead , after an action-filled race , but it was Russell who shone as he had a stunning maiden victory taken from him by a bungled pit stop and a late puncture .
Bottas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost the lead at the start and struggled to mount a challenge as the young Briton , standing in for Covid-19 victim Hamilton , showed pace and poise at the front for 62 laps .
`` If you do n't know things , I might have looked like a complete fool , so that 's not nice , '' said Bottas .
`` But the people who know , they know how the performance was and how the end result could have been .
`` It was a pretty bad race for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that a new guy comes in and he beats the guy who has been in the team a few years -- so it was not ideal .
`` I knew that in the first stint , with the medium tyre , that the track position would be important so obviously it was unfortunate to lose that .
`` But in the second stint , I was catching him at a pretty decent rate . ''
Bottas 's bid to respond to Russell was undone when they both pitted during a safety car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's hard to explain the feeling when you come to a pit stop and you leave with the same old tyres that you came in with -- and then lose positions , '' said the Finn .
`` Obviously , a big mistake from the team that will be analysed and learned from –- it was a nightmare being on the old tyres that had lost temperature .
I was like a sitting duck . ''

Manama (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Valtteri Bottas admitted he was made to look "like a fool" in Sunday's Sakhir Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton's substitute George Russell outperformed him with a stellar, if unrewarded, drive.
The Mercedes pair finished eighth and ninth, with Bottas ahead, after an action-filled race, but it was Russell who shone as he had a stunning maiden victory taken from him by a bungled pit stop and a late puncture.
Bottas, who started from pole position, lost the lead at the start and struggled to mount a challenge as the young Briton, standing in for Covid-19 victim Hamilton, showed pace and poise at the front for 62 laps.
"If you don't know things, I might have looked like a complete fool, so that's not nice," said Bottas.
"But the people who know, they know how the performance was and how the end result could have been.
"It was a pretty bad race for me and it's easy for people to say that a new guy comes in and he beats the guy who has been in the team a few years -- so it was not ideal.
"I knew that in the first stint, with the medium tyre, that the track position would be important so obviously it was unfortunate to lose that.
"But in the second stint, I was catching him at a pretty decent rate."
Bottas's bid to respond to Russell was undone when they both pitted during a safety car period and Mercedes muddled up their tyres.
"It's hard to explain the feeling when you come to a pit stop and you leave with the same old tyres that you came in with -- and then lose positions," said the Finn.
"Obviously, a big mistake from the team that will be analysed and learned from –- it was a nightmare being on the old tyres that had lost temperature. I was like a sitting duck."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-07--US-Georgia Senate runoff: Republican, democratic contenders face off in debate

Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler faced off with Democratic challenger the Rev .
Raphael Warnock on Sunday in what is likely @ @ @ @ @ before two Georgia runoff elections that will decide control of the US Senate .

US-Georgia Senate runoff: Republican, democratic contenders face off in debate
01:40
Video by: Camille NEDELEC
Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler faced off with Democratic challenger the Rev. Raphael Warnock on Sunday in what is likely to be their final debate before two Georgia runoff elections that will decide control of the US Senate.


france24--2020-12-08--Medical arm of China's JD.com surges 34% on HK debut

JD Health International 's share sale is the biggest IPO in Hong Kong this year The medical arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com soared 34 percent in the first few minutes of its debut on the Hong Kong stock market Tuesday morning after raising HK $ 27 billion ( $ 3.5 billion ) in an initial public offering .
JD Health 's share price hit HK $ 94.50 , well above its listing price of HK $ 70.58 .
JD Health International 's share sale , the biggest IPO in the financial hub this year , comes after its parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city and on the back of a rise in demand for its services during the pandemic .
That share price values the company , China 's biggest online healthcare platform and retail pharmacy , at as much as 28.5 billion .
Hong Kong has seen a spate of IPOs in 2020 , delivering a shot in the arm for the city after a turbulent couple of years that have been blighted by sometimes-violent democracy protests , the coronavirus and fallout from China 's new national security law .
JD.com 's sale in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech firm , NetEase , raised $ 2.7 billion and followed Beijing-Shanghai High Speed Railway 's $ 4.3-billion listing in January .
However , the share market was dealt a blow earlier this month when Ant Group , the financial arm of JD rival Alibaba , was forced to pull its world-record $ 35 billion listing under pressure from Chinese authorities .
But Tuesday 's debut performance by JD Health showed the city remains an attractive location for listings .
JD Health 's total revenue rose to 8.8 billion yuan ( $ 1.34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 from 5 billion yuan in the same period last year , it said in its prospectus .
Chinese tech companies are increasingly looking to move into digital healthcare after months of lockdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic , which emerged in central China late last year .

Hong Kong (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
The medical arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com soared 34 percent in the first few minutes of its debut on the Hong Kong stock market Tuesday morning after raising HK$27 billion ($3.5 billion) in an initial public offering.
JD Health's share price hit HK$94.50, well above its listing price of HK$70.58.
JD Health International's share sale, the biggest IPO in the financial hub this year, comes after its parent raised around $4 billion in the city and on the back of a rise in demand for its services during the pandemic.
That share price values the company, China's biggest online healthcare platform and retail pharmacy, at as much as 28.5 billion.
Hong Kong has seen a spate of IPOs in 2020, delivering a shot in the arm for the city after a turbulent couple of years that have been blighted by sometimes-violent democracy protests, the coronavirus and fallout from China's new national security law.
JD.com's sale in June came around the same time as another tech firm, NetEase, raised $2.7 billion and followed Beijing-Shanghai High Speed Railway's $4.3-billion listing in January.
However, the share market was dealt a blow earlier this month when Ant Group, the financial arm of JD rival Alibaba, was forced to pull its world-record $35 billion listing under pressure from Chinese authorities.
But Tuesday's debut performance by JD Health showed the city remains an attractive location for listings.
JD Health's total revenue rose to 8.8 billion yuan ($1.34 billion) in the first half of 2020 from 5 billion yuan in the same period last year, it said in its prospectus.
Chinese tech companies are increasingly looking to move into digital healthcare after months of lockdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which emerged in central China late last year.
© 2020 AFP