Masashi ‘Jumbo ‘ Ozaki, Japan’s most successful professional golfer, passed away at the age of 78.
Ozaki won 94 of the nation’s top 12 victories on the Japan Tour and topped the nation’s order of merit, earning the nickname Jumbo for his length off the tee.
He was inducted into the 2011 World Golf Hall of Fame after nearly 200 weeks in the top 10 of golf’s rankings.
Ozaki, according to his profile on the World Golf Hall of Fame website, “was the person who gave the game a new life to the game and his emergence spawned an unprecedented growth in the game in Japan.”
Before turning to golf, Ozaki won his first championship match at the age of 26 and his final appearance at age 55.
He and his entourage used to travel to Japan with a sushi chef when they used to play there so they could feel more at home away from their home countries and received top 10 finishes at The Open, Masters, and US Open.
In the late 1980s, Ozaki also made a comeback by singing, recording three singles on Japanese charts.
Tomoharu, Ozaki’s son, was reported to have been informed that his father had passed away after being diagnosed with colon cancer about a year ago in a statement posted on the website of the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO).
Yutaka Morohoshi, the chairman of JGTO, said, “The golf world has lost a truly great man.”
We are entering the crunch time of Christmas. Between December 26 and January 6, there will be four deadlines for Gameweeks 18-21.
Expect a lot of rotation, injuries, suspensions, and ongoing absences as a result of the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, there is no reason to be alarmed. FPL managers who make wise decisions, stay connected with their teams, and adhere to deadlines frequently advance in ranks and mini-leagues.
Don’t let suspensions deter you.
There are things that can be planned for despite the chaos.
A number of players face suspension for reaching five yellow cards before the holiday season.
Should Antoine Semenyo receive another yellow card before Game Week 19, players will be served a one-game ban. Additionally, a number of players have left for Afcon.
“Pay attention to your squad’s bench placement”
Pay attention to the bench placement in your squad because the holidays are notorious for a lot of rotation.
Use a transfer to ensure you receive a good first and even second sub the majority of the time.
Despite fixture pile-up, I still think long-term.
Not to take a chance in the near future.
The value of 90-minute players
Players who regularly play 90 minutes for their teams are even more valuable at this time of year.
The rotation risk players are frequently prime candidates for missing the odd game during this time because more minutes typically translate to more FPL points.
Avoid making transfers too soon.
Even minor annoyances can cause players to miss two or three games. A quick turnaround accomplishes that.
For the most recent injury news and possible line-ups, follow trustworthy sources and press conferences.
Arsenal are sitting top of the Premier League at Christmas, but it is BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton who leads the way when it comes to predictions.
Sutton, who had previously led the Premier League with Norwich in 1992 and Blackburn in 1994, declared, “I’m number one at Christmas- again,” and then won the title with Rovers.
“It’s a big deal for me to be top, as well as for Arsenal.
” AI is the go-to for virtually everyone in the world whenever they have to ask anything, so the fact that I am beating it – and let’s face it, I have stuffed it for half a season now – is pretty incredible. I’m delighted because it says a lot about me.
“Rather than asking AI about everything, maybe people should come to me to tap into my intelligence instead”?
Sutton is anticipating AI, BBC Sport readers, and a host of other guests for all 380 Premier League games this season.
For week 18 – the festive fixtures on Boxing Day and the weekend of 27 and 28 December – he takes on Jonny Stewart, bass singer with sea shanty folk supergroup The Wellermen, who is a Newcastle fan.
The Wellermen were the originators of the sea shanty trend on TikTok, with their versions of Misty Mountain, Nancy Mulligan and Hoist the Colours racking up billions of views.
Do you concur with their evaluations? You can make your own predictions below.
The tables and scoreboards at the bottom of this page feature the most widely used scoreline for each game.
The Wellermen
Some of Jonny’s earliest memories as a fan were the FA Cup finals that Newcastle lost in 1998 and 1999, but he was finally able to celebrate a trophy when the Magpies won the Carabao Cup in March.
He claimed that we were actually on a tour in Colorado the day before, having just played a show in Boulder the following day.
“I was frantically Googling where I could watch the game a few weeks before, when we’d reached the final, and whether I could find anyone to watch it with me – because on Mountain Time it kicked off around 10am.
” I connected with the Mile High Magpies, the Denver area supporters ‘ club, and they said to come along to this bar. More than 100 Newcastle fans were crammed into the space, despite there being a few Liverpool supporters. It was brilliant.
In the run-up to the game, I made the decision to purchase a Dan Burn Carabao Cup final shirt because I believed that having the most illustrious local man on the back of my jersey would mean a lot.
” So, when Big Dan scored one of the best headers I’ve ever seen to put us 1-0 up, I cried so hard.
“Being away from home, and away from my best mate Angus, who I’d usually watch our games with, was hard – he was Facetiming me from this pub in Chelmsford which had about two people in, so I’d found a much better place.
“And then I witnessed our complete defeat of the league’s top team and the end of our trophy drought. It really doesn’t get much better than that. “
Chris Bevan spoke with BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and Jonny Stewart.
Premier League predictions
Friday, December 26
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Manchester United got a bit of praise for their performance against Aston Villa, even though they were beaten.
The key to how this game goes is what they do without Bruno Fernandes, and how they are going to cope without him.
When you look around Ruben Amorim’s squad, there don’t appear to be many leaders there.
It will be interesting to see if Amorim plays centre-back Lisandro Martinez in that holding midfield role, the same job he did when he came on for Fernandes against Villa, because he could provide that leadership they will need.
Newcastle United will be absolutely savage for letting a two-goal lead slip against Chelsea last week, despite having won just one of their eight away league games so far.
Manchester United are three points and four places above them in the table, but they are missing a few players at the Africa Cup of Nations and, in my mind, Newcastle United have the better squad anyway.
Because of that, I am going to back Eddie Howe’s side here. However, there won’t be many goals, and they might only need one to win.
Nottingham Forest are still lingering just above the relegation places, and Monday’s defeat at Fulham was a disappointing result for them.
I still think Sean Dyche’s side are going to be fine, however, and they have definitely made strides since he took charge at the end of October.
Manchester City are playing a bit of a roll in this match, but it’s a difficult one.
I thought Arsenal were going to run away with the title, but not any more.
As the season progresses, City are getting better and better, and I get the point.
Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden are both flying, they are creating stacks of chances for Erling Haaland and, at the other end, they are keeping clean sheets now too.
You just can’t back against them at the moment, and I am expecting more moments of quality like we saw when they won 3-0 at Crystal Palace a couple of weeks ago.
Arsenal may be wobbling, but I believe they actually had their wobble when they scraped past Wolves.
The Gunners won 1-0 at Everton last time out, and it was a bit of a battle, but they were up against a David Moyes side so I didn’t expect anything else.
My only criticism of Arsenal at the moment is that Viktor Gyokeres shouldn’t be taking their penalties – Bukayo Saka should, because he is in my Fantasy team. When Gyokeres scored against the Toffees from the spot, it really irritated me.
It won’t be easy for them against Brighton, but I still think they should win this one.
The Seagulls are such a strange group that it is hard to foresee them.
They have not won any of their past four games but they pushed Liverpool all the way when I watched them at Anfield recently, and I think they will do the same here.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Jonny’s prediction: Manchester City have significantly reduced Arsenal’s lead and are likely to be a little pessimistic. Needing two own goals to beat Wolves, one of the worst Premier League teams of all time, says a lot about where they are at the moment.
Brentford picked up their first away win of the season against Wolves last time out, and their home form is really strong, although Leeds held them in their most recent game there.
Because Bournemouth seem to concede a lot and score, I believe there are goals in this game.
The Cherries have drawn their past three games, and I have a feeling this is one will also end up with the points being shared.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-2
Jonny’s prediction: Brentford are similar to Newcastle in that they have a strong home base but have mediocre away form.
So, this is not an easy game for the Cherries at all – apologies to their fans because, despite spending many years living in the Bournemouth area, I don’t see them returning to winning ways here. 2-0
What information do we collect from this quiz?
A late goal gave Burnley a point away from Bournemouth, which was heartfelt for Scott Parker, who had some fans questioning whether or not he is the one to keep them in the Premier League.
As I’ve said before, I’ve always felt like Burnley were being competitive, even when they were losing games.
This game will also be close, too. Everton’s problem is that they are missing Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and they might have to settle for a point.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Jonny’s prediction: Scott Parker’s teams appear to perform admirably in the Championship before suffering slightly in the Premier League.
Everton were on a really good run before they lost to Chelsea and Arsenal and I am backing them here, even with Ndiaye at the Africa Cup of Nations and Dewsbury-Hall injured. 0 – 1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Poor Alexander Isak. His form has been awful all season following his move from Newcastle, and now he is out for a couple of months.
However, I don’t believe Liverpool will struggle without Hugo Ekitike as their starting lineman. Yes, they are also missing Mohamed Salah while he is with Egypt at Afcon, but Ekitike is having a phenomenal season.
Dominik Szoboszlai is out for Liverpool too, after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Spurs.
Perhaps Florian Wirtz should really shine on Arne Slot’s side.
Wolves did really well to hold out for so long at Arsenal recently, and that kind of backs-against-the-wall defending seems to suit them.
I don’t think it will work out for them, despite the fact that they will try to awkwardly handle things for Liverpool.
West Ham must win in this game. They are staring down the barrel of relegation after taking only two points from their past five games.
At the beginning of November, Nuno Espirito Santo experienced a little bounce, but they haven’t kept up that form.
There does not seem to be much Christmas cheer at London Stadium at the moment and if they get off to a bad start here, things could turn quite quickly.
Fulham got an important win over Nottingham Forest on Monday, which was enough for them to keep their heads above water in the relegation struggle.
They always seem to be a threat to goals, and I’m hoping there will be something to celebrate here as well.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Jonny’s prediction: Fulham tend to be sneaky good, and I always find that to be true, but they also end up producing some really strong team performances. I also enjoy watching Kevin because he has flair and an end product as well.
West Ham are not having a great time of it right now but they will be up for it and they really need something here. 1-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
I could not believe that Aston Villa were getting criticism on the Monday Night Club because they are only winning games by the odd goal.
I made the point that I don’t recall being embarrassed about only winning 2-1 in the dressing room.
They are on an incredible run of 10 wins on the spin, including beating Arsenal and Manchester City. Morgan Rogers is on fire, and I think you have to respect them as title contenders.
However, this is a real test for them, and it has only been a few weeks since we last mentioned that Chelsea, who had 10 men draw against Arsenal, were in the title race.
I played for both these clubs and am highly thought of by both sets of fans.
However, once Chelsea fans finish singing my name, I believe they will be smiling all the way through.
I have got a lot of time for Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who is like Villa manager Unai Emery in the way he sticks to his footballing principles.
Chelsea showed their resilience when they fought back from 2-0 down to draw with Newcastle and I can see them digging in again here, to end Villa’s winning run.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Jonny’s prediction: Unai Emery’s side didn’t start the season well but now they have got that confidence that, even if they concede, they can score more than the opposition. I made a difficult decision regarding this, but I’m going with Villa, probably because I want to win rather than because I believe they will. 1-2
Sunday, 28 December
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been absolutely unbelievable up front for Leeds.
They just have to work a lot better with him, and they must be very confident right now because of recent excellent results.
The worry for Sunderland is how much they will miss their players who are away at Afcon, but I don’t think it will affect them.
The Black Cats don’t score a lot of goals but they are always so well-organised – I am going for them to win, and keep out Calvert-Lewin to keep a clean sheet too.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Jonny’s prediction: It depresses me how good Sunderland are this season. The core of their team is really strong, even with the loss of players to Afcon, and they have chosen so many talented recruits.
Leeds have picked up recently and it’s nice to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring, but I think Sunderland will still win this – the Tyne-Wear derby has given them an even bigger boost in confidence, sadly. 2-1
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Both teams have got problems at the moment.
Crystal Palace’s squad seems to be stretched right now because of the pressure on their schedule.
That’s the main reason I am thinking Tottenham might get something at Selhurst Park and, let’s face it, Thomas Frank really needs to.
Frank must be hoping the way his team played with nine men against Liverpool can kick-start his side’s season, but I’m not sure that will happen.
I’m not going to back them in this one, but I’m not all that confident in Palace’s chances of winning.
Thomas Frank is under a bit of pressure at Spurs – they are more pragmatic, but they are not scoring and they are still conceding. 2-2
What did Sutton do last week?
Chris got three correct results with one exact score from the 10 matches in week 17, giving him 60 points.
She received eight correct results and one exact score, leaving her with 110 points, according to his guest, rapper Sampa the Great.
AI did even better, with five correct results, but including three exact scores, for a tally of 140 points.
But to the relief of Chris, because it keeps him top of the overall league table, it was the collective efforts of the BBC readers who took the weekly win.
Out of more than 33, 000 predictions, 31% of you chose that scoreline despite AI being ahead after Saturday’s games, leading the readers by 130 to 120.
That meant the outcome went down to the final game of the week, between Fulham and Nottingham Forest on Monday. While AI backed Fulham to win 2-1, the readers settled for a 1-1 draw.
Due to the increased dangers present in the home at Christmas, Yorkshire Vet star Matt Jackson-Smith is urging dog owners to take extra care to keep their pets safe over the holiday season.
From decorations to festive foods, Yorkshire Vet Matt Jackson-Smith says there are more hazards around the home at this time of year for dogs.
And some of these dangers can lead to serious illness and even death for our four-legged furbabies.
Matt, who will be enjoying Christmas in Yorkshire with his dog Harry, wife Catherine and their two-year-old daughter, Anastasia says it’s important to know what your dog can and can’t eat.
“At this time of year, vets frequently see dogs who have swallowed foreign objects like tinsel, got into chocolate selection boxes that are often left lying around the house, or even eaten the Christmas pudding,” he says.
If you don’t know what your pet can and can’t eat, it can be expensive, even though it’s a fun time of year for the family.
Owners are unaware that raisins in mince pies are toxic and can sometimes lead to kidney failure or that rich, fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
Everyone who enjoys the holiday season can enjoy it, so it’s good to be prepared to help our four-legged friends enjoy this time of year as well. “It can also be a stressful time for dogs, with lots of noise and visitors.
Top five dog safety advice from Matt for this holiday season:
1. Pancreatitis
Consuming rich, fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, and leftovers are plentiful at Christmas. Dogs can experience severe pain and vomiting as well. The best way to avoid giving leftovers away is to always choose a small amount of plain turkey or steamed vegetables.
2. bones that have been carved
Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter in the gut, lodge in it, and inflict extensive internal harm. Cooked bones are dangerous and should never be given to dogs, despite their appearance.
3. ornaments and decorations
Festive decorations can look shiny, crinkly, and irresistible to dogs as exciting enrichment toys. They can, however, easily lodge in the digestive system and cause obstruction. The intestines may become infected with an extremely serious condition known as intussusception, which frequently necessitates surgery. Place safe, pet-friendly toys in the vicinity of the decorations and keep them out of the way.
4. Stress and anxiety
More people and noise can be expected during Christmas, which can be a busy and overwhelming time. Make sure your dog can retreat and feel secure in a quiet, secure area with their favorite toys.
5. Toxic Christmas treats
Christmas is the most toxic season for food in homes than any other time of year. Canine exposure to severe illnesses, including kidney failure, includes chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, as well as chocolate (the darker the darker), Christmas cake, and grapes.
Matt adds: “There are many ways to avoid a nightmare before Christmas. Not all dogs are the same – some will scavenge no matter how full they are – but one option is to give them a full belly before the festivities begin. Feeding them something natural, complete and balanced, like Butcher’s food for dogs, can help reduce the temptation to scavenge while you enjoy your Christmas dinner.”
Due to the increased dangers present in the home at Christmas, Yorkshire Vet star Matt Jackson-Smith is urging dog owners to take extra care to keep their pets safe over the holiday season.
From decorations to festive foods, Yorkshire Vet Matt Jackson-Smith says there are more hazards around the home at this time of year for dogs.
And some of these dangers can lead to serious illness and even death for our four-legged furbabies.
Matt, who will be enjoying Christmas in Yorkshire with his dog Harry, wife Catherine and their two-year-old daughter, Anastasia says it’s important to know what your dog can and can’t eat.
“At this time of year, vets frequently see dogs who have swallowed foreign objects like tinsel, got into chocolate selection boxes that are often left lying around the house, or even eaten the Christmas pudding,” he says.
If you don’t know what your pet can and can’t eat, it can be expensive, even though it’s a fun time of year for the family.
Owners are unaware that raisins in mince pies are toxic and can sometimes lead to kidney failure or that rich, fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
Everyone who enjoys the holiday season can enjoy it, so it’s good to be prepared to help our four-legged friends enjoy this time of year as well. “It can also be a stressful time for dogs, with lots of noise and visitors.
Top five dog safety advice from Matt for this holiday season:
1. Pancreatitis
Consuming rich, fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, and leftovers are plentiful at Christmas. Dogs can experience severe pain and vomiting as well. The best way to avoid giving leftovers away is to always choose a small amount of plain turkey or steamed vegetables.
2. bones that have been carved
Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter in the gut, lodge in it, and inflict extensive internal harm. Cooked bones are dangerous and should never be given to dogs, despite their appearance.
3. ornaments and decorations
Festive decorations can look shiny, crinkly, and irresistible to dogs as exciting enrichment toys. They can, however, easily lodge in the digestive system and cause obstruction. The intestines may become infected with an extremely serious condition known as intussusception, which frequently necessitates surgery. Place safe, pet-friendly toys in the vicinity of the decorations and keep them out of the way.
4. Stress and anxiety
More people and noise can be expected during Christmas, which can be a busy and overwhelming time. Make sure your dog can retreat and feel secure in a quiet, secure area with their favorite toys.
5. Toxic Christmas treats
Christmas is the most toxic season for food in homes than any other time of year. Canine exposure to severe illnesses, including kidney failure, includes chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, as well as chocolate (the darker the darker), Christmas cake, and grapes.
Matt adds: “There are many ways to avoid a nightmare before Christmas. Not all dogs are the same – some will scavenge no matter how full they are – but one option is to give them a full belly before the festivities begin. Feeding them something natural, complete and balanced, like Butcher’s food for dogs, can help reduce the temptation to scavenge while you enjoy your Christmas dinner.”
Travis Kelce already knows how difficult retiring from the NFL is.
He and his older brother Jason watched him go through this nearly two years ago.
As 36-year-old Jason announced he was ending his 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Travis was sat in the front row of his retirement news conference, wiping away tears.
As his 13th year draws to an end, Travis, 36, is facing a similar set of circumstances.
His contract with the Kansas City Chiefs expires at the end of the season after winning three Super Bowls for the previous six seasons.
The Chiefs’ kingdom is finally crumbling after failing to reach the play-offs for the first time in 11 years.
Decision will “come to you with time.”
Images courtesy of Getty
After the Philadelphia Eagles’ failure to win a third straight Super Bowl last year, Travis Kelce has considered retiring.
He took the time to “take on all of that responsibility” and return for his final year of employment to assess whether “whether it’s the best decision for me” or “whether I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me.”
Kelce announced his commitments a month after making his fifth Super Bowl appearance.
With only three games left in the regular season, the Chiefs have since appeared to be back to where they were.
As Kansas City prepares to rebuild, Kelce’s future is one of the questions mark, and his brother Jason was contacted by ESPN to ask him for any advice.
The Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl champion said, “You have to step away from the game for a little bit.” “Play these three games, enjoy them, and then let it sink in.” With time, it will arrive for you.
However, the first of those games against Tennessee on Sunday was not very enjoyable. The Chiefs ended the game with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun after Patrick Mahomes picked up a season-ending injury the week prior.
five days ago
Why did he choose not to participate in the “fairway tour”?
After the Eagles won the Super Bowl last year, Kelce apparently texted sports analyst Pat McAfee to say, “I can’t go out like that.”
Evidently, Kelce did not want it to end either.
The quarterback, 30, will not play in what might be Kelce’s final games because of his on-field ties to Mahomes, who was crucial in the Chiefs’ formation of an NFL dynasty.
The Chiefs host a Denver Broncos team on Christmas Day in an effort to earn the AFC’s top seed in the playoffs. The Raiders will then travel to Las Vegas to face a team with the worst NFL record coming out of the year.
Kelce’s dazzling 2023 season, which he began dating pop star Swift, came to an end at Allegiant Stadium, though. Swifties followed the singer’s race against time to travel from Tokyo to Vegas to watch her new boyfriend win a third Super Bowl thanks to their relationship.
Kelce said, “That’s not me,” when he inquired earlier this year about whether he might make a “farewell tour” before the season’s end.
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Opportunities after football, wedding to Swift andamp,
Kelce has already made preparations for a career after playing football.
He and Jason launched a podcast called New Heights in 2022, and he and Jason co-starred in his own reality TV dating series in 2016.
They appeared on Saturday Night Live comedy show at the conclusion of that season and became the first brothers to compete in a Super Bowl.
Travis has also held executive producer positions as well as host of game shows.
Kelce claimed that his football “might have slipped a little bit because I did have a little more concentration in trying to set myself up” in a GQ cover story this summer.
It’s unlikely that Travis will continue to follow Jason’s well-known path from the field to the commentary booth, despite the fact that he is now a TV analyst.
NFL 2025 season: Week 17
Listen to SoundsWatch on iPlayer.
The “air of a man saying goodbye”
Kelce claimed in that GQ interview that the 2023 and 2024 seasons “haven’t been to my standard.”
His production did, statistically, decline over the course of those years.
Kelce is still the team’s top receiver despite a slight increase this season, but he has only made one reception in each of his previous three games.
Even if Mahomes, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, can play starting next season, Kelce is aware that Kansas City are in transition and that there is no guarantee that they will make an immediate return to the play-offs.
If Kelce decides to stay with the Chiefs for another year, he might not be able to put their new-look roster on the right foot.
Before the Titans’ loss, he never revealed anything and said to reporters, “I’d rather keep the team’s attention this moment.”
But Kelce had the impression of a man saying goodbye as he mixed with Tennessee fans.
