Helm

Saracens aim for top four as Mark McCall’s final season at the helm comes to a close

Saracens aim for top four as Mark McCall’s final season at the helm comes to a close

Xi Jinping’s ‘chief of staff’ Cai Qi takes Central Party School helm

Cai Qi, the fifth-ranked member in the Communist Party’s hierarchy, has been picked to head the Central Party School, the top training ground for cadres. Cai, 70, sits on the elite Politburo Standing Committee and is secretary of the party’s secretariat as well as director of the party’s general office. Responsible for daily operations of the party’s nerve centre, Cai is often referred to as President Xi Jinping’s chief of staff.

Dvořák: Symphony No 9 album review – Shani brings a natural freshness to a familiar work

Rotterdam Philharmonic/ShaniWarner ClassicsThe conductor, soon to finish an eight-year tenure at the helm of the Dutch orchestra, leaves the orchestra in good shapeLahav Shani’s eight-year tenure at the helm of the Rotterdam Philharmonic is coming to a close – he becomes chief conductor at the Munich Philharmonic in September – and he is leaving this fine orchestra in good shape. Their recording of Dvořák’s Symphony No 9 brings a natural freshness to this familiar work, offering no big...

Arnold undaunted as Iraq face tough assignment on World Cup return

Arnold undaunted as Iraq face tough assignment on World Cup return June 2 : Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since making their debut 40 years ago, having taken a lengthy route to the finals under a coach who is no stranger to the tournament. Graham Arnold navigated the Lions of Mesopotamia through the latter stages of a 21-match qualifying campaign that ended with victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoffs. The Australian, who replaced Jesus Casas at the helm in...

‘Nobody wants to see another Ram’: Arun Govil speaks on backlash over Ranbir Kapoor's ‘Ramayana’

Among the most eagerly awaited films of the year is the ambitious ‘ Ramayana’, helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari and led by Ranbir Kapoor in the titular role of Lord Rama. Sai Pallavi plays Sita while Yash steps into the formidable role of Ravana. Adding a special touch to the project is the casting of veteran actor Arun Govil, who is forever etched in the hearts of millions of Indians for his legendary portrayal of Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar's iconic television series Ramayan.

UMNO defends Johor polls timing as newly-relaunched Bersama party says it will contest state election

UMNO defends Johor polls timing as newly-relaunched Bersama party says it will contest state election Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) - helmed by former federal ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad - said that further discussions would be held with party representatives in Johor to identify the seats the party would contest. Senior leaders of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) have defended the timing of Johor’s impending state election, even as a newly-relaunched...

Hours after replacing Surya as India T20I captain, Shreyas leads side to win over SKY

Shreyas Iyer's first day as India's new T20I captain could hardly have unfolded in a more dramatic fashion. Hours after the BCCI announced Iyer as Suryakumar Yadav's successor at the helm of the national T20 side, the two Mumbai stalwarts faced off in the T20 Mumbai League. By the end of the evening, it was the newly-appointed India skipper who had the final say, leading SoBo Mumbai Falcons to a five-wicket victory over Suryakumar's Triumph Knights MNE.

NI squad has exciting future ahead - McKenna

Northern Ireland captain Rebecca McKenna says new manager Michael McArdle has "brought a breath of fresh air" since taking over at the helm.

Liverpool sack head coach Arne Slot one year after winning Premier League title

Andoni Iraoli among frontrunners to replace himLive reaction: Slot leaves Anfield after two yearsLiverpool have sacked Arne Slot after an end-of-season review into the club’s disappointing title defence. The Dutch coach guided Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th league title only last season, his first at the helm since replacing Jürgen Klopp, but a difficult season that culminated in a fifth-placed finish has prompted his exit. Slot has departed with immediate effect.