Madrid forward Benzema faces trial in France for blackmail
Lyon, Oct 19: Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema will stand trial outside Paris starting Wednesday after being accused of trying to blackmail former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape. Benzema is on trial for complicity in attempted blackmail. Four other people, including one of the player’s childhood friends, have been charged with attempted blackmail. The charges are punishable by up to five years in prison and a 75,000 euro ($87,400) fine. Benzema has denied wrongdoing. (AP)
Hernández shows up in court, receives voluntary prison order
MADRID, Oct 19: France defender Lucas Hernández showed up in a Madrid court on Monday and was issued a voluntary prison order for violating a restraining order. The Bayern Munich player will have 10 days to voluntarily turn himself in to authorities to start serving a six-month prison sentence. Hernández was arrested after a domestic violence incident in Spain in 2017, while he played for Atlético Madrid. (AP)
World’s best golfers to compete in Woods-hosted World Challenge
Albany (Bahamas), Oct 19: Rory McIlroy will play at the 2021 Hero World Challenge as 15 of the world’s top-20 golfers turn up for the event hosted by Tiger Woods at Albany, Bahamas, from December 2-5. This year’s event will include two additional players after the field was permanently expanded from 18 to 20. Collin Morikawa, winner of the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 Open Championship, will be joined by 2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama and defending World Challenge winner Henrik Stenson. (IANS)