Ambassador for Belgium Isabelle Berro-Amadeï has been selected to replace Laurent Anselmi as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, as Anselmi takes over as Prince Albert II’s Cabinet Head.
AS Monaco Basketball narrowly beat Bayern Munich 78-83 in an empty Audi Dome on Thursday. A 26-point haul from an on-form Mike James proved the difference.
The hall echoed with the sounds of squeaking trainers and bouncing basketballs, Germany’s latest Covid restrictions preventing anyone attending what was a tight contest in Bavaria. The important win puts them level on wins with the German side in the Euroleague, whilst it reignites hopes that they could yet clinch the all-important eight place that would see them qualify for next year’s competition.
James started imperiously and didn’t relent. His eight points in the opening 10 minutes, combined with some good work from Donatas Motiejunas, gave AS Monaco a slender first-quarter lead.
The game remained close in the second quarter, both teams matching each other blow for blow. James’ spectacular, on-the-buzzer three-pointer on the stroke of half-time sent Monaco into the dressing room with a healthy, but far from comfortable, five point lead.
Bayern quickly set about reducing the meagre deficit and five unreplied points from Deshaun Thomas restored parity soon after the break. There was no stopping James, however; the American point guard continued to impress registering points and assists almost at will.
Having narrowly edged each quarter, Monaco went into the fourth with an eight-point lead. Bayern applied the pressure early-on and incrementally reduced the gap between the sides. But that pressure dissipated when James registered yet another three-pointer to extend their lead back to over seven with just over a minute on the clock.
The lack of fans meant the game ended in muted fashion, but there is no underestimating the importance of the win. Roca team coach Sasa Obradovic said after the match, “This victory means a lot for us, for our confidence and for having faith in our game. We have really improved defensively, but there is still a margin for progression.”
The progress being shown can be attributed in part to the extended break that Monaco have recently had. The side’s two previous Euroleague matches have been postponed due to Covid cases, leaving Obradovic extra time to drill his players.
The Serbian manager will be hoping to build on their progress when they visit Nanterre in the Betclic Elite on Saturday.
Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball
Conditions continue to be mild at the region’s ski resorts, with sunny skies throughout the weekend, no snowfall, and temperatures up to a balmy 12°C.
Isola 2000 – There are 20 ski slopes and 14 ski lifts open at Isola, coupled with 70 to 55cm of snow, however no snow is expected over the weekend. It is forecast to be entirely sunny with highs of 9°C and lows of -4°C. The col de la Bonette and la Lombarde roads are closed until the end of the winter season.
Auron – There are currently 21 ski slopes and 13 ski lifts open at the resort, with around 30cm of standing snow. Sunny skies are forecast for the weekend and highs of 8°C, lows of -1°C. There will also be winds of up to 26 km/h on Friday. In terms of access, Route de la TinĂ©e, Route de la Bonette, Piste de la Moustière, Piste de Demandols all remain closed.
Les Deux Alpes – This resort is boasting 76 ski slopes and 38 ski lifts open. There is already 50cm of standing snow and clear skies are expected this weekend. There will be lows of -6°C and highs of 6°C.
La Colmiane – There are currently 10 ski slopes and 5 ski lifts open at the resort with between 40 and 30 cm of standing snow. As it is throughout the region, it is expected to be sunny over the weekend with winds of up to 40 km/h on Friday. There will be highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. The resort hasn’t reported any road closures.
Greolieres les Neiges – As usual, this small resort has the least amount of snow in the region, with 20cm and no further snow forecast over the weekend. It will be sunny though throughout the weekend though with a balmy top of 12°C. The resort isn’t reporting any road closures. There are currently five ski lifts open.
Limone Piemonte – There are currently 11 runs open at the resort and 10 ski lifts. There is a minimum of 10cm of snow throughout the resort and a maximum of 45cm in places. Visibility should be good throughout the weekend. It is expected to be sunny with lows of -1°C and highs of 11°C. Passage through the Roya valley currently isn’t possible due to the collapsed bridge at Tende. Drivers must instead pass through Ventimiglia and the journey from Monaco is currently approximately 3 hours.
Valberg – There are 18 ski slopes and 11 ski lifts open. The resort currently has 40cm of standing snow, and it has not snowed since 25th December. It is expected to be sunny all weekend with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C.
Note: Snow tyres must be worn on the roads up to the ski resorts.
Photo source: Isola 2000 webcam
Monégasque driver Arthur Leclerc has signed on for a second year at F3 team Prema, whilst continuing in the Ferrari Drivers’ Academy in 2022.
Leclerc finished 10th in the drivers’ standings in his debut season in F3, registering two victories in the process as well as a pole position and second place in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Last year’s team-mate Dennis Hauger ended the season as F3 champion and has subsequently found himself a seat in F2 for next season.
The goal this year for Leclerc will be to reach the heights of his former team-mate, and he says he is excited for the start of the season.
“I am extremely happy to continue the work we started with Prema racing,” said the 21-year-old in a press statement. “I think we did a good job last year, and 2022 will be a good opportunity to put together everything we have learned so far. I cannot wait for the start of the season.”
Prema team principal Rene Rosin expressed his delight at retaining Leclerc’s services, adding, “I am sure that he will carry on the progress we saw in 2021 when he showed he had the potential to be a front runner.”
Arthur will be hoping that a positive season will help him progress along the same trajectory as his brother Charles, the current Ferrari F1 driver.
The season gets under way at the same time and place as the F1 season, on 18th March in Bahrain.
Photo source: Ferrari Scuderia Media Centre
Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot will reportedly play Grace Kelly’s role in a remake of To Catch a Thief, one of the Princess’ most famous Hollywood films, set in the French Riviera.
According to a report by Deadline, Gadot will also produce the Alfred Hitchcock classic with her partner Jaron Varsano. Eileen Jones is said to be writing the remake of the 1955 romantic thriller, which was based on a 1952 novel of the same name by David Dodge.
A 26-year-old Grace Kelly starred opposite Cary Grant, aged 51, in To Catch a Thief, the only Hitchcock film released by Paramount that is still owned and controlled by the company. The story centres on notorious cat burglar John Robie (Cary Grant) who has retired to the French Riviera and must clear his name after a spate of daring, imitation jewel thefts in Nice and Cannes. Grace Kelly stars as the beautiful heiress Francie, who suspects John of stealing her jewels.
It was the last of three Hitchcock films with Grace Kelly and drew mixed reviews from critics, with most enjoying the dynamic between Grant and Kelly, but others expressing disappointment at the lack of suspense compared to other Hitchcock films.
During a special USA delegation to the 8th Cannes Film Festival in 1955, Grace Kelly took part in a promotional photoshoot at the Palace of Monaco with one of Europe’s most eligible bachelors, Prince Rainier III, whom she married a year later.
Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and model who, at age 18, was crowned Miss Israel 2004 and went on to serve two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a soldier. She achieved global stardom for portraying Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe series of films. She has placed twice in annual rankings of the world’s highest-paid actresses.
In an exclusive interview with Monaco Life, AS Monaco Sporting Director Paul Mitchell reveals that the club is currently reluctant to delve back into the market following the signing of Vanderson.
According to Mitchell, new manager Philippe Clement’s appraisal of the current group of players is dictating their strategy this month. “I think with the technical team change, and Philippe’s assessment, he is very excited about this current group,” Mitchell tells Monaco Life. “We’re also excited about the potential of this group, so I think we’re going to be patient, and remain in constant dialogue over the coming weeks.”
Given the unpredictability of the market, however, the Englishman didn’t rule anything out, adding, “As you know, we’re always proactive on the market, as making our signing on the first day of the window shows. We’re always open to strengthening. I like competition, I like dynamic groups, so we’ll look at that.”
Mitchell says that the club’s strategy is going to be linked to the market itself, and therefore departures will play a key role. “We always have to be ready and fluent because while the market is active, anything can happen.”
Despite the signing of right-back Vanderson, Mitchell is not looking to offload either Ruben Aguilar or Djibril Sidibe, although he does say that he would be happy if both stayed or just one. He is keen to highlight once again how delighted he is with the signing of Vanderson, especially given the competition for his signature, telling us, “We’re really happy to be able to fend off some stiff competition from the Premier League and Italy in particular.”
The current thinking around the club is that the arrival of Clement and his technical staff will bring “added value” to the squad, which should mitigate the need to be quite so active. However, as Mitchell points out, the fluidity of the market, or perhaps an unforeseen opportunity, could throw those plans up in the air and force Monaco back to the negotiating table.
Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life
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