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Giant Messi statue in Kolkata to be removed due to safety concerns A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi erected in India to mark his visit last year is “swaying in the wind” and will be removed, a lawmaker told AFP on Wednesday.Workers have scrambled up the 21-metre (70-foot) golden-coloured statue in the eastern city of Kolkata in West Bengal, throwing ropes around its shoulders to secure it.The sculpture showing the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star raising the World Cup trophy was unveiled during Messi’s so-called GOAT Tour of India in December.But West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee said it was no longer safe.“The statue of the Argentine football legend in the city of Kolkata was found unsafe by engineers of the West Bengal government,” he said.“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.”Workers on Wednesday used ropes to attempt to secure the statue, which looms over a busy road.Mukherjee said it was not clear when it would be brought down.“Removal has proved easier said than done,” he said. “We are planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity.”He did not say whether the statue would be re-erected at another site.Argentina is set to begin its World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.Messi has not formally confirmed his plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what would be a record-matching sixth appearance at the tournament.He remains the side’s talisman for the defence of the title it won in Qatar four years ago.India—a nation of 1.4 billion—is a cricket powerhouse, but struggles on the football pitch and is 142nd on the FIFA rankings.Football, however, is the country’s second favourite sport, according to research by data company Nielsen released on Wednesday.Published on May 27, 2026 #Giant #Messi #statue #Kolkata #removed #due #safety #concerns

Giant Messi statue in Kolkata to be removed due to safety concerns

A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi erected in India to mark his visit last year is “swaying in the wind” and will be removed, a lawmaker told AFP on Wednesday.

Workers have scrambled up the 21-metre (70-foot) golden-coloured statue in the eastern city of Kolkata in West Bengal, throwing ropes around its shoulders to secure it.

The sculpture showing the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star raising the World Cup trophy was unveiled during Messi’s so-called GOAT Tour of India in December.

But West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee said it was no longer safe.

“The statue of the Argentine football legend in the city of Kolkata was found unsafe by engineers of the West Bengal government,” he said.

“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.”

Workers on Wednesday used ropes to attempt to secure the statue, which looms over a busy road.

Mukherjee said it was not clear when it would be brought down.

“Removal has proved easier said than done,” he said. “We are planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity.”

He did not say whether the statue would be re-erected at another site.

Argentina is set to begin its World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.

Messi has not formally confirmed his plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what would be a record-matching sixth appearance at the tournament.

He remains the side’s talisman for the defence of the title it won in Qatar four years ago.

India—a nation of 1.4 billion—is a cricket powerhouse, but struggles on the football pitch and is 142nd on the FIFA rankings.

Football, however, is the country’s second favourite sport, according to research by data company Nielsen released on Wednesday.

Published on May 27, 2026

#Giant #Messi #statue #Kolkata #removed #due #safety #concerns

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A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi erected in India to mark his visit last year is “swaying in the wind” and will be removed, a lawmaker told AFP on Wednesday.

Workers have scrambled up the 21-metre (70-foot) golden-coloured statue in the eastern city of Kolkata in West Bengal, throwing ropes around its shoulders to secure it.

The sculpture showing the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star raising the World Cup trophy was unveiled during Messi’s so-called GOAT Tour of India in December.

But West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee said it was no longer safe.

“The statue of the Argentine football legend in the city of Kolkata was found unsafe by engineers of the West Bengal government,” he said.

“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.”

Workers on Wednesday used ropes to attempt to secure the statue, which looms over a busy road.

Mukherjee said it was not clear when it would be brought down.

“Removal has proved easier said than done,” he said. “We are planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity.”

He did not say whether the statue would be re-erected at another site.

Argentina is set to begin its World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.

Messi has not formally confirmed his plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what would be a record-matching sixth appearance at the tournament.

He remains the side’s talisman for the defence of the title it won in Qatar four years ago.

India—a nation of 1.4 billion—is a cricket powerhouse, but struggles on the football pitch and is 142nd on the FIFA rankings.

Football, however, is the country’s second favourite sport, according to research by data company Nielsen released on Wednesday.

Published on May 27, 2026

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Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship. The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar. “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference. “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.” Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes. This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023. Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017. Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week. “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said. “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel. “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.” Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid. “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said. If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday. “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #OpenJul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.

The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.

“It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.

“Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”

Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.

This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.

Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.


Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.

“I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.

“There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.

“I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”

Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.

“Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.

If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.

“Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open">Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship. The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar. “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference. “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.” Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes. This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023. Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017. Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week. “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said. “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel. “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.” Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid. “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said. If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday. “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open

Police said on Monday they are investigating the death of South Africa FIFA World Cup player Jayden Adams, after his body was discovered this weekend at a property in the city of Cape Town.

The 25-year-old Adams died two weeks after helping South Africa reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.

Authorities have not released a cause of death.

“Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday,” police said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.”

Police said the body was discovered at a property in the Cape Town neighborhood of Schotsche Kloof at around 11 a.m. on Saturday, but gave no more details.

Adams’ father, Juanito Adams, told South African TV news station eNCA on Sunday that the family was waiting for the results of an autopsy and had not yet made any funeral plans.

“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it,” Juanito Adams said. “It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with it.”

Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group games as it produced its best performance at the World Cup. He did not feature in the 0-1 loss to Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.

South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said Adams had played in his team’s group game against Czech Republic hours after learning that his grandmother had died. McKenzie asked the public and media to “exercise restraint and compassion” and not speculate on the cause of Adams’ death while authorities conduct an investigation.

There were moments of silence and tributes for Adams at the England vs. Norway and Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup quarterfinal games on Saturday.

Published on Jul 13, 2026

#South #Africa #footballer #Jayden #Adams #death #investigated #police">South Africa footballer Jayden Adams’ death to be investigated by police Police said on Monday they are investigating the death of South Africa FIFA World Cup player Jayden Adams, after his body was discovered this weekend at a property in the city of Cape Town.The 25-year-old Adams died two weeks after helping South Africa reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.Authorities have not released a cause of death.“Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday,” police said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.”Police said the body was discovered at a property in the Cape Town neighborhood of Schotsche Kloof at around 11 a.m. on Saturday, but gave no more details.Adams’ father, Juanito Adams, told South African TV news station eNCA on Sunday that the family was waiting for the results of an autopsy and had not yet made any funeral plans.“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it,” Juanito Adams said. “It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with it.”Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group games as it produced its best performance at the World Cup. He did not feature in the 0-1 loss to Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said Adams had played in his team’s group game against Czech Republic hours after learning that his grandmother had died. McKenzie asked the public and media to “exercise restraint and compassion” and not speculate on the cause of Adams’ death while authorities conduct an investigation.There were moments of silence and tributes for Adams at the England vs. Norway and Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup quarterfinal games on Saturday.Published on Jul 13, 2026 #South #Africa #footballer #Jayden #Adams #death #investigated #police

Deadspin | Reds place LHP Nick Lodolo (finger blister) on 15-day injured list Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) pitches in the second inning between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The Cincinnati Reds placed starting pitcher Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list on Sunday because of a blister on his left index finger. In a corresponding move, the Reds recalled rookie right-hander Chase Petty from Triple-A Louisville. Finger blisters have been an issue for Lodolo, who exited Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the visiting Chicago Cubs after allowing Carson Kelly’s leadoff homer in the sixth inning. Lodolo, 28, was making his 12th start since beginning the season on the injured list after a blister on the same finger developed on March 22. The left-hander allowed two runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts in five-plus innings on Saturday. Lodolo said he felt something while warming up for the sixth but didn’t see anything on the finger until after Kelly’s blast. Lodolo is 3-2 this season with a 4.60 ERA, 27 walks and 50 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings over the 12 starts. For his career, Lodolo is 27-24 with one save, a 4.13 ERA, 144 walks and 506 strikeouts in 472 1/3 innings over 88 regular-season games (87 starts) since 2022. He also went on the injured list because of blisters in 2024 and 2025 and missed time while a minor leaguer in 2021. Cincinnati selected Lodolo in the first round (seventh overall) in the 2019 MLB Draft out of TCU. Lodolo is looking for answers on how to prevent blisters in the future, and is considering changing the grip on his breaking ball. Reds manager Terry Francona said the club is discussing ideas with him. “Nick even mentioned it last night talking to him. Saying that, you really got to think it through,” Francona said. “Because for me to sit here in my chair and say, ‘Well, just move your finger over to the side.’ “The kid’s been pitching like this his whole life. I agree the blister is not good. If you hurt your shoulder (changing grips), there’s got to be some pulling back on the reins a little bit and not jumping in until you know something can really help.” Petty, 23, is 1-2 with one save, a 4.38 ERA, seven walks and 11 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings over 11 games (two starts) for Cincinnati this season. Minnesota drafted Petty in the first round (26th overall) in 2021. The Twins traded him to the Reds in March 2022 for right-hander Sonny Gray and minor league pitcher Francis Peguero. Petty is a career 1-5 with one save, a 7.34 ERA, 15 walks and 18 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings over 14 games (four starts) since making his major league debut in 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #place #LHP #Nick #Lodolo #finger #blister #15day #injured #listCincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) pitches in the second inning between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The Cincinnati Reds placed starting pitcher Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list on Sunday because of a blister on his left index finger.

In a corresponding move, the Reds recalled rookie right-hander Chase Petty from Triple-A Louisville.

Finger blisters have been an issue for Lodolo, who exited Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the visiting Chicago Cubs after allowing Carson Kelly’s leadoff homer in the sixth inning. Lodolo, 28, was making his 12th start since beginning the season on the injured list after a blister on the same finger developed on March 22.

The left-hander allowed two runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts in five-plus innings on Saturday. Lodolo said he felt something while warming up for the sixth but didn’t see anything on the finger until after Kelly’s blast.

Lodolo is 3-2 this season with a 4.60 ERA, 27 walks and 50 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings over the 12 starts.

For his career, Lodolo is 27-24 with one save, a 4.13 ERA, 144 walks and 506 strikeouts in 472 1/3 innings over 88 regular-season games (87 starts) since 2022.


He also went on the injured list because of blisters in 2024 and 2025 and missed time while a minor leaguer in 2021. Cincinnati selected Lodolo in the first round (seventh overall) in the 2019 MLB Draft out of TCU.

Lodolo is looking for answers on how to prevent blisters in the future, and is considering changing the grip on his breaking ball. Reds manager Terry Francona said the club is discussing ideas with him.

“Nick even mentioned it last night talking to him. Saying that, you really got to think it through,” Francona said. “Because for me to sit here in my chair and say, ‘Well, just move your finger over to the side.’

“The kid’s been pitching like this his whole life. I agree the blister is not good. If you hurt your shoulder (changing grips), there’s got to be some pulling back on the reins a little bit and not jumping in until you know something can really help.”

Petty, 23, is 1-2 with one save, a 4.38 ERA, seven walks and 11 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings over 11 games (two starts) for Cincinnati this season.

Minnesota drafted Petty in the first round (26th overall) in 2021. The Twins traded him to the Reds in March 2022 for right-hander Sonny Gray and minor league pitcher Francis Peguero.

Petty is a career 1-5 with one save, a 7.34 ERA, 15 walks and 18 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings over 14 games (four starts) since making his major league debut in 2025.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #place #LHP #Nick #Lodolo #finger #blister #15day #injured #list">Deadspin | Reds place LHP Nick Lodolo (finger blister) on 15-day injured list Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) pitches in the second inning between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The Cincinnati Reds placed starting pitcher Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list on Sunday because of a blister on his left index finger. In a corresponding move, the Reds recalled rookie right-hander Chase Petty from Triple-A Louisville. Finger blisters have been an issue for Lodolo, who exited Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the visiting Chicago Cubs after allowing Carson Kelly’s leadoff homer in the sixth inning. Lodolo, 28, was making his 12th start since beginning the season on the injured list after a blister on the same finger developed on March 22. The left-hander allowed two runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts in five-plus innings on Saturday. Lodolo said he felt something while warming up for the sixth but didn’t see anything on the finger until after Kelly’s blast. Lodolo is 3-2 this season with a 4.60 ERA, 27 walks and 50 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings over the 12 starts. For his career, Lodolo is 27-24 with one save, a 4.13 ERA, 144 walks and 506 strikeouts in 472 1/3 innings over 88 regular-season games (87 starts) since 2022. He also went on the injured list because of blisters in 2024 and 2025 and missed time while a minor leaguer in 2021. Cincinnati selected Lodolo in the first round (seventh overall) in the 2019 MLB Draft out of TCU. Lodolo is looking for answers on how to prevent blisters in the future, and is considering changing the grip on his breaking ball. Reds manager Terry Francona said the club is discussing ideas with him. “Nick even mentioned it last night talking to him. Saying that, you really got to think it through,” Francona said. “Because for me to sit here in my chair and say, ‘Well, just move your finger over to the side.’ “The kid’s been pitching like this his whole life. I agree the blister is not good. If you hurt your shoulder (changing grips), there’s got to be some pulling back on the reins a little bit and not jumping in until you know something can really help.” Petty, 23, is 1-2 with one save, a 4.38 ERA, seven walks and 11 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings over 11 games (two starts) for Cincinnati this season. Minnesota drafted Petty in the first round (26th overall) in 2021. The Twins traded him to the Reds in March 2022 for right-hander Sonny Gray and minor league pitcher Francis Peguero. Petty is a career 1-5 with one save, a 7.34 ERA, 15 walks and 18 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings over 14 games (four starts) since making his major league debut in 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #place #LHP #Nick #Lodolo #finger #blister #15day #injured #list

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