Browsing: Sports
Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage (L) celebrates with captain Charith Asalanka after taking the wicket of England’s Jacob Bethell during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match…
Former winner Jay Vine and defending champion Jhonatan Narvaez completed a one-two for UAE Team Emirates XRG to dominate the second stage of the Tour Down Under near Adelaide Thursday.Australia's Vine, the 2023 winner, powered up the Corkscrew Hill the second time with Ecuador's Narvaez hanging in on his wheel to open up a race-winning break and scatter their rivals for an untroubled sprint into the Uraidla finish.Such was Vine's dominance that Narvaez clapped him in tribute as they crossed the finish line of the 148.1km stage with Swiss champion Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) third, 58 seconds adrift of the pair.Vine took the lead in the race general classification by six seconds from Narvaez with Schmid third 1min 5sec behind the leader.’It's been on my mind since the last time I wore the ochre leader's jersey, it's so incredible to win on such a hard stage,’ Vine said.’We have such a strong position now with me and Jonny (Narvaez) and being led out by Adam Yates is pretty incredible as well.’Narvaez, who appeared to be gasping to keep up with Vine on the demanding final Corkscrew climb, paid tribute to his teammate.’Jay was really strong, I was just a passenger on his wheel on the climb,’ he said.’He prepared really well for this race and we are happy to get the victory and, of course, we are looking to win the GC.’It was a huge statement by the powerful UAE team with three stages left in the UCI World Tour season opener.It was the first time in the race's 26 years that a men's stage had featured two Corkscrew Hill climbs.With 700 metres left up the steep 2.6km ascent Vine blasted clear and Narvaez was the only rider who could go with him as their attack scattered the peloton.Denmark's Tobias Lund Andresen, the race leader after stage one, was dropped on the last climb of the Corkscrew and limped home in 82nd place. Source link
Francesco Molinari powered into a two-shot lead after the first day of the Dubai Desert Classic Thursday, as four-time champion Rory McIlroy stumbled to an over-par round.Former British Open champion Molinari, now 418th in the world rankings, made eight birdies in a seven-under par 65.The 43-year-old Italian is two shots clear of Sweden's Mikael Lindberg, with Swiss player Joel Girrbach and South African JC Ritchie a stroke further back.It was Molinari's lowest round on the European Tour since January 2024.’It's been a long time. I've changed everything and then I've changed back,’ said the 2018 Ryder Cup winner, who has not won a professional title since the Arnold Palmer Invitational seven years ago.’Not super unexpected but I wasn't expecting a score like that. Last week I felt very rusty, so I was hoping it would be very good prep for this week.’Molinari will have plenty of work to do to hang onto his lead with a host of top players in the field this week.Shane Lowry and defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, who played starring roles in Europe's Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black last year, both made solid starts with two-under rounds of 70.’Standing here right now, I'm very happy with that score,’ said England's Hatton after his first competitive round of the year.’It was pretty tough this morning. Feel like I hit some pretty scruffy golf shots, which in some ways is to be expected.’It was a disappointing day though for McIlroy, who hit his approach shot on the par-five 18th hole into the water en route to a closing double-bogey.The Masters champion had earlier mixed three birdies with two bogeys.McIlroy will need to make a move on Friday to get into contention for a fifth title in the event, as will world number three Tommy Fleetwood who also carded a one-over 73. Source link
Aston Villa’s Jadon Sancho shoots at goal as Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper Ederson looks on helplessly during the UEFA Europa League match at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in…
McLaughlin-Levrone, the two-time Olympic 400 metres hurdles champion and the second fastest woman ever in the flat 400m, announced that she is expecting a child. The 26-year-old American broke the news on social media with a series of photos with her husband Andre Levrone.The pictures also show the couple admiring scans of the baby. McLaughlin-Levrone is track and field’s biggest woman star, having shown at the world championships in Tokyo last year that she can transfer her talents from the hurdles to the 400m flat with stunning success.In winning the title, she became the first woman since 1985 to break the 48-second barrier and nearly eclipsed a 41-year-old world record set by Marita Koch of the former East Germany.McLaughlin-Levrone won the Olympic 400m hurdles title at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Games. She will likely miss the biggest event of the 2026 calendar, the new World Athletics Ultimate Championships, being held in Budapest on September 11-13. Source link
Novak Djokovic rolled back the years to reach the Australian Open third round Thursday but Jannik Sinner, the man who has usurped him as king of Melbourne Park, showed why he is favourite to claim a hat-trick of titles.Women’s defending champion Madison Keys overcame a second-set wobble against Ashlyn Krueger to also advance while former champion Naomi Osaka toned down her outfit but not her power game as she also reached round three.Iga Swiatek continued her quest to complete her career Grand Slam with a 6-2 6-3 victory over unseeded Marie Bouzkova.Fourth seed Djokovic, seeking a record-extending 11th Melbourne Park title and 25th Grand Slam trophy overall to break the deadlock with Margaret Court, eased past Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3 6-2 6-2.The 38-year-old Serb maintained his steady grip on the second-round clash without needing to shift into top gear.”I didn’t know much about him (Maestrelli) until a few days ago, it happens more often than not these days,” Djokovic said of his 23-year-old opponent.He raced through the opening set and pounced again in the opening game of the second set to heap pressure on world number 141 Maestrelli. The win was Djokovic’s 399th in Grand Slams and his 101st in Melbourne, leaving him one shy of record-holder Roger Federer. Djokovic will next meet Botic van de Zandschulp.There was something of a retro feel about day five in the men’s singles with Swiss former champion Stan Wawrinka, 40, outlasting Arthur Gea 4-6 6-3 3-6 7-5 7-6 (10-3) while Marin Cilic, 37, dispatched 21st seed Denis Shapovalov 6-4 6-3 6-2.In 2009, Djokovic, Cilic and Wawrinka all reached round three and 17 years later they are still going strong.The man to beat on blue Melbourne hard courts these days, however, is Sinner. He was supreme as he thumped home wild card James Duckworth 6-1 6-4 6-2 in the Rod Laver Arena evening session, banging down 18 aces in a dominant display.Sinner, bidding to join Djokovic by becoming only the second man in the professional era to win three successive Australian Open titles, has now won 12 successive Tour-level matches without dropping a set and looks razor sharp.”I know how much work I’ve put in so the body feels good and the mind is in a good moment,” he said. The world number two will face American Eliot Spizzirri next. KEYS STUMBLES ON WAY TO WIN OVER KRUEGERKeys, the ninth seed in the draw, notched up a 6-1 7-5 win over fellow American Krueger but was less than convincing after powering her way through the opening set.The defending champion allowed doubts to creep into her game in the second set, handing Krueger two breaks on serve with a succession of double faults before battling back to progress to the next round to face Karolina Pliskova.Swiatek shrugged off the sluggishness of her first-round match with a much more lively display against Bouzkova.”It felt great playing today, I felt more free than in the first round so I wanted to go for it,” Swiatek said.Osaka, champion in 2019 and 2021, ditched the parasol, veil and broad-brimmed hat for her walk-on against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea but continued making waves in her jellyfish-inspired outfit, battling to a 6-3 4-6 6-2 win.There was no love lost between the two players though with a frosty exchange at the net after match point with Cirstea upset by Osaka’s antics. “(There were) apparently a lot of ‘come ons’ that she was angry about,” Osaka said.Sixth seed Jessica Pegula had few issues against doubles partner McCartney Kessler, handing out a comprehensive 6-0 6-2 defeat to her fellow American in 58 minutes to set up a meeting with Russia’s Oksana Selekhmeteva in the third round.Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova, also from the U.S., eased to a 6-1 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova and the fourth seed will next face compatriot Peyton Stearns while fifth seed Elena Rybakina beat Varvara Gracheva, also in straight sets. MUSETTI DOWNS PAL SONEGOMen’s fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti won the battle of the Italians on Margaret Court Arena as he beat Lorenzo Sonego 6-3 6-3 6-4 and will face Czech Tomas Machac next after he overpowered Greek 31st seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) 7-6(5).”It was not an easy match to prepare, to play, and to deal with because Lorenzo is one of my best friends on tour,” said Musetti. “We shared a lot of nice memories, so it’s not easy to separate those things in the court.”Eighth-seeded Ben Shelton had few issues against Australia’s Dane Sweeny, the American claiming a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win to set up a third-round meeting with Valentin Vacherot, who defeated Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in four sets. Related Story Source link
The Qatar 1812km will be held on March 28 after two days of prologue. As Qatar gears up to host the Prologue and opening race of the FIA World Endurance Championship for the third consecutive year, Lusail International Circuit is set to ignite the 2026 season with high-octane action.This pivotal role highlights Qatar’s expanding footprint in motorsport, with the Prologue – a mandatory two-day pre-season test from March 22 to 23 – allowing teams to dial in their machines before the Qatar 1812km curtain-raiser, a gruelling ten-hour battle on March 28.Entering its 14th season under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), FIA WEC remains the pinnacle of endurance racing, demanding speed, strategy and mechanical resilience across eight globe-trotting rounds.What truly sets FIA WEC apart is the diversity it offers, enabling fans to witness 14 major manufacturers battling on the same track at the same time.This incredible line-up of global brands, from established giants to exciting newcomers, creates unmatched competition in both the elite Hypercar class (LMH/LMDh prototypes) and production-based LMGT3 category, with 35 full-season entries in 2026 including 17 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars.Eight of the 14 marques feature in the Hypercar division – Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot and Toyota – while LMGT3 comprises Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.Notable grid shake-ups over the off-season include Porsche’s retreat from the Hypercar class, offset by Genesis Magma Racing’s debut with two GMR-001 prototypes on Oreca chassis’. Defending champion Ferrari AF Corse returns with the proven 499P, while Toyota Racing arrives hungry for redemption after a challenging 2025 campaign. The Japanese carmaker unveiled the updated TR010 Hybrid – its third major evolution – with key tweaks focusing on enhanced drivability, top speed and overall consistency, complemented by a striking new red, white and black livery inspired by the iconic GT One. The team has also rebranded from Toyota Gazoo Racing to simply Toyota Racing for 2026.Driver changes add intrigue, from two-time world champion and multiple 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer’s comeback with newcomer Genesis, to Nick Cassidy’s Hypercar bow with Peugeot alongside Théo Pourchaire.Frenchman Victor Martins was recently confirmed for Alpine’s Hypercar effort as an FIA WEC rookie, following his stint in Formula 2 and as a Williams F1 development driver. Ex-F1 star and endurance legend, Sebastien Buemi competes for Toyota; the multiple world champion boasts the most race wins in the series’ history. Fellow former F1 driver Nyck de Vries similarly supplies speed and profile to Toyota’s quest for redemption. Cadillac has swapped Jenson Button for Jack Aitken, while ex-F1 talent Logan Sargeant will contest a full campaign in Proton’s Ford Mustang LMGT3 and Kevin Magnussen returns for a second consecutive season in the discipline as the Dane brings his experience to BMW’s Hypercar programme.Overall, Hypercar boasts 11 former FIA WEC champions and 14 ex-F1 drivers, blending experience with youth for a grid that’s stable yet spiced with potential upsets. As the series captivates global fans through hybrid innovation, tactical pit battles and marathons like Le Mans, Lusail International Circuit stands to deliver another exciting opener to kick off the 2026 campaign. Related Story Source link
Naseeb Zakhir returned to the winner’s enclosure after producing a thrilling late charge to capture the day’s feature, the Mesaieed Cup, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap over 1300m, prevailing by a head at Al Uqda Racecourse Wednesday.Always prominent, the five-year-old grey unleashed a decisive burst inside the final 100m to reel in long-time leader AJS Kabul in the closing strides. Trained by Osama Omer al-Dafea and expertly partnered by Faleh Bughenaim, Naseeb Zakhir secured his second victory of the season, complementing four runner-up efforts in an admirably consistent campaign.Earlier on the card, Overrule opened proceedings by winning the Thoroughbred Handicap, trained by Mohammed Hassan al-Matwi and partnered by Szczepan Mazur.The Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate was claimed by Lubara, who broke her maiden for trainer Jean de Mieulle under Bughenaim.Debutant Muraaqib made a winning start in the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, scoring for trainer M.H.K. al-Attiyah with Mazur aboard.The Local Thoroughbred Handicap went to Moharb, trained by Jassim al-Ghazali and ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot.Among the Arabians, Kawaii D’Vialettes captured the Purebred Arabian Handicap (1200m) for trainer Ahmed al-Jehani under Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi, while M’tawa El Saa’yeb dominated the Purebred Arabian Handicap (2000m) for Hamad al-Jehani, partnered by Jefferson Smith.RESULTS39th Al Uqda Race Meeting – Mesaieed CupWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1 – Mesaieed Cup – Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 75-95 (Class 3)Naseeb Zakhir, Eng. Osama Omer al-Dafea, Faleh Bughenaim2 – Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85)M’tawa El Saa’yeb, Hamad al-Jehani, Jefferson Smith3 – Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85)Kawaii D’Vialettes, Ahmed al-Jehani, Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi4 – Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-55)Moharb, Jassim al-Ghazali, Pierre Charles Boudot5 – Local Thoroughbred Maiden PlateMuraaqib, MHK al-Attiyah, Szczepan Mazur6 – Local Purebred Arabian Maiden PlateLubara, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughenaim7 – Thoroughbred Handicap (45-65)Overrule, Mohammed Hassan al-Matwi, Szczepan Mazur Related Story Source link
Decathlon CMA CGM rider Tobias Lund Andresen from Denmark celebrates winning stage one of the Tour Down Under UCI Men’s Cycling race in Adelaide Wednesday. (AFP)…
The three-day Oman International Rally gets underway from the Sohar Entertainment Centre today. Competitors from 10 nations will tackle 13 timed gravel special stages and 215.44 kilometres timed against the clock on this opening round of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) organised by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA). Fresh from a sixth Dakar Rally success last weekend, Qatar Nasser al-Attiyah will be aiming to begin his challenge for a record-breaking 21st regional title with a ninth win in Oman. He teams up with Candido Carrera in a Skoda Fabia RS that he was able to shakedown on a nearby gravel stage on Tuesday afternoon. The Qatari admitted that it had taken a couple of days of sensible diet and rest to recover physically and mentally from his recent Dakar exploits. He said: “This is part of the life. We need to keep running in the Middle East to improve the championship. If I stop, it will not be nice. We need to bring in a new generation of drivers. We finished Dakar. It was a great result for us. I was testing on Tuesday and then we have the official shakedown. Everything is good. The stages are nice, similar to last year with a few parts changed. I am quite happy to be back here in Oman. This is one of the best rallies, the terrain, the gravel.” Al-Attiyah confirmed that he will drive a two-wheel drive Optimus MD Buggy at the forthcoming Bajas in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He also admitted that his Dakar goal remains to beat Stephane Peterhansel’s eight victories in a car but he also retains targets in the MERC. “My goal is to stay racing until my son starts with me (he’s 15). Next year, maybe. We can give him the perfect experience. Maybe also 100 Middle East wins!” Oman’s Abdullah al-Rawahi will be hoping to prevent the Qatari securing a 92nd MERC victory this weekend. The two-time winner and former regional champion is back to full fitness after an accident in Lebanon last summer and teams up with Jordan’s Ata al-Hmoud in a second Skoda Fabia RS. Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa al-Atya has more experience of the regional series than any other driver still competing and the Qatari veteran will be aiming to defend his FIA Master MERC Driver title with Lebanese co-driver Ziad Chehab in a Motortune Racing-run Ford Fiesta. The Jordanian duo of Sheikh Bader al-Fayez and Ihab al-Shorafa wheel out a pair of Rally 2 Skodas and there is youthful competition from Hamza Bakhashab and his Irish co-driver Lorcan Moore in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Al-Fayez teams up with Lebanese co-driver Joseph Matar, an 11-time winner of the Rally of Lebanon. Zakariya al-Aamri finished as runner-up to fellow Omani Abdullah al-Zubair in last year’s FIA MERC2 Championship. He returns to try and go one better this season in a Subaru Impreza WRX STi, although Kuwait’s Jassim al-Muqahwi and the Jordanian duo of Shaker Jweihan and Sami Fleifel will have other ideas in a trio of Mitsubishi Lancers. The QMMF has entered a pair of Peugeot 208 Rally4s for the second season for last year’s champion Rashid al-Muhannadi and the talented youngster Mohammed al-Marri. In the absence of Indian racer Payyaakkal Panikkaveettil, the Qataris will duel for supremacy with al-Marri trying to add an FIA MERC3 crown to the FIA Junior MERC title he secured in 2025. The duo will be partnered by their respective co-drivers Szymon Gospdarczyk and Pierre Delorme.Today, competitors will be permitted to carry out a 5.5km shakedown test from 9am on a nearby stage. The official ceremonial starts at 3:15pm, flowed by the opening 2.52km Sohar super special stage. Source link