Dubai Telegraph

Argentina fall in Paraguay, Brazil held in Venezuela

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America's big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

New Zealand's prolific Williamson back for England Test series

Prolific batsman Kane Williamson was Friday included in New Zealand's Test squad to face England after missing their recent 3-0 sweep in India with a groin injury.

Tyson slaps Paul in final face-off before Netflix bout

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson slapped opponent Jake Paul as the two men faced off for the final time on Thursday ahead of their controversial Netflix-backed bout.

England wrap-up T20 series win over West Indies

England beat West Indies by three wickets in their T20 international in Saint Lucia on Thursday to take an insurmountable 3-0 lead in their five-match series.

Cricket at 2028 Olympics could be held outside Los Angeles

Cricket might be forced to make its Olympic return outside Los Angeles, 2028 Games organisers said on Thursday, following reports the sport could be staged thousands of miles away in New York.

Japan into BJK Cup quarter-finals as Slovakia stun USA

Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi took Japan into the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2013 on Thursday with a stunning comeback win over Romania.

Olympics 'above politics' say LA 2028 organisers after Trump win

The re-election of Donald Trump to the US presidency will have no bearing on preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, organisers said Thursday, stating that the games were "above politics."

Carsley hails England's strength in depth as understudies sink Greece

Lee Carsley claimed England's 3-0 win against Greece showed the strength in depth that awaits Thomas Tuchel when he takes over as coach.

Undefeated Chiefs lose kicker Butker to knee injury

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will undergo left knee surgery and miss the next four games for the undefeated two-time reigning NFL champions, according to multiple reports on Thursday.

Wallabies winger Vunivalu signs for La Rochelle

Wallabies winger and former rugby league star Suliasi Vunivalu has signed for French Top 14 club La Rochelle, saying Friday he felt the time was right to move overseas.

Vinicius misses penalty as Brazil held in Venezuela

Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela with Vinicius Junior missing a penalty in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

World's tallest teen Rioux won't make college debut until 2025

Canadian giant Olivier Rioux, dubbed the World's Tallest Teen by Guinness World Records, must wait until 2025 to make his college basketball debut, University of Florida coach Todd Golden said on Thursday.

Ace helps Jeon grab share of LPGA Annika lead with Hull

South Korea's Jeon Ji-won made a hole-in-one on the way to a six-under par 64 and a share of the lead with England's Charley Hull before darkness halted Thursday's first round in the LPGA Annika tournament.

Italy and security-tight France lock up Nations League quarter-final spots

Italy ensured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a victory over Belgium on Thursday that also guaranteed France a place in the last-eight despite a lacklustre display in a scoreless draw with Israel under tight security in Paris.

New Zealand's Southee to quit Test cricket after England series

Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee said Friday the team's upcoming Test series with England would be his last, with the 35-year-old set to finish up at his home ground in Hamilton.

Italy and France lock up Nations League quarter-final spots

Italy ensured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a victory over Belgium on Thursday that also guaranteed France a place in the last-eight despite a lacklustre display in a scoreless draw with Israel under tight security in Paris.

Osimhen strike books Nigeria place at Africa Cup of Nations

A late equaliser from Victor Osimhen stamped Nigeria's ticket for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday while Tunisia also booked their place with a 3-2 win over Madagascar.

England ignore star absences to sink Greece

England's understudies ignored the controversy over Harry Kane's criticism of the team's absentee stars as they beat Greece 3-0 on Thursday to keep alive their hopes of Nations League promotion.

Tonali shoots Italy past Belgium and into Nations League quarter-finals

Sandro Tonali fired Italy into the Nations League quarter-finals with the only goal in Thursday's 1-0 win over Belgium in Brussels, completing his Azzurri comeback from a gambling ban which cost him a place at Euro 2024.

Sinner cruises past Medvedev to complete perfect ATP Finals group stage

Jannik Sinner capped a perfect group stage at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Daniil Medvedev on Thursday which eliminated his Russian rival.

Rugby needs Wallaby 'superstar' Suaalii says Wales coach Gatland

Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland believes "the game needs superstars" as his struggling side prepare to face Wallaby wonder Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on Sunday.

Unbeaten Chiefs visit Buffalo in NFL rivalry showdown

Josh Allen-led Buffalo has beaten Kansas City in each of the past three NFL seasons, so the Bills have a solid chance on Sunday to spoil the Chiefs' unbeaten campaign.

'Proud' new World Rugby chief Robinson vows to unify the sport

Australia's Brett Robinson said it was a "proud moment" for him after he became the first chairman of World Rugby from the southern hemisphere on Thursday and vowed to unify all the different factions.

England boss fears new directive risks rugby turning into Aussie rules

A new law directive designed to create fairer aerial contests is in danger of turning rugby union into Australian rules football, according to England coach Steve Borthwick.

England captain Kane axed for Greece clash after blast at absentee stars

England captain Harry Kane was left out of the starting line-up for Thursday's Nations League clash with Greece just 24 hours after his remarkable blast at the team's absentee stars.

Borthwick adamant England focus still sharp as Springboks await

England coach Steve Borthwick insists talk about his own position is no distraction as he bids to end the team's losing run against world champions South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

Martin calls on rival Bagnaia for advice ahead of MotoGP title showdown

Championship leader Jorge Martin suggested on Thursday that his nearest rival and close friend Francesco Bagnaia should give him some advice on how to close out his first title at this weekend's Grand Prix of Barcelona.

Philadelphia completes lineup for Johnson's Grand Slam meets

Grand Slam Track, the upstart athletics series founded by four-time Olympic champion sprinter Michael Johnson, announced Philadelphia's Franklin Field as the final venue for its debut 2025 season on Thursday.

Italy wing Capuozzo to miss Georgia game with concussion

Italy wing Ange Capuozzo has been ruled out of this weekend's rugby union Test against Georgia in Genoa with concussion, the Italian rugby federation (FIR) announced Thursday.

Son hits 50th South Korea goal in World Cup win, Australia-Saudi stalemate

Son Heung-min scored a landmark 50th goal for his country to move South Korea a step closer to the World Cup on Thursday as Australia and Saudi Arabia cancelled each other out.

Japan into BJK Cup quarter-finals for first time in 11 years