Ellie Downie has made the decision to retire from gymnastics; She says that it is in order to “prioritise her mental health and happiness”; Downie won the all-round European Championship gold in 2017
Last Updated: 23/01/23 10:04am
Ellie Downie has made the decision to retire from gymnastics
Ellie Downie has announced her retirement from gymnastics in order to “prioritise her mental health and happiness”.
In a statement released on social media she said: “With a heavy heart and an array of emotions, today is the day I announce my retirement from gymnastics!
“To say it has been a difficult decision is a massive understatement, but after a really tough last few years, I’ve made the decision to prioritise my mental health and happiness.
“Gymnastics has been my life for as long as I can remember and I am proud of everything I was fortunate enough to achieve in the sport.
“Competing and winning medals for Great Britain has meant everything and more to me and I’ll miss it enormously.”
The 23-year-old won 12 medals during her senior career, including six silver medals at the European Championships and two bronze medals at the World Championships.
She also finished 13th in the all-round at the 2016 Olympics despite landing on her head during a tumbling pass on floor.
A number of ex-Welsh Rugby Union employees have taken part in an investigation by BBC Wales making accusations about their time at the governing body; MP and former Wales international Tonia Antoniazzi has expressed “great concerns” over the women’s game in the country
Last Updated: 22/01/23 10:15pm
The Welsh Rugby Union is facing allegations of sexism and discrimination which have left MP and former Wales international Tonia Antoniazzi expressing “great concerns” over the women’s game in the country.
A number of ex-WRU employees have taken part in an investigation by BBC Wales, to be screened on Monday night, making accusations about their time at the governing body.
Charlotte Wathan, general manager of women’s rugby until her resignation last February, claims offensive comments by a colleague left her in tears and feeling sick, while another unnamed contributor says she was left contemplating suicide by her experiences of bullying and sexism at work, according to BBC Wales Investigates.
Incidents of racism and homophobia are also alleged.
The WRU said that an “amicable resolution” had been reached with Wathan “satisfying both parties” following an investigation by an external law firm. It said a confidentiality agreement between the parties prevented further details.
It noted that another of the complaints had been investigated and subsequently withdrawn, while new information included in the broadcast would be “followed up and acted upon”.
A spokesperson said: “The Welsh Rugby Union condemns the use of racist, homophobic or sexist language and states in the strongest possible terms that racism, homophobic, sexist or bullying behaviour has no place in Welsh rugby.”
A statement continued: “It is vitally important to note that we have a duty of care as employers to both the complainants and those complained against.
“That duty of care continues and we are deeply concerned about the effect of this programme on those individuals in respect of the fact the allegations described remain unsubstantiated following a thorough independent legal investigation.”
But Antoniazzi, who once played for Wales as a prop and now represents the Gower constituency and serves as Labour’s shadow Northern Ireland minister, remains concerned by the testimony.
She likened the evidence to the racism scandal which hit cricket following Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against Yorkshire, and believes an independent body may be needed to hold sporting institutions in Wales to account.
“This is on a level of what’s happened in cricket. I have great, great concerns about the future of women’s rugby in Wales,” she told the BBC.
“There has to be an independent body set up to look at complaints of… all complaints when there are issues within governing bodies, sporting governing bodies in Wales. There needs to be somewhere to go.”
Responding to those comments, the WRU said: “With respect to the comments made by Tonia Antoniazzi MP, the WRU invites the Labour MP for Gower to make direct contact on the issues she raises and would welcome the opportunity to discuss her concerns.”
Saracens scored a late try in a 20-14 defeat at Edinburgh to earn a bonus point, which secured a Champions Cup last-16 home tie; London Irish’s hopes of extending their European campaign were ended as they drew at Montpellier; Munster missed out on a home tie after losing in Toulouse
Last Updated: 22/01/23 8:46pm
England’s Elliot Daly carries the ball for Saracens during their defeat to Edinburgh
Edinburgh had to settle for a Heineken Champions Cup last-16 away tie at Leicester despite beating Saracens 20-14.
The Scottish side were heading for a home match in the next round until a late try from flanker Ben Earl secured Saracens a losing bonus point at the DAM Health Stadium.
That pushed them ahead of Edinburgh into fourth place in Pool A on tries scored, handing them a home game with Ospreys.
Dave Cherry and Pierre Schoeman crossed for Edinburgh while Blair Kinghorn added two penalties and the same amount of conversions, with Alex Goode kicking three penalties for Saracens before Earl’s late effort.
Edinburgh raced into a third-minute lead when they kicked a penalty to the corner, then battled through four phases on Saracens’ line before hooker Cherry picked up from the base of a ruck and muscled over.
Edinburgh celebrated their victory at full time despite missing out on a home last-16 tie
Kinghorn added the conversion, and then almost immediately slotted a penalty from directly in front of the posts when Jamie George was called for a high challenge on Schoeman.
Saracens bounced back with Goode kicking the points from a scrum penalty, but Edinburgh were soon back on top – and they were helped by the visitors losing two players to the sin-bin inside three minutes.
England hooker George and Italy prop Marco Riccioni were both yellow carded for failing to lower their body height in the tackle and causing head-on-head collisions.
Riccioni concussed himself and did not return after his spell on the sidelines.
TwitterDue to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view thisPrivacy Options
Edinburgh failed to make their two-man advantage count on the scoreboard, with Jamie Ritchie passing up a golden opportunity when he lost the ball in contact as he dived under the posts.
Once back to full strength, Saracens narrowed the gap with a second Goode penalty following another collapsed scrum.
That left Edinburgh just four points ahead at the break, which was remarkable given that they had dominated the first half with 71 per cent possession.
The home side edged further ahead at the start of the second half with a Kinghorn penalty, but that was promptly cancelled out by a successful shot at goal from Goode.
The game stretched away from Saracens when Maro Itoje became the third visiting player to see yellow for a cynical offside which prevented Henry Pyrgos from moving the ball from the base of an attacking ruck.
Edinburgh kicked to the corner and Schoeman powered over from the line-out maul, with Kinghorn adding the conversion.
As you would expect, Saracens fought right to the end, and Edinburgh lost Sam Skinner to the sin-bin for collapsing a maul near his own line.
The hosts managed to hold out for a few more minutes, but eventually cracked when a long passage of play from Saracens eventually opened up a gap on the left for Billy Vunipola to send Earl over, with Goode unable to add the conversion.
Montpellier 21-21 London Irish
London Irish’s European campaign came to an end as reigning French Top 14 champions Montpellier came from 21 points down to force a 21-21 draw in their Heineken Champions Cup clash.
The draw in the round four game in Pool B at the GGL Stadium meant Irish failed to record a win in the pool stages as their European hopes ended.
TwitterDue to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view thisPrivacy Options
The visitors were 21 points up after 48 minutes, Adam Coleman, Juan Martin Gonzalez and Agustin Creevy all crossing in an impressive display.
But Montpellier grew into the game in the second half and got over through Thomas Darmon, Vincent Giudicelli and Cobus Reinach to level the scores, allowing Sale to qualify for the European Challenge Cup round of 16.
Irish were beaten 32-27 by Montpellier at the Gtech Community Stadium in their opening Pool B game and went on lose their next two games before being denied again on French soil.
Both teams went into the match looking to bounce back from defeats in round three, with Montpellier losing 35-29 at Ospreys and Irish falling 14-28 at home to DHL Stormers.
Toulouse 20-16 Munster
The boot of full-back Melvyn Jaminet steered Toulouse to a narrow victory that earned them a home draw in the Heineken Champions Cup last 16 and condemned Munster to a road trip in the knockout stages.
Jaminet, deputising for the suspended Thomas Ramos, kicked 15 points as he took the game away from the Irish visitors in a second half that saw the lead change hands four times before the hosts finally clinched a 20-16 win.
TwitterDue to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view thisPrivacy Options
Five-time European champions Toulouse finished second in Pool B behind holders La Rochelle, while Munster missed out of a top-four finish that would have guaranteed a game for them at Thomond Park in the round of 16 at the end of the Six Nations.
Toulouse started the stronger and stormed into an eight-point lead. Jaminet despatched the first of his five penalties in the second minute, and things got even better for the hosts five minutes later when their Argentina wing Juan Cruz Mallia got past Shane Daly to cross in the right corner.
Jaminet pushed his touchline conversion inches wide of the far upright, but he was back on target in the 11th minute to make it 11-0.
Munster turned the game around with tries from John Hodnett and Tadhg Beirne either side of half-time, but Joey Carberry missed both conversions to limit their advantage.
The lead was exchanged as both sides took advantage of penalties, but Jaminet struck twice more to seal victory for the hosts.
Toto Wolff says talking about Red Bull chief Christian Horner is a waste of his time but believes Horner is “obsessed” with him; In 2022 Sky Sports interview, Horner said ‘it’s very easy to pull his chain’ when discussing Wolff
By Amar Mehta
Last Updated: 21/01/23 1:23pm
Toto Wolff believes he is living in Christian Horner’s head “rent free” and thinks speaking about the Red Bull chief is a “waste of time”.
The Mercedes chief and Horner have publicly sparred several times, with Horner making digs at Wolff during an award ceremony in December, joking that his rival was the Rookie of the Year at the Autosport Awards.
When asked about what he thinks of their rivalry during an interview with The Times, Wolff said: “I am living in his head rent-free. The guy is obsessed.
“Every second that I spend on talking about Horner is a waste of time in my life.”
The rivalry between the pair came to a head during the 2021 season when Mercedes and Red Bull were battling it out for the championship.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
There was certainly no love lost between Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull boss Christian Horner during the 2021 title tussle
There was certainly no love lost between Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull boss Christian Horner during the 2021 title tussle
The season ended in controversial fashion, when Michael Masi made a contentious safety car decision which allowed Max Verstappen to beat Lewis Hamilton to the title.
Wolff opened up about the frustrations after the Abu Dhabi race and said the decision taken by Masi during the race breached the “principle of fairness”.
“At the end of the race, an individual (Masi, who has since been replaced) took decisions that were not reflected anywhere in the rule book and were so drastic that they made the outcome unbelievable.
“That is a moment when you fall out of love with the sport…the principle of fairness was breached.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Take a look at some of the best overtakes from the 2022 season.
Take a look at some of the best overtakes from the 2022 season.
“The FIA took the guy out of the job because it was a human error. But it’s done and dusted now. I still think about it a lot, but not with anger; it is just incomprehensible how it came about.”
“Toto is Toto. He’s done a phenomenal job with Mercedes. He’s obviously come into the sport from a very different background to me, he’s very much from a financial background,” he said.
“And it’s very easy to pull his chain, and you can see it. Sometimes it affects him. So of course when you’re competing, and last year was so intense and of course it was the first time he’d ever been in that situation, it’s always interesting to see how people react.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Natalie Pinkham, Simon Lazenby, Karun Chandhok and David Croft select their favourite races, overtakes and most improved drivers and teams from Formula 1 2022.
Natalie Pinkham, Simon Lazenby, Karun Chandhok and David Croft select their favourite races, overtakes and most improved drivers and teams from Formula 1 2022.
“And when they’re smashing headphones and so on, you can see that you got to them.”
Asked if he thought he was a better team boss than Wolff, Horner added: “That’s not for me to judge…
“I’m focused on what I’m doing, you guys are judge and jury. Sometimes we get judged by Sky but that’s not for me… I’m focused on what I’m doing and he’s focused on what he’s doing.”
Logan Sargeant is the first American driver in Formula 1 since 2015 as he replaces Nicholas Latifi at Wiliams; there are three races in the United States in the 2023 Formula 1 calendar as the sport heads to Miami, Las Vegas and Austin
By Megan Wellens
Last Updated: 17/01/23 5:00pm
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Logan Sargeant says it is a dream come true to join the Williams team and begin his Formula One journey
Logan Sargeant says it is a dream come true to join the Williams team and begin his Formula One journey
Entering the F1 paddock comes with an immense amount of pressure for any driver, none more so than Williams’ newest star Logan Sargeant.
Sargeant, 21, was revealed as the replacement for Nicholas Latifi at last year’s USA Grand Prix and as the only American in a sport that is taking off in the United States, he knows all eyes will be on him as he takes the next step in his career, his focus already switching to proving himself on motorsport’s biggest stage.
“Obviously it is super special to be the first American driver in a while,” said Sargeant.
“With three Grand Prixs [in America], that is going to be fun. Miami is just on my doorstep so I am really looking forward to that one.
“It is maybe a little bit of extra pressure, but, at the end of the day, I put a lot of pressure on myself and the expectations are high.
“We just need to get the job done.”
As he teams up with Alex Albon at Williams, Sargeant becomes the first American driver in the sport since Alexander Rossi in 2015, the last American to win a race being Mario Andretti back in 1978.
The pressure will be mounting as the season draws closer, but Sargeant has always made sure to remember he is living out his dream for a team who have supported him for so long.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sargeant finished fifth in the final F2 feature race of 2022 to secure his super licence
Sargeant finished fifth in the final F2 feature race of 2022 to secure his super licence
“It is definitely a dream come true. I feel like 16 years of hard work, the weight was lifted off my shoulders that we made it here,” he added.
“Then you immediately think, now the real work starts trying to keep my place in Formula 1 going forward.
“The stars definitely have to align and you have to be in the right place at the right time.
“Williams has supported me so much since the end of last year and they gave me so much confidence throughout the year that this seat was up for grabs if I did my job.
“Going into that last round, I needed to get my super licence and the pressure was on to maximise the weekend and we did.
“I am just looking forward to doing my best for them in the future.”
Williams team principal James Vowles denies Mercedes control rival F1 team
Newly-appointed Williams team principal James Vowles insists the team will not become a “mini-Mercedes” following his move from the Silver Arrows.
Williams announced on Friday that Vowles will take over as team principal on February 20 ahead of the new season, ending his 13-year run with Mercedes.
James Vowles (L) with Lewis Hamilton
Vowles, who departs his position as strategy director, provides a further link between the two teams, who are already tied by Mercedes having supplied Williams with engines since 2014.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is a former owner and director of the British team, and Silver Arrows driver George Russell spent three years at Williams before partnering Hamilton for the first time last season.
“I wouldn’t consider it a mini-Mercedes,” Vowles said on Friday. “Williams is an incredibly independent team in its own right, which has formed its own history, its own heritage.
Vowles had been at Mercedes since the team’s inception in 2010
“Williams is an entirely independent organisation, and furthermore, it’s one that my success is subject and dependent on me doing a good job there, and that has to be independent of Mercedes.
“It doesn’t mean that Mercedes and ourselves won’t have collaboration in some form or another, there was collaboration before I joined, but I have to do what is best for Williams from here onwards.”
Formula 1 opts not to replace Chinese GP, which was set for April 16 before its cancellation due to Covid measures; there will now be four-week gap between third and fourth races of season (Melbourne and Baku); all 23 races this year – an F1 record – live on Sky Sports F1
Last Updated: 17/01/23 12:21pm
Formula 1 has formally confirmed a 23-race season for 2023 after opting not to replace the cancelled Chinese Grand Prix.
Discussions were held with numerous promoters about filling the April 16 slot – with Turkey and Portugal mooted – but the decision means there will be a four-week gap between the third and fourth rounds of the season.
The Australian GP takes place on April 2 and the Azerbaijan GP on April 30.
All 23 races – an F1 record – are live on Sky Sports F1.
An F1 statement read: “Formula 1 can confirm that the 2023 season will consist of 23 races.
“That means the season will kick off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5, and finish up in Abu Dhabi on November 26, with the brand new Las Vegas Grand Prix joining the calendar a week before the season finale.”
TwitterDue to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view thisPrivacy Options
The Chinese GP was cancelled for the fourth year in a row at the beginning of December due to strict Covid measures.
The sport had been set to return to China for the first time since 2019 but with the country continuing to implement a zero-Covid policy, which has led to heavy restrictions and continued lockdown, F1 decided it was not feasible to hold a race at the Shanghai International Circuit.
F1 2023 starts with pre-season testing on February 23-25 before the first race of the season, the Bahrain GP, on March 5.
The 10 F1 teams will unveil their new cars in February ahead of a solitary sole pre-season test, which takes place over three days in Bahrain from February 23.
The confirmed 2023 calendar
March 5: Bahrain (Sakhir) March 19: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) April 2: Australia (Melbourne) April 30: Azerbaijan (Baku)* May 7:Miami (Miami) May 21: Emilia Romagna (Imola) May 28: Monaco (Monaco) June 4:Spain (Barcelona) June 18: Canada (Montreal) July 2: Austria (Spielberg)* July 9: Great Britain (Silverstone) July 23: Hungary (Budapest) July 30: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)* August 27: Netherlands (Zandvoort) September 3: Italy (Monza) September 17:Singapore (Marina Bay) September 24: Japan (Suzuka) October 8: Qatar (Losail)* October 22: USA (Austin)* October 29: Mexico (Mexico City) November 5: Brazil (Sao Paulo)* November 18: Las Vegas November 26: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
Amid annual losses averaging £4m per Premiership club, DCMS committee said: “The demise during the season of two Premiership clubs is a stain on the reputation of the RFU and PRL. It is not indicative of a healthy professional set-up. The financial situation is clearly unsustainable”
Last Updated: 16/01/23 11:26pm
MPs have issued a damning report on ‘unsustainable’ Premiership club finances
MPs have warned the financial situation of Gallagher Premiership clubs is “clearly unsustainable” in a damning report on issues facing the professional game in England.
The demise of former top-flight clubs Wasps and Worcester earlier this season has been described as a “stain on the reputation” of the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby.
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney and his Premiership Rugby counterpart Simon Massie-Taylor held a “very complacent belief” that plans to increase revenues and improve collaboration would solve existing financial problems amid annual losses averaging around £4m per club.
Sweeney and Massie-Taylor appeared in front of the select committee in November after Wasps and Worcester had entered administration – a fate which resulted in both clubs losing their Premiership status amid many job losses.
The committee concluded that poor oversight from rugby union’s governing bodies contributed to Wasps and Worcester collapsing, and criticised “a lack of safeguards in place at the highest levels of the game” to help prevent such issues.
“At Wasps, a disastrous and ill-thought-through relocation to Coventry, and the debt incurred to fund this, crippled the club financially,” the report read.
“At Worcester Warriors, unscrupulous owners mismanaged club finances while attempting to strip the club of its assets. One of the most striking facets of the problems at Worcester Warriors was the lack of due diligence undertaken regarding its owners, particularly Colin Goldring.”
The committee’s conclusions and recommendations include that when the RFU publishes its next annual report, the governing body writes to the committee with “a detailed commentary of its financial position and what steps it will be taking to prevent further clubs collapsing”.
The committee added: “The demise during the playing season of two Premiership clubs is a stain on the reputation of the RFU and PRL. It is not indicative of a healthy professional set-up.
Worcester Warriors and Wasps went into administration and suffered relegation within weeks
“We welcome the planned reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future, but such alarming circumstances should not have been required in order for the RFU and PRL to realise the necessity of these reforms.
“The financial situation of Premiership clubs is clearly unsustainable, and we are surprised by the very complacent belief of Bill Sweeney and Simon Massie-Taylor that further growth in club revenues will solve these problems.”
On player welfare, MPs say the introduction of a benevolent fund is a “pressing need”, and that the RFU should adopt measures giving players a stronger say in all matters relating to their welfare.
Damian Green MP, acting chair of the committee, said: “Club rugby at the top of the game is in disarray.
“Inert leadership from the RFU and PRL has allowed mismanagement to collapse two of English rugby’s top teams. Thousands of loyal fans have been deprived of their clubs and hundreds of jobs have been lost.
MP Julian Knight previously accused RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney as being asleep on the job, for failing to keep clubs like Worcester and Wasps alive
“We welcome the raft of changes announced by the PRL and RFU. Better safeguards and a stronger owners’ and directors’ test are desperately needed. But it’s incredibly disappointing that two clubs had to collapse for the rugby governing bodies to act.
“More worryingly, the root of the problem remains. Rugby clubs are still spiralling into debt and the RFU and PRL’s current revenue-boosting plans haven’t done enough in the past and are unlikely to make a difference going forward.
“With its upcoming annual report, the RFU must demonstrate to the committee how it will protect the rest of the league from financial ruin.”
In response to the committee’s report, the RFU and Premiership Rugby issued a joint statement.
“Professional rugby clubs are independent, individually managed businesses,” they said.
“However, it’s clear that the pandemic and economic environment has further exposed the fragility in the professional system. Together, we are working hard to address these issues and create a sustainable league.
“Whilst commercial growth will be important, there is equally a major focus on financial monitoring and management, as well as improving governance and some of the other foundational elements which are important to attract future investment in the club game.
“Plans are already in place for a financial monitoring panel where we are conducting a third-party financial review of all clubs and will aim to announce an independent chair in due course.
“Player welfare is an absolute priority for all rugby stakeholders, and players are represented on the Professional Game Board, the RFU Council and player welfare committees.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Ref Watch panel debate whether Marcus Rashford did interfere with play from an offside position that saw Bruno Fernandes equalise against Manchester City.
Oscar Otte of Germany is currently playing Juncheng Shang of China PR, seeded Q. The current score is 2-6. Current game: 40-G. Current server is Juncheng Shang
Yosuke Watanuki (Q)
Arthur Rinderknech
6–3
1–1
Watanuki serving.
15–15
Yosuke Watanuki of Japan, seeded Q is currently playing Arthur Rinderknech of France. The current score is 6-3, current set: 1-1. Current game: 15-15. Current server is Yosuke Watanuki
Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Gregoire Barrere
3–6
Barrere serving.
30–G
Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina is currently playing Gregoire Barrere of France. The current score is 3-6. Current game: 30-G. Current server is Gregoire Barrere
Corentin Moutet
Yibing Wu (WC)
4–3
Wu serving.
40–G
Corentin Moutet of France is currently playing Yibing Wu of China PR, seeded WC. The current score is 4-3. Current game: 40-G. Current server is Yibing Wu
Francisco Cerundolo (28)
Guido Pella
5–3
Pella serving.
0–40
Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, seeded 28 is currently playing Guido Pella of Argentina. The current score is 5-3. Current game: Love-40. Current server is Guido Pella
Ilya Ivashka
Botic Van De Zandschulp (32)
3–4
Ivashka serving.
40–A
Ilya Ivashka of Belarus is currently playing Botic Van De Zandschulp of Netherlands, seeded 32. The current score is 3-4. Current game: Advantage :team. Current server is Ilya Ivashka
Kyle Edmund
Jannik Sinner (15)
2–4
Edmund serving.
30–15
Kyle Edmund of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently playing Jannik Sinner of Italy, seeded 15. The current score is 2-4. Current game: 30-15. Current server is Kyle Edmund
Dusan Lajovic
Denis Shapovalov (20)
Dusan Lajovic of Serbia is scheduled to play Denis Shapovalov of Canada, seeded 20, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Mikael Ymer
Yoshihito Nishioka (31)
Mikael Ymer of Sweden is scheduled to play Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan, seeded 31, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Daniel Altmaier
Frances Tiafoe (16)
Daniel Altmaier of Germany is scheduled to play Frances Tiafoe of United States of America, seeded 16, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Hubert Hurkacz (10)
Pedro Martinez
Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, seeded 10 is scheduled to play Pedro Martinez of Spain, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Tallon Griekspoor
Pavel Kotov (LL)
Tallon Griekspoor of Netherlands is scheduled to play Pavel Kotov of Russian Federation, seeded LL, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Sebastian Korda (29)
Cristian Garin
Sebastian Korda of United States of America, seeded 29 is scheduled to play Cristian Garin of Chile, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Brandon Nakashima
Mackenzie McDonald
Brandon Nakashima of United States of America is scheduled to play Mackenzie McDonald of United States of America, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Karen Khachanov (18)
Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Karen Khachanov of Russian Federation, seeded 18 is scheduled to play Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain, at 02:00. First server will be TBD
Lorenzo Sonego
Nuno Borges
Lorenzo Sonego of Italy is scheduled to play Nuno Borges of Portugal, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Jiri Lehecka
Borna Coric (21)
Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic is scheduled to play Borna Coric of Croatia, seeded 21, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Federico Coria
Marton Fucsovics
Federico Coria of Argentina is scheduled to play Marton Fucsovics of Hungary, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Rafael Nadal (1)
Jack Draper
Rafael Nadal of Spain, seeded 1 is scheduled to play Jack Draper of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Ernesto Escobedo (Q)
Taro Daniel
Ernesto Escobedo of Mexico, seeded Q is scheduled to play Taro Daniel of Japan, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Jaume Munar
Dalibor Svrcina (Q)
Jaume Munar of Spain is scheduled to play Dalibor Svrcina of Czech Republic, seeded Q, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Cameron Norrie (11)
Luca Van Assche (WC)
Cameron Norrie of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, seeded 11 is scheduled to play Luca Van Assche of France, seeded WC, at 04:00. First server will be TBD
John Millman (WC)
Marc-Andrea Huesler
John Millman of Australia, seeded WC is scheduled to play Marc-Andrea Huesler of Switzerland, at 04:30. First server will be TBD
Sebastian Baez
Jason Kubler (WC)
Sebastian Baez of Argentina is scheduled to play Jason Kubler of Australia, seeded WC, at 04:30. First server will be TBD
Alex Molcan
Stan Wawrinka
Alex Molcan of Slovakia is scheduled to play Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, at 05:00. First server will be TBD
Lorenzo Musetti (17)
Lloyd Harris
Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, seeded 17 is scheduled to play Lloyd Harris of South Africa, at 05:00. First server will be TBD
Yannick Hanfmann (Q)
Rinky Hijikata (WC)
Yannick Hanfmann of Germany, seeded Q is scheduled to play Rinky Hijikata of Australia, seeded WC, at 05:00. First server will be TBD
Christopher Eubanks (WC)
SoonWoo Kwon
Christopher Eubanks of United States of America, seeded WC is scheduled to play SoonWoo Kwon of Korea Republic, at 05:00. First server will be TBD
Thiago Monteiro
Constant Lestienne
Thiago Monteiro of Brazil is scheduled to play Constant Lestienne of France, at 06:00. First server will be TBD
Vasek Pospisil
Felix Auger-Aliassime (6)
Vasek Pospisil of Canada is scheduled to play Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, seeded 6, at 07:00. First server will be TBD
Stefanos Tsitsipas (3)
Quentin Halys
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, seeded 3 is scheduled to play Quentin Halys of France, at 08:00. First server will be TBD
Marcos Giron
Daniil Medvedev (7)
Marcos Giron of United States of America is scheduled to play Daniil Medvedev of Russian Federation, seeded 7, at 09:30. First server will be TBD
WTA Tour / Women’s Singles / Round of 128
Jessica Pegula (3)
Jaqueline Cristian
6–0
0–0
Pegula serving.
A–40
Jessica Pegula of United States of America, seeded 3 is currently playing Jaqueline Cristian of Romania. The current score is 6-0, current set: 0-0. Current game: Advantage :team. Current server is Jessica Pegula
Anna Kalinskaya
Danielle Collins (13)
3–3
Collins serving.
30–40
Anna Kalinskaya of Russian Federation is currently playing Danielle Collins of United States of America, seeded 13. The current score is 3-3. Current game: 30-40. Current server is Danielle Collins
Bianca Andreescu
Marie Bouzkova (25)
4–2
Andreescu serving.
40–30
Bianca Andreescu of Canada is currently playing Marie Bouzkova of Czech Republic, seeded 25. The current score is 4-2. Current game: 40-30. Current server is Bianca Andreescu
Marta Kostyuk
Amanda Anisimova (28)
6–3
1–1
Anisimova serving.
0–30
Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine is currently playing Amanda Anisimova of United States of America, seeded 28. The current score is 6-3, current set: 1-1. Current game: Love-30. Current server is Amanda Anisimova
Cristina Bucsa (Q)
Eva Lys (Q)
2–5
Lys serving.
40–G
Cristina Bucsa of Spain, seeded Q is currently playing Eva Lys of Germany, seeded Q. The current score is 2-5. Current game: 40-G. Current server is Eva Lys
Kristina Kucova
Diana Shnaider (Q)
4–5
Shnaider serving.
15–G
Kristina Kucova of Slovakia is currently playing Diana Shnaider of Russian Federation, seeded Q. The current score is 4-5. Current game: 15-G. Current server is Diana Shnaider
Emma Raducanu
Tamara Korpatsch
4–3
Korpatsch serving.
G–30
Emma Raducanu of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently playing Tamara Korpatsch of Germany. The current score is 4-3. Current game: G-30. Current server is Tamara Korpatsch
Polina Kudermetova (Q)
Olivia Gadecki (WC)
4–5
Gadecki serving.
30–G
Polina Kudermetova of Russian Federation, seeded Q is currently playing Olivia Gadecki of Australia, seeded WC. The current score is 4-5. Current game: 30-G. Current server is Olivia Gadecki
Katerina Siniakova
Coco Gauff (7)
1–6
1–1
Siniakova serving.
15–15
Katerina Siniakova of Czech Republic is currently playing Coco Gauff of United States of America, seeded 7. The current score is 1-6, current set: 1-1. Current game: 15-15. Current server is Katerina Siniakova
Yue Yuan
Maria Sakkari (6)
Yue Yuan of China PR is scheduled to play Maria Sakkari of Greece, seeded 6, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Talia Gibson (WC)
Clara Burel (Q)
Talia Gibson of Australia, seeded WC is scheduled to play Clara Burel of France, seeded Q, at 01:30. First server will be TBD
Lesia Tsurenko (Q)
Karolina Muchova
Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine, seeded Q is scheduled to play Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic, at 02:00. First server will be TBD
Alison Van Uytvanck
Petra Kvitova (15)
Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium is scheduled to play Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic, seeded 15, at 02:00. First server will be TBD
Brenda Fruhvirtova (Q)
Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Brenda Fruhvirtova of Czech Republic, seeded Q is scheduled to play Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus, at 02:00. First server will be TBD
Kamilla Rakhimova
Kateryna Baindl
Kamilla Rakhimova of Russian Federation is scheduled to play Kateryna Baindl of Ukraine, at 02:00. First server will be TBD
Coco Vandeweghe (Q)
Anhelina Kalinina
Coco Vandeweghe of United States of America, seeded Q is scheduled to play Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine, at 02:00. First server will be TBD
Bernarda Pera
Moyuka Uchijima (WC)
Bernarda Pera of United States of America is scheduled to play Moyuka Uchijima of Japan, seeded WC, at 02:00. First server will be TBD
Dayana Yastremska
Jelena Ostapenko (17)
Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine is scheduled to play Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, seeded 17, at 03:00. First server will be TBD
Qinwen Zheng (29)
Dalma Galfi
Qinwen Zheng of China PR, seeded 29 is scheduled to play Dalma Galfi of Hungary, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Anna Bondar
Ana Bogdan
Anna Bondar of Hungary is scheduled to play Ana Bogdan of Romania, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Barbora Krejcikova (20)
Sara Bejlek (Q)
Barbora Krejcikova of Czech Republic, seeded 20 is scheduled to play Sara Bejlek of Czech Republic, seeded Q, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Lin Zhu
Rebecca Marino
Lin Zhu of China PR is scheduled to play Rebecca Marino of Canada, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Sofia Kenin
Victoria Azarenka (24)
Sofia Kenin of United States of America is scheduled to play Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, seeded 24, at 03:30. First server will be TBD
Panna Udvardy
Camila Osorio
Panna Udvardy of Hungary is scheduled to play Camila Osorio of Colombia, at 04:00. First server will be TBD
Laura Pigossi (LL)
Catherine McNally
Laura Pigossi of Brazil, seeded LL is scheduled to play Catherine McNally of United States of America, at 04:30. First server will be TBD
Elena Rybakina (22)
Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, seeded 22 is scheduled to play Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy, at 05:00. First server will be TBD
Kaja Juvan
Selena Janicijevic (Q)
Kaja Juvan of Slovenia is scheduled to play Selena Janicijevic of France, seeded Q, at 05:30. First server will be TBD
Jil Teichmann (32)
Harriet Dart
Jil Teichmann of Switzerland, seeded 32 is scheduled to play Harriet Dart of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, at 05:30. First server will be TBD
Xinyu Wang
Storm Hunter (WC)
Xinyu Wang of China PR is scheduled to play Storm Hunter of Australia, seeded WC, at 06:00. First server will be TBD
Leolia Jeanjean (LL)
Nadia Podoroska
Leolia Jeanjean of France, seeded LL is scheduled to play Nadia Podoroska of Argentina, at 06:00. First server will be TBD
Iga Swiatek (1)
Jule Niemeier
Iga Swiatek of Poland, seeded 1 is scheduled to play Jule Niemeier of Germany, at 08:00. First server will be TBD
Madison Keys (10)
Anna Blinkova
Madison Keys of United States of America, seeded 10 is scheduled to play Anna Blinkova of Russian Federation, at 10:00. First server will be TBD
Brasil Tennis Challenger
ATP Challenger Tour / Men’s Singles / Qualifying Final
ATP Challenger Tour / Men’s Singles / Round of 32
Tenerife 1
ATP Challenger Tour / Men’s Singles / Qualifying Final
ATP Challenger Tour / Men’s Singles / Round of 32
Bangkok Open 3
ATP Challenger Tour / Men’s Singles / Qualifying Final
ATP Challenger Tour / Men’s Singles / Round of 32
Yuttana Charoenphon (WC)
Michael Geerts
Yuttana Charoenphon of Thailand, seeded WC is scheduled to play Michael Geerts of Belgium, at 06:00. First server will be TBD
Evan Furness (4)
Kacper Zuk
Evan Furness of France, seeded 4 is scheduled to play Kacper Zuk of Poland, at 06:00. First server will be TBD
Seong-Chan Hong
Kasidit Samrej (WC)
Seong-Chan Hong of Korea Republic is scheduled to play Kasidit Samrej of Thailand, seeded WC, at 06:00. First server will be TBD
Sho Shimabukuro
Mats Moraing
Sho Shimabukuro of Japan is scheduled to play Mats Moraing of Germany, at 07:30. First server will be TBD
James Duckworth (1)
Beibit Zhukayev (AL)
James Duckworth of Australia, seeded 1 is scheduled to play Beibit Zhukayev of Kazakhstan, seeded AL, at 07:30. First server will be TBD
Nam Hoang Ly
Nicholas David Ionel (6)
Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam is scheduled to play Nicholas David Ionel of Romania, seeded 6, at 07:30. First server will be TBD
Red Bull are set to be the first team to launch their car for the 2023 Formula 1 season; the reigning drivers’ and constructors’ champions will reveal the RB19 in New York City on February 3
Last Updated: 13/01/23 5:27pm
Max Verstappen led Red Bull to drivers’ and constructors’ titles in 2022
Reigning Formula 1 constructors’ champions Red Bull have announced they will launch their 2023 car in New York City on February 3.
With only two teams – Alfa Romeo and Haas – left to announce their launch dates, Red Bull’s RB19 is set to be the first 2023 car revealed.
The RB18 delivered a dominant season for Red Bull, ending Mercedes’ eight-year streak of constructors’ titles and helping Max Verstappen to his second successive drivers’ crown.
“The 3rd February is set to be our biggest launch yet, in the city that never sleeps, New York,” Red Bull said in a statement released on Friday.
TwitterDue to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view thisPrivacy Options
“Not only is this going to be the first Formula 1 season launch to take place in the US, we’re also planning to make it the greatest in F1 history.”
Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri had previously confirmed that they would also launch their 2023 campaign in New York, but that event comes eight days later.
Verstappen produced a brilliant season-long display of driving, winning a record 15 races as he cruised to his second title.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Relive how Verstappen won his second world title, as we look back at some key races from the 2022 season.
Relive how Verstappen won his second world title, as we look back at some key races from the 2022 season.
Red Bull were similarly dominant in the constructors’ contest, beating second-placed Ferrari by 205 points.
Verstappen’s dominance in 2022 allowed the team to start work early on their 2023 car, but they will also be coping with a loss of development time after being punished for breaching F1’s cost cap in 2021.
F1 2023: When are the new cars being revealed?
February 3
Red Bull
February 6
Williams
February 11
AlphaTauri
February 13
Aston Martin
February 13
McLaren
February 14
Ferrari
February 15
Mercedes
February 16
Alpine
Two teams TBC
What changes are there on the cars and when’s testing?
While there is no rules overhaul for next year like there was for 2022, there are subtle changes to the rules and cars that teams can take advantage of.
The most notable is a higher ride height, which is primarily to help with porpoising but could also see teams find performance.
There is one pre-season test this year, in Bahrain, on February 23-25.
The 2023 season starts in earnest the week after pre-season testing at the same Sakhir circuit, on March 3-5.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Following his sides 2-1 defeat to Fulham, Chelsea head coach Graham Potter says the loss of Joao Felix for three games following a red card is really disappointing.
England trailed by 10 goals against Jamaica before eventually clawing their way back into the match to seal an emphatic 73-52 victory in World Cup year; Netball World Cup takes place this summer from July 28- August 6, all live on Sky Sports
By Raz Mirza
Last Updated: 11/01/23 9:18pm
Jo Harten was on target for England as they dominated Jamaica in the final quarter
England’s Vitality Roses made an impressive start to 2023 by seeing off rivals Jamaica with a ruthless 73-52 display at Manchester’s AO Arena on Wednesday.
England began the first of their three-match series by dismantling the Commonwealth Games silver medallists in the final quarter to seal a fabulous victory.
Head coach Jess Thirlby admitted the matches against Jamaica are all geared towards the Netball World Cup this summer.
She told BBC Sport: “It’s definitely about the longer-term but everything we do, you have to have intent to do both. Part of learning how to be better at the World Cup is learning how to win these games. We’ve ticked off so many new things there.
“World Cup always has to be our destination but we want to win as well.”
Helen Housby (left) and Malysha Kelly in action at Manchester’s AO Arena
The Sunshine Girls made a storming start, producing neat court transition through to goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler for a 19-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Thirlby’s side worked hard in a fast-paced encounter, with Jo Harten and Helen Housby gelling neatly together to enable England to stay in contention.
Jamaica’s lead was cut to three goals by half-time following another lively quarter in which they began to show a few signs of nerves.
With the visitors losing momentum, the Roses took advantage to close the gap to 34-31.
The tide turned England’s way midway through the third quarter with the home side moving ahead and building a slight cushion, leading 49-47 in a roller-coaster ride heading into the final quarter.
TwitterDue to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view thisPrivacy Options
The Roses went on to show all their experience to run away with the contest in the last 15 minutes.
Natalie Metcalf, Harten and Housby toyed with the Jamaican defence to add to their tally and close out an emphatic win between the teams who are ranked third and fourth in the world, respectively.
What’s next?
The teams travel down south to the Copper Box Arena in London for back-to-back games on January 14 and 15.
The series forms part of the Roses’ preparations for July’s World Cup in South Africa – live on Sky Sports.
Fallon Sherrock into Final Stage at Q-School; tournament will be played each day from Thursday to Sunday, with the winner receiving a PDC Tour Card; There will also be an Order of Merit with points available for wins with nine more players receiving a PDC Tour Card for 2023 and 2024
Last Updated: 11/01/23 4:49pm
Fallon Sherrock has confirmed her place in the Final Stage at UK Q-School
Fallon Sherrock has made it through to the Final Stage at UK Q-School following a brilliant run in Milton Keynes on Wednesday.
The Women’s World Matchplay winner joins 104 players in qualifying for the final stage, which, supplemented by the 24 players who were automatically qualified, means that a total of 128 players will compete for the 13 available Tour Cards from Thursday.
TwitterDue to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view thisPrivacy Options
Sherrock, who made history by becoming the first woman ever to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship in 2019, is pleased with her progress but is also aware of the hard work ahead to earn her Tour Card.
She said on Twitter: “Very pleased with my game the past 3 days, especially today – but nothing won yet as the hard work starts tomorrow.
“But win or lose I’m just pleased to be part of QS and playing my game the best I can. Good luck and well done to everyone else who plays tomorrow.”
Sherrock says the ‘hard work’ starts on Thursday when she will look to earn a PDC Tour Card
Sherrock joins the likes of Christian Perez, Jamie Lewis, Josh Payne, Andy Hamilton, Nick Kenny, former UK Open runner-up Corey Cadby and Arron Monk in managing to secure a spot for the remainder of Q-School.
Meanwhile, Jelle Klaasen, Nico Kurz, Diogo Portela and Ronny Huybrechts will feature in the final stage at European Q-School.
What’s next?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sherrock said she was getting used to this ‘history-making thing’ after winning the Women’s World Matchplay
Sherrock said she was getting used to this ‘history-making thing’ after winning the Women’s World Matchplay
A total of 32 PDC Tour Cards will be on offer in Final Stage from January 12-15, with each of the daily winners in the UK and Europe receiving an automatic Tour Card.
The remaining 24 Tour Cards will be allocated to players from the UK and European Q-School Final Stage Orders of Merit, and split on a pro-rata basis of total participants in each region.
Any ties in the Q-School Orders of Merit will be split as follows based on all match results: Leg Difference, Legs Won, then DartConnect average. If players still cannot be split, a play-off would be organised.
