Artur Beterbiev v Callum Smith: World champion dominates Briton in seventh-round stoppage

Briton Callum Smith’s bid to become a two-weight world champion ended in heartbreak after a seventh-round stoppage defeat by the terrific Artur Beterbiev in Quebec. The Russian systematically broke Smith down to defend his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles. He floored the challenger twice in the seventh before 33-year-old Smith’s corner pulled him from […]

Agnes Ngetich breaks 10km road world record in Valencia

Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich became the first woman to run 10km in under 29 minutes as she won the Valencia Ibercaja road race in Spain. The 22-year-old triumphed in 28 minutes 46 seconds, beating Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw’s 2022 road world record by 28 seconds. Compatriot Emmaculate Anyango also ran under 29 minutes, finishing second in 28:57. […]

Australian Open 2024 results: Novak Djokovic beats qualifier Dino Prizmic in his longest first-round match

Defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic said it was like “playing myself in the mirror” after he came through the longest first-round Grand Slam match of his career against teenage qualifier Dino Prizmic. Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 11th men’s title in Melbourne, needed four hours and one minute to beat the 18-year-old 6-2 6-7 (5-7) […]

Masters 2024: Ali Carter opens up early lead over Ronnie O’Sullivan in final

Ali Carter opened up a 5-3 lead over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the opening session of Sunday’s Masters final at Alexandra Palace. O’Sullivan, 48, who is chasing a record-extending eighth title, and Carter, 44, both made century breaks as they shared the first four frames. Carter then enjoyed a sublime run of 122 and won two […]

Tuesday’s gossip: Branthwaite, Onana, Carvalho, Henderson, Phillips

Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Everton and England Under-21 centre back Jarrad Branthwaite, 21. (Mail) Everton and Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana, 22, is keen on a move to Arsenal. (Sacha Tavolieri) Manchester United have also opened talks with Onana. (Football Transfers) United and Aston Villa are interested in signing 23-year-old Canadian forward Jonathan David from Lille. (Football Transfers) Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq do not want to lose England […]

Ian Maatsen: Chelsea defender agrees loan transfer to Borussia Dortmund

Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season. The 21-year-old will sign a two-year contract extension with Chelsea before linking up with the Bundesliga club. The deal does not include an option for Dortmund to make the deal permanent. The Blues are likely to be […]

County ins & outs – signings, departures and rumours

With the 2023 county season over, stay up to date with the latest player signings and speculation for 2024 from all the counties. Guide to abbreviations REL: Released RET: Retired YTH: From youth teams UKP: Born overseas, but has UK passport Also shows, where relevant, players’ previous counties Counties have been permitted to field two overseas players in all […]

Future tour dates: Details of forthcoming international series

West Indies in Australia (January-February 2024) Ireland women in Zimbabwe (January-February 2024) England in India (January-March 2024) Afghanistan in Sri Lanka (February 2024) South Africa in New Zealand (February 2024) Australia in New Zealand (February-March 2024) Afghanistan v Ireland (in UAE) (February-March 2024) England women in New Zealand (March-April 2024) Pakistan women in England (May 2024) Pakistan in England (May 2024) ICC Men’s T20 World […]