Novak Djokovic facing ‘new reality’ after early exit at Madrid Open
Novak Djokovic was left to contemplate a “new reality” after slumping to a third straight defeat as he was beaten by unseeded Italian Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open.
Jack Draper Sport News
Sinner backed to hit top gear in time for French Open after doping ban
World number one Jannik Sinner may take time to hit his stride on his return from a three-month doping ban next month but will be in top form when he heads to the French Open, Italy's Davis Cup captain Filippo Volandri said.
Saudi national team continue preparations for crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan
SAITAMA, Japan: The Saudi Arabian national football team continued their preparations on Sunday evening ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Japan in the eighth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.
Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan
JAPAN: Algeria’s Nabil Anane picked up the biggest win of his career against Superlek Kiatmoo9 on Sunday in Japan at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.
Patience pays off for Mansell with breakthrough Singapore win
SINGAPORE: Richard Mansell sank a crucial birdie putt at the final hole to win a first DP World Tour title at the weather-hit Porsche Singapore Classic by a single shot on Sunday. Needing to avoid a playoff with Japan’s Keita Nakajima at Laguna National Golf Resort Club, the Englishman reached the green in two at the par-five 18th. He then rolled his eagle attempt to within six feet of the pin before holding his nerve to drain his winning putt to clinch his maiden DP World Tour title with a final-round six-under-par 66. “I wish this win had come earlier. I played so well today to get into that position and I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” said the 29-year-old. “So many people have supported and believed in me when I stopped doing it myself.” Victory was particularly special as Mansell had come close to winning on multiple occasions on the tour, only to fall short and struggle with self-belief. “I had quite a few close calls and didn’t get it done. Looking back, I probably should have kept doing what I was doing and it (a win) probably would have happened a lot sooner,” he said. “I tried to change and became quite good at pointing the finger at other people. I was just not enjoying this much and I got a little lost. “It took a lot of work this past six months.” Nakajima carded seven birdies for a bogey-free 65 to finish alone in second place. Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin and France’s Adrien Saddier ended the week tied for third. A three-day monsoon surge in Singapore forced the cancelation of the first round on Thursday, leading the tournament to be decided over 54 holes.
Hovland grabs share of Valspar lead in bid to end PGA title drought
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida: Viktor Hovland carded a 2-under par 69 on Saturday to grab a share of the 54-hole lead at the Valspar Championship, where the Norwegian is gunning for his first US PGA Tour title since 2023.
Luka Doncic scores 31 after a big first quarter, and the Lakers rout the depleted Nuggets 120-108
LOS ANGELES: Luka Doncic had 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in just three quarters of work, and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Denver Nuggets 120-108 on Wednesday night in a matchup of injury-depleted Western Conference contenders. Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle) missed their second straight games for Denver, while LeBron James (hamstring) and Rui Hachimura (knee) continued their longer-term absences for Los Angeles. Austin Reaves had 22 points and eight assists for the Lakers, who have won nine consecutive home games and three straight since finishing their 0-4 road trip last Friday with a loss at Denver. Aaron Gordon scored 26 points for the Nuggets. The Lakers scored a season-high 46 points in the first quarter led by Doncic, who scorched Denver for 21 points in his highest-scoring quarter of the season. He missed the Lakers’ 131-126 loss to Denver last Friday, when the Lakers nearly won without him and James. Los Angeles led by 28 after three quarters, allowing Doncic to get extra rest amid five home games in seven days. Bronny James played the final 3:58.Takeaways Nuggets: Even without Jokic and Murray, offense wasn’t the problem.
IOC names outgoing boss Bach as honorary president for life
PYLOS, Greece: Outgoing International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was named honorary president for life on Wednesday, with the German due to step down in June after 12 years in charge.