NEW DELHI: When Lakshya Sen took on Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in the 2022 All England Open final, he could only take 10 and 15 points from the Dane, respectively. In 2024, after securing a long-lasting UK visa, the Indian shuttler joked he would win the title there 3-4 times and reach the finals at least eight times. Last Sunday, the 24-year-old added to the finals tally, but the titles column remained at nought as he went down 15-21, 20-22 to Lin Chun-Yi of Taiwan.A foot blister played a role, as did the fatigue of playing a 97-minute semi-final hours ago. In all, he had occupied the court for 91 minutes more than his vanquisher, Lin. Shoulder fatigue made it a physically one-sided affair even before the feather met the strings.
Suryakumar Yadav receives grand homecoming after India’s T20 World Cup win
“The semi-final I played took a toll on my body, with the cramps I had. I did everything I could to recover well and come back fresh for the final, but it was tough to get back to 100%,” Lakshya said on Tuesday during a media interaction.“The whole week had been demanding with long matches from the very first day, and the muscles got tired. Even during the semi-final, I was cramping a lot, and the fatigue was still there in the final,” Lakshya added. “Of course, my opponent was also playing his fifth match of the week, but I just tried to give it my all and do my best.”The 24-year-old repeated feeling “disheartened” to not walk away with the title while acknowledging the physical duress on his body. Yet, he did what any athlete does: accept that both players started on an even footing, having played five matches in the week.Sen’s week included wins over top seed and World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi; former World No. 6 Angus Ng Ka Long, and sixth seed Li Shi Feng with only one match, barring the final, finishing in two sets.The difference between the Lakshya Sen of 2022 and that of 2026 is in the level of expectations that he attaches to himself. The heartbreak of missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics medal has made him a more resolute player, too.“I feel the first time when I played the finals of the All England, I was probably still dreaming that whole week that I am playing in such a big event and I have reached the finals. I was enjoying and playing without any expectation, but here when I could reach the closing of the tournament, the semi-finals, the quarter-finals. I was better prepared in certain ways to know what’s coming and how to play in these pressure matches where I have played big events now and was just trying to focus on playing my best.
This time I had that belief throughout the tournament that I can win the tournament
Lakshya Sen, Indian badminton player
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“This time I had that belief throughout the tournament that I can win the tournament. Having come this close, I am also proud and also a little bit disheartened that I couldn’t get the final win.“In 2022 it was a little bit different where I was just trying to see how far I can go. And was just enjoying a bit more without any expectation. But this time I had that belief and also a little bit of expectation with me that if I do certain things I can win the tournament,” said the shuttler.
Mixed martial arts legend Jon Jones ended his retirement from UFC simply because he wanted a spot on the “Freedom 250” fight card at the White House in June.
But, when UFC CEO Dana White announced the card during UFC 326 this past weekend, Jones wasn’t among the fighters. As a result, he has requested a release from his UFC contract.
White was candid when asked about Jones following the UFC 326 card.
Jon Jones of the United States of America reacts after his TKO victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16, 2024 in New York City. ((Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images))
“Never, ever, ever, which I told you guys a hundred thousands times, was Jon Jones ever even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House,” White explained, per CBS Sports. “Some guy with Meta Glasses filmed him talking about his hips – that his hips are so bad. And I don’t know if you guys saw that flag football game where he can barely run. Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He’s got arthritis in his hips. Apparently, doctors say he should have a hip replacement.”
White added that “the Jon Jones thing is bulls—,” saying that he texted the fighter’s lawyer saying he would never be on the White House card despite Jones saying he was in negotiations for it.
The Meta Glasses incident White is referring to came from a viral video, where Jones, unaware he was being filmed, discussed issues with his hips to a fan.
On Monday, Jones composed a thorough response to White’s comments about him and the White House Card. He previously posted and deleted social media explanations, but Monday’s appeared to be his final statement on the matter.
UFC President Dana White speaks after UFC Fight Night at Toyota Center on Feb. 21, 2026. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)
“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight,” Jones, who retired a heavyweight champion in 2025, said. “So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense. I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready.
“I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right. After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number.”
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Jones finished his statement by saying he “respectfully” asks to be released from his UFC contract.
Jon Jones enters the ring before facing Stipe Miocic in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City, New York.(Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“No more spins, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up,” he wrote.
The UFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.
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Jones is considered one of the best UFC fighters of all time, owning a 28-1-1 record, which includes his last bout with Stipe Miocic, knocking him out to take the heavyweight title belt. He is also a two-time light heavyweight champion.
Here’s an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California.
The list includes only those players who have played in a regular-season NFL game. Consequently, players taken in the upcoming draft will not be included until they have seen the field.
The League does not officially recognize players who appeared only in preseason exhibition games.
Junipero Serra High School is a prep football powerhouse, ranked as the No. 5 pro football player-producing high school in the state.
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California has produced a total of 3,331 NFL players from 793 schools, with 264 pros currently active.
See where all the other schools in the Golden State rank here, with links to their respective players.
The Glazer family, who have owned Manchester United since 2005, have had a massive financial boost
Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, have seen their fortunes climb even higher over the past year.
Each of the six siblings – Avram, Joel, Edward, Darcie, Kevin and Bryan – has added an astonishing $300million (£223m) to their wealth in the last year. Their individual net worth now sits at $2billion (£1.59bn), according to Forbes’ latest Billionaires List, ranking them as the 2,052nd richest people globally.
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The surge in wealth arrives at a moment when the family’s hold on United has been somewhat eased, yet their bank balances have never looked stronger. The American family, who oversaw a period of notable turmoil and fan protests at Old Trafford, sold part of their 68 per cent stake in the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024.
The deal reportedly cost Ratcliffe around £1.5bn, with the INEOS chairman now managing all football operations at United. Nevertheless, the Glazers retain majority ownership of the club itself.
For United supporters, the announcement will be a bitter pill to swallow. While the owners’ fortunes continue to expand, the Theatre of Dreams has famously fallen into disrepair, with photos of a leaking Old Trafford roof serving as a symbol of the neglect during the Glazers’ tenure.
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The family’s monetary gain also sharply contrasts with the club’s debt, a key issue for the ‘Glazers Out’ campaign since their leveraged buyout in 2005.
Recent Forbes figures indicate that, regardless of United’s on-field struggles – where the team has battled for consistency in recent seasons – the owners are still cashing in from their involvement with the Premier League club.
The list, which monitors the wealthiest individuals worldwide, highlights that the sports sector remains extremely lucrative for billionaire owners. Avram and Joel Glazer, who are the most prominent family members at United, have solidified their place among the globe’s richest earners.
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Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke also appears on the list, with a net worth of $22.2bn (£16.5bn). Liverpool owner John Henry is included as well, with wealth of $5.7bn (£4.2bn).
Despite each Glazer now being worth a comparatively modest $2bn, fan pressure is unlikely to ease. Supporters have long claimed the owners treat the club as a ‘cash cow,’ and these latest figures will only stoke demands for a complete sale of the club.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
The Cheltenham Festival returns today as the National Hunt jump racing season gathers pace with the four-day bonanza of horseracing goodness one of the highlights of the sport’s calendar.
The Festival begins with Champion Day before Ladies Day and then St Patrick’s Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday.
The British trainers will also be looking to overcome a decade of Irish dominance in the Prestbury Cup as they aim to restore some pride after a 20-8 defeat last year.
You can find all the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport in the build-up to the big week, but here is the schedule and race card:
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(Getty Images)
When is 2026 Cheltenham Festival and what races are included?
The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday 10 March and concludes on Friday 13 March. Fans can expect 28 races over the course of four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase.
The shortest run is a little under two miles, while the longest races almost reach four miles. Fans will look out for 13 of the races run at Grade 1 standard, while five are run as Grade 2s, six Grade 3s and the other four being Listed.
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The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm.
How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV and is there a live stream?
You can watch the first six races of each day at the Cheltenham Festival with ITV1, while full coverage of the Festival, including the final race of each day is available through a Racing TV subscription.
Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast.
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(Davies Davies for The Jockey Club/PA Wire)
Tuesday 10 March – Champion Day
*Please note race conditions and timings are subject to change
1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
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1. Old Park Star 15/8F; 2. Sober Glory 9/2 3. Mydaddypaddy 6/1
India vs Chinese Taipei (Photo from @IndianFootball on X)
NEW DELHI: India crashed out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after losing 1-3 to Chinese Taipei in a crucial group-stage match on Tuesday. The result ended India’s campaign despite the team dominating large portions of the game and creating several chances but failing to convert them.India needed to win by at least two goals to keep their hopes alive, especially after earlier defeats to Japan and Vietnam. Although Japan beat Vietnam 4-0 in the other match, India could not produce the required result.Chinese Taipei took the lead early in the 12th minute after a defensive error. A poor back pass from Sanju left goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu out of position, allowing Y H Su to score into an empty net. India responded with attacking intent and eventually equalised in the 39th minute, when Manisha Kalyan unleashed a powerful long-range strike to score India’s only goal.However, just before half-time, Chinese Taipei regained the lead in dramatic fashion. After Pyari Xaxa handled the ball in the box, a penalty was awarded. Although Y Y Hsu struck the post, the rebound deflected off Panthoi and rolled into the net, putting India behind again.India pushed hard in the second half and created several opportunities but failed to finish them. Their attacking efforts left gaps at the back, which Chinese Taipei exploited in the 77th minute when Yu-Chin Chen ran through the defence and scored the third goal after rounding the goalkeeper.India had a few late chances through Sanfida and Manisha, but the Chinese Taipei goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep them out. The defeat meant India exited the tournament despite qualifying for the competition on merit for the first time and putting up a spirited performance.
Lossiemouth one of the ‘best backed’ horses of the day
Time for the main event of day one at 4pm – the Champion Hurdle.
Lossiemouth has generated a lot of hype – with BOYLE Sports stating that the seven-year-old mare is ‘one of the best backed horses of the day’.
Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BOYLE Sports, said: “Birthday boy JP McManus has already been in the winners’ enclosure twice today, but punters have been keen to take on The New Lion in the Champion Hurdle. Lossiemouth has been all the rage in the betting and is one of the best backed horses of the day.”
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Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:53
WATCH: Johnnywho upsets favourite Jagwar
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:41
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3.20 – Handicap Chase results
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:39
Winning jockey Richie McLernon ‘thrilled’ with Johnnywho
Richie McLernon is speaking to ITV: “I thought the ground was a little quick. Everything just unfolded for me. Jumped when I need him to, he answered every call. Absolutely thrilled.”
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:33
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JohnnyWho wins Handicap Chase
Jagwar making ground on Quebecois over the final hurdle, but it is Johnnywho that takes the Handicap Chase! Quebecois gave it all but clearly did not have the outright pace on the final run-in.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:28
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3.20 – Handicap Chase
Quebecois has opened up a gap again ahead of the final three jumps. Margaret’s Legacy makes a mistake on the third-last jump, costing the challenger.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:27
3.20 – Handicap Chase
The final open ditch is navigated well by the entire field. Three hurdles to go, with Quebecois still first.
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Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:26
3.20 – Handicap Chase
Eight fences to go, and Quebecois does not want to relinquish a lead held all race. Jagwar is edging towards the front, but the favourite has work to do.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:25
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3.20 – Handicap Chase
Still Quebecois in the lead, opening up a bigger gap over Margaret’s Legacy. Knight of Allen almost buckles but recovers well, at the cost of falling way off the group.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:24
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3.20 – Handicap Chase
Jagwar remains a way off the leaders with 12 fences to go. We still have a full field.
Chelsea legend John Terry has showered special praise on Blues summer signing Joao Pedro, claiming the player is one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
Pedro, 24, hit the ground running at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after departing Brighton & Hove Albion in a £60 million deal last July. He scored three times in the Club World Cup, helping the Blues lift the trophy in the process.
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The Brazilian has maintained his fine form in the ongoing 2025-26 season as well, finding the back of the net 18 times in 39 games across competitions for Chelsea. He has also laid out nine assists for his new teammates so far.
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After Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior labelled Pedro a ‘world-class striker’ earlier this week, Terry has echoed a similar sentiment about the former Watford star. The 45-year-old former Blues captain said on TikTok (h/t Metro):
“Big praise from Liam Rosenior this week for Joao Pedro who has been in excellent form and we are very lucky to have him. He’s scoring goals but the variety of goals he scores, he scores goals with his left foot, he scores goals with his head. He shows great composure one-on-one where he does that little dink over goalkeepers as well.”
Likening Pedro’s playing style to Blues icon Didier Drogba, he added:
“I think his link-up play has been excellent as well, it’s got better and better week after week and that’s only going to grow and improve as he grows and gets a little bit older. It just enables you to hit him. We had the same when Didier played as well. You can hit him when you’re under a little bit of pressure and get yourself up the pitch and in the opposition half.”
Lauding the Brazilian’s work rate off the ball, Terry concluded:
“I love that he does the dirty work as well. When strikers are prepared to do the dirty work, it makes everyone else’s job a little bit easier and he’s often the one setting the tone in games as well. I’m expecting loads more to come from him, he’s certainly up there with the best strikers in the league this year.”
How have other Chelsea strikers performed?
Apart from Joao Pedro, Chelsea also signed another striker in Liam Delap in 2025. Subsequently, the Blues sent Nicolas Jackson on loan to Bayern Munich, and sold Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan last summer.
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Delap, 23, has struggled to find his feet amid Pedro’s excellent run of form. He has netted just three goals in 34 overall matches for his new side since leaving Ipswich Town for around £30 million last June.
On the other hand, Marc Guiu has only made 12 appearances across competitions for the west London outfit this season, scoring just two goals.
Last week’s visit to Newcastle United represented United’s first loss under Carrick following William Osula’s injury-time winner. Despite the Englishman’s limited experience at elite level management, he’s demonstrated his capability to lead the football giants thus far.
Nevertheless, the United board has yet to determine who will occupy the managerial position come summer. Several candidates have been touted for the role, amongst them Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and Luis Enrique.
Reports suggest the Spaniard’s future in Paris remains uncertain amid suggestions he won’t be extending his contract, with Patrice Evra believing the 55-year-old represents the perfect manager to restore United to glory.
The former France international told Stake: “I’m not talking to the Man Utd board or Sir Jim Ratcliffe but in my honest opinion, with no disrespect to PSG or Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man Utd.
“I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality. The job he’s done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it’s a fantastic job.
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“Players would have to work really hard to play for Man Utd, they’ll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that.” However, Wayne Rooney believes appointing Enrique would represent a familiar mistake United have previously committed.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, the club legend said: “I think with Luis Enrique, I’ve been there and we’ve tried different managers. We tried [Jose] Mourinho and [Louis] van Gaal. Then we tried the likes of [Erik] ten Hag and [Ruben] Amorim and they don’t work. I just think Carrick makes sense. I felt that from the minute I knew he was going in. He’s a real calming influence.”
Rooney maintained that retaining Carrick would enable the club to maintain continuity rather than pursuing another prominent name for the managerial position. He continued: “I think we’re sometimes quick to overlook what’s right here in front of us and say, ‘We’ve got this manager from Turkey or Spain who is going to come in and do this.’
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“But actually they’ve got no interest in the football club. At least this will give the foundations for the club to keep building. The infrastructure will be back at the football club.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Barcelona have finally met the requirements to open their fourth stand at Camp Nou, and will be able to increase their capacity. Thus far they have been playing with a capacity of 46,400 fans and three stands open, due to the fact that the safety standards set by the City Council had not been met behind the Gol Nord stand.
The club had originally briefed that they would be able to reopen the fourth stand for their first home game in 2026 in mid-January, but as has been the case throughout the project, progress has been beset by delays. Now though, the City Council have given the green light to activate the final phase of their reopening plan, referred to as ‘1C’, following their latest inspection.
Barcelona granted 1C licence for Spotify Camp Nou
The capacity will be increased by about 16,000 fans, an increase of around a third of the stadium, and by proxy a rise in revenue too. MD say that the new capacity until the end of the season will be 62,700. Their plan is to reopen the fourth stand for their home game against Sevilla this Sunday (16:15 CEST), which coincides with election day. Joan Laporta and Victor Font are vying for the presidency, and the vote will take place on Sunday.
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Barcelona hope for UEFA approval against Newcastle United
England have made only one change against France as they bid to avoid their worst ever finish in the Guinness Six Nations by selecting Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has remained loyal to the overhauled backline that misfired in the 23-18 defeat by Italy in Rome with Fin Smith continuing at fly-half for Saturday’s visit to Paris.
Instead, Borthwick has tinkered with his back row by installing Chessum at six and moving Guy Pepper to openside at the expense of Sam Underhill, who drops to the bench for the climax to the Championship.
Underhill was propelled to the starting XV at the Stadio Olimpico when Tom Curry suffered a tournament-ending calf injury during the warm up, but against France he will act as a replacement as part of a six-two split between forwards and backs.
By starting Chessum, Borthwick is strengthening England’s line-out and giving his pack greater ballast to take on France’s giant forwards.
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The 25-year-old Leicester captain has played the bulk of his rugby for club and country in the second row and his most recent international appearance at blindside was in the 2024 Six Nations.
Underhill and Marcus Smith will win their 50th caps for England if they appear off the bench.
Nine changes in personnel and a further three positional switches were made against Italy, but gutting the team failed to have the desire effect as England crashed to an historic first defeat by the Azzurri in 33 encounters.
An 18-10 lead was established in the third quarter but the hosts scored 13 unanswered points to pile pressure on to Borthwick, who received a vote of confidence from the Rugby Football Union on Sunday.
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However, chief executive Bill Sweeney’s statement made no mention of Borthwick being safe until the 2027 World Cup, when his contract ends, instead suggesting he has the summer tour to save his job.
The 46-year-old head coach will remain in place after the Six Nations, when an investigation will be launched into another disappointing Championship which they are likely to finish in fifth place.
If they lose to France, they will have completed the tournament with only one victory – against Wales in the opener – in what will be their worst Six Nations performance.
“It’s a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side,” Borthwick said.
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“England versus France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby and we’re looking forward to the occasion.”
England team: E Daly (Saracens); T Roebuck (Sale), T Freeman (Northampton), S Atkinson (Gloucester), C Murley (Harlequins); F Smith (Northampton), B Spencer (Bath); E Genge (Bristol), J George (Saracens), J Heyes (Leicester), M Itoje (Saracens, capt), A Coles (Northampton), O Chessum (Leicester), G Pepper (Bath), B Earl (Saracens).
Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie (Sale), B Rodd (Sale), T Davison (Northampton), C Cunningham-South (Harlequins), S Underhill (Bath), H Pollock (Northampton), J van Poortvliet (Leicester), M Smith (Harlequins).
