Jones kicks off his title bid with a tough test against Mark Selby, who will be hunting a fifth world title to add to his impressive trophy cabinet.

Cwmbran’s ‘Silent Assassin’ will be hoping he can repeat his heroics of 2024 and go one step further to win his first ranking title.

And while last year’s champion Xingtong will be intent on breaking the ‘Crucible curse’, Jones is focused on himself.

“I honestly don’t mind who I play. I just concentrate on myself and If I play well then I’m sure I’ll be a game for anybody,” said Jones.

“When I’d gone there the first or second time you don’t know what you’re capable of. I suppose now I know that I can play well there and can do well there. So that gives me a lot of confidence and belief.”

At the Crucible Jones will look to become just the fourth Welshman to become world champion, following in the footsteps of Terry Griffiths, Ray Reardon and Mark Williams.

“I enjoy playing at the Crucible, you either love it or hate it and you can crumble, but I enjoy the atmosphere,” said Jones.

“It’s an unbelievable venue to be honest and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The NFL is tightening its prospects’ contact information list for this year’s NFL Draft after the prank call to Shedeur Sanders as he slid down the draft board last April.

As Sanders fell out of the first round, and even further after not being taken in the second or third rounds on Day 2 of the draft, he was prank called by Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who wrote down Sanders’ phone number from his father’s open iPad while visiting home.

Now, the NFL is limiting the access of the prospects’ contact information to one person within each franchise, according to The Athletic.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) watches from the sidelines late in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 7, 2025. (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)

“The relevant contact information will be provided by the league to a single point of contact at the club in football operations,” a league spokesman told the outlet. “This individual will be responsible for safeguarding the numbers.”

The moment involving Sanders ended up going viral, as he was live-streaming a draft party with his family and friends when he got the call from someone impersonating New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis before the No. 40 overall pick the team owned.

SHEDEUR SANDERS STAYS PATIENT WITH BROWNS’ THIRD-STRINGERS IN TRAINING CAMP: ‘DOESN’T REALLY FAZE ME’

The Saints were among teams who were in the quarterback market heading into the draft, and they didn’t select one in the first round. Meanwhile, other quarterback-needy teams like the Tennessee Titans (Cam Ward, No. 1) and New York Giants (Jaxson Dart, No. 25) already settled the position on day one.

Instead of taking Sanders, the Saints settled on Louisville’s Tyler Shough in the second round. Sanders would have to wait until the fifth round to be taken by the Cleveland Browns, who also selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round the day prior.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders reacts on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Cleveland. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)

Jeff Ulbrich later apologized for his son’s actions, where he also shouldered blame for the leaked phone number in the first place.

“My actions of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable,” Ulbrich said at a news conference at the Falcons’ facility. “My son’s actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that we are both deeply sorry.”

The NFL fined the Falcons $250,000 and Jeff Ulbrich was docked $100,000.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (David Richard/AP)

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“I promise my son and I will work hard to demonstrate we are better than this,” Ulbrich added.  

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Michael Carrick believed Kobbie Mainoo had his best game since his Man United appointment against Chelsea in the Premier League.

Kobbie Mainoo received a bear hug from Casemiro during the post-match celebrations at Stamford Bridge. Casemiro’s embrace was so enthusiastic that Mainoo was lifted off his feet.

Mainoo fist-pumped in front of Manchester United’s jubilant away section, and had a smile on his face until he disappeared down the tunnel. The youngster deserves praise for performing to such a high level against Chelsea after only returning to training two days before the game.

Speaking in his press conference, Carrick said: “I thought that was the best Kobbie has played, certainly since I’ve been back here. To step up and put so many phases to his game or sides to his game tonight.

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“I thought he looked so composed, so calm, had a really good presence about him, defended well. Not easy when you’ve got really good players in and around you and it was a good battle between him and Cole Palmer.

“So we had to be right at it tonight, but Kobbie just showed so much quality and composure in a tough environment, really, in the end. He showed us what he can do.”

Mainoo recorded a 91 per cent pass accuracy against Chelsea, he touched the ball 70 times, won three tackles and made three interceptions. His defensive work was diligent and crucial in the second half.

In another world, Mainoo could have lined up for Chelsea against United last weekend, though. The London club expressed an interest in signing Mainoo at a time when he’d slipped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order and was stuck at an impasse in negotiations over a new contract with his boyhood club.

Chelsea were actively monitoring the situation and would have pounced had the opportunity presented itself. Thankfully for United, Mainoo outlasted Amorim and should be at the heart of the club for the next 10 years.

When Mainoo conducted his first interview with external media in 2024, the press officer smiled as they said he would be a United mixed zone representative every four weeks for the next decade.

Mainoo’s future was thrown into doubt during Amorim’s tenure and the Portuguese’s view on the academy graduate is well documented, but that stance has looked worse after every round of fixtures since his exit.

The Stockport-born midfielder has been excellent for Carrick, who reinstated him to the starting XI as one of his first acts. “He changed some players,” said Bruno Fernandes recently when asked about Carrick’s impact.

Fernandes and Casemiro started together in Amorim’s two-man midfield, and the pair surely would have questioned the former United boss’s view of Mainoo, as they know what he can bring to the table.

The Manchester Evening News have been told that Mainoo “loves” to play with Casemiro, and the Brazilian said in a recent interview with club media: “Kobbie is the present and the future. I think that he is one of the best No.8s and can be for that for the next 12 years.”

Casemiro swept Mainoo off his feet after full-time against Chelsea because he knew how important he’d been in the victory. Everyone could see what United have with Mainoo, but somehow Amorim could not.

It’s possible that Amorim could still be in the United job had he started Mainoo in midfield in his system. Amorim believed Mainoo had deficiencies, particularly in the defensive side of his game, but he never gave him a proper run of games to prove himself in the deeper role in his formation.

Mainoo could have helped to improve results and alleviate pressure on Amorim. If that had happened, the chances of Amorim blowing up in the Elland Road press conference would have been greatly reduced.

The irony is that Amorim may still feel he was right about Mainoo. After all, Amorim was remarkably stubborn, and he could argue that taking Mainoo out of the team sharpened his mind and made him make improvements.

It is true that Mainoo evaluated every possible aspect of his lifestyle before the start of the season. He knew the challenge he faced to change Amorim’s opinion, and he pored over different aspects of his lifestyle, even changing his private chef at home.

Mainoo worked with a private coach throughout the international breaks in which he was snubbed by England, so Amorim may well argue that going through a difficult period was necessary for Mainoo’s next chapter.

“Some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [the finished article]. I think he can do so much better, he can improve in a lot,” said Amorim during a press conference in September.

“I think for some guys it is enough [their talent], but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

He continued: “Sometimes, I look at Kobbie Mainoo and I feel that sometimes he was like – and I watched a lot of games from the Premier League when I was in Portugal – and you can feel that the Manchester United team was really transitional.

“He was the only guy who calmed down the game. Now we have other players who can calm down the game. We play a different game, and sometimes I expect more from Kobbie Mainoo.

“And I know that he can give that. So sometimes, like you said, maybe if I start more Kobbie Mainoo, then he is going to play and he’s going to get hard to take out. Sometimes it’s not fair, but I need to go with what I’m feeling in the moment, and that is the only feeling.”

Amorim’s feelings about Mainoo were wrong, yet it would not be a surprise to hear the 21-year-old admit later in his career that surviving that challenging period was an important part of his journey.

You will not hear Mainoo saying that anytime soon, however. Judging by Mainoo’s social media activity and a stunt from his half-brother, it was clear his relationship with Amorim had become fractured by the end of his tenure.

Mainoo was a starter for United and England. Amorim was appointed, and he became a bench warmer for his club, and a possible call-up to England Under-21s was touted. You cannot blame Mainoo for being frustrated.

Carrick has helped Mainoo get back on track, and the cherry on the cake would be an inclusion in England’s World Cup squad this summer. Mainoo’s performances have made him impossible for Thomas Tuchel to ignore.

United must build around the midfielder for the next 10 years. He is the future, as Casemiro said.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Two colts from Godolphin, victors in multiple Group 1 contests, have hung up their shoes and are destined for the Darley stallion ranks later this year.

Retirement for Tentyris and Observer was confirmed on Monday, with them heading to different Darley Australia outposts.

Tentyris, a Street Boss gelding no, colt, prevailed in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) through spring and a comeback success in the Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) earlier in the year; his new home is Kelvinside, NSW, fee $88,000 (GST incl).

Son of Ghaiyyath, Observer who dominated the Victoria Derby (2500m) and Australian Guineas (1600m), will operate from Seymour, Victoria, at $33,000 per nomination.

“Tentyris and Observer are two of the best from our amazing three-year-old crop,” Godolphin Australia managing director Andy Makiv said.

“This season is a credit to everyone involved, from those on the farms to our people in the office, right through to the trainers and their staff.

“To be so competitive on the racetrack this season and win races like the Coolmore, Lightning, Guineas and Derby is something everyone at Godolphin should be very proud of.”

Tentyris concluded without firing in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m). His record includes Group 1 near-misses like second in the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) and a juvenile Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) win.

Anthony and Sam Freedman’s charge departs with five wins from 10, two placings more, totalling $2.65m prizemoney.

Observer mirrored that with five from 11, banking $2.7m via Group 1 seconds in Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and Rosehill Guineas (2000m), plus Group 2s in Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) and Autumn Stakes (1400m).

His swan song for Ciaron Maher ended fifth in the Group 1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) behind fellow Godolphin-owned Green Spaces.

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Cricket isn’t one of the most popular sports in Serbia, but tennis icon Novak Djokovic found a connection with the “Gentleman’s game” through none other than Team India legend Virat Kohli. The two stalwarts of their respective sports haven’t shared a stage often, but they have engaged in several social media interactions that have mesmerised their fans. Speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards, Djokovic expressed his admiration for Kohli, revealing that the iconic batter is the reason he started following cricket.

In the digital age, two people no longer need to be in the same vicinity to be “friends”. Despite living thousands of kilometres apart, Djokovic found a friend in Kohli and vice-versa.

“Yes, Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire. He’s actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket. I hadn’t followed it before, but through him, I started following it more. We keep in touch, and hopefully, when I come, I don’t want to say if, but when I come to India, hopefully he can join me. We could do a little bit of tennis and a little bit of cricket, have fun, and just spread positive, good vibes while celebrating sport,” Djokovic told Times Now.

Asked about his message for India, Djokovic said that he has admired the country and its fans for a long time. The Serb also mentioned that he has plans to visit India soon.

“My message is always love, respect, and appreciation for all the support I have personally been receiving from Indian tennis and sports fans around the world over the years. I’ve met so many of them during this time. My message would also be: ‘See you very soon in India,’ because I need to go there. I’ve been feeling a calling to visit for the last couple of years. I really hope that I’ll be able to come to India to host an event, play a match, or whatever it may be. I really wish for that because I feel very close to the Indian people,” Djokovic stated.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner also spoke about his rivalry with the sport’s two “young guns”, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

“I think the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz is also great and unique in its own way. But for me, the ‘Big Three’ will always remain the greatest,” Djokovic asserted.

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Manchester City can create a new piece of Premier League history this season that will leave Mikel Arteta with sleepless nights

As Anthony Taylor blew his full time whistle with the sun fading behind the Colin Bell Stand, Arsenal’s Premier League title race looked to be crumbling. All the talk before kick off was how Manchester City beating the Gunners for a second time this season was inevitable.

That weight of expectation is a difficult burden to carry. While Mikel Arteta’s side have floundered when given the chance to run away with the title, City have taken it in their stride. Arsenal played better on Sunday than they did in defeat at Wembley, but that was still not good enough.

City only looked rocked when Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged the situation to gift Kai Havertz an equaliser. After the break, they were the ones who came out the blocks better. While Eberechi Eze was denied by the post and Havertz was thwarted by Donnarumma, the result came as no surprise.

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Pep Guardiola’s side have timed their chase to perfection. Win on Wednesday night at Burnley and the Blues will return to the top of the Premier League. Arsenal will regain the lead if they avoid defeat to Newcastle on Saturday while City are across London playing Southampton in the FA Cup.

But with a game in hand still to come against a Crystal Palace side whose focus is on the Conference League, City have every reason to be confident of winning their 11th top tier title and their ninth in the Premier League era. Were the Blues to complete the astonishing comeback, they will have done it by spending the vast majority of this season off the top.

So far, the Blues have led the Premier League for just two per cent of the season. When they won the division in 2013/14, they were ahead for just six per cent of the campaign but on average teams spend 56 per cent of the season leading the way. Arsenal have so far been leading the table for 84 per cent of the campaign.

These figures will haunt Mikel Arteta and his supporters between now and the end of May if City claim the title. Less than two weeks ago, City sat nine points behind Arsenal.

Now, they are on the verge of overtaking them and winning the league in a manner that would taint Arteta’s legacy irreparably. If Arsenal were to mess this up, it is hard to see how this group of players can ever recover.

If City do not win it from here, yes, it would be disappointing. However, this is a squad transitioning and the narrative will be one of praise having still managed to claw back the title race when it seemed like Arsenal had made it a one-horse race.

All the pressure is now on the Gunners and this adds another reason for their club to worry. When the Gunners take to the field on Saturday, the tension will be palpable.

Every mistake will lead to groans, every minute without a goal will see the title slip further out of their reach. For City, the feel-good factor is back and they can enter this final stretch excited by the possibility of making yet more history.

There is no substitute for experience and City are using it fully to their advantage.

Alcaraz, Sabalenka headline Laureus awards 2026 (Screengrab/X)

Tennis dominated the grand stage at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 ceremony, as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively. The star-studded event was held at the iconic Cibeles Palace in Madrid, celebrating the finest achievements across global sport. What are the Laureus world sports awards?The Laureus World Sports Awards are widely regarded as the “Oscars of Sport,” recognising excellence, inspiration, and achievement across disciplines.Established in 2000 by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the awards are decided by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a panel of legendary athletes from around the world. They honour standout performers in categories such as Sportsman, Sportswoman, Team, Breakthrough, and Comeback of the Year, while also promoting the role of sport in driving positive social change.Carlos Alcaraz’s golden era continuesAt just 22, Carlos Alcaraz continues to define a new era in men’s tennis. His incredible run, featuring titles at the French Open, U.S. Open, and Australian Open, made him the standout choice for the top honour. His electrifying rivalry with Jannik Sinner has become one of the most compelling narratives in modern tennis, pushing the boundaries of the sport.“To receive this recognition from people who understand sports so deeply, it makes it even more meaningful,” said Alcaraz as he accepted his award. “This is a night I will never forget, a moment I will keep in my heart forever.”Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance rewardedWorld No.1 Aryna Sabalenka was honoured after another commanding season on the WTA Tour. Her second consecutive U.S. Open title in 2025 marked her fourth Grand Slam triumph, underlining her dominance in women’s tennis.An emotional Sabalenka reflected on the moment:“I’m shaking right now… it feels crazy to know my name will be next to those legends I looked up to.” Aryna said after receiving award for sportswoman of the year. The ceremony was hosted by tennis legend Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu, adding star power to an already glamorous evening.

A significant piece of Liverpool FC history is set to go under the hammer as the FA Cup winner’s medal belonging to former player Steve Nicol is expected to fetch up to £20,000 at auction.

The medal, a memento from the 1985-86 season, marks Nicol’s first FA Cup title, secured during a thrilling 3-1 victory over Everton FC at Wembley Stadium in 1986.

This coveted item leads a collection of memorabilia from the Scottish-born footballer’s illustrious career, which will be offered by Propstore auction house in London later this month.

The medal itself carries an estimate of £10,000 to £20,000, reflecting its historical significance.

Also among the items is Nicol’s European Cup winners’ medal from Liverpool’s tense 1984 clash against Roma in the Stadio Olimpico, anticipated to sell for between £8,000 and £16,000.

Furthermore, his 1989 Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award, recognising his outstanding performance for the Premier League club, is listed with an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000.

Other items set to go under the hammer include the shirt he wore during the Scotland v England Rous Cup game in 1988, which is hoped to fetch £1,000 to £2,000.

The auction is taking place from April 21 to May 14 and will also include the shirt worn by Nicol during Liverpool and Everton’s FA Cup final match in 1989, which is expected to sell for £3,000 to £6,000.

Nicol, 64, is best known for his 13-year tenure at Liverpool FC, which saw him land three FA Cup victories and score 46 goals.

Nicol has also played for teams including Notts County FC, Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers, and emigrated to the United States in 1999 to pursue a career in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Speaking about the upcoming auction, Nicol said: “I’ve been fortunate to be part of some incredible teams throughout my career, from representing Scotland to my years with Liverpool.

“These items hold many personal memories, but I’m pleased to be offering them through Propstore, where they’ll go to fans and collectors who share that passion for the game.

“It means a great deal to know they’ll continue to be appreciated for years to come.”

The event will offer more than 50 lots available for worldwide bidding, with other items up for sale, including an MLS all-star game shirt signed by stars including Sir David Beckham and Landon Donovan, which has a pre-sale estimate of £400 to £800.

Alastair McCrea, Propstore specialist, said: “This is a fantastic collection that really captures the breadth of Steve Nicol’s career, from domestic and European success with Liverpool to his time on the international stage.

“It’s not often that material of this quality and provenance becomes available, and Propstore expects strong interest from collectors and football fans around the world.”