India’s newest Davis Cup hero Dhakshineswar Suresh says his dream run for the country is “just the beginning” as he prepares to step into full-fledged competition on the ATP Tour after completing his studies at a US university.

Pursuing communication studies at the Wake Forest University, the 25-year-old will complete his degree in May this year.

In just two ties since making his debut in September 2025, Dhakshineswar boasts an impressive 4-0 record, with three of those wins coming against the Netherlands in Bengaluru last weekend.

“It’s a long way to go. It’s just the beginning,” said Dhakshineswar, who matched Leander Paes’ feat of winning three matches in a single tie back in 2004 against Japan.

Following Dhakshineswar’s superlative show, India edged the Netherlands 3-2 to progress to the second round of the Davis Cup Qualifiers, where they will meet Korea in September.

“I’ll go back to the US to finish my studies, then come down in May and figure out my schedule. Once that’s sorted, I’ll start getting into the Tour and prepare for the next Davis Cup,” he said.

On Dhakshinewar’s remarkable record, captain Rohit Rajpal said, “There aren’t many players who go 4-0 in Davis Cup rubbers, especially against quality opponents. He keeps coming up with big serves and big forehands. I hope he keeps enjoying his tennis and keeps performing.” 
Dhakshineswar said representing India had brought out a different side of his game.

“It’s a different feeling when you’re playing for your country. You’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for the whole nation. I played some different tennis in these matches and I’m really proud of that,” he said.

The tall Chennai-born player, who played marathon singles and doubles matches over two days, credited the support staff and team environment for his recovery and consistency.

“The physios and everyone took care of me really well. Team chemistry on and off the court makes a huge difference. Everyone trusting me helps me play good tennis,” he added.

Rajpal also lauded an injured Sumit Nagal for leading the team despite being far from full fitness.

“Sumit was not even 50 per cent fit. He had a grade two tear in his hip and we were working day and night with the physios. But he fought like a tiger and led the team like an India number one should.” 
Rajpal singled out the contribution of the support staff, especially the physios, and said the tie underlined India’s growing depth.

“With these guys, a strong doubles team and the bench strength we now have, India is a tough team to beat. If we play to our potential, we can take on anybody in the world,” he said.

Nagal, who lost both his singles matches after a three-week injury layoff, admitted it was a tough week but felt encouraged by his fight.

“It was disappointing to get injured before such an important tie, but to come out and compete after not playing or practising was not easy. The doubles point was crucial and DK played amazing tennis,” he said, adding that he would resume preparations in Chennai.

Looking ahead to the next tie against Korea, Rajpal said planning would begin after the celebrations.

“We’ll start strategising tomorrow, where they play us, on what surface. I stay in constant touch with the players. Team selection and planning is a collective process,” he said.

Erling Haaland kept Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes alive with a dramatic late penalty at Liverpool.

The Norwegian struck in second-half stoppage time in an explosive game at Anfield on Sunday to seal a 2-1 win and cut the gap on first-place Arsenal back to six points.

City’s title prospects looked in dire shape when Dominik Szoboszlai crashed a stunning long-range free kick in off the post in the 74th minute. And even when Bernardo Silva equalized 10 minutes later, second-place City was still looking at ending the match eight points adrift.

But Haaland sent the away fans wild by firing into the bottom corner from the spot in the 93rd after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes in the box.

“I was really nervous right beforehand. All my thoughts were getting in the back of the net,” Haaland told Sky Sports. “Incredible feeling.” 
Even after Haaland’s goal, the drama was far from over.

City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a spectacular save to push Alexis Mac Allister’s shot away from the top corner.

And then substitute Rayan Cherki scored from the halfway line – only for VAR to overrule it and send off Szoboszlai for a foul on Haaland before the ball crossed the line.

City makes statement of title intent 
City had won just one of its last 23 visits to Anfield. For Guardiola, the record was one win in 10 since arriving in England in 2016. And even then, that victory came in a behind-closed-doors game during the COVID pandemic in 2021.

It is the first time City has completed a league double over Liverpool since 1936-37.

“It’s special. It’s an incredibly difficult place to come,” Guardiola said.

Arsenal had opened up a nine-point lead at the top on Saturday.

But the gap could be three points by the time Mikel Arteta’s team visits Brentford on Thursday, with City at home to Fulham a day earlier.

It is a very different scenario to the one City faced after Szoboszlai’s free kick that left Donnarumma standing as it swerved in off the post.

Haaland, who had missed a one-on-one early in the match, flicked a header on for Bernardo to slide in and poke an equalizer past Alisson.

Alisson was then guilty of a rash moment when rushing out and bringing down Nunes. With the pressure on, Haaland swept low and into the bottom corner.

Haaland said the result needed to be the start of a determined drive toward the title.

“We need to believe and we need to get it straight. We need to start winning games,” he said. “In the end this is what matters. We need to start winning games – simple as that.” 
Late, late drama 
Donnarumma was left as a spectator for Szoboszlai’s free kick, but he produced a crucial moment to push away Mac Allister’s deflected shot that was dipping into the top corner.

Even more dramatic was Cherki’s shot from the halfway line that rolled into an empty net after Alisson had gone up for a corner.

The celebrations were cut short after referee Craig Pawson reviewed the sideline monitor.

The goal was ruled out because Szoboszlai fouled Haaland as the Norwegian chased the ball. Although the official had initially played the advantage, Haaland then fouled Szoboszlai and prevented him from making a clearance.

Pawson then issued a red card for the initial foul, which was adjudged to have denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

What next for Liverpool? 
Champion last year, Liverpool’s title defense unraveled long before Christmas. Now it faces a fight to secure Champions League qualification.

A top five finish is likely to be enough to qualify for European club soccer’s top competition, but Arne Slot’s team is sixth and four points behind fifth-place Chelsea.

“For us, it is disappointing to come away without a result,” Slot said. “So many times this season we haven’t got what I think we deserved, and this is another game to add to that.” 
Palace wins at last 
Crystal Palace ended a 12-game winless run in all competitions by beating rival Brighton 1-0.

Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal of the match at the Amex Stadium to move Palace nine points clear of the relegation zone and leapfrog Brighton into 13th place.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere and what a way to start my Palace career, a win in a derby,” said Palace’s record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves on deadline day. “It was really important to win as there has been a run without wins before I joined.

“This is the most intense game I have ever played so I’m tired now, but it is worth it.” 
Sarr’s winner came after running through in the 61st minute and firing past goalkeeper Bart Verburggen. It was his second goal in as many games and his 10th of the season.

Palace’s last win in any competition was against Shelbourne in the Conference League on Dec. 11.

The biggest party in golf reaches its crescendo on Sunday when the WM Phoenix Open concludes at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale.

Two-time WM Phoenix Open champion Hideki Matsuyama enters the final round with a one-shot lead over Si Woo Kim, Nicolai Hojgaard, Maverick McNealy and Ryo Hisatsune. Matsuyama

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is five shots back. Scheffler stumbled out of the gates with an uncharacteristic 73 on Thursday, but he has played the last 36 holes in 10 under to give himself an outside shot at running down Matsuyama to win his third WM Phoenix Open.

“I’ve put myself in contention from this exact position in this golf tournament, and it’s one of those places you can get hot,” Scheffler said on Friday. “That’s what I’ll be looking to do over the weekend.”

Matt Fitzpatrick, Akshay Bhatia, Chris Gotterup and Viktor Hovland are also among the players who will start Sunday within arm’s reach of Matsuyama, hoping to conjure up some Super Bowl Sunday fireworks in the desert.

Whoever comes out on top will take home the $1.728 million winner’s check and gain some early momentum as the PGA Tour continues its West Coast swing.

You can view a full purse breakdown for the 2026 WM Phoenix Open below.

2026 WM Phoenix Open payout breakdown

WIN: $1.728 million
2nd: $1.0464 million
3rd: $662,400
4th: $470,400
5th: $393,600
6th: $348,000
7th: $324,000
8th: $300,000
9th: $280,800
10th: $261,600
11th: $242,200
12th: $223,200
13th: $204,000
14th: $184,800
15th: $175,200
16th: $165,600
17th: $156,000
18th: $146,400
19th: $136,800
20th: $127,200
21st: $117,600
22nd: $108,000
23rd: $100,320
24th: $92,640
25th: $84,960
26th: $77,280
27th: $74,400
28th: $71,520
29th: $68,640
30th: $65,760
31st: $62,880
32nd: $60,000
33rd: $57,120
34th: $54,720
35th: $52,320
36th: $49,920
37th: $47,520
38th: $45,600
39th: $43,680
40th: $41,760
41st: $39,840
42nd: $37,920
43rd: $36,000
44th: $34,080
45th: $32,160
46th: $30,240
47th: $28,320
48th: $26,784
49th: $25,440
50th: $24,627
51st: $24,096
52nd: $23,520
53rd: $23,136
54th: $22,752
55th: $22,560
56th: $22,368
57th: $22,176
58th: $21,984
59th: $21,792
60th: $21,600
61st: $21,408
62nd: $21,216
63rd: $21,024
64th: $20,832
65th: $20,640
66th: $20,448
67th: $20,256
68th: $20,064
69th: $19,872
70th: $19,680
71st: $19,488
72nd: $19,296
73rd: $19,104
74th: $18,912
75th: $18,720

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Manchester City thought they had scored a third goal in stoppage time against Liverpool but VAR intervened to disallow it and send Dominik Szoboszlai off.

Former Manchester City and Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has blasted VAR for interfering in “the most silly way” after Rayan Cherki was denied a third goal vs Liverpool on Sunday. City led 2-1 going into the latter stages of stoppage time with the home side throwing everything forward in search of a winner.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had gone up for a free kick but was caught in the City half as Cherki looked to have slotted the ball into an empty net from his own half. Initially, it appeared to be a perfectly good goal that should have counted.

However, VAR official John Brooks advised referee Craig Pawson to go to his monitor and review the incident. Confirming the goal was disallowed, Pawson announced: “After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland, that pulls the shirt of Dominik Szoboszlai.

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“Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card.” Szoboszlai is now expected to be banned for one match due to being dismissed for a denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

After the game, Schmeichel did not hold back when asked about the decision, telling ViaPlay: “The on-field decision is goal. He [the referee] gives the goal. Let it be then.

“This is not the referee. Once VAR interferes – and this is, for me, why VAR absolutely doesn’t work.

“It makes no sense to let the referee… What’s the purpose? Liverpool want the goal to stand because Szoboszlai will be sent off.

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“Man City want the goal. That one goal can mean a lot when we get to the end of the season.

“But why is VAR interfering here? What is the purpose? How does that serve football? I just don’t get it.

“I’ve always been an opponent of VAR. I think it is one of the worse things we have introduced into football. And today, they interfered in the most silly way.”

Nepal’s Sher Malla, second right, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Mumbai: After Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Nepal seems to be the latest South Asian country bitten by the cricket bug. Matching two-time world champions England shot for shot and ball for ball, Nepal came just four runs short while chasing 185 on Sunday in their T20 World Cup opener against England at the Wankhede Stadium.

In fact, they were always in the hunt till the very last ball, with skipper Dipendra Singh Airee (44), Rohit Paudel (39), Bam (39) and Kushal Bhurtel (29) going hammer and tongs on a pitch that India’s batters, minus skipper Suryakumar Yadav, had found tricky the night before. Relishing Nepal’s laudable show at the Wankhede was their former head coach (from 2023 to Feb 2025 — a phase in which they qualified for the Asia Cup that year and the 2024 T20 World Cup), Monty Desai, who will follow his ‘boys’ for all their T20 World Cup matches in Mumbai. Desai, also the former batting coach of West Indies, has a fair idea about the emerging talent in Nepal cricket, which he feels needs “well-designed programmes and better infrastructure.” “Nepal has a lot of raw talent that needs polishing through well-designed programmes and better infrastructure. Not many would have expected Nepal to put up such a batting show against a formidable side like England yesterday. But these are Asian conditions, and Nepali batters play spin very well. From a batter’s perspective, it seems they’ve also worked hard to compete against bowlers with significantly higher pace,” Desai told TOI. One thing impressive about Nepal’s spirited chase was their batsmen’s ability to launch the big hits against England’s world-class bowlers with ridiculous ease. “They may not always look traditionally attractive on the eye, with classical cover drives as an example, but they are effective — they know when to find boundaries and clear the ropes. There is raw power and belief in this group. What they need is constant exposure, something they’ve been able to achieve consistently over the last three years, including through hard-fought World Cup qualification campaigns,” Desai explained. Not only was their performance, which gave England a mighty scare, extraordinary, their numerous fans, who have arrived in Mumbai to cheer for their team from all over the world and not just Kathmandu, have added a refreshingly new colour and flair to the tournament. The 17,000-strong crowd at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday was dominated by their fans, clad in blue jerseys with a dash of red. Hailing their fans who backed their team to get over the line, seamer Nandan Yadav, who bowled impressively to take two for 25, said, “That’s the love of our crowd. They always support us. Wherever we go, it feels like a home ground for us. I’m really thankful for that — to all the supporters. I want to say sorry for the result, but we will improve. The crowd is amazing. They love cricket and the atmosphere,” he said. An associate nation, Nepal is clearly a rising star in world cricket. With the desire of playing Test cricket, CAN have also launched a three-day domestic tournament and have asked the ICC to give it first-class status. However, Nandan admitted that their domestic red-ball setup has to improve. “We need to improve our domestic circuit, red-ball cricket and everything which we don’t have right now. So it’s a dream for me as well to become a Test nation. But yeah, it’s a tough job to do now, I think,” Nandan said. Nandan said the fact that Nepal gave a reputed side like England a run for their money is a matter of pride and that the side will improve from this experience. “There is regret because we came very close and couldn’t get over the line, but at the same time there is pride because we are competing against very strong teams like England. Being that close shows we are improving, so overall it’s a mix of pride and regret,” he said. Nepal were left regretting the fact that they conceded 45 runs in the last three overs, as Will Jacks (39 off 21 balls) went berserk. Nandan confessed Nepal need to improve their death-overs bowling. “For me personally, there is a lot of talk about my wide balls, so that’s something I need to work on. As a bowling unit, we need to focus more on death overs,” he said. Nandan said that despite the defeat, Nepal were still hopeful of a Super 8 berth. “We’ve only played our first game so far and it was very close, so we are not really behind in the Super 8 race. I think we still have a good chance of making the Super 8.”

However, Games organisers say they have had no complaints from athletes or teams.

Pierre Ducrey, International Olympic Committee sports director, said: “When you prepare a broadcast, you take a lot of time to test things, including with high-level athletes, to make sure there is minimum level of disturbance. That is something we have worked at a lot.

“You saw the action at the weekend. We have to make sure it does not come in way of performance.

“It is an evolution. The integration seems to be something we can manage, so we are very happy.”

Games sports director Anna Riccardi said: “We tested drones before competitions.

“We have listened to the athletes’ community so that the impact would not affect their performances – would not bother them in any way.

“Each athlete has a different level of sensitivity, awareness and capability for tackling innovation.

“So far we have not received any complaints that might lead to the non-use of drones in the future.”

While drone pilots have been heaped with praise for their ability to control the tiny, flying cameras at such speeds, things have not been completely perfect.

One of the drones crash-landed in the first downhill training, leaving debris on the course.

The drones are controlled on site. For the sliding events, the pilot and their assistant sit in a tiny tent near the course and fly it from there.

They follow the athletes from the top of the track to the third corner, then fly back to the tent.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced a sweeping overhaul of the sport’s global calendar from 2027, confirming an expanded World Tour structure, a significantly increased prize pool, and new competition formats designed to drive badminton’s long-term global growth. The reforms form part of BWF’s wider commercial and broadcast strategy following the extension of its partnership with Infront through to 2034.

World Tour expanded to 36 tournaments

The five Super 1000 tournaments will be staged across Asia and Europe and will adopt an expanded format. Singles events will feature 48 players competing in a group stage followed by knockout rounds, while doubles competitions will consist of 32-pair knockout draws. Each Super 1000 event will be played over 11 days across two weekends, with all matches broadcast globally.

Major boost to broadcast output

As part of the revamped calendar, the number of TV-produced badminton matches will double from 1,410 to around 3,000 across all BWF tournaments. The governing body believes the expanded broadcast footprint will enhance the sport’s visibility and provide greater value to broadcasters, sponsors, and fans worldwide.

Prize money set for significant increase

BWF confirmed that the total annual prize pool on the World Tour will rise to approximately $26.9 million. Under the new structure, Super 1000 tournaments will offer $2 million in prize money, while Super 750 events will carry $1.1 million. Super 500 tournaments will distribute $560,000, Super 300 events $290,000, and Super 100 tournaments $140,000.

The federation said the revised prize money model is aimed at ensuring fairer rewards for players while supporting sustainable careers at the highest level of the sport.

Changes to World Championships and team events

From 2027, the BWF World Championships will introduce a group-stage phase before the knockout rounds, guaranteeing every player at least two matches. In addition, the Sudirman Cup Finals and the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals will be expanded to include more teams, increasing global representation in the sport’s flagship team competitions.

Hosts confirmed for 2027–2030 cycle

BWF has confirmed the hosts for the revamped World Tour from 2027 to 2030, although the venue for the World Tour Finals will be announced at a later date. The federation said the long-term planning provides greater stability for players, organisers, and commercial partners.

BWF officials said the reforms are aimed at building a future-ready competition framework, with a stronger focus on players, enhanced broadcast storytelling, and a more globally competitive product that reflects badminton’s ambitions in the modern sports landscape.

David Lloyd is back in the market with a new concept, the Real David Lloyd’s Sports Gardens.

In a message on social media, Lloyd said he is trademarking the name Real David Lloyd, and that he has big plans for his new concept which is “light years in front” of other concepts in the market.

Real David Lloyd’s Sports Gardens will be an indoor playground for all ages, blending sport, technology and discovery. Pickleball, padel, volleyball and basketball will be mixed with simulators, climbing walls, zipwires and a tag arena, as well as food and beverage offerings.

Sites are planned in Boca Raton Florida, as well as a number in the UK – Aberdeen, Ebbsfleet, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Guildford, Colchester, Middlesbrough, Ipswich, Norwich, Bicester.

In a statement, Lloyd said he is being sued by David Lloyd Leisure for passing off and trademark infringement, however, HCM can confirm that no legal action has been taken by David Lloyd Leisure.

Lloyd developed his original emponymous health and racquets chain in 1982 and sold it in its entirety to Whitbread in 1995, for £182 million when there were 18 sites. 

Whitbread grew the chain to more than 60 clubs in the UK and Europe and sold the business in 2007 to London and Regional Properties for £925 million.

In 2013 it was sold to TDR Capital for £750 million.

TDR created a new fund for the company last September, valuing it at £2 billion. The operator now has 139 clubs across the UK and Europe.

The move may leave David Lloyd Leisure with a case for passing off it the new launch confuses consumers.

The company URL is davidlloydssportsgardens.com

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is thriving at Barcelona

Michael Carrick reportedly wants Marcus Rashford to stay at Manchester United but faces several obstacles to keep the forward. The United boss has made a perfect start without the England star at his disposal, winning his first four games in charge.

United have been rejuvenated since Carrick took the reins at his old club. Victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur have propelled the team into the top four and restored confidence throughout the squad.

Rashford fell out of favour under ex-United boss Ruben Amorim, leading him to join Aston Villa on loan last season. The 28-year-old then sealed a move to Barcelona during the summer in a deal that includes a £26million buy option.

Rashford has thrived at his new club, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in 34 appearances. Despite seeming destined to continue his career away from Old Trafford, it has been claimed that Carrick would prefer to keep his former teammate at United.

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Spanish publication Sport reports that Carrick wants Rashford at United next season. However, Barcelona are said to be fully committed to meeting his buyout clause.

Rashford has also been vocal about wanting to remain with the Catalan club beyond his loan spell. Discussing his future in December, the United loanee said: “What I want is to stay at Barca.

“That’s the ultimate goal, but it’s not the reason I train hard and give my all. The purpose is to win. From the moment I arrived, I felt very welcome. For me, the reason I’m here is to help the team win trophies.”

Rashford has shared history with the new interim boss, having previously been teammates for three years. Carrick also worked with Rashford as part of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff, as well as his first spell as temporary manager.

The 44-year-old’s reported desire to keep Rashford at United would only become a potential factor in the summer if he were appointed manager permanently. Carrick has 13 games remaining to convince the club hierarchy he is the right person for the job, with his side already out of both domestic cup competitions.

Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has praised Rashford’s contributions for his parent club. The coach lauded the forward’s commitment but admitted that the decision to finalise a permanent deal would rest with the club’s sporting director in the summer.

In January, Flick said of Rashford: “Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it’s Deco’s job to do things for next season. We have to wait.

“We have months to go. For me, of course, with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here].”