David Benavidez wants nothing more than to fight the best and, with his star power growing and the WBC Light-Heavyweight World title around his waist, he is becoming hard to ignore.

‘El Monstro’ is set to move up in weight again this summer, facing Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBA belts at cruiserweight. He is then planning to drop back down to 175lbs to face Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Both Russians have expressed their interest in fighting with the 29-year-old pressure fighter.

Despite big main events on the horizon, Benavidez has still failed to secure the signature of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, and that is something that will always irk him.

Asked on The Danza Project if he felt not fighting Alvarez would leave a hole in his career, Benavidez said yes.

“100%. Always in boxing, or whatever sport, everybody has their arch nemesis. Canelo is my arch nemesis, basically. That’s exactly how it’d be. It’d be an unfortunate moment that never happened in boxing. If it doesn’t happen, there’s really nothing I can do about it.”

Benavidez – who has campaigned for the fight for a number of years now – then admitted that the delay has already seen it lose some appeal, given Alvarez’s loss to Terence Crawford last year.

“[Crawford] took a lot away from it. At the time Crawford beat him, Canelo was basically looking invincible. If I could’ve got in there, beat him, it would’ve been more of an impact. Now that Crawford came in and beat him, you don’t know what Canelo is gonna show up – if he’s gonna be extremely prepared or he doesn’t really seem like he’s hungry.”

Despite the consistent calls from both fans and Benavidez to make the fight happen, Canelo has demonstrated that he will make his own decisions in the sport. With a September return date locked in, and a shot at one of his previous super-middleweight world titles likely, it’s anybody’s guess whether or not he will venture back up to light-heavyweight again.

If he does so, he has made it clear that a rematch with Dmitry Bivol is higher on his list than facing Benavidez.

For the $300,000 Expressway Stakes at Randwick this Saturday, Chris Waller has nominated three standout stablemates, yet it’s doubtful they’ll all line up together.

The 1200-metre Group 2 race, featuring 10 entries including Joliestar, Angel Capital and Lady Shenandoah, provides a platform toward Group 1 objectives on the following run, while Waller assesses his options.

“We have got three ace cards for the Expressway, including Angel Capital and Joliestar, so I don’t want to run all three,” Waller said.

“I want to try to hold one back. I don’t know which one, possibly Lady Shenandoah.

“She could run in the mares’ race, the Triscay (Stakes), or run the following week in the Millie Fox.”

That said, Waller is set to send out three contenders for the Expressway Stakes, spearheaded by Lazzura, a four-year-old eyeing the Coolmore Classic, starting her autumn campaign.

“She’s had a couple of Group One placings and hasn’t had a lot of luck with a couple of them. She jarred up a bit in Melbourne with the firm tracks in the spring,” Waller said.

Last Saturday at Randwick, Lazzura and Lady Shenandoah, who are in the 13-horse nominations for the $250,000 Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m), completed 1000m exhibition gallops.

Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Lindermann and Trinity College also engaged in those workouts, which Waller described as helpful for sharpening their condition.

“The day out, the hot weather, the trip home, they’ve been away from the freed bin for six hours. It’s all part of tightening them up,” Waller said.

“It just saves the hard workouts and it saves getting behind. It’s easier to be well ahead. You just can’t play catch up with horses, so being well prepared and exhibitions gallops show everything has gone to plan and there have been no setbacks.

“If I don’t give them an exhibition gallop, it’s either a rushed prep or I just didn’t have time to do it how I wanted to do it.

“It gives them a chance to have a bit of a sweat, break the skin. Then next week they’ll come back and they’ll be picture perfect.”

In the $300,000 Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), Waller lists nine entries such as Autumn Glow, Aeliana, Lindermann and Trinity College, possibly alongside Antino, Ceolwulf and Stefi Magnetica.

Visit the racing betting markets for competitive offers on the upcoming Expressway Stakes.

The post Chris Waller weighing up Expressway Stakes team first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

In a final that demonstrated the strength of women’s freestyle skiing, Mathilde Gremaud successfully defended her Olympic title by only 0.38 points.

China’s Eileen Gu – arguably a bigger star off the slopes – took silver, but crashed on her final run to allow Gremaud a victory lap, a Switzerland flag tied around her neck, billowing in the wind as she soaked up her moment on the course.

Muir is one of Team GB’s best medal hopes at the Milan-Cortina Games, and has another shot at the podium when she competes in the big air starting on Saturday.

Four years ago in Beijing, Scotland’s Muir was GB’s youngest competitor at 17, but she finished fifth in the big air and eighth in the slopestyle.

After Beijing Muir achieved three World Cup podiums, but in December 2023 an MRI scan showed she had been competing with a fully torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

An operation followed in early 2024, as well as surgery on a shoulder problem that had troubled her for some time.

Eleven months later she was back on snow, and her maiden World Cup gold arrived in Tignes in March 2025.

Two more have followed this season, as well as slopestyle gold and big air silver at the invitation-only X Games on the eve of the Olympics.

“I’m going to look forward to big air, but I just need to take this one in,” Muir said.

“I got to see my famly. They were hugging me a bit too tightly – I was getting a bit claustrophobic. They’re proud of me no matter what, so I can take that away.”

South Africa vs Canada Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: The opening clash between South Africa and Canada at the T20 World Cup 2026 sets up a classic contest between pedigree and ambition. South Africa arrive in Ahmedabad carrying the weight of expectation, fuelled by unfinished business from the 2024 edition where they fell heartbreakingly short in the final. Nine members of that squad return, bringing continuity and experience, and the Proteas will be keen to make a statement straight away.

T2O World Cup Schedule:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/schedule

Despite mixed results in T20Is since mid-2024, South Africa boast a settled and formidable core. Quinton de Kock has rediscovered his rhythm at the top, while Aiden Markram continues to lead with calm authority. Dewald Brevis, now playing with renewed freedom, is expected to be a key figure in the middle order after an outstanding SA20 2026, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer and struck a century in the final. The fast-bowling quartet of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi gives South Africa genuine firepower, even if they opt to go with a single specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj.

T20 World Cup Points Table
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/points-table

Canada, though, are not simply here to make up numbers. Under new captain Dilpreet Bajwa, they are aiming to test stronger opponents whenever the opportunity arises. While warm-up losses to Italy and Nepal exposed areas for improvement, Canada possess enough power and belief to compete. Yuvraj Samra’s aggressive approach at the top, Navneet Dhaliwal’s experience and the all-round value of Saad Bin Zafar and Jaskaran Singh provide a solid framework.

With three of South Africa’s four group games scheduled in Ahmedabad, adapting quickly to the surface will be crucial. For Canada, this match represents a chance to challenge perceptions. For South Africa, it is about starting strongly and laying down a marker in their quest to finally lift the trophy.

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.

“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.”