After the electric comebacks, the magical shot-making, and the passion, belief and smile that had defined his remarkable ascent, this was the moment where Carlos Alcaraz took the step from generational talent to standing alone in the pantheon of the greatest tennis players of all time. As Novak Djokovic sensed his opportunity to make history, Alcaraz wrote his own: by winning his first Australian Open title, overturning Djokovic to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 and under enormous pressure, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at 22 years and 272 days.
He joins the illustrious list of Don Budge, Fred Perry, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic to win all four major titles, doing so faster than anyone else. He is more than a year younger than his Nadal was when he set the Open-era record at 2010 US Open at the age of 24. Fittingly, Nadal had a front-row seat at the Rod Laver Arena as Alcaraz continued to walk in his compatriot’s footsteps, while also breaking new ground. ”Nobody knows how how hard I’ve been working, to get this trophy, to chase this moment,” the Spaniard said.
Alcaraz denied Djokovic in his own bid to make tennis history, overturning his opponent’s fast start to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 (AP)
It was Djokovic who perhaps summed up Alcaraz’s achievement best: “What you’ve been doing, I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary, so congratulations and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career. I mean, you’re so young, you have a lot of time, like myself! So I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years.”
But in doing so, Alcaraz denied Djokovic his own career-defining record. One way or another, history was guaranteed in a seismic final, as Djokovic attempted to claim the standalone tally of 25 grand slam singles titles and become the oldest grand slam champion of all time at the age of 38. Not for the first time, the Serbian was suppressed by Alcaraz, who defeated the greatest of all time for a third time in a grand slam final and snapped his perfect record of 10 Australian Open finals without defeat.
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After his epic effort to beat Jannik Sinner on Friday, Djokovic faded physically after making a blistering start to the final. But, as he closed in on the finish line, Alcaraz was faced to withstand a late charge from Djokovic as he forced break points late in the fourth set. Throughout his young career, though, it has been in those moments where Alcaraz rises highest. It took a massive effort to get over the line, but after falling to his back when Djokovic fired his final forehand long, Alcaraz broke into the widest of smiles.
Before the final, the world No 1 made it perfectly clear how important the Australian Open and completing the career grand slam was to him; Alcaraz even said he would trade winning the three other grand slam titles this season for a first Australian Open. And yet, Alcaraz arrived at his most important tournament of the year having split from his long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero during the off-season. “It was a little bit rollercoaster, emotionally, what we went through,” Alcaraz said as he thanked his corner for helping him block out the noise. He still leaves Melbourne having achieved his biggest goal. “Job finished. 4/4 completed,” he wrote.
How Carlos Alcaraz ranks in list of men to complete career grand slam
Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, completed at 2026 Australian Open
Don Budge: 22 years 363 days, completed at 1938 French Championships
Rod Laver: 24 years 32 days, completed at 1962 US National Championships
Rafael Nadal: 24 years 102 days, completed at2010 US Open
Fred Perry: 26 years 15 days, completed at 1935 French Championships
Roy Emerson: 27 years 244 days, completed at 1964 Wimbledon Championships
Roger Federer: 27 years 303 days, completed at 2009 Roland Garros
Novak Djokovic: 29 years 15 day, completed at 2016 Roland Garros
Andre Agassi: 29 years 68 days, completed at 1999 Roland Garros
Both men faced a huge test to recover for the final after coming through marathon semi-finals. Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev in five hours and 27 minutes in the third-longest Australian Open match of all time, before Djokovic produced one of his greatest ever performances to end Sinner’s dominant run across five sets and four hours and nine minutes. As the match finished well after midnight in Melbourne, Djokovic did not go to bed until 6am on Saturday morning and neither men trained on the day before the final as they attempted to recover. “I think he deserves an ovation,” Alcaraz said.
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(REUTERS)
With 15 years and 348 days between them, Djokovic said the younger man would have the advantage in the attempt to find fresh legs, but it was the elder who came flying out of the blocks. Producing a brilliant level of precise serving and replicating the huge forehand strike that was so effective in beating Sinner from the baseline in the semi-finals, Djokovic played an outstanding first set and made just four unforced errors in a 39-minute opener. The second set brought a complete reverse, however, as Djokovic’s level of serving dipped and Alcaraz won the majority of baseline points.
With the conditions in Melbourne cold and windy, the final began under a partially shut roof on Rod Laver Arena. Before the start of the third set, with the chance of rain forecast, the roof closed further, with Alcaraz complaining to the tournament referee. But, with the elements becoming less of a factor, Alcaraz delivered a magical moment to defy Djokovic when the 38-year struck a backhand winner around the net-post. Alcaraz salvaged a forehand from the baseline and, in an electric charge, broke Djokovic for a second time to move one set away from history.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Faced with another comeback, Djokovic called the trainer before the start of the fourth. But in an almighty effort and across a 12-minute service game, he saved six break points to stay alive. He found more precise serving when he desperately needed it as Alcaraz led 4-3, 0-30 in the fourth. Djokovic held again, then raised the temperature of the final and brought his supporters to their feet by setting up break point. Suddenly, as the weight of history became clear, Alcaraz withstood him, as Djokovic missed a second-serve return.
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After Alcaraz held to move 6-5 ahead, the Spaniard produced the finishing blow by winning a 24-shot rally with some of his finest ball-striking of the match. It seemed to break Djokovic, as he attempted to reach the tiebreak and extend his fight. Two errors in a row from Djokovic brought match point, and a further forehand error sealed Alcaraz’s place in tennis history.
Ball security and playmaking efficiency are two of the most valuable skills in today’s NBA. While scoring grabs the headlines, the ability to consistently create for teammates without coughing up possessions is what separates good guards from truly elite floor generals. In this article, we break down the top-10 players averaging more than six assists and fewer than three turnovers per game, highlighting the guards and playmakers who are unselfish on offense this season.
Andrew Nembhard, Pacers
Nembhard had the opportunity to take the reins of the Pacers’ offense this season due to the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. Despite the squad struggling to the point of sitting last place in the East, he has done well to deliver solid production across the board, including averaging 7.5 assists, compared to just 2.4 turnovers in 32.1 minutes per game. Although he has not been able to coordinate the attack to the same level as Haliburton, he continues to prove himself as a reliable ball handler and conscientious distributor. The experience of being in the driver’s seat this season should help his development in the long run, as this marks just his fourth NBA season.
Jamal Murray, Nuggets
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Murray has been delivering elite production for years now, but he is currently working on career highs across the board, with 25.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. His impressive numbers are complemented by the fact that he is limiting himself to just 2.3 turnovers in 35.5 minutes per game, despite often being a critical focal point of opposing defenses. He has never averaged more than 2.3 turnovers per game in his career, which proves that this season is no fluke, and combined with his other stats, he deserves mention among the top point guards of his generation.
Davion Mitchell, Heat
Mitchell has done a great job of earning and maintaining a starting role over the last couple of seasons. Part of the reason for his success is his ability to distribute at a high level while also showing great diligence in taking care of the ball. With a career-high 7.3 assists per game, which is a major leap from his previous high of 4.9, and just 1.6 turnovers per game, he boasts one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the league, and the best on this list by a notable margin.
Isaiah Collier, Jazz
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Collier moved up a spot on this list after an incredible performance on Tuesday night, where he racked up 22 assists, with only two turnovers in 48 minutes of action. He is averaging seven assists and 2.3 turnovers per game this season, making him one of the league’s most trustworthy ball handlers in just his second season. Despite his impressive play, he will likely remain behind Keyonte George in the Jazz’s rotation at point guard. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to continue to rack up the assists while playing alongside a group of offensively talented big men.
Tyrese Maxey, 76ers
Maxey has become one of the league’s top scorers, but his ability to get teammates involved with efficient distribution is also on the rise. He is averaging a career-high 6.8 assists and limiting himself to 2.4 turnovers in a whopping 38.9 minutes per game. The sixth-year point guard is undoubtedly working in elite territory and likely still has room to show improvement at just 25 years old. Not to mention, he has not had the benefit of playing with a consistently healthy lineup over the last couple of seasons.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
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Last season’s MVP is most often touted for his elite scoring ability, but he also stands out as one of the league’s most reliable ball handlers. He is averaging 6.4 assists per game, which ties his career high from last season, while also limiting himself to just 2.1 turnovers per game, which is his lowest mark since his sophomore campaign. His ability to push the pace and draw multiple defenders on his drives to the basket is key to creating great pass opportunities to open teammates.
Dyson Daniels, Hawks
Daniels is surely one of the more unexpected players to find on this list, as he is the only one who does not line up at point guard. Nonetheless, he has been a great stabilizing presence in the backcourt for his squad as they have dealt with injury trouble and roster changes. He is averaging a career-high 6.3 assists with just two turnovers per game, standing out as one of the most responsible passers in the league this season. Still, he is mostly known for his defensive presence, averaging 1.9 steals per game, which is fourth-most in the league.
De’Aaron Fox, Spurs
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Fox has been a solid contributor since joining the Spurs, despite producing slightly less across the board when compared to previous seasons. Nonetheless, he is playing with efficiency, not only by shooting 47.9 percent from the field but also by averaging 6.2 assists with just 2.5 turnovers per game. He has the benefit of a top-tier target to feed in Victor Wembanyama, but the ninth-year guard is also entering the “wily veteran” stage of his career, where he is able to navigate opposing defenses with confidence and poise.
Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Brunson has been one of the league’s top point guards for a few seasons now. He continues to shine in just about every way, including averaging 27.1 points per game, which is the second-most of his career, along with a career-best 2.9 made 3-pointers per game. Additionally, his six assists and 2.2 turnovers per game make him one of the most reliable playmakers. On the other hand, his six assists per game is his lowest mark since joining the Knicks.
Immanuel Quickley, Raptors
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Quickley may often be overlooked as an elite point guard, as he is only in his second season as a clear-cut starter and continues to struggle with his field-goal efficiency, having never shot better than 45 percent from the field in a season. However, his 6.1 assists with just 1.7 turnovers per game give him the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio on this list. At 26-years of age in his sixth NBA season, there is still a small window of time in which he likely continues to build on his abilities.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking in Washington on Wednesday, announced that his nation’s security agencies had “foiled a series of cyberattacks” of “Russian origin.”
Tajani said the attempted attacks targeted numerous “Foreign Ministry offices, starting with Washington, and also some Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina.”
Past Olympic-related cyberattacks came in Paris in 2024, and Pyeongchang in 2018. It is widely thought that Russian actors were behind them.
Russian bans from games — both for doping infractions as well as its war of aggression in Ukraine — are seen as motivation for such acts of aggression.
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British intelligence services say Russian hackers were also eyeballing attacks on Tokyo in 2021.
Russia has been excluded from this year’s event over Ukraine. However, 13 Russian and 7 Belarus athletes have been allowed to compete as neutrals alongside 3,500 global Olympians.
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Diverse Olympic protests and highly policed ‘red zones’
The northern Italian city of Milan and the neighboring Cortina d’Ampezzo region are hosting this year’s Winter Olympics between February 6 and 22.
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Some 2 million visitors are expected, including 60,000 at Friday’s opening ceremonies at San Siro Stadium in Milan, which will be attended by US Vice President JD Vance among others.
Numerous protests are scheduled to take place throughout the course of the event, they will highlight issues ranging from the environmental destruction caused by the Olympic business model to Israel’s inclusion in the games despite the situation in Gaza.
Police say Milan’s city center will be declared a “red zone” closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic beginning on Friday.
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Authorities say they have stepped up security checks at border crossings and rail stations, and that K-9 and bomb crews are conducting regular security sweeps at Olympic venues.
Additionally, snipers have been deployed across the network of tightly controlled red zone sites.
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Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi on Wednesday said US counterparts from ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) would serve solely in an advisory capacity.
“ICE does not and will never be able to carry out operational police activities on our national territory,” Piantedosi said.
He said it was entirely normal for such forces to be deployed, noting that Italy had done the same in Paris in 2024. He also called anger voiced by regional citizens and political leaders over the presence of US agents “completely unfounded.”
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24-hour Olympic Operations Room in Rome will coordinate security
Beyond fending off cyber attacks, Italian authorities say some 6,000 police and 2,000 military personnel have been deployed across the region stretching from Milan to the Dolomites.
Italy’s Defense Ministry is providing hardware including hundreds of trucks as well as aircraft, drones and radar to secure the event.
Bomb experts, anti-terror outfits, snipers and skiing police will all be on site said Interior Minister Piantedosi.
Overall security for the event will be coordinated remotely, at the Rome-based International Olympic Operations Room (SOIO). The command center will run around the clock from start to finish, coordinating numerous international and national operations and police headquarters.
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Nationally, this means coordination with police in the northern Italian cities of Bolzano, Milan, Sondrio, Trento, Venice and Verona.
“Officers from foreign police forces, as well as Interpol and Europol personnel, will be present to ensure timely information-sharing and the management of any critical issues requiring international cooperation,” read a police statement.
Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass is set to launch on February 5, 2025, at 9 am PT. The new BlackCell BP has also been revealed in an official YouTube video and the Call of Duty blog. The headline skin in the pass is likely the Phantom BlackCell Operator skin. It’s a more grounded mil-sim-focused cosmetic addition to the game that fans may appreciate.
This article will go over the brand new Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass and explain what it includes.
Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass and BlackCell Price
Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass is available in the usual three tiers, which are:
Standard Battle Pass:1,100 COD Points ($9.99)
Battle Pass Bundle:2,400 COD Points.
BlackCell:$29.99
All three tiers offer different rewards to players, with the BP bundle granting you 20 Battle Pass Tokens and BlackCell providing additional cosmetics. The theme this time seems to focus on mil-sim versions of popular Operators such as Mason and Kagan. Here’s more.
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What’s included in Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass and BlackCell?
Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass Mason skins (Image via Activision)
After purchasing the Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass, you’ll be able to gain access to the Instant Rewards Page, which will offer the following items:
10% Battle Pass XP Boost
The “Sage” Operator Skin for the new Victoria Atwood Operator plus a BlackCell variant for those who purchase BlackCell
The “Malcontent” Legendary Blueprint for the Razor 9mm
The “Arm Up” Animated Calling Card
The “Warped Skull” Emblem
As usual, you can play games to gain XP and make progress in the Warzone and Black Ops 7 Season 2 Battle Pass. Similarly, if you purchase BlackCell, you’ll gain rewards from the BlackCell Instant Rewards page:
The “Phantom” BlackCell Operator
The “Eclipse” BlackCell alternate Skin for Phantom.
1,100 COD Points
The “Initiator” Mastercraft Blueprint for the AK-27 Assault Rifle with Tracers and Death FX
The alternate “Fatalist” Mastercraft Blueprint for the AK-27 Assault Rifle with Tracers and Death FX
The “Sic ’Em” Companion Finishing Move
The “Go Time” Gun Screen
The “BlackCell” Clan Tag (showcased in Lobbies and Winner’s Circles)
The Season 02 HUD Theme (BlackCell only)
10% XP Loyalty Boost
New Kagan skin in Black Ops 7 (Image via Activision)
Players can also unlock bonus content by playing the game and unlocking various pages. They can earn seven BlackCell exclusive skins, including the following:
Instant Reward Page: The “Sage” BlackCell Skin for Atwood
BP Completion Page: The “Axial” BlackCell Skin for Atwood
Page 2: The “Zenith” BlackCell Skin for Mason
Page 4: The “Prognosis” BlackCell Skin for Falkner
Page 7: The “Guardsman” BlackCell Skin for Nikolai
Page 9: The “Devious” BlackCell Skin for Vermaak
Page 12: The “Forgenought” Skin for Reaper EWR-3
Furthermore, seven BlackCell Weapons Blueprints will also be available to the players, including:
Page 1: The “Paragon BlackCell” Blueprint for the MXR-17 Assault Rifle
Page 5: The “Deregulator BlackCell” Blueprint for the Warden 308 Marksman Rifle
Page 8: The “Big Pill BlackCell” Blueprint for the VS Recon Sniper Rifle
Page 10: The “Slim Chance BlackCell” Blueprint for the M10 Breacher Shotgun
Page 11: The “Accendo BlackCell” Blueprint for the REV-46 SMG
Page 13: The “Biosiphon BlackCell” Blueprint for the RK-9 SMG
Page 14: The “Photon BlackCell” Blueprint for the ERGT-17 Assault Rifle
Christophe Dubi, the IOC executive director for the Olympic Games, added: “We make a point to receive those petitions, and we have to recognise climate is a challenge for all of us.
“What we have to do as an organisation is to be at the forefront of sustainability, and our principles are very clear.”
One area the IOC is aiming to make the Olympics more sustainable is having Games take place over a wider area with more pre-existing facilities, and Coventry said Milan-Cortina is an acid test for whether this is a viable future.
Milan-Cortina takes place in three hubs spread across northern Italy – in Milan, Cortina and Livigno – with only two newly built sporting facilities: the Santagiulia ice hockey arena and Cortina Sliding Centre.
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The next two Winter Olympics – French Alps 2030 and Utah 2034 – will also have sports spread more widely, while the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane is will have venues across Queensland.
“We are really experiencing a spread out Games here for the first time – we are going to learn a lot,” Coventry said.
“We have taken this decision for sustainability reasons, climate and not having to have new venues. We are seeing there is an impact on National Olympic Committees because of the spreadness [sic], also for broadcast and media, making it harder to get around.
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“What is really cool is that you get to see iconic venues in beautiful places – but now we have to weigh this up, the balance between a spread games for sustainability reasons but not shifting complexity and sustainability to different areas.”
While the action got underway on Wednesday with the start of the curling events, the 2026 Winter Olympics will officially start with the opening ceremony on Friday.
Coventry said she hoped all nations would be treated with respect by spectators, including the USA team amid criticism from Italian authorities about the presence of ICE agents in Milan.
“I hope the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as a chance to be respectful,” she said.
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“For me, when we went to the Olympic village that is the best reminder of how the Games should be. I hope the opening ceremony will do that.”
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain is joining the reigning NBA champion.
The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly agreed to a trade for Jared McCain, sending a 2026 Rockets first-round pick and three second-round picks, per ESPN.
McCain, who turns 22 in a few weeks, was the 76ers’ first-round draft choice in 2024 after a stellar season at Duke.
Jared McCain of the 76ers dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan. 29, 2026, in Philadelphia.(Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
However, injuries have gotten in the way of his play early in his NBA career.
McCain tore his meniscus in his left knee on Dec. 14, 2024, and the Sixers would announce in January 2025 that he would be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Things got worse to start this season, though, as McCain underwent surgery to repair a tear in the UCL in his right thumb, forcing him to miss more time on the court.
In 37 games this season, McCain has averaged just 6.6 points after pouring in 15.3 per night in his rookie season. However, he has been getting back into a groove of late, playing more minutes for Philadelphia and seeing some stat changes.
Sixers’ Jared McCain looks to make his move against Brooklyn Nets’ Dennis Schroder, Oct. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
He joins a Thunder team that already has a good set of guards, including the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Luguentz Dort also runs the shooting guard post that McCain has been used to.
If McCain will get playing time, it’s likely off the bench, with the Thunder using Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell in those roles.
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The Thunder picked up right where they left off from the 2024-25 season, owning a 40-11 record, which is the best mark in the NBA this season.
Jared McCain of the 76ers during the Sacramento Kings game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan. 29, 2026, in Philadelphia.(Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City made their way to the NBA Finals after posting a 68-14 regular-season record, and defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games to notch the franchise’s first-ever Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Manchester United loaned academy prospect Sekou Kone to Ineos‑owned Lausanne Sport as a way for both clubs to assess how effective their broader multi‑club partnership could be.
Manchester United youngster Sekou Kone has made an instant impression Lausanne Sport after joining the club on loan. The 19‑year‑old will spend the rest of the season with the Swiss side as he continues his development.
According to the Daily Mail, it hasn’t taken long for the midfielder to settle in, with coaches already blown away by his technical quality on the ball. There is also genuine excitement about his ball‑winning ability.
He will be handed the opportunity to feature in Europe, as his new side are still in the UEFA Conference League. Lausanne face SK Sigma Olomouc in the upcoming play-off round.
Kone has linked up with fellow United youngster Enzo Kana‑Biyik, who is also on loan at the club. He could make his Lausanne debut against St. Gallen on Sunday.
His loan is said to be viewed as something of a litmus test for the Lausanne-United partnership, offering both clubs a chance to gauge how productive their wider multi‑club collaboration could become.
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United will be monitoring Kone’s progress closely, especially with the need for reinforcements in midfield this summer.
Casemiro confirmed earlier this month that he will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable four‑year spell at the club.
The midfielder joined the Reds for £1million from Guidars in his native Mali in 2024 and has now become the latest academy prospect to head out on loan.
During the winter window, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Ethan Wheatley, Gabriele Biancheri and James Scanlon all secured temporary moves to EFL clubs, while Jacob Devaney joined St Mirren until the end of the season.
On the incoming front, it was a quiet month at M16, with Michael Carrick focused on pushing for Premier League success with his current group of players.
The Reds are next in Premier League action on Saturday against Tottenham at home (12:30pm).
The pounding music and disco lights lent a sense of occasion to the first action of this year’s Games in the high-end Italian resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The snow which had hammered down all day in the Dolomites had turned to sleet by the time the four matches started in front of a healthy crowd inside the 3,500-capacity arena.
But many of those spectators were cast into darkness for four or five minutes early on until someone put some change in the meter,the scoring screens flickered back into life and play resumed.
“I didn’t mind the lights going off,” said Mouat. “It was a bit of a boogie, a rave… it was like a nightclub.”
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When the dancing stopped, Norway’s husband and wife team of Magnus Nedregotten and Kristin Skaslien initially took control before the sides fell into a cagey contest.
Mouat and Dodds seized the initiative in a splendid second end – the final accounting reached after some lengthy deliberation with the measuring stick – and led 4-3 at the break after edging a tight fourth against the 2002 silver medallists.
The interval did check the momentum of the childhood friends a little, as Norway – who also won bronze in 2018 – drew level again.
Nedregotten’s flawless play was keeping Norway in it – wife Skaslien’s struggles threatening a little domestic disharmony – but even his efforts could not prevent Team GB snatching three in the sixth end thanks to a stunning Dodds throw.
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That opened a three-shot lead with two ends to play.
And, although the Norwegians invoked the powerplay to cut the deficit to one, Mouat and Dodds did likewise in the last end to close out a statement 8-6 win.
“It took us a bit of time to work out one end was curling more than the other, but once we did we took a step up in performance and took control from there,” Dodds said.
“It’s a good confidence builder to start the week.”
Players of the Rivers state handball team have sent strong messages of warning to their opponents at the forthcoming Niger Delta Games that they will be in Benin City for the Gold medal this time.
Speaking after the conclusion of the Handball trials for Edo 2026 at the Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the players that spoke were unanimous in their resolve to hit gold later this month.
It could sound unrealistic, given that their performances at the inaugural edition in Uyo last year were not up to scratch, but the players remain adamant that the experience combined with their preparations for this edition will bring them good returns.
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Fully prepared this time
Goalkeeper Richard Harrison led his male teammates in declaring their readiness to take Benin by storm, hinging his belief on his team’s good preparation.
“We are very very prepared. For me, I will say it’s a 100% for us. We have been training basically, morning and evening, so the preparation is there, just to put in the team work and I think we can go for Gold,” said Harrison.
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His teammate ThankGod David also echoed Harrison’s thoughts, adding that they have put in enough work in preparations that should see them come out tops when they face their regional opponents as from February 20.
“We are very confident in our abilities as we have put in enough efforts in our trainings. So we believe that as we are heading for the competition, we, as a team are emerging victorious,” said David.
Anticipating a better, sweeter experience
The Rivers Handball team are aware of their poor past and ready to create a new experience.
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For Godspower Idango, he says that their lacklustre performance last year has brought a renewed hunger in them ahead of this year’s competition and assures of a great outing this year.
“We are looking forward to this year’s Games. We didn’t do well last year so my teammates and I are hungry and angry so much that we are putting in much work both in the morning and evening.
“So, I want to assure you that we will come out victorious in Edo state.”
Lily Emmanuel is a young lady who spoke on behalf of the women’s team and she believes the team is ready and equipped to make the state proud this year.
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“I wasn’t actually proud of the experience last year but this year, we are going prepared. We are going to win, we are not coming to dull or fail. We are Team Rivers and we are going to make Rivers state proud.
“We’ve been training from like the beginning of January intensively with consistency. We’ve been able to do endurance trainings that has given us greater strength so, the result will be different this time,” said Lily.
The Rivers state trials for Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games continued on Wednesday with Volleyball and Taekwondo taking centre stage.
In-form Ishan Kishan continued his red-hot form with a rapid half-century as India secured a 30-run win over South Africa in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday at DY Patil Stadium. The wicketkeeper-batter raced to 53 off just 20 balls, smashing seven sixes and two boundaries, cementing his spot in the top order alongside Abhishek Sharma. The Indian batters collectively posted a daunting 241 for five on a flat track, with Ishan and Abhishek putting on an explosive 80-run partnership inside the powerplay. Abhishek contributed 24 off 17 balls before retiring, allowing Ishan to continue his onslaught and retire unbeaten after reaching his fifty, ensuring both got a final hit ahead of India’s opener against the USA on February 7.
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India rotated their bowling arsenal, using nine different bowlers, including Abhishek Sharma, who picked up 2/32 in three overs, to restrict the Proteas to 210/7. Harshit Rana, however, was forced to leave after just one over due to discomfort in his run-up. South Africa’s experimental opening pair of George Linde (0) and Aiden Markram (38 retired out) failed to make an impact, with Linde dismissed for a duck by Arshdeep Singh. Ryan Rickelton top-scored for the visitors with 44 off 21 balls, while Jason Smith contributed 35 off 23. Dewald Brevis fell cheaply, but Tristan Stubbs provided resistance with a 21-ball 45 not out, including four sixes. Other notable performances for India included Tilak Varma, who made a quick 45 off 19 balls before being bowled by Marco Jansen, and Suryakumar Yadav, who struck 30 off 16 balls. Vice-captain Axar Patel added 35 off 23, while Hardik Pandya finished with a fiery 30 from just 10 deliveries. Rinku Singh contributed 16 before being hit on the helmet. India’s batting dominance, combined with disciplined bowling, ensured a comfortable 30-run victory in their final warm-up ahead of the tournament. Brief scores: India 240/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45; Marco Jansen 1/18) beat South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45*; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs.
The defending NBA Champions are adding to their roster.
McCain has experienced a sophomore slump in his second year in the NBA, after bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2024-25.
The 21-year-old is averaging 6.6 points, two rebounds and 1.7 assists on 38.5 per cent shooting through 37 games this season.
Last campaign, he was a Rookie of the Year favourite before going down with a torn meniscus. McCain averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 46 per cent shooting in 23 games in 2024-25.
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McCain became expendable in Philadelphia after the 76ers drafted VJ Edgecombe third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The move also provides them with the flexibility to bring Quentin Grimes back in free agency and convert two-way guard Dominick Barlow, per Charania.
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