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PARIS — Alex Eala marked her 21st birthday on May 23, 2026, by celebrating with fellow WTA players, including Iva Jovic, her first-round opponent at the French Open.

The Filipino tennis player shared an Instagram post featuring moments from the celebration with her parents, Mike Eala and Rizza Maniego-Eala, and friends Eva Lys, Iva Jovic and Zeynep Sonmez. The post included a caption that read, “21 can you do sum for meeeeeeeeeeee.”

Jovic commented on the post along with Lys and Sonmez. Eala will face Jovic in the first round of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros.

During a pre-French Open press conference, Eala spoke about the importance of friendships on the tour. She said, “These friendships I have within the tour are very important to me. I don’t know how I would survive the tour without them. They are not just tennis friends; they are friends for truly life. We share many things together all along the year.”

She added, “When we have to play against each other, we know just to separate the professional from the friendship. There is no need to change anything in the relationship.”

Eala’s Career Progress

Eala, ranked in the top 100, has shown steady improvement on the WTA Tour. The 21-year-old has competed in multiple Grand Slams and has gained experience on clay courts leading into the French Open. Her recent performances have included strong showings in European events, building momentum for the major tournament.

The French Open, the only Grand Slam played on clay, begins on May 24 and runs through June 7 at Roland Garros. Eala’s first-round match against Jovic will test her adaptability to the surface and her ability to maintain focus against a friend.

Friendships on the Tour

Eala’s comments highlight a common aspect of professional tennis where players form close bonds despite competing against one another. Many athletes have noted the unique nature of the tour, where travel and shared experiences create lifelong connections.

Jovic, Lys and Sonmez are among the group of young players who have traveled and trained together. Their presence at Eala’s birthday celebration reflects the support network that exists within the WTA locker room.

French Open Preparation

Eala has prepared for the clay-court major with matches on the surface in the lead-up events. The French Open features a 128-player singles draw and is known for its demanding physical and mental requirements. Players must adjust to longer rallies and sliding on the red clay.

The tournament will see top players including defending champion Iga Swiatek and other seeded competitors. Eala’s first-round matchup adds a personal element to the event as she faces a friend and fellow competitor.

Background on Eala

The Filipino player has risen through the rankings with consistent performances. She has represented her country in Fed Cup competition and has gained attention for her powerful baseline game and mental toughness. Turning 21 marks a new chapter as she continues to establish herself among the sport’s rising stars.

Her family has been supportive throughout her career. Mike Eala and Rizza Maniego-Eala have been present at key tournaments, providing encouragement during her development.

Tournament Expectations

The 2026 French Open features a strong field with multiple storylines. Eala’s participation adds to the international diversity of the draw. Organizers expect large crowds at Roland Garros as fans gather for the two-week event.

Broadcast coverage will be available globally, with matches streamed and televised on major networks. The clay surface favors players with strong defensive skills and endurance, qualities Eala has worked to develop.

Broader WTA Context

The WTA Tour has seen increased competition among young players. Eala’s generation is challenging established stars while building their own legacies. Friendships formed on the tour often provide emotional support during the demanding travel schedule.

The French Open serves as a key Grand Slam where careers can be defined. Eala’s first-round match against Jovic will be one of many personal stories unfolding during the tournament.

Fan and Media Interest

Eala’s birthday post generated attention on social media. Fans and fellow players congratulated her while noting the upcoming matchup with Jovic. The moment highlights the human side of professional tennis, where personal celebrations intersect with competitive demands.

The French Open continues to attract global audiences with its rich history and prestige. Eala’s participation adds to the narrative of emerging talents on the sport’s biggest stages.

The shares of JSW Cement dropped around 2% on Monday, snapping a two-session winning streak during which the stock rallied over 14% following the release of its results for the January-March quarter of FY26.

The shares of the cement-maker dropped to Rs 135.76 apiece despite the overall bullish market sentiment on Monday morning. The stock has gained over 10% in one week and 13% year-to-date.

JSW Cement Q4 Results

JSW Cement on Thursday reported a net profit of Rs 362 crore for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2026, marking a whopping 2,162% year-on-year (YoY) surge from just Rs 16 crore net profit reported for the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The strong profit surge was mainly due to the lower base of last year, which occurred due to a non-cash, exceptional expense.The company’s consolidated revenue grew 11% YoY to Rs 1,895 crore during the quarter under review, up from Rs 1,709 crore in the same period last year. Along with the Q4 results, the company announced a dividend of Rs 0.5 per equity share with a face value of Rs 10 each for the financial year, which ended on March 31, 2026, subject to shareholders’ approval.

Motilal Oswal on JSW Cement

Motilal Oswal Financial Services maintained its ‘Neutral’ call on the shares of JSW Cement with a target price of Rs 135 apiece. This implies a downside potential of more than 2% from the stock’s previous closing price of Rs 137.99 apiece on NSE.
The domestic brokerage said that the firm’s Q4 results were above its estimates, led by higher-than-estimated realisation and operating EBITDA, which increased 46% YoY.”Management noted that demand was soft in April 2026 due to external factors. However, it is normalising gradually in May 2026 and could become stable going forward. JSW Cement has achieved over 50% of its targeted cost savings so far, and expects to reach 75% by FY27 and fully materialise by FY28, led by an increase in green power share, logistics efficiencies, and premiumisation. It has approved a 2.5mtpa additional grinding capacity at Nagaur (Rs 4.3 billion capex, targeted by January 2028), taking total capacity to 6 mtpa, due to delays in Punjab clearances and the need to optimise clinker utilisation,” it said.

Motilal raised its EBITDA estimates by 3-4% for FY27-28, and profit estimates by 32% for FY27 and 27% for FY28, primarily due to a lower tax rate following the company’s shift to the new tax regime.

JSW Cement reported strong earnings in Q4 FY26, led by strong volume-led growth and better operating performance. However, the near-term outlook remains measured, as soft demand in April and high costs may weigh on margins. JSW Cement’s strategy remains structurally compelling, with a differentiated low clinker ratio, higher GGBS mix, and sharp cost-saving measures (Rs 100/t, annual cost savings over FY27-28). Entry in the north opens a long-term growth runway; however, execution and pricing traction remain key monitorables,” it further said.

JM Financial on JSW Cement

JM Financial maintained its ‘Buy’ rating on the shares of JSW Cement, with a target price of Rs 155 per share. This implies an upside potential of more than 12% from the stock’s previous closing price.

The domestic brokerage said that the company reported strong quarterly earnings for the January-March period. “Management reiterated cement volume growth guidance of mid-to-high teens (excluding the north plant) for FY27, with GGBS expected to outperform industry growth, supporting volume-led expansion. Additionally, the board has further announced a 2.5mtpa grinding unit in Nagaur, Rajasthan, at a capex of Rs 4.3 billion (~$18/t), slated for commissioning by January 2028. Factoring in Q4FY26, we reiterate FY27E–28E EBITDA estimates and maintain BUY with an unchanged target of Rs 155 based on 14x March 2028E EV/EBITDA,” it added.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Shares of railway companies Jupiter Wagons, Titagarh Rail Systems and Texmaco Rail & Engineering rallied as much as 10% on Monday after a report said Indian Railways is preparing to launch a mega Rs 40,000-crore tender to procure 1 lakh freight wagons over the next three to four years.

Jupiter Wagons shares soared 10% to their day’s high of Rs 304 on the BSE, while Titagarh Rail Systems rose 9% to Rs 827.50. Texmaco Rail rose over 6% to Rs 115 apiece.

According to a Mint report citing two sources, the proposed tender is expected to be slightly larger than the previous major wagon procurement exercise undertaken in 2022. The report said Indian Railways may procure around 35,000-40,000 wagons annually, with the first set of orders likely to be issued during the second quarter of the current financial year between July and September.

“The industry is completing orders under the previous Indian Railways wagon tender and fresh orders with longer visibility will allow the domestic wagon industry to function at capacity and maintain operations of their production lines,” Sudipta Mukherjee told Mint.

Mukherjee added that nearly one-third, or around 11,000 wagons, of the annual wagon procurement under the previous Railways tender was supplied by Kolkata-based Texmaco, which currently has the capacity to manufacture more than 15,000 wagons annually.

The report further said Indian Railways is currently holding discussions with manufacturers to assess their production capabilities before floating the tender, which is expected to be issued in phases.
Last month, Jefferies initiated coverage on Titagarh Rail Systems with a ‘Buy’ rating and a target price of Rs 810, a level the stock has already crossed. In the same report, the brokerage initiated coverage on Jupiter Wagons with an ‘Underperform’ rating and a target price of Rs 200, implying a potential downside of 28% from Rs 277.On Titagarh Rail, Jefferies said the company is likely to emerge as a major beneficiary of the shift towards passenger and metro coach manufacturing. “We believe Titagarh will be a key beneficiary of rising passenger and metro coach demand,” the brokerage said, while projecting a 35% revenue CAGR and a 43% EPS CAGR over FY26-30. The growth is expected to be driven by a 14-fold increase in passenger rail systems revenue along with margin improvement as the company moves higher up the technology value chain.

The brokerage noted that Titagarh’s passenger rail systems order book stands at Rs 108 billion, equivalent to 42 times FY25 passenger rail systems sales, providing strong revenue visibility. It expects the share of passenger business revenue to rise from 7% in FY25 to 63% by FY28.

In contrast, Jefferies expects growth at Jupiter Wagons to moderate as the business remains heavily dependent on the lower-growth freight wagon segment. The brokerage estimates a 23% EPS CAGR for Jupiter Wagons over FY26-30, significantly lower than Titagarh’s projected 43%, with wagons expected to continue contributing more than 60% of overall sales even by FY28. It also said the company’s new wheel manufacturing facility is likely to make a meaningful contribution only after FY28.

“With valuations at 40x FY27E PE, similar to Titagarh, we find Jupiter too expensive for the growth differential,” Jefferies said, assigning an ‘Underperform’ rating and a Rs 200 target price. The brokerage values Jupiter’s core business at 20 times March 2028 EPS and the wheel plant at 3.5 times book value.

Overall, Jefferies believes India’s railway capital expenditure cycle remains firmly intact but said investors should prefer Titagarh Rail Systems due to its stronger earnings outlook, improving return ratios and higher exposure to structurally faster-growing passenger and metro rail segments.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

NEW YORK — MJF defeated Darby Allin to regain the AEW World Championship in the main event of Double or Nothing on May 24, 2026, at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The pay-per-view event was broadcast live on HBO Max.

MJF became a three-time AEW World Champion with the victory. After the match, TNT Champion Kevin Knight attacked Allin while he was strapped to a stretcher, performing a UFO Splash and flipping the stretcher over.

The sold-out crowd reacted strongly throughout the night as AEW presented its annual Double or Nothing event. The card featured multiple title changes and tournament matches.

Main Event Recap

MJF and Darby Allin headlined the show in a match that lasted more than 20 minutes. Allin entered as champion after winning the title earlier in the year. MJF used his signature style to secure the pinfall victory. Following the match, Knight entered the ring and assaulted Allin as medical personnel attended to him.

Tag Team Title Change

Christian Cage and Adam Copeland defeated FTR to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship. The victory marked a significant moment for the veteran duo, who have teamed together in recent months. FTR had held the titles prior to the event.

Singles Match Highlights

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Kazuchika Okada in a highly anticipated singles match. The bout received strong reactions from the live audience. After the match, Kyle Fletcher returned and attacked Takeshita, escalating their ongoing rivalry.

Jon Moxley retained the AEW Continental Championship against Kyle O’Reilly. Moxley used his technical and striking abilities to secure the submission victory.

Owen Hart Foundation Tournament

In quarterfinal action of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament, Will Ospreay defeated Samoa Joe. Swerve Strickland defeated ROH World Champion Bandido in another quarterfinal match.

On the women’s side, ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defeated Mina Shirakawa to advance to the semifinals.

Event Production and Attendance

Double or Nothing 2026 was produced as a live pay-per-view from the Prudential Center. The event featured elaborate entrances, pyrotechnics and the standard AEW production elements. The sold-out crowd was described as energetic throughout the card.

The card included multiple high-stakes matches and storyline developments. AEW has positioned Double or Nothing as one of its premier annual events alongside All In and All Out.

Background on Key Competitors

MJF has held the AEW World Championship on multiple occasions. His victory in the main event returns him to the top of the promotion. Darby Allin is known for his high-risk style and has held several titles in AEW.

Christian Cage and Adam Copeland, known collectively as parts of long-standing tag teams in their careers, captured their first AEW World Tag Team Championship together. FTR, consisting of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, are recognized for their traditional tag team wrestling approach.

Konosuke Takeshita has emerged as a top singles competitor in AEW. Kazuchika Okada, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, has competed in AEW since 2024. Kyle Fletcher’s return added an immediate post-match development.

Jon Moxley, a former AEW World Champion, retained the Continental Championship. The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament honors the late Owen Hart and features rising and established talent.

Broader AEW Context

AEW has continued its schedule of major pay-per-view events in 2026. Double or Nothing traditionally serves as a platform for significant storyline progression and title changes. The event drew international attention with its mix of established stars and emerging talent.

The promotion has expanded its roster and programming since its founding in 2019. AEW events are available on pay-per-view and through streaming platforms, including HBO Max for this edition.

Tournament and Title Implications

The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament continues with semifinal matches scheduled in upcoming weeks. Winners will advance toward a final that typically takes place at a later pay-per-view event.

The AEW World Tag Team Championship change shifts momentum in the division. Christian Cage and Adam Copeland’s victory positions them as top contenders for future defenses.

MJF’s return to the world title picture sets up potential future matches against top challengers. His post-match celebration and the subsequent attack by Kevin Knight created immediate storyline developments.

The sale was a ‘complex and fast-moving’ process, according to the administrators

A Bristol ambulance provider used by the NHS has been rescued from administration, saving hundreds of jobs and services. BAEMS (trading as Bristol Ambulance EMS) collapsed into administration last week after facing serious legal action earlier in May.

The private company provides emergency ambulances and specialist drivers to the NHS and other healthcare operators across the UK.

Its also offers non-emergency patient transport and a range of paediatric, neonatal and adult intensive care transfers, as well as supplying paramedic crews to the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

But earlier this month, HMRC lodged a petition for the business to be wound up, our sister site Bristol Live revealed, and on Friday Nick Harris and Lucinda Coleman of PKF Francis Clark were appointed as joint administrators.

On Friday (May 22), the administrators completed the sale of the business and its assets to EMED Group – a national provider of specialist transport and care services.

It is understood the transfer of operations was “carefully planned” to support continuity of transport and specialist ambulance services for patients, NHS partners and healthcare organisations across Bristol and the South West.

Around 315 staff and 120 ambulances and operational services across seven depots will transfer into EMED Group as part of the agreement.

Mr Harris, partner in the restructuring team at PKF Francis Clark, said: “BAEMS provides important ambulance and patient transport services across the South West and continuity of those services has been a key priority while we have been working with the company over recent weeks to explore all options to secure its future.

“Following a complex and fast-moving sale process, involving negotiations with several interested parties, we are pleased to have completed a sale of the business to EMED Group, protecting the jobs of all employees.

“This outcome supports continuity for patients, NHS partners and operational teams whilst enabling services to continue under EMED Group.”

Business Live understands that EMED Group will work with local operational teams, NHS partners and staff over the coming weeks to support services, maintain patient care and begin a phased integration of systems and back-office functions.

Craig Smith, group chief executive of EMED Group, said: “Our immediate priority is supporting patients, Bristol Ambulance colleagues and NHS partners through this transition and ensuring services continue to operate safely and effectively.

“Over the last 15 years Bristol Ambulance has built a great operation, with outstanding CQC reports, and provides critical services across the region that enable access to healthcare in a wide range of settings. We are pleased to welcome colleagues into our family.”

Rob Johnson, chief executive at Bristol Ambulance EMS, said the company’s priority during the process had been “protecting continuity of service for patients” while also supporting staff.

“EMED have demonstrated a clear commitment to maintaining services, supporting teams and working closely with NHS partners during the transition period,” he said.

“I would also like to thank colleagues across Bristol Ambulance EMS for their professionalism, resilience and continued dedication to patient care throughout what has understandably been a challenging period.”

It is understood the administrators have worked with commissioners and partners of BAEMS to transition all the contracts operated by the business.

They were assisted by Paul Evans of PME Consulting; Andrew Knox, restructuring and insolvency partner at Stephens Scown; and valuation agents Simon Bamford and Josh Chivers of Gordon Brothers.

The administrators said they would “undertake their statutory duties” as the administration process progresses, including investigating BAEMS’s financial position and the circumstances leading to the winding‑up petition brought by HMRC, and will report back to creditors.

Creditors are invited to direct any immediate enquiries to Dan Ott at PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office on dan.ott@pkf-francisclark.co.uk.