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Alex Zanardi, race driver turned Paralympic star, dies at 59

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Alessandro “Alex” Zanardi, a decorated Italian race driver and later para-cyclist, has died suddenly at the age of 59, his family said in a statement on Saturday. 

“Alex fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones,” the statement said.

The family didn’t go into details on the cause of death, but the double amputee suffered severe cranial injuries in a road accident when riding his handbike in Siena in northern Italy in 2020. 

Italy's Alessandro Zanardi celebrates after winning the men's team relay competion in the 2016 Paralympics. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 16, 2016.
Zanardi won six Paralympic medals and continued to race cars even after losing his legs Image: Mauro Ujetto/NurPhoto/picture alliance

Who was Alex Zanardi? 

Zanardi was considered one of the brightest prospects of his generation in motorsport, but the stars never aligned for him in Formula 1.

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The Jordan, Minardi and Lotus teams he drove for in his first F1 stint were all uncompetitive when he was in the cockpit, and his best career finish was sixth.

Close-up of Alessandro Zanardi, wearing his crash helmet with the visor up, sitting in the cockpit of his Williams at the 1999 F1 Australian Grand Prix.
Despite his obvious talent, Zanardi never found a seat in the right car at the right time in F1Image: Bryn Williams/IMAGO

Still, Zanardi made enough of a name for himself that he was offered a good drive with Chip Ganassi Racing in the now defunct CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) single-seater series in North America.

He was immediately among the front runners and won the championship in 1997 and 1998, before returning for another roll of the dice in F1 with Williams, alongside Ralf Schumacher. Here, too, his timing was off — reaching the Woking-based team just one year before they would once again have a competitive car and engine. 

On his return to the CART series in 2001, Zanardi suffered a life-changing crash at the Lausitzring in Germany.

He spun, slid back across the track and was then struck by another oncoming car moving at full speed, shearing off the front of his car completely and severely damaging his legs. Zanardi barely survived the crash, almost bleeding out at the scene. Both legs had to be amputated, one at the hip and the other at the knee. 

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Marshals rush to assist Alex Zanardi after a huge crash at the Lausitzring race circuit in Germany in the CART series, September 15, 2001.
Zanardi lost the vast majority of his blood in the 2001 crash in Germany and his survival was anything but certainImage: Matthias Hiekel/dpa/picture alliance

Zanardi would return to the cockpit in specially modified cars in the World Touring Car Championship and some other events, still showing race-winning pace at times despite his disadvantages. 

The 24 Hours of Spa

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A cycling enthusiast prior to his injuries, Zanardi also moved into Paralympic competition as a hand-cyclist, winning four gold medals and two silvers for Italy in 2012 and 2016. 

What did Zanardi’s friends and admirers say in tribute?

Zanardi’s peers, admirers and even Italy’s prime minister rushed to pay tribute to the famously gregarious and upbeat racer and his relentless positivity.

The FIA World Motorsport Federation called him an “enduring symbol of courage and determination.”

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The president and CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, hailed his “dear friend” Zanardi in an statement online. 

“He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete. I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength. He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all,” Domenicali said. 

“No words can express my feelings about this guy,” Zanardi’s old team boss Chip Ganassi wrote after the pair shared back-to-back championships in the late 90s. “I like winners.” 

Even Prime Minster Giorgia Meloni lauded Zanardi’s spirit and character. 

“Italy has lost a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength, and dignity,” she wrote.

Italy’s Olympic Committee (CONI) asked all sporting bodies in the country to hold a minute’s silence in Zanardi’s honor at sporting events this weekend. 

Edited by: Louis Oelofse

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Ian Wright Picks Okocha as Premier League’s Most Underrated Player

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Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has been described by Ian Wright as the most underrated player in Premier League history.

Okocha enjoyed a successful football career and became famous for his skills, creativity and entertaining style of play. The Nigerian legend played for top clubs across Europe, including Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe S.K. and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. before moving to England.

In 2002, Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers F.C. after leaving PSG. He quickly became one of the club’s most loved players because of his brilliant displays and leadership on the pitch.

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Many Bolton supporters still see him as the greatest player to ever represent the club. Although he did not win a major trophy during his time there, he helped the team reach the League Cup final in the 2003/04 season.

Okocha also played an important role in helping Bolton stay in the Premier League during his first season at the club. He later guided the team to a sixth-place finish in the 2004/05 campaign, which remains one of the club’s best achievements in the top flight.

Despite not scoring huge numbers of goals, the Nigerian midfielder earned praise for his passing, dribbling ability and flair.

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Speaking during a discussion on underrated Premier League players, Arsenal legend Wright named Okocha as his top choice.

Wright said the former Nigerian international deserved far more praise for what he achieved during his years at Bolton Wanderers.

Okocha left Bolton in 2006 and later played for Qatar SC before ending his career after a short spell with Hull City A.F.C..

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David Benavidez reacts to Canelo’s comeback fight against Mbilli and names ‘better choice’ opponent

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David Benavidez has shared his reaction to Canelo Alvarez taking on Christian Mbilli, believing the former undisputed king should be fighting an alternative opponent.

It was reported on Thursday that the pair have agreed to collide for Mbilli’s WBC super-middleweight strap in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 12.

The showdown would present Canelo with an opportunity to reclaim one of his four world titles, which he lost via a unanimous decision against Terence Crawford last September.

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Prior to that, Alvarez had become a two-time undisputed champion at 168lbs but ultimately failed to nullify the speed and technical brilliance of ‘Bud’.

Mbilli, meanwhile, was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion following Crawford’s retirement, but is perhaps yet to fully establish himself at world level.

In his last outing, the Frenchman featured on the undercard of Canelo-Crawford and held Lester Martinez to a 10-round draw, but has not fought since being upgraded to full champion.

Regardless of his title, though, Benavidez does not consider Mbilli to be a worthy opponent for Canelo, who he has long accused of ducking him.

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Instead, the WBC light-heavyweight champion has told Fight Hub TV that he would much rather see the Mexican face super-middleweight contender Diego Pacheco.

“Nobody wants to see that s*** [Mbilli vs Canelo]. I think [it] would have been better if he [was fighting] Diego Pacheco. Diego Pacheco’s a way bigger name than Mbilli.”

Having previously trained with Pacheco, it is hardly surprising that Benavidez, who bids to become a three-weight world champion this Saturday, has suggested his former stablemate would be a more appropriate dance partner for Canelo.

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Arsenal vs Fulham LIVE: TV channel, team news and line-ups before Premier League game today

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Time for ‘siege mentality’, says Arteta

Mikel Arteta is ready to draw on Arsenal’s “siege mentality” for their Premier League title charge following the perceived injustices against his side in Madrid.

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 16:49

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Premier League latest scores

There are about 10 minutes left in the Premier League’s 3pm kick-offs – here are the scores on the doors this afternoon:

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 16:41

Fulham team news

Harrison Reed and Antonee Robinson come into the Fulham team, while Emile Smith Rowe starts against his former club.

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Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 16:33

Arsenal team news

So Bukayo Saka starts a Premier League game for the first time since mid-March. Riccardo Calafiori returns at left-back, while Myles Lewis-Skelly appears to be playing in midfield alongside Declan Rice – Martin Zubimendi is on the bench.

Arsenal fans arrive at the Emirates
Arsenal fans arrive at the Emirates (Reuters)

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 16:25

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Confirmed line-ups

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Hincapie, Jesus, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Zubimendi, Dowman.

Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Reed; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez.

Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Cuenca, Diop, Cairney, Bobb, King, Muniz, Kusi Asare.

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Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 16:18

Arsenal v Fulham – live

Confirmed teams will land shortly…

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 16:12

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Arsenal vs Fulham prediction

Tips and odds ahead of the game:

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 16:01

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There has been an edgy atmosphere at the Emirates in recent times, with Arsenal losing to Bournemouth just under three weeks ago before picking up an unconvincing 1-0 win over Newcastle last weekend.

Despite their recent struggles with finding their best form, Silva is still expecting a formidable challenge as he acknowledged Arsenal’s quality.

“Arsenal are a top side, a side that are title contenders, that play to win all of their games, but are also the most solid team in the league,” he said.

“They are a team, that even if they are not playing at their best level, they have other ways to punish the opposition.”

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Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 15:47

Silva aims to capitalise on Arsenal nerves

Fulham manager Marco Silva hopes his side can capitalise on any potential nerves and anxiety that could spread around the Emirates Stadium during Saturday’s visit to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners are currently in pursuit of their first Premier League title in 22 years, and sit three points clear at the top of the table, having played a game more than closest rivals Manchester City.

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Fulham manager Silva, whose 10th-placed side harbour their own ambitions of European qualification, vowed his team would battle fiercely to secure a shock result amid what he anticipates could be a tense atmosphere in north London.

“Let’s hope we can use that,” Silva stated during a press conference, referring to the potential for tension.

Marco Silva hopes his team can capitalise on any nerves inside the Emirates on Saturday
Marco Silva hopes his team can capitalise on any nerves inside the Emirates on Saturday (PA)

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 15:40

Arsenal v Fulham – predicted line-ups

Here is how the two sides could line-up. We’ll have confirmed team news at 4.15pm GMT…

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Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze

Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 15:31

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‘It was very difficult’: Harmanpreet Kaur reacts to key absence in India’s T20 World Cup squad | Cricket News

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'It was very difficult': Harmanpreet Kaur reacts to key absence in India’s T20 World Cup squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that Amanjot Kaur’s injury has created a big problem for the team ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, but she remains hopeful the replacements can deliver when needed.Seam-bowling all-rounder Amanjot has been ruled out for four to five months with a back injury, after also missing India’s recent T20I series in South Africa. Harmanpreet made it clear how important Amanjot was to the side.“Amanjot was our key player. Unfortunately, she is not available. She is away from cricket for the next four to five months now,” Harmanpreet said.“In place of her, it was very difficult to find someone like her who can fulfil that place.”India have now turned to Bharti Fulmali and Radha Yadav to strengthen the squad. Bharti retained her place after limited chances in South Africa, while experienced spinner Radha returns to the T20I setup after strong domestic performances.

India banking on new options

Radha’s comeback also comes after injuries to Amanjot and Kashvee Gautam, who will undergo knee surgery. Harmanpreet said the team management is trying to build the best possible balance with the players available.“But still, we are trying – Bharti, whatever opportunity she got, she tried to prove herself. We have got Radha back in the side because she is also an all-rounder who can contribute with bat, ball, and field,” the skipper added.“So, Amanjot’s replacement was very hard to find. But now, like whatever players were available, we are trying to balance the team with them so that whenever we need somebody, they are ready for us.”The skipper also defended the bowling attack after the recent South Africa series loss, saying one bad series should not define the team.“This was the only series where our bowling didn’t click much… in one series, I can’t judge my players,” she explained.Harmanpreet added that the upcoming camp and England series will help India regain momentum before the World Cup. She also praised Bharti Fulmali and uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma for grabbing their opportunities through strong domestic and WPL performances.

India Women’s squad for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and T20I series vs England

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandini Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav.

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How Chaz Bowker went from chef to YouTube golf fame

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If you’re a fan of online golf influencers, chances are you’ve heard of Chaz Bowker, also known as “Chazzy Golf.”

Bowker, who is 4-foot4 and plays regularly in adaptive golf tournaments, participated in last year’s viral Internet Invitational — a made-for-YouTube tournament that pitted 48 golf personalities against each other for a million dollar prize, and where every moment was filmed and later released in six parts that spanned 16 hours and spawned millions of views — and gained a legion of new fans with his clutch play.

On this week’s episode of Subpar, Bowker told hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz the story of how he went from working as a chef in a high-end restaurant to becoming an internet golf star.

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A pair of sunglasses rests on a golf ball on green grass, reflecting palm trees and a clear sky. The text SHADY RAYS GOLF appears at the top—perfect for YouTube golf fans or anyone channeling their inner chef like Chaz Bowker.

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Bowker said his golf life began when he was a child, hitting shots with a sawed-off club. When he was in middle school, Bowker realized his size didn’t hinder his game, and he could compete with — and beat — “normal-size” players. Bowker made his varsity golf team as a freshman, and then went to a culinary arts school in Italy after graduating from high school.

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After his time in Italy, Bowker worked as a chef for 12 years, playing golf all the while. But it wasn’t until he connected with trick-shot artist and YouTube personality Josh Kelley that his career path really took a turn.

“[Kelley] went on my Instagram Live and said come out and play Atlantic City Country Club,” Bowker explained. “Went out and played, and it was just like a hit. Like we’ve known each other for three, four years and it’s been history since.”


Chaz Bowker hits a drive

How Callaway has helped adaptive golfer Chaz Bowker | Fully Equipped


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Jack Hirsh



At the time of his first round with Kelley, Bowker said he had about only 4,000 followers on Instagram, but he quickly realized that life as an online personality could be possible and decided to give it a go.

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“I was already playing the adaptive tour, and I went up to my chef,” Bowker said. “I said, Chef, I don’t think I can cook anymore. He goes, why? I go, I’m gonna go play golf. He goes, I’ve been waiting for you to say that because I, I believe in you. And he just said, if you ever need another job, whatever, golf doesn’t work out, come right back and put your apron on.”

Based on his success since then, it doesn’t appear that Bowker will be returning to restaurant work anytime soon. He now has more than 168,000 followers on Instagram and 30,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel.

To hear more from Bowker, including the details of his Internet Invitational experience, check out the full episode of Subpar below.

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Jannik Sinner beats Fils, reaches Madrid Final

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Jannik Sinner defeated Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 to reach the final of the Madrid Open.

Sinner is now the youngest player in history to reach the final of all nine Masters 1000 events. He becomes just the fourth man to achieve this, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The win also extends his run to 27 consecutive victories at the Masters level. He has now won 54 of his last 56 sets in these events and 44 of his last 46 matches overall.

  • Kei Nishikori announces retirement from Professional TennisKei Nishikori announces retirement from Professional Tennis

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This will be his 13th Masters final and his first in Madrid. It is also his fifth consecutive Masters 1000 final.

After the match, Sinner said: “I tried to be aggressive. I felt very comfortable on the return. Very happy about the general performance today. I’m trying to play the best possible tennis I can in this moment.

He added: “First rounds are always tough. Then you have to raise your level. I tried to adapt to the conditions and I’m very happy with how I played.

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Sinner is also the third player to reach the final of the first four Masters events in a season, after Federer and Nadal.

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Evgeni Malkin doesn’t rule out playing for another team should Penguins contract negotiations fall through 

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Evgeni Malkin will become a free agent on July 1 as his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins comes to an end. While there is no update on the Russian center’s future, he has now made a statement that is generating quite the buzz on social media.

On X, DX Pittsburgh Sports uploaded a video on Friday in which reporter Taylor Haase asked Malkin about his future. In his response, Hasse said he won’t rule out playing for another NHL team if the Penguins decide to move on from him.

Malkin said:

“I want to play in the NHL, for sure, but I know it’s not easy for (Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas). Maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it’s a business,” Malkin said. “For me, I want to play one more year in the NHL. … But if not Pittsburgh, I hope some (NHL) team.”

Evgeni Malkin has been with the Pittsburgh Penguins for nearly 20 years. In his career with the Penguins, Malkin has won three Stanley Cups: in 2009, 2016 and 2017. The 39-year-old is also a three-time first-team All-Star and has done enough to cement his place as a legend in Pittsburgh.


Evgeni Malkin’s ex-teammate predicts which team the Russian will be playing for next year

Evgeni Malkin’s situation with the Pittsburgh Penguins is complicated because, time after time, Malkin has constantly said his future lies in Pittsburgh. However, his recent statement is a complete U-turn from what he once said, and his time in the NHL is now a matter of discussion and speculation.

Recently, one of Malkin’s former teammates spoke about the former’s situation and offered his insight. The ex-teammate in question is Tyler Kennedy. During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Kennedy seemed concerned that Malkin was on his way out of Pittsburgh. He said:

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“I don’t think. I don’t see Malkin. I don’t know what he’s looking for price-wise, but I’m telling you right now, you can’t let Malkin walk, because you know where he’s going to go, boys?”

Further, Kennedy revealed where he thinks Malkin could go.

He’s going to Washington Capitals,” Kennedy said. “He’s very close with (Alexander) Ovechkin. I think Ovechkin’s coming back, and if they don’t sign Malkin, who do you think his first call is going to be? He’s going to Washington Capitals to play with Ovechkin, his last year, and that’s the last thing I want to see, the last thing the Pittsburgh Penguins want to see.”

Kennedy believes that Evgeni Malkin’s relationship with Alex Ovechkin could be a key factor in his decision to move to Washington. According to Kennedy, Malkin would want to play with someone like Ovechkin, who has pushed him to be better all these years.