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Conor Benn, Frank Warren and Zuffa Boxing emerge as key players in sport’s newest civil war

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Once the dust settles – whenever it is done drifting, and wherever it ultimately lies – this week may be regarded as one of the most fascinating in boxing history.

It began with the stunning news of Conor Benn’s split from Eddie Hearn, as the British boxer joined rival promoter Dana White, and it has taken in reports of a $1bn court case.

Matchroom chief Hearn has said he expects the signing of Benn, by White’s new entity Zuffa Boxing, to be a mere, singular chess move in what may be a decade-long promotional feud. Yet that feud may not be a simple 1 vs 1, after Wednesday’s report that Hearn’s fellow promoter Frank Warren is claiming $1bn in lost income from Zuffa Boxing’s owners.

Saudi official Turki Alalshikh brought Hearn and Warren together over the last couple of years, despite the Britons’ longstanding grudge, as the trio worked on numerous high-profile events; now Hearn and Warren may need to band together to thwart what Alalshikh is building, given he is working with White at Zuffa Boxing.

This has been a complex saga already, and within it, there is a feeling that boxing civil war has broken out. Here’s what has happened so far, why, and what could come next…

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A betrayal by Conor Benn?

On Friday night, Zuffa Boxing’s X account shared a post announcing Benn’s signing. It was scarcely believable. The account carries a blue tick – not gold – so there was some reason to question the post’s legitimacy. Even after that, the images of Benn and White together just looked… wrong, somehow, as if they could be AI. Of course this wasn’t the case, but it’s a testament to the surreality of the moment. And so The Independent approached Benn and his manager for comment, as well as sending other relevant parties the “is this real??” text. At least one figure had been caught off guard.

The main reason the news was so shocking was Benn’s relationship with Hearn; Matchroom had stuck by Benn during a three-year saga in which he couldn’t box on home soil after failing two drug tests. Hearn claimed he had even lent Benn “hundreds of thousands of pounds” during that time, in which the welterweight said he was as mentally low as someone could be.

Conor Benn (right) with his now-former promoter Eddie Hearn

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Conor Benn (right) with his now-former promoter Eddie Hearn (Getty Images)

Furthermore, Hearn claimed Benn wouldn’t even afford him a phone call to discuss the Zuffa move. “I made a mistake, because I misjudged the character,” Hearn told iFL TV late on Friday, the devastation and regret clear in his voice. “I’m not gonna hang him out to dry […] but when I received the email from his lawyer, I texted him and said: ‘For everything I’ve done for you, I think I deserve a call.’ And he said ‘no’, and I was like: ‘Man… f***… I can’t believe it.’”

What’s more, Benn joined White just days after the American launched a scathing tirade at Hearn, who soon fired back.

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Benn, 29, said he hopes he and Hearn can continue working together in some way, which truthfully sounded naive. Yet Benn may soon be a free agent again, with one executive confirming that Benn’s deal only includes one fight. Sports Illustrated reported that the contract is worth $15m, a number that Shapiro acknowledged but wouldn’t confirm.

Another interesting element is Benn’s long-standing desire to fight for the WBC title, considering Zuffa Boxing intends to move away from the traditional belt system. Even with that in mind, Benn was calling for a shot at new WBC champion Ryan Garcia within two days of joining Zuffa.

Thursday brought a surprise then, in the news that Benn will fight Regis Prograis in April, live on Netflix (on Tyson Fury’s undercard), and at a 150lb catchweight. The Netflix factor means Benn’s sole contracted fight with Zuffa may not even air on the promotion’s main broadcast platform, Paramount+.

Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, before Ryan Garcia’s title win

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Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, before Ryan Garcia’s title win (Getty Images for Thomas J. Henry)

Benn will also fight Prograis in London, despite Zuffa’s essence as an American brand and Benn’s apparent wish to box in the US. And for as much as Benn is reported to be earning regardless, there would have been a tax benefit to competing Stateside. But “it’s worth taking the tax hit to be on the Fury undercard”, argued Oriana Morrison, a sports accountant and tax strategist, while speaking to The Independent. “People are far more likely to watch something with Fury in it than without him. Benn will get that payout in the long run with Zuffa, Netflix, and Fury’s audience’s eyes on him.”

But back to the belts. Zuffa’s second-biggest signing is Jai Opetaia, the IBF cruiserweight champion who is desperate to collect the division’s other major titles. He will fight Brandon Glanton for the new Zuffa cruiserweight belt in March, and it’s unknown whether his IBF strap will be on the line in that contest. Opetaia and Zuffa’s goals don’t seem to align, yet the Australian insisted they do. Still, he fired a warning to Zuffa: “If we don’t get one [unification fight] by the end of the year, I’ll be very f***ing disappointed.”

Reports of a $1bn court case

The next major number to be reported this week was $1bn, as The Telegraph said Warren is claiming that amount in lost income from Zuffa Boxing’s owners: TKO and Sela.

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Here, it is worth explaining that TKO is a combat-sports brand – the parent company of WWE and the UFC, the latter of whom’s president is Dana White – and Sela is a Saudi events company. The faces of Zuffa Boxing are White and Alalshikh.

Boxing promoter Frank Warren (left) with Saudi official Turki Alalshikh

Boxing promoter Frank Warren (left) with Saudi official Turki Alalshikh (Getty Images)

Per The Telegraph, Warren’s company Queensberry is claiming that TKO and Sela breached contracts they had signed with him, going behind his back to form a partnership of their own. Queensberry is reportedly seeking up to $1bn (£740m) in compensation, for income that the promotion claims it would have earned if the contracts had been honoured. Legal letters have reportedly been sent, and it is thought the case could end up with a formal claim being made in the High Court if there is no resolution.

Queensberry is said to have claimed that, in September 2023, it signed an exclusivity agreement with Sela, giving the Saudi firm access to Queensberry’s insight into boxing. Queensberry is also believed to be claiming it signed a separate contract with TKO, allowing the brand access to Queensberry’s online data, including details of the Sela contract. The Telegraph reported that Warren did not sign any contracts with Alalshikh personally.

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The Independent approached Queensberry, TKO and Sela for comment, and a spokesperson for Sela said: “We are disappointed by the unfounded claims brought by Queensberry and Frank Warren. We reject them in their entirety and are confident that the facts will fully vindicate our position.” Meanwhile, Warren told the BBC: “It’s just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course. I can’t make any comment on it. It is what it is.”

A bizarre response on X

Matters then became even more complicated. Later on Wednesday, the magazine The Ring – owned by Alalshikh – posted a controversial tweet, alleging the circulation of “rumours” about Queensberry’s business affairs. The Independent has approached Queensberry for comment on the post.

What next?

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Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been linked for the best part of a decade

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been linked for the best part of a decade (Getty)

Last weekend, in the wake of the Benn news, boxing insider Dan Rafael tweeted: “If you think s*** happened today just wait. Ain’t seen nothing yet.” It’s unclear whether he was referring to the then-impending report of Warren’s alleged lawsuit, or whether something else is coming. But what could be bigger right now?

In January, Oleksandr Usyk’s team director Sergey Lapin confirmed they been contacted by Zuffa. Signing the pound-for-pound No 1 would be a huge statement of course, yet Usyk left his longtime promoter Alex Krassyuk last year, and he is late in his career now; while Usyk is the greatest talent that Zuffa could sign, such a move would lack the personal edge that made the Benn switch so captivating.

Should Zuffa sign Fury, that too would be a seismic acquisition from a talent perspective, though the British star is older like Usyk. Still, the end of a partnership with Warren would feel significant.

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Perhaps the only signing that would blow up boxing’s corner of the internet would be Anthony Joshua, another of Hearn’s key names – his most-important of all, actually. Although “AJ” and Benn have both spent their entire professional careers with Hearn, the promoter was quick to contrast the British boxers, saying: “You can’t mention those in the same breath, for many reasons. Joshua is a different breed of class and loyalty.”

Hypothetically, if Zuffa were to sign Fury and Joshua and make that long-awaited super-fight – without Warren and Hearn involved – that would constitute genuinely shocking news. Or maybe the next big development won’t pertain to the signing of a boxer, but to something more relevant to the sport’s wider landscape. At this point, it feels fair to say that nothing is impossible. A new era has begun: an era of boxing civil war.

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‘Beer, vape, golf clique’: Brendon McCullum faces damning Ashes allegations | Cricket News

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‘Beer, vape, golf clique’: Brendon McCullum faces damning Ashes allegations
Brendon McCullum (AP Photo)

The Brendon McCullum era at England came under intense scrutiny following explosive allegations about dressing-room culture during the disastrous The Ashes tour. Reports, primarily from Telegraph Sport, have painted a picture of a team environment that blurred the line between freedom and lack of discipline, raising serious questions about leadership, accountability, and professionalism.England’s defeat in The Ashes was more than just a loss, it was a systemic failure. Poor preparation, including the lack of meaningful warm-up matches, left the team underprepared for Australian conditions. The aggressive “Bazball” approach, once hailed as revolutionary, unravelled quickly after a heavy defeat in Perth, leaving England without a fallback plan.The report quoted by Telegraph sports highlighted the cultural issues within the dressing room which says that, ” There were players in the Ashes who felt McCullum was naturally drawn to those like him who enjoy a beer, a vape and a round of golf. Unintentionally it created a clique that became more apparent under the stress of an Ashes loss and there were players who felt a non-serious environment had cost them the opportunity of a lifetime in Australia.

Off-Field Incidents Add Fuel to the Fire

The allegations gained traction amid a series of off-field controversies. Reports further suggested England players spent extended periods drinking during a mid-series break in Noosa, with some accounts claiming up to “six days” of socialising during a nine-day gap between Tests.Incidents involving Harry Brook further intensified scrutiny, including a late-night altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand prior to the Ashes for which he lied during the press conference. There were also reports of players frequenting casinos and being visibly intoxicated in public during the tour, reinforcing the narrative that off-field distractions contributed to England’s poor performances.This resulted as a loss for England Cricket Team (ECB) as the selection and fitness decisions compounded the crisis. Shoaib Bashir, long viewed as a key weapon, was deemed unfit for selection, while misplaced faith in Ollie Pope proved costly. The management of fast bowlers such as Mark Wood and Jofra Archer backfired, leaving England short of firepower across a demanding five-Test series.After review of the Ashes series, ECB chief Richard Gould changed the culture reported by Telegraph Sports which said,” The players will be disciplined if they are drunk in public, they must not put on social media anything to do with drinking alcohol and must tell the management their location after 9pm. There is a midnight curfew.”

How did McCullum save his job?

After the Ashes debacle, Stokes submitted a report explaining why England lost the Ashes, and according to it, the English captain blamed McCullum and the management. It is also believed that the two pointed fingers at each other during the review, which the ECB launched on the same day when the Sydney Test concluded.

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Sri Lanka Tour: The Turning Point

With his job on the line, McCullum made a decisive move by joining England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, despite initially planning to skip it. Arriving just days after the Ashes, he used the opportunity to show adaptability and commitment.He accepted stricter discipline rules introduced by Key and agreed to strengthen the coaching setup, including the return of Carl Hopkinson to address fielding concerns. The results were immediate. England regrouped, with Joe Root playing a pivotal role, and secured a series win that eased pressure on the management. Observers saw this as a defining moment, noting “it gave McCullum an opportunity… to prove he was willing to change.”World Cup Progress, But Questions RemainEngland carried that momentum into the World Cup, where there were clear signs of improvement. Harry Brook thrived in a new role at number three, while Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell added balance and promise to the side.However, the semi-final defeat to India exposed lingering issues under pressure. Despite progress, England once again fell short when it mattered most. As the campaign ultimately showed, “England still lost the match that mattered.”McCullum accepted his errors during the Ashes, and the talks between the two have since reached an agreement. The ECB also refrained from sacking McCullum due to the costs involved. The former New Zealand captain is contracted with England for another 18 months, and a sacking would prove costly for the ECB.

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“I just wanted to overcome that feeling” – Gauff responds in Miami

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Coco Gauff rallied from a set down to defeat Elisabetta Cocciaretto 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 at the Miami Open 2026, avoiding a second straight loss to the Italian.

The No. 4 seed made a slow start, with Cocciaretto taking control early after her recent win over Gauff in Doha. The Italian’s early ball striking put Gauff under pressure in the opening set.

Gauff gradually adjusted to the tempo and began to find more consistency in the rallies. Despite ongoing issues with her serve, including multiple double faults, she improved her first-serve percentage and became more effective in longer exchanges.

  • “I Stayed Calm When It Mattered” – Alcaraz on Beating Fonseca“I Stayed Calm When It Mattered” – Alcaraz on Beating Fonseca

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“The last time we played, I didn’t win, so I just wanted to overcome that feeling.”

The decisive moment came in the third set. After falling a break behind, Gauff won four consecutive games to regain control before closing out the match in just over two hours.

“Once I got adjusted to the tempo of play, I was able to control the rallies.”

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The win marks a positive response following her injury-affected exit at Indian Wells and keeps her run alive in Miami.

Gauff will next face Alycia Parks in the third round.

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Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United: Amad Diallo penalty debate on Football Focus

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Football Focus’ Dion Dublin says he thinks “the referee got it wrong” and Manchester United should have been awarded a penalty when Amad Diallo appeared to be pulled back inside the box by Adrien Truffert.

READ MORE: Man Utd to make formal complaint over decisions

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Sporting KC eager to pick up steam vs. Rapids

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MLS: Sporting Kansas City at LA GalaxyMar 14, 2026; Carson, California, USA; Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Lasse Berg Johnsen (4) celebrates his goal during the second half against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

With both teams led by first-year coaches, Sporting Kansas City host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday in Kansas City, Kan.

After a last-place finish in the Western Conference table in 2025, Sporting KC (1-2-1, 4 points) hired Raphael Wicky to turn around the team’s fortunes. Kansas City picked up its first win under Wicky, a 2-1 decision at the Los Angeles Galaxy last Saturday.

Dejan Joveljic scored in first-half stoppage time and Lasse Berg Johnsen netted what proved to be the game-winner in the 74th minute. The Galaxy found the back of the net in the 82nd minute.

“In terms of togetherness, of trying to be a team when we are in possession, when we aren’t in possession, when we press high, when we are suffering together in a low block, we have to have everyone helping each other,” Wicky said. “When you have that foundation with talent you can win football games …We need to keep working on the culture and togetherness and what we want to do on the field.”

Meanwhile, the Rapids’ two-match winning streak was snapped with a 3-1 loss at Eastern Conference co-leader New York City FC last Saturday. Darren Yapi scored off an assist from Rafael Navarro for Colorado.

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Goalkeeper Zack Steffen missed his second straight match with a shoulder injury, and is listed as day-to-day.

Even though the Rapids (2-2-0, 6 points) maintained 59.3% of the possession, they couldn’t net the equalizer against NYCFC. Colorado coach Matt Wells said Rob Holding and Keegan Rosenberry used well-placed passes to set up midfielder Paxten Aaronson with transition opportunities.

While he said Colorado arrived in better attacking positions than NYCFC, the Rapids’ leading scorers, Navarro and Yapi, who each have two goals on the season, “weren’t able to find the right action.”

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“We are an attacking team that is going to create numerous opportunities for our wingers and forwards because of the nature at which we play,” Wells said. “We attack with numbers; we attack with speed. Which is exactly the team we want to be.

“I want more from both those guys (Navarro and Yapi) and will keep demanding it. They have incredible potential and great mindsets.”

-Field Level Media

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Ligue 1: Lens Run Riot Against Angers (5-1) to Reclaim Top Spot

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Elsewhere in Ligue 1, all eyes turn to Saturday’s clash in Nice, where Paris Saint-Germain must respond. Sitting two points behind Lens, the Parisians need a win to reclaim first place, but will have to do it without in-form Bradley Barcoley, sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury.

In Monaco, Paul Pogba may finally be nearing a return. The 2018 World Cup winner is back in full training with the Principality club. No official comeback date has been set, but April 5, against Marseille on Matchday 28, is being targeted.

In the Premier League, no Arsenal or Manchester City in league action this weekend, the top two meet instead in Sunday’s League Cup final. Manchester United were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Friday, leaving the door open for Aston Villa and Liverpool to close the gap. The Reds, meanwhile, will be without Mohamed Salah for their trip to Brighton.

On the international stage, France are gearing up for a US tour next week, but head coach Didier Deschamps will be without Manu Koné, injured in Europa League action with Roma. Les Bleus face Brazil on Thursday and Colombia on Sunday.

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In tennis, Arthur Fils made a perfect start at the Miami Masters, setting up a third-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who knocked out world No. 6 Alex de Minaur. Casper Ruud and Jack Draper, meanwhile, crashed out early.

And finally, in EuroLeague basketball, it was a night of fireworks: leaders Fenerbahçe beat Milan, while Kaunas stunned Real Madrid, inspired by a standout performance from Sylvain Francisco.

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Justin Timberlake’s star-studded golf experience returns to Las Vegas

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There are golf tournaments — and then there are experiences.

The 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas, hosted by Justin Timberlake, has quickly carved out a lane of its own: part competitive golf, part cultural moment, and entirely unlike anything else on the calendar.

Now entering its fifth year, the event has become one of the most anticipated annual gatherings in the game — bringing together a curated mix of athletes, entertainers, actors and cultural icons for a weekend that blends golf, entertainment and philanthropy at the highest level.

A one-of-a-kind setting — and an unmatched field

Set against the backdrop of Wynn Golf Club — the only course on the Las Vegas Strip — the Invitational delivers a setting that feels as premium as the guest list.

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And the guest list is exactly what sets this event apart.

In recent years, Timberlake has welcomed an eclectic and electric mix of talent, including Jimmy Fallon, Michelle Wie West, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, Michael Phelps, J.J. Watt, Blake Griffin and Michael Strahan, along with Matthew Stafford and Colt McCoy.

The crossover doesn’t stop with sports. The field has also featured entertainers and personalities like Nate Bargatze, Andrew Santino, Brian Baumgartner and Michael Peña, alongside actors like Chace Crawford and a new generation of golf and lifestyle voices including Kira Dixon and Erin Lim Rhodes.

Michael Phelps hits a shot during the 2025 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas.
Michael Phelps hits a shot during the 2025 8AM Invitational at Wynn Las Vegas.

8AM Golf

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Add in names like Ryan Sheckler, Sean Malto, Chandler Parsons, Trey McBride, Courtney Lee and Dexter Fowler, and you get a lineup that feels less like a tournament field and more like a perfectly curated cultural moment.

This isn’t a traditional event. It’s a collision of worlds, where elite competitors, entertainers and personalities all show up with something to prove — and have a great time doing it.

More than a tournament — it’s a full weekend experience

What makes the 8AM Invitational truly unique is that it doesn’t stop when the last putt drops.

Select sponsor guests are invited inside the ropes, gaining rare access to both the competition and the personalities that define it. That includes watching the tournament up close, playing in a celeb-am leading into the event, and attending two unforgettable parties hosted at Wynn alongside the players and talent.

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And in a nod to one of golf’s most iconic traditions, the Invitational enforces a strict no-phone policy — both on the course and at the parties — creating an atmosphere that feels present, private and refreshingly unplugged.

From left: Michelle Wie West, Erin Lim Rhodes and Kira K. Dixon.
From left: Michelle Wie West, Erin Lim Rhodes and Kira K. Dixon.

Jeff Marsh

Where entertainment and golf collide

From competitive moments during the day to late-night performances and stories that rarely leave the room, the energy of the 8AM Invitational is constant.

It’s golf — but louder, more social and unmistakably modern.

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Yet beneath the spectacle is real competition. Many of these names can play, and pride is very much on the line when they tee it up at Wynn.

Driven by purpose

At its core, the 8AM Invitational is about more than just the experience.

To date, the event has raised more than $1 million for the American Skin Association, using its platform to drive meaningful impact beyond the ropes.

The can’t-miss event on golf’s calendar

In a sport rooted in tradition, the 8AM Invitational is something entirely different.

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An epic annual gathering. A one-of-a-kind golf experience. And a weekend at Wynn Las Vegas that continues to redefine what a golf event can be.

Interested in experiencing the 8AM Invitational yourself? Click here to get in touch.

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Cameron McEvoy claims 50m freestyle world record in record-breaking swim | Other Sports News

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Olympic and world champion swimmer Cameron McEvoy has broken the men’s 50-meter freestyle world record which had stood for 17 years.


The 31-year-old Australian posted a time of 20.88 seconds on Friday at the China Open in Shenzhen, taking 0.03 second off Brazilian Cesar Cielo’s previous mark.


Cielo set his world record of 20.91 during swimming’s so-called “super suit” era in 2009. Those suits were later banned because they increased buoyancy and reduced drag, resulting in nearly 150 world records falling in 2009 before being prohibited in 2010.

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“I knew I had a chance to do a PB (personal best),” McEvoy said. “My old PB was 21.06, so maybe 20.99? But doing ?20.88 is unreal. It’s crazy.” 
Cielo was quick to congratulate McEvoy on social media, tweeting: “Congrats, Cam.

 

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mar 21 2026 | 1:22 PM IST

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Saurav Ghosal hails Olympic debut as watershed, urges ecosystem growth | Other Sports News

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Former India No. 1 Saurav Ghosal termed squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics a watershed moment and emphasised the need to expand access, improve coaching, and strengthen the ecosystem to sustain the sport’s growth.


Recently appointed Sports Commissioner of World Premier Squash, Ghosal said the role is a culmination of his journey in the sport.


“I played professional squash and for India for more than 20 years… it’s been a blessing. This phase is a coming together of all those experiences and I’m excited to hopefully make a contribution at the global level and democratise the sport,” he said.


“I’ve always viewed pressure situations as opportunities… this is an opportunity to do something substantial in the sport,” he added.

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On India’s rise in squash, Ghosal underlined the importance of participation.


“Strength lies in numbers… if you have more players playing, the probability is that you will produce champions,” he said.


“The upward trajectory is very heartening… and this is an attempt to democratise the sport, get more kids, more people and recreational players involved because the entire ecosystem has to be involved,” he added.

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He also highlighted the role of exposure and opportunity.


“There are so many players who haven’t had the financial backing or the right guidance. This can give them a window to showcase their talent on the world stage,” he said.


India currently has multiple players in the top-50, including teenager Anahat Singh.


“It’s great that we have four boys in the top-50 we also have Anahat in the top-20. Success breeds success and that will help the overall ecosystem,” Ghosal said.

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“She has everything going for her – talent, mentality, support… if she continues the way she is, there’s no reason she cannot be a mainstay in the top-10,” he added.


“I don’t want to put undue pressure on her, she’s still 18 and needs to enjoy this time,” he said.


On squash’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Ghosal said it marks a defining moment.


“It’s a watershed moment, not just for Indian squash but globally, the Olympics is the biggest platform and the epitome of sporting excellence,” he said.

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“It’s only befitting that squash gets the chance to showcase its athletic excellence on the biggest stage… and I’m sure it will be a very entertaining show,’ he added.


“I really hope we have Indians making a dent in that 16-player draw, that’s what everyone is gunning towards,” he said.


On pathways to the Olympics, he pointed to the Asian Games and called it an opportunity for the players to book their spots.


“The winner (at Asian Games) will be the first confirmed spot. Winning gold is not easy, no Indian has done it before, but it is definitely within reach.

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“The idea is not just to qualify but to put yourself in a position to be a realistic medal contender,” he said.


Despite progress, Ghosal highlighted structural gaps in Indian squash.


“You can’t train in India 365 days at the highest level… even the top players train abroad because the quality of the highest echelon of coaches is not there in India today.


“That is something we need to work towards… getting people from abroad and having Indian coaches work with them so they understand what it takes at the highest level,” he said.

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Drawing comparisons with other top squash playing nations, he said: “If you look at Egypt, most players train at home, you have top players training together and pushing each other constantly.” 
He also stressed the need to expand grassroots access for the sport to become bigger in the country.


“It has been a slightly elitist sport… access to courts has not been easy, though that is slowly changing.


“Junior programmes and more tournaments have helped… kids see it, get into the competitive feeling and play more.


“To really explode in numbers, taking it into schools is important, and using digital platforms to reach players even in far-flung areas.

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“Getting it on TV is extremely important… it gives kids that aspirational value to take up the sport,” he said.


On the format and innovation in World Premier Squash, which uses AI enabled qualification pathways, he said it will be “extremely different” from traditional squash.


“Short, sharp and entertaining, and as inclusive as possible across age groups.


“There are so many players who are extremely talented but may not travel… this gives them a chance to qualify from wherever they are,” he said.

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“All you need is a phone and the app, and you could be on a global leaderboard and even stand on the same court as the top players,” he added.


“It’s about bridging the gap between the professional tour, juniors and recreational players… a 360-degree effort to elevate the sport,” he said.


Asked about India’s maiden Squash World Cup triumph, Ghosal said it was a step forward but bigger goals remain.


“It’s a good achievement, but there are bigger things to win. The Olympics is the epitome and players now have the opportunity to do something substantial there,” he said.

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Ghosal stressed that collective effort will be key going forward.


“We are talking about five players today, we need to aim for hundreds. If all stakeholders work together over the next five to 10 years, there’s no reason why we can’t get there,” he said.

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'Wowzer!' – Shoes fly and athletes collide in mixed relay

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Belgium win a chaotic 4x400m mixed relay final at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Poland.

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2026 Valspar Championship Saturday TV coverage: Watch Round 3

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The third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship begins Saturday morning at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Saturday, including full Valspar Championship TV coverage, streaming details and Round 3 tee times.

How to watch Valspar Championship on Saturday

Sungjae Im followed up a first-round 64 with a second-round 69 on Friday to take the Valspar Championship halfway-point lead at nine under par. Im is one shot clear of his closest competitor, David Lipsky, and two shots ahead of Doug Ghim and Chandler Blanchet.

Im is seeking his third career Tour victory, and first since his win at the 2021 Shriner’s Childrens Open. Lipsky has yet to notch a PGA Tour title.

On Saturday, Im and Lipsky will play in the afternoon’s final pairing at 1:55 p.m. ET.

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You can watch the third round of the Valspar Championship on TV via Golf Channel beginning on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the NBC broadcast at 3 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive streaming coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, as well as featured group and featured hole coverage all day Saturday.

Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship.

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How to watch on TV Saturday

Golf Channel will carry third-round TV coverage of the 2026 Valspar Championship from 1-3 p.m. ET on Saturday followed by the NBC broadcast from 3-6 p.m. ET.

How to stream online Saturday

You can stream the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage starting on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET in addition to featured group and hole coverage.

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2026 Valspar Championship Round 3 tee times (ET)

Tee No. 1

7:35 a.m. – John Parry, John VanDerLaan 

7:45 a.m. – Andrew Novak, A.J. Ewart 

7:55 a.m. – Patrick Rodgers, Davis Thompson 

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8:05 a.m. – Matti Schmid, Mackenzie Hughes 

8:15 a.m. – Davis Chatfield, Christiaan Bezuidenhout

8:25 a.m. – Kevin Streelman, Vince Whaley 

8:35 a.m. – Stefan Jaeger, Dylan Wu 

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8:45 a.m. – Michael Kim, Bud Cauley 

9 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Lee Hodges 

9:10 a.m. – Justin Lower, Denny McCarthy 

9:20 a.m. – Isaiah Salinda, Jimmy Stanger 

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9:30 a.m. – Webb Simpson, Ryo Hisatsune 

9:40 a.m. – Rasmus Hojgaard, Joel Dahmen 

9:50 a.m. – Henrik Norlander, Chad Ramey 

10 a.m. – Karl Vilips, Kevin Roy 

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10:10 a.m. – Matt Wallace, Ricky Castillo 

10:25 a.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Takumi Kanaya 

10:35 a.m. – Kevin Yu, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen

10:45 a.m. – Sam Ryder, Justin Thomas 

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10:55 a.m. – Andrew Putnam, Kensei Hirata 

11:05 a.m. – Pierceson Coody, Matthieu Pavon 

11:15 a.m. – Chandler Phillips, Xander Schauffele 

11:25 a.m. – Adrien Dumont de Chassart, S.H. Kim 

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11:35 a.m. – Seamus Power, Blades Brown 

11:50 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Tom Kim 

Noon – Hank Lebioda, Patrick Cantlay 

12:10 p.m. – Patrick Fishburn, Alejandro Tosti 

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12:20 p.m. – David Skinns, David Ford 

12:30 p.m. – Jordan Spieth, Rico Hoey 

12:40 p.m. – Corey Conners, Nicolai Hojgaard 

12:50 p.m. Danny Walker, Brooks Koepka 

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1 p.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Tony Finau 

1:15 p.m. – Brandt Snedeker, Gary Woodland 

1:25 p.m. Jordan Smith, Alex Smalley 

1:35 p.m. – Marco Penge, Matt Fitzpatrick 

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1:45 p.m. – Doug Ghim, Chandler Blanchet 

1:55 p.m. – Sungjae Im, David Lipsky 

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