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Dubai Director questions Players late Withdrawals

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Salah Tahlak, tournament director of the Dubai Tennis Championships, has called for tougher penalties for players who withdraw at the last minute, following the exits of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka from this year’s event.

Speaking after both withdrawals were confirmed, Tahlak said the decision is an unexpected setback for the tournament and questioned the reasons given. Swiatek cited a scheduling change and mental readiness, while Sabalenka pointed to minor injury concerns.

Tahlak argued that financial fines are no longer an effective deterrent for top players and suggested that ranking point deductions would carry more weight.

  • Favour Ashe switches allegiance from Nigeria to QatarFavour Ashe switches allegiance from Nigeria to Qatar

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“I think there should be a harsher punishment on the players, not just fines,” he said. “They should be docked ranking points.”

He added that he had consulted the tournament doctor regarding Sabalenka’s condition and was told it was a minor issue, not one that would normally require withdrawal. He also questioned Swiatek’s decision, calling it unusual given her status and preparation.

Tahlak pointed to past examples to support his argument, noting that fines have little impact on elite players.

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“A monetary fine won’t help. Many years ago, Serena Williams withdrew and was fined $100,000. But what is $100,000? She would play somewhere else and make $1,000,000.”

The Dubai director confirmed that the issue will be raised at an upcoming meeting in Rome, where tournament representatives plan to discuss the matter with the WTA.

“It’s a shame that we’re spending these huge amounts to upgrade facilities, and in the end the players are the main part of the tournament,” he said.

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Jurgen Klopp rejected Man United approach as fresh stance explained after Liverpool exit

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Jurgen Klopp has been targeted by both Manchester United and Chelsea to take over as manager following his departure from Liverpool in 2024

Jurgen Klopp rejected an approach from Manchester United following his departure from Liverpool, his agent has said. Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in the summer of 2024, after almost nine years in charge, to take a break from management.

During his time in charge of the Anfield club, he won the Champions League in 2019 before leading Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years a year later. He has since made clear he has no plans to return to management and became global head of soccer for the Red Bull group last year.

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However, that didn’t stop United from making an approach for the German. But according to Klopp’s long-time agent, Marc Kosicke, United weren’t the only club to make an approach for the 58-year-old.

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He has also claimed Chelsea failed in an approach, while if Klopp wanted to be, he could have become England manager following Gareth Southgate’s departure after Euro 2024.

Although Kosicke didn’t reveal when United made their move, it could have been after the Old Trafford club parted company with Erik ten Hag in October 2024.

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Asked about his client returning to the dugout, Kosicke said: “At the moment, I don’t see that happening, because he’s very happy with his new role and in this environment.

“Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again. But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role. Before joining Red Bull, Jurgen could have coached the USA or England national teams. Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there.

“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries haven’t stopped.

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“Jurgen has undergone a metamorphosis, moving away from being a coach with a broad perspective towards more management responsibilities.”

Kosicke also revealed that Bayern Munich made an approach for the German just months before he led Liverpool to the Premier League title.

“Bayern came very close to signing us twice,” he revealed in an interview with Transfermarkt. “Once in 2008: Uli Hoeness wanted Jurgen Klopp, but Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wanted Jurgen Klinsmann.

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“And after Niko Kovac (who was sacked in November 2019), when Jurgen was at Liverpool, they approached us again. Nobody thought things would be so successful with (eventual Bayern boss) Hansi Flick. There just wasn’t the right momentum.”

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Kamaru Usman: I’d approach Khamzat Chimaev rematch a little different

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Kamaru Usman proved to be a stern test for Khamzat Chimaev on less than two weeks’ notice.

Former welterweight champion Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC) stepped in on short notice to face Chimaev in a middleweight bout at UFC 294. He rallied after a rough first round, but ended up losing a majority decision.

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Usman has since rebounded with a dominant decision win over Joaquin Buckley, and has a two-fight plan to ride out out his career. First stop is reclaiming his welterweight title by challenging Islam Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC), then getting his rematch against middleweight champ Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC).

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“Islam is a phenomenal guy, phenomenal champion, what he’s been able to do,” Usman said in an interview with Eurosport NL. “Styles make fights, and I think I’m the most difficult style for him right now. I think I’m the best test for him. Islam is extremely talented. That last fight, he made it look easy because the former champion, there was a deficit in the game and that happens to be where I am strong, as well. So I think that’s a tremendous matchup. I love Islam, but I think I get that title.

“If I get that title, a lot of people wanted to see that rematch with Khamzat with a full camp. It was too short and I’ve been accustomed to fighting five-round fights. If I was able to get that opportunity again and to actually prepare for a big, strong Khamzat – because Khamzat is extremely talented. He’s done everything that was asked of him to do. He’s a good champion, and I think given that opportunity again, I approach that fight a little different.”

In an ideal world, Usman wants to ride off into the sunset by the end of next year.

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“2026, we want to say ‘Wow, I can’t believe you actually pulled that off and went and not only took one title, but you took two, and you walked away,’” Usman said. “Fingers crossed. Of course, welterweight first because I don’t think the other one happens without the welterweight one. I’m in this division, I’m still there, so why not take that one first?”

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Kamaru Usman sets sights on Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev rematch

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ESPN Says Vikings Should Trade for One QB in Particular

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Jaguars Mac Jones in 2024 with Jaguars.
Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) runs with the ball against the SHouston Texans in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have a nearly full arsenal of draft picks to trade for a quarterback this offseason — if they’re in the mood. And this week, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell made no secret about the top trade option for the purple team, suggesting Minnesota should target Mac Jones from the San Francisco 49ers.

The Vikings can explore a Mac Jones trade, but ESPN’s idea hinges on price and the team’s faith in J.J. McCarthy.

Trades can be agreed upon at any time right now on the NFL calendar. If Minnesota plans to fire off a trade, there’s no need to wait.

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ESPN’s Mac Jones Idea for Vikings Comes Down to Cost

Your Mac Jones takes have been vindicated by Barnwell.

Mac Jones warming up on the sideline at Levi’s Stadium during a 49ers game. Minnesota Vikings Mac Jones trade.
Mac Jones loosens up on October 19, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, taking warmup reps during the fourth quarter as the 49ers host the Falcons, helmet on and arm live while staying ready along the sideline in a late-game NFC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.

Barnwell: Jones to MIN Beneifts SF and MIN

Barnwell sized up 11 hypothetical quarterback trades on Monday, and Jones to Minnesota turned heads.

He wrote, “Vikings get: QB Mac Jones, 2027 third-round pick. 49ers get: 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick (conditional), 2028 third-round pick (conditional). In this deal, the 49ers get a second-rounder for a future third-rounder. There are also two conditional picks, which should help protect them if Jones blossoms in Minnesota.”

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“The 2027 conditional pick would trigger based on Jones’ playing time with the Vikings. If he starts four games in 2026, the Vikings send a fifth-round pick out west. If Jones starts 12 games, that gets upped to a third-rounder.”

Jones has recently stated that he loves the 49ers as an organization but also wants to start in the NFL, which probably won’t happen behind Brock Purdy.

“And then, if Jones re-signs with the Vikings after the 2026 season and starts at least one game for the Vikings in 2027, the 49ers would land another third-round pick. If Jones spends just 2025 backing up McCarthy, the 49ers swap only the Day 2 picks,” Barnwell continued.

“If Jones emerges as the long-term starter in Minnesota, though, the Vikings could send a second-rounder and two third-round picks to the 49ers — a price that Kevin O’Connell would surely be happy to pay for an upgrade at quarterback.”

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With a fan base buzzing for answers at quarterback this offseason, Barnwell’s theory lit a match.

Finding the Next Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield

Jones’s popularity will soar through the roof this offseason. Why? Well, Sam Darnold just helped the Seattle Seahawks win a Super Bowl, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has shown in three consecutive seasons that he’s a consistent QB1 after being left for dead by the Carolina Panthers in 2022.

General managers and coaches will now scour the NFL for the “next Sam Darnold,” and there’s no better candidate than Jones, though Malik Willis, a free agent to be, may disagree.

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Jones started eight games for the 49ers in 2025 when Purdy battled an injury, and when extrapolating that sample to 17 games, Jones provided 4,570 passing yards, 28 passing TDs, 13 INTs, and 69.6% completion rate. Yes, those are Darnoldian numbers.

NFL decision-makers will convince themselves — if they haven’t already — that Jones needs to be rescued from his QB2 post, empowered by a new offensive staff, and unlocked as a sure-fire starter. Barnwell thinks the Vikings are the best spot for it.

Competition for J.J. McCarthy

McCarthy played great in about four games last season, all down the stretch, when the game apparently made more sense to him. But in his first starts, he battled injury and poor performance.

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Barnwell noted on McCarthy, “The Vikings can’t afford to leave J.J. McCarthy an uncontested path to their starting quarterback job again in 2026. He was a disaster for most of the season, and though he put together a better stretch to end 2025, that four-game run came against the Commanders (who were 30th in EPA per play against pass dropbacks), Cowboys (31st), Giants (17th, in a game where McCarthy threw 14 passes) and Packers (21st, McCarthy was facing second- and third-stringers for most of the game).”

“It’s reasonable to say that McCarthy deserves more time, having started just 10 games during two seasons as a pro. Even if you’re making that argument, though, the Vikings need real competition for him in camp. They also need a backup who can step in to play, given that McCarthy has missed 24 games over his first two years because of knee, concussion, hand and ankle injuries.”

Mac Jones throwing during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium before a 49ers game.
Mac Jones goes through pregame routines on November 2, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, throwing and stretching before the 49ers face the Giants, working methodically as teammates filter onto the field ahead of the afternoon kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.

O’Connell may need an extra quarterback next to McCarthy in 2026 to ensure his team doesn’t succumb to irrelevance if McCarthy gets hurt or plays poorly. Jones would arrive in Minnesota this spring or summer and immediately battle for the QB1 job.

In that scenario, it would be a “may the best man win” situation.

A Rather Expensive Trade

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Under the hood, Barnwell’s trade is quite spendy. If Jones met all the conditions, the Vikings would be on the hook for a 2nd-Rounder, 3rd-Rounder, and another 3rd-Rounder.

And it would make sense for Jones to be that expensive. San Francisco’s general manager, John Lynch, and head coach, Kyle Shanahan, have stated this offseason that they have no plans to trade Jones unless the offer blows them away.

Kevin O’Connell speaking to reporters at Vikings headquarters in Eagan during a media session.
Kevin O’Connell addresses reporters on October 13, 2025, at Vikings headquarters in Eagan, outlining injury updates and post-bye plans while detailing recovery timelines and the preparation focus for Minnesota’s upcoming stretch of games. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

A 2nd-Round pick and two 3rd-Rounders would most defintely blow anyone away, especially for a quarterback who has never sustained long-term success.

Jones will turn 28 in September.


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Forget about a wedge’s bounce number. What to look for instead

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One thing to remember about club fitting is that there are no hard and fast rules and choosing the right wedge grind is the perfect example.

On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, co-hosts Johnny Wunder and Jake Morrow talked about why focusing on the bounce number doesn’t really give you a good picture of what a wedge will do for you.

Morrow brought up a great example from his own testing on tight lies with low-bounce wedges.

“I was hitting the Opus T, and I was on the very left side of a two-weeks-without-rain ECPC range, which is the tightest lie they have,” Morrow explained. “And with the T grind, which they say on paper and in the forums and everything, that should be the one that works, right? Because it’s super tight. You’re going to be able to nip it, but whatever.

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“Well, the problem is for me as a steeper player, it just turns into a knife and then it doesn’t come out of the ground. That’s the issue.

“And so I go, and I start hitting these like 20-yard pitches with the 12-degree X grind, which is probably the highest they have and I feel like an absolute god.”

More often than not, the stated bounce on a wedge bounce isn’t actually what the bounce of the sole is.

This is why Morrow suggests testing wedges blindly, like Titleist does for the Vokey wedge lineup, to determine what works best for you.

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Vokey's SM11 T-Grind wedge.
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Titleist Vokey SM11 Tour Chrome Wedge

Titleist Vokey Design’s new SM11 wedges feature a new precise CG position across each grind in a loft, meaning every wedge will now perform the same way with the same strike.

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“I’m almost at the point where I wish the bounce number would just be eliminated from wedges,” Morrow said. “Like I just want to put the shape of the sole, whatever the grind is from each manufacturer on the bottom of them. And the blind test that Vokey does is probably the best way to do it.”

There are so many different grind options from each manufacturer nowadays, and players hit shots in very different ways, so it’s important to find which wedges work for your specific delivery conditions, rather than catering to the course conditions.

For more from Wunder and Morrow, listen to the full episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped here, or watch it below.

Want to find the best wedges for your game in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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League of Legends LoLdle answers 1321 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)

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The LoLdle answers for February 17, 2026, are now unveiled. As in earlier iterations, deciphering the champions’ names in the title’s 1321st one can be a hassle. Nonetheless, if players have in-depth knowledge of several aspects of these LoL characters, solving the enigmas becomes more efficient.

Here is the Quote puzzle in the 1321st edition of LoLdle:

“Feel the thunder.”


Darius, Jayce, and other League of Legends LoLdle answers for the 1321st edition (February 17, 2026)

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The League of Legends LoLdle answers for February 17 are shown below:

  • Classic: Darius
  • Quote: Jayce
  • Ability: Cho’Gath; Bonus: R (Feast)
  • Emoji: Millo
  • Splash Art: Yone; Bonus: High Noon Yone

The Classic answer of February 17 LoLdle is Darius. The clue for Quote points to Jayce, a champion who falls amongst some of the best choices in the top lane role meta in League of Legends.

The Ability puzzle has Cho’Gath’s R ability, “Feast.” The Emojis show Millo, and it is Yone’s High Noon skin in the Splash Art enigma.

Also read: League of Legends patch 26.4 preview


Previous League of Legends LoLdle answers

Zaahen is now a guessable champion! Happy LoLdles ⚔️

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Here are some of the previous League of Legends LoLdle answers:

  • LoLdle 1320 (February 16): Vex, Shen, Udyr, Ryze, Yuumi
  • LoLdle 1319 (February 15): Dr. Mundo, Orianna, Lux, Cassiopeia, Aurelian Sol
  • LoLdle 1318 (February 14): Shyvana, Yasuo, Gangplank, Malphite, Zed
  • LoLdle 1317 (February 13): Talon, Fiddlesticks, Aurora, Katarina, Thresh
  • LoLdle 1316 (February 12): Quinn, Ezreal, Fiddlesticks, Draven, Nilah
  • LoLdle 1315 (February 11): Udyr, Zyra, Karma, Viktor, Orianna
  • LoLdle 1314 (February 10): Nidalee, Ornn, Jinx, Quinn, Samira
  • LoLdle 1313 (February 9): Sylas, Vi, Fizz, Sona, Diana
  • LoLdle 1312 (February 8): Camille, Irelia, Miss Fortune, Nami, Aatrox
  • LoLdle 1311 (February 7): Sett, Warwick, Riven, Lux, Shaco
  • LoLdle 1310 (February 6): Xin Zhao, Yorick, Gwen, Orianna, Mel
  • LoLdle 1309 (February 5): Lulu, Modekaiser, Viego, Yuumi, Lucian
  • LoLdle 1308 (February 4): Tristana, Hecarim, Master Yi, Shen, Tahm Kench
  • LoLdle 1307 (February 3): Janna, Aphelios, Jarvan IV, Fizz, Zaahen

The answers to the 1322nd edition of LoLdle will be shared on February 18.


Check out more LoL news and updates: