India vs Chinese Taipei (Photo from @IndianFootball on X)
NEW DELHI: India crashed out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after losing 1-3 to Chinese Taipei in a crucial group-stage match on Tuesday. The result ended India’s campaign despite the team dominating large portions of the game and creating several chances but failing to convert them.India needed to win by at least two goals to keep their hopes alive, especially after earlier defeats to Japan and Vietnam. Although Japan beat Vietnam 4-0 in the other match, India could not produce the required result.Chinese Taipei took the lead early in the 12th minute after a defensive error. A poor back pass from Sanju left goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu out of position, allowing Y H Su to score into an empty net. India responded with attacking intent and eventually equalised in the 39th minute, when Manisha Kalyan unleashed a powerful long-range strike to score India’s only goal.However, just before half-time, Chinese Taipei regained the lead in dramatic fashion. After Pyari Xaxa handled the ball in the box, a penalty was awarded. Although Y Y Hsu struck the post, the rebound deflected off Panthoi and rolled into the net, putting India behind again.India pushed hard in the second half and created several opportunities but failed to finish them. Their attacking efforts left gaps at the back, which Chinese Taipei exploited in the 77th minute when Yu-Chin Chen ran through the defence and scored the third goal after rounding the goalkeeper.India had a few late chances through Sanfida and Manisha, but the Chinese Taipei goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep them out. The defeat meant India exited the tournament despite qualifying for the competition on merit for the first time and putting up a spirited performance.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry praised members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team after they appeared to take a political stance by remaining silent during their country’s national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup. The show of support comes as five players have secured asylum in Australia, while uncertainty surrounds the remaining 21 team members.
In a message posted on X, Israel commended the women on their “courage,” adding that the “world is watching.”
Team Iran listens to national anthems before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup match against South Korea in Gold Coast, Australia, on March 2, 2026.(Izhar Khan/AFP)
“Sometimes courage is silence,” the post on X read. “To the women of Iran’s national [soccer] team, who refused to sing the regime’s anthem, we applaud your courage! Stay safe. The world is watching.”
The post included a photo with a similar message that read, “To the brave Iranian women of the national team, the world sees your courage.”
The situation involving the Iranian women’s soccer team began after the squad arrived in Australia for the tournament last month. The team was already there when the U.S. launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran.
In the team’s opening match against South Korea, the squad stood silent during the national anthem as Iranian head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance. But in the following match against Australia and the subsequent match that led to their elimination, the team sang along and saluted during the national anthem.
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Iran players react during their national anthem ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.(Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)
Concern for the team after the tournament prompted the Australian Iranian Council to launch an online petition urging Australian authorities to “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain.”
President Donald Trump also weighed in, stating that the U.S. would “take them” if Australia did not grant them asylum.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced on Tuesday that five women were transported from their hotel in Gold Coast “to a safe location” by federal police officers where they later met with him and began the processing for their humanitarian visas.
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“I say to the other members of the team the same opportunity is there,” he said. “Australia has taken the Iranian women’s soccer team into our hearts.”
Islamic Republic of Iran players line up for the national anthems prior to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Islamic Republic of Iran and the Australia Matildas at Gold Coast Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia, on March 5, 2026.(Albert Perez/Getty Images)
The women granted asylum were happy for their names and pictures to be published, Burke said, but added that the players wanted to make clear that they were “not political activists.”
Protesters attempted to stop the team bus from leaving on Tuesday outside the hotel they were staying. The remaining members of the team and coaches flew to Sydney Airport, where police evicted protesters from the international terminal before the team boarded an international flight to Kuala Lumpur, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
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Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The West Indies team is to return home via commercial flights from India after a “distressing” wait following their exit from the men’s T20 World Cup.
West Indies have been stuck in Kolkata since they were eliminated from the tournament on 1 March amid travel disruption caused by the conflict across the Middle East.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had been due to arrange a charter flight for both West Indies and South Africa.
But Cricket West Indies (CWI) said this had been “repeatedly delayed”.
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“Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organised charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, made the situation increasingly distressing,” said the CWI.
“In the interest of the wellbeing and safety of its players and support staff, Cricket West Indies advised the ICC that it was no longer prudent to continue waiting on the charter arrangements, which remain uncertain.
“Multiple approaches have since been made through CWI, players, and other partners, in coordination with the ICC, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the squad’s safe return.”
Some of West Indies’ players and staff have already departed, with the remainder of the party scheduled to leave on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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BBC Sport has contacted Cricket South Africa to establish their plans.
The ICC has been criticised by players from West Indies and South Africa for their failure to adequately resolve the issue.
England, who lost their semi-final on Thursday, flew home on Saturday, leading to accusations of bias directed at the ICC which were “categorically” denied by cricket’s global governing body.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ dynamic defensive back duo was broken up on Monday as NFL free agency got off to a hot start.
Reed Blankenship, who was one half of the “exciting Whites,” agreed to a three-year deal with the Houston Texans, according to The Athletic. The move ended a brief run for the two players who helped the team to a Super Bowl title during the 2024 season.
Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) celebrates after an interception in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025.(Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
Cooper DeJean, the other half of the tandem, lamented the move.
“Damn, gonna miss my dawg. Go be great brotha,” he wrote on X.
The Eagles signed Blankenship as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State before the 2022 season. He wasn’t an immediate starter and began to get first-team reps going into the 2023 season.
Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32), tight end Dallas Goedert (88) and cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally on Feb. 14, 2025.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
He and DeJean clamped down opposing offenses during the 2024 season. The team was second in points allowed as Philadelphia made its way to a Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, DeJean picked off Patrick Mahomes and returned the interception for a touchdown.
The Blankenship and DeJean duo was dubbed “exciting Whites” as they made great plays on the field, while also being two of only a few defensive backs in the NFL who are White.
Blankenship has 308 tackles and nine interceptions in 56 career games.
It’s been a tough offseason for the Eagles so far, as fans have seen some top players agree to deals elsewhere.
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Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) celebrates his interception that ended the New Orleans Saints’ final drive in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A Tuesday NBA parlay can go in a number of different directions with 11 games on the slate. But if seeking more of a payout, then an NBA longshot parlay could be an avenue to pursue. You could create one with multiple legs or several plus-money NBA picks, such as backing underdogs on the money line. Brooklyn (+680) is a 15.5-point underdog to Detroit at 7:30 p.m. ET, and while underdogs of more than 15 points are just 1-24 straight-up this season, there are convincing reasons to consider the Nets with your NBA bets.
One is that Brooklyn has won back-to-back games, and another is that the Pistons are on a season-high four-game losing streak. Also, it was just on Saturday that the Nets defeated the Pistons as 13.5-point underdogs. Besides this, other NBA predictions to consider for your basketball parlay include winning margins, first scorer bets and statistical leaders. Before locking in any Tuesday NBA picks or forming a longshot parlay, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered Week 21 on a sizzling 42-19 roll on top-rated NBA spread picks dating back to last season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
After simulating every game 10,000 times, the model is backing Over the alternate total (228.5) in Pistons vs. Nets. The standard O/U is 217.5 but the model projects 230 combined points. Brooklyn is coming off a victory, and the Nets have gone over in each of their last three games after a win. Even more convincing for the Over is that Brooklyn home games have eclipsed the total in nine of the last 10 as the Barclays Center hosts Tuesday’s matchup.
As for Detroit, it will be without defensive ace Ausar Thompson (ankle). He’s missed six games this season, and the Pistons have allowed nearly 6.5 more points per game without Thompson than what they’re giving up when he plays. The SportsLine model projects both teams to give up more points than what they allow on the season as a total of 10 players are forecasted to hit double-figures. The model has the Over as an A-rated pick, with 230 total points, according to the simulations. See which other NBA parlay picks to make on Tuesday here.
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How to make NBA parlay picks for Tuesday, March 10
The model also has locked in five more picks, including a pair of margin of victory NBA props that return at least +800 in a longshot parlay that pays $1 million on just a $10 bet. You can only see the model’s NBA parlay at SportsLine.
Mar 6, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the first tee during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Rory McIlroy is hoping to travel to the Players Championship on Wednesday after experiencing a bit of difficulty with his ailing back.
McIlroy, the world’s No. 2 golfer, was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational ahead of the third round on Saturday after he “tweaked” his lower back.
“The back is being a bit more stubborn than we thought,” McIlroy said in a text message to the Golf Channel on Monday. “So I’m staying at home today and tomorrow to continue treatment in South Florida with the hope to travel to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday at some point.”
TPC Sawgrass, home of the Players, is located near Jacksonville and is about 260 miles from Jupiter, where McIlroy makes his primary residence.
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McIlroy, 36, was playing his third PGA Tour event of the season. The five-time major winner finished T14 at Pebble Beach and T2 at The Genesis Invitational last month.
He is scheduled to tee off Thursday at 1:42 p.m. ET and is grouped with Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama.
McIlroy defeated J.J. Spaun in a playoff last year at the Players Championship, marking the second time he’s won the tournament (2019). Only Jack Nicklaus has won the event three times.
Mixed martial arts legend Jon Jones ended his retirement from UFC simply because he wanted a spot on the “Freedom 250” fight card at the White House in June.
But, when UFC CEO Dana White announced the card during UFC 326 this past weekend, Jones wasn’t among the fighters. As a result, he has requested a release from his UFC contract.
White was candid when asked about Jones following the UFC 326 card.
Jon Jones of the United States of America reacts after his TKO victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16, 2024 in New York City. ((Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images))
“Never, ever, ever, which I told you guys a hundred thousands times, was Jon Jones ever even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House,” White explained, per CBS Sports. “Some guy with Meta Glasses filmed him talking about his hips – that his hips are so bad. And I don’t know if you guys saw that flag football game where he can barely run. Jon Jones retired because of his hips. He’s got arthritis in his hips. Apparently, doctors say he should have a hip replacement.”
White added that “the Jon Jones thing is bulls—,” saying that he texted the fighter’s lawyer saying he would never be on the White House card despite Jones saying he was in negotiations for it.
The Meta Glasses incident White is referring to came from a viral video, where Jones, unaware he was being filmed, discussed issues with his hips to a fan.
On Monday, Jones composed a thorough response to White’s comments about him and the White House Card. He previously posted and deleted social media explanations, but Monday’s appeared to be his final statement on the matter.
UFC President Dana White speaks after UFC Fight Night at Toyota Center on Feb. 21, 2026. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)
“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight,” Jones, who retired a heavyweight champion in 2025, said. “So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense. I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready.
“I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right. After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number.”
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Jones finished his statement by saying he “respectfully” asks to be released from his UFC contract.
Jon Jones enters the ring before facing Stipe Miocic in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City, New York.(Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“No more spins, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up,” he wrote.
The UFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.
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Jones is considered one of the best UFC fighters of all time, owning a 28-1-1 record, which includes his last bout with Stipe Miocic, knocking him out to take the heavyweight title belt. He is also a two-time light heavyweight champion.
Here’s an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California.
The list includes only those players who have played in a regular-season NFL game. Consequently, players taken in the upcoming draft will not be included until they have seen the field.
The League does not officially recognize players who appeared only in preseason exhibition games.
Junipero Serra High School is a prep football powerhouse, ranked as the No. 5 pro football player-producing high school in the state.
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California has produced a total of 3,331 NFL players from 793 schools, with 264 pros currently active.
See where all the other schools in the Golden State rank here, with links to their respective players.
The Glazer family, who have owned Manchester United since 2005, have had a massive financial boost
Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, have seen their fortunes climb even higher over the past year.
Each of the six siblings – Avram, Joel, Edward, Darcie, Kevin and Bryan – has added an astonishing $300million (£223m) to their wealth in the last year. Their individual net worth now sits at $2billion (£1.59bn), according to Forbes’ latest Billionaires List, ranking them as the 2,052nd richest people globally.
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The surge in wealth arrives at a moment when the family’s hold on United has been somewhat eased, yet their bank balances have never looked stronger. The American family, who oversaw a period of notable turmoil and fan protests at Old Trafford, sold part of their 68 per cent stake in the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024.
The deal reportedly cost Ratcliffe around £1.5bn, with the INEOS chairman now managing all football operations at United. Nevertheless, the Glazers retain majority ownership of the club itself.
For United supporters, the announcement will be a bitter pill to swallow. While the owners’ fortunes continue to expand, the Theatre of Dreams has famously fallen into disrepair, with photos of a leaking Old Trafford roof serving as a symbol of the neglect during the Glazers’ tenure.
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The family’s monetary gain also sharply contrasts with the club’s debt, a key issue for the ‘Glazers Out’ campaign since their leveraged buyout in 2005.
Recent Forbes figures indicate that, regardless of United’s on-field struggles – where the team has battled for consistency in recent seasons – the owners are still cashing in from their involvement with the Premier League club.
The list, which monitors the wealthiest individuals worldwide, highlights that the sports sector remains extremely lucrative for billionaire owners. Avram and Joel Glazer, who are the most prominent family members at United, have solidified their place among the globe’s richest earners.
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Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke also appears on the list, with a net worth of $22.2bn (£16.5bn). Liverpool owner John Henry is included as well, with wealth of $5.7bn (£4.2bn).
Despite each Glazer now being worth a comparatively modest $2bn, fan pressure is unlikely to ease. Supporters have long claimed the owners treat the club as a ‘cash cow,’ and these latest figures will only stoke demands for a complete sale of the club.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
The Cheltenham Festival returns today as the National Hunt jump racing season gathers pace with the four-day bonanza of horseracing goodness one of the highlights of the sport’s calendar.
The Festival begins with Champion Day before Ladies Day and then St Patrick’s Thursday, with Gold Cup Day bringing the event to a close on Friday.
The British trainers will also be looking to overcome a decade of Irish dominance in the Prestbury Cup as they aim to restore some pride after a 20-8 defeat last year.
You can find all the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport in the build-up to the big week, but here is the schedule and race card:
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(Getty Images)
When is 2026 Cheltenham Festival and what races are included?
The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday 10 March and concludes on Friday 13 March. Fans can expect 28 races over the course of four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase.
The shortest run is a little under two miles, while the longest races almost reach four miles. Fans will look out for 13 of the races run at Grade 1 standard, while five are run as Grade 2s, six Grade 3s and the other four being Listed.
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The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm.
How can I watch the Cheltenham Festival on TV and is there a live stream?
You can watch the first six races of each day at the Cheltenham Festival with ITV1, while full coverage of the Festival, including the final race of each day is available through a Racing TV subscription.
Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast.
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(Davies Davies for The Jockey Club/PA Wire)
Tuesday 10 March – Champion Day
*Please note race conditions and timings are subject to change
1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
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1. Old Park Star 15/8F; 2. Sober Glory 9/2 3. Mydaddypaddy 6/1
Lossiemouth one of the ‘best backed’ horses of the day
Time for the main event of day one at 4pm – the Champion Hurdle.
Lossiemouth has generated a lot of hype – with BOYLE Sports stating that the seven-year-old mare is ‘one of the best backed horses of the day’.
Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BOYLE Sports, said: “Birthday boy JP McManus has already been in the winners’ enclosure twice today, but punters have been keen to take on The New Lion in the Champion Hurdle. Lossiemouth has been all the rage in the betting and is one of the best backed horses of the day.”
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Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:53
WATCH: Johnnywho upsets favourite Jagwar
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:41
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3.20 – Handicap Chase results
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:39
Winning jockey Richie McLernon ‘thrilled’ with Johnnywho
Richie McLernon is speaking to ITV: “I thought the ground was a little quick. Everything just unfolded for me. Jumped when I need him to, he answered every call. Absolutely thrilled.”
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:33
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JohnnyWho wins Handicap Chase
Jagwar making ground on Quebecois over the final hurdle, but it is Johnnywho that takes the Handicap Chase! Quebecois gave it all but clearly did not have the outright pace on the final run-in.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:28
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3.20 – Handicap Chase
Quebecois has opened up a gap again ahead of the final three jumps. Margaret’s Legacy makes a mistake on the third-last jump, costing the challenger.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:27
3.20 – Handicap Chase
The final open ditch is navigated well by the entire field. Three hurdles to go, with Quebecois still first.
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Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:26
3.20 – Handicap Chase
Eight fences to go, and Quebecois does not want to relinquish a lead held all race. Jagwar is edging towards the front, but the favourite has work to do.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:25
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3.20 – Handicap Chase
Still Quebecois in the lead, opening up a bigger gap over Margaret’s Legacy. Knight of Allen almost buckles but recovers well, at the cost of falling way off the group.
Jack Tanner10 March 2026 15:24
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3.20 – Handicap Chase
Jagwar remains a way off the leaders with 12 fences to go. We still have a full field.
