Home advantage smaller than ever before, but still a factor
Italian women playing a huge role in host’s success
Familiarity with facilities the main reason for Italy’s strong display
History shows negative spillover possible
From Francesca Lollobrigida setting an Olympic record in the women’s 3,000-meter speed skating for Italy’s first gold to alpine skier Federica Brignone winning her second gold medal in three days, this has been Italy’s Winter Olympics in more ways than one. Their haul of 24 medals* is their best ever at the Winter Olympics, with their previous best of 20 coming in Lillehammer over 30 years ago.
But how much of Italy’s success is because they are at home?
Both the US and Canada enjoyed very successful Games when they hosted in 2002 and 2010 respectively. South Korea and China won more medals as hosts than ever before, but historically speaking the concept of home advantage is more complicated.
Carl Singleton is a senior lecturer in economics at the University of Stirling, Scotland, and has written multiple papers analyzing the idea of home advantage at the Olympics. In 2021, he co-authored one looking at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 1896 and 2021 and his findings revealed that over the span of the Olympics, home advantage has gradually reduced.
This is logical given the diversity of sports and events has increased, as has competition and participation. There are over 90 countries competing in Italy this month, whereas there were just 16 at the first Winter Olympics back in 1924.
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“If you just look at that long history of the Olympic Games, home advantage now is possibly as small as it’s ever been, even though it’s still obviously quite there and substantial,” Singleton told DW.
Women playing a major role
Italy collected 17 medals in total in Beijing, with two of those being gold. In 2026, on home snow and ice, the Games are not even finished and they have already won 24, including eight golds. The most striking part of their success is the major role played by women.
Singleton’s data shows that in the Winter Olympics, the home advantage between 1988 and 2016 was “around 50% larger in men’s events but non-existent in women’s events.”
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Italy’s women have changed all that, both this year and last. They have already medaled, either as a single athlete or as part of a team, in 16 events this year (four more than at the last Games).
Federica Brignone is one of the faces and names of the Games after winning two gold medalsImage: Spada/LaPresse/IMAGO
“Women’s sports have become much more competitive, more funding, more access,” Singleton said.
“So now you’re maybe seeing the home advantage amplified through the women’s sports matching the home advantage that you might have always or more commonly seen in men’s sports.”
Facility familiarity the major factor
Singleton’s research points to four major factors that influence home advantage – a supportive home crowd, no travel, familiarity with conditions/tracks and favorable refereeing/umpiring bias. And, in 2026, Italy’s marginal gains have most likely been found in their familiarity with the facilities.
Italy have added just two new venues for these Games, the sliding center and the much discussed Santagiulia ice arena.
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“So they’ve got familiarity with everything else, which is great,” said Singleton, highlighting that Italians likely had a chance to practice at the other facilities before any other athletes.
Growing up on this snow combined with being some of the top athletes in the world has been the perfect nudge for these athletes to get onto the podium.
“They’ve maximized the familiarity factor at these Games,” Singleton said.
Support from the home crowd has been a major factor at these Games, helping Italy over the line in some sportsImage: Eric Bolte/Imagn Images/IMAGO
How long-lasting is this success?
While some things are meant to be enjoyed in the moment, there will always be questions asked about the longevity and legacy of such events, especially when such a large amount has been invested. In other words, will there be a spillover performance at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France?
Singleton’s data reveals significant evidence that in the Summer Games, spillovers are real but on average there wasn’t a spillover for the Winter Games.
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In fact, looking at recent hosts more than anything, there appears to be a tendency towards a sharp decline. After China won 15 medals at home in 2022, they have won just five in Milan and Cortina. South Korea went from 17 at home in 2018 to nine in 2022, and have just six this time around. While medals are not necessarily a barometer of whether a country’s sporting development pathways are healthy, they clearly matter to hosts.
The hope is, as always with major sporting events, that both the act of hosting and the success of home athletes will inspire the next generation. However, Singleton believes there isn’t a lot of strong evidence that the Olympics lead to long-lasting participation changes. Indeed, the cost is a big problem for many. It can though, make a difference beyond the numbers.
“I’m a macro economist by trade, and I tell my students all the time, there are many things that we can’t quantify in GDP, that don’t show up in national accounts, and I think these things are valuable,” Singleton said.
“Maybe, you can’t say that it was worth the initial money because it’s hard to make that comparison, but the memories, the experiences and the sense of national pride are important things which don’t show up in a country’s balance sheet. And that’s, to some extent, a big factor as to why certain nations bid for these things as well, because there are intangible benefits of hosting these events,” Singleton said.
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“I think if every country can lose itself for three weeks and sport can develop a shared memory, then that is what is important.”
Italy’s athletes at these Winter Olympics have shown that even if home advantage is smaller than ever, it can be turned into special and memorable performances.
* As of 16:45 CET on February 17, 2026 Edited by: Chuck Penfold
Ami Nakai, 17, and Japanese teammate Kaori Sakamoto upstaged Alysa Liu and the rest of the ‘Blade Angels’ from the US on Tuesday night, taking the lead after the short program in the women’s figure skating competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Nakai, the youngest of the 29 skaters in the field, rode her opening triple axel to a career-best 78.71 points, while Sakamoto was right behind with 77.23 as she chases just about the only gold medal she has yet to win. Liu was third with 76.59, keeping her within range of the top step of the podium.
Japan’s Ami Nakai leads the standings heading into Thursday’s free skate (AP)
Things didn’t go quite so well for the rest of the American team.
Isabeau Levito lost a level on her step sequence and wound up eighth with 70.84 points, while three-time reigning U.S. champ Amber Glenn likely had her medal hopes dashed when she doubled up a triple loop, making the jump invalid and worth no points.
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Glenn, trying to hold back tears as she stepped off the ice, was in 13th place with 67.39 points.
“I had it,” she told her coach, Damon Allen, who replied: “It’s not over.”
Mone Chiba gave Japan three women capable of stacking the podium when the women’s free skate on Thursday night wraps up the figure skating program at the Winter Games. She scored 74.00 points, putting her just ahead of Adeliia Petrosian of Russia.
The women’s event has long been considered a showdown between the brilliant Japanese and the powerful Americans.
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Petrosian wedged herself right in among them.
The world had barely seen the 18-year-old from Moscow because Russia remains barred from international competition following its invasion of Ukraine. But Pedrosian, who is coached by the controversial Eteri Tutberidze, was vetted and cleared by the International Olympic Committee of any ties to the military or the war, allowing her to take part and win a qualifying event in Japan.
Without any real world ranking to her name, Petrosian was the second to take the ice, slotted in among skaters with little chance to qualify for the free skate let alone touch the podium. But it was clear she was different the moment her music began.
With a medley of Michael Jackson hits playing, Petrosian — competing as a neutral athlete — whipped through her double axel, landed a triple lutz and capped the performance with a triple flip-triple toe loop that seemed downright effortless.
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“I’m quite pleased with my score. It’s good,” Petrosian said in Russian, “and I’m happy with it.”
She’ll be even happier to be among the other favorites in the free skate Thursday night.
“I hope to be in the same warm-up group with them,” Petrosian said. “I haven’t really seen them yet because we are all in different practice groups. But it would be nice to be in the same warm-up group and compete against them.”
LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao isn’t done with boxing yet and will return to the ring on April 18 to face former junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov in a 10-round welterweight exhibition.
Pacquiao, 47, last fought July 19 against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, losing by majority draw. Two of the judges scored it a draw and Max DeLuca awarded Barrios a 115-113 victory.
The loss dropped Pacquiao’s record to 62-9-2.
“Returning to Las Vegas means so much to me, and I’m excited to work with a team focused on creating a world-class experience for the fans,” Pacquiao said in a statement. “I’m coming back to give them a great fight — and I’m ready.”
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The bout will be at the Thomas & Mack Center, which hosted a number of notable fights in the 1990s before the construction of MGM Grand Garden Arena and then T-Mobile Arena that became the primary homes for Las Vegas’ top matches.
In less than two months, Tiger Woods could tee it up again at historic Augusta National.
The five-time Masters champion did not rule out a return to the major after skipping it last year. When reporters asked Tuesday if he could compete at the Masters in April, Woods replied without elaboration, “No.”
Woods made the cut at the Masters for a record 24th time in a row in 2024. He is leaving the door open despite recovering from his seventh back surgery, a procedure to replace a disk, and a near-term schedule that does not appear to include competitive golf.
Tiger Woods of the United States laughs during a practice round prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia.(Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“I thought I spent a lot of hours practicing in my prime,” Woods said at the Genesis Invitational, alluding to the responsibilities he shares in trying to reshape the PGA Tour schedule. “It doesn’t compare to what we’ve done in the boardroom.”
Woods’ workload will likely factor into whether he takes on the U.S. captaincy for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland. He declined the role two years ago, citing a lack of time to commit to the job in a meaningful way.
Woods celebrated his 50th birthday at the end of last year, making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions.
He missed every PGA Tour event last year, marking the first time in Woods’ storied career that he did not compete in a single tournament. He also has yet to compete in the indoor TGL league.
“Well, I’m trying — put it that way,” he said, adding that he can hit full shots but not every day “and not very well.”
Tiger Woods celebrates during the trophy presentation after winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2019, in Augusta, Georgia.(Allen Eyestone/The Augusta Chronicle)
He had surgery in March 2025 for a ruptured Achilles tendon, which is no longer holding him back. He said his lower back was sore, and at his age, “It’s probably going to take me a little bit longer.”
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“My body has been through a lot,” Woods said. “Each and every day, I keep trying, I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again.”
His chief interest is indoors. He is on the board of the PGA Tour and the commercial PGA Tour Enterprises, heading the “Future Competition Committee” that is trying to create a model to meet CEO Brian Rolapp’s goal of fewer tournaments that are more meaningful for the best players.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club waves to fans as he is introduced at the start of a match of the TMRW Golf League (TGL) against Boston Common Golf, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
The only thing clear is that a new model most likely won’t be ready by 2027. The committee has reached agreement on a big start to the season — that could be the week after or before the Super Bowl — taking the big events to bigger markets and becoming the must-see sport of the summer.
Woods also expressed his belief in the importance of creating a path for the next group of golf stars.
“We’re trying to create opportunities for that turnover … to get more youth out here because eventually they’re going to take over the game,” Woods said. “So trying to create that opportunity, trying to create the right competitive model and the environment to foster that, that’s been the greater challenge of it all.”
Ivan Toney leaves the door open for a move back to the Premier League, Liverpool have no plans to sell Dominik Szoboszlai, but Nick Woltemade keen for a move back to the Bundesliga.
Al-Ahli’s 29-year-old England striker Ivan Toney has left the door open for a move back to the Premier League. (Sky Sports), external
Liverpool have no plans to sell Dominik Szoboszlai despite speculation linking the Hungary midfielder with Real Madrid, with talks progressing over a new contract for the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Germany striker Nick Woltemade is unhappy at Newcastle and the 24-year-old would welcome a move back to Stuttgart or Bayern Munich.(Bild – in German), external
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Manchester United have no intention of lowering their £26m asking price for 28-year-old England forward Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona. (Mail), external
Nicolas Jackson and Chelsea will evaluate their options in the summer with Bayern Munich not expected to trigger an obligation to buy the 24-year-old Senegal striker during his season-long loan in Germany. (Mail – subscription required), external
Sunderland will try to sign a new striker this summer to replace 25-year-old French forward Wilson Isidor, who wants to leave the club. (Football Insider), external
Atletico Madrid want Argentina striker Julian Alvarez to sign a new contract but the 26-year-old’s preferred destination is Barcelona.(Sport – in Spanish), external
Canada will try to make it four days in a row with a gold medal on Wednesday after going eight days without an event victory to start the Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, the Canadian men’s hockey team enters the quarterfinals.
Here are athletes and teams to watch, along with the full schedule for Day 12 (all times Eastern):
Marion Thenault (women’s aerials, 4-7:30 a.m.)
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The Canadian has two silver medals on the World Cup circuit this season.
Mark McMorris and Cameron Spalding (men’s snowboard slopestyle final, 5:20 a.m.)
Both Canadians are medal contenders. McMorris has won bronze in this event at the past three Olympics. Spalding was the World Cup season champion in slopestyle ast season.
Team Brad Jacobs (men’s curling, vs. Italy, 8:05 a.m.)
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The Canadian men’s rink is 6-1 and has secured a semifinal spot.
Canadian men’s hockey team (quarterfinal, vs. Czechia, 10:40 a.m.)
After a 3-0 first round, Canada draws Czechia for its first knockout game. Czechia beat Denmark 3-2 in the qualification round on Tuesday.
Team Rachel Homan (women’s curling, vs. Italy, 1:05 p.m.)
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The Canadian women’s rink has won three in a row to get to 4-3. A semifinal spot is very much a possibility.
William Dandjinou (men’s short-track speedskating, 500m, 2:15-3:27 p.m.)
The Canadian just missed the Olympic podium in his first two individual events in the aftermath of two incredible World Tour seasons.
Canadian women’s short-track team (3,000m relay final, 2:51 p.m.)
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Moncton, N.B. skater Courtney Sarault will be looking for her fourth medal of the Olympics in this relay.
Alpine skiing Women’s slalom Run 1, 4 a.m. * Women’s slalom Run 2, 7:30 a.m.
Biathlon * Women’s 4x6km relay, 8:45 a.m.
Cross-country skiing Women’s team sprint (free) qualification, 3:45 a.m. Men’s team sprint (free) qualification, 4:15 a.m. * Women’s team sprint (free) final, 5:45 a.m. * Men’s team sprint (free) final, 6:15 a.m.
Men’s curling (scores, schedule, standings) China vs. Czechia, 8:05 a.m. Canada vs. Italy, 8:05 a.m. Norway vs. Switzerland, 8:05 a.m. U.S. vs. Great Britain, 8:05 a.m.
Men’s hockey (bracket, scores) Quarterfinal: Germany vs. Slovakia, 6:10 a.m. Quarterfinal: Canada vs. Czechia, 10:40 a.m. Quarterfinal: Finland vs. Switzerland, 12:10 p.m. Quarterfinal: U.S. vs. Sweden, 3:10 p.m.
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Women’s curling (scores, schedule, standings) China vs. Denmark, 3:05 a.m. Sweden vs. South Korea, 3:05 a.m. U.S. vs. Great Britain, 3:05 a.m. Canada vs. Italy, 1:05 p.m. China vs. Sweden, 1:05 p.m. Great Britain vs. Japan, 1:05 p.m. Switzerland vs. Denmark, 1:05 p.m.
Venue: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Surface: Hard (outdoor)
Prize Money: $4,088,211 (total prize pool)
Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN, TVA Sports, DAZN, WTA TV
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Alexandra Eala vs Sorana Cirstea preview
Eala at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships – Day Three – Source: Getty
Alexandra Eala will take on Sorana Cirstea in the third round of the Dubai Open on Thursday.
Eala has had a hectic season so far. After a semifinal appearance in Auckland, she reached the quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi and Manila. The Filipino also participated in the Australian Open, but lost to Alycia Parks in the first round.
Eala entered Dubai after a first-round exit in Doha. She started her campaign by cruising past Hailey Baptiste and Jasmine Paolini in the initial few rounds. The 20-year-old defeated Paolini in one hour and 40 minutes, 6-1, 7-6(5).
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Cirstea at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships – Day Three – Source: Getty
Meanwhile, Sorana Cirstea has made a good start to the season. After a third-round exit in Brisbane, she reached the second round in Melbourne and clinched the title in Cluj-Napoca. The Romanian defeated Emma Raducanu in the final, 6-0, 6-2.
Cirstea started her campaign in Dubai with brilliant wins over Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Linda Noskova in the first two rounds. She defeated Noskova in one hour and 10 minutes, 6-1, 6-4. The 35-year-old has yet to drop a set this week.
Alexandra Eala vs Sorana Cirstea head-to-head
Cirstea leads the head-to-head against Eala 1-0. She defeated the Filipino in the 2024 Madrid Open.
Alexandra Eala vs Sorana Cirstea odds
Player Name
Moneyline
Handicap Bets
Total Games
Alexandra Eala
+190
+1.5 (-140)
Under 20.5 (-105)
Sorana Cirstea
-250
-1.5 (-105)
Over 20.5 (-140)
BetMGM sources all the odds.
Alexandra Eala vs Sorana Cirstea prediction
Eala has been locked in and kept herself busy since the start of the season. The Filipino will be brimming with confidence after taking out the sixth seed in the previous round.
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Meanwhile, Cirstea has announced her retirement from tennis at the end of this year. The Romanian showed her class to win in Cluj-Napoca and will be tough to beat in the Dubai Open this year.
Eala will bring her top-spin heavy groundstrokes and dynamic movement to the fore. On the other hand, Cirstea will look to stamp her authority from the baseline and outsmart her opponent on the court.
The Filipino will be up against an experienced opponent, who seems to be at the top of her game this week. She has the pedigree to come out on top, but may go down fighting in the third round.
Trent Alexander-Arnold said the alleged racist abuse of team-mate Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s Champions League match at Benfica was a “disgrace to football”, while opposition manager Jose Mourinho was criticised for his comments on the incident.
The Brazil forward, who has been the victim of numerous incidents of racist abuse during his playing career, said “racists are, above all, cowards” in a post on Instagram.
Benfica manager Mourinho claimed Vinicius did not “celebrate in a respectful way” after his stunning goal in the 1-0 win shortly before the incident at the Estadio da Luz.
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The former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss said: “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium.
“A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always.”
Reacting to Mourinho’s comments, former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf said on Amazon Prime: “I think he is still emotional. I think he made a big mistake today to justify racial abuse.
“He’s saying it’s OK, when Vinicius provokes you, to be racist – and I think that is very wrong.
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“We should never, ever justify racial abuse. Vinicius has had enough of that unjustified behaviour from people. I know Mourinho by heart would agree with me but he expressed himself a bit unfortunately, I believe.”
England international Alexander-Arnold condemned the abuse in his post-match interview.
“I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance, as well as an amazing goal,” said Alexander-Arnold.
“Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace.
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“There is no place for it in football or society. It is disgusting.”
Jacy Jayne broke character during tonight’s show. She cut a heartbreaking promo in the ring.
Jacy Jayne shocked the world last year when she defeated Stephanie Vaquer to become the NXT Women’s Champion. Although people considered her a beatable champion, she has proven them wrong. Jayne has since had two reigns with the NXT Women’s Championship and proven she will do whatever it takes to win retain the title. Her next challenger is Sol Ruca.
Thanks for the submission!
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Tonight on WWE NXT, Jacy Jayne cut a heartbreaking promo in the ring. She said that she wanted this match against Sol Ruca since she’s been jealous of the latter because no matter what she does, people always talk about Sol being the bigger star.
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“Now I bet you all think I’m gonna come out here and complain about having to defend my NXT Women’s Championship against Sol Ruca next week, but it’s actually the complete opposite. See, I’m looking more forward to this match than quite possibly any match I’ve had throughout my entire career. And I don’t usually do this, but I’m gonna be vulnerable with all of you for once. If I’m being completely honest with myself, I am extremely jealous of Sol Ruca. I know, it’s hard to believe me, Jacy Jayne, being jealous, but it’s the truth. Because no matter what I do or what I’ve been through or how many times I’ve fallen and had to pick myself back up or how week in and week out, I come out here and have amazing match after amazing match. Yes, thank you. You all still look me dead in the face and say that Sol Ruca is a bigger star than me. Wow, imagine that.”
She further added that she won the NXT Title off Stephanie Vaquer who is the current Women’s World Champion, but people still care for Sol Ruca.
“Last year, I held the TNA Knockouts World Championship and the NXT Championship at the same time, holding two brands together. I won this championship off of Stephanie Vaquer, the same woman who is walking into this year’s WrestleMania as the WWE Women’s World Champion.”
Jacy Jayne claimed that she is the most underrated woman in NXT
Right from when Jacy Jayne started in NXT, she was never considered a main character. Nobody expected her to become the NXT Women’s Champion. Therefore, her title win was very shocking. Jacy is aware that she may be one of the most underrated women in WWE.
During the same promo, Jacy Jayne said that Sol Ruca has been shoved in everyone’s faces and she got a title shot because she sacrificed her best friend Zaria. Jacy said she won the title because she is the best woman in NXT and the most underrated woman in WWE.
“Sol Ruca has been shoved not only in my face, but in all of our faces, shoved down our throats all year. And enough is enough. The only reason she even got a shot at this championship is because she sacrificed her best friend. And next week, Sol, you’re not gonna have your best friend by your side, and you’re damn sure not gonna have this NXT Women’s Championship either. You see, I didn’t win this championship by being flashy and being able to flip every five seconds. No, I won this championship because I’m simply the best woman in NXT. And if we’re being completely honest here, I’m the most underrated woman in all of WWE today.”
It remains to be seen if Jacy Jayne will be able to retain her title against Sol Ruca.
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Rio Ferdinand was spotted in a new role interviewing tennis world No.2 Jannik Sinner at the Qatar Open after leaving TNT Sports, with the Manchester United icon exploring opportunities beyond football
Daniel Marsh Senior Sports Reporter and Bruna Reis
21:00, 17 Feb 2026
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Rio Ferdinand appears to have secured a fresh broadcasting position in tennis following his departure from TNT Sports, with the ex-Manchester United defender spotted conducting an interview with Jannik Sinner for Tennis TV at the Qatar Open this week.
Ferdinand, 47, revealed last year that he was stepping down from his position with TNT Sports after a decade-long spell with the broadcaster, where he provided coverage of both Premier League and Champions Leaguefootball. He has subsequently relocated to Dubai with his family whilst maintaining his football analysis through his YouTube platform, ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’.
During a recent discussion, Ferdinand indicated his desire to pursue opportunities outside of football – suggesting his presence at the Qatar Open might signal future ventures.
Ferdinand chatted to Sinner following the World No 2’s dominant 6-1 6-4 triumph over Tomas Machac in Doha, with the former Premier League champion enquiring how the Italian managed the sweltering conditions in the Middle East.
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Whilst it’s unclear whether Ferdinand’s partnership with Tennis TV represents a permanent arrangement, it aligns with his ambition to pursue fresh challenges after his extensive tenure with TNT Sports.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health, the ex-England defender opened up about his decision to step down, revealing that some of his suggestions were overlooked by the broadcaster.
He stated: “I like being tested. I like pressure. I had it fine at TNT. I could have signed a new contract at TNT. Easily. But that ain’t who I am really. It’s time for something new.
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“And with all due respect, I’d been trying to push [a new] side of things within the team and the group at TNT, and they weren’t really as receptive as I would’ve liked. So that was another big reason why I go, ‘Okay, if you’re not going to jump in two-footed with me and hold hands, then I move on. We’ll see how I do when I go on my own’.
“Because I saw the new world is that linear TV and live football are always going to be there, but there’s also another world outside the 90 minutes that intrigues me, which I look at like a fan.
“So I want to know what the f*** these guys are eating, how do they sleep, how do they recover? I want to get the public closer to that and I want to be at the forefront of that. But at the same time, this is just who I am. I’m not trying to be no one, I’m me. I do my own s***. I’ve always been in my own lane.”
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Meanwhile, his wife, Kate, became emotional as she admitted she has “struggled” with homesickness and with living apart from his two eldest sons, Lorenz and Tate, as well as her friends and family in London.
Lorenz signed his first professional contract with Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, while Tate is part of the club’s U21 squad. Speaking on her Blended podcast, she said: “I feel like we’ve opened our eyes to a different world. But I love London, I love the UK.
“I love so many things about the UK. I do feel happy in Dubai, but I’m just missing a part of me.”
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Ferdinand and Kate moved to Dubai with their five‑year‑old son, Cree, their two‑year‑old daughter, Shae, and the former defender’s 14‑year‑old daughter, Tia, from his first marriage to Ellison. His two eldest sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, chose to remain in the UK.
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Auburn Tigers forward Keyshawn Hall (7) and head coach Steven Pearl leave the court as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Auburn Tigers 96-92.
If Auburn hopes to extend its streak of four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, it needs leading scorer Keyshawn Hall on the court. It appears that may just be the case come Wednesday.
Hall, who has been indefinitely suspended for undisclosed reasons, was not listed on the SEC availability report for the game, meaning he is expected to face Mississippi State on Wednesday night when the Tigers visit Starkville, Miss.
Auburn (14-11, 5-7 Southeastern Conference) has lost four straight overall and two consecutive road games. The Tigers dropped an 88-75 decision Saturday to Arkansas, a team that coach Steven Pearl’s squad dominated at home last month, 95-73.
Hall (20.7 ppg), Auburn’s leading scorer, had 32 points in that triumph, but he missed Saturday’s loss, as well as the last 12 and a half minutes of an 84-76 setback to Vanderbilt.
“When our guy that’s as good at attacking the paint as anybody in college basketball is not on the floor, it makes our points in the paint go down,” Pearl said. “That was probably the biggest difference, for me.”
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Without Hall, Tahaad Pettitford (29 points, 7 assists) and KeShawn Murphy (career-high 22 points, 12 rebounds) combined to score 30 of Auburn’s 32 first-half points.
Pettitford shot 61.1% (11 of 18) from the field, and Murphy, who posted his fourth double-double, shot 56.3% (9 of 16), but the rest of the team shot just 21.9%.
Mississippi State (12-13, 4-8), which has reached the NCAA Tournament in each of coach Chris Jan’s first three years, has lost 8 of 10, including five straight at home.
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However, the Bulldogs got 32 points and six assists from Josh Hubbard, 18 points and five rebounds from Achor Achor and 12 points and seven rebounds from Jayden Epps in a 90-78 victory over Ole Miss on Saturday.
“I was glad to see the shots going in,” Jans said.
Hubbard, who shot 75% (12 for 16) from the field, was the primary culprit as Mississippi State ended a three-game skid.
“He was getting to create his own angles, his own shots,” Jans said. “He got downhill a couple of times and didn’t get the call, but he was pretty aggressive, and I like when he does that.”
