India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav waits for third umpire’s decision for his wicket during the fourth T20 cricket match between India and New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, India, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
NEW DELHI: The standoff is over. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a U-turn on its boycott of the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India.The Pakistan government on Monday has cleared the national team to play India in the T20 World Cup, directing it to honour the scheduled match against India.
T20 World Cup | ‘Our flight is booked and we are going’ – Suryakumar Yadav on Pakistan’s boycott
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The reversal came after the ICC flagged to the PCB the possible financial implications of invoking the Force Majeure clause to justify a last-minute pullout from the India match following government instructions. The clause, cited by the PCB, applies to unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a party from fulfilling its contractual obligations.“The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB),” read the statement from Government of Pakistan. “The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges.“The Government further noted the statement by BCB President, Mr. Amin ul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.“This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse.“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations.“The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend their best wishes to the “Men in Green.” We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory.”Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said its engagement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was aimed at reinforcing unity, integrity and respect for participation commitments to ensure the smooth conduct of the T20 World Cup. It also reaffirmed long-term support for Bangladesh cricket, stressing that the team’s absence from the 2026 event will not impact the sport’s growth in the country.
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“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation,” ICC said in a statement. “In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country.”
After the sting subsides and the New England fan base has had time to lick its wounds, those fans will turn the page and begin thinking about next season. When they do, they’ll ponder the following question: Can the Patriots return to the Super Bowl next year?
Despite how things unfolded Sunday, the answer is an unequivocal “yes.”
New England’s level of success this season was unexpected — the Patriots were 4-13 in 2023 and 2024 — and it’s certainly reasonable to expect the team to take another step forward next year.
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New England will lose some players to free agency, but none who you would call “core” contributors. Edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, an unrestricted free agent, may be the best of the bunch.
“I reminded them that we’re 307 days into what hopefully is a long, successful relationship and program. It’s OK to be disappointed and upset together. … Every year, somebody’s going to lose this game. We have to remember what it feels like and make sure it’s not repeatable.”
The quarterback/coach combo is in place with Drake Maye and Vrabel, and the defense has cornerstone pieces with cornerback Christian Gonzalez, 23, and tackle Milton Williams, 26, both of whom are in their prime.
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Of course, to make another lengthy playoff run, Maye will have to perform like he did in the regular season — not the postseason. Maye was sacked 21 times and had four passes intercepted in four playoff games.
“You’re going to have times like this and it’s how you bounce back,” Maye said. “All those guys in the locker room are going to use this as fuel and I’d go to war with those guys any time, any day, anywhere. It’s motivation to get back here and not have this feeling and have what they’re feeling out there. … Can’t wait to get back and play in another one.”
The New England fan base can also take solace in the fact that the team’s front office earned high marks in both free agency and the draft last season.
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Sunday’s outcome certainly highlighted New England’s shortcomings and will undoubtedly influence what team management does to help the roster.
Even with a low draft position, the Patriots should be able to bolster their offensive line and add a much-needed playmaker to their offense. Those two areas are arguably where the team needs the most upgrading.
The schedule will be more difficult next season, but the Patriots play in the weaker of the two conferences. Two of the top teams in the AFC — Buffalo and Baltimore — will each have a first-year head coach next season, and the AFC East is certainly manageable. It always helps to play the New York Jets twice a year.
DraftKings lists New England at +1200 to reach next year’s Super Bowl, behind Seattle (+950), the Los Angeles Rams (+950), and Buffalo (+1000).
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It shouldn’t surprise anybody if the Patriots get there.
Wikki Tourists Technical Adviser Abdul Maikaba has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, citing internal disunity and concerns for his personal safety.
In a resignation letter dated February 9, 2026, and addressed to the club chairman, Maikaba said constant disagreements among stakeholders made it difficult for the team to achieve its objectives.
The experienced coach also revealed that he had received several threats to his life while carrying out his duties, both through physical confrontations and on social media. He said the hostile environment forced him to resign after consulting with his family.
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According to Maikaba, the situation around the club had become unsafe for him to continue in the role.
Despite the circumstances, he thanked the club’s management for the opportunity to serve, describing Wikki Tourists as a great club and wishing them success in the future.
His resignation came a day after Wikki Tourists played out a dramatic 4-4 draw with neighbours Katsina United in their Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 25 clash in Bauchi.
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Maikaba is regarded as one of the experienced coaches in Nigerian football, having handled several top-flight clubs during his career.
There has been a major update on WWE star Dominik Mysterio’s in-ring return. The Judgment Day star is the reigning Intercontinental Champion, but has not been able to defend the title as of late due to injury.
According to a new update from Fightful Select, the promotion is hopeful to have Mysterio return to action in the near future. Mysterio has been out with an injury since December 20, 2025, and has not defended the Intercontinental Championship since winning it from John Cena at Survivor Series last year.
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Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio are in a storyline relationship on WWE television. Morgan missed several months due to injury before her return at Survivor Series 2025 to help Mysterio win the Intercontinental Championship. She also won the Women’s Royal Rumble match at the WWE PLE last weekend in Saudi Arabia and will be challenging for a major title later this year at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
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Popular WWE star reveals if she still trusts Dominik Mysterio
Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan recently shared whether she still trusted Dominik Mysterio.
Speaking on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast, the former champion stated that she still trusted Mysterio and accepted her Judgment Day stablemate for who he was. She also claimed that the Intercontinental Champion only betrayed people who did not fully accept him.
“What do you mean do I still trust Dominik? When did I not trust Dominik? Not with me. Not with me… No, I do know. See, what had happened was, is that all these people that Dominik turned on, they didn’t accept him for who he was at the end of the day. I accept Daddy Dom exactly. I like how he is, and so that’s why we don’t worry about those things,” she said.
LIV MORGAN AND DOMINIK MYSTERIO ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER #WWERAW
Dominik Mysterio won the Intercontinental Championship for the first time by pinning The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor at WrestleMania 41 in a Fatal 4-Way match. It will be fascinating to see what WWE has planned for the 28-year-old on the road to WrestleMania.
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Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kirk Cousins on the Ladies of Fox Sports Radio show set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirk Cousins led the Minnesota Vikings for six seasons from 2018 to 2023 as the QB1, resulting in two playoff trips and one postseason win. Now, the stars are aligning for a reunion. Cousins’s current employer, the Atlanta Falcons, will reportedly release him in the next few weeks, and NFL media was not shy last weekend about linking him to Minnesota.
Minnesota doesn’t need a reunion to make the quarterback rumor cycle messy, but Cousins’ situation now sits in the middle of the QB market.
No stranger to the Vikings’ quarterback rumor mill, The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini led the charge, connecting Cousins to Minnesota for a reunion contract.
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How Kirk Cousins Fits Into the Vikings’ 2026 Quarterback Conversation
The divisive Cousins might be back.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins walks off the field at Levi’s Stadium following the final whistle, with the moment dated Oct. 19, 2025, as Atlanta wrapped a road matchup in Santa Clara while Cousins processed late drives, sideline conversations, and the aftermath of a tightly contested game against San Francisco under bright lights and heavy scrutiny. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Cousins to Be Released
CBS Sports‘ Cody Nagel reported over the weekend, “The Atlanta Falcons are barreling toward another quarterback reset, and this one may finally bring clarity — not just for the future of the position, but for Kirk Cousins’ next act as well.”
“According to ESPN, the Falcons are expected to release Cousins before the start of the new league year in March, a move that would allow the veteran quarterback to choose his next destination — or decide whether he wants one at all — while reopening the quarterback picture in Atlanta.”
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Strangely, Atlanta will need a Cousins-like quarterback in 2026, mainly to get them over the hump of Michael Penix Jr.’s ACL recovery. But it looks less and less likely that Cousins will fill that role.
Russini on Cousins
Then, the fun part. Russini formally attached the Vikings’ name to the upcoming Cousins sweepstakes.
She explained, “Now comes the interesting part. Cousins has made no secret of his desire to become a full-time starter again. But Atlanta needs a capable backup, especially one who might have to play early as Michael Penix Jr. works his way back from his third ACL surgery. There’s also the Kevin Stefanski factor.”
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“Atlanta’s new head coach served as Cousins’ OC for one season in Minnesota. I’m watching to see if the Falcons find any parties interested in their backup. Speaking of those Vikings, one league source speculated that Cousins could be an option there, given his history with Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota’s desire to bring in competition for young J.J. McCarthy. All the while, the days tick away to March 13.”
Anytime Cousins has been remotely available via trade or otherwise in the last two years, the Vikings always surface as a landing spot. Like clockwork. The 2026 offseason is no different.
CBS Sports‘ Tyler Sullivan also name-dropped the Pittsburgh Steelers as a possible destination for Cousins last week, noting, “The jury is still out on whether or not Aaron Rodgers will be back for his 22nd season in the NFL or if he’ll opt for retirement as he’s alluded to throughout the 2025 season.”
“If he does call it quits, the Steelers aren’t in a strong position to find a quarterback of the future at the 2026 NFL Draft, owning the 21st overall pick. With that in mind, the front office could do what they’ve done over the last few offseasons and bring in veteran quarterbacks.”
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The San Francisco 49ers (if Mac Jones is traded) and the Arizona Cardinals could also make sense for Cousins’ services.
Sullivan concluded on Cousins to PIT: “They did it with Russell Wilson in 2024 and Aaron Rodgers last year, and it would seem like Cousins fits that similar profile they’ve targeted in the past. With Mike McCarthy now installed as head coach, Cousins’ skillset would also seem to fit his system pretty seamlessly.”
A QB2 in MIN? Or QB1?
If one assumes that Cousins-to-Minnesota is a real possibility, the fun part becomes analyzing and predicting his job title.
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For years, Cousins unabashedly led the Vikings at QB1, but a reunion wouldn’t carry the exact same stakes. O’Connell could do three things with a freshly signed Cousins on his roster:
Concede that Cousins will likely be the QB1 in Week 1 of 2026
Toss Cousins into a summer camp battle against McCarthy
Sign him strictly as a contingency plan at QB2, the same role Cousins held heading into 2025 with the Falcons
The last time the Vikings employed Cousins under center (2023), he ranked as the NFL’s fifth-best passer in EPA per play. But in 2025, Cousins ranked 30th of 35 qualifying quarterbacks.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell surveys the field at U.S. Bank Stadium during second-quarter action, with the scene set on Dec. 25, 2025, as Minnesota battled Detroit while O’Connell monitored adjustments, communication, and situational flow amid a physical divisional game on Christmas Day under intense crowd noise, late stakes, and playoff implications looming. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
It’s worth differentiating that 2026 Cousins won’t necessarily play like 2023 Cousins; he’s since suffered a torn Achilles tendon and has naturally aged three years.
Finally Cheap
The perk of any Cousins signing this go-round is damn near a first of its kind regarding the man. He’s basically been paid by the 2026 Falcons; his next team will sign him for NFL pennies.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins releases a throw at Allegiant Stadium as pressure closes, with the play occurring on Dec. 16, 2024, during a road game in Las Vegas while Cousins challenged coverage, navigated traffic, and tested timing against the Raiders’ defense in the second half amid mounting urgency, tight windows, and late-game risk. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In the past, Vikings loyalists divided into camps over whether Cousins was good at all, and his sizable contract always irritated a significant portion of the fan base. This time, that resentment won’t apply. He’ll be similar to Russell Wilson joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, already compensated by the Denver Broncos, so his subsequent deal need not break the bank.
Will the same crowd that despised Cousins and his contract from 2018 to 2023 suddenly warm up to him because he’s affordable?
Team GB’s Mia Brookes remains positive as she reflects on her narrow medal miss in the snowboarding big air final and looks ahead to the slopestyle event at the Winter Olympics.
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) makes a catch against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have two more years of control over wide receiver Jordan Addison’s rookie contract, but because the electric playmaker can’t stay out of trouble off the field, some have speculated that he could be traded. And last week, Bleacher Report‘s Alex Ballentine mentioned the Kansas City Chiefs as a landing spot.
Minnesota may keep Addison, but the market chatter keeps widening, and Kansas City now shows up as a logical “call-and-ask” team.
To date this offseason, Addison has been whispered as a trade candidate for the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills. It’s time to unofficially add the Chiefs to the mix.
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Bleacher Report Adds the Chiefs to Jordan Addison Trade Chatter
Minnesota probably won’t trade Addison, but the theories are out there.
A close-up view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet rests near the sideline at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, with the scene captured on Aug. 22, 2024, as Kansas City prepared to face Chicago while pregame routines unfolded and equipment staff finalized setup ahead of kickoff in Missouri. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports.
BR: Addison to Chiefs Might Make Sense
Balletine sized up trade targets for every team, and when he got the Chiefs, he wrote, “There’s still room for a smart GM like Brett Veach to add talent to the roster that won’t hurt their cap situation. For instance, Jordan Addison is now extension-eligible, but the Vikings will have a new general manager.”
“Minnesota could be looking to move on from Addison after he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespassing. The charges were later dropped, but he’s had mutliple arrests since being draft. He could get a fresh start in Kansas City. He would only account for a $2.6 million cap hit this season.”
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The Chiefs finished 6-11 last season, a signifcant fall from grace for a team arguably in the middle of a dynasty.
The Chiefs’ Would-Be WR Room
The Chiefs own the ninth pick in April’s draft — which could be prime territory to pick the best running back in the class, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love — and will probably draft a defensive player, based on the current mock-draft consensus.
If so, assuming Bleacher Report‘s Addison prediction comes true, Kansas City would be looking at an WR corps like this in 2026, before adding any free agents or rookies:
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Rashee Rice
Jordan Addison
Xavier Worthy
Jalen Royals
Jimmy Holliday
Jason Browlne
Andrew Armstrong
And you know what? With a healthy Patrick Mahomes back, that group would do the trick (and then some), even if tight end Travis Kelce retires.
The Viking Age‘sBrad Berreman opined last week on the idea of Addison to the Chiefs, “Since trading away Tyreek Hill a few years ago, the Chiefs have struggled to get consistent production from their wide receivers despite some notable draft investments. Tight end Travis Kelce is no longer in a stage of his career where he can cover up that deficit, and the offense has shown cracks at times despite Patrick Mahomes’ best efforts.”
“The Vikings have a lot of things to consider when it comes to trading Addison this offseason. Where does he currently sit on the talent/worth the trouble spectrum after another off-field incident? Coming off his worst season, where is his trade value? Would picking up his fifth-year option help or hurt that trade value?”
The Chiefs’ offense ranked 11th in EPA per play this season.
Berreman continued, “The more teams that may be interested in trading for Addison, the better it’ll be for the Vikings if they want to move him. The Chiefs could be more motivated than most other suitors to best every other offer, as they try to get back to the top of the AFC.”
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“Finding a lower-salary option at wide receiver, who they can see about before committing to long-term, would seem to be in the Chiefs’ wheelhouse. That’s also a space in the trade market Addison occupies fairly uniquely, with some proven production on his resume to bolster the fit.”
The Trade Price
Addison has several legal strikes against him through three seasons in the pros, and he’s never topped over 920 receiving yards in a season. Vikings fans know firsthand that he’s electric and very capable of holding down a WR1 job if given the chance, but the rest of the league won’t pay a 1st-Rounder for him. The production and legal woes prevent it.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison secures a reception at Lambeau Field, with the play occurring on Oct. 29, 2023, as Addison worked through coverage from Green Bay cornerback Jaire Alexander during Minnesota’s road win while the offense sustained momentum in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Therefore, Minnesota’s compensation for Darnold would likely center around a 2nd-Round pick. Other picks may be involved to balance trade scales, but the Vikings should not settle for anything less than 2nd-Rounder to get negotiations off the ground.
It’s also worth noting that new interim general manager Rob Brzezinski has until May to decide whether Addison’s fifth-year rookie contractual option is worth it. Most expect the Vikings to exercise it.
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Vikings’ Life after Addison?
Pretend Addison is traded for a 2nd-Rounder or something similar. Their problems won’t be solved with a draft pick alone.
The club would need a new WR2, and those do not grow on trees. In theory, Brzezinski could re-sign free agent Jalen Nailor and force him into a WR2 role, though Nailor has never consistently shown the prowess to hold up a WR2.
Minnesota could also explore one of these free agents in March:
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Mike Evans
Jauan Jennings
Christian Kirk
Alec Pierce
Wan’Dale Robinson
Deebo Samuel
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison moves through warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium, with preparations taking place on Dec. 1, 2024, as Minnesota readied for Arizona while Addison loosened up, reviewed routes, and settled into his pregame routine ahead of kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
From the draft, one of these men might be in play at pick No. 18 if Addison leaves the roster:
The Duke basketball staff member that was caught up in the court storm at the Dean Smith Center on Saturday night is doing much better, Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer said on Monday.
“I came back in the locker room and I see he’s got a bloody lip and he’s disheveled and he didn’t know what happened,” Scheyer said on Monday. “He got trampled on the floor. That was my main concern after the game and that’s why I said what I said.”
While it’s unclear who the staff member is, Scheyer said he was the only person injured in the chaos. And, now days later, he is doing fine.
“It was not a good situation,” Scheyer said. “But he’s doing better, he’s fine. Ready to move on. I don’t have anything more to say other than, that was a very unsafe situation for him, our staff, our families, our players.”
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There were actually two court storms on Saturday, one with 0.4 seconds left on the clock and then another after officials cleared the court and finished out the game.
The ACC fined North Carolina $50,000 for the court storm on Sunday, as it was a violation of the league’s “event security policy.”
“Obviously if somebody got injured, that’s just really, really disappointing,” Cunningham said. “We’ll do the best we can to make sure that doesn’t happen, but again, my apologies to Duke for that.”
“I don’t have any issue with court storming,” he said. “Just shouldn’t have people getting punched in the face. Shouldn’t put our players in position where they’re face-to-face with people who can do anything at that time. It just takes one reaction. Even today, I had to push people away just to try to protect our players.”
The win for North Carolina marked its largest comeback victory over Duke in the last 25 years. It snapped a 10-game win streak for the Blue Devils, and moved the Tar Heels up three spots in the latest Associated Press poll on Monday.
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Duke and North Carolina will square off again on March 7 in the last game of the regular season, this time at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
“I’m a big boy, we can take losing,” Scheyer said on Monday. “Great college game, Carolina played great.”
Blonde Star pulled off a major boilover in the Hobart Cup (2400m) during the 2026 carnival, gifting trainer Imogen Miller and jockey Erica Byrne Burke their breakthrough Group 3 conquest.
At $31 into the race, the Starcraft-sired mare outlasted the punters’ choice in an agonizing photo finish, eclipsing the Elwick course record over 2400m.
Consequently, the Hobart Cup stays Tasmanian-owned for the first time post-Toorak Affair’s 2020 success.
Notable setbacks emerged after her prior engagement, heightening the joy of this Miller victory.
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“We knew she’d run well today. Things didn’t really go our way at Devonport, so it’s probably been unlucky there,” she said.
“I thought her run was good last start, but maybe she wasn’t at her best, and she pulled up and had a few little niggling issues in between runs, so really very happy obviously with her today.
“She’s a ripping little horse and she’s a beautiful horse to have around. She tries hard, she’s consistent. I mean, can’t really fault her. We all love her.”
Partner to Miller and ex-rider Brendon McCoul chipped in: “This last week, since her last run, we’ve been really, really happy with her. I said to the owners before the race, we’re a lot more confident with her leading into this.”
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“It’s obviously a tougher race than last start here, but we were much happier with her leading into this race. Very confident she’d run well and ecstatic to get the win.”
Barrier five saw Byrne Burke positioned three-wide covered early on.
With 800m remaining, the Ireland native pushed hard, confining the foe as they cornered from the back straight, the five-year-old surging wider on the turn.
Poised to pounce entering the straight, she scrapped tenaciously, with Ziryab and Taramansour battling valiantly on both sides of the mare.
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Blonde Star dead-heated the favourite Ziryab at the wire, requiring extended deliberation from officials before number nine was upheld.
Erica Byrne Burke was thrilled beyond measure.
“I’m in disbelief. I didn’t believe it until I came back and saw the number and everyone’s cheering, but, yeah, I can’t believe it,” she said.
“She was so good. I can probably say now I gave it a bad ride. I wanted to do this for Brendon and (Imogen), and all the owners, it’s just great.
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“I was just saying in my head, just don’t hit the front too soon. It’s a long way from home. But, God, she was gutsy.
“To win a Hobart Cup, it doesn’t really feel real. For Brendon and Imogen to keep me on his horse, they’ve been very good and great supporters. I’m kind of lost for words, really. It’s just brilliant.”
Manchester City produced an incredible comeback to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield and move back to within six points of Premier League leaders Arsenal
16:40, 09 Feb 2026Updated 17:47, 09 Feb 2026
After the full-time whistle at Anfield on Sunday, Bernardo Silva insisted the mood in the camp was clear before kick off: if City lost against Liverpool and allowed the gap to Arsenal to stretch to nine points, the Premier League title race would be over.
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When Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 74th minute, that concern could become a reality. However, a sensational 30 minutes of football followed which turned the tables on both the game and potentially the race for Premier League glory.
Now the dust has settled on a rollercoaster match at Anfield, MEN Sport has taken a look at five key moments which settled the game in City’s favour against Liverpool and ensured the three points would be returning back to the Etihad Stadium. From a style tweak to two key players, this is what we spotted.
Erling Haaland has been playing for City long enough now for fans to realise what he does and does not bring to the table. He is not a relentless pressing machine who will run for the full 90 minutes and rush the centre-backs throughout.
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But, when he gets a sniff of an opportunity inside the box or in shooting range, there is arguably nobody else you want over the ball. However, the Norwegian showed a different side to his game in the final half hour of the contest as he made two key contributions for his team – beyond scoring the winning penalty.
First, he offered an outlet as Matheus Nunes played a ball forward, linking up the play to relieve some of the pressure City were feeling immediately after conceding. His next contribution saw him peel off his marker to flick the ball on for Bernardo to equalise.
It was evidence once again, if needed, that if City can get Haaland involved, even when he is not scoring, he is incredibly useful to his teammates.
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Change in style
Shortly after equalising, Pep Guardiola could be seen barking instructions to Gianluigi Donnarumma to play the ball long towards Haaland. This was no surprise considering the hold up play the striker showcased moments earlier.
But it was more proof that Guardiola has the flexibility which his critics believe he lacks. Guardiola showed on Sunday he is more than willing to adopt different styles to get the job done. Going route one is perhaps not his preferred method but in this scenario it was the best way to get the win.
Formation shift
With the scores level, City moved to a 4-1-3-2 formation which would ultimately pay dividends. Antoine Semenyo joined Haaland in the forward line to help create more options at the top of the pitch.
When City managed to get the penalty for the winner, they were the team playing more positively with Liverpool dropping deep while the Blues risked players in the final third. As Semenyo and Haaland occupied the centre-backs, City spread play out wide.
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Nunes’ perfectly timed run allowed Bernardo to produce a wonderful weighted pass, teasing Alisson to commit and ultimately bring down the full-back for the penalty.
Managing the tempo
When the tempo is higher, City look a much better side but in the final moments, after a gruelling game up to that point, they were unable to play at a high intensity continuously. What was impressive was how City managed to switch between slow and faster play as they ultimately turned the game on its head.
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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.
In the build-up to the equaliser and then the awarding of the penalty, City went from quite slow, casual passing to fast paced movement which caused Liverpool too many problems for them to deal with. This is a credit to the fitness of this group of players as there was only one team with the legs to be positive.
Donnarumma
With the advantage, City reverted to a defensive formation as they looked to see out the game. Semenyo came off for Nathan Ake which signified the Blues’ intentions.
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But the decision to bring in Donnarumma this summer was justified in the final moments at Anfield. It was not just his world class stop to deny Alexis Mac Allister which meant he deserved the plaudits at the end, it was his overall authority in goal that impressed.
He commanded his area superbly, smothered the ball when low crosses were played into the box and produced a vital punch to clear an in-swinging corner soon after the Mac Allister save. City have arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and the performance from him after his team went 2-1 up ultimately kept the title race alive.
Games Torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games began its journey to Benin, Edo State on Monday, February 9 in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Torch, which is the symbol of the Games will pass through the capitals of all nine participating states that make up the Niger Delta region.
In Calabar, the Torch bearer, Patience Okon George led some Sports Commission officials and athletes from the U.J Esuene Stadium to the Governor’s office where they were officially received by the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, organisers of the games.
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A colourful procession which included young men and women dressed in the famous Calabar Carnival costumes. They danced to local Efik tunes belted from loud speakers mounted on trucks.
Odey, who stood in for Governor Bassey Otu, assured the state athletes that they would be adequately provided with equipment and welfare support to excel at the games, charging them to compete fairly to win in all the sports.
Ikpokpo commended the State Liaison Committee members for organising an entertaining Torch Tour and encouraged other states to design their own unique tour event.
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According to a roaster released by organisers of the games, Akwa Ibom State is the next stop for the Torch on February 10. It will then proceed to Abia on the 11th, Imo on 12th March and Rivers State on February 13.
Bayelsa will host the Games Torch on February 14, while Delta State would receive it on February 16, from where it proceeds to Ondo on the 18th.
The Games Torch would light the cauldron at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to symbolise the start of the Games on the opening day and would on the last day, be handed over to the next host state.
The Niger Delta Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
