World number five Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Australian Open first round by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. The epic five-set match ended 7-6, 4-6, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 in four hours, 41 minutes. It’s only Nadal’s second ever opening round defeat at a major tournament. Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, former world number one Ana Ivanovic beat the unseeded Tammi Patterson 6-2, 6-3.
F1's Bahrain and Saudi races set to be cancelled amid ongoing regional tensions
Formula One's Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are set to be cancelled over the weekend due to the ongoing regional tensions.
Georgia caught in doping scandal as players allegedly swapped urine samples
Six Georgia rugby players and a team official have committed anti-doping rule violations, the World Anti-Doping Agency and World Rugby said on Friday after an investigation uncovered a scheme involving alleged sample substitution and advance warnings of drug tests.
F1 leader Russell puts Mercedes on pole for China sprint race
Formula One championship leader George Russell put Mercedes on pole position for the first sprint race of the season in China on Friday in a provisional front row lockout with teammate Kimi Antonelli.
Everton's Moyes defends 'brilliant' Arsenal amid criticism of their playing style
Everton manager David Moyes came to counterpart Mikel Arteta's defence on Friday, hitting back at suggestions that Arsenal's physical approach and set-piece prowess present problems and saying it would be boring if every team played the same way.
Alcaraz sets up Medvedev Indian Wells semi-final, Sabalenka advances
World number one Carlos Alcaraz charged past Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-4 on Thursday to set up an Indian Wells semi-final against Daniil Medvedev after the Russian ended defending champion Jack Draper's run 6-1 7-5.
UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the arrest of 10 people of various nationalities for publishing misleading and fabricated videos on social media.
Abu Dhabi Police say 45 people of different nationalities have been arrested for filming locations linked to ongoing events and posting the footage on social media, while also sharing inaccurate and misleading information that could provoke public concern.
The UAE Cyber Security Council is urging individuals and organisations to remain vigilant against Wiper malware, describing it as one of the most destructive forms of malicious software, designed to erase data and disrupt systems.
