Last week, following escalating attacks on critical energy and water facilities, the Israeli-U.S. war in Iran entered a new stage. “Now the war on infrastructure has started,” said Kaveh Madani, a water researcher at the United Nations University and former deputy vice president of Iran. On March 18, Israel struck...
Sports quiz of the week: a fight, a joke, a gift and a Liverpool legend
Have you been following the big stories in football, rugby union, snooker, baseball and athletics? Continue reading...
Chess: iconic Reykjavik Open sparks memory of Bobby Fischer from 1973
The US legend declined a $25,000 offer from shoe firm Clarks to meet the cream of England’s juniors The nine-round Reykjavik Open, which began on Wednesday afternoon at the Harpa Conference Centre and which continued with two rounds on Thursday, is an iconic event. It was first played as an...
Castleford’s sensational spell blows Bradford away to kick off birthday celebrations
Castleford 40-28 Bradford Bulls had led before Tigers’ run of 28 unanswered points It is fair to assume neither Castleford Tigers nor Bradford Bulls will be in title contention later this year, not least based on what we saw here from both teams. However, in terms of an appetiser to...
Why Max Verstappen gave me my marching orders from a press conference | Giles Richards
Former world champion’s ultimatum blindsided me, but there are more serious issues than an F1 driver being cross with you for doing your job In the grand scheme of things I enjoy a remarkably privileged career, paid to cover Formula One, a sport I have loved since 1976. So I...
Aryna Sabalenka sinks Rybakina to set up Miami Open final showdown with Gauff
World No 1 wins semi-final 6-4, 6-3 at Hard Rock Stadium American beats Muchova 6-1, 6-1 to continue domination of rival Aryna Sabalenka believes she is ready for the challenge of facing her rival Coco Gauff in the Miami Open final as she stands one win away from winning Indian...
Buttler looks for form as IPL returns with riches, political rancour and aftermath of tragedy
Former England captain seeks inspiration from the pioneering Kevin Pietersen as he heads a 12-strong contingent of compatriots in 2026’s tournament “I will always be grateful for what the IPL gave me,” Kevin Pietersen tells Jos Buttler. “It gave me a lot of controversy, I earned a lot of money,...
Thomas Tuchel confident Ben White will not be booed by England crowd
Defender called up for first time since exiting 2022 World Cup ‘There are strong opinions but he deserves a second chance’ Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that Ben White needs to clear the air with his teammates after returning to the England squad, but the head coach is confident the defender...
Ireland dreams end in shootout heartbreak after Krejci’s late goal rescues Czechs
A familiar tale of World Cup playoff agony awaited the Republic of Ireland in Prague, but this was no hard luck story. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s team twice had the Czech Republic where they wanted them, in normal time and in a penalty shootout, and twice they let them off the hook....
Wales agony as Bosnia and Herzegovina win penalty shootout to end World Cup hopes
Two years to the day since penalty shootout heartbreak against Poland, more agony from 12 yards for Wales, this time to deny them a shot at reaching this summer’s World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks after a typically absorbing night in the Welsh capital, one that went...