The Times of India

A power outage at the Crucible Theatre interrupted BBCs live coverage of the 2026 World Snooker Championship semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize for 12 minutes. BBC issued an apology, and despite the disruption, Allen regained his focus, leveling the match. The semi-final remains tightly contested heading into the final sessions.

As Mohamed Salah prepares to leave Liverpool FC, a Saudi Pro League move is no longer certain. Talks with Turkish club Fenerbahe and his preference to stay in Europe have shifted expectations, with negotiations paused but ongoing, and his next move still open heading into a decisive summer transfer window and World Cup preparation period ahead.

Barcelona will turn El Clsico against Real Madrid on May 10 into another Spotify-led crossover moment, with Olivia Rodrigos logo featured on a special-edition shirt. The campaign extends the clubs ongoing artist series since 2022, spanning both mens and womens teams, live performances, and limited merchandise, blending football, music, and commercial storytelling around one of the sports biggest fixtures.

FIFA is poised to secure federal tax exemptions for teams at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, easing a major financial concern for participating nations. However, uneven state and city taxes still leave disparities, particularly affecting smaller associations, meaning the tournaments financial landscape remains complex despite progress in negotiations with US authorities.

Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr to a crucial 20 win over Al Ahli, scoring the opener before tensions took over the match. Confrontations involving Merih Demiral, post-match accusations, and Ronaldos pointed response to fans shifted focus beyond the result, highlighting both a fierce rivalry and wider issues around refereeing and the leagues image.

Takeru Segawa ended his career with a fifth-round stoppage of Rodtang Iron Man Jitmuangnon at ONE Samurai 1, claiming the interim flyweight kickboxing world title. The win avenged his 80-second knockout loss a year earlier, capping a 465 career. The bout saw Takeru overcome early pressure before dropping and finishing Rodtang in a dramatic reversal.

Allyson Felix is targeting a remarkable Olympic return at Los Angeles 2028, driven by the pull of competing at home rather than expectations of success. The most decorated woman in track and field history is balancing family life with a measured comeback attempt, aiming to test her limits once more, even as she openly acknowledges the challenges of returning at 42.

Saudi Arabia has executed several Iraqi nationals. They were convicted of attempting to smuggle narcotics into the kingdom. The executions followed a thorough legal process. Saudi authorities are intensifying their crackdown on drug trafficking. This campaign targets organized criminal networks. The kingdom vows to impose strict punishments against smugglers.

UAE motorists will face higher fuel costs in May 2026 as petrol prices see another significant increase. This marks the third consecutive monthly hike, driven by global oil market instability and geopolitical tensions. The latest revisions mean higher expenses for daily commutes and businesses reliant on transportation.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are finally set to meet in 2026 after years of failed negotiations, with the bout expected to headline a major Netflix event. However, Joshua must first return against Kristian Prenga in July following a difficult period. The long-awaited clash between Britains heavyweight rivals is now closer than ever to becoming reality.

A scandal in 17th-century France exposed a hidden network of fortune tellers and alleged poisoners serving the elite. As investigations widened, fear spread rapidly, fuelled by rumours and forced confessions. When accusations reached the royal court, the king shut it down, leaving a story shaped as much by panic and power as by truth.