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.

Sebastian Sawes record-breaking London Marathon run has delivered a life-changing payday, with prize money and bonuses pushing his earnings toward seven figures. The Kenyan star has already outlined how he plans to use it, focusing on building a home, buying a car for his family and supporting his local community, turning sporting success into lasting impact beyond the race.

At a White House state dinner, Donald Trump broke from his prepared speech to publicly praise Rory McIlroys Masters triumph, creating an unscripted moment that briefly disrupted the evenings formal tone. Yet despite Trumps enthusiasm, McIlroy will skip the upcoming Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, opting instead for rest before returning ahead of the PGA Championship.

A chaotic 54 Champions League thriller between PSG and Bayern has reignited debate over footballs identity, with pundits praising the relentless attacking display while critics, including Piers Morgan, dismissed it as defensively reckless. As Arsenals structured, control-heavy style under Mikel Arteta comes under comparison, the match has sharpened a wider argument over whether spectacle or discipline defines elite football success.

FIFA has approved a landmark rule change allowing the Afghan womens team, now competing as Afghan Women United, to return to international football despite being in exile since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The decision removes the need for approval from Afghanistans ruling federation, restoring their pathway to competition and marking a major step for displaced athletes in global sport.

The NBA is weighing a major overhaul of its draft lottery system aimed at curbing tanking and boosting late-season competitiveness. The proposed 3-2-1 format would expand the lottery pool and redistribute odds to reward mid-tier non-playoff teams over the worst performers. If approved, it could reshape how franchises approach losing, rebuilding, and long-term roster planning across the league.

Olympic sprinter Abby Steiner has filed a lawsuit against Puma, alleging its running shoes caused injuries that derailed her career. Once a rising star and world champion relay gold medallist, Steiner claims defective footwear led to chronic foot and ankle issues, multiple surgeries, and her eventual withdrawal from elite competition, seeking damages for lost earnings and long-term physical impact.

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.