![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2ec185cc-afp__20260412__a7jh3ah__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo.webp\")
MONTE CARLO: Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time Sunday and reclaim the world number one ranking from his Spanish rival.
\nSinner downed Alcaraz 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to capture his third ATP 1000 title of the year after completing the “Sunshine Double” last month with victories in Indian Wells and Miami.
\nThe 24-year-old Sinner joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as only the third player to win four successive ATP 1000 titles, having also triumphed in Paris at the end of last season.
\nIt was the first meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz since the Italian prevailed at the ATP Finals in November.
\nSinner, who is now 7-10 in his career against Alcaraz, will return to the top of the rankings Monday for the first time this year.
\nHe has won his last 17 matches and becomes the first man since Djokovic in 2015 to win the first three ATP 1000 titles of the season.
\n","content_text":"MONTE CARLO: Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time Sunday and reclaim the world number one ranking from his Spanish rival.\nSinner downed Alcaraz 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to capture his third ATP 1000 title of the year after completing the \"Sunshine Double\" last month with victories in Indian Wells and Miami.\nThe 24-year-old Sinner joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as only the third player to win four successive ATP 1000 titles, having also triumphed in Paris at the end of last season.\nIt was the first meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz since the Italian prevailed at the ATP Finals in November.\nSinner, who is now 7-10 in his career against Alcaraz, will return to the top of the rankings Monday for the first time this year.\nHe has won his last 17 matches and becomes the first man since Djokovic in 2015 to win the first three ATP 1000 titles of the season.","date_published":"2026-04-12T15:44:29.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Carlos Alcaraz","final.","Jannik Sinner","Monte Carlo Masters","no.1"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2ec185cc-afp__20260412__a7jh3ah__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2ec185cc-afp__20260412__a7jh3ah__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/12/sports-ministry-gives-aid-to-cwealth-games-gold-medallist-saravanan","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/12/sports-ministry-gives-aid-to-cwealth-games-gold-medallist-saravanan","title":"Sports ministry gives aid to C’wealth Games gold medallist Saravanan","summary":"Dr Taufiq Johari says his ministry is assessing the former athlete’s needs and medical costs to ensure he and his family receive sufficient assistance.","content_html":"![\"Taufiq](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d9d08f51-taufiq-johari-saravanan-bernama-120426.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Youth and sports minister Dr Taufiq Johari today visited former national walker G Saravanan, who is battling motor neurone disease (MND), to present a financial contribution from his ministry.
\nTaufiq said the ministry would continue to assist and oversee Saravanan’s welfare, and would not neglect the welfare of veteran athletes who have brought international glory to the nation.
\n“The ministry and the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) are assessing his current needs and medical costs, including physiotherapy, medical treatment and other monthly expenses, to ensure the assistance provided is sufficient for him and his family,” Bernama reported him as saying after the visit in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
\nSaravanan, 56, Malaysia’s only Commonwealth Games athletics gold medallist, was diagnosed with MND in 2021 and now relies on a feeding tube, requiring constant care.
\nFMT previously reported that his battle with MND has progressively stripped away his ability to walk, speak, and eat.
\nTaufiq spent about half an hour visiting Saravanan, during which he also gave him a personal contribution.
\nYakeb chairman Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said the foundation has provided various forms of aid to Saravanan since he fell ill, including a monthly contribution of RM500 to alleviate the family’s financial burden.
\n“Yakeb has channelled over RM30,000 to Saravanan. We have been monitoring his disease’s progression since he was diagnosed and are doing our best to help his family,” he said.
\nSaravanan’s wife, M Sassikala, 53, said his condition was stable and showing slight positive development, although he still requires a ventilator at night to assist his breathing.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Youth and sports minister Dr Taufiq Johari today visited former national walker G Saravanan, who is battling motor neurone disease (MND), to present a financial contribution from his ministry.\nTaufiq said the ministry would continue to assist and oversee Saravanan’s welfare, and would not neglect the welfare of veteran athletes who have brought international glory to the nation.\n“The ministry and the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) are assessing his current needs and medical costs, including physiotherapy, medical treatment and other monthly expenses, to ensure the assistance provided is sufficient for him and his family,” Bernama reported him as saying after the visit in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.\nSaravanan, 56, Malaysia’s only Commonwealth Games athletics gold medallist, was diagnosed with MND in 2021 and now relies on a feeding tube, requiring constant care.\nFMT previously reported that his battle with MND has progressively stripped away his ability to walk, speak, and eat.\nTaufiq spent about half an hour visiting Saravanan, during which he also gave him a personal contribution.\nYakeb chairman Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said the foundation has provided various forms of aid to Saravanan since he fell ill, including a monthly contribution of RM500 to alleviate the family's financial burden.\n\"Yakeb has channelled over RM30,000 to Saravanan. We have been monitoring his disease’s progression since he was diagnosed and are doing our best to help his family,\" he said.\nSaravanan’s wife, M Sassikala, 53, said his condition was stable and showing slight positive development, although he still requires a ventilator at night to assist his breathing.","date_published":"2026-04-12T15:27:39.000Z","author":{"name":"FMT Reporters"},"tags":["Super Highlight","Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Top Sports","Commonwealth games","G Saravanan","MND","Taufiq Johari","Youth and Sports Ministry"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d9d08f51-taufiq-johari-saravanan-bernama-120426.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d9d08f51-taufiq-johari-saravanan-bernama-120426.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/spurs-rue-bad-luck-as-relegation-fears-deepen","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/spurs-rue-bad-luck-as-relegation-fears-deepen","title":"Spurs rue bad luck as relegation fears deepen","summary":"Tottenham's Premier League plight deepened with a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday in Roberto De Zerbi's first match in charge.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/19476ab0-afp__20260412__a7j93qk__v1__highres__fblengprsunderlandtottenham.webp\")
LONDON: Tottenham’s Premier League plight deepened with a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday in Roberto De Zerbi’s first match in charge before Manchester City tried to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.
\nSpurs brought in the former Brighton and Marseille boss at the end of last month in a last-ditch bid to save themselves from a catastrophic relegation.
\nBut the Italian failed to inspire his team in a tricky baptism at Sunderland and his team remain in the drop zone.
\nTottenham, playing under their third manager this season, are without a Premier League win since late December as they contemplate the nightmare of a first relegation from the English top flight since 1977.
\nThe visitors looked bright in the opening stages and were awarded a penalty that was subsequently overturned by VAR.
\nDe Zerbi’s team were grateful to goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who was out quickly to smother a Brian Brobbey shot at point-blank range shortly before half-time while Robin Roefs denied Dominic Solanke at the other end.
\nSunderland took the lead courtesy of a huge slice of luck on the hour, when Nordi Mukiele’s shot took a massive deflection off Micky van de Ven and looped into the goal.
\nDe Zerbi made three changes, bringing on Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr and Mathys Tel and then lost captain Cristian Romero to injury.
\nSpurs pushed hard for an equaliser late on but Roefs tipped over a powerful Pedro Porro effort in stoppage time to ensure the win for Sunderland.
\nTottenham, who parted ways with interim boss Igor Tudor at the end of last month, are two points behind 17th-placed West Ham and have six games left to save themselves from an almost unthinkable relegation.
\nThey are the ninth-wealthiest club in the world, according to Deloitte’s latest rankings, underlining the extraordinary nature of their predicament.
\nRelegation rivals Nottingham Forest held Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground and remain one point above the Hammers.
\nUnai Emery’s Villa, chasing a Champions League spot next season, took the lead courtesy of a Murillo own goal.
\nForest were level later in the first half when Neco Williams finished smartly from outside the box.
\nJean-Philippe Mateta scored twice, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Newcastle 2-1 at Selhurst Park.
\nCity aim to crank up pressure
\nPep Guardiola’s City travel to face inconsistent Chelsea later, aiming to move six points behind Arsenal.
\nMikel Arteta’s Gunners slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home by Bournemouth on Saturday following a toothless display.
\nIt means City, denied a fifth straight Premier League title by Liverpool last season, now have matters in their own hands again.
\nA win at Stamford Bridge and at home to Arsenal next week would reduce the gap to just three points, with a game in hand.
\nChelsea themselves need a victory to close the four-point gap to fifth-placed Liverpool, with the top five qualifying for Champions League football next season.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: Tottenham's Premier League plight deepened with a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday in Roberto De Zerbi's first match in charge before Manchester City tried to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.\nSpurs brought in the former Brighton and Marseille boss at the end of last month in a last-ditch bid to save themselves from a catastrophic relegation.\nBut the Italian failed to inspire his team in a tricky baptism at Sunderland and his team remain in the drop zone.\nTottenham, playing under their third manager this season, are without a Premier League win since late December as they contemplate the nightmare of a first relegation from the English top flight since 1977.\nThe visitors looked bright in the opening stages and were awarded a penalty that was subsequently overturned by VAR.\nDe Zerbi's team were grateful to goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who was out quickly to smother a Brian Brobbey shot at point-blank range shortly before half-time while Robin Roefs denied Dominic Solanke at the other end.\nSunderland took the lead courtesy of a huge slice of luck on the hour, when Nordi Mukiele's shot took a massive deflection off Micky van de Ven and looped into the goal.\nDe Zerbi made three changes, bringing on Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr and Mathys Tel and then lost captain Cristian Romero to injury.\nSpurs pushed hard for an equaliser late on but Roefs tipped over a powerful Pedro Porro effort in stoppage time to ensure the win for Sunderland.\nTottenham, who parted ways with interim boss Igor Tudor at the end of last month, are two points behind 17th-placed West Ham and have six games left to save themselves from an almost unthinkable relegation.\nThey are the ninth-wealthiest club in the world, according to Deloitte's latest rankings, underlining the extraordinary nature of their predicament.\nRelegation rivals Nottingham Forest held Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground and remain one point above the Hammers.\nUnai Emery's Villa, chasing a Champions League spot next season, took the lead courtesy of a Murillo own goal.\nForest were level later in the first half when Neco Williams finished smartly from outside the box.\nJean-Philippe Mateta scored twice, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Newcastle 2-1 at Selhurst Park.\nCity aim to crank up pressure\nPep Guardiola's City travel to face inconsistent Chelsea later, aiming to move six points behind Arsenal.\nMikel Arteta's Gunners slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home by Bournemouth on Saturday following a toothless display.\nIt means City, denied a fifth straight Premier League title by Liverpool last season, now have matters in their own hands again.\nA win at Stamford Bridge and at home to Arsenal next week would reduce the gap to just three points, with a game in hand.\nChelsea themselves need a victory to close the four-point gap to fifth-placed Liverpool, with the top five qualifying for Champions League football next season.","date_published":"2026-04-12T15:23:34.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Manchester City","Premier League","Roberto De Zerbi","Sunderland","Tottenham"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/19476ab0-afp__20260412__a7j93qk__v1__highres__fblengprsunderlandtottenham.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/19476ab0-afp__20260412__a7j93qk__v1__highres__fblengprsunderlandtottenham.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/napolis-title-defence-dented-by-1-1-draw-at-parma","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/napolis-title-defence-dented-by-1-1-draw-at-parma","title":"Napoli’s title defence dented by 1-1 draw at Parma","summary":"Napoli struggled to break down hosts Parma, who were content to sit deep and soak up the pressure and deny the away team a sixth straight league win.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/16d105e7-afp__20260412__a7j93q8__v1__highres__f.webp\")
PARMA: Napoli’s Serie A title defence suffered a blow with Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Parma which gived league leaders Inter Milan the chance to move nine points clear.
\nScott McTominay’s drilled finish on the hour mark gave Napoli a draw which may well not be enough for the champions to claim a third Scudetto in four seasons.
\nNapoli trail Inter by six points, a gap which could increase following the late match between the Milan giants and Champions League chasers Como.
\nAntonio Conte’s team were on the back foot within 36 seconds. That was how long it took for Gabriel Strefezza to race on to Nesta Elphege’s knock-on and beautifully curl home Parma’s opener.
\nNapoli struggled to break down the hosts who were content to sit deep and soak up the pressure and deny the away team a sixth straight league win.
\nLast weekend’s win over AC Milan had reopened the prospect of retaining the title but a draw at the Stadio Ennio Tardini has made that feat less likely with six matches remaining in their season.
\nParma are level on 36 points with Genoa, who also took a step towards safety with a tumultuous 2-1 win over Sassuolo in the day’s early fixture. Both teams were down to 10 men for the second half following a tunnel bust-up.
\nCaleb Ekuban tapped home Genoa’s winner with six minutes remaining in front of a typically passionate crowd at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris who watched their team move nine points clear away from the relegation zone in 13th.
\nGenoa midfiedler Mikael Ellertsson and Italy international Domenico Berardi were sent off after a row blew up just after the half-time whistle, with the hosts leading through Ruslan Malinovskyi.
\n","content_text":"PARMA: Napoli's Serie A title defence suffered a blow with Sunday's 1-1 draw at Parma which gived league leaders Inter Milan the chance to move nine points clear.\nScott McTominay's drilled finish on the hour mark gave Napoli a draw which may well not be enough for the champions to claim a third Scudetto in four seasons.\nNapoli trail Inter by six points, a gap which could increase following the late match between the Milan giants and Champions League chasers Como.\nAntonio Conte's team were on the back foot within 36 seconds. That was how long it took for Gabriel Strefezza to race on to Nesta Elphege's knock-on and beautifully curl home Parma's opener.\nNapoli struggled to break down the hosts who were content to sit deep and soak up the pressure and deny the away team a sixth straight league win.\nLast weekend's win over AC Milan had reopened the prospect of retaining the title but a draw at the Stadio Ennio Tardini has made that feat less likely with six matches remaining in their season.\nParma are level on 36 points with Genoa, who also took a step towards safety with a tumultuous 2-1 win over Sassuolo in the day's early fixture. Both teams were down to 10 men for the second half following a tunnel bust-up.\nCaleb Ekuban tapped home Genoa's winner with six minutes remaining in front of a typically passionate crowd at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris who watched their team move nine points clear away from the relegation zone in 13th.\nGenoa midfiedler Mikael Ellertsson and Italy international Domenico Berardi were sent off after a row blew up just after the half-time whistle, with the hosts leading through Ruslan Malinovskyi.","date_published":"2026-04-12T15:11:46.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Genoa","Inter Milan","Napoli","Parma","Serie A"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/16d105e7-afp__20260412__a7j93q8__v1__highres__f.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/16d105e7-afp__20260412__a7j93q8__v1__highres__f.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/union-berlins-eta-becomes-first-female-coach-in-top-five-european-leagues","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/union-berlins-eta-becomes-first-female-coach-in-top-five-european-leagues","title":"Union Berlin’s Eta becomes first female coach in top-five European leagues","summary":"Never before has a men's top-flight club in Germany, England, Spain, Italy or France appointed a woman in the head coach role.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/86708302-afp-a7ht3zq-marie-louise-eta.webp\")
BERLIN: Bundesliga club Union Berlin on Sunday named Marie-Louise Eta as head coach, making her the first female manager of a men’s team in a top-five European league, after former mentor Steffen Baumgart was sacked.
\nThe 34-year-old will take over for the remainder of the season.
\n“I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task,” Eta said in a statement.
\n“One of Union’s strengths has always been our ability to pull together in such situations. And of course, I’m convinced that we’ll get the points we need with this team.”
\nEta became the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history when she was promoted to the role in 2023.
\nNever before has a men’s top-flight club in Germany, England, Spain, Italy or France — considered the top-five European leagues — appointed a woman in the head coach role.
\nEta’s first match in the dugout is on Saturday when Union host struggling Wolfsburg.
\nBaumgart was sacked early on Sunday morning after the club’s form flatlined in the second-half of the season, with Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at last-placed Heidenheim the final straw.
\nA fan favourite who spent two seasons at the club as a player, Baumgart took over as coach at the beginning of 2025 and helped Union stay in the Bundesliga with a 13th-placed finish.
\nThe coach took Union close to the European spots at the end of 2025 but the club have won just two games since Christmas and sit seven points above the relegation play-off spot with five games to play.
\n“We’ve had an absolutely disappointing second-half of the season,” sporting director Horst Held said in a statement.
\n“Our situation remains precarious and we desperately need points to stay in the league.
\n“The performances in recent weeks don’t give us the confidence we could turn things around with the current set-up.”
\nAs a player, Eta won the women’s Champions League in 2010 with Turbine Potsdam – she was an unused substitute in the final against Lyon – along with three Bundesliga titles.
\nShe retired at the age of 26 to start coaching, first with Werder Bremen youth teams before taking on a similar role at the German FA (DFB).
\nShe has already committed to take over Union Berlin’s women’s Bundesliga team, who are playing their first season in the top-flight this campaign, from summer.
\nWomen have managed men’s football teams in the lower divisions but never in the top flight.
\nGerman third tier Ingolstadt FC are currently coached by Sabrina Wittmann, who became the first female coach of a professional men’s team when appointed to the position in 2024.
\nFrench second-flight club Clermont were managed by Corinne Diacre for three seasons until 2017, until she left to take over the French women’s national team.
\n","content_text":"BERLIN: Bundesliga club Union Berlin on Sunday named Marie-Louise Eta as head coach, making her the first female manager of a men's team in a top-five European league, after former mentor Steffen Baumgart was sacked.\nThe 34-year-old will take over for the remainder of the season.\n\"I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task,\" Eta said in a statement.\n\"One of Union's strengths has always been our ability to pull together in such situations. And of course, I'm convinced that we'll get the points we need with this team.\"\nEta became the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history when she was promoted to the role in 2023.\nNever before has a men's top-flight club in Germany, England, Spain, Italy or France - considered the top-five European leagues - appointed a woman in the head coach role.\nEta's first match in the dugout is on Saturday when Union host struggling Wolfsburg.\nBaumgart was sacked early on Sunday morning after the club's form flatlined in the second-half of the season, with Saturday's 3-1 defeat at last-placed Heidenheim the final straw.\nA fan favourite who spent two seasons at the club as a player, Baumgart took over as coach at the beginning of 2025 and helped Union stay in the Bundesliga with a 13th-placed finish.\nThe coach took Union close to the European spots at the end of 2025 but the club have won just two games since Christmas and sit seven points above the relegation play-off spot with five games to play.\n\"We've had an absolutely disappointing second-half of the season,\" sporting director Horst Held said in a statement.\n\"Our situation remains precarious and we desperately need points to stay in the league.\n\"The performances in recent weeks don't give us the confidence we could turn things around with the current set-up.\"\nAs a player, Eta won the women's Champions League in 2010 with Turbine Potsdam - she was an unused substitute in the final against Lyon - along with three Bundesliga titles.\nShe retired at the age of 26 to start coaching, first with Werder Bremen youth teams before taking on a similar role at the German FA (DFB).\nShe has already committed to take over Union Berlin's women's Bundesliga team, who are playing their first season in the top-flight this campaign, from summer.\nWomen have managed men's football teams in the lower divisions but never in the top flight.\nGerman third tier Ingolstadt FC are currently coached by Sabrina Wittmann, who became the first female coach of a professional men's team when appointed to the position in 2024.\nFrench second-flight club Clermont were managed by Corinne Diacre for three seasons until 2017, until she left to take over the French women's national team.","date_published":"2026-04-12T11:40:31.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Football","Top Sports","Bundesliga","first","head coach","manager","Marie-Louise Eta","Steffen Baumgart","Union Berlin","woman"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/86708302-afp-a7ht3zq-marie-louise-eta.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/86708302-afp-a7ht3zq-marie-louise-eta.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/teenage-sprint-star-gout-powers-to-200m-win-in-blistering-19-67sec","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/teenage-sprint-star-gout-powers-to-200m-win-in-blistering-19-67sec","title":"Teenage sprint star Gout powers to 200m win in blistering 19.67sec","summary":"Fellow Australian Aidan Murphy also cracked the 20-second mark, coming second in 19.88 seconds.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/55e3cb00-gout-gout-12042026.webp\")
SYDNEY: Teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout ran a blistering 19.67 seconds to win the 200m at the Australian championships on Sunday, reinforcing his status as a rapidly rising star.
\nFellow Australian Aidan Murphy also cracked the 20-second mark, coming second in 19.88 – the two quickest times of the year and with a legal tailwind.
\n“This is what I’ve been waiting for,” said Gout at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.
\n“We have such incredible athletes in Australia and me being able to race these athletes, we push each other to the limits. Two Australians sub-20. I mean, this is amazing.”
\nThe 18-year-old burst on the scene in 2024 when he clocked 20.04 seconds at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.
\nIt shattered Peter Norman’s national record of 20.06 from the 1968 Olympics and was the quickest ever by a 16-year-old, earning him comparisons to Usain Bolt.
\nHe had improved to 20.02 but never gone under 20 seconds legally before.
\nThe race was billed as a showdown with his closest Australian rival Lachlan Kennedy.
\nBut 22-year-old Kennedy, who is also on a rapid rise, withdrew after executing flawlessly to win the 100m in 9.96 on Saturday – the fastest time run by an Australian on home soil.
\nHe also clocked 9.96 in his heat.
\n“It’s the standard I’ve set now, so hopefully I can go a bit quicker next time and see where it takes me,” Kennedy said. “I think the sky is the limit.”
\nWorld under-20 mile record holder Cameron Myers reinforced his potential by running 3:29.85 in the 1500m, edging out reigning Commonwealth Games champion Oliver Hoare.
\nIt was the best time globally this year and the quickest ever in Australia.
\nThe 19-year-old Myers backed it up by taking out the 5000m in a personal best 13:11.66.
\nBut Paris Olympic 1500m silver medallist Jessica Hull’s bid for a rare 800m-1500m-5000m treble fell apart.
\nHull was leading the 1500m with 100m to go but was clipped from behind and dramatically fell, with fellow Olympian Claudia Hollingsworth crossing first.
\nHollingsworth was initially disqualified over the incident but reinstated on appeal.
\nHull pulled out of the 800m, won by Abbey Caldwell in 1:58.57, but returned to win the 5000m in 15:13.21.
\nThe four-day meet also saw Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy clear 4.65m to stand on top of the national podium for the fifth time in her career.
\nKennedy continues to jump off a restricted run-up as she returns from a long injury layoff ahead of defending her title at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July.
\n“I’m happy with how I jumped. I got the win pretty comfortably out there, so there is no need to push the body,” she said.
\nHigh jump world champion and Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers cleared 1.99m to outleap Olympic bronze medallist Eleanor Patterson (1.93m).
\n","content_text":"SYDNEY: Teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout ran a blistering 19.67 seconds to win the 200m at the Australian championships on Sunday, reinforcing his status as a rapidly rising star.\nFellow Australian Aidan Murphy also cracked the 20-second mark, coming second in 19.88 – the two quickest times of the year and with a legal tailwind.\n\"This is what I've been waiting for,\" said Gout at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.\n\"We have such incredible athletes in Australia and me being able to race these athletes, we push each other to the limits. Two Australians sub-20. I mean, this is amazing.\"\nThe 18-year-old burst on the scene in 2024 when he clocked 20.04 seconds at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.\nIt shattered Peter Norman's national record of 20.06 from the 1968 Olympics and was the quickest ever by a 16-year-old, earning him comparisons to Usain Bolt.\nHe had improved to 20.02 but never gone under 20 seconds legally before.\nThe race was billed as a showdown with his closest Australian rival Lachlan Kennedy.\nBut 22-year-old Kennedy, who is also on a rapid rise, withdrew after executing flawlessly to win the 100m in 9.96 on Saturday – the fastest time run by an Australian on home soil.\nHe also clocked 9.96 in his heat.\n\"It's the standard I've set now, so hopefully I can go a bit quicker next time and see where it takes me,\" Kennedy said. \"I think the sky is the limit.\"\nWorld under-20 mile record holder Cameron Myers reinforced his potential by running 3:29.85 in the 1500m, edging out reigning Commonwealth Games champion Oliver Hoare.\nIt was the best time globally this year and the quickest ever in Australia.\nThe 19-year-old Myers backed it up by taking out the 5000m in a personal best 13:11.66.\nBut Paris Olympic 1500m silver medallist Jessica Hull's bid for a rare 800m-1500m-5000m treble fell apart.\nHull was leading the 1500m with 100m to go but was clipped from behind and dramatically fell, with fellow Olympian Claudia Hollingsworth crossing first.\nHollingsworth was initially disqualified over the incident but reinstated on appeal.\nHull pulled out of the 800m, won by Abbey Caldwell in 1:58.57, but returned to win the 5000m in 15:13.21.\nThe four-day meet also saw Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy clear 4.65m to stand on top of the national podium for the fifth time in her career.\nKennedy continues to jump off a restricted run-up as she returns from a long injury layoff ahead of defending her title at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July.\n\"I'm happy with how I jumped. I got the win pretty comfortably out there, so there is no need to push the body,\" she said.\nHigh jump world champion and Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers cleared 1.99m to outleap Olympic bronze medallist Eleanor Patterson (1.93m).","date_published":"2026-04-12T05:15:51.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Top Sports","200m race","athletics results","Australian athletics","Australian championships","Gout Gout 200m","sports performance","sprint record","sprinting talent","teenage runner","track and field"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/55e3cb00-gout-gout-12042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/55e3cb00-gout-gout-12042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/malaysia-athletics-faces-april-17-deadline-over-presidency-dispute","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/malaysia-athletics-faces-april-17-deadline-over-presidency-dispute","title":"Malaysia Athletics faces April 17 deadline over presidency dispute","summary":"World Athletics demands clarity on leadership eligibility and constitutional rules as pressure builds on Malaysia Athletics to act within days.","content_html":"![\"AGM](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b0a8e5d4-presiden-kom-karim-ibrahim-6.webp\")
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Athletics faces a critical deadline on April 17 to explain its position on a growing dispute over its presidency, after World Athletics demanded a formal response, sources said.
\nThe global body wants the federation to address two issues: whether its president, Karim Ibrahim, is eligible to remain in office, and how its constitution will be aligned with international rules.
\nThe matter took centre stage at an executive council meeting on Thursday chaired by deputy president Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.
\nKarim did not attend and his daughter, secretary-general Nurhayati, was also absent.
\nAt the heart of the crisis is a constitutional change made last year.
\nMalaysia Athletics introduced a five-year limit on suspensions, even though a 2018 ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) did not set any time bar on Karim’s ineligibility.
\n![\"AGM](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1667b1c3-timbalan-presiden-kom-hisham-wan-salleh-1.webp\")
That amendment cleared the way for Karim to return and win the presidency in June last year.
\nWorld Athletics now disputes that position.
\nSources said the global body has asked Malaysia Athletics to submit a time-bound roadmap to align its constitution with international standards.
\nIt also wants a formal resolution from the council stating its position on the presidency.
\nWorld Athletics made clear that the response must come from the council as a whole, not from any individual.
\nThe dispute turns on a simple but crucial question: what does “ineligible” mean?
\nWorld Athletics declared Karim ineligible after a vetting process linked to a CAS ruling. Its rules require member bodies to bar such individuals from holding office.
\nMalaysia Athletics, however, relies on its own constitutional clause, which allows officials to return after five years.
\n![\"AGM](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/de741618-shahidan-kassim-mantan-presiden-kom-2.webp\")
That gap has now become the centre of a widening governance clash.
\nKarim’s case dates back more than a decade. In 2009, he received athlete allowance funds during a training camp in Germany but failed to ensure they reached the athletes.
\nTwo years later, he advised athletes to miss scheduled doping tests before the SEA Games.
\nCAS found his conduct “unacceptable” and “wholly misleading”.
\nIt upheld the decision that he did not meet the integrity standards required for office and ruled him ineligible under World Athletics.
\nDespite that, Malaysia Athletics moved ahead with its constitutional amendment and subsequent election.
\nKarim has repeatedly rejected claims that he was banned for life, describing such assertions as false.
\nSources said council members now face a difficult choice.
\nOn one hand, Karim won the presidency under the current constitution. Any move to remove him could trigger legal action against the federation.
\nOn the other, World Athletics expects full compliance with its rules. Failure to act could bring consequences.
\nThe council discussed both risks at length, weighing legal exposure at home against international obligations.
\nSources also said World Athletics indicated the matter should be handled independently of anyone with close personal ties to the president, pointing to concerns over conflict of interest.
\nThe pressure extends beyond administration.
\nSeveral council members warned that the dispute could affect Malaysia’s standing in global athletics if it remains unresolved.
\nWorld Athletics rules require member federations to enforce its integrity decisions.
\nBreaches can lead to sanctions, including suspension from international competitions.
\nThat raises the stakes for athletes, officials and the sport as a whole.
\nMalaysia Athletics must now decide its next move, and do so quickly.
\nWan Hisham declined comment when contacted.
\nMalaysia Athletics will meet the April 17 deadline set by World Athletics, with a resolution endorsed by its executive council following Thursday’s meeting, a senior official said.
\nThe official said the federation remains committed to good governance and to aligning its constitution with international standards.
\nHe added that full cooperation with World Athletics was essential for both the sport and the country.
\nThe council, he said, hopes the steps taken will address the concerns raised and that Malaysia will avoid any serious sanctions, although the situation remains under close review.
\nSports Commissioner Arrifin Ghani said investigations by his office were ongoing to determine the legitimacy of Karim’s position.
\n","content_text":"KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Athletics faces a critical deadline on April 17 to explain its position on a growing dispute over its presidency, after World Athletics demanded a formal response, sources said.\nThe global body wants the federation to address two issues: whether its president, Karim Ibrahim, is eligible to remain in office, and how its constitution will be aligned with international rules.\nThe matter took centre stage at an executive council meeting on Thursday chaired by deputy president Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.\nKarim did not attend and his daughter, secretary-general Nurhayati, was also absent.\nAt the heart of the crisis is a constitutional change made last year.\nMalaysia Athletics introduced a five-year limit on suspensions, even though a 2018 ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) did not set any time bar on Karim’s ineligibility.\n\nThat amendment cleared the way for Karim to return and win the presidency in June last year.\nWorld Athletics now disputes that position.\nSources said the global body has asked Malaysia Athletics to submit a time-bound roadmap to align its constitution with international standards.\nIt also wants a formal resolution from the council stating its position on the presidency.\nWorld Athletics made clear that the response must come from the council as a whole, not from any individual.\nThe dispute turns on a simple but crucial question: what does “ineligible” mean?\nWorld Athletics declared Karim ineligible after a vetting process linked to a CAS ruling. Its rules require member bodies to bar such individuals from holding office.\nMalaysia Athletics, however, relies on its own constitutional clause, which allows officials to return after five years.\n\nThat gap has now become the centre of a widening governance clash.\nKarim’s case dates back more than a decade. In 2009, he received athlete allowance funds during a training camp in Germany but failed to ensure they reached the athletes.\nTwo years later, he advised athletes to miss scheduled doping tests before the SEA Games.\nCAS found his conduct “unacceptable” and “wholly misleading”.\nIt upheld the decision that he did not meet the integrity standards required for office and ruled him ineligible under World Athletics.\nDespite that, Malaysia Athletics moved ahead with its constitutional amendment and subsequent election.\nKarim has repeatedly rejected claims that he was banned for life, describing such assertions as false.\nSources said council members now face a difficult choice.\nOn one hand, Karim won the presidency under the current constitution. Any move to remove him could trigger legal action against the federation.\nOn the other, World Athletics expects full compliance with its rules. Failure to act could bring consequences.\nThe council discussed both risks at length, weighing legal exposure at home against international obligations.\nSources also said World Athletics indicated the matter should be handled independently of anyone with close personal ties to the president, pointing to concerns over conflict of interest.\nThe pressure extends beyond administration.\nSeveral council members warned that the dispute could affect Malaysia’s standing in global athletics if it remains unresolved.\nWorld Athletics rules require member federations to enforce its integrity decisions.\nBreaches can lead to sanctions, including suspension from international competitions.\nThat raises the stakes for athletes, officials and the sport as a whole.\nMalaysia Athletics must now decide its next move, and do so quickly.\nWan Hisham declined comment when contacted.\nMalaysia Athletics will meet the April 17 deadline set by World Athletics, with a resolution endorsed by its executive council following Thursday’s meeting, a senior official said.\nThe official said the federation remains committed to good governance and to aligning its constitution with international standards.\nHe added that full cooperation with World Athletics was essential for both the sport and the country.\nThe council, he said, hopes the steps taken will address the concerns raised and that Malaysia will avoid any serious sanctions, although the situation remains under close review.\nSports Commissioner Arrifin Ghani said investigations by his office were ongoing to determine the legitimacy of Karim’s position.","date_published":"2026-04-12T01:30:28.000Z","author":{"name":"Frankie D'Cruz"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Top Sports","ban","cas","doping","eligibility","integrity","Karim Ibrahim","malaysia athletics","Sports Governance","Wan Hisham Wan Salleh","World Athletics"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b0a8e5d4-presiden-kom-karim-ibrahim-6.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b0a8e5d4-presiden-kom-karim-ibrahim-6.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/cameron-highlands-where-champions-once-ruled","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/cameron-highlands-where-champions-once-ruled","title":"Cameron Highlands: Where champions once ruled","summary":"Before it became a tourist postcard, Cameron Highlands forged a generation of distance runners. Last Saturday, 10 of them were honoured, reviving a story Malaysia risks forgetting.","content_html":"![\"Cameron](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/177c4b21-cameron-honours-legends-tile-080426.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: In 1973, a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Cameron Highlands fell with 100 metres left in the 1500m at the Malaysian Open in Kuantan.
\nThe track was new, the field strong, the moment unforgiving.
\nR Yamunah got up.
\nShe remembered what her teacher-coach, V Manickavasagam, had told her: finish the race, no matter what.
\nShe ran again, chased down a Singaporean rival and crossed the line first. The win brought a national record. The memory stayed for life.
\nThat race, recalled more than five decades later, captures more than a single act of courage.
\nIt points to a time when Cameron Highlands was not just cool air and tea estates, but a nursery of endurance runners who could match the best in the region.
\n![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/b8eefdbf-cameron-highlands-athletics-2-emelpic-090426.webp\")
Last Saturday, that legacy returned to the spotlight. Ten former athletes were honoured for putting Cameron Highlands on the national athletics map.
\nThey were P Jayanthi, C Ambiga, K Ganthimathi, R Yamunah, Hemalatha, Letchumy, S Selvararasi, Manoj Singh, M Sathurmugan and N Belaya.
\nThe ceremony was modest. The story behind it was not.
\nFor more than two decades, from the late 1960s into the 1990s, Cameron Highlands produced a steady stream of middle and long-distance runners.
\nMany began as schoolchildren at SM Tengku Ahmad, now SM Sultan Ahmad Shah. They ran the 800m and 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, even the 400m, and they excelled.
\nA teacher, a hill, a habit of running
\nAt the centre stood a teacher who never claimed to be more than that.
\nManickavasagam arrived in 1967 to teach English, History and physical education. During PE classes, he noticed something unusual: some students were strong on their feet, tireless, eager to run.
\nHe started with a small group. Ambiga and Selvararasi stood out.
\nAmbiga won medals at district and national schools meets in the 800m and 1500m. At 13, in 1971, she caught the eye of Malaysia’s head coach, American Bob Schul, at the national schools meet in Merdeka Stadium.
\nSchul described her as “a girl with tremendous potential” after she beat the national mark of Ratan Kaur Kler by 7.5 seconds in the 1500m, clocking 5:05.7.
\nYamunah followed on the same path, running with a maturity beyond her years.
\nManickavasagam had been a 400m runner for Selangor in the early 1960s. He held no coaching certificates, only an eye for effort and a belief that discipline could turn raw ability into results.
\nHe said: “Training stayed simple, the environment did the rest.
\n“Cameron Highlands sits at altitude. The air is thinner, the temperatures cooler. Students walked miles to school before boarding buses.
\n“Many helped their families in tea plantations and vegetable farms. Strength came from daily life, not designed programmes.”
\nBy 1970, Manickavasagam felt his runners were ready. He drove them to competitions himself, often in a Volkswagen, across districts and to Kuantan for state meets.
\n“We slept in classrooms and competed the next day. Comfort was never part of the plan,” he said.
\nResults came quickly. SM Tengku Ahmad grew into a force at district, state and national level.
\n![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8f1f3ac2-cameron-highlands-athletics-3-emelpic-090426.webp\")
Yamunah competed at the national schools meet at 13, then moved into the Malaysian Open the following year.
\nHer fall-and-finish race became part of athletics folklore, not just for the record, but for the mindset her coach instilled.
\nFrom school tracks to national records
\nAfter her came P Jayanthi, who rose from the same soil to become Malaysia’s most accomplished female distance runner.
\nShe dominated the 1500m, 3000m and 10,000m in the early 1990s, setting national records that have stood for about three decades.
\nJayanthi won SEA Games gold medals and competed at the Asian and Commonwealth Games.
\n![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f57a7277-cameron-highlands-athletics-4-emelpic-090426.webp\")
Her achievements stretched the boundaries of what Malaysian women could do in endurance running. Yet she points back to Cameron Highlands as the place that made it possible.
\nAltitude helped. So did competition. So did a culture of running built through schools and simple coaching.
\nThat culture now feels distant.
\nMalaysia has struggled to produce depth in women’s middle and long-distance events in recent years. Training bases have shifted. The link between schools and sustained development has weakened.
\nCameron Highlands, once a quiet engine of talent, is rarely mentioned in that conversation.
\nThat is why last Saturday mattered.
\n![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4c512bee-cameron-highlands-athletics-5-emelpic-090426.webp\")
The ceremony did more than recognise individuals. It brought together a generation who shared the same roads, the same school fields, and the same belief that running could carry them beyond the hills they grew up in.
\nThey stood together again, older now, but bound by memory and effort. Around them were figures from Malaysian sport who understood what those years meant.
\nThere is a temptation to treat such moments as nostalgia. That would miss the point.
\nCameron Highlands did not produce champions by accident. It combined environment, routine hardship and committed teaching.
\nIt showed what can happen when young athletes have space to run, guidance to improve and chances to compete.
\nThe lesson is not to look back with regret, but to ask what can be rebuilt.
\nYamunah’s race in 1973 still speaks. It speaks of resilience, of coaching that valued character, of a system that worked even in its simplicity.
\nIt speaks of a time when a schoolgirl could fall, rise and still outrun the field.
\nLast Saturday, the applause recognised that moment and many others like it.
\nIt also carried a quieter message.
\nCameron Highlands once made runners who could stand tall on any track. With the right attention, it might yet do so again.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: In 1973, a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Cameron Highlands fell with 100 metres left in the 1500m at the Malaysian Open in Kuantan.\nThe track was new, the field strong, the moment unforgiving.\nR Yamunah got up.\nShe remembered what her teacher-coach, V Manickavasagam, had told her: finish the race, no matter what.\nShe ran again, chased down a Singaporean rival and crossed the line first. The win brought a national record. The memory stayed for life.\nThat race, recalled more than five decades later, captures more than a single act of courage.\nIt points to a time when Cameron Highlands was not just cool air and tea estates, but a nursery of endurance runners who could match the best in the region.\n\nLast Saturday, that legacy returned to the spotlight. Ten former athletes were honoured for putting Cameron Highlands on the national athletics map.\nThey were P Jayanthi, C Ambiga, K Ganthimathi, R Yamunah, Hemalatha, Letchumy, S Selvararasi, Manoj Singh, M Sathurmugan and N Belaya.\nThe ceremony was modest. The story behind it was not.\nFor more than two decades, from the late 1960s into the 1990s, Cameron Highlands produced a steady stream of middle and long-distance runners.\nMany began as schoolchildren at SM Tengku Ahmad, now SM Sultan Ahmad Shah. They ran the 800m and 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, even the 400m, and they excelled.\nA teacher, a hill, a habit of running\nAt the centre stood a teacher who never claimed to be more than that.\nManickavasagam arrived in 1967 to teach English, History and physical education. During PE classes, he noticed something unusual: some students were strong on their feet, tireless, eager to run.\nHe started with a small group. Ambiga and Selvararasi stood out.\nAmbiga won medals at district and national schools meets in the 800m and 1500m. At 13, in 1971, she caught the eye of Malaysia’s head coach, American Bob Schul, at the national schools meet in Merdeka Stadium.\nSchul described her as “a girl with tremendous potential” after she beat the national mark of Ratan Kaur Kler by 7.5 seconds in the 1500m, clocking 5:05.7.\nYamunah followed on the same path, running with a maturity beyond her years.\nManickavasagam had been a 400m runner for Selangor in the early 1960s. He held no coaching certificates, only an eye for effort and a belief that discipline could turn raw ability into results.\nHe said: “Training stayed simple, the environment did the rest.\n“Cameron Highlands sits at altitude. The air is thinner, the temperatures cooler. Students walked miles to school before boarding buses.\n“Many helped their families in tea plantations and vegetable farms. Strength came from daily life, not designed programmes.”\nBy 1970, Manickavasagam felt his runners were ready. He drove them to competitions himself, often in a Volkswagen, across districts and to Kuantan for state meets.\n“We slept in classrooms and competed the next day. Comfort was never part of the plan,” he said.\nResults came quickly. SM Tengku Ahmad grew into a force at district, state and national level.\n\nYamunah competed at the national schools meet at 13, then moved into the Malaysian Open the following year.\nHer fall-and-finish race became part of athletics folklore, not just for the record, but for the mindset her coach instilled.\nFrom school tracks to national records\nAfter her came P Jayanthi, who rose from the same soil to become Malaysia’s most accomplished female distance runner.\nShe dominated the 1500m, 3000m and 10,000m in the early 1990s, setting national records that have stood for about three decades.\nJayanthi won SEA Games gold medals and competed at the Asian and Commonwealth Games.\n\nHer achievements stretched the boundaries of what Malaysian women could do in endurance running. Yet she points back to Cameron Highlands as the place that made it possible.\nAltitude helped. So did competition. So did a culture of running built through schools and simple coaching.\nThat culture now feels distant.\nMalaysia has struggled to produce depth in women’s middle and long-distance events in recent years. Training bases have shifted. The link between schools and sustained development has weakened.\nCameron Highlands, once a quiet engine of talent, is rarely mentioned in that conversation.\nThat is why last Saturday mattered.\n\nThe ceremony did more than recognise individuals. It brought together a generation who shared the same roads, the same school fields, and the same belief that running could carry them beyond the hills they grew up in.\nThey stood together again, older now, but bound by memory and effort. Around them were figures from Malaysian sport who understood what those years meant.\nThere is a temptation to treat such moments as nostalgia. That would miss the point.\nCameron Highlands did not produce champions by accident. It combined environment, routine hardship and committed teaching.\nIt showed what can happen when young athletes have space to run, guidance to improve and chances to compete.\nThe lesson is not to look back with regret, but to ask what can be rebuilt.\nYamunah’s race in 1973 still speaks. It speaks of resilience, of coaching that valued character, of a system that worked even in its simplicity.\nIt speaks of a time when a schoolgirl could fall, rise and still outrun the field.\nLast Saturday, the applause recognised that moment and many others like it.\nIt also carried a quieter message.\nCameron Highlands once made runners who could stand tall on any track. With the right attention, it might yet do so again.","date_published":"2026-04-12T00:30:06.000Z","author":{"name":"Frankie D'Cruz"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Top Sports","Cameron Highlands","Coaching Legacy","Distance Running","grassroots development","Malaysian Athletics","Pahang Sports","school sports","Sea Games","women in sports"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/177c4b21-cameron-honours-legends-tile-080426.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/177c4b21-cameron-honours-legends-tile-080426.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/ngumohas-special-impact-no-surprise-to-slot","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/ngumohas-special-impact-no-surprise-to-slot","title":"Ngumoha’s ‘special’ impact no surprise to Slot","summary":"The Liverpool manager said Rio Ngumoha is ready to be thrown into any situation after scoring his first Anfield goal in a 2-0 win over Fulham.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f676a810-arne-slot-x-rio-ngumoha-12042026.webp\")
LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot said Rio Ngumoha is ready to be thrown into any situation after scoring his first Anfield goal in a 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, which eased the rising pressure on the Liverpool boss.
\nThe 17-year-old had already netted his first Premier League goal with a late winner away at Newcastle in Liverpool’s second game of the season.
\nDespite a difficult campaign, Slot has largely resisted the clamour to rely on Ngumoha as a game-changer.
\nBut he has started three of Liverpool’s last eight games, with Slot encouraged by his physical development and more end product.
\nThat faith was rewarded as Ngumoha produced a sublime strike to become Liverpool’s youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield.
\nMohamed Salah then netted in his first home appearance since announcing he will leave at the end of the season as Liverpool snapped a three-game losing streak.
\n“He has such a special quality which you don’t see a lot in football anymore, dominating the one-v-one situation and that’s exactly what he did when he scored his goal,” said Slot on Ngumoha’s impact.
\n“I’ve said a few weeks ago that his playing time will increase because he got stronger and stronger, showed more and more when he came in (to games) but also in training sessions.
\n“That it wasn’t only a nice trick, but there was more and more end product to what he did.
\n“There was more and more power, which is needed if you play against the best defenders in the world and I don’t think anyone is surprised that, at this moment in time, he scored his first goal (at Anfield).”
\nLiverpool face a much stiffer test on Tuesday if they are to overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit against holders Paris St-Germain in the Champions League.
\nSlot, though, believes Ngumoha is ready for that elite level, even if he is unsure whether the teenager will be fresh enough to start.
\n“I think he’s ready. The question, of course, is can he do this two days later again?” Slot added.
\n“In the beginning of the season, he was a young player, getting some experience with the first team, but now he’s just someone I can pick for any game. So also the one on Tuesday.”
\n","content_text":"LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot said Rio Ngumoha is ready to be thrown into any situation after scoring his first Anfield goal in a 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, which eased the rising pressure on the Liverpool boss.\nThe 17-year-old had already netted his first Premier League goal with a late winner away at Newcastle in Liverpool's second game of the season.\nDespite a difficult campaign, Slot has largely resisted the clamour to rely on Ngumoha as a game-changer.\nBut he has started three of Liverpool's last eight games, with Slot encouraged by his physical development and more end product.\nThat faith was rewarded as Ngumoha produced a sublime strike to become Liverpool's youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield.\nMohamed Salah then netted in his first home appearance since announcing he will leave at the end of the season as Liverpool snapped a three-game losing streak.\n\"He has such a special quality which you don't see a lot in football anymore, dominating the one-v-one situation and that's exactly what he did when he scored his goal,\" said Slot on Ngumoha's impact.\n\"I've said a few weeks ago that his playing time will increase because he got stronger and stronger, showed more and more when he came in (to games) but also in training sessions.\n\"That it wasn't only a nice trick, but there was more and more end product to what he did.\n\"There was more and more power, which is needed if you play against the best defenders in the world and I don't think anyone is surprised that, at this moment in time, he scored his first goal (at Anfield).\"\nLiverpool face a much stiffer test on Tuesday if they are to overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit against holders Paris St-Germain in the Champions League.\nSlot, though, believes Ngumoha is ready for that elite level, even if he is unsure whether the teenager will be fresh enough to start.\n\"I think he's ready. The question, of course, is can he do this two days later again?\" Slot added.\n\"In the beginning of the season, he was a young player, getting some experience with the first team, but now he's just someone I can pick for any game. So also the one on Tuesday.\"","date_published":"2026-04-11T23:03:58.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Anfield Goal","Arne Slot","Champions League","Fulham Match","Liverpool Win","Mohamed Salah","Premier League","PSG clash","Rio Ngumoha","young talent"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f676a810-arne-slot-x-rio-ngumoha-12042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/f676a810-arne-slot-x-rio-ngumoha-12042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/milans-serie-a-title-hopes-in-tatters-after-shock-udinese-defeat-juve-fourth","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/milans-serie-a-title-hopes-in-tatters-after-shock-udinese-defeat-juve-fourth","title":"Milan’s Serie A title hopes in tatters after shock Udinese defeat, Juve fourth","summary":"The 3-0 home defeat has left AC Milan nine points behind Inter Milan ahead of the league leaders' clash at Como on Sunday.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9c51df22-ac-milan-12042026.webp\")
MILAN: AC Milan relinquished any remaining hope of winning the Serie A title on Saturday after falling to a shock 3-0 home defeat by Udinese, while Juventus beat Atalanta 1-0 to move into the Champions League positions.
\nDavide Bartesaghi’s own goal and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s glancing header in the first half, and Arthur Atta’s superb low finish in the 71st minute, left Milan nine points behind Inter Milan ahead of the league leaders’ clash at Como on Sunday.
\nWith six matches remaining in their season, even an Inter loss at Como would leave third-placed Milan with a near-impossible gap to close.
\nAnd a Como win would not be good news either, as the lakeside outfit currently sit fifth and five points behind Milan, who have lost three of four matches since winning last month’s Milan derby, after Juve moved provisionally fourth.
\nJeremie Boga bundled home the only goal in an uneventful match in Bergamo the day after coach Luciano Spalletti – hired with the aim of getting Juve into the Champions League – signed a new deal with the Turin club until 2028.
\nMilan host Juve in a fortnight, a match which looks likely to be key to the top-four positions come May, and Allegri described as “right” the loud whistles which accompanied the end of the game at the San Siro.
\n“This defeat should make us understand that our qualification for the Champions League is under threat,” Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said to DAZN.
\nMilan slump
\nUdinese moved into the top half of the table after an impressive away performance in which Nicolo Zaniolo, who was the rising star of Italian football before suffering two serious knee injuries in 2020, was the standout player.
\nZaniolo has had a difficult time of it since being dumped by Roma in 2023, and he was not selected for the Italy squad which recently missed out on a third straight World Cup.
\nBut the 26-year-old has found a home at Udinese and he was key to Bartesaghi’s own goal in the 27th minute, as the attacker charged upfield on the counter-attack before offloading to Atta, whose cross was deflected into the Milan net.
\nTen minutes later Zaniolo whipped in a beautiful, inch-perfect cross for Ekkelenkamp to double the away side’s lead and spark rumblings of discontent in the San Siro stands.
\nMilan pushed up on Udinese after the break when Allegri brought on burly centre forward Niclas Fullkrug, and Alexis Saelemaekers could barely believe it when Maduka Okoye palmed his half-volley onto the crossbar in the 51st minute.
\nAtta sealed the points for Udinese 20 minutes later when he was allowed to burst towards goal and roll a sneaky low shot in at Mike Maignan’s near post.
\nThe discontent was clear when boos met Rafael Leao’s substitution soon afterwards, and those who were still in the seats at the end made their feelings known at the final whistle.
\n","content_text":"MILAN: AC Milan relinquished any remaining hope of winning the Serie A title on Saturday after falling to a shock 3-0 home defeat by Udinese, while Juventus beat Atalanta 1-0 to move into the Champions League positions.\nDavide Bartesaghi's own goal and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp's glancing header in the first half, and Arthur Atta's superb low finish in the 71st minute, left Milan nine points behind Inter Milan ahead of the league leaders' clash at Como on Sunday.\nWith six matches remaining in their season, even an Inter loss at Como would leave third-placed Milan with a near-impossible gap to close.\nAnd a Como win would not be good news either, as the lakeside outfit currently sit fifth and five points behind Milan, who have lost three of four matches since winning last month's Milan derby, after Juve moved provisionally fourth.\nJeremie Boga bundled home the only goal in an uneventful match in Bergamo the day after coach Luciano Spalletti – hired with the aim of getting Juve into the Champions League – signed a new deal with the Turin club until 2028.\nMilan host Juve in a fortnight, a match which looks likely to be key to the top-four positions come May, and Allegri described as \"right\" the loud whistles which accompanied the end of the game at the San Siro.\n\"This defeat should make us understand that our qualification for the Champions League is under threat,\" Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said to DAZN.\nMilan slump\nUdinese moved into the top half of the table after an impressive away performance in which Nicolo Zaniolo, who was the rising star of Italian football before suffering two serious knee injuries in 2020, was the standout player.\nZaniolo has had a difficult time of it since being dumped by Roma in 2023, and he was not selected for the Italy squad which recently missed out on a third straight World Cup.\nBut the 26-year-old has found a home at Udinese and he was key to Bartesaghi's own goal in the 27th minute, as the attacker charged upfield on the counter-attack before offloading to Atta, whose cross was deflected into the Milan net.\nTen minutes later Zaniolo whipped in a beautiful, inch-perfect cross for Ekkelenkamp to double the away side's lead and spark rumblings of discontent in the San Siro stands.\nMilan pushed up on Udinese after the break when Allegri brought on burly centre forward Niclas Fullkrug, and Alexis Saelemaekers could barely believe it when Maduka Okoye palmed his half-volley onto the crossbar in the 51st minute.\nAtta sealed the points for Udinese 20 minutes later when he was allowed to burst towards goal and roll a sneaky low shot in at Mike Maignan's near post.\nThe discontent was clear when boos met Rafael Leao's substitution soon afterwards, and those who were still in the seats at the end made their feelings known at the final whistle.","date_published":"2026-04-11T22:53:15.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","AC Milan Loss","Champions League race","Inter Milan","Italian football","Juventus win","Massimiliano Allegri","Nicolo Zaniolo","san siro","Serie A","Udinese Upset"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9c51df22-ac-milan-12042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9c51df22-ac-milan-12042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/yamal-shines-as-barca-thrash-espanyol-to-extend-liga-lead","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/yamal-shines-as-barca-thrash-espanyol-to-extend-liga-lead","title":"Yamal shines as Barca thrash Espanyol to extend Liga lead","summary":"The teenage superstar set up two goals and scored another as Barcelona secured a 4-1 derby win over Espanyol.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/71d4bb89-lamine-yamal-12042026.webp\")
BARCELONA: Lamine Yamal set up two goals and scored another as Barcelona took a significant step towards defending their La Liga title with a 4-1 derby win over Espanyol on Saturday.
\nFerran Torres netted twice with Yamal and Marcus Rashford finding the net late on as the Catalans moved nine points clear of second-placed rivals Real Madrid.
\nReal drew 1-1 against Girona on Friday and with seven games remaining, one of which is a Clasico at Camp Nou in May, Hansi Flick’s side has a commanding lead.
\nBarca face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals, aiming to fight back from a 2-0 first-leg defeat, but the coach still picked a strong side against Espanyol.
\nMidfielder Pedri Gonzalez and 18-year-old winger Yamal played the full match as Flick tried not to let the second leg disrupt the team’s league campaign.
\nFlick said he would not accept his team slacking off despite their strong position.
\n“Every game has to start with the right attitude and right mentality, with only quality, you will win nothing,” said the German coach.
\n“I’m positive we can win La Liga but it’s not done.”
\nAfter a strong start to the season Espanyol were beaten at home by Barca in the first game of 2026 and have failed to win a match since.
\nThey offered little resistance as Flick’s side cruised into a two-goal lead.
\nYamal created both goals for Torres, whipping in a corner which the Spain international nodded home for his first goal since January.
\nAlthough some wondered if Flick would rest Yamal for Tuesday’s visit to face Atletico, the teenager is always keen to play, and Barca fans adore watching him.
\nYamal’s assist for the second was sumptuous, playing Torres through with the outside of his boot and the striker’s shot trickled past Marko Dmitrovic and into the net.
\n“You always hear noise around you, more for the bad things than for the good… I am always focused on myself, on improving,” Torres told DAZN.
\nEspanyol came close when Tyrhys Dolan’s chipped effort clipped the top of the crossbar but they were mainly pinned back in their own territory.
\nYamal curled a free kick narrowly over the crossbar and Dmitrovic made a good double save to keep Fermin Lopez and Eric Garcia at bay.
\n‘Small errors killed us’
\nBarcelona thought they had extended their lead early in the second half when Torres stabbed home Garcia’s goal-bound header but it was ruled out for a tight offside against the defender.
\nEspanyol pulled one back through Pol Lozano immediately afterwards with a rasping effort after Barca struggled to clear the ball.
\n“Small errors killed us a bit, we have to be proud of the work we did,” said Lozano after the game.
\n“We’re getting better and sooner rather than later the victory will come.”
\nSubstitute Rashford could have got a third for Barca but the England international seemed to lack confidence as he delayed his shot before firing straight at Dmitrovic.
\nThe winger missed several chances against Atletico in the first leg of the Champions League tie, but by the end he found the net and will look to make further amends at the Metropolitano.
\nYamal notched the third in the 87th minute by charging down a loose ball, which rebounded beyond Dmitrovic, leaving him with a tap-in.
\nTwo minutes later Rashford hooked home the fourth with a volley from Frenkie de Jong’s cross, with the Dutch midfielder on as a substitute for his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in February.
\nBarca fans stayed in the stadium after the final whistle to celebrate with their team and try to inspire them ahead of the visit to face Atletico.
\nCoach Diego Simeone rotated heavily for his team’s visit to face Sevilla to keep players fresh and Atletico, fourth, fell to a 2-1 defeat.
\nAkor Adams sent the hosts ahead from the penalty spot and after 20-year-old Atletico reserve defender Javier Bonar levelled, Nemanja Gudelj struck again for Sevilla before the interval.
\nAtletico have a wide 12-point cushion on Real Betis, fifth, who visit Osasuna on Sunday.
\nThe victory was important for Sevilla, with the Andalusians climbing out of the relegation zone and up to 15th.
\n","content_text":"BARCELONA: Lamine Yamal set up two goals and scored another as Barcelona took a significant step towards defending their La Liga title with a 4-1 derby win over Espanyol on Saturday.\nFerran Torres netted twice with Yamal and Marcus Rashford finding the net late on as the Catalans moved nine points clear of second-placed rivals Real Madrid.\nReal drew 1-1 against Girona on Friday and with seven games remaining, one of which is a Clasico at Camp Nou in May, Hansi Flick's side has a commanding lead.\nBarca face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals, aiming to fight back from a 2-0 first-leg defeat, but the coach still picked a strong side against Espanyol.\nMidfielder Pedri Gonzalez and 18-year-old winger Yamal played the full match as Flick tried not to let the second leg disrupt the team's league campaign.\nFlick said he would not accept his team slacking off despite their strong position.\n\"Every game has to start with the right attitude and right mentality, with only quality, you will win nothing,\" said the German coach.\n\"I'm positive we can win La Liga but it's not done.\"\nAfter a strong start to the season Espanyol were beaten at home by Barca in the first game of 2026 and have failed to win a match since.\nThey offered little resistance as Flick's side cruised into a two-goal lead.\nYamal created both goals for Torres, whipping in a corner which the Spain international nodded home for his first goal since January.\nAlthough some wondered if Flick would rest Yamal for Tuesday's visit to face Atletico, the teenager is always keen to play, and Barca fans adore watching him.\nYamal's assist for the second was sumptuous, playing Torres through with the outside of his boot and the striker's shot trickled past Marko Dmitrovic and into the net.\n\"You always hear noise around you, more for the bad things than for the good... I am always focused on myself, on improving,\" Torres told DAZN.\nEspanyol came close when Tyrhys Dolan's chipped effort clipped the top of the crossbar but they were mainly pinned back in their own territory.\nYamal curled a free kick narrowly over the crossbar and Dmitrovic made a good double save to keep Fermin Lopez and Eric Garcia at bay.\n'Small errors killed us'\nBarcelona thought they had extended their lead early in the second half when Torres stabbed home Garcia's goal-bound header but it was ruled out for a tight offside against the defender.\nEspanyol pulled one back through Pol Lozano immediately afterwards with a rasping effort after Barca struggled to clear the ball.\n\"Small errors killed us a bit, we have to be proud of the work we did,\" said Lozano after the game.\n\"We're getting better and sooner rather than later the victory will come.\"\nSubstitute Rashford could have got a third for Barca but the England international seemed to lack confidence as he delayed his shot before firing straight at Dmitrovic.\nThe winger missed several chances against Atletico in the first leg of the Champions League tie, but by the end he found the net and will look to make further amends at the Metropolitano.\nYamal notched the third in the 87th minute by charging down a loose ball, which rebounded beyond Dmitrovic, leaving him with a tap-in.\nTwo minutes later Rashford hooked home the fourth with a volley from Frenkie de Jong's cross, with the Dutch midfielder on as a substitute for his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in February.\nBarca fans stayed in the stadium after the final whistle to celebrate with their team and try to inspire them ahead of the visit to face Atletico.\nCoach Diego Simeone rotated heavily for his team's visit to face Sevilla to keep players fresh and Atletico, fourth, fell to a 2-1 defeat.\nAkor Adams sent the hosts ahead from the penalty spot and after 20-year-old Atletico reserve defender Javier Bonar levelled, Nemanja Gudelj struck again for Sevilla before the interval.\nAtletico have a wide 12-point cushion on Real Betis, fifth, who visit Osasuna on Sunday.\nThe victory was important for Sevilla, with the Andalusians climbing out of the relegation zone and up to 15th.","date_published":"2026-04-11T22:43:38.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Barcelona Derby Win","Camp Nou Race","Espanyol defeat","Ferran Torres","Hansi Flick","La Liga Title","Lamine Yamal","marcus rashford","Real Madrid","Spanish football"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/71d4bb89-lamine-yamal-12042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/71d4bb89-lamine-yamal-12042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/alcaraz-and-sinner-battle-for-top-spot-in-monte-carlo-final","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/alcaraz-and-sinner-battle-for-top-spot-in-monte-carlo-final","title":"Alcaraz and Sinner battle for top spot in Monte Carlo final","summary":"Carlos Alcaraz saw off Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-4, while Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-4 in the semifinals.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/b560846e-jannik-sinner-x-carlos-alcaraz-17122025.webp\")
MONTE CARLO: Carlos Alcaraz teed up a blockbuster Monte Carlo Masters final with Jannik Sinner, as the world’s top two players will face off on Sunday for the number one ranking.
\nAlcaraz ended the fairytale run of local boy Valentin Vacherot in the last four on Saturday to stay on track to defend his title in the principality.
\nAlcaraz saw off Vacherot 6-4, 6-4 to reach his 10th ATP 1000 final and improve his record on clay to 26-1 since the start of last year.
\nIt will be the first meeting this season between Alcaraz and Sinner and will decide who will be world No. 1 come Monday when the new ATP rankings are released.
\n“I think it’s the dream spot for everyone, I would say. I’m fighting for a second Monte Carlo title, he’s fighting for his first one,” said Alcaraz of Sunday’s final.
\n“It’s going to be a really special one. The No. 1 is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special.”
\nThe 22-year-old Alcaraz is trying to keep hold of top spot and holds a 10-6 lead over Sinner in the head-to-head series.
\n“It’s going to be 17 meetings against him, so I know him pretty well,” said Alcaraz. “I know that I have to play my best tennis if I want to beat him.
\n“If I’m feeling (the) favourite or not, I would say against him there is no favourite in any match. It depends about who’s playing the best that day.”
\nAlcaraz broke Vacherot three times to wrap up victory in 84 minutes and is bidding for his third title of the season after winning the Australian Open and in Doha. He has made it to the final at his last seven clay tournaments.
\nSinner dispatches Zverev
\nSinner eased his way into the Monte Carlo final for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semi-final win over Alexander Zverev earlier on Saturday.
\nThe 24-year-old Italian becomes the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015.
\nRoger Federer, in 2006, and Rafael Nadal, in 2011, are the only two other players to achieve the feat.
\n“I’m very happy,” said Sinner.
\n“We came here trying to give myself some feedback (on clay) and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me.”
\nSinner said he had felt in top form right from the outset of the match against his German opponent, ranked third in the world.
\n“Obviously every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning.”
\nSinner will play Alcaraz on clay for the first time since their epic French Open final last year, which the Spaniard won after saving three championship points.
\n“It would be good for me before Paris to play at least once against him (Alcaraz), seeing where my level is on this surface and where we need to work on,” said Sinner.
\nAs in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner had the measure of Zverev, who has not prevailed in their meetings since the round of 16 at the US Open in September 2023.
\nExtremely aggressive from the start, Sinner blew the German away in the opening set, breaking him three times and wrapping it up in 34 minutes.
\nIn the second set, Zverev put up more resistance, finding his first serve again, but he still had to battle every time to hold.
\nHe finally folded after 82 minutes on another blistering forehand from Sinner, who has lost only one set in his last 21 matches at Masters 1000 events.
\n","content_text":"MONTE CARLO: Carlos Alcaraz teed up a blockbuster Monte Carlo Masters final with Jannik Sinner, as the world's top two players will face off on Sunday for the number one ranking.\nAlcaraz ended the fairytale run of local boy Valentin Vacherot in the last four on Saturday to stay on track to defend his title in the principality.\nAlcaraz saw off Vacherot 6-4, 6-4 to reach his 10th ATP 1000 final and improve his record on clay to 26-1 since the start of last year.\nIt will be the first meeting this season between Alcaraz and Sinner and will decide who will be world No. 1 come Monday when the new ATP rankings are released.\n\"I think it's the dream spot for everyone, I would say. I'm fighting for a second Monte Carlo title, he's fighting for his first one,\" said Alcaraz of Sunday's final.\n\"It's going to be a really special one. The No. 1 is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special.\"\nThe 22-year-old Alcaraz is trying to keep hold of top spot and holds a 10-6 lead over Sinner in the head-to-head series.\n\"It's going to be 17 meetings against him, so I know him pretty well,\" said Alcaraz. \"I know that I have to play my best tennis if I want to beat him.\n\"If I'm feeling (the) favourite or not, I would say against him there is no favourite in any match. It depends about who's playing the best that day.\"\nAlcaraz broke Vacherot three times to wrap up victory in 84 minutes and is bidding for his third title of the season after winning the Australian Open and in Doha. He has made it to the final at his last seven clay tournaments.\nSinner dispatches Zverev\nSinner eased his way into the Monte Carlo final for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semi-final win over Alexander Zverev earlier on Saturday.\nThe 24-year-old Italian becomes the first player to reach all three finals of the season's first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015.\nRoger Federer, in 2006, and Rafael Nadal, in 2011, are the only two other players to achieve the feat.\n\"I'm very happy,\" said Sinner.\n\"We came here trying to give myself some feedback (on clay) and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me.\"\nSinner said he had felt in top form right from the outset of the match against his German opponent, ranked third in the world.\n\"Obviously every match, every day is different, so I'm very happy about today's performance. I felt really solid from the beginning.\"\nSinner will play Alcaraz on clay for the first time since their epic French Open final last year, which the Spaniard won after saving three championship points.\n\"It would be good for me before Paris to play at least once against him (Alcaraz), seeing where my level is on this surface and where we need to work on,\" said Sinner.\nAs in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner had the measure of Zverev, who has not prevailed in their meetings since the round of 16 at the US Open in September 2023.\nExtremely aggressive from the start, Sinner blew the German away in the opening set, breaking him three times and wrapping it up in 34 minutes.\nIn the second set, Zverev put up more resistance, finding his first serve again, but he still had to battle every time to hold.\nHe finally folded after 82 minutes on another blistering forehand from Sinner, who has lost only one set in his last 21 matches at Masters 1000 events.","date_published":"2026-04-11T22:21:28.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Alcaraz Sinner Final","ATP Ranking Battle","ATP Tour","clay court tennis","Monte Carlo Masters","tennis final","Tennis Highlights","tennis rivalry","World no.1","Zverev Defeat"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/b560846e-jannik-sinner-x-carlos-alcaraz-17122025.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/b560846e-jannik-sinner-x-carlos-alcaraz-17122025.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/salah-ngumoha-ease-liverpool-crisis-with-fulham-win","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/salah-ngumoha-ease-liverpool-crisis-with-fulham-win","title":"Salah, Ngumoha ease Liverpool crisis with Fulham win","summary":"The goals by Liverpool's rising star and departing legend helped beat Fulham 2-0, snapping the Reds' three-game losing streak.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bd6f7a83-liverpool-12042026.webp\")
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s rising star and departing legend combined to ease the pressure on Arne Slot as goals from teenager Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah beat Fulham 2-0, snapping the Reds’ three-game losing streak on Saturday.
\nSalah failed to get on the pitch at all during Liverpool’s chastening 2-0 Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain in midweek.
\nSlot insisted he was reserving the 33-year-old’s energy for when his side enjoyed more of the ball after being starved of possession by the European champions.
\nSalah responded to mark his first Anfield appearance since announcing he will leave at the end of the season with a first home goal in the Premier League for over five months.
\nAndy Robertson also announced his departure this week after nine glorious years at the club.
\nBut if those exits had Liverpool fans longing for the days when Jurgen Klopp’s side were at their peak, Ngumoha gave hope for the future.
\nThe 17-year-old has been handled conservatively by Slot despite showing his capability with a late winner in the second game of the season at Newcastle.
\nIn his flashes since, Ngumoha has provided the width and pace Liverpool have badly been lacking during a difficult second season for Slot.
\nHe became Liverpool’s youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield when he wriggled clear of his marker to bend a sublime strike into the far corner on 36 minutes.
\nJust four minutes later, Salah did likewise from the opposite side of the area to net his 256th Liverpool goal.
\nA completely different scale of task awaits Slot’s men on Tuesday as they aim to overturn the first-leg deficit against PSG in the Champions League.
\nBut a return to winning ways was vital to open up some breathing space in the battle just to be in the competition next season.
\nFive English sides are now guaranteed Champions League qualification.
\nLiverpool remain fifth but opened up a four-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea, who host Manchester City on Sunday.
\nDefeat is a major blow to Fulham’s European ambitions as they slip to 11th.
\nHow much respite a first league win in four games gives Slot remains to be seen.
\nDisgruntled fans chanted the name of former midfield favourite Xabi Alonso after last weekend’s 4-0 demolition by City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
\nAlonso, who left Real Madrid in January, is the prime candidate to take over should Slot be dismissed at the end of the season despite winning the Premier League in his first year in England.
\nThe disquiet around Anfield is not, though, restricted to the coach and players.
\nFans staged protests before and during the game at planned ticket price increases, in line with inflation, for the next three seasons.
\n","content_text":"LIVERPOOL: Liverpool's rising star and departing legend combined to ease the pressure on Arne Slot as goals from teenager Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah beat Fulham 2-0, snapping the Reds' three-game losing streak on Saturday.\nSalah failed to get on the pitch at all during Liverpool's chastening 2-0 Champions League defeat by Paris St-Germain in midweek.\nSlot insisted he was reserving the 33-year-old's energy for when his side enjoyed more of the ball after being starved of possession by the European champions.\nSalah responded to mark his first Anfield appearance since announcing he will leave at the end of the season with a first home goal in the Premier League for over five months.\nAndy Robertson also announced his departure this week after nine glorious years at the club.\nBut if those exits had Liverpool fans longing for the days when Jurgen Klopp's side were at their peak, Ngumoha gave hope for the future.\nThe 17-year-old has been handled conservatively by Slot despite showing his capability with a late winner in the second game of the season at Newcastle.\nIn his flashes since, Ngumoha has provided the width and pace Liverpool have badly been lacking during a difficult second season for Slot.\nHe became Liverpool's youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield when he wriggled clear of his marker to bend a sublime strike into the far corner on 36 minutes.\nJust four minutes later, Salah did likewise from the opposite side of the area to net his 256th Liverpool goal.\nA completely different scale of task awaits Slot's men on Tuesday as they aim to overturn the first-leg deficit against PSG in the Champions League.\nBut a return to winning ways was vital to open up some breathing space in the battle just to be in the competition next season.\nFive English sides are now guaranteed Champions League qualification.\nLiverpool remain fifth but opened up a four-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea, who host Manchester City on Sunday.\nDefeat is a major blow to Fulham's European ambitions as they slip to 11th.\nHow much respite a first league win in four games gives Slot remains to be seen.\nDisgruntled fans chanted the name of former midfield favourite Xabi Alonso after last weekend's 4-0 demolition by City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.\nAlonso, who left Real Madrid in January, is the prime candidate to take over should Slot be dismissed at the end of the season despite winning the Premier League in his first year in England.\nThe disquiet around Anfield is not, though, restricted to the coach and players.\nFans staged protests before and during the game at planned ticket price increases, in line with inflation, for the next three seasons.","date_published":"2026-04-11T21:57:31.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Anfield victory","Arne Slot","Champions League","Fulham defeat","Liverpool Win","Mohamed Salah","Premier League","PSG clash","Rio Ngumoha","top five"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bd6f7a83-liverpool-12042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bd6f7a83-liverpool-12042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/record-breaking-bayern-march-closer-to-bundesliga-title","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/12/record-breaking-bayern-march-closer-to-bundesliga-title","title":"Record-breaking Bayern march closer to Bundesliga title","summary":"During the 5-0 win at St Pauli, the Bavarian giants' second goal of the match brought up 102 league goals this season, breaking a 54-year record.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/98972fe8-bayern-munich-12042026.webp\")
BERLIN: Bayern Munich romped to a 5-0 win at St Pauli on Saturday, breaking a 54-year Bundesliga goalscoring record and moving to within touching distance of a 35th league crown.
\nLeon Goretzka’s 53rd-minute goal, Bayern’s second of the match, brought up 102 league goals this season, breaking a previous mark set by the Bavarian giants in 1971-72.
\nThe longstanding record was set by a team that featured club legends Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Mueller and Uli Hoeness.
\nBayern coach Vincent Kompany told Sky Germany he knew his side would shatter the total.
\n“I saw Uli Hoeness yesterday and told him ‘We’re coming for the record’. The mark existed for so long and the lads can be proud, but we’re going to keep going.”
\nTop scorer Harry Kane was left on the bench but Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Nicolas Jackson and Raphael Guerreiro joined Goretzka on the scoresheet as Bayern pulled 12 points clear of Borussia Dortmund, who lost to Bayer Leverkusen earlier on Saturday.
\nWith five matches remaining this season, defending champions Bayern can win the title as early as next week at home against Stuttgart.
\nMindful of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Bayern also started with Luis Diaz, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah among the substitutes.
\nThe missing firepower mattered little as Musiala headed the visitors in front with nine minutes gone.
\nEarly in the second half, Goretzka turned the ball in from close range to best a record the Bavarians set over half a century ago.
\nOlise added another just a minute later. Kane replaced Jackson, who got one of his own and Guerreiro scored late to round out the victory and up the record to 105.
\nAndrich sinks Dortmund
\nRobert Andrich hit a long-range strike late in the first half as Leverkusen became just the second team to beat Dortmund in the league this season with a 1-0 away victory.
\nDortmund, whose two previous defeats this season came against Bayern, remain eight points clear in second place despite their four-game winning streak coming to an end.
\nA day after extending his deal at the club to 2031, Nico Schlotterbeck received a smattering of boos and whistles from the home fans amid reports he had a release clause for this summer inserted into his contract.
\n“We’re really happy Schlotti extended,” centre-back partner Waldemar Anton told DAZN. “He didn’t deserve the boos. That hurts the team, everyone in the stands needs to know that. It’s nonsense and it’s not something we can accept.”
\nStoic and risk-averse under coach Niko Kovac, Dortmund were uncharacteristically fluid in attack in the opening half hour but Andrich broke through for the visitors in simple fashion.
\nThe Germany midfielder intercepted a Ramy Bensebaini pass and took a touch before blasting a low shot into the bottom corner past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
\nDortmund’s best chance came with seven minutes remaining when Serhou Guirassy collected a Carney Chukwuemeka pass and hit the underside of the crossbar.
\nYan Diomande’s 81st-minute effort boosted RB Leipzig’s hopes of a top-four finish, securing a 1-0 home win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.
\nDiomande’s late winner lifted third-placed Leipzig three points clear of Stuttgart, who face Hamburg at home on Sunday, with Leverkusen a point further back in fifth.
\nThe goal continued the 19-year-old’s impressive debut Bundesliga season, in which he has scored 11 times.
\nLeipzig captain David Raum praised the teenage winger, calling him “a player with world-class potential”.
\nGladbach ultras unveiled a banner directed at academy product and captain Rocco Reitz, who will join Leipzig in the summer, which said: “Whoever wants what’s here can never be our skipper.”
\nElsewhere, Wolfsburg lost 2-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt to slide closer to relegation.
\nGoals from Oscar Hojlund and Arnaud Kalimuendo left second-last Wolfsburg, who have won just once in 14 games in 2026, six points from safety.
\nLast-placed Heidenheim kept their slim hopes of beating the drop alive with a 3-1 home win over Union Berlin. The victory, Heidenheim’s first since early December, took them two points behind Wolfsburg and eight from fourth-bottom Cologne.
\n","content_text":"BERLIN: Bayern Munich romped to a 5-0 win at St Pauli on Saturday, breaking a 54-year Bundesliga goalscoring record and moving to within touching distance of a 35th league crown.\nLeon Goretzka's 53rd-minute goal, Bayern's second of the match, brought up 102 league goals this season, breaking a previous mark set by the Bavarian giants in 1971-72.\nThe longstanding record was set by a team that featured club legends Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Mueller and Uli Hoeness.\nBayern coach Vincent Kompany told Sky Germany he knew his side would shatter the total.\n\"I saw Uli Hoeness yesterday and told him 'We're coming for the record'. The mark existed for so long and the lads can be proud, but we're going to keep going.\"\nTop scorer Harry Kane was left on the bench but Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Nicolas Jackson and Raphael Guerreiro joined Goretzka on the scoresheet as Bayern pulled 12 points clear of Borussia Dortmund, who lost to Bayer Leverkusen earlier on Saturday.\nWith five matches remaining this season, defending champions Bayern can win the title as early as next week at home against Stuttgart.\nMindful of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Bayern also started with Luis Diaz, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah among the substitutes.\nThe missing firepower mattered little as Musiala headed the visitors in front with nine minutes gone.\nEarly in the second half, Goretzka turned the ball in from close range to best a record the Bavarians set over half a century ago.\nOlise added another just a minute later. Kane replaced Jackson, who got one of his own and Guerreiro scored late to round out the victory and up the record to 105.\nAndrich sinks Dortmund \nRobert Andrich hit a long-range strike late in the first half as Leverkusen became just the second team to beat Dortmund in the league this season with a 1-0 away victory.\nDortmund, whose two previous defeats this season came against Bayern, remain eight points clear in second place despite their four-game winning streak coming to an end.\nA day after extending his deal at the club to 2031, Nico Schlotterbeck received a smattering of boos and whistles from the home fans amid reports he had a release clause for this summer inserted into his contract.\n\"We're really happy Schlotti extended,\" centre-back partner Waldemar Anton told DAZN. \"He didn't deserve the boos. That hurts the team, everyone in the stands needs to know that. It's nonsense and it's not something we can accept.\"\nStoic and risk-averse under coach Niko Kovac, Dortmund were uncharacteristically fluid in attack in the opening half hour but Andrich broke through for the visitors in simple fashion.\nThe Germany midfielder intercepted a Ramy Bensebaini pass and took a touch before blasting a low shot into the bottom corner past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.\nDortmund's best chance came with seven minutes remaining when Serhou Guirassy collected a Carney Chukwuemeka pass and hit the underside of the crossbar.\nYan Diomande's 81st-minute effort boosted RB Leipzig's hopes of a top-four finish, securing a 1-0 home win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.\nDiomande's late winner lifted third-placed Leipzig three points clear of Stuttgart, who face Hamburg at home on Sunday, with Leverkusen a point further back in fifth.\nThe goal continued the 19-year-old's impressive debut Bundesliga season, in which he has scored 11 times.\nLeipzig captain David Raum praised the teenage winger, calling him \"a player with world-class potential\".\nGladbach ultras unveiled a banner directed at academy product and captain Rocco Reitz, who will join Leipzig in the summer, which said: \"Whoever wants what's here can never be our skipper.\"\nElsewhere, Wolfsburg lost 2-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt to slide closer to relegation.\nGoals from Oscar Hojlund and Arnaud Kalimuendo left second-last Wolfsburg, who have won just once in 14 games in 2026, six points from safety.\nLast-placed Heidenheim kept their slim hopes of beating the drop alive with a 3-1 home win over Union Berlin. The victory, Heidenheim's first since early December, took them two points behind Wolfsburg and eight from fourth-bottom Cologne.","date_published":"2026-04-11T21:47:55.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Sports","Football","Top Sports","Bayer Leverkusen","Bayern Munich","Borussia Dortmund","Bundesliga record","goalscoring record","harry kane","Jamal Musiala","RB Leipzig","St Pauli","title race"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/98972fe8-bayern-munich-12042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/98972fe8-bayern-munich-12042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/leverkusen-snatch-1-0-win-at-dortmund-to-stay-in-champions-league-contention","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/12/leverkusen-snatch-1-0-win-at-dortmund-to-stay-in-champions-league-contention","title":"Leverkusen snatch 1-0 win at Dortmund to stay in Champions League contention","summary":"Leverkusen got off to a slow start but took the lead when Robert Andrich intercepted a Ramy Bensebaini pass and his low drive surprised Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ea8bf804-13897438_cropped_1.webp\")
BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen bagged a crucial 1-0 victory at second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday courtesy of captain Robert Andrich’s first half winner, to stay in the mix for a top four finish with five matches left to play.
\nThe 2024 Bundesliga champions are now fifth on 52 points, one behind fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart, who host Hamburg SV on Sunday. The top four teams qualify for next season’s Champions League.
\nIt was a disappointing afternoon for Dortmund, who hit the woodwork through Serhou Guirassy in the 83rd but also saw their defender Nico Schlotterbeck jeered by the home fans, who are unhappy by his delays before eventually signing a contract extension this week.
\nThe Ruhr valley club is in second place on 64 points with five games left, while leaders Bayern Munich, on 73, can further increase their lead with a win at St Pauli later.
\nLeverkusen got off to a slow start but took the lead when Andrich intercepted a Ramy Bensebaini pass and his low drive surprised Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.
\nPatrick Schick came close to a second goal for the visitors on the hour but Kobel stood his ground to block the Czech striker’s close-range effort before Guirassy struck the woodwork in Dortmund’s best chance of the game.
\n","content_text":"BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen bagged a crucial 1-0 victory at second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday courtesy of captain Robert Andrich's first half winner, to stay in the mix for a top four finish with five matches left to play.\nThe 2024 Bundesliga champions are now fifth on 52 points, one behind fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart, who host Hamburg SV on Sunday. The top four teams qualify for next season's Champions League.\nIt was a disappointing afternoon for Dortmund, who hit the woodwork through Serhou Guirassy in the 83rd but also saw their defender Nico Schlotterbeck jeered by the home fans, who are unhappy by his delays before eventually signing a contract extension this week.\nThe Ruhr valley club is in second place on 64 points with five games left, while leaders Bayern Munich, on 73, can further increase their lead with a win at St Pauli later.\nLeverkusen got off to a slow start but took the lead when Andrich intercepted a Ramy Bensebaini pass and his low drive surprised Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.\nPatrick Schick came close to a second goal for the visitors on the hour but Kobel stood his ground to block the Czech striker's close-range effort before Guirassy struck the woodwork in Dortmund's best chance of the game.","date_published":"2026-04-11T16:06:07.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Bayer Leverkusen","Borussia Dortmund","Bundesliga"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ea8bf804-13897438_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ea8bf804-13897438_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/sinner-brushes-past-zverev-to-reach-monte-carlo-final","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/sinner-brushes-past-zverev-to-reach-monte-carlo-final","title":"Sinner brushes past Zverev to reach Monte Carlo final","summary":"Jannik Sinner eased his way into the final of the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semi-final win over Alexander Zverev.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9201ec44-afp__20260411__a7ge4ju__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo_cropped_1.webp\")
MONTE CARLO: World No 2 Jannik Sinner eased his way into the final of the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semi-final win over Alexander Zverev on Saturday.
\nThe 24-year-old Italian becomes the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015.
\nRoger Federer, in 2006, and Rafael Nadal, 2011, are the only two other players to achieve the feat.
\n“I’m very happy,” said Sinner.
\n“We came here trying to give myself some feedback [on clay] and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me,” he added.
\nSinner said he had felt in top form right from the outset of the match against his German opponent, ranked third in the world.
\n“Obviously every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning.
\n“When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match, so very happy and let’s see what’s coming in the final,” he said.
\nSinner will face either world No 1 and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or local boy Valentin Vacherot, ranked 23 in the world, who meet later on Saturday.
\nIf it is Alcaraz, it will be the first meeting this season between the world’s top two players which would decide who will be world No 1 come Monday when the new ATP rankings are released.
\nAs in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner, 24, had the measure of Zverev who has not prevailed in their meetings since the round of 16 at the US Open in September 2023.
\nExtremely aggressive from the start, Sinner blew the German away in the opening set, breaking him three times and wrapping it up in 34 minutes.
\nIn the second set, the German put up more resistance, finding his first serve again, but he still had to battle every time to hold.
\nHe finally folded after 1hr 22min on another blistering forehand from Sinner, who has lost only one set in his last 21 matches at Masters 1000 events.
\n","content_text":"MONTE CARLO: World No 2 Jannik Sinner eased his way into the final of the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semi-final win over Alexander Zverev on Saturday.\nThe 24-year-old Italian becomes the first player to reach all three finals of the season's first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015.\nRoger Federer, in 2006, and Rafael Nadal, 2011, are the only two other players to achieve the feat.\n\"I'm very happy,\" said Sinner.\n\"We came here trying to give myself some feedback [on clay] and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me,\" he added.\nSinner said he had felt in top form right from the outset of the match against his German opponent, ranked third in the world.\n\"Obviously every match, every day is different, so I'm very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning.\n\"When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match, so very happy and let's see what's coming in the final,\" he said.\nSinner will face either world No 1 and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or local boy Valentin Vacherot, ranked 23 in the world, who meet later on Saturday.\nIf it is Alcaraz, it will be the first meeting this season between the world's top two players which would decide who will be world No 1 come Monday when the new ATP rankings are released.\nAs in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner, 24, had the measure of Zverev who has not prevailed in their meetings since the round of 16 at the US Open in September 2023.\nExtremely aggressive from the start, Sinner blew the German away in the opening set, breaking him three times and wrapping it up in 34 minutes.\nIn the second set, the German put up more resistance, finding his first serve again, but he still had to battle every time to hold.\nHe finally folded after 1hr 22min on another blistering forehand from Sinner, who has lost only one set in his last 21 matches at Masters 1000 events.","date_published":"2026-04-11T14:46:10.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Alexander Zverev","Carlos Alcaraz","Jannik Sinner","Monte Carlo Masters","Novak Djokovic"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9201ec44-afp__20260411__a7ge4ju__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9201ec44-afp__20260411__a7ge4ju__v1__highres__tennisatpmontecarlo_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/arsenals-defeat-blows-premier-league-title-race-wide-open","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/arsenals-defeat-blows-premier-league-title-race-wide-open","title":"Arsenal’s defeat blows Premier League title race wide open","summary":"Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth, giving Manchester City renewed hope of catching the long-time leaders.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/b798fb89-afp__20260411__a7ge4hz__v1__highres__fblengprarsenalbournemouth_cropped_1.webp\")
LONDON: Arsenal suffered a huge blow in the Premier League title race on Saturday, losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth to give Manchester City renewed hope of catching the long-time leaders.
\nThe visitors took the lead at a nervy Emirates through Junior Kroupi, but Mikel Arteta’s men levelled through a Viktor Gyokeres penalty later in the first half.
\nThe Gunners made multiple attacking changes early in the second period but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Andoni Iraola’s enterprising team.
\nBournemouth were back in front in the 74th minute after a fluid move finished off by Alex Scott, who rifled the ball past David Raya.
\nArsenal pushed for a leveller but slumped to just their second home defeat in the league this season.
\nWith six games to go, the Gunners, chasing their first Premier League title since 2004, are nine points clear of second-placed City.
\nBut Pep Guardiola’s men can close to within three points of the top if they beat Chelsea on Sunday and overcome the leaders in an Etihad summit meeting next week.
\nArsenal came into the match lifted by their last-gasp 1-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon in midweek.
\nBut they fell to their third straight domestic home defeat in all competitions, raising major doubts about their ability to stay the course in the Premier League title race.
\nLaboured Arsenal
\nIraola’s team took a deserved lead in the 17th minute when Kroupi tapped in from close range after the ball fell to him following a wicked looping deflection off William Saliba.
\nMoments later Kai Havertz squandered a clear chance to level, putting a header over the bar, and the crowd became increasingly edgy as the sluggish home side struggled to settle.
\nBut Arsenal were level in the 35th minute when Gyokeres blasted home from the penalty spot after the ball struck Ryan Christie’s outstretched hand.
\nArteta, who has been criticised for being over-cautious this season, made three attacking changes early in the second half, bringing on Eberechi Eze, 16-year-old Max Dowman and Leandro Trossard for Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
\nBut the changes failed to ignite Arsenal and it was Bournemouth who scored a decisive second goal.
\nDavid Brooks’ pass was diverted by Evanilson into an onrushing Scott, who finished confidently.
\nArsenal huffed and puffed but failed to find a meaningful response, with Gyokeres firing wide deep into added time.
\nThe home side managed just three shots on target in the entire game.
\nJust weeks ago Arsenal were on track for a unique quadruple before defeat to City in the League Cup final and a shock loss to Southampton in the FA Cup.
\nThey remain favourites for the Premier League title but City, with two games in hand, will travel to Stamford Bridge with renewed hope.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: Arsenal suffered a huge blow in the Premier League title race on Saturday, losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth to give Manchester City renewed hope of catching the long-time leaders.\nThe visitors took the lead at a nervy Emirates through Junior Kroupi, but Mikel Arteta's men levelled through a Viktor Gyokeres penalty later in the first half.\nThe Gunners made multiple attacking changes early in the second period but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Andoni Iraola's enterprising team.\nBournemouth were back in front in the 74th minute after a fluid move finished off by Alex Scott, who rifled the ball past David Raya.\nArsenal pushed for a leveller but slumped to just their second home defeat in the league this season.\nWith six games to go, the Gunners, chasing their first Premier League title since 2004, are nine points clear of second-placed City.\nBut Pep Guardiola's men can close to within three points of the top if they beat Chelsea on Sunday and overcome the leaders in an Etihad summit meeting next week.\nArsenal came into the match lifted by their last-gasp 1-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon in midweek.\nBut they fell to their third straight domestic home defeat in all competitions, raising major doubts about their ability to stay the course in the Premier League title race.\nLaboured Arsenal\nIraola's team took a deserved lead in the 17th minute when Kroupi tapped in from close range after the ball fell to him following a wicked looping deflection off William Saliba.\nMoments later Kai Havertz squandered a clear chance to level, putting a header over the bar, and the crowd became increasingly edgy as the sluggish home side struggled to settle.\nBut Arsenal were level in the 35th minute when Gyokeres blasted home from the penalty spot after the ball struck Ryan Christie's outstretched hand.\nArteta, who has been criticised for being over-cautious this season, made three attacking changes early in the second half, bringing on Eberechi Eze, 16-year-old Max Dowman and Leandro Trossard for Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.\nBut the changes failed to ignite Arsenal and it was Bournemouth who scored a decisive second goal.\nDavid Brooks' pass was diverted by Evanilson into an onrushing Scott, who finished confidently.\nArsenal huffed and puffed but failed to find a meaningful response, with Gyokeres firing wide deep into added time.\nThe home side managed just three shots on target in the entire game.\nJust weeks ago Arsenal were on track for a unique quadruple before defeat to City in the League Cup final and a shock loss to Southampton in the FA Cup.\nThey remain favourites for the Premier League title but City, with two games in hand, will travel to Stamford Bridge with renewed hope.","date_published":"2026-04-11T14:31:45.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Arsenal","Bournemouth","Manchester City","Premier League"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/b798fb89-afp__20260411__a7ge4hz__v1__highres__fblengprarsenalbournemouth_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/b798fb89-afp__20260411__a7ge4hz__v1__highres__fblengprarsenalbournemouth_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/neymar-has-two-months-to-show-he-is-ready-for-world-cup-says-ancelotti","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/neymar-has-two-months-to-show-he-is-ready-for-world-cup-says-ancelotti","title":"Neymar has two months to show he is ready for World Cup, says Ancelotti","summary":"Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti has left open the possibility of Neymar earning a place in his 26-man World Cup squad this year.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2bb18406-neymar-epa-25_09_25.webp\")
BRASÍLIA: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has left open the possibility of Neymar earning a place in his 26‑man squad for this year’s World Cup, saying the forward has two months to prove he has the required qualities.
\nAncelotti has consistently maintained that Neymar will be in contention if he is fully fit but the attacker was excluded from Brazil’s squad for last month’s warm‑up matches against France and Croatia.
\nNeymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and has struggled to maintain a consistent run of matches since returning to Santos last year.
\nBrazil’s 2‑1 defeat to France in Boston prompted fans to chant Neymar’s name but Ancelotti dismissed the reaction at the time, saying attention should focus on the players selected.
\nNow, however, the Italian has suggested that the Santos forward remains part of his thinking as Brazil assess their options ahead of the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19 in North America and Mexico.
\n“He’s a great talent, and it’s normal that people think he can help us win the next World Cup,” Ancelotti said in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe.
\n“He’s currently being evaluated by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup.
\n“After his knee injury, Neymar has made a good comeback; he’s scoring goals. He needs to continue in this direction and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track,” he said.
\nBrazil are in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in the World Cup and will begin their campaign on June 13 at New Jersey Stadium.
\n","content_text":"BRASÍLIA: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has left open the possibility of Neymar earning a place in his 26‑man squad for this year’s World Cup, saying the forward has two months to prove he has the required qualities.\nAncelotti has consistently maintained that Neymar will be in contention if he is fully fit but the attacker was excluded from Brazil’s squad for last month’s warm‑up matches against France and Croatia.\nNeymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and has struggled to maintain a consistent run of matches since returning to Santos last year.\nBrazil’s 2‑1 defeat to France in Boston prompted fans to chant Neymar’s name but Ancelotti dismissed the reaction at the time, saying attention should focus on the players selected.\nNow, however, the Italian has suggested that the Santos forward remains part of his thinking as Brazil assess their options ahead of the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19 in North America and Mexico.\n\"He's a great talent, and it's normal that people think he can help us win the next World Cup,\" Ancelotti said in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe.\n\"He's currently being evaluated by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup.\n\"After his knee injury, Neymar has made a good comeback; he's scoring goals. He needs to continue in this direction and improve his fitness. He's on the right track,\" he said.\nBrazil are in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in the World Cup and will begin their campaign on June 13 at New Jersey Stadium.","date_published":"2026-04-11T14:12:20.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Carlo Ancelotti","Neymar","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2bb18406-neymar-epa-25_09_25.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2bb18406-neymar-epa-25_09_25.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/holders-italy-britain-ease-into-bjk-cup-finals","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/holders-italy-britain-ease-into-bjk-cup-finals","title":"Holders Italy, Britain ease into BJK Cup finals","summary":"Two-time defending champions Italy beat Japan 3-0 to reach the Billie Jean King Cup finals, with Britain also advancing past Australia.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6d041cde-afp__20260411__a7fv7g3__v1__highres__tennisausgbr_2_cropped_1.webp\")
PARIS: Two-time defending champions Italy won Saturday’s decisive doubles rubber to book their ticket to the Billie Jean King Cup finals with a 3-0 win over Japan as Britain also advanced past Australia.
\nSara Errani and Jasmine Paolini sealed the winning point with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi on clay at Velletri, south of Rome.
\nPaolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto had given the hosts a 2-0 overnight advantage.
\nIn Melbourne, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage won the doubles rubber to power Britain past Australia.
\nLater Emerson Jones pulled a point back for Australia for 3-1 after beating Katie Swan 7-5, 6-3 in Saturday’s reverse singles.
\nBritain started the day with a commanding 2-0 lead after rising star Mika Stojsavljevic upset Talia Gibson and Dart beat Kimberly Birrell on day one.
\nIt left Australia’s Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez facing a must-win clash in Melbourne, but they failed to rise to the occasion and crashed 6-3, 6-4.
\n“That feels amazing,” said an emotional Burrage who has battled injuries in recent times.
\n“I’m proud of us for the way that we played, way that we came out and managed to close that out.”
\nVictory propelled Britain – semi-finalists last year — into the September eight-team finals in Shenzhen, China.
\nHunter and Perez broke early for a 3-1 lead, but they imploded with Dart and Burrage reeling off the next five games to claim the opening set.
\nA seesawing second set saw four service breaks before the British pair broke again for a 5-4 advantage and Burrage made no mistakes in serving out for the win.
\nIt was an impressive victory with none of Britain’s top four making the long trip with Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Fran Jones opting to focus on the European clay-court season and Sonay Kartal hurt.
\n“They’re two great players,” said Dart of Hunter and Perez. “They play a lot of doubles and it was our first time playing together.
\n“It’s crazy actually because we played pretty well and to be able to make the finals is just kind of surreal.”
\nSeven ties are being played this weekend.
\nLast year’s runners-up the United States – record 18-time competition winners – have their work cut out, trailing Belgium 2-0 in Ostend.
\nIn Astana, hosts Kazakhstan won Saturday’s doubles rubber to lead 2023 champions Canada 2-1.
\nFormer US Open champion Bianca Andreescu had pulled Canada level 1-1 on Friday night after Yulia Putintseva had eased past newcomer Kayla Cross in straight sets.
\nAnna Danilina and Zhibek Kulambayeva beat Andreescu and Cross 7-5, 6-1 in Saturday’s doubles with the tie going down to the reverse singles.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Two-time defending champions Italy won Saturday's decisive doubles rubber to book their ticket to the Billie Jean King Cup finals with a 3-0 win over Japan as Britain also advanced past Australia.\nSara Errani and Jasmine Paolini sealed the winning point with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Japan's Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi on clay at Velletri, south of Rome.\nPaolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto had given the hosts a 2-0 overnight advantage.\nIn Melbourne, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage won the doubles rubber to power Britain past Australia.\nLater Emerson Jones pulled a point back for Australia for 3-1 after beating Katie Swan 7-5, 6-3 in Saturday's reverse singles.\nBritain started the day with a commanding 2-0 lead after rising star Mika Stojsavljevic upset Talia Gibson and Dart beat Kimberly Birrell on day one.\nIt left Australia's Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez facing a must-win clash in Melbourne, but they failed to rise to the occasion and crashed 6-3, 6-4.\n\"That feels amazing,\" said an emotional Burrage who has battled injuries in recent times.\n\"I'm proud of us for the way that we played, way that we came out and managed to close that out.\"\nVictory propelled Britain - semi-finalists last year - into the September eight-team finals in Shenzhen, China.\nHunter and Perez broke early for a 3-1 lead, but they imploded with Dart and Burrage reeling off the next five games to claim the opening set.\nA seesawing second set saw four service breaks before the British pair broke again for a 5-4 advantage and Burrage made no mistakes in serving out for the win.\nIt was an impressive victory with none of Britain's top four making the long trip with Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Fran Jones opting to focus on the European clay-court season and Sonay Kartal hurt.\n\"They're two great players,\" said Dart of Hunter and Perez. \"They play a lot of doubles and it was our first time playing together.\n\"It's crazy actually because we played pretty well and to be able to make the finals is just kind of surreal.\"\nSeven ties are being played this weekend.\nLast year's runners-up the United States - record 18-time competition winners - have their work cut out, trailing Belgium 2-0 in Ostend.\nIn Astana, hosts Kazakhstan won Saturday's doubles rubber to lead 2023 champions Canada 2-1.\nFormer US Open champion Bianca Andreescu had pulled Canada level 1-1 on Friday night after Yulia Putintseva had eased past newcomer Kayla Cross in straight sets.\nAnna Danilina and Zhibek Kulambayeva beat Andreescu and Cross 7-5, 6-1 in Saturday's doubles with the tie going down to the reverse singles.","date_published":"2026-04-11T12:00:05.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Billie Jean King Cup","Britain","Italy","Melbourne"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6d041cde-afp__20260411__a7fv7g3__v1__highres__tennisausgbr_2_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6d041cde-afp__20260411__a7fv7g3__v1__highres__tennisausgbr_2_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/11/zii-jia-included-in-thomas-cup-squad","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/11/zii-jia-included-in-thomas-cup-squad","title":"Zii Jia included in Thomas Cup squad","summary":"BAM says the Olympic bronze medallist will spearhead the singles challenge alongside Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin.","content_html":"![\"lee](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/d949fbb8-lee-zii-jia-bernamapic-101024.webp\")
KUALA LUMPUR: Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has been named in Malaysia’s squad for the 2026 Thomas Cup finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
\nThe Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said today the Olympic bronze medallist will spearhead the singles challenge alongside Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin.
\nThe inclusion of Zii Jia, 28, is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s bid to reclaim the title, which they last won in 1992.
\nIn the men’s doubles, the challenge will be led by world No 2 pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who will have Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani for company.
\nMalaysia have been drawn in Group B with Japan, England and Finland.
\nIn the Uber Cup finals, to be played at the same time, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah return as the mainstay in the women’s doubles, alongside young pair Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting and Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah.
\nPearly-Thinaah had skipped the 2024 edition in Chengdu, China, to focus on preparations for the Paris Olympics.
\nIn the women’s singles, K Letshanaa will lead the charge, supported by Wong Ling Ching, Siti Zulaikha Azmi and Goh Jin Wei.
\nThe women’s team has also been drawn in Group B, alongside Japan, Turkey and South Africa.
\n","content_text":"KUALA LUMPUR: Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has been named in Malaysia’s squad for the 2026 Thomas Cup finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.\nThe Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said today the Olympic bronze medallist will spearhead the singles challenge alongside Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin.\nThe inclusion of Zii Jia, 28, is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s bid to reclaim the title, which they last won in 1992.\nIn the men’s doubles, the challenge will be led by world No 2 pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who will have Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani for company.\nMalaysia have been drawn in Group B with Japan, England and Finland.\nIn the Uber Cup finals, to be played at the same time, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah return as the mainstay in the women’s doubles, alongside young pair Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting and Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah.\nPearly-Thinaah had skipped the 2024 edition in Chengdu, China, to focus on preparations for the Paris Olympics.\nIn the women’s singles, K Letshanaa will lead the charge, supported by Wong Ling Ching, Siti Zulaikha Azmi and Goh Jin Wei.\nThe women’s team has also been drawn in Group B, alongside Japan, Turkey and South Africa.","date_published":"2026-04-11T10:37:39.000Z","author":{"name":"Bernama"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","Lee Zii Jia","Thomas Cup","Uber Cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/d949fbb8-lee-zii-jia-bernamapic-101024.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/d949fbb8-lee-zii-jia-bernamapic-101024.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/11/rexy-mainaki-slams-pearly-thinaah-tang-jie-ee-wei-after-bac-exit","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/11/rexy-mainaki-slams-pearly-thinaah-tang-jie-ee-wei-after-bac-exit","title":"Coach Rexy slams poor play by Pearly-Thinaah, Tang Jie-Ee Wei after BAC exit","summary":"The national doubles coaching director says their performance was 'negative' and 'out of order'.","content_html":"![\"pearly-tan-n-thinaah\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/da7f01f0-pearly-tan-n-thinaah-bernama-pic-25524.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has taken to task some of his players over their quarter-final exit from the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) 2026 in Ningbo, China, yesterday.
\nHe was especially critical of top national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, saying that “they played negatively” in the last eight, Bernama reported.
\nIn a lethargic performance, Pearly-Thinaah, ranked world No 2, went down tamely to their Chinese rivals, Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min, ranked seven rungs below them, in straight games of 13-21, 15-21 in 41 minutes.
\nHe then took aim at mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei over their loss to the relatively unknown South Korean pair Kim Jae Hyeon-Jang Ha Jeong by a score of 19-21, 17-21.
\n![\"Rexy](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/96cf7e31-rexy-mainaky-bernamapic-mugshot-260524.webp\")
Rexy described the defending world champions’ performance as totally “out of order”.
\nHowever, he did not give reigning men’s doubles champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik the same treatment following their loss to South Korean pair Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju.
\nHe said the Koreans played exceptionally well to shatter Aaron-Wooi Yik’s hopes of retaining the title after a 19-21, 28-26, 13-21 defeat.
\n“They (Min Hyuk-Dong Ju) made few errors and in terms of aggressive rotation, the opponents were also better than Aaron-Wooi Yik,” Rexy was quoted as saying.
\nYesterday’s results marked Malaysia’s first medal-less campaign at the BAC since the 2019 edition in Wuhan, China.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has taken to task some of his players over their quarter-final exit from the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) 2026 in Ningbo, China, yesterday.\nHe was especially critical of top national women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, saying that \"they played negatively\" in the last eight, Bernama reported.\nIn a lethargic performance, Pearly-Thinaah, ranked world No 2, went down tamely to their Chinese rivals, Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min, ranked seven rungs below them, in straight games of 13-21, 15-21 in 41 minutes.\nHe then took aim at mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei over their loss to the relatively unknown South Korean pair Kim Jae Hyeon-Jang Ha Jeong by a score of 19-21, 17-21.\n\nRexy described the defending world champions' performance as totally \"out of order\".\nHowever, he did not give reigning men’s doubles champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik the same treatment following their loss to South Korean pair Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju.\nHe said the Koreans played exceptionally well to shatter Aaron-Wooi Yik’s hopes of retaining the title after a 19-21, 28-26, 13-21 defeat.\n“They (Min Hyuk-Dong Ju) made few errors and in terms of aggressive rotation, the opponents were also better than Aaron-Wooi Yik,” Rexy was quoted as saying.\nYesterday’s results marked Malaysia’s first medal-less campaign at the BAC since the 2019 edition in Wuhan, China.","date_published":"2026-04-11T07:49:48.000Z","author":{"name":"FMT Reporters"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","aaron chia","Badminton Asia Championships 2026","China","M Thinaah","Ningbo","Pearly Tan","Pearly-Thinaah","Rexy Mainaky","soh wooi yik"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/da7f01f0-pearly-tan-n-thinaah-bernama-pic-25524.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/da7f01f0-pearly-tan-n-thinaah-bernama-pic-25524.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/mcilroy-seizes-36-hole-record-six-shot-masters-lead-with-epic-finish","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/mcilroy-seizes-36-hole-record-six-shot-masters-lead-with-epic-finish","title":"McIlroy seizes 36-hole record six-shot Masters lead with epic finish","summary":"Rory McIlroy delivered one of the most incredible finishes in major golf history with birdies on six of Friday's last seven holes.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/13896327-Rory-McIlroy.webp\")
AUGUSTA: Rory McIlroy delivered one of the most incredible finishes in major golf history with birdies on six of Friday’s last seven holes to seize a record six-stroke lead after 36 holes at the Masters.
\nDefying fast and firm conditions at Augusta National, McIlroy fired a seven-under-par 65 in the second round to stand on 12-under-par 132 at the midpoint of the year’s first major.
\nWorld number two McIlroy’s closing run included holing out a spectacular 29-yard pitch at the par-four 17th hole and sinking a six-foot birdie putt at the 18th to break the old 36-hole record lead of five shots.
\n“Just an amazing end to the round,” McIlroy said. “When I was standing on the 12th tee, I didn’t imagine I would be six ahead going into the weekend.”
\nMcIlroy, trying to become only the fourth player to capture back-to-back green jackets, sank seven-foot birdie putts at the par-three 12th and par-five 13th holes to start the epic run.
\n“If you just keep your patience and make smart decisions around this golf course, the course will reward you with chances,” McIlroy said.
\nHe added another from 10 feet at the par-five 15th and sank a three-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th.
\nThen came the pitch-in stunner.
\n“I could just see over the crest of the hill, and then I could see everyone start to stand up,” McIlroy said. “I knew when it came off that I hit it pretty perfectly.
\n“That was a bonus that it went in.”
\nHis impressive approach to six feet at 18 was followed by a clutch putt for his fourth straight birdie and Masters history.
\n“This golf course, you can get on runs,” McIlroy said. “And for me, it’s all about staying patient until I feel good enough that I can get on them.”
\nPatrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, missed a six-foot putt and made bogey at 18 to shoot 69 and share a distant second with fellow American Sam Burns on 138.
\n“My irons were pretty solid and my short game was pretty good,” Reed said.
\nEngland’s Justin Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up, and compatriot Tommy Fleetwood, seeking his first major title shared fourth on 139 with Ireland’s Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner.
\nThe only prior defending Masters champions to hold the 36-hole lead the following year were Arnold Palmer, Ian Woosnam and Jordan Spieth.
\nMcIlroy sank a six-foot birdie putt at the par-five second hole to first grab the lead at six-under.
\nHe added a three-foot birdie putt at the third hole and sank a 22-footer for birdie at the par-three fourth before taking a bogey at the fifth and another at the 10th after putting his approach in a bunker, setting the stage for a finish for the ages.
\n‘Long way to go’
\nMcIlroy, however, isn’t taking a repeat victory for granted despite his historic edge.
\n“I know what can happen around here, good and bad, so you don’t have to remind me not to get ahead of myself around this place,” McIlroy said. “There’s a long way to go. I’ve got off to an amazing start, but we reset, and everyone goes back on the course tomorrow.”
\nFive-stroke Masters leaders after 36 holes included winners Scottie Scheffler in 2022, Jordan Spieth in 2015, Ray Floyd in 1976, Jack Nicklaus in 1975 and Herman Keiser in 1946 with Harry Cooper in 1936 settling for second.
\nA pack on 140 included China’s Li Haotong, Americans Wyndham Clark and Cameron Young, England’s Tyrrell Hatton, Australian Jason Day and Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan.
\nWorld number one Scottie Scheffler, seeking his third Masters victory in five seasons, fired a 74 to stand on 144.
\nTwo-time US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau closed bogey-double bogey to shoot 74 and stand on 150 to miss the cut to the low 50 and ties, which came at 148 and also kept Scotsman Robert MacIntyre from the weekend.
\nSpain’s Jon Rahm made the cut on the number.
\n","content_text":"AUGUSTA: Rory McIlroy delivered one of the most incredible finishes in major golf history with birdies on six of Friday's last seven holes to seize a record six-stroke lead after 36 holes at the Masters.\nDefying fast and firm conditions at Augusta National, McIlroy fired a seven-under-par 65 in the second round to stand on 12-under-par 132 at the midpoint of the year's first major.\nWorld number two McIlroy's closing run included holing out a spectacular 29-yard pitch at the par-four 17th hole and sinking a six-foot birdie putt at the 18th to break the old 36-hole record lead of five shots.\n\"Just an amazing end to the round,\" McIlroy said. \"When I was standing on the 12th tee, I didn't imagine I would be six ahead going into the weekend.\"\nMcIlroy, trying to become only the fourth player to capture back-to-back green jackets, sank seven-foot birdie putts at the par-three 12th and par-five 13th holes to start the epic run.\n\"If you just keep your patience and make smart decisions around this golf course, the course will reward you with chances,\" McIlroy said.\nHe added another from 10 feet at the par-five 15th and sank a three-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th.\nThen came the pitch-in stunner.\n\"I could just see over the crest of the hill, and then I could see everyone start to stand up,\" McIlroy said. \"I knew when it came off that I hit it pretty perfectly.\n\"That was a bonus that it went in.\"\nHis impressive approach to six feet at 18 was followed by a clutch putt for his fourth straight birdie and Masters history.\n\"This golf course, you can get on runs,\" McIlroy said. \"And for me, it's all about staying patient until I feel good enough that I can get on them.\"\nPatrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, missed a six-foot putt and made bogey at 18 to shoot 69 and share a distant second with fellow American Sam Burns on 138.\n\"My irons were pretty solid and my short game was pretty good,\" Reed said.\nEngland's Justin Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up, and compatriot Tommy Fleetwood, seeking his first major title shared fourth on 139 with Ireland's Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner.\nThe only prior defending Masters champions to hold the 36-hole lead the following year were Arnold Palmer, Ian Woosnam and Jordan Spieth.\nMcIlroy sank a six-foot birdie putt at the par-five second hole to first grab the lead at six-under.\nHe added a three-foot birdie putt at the third hole and sank a 22-footer for birdie at the par-three fourth before taking a bogey at the fifth and another at the 10th after putting his approach in a bunker, setting the stage for a finish for the ages.\n'Long way to go'\nMcIlroy, however, isn't taking a repeat victory for granted despite his historic edge.\n\"I know what can happen around here, good and bad, so you don't have to remind me not to get ahead of myself around this place,\" McIlroy said. \"There's a long way to go. I've got off to an amazing start, but we reset, and everyone goes back on the course tomorrow.\"\nFive-stroke Masters leaders after 36 holes included winners Scottie Scheffler in 2022, Jordan Spieth in 2015, Ray Floyd in 1976, Jack Nicklaus in 1975 and Herman Keiser in 1946 with Harry Cooper in 1936 settling for second.\nA pack on 140 included China's Li Haotong, Americans Wyndham Clark and Cameron Young, England's Tyrrell Hatton, Australian Jason Day and Norway's Kristoffer Reitan.\nWorld number one Scottie Scheffler, seeking his third Masters victory in five seasons, fired a 74 to stand on 144.\nTwo-time US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau closed bogey-double bogey to shoot 74 and stand on 150 to miss the cut to the low 50 and ties, which came at 148 and also kept Scotsman Robert MacIntyre from the weekend.\nSpain's Jon Rahm made the cut on the number.","date_published":"2026-04-11T01:06:07.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Top Sports","birdies","golf","green jacket","masters","Rory McIlroy"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/13896327-Rory-McIlroy.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/13896327-Rory-McIlroy.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/nike-probes-kit-design-issue-ahead-of-world-cup","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/nike-probes-kit-design-issue-ahead-of-world-cup","title":"Nike probes kit design issue ahead of World Cup","summary":"Problems with Nike's shirts became visible during last month's international break.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d2280c61-world-cup-nike.webp\")
OREGON: Nike is investigating a design issue affecting several national team kits ahead of this year’s football World Cup, British media reported on Friday, after problems with the shirts became visible during last month’s international break.
\nBulging around the shoulder seams was visible on shirts worn by teams including England, France and Uruguay during the international window.
\nA Nike spokesman told The Guardian newspaper that the company had identified a “minor issue” with the kits, adding that performance was unaffected but the “overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be”.
\nThe issue is present on both match shirts worn by players and replica versions sold to supporters, according to the BBC, with some fans raising concerns.
\nThe American sportswear giant produces kits for a number of World Cup teams, including co-hosts the US and Canada, as well as Brazil, the Netherlands and Croatia.
\nThe kits have been designed with cooling technology to help players cope with high temperatures expected at the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 and is also co-hosted by Mexico.
\nThe issue comes as the struggling company faces questions over its product innovation and works through excess inventory after a string of weak earnings.
\nChief executive Elliott Hill has pledged to refocus Nike on core sports, and the company said on Friday it had appointed Andy Caine as chief innovation officer.
\nNike did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
\n","content_text":"OREGON: Nike is investigating a design issue affecting several national team kits ahead of this year's football World Cup, British media reported on Friday, after problems with the shirts became visible during last month's international break.\nBulging around the shoulder seams was visible on shirts worn by teams including England, France and Uruguay during the international window.\nA Nike spokesman told The Guardian newspaper that the company had identified a \"minor issue\" with the kits, adding that performance was unaffected but the \"overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be\".\nThe issue is present on both match shirts worn by players and replica versions sold to supporters, according to the BBC, with some fans raising concerns.\nThe American sportswear giant produces kits for a number of World Cup teams, including co-hosts the US and Canada, as well as Brazil, the Netherlands and Croatia.\nThe kits have been designed with cooling technology to help players cope with high temperatures expected at the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 and is also co-hosted by Mexico.\nThe issue comes as the struggling company faces questions over its product innovation and works through excess inventory after a string of weak earnings.\nChief executive Elliott Hill has pledged to refocus Nike on core sports, and the company said on Friday it had appointed Andy Caine as chief innovation officer.\nNike did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.","date_published":"2026-04-11T00:54:51.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Elliott Hill","FIFA","kit","Nike","sportswear","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d2280c61-world-cup-nike.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d2280c61-world-cup-nike.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/vacherot-reaches-monte-carlo-semis","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/vacherot-reaches-monte-carlo-semis","title":"Vacherot reaches Monte Carlo semis","summary":"Cheered on by a crowd of childhood mates, Valentin Vacherot beat Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, and will face top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7a620c22-13895448.webp\")
MONTE CARLO: Cheered on by a crowd of childhood mates, Valentin Vacherot walked a third-set tightrope in his home-town tournament before beating Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, on Friday to gatecrash the semi-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters.
\nThe unseeded Monegasque, born a stone’s throw from the tournament venue in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and playing at “my club”, joined the top three seeds in the semi-finals.
\nHe will face top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday. World No.2 Jannik Sinner plays Alex Zverev.
\n“That sounds amazing,” said Vacherot. “Such an honour for me to be part of the semi-finals with the three best in the world over the last few years.”
\nAlcaraz and Sinner both cruised through with straight-sets wins earlier on Friday.
\nAlcaraz extended his clay-court run of victories to 16 as he crushed Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-0.
\nSinner extended his winning run at Masters 1000 events to 20 matches as he brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4.
\nZverev battled past Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.
\nVacherot ended the day by giving his fans a roller-coaster ride.
\nHe started by racing 4-1 ahead against fifth-seed De Minaur but allowed the Australian to level before breaking in the 10th game to take the first set.
\nDe Minaur broke twice to take the second set.
\nThe Monegasque grabbed the third set initiative with a fifth-game break but almost handed it straight back before saving a break point in the next game.
\nOn Vacherot’s next service game, De Minaur raced to a 0-40 lead, but cheered on by the crowd, Vacherot saved all three and then a fourth, before holding.
\n“I know myself, unhappily I do this so often, I drop a bit at the start of the game, then I recover, even from 0-40, thanks to my serve,” said Vacherot.
\nVacherot galloped to two match points in the next game. De Minaur saved both with drop shots that crept over the net. When the Australian tried the trick again, Vacherot anticipated to earn a third match point which he took with a blazing forehand.
\nRoared on by the crowd all evening, Vacherot planted his feet tilted his head and roared back.
\n“All the guys up there chanting are all my best friends from when I was nine, 10 years old,” he said. “It is rare for a player to have this chance.”
\n“I am so lucky to have a tournament in my club. I can name 1,000 faces in the crowd.”
\nVacherot, who was ranked outside the top 200 before he won in Shanghai in October, climbed to 16 in the ATP live rankings.
\n‘A step forward’
\nSinner, who had said his energy level was not right when he dropped a set the day before, was happier with his form.
\n“I feel like it was a step forward today,” said the Italian after beating Canadian Auger-Aliassime.
\nAlcaraz, playing Bublik for the first time, broke in the opening game and had four break points in the third game but could not take any.
\nBublik broke back in the fourth game and led 3-2, but Alcaraz won the next 10 games as he raced to victory.
\n“I started the match pretty well,” Alcaraz said.
\n“I had points to be two breaks up and didn’t make it and then I lost a bit of the feeling on the ball.
\n“I had to run side to side a lot, had to defend and then a few games gave me a lot of confidence in the match. I was playing aggressively and I played a great and solid match against a player that you don’t know what they will produce next.”
\n","content_text":"MONTE CARLO: Cheered on by a crowd of childhood mates, Valentin Vacherot walked a third-set tightrope in his home-town tournament before beating Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, on Friday to gatecrash the semi-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters.\nThe unseeded Monegasque, born a stone's throw from the tournament venue in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and playing at \"my club\", joined the top three seeds in the semi-finals.\nHe will face top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday. World No.2 Jannik Sinner plays Alex Zverev.\n\"That sounds amazing,\" said Vacherot. \"Such an honour for me to be part of the semi-finals with the three best in the world over the last few years.\"\nAlcaraz and Sinner both cruised through with straight-sets wins earlier on Friday.\nAlcaraz extended his clay-court run of victories to 16 as he crushed Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-0.\nSinner extended his winning run at Masters 1000 events to 20 matches as he brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4.\nZverev battled past Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.\nVacherot ended the day by giving his fans a roller-coaster ride.\nHe started by racing 4-1 ahead against fifth-seed De Minaur but allowed the Australian to level before breaking in the 10th game to take the first set.\nDe Minaur broke twice to take the second set.\nThe Monegasque grabbed the third set initiative with a fifth-game break but almost handed it straight back before saving a break point in the next game.\nOn Vacherot's next service game, De Minaur raced to a 0-40 lead, but cheered on by the crowd, Vacherot saved all three and then a fourth, before holding.\n\"I know myself, unhappily I do this so often, I drop a bit at the start of the game, then I recover, even from 0-40, thanks to my serve,\" said Vacherot.\nVacherot galloped to two match points in the next game. De Minaur saved both with drop shots that crept over the net. When the Australian tried the trick again, Vacherot anticipated to earn a third match point which he took with a blazing forehand.\nRoared on by the crowd all evening, Vacherot planted his feet tilted his head and roared back.\n\"All the guys up there chanting are all my best friends from when I was nine, 10 years old,\" he said. \"It is rare for a player to have this chance.\"\n\"I am so lucky to have a tournament in my club. I can name 1,000 faces in the crowd.\"\nVacherot, who was ranked outside the top 200 before he won in Shanghai in October, climbed to 16 in the ATP live rankings.\n'A step forward'\nSinner, who had said his energy level was not right when he dropped a set the day before, was happier with his form.\n\"I feel like it was a step forward today,\" said the Italian after beating Canadian Auger-Aliassime.\nAlcaraz, playing Bublik for the first time, broke in the opening game and had four break points in the third game but could not take any.\nBublik broke back in the fourth game and led 3-2, but Alcaraz won the next 10 games as he raced to victory.\n\"I started the match pretty well,\" Alcaraz said.\n\"I had points to be two breaks up and didn't make it and then I lost a bit of the feeling on the ball.\n\"I had to run side to side a lot, had to defend and then a few games gave me a lot of confidence in the match. I was playing aggressively and I played a great and solid match against a player that you don't know what they will produce next.\"","date_published":"2026-04-10T22:33:32.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Alex de Minaur","Carlos Alcaraz","Monaco","Monte Carlo Masters","valentin vacherot"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7a620c22-13895448.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7a620c22-13895448.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/west-ham-sink-wolves-to-climb-out-of-relegation-zone","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/west-ham-sink-wolves-to-climb-out-of-relegation-zone","title":"West Ham sink Wolves to climb out of relegation zone","summary":"West Ham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 4-0 win against Wolves that dumped Tottenham into the bottom three.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ca016eeb-afp__20260410__a7fb4uz__v1__highres__fblengprwesthamwolves.webp\")
LONDON: West Ham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 4-0 win against Wolves on Friday that dumped Tottenham into the bottom three.
\nNuno Espirito Santo’s side took the lead through Konstantinos Mavropanos’ first-half header at the London Stadium.
\nValentin Castellanos netted twice in the second-half to ensure fourth-bottom West Ham, who started the evening in the relegation zone, moved two points above third-bottom Tottenham.
\nMavropanos completed the rout with his second goal in the closing stages in an ironic twist as the former Arsenal defender helped to push his old club’s bitter rivals closer to the drop.
\nIt is the first time Tottenham have been in the bottom three at the end of a Premier League match-day since August 2015, when they lost 1-0 to Manchester United.
\nTottenham can climb back out of the relegation zone if they win at Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge on Sunday.
\nThe north Londoners have seven games to save themselves from playing in the second tier for the first time since 1977-78.
\nBeaten on penalties by Leeds in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend, West Ham bounced back with a vital victory in their own fight for survival.
\nBottom of the table Wolves are 15 points from safety and, with only six matches left, they are destined for relegation to the Championship.
\nWolves had beaten West Ham twice this season, at Molineux in the top-flight and the League Cup.
\nBut Rob Edwards’ team looked rusty in their first game for 25 days due to the international break and their exit from the FA Cup.
\nEl Hadji Malick Diouf’s poor pass gave Adam Armstrong a sight of goal, but the Wolves striker couldn’t keep his effort on target.
\nArmstrong wasted a better chance moments later when his close-range header was saved by Mads Hermansen.
\nWest Ham took advantage of those escapes to steal the lead in the 42nd minute.
\nReplays showed West Ham were lucky to be awarded a corner when the final touch came off Jarrod Bowen and the England forward quickly rubbed salt into Wolves’ wound.
\nWhen Bowen’s corner was headed back to the forward, he produced a far better cross with his second attempt and Mavropanos rose to thump his header past Wolves keeper Jose Sa.
\nBowen hit the post with a dipping curler early in the second half and Castellanos delivered the knockout blow in the 66th minute.
\nPlaying a one-two with Pablo, the Argentine striker surged through the Wolves defence but his tame shot should have been saved by Sa before it trickled over the line.
\nCastellanos struck again two minutes later with a deflected shot that squirmed past the hapless Sa.
\nMavropanos volleyed home at the far post from an 83rd minute corner to compound Wolves’ misery.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: West Ham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 4-0 win against Wolves on Friday that dumped Tottenham into the bottom three.\nNuno Espirito Santo's side took the lead through Konstantinos Mavropanos' first-half header at the London Stadium.\nValentin Castellanos netted twice in the second-half to ensure fourth-bottom West Ham, who started the evening in the relegation zone, moved two points above third-bottom Tottenham.\nMavropanos completed the rout with his second goal in the closing stages in an ironic twist as the former Arsenal defender helped to push his old club's bitter rivals closer to the drop.\nIt is the first time Tottenham have been in the bottom three at the end of a Premier League match-day since August 2015, when they lost 1-0 to Manchester United.\nTottenham can climb back out of the relegation zone if they win at Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge on Sunday.\nThe north Londoners have seven games to save themselves from playing in the second tier for the first time since 1977-78.\nBeaten on penalties by Leeds in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend, West Ham bounced back with a vital victory in their own fight for survival.\nBottom of the table Wolves are 15 points from safety and, with only six matches left, they are destined for relegation to the Championship.\nWolves had beaten West Ham twice this season, at Molineux in the top-flight and the League Cup.\nBut Rob Edwards' team looked rusty in their first game for 25 days due to the international break and their exit from the FA Cup.\nEl Hadji Malick Diouf's poor pass gave Adam Armstrong a sight of goal, but the Wolves striker couldn't keep his effort on target.\nArmstrong wasted a better chance moments later when his close-range header was saved by Mads Hermansen.\nWest Ham took advantage of those escapes to steal the lead in the 42nd minute.\nReplays showed West Ham were lucky to be awarded a corner when the final touch came off Jarrod Bowen and the England forward quickly rubbed salt into Wolves' wound.\nWhen Bowen's corner was headed back to the forward, he produced a far better cross with his second attempt and Mavropanos rose to thump his header past Wolves keeper Jose Sa.\nBowen hit the post with a dipping curler early in the second half and Castellanos delivered the knockout blow in the 66th minute.\nPlaying a one-two with Pablo, the Argentine striker surged through the Wolves defence but his tame shot should have been saved by Sa before it trickled over the line.\nCastellanos struck again two minutes later with a deflected shot that squirmed past the hapless Sa.\nMavropanos volleyed home at the far post from an 83rd minute corner to compound Wolves' misery.","date_published":"2026-04-10T21:52:55.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Premier League","relegation","Tottenham","West Ham","Wolves"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ca016eeb-afp__20260410__a7fb4uz__v1__highres__fblengprwesthamwolves.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ca016eeb-afp__20260410__a7fb4uz__v1__highres__fblengprwesthamwolves.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/real-madrid-title-hopes-dented-by-girona-draw","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/real-madrid-title-hopes-dented-by-girona-draw","title":"Real Madrid title hopes dented by Girona draw","summary":"Real Madrid dropped more points in the Spanish title race with a frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw at home against Girona.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/414174a7-13896104.webp\")
MADRID: Real Madrid dropped more points in the Spanish title race with a frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw at home against Girona on Friday.
\nFede Valverde drilled Alvaro Arbeloa’s side ahead early in the second half but Thomas Lemar’s fine strike secured a point for the Catalan visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu.
\nThe draw against Girona brought Madrid within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, but the Catalans host local rivals Espanyol on Saturday when they could move nine ahead with a victory.
\nMadrid head to Bavaria to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday, trailing 2-1, in the competition where their hopes of silverware this season now mainly lie.
\nAfter Jude Bellingham impressed as a substitute in the first leg against Bayern, Arbeloa gave him his first start since January.
\nMadrid had the better of the first half but needed goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to save well from Azzedine Ounahi early on.
\nAt the other end Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied Mbappe and Valverde as Los Blancos began to knock on the door.
\nBellingham tested Gazzaniga early in the second half with a drive from the edge of the box, shortly before his team took the lead.
\nValverde lashed in a shot from the edge of the box which Gazzaniga tried to push out with his wrists but badly misjudged and the ball flew past him and into the net.
\nMadrid’s top goalscorer Mbappe mis-hit a shot when well placed and Gazzaniga saved well at his near post to keep Vinicius at bay as Madrid tried to put the game to bed.
\nInstead Girona pulled level, with former Atletico midfielder Lemar planting a superb strike from the edge of the box beyond Lunin’s helpless dive and into the bottom corner.
\nArbeloa took off England international Bellingham shortly after the hour with the visit to Munich in mind.
\nMadrid’s hopes of a trophy appear to hinge on that match against Vincent Kompany’s side, with only seven La Liga matches remaining to try and overhaul Hansi Flick’s Barca, the reigning champions.
\nGazzaniga beat away Mbappe’s shot and the French superstar appealed in vain for a penalty as he collided with Vitor Reis in the box.
\nSix minutes of stoppage time were added on but they were not enough for Arbeloa’s underwhelming team to conjure a late winner.
\n","content_text":"MADRID: Real Madrid dropped more points in the Spanish title race with a frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw at home against Girona on Friday.\nFede Valverde drilled Alvaro Arbeloa's side ahead early in the second half but Thomas Lemar's fine strike secured a point for the Catalan visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu.\nThe draw against Girona brought Madrid within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, but the Catalans host local rivals Espanyol on Saturday when they could move nine ahead with a victory.\nMadrid head to Bavaria to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday, trailing 2-1, in the competition where their hopes of silverware this season now mainly lie.\nAfter Jude Bellingham impressed as a substitute in the first leg against Bayern, Arbeloa gave him his first start since January.\nMadrid had the better of the first half but needed goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to save well from Azzedine Ounahi early on.\nAt the other end Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied Mbappe and Valverde as Los Blancos began to knock on the door.\nBellingham tested Gazzaniga early in the second half with a drive from the edge of the box, shortly before his team took the lead.\nValverde lashed in a shot from the edge of the box which Gazzaniga tried to push out with his wrists but badly misjudged and the ball flew past him and into the net.\nMadrid's top goalscorer Mbappe mis-hit a shot when well placed and Gazzaniga saved well at his near post to keep Vinicius at bay as Madrid tried to put the game to bed.\nInstead Girona pulled level, with former Atletico midfielder Lemar planting a superb strike from the edge of the box beyond Lunin's helpless dive and into the bottom corner.\nArbeloa took off England international Bellingham shortly after the hour with the visit to Munich in mind.\nMadrid's hopes of a trophy appear to hinge on that match against Vincent Kompany's side, with only seven La Liga matches remaining to try and overhaul Hansi Flick's Barca, the reigning champions.\nGazzaniga beat away Mbappe's shot and the French superstar appealed in vain for a penalty as he collided with Vitor Reis in the box.\nSix minutes of stoppage time were added on but they were not enough for Arbeloa's underwhelming team to conjure a late winner.","date_published":"2026-04-10T21:42:34.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Fede Valverde","Girona","Kylian Mbappe","La Liga","Real Madrid","Thomas Lemar"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/414174a7-13896104.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/414174a7-13896104.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/fernandez-has-apologised-but-will-miss-man-city-game-says-rosenior","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/11/fernandez-has-apologised-but-will-miss-man-city-game-says-rosenior","title":"Fernandez has apologised but will miss Man City game, says Rosenior","summary":"Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior says Enzo Fernandez apologised to him and the club after being dropped for two matches over comments about his future.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/f42716df-enzo-fernandez-18032026.webp\")
LONDON: Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior said on Friday that Enzo Fernandez has apologised to him and the club after being dropped for two matches over comments about his future, but confirmed the midfielder will not play against Manchester City on Sunday.
\nThe 25-year-old Argentine World Cup winner was omitted from Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final, a 7-0 victory over League One Port Vale, and will sit out Sunday’s Premier League clash against second-placed City at Stamford Bridge.
\nFernandez, who has been wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Reece James, had said that he would look at his options after the World Cup and expressed a desire to live in Madrid.
\n“I had a really good conversation – three or four – with Enzo,” Rosenior told reporters. “He’s apologised to me and to the club, and we’ll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday.
\n“It’s a serious meeting about something very serious. Enzo, every single step of the way, I’ve not been questioning his character or who he is as a person. I believe people make mistakes.
\n“He won’t play on Sunday. But hopefully after that he’ll be a massive part of the group moving forward. There are still a few hurdles to be overcome that I won’t go into. I want every player really focused now on a huge run-in,” he said.
\nChelsea are sixth in the Premier League table with 48 points from 31 matches.
\n“Qualifying for the Champions League is all we can focus on right now,” Rosenior said.
\n“There are teams fighting relegation, teams mid-table, teams pushing at the top end – it doesn’t matter. Every game is so difficult in this league. It’ll be a big challenge on Sunday, but one we’re looking forward to,” he said.
\nRosenior said centre back Levi Colwill was back in training after suffering a serious knee injury in August, and that right back James has been running following a hamstring problem.
\n“Trevoh Chalobah is working hard, he’s back on the pitch. Colwill is in full training but he still needs to overcome some hurdles regarding selection,” he added.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior said on Friday that Enzo Fernandez has apologised to him and the club after being dropped for two matches over comments about his future, but confirmed the midfielder will not play against Manchester City on Sunday.\nThe 25-year-old Argentine World Cup winner was omitted from Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final, a 7-0 victory over League One Port Vale, and will sit out Sunday's Premier League clash against second-placed City at Stamford Bridge.\nFernandez, who has been wearing the captain's armband in the absence of the injured Reece James, had said that he would look at his options after the World Cup and expressed a desire to live in Madrid.\n\"I had a really good conversation - three or four - with Enzo,\" Rosenior told reporters. \"He's apologised to me and to the club, and we'll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday.\n\"It's a serious meeting about something very serious. Enzo, every single step of the way, I've not been questioning his character or who he is as a person. I believe people make mistakes.\n\"He won't play on Sunday. But hopefully after that he'll be a massive part of the group moving forward. There are still a few hurdles to be overcome that I won't go into. I want every player really focused now on a huge run-in,\" he said.\nChelsea are sixth in the Premier League table with 48 points from 31 matches.\n\"Qualifying for the Champions League is all we can focus on right now,\" Rosenior said.\n\"There are teams fighting relegation, teams mid-table, teams pushing at the top end - it doesn't matter. Every game is so difficult in this league. It'll be a big challenge on Sunday, but one we're looking forward to,\" he said.\nRosenior said centre back Levi Colwill was back in training after suffering a serious knee injury in August, and that right back James has been running following a hamstring problem.\n\"Trevoh Chalobah is working hard, he's back on the pitch. Colwill is in full training but he still needs to overcome some hurdles regarding selection,\" he added.","date_published":"2026-04-10T16:02:38.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Champions League","Enzo Fernandez","Liam Rosenior","Manchester City","Premier League"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/f42716df-enzo-fernandez-18032026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/f42716df-enzo-fernandez-18032026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/sinner-eases-into-monte-carlo-semi-finals","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/sinner-eases-into-monte-carlo-semi-finals","title":"Sinner eases into Monte Carlo semi-finals","summary":"Jannik Sinner brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets to set up a Monte Carlo Masters semi-final against Alexander Zverev.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/c34dfcfb-afp__20260122__93lw7kq__v1__midres__tennisausopen_cropped_1.webp\")
MONTE CARLO: Jannik Sinner brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets on Friday to set up a Monte Carlo Masters semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
\nThe Italian extended his winning run at Masters 1000 events to 20 matches by seeing off his Canadian opponent 6-3, 6-4.
\nSinner has never won one of the elite tournaments on clay but will be a strong favourite when he plays Zverev, who edged out Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, after winning their last seven meetings.
\nThe world number two, who completed the ‘Sunshine double’ with wins at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, is still on track for a possible first clash of the year with Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
\nSinner dropped just seven points on serve in a dominant opening set which he took courtesy of a break in the sixth game.
\nThe four-time Grand Slam champion also powered through the second set, wrapping up his fifth consecutive win over seventh-ranked Auger-Aliassime.
\nWorld number three Zverev sealed a battling 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 victory over Fonseca to reach the semi-finals in Monaco for the third time.
\nZverev is targeting his first ATP title since winning in Munich 12 months ago.
\nThe German could also complete a career sweep of the clay-court Masters 1000 events, having previously won both the Italian Open and Madrid Open twice.
\nBig-hitting 19-year-old Fonseca was playing in his first Masters quarter-final but pushed his opponent for long periods.
\nThree-time Grand Slam runner-up Zverev broke in the 11th game and then served out the opening set to love, before breaking again at the start of the second.
\nFonseca reeled off four straight games from 3-1 down to tee up the chance to serve for the set, but he failed to take the opportunity.
\nThe world number 40 found his rhythm in the tie-break, though, reeling off a string of magnificent groundstrokes to force a decider.
\nHowever, Fonseca could not maintain that level as Zverev improved.
\nThe 28-year-old broke in the sixth game and confidently served out victory, reaching his third straight Masters 1000 semi-final this year.
\nLater on Friday, world number one and reigning champion Alcaraz takes on Alexander Bublik, before Alex de Minaur plays Valentin Vacherot.
\n","content_text":"MONTE CARLO: Jannik Sinner brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets on Friday to set up a Monte Carlo Masters semi-final against Alexander Zverev.\nThe Italian extended his winning run at Masters 1000 events to 20 matches by seeing off his Canadian opponent 6-3, 6-4.\nSinner has never won one of the elite tournaments on clay but will be a strong favourite when he plays Zverev, who edged out Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, after winning their last seven meetings.\nThe world number two, who completed the 'Sunshine double' with wins at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, is still on track for a possible first clash of the year with Carlos Alcaraz in the final.\nSinner dropped just seven points on serve in a dominant opening set which he took courtesy of a break in the sixth game.\nThe four-time Grand Slam champion also powered through the second set, wrapping up his fifth consecutive win over seventh-ranked Auger-Aliassime.\nWorld number three Zverev sealed a battling 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 victory over Fonseca to reach the semi-finals in Monaco for the third time.\nZverev is targeting his first ATP title since winning in Munich 12 months ago.\nThe German could also complete a career sweep of the clay-court Masters 1000 events, having previously won both the Italian Open and Madrid Open twice.\nBig-hitting 19-year-old Fonseca was playing in his first Masters quarter-final but pushed his opponent for long periods.\nThree-time Grand Slam runner-up Zverev broke in the 11th game and then served out the opening set to love, before breaking again at the start of the second.\nFonseca reeled off four straight games from 3-1 down to tee up the chance to serve for the set, but he failed to take the opportunity.\nThe world number 40 found his rhythm in the tie-break, though, reeling off a string of magnificent groundstrokes to force a decider.\nHowever, Fonseca could not maintain that level as Zverev improved.\nThe 28-year-old broke in the sixth game and confidently served out victory, reaching his third straight Masters 1000 semi-final this year.\nLater on Friday, world number one and reigning champion Alcaraz takes on Alexander Bublik, before Alex de Minaur plays Valentin Vacherot.","date_published":"2026-04-10T15:10:25.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Alexander Zverev","Carlos Alcaraz","Grand Slams","Jannik Sinner","Masters 1000 semi-final","Monte Carlo Open"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/c34dfcfb-afp__20260122__93lw7kq__v1__midres__tennisausopen_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/c34dfcfb-afp__20260122__93lw7kq__v1__midres__tennisausopen_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/10/all-over-for-malaysia-as-aaron-wooi-yik-crash-out-of-asia-championships","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/10/all-over-for-malaysia-as-aaron-wooi-yik-crash-out-of-asia-championships","title":"Game over for Malaysia as Aaron-Wooi Yik crash out of Asia Championships","summary":"The world No 2 pair make a dramatic comeback in the second game to force a rubber, but their Korean rivals prevail in the decider.","content_html":"![\"Aaron](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2829eacb-aaron-chia-soh-wooi-yik-bernama-180525-1.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia were left with no representatives in the Badminton Asia Championships being played in China when men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik lost in their last eight tie to a South Korean combination tonight.
\nAaron-Wooi Yik, ranked world No 2, saved three match points in the second game, having lost the first, but the younger South Koreans prevailed after a 83-minute battle.
\nThe defending champions eventually lost 19-21, 28-26, 13-21 to Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju, who are ranked 20 places below them.
\nThe title drought for two-time Olympic bronze medallists Aaron-Wooi Yik in 2026 continues after six Badminton World Federation (BWF) championships held to date.
\nTheir best performances came at the All England in March, when they finished runners-up, and at the Malaysia Open in January, when they were also beaten in the final.
\nEarlier, Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, and world mixed doubles champions, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, lost their quarter-final ties in straight games.
\nThe other Malaysian players lost their matches in the first or second round.
\nBadminton fans will be looking forward to a better showing by the Malaysian shuttlers in the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals, to be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Malaysia were left with no representatives in the Badminton Asia Championships being played in China when men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik lost in their last eight tie to a South Korean combination tonight.\nAaron-Wooi Yik, ranked world No 2, saved three match points in the second game, having lost the first, but the younger South Koreans prevailed after a 83-minute battle.\nThe defending champions eventually lost 19-21, 28-26, 13-21 to Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju, who are ranked 20 places below them.\nThe title drought for two-time Olympic bronze medallists Aaron-Wooi Yik in 2026 continues after six Badminton World Federation (BWF) championships held to date.\nTheir best performances came at the All England in March, when they finished runners-up, and at the Malaysia Open in January, when they were also beaten in the final.\nEarlier, Malaysia's top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, and world mixed doubles champions, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, lost their quarter-final ties in straight games.\nThe other Malaysian players lost their matches in the first or second round.\nBadminton fans will be looking forward to a better showing by the Malaysian shuttlers in the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals, to be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.","date_published":"2026-04-10T14:06:49.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","aaron chia","badminton asia championships","Kang Min-hyuk","Ki Dong Ju","soh wooi yik"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2829eacb-aaron-chia-soh-wooi-yik-bernama-180525-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2829eacb-aaron-chia-soh-wooi-yik-bernama-180525-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/10/pearly-thinaah-surrender-tamely-in-asia-championships","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/10/pearly-thinaah-surrender-tamely-in-asia-championships","title":"Pearly-Thinaah surrender tamely in Asia Championships","summary":"Lethargic Malaysians go down to lower-ranked Chinese pair in the quarter-finals.","content_html":"![\"pearly](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ac3a3ace-pearly-tan-m-thinaah-01-bernama-131024.webp\")
KUALA LUMPUR: Women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah were knocked out of the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, by a lower-ranked home pair in the quarter-finals today.
\nIn a lethargic performance, Pearly-Thinaah, ranked world No 2, went down tamely to their Chinese rivals, Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min, ranked seven rungs below them, in straight games of 13-21, 15-21 in 41 minutes.
\nNothing seemed to go right for the Malaysians, who won the Indonesia Masters title, as their opponents put on a powerful display en route to their second victory in three encounters to date.
\nMalaysia’s only hope of a semi-final appearance now rests on world No 2 men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who will face South Korea’s world No 22 pair, Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju, in the quarter-finals later tonight.
\nMalaysia’s top mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, were eliminated in the quarter-finals this morning.
\n","content_text":"KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah were knocked out of the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, by a lower-ranked home pair in the quarter-finals today.\nIn a lethargic performance, Pearly-Thinaah, ranked world No 2, went down tamely to their Chinese rivals, Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min, ranked seven rungs below them, in straight games of 13-21, 15-21 in 41 minutes.\nNothing seemed to go right for the Malaysians, who won the Indonesia Masters title, as their opponents put on a powerful display en route to their second victory in three encounters to date.\nMalaysia’s only hope of a semi-final appearance now rests on world No 2 men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who will face South Korea’s world No 22 pair, Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju, in the quarter-finals later tonight.\nMalaysia’s top mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, were eliminated in the quarter-finals this morning.","date_published":"2026-04-10T12:58:32.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","badminton asia championships","M Thinaah","Pearly Tan"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ac3a3ace-pearly-tan-m-thinaah-01-bernama-131024.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ac3a3ace-pearly-tan-m-thinaah-01-bernama-131024.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/slot-feels-complete-support-from-liverpool-chiefs-despite-slump","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/slot-feels-complete-support-from-liverpool-chiefs-despite-slump","title":"Slot feels ‘complete support’ from Liverpool chiefs despite slump","summary":"Arne Slot remains confident, backed by the club’s owners and fans, despite securing only two wins in his last eight games.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1adced4c-liverpools-manager-arne-slot-epa.webp\")
LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot says he feels “complete support” from Liverpool’s hierarchy despite mounting pressure on the Dutch manager after a disastrous season.
\nLiverpool have lost three games in a row, including a 4-0 hammering by Manchester City in the FA Cup and a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
\nLast year’s Premier League champions, who host Fulham on Saturday, face a battle even to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
\nHowever, Slot told reporters on Friday he was confident he had the backing of the club’s owners and fans despite a run of just two wins in eight games.
\n“I’m repeating myself a lot, but I’ve said it many times, I feel a lot of support, but not only from the owners and from Richard (Hughes, the sporting director) and Michael (Edwards, CEO of football),” he said.
\nHe added: “As weird as it might sound, I also feel the support of the fans. We were going out in Paris when the players went out for the warm-up, and the fans, after a 4-0 loss (to City), immediately started singing, ‘We love you, Liverpool’.
\n“And after we were, I think it’s fair to say, outplayed over 90 minutes, we went to the away end and they were still singing for us and clapping for us, so that’s support I’ve felt, we’ve felt constantly.
\n“And I think, but I’ve said this many times as well, the club knows in which period of time we are in, and in the meantime I feel complete support,” he said.
\nThe Reds are fifth in the Premier League table, with the top five teams guaranteed Champions League football next season.
\nHowever, they are just a point ahead of Chelsea, with Brentford and Everton also snapping at their heels.
\nLiverpool, crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time last season, have not won in the Premier League since late February.
\nSlot admitted his team face a crunch point in their season, with the second leg against PSG to come at Anfield three days after the Fulham match.
\n“That’s completely normal at the end of the season,” said the Dutchman. “It’s not only for us, it’s for all the teams.
\n“These are defining moments and periods of time. We’ve given ourselves not the best situation to be in, but… we’re still in that tie (against PSG) and there are two massive games in the league coming up as well,” he said.
\nRobertson exit
\nSlot also praised Andy Robertson after Liverpool announced on Thursday that the veteran defender would be leaving Anfield after a nine-year spell.
\nThe Scotland captain, out of contract at the end of the season, has dropped down the pecking order since the arrival of left-back Milos Kerkez.
\n“He had many great seasons here as a player, but I think people got to know him as a great person as well,” said Slot. “I got to know him as a great person.”
\nSlot suggested the decision from the 32-year-old was due to limited first-team opportunities.
\n“Served this club for so many years, really loves this club,” he said. “So it’s been a great nine years for him at the club.
\n“But we saw also that this season he didn’t play as much as he was used to. Still a lot, but not as much as he was used to,” he said.
\n","content_text":"LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot says he feels \"complete support\" from Liverpool's hierarchy despite mounting pressure on the Dutch manager after a disastrous season.\nLiverpool have lost three games in a row, including a 4-0 hammering by Manchester City in the FA Cup and a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.\nLast year's Premier League champions, who host Fulham on Saturday, face a battle even to qualify for next season's Champions League.\nHowever, Slot told reporters on Friday he was confident he had the backing of the club's owners and fans despite a run of just two wins in eight games.\n\"I'm repeating myself a lot, but I've said it many times, I feel a lot of support, but not only from the owners and from Richard (Hughes, the sporting director) and Michael (Edwards, CEO of football),\" he said.\nHe added: \"As weird as it might sound, I also feel the support of the fans. We were going out in Paris when the players went out for the warm-up, and the fans, after a 4-0 loss (to City), immediately started singing, 'We love you, Liverpool'.\n\"And after we were, I think it's fair to say, outplayed over 90 minutes, we went to the away end and they were still singing for us and clapping for us, so that's support I've felt, we've felt constantly.\n\"And I think, but I've said this many times as well, the club knows in which period of time we are in, and in the meantime I feel complete support,\" he said.\nThe Reds are fifth in the Premier League table, with the top five teams guaranteed Champions League football next season.\nHowever, they are just a point ahead of Chelsea, with Brentford and Everton also snapping at their heels.\nLiverpool, crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time last season, have not won in the Premier League since late February.\nSlot admitted his team face a crunch point in their season, with the second leg against PSG to come at Anfield three days after the Fulham match.\n\"That's completely normal at the end of the season,\" said the Dutchman. \"It's not only for us, it's for all the teams.\n\"These are defining moments and periods of time. We've given ourselves not the best situation to be in, but... we're still in that tie (against PSG) and there are two massive games in the league coming up as well,\" he said.\nRobertson exit\nSlot also praised Andy Robertson after Liverpool announced on Thursday that the veteran defender would be leaving Anfield after a nine-year spell.\nThe Scotland captain, out of contract at the end of the season, has dropped down the pecking order since the arrival of left-back Milos Kerkez.\n\"He had many great seasons here as a player, but I think people got to know him as a great person as well,\" said Slot. \"I got to know him as a great person.\"\nSlot suggested the decision from the 32-year-old was due to limited first-team opportunities.\n\"Served this club for so many years, really loves this club,\" he said. \"So it's been a great nine years for him at the club.\n\"But we saw also that this season he didn't play as much as he was used to. Still a lot, but not as much as he was used to,\" he said.","date_published":"2026-04-10T11:42:45.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Arne Slot","Champions League","Liverpool","Manchester City","Premier League","PSG"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1adced4c-liverpools-manager-arne-slot-epa.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1adced4c-liverpools-manager-arne-slot-epa.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/bayern-to-face-villa-in-hong-kong-pre-season-friendly","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/bayern-to-face-villa-in-hong-kong-pre-season-friendly","title":"Bayern to face Villa in Hong Kong pre-season friendly","summary":"Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, perennial German champions, will face Jeju SK on Aug 4 before meeting Aston Villa in Hong Kong three days later.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/676aff82-bayern-munich-1.jpg\")
HONG KONG: Bayern Munich will play Aston Villa in an August pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, the German giants said today, also announcing a match in South Korea.
\nVincent Kompany’s perennial German champions will face South Korean team Jeju SK on Aug 4 and then fly to Hong Kong to meet Premier League Villa three days later.
\nBayern and Villa met in last season’s Champions League, with Jhon Duran scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Unai Emery’s side.
\nSpearheaded by England striker Harry Kane, Bayern top the Bundesliga and beat Real Madrid 2-1 away this week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
\nThey have visited South Korea and Hong Kong once each previously.
\nBayern have South Korean international Kim Min-jae at the heart of their defence.
\nVilla, who have one foot in the semi-finals of the Europa League, said on their website they “would hope to announce further fixtures in the far east in due course”.
\nTeams heading on pre-season tours will need to balance lucrative visits with player welfare, with the World Cup running from June 11 to July 19.
\n","content_text":"HONG KONG: Bayern Munich will play Aston Villa in an August pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, the German giants said today, also announcing a match in South Korea.\nVincent Kompany's perennial German champions will face South Korean team Jeju SK on Aug 4 and then fly to Hong Kong to meet Premier League Villa three days later.\nBayern and Villa met in last season's Champions League, with Jhon Duran scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Unai Emery's side.\nSpearheaded by England striker Harry Kane, Bayern top the Bundesliga and beat Real Madrid 2-1 away this week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.\nThey have visited South Korea and Hong Kong once each previously.\nBayern have South Korean international Kim Min-jae at the heart of their defence.\nVilla, who have one foot in the semi-finals of the Europa League, said on their website they \"would hope to announce further fixtures in the far east in due course\".\nTeams heading on pre-season tours will need to balance lucrative visits with player welfare, with the World Cup running from June 11 to July 19.","date_published":"2026-04-10T09:51:45.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","aston villa","Bayern Munich","German","Hong Kong","Jeju SK","Premier League","South Korea","Vincent Kompany"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/676aff82-bayern-munich-1.jpg","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/676aff82-bayern-munich-1.jpg"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/former-japan-and-ac-milan-star-honda-laces-up-boots-again-at-39","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/former-japan-and-ac-milan-star-honda-laces-up-boots-again-at-39","title":"Former Japan and AC Milan star Honda laces up boots again at 39","summary":"Singapore Premier League side FC Jurong announced that attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda will play for them next season.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/be94a7ba-9151306-keisuke-honda.webp\")
TOKYO: Former AC Milan and Japan star Keisuke Honda said he wanted to set a new record after signing for a Singapore club on Friday to resume his colourful playing career aged 39.
\nSingapore Premier League side FC Jurong announced that the attacking midfielder, who appeared and scored at three World Cups, would play for them next season.
\nHonda appeared most recently for Bhutan club Paro FC, playing in two games and scoring two goals in the 2024/25 season.
\nBefore that he played for Lithuania’s FK Suduva in 2021 and has also turned out for clubs in Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and Azerbaijan.
\nHonda said in a statement that he was “pursuing several personal challenges”, including trying to score in more domestic top leagues than anyone else.
\n“However, my primary goal with this club is to win the league title,” he said.
\n“There are a couple of very strong rivals, so it will be a tough challenge, but I am determined to achieve it.”
\nHonda retired from the Japan national team with 98 caps and 38 goals after playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
\nOutside football he heads a venture capital fund, owns a non-league club in Japan and has also dabbled in management, taking charge of Cambodia’s national team from August 2018 to January 2023.
\nFC Jurong, formerly known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, said bringing Honda to the club “goes beyond the signing of a single player”.
\n“To build a great castle, you need a solid cornerstone,” said chairman Daisuke Korenaga.
\n“Into that cornerstone, we pour world-class experience, vision, and passion.
\n“Together with Keisuke Honda, we are determined to build a legacy that will carry this club forward for the next 100 years.”
\n","content_text":"TOKYO: Former AC Milan and Japan star Keisuke Honda said he wanted to set a new record after signing for a Singapore club on Friday to resume his colourful playing career aged 39.\nSingapore Premier League side FC Jurong announced that the attacking midfielder, who appeared and scored at three World Cups, would play for them next season.\nHonda appeared most recently for Bhutan club Paro FC, playing in two games and scoring two goals in the 2024/25 season.\nBefore that he played for Lithuania's FK Suduva in 2021 and has also turned out for clubs in Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and Azerbaijan.\nHonda said in a statement that he was \"pursuing several personal challenges\", including trying to score in more domestic top leagues than anyone else.\n\"However, my primary goal with this club is to win the league title,\" he said.\n\"There are a couple of very strong rivals, so it will be a tough challenge, but I am determined to achieve it.\"\nHonda retired from the Japan national team with 98 caps and 38 goals after playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.\nOutside football he heads a venture capital fund, owns a non-league club in Japan and has also dabbled in management, taking charge of Cambodia's national team from August 2018 to January 2023.\nFC Jurong, formerly known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, said bringing Honda to the club \"goes beyond the signing of a single player\".\n\"To build a great castle, you need a solid cornerstone,\" said chairman Daisuke Korenaga.\n\"Into that cornerstone, we pour world-class experience, vision, and passion.\n\"Together with Keisuke Honda, we are determined to build a legacy that will carry this club forward for the next 100 years.\"","date_published":"2026-04-10T04:40:14.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","AC Milan","Albirex Niigata","FC Jurong","Japan","Keisuke Honda","Singapore"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/be94a7ba-9151306-keisuke-honda.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/be94a7ba-9151306-keisuke-honda.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/10/zii-jia-100-recovered-ready-for-thomas-cup-call-up-says-coach","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/10/zii-jia-100-recovered-ready-for-thomas-cup-call-up-says-coach","title":"Zii Jia ‘100% recovered’, ready for Thomas Cup call-up, says coach","summary":"Liew Daren says the professional men's singles shuttler is fully focused on a more intensive training programme to ensure optimal performance.","content_html":"![\"Lee](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dd0173d2-lee-zii-jia-epa-images-pic-070125-1.webp\")
KUALA LUMPUR: Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has fully recovered from his ankle injury and is ready for action if called up for duty at the Thomas Cup, his coach said today.
\nLiew Daren said Zii Jia was not only free from physical issues but also fully focused on a more intensive training programme to ensure optimal performance.
\n“Yes, he (Zii Jia) is 100% recovered (from his ankle injury),” he said at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) here today.
\nHe said he could already see significant improvement in Zii Jia during the second training session with players from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), following his first training session on Wednesday.
\n“The most important thing here (at ABM) is that there are so many sparring opportunities. It’s good for him because he needs to play against all types of players,” he said.
\nRegarding the offer of a health check from the National Sports Institute, relayed by BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei, Daren expressed gratitude but said Zii Jia, ranked world No 83, was in the best shape due to his own team’s efforts.
\nNational men’s singles coach K Yogendran, who is handling Zii Jia’s training at ABM, said he could see the shuttler giving his best in every training session.
\n“What is important is that he has a good environment to train in, and the training programme is running smoothly. That’s why it’s important for us to support one another,” said Yogendran.
\nHe added that Zii Jia’s presence at ABM benefited the younger shuttlers, who look up to him as a source of inspiration.
\n“I think it actually benefits everyone… it benefits Zii Jia, it benefits our young players, and it benefits Malaysian badminton. That’s the most important thing,” he said.
\nThe 2026 Thomas Cup Finals will be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
\n","content_text":"KUALA LUMPUR: Professional men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has fully recovered from his ankle injury and is ready for action if called up for duty at the Thomas Cup, his coach said today.\nLiew Daren said Zii Jia was not only free from physical issues but also fully focused on a more intensive training programme to ensure optimal performance.\n\"Yes, he (Zii Jia) is 100% recovered (from his ankle injury),\" he said at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) here today.\nHe said he could already see significant improvement in Zii Jia during the second training session with players from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), following his first training session on Wednesday.\n\"The most important thing here (at ABM) is that there are so many sparring opportunities. It's good for him because he needs to play against all types of players,\" he said.\nRegarding the offer of a health check from the National Sports Institute, relayed by BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei, Daren expressed gratitude but said Zii Jia, ranked world No 83, was in the best shape due to his own team's efforts.\nNational men's singles coach K Yogendran, who is handling Zii Jia's training at ABM, said he could see the shuttler giving his best in every training session.\n\"What is important is that he has a good environment to train in, and the training programme is running smoothly. That's why it's important for us to support one another,\" said Yogendran.\nHe added that Zii Jia's presence at ABM benefited the younger shuttlers, who look up to him as a source of inspiration.\n\"I think it actually benefits everyone... it benefits Zii Jia, it benefits our young players, and it benefits Malaysian badminton. That’s the most important thing,\" he said.\nThe 2026 Thomas Cup Finals will be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.","date_published":"2026-04-10T04:19:16.000Z","author":{"name":"Bernama"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","ABM","BAM","Lee Zii Jia"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dd0173d2-lee-zii-jia-epa-images-pic-070125-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dd0173d2-lee-zii-jia-epa-images-pic-070125-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/10/koreans-dash-tang-jie-ee-weis-hopes-of-first-asian-title","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/10/koreans-dash-tang-jie-ee-weis-hopes-of-first-asian-title","title":"Koreans dash Tang Jie-Ee Wei’s hopes of first Asian title","summary":"The reigning world champions lost their quarter-final match in straight games to the unheralded Kim Jae Hyeon-Jang Ha Jeong.","content_html":"![\"Chen](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0091dda9-chen-tang-jie-dan-toh-ee-wei-bernama-pic-120325.webp\")
KUALA LUMPUR: World champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei’s hopes of securing their first Badminton Asia Championships mixed doubles title were dashed today when they fell to an unheralded South Korean pair in the quarter-finals.
\nThe world No 4 pair, who won the Indonesia Masters in January, were a pale shadow of themselves, going down to world No 147 Kim Jae Hyeon-Jang Ha Jeong in straight games of 19-21, 17-21 in a match lasting 46 minutes.
\nThe Malaysian pair, who were hoping to win their first Asian title, have not been impressive this season, during which they took part in six tournaments.
\nAlthough they won the Indonesia Masters in January, they were subsequently eliminated in the first round twice and only reached the last eight in three tournaments.
\nOnly men’s doubles defending champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah remain in the running for a semi-final berth. They will play their quarter-final matches later today.
\n","content_text":"KUALA LUMPUR: World champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei’s hopes of securing their first Badminton Asia Championships mixed doubles title were dashed today when they fell to an unheralded South Korean pair in the quarter-finals.\nThe world No 4 pair, who won the Indonesia Masters in January, were a pale shadow of themselves, going down to world No 147 Kim Jae Hyeon-Jang Ha Jeong in straight games of 19-21, 17-21 in a match lasting 46 minutes.\nThe Malaysian pair, who were hoping to win their first Asian title, have not been impressive this season, during which they took part in six tournaments.\nAlthough they won the Indonesia Masters in January, they were subsequently eliminated in the first round twice and only reached the last eight in three tournaments.\nOnly men’s doubles defending champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah remain in the running for a semi-final berth. They will play their quarter-final matches later today.","date_published":"2026-04-10T04:05:30.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Top News","Malaysia","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","badminton asia championships","Chen Tang Jie","south koreans","toh ee wei"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0091dda9-chen-tang-jie-dan-toh-ee-wei-bernama-pic-120325.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0091dda9-chen-tang-jie-dan-toh-ee-wei-bernama-pic-120325.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/barca-face-espanyol-derby-dilemma-ahead-of-atletico-return","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/barca-face-espanyol-derby-dilemma-ahead-of-atletico-return","title":"Barca face Espanyol derby dilemma ahead of Atletico return","summary":"With a seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, Hansi Flick may rotate heavily ahead of Tuesday’s crucial second-leg visit to Atletico, where they trail 2-0.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/48889135-hansi-flick-08112025.webp\")
BARCELONA: In the wake of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat by Atletico Madrid, coach Hansi Flick faces a dilemma for Saturday’s La Liga derby clash against Espanyol.
\nWith the champions seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the table, Flick may be tempted to rotate heavily ahead of Tuesday’s crucial second leg visit to face Atletico, trailing 2-0.
\nAlvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid host Girona on Friday and could cut the gap down to four points with a victory, which would make Flick’s choice harder.
\nLos Blancos are also in a tough spot following their 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but have a bigger gap between the Girona game and the second leg in Bavaria next Wednesday.
\n“We have also a derby in three days on Saturday, our next match, it’s also important for us to win,” said Flick.
\n“We will see, we will analyse everything, what kind of options we have.”
\nThe worst case scenario would be suffering a first league defeat at Camp Nou since its reopening before being eliminated from the Champions League anyway in the Spanish capital.
\nWith the league Clasico against Real Madrid on May 10 appearing on the horizon, Flick is keen to maintain Barca’s lead, but the Champions League may take precedence.
\nSeveral players who have been reserves for much of the season like Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji could come into the side to take on an Espanyol team in free-fall.
\nAfter a strong start to the season Manolo Gonzalez’s team have failed to win in 2026, which began with a 2-0 home defeat by Barca that set off their slump.
\nMidfielder Pedri Gonzalez is fundamental for Barca but came off at half-time in the defeat by Atletico, with a minor physical issue.
\n“Pedri had some problems. No big problems but in this situation we need him (going forwards) — so we made the decision to take him off the pitch,” said Flick.
\nFlick will hope to have midfielder Frenkie de Jong available for the second leg at Atletico and the Dutchman returned to training this week after a hamstring injury.
\nThe Dutchman has a chance of being included in the squad to face Espanyol, while Barca can also find encouragement in Gavi’s performance against Atletico as a substitute.
\nIt could buy the 21-year-old more game time at the weekend as he continues to find fitness following a long injury lay-off. “Gavi had a fantastic game,” said Flick.
\nAtletico Madrid visit Sevilla on Saturday and Diego Simeone is certain to rest several key players.
\nThe Argentine coach has been focused on the cup competitions in recent weeks with his team fourth in La Liga and unlikely to slip with Real Betis 12 points behind in fifth.
\nPlayer to watch: Vedat Muriqi
\nMallorca’s Kosovan target man Muriqi scored a vital goal last week to help the team beat Real Madrid and boost their chances of avoiding relegation. The forward has 19 goals this season, trailing only La Liga’s top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe and will look to add to his tally against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in another important game.
Key stats
\n0 – shots on target for struggling Sevilla last weekend against Real Oviedo.
12 – no goalkeeper has more clean sheets than Barca’s Joan Garcia.
\n58 – fouls committed by Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu, the most in the top flight.
\nFixtures
\nFriday (all times GMT)
Real Madrid v Girona (1900)
\nSaturday
\nReal Sociedad v Alaves (1200), Elche v Valencia (1415), Barcelona v Espanyol (1630), Sevilla v Atletico Madrid (1900)
\nSunday
\nOsasuna v Real Betis (1200), Mallorca v Rayo Vallecano (1415), Celta Vigo v Real Oviedo (1630), Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal (1900)
\nMonday
\nLevante v Getafe (1900)
\n","content_text":"BARCELONA: In the wake of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat by Atletico Madrid, coach Hansi Flick faces a dilemma for Saturday's La Liga derby clash against Espanyol.\nWith the champions seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the table, Flick may be tempted to rotate heavily ahead of Tuesday's crucial second leg visit to face Atletico, trailing 2-0.\nAlvaro Arbeloa's Madrid host Girona on Friday and could cut the gap down to four points with a victory, which would make Flick's choice harder.\nLos Blancos are also in a tough spot following their 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but have a bigger gap between the Girona game and the second leg in Bavaria next Wednesday.\n\"We have also a derby in three days on Saturday, our next match, it's also important for us to win,\" said Flick.\n\"We will see, we will analyse everything, what kind of options we have.\"\nThe worst case scenario would be suffering a first league defeat at Camp Nou since its reopening before being eliminated from the Champions League anyway in the Spanish capital.\nWith the league Clasico against Real Madrid on May 10 appearing on the horizon, Flick is keen to maintain Barca's lead, but the Champions League may take precedence.\nSeveral players who have been reserves for much of the season like Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji could come into the side to take on an Espanyol team in free-fall.\nAfter a strong start to the season Manolo Gonzalez's team have failed to win in 2026, which began with a 2-0 home defeat by Barca that set off their slump.\nMidfielder Pedri Gonzalez is fundamental for Barca but came off at half-time in the defeat by Atletico, with a minor physical issue.\n\"Pedri had some problems. No big problems but in this situation we need him (going forwards) - so we made the decision to take him off the pitch,\" said Flick.\nFlick will hope to have midfielder Frenkie de Jong available for the second leg at Atletico and the Dutchman returned to training this week after a hamstring injury.\nThe Dutchman has a chance of being included in the squad to face Espanyol, while Barca can also find encouragement in Gavi's performance against Atletico as a substitute.\nIt could buy the 21-year-old more game time at the weekend as he continues to find fitness following a long injury lay-off. \"Gavi had a fantastic game,\" said Flick.\nAtletico Madrid visit Sevilla on Saturday and Diego Simeone is certain to rest several key players.\nThe Argentine coach has been focused on the cup competitions in recent weeks with his team fourth in La Liga and unlikely to slip with Real Betis 12 points behind in fifth.\nPlayer to watch: Vedat Muriqi\nMallorca's Kosovan target man Muriqi scored a vital goal last week to help the team beat Real Madrid and boost their chances of avoiding relegation. The forward has 19 goals this season, trailing only La Liga's top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe and will look to add to his tally against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in another important game.\nKey stats\n0 - shots on target for struggling Sevilla last weekend against Real Oviedo.\n12 - no goalkeeper has more clean sheets than Barca's Joan Garcia.\n58 - fouls committed by Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu, the most in the top flight.\nFixtures\nFriday (all times GMT)\nReal Madrid v Girona (1900)\nSaturday\nReal Sociedad v Alaves (1200), Elche v Valencia (1415), Barcelona v Espanyol (1630), Sevilla v Atletico Madrid (1900)\nSunday\nOsasuna v Real Betis (1200), Mallorca v Rayo Vallecano (1415), Celta Vigo v Real Oviedo (1630), Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal (1900)\nMonday\nLevante v Getafe (1900)","date_published":"2026-04-10T03:32:05.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","ahead","Atletico","barca","derby","dilemma","Espanyol","face","return"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/48889135-hansi-flick-08112025.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/48889135-hansi-flick-08112025.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/arsenal-wary-of-in-form-man-city-hunt-de-zerbi-begins-spurs-salvage-mission","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/arsenal-wary-of-in-form-man-city-hunt-de-zerbi-begins-spurs-salvage-mission","title":"Arsenal wary of in-form Man City hunt, De Zerbi begins Spurs salvage mission","summary":"Arsenal can shrug off their domestic cup disappointment by moving ever closer to a first league title in 22 years when they host Bournemouth before Manchester City travel to Chelsea.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11e094ee-arne-slot-01032026.webp\")
MANCHESTER: The Premier League returns from a three-week hiatus this weekend with huge clashes in the battle for the title, European places and survival.
\nArsenal can shrug off their domestic cup disappointment by moving ever closer to a first league title in 22 years when they host Bournemouth before Manchester City travel to Chelsea.
\nLiverpool boss Arne Slot cannot afford another damaging defeat when Fulham visit Anfield with Champions League qualification on the line.
\nTottenham have turned to Roberto De Zerbi to save them from the drop for the first time in nearly 50 years and the Italian takes charge for the first time at Sunderland.
\nAFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of this weekend’s action:
\nStill Arsenal’s title to lose
\nDefeat in the League Cup final to City and at second-tier Southampton in the FA Cup have quickly turned Arsenal’s quest for a quadruple into dreams of a Premier League and Champions League double.
Mikel Arteta’s men can go 12 points clear at the top with victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, with City not in action until Sunday.
\nA 1-0 Champions League victory at Sporting Lisbon got the Gunners back to winning ways, but they needed heroics from goalkeeper David Raya after another unconvincing performance.
\nCity, by contrast, appear to be hitting top form after thrashing Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals and will smell blood should Arsenal stumble at the Emirates.
\nPep Guardiola’s men still have a game in hand on Arsenal and the two face off next weekend in a potentially decisive clash in the title race.
\nStruggling Liverpool in ‘survival mode’
\nSlot conceded the English champions were outclassed in defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and they face a battle just to make the competition next season.
“We were in survival mode for large parts of the game but maybe also in the period of the season we are in, we are in survival mode,” said Slot after a run of one win in six games.
\nThe top five in the Premier League will qualify and Liverpool occupy fifth for now.
\nBut only seven points separate them from Bournemouth in 12th.
\nThe wretched form of both Liverpool and Chelsea has offered hope for the chasing pack.
\nFulham are among them and can close to within two points of the Reds should Liverpool suffer a fourth consecutive defeat.
\nSlot has already lost the confidence of large sections of the Liverpool support less than a year on from winning the title.
\nAnd a disgruntled fanbase are also set to protest this weekend over planned ticket price rises in line with inflation for the next three seasons.
\nDe Zerbi’s debut
\nSpurs could be in the bottom three by the time of De Zerbi’s debut should West Ham beat bottom-the-table Wolves on Friday.
Tottenham begin the weekend one point above the drop zone but without a league win in 2026.
\nDe Zerbi has just seven games to try and save a club that has not experienced life outside the top flight since 1978.
\nThe Italian has been lured to north London despite Spurs’ perilous position thanks to a lucrative five-year deal.
\nThe fiery former Marseille boss established a positive reputation for himself in England during a two-year spell as Brighton manager between 2022 and 2024.
\nBut his methods often take time to bed in. Time Tottenham do not have in the battle for survival.
\nFixtures (all times GMT)
\nFriday
\nWest Ham v Wolves (1900)
\nSaturday
\nArsenal v Bournemouth (1130), Brentford v Everton, Burnley v Brighton (both 1400), Liverpool v Fulham (1630)
\nSunday
\nCrystal Palace v Newcastle, Sunderland v Tottenham, Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (all 1300), Chelsea v Manchester City (1530)
\nMonday
\nManchester United v Leeds (1900)
\n","content_text":"MANCHESTER: The Premier League returns from a three-week hiatus this weekend with huge clashes in the battle for the title, European places and survival.\nArsenal can shrug off their domestic cup disappointment by moving ever closer to a first league title in 22 years when they host Bournemouth before Manchester City travel to Chelsea.\nLiverpool boss Arne Slot cannot afford another damaging defeat when Fulham visit Anfield with Champions League qualification on the line.\nTottenham have turned to Roberto De Zerbi to save them from the drop for the first time in nearly 50 years and the Italian takes charge for the first time at Sunderland.\nAFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of this weekend's action:\nStill Arsenal's title to lose\nDefeat in the League Cup final to City and at second-tier Southampton in the FA Cup have quickly turned Arsenal's quest for a quadruple into dreams of a Premier League and Champions League double.\nMikel Arteta's men can go 12 points clear at the top with victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, with City not in action until Sunday.\nA 1-0 Champions League victory at Sporting Lisbon got the Gunners back to winning ways, but they needed heroics from goalkeeper David Raya after another unconvincing performance.\nCity, by contrast, appear to be hitting top form after thrashing Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals and will smell blood should Arsenal stumble at the Emirates.\nPep Guardiola's men still have a game in hand on Arsenal and the two face off next weekend in a potentially decisive clash in the title race.\nStruggling Liverpool in 'survival mode'\nSlot conceded the English champions were outclassed in defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and they face a battle just to make the competition next season.\n\"We were in survival mode for large parts of the game but maybe also in the period of the season we are in, we are in survival mode,\" said Slot after a run of one win in six games.\nThe top five in the Premier League will qualify and Liverpool occupy fifth for now.\nBut only seven points separate them from Bournemouth in 12th.\nThe wretched form of both Liverpool and Chelsea has offered hope for the chasing pack.\nFulham are among them and can close to within two points of the Reds should Liverpool suffer a fourth consecutive defeat.\nSlot has already lost the confidence of large sections of the Liverpool support less than a year on from winning the title.\nAnd a disgruntled fanbase are also set to protest this weekend over planned ticket price rises in line with inflation for the next three seasons.\nDe Zerbi's debut\nSpurs could be in the bottom three by the time of De Zerbi's debut should West Ham beat bottom-the-table Wolves on Friday.\nTottenham begin the weekend one point above the drop zone but without a league win in 2026.\nDe Zerbi has just seven games to try and save a club that has not experienced life outside the top flight since 1978.\nThe Italian has been lured to north London despite Spurs' perilous position thanks to a lucrative five-year deal.\nThe fiery former Marseille boss established a positive reputation for himself in England during a two-year spell as Brighton manager between 2022 and 2024.\nBut his methods often take time to bed in. Time Tottenham do not have in the battle for survival.\nFixtures (all times GMT)\nFriday\nWest Ham v Wolves (1900)\nSaturday\nArsenal v Bournemouth (1130), Brentford v Everton, Burnley v Brighton (both 1400), Liverpool v Fulham (1630)\nSunday\nCrystal Palace v Newcastle, Sunderland v Tottenham, Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (all 1300), Chelsea v Manchester City (1530)\nMonday\nManchester United v Leeds (1900)","date_published":"2026-04-10T03:16:33.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Arsenal","begins","De Zerbi","in-form","Man CityM hunt","mission","salvage","Spurs","wary"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11e094ee-arne-slot-01032026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11e094ee-arne-slot-01032026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/mcilroy-and-burns-share-masters-lead-after-first-round","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/mcilroy-and-burns-share-masters-lead-after-first-round","title":"McIlroy and Burns share Masters lead after first round","summary":"Second-ranked McIlroy birdied the 13th, 14th and 15th before parring to the clubhouse.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d0ce3eb0-rory-mcilroy-afp-06_04_26.webp\")
AUGUSTA: Defending champion and American Sam Burns each fired a five-under par 67 to share the lead after Thursday’s opening round of the 90th Masters at Augusta National.Second-ranked McIlroy, trying to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, reeled off three birdies in a row at the par-five 13th, par-four 14th and par-five 15th then parred to the clubhouse.
\nBurns, the 54-hole leader at last year’s US Open, birdied the par-three 12th as well as 13 and 15 to make his charge.
\nAustralian Jason Day and Americans Patrick Reed and Kurt Kitayama were on 69.
\nIreland’s Shane Lowry and Americans Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler were on 70 with England’s Justin Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up who closed with back-to-back bogeys.
\nTop-ranked Scheffler, a four-time major winner, seeks his third Masters victory in five seasons.
\nGary Woodland made bogey at the par-five 15th and shot 71. Woodland revealed his fight with anxiety since 2023 brain surgery last month and two weeks ago won the PGA Houston Open for his first triumph since the 2019 US Open.
\nEngland’s Matt Fitzpatrick and American Collin Morikawa were on 74 while Bryson DeChambeau opened on 76, Spain’s Jon Rahm fired a 78 and Scotsman Robert MacIntyre shot 80.
\n","content_text":"AUGUSTA: Defending champion and American Sam Burns each fired a five-under par 67 to share the lead after Thursday's opening round of the 90th Masters at Augusta National.Second-ranked McIlroy, trying to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, reeled off three birdies in a row at the par-five 13th, par-four 14th and par-five 15th then parred to the clubhouse.\nBurns, the 54-hole leader at last year's US Open, birdied the par-three 12th as well as 13 and 15 to make his charge.\nAustralian Jason Day and Americans Patrick Reed and Kurt Kitayama were on 69.\nIreland's Shane Lowry and Americans Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler were on 70 with England's Justin Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up who closed with back-to-back bogeys.\nTop-ranked Scheffler, a four-time major winner, seeks his third Masters victory in five seasons.\nGary Woodland made bogey at the par-five 15th and shot 71. Woodland revealed his fight with anxiety since 2023 brain surgery last month and two weeks ago won the PGA Houston Open for his first triumph since the 2019 US Open.\nEngland's Matt Fitzpatrick and American Collin Morikawa were on 74 while Bryson DeChambeau opened on 76, Spain's Jon Rahm fired a 78 and Scotsman Robert MacIntyre shot 80.","date_published":"2026-04-10T02:15:12.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Golf","Top Sports","burns","first round","LEAD","masters","MCILROY","share"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d0ce3eb0-rory-mcilroy-afp-06_04_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/d0ce3eb0-rory-mcilroy-afp-06_04_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/watkins-propels-villa-towards-europa-league-semis-forest-hold-porto","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/watkins-propels-villa-towards-europa-league-semis-forest-hold-porto","title":"Watkins propels Villa towards Europa League semis, Forest hold Porto","summary":"Villa boss Unai Emery is aiming to win the competition for a fifth time and the favourites rode their luck to emerge victorious in Italy.","content_html":"![\"FC](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3e89f3e6-fc-porto-afp-10_04_26.webp\")
BOLOGNA: Ollie WatkiFns scored tFwice as Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 in their Europa League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday, while Nottingham Forest held Porto 1-1 thanks to a comical own goal from Martim Fernandes.
\nFreiburg also have one foot in the last four after beating Celta Vigo 3-0.
\nVilla boss Unai Emery is aiming to win the competition for a fifth time and the favourites rode their luck to emerge victorious in Italy.
\n“It could’ve been different,” said Watkins. “We got lucky.”
\nBologna made a bright start to their first European quarter-final in 27 years.
\nAn Ezri Konsa own goal was ruled out by a VAR review for a marginal offside against Santiago Castro before Lewis Ferguson hit the bar.
\nBut the Coppa Italia winners were undone by some awful set-piece defending to allow Villa two of their goals.
\nKonsa headed into an unguarded net just before the break after Federico Ravaglia flapped at a corner.
\nWatkins quickly doubled the visitors’ advantage after half-time with a cool finish after Emi Buendia won possession deep in Bologna territory.
\nFederico Bernardeschi hit the post and Jonathan Rowe was denied by a brilliant Emi Martinez save.
\nRowe’s stunning finish in the 90th minute looked to have given Bologna a foothold in the tie.
\nBut Watkins was left completely unmarked to tap in from a corner deep into stoppage time and further his case for inclusion in England’s World Cup squad.
\n“Back end of the season I’m raring to go,” added Watkins. “I’m excited for the next few games. I’m hungry.”
\nFreiburg’s record run
\nVilla will face the winners of the tie between Porto and Forest should they progress to the semi-finals.
\nAn all-English affair in the last four is on the cards after Forest were handed a gift by Fernandes.
\nPorto capitalised on a strong start when William Gomes turned in at the far post.
\nBut the lead lasted barely two minutes before Fernandes found his own net from just inside the Porto half as he overhit a pass back to goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
\nForest striker Igor Jesus had a goal ruled out in the second half, but the visitors were happier with the draw that leaves the tie up for grabs next week at the City Ground.
\n“It was a good result,” said Forest boss Vitor Pereira.
\n“At 1-1 at half-time in the tie, it’s open, and we’re at home to decide who qualifies.”
\nThe best European run in Freiburg’s history looks set to continue after Celta were blown away by the Bundesliga side.
\nVincenzo Grifo’s curling effort gave the home side the perfect start on 10 minutes.
\nNiklas Beste doubled Freiburg’s lead at the end of a fine team move and Matthias Ginter headed in 12 minutes from time to secure a commanding first leg lead.
\nBraga and Real Betis drew 1-1 in the other quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday.
\n","content_text":"BOLOGNA: Ollie WatkiFns scored tFwice as Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 in their Europa League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday, while Nottingham Forest held Porto 1-1 thanks to a comical own goal from Martim Fernandes.\nFreiburg also have one foot in the last four after beating Celta Vigo 3-0.\nVilla boss Unai Emery is aiming to win the competition for a fifth time and the favourites rode their luck to emerge victorious in Italy.\n\"It could've been different,\" said Watkins. \"We got lucky.\"\nBologna made a bright start to their first European quarter-final in 27 years.\nAn Ezri Konsa own goal was ruled out by a VAR review for a marginal offside against Santiago Castro before Lewis Ferguson hit the bar.\nBut the Coppa Italia winners were undone by some awful set-piece defending to allow Villa two of their goals.\nKonsa headed into an unguarded net just before the break after Federico Ravaglia flapped at a corner.\nWatkins quickly doubled the visitors' advantage after half-time with a cool finish after Emi Buendia won possession deep in Bologna territory.\nFederico Bernardeschi hit the post and Jonathan Rowe was denied by a brilliant Emi Martinez save.\nRowe's stunning finish in the 90th minute looked to have given Bologna a foothold in the tie.\nBut Watkins was left completely unmarked to tap in from a corner deep into stoppage time and further his case for inclusion in England's World Cup squad.\n\"Back end of the season I'm raring to go,\" added Watkins. \"I'm excited for the next few games. I'm hungry.\"\nFreiburg's record run\nVilla will face the winners of the tie between Porto and Forest should they progress to the semi-finals.\nAn all-English affair in the last four is on the cards after Forest were handed a gift by Fernandes.\nPorto capitalised on a strong start when William Gomes turned in at the far post.\nBut the lead lasted barely two minutes before Fernandes found his own net from just inside the Porto half as he overhit a pass back to goalkeeper Diogo Costa.\nForest striker Igor Jesus had a goal ruled out in the second half, but the visitors were happier with the draw that leaves the tie up for grabs next week at the City Ground.\n\"It was a good result,\" said Forest boss Vitor Pereira.\n\"At 1-1 at half-time in the tie, it's open, and we're at home to decide who qualifies.\"\nThe best European run in Freiburg's history looks set to continue after Celta were blown away by the Bundesliga side.\nVincenzo Grifo's curling effort gave the home side the perfect start on 10 minutes.\nNiklas Beste doubled Freiburg's lead at the end of a fine team move and Matthias Ginter headed in 12 minutes from time to secure a commanding first leg lead.\nBraga and Real Betis drew 1-1 in the other quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday.","date_published":"2026-04-09T23:20:11.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3e89f3e6-fc-porto-afp-10_04_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3e89f3e6-fc-porto-afp-10_04_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/04/10/mutiny-on-the-kop","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/04/10/mutiny-on-the-kop","title":"Mutiny on the Kop?","summary":"Troubled Liverpool must qualify for the Champions League or risk a fan divide.","content_html":"![\"bobby\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/718d477b-bob-holmes-columnist-250424-1.webp\")
‘Mutiny’ is not a word to be thrown around lightly in football, and certainly not at Anfield.
\nThe place will no doubt present a deafening, passionate and united front when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) comes to town next week.
\nBut it will be a little bit less so when a protest about ticket prices is planned for the Fulham game on Saturday.
\nAnd even for PSG, will it be the seething cauldron required to help overturn a 2-0 deficit and deliver one of its fabled European nights?
\nTwo-nil is nothing if Liverpool hit their straps.
\nAfter all, four goals were needed to knock out Lionel Messi’s Barcelona – and they were duly delivered.
\nBut that was a different Liverpool. It was Jurgen Klopp’s rampant side that went on to become European champions.
\nPoor Messi didn’t know what had hit him.
\nIf they were the mentality monsters, today’s Liverpool are mentality midgets.
\nSkipper Virgil van Dijk admitted they “gave up” against Manchester City in the FA Cup last Saturday.
\nAnd they were fortunate that City, to use a cricket term, “declared” at 4-0.
\nAt least the players were decent enough to carry out their own post-mortem that night.
\nIt was also the occasion when Dominik Szoboszlai called out his own fans, and Hugo Ekitike briefly donned a City shirt after being subbed.
\nIronic that the two “offenders” were the season’s two best players, but Ekitike’s mistake amounted to nothing and was soon corrected.
\nSzoboszlai’s show of frustration should not stop him from becoming Player of the Year.
\nBut the point that fans, who are feeling a growing disconnect from the club, are making is that a Scouser wouldn’t have done either.
\nThere were no locals – or any Brits at all – in the starting XI in Paris and the sense that the younger imports are not immersed in Liverpool lore is growing.
\nAlmost all the players live outside the city, many in another county (rural Cheshire), and have little affinity with Liverpool or its people.
\nThere’s hardly a Liverpudlian on the coaching staff while the owners are ensconced in Boston, an ocean away.
\nFollowing the Reds is a quasi-religious experience for many fans, but they are sensing that it is merely transactional for the squad.
\nThis is only heightened when Fenway Sports Group (FSG) ignores pleas by fan groups not to increase ticket prices.
\nSpirit of Shankly, who are the real soul of the club, are demonstrating inside and outside the ground on Saturday.
\nThis is far from the first time the culture clash over pricing has reared its ugly head.
\nAmericans are used to paying more for sport that Europeans, and sometimes the owners seem to forget where the club is located.
\nA noisy but growing minority will be shouting for Slot to go, with Xavi Alonso’s name on quite a few lips.
\nEven Steven Gerrard is being touted by a few, if only as an interim until the end of the season.
\nFlorian Wirtz insisted the players are still with the manager before the game, and it would be unthinkable to sack a title-winner before the end of this campaign.
\nGoing back to the Big Spend, which now can only be called a disaster, it did feel un-Liverpool-like at the time.
\nAll the acquisitions have ability but were they the right fit, price and physicality? And were they all really needed?
\nBut we were constantly reminded that the club could afford it because it had hardly spent a penny in the preceding window.
\nThe reasoning was financial, not football. Did Slot want them all? Did he want two strikers of similar ilk?
\nDid enough thought go into how lightweight Wirtz was? Ditto Jeremie Frimpong, a supposed defender!
\nEven the previously untouchable Michael Edwards, once of the Midas touch in player recruitment, must be questioned.
\nIf there was so much money to play with, why let Luis Diaz go just because Bayern Munich made a good offer for a player of his age?
\nAfter Klopp himself, he’s the guy Liverpool are missing the most.
\nHe gave another stunning reminder of his worth against Real Madrid this week.
\nAnd although Edwards did well to secure Gorgi Mamardashvili, another Georgian could have been a game-changer.
\nKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was at his brilliant best for PSG and you feel, with his compatriot in the bag, he may have been persuaded to join him.
\nHe could have played on the opposite wing to Salah as he can play on either flank.
\nWith the benefit of hindsight, it seems the Egyptian King was given a contract too many.
\nTo have let Salah go after a sensational three-quarters of a season would have caused protests of a different kind.
\nAnd this is not to blame the club, but his form dropped off dramatically just over a year ago.
\nThe suspicion that Slot feels that Salah has little more to offer was confirmed when the Egyptian was not even among the four substitutes brought on as late as the 76th minute.
\nAnd that they included 18-year-old Trey Nyoni must have felt like the final insult.
\nIt may well have caused divisions in the squad to widen.
\nThe Paris game’s stats make for painful reading.
\nPSG completed 696 passes to 198 by Liverpool. They had 72% possession. They totally bossed the game and could have won by six or seven.
\nArne Slot admitted, “We were lucky.” Ousman Dembele should have had a hat-trick, PSG should have had a penalty and Mamardashvili made several great saves.
\nThe tie is just about still alive, but there’s still much to play for.
\nIf this year’s trophy is out of reach, they must still qualify for next year’s.
\nFailing to do so after being champions risks the club hierarchy and fan base being split apart.
\nAnd that would be another disaster.
\n\n
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
\n","content_text":"‘Mutiny’ is not a word to be thrown around lightly in football, and certainly not at Anfield.\nThe place will no doubt present a deafening, passionate and united front when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) comes to town next week.\nBut it will be a little bit less so when a protest about ticket prices is planned for the Fulham game on Saturday.\nAnd even for PSG, will it be the seething cauldron required to help overturn a 2-0 deficit and deliver one of its fabled European nights?\nTwo-nil is nothing if Liverpool hit their straps.\nAfter all, four goals were needed to knock out Lionel Messi’s Barcelona – and they were duly delivered.\nBut that was a different Liverpool. It was Jurgen Klopp’s rampant side that went on to become European champions.\nPoor Messi didn’t know what had hit him.\nIf they were the mentality monsters, today’s Liverpool are mentality midgets.\nSkipper Virgil van Dijk admitted they “gave up” against Manchester City in the FA Cup last Saturday.\nAnd they were fortunate that City, to use a cricket term, “declared” at 4-0.\nAt least the players were decent enough to carry out their own post-mortem that night.\nIt was also the occasion when Dominik Szoboszlai called out his own fans, and Hugo Ekitike briefly donned a City shirt after being subbed.\nIronic that the two “offenders” were the season’s two best players, but Ekitike’s mistake amounted to nothing and was soon corrected.\nSzoboszlai’s show of frustration should not stop him from becoming Player of the Year.\nBut the point that fans, who are feeling a growing disconnect from the club, are making is that a Scouser wouldn’t have done either.\nThere were no locals – or any Brits at all - in the starting XI in Paris and the sense that the younger imports are not immersed in Liverpool lore is growing.\nAlmost all the players live outside the city, many in another county (rural Cheshire), and have little affinity with Liverpool or its people.\nThere’s hardly a Liverpudlian on the coaching staff while the owners are ensconced in Boston, an ocean away.\nFollowing the Reds is a quasi-religious experience for many fans, but they are sensing that it is merely transactional for the squad.\nThis is only heightened when Fenway Sports Group (FSG) ignores pleas by fan groups not to increase ticket prices.\nSpirit of Shankly, who are the real soul of the club, are demonstrating inside and outside the ground on Saturday.\nThis is far from the first time the culture clash over pricing has reared its ugly head.\nAmericans are used to paying more for sport that Europeans, and sometimes the owners seem to forget where the club is located.\nA noisy but growing minority will be shouting for Slot to go, with Xavi Alonso’s name on quite a few lips.\nEven Steven Gerrard is being touted by a few, if only as an interim until the end of the season.\nFlorian Wirtz insisted the players are still with the manager before the game, and it would be unthinkable to sack a title-winner before the end of this campaign.\nGoing back to the Big Spend, which now can only be called a disaster, it did feel un-Liverpool-like at the time.\nAll the acquisitions have ability but were they the right fit, price and physicality? And were they all really needed?\nBut we were constantly reminded that the club could afford it because it had hardly spent a penny in the preceding window.\nThe reasoning was financial, not football. Did Slot want them all? Did he want two strikers of similar ilk?\nDid enough thought go into how lightweight Wirtz was? Ditto Jeremie Frimpong, a supposed defender!\nEven the previously untouchable Michael Edwards, once of the Midas touch in player recruitment, must be questioned.\nIf there was so much money to play with, why let Luis Diaz go just because Bayern Munich made a good offer for a player of his age?\nAfter Klopp himself, he’s the guy Liverpool are missing the most.\nHe gave another stunning reminder of his worth against Real Madrid this week.\nAnd although Edwards did well to secure Gorgi Mamardashvili, another Georgian could have been a game-changer.\nKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was at his brilliant best for PSG and you feel, with his compatriot in the bag, he may have been persuaded to join him.\nHe could have played on the opposite wing to Salah as he can play on either flank.\nWith the benefit of hindsight, it seems the Egyptian King was given a contract too many.\nTo have let Salah go after a sensational three-quarters of a season would have caused protests of a different kind.\nAnd this is not to blame the club, but his form dropped off dramatically just over a year ago.\nThe suspicion that Slot feels that Salah has little more to offer was confirmed when the Egyptian was not even among the four substitutes brought on as late as the 76th minute.\nAnd that they included 18-year-old Trey Nyoni must have felt like the final insult.\nIt may well have caused divisions in the squad to widen.\nThe Paris game’s stats make for painful reading.\nPSG completed 696 passes to 198 by Liverpool. They had 72% possession. They totally bossed the game and could have won by six or seven.\nArne Slot admitted, “We were lucky.” Ousman Dembele should have had a hat-trick, PSG should have had a penalty and Mamardashvili made several great saves.\nThe tie is just about still alive, but there’s still much to play for.\nIf this year’s trophy is out of reach, they must still qualify for next year’s.\nFailing to do so after being champions risks the club hierarchy and fan base being split apart.\nAnd that would be another disaster.\n \nThe views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.","date_published":"2026-04-09T23:15:12.000Z","author":{"name":"Bob Holmes"},"tags":["Highlight","Column","Opinion","Top Opinion","Sports","Football","Top Sports","Arne Slot","EPL","Liverpool","Steven Gerrard","Xabi Alonso"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/718d477b-bob-holmes-columnist-250424-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/718d477b-bob-holmes-columnist-250424-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/04/10/a-national-sport-that-stopped-being-national","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/04/10/a-national-sport-that-stopped-being-national","title":"A national sport that stopped being national","summary":"When large parts of the talent base stop feeding into Malaysian hockey, the issue is no longer selection, but structure.","content_html":"![\"frankie](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6e2507ca-frankie-dcruz-new-description-020425-2.webp\")
When Nor Saiful Zaini called for Malaysian hockey to rediscover its broader roots, he was not being sentimental.
\nHe was issuing a warning.
\nThe former international pointed to a growing absence that now defines the limits of the national team.
\nThis is not about who plays today. It is about who no longer arrives.
\nFor more than three decades, Malaysian teams set out to compete. They drew from a wide sweep of schools, clubs, and playing environments, producing sides that could read the game, adapt, and endure.
\nThat breadth did not come from design. It came from reach.
\nThe game once spread far enough for talent to surface from many directions.
\nThat reach has narrowed.
\nThe signs do not shout, but they repeat. A smaller base. Fewer entry points. A game that still produces committed athletes, but from a pool that is no longer as wide or varied as before.
\nWhen the base shrinks, everything above it follows.
\nRecent performances reflect that shift. The effort remains and the preparation shows. But when matches tighten and opponents adjust, the response often looks the same.
\nVariation, once a strength, is harder to find.
\nThis is not a failure of players. It is the outcome of what the system now produces.
\nA structural imbalance has taken hold.
\nDevelopment has grown more concentrated. Centralised programmes have improved elite preparation, but they also draw from a limited funnel.
\nWhat strengthens the top has, over time, reduced the range beneath it.
\nAcross the country, the game still lives. Clubs organise. Individuals coach. Young players step forward.
\nHockey has not disappeared. The connection has.
\nToo often, promising players emerge at school or club level and stall. Progression beyond that point is unclear.
\nThe step into state squads varies. The leap to national contention feels even more distant.
\nWhen that link weakens, participation drops.
\nPerception shapes behaviour. When players sense that advancement is uncertain, they walk away. Not suddenly, but steadily enough to shrink the pool.
\nThat is how a national sport becomes smaller without anyone announcing it.
\nResponsibility cannot be diffused.
\nThe Malaysian Hockey Confederation must answer a simple question: how wide is the base feeding the national team?
\nDevelopment is not measured by intensity at the top alone, but by how far the system reaches outward.
\nState associations carry the same burden. Without structured competitions, active scouting, and sustained programmes, they stop acting as bridges and become bottlenecks.
\nThe system then works hard at the top, but draws from too little beneath.
\nThis is where Nor Saiful’s point sharpens.
\nWhen entire segments of the hockey-playing population stop appearing at the highest level, the issue is not selection at the end. It is loss at the beginning.
\nRebuilding will not come from adjusting the final team sheet. It must start where the game begins.
\nSchool competitions need to matter again, not as casual events, but as proving grounds.
\nClubs and community organisers need direct links into state structures so that talent does not disappear after it is spotted.
\nEntry into the sport must be easier, clearer, and sustained.
\nThe game must also give something back.
\nUncertainty over long-term prospects continues to limit commitment. Without stronger support — in education, finance, and career planning — the base will not grow.
\nMalaysian hockey does not lack effort. It lacks reach.
\nUntil that reach returns, the conversation will keep circling the wrong question.
\nThis is no longer about who is selected. It is about who has already been lost before selection begins.
\n\n
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
\n","content_text":"When Nor Saiful Zaini called for Malaysian hockey to rediscover its broader roots, he was not being sentimental.\nHe was issuing a warning.\nThe former international pointed to a growing absence that now defines the limits of the national team.\nThis is not about who plays today. It is about who no longer arrives.\nFor more than three decades, Malaysian teams set out to compete. They drew from a wide sweep of schools, clubs, and playing environments, producing sides that could read the game, adapt, and endure.\nThat breadth did not come from design. It came from reach.\nThe game once spread far enough for talent to surface from many directions.\nThat reach has narrowed.\nThe signs do not shout, but they repeat. A smaller base. Fewer entry points. A game that still produces committed athletes, but from a pool that is no longer as wide or varied as before.\nWhen the base shrinks, everything above it follows.\nRecent performances reflect that shift. The effort remains and the preparation shows. But when matches tighten and opponents adjust, the response often looks the same.\nVariation, once a strength, is harder to find.\nThis is not a failure of players. It is the outcome of what the system now produces.\nA structural imbalance has taken hold.\nDevelopment has grown more concentrated. Centralised programmes have improved elite preparation, but they also draw from a limited funnel.\nWhat strengthens the top has, over time, reduced the range beneath it.\nAcross the country, the game still lives. Clubs organise. Individuals coach. Young players step forward.\nHockey has not disappeared. The connection has.\nToo often, promising players emerge at school or club level and stall. Progression beyond that point is unclear.\nThe step into state squads varies. The leap to national contention feels even more distant.\nWhen that link weakens, participation drops.\nPerception shapes behaviour. When players sense that advancement is uncertain, they walk away. Not suddenly, but steadily enough to shrink the pool.\nThat is how a national sport becomes smaller without anyone announcing it.\nResponsibility cannot be diffused.\nThe Malaysian Hockey Confederation must answer a simple question: how wide is the base feeding the national team?\nDevelopment is not measured by intensity at the top alone, but by how far the system reaches outward.\nState associations carry the same burden. Without structured competitions, active scouting, and sustained programmes, they stop acting as bridges and become bottlenecks.\nThe system then works hard at the top, but draws from too little beneath.\nThis is where Nor Saiful’s point sharpens.\nWhen entire segments of the hockey-playing population stop appearing at the highest level, the issue is not selection at the end. It is loss at the beginning.\nRebuilding will not come from adjusting the final team sheet. It must start where the game begins.\nSchool competitions need to matter again, not as casual events, but as proving grounds.\nClubs and community organisers need direct links into state structures so that talent does not disappear after it is spotted.\nEntry into the sport must be easier, clearer, and sustained.\nThe game must also give something back.\nUncertainty over long-term prospects continues to limit commitment. Without stronger support — in education, finance, and career planning — the base will not grow.\nMalaysian hockey does not lack effort. It lacks reach.\nUntil that reach returns, the conversation will keep circling the wrong question.\nThis is no longer about who is selected. It is about who has already been lost before selection begins.\n \nThe views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.","date_published":"2026-04-09T23:00:41.000Z","author":{"name":"Frankie D'Cruz"},"tags":["Highlight","Column","Opinion","Top Opinion","Sports","Top Sports","grassroots development","Malaysian Hockey","MHC","national team","school sports","Sports Governance","State Associations","Talent Identification","youth sports"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6e2507ca-frankie-dcruz-new-description-020425-2.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6e2507ca-frankie-dcruz-new-description-020425-2.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/mateta-inspires-palace-win-over-fiorentina-in-conference-league","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/mateta-inspires-palace-win-over-fiorentina-in-conference-league","title":"Mateta inspires Palace win over Fiorentina in Conference League","summary":"Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a 24th-minute penalty after Evann Guessand was fouled by Fiorentina defender Dodo and also had a role in Palace's second goal seven minutes later.","content_html":"![\"Crystal](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ac5402fa-crystal-palace-afp-10_04_26.webp\")
LONDON: Jean-Philippe Mateta inspired Crystal Palace to a 3-0 win over Fiorentina in their Conference League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday.
\nMateta, making his first Palace start since a proposed move to AC Milan collapsed in January, converted from the penalty spot after 24 minutes after Evann Guessand was fouled by Fiorentina defender Dodo.
\nThe French striker also had a role in Palace’s second goal seven minutes later as Tyrick Mitchell finished off after Mateta’s close-range effort had been blocked by Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea.
\n“I keep working hard, and I’m always here to push for the victory,” Mateta told TNT Sports.
\n“Today we did it, but it’s not finished. We have one more game in Italy.”
\nFiorentina pushed back after the break with Giovanni Fabbian rattling the woodwork after 51 minutes and goalkeeper Dean Henderson pulling off two saves for the hosts just before the hour.
\nBut Ismaila Sarr ensured Palace take a comfortable advance to Tuscany next week when he headed in on the 90th minute.
\nA semi-final tie against either Shakhtar Donetsk or Dutch side AZ Alkmaar awaits either Palace or Fiorentina.
\nUkrainian side Shakhtar beat AZ Alkmaar 3-0 with all goals late. Pedrinho got the first after 72 minutes followed by a quickfire Alisson Santana brace with 10 minutes to go.
\nSpanish club Rayo Vallecano are one step away from playing in a European semi-final for the first in their history following a 3-0 win against AEK Athens.
\nThe winner will play either Mainz or Strasbourg.
\nMoroccan winger Ilias Akhomach opened the scoring after two minutes in the suburbs of Madrid finishing off an Alvaro García cross.
\nUnai Lopez added a second off a rebound just before the break with Rayo captain Isi Palazon scoring the third from the penalty spot after 74 minutes.
\nGerman club Mainz beat French outfit Strasbourg 2-0 to maintain their unbeaten record at home this season in the competition with six wins out of six.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: Jean-Philippe Mateta inspired Crystal Palace to a 3-0 win over Fiorentina in their Conference League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday.\nMateta, making his first Palace start since a proposed move to AC Milan collapsed in January, converted from the penalty spot after 24 minutes after Evann Guessand was fouled by Fiorentina defender Dodo.\nThe French striker also had a role in Palace's second goal seven minutes later as Tyrick Mitchell finished off after Mateta's close-range effort had been blocked by Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea.\n\"I keep working hard, and I’m always here to push for the victory,\" Mateta told TNT Sports.\n\"Today we did it, but it’s not finished. We have one more game in Italy.”\nFiorentina pushed back after the break with Giovanni Fabbian rattling the woodwork after 51 minutes and goalkeeper Dean Henderson pulling off two saves for the hosts just before the hour.\nBut Ismaila Sarr ensured Palace take a comfortable advance to Tuscany next week when he headed in on the 90th minute.\nA semi-final tie against either Shakhtar Donetsk or Dutch side AZ Alkmaar awaits either Palace or Fiorentina.\nUkrainian side Shakhtar beat AZ Alkmaar 3-0 with all goals late. Pedrinho got the first after 72 minutes followed by a quickfire Alisson Santana brace with 10 minutes to go.\nSpanish club Rayo Vallecano are one step away from playing in a European semi-final for the first in their history following a 3-0 win against AEK Athens.\nThe winner will play either Mainz or Strasbourg.\nMoroccan winger Ilias Akhomach opened the scoring after two minutes in the suburbs of Madrid finishing off an Alvaro García cross.\nUnai Lopez added a second off a rebound just before the break with Rayo captain Isi Palazon scoring the third from the penalty spot after 74 minutes.\nGerman club Mainz beat French outfit Strasbourg 2-0 to maintain their unbeaten record at home this season in the competition with six wins out of six.","date_published":"2026-04-09T22:56:24.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Conference League","fiorentina","inspires","Mateta","Palace","win"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ac5402fa-crystal-palace-afp-10_04_26.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ac5402fa-crystal-palace-afp-10_04_26.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/fifa-unveils-52-referees-for-world-cup-including-6-women","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/fifa-unveils-52-referees-for-world-cup-including-6-women","title":"Fifa unveils 52 referees for World Cup, including 6 women","summary":"Football's governing body will also take 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 member associations.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3c0e54df-world-cup-1.jpg\")
PARIS: Fifa on Thursday unveiled its list of match officials for the June 11-July 19 World Cup, including 52 referees, six of whom are women.
\nFootball’s governing body will also take 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 member associations.
\n“The selected match officials are the very best in the world,” said Pierluigi Collina, Fifa’s chief refereeing officer.
\n“They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at Fifa tournaments.
\n“In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.”
\nThe World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be played.
\nThere are 41 more match officials than at Qatar four years ago, where 32 teams played 64 matches.
\n“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing,” Collina said with six women having already refereed in 2022.
\n","content_text":"PARIS: Fifa on Thursday unveiled its list of match officials for the June 11-July 19 World Cup, including 52 referees, six of whom are women.\nFootball's governing body will also take 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 member associations.\n\"The selected match officials are the very best in the world,\" said Pierluigi Collina, Fifa's chief refereeing officer.\n\"They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at Fifa tournaments.\n\"In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.\"\nThe World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be played.\nThere are 41 more match officials than at Qatar four years ago, where 32 teams played 64 matches.\n\"The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women's refereeing,\" Collina said with six women having already refereed in 2022.","date_published":"2026-04-09T22:39:45.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","2026","FIFA","Pierluigi Collina","referees","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3c0e54df-world-cup-1.jpg","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3c0e54df-world-cup-1.jpg"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/robertson-to-leave-liverpool-at-end-of-season","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/robertson-to-leave-liverpool-at-end-of-season","title":"Robertson to leave Liverpool at end of season","summary":"Andy Robertson is the second high-profile departure from Liverpool after Mohamed Salah announced he will also depart at the end of the season.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6306fbda-afp__20220714__32ee23d__v1__midres__fblsinengprliverpoolcrystalpalace_1_cropped_1.webp\")
LIVERPOOL: Andy Robertson will bring down the curtain on his nine-year career at Liverpool at the end of the season, the faltering Premier League champions announced on Thursday.
\nThe 32-year-old has made 373 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League as a key member of the side that restored the Reds to the top of the English and European game under Jurgen Klopp.
\nHowever, he has dropped down the pecking order this season since the arrival of Milos Kerkez and his contract, which expires at the end of the campaign, will not be renewed.
\nThe Scotland captain is the second high-profile departure from Liverpool in the coming months after Mohamed Salah announced he will also depart at the end of the season.
\n“I’ll always look back on amazing memories at this football club, I’ve put my heart and soul into the club for nine years and I’ve not got many regrets,” said Robertson.
\n“I’ve grown as a man and as a person. This club will always mean the world to me, the fans will mean the world to me. It has been a hell of a journey.”
\nLess than a year on from winning the Premier League, Liverpool have endured a miserable campaign, marked by tragedy off the field.
\nA close friend of Robertson’s, forward Diogo Jota died in a car accident in July.
\nOn the field, Arne Slot has struggled to find the right balance from an expensively assembled squad that sits fifth in the Premier League.
\nLiverpool were also dumped out of the FA Cup 4-0 by Manchester City last weekend and lost 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
\nRobertson’s rise was one of the success stories of Klopp’s glorious reign at Anfield.
\nSigned from relegated Hull for £8 million in 2017, he quickly became a fan favourite.
\nHe sits behind only former team-mate Trent Alexander Arnold as the defender with most assists in Premier League history.
\nOn top of Premier League and Champions League glory, Robertson won the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
\n“I’m still fully focused on trying to end this season as positively as possible, to help these lads and to try to give a few more good moments to the fans,” added Robertson.
\n“That’s my aim and hopefully then we can do it and maybe closer to the end of the season you’ll have me down a camera crying my eyes out.”
\n","content_text":"LIVERPOOL: Andy Robertson will bring down the curtain on his nine-year career at Liverpool at the end of the season, the faltering Premier League champions announced on Thursday.\nThe 32-year-old has made 373 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League as a key member of the side that restored the Reds to the top of the English and European game under Jurgen Klopp.\nHowever, he has dropped down the pecking order this season since the arrival of Milos Kerkez and his contract, which expires at the end of the campaign, will not be renewed.\nThe Scotland captain is the second high-profile departure from Liverpool in the coming months after Mohamed Salah announced he will also depart at the end of the season.\n\"I'll always look back on amazing memories at this football club, I’ve put my heart and soul into the club for nine years and I’ve not got many regrets,\" said Robertson.\n\"I've grown as a man and as a person. This club will always mean the world to me, the fans will mean the world to me. It has been a hell of a journey.\"\nLess than a year on from winning the Premier League, Liverpool have endured a miserable campaign, marked by tragedy off the field.\nA close friend of Robertson's, forward Diogo Jota died in a car accident in July.\nOn the field, Arne Slot has struggled to find the right balance from an expensively assembled squad that sits fifth in the Premier League.\nLiverpool were also dumped out of the FA Cup 4-0 by Manchester City last weekend and lost 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.\nRobertson's rise was one of the success stories of Klopp's glorious reign at Anfield.\nSigned from relegated Hull for £8 million in 2017, he quickly became a fan favourite.\nHe sits behind only former team-mate Trent Alexander Arnold as the defender with most assists in Premier League history.\nOn top of Premier League and Champions League glory, Robertson won the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.\n\"I’m still fully focused on trying to end this season as positively as possible, to help these lads and to try to give a few more good moments to the fans,\" added Robertson.\n\"That’s my aim and hopefully then we can do it and maybe closer to the end of the season you’ll have me down a camera crying my eyes out.\"","date_published":"2026-04-09T22:12:04.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Andy Robertson","Champions League","Jürgen Klopp","Liverpool","Premier League","Scotland"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6306fbda-afp__20220714__32ee23d__v1__midres__fblsinengprliverpoolcrystalpalace_1_cropped_1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6306fbda-afp__20220714__32ee23d__v1__midres__fblsinengprliverpoolcrystalpalace_1_cropped_1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/sinner-and-alcaraz-wobble-but-advance-to-monte-carlo-quarter-finals","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/10/sinner-and-alcaraz-wobble-but-advance-to-monte-carlo-quarter-finals","title":"Sinner and Alcaraz wobble but advance to Monte Carlo quarter-finals","summary":"Jannik Sinner beat the wildly erratic Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, while Carlos Alcaraz suffered his own second-set stumble before he beat Tomas Etcheverry 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2f1b730a-13892524.webp\")
MONACO: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both suffered second-set stumbles on Thursday in their race for the number one ranking but recovered to reach the last eight of the Monte Carlo Masters.
\nSinner, who said he ran out of steam in the second set, beat the wildly erratic Tomas Machac, 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.
\nAlcaraz followed Sinner on to the centre court and his match went to a similar pattern before he beat Tomas Etcheverry 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.
\nAlcaraz, the defending champion, could lose the No.1 ranking to Sinner, who was finishing a ban last year and has no ranking points to lose this week. The Italian came into Monaco after winning the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
\nOn Thursday, Sinner galloped through the first set but slowed in the second, allowing Machac to hit his way back into the match.
\n“I was struggling a little bit, was a bit tired,” Sinner said.
\n“I felt great before the match, in the second set I struggled a bit with trying to find the right energy. This can happen. I tried to push myself through which I’ve done.”
\nMachac squandered two set points on serve at 5-4 in the second but then romped through the tie-break.
\nThat ended Sinner’s record streak of 36 straight sets in 1000-level events but he stayed cool to stretch his run of Masters wins to 19.
\nEven with his opponent struggling, the Czech kept flailing for winners. He handed Sinner the third-set initiative when wild hitting handed the Italian a break to love in the third game.
\nSinner held serve twice before breaking to love to wrap up victory in two hours and one minute.
\nHis quarter-final opponent, sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, needed to expend less energy. The Canadian was leading Casper Ruud 7-5, 2-2 when the Norwegian retired.
\n“I hope I can recover as much as I can for tomorrow,” said Sinner.
\nAlcaraz also blazed through the first set.
\n“I was hitting the ball really well in the first set, like ten out of ten,” said the Spaniard.
\nBut in the second he made 23 unforced errors.
\n“I had the chance to break his serve in the second set and I didn’t take it and every time you don’t take the opportiunities at this level you have to run back,” said Alcaraz.
\n“He gained a little confidence, played more aggressive, hitting the ball better.”
\nAlcaraz re-established control when he broke in a marathon second game in the final set but was struggling to put his first serves in play.
\nThe top seed saved a break point to go 5-2 up and then needed three match points to clinch victory in 2hr 23min in his next service game.
\n‘It’s going to be fun’
\nAlcaraz said his troubles had a lot to do with his opponent.
\n“Especially on clay he’s a great fighter,” Alcaraz said. “It’s been a great day, a great battle.”
\nThe Spaniard will next face Alexander Bublik for the first time.
\nKazakh Bublik, who beat Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 7-5, is, like Alcaraz, known for his drop shot.
\nAlcaraz said the two men had practised together.
\n“It’s going to be fun to play,” he said. “Let’s see who has the best drop shot.”
\nEarlier, 19-year-old Joao Fonseca reached the quarter-finals of a Masters 1000 event for the first time when he strode to a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over Matteo Berrettini.
\nThe teenager is the youngest man to reach this stage in Monte Carlo since Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet in 2005.
\n“It is super special,” Fonseca said on court. “Of course I want more. I am very confident and focused.”
\nThe Brazilian’s last-eight opponent will be world number three Alexander Zverev.
\n“I am excited to play him for the first time,” Zverev said of Fonseca.
\n“He is a young upcoming talent and I think we will play each other a lot more in the next couple of years.”
\nGermany’s Zverev despatched Belgian Zizou Bergs 6-2, 7-5.
\n","content_text":"MONACO: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both suffered second-set stumbles on Thursday in their race for the number one ranking but recovered to reach the last eight of the Monte Carlo Masters.\nSinner, who said he ran out of steam in the second set, beat the wildly erratic Tomas Machac, 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.\nAlcaraz followed Sinner on to the centre court and his match went to a similar pattern before he beat Tomas Etcheverry 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.\nAlcaraz, the defending champion, could lose the No.1 ranking to Sinner, who was finishing a ban last year and has no ranking points to lose this week. The Italian came into Monaco after winning the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.\nOn Thursday, Sinner galloped through the first set but slowed in the second, allowing Machac to hit his way back into the match.\n\"I was struggling a little bit, was a bit tired,\" Sinner said.\n\"I felt great before the match, in the second set I struggled a bit with trying to find the right energy. This can happen. I tried to push myself through which I've done.\"\nMachac squandered two set points on serve at 5-4 in the second but then romped through the tie-break.\nThat ended Sinner's record streak of 36 straight sets in 1000-level events but he stayed cool to stretch his run of Masters wins to 19.\nEven with his opponent struggling, the Czech kept flailing for winners. He handed Sinner the third-set initiative when wild hitting handed the Italian a break to love in the third game.\nSinner held serve twice before breaking to love to wrap up victory in two hours and one minute.\nHis quarter-final opponent, sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, needed to expend less energy. The Canadian was leading Casper Ruud 7-5, 2-2 when the Norwegian retired.\n\"I hope I can recover as much as I can for tomorrow,\" said Sinner.\nAlcaraz also blazed through the first set.\n\"I was hitting the ball really well in the first set, like ten out of ten,\" said the Spaniard.\nBut in the second he made 23 unforced errors.\n\"I had the chance to break his serve in the second set and I didn't take it and every time you don't take the opportiunities at this level you have to run back,\" said Alcaraz.\n\"He gained a little confidence, played more aggressive, hitting the ball better.\"\nAlcaraz re-established control when he broke in a marathon second game in the final set but was struggling to put his first serves in play.\nThe top seed saved a break point to go 5-2 up and then needed three match points to clinch victory in 2hr 23min in his next service game.\n'It's going to be fun'\nAlcaraz said his troubles had a lot to do with his opponent.\n\"Especially on clay he's a great fighter,\" Alcaraz said. \"It's been a great day, a great battle.\"\nThe Spaniard will next face Alexander Bublik for the first time.\nKazakh Bublik, who beat Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 7-5, is, like Alcaraz, known for his drop shot.\nAlcaraz said the two men had practised together.\n\"It's going to be fun to play,\" he said. \"Let's see who has the best drop shot.\"\nEarlier, 19-year-old Joao Fonseca reached the quarter-finals of a Masters 1000 event for the first time when he strode to a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over Matteo Berrettini.\nThe teenager is the youngest man to reach this stage in Monte Carlo since Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet in 2005.\n\"It is super special,\" Fonseca said on court. \"Of course I want more. I am very confident and focused.\"\nThe Brazilian's last-eight opponent will be world number three Alexander Zverev.\n\"I am excited to play him for the first time,\" Zverev said of Fonseca.\n\"He is a young upcoming talent and I think we will play each other a lot more in the next couple of years.\"\nGermany's Zverev despatched Belgian Zizou Bergs 6-2, 7-5.","date_published":"2026-04-09T21:59:42.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Carlos Alcaraz","Jannik Sinner","Monte Carlo Masters","Tomas Etcheverry","Tomas Machac"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2f1b730a-13892524.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2f1b730a-13892524.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/09/sabalenka-withdraws-from-stuttgart-open-due-to-injury","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/09/sabalenka-withdraws-from-stuttgart-open-due-to-injury","title":"Sabalenka withdraws from Stuttgart Open due to injury","summary":"Aryna Sabalenka has pulled out of this month's Stuttgart Open due to an injury she sustained following her Miami Open triumph.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6cc9ed67-aryna-sabalenka-07112025.webp\")
MINSK: Aryna Sabalenka has pulled out of this month’s Stuttgart Open due to an injury she sustained following her Miami Open triumph in March, the world number one said today.
\nThe 27-year-old Sabalenka has had a notable but frustrating record in the Stuttgart Open, having reached the final four times in five years but never winning the title.
\nShe lost to Ash Barty in 2021, Iga Swiatek in 2022 and 2023 and Jelena Ostapenko in 2025.
\n“Unfortunately, I suffered an injury after Miami, and even though I tried everything to recover in time, I’m not ready to compete,” the Belarusian said on Instagram.
\nSabalenka defeated hometown favourite Coco Gauff 6-2 4-6 6-3 in the Miami Open final, becoming only the fifth woman to win the Indian Wells and Miami ‘Sunshine Double’ back-to-back.
\n“I always love coming back to Stuttgart. The atmosphere, the fans, and the support I feel there are so special to me. And of course, I was really hoping to have another chance,” Sabalenka added after being forced to delay the start of her clay season.
\nThe Stuttgart Open starts on April 13.
\n","content_text":"MINSK: Aryna Sabalenka has pulled out of this month's Stuttgart Open due to an injury she sustained following her Miami Open triumph in March, the world number one said today.\nThe 27-year-old Sabalenka has had a notable but frustrating record in the Stuttgart Open, having reached the final four times in five years but never winning the title.\nShe lost to Ash Barty in 2021, Iga Swiatek in 2022 and 2023 and Jelena Ostapenko in 2025.\n\"Unfortunately, I suffered an injury after Miami, and even though I tried everything to recover in time, I'm not ready to compete,\" the Belarusian said on Instagram.\nSabalenka defeated hometown favourite Coco Gauff 6-2 4-6 6-3 in the Miami Open final, becoming only the fifth woman to win the Indian Wells and Miami 'Sunshine Double' back-to-back.\n\"I always love coming back to Stuttgart. The atmosphere, the fans, and the support I feel there are so special to me. And of course, I was really hoping to have another chance,\" Sabalenka added after being forced to delay the start of her clay season.\nThe Stuttgart Open starts on April 13.","date_published":"2026-04-09T15:22:01.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Tennis","Top Sports","Aryna Sabalenka","Miami Open","Stuttgart Open"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6cc9ed67-aryna-sabalenka-07112025.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6cc9ed67-aryna-sabalenka-07112025.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/09/maguire-desperate-to-be-part-of-england-world-cup-squad","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/09/maguire-desperate-to-be-part-of-england-world-cup-squad","title":"Maguire desperate to be part of England World Cup squad","summary":"Manchester United's Harry Maguire hopes to be selected in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for this year’s World Cup.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4e841d42-harry-maguire-07042026.webp\")
MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s Harry Maguire hopes to be selected in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for this year’s World Cup in North America, with the 33-year-old saying he remains one of the best defenders in the world despite his age.
\nMaguire was recalled last month for England’s friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan, marking his first appearances for the national team since 2024.
\nMaguire faces strong competition for a place in the squad from Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah, but the centre-back said he is desperate to be involved in the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
\n“I think it would be my last World Cup,” Maguire told British media at United’s training camp in Maynooth, Ireland.
\n“I’ve been to two but I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which hurt a lot.
\n“So, I’m desperate to go, in whatever role the manager would want me for; whether that’s starting or deciding games late on.
\n“I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes,” he added.
\nMaguire recently signed a new contract with United, extending his stay at Old Trafford until 2027 with an option for a further year.
\nHe added that the club would need to recruit well in the close season to be well positioned next term.
\nEngland are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama. They will open their campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas.
\n","content_text":"MANCHESTER: Manchester United's Harry Maguire hopes to be selected in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for this year’s World Cup in North America, with the 33-year-old saying he remains one of the best defenders in the world despite his age.\nMaguire was recalled last month for England’s friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan, marking his first appearances for the national team since 2024.\nMaguire faces strong competition for a place in the squad from Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah, but the centre-back said he is desperate to be involved in the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.\n\"I think it would be my last World Cup,\" Maguire told British media at United's training camp in Maynooth, Ireland.\n\"I've been to two but I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which hurt a lot.\n\"So, I'm desperate to go, in whatever role the manager would want me for; whether that's starting or deciding games late on.\n\"I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes,\" he added.\nMaguire recently signed a new contract with United, extending his stay at Old Trafford until 2027 with an option for a further year.\nHe added that the club would need to recruit well in the close season to be well positioned next term.\nEngland are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama. They will open their campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas.","date_published":"2026-04-09T14:26:08.000Z","author":{"name":"Reuters"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","England","Harry Maguire","Manchester United","THOMAS TUCHEL","World cup"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4e841d42-harry-maguire-07042026.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4e841d42-harry-maguire-07042026.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/09/pearly-thinaah-squeeze-into-quarter-finals-at-asia-meet","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/09/pearly-thinaah-squeeze-into-quarter-finals-at-asia-meet","title":"Pearly-Thinaah squeeze into quarter-finals at Asia meet","summary":"The world No 2 pair were pushed to the limit by the 12th-ranked Taiwanese duo Hsu Yin Hui–Lin Jhih Yun before sealing a hard-fought three-game victory.","content_html":"![\"Pearly](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/a4cfbc8e-pearly-tan-m-thinaah-epa-060326.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: National women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Badminton Asia Championships today, but only after being stretched to the limit by a Taiwanese pair.
\nThe Malaysian duo even saved two match points in a tense finish to clinch their second-round victory.
\nThe world No 2 pair defeated world No 12 duo Hsu Yin Hui-Lin Jhih Yun 21-19, 19-21, 25-23 in 67 minutes at the Olympic Sports Centre in Ningbo, China.
\nIt was Pearly-Thinaah’s third win over their opponents in as many meetings.
\nThey are now aiming for a second title this year after lifting the Indonesia Masters crown in January.
\nIn the quarter-finals, they will face either Japanese duo Rui Hirokami-Sayaka Hobara or China’s Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min.
\nThere will be three Malaysian representatives in the last-16 tomorrow. The other two are men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and reigning world mixed doubles champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
\nAnother Malaysian women’s doubles pair, Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee, put up a strong fight but lost to top Japanese pair Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi.
\nThe Japanese duo won 21-18, 21-14 in 52 minutes.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: National women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Badminton Asia Championships today, but only after being stretched to the limit by a Taiwanese pair.\nThe Malaysian duo even saved two match points in a tense finish to clinch their second-round victory.\nThe world No 2 pair defeated world No 12 duo Hsu Yin Hui-Lin Jhih Yun 21-19, 19-21, 25-23 in 67 minutes at the Olympic Sports Centre in Ningbo, China.\nIt was Pearly-Thinaah’s third win over their opponents in as many meetings.\nThey are now aiming for a second title this year after lifting the Indonesia Masters crown in January.\nIn the quarter-finals, they will face either Japanese duo Rui Hirokami-Sayaka Hobara or China’s Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min.\nThere will be three Malaysian representatives in the last-16 tomorrow. The other two are men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and reigning world mixed doubles champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.\nAnother Malaysian women’s doubles pair, Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee, put up a strong fight but lost to top Japanese pair Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi.\nThe Japanese duo won 21-18, 21-14 in 52 minutes.","date_published":"2026-04-09T12:15:55.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","badminton asia championships","M Thinaah","Pearly Tan"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/a4cfbc8e-pearly-tan-m-thinaah-epa-060326.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/a4cfbc8e-pearly-tan-m-thinaah-epa-060326.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/09/manchester-united-set-for-nordic-pre-season-tour","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/04/09/manchester-united-set-for-nordic-pre-season-tour","title":"Manchester United set for Nordic pre-season tour","summary":"The Red Devils will play pre-season friendlies in Finland, Norway and Sweden.","content_html":"![\"\"](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c43b3fb0-afp__20260407__a6yc3t7__v2__highres__fblengprmanutdirl-1.webp\")
LONDON: Manchester United will play pre-season friendlies in Finland, Norway and Sweden, the Premier League giants announced today.
\nThe four games are in addition to a match against bitter rivals Leeds – their Old Trafford opponents in a league match on Monday – in Dublin on Aug 12.
\nUnited face Wrexham, owned by the Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki on July 18.
\nThe Red Devils then travel to Norway to play Rosenborg at Trondheim’s Lerkendal Stadium six days later.
\nThe Swedish leg of their tour features a game against Atletico Madrid in the Snapdragon Cup at the Strawberry Arena on August 1 before they take on Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg the following week.
\nManchester United director of football Jason Wilcox told the club’s website: “Following the announcement of our match against Leeds in Dublin, we’re excited to confirm four more pre-season fixtures in the Nordics.
\n“We’re delighted to be playing in some fantastic cities, against opponents who will provide a strong test for us.
\n“We have the best fans in the world, and this schedule gives us a great opportunity to connect with our supporters across Europe.
\n“We’re really looking forward to getting out there and putting in the hard work ahead of a big season,” he said.
\nUnited have enjoyed an impressive resurgence since former Old Trafford favourite Michael Carrick took caretaker charge after Darren Fletcher was briefly at the helm following the end of Ruben Amorim’s turbulent 14 months’ reign in January.
\nThe Red Devils have risen to third in the Premier League which puts a return to the Champions League in sight.
\n","content_text":"LONDON: Manchester United will play pre-season friendlies in Finland, Norway and Sweden, the Premier League giants announced today.\nThe four games are in addition to a match against bitter rivals Leeds - their Old Trafford opponents in a league match on Monday - in Dublin on Aug 12.\nUnited face Wrexham, owned by the Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki on July 18.\nThe Red Devils then travel to Norway to play Rosenborg at Trondheim's Lerkendal Stadium six days later.\nThe Swedish leg of their tour features a game against Atletico Madrid in the Snapdragon Cup at the Strawberry Arena on August 1 before they take on Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg the following week.\nManchester United director of football Jason Wilcox told the club's website: \"Following the announcement of our match against Leeds in Dublin, we're excited to confirm four more pre-season fixtures in the Nordics.\n\"We're delighted to be playing in some fantastic cities, against opponents who will provide a strong test for us.\n\"We have the best fans in the world, and this schedule gives us a great opportunity to connect with our supporters across Europe.\n\"We're really looking forward to getting out there and putting in the hard work ahead of a big season,\" he said.\nUnited have enjoyed an impressive resurgence since former Old Trafford favourite Michael Carrick took caretaker charge after Darren Fletcher was briefly at the helm following the end of Ruben Amorim's turbulent 14 months' reign in January.\nThe Red Devils have risen to third in the Premier League which puts a return to the Champions League in sight.","date_published":"2026-04-09T11:51:42.000Z","author":{"name":"AFP"},"tags":["Sports","Football","Top Sports","Champions League","Europe","Finland","Jason Wilcox","Leeds","Manchester United","Nordics","Norway","Sweden"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c43b3fb0-afp__20260407__a6yc3t7__v2__highres__fblengprmanutdirl-1.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/c43b3fb0-afp__20260407__a6yc3t7__v2__highres__fblengprmanutdirl-1.webp"},{"id":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/09/more-cheer-for-msia-as-aaron-wooi-yik-reach-quarters-at-asia-meet","url":"https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/04/09/more-cheer-for-msia-as-aaron-wooi-yik-reach-quarters-at-asia-meet","title":"More cheer for M’sia as Aaron-Wooi Yik reach quarters at Asia meet","summary":"The defending champions beat Chinese duo Hu Ke Yan-Lin Xiang Yi in straight games after saving two game points in the first game.","content_html":"![\"Aaron](\"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/145873d6-aaron-chia-soh-wooi-yik-bernama-180525-4.webp\")
PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles defending champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were given a scare by a Chinese pair before winning their second round match at the Badminton Asia Championships today.
\nThe world No 2 pair saved two match points in the first game before defeating 27th-ranked Hu Ke Yan-Lin Xiang Yi 22-20, 21-19 in 43 minutes to book a quarter-final berth at the Olympic Sports Centre in Ningbo, China.
\nThis was their first encounter with the Chinese pair.
\nAaron-Wooi Yik will face either South Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju or Japan’s Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the quarter-final tomorrow.
\nThe two-time Olympic bronze medallists have yet to win a title this year after competing in five BWF championships so far. They were runners-up at the All England and Malaysia Open tournaments.
\nReigning mixed doubles world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei lifted the Malaysian camp’s spirits this morning by qualifying for the quarter-finals after most national representatives were eliminated in the first and second rounds.
\n","content_text":"PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles defending champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were given a scare by a Chinese pair before winning their second round match at the Badminton Asia Championships today.\nThe world No 2 pair saved two match points in the first game before defeating 27th-ranked Hu Ke Yan-Lin Xiang Yi 22-20, 21-19 in 43 minutes to book a quarter-final berth at the Olympic Sports Centre in Ningbo, China.\nThis was their first encounter with the Chinese pair.\nAaron-Wooi Yik will face either South Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju or Japan’s Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the quarter-final tomorrow.\nThe two-time Olympic bronze medallists have yet to win a title this year after competing in five BWF championships so far. They were runners-up at the All England and Malaysia Open tournaments.\nReigning mixed doubles world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei lifted the Malaysian camp's spirits this morning by qualifying for the quarter-finals after most national representatives were eliminated in the first and second rounds.","date_published":"2026-04-09T10:57:07.000Z","author":{"name":"K. Parkaran"},"tags":["Highlight","Sports","Badminton","Top Sports","aaron chia","BAC","badminton asia championships","men's doubles","soh wooi yik"],"image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/145873d6-aaron-chia-soh-wooi-yik-bernama-180525-4.webp","banner_image":"https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/145873d6-aaron-chia-soh-wooi-yik-bernama-180525-4.webp"}]}