The China Mail

Japan first team to qualify for 2026 World Cup with win over Bahrain

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo gave them a 2-0 win over Bahrain on Thursday.

Roma's Dybala to undergo surgery on thigh injury, season over

Paulo Dybala is set to miss the rest of the season after Roma announced on Thursday that the Argentina forward would go under the knife in the hope of resolving a thigh injury.

'More in the tank', vows Duplantis as he edges to century mark

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis vowed Thursday that he had "more in the tank" going into the defence of his world indoor title in Nanjing, with the possibility of clearing the mythical 6-metre mark for the 100th time on the cards.

Hill leads tributes to 'irreverent, crazy' Eddie Jordan

Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill admitted he was "very sad and shocked" on Thursday by news of the death of his former boss Eddie Jordan in South Africa.

Australia edge closer to World Cup with 5-1 thrashing of Indonesia

Two goals in two minutes helped Australia secure a 5-1 thrashing of Indonesia on Thursday to inch closer to World Cup qualification as Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert was well beaten in his first game in charge.

Boxing receives official IOC thumbs-up for Los Angeles Games

Boxing will feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after International Olympic Committee members voted unanimously for its inclusion on Thursday.

Upbeat Hamilton says Ferrari 'can close the gap' on McLaren

An upbeat Lewis Hamilton declared Thursday things would be different at the Chinese Grand Prix after a disappointing debut with Ferrari in Melbourne, saying his new team "can close the gap" on McLaren.

Chelsea complete double signing of Quenda and Essugo

Chelsea have completed the double signing of Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon, agreeing a combined fee of around £62.5 million ($81 million) for the pair.

Albon excited by possibility of future Thailand F1 race

Thai F1 ace Alex Albon said Thursday he was excited at the possibility of a future grand prix in his home country and would do everything he could to help make it a reality.

Race to become Olympics supremo on a knife edge

The race to succeed Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee reaches a climax on Thursday with Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry believed to be neck and neck but clear of the remaining quartet.

Eddie Jordan, the Dublin bank clerk who gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut

Eddie Jordan, the fast-talking Dubliner who famously gave Michael Schumacher his debut, made his name in Formula One before putting his head for figures to good use in establishing a massive fortune from a diverse portfolio of business ventures.

Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan dies aged 76

Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has died aged 76 after battling an "aggressive form of prostate cancer", his family announced on Thursday.

Hadjar thanks 'classy guys' Anthony and Lewis Hamilton after debut disaster

Rookie Isack Hadjar on Thursday thanked "classy guys" Anthony and Lewis Hamilton for reaching out to him after the young Frenchman's horror start to his Formula One career.

Mercedes' Russell says McLaren 'should win every race'

George Russell said Thursday he believes McLaren have a bigger performance advantage than Red Bull enjoyed in 2023 -- a season in which they won all but one race.

China footballer dies on eve of 19th birthday after head injury in Spain

A promising Chinese footballer who suffered a serious head injury while playing in Spain has died a day short of his 19th birthday, his club said Thursday.

Norris says McLaren does not 'suit at all' his driving style

Lando Norris said Thursday that he hoped for an easier weekend in China after winning a chaotic season-opener in Melbourne, before revealing his McLaren does not "suit at all" his driving style.

Chinese youth footballer dies after head injury in Spain

A promising Chinese youth footballer has died after suffering a serious head injury during training in Spain, his club said Thursday.

Kohli targets lucky 18 as 13-year-old set to make IPL history

Virat Kohli will hope to make it 18th time lucky as he embarks this weekend on his latest quest to finally win the Indian Premier League while a 13-year-old could make tournament history.

Doncic leads Lakers romp over Nuggets, Kings upset Cavs

Luka Doncic raced to the 200th 30-point game of his career as the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of an under-strength Denver Nuggets line-up to score a 120-108 victory over their Western Conference rivals on Wednesday.

Leipzig's Henrichs focused on 'small goals' in return from horror injury

Germany and RB Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs is careful not to look too far ahead in his comeback from a horror Achilles rupture against Bayern Munich in December.

Bach ranks with IOC presidential greats Samaranch and de Coubertin: experts

Thomas Bach's life has been dominated by the Olympics, as a team fencing gold medallist and then IOC chief -- and he deserves to be ranked as "one of the three greatest presidents", two former IOC executives have told AFP.

Ganna carries Italian hopes for Milan-San Remo as Pogacar prepares his assault

Filippo Ganna is hoping to become the first Italian since Vincenzo Nibali to win Milan-San Remo as the first Monument race of the year kicks the cycling season into gear on Saturday.

Tuchel takes first steps on England journey targeting World Cup glory

Over five months on from Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England's new manager, the German will finally take charge of the team for the first time in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley.

Race to become Olympics supremo set to go to the wire

The race to succeed Thomas Bach as president of the International Olympic Committee reaches a climax on Thursday with Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, Sebastian Coe and Kirsty Coventry believed to be neck and neck but clear of the remaining quartet.

Lions lock in First Nations and Pasifika XV clash on Australia tour

The British and Irish Lions Thursday locked in a ninth and final game for their tour of Australia this year, against First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne.

Kyrgios gets much needed boost with first win since 2022

Australian Nick Kyrgios won his first match since 2022 as he fought back from a set down to beat American Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the Miami Open on Wednesday.

Tuchel's 'aura' can inspire England: Rogers

Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers says Thomas Tuchel's special "aura" can inspire England's bid to win the World Cup.

Proud Draper sees Indian Wells triumph as fruit of his labours

For Britain's Jack Draper, his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells on Sunday was a moment of pride and joy but not, he suggests, a huge surprise.

Barca eye Women's Champions League semis, City hand Chelsea first defeat of season

Barcelona are on track for the last four of the Women's Champions League after the holders routed Wolfsburg 4-1, while Manchester City's 2-0 win handed Chelsea their first defeat this season in Wednesday's quarter-final first leg action.

Alcaraz says 'doesn't support' Djokovic-backed lawsuit

Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz pushed back on a lawsuit against the ATP Tour filed by the Novak Djokovic-led tennis players union on Wednesday, saying he does not support the move.

Barca on track for women's Champions League semis after thumping Wolfsburg

Defending champions Barcelona are on track for the final four of the women's Champions League after a dominant 4-1 win in their quarter-final first leg at Wolfsburg on Wednesday.

Injury rules Retegui out of Italy's Nations League clash with Germany

Key striker Mateo Retegui was Wednesday ruled out of Italy's Nations League quarter-final against Germany after picking up a thigh injury, the country's football federation (FIGC) said.

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