Southampton lost an appeal on Wednesday against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final after they were thrown out for spying on a Middlesbrough training session. An English Football League independent disciplinary commission on Tuesday kicked the Saints out and reinstated Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 on aggregate to Southampton in the semi-finals. Boro will now face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-legend-bernardo-silva-on-club-legacy-time-for-new-generation-to-shine-pep-guardiola-premier-league-2026-title-arsenal-1779300317832">Man City legend Silva on club’s legacy: ‘Time for new generation to shine’</a>"A league arbitration panel has tonight dismissed Southampton Football Club's appeal against the independent disciplinary commission's sanction following the admittance of multiple breaches of EFL regulations," the English Football League said on Wednesday."The determination means that the original sanction of expulsion from the Championship play-offs remains in place, as does the four-point deduction to be applied to the 2026-27 Championship table."Southampton issued a statement calling the decision "an extremely disappointing outcome".It added: "While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours."While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right."Saints chief executive Phil Parsons earlier on Wednesday said the club "cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence".Parsons said Southampton had been "denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200 million ($269 million) and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters".<h2>Hull frustrated by uncertainty</h2>Southampton highlighted a £200,000 fine imposed on Leeds in 2019 for spying on Derby as evidence of a precedent the EFL should follow in their case.However, when Leeds were punished, the EFL's regulation 127 -- which specifically forbids clubs from observing an opponent within 72 hours of a match -- did not exist.It was introduced after Leeds were sanctioned to help clarify what had been an uncertain situation.Southampton have also admitted to spying on a training session at Oxford in December and one at Ipswich in April, in addition to the Middlesbrough session.All three incidents occurred after the appointment of German coach Tonda Eckert as Southampton manager in December.Middlesbrough, who called for Southampton to be expelled from the play-offs before Tuesday's hearing, welcomed their removal from the final, saying the ruling "sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct".Meanwhile, Hull owner Acun Ilicali voiced his frustration at the delay in confirming his side's opponents and warned postponing the final would cause a "big, big problem" given international call-ups."We miss nine days of training (to prepare for Middlesbrough instead of Southampton) so in this case we are very disappointed," he told Sky Sports."I believe in my boys and our coach 100 percent, but when you look at the picture it doesn't seem too fair that we don't know who we play."

Southampton issued a statement calling the decision "an extremely disappointing outcome". Boro will now face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.

Southampton lost an appeal on Wednesday against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final after they were thrown out for spying on a Middlesbrough training session. An English Football League independent disciplinary commission on Tuesday kicked the Saints out and reinstated Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 on aggregate to Southampton in the semi-finals. Boro will now face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League. Also Read - Man City legend Silva on club’s legacy: ‘Time for new generation to shine’ "A league arbitration panel has tonight dismissed Southampton Football Club's appeal against the independent disciplinary commission's sanction following the admittance of multiple breaches of EFL regulations," the English Football League said on Wednesday. "The determination means that the original sanction of expulsion from the Championship play-offs remains in place, as does the four-point deduction to be applied to the 2026-27 Championship table." Southampton issued a statement calling the decision "an extremely disappointing outcome". It added: "While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours. "While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right." Saints chief executive Phil Parsons earlier on Wednesday said the club "cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence". Parsons said Southampton had been "denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200 million ($269 million) and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters". Hull frustrated by uncertainty Southampton highlighted a £200,000 fine imposed on Leeds in 2019 for spying on Derby as evidence of a precedent the EFL should follow in their case. However, when Leeds were punished, the EFL's regulation 127 -- which specifically forbids clubs from observing an opponent within 72 hours of a match -- did not exist. It was introduced after Leeds were sanctioned to help clarify what had been an uncertain situation. Southampton have also admitted to spying on a training session at Oxford in December and one at Ipswich in April, in addition to the Middlesbrough session. All three incidents occurred after the appointment of German coach Tonda Eckert as Southampton manager in December. Middlesbrough, who called for Southampton to be expelled from the play-offs before Tuesday's hearing, welcomed their removal from the final, saying the ruling "sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct". Meanwhile, Hull owner Acun Ilicali voiced his frustration at the delay in confirming his side's opponents and warned postponing the final would cause a "big, big problem" given international call-ups. "We miss nine days of training (to prepare for Middlesbrough instead of Southampton) so in this case we are very disappointed," he told Sky Sports. "I believe in my boys and our coach 100 percent, but when you look at the picture it doesn't seem too fair that we don't know who we play."

Southampton issued a statement calling the decision "an extremely disappointing outcome". Boro will now face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.

Southampton lose appeal against explusion from EFL Championship play-off final

The Dallas Mavericks are "parting ways" with head coach Jason Kidd in a decision agreed by both parties, the NBA team said Tuesday."The Dallas Mavericks announced today that the team has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd," an article posted on the team's website said. "The organization will immediately begin a comprehensive search for its next head coach."Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-reaction-brazil-fifa-world-cup-squad-call-up-announcement-head-coach-carlo-ancelotti-raphinha-1779206035277">‘We did it, dad’: How FIFA World Cup call-up made Neymar emotional</a>Kidd has been at the helm in Dallas for five seasons, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024 under his guidance.But a 26-56 campaign, in the Mavs' first full season since they stunningly traded Slovenian star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, spelled the end of his tenure.Kidd, who won a title as a player with the Mavericks, said in April he was "not part of the process" that sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.Nico Harrison, who engineered the trade as Mavericks general manager, was fired in November.The aftermath of the trade -- hugely unpopular with Mavericks fans -- was disastrous as Davis suffered an adductor muscle strain in his first game with the team and star guard Kyrie Irving then tore his left anterior cruciate ligament.The two barely played together before Davis was traded to Washington in February.The Mavs did get a glimpse of a brighter future with 19-year-old Cooper Flagg's Rookie of the Year campaign."As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team," Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said."We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention."We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve."

Kidd has been at the helm in Dallas for five seasons, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024 under his guidance.

The Dallas Mavericks are "parting ways" with head coach Jason Kidd in a decision agreed by both parties, the NBA team said Tuesday. "The Dallas Mavericks announced today that the team has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd," an article posted on the team's website said. "The organization will immediately begin a comprehensive search for its next head coach." Also Watch - ‘We did it, dad’: How FIFA World Cup call-up made Neymar emotional Kidd has been at the helm in Dallas for five seasons, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024 under his guidance. But a 26-56 campaign, in the Mavs' first full season since they stunningly traded Slovenian star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, spelled the end of his tenure. Kidd, who won a title as a player with the Mavericks, said in April he was "not part of the process" that sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Nico Harrison, who engineered the trade as Mavericks general manager, was fired in November. The aftermath of the trade -- hugely unpopular with Mavericks fans -- was disastrous as Davis suffered an adductor muscle strain in his first game with the team and star guard Kyrie Irving then tore his left anterior cruciate ligament. The two barely played together before Davis was traded to Washington in February. The Mavs did get a glimpse of a brighter future with 19-year-old Cooper Flagg's Rookie of the Year campaign. "As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team," Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said. "We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. "We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve."

Kidd has been at the helm in Dallas for five seasons, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024 under his guidance.

Dallas Mavericks part ways with head coach Jason Kidd in mutual agreement

Carlos Alcaraz's hopes of regaining his Wimbledon title have been dashed with the two-time champion announcing on Tuesday (May 19) that he is withdrawing as he recovers from a wrist injury.&nbsp;"My recovery is going well and I'm feeling much better, but unfortunately I'm still not ready to play, I am obliged to withdraw from both Queen's and Wimbledon," said Spaniard Alcaraz, who lost to Jannik Sinner in last year's final in the All England Club. “These are two really special tournaments for me and I'll miss them a lot. We'll keep working to come back as soon as possible.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mi recuperación va por buen camino y me siento mucho mejor, pero desgraciadamente aún no estoy listo para poder jugar y por eso tengo que renunciar a la gira de hierba en Queen’s y Wimbledon. Son dos torneos realmente especiales para mí y los echaré mucho de menos. Seguimos… <a href="https://t.co/6IL0APkv5G">pic.twitter.com/6IL0APkv5G</a>&mdash; Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) <a href="https://twitter.com/carlosalcaraz/status/2056747873266540789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alcaraz sustained the injury during the first round of the Barcelona Open last month and subsequently pulled out of tournaments in Madrid and Rome and then Roland Garros, where he is the reigning two-time champion.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-reaction-brazil-fifa-world-cup-squad-call-up-announcement-head-coach-carlo-ancelotti-raphinha-1779206035277">‘We did it, dad’: How FIFA World Cup call-up left Neymar emotional and ecstatic – WATCH</a>&nbsp;The world number two became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old holds a 22-3 record this season and also won a title in Doha.&nbsp;Wimbledon will be only the third Grand Slam that Alcaraz has missed since making his main draw debut at the 2021 Australian Open. The Spaniard withdrew from the 2023 edition in Melbourne with a hamstring injury.<h3>Sinner rivalry</h3>Alcaraz's wrist injury has stopped him continuing his exciting rivalry with Italian world number one Sinner, 24, who is firm favourite to triumph in Paris and London. He lost top spot following his defeat by Sinner in the Monte Carlo Masters final on April 12. The seven-time Grand Slam winner triumphed at Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025. He saved three championship points against Sinner last year in the longest French Open final in history.&nbsp;The Italian, who has never won the French Open, may be able to capitalise on Alcaraz's absence. This year's tournament runs from May 24 to June 7.&nbsp;Alcaraz won his first Wimbledon trophy in 2023, defeating seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the final and successfully defended his title against the Serb the following year.&nbsp;This year's Wimbledon championship runs from June 29 to July 12.&nbsp;"It's sad news for all of us, me being a competitor you want to play against the best players in the world and he's definitely the best player on this surface," Sinner had said after Alcaraz's withdrawal from the French Open. "Being that young, like he is and like I am, we need to look at our bodies first before worse things (happen)."&nbsp;Last month, Alcaraz insisted that he would not risk a premature return.&nbsp;"I'd rather come back maybe a bit later, but in great shape, than come back quickly and risk making this injury worse," he explained. "I have a long career ahead of me, so I'm not afraid to miss what I have to miss in order to recover as well as possible."

Heartbreak for Carlos Alcaraz. The two-time champion has officially withdrawn from both Queen's and Wimbledon 2026 as he battles a lingering wrist injury.

Carlos Alcaraz's hopes of regaining his Wimbledon title have been dashed with the two-time champion announcing on Tuesday (May 19) that he is withdrawing as he recovers from a wrist injury. "My recovery is going well and I'm feeling much better, but unfortunately I'm still not ready to play, I am obliged to withdraw from both Queen's and Wimbledon," said Spaniard Alcaraz, who lost to Jannik Sinner in last year's final in the All England Club. “These are two really special tournaments for me and I'll miss them a lot. We'll keep working to come back as soon as possible.”

Heartbreak for Carlos Alcaraz. The two-time champion has officially withdrawn from both Queen's and Wimbledon 2026 as he battles a lingering wrist injury.

Tennis: Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Wimbledon with wrist injury

Arsenal are on the brink of ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League after beating Burnley 1-0 on Monday to open up a five-point lead at the top. Kai Havertz headed in the only goal but was also lucky to avoid a second-half red card that could have swung the title race back in Manchester City's favour. The Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday should City fail to win at Bournemouth. Even if City do end the Cherries' 16-game unbeaten run and beat Aston Villa, Arsenal will secure the title with victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday."One more to go," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iran-fifa-world-cup-squad-lands-in-turkey-for-training-crucial-us-visa-process-donald-trump-israel-ceasefire-1779113108788">Iran’s World Cup squad lands in Turkey for training, crucial US visa process</a>"We have done our job, what is in our hands. We have to wait and see what is going to happen tomorrow and then it's time to prepare for the Palace game."However, the narrow margin of victory against a Burnley side that have long since been relegated does offer City hope.An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola's team win their final two matches.To add extra intrigue to the final days of the season, reports on Monday suggest Guardiola will leave City after a decorated decade in charge after Villa visit the Etihad on Sunday.Roared on by an expectant capacity crowd in their final home game of the season, Arsenal were tipped to put the Clarets to the sword with ease.Burnley have taken just two points from their last 10 matches but made Arteta's men work for the three points on another nervy night at the Emirates.Leandro Trossard struck the post from the edge of the area before Bukayo Saka saw a penalty appeal waived away as he attempted to turn in Havertz's low cross.Arsenal were forced to rely on their set piece threat once more to prise Burnley open.Havertz rose highest to power in Saka's delivery on 37 minutes as they scored from a corner for the 18th time in the league this season.Yet the floodgates did not open and Arsenal were very fortunate not to have to defend their lead with 10 men for the final quarter.Havertz raked his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in a mistimed challenge.Despite a VAR review, the original decision of a yellow card was not upgraded to red.Havertz was quickly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede's arrival failed to kickstart Arsenal as an attacking force.But their rock solid defensive record again edged them closer to the title.Since losing to City last month, Arsenal have not conceded in their last four league games."The margin should have been bigger but we haven't achieved that," added Arteta."We have shown what we have shown all season that when we need to defend and get through the game, we can do it in an efficient way."

An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola's team win their final two matches.

Arsenal are on the brink of ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League after beating Burnley 1-0 on Monday to open up a five-point lead at the top. Kai Havertz headed in the only goal but was also lucky to avoid a second-half red card that could have swung the title race back in Manchester City's favour. The Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday should City fail to win at Bournemouth. Even if City do end the Cherries' 16-game unbeaten run and beat Aston Villa, Arsenal will secure the title with victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday. "One more to go," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Also Read - Iran’s World Cup squad lands in Turkey for training, crucial US visa process "We have done our job, what is in our hands. We have to wait and see what is going to happen tomorrow and then it's time to prepare for the Palace game." However, the narrow margin of victory against a Burnley side that have long since been relegated does offer City hope. An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola's team win their final two matches. To add extra intrigue to the final days of the season, reports on Monday suggest Guardiola will leave City after a decorated decade in charge after Villa visit the Etihad on Sunday. Roared on by an expectant capacity crowd in their final home game of the season, Arsenal were tipped to put the Clarets to the sword with ease. Burnley have taken just two points from their last 10 matches but made Arteta's men work for the three points on another nervy night at the Emirates. Leandro Trossard struck the post from the edge of the area before Bukayo Saka saw a penalty appeal waived away as he attempted to turn in Havertz's low cross. Arsenal were forced to rely on their set piece threat once more to prise Burnley open. Havertz rose highest to power in Saka's delivery on 37 minutes as they scored from a corner for the 18th time in the league this season. Yet the floodgates did not open and Arsenal were very fortunate not to have to defend their lead with 10 men for the final quarter. Havertz raked his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in a mistimed challenge. Despite a VAR review, the original decision of a yellow card was not upgraded to red. Havertz was quickly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede's arrival failed to kickstart Arsenal as an attacking force. But their rock solid defensive record again edged them closer to the title. Since losing to City last month, Arsenal have not conceded in their last four league games. "The margin should have been bigger but we haven't achieved that," added Arteta. "We have shown what we have shown all season that when we need to defend and get through the game, we can do it in an efficient way."

An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola's team win their final two matches.

Premier League - Arsenal on brink of ending 22-year title drought with win over Burnley

Iran's football team arrived in Turkey on Monday (May 18) for a training camp and to complete visa applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup, AFP correspondents said. The 22 players and coaching staff in the "Team Melli" delegation flew into the Turkish resort of Antalya, where they could be seen leaving the airport dressed in navy blue tracksuits. The players were to stay several weeks before heading to the global tournament that is being co-hosted by the United States, which began bombing Iran on February 28 alongside Israel, sparking war.&nbsp;The team will be based in Arizona in the US and play all three of their group matches there in spite of the war, which has been temporarily halted by a ceasefire since April 8. But with negotiations in the doldrums, new weekend drone attacks on Gulf countries, and fresh threats from US President Donald Trump, have heightened fears that fighting could resume.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/football-world-cup-2026-fans-slam-americanified-halftime-show-featuring-bts-shakira-and-madonna-1778822321474">Football World Cup 2026: Fans slam 'Americanified' halftime show featuring BTS, Shakira and Madonna</a>&nbsp;The team is hoping to play two friendlies in Antalya, including one against The Gambia on May 29, according to Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team and is working to set up a second match.&nbsp;Iran and the US cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players will use their time in Turkey to complete visa applications, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Saturday.<h2>'Let 'em play'</h2>Iran secured their spot at the World Cup in March 2025, but since then, the United States has twice launched attacks on the country. US officials have insisted Iran is welcome at the tournament, while the FIFA organisers have rejected Iranian suggestions that their games be moved to co-hosts Mexico or Canada.&nbsp;"Let 'em play," Trump said in late April.&nbsp;US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any problem would not be with Iranian players but "some of the other people (they) would want to bring with them", suggesting some may have ties to the Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has branded a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;Last month, officials from Iran's football federation abandoned a trip to the FIFA congress in Canada, saying they had been "insulted" by Canadian immigration officers.&nbsp;One of their delegation, Mehdi Taj, is a former member of the Revolutionary Guards, which Canada has also designated a terror group.&nbsp;"No visas have been issued yet," Taj, who heads Iran's football federation, told Iranian media on Thursday.&nbsp;On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the federation, describing it as constructive, as did Taj.&nbsp;The squad's US base camp will be in Tucson, Arizona.&nbsp;The team, who are in Group G, kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Iran's World Cup squad has landed in Antalya, Turkey, for a crucial training camp and US visa processing. Amid a fragile ceasefire and diplomatic friction, Team Melli races against time to secure entry for their Arizona-based campaign.

Iran's football team arrived in Turkey on Monday (May 18) for a training camp and to complete visa applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup, AFP correspondents said. The 22 players and coaching staff in the "Team Melli" delegation flew into the Turkish resort of Antalya, where they could be seen leaving the airport dressed in navy blue tracksuits. The players were to stay several weeks before heading to the global tournament that is being co-hosted by the United States, which began bombing Iran on February 28 alongside Israel, sparking war. The team will be based in Arizona in the US and play all three of their group matches there in spite of the war, which has been temporarily halted by a ceasefire since April 8. But with negotiations in the doldrums, new weekend drone attacks on Gulf countries, and fresh threats from US President Donald Trump, have heightened fears that fighting could resume. Also read | Football World Cup 2026: Fans slam 'Americanified' halftime show featuring BTS, Shakira and Madonna The team is hoping to play two friendlies in Antalya, including one against The Gambia on May 29, according to Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team and is working to set up a second match. Iran and the US cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players will use their time in Turkey to complete visa applications, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Saturday. 'Let 'em play' Iran secured their spot at the World Cup in March 2025, but since then, the United States has twice launched attacks on the country. US officials have insisted Iran is welcome at the tournament, while the FIFA organisers have rejected Iranian suggestions that their games be moved to co-hosts Mexico or Canada. "Let 'em play," Trump said in late April. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any problem would not be with Iranian players but "some of the other people (they) would want to bring with them", suggesting some may have ties to the Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has branded a terrorist organisation. Last month, officials from Iran's football federation abandoned a trip to the FIFA congress in Canada, saying they had been "insulted" by Canadian immigration officers. One of their delegation, Mehdi Taj, is a former member of the Revolutionary Guards, which Canada has also designated a terror group. "No visas have been issued yet," Taj, who heads Iran's football federation, told Iranian media on Thursday. On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the federation, describing it as constructive, as did Taj. The squad's US base camp will be in Tucson, Arizona. The team, who are in Group G, kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Iran's World Cup squad has landed in Antalya, Turkey, for a crucial training camp and US visa processing. Amid a fragile ceasefire and diplomatic friction, Team Melli races against time to secure entry for their Arizona-based campaign.

Iran’s FIFA World Cup squad lands in Turkey for training, crucial US visa process

Aaron Rai won his first major title on Sunday by capturing the PGA Championship, making birdies on four of the last eight holes to become the first Englishman to win the event in 107 years. Rai sealed a tense back-nine shootout with a spectacular 68-foot birdie putt on the par-three 17th, firing his career-low major round with a five-under-par 65 to finish 72 holes on nine-under 271 at formidable Aronimink."Very surreal," said Rai, who has fought a neck injury this year. "It has been a frustrating season so to be standing here is outside my modest imagination."He defeated two-time major winner Jon Rahm of Spain and American Alex Smalley by three strokes with American Justin Thomas, Germany's Matti Schmid and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg sharing fourth on 275.The 31-year-old from Wombourne in central England took home a $3.69 million top prize from a record purse of $20.5 million and the Wanamaker Trophy after a dramatic final day.Rai became only the second English player to win the PGA after Jim Barnes captured the first two titles in 1916 and 1919."Extremely proud," Rai said. "There's a lot of incredible and historic English players over those hundred years who have gone on to achieve incredible things and had phenomenal careers."To be the person that's the first one to have won it in a long time from England is an amazing thing and something to be extremely proud of."Never better than 19th in 12 prior major starts, Rai won his third DP World Tour title last November in Abu Dhabi and his only PGA Tour title in 2024 at Greensboro.<h2>Cautious finale</h2>Playing cautiously in windy weather on Aronimink's sloped greens, the world's top golfers battled the course and each other in a fight that turned as Rai surged into the lead.Rai answered a bogey at eight with a 40-foot eagle putt at the par-five ninth, then sank birdie putts from four feet at 11 and seven feet at 13, becoming the week's first to reach seven-under.Schmid, seeking his first PGA Tour title in his fifth major start and first PGA Championship, sank a birdie putt from just inside nine feet at 13 to pull within one of the lead.Rai responded by reaching the green in two at the par-five 16th to set up a tap-in birdie.He then delivered a knockout blow by curling in his monster birdie putt over a ridge at 17 to reach nine-under while Schmid made bogey at 15 to leave Rai ahead by four strokes."I definitely wasn't trying to hole that putt," Rai said. "The shadow gave the putt a nice line the last 10 feet so that helped. It was about the speed of the putt. Nice to see it go in."Rahm, the 2021 US Open and 2023 Masters champion, birdied the ninth to reach five-under but made only a bogey and eight pars on the back side."I played really good golf," Rahm said. "Just wish I'd have done better with the speed of the greens. Just couldn't seem to get it to the hole, and that's the reason why I didn't hole any more putts."Even so, what Aaron did today, catching him could have been very difficult. I feel like I was still close on that playing 16 until he made that long putt."World number two Rory McIlroy, who won his sixth major title at last month's Masters, shot 69 to share seventh on 276 with American Xander Schauffele and Australian Cameron Smith.Unheralded Smalley, in only his fifth major, teed off with a one-stroke lead and nine major winners among 22 players within four shots.A double bogey at the sixth and bogey at the par-three eighth plunged Smalley back until his eagle-bogey-birdie finish.American Kurt Kitayama fired a bogey-free, seven-under-par 63 to match the lowest final round in major golf history."I'm ecstatic," Kitayama said.Top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 69 to finish on 278.

The 31-year-old from Wombourne in central England took home a $3.69 million top prize from a record purse of $20.5 million and the Wanamaker Trophy after a dramatic final. Rai became only the second English player to win the PGA after Jim Barnes captured the first two titles in 1916 and 1919.

Aaron Rai won his first major title on Sunday by capturing the PGA Championship, making birdies on four of the last eight holes to become the first Englishman to win the event in 107 years. Rai sealed a tense back-nine shootout with a spectacular 68-foot birdie putt on the par-three 17th, firing his career-low major round with a five-under-par 65 to finish 72 holes on nine-under 271 at formidable Aronimink. "Very surreal," said Rai, who has fought a neck injury this year. "It has been a frustrating season so to be standing here is outside my modest imagination." He defeated two-time major winner Jon Rahm of Spain and American Alex Smalley by three strokes with American Justin Thomas, Germany's Matti Schmid and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg sharing fourth on 275. The 31-year-old from Wombourne in central England took home a $3.69 million top prize from a record purse of $20.5 million and the Wanamaker Trophy after a dramatic final day. Rai became only the second English player to win the PGA after Jim Barnes captured the first two titles in 1916 and 1919. "Extremely proud," Rai said. "There's a lot of incredible and historic English players over those hundred years who have gone on to achieve incredible things and had phenomenal careers. "To be the person that's the first one to have won it in a long time from England is an amazing thing and something to be extremely proud of." Never better than 19th in 12 prior major starts, Rai won his third DP World Tour title last November in Abu Dhabi and his only PGA Tour title in 2024 at Greensboro. Cautious finale Playing cautiously in windy weather on Aronimink's sloped greens, the world's top golfers battled the course and each other in a fight that turned as Rai surged into the lead. Rai answered a bogey at eight with a 40-foot eagle putt at the par-five ninth, then sank birdie putts from four feet at 11 and seven feet at 13, becoming the week's first to reach seven-under. Schmid, seeking his first PGA Tour title in his fifth major start and first PGA Championship, sank a birdie putt from just inside nine feet at 13 to pull within one of the lead. Rai responded by reaching the green in two at the par-five 16th to set up a tap-in birdie. He then delivered a knockout blow by curling in his monster birdie putt over a ridge at 17 to reach nine-under while Schmid made bogey at 15 to leave Rai ahead by four strokes. "I definitely wasn't trying to hole that putt," Rai said. "The shadow gave the putt a nice line the last 10 feet so that helped. It was about the speed of the putt. Nice to see it go in." Rahm, the 2021 US Open and 2023 Masters champion, birdied the ninth to reach five-under but made only a bogey and eight pars on the back side. "I played really good golf," Rahm said. "Just wish I'd have done better with the speed of the greens. Just couldn't seem to get it to the hole, and that's the reason why I didn't hole any more putts. "Even so, what Aaron did today, catching him could have been very difficult. I feel like I was still close on that playing 16 until he made that long putt." World number two Rory McIlroy, who won his sixth major title at last month's Masters, shot 69 to share seventh on 276 with American Xander Schauffele and Australian Cameron Smith. Unheralded Smalley, in only his fifth major, teed off with a one-stroke lead and nine major winners among 22 players within four shots. A double bogey at the sixth and bogey at the par-three eighth plunged Smalley back until his eagle-bogey-birdie finish. American Kurt Kitayama fired a bogey-free, seven-under-par 63 to match the lowest final round in major golf history. "I'm ecstatic," Kitayama said. Top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 69 to finish on 278.

The 31-year-old from Wombourne in central England took home a $3.69 million top prize from a record purse of $20.5 million and the Wanamaker Trophy after a dramatic final. Rai became only the second English player to win the PGA after Jim Barnes captured the first two titles in 1916 and 1919.

PGA Championship | Aaron Rai becomes first Englishman to win title in 107 years

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday with Dara's catchy floor-filler "Bangaranga", sweeping the 70th edition of the world's biggest live televised music event and pushing into second place Israel, whose participation had triggered a major boycott.&nbsp;Bulgaria has missed the last three editions of the glitzy extravaganza but took the crown in Vienna for the first time ever, overtaking Israel at the very end as the points came in, with Romania finishing third.Pop singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, was not among the favourites going into Eurovision week, but the 27-year-old gained traction following a strong performance in the semi-finals, with her highly choreographed dance routines.&nbsp;"Everything is possible: Bulgaria just won Eurovision!" Dara told a press conference. "I really like breaking rules. I'm really good with following my rules -- not anybody else's. "We wanted to give to the audience something new and fresh, something that is not expected." - 'Magnificent story' -&nbsp;Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov on Facebook hailed a “magnificent story of immense talent, tireless effort, and faith in success, against all criticism.”&nbsp;Around 10,000 glammed-up fans filled the Wiener Stadthalle arena in the Austrian capital to watch Saturday's showpiece final of Eurovision, where, as always, the razzmatazz didn't escape the geopolitics in the background. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia staged the biggest political boycott in Eurovision history over Israel's participation, citing the war in Gaza.&nbsp;And it looked as though Noam Bettan was going to win the contest for Israel with his song "Michelle" following a big score in the televoting from the public around Europe.But as Bulgaria's televote points were revealed, Dara ultimately won by a comfortable margin.Bulgaria finished with 516 points, ahead of Israel on 343, Romania on 296, Australia on 287, Italy with 281 and Finland on 279.&nbsp;It was the second year in a row that Israel finished runners-up. Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ, who won Eurovision 2025 for Austria with his song "Wasted Love", handed over the winner's trophy to Dara.JJ had opened Saturday's musical extravaganza with a nod to Austria's grand musical history, singing the "Queen of the Night" aria from composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 1791 opera "The Magic Flute".&nbsp;"Bangaranga, it's a feeling that everybody has got in themselves," Dara said earlier Sunday as the votes were coming in. "It's the moment that you choose to lead through love and not fear, and this is a special energy that I know everybody has got in themselves."Fans streaming out of the arena revelled in Dara's triumph. "I didn't like the song at first,... but I saw it, I saw the performance, and I was stunned," said Katerina, a Eurovision fan from Greece. - Finnish fiddling, Romanian choking -&nbsp;The bookmakers' overwhelming favourites going into the final were the Finnish double-act of violinist Linda Lampenius and pop singer Pete Parkkonen, with their song "Liekinheitin", or "Flamethrower".As the song built to a climax, 56-year-old Lampenius was shredding her bow as she worked her way to the very top of the fingerboard.&nbsp;Romanian singer Alexandra Capitanescu's switched up the vibe with the 22-year-old's heavy metal song "Choke Me" triggering controversy in the build-up over its repeated lyric: "I want you to choke me".Australia's Delta Goodrem, who has sold nine million albums, came fourth after wowing the crowds with her song "Eclipse", which was filled with strong moments, ending with her soaring high on a riser coming up out of a glittering piano.&nbsp;Serbian metallers Lavina had the deepest throat-shredding growl of the night, the Czech Republic's Daniel Zizka navigated a hall of mirrors, while Lithuania's silver-painted Lion Ceccah brought an air of brooding mystery. - Protests -&nbsp;Some 166 million viewers watched the contest on television last year when it was hosted in Basel.Earlier Saturday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched past chanting "boycott Eurovision" and carrying banners reading "Don't celebrate genocide". &nbsp;Spanish public broadcaster RTVE -- traditionally one of Eurovision's major backers -- not only boycotted but refused to screen the show.&nbsp;As it began, it showed the message, "The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition, but human rights are not. There is no room for indifference. Peace and justice for Palestine."Belgian broadcaster VRT said ahead of the final that it was unlikely to compete in next year's Eurovision if the European Broadcasting Union, which organises the event, did not hold a direct vote on Israel’s participation in the contest.

Eurovision 2026 concluded with Bulgaria winning and Israel as the runner-up. Bulgaria won its first-ever Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with singer Dara and her high-energy party anthem, "Bangaranga". 

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday with Dara's catchy floor-filler "Bangaranga", sweeping the 70th edition of the world's biggest live televised music event and pushing into second place Israel, whose participation had triggered a major boycott. Bulgaria has missed the last three editions of the glitzy extravaganza but took the crown in Vienna for the first time ever, overtaking Israel at the very end as the points came in, with Romania finishing third. Pop singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, was not among the favourites going into Eurovision week, but the 27-year-old gained traction following a strong performance in the semi-finals, with her highly choreographed dance routines. "Everything is possible: Bulgaria just won Eurovision!" Dara told a press conference. "I really like breaking rules. I'm really good with following my rules -- not anybody else's. "We wanted to give to the audience something new and fresh, something that is not expected." - 'Magnificent story' - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov on Facebook hailed a “magnificent story of immense talent, tireless effort, and faith in success, against all criticism.” Around 10,000 glammed-up fans filled the Wiener Stadthalle arena in the Austrian capital to watch Saturday's showpiece final of Eurovision, where, as always, the razzmatazz didn't escape the geopolitics in the background. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia staged the biggest political boycott in Eurovision history over Israel's participation, citing the war in Gaza. And it looked as though Noam Bettan was going to win the contest for Israel with his song "Michelle" following a big score in the televoting from the public around Europe. But as Bulgaria's televote points were revealed, Dara ultimately won by a comfortable margin. Bulgaria finished with 516 points, ahead of Israel on 343, Romania on 296, Australia on 287, Italy with 281 and Finland on 279. It was the second year in a row that Israel finished runners-up. Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ, who won Eurovision 2025 for Austria with his song "Wasted Love", handed over the winner's trophy to Dara. JJ had opened Saturday's musical extravaganza with a nod to Austria's grand musical history, singing the "Queen of the Night" aria from composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 1791 opera "The Magic Flute". "Bangaranga, it's a feeling that everybody has got in themselves," Dara said earlier Sunday as the votes were coming in. "It's the moment that you choose to lead through love and not fear, and this is a special energy that I know everybody has got in themselves." Fans streaming out of the arena revelled in Dara's triumph. "I didn't like the song at first,... but I saw it, I saw the performance, and I was stunned," said Katerina, a Eurovision fan from Greece. - Finnish fiddling, Romanian choking - The bookmakers' overwhelming favourites going into the final were the Finnish double-act of violinist Linda Lampenius and pop singer Pete Parkkonen, with their song "Liekinheitin", or "Flamethrower". As the song built to a climax, 56-year-old Lampenius was shredding her bow as she worked her way to the very top of the fingerboard. Romanian singer Alexandra Capitanescu's switched up the vibe with the 22-year-old's heavy metal song "Choke Me" triggering controversy in the build-up over its repeated lyric: "I want you to choke me". Australia's Delta Goodrem, who has sold nine million albums, came fourth after wowing the crowds with her song "Eclipse", which was filled with strong moments, ending with her soaring high on a riser coming up out of a glittering piano. Serbian metallers Lavina had the deepest throat-shredding growl of the night, the Czech Republic's Daniel Zizka navigated a hall of mirrors, while Lithuania's silver-painted Lion Ceccah brought an air of brooding mystery. - Protests - Some 166 million viewers watched the contest on television last year when it was hosted in Basel. Earlier Saturday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched past chanting "boycott Eurovision" and carrying banners reading "Don't celebrate genocide". Spanish public broadcaster RTVE -- traditionally one of Eurovision's major backers -- not only boycotted but refused to screen the show. As it began, it showed the message, "The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition, but human rights are not. There is no room for indifference. Peace and justice for Palestine." Belgian broadcaster VRT said ahead of the final that it was unlikely to compete in next year's Eurovision if the European Broadcasting Union, which organises the event, did not hold a direct vote on Israel’s participation in the contest.

Eurovision 2026 concluded with Bulgaria winning and Israel as the runner-up. Bulgaria won its first-ever Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with singer Dara and her high-energy party anthem, "Bangaranga".&nbsp;

Eurovision 2026: Bulgaria's Dara wins with Bangaranga, Israel's Noam Bettan finishes second

Hollywood star John Travolta was given a surprise lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival Friday as he premiered the first movie he has ever directed.&nbsp;The man who became an icon overnight with "Saturday Night Fever" was visibly moved as he accepted the honorary Palme d'Or before the screening of "Propeller One-Way Night Coach", which is based on a book about his first experience in an airliner.&nbsp;"I just can't believe it. This is beyond the Oscar, really," he said as he accepted the tribute.The festival has been laying on the love for Hollywood legends this year despite the big studios staying away, with honorary Palmes for Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson as well as a gala screening for Vin Diesel and the stars of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise to mark its 25th anniversary.&nbsp;Travolta -- who has never won an Oscar -- revived his flagging career with his iconic turn as hitman Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction", which won the festival's Palme d'Or top prize in 1994.&nbsp;Many critics hailed it as his greatest performance, one that has since gone down in cinema history.&nbsp;"My favourite movies in the history of my life have always been the winners of the Palme d'Or," Travolta said.&nbsp;<h2>- Behind the camera -</h2>&nbsp;Cannes had kept the award under wraps until the actor walked on stage for the premiere wearing a black suit and a white beret.&nbsp;The 72-year-old said he had been hugely surprised to have his directorial debut, which stars his daughter Ella Bleu as an air hostess, accepted at the world's most prestigious film festival.&nbsp;When Cannes director Thierry Fremaux told him in November that "it would be the first film ever accepted that early I cried like a baby," he said.&nbsp;"I had no expectation my film would be accepted," he added.&nbsp;"Propeller One-Way Night Coach" is a one-hour self-financed autobiographical tale about Travolta's flight as an eight-year-old with his actress mother from New York to Los Angeles in 1962.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That awkward moment when you can’t find John Travolta onstage at Cannes <a href="https://t.co/XDrxQw4ef4">pic.twitter.com/XDrxQw4ef4</a>&mdash; Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKevinDalton/status/2055381529690599660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"This is the blueprint of my life," said the actor, a lifelong aeroplane nut, who narrates the story.&nbsp;"What you'll see in the movie is completely my perspective on what I witnessed people go through.&nbsp;"Everyone that was in the movie is sitting in the audience right there, my family," he added.&nbsp;Travolta was bitten by the acting bug early.&nbsp;Born in New Jersey to the an Irish mother and an Italian-American father who ran a tyre store, he left school at 16 to try his hand at acting and dancing.&nbsp;Two years later he landed his first big stage role in the Broadway musical "Grease".He was nominated for an Oscar in 1978 for playing disco-dancing champion Tony Manero in the low-budget "Saturday Night Fever" and was launched into the Hollywood stratosphere by his role in the movie version of "Grease" the same year.&nbsp;The rights to "Propeller One-Way Night Coach" have been bought by Apple, Travolta said.Asked if he would direct again, he said he had watched all sorts of directors as an actor."I really believe that I can navigate around all of that, and anything I would choose to do, but I really feel I have to have passion about the material to do again what I've done here," he said.

Travolta -- who has never won an Oscar -- revived his flagging career with his iconic turn as hitman Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction", which won the festival's Palme d'Or top prize in 1994.

Hollywood star John Travolta was given a surprise lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival Friday as he premiered the first movie he has ever directed. The man who became an icon overnight with "Saturday Night Fever" was visibly moved as he accepted the honorary Palme d'Or before the screening of "Propeller One-Way Night Coach", which is based on a book about his first experience in an airliner. "I just can't believe it. This is beyond the Oscar, really," he said as he accepted the tribute. The festival has been laying on the love for Hollywood legends this year despite the big studios staying away, with honorary Palmes for Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson as well as a gala screening for Vin Diesel and the stars of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise to mark its 25th anniversary. Travolta -- who has never won an Oscar -- revived his flagging career with his iconic turn as hitman Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction", which won the festival's Palme d'Or top prize in 1994. Many critics hailed it as his greatest performance, one that has since gone down in cinema history. "My favourite movies in the history of my life have always been the winners of the Palme d'Or," Travolta said. - Behind the camera - Cannes had kept the award under wraps until the actor walked on stage for the premiere wearing a black suit and a white beret. The 72-year-old said he had been hugely surprised to have his directorial debut, which stars his daughter Ella Bleu as an air hostess, accepted at the world's most prestigious film festival. When Cannes director Thierry Fremaux told him in November that "it would be the first film ever accepted that early I cried like a baby," he said. "I had no expectation my film would be accepted," he added. "Propeller One-Way Night Coach" is a one-hour self-financed autobiographical tale about Travolta's flight as an eight-year-old with his actress mother from New York to Los Angeles in 1962.

Travolta -- who has never won an Oscar -- revived his flagging career with his iconic turn as hitman Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction", which won the festival's Palme d'Or top prize in 1994.

John Travolta honored with Palme d'Or at Cannes, gets emotional: 'This is beyond the Oscar'

Americans Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley shared the lead after Friday's chaotic second round of the PGA Championship as cold, windy conditions contributed to carnage at Aronimink. Six others were only one adrift after 36 holes with seven more, including top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler, just two strokes off the lead entering the weekend. McNealy, never in the top 25 after 36 holes in 14 prior major starts, fired a three-under par 67 to match Smalley on four-under 136 at the midway mark.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pga-championship-why-was-garrick-higgo-penalised-golfer-pays-for-mistake-with-two-stroke-penalty-1778829233540">PGA Championship | Why was Garrick Higgo penalised during Round 1?</a>"This is unfamiliar territory to me," McNealy said. "I was surprised to be that high on the leaderboard."McNealy, a back-nine starter whose best major finish was 18th at last month's Masters, holed out a 54-foot bunker shot for eagle at the par-five 16th, then made birdie putts from 12 and 18 feet on the first two holes.The world number 33 squandered the solo lead, however, with three-putt bogeys at the sixth and par-three eighth holes."My putter is going to have to be my best club," McNealy said. "That's the reason I still have a job out here."Smalley fell out of the solo lead with three bogeys in a row but a closing birdie put him on 69."It was difficult, it was chilly this morning, the wind was up," Smalley said. "Some of the hole locations are very difficult. They're right on the top of a crown."Sharing third on 137 were Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, plus Americans Chris Gotterup and Max Greyserman, South African Aldrich Potgieter, Australian Min Woo Lee and German Stephan Jaeger, who made 18 pars.A bogey-bogey finish doomed 21-year-old Potgieter's bid to become the youngest 36-hole major leader since Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters."Looking at those last two holes as kind of unfortunate, but I felt like I was in control most of the round," Potgieter said.Gotterup closed with three birdies to shoot 65."Just really battled all day," Gotterup said. "It was very hard out there. It was cold. There were some pins it didn't even look like were on the green."Joining Scheffler in ninth on 138 were fellow Americans Cameron Young, Justin Thomas and Harris English plus Spain's David Puig, Sweden's Ludvig Aberg and South Korean Kim Si-woo.Scheffler tumbled from a share of the lead with three bogeys in his first four holes but closed with a birdie at nine to shoot 71.The four-time major winner missed seven fairways after hitting 13 of 14 on Thursday but complained most about hole positions."Most of the pins today were, I mean, kind of absurd," Scheffler said. "You've just got to try to continue to hit good shots."<h2>McIlroy in hunt</h2>Six-time major winner Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, fired a bogey-free three-under par 67 to stand on 141 with Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele among others."Some of these hole locations have been brutal," McIlroy said. "It's a really bunched leaderboard because guys are finding it tough to make putts."McIlroy spent hours on the driving range after a 74 on Thursday and seemed to solve his woes."I just needed to try and find the feeling with the driver. I felt like I found a feel last night and I definitely drove it much better today," McIlroy said."It was a day just to get back in the tournament and that's what I felt I was able to do."Germany's Martin Kaymer made bogeys on five of the first seven holes and shot 75 to stand on 142.England's Justin Rose chipped in for eagle from 76 feet on his final hole to shoot 73 and made the cut with a total of 143 despite two double bogeys and four bogeys.

McNealy, a back-nine starter whose best major finish was 18th at last month's Masters, holed out a 54-foot bunker shot for eagle at the par-five 16th, then made birdie putts from 12 and 18 feet on the first two holes

Americans Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley shared the lead after Friday's chaotic second round of the PGA Championship as cold, windy conditions contributed to carnage at Aronimink. Six others were only one adrift after 36 holes with seven more, including top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler, just two strokes off the lead entering the weekend. McNealy, never in the top 25 after 36 holes in 14 prior major starts, fired a three-under par 67 to match Smalley on four-under 136 at the midway mark. Also Read - PGA Championship | Why was Garrick Higgo penalised during Round 1? "This is unfamiliar territory to me," McNealy said. "I was surprised to be that high on the leaderboard." McNealy, a back-nine starter whose best major finish was 18th at last month's Masters, holed out a 54-foot bunker shot for eagle at the par-five 16th, then made birdie putts from 12 and 18 feet on the first two holes. The world number 33 squandered the solo lead, however, with three-putt bogeys at the sixth and par-three eighth holes. "My putter is going to have to be my best club," McNealy said. "That's the reason I still have a job out here." Smalley fell out of the solo lead with three bogeys in a row but a closing birdie put him on 69. "It was difficult, it was chilly this morning, the wind was up," Smalley said. "Some of the hole locations are very difficult. They're right on the top of a crown." Sharing third on 137 were Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, plus Americans Chris Gotterup and Max Greyserman, South African Aldrich Potgieter, Australian Min Woo Lee and German Stephan Jaeger, who made 18 pars. A bogey-bogey finish doomed 21-year-old Potgieter's bid to become the youngest 36-hole major leader since Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters. "Looking at those last two holes as kind of unfortunate, but I felt like I was in control most of the round," Potgieter said. Gotterup closed with three birdies to shoot 65. "Just really battled all day," Gotterup said. "It was very hard out there. It was cold. There were some pins it didn't even look like were on the green." Joining Scheffler in ninth on 138 were fellow Americans Cameron Young, Justin Thomas and Harris English plus Spain's David Puig, Sweden's Ludvig Aberg and South Korean Kim Si-woo. Scheffler tumbled from a share of the lead with three bogeys in his first four holes but closed with a birdie at nine to shoot 71. The four-time major winner missed seven fairways after hitting 13 of 14 on Thursday but complained most about hole positions. "Most of the pins today were, I mean, kind of absurd," Scheffler said. "You've just got to try to continue to hit good shots." McIlroy in hunt Six-time major winner Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, fired a bogey-free three-under par 67 to stand on 141 with Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele among others. "Some of these hole locations have been brutal," McIlroy said. "It's a really bunched leaderboard because guys are finding it tough to make putts." McIlroy spent hours on the driving range after a 74 on Thursday and seemed to solve his woes. "I just needed to try and find the feeling with the driver. I felt like I found a feel last night and I definitely drove it much better today," McIlroy said. "It was a day just to get back in the tournament and that's what I felt I was able to do." Germany's Martin Kaymer made bogeys on five of the first seven holes and shot 75 to stand on 142. England's Justin Rose chipped in for eagle from 76 feet on his final hole to shoot 73 and made the cut with a total of 143 despite two double bogeys and four bogeys.

McNealy, a back-nine starter whose best major finish was 18th at last month's Masters, holed out a 54-foot bunker shot for eagle at the par-five 16th, then made birdie putts from 12 and 18 feet on the first two holes.

PGA Championship | Americans McNealy and Smalley share lead after second round

A US judge declared a mistrial in the trial of disgraced cinema mogul Harvey Weinstein after jurors again failed to reach a verdict on allegations he sexually assaulted actor Jessica Mann, prosecutors said.&nbsp;Weinstein, who was at the center of abuse allegations that spurred the MeToo movement in Hollywood, is already in prison for other sex offenses, so he will remain behind bars despite the end of this case.&nbsp;"While we are disappointed that the proceedings ended with a mistrial, we deeply respect the jury system and sincerely thank all of the jurors for their time and dedication. For nearly a decade, Jessica Mann has fought for justice," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.&nbsp;It was the third time that Mann has taken the stand against Weinstein after a 2020 guilty verdict was overturned due to mishandling of witnesses, and a 2025 case ended in mistrial after a jury-room feud.&nbsp;"I felt like he was a really nice person and he was offering to mentor me," Mann told the jury last month, before painting a picture of an abusive relationship.Weinstein's spokesman Judah Engelmayer told AFP that "after hearing the evidence multiple times and seeing two juries unable to reach unanimity, it's clear there is significant reasonable doubt here."&nbsp;"The Manhattan District Attorney's Office should stop retrying the same case and focus its time and taxpayer resources on the actual violent crime, chaos, and public safety issues impacting New Yorkers every day."&nbsp;He said that polling by the defense revealed that nine of the 12 jurors were in favor of acquittal. AFP could not independently verify his claim.<h2>- 'Miracle' -</h2>&nbsp;During the trial, Mann recalled how he showered her with compliments after the pair met at a party in early 2013, when Mann was an aspiring 27-year-old actor and Weinstein a Hollywood powerbroker.&nbsp;"He told me that I was prettier than Natalie Portman," she said.&nbsp;She added that Weinstein's apparent interest in boosting her career, including buying her books on acting, initially seemed like a "miracle."&nbsp;The 40-year-old's testimony -- much of which echoed what she said in the 2020 and 2025 cases -- was emotional and she took occasional pauses as her voice broke.&nbsp;Dale Margolin Cecka,&nbsp;director of the Family Violence Litigation Clinic at Albany Law School, told AFP there could now be a fourth trial on Mann's accusations.&nbsp;"Mann would have to go through the entire process again. The district attorney has 30 days to decide whether to re-try (Weinstein)," Cecka said.&nbsp;"(He) knew his team could paint Ms. Mann as a 'romantic partner' and plant doubt," Cecka added, while noting: "These women can still bring civil claims."&nbsp;The Oscar-winning Weinstein, 74, is already serving a 16-year prison term in a California case for the rape of a European actress more than a decade ago.&nbsp;He is appealing that conviction.&nbsp;He is also appealing a conviction on charges that he sexually assaulted movie producer Miriam Haley.&nbsp;In 2017, blockbuster investigations by The New Yorker and The New York Times laid bare a series of claims by young women that triggered an avalanche of allegations from more than 80 complainants and prompted the global MeToo movement.

During the trial, Mann recalled how he showered her with compliments after the pair met at a party in early 2013, when Mann was an aspiring 27-year-old actor and Weinstein a Hollywood powerbroker.

A US judge declared a mistrial in the trial of disgraced cinema mogul Harvey Weinstein after jurors again failed to reach a verdict on allegations he sexually assaulted actor Jessica Mann, prosecutors said. Weinstein, who was at the center of abuse allegations that spurred the MeToo movement in Hollywood, is already in prison for other sex offenses, so he will remain behind bars despite the end of this case. "While we are disappointed that the proceedings ended with a mistrial, we deeply respect the jury system and sincerely thank all of the jurors for their time and dedication. For nearly a decade, Jessica Mann has fought for justice," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. It was the third time that Mann has taken the stand against Weinstein after a 2020 guilty verdict was overturned due to mishandling of witnesses, and a 2025 case ended in mistrial after a jury-room feud. "I felt like he was a really nice person and he was offering to mentor me," Mann told the jury last month, before painting a picture of an abusive relationship. Weinstein's spokesman Judah Engelmayer told AFP that "after hearing the evidence multiple times and seeing two juries unable to reach unanimity, it's clear there is significant reasonable doubt here." "The Manhattan District Attorney's Office should stop retrying the same case and focus its time and taxpayer resources on the actual violent crime, chaos, and public safety issues impacting New Yorkers every day." He said that polling by the defense revealed that nine of the 12 jurors were in favor of acquittal. AFP could not independently verify his claim. - 'Miracle' - During the trial, Mann recalled how he showered her with compliments after the pair met at a party in early 2013, when Mann was an aspiring 27-year-old actor and Weinstein a Hollywood powerbroker. "He told me that I was prettier than Natalie Portman," she said. She added that Weinstein's apparent interest in boosting her career, including buying her books on acting, initially seemed like a "miracle." The 40-year-old's testimony -- much of which echoed what she said in the 2020 and 2025 cases -- was emotional and she took occasional pauses as her voice broke. Dale Margolin Cecka, director of the Family Violence Litigation Clinic at Albany Law School, told AFP there could now be a fourth trial on Mann's accusations. "Mann would have to go through the entire process again. The district attorney has 30 days to decide whether to re-try (Weinstein)," Cecka said. "(He) knew his team could paint Ms. Mann as a 'romantic partner' and plant doubt," Cecka added, while noting: "These women can still bring civil claims." The Oscar-winning Weinstein, 74, is already serving a 16-year prison term in a California case for the rape of a European actress more than a decade ago. He is appealing that conviction. He is also appealing a conviction on charges that he sexually assaulted movie producer Miriam Haley. In 2017, blockbuster investigations by The New Yorker and The New York Times laid bare a series of claims by young women that triggered an avalanche of allegations from more than 80 complainants and prompted the global MeToo movement.

During the trial, Mann recalled how he showered her with compliments after the pair met at a party in early 2013, when Mann was an aspiring 27-year-old actor and Weinstein a Hollywood powerbroker.

Harvey Weinstein sex assault case ends: Judge declares mistrial

Climate activists are urging movie stars to fly economy or take the train to Cannes after saying private jets burned two millions of litres of kerosene getting them to the film festival last year.&nbsp;"The rich and famous burning through scarce fuel to get to a film festival isn't just tone deaf, it's obscene," said former Air France pilot Anthony Viaux, one of several to have signed up to the call.&nbsp;With the war in the Middle East sparking a global fuel crisis, research by environmental group Transport and Environment (T&amp;E) said 750 private jet flights ferried A-listers and Hollywood executives to the world's biggest film festival last year.&nbsp;"That's equivalent to what 14,000 passengers would have consumed flying between Paris and Athens," the group's head of aviation, Jerome du Boucher, told AFP Thursday.Former private jet pilot Katie Thompson said stars should follow the example of "Narcos" actor Pedro Pascal and fly economy class to Cannes.&nbsp;"Last year Pedro Pascal flew to Cannes in an economy seat. There's no reason the rest of them can't do the same, or take the train where possible," she said.&nbsp;De Boucher said they were lobbying European governments to ban private jets."In a context of climate crisis and oil shock, it seems absolutely obvious that this kerosene should be reserved for more essential uses at a time when we're facing fuel shortages," he said.&nbsp;<h2>- Escaping carbon taxes -</h2>&nbsp;T&amp;E say that two-thirds of private jets are exempt from carbon taxes under current EU rules, amid fear of reprisals from the Trump administration if the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is expanded to include them.&nbsp;Normal airline passengers within the bloc have to pay the taxes while the super rich escape them, they said.&nbsp;Even some millionaires are calling for change.&nbsp;Investor Julia Davies, co-founder of Patriotic Millionaires UK, said "private jets are a luxury only the very wealthiest few can afford, yet most of these flights are still not subject to fuel or carbon taxes -- taxes the majority of people pay every day as they travel to work."&nbsp;Countries across the world have been hit by fuel rationing as Iran's stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz heads towards it fourth month after the United States and Israel attacked Tehran.&nbsp;More than 500 flights have already been cancelled in France alone, du Boucher added, with up to 20 million passengers likely to be affected by disruption in Germany over the summer holiday period.&nbsp;"This oil crisis is an opportunity to put the question of private jet use on the table," De Boucher said.&nbsp;"The EU needs to close the loopholes to make sure that all private jets and international flights (outside the EU) are subject to carbon taxes in future," said veteran pilot Viaux."EU policymakers shouldn't let Trump's administration dictate the rule," he said.&nbsp;"This oil crisis is an opportunity to put the question of private jet use on the table," De Boucher said.&nbsp;He said the group's research showed that if everyone taking private jets for the Cannes Film Festival used commercial ones, the festival could go 40 percent of the way towards its CO2 emissions reduction target for 2030.&nbsp;AFP have asked the Cannes Film Festival for comment.

With the war in the Middle East sparking a global fuel crisis, research by environmental group Transport and Environment (T&E) said 750 private jet flights ferried A-listers and Hollywood executives to the world's biggest film festival last year.

Climate activists are urging movie stars to fly economy or take the train to Cannes after saying private jets burned two millions of litres of kerosene getting them to the film festival last year. "The rich and famous burning through scarce fuel to get to a film festival isn't just tone deaf, it's obscene," said former Air France pilot Anthony Viaux, one of several to have signed up to the call. With the war in the Middle East sparking a global fuel crisis, research by environmental group Transport and Environment (T&E) said 750 private jet flights ferried A-listers and Hollywood executives to the world's biggest film festival last year. "That's equivalent to what 14,000 passengers would have consumed flying between Paris and Athens," the group's head of aviation, Jerome du Boucher, told AFP Thursday. Former private jet pilot Katie Thompson said stars should follow the example of "Narcos" actor Pedro Pascal and fly economy class to Cannes. "Last year Pedro Pascal flew to Cannes in an economy seat. There's no reason the rest of them can't do the same, or take the train where possible," she said. De Boucher said they were lobbying European governments to ban private jets. "In a context of climate crisis and oil shock, it seems absolutely obvious that this kerosene should be reserved for more essential uses at a time when we're facing fuel shortages," he said. - Escaping carbon taxes - T&E say that two-thirds of private jets are exempt from carbon taxes under current EU rules, amid fear of reprisals from the Trump administration if the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is expanded to include them. Normal airline passengers within the bloc have to pay the taxes while the super rich escape them, they said. Even some millionaires are calling for change. Investor Julia Davies, co-founder of Patriotic Millionaires UK, said "private jets are a luxury only the very wealthiest few can afford, yet most of these flights are still not subject to fuel or carbon taxes -- taxes the majority of people pay every day as they travel to work." Countries across the world have been hit by fuel rationing as Iran's stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz heads towards it fourth month after the United States and Israel attacked Tehran. More than 500 flights have already been cancelled in France alone, du Boucher added, with up to 20 million passengers likely to be affected by disruption in Germany over the summer holiday period. "This oil crisis is an opportunity to put the question of private jet use on the table," De Boucher said. "The EU needs to close the loopholes to make sure that all private jets and international flights (outside the EU) are subject to carbon taxes in future," said veteran pilot Viaux. "EU policymakers shouldn't let Trump's administration dictate the rule," he said. "This oil crisis is an opportunity to put the question of private jet use on the table," De Boucher said. He said the group's research showed that if everyone taking private jets for the Cannes Film Festival used commercial ones, the festival could go 40 percent of the way towards its CO2 emissions reduction target for 2030. AFP have asked the Cannes Film Festival for comment.

With the war in the Middle East sparking a global fuel crisis, research by environmental group Transport and Environment (T&amp;E) said 750 private jet flights ferried A-listers and Hollywood executives to the world's biggest film festival last year.

Stars flying into Cannes in private jets 'obscene', say ex-pilots

Through three consecutive PGA Tour runner-up finishes, Scottie Scheffler could only wonder what might have been without poor starts. Now he's hoping to find out. Defending champion Scheffler grinded to a three-under par 67 on Thursday to grab a share of the first-round lead at the PGA Championship alongside six rivals at challenging Aronimink."Definitely the best start I've gotten off to this year," said Scheffler, who allowed his opening 63 in an American Express victory in January might have been up there too."I felt like, especially going into the weekend when you look at like the Masters and Hilton Head and Cadillac, finishing second was probably not all that bad from where I was starting the weekend.“Definitely nice to get off to a better start this week.”Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pga-championship-separated-the-little-toe-rory-mcilroy-looking-good-for-second-successive-major-after-blister-discomfort-1778746601893">PGA Championship | McIlroy all good for 2nd successive major after toe blister</a>Scheffler fired his worst rounds at the recent tournaments at Hilton Head and Doral on the first day and started 70-74 at the Masters before a bogey-free weekend left him one stroke behind winner Rory McIlroy.Scheffler is set for an 8:40 a.m. (1240 GMT) start on Friday after going off late Thursday while most of those who share the lead have afternoon starts on day two."It's a really tight leaderboard," Scheffler said. "At this moment it's anybody's tournament."World number one Scheffler only missed one of 14 fairways on Thursday in taking an 18-hole major lead for the first time."There are a lot of run-ups on the greens and they put the pins on some of the high points," Scheffler said. "So your scores are definitely going to be lower if you hit the ball on the fairway, but it's still really difficult to make birdies."You hit some really nice iron shots in there to 10 or 15 feet, and you've got putts with a ton of break on them. This golf course, especially on the greens, is quite challenging."Scheffler stood and laughed after missing a four-foot putt at 14 that led to a three-putt bogey."There's a ton of slope on the greens. That putt in particular on 14, it was like the pin was on the very highest point of the green," Scheffler said."I played it what I thought was right center, and it broke pretty severely to the right. There's just not much you can do there other than laugh. That's part of the game."Sometimes you get good and bad breaks. I holed a couple of long putts today and any time you're able to do something like that, you've got to take the good with the bad."Philadelphia-area fans of the NFL Eagles taunted Dallas Cowboys fan Scheffler at times."I got chirped more than I expected for being a Cowboys fan, but it was all in good fun," Scheffler said. "I got quite a kick out of it."

Defending champion Scheffler grinded to a three-under par 67 on Thursday to grab a share of the first-round lead at the PGA Championship alongside six rivals at challenging Aronimink.

Through three consecutive PGA Tour runner-up finishes, Scottie Scheffler could only wonder what might have been without poor starts. Now he's hoping to find out. Defending champion Scheffler grinded to a three-under par 67 on Thursday to grab a share of the first-round lead at the PGA Championship alongside six rivals at challenging Aronimink. "Definitely the best start I've gotten off to this year," said Scheffler, who allowed his opening 63 in an American Express victory in January might have been up there too. "I felt like, especially going into the weekend when you look at like the Masters and Hilton Head and Cadillac, finishing second was probably not all that bad from where I was starting the weekend. “Definitely nice to get off to a better start this week.” Also Read - PGA Championship | McIlroy all good for 2nd successive major after toe blister Scheffler fired his worst rounds at the recent tournaments at Hilton Head and Doral on the first day and started 70-74 at the Masters before a bogey-free weekend left him one stroke behind winner Rory McIlroy. Scheffler is set for an 8:40 a.m. (1240 GMT) start on Friday after going off late Thursday while most of those who share the lead have afternoon starts on day two. "It's a really tight leaderboard," Scheffler said. "At this moment it's anybody's tournament." World number one Scheffler only missed one of 14 fairways on Thursday in taking an 18-hole major lead for the first time. "There are a lot of run-ups on the greens and they put the pins on some of the high points," Scheffler said. "So your scores are definitely going to be lower if you hit the ball on the fairway, but it's still really difficult to make birdies. "You hit some really nice iron shots in there to 10 or 15 feet, and you've got putts with a ton of break on them. This golf course, especially on the greens, is quite challenging." Scheffler stood and laughed after missing a four-foot putt at 14 that led to a three-putt bogey. "There's a ton of slope on the greens. That putt in particular on 14, it was like the pin was on the very highest point of the green," Scheffler said. "I played it what I thought was right center, and it broke pretty severely to the right. There's just not much you can do there other than laugh. That's part of the game. "Sometimes you get good and bad breaks. I holed a couple of long putts today and any time you're able to do something like that, you've got to take the good with the bad." Philadelphia-area fans of the NFL Eagles taunted Dallas Cowboys fan Scheffler at times. "I got chirped more than I expected for being a Cowboys fan, but it was all in good fun," Scheffler said. "I got quite a kick out of it."

Defending champion Scheffler grinded to a three-under par 67 on Thursday to grab a share of the first-round lead at the PGA Championship alongside six rivals at challenging Aronimink.

PGA Championship: Defending champ Scheffler in lead with six others after first round

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