FRENCH OPEN 2023: Alcaraz, Djokovic on same half of draw; Swiatek-Gauff could be in quarterfinals
Carlos Alcaraz and 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic have been placed in the same half of the French Open field in the draw and could face each other in the semifinals
1970-01-01 08:00
Djokovic and Alcaraz in same half of French Open draw
Novak Djokovic could face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the French Open after both players were placed in the same half...
1970-01-01 08:00
Okolie vs Billam-Smith time: When does fight start in UK and US this weekend?
Former sparring partners Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam-Smith will meet in a world-title fight this weekend. Okolie enters Billam-Smith’s hometown of Bournemouth with the WBO cruiserweight belt and an unbeaten record, but the challenger will be buoyed by great support at Vitality Stadium – home to his beloved AFC Bournemouth. In his most recent fight, Okolie outpointed David Light in March, with the beaten New Zealander suffering a ‘mild stroke’ but expected to make a ‘full recovery’. Meanwhile, Billam-Smith produced a knockout-of-the-year contender against Armend Xhoxhaj in December. Okolie (19-0, 14 KOs) said of Billam-Smith (17-1, 12 KOs) this week: “Chris, I love you, but I have to get the KO in this one.” Here’s all you need to know. When is it? The fight will take place at Vitality Stadium, home to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, on Saturday 27 May. The main card is set to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with ring walks for the main event expected at approximately 10pm BST (3pm PT, 5pm CT, 6pm ET). How can I watch it? The event will air live on Sky Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s website and Sky Go app also streaming the fights. No US broadcaster has yet been confirmed for the event. Odds Okolie – 2/7 Billam-Smith – 11/4 Draw – 14/1 Full odds via Betway. Full card (subject to change) Lawrence Okolie (C) vs Chris Billam-Smith (WBO cruiserweight title) Mikael Lawal (C) vs Isaac Chamberlain (British cruiserweight title) Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard (super-welterweight) Mace Ruegg vs Dean Dodge (super-featherweight) Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford (super-welterweight) Michael McKinson vs TBA (welterweight) Tommy Welch vs TBA (heavyweight) Karriss Artingsall vs. Jade Taylor (featherweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Wood vs Lara live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand ‘Daylight robbery’: Vasiliy Lomachenko’s team plan to appeal Devin Haney defeat Joe Rogan is right: Tyson Fury has ‘no chance in hell’ against Jon Jones How to watch Okolie vs Billam-Smith online and on TV this weekend What time does Wood vs Lara start in UK and US this weekend? How to watch Wood vs Lara online and on TV this weekend
1970-01-01 08:00
Companies are finding it's not so simple to leave Russia. Others are quietly staying put
When Russia invaded Ukraine, companies were quick to respond, some announcing they would get out of Russia immediately
1970-01-01 08:00
McCarthy Says Issues Remain in Debt Talks, All Won’t Be Happy
Speaker Kevin McCarthy said issues remain in negotiations with the Biden administration on raising the federal debt limit
1970-01-01 08:00
3 biggest high-risk, high-reward NBA free agents this offseason
Every NBA free agent signing is a gamble, but especially established players who command high salaries but could be fading out of their prime. Here are the three biggest high-risk, high-reward free agents on the market.The NBA playoffs are winding down, and free agency is rapidly approaching. Th...
1970-01-01 08:00
Ferrari boss gives Lewis Hamilton update after reports of shock move
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has denied reports that his team have put in an offer to bring Lewis Hamilton to the team next season. A report this week stated Hamilton has received a £40m-a-year deal to join the Scuderia from 2024, with his Mercedes contract expiring at the end of the season. Yet Vasseur, speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, firmly rebuked the report. “You know perfectly that at this stage of the season, you will have each week a different story,” he said. “And we are not sending an offer to Lewis Hamilton. We didn’t do it.” “We didn’t have discussions. I think every single team on the grid would like to have Hamilton at one stage. I think it would be bull**** to not say something like this. “If I discuss with Hamilton, I discuss the last 20 years, I discussed almost every single weekend with Hamilton. I don’t want to have to stop to discuss with them because you are chasing me.” Vasseur worked with Hamilton before the seven-time world champion was even in Formula 1, as Hamilton won the GP2 Championship in 2006. The Frenchman added that his current drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, have also been linked with moves in the past few weeks. “I could say that two weeks ago you send Sainz to Audi, one week ago you send Leclerc to Mercedes, now I’m alone!” he said. Read More F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Why is practice no longer on a Thursday? F1 news LIVE: Lewis Hamilton set to respond to Ferrari links at Monaco Grand Prix Bernie Ecclestone would be surprised if Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes
1970-01-01 08:00
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss died by suicide without other causes, coroner determines
An autopsy report by the LA County Medical Examiner states Stephen "tWitch" Boss, the amiable DJ for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and dancer who rose to fame on "So You Think You Can Dance," died by suicide in December without other causes.
1970-01-01 08:00
3 possible replacements for Declan Rice at West Ham
West Ham United look set to lose Declan Rice this summer but who could replace the midfielder at the London Stadium?Rice has been a mainstay in West Ham's midfield over the last few seasons which has seen them get to the Europa League semi-final and now the Europa Conference League final. H...
1970-01-01 08:00
Angel Di Maria set to leave Juventus amid MLS and Saudi Arabia interest
Angel Di Maria is set to leave Juventus after contract talks broke down.
1970-01-01 08:00
PSG's Qatari owners in talks over Sampdoria investment - source
Qatar Sports Investments, the owners of French champions Paris Saint-Germain, are in negotiations over acquiring a stake in Italian club Sampdoria, a source with knowledge of...
1970-01-01 08:00
Ramaphosa Rules Out South Africa Abandoning Neutral Stance on War in Ukraine
South Africa’s president insisted his country won’t be drawn into taking sides in the conflict between Russia and
1970-01-01 08:00
