World number five Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Australian Open first round by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. The epic five-set match ended 7-6, 4-6, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 in four hours, 41 minutes. It’s only Nadal’s second ever opening round defeat at a major tournament. Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, former world number one Ana Ivanovic beat the unseeded Tammi Patterson 6-2, 6-3.
Ex-players slam 'unfair' MCG pitch as wickets tumble in fourth Ashes test
As 20 wickets fell on the first day of the fourth Ashes test on Friday, the carnage prompted sharp criticism from former England cricketers who questioned whether the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground offered a fair contest.
Cameroon strike early to secure win over Gabon
Cameroon has put aside recent woes to open their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over neighbours Gabon on Wednesday as Karl Etta Eyong’s early goal secured a much-needed win.
Dubai Capitals sail to playoffs after a six-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz
Shayan Jahangir and Jordan Cox have registered fifties to help defending champions Dubai Capitals sail into the play-offs with a strong six-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
Stoppage-time comeback gives Burkina Faso victory in opener
Two goals deep in second-half stoppage time saw Burkina Faso snatch a 2-1 victory over 10-man Equatorial Guinea in the opening Group E match at the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Wednesday.
Archer out of Ashes, England drop Pope from Boxing Day test
A side strain ended England fast bowler Jofra Archer's Ashes campaign on Wednesday while the beleaguered tourists dropped batter Ollie Pope for the fourth test against Australia.
