Sports from Friday, January 2nd, 2026

Dubai is gearing up to host the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam, starting Tuesday, January 6.

Venus Williams will return to the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard entry, the tournament's organisers said on Friday, marking her first appearance at Melbourne Park in five years.

Usman Khawaja will be retiring from international cricket after this week's fifth Ashes Test against England at Sydney Cricket Ground, the Australia batsman said on Friday.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders stayed in the hunt for the DP World ILT20 Season 4 title after sealing a 50-run win over the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.

The Premier League's festive feast turned stale on Thursday as the New Year's Day programme served up three 0-0 draws, most significantly Manchester City's stalemate at Sunderland which left them four points adrift of leaders Arsenal.