Category Sports News

Reigning champion Shaun Murphy and current UK title holder Mark Selby were both eliminated on a thrilling opening day of the Masters at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Murphy lost 6-2 to China’s Wu Yize in the first round, before Selby, who won the UK Championship last month, was defeated by the same score against another Chinese debutant, Xiao Guodong.

Murphy lost the opening three frames and, despite taking frame four, then lost the fifth on a black-ball finish.

Wu, 22, is ranked 13th in the world and picked up his first ranking title in November when he won the International Championship in Yanjing in his home country, beating world champions Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong and John Higgins along the way.

On his Alexandra Palace debut, Wu made a superb clearance of 137 in frame two and a break of 56 in frame seven.

“I felt a bit of pressure when I entered the stadium because it was the first time I’ve played in such a big stadium and the fans were so enthusiastic,” said Wu.

“After the first frame, I felt a bit more relaxed and I totally enjoyed the atmosphere. It’s definitely a great achievement for myself – my first time playing at the Masters and the first time beating Shaun Murphy.”

For 43-year-old Murphy, who reached the semi-final of the UK Championship last month, it was a disappointing afternoon with him failing to register a single break of 50.

“I’ve been looking forward to today for a year, walking out as champion, but I enjoyed the first 10 minutes,” said Murphy, who beat Kyren Wilson to win the Triple Crown event for a second time a year ago.

“I’m very disappointed. None of it was there. I felt everything I touched was not there. I’ve been working very hard, practising hard, playing a lot of snooker, so I didn’t expect to play like that and I’m as shocked as anyone.

“I didn’t play well, certainly the worst performance of my season, maybe the worst in the Masters.

Wu will now face a quarter-final on Thursday against compatriot Xiao, who played superbly to defeat three-time champion Selby in the evening session.

Xiao, 36, made breaks of 95, 62, 76 and 77 as he won the opening four frames, with Selby’s highest break at that stage only being 21.

But the four-time world champion threatened a superb comeback as he made breaks of 101 and 76 to bring it back to 4-2.

Xiao had not potted a ball in 46 minutes but then made an excellent break of 118 to move one frame away from victory, which he clinched by edging a scrappy eighth frame.

“The venue is good, the people watching are good and everything is perfect – this was my first time playing in the Masters,” said Xiao.

“We both played good and I won the first four frames and gave Mark a bit of pressure but then he came back so it was a good game.

“Nobody thought I could win. I just told myself ‘enjoy, be more relaxed and not think about winning or losing’. A lot of people were supporting me and that gives me confidence.”

Selby, 42, had no complaints about the result and said: “In the first four frames I didn’t have many chances. Every time Xiao came to the table, I made it easy for him.

“I did well to make it 4-2 and felt I had some momentum, then I missed and Xiao punished my mistakes.

The NFL play-offs continued with another nail-biting game as the Buffalo Bills claimed a 27-24 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A late interception by Buffalo safety Cole Bishop allowed the Bills to clinch victory after Josh Allen, the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player, put them back in front with one minute four seconds of the game remaining.

Buffalo were the pre-season Super Bowl favourites but have had to hit the road in the play-offs having failed to retain the AFC East title, while Jacksonville won the AFC South.

The Jaguars ended the regular season on an eight-game winning streak to secure the AFC’s third seed, while Buffalo are the sixth, and most of Sunday’s Wildcard Weekend game was a tight affair.

Buffalo led 10-7 at half-time, then 13-10 heading into the fourth quarter, when the lead changed hands four times in a nerve-racking finale.

Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Allen then produced a shootout, with former number one draft pick Lawrence making touchdown passes to Parker Washington and Travis Etienne.

Buffalo replied with Allen finding Dalton Kincaid for a score before barging over for his second rushing TD, which ultimately proved decisive.

There was enough time for Lawrence to lead a game-winning drive but he was picked off by Bishop to keep alive Allen’s hopes of reaching his first Super Bowl.

The penultimate round of pool matches in this season’s European Champions Cup brought high-scoring games, last-minute heroics and more teams qualifying for the knockout stages.

Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, Leinster, Harlequins, Bordeaux, Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints are all into the last 16.

But with the likes of six-time winners Toulouse, three-time champions Saracens, English champions Bath and United Rugby Championship leaders Stormers yet to secure their places, the final round of pool fixtures next weekend should feature plenty more drama.

What were the key moments from round three? And how do things currently stand?

The top four teams from each pool qualify for the last 16, with the top two qualifying with home advantage.

Fifth in each pool drops down to the Challenge Cup, while the bottom side are eliminated.

Three-time winners Saracens have underachieved in Europe over the past few seasons and found themselves needing points from their final two tricky pool games.

But a hard-fought 20-14 victory over six-time winners Toulouse at home on Sunday boosted their chances.

Rotimi Segun scored twice and Tom Willis crossed to put France’s Top 14 league leaders under pressure to qualify.

Toulouse will still be favourites to claim a win over Sale Sharks at home on Saturday (17:30 GMT), but the pressure is on.

Sale booked their spot in the last 16 by beating Sharks in Manchester on Saturday.

The South African outfit now welcome Clermont Auvergne, who are unable to qualify, on Saturday (13:00 GMT).

Victory for the Durban side would mean Toulouse would fall out of the qualification spots before they kick off.

Mark McCall’s Saracens travel to pool leaders Glasgow, who are yet to drop a point, on Sunday (17:30 GMT).

Franco Smith’s side produced an outstanding bonus-point win at Clermont on Saturday, backing up their victories over Sale and Toulouse.

Saturday, 17 January

Sharks v Clermont Auvergne (13:00 GMT)

Toulouse v Sale Sharks (17:30 GMT)

Sunday, 18 January

Bath clinically dispatched Castres on Friday to retain their spot at the top of the standings.

Despite heading into the final round top of the pool, the English champions are still yet to officially qualify.

Number eight Alfie Barbeary showed off his powerful ball carrying skills in a standout performance that showed Johann van Graan’s side can go deep in the tournament.

A bonus-point win in France, especially by managing wet and windy conditions, was a proper European performance from the 1998 winners.

Every side is still within a chance so points difference could be crucial.

Bath face Edinburgh, who are second after beating Gloucester, on Friday (20:00 GMT) and know a bonus-point win will secure home advantage until at least the quarter-finals, which would be vital if they are to be contenders.

With the top two teams playing each other, Toulon’s late win over Munster on Sunday kept their home knockout dream very much alive.

The Irish province host Castres on Saturday (17:30 GMT) before Toulon travel to Gloucester on the same day (20:00 GMT).

Friday, 16 January

Bath v Edinburgh (20:00 GMT)

Saturday, 17 January

Munster v Castres (13:00 GMT)

Leinster remain in pole position to qualify as pool winners, but only just.

Replacement Harry Byrne nailed a match-winning penalty with the last kick of the game to defeat La Rochelle 25-24 in Dublin on Saturday.

It is the fixture that keeps on giving and is known for late drama, with back-to-back Champions Cup finals in 2022 and 2023 between the sides coming down to the last play.

An away win on Saturday (15:15 GMT) against winless Bayonne wraps up the pool for the Irish province, while La Rochelle host Harlequins (Sunday, 15:15 GMT), who thrashed Stormers and have a home last-16 spot as it stands.

Victory will confirm a knockout spot for Ronan O’Gara’s Top 14 side.

Leicester Tigers sit outside the qualification spots, but stayed alive thanks to a Billy Searle-inspired win over Bayonne, and know a bonus-point win in South Africa on Saturday (15:15 GMT) is likely needed to stand any chance.

Saturday, 17 January

Bayonne v Leinster (15:15 GMT)

Stormers v Leicester Tigers (15:15 GMT)

Sunday, 18 January

Bristol Bears produced the eye-catching performance of the round by winning a 16-try contest against South Africa’s Bulls in Pretoria

Bears wing Noah Heward completed a first-half hat-trick as the 110-point game finished 61-49.

The result leaves Pat Lam’s side with three wins from three, but their hardest challenge will come in the final round against holders Bordeaux next Sunday (13:00 GMT).

Given the Top 14 side put 50 points on Prem leaders Northampton Saints on Sunday, the game at Ashton Gate should make for another high-scoring thriller.

Not only will the entertainment value be high because of the attacking style of both teams, but it will decide who tops the pool and get home advantage.

Defeat will open the door for Saints to jump into second spot, with their game coming against qualification hopefuls Scarlets on Sunday (15:15 GMT).

Top 14 side Pau, who are playing in Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2001-02, host Bulls (Friday, 20:00 GMT) and know backing up their win over Scarlets would see them through.

Friday, 16 January

Pau v Bulls (Friday, 20:00 GMT)

Sunday, 18 January

Bristol v Bordeaux (13:00 GMT)

Everton eye a move for Arsenal‘s Ben White, Borussia Dortmund monitoring Oscar Bobb’s situation at Manchester City and Tottenham remain interested in Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.

Everton are eyeing a move for Arsenal‘s English defender Ben White, 28, to solve their problematic right-back issue. (Football Insider)

Borussia Dortmund are monitoring 22-year-old Norway midfielder Oscar Bobb’s situation at Manchester City following the arrival of Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo, 26. (Florian Plettenberg)

Tottenham remain interested in a move for Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, despite Aston Villa being favourites to sign the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk)

Aston Villa are also showing an interest in Newcastle United‘s Danish forward William Osula, 22, after being dealt a blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid’s Spain Under-21 forward Gonzalo Garcia, 21. (Talksport)

Liverpool and Chelsea have been impressed with Como’s Spain Under-21 centre-back Jacobo Ramon, with several other Premier League clubs also sending scouts to watch the 21-year-old. (CaughtOffside)

Paris FC are among the clubs keen on signing French winger Mathys Tel on loan this month, but Tottenham want the 20-year-old to stay. (Fabrizio Romano)

Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is set to leave the club for Serie A side Fiorentina after the January transfer window. (Athletic – subscription required)

This was supposed to be a day about a former Manchester United midfielder’s return to Old Trafford – and help revive their fortunes.

In the end, it was one of their ex-strikers – one of interim United manager Darren Fletcher’s former team-mates – who had cause for celebration.

As Fletcher’s second game in charge ended in a disappointing defeat – following on from the Premier League draw at Burnley – Danny Welbeck returned to haunt his old club yet again and send Brighton through to the FA Cup fourth round.

The 35-year-old, who spent 13 years at his hometown club before joining Arsenal in 2014, was typically gracious about Fletcher, who left United in 2015.

“He helped me massively as a young player at Man Utd,” he said.

This may well be Fletcher’s final match during his spell as United’s interim manager. He is not the first to be hurt by Welbeck and may not be the last.

Having grown up in Longsight, less than five miles from Old Trafford, and come through the academy, Welbeck was part of the club’s most recent Premier League title win under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

He had struggled for minutes under manager Louis van Gaal, with the arrival of Colombian Radamel Falcao the final straw.

Since then Welbeck, who still takes Ferguson’s calls like Fletcher, has made a habit of sending reminders to United managers and suits alike.

He has now scored eight goals against United since leaving – the joint most he has scored against any club across his 17-year senior career.

When he did leave the pitch on Sunday he was applauded by all sides of Old Trafford – by those supporting players in red as well as blue and white.

“I remember Welbz when he first joined United and he was a terrific talent then,” Phil Jones, another ex-team-mate of Welbeck and Fletcher, told BBC Sport.

Welbeck also played a pivotal role in Brighton’s opener, with his driving run and chipped cross resulting in Brajan Gruda’s goal after Georginio Rutter’s shot was blocked on the line by Patrick Dorgu.

In scoring his 64th-minute goal, the man capped 42 times by England showed composure, skill and efficiency – often lacking at United since he left.

His first touch took Gruda’s pass out of his feet, while his second placed the ball into the top left corner.

“I knew where the defenders are and I was like, ‘I have to get a touch and the second touch has to be a shot on goal’,” he told TNT Sports.

“It has to be a perfect touch, a little bit away from the defender. It was nice to get that clean connection.”

Since leaving Manchester, the Gunners and a spell at Watford, Welbeck has played an increasingly senior role at Brighton, who he joined in 2020.

“To describe him best is to say that he is a role model on the pitch, beside it, a great connector,” said Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler.

“He is a great goalscorer, he is there in the right moment. He missed a big chance but good goalscorers never give up, they are always ready.”

Jones was similarly impressed by his performance.

“Today he was incredible,” said the former England centre-back.

“The way he handles himself, the way he carries himself, the way he lives his life right and dedicates himself to football.

“He epitomises that for any young kid watching, the way he goes about his work.”

Welbeck turned 35 in November and this goal was his ninth this season.

The 11 he scored in 2024-25 campaign was the most since his breakout year at Old Trafford in 2012 when he netted 12.

“I have good genetics. My mum and dad blessed me with good genes.

“I work hard every single day. I eat well and prepare well for every single training session.

“When I was younger I played left wing, right, number 10, as a nine, with experience playing the games, going through injuries, you come back and it is hard to get into the rhythm.

“Touch wood I have not had many injuries the last few years. Long may it continue.”

The decisive goal at Old Trafford will also bring calls for Welbeck to make this summer’s England squad at the World Cup back to the surface.

The man himself, who won the last of his international caps in 2018, avoided getting involved in the chat.

“I am just focusing on the here and now,” he added. “I know football can change at the click of your fingers.”

But Jones and former United striker Dion Dublin were in no mood to rule it out.

“We keep talking about number nines but if there’s anybody who can contribute as well as Harry Kane this summer, could he be that guy? He’d certainly be a pick for me,” said Jones.

“He’s still got all of the qualities, he’s still strong, still quick and is scoring goals for fun at the minute.”

Dublin added: “The only way you get on the plane as a centre-forward is if you’re scoring goals at the time the squad is picked and you’re doing exactly what the manager wants.

“And as a centre-forward myself, his hold-up play’s good, so that’s fine. His link-up play’s good, so he’s bringing people in.

“He doesn’t mind the physical side of the game, he’ll go back and defend corners as well – and he’s getting goals.

This was supposed to be a day about a former Manchester United midfielder’s return to Old Trafford – and help revive their fortunes.

In the end, it was one of their ex-strikers – one of interim United manager Darren Fletcher’s former team-mates – who had cause for celebration.

As Fletcher’s second game in charge ended in a disappointing defeat – following on from the Premier League draw at Burnley – Danny Welbeck returned to haunt his old club yet again and send Brighton through to the FA Cup fourth round.

The 35-year-old, who spent 13 years at his hometown club before joining Arsenal in 2014, was typically gracious about Fletcher, who left United in 2015.

“He helped me massively as a young player at Man Utd,” he said.

This may well be Fletcher’s final match during his spell as United’s interim manager. He is not the first to be hurt by Welbeck and may not be the last.

Having grown up in Longsight, less than five miles from Old Trafford, and come through the academy, Welbeck was part of the club’s most recent Premier League title win under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

He had struggled for minutes under manager Louis van Gaal, with the arrival of Colombian Radamel Falcao the final straw.

Since then Welbeck, who still takes Ferguson’s calls like Fletcher, has made a habit of sending reminders to United managers and suits alike.

He has now scored eight goals against United since leaving – the joint most he has scored against any club across his 17-year senior career.

When he did leave the pitch on Sunday he was applauded by all sides of Old Trafford – by those supporting players in red as well as blue and white.

“I remember Welbz when he first joined United and he was a terrific talent then,” Phil Jones, another ex-team-mate of Welbeck and Fletcher, told BBC Sport.

Welbeck also played a pivotal role in Brighton’s opener, with his driving run and chipped cross resulting in Brajan Gruda’s goal after Georginio Rutter’s shot was blocked on the line by Patrick Dorgu.

In scoring his 64th-minute goal, the man capped 42 times by England showed composure, skill and efficiency – often lacking at United since he left.

His first touch took Gruda’s pass out of his feet, while his second placed the ball into the top left corner.

“I knew where the defenders are and I was like, ‘I have to get a touch and the second touch has to be a shot on goal’,” he told TNT Sports.

“It has to be a perfect touch, a little bit away from the defender. It was nice to get that clean connection.”

Since leaving Manchester, the Gunners and a spell at Watford, Welbeck has played an increasingly senior role at Brighton, who he joined in 2020.

“To describe him best is to say that he is a role model on the pitch, beside it, a great connector,” said Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler.

“He is a great goalscorer, he is there in the right moment. He missed a big chance but good goalscorers never give up, they are always ready.”

Jones was similarly impressed by his performance.

“Today he was incredible,” said the former England centre-back.

“The way he handles himself, the way he carries himself, the way he lives his life right and dedicates himself to football.

“He epitomises that for any young kid watching, the way he goes about his work.”

Welbeck turned 35 in November and this goal was his ninth this season.

The 11 he scored in 2024-25 campaign was the most since his breakout year at Old Trafford in 2012 when he netted 12.

“I have good genetics. My mum and dad blessed me with good genes.

“I work hard every single day. I eat well and prepare well for every single training session.

“When I was younger I played left wing, right, number 10, as a nine, with experience playing the games, going through injuries, you come back and it is hard to get into the rhythm.

“Touch wood I have not had many injuries the last few years. Long may it continue.”

The decisive goal at Old Trafford will also bring calls for Welbeck to make this summer’s England squad at the World Cup back to the surface.

The man himself, who won the last of his international caps in 2018, avoided getting involved in the chat.

“I am just focusing on the here and now,” he added. “I know football can change at the click of your fingers.”

But Jones and former United striker Dion Dublin were in no mood to rule it out.

“We keep talking about number nines but if there’s anybody who can contribute as well as Harry Kane this summer, could he be that guy? He’d certainly be a pick for me,” said Jones.

“He’s still got all of the qualities, he’s still strong, still quick and is scoring goals for fun at the minute.”

Dublin added: “The only way you get on the plane as a centre-forward is if you’re scoring goals at the time the squad is picked and you’re doing exactly what the manager wants.

“And as a centre-forward myself, his hold-up play’s good, so that’s fine. His link-up play’s good, so he’s bringing people in.

“He doesn’t mind the physical side of the game, he’ll go back and defend corners as well – and he’s getting goals.