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Boulter and Norrie exit Indian Wells in third round

Getty Images

Katie Boulter and Cameron Norrie were knocked out of Indian Wells on Sunday as both suffered straight-set defeats in the third round.

Boulter’s run in the women’s singles ended as the British number one was beaten 6-0 7-5 by seventh seed Elena Rybakina.

Norrie was earlier dumped out of the men’s singles as the British number two lost 6-3 7-5 to 10th seed Tommy Paul.

Their exits mean Sonay Kartal is the last Briton left in the women’s draw after claiming a career-best win in California, and Jack Draper the last British male.

Boulter was playing in her first tournament since January’s Australian Open because of a foot injury and received a first-round bye as the 25th seed.

The 28-year-old then beat Irina-Camelia Begu to set up a meeting with former Wimbledon champion Rybakina, who looked set for a swift victory as she won the first seven games to take the first set in 26 minutes.

Boulter regrouped in the second set and broke Kazakhstan’s Rybakina to claim a 4-3 lead before serving for the set at 5-4.

She saved two break points, but Rybakina took advantage of a third to level it up and, after holding her serve, she broke Boulter thanks to a double fault on match point.

Rybakina will face either Russian ninth seed Mirra Andreeva or Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the fourth round.

Norrie bows out after struggling on serve

Cameron NorrieGetty Images

Norrie claimed his biggest career title at the hard-court tournament in 2021 but was beaten this time by home hope Paul, who will play Russian fifth seed Daniil Medvedev next.

“It was a super weird match, a lot of breaks”, said Paul, the world number 11.

“I started pretty well and tried to play some aggressive tennis. It was an up-and-down match on both sides”.

In their first meeting since 2022, both players struggled on serve in the first set.

Norrie, ranked 77th in the world, was broken three times before handing Paul the opener with a double fault on the second set point.

In the second set, Norrie again found himself a break down at 4-2 but rallied to level before taking a 0-30 lead on Paul’s serve.

Paul fought back before taking advantage of Norrie’s error-strewn serving, the Briton conceding the match with his fifth double fault of the set and seventh of the match.

Draper is left to carry British hopes in the men’s draw, with the 13th seed set to face American Jenson Brooksby on Monday.

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Pierce Brosnan leaves James Bond fans furious after ‘ridiculous’ demand about next actor

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has weighed in on the future of the iconic 007 role, stating it’s a “given” that Daniel Craig’s replacement should hail from Britain.

This comes amid worries that the quintessentially British franchise might lose its identity after Amazon MGM Studios took a stake in the creative direction of the character. In February, the American studio announced a joint ownership deal with long-time Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who have been at the helm since Brosnan’s debut in the 1995 hit ‘ GoldenEye’.

Chatting with The Telegraph, the Irish-born actor Brosnan remarked: “I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael. It takes great courage for them to let go, they will still have a say in matters, I hope that (Amazon) handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect”.

The actor, 71, who portrayed the suave spy in four films, conceded that “no one really knows” what the future holds for Bond under Amazon’s watch. “In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, (the change) does come with a certain lament”, he expressed. However, some James Bond fans are not impressed with Pierce’s demands, given that he is Irish himself.

Pierce Brosnan is best known for playing James Bond from 1995 to 2002
Pierce is best known for playing James Bond from 1995 to 2002 (Getty Images)
Pierce has become one of the most iconic Bond actors
Pierce has become one of the most iconic Bond actors (Instagram / @piercebrosnanofficial)

Amidst growing speculation about who will next don the tuxedo, there has yet to be an official announcement following Daniel Craig’s last outing as Bond in 2021’s ‘ No Time To Die’. Reflecting on his tenure as the legendary secret agent, Brosnan said: “History has been passed on and I’m very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies that I made with Barbara and Michael. That we moved the needle, that we brought it back to life. It had been dormant (for) six years and GoldenEye was such a success that it continued and went from strength to strength… I wish them well”.

Pierce made his debut as James Bond in GoldenEye, marking the beginning of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson’s creative reign. His final appearance as the iconic spy was in 2002’s Die Another Day. Since the release of the first 007 film, Dr No, in 1962, the official Bond franchise has been under the stewardship of the American-British Broccoli family, either independently or in collaboration with others.

Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson have been at the helm of the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre, and No Time To Die. Their contributions to British cinema have been recognised with CBEs, and they clinched the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012’s Skyfall, alongside director Sir Sam Mendes.

Daniel Craig was the last actor to play 007
Daniel Craig was the last actor to play 007 (Danjaq/Eon Productions/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

In a significant development in 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, thereby gaining the rights to distribute James Bond films and control over the intellectual property rights. The following year, they launched the spin-off Bond Prime Video game show 007: Road To A Million, hosted by Succession actor Brian Cox, which is slated for a second series.

There have been reports of friction between Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios over creative control, with the Wall Street Journal quoting her as saying “don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions”. Claims have also surfaced, courtesy of the newspaper, that Amazon MGM Studios is eyeing up opportunities to broaden Bond’s reach into TV and other ventures.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Annie Kilner makes huge decision after Kyle Walker spotted ‘partying with models’

Annie Kilner has made a bold statement about her marriage to Kyle Walker.

It comes just days after Kyle, who is now playing for AC Milan was pictured on a night out in Italy with two models. Hours after Annie and their four children returned to the UK, pictures of Kyle alongside two models surfaced after the group enjoyed a boozy outing. However, sources have since confirmed that the footballer was merely enjoying a night with his friends. Kyle, 34, has previously opened up about his infidelities during his relationship to Annie.

But Annie has shown her determination to support her husband and has used her marital surname for the first time publicly. Earlier this year, the former model revealed her new business venture, Demure Diamonds, “crafting timeless fine jewellery” with one of her close friends.

An official social media post for the company states “Founded by Annie Walker &amp, Sophie Haynes”. Annie has previously used her maiden name, Kilner, across all of her social media accounts and rarely shares insights into her marriage on her profile which boasts 83, 000 followers.

Annie Kilner has used her marital surname for the first time publicly
It comes after sources spoke out about Kyle's night out with two models
It comes after sources spoke out about Kyle’s night out with two models (Getty Images)

But despite Walker’s recent night out with the two models, Annie and Kyle are said to be “in the best position”. The group were seen inside the Living Room at the Casa Cipriani Milano hotel until the early hours of 26 February, and then they all headed to the Tocqueville 13 nightclub together.

At the club, they spent around 3, 000 Euro (approximately £2470) on a SuperVIP table and ordered a 1, 400 Euro magnum of Dom Perignon champagne. A source told the Mirror their connection was strictly “platonic”, and that Kyle left the venue hours before the two women did.

The two women have been identified as Serbian models Marijana Vidovic and Dragana Draca. Both women are believed to be friends of Kyle’s Italian football agent, Dario Ristori, and both live in Milan. Dragana is the founder of a fashion brand called Maison d’Vie, while Marijana runs a sustainable luxury sportswear brand called 9am. Marjiana also previously worked for Roberto Cavalli and starred in Serbia’s version of the reality TV show The Farm.

In January, the Mirror revealed that the couple had put their “divorce” on the back burner and were keen to focus on their marriage. It was said in October that Annie was allegedly fighting to get half of Kyle’s eye-watering £27 million fortune. The pair married in 2022 after a 12 year relationship, having met as teenagers in their hometown of Sheffield.

Cheshire sources close to the couple revealed to the Mirror that any speculation that Annie was staying with Kyle for his finances are “nonsense”. “Any suggestion that Annie is staying with Kyle for financial benefit is absolute nonsense and pure speculation”, our source told us. They went on to add: “The couple are still navigating their relationship behind the scenes but will always come together to be there for their children who they both absolutely adore.

” They enjoyed a family Christmas together and are looking ahead to the new year to see what may be on the horizon. “

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeandThreads.

Man Utd ‘Need More Brunos,’ Says Amorim After Fine Fernandes Free-Kick

Manchester United need more players of the quality and character of captain Bruno Fernandes, said manager Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese’s stunning free-kick in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

Fernandes has faced criticism for his leadership in recent weeks, with former United skipper Roy Keane labelling him an “imposter”.

But amid another dreadful season for the Red Devils, Fernandes has repeatedly been a rare source of inspiration.

His brilliant strike on the stroke of half-time at Old Trafford was his 12th goal of the season.

United’s second-highest goalscorer is the injured Amad Diallo on nine.

“That we need more Brunos? That is clear”, said Amorim.

“Not just the quality, the character that he has. The availability in this league, which is so important, and is so decisive with the ball and without the ball”.

Not for the first time during Amorim’s first troubled months in charge, his side proved a match when faced with stronger opponents.

United drew at runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool in January, eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup, and beat Manchester City away earlier in the season.

However, they have routinely struggled in matches they are expected to win and find themselves down in 14th in the table.

Despite playing at home, Amorim’s men had just over 30 percent possession and he made it clear he does not want to play a defensive style.

“In the future, I want to play a different football”, he added. “To spend more time attacking with the ball in the last third, than defending in the low block.

” The spirit, to follow the plan, to be together, that is a good thing.

READ ALSO: &nbsp, Koen Casteels Announces Retirement from International Football

Arsenal forget ‘ basics ‘

Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard (L) fights for the ball with Manchester United’s Moroccan defender #03 Noussair Mazraoui (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on March 9, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Declan Rice’s strike 16 minutes from time at least salvaged a point for Arsenal and prevented the Gunners from failing to score in three consecutive Premier League games.

But their challenge for the title appears over as Liverpool sit 15 points clear.

Even if Arsenal won their remaining 10 games, Liverpool would need just 16 points from their last nine to secure the title.

“I don’t want to say that (the title race is over), but today the frustration is that we haven’t won our game”, said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

“We know the urgency, we are obligated to win every single match, and if we have any chance of doing that, I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about it”.

But for a brilliant late double save from David Raya to deny Fernandes and a last ditch challenge from Rice on Rasmus Hojlund, Arsenal would have fallen to defeat.

Arteta was annoyed at how his side played after getting back level when the three points seemed there for the taking.

“We scored the goal, and when my feeling was that they were very tired because they could not get out, we opened the door for them to maybe win the game”, added Arteta.

“Very basic things done really poorly, and even though we had three big chances, the reality is that David saved us and in the last chance we could have lost the game”.

Ex-Lawmaker, Former NDDC MD Differ On Fubara’s Invite To Rivers Assembly

A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Samuel Ogeh, and an ex-Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ibim Semenitari, have differed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s invitation to Rivers lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. &nbsp,

Fubara had invited the lawmakers for a meeting following the Supreme Court verdict that recognised Amaewhule and other lawmakers as legitimate members of the Rivers House of Assembly. He was asked to present the 2025 budget to them too.

While Ogeh believes the invitation was disrespectful because the governor did not sign the letter himself, Semenitari disagrees, saying that the invitation presents an avenue to achieve lasting peace in the crisis-hit South-South state.

“If there is good intention there is nothing wrong, but people must learn how to accept their mistakes. I am not speaking for the Speaker, but what I am saying is from my point of view, that letter is not intended to achieve any good result because it smacks of disrespect to the House”, Ogeh said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Also speaking on the programme, Semenitari said, “I would like to believe that (it will bring a lasting peace) because ultimately this is about Rivers interest and all of the gladiators are Rivers men and women. I would want to hate that there would be one Rivers citizen who won’t want peace at last. So, I would like to hope that it will be peace at last”.

READ ALSO: &nbsp, Fubara Invites Amaewhule, Others For Meeting Over Supreme Court Judgement

In a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and obtained by Channels Television on Sunday, Fubara invited the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Amaewhule, and other lawmakers for a meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Governor’s Office in the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.

The lawmakers had last week given Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers for consideration.

Chelsea lining up Bellingham offer – Monday’s gossip

BBC Sport/PA Media

Chelsea lining up Jobe Bellingham offer, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to rival Manchester City for Florian Wirtz, and Chelsea and Barcelona have concrete Rafael Leao interest.

Chelsea are lining up an offer for Sunderland’s 19-year-old English midfielder Jobe Bellingham. (Sun, via Metro)

Manchester City are speaking to the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as they eye a potential summer deal for the Germany winger, 21. (Football Insider)

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also interested in signing Wirtz, who is likely to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish)

Chelsea and Barcelona have shown a concrete interest in signing Portugal winger Rafael Leao, 25, from AC Milan. (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Manchester City are considering making a summer bid for Crystal Palace’s England midfielder Adam Wharton, 21. (TBR Football)

England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite could become Everton’s highest-paid player as the 22-year-old will demand a contract worth about £150, 000-a-week to remain at the club. (Football Insider)

Everton will need to pay £40m to sign Ecuador centre-back Joel Ordonez, 20, from Club Brugge in the summer. (Football Insider)

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Inter Milan’s France forward Marcus Thuram, 27. (TBR Football)

Bayern Munich have gathered information about Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen although the 19-year-old Spanish centre-back is not yet a specific target for this summer. (Florian Plettenberg)

class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″>Deportivo La Coruna fear having to sell Spanish winger Yeremay Hernandez if they miss out on promotion to La Liga as his release clause in the summer would be about 35 million euros (£29.4m) and clubs such as class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″>Chelsea, class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″>Napoli and class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″>Como were close to signing the 22-year-old in January. (AS in Spanish)

Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich, 30, is ready to sign a new deal with Bayern Munich until 2029. (Fabrizio Romano)

Juventus want to agree another loan deal for Randal Kolo Muani in the summer and include an option to buy the France forward, 26, from Paris St-Germain. (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Barcelona have begun talks over extending the contract of 34-year-old Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. (Nicolo Schira)

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