Qualifier Arthur Fery delivered a stunning Australian Open win by beating 20th seed Flavio Cobolli on Sunday.
South Africa will aim for their first Test victory in India in more than 15 years.
Nick Kyrgios will only feature in the doubles at the Australian Open, which begins at Melbourne Park on January 18.
'My aim is to stay on the World Tour year by year. I am not thinking about the 2028 Olympics'
FC Goa players pause play during ACL 2 match against FC Istiklol to highlight ISL's uncertainty
India's top seeded Tanvi Sharma produced a near-perfect match against China's Liu Si Ya to storm into the final of the BWF World Junior Champions, in Guwahati, on Saturday.
Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt on Tuesday launched a fresh criticism of playing conditions at the new venue of the IG Stadium, in New Delhi, saying the shift in halls has done little to address the unhealthy and unprofessional surroundings for players and called for apex body BWF's intervention to improve the scenario ahead of the World Championships.
Reigning champion Koneru Humpy displayed her trademark composure and tenacity to remain in joint lead in the women's section.
In other first-round qualifying matches, Indians Dev Javia and Adil Kalyanpur put up spirited performances but were edged out in three-set battles by higher-ranked opponents, Dominik Palan and Eero Vasa, respectively.
'After Commonwealth 2030, we are aiming to host the Olympics in 2036 here.'
Gardner said familiarity with home conditions would work in Australia's favour but acknowledged India's growing threat.
Reigning 48kg world champion Meenakshi Hooda, scheduled to fight in the opening bout in the women's section, was seen curled up on a yoga mat inside the hall late afternoon, conserving energy while waiting for word on when she would fight.
Earlier, former world No.1 Srikanth had to dig deep to outlast fellow Indian Tharun Mannepalli 15-21, 21-6, 21-19.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka began her 2026 campaign with a thumping victory at the Brisbane International on Tuesday while her "Battle of the Sexes" opponent Nick Kyrgios fell short on his return to singles action after nearly a year out.
South African pace legend Allan Donald perceived that Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket a touch sooner, but said the star Indian batter has the hunger to keep himself going till the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Staying mentally strong, injury-free key as Sindhu keeps long-term eye on LA Games
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said the ICC has "conveyed willingness to work closely" with it to address concerns related to the team's participation in the T20 World Cup.
At just 14 years old, Suryavanshi is already one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world, having first made headlines with an electrifying 35-ball century in the Indian Premier League's 2025 season.
Novak Djokovic said he would step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association, citing concerns over transparency and governance within the organisation.
'It would have polarised the Marathi-non Marathi divide further. 'Fadnavis had a very clear strategy: Let all Marathi people campaign for us (the BJP), and whatever results we get will be delivered by Marathi people only.'
New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy is set to make his Twenty20 World Cup debut next month after being picked in the 15-member squad led by Mitchell Santner.
Yet to receive any response from ICC: BCB chief Bulbul
Hospitalised Australian cricketer Damien Martyn progressing well: Report
IMAGES from the WPL match played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz on Monday.
'At 24 years of age, he's already scored a double hundred and averages just under 50. There's something special about this kid.'
The Indian selectors will be announcing the team for the three-match ODI series against the Black Caps, starting January 11 in Vadodara and there have been speculations about whether Pant can hold on to his place in the squad.
Divya Deshmukh not only became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women's World Cup, she also instantly secured the prestigious Grandmaster title.
"What's the point of all that I achieved?" wondered M C Mary Kom as she opened up to PTI about the "darkest phase" of her life, that included a painful divorce, near bankruptcy and a quiet emotional collapse.
FC Goa went down 1-2 to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr in their third Group A fixture of the AFC Champions League Two, in Margao, on Wednesday.
Tennis icon Venus Williams wed Italian model-actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
World champion D Gukesh finally managed to beat the legendary Viswanathan Anand when it mattered the most to help PBG Alaskan Knights finish third.
Noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil, known for his work on the conservation of Western Ghats, has passed away in Pune after a brief illness. He was 83.
'I feel this initiative will help makers like me to tell a lot of stories. I feel very sorry that it's happening so late. If it had happened 10 years ago, I would have told 10 or 12 more stories.'
It confirmed that Joshua had been taken to a hospital for checks and treatment. He was stable and would remain under observation, it added.
In India's title-winning ICC Women's World Cup, Richa scored 235 runs in eight innings at an average of 39.16 and a strike rate of over 133, with a brilliant, innings-saving 94 against South Africa as her best knock.
'I just go with the flow. I try to perform and be consistent as much as possible. Then whatever happens, happens. It's all God's plan.'
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam on Monday said that "we do not feel secure" in sending the national team to India for the T20 World Cup considering the current circumstances.
Hockey star Hardik Singh lone recommendation for Khel Ratna; Divya, TJ & Mehuli for Arjuna
Nigeria police charge Joshua driver with dangerous driving over fatal collision
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