Manchester Metropolis sauntered into the fourth spherical of the FA Cup as James McAtee scored a hat-trick in an 8-0 drubbing of League Two facet Salford Metropolis on the Etihad Stadium.

Jeremy Doku weighed in with two objectives whereas Jack Grealish ended his lengthy scoring drought and children Divin Mubama and Nico O’Reilly additionally struck in a one-sided encounter on the Etihad Stadium.

It was a brutal exhibition by a much-changed Metropolis, whose followers revelled within the beating dished out to their ‘Class of 92’-owned guests.

Night time to overlook for Neville at rivals’ house

Gary Neville, one in every of that group of well-known former Manchester United gamers, was taunted mercilessly because the objectives flew in.

The England full-back turned pundit and businessman was not truly current to witness the rout, however colleagues Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes had been available to see it unfold in agonising element from the stands.

Ryan Giggs, the sporting director who additionally has a backroom function, was additionally at shut hand within the technical space as the most important sport in Salford’s historical past shortly turned bitter.

Metropolis made 9 modifications from the facet that overran West Ham final weekend and took the chance handy a debut to 20-year-old Mubama and additional expertise to 19-year-olds O’Reilly and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

Simpson-Pusey was one in every of solely two specialist defenders within the facet together with the skilled Nathan Ake however, with a bench stacked with high quality, Pep Guardiola had loads of insurance coverage ought to issues have gone incorrect.

But Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden wanted solely to look on as Metropolis shortly established management.

The hosts took the lead after solely eight minutes as Matheus Nunes seized possession and fed Grealish, who performed the ball extensive for Doku to comb previous Matty Younger from a decent angle.

The second got here after 20 minutes as Savinho performed in Nunes and he pulled again for Mubama to slip in for a easy end.

Salford had possibilities to answer as Metropolis eased off the stress, with Kylian Kouassi taking pictures at Ederson after a superb run and later fluffing a shot from a superb cross by Hakeeb Adelakun.

Kevin Berkoe additionally snatched at an effort however Metropolis merely moved up by means of the gears in response.

Doku weaved his option to the byline and O’Reilly firmly drove house his first senior purpose earlier than the break.

Grealish, and not using a purpose in membership soccer since December 2023, acquired again on the scoresheet 4 minutes after the break.

The England worldwide might need scored from open play after Mubama raced onto a poor backpass to set him up, however he made no mistake from the spot after being felled by Ossama Ashley.

Metropolis’s fifth got here from a fluid transfer quickly after as Nunes launched Doku and his first-time cross was deftly guided in by McAtee.

Issues shortly began to spiral uncontrolled for Salford, who conceded a second penalty when Doku’s shot struck the arm of captain Curtis Tilt.

Doku this time despatched Younger the incorrect approach, and the keeper was overwhelmed once more when substitute Foden’s pushed ball was well-controlled and tucked away by McAtee.

McAtee accomplished his treble 9 minutes from time when he turned in a Grealish cross.

Participant of the match – James McAtee

Man Metropolis hat-trick hero James McAtee instructed the BBC: “I used to be fairly pissed off within the first half, wasn’t seeing a lot of the ball. When the primary one went in, my confidence was up and I saved scoring.

“I have been right here since I used to be 10 and it is a particular second for me. One thing I am going to bear in mind eternally. I do not assume I wanted to show myself however to get on the market and present folks what I can do, it is a good second for me.”

Guardiola: Grealish output will depend on him

Man Ciy boss Pep Guardiola instructed the BBC: “Jack [Grealish] made a superb help as effectively, not simply the purpose. He scored a purpose, made an help. Jack’s a particular participant, not at all times one to attain quite a lot of objectives however it will depend on him.

“If he can carry out effectively, he’ll take the chance to maintain going and going. All of the gamers rely upon the efficiency in coaching classes and once they have minutes to play. It is easy, not only for Jack, for all of them.

“I have been supervisor right here for greater than 500 video games and we have made an unimaginable 487 or 488 video games. Then we had 11, 12 or 13 unhealthy video games.

“The issue that we have had is that we have had an unimaginable quantity of accidents so we couldn’t prepare and we couldn’t compete. It is so troublesome however step-by-step, persons are coming again.

“This season or perhaps subsequent season, new gamers are available and you must battle in your place. When somebody pushes you, you will have competitors and also you give your finest.”

Robinson: A glimmer of what we need to be

Salford boss Karl Robinson instructed the BBC: “You at all times know you are on the mercy of the standard of the competitors.

“Man Metropolis and Pep have by no means disrespected anyone and so they confirmed us why they’re what they’re and why he’s who he’s. It is about dusting ourselves off, we have come on a lot in 12 months and to be the place we’re within the league.

“We now have one purpose and that’s to get out of this league. This can be a glimmer of what we need to be and we all know we have a lot to enhance and we all know the place we need to be.”

What’s developing?

Manchester United will look to construct on final weekend’s encouraging 2-2 draw at Liverpool after they journey to Arsenal within the FA Cup third spherical on Sunday afternoon (3pm).

The Reds famously received final season’s competitors with a shock 2-1 victory over Manchester Metropolis at Wembley. Victory final yr performed a key position in Erik ten Hag retaining his place at Outdated Trafford, however now the Dutchman is gone, and Ruben Amorim can be tasked with delivering extra silverware at M16.

If United’s FA Cup defence goes to increase past the third spherical, then they might want to discover a well beyond Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who sit second within the Premier League. The Gunners had been crushed final day trip, although, after they misplaced 2-0 at residence to Newcastle within the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford to Napoli switch fact as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Man Utd swap deal replace given

READ MORE: Nemanja Matic Manchester United reunion probability emerges as January switch bid ready

And United can be hoping to inflict one other loss on Arteta’s males. Beneath are all the important thing particulars on the right way to observe Sunday’s conflict in north London on TV;

When does Arsenal vs Manchester United kick-off?

The match between Arsenal and Manchester United will happen on Sunday, January 12. Kick-off on the Emirates Stadium is at 3pm UK time.

Is Arsenal vs Manchester United being proven stay on TV?

Sure, the match can be broadcast stay on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer within the UK. Protection will start at 2.35pm UK time – providing us 25 minutes build-up earlier than kick-off.

Followers in abroad nations may even be capable of observe the motion in sure territories relying on whether or not a broadcaster has a cope with the FA or not. ESPN+ will broadcast the motion in the US – whereas SuperSport will present the match in Africa. A full listing of worldwide broadcasters may be discovered right here.

How else can I observe Arsenal vs Manchester United?

Our devoted United reporters will carry you all of the build-up to the sport in addition to post-match response and evaluation by way of our stay weblog. You can too Observe our X (was Twitter) and Fb pages for updates all through.

The place can I watch Manchester United highlights?

Highlights can be accessible on the BBC Sport web site right here. The official FA Cup YouTube channel may even present highlights right here.

Actor Mel Gibson denounced California Governor Gavin Newsom over the continuing Los Angeles space wildfires whereas showing on a Thursday episode of The Joe Rogan Expertise podcast.

Why It Issues

Newsom, a Democrat, has been dealing with heavy criticism from Republicans together with President-elect Donald Trump since a number of main fires erupted and rapidly unfold uncontrolled in Southern California earlier this week.

Gibson, 69, finest identified for his roles in motion pictures such because the Deadly Weapon cop motion collection and Oscar wins for finest director and film for 1995’s Braveheart, additionally has a historical past of controversy, having been repeatedly accused of sexism, racism, antisemitism, homophobia and home violence. His standing as a Hollywood A-lister took a nosedive within the 2000s after he was recorded on video saying that “the Jews are answerable for all of the wars on this planet” throughout a 2006 drunken driving arrest in Malibu, California.

The actor can be an outspoken Republican who endorsed Trump’s presidential run final yr, and advised that Newsom was by some means guilty for the fires through the interview with Rogan, who additionally endorsed Trump.

What To Know

Gibson, who lives in Malibu, mentioned the “inferno” engulfing his neighborhood and different areas in and round Los Angeles earlier than the dialogue with Rogan rapidly turned to politics.

“The wildfire scenario … How loopy it’s that they spent $24 billion final yr on the homeless, and what did they spend on stopping these wildfires? Zip,” Rogan stated.

Gibson then interjected by immediately accusing Newsom of failing to “handle the forest,” whereas jokingly suggesting that the governor was spending all of California’s “tax {dollars}” on his “hair gel.”

“In 2019, I feel Newsom stated, ‘You already know, I’ll handle the forest and preserve the forest, all of that sort of stuff,'” stated Gibson. “He did not do something … After which I feel all our tax {dollars} in all probability went for Gavin’s hair gel … It is unhappy. It is like, the place is simply on fireplace.”

Rogan went on to say that Newsom had “ruined the state personally” and that it was “simply insane” for the governor to continuously name California “the perfect state.”

Gibson agreed, arguing that Newsom was answerable for San Francisco supposedly changing into “apocalyptic” and “a multitude” as a result of homeless individuals stay there earlier than suggesting that civilization itself would possibly quickly “collapse and collapse.”

“The Governor is concentrated on defending individuals, not taking part in politics, and ensuring firefighters have all of the sources they want,” stated Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s director of communications, in a press release emailed to Newsweek in response to Gibson’s remarks.

The podcast was taped in Texas and launched on-line Thursday. Gibson confirmed throughout a NewsNation interview afterward Thursday that his dwelling had been destroyed by fireplace, saying that the home was “utterly toasted” and “in cinders” when he returned from taping Rogan’s podcast.

Gibson’s publicist declined Newsweek’s request for remark.

What Folks Are Saying

Trump, in a publish to Fact Social on Wednesday: “Among the best and most lovely elements of the US of America is burning right down to the bottom. It is ashes, and Gavin Newscum ought to resign. That is all his fault!!!”

Newsom, responding to Trump’s rhetoric in a publish to X, previously Twitter: “Persons are actually fleeing. Youngsters have misplaced their colleges. Communities have misplaced their church buildings. Households have misplaced their houses. Some have even misplaced their lives. And the President-Elect’s response is to politicize it. We’ll proceed to deal with what issues: saving lives and placing out these unprecedented fires.”

What Occurs Subsequent

Southern California firefighters had been persevering with to battle the blazes on Thursday night, whereas native and federal emergency staff and companies had been helping with evacuations and the aftermath of the destruction.

Newsom stated on Thursday afternoon that he had “simply activated lots of of extra California Nationwide Guard members to assist battle blazes and preserve our Southern California communities secure.”

Ten-man Manchester United knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup on penalties after holding their nerve to achieve the fourth spherical. United had been all the way down to 10 for over an hour however wasted possibilities value Arsenal, as Kai Havertz missed within the shoot-out.

After a subdued first half, Bruno Fernandes sparked the tie into life with a superb first-time end on the counter-attack, however United’s benefit was brief lived as Diogo Dalot was despatched off for a second yellow card.

Dalot’s error was punished by an instantaneous Arsenal equaliser when Gabriel slammed in, however the Gunners then missed the prospect to take the lead as Martin Odegaard noticed a penalty saved by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

There was a contact of justice concerning the save, as Kai Havertz appeared to take advantage of minimal contact within the field, and there was a chaotic melee between the gamers which resulted in a number of yellow playing cards.

From there, Arsenal missed a number of possibilities to win in regular time, with Bayindir making key saves and Havertz spurning an excellent alternative from shut vary Matthijs de Ligt then made a spectacular clearance within the first half of additional time.

Joshua Zirkzee might have nicked it when his deflected shot was pushed onto the submit by David Raya, however within the penalty shoot-out Bayindir saved one other spot-kick, this time from Havertz, because the holders superior to achieve the fourth spherical draw.

It was Zirkzee who transformed the fifth excellent penalty for Ruben Amorim’s aspect, with Fernandes, Amad Diallo, leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez all changing earlier than him. Comply with all the newest from the Emirates Stadium in our reside weblog beneath:

Man Utd now ‘actually safe’ underneath Ruben Amorim after FA Cup victory

“I believe for his or her confidence, their dedication to him, the very fact they’re not rotating as a lot,” Micah Richards says on BBC Sport.

“When Amorim got here in, they had been altering positions to see who he can belief.

“They’ve received masses to enhance on, as a construction, in a 5, they appear actually safe.”

Jack Rathborn12 January 2025 18:12

Man Utd handed dwelling tie in fourth spherical of FA Cup in opposition to Leicester

The reward for Ruben Amorim’s aspect is a fourth spherical tie in opposition to Leicester Metropolis at Outdated Trafford.

Now a stable alternative to advance within the cup, which proved a contented looking floor for Erik ten Hag regardless of the problems within the league to construct momentum total.

United followers, that tie can be performed between 7-10 February.

Jack Rathborn12 January 2025 18:06

FA Cup fourth spherical draw

Proper, with that over, it’s time for the fourth spherical draw…

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:59

Bruno Fernandes and Altay Bayindir converse to the BBC

“We suffered quite a bit, however we sacrificed quite a bit for the workforce,” the Manchester United captain says. “Altay got here right here to play, and at any time when he will get his likelihood, he’s high class for us. He totally deserves this second.

“Our focus is already on Southampton. Now we have to again it up. We need to be concerned in these sorts of video games, however we’ve got to do it once more for these followers at Outdated Trafford.”

And Bayindir provides: “I simply assist my workforce by working day-after-day. I need to make everybody glad for this nice membership. I’m working day-after-day. In case you are not taking part in, it doesn’t matter, it’s a must to be prepared each second if you’re a Manchester United participant.

“We all know Ruben is at all times attempting to do his greatest. He has an excellent relationship with the gamers. We’re combating collectively.”

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:58

FULL TIME: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United aet (3-5 on penalties)

5 excellent penalties from Manchester United and their ten males are via! The holders survive, one way or the other – with particular mentions very a lot merited for Altay Bayindir, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, amongst others.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:56

FULL TIME: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United aet (3-5 on penalties)

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:55

SCORED! MANCHESTER UNITED BEAT ARSENAL ON PENALTIES!

What a second for Joshua Zirzkee! The Dutchman converts from the spot to ship Manchester United into the fourth spherical!

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:54

PENALTIES: Arsenal 3-4 Manchester United*

And he does! Down the center however out of attain of a flailing Altay Bayindir leg.

Joshua Zirkzee has the prospect to win it…….

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:53

PENALTIES: Arsenal* 2-4 Manchester United

4 from 4 for the guests. Calm and clear from Martinez to ship David Raya the fallacious method.

Thomas Partey HAS to attain.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:52

PENALTIES: Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United*

Declan Rice…yep, confidently executed. Loads of expertise from his days at West Ham for the midfielder.

One other centre again for Manchester United – it’s Lisandro Martinez striding up.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 17:52

Unlock the Editor’s Digest at no cost

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favorite tales on this weekly publication.

Tulip Siddiq’s place because the UK’s Metropolis minister appeared more and more fragile on Sunday, with the chief of the opposition calling for her to be fired after she grew to become embroiled in a property scandal tied to the ousted authorities of Bangladesh.

Kemi Badenoch, Conservative chief, mentioned Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ought to hearth Siddiq, whose function covers anti-corruption coverage, following allegations that she had benefited from properties linked to the Awami League, the get together led by her aunt Sheikh Hasina, the previous prime minister of Bangladesh.

“It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq,” Badenoch mentioned in a put up on X. “His weak management on Siddiq suggests he’s not as bothered by integrity as he claims.”

Siddiq was pressured to tug out of an official Treasury delegation to China on the weekend to take care of the allegations, and one Labour official admitted “it doesn’t look good”.

Final week Siddiq referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the federal government’s unbiased adviser on ministerial requirements, after a Monetary Instances investigation discovered she was given a two-bedroom flat in London’s King’s Cross within the early 2000s by an individual with hyperlinks to the Awami League.

On Sunday, a cupboard minister instructed Siddiq can be sacked if the investigation discovered any wrongdoing. “The inquiry must undergo,” science minister Peter Kyle advised Sky’s Trevor Phillips.

“I feel that that’s the suitable means ahead. I’m giving it all of the house it must do. I’ll be listening for the end result, because the prime minister can be.

“It will likely be a practical course of, and the outcomes of it is going to be caught to by the prime minister and this authorities, a whole distinction to what we’ve had up to now.”

Siddiq has insisted she has carried out nothing flawed and Quantity 10 insiders mentioned that to this point that they had seen no proof of any breach of the ministerial code.

The Metropolis minister has additionally lived in a number of different properties which are tied to the previous Awami League regime, which was toppled final summer season following a student-led protest that was initially met with violent suppression by safety forces that led to the deaths of lots of of civilians.

Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist and the interim chief of Bangladesh, mentioned in an interview with the Sunday Instances newspaper that properties utilized by Siddiq must be returned if the minister was discovered to have benefited from “plain theft”.

“She turns into the minister for anti-corruption and defends herself [over the London properties],” he mentioned. “Perhaps you didn’t realise it, however now you realise it. You say: ‘Sorry, I didn’t understand it [at] that point, I search forgiveness from the those who I did this and I resign.’ She’s not saying that. She’s defending herself.”

Siddiq was named in a probe final month by the Anti-Corruption Fee in Bangladesh after a political rival of Sheikh Hasina accused her household, together with Siddiq, of taking a reduce from a Russia-backed nuclear energy undertaking, claims they’ve denied.

After taking energy in August, Bangladesh’s interim authorities named Ahsan Mansur, a former IMF official, to go the nation’s central financial institution and start clawing again billions of {dollars} the nation’s new leaders declare have been taken out of the banking system and funnelled abroad.

In an interview in October, Mansur advised the FT that an estimated Tk2tn ($16.7bn) had been taken in another country after the pressured takeovers of main banks by folks linked to the Awami League, utilizing strategies comparable to bogus loans and inflated import invoices.

Bangladesh’s Monetary Intelligence Unit final week ordered banks within the nation to supply transaction particulars for all accounts linked to Siddiq and her household, in line with folks conversant in the matter.

An ally of Siddiq mentioned that she held solely a UK checking account and didn’t possess any accounts abroad.

Downing Avenue pointed to Starmer’s remarks earlier this week when he mentioned that he had confidence in Siddiq and that she had “acted solely correctly by referring herself to the unbiased adviser”.

Evacuations had been downgraded and lifted Thursday afternoon for a brush hearth within the West Hills that forged thick smoke over the world.

A right away evacuation was issued for the fireplace burning close to Valley Circle Boulevard and the 101 Freeway. Initially reported at 20 acres, it rapidly expanded to 50 acres, and inside 90 minutes it exploded to 791 acres, pushed by persevering with Santa Ana winds.

There have been no speedy stories of accidents or structural injury.

A compulsory evacuation order was issued for the individuals between Vanowen and Burbank Boulevard, from County Lane Highway east to Valley Circle Boulevard, however shortly earlier than 5:30 p.m., that obligatory order was decreased to an evacuation warning, in line with the Los Angeles Hearth Division.

Evacuation warnings that had been issued for the world bordered by Ingomar and Saticoy Streets south to Burbank Boulevard, from Valley Circle Boulevard east to Woodlake Avenue, had been lifted.

By early night, the fireplace had burned its manner solely into Ventura County.

Water-dropping helicopters had been making runs on the fireplace, certainly one of six burning Thursday in Los Angeles County.

Kemi Badenoch has known as on Keir Starmer’s anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq to resign amid ongoing questions over presents she acquired from her aunt’s regime in Bangladesh.

Stress is mounting on the minister who can be accountable for the Metropolis and finance because it emerged that she needed to abandon the journey to China with chancellor Rachel Reeves and is unable to do her job.

Tory chief Kemi Badenoch stated: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.

“He appointed his private buddy as anti-corruption minister and he or she is accused herself of corruption. Now the federal government of Bangladesh is elevating severe considerations about her hyperlinks to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”

The Tory chief stated Ms Siddiq, who’s Sir Keir’s constituency neighbour in North London, had change into “a distraction”, including: “The prime minister tried to make an enormous deal of his dedication to requirements and integrity. His weak management on Siddiq suggests he isn’t as bothered by integrity as he claims.”

Nevertheless, science secretary Peter Kyle has defended Ms Siddiq arguing she has completed the fitting factor by referring herself to the ministerial watchdog.

He advised Trevor Phillips on Sky Information: “I believe she’s completed precisely the fitting factor, she’s referred herself. That enquiry must undergo. I believe that that’s the suitable means ahead. I’m giving it all of the house it must do. I’ll be listening for the result because the prime minister will.”

He identified that when former Tory residence secretary Dame Priti Patel was investigated for bullying in her division she remained in her function and didn’t stop even when she was discovered responsible.

The row got here because the chief of Bangladesh has known as on UK anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq to apologise over allegations that she has lived in London properties linked to the regime of his predecessor.

Sir Keir Starmer confronted contemporary calls from the Tories on Saturday to sack Ms Siddiq as a minister, as Bangladesh’s chief Muhammad Yunus known as for an investigation into the properties to find out whether or not they had been acquired by “plain theft”.

Ms Siddiq – whose aunt Sheikh Hasina led an more and more autocratic regime in Bangladesh for 15 years till its shock fall in August – reported herself to the UK authorities’s ethics watchdog final week after it emerged that she was being investigated by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Fee (ACC).

In her letter to requirements adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, Ms Siddiq stated she was “clear that I’ve completed nothing improper” and alleged that a lot of the current reporting had been inaccurate. Sir Keir later stated Ms Siddiq had “acted completely correctly” in referring herself to Sir Laurie and that he had “confidence in her”.

Her self-referral got here after The Sunday Occasions and Monetary Occasions reported she had lived in properties linked to her aunt’s regime – one in Hampstead allegedly given to her teenage sister, and one other in King’s Cross allegedly given to her by an affiliate of members of Bangladesh’s Awami League celebration.

In an interview with The Sunday Occasions, Mr Yunus – an 84-year-old Nobel Prize-winner who has vowed to face down as soon as elections are known as by mid-2026 – warned that Ms Siddiq’s property ought to “completely” be investigated by the ACC.

Calling on her to apologise, whereas acknowledging that it was not for him to say whether or not she ought to resign, Mr Yunus stated: “She turns into the minister for anti-corruption and defends herself. Possibly you didn’t realise it, however now you realise it.

“You say: ‘Sorry, I didn’t comprehend it [at] that point, I search forgiveness from the people who I did this and I resign.’ She’s not saying that. She’s defending herself.”

open picture in gallery

Referring to a current Bangladeshi report alleging that the elite had funnelled billions of kilos a 12 months overseas, with some funds used to purchase property together with property, Mr Yunus stated: “They identified how cash is stolen, nevertheless it’s not stealing – whenever you steal, you disguise it. It’s a theft.”

Requested whether or not that would apply to properties utilized by members of Sheikh Hasina’s household in London, he stated: “Completely, it’s about plain theft. Nothing else. If a UK parliament member is concerned, undoubtedly it’s an enormous difficulty.”

Requested particularly what ought to occur to the properties used or owned by the Siddiq household, Mr Yunus stated: “Our entire thought and motion and what our pledges, commitments, that we made [is that] we’ll convey them to justice.”

Ms Siddiq’s aunt was deposed in August final 12 months following an rebellion in opposition to her management and fled to India. The previous prime minister is dealing with an investigation by an anti-corruption fee in Bangladesh, with Ms Siddiq reportedly named as a part of the case.

Sheikh Hasina was alleged to have been concerned in brokering a 2013 take care of Russia for a nuclear energy plant in Bangladesh wherein massive sums of money are stated to have been embezzled.

open picture in gallery

Ms Siddiq, who’s reportedly but to be contacted by the ACC, stated in her letter to Sir Laurie: “In current weeks I’ve been the topic of media reporting, a lot of it inaccurate, about my monetary affairs and my household’s hyperlinks to the previous authorities of Bangladesh.

“I’m clear that I’ve completed nothing improper. Nevertheless, for the avoidance of doubt, I would love you to independently set up the details about these issues. I’ll clearly guarantee you will have all the data you might want to do that.”

Ms Siddiq pulled out of accompanying the chancellor on her journey to China this weekend to be obtainable to assist Sir Laurie together with his investigation.

The primary spherical of the Australian Open males’s and girls’s singles tournaments is underway in Melbourne after storms delayed play on the skin courts.

Aryna Sabalenka took to the opening evening session on Rod Laver Enviornment and defeated Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-3 to start her title defence with a powerful efficiency.

Earlier, there have been wins for final 12 months’s runner-up Qinwen Zheng, Mirra Andreeva and Donna Vekic, whereas Casper Ruud and Arthur Fils additionally progressed.

Kei Nishikori received a five-set thriller to achieve the second spherical on the age of 35, with World No 2 Alexander Zverev beating Lucas Pouille in straight-sets within the evening session.

Observe all the newest motion from Melbourne Park beneath:

Why Andy Murray walked away from retirement to face Novak Djokovic’s tantrums

Loads of eyes can be on the fortunes of one other Brit in Melbourne over the subsequent fortnight, with Andy Murray embarking on his teaching profession with a relatively demanding pupil. Jamie Braidwood explains how the partnership took place, and why it would simply be what Novak Djokovic wants.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 15:00

The large query standing between Jack Draper and a pivotal subsequent step in 2025

British No 1 Jack Draper opens his Australian Open tomorrow with a first-round match in opposition to Mariano Navone of Argentina. May this be the 12 months that the teenager takes the subsequent step to turn into a daily grand slam contender? Kieran Jackson explores:

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 14:30

Sonay Kartal ‘dissatisfied’ after Australian Open debut ends in defeat

Sonay Kartal was dissatisfied along with her efficiency on her Australian Open debut as she fell within the opening spherical to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

The British No 3 received solely one of many first 10 video games – following an extended rain delay – however mounted a comeback and was near forcing a deciding set earlier than shedding out 6-1 7-6 (5).

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 14:00

Aryna Sabalenka begins Australian Open defence in fashion with Sloane Stephens win: ‘It appears like house’

Lower than an hour of play was attainable on the skin courts earlier than an enormous thunderstorm hit Melbourne Park, sending spectators operating for canopy and inflicting a delay of greater than six hours.

The matches continued as scheduled on the three lined courts, and Sabalenka opened the evening session on Rod Laver Enviornment with a 6-3 6-2 victory over former US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 January 2025 13:30

Australian Open outcomes: Ladies’s singles

• Mirra Andreeva (14), Russia, def. Marie Bouzkova, Czechia, 6-3, 6-3
• Zheng Qinwen (5), China, def. Anca Alexia Todoni, Romania, 7-6 (3), 6-1
• Donna Vekic (18), Croatia, def. Diane Parry, France, 6-4, 6-4.
• Tatjana Maria, Germany, def. Bernarda Pera, United States, 7-6 (3), 6-4.
• Paula Badosa (11), Spain, def. Wang Xinyu, China, 6-3, 7-6 (5).
• Suzan Lamens, Netherlands, def. Veronika Erjavec, Slovenia, 7-5, 7-6 (2).
• Leylah Annie Fernandez (30), Canada, def. Yuliia Starodubtseva, Ukraine, 7-5, 6-4.
• Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Spain, def. Sonay Kartal, Britain, 6-1, 7-6 (5).
• Aryna Sabalenka (1), Belarus, def. Sloane Stephens, United States, 6-3, 6-2.
• Clara Tauson, Denmark, def. Linda Noskova (29), Czechia, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
• Cristina Bucsa, Spain, def. Chloe Paquet, France, 6-2, 6-3.

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 13:15

Australian Open outcomes: Males’s singles

• Arthur Fils (20), France, def. Otto Virtanen, Finland, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-4.
• Kei Nishikori, Japan, def. Thiago Monteiro, Brazil, 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3
• Casper Ruud (6), Norway, def. Jaume Munar, Spain, 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1.
• Hugo Gaston, France, def. Omar Jasika, Australia, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
• Hady Habib, Lebanon, def. Yunchaokete Bu, China, 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6).
• Pedro Martinez, Spain, def. Luciano Darderi, Italy, 6-3, 4-1, ret.
• Jiri Lehecka (24), Czechia, def. Li Tu, Australia, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1).
• Tomas Machac (26), Czechia, def. Sumit Nagal, India, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5.
• Ugo Humbert (14), France, def. Matteo Gigante, Italy, 7-6 (5), 7-5, 6-4.
• Alexander Zverev (2), Germany, def. Lucas Pouille, France, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 12:45

Australian Open outcomes: Zverev beats Pouille

An excellent begin for World No 2 Alexander Zverev in Melbourne as he thunders an ace out broad to beat Lucas Pouille 6-4 6-4 6-4 on the opening evening.

Such a powerful efficiency behind serve from the German, who can be an actual menace this month if he retains that up. The Frenchman had a take a look at simply two break-points, with Zverev saving each.

The World No 2 fired 18 aces to simply two double faults. He had 18 break level probabilities and wanted only one per set to win in straight-sets. Job performed.

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 12:14

Australian Open newest scores: Zverev vs Pouille

The very last thing Lucas Pouille might afford to do after shedding the primary set in opposition to Alexander Zverev was dropping his serve within the opening recreation.

However he did and from there Zverev serves it out to take a giant step nearer to the second spherical. It’s 6-4 6-4 to the World No 2 and second seed.

Elsewhere, Lebanese qualifier Hady Habib broke new floor for the strife-torn nation on Sunday as he beat China’s Bu Yunchaokete 7-6(4) 6-4 7-6(6) to achieve the second spherical of the Australian Open.

The world quantity 219 turned his nation’s first participant to win a males’s singles primary draw match at a Grand Slam within the skilled period and soaked up wild cheers from a rowdy crowd packing the small terraces on Melbourne Park’s Courtroom 13.

With followers chanting his identify, the Texas-born 26-year-old raised his racket on the crowd and held up a Lebanese flag after claiming the decisive tiebreak.

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 11:47

Australian Open newest scores: Zverev vs Pouille

Alexander Zverev, so sturdy behind his serve when it’s firing, takes the opening set 6-4 againt France’s Lucas Pouille on Rod Laver Enviornment.

The Wold No 2 needed to combat for that. Pouille put up some resistance late within the first set and saved 4 set factors, however the huge German discovered his serve to recover from the road.

A defeated semi-finalist right here final 12 months, Zverev expects to be in competition once more this month. He’s racing in opposition to the clock tonight, as he takes the primary set at 9:30pm Melbourne time.

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 10:38

Aryna Sabalenka on ‘robust’ opening match in opposition to Sloane Stephens

Aryna Sabalenka after beating Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-2:

“It was a tricky match. They’re at all times robust matches in opposition to her. I don’t really feel like I performed my finest in all probability however I’m glad that I managed to shut this match in straight units.

“I’m tremendous completely satisfied to be again. I like this place and now we have a full stadium, I imply I couldn’t dream for extra. Thanks a lot for coming and supporting us. I actually get pleasure from enjoying in entrance of you each time.”

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 10:00

This story has been up to date in a brand new location: Ahead progress of Kenneth hearth close to West Hills stopped at 1,000 acres

A brand new wildfire erupted close to West Hills and quickly moved into Ventura County on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, however evacuation orders and warnings in each counties later had been lifted.

By Friday morning, Jan. 10, containment had risen to 35%; that’s the share of the blaze’s perimeter that officers forecast is not going to broaden.

On Thursday evening, the Kenneth hearth was being investigated as a attainable arson, and an individual of curiosity was detained, officers stated.

The hearth grew shortly to engulf 960 acres close to Victory Boulevard west of Gilmore Road and was headed south in the direction of Hidden Hills, hearth officers stated early Thursday night.

An replace on KCAL round 6:15 p.m. confirmed that firefighters had been making progress on the blaze in an space between the Hidden Hills and Mountain View communities, although the winds had been anticipated to select up in a single day.

“This new hearth exhibits we completely should not out of this excessive climate occasion,” LA Hearth Chief Kristin Crowley stated, referring to this week’s historic windstorm at a night information convention.

The Los Angeles County Hearth Division later downgraded obligatory evacuation orders for the Kenneth hearth to evacuation warnings. As of 5:30 p.m., the hearth was totally throughout the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Hearth Division.

• Additionally see: This map exhibits the place the Kenneth hearth is burning close to West Hills

All evacuation warnings in Ventura County had been lifted as of seven p.m.

The LAFD beforehand referred to as the blaze the Kennith hearth.

Pink flag warnings of essential hearth hazard can be in place for a lot of the L.A. space by means of 6 p.m. Friday. Probably the most severe gusts of this week’s windstorm had been recorded Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. However forecasters stated the winds will once more acquire energy.

“Whereas winds had diminished some final evening, they’re rising and changing into extra widespread immediately (Thursday) and can proceed into Friday morning,” in keeping with the Nationwide Climate Service.

“The strongest winds immediately into Friday morning can be throughout the mountains (together with the Santa Susanas and Santa Monicas) and Santa Clarita Valley, the place damaging wind gusts as much as 65 mph might be anticipated, besides remoted gusts to 75 mph within the San Gabriels, western Santa Monicas, and Santa Susana mountains,” the NWS stated.

Metropolis Information Service contributed to this report.

Initially Printed: January 9, 2025 at 3:40 PM PST

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka prolonged her Australian Open profitable streak to fifteen matches on a rain-soaked opening day at Melbourne Park.

Lower than an hour of play was attainable on the surface courts earlier than an enormous thunderstorm hit Melbourne Park, sending spectators operating for canopy and inflicting a delay of greater than six hours.

The matches continued as scheduled on the three lined courts, and Sabalenka opened the night time session on Rod Laver Enviornment with a 6-3 6-2 victory over former US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

Whereas it was a troublesome draw on paper, Stephens has slipped to 81 within the rankings and, barring a mini revival from the American when she received three video games in a row after shedding the primary 4, this was clean crusing for Sabalenka, who received her first main championship at Melbourne Park in 2023, then added one other final January, earlier than elevating her complete to 3 Slam trophies on the US Open in September.

The final girl to win the Australian Open three years in a row was Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999.

“I’m tremendous pleased to be again,” Sabalenka mentioned. “I really like this place.”

She added: “It was a troublesome match, at all times robust matches in opposition to her. Not that I performed my greatest in all probability however I used to be glad I used to be in a position to shut this match in straight units.”

The participant Sabalenka beat within the remaining final 12 months, fifth seed Qinwen Zheng, additionally safely reached spherical two.

The 22-year-old from China, who went on to win Olympic gold in Paris, didn’t have issues all her personal method in opposition to Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni however battled to a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 victory.

Zheng seemed in full management serving for the set at 5-4 and main 40-0 just for Todoni to win 5 factors in a row.

The Romanian then held three set factors with Zheng serving at 5-6 however couldn’t take any of them and issues have been comfy for the fifth seed thereafter.

“The primary match is at all times not straightforward,” mentioned Zheng in her on-court interview. “She’s enjoying actually good however I used to be doing a bit silly errors at 5-4 40-0, I do not know what occurred there.”

Teenager Mirra Andreeva may very well be an element come the latter levels of the event and he or she started strongly with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Marie Bouzkova.

However twenty ninth seed Linda Noskova, who upset Iga Swiatek on her approach to the quarter-finals final 12 months, fell to a 5-7 6-3 6-4 loss in opposition to gifted Dane Clara Tauson.

Brit Kartal falls quick on Australian Open debut

Sonay Kartal’s comeback fell quick as her Melbourne debut resulted in defeat to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

British No 3 Kartal rose quickly up the rankings through the second half of final season, profitable a primary WTA Tour title in Tunisia and breaking into the highest 100.

That earned her a spot in the principle attract Melbourne, and he or she was the one British participant in motion on a rain-soaked opening day, with the competition lastly getting beneath method three and a half hours after its scheduled slot.

Kartal was blown away within the opening set however recovered from 3-0 down within the second set to pressure a tie-break earlier than shedding out 6-1 7-6 (7-5).

Within the second recreation, each gamers thought a Bouzas Maneiro serve had been referred to as out, solely to ultimately realise that the decision had come from a neighbouring court docket.

With line calls now automated and no line judges on the court docket, it may be tough for gamers to find out the place the decision has come from.

“All of them sound the identical,” mentioned Kartal. “I used to be like, ‘God’. I feel on ours the sound of his voice was male, so I used to be simply listening out for the male voice as a substitute of the feminine voice.”

She added: “I will bounce again from this. I’ve acquired loads extra probabilities and good matches which can be arising fairly quickly.”

Kartal was the one British participant in motion on the opening day, with Jack Draper, Jacob Fearnley and Jodie Burrage all resulting from start their campaigns on Monday.

Habib places Lebanon on the map

Lebanese qualifier Hady Habib broke new floor for the strife-torn nation as he beat China’s Bu Yunchaokete 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 7-6 (8-6).

The world No 219 turned his nation’s first participant to win a males’s singles most important draw match at a Grand Slam within the skilled period and soaked up wild cheers from a rowdy crowd packing the small terraces on Melbourne Park’s Courtroom 13.

With followers chanting his title, the Texas-born 26-year-old raised his racket on the crowd and held up a Lebanese flag after claiming the decisive tie-break.

Greater than one million individuals in Lebanon have been displaced following Israel’s invasion of the nation in October after simmering hostilities for a 12 months ignited by the struggle in Gaza. A ceasefire was agreed in late November however the future stays unsure.

“That is in all probability top-of-the-line days of my profession, truthfully. It is such an unbelievable feeling to get this win – not just for myself however for Lebanon and Lebanese tennis,” mentioned Habib. “It is an enormous win, particularly what we have been going by means of as a rustic. It is simply good to get this win for Lebanon and for the individuals.”

“I simply needed to symbolize the nation that I’ve lived in, and been part of the tennis tradition. It is a choice I made at a younger age,” he mentioned. “Simply offers me the motivation to maintain going. To play for a small nation is one thing particular for me.”

He represented Lebanon on the Paris Olympics and have become the nation’s first participant to win an occasion on the second-tier ATP Challenger Tour in Chile final 12 months.

Habib will tackle 14th seed Ugo Humbert within the second spherical on Wednesday.

Ruud survives scare

Within the males’s singles, sixth seed Casper Ruud survived a significant scare to keep away from a primary opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 4 years in the past.

The Norwegian was twice pegged again by Spaniard Jaume Munar however proved too robust within the deciding set to assert a 6-3 1-6 7-5 2-6 6-1 victory.

Ruud introduced his engagement to Maria Galligani in November and his fiancee was watching on.

When the Norwegian was requested if he was extra nervous whereas enjoying Rafael Nadal within the French Open remaining or asking his girlfriend to marry him, he visibly tensed up, stuttering in his on-court interview at Rod Laver Enviornment.

“The heartbeat acquired up there while you’re about to go down in your knees, it was an amazing second. I am nervous now while you ask me about it,” a smiling Ruud mentioned.

“I will always remember enjoying Rafa in a Slam remaining, however for positive I will additionally always remember taking place on my knee to Maria. It was a good looking second, I feel it was a much bigger second.

“There’s a number of different younger guys [in the locker room] which have been in relationships for a very long time, so I am sort of teasing them. I hope for his or her girlfriends that they step up sooner or later!”

Additionally prevailing in a fifth was Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori, who got here from two units all the way down to beat Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro 4-6 6-7 (7-4) 7-5 6-2 6-3 for simply his second Grand Slam victory since 2021.

The 35-year-old former US Open finalist has been dogged by accidents lately however, after saving two match factors within the third, he prolonged his five-set document to an excellent 29 wins from 37 matches, coming by means of in 4 hours and 6 minutes.

Nishikori has fairly the popularity for profitable in matches that go the gap, and he mentioned: “Even after the match, all people, a few gamers, was joking to me, ‘one other 5 units’.

“It is good to have that document as a result of I at all times have good confidence, and gamers know that I’ve a very good document. It is good stress for them if I’ve that.”

Second seed Alexander Zverev barely wanted to get out of third gear because the German cruised previous Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-4 6-4 6-4.

Zverev claimed his twenty sixth win, equalling Tommy Haas (26) for the second-most of any German on the occasion within the Open Period, behind solely Boris Becker (29).

What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?

• ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam (ATP 500) – 3-9 February
• Dallas Open (ATP 500) – 3-9 February
• Delray Seashore Open (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
• IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
• Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – 10-16 February
• Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – 3-9 February
• Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – 3-8 February
• Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – 9-15 February
• Dubai Obligation Free Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) – 16-22 February

Watch the ATP and WTA Excursions, in addition to the US Open in New York, dwell on Sky Sports activities in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this 12 months at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.