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Christo Popov wins European badminton title but misses out in doubles decider with brother Christo Popov won the men’s final at the European badminton championships before losing the doubles final with his older brother Toma Junior Popov on Sunday.The 24-year-old Christo Popov claimed his first European singles title by beating two-time champion Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-12, 21-19 in their singles decider, but the Bulgaria-born Popov brothers, who represent France, were unable to defend their European crown as they lost 21-15, 21-16 to England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy in the doubles final.Left-hander Christo had defeated right-hander Toma Junior, his senior by three years, in the semifinals Saturday on his way to the individual title.“I’m very happy, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” world No. 5-ranked Popov told L’Équipe television before the doubles final. “I’ve been good all week.”The Popov brothers paired together at the 2024 Paris Olympics and their father Toma Popov played for and coached Bulgaria before relocating to France.Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour won the women’s title by beating Line Kjærsfeldt of Denmark 21-17, 21-15 in their final.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #Christo #Popov #wins #European #badminton #title #misses #doubles #decider #brother

Christo Popov wins European badminton title but misses out in doubles decider with brother

Christo Popov won the men’s final at the European badminton championships before losing the doubles final with his older brother Toma Junior Popov on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Christo Popov claimed his first European singles title by beating two-time champion Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-12, 21-19 in their singles decider, but the Bulgaria-born Popov brothers, who represent France, were unable to defend their European crown as they lost 21-15, 21-16 to England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy in the doubles final.

Left-hander Christo had defeated right-hander Toma Junior, his senior by three years, in the semifinals Saturday on his way to the individual title.

“I’m very happy, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” world No. 5-ranked Popov told L’Équipe television before the doubles final. “I’ve been good all week.”

The Popov brothers paired together at the 2024 Paris Olympics and their father Toma Popov played for and coached Bulgaria before relocating to France.

Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour won the women’s title by beating Line Kjærsfeldt of Denmark 21-17, 21-15 in their final.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Christo #Popov #wins #European #badminton #title #misses #doubles #decider #brother

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Christo Popov won the men’s final at the European badminton championships before losing the doubles final with his older brother Toma Junior Popov on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Christo Popov claimed his first European singles title by beating two-time champion Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-12, 21-19 in their singles decider, but the Bulgaria-born Popov brothers, who represent France, were unable to defend their European crown as they lost 21-15, 21-16 to England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy in the doubles final.

Left-hander Christo had defeated right-hander Toma Junior, his senior by three years, in the semifinals Saturday on his way to the individual title.

“I’m very happy, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” world No. 5-ranked Popov told L’Équipe television before the doubles final. “I’ve been good all week.”

The Popov brothers paired together at the 2024 Paris Olympics and their father Toma Popov played for and coached Bulgaria before relocating to France.

Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour won the women’s title by beating Line Kjærsfeldt of Denmark 21-17, 21-15 in their final.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

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Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President Sheinbaum<div id=""><p class="article__subhead"><em>Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.</em></p></div><div><div class="byline byline--single-avatar"><div class="avatars-container"><a class="avatar" tabindex="-1" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.aljazeera.com/author/hafsa_adil_2014815112749476273"><div class="responsive-image"><img loading="lazy" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG-20250912-WA0000-1757829229.jpg?resize=96%2C96&quality=80 96w" sizes="(max-width: 96px) 96px, 96px" aria-hidden="true"/></div></a></div></div><div class="article-dates"><p><span class="screen-reader-text">Published On 12 Apr 2026</span><span aria-hidden="true">12 Apr 2026</span></p></div></div><div aria-live="polite" aria-atomic="true"><p>FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/">World Cup</a> matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.</p><p>Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.</p><section class="more-on"><h2 class="more-on__heading">Recommended Stories<!-- --> </h2><span class="screen-reader-text">list of 4 items</span><span class="screen-reader-text">end of list</span></section><p>Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.</p><p>“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.</p><p>“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.</p><p>FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/1/us-israel-attacks-on-iran-death-toll-and-injuries-live-tracker">US and Israel launched a war</a> on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.</p><p>Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/4/8/how-pakistan-managed-to-get-the-us-and-iran-to-a-ceasefire">Pakistan-mediated ceasefire</a> brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.</p><p>Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.</p><p>Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).</p><p>Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/3/31/iran-will-play-world-cup-games-in-us-despite-war-fifas-infantino-says">Gianni Infantino</a>, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.</p><p>“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.</p><p>Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.</p><p>“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.</p><p>“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.</p><p>Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/12/trump-says-not-appropriate-for-iran-to-participate-in-the-world-cup-in-us">President Donald Trump wrote</a> in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.</p><p>“When Trump has ⁠explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to ⁠America,” <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/3/19/iran-to-boycott-world-cup-games-in-us-but-will-not-withdraw-from-2026-event">Taj said in response to Trump</a>.</p><p>Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/4/5/irans-world-cup-participation-depends-on-relocation-from-us-minister-says">Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali</a>, who indicated that his <span style="font-size:22px">country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.</span></p></div>#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada

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Deadspin | Signed to start, Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier embracing Love despite demotion Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) runs with the ball during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2026. Tyler Allgeier left Atlanta for a chance to start, leaving behind a timeshare with Falcons All-Pro Bijan Robinson for a vacant No. 1 spot on the Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth chart. But as Allgeier knows from experience, depth charts are temporary. The Cardinals invested the No. 3 pick in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a bit of a recurring theme in Allgeier’s pro career since rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie in 2022. Atlanta drafted Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the following draft. A year later, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth million per season in free agency, and weeks later drafted Michael Penix Jr. to play the same position. Same stuff, different year? Allgeier is trying to keep it all in perspective. “We’re just building that relationship and we’re pretty close right now,” Allgeier said of Love, whose rookie four-year, million contract represents a record-setting deal for running backs. “There’s no point in being a jerk about it. That’s not going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport.” Allgeier understands the investment in Love is an outward indication of how the Cardinals will view the split of work at the position. Veteran James Conner is also in the mix, but returning from a season-ending ankle injury. He said first-year coach Mike LaFleur is helping making the transition easier by leading with transparency and constant communication in the RB room. “I knew what I was getting into, and we’re here now deep into camp,” Allgeier said. “We’re splitting (reps) and it is great competition right now.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Signed #start #Cardinals #Tyler #Allgeier #embracing #Love #demotionCardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) runs with the ball during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2026.

Tyler Allgeier left Atlanta for a chance to start, leaving behind a timeshare with Falcons All-Pro Bijan Robinson for a vacant No. 1 spot on the Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth chart.

But as Allgeier knows from experience, depth charts are temporary.

The Cardinals invested the No. 3 pick in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a bit of a recurring theme in Allgeier’s pro career since rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie in 2022.

Atlanta drafted Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the following draft.

A year later, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth $40 million per season in free agency, and weeks later drafted Michael Penix Jr. to play the same position.


Same stuff, different year? Allgeier is trying to keep it all in perspective.

“We’re just building that relationship and we’re pretty close right now,” Allgeier said of Love, whose rookie four-year, $53 million contract represents a record-setting deal for running backs. “There’s no point in being a jerk about it. That’s not going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport.”

Allgeier understands the investment in Love is an outward indication of how the Cardinals will view the split of work at the position. Veteran James Conner is also in the mix, but returning from a season-ending ankle injury.

He said first-year coach Mike LaFleur is helping making the transition easier by leading with transparency and constant communication in the RB room.

“I knew what I was getting into, and we’re here now deep into camp,” Allgeier said. “We’re splitting (reps) and it is great competition right now.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Signed #start #Cardinals #Tyler #Allgeier #embracing #Love #demotion">Deadspin | Signed to start, Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier embracing Love despite demotion Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) runs with the ball during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2026. Tyler Allgeier left Atlanta for a chance to start, leaving behind a timeshare with Falcons All-Pro Bijan Robinson for a vacant No. 1 spot on the Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth chart. But as Allgeier knows from experience, depth charts are temporary. The Cardinals invested the No. 3 pick in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a bit of a recurring theme in Allgeier’s pro career since rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie in 2022. Atlanta drafted Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the following draft. A year later, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth million per season in free agency, and weeks later drafted Michael Penix Jr. to play the same position. Same stuff, different year? Allgeier is trying to keep it all in perspective. “We’re just building that relationship and we’re pretty close right now,” Allgeier said of Love, whose rookie four-year, million contract represents a record-setting deal for running backs. “There’s no point in being a jerk about it. That’s not going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport.” Allgeier understands the investment in Love is an outward indication of how the Cardinals will view the split of work at the position. Veteran James Conner is also in the mix, but returning from a season-ending ankle injury. He said first-year coach Mike LaFleur is helping making the transition easier by leading with transparency and constant communication in the RB room. “I knew what I was getting into, and we’re here now deep into camp,” Allgeier said. “We’re splitting (reps) and it is great competition right now.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Signed #start #Cardinals #Tyler #Allgeier #embracing #Love #demotion

The Toronto Tempo have traded the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for forward Aneesah Morrow, bolstering their frontcourt just a few days before the midseason trade deadline.

Morrow has averaged 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 42.1% from the field and 28.4% from three. She has recorded 9 double-doubles, tied for the 8th-most in the league. She is fresh off back-to-back 21-point performances against the Washington Mystics and Toronto Tempo.

Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers praised the trade in the official press release.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Aneesah to our organization,” said Rogers. “She’s a relentless competitor who impacts the game in so many ways, particularly with her ability to rebound at a high level. We believe she’s one of the emerging frontcourt talents in this league, and we’re excited to see her play in a Tempo uniform.”

Morrow was drafted 7th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and quickly established herself as one of the league’s top rebounders. In an official press release, Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti thanked Morrow for her time in Connecticut.

“We are incredibly grateful for the time Aneesah spent with the Connecticut Sun and for the professionalism, commitment, and buy-in she showed from the moment we drafted her,” she said. “She embraced our vision, was a tremendous ambassador for our franchise both on and off the court, and built meaningful relationships with our fans, her teammates, and staff. We wish Aneesah nothing but continued success in the next chapter of her career.”

Maria Kliundikova, meanwhile, was drafted 11th overall in 2018, and last played in the WNBA last season, suiting up for the Minnesota Lynx and averaging 4.4 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game.

What Aneesah Morrow brings to the Toronto Tempo

The move is a big-time win for the Tempo, who are 10-18 and have struggled with frontcourt availability. Isabella Harrison has appeared in just 16 games, and Nyara Sabally in 19. Right away, Morrow brings young blood — she’s just 23 years old — to the WNBA’s expansion franchise.

Morrow has been pretty durable; she appeared in 41 games in her rookie season, and in 20 (of 29 games) so far this season in Connecticut.

Morrow will also provide a boost on the glass; as it currently stands, the Tempo average 31.1 rebounds per game, the third-fewest in the league. She averaged 13.8 rebounds per 36 minutes, the second-most in the league, trailing only Atlanta Dream forward Madina Okot. And, in her rookie season, she led the league in defensive rebounding rate last year (31.9%).

So, she’ll immediately impact one of the Tempo’s biggest weaknesses.

#WNBA #midseason #trade #big #win #Toronto #Tempo">First WNBA midseason trade is a big win for Toronto Tempo The Toronto Tempo have traded the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for forward Aneesah Morrow, bolstering their frontcourt just a few days before the midseason trade deadline.Morrow has averaged 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 42.1% from the field and 28.4% from three. She has recorded 9 double-doubles, tied for the 8th-most in the league. She is fresh off back-to-back 21-point performances against the Washington Mystics and Toronto Tempo.Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers praised the trade in the official press release.“We’re thrilled to welcome Aneesah to our organization,” said Rogers. “She’s a relentless competitor who impacts the game in so many ways, particularly with her ability to rebound at a high level. We believe she’s one of the emerging frontcourt talents in this league, and we’re excited to see her play in a Tempo uniform.”Morrow was drafted 7th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and quickly established herself as one of the league’s top rebounders. In an official press release, Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti thanked Morrow for her time in Connecticut.“We are incredibly grateful for the time Aneesah spent with the Connecticut Sun and for the professionalism, commitment, and buy-in she showed from the moment we drafted her,” she said. “She embraced our vision, was a tremendous ambassador for our franchise both on and off the court, and built meaningful relationships with our fans, her teammates, and staff. We wish Aneesah nothing but continued success in the next chapter of her career.”Maria Kliundikova, meanwhile, was drafted 11th overall in 2018, and last played in the WNBA last season, suiting up for the Minnesota Lynx and averaging 4.4 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game.What Aneesah Morrow brings to the Toronto Tempo The move is a big-time win for the Tempo, who are 10-18 and have struggled with frontcourt availability. Isabella Harrison has appeared in just 16 games, and Nyara Sabally in 19. Right away, Morrow brings young blood — she’s just 23 years old — to the WNBA’s expansion franchise.Morrow has been pretty durable; she appeared in 41 games in her rookie season, and in 20 (of 29 games) so far this season in Connecticut.Morrow will also provide a boost on the glass; as it currently stands, the Tempo average 31.1 rebounds per game, the third-fewest in the league. She averaged 13.8 rebounds per 36 minutes, the second-most in the league, trailing only Atlanta Dream forward Madina Okot. And, in her rookie season, she led the league in defensive rebounding rate last year (31.9%).So, she’ll immediately impact one of the Tempo’s biggest weaknesses. #WNBA #midseason #trade #big #win #Toronto #Tempo

CWG 2026, Javelin Throw Final Live Updates: Neeraj Chopra pushed to second after Pathirage’s 89.75m throw in 2nd round Yash Vir Singh (India) — 78.36mBen East (England) — 80.38mCameron McEntyre (Australia) — 78.91mNeeraj Chopra (India) — 79.61mArshad Nadeem (Pakistan) — 78.63mChinecherem Nnamdi (Nigeria) — 75.27mAnderson Peters (Grenada) — 81.29mKeyshawn Strachan (The Bahamas) — 78.60mRohit Yadav (India) — 78.37mRumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka) — 82.84mKeshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) — 78.26mDouw Smit (South Africa) — 80.64m #CWG #Javelin #Throw #Final #Live #Updates #Neeraj #Chopra #pushed #Pathirages #89.75m #throw #2nd

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