I Dig Sports
Can Vipers break the Capitals hoodoo and secure maiden title?
Big picture: Two familiar rivals chasing a maiden title
Desert Vipers dominated the ILT20 2025 league stage like no other. They won six of their first seven matches, became the first side to confirm a playoffs position, and ended the league phase as table-toppers. But it's not all been hunky dory.
Vipers have played 12 matches so far this season, of which they have only lost four. Three of those defeats, however, have come against their opponents in the final, Dubai Capitals: twice in the league stage and then in Qualifier 1. Having brushed most teams aside with a minimum of fuss, Vipers have come undone each time they have faced Capitals this season.
Can they turn that narrative around and pick up a win in the game that matters the most, or will Capitals make a clean sweep and secure their first ILT20 crown?
Both teams know what it's like to make it to the final and not win. Vipers did that in 2023, when they lost to Gulf Giants, while Capitals lost to MI Emirates in a one-sided final in 2024.
There is little doubt that the two best teams in the competition have made it to the final. Vipers were dominant throughout. Capitals started slowly, losing three of their first four matches, but a confident win over Vipers brought their campaign back on track. They have since been unstoppable, winning six of their last seven matches.
How the batters from both sides go might well decide the outcome of the final. Of the top ten run-getters in the tournament so far, five are from either Vipers or Capitals. These two teams played out a high-scoring clash at this venue just three days ago, and runs could once again be the theme in the final.
Both teams have a great record in Dubai this season - Vipers have won four of their six games here, and Capitals five out of six. And no matter which team wins the final, we are sure to get a new ILT20 winner.
Form guide
Dubai Capitals WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Desert Vipers WLLWL
In the spotlight: Gulbadin Naib and Alex Hales
Team news: Warner and Ferguson under injury cloud
Vipers are likely to miss two of their key players for the final. Wanindu Hasaranga, their joint-leading wicket-taker, has gone back to Sri Lanka and won't be available for the final, while captain Lockie Ferguson is also unlikely to make a full recovery from a hamstring injury. Sam Curran, who led the side in Qualifier 2, is likely to captain in the final as well. Depending on whether Vipers bat or bowl first, David Payne is likely to be substituted for Sherfane Rutherford and vice-versa.
Desert Vipers (possible): 1 Alex Hales, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 3 Max Holden, 4 Dan Lawrence, 5 Sam Curran (capt), 6 Azam Khan (wk), 7 David Payne/Sherfane Rutherford, 8 Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, 9 Nathan Sowter, 10 Mohammad Amir, 11 Ali Naseer.
David Warner scored an unbeaten 93 in his one game for Capitals so far, but has since been out with a back injury. He didn't look in great shape in a virtual press conference on the eve of the final, and is unlikely to make the cut against Vipers. Capitals had subbed Obed McCoy for Adam Rossington in Qualifier 1 and that could be the case in the final, too.
Dubai Capitals (possible): 1 Adam Rossingston/Obed McCoy, 2 Shai Hope (wk), 3 Gulbadin Naib, 4 Sam Billings (capt), 5 Rovman Powell, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Sikandar Raza, 8 Dushmantha Chameera, 9 Farhan Khan, 10 Haider Ali, 11 Qais Ahmad.
Pitch and conditions
It's Dubai, so the weather will be extremely humid and energy sapping. The teams batting second have held the advantage so far at this venue this season, winning ten out of 14 games. That's largely because of the dew which has made an appearance late in the day. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl. The temperature is expected to hover around the late 20s to the early 30s on the Celcius scale.
Stats and trivia
- Shai Hope needs just ten runs to become the tournament's leading run-getter. He is currently on 484 runs, only behind Tom Banton.
- The average first-innings score in Dubai so far this season is 155.
- Naib is the only player to feature in the top ten of both the leading wicket-takers and run-getters lists.
Quotes
"When you've beaten them a couple of times, that's the scary part. Sometimes that momentum can break. Hopefully, that doesn't happen, and we can continue our form."
David Warner is wary of the Vipers threat
"They [Dubai Capitals] have won three games in a row, and I think it is our turn now to beat them in the big stage. I always believe that in the final whoever handles the pressure well has more of a chance to win the game. In the final the margin of error is very less so you have to be on your toes every single time."
Mohammad Amir has revenge on his mind
Ashish Pant is a sub-editor with ESPNcricinfo
Johnson wins gold at Alpine worlds; Vonn 15th
SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria -- American skier Breezy Johnson won gold in the women's downhill at the Alpine skiing world championships on Saturday.
Johnson finished 0.15 seconds ahead of silver medalist Mirjam Puchner of Austria. Czech skier Ester Ledecka came 0.21 behind in third to take bronze.
Lindsey Vonn trailed her American teammate Johnson by 1.96 seconds in 15th.
Vonn retired in 2019 after winning bronze in downhill in Are, Sweden, following several injuries, but returned to the circuit this season with a new titanium right knee.
It's Johnson first medal from a major event and came two months after she returned from a 14-month ban for three violations of anti-doping rules.
Johnson has yet to win a World Cup race. The Jackson, Wyoming native got seven podium results, but none since December 2021.
She missed the 2018-19 season with a knee injury, then sat out the 2022 Olympics with another injury.
Saturday's race took place exactly one year before the downhill at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup 2025: Continental Titans Compete for World Cup Spots
Set in the vibrant city of Shenzhen, the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup will bring together top table tennis talent from across Asia from 19-23 February. The Universiade Sports Center will host a tournament that promises intense competition and World Cup qualification for semifinalists.
Representing the diverse table tennis landscape of Asia from the powerhouses of East Asia to the emerging talents of Central, South, Southeast, and West Asian nations the tournament will showcase an incredible array of players. Each athlete arrives with dreams of continental supremacy and a coveted spot in the ITTF Singles World Cup in Macao. Full list of players available here.
Defending champions Tomokazu Harimoto and Wang Yidi return with ambitious goals, knowing that the path to success runs through a highly competitive field of continental rivals. Their journey represents the ongoing excellence of Asian table tennis.
The tournaments spirit comes to life through its carefully crafted mascot, Peng Peng a playful character that does more than entertain. Named after Shenzhens nickname Pengcheng and echoing the Chinese saying about welcoming friends from afar, the mascot embodies the warm hospitality at the heart of this international sporting event. While its emblem, creatively forming the letter A using table tennis equipment represents the fusion of Asia and table tennis.
With semifinalists securing direct spots for the ITTF Singles World Cup in Macao, the tournaments two-stage format ensures that only the most skilled players will succeed. The initial group stage a round-robin competition across eight groups will test players consistency and strategic approach. Survivors will then navigate a challenging knockout system where reaching the semifinals means World Cup qualification. Stage 1 features a carefully designed ranking system, strategically distributing top players across groups. The knockout phase promises dramatic matches, with game formats intensifying from best of five to best of seven in later stages.
Event Essentials:
England U20s maintain impressive start with win over France
England Under-20s: Jack Kinder; Jack Bracken, Angus Hall, Nic Allison, Charlie Griffin; Ben Coen, Lucas Friday; Ralph McEachran, Kepu Tuipulotu, Vilikesa Sela, Olamide Sodeke, Tom Burrow; George Timmins, Henry Pollock, Kane James
Replacements: Louie Gulley, Oliver Scola, Tye Raymont, Oscar Beckerleg, Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Dom Hanson, Josh Bellamy, Nick Lilley
France Under-20s: Ugo Pacome; Robin Taccola, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Xan Mosques, Oliver Cowie; Thibaut Motassi, Diego Jurd; Antoine Deliance, Elyjah Ibsaiene, Baptiste Britz, Bartholome Sanson, Corentin Mezou; Isaac Koffi Sedjoro, Lyam Akrab, Mohamed Megherb
Replacements: Quentin Algay, Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke, Owen Sorhaindo, Charles Kante-Samba, Nicolas Darquier, Sialevailea Tolofua, Simeli Daunivucu, Jean Cotarmanac'h
Lamaro was also unhappy the last time Italy faced Wales - in Cardiff - at what he felt was a lack of respect shown to his team by the Welsh Rugby Union.
In a newspaper interview, he complained of "several small, unpleasant situations unworthy of a host country" around the warm-up and players' families.
Both unions rushed to smooth the waters after the column appeared, but the feeling of being slighted remains.
"It's always difficult to say if we have respect of other nations," Lamaro said on Friday.
"I think the way teams prepare for our games has changed but I'm pretty sure in the back of their minds, they think Italian rugby is still not at the same level as theirs.
"We can use that as motivation and have 80 minutes to get credibility and respect back. Saying that, I'm not sure it's ever been there.
"Yes, teams fear us on a one-off occasion but respect is different against countries with such big rugby traditions and cultures."
Early Start Puts Dotson On Fast Track To DIRTcar Nationals
BARBERVILLE, Fla. Entering his first full World of Outlaws Late Models season, Ethan Dotson knew he was capable of being a frontrunner for the MD3 Rookie of the Year Award.
After he started the season with finishes of fourth and 12th at Volusia Speedway Park against a stacked DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals field leaving him in a tie for second in the standings the rest of the dirt late model world knows it too.
Since the first week I started with these guys, its just been comfortable, Dotson said of ASD Motorsports, which he joined last May. It wasnt like any other team Ive been with. We get along good and its easy, we all have the same goals. The team is good and everything, Ive just got to get a little bit better and get my race car a little bit better and hopefully we can win some races.
While Sunshine Nationals may have served as the kickoff to his freshman campaign in the series, Dotson was already in midseason form after competing in the Wild West Shootout at Vado (N.M.) Speedway Park.
Dotson quietly got off to a consistent start with two top fives and four top 10s in the miniseries,.
Mainly, we just did it because weve got some new crew guys on the team, Dotson said as to why they made the 1,600-mile drive from their home base in South Carolina to New Mexico. We kind of went out there to get to know each other and work together before we showed up and had to race. That was our main concern.
The solid showings didnt end at Sunshine Nationals though. The following Tuesday, Dotson finished a season-best second at a Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series event at Needmore Speedway a track hell return to in September with the World of Outlaws.
Hopefully we can come back [to Volusia] next week and just be consistent, thats the main thing, Dotson said. Hopefully run up front every night, thats my goal.
Running up front at Volusia is something Dotson has plenty of experience in, particularly from his DIRTcar UMP Modified days. The Californian won the 2022 Reutimann Memorial before backing it up with three-straight feature wins during DIRTcar Nationals the following February.
Its one of the few late model places I have a lot of laps at, Dotson said. I think that probably helps more than anything. A lot of places we go to, Ive only raced at once or not at all. I think thats the main thing for me.
Dotson made his first late model appearance at DIRTcar Nationals last season, with a sixth-place finish in split-field DIRTcar competition standing as the highlight of his week. But his Sunshine Nationals speed is proof that a lot has changed since then, and Dotson knows hes never been closer to breaking through for his first World of Outlaws victory.
Just a couple little things, I mean, our car was pretty good, Dotson said. Ive just got to be a little bit better later in the night. Whenever the track changes, its just got to be a little bit better. But I think weve got some ideas, and hopefully theyll work.
Luis Enrique was delighted to have been given a two-year extension with Paris Saint-Germain as he wants to make history with the French champions.
The Spaniard, who arrived at PSG in 2023, expressed his gratitude for the trust the club has placed in him and said he is motivated to leave a legacy in Paris.
"From day one the club has put everything at our disposal and the support only makes me want to continue working and improving, we want to make history here as a coaching staff," Luis Enrique told reporters following PSG's 4-1 win over Monaco on Friday.
"I don't know how long I'll be here, when you feel comfortable where you are and you feel the trust of those around you, why set limits for yourself.
"I am very happy for that support, I hope to repay it with hard work, I don't know if with results."
Luis Enrique denied that PSG's convincing victory, which keeps them unbeaten in Ligue 1 with a 13-point lead at the top of the standings, was the best of their season so far and said it was difficult despite the scoreline.
"I don't think we had our best game, I didn't like the last 10-15 minutes, we didn't take the ball away from Monaco and we had some difficulties," he said.
"The first half was very even, it was difficult to put pressure on them. In the second half we were able to do more damage and in the end we deserved the victory but it was very difficult as always against Monaco."
PSG will now turn their attention to the Champions League knockout playoffs, where they face Ligue 1 side Brest on Tuesday.
While a slow start to their European campaign meant the Parisians missed out on securing an automatic spot in the last 16, the coach said the struggles had strengthened the team in their quest for a coveted first Champions League title.
"We've been through it all, all those delicate moments where only our fans believed in us are wonderful right now because they have given us maturity in a young team," Luis Enrique said.
"We will never stop fighting. That is our goal this season: to fight until the last minute of every competition to try to make history."
Pep Guardiola has denied that Manchester City's January recruitment drive was motivated by concern within the club that they could be hit with a transfer embargo.
City spent 175 million ($217m) on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez in the January window -- more than any other Premier League side. It was a departure from their usual cautious approach in the winter window which has seen them decide against making a significant mid-season signing since Aymeric Laporte's arrival from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018.
Guardiola has insisted the January spend was due to the injury problems which have impacted his team in the first half of season. But it has not stopped speculation that City opted to bring in a number of new players because of fears that a transfer embargo could be one of the punishments handed down if the club are found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules.
"I do not agree but my words will not convince people that our attributes are just being in a wealthy position," Guardiola told a news conference on Friday.
"In the last five years, we are the last team in the top six for net spend.
"Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, [Manchester] United, Arsenal, Totttenham. Even from Liverpool. The only reason why is because we sell a lot in the last seasons but even with that I know this club, it is always 'just about the money'."
The hearing into City's 115 charges for allegedly breaching Premier League financial rules began in September and concluded in December.
If they're found guilty, punishments could range from a fine to a points deduction. Guardiola said he believes a verdict will be delivered in "one month."
"In one month I think there will be a verdict and a sentence and after that we will see my opinion of what happened so far," he said.
"Still, at the end, every club can do whatever they want. Because in the last 10 years we are third [for net-spend], but in the last five, even with what we won, we are behind the top six teams so I'm sorry for the comments and that is why I don't agree."
Meanwhile, Guardiola said he is not planning on having Rodri available again until next season. The midfielder has been out since September with a knee injury, but has been included in City's squad for the Champions League knock-out rounds.
"I would love to arrive in the latter stages of the Champions League and Rodri could help us but in my mind Rodri is for next season," said Guardiola.
"Maybe he comes back earlier, that would be good for us."
Source: Madrid, Vini Jr. open early extension talks
Real Madrid have approached Vinícius Júnior's agent to start talks about renewing his contract, a source has told ESPN.
The Brazil forward's contract runs until June 2027. Typically, the Spanish club only begins negotiations on renewals with star players when they have two years left to remaining on their deals, but the source said Madrid have made an exception for Vinícius.
In his case, Madrid decided to bring forward the talks because of ongoing interest from the Saudi Pro League in a transfer for the 2024 FIFA the Best winner.
Madrid have approached the player's team and indicated that they want to start discussions, starting with salary developments, according to the source.
However, the source also said that talks are at an early stage and that Vinícius' representatives have yet to receive a formal offer.
The source added that Vinícius is happy with his existing contract at Madrid and is in no rush to speed up negotiations.
Last month, Vinícius said he hopes to stay at Madrid for many years.
"It's very important for me to reach 100 goals and be a part of this club's history," Vinícius told Real Madrid TV. "At 24 years old, and after seven seasons, to be making history is something very important for me and my entire family. Let's hope I can carry on here for many more years."
ESPN previously reported that Vinícius was approached again by representatives from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns four Saudi Pro League sides, with an official offer from the Middle East therefore expected soon.
A new meeting between Madrid executives and Vinícius' agent is scheduled to take place in a fortnight when the team takes on Manchester City in the Champions League playoff stage, the source told ESPN.
Vinícius has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Madrid this season, helping them top LaLiga and reach the Champions League knockout phase playoffs.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said last week amid the Saudi Arabia links that Vini Jr. is "choosing glory" over a lucrative move to the SPL.
"They're individual decisions," Ancelotti said. "But to me, the player [Vinicius] looks happy and excited about staying here and winning trophies with Real Madrid. I think he's thinking about choosing glory."
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his side's last-gasp winner against Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth-round showed the team believed until the final whistle, but it had "nothing to do with Fergie time."
In one sense, Friday night's result brought a familiar feeling from the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, when late winners became as synonymous as the titles his sides won.
However, it was the sluggish first-half performance that drew Amorim's ire after the match.
"We had to believe until the end but this game has nothing to do with the time of Fergie. I think the performance, we have to do so much better with the ball, without the ball," Amorim told ITV after the match.
"We didn't have any energy in the beginning, especially in the first-half. Then in the second half we played a little bit better, with a little more speed, winning second balls. Then we managed to turn things around so it was a good result not a good performance.
"The coach is the first responsible, when one team doesn't perform, doesn't improve, it is the coach but we are here to do things and to see the game, to study the game and try to improve for the next game."
United failed to manage a shot on target in the first half at Old Trafford -- the third time this season they have done so, according to ESPN Global Research.
United went behind before half-time when Wilfred Ndidi's shot was blocked by goalkeeper André Onana, only for Bobby De Cordova-Reid to head in the rebound from close range.
A strike from Joshua Zirkzee levelled the scores in the second half, and the game appeared to be heading into extra time before Maguire headed in the winner in the 93rd minute from Bruno Fernandes' free kick, seconds before the final whistle.
"I think it's the small things, if you see the games sometimes it's to control the ball, to have the ball, don't give the ball away in the first pressure. It's the small things, it's the big things, it's everything," Amorim added.
"It's this moment, it's hard away but especially at home but we have to cope with that and we will try to do it next game."
Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy let his own displeasures known after the game, pointing to Maguire being in an offside position when the free-kick was delivered.
"This (loss) wasn't necessary," an unhappy Van Nistelrooy told ITV. "This was half a meter [offside]. Then extra time, stay in the game, you never know what happens.
"We deserved to go into extra time and maybe penalties. Decisions like these in our level are hard to swallow."
VAR will be used in the FA Cup for this first time this season in the fifth round.
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