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Draper beats Berrettini in fightback to reach Qatar semis
British number one Jack Draper fought back from a set down to beat Matteo Berrettini and reach the Qatar Open semi-finals.
Former Wimbledon runner-up Berrettini took the opening set, but world number 16 Draper, whose recent injury problems have been well documented, responded in style to wrap up a 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory over the Italian.
"I felt in the second set I was knocking on the door and not quite taking my opportunities but I stayed strong," Draper told Sky Sports.
"It was such a tough battle against such a great player. In Australia I was very proud of my efforts because I got to the fourth round without playing any tennis in the off-season.
"I worked really hard with my coach and fitness and I am just glad I have found a better level this week, playing matches and getting my confidence back."
Draper will now face Jiri Lehecka in the last four after the Czech player claimed a shock 6-3 3-6 6-4 victory over top seed Carlos Alcaraz.
It was only the second defeat of the year for Spain's four-time Grand Slam champion, who also lost to Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in January.
Russia's Andrey Rublev defeated second seed Alex de Minaur of Australia 6-1 3-6 7-6 (10-8) to set up a semi-final meeting with Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was awarded a walkover victory against Daniil Medvedev after the Russian retired with illness.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. Ricky Thornton Jr. left Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in familiar form with a couple of trophies, his first Big Gator title and a second-place ranking in World of Outlaws Late Model points. However, the initial start to his 2025 campaign had a more dire look.
Following a 22nd-place run at Golden Isles Speedway in Georgia, the Arizona driver made the trip to Volusia Speedway Park, where he kicked off the World of Outlaws Late Model season at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals by missing the feature on Friday and finishing 19th on Saturday.
So, when the calendar turned to February and it was time to head back to Volusia for Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Thornton was feeling less than optimistic.
We werent really sure, I kind of struggle typically here and Im not sure why, Thornton said. We hurt a car here during Sunshine, and then hurt it again at All-Tech. We built this brand-new car at Ocala, then came here and had really good speed right away.
I think we were able to capitalize on qualifying well, have some good heat races and be able to start up front in the Feature. I feel like we didnt pass a whole lot of cars in the features, but we had really good finishes, so it just kind of worked out for us.
A key factor behind Thorntons turnaround was his ability to bounce information off of not one, but two teammates. Along with Thornton, the Koehler Motorsports camp at Volusia included veteran Jimmy Owens and 23-year-old rising star of Jordan Koehler.
Thornton said that wide array of perspectives was a major asset that benefited all three drivers over the course of six nights of racing.
Jimmy being a seasoned veteran, hes got a lot of knowledge, and this is my fifth full-time national Late Model season, so I have a little bit of knowledge, Thornton said. Jordan doesnt really have a whole lot of knowledge. So, we can all kind of talk a little bit and compare notes, compare tires. We just hope we all dont have to run the same Heat Races and stuff like that but, overall, we can bounce ideas.
Like [Saturday], I was in the second heat race, Jordan was fourth heat race. So, we got to come in, see how my setup was and relay it to him. He got to make some changes, and he ran third in his heat and made the show, so its pretty cool.
While the entirety of DIRTcar Nationals may have been contested at one track, the playing field was far from the same across the week of late model competition, which made having three times the data even more crucial.
Some nights were really muddy, some nights were super slick and rubber, Thornton said. The nice part is, you are here six days, but you do get six different racetracks where just one thing isnt going to win all week. I feel like everyone kind of guessed tire-wise and setup-wise and you had a bunch of different winners.
A runner-up on Monday and wins on Tuesday and Wednesday in DIRTcar late model action revealed that Thornton and crew might be the best guessers out of the 60-plus late model teams in the pits. Those performances put them in the catbird seat for the Big Gator going into three nights of World of Outlaws racing, but the rest of the week didnt come without its hiccups.
After a fifth-place run on Thursday, Thornton was leading the way by half a second on Friday heading toward his third win of the week when he jumped the cushion and got sideways, leaving second-running Ethan Dotson nowhere to go but into the side of the No. 20rt.
Thornton was able to limp home and finish third that night to hold on to the Big Gator lead, but the run-in undoubtedly affected his approach to Saturdays finale.
At one point I wanted to go to the top, Thornton said. [Jonathan Davenport] passed us and I was like, Should I just go up there and run it like he is? But then one big mistake and I take the Big Gator away from us. So, I just kind of played it safe and kept rolling around the bottom, ended up sixth and well take it.
With Florida in the rearview, the focus shifts to the next stop on tour at Smoky Mountin Speedway. The Tennessee Tipoff on March 14-15 will signify the series first visit since it was reconfigured into a three-eighths-mile track prior to the 2023 season.
Many drivers will be racing at the new-look Smoky Mountain for the first time next month, but Thornton is not one of them. In four starts at the track over the past two years, Thornton has three wins and a second, putting him firmly atop the list of drivers to watch when the season resumes.
I feel really good going there, Thornton said. I feel like its kind of one of those styles of racetracks that just fits me. Its small, youve got to run really aggressive but save your tires at the same time. Im sure Roger [Sellers] and all them will have a really good race track, and Im just looking forward to it.
All-American Rejects, Bret Michaels Booked For Carb Day
MOORESVILLE, N.C. One of the off-track highlights during the Indianapolis 500 activities is the Carb Day Concert at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
It follows the final two-hour practice session before the Indianapolis 500 and the annual Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge.
Music icons Bret Michaels and The All-American Rejects will rock fans at the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert on May 23 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Miller Lite Carb Day is not just the official party to kick off race weekend, its really the kickoff event of the summer, IMS President Doug Boles said. The day has everything to make the perfect party: 33 drivers in the final practice before the 500, the Pit Stop Challenge, people watching and a fun and entertaining concert to put an exclamation point on the party. It really is a day like no other at the Racing Capital of the World. Many of our fans take the day off work and spend it at IMS, which is a tradition we can all celebrate.
The All-American Rejects quickly rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their infectious blend of pop-punk and emo rock. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, featured the hit single Swing, Swing, which propelled them into the mainstream. This success was followed by their sophomore album, Move Along (2005), which trophied three chart-topping singles like Dirty Little Secret, Move Along and It Ends Tonight.
In 2008, the band released When the World Comes Down, featuring the stratospheric and generational smash hit Gives You Hell, which became its most successful single to date, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The All-American Rejects continue to create and perform, solidifying their place as one of the most beloved bands of their genre. Their journey from early 2000s hitmakers to enduring rock icons is a testament to their talent, resilience, and the deep connection they share with their fans.
Well-known as an avid Indy 500 and racing fan, Bret Michaels returns to IMS after a record-setting party at his last Carb Day. As one of musics most iconic singer/songwriters, Michaels consistently brings his iconic energy and star power to every project. He has sold more than 100 million records, digital downloads and streams worldwide, and his numerous hit singles include Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Go That Far and Nothing But A Good Time.
CONCORD, N.C. Henderson Motorsports and driver Parker Kligerman have lost their appeal relating to the teams disqualification from the season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona Intl Speedway.
Kligerman took the checkered flag first in the Fresh from Florida 250, but was later disqualified because the No. 75 Chevrolet failed to meet ride-height requirements. The victory was awarded to runner-up Corey Heim.
The teams appeal was heard by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel and on Thursday afternoon that appeal was denied.
Panelists Bill Mullis (Langley Speedway owner), Kevin Whitaker (Greenville-Pickens) and Tommy Wheeler (ex-team engineer) served as the panel.
The panel confirms it is more likely than not a rules violation did occur and the disqualification penalties in Rule 10.5.2.4 necessitate a race disqualification, NASCAR said in a statement.
Henderson Motorsports officials accepted the decision publicly with a social media post.
Unfortunately we have lost our appeal regarding our disqualification from last weeks race in Daytona, the post read. While we feel that we had a very strong case, we respect the panels decision. Wed again like to thank all the fans for their support. Weve shown that we can compete, and well be back. See you all in Bristol.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. Arbys, the largest sandwich drive-thru restaurant brand in the world, will sponsor Rick Ware Racing and will be featured across its teams in the NASCAR Cup Series and NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
The bulk of the partnership will be in the NASCAR Cup Series where Arbys will serve as an anchor sponsor of RWRs No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driven by Cody Ware.
The first of Arbys 12 races on the No. 51 machine comes this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Were extremely proud to expand our partnership with Arbys for 2025 and beyond, said Rick Ware, team owner. This renewed commitment is a testament to the hard work, dedication and progress weve made as an organization. From the shop to the track, every member of this team has been focused on improving our performance, strengthening our brand and delivering value to our partners.
To have Arbys recognize that effort and invest in an even bigger way speaks volumes to the commitment weve made to motorsports and the partners who support us. Were ready to build on this momentum and achieve even greater success.
Sandwiched amid Arbys calendar of NASCAR races are two NHRA events, including the sports biggest the 71st U.S. Nationals Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park where RWR driver Clay Millican and Arbys are the defending event winners.
The U.S. Nationals is where our partnership with RWR began, and you couldnt have scripted it any better, said Jeff Baker, chief marketing officer, Arbys. Clay Millican won and Rick Ware was there, hands on with his race team. It was eye-opening to see the teamwork, the attention to detail and the dedication everyone at RWR put into their respective roles.
Its why we partnered with RWR again for the NASCAR Cup Series race last October at Talladega, where Cody Ware put the Arbys car out front. Both races were on network television, and the excitement it generated among our franchisees was palpable. It was an easy decision to come back with RWR in a much greater capacity in 2025.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. From the drivers seat to victory lane to running a race team, Tony Kanaans climb to managing Arrow McLarens IndyCar Series team has been impressive.
On Thursday, he was elevated to the role of Team Principal at Arrow McLaren.
Kanaan steps into the role of Team Principal after serving as Deputy Team Principal since the end of the 2024 season.
Kanaan competed in his final Indianapolis 500 with the team in 2023 and has since taken on increasingly influential roles within the organization, transitioning from Special Advisor in 2023 to Team Principal today.
His deep expertise and strong leadership are key attributes for the position in which he will oversee team and driver development and key commercial relationships.
A lot has happened since my last Indy 500 less than two years ago, to say the least, Kanaan said. Ive embraced every opportunity to grow with the team and Im excited to officially step into the Team Principal role, and having Kevin join to take on the business side of our team is part of our winning strategy. Were always looking for good people and talent to make the team stronger, and he and I will work well together.
Kevin Thimjon joins Arrow McLaren as President, bringing extensive leadership experience from roles at Core BTS, Lids Sports Group and Just Marketing International. He will lead the teams business operations, including finance, commercial strategy and administration, supporting the teams long-term growth and operational efficiency.
Im looking forward to joining Arrow McLaren and getting back into motorsport. Zak and I worked together at JMI for several years, so it will be great to work with him again and help grow a team and brand that has a lot of unlocked potential, beyond the success its already realized, Thimjon said. I have no doubt that Tony will get me up to speed on all things racing while we build the business with the strong team in place.
Thimjon also joins the McLaren Racing Executive Team under CEO Zak Brown.
Im excited to welcome Kevin to Arrow McLaren and our leadership group, Brown said. Kevin and I have stayed close since our days together at JMI, and hes the right fit to set the team up for long-term success. A few months ago, I said if we can find extra horsepower to add to the team, well add it, and Kevin is the perfect example of that. Under Tonys leadership, the team has been moving forward quickly, and he and Kevin will work well together to keep that positive momentum up.
Our sights are set on how we stabilize and grow strategically while competing at the top.
4 Nations revitalizes hockey betting ahead of final
In lieu of traditional All-Star festivities, the NHL opted to put on an international best-on-best tournament this season. The resulting 4 Nations Face-Off has been a resounding success, attracting massive viewership and surprising cultural relevance, which has extended to the sports betting realm.
Sportsbooks across the United States report that the 4 Nations games thus far have outperformed average regular-season NHL contests. DraftKings says that its four most-bet hockey games of the season have been from the tournament, while FanDuel says that 4 Nations contests are averaging over six times as many bets as an average NHL game this regular season.
In particular, Saturday's first USA-Canada matchup -- an epic 3-1 victory for the Americans -- was, bar none, the most-bet hockey game of the season. FanDuel says that the contest saw 13 times more bets than all of the 3-on-3 games that made up last year's NHL All-Star event combined, and 11 times more bets than an average NHL game this regular season.
Caesars Sportsbook's head of hockey Karry Shreeve says that the book is handling "seven to 10 times" more money for each game, with the first North American rivalry showdown bringing in even more.
"That game we saw just as much handle as we would in a Stanley Cup game," Shreeve told ESPN. "I think there's a chance that for Thursday's final, we could get up to almost Game 7 numbers, which is just incredible in terms of what you're asking for in the middle of February for hockey. I mean this is completely unexpected and certainly unprecedented."
While the storied USA-Canada rivalry always raises the stakes, this year's iteration seems particularly heated given the long layoff of best-on-best action, "words that have been exchanged" between both teams, as well as "politically" motivated sentiments off the ice, per DraftKings sportsbook director Johnny Avello.
"I think that all throws a little fire into it," Avello told ESPN. "This is something that the fans love and these games are being bet heavily. This game Thursday is going to be a monster as far as betting is concerned, would outdo any All-Star Game."
With the elevated bettor attention and subsequent higher handle, bookmakers are putting their most diligent work into setting the lines for Thursday night's championship.
"The 4 Nations has been great from a betting engagement standpoint, particularly as fans look for marquee events coming out of football season," ESPN BET director of North American trading Adrian Horton said via email. "Thursday night feels like a Stanley Cup Final game from a trading perspective."
That means the books are expecting a low total. Shreeve points out that, during last year's playoffs, Game 7s were seeing only "three or four goals," as teams tend to tighten up when the stakes are highest. As such, Thursday's over-under has sat at a consensus 5.5 for much of the week and has only juiced further to the under (-135 at ESPN BET); BetMGM reports 30% of bets on the under, but 39% of the money.
Additionally, the money line has stayed remarkably close all week, with ESPN BET keeping the game a pick 'em at -110 for each side. USA is getting a majority of the action at major American sportsbooks, leading BetMGM trading manager Christian Cipollini to say, "Canada winning would be a good outcome for the sportsbook."
That said, there has been perhaps more support than expected for Canada: ESPN BET reports 46.1% of bets and 46.5% of handle backing the Canadians and BetMGM reports a 5% positive money split on their side. That tension, just as it should be felt on the ice in Boston, is keeping this betting line feeling truly championship-caliber.
"This almost has a Game 7 feel to it, which is absolutely incredible, and so we're going to treat it as such," Shreeve said.
BOSTON -- Other than the game itself, both Canada and the United States were talking about President Donald Trump hours before playing one another in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off championship game.
Trump was a topic of conversation for both teams Thursday with many Team USA players speaking about the call they shared with the president with Team Canada sharing some of its thoughts about Trump once again stating that Canada would become the "51st state" in the country.
"It was awesome. It was one of the cooler experiences I've had," Team USA's Vincent Trocheck said of the Trump phone call. "Having the president of the United States call your team about a hockey game just seems kind of crazy but it's pretty cool."
Team USA and New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller echoed a similar sentiment.
"Pretty cool. It was so awesome to hear the support," Miller said. "It's a pretty big deal for us to take time out of his schedule to talk to us. It's just another one of those things where we're pinching ourselves this tournament. It's been really fun so far to see the support from everybody up to the president is pretty wild."
Miller said that Trump told the team to enjoy the moment and have fun with it with Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski saying he "kind of blacked out" because of the significance of the moment.
Team USA received a call from the President this morning to wish them luck ahead of tonight's #4Nations championship game. pic.twitter.com/he1kIgUVGW
USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 20, 2025
A reporter then asked Miller if Trump mentioned making Canada the 51st state.
"I don't think he brought that up," said Werenski, who plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. "He left that one out."
Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier Thursday that he planned on calling Team USA while later adding that "on toward victory tonight against Canada ... will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important Fifty First State."
With political tensions already in place prior to the 4 Nations, those feelings have only amplified with hockey as its latest avenue. It started with fans on both sides booing during each country's respective national anthems.
It further escalated during the first Canada-U.S. game last Saturday. There were three fights in the first nine seconds of a contest which ultimately ended with the U.S. winning 3-1 in Montreal. The game itself became the talk of the North American sports landscape and only added to the anticipation of a potential rematch, something Canada secured Tuesday with a 5-3 win against Sweden.
Canada coach Jon Cooper was asked if the political discussion regarding the two countries has entered the dressing room.
"Other than the talk of [Canada becoming] the 51st state and then somebody saying, 'Wow, we'd have one hell of a hockey team,'" said Cooper, who is the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Cooper then further elaborated on the subject.
"Let's be honest, you'd never get what's going to be contested tonight," Cooper said. "The political side of things, we feel [that] for everybody on our side of things. But for us to come here and to be in that room, it's going to be more for us to win that game, then sit there and debate what the game means. We have to go out there and represent our country and make them proud. If we accomplish that, then I think we accomplish what we want to, which is to make Canadians proud."
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski contributed to this report.
Islanders waive D Cholowski to open roster spot
The New York Islanders placed defenseman Dennis Cholowski on waivers on Thursday.
The Islanders have one open roster spot coming out of the break but might need two as they anticipate the return of defensemen Scott Mayfield (lower body) and Ryan Pulock (upper body) from injured reserve. Both participated in their third straight practice on Thursday ahead of the Islanders' next game Sunday against the Dallas Stars.
Cholowski, who turned 27 on Saturday, has three goals, seven assists, 10 penalty minutes and an average of 12:48 time on ice in 33 games this season.
The Detroit Red Wings selected him with the 20th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft. He was picked by the Seattle Kraken from the Red Wings' roster in the 2021 expansion draft.
He has 13 career goals, 27 assists, 38 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 48 hits while averaging 16:47 of ice time in 150 games for the Red Wings (2018-21), Washington Capitals (2021-22), Kraken (2022) and Islanders (2022-23, 2024-25).
Inter injury blow as Sommer suffers broken thumb
Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer has a broken right thumb ahead of key games in Serie A and the Champions League.
Inter said the Swiss 'keeper's injury was revealed in tests on Thursday and "necessary therapy will be decided in the coming days."
Thumb injuries can sideline goalkeepers for several weeks though no timetable was set by Inter for Sommer, who has started every Serie A and Champions League game this season.
The defending Serie A champion is second in the standings, trailing Napoli by two points, and travels to Naples at the end of next week. Inter first hosts Genoa on Saturday.
Sommer also could miss the Champions League round-of-16 games on March 4 or 5 then March 10 or 11. Inter will be drawn against Feyenoord or PSV Eindhoven when the pairings are made on Friday.
Sommer's backups are Raffaele Di Gennaro and Josep Martinez.
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