Jack Norris 
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix are under threat as a consequence of the US-Israel war with Iran. Missiles have hit hotels and civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as targeting American bases in the countries. A decision to cancel the races could have a significant financial impact.
Chinese Taipei defeated Czechia 14-0 in the World Baseball Classic. Stuart Fairchild, a Guardians Minor Leaguer, contributed with a bunt single and later came up with the bases loaded. The victory was crucial for Chinese Taipei, who had lost their first two games.
Laura Siegemund (No. 55 ranking) is set to meet Elina Svitolina (No. 9) in the Round of 64 of the BNP Paribas Open. Svitolina is favoured over Siegemund in this match, with -1099 odds compared to the underdog’s +600.
George Russell secured pole position at the Australian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen crashed. Russell referenced a “perfect storm” to explain Mercedes’ performance. Lando Norris voiced concerns about the new F1 cars, calling them the “worst.”
Valtteri Bottas will not have to serve a five-place grid penalty he received at the end of the 2024 season. The penalty was issued in Bottas’ final F1 race as a Kick Sauber driver. Several drivers will arrive at the Australian Grand Prix with penalty points on their Super Licence.
The Russian flag was flown at the Winter Paralympic Games opening ceremony, an act met largely by silence. The Ukraine flag was greeted with loud applause. The president of the IPC, Andrew Parsons, acknowledged that Iran’s solitary winter Paralympian was unable to safely leave his country.
Max Verstappen commented on Oscar Piastri’s incident. Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon noted the team’s debut at the grand prix. Tyre strategy is expected to be a one-stop using medium and hard compounds.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum made his return to the court Friday night, his first NBA game in 298 days, after recovering from a torn right Achilles. Tatum scored 15 points in 27 minutes in a 120-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. He said he felt grateful to be back on the floor.
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has conceded his confidence has dropped following his fight against Ciryl Gane in October. The fight at UFC 321 was called off in Round 1 after Aspinall was poked in the eye. The bout was ruled a no contest.
Alex Pereira has vacated his UFC light-heavyweight title. Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will now fight for the vacant belt at UFC 327. The card will also feature Joshua Van defending his flyweight title against Tatsuro Taira.