Sports from Thursday, April 9th, 2026

Watkins inspires Villa victory at Bologna while Forest battle to Porto draw

Ollie Watkins struck twice as Aston Villa claimed a 3-1 win at Bologna, while a Martim Fernandes own goal helped Nottingham Forest secure a 1-1 draw at Porto in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final ties on Thursday.
Brazil's Cardoso first bowler to take 9 wickets in a T20 international

Brazil's Laura Cardoso became the first bowler to take nine wickets in a T20 international in men's or women's cricket as her team claimed a 189-run victory over Lesotho at the Kalahari Women's Tournament in Botswana's capital Gaborone on Thursday.
Sabalenka withdraws from Stuttgart Open due to injury

Aryna Sabalenka has pulled out of this month's Stuttgart Open due to an injury she sustained following her Miami Open triumph in March, the world number one said on Thursday.
Home hero Vacherot thrilled to beat Musetti in Monte Carlo

Monaco's Valentin Vacherot could barely have scripted his second career win over a top-five player better after he defeated world number five Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(6) 7-5 in front of a joyous home crowd at the Monte-Carlo Masters on Wednesday.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG claim second place on stage 3 of Itzulia Basque Country

Igor Arrieta has ridden to second place on stage 3 for UAE Team Emirates-XRG during a thrilling finale at Itzulia Basque Country,

News

Dubai's early childhood centres set for gradual re-opening
Private early childhood centres in Dubai are set for a gradual return to on-site learning from April 16, starting with those in government premises and commercial buildings, subject to prior approval.
UAE President, European Council chief discuss regional developments
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received the President of the European Council, António Costa, who is visiting the country as part of a regional tour.
DXB remains top hub for international passenger traffic
Dubai International Airport (DXB) retained its title as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic in 2025, handling 95.2 million travellers.