Kyrgios admits to physical assault

CANBERRA: Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios on Friday pleaded guilty to assaulting a former girlfriend, but avoided a conviction for what the magistrate called a “single act of stupidity”. Appearing in a Canberra court, the Wimbledon finalist admitted assaulting then-girlfriend Chiara Passari on January 10, 2021, by pushing her to the ground after a heated argument.

Kyrgios said he was “not in a good place” at the time, and that he “reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret”.

“I know it wasn’t OK and I’m sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused,” he said in a statement.

Passari lodged a complaint with police 10 months after the incident, after the pair had broken up, lawyers told the court.

In a statement read to the court, Passari said she had been severely traumatised by the incident. Psychologist Sam Borenstein told the court Kyrgios suffered from recurring major depression, which included black periods, thoughts of self harm, insomnia, agitation and feelings of guilt.

Ford team up with Red Bull for return to F1

NEW YORK: American car manufacturer Ford will return to Formula One in 2026 with a link-up* with world champions Red Bull, the company said on Friday.

Ford said they were entering a “long term strategic technical partnership for the development of the next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards.”

The company said they would provide the power units for both the Red Bull team and the Alpha Tauri team from 2026 until at least 2030.

Slow start for Atwal at Pebble Beach Links

PEBBLE BEACH (USA): India’s Arjun Atwal got off to a slow start as he shot 1-over 73 in the opening round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am event here.

Atwal, the only Indian winner on the PGA Tour, had three birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey.With the cut coming only after three rounds in this unique event, Atwal still has a chance to move from his current 99th place.

Nick Kyrgios