Tiger Woods says he is not ruling out a return to professional golf at the Masters in April following his recovery from back surgery.

The 15-time major champion underwent lumbar disc replacement in October after also rupturing his Achilles earlier in the year.

Woods, 50, has not played competitively since missing the cut at the Open Championship at Royal Troon in 2024.

“It has been challenging,” said Woods, who is hosting this week’s Genesis Invitational. “My body has been through a lot. Each and every day I keep trying, I keep progressing, trying to get it to a level that I can play at the highest level.”

Recovery progress and physical toll

While the American confirms his Achilles is no longer an issue, the aftermath of his spinal procedure remains the primary hurdle for a comeback.

Woods is now able to hit full shots, but the physical demands of tournament play require patience.

“It’s just sore. It takes time,” he explained. “[Will Zalatoris] went through it, and it took him a while to come back. I’m a little bit older than [him]. It’s probably going to take me a little bit longer.”

Although his game has shown flashes of his former brilliance during practice, walking 72 holes remains a significant physical challenge due to the toll of multiple surgeries.

Champions Tour and cart usage

The former world number one has previously dismissed using a cart on the PGA Tour, but acknowledged he would consider it for senior events.

Having turned 50, Woods is now eligible to compete on the Champions Tour.

“I entered a new decade, so that number is starting to sink in and has us thinking about the opportunity to be able to play in a cart,” he said.

“That’s something that, as I said, I won’t do out here on this tour because I don’t believe in it. But on the Champions Tour, that’s certainly an opportunity.”

Ryder Cup captaincy decision looming

Beyond his rehabilitation, the 82-time PGA Tour winner remains heavily involved in administrative duties as vice chairman of the board.

This workload is currently delaying a decision regarding the Team USA captaincy for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.

“They have asked me for my input on it, and I haven’t made my decision yet,” Woods stated.

“I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our tour. That’s been driving me hours upon hours every day and trying to figure out if I can actually do our team, our Team USA… justice with my time.”

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey is set to return to mixed martial arts after nearly a decade away to face Gina Carano in a Netflix-streamed event on 16 May.

The bout will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and marks the first professional MMA card promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).

It will be contested at 145lb over five rounds and streamed live on the subscription service.

A clash of pioneers

Rousey described the matchup as the “biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history” in a statement confirming the news.

“Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down… This is for all MMA fans past, present and future.”

Ronda Rousey

The 39-year-old has not competed in the cage since losing to Amanda Nunes in December 2016.

Organisers confirmed the fight will be professionally sanctioned under the Unified Rules of MMA and will take place inside a hexagonal cage.

From UFC dominance to WWE stardom

Rousey, an Olympic judo bronze medallist, became the face of women’s MMA during a dominant run as UFC bantamweight champion between 2013 and 2015.

She successfully defended her title six times before suffering a shock knockout defeat against Holly Holm.

Following her initial retirement from the sport, the Californian transitioned to professional wrestling, capturing world titles during a four-year stint with WWE.

She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.

Carano steps back into the cage

Carano, widely regarded as a trailblazer for female fighters, has not competed professionally since a defeat by Cris Cyborg in 2009.

The 7-1 fighter was a major draw during her time in Strikeforce and helped raise the profile of women’s MMA prior to the UFC’s adoption of the division.

Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP, said the pairing of the two legends was the “perfect combination to enthrall the masses”.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged Casey Wasserman to step down as chairman of the 2028 Olympic Games following scrutiny over his past links to Ghislaine Maxwell.

Bass stated her position during a media interview on Monday, despite the organising board recently voting to keep their chairman in post.

“My opinion is that he should step down,” the Mayor told CNN.

The controversy stems from flirtatious emails sent in 2003 between the sports executive and Maxwell, which were published in US government files shortly before the Winter Games began in Milan.

IOC remains distant as pressure builds

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has largely attempted to distance itself from the scandal, insisting it remains a domestic governance issue.

Scrutiny has intensified throughout February, distracting from the opening week of the Milan Cortina Winter Games.

“I understand there are many conversations happening at this moment but I will not make any further comment,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in Italy on Tuesday.

“This is obviously a matter for the board of LA28 still at this stage.”

Mayor criticises board decision

The LA28 board had previously backed the chairman to remain in charge following an internal review conducted by outside legal counsel.

However, the city’s political leader described that move as “unfortunate” while acknowledging she does not hold the power to fire him directly.

“I don’t support the decision. I do think that we need to look at the leadership,” Bass added.

“However, my job as mayor of Los Angeles is to make sure that our city is completely prepared to have the best Olympics that has ever happened in Olympic history.”

Both the Mayor and California Governor Gavin Newsom are viewed as critical figures in delivering the complex logistical support required for the Games in four years’ time.

Wasserman expresses regret over contact

Wasserman has been instrumental in the Los Angeles project since the bid was originally launched in 2015.

The executive has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein or his former associate.

In a statement issued prior to arriving in Milan, the organising chief addressed the emails directly.

“I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell,” Wasserman said, noting the interaction occurred “long before her horrific crimes came to light”.

Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following her 2021 conviction for sex trafficking and the abuse of minors.

Alysa Liu has secured her place on the US Olympic team for Milan 2026 after finishing second at the national championships, capping a remarkable comeback to the sport following her retirement at age 16.

A new outlook on competition

The 20-year-old produced a stellar performance to take the lead before watching Amber Glenn claim the title.

Instead of retreating backstage, the Californian remained rink-side to cheer for her rival in a display of genuine sportsmanship.

Liu joined third-placed Isabeau Levito to roar in ovation as Glenn secured her third consecutive national title.

The World Championship medallist immediately embraced the winner, telling Glenn she "deserved" the victory.

"I mean, I would say that I was watching my competitors. But I was watching backstage so people wouldn’t see my reaction. Alysa is watching ice-side because she doesn’t care about her reaction. She is truly just supporting Amber."

Former Olympian Ashley Wagner

Returning on her own terms

The Oakland native had walked away from figure skating at just 16 years old, citing burnout and a lack of agency.

Her return marks a significant shift in mindset, with the skater now showcasing a unique personal style including multicoloured hair.

She has now been officially named to the American squad for the upcoming Winter Games in Milan.

Finding peace on the ice

Liu believes her previous Olympic experience was defined by decisions made by others regarding her music and costumes.

"I had no art to show before. People were making me skate to this [music], putting me in that dress, I had no control. I didn’t even know who was making the decisions and I didn’t want to be there anyways."

Alysa Liu

The American star feels she is now better equipped to handle the pressures of elite competition.

Liu could be pivotal in ending the United States’ 20-year medal drought in the women’s singles event.

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara produced a stunning free skate to win pairs gold for Japan, recovering from a significant short programme error to top the podium.

The Japanese duo had initially been left languishing in fifth place following the opening segment of the competition.

A failed lift during that first routine had threatened to completely derail their title hopes.

Fighting back for gold

However, the pair stormed back into contention with a flawless performance in the decisive free skate.

Their routine was hailed as "stunning" as they vaulted past their rivals to claim the top spot.

It marked a dramatic and emotional turnaround for the skaters, who secured the gold medal despite the earlier setback.

Germany slip to bronze

Germany, who had been well-placed to challenge for victory, saw their advantage slip away under pressure.

The German pair were ultimately dropped to third place following the excellence of the new champions.

This victory cements Miura and Kihara’s status at the pinnacle of the sport following a resilient display.

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are reportedly set to meet in a surprise exhibition contest in the Congo on 25 April.

Reports indicate the unexpected showdown will take place in central Africa, marking a shock return to the ring for both boxing legends.

While the country is not a typical modern destination for major fights, it famously hosted the iconic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974.

Exhibition rules and format

Details emerging regarding the format confirm the exhibition is scheduled for eight two-minute rounds.

The event is being promoted by CSI Sports, who have predicted the broadcast numbers will shatter economic records set by the heavyweight veteran in 2024.

Despite the promoter having no prior experience with a card of this magnitude, they insist the bout will captivate global audiences.

Tyson’s return to action

The former undisputed heavyweight champion is preparing for his first appearance since a points defeat by Jake Paul in November 2024.

Despite widespread concerns regarding his performance in that bout, the New York-born slugger insists he is ready for the challenge.

“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable – and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets. I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health.”

Tyson recently reaffirmed the status of the bout, stating that he accepted the challenge after being approached.

Mayweather defending a legacy

Mayweather retired from professional boxing with a flawless 50-0 record but has remained active on the lucrative exhibition circuit.

The five-division world champion, who previously faced Logan Paul in a similar spectacle, remains confident that his reputation is untouchable.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” Mayweather said. “You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big, and it’s going to be legendary. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”

Tyson Fury believes heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will be “begging” for a trilogy fight by the end of the year despite losing their previous two encounters.

The British heavyweight suffered points defeats in both meetings with Usyk, the second of which took place in December 2024.

Those losses prompted a brief retirement, but the former world champion is convinced his financial drawing power remains essential to the division.

“He’ll be begging for a trilogy by the end of the year. There’s no one for him to fight to make any money,”

“There’s only the GK [Gypsy King], the big man. I’m the man, with or without belts.”

‘The biggest fish in the pond’

Fury continues to dispute the judging in their previous bouts, comparing the decisions to being “robbed in broad daylight”.

However, he insists that his status in the sport makes a third contest inevitable regardless of the championship landscape.

“With or without money, I’m still the man. With or without belts, I’m still the man,”

“You know – why? Because I’m the biggest fish in the pond.”

Comeback trail begins in London

Before looking toward a third bout with the Ukrainian, Fury must navigate a comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov.

The pair are scheduled to meet on 11 April at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Makhmudov represents a dangerous obstacle for the Briton’s return, currently holding a number six ranking with the WBA.

“Big, dangerous man and someone I have to respect or else I’ll get knocked out,”

Victory in London is viewed as a necessary step for the 37-year-old to position himself for another world title challenge.

Respect shown to Joshua

While a domestic showdown with Anthony Joshua has long been discussed, Fury insisted now is not the time to pursue that rivalry.

Joshua is currently recovering following a car accident that resulted in the tragic loss of two close friends.

The Gypsy King offered his condolences and stated he would not call out his compatriot while he mourns.

Elana Meyers Taylor has claimed her first Olympic gold medal at the age of 41 after victory in the women’s monobob at the Milan Cortina Games.

The American rallied in the fourth and final heat to secure the title with a combined time of three minutes 57.93 seconds.

It ends a long wait for the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympic history, who had previously won three silvers and two bronzes.

Germany’s Laura Nolte took silver, while Meyers Taylor’s compatriot Kaillie Humphries Armbruster secured bronze.

Record-breaking success

Meyers Taylor is now the oldest American woman to ever stand atop the podium at the Winter Games.

The victory brings her total Olympic medal haul to six, tying speed skater Bonnie Blair for the most by a US woman.

The 41-year-old dropped to her knees in tears as the result was confirmed on a frosty night in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Having twice returned to elite competition following the birth of her children, the gold medal completes a glittering resume that already included World Championship and World Cup titles.

A dramatic finale

Nolte held a 0.15-second advantage heading into the decisive final run, with Meyers Taylor sitting in second place.

However, the German slider could not maintain her lead under pressure, eventually finishing behind the American veteran.

Humphries Armbruster, who won the inaugural monobob gold in Beijing four years ago, finished in 3:58.05 to ensure two Americans reached the podium.

Following her run, the bronze medallist celebrated immediately, knowing she had secured her fifth career Olympic medal.

History makers

The event marked a significant milestone for longevity in the sport.

Meyers Taylor and Humphries Armbruster became the first women in their 40s to medal in Olympic bobsleigh history.

Both athletes have now medalled in all five of their Olympic appearances.

Kaysha Love, the reigning world monobob champion for the USA, struggled in her second and fourth runs to finish in seventh place.