ireland and scotland, northern ireland and northern england, where there will be patches of frost, low single figures further south. we can start on a promising note, most of us start on a bright and sunny knows, but rain moving on quickly to northern ireland, splashes for wales in the south—west of england, then it arrives across north—west england, western scotland, all the time the winds are strengthening from the south—west. the rain doesn't reach eastern scotland and eastern england, where it should stay dry, but turning increasingly cloudy. rain scooting across the uk followed by south—westerly winds, bringing mild air across all parts of the uk, and although you might see some rain across east anglia and south—east england, that will clear out of the way followed by sunny spells and showers. with those winds

from the south, a hello, and welcome to sportsday — i'm hugh ferris. coming up on the programme... galloping away from the field at cheltenham again. galopin des champs wins back to back gold cups. and back to back gold cups. i'm live at the festival witi the and i'm live at the festival with the trainer of galopin des champs, willie mullins. the grand slam might be gone, but not many would rule ireland out of a second straight six nations title on the tournamen�*ts final weekend. —— tournament's final weekend. and pep guardiola says it's becoming a tradition. manchester city will play real madrid in the champions league for a third season in a row. also coming up on sportsday... a husband, a wife, but both all stars. we talk to two players preparing for the return of british basketball�*s big weekend. and beee careful, carlos! a swarm stops play during his indian wells quarter finals...

we'll tell you how a man called lance saved the day. hello again. welcome along to sportsday. it has been willie's week at cheltenham. after reaching his century of winners, now trainer willie mullins is celebrating back—to—back gold cups. galopin des champs is also the second horse he's done that with — the odds—on favourite winning in style on the race's 100th anniversary. lizzie greenwood—hughes is at cheltenham. lizzie, perhaps not a surprise, but a special moment nonetheless. it really was special, king willie has done it again on the 100th year of the gold cup, having more than 100 festival winners and he's had his fourth gold cup win in six

years, and his second in succession with galopin des champs. the irish maestro is here, he's waited around for us. thank you so much for staying for us to talk to us. first of all, just talk us through the gold cup, because you had the loose holders... i gold cup, because you had the loose holders... ., , gold cup, because you had the loose holders... . , , ., ., holders... i can hardly breathe and i saw the loose _ holders... i can hardly breathe and i saw the loose horse _ holders... i can hardly breathe and i saw the loose horse on _ holders... i can hardly breathe and i saw the loose horse on the - i saw the loose horse on the outside. _ i saw the loose horse on the outside. i_ i saw the loose horse on the outside, i could see paul deciding whether_ outside, i could see paul deciding whether to go on the inside or outside, there was no room inside, he had to— outside, there was no room inside, he had to do the brave thing and go on the _ he had to do the brave thing and go on the outside. the horse could wheel over— on the outside. the horse could wheel over there and cut them off completely. he didn't, the horse, because _ completely. he didn't, the horse, because horses love jumping, and he 'ust because horses love jumping, and he just went _ because horses love jumping, and he just went straight and paul went beside _ just went straight and paul went beside him on the race. but my heart was doing _ beside him on the race. but my heart was doing double time.— was doing double time. where does this win rank— was doing double time. where does this win rank for _ was doing double time. where does this win rank for you? _ was doing double time. where does this win rank for you? where - was doing double time. where does this win rank for you? where does l this win rank for you? where does galopin des champs rank as well with horses over the years?— horses over the years? we've had some fantastic _ horses over the years? we've had some fantastic horses _ horses over the years? we've had some fantastic horses over - horses over the years? we've had some fantastic horses over the i some fantastic horses over the years, —

some fantastic horses over the years. but_ some fantastic horses over the years, but winning gold cups back to back and _ years, but winning gold cups back to back and the style he wanted it but him right— back and the style he wanted it but him right up there, if not the best. he's the _ him right up there, if not the best. he's the best we've ever had. so h0pefuiiy— he's the best we've ever had. so hopefully we'll come back next year if we aren't — hopefully we'll come back next year if we aren't barred secular this is the thing. — if we aren't barred secular this is the thing, there's been so much talk about— the thing, there's been so much talk about the _ the thing, there's been so much talk about the irish domination and not 'ust about the irish domination and not just the _ about the irish domination and not just the irish domination, but the muiiihs_ just the irish domination, but the mullins domination. why are you so good? _ mullins domination. why are you so good? i_ mullins domination. why are you so good? i don't know why we are so good, _ good? i don't know why we are so good, but — good? i don't know why we are so good, but we focus on cheltenham, the olympics of our sport, jump racihg~ — the olympics of our sport, jump racing. people come to me wanting a horse, _ racing. people come to me wanting a horse. i_ racing. people come to me wanting a horse. iask— racing. people come to me wanting a horse, i ask what sort of horse, and they say— horse, i ask what sort of horse, and they say a _ horse, i ask what sort of horse, and they say a horse to compete in cheltenham. the atmosphere here, the fun people _ cheltenham. the atmosphere here, the fun people have here — it is so hard to win _ fun people have here — it is so hard to win here, — fun people have here — it is so hard to win here, and that's what cheltenham is all about, irish or english — cheltenham is all about, irish or english. we are amazed even though we are _ english. we are amazed even though we are dominating things, english trainers _ we are dominating things, english trainers are happy for us to have wihhers, — trainers are happy for us to have winners, and the amount of goodwill here from _ winners, and the amount of goodwill here from english people, we are

amazed _ here from english people, we are amazed at — here from english people, we are amazed at that because you think there _ amazed at that because you think there would be a backlash, but it's there would be a backlash, but it's the opposite, they all want to come for the _ the opposite, they all want to come for the dublin racing festival. so it's good — for the dublin racing festival. so it's good for racing. it's a cycle, we will— it's good for racing. it's a cycle, we will go — it's good for racing. it's a cycle, we will go down in the english will come _ we will go down in the english will come back— we will go down in the english will come back up again. that's the way sport— come back up again. that's the way sport is _ come back up again. that's the way sort is. �* . , come back up again. that's the way sort is. �* .,, my come back up again. that's the way sortis. �* sport is. and as nicky henderson said, sport is. and as nicky henderson said. you're _ sport is. and as nicky henderson said. you'rejust_ sport is. and as nicky henderson said, you're just a _ sport is. and as nicky henderson said, you're just a theory -- - said, you're just a theory —— thoroughly good bloke. i'm sure they'll be wanting to talk to you. we will have a bit of celebration to do. ., , ., ., ., ., , do. you deserve it! congratulations to willie mullins _ do. you deserve it! congratulations to willie mullins there _ do. you deserve it! congratulations to willie mullins there on _ do. you deserve it! congratulations to willie mullins there on his - to willie mullins there on his fourth gold cup win. there were no female jockey wins today, there have been plenty over the festival over years. it wasn't always like that. i'll bring in a couple guests because it was back in 1983 that the first female jockey had a winner at the festival, and it was caroline robinson. a0 years later, her daughter and he was writing in the same race. i'll start with you

first, me, because you are still beaming, but was it like to ride in cheltenham? abs, beaming, but was it like to ride in cheltenham?— beaming, but was it like to ride in cheltenham? a dream come true, i was lucky enough — cheltenham? a dream come true, i was lucky enough to — cheltenham? a dream come true, i was lucky enough to write _ cheltenham? a dream come true, i was lucky enough to write here _ cheltenham? a dream come true, i was lucky enough to write here in _ cheltenham? a dream come true, i was lucky enough to write here in may, - lucky enough to write here in may, but to _ lucky enough to write here in may, but to have — lucky enough to write here in may, but to have a right at the festival was a _ but to have a right at the festival was a dream come true. how but to have a right at the festival was a dream come true. how much of it is fresh and — was a dream come true. how much of it is fresh and was _ was a dream come true. how much of it is fresh and was your _ was a dream come true. how much of it is fresh and was your mum - was a dream come true. how much of it is fresh and was your mum to - was a dream come true. how much of it is fresh and was your mum to you? | it is fresh and was your mum to you? tremendous, it's always a dream to try and _ tremendous, it's always a dream to try and emulate that, it didn't quite — try and emulate that, it didn't quite get _ try and emulate that, it didn't quite get to the winners spot, but we had _ quite get to the winners spot, but we had a — quite get to the winners spot, but we had a great spin and really pleased _ we had a great spin and really leased. ,., . ~ we had a great spin and really leased. . ,, ., ., , we had a great spin and really leased. . ,, ., ., ~ pleased. yell back what was it like back then. — pleased. yell back what was it like back then, carolyn? _ pleased. yell back what was it like back then, carolyn? i _ pleased. yell back what was it like back then, carolyn? i was - pleased. yell back what was it like | back then, carolyn? i was speaking to a back then, carolyn? i was speaking to - ., :: , back then, carolyn? iwas speaking to - ., :: , ., to a rider from the 70s about having to a rider from the 70s about having to chance to a rider from the 70s about having to change in — to a rider from the 70s about having to change in a shipping _ to a rider from the 70s about having to change in a shipping container. i to change in a shipping container. we were in a shipping container with no windows. — we were in a shipping container with no windows, absolutely. _ we were in a shipping container with no windows, absolutely. what - we were in a shipping container with no windows, absolutely.— no windows, absolutely. what was it like as a female _ no windows, absolutely. what was it like as a female jockey _ no windows, absolutely. what was it like as a female jockey back- no windows, absolutely. what was it like as a female jockey back then? l no windows, absolutely. what was it like as a female jockey back then? i | like as a female jockey back then? i suppose you knew no different, there were plenty— suppose you knew no different, there were plenty of— suppose you knew no different, there were plenty of women _ suppose you knew no different, there were plenty of women before - suppose you knew no different, there were plenty of women before me. - suppose you knew no different, therel were plenty of women before me. but i were plenty of women before me. but

i know _ were plenty of women before me. but i know what _ were plenty of women before me. but i know what i— were plenty of women before me. but i know what i was _ were plenty of women before me. but i know what i was in— were plenty of women before me. but i know what i was in ireland, - were plenty of women before me. but i know what i was in ireland, there - i know what i was in ireland, there were no— i know what i was in ireland, there were no changing _ i know what i was in ireland, there were no changing facilities - i know what i was in ireland, there were no changing facilities for- i know what i was in ireland, there were no changing facilities for thei were no changing facilities for the women. _ were no changing facilities for the women. and _ were no changing facilities for the women. and i_ were no changing facilities for the women, and ijust_ were no changing facilities for the women, and ijust went _ were no changing facilities for the women, and ijust went in - were no changing facilities for the women, and ijust went in with. were no changing facilities for thel women, and ijust went in with the lads and _ women, and ijust went in with the lads and got — women, and ijust went in with the lads and got changed _ women, and ijust went in with the lads and got changed in— women, and ijust went in with the lads and got changed in front - women, and ijust went in with the lads and got changed in front of i lads and got changed in front of then _ lads and got changed in front of them. ~ . , ., lads and got changed in front of them. ~ . lads and got changed in front of them. . ., y., ., lads and got changed in front of them. . them. what did you say to be? did ou ever them. what did you say to be? did you ever encourage _ them. what did you say to be? did you ever encourage her _ them. what did you say to be? did you ever encourage her to - them. what did you say to be? did you ever encourage her to be - them. what did you say to be? did you ever encourage her to be a - you ever encourage her to be a jockey —— me? i you ever encourage her to be a jockey -- me?— jockey -- me? i suppose so, me has alwa s jockey -- me? i suppose so, me has always been — jockey -- me? i suppose so, me has always been a _ jockey -- me? i suppose so, me has always been a natural— jockey -- me? i suppose so, me has always been a natural and _ jockey -- me? i suppose so, me has always been a natural and she - jockey -- me? i suppose so, me has always been a natural and she came| always been a natural and she came through— always been a natural and she came through bony— always been a natural and she came through bony club. _ always been a natural and she came through pony club, inventing, - always been a natural and she came through pony club, inventing, thenl always been a natural and she came| through pony club, inventing, then a lot pointing — through pony club, inventing, then a lot pointing. she's _ through pony club, inventing, then a lot pointing. she's very— lot pointing. she's very professional— lot pointing. she's very professional about - lot pointing. she's veryl professional about what lot pointing. she's very- professional about what she lot pointing. she's very— professional about what she does, and she _ professional about what she does, and she works _ professional about what she does, and she works really _ professional about what she does, and she works really hard - professional about what she does, and she works really hard at - professional about what she does, and she works really hard at it, . professional about what she does, and she works really hard at it, so| and she works really hard at it, so she's— and she works really hard at it, so she's a _ and she works really hard at it, so she's a far— and she works really hard at it, so she's a far fit _ and she works really hard at it, so she's a far fit or— and she works really hard at it, so she's a far fit or individual- and she works really hard at it, so she's a far fit or individual than i. she's a far fit or individual than i ever— she's a far fit or individual than i ever was— she's a far fit or individual than i ever was in— she's a far fit or individual than i everwas in nry— she's a far fit or individual than i ever was in my day. _ she's a far fit or individual than i ever was in my day.— she's a far fit or individual than i ever was in my day. well done to ou, and ever was in my day. well done to you. and well— ever was in my day. well done to you, and well done _ ever was in my day. well done to you, and well done to _ ever was in my day. well done to you, and well done to you - ever was in my day. well done to l you, and well done to you because it's not easy, it's a tough sport. congratulations, thanks so much for joining me. that's the end of this cheltenham festival, and i'lljust say whatever thing because the bbc sport website of a civil tell you exactly where your horse came if you didn't have galopin des champs in the race. there's also a really lovely podcast on bbc sounds called gold cup 100, all about 100 years of

the gold cup. back to you. lizzie with us in _ the gold cup. back to you. lizzie with us in cheltenham. - we've reached the final weekend of the six nations — and while these four teams still have a chance of winning the title, it'll take quite a lot for ireland not to win the trophy for the second year in a row. meanwhile in cardiff, could wales end up with the wooden spoon? to that match in a moment — but first, let's talk about the contenders with our correspondent andy swiss, who's in dublin, where andy ireland can wrap things up. yes, it is of course st patrick's day here in dublin on sunday, all sorts of preparations going on for it. but they'll be hoping it's not the only celebration here this weekend, because ireland as you say are the hot favourites for the title. the players were training here early on, watched by a group of young fans who certainly seemed to enjoy the experience. now the permutations are not entirely straightforward, but ireland know

that if they win here or if they draw against scotland tomorrow, they will be the champions. even a narrow defeat will almost certainly be enough. as for scotland, if they secure a huge, huge win here tomorrow, they mightjust have a mathematical chance of winning the title. but equally, they will be aware that they have a terrible recent record against ireland, who have won their last nine meetings. so ireland will be confident of winning here tomorrow, but they know that even if they lose, getting a bonus point could be key. you have to discuss these things particularly with regards to making decisions _ particularly with regards to making decisions around referee calls, penalties _ decisions around referee calls, penalties. so we are going out to win tomorrow, that's what we do for every— win tomorrow, that's what we do for every test _ win tomorrow, that's what we do for every test match. but of course there's — every test match. but of course there's a — every test match. but of course there's a handful of us who might have _ there's a handful of us who might have to _ there's a handful of us who might have to make a decision about knowing — have to make a decision about knowing the permutations. it�*ll have to make a decision about knowing the permutations.

tough challenge, i think, ireland tough challenge, ithink, ireland if not are _ tough challenge, ithink, ireland if not are one — tough challenge, ithink, ireland if not are one of— tough challenge, ithink, ireland if not are one of the _ tough challenge, ithink, ireland if not are one of the best _ tough challenge, ithink, ireland if not are one of the best teams, - tough challenge, ithink, ireland if not are one of the best teams, ori not are one of the best teams, or one of— not are one of the best teams, or one of them — not are one of the best teams, or one of them certainly. _ not are one of the best teams, or one of them certainly. we've goti not are one of the best teams, orl one of them certainly. we've got a lot to _ one of them certainly. we've got a lot to play — one of them certainly. we've got a lot to play for. _ one of them certainly. we've got a lot to play for, it's _ one of them certainly. we've got a lot to play for, it's been _ one of them certainly. we've got a lot to play for, it's been 30 - one of them certainly. we've got a lot to play for, it's been 30 odd i lot to play for, it's been 30 odd years— lot to play for, it's been 30 odd years since _ lot to play for, it's been 30 odd years since the _ lot to play for, it's been 30 odd years since the first _ lot to play for, it's been 30 odd years since the first team, - lot to play for, it's been 30 odd years since the first team, andi years since the first team, and after— years since the first team, and after our— years since the first team, and after our loss _ years since the first team, and after our loss last _ years since the first team, and after our loss last weekend, i years since the first team, and. after our loss last weekend, the first thing — after our loss last weekend, the first thing you _ after our loss last weekend, the first thing you want _ after our loss last weekend, the first thing you want to _ after our loss last weekend, the first thing you want to do - after our loss last weekend, the first thing you want to do is - after our loss last weekend, the first thing you want to do is geti first thing you want to do is get back— first thing you want to do is get back out— first thing you want to do is get back out there _ first thing you want to do is get back out there and _ first thing you want to do is get back out there and try- first thing you want to do is get back out there and try and - first thing you want to do is get back out there and try and putl back out there and try and put things— back out there and try and put things as _ back out there and try and put things as right— back out there and try and put things as right as _ back out there and try and put things as right as you - back out there and try and put things as right as you can. - we only have any of this jeopardy because of england beating ireland, and that'll increase expectations they can do the same in france—wales? england will be full of confidence after that win, and they have an outside chance of winning the title, but it is just an outside chance. they'll have to hope that ireland lose heavily here and get a hefty win over france in lyon. but it could be a big day for one of their players, to a lanky who's been named

on the replacement bench, he's been... which would potentially make him ineligible to play for england, so it could be his last international appearance in england tomorrow. figs international appearance in england tomorrow. r . international appearance in england tomorrow. a . . ., , ., tomorrow. as far as wales are concerned. — tomorrow. as far as wales are concerned, it's _ tomorrow. as far as wales are concerned, it's either- tomorrow. as far as wales are concerned, it's either a - tomorrow. as far as wales are concerned, it's either a win i tomorrow. as far as wales are concerned, it's either a win or| tomorrow. as far as wales are . concerned, it's either a win or the wooden spoon?— wooden spoon? that's right, it's been a tough — wooden spoon? that's right, it's been a tough championship - wooden spoon? that's right, it's been a tough championship for. wooden spoon? that's right, it's - been a tough championship for wales. it could be an emotional day for them as well because it'll be the final international appearance of george north, his 121st cap. what a player he's been for wales. wales will be desperate for a win, they've won their first four matches in the six nations and they know they have to beat italy if they are to have any chance of avoiding their first wooden spoon for more than 20 years. so it is a big day for them, but they'll be hopeful with the cardiff crowd behind them that they can get their first victory of this campaign. their first victory of this campaign-— their first victory of this camaian.�* , ., ,, their first victory of this camaian.�* , . , their first victory of this camaian.�* , ., ,, , . campaign. andy, thank you very much indeed.

manchester city will face real madrid in the champions league for a third year in a row — although it's a stage earlier this time, while arsenal's recent history against their quarter final opponents suggests a tough tie for them too. joe lynskey�*s here with the details from all the european draws today. just eight teams left in europe's elite competition, there are now no easy draws in the champions league. and the quarter finals have pitted the two premier league clubs left against real madrid and bayern munich. for arsenal, that means a meeting with a club frankly they've had an awful time of it against in this competition. they met in the last 16 over two legs in 2017, and lost both of those games 5—1, 10—2 on aggregate. they also met in the group stage the season before that — that finished the same scoreline. bayern, though, will play the first leg at the emirates without any away fans in attendance, that a punishment for throwing fireworks onto the pitch in their last—16 match in lazio. manchester ciy, of course, also have history against real madrid — they've met in the last two

champions league semi—finals, city winning last season with that complete performance at the etihad, and real coming out on top in 2022 with that dramatic late comeback. pep guardiola is all set up for a new matchup. yeah, it looks like a bit of tradition. _ yeah, it looks like a bit of tradition, three years in a row, playing — tradition, three years in a row, playing the _ tradition, three years in a row, playing the king of the competition, winning _ playing the king of the competition, winning 14 _ playing the king of the competition, winning ia champions league. but it is what _ winning ia champions league. but it is what it— winning ia champions league. but it is what it is. — winning ia champions league. but it is what it is, hopefully we can arrive — is what it is, hopefully we can arrive at — is what it is, hopefully we can arrive at the moment. it still a few weeks _ arrive at the moment. it still a few weeks before the first game in madrid. — weeks before the first game in madrid, and yeah, we will see. in the europa league quarterfinals, liverpool continue their quest forfour trophies in manager jurgen klopp's farewell season. the final of this competition could conceivably be klopp's last or penultimate match in charge, it's scheduled for the wednesday night before the fa cup final — but to reach that match in dublin, they have to get past atalanta, a team who sit sixth in italy's serie a. the other premier league team in it are west ham — european quarter finalists for a third season in a row, but their last—eight tie has pit

them against perhaps the one team liverpool will fear in the drawer — bayer leverkusen, managed by the in—demand xabi alonso, and who sit ten points clear at the top of the bundesliga. those two ties are on opposite sides of the draw, so if liverpool are to face alonso or the hammers, that would come in the final. aston villa will also be plotting their potential route to a european showpiece in the europa conference league. they face lille in their quarter final, the fourth place team in the french ligue un, and after beating ajax in the last 16 villa will believe they are the team to beat in this draw, a2 years on from their european cup triumph in rotterdam in 82. -- 1982. this year's conference league final is in athens on 29 may. many thanks to joe lynskey. first meets third in the wsl tonight. a london derby involving two teams

that have been perennial contenders, but have never before met at stamford bridge. and, even though it's the first match there between chelsea and aresnal, the stakes remain familiar. chris slegg has been speaking to one of chelsea's standout players of the season. you are in the form of your life, what would you put down to playing your best season? it’s what would you put down to playing your best season?— what would you put down to playing your best season? it's been having a lot of training _ your best season? it's been having a lot of training sessions _ your best season? it's been having a lot of training sessions away - your best season? it's been having a lot of training sessions away at - your best season? it's been having a lot of training sessions away at the l lot of training sessions away at the world cup, and using that time to work on things you need to work on and being consistent with that, meaning i'll be able to translate it to games. meaning i'll be able to translate it to names. ~ . ., , ., , to games. with crowds on the rise, stamford bridge _ to games. with crowds on the rise, stamford bridge are _ to games. with crowds on the rise, stamford bridge are being - stamford bridge are being increasingly used for women's game. of this is the first time this of this is the first time this particular london derby has ever been staged here. what's it like playing in these games now that are being held more regularly at stadiums like the emirates and

stamford bridge? b5 stadiums like the emirates and stamford bridge?— stadiums like the emirates and stamford bride? �* . . , �*, stamford bridge? as players, there's so much on — stamford bridge? as players, there's so much on the _ stamford bridge? as players, there's so much on the line _ stamford bridge? as players, there's so much on the line for— stamford bridge? as players, there's so much on the line for these - stamford bridge? as players, there'sj so much on the line for these games. and to have the excitement and crowd there as well, feeling that as well just makes everything more exciting and special. just makes everything more exciting and secial. . and special. cheering arsenal's _ and special. cheering arsenal's emirates - and special. cheering - arsenal's emirates stadium and special. cheering _ arsenal's emirates stadium hosted the team in december. the gunners ia-i. the team in december. the gunners 1a—1. victory again tonight would move them level on points with leaders chelsea and manchester city who are second on goal difference. it'll bring out the best out of both teams _ it'll bring out the best out of both teams. margins and details will matter — teams. margins and details will matter. we will need to fight so hard _ matter. we will need to fight so hard for— matter. we will need to fight so hard for every inch, to try and get the competitive advantage in the game. _ the competitive advantage in the game, and everything we will do will matter— game, and everything we will do will matter for— game, and everything we will do will matter for it. and i honestly love that _ matter for it. and i honestly love that. . . . matter for it. and i honestly love that. , . ., , matter for it. and i honestly love that. ., , ., that. chelsea are preparing for life after legendary — that. chelsea are preparing for life after legendary manager _ that. chelsea are preparing for life after legendary manager emma i that. chelsea are preparing for life - after legendary manager emma hayes, whose lead them to 15 trophies and 12 years — and who's leaving this

summer to become usa head coach. do you feel like there's extra pressure because emma hayes is a leaving, and a sense to do it for her? {lari because emma hayes is a leaving, and a sense to do it for her?— a sense to do it for her? of course. that would — a sense to do it for her? of course. that would be _ a sense to do it for her? of course. that would be brilliant, _ a sense to do it for her? of course. that would be brilliant, but - a sense to do it for her? of course. that would be brilliant, but even i a sense to do it for her? of course. that would be brilliant, but even if| that would be brilliant, but even if she is staying, we still wouldn't win everything, so there could be a nice narrative around that. but no matter what, we would want to win. by, matter what, we would want to win. a win tonight mean chelsea would move a step closer to another trophy — but victory for arsenal will keep their title dream alive too. chris slegg, bbc news. you're watching sportsday. let's have a quick look at some of today's other stories. emma raducanu has been named in great britain's squad to face france in the qualifying round of the billiejean king cup next month. the former us open champion joins british number one katie boulter, harriet dart, and heather watson in what captain anne keothavong says is a "full—strength team". after a trial in men's limited—overs matches a "stop—clock" to regulate time taken between overs will become permanent in all white—ball internationals from the men's t20 world cup this summer. fielding teams must be ready to start a new over within 60

seconds of the last one, and failure to do so three times will mean a five—run penalty. and aaron donald, one of the greatest defensive players in nfl history, has announced he's retiring. the los angeles rams defensive tackle spent ten seasons in the league, and is certain to be voted into the hall of fame having won super bowl 56 and the nfl defensive player of the year award a record—equalling three times. a second—round 69 has kept matt fitzpatrick in contention at the players champoinship golf, in florida. american wyndham clark is still at the top of the leaderboard, while the man he shared the overnight lead with, rory mcilroy, is out on course right now. our correspondent iain carter is at sawgrass. iain, if it wasn't for a double bogey on the back nine, fitzpatrick would be in an even better position. he would, it came at the ath hole, he was playing the back nine first on his 13th around. he tried to

gouge onto the green but found the water short of the green, that penalty shot and the failure to get up penalty shot and the failure to get up and down meant a double bogey six. but otherwise he was very tired, fitzpatrick excellently put too many weights into the grip of his club over previous months and only discovered that in the build up to this championship, and has reaped the benefits thereafter. so a return to form for him, he's in second place at the moment, nine under par. five shots off the lead, wyndham clark so impressive, a second success of 65, just one shy of the 66 hole record. rory mcelroy, just happen for a birdie, 66 hole record. rory mcelroy, just happen fora birdie, keeping him at seven under par, so seven shots the lead. . ~ seven under par, so seven shots the lead. . ,, ,., seven under par, so seven shots the lead. . ~' ,. , seven under par, so seven shots the lead. . ,, y., , . ., it's one of the feature events of the us basketball season, but the british version of the all star game has been

absent for 13 years. this year, though, it's back — and for the first time, there'll be two, with the best of both the bbl's women and men taking part in a north v south battle at the copper box, in london. representing each of the north teams are husband and wife jamell and georgia anderson, who stopped by to tell me more. it's great we are having both games on the same day. obviously fans of the men's game can watch the women's, and vice versa. so yeah, it'sjust women's, and vice versa. so yeah, it's just really good to do something a bit fun and different, and try and appeal to other people as well. ., ,. �* and try and appeal to other people as well. ., y., �* ., , as well. now you're the only british -la er that as well. now you're the only british player that has _ as well. now you're the only british player that has been _ as well. now you're the only british player that has been involved - as well. now you're the only british player that has been involved in - player that has been involved in either of the two teams in the men's game. how much does that mean to you, and how will you be able to tell those americans— they are not all americans — but the americans on the team what north versus south means? , . , , ., �* means? deathly flying the flag, i'm ve roud means? deathly flying the flag, i'm very proud to _ means? deathly flying the flag, i'm very proud to be — means? deathly flying the flag, i'm very proud to be the _ means? deathly flying the flag, i'm very proud to be the british - means? deathly flying the flag, i'm very proud to be the british player. | very proud to be the british player. -- definitely— very proud to be the british player. —— definitely flying the flag. i hope — —— definitely flying the flag. i hope there'll be a lot more british players _ hope there'll be a lot more british players in the all—star game.

hope there'll be a lot more british players in the all-star game. in the ears he players in the all-star game. in the years he played _ players in the all-star game. in the years he played the _ players in the all-star game. in the years he played the bpl, _ players in the all-star game. in the years he played the bpl, for- players in the all-star game. in the years he played the bpl, for you i players in the all-star game. in the years he played the bpl, for you to| years he played the bpl, for you to be selected by the coach, how much does that mean to do that at the state of your career?— does that mean to do that at the state of your career? very grateful, and for us both _ state of your career? very grateful, and for us both to _ state of your career? very grateful, and for us both to be _ state of your career? very grateful, and for us both to be selected - state of your career? very grateful, and for us both to be selected is - and for us both to be selected is incredible — and for us both to be selected is incredible-— and for us both to be selected is incredible. ., ., , ., ., incredible. your team captain of the women's game. _ incredible. your team captain of the women's game, you _ incredible. your team captain of the women's game, you are _ incredible. your team captain of the women's game, you are the - incredible. your team captain of the women's game, you are the best i incredible. your team captain of the women's game, you are the best of| women's game, you are the best of the north. i’m women's game, you are the best of the north. �* . women's game, you are the best of the north. �* , ., , , , the north. i'm 'ust honestly very crateful the north. i'm 'ust honestly very gratefut that — the north. i'm just honestly very grateful that people _ the north. i'm just honestly very grateful that people voted i the north. i'm just honestly very grateful that people voted for i the north. i'm just honestly very l grateful that people voted for me. i'm sort of coming to the end of my career, shall we say? so it's nice to sort of have this to look forward to sort of have this to look forward to and enjoy. but as far as leaving, i would say i'm from manchester, born and bred, so very passionate about the north —— leading. so hopefully i can portray that to the rest of the team. just hopefully i can portray that to the rest of the team.— hopefully i can portray that to the rest of the team. just like players, married, rest of the team. just like players, married. you _ rest of the team. just like players, married, you have _ rest of the team. just like players, married, you have a _ rest of the team. just like players, married, you have a young - rest of the team. just like players, | married, you have a young daughter rest of the team. just like players, i married, you have a young daughter - married, you have a young daughter — i appreciate there might not be much time to do this, with your daughter being only one at the moment, but one on ones at home? that ever happened, who wins?— happened, who wins? she's the best tla er happened, who wins? she's the best player already- _ happened, who wins? she's the best player already. laughter _ player already. laughter

that's one _ player already. laughter that's one on _ player already. laughter that's one on one, - player already. laughter that's one on one, that'sl player already. laughter - that's one on one, that's different. it seems that you have some sort of set up at home that allows i want to your —— a one—year—old to try some shots. your -- a one-year-old to try some shots. ,, �* , your -- a one-year-old to try some shots, ,, �* , ., ., . your -- a one-year-old to try some shots-_ in _ your -- a one-year-old to try some shots._ in terms i shots. she's advanced. in terms of those people _ shots. she's advanced. in terms of those people particularly _ shots. she's advanced. in terms of those people particularly recently. those people particularly recently who have started to tune in notjust to watch the bdl, but international basketball as well, how much in terms of a british aspect is the london lions — how much does their success matter in terms of that extra appeal? it’s success matter in terms of that extra appeal?— success matter in terms of that extra appeal? it's amazing, what the are extra appeal? it's amazing, what they are doing — extra appeal? it's amazing, what they are doing in _ extra appeal? it's amazing, what they are doing in london - extra appeal? it's amazing, what they are doing in london is i extra appeal? it's amazing, what i they are doing in london is actually incredible. the fact they've made it to the european final is honestly incredible, so ijust hope people are aware of it and pay attention to it, and take notice. because it speaks a lot for the league, as well, players are coming to this league to play in it. bud well, players are coming to this league to play in it.— league to play in it. and a final toint is, league to play in it. and a final point is, things _ league to play in it. and a final point is, things like _ league to play in it. and a final point is, things like the - league to play in it. and a final| point is, things like the london lions and the all—star game, these are entry points. we might have a passing interest in nba, we might be

watching the olympics and commonwealth, but those are the entry points into the domestic league that matter so much. it’s league that matter so much. it's beint league that matter so much. it's being televised to the rest of the world. _ being televised to the rest of the world, which is huge, and a lot of people _ world, which is huge, and a lot of people have their eyes on basketball, and i hope the british people _ basketball, and i hope the british people catch on. rain, bad light, heat, wind — now you can add bees to that list. all reasons why play has had to stop in tennis. an hour and a0 minutes it took to sort out the problem during the indian wells quarter final between alex zverev and carlos alcaraz, who was stung in the side of the head. patrick gearey has the story. this is not a horror movie, but a tennis match under attack. a swarm of presumably uninvited bees flashed mobbing the indian wells quarterfinal.— mobbing the indian wells tuarterfinal. ., quarterfinal. play cannot continue, we are postponed _ quarterfinal. play cannot continue, we are postponed for— quarterfinal. play cannot continue, we are postponed for a _ quarterfinal. play cannot continue, we are postponed for a while. i quarterfinal. play cannot continue, we are postponed for a while. and| we are postponed for a while. and sendint we are postponed for a while. sending tennis's young superstar carlos alcaraz in a rapid retreat. these bees were no inspectors of

ranking — carlos was stung on his forehead. i ranking - carlos was stung on his forehead. ., , ., ., ,, , forehead. i tried to stay awake, but it was impossible, _ forehead. i tried to stay awake, but it was impossible, it _ forehead. i tried to stay awake, but it was impossible, it was _ forehead. i tried to stay awake, but it was impossible, it was stuck i forehead. i tried to stay awake, but it was impossible, it was stuck in i it was impossible, it was stuck in my hair. so i was running. i'm a little bit afraid of them. the bees had seemingly — little bit afraid of them. the bees had seemingly been _ little bit afraid of them. the bees had seemingly been attracted i little bit afraid of them. the bees had seemingly been attracted by| little bit afraid of them. the bees| had seemingly been attracted by a spider cam — the camry which hovers over court. and so into this chaos came a man named lance. official tournament beekeeper, not all heroes where capes, this one didn't even wear protective clothing thanks to some high—stakes vacuuming, lance davis removed the bees so they could be released later. lance was called back for a second round of b control, but by now had to balance that with the demands of celebrity. it was a rush job to get there at first. _ it was a rush job to get there at first. then — it was a rush job to get there at first, then it was really fun relating _ first, then it was really fun relating to the audience— they gave me the _ relating to the audience— they gave me the big — relating to the audience— they gave me the big wave, i don't know why they did _ me the big wave, i don't know why they did that — but it was funny, and someone said, "lance, they don't do this— and someone said, "lance, they don't do this for— and someone said, "lance, they don't do this for tennis, they do this for

you" _ do this for tennis, they do this for you" and — do this for tennis, they do this for you" and i— do this for tennis, they do this for you." and i said cool. i put my fist on my— you." and i said cool. i put my fist on my heart— you." and i said cool. i put my fist on my heart and gave them a thank you. on my heart and gave them a thank you so _ on my heart and gave them a thank ou, , p, ' on my heart and gave them a thank ou. , .,' ., you. so buzz off, came on, the game was eventually _ you. so buzz off, came on, the game was eventually won _ you. so buzz off, came on, the game was eventually won by _ you. so buzz off, came on, the game was eventually won by carlos - was eventually won by carlos alcaraz. partly thanks to the net — lance didn't even need that. patrick gearey, bbc news. that's very much the sting in the sportsday tale. we hope you enjoy what will be a fascinating weekend of sport — it's been ireland's week at cheltenham, will it be their weekend in the six nations? thanks for watching, weekend in the six nations? thanks forwatching, bye—bye weekend in the six nations? thanks for watching, bye—bye for now. hello. we've seen some cloud and some rain across most parts of the uk today, but that cloud has slowly but surely been breaking. and, as the skies continue to clear overnight tonight, it's going to get quite cold — in fact, it'll be a frosty start to the weekend for some. by the end of the weekend, though, we will flip our fortunes,

it will feel much milder. along the way, we'll see some spells of rain, but also some spells of sunshine. so, we've had quite a lot of cloud today, showers or longer spells of rain, but all tending to drift away eastwards — and notice this clear gap. so, through tonight, largely clear, starry skies, bit of cloud just plaguing these eastern coasts for a time. 1—2 showers in northern scotland, cloud, and some rain into the southwest of england by the end of the night. but under those clear skies, there'll be a few mist patches. temperatures will drop away around or below freezing in places. so, yes, a cold and frosty start to saturday morning underneath this slice of clear weather, this ridge of high pressure. however, it won't last long because our next frontal system will already be approaching from the west. that will bring cloud, it'll bring outbreaks of rain but, as it moves its way northwards and eastwards, it will introduce ever—milder air. that process of mild air wafting northwards continues through saturday and on into saturday night, actually. but for saturday daytime, cloud and some splashes of rain spitting across western parts — northern ireland likely to see

the heaviest of the rain, then getting into southwest scotland. further north and east, holding on to some increasingly hazy sunshine. these are the temperatures by the middle of tomorrow afternoon. but for some spots in the north of the uk, those temperatures will rise even further through saturday night — this frontal system bringing some quite heavy rain eastwards, with that feed of south—westerly winds continuing. so let me show you the temperatures for sunday morning — compared with saturday morning, starting on a frosty note, sunday morning, starting in double figures for quite a few places. there will be a band of rain to clear away from eastern parts, then we'll see the cloud breaking to some extent to give some spells of sunshine, scattered showers out towards the west. but temperatures on sunday afternoon — northeast scotland, up to 15—16 celsius, it may be that eastern england gets to 16—17. very mild indeed, even feeling warm in any sunshine. into next week, still some changeable conditions, rain at times, some spells of sunshine. but broadly speaking,

we're expecting it to stay mild.

live from london. this is the world today on bbc news. russia's re—election of vladimir putin is a foregone conclusion — but some voters are protesting at the polls. at least 20 people are killed

in russian strikes in 0desa — as european leaders agree to step up the supply of weapons for ukraine. israel sends a delegation back to qatar for ceasefire talks — as the us presses netanyahu. also coming up on the world today... can we stop the arctic�*s sea ice from melting away? we hear from the researchers trying to do just that. welcome to the world today — an hour of international news from the bbc. russia and the election, and vladimir putin has been in power since the 80,000 is expected another six years in power. take a look at this. dye being poured into a ballot box. the are small signs of protest. they

have been several incidents like this. take a