Sports News from Tuesday, January 6th, 2026

The Creators Dubai Desert Classic (CDDC) returns for its second edition from January 17-18, bringing together 16 of the biggest sporting content creators in social media to compete in their own version of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Travis Head scored 163 and Steve Smith became the second-most prolific Ashes run-scorer of all time on the way to his century as Australia took a first-innings lead of 134 on the third day of the fifth test against England on Tuesday.

Liam Rosenior was confirmed as Chelsea's new head coach on Tuesday following the sacking of Enzo Maresca.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka began her 2026 campaign with a thumping victory at the Brisbane International on Tuesday while her "Battle of the Sexes" opponent Nick Kyrgios fell short on his return to singles action after nearly a year out.

The prize fund for this year's Australian Open has been increased by 16 per cent to A$111.5 million ($74.88 million), making it the largest purse in the tournament's history, organisers announced on Tuesday.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Australian Open warm-up tournament in Adelaide to focus on being ready for the year's first Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.

Yasser Ibrahim’s superb header and Mohamed Salah's breakaway strike earned record seven-time champions Egypt a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Monday.

Ademola Lookman turned in a virtuoso performance as Victor Osimhen struck twice to lead Nigeria to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 on Monday.