Digest

GOLF

Woods' romance gets Trump's blessing

Donald Trump said Monday he hopes Tiger Woods and his former daughter-in-law will be happy together in their relationship, describing the golf superstar as "a fantastic guy".

Woods — renowned for guarding his private life over the years — last week confirmed tabloid rumors that he was dating Vanessa Trump, who split from Donald Trump Jr during his father's first term in the Oval Office.

The US president told reporters in Washington on Monday that he was delighted that she had found love again.

"Tiger actually called me a few months ago, and we have a very special, very good relationship with Tiger," he said.

"I played golf with him a couple of times over the last month, and he's a fantastic guy and a fantastic athlete, and he told me about it, and I said: 'Tiger, that's good,'" Trump explained.

"I'm very happy for both of them, I just, let them both be happy. Let them both be happy. They're both great."

The presidential seal of approval comes after Woods took to social media to post photos of the couple together.

SOCCER

Haaland sidelined by injury in City blow

Manchester City was dealt a major blow on Monday, with leading scorer Erling Haaland set for a spell on the sidelines as the season reaches its climax, after suffering an ankle injury.

The 24-year-old Norwegian was injured in Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup quarterfinal win at Bournemouth.

Having just scored his 30th goal of the season to level the tie, he was then hurt in a challenge with Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook.

The Premier League champion did not provide a timescale for the player's return.

"The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer's FIFA Club World Cup," said a club statement.

"Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury.

"Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis."

City is currently fifth in the Premier League and battling to ensure a spot in the Champions League next season.

Pep Guardiola's side faces Leicester on Wednesday and Manchester United on Sunday.

Wrexham reaps reward of Hollywood tie-up

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped Welsh soccer club Wrexham secure record financial results.

With its two A-list co-owners at the helm, the club's increasing popularity in the United States helped push its revenue to 26.7 million pounds ($34.5 million) according to its latest accounts, up 155 percent on the previous year.

The club, which plays in the third tier of the English game, said it generated more than half (52.1 percent) of its record turnover from outside Europe, primarily North America, for the year ending June 30, 2024.

That compared with 24.6 percent generated outside Europe in the previous year's figures.

Commercial revenue increased from 1.83 million pounds in the previous accounts to 13.18 million in the latest financial statement.

Wrexham has a good chance of securing a third successive promotion, with the club currently second in League One with seven games left.

Fernandes 'not going anywhere', says Amorim

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was told by manager Ruben Amorim on Monday that he is "not going anywhere", despite reports of a possible move to Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old Portuguese star, who has scored 95 goals in 277 appearances since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, has a contract at Old Trafford until 2027.

However, he has been linked in recent days with a 90 million pound ($116.3 million) switch to Spanish giant Real.

"No, it's not going to happen," insisted Amorim.

"I want Bruno here, because, maybe in the lowest moments of our season, he impressed. We want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players to continue with us."

Amorim added: "He's 29, I think, but he's still so young, because he plays 55 games every season. Between assists and goals, he's there for 30 at least, so he's the type of player we want here, so, he's not going anywhere."

"We are in control of the situation, and I feel that he is really happy here."

BASKETBALL

Trae takes new role at his alma mater

Oklahoma has hired former Sooners player and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young as assistant general manager for men's basketball.

He has also pledged to donate $1 million to the program, the school announced Monday.

Young, a four-time NBA All-Star, was an All-American for Oklahoma in 2017-18, his only season with the Sooners. He became the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in points per game (27.4) and assists per game (8.7). He was drafted No 5 overall.

The 26-year-old Norman North High School graduate has, for years, worn his love for the city on his sleeve.

Young will assist with the evaluation of high school and transfer portal prospects, help negotiate player contracts and guide players in building their brands.

Young joins Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry in taking on an administrative role at his alma mater in this new era of college sports. Curry was named assistant GM at Davidson earlier this month.

Agencies-