Lewis Hamilton said the right decision has been taken to cancel this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix amid severe flooding in the region. Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali took the decision to call off the sixth round of the season in northern Italy following an emergency meeting with local authorities and race officials on Wednesday. COMMENT: Why Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are the biggest losers from Imola cancellation “Hoping everyone in Emilia Romagna is able to stay safe and look out for each other right now,” said Hamilton, who was deeply critical of F1’s decision to travel to Melbourne amid the outbreak of the global pandemic three years ago. “Thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and the amazing emergency services working on the ground. We were getting ramped up for the weekend and excited to get going but this is definitely the right decision. We wish we could be racing. But I know we all understand that safety comes first. I can’t wait to see you all at the next race.” Read More Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are the biggest losers from Imola Grand Prix cancellation Will Imola Grand Prix be rescheduled? F1 Imola Grand Prix cancelled

Devin Haney has vowed to ‘impose his will’ on Vasiliy Lomachenko to secure a ‘dominant’ win this weekend. Haney, 24, defends the undisputed lightweight titles against former multiple-weight champion Lomachenko, 35, in Las Vegas on Saturday (20 May). The bout marks the American’s second defence of the belts, which he won by outpointing George Kambosos Jr in the Australian’s home country last June. Haney then beat Kambosos Jr in Australia again in October, emerging victorious via decision once more. Now the unbeaten Haney plans to bolster his resume against an all-time great, and he said on Wednesday (17 May): “I’m going to put on a dominant victory. “I’m going to go in there and impose my will on Loma and show the world how great Devin Haney really is – how versatile, how strong, how young, and how experienced I am in that ring. “This is all a dream come true. I thank God for this every day. I watched fighters make their grand arrivals when I was a young kid. This is all a blessing, and I’m excited for Saturday night.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian Lomachenko hit back: “I believe that when you say something, you need to prove it. “I have a lot of experience in boxing, and anything can happen during a fight. I just think about what I need to do during a fight, and my goal is to become the undisputed champion of the world. “It will be very, very interesting. We have two different styles.” Lomachenko was unified lightweight champion until he suffered a surprise loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2020. Lopez, who outpointed Lomachenko, then dropped the titles to Kambosos Jr via decision in 2021, before Haney dethroned the Australian in a fight for undisputed status. Lomachenko, who has responded to his loss to Lopez with three straight wins, is also a two-time Olympic champion, having won gold for Ukraine in 2008 and 2012. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Haney vs Lomachenko time: When does fight start in UK and US? Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron are shaming their male counterparts What time does Haney vs Lomachenko start in UK and US? How to watch Haney vs Lomachenko online and on TV Who is fighting on Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron undercard?

Coventry City manager Mark Robins believes the Championship play-off final is ‘one for the romantics’ after his side set up a Wembley meeting with Luton Town. Robins’ team edged out Middlesbrough in a tight semi-final to put themselves just one game away from a return to the Premier League. The Midlands club were last in the English top flight in 2001, while Luton have never featured in the Premier League. And as recently as 2018, the two clubs were languishing in League Two, but now have the chance to earn promotion to the top of the English footballing pyramid. “People talk about journeys, where we’ve come from,” Robins told BBC CWR. “It’s one for the romantics. “Luton have come from the National League. I remember it well; Mick Harford in charge, 30-point deductions, it’s been a tough road for them but it’s been a tough road for us and we’ve got our own tales of woe from over a number of years. “Hopefully we can build into a game and have a really good go at getting back into the Premier League. We’re one game away, they’re one game away. To be part of that game is fantastic.” A single goal from Gustavo Hamer was all that separated Coventry and Middlesbrough across two legs, with the Brazilian-born playmaker firing home impressively to secure his side’s place in the promotion decider. Robins returned for a second stint as manager in 2017 and has steadied the club through a number of challenging seasons, leading them to two promotions to return to the Championship. The 53-year-old has been rewarded with a new, extended contract and praised the clubs “special fans” for their support. ““It’s a special club and it’s special because it’s been through so much,” Robins said. “We’re playing Luton who have been through a fair amount themselves, but this is a special club with special fans and the fact they’ve got behind us so much is testament to everything we do. “They’re really good, they’re behind the players, and the biggest achievement I think we’ve managed to do is reconnect with the fans - because there was a huge disconnect with the club. “They’ve come back together, and it’s been phenomenal. It’s changed beyond all recognition since I walked through the door in 2017 and hopefully we can take the next step.” Coventry and Luton meet on Saturday 27 May at Wembley to determine who earns promotion to the Premier League. Read More Coventry City aiming to come full circle after journey to hell and back A tiny ground and a squad costing less than a Man City sub. How are Luton one game from the Premier League? Real Madrid at critical juncture after impotent and powerless Champions League exit Coventry to face Luton in Championship play-off final as Hamer sinks Middlesbrough Coventry and Middlesbrough fail to land blow in Championship play-off semi-final Kitman Chris Marsh overcomes illness to help support Coventry’s promotion push

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the French Open due to a foot injury he sustained during what Australian media says occured at his Canberra home after a man allegedly threatened his mother with a gun and then stole his car

One of Man Utd's key players has returned to training ahead of the Bournemouth game.

Mexico's largest airline has offered to fly Olympic divers Alejandra Orozco and Gabriela Agúndez to this year's world championships for free after government funding cuts forced them to try to find ways to pay their own passage.

Erling Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, discusses the mystery of the Manchester City striker's release clause.

McLaren’s Zak Brown believes there has only been one “credible” bid in the last decade from teams looking to enter the Formula 1 grid - from Guenther Steiner’s Haas team. In January, the FIA officially launched an application process for prospective F1 teams and it has now moved into the formal application stage. Several parties have reportedly declared interest in putting themselves on the grid in the future. The deadline for formal applications was 15 May, with the FIA planning to make a decision on those prospective teams by 30 June. “I think it’s exciting,” Brown said in Miami, of new teams potentially joining the grid. “I remember when I started following Formula 1, you had pre-qualifying, I think there were 30-31 cars trying to show up to make the show. “So, I think an increase in the grid of the right teams that bring the right resources and are additive to what we’re all trying to do and help grow the sport then I’m all for it. “What we can’t have is... really the only credible, sustainable team that I’ve seen in the last decade is Guenther (Steiner’s Haas). “And so, what we do need to make sure is if someone enters that they really have the commitment and can do what it takes. “Because in my experience, I think in a variety of motorsports, you do see a lot of dreamers and what we don’t need with the health of the sport is a team coming in underestimating what it’s going to take and two years later, they’re gone. “So, hats off to Haas for the commitment they’ve made and continue to make to the sport, so we need more teams like that.” The highest-profile prospective new team would be Andretti-Cadillac, while Hitech GP have also expressed an interest in joining the grid. Last week, The Independent interviewed Hong Kong billionaire Calvin Lo - who insisted he was keen on joining forces with a bid from Asia. Under the current rules, a maximum of 12 teams can be on the F1 grid. Additions to the current 10-team grid could be made as soon as 2025. Read More Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are the biggest losers from Imola Grand Prix cancellation F1 Imola Grand Prix cancelled Inspired by Schumacher, meet the Hong Kong billionaire targeting a new Formula 1 team Where are Mercedes and Ferrari? Frankly, you don’t want to hear the answer ‘Nasty piece of work’: Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes slammed by Toto Wolff

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Manchester City produced a sensational performance to defeat Real Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad and reach the Champions League final. Bernardo Silva scored twice as Pep Guardiola’s side blew the holders away in a breathtaking opening half. Eder Militao’s own goal late on ensured there would be no comeback this time from Real Madrid, before Julian Alvarez added a fourth in stoppage time. Here are how the players rated as City booked a final date with Inter Milan on June 10. Manchester City Ederson, 9 The goalkeeper had been a spectator until Toni Kroos hit a stunning drive from distance that Ederson managed to tip onto the bar. It was a crucial touch - and Bernardo doubled City’s lead moments later. Ederson’s save from David Alaba’s free kick in the second half was just as good. Kyle Walker, 9 The best defensive full-back in the world? On this evidence, absolutely. The right back was sensational against the wonderful Vinicius Junior, particularly with a key piece of tracking back in the first half. Ruben Dias, 9 Has Karim Benzema ever had a quieter game in the Champions League? Dias dominated the Real Madrid striker and clearly won their battle. Manuel Akanji, 9 Erling Haaland aside, he has a case to be the signing of the season. Just so solid defensively and comfortable on the ball. A superb individual defender and Rodrygo was anonymous. John Stones, 8 It’s just so audacious, really, for a centre back to step into a midfield of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos and not just hold your own but be a level above. Stones was magnificent. Rodri, 8 Just so good at making lots of very complicated passes and runs through midfield look so effortlessly simple. Seemed to have the most touches in the game, especially during City’s early dominance. Bernardo Silva, 9 Everywhere and excellent all at once. One of the performances of the season with and without the ball, terrorising the poor Edouardo Camavinga and never allowing Madrid a moment to settle. Two goals as well? An incredible player. Kevin De Bruyne, 9 Picked out a stunning pass for Bernardo’s opener and was as dangerous as you would expect from pretty much every position and angle on the pitch. His vision is out of this world and he produced a second assist of the night with his free-kick that went in off Militao. Ilkay Gundogan, 8 His awareness, particularly when close to his own goal, is wonderful. Cruised through a lot of the game. Booked for a lunge on Vinicius. Jack Grealish, 7 The winger gave Davi Carvajal a torrid time and his work rate was excellent once again. His delivery was perhaps not as dangerous as it could have been. Erling Haaland, 7 Should have had the opener but was denied by the brilliant Courtois - twice, and then for a third time in the second half! Haaland was ultimately denied even if he repeatedly troubled Eder Militao before then. Manchester City were still superior. Substitutes Riyad Mahrez: Added fresh legs with the tie beyond Madrid. 6 Phil Foden: Like Mahrez, brought on to cause similar discomfort and provided the assist for City’s fourth. 6 Julian Alvarez: A late run around quickly turned into a fine, low finish to make it 4-0. 6 Real Madrid Thibaut Courtois, 9 Produced a stunning save to deny Halaand’s header from close range - and then came up with an even better one to again stop Haaland’s header. One of the best saves you’ll see. Dani Carvajal, 4 The right back looked terrified of Grealish and dealt with him by backing off. Eder Militao, 4 Looked to match Antonio Rudiger’s intensity and aggression in his duel against Haaland, but struggled to get the balance right. Often left gaps in behind. David Alaba, 5 The versatile defender had to make a couple of last-ditch headers at the back post but the problems stemmed from in front of him. Forced an excellent save out of Ederson with a dipping free-kick. Eduardo Camavinga, 4 Involved in an intense battle with Bernardo that he would probably rather forget. City targeted his side. Federico Valverde, 3 Completely anonymous in the first half and barely had a touch. Toni Kroos, 4 The midfielder had Madrid’s first shot and he was unlucky with what was a brilliant effort from range. Struggled with the movement around him in midfield. Luka Modric, 4 A difficult night for the peerless Modric - who like Kross was overwhelmed by City’s pace and passing. The fact he was taken off after an hour was telling. Rodrygo, 3 Another Madrid no-show. The hero from last year’s semi-final was barely involved, but he was not the only one. Karim Benzema, 2 No chances, no threat, no comeback from Madrid’s talisman - the difference from last season is quite remarkable. Vinicius Junior, 4 The dangerous winger spent too long being forced back towards his box in the first half and then couldn’t break free from the excellent Walker when he was afforded space. Substitutes Antonio Rudiger: Surprisingly dropped to the bench, the damage had been done when he came on. 6 Marco Asensio: Did little of note. 5 Aurelien Tchouameni Fresh legs in midfield as Carlo Ancelotti looked to stymie City. 5 Lucas Vazquez: In for booked Carvajal against slippery Grealish. 5 Dani Ceballos: Part of triple change aimed at damage limitation. 5 Read More Man City reach perfection with Real Madrid humiliation that raises complicated questions Bernardo Silva’s unique talents lead Man City’s evisceration of Real Madrid Man City’s greatest Champions League night, Real Madrid need Jude Bellingham and five things we learned Real Madrid at critical juncture after impotent Champions League exit Man City reach perfection with Real Madrid humiliation that raises complex questions We had to swallow poison – Pep Guardiola delighted to get revenge on Real Madrid

Formula One drivers Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsunoda have shared stories of how the deadly flooding in northern Italy has affected them after this week’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was called off

Thursday's football transfer rumours include Arsenal's pursuit of Declan Rice, Man Utd eyeing Sadio Mane, Bernardo Silva, Joshua Kimmich, Victor Osimhen & more.