Chezka Centeno denies match-fixing claims after foiled bid for world 10-ball history

FUNCHAL: Hundreds of Cristiano Ronaldo fans reportedly gathered outside a historic cathedral in Portugal over the weekend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the football superstar on his wedding day — only to discover that they had arrived for someone else’s ceremony. Rumors circulating on social media and in media reports claimed that Ronaldo was set to marry his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, on Saturday in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira island. Although Ronaldo’s family reportedly denied the claims, the speculation was enough to send scores of excited fans and journalists to the city’s historic Sé Cathedral. Many waited outside for hours, holding mobile phones and cameras in anticipation of the arrival of the Al Nassr star and Rodriguez. But the expected celebrity wedding never happened. Instead, the cathedral was preparing to host the wedding of a local couple, Nicole and Fabio. Fabio had already arrived at the church, while Nicole faced an unexpected challenge: getting through the crowd that had gathered outside believing Ronaldo would soon appear. The unusual situation created confusion around the cathedral, with tourists, fans and members of the media filling the surrounding streets. The Sé Cathedral administration later addressed the incident on its official Facebook page, congratulating the newly married couple while explaining that the large number of journalists and tourists had caused considerable confusion. The church eventually had to be closed while the wedding ceremony took place. In another post, the cathedral described the scene outside as something it had never experienced before, noting that the bride had difficulty entering the church because of the crowd. The guests also appeared to find the situation amusing. One guest joked to local media that they suddenly felt like celebrities themselves. Another questioned how anyone could have believed Ronaldo would arrive for a wedding without significant security arrangements. Ronaldo himself appeared to see the funny side of the episode. The footballer reportedly reacted to an Instagram post about the confusion with laughing-with-tears emojis, giving fans a glimpse of his reaction without directly confirming or denying any future wedding plans. Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together for years and became engaged last year. Reports have previously claimed that Ronaldo presented Rodriguez with an expensive engagement ring featuring a large diamond. Despite the latest frenzy in Madeira, the couple has not announced a wedding date. For now, fans hoping to witness Ronaldo walk down the aisle will have to wait — and perhaps check the guest list before heading to the church.

GLASGOW: A mystery has emerged following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games after Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah reportedly disappeared from Glasgow just hours before the national squad was scheduled to fly back to Pakistan, prompting an investigation by the Pakistan Boxing Federation. According to federation sources, Qudrat Ullah failed to rejoin his teammates ahead of the team’s departure from Scotland. The boxer is believed to have gone missing approximately six hours before the group’s scheduled return flight, raising concerns among officials accompanying the contingent. The team had been instructed to assemble in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. before leaving for the airport. However, when officials went to Qudrat Ullah’s room to escort him, they found it empty. Sources said he had last been seen in his room around 2 a.m., but by morning there was no sign of him. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have deepened the mystery because his passport and return airline ticket were reportedly still in the custody of the team manager. Officials have not explained how the boxer could have left without the travel documents required for his scheduled journey home. The Pakistan Boxing Federation has confirmed that the athlete is missing and said the matter is under investigation. Federation officials are coordinating with relevant authorities to determine his whereabouts and establish the sequence of events leading to his disappearance. No official statement has yet been issued regarding whether local Scottish authorities have launched a formal search or whether there is any indication of foul play. Federation officials have urged caution, saying further details will be shared once the inquiry progresses. The incident has revived memories of a similar episode during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England, when two Pakistani boxers reportedly separated from the national team and failed to return with the delegation. That case sparked debate over athlete monitoring during international competitions and the challenges sports federations face in ensuring team discipline while abroad. Qudrat Ullah’s unexplained disappearance is likely to draw renewed scrutiny of travel protocols for national teams representing Pakistan at major sporting events. As officials continue their investigation, questions remain over what happened in the final hours before the squad’s departure and when the missing boxer will be located.

BECKENHAM: England have received a timely boost ahead of their Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay included in the Professional County Club Select XI squad for a three-day warm-up match. Gay’s participation is encouraging news after the left-handed batter suffered a right shoulder injury while representing Durham against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup last week. He experienced discomfort early in his innings before aggravating the problem while playing a straight drive against Toby Roland-Jones. The 26-year-old was forced to leave the field after scoring nine runs from 17 deliveries, raising concerns over his availability for England’s upcoming Test assignment. However, medical scans reportedly showed no serious damage, allowing Gay to return to competitive action as England assess his fitness. The warm-up fixture at Beckenham was initially scheduled for four days but has been shortened to three following an agreement between the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Gay will feature alongside England Test squad members Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Fisher in the PCC Select XI. The match could provide England with an important opportunity to monitor Gay’s shoulder before the first Test. Gay earned his place in England’s Test plans after an impressive run of form and made his international debut earlier this summer. His availability is particularly significant as England reshape their batting line-up following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Bashir, meanwhile, remains highly regarded by England’s selectors despite limited recent county appearances. The young spinner may not feature in the Test XI, with England considering a four-seamer attack and relying on Dan Lawrence and Joe Root for occasional off-spin. The PCC Select XI will be coached by England Under-19 head coach Mike Yardy, with the England Lions head-coach position currently vacant. For England, Gay’s return offers a welcome sense of relief — but the warm-up match will reveal whether the opener is truly ready for the pressure of Test cricket against Pakistan. PCC Select XI squad Tom Haines (c), Shoaib Bashir, Luc Benkenstein, Caleb Falconer, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Nathan Gilchrist, Josh Hull, Manny Lumsden, James Rew, James Sales, Charlie Tear, Noah Thain, Saif Zaib.