bbc--2020-01-15--Spanish chemical plant explosion kills man 3km away

A large metal plate launched by an explosion at a chemical plant in Spain 's autonomous Catalonia region killed a man 3km ( two miles ) away .
The man , named only as Sergio , was in his apartment when the one tonne object struck , causing part of the building to collapse , officials have confirmed .
A factory employee was also killed in Tuesday 's blast .
Another worker died from injuries on Wednesday .
The explosion occurred at about 18:40 local time ( 17:40 GMT ) in La Canonja .
Authorities said it was probably caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no toxic substances were released .
People were , however , initially urged to stay indoors when the explosion at the site just south of Tarragona set off a huge fire .
Residents of the Plaça García Lorca housing estate in nearby Torreforta , where the man was killed , described seeing `` a ball of fire '' stream across the sky at the time of the incident .
Firefighters later confirmed that this was a metal plate from the factory site , which they said weighed about a tonne .
Local resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` it was like a bomb '' .
Witnesses described seeing a large object hit the building , causing damage to the exterior .
Dozens of firefighters worked through the night and into Wednesday to tackle the blaze at the Industrias Químicas del Óxido de Etileno plant .
A reporter for Spanish public broadcaster RTVE , Jesús Navarro , tweeted an image showing a mangled structure at the factory site .
Water was sprayed over tanks containing chemicals to keep them cool .
The factory produces chemicals such as ethylene oxide - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pesticides and to sterilise hospital equipment - and propylene oxide , which is used to make plastics .
Both are extremely flammable .
Rescue teams with search dogs found the body of the second victim , a senior staff member at the factory , in the early hours of Wednesday .
The search had been called off overnight due to poor visibility and dangerous conditions .
Eight people were injured in the explosion , and one of them died on Wednesday .
Late on Tuesday Catalan leader Quim Torra told reporters : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calm and confidence to people .
There is no toxicity and therefore people can carry on with their lives as normal . ''
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez later offered support to Catalan authorities in dealing with the accident .
Roads and public transport systems in the area that were closed as a precaution were reopened on Wednesday .


bbc--2020-01-15--Tom Steyer: What is the symbol he draws on his hand?

In between the frontrunners during the Democratic debate on Tuesday stood Tom Steyer .
You might have spotted him : he was the candidate caught in the middle as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren clashed off-mic at the end .
It was the most intriguing moment of the debate , but if you looked closer , you might have been intrigued even further .
On Mr Steyer 's left hand was a symbol , crudely drawn in pen : one large cross with four smaller crosses in each quadrant .
It was not the first time the billionaire hedge-fund manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - he 's drawn it every day for at least two years - but this debate introduced the symbol to a new audience once again .
What is the symbol ?
A symbol with five crosses like this is known as a Jerusalem Cross , and it was employed as the symbol of the Kingdom of Jerusalem from the 13th Century .
The kingdom was established by crusading European Christians who invaded and conquered Muslim lands .
There is not one agreed meaning to the five crosses - various theories suggest they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five wounds suffered by Christ on the cross , or the four points of the compass .
The original symbol is likely to pre-date even the Kingdom of Jerusalem and was used in feudal states in what is now the country of Georgia , which since 2004 has used the five crosses on its national flag .
Why does Tom Steyer use it ?
In an interview with BuzzFeed last year , before he announced he would run for president , Mr Steyer was asked about the significance of the cross on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth no matter what the cost is , '' he said .
`` For a while now , I have drawn it on my hand every day to remind myself to always tell the truth .
I later discovered that it has traditionally been known as a Jerusalem cross . ''
He appears to have started drawing the symbol in the winter of 2017 , and in May 2018 , he told Politico it was a reminder to always tell the truth , even if you are put on the cross for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international sign of humility , although this is not established as a thing .
• Listen to Tom Steyer on the BBC 's Hardtalk programme Mr Steyer - a long-term Democratic donor - is Christian , and this month told a podcast that he was 30 when he found God .
But he has not drawn a link between his faith and the symbol on his hand .
Instead , his drive to `` tell the truth '' is tied to a political group he launched in October 2017 , named Need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump from office .
It 's a message the 62-year-old has repeated since entering the race for the presidency last July .
He has also condemned corporate interests that affect government policy , and vowed to declare a state of climate emergency on day one of his presidency , were he to be elected .
Who else uses it ?
In recent years , images and terms associated with the Crusades in the Middle East have been appropriated by white supremacists .
When a white supremacist shot dead 50 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March last year , his so-called manifesto was reported to include references to the Crusades .
Banners depicting the Jerusalem Cross , along with the term `` Deus vult '' ( God wills it ) that was associated with the Crusaders , were deployed by the far-right during a violent rally in Charlottesville , Virginia , in 2017 .
As yet , however , the Jerusalem Cross has not been listed as a hate symbol by the influential Anti-Defamation League .
• Five charts that explain the Democratic race Last week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jr , defended posting a photo of himself holding a rifle ( known as a `` Crusader '' ) that featured a Jerusalem Cross - as well as an image of Hillary Clinton in jail .
The photo - posted days after the US assassinated Iranian general Qasem Soleimani - was consistent with a tradition among gun owners of `` depicting various historical warriors '' , Mr Trump Jr 's spokesman told the Washington Post .
The company that produced the rifle said it was `` objectively silly '' to suggest the cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with all symbols , context is everything , '' said Dan Jones , a historian and author of Crusaders : The Epic History of the Wars for the Holy Lands .
Jones himself has a tattoo of the Jerusalem Cross on his wrist .
He received it a few years ago in Jerusalem , copying a technique used by pilgrims hundreds of years ago .
`` In the context of a Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem , this would have been a symbol of peaceful worship , '' Jones said .
`` But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Jerusalem Cross on the side of an AR-15 rifle , the context is very clearly one of violence - anti-Muslim violence - and of a civilisational clash going back to the Middle Ages . ''
The fact the cross has different meanings , like the swastika before it , means any presidential candidate should be more cautious about using it , Jones said , as appropriation of such symbols could play into the hands of those who consider the US to be aggressors .
`` [ Tom Steyer ] clearly has his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand , '' Jones said .
`` But he has to be aware of the other context .
Were he to be elected president , then Isis [ Islamic State group ] propaganda would be calling him the Crusader-in-chief . ''
Such a development is unlikely , however .
As the Democrats enter primary season , the polls put Mr Steyer far down the list of favourites for the Democratic nomination .
Who will take on Trump in 2020 ?
• Find out who is still in the running and what they stand @

"It means to tell the truth no matter what the cost is," he said. "For a while now, I have drawn it on my hand every day to remind myself to always tell the truth. I later discovered that it has traditionally been known as a Jerusalem cross."


bbc--2020-01-15--Meghan's in Vancouver - do locals want her to stay?

Five things Harry and Meghan did differently The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will step back as senior royals , @ @ @ @ @ the couple have done things differently .

Meghan Markle has been spotted in Vancouver.
How do residents feel about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex possibly settling down in British Columbia?
The BBC's Sophie Long visited the provincial capital of Victoria to see what locals think of the royal couple.


bbc--2020-01-15--James Bond's greatest hits - and biggest misses

US singer Billie Eilish has become the youngest ever artist to write and record a theme song for the James Bond film series at the age of 18 .
Cary Joji Fukunaga , director of No Time To Die , said Eilish is now one of `` a chosen few '' and that her song will `` echo for generations to come '' .
Dame Shirley Bassey , Duran Duran , Lulu and Madonna are just some of the acts to have provided songs for the franchise in the past .
Both Adele and Sam Smith won Oscars for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films - Skyfall and Spectre respectively .
While we wait to hear what Eilish 's song sounds like , here is a personal rundown of the best tracks to feature in the series to date - and the worst .
• Read more : Billie Eilish to sing new Bond theme 5 ) Nobody Does It Better , Carly Simon Film : The Spy Who Loved Me , 1977 Sample lyric : `` Like heaven above me , the spy who loved me , is keeping all my secrets safe tonight ... '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sneaking the title of Roger Moore 's third Bond film into Marvin Hamlisch 's lush and elegant composition .
The Oscar-nominated song has been covered many times over the years by such artists as Sophie Ellis-Bextor , Aimee Mann and Dame Julie Andrews .
Sample lyric : `` Diamonds are forever , hold one up and then caress it .
Touch it , stroke it and undress it ... '' John Barry and Don Black 's tune may have been considered too near the knuckle by producer Harry Saltzman , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ songwriting award .
One of Black 's proudest moments was being told by director Steven Spielberg how highly he rated the track .
3 ) Live and Let Die , Paul McCartney and Wings Sample lyric : `` If this ever-changing world in which we 're living makes you give in and cry , say live and let die ... '' This is a dynamic masterclass in pulse-quickening rock , courtesy of Beatles producer George Martin .
Subsequently covered by Guns N ' Roses , it was the first James Bond theme to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar .
2 ) We Have All the Time in the World , Louis Armstrong Sample lyric : `` Every step of the way will find us , with the cares of the world far behind us ... '' Written by John Barry for George Lazenby 's solitary outing as Bond , this poignant ballad was one of Louis 'Satchmo ' Armstrong 's final recordings .
The track - which only charted in the UK after being used in a 1994 beer commercial - is not played over the opening credits , appearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the movie .
Sample lyric : `` He 's the man , the man with the Midas touch ... '' Told by John Barry to create a song about a villain in the style of Mack The Knife , Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley came up with the only Bond track everyone remembers .
Fans of US sitcom Frasier may remember Kelsey Grammer 's reluctant rendition of the song in the final episode of the Cheers spin-off 's sixth season .
5 ) For Your Eyes Only , Sheena Easton Film : For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You see what no-one else can see , and now I 'm breaking free ... '' Nominated for the best song Oscar , Bill Conti 's dreary ballad was rewritten at the producers ' request .
( In the original version , the film 's title appeared much later in the track . )
To date , Scottish performer Easton is the only singer to physically appear in a Bond title sequence .
Sample lyric : `` All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two ... '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hastily written by Evita lyricist Tim Rice and perfunctorily performed by Coolidge for Roger Moore 's sixth outing as 007 .
The same year brought an equally undistinguished tune from Lani Hall , recorded for Sean Connery 's `` rogue '' Bond film Never Say Never Again .
Sample lyric : `` Hey driver , where we going ?
I swear , my nerves are showing ... '' According to composer John Barry , working with the Norwegian pop trio on the gloomy theme for Timothy Dalton 's first 007 film was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The Bond producers reverted to a more traditional , Bassey-esque number when they came to make Licence to Kill with Gladys Knight two years later .
2 ) The Man with the Golden Gun , Lulu Film : The Man with the Golden Gun , 1974 Sample lyric : `` He has a powerful weapon , he charges a million a shot ... '' One of the few 007 themes to miss the charts completely , this John Barry/Don Black composition also features some of the most blatantly suggestive lyrics in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album Muscle of Love features a song of the same name , which the rock star wrote for the film only to have it rejected .
Sample lyric : `` I guess I 'll die another day , it 's not my time to go ... '' Mixed by Paris-based producer Mirwais , Madonna 's attempt to give a dance vibe to the 007 franchise is an overcooked calamity .
The US singer also made a cameo appearance in Pierce Brosnan 's fourth and final Bond film , playing a fencing instructor called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an article that was first published on the BBC News website in 2008 .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

James Bond's greatest hits - and biggest misses Published 15 January 2020
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Image source, Getty Images/Universal Image caption, Eilish wrote the song for No Time To Die with her brother Finneas O'Connell
US singer Billie Eilish has become the youngest ever artist to write and record a theme song for the James Bond film series at the age of 18.
Cary Joji Fukunaga, director of No Time To Die, said Eilish is now one of "a chosen few" and that her song will "echo for generations to come".
Dame Shirley Bassey, Duran Duran, Lulu and Madonna are just some of the acts to have provided songs for the franchise in the past.
Both Adele and Sam Smith won Oscars for their musical contributions to the last two 007 films - Skyfall and Spectre respectively.
While we wait to hear what Eilish's song sounds like, here is a personal rundown of the best tracks to feature in the series to date - and the worst.
Top five Bond themes
5) Nobody Does It Better, Carly Simon
Film: The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977
Highest UK chart position: 7
Sample lyric: "Like heaven above me, the spy who loved me, is keeping all my secrets safe tonight..."
Lyricist Carole Bayer Sager deserves extra plaudits for sneaking the title of Roger Moore's third Bond film into Marvin Hamlisch's lush and elegant composition.
The Oscar-nominated song has been covered many times over the years by such artists as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Aimee Mann and Dame Julie Andrews.
4) Diamonds are Forever, Shirley Bassey
Film: Diamonds are Forever, 1971
Highest UK chart position: 38
Sample lyric: "Diamonds are forever, hold one up and then caress it. Touch it, stroke it and undress it..."
John Barry and Don Black's tune may have been considered too near the knuckle by producer Harry Saltzman, but it still won the duo an Ivor Novello songwriting award.
One of Black's proudest moments was being told by director Steven Spielberg how highly he rated the track.
Image source, Getty Images
3) Live and Let Die, Paul McCartney and Wings
Film: Live and Let Die, 1973
Highest UK chart position: 9
Sample lyric: "If this ever-changing world in which we're living makes you give in and cry, say live and let die..."
This is a dynamic masterclass in pulse-quickening rock, courtesy of Beatles producer George Martin.
Subsequently covered by Guns N' Roses, it was the first James Bond theme to be nominated for the best original song Oscar.
2) We Have All the Time in the World, Louis Armstrong
Film: On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 1969
Highest UK chart position: 3
Sample lyric: "Every step of the way will find us, with the cares of the world far behind us..."
Written by John Barry for George Lazenby's solitary outing as Bond, this poignant ballad was one of Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong's final recordings.
The track - which only charted in the UK after being used in a 1994 beer commercial - is not played over the opening credits, appearing instead during a romantic montage midway through the movie.
Image source, Getty Images
1) Goldfinger, Shirley Bassey
Film: Goldfinger, 1964
Highest UK chart position: 21
Sample lyric: "He's the man, the man with the Midas touch..."
Told by John Barry to create a song about a villain in the style of Mack The Knife, Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley came up with the only Bond track everyone remembers.
Fans of US sitcom Frasier may remember Kelsey Grammer's reluctant rendition of the song in the final episode of the Cheers spin-off's sixth season.
Worst five Bond Themes
5) For Your Eyes Only, Sheena Easton
Film: For Your Eyes Only, 1981
Highest UK chart position: 8
Sample lyric: "You see what no-one else can see, and now I'm breaking free..."
Nominated for the best song Oscar, Bill Conti's dreary ballad was rewritten at the producers' request. (In the original version, the film's title appeared much later in the track.)
To date, Scottish performer Easton is the only singer to physically appear in a Bond title sequence.
Image source, Getty Images
4) All Time High, Rita Coolidge
Film: Octopussy, 1983
Highest UK chart position: 75
Sample lyric: "All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two..."
This is a deathly dull MOR dirge, hastily written by Evita lyricist Tim Rice and perfunctorily performed by Coolidge for Roger Moore's sixth outing as 007.
The same year brought an equally undistinguished tune from Lani Hall, recorded for Sean Connery's "rogue" Bond film Never Say Never Again.
Image source, Getty Images
3) The Living Daylights, A-ha
Film: The Living Daylights, 1987
Highest UK chart position: 5
Sample lyric: "Hey driver, where we going? I swear, my nerves are showing..."
According to composer John Barry, working with the Norwegian pop trio on the gloomy theme for Timothy Dalton's first 007 film was like "playing ping-pong with four balls".
The Bond producers reverted to a more traditional, Bassey-esque number when they came to make Licence to Kill with Gladys Knight two years later.
Image source, Getty Images
2) The Man with the Golden Gun, Lulu
Film: The Man with the Golden Gun, 1974
Highest UK chart position: N/A
Sample lyric: "He has a powerful weapon, he charges a million a shot..."
One of the few 007 themes to miss the charts completely, this John Barry/Don Black composition also features some of the most blatantly suggestive lyrics in the franchise.
Alice Cooper's 1973 album Muscle of Love features a song of the same name, which the rock star wrote for the film only to have it rejected.
Image source, Moviestore Collection/Shutterstock Image caption, Toby Stephens, Rosamund Pike, Madonna and Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day
1) Die Another Day, Madonna
Film: Die Another Day, 2002
Highest UK chart position: 3
Sample lyric: "I guess I'll die another day, it's not my time to go..."
Mixed by Paris-based producer Mirwais, Madonna's attempt to give a dance vibe to the 007 franchise is an overcooked calamity.
The US singer also made a cameo appearance in Pierce Brosnan's fourth and final Bond film, playing a fencing instructor called Verity.
This is an updated version of an article that was first published on the BBC News website in 2008.


bbc--2020-01-14--Paralysed US man breaks marathon record

Paralysed US man breaks marathon record

Adam Gorlitsky is paralysed from the waist down , but despite his disability he finished the Charleston Marathon in 33 @ @ @ @ @ 28 seconds .
Mr Gorlitsky says he does not think people 's `` adversity should @ @ @ @ @ .

Adam Gorlitsky is paralysed from the waist down, but despite his disability he finished the Charleston Marathon in 33 hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds.
Mr Gorlitsky says he does not think people's "adversity should define who they are".


bbc--2020-01-15--Why Soleimani's death is personal for Pompeo

Few American officials have been as laser focused on Iran as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , writes the BBC 's Suzanne Kianpour .
For him , the conflict is personal .
In early 2016 , the first-term Kansas congressman personally dropped off his application for an Iranian travel visa , which he had addressed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei .
He and two other House Republicans had rolled up in black cars to the Pakistani embassy in Washington - home to the Islamic Republic of Iran 's diplomatic interests section in the absence of official relations with the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor Iran 's parliamentary election , visit nuclear sites , hold meetings with top Iranian officials , meet American prisoners , get a briefing on the country 's ballistic missile programme and more .
Naturally , the men did n't make it past the lobby let alone into Iran , but Pompeo had sent a clear message - I 've got my eye on you .
A year later , the now-junior congressman had played his political cards right and quickly risen up the ranks , securing himself a plum job in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief .
An Iranian official joked that in hindsight they wished the embassy had issued him a travel visa .
`` We could have had the CIA director in Tehran ! ''
During his six years as a congressman , Pompeo had one defining pet project - getting to the bottom of the 2012 insurgent raid on the US compound in Benghazi , Libya , which killed American ambassador Christopher Stevens .
He was among the Republicans leading the charge in castigating then Democratic presidential candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing more to rescue the doomed ambassador and three other American officials who were also killed .
But he also had his eye on Iran 's Islamic Revolution Guard Corp ( IRGC ) .
As a member of House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence , Pompeo regularly called upon US intelligence agents to discuss the Quds Force and Qasem Soleimani .
He 's been focused on Soleimani personally for years .
So when the opportunity to scalp Soleimani presented itself , Pompeo was among those who advised Trump to take it , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the activation of Iranian terror cells around the world .
Concern about Iran 's proxy militias had prevented previous American presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush from killing Soleimani .
The decision to target the Iranian general was two-fold for Pompeo .
Preventing another Benghazi raid after the US embassy in Baghdad was breached in late December loomed large .
But revenge against the IRGC dates back to his time at the US military academy at West Point .
During the time Pompeo was a cadet from 1982 to 1986 , tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon were high .
The Cold War was still going on and Pompeo was sent to Germany to serve as a US Army officer .
• Who are the winners in the Iran crisis ?
In that time , 241 US Marines and sailors died in an attack on the US embassy in Beirut , where kidnappings were also running rampant .
The Soviet threat was existential , but for a young Pompeo , the most immediate emerging threat was Iran and its proxies .
Fast forward 35 years later , the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that threat to date .
`` It 's big for Pompeo because he convinced the president how important Qasem Soleimani is , '' says Michael Pregent , a former US Army intelligence officer who served in Iraq and recently testified to Congress about the level of influence Soleimani had in Iraq .
`` Taking out the Iranian navy [ or ] a nuclear site ; none of that equalled to Qasem Soleimani . ''
`` That 's the biggest guy you can take out short of the Ayatollah , '' says Pregent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Quds Force .
Taking out Soleimani gives Baghdad an opportunity to pull away from Iranian influence , potentially handing the secretary of state a diplomatic victory as well as a military one .
But Pompeo is so much more than secretary of state , says one former top aide .
Steve Bannon , the mastermind behind Trump 's victory in the 2016 presidential election and former White House advisor , says he also plays the role of de facto defence secretary , National Security Advisor and also head of the CIA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same rapport with the officials in those roles as he does with his secretary of state .
The close relationship Pompeo has with Trump was teed up by Bannon , who says Pompeo was chosen as CIA director soon after election day in 2016 because of his well thought-out ideas on national security - especially regarding Iran .
In Trump 's first weekend as president , both Bannon and Pompeo held a private chat as they watched Trump deliver a speech at the CIA 's Virginia headquarters while a battle raged in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US special forces were supporting fighters trying to win back the ancient city from ISIS at the time .
The Quds Force was also present in Palmyra , which 3,000 years ago had served as a way station between the Romans and Parthian Empire ( which was Iranian ) .
Later , the Roman and Persian empires went to war .
`` It has n't changed .
We 're the Romans , '' joked Bannon .
It was in this conversation that Bannon asked Pompeo to personally deliver the ultra-classified daily presidential intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can relate to , '' Bannon told the future top US diplomat .
Bannon says that Pompeo 's evangelical Christian faith also plays a role in his views on Iran .
He 's a supporter of Israel - a rival of Iran .
In private , Iranian officials seem to have a fixation on Pompeo and an acknowledgment that - of the Trump administration knives that were out for the regime - his were among the sharpest .
Pompeo recently flirted with running for Senate , but decided against it and is instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of heightened global tensions that many fear could still lead to war .
• Pompeo : Trump sent by God to save Israel • Why do evangelicals support Trump on Jerusalem ?
People briefed on the matter expect to see the White House doubling down on sanctions and sanctions enforcement .
The ultimate goal is to bring Iran back to the negotiating table .
`` There needs to be an effective and comprehensive JCPOA [ nuclear deal ] 2.0 that covers Iran 's regional activities , proxies , missile programs and includes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says United Arab Emirates ambassador to the US , Yousef al Otaiba .
There is little doubt that Pompeo will some day run for president .
But until then , he will continue to be a thorn in Iran 's side as the administration 's maximum pressure campaign to bring the regime to its knees continues .

He was among the Republicans leading the charge in castigating then Democratic presidential candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom he blamed for not doing more to rescue the doomed ambassador and three other American officials who were also killed.


bbc--2020-01-15--Trump impeachment: What you need to know about the Senate trial

The US House of Representatives has impeached President Donald Trump , setting the stage for the third-ever Senate impeachment trial .
Why is there a trial ?
A trial in the Senate automatically follows a vote to impeach a president by the House , as decreed in the Constitution .
In President Trump 's case , the House 's articles of impeachment include two accusations : that he solicited a foreign country to help him politically , and that he obstructed Congress .
The Republican president has denied any wrongdoing , calling the inquiry a `` witch hunt '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Mr Trump is accused of withholding millions of dollars of military aid to Ukraine and using a proposed White House meeting with Ukraine 's president as bargaining chips to push Ukraine to publicly announce an investigation into the presidents leading Democratic rival Joe Biden .
Democrats say this amounts to an abuse of presidential power .
After the White House refused to allow staff to testify at the impeachment hearings in the House , Democrats accused Mr Trump of obstructing Congress .
The Constitution is vague when it comes to impeachment - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sole power of impeachment '' , acting as grand jury and bringing charges .
The Senate is given `` the sole power to try all impeachments '' and convict a president of `` treason , bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanours '' .
There are general rules largely based on President Andrew Johnson 's trial , but ultimately , Republican leader Mitch McConnell and his Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer will have to determine the guidelines for evidence , witnesses , duration and arguments .
While Mr McConnell has the final say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , he could find his options limited if Democrats pressure moderate Republicans to vote with them on any changes to the rules .
At any point , senators can call for votes on trial procedures that would need a simple majority to pass .
After lawmakers hear from both sides - House prosecutors and White House counsel - and any witnesses , they will be given a full day to deliberate before a vote on conviction is held .
A two-thirds majority is required to convict and oust Mr Trump .
Given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 53-47 majority , the president is widely expected to be acquitted .
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will preside over the trial in the Senate , but the senators ultimately will act as both judge and jury .
Justice Roberts is there to make sure the trial adheres to the predetermined rules , but if any vote during the trial ends in a tie , he has the final say .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in January selected a group of Democrats to act as impeachment managers - essentially prosecutors for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lower chamber 's case for impeachment to the Senate .
They include Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler .
For Bill Clinton 's impeachment trial , Republicans had 13 such managers ; including South Carolina and now staunch Trump ally Lindsey Graham .
Mr McConnell , the majority leader , will ultimately have sway over the format and guidelines of the trial .
He provoked condemnation from senior Democrats when he told Fox News he would act in lockstep with the White House .
`` Everything I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the White House counsel .
There will be no difference between the president 's position and our position as to how to handle this to the extent that we can , '' he said .
Will senators get to ask questions ?
Senators can ask questions of witnesses or counsellors , but only by submitting them in writing to Justice Roberts .
Witnesses may not necessarily appear on the Senate floor .
They can be interviewed by a committee of lawmakers with footage of the testimony aired during the trial instead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to testify , including acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and ex-adviser John Bolton .
But there may not be any witnesses at all if Republicans decide they would rather keep the trial short , despite Mr Trump 's calls for the Bidens and the whistleblower who sparked the Ukraine inquiry to appear .
Speaking on the senate floor on Tuesday , Mr McConnell suggested as much , saying the senate 's duty is to `` act as judge and jury to hear a trial , not to rerun the entire fact-finding investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurors to start brainstorming witness lists for the prosecution , '' he said .
Want to know more ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : If you want a basic take , this one 's for you • GO DEEPER : Here 's a 100 , 300 and 800-word summary of the story • VIEW FROM TRUMP COUNTRY : Hear from residents of a West Virginia town • CONTEXT : Why Ukraine matters to the US • FACT-CHECK : Did Ukraine interfere in the 2016 election to help Clinton ?
While the president could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is much more likely he will have White House lawyer Pat Cipollone speak on his behalf .
Mr Cipollone , like the impeachment managers , will be able to question witnesses and deliver opening and closing statements .
US media report Mr Trump may also bring some House conservatives onto his defence team , like Ohio congressman Jim Jordan or John Ratcliffe of Texas .
Will Biden or his son have to testify ?
That will depend on what Mr McConnell chooses for the trial format .
US media report Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to summon the Democratic former vice-president and his son as the president wants .
• Who 's who in the Trump-Ukraine story ?
Mr Biden has dismissed calls for his testimony , telling NPR it is an attempt by the president to `` divert attention '' from the accusations against him .
`` This is a Trump gambit he plays , '' Mr Biden said .
`` I will not yield to what everybody is looking for here .
And that is to take the eye off the ball . ''
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House presents the articles of impeachment to the Senate , they must consider them in session every day , except Sunday , until the final decision .
Mr Schumer has offered a tentative schedule for the trial , which would be the first order of business in the new year .
In total , he has suggested some 126 hours of proceedings .
6 January - Start of Senate trial , guidelines and other housekeeping measures finalised 7 January - Swearing in of senators as jurors and Chief Justice Roberts 9 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each have 24 hours to present arguments The trial is likely to take weeks but how many is anybody 's guess .
Democrats will hope it is all done by the time the 2020 primary elections begin in February .

Some of the other rules include: no live tweeting from the chamber, and no outside reading materials to be brought in. Senators are also not allowed to speak to those sitting near them while the case is being heard.


bbc--2020-01-15--Mata winner sends Man Utd through in FA Cup

Juan Mata 's superb second-half goal sent Manchester United into the FA Cup fourth round as they beat Wolves .
The Spanish midfielder chipped over keeper John Ruddy to settle the third-round replay after being put through on goal by Anthony Martial .
Wolves had an early Pedro Neto strike ruled out by the video assistant referee for a handball in the build-up .
But it was a deserved win for the hosts , who had the better chances in a tight game at Old Trafford .
Manchester United will next travel to either Watford or Tranmere - whose third-round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponed because of heavy rain .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side did not manage a shot on target in the goalless first game between the two sides at Molineux on 4 January but were much more threatening in this match .
An excellent save by Ruddy prevented Mata from opening the scoring in the first half , while Daniel James was also denied by the Wolves keeper .
After a high-tempo start , the game settled down - but Mata , 31 , produced the one moment of quality to seal victory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish .
Man Utd get job done but at a potential cost It is a tough period for many clubs in the Premier League with games in multiple competitions coming thick and fast .
With his side facing a tough trip to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday , Solskjaer may have been forgiven for making numerous changes for this tie .
But the FA Cup and Europa League arguably represent Manchester United 's most realistic routes to trophies this season and Solskjaer underlined how seriously he is taking this competition by naming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just three changes from the side that beat Norwich 4-0 in the Premier League last Saturday , as Sergio Romero was named in goal , while James and Mason Greenwood also started .
Wolves , too , went strong with their line-up , with Ruddy their only change and the two sides , cancelled each other for large periods .
Eager to get the job done and wrap up the game inside 90 minutes , Solskjaer sent on top scorer Marcus Rashford in the 64th minute to add bite to his attack and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead .
But the gamble to involve Rashford may prove costly ; the striker pulled up with an injury and had to be replaced by Jesse Lingard just 16 minutes after coming on .
After the game , Solskjaer admitted the decision to play Rashford was one that backfired .
'You ca n't celebrate ' - Coady furious with disallowed goal VAR has certainly had its critics this season - but for the second time in five days , it was new regulations relating to handball that caused controversy as the video official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The law regarding handball , updated before the start of this season , states any goal scored or created with the use of the hand or arm will be disallowed `` even if it is accidental '' .
West Ham and Declan Rice fell victim to it last Friday when the midfielder 's injury-time equaliser against Sheffield United was ruled out because the ball had touched his arm in the build-up .
This time , the handball rule was applied early on at Old Trafford when VAR spotted that the ball had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neto fired home early on .
It was a let-off for Manchester United and spared Fred 's blushes with the strike having come as a result of a wild pass by the midfielder that deflected off a team-mate and into Jimenez 's path .
It also seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game as Manchester United grew in confidence after a strong start by Wolves , who struggled to get Adama Traore involved as much as they would have hoped .
After the game , Wolves captain Conor Coady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all we are talking about is VAR .
It 's ridiculous , it 's stupid .
`` You ca n't celebrate .
Raul Jimenez did n't even know he had handballed it .
We have to get used to it .
`` All of it is terrible for me .
It 's not for me , it 's not for a lot of players .
But people higher up in the game are happy with it . ''
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer : `` I think you can see it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tired .
It was end to end and an open game - sometimes that does n't suit us .
`` We 're delighted to beat Wolves finally .
Juan Mata is different class .
He 's got the skill , composure and even pace . ''
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo : `` It was a good game of football , an even game .
Both teams had chances .
`` We did n't defend the goal well but we reacted well and were in the game .
A proper game , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is frustrating when you perform well and go out . ''
On the disallowed goal : `` That 's VAR , you can not do anything about it .
We are celebrating non-goals - it does n't make sense . ''
Another early exit for Wolves - the stats • Manchester United have won each of their past six home matches in the FA Cup without conceding a single goal in this run .
• Wolves have been eliminated at the third-round stage or earlier in seven of their past nine FA Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to at least the fourth round in each of their nine seasons in a row before this .
• Manchester United have won nine of their past 10 home matches against Wolves in all competitions , keeping six clean sheets in those games .
• Juan Mata has been directly involved in three goals in his past two games for Manchester United ( one goal , two assists ) , as many as he was in his first 20 appearances of the 2019-20 season in all competitions before this .
• Since his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has eight assists in the competition .
Only Peterborough 's Marcus Maddison ( 11 ) has more in this time .
• Marcus Rashford was the first Manchester United player to both come on as a substitute before then being substituted himself in the same FA Cup match since Alan Smith against Liverpool in February 2006 Manchester United travel to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday , 19 January ( 16:30 GMT ) while Wolves are at Southampton the day before ( 15:00 ) .

Last updated on .From the section FA Cup
Juan Mata's superb second-half goal sent Manchester United into the FA Cup fourth round as they beat Wolves.
The Spanish midfielder chipped over keeper John Ruddy to settle the third-round replay after being put through on goal by Anthony Martial.
Wolves had an early Pedro Neto strike ruled out by the video assistant referee for a handball in the build-up.
But it was a deserved win for the hosts, who had the better chances in a tight game at Old Trafford.
Manchester United will next travel to either Watford or Tranmere - whose third-round replay at Prenton Park on Tuesday was postponed because of heavy rain.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side did not manage a shot on target in the goalless first game between the two sides at Molineux on 4 January but were much more threatening in this match.
An excellent save by Ruddy prevented Mata from opening the scoring in the first half, while Daniel James was also denied by the Wolves keeper.
After a high-tempo start, the game settled down - but Mata, 31, produced the one moment of quality to seal victory, rolling back the years with a clever finish.
Man Utd get job done but at a potential cost
It is a tough period for many clubs in the Premier League with games in multiple competitions coming thick and fast. With his side facing a tough trip to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday, Solskjaer may have been forgiven for making numerous changes for this tie.
But the FA Cup and Europa League arguably represent Manchester United's most realistic routes to trophies this season and Solskjaer underlined how seriously he is taking this competition by naming a strong line-up on Wednesday.
There were just three changes from the side that beat Norwich 4-0 in the Premier League last Saturday, as Sergio Romero was named in goal, while James and Mason Greenwood also started.
Wolves, too, went strong with their line-up, with Ruddy their only change and the two sides, cancelled each other for large periods.
Eager to get the job done and wrap up the game inside 90 minutes, Solskjaer sent on top scorer Marcus Rashford in the 64th minute to add bite to his attack and, three minutes later, United were ahead.
But the gamble to involve Rashford may prove costly; the striker pulled up with an injury and had to be replaced by Jesse Lingard just 16 minutes after coming on.
After the game, Solskjaer admitted the decision to play Rashford was one that backfired.
'You can't celebrate' - Coady furious with disallowed goal
VAR has certainly had its critics this season - but for the second time in five days, it was new regulations relating to handball that caused controversy as the video official stepped in to rule out a goal.
The law regarding handball, updated before the start of this season, states any goal scored or created with the use of the hand or arm will be disallowed "even if it is accidental".
West Ham and Declan Rice fell victim to it last Friday when the midfielder's injury-time equaliser against Sheffield United was ruled out because the ball had touched his arm in the build-up.
This time, the handball rule was applied early on at Old Trafford when VAR spotted that the ball had brushed Raul Jimenez's hand just before Neto fired home early on.
It was a let-off for Manchester United and spared Fred's blushes with the strike having come as a result of a wild pass by the midfielder that deflected off a team-mate and into Jimenez's path.
It also seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game as Manchester United grew in confidence after a strong start by Wolves, who struggled to get Adama Traore involved as much as they would have hoped.
After the game, Wolves captain Conor Coady said: "It's constant, all we are talking about is VAR. It's ridiculous, it's stupid.
"You can't celebrate. Raul Jimenez didn't even know he had handballed it. We have to get used to it.
"All of it is terrible for me. It's not for me, it's not for a lot of players. But people higher up in the game are happy with it."
Man of the match - Brandon Williams (Manchester United)
Brandon Williams appears to be getting better with every game and this was another assured and mature performance by the young full-back
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "I think you can see it was two teams towards the end that were tired. It was end to end and an open game - sometimes that doesn't suit us.
"We're delighted to beat Wolves finally. Juan Mata is different class. He's got the skill, composure and even pace."
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo: "It was a good game of football, an even game. Both teams had chances.
"We didn't defend the goal well but we reacted well and were in the game. A proper game, I am disappointed to go out because it is frustrating when you perform well and go out."
On the disallowed goal: "That's VAR, you cannot do anything about it. We are celebrating non-goals - it doesn't make sense."
Another early exit for Wolves - the stats
Manchester United have won each of their past six home matches in the FA Cup without conceding a single goal in this run.
Wolves have been eliminated at the third-round stage or earlier in seven of their past nine FA Cup campaigns, this after having made it to at least the fourth round in each of their nine seasons in a row before this.
Manchester United have won nine of their past 10 home matches against Wolves in all competitions, keeping six clean sheets in those games.
Juan Mata has been directly involved in three goals in his past two games for Manchester United (one goal, two assists), as many as he was in his first 20 appearances of the 2019-20 season in all competitions before this.
Since his FA Cup debut in January 2016, Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has eight assists in the competition. Only Peterborough's Marcus Maddison (11) has more in this time.
Marcus Rashford was the first Manchester United player to both come on as a substitute before then being substituted himself in the same FA Cup match since Alan Smith against Liverpool in February 2006
What next?
Manchester United travel to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, 19 January (16:30 GMT) while Wolves are at Southampton the day before (15:00).


bbc--2020-01-15--Can Williams win elusive 24th Grand Slam? Australian Open preview

Serena Williams is the firm favourite to win the Australian Open as she again bids for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title .
The 38-year-old American is aiming to match the record set in 1973 by Australia 's Margaret Court , who will be recognised at the tournament on the 50th anniversary of her calendar Grand Slam .
Old guard Novak Djokovic , Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are still expected to be the men to beat in Melbourne , while Britain 's former world number one Andy Murray is missing because of a pelvic injury .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to go ahead as planned , despite the backdrop of raging bushfires that have devastated parts of Australia .
Here is everything you need to know .
• How to follow the Australian Open on BBC TV , radio & online For the eighth time in the past 10 Grand Slams , three-time major champion Andy Murray is unavailable to lead British hopes .
Murray , 32 , was hoping to make a poignant return to Melbourne - where he tearfully admitted last January he thought his career was coming to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since then , the Scot has had `` life-changing '' hip surgery , returned to competitive action and won ATP Tour titles in singles and doubles events .
Now he must wait a bit longer to return to Grand Slam singles competition after picking up a pelvic injury while playing for Great Britain at November 's Davis Cup finals .
`` Unfortunately I 've had a setback and as a precaution need to work through that before competing , '' said the former world number one , who is planning to be back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've worked so hard to get myself into a situation where I can play at the top level and I 'm gutted I 'm not going to be able to play . ''
Can any of the other Britons mount a challenge ?
Britain 's best hope of winning a first Australian Open singles title since Virginia Wade did so in 1972 looks to be Johanna Konta - if she is not hampered by a long-term knee issue .
Konta , ranked 13th in the world , reached at least the quarter-finals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Although the Australian Open was the only major where she did not compete in the last eight , the 28-year-old does have previous success in Melbourne , having reached the 2016 semi-finals .
The knee problem has disrupted the British number one 's build-up , however , ruling her out of this week 's Adelaide International and limiting her to only one tournament since September 's US Open .
Joining Konta in the women 's draw will be Katie Boulter , who is using her protected ranking of 85 to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 317th .
British number two Heather Watson is ranked 101 in the world , and was just outside the initial cut for direct entry , but has moved into the main draw automatically following several withdrawals by higher-ranked players .
Harriet Dart and Samantha Murray Sharan are seeking to join them by coming through the qualifying rounds .
In Murray 's absence , British hopes in the men 's singles are in the hands of 30th seed Dan Evans , Kyle Edmund and Cameron Norrie .
Evans , 29 , is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine 2019 in which he climbed back into the world 's top 50 by getting to his first ATP Tour-level final and playing in the main draws of all four Grand Slams in the same calendar year for the first time .
Now , having reached a career-high ranking of 33 on Monday , he goes into a Grand Slam for the first time as Britain 's leading male player and a seed .
Edmund , 25 , is hoping a new coach in Franco Davin , who notably helped his fellow Argentine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Open , can help him replicate the form that took him to the Australian Open semi-finals in 2018 .
The Yorkshireman slid down the rankings during a 2019 where he suffered for form and fitness before ending the year on a high by being Britain 's standout player in their run to the Davis Cup semi-finals .
In the men 's doubles , Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski will be seeking to build on the promise they showed in their new partnership last year , when they reached the US Open semi-finals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It may be a new decade - but just as it was during the 2010s , and the latter part of the 2000s , the same three men are widely considered the main contenders to win the first Grand Slam of 2020 .
Defending champion Djokovic , world number one Nadal and 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer remain the players to beat , having won the past 12 major titles between them .
Djokovic is aiming for a record-extending eighth men 's singles title in Melbourne and showed just why he is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts , having led Serbia to glory in the inaugural ATP Cup .
The 32-year-old , who is aiming for a 17th Grand Slam title to close on Federer and 19-time major champion Nadal , dropped only two sets in his six singles matches , which included another dominant win over the Spaniard in Sunday 's final in Sydney .
Nadal , 33 , was outplayed by Djokovic in last year 's Australian Open final and continues to struggle against the Serb , who has won their past nine encounters - and 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top two seeds , they are projected to meet in the final on 2 February , although players such as Swiss great Federer , Russia 's Daniil Medvedev and Greece 's Stefanos Tsitsipas have the capability to stop them .
It remains to be seen whether Federer , 38 , was wise to skip the ATP Cup , a decision intended to preserve his body for Melbourne , but one that leaves him short of court time going into the tournament .
Fourth seed Medvedev , 23 , pushed Nadal in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epic five-set match and , given his strong hard-court record over the past year , it seems a matter of time before he becomes a major winner .
The same can be said for 21-year-old Tsitsipas , who showed he can beat the best by becoming the ATP Finals champion in November and is looking to at least match his run to last year 's semi-finals in a city where there is a large Greek community spurring him on .
Williams has not won a Grand Slam title since the 2017 Australian Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since returning from maternity leave in March 2018 , she has reached four Grand Slam finals - two at Wimbledon and two at the US Open - losing them all .
But she goes into this tournament as the clear favourite , having rediscovered how to win a final .
Williams claimed the Auckland International on Sunday , beating fellow American Jessica Pegula in the final , to lift her first trophy in almost three years .
`` It 's been a long time ; I think you could see the relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Williams ' drought has helped open up the women 's game ; the past 11 Grand Slams have produced nine different winners , over a period that has seen seven players hold the world number one ranking .
Younger players have grasped their chance over the past three years , with 22-year-old Japanese Naomi Osaka and 19-year-old Canadian Bianca Andreescu both landing their first majors by beating Williams in New York , while the more experienced Caroline Wozniacki , of Denmark , and Simona Halep , of Romania , finally landed elusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending champion in Melbourne , is expected to mount another title tilt on a surface that yielded a 14-match winning streak before she lost to Czech Karolina Pliskova in the Brisbane International semi-finals on Saturday .
Andreescu will not be playing in Melbourne , having pulled out with a knee injury sustained at the season-ending WTA Finals in October .
World number one Ashleigh Barty is aiming to become the first Australian woman to win at Melbourne Park in 42 years , while second seed Pliskova , having won the Brisbane title for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove wrong those who doubt she has the mindset to deliver a Grand Slam title .
Meanwhile , there will be an emotional farewell for 2018 champion Wozniacki , 29 , who will retire after the tournament .
Has the tournament been affected by the bushfires ?
Bushfires across Australia have killed at least 28 people and an estimated half a billion animals since September , with more than 10.3m hectares of land destroyed and air quality in some areas reaching dangerous levels at various points .
Australian Open qualifying was delayed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily suspended because of the air quality , while Slovenian player Dalila Jakupovic retired from her qualifier , saying she was `` really scared '' she was going to collapse because of the `` unhealthy '' air .
Play was then delayed by three hours on Wednesday because of the air quality before being cancelled for the day because of rain .
Tournament organisers said last week that matches could be suspended after Melbourne 's air quality reached `` very unhealthy '' levels .
However , they were also confident the tournament would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do n't expect any delays and we 've implemented additional measures to ensure the Australian Open will be able to run as scheduled , '' tournament director Craig Tiley said .
`` As always , the health and safety of our players , along with our staff and our fans , is a priority , and we 've committed substantial extra resources to analysis , monitoring and logistics to ensure this throughout the tournament . ''
Court 's milestone being 'recognised ' rather than 'celebrated' While Williams seeks to match Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 77-year-old Australian will be marking one of her other milestones - the 50th anniversary of her 1970 sweep of all four of the majors .
Court 's opposition to same-sex marriage and her view that transgender children are the work of `` the devil '' have made her a controversial figure and Tennis Australia has said it plans to `` recognise '' her as a champion rather than `` celebrate '' her as a hero .
The governing body has so far been vague on the details of what it is planning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pastor .
Grand Slam winners Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King are among those who have called for the Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park to be re-named because of her views and the issue could come up again with the Australian invited to participate in a `` significant programme of events '' .
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Serena Williams lifted the Australian Open trophy in 2017 - she has not won another Grand Slam title since
2020 Australian Open Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 20 January to 2 February Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online; Live text on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app.
Serena Williams is the firm favourite to win the Australian Open as she again bids for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.
The 38-year-old American is aiming to match the record set in 1973 by Australia's Margaret Court, who will be recognised at the tournament on the 50th anniversary of her calendar Grand Slam.
Old guard Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are still expected to be the men to beat in Melbourne, while Britain's former world number one Andy Murray is missing because of a pelvic injury.
The first Grand Slam of the 2020 season is set to go ahead as planned, despite the backdrop of raging bushfires that have devastated parts of Australia.
Here is everything you need to know.
Why isn't Murray playing?
Andy Murray, a five-time Australian Open runner-up, picked up the pelvic problem at November's Davis Cup finals
For the eighth time in the past 10 Grand Slams, three-time major champion Andy Murray is unavailable to lead British hopes.
Murray, 32, was hoping to make a poignant return to Melbourne - where he tearfully admitted last January he thought his career was coming to an end because of chronic hip pain.
Since then, the Scot has had "life-changing" hip surgery, returned to competitive action and won ATP Tour titles in singles and doubles events.
Now he must wait a bit longer to return to Grand Slam singles competition after picking up a pelvic injury while playing for Great Britain at November's Davis Cup finals.
"Unfortunately I've had a setback and as a precaution need to work through that before competing," said the former world number one, who is planning to be back in action in February.
"I've worked so hard to get myself into a situation where I can play at the top level and I'm gutted I'm not going to be able to play."
Australia weather forecast: air quality should improve
Can any of the other Britons mount a challenge?
Britain's best hope of winning a first Australian Open singles title since Virginia Wade did so in 1972 looks to be Johanna Konta - if she is not hampered by a long-term knee issue.
Konta, ranked 13th in the world, reached at least the quarter-finals in three of the four Grand Slams last year.
Although the Australian Open was the only major where she did not compete in the last eight, the 28-year-old does have previous success in Melbourne, having reached the 2016 semi-finals.
The knee problem has disrupted the British number one's build-up, however, ruling her out of this week's Adelaide International and limiting her to only one tournament since September's US Open.
Joining Konta in the women's draw will be Katie Boulter, who is using her protected ranking of 85 to play after an injury-hit 2019 meant she dropped to 317th.
British number two Heather Watson is ranked 101 in the world, and was just outside the initial cut for direct entry, but has moved into the main draw automatically following several withdrawals by higher-ranked players.
Harriet Dart and Samantha Murray Sharan are seeking to join them by coming through the qualifying rounds.
In Murray's absence, British hopes in the men's singles are in the hands of 30th seed Dan Evans, Kyle Edmund and Cameron Norrie.
Evans, 29, is the nation's leading male player after a fine 2019 in which he climbed back into the world's top 50 by getting to his first ATP Tour-level final and playing in the main draws of all four Grand Slams in the same calendar year for the first time.
Now, having reached a career-high ranking of 33 on Monday, he goes into a Grand Slam for the first time as Britain's leading male player and a seed.
Edmund, 25, is hoping a new coach in Franco Davin, who notably helped his fellow Argentine Juan Martin del Potro win the 2009 US Open, can help him replicate the form that took him to the Australian Open semi-finals in 2018.
The Yorkshireman slid down the rankings during a 2019 where he suffered for form and fitness before ending the year on a high by being Britain's standout player in their run to the Davis Cup semi-finals.
In the men's doubles, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski will be seeking to build on the promise they showed in their new partnership last year, when they reached the US Open semi-finals.
New decade, same 'Big Three'
It may be a new decade - but just as it was during the 2010s, and the latter part of the 2000s, the same three men are widely considered the main contenders to win the first Grand Slam of 2020.
Defending champion Djokovic, world number one Nadal and 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer remain the players to beat, having won the past 12 major titles between them.
Djokovic is aiming for a record-extending eighth men's singles title in Melbourne and showed just why he is so difficult to beat on the Australian hard courts, having led Serbia to glory in the inaugural ATP Cup.
The 32-year-old, who is aiming for a 17th Grand Slam title to close on Federer and 19-time major champion Nadal, dropped only two sets in his six singles matches, which included another dominant win over the Spaniard in Sunday's final in Sydney.
Nadal, 33, was outplayed by Djokovic in last year's Australian Open final and continues to struggle against the Serb, who has won their past nine encounters - and 19 sets - on hard courts.
As the top two seeds, they are projected to meet in the final on 2 February, although players such as Swiss great Federer, Russia's Daniil Medvedev and Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas have the capability to stop them.
It remains to be seen whether Federer, 38, was wise to skip the ATP Cup, a decision intended to preserve his body for Melbourne, but one that leaves him short of court time going into the tournament.
Fourth seed Medvedev, 23, pushed Nadal in September's US Open final before losing an epic five-set match and, given his strong hard-court record over the past year, it seems a matter of time before he becomes a major winner.
The same can be said for 21-year-old Tsitsipas, who showed he can beat the best by becoming the ATP Finals champion in November and is looking to at least match his run to last year's semi-finals in a city where there is a large Greek community spurring him on.
Can 'relieved' Serena finally match Court's record?
Williams has not won a Grand Slam title since the 2017 Australian Open, when she was eight weeks pregnant.
Since returning from maternity leave in March 2018, she has reached four Grand Slam finals - two at Wimbledon and two at the US Open - losing them all.
But she goes into this tournament as the clear favourite, having rediscovered how to win a final.
Williams claimed the Auckland International on Sunday, beating fellow American Jessica Pegula in the final, to lift her first trophy in almost three years.
"It's been a long time; I think you could see the relief on my face," she said.
Williams' drought has helped open up the women's game; the past 11 Grand Slams have produced nine different winners, over a period that has seen seven players hold the world number one ranking.
Younger players have grasped their chance over the past three years, with 22-year-old Japanese Naomi Osaka and 19-year-old Canadian Bianca Andreescu both landing their first majors by beating Williams in New York, while the more experienced Caroline Wozniacki, of Denmark, and Simona Halep, of Romania, finally landed elusive Grand Slam titles.
Osaka, the defending champion in Melbourne, is expected to mount another title tilt on a surface that yielded a 14-match winning streak before she lost to Czech Karolina Pliskova in the Brisbane International semi-finals on Saturday.
Andreescu will not be playing in Melbourne, having pulled out with a knee injury sustained at the season-ending WTA Finals in October.
World number one Ashleigh Barty is aiming to become the first Australian woman to win at Melbourne Park in 42 years, while second seed Pliskova, having won the Brisbane title for the third successive year, is aiming prove wrong those who doubt she has the mindset to deliver a Grand Slam title.
Meanwhile, there will be an emotional farewell for 2018 champion Wozniacki, 29, who will retire after the tournament.
Has the tournament been affected by the bushfires?
Bushfires in the state of Victoria have affected the air quality in Melbourne
Bushfires across Australia have killed at least 28 people and an estimated half a billion animals since September, with more than 10.3m hectares of land destroyed and air quality in some areas reaching dangerous levels at various points.
Australian Open qualifying was delayed by an hour on Tuesday and practice was temporarily suspended because of the air quality, while Slovenian player Dalila Jakupovic retired from her qualifier, saying she was "really scared" she was going to collapse because of the "unhealthy" air.
Play was then delayed by three hours on Wednesday because of the air quality before being cancelled for the day because of rain.
Tournament organisers said last week that matches could be suspended after Melbourne's air quality reached "very unhealthy" levels.
However, they were also confident the tournament would not be disrupted by the crisis.
"We don't expect any delays and we've implemented additional measures to ensure the Australian Open will be able to run as scheduled," tournament director Craig Tiley said.
"As always, the health and safety of our players, along with our staff and our fans, is a priority, and we've committed substantial extra resources to analysis, monitoring and logistics to ensure this throughout the tournament."
Court's milestone being 'recognised' rather than 'celebrated'
While Williams seeks to match Court's Grand Slam singles record, the 77-year-old Australian will be marking one of her other milestones - the 50th anniversary of her 1970 sweep of all four of the majors.
Court's opposition to same-sex marriage and her view that transgender children are the work of "the devil" have made her a controversial figure and Tennis Australia has said it plans to "recognise" her as a champion rather than "celebrate" her as a hero.
The governing body has so far been vague on the details of what it is planning for Court, who is now a Christian pastor.
Grand Slam winners Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King are among those who have called for the Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park to be re-named because of her views and the issue could come up again with the Australian invited to participate in a "significant programme of events".


bbc--2020-01-15--Ireland beat world champions West Indies in opening T20I

Ireland edged out world champions West Indies by four runs in a dramatic first T20I between the sides in Grenada .
Ireland made 208-7 , with Paul Stirling ( 95 ) and Kevin O'Brien ( 48 ) putting on 154 for the opening wicket , the tourists ' highest ever partnership for any wicket in that form of cricket .
Wickets fell regularly thereafter and the hosts looked well placed to meet their target until losing late wickets .
Evin Lewis top-scored with 53 , Josh Little ending with figures of 3-29 .
Ireland had suffered a 3-0 whitewash to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , missing a glorious chance to take victory in the second match either side of heavy defeats .
The final two T20 games will take place in St Kitts and Nevis on Saturday and Sunday .
The win is only Ireland 's second over the West Indies in the 20-over format , their previous success coming in Kingston in 2014 .
And it is only their third win against WI in all limited-overs cricket , having also won a one-day international in 2015 .
Openers Stirling and O'Brien got Ireland off to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 48 midway through the 13th over , having hit two sixes and four fours off 32 balls .
Stirling raced to his half century in just 20 balls and smashed eight sixes and six fours in his 95 off 47 balls , his highest T20 score .
The Irish batsman played a sweep shot but a top edge saw him caught in the field by Lewis off the bowling of Hayden Walsh .
At that stage Ireland looked to be on target to better their record T20I score of 225-7 against Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their flying start as they would have liked , though ending up with a creditable total .
Gareth Delany was their next highest scorer with 19 , while Sheldon Cottrell , Khary Pierre and Dwayne Bravo , playing his first West Indies game since 2016 , took two wickets apiece .
The West Indies made steady progress in reply but Little claimed the wickets of Sherfane Rutherford and Bravo in the final over and with five needed to win off the last ball , the home side were unable to add to @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Paul Stirling smashed eight sixes and six fours in his 95 off 47 balls
First Twenty20 international, National Cricket Stadium, Grenada Ireland 208-7 (20 overs): Stirling 95, O'Brien 48 West Indies 204-7 (20 overs) E Lewis 53, Pollard 31; Little 3-29 Ireland won by four runs Scorecard
Ireland edged out world champions West Indies by four runs in a dramatic first Twenty20 international in Grenada.
Ireland made 208-7, with Paul Stirling (95) and Kevin O'Brien (48) putting on 154 for the opening wicket, the tourists' highest ever partnership for any wicket in that form of cricket.
Wickets fell regularly thereafter and the hosts looked well placed to meet their target until losing late wickets.
Evin Lewis top-scored with 53, Josh Little ending with figures of 3-29.
Ireland had suffered a 3-0 whitewash to West Indies in their recent ODI series, missing a glorious chance to take victory in the second match either side of heavy defeats.
The final two T20 games will take place in St Kitts and Nevis on Saturday and Sunday.
The win is only Ireland's second over West Indies in the 20-over format, their previous success coming in Kingston in 2014.
And it is only their third win against the Windies in all limited-overs cricket, having also won a one-day international in 2015.
Ireland's flying start
Openers Stirling and O'Brien got Ireland off to a flying start, before O'Brien was dismissed for 48 midway through the 13th over, having hit two sixes and four fours off 32 balls.
Stirling raced to his half century in just 20 balls and smashed eight sixes and six fours in his 95 off 47 balls, his highest T20 score.
The Irish batsman played a sweep shot but a top edge saw him caught by Lewis off the bowling of Hayden Walsh.
At that stage Ireland looked to be on target to better their record T20I score of 225-7 against Afghanistan in 2013 but were unable to build on their flying start as they would have liked, though ending up with a creditable total.
Gareth Delany was their next highest scorer with 19, while Sheldon Cottrell, Khary Pierre and Dwayne Bravo, playing his first international game since 2016, took two wickets apiece.
The West Indies made steady progress in reply but Little claimed the wickets of Sherfane Rutherford and Bravo in the final over and with five needed to win off the last ball, the home side were unable to add to their tally.


bbc--2020-01-15--Mbappe scores twice as PSG go eight points clear

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain beat Monaco 4-1 in a rescheduled game to move eight points clear at @ @ @ @ @ .
The two sides had drawn 3-3 at the Parc des Princes just three days @ @ @ @ @ encounter .
Mbappe turned in Angel di Maria 's excellent ball to open the scoring @ @ @ @ @ .
Pablo Sarabia made it 3-0 and , while Tiemoue Bakayoko got one back for @ @ @ @ @ .
The 21-year-old French striker , who played for Monaco from 2015 until 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ in 14 games , one fewer than Ligue 1 top scorer Wissam Ben Yedder of @ @

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Mbappe has scored in nine of the last 10 games for PSG
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain beat Monaco 4-1 in a rescheduled game to move eight points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
The two sides had drawn 3-3 at the Parc des Princes just three days ago but PSG dominated this encounter.
Mbappe turned in Angel di Maria's excellent ball to open the scoring before Neymar converted a penalty.
Pablo Sarabia made it 3-0 and, while Tiemoue Bakayoko got one back for Monaco, Mbappe struck again.
The 21-year-old French striker, who played for Monaco from 2015 until 2018, has now scored 13 goals in 14 games, one fewer than Ligue 1 top scorer Wissam Ben Yedder of Monaco.


bbc--2020-01-15--Marcus Rashford: Manchester United striker a doubt for Liverpool match after back injury

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his decision to play Marcus Rashford `` backfired '' after the striker went off with a back injury .
Rashford , 22 , was replaced in the 80th minute after he had been on the pitch for 16 minutes as United beat Wolves 1-0 in their FA Cup third-round replay .
The England international has scored 22 goals for club and country this season .
Solskjaer , whose side play away at Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday , said Rashford `` could n't run '' .
`` He 'll be tested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see for Sunday , '' added the Norwegian .
`` I did n't want to play him .
I think he got a knock , a knee or something , in his back , but he 's been struggling for a little while .
`` That 's why we 've kept him away [ from starting against Wolves ] , but we needed the win . ''
Asked if the decision to play Rashford backfired , Solskjaer replied : `` He was involved in the goal , so that was a positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a quick healer and he 'll play through some pain , definitely , if he 's capable and it 's not a bad , bad injury , but we 've seen that he 's struggled lately .
`` But that 's been more when he 's been tired .
He was n't on long enough to be tired so it might be something that just happened there and then .
`` He 's been absolutely top this season so we 'll do anything and everything we can to get him fit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we 'll play without him . ''
Rashford has featured in 13 matches - starting 11 of them - since the beginning of December , scoring nine goals in that period .
United will now play either Watford or League One side Tranmere away from home in the fourth round of the FA Cup on 26 January .
Solskjaer 's side are also fifth in the Premier League , in the last 32 of the Europa League and trail Manchester City 3-1 after the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an injury to Rashford would be a concern because of how vital he is to the team .
`` The fact he has played 200 games already at such a young age , he is so important , '' Fletcher said on BBC Radio 5 live .
`` They are largely becoming reliant on him .
Marcus Rashford carries a load in terms of driving team up the pitch , getting shots getting goals , getting assists .
`` He has almost been like a one-man team . ''
The Times chief football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be careful `` not to flog '' the players too much by playing them in too many games .
`` It is interesting listening to ex-professionals saying he is not quite running as freely as they would expect and is holding something back , '' Winter said .
`` I understand why Manchester United have to play him and I understand his mentality ; he loves this club , plays for the shirt .
`` He is is Manchester United 's most important player but at some stage we have to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not flog these players too much .
`` It is not an England thing , this is about making sure he is ready for Manchester United over the next few years and not burning him out too often . ''

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Marcus Rashford came on as a 64th-minute substitute for Daniel James, but then went off in the 80th minute, with Jesse Lingard coming on
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his decision to play Marcus Rashford "backfired" after the striker went off with a back injury.
Rashford, 22, was replaced in the 80th minute after he had been on the pitch for 16 minutes as United beat Wolves 1-0 in their FA Cup third-round replay.
The England international has scored 22 goals for club and country this season.
Solskjaer, whose side play away at Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, said Rashford "couldn't run".
"He'll be tested in the next few days - we have to see for Sunday," added the Norwegian.
"I didn't want to play him. I think he got a knock, a knee or something, in his back, but he's been struggling for a little while.
"That's why we've kept him away [from starting against Wolves], but we needed the win."
Asked if the decision to play Rashford backfired, Solskjaer replied: "He was involved in the goal, so that was a positive, but it backfired.
"He's a quick healer and he'll play through some pain, definitely, if he's capable and it's not a bad, bad injury, but we've seen that he's struggled lately.
"But that's been more when he's been tired. He wasn't on long enough to be tired so it might be something that just happened there and then.
"He's been absolutely top this season so we'll do anything and everything we can to get him fit for Sunday. If he's not, then we'll play without him."
Rashford has featured in 13 matches - starting 11 of them - since the beginning of December, scoring nine goals in that period.
United will now play either Watford or League One side Tranmere away from home in the fourth round of the FA Cup on 26 January.
Solskjaer's side are also fifth in the Premier League, in the last 32 of the Europa League and trail Manchester City 3-1 after the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
'He's been like a one-man team'
Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher suggested an injury to Rashford would be a concern because of how vital he is to the team.
"The fact he has played 200 games already at such a young age, he is so important," Fletcher said on BBC Radio 5 live.
"They are largely becoming reliant on him. Marcus Rashford carries a load in terms of driving team up the pitch, getting shots getting goals, getting assists.
"He has almost been like a one-man team."
The Times chief football writer Henry Winter says clubs need to be careful "not to flog" the players too much by playing them in too many games.
"It is interesting listening to ex-professionals saying he is not quite running as freely as they would expect and is holding something back," Winter said.
"I understand why Manchester United have to play him and I understand his mentality; he loves this club, plays for the shirt.
"He is is Manchester United's most important player but at some stage we have to take a step back and say: Let's not flog these players too much.
"It is not an England thing, this is about making sure he is ready for Manchester United over the next few years and not burning him out too often."


bbc--2020-01-15--UFC 246: Holly Holm at crossroads before facing Raquel Pennington

Holly Holm has been here before .
She knows what it takes to pick herself up off the floor and dust herself down .
A veteran of 77 recorded professional fights - across boxing ( 38 ) , kickboxing ( 22 ) and mixed martial arts ( 17 ) - this is not the first time 'The Preacher 's Daughter ' has stood at the crossroads in her fighting life .
The former UFC bantamweight champion , who climbed on top of the MMA world with her unforgettable 2015 head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey , faces off against a familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Las Vegas .
Holm scored a points victory over Pennington on her Octagon debut , utilising the same solid takedown defence she will need this weekend .
But this return comes after the worst run of results in her fighting life .
The Albuquerque fighter was knocked out for the first time in mixed martial arts in her last outing , contesting her old world title against Amanda Nunes , a champion the MMA world is starting to recognise as the greatest female fighter of all time .
A mythical championship belt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holm .
Reigning UFC bantamweight and featherweight title holder Nunes won with relative ease last July , bringing Holm 's current UFC run to a miserable 2-5 since beating Rousey .
To remain relevant in the sport , Holm must have her arm raised inside the T-Mobile Arena this weekend .
But if history has taught us anything about the 38-year-old , it is that when talk of retirement fills the air , she has a habit of reinventing herself .
• How to follow UFC 246 on the BBC Prior to testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ martial artists , Holm was the world 's finest women 's boxer .
A two-time Ring magazine 'Female Fighter of the Year ' , she held several boxing world titles .
Count Holm out at your peril .
`` What I 've always known about Holly , she always jumps back on the horse , '' said coach Mike Winkeljohn , who has worked with the former champion throughout her career .
`` She had a boxing match where she got knocked out years and years ago by a girl named Anne Mathis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever fought .
`` Everybody said she should retire and I looked at her and said : 'You 're going to rematch her and you 're going to beat her up . '
That was it .
That was the moment Holly said 'of course ' and that 's when I knew that about Holly .
`` Same thing here .
Same frame of mind , Holly wants it back .
She knows she made a mistake [ against Nunes ] .
When you make mistakes against someone like Amanda , Amanda capitalises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ran with it . ''
Incidentally , the biggest match-up on the horizon for Nunes in 2020 is a rumoured boxing-MMA double-header with the ring 's incumbent number one , Claressa Shields .
Both the UFC champion and the three-weight world boxing champion have spoken repeatedly about going head-to-head while at their peaks .
Once in a boxing ring , with a return inside the Octagon .
As long as veteran Holm can win this weekend , she has the pedigree to compete with both too - regardless of the shape of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holm was once the world 's most dominant champion .
And , briefly , after shattering Rousey 's supremacy at UFC 193 , she was the first lady of MMA also .
But a lot has happened in the five years since , including a broken marriage , and that run of results that fail to reflect the true skillset Holm possesses .
Fight sports and the destinies of its main protagonists can change in an instant , however .
And Holly Holm and coach Winkeljohn know that she remains just one viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time Conor McGregor makes his ringwalk this weekend , we 'll know for sure whether Holm 's highlight reel knockout of Rousey is the moment that forever defines her MMA legacy , or whether it becomes a landmark in the career of a woman still contesting the mantle of fight sports ' greatest champion .

Holly Holm lost to Amanda Nunes on her last visit to the Octagon in July 2019
UFC 246 Date: Sunday, 19 January Time: From 03:00 GMT Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas Coverage: Live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, then switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 04:30 GMT
Holly Holm has been here before. She knows what it takes to pick herself up off the floor and dust herself down.
A veteran of 77 recorded professional fights - across boxing (38), kickboxing (22) and mixed martial arts (17) - this is not the first time 'The Preacher's Daughter' has stood at the crossroads in her fighting life.
The former UFC bantamweight champion, who climbed on top of the MMA world with her unforgettable 2015 head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey, faces off against a familiar foe in Raquel Pennington at UFC 246 in Las Vegas.
Holm scored a points victory over Pennington on her Octagon debut, utilising the same solid takedown defence she will need this weekend. But this return comes after the worst run of results in her fighting life.
The Albuquerque fighter was knocked out for the first time in mixed martial arts in her last outing, contesting her old world title against Amanda Nunes, a champion the MMA world is starting to recognise as the greatest female fighter of all time. A mythical championship belt that was at one time bestowed on Holm.
Reigning UFC bantamweight and featherweight title holder Nunes won with relative ease last July, bringing Holm's current UFC run to a miserable 2-5 since beating Rousey. To remain relevant in the sport, Holm must have her arm raised inside the T-Mobile Arena this weekend.
But if history has taught us anything about the 38-year-old, it is that when talk of retirement fills the air, she has a habit of reinventing herself.
Prior to testing herself against the world's best mixed martial artists, Holm was the world's finest women's boxer. A two-time Ring magazine 'Female Fighter of the Year', she held several boxing world titles. Count Holm out at your peril.
"What I've always known about Holly, she always jumps back on the horse," said coach Mike Winkeljohn, who has worked with the former champion throughout her career.
"She had a boxing match where she got knocked out years and years ago by a girl named Anne Mathis, who is the hardest puncher she ever fought.
"Everybody said she should retire and I looked at her and said: 'You're going to rematch her and you're going to beat her up.' That was it. That was the moment Holly said 'of course' and that's when I knew that about Holly.
"Same thing here. Same frame of mind, Holly wants it back. She knows she made a mistake [against Nunes]. When you make mistakes against someone like Amanda, Amanda capitalises on it. She took that mistake and ran with it."
Incidentally, the biggest match-up on the horizon for Nunes in 2020 is a rumoured boxing-MMA double-header with the ring's incumbent number one, Claressa Shields.
Both the UFC champion and the three-weight world boxing champion have spoken repeatedly about going head-to-head while at their peaks. Once in a boxing ring, with a return inside the Octagon.
As long as veteran Holm can win this weekend, she has the pedigree to compete with both too - regardless of the shape of the canvas. As a boxer, Holm was once the world's most dominant champion. And, briefly, after shattering Rousey's supremacy at UFC 193, she was the first lady of MMA also.
But a lot has happened in the five years since, including a broken marriage, and that run of results that fail to reflect the true skillset Holm possesses.
Fight sports and the destinies of its main protagonists can change in an instant, however. And Holly Holm and coach Winkeljohn know that she remains just one viral knockout away from career salvation.
By the time Conor McGregor makes his ringwalk this weekend, we'll know for sure whether Holm's highlight reel knockout of Rousey is the moment that forever defines her MMA legacy, or whether it becomes a landmark in the career of a woman still contesting the mantle of fight sports' greatest champion.


bbc--2020-01-15--Israel's Nissany named as Williams test driver

Israeli Roy Nissany is to be Williams ' test driver in Formula 1 in 2020 .
The 25-year-old , who @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 and will do so again this season , will drive in three practice @ @ @ @ @ part of his role .
`` This is a landmark for motorsport in Israel , @ @ @ @ @ announcement in Tel Aviv on Wednesday .
`` The experience I will gain this year @ @ @ @ @ will be invaluable . ''
Deputy team principal Claire Williams said : `` Roy demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ post-season Abu Dhabi test last year and we were extremely impressed with what he could @ @ @ @ @ of time .
He is a hard-working individual who we are excited to be working @ @ @ @ @ Nissany is the son of Chanoch Nissany , who became the first and , so @ @ @ @ @ take part in a grand prix weekend when he completed the first practice session at @ @ @ @ @ for Minardi .

Nissany raced in Formula 2 in 2018 and will do so again in 2020
Israeli Roy Nissany is to be Williams' test driver in Formula 1 in 2020.
The 25-year-old, who last raced in Formula 2 in 2018 and will do so again this season, will drive in three practice sessions and one test as part of his role.
"This is a landmark for motorsport in Israel," Nissany said following the announcement in Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
"The experience I will gain this year immersing myself in the team will be invaluable."
Deputy team principal Claire Williams said: "Roy demonstrated his capabilities driving in the post-season Abu Dhabi test last year and we were extremely impressed with what he could do in a short space of time. He is a hard-working individual who we are excited to be working with this year."
Nissany is the son of Chanoch Nissany, who became the first and, so far, only Israeli to take part in a grand prix weekend when he completed the first practice session at the 2005 Hungarian Grand Prix for Minardi.