More Than The Score

Netherlands and Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij says it's important to her to be a role model to the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up in a small town in the north of the Netherlands, Casparij says she didn't know "being gay was even an option".Now she has gone on to carve out a successful career in the Women's Super League, starring in a Manchester City side that sit top of the table, she wants to be an ally for others.The BBC Sport women’s football news reporter, Emma Sanders, explains to Ed Harry how Casparij plans to use her platform to promote inclusivity in women's football.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Isaac Odugbesan or Oba Femi as he's known in WWE is making waves in the world's largest professional wrestling company. He's a former Track and Field star in the US collegiate system and is a current NXT Champion, which is WWE's developmental branch. He tells the BBC’s Isaac Fanin, how he got involved in wrestling, why the Black Panther movies are important in representing African cultures to a large audience, his hopes in WWE and how he feels about being an inspiration to young people in Africa. Isaac also tells the BBC’s ED Harry about Femi’s background and just how far he could go in WWE.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Before and after every game, Premier League managers speak to reporters and journalists, through the good times, the bad times and even the times when they're close to getting sacked. But how important are commitments to the media and can an interview make the difference between winning the support of the fans and losing it? Former Rangers, Brentford and QPR manager, Mark Warburton tells John Bennett how it can be difficult to control your emotions immediately after a match and how they can be used as a way to get messages to both supporters and players. Warburton says Jose Mourinho, who he worked with at Chelsea, was an expert when it came to dealing with the media. ITV Sport and talkSPORT presenter, reporter and broadcaster, Hugh Woozencroft, explains why it may be the most important part of a journalist's day. He also discusses why it can be about giving a manager a platform to respond to criticism. More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels. And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Jeff Guan is a 21-year-old Australian golfer who, one week after debuting on the US PGA tour, was struck by a golf ball at a pro-am event, which led to him losing his sight in his left eye. Just one year later, he made his return to professional competition. In November, we spoke to him about how the accident changed his life, and why he's still amibitious about his future in the sport.This pod also features Barry McCluskey, a member of the European Disabled Golf Association - or EDGA - who talks to Mani Djazmi and BBC golf reporter Jonathan Jurejko about the role golf has played in his life after losing his sight to the eye disorder keratoconus.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

A growing issue in football is so-called 'bomb squads' - groups of players that football clubs exclude from first-team training after deciding their services are no longer required. The Premier League has had several high-profile examples of this treatment this season, including Raheem Sterling at Chelsea and Jadon Sancho at Manchester United.Back in October, More than the Score spoke to two men who've seen both sides of this treatment. Pundit and former Premier League player Nedum Onuoha, told John Bennett what it was like to discover Manchester City, the club where he'd been since he was 10 years old, wanted to move him on. Meanwhile, Lutz Pfannenstiel, who has recently been appointed as sporting director at Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen, reveals what it's like to work with players who've been told their services are no longer required.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis is the biggest star in athletics. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships, he produced one of the year's greatest moments of sporting theatre as he broke the world record for the 14th time in his career. But how did he come to dominate the event to such an extent?In the latest instalment of our look back at 2025, Ed Harry and Ade Adedoyin discuss Duplantis's astonishing rise, and revisit an interview they conducted with Mondo and his father, Greg, back in 2019. It's a candid insight into the making of one of the biggest personalities, and most extraordinary talents, in world sport.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Victor Wembanyama is arguably the hottest property in basketball right now. The San Antonio Spurs centre was top pick in the 2023 NBA draft, then named Rookie of the Year in 2024, and helped France win silver at the 2024 Olympics. Part of what makes him an extraordinary athlete is his size. He's officially listed as seven foot five inches tall - but some reports say that, at the age of 21, he's still growing taller. Will that prove to be an advantage for his career, or could it put him at greater risk of injury?We continue our look back at some of our favourite episodes from 2025 by revisiting Mani Djazmi's conversation with NBA physiotherapist Alex Hubelbank about the physical challenges faced by taller athletes, and how medical staff help keep NBA stars healthy. He also hears from BBC Sport writer Jonty Coleman, who explains why Wembanyama has made such a huge impression in such a short time.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

In 2025, Esme Morgan and Ashleigh Plumptre both tasted victory at two of the biggest tournaments in women's football. Morgan helped England win back-to-back European Championships, while Plumptre was part of the Nigeria side that beat host nation Morocco to lift the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the 10th time.As we continue our look back at highlights from 2025, Lee James revisits Morgan and Plumptre's conversation about their team's respective victories.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Cecilia Braekhus retired from boxing in 2025 at the age of 44, after defeating Ema Kozin to become a two-weight world champion. She won 39 of her 42 professional contests in a career stretching back to 2007, and spent more than a decade as the undisputed world welterweight champion - but it's her achievements outside the ring that may be even more impressive. For much of her career, she wasn't allowed to fight in her home country of Norway, where professional boxing had been banned since 1981, but her successes overseas played a part in that law being overturned in 2014.As we look back on some of our favourite episodes from 2025, we revisit Cecilia's interview with Kal Sajad, where she looked back on how she fought for her right to step into the ring. Plus, fellow two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas joins John Bennett and Ade Adedoyin to discuss Braekhus's legacy in the sport.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

In October, Flavor Flav, the co-founder of Grammy-winning hip hop group Public Enemy, announced he had agreed to be the official hypeman for the US bobsleigh and skeleton teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. As we look back on our favourite episodes from 2025, we revisit his conversation with Clare Williamson, where he explained what drew him to the sport, and what it felt like to take to the sliding track himself.Plus, two-time Winter Olympic snowboarder Aimee Fuller tells Mani Djazmi that having a hype man in Milan and Cortina can only be a good thing for the Games and winter sport as a whole, while Steve Bunce explains how hype has been an integral part of boxing for decades, and looks back at the role hypeman Drew Bundini Brown played in the rise of Muhammad Ali.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

2025 was the year that Cristiano Ronaldo became the first billionaire footballer. As we look back on our favourite conversations from the past year, we're revisiting a chat with Sam Carp, head of editorial at SportsPro, a company that produces an annual list of the 50 most marketable athletes in sport. Ade Adedoyin and John Bennett find out what makes some athletes more lucrative than others, and what qualities get the attention of audiences and advertisers.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Before the Shanghai Masters tournament in October, Valentin Vacherot was the 204th ranked men's tennis player in the world. He'd never won a title on the main ATP tour, and had only played one Grand Slam match in his career. Then, over the course of a week, his entire career changed. He recorded victories over some of the world's top players - including Novak Djokovic - before reaching the final, where he faced a man he knows better than anyone else on tour: his own cousin, Arthur Rinderknech.As we continue our look back at 2025, Ade Adedoyin revisits his interview with Valentin after his biggest victory, and BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller shares his thoughts on what Vacherot's future might hold.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from tennis to football, boxing to bobsleigh, and rugby league to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

We're looking back at some of the most memorable stories from More than the Score in 2025, starting with Jamie Lawrence, who aged 22 was serving his second prison sentence. His future prospects looked bleak, until he was given an unexpected opportunity - and eventually worked his way to becoming a Premier League footballer.Jamie talks to us about how he turned his life around, and his plans to turn his story into a movie - though he’s had to rule out Denzel Washington portraying him.The BBC’s John Bennett, Katie Smith and Ronald Young Jr from NPR discuss Jamie's story, tales of sporting redemption and just what makes a good sports movie.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Ivory Coast, Manchester City and Barcelona legend Yaya Toure chats at length with the BBC’s Kelly Somers about his upbringing and leaving Africa, his playing career and his coaching ambitions.Ed Harry is also joined by George Addo to discuss what Toure means to Africa, the possibility of Toure managing his nation one day and the prospect of success for Ivory Coast at Afcon 2025.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

The fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in Miami is arguably the biggest fight of its kind. Other similar profile bouts involving Paul have seen the former Disney star take on the likes of ex UFC fighter, Nate Diaz, and the then 58-year-old former boxing heavyweight World Champion, Mike Tyson. The fight in Miami, however, is a professional fight sanctioned by the Florida Athletic Commission.Joshua tells Ade Adedoyin that he respects Paul for choosing to step in the ring with him but has rejected suggestions he'll attempt to carry the American to give the public a show. Paul says the British boxer is stiff and it is he who is the better boxer.Mikaela Mayer - a three-weight world champion - explains to Maz Farookhi why Paul could surprise a few people and may one day be considered a boxing pioneer by introducing the sport to new audiences. More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Dancing with the Stars, or Strictly Come Dancing in the UK, is a global TV phenomenon. Since 2004, the format that challenges professional dancers to turn celebrities into ballroom champions has been exported to more than 60 territories worldwide, and sports stars have been a huge part of the show's success. Athletes like Darren Gough, Shawn Johnson, Apolo Anton Ohno and Louis Smith have all triumphed underneath the glitterball, but there have been plenty of others who've struggled to translate their sporting prowess into dance stardom. So what does it take to teach a champion athlete to dance?Raimondo Todaro is a five-time champion on Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars, whose victorious partners have included world champion long jumper Fiona May, Olympic fencing champion Elisa di Francisca and Paralympic sprinter Giusy Versace. He tells John Bennett why he prefers working with athletes to other types of celebrities, and what it takes for them to adapt to new ways of moving their bodies. He also recalls what happened when football legend Diego Maradona took part in the show's first season.Annika Sjöö faced one of the most unusual challenges of her career on the third season of Swedish TV show Let's Dance, when she was paired with former World's Strongest Man winner Magnus Samuelsson - but they went on to lift the title. She explains how she helped him adapt to an environment unlike anything he'd previously experienced, and reveals what it's like to get lifted in the air by someone who's more used to picking up cars and boulders.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

The next men’s Africa Cup of Nations, or Afcon, starts on 21 December in Morocco. The tournament has been moved around the calendar to avoid clashes with other competitions, including Fifa’s inaugural Club World Cup – while in many major media outlets, Afcon is often talked about in terms of how it affects African players’ availability for European club sides. Some pundits have also argued that performances at Afcon aren’t given the same weight as those at equivalent continental championships, like the Euros or the Copa America. But with the tournament set to feature many of the world’s leading players, including Mo Salah, Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi, is football guilty of disrespecting Africa’s most prestigious trophy?Ugandan football journalist Usher Komigusha argues that perceptions of African football have hugely changed among football fans around the world, but administrative and scheduling issues continue to cause problems for the tournament’s image – and points out that, though the location for the 2027 Afcon is confirmed, the actual dates are still to be announced. Patrick Suffo was part of the Cameroon side that triumphed at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring a penalty in the decisive shootout against Senegal. He says that, despite playing a big part in the careers of some of football’s most celebrated players, coverage of Afcon can still sometimes have a condescending tone. He also thinks European clubs who spend big money on African talent shouldn’t feel aggrieved when they go to play for their international sides.The BBC’s John Bennett also speaks to former African Footballer of the Year Kalusha Bwalya, who was part of the Zambian squad that stunned the continent by reaching the final of the 1994 tournament. He’s saddened that questions about Afcon’s importance in world football are still being asked, and says the sport’s governing bodies need to treat the tournament with the same seriousness as equivalent competitions.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels. And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked women's tennis player in the world, and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios are set to face off in an exhibition match in Dubai on 28 December. It's being promoted as a "battle of the sexes", more than 50 years after Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs' historic match - though King has said this match has little in common with the original encounter.The BBC's Jonathan Jurejko speaks to both Sabalenka and Kyrgios ahead of the match about why they've signed up to face each other, and about the controversy it's stirred up - particularly given incidents from Kyrgios's past. He also talks to Mani Djazmi about the context surrounding the game, and what it might mean for the sport's public image.More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

After becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the world, padel has set its sights on becoming an Olympic sport.It's played with a racket and is often described as a mix of tennis and squash.  It has surged in popularity in recent years with more than 30 million players worldwide. It also has plenty of celebrity fans - including Serena Williams, Mohamed Salah and David Beckham.   Marta "Martita" Ortega is a top 10 player and former world number one who rose to the top of the sport whilst studying medicine in Madrid. She tells Lee James how the game continues to grow and why competing at an Olympic Games would be a dream come true.   President of the International Padel Federation (FIP), Luigi Carraro, explains their ambitions and what makes the sport unique.   More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.   And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Hurricane Melissa - one of the strongest to ever hit the Caribbean - made landfall in Jamaica on 28 October. At its peak, it sustained winds of 298 kph, resulting in dozens of deaths across the region. It brought powerful winds and landslides to Cuba and Haiti. Jamaica was among the islands worst affected. The country’s authorities say the hurricane killed 45 people, and the World Bank estimates that it caused more than $8 billion of damage on the island. Several of the country's most famous sporting names have been working as part of recovery efforts across the country. The BBC's Anne Soy speaks to former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, who says he's been shocked by what he's witnessed. He explains why the level of destruction was something he never expected to see on the island, and talks about the work he and other athletes, including Noah Lyles, have been doing to help people and communities rebuild in the aftermath. He also share his thoughts on what more needs to be done. We're also joined from Kingston by journalist Kayon Raynor, who says parts of the island look as though a bomb was dropped on them. He talks about why, more than six weeks later, many people are still trying to get access to basic utilities. He also explains how famous names, including Usain Bolt and Shelley-Ann Fraser Pryce, have helped contribute to recovery efforts. More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels. And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore