Guardian Sport Weekend Coverage: World Darts Final, Ashes, and AFCON Knockout Round
The Guardian's sport weekend coverage on Friday 2 January 2026 features live, in-depth reporting across several major sporting events, including the PDC World Darts Championship final, the Ashes fifth Test, the Africa Cup of Nations knockout round, and multiple Premier League and international football fixtures.
In darts, it is Day 20 of the PDC World Championship, boasting a £1 million prize. Luke Littler, the favourite aiming for a second consecutive title, faces Ryan Searle in the semifinal on Friday. The other semifinal features Gian van Veen against Gary Anderson. Coverage includes a leg-by-leg live blog led by Rob Smyth and on-the-ground reports by Jonathan Liew from Alexandra Palace.
Meanwhile, the Ashes series continues with Day 1 of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. England seeks a win despite Australia possibly having secured the series already. Over-by-over coverage is led by Tim de Lisle and Angus Fontaine, with additional reporting by Ali Martin, Barney Ronay, and Geoff Lemon from Sydney.
In football, the Africa Cup of Nations knockout round features Mali versus Tunisia at 7pm. Mali advanced from the group stage with three draws, while Tunisia finished second in Group C. Dominic Booth and Jonathan Wilson provide coverage from the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
Saturday's football fixtures include Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest and the Old Firm clash Celtic vs Rangers, both at 12.30pm, followed by Wolves vs West Ham at 3pm and Bournemouth vs Arsenal at 5.30pm. Coverage highlights Declan Rice's absence and discusses Manchester City’s transfer interest in Semenyo.
On Sunday, Leeds United face Manchester United at 12.30pm. Premier League clockwatch covers Fulham vs Liverpool, Everton vs Brentford, Newcastle vs Crystal Palace, and Tottenham vs Sunderland at 3pm. Manchester City plays Chelsea at 5.30pm. NFL Week 18 wildcard games are also featured in weekend reports.
The coverage is supported by matchday live blogs and reporters such as David Tindall and Yara El-Shaboury, with additional match reports and analysis from a range of correspondents.
