More than the Score

The tenth edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Defending champions India are the strong favourites but could South Africa build on their recent success and go all the way? Beaten finalists in 2024, the Proteas travel to the sub-continent as World Test Champions. India cricket commentator, Prakash Wakankar, explains to Delyth Lloyd why he can't see anyone stopping India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates winning back-to-back World Cups.South Africa has some big hitters in their batting line-up including, Dewald Brevis. ESPN's Southern Africa & Women's Cricket Correspondent, Firdose Moonda, discusses his potential and whether he can lead his team to their first ever T20 World Cup. Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Albania's skiing star Lara Colturi, snowboarding icon Scotty James and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Arianna Fontana is Italy's most-decorated Winter Olympian. She won her first Olympic short-track speed skating medal in 2006, when she was just 15 years old. Twenty years on, Fontana heads into Milan-Cortina as one of the faces of this year's Games. She'll be carrying the Italian flag in the opening ceremony, before bidding to add to her tally of 11 Olympic medals - including golds in the 500m at both the 2018 and 2022 Games.Earlier this year, Arianna Fontana spoke to the BBC's Ed Harry from her home town in the Italian Alps about how far she's come from that first Olympic medal to now. She explains how she's spent two decades at the top of one of the most intense and unpredictable sports in the Olympic programme, and how she manages to stay in control at high speed on the ice when surrounded by her rivals.Fontana also talks about why she's spent four years on the road with her husband and coach, Anthony Lobello, to prepare for the Games, and how the dynamic between them works. And as she gets ready to race at an Olympics in Italy for a second time, Fontana shares what competing in her home country means to her.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Albania's skiing star Lara Colturi, snowboarding icon Scotty James and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks will have an estimated global audience of over 127 million. The field at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, not only has to cater for the players and dozens of staff, but also the pre-game and half-time festivities that help to make Super Bowl Sunday such a huge cultural phenomenon.Jordan Achay was part of the grounds crew that handled the 2022 Super Bowl which was held at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. He tells John Bennett why preparing the turf must start months, sometimes years in advance. He also explains the challenges the event's famous half-time show brings - this year featuring Puerto Rican pop star Bad Bunny. Former Buffalo Bills coach, Phoebe Schecter, explains what coaches and players are looking for from a Super Bowl field.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

More than 3500 athletes from 93 countries will be competing for 195 medals at the Milan-Cortina Games. Three countries will be making their Winter Olympic debuts at the 2026 Games, the African nations of Benin and Guinea Bissau along with the United Arab Emirates. But with the established winter sport nations such as Norway, the United States of America, Canada and Germany looking to dominate the medal table once again, how hard is it for new countries to compete on the world stage?Eight African nations will be represented this time with Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa along with the two debutants taking part. South Africa is sending its largest ever team with five athletes, but over six decades since an African nation made its Winter Olympics debut, the continent's first medal remains elusive.Matt Smith only took up the sport three years ago and is now going to be South Africa's sole cross-country skier in the upcoming games. He tells Lee James why he hopes his inclusion can inspire generations to come, and why he's been nicknamed the 'Snowbok'. Simidele Adeagbo became the first Nigerian to compete at the Winter Olympics in 2018 and was the first black female Olympian in the sport of Skeleton. She says with a more than a billion people on the African continent it's important its athletes are proportionately represented when it comes to the Winter Olympics. Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

With transfer windows closing in some of Europe's major leagues on February 2nd, we hear from one of the most powerful agents in football. Rafaela Pimenta's clients include Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Liverpool manager Arne Slot and 17-year-old Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora.In an in-depth interview with the BBC’s Simon Stone, Pimenta discusses the sexism she has faced during her career and she gives her thoughts on the transfer window. Pimenta says "We are in a transfer window, and I can bet you, because I see it at the end of every window, somebody will cry. There's always a player crying because he could have gone, needed to go and a club said they want £1m more." Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Lara Colturi is only 19 years old, but she's already one of the world's best slalom skiers, with four podium finishes in this season's World Cup. She heads into the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina with the chance of making history, by becoming Albania's first Winter Olympic medallist.In an interview recorded earlier this year for BBC TV's Ski Sunday, Colturi talks to former British Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott about her career so far, her decision to focus on skiing rather than figure skating, and how she came to compete for Albania despite being born and raised in Italy.Alcott also joins the BBC's Ed Harry to discuss Lara Colturi's Olympic chances, and how she's adapted to competing on the World Cup circuit at such a young age.We also hear from Alesia Burnazi, who reports on Lara Colturi and the build-up to the Winter Olympics for RTSH, the national broadcaster of Albania. She explains how Albanians have received their new star, and the effect Colturi's success is having on the sporting culture of a country that has never previously contended for a Winter Olympic medal.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, snowboarding icon Scotty James and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Naomi Osaka turned heads at tennis's Australian Open when she took to the court for her first-round match wearing a long, flowing outfit - accompanied by a custom hat and parasol - inspired by reading her daughter a story about jellyfish. Created with sports brand Nike and designer Robert Wun, it further cemented four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka's reputation as one of sport's most fashion-conscious stars.The reaction to Osaka's outfit, which has drawn both admiration and criticism, also got us thinking about the intersections between sport and fashion. How do these two spheres influence each other, and are they becoming more closely linked?Sheena Butler-Young is a senior correspondent for fashion industry news site The Business of Fashion. She tells Sophia Hartley why she believes the two industries have never been more aligned. Melissa Anglesea is the creative director of Suzi Wong, the British sportswear company who've created custom outfits for many of boxing's biggest names, including Tyson Fury and Amir Khan. She explains how the creative process works when collaborating with the world's best fighters. Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, globetrotting boxer Ellie Bouttell and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Heated Rivalry is TV's most talked-about show. Based on a series of novels by author Rachel Reid, it tells the story of a secret romance between two male ice hockey players, the Canadian Shane Hollander and the Russian Ilya Rozanov. Since launching on the Canadian streaming service Crave in November 2025, it has acquired a huge and passionate fanbase around the world; the show’s two lead actors, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have gone from unknowns to superstars in the space of a couple of months.The NHL has been keen to capitalise on the popularity of the show, with commissioner Gary Bettman claiming he binge-watched all six episodes in one night – but it’s also put the NHL’s own attitudes under the spotlight. It is the only one of North America’s traditional ‘big four’ sports leagues – alongside the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball – to have never had a player publicly come out as gay or bisexual either during or after their professional career. The league has also faced criticism for its treatment of Pride celebrations in recent years.So could Heated Rivalry open the door to a new era in ice hockey – and is the sport ready?TV critic Scott Bryan is one of the hosts of the BBC podcast Must Watch, and reports on the TV industry in his newsletter Worth Watching. He explains how the show has come from seemingly nowhere to connect with fans all over the world, and why he believes it marks a new progression in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships on screen.Karissa Donkin is a journalist who covers ice hockey and winter sports for Canadian broadcaster CBC, and is also the author of Breakaway, the behind-the-scenes story of the founding of the PWHL - North America's Professional Women's Hockey League. She discusses how attitudes towards sexuality and individuality differ in the men's and women's game, and how accurately Heated Rivalry reflects the realities of the sport. Will its popularity open up new audiences for ice hockey, and is the game ready to welcome them?Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, globetrotting boxer Ellie Bouttell and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Ellie Bouttell is a boxer who was born in the UK and crafted in China. During a difficult period as a teenager, she went to live with her father in China before returning to England to study Chinese at University. At University, Bouttell took a boxing class to improve her cardio and her love for the sport was born. She later returned to China and took the decision to turn professional. In an in-depth conversation with the BBC’s Ade Adedoyin, Bouttell discusses her time at University, her love for boxing, the differences between the UK and China and even ends by sharing her favourite Chinese proverb.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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 NBA is synonymous with basketball in most parts of the world. It's the most-watched, richest and best-known league in the game. And now it's making plans to launch a spin-off competition in Europe.The European influence on the NBA is growing - there are 71 European-born players in the league this season, and five of its last seven MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards have gone to European players. Berlin and London have also hosted regular season games.But does that mean there's demand for a new competition? The Euroleague is the established top tier of basketball in Europe, and features teams affiliated with some of the biggest football clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. Could the two competitions co-exist, or would there not be room for both? NBA commissioner Adam Silver says initial plans for 'NBA Europe', starting in 2027, are for 10 to 12 set franchises that would stay in the league on an annual basis.Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Euroleague Basketball - the top tier club competition on the European continent - tells Lee James why there's no rivalry between his organisation and the NBA and having strong, professional leagues on both sides of the Atlantic can only be good for the sport.  Joe Vardon, senior basketball writer for the Athletic, explains why commercial reasons may be a significant factor in why the NBA want to create NBA Europe.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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 Australian Open tennis championships are reaching the end of their first week, but the hottest ticket so far hasn't been Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka.Instead, observers were stunned by the queues to watch the world number 49, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Her first-round match had been put on court number 6, leaving many fans disappointed as they were left unable to find a seat. Martina Navratilova was among those who criticised the decision, saying: “The organisers need to keep more in mind where the players are from and what the actual fan base is here."Inside the court, stands were filled with fans bearing Philippines flags, raucously cheering their 20-year-old hero. But though she took the first set 6-0, her opponent, Alycia Parks, eventually found her feet, taking the next two sets 6-3 6-2 to put Eala out at the first hurdle.So where did Alexandra Eala come from, and how far can she go in the sport? And could her popularity spark a tennis boom back home?Ben Rothenberg, editor of the tennis magazine Bounces, has called Alex Eala "the most popular player in tennis right now". He talks to the BBC's Ed Harry about how Eala was catapulted into the spotlight at the 2025 Miami Open, her roots in the game, and how far she could rise.Kate Reyes, who has covered Alex Eala's rise for the Filipino sport website Spin.ph, discusses why she has found such popularity with the public. She also shares her thoughts on what Eala's success so far could mean for the future of the game in the Philippines.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Scotty James is already one of the greatest snowboarders of all time. At the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, he won bronze in the halfpipe before following that up with a silver in Beijing four years later. At the age of 31, he's aiming to complete his set of medals by winning gold at the Games in Milan-Cortina. Ahead of the event in Italy, Ade Adedoyin spoke to Ski Sunday's Tim Warwood about his recent interview with James, and how the Australian compares to fellow greats Shaun White and Ayumu Hirano. James explains why, though he enjoyed great battles with White and Hirano in the past, this year's halfpipe event is the most competitive field he's known.He also talks about being part of the Stroll family - his wife Chloe is the sister of F1 driver Lance - and why becoming a father hasn't changed his approach to the sport.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

For decades, players, staff and fans have made long, arduous pilgrimages across the globe in the name of sport and elite competition. In 2026, the men's football World Cup takes place across North and Central America, while earlier this year more than 35,000 England cricket fans made the journey from the UK to Australia to watch their team in the men's Ashes. Tommy Lamb was one of those - we hear how he very nearly made the journey without taking a single flight.Ade Adedoyin is also joined by British football journalist Daniel Storey. He explains why he embarked on a nine-month odyssey to every single one of English football's 92 league clubs, and what he learned about many of the places he visited along the way.We also hear from Chippie Solomon - a legendary figure in South African rugby union. Chippie is team manager of Cape Town's DHL Stormers. They play in the United Rugby Championship (URC), so are regularly travelling to the UK, Ireland and Italy. Chippie tells Ade about his time spent with former players and Springbok greats Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers. He also explains why the current team are encouraged to sample the local cuisine in every place they visit.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Real Madrid, Manchester United and Celtic have all parted company with their head coach in 2025 while New Zealand's dismissal of Scott Robertson sent shockwaves around international rugby union. Elsewhere, Buffalo Bills' Sean McDermott became the eighth NFL head coach to leave their position in the month of January and the 10th since the start of the season. That was after Buffalo became the first NFL team to win a play-off round in six consecutive seasons but not reach the Super Bowl.NFL and American sports expert, Mike Carlson, explains to Ed Harry why McDermott's dismissal makes the least sense of the January firings but is part of a wider trend in the sport. The BBC's rugby union correspondent, Chris Jones, says international rugby is unlikely to follow suit despite the All Blacks' unprecedented sacking of Robertson by the three time World Champions.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

At just 22 years old, Cam Little's shirt is already on display in the NFL's Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. That’s after the Jacksonville Jaguars kicker converted a record breaking 68-yard field goal in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2025 regular season. What's all the more remarkable is Little didn't see himself taking up a career in the NFL - his initial ambition was to play soccer. He tells the BBC’s David Brindle about his rapid journey through a sport he only started playing seriously five years ago, reflects on the records he’s already broken and discusses his hunger to break more records. Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Roger Federer once dubbed the Australian Open the "happy Slam" of the tennis calendar. It takes place in the middle of January, in the warm, sunny climes of Melbourne Park, a world away from the cold winters of northern Europe. But as the first Grand Slam of the year gets underway, does the Aussie Open still live up to its nickname?Ed Harry discusses the tournament's place in the calendar with BBC tennis reporter Jonathan Jurejko and Britain's Jodie Burrage, who reached the second round of the 2025 women's singles in Melbourne before losing to No 3 seed and two-time Grand Slam champion, Coco Gauff. What sets the Australian Open apart from the rest of tennis's showpiece occasions, and what's it like to take to the court in such a prestigious event? And as summers keep getting warmer in Australia, how big an issue is heat becoming?They also discuss the special event that opened this year's tournament: The Million Dollar One Point Slam, which saw amateur player Jordan Smith become an overnight millionaire. Are these kind of special attractions a key part of tennis's future?Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

This year's Africa Cup of Nations, or Afcon, has been dominated by the continent's big teams. Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria and Egypt reach the semi-finals, while the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mane will face off when hosts Morocco take on Senegal in the final.With Africa's superstars seemingly in top form, can they keep it up at this summer's World Cup - and could an African nation finally go all the way, and win football's most famous prize?The BBC's Lee James and John Bennett talk to African football experts Gary Al Smith and Maher Mezahi as Africa's biggest tournament nears its conclusion. Why have the stars shone at this year's Afcon, and does that bode well for the summer? How have Ghana and Cape Verde's World Cup chances been affected by missing out on Afcon? And with some of the continent's biggest names seemingly nearing the end of their international careers, who will step into their shoes?Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

Lindsey Vonn retired from skiing in 2019 aged 34, having been arguably the biggest name in the sport over the previous two decades. She won 20 World Cup titles, including being crowned overall champion four times, and claimed downhill gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. But, in an Instagram post announcing the end of her career, Vonn said "my body is broken beyond repair", adding that "my body is screaming at me to STOP and it's time for me to listen."So when she then announced in 2024 that, at the age of 40, she was returning to competitive skiing after successfully undergoing knee surgery, the sport was stunned. Several prominent names within skiing questioned the wisdom of her decision, arguing that she could be putting her future health at risk.But not only has Vonn managed to compete at the top level, she's currently at the top of the World Cup downhill standings, winning two of the four races so far this season, and finishing on the podium in the others. Now, with the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo less than a month away, will her comeback trail lead to Olympic gold?Peggy Shinn is an American ski journalist who's covered Lindsey Vonn extensively throughout her career. She talks to the BBC’s Ed Harry about the work that's gone into getting Vonn back into the start gate, and her physical state as she prepares to step back into the Olympic spotlight. She also discusses the mindset that keeps Vonn competitive with a host of younger rivals - some of whom weren't even born when Vonn's World Cup career began.Andrea Fanì covers the Alpine ski circuit for Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. As Italy prepares to welcome the winter sport world to Milan and Cortina, he discusses how Lindsey Vonn's comeback is being seen in Italy - and whether the country's two skiing superstars, Federica Brignone and Sofia Goggia, could write Olympic history of their own.We also hear from Lindsey Vonn herself, as well as her coach, Aksel Lund Svindal. They both talked to Chemmy Alcott from the BBC’s Ski Sunday after Vonn’s latest victory in the Zauchensee downhill.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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

What’s it like to follow a family member into professional football? Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele and his sons André, Jordan, and Ibrahim Ayew all played at the highest level. There's also George Weah - the only African player to win the Ballon d'or. His son Timothy plays for USA. Zinedine Zidane’s son Luca has been playing for Algeria at Afcon, while Guiliano Simeone plays under his father at Atletico Madrid. The BBC’s Ade Adedoyin is joined by Norway women and Bayern Munich defender, Tuva Hansen and the former Liverpool and England forward Natasha Dowie, to chat about the reality of carrying a famous name in football. They also discuss whether it’s a help or a hindrance and at what point do you outgrow the influence of your family? Tuva has over 50 caps for her country and has won multiple titles in Germany. Her dad, Hugo, played professionally in Norway and went on to represent his country too. Tuva's older siblings, brother Cato and sister Hege, both also played professionally. Natasha’s uncle Iain played for Northern Ireland and went on to have a managerial career in the Premier League, while her father Bob, is a former football coach, Director of Football at Crystal Palace and played a significant role in her football journey.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

During Lionel Messi's tour of India last year, he witnessed the unveiling of a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata. It's reportedly the biggest-ever statue of an athlete - but does that make it any better? Why are sculptures such a popular choice for honouring sporting greats, and what gives them their power?Tom Murphy's sculptures have become a huge part of Liverpool's cultural identity. They can be seen everywhere from the city's John Lennon Airport to Anfield and Goodison Park, where he's created memorials to Liverpool and Everton legends Bill Shankly and Dixie Dean. He talks the BBC's Lee James through the process of creating his artworks, from commissioning to sculpting, and why small details and decisions you might not notice at first glance help to convey the soul of his subjects.Art critic and Tottenham Hotspur fan Eddy Frankel discusses how clubs and sporting institutions use artworks to build a sense of identity and history, and to forge connections with their fans. He also explains why statues have extra power when they convey a sense of movement - and sticks up for a much-maligned effigy of Cristiano Ronaldo.Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. 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