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      in Boxing

      Who is Oleksandr Usyk’s wife Yekaterina, and how many children do couple have?

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      UNIFIED heavyweight champion of the world Oleksandr Usyk is married to Yekaterina, who also goes by Katerina for short.She will no doubt be cheering her man on when he steps into the ring for a second time to defend his titles against Brit hero “The Gypsy King” Tyson Fury.Oleksandr Usyk’s wife Kateryna have been married since 2009Credit: Instagram @usykaaWho is Oleksandr Usyk’s wife Yekaterina?Yekaterina, commonly known as Kateryna, has decided to keep her personal life mostly private.But the celebrity spouse is popular in her birth country of Ukraine.It’s understood that Katerina was close to Oleksandr for a number of years before becoming Mrs Uysk in 2009, but details about their early relationship and wedding haven’t been reported.Usyk FoundationShe runs the Usyk Foundation, a charitable organisation created to support Ukraine during the illegal Russian invasion.read more on oleksandr UsykThe foundation focuses on several key areas of humanitarian aid:Help Ukrainian Armed Forces by purchasing essential equipmentProvide support to Ukrainians affected by the warDeliver humanitarian aid to civiliansPurchase vehicles and communications equipment for military unitsDeliver humanitarian aid to displaced and affected familiesProvide food, hygiene items and medical supplies to civilians impacted by the conflictRaise international financial assistance for UkraineIn April 2022, Kateryna opened up on her husband’s physical state during the Russian war in Ukraine.Kateryna told PravdaTUT: “Sasha lost 10 kilograms in a week of the war. He was so horrified, in such shock, he was so torn apart.”Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchChildrenThe long-term lovebirds have three children together — Kyrylo, Mykhalio and Yelizaveta.Oleksandr and his young family had to flee their home in Vorzel, Bucha when the area was overrun by Vladimir Putin’s troops.It’ll be a knockout, 110% Sun Sport’s panel preview Usyk v Fury 2 with Tyson Fury trainer Andy LeeSadly, it meant many of the Usyk family’s possessions were burned to the ground.Oleksandr had to focus on getting his family to safety before heading to the front line.He said: “My children are asking, ‘Daddy, why do they want to kill us?’ I don’t know how to answer that.“My family are not in Ukraine now but a lot of people I know and a lot of my close friends are inside the country. “I am in touch with them every day, I am asking them for updates.Usyk’s children were involved in the horrific family house incident during the warUsyk moved his family out of Ukraine immediately after the incident“I didn’t want to leave the country. I want to live there, still.”Straight after the fight I will go back to Ukraine.”Oleksandr has also opened up about the sacrifices he has made to compete at the very highest level.After his incredible victory over Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champ in the first fight, he said: “My camp started in September 2023, I worked for nine months.”I missed Happy New Year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my other son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday and then the birth of my daughter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I also missed family holidays. I was only focused on this fight, now I’m happy and I want to go back home.”What channel is Fury vs Usyk 2?Fury vs Usyk will be broadcast on THREE channels here in the UK.You can watch the clash on TNT Sports Box Office, Sky Sports Box Office and on DAZN PPV.The price for the event is £24.99 on all three channels.You can stream the action from the TNT Sports Box Office app, Sky Sports Box Office app, or the DAZN app, all of which are available onto your mobile, tablet and Smart TV. More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Kelly Cates’ ex-husband Tom and when he and the ‘new Match of the Day host’ divorce?

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      KELLY Cates is riding high in her career after it was revealed that she is set to be ‘signed as the new host of Match of the Day’.The football pundit has long been known for her work on Sky Sports. Here we take a look at her former married life and who her ex-husband Tom is.Kelly Cates married her now-ex-husband Tom Cates in 2007Credit: Robert PatersonWho is Kelly Cates?Kelly Cates is a much-loved football presenter, best known for her work on Sky Sports.She grew up in the world of footy, as she is the daughter of football legend Kenny Dalglish .Since then Kelly has become one of the UK’s leading pundits.Married lifeAway from the pitch, and the sports host wed Tom Cates in 2007.Read more on Kelly CatesDuring their marriage, they welcomed two daughters together.Unlike Kelly, Tom has stayed away from the spotlight, although he is known for being a TV producer.The pair were married for 14 years before announcing their divorce in 2021.Life after marriageSpeaking shortly after she announced her split from Tom, Kelly talked about stepping into the dating world again.Most read in FootballIn an exclusive chat with The Sun she said she was “up for using dating apps” despite being self-conscious.Kelly told us: “I don’t want to spend my precious free time with a random. Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBC”But this is the thing, the thought of going on a date and spending an evening with someone and the end of it thinking, ‘Well I don’t really like you,’ I would be so resentful of them taking up my time.“Obviously vice versa, but I’m not bothered about it from their perspective.”Going on she said: “Bearing in mind I don’t get to see the people I do like quite often, but i do know unless I want to spend the rest of my life alone… and I’ve got no real thoughts about long term relationships or anything like that.“Imagine sitting there and halfway through you think, ‘God this guy’s an idiot’. You’ve just wasted a babysitter.”Kelly grew up in the world of football – seen here with her dad and former footy ace Sir Kenny DalglishCredit: Alamy’MOTD signing’In December 2024, reports started to emerge claiming Kelly was set to move to the BBC.She is reportedly set to join the Match of the Day team following the departure of longtime host Gary Lineker, who started presenting the show in 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is understood that the move would see Kelly leave her position at Sky Sports to team up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.Reports claimed the three presenters would share hosting responsibilities on a rotating basis. More

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      in Athletics

      Who are Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows?

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      TREVOR Painter and Jenny Meadows are the coaching duo behind British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson’s success.They’ll no doubt be beaming with pride as Keely is the bookies’ favourite to take home BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.Keely Hodgkinson pictured training with her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: GettyJenny Meadows pictured with her 800m silver medal at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2015Credit: GettyWho is Trevor Painter?Trevor Painter is the founder and head coach of M11 Track Club, Manchester, which specialises in coaching middle-distance events.He has been coaching athletes for almost 25 years and has guided more than 30 athletes to international level.Trevor received the Coaching Achievement Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024, recognising his outstanding contributions to coaching at all levels in athletics.He holds an MSc in Elite Coaching Practice from the University of Central Lancashire and is known for his scientific approach to training.read more on keely hodgkinsonWho is Jenny Meadows?Jenny Meadows, a former world-class 800m runner, works alongside Trevor as a coach at M11 Track Club.She brings her vast experience as an international athlete to the coaching partnership, offering valuable insights and wisdom both on and off the track.Her role extends beyond just technical coaching — she acts as a mentor and life coach to the athletes.PhilosophyJenny and Trevor are known for their unique approach to coaching, which includes:Most read in AthleticsCreating the right environment: They focus on making training enjoyable and fostering a fun atmosphere to retain athletes.Flexibility: They adapt their coaching style to suit individual athletes, recognising the importance of not constraining “free spirits” like Keely Hodgkinson.Holistic development: They emphasise the importance of athletes having a life outside of training, encouraging them to seize opportunities wherever possible.Scientific approach: Trevor handles the technical aspects and science, while Jenny complements this with her practical experience.AchievementsUnder their guidance, the M11 Track Club has produced several world-class athletes, including:Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic gold medalist and multiple world championship medalist in 800m.Georgia Bell: Bronze medalist in the 1500m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Lewis Davey: Bronze medalist in the 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Sarah Healy: Irish international runner finished second in the 5th Avenue Mile.RelationshipTrevor and Jenny are a husband-and-wife team who run the M11 Track Club together.Keely Hodgkinson posing with coach Trevor Painter after receiving the 800m gold medal at the 2023 European Indoor Championships in in Istanbul, TurkeyCredit: GettyTheir relationship began as a coach-athlete partnership before evolving into a romantic one.Trevor was Jenny’s coach throughout her illustrious career, during which she earned multiple world and European 800m medals.Marriage & childrenThe couple tied the knot in 2006, but details of their big day have not been reportedIn July 2016, at the age of 35, Meadows announced her retirement from professional running.On January 11, 2024, Jenny took to X/Twitter to announce the birth of their first child.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wrote: “Welcome to the world Arabella Connie Meadows-Painter who was born at 00:12 on Sunday 10th Jan weighing 7lb 2oz.”Myself & @Faster_feet promise to love and support you.” More

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      in Soccer

      How does the Unify League work?

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      THREE years after the Super League was canned following a severe fan-led backlash, a rebranded version called the Unify League has been put forward by promoters A22.Here’s everything you need to know about the newly proposed competition and how it would work.Fan protests scuppered the proposed Super LeagueHow does the Unify League work?The Unify League, a rebranded version of the European Super League, is a proposed football competition aiming to challenge UEFA’s Champions League.Unlike the widely panned Super League, which would have seen 12 breakaway rebels — including the Premier League’s Big Six — guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.The Unify League would consist of 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.Qualification would be similar to the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.read more on the unify leagueHow does the Unify League work?A NEW version of the European Super League has been proposed – now branded as the Unify League. Here’s all you need to know about how it works…Who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.What’s the format?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.FormatThe 96 clubs would be divided into four tiers:Star League: 16 teamsGold League: 16 teamsBlue League: 32 teamsUnion League: 32 teamsThe top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.Most read in FootballThe bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight, who would also play each other home and away.Knockout stagesThe top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final In the Star and Gold leagues.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatIn Blue and Union, the top two teams from each group would make up the quarter-finalists.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one-off matches, played on a neutral ground, providing the champions of the four different leagues.Throughout the competition, the winning side would play a total of 18 matches.Promotion & relegationAnnual promotion and relegation would occur between the leagues.Promotion into the Blue League would be based on domestic league performance.A22 envisages the 14 league phase games being played between September and April.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League. Up to five further slots for Premier League teams would be spread across the remaining pair.Women’s competitionA women’s competition would run alongside the men’s.However it would feature two leagues instead of four — just the Star and Gold Leagues.Start date & prizesWhile no formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.The prize fund is also yet to be confirmed, but A22 promises £330m in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries.The total prize fund is expected to exceed the current £2bn for the Champions League and £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Unify streaming platformThe Unify League would be streamed through a branded Unified platform, accessible via an app, which would feature:Live match streamingFree-to-watch matches with advertisingA subscription option to eliminate ads and access premium featuresHighlights, match insights, analysis and club-specific contentInteractive fan community featuresStreaming for both men’s and women’s matchesChallengesThe December 2023 ruling from the European Courts stated that Uefa’s attempts to stop a breakaway tournament went against EU law, potentially paving the way for the Unify League.Despite this ruling, the Unify League faces significant hurdles:Premier League clubs are currently unable to join due to UK government legislation.The proposal still needs official recognition and approval from various football governing bodies.There is likely to be continued resistance from fans and traditional football institutions.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Unify League represents a bold attempt to reshape European football, offering a new competition structure and innovative streaming model.However, its success will depend on overcoming substantial regulatory, legal and cultural obstacles in the football world.Will the Unify League get off the ground?By Martin LiptonThe biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the current Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there are a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of football. More

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      in Boxing

      Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor: Date, live stream, TV channel and fight card for huge featherweight bout

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      THERE is some featherweight action set to be on the undercard of the highly-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor will open the fight card in what is an all-British bout.Isaac Lowe set to fight on huge December 21 fight cardCredit: GettyLast time out, Lowe, 30, had fought on the undercard of the first fight between Fury and Usyk, where he won by decision against Hasibullah Ahmadi.McGregor, 27, is making a quick turnaround where he last fought just two months ago where he earned a TKO victory against Deiner Polo.Lee McGregor makes a quick turnaround to be on huge fight billCredit: GettyWhen is Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor?The featherweight fight will be on Saturday, December 21.The bout will be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.The all-British clash is part of a stacked card for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2.Fight times will be confirmed a week before the fight but the main card, which includes Lowe vs McGregor, begins 7pm UK time.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.Also, SunSport will be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens.READ MORE IN BOXINGFull cardOleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, for Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs. Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs. Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs. Dave AllenDennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail, for McCann’s European super bantamweight titleIsaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregorFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw? Date, live stream FREE, TV channel, ball numbers and results

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      CARABAO CUP draws are often known for throwing up some blockbuster ties – and the semi-final encounters will be no different!Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz fired Arsenal comfortably into the quarter-final stage, while Liverpool booked their spot with a marginal victory against Brighton.Tottenham sent Manchester City home in the tie of the fourth roundCredit: GettyManchester United thumped Leicester 5-2 at Old Trafford with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both bagging a double.As for Chelsea, the Blues went crashing out at the hands of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.But the tie of the fourth round saw Tottenham hand Manchester City a defeat in what arguably started their downfall this season.And all the fans of the above teams are now eager to know when the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be IF their team makes it there.Read more on Carabao CupWhen is Carabao Cup semi-final draw?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will take place on Thursday, December 19.It will begin shortly after the conclusion of Tottenham’s blockbuster quarter-final match against Manchester United which kicks-off at 8pm GMT.Meaning the draw is likely to start from around 10:30pm GMT depending on stoppage time and penalties if it goes that far.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw on and can it be live streamed for FREE?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Subscribers of NOW TV can watch the draw via the NOW TV or Sky Sports app,However, the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be broadcast for FREE on the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog is set to have the entire coverage of the draw.When will the Carabao Cup semi-final matches take place?Carabao Cup semi-final first leg matches are set to take place on Wednesday, January 8While the second leg encounters are set to get underway on Wednesday, February 5.Most read in FootballCarabao Cup quarter-final schedule and resultsWednesday, December 18Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – 7:30pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event)Newcastle vs Brentford – 7:45pm GMT (Sky Sports +)Southampton vs Liverpool – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Football)Thursday, December 19Tottenham vs Manchester United – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football) More

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      in Soccer

      Why has Mykhailo Mudryk been suspended from playing football?

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK has been struggling for premier league minutes this season – now he’s potentially looking at a lengthy ban from football.Reports suggest the winger has tested positive for an illegal substance and will be facing a strong punishment preventing him from playing football.Reports claim Claim Mykhailo Mudryk failed a drugs test in late OctoberCredit: APMudryk has now been provisionally suspended by the FA after they were made aware of his initial A-sample failure.Chelsea and the player are now waiting the result of the B-sample, which if it comes back positive, will confirm the original test.Why has Mykhailo Mudryk been banned from football and how long is the ban?Mudryk could be facing a potential ban from football for FOUR YEARS after testing positive back in late October.The Ukrainian, 23, is said to have tested positive for Meldonium, which is a metabolic substance that is similar to insulin.Read more on Mykhailo MudrykThis substance is said to help the body quickly restore energy so it can prepare for new loads of physical stress.Meldonium has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances since 2016.What is Meldonium? Meldonium, also known as Mildronate is a performance enhancing drug that is a banned substance with similar properties to insulin.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Most read in FootballThis substance was most notably used by former Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who tested positive back in 2016.It saw Sharapova receive a two-year doping ban, which was then cut to 15 months following an appeal.How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. What did Mykhailo Mudryk’s statement say?The Chelsea winger, who was bought for £88million back in January 2023, released a statement on Instagram this morning detailing that he did not purposely break any rules.He wrote “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.“This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.” More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 fight purse: How much are stars making for huge rematch?

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      THE highly anticipated rematch goes down this weekend where Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will battle it out in their massive rematch.Fury, 36, lost his first ever professional fight to Usyk last may in what was a controversial split-decision – and the two men are set to split an even bigger pot of cash than they did first time round.Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion on May 24Credit: GettyAfter the fight, the Gypsy King saw a staggering £85million enter his bank account, in what was a contracted 70-30 purse split.And this meant Usyk cashed in around £30m for the fight to go alongside his heavyweight belts.The two are now set to meet in the ring once again in Riyadh to cap off what has been an excellent 2024 for heavyweight boxing.What is the Fury vs Usyk fight purse?The official purse for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is yet to be revealed. read more Fury vs UsykHowever, as seen from the previous Saudi Arabia events, there will be a huge amount shared between the two men.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchIt is expected that Usyk will receive a much higher pay split compared to his last fight against Fury.This is because the Ukrainian is now the defending champion and is seen as the A side of the bill.Reports suggest the total payout of the fight will be £150m – an increase of £35m compared their first bout.Most read in BoxingHow much does the Fury vs Usyk PPV cost?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.SunSport will also be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens. More