Ukraine remains favourite to win Eurovision Song Contest amid ongoing conflict

dailystar.co.uk:

Ukraine's Eurovision entry is the firm favourite to win the song contest as the conflict with Russia goes on. The country's entry – a track entitled Stefania by the Kalush Orchestra – is going down a storm.And it's been predicted that it could even clinch Eurovision glory, with many countries expected to get behind it in a show of solidarity with the nation.The first semi-final kicks off tonight and the final will be held on Saturday.

With just a few days to go, Gambling.com says Stefania is currently the 4/7 favourite. They face competition from Italy, who won last year with rock band Maneskin and are currently second favourites with odds of 5/1.Meanwhile, the UK - which doesn't always fare that well in the much-loved song contest – is also a strong contender and is in third place, so looks set to avoid the horrifying "nil points" situation.The UK's entry Sam Ryder, who is performing his original track Space Man at the event, currently has odds of 6/1.

Russia is not participating in this year's Eurovision Song Contest because of what is happening in Ukraine. In February, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said that it thought having a Russian entry at the 2022 event – which is being held in Turin - would "bring the competition into disrepute".They said in a statement: "The Executive Board of the EBU made the decision following a recommendation earlier today by the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body, the Reference Group, based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU."The Reference Group recommendation was also supported by the EBU's Television Committee.