SPORT
Sport coverage
Today's coverage is mostly centrist. 280 stories in the last 48 hours across 971 outlet reports.
Trump arrives in Dublin before heading to Doonbeg for Irish Open
Donald Trump landed at Dublin Airport and will meet Irish leaders before traveling to County Clare for the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort.
Elena Rybakina Wins US Open, Secures World No.1 Ranking
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to claim her first US Open title and become the world number one.
Lewis Hamilton crashes Ferrari in Madrid practice, defies team orders to stop
Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari during final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, ignoring multiple team commands to halt the car.
Federal prosecutors launch criminal probe into Los Angeles Clippers salary-cap scandal
U.S. prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers over alleged salary-cap violations tied to Kawhi Leonard.
Ben Shelton reaches US Open final, eyes first American men’s Grand Slam since 2003
Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe to secure a place in the US Open final against Alexander Zverev, becoming the first American man in a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick.
Milei vows sanctions on Falklands oil as UK reaffirms sovereignty
In a televised address, Javier Milei declared the Falkland Islands historically Argentine and said his government would penalise companies involved in oil work there. The UK responded through foreign secretary Ed Miliband, stressing that British control of the territory remains unchanged. The exchange follows recent remarks by Donald Trump about reviewing US support for Britain and a pending Pentagon review of defence aid to the UK. Argentine officials framed the US stance as a sign of shifting geopolitics, while British defence secretary Wes Streeting dismissed Milei's comments as domestic posturing.
Trump's planned Ireland visit draws massive security build‑up and protests ahead of Irish Open
Donald Trump is scheduled to land in Dublin before traveling to his Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg for the Irish Open, where he is expected to present the champion’s trophy. Irish authorities have announced one of the biggest security and policing operations in recent history, deploying extensive resources to safeguard his movements in Dublin and at the resort. He is set to meet President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin during the two‑day trip. Thousands of anti‑Trump protesters have organized rallies in Dublin and surrounding areas to voice opposition to his presence.
Nagoya floods spare Asian Games venues as athletes relocated; Malaysia watches flood risks
Record rain fell in Nagoya, flooding streets, homes and disrupting bus and subway services. About 400 athletes and support personnel staying in temporary housing were moved to higher ground for a short period, while a few venue roofs experienced leaks. The mayor said the venues remain functional and the schedule will not be altered. Emergency shelters accommodated roughly 3,500 local residents affected by the flooding. Japan raised a level‑five emergency alert after the Shonai River overflow in Aichi and Gifu, and authorities urged residents to move to higher ground. Malaysia’s deputy chef de mission Azlan Iskandar said the team is maintaining communication with local organizers and will assess safety as the situation develops.
World Athletics sticks to Russia ban despite legal challenge and IOC shift
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe reaffirmed the federation's ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, while Russia's athletics body prepares a case at the CAS.
Enric Mas clinches first Grand Tour victory, ending Spain’s Vuelta drought
Enric Mas secured the overall win at the Vuelta a España, becoming the first Spanish champion since 2014.
Madrid prepares for the debut of the MADRING Formula 1 circuit this September
Madrid will host the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix on the new MADRING circuit, featuring 22 turns and a distinctive Monumental corner.
Moroccan FA chief says Benslimane slated to host 2030 World Cup final
Fouzi Lekjaa, head of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, told a political gathering in Bouznika that the 2030 World Cup final will be held in Benslimane, a city about 60 km from Casablanca where the Grand Stadium Hassan II is being built and is expected to be ready by 2028. Morocco’s bid faces opposition from Spain, whose federation chief Rafael Louzan and sports minister Milagros Tolón have argued that the final should stay in Spain. The tournament will be co‑hosted across six nations on three continents, with opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay and main duties shared by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. The venue choice remains a key point of contention between the competing bids.
USA clinches fifth straight World Cup gold as Stewart dominates and Clark shines off bench
Team USA defeated France 97-79 to win its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title, with Breanna Stewart posting a double-double and Caitlin Clark providing key bench scoring.
UK GDP rises 0.4% in July as AI‑driven services boost growth
The Office for National Statistics reported that the UK economy expanded by 0.4% in July, beating expectations of flat performance. Growth was led by a rise in services output, with computer programming and AI‑related activities singled out as the top performers. Production output increased by 0.2% and construction by 0.1%, while retail and hospitality saw declines amid higher energy bills and mortgage rates. Chancellor John Healey highlighted the resilience of the economy, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted the result ahead of the upcoming Budget. The data were released after Andy Burnham entered No 10 on 20 July.
Crash halts F2 practice at Madrid’s new Madring circuit during opening weekend
During the opening practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak of ART Grand Prix crashed into the wall at turn 19 of the Madring circuit, prompting a red‑flag that lasted 24 minutes while marshals removed the car and extinguished the fire. The circuit, a 22‑turn street layout built around the IFEMA exhibition centre in the Barajas and Valdebebas area, features a 550‑metre‑long banked corner called La Monumental. Madrid is hosting its first Formula 1 Grand Prix on the new track, with the city paying an annual hosting fee of £41 million under a ten‑year contract. The event is intended to broaden the city’s sports profile beyond football and showcase local gastronomy and tourism. Drivers have commented on the circuit’s challenging design and limited overtaking opportunities.
Paris Court Tries Three Men Over Violent 2023 Home-Jacking of Goalkeeper Donnarumma
The trial began on Thursday at the tribunal correctionnel de Paris, charging the men with robbery, kidnapping and criminal association. The July 2023 break-in involved masked intruders who entered the ninth-floor apartment via the roof, assaulted Donnarumma and his pregnant partner Alessia Elefante, and stole valuables worth nearly one million euros. Earlier, two teenage accomplices were sentenced, a decision now under appeal. Kherbouch, who escaped from Villepinte prison in March 2026, is alleged to have coordinated the crime from his cell.
Phil Foden receives red card after kicking Bruno Fernandes in Manchester derby
Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute of the Manchester derby after kicking Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes while on the ground.
Malaysia junior women’s hockey team falls to South Korea in Asia Cup
In the Elite Group match of the Junior Asia Cup held in Inner Mongolia, Malaysia’s junior women’s hockey team lost 1‑0 to South Korea, with Park So Yeon scoring. The defeat followed earlier heavy losses to China and India. The result adds to Malaysia’s challenges in the tournament as the squad seeks to improve its performance.
Top tennis players shift push for revenue share to new advisory council
Leading tennis players announced they will stop public protests and instead pursue prize-money and welfare goals through a newly formed Player Advisory Council with the Grand Slams.
Kimi Antonelli storms from 19th to win Italian Grand Prix in stunning upset
Kimi Antonelli, starting 19th for Mercedes, surged through the field at Monza to claim victory, marking the first Italian home win since 1966.
Enric Mas eyes Vuelta victory while savoring final week in red
Enric Mas said he is focused on enjoying the last stage of the Vuelta and still dreams of winning in Granada.
Spain women's basketball clinches bronze in Berlin, heralding a new era
Spain's women's national basketball team defeated Germany 81-58 in Berlin to capture the World Cup bronze medal, showcasing a rising generation of talent.
Sydney Sweeney stars nude in provocative ad for Novig prediction market
Sydney Sweeney appears mostly nude in a new commercial promoting Novig, a sports prediction platform linked to the New York Mets.
Bezzecchi clinches pole and track record at Misano, Marquez and Aldeguer on front row
Marco Bezzecchi secured pole position with a new lap record at Misano, ahead of Marc Marquez, while Fermin Aldeguer also qualified on the front row.
Jefferson-Wooden and Bednarek Capture Sprint Doubles at Budapest World Athletics Finals
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenneth Bednarek each added a 200 m title to their earlier 100 m victories at the inaugural World Athletics Finals in Budapest.
France women's basketball team leads USA in World Cup final in Berlin
France's women's basketball squad took a solid lead over the United States in the World Cup final held in Berlin.
Rybakina and Sabalenka advance to US Open women's final as Rybakina poised to become world No. 1
In the US Open semifinals at Flushing Meadows, Elena Rybakina came from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, earning a place in the championship match. Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to secure the other final spot. Rybakina’s victory also means she will move to world No. 1 when the rankings are updated, ending Sabalenka’s reign at the top. The upcoming final will feature Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, against Sabalenka, who is chasing a third consecutive US Open title.
Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska says Russian missile razed her Odessa flat
Dayana Yastremska reported that a Russian Kalibr cruise missile destroyed her apartment in Odessa, leaving only a Roland-Garros towel intact.
Ingebrigtsen dominates 5000m at Ultimate Championship and claims top prize
Jakob Ingebrigtsen won the 5000-meter race at the Ultimate Championship, earning a large cash award after a commanding performance.
Young Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli wins Spanish Grand Prix amid mixed feelings
At the Spanish Grand Prix, 20-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli took the checkered flag, marking his eighth career Formula 1 victory. A virtual safety-car deployment on lap 15 forced Antonelli and Max Verstappen into the pits, while pole-sitter Lando Norris missed the pit entry and dropped to third place. Antonelli described the win as a “good feeling” but not “sweet,” believing Norris deserved the top spot. Verstappen, who finished second, said the safety-car timing disadvantaged him and praised Antonelli’s performance. George Russell rounded out the podium, and Lewis Hamilton remains ahead in the championship points tally.
LIV Golf seeks Chapter 11 protection and a leaner future after Saudi funding ends
The league entered Chapter 11 protection, listing assets between $100 million and $500 million and liabilities up to $1 billion. It has partnered with BC Partners to fund a restructuring that will give players ownership stakes and a shorter schedule. CEO Scott O’Neil outlined a "LIV Golf 2.0" concept featuring a larger field of 75 players, a 54-hole cut, and a national-team format focused on markets such as Australia, South Africa and Asia. The future of top players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau remains uncertain.
Budapest hosts $10 million Ultimate Championship with $150,000 event prizes
The Zsivotzky Gyula Nemzeti Atletikai Kozpont stadium in Budapest is staging the Ultimate Championships, featuring 381 athletes from 65 federations over three nights. The competition offers a total prize fund of $10 million and $150,000 for each event winner. Automatic qualification was given to Olympic champions from Paris 2024, world champions from Tokyo and Diamond League winners from the 2026 season, while the remaining spots were filled based on world rankings. Organisers hope the high‑stakes format will help address track and field’s chronic under‑funding, and World Athletics reported a 15% revenue rise in 2025 with plans to allocate $50 million in prize money between 2024 and 2028.
DMK accuses Tamil Nadu chief minister of mixing official UK trip with friend's race
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam says Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay turned an investment-focused visit to the UK into a personal outing to watch actor-racer Ajith Kumar at Silverstone.
USA defeats Spain to reach women's World Cup final; Hungary set to meet USA in quarterfinal
In Berlin, the U.S. women’s basketball team beat Spain 76-66 to advance to the FIBA World Cup final, with Stewart scoring 16 points and Copper adding 13 as the Americans pulled ahead in the fourth quarter. The victory extends the United States’ streak to 35 straight World Cup wins, the longest run since a 2006 loss to Russia. The final will be against France, who will play after beating Germany. Earlier in the tournament, Hungary earned a quarter‑final matchup with the United States after wins over Nigeria, South Korea and Japan.
Lowry shines as McIlroy points to putting issues at Irish Open
Defending champion Rory McIlroy recorded a 69 in the second round but said his putter did not cooperate and the greens confused him, leaving him to focus on improving his feel before the final round. In the same round, Shane Lowry produced a spectacular performance that included nine birdies and only one bogey, despite a three‑putt on the 13th hole. McIlroy praised Lowry and fellow contender Tom McKibbin and described the Irish fans as knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Earlier, McIlroy had navigated windy conditions to finish the opening round one under par, four strokes off the clubhouse lead, after a double‑bogey on the 13th and missed chances on the back‑nine.
Harry Kane earns Ballon d'Or nomination after record 73-goal season
Kane's tally of 61 goals for Bayern Munich and 12 for England helped his club win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal and the Three Lions finish third at the World Cup. The nomination puts him ahead of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Spain midfielder Rodri in bookmakers' odds. He joins fellow English nominees Jude Bellingham and other Premier League stars such as Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes. The award ceremony will be held in London on October 26.
Former hurdler Broeders-Bol emerges as 800m contender ahead of World Championships
Former 400m hurdles champion Femke Broeders-Bol has rapidly risen to challenge for the women's 800m title at this week’s World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
Arch Manning sparks Texas' record 20-point fourth-quarter comeback over Ohio State
Quarterback Arch Manning led No. 4 Texas to overturn a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit and defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23.
Oliver Solberg clinches victory at Rally Chile, boosting title hopes
Norwegian-Swedish driver Oliver Solberg won the Rally Chile, finishing ahead of veteran Sébastien Ogier with co-driver Elliot Edmondson.
Radical MAS Fez fans display Spanish-language banner claiming Ceuta and Melilla for Morocco
Supporters of MAS Fez unfurled a large Spanish banner in their stadium asserting that Ceuta and Melilla belong to Morocco, backed by the ultra group Fatal Tigers.
Political leaders weigh in as All Blacks and Springboks prepare for third test amid scrum dispute
The All Blacks and Springboks are set to meet for the third test of their series after New Zealand's 33-26 loss in Cape Town. Both unions have raised concerns about scrum tactics through official channels, leaving the match referee and his assistant to adjudicate the issue. Former players John Kirwan and Victor Matfield have offered their perspectives on the controversy. In New Zealand, parties have used the high‑profile match to put forward symbolic proposals, ranging from experimental on‑field strategies to broader strategic roadmaps for upcoming tours and the next World Cup.
Doonbeg prepares for Trump visit and Irish Open with massive security and local upgrades
Ahead of the Irish Open, the village of Doonbeg has completed a series of beautification projects and is bracing for a large influx of visitors, including U.S. President Donald Trump. A substantial Garda and Secret Service presence has been established to manage security. Local officials and business owners say the event will bring significant publicity and economic benefit to the community.
Teen prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi set to debut for Manchester City in derby
Manchester City have signed 18-year-old Moroccan talent Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86 million and plan to use him in the upcoming Manchester derby.
Japan weighs letting record-sized North Korean team into Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games
Tokyo is currently assessing a request to allow a North Korean sports delegation of roughly 180 athletes and officials to enter Japan for the Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games. The delegation would be the largest North Korean team to visit Japan for a competition. Japan’s sanctions normally prohibit entry by North Korean citizens because of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, but temporary waivers have been granted for earlier events, such as a Paris Olympic qualifier in February 2024. The General Association of Korean Residents in Japan is taking part in the discussions, and a final decision has not yet been made.
Max Verstappen admits he seriously considered quitting Formula 1 before re-signing
Four-time champion Max Verstappen said he seriously thought about leaving Formula 1, but his passion for racing kept him on board with Red Bull.
Ryan Garcia stops Conor Benn in second round to keep welterweight title
Ryan Garcia knocked out Conor Benn early in round two at T-Mobile Arena, retaining his welterweight championship.
Trump to Open GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas, Vance slated for second night amid split Democratic response
The Republican National Committee is holding a mid‑term convention in Dallas. Donald Trump is set to deliver the opening keynote on Wednesday night, and JD Vance is slated to headline the second evening’s program. The lineup also includes top cabinet officials and leading Republican lawmakers, though precise speaking slots have not been detailed. In Texas, the Tarrant County Democratic Party said it will not hold a press conference or fund billboards, while Dallas County Democrats are planning a “We the People” rally that night. Major networks are scaling back live coverage of the convention because it coincides with the NFL opening weekend.
France faces Germany in Women's Basketball World Cup semifinal on TV
France's women's basketball team will meet Germany in the World Cup semifinal, with live coverage on TMC and beIN Sports 1.
India wins eighth Women's Asia Cup but declines trophy from Pakistani official
India's women's team clinched their record eighth Asia Cup title, yet they refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Joe Root steers England to 3-0 Test series whitewash of Pakistan
Joe Root’s unbeaten 62 guided England to a 3-0 series victory over Pakistan, sealing the third Test at Edgbaston with an eight-wicket win.
Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico shifts to oppose trans athletes in girls' sports
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico said he will oppose transgender athletes in girls' sports when safety or fairness is at risk, reversing his earlier position.
Benn Dismisses Garcia as ‘Gen Z’ Opponent Ahead of Welterweight Title Clash
Conor Benn says he and Ryan Garcia are fundamentally different, calling the American a “Gen Z kid” seeking an easy life before their upcoming welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.
Fan dies after emergency during Eintracht Braunschweig vs Dynamo Dresden match
A spectator collapsed during the second-division game between Eintracht Braunschweig and Dynamo Dresden and died on the way to hospital.
Racist assault at Christchurch golf club shocks community
A golfer in Hagley Park allegedly shouted racist slurs and pushed an Indian man, prompting condemnation from Hagley Golf Course president Hamish Galloway.
Sander Sagosen sidelined by pelvis injury, national team prospects uncertain
A pelvis injury has forced Sander Sagosen out of action for an undetermined period, jeopardising his participation with Norway's handball team.
Springboks clinch 3-1 series win over All Blacks, coach Rennie admits disappointment
The Springboks secured a 3-1 series victory against the All Blacks in Baltimore, leaving coach Dave Rennie feeling “gutted.”
Springboks clinch series in Baltimore after tense final minutes against All Blacks
South Africa secured a 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore, winning the four-test series 3-1 after a closely contested final match.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham runs Great North Half Marathon for homelessness charity
Andy Burnham took part in the Great North Run wearing a Number 10 bib, raising funds for the charity Changing Lives.
SEC moves toward possible LSU expulsion over coach Kiffin's actions
The SEC filed an amended complaint and scheduled a special meeting to consider expelling LSU after concerns that coach Lane Kiffin is operating without institutional control.
Browns coach Todd Monken admits Deshaun Watson struggled with confidence after preseason booing
Head coach Todd Monken said Deshaun Watson was not in a good mental state after being booed in the second preseason game and acknowledged the tense relationship with fans.
