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Six-time Grand Slam champion Salisbury retires

Six-time Grand Slam champion Salisbury retires

Summary

Joe Salisbury, a top British doubles tennis player, has retired after the 2024 US Open. He won six Grand Slam doubles titles and ended his career with 17 tour-level wins.

Key Facts

  • Joe Salisbury is a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion.
  • He played his last tournament at the 2024 US Open, reaching the semi-finals.
  • Salisbury and his partner Rajeev Ram won three straight US Open men's doubles titles by 2023.
  • Salisbury also won the 2020 Australian Open doubles and two mixed doubles titles.
  • He took a break earlier in 2024 due to anxiety that made touring difficult.
  • Salisbury is considered Britain's most successful men's doubles player in the Open Era.
  • He won the ATP Finals in both 2022 and 2023.
  • Salisbury expressed pride and no regrets about his tennis career on social media.
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Traumatised Smith says he was 'thrown to wolves' over 'sandpapergate'

Traumatised Smith says he was 'thrown to wolves' over 'sandpapergate'

Summary

Australian cricketer Steve Smith says he still feels upset and stressed about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal known as "sandpapergate." He described being treated harshly by the public and media during the fallout but has since returned to playing at a high level and learned from the experience.

Key Facts

  • In 2018, Steve Smith and teammates Cameron Bancroft and David Warner were involved in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, where sandpaper was used to alter the cricket ball.
  • Smith admitted knowing about the cheating, lost his captaincy, and was banned from cricket for one year.
  • Smith and Warner both received one-year bans, while Bancroft was banned for nine months.
  • Smith said he felt unsupported and stressed, especially during intense media attention at the airport in Johannesburg and upon returning to Australia.
  • He has flashbacks and anxiety triggered by cameras and tries to avoid recalling the events.
  • Smith returned to international cricket in 2019 and was later named vice-captain for the Australian Test team.
  • He has played multiple times in South Africa and England, often facing hostile crowds but uses that as motivation.
  • Australia is scheduled to start a three-Test cricket series in South Africa on October 9, 2024.
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River home to 500 crocodiles chosen as Olympic rowing venue

River home to 500 crocodiles chosen as Olympic rowing venue

Summary

A river in Rockhampton, Queensland, home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles, has been approved to host rowing and canoeing events for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. An independent report said the course is suitable for competition based on weather, water levels, and safety, without considering the crocodiles.

Key Facts

  • The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton will host rowing and canoeing for the 2032 Brisbane Games.
  • About 500 saltwater crocodiles live in this river.
  • The river course passed a technical review focusing on conditions like water levels and weather.
  • The review was done by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
  • World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide (formerly International Canoe Federation) approved the venue.
  • The venue is already used for local and national flatwater sports events.
  • Brisbane 2032 officials said the crocodiles are not seen as a problem for the events.
  • Saltwater crocodiles can live in fresh and salt water and grow over six meters long.
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How an Aston Villa fringe player became Europe's most prolific scorer

How an Aston Villa fringe player became Europe's most prolific scorer

Summary

Donyell Malen has become the top goal scorer in Europe’s top five football leagues since joining Roma in January. After struggling for goals at Aston Villa, Malen’s scoring and assist numbers have improved significantly at Roma, where he mainly plays as a central striker.

Key Facts

  • Malen joined Roma on January 18 and since then scored 20 goals in Europe’s top five leagues.
  • He leads in combined goals and assists with 22, ahead of players like Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes.
  • At Aston Villa, he scored 10 goals in 46 games, while at Roma he has 21 goals in 25 matches.
  • His scoring rate improved from a goal every 149.8 minutes at Villa to every 96.7 minutes at Roma.
  • Roma uses him almost entirely as a central striker, maximizing his attacking skills.
  • Other former Premier League players, like Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, have also thrived since moving to Serie A.
  • Malen’s success is linked to Roma’s playing style and Gasperini’s strategy making him the focal point of their attack.
  • The improvement shows how players can benefit from a change of league and position.
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Real Madrid keen on Man Utd forward Gabriel, 15

Real Madrid keen on Man Utd forward Gabriel, 15

Summary

Real Madrid and several other top European football clubs are interested in signing 15-year-old Manchester United academy player JJ Gabriel, who has asked to leave the club. Manchester United can challenge his request, and the player is currently not training with the club.

Key Facts

  • JJ Gabriel is a 15-year-old football forward at Manchester United’s academy.
  • He has formally asked Manchester United to cancel his registration immediately.
  • Real Madrid is actively trying to sign him and wants to place him in their reserve team, Castilla.
  • Other clubs interested in Gabriel include Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea.
  • Manchester United hoped Gabriel would play in a senior match soon, making him the youngest ever for the club.
  • Gabriel’s age and the club’s care for young players have been highlighted by Manchester United’s head coach Michael Carrick.
  • Gabriel’s representatives feel United has not kept promises about his path to the first team.
  • Rules make it complicated for Gabriel to leave immediately, but because he has an EU passport, he may join a European club when he turns 16 on October 6.
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Do Celtic have 'big issues', or will next four days hush concerns?

Do Celtic have 'big issues', or will next four days hush concerns?

Summary

Celtic faces a challenging week with important matches coming up after losing 3-0 to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final. Fans and analysts worry about the team's ability to play well in big games even though they have won most domestic matches this season.

Key Facts

  • Celtic lost 3-0 to Rangers in a recent cup quarter-final match.
  • Celtic will play Rangers again in the league after their Europa League game against Ferencvaros.
  • The team failed to qualify for the Champions League this season, affecting fan confidence.
  • Manager Martin O’Neill led Celtic to win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup last season.
  • Some fans and experts question O’Neill’s team choices after the recent poor performance.
  • Celtic has started the new season with six straight league wins but some by a small margin.
  • Supporters want Celtic to improve its performance in European competitions.
  • Celtic has been dominant in Scottish football but is under pressure to produce better football quality.
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Brian Dubiski: ‘Everything I do is about Madison. It’s a big reason I did this game at Wembley’

Brian Dubiski: ‘Everything I do is about Madison. It’s a big reason I did this game at Wembley’

Summary

Brian Dubiski, whose daughter Madison died in a crowd crush at a 2021 Travis Scott concert, is organizing the first US college football game in Britain at Wembley Stadium. He now works to improve safety at large events and dedicates his efforts to honoring Madison’s memory.

Key Facts

  • Madison Dubiski died at age 23 in a crowd crush during a November 2021 Travis Scott concert in Houston.
  • Ten people died and nearly 5,000 were injured in that crowd incident.
  • Brian Dubiski is chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Union Jack Classic, which arranged the college football game between Arizona State and Kansas at Wembley.
  • The game is the first US college football game played in Britain.
  • Wembley Stadium has adopted new safety protocols introduced by Dubiski since December.
  • Dubiski played college football at Texas Tech and sees this event as a way to honor Madison.
  • Madison was a cheerleader, and the game's cheerleaders remind Dubiski of her.
  • His son Ty survived the tragedy and is working with him on the event.
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Why dealing with defeat is key for Lampard at Coventry

Why dealing with defeat is key for Lampard at Coventry

Summary

Frank Lampard is the manager of Coventry, a team newly promoted to the Premier League. He is facing challenges as the players adjust to a higher level of skill and physical play, and Coventry has lost their first four Premier League games.

Key Facts

  • Managing a newly promoted team in the Premier League is very tough due to stronger and more physical opponents.
  • Coventry has lost all four of their Premier League games so far this season.
  • The gap in quality and physicality between the Championship (second tier) and Premier League seems to be growing each year.
  • Managers need to prepare carefully for each opponent and focus on both attacking and defending well.
  • Dealing with losses and staying positive is important for a coach’s leadership.
  • Lampard’s team has not scored a goal yet in the Premier League this season.
  • Good defending and keeping clean sheets (not allowing goals) can help teams earn points, sometimes more than scoring goals.
  • Lampard is advised to manage his time and energy and keep the team motivated despite defeats.
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USA midfielder sues doctors after on-pitch heart attack

USA midfielder sues doctors after on-pitch heart attack

Summary

Savannah DeMelo, a U.S. women’s national soccer player, is suing University of Louisville Health and two doctors for negligence after she had a heart attack during a match last year. She claims the doctors did not properly treat her heart condition, which led to her collapse on the field.

Key Facts

  • Savannah DeMelo is a midfielder for Racing Louisville and the U.S. women’s national team.
  • She collapsed during a National Women’s Soccer League match on September 14, 2025, due to a heart attack.
  • DeMelo filed a lawsuit against University of Louisville Health, Dr. Sarabjeet Suri, and Dr. Jennifer Daily, accusing them of negligence.
  • Dr. Jennifer Daily is Racing Louisville’s chief medical officer and treated DeMelo from January 2024 to July 2026.
  • In March 2025, DeMelo was referred to Dr. Suri after reporting chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
  • Six months after treatment, she suffered cardiac arrest and was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, a serious heart rhythm problem.
  • DeMelo has not played professionally since the heart attack.
  • She posted on Instagram marking the one-year anniversary of her collapse and described it as a very hard emotional year.
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A team that offered hope... then, four months later, Hamas attacked Israel

A team that offered hope... then, four months later, Hamas attacked Israel

Summary

In 2023, Israel’s under-20 football team achieved historic success by reaching third place in the Under-20 World Cup and beating major teams like Brazil. This young team included players from diverse backgrounds and brought hope for unity in Israeli society, but four months after their success, conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated, resulting in many deaths and ongoing violence.

Key Facts

  • Israel’s under-20 football team finished third in the 2023 Under-20 World Cup, their best ever performance.
  • They beat Brazil 3-2 in the quarter-finals and lost narrowly to Uruguay, the eventual champions, in the semi-finals.
  • An Israeli Arab player, Anan Khalaili, publicly expressed pride in being part of the Israeli team, showcasing unity.
  • The team drew large Israeli TV audiences and received praise from politicians.
  • The same group performed well in previous tournaments like the 2022 Under-19 Euros and 2023 Under-20 Euros.
  • Several players, including Khalaili, have moved to major European clubs or MLS in the USA.
  • The team was coached to be a tight unit, focusing on teamwork regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
  • Four months after their success, Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people; Israel responded with a major military offensive in Gaza.
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St Leger win has removed Osborne's fear of failure

St Leger win has removed Osborne's fear of failure

Summary

Saffie Osborne became the first woman to win a British Classic horse race by winning the St Leger at Doncaster. She spoke about overcoming her fear of failure and hopes her win will open more opportunities for female jockeys in the sport.

Key Facts

  • Saffie Osborne is 24 years old and started as an apprentice jockey in 2020.
  • She won the St Leger race on her horse Highwayman, becoming the first woman to win a British Classic race.
  • Only six female jockeys have ridden in British Classics in 250 years, with just 12 rides in total.
  • Osborne said horse racing is male-dominated but feels her gender does not affect how she is treated in the industry.
  • She acknowledged the sport can be lonely and physically demanding, including suffering serious falls and broken bones.
  • Osborne is currently eighth in the Flat Jockeys Championship and aims to become the first female champion jockey.
  • She credited her agent, Tony Hind, for helping her get important rides and support.
  • Osborne has not experienced sexism in her career, unlike some other female jockeys who have faced bullying.
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Verstappen beats 100 go-karters in fun Silverstone race

Verstappen beats 100 go-karters in fun Silverstone race

Summary

Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula One champion, raced against 100 go-karters at Silverstone, UK. He completed 14 laps in 35 minutes to win the event called ‘Max vs 100.’

Key Facts

  • Max Verstappen is a four-time Formula One champion.
  • The event took place at Silverstone in the United Kingdom.
  • Verstappen raced against 100 go-karters.
  • The competition was named ‘Max vs 100.’
  • He finished the race in 14 laps and 35 minutes.
  • Verstappen overtook all the other racers to win.
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NHL superstar Ovechkin ‘was asked’ to film Putin ad, team says

NHL superstar Ovechkin ‘was asked’ to film Putin ad, team says

Summary

Washington Capitals hockey player Alex Ovechkin appeared in a campaign video supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s party. The team said Ovechkin was asked by his country to participate, and he continues to focus on playing hockey and his role in the community.

Key Facts

  • Alex Ovechkin is a star player for the Washington Capitals in the NHL.
  • He appeared in a campaign video for Putin’s United Russia party before Russia’s elections.
  • The Capitals said Ovechkin was asked by his country to take part in the video during a visit to Russia.
  • Ovechkin has publicly supported Putin since 2017 and founded the “PutinTeam” social movement.
  • He asked for “no more war” after Russia invaded Ukraine but said he is not involved in politics.
  • Some fans protested, asking Ovechkin to remove Putin photos from his social media.
  • Ovechkin signed a $4.25 million contract to play another season with the Capitals.
  • He holds the NHL record with 929 goals in 1,573 games.
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Carrick 'not bothered' by pressure - but should he be after this latest mess?

Carrick 'not bothered' by pressure - but should he be after this latest mess?

Summary

Manchester United lost to Brighton in the Carabao Cup after leading 2-0, marking their first home loss from such a lead in 50 years. The team and manager Michael Carrick faced criticism from fans, but Carrick said he was not bothered by pressure and focused on improving results.

Key Facts

  • Manchester United lost at home to Brighton after being 2-0 up, a rare event not seen in 50 years.
  • Fans were unhappy and showed their frustration by leaving early and booing the players.
  • Michael Carrick, the manager, said he does not feel pressured and cares most about winning games.
  • Shea Lacey scored in his first senior start, the first teenager to do so for United since 2016.
  • The defense struggled, showing problems partly linked to inexperience and recent squad changes.
  • Marcus Rashford had chances to score but was stopped by the Brighton goalkeeper.
  • Brighton's coach said his team deserved to win because they controlled the game as it went on.
  • Manchester United’s recent results have been poor, with only two wins and three losses this season so far.
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Chelsea chairman and director sell stakes in club to majority owner Clearlake

Chelsea chairman and director sell stakes in club to majority owner Clearlake

Summary

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter have sold their stakes in the football club to the main owner, Clearlake Capital, giving Clearlake full control. Boehly will step down as chairman, and the club says daily operations and strategy will continue as usual.

Key Facts

  • Todd Boehly and Mark Walter each owned 12.8% of Chelsea and have sold their shares to Clearlake Capital.
  • Clearlake Capital already owned 61.5% of Chelsea and now has full ownership.
  • Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss also sold his 12.8% stake in the club.
  • Boehly bought the club in 2022 with others for £2.3 billion from Roman Abramovich.
  • Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in 2022 over alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he denies.
  • Chelsea’s best Premier League result under this ownership was fourth place in 2024-25.
  • The club won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2024-25.
  • Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as their manager in summer 2026.
  • Plans for a new or redeveloped Stamford Bridge stadium have caused some disagreements among owners.
  • Clearlake says there will be no change in club leadership or daily management after the ownership change.
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WATCH:  Super Bowl halftime performer speculation heats up

WATCH: Super Bowl halftime performer speculation heats up

Summary

People are guessing which artist will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. ESPN writer Justin Tinsley shares his rankings and explains how the performers are chosen.

Key Facts

  • The article talks about guesses around who will perform at the Super Bowl halftime.
  • Justin Tinsley, a writer for ESPN, gives his list of top choices for performers.
  • Tinsley also explains the process behind selecting the halftime show artists.
  • The Super Bowl halftime show is a big entertainment event during the football game.
  • This event usually features popular music artists.
  • The article was published on September 16, 2026.
  • The content includes some ESPN coverage and mentions other news briefly but focuses mainly on the halftime show speculation.
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League Two Fleetwood host Arsenal in Carabao Cup - full fourth-round draw

League Two Fleetwood host Arsenal in Carabao Cup - full fourth-round draw

Summary

Fleetwood Town, a League Two team, will play against Arsenal, the Premier League champions, in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Other matches include Manchester City possibly hosting Brighton and a game between Liverpool and Chelsea.

Key Facts

  • Fleetwood Town reached the fourth round for the first time by winning 1-0 against Sheffield United.
  • Fleetwood will host Arsenal in the next round.
  • Arsenal beat Ipswich Town 4-2 to advance.
  • Manchester City will play Brighton at home if they beat Norwich City.
  • Liverpool and Chelsea, both Premier League teams, will face each other.
  • Other matches include Bradford vs. Peterborough and Everton vs. Newcastle.
  • The matches will happen during the week starting October 26.
  • The Carabao Cup is also called the EFL Cup and is an English football knockout competition.
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Manchester United lose 3-2 to Brighton, crash out of League Cup

Manchester United lose 3-2 to Brighton, crash out of League Cup

Summary

Manchester United lost 3-2 to Brighton in the League Cup, after leading 2-0 early in the match. This loss follows a recent defeat against Manchester City and adds pressure on United’s manager, Michael Carrick. Brighton scored three unanswered goals in the second half to win the match.

Key Facts

  • Manchester United led 2-0 within the first 10 minutes with goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount.
  • Brighton came back to win 3-2 with goals from Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Gross, and Maxim De Cuyper.
  • This defeat marks Manchester United’s second straight home loss and early exit from the League Cup.
  • Manchester United’s recent form is poor, with only one win in their first four Premier League games this season.
  • Referees admitted a VAR (video assistant referee) error allowed Manchester City’s winning goal in a recent match against United.
  • Michael Carrick, now permanent manager, faces pressure to improve results quickly.
  • Carrick made eight changes to the team for this game, which exposed a lack of squad depth.
  • Brighton has knocked Manchester United out of two cup competitions within nine months.
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Painful endgame for Gray as stale Hibs slump

Painful endgame for Gray as stale Hibs slump

Summary

Hibernian Football Club has fired David Gray as head coach after a poor start to the season with just six points from six league games. Gray, who had previously led the team to European competition and notable wins, departed following a series of disappointing results and performances.

Key Facts

  • David Gray was sacked six league games into his third season as Hibernian's head coach.
  • Gray played for Hibs for twelve years before becoming their manager.
  • He was the first Hibs manager since the 1970s to qualify for European football two years in a row.
  • Gray achieved wins at Ibrox (Rangers' stadium) in three straight seasons and at Celtic Park last season.
  • The team had six consecutive home league defeats, a record low since 1920.
  • Hibs are ninth in the league with six points from six games at the time of his dismissal.
  • Poor style of play and lack of energy contributed to his sacking.
  • Club leadership, including the chairman and sporting director, are likely to be involved in hiring a new manager.
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USMNT to call up 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan for friendlies

USMNT to call up 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan for friendlies

Summary

Cavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old midfielder for the Philadelphia Union, is expected to join the United States men’s national soccer team for the first time. He may play in friendly games against Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Canada this fall.

Key Facts

  • Cavan Sullivan turned professional at age 14.
  • He has scored six goals and made eight assists since MLS resumed after the World Cup.
  • The US team’s coach, Mauricio Pochettino, will announce the roster soon.
  • If Sullivan plays, he will be the second-youngest player to appear for the US national team.
  • Freddy Adu is the youngest player to debut for the US, debuting at a slightly younger age.
  • Sullivan is the youngest player ever to play in a major North American professional sport.
  • Sullivan signed with the Philadelphia Union in May 2024.
  • His contract includes a possible move to Manchester City when he turns 18.
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