There are questions around the race contenders’ teams but Wout van Aert’s form could be key for the Danish challenger There is always a sense of phoney war in the run-in to the Tour de France’s first stage in the high mountains, and at least one debate of the opening...
Owen Farrell expected to be left out of Lions squad for first Wallabies Test
Coach Andy Farrell likely to opt for Marcus Smith England’s Tom Curry to feature in back-row Owen Farrell is expected to be omitted from the British & Irish Lions squad to face the Wallabies on Saturday in Brisbane. Farrell impressed in his first appearance of the tour last week but...
Darren Clarke back at Royal Portrush with high hopes for McIlroy – and himself
The 2011 Open winner practised on Tuesday with the Masters champion and Tom McKibbin, and is keen for all three to make their mark The 7am tee-time practice trio on Tuesday at Royal Portrush: Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin. The galleries grew and grew. The venue for the Open...
Daniel Dubois: ‘That first fight against Usyk is behind me – I’m a man of the future’
The IBF champion on flying under the radar, Oleksandr Usyk’s weaknesses and how past defeats have steeled him “It’s definitely the biggest fight of my life,” Daniel Dubois says of his world heavyweight title unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night before, following a slightly deflated...
Stokes is a destiny man who loomed over Lord’s like the angel of the north | Barney Ronay
The England captain can realistically set his sights on winning the series against India, then the Ashes “I’m not tired. I’m not tired. I’m not tired.” Really, Ben? Really? Well, you’re pretty much on your own in that case old boy, after a day where simply watching Ben Stokes being...
Manchester City sign partnership deal with Puma worth at least £1bn
Deal with kit manufacturer runs until at least 2035 Contract worth £100m a year, up from £65m a year Manchester City have signed a new contract with Puma worth at least £1bn. The £100m a-year deal extends their agreement until at least 2035 and is a marked increase from the...
Bigger, better, more often? Infantino won’t let up on his ambition for Club World Cup
With claims of 2bn TV views, $2.1bn revenues and a push for it to go every two years, Infantino’s pet project is here to stay All that can be said with certainty about the future of the Club World Cup is that it is not going away. The 24-carat gold...
England captain Williamson believes ‘relentless’ Sweden are threat at Euro 2025
Centre-back wary of Thursday’s quarter-final opponents Williamson feels Swedish side deserve more respect The England captain, Leah Williamson, has said Sweden deserve more respect and that their strong record at major tournaments should be spoken about more frequently, as the two sides prepare to meet in Thursday’s Euro 2025 quarter-final....
McIlroy vows ‘the story isn’t over’ as he revels in Royal Portrush support at the Open
McIlroy embraces backing on Northern Ireland return Masters champion warns field he has regained focus Rory McIlroy has promised to revel in the Northern Irish love during the Open Championship this week, with the 36-year-old also warning fellow competitors that he has regained focus after claiming the Masters in April....
Rise of the machines: amid AI outrage, technology can be a force for good in sport | Sean Ingle
In the fevered environments within sporting arenas, anything that can help an official has to be a good thing We are all suckers for a good story. And there was certainly a cracking two‑parter at Wimbledon this year. First came the news that 300 line judges had been replaced by...