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Sunday, 31 August 2025
Saturday, 30 August 2025
ANTHONY RESPONDS TO MAN UNITED TRANSFER DRAMA AFTER STATEMENT RELEASED
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| Antony remains in limbo at Manchester United after Real Betis claimed that they have withdrawn their offer for the Brazilian (Image: Getty Images) |
Antony faces an uncertain future at Manchester United with Real Betis having said they are withdrawing their offer for the winger after the Reds reportedly agreed a deal
Manchester United forward Antony has posted an update on social media as his move to Real Betis stalls.
The Brazilian has been training away from United's first team this summer after asking to leave Old Trafford. Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 appearances.
Sky Sports reported on Friday evening that United had accepted a bid from the Spanish side for the winger and Antony had been given permission to travel to Spain to discuss personal terms. However, the La Liga team released a statement late on Friday night declaring they have withdrawn their offer for the 25-year-old.
"There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can't afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer," the statement read.
And Antony has broken his silence on social media. The former Ajax star uploaded a picture to his Instagram stories, alongside the caption: "Between family and friends, life always has a big surprise in store!"
Antony has previously admitted to being unsure what will happen, despite insisting he has been "very happy" in Seville.
"I don't what will happen in the future, only God knows," Antony told CBS Sports. "My work is playing and I'm doing that well.
"I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone but I have a contract with Man United and I don't know what's going to happen.
"Now I will go to the national team and then on holiday then we will see what happens in the future. I'm very happy here, everyone knows that but I have a contract."
- Isaac Seelochan
ROMANO REVEALS WORLD RECORD 'DEAL AGREED' AS BLUES MAKE 'DIRECT CALL' FOR £78M STAR
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| Fabrizio Romano with the latest Chelsea transfer updates. |
Chelsea have reached an astonishing agreement with Bayern Munich for Nicolas Jackson as Fabrizio Romano reveals the Blues held a ‘direct call’ over a new playmaker after signing Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton on Friday.
The Blues have signed both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap as new strikers this summer which pushed Jackson down he pecking order, and although Chelsea preferred his permanent sale, Bayern have agreed to pay €15m [£13m] to take him for the season, which amount to a world record fee for a loan.
Fabrizio Romano took to X to reveal the astonishing deal: ‘EXCL: Nicolas Jackson to Bayern, here we go! Deal agreed with Chelsea on initial loan move. €15m loan fee for one season plus buy option clause not mandatory for €80m package and sell-on clause. Jackson, set to fly to Bavaria with his agent Ali Barat from Epic Sports.’
The move pushes Chelsea into the black this summer, with their net spend almost exactly zero once Alejandro Garnacho’s been officially confirmed as a new player after joining from Manchester United, with Christopher Nkunku’s sale to AC Milan offsetting that cost.
They’ve been targeting further attacking players, and after Tottenham beat them to the signing of Xavi Simons, Romano revealed on Friday that they’ve bolstered their ranks with Buonanotte, who impressed on loan at Leicester from Brighton last season.
Romano wrote on X: BREAKING: ‘Facundo Buonanotte to Chelsea, here we go! Deal in place with loan move and there’s no buy option clause included. Understand Chelsea will have chance to match future bids and get Buonanotte if they can agree with Brighton. Exclusive story, confirmed.’
But despite reports to the contrary, the 20-year-old’s signing has not caused Chelsea to walk away from a possible deal for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim the Blues ‘will go all out’ to sign the Spain international – who’s valued at €90m [£78m] by Barcelona – in what remains of the transfer window, with their resolve strengthened having missed out on Simons.
And Romano confirmed on Friday evening that Chelsea held further talks with Fermin’s representatives after landing Buonanotte and wait for the midfielder’s decision.
“Even after signing Facundo Buonanotte, Chelsea had a new direct call with the agents of Fermin Lopez to try to understand the situation,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“But Chelsea and Barca are both waiting to see what Fermin Lopez wants to do.
“In Spain, the media said he would release a statement on Friday clarifying his future but he didn’t do that, let’s see what happens on Saturday. Club-to-club talks will only advance when their is an indication from the player.
“Barcelona maintain belief that Fermin will not go”
FERNANDO ALONSO AND GEORGE RUSSELL UNDER INVESTIGATION AFTER STRANGE NEAR-MISS
What action will the stewards take after yet another strange Zandvoort incident?
Fernando Alonso and George Russell have been placed under investigation following a strange incident in the closing minutes of final practice at Zandvoort.
As final practice entered its final minutes ahead of qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, Russell and Alonso suffered a near-miss at the pit entry.
Alonso exited the final corner on a hot lap and appeared to attempt to receive a tow from Russell ahead, who remained on the racing line.
However, as the Aston Martin driver almost drew alongside the Briton, Russell suddenly ventured across the circuit to try to enter the pit lane.
Unaware of Alonso behind, Russell suddenly took avoiding action and veered back to the left and remained on the circuit, whilst the two-time world champion found himself trapped and forced to enter the pit lane.
He drove through the pit lane and immediately rejoined the circuit, quickly complaining that Russell failed to check his mirrors.
The FIA stewards are investigating whether there was a breach of Article 37.5 and/or Article 33.4 of the sporting regulations, regarding Russell driving erratically at the pit entry.
- Nick Golding
TOTO WOLFF CLARIFIES 'SEMI-SARCASTIC' 400KM/H COMMENT ON 2026 REGULATION F1 CARS
Toto Wolff says his 400km/h line was a semi-sarcastic, theoretical example of dumping all hybrid energy on one straight, not a literal prediction
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| Toto Wolff, Mercedes Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 / Getty Images |
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has clarified his comments about the 2026 Formula 1 cars potentially being able to reach 400km/h. Describing his comments as 'semi-sarcastic', he explained the context behind them ahead of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix.
The Austrian originally commented on next season's car to Auto Motor und Sport, where he claimed that "when the full power is deployed, we will scratch the 400km/h limit."
This comment sparked multiple reactions from the paddock.
"Maybe Toto's engine will reach that," Red Bull's Max Verstappen joked. "I don't know. I think the FIA has already explained quite clearly that they won't allow it."
Williams' Carlos Sainz also added his thoughts: "I wish if that's the case. The HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains] must be doing a good job, but I didn't hit [400km/h]."
Pierre Gasly didn't believe the Mercedes chief's claims: "I don't believe stories, I only believe what I see. I'm sure we can even go 400 with those cars if you change the gearbox and increase the straights. Take off the first chicane in Monza.
"I've tried the car in the simulator and I know what it does. I'm not too sure where that comes from, to be honest."
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| Getty Images |
Explaining himself after FP1 at Zandvoort, Wolff was quick to set everyone at ease.
"Everybody's talking those engines down so I had to figure out is there anything positive and that is if you were to deploy - obviously semi-sarcastically - but if you were to deploy all the energy on a single straight you could make those cars go 400km/h.
"And I don't know if somebody got afraid by it, but we could. But there wouldn't be much electric energy left for the other few corners on a track on a circuit."
Wolff's comments were then partially intended as a counter-narrative to combat the criticism the 2026 power unit regulations are currently coming under.
These regulations will introduce a 50-50 split between electric and combustion engine power, on top of active aerodynamics and a boost function which replaces DRS. An objective of the FIA is to increase the top speed of cars next season while reducing downforce, so while there is talk of cars being limited, Motorsport.com understands that this isn't yet seen as a safety issue.
As expected, the FIA will also be tweaking the regulations based on feedback from teams.
- Alex Harrington
MANCHESTER UNITED: A CONUNDRUM OF CULTURE AND TACTICAL FAILURE
Last year, the appointment of the bright, up-and-coming Portuguese coach, Ruben Amorim, was meant to signal a new dawn for Manchester United. Tasked with changing the club's fortunes and reviving the winning culture at Old Trafford, he arrived with a sense of hope and purpose. But ten months on, the team has only sunk to new lows, leaving everyone to wonder just how much further there is to fall.
The season began with an air of excitement, and the arrival of a new frontline offered glimpses of the good days that United fans have long craved. That enthusiasm was quickly extinguished, however, with an embarrassing defeat to a fourth-tier side, Grimsby Town, in the Carabao Cup. The football world has come together to condemn Amorim's tactical system, which often employs a five-defender, two-midfielder setup. Many online tacticians have called for a change to a more traditional 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
Yet, a fundamental question remains: if a certain system is required just to beat a team four divisions below, is the problem truly with the manager's tactics or the players' commitment?
As Manchester United prepares to go again, the club is as unpredictable as ever. One thing is certain, though. To buy himself time for the rebuild, Ruben Amorim needs to start winning football matches, whether he plays with ten defenders or two.
- Paschal Magoti
Friday, 29 August 2025
"ONE OF THE WORST THINGS YOU CAN SAY TO A BLACK PLAYER" - NAOMI OSAKA MAKES HER POSITION CLEAR ON JELENA OSTAPENKO & TAYLOR TOWNSEND'S US OPEN DRAMA
Naomi Osaka was recently asked to weigh in on Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko's US Open drama. The Japanese tennis star was quick to make her position clear on the matter, calling out Ostapenko for her comments.
Townsend and Ostapenko took on each other for their second round encounter at the US Open. The Latvian had been a favorite for the win prior to the match, but come game day it was Townsend who clinched a straight games triumph. After the match, the duo engaged in a heated conversation at the net, with Townsend later revealing that Ostapenko told her she had ‘no class and no education’.
In light of these comments, the tennis world has been left ablaze, with many accusing Jelena Ostapenko of racism. After her second round win at the US Open, Naomi Osaka was asked to share her thoughts on the matter. In response, the former champion said,
“I think obviously it's one of the worst things that you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport. And granted I know Taylor and I know how hard she's worked and I know how smart she is. So, she's the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that.”
She went on to add that this wasn't the ‘craziest’ thing Ostapenko has said, but highlighted the ‘ill timing’ of the comments.
“But if you're like genuinely asking me about the history of Ostapenko, I don't think that's the craziest thing she said. I'm going to be honest. I think it's ill timing and the worst person you could have ever said it to. And I don't know if she knows the history of it in America, but I know she's never going to say that ever again in her life. But yeah, I mean it's just terrible. Like that's just really bad.”
For her part, Jelena Ostapenko denied any racist intention behind her comments, while explaining that she was upset at Taylor Townsend for not apologising after a net cord.
Naomi Osaka to face Daria Kasatkina in US Open third round
On the tennis end of things, Naomi Osaka's campaign at the US Open has been absolutely incredible so far. The four-time Grand Slam champion kicked off her time in New York with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Germany’s Greet Minnen.
She then took on home player Hailey Baptiste for her second round match. Osaka clinched a straight games win in this encounter as well, ousting her American opponent 6-3, 6-1.
Up next, Naomi Osaka will square-off against Daria Kasatkina for her third round match at the US Open. The duo have played each other twice before, and Osaka has won both these encounters.
- Riddhi Acharya
EGYPTIAN NATIONAL TEAM REFUSES TO PLAY ZAMBIA DUE TO ISRAELICOACH
Egyptian media reports national team’s coaching staff rejected offer to play friendly against Avram Grant’s Zambia in November to avoid sparking controversy or angering fans and media.
https://bit.ly/4mF9I9h
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Thursday, 28 August 2025
GRIMSBY TOWN'S GOALKEEPER HAD HILARIOUS REACTION TO ELIMINATING MAN UTD IN CARABAO CUP
Christy Pym admitted to being a Man Utd fan after beating them in the Carabao Cup.
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| Christy Pym was one of Grimsby Town’s heroes in their win vs. Manchester United. / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images |
In the biggest shock of the young 2025–26 season, Grimsby Town eliminated Manchester United from the Carabao Cup in the second round.
The League Two outfit—English football’s fourth division—were stellar against the Man Utd. However, after squandering a two-goal lead, they had to wait until the 26th kick of a penalty shootout to complete the upset. It was the first time since 2014 that the Red Devils were eliminated in the second round.
Goalkeeper Christy Pym denied a would be game-winning penalty from Matheus Cunha early in the shootout and was unquestionably one of the heroes of the night. Following the match, though, he admitted to mixed feelings in a hilarious post-match interview.
“Yeah it’s not sunk in yet [the win]. I’m a Man United fan so I’m half fuming a little bit,” Pym said. “Nights like this are what you play football for.”
"I'm a Man United fan so I'm half fuming to be honest" 😂
Christy Pym and Charles Vernam react to a historic win for Grimsby Town 😍 pic.twitter.com/ViJned0y8P
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 27, 2025
Despite conceding two late goals that sent the tie to penalties, Pym was brilliant against the team he supports. The Grimsby goalkeeper finished the match with seven saves, including some truly spectacular ones. Yet, he still isn’t fully pleased with his performance at the end.
“I should’ve done a little bit better [in the penalty shootout], shouldn’t I? I got one save that kept us in it and then the boys did the rest. They were brilliant.”
In their first meeting against Man Utd since 1948, Grimsby Town emerged victorious on a night that will go down in club history.
Grimsby now moves on to the third round of the Carabao Cup where they’ll face Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. The match will take place between September 15–22.
- Roberto Casillas
AMORIM SLAMS MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYERS AFTER SHOCK LOSS TO GRIMSBY
GRIMSBY, England -- Ruben Amorim hit out at his Manchester United players and said the "best team won" after the Premier League side suffered a Carabao Cup humiliation by losing to EFL League Two club Grimsby Town.
Despite fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Blundell Park, United suffered a 12-11 penalty shootout defeat after misses by summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Goalkeeper André Onana only saved one Grimsby penalty.
The defeat was the first time United have lost a Carabao Cup tie against a fourth-tier team and it means they suffered a round two exit for the first time since 2014.
But after taking one point from two Premier League games so far this season, Amorim criticized his players and hinted at a poor attitude still being an issue within his squad.
"The way we started the game, we were not even here," Amorim said. "When everything is so important in our club, everything that happened, it's a problem in our club, we should do so much better.
"I just have to say sorry to our fans, but I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want.
"I think now I know that the best team won, the only team that was on the pitch. And I think my team and the players spoke really loud today.
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| Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts during his side's shock Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town. Nigel French/PA via AP |
"I think this is a little bit the limit. I think something has to change. In this moment, we need to focus on the weekend and then we have time to think.
"In the penalties, the feeling is the same. I think football was really fair today. The best team won."
United have spent over £200 million ($270m) on new signings since the end of last season, but the team continues to struggle to improve. And Amorim says more time is needed to turn United around.
"You cannot change everything in one summer," he said. "But you need to win games. You need to not show this kind of performance.
"That is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team. I think it was really clear today.
"When you play against a fourth division team, it's not the goalkeeper [that costs you the win], it's everything.
"It's the environment, it's the way we face the competition. We know that we are in a moment when people will pay attention to everything.
"It's going to be massive every detail and we show that performance today. So my players spoke for me really loud."
- Mark Ogden
CHRISTIAN HORNER SET FOR 'SHOCK F1 MOVE TO ASTON MARTIN'
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| Christian Horner has been linked to Aston Martin. (Image: Bradley Collyer / PA) |
Christian Horner is set to make a Formula 1 move to Aston Martin after his sacking from Red Bull, according to new reports.
The 51-year-old who lives near Banbury was relieved of his Red Bull team principal role last month after 20 years of service.
Early in July, a statement from Red Bull GmbH read: “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday, July 9) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.”
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| Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell-Horner live on the Oxfordshire border. (Image: Scott Hunt / PA) |
Mr Horner had been team principal at Red Bull since 2005, overseeing eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
He led them to world championship success with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen in a period which included eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships.
The Formula 1 star resides in a £9.2m mansion with his wife, Geri Halliwell-Horner, on the Oxfordshire border with Northamptonshire.
Missed a copy of the Oxford Mail you wanted? Here's what to do https://t.co/n1aacoWEDF
— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 13, 2024
Now he has been linked with a move to Aston Martin by former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya on a recent episode of the MontoyAS podcast.
Asked if he could see Horner at Cadillac, he said: "No, I see Horner more in a team like Aston.
"I see him at a team like Aston on the one hand because he has been with Newey for many years and they have a very good relationship, so it would be a very good fit."
- Edward Burnett
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
'EMBARRASSED' LEEDS UNITED BOSS FARKE MAKES SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY ODD 'YOUTH TEAM' CLAIM
Daniel Farke admitted he was ‘hurt’ and ‘embarrassed’ after Sheffield Wednesday’s Carabao Cup shock over his Leeds United side - and made an odd claim on the scale of the upset.
A hugely youthful Owls side took the lead at Hillsborough thanks to a Karl Darlow own goal and won out on penalties after Jayden Bogle’s equaliser proved to be the only breach of a remarkable Ethan Horvath performance between the sticks.
The Owls squad has been decimated to the extent that with changes made, of their outfield starting 10, skipper for the night Jamal Lowe was the only Wednesday player to have earned more than Gabriel Otegbayo’s haul of 18 professional appearances. Eight of the Owls players involved on the evening had played less than five senior matches.
Two made their debut, including 16-year-old Will Grainger, who played without a shirt sponsor as he is too young to be seen advertising a gambling company.
Senior figures were brought off the bench late to help take the tie to penalties and a 3-0 shootout win dumped the Premier League side out of the competition to leave Farke admittedly red-faced, though he sought to play down the inexperience of the home side.
"Some people will make headlines out of this but they are still professional football players, it's not like we played against a youth team,” claimed Farke.
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| PENALTY HERO: Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Ethan Horvath (centre) (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire) |
“We rested a few players to the bench or not even in the squad and it's always a bit tricky when you have so many changes, especially for the team that tries to make the game. We have to take the criticism and we are self-critical because we should have have put four or five chances to bed.
“It's not just annoying, you feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side but we've been involved so many games like this, especially in the cup, and the lower-league team can win This was one of these days.”
Leeds plundered 25 shots on Wednesday’s goal across the course of the match and held 80 per cent possession. Of the 16 players used by the visitors, only four were not full internationals.
“We were the favourites and of course we wanted to go through to the next round, so the result hurts,” Farke continued. “I wouldn't say it was an unbelievable surprise because we are a newly-promoted side to the Premier League travelling to a Championship side, it's not like we have played the last 30 years in the Premier League. It wasn't going to be a walk in the park to have an away game at a Championship side.
“I think by all the statistics we were the better side but the only thing that matters is the goals and after 90 minutes they managed somehow to be equal on goals and they managed to be the better side in the penalty shoot-out. Congratulations to Sheffield Wednesday. They deserved to win the game.”
- Alex Miller
TAYLOR SWIFT ENGAGED | ' HOPEFULLY THIS ONE WILL STICK FOREVER': IGA SWIATEK REACTS TO ENGAGEMENT
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| For Iga Swiatek, the engagement news was as thrilling as her own record-breaking performance |
Iga Swiatek's US Open victory was overshadowed by news of Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce. The tennis star, a devoted Swiftie, expressed her excitement for Swift, highlighting her long-standing admiration for the singer. Swiatek credited Swift's music with aiding her English learning and personal growth, even attending her 'Eras Tour' and receiving a handwritten note.
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek stormed into the second round of the US Open on Tuesday with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Colombia’s Emiliana Arango — but it was Taylor Swift’s engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce that dominated her post-match spotlight.
The Polish star, a self-confessed “Swiftie,” barely had time to leave Arthur Ashe Stadium before news of the pop icon’s engagement swept through Flushing Meadows. For Swiatek, the update was as thrilling as her own record-breaking performance, which saw her notch a 65th consecutive first-round win at WTA-level events, surpassing Monica Seles’ historic mark.
"I’m just happy for her, because she deserves the best," Swiatek told reporters, her face lighting up at the mention of Swift.
"Obviously she had a lot of boyfriends, so we know all about that. Hopefully this one will stick forever. Travis seems like a great guy. She seems super happy, so I’m happy for her. I wish them all the best."
— Tennis (@Tennis)
Swiatek’s devotion to Swift runs deep. The 24-year-old has often credited the singer’s music with helping her learn English and cope with the challenges of adolescence. After her French Open triumph in 2023, she even attended Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ concert in Liverpool — a win that earned her a handwritten note from Swift herself.
Revealing her journey as a fan since 2014, Swiatek said: "I just followed everything. I was following her, but also fan pages to see the updates. When the Reputation album came out, I’ve got to say I didn’t really like it that much. So I had a little break. But then in 2019, and when Folklore and Evermore were released during Covid, I started listening to Taylor again. It’s great. But I like Reputation now. Don’t worry."
She also hit back at Swift’s detractors, insisting: "I don’t get it, because she just makes our world better."
So intense was the focus on Swift that when one reporter requested to move on to a "non-Taylor question," Swiatek playfully retorted: "No."
The six-time Grand Slam champion now turns her attention back to tennis, with a second-round clash against the Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens.
- TOI Sports Desk
Tuesday, 26 August 2025
TAYLOR SWIFT ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT WITH TRAVIS KELCE, DEBUTS ESTIMATED $400,000 RING IN RALPH LAUREN DRESS
The 35-year-old Grammy winner started dating the Kansas City Chiefs player in 2023.
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Taylor Swift is set to marry Travis Kelce after two years of dating.
The 35-year-old Grammy-winning artist took to her Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to announce her engagement to the Kansas City Chiefs player alongside a carousel of images from the intimate proposal. “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” her caption read. The news of their engagement comes two years after the couple were first romantically linked.
With the announcement, Swift also unveiled the diamond on her finger. New York-based jeweler Briony Raymond told WWD Swift’s ring appears to be an “elongated antique cushion cut, between six to eight carats, in a vintage-inspired 18k yellow gold mounting with a warmer color laid out diamond.” Raymond estimated the price to be between $250,000 and $400,000, depending on the color.
In the photos, Swift can be seen wearing a black and white striped mid-calf dress by Polo Ralph Lauren, featuring a ruched bodice, paired with strappy brown block heels by Louis Vuitton in a verdant garden. She and Kelce were photographed standing under a vine arch with white, pink and red flowers weaving between the long greenery.
Swift’s makeup was comprised of her everyday combination: winged black eyeliner and red lipstick, only the shade on her lips was a touch more coral. Meanwhile, her nails were painted a pink-nude shade,
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| Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce first started dating in 2023. GC IMAGES |
Swift and Kelce seemingly confirmed their relationship in September 2023, when the “Midnights” singer was spotted at one of Kelce’s Chiefs games at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Since then, the two have been publicly supporting one another, both during football season and throughout Swift’s Eras Tour series. The vocalist recently joined Kelce and his older brother, Jason, on the “New Heights” podcast to announce her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
- KALEIGH WERNER
DAVID COULTHARD DELIVERS INSTANT FOUR-WORD VERDICT AFTER CADILLAC SIGN VALTTERI BOTTAS AND SERGIO PEREZ
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| Credit: Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1/Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto/Simon Galloway/LAT Images for Formula E via Getty Images |
Cadillac have finally ended the speculation around their first F1 driver line-up by announcing Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Both drivers will make comebacks in their mid-30s.
Perez lost his Red Bull seat at the end of last season via a pay-off. He’d spent four years at Milton Keynes but, while there was always an element of inconsistency, he truly unravelled in 2024.
Bottas, who used to go up against Perez at Mercedes, had already dropped into the lower midfield with Sauber. Both he and teammate Zhou Guanyu were axed at the end of a four-point campaign.
As it stands, Cadillac will have the oldest line-up in Formula 1 next year. Both drivers are contracted for multiple seasons, which indicates that the team don’t see the moves as risky.
David Coulthard calls Cadillac’s F1 driver line-up ‘perfect’
David Coulthard is a Red Bull ambassador, which makes him a former colleague of Perez. He was among the first big names to react when Cadillac announced their line-up on Instagram.
Coulthard wrote that Graeme Lowdon and co. had made a ‘perfect driver line-up’ in addition for their first season. Between them, Bottas and Perez have won 16 Grands Prix.
For reference, only McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes boast two race-winning drivers. Cadillac expect to be at the back next year, but these two drivers can help them operate like a top team.
Coulthard’s counterpart Martin Brundle agrees that Cadillac have formed a ‘great line-up’. He did warn, though, that the veteran duo will have to manage some ‘early frustrations’.
Kimi Antonelli reacts to Mercedes colleague Valtteri Bottas landing Cadillac drive
Like the rest of the teams, Cadillac will make their 2026 ‘debut’ behind closed doors in Barcelona. This will relieve some of the pressure surrounding a brand-new set-up.
Reports have already claimed that Bottas could take part in a TPC run, using an old Ferrari, to sharpen up the team’s mechanics and engineers. Theoretically, there would be nothing stopping the free agent Perez from getting involved, either.
Ferrari will supply Cadillac’s engine for their first few years of their existence. They then plan to introduce their own power unit and become a fully-fledged works team, although their original drivers may have retired by then.
Kimi Antonelli has congratulated Bottas, who has mentored him at Mercedes this season. He wishes the Finn good luck on his ‘next adventure’.
- David Comerford
WHY CADILLAC WILL USE RIVAL'S CAR FOR F1 TESTING DEBUT
The Cadillac team will conduct on-track Formula 1 testing this year using a car supplied by another team as it ramps up preparations for its debut in 2026.
Sergio Perez, who was officially confirmed today as a Cadillac race driver for next year, says “there are some plans with the team to test [a] Formula 1 car before the end of the year".
Valtteri Bottas, who has also been announced as his team-mate, is under contract to Mercedes, so will continue to conduct reserve driver duties for the rest of the year, meaning it’s Perez who will primarily be available for test running in ’25.
Cadillac will not have a car of its own available until pre-season testing begins in late January next year, but it is permitted to run a car provided by another team.
Although Cadillac has not confirmed what machinery it will use, it would be logical for it to run a Ferrari under TPC [testing of previous cars, which permits the use of 2022-2024 F1 machinery] regulations.
While beneficial for Perez, who has been out of F1 since the end of last season, it is primarily of value to help the team’s preparations.
It will be part of what’s internally called the ‘race ready’ programme, designed to get Cadillac as sharp as possible ahead of its debut in Australia next March, which is currently focused on race weekends in terms of simulated running.
“We don’t have a TPC car or a current car that we can operate, but we are already simulating race events,” said team principal Graeme Lowdon when asked by The Race about testing plans.
“The next one that we're doing is Monza, and we simulate it as if it is a complete race, from start to finish with full integration of everybody in the team from Thursday all the way through to Sunday.
“We’ve got a very clear plan in our build-up to Melbourne next year and it doesn't involve just simulating races, which is really, really important. The last one we simulated, we probably had 50 or 60 engineering people fully involved over the whole weekend, both in the UK and the US, all getting used to working with each other.
"And we need to be in a position that when we get to Melbourne, we're not in a position where people are hearing voices for the first time, or working with each other for the first time, or anything else like that.
“And we’ll be introducing car testing as well this year. Obviously, we have to work with others to be able to do that, but there's that's perfectly allowable under the regulations.
“We just have a plan to steadily build up so that when we get to Melbourne, we hit the ground running, and the drivers themselves play such an important part in it. And the one thing I can tell you, just spending time with them is, I don't want to put words in their mouths, but there's a huge amount of enthusiasm to get going.”
The extent of the on-track programme is not clear, but in keeping with Lowdon's intention to prepare the team it is likely to involve a full complement of operational trackside personnel, or as close to that as possible, with the intention to simulate parts of the race weekend.
- Edd Straw, Scott Mitchell-Malm
DORTMUND SIGN CHUKWUEMEKA FROM CHELSEA UNTIL 2030
Berlin (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund's summer Premier League recruitment drive continued on Tuesday with the signing of midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea until 2030.
England under-21 representative Chukwuemeka, 21, joins for a reported fee of 25 million euros ($29 million).
He spent the second half of last season at Dortmund on loan, staying on as the club made the quarter-finals at the Club World Cup.
Chukwuemeka played 17 times for Dortmund in all competitions, scoring once and impressed despite struggling with injury.
In a statement, Chukwuemeka said he was "happy Borussia Dortmund is now my footballing home. I will give everything to make sure we achieve our goals as a team".
Born in Austria, Chukwuemeka moved to England at a young age and came through Aston Villa's youth academy before signing with Chelsea in 2022.
Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken said the club was "delighted" to sign Chukwuemeka, who "further increases the quality and creativity of our attacking midfield".
Dortmund also signed Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland and Yan Couto from Manchester City this summer.
Jobe's brother Jude joined Dortmund from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020 aged 17, moving to Real Madrid three years later for a fee estimated at 100 million euros ($117 million).
German tabloid Bild reported on Tuesday that two further Premier League signings could arrive before deadline day on Monday -- Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino and Wolves striker Fabio Silva.
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who has had two previous stints at Dortmund and just ended a loan spell at Chelsea, has also been linked with a return to the Westfalenstadion.
On Tuesday morning, Dortmund extended coach Niko Kovac's contract by one year until 2027.
- © 2025 AFP
LACOSTE TEMPORARY CHANGED THEIR LOGO TO HONOR NOVAK DJOKIVIC
Lacoste temporarily changed their logo from a crocodile to a goat in honor of Novak Djokovic! 🐐🎾
2026 F1 CARS TO REACH 400 KM/H
Formula 1 is about to get a whole lot faster. Mercedes has revealed its 2026 F1 cars could push the limits of physics and touch an insane 400 km/h on track.
To put that in perspective, that’s Bugatti Chiron territory… only with open wheels, zero margin for error, and drivers who are basically strapped to rockets in fireproof overalls.
The new regulations, smaller chassis, and aero tweaks are designed to make the cars lighter and more efficient, and Mercedes engineers clearly believe the ceiling hasn’t been reached yet.
Whether they actually crack 400 or not, the arms race is on. Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren the pressure’s now squarely on them.
The 2026 era is shaping up wild.
#f1
- DMARGE
PPA TOUR ASIA OF THIS YEAR: ELEVATING ITS SPORTS TOURISM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH PICKLEBALL COMPETITIONS IN MALAYSIA AND VIETNAM
PPA Tour Asia 2025 will revolutionize sports tourism in Southeast Asia with Malaysia and Vietnam getting ready to host consecutive pickleball tournaments. The Malaysia Cup (September 24-28, 2025) and Vietnam Cup (September 30 – October 4, 2025) will feature world-class international players, including Ben Johns, Federico Staksrud, and Anna Bright, in the region. The events, with a US$150,000 prize fund per event, will attract pickleball enthusiasts and sporting tourists from all over the globe.
These occurrences underscore the increasing importance of sports tourism across Southeast Asia, where a mix of world-class sporting events, high-end resort offerings, and cultural experiences provides the ideal context for international travelers in search of active recreation and cultural exposure. Adding pickleball to the portfolio of competitive sports as an offering across the region is opening new doors for local economies and tourism sectors, especially as the sport continues to grow in popularity worldwide.
Pickleball’s Role in Southeast Asia’s Growing Sports Tourism Market
The growing popularity of pickleball is playing a key role in the rise of sports tourism in Southeast Asia. The PPA Tour Asia cups will showcase the region’s potential as a destination for sports tourism, where athletes, tourists, and spectators can enjoy a dynamic mix of sports, leisure, and cultural activities.
Sports tourism is an essential segment of global tourism and has gained significant traction in Southeast Asia. The PPA Tour Asia 2025 will be a pivotal moment for Malaysia and Vietnam, both of which are emerging as top destinations for sporting events and active travel. These countries already benefit from a strong tourism base, known for their beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. The addition of high-profile sports events like pickleball tournaments brings an entirely new dimension to their tourism offerings.
The Economic Impact of Pickleball Tournaments on Local Tourism
The impact of sports tourism on local economies is undeniable, with events like the PPA Tour Asia serving as a major economic driver. In both Malaysia and Vietnam, the sports tourism sector is expected to contribute to increased revenue through hotel stays, local transportation, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
For example, in Kuala Lumpur, where the Malaysia Cup will be held, the surge of international athletes and spectators will boost demand for accommodation in luxury hotels and resorts. Similarly, Da Nang in Vietnam will see increased foot traffic to local beaches, cultural sites, and restaurants during the Vietnam Cup. As both destinations capitalize on their natural beauty and unique cultural experiences, sports tourism will support sustainable growth in their local tourism industries.
In addition, local businesses in the hospitality, transport, and service industries will benefit from the influx of sports tourists, who often contribute significantly more to the economy compared to traditional leisure travelers. This economic injection will help stimulate regional growth, create job opportunities, and promote the development of tourism infrastructure.
The Role of Regional Partnerships in Driving Sports Tourism Growth
A key element of the PPA Tour Asia 2025 is its focus on fostering regional collaboration between Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian nations. The tournament will encourage cross-border partnerships, where tourism agencies, government officials, and local stakeholders will work together to create cohesive travel packages and sports-related experiences that appeal to international tourists.
In addition to the sports competition itself, Southeast Asia’s sports tourism will benefit from the integration of cultural experiences and tourism initiatives that highlight the region’s unique attractions. The region’s proximity to major markets like China and India further enhances its tourism potential, as travelers seek to explore multiple countries while participating in sports tourism activities.
Pickleball and the Evolution of Sports Tourism in Southeast Asia
Pickleball is an emerging sport that has the potential to contribute to Southeast Asia’s growing sports tourism market. As more international tournaments are held in the region, the sport’s popularity will continue to rise, bringing new audiences and increasing media coverage. This expansion could lead to the development of pickleball tourism packages that cater to athletes and spectators who want to combine their passion for the sport with the experience of exploring new destinations.
The PPA Tour Asia plays a key role in positioning Southeast Asia as an emerging destination for international sporting events, helping to diversify the region’s tourism offerings. Events like this will also encourage the establishment of pickleball academies, sports training camps, and tourism-focused pickleball tours, creating a robust sports tourism ecosystem in the region.
Pickleball as a Catalyst for Long-Term Sports Tourism Growth in Southeast Asia
PPA Tour Asia 2025 in Vietnam and Malaysia is a significant driver of Southeast Asia’s long-term sports tourism expansion. It combines world-class pickleball tournaments with Southeast Asia’s vibrant cultural heritage to drive local economies, demand for travel, and tourism supply. Adding pickleball to Southeast Asia’s sports tourism landscape will help increase travelers visiting the region, generate economic growth opportunities, and develop improved regional collaboration.
VENUS WILLIAMS BOWS OUT OF US OPEN AS STREAMLINED ALCARAZ SAILS THROUGH
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| USA's Venus Williams waves at supporters after losing against Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova at the end of their women's singles first round tennis match on day two of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City Image: Kena Betancur / AFP |
Venus Williams battled bravely before bowing out of the US Open on her return to Grand Slam tennis on Monday as Spanish ace Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the second round with a dominant opening win.
The second full day of action in New York saw all eyes turn to the Arthur Ashe Stadium's night session, where the 45-year-old Williams lost in three sets to 11th seed Karolina Muchova.
Williams only returned to competitive tennis in July following a 16-month absence from the sport and had been granted a wild card into the main draw at Flushing Meadows.
But hopes of a fairytale run -- 28 years after her debut in the tournament -- ended in a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 loss to Muchova, who was not even born when Williams turned professional in 1994.
"I didn't win today but I'm very proud of the way I played," Williams, the US Open champion in 2000 and 2001, said.
"I don't think I've ever had a crowd on my side like that. I knew people around the world and around the United States were really rooting for me, and that felt great."
With the American exiting, 2022 men's champion Alcaraz took centre-stage in the late game in his first round tie against unseeded American Reilly Opelka.
The Spaniard arrived for the game sporting a striking new hairstyle -- a severe crew cut -- and he duly chopped down the 6ft 11in Opelka with a blistering 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory in 2hr 5min.
"Today was a really difficult one," Alcaraz said. "Reilly is a great, tough player. I couldn't get the rhythm that I wanted to get but I'm just really happy with what I did today. I did a great performance today."
Alcaraz is chasing a second US Open title following his maiden Grand Slam victory at the tournament three years ago.
Australian Open winner Madison Keys became the highest-ranked player to exit so far, the sixth seed losing to Mexico's Renata Zarazua 6-7 (10/12), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.
"Today was the first time in a while where my nerves really got the better of me and it kind of became a little bit paralyzing," home hope Keys said.
"I was just slow, I wasn't seeing things the way that I wanted to, which I feel like resulted in a lot of bad decisions and lazy footwork."
Kvitova farewell
Czech Republic's Barbora Krejcikova bundled out rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko, defeating the teenager 6-3, 6-2.
Belgian 19th seed Elise Mertens ousted wild card Alyssa Ahn 6-1, 6-0 while Ukrainian 30th seed Dayana Yastremska exited in a 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 loss to Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova brought the curtain down on her career after a 6-1, 6-0 defeat to France's Diane Parry.
The 35-year-old Czech had already announced her intention to retire after the US Open, but was nonetheless overcome with emotion as she said farewell to the sport, breaking down in tears as she addressed fans afterwards.
"I hoped I would put on a better show today," Kvitova said. "It was tough to know it could be my last match, and emotionally it was very tough as well."
Qualifier Coleman Wong became the first man from Hong Kong to record a victory in a Grand Slam singles event in the Open era with a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) defeat of US player Aleksandar Kovacevic.
It was the latest in a series of breakthrough results by young Asian players at this year's US Open.
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines -- who trains with Wong at Rafael Nadal's academy in Spain -- and Indonesia's Janice Tjen both won their first-round matches in the main draw.
British fifth seed Jack Draper needed four sets to get past Argentina's Federico Gomez, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 6-2.
Other seeds to advance included Norway's Casper Ruud, the 12th seed, who downed Austria's Sebastian Ofner 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5).
US 17th seed Frances Tiafoe beat Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.
- AFP
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