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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gives his verdict on why the club opted for Rasmus Hojlund ahead of Harry Kane.
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Solheim Cup: Leona Maguire plays down expectation as Suzann Pettersen reveals Europe’s plans
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Leona Maguire won 4.5 points on her Solheim Cup debut in 2021; can Team Europe claim a historic third consecutive victory over Team USA? Watch the opening ceremony live on Thursday from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf ahead of day one live on Friday from 6.30am.
By Ali Stafford at Finca Cortesin
Last Updated: 19/09/23 3:00pm
Team Europe captain Suzann Pettersen looks ahead to the 2023 Solheim Cup and says the players are set on what will happen on Friday with regards to pairings
Team Europe captain Suzann Pettersen looks ahead to the 2023 Solheim Cup and says the players are set on what will happen on Friday with regards to pairings
Leona Maguire is refusing to put any additional pressure on herself as she looks to build on a stellar Solheim Cup debut and help create history for Team Europe this week in Spain.
Maguire top-scored for Catriona Matthew’s side in a 15-13 victory in 2021, winning 4.5 points in an unbeaten debut as Team Europe successfully defended their title on American soil.
The Irishwoman has won twice on the LPGA Tour in the two years since and contended in several majors during that time, cementing inside the world’s top 20, with Maguire likely to play a key role for Suzann Pettersen’s side at Finca Cortesin.
As the Solheim Cup gets under way on September 22, we take a look back at some classic winning moments from down the years between Team USA and Team Europe As the Solheim Cup gets under way on September 22, we take a look back at some classic winning moments from down the years between Team USA and Team Europe
Team Europe are chasing a third consecutive win over Team USA for the first time in the tournament’s history, although Maguire played down the prospect of her stellar achievements in her previous Solheim Cup appearance.
“Obviously last time went about as well as it possibly could have, but it’s a brand-new event this time,” Maguire said in her pre-tournament press conference. “It’s a brand-new venue and a brand-new team, both on the Europe and the US side.
“I think the US have a fantastic team this time. I think they have a young team that’s ready to go. Ultimately, I’ll try and win as many points as I can, but we’ll just prepare as well as we can and go in with very little expectations like the last time, the same way as I approach any other event.
A look back at the best shots in Solheim Cup history A look back at the best shots in Solheim Cup history
“Just because it’s worked well in the past doesn’t really make much difference for this time. It almost feels a little bit like a rookie again playing on home soil. This is all still a new experience for me, so will just try and enjoy the week as much as I can and feed off the energy of the crowd.”
Maguire won 2.5 points alongside Mel Reid in 2021 and one point alongside former AIG Women’s Open champion Georgia Hall, although was seen playing a practice round with Anna Nordqvist, Caroline Hedwall and Madelene Sagstrom on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old held her pre-tournament press conference alongside reigning Evian Championship winner Celine Boutier, with the pair both hinting at the possibility of the pair playing together at some point during this year’s event.
“I think we have a fantastic team this week,” Maguire added. “I think there’s lots of options of who can play with who. It’s obviously a new team and you’ll see some familiar pairings and some new pairings.
Live Solheim Cup Golf
September 22, 2023, 6:30am
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“She [Pettersen] has done a lot of these, she’s done nine herself, so she knows what she’s doing. So I think both myself and Celine (Boutier) are pretty flexible. We’ll play with just about anybody, so we’re going to do whatever Suzann needs us to do this week.”
Pettersen: Europe know the plan for Friday!
Team Europe had 11 of their 12 players involved in practice rounds on Tuesday, with only Charley Hull sitting out as a precaution due to a slight neck issue, with speculation gathering on the potential partnerships that could be used by Pettersen on the opening day.
Team Europe captain Suzann Pettersen looks ahead to the 2023 Solheim Cup and says the players are set on what will happen on Friday with regards to pairings Team Europe captain Suzann Pettersen looks ahead to the 2023 Solheim Cup and says the players are set on what will happen on Friday with regards to pairings
“I’ve been very transparent with the players already and I’ve literally told them what we’re thinking for Friday morning,” Pettersen told Sky Sports. “I wanted the players to take ownership and the more they early know early then the easier it is to prepare.
“I think the players are pretty set on what’s going to be happening on Friday, which I think is great. As a player I always appreciated getting the information as early as possible. Who you see playing in the practice rounds could have a lot to do with who they potentially play with [on Friday], for sure.”
Live Solheim Cup Golf
September 22, 2023, 12:30pm
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Eight of the winning side from two years ago return this time around, with Caroline Hedwall also part of previous successes, with the strength of depth at her disposal leaving Pettersen plenty to consider.
“Women’s golf is about to explode,” Pettersen added. “It’s massive in Asia, it’s big in the United States and it’s obviously getting stronger and stronger here in Europe. I think the strength of the team shows the strength of the European talents coming through.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Suzann Pettersen joked her biggest job during the Solheim Cup will be to keep Carlota Ciganda in check in front of a home crowd in Spain Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Suzann Pettersen joked her biggest job during the Solheim Cup will be to keep Carlota Ciganda in check in front of a home crowd in Spain
“It’s going to be fun see all these players go out there and just embrace it. It’s great to have a strong team but gives me a lot of headaches. Everyone can’t play all matches so you have to bench certain good players, but it’s a good problem to have.
“With good performances also comes expectations, but the great part here is the players are so up for it. I don’t have to say anything to inspire them or motivate them – they’re just all so on it and ready to go.”
Who will win the 2023 Solheim Cup? Watch exclusively live this September on Sky Sports! Live coverage from the opening ceremony begins at 5pm on Thursday September 21, with the opening day’s play live on the Friday from 6.30am. Stream the Solheim Cup and more with NOW.
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Back Pages: Will Chelsea target Aaron Ramsdale?
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The Telegraph’s Jason Burt discusses Aaron Ramsdale’s position at Arsenal and whether Chelsea could target the England goalkeeper.
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Nottingham Forest 1-1 Burnley | Premier League highlights
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Nottingham Forest’s draw against Burnley in the Premier League.
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Chelsea Pitman: England wing attack announces retirement from international netball
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England’s Chelsea Pitman has announced her retirement from international netball; 35-year-old says she wants address pregnancy issues after sharing her experience of miscarriage in 2020; Pitman said she was “grateful, thankful and absolutely honoured to call myself a Rose”
Last Updated: 18/09/23 4:15pm
Chelsea Pitman earned 52 caps for the Vitality Roses
England’s Chelsea Pitman has announced her retirement from international netball.
The 35-year-old earned 52 caps for the Vitality Roses and featured in England’s first World Cup final match in Cape Town earlier this year, where England were beaten 61-45 by Australia.
Pitman says she wants to “delve a bit deeper” into pregnancy issues she has experienced in the past.
“I have made the extremely tough decision to retire from international netball,” Pitman said. “I never thought I’d be someone who chose to retire from the international stage, but it’s the right time for me.
“I haven’t been secretive with saying that I’ve tried to become a mum in the past and that I’ve had issues,” she added.
“I think it’s time that I delve a bit deeper into why my body failed me when it comes to that. I’m going to miss it, but you’ll still see me. I love you all.”
Watch as Australia beat England in the Netball World Cup final in South Africa. Watch as Australia beat England in the Netball World Cup final in South Africa.
After defeat in the Netball World Cup final against Australia, the England players collect their silver medals in South Africa. After defeat in the Netball World Cup final against Australia, the England players collect their silver medals in South Africa.
Pitman was born in Australia and played for The Diamonds in 2011, helping them win the Netball World Cup in Singapore before switching to England in 2017.
She also helped London Pulse to their first Grand Final in the Netball Super League this year where they were beaten by Loughborough Lightning 57-48.
Pitman said: “I look at my time as a Rose, and every other opportunity I’ve had to step out on the international stage as a netballer, and it has been the best time of my life. What an epic journey. What a rollercoaster and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be able to call myself a Rose, for saying ‘yes, put me up for selection!’ because if I didn’t do that, how boring my life would have been, because I have made the best of friends, and I have made and created history. We achieved things that people thought were impossible for us.”
Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby said it was an “absolute pleasure” to work with Pitman.
“She has not only inspired so many with her on-court flair, netball nous and competitive spirit, but I have such admiration and respect for her as a person.
“Chelsea wears her heart on her sleeve and her passion for the Roses and commitment to pull on the red dress is unquestionable. It not only means a lot to her, but we have been richer for having her as a Rose.”
Pitman discusses anguish of miscarriage
In 2021, Pitman spoke to Sky Sports about her miscarriage to build awareness.
“Being an athlete, my body is my job and usually, does what it is told to do (trained to do). But, one thing my body has failed at multiple times is pregnancy. I never ever thought this would be the case or realise how absolutely devastating every loss is.”
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Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback admits concern after ‘tweaking’ calf injury in loss to Baltimore Ravens
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Joe Burrow “tweaked” his calf injury during the Cincinnati Bengals’ 27-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday; the Bengals have started 0-2 for a second successive NFL campaign; Burrow also vows to get wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase more involved with offense
Last Updated: 17/09/23 11:54pm
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has admitted his calf injury could continue to be a problem throughout the NFL season, after aggravating the issue during Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Burrow limped off the field late in the 27-24 loss that dropped the Bengals to 0-2 for the season, and afterwards confirmed that he had “just tweaked it a little bit again.”
Having missed most of the pre-season with the issue, Burrow finished 27-41 for 222 yards and two touchdowns, after passing for just 82 in last weekend’s season-opening loss to Cleveland.
“We’re going to have to wait and see,” Burrow said after the game.
“I’m not sure how it’s going to feel the next couple of days. It’s pretty sore right now, but no telling how it’s going to fell, so I think we’re going to take it day by day.
Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals have lost their first two games of the NFL season
“We’ll give it a couple of nights, a couple of sleeps, and we’ll see, we’ll go from there.
“Whenever you have these kind of things, it’s always ongoing, it’s always something that you’re managing. I don’t know how I’m going to feel the next couple of days, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Asked whether he expects the injury to be something he needs to continue to manage throughout the campaign, Burrow added: “I don’t know. It’s tough to tell, tough to look into the future and see that.
“I’m doing everything I can to get healthy and get that thing the way I need it to so I can go out and perform the way I need to, to win, we’ll see.”
Burrow ‘still confident’ | ‘We need to get Chase involved’
The Bengals recovered from an 0-2 start last season to finish AFC North champions with a 12-4 record, and Burrow insists the team are capable of producing a similar turnaround.
The 26-year-old old has pinpointed getting off to quicker starts as a key factor in enabling the team’s offense to flourish.
“When your quarterback misses camp, it’s tough to start fast. It’s not an ideal situation,” Burrow said.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones rushes for an 80-yard punt return touchdown. Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones rushes for an 80-yard punt return touchdown.
“I’m still confident. I feel really confident in all the guys we have that in that room.
“We always want to start fast. Teams play us soft, keep everything in front.
“I think we did a good job of taking what they gave us today, but if you start fast, teams think twice about playing that way, so we’ve got to start fast.”
Along with Burrow, Bengals’ star receiver Ja’Marr Chase has made an underwhelming start to the season, hauling in just five receptions in each game, without scoring a touchdown.
Ja’Marr Chase has had a disappointing start to the campaign
Both of Burrow’s touchdown throws on Sunday went to his usual secondary option Tee Higgins, and the quarterback has admitted he needs to do more increase Chase’s output.
“I think we threw him (Chase) a couple today, we’ll go watch the film and check it out,” Burrow said. “It’s tough to tell from just sitting here and not having watched the tape. We’ll go back and re-evaluate that.
“We need to get him involved, he’s our best player on offense, so we need to find a way to get him off.”
Burrow will have extra time to recover for the Bengals Week Three fixture, which is a Monday Night Football clash with the Los Angeles, live on Sky Sports at 1:15am in the early hours of Tuesday, September 26.
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Michael van Gerwen beats Nathan Aspinall to win World Series of Darts for the fifth time in Amsterdam
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Michael van Gerwen beats Nathan Aspinall 11-4 in the final at AFAS Live in Amsterdam to win his fifth World Series of Darts title; “The biggest challenge for me was the pressure of playing in front of the home crowd, but they have been absolutely fantastic,” van Gerwen said
Last Updated: 17/09/23 10:41pm
Michael van Gerwen wins the World Series of Darts for the fifth time (Photos: Kelly Deckers/PDC)
Michael van Gerwen won his fifth World Series of Darts title in front of his home crowd in Amsterdam.
The three-time world champion beat Nathan Aspinall in their final.
Van Gerwen saw off Aspinall 11-4 in the final at AFAS Live.
Aspinall stayed in touch at the first interval, landing a brilliant double-double 86 finish after van Gerwen missed two darts at tops for a 4-1 lead.
However, van Gerwen took four of the next five legs to stretch his advantage to 7-3, firing in a brace of 14-darters and a spectacular 160 checkout.
Van Gerwen extended his winning run to five straight legs. Though Aspinall stalled him for a moment in leg 14, the home favourite wrapped up victory with a clinical two-dart 63 combination.
Previously this tournament’s champion in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019, van Gerwen delighted the Amsterdam crowd with the triumph.
“The most important thing for me is to win another title on stage,” said van Gerwen, who won World Series events in New York and Poland earlier this year to seal his spot in the season-ending finals.
Van Gerwen with the support of his home crowd
“You always want to perform well, and to do it in front of your home crowd, it gives you such a good feeling.
“I think the biggest challenge for me was the pressure of playing in front of the home crowd, but they have been absolutely fantastic this weekend.”
His victory in the final came after he had earlier defeated Dimitri van den Bergh 10-8, then produced an 11-10 last-four victory over Luke Humphries featuring a sensational nine-darter, the first in the history of the finals.
Aspinall had got past Keegan Brown 10-5 and then Peter Wright 11-9 in the semis.
Watch the best darts live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
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Singapore GP: George Russell sorry to Mercedes for ‘millimetre lapse of concentration’ in final-lap crash
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George Russell left to reflect on “heart-breaking” end to his charge for Mercedes’ first win of the season at Marina Bay; Mercedes say ceding track position and going for the win on fresher tyres was the right way to go in attempt to break Singapore strategy stalemate
Last Updated: 17/09/23 5:23pm
A visibly-emotional George Russell said he felt as though he had “let myself and the team down” after the Mercedes driver’s thrilling late pursuit of victory ended with a crash into the barriers on the final lap of a dramatic Singapore Grand Prix.
In a breathless end to the race as four drivers vied for victory – including both Mercedes’ after second pit stops for newer tyres – Russell was hounding second-placed Lando Norris but tagged the wall on the entry to Turn 10 and went straight on and out of the race.
The Briton’s ultimate sights had been on the next car ahead, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who was staging an expert rear-guard action out front but would have been vulnerable to losing the win to the Mercedes man had Russell got past Norris in time.
“I think we were half a car’s length from winning the race,” Russell told Sky Sports F1.
“Had I got past Lando when I had the opportunity, I think we would have been able to get past Carlos.
George Russell crashes out on the final lap of a thrilling Singapore Grand Prix as Carlos Sainz holds on to win, with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton completing the top three. George Russell crashes out on the final lap of a thrilling Singapore Grand Prix as Carlos Sainz holds on to win, with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton completing the top three.
“Then just the last lap, a millimetre lapse of concentration and game over. So just sorry to the whole team.
“It was a really challenging race, the tyres were dropping off and you are pushing the limits. That’s how racing should be, you make a small mistake and you are bitten for it.
“It’s heart-breaking after such a great weekend – the car has felt great, qualifying was great, the race was great, we were bold with the strategy.
“I feel like I let myself and the team down. It’s tough but we will come back.”
Mercedes have no regrets on strategy gamble | ‘We took the risk’
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says it was very difficult to win the race so they decided to go for it and got a ‘great’ podium for Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says it was very difficult to win the race so they decided to go for it and got a ‘great’ podium for Lewis Hamilton.
Having qualified on the front row next to the polesitting Sainz, Russell dropped behind the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc at the start – and also briefly behind his own team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who had to give the place back for going off track – but regained his grid spot after a Safety Car triggered the first round of pit stops.
Russell then ran close behind the Ferrari until Mercedes used the appearance of a Virtual Safety Car to cede track position with both their cars and gamble on switching to the new sets of medium tyres they had kept back from earlier in the weekend.
On their return to the track in fourth and fifth, Russell and Hamilton were immediately much faster than the leaders, quickly re-passed Leclerc, and then caught up the closely-matched top two to set up a stunning chase over the closing laps.
And while the strategy ultimately didn’t even result in regaining the second place that Russell had vacated, Toto Wolff said the team had been right to go on the attack for what would have been their own first victory of the season.
“Super that Lewis is on the podium. He had a brilliant race and and had pace at the end,” said Wolff to Sky Sports F1. “Just a shame for George because he worked hard for that.
“It was so difficult to win the race if we were just static. So, we said let’s go for it and we just went for it and in the end it’s a podium for Lewis and that’s great,” he said.
“I don’t think we would have been able to win (by staying out during the VSC), that’s why we took the risk. We knew worst case it was third and fifth, best case the win.
“When we came out with several laps, it (the data) showed first and second.”
Get ready to set those early alarms as Formula 1 now heads to Suzuka for the Japanese GP. Watch all sessions live on Sky Sports F1 from September 22-24. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel anytime
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RWC breakdown: Another great win for Ireland over Tonga
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Ireland get their second win at the Rugby World Cup after a resounding 59-16 win over Tonga.
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Raymond van Barneveld upsets Michael Smith at World Series of Darts finals in Amsterdam
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Raymond van Barneveld, 56, who reversed a retirement decision at the end of last year, produced a 156 checkout to level at 4-4 before winning the last two legs for one of his biggest wins in recent years
Last Updated: 16/09/23 11:07pm
Raymond Van Barneveld upset world champion Michael Smith
Raymond van Barneveld rolled back the years to beat world champion Michael Smith and seal his place in the last eight of the World Series of Darts finals in Amsterdam.
The 56-year-old, who reversed a retirement decision at the end of last year, produced a 156 checkout to level at 4-4 before winning the last two legs for one of his biggest wins in recent years.
Fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen survived a scare before seeing off Ireland’s William O’Connor to join Van Barneveld the quarter-finals.
Van Gerwen lost the first three legs of the match before recovering to reel off six of the next seven, including a superb 161 checkout to break throw in the penultimate leg of the match.
Keegan Brown delivered a 164 finish to complete a shock 6-4 win over defending champion Gerwyn Price, while an average of 106.74 saw Luke Humphries claim a dominant 6-3 win over Krzysztof Ratajski.
Rob Cross and Nathan Aspinall also claimed 6-3 wins over Jonny Clayton and Danny Noppert respectively, while below-par Peter Wright had to come from behind to chisel a 6-4 win over Haupai Puha.
Fifth seed Dimitri Van den Bergh completed the quarter-final line-up as he cruised to a 6-1 win over Ricky Evans.
Watch the best darts live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
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Rugby World Cup 2023: England head coach Steve Borthwick highlights World Rugby over inconsistency
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England are without captain Owen Farrell and forward Tom Curry for Sunday’s World Cup match against Japan as the duo serve suspensions following red cards; England head coach Steve Borthwick joined by predecessor Eddie Jones in questioning decisions made by World Rugby
Last Updated: 15/09/23 11:56pm
England head coach Steve Borthwick explains why he decided to start Lewis Ludlam at eight over Billy Vunipola for their Rugby World Cup clash with Japan on Sunday
England head coach Steve Borthwick explains why he decided to start Lewis Ludlam at eight over Billy Vunipola for their Rugby World Cup clash with Japan on Sunday
Steve Borthwick has accused World Rugby of taking an inconsistent approach to disciplinary issues as the England head coach continues to contend with suspensions for his squad members.
Tom Curry was sent off in the third minute of Saturday’s World Cup victory over Argentina for a dangerous tackle and received a two-match ban, yet similar incidents involving South Africa’s Jesse Kriel and Martin Sigren of Chile failed to produce a dismissal, citing or suspension.
It has raised concerns in the England camp, and beyond, over the officiating of illegal challenges involving the head.
Borthwick also highlighted when Owen Farrell was sent off for a dangerous tackle against Wales and then cleared by a disciplinary hearing, World Rugby intervened by appealing against the decision.
“There has been a large amount of commentary from different sources about what appears to be a lack of consistency and transparency in the decision-making process,” Borthwick said.
Kevin Sinfield says despite three red cards in four games, England do not have a discipline problem and there is too much ‘noise’ around the squad Kevin Sinfield says despite three red cards in four games, England do not have a discipline problem and there is too much ‘noise’ around the squad
“Now it’s not my role to comment on that, it’s World Rugby’s. I also note there was a tremendous amount of comment from World Rugby on Owen Farrell for a couple of weeks during our preparation for this tournament.
“It was a situation that went on and on with lots of comment from World Rugby. I note there hasn’t been very many comments from World Rugby – I’m told – in the last week or so. I will leave that to World Rugby.”
The suspended Curry is one of three players to drop out of England’s starting XV for Sunday’s clash with Japan.
Borthwick has opted to start Lewis Ludlam at No 8 ahead of Billy Vunipola, who is available again after serving a four-match suspension.
While Vunipola could only earn a place on the bench, props Kyle Sinckler and Joe Marler have been inserted to the starting line-up.
Jones: Use of TMO fraught with danger
Australia head coach Eddie Jones also used his press conference on Friday to question the sport’s international governing body.
“I think our use of the TMO in rugby is fraught with danger; that we’re asking a referee in the grandstand to make decisions on a different angle on the game, through video,” former England boss Jones said.
Australia head coach Eddie Jones was happy to come away with a victory over Georgia in their World Cup opener, but expects his side to improve as the tournament progresses Australia head coach Eddie Jones was happy to come away with a victory over Georgia in their World Cup opener, but expects his side to improve as the tournament progresses
“And it’s not making the game a better spectacle, it’s not making it a better game for the players, and I think we’re just lucky because international rugby is so popular. But I think we really need to improve the game and at the end of this World Cup there’ll be an opportunity to do that.”
Jones, whose Australia side are also in action on Sunday, against Fiji, suggested that some of the changes implemented by World Rugby in attempt to make the game safer are actually having the opposite effect.
“World Rugby have tried to make the game safer, but they’ve made it more powerful by having more stoppages in the game,” Jones added. “And there’s risk to that, there are risks when the game becomes more powerful.
“The game’s evolving into these 30-second bouts of absolute power. This World Cup will be decided by who can win those power contests. You need the game to be more continuous. The average ball-in-play is 30 seconds, the average break in the game is 70 seconds, so you encourage a power contest. We need more continuous play.”
Follow England’s Rugby World Cup match against Japan across Sky Sports’ digital platforms from 7.30pm, kick-off 8pm on Sunday.
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Toto Wolff: Mercedes following Felipe Massa legal case ‘with interest’ as it will ‘set precedent’ over Lewis Hamilton 2021 title
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Toto Wolff says Mercedes “are looking from the sidelines with curiosity” at Felipe Massa’s legal challenge over 2008 world championship; Massa is seeking to get 2008 Singapore GP result annulled due to the Crashgate scandal; Massa lost out on the 2008 title by one point to Lewis Hamilton
Last Updated: 15/09/23 3:55pm
Toto Wolff is watching Felipe Massa’s legal challenge over the 2008 world championship ‘with interest’
Toto Wolff says Mercedes are following Felipe Massa’s legal case around the 2008 world championship “with interest” as the outcome will “set a precedent”.
Massa lost the 2008 title by one point to Lewis Hamilton, who drove for McLaren at the time, and the Brazilian is developing a legal case arguing that the result of that year’s Singapore GP should be annulled due to the ‘Crashgate’ scandal, whereby Renault told Nelson Piquet Jr to crash intentionally to benefit his team-mate Fernando Alonso, who eventually won.
Massa sought legal advice after former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was quoted in March as saying he and former FIA president Max Mosley knew in 2008 that Piquet’s crash was deliberate but had not acted.
F1’s regulations state that the season’s results are final once the world championship trophy is handed out at the end-of-season prize-giving awards.
Speaking on Friday, Wolff said the case was “interesting to follow” for Mercedes.
“Clearly not something that anybody saw coming,” Wolff said in Singapore.
“The rule is pretty clear in Formula 1. There’s a civil case behind it, it will certainly set a precedent whatever it is.
“We are looking from the sidelines with curiosity.”
That curiosity is how the outcome could influence any action from Mercedes over Lewis Hamilton’s controversial title loss to Max Verstappen in 2021.
Max Verstappen passes Lewis Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi to win the 2021 F1 Championship! Max Verstappen passes Lewis Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi to win the 2021 F1 Championship!
Hamilton lost the title on the final lap of the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP after race director Michael Masi contravened F1 regulations with his handling of the late Safety Car and his allowing of one final racing lap between Verstappen and Hamilton.
Masi called the Safety Car back into the pit lane without it having completed an additional lap as required by the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations and only allowed the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves and not all lapped cars.
Verstappen, on fresh tyres, subsequently overtook Hamilton on the race’s final lap to claim the race win and world title.
Mercedes withdrew their appeal against the race result ahead of the 2021 prize-giving ceremony, with Verstappen subsequently confirmed as champion.
In March last year, the FIA confirmed “human error” was a factor in the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP title controversy, but said race director Masi acted in “good faith” and the results from the race and championship are “valid”.
Pressed on his curiosity and race management influencing a race result and whether the 2021 title outcome could be reopened if Massa’s case proved successful, Wolff replied: “The FIA commented on the 2021 race with a clear statement.
“So that is why we are looking at it with interest.”
Speaking on Thursday, Hamilton said of Massa’s legal case: “I’m really not focused on what happened 15 years ago or two years ago.
“I’m focused on right now and how to help my team build towards winning another world championship and the future.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Singapore GP schedule
Saturday September 16
10.15am: Singapore GP Practice Three (session starts at 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: Singapore GP Qualifying
3.45pm: Ted’s Qualifying NotebookSunday September 17
11.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up
1pm: THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP reaction
4pm: Ted’s NotebookNext up for the F1 circus are the stunning streets of Singapore under the lights. All sessions from the Singapore GP will be live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel anytime
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Luis Alberto Lopez and Joet Gonzalez weigh-in!
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Luis Alberto Lopez and Joet Gonzalez weigh-in ahead of their World Featherweight Championship fight.
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Toto Wolff suggests 2021 F1 regulations were made to stop Mercedes dominance after Lewis Hamilton’s seventh title
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In 2021, Mercedes controversially lost the drivers’ championship for the first time in eight years; Max Verstappen went head to head with Lewis Hamilton in one of the most dramatic seasons in F1’s history; watch the Singapore GP live on Sky Sports F1 starting this Friday
By Nigel Chiu
Last Updated: 12/09/23 2:04pm
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff questions whether Max Verstappen would hold any importance to setting a new record of ten consecutive Grand Prix wins
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff questions whether Max Verstappen would hold any importance to setting a new record of ten consecutive Grand Prix wins
Toto Wolff has suggested the 2021 Formula 1 regulations were made to hurt Mercedes, which was one reason why they lost the drivers’ championship.
Mercedes entered 2021 on the back of a record-equalling seventh world title for Lewis Hamilton but soon realised they would face a big fight with Red Bull and Max Verstappen.
In mid-2020, changes to the floor regulations were announced for the 2021 season which saw limits to the floor in a bid to slow down the cars and reduce downforce.
These changes appeared to hurt the low-rake cars the most, including Mercedes and Aston Martin. Hamilton controversially lost the drivers’ title on the last lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to Verstappen following a late-race safety car.
“We lost the 2021 drivers’ championship for many reasons. One was the final race. But we also lost it because those regulations were set in place in order reduce the advantage we had,” explained Wolff.
Jenson Button gives his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s latest comments on Max Verstappen’s driving partners, as well as looking at the future for Lando Norris Jenson Button gives his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s latest comments on Max Verstappen’s driving partners, as well as looking at the future for Lando Norris
“2020 had been a super dominant year for us. I think it was the best car we ever had. Then, towards the end of the season, they changed the regulations by cutting the floor and that was to stop us.
“We saw the results in 2021, we were not as competitive as Red Bull was but at Silverstone we unlocked more potential of the car and got ourselves back into the championship. These regulations were targeted to reset the pecking order.”
Wolff: F1 can’t be WWE
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Singapore Grand Prix Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Singapore Grand Prix
Mercedes were the last team to beat Red Bull – at last year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix – and since then, the Milton Keynes-based outfit have won an unprecedented 15 races in a row.
Verstappen is setting new records himself as he is on course to set new benchmarks for the most wins and podiums in a season. He has already made history with the most consecutive victories for a driver and is looking to add to his 10 straight wins this weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix – live on Sky Sports F1.
Mercedes went through their own dominant seasons between 2014 and 2016, plus 2020, when they were clearly in a league of their own.
Wolff says it is up to Mercedes to catch up, rather than rules being changed to slow down a dominant team.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Nico Rosberg reveals the extreme physical challenge drivers face during a race weekend in Singapore Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Nico Rosberg reveals the extreme physical challenge drivers face during a race weekend in Singapore
“As a team principal, I don’t want to jump on the bandwagon that others have done in the past of saying ‘we need to change the regulations because we can’t continue with the dominance of a team’,” he said.
“If a team dominates in the way Max has done with Red Bull then it’s fair dues. This is a meritocracy. As long as you comply with the regulations, technical sporting and financial, you just need to say ‘well done’. It’s up to us to catch up and if that takes a long time, then it takes a long time.
“I remember people crying foul when it was us. Entertainment follows sport and not the other way around. We can’t be WWE, with scripted content. We don’t want to be scripted content.”
Max Verstappen had a weekend to forget last year in Singapore following a fuel-shortage blunder in qualifying and an error-filled race where he finished seventh Max Verstappen had a weekend to forget last year in Singapore following a fuel-shortage blunder in qualifying and an error-filled race where he finished seventh
Sky Sports F1’s live Singapore GP schedule
Friday September 15
10am: Singapore GP Practice One (session starts at 10.30pm)
1.45pm: Singapore GP Practice Two (session starts at 2pm)
3.30pm: The F1 ShowSaturday September 16
10.15am: Singapore GP Practice Three (session starts at 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: Singapore GP Qualifying
3.45pm: Ted’s Qualifying NotebookSunday September 17
11.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up
1pm: THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP reaction
4pm: Ted’s NotebookNext up for the F1 circus are the stunning streets of Singapore under the lights. All sessions from the Singapore GP will be live on Sky Sports F1 from September 15-17. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel anytime
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‘He wanted people’s standards to go up’ | Mike Phelan explains Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United exit
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Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan discusses Cristiano Ronaldo’s two spells at Old Trafford and reflects on his departure from the club.
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Rugby World Cup: England inspired by verbal ‘rocket’ from Kevin Sinfield as they start tournament with win
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England defence coach Kevin Sinfield laid into the team after defeat to Fiji in late August, says Freddie Steward, with that blast inspiring Steve Borthwick’s men in victory over Argentina in World Cup opener; England triumph 27-10 despite early red card for Tom Curry
Last Updated: 11/09/23 11:17pm
Freddie Steward says strong words from Kevin Sinfield inspired England in their World Cup victory over Argentina
Freddie Steward says England’s heroic victory over Argentina in their World Cup opener was inspired by a verbal “rocket” from defence coach Kevin Sinfield after the recent humbling defeat to Fiji.
Steve Borthwick’s men suffered a first-ever loss to Fiji in late August, going down 30-22 in what was arguably the side’s lowest ebb, but they rebounded a fortnight later to defeat Argentina 27-10 despite playing virtually the whole game with 14 men following Tom Curry’s early red card.
Curry faces a disciplinary hearing in Paris on Tuesday, with the flanker expected to learn the length of his ban for a challenge that led to a clash of heads with Pumas back Juan Cruz Mallia.
Full-back Steward said: “We got a bit of a rocket after that [Fiji] game.
Tom Curry will attend a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday following his red card in England’s opening World Cup match against Argentina. Tom Curry will attend a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday following his red card in England’s opening World Cup match against Argentina.
‘Sinfield a bloke you don’t want to let down’
“There were no complaints about that, it needed to happen. We had a very thorough review, which we needed, and we reaped the benefits against Argentina. It was necessary for that to happen.
“That’s what makes Kev such a good defence coach – he’s so inspiring. He motivates us so much and he’s the sort of bloke you don’t want to let down. That’s testament to him as a bloke. When you go out there, part of it is you do it for him.
“You don’t want to see a guy like that, who puts his heart and soul into us in his work with his defence, feel let down.
“Kev is big on covering each other’s backs. That’s his big thing. He wants a defensive unit that are going to work incredibly hard for each other and, when it goes wrong, cover up for each other.
“Inevitably, you can be as good a defender as you want as a full-back but there are going to be times where it doesn’t go to plan and that is where you get tested. That’s his main ethos.”
Sinfield says England’s win over Argentina was ‘just the start’
Sinfield: Fans would have loved our fight and spirit
Sinfield says England must build on a resolute display ahead of their second World Cup fixture against Japan in Nice on Sunday.
“It is just a start. We saw lots of what we had seen in training against Argentina, which is pleasing, but I still feel there is so much in this team – so much improvement, so much growth,” Sinfield said.
“To get the win, given the noise that has been around us and the way the group have really circled the wagons – metaphorically that is – is really pleasing.
“We saw a fight, a spirit and attitude that the people at home supporting us and in the ground would have loved to have seen, and for us as coaches that is particularly pleasing, (but) we know we need to be better.
“Part of our challenge as coaches and part of the challenge of the playing group is to ensure this is not an anomaly, it is the start.”
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NFL: Travis Kelce could return for Kansas City Chiefs against Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend
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Travis Kelce missed Kansas City Chiefs’ defeat to Detroit Lions in NFL season opener but is making progress ahead of Sunday’s clash with Jacksonville Jaguars, live on Sky Sports; Chiefs head coach Andy Reid says team “will work things out” after loss in Week One
Last Updated: 11/09/23 9:59pm
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is making progress, says head coach Andy Reid
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce could return for his team’s game against Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Kelce hyperextended his knee in training last week and missed the reigning Super Bowl champions’ 21-20 defeat to Detroit Lions but head coach Andy Reid says the 33-year-old’s fitness is improving.
Reid said: “Travis is getting better. We’ll see how he does the rest of today or tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”
In Kelce’s absence against Lions, backup tight ends Noah Gray and Blake Bell combined to catch five passes for 43 yards.
Highlights of the Detroit Lions’ win over Kansas City Chiefs during Week One of the NFL season. Highlights of the Detroit Lions’ win over Kansas City Chiefs during Week One of the NFL season.
Kadarius Toney, meanwhile, had several of the eight drops by Kansas receivers.
Reid added: “We’ll get the receiving things taken care of. I feel good about the receivers we have.
“We are not normally guys that drop the ball but we did and we have to fix it. I think there is talent that will just keep improving as they continue to play. I have seen them do it before. I think we’ll get that worked out.
Live NFL
September 17, 2023, 5:00pm
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“We’ve all got to do better. That’s the thing I took out of this. Whether it’s coaching, it’s playing, the O-line, the D-line – we can all take something out of this game and get better at it.
“There were spurts of good and there were spurts of not-so good, and we were in position to win the game. Normally we do that and we did not.”
Chiefs’ game with Jaguars is live on Sky Sports Action from 5pm on Sunday, with coverage also on Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm
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BMW PGA Championship: Key TV times and ways to watch as Ryder Cup stars all feature at Wentworth
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Who is playing in the BMW PGA Championship? When does coverage start? Ways to watch the DP World Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth live from Thursday September 14 on Sky Sports, ahead of the Ryder Cup later this month in Rome
Last Updated: 11/09/23 11:04am
Europe’s Ryder Cup stars are all in action at the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event of the DP World Tour calendar, with extended coverage live on Sky Sports Golf
Europe’s Ryder Cup stars are all in action at the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event of the DP World Tour calendar, with extended coverage live on Sky Sports Golf
The stars of Europe’s next Ryder Cup team are all in action this week at the BMW PGA Championship, with extended coverage live on Sky Sports.
All 12 of Luke Donald’s side are scheduled to tee it up at Wentworth in the flagship event of the DP World Tour calendar, beginning on Thursday, ahead of trying to regain the Ryder Cup when the biennial contest takes place in Rome later this month.
Shane Lowry returns as defending champion after last year’s one-shot victory, with the Irishman looking to build on an impressive week at home soil at the Horizon Irish Open and become the first player since Donald to win back-to-back BMW PGA Championship titles.
The best of the action from the final round of the 2022 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth The best of the action from the final round of the 2022 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth
Rory McIlroy holds a commanding 2,350-point advantage over Jon Rahm at the top of the DP World Tour season-long standings as he targets Race to Dubai victory for a fifth time, with both players aiming to go one better than their joint runner-up finish in 2022.
McIlroy has already won two Rolex Series titles this season, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Genesis Scottish Open, with this week’s event the fourth of five Rolex Series events on the DP World Tour schedule.
Highlights from a dramatic final round as Rory McIlroy secured a dramatic victory over Robert MacIntyre at the Scottish Open Highlights from a dramatic final round as Rory McIlroy secured a dramatic victory over Robert MacIntyre at the Scottish Open
2019 champion Tyrrell Hatton, FedExCup winner Viktor Hovland and new star Ludvig Åberg are all part of a strong line-up, with Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Sepp Straka, Nicolai Hojgaard and Robert MacIntyre completing the Ryder Cup contingent in the field.
Sky Sports will have extended coverage from one of the highlights of the golfing calendar, with Featured Group action available from all four rounds and over 35 hours of live golf throughout the tournament.
Featured Group coverage starts at 8.30am each day on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of the full coverage beginning from midday for all four rounds. Coverage runs until 6pm from Thursday to Saturday and 5.30pm on Sunday, with extended highlights also available each day.
TV Times (on Sky Sports Golf)
Thursday September 14
8.30am to 12pm – Featured Groups
Live DP World Tour Golf
September 14, 2023, 8:30am
Live on
12pm to 6pm – Full live coverage
Friday September 15
8.30am to 12pm – Featured Groups
12pm to 6pm – Full live coverage
Rory McIlroy (right) and Jon Rahm (left) are the two highest-ranked players in the field at Wentworth
Saturday September 16
8.30am to 12pm – Featured Groups
12pm to 6pm – Full live coverage
Sunday September 17
8.30am to 12pm – Featured Groups
12pm to 5.30pm – Full live coverage
Team Europe captain Luke Donald’s 12-man Ryder Cup team is complete – meet the golfers looking to win back the trophy Team Europe captain Luke Donald’s 12-man Ryder Cup team is complete – meet the golfers looking to win back the trophy
What else should you know?
Download the Sky Sports App to get news, interviews, highlights and clips, plus a dedicated blog over the final two rounds. Viewers can follow the coverage on the move via SkyGo, while non-Sky subscribers can get Sky Sports to keep up with the extensive Sky Sports Golf coverage or stream the biggest moments on NOW.
Watch the BMW PGA Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday with Featured Groups from 8.30am ahead of full coverage from midday on Sky Sports Golf.
Live coverage from the opening day of the Ryder Cup begins on Friday September 29 from 6am on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the PGA Tour, DP Tour, Ryder Cup and more with NOW.
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‘What a grab!’ | Incredible one-handed catch from Mitchell Santner!
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Take a bow Mitchell Santner! Watch this incredible catch from the New Zealander during the second ODI against England.
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Cooper Kupp: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver ruled out for first four games of NFL season
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Cooper Kupp injured his hamstring at the beginning of August in training camp and has since aggravated it; despite seeing a specialist for treatment he was unable to recuperate sufficiently and will not play for at least another month
Last Updated: 09/09/23 9:26pm
The Los Angeles Rams’ star receiver Cooper Kupp will miss the team’s first four games of the new NFL season after being placed on the injured reserve list.
Kupp will now be sidelined until at least Week Five, when the Rams host Philadelphia on October 8.
The Rams also put new tight end Hunter Long on injured reserve on Saturday, just one day before their season opener in Seattle against the Seahawks.
Kupp injured his hamstring August 1 in training camp, and he aggravated the injury late last month. The Super Bowl 56 MVP got treatment and saw a specialist in Minnesota in recent days but didn’t improve enough to play.
Kupp also missed the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury. He won the triple crown of receiving in 2021 and was named the AP’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year before leading the Rams to their Super Bowl victory over Cincinnati.
The Rams also signed kicker Brett Maher and quarterback Brett Rypien from their practice squad ahead of their trip to Seattle to face the Seahawks. Rypien will be the backup to Matthew Stafford in the absence of Stetson Bennett, who wasn’t put on injured reserve despite a shoulder problem which is likely to prevent him from suiting up in Seattle.
Los Angeles also signed linebacker Troy Reeder from its practice squad, ahead of the trip to Lumen Field.
Week One of the 2023 NFL season continues Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers visit the Steelers, with coverage from 4.30pm ahead of kickoff at 6pm, followed by the Dolphins at Chargers at 9.25pm. Stream with NOW.
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