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The best action from The Hundred clash between Trent Rockets and Southern Brave.
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Tag: Sky
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Aaron Rodgers hits back at Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton: ‘Keep my coaches’ names out of your mouth’
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Aaron Rodgers fired back at Sean Payton, saying: “It made me feel bad that someone who’s accomplished a lot is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall”; Payton had been highly critical of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett
Last Updated: 30/07/23 10:20pm
Aaron Rodgers has responded to a war of words with Sean Patyon. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Aaron Rodgers defended offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett after the latter recently was slated by Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton.
The New York Jets quarterback responded to the critical comments Denver Broncos’ head coach Payton recently made about Hackett.
On Thursday Payton told USA Today that Hackett’s 15-game stint with the Broncos last season “was one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL”.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers works with Nathaniel Hackett
The Broncos were 4-11 when they fired Hackett and finished 5-12.
Payton also said there were “20 dirty hands” around Russell Wilson’s career-worst season, and directed some pointed remarks at the Jets – Hackett’s new team where he and Rodgers are reunited after enjoying success together at Green Bay.
Payton subsequently apologized for his comments on Friday. However Rodgers didn’t let it end there.
“It made me feel bad that someone who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year,” Rodgers told NFL Network.
“I think it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”
Rodgers, acquired by New York in April from Green Bay, said Hackett is “arguably my favourite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL”.
They worked together for two of Rodgers’ four NFL MVP awards in 2020 and 2021 with the Packers.
Payton also criticized the Jets for being the latest NFL team “trying to win the offseason” – something he said the Broncos tried to do under Hackett and were “embarrassed”.
On Thursday Jets coach Robert Saleh said: “Hackett’s doing a phenomenal job here.”
He added: “There’s a lot of people that are hating on us and a lot of people looking for us to fail.”
Rodgers said Hackett is “arguably my favourite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL”
Payton on Friday said he regretted the remarks in which he disparaged Hackett, and said he would reach out to him and Saleh “at the right time”.
“Listen, I had one of those moments where I still had my Fox hat on and not my coaching hat,” said Payton, who’s returning to the sideline this season after a year’s sabbatical during which he worked as a studio football analyst for Fox Sports following a 15-year stint with the New Orleans Saints.
Rodgers told NFL Network he thought Payton’s initial comments “were very surprising, for a coach to do that to another coach”.
Meanwhile, the back-and-forth makes the Jets’ matchup in Denver in Week 5 on October 8 a bit spicier.
Payton acknowledged it “certainly will bring more interest to the game when we play them, but that seems like years from now”.
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Belgian GP: Max Verstappen leads home Sergio Perez in one-two as Red Bull claim record-extending 13th straight win
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Max Verstappen overcame a five-place grid penalty to ease to victory at the Belgian GP: Sergio Perez came second to complete a Red Bull one-two, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completing the podium; Red Bull extended their record winning streak with a 13th successive triumph
Last Updated: 30/07/23 3:41pm
Max Verstappen came from sixth on the grid to lead team-mate Sergio Perez home in a Red Bull one-two at the Belgian Grand Prix, as the team claimed a record-extending 13th successive victory.
Having been demoted from the pole position he claimed after receiving a five-place grid penalty for exceeding his gearbox allowance, Verstappen eased through the field to become just the second driver to win eight successive Formula 1 races.
Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc, who was overtaken by Perez on the first lap, held off the challenge of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton to claim just his third podium of the season for Ferrari.
Fernando Alonso arrested Aston Martin’s recent slump to take fifth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Alpine’s Esteban Ocon produced a late overtake on Alonso’s Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll to claim eighth, while Yuki Tsunoda took a valuable final point for AlphaTauri in 10th.
Sergio Perez leads the Belgian GP after the opening lap, with Oscar Piastri already out following an early incident. Sergio Perez leads the Belgian GP after the opening lap, with Oscar Piastri already out following an early incident.
Verstappen gained two places on the opening lap as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri clashed at the first corner in an incident that eventually led to the retirement of both cars, before the Dutchman calmly eased past Hamilton, Leclerc and Perez to take the lead after 17 of the 44 laps.
From there, a brief rain shower that wasn’t strong enough to force any of the field onto intermediate tyres was the only threat to Verstappen extending his winning run, as he almost went off at the high-speed Eau Rouge.
With disaster averted, Verstappen eased into the distance, ignoring suggestions from his race engineer to drive more carefully as he opened up a 22-second gap to Perez by the time they took the chequered flag.
Max Verstappen and his Red Bull engineer continue to squabble at the Belgian GP. Max Verstappen and his Red Bull engineer continue to squabble at the Belgian GP.
The 25-year-old, who appears all but certain to claim a third successive drivers’ title, extends his world championship lead over Perez to 125 points going into the sport’s summer break, having also won Saturday’s Sprint at Spa.
When the season resumes at his home race in Zandvoort in late August, Verstappen will have the opportunity to match Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine successive Grand Prix wins, which was also set in a Red Bull car back in 2013.
Along with extending the overall record they set in Hungary last time out, Red Bull now have the most successive wins within a season, having won all 12 races of the 2023 campaign.
Belgian GP result
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
3) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
4) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
5) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
6) George Russell, Mercedes
7) Lando Norris, McLaren
8) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
9) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
10) Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauriMore to follow…
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Belgian GP Sprint: Max Verstappen overcomes chaotic start to beat Oscar Piastri in wet Spa contest
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Max Verstappen recovers from losing the lead at the start to beat Oscar Piastri to victory in the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint; Pierre Gasly takes third for Alpine; watch the Belgian Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 at 2pm on Sunday, with build-up from 12:30pm
Last Updated: 29/07/23 5:42pm
Max Verstappen won the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint after recovering from losing the lead during a chaotic wet start to beat McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at Spa.
After the contest, which was reduced from 15 to 11 laps because of rain delays, eventually began behind the Safety Car, half the field immediately pitted to swap the wet tyres they were obliged to start on.
Piastri, who started second, was one of those to pit immediately and took the lead from Red Bull’s Verstappen, who came in to switch to intermediates a lap later.
However, after Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso spun into the gravel trap, another Safety Car interruption provided Verstappen with the opportunity to pass Piastri at the restart.
Max Verstappen quickly retakes the lead from Oscar Piastri after the McLaren driver struggled with the Sprint Race restart at the Belgian GP. Max Verstappen quickly retakes the lead from Oscar Piastri after the McLaren driver struggled with the Sprint Race restart at the Belgian GP.
The world championship leader, who extended his lead at the top of the standings to 118 points with the win, then eased into the distance to win by more than six seconds.
Pierre Gasly took third for Alpine after climbing three places amid the early pit stops, claiming a much needed positive result for the French team on the weekend they announced the sacking of team principal Otmar Szafnauer.
Lewis Hamilton, who followed Gasly forward from seventh at the start, finished behind the Alpine on track but was demoted to seventh after receiving a five-second penalty for causing a collision with Sergio Perez in a battle for fourth, which resulted in damage forcing the Red Bull to retire.
Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez make contact as they go wheel to wheel through the Stavelot corner. Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez make contact as they go wheel to wheel through the Stavelot corner.
The beneficiaries of Hamilton’s penalty were Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who moved up to fourth and fifth respectively, while McLaren’s Lando Norris improved to sixth.
George Russell narrowly missed out on taking seventh from his Mercedes team-mate Hamilton, but took the final point, having passed AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo to deny the Australian his first points since returning to the sport earlier in July.
Verstappen will be looking to add an eighth successive Grand Prix victory in Sunday’s full length contest at Spa, but starts from sixth despite topping Friday’s Qualifying after incurring a five-place grid penalty for exceeding his gearbox part allowance for the season.
Watch the wild scramble on the first lap of the Belgian GP Sprint as half of field enters the pit lane! Watch the wild scramble on the first lap of the Belgian GP Sprint as half of field enters the pit lane!
Belgian GP Sprint Result: Top 10
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull (8 points)
2) Oscar Piastri, McLaren (7 points)
3) Pierre Gasly, Alpine (6 points)
4) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari (5 points)
5) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (4 points)
6) Lando Norris, McLaren (3 points)
7) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes (2 points)
8) George Russell, Mercedes (1 point)
9) Daniel Ricciardo, AlphaTauri
10) Esteban Ocon, AlpineMore to follow…
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Hull KR 34-16 Castleford Tigers: Rovers strengthen grip on Super League top-six with victory
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Tom Opacic, Rhys Kennedy, Kane Linnett, Elliot Minchella, James Batchelor and Ethan Ryan score tries as Hull KR beat Castleford Tigers in Friday’s Super League action; Rovers back up their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan with a business-like victory over the Tigers
Last Updated: 28/07/23 10:21pm
Rhys Kennedy was among the tries for Hull KR as they defeated Castleford on Friday
Hull KR strengthened their grip on a top-six spot in the Betfred Super League with a 34-16 win over strugglers Castleford at Craven Park.
Rovers scored six tries to the visitors’ three as they backed up their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan with a business-like victory over the Tigers.
While Rovers can go to Wigan next week in a relaxed frame of mind ahead of their Wembley showdown with Leigh, the 11th-placed Tigers are once again left nervous about their Super League status.
Rovers grabbed the lead with 14 minutes gone as Tom Opacic dotted down in the right corner after they had kept the ball alive across the field through Jez Litten’s kick, which the visitors knocked on.
Brad Schneider was on hand to collect and feed Opacic, who gave his side the lead despite the best efforts of the visitors’ defence.
Rovers soon doubled their lead thanks to a fine sniping run by Mikey Lewis. Litten’s pass to Rhys Kennedy saw the prop go over near the posts to give Rowan Milnes a simple conversion for a 10-0 lead at the midway point of the first half.
Rovers made it three tries five minutes later as Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s offload found Lewis and he saw Kane Linnett in support for another easy score which Milnes improved.
Castleford were back in the game with 11 minutes left in the half as Will Tate scored from an offload close in and Riley Dean’s kick reduced the arrears to 10 points.
Ethan Ryan was denied a try down the right for a forward pass and Castleford claimed their second score as full-back Jack Broadbent found a gap to dive over to make the score 16-10 to Rovers at the break.
The home side added try number four two minutes after the restart as a fine run by Matt Parcell carved open the Tigers defence to set up Elliot Minchella and Milnes pushed the gap out to 12.
James Batchelor powered his way forward before reaching to touch down to become the fifth home try scorer and Milnes’ fourth conversion made it 28-10.
Broadbent was then shown a yellow card as he prevented Matty Storton from playing the ball close to the posts after stopping his fine run. Milnes kicked the penalty to stretch the lead.
Rovers made the player advantage pay as Schneider looped a pass to Ryan wide on the right for their sixth try, with a little under 20 minutes remaining.
With eight minutes to go, Greg Eden’s try in the left corner and Dean’s tricky kick from out wide were of little consolation for Castleford as the home side secured the Roger Millward Trophy.
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Max Verstappen to take five-place Belgian GP grid penalty after Red Bull driver exceeds gearbox allowance
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Max Verstappen has won the last seven races to open up a 110-point world championship lead; Red Bull are on a record 12-race winning streak; It’s a Sprint weekend! Watch Belgian GP Qualifying at 4pm on Friday live on Sky Sports F1
Last Updated: 28/07/23 8:38am
Max Verstappen is set to receive a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Belgian GP
World Championship leader Max Verstappen will receive a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix after exceeding his gearbox allowance for the 2023 Formula 1 season.
While the FIA has yet to officially confirm the gearbox change and resulting penalty, Sky Sports News has learned Red Bull have taken the decision
The penalty will apply to Sunday’s race, for which Qualifying is taking place on Friday as Spa-Francorchamps hosts the third Sprint weekend of the season.
It means Verstappen will line up no higher than sixth on the grid for the Grand Prix.
Each F1 car is limited to four gearboxes over the season, and Verstappen is the first driver to require a fifth assembly this year.
Verstappen says he has good memories at his second home circuit of Spa and hopes Red Bull can find the compromise for both dry and wet conditions Verstappen says he has good memories at his second home circuit of Spa and hopes Red Bull can find the compromise for both dry and wet conditions
Verstappen’s stunning run of seven successive victories has enabled him to open a 110-point world championship lead, and the overtaking opportunities at Spa should provide him with a chance to extend that run despite the grid penalty.
Last year the Dutchman lined up 14th on the grid in Belgium due to engine penalties but came through the field to claim a commanding victory.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen will be keen to break further records this season, ensuring his legacy in the sport stands the test of time Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen will be keen to break further records this season, ensuring his legacy in the sport stands the test of time
Rain is forecast to affect Friday’s qualifying session, which takes place at 4pm, as well as possibly Sunday’s race which gives Verstappen an additional challenge as he seeks to negate the impact of his demotion.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz on Thursday, Verstappen said: “The weather looks quite interesting with a lot of rain around.
“From our side we know that the car is quick and hopefully we can find a good compromise between possible rain or dry on Sunday.”
Verstappen recorded the biggest victory margin of the 2023 season last time out in Hungary as he finished 33 seconds ahead of Lando Norris’ McLaren.
Verstappen wins in Hungary, making it a record 12th win in a row for Red Bull Verstappen wins in Hungary, making it a record 12th win in a row for Red Bull
Sky Sports F1’s live Belgian GP schedule
Friday July 28
8.55am: Formula 3 Practice
10am: Formula 2 Practice
12pm: Belgian GP Practice One (session starts 12.30pm)
1.55pm: Formula 3 Qualifying
2.50pm: Formula 2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Belgian GP Qualifying build-up
4pm: Belgian GP Qualifying
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying NotebookSaturday July 29
8.55am: Formula 3 Sprint Race
10.30am: Belgian GP Sprint Shootout build-up
11am: Belgian GP Sprint Shootout
12.40pm: Formula 2 Sprint Race
2.30pm: Belgian GP Sprint build-up
3.30pm: BELGIAN GP SPRINT
5pm: Ted’s Sprint NotebookSunday July 30
7.25am: Formula 3 Feature Race
8.55am: Formula 2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – Belgian GP build-up
2pm: THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag – Belgian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s NotebookNext up is the Belgian GP, the final race before F1’s summer break – watch all sessions of the Sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from July 28-30. Stream the Belgian GP and more with NOW.
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Lee Johnson: Hibernian’s defeat to Inter Club d’Escaldes not an embarrassment
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Lee Johnson refuses to call Hibs’ 2-1 defeat to Inter Club d’Escaldes an embarrassment and insists the fans must get behind the team ahead of the Conference League qualifier second leg.
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Stafford McDowall and Cameron Henderson set for Scotland debuts against Italy in Rugby World Cup warm-up clash
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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has handed uncapped pair Stafford McDowell and Cameron Henderson an opportunity to impress after naming an experimental team to face Italy in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up clash; Rory Darge captains the hosts in the match at Murrayfield
Last Updated: 26/07/23 12:04pm
Stafford McDowall has been named in Scotland’s starting line-up against Italy
Stafford McDowall and Cameron Henderson are set to make their Scotland debuts in their country’s first World Cup warm-up match at home to Italy on Saturday.
Head coach Gregor Townsend has named an experimental starting XV and replacements bench, with very few of his senior players involved as he runs the rule over his squad before finalising his 33-player group for the showpiece tournament in France in the coming weeks.
Glasgow Warriors centre McDowall starts in the midfield alongside Chris Harris, while Leicester Tigers second row Henderson has been named among the replacements in a team which Rory Darge will captain for the first time.
Outside centre Harris and scrum-half Ali Price are back in the starting line-up after losing their places for the Six Nations earlier this year.
Elsewhere, there is a welcome return for Darcy Graham as he starts on the wing after missing the Six Nations through injury.
The Edinburgh man’s new clubmate Ben Healy, who won his first cap during the Six Nations, will make his first start at fly-half
Glasgow full-back Ollie Smith, who won his third cap in the final Six Nations match against the Italians in March, gets another chance to stake a claim for the No 15 jersey following the recent retirement of Stuart Hogg.
Cameron Henderson is set to win his first Scotland cap off the replacements bench against Italy
In the pack, prop Rory Sutherland is back in the starting line-up while Murphy Walker will win his third cap.
Finn Russell, captain Jamie Ritchie, Grant Gilchrist, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Richie Gray, Duhan Van Der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, Zander Fagerson and Ben White are among several senior players who have been given the afternoon off.
Scotland have further World Cup warm-up matches against France, who they face home and away, and Georgia to come in August.
Townsend’s side then kick off their World Cup campaign against reigning champions South Africa in Marseille on September 10, with Ireland, Romania and Tonga providing their other opponents in Pool B.
Scotland team to face Italy
15 Ollie Smith, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Stafford McDowall, 11 Kyle Steyn; 10 Ben Healy, 9 Ali Price; 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 George Turner, 3 Murphy Walker, 4 Sam Skinner, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Luke Crosbie, 7 Rory Darge (captain), 8 Matt Fagerson.
Replacements: 16 Stuart McInally, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Cameron Henderson, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Blair Kinghorn, 23 Cameron Redpath.
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St Helens head coach Paul Wellens hits out at RFL for ‘failing to protect players’ after four Saints stars injured
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Alex Walmsley, Agnatius Paasi, Morgan Knowles and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook were all injured in tackles by Leigh Leopards’ John Asiata; St Helens head coach Paul Wellens hit out at the RFL for lack of punishment for the tackles
Last Updated: 25/07/23 6:56pm
Paul Wellens read out a statement at the beginning of his press conference accusing the RFL of failing to protect players
St Helens head coach Paul Wellens has accused the RFL of “failing to protect players” in an explosive statement after four of his players were injured during their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to the Leigh Leopards.
Agnatius Paasi and Alex Walmsley have been ruled out for the remainder of the season with ACL and MCL injuries respectively, Paasi missing at least nine months.
Morgan Knowles is 50/50 to play in St Helens’ Super League clash with Leeds on Friday, while Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook looks set to miss two weeks.
John Asiata, who tackled all four players, was not charged by the match review panel after being cited and Wellens believes the lack of punishment sets a dangerous precedent.
“As a game, we bang the player welfare drum a fair bit and make a lot of effort and make a lot of strides as a game to protect players because ultimately we have a duty of care to protect our players at all times,” Wellens said.
“But, in my opinion, and very few would disagree with me, this weekend, the governing body has failed in its duty to protect its players. On the weekend, we had four players injured by one player.
“One of those has a 50/50 chance of playing this weekend, that is Morgan Knowles. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will not play for two weeks. Alex Walmsley is today having MCL surgery and will be out for 12 weeks and the fourth, Agnatius Paasi, has torn ankle ligaments and a torn MCL and also will undergo surgery to repair his ACL. He will not play for nine months.
“The RFL, before the match review panel met to adjudicate on those decisions, were provided with detailed medical reports from our medical staff.
“But when I spoke to the MRP who viewed that game they, by 6.30pm on Monday evening after the decision not to charge John Asiata was made, by that point, had still not seen those scan reports.
“What I want to ask is why? Because that is a very different procedure to which Morgan Knowles was subjected to when he was part of a similar scenario after a game on Good Friday in which, unfortunately, Mike Cooper suffered an ACL injury.
“I think it’s important to consider, this isn’t an emotional response after losing a cup game. I congratulate Leigh wholeheartedly for the way they played and wish them all the luck in the final.
“But what we have got to consider when we are making decisions not to charge players who are tackling in that manner is that we give the green light to coaches, players at all levels to be able to tackle like that.”
Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons
Wellens took his comments further, revealing that if such tackling techniques continue, he would consider taking his son away from playing the community game.
“As I sit here now as someone that loves the game, that doesn’t sit with me well and it doesn’t make me feel comfortable,” he added.
“I have an eight-year-old son who plays at Pilkington Recs with a smile on his face but if that’s the type of tackle we are allowing in games then maybe rugby league is a game I don’t want my son playing anymore. I feel that strongly about it.
“I feel that strongly that Agnatius Paasi, Alex Walmsley, LMS and Morgan Knowles have been severely let down by the governing body.”
Sky Sports News has reached out to the RFL for comment.
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Buffalo Bills’ Nyheim Hines set to miss entire season after being injured in jet ski accident
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The Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines is expected to need surgery after the incident, which would keep him out of the whole 2023 NFL season; another rider collided with the 26-year-old while he was sitting on a jet ski, according to reports
Last Updated: 24/07/23 8:40pm
Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines (20) celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown on a kick return
Nyheim Hines will miss the whole 2023 NFL season after suffering a serious knee injury in a jet ski accident.
Another rider collided with the Buffalo Bills running back while he was sitting on a jet ski, according to reports.
The 26-year-old was expected to be the Bills’ primary kick returner and a back-up running back used primarily on third downs.
Hines will need surgery and will be out for the whole season
Hines was sitting on a stationary jet ski when he was struck, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.
It is thought Hines will require surgery after suffering a significant injury to his ACL in the incident.
It was not immediately known when he was hurt or where the accident took place.
Hines joined the Bills in a trade with Indianapolis last November and appeared in a combined 16 games and started five. He caught 30 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown and ran 24 times for 33 yards and a TD.
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Red Bull boss Christian Horner says team were ‘several million’ below F1 cost cap in 2022
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Christian Horner says Red Bull were under F1’s cost cap last year as the FIA continue to work with teams regarding last year’s financial findings; watch the Belgian GP from Spa-Francorchamps live on Sky Sports F1 from July 28-30
Last Updated: 24/07/23 3:55pm
Christian Horner has revealed Red Bull were “several million” below the F1 cost cap in 2022, amid ongoing fieldwork from the FIA into last year’s financial submissions from the teams.
Last year, Red Bull were found guilty of a “minor overspend” for the 2021 campaign and received a $7m fine plus a 10 per cent reduction to their wind tunnel time for this season.
Reports ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix claimed at least two F1 teams broke the cost cap last year, but Sky Sports News understands those allegations are completely unfounded.
The cost cap was introduced for the 2021 season and the current fieldwork is looking at the 2022 season, when the budget cap was $140m. The cap is $135m for this season and the following two campaigns up to and including 2025.
“Last year, Max [Verstappen] damaged one front wing and Checo [Perez] had a crash in Montreal, and again we had a very limited amount of development on the car,” Horner told Sky Sports F1.
“So we were several million below the cap last year, and because accident damage and development – they’re huge costs.
“Obviously this year, the biggest handicap we have is that lack of wind tunnel time, it’s significantly less runs in a week than any of our competitors, so we have to be very disciplined on where we focus our development.”
Christian Horner says it was ‘incredible’ to win 12 races in a row and says it is a joy to work with Max Verstappen, ‘a sportsman at the top of his game’ Christian Horner says it was ‘incredible’ to win 12 races in a row and says it is a joy to work with Max Verstappen, ‘a sportsman at the top of his game’
On his thoughts about people who think Red Bull haven’t been punished enough this year after breaching the cost cap in 2021, Horner answered: “Believe me the lack of wind tunnel time we have compared to our competitors is a massive compromise. If wind tunnels don’t count, why don’t we get rid of them?
“It’s easy to throw shade when you’re not performing. It’s one of the things in F1 that will always continue to happen. I’m just incredibly proud of the job that our team is doing with the constraints and handicap we have, to be performing at the level we have this year.”
Wolff: We need to stop any breach of the cost cap
Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is “concerned” about potential breaches while George Russell says repeat offenders should be punished more harshly.
Toto Wolff says the cost cap auditors are communicating with the teams about their submissions.
“They came back with tonnes of questions to lots of teams and that shows how robust the process is, which is good,” said Wolff.
“Strong auditors are beneficial for F1. We need to stop any kind of unintentional or intentional breach of the cost cap. It’s like technical and sporting regulations.
Lewis Hamilton is “concerned” about potential breaches of the cost cap
“The big teams have thousands of people and various projects – commercial and non-commercial. For us it’s a bit easier because we have everything in one entity. The employees are all in one place and you can see where they have been attributed.
“It becomes more complex when you have more variety of subsidiaries. I’ve never been shy of saying with the 2026 regulations we should get rid of all of that overall.
“In the real world, it’s quite a challenge because we are making revenue and money with our engineering projects. That means we cannot assign a person who is working in F1, not even for a minute, into non-F1. But I think it’s the right thing to do for the sport to say ‘this is F1 and this is not F1’. The moment someone spends 10 seconds on an F1 project you should be fully in F1. That’s the way we need to go.”
Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater and David Croft believe it’s too early to confirm reports that three teams have breached cost caps rules Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater and David Croft believe it’s too early to confirm reports that three teams have breached cost caps rules
FIA respond to cost cap speculation
An FIA spokesperson said: “We would like to reiterate the ongoing process preceding financial regulation certification for the teams – none of which have been informed of their certification status.
“The auditing fieldwork is still ongoing and is scheduled to conclude in the upcoming weeks, after which there will be a period required for the finalisation of the review.
“There is not, and has never been, a specific deadline for certification, and any suggestions of delays to this process or potential breaches are completely unfounded – the Cost Cap Administration will formally communicate its findings according to the procedure set out in the Financial Regulations.
“The timeframe is intentionally not fixed in order not to prejudice the robustness and the effectiveness of the review.”
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Belgian Grand Prix Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Belgian Grand Prix
Sky Sports F1’s live Belgian GP schedule
Thursday July 27
2pm: Drivers’ Press ConferenceFriday July 28
8.55am: Formula 3 Practice
10am: Formula 2 Practice
12pm: Belgian GP Practice One (session starts 12.30pm)
1.55pm: Formula 3 Qualifying
2.50pm: Formula 2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Belgian GP Qualifying build-up
4pm: Belgian GP Qualifying
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying NotebookSaturday July 29
8.55am: Formula 3 Sprint Race
10.30am: Belgian GP Sprint Shootout build-up
11am: Belgian GP Sprint Shootout
12.40pm: Formula 2 Sprint Race
2.30pm: Belgian GP Sprint build-up
3.30pm: BELGIAN GP SPRINT
5pm: Ted’s Sprint NotebookSunday July 30
7.25am: Formula 3 Feature Race
8.55am: Formula 2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – Belgian GP build-up
2pm: THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag – Belgian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s NotebookNext up is the Belgian GP, the final race before F1’s summer break – watch all sessions of the Sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from July 28-30. Stream the Belgian GP and more with NOW.
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World Matchplay Darts: Nathan Aspinall crushes Jonny Clayton to win at the Winter Gardens
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Nathan Aspinall crushes Jonny Clayton to win World Matchplay title; we’re back for the World Grand Prix at the Morningside Arena in Leicester from 3–9 October – live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 23/07/23 11:16pm
Nathan Aspinall produced darts from another planet as he crushed the hopes of Jonny Clayton to win his maiden World Matchplay title at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Sunday night.
Aspinall put together an astonishing display of 11 consecutive legs on his way to completing an 18-6 romp against Clayton on a remarkable night of arrows.
Local favourite Aspinall shared the opening 10 legs with 48-year-old Welshman Clayton – who had taken out nine ton-plus finishes in his run to the final – responding to his opponent’s 110 opening salvo by conjuring up a majestic 141 checkout in leg seven, before firing in a 101 kill to restore parity.
Locked at 5-5 after the second mini-break, Aspinall, who succumbed to Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in World Grand Prix and Grand Slam deciders last year, burst into life, winning 13 of the last 14 legs to scoop the £200,000 top prize.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” claimed Aspinall, who becomes the 12th player to lift the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy.
Aspinall hit five ton-plus finishes, including the Big Fish, on his way to winning the World Matchplay title Aspinall hit five ton-plus finishes, including the Big Fish, on his way to winning the World Matchplay title
Aspinall struggled to put into words how important winning the World Matchplay was for him Aspinall struggled to put into words how important winning the World Matchplay was for him
“I did so well to keep it at 5-5. I was doing Jonny Clayton things! I was taking out those three-dart combinations and that kept me in the game.
“I think that third session was the key. I don’t know what it was, but then I suddenly found my scoring, and I finished brilliantly all game. I’m so happy.”
The Stockport thrower reeled off four consecutive legs in 11, 14, 13 and 12 darts to stretch his lead to 9-5, and Clayton was left shell-shocked as Aspinall’s blistering barrage showed no sign of relenting.
This is not Fish O’Mania! Aspinall reeled in a magnificent 170 checkout against Clayton This is not Fish O’Mania! Aspinall reeled in a magnificent 170 checkout against Clayton
The 32-year-old produced a mesmerising 170 checkout to make it six legs without reply, and a 115 combination in leg 18 continued the procession, as his lead stretched to 13-5.
Aspinall’s astonishing winning run totalled 11 legs before Clayton finally stopped the rot to reduce the arrears to 6-16, but it simply delayed the inevitable.
Normal service was resumed for Aspinall in leg 23, as he landed a 16-dart hold on tops to move a leg away from glory, and despite some late double trouble, he eventually landed double five to cap off the greatest win of his career.
To produce that spell in the biggest game of your life is what dreams are made of. It was a devastating spell. He hit 180 in the 11th leg and that changed everything.
Wayne Mardle on Nathan Aspinall’s 11-leg burst
“These things don’t happen very often, so I want to enjoy this moment!” continued Aspinall, who also paid tribute to Clayton, who showed incredible character throughout the week in Blackpool.
“To share that final with Jonny was very special. He is such a lovely guy. He’s the best person on the tour.
“I wish him and his family all the best. He’s a gentlemen of the game, he’s a credit to our sport, but I’m just happy I beat him!”
Aspinall completed a stunning win before falling to his knees in celebration Aspinall completed a stunning win before falling to his knees in celebration
Clayton – also featuring in his maiden World Matchplay final – performed magnificently in his run to the final, which was fuelled by his desire to triumph for his ill father.
The Welshman had only claimed a solitary win at the Winter Gardens prior to this year’s tournament, and he was full of praise for a brilliant Aspinall.
Clayton avenged Aspinall’s 108 break with this stunning 141 checkout Clayton avenged Aspinall’s 108 break with this stunning 141 checkout
“I came out of the blocks well but then Nathan just turned up,” conceded the 48-year-old, who pockets the £100,000 runner-up prize.
“I cannot argue with the result. I was beaten by the better player, and what a fantastic guy he is.
“To make the World Matchplay final is an amazing achievement. I’m a very proud man.
“I’d like to thank my family and this phenomenal crowd. One day I will get back on this stage in a final, and hopefully that will be my night.”
We’re back for the World Grand Prix at the Morningside Arena in Leicester from 3-9 October – live on Sky Sports. Stream all your favourite sports with NOW for £21 a month
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Women’s World Matchplay: Beau Greaves defeats Mikuru Suzuki to win title in Blackpool
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Beau Greaves wins Women’s World Matchplay title with 6-1 victory over Mikuru Suzuki in the final; we are back for the World Matchplay final as Nathan Aspinall and Jonny Clayton battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm
Last Updated: 23/07/23 5:53pm
Teenage sensation Beau Greaves lived up to the pre-tournament billing by outclassing the field on her way to victory at the Women’s World Matchplay.
Greaves continued her domination of the women’s game to storm to the title at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
The 19-year-old dispatched Japan’s Mikuru Suzuki 6-1 in the showpiece to triumph on her Winter Gardens debut, relinquishing just four legs throughout the event in claiming the £10,000 top prize.
Women’s World Matchplay Results
Quarter-Finals Beau Greaves 4-0 Noa-Lynn van Leuven Robyn Byrne 4-3 Rhian O’Sullivan Mikuru Suzuki 4-2 Aileen de Graaf Lisa Ashton 4-3 Fallon Sherrock Semi-Finals Beau Greaves 5-3 Robyn Byrne Mikuru Suzuki 5-3 Lisa Ashton Final Beau Greaves 6-1 Mikuru Suzuki “I wasn’t at my best, but I got over the line, so I’m really happy,” said Greaves, who has now sealed her qualification for November’s Grand Slam of Darts and the 2023/24 World Darts Championship.
“I didn’t think I was going to win this with the way I was playing, but after the year I’ve had and all the tournaments I’ve won, I’m so grateful to be stood here holding this trophy.
“I’m so excited to be going to the Grand Slam and the World Championship, but I need to practise more! I need to get more comfortable on the big stage.
“It means everything [to win this title]. I’ve got so much respect for all of the ladies that have played up here, and I’m looking forward to another great year.”
Greaves nailed this 74 checkout to win her first Women’s World Matchplay title Greaves nailed this 74 checkout to win her first Women’s World Matchplay title
Greaves has shattered a host of records on the PDC Women’s Series circuit during the last year, and reaffirmed her status as the premier player in women’s darts at the Empress Ballroom.
Greaves and Suzuki arrived in Blackpool as the top two seeds, and they renewed their rivalry on one of the sport’s most iconic stages, in a fitting finale to the second staging of the £25,000 tournament.
The Doncaster star seized the early initiative as she crashed in five perfect darts to break throw in leg two before firing in a second 180 en route to a 3-0 lead, and then exploiting further misses from Suzuki in leg four to continue the procession.
She missed the bull for a spectacular 161 checkout before moving to the cusp of victory, although Suzuki avoided the whitewash by surviving two match darts in leg six.
Mikuru Suzuki walked out to ‘Baby Shark’ which got MC John McDonald even busting a move Mikuru Suzuki walked out to ‘Baby Shark’ which got MC John McDonald even busting a move
Greaves quashed any hopes of a miracle fightback, defying back-to-back 140s from Suzuki to secure victory with a clinical 74 combination on tops.
She kicked off her campaign with a thumping 4-0 victory over Dutch debutant Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who became the first trans woman to compete in a PDC televised event.
Greaves then recovered from a sluggish start to defeat Ireland’s Robyn Byrne in an entertaining semi-final.
Two-time Lakeside women’s champion Suzuki fell just short in her bid for glory, despite defeating last year’s runner-up Aileen de Graaf and Lancashire veteran Lisa Ashton on her Blackpool bow.
Robyn Byrne impressed with this sensational two-dart 95 finish as she knocked out Rhian O’Sullivan Robyn Byrne impressed with this sensational two-dart 95 finish as she knocked out Rhian O’Sullivan
Earlier in the afternoon, reigning champion Fallon Sherrock was beaten by Ashton in a dramatic quarter-final, despite producing a 12-dart skin-saver in leg six to force a last-leg shoot-out.
Byrne also won through a deciding-leg tie against Rhian O’Sullivan in the last eight.
We are back for the World Matchplay final as Nathan Aspinall and Jonny Clayton battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm. Stream the World Matchplay final and more with NOW for £21 a month
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World Matchplay Darts: Jonny Clayton wins thrilling contest to set up final against Nathan Aspinall
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Jonny Clayton to face Nathan Aspinall in final | we’re back for the Women’s World Matchplay on Sunday from 1pm at the iconic Winter Gardens before the last two men battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm
Last Updated: 23/07/23 12:15am
Nathan Aspinall and Jonny Clayton will contest the World Matchplay final on Sunday
Jonny Clayton came through a marathon World Matchplay clash with Luke Humphries to set up a final meeting with Nathan Aspinall.
Welshman Clayton came through an epic encounter to seal his spot in Sunday’s showpiece, recovering from 10-7 down to triumph 17-15.
Aspinall, meanwhile, ran out a convincing 17-9 winner against Joe Cullen in the evening’s opener, punishing a profligate display from the Yorkshireman to keep his title tilt alive.
World Matchplay Semi-Finals: Saturday, July 22
Joe Cullen 9-17 Nathan Aspinall Jonny Clayton 17-15 Luke Humphries 
Watch the moment Jonny Clayton sealed his place in the World Matchplay final after beating Luke Humphries Watch the moment Jonny Clayton sealed his place in the World Matchplay final after beating Luke Humphries
With very little to separate the two players on the Winter Gardens stage, it was Clayton’s higher checkout percentage that ultimately proved the difference.
The 48-year-old, who helped steer Wales to a second World Cup of Darts title alongside Gerwyn Price in Frankfurt last month, will now go in search of his first big title since winning the Masters, Premier League and World Grand Prix in 2021.
“This means a lot to me,” reflected Clayton, who averaged just under 99 and pinned 61 per cent of his attempts at double to end the hopes of Humphries, who crashed in 10 maximums in defeat.
“To get over the line against one of the best players in the world is an amazing feeling. Luke Humphries is going to go on and pick up majors time after time!
“I had to dig deep, but you’ve got to take your chances and that’s what I did, and I really hope I can pick this trophy up tomorrow.
Clayton says he’ll have no help for when he takes on Nathan Aspinall in the final Clayton says he’ll have no help for when he takes on Nathan Aspinall in the final
Aspinall, who lost both the Grand Slam and Grand Prix finals last year, will aim to go one better after powering past Cullen.
A 17-9 win showed his superiority, with Cullen’s 148 checkout to break in the seventh leg proving to be a false dawn for the 34-year-old.
Instead, Aspinall pulled clear and never looked like slipping up as he progressed through to Sunday’s final.
Aspinall seems convinced he will not lose the final on Sunday night Aspinall seems convinced he will not lose the final on Sunday night
“Joe didn’t play well and I was nowhere near my best, but I think I was just a little bit more clinical and that’s why I got over the line,” said Aspinall, who averaged 95 and landed 11 maximums.
“I have lost my last three [televised] finals. I’m not going to do it again. I’m so confident.
“I have had a poor game tonight but I got over the line. I’m one happy guy right now, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Clayton and Aspinall were embroiled in a fascinating battle for Play-Off qualification in this year’s Premier League, and now they will renew their rivalry for the £200,000 top prize and the Phil Taylor Trophy.
“Me and Nathan were involved in a scrap for the Premier League [Play-Offs] this year and Gezzy Price helped me out. I’ve got no help tomorrow night. I have to do the job, and fingers crossed I can do it,” said Clayton.
Join us on Sunday to see who will be victorious in the World Matchplay final Join us on Sunday to see who will be victorious in the World Matchplay final
Women’s World Matchplay: Sunday, July 23
Beau Greaves vs Noa-Lynn van Leuven Robyn Byrne vs Rhian O’Sullivan Mikuru Suzuki vs Aileen de Graaf Fallon Sherrock vs Lisa Ashton Beau Greaves will make her Blackpool bow as the top seed for the Women’s World Matchplay following her domination over the last 12 months, and she will open her challenge against Dutch debutant Noa-Lynn van Leuven.
The £25,000 event will feature the top eight players from a one-year Order of Merit based on PDC Women’s Series earnings across 20 tournaments since last August.
Eight of the best go head to head this Sunday, and you can watch the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all in one session at the Women’s World Matchplay Eight of the best go head to head this Sunday, and you can watch the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all in one session at the Women’s World Matchplay
Ireland’s Robyn Byrne then takes on Welsh ace Rhian O’Sullivan before Japanese trailblazer Mikuru Suzuki faces last year’s finalist Aileen de Graaf.
Reigning champion Fallon Sherrock goes up against darting legend Lisa Ashton in a mouth-watering quarter-final.
We’re back for the Women’s World Matchplay live on Sky Sports Action from 1pm at the iconic Winter Gardens on Sunday before the last two men battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm. Stream the Women’s World Matchplay and more with NOW for £21 a month
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Hungarian GP: Max Verstappen and Lando Norris left disappointed after Lewis Hamilton takes pole
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Lewis Hamilton narrowly beat Max Verstappen and Lando Norris to pole in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday; watch the Hungarian GP live on Sky Sports F1 on Sunday, lights out is at 2pm; F1 Juniors will be live on Sky Showcase and Sky Sports Mix from 1.30pm
Last Updated: 22/07/23 7:05pm
Max Verstappen admitted he was surprised to be beaten to pole position by Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix after Red Bull’s upgraded car delivered a “terrible” display.
The Dutchman’s streak of five successive poles was ended by just three thousandths of a second as Hamilton produced a brilliant lap to top Qualifying for the first time since December 2021.
Hamilton’s success was all the more surprising given Red Bull had brought a significant package of upgrades to Hungary for their RB19, which has been completely dominant in winning all 10 races so far this season.
Asked how his car had felt on Saturday, Verstappen replied: “Terrible. It doesn’t matter where you are on the grid, if it doesn’t feel good, it doesn’t feel good.
“The whole Qualifying I’ve been struggling a lot, well the whole weekend really, with the shift and balance.
Lewis Hamilton pips Max Verstappen to claim a record ninth pole position at the Hungaroring Lewis Hamilton pips Max Verstappen to claim a record ninth pole position at the Hungaroring
“There’s not much you can do really once you go into Qualifying, every time I got to the apex of the corner it was just not gripping up for me, and that’s probably the worst balance I can have in the car.
“I tried to correct a few things in Q3, but there’s only so much you can do. I thought my first lap wasn’t too bad but it still felt like I was driving on ice.”
Verstappen, who is 99 points clear of team-mate Sergio Perez at the top of the drivers’ standings, remains favourite to extend his run of six successive Grand Prix wins on Sunday, but was visibly frustrated at his team’s failure to maintain their recent perfect form.
“I think with the upgrades we brought as well to this weekend, it’s just extremely disappointing from our side,” he added.
Highlights from Qualifying at the Hungarian GP Highlights from Qualifying at the Hungarian GP
“We are P2, but looking at how the whole year has been, I didn’t expect this to happen.”
Verstappen was adamant that Red Bull missing out on pole on Saturday was not a reflection upon the upgrades, which included changes to the profile of the RB19’s sidepods, but rather a failure to find the best set-up for the Hungaroring.
“I don’t think so, because we’ve been trying a few things, the upgrade looks good – it’s just we didn’t nail the balance of the car, it’s as simple as that.”
Norris rues missed opportunity
Also disappointed to miss out on pole was Lando Norris, who provided further evidence of McLaren’s incredible leap forward after their recent upgrades by taking third.
Norris, who stunned the paddock by qualifying and then finishing in second at the British Grand Prix earlier in July, also ended within a tenth of a second of Hamilton.
“I think when you look at the big picture of where we’ve been, we’d take a P3 any day,” Norris said.
McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue their good form by qualifying third and fourth in Hungary McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue their good form by qualifying third and fourth in Hungary
“So I’m not like unhappy, I guess I’m just frustrated with my lap. Like I know Lewis made a few mistakes, Max wasn’t in the best confidence level, so there’s always like what else could you have done?
“But just on the lap, just a couple little things in the chicane, but many other things were like the best I’ve done all Qualifying. So it’s just how it is sometimes.”
Many, including Norris and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, had warned that McLaren were unlikely to be able to maintain their Silverstone performance due to the slower nature of the Hungaroring, but Norris’ performance was backed up by team-mate Oscar Piastri taking fourth.
Despite the strong showing, the 23-year-old Brit maintained that Mercedes and Hamilton had a slight edge around the circuit on the outskirts of Budapest.
Ted Kravitz is in the paddock as he reviews all the biggest stories from Qualifying at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix Ted Kravitz is in the paddock as he reviews all the biggest stories from Qualifying at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Norris added: “I would say Mercedes probably always had the slight edge apart from on the mediums in Q2, but we were a little bit behind in Q1, we were a bit behind in Q3. Mercedes have looked good all weekend.
“Lewis is going to come over and say that they didn’t look good yesterday, but they didn’t put any softs on, so they looked bad, but actually they were very competitive already on the medium.
“They’re always good here, they were on pole last year. I just don’t think we had quite exactly what we needed to get pole. So therefore I am still happy with P3.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Hungarian GP schedule
Sunday July 23
7:20am: F3 Feature Race
9am: F2 Feature Race
11am: Porsche Supercup
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – Hungarian GP build-up
1:30pm: F1 Juniors: Hungarian Grand Prix (Sky Sports Mix and Sky Showcase)
2pm: The HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s NotebookDaniel Ricciardo’s return and first F1 Juniors broadcast headline the Hungarian Grand Prix! Watch all the action live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Stream the Hungarian GP and more with NOW for £21 a month.
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Raheem Sterling’s new diet to tackle hamstring problems | ‘I’m eating less!’
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Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has put last season’s hamstring problems down to a different diet he had where he was carrying ‘extra weight’ but now says he is in a great place.
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World Matchplay Darts: Jonny Clayton to meet Luke Humphries in semi-finals
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Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries set up tantalising meeting; we’re back for more World Matchplay on Saturday at the iconic Winter Gardens as the final four battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action at 8pm
By Raz Mirza at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Last Updated: 22/07/23 12:02am
Jonny Clayton crashed in a stunning six ton-plus finishes to set up a World Matchplay semi-final meeting with Luke Humphries at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Friday.
Clayton made it through to the semi-final at the Winter Gardens for the first time after a 16-12 victory over Ryan Searle with a 97.5 average, seven 180s and six ton-plus checkouts, while Humphries held off a late fightback from Damon Heta to win 16-13 in a match with more breaks of throw than holds.
World Matchplay Quarter-Finals: Friday, July 21
Ryan Searle 12-16 Jonny Clayton Damon Heta 13-16 Luke Humphries 
Clayton impressed with SIX amazing ton-plus checkouts Clayton impressed with SIX amazing ton-plus checkouts
Searle and Clayton locked horns in the opening quarter-final match of the night after the pair dumped out former champions Peter Wright and Dimitri Van den Bergh to reach the last eight.
The opening four legs were shared with Clayton pinning a superb 118 checkout on double 19 to make it 2-2 before ‘Heavy Metal’ landed tops to move 3-2 in front with two 180s and a 106.40 average to Clayton’s 102.23.
The relentless pace of the contest continued with both players pummelling big numbers and huge finishes.
Clayton piled in a scintillating 121 in the eighth leg, but Somerset thrower Searle struck with a 121 on the bull to level at 5-5.
Searle and Clayton took it in turns to check out 121 finishes in a classic encounter at the Winter Gardens Searle and Clayton took it in turns to check out 121 finishes in a classic encounter at the Winter Gardens
In a barnstorming battle Searle, who produced the performance of the first round to demolish Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld, before claiming another major scalp to topple 2021 winner Peter Wright in the last 16, fired in a sixth 180 and a 96 finish to regain the upper-hand at 7-6.
Former Premier League and World Grand Prix champion Clayton added a third ton-plus checkout of the match with a 115 to level at 7-7 and he then hit a fourth thanks to a magnificent 124 on the bull to make it 8-8.
‘The Ferret’ capitalised on Searle’s missed dart at tops with a 76 outshot and he maintained his two-leg cushion for an 11-9 advantage with a 100.23 average and 65 per cent at the doubles.
Welshman Clayton broke again with a cool 100 checkout and he then planted a remarkable sixth ton-plus finish with a cracking 122 on the bull moments later to make it 13-9.
And 48-year-old Clayton made it through to his first World Matchplay semi-final by sinking double 15 with his first match dart.
To win this would mean so much for family reasons. My dad’s not very well and I want to do this for him. I’m very emotional. My dad is my biggest fan so I want to do this for him. I’m here still fighting and hopefully I’ll be here this Sunday in the final.
Jonny Clayton wants to win the Matchplay for his sick father
Damon Heta continues to tease the fans with another Ashes inspired walk-on! Damon Heta continues to tease the fans with another Ashes inspired walk-on!
Humphries then took on Australian No 1 Heta, who has embraced the role of pantomime villain with his Ashes-themed walk-ons and he didn’t disappoint as he returned for the third test at the Empress Ballroom.
‘Cool Hand Luke’ survived a match dart to win an epic second round tie-break against Dirk van Duijvenbode and he was in no mood for a repeat as he surged into a 3-2 lead with a 102.3 average.
Heta hit a mega 152 against Humphries before celebrating wildly Heta hit a mega 152 against Humphries before celebrating wildly
The 28-year-old sunk a neat ton on tops-tops to move 5-4 in front but Heta remained calm and composed to hang on to Humphries coat-tails on double 16.
Humphries took out 68 regain the advantage at 7-6 before taking a stranglehold on the contest as he opened up a three-leg buffer at 10-7 in a break-fest of a contest – 14 in 17 legs.
Former UK Open runner-up Humphries, who is yet to lift a televised ranking title, gained a rare hold of throw with an 81 finish for an 11-darter and a 12-8 cushion.
Humphries booked his spot in the semi-finals with a spectacular finish! Humphries booked his spot in the semi-finals with a spectacular finish!
He then struck with a 121 checkout to stretch his advantage before holding in the next leg on tops to edge closer to victory at 14-8.
‘The Heat’ was not giving up easily though as he won three legs on the spin with a skin-saving 152 to make it 15-13.
But after missing two darts at tops, world No 6 Humphries completed the win with two double 18s in a match which featured an incredible 20 breaks of throw.
The 151st Open – July 20 to 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Golf
Fourth Men’s Ashes Test – July 19 to 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Cricket
Premier League Summer Series – from July 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Premier League
Hungarian Grand Prix – July 21 to 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports F1
F1 Juniors: Hungarian GP – July 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Mix
World Matchplay Darts – July 17 to 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Action
Women’s World Matchplay Darts – July 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Action
IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator – July 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports ActionEnjoy live action from The Open, F1, The Ashes, Premier League and more with NOW
World Matchplay Semi-Finals: Saturday, July 22
Joe Cullen vs Nathan Aspinall Jonny Clayton vs Luke Humphries Nathan Aspinall and Joe Cullen will meet in the first semi-final on Saturday night with Wales’ World Cup winner Clayton and sixth seed Humphries facing each other in the second last-four clash.
We’re back for more World Matchplay action at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday at 8pm as the final four battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm. Stream the World Matchplay and more with NOW for £21 a month
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Women’s World Matchplay: Noa-Lynn van Leuven set to be first trans woman to play in a TV darts tournament
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Noa-Lynn van Leuven is set to make history at Sunday’s Women’s Matchplay
Trans darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven talks to Sky Sports about her transitioning period, opening up to her family, the devastation of losing close friends, how winning the Denmark Open left a sour taste in her mouth and facing Beau Greaves at the Women’s Matchplay.
Van Leuven only joined the Women’s Series last year because she has been transitioning, but reaching the Event 12 final enabled her to leapfrog 2022 Blackpool semi-finalist Lorraine Winstanley and secure qualification for this year’s event in last-gasp fashion.
The 27-year-old Dutch debutant will now make history on Sunday by becoming the first trans woman to play in a TV darts tournament.
It is a dream come true for Van Leuven, who said she always “felt different” to the other kids at school when she was growing up, but now feels playing ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ at the Empress Ballroom is her darting destiny.
Van Leuven explains how comments from other players spoiled her victory at the Denmark Open Van Leuven explains how comments from other players spoiled her victory at the Denmark Open
Van Leuven, who has been working as a chef de partie in her local restaurant, fell out of love with darts and quit before her transition started last year.
She said: “I never really got into a group with people around darts. I was really unhappy with myself so my darts game wasn’t that good. When you’re not feeling great then nothing in life will be really, really good. I quit darts and then I became a happier version of myself but then I really wanted to start playing darts again.
“I tried to enjoy life as much as possible. I transitioned before going through a lot of meetings with a psychologist.”
Explaining to her family and friends what she was undergoing proved one of the hardest moments in her life.
“It was really tough,” said Van Leuven. “I told a really good friend of mine and she was really supportive but she also said I had to tell my mum.
“I think it was about a week later when I told her and a week later I was already at the doctors and I think it took me a couple more months before I told my dad and other family members, but they were all really supportive to me. It was really nice which has really helped me through everything.”
There were a few people that I talked to a lot and then suddenly you don’t hear from them anymore and then you have to hear from the parents that they’re not there anymore. It is devastating,
Van Leuven on losing a few of her friends to suicide
Van Leuven opened up about the pain of losing a few of her friends to suicide at a time when she was offering support to trans people as a moderator.
“There were a few people that I talked to a lot and then suddenly you don’t hear from them anymore and then you have to hear from the parents that they’re not there any more. It is devastating,” said an emotional Van Leuven.
“They’ll all waiting on trans-health care and I think there’s a waiting list of up to three years in the Netherlands before you get your first appointment, so that’s really tough on some people.
“It is way too long to wait because a lot of people in that position are depressed, they’re really unhappy with themselves. They’re not getting the help they need, so it is way too long.”
Van Leuven researched regulations before participating in tournaments. The PDC, together with the DRA (Darts Regulation Authority) disciplinary committee, has now established rules for transgender players.
She finds the darting authorities a breath of fresh air, unlike World Athletics, which has excluded trans women who have gone through male puberty from female events in order to try to strike a balance between inclusivity and making sure there is no unfair advantage.
“I feel devastated by the people that get hit by that,” she said. “I think it’s tough for transgender people to play sports, especially when people know that you’re trans because you have a big advantage until you prove it’s not.”
Sour taste in Denmark
Van Leuven won the Denmark Open but thought she was going to be stripped of the title
Van Leuven has largely received a positive reaction from fellow female players, including Greaves and Fallon Sherrock, but winning the Denmark Open in May left a sour taste in her mouth, despite securing the biggest title of her career to date.
“After I won there was the presentation on stage and I just had a weird feeling about something that happened on stage. The other players were talking to each other and I felt it was about me,” said Van Leuven. “I was right because someone told me but I just don’t think it was the right place or time to do something like that.
“They were complaining about me, so they had to [come] forward against me and do it altogether [to throw me out of the competition] which kind of ruined the moment. I worked hard for that title. I played really good games throughout the day and in the end I won. People who had match darts against me didn’t take their opportunities but I took mine. It was a deserved win.”
Ready to take on brilliant Beau?
Van Leuven believes there is more pressure on her opponent Beau Greaves, ahead of their first-round match at the Women’s World Matchplay Van Leuven believes there is more pressure on her opponent Beau Greaves, ahead of their first-round match at the Women’s World Matchplay
Van Leuven, whose darting hero is Raymond van Barneveld, has been getting her eye in at the local darts shop based in Heemskerk, which is about 35 minutes by road from Amsterdam.
Now it is almost time to face Greaves, who has been the most dominant force in the women’s game having scooped 15 of the last 20 PDC Women’s Series events.
The 151st Open – July 20 to 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Golf
Fourth Men’s Ashes Test – July 19 to 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Cricket
Premier League Summer Series – from July 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Premier League
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Greaves’ record-breaking 15th Women’s Series title was a whitewash of Van Leuven with a 104 average, but the 27-year-old did claim a shock win over a below-par Greaves in Milton Keynes in May, something which she believes will play on Beau’s mind this Sunday.
Greaves will be quite a proposition for Dutch darts star Van Leuven
“I’m practising not much more than I would usually do. It’s just a tournament like any other. I’m trying to keep the pressure off and I don’t want to do anything more than I usually do because I know what works for me and I don’t want to over practise,” Van Leuven said.
“I couldn’t have got a worse draw but I know I can beat her, I have done it before but I always give her a good game and I play a nice level against her. I just want to give her a good game so may the best woman win.
“It’s on TV so there’s a lot of pressure on me but there’s a lot of pressure on Beau as well. A lot of people are expecting her to win the tournament so that might play into my hands.
“I’ve got nothing to lose. I’m not afraid of anyone. I have just got to bring my A-game to the stage and see where it ends.”
‘I don’t like attention but I’m getting used to it now’
Eight of the best go head-to-head this Sunday and you can watch the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all in one session at the Women’s World Matchplay Eight of the best go head-to-head this Sunday and you can watch the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all in one session at the Women’s World Matchplay
Having spoken to Dutch TV and the Guardian, Van Leuven will prepare to face the world’s media on the eve of her biggest match.
Being in the limelight is something the Dutchwoman might seem unprepared for, but her time in Blackpool will be well spent seeing the sights before gameday.
She promises plenty of fight and a lot of maximums, but knows it will come down to doubles for dough when going up against Beau.
“Last time I played her I averaged 83 and I didn’t even get a shot at a double,” she said. “I thought I played a good game but it wasn’t good enough but it will be different on stage. I’m going to try to hit everything I can.”
Van Leuven added she would give up her role as chef de partie and even sacrifice her favourite chocolate pastry dish for her ultimate dream – a PDC Tour card.
The winner of the Women’s World Matchplay will qualify for November’s Grand Slam of Darts and the 2023/24 World Darts Championship, in addition to the £10,000 top prize.
Fallon Sherrock will face the legendary Lisa Ashton at the Women’s Matchplay as she begins the defence of her title
2023 Women’s World Matchplay
Sunday July 23
Draw Bracket
(1) Beau Greaves vs (8) Noa-Lynn van Leuven
(4) Robyn Byrne vs (5) Rhian O’Sullivan
(2) Mikuru Suzuki vs (7) Aileen de Graaf
(3) Fallon Sherrock vs (6) Lisa AshtonFormat
Quarter-Finals – Best of seven legs
Semi-Finals – Best of nine legs
Final – Best of 11 legsPrize Money
Winner: £10,000
Runner-Up: £5,000
Semi-Finalists: £2,500
Quarter-Finalists: £1,250
Total: £25,000Watch the Women’s World Matchplay at the iconic Winter Gardens on Sunday from 1pm as eight of the sport’s leading female stars will battle it out for the £10,000 top prize – live on Sky Sports Action. Stream the World Matchplay and more with NOW for £21 a month.
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World Matchplay: Joe Cullen and Nathan Aspinall both make it through to semi-final showdown
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Joe Cullen and Nathan Aspinall set up semi-final showdown I we’re back for more World Matchplay on Friday at the iconic Winter Gardens as the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm
By Raz Mirza
Last Updated: 20/07/23 11:57pm
Joe Cullen made it through to the World Matchplay semi-finals for the first time after a dominant 16-11 victory over Daryl Gurney, while Nathan Aspinall overcame housemate Chris Dobey by the same scoreline.
Cullen hit eight 180s and a 142 checkout with a 97.11 average to keep Gurney at arms length as ‘The Rockstar’ broke new ground to reach the last four, while Aspinall stumbled over the finishing line against Dobey, closing out a 16-12 victory with a 99.3 average and 10 180s.
World Matchplay Quarter-Finals: Thursday, July 20
Joe Cullen 16-11 Daryl Gurney Chris Dobey 11-16 Nathan Aspinall Cullen, the former Masters champion and Premier League runner-up, produced an inspired display of finishing to dump out tournament favourite Gerwyn Price in a dramatic tie-break last time out and he started where he left off by surging into a 5-0 lead against two-time semi-finalist Gurney.
The Northern Irishman finished off 77 to clinch his first leg of the match after the first interval before producing a 132 checkout on the bull to trail 8-5.
Gurney’s 132 bull-finish was followed by Cullen 142 checkout in the very next leg! Gurney’s 132 bull-finish was followed by Cullen 142 checkout in the very next leg!
Cullen responded in style with a 142 checkout before Gurney nailed tops to remain in outside contention at 9-6.
Gurney, who is the most decorated player left in the top-half of the draw, having lifted televised titles at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals in 2017 and 2018 respectively, made it three legs from four to close the gap to 10-8.
‘The Rockstar’ restored his four-leg lead at 12-8 and the Yorkshireman remained cool, calm and composed to sink back-to-back legs 13 darters for a 14-10 advantage in the race to 16.
Cullen prefers it to be drama-free as he impersonates MVG – ‘Phenomenal’ Cullen prefers it to be drama-free as he impersonates MVG – ‘Phenomenal’
The 34-year-old landed double 4 to move on the brink of victory and he marched into his first World Matchplay semi-final by sinking tops.
Live World Matchplay Darts
July 21, 2023, 8:00pm
Live on
Nathan Aspinall dedicated his win over Chris Dobey to fellow Stockport man, Ricky Hatton Nathan Aspinall dedicated his win over Chris Dobey to fellow Stockport man, Ricky Hatton
Aspinall continued his challenge against his stablemate Dobey, who dumped out world No 1 Michael Smith in Tuesday’s last 16.
There were three consecutive breaks of throw heading into the first interval, but it was ‘Hollywood’ Dobey who held the early initiative 3-2.
Dobey took a two-leg lead over Aspinall in the early stages with this 140 checkout Dobey took a two-leg lead over Aspinall in the early stages with this 140 checkout
Aspinall, featuring in his third consecutive World Matchplay quarter-final, averaged 117.5 in the session with a scoring average of 134 but still ended up a leg behind.
Dobie came out after the break and struck with a spectacular 140 before nailing sensational tops, tops to stretch his advantage to 6-3, but back came Aspinall from 7-5 down with three legs on the spin to regain the lead for the first time since the opening leg.
The former UK Open champion soon opened up a two-leg cushion with a superb 92 finish, culminating with successive double 18s and he made it seven out of eight legs for a 12-8 lead on double eight after wiring the bull for a 167 checkout.
Reigning Masters champion Dobey was being put to the sword but he threatened one of the great comebacks with an 84 finish for an 11-darter to trail 15-12.
Aspinall eventually staggered over the finishing line after pinning double 8 in front of Stockport legend Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton before embracing Dobey.
World Matchplay Quarter-Finals: Friday, July 21
Ryan Searle vs Jonny Clayton Damon Heta vs Luke Humphries Ryan Searle and Jonny Clayton kick off Friday’s last eight action, before Damon Heta and tournament favourite Luke Humphries battle it out for a place in Saturday’s semi-finals.
We’re back for more World Matchplay action at the iconic Winter Gardens on Friday at 8pm as the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action.
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Washington Commanders: NFL owners approve sale for a record $6.05bn
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NFL owners unanimously approved the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris and including Magic Johnson for a record $6.05 billion I All 32 team owners voted for the sale, which is the highest price paid for a professional sports team
Last Updated: 20/07/23 10:33pm
NFL owners unanimously approve the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris and including Magic Johnson for a record $6.05 bn
NFL owners have unanimously approved the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders franchise to a group to a group led by Josh Harris and including Magic Johnson.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed though reports in April said the agreement was for an NFL-record price of $6.05bn.
The 151st Open – July 20 to 23 – LIVE on Sky Sports Golf
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The group led by Harris, who is a managing general partner at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), includes Maryland businessman Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson, who won five NBA titles during a Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Congratulations to Josh Harris and his impressive group of partners,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“Josh will be a great addition to the NFL. He has a remarkable record in business, sports, and in his communities. The diverse group that Josh has put together is outstanding for its business acumen and strong Washington ties and we welcome them to the NFL as well.”
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones beamed as he walked off an escalator and headed toward the meeting room, granting a brief interview with reporters about the impending sale of his team’s division rival.
“It’s a hallmark day,” Jones said. “I’m excited about the prospects of going into Washington and giving them some capital punishment.”
Separately, the NFL also released the findings of the independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and financial improprieties made by former employees of the Commanders.
Due to the findings, outgoing owner Dan Snyder will pay $60m to the league “in resolution of the findings and all outstanding matters.”
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