Category: Sport

THE United States preferred to do their talking in the pool on Saturday after Olympic swimming great Michael Phelps took a swipe at the team’s performance at the world championships in Singapore. The US team has said that an “overwhelming majority” of the squad were struck down by acute gastroenteritis at a pre-championships camp in… Continue reading US swimmers respond to Phelps, Lochte criticism at world championships

TWICE defending champion Jessica Pegula crashed out of the Canadian Open after losing to Anastasija Sevastova 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the third round on Friday, while six-times major winner Iga Swiatek marched on with a dominant 6-2 6-2 win over Eva Lys. The 35-year-old Sevastova, ranked 386 in the world, will next face four-times Grand… Continue reading Pegula upset by Sevastova at Canadian Open as Swiatek advances

MALAYSIAN independent mixed doubles pair Jimmy Wong and Lai Pei Jing pulled off a sensational upset at the Macau Open on Saturday, stunning Indonesia’s world No. 19 Amri Syahnawi and Nita Marwah in straight sets to book a place in their first-ever Super 300 final. World No. 127 Jimmy-Pei Jing, who only teamed up in… Continue reading Jimmy-Pei Jing stun world No. 19 to enter first Super 300 final in Macau

THE Malaysian Malay Football Association (PBMM) has announced plans to host the inaugural Nusantara Cup in Melaka by the end of this year. The tournament will feature five ASEAN nations—Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand. PBMM president Mohd Firdaus Mohamed revealed that the competition will take place after the conclusion of the 103rd Piala Emas… Continue reading Five ASEAN nations to compete in inaugural Nusantara Cup in Melaka

SERBIAN tennis star Novak Djokovic has taken a stake in French football club Le Mans FC, the newly promoted Ligue 2 side confirmed on Friday. The 24-time Grand Slam winner is among a group of high-profile investors backing the club. Former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, along with investment firm OutField, are… Continue reading Novak Djokovic invests in French football club Le Mans FC

OLYMPIC swimming champions Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte have publicly criticised the US team’s performance at the World Championships in Singapore through provocative social media posts. The decorated athletes shared imagery depicting a funeral for American swimming dominance, sparking debate about the team’s current standards. Lochte, a 12-time Olympic medallist, posted an Instagram image showing… Continue reading Olympic legends Phelps, Lochte critique US swimming team’s world championship showing

FRENCH prosecutors have requested that Paris Saint-Germain footballer Achraf Hakimi stand trial over allegations of rape dating back to 2023. The Moroccan international denies the charges. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed to AFP that they had formally asked the investigating judge to refer the case to a criminal court. “It is now up to the… Continue reading Prosecutors seek trial for PSG’s Achraf Hakimi over rape allegations

FEYENOORD’S Brazilian forward Igor Paixao has completed a transfer to French Ligue 1 side Marseille, the club confirmed on Friday. Reports indicate the 25-year-old signed a five-year deal worth €35 million ($40 million), potentially making him Marseille’s most expensive signing. Paixao joined Feyenoord in 2022 and played a key role in their Eredivisie title triumph… Continue reading Feyenoord’s Paixao joins Marseille in record €35m deal

AS Kenya gears up to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) this weekend, football fans are struggling to secure tickets for the opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many suspect the government is deliberately filling the stadium with supporters to prevent anti-government chants. Kenya has faced months of deadly protests over economic hardship… Continue reading Kenya football ticket shortage sparks government protest fears

LANDO NORRIS delivered a commanding performance during Friday’s practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix, securing the fastest lap times ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. The Briton clocked 1:15.624 in the second session, finishing 0.291 seconds clear of Piastri in a tense intra-team battle. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc settled for third, nearly four-tenths adrift, followed… Continue reading Norris dominates Hungary GP practice with double fastest laps

JAMES MILNER will switch to the number 20 shirt at Brighton & Hove Albion this season in honour of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident in Spain last month. Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in early July when their Lamborghini left the road and… Continue reading James Milner honours Diogo Jota with Brighton jersey number switch

FORMULA ONE stewards issued a reprimand to Red Bull on Friday following an unusual incident involving Max Verstappen discarding a face towel from his car during practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The four-time world champion was called to explain the incident after the second session at the Hungaroring, with stewards reviewing video evidence. “Shortly… Continue reading Red Bull reprimanded after Verstappen throws towel on track

KELANTAN The Real Warriors Football Club (Kelantan TRW) will handle the issues raised by former import player Mohamad Ghaddar in accordance with existing regulations. Club president Tan Sri Annuar Musa stated that the management has been advised against responding to the matter on social media to prevent misunderstandings and reputational damage. “I had advised the… Continue reading Kelantan TRW to resolve Ghaddar issue professionally

CHINA’S roaring Qin Haiyang won his second breaststroke gold of the Singapore swimming world championships on Friday, edging a 200m nailbiter. World record holder Qin touched the wall in 2min 07.41sec, ahead of Japan’s Ippei Watanabe (2:07.70) and Caspar Corbeau of the Netherlands (2:07.73). The 26-year-old Qin won the 100m breaststroke earlier in the week… Continue reading China’s Qin wins ‘miracle’ second breaststroke gold at swim worlds

MALAYSIA is guaranteed a place in the men’s doubles final at the Macau Open Badminton Championships after Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King and Choong Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal Nazri secured semi-final victories. In today’s quarter-finals at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, Wan Arif-Roy King delivered a strong performance, defeating fellow Malaysians Nur Mohd Azriyn… Continue reading Malaysia secures men’s doubles final spot at Macau Open

NATIONAL women’s doubles shuttler M. Thinaah emphasised that consistency matters more than rankings, even as she and partner Pearly Tan reached a career-high world number two spot. The 27-year-old said their primary goal is to maintain strong performances rather than chasing rankings. “For me, being world number two is just a number. The main thing… Continue reading Thinaah prioritises consistency over world ranking in badminton

SINGAPORE: China’s Yu Zidi said she felt “quite emotional” after the 12-year-old became the youngest swimmer in history to win a world championships medal. Yu swam in the heats of the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay but missed Thursday’s final as China claimed bronze behind Australia and the United States in Singapore. Yu, who was competing… Continue reading ‘Emotional’ Yu, 12, celebrates historic world swimming medal

AUTHORITIES have halted efforts to recover the body of German Olympic biathlete Laura Dahlmeier, who died in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan. Dahlmeier was struck by falling rocks while climbing Laila Peak in the Karakoram range at 5,700 metres. Dahlmeier’s management agency confirmed the decision, citing unsafe conditions. The Alpine Club of Pakistan and her… Continue reading German Olympian Laura Dahlmeier’s body recovery halted in Pakistan

LUIS DIAZ said former Liverpool teammate Florian Wirtz assured him he would “enjoy” a move to Bayern Munich as the Colombian was officially presented by the Bundesliga champions. The German club reportedly paid up to 75 million euros for the 28-year-old, who signed a contract until 2029. Wirtz, heavily linked with Bayern earlier, instead joined… Continue reading Luis Diaz reveals Wirtz advice ahead of Bayern Munich move

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (PSG) have been fined €148,000 by UEFA following fan misconduct during their Champions League final victory against Inter Milan in May. The European governing body confirmed the penalties on Thursday, citing multiple violations by supporters. The French club, which dominated Inter 5-0 at Munich’s Allianz Arena, faced charges including a pitch invasion, fireworks,… Continue reading PSG fined €148k by UEFA for fan misconduct in Champions League final

WEST HAM UNITED midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of four alleged breaches of betting rules following an independent Regulatory Commission hearing, the Football Association confirmed on Thursday. The Brazilian was accused of deliberately seeking yellow cards in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023. The FA had alleged that Paqueta attempted… Continue reading West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta cleared of betting breach charges by FA

FOUR-times Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has ended speculation about a move to Mercedes next season by confirming for the first time on Thursday that he will race on with Red Bull. “I think it’s time to stop all the rumours. For me, it was always quite clear that I was staying,“ the Dutch… Continue reading Max Verstappen confirms Red Bull stay for 2025 F1 season

FERRARI has announced a multi-year contract extension for Formula One team boss Fred Vasseur, reinforcing confidence in his leadership. The move follows months of speculation about his future, particularly after reports linked Ferrari to other candidates, including former Red Bull boss Christian Horner. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna stated, “Today we want to recognise what has… Continue reading Ferrari extends Fred Vasseur’s contract as F1 team boss

FORMULA ONE championship leader Oscar Piastri conceded on Thursday that the title battle has effectively narrowed to a duel between himself and McLaren teammate Lando Norris. The Australian holds a 16-point advantage over Norris heading into this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the sport’s summer break. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, a four-time… Continue reading Piastri admits F1 title race now between him and Norris

MANCHESTER CITY Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has left the Premier League club after 13 years, with former Sporting director Hugo Viana set to take his place, the club confirmed on Thursday. The 60-year-old Spaniard played a pivotal role in City’s golden era, securing seven Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League, and… Continue reading Man City’s Txiki Begiristain exits after 13 years, Hugo Viana takes over

THE Irish Court of Appeal has dismissed Conor McGregor’s attempt to overturn a jury ruling ordering him to pay damages to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. The court rejected the appeal entirely, upholding the previous decision. Nikita Hand, the plaintiff, alleged that McGregor sexually assaulted her on December 9, 2018. Last year,… Continue reading Conor McGregor loses appeal in sexual assault case in Dublin court

DAVID Popovici is ready for a well-earned beach holiday after completing a sprint double at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. The 20-year-old Romanian secured gold in the 100m freestyle with a championship-record time of 46.51 seconds, adding to his 200m freestyle victory earlier in the week. Popovici outpaced American Jack Alexy (46.92) and Australia’s… Continue reading Popovici eyes beach holiday after world swim sprint double win

PAPE Matar Sarr scored an astonishing goal from the halfway line as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Arsenal 1-0 in a fiery pre-season friendly at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium. The Senegalese midfielder capitalised on a defensive error and spotted goalkeeper David Raya off his line before unleashing an audacious 50-yard strike just before halftime. The match,… Continue reading Pape Sarr’s halfway line stunner seals Tottenham win over Arsenal

FRENCH swimming sensation Leon Marchand secured gold in the 200m medley at the World Championships, just a day after breaking the world record. The 23-year-old, who dominated the Paris Olympics last year, clocked 1:53.68 in the final—his second-fastest time ever. Marchand admitted he struggled to sleep following his record-breaking semi-final performance. “I felt so excited… Continue reading Leon Marchand wins 200m medley gold after breaking world record

GERMANY’s two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has been confirmed dead at age 31 after being struck by falling rocks during a mountaineering expedition in Pakistan. Her management company stated that rescue operations were “impossible” due to the hazardous conditions. “Rescue efforts to recover her failed and the operation was suspended,“ the company said in… Continue reading Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier dies in Pakistan mountaineering accident

FORMER NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested on Wednesday alongside five others for allegedly hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at his mansion in Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors revealed that the 43-year-old ex-Washington Wizards player rented his Encino property to run the underground gambling operation between September 2021 and July 2022. According to the indictment, the… Continue reading Ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas arrested for illegal poker games in LA

THE National Sports Council (NSC) has yet to finalise funding for the national cycling team’s 2025 SEA Games preparations, pending an official decision from the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF). NSC Director-General Jefri Ngadirin stated that MNCF’s Council Members’ Meeting this Saturday will determine the final plans, cyclist selection, and budget requirements. “MNCF has shortlisted… Continue reading NSC awaits MNCF’s final plan for 2025 SEA Games cycling funding

ARSENAL’s new striker Viktor Gyokeres has addressed the inevitable comparisons with club legend Thierry Henry after inheriting the famous number 14 shirt. The Swedish international, who joined from Sporting Lisbon for 63.5 million euros, emphasized his desire to establish his own identity at the Emirates Stadium. “Of course I know about the history,“ Gyokeres told… Continue reading Gyokeres aims to forge own legacy at Arsenal after taking Henry’s number 14

YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has urged stakeholders to allow national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen sufficient time to revitalise Malaysia’s badminton squad following their underwhelming display at the 2025 Badminton Asia Junior Championships (BAJC). She emphasised that the ministry has provided full support to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to strengthen the… Continue reading Give Jonassen time to produce champions, says Hannah Yeoh

JOHOR Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has slammed Selangor FC chief executive officer Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon for claiming that the Red Giants are closing the gap with the Southern Tigers. In a scathing post on X, the Regent of Johor refuted Johan’s remarks made at a recent partnership event with Provident,… Continue reading “Selangor fans deserve better, don’t insult their intelligence” — TMJ slams club CEO

FERRARI announced a multi-year contract extension with Formula One team boss Fred Vasseur on Thursday, ending immediate speculation about the Frenchman’s future. Vasseur has been in the post since the beginning of 2023 and was a key element in seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton joining from Mercedes this season. “Today we want to recognize… Continue reading Ferrari extend Vasseur’s contract as F1 team boss

ARIS THESSALONIKI winger Carles Perez has been sidelined after suffering a groin injury in a dog attack, Spanish media reported on Wednesday. The 27-year-old Spaniard was reported to be walking his own dog when he was bitten in the genitals by another dog during an attempt to separate the animals. The incident left him with… Continue reading Injury blow for Aris as Perez ruled out following dog bite

NEWLY-PROMOTED Premier League team Burnley are offering their fans a virtual reality viewing experience, meaning they can enjoy being at the club’s Turf Moor stadium from their room. A partnership with VR experts Rezzil will mean a ‘first-of-its-kind’ immersive broadcast of Burnley’s pre-season friendly on Aug. 9 against Italian club Lazio. Fans who acquire special… Continue reading Burnley offer virtual reality seat for fans

WIMBLEDON champion Iga Swiatek cruised into the third round of the WTA Canadian Open on Wednesday as Naomi Osaka fought off two match points to advance with a three-set win over Liudmila Samsonova. Swiatek, seeded second in her first tournament since her crushing victory over Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final, breezed past Chinese qualifier… Continue reading Swiatek cruises, Osaka battles through in Montreal