Category: 6. Sports

Sacha Hickey has probably the best record in amateur boxing. She has only lost once in her whole life.

The GB boxer has been a stellar junior and youth international and is now carrying that form into elite competition.

This year alone she has won gold medals at significant competitions, the Strandja tournament in Bulgaria and the World Boxing Cup in Brazil, and beaten two Olympians in the process.

The 21-year-old has not lost a bout since 2018. That kind of winning run is almost unheard of in amateur boxing, especially for someone who has been an international from age group to elite level.

She could have the best record in international amateur boxing.

“Probably is to be fair,” Hickey told Sky Sports. “You can’t pick and choose who you box at elite level.”

She added: “I’ve probably only ever won a 3-2 [split decision] four times maybe, all the others have been unanimous.”

Hickey is hoping to extend that seven-year winning run at the World Championships, which begin in Liverpool on September 4.

“I think I’ll top the podium, I think I’ll be the one to do it,” Hickey said. “All it is really is hard work and self-belief, they’re probably the main two things

“It’s hard, the training, but when you’re in there it comes easy.”

Hickey is not only gunning for a first World Championship medal, she is a real prospect for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

It all began for her by playing the boxing game on the Nintendo Wii when she was a child. Her brothers wanted to go to a real boxing club and she followed them to Fisher ABC in Bermondsey.

“I was the only girl there,” she recalled. “It was intimidating a bit, but it was like no one was really bothered. I feel like Fisher is one of those places where you can be anyone. No one’s really bothered and everyone gets along.

“You can be anyone, do anything really, you can just come along and train. Down Fisher it was like a family.”

There she was trained by legendary coach Steve Hiser. “Because I was his first girl fighter, I think it was quite special for him, to have me and make me into a champion,” she said.

“He was quite old school.”

It prepared her for the position she is in now. “Even since I was a schoolgirl, if I went sparring they would stick me in with the seniors, or at least the youths they put me in with. I’ve always really gone above my level,” Hickey added.

“Down at Fisher I’d always spar the boys, so I never really had it my own way, I always got pushed in the gym. So when it came to the fighting, it came easy.”

She added: “It’s actually crazy that we were just playing the Nintendo Wii one day and then the next thing you know you’re training to hopefully go to the Olympic Games.”

• EuroBasket 2025: Official site | Games
• Schedule, standings & results | Rosters

TAMPERE, Finland (AP) — Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schröder scored a game-high 23 points and made seven assists to lead world champion Germany to a 105-83 win over Sweden at EuroBasket on Friday.

Schröder shot 7-for-12 from the field, making three 3-pointers. Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner added 21 points as Germany went 2-0 in Group B after also beating Montenegro in its opening game.

Melwin Pantzar led Sweden with 18 points, with Pelle Larsson of the Miami Heat sidelined by an undisclosed illness.

Germany shot a strong 60% for the game played in Tampere. Daniel Theis made a quick three buckets to help build an 8-0 lead and the world champion never looked back.

Germany is among the title contenders after it upset the United States en route to winning the 2023 Basketball World Cup, beating Serbia in the final.

Sweden is 0-2 in the group after losing to host Finland in their first game.

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Valančiūnas leads pass-happy Lithuania

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas scored 19 points on eight-of-nine shooting to lead Lithuania to a 94-76 win over Montenegro on a record-making night for the winner.

Lithuania, 2-0 in Group B, made a EuroBasket record 35 assists, according to the organizers.

The 33-year-old Valančiūnas also reached the milestone of 500 points in Eurobaskets, playing in his sixth edition of the tournament.

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Sengun comes close to triple-double

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun came close to a triple-double as he helped Turkey beat the Czech Republic 92-78.

Sengun scored 23 points from eight-of-nine shooting, pulled in 12 rebounds, and made nine assists as Turkey went to 2-0 in Group A, which is being played in Riga, Latvia.

Turkey got 21 more points from Cedi Osman and as a team dominated in the points-in-the-paint, 50-26.

Czech center Martin Peterka stepped outside and hit five 3-pointers, scoring 23 in a losing effort.

The Czechs, 0-2, hit five early 3-pointers to open a six-point lead after the first quarter. But Turkey responded with a 14-0 run and never fell behind again.

Kostas Tsimikas Secures Loan Move to AS Roma

Liverpool’s squad reshaping has taken another turn, with Kostas Tsimikas sealing a loan switch to AS Roma. This development, revealed by Fabrizio Romano, comes at a crucial juncture in the window and provides clarity on the Greek international’s immediate future.

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Romano reported: “ Kostas Tsimikas to AS Roma, here we go! Loan deal agreed with Liverpool as he’s been authorized for travel and medical tests. AS Roma will cover his salary until June as Tsimikas really wanted the move.”

That phrasing is significant, pointing to the player’s determination to secure regular minutes and Liverpool’s pragmatic stance in finding a short-term resolution.

Limited Opportunities at Anfield

Last season was already a testing one for Tsimikas. With Andy Robertson enduring a difficult campaign, it was anticipated that the Greek defender might step up. Instead, opportunities were few and far between. The recent £40 million arrival of Milos Kerkez has only intensified competition at left-back, effectively pushing Tsimikas further down the pecking order.

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It is understood that Liverpool were initially seeking a permanent transfer solution. However, with the market nearing its conclusion and no buyers prepared to meet their valuation, a loan became the practical path.

Roma’s Defensive Reinforcement

AS Roma have acted decisively. Covering the player’s wages until June reflects confidence in his ability to adapt swiftly to Serie A. Tsimikas himself was eager for the move, reportedly prioritising game time and stability over financial factors.

His energy, willingness to overlap and ability to deliver dangerous set-pieces could provide Roma with a valuable option on the left flank. With the Italian side still navigating squad balance and fitness concerns, Tsimikas offers both experience and adaptability.

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Timing and Implications

The timing of this deal cannot be understated. With only days remaining in the transfer window, Liverpool have made a choice that suits both parties. For the club, it removes a wage burden and potentially rebuilds the player’s value for the summer. For Tsimikas, it provides a platform to remind European football of his qualities.

“AS Roma will cover his salary until June as Tsimikas really wanted the move,” Romano emphasised. That statement sums up the mood around the deal. The motivation was driven as much by the player as by the clubs involved, underlining his readiness for a fresh challenge.

Outlook for Liverpool’s squad

While not transformative in the wider context of Liverpool’s title defence under Arne Slot, the deal neatly resolves a squad dilemma. With Kerkez bedding in and Robertson still in the mix, Tsimikas’ pathway had narrowed to a near standstill. His absence will not be keenly felt in the short term, but his future could yet resurface as a talking point next summer.

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Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this move feels logical yet slightly underwhelming. The club were hoping to bank a permanent fee and draw a line under Tsimikas’ Anfield chapter, but the late timing of the market has restricted options. A loan to Roma at least guarantees he will play, which in turn could increase his market value when the window reopens.

Tsimikas has always been a committed professional and popular in the dressing room, but the reality is that his chances were evaporating. Robertson, even in a downturn of form, held onto his starting place, and the signing of Milos Kerkez was effectively the final nail in the coffin for Tsimikas’ Liverpool prospects.

The challenge for Liverpool now is to ensure squad depth does not take a hit. Should Robertson face injury or Kerkez take time to adapt, the left-back options look thin. That said, Slot has demonstrated flexibility in his system and may rely on tactical adjustments rather than like-for-like cover.

For Roma, it is a shrewd short-term fix. For Liverpool, it is a compromise. Supporters will hope that come next summer the club are able to conclude matters more decisively.

Published:
Friday, 29 August 2025

Senegal clinched third place at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after overcoming Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday.

The defending champions, denied a place in the final after losing to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals, showed resilience once more in a tense bronze medal match.

Victory means Senegal secured a podium finish in back-to-back tournaments, while Sudan’s wait for a third CHAN medal goes on despite a spirited display.

Sudan strike early, Senegal respond

In front of a lively crowd in Kampala, Sudan looked the sharper of the two sides in the opening stages.

Their persistence paid off in the 6th minute when Mohamed Tia Asad rose highest to power home a header from Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner, putting the Falcons of Jediane 1-0 ahead.

That advantage stood until the break, with Sudan showing defensive discipline and goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja pulling off crucial saves to frustrate the holders.

 Senegal, however, came out stronger after half-time, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing errors.

Their equaliser arrived in the 58th minute when Seyni Ndiaye’s precise header found the net, after good work on the flank by Ousseynou Seck.

From then on, the Lions of Teranga took control of possession, but Sudan continued to threaten on the counter, with Abooja again keeping his side level.

Penalties decide bronze medal

Neither side could find a winner in regulation time, and with extra-time absent in the third-place play-off, penalties were required.

Sudan blinked first, with Walieldin Khdir firing his opening kick wide of the target. Although Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja scored, Musab Makeen saw his effort saved by Marc Diouf, handing Senegal the advantage.

Senegal were flawless from the spot. Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and finally Libasse Guèye all converted, giving them a 4-2 shootout victory.

Redemption for Senegal

The result was bittersweet for Souleymane Diallo’s youthful side, who entered the tournament aiming to defend their crown but had to settle for bronze.

Still, it underlined their depth and promise, as they remain unbeaten in open play across their last 10 CHAN matches.

“This was about character,” Diallo said afterwards. “The players showed maturity after the disappointment of the semi-final. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”

For Sudan, coached by Ghana’s Kwesi Appiah, the defeat was painful but their campaign earned admiration across the continent.

Despite a domestic league crippled by conflict, they defied the odds to reach the semi-finals, eliminating Nigeria and pushing Madagascar to the limit.

Appiah praised his players’ spirit: “We came very far with limited preparation. I am proud of how the team fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart.”

Eyes on Saturday’s final

While Senegal celebrate a bronze medal and Sudan reflect on what might have been, all eyes now turn to Nairobi, where Morocco and Madagascar will meet in Saturday’s final at Moi International Sports Centre.

The great Rocky Clark represented England at four Rugby World Cups, appearing 17 times at the showpiece event, a record only surpassed for England by Emily Scarratt, Sarah Hunter, and Tamara Taylor. Her record at those four tournaments was not bad either: a win in 2014 and three other finals. 

So, no one better to ask for the inside track on who to pick for this week’s Fantasy RWC 2025, as well delving deep into her remarkable RWC career. 

Don’t forget you can play Fantasy RWC 2025 any time – it’s free and there is a global leaderboard, private leagues plus plenty of prizes on offer!

You’ve picked Sarah Bern and Meg Jones in your team, why?

Sarah Bern’s ability to make line breaks is second to none. She gets out in the wide channels and either gets you front foot ball or breaks through and it’s so hard to stop her. It’s like jumping in front of a truck. I particularly admire her carrying and I’ve picked her because she always gets a try. 

Meg Jones is one of the most skilful players who has ever been in an England shirt. Her ability to create something out of nothing, her ability to entice defenders and turn them inside out, her speed, bravery and skillset is just another level. Plus, she’s a hard runner and a great kicker. She can do it all and she makes everyone else around her just look better. She is a generational player.

What teams surprised you on the opening weekend?

Spain really impressed me against New Zealand. They stayed in the fight and never gave up. Maybe the scoreline doesn’t quite reflect how much Spain stepped up but they deserved their try right at the end of the game.

Scotland as well. I thought their skills were slick and just on point. Fran McGhie just showed absolute wheels for her three tries. That surprised me how much just spending that time together and improving those skills has made such an impact, especially in their backs.

Who will be in the final?

I think England and Canada. I have been so impressed with Canada’s offloading game and I think they are one of few sides who can go toe-to-toe with England’s forwards.

Memories of your first RWC?

I remember it was in the middle of nowhere in Edmonton, it was really hot, and we had a hotel which hosted a wedding the night before the final. There was an atrium with all the rooms around the edges and the wedding took place in the middle so nobody got a wink of sleep.

I was absolutely heartbroken losing the final. Canada nearly beat us in the semi-final and it was Kim Shaylor who kept us in it by making a cover tackle. I remember the scrums in all those games being really physical and you really earned your stripes.

Was the step-up to the RWC significant?

Yes! The physicality level was totally different. The most physical Six Nations games we played were France. There was no love loss there and you would go to battle against France. But facing the USA, they were such conditioned athletes. They had players like Phaidra Knight (in action below) who were like power lifters and just flew into you. You knew you’d been into a game with them when you couldn’t walk for two days after because it was so hard. 

Best player you’ve ever played against?

Anna Richards, the four World Cup New Zealand fly-half, she was only little and I’ve since been coached by her for the Barbarians and that was incredible. I saw how brilliant she is and she just gets everyone on side and was such a skillful leader. Then she just tore us apart whenever she played us.

Then prop wise, it would be Hilary Leith of Canada. We struggled against her in 2014, she was very big and physical and such a hard player to go up against.

You’ve had the insight from a Rugby World Cup winner, but just in case you are still unsure on who to pick, here are our Top Tips: 

Layla Sae (NZL – pictured above) 59pts in Round 1 – Sae beat 11 defenders in round one. That was a high for the round alongside teammate Jorja Miller and Ayanda Malinda (RSA). Both Miller and Malinda scored two tries in that first round whereas Sae was left empty handed. Incidentally, the only other player to beat double figures of defenders was Aseza Hele (RSA) who bagged a hat-trick. Sae is doing everything right, expect some luck to come her way against Japan this weekend. If that happens, tries will follow.

Piper Duck (AUS) 41pts in Round 1 – Duck’s 24 tackles were the fourth most in round one as she was called upon to put her body on the line to stop the relentless carries of the Samoan team. Australia will come into their second round match-up against the USA as underdogs, but confident ones after their enormous 73pt-victory. If they are to endure another heroic defensive stand, expect Duck to bag another tackle haul and add to her single turnover.

Francesca Sgorbini (ITA) 23pts in Round 1 – Nobody made more carries than Sgorbini’s 19 in the first round. That game ended in a loss against France and Italy now face a must-win game against South Africa, which might be the best game of the round. Expect to see Sgorbini get a little bit more space to turn those high carry numbers into line breaks and tries. She’ll hope she doesn’t also have to make 15 tackles this time around.