Category: 6. Sports

Estevao Willian could hardly have introduced himself to Chelsea in a better way.

When the 18-year-old Brazilian smashed home an equaliser for Palmeiras against the Blues from an almost impossible angle on Saturday – Chelsea fans could have been forgiven for feeling a little bit excited.

Yes, he had just equalised against their side in the Club World Cup quarter-final but it was also a thrilling glimpse of the talent Chelsea have signed in a deal that could eventually be worth £52m.

A late Palmeiras own goal meant it was ultimately Chelsea looking forward to a semi-final against Fluminense, but Estevao’s last game for the Brazilians was certainly a memorable one.

The Blues beat the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Manchester City to sign the Palmeiras wonderkid last summer – before allowing him to stay in Brazil last season and to play for the Brazilians in this summer’s Club World Cup.

And, while they may have been regretting that decision as his direct running and silky skills tormented them in Philadelphia, anyone connected with Chelsea can’t fail but to be excited by what they saw.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “Happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night.

“He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world is that you need to adapt.

“We are going to help him to adapt, be happy and enjoy football. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea.”

The forward was a constant threat down Palmeiras’s right, had the most touches in Chelsea’s box for his side (8), and was awarded man of the match for his display.

Blues midfielder Cole Palmer, who was pictured talking to him after the final whistle, added: “You can see he is a top player, so it is very exciting.

“I just said we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said.”

Estevao and Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira were tearful at the post-match press conference as they reflected on their time together.

Ferreira said: “I spoke before with Maresca and told him ‘you bought an amazing player but more than this you bought an amazing person’.

“You need to take care of him. You need to embrace him and in the beginning for sure he will make mistakes. Like you saw today he is an amazing player with a lot of skill. He is a player who can win a game alone.”

Estevao, said: “Palmeiras opened the door for me. I was deeply happy in Palmeiras and my family knows how happy I was.

“I’m very happy I could score a goal to help my club unfortunately this wasn’t the result we wanted but we gave our best on the pitch and now I am moving on.”

Jayden Seales ripped out the opening batters to reduce Australia’s second innings to 12-2 and lead over West Indies to 45 runs on day two of the second Test on Friday.

The West Indies’ first innings almost lasted the entire day, but it was all out for 253 — 33 runs behind Australia — which left a tricky half-hour in the day.

The hosts made it as hostile as possible and preyed on Australia’s nervous top order.

Seales bowled Sam Konstas for a duck in the first over and almost claimed Cameron Green on the next ball. Green barely fended off Seales and was fortunate the ball dropped in front of second slip.

Seales then got a nip-backer to trap Usman Khawaja plumb on two. Khawaja’s video review showed it was going to hit middle stump.

Nathan Lyon came in as the nightwatchman, and he and Green just made it to stumps. On the penultimate ball, Lyon took an Alzarri Joseph delivery into his left bicep. He needed on-field treatment.

Seales had two from five from three overs, including a maiden.

For Konstas, it was his third single-digit score in four innings on tour. Opening partner Khawaja has scored 47, 15, 16 and 2. Before that, he had 0 and 6 in the World Test Championship final. No. 3 Green is also still looking for a morale-boosting score.

The West Indies have their own top-order issues.

Kraigg Brathwaite was out for a duck in his first innings in his 100th Test, caught and bowled by Josh Hazlewood in the first over.

Keacy Carty went the same way on 6 to Pat Cummins, and John Campbell wasted a good start of 40 when he skewed Beau Webster to mid-on.

It took Brandon King’s maiden Test half-century and the tailenders’ 73 invaluable runs for the West Indies to get close to Australia’s 286.

The West Indies was 174-7 after lunch, still more than 100 behind, but the Nos. 8-11 batters — notably Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, not related — frustrated the Australians for 25 overs and led the West Indies past 200 and 250.

King and captain Roston Chase, who took 18 balls to get off the mark, rebuilt West Indies from 64-3 to a confident 110-3 by lunch.

Chase was out straight after lunch, trapped on 16 by Hazlewood after Australia reviewed.

But King lofted Hazlewood for six over square leg, then his seventh boundary brought up his 50 off 77 balls, his first 50 in his second Test and West Indies’ first 50 in the series.

King waltzed down the track to hit Lyon for another couple of sixes as his partnership with Shai Hope began to flourish.

But Cummins ended their 58-run stand when he bowled Hope on 21, and King fell in the next over, nicking Lyon behind. King laboured for 75 off 108 balls with eight boundaries and three sixes.

A third wicket in four overs, Justin Greaves, tumbled West Indies to 174 for seven.

But the Josephs made it to tea and kept going for 51 runs together. Alzarri scored 27 and Shamar 29. Last pair Anderson Phillip and Seales resisted for another nearly 11 overs for 16 runs.

All six Australian bowlers took wickets; Lyon led with three for 75.

“She’s fighting. She’s playing much better. She’s more consistent. I can see that mentally she’s healthy. I think that’s really important. I’m pretty sure she’s getting there.”

Raducanu, who famously won the 2021 US Open as a teenaged qualifier ranked 150th, peaked at world No.10 in July 2022.

RELATED: Top 10 Grand Slam surprises this century

She has since battled chronic injuries – forcing her to undergo multiple surgeries – and off-court tumult, making her return to form all the more impressive.

Currently ranked 40th, Raducanu has never before played this many tour-level matches (32) or won as many (18) through Wimbledon in a single season.

Yet this consistency falls short of the kind produced by Sabalenka, who by progressing to the fourth round at Wimbledon has now reached the second week in her past 11 Grand Slam tournaments – a feat no woman has achieved since Serena Williams.

She’s been at her best in the tightest moments, too; after saving set point to snatch the opener against Raducanu, it marked Sabalenka’s 13th straight tiebreak won.

Pakistan’s first-ever international gold medallist wrestler Din Mohammad passed away after a prolonged illness. He was over 100 years old.

Hailing from Lahore’s Bata Pur area, Din Mohammad earned the honour of winning Pakistan’s first gold medal in the 1954 Asian Games held in Manila.

Representing the country in wrestling, he defeated opponents from the Philippines, India, and Japan to claim the top podium spot.

Besides the Asian Games gold, Din Mohammad also brought home a bronze medal from the Commonwealth Games and represented Pakistan in numerous international events, raising the national flag with pride.

Punjab Sports Board spokesperson confirmed his passing and recalled that it was Din Mohammad who gave Pakistan its first-ever gold at an international event.

Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar expressed deep sorrow at his death, saying: “Din Mohammad’s services to the nation and wrestling are unforgettable. He lifted Pakistan’s flag in international arenas and is a true national hero.”

Punjab Director-General of Sports Khizar Afzal Chaudhry also conveyed heartfelt condolences, saying: “May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. Wrestler Din Mohammad made the nation proud and his contribution to Pakistani sports will always be remembered.”

Both officials extended prayers and sympathies to the bereaved family, terming Din Mohammad a source of pride for the nation and an inspiration for future generations.

KARACHI:

Pakistan hockey officials and team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt have welcomed reports from India suggesting their national team will be allowed to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup, but stressed that any participation will hinge on approval from Islamabad.

Indian media, citing sports ministry sources, reported that Pakistan’s hockey team will face no hurdles in travelling to India for the tournament, scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7.

According to the Press Trust of India, the Indian sports ministry has already secured permissions from both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs, Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) learnt on Friday.

The Asia Cup is a crucial event for Pakistan hockey, serving as a qualifying tournament for next year’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid struck a cautiously optimistic note when speaking to Telecom Asia Sport. “We have to wait and see to ascertain the credibility, but surely these are positive developments,” Mujahid said. “However, let me make it clear—our participation will depend on clearance from the government.”

Given this context, PHF officials had already written to the Asian Hockey Federation and the International Hockey Federation, seeking guarantees that players would receive the necessary visas not only for the Asia Cup but also for the FIH Junior World Cup, which India’s Tamil Nadu state will host in November.

Pakistan head coach Tahir Zaman said he was encouraged by the developments.

“This is good news for not only Pakistan hockey but also for the international game,” Zaman told Telecom Asia Sport. “Our participation will still depend on government clearance, and we look forward to that.”

Zaman added that players have been instructed to stay ready despite the uncertainty. “We are planning to hold a preparation camp for the Asia Cup, and even at this stage, players have been told to keep working on their fitness at home.”

Team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt also welcomed the reports and expressed hope that sporting ties between the two nations could begin to improve.

“We welcome this and hope to get ready for the event as and when we get the permission,” Butt said. Last month, he publicly appealed for the restoration of sporting ties between India and Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly completed the signing of respected Australian fielding specialist Shane McDermott as the men’s all-format fielding coach.

The 44-year-old McDermott was one of two finalists for the job and arrives with a broad résumé across international and domestic cricket. He holds a High Performance Level Three Coaching Certificate and has previously contributed to setups in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and his native Australia.

Shane McDermott also reportedly had the backing of Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who worked closely with him during previous assignments. He is expected to link up with the squad ahead of the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

An official announcement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely later this week.

Between 2022 and 2023, Shane McDermott served as Assistant Fielding Coach with Bangladesh’s national team and earlier spent three years as Sri Lanka’s senior team fielding coach while also leading the Sri Lanka A program. Most recently, the Australian worked with Afghanistan.

His earlier coaching experience includes seven years with Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, where he held positions ranging from Interim Assistant Coach to National A Team Analyst and Fielding Coach.

According to sources, his appointment come as Mohammad Masroor departs from his role as the fielding coach. Masroor, who was hired on a series-to-series basis, confirmed his exit through a heartfelt message on social media.

“Thank you to the players who trusted the staff who supported, and the fans who believed,” he wrote.

“Though my chapter with the team ends here, I’ll always be a part of Pakistan cricket’s story. Thank you, Pakistan. I leave with no regrets, only pride and best wishes for what lies ahead,” he further wrote.

Masroor, 49, had previously worked with Pakistan’s Under-19 and domestic teams, and was viewed as a progressive coach with modern fielding insights. However, despite his efforts, Pakistan’s fielding continued to disappoint in key matches, including in World Cups and the Asia Cup.

The PCB has struggled for years to find consistency in this department, having rotated through several fielding coaches without significant improvement.

Masroor’s exit comes at a critical time with Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching. Scheduled to be held in India, the high-profile tournament will see Pakistan face stiff competition against arch-rivals India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and possibly Afghanistan.

Umar Gul set for key role with PCB

Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul is expected to take up a major role in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) setup as part of the board’s wider plans to restructure its coaching and development departments.

According to sources, Gul is likely to be named head coach of the Pakistan Shaheens, who have a packed schedule ahead. The team is set to participate in the Top End T20 Series in Darwin next month, followed by a tour of England later this year.

The 42-year-old retired from international cricket in 2020 and has since built a strong coaching resume. He has previously served as the bowling coach of Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Afghanistan’s national team, and Pakistan’s senior men’s side.

Gul stepped in as Pakistan’s bowling coach after Morne Morkel’s departure and worked with the national team during the Test series against Australia in late 2023 and the T20I series against New Zealand in early 2024. He also held the same role during Pakistan’s 2023 T20I series against Afghanistan and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the PCB has announced that Pakistan Shaheens will return to Darwin for the 2025 Top End T20 Series, marking their third straight appearance in the tournament. The event will run from August 14 to 24, with the Shaheens facing Bangladesh ‘A’ in the opening match at TIO Stadium.

The 2025 edition will feature 11 teams playing 36 T20 matches across five venues: DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly’s Arena, and Freds Pass. More details about the tournament are expected to be announced soon.

In previous editions, the Shaheens have performed well, reaching the final in 2023 and the semi-final in 2024. Their campaign included notable wins against teams like Perth Scorchers, Tasmania, Melbourne Renegades, and Bangladesh ‘A’. However, their run ended in the semi-finals after a loss to Adelaide Strikers.

LAHORE  –  Pakistan’s pursuit of excellence in international cricket gained fresh momentum as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) 20-day Skills Development Camp concluded on Friday at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Lahore.

With over 40 elite male cricketers participating, the camp, led by Director High-Performance Aqib Javed, laid the groundwork for a pivotal upcoming season, including Pakistan Shaheens’ England tour, a T20 assignment in Darwin, and a home Test series against South Africa. In his media interaction at the LCCA Ground following a scenario-based 35-over match marking the camp’s conclusion, Aqib expressed confidence in Pakistan’s prospects for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. “I believe Pakistan has a strong chance to win it,” he said, emphasising the strategic importance of capitalising on home conditions and preparing meticulously for the South Africa Test series.

The Skills Development Camp, which commenced on June 16, was executed in three carefully structured phases. The final stage focused on the Pakistan Shaheens’ squad as they gear up for their England tour. Earlier phases were dedicated to refining skills among centrally contracted and fringe national players through high-impact sessions tailored for both individual and team growth.“Off-season is the best time to address technical and mental aspects of a player’s game,” Aqib said and added: “We are not just working for the next tour but also developing depth in every department.”

Following the Ashura break, PCB’s High-Performance Centre will resume camps to prepare for the Darwin T20 tournament and the Test squad’s red-ball challenges. Aqib explained how the setup is running dual-track preparations. “We are simultaneously working on our red-ball specialists and white-ball performers. We have even curated pitches replicating home Test conditions to ensure optimal preparation.”

Such parallel preparation reflects the evolving complexity of modern cricket, where formats demand sharply defined roles and relentless performance. “You can’t cover everything in a week, but these short camps are essential in bridging gaps, whether it’s spin-bowling all-rounders, pace-bowling utility players, or expanding our wicketkeeping pool,” Aqib added. In an era where athleticism and discipline have become non-negotiables, Aqib praised the players for their dedication and commitment during the camp. “What stood out to me the most was their willingness to wake up at 5 am daily. That kind of discipline brings structure to a cricketer’s life and it’s going to show in their performances and fitness over the next six months.”

Commenting on the evolution of the game, Aqib said: “Modern cricket is highly skill-oriented and phase-specific. A batter has to know how to anchor, accelerate, and finish; bowlers must adapt to powerplays, middle overs, and death overs. Our sessions were designed with these role-specific requirements in mind.”

Looking ahead, Aqib confirmed that similar camps will continue till October, aimed at scouting and polishing talent across the board. “These camps aren’t one-off events but part of a consistent strategy to build bench strength,” he said. “We are constantly evaluating players based on conditions, formats, and match requirements.”

The most challenging stretch of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES began Friday with the first day of on-track activity at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Before this month ends, teams will have competed in five races at four venues in three different parts of North America (the Midwest, Canada and the West Coast).

Here are three observations about the first practice of The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport, plus other notes of interest:

• This is Alex Palou’s track until proven otherwise. In four starts with Chip Ganassi Racing on the 13-turn, 2.258-mile road course, the Spaniard has finished third, second, first and second for an average finish of 2.0. The series points leader was third on Friday’s speed chart, which should be concerning to those trying to cut into his commanding 93-point standings lead. Palou has a series-leading six race wins this season, and he and Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood, who delivered Friday’s fastest lap, are the only race winners this season. Palou doesn’t have to qualify up front Saturday to win Sunday. His average starting position here with CGR is only 4.75.

• Mid-Ohio has always been a roller-coaster ride for drivers. Friday, it sent several off track. Colton Herta of Andretti Global w/Curb-Agajanian slid off twice, the first time well wide of Turn 1. Later, he went rear-first off Turn 6. Rookie Jacob Abel of Dale Coyne Racing spun at the exit of Turn 1. Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel (Turn 12), AJ Foyt Racing’s David Malukas (Turn 9), Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin (Turn 4) and Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward (Turn 4) also went off the road. Malukas mentioned a slick track. Maybe that was it. The track was resurfaced two years ago.

• Turn 4 is one of the track’s signature corners and one of the best places to pass. But for safety reasons, the profile of the corner has been modified since last year’s NTT INDYCAR SERES race. Previously, there was a big drop-off into the gravel trap, an area affectionately known as “China Beach.” But that drop-off contributed to the dramatic flips of Michael Andretti (1998) and Simon Pagenaud (2023), among other rough rides. The transition from track to gravel is now about the same level, and the rest of Turn 4 has been flattened out, which removes the ramp effect that previously existed.

So Many Winners (Poles and Race)

There are many reasons why drivers love competing at Mid-Ohio, and one is the success so many of them have experienced.

There are nine drivers in this NTT INDYCAR SERIES field who have won series races here – the most by any venue on this year’s calendar. Certainly, eight different winners in the past eight years are the most of any venue on the schedule.

Qualifying has been similarly competitive in recent years. Different drivers have won the NTT P1 Award each of the past four years – Josef Newgarden (2021), O’Ward (2022), Herta (2023) and Palou (2024).

In all, seven drivers racing this weekend have won NTT P1 Awards at this track, led by Will Power and his five poles. Scott Dixon and Alexander Rossi are the other former Mid-Ohio pole winners.

Qualifying for Sunday’s The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport is at 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday (FS1, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network).

Odds and Ends

• A year certainly can fly by fast. Last year at this event, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES raced with hybrid technology for the first time. O’Ward won the race. Last month, World Wide Technology Raceway became the first track to experience the series’ hybrid technology a second time as the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline moved forward in this year’s schedule by two months.

• Marcus Ericsson has a different engineer for the first time as an Andretti Global driver. Dave Seyffert has been tabbed to finish out the season with the No. 28 FOX INDYCAR Honda, replacing Olivier Boisson. Seyffert was an assistant engineer with Meyer Shank Racing when Helio Castroneves won the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in 2021. He also stepped in for Jeremy Milless on Kirkwood’s car last month at World Wide Technology Raceway, and the combination won the race.

• Ericsson should be optimistic about his chances this weekend. He has finished in the top six of four of the past five races at Mid-Ohio. He finished second to Newgarden in 2021 and was fifth a year ago.

• Felix Rosenqvist’s No. 60 SiriusXM Honda is carrying a special livery this weekend, highlighting legendary English hard rock singer Ozzy Osbourne.

• Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen will start Sunday’s race six positions beyond where he qualifies due to serving a penalty for an unapproved engine change following last week’s team test at Iowa Speedway.