Category: 6. Sports

Historically, Germany have always produced fantastic goalkeepers. Starting back in the day with Andreas Thiel, continuing with Henning Fritz, Carsten Lichtlein or Jan Holpert and coming into the last years with Andreas Wolff spearheading the senior national team, Germany have a chequered history for this position.

And the future looks bright, as David Späth has already earned his plaudits at the 2023 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship, where he made the All-Star team, quickly making his debut in the senior team in 2023 and already featuring at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and at the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship.

Looking even further, Germany have another gem on their hands in the All-Star goalkeeper of the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, Finn Knaack. The player grown at HSV Hamburg, where he has been playing since 2020, had already made his debut in the Bundesliga – featuring twice between the posts for his side – before shining in Egypt and now is ready to make the next step.

“I was only five years old when I started playing handball in my local club in Northern Germany. Goalkeeping just came to me. I started as a field player, probably as every goalkeeper here, and one day, the goalkeeper was not there, to practice,” says Knaack.

“And then my coach said, Finn, try to go in goal. And this is what I did and have been doing ever since on the court.”​​​​​​

Hamburg knew they had a gem on their hands, as the current sports director of the team is Johannes Bitter, Germany’s former goalkeeper, who had 175 caps in the senior team and was a member of the side which won the gold medal at the 2007 IHF Men’s World Championship.

Knaack already had a roadmap ahead of him, being loaned by Hamburg to TUSEM Essen, in the second league, this season, providing more playing time to a future star who is only 18 years old.

But the shot stopper has definitely got the eyes on him after his performance at the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, where he helped Germany secure the gold medal with some fantastic performances, being clearly the number one on his position in the title-winning squad.

Only one goalkeeper had a better saving efficiency than Knaack – Bahrain’s Mohamed Abdulhusan, who had 22 saves from 58 shots, for a 37.9% saving efficiency. On the other hand, Knaack had 75 saves for a 35.2% saving efficiency, with a much tougher schedule and two matches more played than the Asian goalkeeper. Only one goalkeeper – Slovenia’s Matevž Mlakar, made more saves than Knaack, 81.

And in the epic final against Spain, Knaack also delivered a masterclass, with 12 saves, including two penalty shots in the shoot-out, helping Germany to a 41:40 win.

“I am still a bit speechless. It is an unbelievable feeling and I am so proud of my team,” said Knaack after the final against Spain.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper had some excellent matches, starting with a 50% saving efficiency against Uruguay in the maiden match of the competition. He then continued with a flawless performance in the win against Slovenia, with 18 saves for a 42% saving efficiency, and added nine saves for a 57% saving efficiency against France.

He shared duties with Anel Durmić in the main round win against Norway and the quarter-final win against Hungary, before making six saves in the 32:30 win against Denmark in the semi-final.

It might not look as lighting up the board, but taking into account that Germany did not win by more than two goals in the knockout phase of the competition, every save made by Knaack kicked off a domino effect which finally saw Germany win the trophy.

And Knaack was, obviously, the top goalkeeper in the competition, earning a place in the All-Star team.

“I didn’t really think I could get this individual trophy or be in the contention for it. It just feels fantastic. I am speechless. It is just so nice that I was selected, it’s unbelivable,” says a humble Knaack.

But this is just the beginning. The younger age category World Championship editions serve as a springboard for talent to shine and Knaack will have all eyes on him for the future due to his role in Germany’s unbeaten performance to lift the title.

Therefore, comparisons will be inevitable. The first one is definitely the one with the current Germany senior national team goalkeeper, Andreas Wolff. Knaack stands at 2,00m tall, Wolff is only two centimetres shorter.

And while it might be too early to compare their styles, Knaack probably has a penchant for stopping penalties, having five saves from 21 penalties faced throughout the competition at Egypt 2025.

“I always looked up to him when I started handball. I have been a fan of Andreas Wolff since he was in Wetzlar. I always watched his matches,” says Knaack.

Only the future will tell if the 18-year-old will follow into Wolff’s footsteps. But his first steps were excellent.

Day Two of the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations saw host nation Italy power their way into the overall lead of the World Trophy competition with a thrilling performance in Bergamo. Italy also maintained their advantage in the Junior World Trophy class, while the United States topped the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy classification.

• Italy race their way into overall World Trophy lead 

• Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) wins all six special tests on Day Two 

• Dry weather results in near-perfect racing conditions at 6DAYS® Italia 

After a rainy start to the 6DAYS® Italia on Day One, which saw defending World Trophy champions France arrive back at the end-of-day service as the early leaders, Day Two saw the pace frantic from the off. A repeat of the Loop One – Val Cavallina course, now in dry conditions, meant the racing line was bedded in immediately.  

 Starting the day with a thirty-four-second deficit to France, Italy immediately went on the attack as their rivals faltered. Almost eliminating France’s lead, they closed the gap to just two seconds on the opening special test. 

 Another powerful effort on the second special test saw them move into the overall race lead by twenty-six seconds, and as they exited the third special test to complete lap one of two, Italy were now thirty-five seconds clear. 

 Clearly riding with a new wave of momentum, Italy focused on building that advantage throughout the remainder of the day. With France unable to retaliate, Italy closed out Day Two with a one-minute-and-forty-seven-second lead in the World Trophy classification. 

 “It’s been a positive day for us and we are now leading the World Trophy classification,” said Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS), who placed second overall in the individual standings. “The goal was to take the lead and we were able to do that and also pull a nice gap over France.  

 “Personally, I felt I rode a bit too slow on the first test, but then got in a big fight for the overall win after that. On the last test, I lost the rear of the bike in the corner and crashed. But, you know, the feeling is good in the team and we will keep on pushing tomorrow for more.” 

 For France, it was not the day they had initially hoped for. Losing the lead to Italy, they have some ground to make up tomorrow to bring themselves back into contention for the top position. They will also need to keep a watchful eye on a hard-charging Sweden. The Swedes hold their top-three placing of third and closed the gap to France from one-minute-and-forty-five seconds to just thirty-nine seconds. 

 Behind the leading trio of Italy, France and Sweden, there was plenty of change for the reminder of the top five. Sixth on Day One, Australia leapfrogged up the leaderboard to a strong fourth, with the United States fifth, and Spain falling to sixth. However, only thirty-four seconds separate Australia and Spain, with the United States sandwiched between them, meaning positions are likely to change again as the week progresses. 

Kyron Bacon, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media

Australia close the gap to leaders Italy in Junior World Trophy 

The Junior World Trophy classification saw Italy maintain their lead in the 6DAYS® Italia but face a new challenge with Australia moving up to second, while also closing in on the Italians. Australia look to now have found their rhythm in this year’s race and firmly applied the pressure to Italy on Day Two. With only thirty-six seconds splitting both teams, Italy cannot afford to ease off on Day Three. 

“I surprised myself getting inside the top three today,” said Australia’s Kyron Bacon (Kawasaki), who raced his way to third overall on Day Two. “Today was a lot of fun though, the tracks were in really good condition after yesterday’s rain. As a team we worked hard and we are keen for the next few days to come now.” 

Like their World Trophy counterparts, Day Two was not so kind to France in the Junior World Trophy standings. Losing time to both Italy and Australia, they slipped to third overall. With Day Three set to bring a new course, they will hope the fresh special tests will play to their advantage. 

The United States hold fourth, one-minute-and-thirteen seconds behind France, but nearly two minutes clear of Spain in fifth. 

Madison Healey, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media

United States comfortably lead MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy 

There was no stopping the United States in the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy competition, who increased their lead by ten minutes to sixteen-minutes-and-seventeen-seconds. The defending champions look strong and confident on the Italian terrain, setting a benchmark that very few of their classmates can match.  

However, it was the fight for the runner-up result which proved exciting on Day Two. After a strong start to their day, Australia’s Madison Healey (KTM) ran into trouble on the second special test, losing over five minutes. That allowed France to move into second overall. Australia regrouped and fought hard to reel France back in, closing the gap from an initial three minutes down to one-minute-and-seventeen-seconds. 

“The day was good,” told France’s Mauricette Brisebard (Beta). “With the sun, conditions were a lot better than yesterday. The first test was tough with a lot of ruts, but tomorrow, we have new tests so we will keep pushing and try to strengthen our position in the race.” 

Italy are a distant fourth behind Australia but maintain a comfortable advantage over Great Britain in fifth. Chile and Slovakia are locked in a battle for sixth, with Chile holding the upper hand over Slovakia. 

Josep Garcia, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media

Clean sweep of special tests on Day Two for Garcia 

In the outright individual classification, Day Two saw Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) sweep all six special tests. The Spaniard hit the ground running on the opening special test, taking the win by two seconds over Italy’s Samuele Bernardini (Honda). However, as the day progressed, it was Verona who got closest to Garcia, with the duo often split by fractions of a second throughout the day. Finally, a small crash from Verona gave Garcia the breathing room he needed to take the Day Two win. 

“I knew today that there would be pressure with all the top guys starting at the front,” admitted Garcia. “The tests were drier and not as technical as they were in the rain, so the times were much tighter. I’m happy to come away with the win after a great fight like that.” 

Racing his way into third, Bacon enjoyed a great day at the office, clocking in numerous top-five times. A few mistakes from Bernardini ultimately proved costly, ending his day two seconds behind Bacon in fourth. Shadowing him home for fifth, Morgan Lesiardo (Triumph) ensured three Italians placed inside the top five on Day Two. 

Garcia made it two wins from two starts in Enduro1, with Bernardini and Lesiardo completing the top three. Sweden’s Mikael Persson (Triumph) took fourth, with Australia’s Angus Riordan (KTM) fifth. 

Despite missing out on the overall victory, Verona could be content with the Enduro2 win on Day Two. Thanks to his impressive ride, Bacon ended his day second in Enduro2. The United States’ Grant Davis (KTM) edged out Sweden’s Albin Norrbin (Fantic) by two seconds to take third. With Norrbin fourth, the United States’ Dante Oliveira (KTM) completed the top five. 

It was a win for Italy’s Kevin Cristino (Fantic) in Enduro3. Fending off the French, he took the victory over France’s Julien Roussaly (Sherco) by just four seconds, with Roussaly’s teammate Leo Le Quere (TM MOTO) third. Australia’s Josh Strang (Beta) ended his day less than one-second back in fourth, with Belgium’s Eric Willems (TM MOTO) fifth. 

The Women’s category saw the United States’ Brandy Richards (KTM) victorious on Day Two. Richards won all but one of the day’s six special tests to top the standings by a sizeable twenty-five seconds. 

Australia’s Danielle McDonald (Yamaha) enjoyed a strong ride on Day Two, with the eighteen-year-old racing her way to second position. The United States’ Korie Steede (Husqvarna) gave chase, finishing two seconds behind in third. Australia’s Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) was fourth, with the United States’ Rachel Gutish beating Canada’s Shelby Turner (GASGAS) by one-second to claim fifth. 

6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media

MC Italia A extend Club Team Award lead 

In the Club Team Award competition, MC Italia A continue to lead the way, extending their advantage to three-minutes-and-forty-two-seconds on Day Two. Team Rabaconda pushed past BBM – Racing Time to move into second. The Missouri Mudders are just eleven seconds behind BBM – Racing Time in fourth. GTBN round out the top five. 

Gottbros Team almost doubled their lead in the Veteran Club Team to eleven-minutes-and-thirty-five-seconds on Day Two over Motosport Bozkov 2 in second. Moto Club Nave remain in third, with Team Canada – Veteran fourth and Team Germany Club Veteran fifth. Randy Mastin Memorial lead the Women’s Club Team class. 

Day Three of the 6DAYS® Italia will see competitors complete two laps of the Loop Two – Three Valli route. 

One of the main home hopes at the US Open has suffered an early exit from the tournament after Madison Keys lost in the first round on Monday.

There were early signs the world No 6, who won the Australian Open in January, faced a tough match against Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa. The American won the first set, but only after taking a marathon tiebreak 12-10. Zarazúa won the second set on another tiebreak (7-3) before closing out the match by taking the final set 7-5.

It was an error-strewn performance from Keys, who reached the US Open final in 2017, and she sent down 14 double faults and only got 55% of her first serves in. Keys, whose left thigh was heavily taped, also hit 46 winners to her opponent’s five, but had 89 unforced errors.

“I feel like today, for the first time in a while, my nerves really got the better of me, and it kind of became a little bit paralysing,” said Keys. “I want to win, but just feeling like winning matters just way too much, and I just couldn’t quite separate myself from that. Then once you start playing badly, it just kind of all snowballs.”

Zarazúa, the world No 82, has a modest record on tour, has never advanced past the second round of a major and had a 0-6 record against Top 10 players coming into Monday’s match.

“I’m a little bit small in height, so coming in here, it was like: ‘Oh, my God. This is huge,’” said the 5ft 3in Zarazua. “When I retire, I’m going to be really happy about it, so I was like: ‘Just enjoy it.’”

There were other defeats for American players on Monday. Coleman Wong became the first player from Hong Kong to win a grand slam men’s singles match since the Open era began in 1968 when he defeated Aleksander Kovacevic in straight sets. The 21-year-old is ranked 173rd on the ATP Tour and was making his main draw Grand Slam debut. He had fallen short in qualifying at Flushing Meadows, the Australian Open and twice apiece at Wimbledon and the French Open.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Korda was forced to withdraw from his match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie while trailing 7-5, 6-4.

Nottingham Forest have had a deal worth £30.2m rejected by Strasbourg for their French forward Dilane Bakwa.

The 22-year-old is keen to move to the City Ground and remains optimistic the transfer can be revived.

Forest’s offer was £23.7m plus £6.5m in add-ons, but Strasbourg want an initial fee of at least £30m along with add-ons.

Bakwa has 11 goals and 20 assists in 69 matches for Strasbourg – a club with the same BlueCo ownership as Chelsea – since arriving from Bordeaux in 2023.

Premier League newcomers Leeds and Sunderland have also shown interest in the France Under-21 international, who can play on the wing or up front.

Forest’s bid comes amid uncertainty over manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s future.

The 51-year-old admitted on Friday his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had “changed” and they “are not as close”.

Much of the unhappiness stems from the summer’s transfer activity despite eight players joining the club this summer.

They include winger Dan Ndoye – who started the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Sunday – forwards James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo and midfielder Douglas Luiz.

However, Nuno wants to sign another goalkeeper and two full-backs to strengthen his squad, with the club also competing in the Europa League.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Nuno’s position is not completely safe despite last season’s achievement of finishing seventh in the table and qualifying for Europe. The uncertainty, according to sources, has now stretched to the playing squad.

Forest host West Ham in their next Premier League game on Sunday.

Invincibles appear to have every base covered as they hunt a third successive title.

As well as Cox, who brutally flogged anything short over the leg side, opener Will Jacks also hit three sixes in a 27-ball 45.

After both fell, powerful finisher Donovan Ferreira crashed 24 from just nine balls to emphatically seal the win.

While Cox is 63 runs clear at the top of the run-scoring chart, Ferreira has the tournament’s best strike-rate.

Batting is their stronger suit, but the variety of their pace attack always gives skipper Sam Billings options.

Leg-spinner Nathan Sowter has performed admirably as the sole spinner since Rashid Khan left for international duty with Afghanistan last week.

Here he took 2-23 after Jamie Smith gave Spirit a fast start with 28 from 15, helping squeeze the scoring before 31 from 18 by Overton boosted the score.

Sowter may well be joined by Australia spinner Adam Zampa for the final, with Invincibles in talks with the 33-year-old over a one-game deal.

That would make their opponent’s task tougher still.

TENNIS-USOPEN/ (PIX, TV):Tennis-Mboko takes positives from charmed summer run despite early US Open defeat

By Amy Tennery

NEW YORK, Aug 25 (Reuters) – Canada’s rising talent Victoria Mboko did not get the U.S. Open debut she had hoped for but would take plenty of positives from a charmed summer, as she exited the year’s final major in the first round.

She started the year ranked 350th in the world but arrived in New York as the 22nd seed after a career-breakthrough run in Montreal, where she incredibly beat four former major winners en route to the 1000-level title.

But a tough draw against the twice Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova proved too great a hurdle as she lost at Louis Armstrong Stadium 6-3 6-2.

“I felt like I was rushing myself a little bit and needed to take more time between points and find a solution to be at ease with myself and eventually play my game better,” said Mboko, who celebrates her 19th birthday on Tuesday.

The Canadian was able to smile through defeat as she reflected on her progress, knowing that only a year ago she was playing in a pair of ITF-level tournaments in Europe during the hardcourt slam.

“To see how far I kind of came in a year, it’s really amazing and to be honest, if anything, I’m super appreciative of everything that I’ve gone through this year to get me to where I am,” she told reporters.

“If you told me last year I would have been seeded here at the U.S. Open – or even playing the U.S. Open, let alone – I would have been so happy.”

She arrived on the court in New York with her wrist heavily taped after falling during the tournament in Montreal and said she would use the break before the Asia swing to take care of her fitness.

“There’s some positives to take away,” said Mboko. “I feel like this is the start of a long journey.” (Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York Editing by Toby Davis)

News / Genesis / Tennis-Mboko takes positives from charmed summer run despite early US Open defeat

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The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide today officially opened the FIA American Congress 2025 in Paraguay.  

Held in Asunción, and opened by President Santiago Peña and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the congress is a flagship event on the international mobility and motor sport calendar, bringing together delegates from 33 countries across the Americas and hosted by the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo (TACPy).  

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The American Congress is the embodiment of what the FIA stands for, a globally connected Federation, leading the way in motorsport and mobility. We are elevating and innovating across our sectors and bringing together a passionate community to share knowledge and ideas. 

“Here in Paraguay, and across the Americas, mobility and motorsport are evolving rapidly. Major infrastructure projects are connecting regions and boosting trade, and this week marks a historic milestone for South American motorsport with the Rally del Paraguay joining the FIA WRC calendar for the very first time.    

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Mr. Santiago Peña for joining us on this special occasion, our hosts the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo, and the city of Asunción for their warm hospitality.” 

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña said: “We are no longer the best hidden treasure of the continent, but a giant that is re-emerging with full force: people proud of their roots, its heroic history and convinced of its inevitable future of greatness.” 

“Over the next few days you will be able to experience the legendary hospitality of Paraguay, a country full of caring people.” 

Spanning three days, the Congress will focus on key themes including road safety and education, innovation in mobility and automotive technology, and the continued growth of motor sport in the region. The congress will precede the inaugural FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay, which will be attended by President Peña and FIA President Ben Sulayem in Itapúa. 

-ENDS- 

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About The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.