Category: 6. Sports

With their pre-season training camp officially getting underway in a week’s time, Bayer Leverkusen have announced the opening of their football academy in São Paulo, which will be run by club legend Paulo Sérgio.

Leverkusen will begin their pre-season training camp in Brazil on July 14 and the opening of the football academy in the home of Joga Bonito is a move aimed at enhancing the club’s links to a country that has provided them with 20 Bundesliga representatives over the years.

The project, based in south São Paulo, is now the first ever Bundesliga academy established in Brazil. Leverkusen are aiming to involve aspiring footballers from the ages of five to 15 as they look to also bring German culture closer to Brazilian culture – and make an impact beyond football.

Sérgio, who played for the club between 1993 and 1997, is Leverkusen’s all-time top scorer from Brazil, and has described the academy’s opening as “one of the happiest moments” of his life.

He said: “After the World Cup, this is one of the happiest moments of my life. Bayer Leverkusen’s presence in Brazil is an achievement that represents motivation and personal satisfaction, the result of years of dedication to strengthening this bridge between the two countries.

“Our aim is to bring cultures closer together, apply German methodology and grow together. I want to give back to Brazilians everything that the Germans have done for me and my family.”

All the coaches working under Sérgio at the academy have completed training programmes and will continue to receive further training as they coordinate with the main technical staff based in Leverkusen. – Bayer Leverkusen

Sérgio’s son, Luiz Felipe, who has been appointed technical director of the academy, has stressed that the idea for the project has “always been beyond football,” adding, “it is also a social project.”

The academy will reserve 10 per cent of the spots available for children and youths from vulnerable households, with these applicants to receive football boots, uniforms and the opportunities to train under high-quality coaches.

Other legends, including Zé Roberto, Zé Elias as well as current player Arthur were all part of the academy’s opening as well.

Zé Roberto, who played for the Werkself 113 times in his career, was pleased to be at the opening and said: “I’m very happy to relive this story, I was very happy at Bayer, playing in important finals, like the Champions League. Today, I see that the project is still going strong with many children involved.”

Leverkusen begin their pre-season preparations on July 7 at the BayArena, one week ahead of the start of their camp in Brazil.

Neilson Powless

Ben Healy

Alex Baudin

Sports director, Charly Wegelius

Cameron Norrie was desperately fighting for his survival by the final set of an agonising duel over four hours and 27 minutes on his beloved No 1 Court. As he watched ace after ace fly past him from one of the world’s most destructive servers, Norrie’s momentum had disappeared along with his two-set lead and match point.

The Briton has been on a purposeful journey over the past few years and, after enduring one of the most difficult periods of his career, he has rebounded with even greater courage and self-belief. He drew upon those qualities in the final moments of one of the most significant wins of his career as he held his nerve to close out a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (7), 6-7 (5), 6-3 win over the qualifier Nicolás Jarry.

The victory marks Norrie’s ­second grand slam quarter-final, having reached his first en route to the semi-finals at the All England Club in 2022. Despite the greater ­attention that other players receive, he is again the last British player standing at Wimbledon.

After spending such a long time watching his lead shrink against an opponent who fired down 46 aces, Norrie dragged himself over the line, using his supreme competitive spirit and composure to hold on.

Next he will face Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion and second seed, after he defeated the 14th seed Andrey Rublev 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, on Tuesday. The recent trajectory of Norrie’s career has been fascinating. Having already been struggling with his form in 2024, a left biceps injury compounded his misery.

From his career high ranking of No 8, he fell as low as 91st in May. Norrie is an extremely ambitious person and at his lowest point, as he compared his frustrating level to his form when he reached the top 10, he was weighed down by his own expectations.

He has found his way by focusing solely on his enjoyment of the sport, finding happiness and satisfaction in every single workout, practice and match, regardless of the result. Now, on the biggest stages, his results are also a source of joy again.

This was always likely to be a ­significant challenge. Having climbed as high as No 16 last year, Jarry has fallen to a ranking of No 143 in large part due to a severe case of ­vestibular neuritis, an ear condition that has affected his balance, perception and vision, leading to spells of dizziness. The Chilean stands at 6ft 7in and at its best, his serve is untouchable.

As Jarry fired down aces at will, shutting his opponent out of his service games for much of the match, Norrie took care of his own service games brilliantly, winning all 25 and courageously saving all eight break points he faced throughout the match. The pair would combine to work through 38 consecutive service holds in the match.

After establishing a two-set lead, Norrie held a match point on his serve in the third set tie-break at 6-5, but Jarry took the racket out of Norrie’s hand with his relentless attack and serving as he forced a fourth set.

More than an hour later, Jarry’s flawless serving performance and bold, relentless aggression allowed him to force a fifth set in another tie-break. As Norrie desperately tried to land returns, to chase down every ball and offer his opponent no free points, he was rewarded for his doggedness as the Chilean opened the set with a poor service game, allowing the Briton to seal the decisive break.

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Norrie brilliantly held on to his serve throughout the final set, ­saving three break points as he closed out a monumental win that further ­re-establishes him at the top of the men’s game.

As Norrie sealed the match with a running forehand passing shot, a grand slam quarter-finalist once more, he tossed his racket into the air and rolled on the grass in glee.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I think credit to Nico, he did an unbelievable job staying with me,” said ­Norrie. “He played better than me in both tie-breaks. I didn’t want to let his gamestyle bother me so I just kept fighting.”

The shifting scoreline was not the only source of drama on No 1 court. Jarry had complained to the umpire Eva Asderaki about Norrie’s ball bouncing between first and second serves. Then, as they convened for the handshake, Jarry expressed his displeasure with Norrie’s tendency to cheer loudly after almost every successful point.

Although their extended discussion prompted boos from the crowd, Norrie and Jarry eventually shook hands and the Briton applauded his beaten foe as Jarry departed: “He said I was a little bit vocal and I think: ‘That’s my energy,’” Norrie said. “I just said: ‘Man, you competed so well, you hung in there so well.’ It was an amazing, competitive match and I loved it.”

Published:
Sunday, 06 July 2025

Nigeria began their bid for another TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a dominant 3-0 win over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons showed their intent from the outset, with Asisat Oshoala opening the scoring in the fourth minute with a powerful header after Omorinsola Babajide’s cross found her perfectly in the box.

Nigeria maintained control throughout the first half, pinning Tunisia deep with relentless pressure and wide play.

Despite spirited defending from the North Africans, Nigeria doubled their lead just before the break.

Babajide, who was a constant threat down the left, latched onto a pass and buried her shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0—her effort confirmed after a brief VAR review.

The nine-time African champions made a triple substitution at half-time, bringing on Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Christy Ucheibe, all of whom injected fresh energy.

Nigeria’s dominance continued into the second half, with Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre going close, and Michelle Alozie causing problems with overlapping runs from fullback.

Tunisia showed resilience and nearly pulled one back when Salma Zemzem struck the crossbar in the closing minutes.

But their resistance was finally broken again in the 84th minute, when Ihezuo coolly slotted home from close range after good work by Okoronkwo to seal the win.

The Super Falcons’ pace, physicality, and experience overwhelmed a youthful Tunisian side who were hoping to build on their quarter-final finish from 2022.

Nigeria, who had not won their opening WAFCON match since 2016, were eager to stamp their authority early—and they did so with a commanding display.

With this result, Nigeria top Group B heading into their next fixture, while Tunisia will need to regroup quickly if they are to reach the knockout stages.

Lando Norris won a thrilling, rain-hit British Grand Prix, sweeping to victory after championship-leading team-mate Oscar Piastri was penalised for an infringement behind the Safety Car. The Australian was left with second place at the flag ahead of Nico Hülkenberg who rose from 19th on the grid to take his first F1 podium at the 239th attempt. 

On a wet, but rapidly drying track, the formation lap got underway behind the Safety Car and when it left the track so too did a number of drivers who pitted to swap the Intermediate tyres all had fitted for slicks. 

At lights out on the partially empty grid, polesitter Max Verstappen made a good getaway and after shrugging off a brief challenge from front row rival Piastri, the Red Bull driver settled into the lead. Behind the top two, Norris held third ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly who powered through to take P5.

However, further back there was contact between Haas’ Esteban Ocon and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson and the New Zealander was bounced off track and out of the race. The VSC was swiftly deployed, and the pace froze. 

When the caution ended, Verstappen held the lead but behind the leaders another incident was unfolding. Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto crashed and though he was able to get going again he eventually had to stop on track and the VSC was deployed for a second time. 

The second neutralisation ended on lap 7 and this time Verstappen could do nothing to keep Piastri at bay and on lap 8, with the aid of DRS, the Australian swept past on the Hangar Straight to steal the lead. 

Soon afterwards, rain began to fall and struggling on “really bad inters” the Red Bull driver slid off track at Chapel and Norris swept past. Piastri pitted and he was followed by Norris and Verstappen. Norris had a slow stop, however, and Verstappen was able to get out ahead of the Briton to steal back second place. 

Piastri now led the Red Bull driver by 12 seconds, with Norris just half a second behind the Dutchman. Lance Stroll, who had started 17th and put in a brief, massively advantageous stint on Softs, rose to fourth ahead of Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg who also profit from the incidents and the conditions after starting 19th. However, with the conditions rapidly deteriorating the Safety Car was sent out on lap 14 and the race was neutralised. 

The Safety Car left the track at the end of lap 17 and Piastri controlled the restart to hold his lead ahead of Verstappen and Norris. Behind them​, Stroll and Hulkenberg maintained position. 

The Safety car was almost immediately out again, however. In heavy spray, Hadjar failed to see Kimi Antonelli ahead of him and on the way up to Copse the Racing Bulls drove into the back of the Mercedes. Remarkably, the Italian was able to carry on, despite being deprived of a rear diffuser, but Hadjar pirouetted off track and into the barriers. 

Just ahead of the Safety Car leaving the track, Piastri suddenly braked hard, dropping from 218km/h to just 52km/h. Verstappen shot past the McLaren and had to brake hard himself to allow the race leader past. The incident was quickly placed under investigation and Piastri was later handed a 10-second time penalty for erratic braking behind the SC. 

The Safety Car peeled off track at the end of lap 22 and struggling for grip in Stowe Verstappen spun off track. He rejoined in P9 and slipped to P10 as he was passed by Williams’ Carlos Sainz. 

At half distance, Piastri led his team-mate by 3.6s and Stroll was now up to third place ahead of Hülkenberg and Gasly. Behind them, Hamilton got past Russell to take P6. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso sat in P8 ahead of Sainz and Verstappen. 

On lap 35 Hülkenberg passed Stroll take P3 and soon after Hamilton muscled his way past to demote the Canadian to fifth. Further back, Verstappen was also beginning to recover, and he made his way past Sainz to take ninth place behind Alonso. 

On lap 38 the Spaniard was the first to make the move to slick tyres and he pitted from seventh. Russell was the next in. Both struggled for grip, however, with Russell spinning and rejoining and Verstappen was boosted to seventh. With the conditions steadily improving, the Dutchman passed Gasly to claim rose to sixth as he too cycled through the pits for slick tyres.  

Piastri pitted from lead on lap 44 and after serving his penalty and fitting Mediums, he rejoined in P2, ahead of Hülkenberg who was now also on Medium tyres. Norris headed in at the end of the following lap and with Medium tyres on board the Briton rejoined in a lead he would hold until the end of the race. 

Behind them McLaren pair Nico Hülkenberg took his first ever podium in his 239th race start, with Hamilton in fourth place. With two laps to go Verstappen closed right up to Stroll and when the Canadian made a slight error the Red Bull driver pounced to take P5 at the flag. Gasly also made his way ​past Stroll on the final lap to take P6. The Aston Martin driver managed to cross the line in seventh, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon, Alonso and Russell. 

 

2025 FIA Formula 1 British Grand Prix – Race 
1 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 52 – 
2 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes 52 6.812
3 Nico Hülkenberg Sauber/Ferrari 52 34.742
4 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 52 39.812
5 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT 52 56.781
6 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault 52 59.857
7 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 52 – 
8 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes 52 – 
9 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes 52 – 
10 George Russell Mercedes 52 – 
11 Oliver Bearman Haas/Ferrari 52 – 
12 Carlos Sainz Williams/Mercedes 52 – 
13 Esteban Ocon Haas/Ferrari 52 – 
14 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 52 – 
15 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull/Honda RBPT 51 – 1 lap
     Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 23 – Retirement
     Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT 17 – Retirement
     Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber/Ferrari 3 – Retirement
     Liam Lawson Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT 0 – Retirement
     Franco Colapinto Alpine/Renault 0 – Retirement

Sonay Kartal took Wimbledon by storm as the last British player standing in the women’s singles, after Emma Raducanu’s exit. The Brighton native calmly went about her business in the first week, defeating the world No 21, Jelena Ostapenko, in the first round before dominant straight-set wins against Viktoriya Tomova and Diane Parry to reach the fourth round at a grand slam for the first time.

But the fairytale run came to a halt as the unseeded Anastasia ­Pavlyuchenkova’s greater experience told, the 34-year-old winning 7-6 (3), 6-4 to return to the Wimbledon quarter-finals after nine years.

“Obviously I’m finished here,” said Kartal. “For the rest of the day I’ll be a bit sad. But tomorrow I’ll wake up, and look back on this week and be super proud. I can step back and think: ‘Fourth round of a slam.’

“Hopefully I have inspired some people. It’s not easy coming out on Centre Court as a Brit.”

It was a match not without its controversies, with the electronic line-calling system failing at a crucial point for the Russian in the first set, an embarrassing moment for Wimbledon, which has received pushback for getting rid of line judges.

Pavlyuchenkova made it to the last eight here in 2016, losing to the eventual winner, Serena Williams. “I always thought grass was very tricky for me,” said the Russian. “I’ve played a really good match today, considering this was Centre Court – my first time in many years – and facing such a tough opponent. She didn’t give me any free points.”

Her compact swings helped her hold to love in the opening service game and she followed it up with a break, forcing Kartal on the run for a second break point. ­Pavlyuchenkova responded to a lob with some great skill, stretching out and flicking her high backhand on the baseline.

Three unforced errors by ­Pavlyuchenkova made it 0-40 on her serve and led to Kartal breaking back after the Russian mistimed a drop shot. Another hold and a break put her ahead.

The frustration began to build for the Russian as her unforced errors racked up to 12 but she managed a forehand down the line to take it to deuce. She then earned the break by forcing Kartal to scurry across the baseline before finishing the point with a drop-shot winner, leaving the Briton staring in disbelief.

The pair then each survived a nervy service game to make it 4-4 before a loud “stop, stop” from the line-calling system halted play. The chair umpire, Nico Helwerth, ­confirmed the system did not call a shot from Kartal that was clearly long, when Pavlyuchenkova had game point.

After a call from the line-system team, Helwerth said the system was “unable to track the last point so we will replay the point”, a disappointing decision given the Russian had technically won the game. It was particularly stinging after Pavlyuchenkova’s forehand volley into the net gave Kartal a 5-4 lead on the replay. At the change of ends she told Helwerth he “stole the game from her”.

“I just thought the chair umpire could take initiative,” said ­Pavlyuchenkova. “That’s why he’s sitting on the chair. He saw it go out; he told me after the match … I don’t know if it’s because she’s local.

“[Wimbledon] did explain it to me [afterwards]. They said the ­system was down. I understand, but it’s a big match. We should probably look into something else to have ­better decisions.”

The Russian, feeling hard done by, put her emotions to one side, breaking Kartal with a firm forehand into the corner after the Briton squandered set point. ­Pavlyuchenkova then held to 15 before Kartal took it to a tie-break with a swift ace. A blasting forehand and an overhead smash later and the set was Pavlyuchenkova’s.

Kartal lost serve in the opening game of the second set after Pavlyuchenkova dragged the Briton to the net with a drop shot before finishing with a lob. Kartal broke back and, much to the delight of the Centre Court crowd, the Briton needed only 60 ­seconds in a perfect service game to hold to love.

Pavlyuchenkova roared in celebration after her own hold with her hard hitting. The Russian then sealed another break, the ninth of the match, after the 23-year-old dragged the break point long. Her good passage of play continued with two strong forehands to go 40-0 on her serve as Kartal tried – unsuccessfully – to out-hit her. Kartal did not allow herself to fall away in a must-win game though, with some strong first serves.

With seven return winners to Kartal’s none, Pavlyuchenkova continued to hit looping forehands and clinched victory with a strong first serve and a winner down the line.

Despite the end of her Wimbledon run, Kartal said she would be ready “for the American swing” after a couple weeks off. “I think this week I’ve proved to myself I can go deep into slams. I can beat some of the best players on tour. I’m going to go away with a lot of motivation.”

+++ England’s Daniel Brown (-22) triumphs in Munich, ahead of Jordan
Smith (ENG) and Kazuma Kobori (NZL) +++ Matti Schmid is the best
German in seventh, amateur Tim Wiedemeyer impresses in 17^th
place +++ € 73,000 for “Eagles for Education” and the Philipp Lahm
Foundation +++ 58,000 golf fans flock to Golfclub München Eichenried +++

Munich. Englishmen Daniel Brown and Jordan Smith,
teeing off in the final group, began the final round with a
spectacular flurry of birdies that delighted the crowds in Munich.
Smith came into the Sunday one shot behind his compatriot, but
overcame that deficit with five birdies on the first nine holes.
Brown, for his part, hit back with four birdies. However, unlike his
playing partner, he did not drop a single shot and was ultimately a
worthy winner of the only DP World Tour event in Germany. The
30-year-old carded rounds of 70, 65, 65 and 66 to end the tournament
on 22 under par (266 shots) and claim his second title on the DP World Tour.

“At the end of a fantastic tournament week, it is my pleasure, on
behalf of BMW, to congratulate Daniel Brown on his deserved title at
the 36th BMW International Open,” said Jochen Goller, Member of the
Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales. “The
atmosphere around the course was sensational. It was great to see so
many fans, customers and friends of the game of golf here. We are also
delighted with the many eagles that were carded, namely 73, meaning
the BMW Group will donate € 73,000 to the Philipp Lahm Foundation for
Sport and Education.”

This year, the BMW Group donated €1,000 for every eagle scored over
the course of the tournament to the Philipp Lahm Foundation for Sport
and Education. The shared goal is to give children and young people
skills and knowledge in the areas of exercise, nutrition and personal
development. This is the third time that the BMW Group has used its
“Eagles for Education” initiative at the BMW International Open to
work towards equal opportunity and better prospects for children and
young people who have a difficult start to life. The 73 eagles at this
year’s tournament is a record for “Eagles for Education”.

Making his 69^th appearance on the DP World Tour, Brown
became the eighth Englishman to win the iconic German tournament. In
doing so, he followed in the footsteps of Matt Wallace (2018), Danny
Willett (2012), David Horsey (2010), Nick Dougherty (2009), David
Howell (2005), Lee Westwood (2003) and Russell Claydon (1998). Brown
had his low error count to thank for the victory – over the course of
the whole tournament, he only dropped three shots – as well as a
nerveless final round. Smith carded three bogeys on the final nine
holes and must consequently – as he did last year – settle for second
place, despite having had a very good tournament.

“It means an awful lot to me. I did not really take it all in when I
claimed my first victory but today hit me straight away. I lost a
friend last weekend. This is for him. All day, it felt as though I was
not playing in my own body. I could feel the tension and then I
started to think what it would mean to win a golf tournament like
this. That repressed what happened a little. I believe he was with me,
and that made it a bit easier,” said a visibly emotional Brown.

Third place went to Japan-born New Zealander Kazuma Kobori (-18), who
thrilled the 17,500 golf fans on Sunday with a round of 63 (9 under
par) – the best of the week, together with Davis Bryant (USA, round
two). A total of 58,000 visitors flocked to Golfclub München
Eichenried over the course of the week. Bryant, Joost Luiten (NED) and
Kristoffer Reitan (NOR all -16) ended the tournament tied in fourth place.

The best-placed German at this year’s BMW International Open was
Matti Schmid (-15, T7). The man from Regensburg, who predominantly
plays in the USA on the PGA TOUR, said: “The atmosphere was more than
mega all week. I hope everyone comes back again, as it is nice to have
a full house here. I am obviously happy with the result, as the top
ten is always a super outcome. My performance was mixed. On the whole,
there was more there for me – however, I assume everyone feels that
way. I felt very good on the greens. At some point, everything will
come together at the same time.”

Munich-born Tim Wiedemeyer also gave an outstanding display. He made
the cut without any problems and ended the week as the top amateur.
The 20-year-old did not stray above par on any of his four rounds (72,
66, 69, 69) and finished tied in an impressive 17^th place.
Wiedemeyer said: “It was really cool. I missed out a few times, and
could definitely have done better, but I am very happy with the
result. I could take something from the tournament in all areas of the
game. The walk to the 18th green on the final day was the best moment
of the week.”

Seven German players made it to the weekend: Martin Kaymer (-11,
T19), Marcel Schneider (-10, T26), Marcel Siem (-4, T58), Yannik Paul
and Hurly Long (both Even Par, T66).

The full final result of the 36^th BMW International
Open can be found in the PDF document attached.