Category: 6. Sports

The temperatures did not stop more than 10,000 people joining the queue for day one, at which point the All England Club advised people to stop travelling.

Two-time Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur was forced to retire from her opening-round match after becoming unwell.

The Tunisian took a medical time-out in the first set, during which she had her blood pressure taken and had an ice towel draped around her neck.

She decided she could not continue when trailing 7-6 (7-5) 2-0 against Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova, in a match which took place during the midday heat following an 11:00 BST start.

There were varying opinions on the temperature among the players.

“Honestly, I didn’t feel that hot out there. It was hot. I was sweating, but I didn’t really feel like it was that hot, you know,” said American Frances Tiafoe.

“I don’t know if wearing all white really helps as well, but I didn’t really feel that hot. After this I’ll go to [the Washington] Open and play in DC, with the humidity there there’s no faking that. That’s going to be really hot.”

But German Eva Lys, who also came through her first-round match, said: “[It was] tough. Really, really tough. I was sweating a lot, so my racquet was very slippery.

“It’s the first time playing with heat on grass. I feel like it’s really tough on the legs. This is especially what I felt in the third set. I think the spectators didn’t have it easy either, I feel like everyone is kind of struggling with the heat right now.”

BBC Weather’s senior meteorologist George Goodfellow said similar conditions are expected on Tuesday, which will be “dry, sunny and very hot again, with just a very slight breeze at most”.

Goodfellow added: “The high will likely be similar to today, above 30C. We’re going with 33C at Kew Gardens – the nearest observation site to Wimbledon.

“After tomorrow, temperatures will return to nearer normal for the time of year, but that still means above 20C.”

Jay Shah, Chairman of the ICC, reflected that these encouraging numbers were a testament to the continued popularity of the most traditional format of the game.

“The remarkable viewership numbers for the ICC World Test Championship Final, across both broadcast and digital platforms, are a powerful testament to the appeal of high-quality Test cricket and the elevated context of the WTC Final. This format continues to command a loyal and passionate global following and remains an integral part of our sport’s identity.

“What makes this success even more special is the enthusiasm shown by fans in regions beyond the two competing nations, reaffirming that cricket’s reach is truly international, and that the purest form of the game can thrive beyond national affiliations.

“A special mention to JioStar, whose innovative and immersive coverage, captured the drama, emotion, and atmosphere of the ‘Ultimate Test’ in a way that deeply resonated with audiences around the world.”

The news that Jonny is still a Red, and is our new head of loans and pathways, thus calling time on his playing career, was warmly welcomed by fans and peers alike, recognising the defender’s illustrious 19-year career.

Evans played for United 241 times across two stints and won the Premier League three times, the Champions League and the FA Cup.

He now embarks on a new chapter of his career, off the pitch, to assist in the development of players coming through our ranks in the same way he did back in 2006.

And he does so with the full backing of United, our fans, and clubs for whom he previously turned out for across his playing days.

David Humphreys

Local Democracy Reporting Service

PA Media

The final person receiving hospital treatment after the Liverpool FC title parade crash has been discharged.

More than 100 people were injured when a car hit the crowd near the end of the Reds’ Premier League victory parade in Liverpool city centre on 26 May.

Fifty people were taken to hospital after the incident on Water Street.

The force has now confirmed all those who had received NHS care had been permitted to return home.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy confirmed the majority of people injured had already been discharged when she addressed a scrutiny panel earlier this month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Chief Constable Kennedy said officers who responded to the scene on 26 May had done an “outstanding job” and praised all those on duty, particularly those who were injured in the course of protecting the public.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside police and crime commissioner, praised the work of officers and described the incident on Water Street as “really upsetting” after a successful weekend of events.

Trial

Paul Doyle, of Burghill Road in West Derby, has since been charged with a series of alleged offences in relation to the incident.

The 53-year-old has been accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, two of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving.

A trial date has been scheduled for 24 November, provisionally lasting for three to four weeks. A plea hearing is scheduled for 14 August.

 

PFL Europe Nantes is set to take place on Friday 26 September at Zenith Nantes Metropole for the third PFL Europe event of 2025, marking PFL’s first-ever event in the French city

Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov will fight in his home town of Nantes for the first time in his professional career when he enters the SmartCage on 26 September, looking to earn his 10th straight win

The Semifinals of the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight and Bantamweight Tournaments will take place alongside a host of France’s best and most promising MMA athletes who are set to be announced

Tickets for PFL Europe Nantes go on sale at 12:00pm CEST Tuesday 1 July here, with a pre-sale available from 12pm CEST Monday 30 June, and will be available in France, UK & Ireland exclusively on DAZN 

 

 

LONDON (30 June, 2025) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced PFL Europe Nantes will take place on Friday 26 September at Zenith Nantes Metropole, the third event of the European calendar in 2025 and the third new city for the organisation. The card will be headlined by Nantes’ own Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov (19-1-0, 1 NC), who will fight in his home town for the first time in his professional career against a soon to be named opponent.

Tickets for PFL Europe Nantes go on sale at 12:00pm CEST Tuesday 1 July here, with a pre-sale available from 12pm CEST Monday 30 June and will be available in France, UK & Ireland exclusively on DAZN. 

Abdouraguimov is currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, and will look to hit double-digits in front of his Nantes’ faithful for the first time ever. Beloved for his wild and enigmatic personality, “Lazy King” sets out to entertain the masses every time he steps onto the canvas. With seven stoppages in his last nine victories thanks to an elite grappling skillset, he promises to put on a show in Nantes like never before. 

“PFL is coming home! After 21 professional fights, I can finally fight in front of my home crowd, where I grew up and learned this sport. And now, it’s at the Zénith Nantes Métropole that I’m going to do the next Lazy Show. Grab a seat, some popcorn, and be good, but not too much, because I’m here to entertain you on September 26th, let’s go!”. Said Abdoul Abdouraguimov.

“This is our third new city in as many events for PFL Europe in 2025, and I’ve heard special things about Nantes. When we have a star on our hands like Lazy King, it makes sense to bring him to his home crowd for the first time in his career. But we’re not going to stop there, we are going to fill this card with the best talent France has to offer and put on an unforgettable night of MMA. You’re not going to want to miss this, join us at Zenith Nantes Metropole on 26 September and be a part of something special.” said PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray.

Also on the card will be the Semifinals of the PFL Europe Lightweight and Bantamweight Tournaments, as the continent’s elite look to earn their spot at PFL Europe Championship Lyon on 13 December to win the coveted title and $100,000. 

PFL Europe Nantes will be exclusively broadcast on DAZN in France, the UK & Ireland, the home of MMA, boxing, European football, women’s football, and the NFL (excl. USA). DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading technology, and multi-platform distribution. The event will also be available in the U.S. via PFL’s brand-new app, which can be downloaded here.

 

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league world-wide. PFL is the only MMA organization with the “win and advance” tournament format. PFL has three fight products: PFL World Tournament, PFL Champions Series, and PFL International Leagues. PFL is broadcast and streamed live to 190 countries with 20 leading media partners. PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SURJ, Ares, 885 Capital, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth and global sport business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.

PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

DAZN
DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading technology, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app. 
 
For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com  

 

 

###

BACK TO NEWS

Pakistan clinched a resounding 79-39 victory over Japan on Monday to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship held in Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in South Korea.

From the very beginning, Pakistan took control of the game, maintaining a steady lead through all four quarters.

The first quarter ended with Pakistan ahead 16-9 and by halftime, they had extended their lead to 39-17.

The momentum continued as Pakistan further widened the gap to 60-26 in the third quarter, eventually sealing the match with a commanding 79-39 victory.

Standout performances came from Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Haleema, Sarina Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed, Amani, Parisa, Sumayya Ahmed and Alina, all of whom played exceptionally well and contributed to the team’s emphatic win.

Officials from the Pakistan Netball Federation, including Chairman Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz, congratulated the team on their remarkable victory against Japan, praising the players for their skill and teamwork in securing such a convincing result.

Pakistan are placed in Pool B of the championship and now sit at the top of the group with eight points.

Their next match is scheduled against the Maldives on Tuesday. The team is set to play five league matches in the group stage.

The Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 features a total of 11 participating teams and is being played from June 27 to July 4 under the supervision of the Asian Netball Federation.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and India.

While Group B consists of Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Japan, Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

Brentford are in “constant dialogue” with forward Bryan Mbeumo and it is “not impossible” he will stay, says director of football Phil Giles.

Cameroon international Mbeumo is the subject of serious interest from Manchester United, who have had two offers for the striker rejected – the second of which was worth up to £62.5m.

Mbeumo, 25, wants to join United and is understood to have told the west London club that.

Speaking on Monday, Giles told BBC Sport there had been “not so much” progress regarding a potential deal.

“He had a fantastic season,” he said. “We expected big interest in him, we have had big interest in him.

“He has his ideas about where he wants to take his career. He is well within his rights to do that.

“It is not impossible he is still a Brentford player next season if we agree he is going to stay.”

Giles said Mbeumo would only be sold if it was “the right deal” for Brentford.

“Any club will tell you that,” he added. “If it’s not right deal, why would we do it?

“He is certainly one of our best players, if not our best player, and we need our best players. There’s no harm in keeping your best players.”

Meanwhile, Giles also confirmed captain Christian Norgaard was close to joining Arsenal.

BBC Sport revealed last week the two Premier League clubs had agreed a fee – believed to be up to £15m inclusive of add-ons – for the Denmark midfielder.

“We have been in conversations with Arsenal for the last week to 10 days,” said Giles. “As it stands it hasn’t been completed yet but it is heading in that direction.

“If that happens for him then fantastic, he’s earned it. He’s been a brilliant captain for us.

“Let’s see how that story ends but we are pretty open about that interest there.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach for the Men’s cricket team.

The former assistant coach will hold the position until the end of his current contract, according to a statement issued by the PCB on Monday.

Azhar Mahmood, a seasoned cricket professional, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national team, he is well-versed in the team’s strategies and operations, the statement added.

The PCB also stated that his experience extends beyond coaching, with a distinguished career in international cricket and a successful stint in the English county circuit.

“Mahmood’s red-ball credentials are highlighted by two County Championship titles, showcasing his leadership skills, tactical insight, and dedication to the sport,” it said.

The PCB is confident that his expertise will contribute significantly to the team’s continued growth, performance, and discipline on the international stage.