Daily News 19

Author: Jordan Hayes

  • British Masters Golf: England’s Joe Dean Storms to Victory with Stunning Final Round at The Belfry

    British Masters Golf: England’s Joe Dean Storms to Victory with Stunning Final Round at The Belfry

    Joe Dean claimed his first DP World Tour title with a sensational bogey-free nine-under-par 63 in the final round of the British Masters at The Belfry.

    The 32-year-old Englishman, a former supermarket delivery driver ranked 292nd in the world, secured his maiden victory in his 70th DP World Tour event. He earned the trophy and approximately £440,000 in prize money—more than his combined earnings from his previous 19 tournaments of the 2026 season.

    “All those painful hours and all the work, it’s finally led to something,” said Dean, who two years ago was delivering groceries to help fund his golf.

    “It was a rare day when everything felt right and the putts were dropping and I couldn’t do anything wrong.”

    The victory caps a busy summer for the Sheffield golfer. In July, Dean won the inaugural Last Chance Qualifier on the Monday of Open Championship week to earn the final place in the field at Royal Birkdale.

    He then married Emily, who carried his bag during that week and at the British Masters.

    “I can’t thank her enough,” said Dean on Sky Sports. “I hope I made her proud.”

    Dean overturns seven-shot deficit

    Dean began Sunday’s final round seven shots behind leader Dan Hillier but quickly moved into contention with four birdies in his opening six holes. Five more birdies followed on the back nine, including a 10-footer at the last, which set the clubhouse target at 14 under par.

    He then waited approximately 90 minutes to be crowned champion as the remaining challengers mounted late pushes before fading.

    Dean ultimately won by three strokes from four players, including 2023 champion Hillier, in a tournament affected by stormy conditions in Warwickshire.

    More than nine hours of play were lost on Thursday and Friday, forcing organisers to work quickly to complete the event before further forecast inclement weather arrived.

    Marco Penge falls short in final-round battle

    Marco Penge, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season with three victories, held the lead at 10 under after a sparkling second-round 65. He remained on that score after completing his third round, a 72, on Sunday morning.

    Five birdies and two bogeys over his opening nine holes of the final round lifted Penge into a one-stroke lead with nine holes remaining. However, a third bogey of the round at the 11th halted his momentum, and five successive pars left him 12 under with two holes to play.

    Penge compounded a wild drive into trees on the par-five 17th by hitting a branch with his second shot. He then had to chip sideways with his third, leading to a bogey. With his challenge over, he dropped another shot at the last to sign for a 72 and finish on 10 under.

    Hillier shares second place

    A double-bogey six at the sixth damaged Hillier’s bid for a second British Masters title. Although the New Zealander made two birdies on the back nine, he closed with a one-over-par 73 to finish at 11 under.

    Hillier shared second place with Danish pair Niklas Norgaard and Jacob Skov Olesen, who both carded 71s, and Spain’s Nacho Elvira, who recorded a 69.

    Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti threatened Dean’s lead late in the day after making four birdies in five holes during a strong stretch on the back nine to reach 12 under. However, he made a triple bogey at the last after needing two shots to escape a fairway bunker before finding water.

    The British Masters was the first event in the race to qualify for the European team that will face the United States at next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland.

    British Masters final leaderboard

    -14: J Dean (Eng)

    -11: JS Olesen (Den), N Norgaard (Den), N Elvira (Spa), D Hillier (NZ)

    -10: M Penge (Eng), T McKibbin (NI)

    -9: F Zanotti (Par)

    -8: M Wallace (Eng), E Ferguson (Sco)

  • Sophie Cunningham’s Reaction to Simone Biles Draws Attention After Disagreement Over Transgender Athletes

    Sophie Cunningham’s Reaction to Simone Biles Draws Attention After Disagreement Over Transgender Athletes

    Sophie Cunningham’s brief exchange with Simone Biles has drawn widespread attention because the two prominent athletes hold opposing views on transgender participation in women’s sports.

    The Indiana Fever guard met the Olympic gymnastics legend after Indiana defeated the Connecticut Sun 111-91 on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Biles had been greeting several Fever players outside the locker room when Cunningham approached her.

    After Biles exchanged hugs with Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, Cunningham greeted the seven-time Olympic gold medalist with an enthusiastic compliment: “You are a badass,” Cunningham told Biles before pulling her into a hug. Biles appeared slightly caught off guard but responded warmly, saying, “Oh, thank you.”

    Cunningham and Biles hold different views on transgender athletes

    The interaction lasted only a few seconds, but it quickly spread online because of the athletes’ contrasting positions on one of the most divisive issues in sports.

    Cunningham has publicly argued that girls should not have to compete against biological males. She has made her position clear in recent discussions about transgender athletes and women’s sports, while also emphasizing the importance of Title IX, the federal law that protects equal opportunities based on sex in education and athletics.

    Biles, meanwhile, has publicly supported transgender inclusion. Her position became especially prominent during a heated social-media dispute with former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines in 2025.

    Different views, unexpected respect

    Gaines had criticized a Minnesota high school softball championship involving a transgender athlete. Biles responded by calling Gaines a bully and making personal remarks about her.

    The dispute drew widespread criticism, and Biles later apologized for allowing the disagreement to become personal. In her apology, she acknowledged that both fairness and inclusion matter in competitive sports. She also said the issue was complicated and that meaningful discussions should begin with empathy and respect.

    That history made Cunningham’s friendly greeting particularly notable. Despite their apparent disagreement over transgender participation in sports, Cunningham showed clear admiration for Biles, who accepted the gesture graciously.

    Fever rally to beat Connecticut Sun

    The moment came during an important night for Indiana. The Fever overcame a 14-point first-quarter deficit to defeat the Sun convincingly, with Clark and Mitchell each scoring 34 points. Clark also recorded 12 assists, while Aliyah Boston added 14 points.

    Cunningham has become an increasingly recognizable figure in Indiana since joining the Fever. Her energetic performances, physical defense and three-point shooting have made her an important contributor off the bench, while her outspoken opinions have expanded her public profile beyond basketball.

    Her pregame fashion has also become a regular talking point among Fever fans, adding another dimension to her growing visibility.

    However, Friday’s encounter with Biles stood out for a different reason. It showed that public disagreement does not necessarily prevent athletes from respecting one another personally.

    While Cunningham and Biles may remain on opposite sides of a contentious debate in sports, their brief exchange demonstrated that admiration and civility can exist alongside significant differences of opinion.

  • Planes Fly Less Than 50 Feet Above Rugby Stadium in Dramatic Springboks vs. All Blacks Stunt in South Africa

    Planes Fly Less Than 50 Feet Above Rugby Stadium in Dramatic Springboks vs. All Blacks Stunt in South Africa

    Two Airlink aircraft delivered a dramatic pre-match spectacle at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium before South Africa faced New Zealand in the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series.

    The planes flew less than 50 feet above the stadium, with one aircraft painted Springbok green and the other featuring black livery symbolizing the All Blacks. The striking flyover paid tribute to both teams ahead of kick-off.

    Airlink flyover precedes South Africa’s victory

    Airlink shared footage of the daring stadium flyover online, while Flightradar24 confirmed how close the aircraft came to the venue.

    The spectacle set the stage for another intense chapter in the rivalry. South Africa ultimately defeated New Zealand 33-26 in a hard-fought second Test.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • ‘I came here to help’: Emi Martinez reveals two Chelsea legends who convinced him to make Stamford Bridge move after Brighton win

    ‘I came here to help’: Emi Martinez reveals two Chelsea legends who convinced him to make Stamford Bridge move after Brighton win

    Emiliano Martinez helped Chelsea secure a 4-3 victory over Brighton in his debut for the club.

    Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Martinez said:

    “I spoke with Chelsea legends John Terry and Petr Cech.

    Source: tribuna.com

  • Caitlin Clark Gets Shy After Kelsey Mitchell Crowns Her the WNBA’s GOAT

    Caitlin Clark Gets Shy After Kelsey Mitchell Crowns Her the WNBA’s GOAT

    Caitlin Clark could not contain her laughter after Indiana Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell praised her as the GOAT and placed her among the WNBA’s elite.

    Mitchell used a press conference to highlight Clark’s ability to be herself, prompting an immediate reaction from the Fever star. Clark appeared genuinely amused and slightly embarrassed by the warm praise.

    Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell highlight Fever chemistry

    The lighthearted exchange offered another glimpse into the strong chemistry inside the Indiana Fever locker room. The team’s camaraderie was especially evident after a productive game, with Mitchell’s comments underscoring the trust and respect among the players.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Chelsea vs Brighton: Player Ratings

    Chelsea vs Brighton: Player Ratings

    Chelsea player ratings

    Emiliano Martinez – 8: The new signing was thrown straight in, claiming two early crosses and making saves from Malick Yalcouye and Charalampos Kostoulas. However, the former beat him with a well-struck volley. He was tested again as Brighton pushed for an equaliser in the second half.

    Wesley Fofana – 7: Drove forward well in possession and helped pull Brighton players out of position during the build-up.

    Maxence Lacroix – 6: The new signing from Crystal Palace was confident in possession but not always convincing in a defensive display that was occasionally ragged.

    Levi Colwill – 6: Also looked comfortable on the ball but was caught out of position at times in new manager Xabi Alonso’s system.

    Pedro Neto – 7: Tapped in Chelsea’s second goal and put a chance on a plate for Joao Pedro. However, he was most at fault for over-committing to a challenge in the build-up to Brighton’s first goal.

    Malo Gusto – 6: Played out of position in midfield. It was a quiet performance, but he delivered some good corners.

    Romeo Lavia – 7: After threatening to score from a similar situation in midweek, Lavia tapped in his first Chelsea goal after four minutes.

    Jorrel Hato – 7: The Dutchman provided a wonderful assist on the counter-attack while playing at wing-back.

    Cole Palmer – 8: Scored with a wonderful curling effort in the 75th minute. He pressed well but also missed a good chance early in the second half.

    Joao Pedro – 8: The Brazilian produced a clever flick for Chelsea’s opening goal, showcased some excellent touches and made amends for missing a good chance by scoring the Blues’ third.

    Morgan Rogers – 7: His powerful running down the flank set up Neto for Chelsea’s second goal. He should have had another assist, but Palmer blazed his effort over the bar.

    Chelsea substitutes

    Josh Acheampong – 6: Came on for Wesley Fofana in the 68th minute and helped steady Chelsea defensively.

    Reece James – 7: Replaced Pedro Neto in the 68th minute, contributing at both ends of the pitch and providing added energy down the flank.

    Moises Caicedo – 6: Came on for Romeo Lavia in the 68th minute, but his afternoon was cut short after just 11 minutes as he left the pitch in tears.

    Pep Chavarria – 6: Replaced Levi Colwill in the 72nd minute and made an energetic cameo, looking eager to get forward.

    Valentin Barco – 6: Came on for Moises Caicedo in the 82nd minute.

    Subs not used: Penders, Gittens, Estevao Willian, Welbeck.

    Source: www.bbc.co.uk

  • Fernando Mendoza Could Face Even Worse Raiders News Nobody Expected

    Fernando Mendoza Could Face Even Worse Raiders News Nobody Expected

    Fernando Mendoza’s challenging start with the Las Vegas Raiders could take another unexpected turn after head coach Klint Kubiak declined to guarantee that the first overall pick will open the season as the team’s No. 2 quarterback.

    Kirk Cousins is widely expected to start, but Mendoza remains in competition with Aidan O’Connell for the backup role. That leaves open the possibility that one of the most prominent rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft could begin his professional career third on the quarterback depth chart.

    Klint Kubiak makes no guarantee on Mendoza’s QB2 role

    Kubiak was asked directly whether Mendoza or O’Connell would serve as Cousins’ backup if the veteran opens the season as Las Vegas’ starter.

    “We’ve got three guys that are ready to play. It’s going to be some hard decisions on who’s 1, who’s 2. That’s not a decision we have to make today, but those are discussions that are ongoing,” Kubiak said.

    The response gave Mendoza no assurances despite the significant investment the Raiders made by selecting him with the first pick in the draft.

    It would be highly unusual for a No. 1 overall quarterback to begin his rookie season as QB3. First overall picks are generally expected to start immediately or sit directly behind an experienced veteran.

    Mendoza could face a longer wait to play

    The Raiders appear to be in no rush to put Mendoza on the field. If Cousins wins the starting job and O’Connell is chosen as his primary backup, Mendoza could remain on the sideline even if Las Vegas needs to make an early-season quarterback change.

    Kubiak’s comments make clear that the Raiders’ quarterback hierarchy has not been finalized, creating another layer of uncertainty for Mendoza as his rookie season approaches.

    Sitting behind a veteran such as Cousins would already require patience from the first overall pick. Falling behind O’Connell as well would make for an even more surprising beginning to Mendoza’s NFL career.

    Mendoza has not officially been named QB3. However, Kubiak has made one point clear: his draft status alone will not guarantee him the backup quarterback job.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Carlos Sainz: F1 Rules Era Could Explain Changes in Driver Competitiveness

    Carlos Sainz: F1 Rules Era Could Explain Changes in Driver Competitiveness

    Carlos Sainz believes Formula 1’s regulation changes have played a major role in reshaping the competitive order among drivers in 2026.

    F1 introduced its biggest rules overhaul last winter, changing both the chassis and power unit. The new regulations moved the sport away from ground-effect cars and introduced active aerodynamics, alongside a 50/50 split between internal-combustion and electrical power.

    The changes created a fresh challenge for drivers, who had to adapt to different car characteristics and manage power units that were significantly different from those used during the 2022-25 era.

    Sainz links F1 regulation changes to driver performance swings

    Sainz believes that transition has contributed to the changes in competitiveness seen among drivers in 2026.

    “Let’s start with one thing: it’s been impressive to see how much the performance balance between team-mates has changed. Not only between Antonelli and Russell, but also between Hamilton and Leclerc, and with Verstappen not being as dominant over Hadjar,” Sainz said in an exclusive interview.

    “I think it’s a lesson for everyone. We’ve had confirmation that when the fundamental concept of a car changes, the competitive picture can change as well.

    Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

    Photo by: Joe Portlock / Getty Images

    “It’s something I’ve always believed: a car can suit you extremely well or it can be far from what you would ideally want, but sooner or later you have to adapt. It might take some time, but eventually you have to find a way.

    “I’ve always thought that many results in Formula 1 have also been helped by the combination of being in the right place at the right time. For many years, I’ve believed there are cars that simply suit your driving style from the very first laps.”

    Why ground-effect cars did not suit Sainz

    Sainz said the ground-effect era did not naturally fit his preferred driving style, forcing him to adapt in order to maximise his performance.

    “It happened when the ground-effect regulations came in. From 2022 onwards, for four years, I was never able to drive in my natural style,” he explained.

    “I adapted and still managed to achieve some good results, but I remain convinced that the Carlos who drove during the ground-effect era wasn’t the same Carlos who drove the 2021, 2020 or 2019 cars.

    “I’m not saying I was slow with the ground-effect cars. I think I had some very good races during that period, both with Ferrari and Williams, but I always had to adapt to something that didn’t come as naturally to me.

    Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75, passes the beached car of Carlos Sainz, Ferrari F1-75

    Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

    “I had to work harder at it, and I think it was the same for other drivers too.”

    Changing teams can transform an F1 driver’s performance

    The four-time grand prix winner also believes moving between teams can have a similar effect. However, he said joining a new team is not necessarily a disadvantage when it comes to adapting to a different car or working alongside a team-mate who is already established.

    “At the final test of the season in Abu Dhabi [December 2018], I got into their [McLaren’s] car for the first time and immediately felt that it drove in a way that was exactly in line with what I liked,” Sainz said.

    “I think during my two years with McLaren, you saw the best version of me, although I also really liked the Toro Rosso. I liked the Renault a little less, while I immediately liked the 2021 Ferrari and I always performed very well in that car.

    “Then, with the arrival of the ground-effect regulations, things became more difficult, but this year, I’ve started enjoying the driving more again.

    “In the end, I don’t think a team can design a car specifically around your driving style. Sometimes you just get a fortunate combination, and when that happens you feel unbeatable. You have the feeling that it’s your car.”

  • Ferrari Faces Management Test Between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc After Dutch GP, Pundit Says

    Ferrari Faces Management Test Between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc After Dutch GP, Pundit Says

    Former F1 TV pundit Will Buxton has questioned whether Ferrari can effectively manage the relationship between seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

    Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast after the Dutch Grand Prix, Buxton contrasted Ferrari’s hesitation over team orders with Mercedes’ swift decision-making. Mercedes quickly arranged a position swap, while Ferrari chose not to intervene, prompting a series of frustrated radio messages from Hamilton.

    Ferrari’s team orders challenge

    Buxton said the incident was less a test of the two Ferrari drivers’ relationship than a test of how the team’s management handles competing priorities.

    Leclerc has raced for Ferrari since 2019 and is deeply established within the organisation. Hamilton joined the Maranello team in 2025 following a successful 12-year spell with Mercedes. After taking time to adapt to his new surroundings, the 41-year-old returned to top form in 2026.

    “Is this Ferrari’s first real test of the Charles and Lewis relationship? Well, if it’s not a test of their relationship, it’s a test of how the team handles it because Charles is the golden child, right? Always has been. He’s Ferrari through and through. He’s probably never going to race anywhere else. It’s his place, and he’s been there since he was a kid,” Buxton explained.

    “And then you’ve got Lewis, the GOAT, seven-time champion. You can’t please both, right? In an F1 team, one driver’s going to be p***ed, one driver’s going to come out happy. That’s just how it works out, especially in these kinds of scenarios. And you kind of have to take your medicine sometimes and realise that you’re going to p*** off one.

    “You can’t keep both of them happy in every single eventuality. It doesn’t happen. Lewis has experience of a team that executes immediately at Mercedes, and he wants that world championship-winning mentality at Ferrari because unless you have that, you’re never going to win a title.

    “So I can see the frustration in Lewis of being like, ‘Guys, we’re making ourselves look like d***s here. This is stupid.’ Because he has experience of the other side of the coin.

    “Is it a Ferrari problem? Is it a Charles-Lewis problem? How quickly do they have to nip it in the bud? Do they have to just figure out what they’re doing and actually get it written down, or understand that the level of execution that they have at the moment just simply isn’t what a championship-winning team has?”

  • Poor Red Bull comeback could have ended Liam Lawson’s F1 career, says former F1 TV pundit

    Poor Red Bull comeback could have ended Liam Lawson’s F1 career, says former F1 TV pundit

    Formula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton believes Liam Lawson’s career at Red Bull could have been over if the New Zealander had struggled during his return at the Dutch Grand Prix.

    Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar missed the race weekend at Zandvoort after suffering a wrist injury during the summer break. Racing Bulls driver Lawson was brought back into the Red Bull seat alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen, while reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda replaced him at the sister team.

    The weekend represented a major test for Lawson, who had been dropped by Red Bull after only two race weekends in 2025. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Buxton outlined the pressure facing the driver.

    “I don’t think you can underestimate or undervalue the pressure that would have been on him, that he would have been putting on himself to step back into a team where he had turned up and tried everything but had been fired after two races,” Buxton explained.

    Liam Lawson, Red Bull

    Photo by: Eric Le Galliot

    “If he turned up there and qualified at the back of the grid and was nowhere all weekend, that’s pretty much career done.”

    Lawson qualified eighth, one place behind Verstappen, and finished the race seventh after the Dutchman crashed on the opening lap.

    “So to turn up and drive the way that he did, to race the way that he did, qualify the way that he did, I was really happy for him,” he continued. “His radio message after the race was very sweet and there was a lot of honesty in that.

    “It was a weekend of catharsis to put all that horrible experience behind him and move on and show the world and show Red Bull, ‘Look at what you could have had.’ It was nice.”

    Source: www.motorsport.com