Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on Friday, addressing WNBA All-Stars during their practice. The players were the first professional athletes to use the court at the center. Obama, a known basketball enthusiast, spoke briefly to the group before greeting each player individually.

During his address, Obama expressed his satisfaction with the growing attention on the league’s excellence. He specifically acknowledged Caitlin Clark, who is in her third season and has significantly expanded the WNBA‘s audience. Obama described Clark as “fantastic” and advised her not to be discouraged by negative scrutiny, acknowledging the challenges of navigating fame at her age.

Clark shared that Obama’s words resonated with her, especially his understanding of the pressures she faces. She mentioned that people sometimes do not realize she is 24 years old and managing various aspects of her life while playing basketball. Obama, who also mentioned having played a game of HORSE on the new court, encouraged Clark to maintain her passion for the sport. Clark affirmed that despite tiring moments, her love for the game remains strong.

Player Interactions and Insights

Kahleah Copper, a former Sky star, expressed her excitement about meeting the former president. Copper, who led the Sky to the 2021 championship and earned Finals MVP honors, noted Obama’s personable and genuine approach. She recounted his specific praise for her season, which she found particularly meaningful, highlighting his detailed knowledge of individual players’ performances.

Copper also emphasized the significance of the Obama Center for the South Side community, underscoring its impressive nature and accessibility. Her comments reflected a sense of pride in the community having such a facility.

Footage of Obama’s interaction with Clark, published by various media outlets, showed him meeting her for the first time. He complimented her, saying, “You’re great. You’re fantastic.” Obama then referenced the ongoing discussions surrounding Clark and the WNBA, advising her not to let the “nonsense” affect her. He drew a comparison to his own experience, noting he became famous in his 40s, unlike Clark who is in her 20s.

Clark later revealed details of their conversation to reporters, stating that Obama complimented her handling of various situations. She quoted him saying, “I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s.” Clark found this perspective valuable, suggesting it served as a reminder for everyone to treat others with respect and grace. After their discussion, they took a picture together, with Clark inviting other WNBA players to join.

WNBA All-Star Activities

The WNBA All-Star Weekend also featured a new Shooting Stars competition. Retired Sky star Elena Delle Donne participated, demonstrating her shooting ability. Delle Donne and her teammates won the competition, which involved current and retired WNBA players partnering with elite high school prospects.

Representing Team Washington, Delle Donne secured the win alongside Mystics center Shakira Austin and Jezelle Banks, a player from Delle Donne’s former high school. Delle Donne played for the Sky from 2013 to 2016 and was named MVP with Chicago in 2015.

The WNBA All-Star Weekend activities took place on Friday.

Source: chicago.suntimes.com

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The New England Patriots have commenced their training camp, with the full squad reporting on Friday ahead of the first practice scheduled for Saturday. Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed reporters, discussing various team matters and setting the tone for the upcoming season.

Vrabel emphasized the need for continuous improvement, stating that the team must rebuild each year and identify its strengths. He highlighted the importance of earning roles, fostering team camaraderie, and preparing for the season’s journey and the pursuit of victory. Returning captain Marcus Jones noted the team’s shift from underdog status to being a hunted team, following their Super Bowl appearance last season, and acknowledged the target on their back as reigning AFC champions.

Contract negotiations and player status

A primary topic of discussion was the ongoing contract negotiation with second-round draft pick Gabe Jacas. Jacas is one of two rookie draft picks in the NFL who remains unsigned and has not reported to training camp. Vrabel indicated that negotiations between the club and Jacas’s representatives have been positive, with hopes of signing him soon. Jacas underwent offseason surgery, and his current health status is unknown as he is not yet under contract or at the team facility. The team plans to evaluate his physical condition once he is signed, exercising caution due to the unique situation.

Another significant storyline involves star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who is eligible for an extension on his rookie contract as he enters his fourth NFL season. Gonzalez reported to training camp with his veteran teammates, and contract talks with his agents are active. During spring practices, Gonzalez was present for mandatory minicamp but did not attend voluntary OTAs, and his participation in minicamp was limited to positional drills and walkthroughs. Vrabel expressed excitement about Gonzalez’s return and his potential impact on the team, while downplaying any connection between Gonzalez’s negotiations and those of Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, despite both players sharing an agent.

Team depth and new additions

The Patriots are also addressing depth concerns, particularly at tight end. After signing Julian Hill to a three-year, $15 million contract to bolster their rushing game, Hill suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the offseason. This places the team in a challenging position behind Hunter Henry. The Patriots drafted Eli Raridon in the third round, but he is expected to need time to adapt to the NFL game. Other options include Jack Westover and Tanner Arkin, with the recent signing of undrafted player Mitch Van Vooren. CJ Dippre will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list.

In a notable development, former Titans and Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is exploring a coaching or personnel role with the Patriots. Hopkins, who last played for the Ravens, has not officially retired but is considering a transition into coaching. Vrabel confirmed that Hopkins is observing the offensive coaching staff and personnel department, and is expected to be present at Saturday’s practice. Additionally, special teams player Brenden Schooler will be placed on the active/non-football injury list, joining RB Terrell Jennings, OLB Harold Landry III, and TE C.J. Dippre on various injury lists.

The team’s wide receiver depth chart is also a point of interest. While A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are expected to be the top two options, the competition for the No. 3 wide receiver spot is open, with players like DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins vying for the role. The defense, under coordinator Zak Kuhr, is anticipated to perform well, with improvements in safety and linebacker depth. However, the unit still has areas to prove as training camp progresses.

The Patriots are preparing for their first training camp practice on Saturday.

Source: foxnews.com

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Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, consulted with several players, including Tom Brady, during his recovery from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. Mahomes sustained the injury in a game on December 14 and underwent surgery the following day. He has since been cleared for training camp, approximately seven months after the injury.

Mahomes stated that he spoke with Brady early in his rehabilitation process due to the similarity of their injuries. Brady experienced a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee during the 2008 season opener. Mahomes emphasized the importance of staying diligent throughout the recovery, noting it is a lengthy process.

Rehabilitation and Competition

In addition to Brady, Mahomes also consulted with former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu and veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Mathieu previously tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee in 2013 and had another ACL tear in 2015. Ertz tore his ACL a week before Mahomes’ injury.

Mahomes and Ertz developed a competitive dynamic during their rehabilitation. Mahomes described how their conversations evolved into a rehab competition, where they would share updates on their progress, such as deadlift amounts and videos of their training. This competitive aspect helped to motivate Mahomes through the solitary nature of rehabilitation.

Despite being cleared for training camp, Mahomes views this as another checkpoint in his recovery. He aims to prove to coaches and doctors that he is the same quarterback he was before the injury, if not better, and capable of performing effectively in games.

Team Outlook and Future Adjustments

The question of how the Chiefs will perform if Mahomes is not at 100% health this season has been raised. Former NFL wide receiver Andrew Hawkins suggested that Mahomes might need to adjust his playing style due to his age and recent injury. Hawkins expressed doubt that the Chiefs could maintain their previous level of success with a less-than-fully healthy Mahomes.

NFL insider Adam Schefter highlighted the Chiefs’ offseason moves to bolster the team around Mahomes, including signing Kenneth Walker III and bringing in Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. These actions suggest a plan to emphasize the ground game more than in recent seasons.

Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum countered that an elite run game still relies on a strong pass game to prevent defenses from focusing solely on stopping the run. Former NFL offensive lineman Damien Woody indicated that the Chiefs might be compelled to establish a stronger offensive identity this year due to a potential lack of explosiveness in the passing game. Woody also suggested that the Chiefs might be the third-best team in the AFC West this season, considering changes on the defensive side of the ball.

Mahomes is focused on preparing himself for the regular season, stating he will approach training camp with intensity. He plans to immerse himself fully in the team’s practice regimen to be ready for September.

Mahomes acknowledged that the recovery process is ongoing and will likely be a factor throughout his career, requiring continuous attention. He expressed excitement about returning to the practice field with his teammates after spending time rehabbing.

The decision regarding Mahomes’ participation in preseason games will be made by the coaches and doctors, though he intends to prepare as if he will play. Mahomes will begin working with the rookies this week.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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Panthers’ Defensive Setback

Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton sustained a season-ending ACL tear during the team’s initial training camp outing on Thursday. The injury occurred during practice, leading to Scourton being carted off the field. He was officially placed on injured reserve on Friday morning.

Head coach Dave Canales confirmed the injury, describing it as a significant loss for the team. Canales highlighted Scourton’s qualities as a leader and a player who embodies the type of individual the front office seeks. The team showed an immediate outpouring of support for Scourton, with many players gathering to embrace him before he was taken off the field.

Scourton was coming off an impressive rookie campaign where he tied for a team-leading 5.0 sacks. He was projected to play a substantial role in the Panthers‘ defense for the 2026 season, anticipated to be the starting edge rusher alongside free-agent acquisition Jaelan Phillips.

Team’s Reaction and Response

Despite the setback, the Panthers‘ defense delivered an impressive practice session on Friday. During a live two-minute segment at the end of practice, the defense went 3-0, successfully shutting down each of the three quarterbacks. Canales praised the defense’s competitive spirit and their ability to hold strong despite the circumstances.

The defense’s performance included a long interception return by Chau Smith-Wade earlier in the day, and rookie cornerback Will Lee III picking off Bryce Young to conclude practice. Canales noted the strong pass rush from players further down the depth chart, including Cam Gill, Trevis Gipson, and Thomas Incoom, who were stepping up in Scourton’s absence.

Canales emphasized the team’s support for Scourton, noting that many players who have experienced similar injuries have offered their encouragement. The coach allowed a moment during practice for players to show their love and care for Scourton, recognizing the challenging road ahead for his recovery.

The injury to Scourton creates an opportunity for other players, such as fellow 2025 pick and edge rusher Princely Umanmielen. If Umanmielen can surpass Pat Jones II on the depth chart, he could see significant playing time as a starter. However, the Panthers may also need to look for outside help to compensate for Scourton’s absence.

Other Training Camp Notes

In addition to Scourton’s injury, other players were held out of Friday’s practice due to minor issues. Right guard Robert Hunt was sidelined with back tightness, though he was seen walking laps around the field. Cornerback Mike Jackson also experienced back tightness and was held out. Canales stated that both players would undergo tests to address their situations, noting that such issues are common early in training camp.

With Hunt out, Chandler Zavala worked with the first team at right guard. The cornerback position also saw young players like Lee, Corey Thornton, and Smith-Wade with the first group, partly due to Jaycee Horn remaining on the active/NFI list.

Third-year receiver Xavier Legette had a notable performance on Friday, making several key catches from Bryce Young during team drills and the two-minute session. General manager Dan Morgan and Canales both expressed pride in Legette’s offseason efforts and his readiness to make an impact this season. Additionally, tight end Mitchell Evans has shown increased confidence and improved route-running, building on his experience from last season where he recorded 19 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

The team continues its training camp preparations, addressing various player situations as they arise.

The Panthers will likely need to seek additional support to address the void left by Scourton’s injury.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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Fury Secures Victory in Thailand

Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury secured a victory against Mariusz Wach in a low-key bout held at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand. The fight concluded after seven rounds when Wach retired from the contest, marking Fury’s first stoppage win since 2022. This win, the 36th of Fury’s career, is seen as a step towards a potential fight with Anthony Joshua.

The event was not broadcast live on television or radio platforms. Instead, it is expected to be featured as part of the third series of the Netflix reality show ‘At Home With The Furys’. Reports from the venue indicated that Fury controlled the early rounds, though Wach did land a right hand in the second round.

Fury, who weighed in at 264½ lbs, dominated the fight. Wach, who weighed 291 lbs, was unable to continue after the seventh round. Wach’s professional record now stands at 39-14, with a significant number of those defeats occurring in recent years.

Focus Shifts to Joshua Bout

Following his win, Fury addressed the anticipated matchup with Anthony Joshua. Fury stated, “I went through my test tonight. Let’s see if he can get through his.” Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Speculation had suggested that Fury might travel to Jeddah for Joshua’s fight, potentially to announce their long-awaited showdown if Joshua wins. However, Fury indicated he would be returning home, stating, “I’m not going to Jeddah, I’m going home to my wife and kids. I’m going to regroup and hopefully we’ll have a big fight signed next week.”

The location for a potential all-British bout remains uncertain. While Eddie Hearn reportedly stated that Joshua’s contract includes the UK as a venue, other industry discussions suggest locations in America. Fury himself mentioned various possibilities, including Vegas, New York, Ireland, or London.

The Evolving Landscape of Boxing

The nature of Fury’s fight in Pattaya highlights a shift in the boxing landscape. The event lacked the typical pay-per-view build-up associated with a fighter of Fury’s stature. The venue, which regularly hosts Muay Thai bouts, was transformed for Fury’s boxing card.

This approach underscores the increasing influence of streaming platforms like Netflix in combat sports. Netflix has gained significant traction in boxing, with notable events such as Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson, which attracted an estimated 125 million viewers globally. Other successful events on the platform include Katie Taylor’s victory over Amanda Serrano, drawing an estimated 74 million live viewers, and Terence Crawford’s win against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, which garnered an estimated 41.4 million viewers.

The platform’s reach also extends to MMA, with Ronda Rousey’s fight against Gina Carano reportedly peaking at 17 million viewers worldwide. The focus in boxing is increasingly not just on the live fight, but also on the broader narrative and behind-the-scenes content that can be distributed through streaming services. Fury’s recent fight, which will be part of a reality series, exemplifies this evolving trend in the sport.

Source: bbc.com

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Lewis Hamilton secured the top position in Friday’s practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix, leading a Ferrari one-two. He finished ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris in Free Practice 2 (FP2).

The session saw several teams working to fine-tune upgrades. Aston Martin, for instance, arrived in Hungary with significant updates, effectively introducing a B-spec car. McLaren also featured a substantial new package, while Red Bull brought back their rotating rear wing. The 60-minute session began at 17:00 local time.

Practice Session Overview

Early in FP2, Lance Stroll was unable to participate due to damage sustained earlier in the day, leaving Fernando Alonso as the sole representative for Aston Martin. As Alonso gathered data on their revised car, Leclerc initially set a benchmark of 1m 20.103s on medium tires. Hamilton then improved upon this, going four-tenths faster.

The conditions were breezy, and several drivers reported issues with their cars. Pierre Gasly noted that something felt wrong with his car, describing it as “extremely bad” and “broken in Turn 12.” George Russell also found his Mercedes “dreadful” and “so out of balance,” while his teammate, Hamilton, mentioned almost spinning twice during braking. Despite these challenges, Hamilton improved his time to maintain P1.

The soft tire runs later in the session saw Norris record the fastest lap at 1m 19.228s in his upgraded McLaren. However, a red flag interrupted the session following a crash involving Franco Colapinto. Colapinto lost the rear of his car at the final corner and spun into the barrier, requiring overnight repairs for Alpine.

Ferrari’s Strong Showing and Driver Reactions

After the red flag, qualifying simulation laps resumed, with Ferrari demonstrating strong pace. Leclerc briefly reclaimed the top spot with a time of 1m 18.877s, with Hamilton just 0.037s behind. However, Hamilton further improved his time to 1m 18.729s, securing the best time of the day and ending FP2 ahead of Leclerc and Norris. Max Verstappen took fourth for Red Bull after hitting debris from Alonso’s Aston Martin.

George Russell acknowledged that Mercedes’ concerns about Ferrari’s strong pace at the Hungaroring were realized. He noted that Ferrari appeared to be a significant step ahead. Mercedes finished FP2 in fifth and 13th positions, with a gap of 0.9s to their main rivals. Russell described the track as “super bumpy” and “breaking up around the last couple of corners,” making it challenging to drive.

Leclerc expressed satisfaction with Ferrari’s performance, stating that he felt good with the car from the start. He acknowledged that while Friday was strong, the weekend is long, and teams often make performance jumps between Friday and Saturday. Hamilton also commented on the challenging conditions, particularly the wind, but noted that the car felt better in FP2 after making progress between sessions.

Other drivers also weighed in on Ferrari’s speed. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, who finished sixth quickest, anticipated Ferrari would be fast on this type of track. Oscar Piastri, eighth quickest in a McLaren without the significant upgrade, also observed that the Ferraris looked very quick in both sessions. The Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying is scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, with the race at 2pm on Sunday.

Source: formula1.com

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Pogacar’s Dominant Performance

Tadej Pogacar secured a significant victory on Alpe d’Huez, winning the 19th stage of the Tour de France and further extending his overall lead. His solo attack from the base of the mountain pass marked a notable performance, even by the standards of the four-time Tour champion. Pogacar was more than three minutes behind the leaders with approximately 7.5 miles remaining in the stage.

Despite riding without a teammate for the final section of the climb, Pogacar managed to catch Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz and Frenchman Lenny Martinez with nearly a mile left. He then surged ahead to claim his fifth stage win in this year’s race and his 26th overall. Pogacar described the win as “very cool” and expressed his happiness with the outcome.

Martinez finished the stage six seconds behind Pogacar, while Carapaz, who had won the previous 18th stage, was nine seconds back. American Sepp Kuss, who was among the leaders earlier, finished 1 minute, 14 seconds behind Pogacar after fading in the closing stages. Pogacar’s ascent of Alpe d’Huez was completed in 35 minutes, 29 seconds, a time that was reportedly more than a minute faster than a previous record.

The Alpe d’Huez Challenge

Alpe d’Huez is recognized as one of cycling’s most iconic and challenging climbs, holding an HC mountain pass rating, which is the hardest category in the race. The atmosphere on the mountain was described as “crazy,” with numerous fans, some of whom had camped overnight, lining the 21 hairpins of the climb, waving flags and offering encouragement. Despite the intense crowd and limited visibility at times due to smoke from flares, Pogacar maintained his focus.

Pogacar noted that the lack of coordinated effort among Carapaz, Kuss, and Martinez played a role in his ability to close the gap. He observed that they were “playing against each other a bit,” which aided his pursuit. Carapaz, for instance, reportedly showed annoyance as Martinez often sat on his wheel, leading Carapaz to undertake more of the work alone. Kuss also appeared to hold back before eventually losing pace.

Earlier in the stage, the yellow jersey group, which included Pogacar, was approximately 3 minutes, 45 seconds behind the breakaway group. The breakaway itself had dwindled to 15 riders, including Carapaz, Martinez, Kuss, and Quinn Simmons, along with Tobias Johannessen. Riders like Adam Yates and Mads Pedersen were also mentioned as having been active earlier in the stage, with Pedersen falling back after the intermediate sprint.

Looking Ahead to the Final Stages

With his victory, Pogacar now holds a lead of 7 minutes, 11 seconds over Remco Evenepoel in the overall standings. With only two stages remaining in the race, Pogacar is positioned to potentially join an elite group of cyclists who have won five Tours, including Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, and Bernard Hinault. The race is scheduled to conclude on Sunday on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

The upcoming Saturday stage is described as a mammoth 106-mile Alpine stage, featuring three HC climbs—Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier, and Col de Sarenne—and one Category 1 climb up Col du Télégraphe, before a hilly finish back to Alpe d’Huez. Despite his substantial lead, Pogacar indicated that his team would follow their own plan and rhythm for what he called “the hardest day of the Tour.”

During the climb, Felix Grossschartner set a strong pace early on, which Pogacar credited for helping him. He also mentioned receiving a morale boost from Adam Yates during the climb. Other riders, such as Pidcock and Ayuso, were noted to be struggling at various points, suggesting a shake-up in the top ten standings. The stage also saw Netcompany Ineos with two riders, Tobias Foss and Thymen Arensmen, in the final 11 on the climb.

The intermediate sprint was followed by the penultimate climb, Col d’Ornon, a category two ascent spanning 5.4km with an average gradient of 6.4%. The yellow jersey group remained 3 minutes, 45 seconds off the break at 25km to go, a gap that was not considered insurmountable for Pogacar.

Source: theguardian.com

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The Carolina Panthers have encountered significant challenges at the start of their 2026 training camp, including multiple player injuries and a new signing to address defensive needs. These developments come as the team aims to establish itself more firmly after winning the NFC South last season with an 8-9 record.

Injuries Impact Key Positions

During the first practice, second-year linebacker Nic Scourton sustained a non-contact injury, which was later identified as a torn ACL. This injury will sideline him for the entire season. Scourton had a notable rookie campaign, recording 47 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 4 QB hits in eight starts. His absence is particularly impactful as he was expected to play a crucial role alongside free agent Jaelan Phillips, a player the Panthers invested in to enhance their pass rush.

Further complicating matters, veteran right tackle Taylor Moton has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung. This condition will place him on the PUP list at the beginning of the season. Rookie Monroe Freeling is tentatively planned to step into Moton’s position. The offensive line is already facing issues, with left tackle Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon suffered during the playoffs. General Manager Dan Morgan indicated that Ekwonu is expected to return “at some point this season,” though a specific timeline is not yet available.

Adding to the injury concerns, Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is recovering from a foot injury that required stitches. He is anticipated to return to action soon. The issues along the offensive line and at edge rusher are particularly concerning for the team. The lack of continuity on the offensive line has been a recurring problem for quarterback Bryce Young since his arrival in Carolina, and these new setbacks further challenge the team’s stability.

Robert Hunt #50 of the Carolina Panthers warms up during the Carolina Panthers Training Camp at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields on July 23, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images” width=”960″ height=”640″ />

New Signing to Bolster Defense

In response to these challenges, the Panthers have signed outside linebacker Cam Gill. Gill, who previously played for Carolina in 2024, was named the United Football League’s Defensive Player of the Year after setting a new single-season sack record in the league. He contributed to the Louisville Kings’ run to become United Bowl champions.

Gill’s performance with the Kings also included 48 tackles. He last appeared in an NFL game in 2024, where he logged 22 tackles across 10 games for the Panthers. Gill has made 50 career NFL appearances with Tampa Bay and Carolina, accumulating 38 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, and one forced fumble. He also won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Gill is one of several players from the Kings to sign with NFL teams following their inaugural UFL season. Other Kings players who have joined NFL rosters include kicker Tanner Brown (Saints), wide receivers Tarik Black and Lucky Jackson (Detroit Lions), and running back Ian Wheeler (Buffalo Bills).

Upcoming Hall of Fame Game

The Panthers have just under two weeks before they are scheduled to face the Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame game. This game will provide an early opportunity for rotational players, who are now being called upon due to the recent injuries, to demonstrate their capabilities.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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The Hungaroring is hosting the final Formula 1 race weekend before the summer break, with teams and drivers gathering in Budapest. The circuit is also marking the 40th anniversary of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

During the second practice session, Lando Norris initially set the fastest time on soft C5 tires with a 1:19.228 lap, followed by Max Verstappen, who was 0.193 seconds behind. However, Lewis Hamilton later took the lead in the session with a time of 1:19.648. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, was slower.

The session saw several incidents, including a crash by Franco Colapinto, who lost the rear of his Alpine and hit the barriers at the final corner. Colapinto was reported to be unharmed, and the session was temporarily halted. Lance Stroll of Aston Martin also experienced a suspension failure, preventing him from participating in the second practice. His teammate, Fernando Alonso, was 14th on the timesheets.

Practice Session Highlights

Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, had his flying lap interrupted by Colapinto’s crash, placing him ninth on the timesheets. Antonelli, along with Oscar Piastri, Oliver Bearman, Franco Colapinto, and Valtteri Bottas, began their weekend sessions in second practice after rookies participated in the first session. Antonelli later reported issues with his car, stating he nearly spun twice on braking due to locking rear tires.

In the first practice session, Charles Leclerc was the fastest, ahead of Max Verstappen by 0.484 seconds. Lewis Hamilton finished third, more than half a second behind Leclerc. Fred Vesti, who replaced Antonelli in the first practice, was the highest-finishing rookie in seventh place.

An early incident in first practice involved Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen at Turn 12. Sainz’s Williams reportedly obstructed Verstappen, who was on a flying lap. Verstappen gestured in frustration, and Sainz later explained his radio cable was disconnected, making him unaware of Verstappen’s approach. Stewards flagged both drivers for erratic driving, with Verstappen cleared and Sainz receiving a warning.

Team and Driver Challenges

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were seventh and eighth on the timesheets in second practice. Russell expressed dissatisfaction with his car, describing it as “dreadful, so out of balance.” Pierre Gasly of Alpine also noted that his car felt worse than in the first practice. Alpine and Racing Bulls are currently tied on 61 points in the constructors’ championship, indicating a close contest for fifth place.

The battle between Mercedes and Ferrari is intensifying. While Mercedes has had a dominant car this year, Ferrari has shown strong performance, winning one of the last two Grands Prix with Charles Leclerc at Silverstone. Ferrari is 73 points behind Mercedes in the Teams’ standings. Leclerc believes the Hungaroring’s layout could suit Ferrari, stating, “On paper it’s a race where we are closer than the last two races and we finished first and second.”

Despite the optimism, Leclerc cautioned against complacency, referencing a previous race in Monaco where expectations were not met. The Turn One and the final corner of the Hungaroring have posed challenges for several drivers during the practice sessions.

The final F1 race before the summer break continues with practice sessions in Budapest.

Source: bbc.com

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Glasgow welcomes Commonwealth Games

The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially commenced with an opening ceremony in Glasgow, featuring the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The royal couple made their entrance into Glasgow’s Hydro Arena in a replica of Doctor Who’s TARDIS, a nod to the blue police boxes associated with the city. They were greeted by cycling figure Sir Chris Hoy upon their arrival. The ceremony, held indoors, saw athletes from 74 nations and territories parade into the arena.

Among the first to enter were athletes from Botswana. Other nations showcased their colors, including Ghana in red, green, yellow, and black stripes, South Africa in rugby jerseys, and Barbados combining blue and yellow with tartan scarves. Cheers were notably loud for the Falkland Islands and for Samoa, whose team performed a haka. The Scotland team received a significant ovation, entering last in white shirts and kilts.

Ceremony highlights and first medals

The opening ceremony included theatrical performances described as a “love letter to Glasgow and the Commonwealth.” Scottish folk and country singer Nathan Evans performed, followed by a dance under a replica of Glasgow Central Station’s iconic clock. Singer Callum Beattie’s rendition of “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” had Scottish athletes dancing. Later, KT Tunstall performed “No Scotland No Party.” The King’s Baton was brought into the arena while Nina Nesbitt sang “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” King Charles III delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of preventing plastic pollution.

The Games are set to run for 10 days, concluding with a closing ceremony on Sunday, August 2, at the Hydro. The first medals of the Games were awarded in para-powerlifting. Mark Swan of England secured the gold medal in the men’s lightweight para-powerlifting event. He had previously earned silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Nigeria’s Ezeruike claimed silver, while Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, the defending Commonwealth champion, took bronze. Scotland’s Finlay Davidson finished fifth in the event.

Early competition and athlete performances

Beyond para-powerlifting, other competitions commenced on the first day. In 3×3 basketball, New Zealand’s men’s team achieved a 21-3 victory over Guyana, recovering from an earlier defeat to Australia. Australia’s women’s team also had success, winning 21-13 against Jamaica and 21-5 against Kenya. In artistic gymnastics, Rhys McClenaghan of Northern Ireland, who is the defending Olympic pommel horse champion, scored 14.5 on the pommel horse, placing him at the top of the leaderboard for that event. His floor routine, however, included stumbles, resulting in a score of 12.350.

In swimming, Adam Ramsay-Peaty competed in the men’s 100m breaststroke heats, where he dominated with a time of 59.46, the best among all heats. A delay occurred during his heat due to a detached lane line. Duncan Scott of Scotland also competed in the men’s 200m individual medley heats. In boxing, England’s Lauren Mackie advanced to the round of 16 in the women’s 54kg category with a unanimous victory against Kenya’s Amina Faki. The Commonwealth Games continue with sporting action across various venues.

Source: bbc.com

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