Tommy Berry’s strategic choice to curtail his holiday and partner Castillo King at Warwick Farm has been rewarded handsomely, with the colt making a sensational debut.

The prominent Sydney jockey had not been in the saddle since the Tattersall’s Tiara meeting at Eagle Farm on June 27 and was originally scheduled to recommence riding this weekend.

However, upon discovering that the Farnan colt, Castillo King, was slated to compete in Wednesday’s Racing And Sports Plate (1100m), Berry swiftly revised his plans.

“I probably wasn’t going to come back until Saturday, but when I saw him in I didn’t want to forgo that ride,” Berry explained.

“He’s a smart colt. He’s got a great attitude, and he will appreciate getting over a little bit further. He was out of his comfort zone the whole way trying to hold that box seat, but I loved what I saw late.

“Now the pressure is off, he’s done it, and he ran good time. He was put under really good pressure, so the sky is the limit.”

Bred and trained by Michael Freedman, a specialist in two-year-olds, Castillo King was an $180,000 acquisition from the Inglis Classic Sale.

Michael Freedman’s stable representative, Sophie Johnson, noted that the young horse had displayed considerable talent from the outset and performed admirably to defeat several more seasoned competitors, notably runner-up Eviction Notice, who had previously placed in the Silver Slipper.

“We knew Eviction Notice was going to be a bit tricky. Being one of Gai’s (trainer Gai Waterhouse’s) and with Rachel (King) on board, it’s speed all the way, and a few others had some runs under their belts as well,” Johnson stated.

“It was really good to see. He’s been a professional horse from day one. He’s not a problem being a colt, and he handles himself really well.”

Johnson confirmed that the Listed Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill on August 15 is being considered for Castillo King, assuming he recovers well from his winning run.

“All being well. It’s definitely a race that’s on the cards for him but it can go anyway with horses,” she commented.

The $2 favourite, Castillo King, showed great determination to reach the finish line, securing a victory by 3-1/4 lengths over Eviction Notice ($2.60). Maritime Magnate ($21) finished a further three-quarters of a length behind in third.

Consider the leading online bookmakers for betting markets for the race.

Inter Milan are working on deals for Djed Spence and Cristian Romero, Liverpool lead the race for Kaishu Sano, Arsenal are interested in Ezri Konsa.

Inter Milan are working on deals for Tottenham‘s England defender Djed Spence, 25, and Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero, 28. (Corriere dello Sport – in Italian), external

Liverpool are leading the race to sign Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano from Mainz and are prepared to offer up to 60m euros (£50.9m) for the 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund. (Teamtalk), external

Arsenal have expressed an interested in Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa, 28. (Guardian), external

Liverpool have asked Bournemouth about 19-year-old winger Rayan as they aim to reunite the Brazilian with former head coach Andoni Iraola. (Teamtalk), external

Crystal Palace and Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benitez, 33, could terminate his Palace contract in order to return to Nice. (Nice-Matin – in French), external

Newcastle are in talks with Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, 25, and with fellow Englishman James Trafford, Manchester City‘s 23-year-old goalkeeper. (Mail – requires subscription), external

Fulham have joined Coventry and Chelsea in looking at Strasbourg and Ivory Coast winger Martial Godo, 23. (Africafoot – in French), external

Ipswich have made an approach for 22-year-old Leicester and Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu. (Telegraph), external

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima, 24, with the Frenchman one of a number of centre-back options under consideration. (Standard), external

Leeds are continuing with their pursuit of Parma and Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, 23, despite the Italian’s club’s reluctance to let him go. (Tuttomercatoweb – in Italian), external

The question marks were already there, and after Rohit Sharma’s latest score of 26 in the second India vs England ODI on Thursday, the doubts over his future have only increased. When the squad for the England series was named, there was already speculation over his time in the Indian cricket team. With India’s plans shaping up for the 2027 ODI World Cup, one wondered whether the 39-year-old Rohit could last until then. The fact that a young Yashasvi Jaiswal is waiting on the sidelines made matters all the more complicated. (India vs England 2nd ODI Highlights)

In the first ODI in Birmingham, Rohit scored 11. On Thursday, his innings was not at all fluent. The former India captain rode his luck on the way to scoring 26 off 47 balls. After the knock, a report by news agency PTI claimed that the third and final ODI between India and England on July 19 could be Rohit’s last game in the format. In the last eight ODIs, Rohit has totalled only 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6, with one half-century.

“The national selectors are keen that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored two hundreds in three innings, gets a longer rope. There are around 20 games, and Jaiswal needs to be given those 20 games. No one can tell Rohit to retire, but it is very clear that, going forward, for the home series vs West Indies in September, the selectors would like to look ahead. Rohit’s future is a decision that he needs to take,” a senior BCCI source privy to selection matters told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Cardiff as the touring selector, and it is pretty clear that they are not looking at the 39-year-old, double ICC Trophy-winning India skipper for next year’s ODI World Cup.

What Is Rohit Sharma’s Reaction?

Another report in The Indian Express claimed that the BCCI selectors have informed the star that they have decided to move on from him after the series.

“Selectors have informed Rohit he is not in their scheme of things post the England tour, and they are moving on from him after this series. Though he wanted to continue, especially after working on his fitness, the selectors have left the ball in Sharma’s court to decide his future,” the report quoted a source as saying.

The report further added that Sharma spoke to some BCCI officials during the England series, and the opener was not happy.

It must be mentioned that head coach Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar are on the same page that Virat Kohli is an automatic choice given his form and fitness, but not Rohit. It is understood that if Rohit is persisted with beyond the England series, then there is no way that Jaiswal, the next in line, would get the precious game time he needs.

It must also be mentioned that the selection committee and Rohit were not on the same page when it came to his Test retirement.

While sources close to the selection committee maintained that they didn’t want Rohit to make a decision after playing only two of the five Tests in England, those privy to Rohit’s version vouched that he never intended to play only two games and had made himself available for the entire series.

With PTI inputs

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Shakur Stevenson’s move to Zuffa Boxing has shaken up the world of boxing, but now the pound-for-pound star has offered his response to a call-out from the opponent who he had been rumoured to face upon his debut with Dana White’s promotion.

The unbeaten star has been linked to a clash with WBO welterweight world champion Devin Haney throughout 2026, but it seems as though ‘The Dream’ may instead proceed with a showdown against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis.

Meanwhile, Stevenson’s move to Zuffa Boxing saw him tipped for an ‘in-house’ fight in his first appearance with the rapidly-expanding outfit, with former WBA super-lightweight world champion Jose ‘El Rayo’ Valenzuela being the man linked as an opponent.

On X, Valenzuela welcomed the Newark southpaw to Zuffa Boxing whilst simultaneously announcing himself as the 29-year-old’s ‘tune up fight’.

“Welcome to Zuffa Shakur, I’m your tune up fight.”

Quick to respond, Stevenson immediately shut down those whispers, instantly informing Valenzuela that he would not be getting such an opportunity and distancing himself from that proposal. 

No you’re notttt lol I have to go say yes remember that https://t.co/yTlZMFVigE

— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) July 14, 2026

“No you’re notttt, LOL, I have to go say yes, remember that.”

Stevenson has also denied to publicly deny any possibility of Valenzuela being his next dance partner, declaring that his Zuffa deal will not restrict him from fights with non-Zuffa fighters.

“I’m turning the fight down publicly right now just in case that they do come to the table and say, ‘Oh, we want to fight Rayo.’ Shakur will not be fighting Rayo. That will not be happening.”

Instead, Stevenson remains hopeful that the Haney clash could take place next, with the latter having agreed to his suggestion of a 144lb catchweight affair. 

It’s the kind of thing many football fans experience during World Cup watch parties: The “home” team scores a goal and fans in a beer garden or pub cheer as one – and may even embrace in celebration – even though they had been complete strangers just moments earlier.

For Katie Wood, a clinical psychologist at Swinburne University in Melbourne, these shared moments can actually support mental health.

“The greatest protective factor for our mental health is connectedness—the connection to ourselves, to other people, to our community, and to our culture,” Wood told DW. And sport, in her view, hits exactly this note; it brings people together.

This form of connection isn’t limited to families or friends. It can also emerge when, for a brief moment, one feels they are part of something bigger. A World Cup is the perfect setting for giving people this sort of feeling.

Americans celebrate alongside Algerians

What this looks like in practice has been on show throughout this World Cup: fans from a wide variety of countries cheer together, swap jerseys, or suddenly find themselves side-by-side supporting the same team.

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In Lawrence, Kansas, the city center was spontaneously transformed into a green-and-white public viewing area during the match between Algeria and Austria. Because the Algerian national team had set up its World Cup base there, hundreds of local Americans turned up wearing Algerian jerseys, with the national colors painted on their faces and flags in their hands.

It is also becoming evident elsewhere just how quickly football can build bridges. After the Round-of-16 match between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver, DW observed two fans swapping jerseys as a memento of the evening they had shared. In Seattle, meanwhile, following the USA’s elimination, a Belgium supporter was seen comforting a disappointed American fan.

A visitor to San Francisco told DW about a moment that stuck with him: “A man saw my jersey. He didn’t know me at all. He walked up, hugged me, and simply said, ‘This is the World Cup.’”

A sense of belonging: a fundamental need

Katie Wood sees this as the unique strength of a tournament like the World Cup. People who might never have crossed paths in everyday life share the same emotions for a brief time.

“You can come from vastly different walks of life. But the moment you support the same team, a collective experience with a shared goal emerges.”

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That goal taps into a fundamental need that many underestimate: the need to belong. It makes no difference whether someone has been a fan for decades or is watching a match for the very first time. What matters more is the shared experience, the tension before kickoff, the roar when a goal is scored, the shared frustration after a defeat.

“No one knows what we go through as human beings day in and day out,” a visitor at a fan zone told DW. “That’s why moments like these are so special.”

And even those without a favorite team can get caught up in the atmosphere.

“I’m just happy,” a visitor in Philadelphia told DW. “I don’t even have a team, but I’ve come to love watching the games.”

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An escape from the stresses of everyday life

The World Cup can offer a way to step back from everyday life for a while.

“When so much is happening in the world, we look for ways to escape our daily routine for a bit,” Wood explained. “And experiencing the World Cup—with all the excitement surrounding it—together with other people is a very healthy way to do that.”

Of course, the focus of a tournament like the World Cup is usually the football itself. For many fans, however, the strongest memories of a World Cup are about the moments that happened on the fringes of the match itself.

This article was originally published in German.

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Edited by: Jonathan Harding

England clinched a four-wicket win over India, bringing the series to a tie at 1-1. Joe Root’s stellar innings of 99 not out was pivotal as India’s batters faltered, crumbling to just 233 runs. (Photo/AP/PTI)

A masterclass in chasing from veteran Joe Root and a clinical bowling display helped England bounce back in style, registering a comfortable four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday. The resounding win levels the three-match series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all blockbuster finale at Lord’s on Sunday.Opting to bowl first, England’s pace attack capitalized on the conditions to bundle India out for a modest 233 in 44 overs, triggering a spectacular mid-innings collapse.Earlier, India looked well-poised for a commanding total, coasting comfortably at 178 for 3 inside 32 overs. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71 balls) had laid a solid foundation, with the duo keeping the scoreboard ticking with authoritative strokeplay.However, England’s pacers struck back ruthlessly. Led by Jofra Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson (3/50), the hosts triggered a batting slide that saw India lose their final seven wickets for just 55 runs. The tail failed to wag under constant pressure, and India were eventually folded up with six overs left unplayed.Chasing a modest 234, England’s top order faced some testing times against the moving ball and Both the openers fall inside first four overs with just eight runs on the board. India’s pacer Gurnoor Brar bowled with impressive fire, picking up 2 for 67 to keep the visitors in the hunt.But Joe Root stood like a rock. The former skipper played with ultimate composure, pacing the chase to perfection. As wickets tumbled around him, Root found a reliable partner in Will Jacks. The pair navigated a tricky period, stitching together a crucial 72-run stand for the sixth wicket to shift the momentum firmly back in England’s favor.After Jacks departed for 30 of 44, it was Gus Atkinson who saw England home alongside Root. The duo put on a rapid, unbroken 38-run partnership off just 25 deliveries. Atkinson played a breezy cameo of 23 not out from 16 balls, while Root, though cruelly stranded on a masterly 99 not out from 133 balls, anchored the chase brilliantly to the end.England overhauled the target to finish at 235 for 6, wrapping up the game with 35 balls to spare. With the scales now balanced after India’s six-wicket win in Birmingham, the series decider at Lord’s promises to be a thrilling affair.Brief Scores:India: 233 all out in 44 overs (Shreyas Iyer 66, Virat Kohli 65; Jofra Archer 3/47, Gus Atkinson 3/50)England: 235/6 in 44.1 overs (Joe Root 99*, Will Jacks 30; Gurnoor Brar 2/67)Result: England won by 4 wickets.

When Gervonta Davis stated his plans to return to action, there was one former world champion being deemed as the frontrunner to be his opponent, but ‘Tank’ may be forced to look elsewhere, with his targeted dance partner set to face an alternate contender.

Davis has been inactive since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025, but he revealed plans for a comeback back in December, where he declared his intentions of rematching Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz – who lost a decision to Davis back in 2021.

“I’m taking him next, soon as my knee gets better.”

In response, Cruz provided additional hope of witnessing the clash by unveiling his three-man hitlist, which was topped by ‘Tank.’

“First [choice] would be Gervonta Davis, then Subriel Matias, and why not Ryan Garcia. I think those three names would be fantastic for my first fight of 2026.”

However, seven months later and Davis’ return is still unknown, with Al Haymon recently detailing that the Baltimore-born knockout artist would be sidelined until 2027 – a statement which Davis has since denied.

‘Pitbull’ seems unwilling to wait around for ‘Tank’ though, as ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez has reported that Cruz looks set to defend his WBC interim super-lightweight title against Puerto Rico’s Néstor Bravo with a date of Saturday, September 19 being targeted.

Apunta pleito entre Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz y Néstor Bravo para el 19 de septiembre en USA. Arizona o California entre posibles sedes. pic.twitter.com/PgfPmnBv2Q

— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) July 11, 2026

The bout is expected to headline a bill in either Arizona or California, with Bravo looking to make an impression on the world stage and build upon a statement knockout of the year contender against Pedro Campa back in January.

It means that Davis will have to likely look elsewhere to determine his next opponent, and he has been linked to some more unlikely names in recent weeks.