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Does Wimbledon have a heat rule and could play be suspended?

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Wimbledon recorded its hottest opening day at last year’s Championship and the heat could be a significant factor once again across the fortnight at the grand slam tournament.

The start of last year’s Wimbledon was played out in temperatures reaching 33C and brought the sight of players attempting to cool themselves with ice towels.

Extreme heat has played a part in both of this season’s grand slams, with temperatures of 46C at the Australian Open and a heatwave hitting the French Open, too.

Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner has at times struggled in the heat, and was knocked out of the French Open during a sweltering second round.

It means there is likely to be renewed focus on Wimbledon’s heat rules, as well as an eye on the upcoming forecasts at SW19.

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What is Wimbledon’s heat rule?

Wimbledon has a heat rule in place for this year’s tournament and players are allowed to request a 10-minute break when the heat stress index is at or above 30.1C.

The heat stress index accounts for air temperature, humidity and surface temperature – creating a ‘feels-like’ reading that is also known as the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature [WGBT].

The heat stress index will be measured 30 minutes before the start of play, then at 2pm and then at 5pm. The 10-minute break would take place between the second and third sets for women’s singles matches and between the third and fourth sets for men’s matches.

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Wimbledon states once a match has started with the heat rule in place, it cannot be lifted if the weather conditions change. It adds that the heat rule cannot be introduced for matches that were suspended overnight and are midway through.

The heat rule was triggered during Wimbledon qualifying, as London experienced an “extreme heat” red weather warning and the hottest June day on record. The high temperature may have had a part in a brief power outage at the qualifying tournament.

How does it compare to other grand slams?

The Australian Open uses a heat stress scale. A 10-minute cooling break is enforced if the scale reaches 4.0, while play was suspended at this year’s tournament when the scale reached 5.0, its highest level.

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The French Open uses Wet Bulb Globe Temperature and the heat rule is enforced when it hits 30.1C, triggering a 10-minute cooling break. There is then a suspension if the WGBT reaches 32C.

Despite cramping and suffering a physical breakdown during his shock French Open defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the WGBT did not reach the threshold required to trigger a stoppage during Jannik Sinner’s exit.

Afterwards, Sinner did not blame the heat and said he felt ill earlier in the day. “It was warm, but not crazy warm,” Sinner said. “I feel like it was quite OK to play. It was nothing against the heat, nothing against the weather. It was just me today, but it happens.”

Jannik Sinner also struggled in the heat during the Australian Open
Jannik Sinner also struggled in the heat during the Australian Open (Getty)

What about the fans at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon has worked to introduce more shaded areas and water points around the grounds. Fans are also advised to keep hydrated, apply sunscreen, wear light clothing and a hat, as well as taking time off court if sitting directly under the sun.

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There were several instances of fans struggling in the heat last year. Both Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka brought water over to fans who had to receive medical attention during their matches.

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Free 2026 World Cup anytime goalscorer picks, odds: Jonathan David tops South Africa-Canada best bets Sunday

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The 2026 World Cup knockout rounds are here, and co-host Canada gets the honor of kicking things off on Sunday against South Africa, with both advancing out of the group stage for the first time. Bafana Bafana stunned Korea Republic with a 1-0 victory in the final Group A match on Wednesday night, while Canada dropped a 2-1 decision to Switzerland to fall short of winning Group B. The Canadians won’t have the home-field advantage this time, with the match being held in Inglewood, Calif., with a 3 p.m. ET kickoff.

The World Cup 2026 knockout stage’s arrival means fewer matches to choose from, but if you do your homework you can still cash in on anytime goalscorer props. If you’re interested in soccer betting, you can find value in the anytime goal scorer odds, and we’ve scrutinized the options in the World Cup 2026 odds at FanDuel and now offer up our favorite picks.

If you want to see more World Cup picks, including outright winners, spread picks and totals, be sure to check out the picks from SportsLine experts like Jon Eimer, Martin Green and Brad Thomas. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Best World Cup goalscorer picks for Sunday

  • Jonathan David, Canada (+170, FanDuel)
  • Tajon Buchanan, Canada (+300, FanDuel)
  • Evidence Makgopa, South Africa (+170, FanDuel)
  • Thapelo Maseko, South Africa (+650, FanDuel)

Jonathan David, Canada (+170)

The best players step up in the biggest moments, and David has been in solid form in this tournament. He had a hat trick in the 6-0 victory against Qatar, when he had eight shots. He has five shots over the other two matches, but he is Canada’s top all-time scorer, and he will try to put this team on his back in the knockout rounds. Canada have other strong players like Cyle Larin and Alphonso Davies, but the team’s success typically runs through David. I expect him to bury one in the net Sunday.  

Tajon Buchanan, Canada (+330)

The 27-year-old Villarreal man has been making things happen, even if it hasn’t been obvious on the scoresheets so far. He has eight goals in 63 matches with the national team and had seven last season in La Liga. He isn’t a scorer like David or Larin but makes the most of his chances. Buchanan has the speed to get behind defenders and is skilled around the box. His two-way play takes away from his offense some, but he can score when he has the opportunity. I think he’ll get a chance Sunday.      

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Evidence Makgopa, South Africa (+170)

Makgopa has three shots on target over the past two matches, coming off the bench against Czechia but starting Wednesday’s huge victory against South Korea. He has nine goals in 26 matches with Bafana Bafana and 16 in 67 games with Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership. Most of his teammates play in that league, including seven with the Pirates, so they know how to find each other in open spaces. Makgopa is a strong aerial presence and could bury one on a set piece Sunday.   

Thapelo Maseko, South Africa (+650)

The 22-year-old scored the defining goal so far for the South Africans in Wednesday night’s victory, and that should give him confidence. He hasn’t been intimidated on this big stage, and while he has just two goals for the Bafana Bafana, he is just getting started. Maseko had five shots against South Korea. The youngster, who plays at AEL Limassol in Cyprus, has speed, versatility and youthful energy that have helped spark this club, and he could break through again in this huge match.    

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Rangnick dismisses collusion talk after Austria and Algeria advance after ‘mad’ World Cup draw

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Austria coach Ralf Rangnick scoffed at suggestions his side had played for a mutually beneficial draw against Algeria after Saturday’s chaotic 3-3 World Cup thriller.

The dramatic finale that sent both teams through to the knockout stage, he ​said, was proof ‌there had been no collusion.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Algeria and Austria advance after dramatic draw, knock Iran out of group stage

With a draw enough to send Austria through as Group J ⁠runners-up and Algeria into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides, the prospect of a convenient result had dominated conversation in the build-up.

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But Rangnick said the ‌game’s extraordinary finale should silence any conspiracy theories.

“In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can ⁠assume that it was an agreement, and especially what we saw during the last 90 seconds,” the 67-year-old said.

The match exploded into life deep into added time.

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez put his side 3-2 ahead ​in the 93rd minute, only for substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to equalise with virtually the last touch ‌of the game.

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“Three minutes to play, if somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad,” Rangnick said.

“I’ve been a coach for about 40 years and I don’t even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such ‌an unexpected trajectory.

“Most anticipated 0-0 or 1-1, and now it’s 3-3. It’s incredible. The locker room is madness. If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have ​said he was completely mad.”

Watch moreWorld Cup ‘Pride Match’: FIFA refuses to ban rainbow flags despite Iran, Egypt objections

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The German rejected suggestions that either side had been content to settle for a draw late in the game, noting that players continued to push for a winner before Mahrez’s strike.

“All who watched the game during ​the last 15 minutes must know there is no hint that the players absolutely wanted to have a draw,” he ​said. “I think they wanted to win.

“Nobody can tell me that suddenly in minute 93 ​somebody would plan: ‘oh yes, let’s score another goal.’ I think maybe it was the thought of one or two players in Algeria, but I think in the rest of ​the squad I don’t think it was the case, and not for me.”

Austria now face European champions Spain in the round of 32 on July 2 in California.

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Rangnick said he believes anything is possible.

“You saw that during the last couple of seconds (on Saturday). And who would have thought that Turkey would be eliminated after only two matches?

“So we’re very happy that we are in the ⁠most difficult of all groups, and we advance in second in this group, and that was definitely not easy.”

Rangnick said he was still struggling to ⁠process a result that ​booked his team’s first World Cup knockout appearance in 44 years.

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“I am relieved and incredulous and happy,” he said. “I still can’t believe it. I need to be pinched to wake up from a dream.”

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters) 

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7 best early-game Tech Tree Nodes in Sand Raiders of Sophie

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In Sand Raiders of Sophie, the Tech Tree Nodes serve as the primary means to customize your walker. However, as is the nature of games with giant skill trees, picking the right Tech Tree Node and skills for your walker can be a daunting process, especially for new players. It’s very important to choose the right Nodes before you invest your hard-earned resources in Sand Raiders of Sophie.

In Sand Raiders of Sophie, there are a total of 11 Tech Tree Nodes. However, as you progress through the game, you will slowly unlock perks from all these Nodes without having to focus on a single Tech Tree.

That said, in the early game, you do need to be mindful of which Nodes you invest your resoruces into in the early game. To help with that, here’s a comprehensive guide on the 7 best early game Tech Tree Nodes in Sand Raiders of Sophie.

Also Read: Best survival tips for Sand Raiders of Sophie


Sand Raiders of Sophie: Best early game Tech Tree Nodes

Screenshot from Sand Raiders of Sophie (Image via tinyBuild)Screenshot from Sand Raiders of Sophie (Image via tinyBuild)
Screenshot from Sand Raiders of Sophie (Image via tinyBuild)

As you progress through Raiders of Sophie, you will unlock all 11 Tech Trees. Furthermore, you can also choose to invest resources into multiple Tech Trees at once without any penalty. However, we do recommend making smart choices when it comes to investing resources.

In the opening few hours, you will find Tech Trees like Captain’s Cabin, Cargo Hold, and Cargo Bay to be a far better option than others.

Furthermore, some of the Tech Tree Nodes don’t even have any gameplay-related perks to them. Instead, they offer more customization options for your walker and make moving around the ship a bit easier.

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With that said, here are the 7 best early game Tech Tree Nodes in Raiders of Sophie that you should not miss out on:

  • Motor Reactor / Engine Upgrades: The Reactor is essentially the beating heart of your walker. As such, upgrading it at the earliest should be the priority. It increases your walker’s base HP.
  • Crew Room: This upgrade is mandatory to unlock the Captain’s Cabin, which bolsters your walker’s defense.
  • Captain’s Cabin: This upgrade adds an extra layer of defense on your walker, making it more resistant to damage.
  • Cargo Holds and Cargo Bays: These upgrades increase the base HP of your walker and also add armor to the reactor.
  • Chassis Upgrades: The Chasis upgrades essentially increase the weight capacity of your walker. As such, you get to carry more artillery and compartments for increased protection and firepower.
  • Framed Artillery Deck: These upgrades increase the health of your walker’s weapons.
  • Improved Reactor: This is a mid-game upgrade that further increases the HP of your walker’s reactor.

Do note that these Tech Tree upgrades are recommended for early game sections in Raiders of Sophie. However, as you progress through the game, we recommend working your way through every Tech Tree, as some of the late-game Nodes can offer substantial upgrades to your walkers.