(Pic credit: East Bengal)

NEW DELHI: East Bengal FC scripted a new chapter in Indian football history on Thursday, producing a staggering 12-0 victory over Rovers FC of Guam in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage.The Moshal Girls’ emphatic triumph is now the biggest-ever victory by an Indian club in an Asian competition, surpassing East Bengal’s own men’s record of a 9-0 win over Club Valencia of the Maldives in the 1985-86 Asian Club Championship.The result was East Bengal’s second successive win in the preliminary stage and puts the Indian Women’s League champions one victory away from reaching the group stage. They will face Malaysia’s Sabah FA on Sunday, with a place in the next phase at stake.

East Bengal run riot after early breakthrough

East Bengal wasted little time asserting their dominance. Priyangka Devi Naorem opened the scoring in the sixth minute when her effort from outside the box struck the left post before finding the net.Rovers goalkeeper Jae Almonte then spilled Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam’s effort in the 15th minute, allowing Astam Oraon to react quickly and score from the rebound.Priyangka doubled her tally seven minutes later, breaking into the box before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Almonte to give East Bengal a commanding 3-0 lead.The IWL champions showed no signs of easing off after the interval. Sulanjana Raul’s 48th-minute cross took a deflection and fell kindly for Olivia Anokye, who finished from close range.A minute later, Soumya Guguloth delivered a pinpoint cross for Abigail Antwi, who headed home East Bengal’s fifth.

Goals keep coming as record is shattered

The floodgates remained open. Almonte parried Shilky Devi Hemam’s curling effort in the 51st minute, but Sulanjana was quickest to the rebound and made it 6-0.Shilky then got her own name on the scoresheet five minutes later, curling another effort from just outside the box into the top-left corner.Olivia scored her second in the 58th minute with a low finish from inside the box, before Abena Opoku added another six minutes later with a powerful strike.East Bengal continued their relentless assault deep into the closing stages, with Abena scoring again in the 70th minute and Anju finding the net three minutes later.Soumya completed the rout in stoppage time at 90+3, taking East Bengal’s tally to 12 and confirming the biggest victory ever recorded by an Indian club in Asian competition.After a 4-0 victory over Rajshahi Stars FC of Bangladesh in their opening match, East Bengal now need one more win against Sabah FA to turn their historic start into a place in the AFC Women’s Champions League group stage.

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Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd advances the ball up court during a WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

ARLINGTON, Texas— Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd is set for season-ending surgery on a sore knee that has sidelined this year’s No. 1 overall pick for the past five WNBA games.

The team said Wednesday that Fudd will have arthroscopic surgery on her right knee next week in Connecticut, where she starred for UConn before becoming the Huskies’ second consecutive top overall pick by Dallas. Reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers was the No. 1 choice last year.

READ: WNBA scores: Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers lead Wings past Mystics

Fudd was eased into the lineup as a rookie, coming off the bench for the first six games. She scored 24 points in that sixth game and immediately became a full-time starter. Fudd had a season-high 26 points in a win over Seattle in June.

Fudd, who averaged 13.1 points in 30 games, went through warmups before a home game against Golden State on Aug. 7 and was held out of the game “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the team. The soreness persisted.

Bueckers and Fudd won the 2025 national championship together at UConn before Bueckers was drafted by the Wings, who are 3-8 since a six-game winning streak that was the longest since the franchise moved to Texas 10 years ago.

Dallas is still in good shape to make the playoffs for the first time since 2023. The Wings play Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at the home of the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

Optus Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 24 AFL game between West Coast Eagles and
Hawthorn Hawks. The game kicks off at 7:20 pm with Hawthorn Hawks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the West Coast Eagles vs.
Hawthorn Hawks
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday August 23, 2026 at 7:20 pm

Where: Optus Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

West Coast Eagles vs Hawthorn Hawks Odds

West Coast Eagles vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview

Hawthorn can lock away a top-four finish with victory after its 92-92 draw against Collingwood left it vulnerable to the chasing pack. The Hawks are close to full strength and have every reason to play aggressively, with a large win potentially improving their position depending on Brisbane’s result. West Coast fell 111-57 to GWS last week and carries a 10-match losing streak into its final home appearance. Hawthorn has won the past four meetings, including a 124-74 result in Round 7 last season, and its pressure has repeatedly troubled lower-ranked opponents. Jake Waterman remains a genuine focal point for the Eagles after kicking at least three goals in seven straight home appearances, but he will need sustained supply. Hawthorn’s depth, speed and finals urgency point to a comfortable victory.

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Wehen Wiesbaden

• Donny Bogicevic – Back Problems

Bayer Leverkusen

• Jarell Quansah – Red Card

• Montrell Culbreath – Foot Injury

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Wehen Wiesbaden ( vs Wurzburger Kickers 2026-08-14): Florian Stritzel, Philipp Hercher, Justin Janitzek, Fabian Greilinger, Jakob Lewald, Jordy Gillekens, David Suárez, Tarik Gozusirin, Ibrahim Ati Allah, Moritz Flotho, Sinan Karweina

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Bayer Leverkusen ( vs Hamburger SV 2026-05-16): Mark Flekken, Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba, Montrell Culbreath, Aleix García, Exequiel Palacios, Álex Grimaldo, Malik Tillman, Patrik Schick, Ibrahim Maza

Darius Garland, the Los Angeles Clippers point guard now half a year removed from the midseason trade that ended his seven-plus years in Cleveland, spoke to HoopsHype exclusively at New Balance’s 2026 Beantown Elite Experience, his second time working the camp. Garland discussed the toe injury that quietly derailed his season, what Tyronn Lue’s vision for him looks like and more.

How has the last year helped you handle bigger challenges, both on the court and with relocating?

Darius Garland: It’s like a revamp, really. Coming to a bigger city, a bigger market. It’s a lot of weight on your shoulders, like really running a team in Los Angeles. It’s a great challenge, great responsibility as well. So I’m super happy just to take that on. Got a little snippet of it last year, but to have a full year under my belt, having a training camp, having some time with T-Lue, I’m super excited about this year.

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What’s it like playing for Ty Lue, and how does his vision fit your game?

DG: It’s super cool, because I’ve actually watched him in 2016. I told him I wanted to play a little bit like Kai [Kyrie Irving] and how he played in 2016 in that Finals run. So actually seeing his vision actually work, so trying to implement it into my game, I think it would be pretty cool. It’s going to be pretty interesting how he tries to fit it in. But I’m super excited. We’ve been talking a lot about the offense this year. I’m super excited to get back over there in LA and just be with the team and be with the guys.

How frustrating was that toe injury, and how much did it limit you?

DG: I didn’t really realize it until it happened as well. So I thought it was just a toe injury. It started off as like a bone bruise at first, like, just kept stubbing my toe in the front of my shoe. And then me thinking it’s just a toe, I could just play on it. It just got worse. So I had like some torn ligaments and stuff like that. So I just had to get that reconstructed. But I’m all good now.

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It was very frustrating, just because the season I had before, it was really, really good. So I think we could have had a chance of making a run if I didn’t get hurt. So that was pretty frustrating. But it’s pretty tough just out there playing with nine toes for like half a year. But it’s all good, though, because the second half of the year, I had all 10 toes. And I felt really good. I felt like I was getting back to normal. But now, having a full summer, having a full offseason back to 100 percent. It was a mental fog most of the time. Because we’re using our toes 24/7. So just out there trying to run on it and play defense, slide, and everything like that. It was pretty tough. Just had to work through it. I get paid to do this stuff. I just wanted to put on my hard hat and go out there and work and do the best I could.

What was it like getting traded midseason? Was the transition hard?

DG: The trade was actually pretty easy for me, bro, to be honest with you. Which was crazy; we were already in LA, we had a road trip to LA already, so the transition wasn’t too hard, to be honest with you. Mentally, it wasn’t a shock, but it was still like a shock. I’ve been here for seven, seven and a half years, and now just to up and pack my bags like that, it was just like, dang. But it’s part of the business. I understand the business side of it.

So once I got to LA, I was pretty happy. Got to be in a new city, like a real new revamp. So it was cool. Easy transition, though. Super excited to be there. I was pretty happy. I was coming to a new opportunity just to take on a new challenge. So I was excited about that.

What’s it like becoming the veteran mentor to young guys like Yanic Konan Niederhäuser and Keaton Wagler?

DG: Calling me big bro and stuff. It’s crazy to hear, but it’s super cool just to have some young bucks around me, just to try to teach them as much as I can. And with some of the stuff that I learned, I can really just implement that into Keaton and Yanic. And then, just to work with them at a young age, I know the potential that they have is probably through the roof. Well, it is through the roof for both of them. So just try to give them little pointers to get better each day. And both are really two hard workers, so you don’t have to tell them to work. Just get acclimated to the game. That’s it. Just be you. That’s all it is in this league. Just have some confidence in yourself.

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What’s an underrated or overlooked part of your game?

DG: Probably my passing. My scoring ability, I think, is pretty underrated. Everybody just thinks about my handles and just being shifty all the time. I can really pass. I can shoot it. I can run an offense at a high level as well. So just being a good all-around point guard.

Do you think people have forgotten what you’re capable of?

DG: Yeah, for sure. It usually happens like that, especially when you have a couple of injuries. They tend to forget about you. But that’s what another 82-game season is for: to go ahead and revamp yourself, show everybody what you’re capable of. And show the confidence and the work that I put in this summer, to go out there and just lay it on the line.

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What do you have to prove? What do you think is that next level?

DG: To be honest with you, I don’t think I have to prove anything, brother. Just want to be the best player I can be out there. Try to go win basketball games as much as I can.

What’s your experience with New Balance’s Beantown event, and what does mentoring there mean to you?

DG: Super cool just being here. We’ve seen the top talent in the country. It’s super cool to see on both sides, girls and boys. And just trying to teach them the little pointers that I have. They have a lot of good trainers here, so they’re just trying to soak a lot in over a couple of days. So just trying to be out there, just be a big brother for them.

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What does it mean to be asked as New Balance brand’s representative for kids to look up to?

DG: It’s an honor just to be here, to be a part of the brand. It’s an honor. So anything they ask me to do, I’m going to try to do it to the best of my ability if I’m available. So this was a no-brainer for me. It’s my second time here. So I plan on coming some more if I get invited.

It’s super cool just to be here. Just seeing the top people in the country and seeing the growth of the game is super cool to see. And just to be here like a big brother for them, be a mentor. It’s super cool just to be out here, just to show them a lot of love and show them the hard work that it takes to get there as well.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Darius Garland Q&A: ‘I told Ty Lue I wanted to play a little bit like Kyrie Irving’

Second placed Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen gestures to celebrate on the podium after the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring racetrack in Mogyorod near Budapest, Hungary, on July 26, 2026. (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP)

Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull until the end of 2030, the team announced Thursday, ending speculation over his future in the sport.

“I have always said it: The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,” said Verstappen.

“I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely,” added Verstappen, using his trademark phrase.

READ: F1: Max Verstappen swerves around future questions

Verstappen is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, dominating the sport with four consecutive world championships from 2021.

But results have been harder to come by this season, with the 28-year-old failing to see a chequered flag in the first half of the year and sitting sixth in the drivers’ championship.

The uncompetitive nature of the Red Bull car this year has led many to speculate that the mercurial Dutchman could switch to another team or even leave Formula One entirely.

But Verstappen said he was keen to get the team back to winning ways.

“We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” he said.

‘Special send off’

Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen walks in the paddock ahead of the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit in Mogyorod near Budapest, Hungary, on July 23, 2026. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies hailed the Dutchman’s “uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention”.

“But we are not done yet. There are more races to win, more milestones to achieve and more history to write,” Mekies said.

The news came with preparations in full swing for Verstappen’s home race, the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, and will delight his thousands of orange-clad fans.

Verstappen is expected to don a special helmet for the occasion, inspired by the famous blue Delft pottery.

The promoters decided not to continue racing at Zandvoort, partly due to uncertainty over Verstappen’s future given his importance for the popularity of the event.

Verstappen was unbeatable on his home track, winning the first three editions since it was reintroduced to the circuit in 2021.

But he has since been chasing McLaren in his own backyard, with Papaya drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claiming the last two races.

“To make this announcement during the last Grand Prix at Zandvoort is a great moment for me as well,” said Verstappen.

“Hopefully we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race.”

Securing Verstappen’s signature is also a huge boost for Red Bull, as they chase Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren in the teams’ championship.

The Dutchman is always mentioned in conversations about the greatest driver of all time and seemed destined for success from birth.

His Dutch father Jos drove in eight Formula One seasons while his mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a Belgian karting champion.

He started karting in 2005 and mopped up titles as he progressed through classes, finishing with a record-setting season in 2013.

When he made his race debut in a Toro Rosso in Australia in the 2015 season opener, he became the youngest ever Formula One driver by almost two years.

He was just 17 years, 5 months, 15 days old and had taken part in 14 Grand Prix races before he passed his driving test on his 18th birthday.

“To continue this journey with the same team that I have been with my whole career is really special and something I have always wanted to do,” he said.