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Tearful Kostyuk speaks of Ukraine missile attack after ‘most difficult’ French Open win

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Marta Kostyuk’s first-round win at the French Open became one of her toughest matches after she found out beforehand that a missile almost hit her parents’ home in Ukraine.

Kostyuk, who has not shaken hands with Russian players since the 2022 invasion, fought back tears after beating Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 on Court Simonne-Mathieu on the opening day of the clay-court Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

Read moreNo Alcaraz, no party? Five reasons not to miss this year’s French Open

“I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career,” the 15th-seeded Kostyuk said. “This morning, 100 meters away from my parents’ house, the missile destroyed the building and it was a very difficult morning for me … I didn’t know how I would handle it, I’ve been crying part of the morning.”

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She received a message at 8am and could not stop thinking what could have happened.

“I felt sick,” she said. “If it was 100 meters closer, I probably wouldn’t have a mom and a sister today.”

Her mother, sister and great aunt were in the house at the time of the strike, she said, among 17 people in total, so her relief was enormous that no one was injured.

“I don’t want to think what I would do if something worse happened, but I knew that this is the day to go out and play,” she said. “It didn’t cross my mind today that I shouldn’t go out, because, you know, at the end of the day, everyone is alive.”

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After the match, she thanked fans and received an ovation. Then she explained how she found the emotional and mental resources to play.

“I think it’s important to keep going. My biggest example is Ukrainian people, I woke up in the morning today and,” the 23-year-old Kostyuk said, becoming tearful before repeating and finishing the sentence. 

“I looked at all these people who woke up and kept living their life, kept helping people who are in need,” she said. “I knew a lot of Ukrainian flags would be here today and a lot of Ukrainian people would come out, support. My friends from Ukraine came as well.”

It's more than just a game for Ukrainians at the French Open
It’s more than just a game for Ukrainians at the French Open. © Benjamin Dodman

When Kostyuk first served for the match at 5-1 she got broken. But she served it out on her next opportunity and waved to fans holding up a Ukraine flag in the upper deck.

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One of several spectators wrapped in the blue-and-yellow colours of Ukraine, 35-year-old Viktoria cheered from the stands: “When the girls play and win matches here at Roland-Garros, it’s a gift to our families and our people back home.”

Kostyuk next plays unseeded American Katie Volynets and Kostyuk’s countrywoman Elina Svitolina – a recent winner at the Italian Open in Rome – faces Anna Bondar on Monday.

Svitolina ⁠is among the contenders for the French Open title after triumphing last week at the Italian Open, where she outlasted defending Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff in the final.

The seventh seed, who took a maternity break in 2022, has had to work her way back from a ranking that year of No. 236. Her return to the highest level has been a source of inspiration for many female players – and for her war-torn home nation too.

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Read more‘Last French player standing’: Roland Garros crowd adopts Ukraine’s Svitolina

She and Kostyu leads a group of seven Ukrainians in the top 100 of the women’s rankings.

“Taking in consideration the war and everything, what’s happening in our country, I think it’s great inspiration for (the) younger generation,” Svitolina said on the eve of the tournament. “It shows that it is possible. Especially for girls back in Ukraine, it’s a great example.” 

(FRANCE 24 with AP)

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Dave Allen makes knockout prediction for Conor Benn vs Ryan Garcia: “I put him in the top bracket”

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Dave Allen has predicted how countryman Conor Benn will fare if he ends up facing Ryan Garcia later this year.

The pair are set to lock horns before 2026 comes to a close, yet there has been no date or venue officially announced for their world title showdown.

It was also reported earlier this week that Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy, has sent a cease and desist letter to Zuffa Boxing and TKO Group, who represent Benn.

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It is alleged that Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing never obtained consent from Golden Boy to pursue a clash between Benn and Garcia, who is reportedly still under contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional outfit.

At the same time, though, White declared at the post-fight press conference for Zuffa Boxing 07 that they are closing in on an announcement for Garcia-Benn, which is expected to take place in Las Vegas.

This would see ‘King Ry’ make a first defence of his WBC welterweight title, which he claimed via a unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios in February.

Benn, meanwhile, is the WBC mandatory challenger at 147lbs, despite having not made the weight since his second-round finish over Chris van Heerden in 2022.

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Irrespective of the weight, though, British heavyweight Allen has predicted on social media that Garcia will be a level or two above his potential opponent.

“On first thoughts, I can’t imagine Conor being good enough to beat Garcia. Conor is a good fighter, don’t get me wrong.

“I think he’s good, he’s really athletic. But [I] just put Garcia in that top bracket. My prediction would be a Garcia stoppage. I think he’s probably a level or two above where we’ve seen Conor. Interesting fight, though.”

Indeed, Benn is yet to establish himself as a world-class operator, even after back-to-back points victories over faded versions of Chris Eubank Jr and Regis Prograis.

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Knicks’ Jalen Brunson named NBA Finals MVP after 45-point outburst in Game 5

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The New York Knicks have won their first championship since 1973 and just the third in franchise history with a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. It caps one of the most impressive postseason runs in history and puts to bed the notion that small point guards — at least ones not named Stephen Curry — can’t lead teams to a title in the modern NBA. 

Jalen Brunson has done just that, finishing off the Spurs with a 45-point masterpiece en route to being named Finals MVP. Brunson, who averaged 32.6 points per game for the series, becomes just the fourth player listed at 6-foot-2 or shorter to win Finals MVP, joining Curry, Isiah Thomas and Tony Parker. 

Brunson, who was selected in the second round at No. 33 in 2018, is also the second-lowest drafted player to win Finals MVP, trailing only Nikola Jokic, who was taken No. 41 overall. 

The word underdog gets thrown around a lot in sports, but Brunson truly epitomizes the word. He was not supposed to be anywhere near this kind of player, let alone on this kind of stage. He was considered too short. Not athletic enough. A defensive liability. When the Knicks signed him to a four-year, $104 million contract in the summer of 2022, he was regarded as a consolation prize, if not an outright disappointment, after the franchise had been striking out on true big-name stars for years. 

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No LeBron James in 2010. The Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire connection never really materialized. No Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving in 2019. Looking back, getting Brunson, let alone on that kind of contract, was indisputably one of the greatest signings in NBA history. 

Brunson will be a New York hero for the rest of time, and he earned every bit of the status. What a player. What a team. What a playoff run and what a Finals. It’s storybook stuff, and no player embodies the grit and heart of the city and fanbase he represents more than Brunson. 

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How to complete Joining the Mercenaries

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In Gothic 1 Remake, mercenaries are the elite combatants of the New Camp. But in order to join their ranks, you will need to progress past Chapter 2. The joining process is tied around a simple quest given to you by Lee, the leader of the Mercenaries.

In this guide, we will break down how to complete the Joining the Mercenaries quest in Gothic 1 Remake.


How to complete Joining the Mercenaries quest in Gothic 1 Remake

If you are planning to join the New Camp, you will have to become a bandit first and work for Lares during chapter 2, named The Minecrawler’s Nest. The quest takes you to the Swamp Camp, where you watch them break apart into two separate groups.

Meet Lee at the New Camp

After you return from the Swamp Camp, you will be greeted by Jarvis near the New Camp entrance, who will inform you that Lee has been looking for you. But before meeting with Lee, report back to Lares and complete the Brotherhood’s Plan quest.

Additionally, learn the better diving skill from Homer in the New Camp.

You can find Lee neat the Mage's quarters (Image via Alkimia Interactive)You can find Lee neat the Mage's quarters (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
You can find Lee neat the Mage’s quarters (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

Afterwards, go and find Lee in the rooms at the back of the camp, near the mage’s quarters. He will only induct you into the ranks of the Mercenaries if you help out the water mage named Myxir.


Find and help Myxir near the lighthouse

Lighthouse location (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Lighthouse location (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Lighthouse location (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

Myxis is located near the right-side path of the Lighhouse, which goes down towards the beach. To find the lighthouse, follow the river to the far east section of the map.

Go right of the lighthouse to find the trail leading down towards the beach (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Go right of the lighthouse to find the trail leading down towards the beach (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Go right of the lighthouse to find the trail leading down towards the beach (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

The path leading to the lighthouse will diverge and go to the right side. Follow it until you locate the path leading downwards. Myxis will be standing near the halfway point down the trail.

Meet up with Myxis (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Meet up with Myxis (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Meet up with Myxis (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

After you meet with Myxis, go down towards the shipwreck on the beach. Be careful in this region, as you will encounter Fire Lizards. There are a total of six Fire Lizards around the shipwreck.

Fire Lizards deal enough fire damage to instantly drain your life (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Fire Lizards deal enough fire damage to instantly drain your life (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Fire Lizards deal enough fire damage to instantly drain your life (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

Do not get caught in their fire-breath attack; stay at a distance and let Myxis freeze them using magic. Once they are frozen, use your bow to deal a decent amount of damage while staying at a distance.

There will be the wreckage of a ship on the beach. Unlock the cabin door to find the following items inside:

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  • Recipe of Seaforest Brew
  • Armor Amulet

The Armor Amulet is especially potent, as it grants you +15 Edge and +15 Blunt stats.


Find the source of Magic for Myxis

Myxir will point you towards the approximate location of the magical item (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Myxir will point you towards the approximate location of the magical item (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Myxir will point you towards the approximate location of the magical item (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

After clearing out the beach, Myxir will ask you to dive down into the sea and find the source of the magic. The only caveat is that the item can be anything (a rune, a tome, a weapon, or a water demon), and it can be anywhere.

The item you are looking for is right under the mast (Image via Alkimia Interactive)The item you are looking for is right under the mast (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
The item you are looking for is right under the mast (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

Here’s how you can find the magical item:

1) Swim towards the submerged mast of the ship.

Open the chest to get the magic item (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Open the chest to get the magic item (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Open the chest to get the magic item (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

2) Once you have reached the spot, dive down towards the upper deck area to find a locked chest.

3) Open the chest and you will find the following items:

  • The old Ways of the Druids
  • Ball Lightning scroll
  • 2x Steel
  • 3x Lockpick
  • 2x lab flask
Return the book to Myxir (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Return the book to Myxir (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Return the book to Myxir (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

The old Ways of the Druids book is the item you are looking for. Simply return to Myxir, who will be near the shore and give him the book to get +300 Experience Points.


Return to Lee

Lee will make you a Mercenary after completing the quest (Image via Alkimia Interactive)Lee will make you a Mercenary after completing the quest (Image via Alkimia Interactive)
Lee will make you a Mercenary after completing the quest (Image via Alkimia Interactive)

After giving the book to Myxir, report back to Lee at the New Camp to conclude the quest (and you will also get +700 Experience Points). Lee will officially make you a Mercenary and give you a new set of armor.

If you want to improve the armor, you will need to visit Torlof. He can often be found standing just below the location of Gorn in the New Camp.


Check out our other guides on Gothic 1 Remake:

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