Sports
Whitecaps fall to Atlante FC in Leagues Cup opener
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps opened their Leagues Cup campaign with a 1-0 loss to Atlante FC on Tuesday.
Jhojan Julio scored in the 40th minute to seal his side’s victory in the tournament between Major League Soccer and LIGA MX teams.
The ‘Caps came into the game as favourites, sitting tied with Los Angeles FC atop the MLS Western Conference standings, but struggled across much of the first half, missing passes and looking uncharacteristically sloppy.
The club improved in the second half but couldn’t get a ball past Atlante keeper Oscar Jimenez, who made a total of four saves.
The Whitecaps host LIGA MX side FC Juarez on Friday before wrapping the group stage against Tigres UNAL in San Nicolas, Mexico on Aug. 11.
After the group stage, the top four MLS clubs in the tournament will face the top four LIGA MX sides in the quarterfinals, running from Aug. 25 to 27.
Vancouver skipped Leagues Cup last season after reaching the round of 32 in both the 2023 and 2024 iterations.
Goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer kept the Whitecaps in Tuesday’s game despite some testy first-half moments.
He came up big in the 24th minute when Luis Puente got past defender Ralph Priso and sprinted up the field. The Atlante forward uncorked a blast from the top of the penalty area, but Boehmer read the play and got his right foot in the ball’s path.
The 24-year-old Canadian couldn’t repeat the magic in the 40th minute.
Stationed at the top of the box, Julio bodied Whitecaps defender Mathias Laborda off a ball, collected it at his feet and sent a shot soaring in past Boehmer’s outstretched fingertips.
The ‘Caps nearly equalized three minutes later when striker Rayan Elloumi fired a right-footed attempt on goal from just above the six-yard box, only to see Jimenez make a diving save.
The home side dominated 63.5 per cent possession across the first half but were outshot 4-3, with Atlante holding a 3-2 edge in on-target attempts. The visitors took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen made three halftime substitutions in an apparent attempt to spark his group.
Emmanuel Sabbi — who came on for winger Cheikh Sabaly — provided instant offence and came within inches of levelling the score with left-footed shots that Jimenez turned away in the 47th and 48th minutes.
Vancouver’s star midfielder Thomas Muller injected some further life into the group in the 64th minute, coming on for J.C. Ngando.
Two minutes later, the ‘Caps got a pair of prime chances when Elloumi sent a left-footed shot over the crossbar and, moments later, Laborda’s header went up and over the net.
The announced crowd of 19,824 booed lustily in the 89th minute when Tate Johnson was cut down inside the penalty area without a call from referee Ekaterina Koroleva. Chants of “ref you suck!” rang out as the Vancouver defender lay on the turf. He got up moments later and resumed play.
The Whitecaps continued to press with a flurry of stoppage-time attempts, but couldn’t net the equalizer.
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Olympique Lyonnais lost (2-1) away to Sparta Prague in the first leg of the third qualifying round. The return leg will take place on August 11 in Lyon.
That reality has created a new one.
Rashford is contracted to Manchester United until 2028. His salary of £325,000 a week makes him the club’s top earner at a time when minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trying to stay on top of wage costs, which is, by some distance, the club’s highest expenditure.
United’s transfer activity has slowed since Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans joined them for £35m on 14 July.
While uncertainty over Rashford’s future is not the entire reason for this, it is a basic truth that United’s search for a left-sided attacking player, or another striker, will be affected if he stays at the club because he can play in both positions.
Equally, the amount United can pay in wages will differ depending on whether Rashford’s salary is part of the overall bill.
Many fans are conflicted.
Plenty feel Rashford’s fallout with Amorim over his performances in training was reflective of someone who no longer felt the joy of playing for his boyhood club.
Comparisons were made with his performances prior to his exit from United and those at Aston Villa, with England and then Barcelona.
Others think Rashford is too good to be discarded; a local lad who would benefit from an arm around the shoulder and is capable of making a significant impact in Carrick’s team.
The secondary point to that is could United sign a player of similar standing for £26m, given that is the fee sources close to Rashford feel would not be exceeded given it had been agreed with Barcelona?
Jul 18, 2026; Southport, ENG; Bryson DeChambeau reacts to a near miss on the 16th green during the third round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The future of LIV Golf was the topic of discussion among the team captains and tour executives and then in a players-only get-together on Tuesday in Bedminster, N.J.
The meetings came ahead of the LIV Golf New York event that begins Thursday at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
Questions about the future of LIV have circulated since April, when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced it would not continue its financial support of the league beyond this season.
Two more events are on the 2026 schedule — LIV Golf Indianapolis from Aug. 20-23 and the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship from Aug. 27-30 — but the Michigan event reportedly might get canceled.
According to The Athletic, most players didn’t speak following the Tuesday meetings, but those who did confirmed that two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau took the helm in the players-only gathering.
Earlier, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil and other executives spoke with the tour’s team captains, according to The Athletic.
“Bryson just ran through what he knows, and obviously, we’re trying to do it as a group, but we’re individuals as well, so I think the next two to three weeks is going to be where it’s at,” Richard Bland told The Athletic. “We’re in this together; we’re fully backing Scott. I think probably in the next two to three weeks we’ll have a bigger picture.
“We’re just in that kind of stage at the minute that we’re positive with what’s going on, but we just need everything to be fully signed off so you can go forward.” The Athletic reported that The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort, the scheduled site of the Plymouth, Mich., event, has yet to begin physical preparations for the tournament, likely pointing toward a cancellation.
Regarding the Team Championship, Bland told The Athletic, “I don’t know. You know, we’ve just got to wait and see on that.”
Earlier Tuesday, former World No. 2 Cameron Smith said he is pulling for LIV to continue but that he would “100 percent” return to the PGA Tour should the breakaway tour fold.
“I mean, if it was the only option, I think that’s where everyone would want to be for sure, 100%,” the Australian said. “… I want it to work, really, to be honest. It’s great fun out here. The team that we’ve got, I feel like we make each other better, better people and better golfers as well. Yeah, I’d hate to see it go away. We’ll see what happens.” –Field Level Media
NEW DELHI: Several former Pakistan cricketers could face disciplinary action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after taking part in the Asian Legends League in Zambia without the required approval, according to ESPNcricinfo. More than a dozen retired Pakistan players signed up for the tournament. The controversy began after the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), the country’s official governing body, said the event was not sanctioned, approved or endorsed by it.The PCB said it has taken “serious notice” of the participation of former Pakistan cricketers in the tournament.Players found to have violated the rules could be banned for two years from receiving a PCB No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in approved overseas leagues or cricket events.They could also be declared ineligible for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring or other roles with the PCB and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years.“In light of the above, the following disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals found to have participated in the said unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB,” the PCB statement said. “A ban of two years from the issuance of any PCB No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in approved overseas cricket leagues or events. [And] Ineligibility for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring and/or other assignments with the PCB and the PSL for a period of two years.“According to ESPNcricinfo, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir and Umar Akmal travelled to Lusaka after signing up for the league. However, they chose not to play after learning that the required ICC approvals had not been received.Several other former Pakistan cricketers are believed to have participated in the tournament.The PCB said all current and former Pakistan cricketers must obtain the required approvals before taking part in overseas cricket events.“The PCB remains fully committed to upholding the ICC regulations and safeguarding the integrity and governance of the game,” the PCB statement said.“The board reiterates that all current and former cricketers seeking to participate in overseas cricket events requiring PCB clearance must obtain the necessary approvals and NOCs prior to participation,” it said.
The controversy within Hockey India over the change in the Indian teams’ jersey colour intensified on Tuesday after Executive Director Commander RK Srivastava failed to meet president Dilip Tirkey’s deadline to submit documents explaining the decision, while secretary general Bhola Nath Singh sought an emergency meeting of the Executive Board.
In an strong worded email sent to Srivastava for the second consecutive day, Tirkey directed him to furnish all supporting documents by 5 pm, asserting that his earlier directive had not been withdrawn despite a clarification submitted by the Executive Director to the Executive Board.
“With reference to the explaination submitted by the Cdr (Srivastava) to the Executive Board in this matter, it is clarified that the directive to respond with documentary evidence remains in effect and has not been withdrawn,” Tirkey said in the email.
“In view of the detailed explaination already provided to the Executive Board, it is now necessary that the same be substantiated with all relevant documentary proof. Accordingly Cdr is required to submit the complete supporting documents by 5PM today,” he added.
However, sources told PTI that no reply was received from Srivastava by the deadline.
“Commander Srivastava did not provide any clarification to the Hockey India president by the deadline of 5 pm,” a source said.
The source added that shortly after the deadline, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh wrote to Tirkey requesting that an emergency meeting of the Executive Board be convened.
“For the last many days, emails from your side have raised many different issues, it is therefore requested that all issues maybe compiled and the same maybe put before the EB for its disposal. Please call for an emergent EB board meeting at the earliest,” the source said quoting Bhola Nath’s email addressed to the president and copied to EB members.
On Monday Tirkey sent a strongly worded email to HI executive director Srivastava, seeking detailed clarification on the process, which eventually triggered widespread criticism.The latest email was Tirkey’s second communication in less than a week seeking answers over the decision-making process.
In his previous email, Tirkey had said that HI was not consulted before the change was finalised.
The issue has snowballed into a major controversy ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, beginning on August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Former India captains Viren Rasquinha, Ajit Pal Singh, Dhanraj Pillay and Pargat Singh have publicly objected to the change, saying the team’s traditional identity should not have been altered without wider consultation.
HI has defended the move, saying the colour change was necessitated by visibility concerns while playing on blue turf. Tirkey, however, has maintained that the decision was taken without the knowledge or approval of either the president or the Executive Board.
The jersey issue is not the only matter on which Tirkey has sought answers from the Executive Director.
In another email on Monday, Tirkey asked for the complete inquiry report related to complaints of harassment and misconduct against a highly placed HI official.
He sought the complete record of the Interim Complaints Committee’s composition and constitution, credentials ad eligibility of ICC members, official notification constituting the committee, evidence of compliance and statutory requirements under the POSH Act along with signed minutes of ICC proceedings maintained by the committee.
According to sources, the requested documents were also not furnished despite three reminders sent until Monday.
The allegations stem from anonymous complaints received in April against the official. Over the following weeks, several women involved in the Indian Hockey ecosystem reportedly corroborated the allegations.
In May, Tirkey had written to the Executive Board expressing concern over the growing number of harassment complaints within Indian hockey.
Although discussions were held in June on constituting a committee to investigate the matter, sources said no such committee has been formed so far.
Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz brings out the Louis Vuitton trophy trunk containing the Fifa World Cup Trophy ahead of the World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. U.S. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP
CINCINNATI — Carlos Alcaraz withdrew Tuesday from the Cincinnati Open because of a lingering right wrist injury that has sidelined him since April.
The No. 2-ranked Spaniard was hoping to return to defend his title in the hard-court tournament, which serves as an important warmup for the US Open.
“We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible,” tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement. “We wish him the best with his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future.”
READ: Carlos Alcaraz slated to return at Cincinnati Open
Alcaraz last played at the Barcelona Open, then missed the French Open and the entire grass-court season, including Wimbledon.
He is entered in the US Open, where he is the defending champion. Recent photos and videos on social media have shown the seven-time Grand Slam winner on the practice courts, so it was thought he would be ready to play in the Cincinnati event that begins Aug. 11.
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Sports
Harsh Dubey, Vipraj Nigam among four net bowlers join India for Sri Lanka Tests | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian and Vipraj Nigam have linked up with the Indian team as net bowlers ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15. The four players will assist the Shubman Gill-led side during its preparations in Sri Lanka.India have already arrived in the island nation and will play a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7 before the Test series starts.Before the Test series, India will play a three-day practice match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo starting on August 7.The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.India have been hit by a number of injury setbacks ahead of the series.Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out after failing to recover fully from the left knee injury he suffered during the ODI series against England. Auqib Nabi has been named as his replacement.Harshit Rana is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is recovering from a quadriceps injury.All-rounder Washington Sundar will miss the first Test because of a hamstring problem. Fast bowler Akash Deep also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from stress reactions in his back.The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings with four wins and four defeats from nine matches. The team has a points percentage (PCT) of 48.150.India’s squad Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi.*Sai Sudharsan is subject to fitness clearance.
Aug 4, 2026; Montreal, QC, Canada; Juncheng Shang (CHN) reacts after winning against Andrey Rublev during second round play at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images Juncheng Shang of China pulled off a stunning upset, saving five match points to upend No. 10 seed Andrey Rublev of Russia 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (5) in the second round of the National Bank Open on Tuesday in Montreal.
Shang, 21, is ranked 281st in the world.
Earning his fifth career Top-20 victory, Shang trailed 5-2 in the decisive third set. Shang saved the five match points on his own serve to pull even at 5-5. After falling behind 6-5, he forced a tiebreaker that was level before he won the final two points.
“Andrey is a great friend, a great competitor and a good champion,” said Shang, who saved 11 of 15 break points and overcame 12 aces by Rublev, who committed 68 unforced errors. “It is a pleasure to share the court with him since the last time we played in Hong Kong. But more happily, I’m healthy. I’m definitely playing my best tennis and just happy to be in Montreal.”
In the third round, Shang will face No. 19 seed Luciano Darderi of Italy, who advanced when Montreal native Gabriel Diallo retired from their second-round matchup while trailing 6-4, 2-3. Diallo sustained an apparent leg injury.
Canadian Denis Shapovalov also retired from his Tuesday match, stopping in the third set of his opening-round contest against Zachary Svajda.
Shapovalov was coming off a run to the final at an ATP 250 event last week in Los Cabos, Mexico, but he revealed Tuesday that he picked up an ankle injury in that match.
He trailed Svajda 6-4, 4-6, 0-3 when he ended the contest.
The former World No. 10, who has won four titles on tour but none this year, went on to express his frustration with injuries in what he described as “an annoying year.”
Svajda, who overcame 38 unforced errors as well as Shapovalov’s 6-of-9 mark in saving break points, will face No. 18 seed Arthur Fils of France in the second round.
In other second-round action, third-seeded Alex de Minaur eliminated Australian countryman James Duckworth 6-2, 7-6 (6); eighth-seeded Jiri Lehecka prevailed 6-4, 6-2 over Vit Kopriva in an all-Czech affair; 15th-seeded Frances Tiafoe overtook Croatia’s Marin Cilic 5-7, 6-2, 6-2; and 28th-seeded Brandon Nakashima cruised past Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-2, 6-1.
The majority of the first-round matches earlier in the day went the full three sets, and they weren’t going the Canadians’ way. Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante beat Canadian qualifier Duncan Chan 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (3), and Spaniard Daniel Merida rallied past Canadian wild card Liam Draxl 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Frenchman Terence Atmane saved 7 of 9 break points and hit nine aces in battling past British wild card Jack Draper 6-3, 2-6, 6-2. Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz knocked out Marcos Giron 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.
Other first-round winners included Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands, Argentina’s Sebastian Baez and Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Jenson Brooksby, France’s Valentin Royer, Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, British qualifier Jacob Fearnley, Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin and Greek qualifier Stefanos Tsitsipas.
In addition, Belgian 27th seed Alexander Blockx advanced to the third round via walkover against Spain’s Jaume Munar.
The final match of the night featured sixth-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli and Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann.
–Field Level Media
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will face Egypt on Wednesday with their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at stake.
The defending champions started their campaign with a shock defeat to debutants Malawi but bounced back strongly with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zambia in their second Group C match.
That victory put Nigeria back in contention for a place in the last eight, but they must avoid a slip against Egypt, who have already suffered heavy defeats in the group.
Egypt lost 6-0 to Zambia in their opening game before falling 3-1 to Malawi. However, the Super Falcons are expected to approach the game with caution and will not take their opponents lightly.
Coach Justin Madugu will have to make changes to his team after defender Tosin Demehin and midfielder Jennifer Echegini were ruled out through suspension.
Demehin was sent off against Zambia after stopping Barbra Banda, who was through on goal, while Echegini picked up two yellow cards in Nigeria’s first two matches.
Christy Ucheibe, who moved into central defence after Demehin’s red card against Zambia, could start alongside Osinachi Ohale.
In midfield, Toni Payne could join captain Rasheedat Ajibade, with Halimatu Ayinde also in contention for a starting role.
Up front, Asisat Oshoala is expected to keep her place after scoring the winning goal against Zambia. Uchenna Kanu could also start after making an impact in Nigeria’s opening match against Malawi.
The Super Falcons know there is little room for error as they look to secure their quarter-final place, keep their title defence alive and move closer to their target of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria will be hoping to produce another strong performance against Egypt and continue their journey towards retaining the WAFCON title.
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