8 d. ago Raducanu’s upbeat year offers another chance to test herself against the best

British No 1 faces big-serving Elena Rybakina in US Open third round while Cameron Norrie takes on Novak DjokovicAt the start of a new season in January 2022, Emma Raducanu began her second full year on the WTA tour swimming in doubt. Not only was she trying to take steps forward after a life-changing summer, her off-season had been ravaged by contracting Covid-19, which forced her off the court for weeks in December. In her first match of the season, she found herself up against Elena Rybakina in Sydney. She left the court with just one game to her name, losing 6-0, 6-1.That first encounter between Raducanu and Rybakina was a good representation of the difficulties Raducanu has had to navigate over the past few years: the pressure from her sudden rise, her underpowered game against the best players in the world and the fact that there was always another physical issue around the corner. Continue reading...

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8 d. ago England make 13 changes to starting XV to face Samoa in Women’s Rugby World Cup

Marlie Packer captains Red Roses in second pool gameHelena Rowland starts at 10 after shaking off injuryMarlie Packer will captain the Red Roses against Samoa on Saturday as one of 13 changes to England’s starting XV from their opening 69-7 win against the USA at the Rugby World Cup.Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Helena Rowland, who were injured for the first game, are both named in the starting team at wing and fly-half, respectively. Holly Aitchison, who also did not play against the USA with a knock, is again absent from the matchday squad. Continue reading...

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1 week ago Christian Pulisic returns but Weston McKennie left off USMNT roster for friendlies

Pulisic will be back with the US after asking out of summer games22 players named to roster, with a 23rd expectedChristian Pulisic will return to the US men’s national team for the first time since his self-imposed absence from the team’s summer slate, having been named to the team’s roster for two friendlies against South Korea and Japan in the upcoming international window. However, in a surprise move, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie was not named among head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.Pochettino named 22 players for the friendlies, with US Soccer adding that a 23rd player is expected to be rostered at a later time. The federation did not elaborate as to whether this player could be McKennie, a US regular who came on as a sub for Juventus over the weekend, or some other player. Continue reading...

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1 week ago ‘There’s no room to grow’: Aunty Donna on why Australian TV comedy needs a massive shake

The beloved comedy trio – Broden Kelly, Mark Bonanno and Zachary Ruane – are about to trial their own subscription service because, ‘the writing is on the wall with network comedy in Australia’Get our weekend culture and lifestyle emailAccording to Broden Kelly, comedy is like an orchid; it needs the perfect conditions to grow. That’s why, five years ago, his comedy trio Aunty Donna established Grouse House: a YouTube platform launched to support up-and-coming comedians, who can leverage off Aunty Donna’s existing fanbase rather than getting stuck in the weeds of promotion and distribution.Grouse House has been ticking along ever since, hosting absurdist, experimental comedy that shares the Aunty Donna DNA, such as Gocsy’s Classics – a nostalgic TV parody series from Aaron Gocs, sending up retro TV faves like Round the Twist and Heartbreak High; quizshow The Most Upsetting Guessing Game in the World, featuring names like Daniel Sloss and Nick Cody; and comedy sci-fi series Descent f...

Culture

2 w. ago Andy Murray's brother Jamie slams US Open for change involving Emma Raducanu

The US Open's new mixed doubles format has caused a stir this year after bringing in big name players, with shorter games and higher prize money - and four-time Grand Slam doubles champion Jamie Murray wasn't impressed

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2 w. ago Celtic and Rangers have become united and common kinship may not end any time soon

Pain is name of game in Glasgow right now after nights of European torture for fans

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2 w. ago Premier League royalty arrive for the PFA awards in Manchester with Mo Salah the heavy favourite and on

The stars of English football descended on Manchester's Opera House on Tuesday night to celebrate the achievements of the game's biggest names.

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2 w. ago Wayne Rooney's son Kai, 15, is named in matchday squad for Man United's first Under

Kai is amongst the substitutes as United face Everton away. The 15-year-old has been named in the squad by one of his father's former team-mates in Darren Fletcher.

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3 w. ago LA28 to break longstanding tradition with corporate venue names at Games

LA28 to allow corporate names on competition venuesComcast, Honda first naming partners in Games historyMove marks break from Olympics’ clean venue traditionFor the first time in Olympic and Paralympic history, competition venues will carry corporate names, breaking from the longstanding “clean venue” tradition.That policy, also enforced at other mega-events like the Fifa World Cup, requires stadiums and arenas to strip or cover all non-official sponsor branding, including naming rights signage. The aim is to protect the exclusivity of global partners who pay millions for official status. In past events, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium became “Arsenal Stadium” for Uefa matches, and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will be known as “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the 2026 World Cup. Continue reading...

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3 w. ago Strictly Come Dancing reveals Gladiators star as first celebrity in 2025 lineup

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, best known as Nitro on BBC gameshow ‘Gladiators’, is first name to appear on celebrity lineup

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