NEW DELHI: Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar led tributes to Ben Stokes after the England great announced his retirement from international cricket, praising his fearless approach, match-winning temperament and inspirational leadership in an emotional social media post.

Stokes confirmed that the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge would be the final international appearance of his illustrious 15-year career, bringing the curtain down on one of the most influential careers in modern cricket.

Reacting to the announcement, Tendulkar hailed Stokes for the energy and intensity he brought to every contest while acknowledging the immense impact he had as both an all-rounder and captain.

"benstokes38, I've always admired the way you brought energy into the game. Your positivity, your fearless intent, and the way you shaped moments under pressure stood out every time you walked in," Tendulkar wrote on X.

The Indian legend went on to describe Stokes as one of England's finest all-rounders.

"As an all-rounder, you've been one of England's finest, and as a captain, your bold tactics and instinctive reading of the game added a new edge to your side."

Tendulkar concluded with a heartfelt farewell while adding a touch of humour.

"Wishing you the very best for what comes next. Though knowing you, staying away from the middle might be the hardest part. Good luck for your next innings!"
Stokes' farewell, however, ended in disappointment as Tom Latham's New Zealand completed a 160-run victory at Trent Bridge to seal the three-match series 2-1. It was the first home Test series defeat of Stokes' career as both player and captain.

Despite the result, the 35-year-old insisted he was completely at peace with his decision.

"I'm done, mate, and I'm very happy," Stokes told the BBC after the match.

The England star admitted the decision had taken months of thought and discussions with those closest to him.

"I am incredibly content with everything right now. It's a decision that you don't take lightly. It has taken a lot of time."

Stokes also acknowledged that a turbulent few weeks, including disciplinary controversy following England's victory at Lord's, "maybe" influenced the timing of his retirement, but stressed that years of physical and mental demands had ultimately taken their toll.
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"Over the last 6-12 months I think everything that I've done over a long period of time has taken its toll," he said.

Having captained England through the transformative "Bazball" era and played starring roles in the country's 2019 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup triumphs, Stokes leaves the international stage as one of England's defining cricketers.

Confirmed India women's squad for 2026 Asian Games: Full list of players originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
BCCI names women's squad to defend Asian Games **** le under Harmanpreet Kaur.
Smriti Mandhana named vice-captain; Shreyanka Patil included, subject to fitness clearance.
India have named a 15-woman strong squad for the **** an Games.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the women's squad set to defend its Asian Games **** le later this year in Aichi-Nagoya, **** an.

Tamworth have signed forward Kieren Donnelly from Boston United for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old is the 11th signing made by the Lambs since the takeover of the club by US businessman Abdullah Ashraf.
Donnelly was loaned to Kidderminster Harriers in March and contributed eight goals in 15 games, including one in their 2-0 win over South Shields in the National League North promotion final.
"He's quite rightly had lots of interest over the summer and the fact he's chosen Tamworth is a real coup for the club," said Tamworth boss Andy Peaks.

The Golden State Warriors have officially come to terms with free agent center Kristaps Porzingis on a new deal, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The contract is worth $40 million over two seasons with a player option in the second year.
This is a great outcome for the Warriors, as Porzingis could have tested the free agent market in hopes of a larger contract. Last season, in 15 games following the Jonathan **** inga trade, Porzingis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 **** ists, 1.1 blocks and 0.6 steals. Now after drafting Yaxel Lendeborg and re-signing both Al Horford and Porzingis, Golden State has quickly taken care of their holes in the frontcourt. A new contract for Draymond Green is likely to be the team's next priority as the former Michigan State Spartan declined his $27.7 million player option Monday.
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Kristaps Porzingis remains with Warriors on two-year deal

A special day for Fredy Guarín, who celebrates his 40th birthday today. The former midfielder, born on 30 June 1986 in Puerto Boyacá, Colombia, wore the Inter shirt from 2013 to 2016, showcasing power, grit and outstanding shooting ability. During his Nerazzurri spell, the former Colombian midfielder made 141 appearances and scored 22 goals, with fans admiring his knack for making the difference through driving runs, late bursts into the box and thunderous strikes from distance. Guarín scored several memorable goals, above all his strike in the derby in September 2015, when his left-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom corner earned Inter all three points.
Inter and the entire Nerazzurri faithful wish Fredy Guarín a very happy 40th birthday!

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Paraguay notched one of the most shocking results of the 2026 World Cup, defeating Germany in a penalty kick shootout behind a top-tier performance from Orlando Gill and the country's first-ever knockout stage goal, scored by Julio Enciso.
La Albirroja's manager Gustavo Alfaro summed up what every Paraguayan player and fan was thinking during his post-match news conference.
"This is an epic night," Alfaro said through the FIFA translator.
Gustavo Gomez #15 of Paraguay celebrates after Jose Canale #13 scores the winning penalty in a penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is among the Best Semiconductor Stocks.
On June 15, CNBC reported that NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) plans to raise at least $20 billion through an investment-grade bond sale, marking its first such issuance since 2021. CNBC noted an SEC filing and sources familiar with the matter. The filing disclosed the offering without a size, while sources said the total could approach $25 billion.
An Nvidia spokesperson told CNBC the company will use proceeds for "general corporate purposes," including refinancing existing debt. The AI chipmaker has about $7.5 billion in long-term debt and $1 billion in short-term debt.
Shares rose 3.5% on Monday. Growth has accelerated sharply, and revenue reached $216 billion in fiscal 2026 as compared to $27 billion in fiscal 2022.
CNBC reported NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) had $49 billion in free cash flow in its latest quarter, from $35 billion a year before. It is also planning to return roughly half of its free cash flow to shareholders this year.

Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) is one of the best non-tech stocks to buy according to ****** ysts. Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) and Walmart announced on June 23 a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement for emissions-free electricity from Constellation's Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois, with the agreement including around 176 MW of wholesale supply. This includes 30 MW of expanded generating capacity. Management stated that the agreement supports reliable nuclear energy in the region, adding that Walmart will purchase energy, environmental attributes, and capacity through two 15‑year terms beginning in 2029 and 2030. It will help Walmart bolster local energy infrastructure and access cleaner energy. Jim McHugh, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG), stated that the agreement reflects "long‑term stewardship of critical infrastructure, the communities it serves, and the energy system that powers American growth".
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) further reported that through uprates at the Dresden Clean Energy Center, this agreement will provide enough new power to the grid to support Walmart's previously announced high-tech perishable distribution center, which is currently in development in Belvidere, Ill.
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) is involved in the generation, marketing, and supply of clean electricity and renewable energy products and services. The company's operations are divided into the following geographical segments: Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and Other Power Regions Segment. The company was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD.
While we acknowledge the potential of CEG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years AND 12 Best Stocks That Will Always Grow.

SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) is one of the best non-tech stocks to buy according to ****** ysts. SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) announced on June 15 the launch of the SLB Digital Marketplace, which is a curated digital destination specialised to help energy companies rapidly discover and deploy specialized AI agents, skills, domain models, tools, data connectors, and digital applications within their existing digital environments. It further stated that the SLB Digital Marketplace "extends the company's open platform strategy to its Tela™ agentic AI ****** istant by enabling SLB, partners, independent software vendors (ISVs), developers, and customers to bring purpose-built digital capabilities to the energy industry through a single, governed channel". SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) stated that all marketplace offerings are certified against SLB standards for security, compatibility, and interoperability before listing.
Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer of SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB), stated that AI in energy is "shifting from promise to performance," and that the "SLB Digital Marketplace is designed to accelerate that shift by creating an open ecosystem where innovation can scale, solutions can interoperate, and customers can move faster from insight to action".
SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) provides energy technology and operates through the following business segments: Digital and Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems.
While we acknowledge the potential of SLB as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years AND 12 Best Stocks That Will Always Grow.

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is one of the best non-tech stocks to buy according to ***** ysts. TD Cowen cut the price target on HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) to $431 from $500 on June 22 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The firm told investors in a research note that it reduced the company's 2026 and 2027 growth ***** umptions after its May hospital survey showed flat year-over-year revenue. It further stated that the survey commentary shows weaker surgical volumes that were partially offset by growth in medical volumes.
In a separate development, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) and The College of Health Care Professions announced on May 27 an agreement for HCA Healthcare to acquire ownership of CHCP. CHCP provides healthcare education to more than 8,000 students per year, across 10 campuses throughout Texas and online. Management stated that the agreement highlights a shared commitment to academic quality, student success, and workforce readiness. HCA Healthcare and CHCP have been partnering for decades, primarily through clinical sites, program advisory boards, and career placement.
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is a health services company involved in operating hospitals, urgent care facilities, freestanding surgery centers, emergency care facilities, walk-in clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, comprehensive rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, radiation and oncology therapy centers, and several more. The company operates general and acute care hospitals that offer medical and surgical services.
While we acknowledge the potential of HCA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years AND 12 Best Stocks That Will Always Grow.

Rishi Patel has posted a message on his Instagram that seemed to hint at a major event.
The prominent wedding designer, who has previously been rumoured to be working on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding, shared an emotional announcement.
"Today, I asked 23 of my colleagues if when they started in the event industry (span of 7 to 45 years), that they would have ever dreamed or imagined they would be part of what we created today. Unanimously the answer was no.
"I can't wait to share what we created," he added, "But for now, I'm just eternally grateful for those who mean more to me than I could ever explain."
Samantha Roberts, who owns a social media agency known for its "strategic orchestration of wedding release rollouts, creating digital moments that ripple across the internet", also posted excitedly about working on the same event.
"Tonight was a career highlight," Roberts gushed. "15 years ago I came to New York because I loved events. I dreamed that one day I'd work events like the one I did tonight."

IRVINE, Calif. – With the added stakes of the knockout rounds fully in place, center back Tim Ream is offering the U.S. Men’s National Team, just a couple days out from its Round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a sense of calm.
Teammates have compared the St. Louis native to a father figure or an extension of the coaching staff throughout USMNT camp at Orange County Great Park. The 38-year-old is the oldest player on the roster, and in the team’s opening match against Paraguay, became the oldest player ever to appear for the USA in the FIFA World Cup.
Beyond his age, Ream provides a wealth of experience to a team that features youngsters such as Alex Freeman and Chris Brady, who are 21 and 22 years old, respectively. Ream has been playing professional soccer for more than 15 years. Since being drafted by New York Red Bulls in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he’s built a remarkably enduring career that included nine seasons with Fulham in both the English Premier League and English Championship.
A steady figure for the U.S. Men’s National Team with 84 caps to his name, Ream’s presence and leadership steered head coach Mauricio Pochettino to name the veteran as the U.S. captain heading into FIFA World Cup 2026.
“He gives us a sense of calmness,” USMNT teammate Gio Reyna said. “His experience is the main factor that he holds that can really help this team. He means everything. He’s been around for the last 15 years… he’s definitely someone you can lean on.”

When Kentucky Basketball was coming so close to landing top high school recruits and transfers, but ultimately just missing out on them, Mark Pope and his staff needed a player like Zoom Diallo to get on the board.
Diallo has referred to Kentucky as his “dream school.”
“When I came on my visit, I came off the plane, and someone already knew my name,” Diallo said at Thursday’s media availability. “[When I was growing up], I was a West Coast guy. I was waking up at nine a.m. in the morning to watch Tyrese Maxey, Hamidou Diallo, all of those types of dudes. I understand how much fans care about Kentucky Basketball.
“The fact that I’m even able to put on the jersey is such a blessing for me and a dream come true. Again, now that I’m here, I really want to not take things for granted and definitely apply what I’ve been working on.”
Fans knew Diallo’s name because of how good a player he is. Having played two seasons at Washington, in the tough Big Ten Conference, Diallo is going to bring a high pedigree to Kentucky and make an impact in the SEC. This past season, Diallo averaged 15.7 points per game and 4.5 **** ists per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field. That’s after averaging 11.1 points and 2.7 **** ists per game as a Freshman while shooting 47.3 percent from the floor.

CHICAGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres activated Jake Cronenworth from the injured list on Monday after the veteran infielder was sidelined by a concussion.
The Padres also placed right-hander David Morgan on the 15-day IL with left knee inflammation. Right-hander Bradgley Rodriguez was recalled from Double-A San Antonio, and infielder Will Wagner was optioned to Triple-A El Paso.
The 32-year-old Cronenworth was in the starting lineup for the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago Cubs, batting ninth and playing second base. It was his first big league game since May 4.
“Great to have (Cronenworth) back,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “We missed him definitely. A guy that’s been a part of our team for a while and someone that’s just Steady Eddie, professional at-bat all the time and then great second baseman.”
Cronenworth was grazed on his jaw by a 96-mph fastball from Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi on April 18. He went 4 for 31 over his next 12 games before going on the IL with delayed symptoms from the concussion.

The Ravens entered offseason workouts with several roster questions, and minicamp helped identify which young players and newcomers are beginning to move closer to real roles before training camp.
Baltimore is still built around Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and a veteran core with championship expectations, but the next wave matters. The AFC North rarely gives teams time to wait on development, and the Ravens need immediate contributions from rookies, second-year players, and depth pieces who can strengthen the roster around established starters. After OTAs and minicamp, several players have improved their standing, either by flashing athletic traits, taking advantage of available reps, or fitting clearly into roles the coaching staff can use when practices become more physical.
Randall may be one of the more intriguing offensive risers because of how many ways the Ravens can use him. The former Clemson playmaker arrived with a unique background after becoming one of the few players in program history to record at least 750 rushing yards and 750 passing yards, and that versatility gives offensive coordinator Declan Doyle another movable piece behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Randall does not have to become a high-volume player immediately to matter. If he can handle motion, backfield touches, gadget packages, and special teams work, he gives Baltimore a different offensive layer and a creative way to stress defenses already accounting for Jackson’s legs and Henry’s power.
Sarratt has steadily pushed himself into the receiver conversation by looking like the kind of dependable target who can earn trust quickly. The former Indiana standout arrived after catching 65 passes for 830 yards and 15 touchdowns for the national champion Hoosiers, and his path to early work is tied to reliability. Baltimore has Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Devontez Walker, and several other receivers competing for snaps, but Sarratt’s route detail, hands, and ability to finish plays give him a chance to carve out a specific role. If Jackson trusts him on third down, in the red zone, or in condensed formations, Sarratt can become more than a developmental rookie.
Young entered the offseason facing a crowded edge room, but he has the athletic profile and college production to force his way into the rotation. Trey Hendrickson is expected to lead the group, while Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, and Calais Campbell will all impact the pass-rush structure, but Young’s burst and organic football violence give Baltimore another option off the edge. He had 9.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 37 quarterback hurries, and nine quarterback hits in his final season at Missouri, and those traits matter in a defense that wants to keep pressure fresh across four quarters. If Young continues stacking good practices, he can earn rotational snaps as a rookie pass rusher.

Jun. 29—GRAND FORKS — UND athletic director Bill Chaves has signed a three-year contract to remain in his position through the 2028-29 athletics season.
Chaves' new deal, which was signed by UND President Andrew Armacost on June 24, runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. The base salary is $261,774.
Chaves, who came to UND from Eastern Washington in 2018, last signed a contract in 2022 — a four-year deal ending this spring.
The base salary of that deal was $221,150.
"I am proud to announce that Bill Chaves will continue to serve as our UND Director of Athletics for at least three more years," said Armacost in a statement. "Even with the extraordinary change happening in NCAA sports, Bill has maintained his fundamental commitment to our student-athletes and their development in their sports, in the classroom and in the community. He has been an important strategic voice both on our campus and across the NCAA and our three conferences. I am proud to have him as a trusted colleague and as a critical leader for our great university."

When Kyle Pitts signed the franchise tag on April 7, the Falcons tight end figured he was playing 2026 under the one-year, $15.045 million tag. But on Monday, he signed a three-year, $54 million contract.
“It was more so, ‘OK, that was my opportunity that Atlanta picked it back up to give me another year to showcase,’” Pitts said Monday, via Daniel Flick of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “and then it was just time to squeeze the rag and just grind. I was fortunate I got the call and the interest in the long term, and when it happened, it was pretty great.”
While Pitts has not lived up to the generational talent that he was projected as the fourth overall pick in 2021, he is only 25 and coming off a season when he earned second-team All-Pro honors. He set career highs with 88 receptions and five touchdowns in 2025, with 928 yards.
Pitts said he "100 percent" believes his best football is still ahead of him, which is what the Falcons are counting on.
“I think there’s a lot more out there, a lot more to get, and a lot more things to keep grinding towards. It’s cool to see," Pitts said.

TORONTO (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger will be shut down for several more weeks because of a stress reaction in his back, further delaying his return in an injury-plagued season.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Barger experienced back pain while hitting at the team’s spring training facility in Florida. Barger came to Toronto for an MRI, which revealed the stress reaction, a bone injury that leads to swelling and irritation.
Barger, out since May 10 because of a sore elbow, has played just nine games this season. He’s batting .045 with no homers and two RBIs.
He had one hit in eight games in March and April before missing 29 games because of a sprained left ankle.
Barger returned May 9 against the Angels. In the second inning that day, he caught Vaughn Grissom’s fly ball and threw home at 101.2 miles per hour to retire Jorge Soler for an inning-ending double play. It was the fastest throw on an outfield ******* ist by any Blue Jays player since 2015, and the fastest in the majors this season.

At least one prominent player won't participate in Tuesday's WNBA Commissioner's Cup final between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty.
Liberty forward Satou Sabally remains in concussion protocol and is listed as out for Tuesday’s game. The Aces, meanwhile, have listed four-time MVP A'ja Wilson as questionable with a right leg injury.
Wilson rolled her right ankle in the fourth quarter of Las Vegas’ 107-99 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. She briefly left for the locker room, but was able to return to the game and finish with a game-high 30 points and 15 rebounds. But her status for Wednesday’s Commissioner’s Cup showdown is in doubt.
Tuesday’s final will be played between the winners of the the last four WNBA championships. The Aces are the reigning champions and winners of three of the last four ***** les. The Liberty won the franchise’s first WNBA ***** le in 2024.
The game is a matchup of two of the league’s top five teams in the standings. And it’s slated to feature some of the game’s biggest stars, including New York’s Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu and Las Vegas’ Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.

Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson was named the Golden Spikes Award winner as the best amateur baseball player in the country. The announcement was made on Monday.
The junior earned 2026 SEC Player of the Year honors after leading the conference in Triple Crown categories with a .396 batting average, 31 home runs and 86 RBI. Overall, he finished with a triple-slash line of .379/.473/.803. And with 26 stolen bases, Jackson became the third player in NCAA Division I history — and first catcher — to register 30-plus homers and at least 25 stolen bases.
The Bulldogs went 53-14 overall and 23-7 in the SEC, winning the Athens Regional and Super Regional to advance to the College World Series. Georgia was eliminated by eventual national champion Oklahoma.
Last year, Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy won the Golden Spikes Award after recording a .350/.434/.653 slash line with 21 homers and 68 RBI for the 50-15 Razorbacks, who finished second in the SEC with a 20-10 record before losing in the College World Series to national champion LSU.
Aloy was a first-round pick (No. 31 overall) of the Baltimore Orioles last year.

It’s a hat trick for Utah.
The Utes received their third commitment of the day as three-star Texas wide receiver Darnell Jackson Jr. announced his pledge to Utah on Wednesday night.
Jackson Jr.’s commitment follows the pledges of offensive lineman Ian Aloisio and linebacker Fui Vakapuna, teammates from Timpview High.
Jackson Jr., 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, is rated an 86 by 247Sports, which ranks him the No. 151 receiver nationally and the No. 154 overall prospect in the state of Texas.
Jackson Jr.’s final list was narrowed to Utah, Northwestern and Texas State, with the speedster opting to go with the Utes.

Germany vs. Paraguay has set the record for longest match of this World Cup tournament, as the two sides are heading to penalty kicks after playing two 15-minute halves of extra time, and remain level at 1-1. The teams have so far played a total of 120 minutes plus stoppage time. (The France vs. Iraq match on June 22 lasted nearly four hours in total elapsed time, but that was due to 131 minutes of match delays due to severe weather.)
FIFA rules dictate that matches in the knockout round must produce a winner, and no draws are allowed. There is no golden goal in this format.
In the penalty round, each side takes five penalties, alternating kicks. The team with more goals after five rounds wins. If the match remains tied, it moves to sudden death, in which each team takes one kick per round. If one team scores in the round, and the other misses, the game ends and a winner is crowned.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Is Germany vs. Paraguay the longest match of the 2026 World Cup?

So this was what Brazil hired Carlo Ancelotti to bring. The Italian won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid. Each brought a crucial injury-time goal in either the semi-final or the final; at times more than one.
And so, as Bruno Guimaraes pierced the ****** an defence and Gabriel Martinelli angled a 95th-minute shot into the far corner of the net, the manager with the lowest heart rate in football had seen it all before.
Ancelotti can be the king of cool, the man who does not panic. His capacity for calm thinking in pressurised situations nevertheless contributed to a comeback that extends Brazil’s hope of gaining a sixth star on their shirts. Two of his changes had a catalytic effect: first introducing Endrick for Lucas Paqueta at half-time, giving Brazil a greater attacking threat, and then summoning Martinelli to replace Matheus Cunha.
At half-time, when ****** an deservedly led in Houston, the danger was that this was remembered as Brazil’s worst World Cup. They have reached the last 16, or equivalent, in every tournament, the knockouts in all bar 1930 and 1966, the final eight on each occasion after 1990. Ancelotti can be the history-maker in cup competitions, but in the right way. He may be again.
His demeanour suggests he is so laidback that he is almost horizontal. Dressed in a three-piece suit, Ancelotti looked more like a dapper expert in antiques than a football coach. Yet part of his success lies in an ability to galvanise players decades his junior and with very different characters. Brazil emerged inspired after half-time. Their next quarter of an hour bore comparison with England’s 15-minute surge against Croatia. A managerial team talk led to a battering. And if Brazil then seemed to lose their momentum in the second half’s hydration break, they showed they have acquired the capacity for late drama that many another Ancelotti side has had.

On Sunday at Bob Warn Field, the Terre Haute Rex completed a game that was rain-suspended on June 21, beating Lafayette 7-5, and then topped the Aviators 7-3 in a seven-inning Prospect League nightcap.
The day's outcome boosted the Rex's season record to 12-15 overall. Terre Haute is also 2-0 in the second half of the summer wood-bat league's schedule, and holds an early first-place position in the Eastern Conference's Central Division. Lafayette fell to 17-12.
In Sunday's second game, the Rex trailed 2-1 going into the bottom of the fourth inning. They rallied for three runs in the bottom half, thanks to Wally Diaz's solo homer and then teammates Deakin Brinkley and Renn Harper scoring on Lafayette wild pitches for a 4-2 lead.
After the Aviators pulled to with 4-3 in the fifth, Terre Haute added a RBI double by Brinkley in the fifth and Bryson Carpenter's two-run triple in the sixth.
On the mound, Terre Haute's Grant Faris weathered the first 4 2/3 innings, yielding three earned runs while striking out three batters and walking four. Chase Rubenacker and Breyllin Suriel pitched the final 2 1/3 innings scorelessly.

Kristaps Porzingis is sticking around Golden State after all.
The Warriors reached a two-year, $40 million extension with Porzingis on Monday night, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. That stopped him from hitting free agency this offseason, and will now keep him with the Warriors through the 2027-28 campaign.
Porzingis was only dealt to Golden State a few months ago. He landed with the Warriors as part of the deal that sent Jonathan **** inga to the Atlanta Hawks. **** inga, who had a rough ending with the Warriors himself, has since become a free agent after the Hawks declined to pick up his option ahead of the deadline on Monday.
Porzingis averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest in 15 games with the Warriors last season, his 10th in the league. He had signed a two-year, $60 million deal with the Boston Celtics that expired after last season, and he was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Porzingis, who the New York Knicks selected with the No. 4 overall pick back in 2015, has bounced around a lot in recent years. After signing that extension with the Celtics, and helping lead the team to a **** le in 2024, Porzingis was sent to the Hawks in a three-team deal. The Warriors then became the sixth team he’s played for throughout his decade-long career, and third in just the past two seasons.

The San Antonio Spurs signed starting forward Julian Champagnie to a new three-year, $45 million contract on Monday, securing a key piece of the core that led the club to the NBA Finals this season.
The compensation was confirmed by a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The ***** ociated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms have not been released. The Spurs declined their $3 million option on Champagnie left from the contract he signed with them in 2023 to create some future salary cap flexibility and reward a player who has flourished in their system after arriving as a waiver claim.
Undrafted out of St. John's in 2022, the 6-foot-7, 215-pound Champagnie signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and was let go after appearing in only two NBA games. He finished his rookie year with the Spurs and became a starter in 2023-24. Champagnie played in all 82 regular season games in 2024-25 and 2025-26, improving each year in almost every statistical category. His streak of 185 consecutive regular-season games played is the second-longest active streak in the league.
Champagnie averaged 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 ***** ists for the Western Conference champion Spurs last season while shooting 38.1% from 3-point range. He set the franchise single-season record with 195 made 3-pointers — and the single-game record with 11 against the New York Knicks on Dec. 31. Champagnie had a career-high 36 points in that game while setting the NBA record for made 3-pointers by an undrafted player and also became the first player in league history to score at least 36 points without attempting a two-point field goal.
The 25-year-old native of New York contributed valuable floor ***** ing, hustle and leadership from his spot on the wing for the Spurs over 23 playoffs games while shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range.

It looks like Mackenzie Dern will have to wait a bit longer for her to fully silence some of her doubters.
Dern (16-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) finally booked her first fight as UFC strawweight champion – a ****** le defense against top contender Gillian Robertson in the co-main event of UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Although there's no denying Robertson (17-8 MMA, 14-6 UFC) is a deserving contender, many expected Dern to face Zhang Weili, who never lost the strawweight belt. She vacated it to pursue a second divisional ****** le at flyweight. Weili ended up coming short against UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in November, and voiced her interest in a return to 115 pounds.
Dern, like many, was under the impression this was her next fight, but for some reason, it didn't materialize.
"I can't give you that response," Dern said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "I don't know. I don't know. They were talking about Weili. They had mentioned Macau, and the White House, New Jersey. I'm not sure what happened or what's going on. They came back with Gillian Robertson, I think after her win against Amanda Lemos, that was maybe April. So yeah, it's August 15."
Because Weili vacated the belt and never lost it, many still see her as the best female fighter at 115 pounds. Dern is well aware of the narrative that's been built, but even then wasn't sad she didn't get the opportunity to erase any doubts.

Mackenzie Dern was widely expected to face the dominant former UFC strawweight champion, Zhang Weili, in her first ***** le defense. She instead finds herself matched against fellow jiu-jitsu ace Gillian Robertson at UFC 330 on Aug. 15.
Dern, 33, claimed the vacant 115-pound throne in Zhang's absence at UFC 321 last October, scoring a decision win over Virna Jandiroba and setting Dern up for a potential clash with a returning Zhang, who left the division in 2025 in pursuit of flyweight gold. Zhang ultimately came up short against pound-for-pound queen Valentina Shevchenko, but her departure nonetheless opened the door to strawweight's top contenders, and Dern capitalized.
Where does that leave Zhang at present? Dern has no idea, she revealed Monday on "The Ariel Helwani Show."
"I can't give you that response. I don't know," Dern told Uncrowned when asked why that fight isn't happening next. "They were talking about Weili. They had mentioned [UFC] Macau, then the White House, [then] New Jersey. So I'm not sure what happened or what's going on, but they came back with Gillian Robertson, I think, after her win against Amanda Lemos [in March]. ... I'm not sure what the deal with Weili is or what is happening."
Ultimately, Dern isn't upset by the delay in facing an all-time great.

The trade deadline is five weeks away, meaning MLB teams are doing daily evaluations about whether they should be buyers and sellers as the days until the Aug. 3 cut-off dwindle.
For those interested in upgrading their big-league clubs, a big part of the process is internal evaluation of the farm system to identify which prospects could be expendable and which should be off-limits in trade talks. On the flip side, for teams trading major-league pieces with an eye toward the future, this is a prime opportunity to target minor-league talent in other organizations that could become a fixture for their teams down the road.
With that in mind, here’s a look at six prospects on teams expected to be buyers who could be on the move in the coming weeks, given their place in the organizational depth chart and their value industry-wide.
The Cubs already unloaded one outfield prospect, Owen Caissie, in the deal for right-hander Edward Cabrera. Alcantara represents another tantalizing trade chip that Chicago could use to address its injury-ravaged rotation (Cabrera, predictably, included). Alcantara is the classic case of a prospect performing in the upper levels but completely blocked by a superstar player at his primary position. In this case, that’s Pete Crow-Armstrong, who not only is leading all position players in fWAR but also recently signed a six-year, $115 million extension that ensures he’ll be patrolling center field on the North Side for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Alcantara — acquired from the Yankees in the Anthony Rizzo trade at the 2021 deadline — is crushing the ball in Triple-A. His 30.5% strikeout rate remains a red flag, but Alcantara is registering elite hard-hit and barrel rates, and he has already matched his home run total from last season (17) in roughly half as many games. Between his Triple-A production and the PCA-sized obstacle in front of him on the Cubs’ depth chart — and as one of the top prospects in an otherwise shallow farm system — Alcantara checks the boxes of an ideal trade chip for a team in Chicago’s position, pushing aggressively for a postseason spot with clear roster holes to fill.

MUMBAI: Batting great Sunil Gavaskar has backed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his India debut in the opening T20I against England in Durham on Wednesday, saying the 15-year-old could provide the spark India desperately needs after their disappointing 0-2 series defeat to Ireland.

India's batting unit struggled throughout the Ireland series under new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, prompting calls for changes ahead of the five-match series against England. Gavaskar believes Sooryavanshi's unpredictability could work in India's favour.

"I'm hoping that Sooryavanshi plays the first game because it will be the start of a new series and he gets the team off to a flying start. It's the best way to recover from the series loss against Ireland," Gavaskar said.

He admitted fitting Sooryavanshi into the playing XI would be a challenge given the performances of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, but argued that England's lack of familiarity with the youngster could be a decisive factor.

"So, if he gets going, he can take the game away and I think that is what India needs at this particular point of time, after this loss, is for somebody to make the impact straight away. So, the host nation England is put on the backfoot straight away," Gavaskar added.
Despite Shreyas Iyer's poor start as India's T20I captain, Gavaskar urged patience, pointing out that adapting to leadership at the international level takes time.

"I think with any new relationship, there will always be just a little time taken for both to understand the support staff and the playing staff to understand what is expected of them," he said.

"Shreyas Iyer's leadership has been proven over the years in the T20 format. We have seen him win trophies, win ****** les and get teams into the knockouts and get teams into the final."

Gavaskar also felt India's batters needed to adapt better to conditions after struggling on seamer-friendly pitches in Belfast.

"In any form of the game and practically in any sport, I think you play the situation," he said, adding that shot selection and decision-making had let India down in Ireland.

Gavaskar also backed Rohit Sharma to silence doubts over his future during the upcoming ODI series against England.

"So, I think England is a very good platform for him to show that even a year-and-a-half down the road, he'll be there opening the batting for India," he said.

On England pacer Jofra Archer, Gavaskar said his impact often depended on his mindset on the day.

"He is a top class bowler and you know, if he's, if I might say, if I might use the word, if he's in the mood, he can cause problems for anybody," he said.

Gavaskar added that Ben Stokes' retirement did not surprise him entirely, although he had expected the England all-rounder to step away at the end of the home season rather than immediately.

(Watch India Tour of England 2026, England vs India, 1st T20I on July 1, 2026, from 10:00 PM IST live on So