1 hr. ago
The early round action at WTA Monterrey, the Abierto GNP Seguros has lead to a pair of compelling semifinals on Friday. Diane Parry from France will take on #5 seed Ann Li, while the rising Nikola Bartunkova takes on the tournament favorite, Elise Mertens.
The late-night quarterfinal at WTA Monterrey saw Mertens power past Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-1 6-4, as she dominated on her service games and didn't face a single break point. Mertens needed three sets to get past Panna Udvardy in the previous round, similarly performing better on serve.
Mertens, 30, is nearing her second consecutive season of 30+ match wins and has put together her best result this week since the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. With the US Open draw already made, Mertens is set to face Kaitlin Quevedo in the first round, and could face Naomi Osaka in round 3.
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The semifinal field at WTA Monterrey was completed on Thursday. Diane Parry scored a slight upset over Clara Tauson 6-3 7-5, converting all of her break point chances in the match. Parry has a chance to reach a career high ranking this week inside the top 50. Her semifinal opponent is Ann Li from the United States, Li, 26, finally advanced her record above 500 this season by dispatching her fellow American Alycia Parks 6-2 6-3. Li only needed two wins to reach the semis this week as she was granted a walkover in the round of 16. It's her best result since Strasbourg on clay in May, which also happened a week before a Grand Slam. Both sets of semifinals are matchups where there is h2h history.
#round #parry #semifinals #break
The late-night quarterfinal at WTA Monterrey saw Mertens power past Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-1 6-4, as she dominated on her service games and didn't face a single break point. Mertens needed three sets to get past Panna Udvardy in the previous round, similarly performing better on serve.
Mertens, 30, is nearing her second consecutive season of 30+ match wins and has put together her best result this week since the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. With the US Open draw already made, Mertens is set to face Kaitlin Quevedo in the first round, and could face Naomi Osaka in round 3.
Embed from Getty Images
The semifinal field at WTA Monterrey was completed on Thursday. Diane Parry scored a slight upset over Clara Tauson 6-3 7-5, converting all of her break point chances in the match. Parry has a chance to reach a career high ranking this week inside the top 50. Her semifinal opponent is Ann Li from the United States, Li, 26, finally advanced her record above 500 this season by dispatching her fellow American Alycia Parks 6-2 6-3. Li only needed two wins to reach the semis this week as she was granted a walkover in the round of 16. It's her best result since Strasbourg on clay in May, which also happened a week before a Grand Slam. Both sets of semifinals are matchups where there is h2h history.
#round #parry #semifinals #break
12 hours ago
What a dominant showing from start to finish: our Red Bulls celebrated a thoroughly deserved 3–0 win over Mjällby on home turf to secure their spot in the UEFA Europa League's league phase. After a dominant but goalless first half, our lads were rewarded after the break with a brace from Konate and an additional strike from Haris Tabakovic.
After a cautious start, our lads steadily upped the tempo and created their first big chance in the twelfth minute. Tabakovic intercepted a misplaced pass from the Swedes, kept his composure, and played a sharp, low ball across the box—Eddi Baidoo missed connecting with it in the centre by just an inch or two. With possession hovering around 70 percent at times and clear dominance in terms of shots on goal, our Red Bulls took control of the match early on.
Mjällby tried to disrupt our flow of play with aggressive tackling, picking up their first two yellow cards after just twenty minutes. Following a heavy challenge by Granath on Nikolas Veratschnig, our right-back - clearly in pain - even called for a VAR check, though none was forthcoming. While the visitors offered absolutely nothing in attack, they made life difficult for our lads through sheer physicality.
In the final fifteen minutes of the first half, we carved out further opportunities to take the lead against the Swedes' deep defensive block. First, Abubakr Barry unleashed a well-placed long-range shot following a counter-attack (32'). Shortly after, Mjällby's tight man-marking prevented a goal when Baidoo played a ball across to Tabakovic. Just before the half-time whistle, Veratschnig curled a dangerous free-kick towards the corner of the target, but Mjällby goalkeeper Wallinder was equal to it with a strong save. The first half ended goalless.
After the restart, Haris Tabakovic and Konate initially missed chances from promising positions in the center of the box (57') before the breakthrough finally came. Following a long-range shot from Redzic, Wallinder could only parry the ball forward, and Konate reacted quickest to tap in a deserved opening goal (61').
#llby
After a cautious start, our lads steadily upped the tempo and created their first big chance in the twelfth minute. Tabakovic intercepted a misplaced pass from the Swedes, kept his composure, and played a sharp, low ball across the box—Eddi Baidoo missed connecting with it in the centre by just an inch or two. With possession hovering around 70 percent at times and clear dominance in terms of shots on goal, our Red Bulls took control of the match early on.
Mjällby tried to disrupt our flow of play with aggressive tackling, picking up their first two yellow cards after just twenty minutes. Following a heavy challenge by Granath on Nikolas Veratschnig, our right-back - clearly in pain - even called for a VAR check, though none was forthcoming. While the visitors offered absolutely nothing in attack, they made life difficult for our lads through sheer physicality.
In the final fifteen minutes of the first half, we carved out further opportunities to take the lead against the Swedes' deep defensive block. First, Abubakr Barry unleashed a well-placed long-range shot following a counter-attack (32'). Shortly after, Mjällby's tight man-marking prevented a goal when Baidoo played a ball across to Tabakovic. Just before the half-time whistle, Veratschnig curled a dangerous free-kick towards the corner of the target, but Mjällby goalkeeper Wallinder was equal to it with a strong save. The first half ended goalless.
After the restart, Haris Tabakovic and Konate initially missed chances from promising positions in the center of the box (57') before the breakthrough finally came. Following a long-range shot from Redzic, Wallinder could only parry the ball forward, and Konate reacted quickest to tap in a deserved opening goal (61').
#llby
7 days ago
No fewer than five new signings made their competitive debuts for the Black and Yellows in the starting lineup: Jacqueline Meißner and Lara Schmidt bolstered the defense, Ricarda Walkling played in central midfield, while Ramona Maier and captain Alexandra Popp featured on the attack. Head coach Markus Högner went all out on offense with the forward quartet of Maier, Popp, Schumacher, and Enderle – together, they had scored 20 goals in the six preseason matches.
Amid the exuberant atmosphere at Rote Erde Stadium, the Borussia women dominated the match from the start. The team created its first dangerous scoring chance in the fifth minute after a cross to Jacqueline Meißner. The low cross found Ramona Maier, whose low shot was cleared for a corner by the Bielefeld goalkeeper. In the minutes that followed, the BVB Women repeatedly combined down the right flank to penetrate the Bielefeld penalty area – Arminia goalkeeper Johanna Wende was also able to parry two more shots by Maier (10th, 20th).
The match turned into a test of patience for the BVB Women; the visitors from Bielefeld retreated deeper and deeper in front of their own goal as the half progressed. Alex Popp covered the entire width of the field, often dropping deeper during build-up play to distribute the ball in the center. The captain was rewarded for her efforts in the 38th minute when she powered a cross from Enderle into the Bielefeld goal with a header to give her team a 1–0 halftime lead.
The Borussia women continued to focus on counter-pressing in the second half, immediately regaining possession and launching a focused build-up. The BVB Women created their first offensive opportunities of the second half through a low free kick by Schumacher (51st') and a shot by Sara Ito following a corner (52nd). In the 60th minute, the Borussia women had their next shot on goal when Alex Popp broke through, but the visitors' in-form goalkeeper deflected the ball around the post. At the other end, the alert Jacqueline Meißner successfully tackled one of Bielefeld's few forays forward (71st minute).
The closing stages briefly brought some frantic action to a match in which the BVB Women, despite their narrow lead, kept pushing forward relentlessly. Relief came in the 82nd minute: BVB's captain once again converted a sharply taken corner kick by Schumacher. Alex Popp rose highest at the near post and headed the ball into the near corner to make it 2–0. The much-celebrated finishing touch came from the two substitutes, Steenwijk and Leubner, who had only just come on: Ronja Leubner confidently finished off a through ball played with the outside of the foot by Jenske Steenwijk to seal the 3–0 final score.
#popp #borussia #alex
Amid the exuberant atmosphere at Rote Erde Stadium, the Borussia women dominated the match from the start. The team created its first dangerous scoring chance in the fifth minute after a cross to Jacqueline Meißner. The low cross found Ramona Maier, whose low shot was cleared for a corner by the Bielefeld goalkeeper. In the minutes that followed, the BVB Women repeatedly combined down the right flank to penetrate the Bielefeld penalty area – Arminia goalkeeper Johanna Wende was also able to parry two more shots by Maier (10th, 20th).
The match turned into a test of patience for the BVB Women; the visitors from Bielefeld retreated deeper and deeper in front of their own goal as the half progressed. Alex Popp covered the entire width of the field, often dropping deeper during build-up play to distribute the ball in the center. The captain was rewarded for her efforts in the 38th minute when she powered a cross from Enderle into the Bielefeld goal with a header to give her team a 1–0 halftime lead.
The Borussia women continued to focus on counter-pressing in the second half, immediately regaining possession and launching a focused build-up. The BVB Women created their first offensive opportunities of the second half through a low free kick by Schumacher (51st') and a shot by Sara Ito following a corner (52nd). In the 60th minute, the Borussia women had their next shot on goal when Alex Popp broke through, but the visitors' in-form goalkeeper deflected the ball around the post. At the other end, the alert Jacqueline Meißner successfully tackled one of Bielefeld's few forays forward (71st minute).
The closing stages briefly brought some frantic action to a match in which the BVB Women, despite their narrow lead, kept pushing forward relentlessly. Relief came in the 82nd minute: BVB's captain once again converted a sharply taken corner kick by Schumacher. Alex Popp rose highest at the near post and headed the ball into the near corner to make it 2–0. The much-celebrated finishing touch came from the two substitutes, Steenwijk and Leubner, who had only just come on: Ronja Leubner confidently finished off a through ball played with the outside of the foot by Jenske Steenwijk to seal the 3–0 final score.
#popp #borussia #alex
12 days ago
Amy Winehouse's father has been hit with a nearly £1 million bill after losing a bitter court battle against two of his late daughter's closest friends. Mitch Winehouse was ordered to make interim payments totaling £963,851—about $1.3 million—to Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay after a High Court judge tore into the case he brought over the sale of the singer's belongings.
According to the BBC, the dispute centered on 141 items auctioned in the United States between 2021 and 2023, including Winehouse's clothes, handbags, earrings, makeup, ballet slippers and a dress she wore on her final tour in 2011. Mitch claimed Parry, Amy's former stylist, and Gourlay had no right to sell the items and accused them of "deliberately" hiding the sales from him. The women denied wrongdoing, saying the items either belonged to them or had been given to them by Winehouse.
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The court wasn't buying Mitch's version. Judge Sarah Clarke KC tossed his case earlier this year, finding that he "knew all along" that the women planned to sell the memorabilia.
The trial had heard allegations that Parry and Gourlay took advantage of Mitch's forgetfulness and pocketed more than $1.4 million from the auctions, but Clarke rejected the claim that they had deliberately concealed the sales.
#winehouse #clarke
According to the BBC, the dispute centered on 141 items auctioned in the United States between 2021 and 2023, including Winehouse's clothes, handbags, earrings, makeup, ballet slippers and a dress she wore on her final tour in 2011. Mitch claimed Parry, Amy's former stylist, and Gourlay had no right to sell the items and accused them of "deliberately" hiding the sales from him. The women denied wrongdoing, saying the items either belonged to them or had been given to them by Winehouse.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
The court wasn't buying Mitch's version. Judge Sarah Clarke KC tossed his case earlier this year, finding that he "knew all along" that the women planned to sell the memorabilia.
The trial had heard allegations that Parry and Gourlay took advantage of Mitch's forgetfulness and pocketed more than $1.4 million from the auctions, but Clarke rejected the claim that they had deliberately concealed the sales.
#winehouse #clarke
13 days ago
Bolton Wanderers made their return to the Championship in style as Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale struck in the first half to secure an opening day victory over Preston.
Bolton Wanderers' return to the Championship after seven years in League One got off to a perfect start as Sam Dalby opened the scoring before Thierry Gale doubled the lead in the first half.
Preston scored late on through substitute Jusef Erabi, but the home side held on to secure a crucial opening weekend victory at home.
Bolton started the game as the brighter of the two sides and it was the home side who struck first. John McAtee raced onto a ball over the top and fired a shot on goal from range. Daniel Iversen in the Preston goal could only parry the ball into the path of Sam Dalby, who placed a low finish into the bottom corner to take an early lead on their return to the Championship.
The hosts continued to push forward and play on the front foot having a flurry of chances following short-corner routine.
#championship
Bolton Wanderers' return to the Championship after seven years in League One got off to a perfect start as Sam Dalby opened the scoring before Thierry Gale doubled the lead in the first half.
Preston scored late on through substitute Jusef Erabi, but the home side held on to secure a crucial opening weekend victory at home.
Bolton started the game as the brighter of the two sides and it was the home side who struck first. John McAtee raced onto a ball over the top and fired a shot on goal from range. Daniel Iversen in the Preston goal could only parry the ball into the path of Sam Dalby, who placed a low finish into the bottom corner to take an early lead on their return to the Championship.
The hosts continued to push forward and play on the front foot having a flurry of chances following short-corner routine.
#championship
18 days ago
Demi Moore embraced an age-old wedding guest faux pas on August 8.
The 63-year-old celebrated her daughter Tallulah Willis's wedding to Justin Acee in Idaho.
Moore shares Tallulah as well as daughters Rumer and Scout with ex-husband Bruce Willis.
Demi Moore was in proud mom mode as she watched her daughter Tallulah Willis marry musician Justin Acee during a star-studded ceremony in Sun Valley, Idaho on August 8. While the bride said "I do" in a dramatic custom Balenciaga princess gown that featured hand-embroidered organza petals and an extra-long train, Moore opted for a streamlined silhouette in a strapless micro minidress—which also broke an age-old wedding guest rule.
Demi Moore wears a white woven dress during her daughter Tallulah Willis's wedding
Credit: Instagram/Heather Parry
#august
The 63-year-old celebrated her daughter Tallulah Willis's wedding to Justin Acee in Idaho.
Moore shares Tallulah as well as daughters Rumer and Scout with ex-husband Bruce Willis.
Demi Moore was in proud mom mode as she watched her daughter Tallulah Willis marry musician Justin Acee during a star-studded ceremony in Sun Valley, Idaho on August 8. While the bride said "I do" in a dramatic custom Balenciaga princess gown that featured hand-embroidered organza petals and an extra-long train, Moore opted for a streamlined silhouette in a strapless micro minidress—which also broke an age-old wedding guest rule.
Demi Moore wears a white woven dress during her daughter Tallulah Willis's wedding
Credit: Instagram/Heather Parry
#august
30 days ago
Amy Winehouse's father must pay just under £1m to two of his daughter's friends after a failed High Court claim over the auctioning of the late singer's items.
Mitch Winehouse also racked up at least £950,000 in his own legal costs in the failed attempt against Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay.
He claimed the women had profited from selling dozens of his daughter's items at auctions in the US in 2021 and 2023, accusing them of having "deliberately concealed" their sale.
But Ms Justice Clarke threw out the claim earlier this year, finding that he "knew all along" about the intended sale and only afterwards had begun to pursue them for money in an "aggressive and unpleasant way".
In a judgment on Wednesday, she said: "The claimant chose to bring an inherently weak claim, pursue it aggressively and relentlessly to the end, and make serious and unfounded allegations against the defendants which significantly damaged their reputations, career prospects, financial security and health."
#claim #failed #high
Mitch Winehouse also racked up at least £950,000 in his own legal costs in the failed attempt against Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay.
He claimed the women had profited from selling dozens of his daughter's items at auctions in the US in 2021 and 2023, accusing them of having "deliberately concealed" their sale.
But Ms Justice Clarke threw out the claim earlier this year, finding that he "knew all along" about the intended sale and only afterwards had begun to pursue them for money in an "aggressive and unpleasant way".
In a judgment on Wednesday, she said: "The claimant chose to bring an inherently weak claim, pursue it aggressively and relentlessly to the end, and make serious and unfounded allegations against the defendants which significantly damaged their reputations, career prospects, financial security and health."
#claim #failed #high
2 months ago
Thibaut Courtois became a big talking point last night when Spain defeated Belgium to advance into the semifinals, thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.
The goal came out of a parrying error from goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois midway through the second half after the Real Madrid goalkeeper picked up a knock during the game.
Lammens' mistake cost Belgium dearly as Spain were able to hold on to their slender lead. To make things worse for Real Madrid, it was reported that Courtois may miss 4-8 weeks thanks to the fresh injury.
Courtois could not continue due to an injury. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo, Courtois should be ready to start the new season despite his injury blow against Spain.
The goal came out of a parrying error from goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois midway through the second half after the Real Madrid goalkeeper picked up a knock during the game.
Lammens' mistake cost Belgium dearly as Spain were able to hold on to their slender lead. To make things worse for Real Madrid, it was reported that Courtois may miss 4-8 weeks thanks to the fresh injury.
Courtois could not continue due to an injury. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo, Courtois should be ready to start the new season despite his injury blow against Spain.
2 months ago
Just 24 hours after the historic series win over Twenty20 world champions India in Belfast, Ireland had a new coach.
On Monday morning, it was announced that Heinrich Malan would leave his role after four years in the job, to be replaced by former international Gary Wilson.
Wilson, who retired in 2020 with 292 international appearances after 15 years in green, becomes the first homegrown head coach of Ireland's men's team in more than 30 years.
Wilson sat down with BBC Sport NI's Haydn Parry to discuss building on the India win, succession planning, ambition and the depth of Irish cricket.
Wilson replaces Malan as Ireland head coach
On Monday morning, it was announced that Heinrich Malan would leave his role after four years in the job, to be replaced by former international Gary Wilson.
Wilson, who retired in 2020 with 292 international appearances after 15 years in green, becomes the first homegrown head coach of Ireland's men's team in more than 30 years.
Wilson sat down with BBC Sport NI's Haydn Parry to discuss building on the India win, succession planning, ambition and the depth of Irish cricket.
Wilson replaces Malan as Ireland head coach
2 months ago
Croatia earned its first win at the 2026 World Cup, bouncing back from the opening defeat to England. In their second Group L match, Modric and his teammates beat Panama 1-0 thanks to an Ante Budimir goal early in the second half. It was a crucial result, allowing Zlatko Dalic’s side to get off the mark in the standings and celebrate their number 10’s 200th appearance for the national team in the best possible way.
It was far from a walk in the park. In the first half, in fact, Panama created the most dangerous chances. Midway through the half, a move involving Murillo and Martinez put the Croatian defense under pressure, but the follow-up effort was handled without too much trouble by Livakovic. Shortly after, Murillo was involved again with a precise cross for Rodriguez, who met it with a header. The Croatian goalkeeper got a touch on the ball, which then hit the crossbar.
The turning point came in the 54th minute. Budimir, who had just come on for Musa, needed only a few minutes to make his mark. The move started down the right flank, where Pasalic set up Stanisic with a classy backheel. The defender found ***** e to cross and delivered a perfect ball into the middle of the box, where Budimir was ready and made it 1-0.
The lead gave Croatia more confidence, and a few minutes later they came close to doubling it. A mistake while playing out from the back by Panama allowed Modric to win the ball and send Marko Pasalic through on goal, one-on-one with Mosquera. The goalkeeper managed to parry the first attempt and, on the rebound, Pasalic failed to find the accuracy needed from a very tight angle.
Trailing, Panama kept pushing until the very end, when Murillo had a free kick from the edge of the box, but blasted it well over.
It was far from a walk in the park. In the first half, in fact, Panama created the most dangerous chances. Midway through the half, a move involving Murillo and Martinez put the Croatian defense under pressure, but the follow-up effort was handled without too much trouble by Livakovic. Shortly after, Murillo was involved again with a precise cross for Rodriguez, who met it with a header. The Croatian goalkeeper got a touch on the ball, which then hit the crossbar.
The turning point came in the 54th minute. Budimir, who had just come on for Musa, needed only a few minutes to make his mark. The move started down the right flank, where Pasalic set up Stanisic with a classy backheel. The defender found ***** e to cross and delivered a perfect ball into the middle of the box, where Budimir was ready and made it 1-0.
The lead gave Croatia more confidence, and a few minutes later they came close to doubling it. A mistake while playing out from the back by Panama allowed Modric to win the ball and send Marko Pasalic through on goal, one-on-one with Mosquera. The goalkeeper managed to parry the first attempt and, on the rebound, Pasalic failed to find the accuracy needed from a very tight angle.
Trailing, Panama kept pushing until the very end, when Murillo had a free kick from the edge of the box, but blasted it well over.
2 months ago
US Open, round three leaderboard
Leader: -7 W Clark (US); -1 S Scheffler (US), S Theegala (US), T Kim (Kor), S Stevens (US)
Selected: Level X Schauffele (US); +1 T Fleetwood (Eng), C Morikawa (US), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); +2 A Fitzpatrick (Eng); +3 R McIlroy (NI), J Parry (Eng), A Rai (Eng); +4 J Rose (Eng), T Hatton (Eng); +7 R MacIntyre (Sco)
In a third round that saw challengers rise but ultimately fall away, Wyndham Clark stood firm to position himself as the overwhelming favourite to win a second US Open **** le.
Not only did the American fail to budge from the top of the pile, the 32-year-old extended his lead from four to six strokes as he looks to become the first wire-to-wire winner of the tournament since Martin Kaymer in 2014.
Leader: -7 W Clark (US); -1 S Scheffler (US), S Theegala (US), T Kim (Kor), S Stevens (US)
Selected: Level X Schauffele (US); +1 T Fleetwood (Eng), C Morikawa (US), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); +2 A Fitzpatrick (Eng); +3 R McIlroy (NI), J Parry (Eng), A Rai (Eng); +4 J Rose (Eng), T Hatton (Eng); +7 R MacIntyre (Sco)
In a third round that saw challengers rise but ultimately fall away, Wyndham Clark stood firm to position himself as the overwhelming favourite to win a second US Open **** le.
Not only did the American fail to budge from the top of the pile, the 32-year-old extended his lead from four to six strokes as he looks to become the first wire-to-wire winner of the tournament since Martin Kaymer in 2014.
3 months ago
Follow The Athletic’s French Open coverage
Welcome to the French Open briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories behind the stories on each day of the tournament.
On Day 9, an unlikely quarterfinalist, the beauty of pressure in tennis and a long, slow comeback journey.
If tennis fans are surprised to see 24-year-old Polish player Maja Chwalińska in the quarterfinals, after defeating the last French singles player standing at Roland Garros, they are not alone.
“Well, it’s definitely a big surprise for me, and I didn’t expect it, surely,” Chwalińska said with a smile Monday after defeating Diane Parry.
Welcome to the French Open briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories behind the stories on each day of the tournament.
On Day 9, an unlikely quarterfinalist, the beauty of pressure in tennis and a long, slow comeback journey.
If tennis fans are surprised to see 24-year-old Polish player Maja Chwalińska in the quarterfinals, after defeating the last French singles player standing at Roland Garros, they are not alone.
“Well, it’s definitely a big surprise for me, and I didn’t expect it, surely,” Chwalińska said with a smile Monday after defeating Diane Parry.
