Archaeologists have finally cracked the code to the famed Ann Francis shipwreck’s brass combination treasure lock. However, the 16th century relic didn’t open after hours of painstaking trial-and-error. Researchers at Cardiff University and Amgueddfa Cymru, the National Museum of Wales, relied on highly detailed CT scanning equipment to peer inside the mechanical device and learn the code without touching the lock itself.
“It’s not every day you get to solve a 400-year-old mystery,” David Williams, a Cardiff University biomechanics engineer, said in a statement.
The lock’s combination was lost on December 28, 1583, when the merchant ship Ann Francis sailed into a powerful storm during a return voyage from Spain. The exact crew number is unclear, but all of them (around 14 sailors) reportedly drowned after veering off-course and wrecking along the coast of southern Wales. Unfortunately, at least one other death is likely directly tied to the Ann Francis. Archival evidence suggests locals later accused a “detestable woman” named Mother Gabley of being an “execrable witch” and casting the foul weather responsible for the maritime tragedy. While Mother Gabley’s fate remains unknown, she would have almost certainly been hanged under the recently passed “Act Against Conjurations, Enchantments and Witchcrafts” if brought to trial.
The Ann Francis remained missing for 415 years, until metal detectorist Peter Hughes rediscovered the wreckage while surveying southern Wales’ Margam Beach in 1998. Hughes and archaeologists subsequently spent more than 20 years scouring the area for the ship’s remains. By 2017, preservationists had documented over 800 gold and silver coins from Germany, Spain, and Portugal along with artifacts like compasses, ship equipment, and cutlery.
Still, the wreck’s most famous remnant is the brass combination lock still in working condition after four centuries buried in sand. It’s possible the lock was used to guard those coins, or potentially other valuables that didn’t survive exposure to the elements. Regardless, the lock has remained close with no hints to its four-letter combination for hundreds of years.

#francis #ship #years

Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the once "happiest divorced couple," may no longer live together, but that doesn't mean they're no longer on speaking terms and united by their roles as parents and grandparents.
"Sarah and Andrew speak regularly and have always had and continue to have unity as co-parents and co-grandparents," Sarah's spokesperson exclusively tells ****** O!.
The former couple became grandparents for a fifth time over the summer, with the birth of their daughter Princess Eugenie's third child, Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank. Andrew and Sarah's third granddaughter was born in Lisbon, Portugal on August 3.
In addition to Adelaide,Sarah and Andrew are grandparents to Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's two older sons August and Ernest, and Princess Beatrice's daughters, Sienna and Athena. Beatrice is also a stepmother to her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's son Christopher Woolf.
Sarah pictured with her daughters in November 2023 (@ Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Anti Slavery Collective)

#sarah #grandparents #couple

PARIS (AP) — The Dakar Rally in January will start in Portugal and finish in Morocco after being moved from Saudi Arabia because of the Middle East conflict.
Organizers announced the new route on Friday. They canceled the race in Saudi last weekend but reaffirmed it will return to the kingdom in 2028.
The Dakar, the world's biggest off-road race, returns to Africa for the first time in 20 years.
It will run from Jan. 9-23. The Algarve will hold the prologue and first stage and Morocco will hold the other 11 stages, going as south as outside Dakhla with a return north to finish in Marrakech.
Organizers said the route was 7,824 kilometers with 4,341 of those special stages, which was close to recent editions. Each special will range from 350 to 500 kilometers.

#dakar #race #hold

Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick helped Al-Nassr to a 5-3 win against Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League and took the Portugal striker to 985 career goals.
With the game evenly poised at 2-2 following goals from Angelo Gabriel and Sadio Mane for for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo secured the win for his side by scoring three times in 15 second-half minutes.
His Portugal team-mate Joao Felix contributed four ***** ists, including for two of Ronaldo's goals.
It was the 67th hat-trick of the 41-year-old's career as he continues to chase another milestone in a glittering career.
He has scored seven of his hat-tricks for Al-Nassr - along with 44 for Real Madrid, 10 for Portugal and three each at Manchester United and Juventus.

#nassr

Portugal and Morocco will host the 2027 Dakar Rally the organisers announced on Friday after it was moved from Saudi Arabia following repeated attacks on the kingdom by Yemen's Houthis.
The drivers, motorcyclists and truck drivers will tackle the prologue and first special stage in Portugal followed by 11 stages of the gruelling rally -- covering almost 8,000 kilometres with 4,341km of specials -- in Morocco.
It is the first time since 2007 that the gruelling multi-stage rally, created in 1978, returns to Africa.
"Although it has been moved, the 49th edition of the Dakar will still meet the sporting standards which has always made the event the most demanding of endurance rallies," said race director David Castera.
"Despite the short amount of time we have had we have put together a real Dakar.

#first #stage #gruelling #time

Blackburn Rovers FC v Nottingham Forest FC- Pre-Season match, Nora Stadium, Portugal. ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL – JULY 22. 22 Balazs Toth of Blackburn Rovers seen at the Blackburn Rovers FC vs Nottingham Forest FC football match for the Friendly Match. Photo: Nuno Pires Veloso – Morse Images/IMAGO
The Hungarian international, 29, was a target for the Hoops during the summer as the club looked to strengthen their limited goalkeeping options, however no agreement was reached and the hoops brought in former England international Sam Johnstone from Wolves on a one year loan deal instead.
11 times capped Toth has an extension offer from the EFL Championship club, with Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray hoping to persuade him to stay on at Ewood Park.
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Toth, who signed for Rovers in a Hungarian side Fehervar for a fee of around £1million, is not currently willing to sign the proposed agreement, and Celtic are keeping a close eye on the situation.
West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers – English Championship Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth in action at The Hawthorns on October 17, 2026. Photo MI News IMAGO

#toth

1
After an impressive 4-0 victory over Sabah on Thursday, Manchester United will be back in action this Sunday against fierce rivals Manchester City.
In one of the most anticipated matches of the season, fans will be keen to see when and where they can follow the match around the globe.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports and will kick off at 16:30 BST local time.
In countries such as Spain and Portugal, the game will be shown on DAZN and will start at 17:30 in Spain and 16:30 in Portugal.

#manchester #spain #sabah #sunday

Royal fans reportedly have a negative opinion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's UK move. For those unversed, as per multiple reports, the Sussexes flew privately from California to Birmingham on August 26. The couple will reportedly stay in the UK for an extended period of time along with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Now, royal fans have weighed in on Harry and Meghan's "power move" and whether it was the right decision.
Royal fans reportedly bust Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's UK power move. Daily Express conducted a poll on September 4 and another recently on September 7, where they asked royal fans if the Sussexes would regret moving to Britain.
A jaw-dropping 92 percent, that is, 3,179 votes of the 3,474 people, voted that Harry and Meghan will regret moving back. A small percentage, which is 5 percent, or a mere 186 votes, revealed that they don't think the Sussexes will regret their decision. However, an additional 3 percent, which is 109 votes, confessed that they don't know if the couple is going to regret their decision or not.
Furthermore, a royal expert explained that this is not the "power move" Harry and Meghan think it is. Kinsey Schofield discussed the matter with host Rita Panahi on News24. Schofield said: "I think the Sussexes have a history of overestimating their leverage. Six years later, they're the ones coming back. I'm not sure that's the power move they think it is."
As per PEOPLE, the Sussexes will reside in a private, non-royal home, while retaining their homes in Portugal and Montecito. The couple is reportedly eyeing a home in the Cotswolds to be in close proximity to King Charles' private residence, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire. Also, it offers the pair much-needed privacy.

#move

Manchester City begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign at Porto on Tuesday, the first night of the new league phase and a landmark occasion for Enzo Maresca, who takes charge of a Champions League match for City for the first time since succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Both sides arrive with perfect domestic records, setting up the fifth competitive meeting between two clubs who have never previously finished on the losing side against each other. Porto return to the Champions League proper for the first time since 2023-24 having reclaimed the Primeira Liga ****** le last season, and they arrive full of confidence after seven straight wins in all competitions.
City, by contrast, head to Portugal having laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over Coventry City at the weekend, a game in which club-record £125m signing Enzo Fernandez was thrust into the starting XI earlier than planned following an injury to Nico O'Reilly. Maresca's side have won all three Premier League matches so far this season, though their away form in Europe has been notably shakier than their home record.
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026Kick-off: 20:00 BSTVenue: Estádio do Dragão, PortoReferee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)Last meeting: Porto 0-0 Manchester City, 1 December 2020, Champions League (Group Stage)
Jan Bednarek serves a one-match ban having been sent off in last season's Europa League quarter-final defeat to Nottingham Forest, meaning Nehuen Perez is set to partner Jakub Kiwior in central defence. Victor Froholdt, who was knocked unconscious and hospitalised during last weekend's win over Moreirense, remains sidelined along with Vasco Sousa, Oskar Pietuszewski, Gabriel Mec, Zaidu Sanusi and Samu Aghehowa. Diogo Costa continues in goal behind a defence that has conceded only once in six matches this season.

#champions

Manchester City open their Champions League campaign at Porto on Tuesday, with Enzo Maresca taking charge of a European fixture for the club for the first time.
City arrive on the back of three straight Premier League wins, though a three-day turnaround before Sunday's Manchester derby is likely to shape his selection.
Porto have never beaten City in a competitive meeting, but their unbeaten start to the season and vociferous home support make the Estádio do Dragão an awkward opening ******* ignment.
Nico O'Reilly is a serious doubt for Tuesday's trip to Portugal after suffering a back injury in the warm-up before Saturday's win over Coventry City, forcing Enzo Fernandez into an unplanned full debut. Jeremy Doku remains sidelined with the calf problem that has kept him out of City's opening three Premier League fixtures.
Iliman Ndiaye was withdrawn in the 87th minute of his own debut with cramp, though the issue is not considered serious and he should be available for selection. With O'Reilly a doubt and Doku out, Maresca's options in wide areas are reduced to Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Antoine ******* yo.

#three #manchester #Porto

Multiple acts participating in a comedy festival in Portugal, the inaugural MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest (Lisbon International Humour Festival), have announced that they are no longer participating.
Actress Inês Aires Pereira announced on Saturday that her show Namastê was being removed from the festival's lineup and explained her reasoning being that "one of the names insistently defends ideas and acts that I consider indefensible." She also added in her social media post: "We cannot relativize or normalize a genocide."
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#festival #announced #multiple #fest

Princess Eugenie was spotted out and about for the first time since welcoming her third child, daughter Adelaide, on August 3.
Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their children split their time between the U.K. and Portugal, where Adelaide was born.
Eugenie was seen in London, affectionately hugging her friends while wearing a casual ensemble.
For the first time since giving birth to her third child on August 3, Princess Eugenie was spotted out and about after adding daughter Adelaide to her family of five.
In addition to Adelaide—who was born in Lisbon, Portugal last month and is 15th in the British line of succession—Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are also parents to sons August, 5, and Ernest, 3. The Brooksbank family splits their time between the U.K. and Portugal, and ***** o! shared new photos of Eugenie roughly one month after giving birth in London, where she happily greeted some of her friends.

#eugenie #adelaide #august

King Charles is reportedly incensed over the fact that another entity knew of Prince Harry's UK move first. The King is reportedly "furious" after finding out that the Duke of Sussex informed the UK Home Office of his return to the country before his father. As per multiple reports, the Sussexes flew privately from California to Birmingham on August 26. Charles was reportedly made aware of the couple's plans on August 16.
King Charles is reportedly "furious" over the fact that Prince Harry notified the UK Home Office about his move before the King. As per Radar Online, Harry contacted the authorities at the Home Office earlier this month to secure some kind of protection for Meghan Markle and their children.
The King was informed only a couple of days prior to Harry and Meghan shifting back to the UK. The royal source explained that the monarch was aware that the British authorities needed to be informed first, given the Duke of Sussex's long-running concerns about security. "What angered him and made him furious was discovering that officials apparently knew something as significant as his son's return before he did," the source added.
As per the royal source, Charles deems this "extremely disappointing," especially after their July meeting at Highgrove House. The King reportedly understands this is not a casual visit. The report further highlights Harry's decision to bring his wife and children for an extended stay in Britain.
According to PEOPLE, the Sussexes intend to stay in the UK for an extended period of time. The couple will reportedly reside in a private, non-royal home while retaining their homes in Montecito and Portugal. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, have reportedly been enrolled in a prep school in the UK with staggering annual fees. The location of the family's new home and the children's school is being kept confidential.

#informed #children

A comedy festival in Portugal is currently giving people little reason to laugh. The 1st edition of the Lisbon International Humour Festival, Commedia a La Carte Fest, is being overshadowed by controversy, with several Portuguese artists cancelling their shows.
The most recent case is that of actress Inês Aires Pereira, who announced on Saturday that her show "Namastê" was being removed from the comedy festival's line-up.
The performer wrote on social media that "one of the names persistently defends ideas and acts that I consider indefensible." She added: "We cannot relativise or normalise a genocide."
Her criticism did not explicitly mention anyone, but the apparent target seems to be Jerry Seinfeld, the American comedian headlining the event, who has publicly expressed his support for Israel.
The Portuguese actress was not the first to announce she was pulling out. Also on Saturday, the comedy duo Cebola Mol, made up of Eduardo Madeira and Filipe Homem Fonseca, said they would not be taking part in the festival.

#festival #actress #commedia

Chelsea plot early move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Chelsea winger Pedro Neto attracts interest, and Manchester United and Newcastle United inquire about Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea want to secure the signing of Bournemouth's highly-rated midfielder Alex Scott now, with a view to the 23-year-old arriving next summer, after having a £60m bid rejected in the recent transfer window. (Teamtalk)
Arsenal, Manchester City and Al-Hilal are interested in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto and could make a move for the 26-year-old Portugal international in the January transfer window. (Caught Offside)
Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, 28, turned down offers from Manchester United and Newcastle United before sealing a loan move back to RB Leipzig. (Bild & Sky Sport Germany via Caught Offside)
United States striker Folarin Balogun could move to the Saudi Pro League, where the transfer window is still open, with Monaco under financial pressure to sell the 25-year-old after he pulled out of a switch to Everton late on deadline day. (Football Insider)

#united #manchester #year

Find out how you can watch City's UEFA Champions League encounter with FC Porto, wherever you are in the world.
We travel to Portugal for the first game of the 2026/27 League Phase on Tuesday 8 September with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 (UK).
The game will be shown live in the UK on Amazon Prime Video. You can also keep across all of the action via the official Man City app, as well as the key moments on X/Twitter: ManCity.
Supporters living around the world can find out how they can tune in via our global TV listings at the bottom of the page, courtesy of liversoccertv.com
Listings correct as of 6 September.

#league #Porto

Richarlison's situation at Tottenham has become increasingly complicated after a proposed move to Trabzonspor failed to materialise before the Turkish transfer deadline. As first reported by The Standard, the Brazil forward is now facing a shrinking market, with several possible routes already closed and very few obvious solutions left before the season moves on without him.
The key issue is straightforward. Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham's Premier League squad, a significant indication that Roberto De Zerbi does not see him as part of the immediate plan in north London. Everton had been linked earlier in the window, but that avenue went nowhere. Trabzonspor then emerged as a credible option, yet that deal also fell away before Friday's deadline.
That leaves Tottenham and Richarlison in an awkward position. Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands are no longer open markets, while MLS is also off the table. The realistic alternatives are now fewer and more specialised.
Saudi Arabia stands out as the clearest remaining possibility, with its transfer window open until October 12. For players who have fallen out of the picture at Premier League clubs, that pathway has become increasingly common. Portugal could also hold some appeal, both stylistically and linguistically, with Primeira Liga clubs able to sign players until September 15.
Photo SpursOfficial on X

#premier #league #transfer #deadline

Liverpool turned down a seven-figure offer for Keyrol Figueroa before sanctioning his deadline day loan to Port Vale, according to Liverpool.com, in a move that says plenty about how the club currently view the young striker.
Transfer deadline day was relatively calm at Anfield, but this was one of the more interesting developments beneath the surface. Figueroa, a highly regarded 20-year-old forward, had attracted interest from a number of markets, with Liverpool.com reporting that approaches arrived from Ligue 2 in France, Major League Soccer and Portugal. One unnamed club went further and placed a seven-figure proposal on the table for a permanent transfer, only for Liverpool to reject it.
That stance is significant. Liverpool have clearly decided that Figueroa remains an ***** et worth protecting, even if he is not yet in a position to force his way into Andoni Iraola's first-team plans. The head coach approved a temporary move instead, with the club choosing Port Vale as the destination for a player in need of regular senior minutes.
The immediate picture at Anfield helps explain the decision. Figueroa was involved during pre-season and wanted to make his case ahead of the new Premier League campaign, but the pathway looked crowded. He has found himself behind Jayden Danns and Will Wright in the attacking queue, while Josh Sonni-Lambie has also stepped up into the under-21s environment.
Even so, Liverpool's refusal to cash in suggests they believe there is still substantial upside. The report states that "they feel the frontman has a big future ahead of him and a loan was preferred rather than allowing the player to move on a permanent switch." That is a notable message for a player who is yet to make his professional debut for Liverpool's senior side.

#move #transfer

The Hoops spent much of the window searching for reinforcements on the left side of defence after it became clear Marcelo Saracchi would not be returning to Parkhead.
Amass emerged as one potential option, with The Athletic reporting that Celtic expressed an interest in the highly-rated 19-year-old following his successful loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
The youngster had been expected to leave Old Trafford permanently this summer, but Manchester United's failure to bring in another left-back means he is now set to remain at the club.
Celtic were far from alone in pursuing Amass. Stoke City, Birmingham City, Millwall, QPR and Burnley were also interested, with the latter reportedly having a £3.5million bid rejected.
Sporting in Portugal and recently-relegated Bundesliga side Wolfsburg were among his admirers on the continent.

#celtic #left #hoops

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Carlos Queiroz is back as coach of Ghana less than two months after quitting the role following World Cup elimination in the last 32.
Queiroz held fresh talks with the Ghana Football ****** ociation and the country's Ministry of Sports and Recreation, after which the Portuguese coach was handed another contract in charge.
The GFA said in a statement late Wednesday that it "believes Queiroz's extensive international experience, technical expertise and knowledge of the Black Stars position him strongly to lead the team into this new chapter."
The 73-year-old Queiroz, who has coached Portugal, Colombia, Iran and Egypt at international level and Real Madrid at club level, left as Ghana coach after a 1-0 loss to Colombia at the first knockout stage.
He said there was no "complete sporting satisfaction" but felt the team brought "respect and credibility to the Black Stars."

#team

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly declined a major accommodation offer from Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer. For those unversed, as per multiple reports, the Sussexes flew privately from California to Birmingham on August 26. Harry and Meghan are reportedly staying in a private, non-royal home while retaining their Montecito and Portugal homes.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly refused accommodation offered by Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer. As per Rob Shuter's sources, Spencer proposed to the Sussexes the possibility of using The Falconry. Notably, it is the iconic 17th-century lodge on the Spencer family's Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire. However, Harry and Meghan reportedly rejected the offer from Spencer as it was too remote and not grand enough for their liking.
The source dished: "Harry was genuinely moved because Althorp will always be sacred ground to him. But Meghan took one look at the reality and knew it wouldn't work. Too remote, too far from London and, frankly, not nearly grand enough."
The source further explained that the ***** ss of Sussex has grand ambitions attached to her UK comeback and the house reportedly does not fit into the grand scheme of things.
An insider explained: "Meghan isn't moving back to Britain to hide away in an old lodge in Northamptonshire. She wants privacy, history and security — but she also expects serious luxury, substantial ***** e and easy access to London. This wasn't even close."

#meghan #harry #spencer

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz avoided the prospect of an early US Open exit by fighting back from a set down against Portugal's Jaime Faria.
Alcaraz, 23, needed time to find his rhythm in the second-round contest as he continues to make his comeback from a long-term wrist injury.
But the Spanish second seed quickly **** erted his authority to win 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 against world number 72 Faria in the New York night session.
Alcaraz fighting off two break points in the first game of the second set proved to be pivotal.
"It was a tough match for me. I felt great in the first set, but I didn't take time and that cost me," said the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

#first

Aryna Sabalenka took the next step on the road to a rare US Open three-peat, routing qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 to join a raft of contenders cruising into the third round on Wednesday.
Men's defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was seeking to join them when he took on Portugal's Jaime Faria in the nightcap on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz won his seventh major ***** le at the Australian Open in January but arrived in New York an unknown quantity after a wrist injury forced a four-month layoff that saw him miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
He dispelled doubts with a straight-sets first-round victory over Roman Safiullin and will look for further improvement against 72nd-ranked Faria.
World number one Sabalenka, without a ***** le since her impressive Indian Wells-Miami double in March was in attack mode as she overpowered 160th-ranked Russian qualifier Iatcenko in just 53 minutes.

#sabalenka #title

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame an early wobble to book his place in the third round of the US Open on Wednesday, recovering from a set down to defeat Portugal's Jaime Faria in four sets.
Alcaraz, who is playing in New York after returning from a four-month layoff due to a wrist injury, defeated his 72nd-ranked opponent 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in 2hr 40 min at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz, 23, will face China's Wu Yibing in the third round.
Faria had got off to a dream start, serving solidly and chasing down every ball to put Alcaraz under pressure.
Faria's persistence got its reward in the seventh game, claiming the first break of the match to go 4-3 up when Alcaraz flubbed a forehand.

#alcaraz #Third #down #defending

Aston Villa are now close to seeing Leon Bailey leave for Olympiacos after the British transfer window shut on 1 September. The Daily Express reports that the winger has found an alternative route out of Villa Park after a proposed move to Hull City collapsed late in the window.
Bailey had been left training alone at Bodymoor Heath after that failed switch, showing how far he had slipped from Unai Emery's plans. Now Olympiacos have stepped in with a permanent deal, and the winger is heading to Athens for a medical before completing the move. Reports indicate he will sign a contract running until June 2029.
Villa can no longer replace him from the English market, yet the club can still clear a difficult situation. Bailey's departure closes a chapter that had lost momentum.
Bailey's best spell came in 2023/24, when he produced 10 Premier League goals and 10 ****** ists, but that output has fallen away sharply. Across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 league campaigns, he scored just one goal. Last season brought 13 league appearances, mostly from the bench, with zero goals and one ****** ist, while his spell at Roma produced seven Serie A appearances without a goal.
PORTO, PORTUGAL – JULY 25: Leon Bailey of Aston Villa during a pre-season friendly match between FC Porto and Aston Villa at Estadio do Dragao on July 25, 2026 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

#villa #Porto #league

Carlos Alcaraz could be hindered by a rule that is unique to the US Open as the Spaniard seeks an eighth grand slam ****** le at Flushing Meadows over the next fortnight.
Having spent the last four months sidelined by a wrist injury suffered at the Barcelona Open in April, Alcaraz is making his return to singles action at Flushing Meadows and came through his first-round match against Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4 6-4 6-4 earlier this week.
The seven-time grand slam champion next faces Portugal's Jaime Faria in this evening's session as he looks to move another step closer to a third US Open crown – having lifted the trophy in 2022 and last year.
Carlos Alcaraz returned with a win over Roman Safiullin (Reuters)
Playing tennis at an elite level again after a wrist issue will always be fraught but Alcaraz arguably faces an even greater challenge this fortnight, given that the men's events at Flushing Meadows use a heavier tennis ball than the women's competitions in New York.

#alcaraz

Most of Prince Harry's family has remained publicly silent following his and Meghan Markle's return to the UK, including Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. The former working royal once maintained a close bond with his cousins, but sources recently told ****** o! that the relationship is now virtually nonexistent.
"Harry and Meghan are not so close to Beatrice and Eugenie anymore, and Harry did not see Eugenie over the summer in Portugal," an insider told the outlet. "Harry has very few friends left from before. They're going to have to make some serious social inroads and gatherings to get back in the fold."
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#sources #prince

João Palhinha recently completed a transfer back home to Benfica, putting an end to his short and largely uneventful stint at Bayern Munich. Max Eberl did a kind of recap on Palhinha's experience with the German giants (via Sky Sports' Kerry Hau as captured by X account iMiaSanMia):
"João was very unlucky not to have joined the club a year before. There was another attempt in winter. Then the following summer, there were changes: I joined the club, there was a coaching change – we still signed this player [Palhinha], who had showed outstanding qualities in the Premier League. We signed Vinnie Kompany as new coach. Then the developments showed that maybe Palhinha's playing style does not perfectly fit into the development we were going through.
"João Palhinha is still a top player with a great character, who has clear strengths. But not the way that perfectly fits our midfield. Of course, when a player costs a lot of money and doesn't work out, people quickly talk about a flop – but there was a factual reason for that. Now we're just happy for all parties that we found a solution. He went back to his home country, we got a fee, with which we can balance the books a bit."
All the best to JP on his move back to Portugal and hopefully he can get his career back on track even if it's at the late stage.
Sign up for a user account and get:

#back #account #signed

Josh Chambers: Joe Mazzulla says his goal as Celtics coach is to be forgotten "If the people around you didn't do what they do… I wouldn't do anything. The thing I reflect on the most is… I think you have to be willing to be forgotten. I think that's kind of my main goal." "I want to be forgotten about. Because that means after you… It was better. I think that's what it means to be a Celtic. However long you play, coach, work for the Celtics…" "Your job is to keep it exactly where it's at or bring it better. You cannot bring it down. If you leave and it gets worse, that's your fault. If you leave and they win, and they forgot about you, you did your job." "I talk about that every day with the staff. Our job is to one day be forgotten about because you did your job. It became about something bigger than you." "It's a burden and a love for being with the Celtics… But it's a responsibility. I think we could take that into our daily life. Can I leave it so much better that they don't remember me because the next person came and was better?"
x.com
On draft night, when teams Cenac had worked out for such as the 76ers, Raptors, and Knicks passed on him, Cenac seemed discouraged to Sampson. But the coach told him the night had a favorable result. "I said, 'Chris, I'm glad those teams didn't take you,' " he said. "Then when Boston took him, I said, 'They believe in you, Chris. You went to the right team.' Brad Stevens is one of the best basketball people in the world, and I've been so impressed with [coach] Joe Mazzulla." — 8/22/2026 Boston Globe
In June, while the NBA Finals and the Liga Betclic Finals were taking place, Neemias Queta had the opportunity to show Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla around Lisbon, Benfica and Barreiro, where Queta grew up and played. What did Mazzulla tell him about what he saw in Portugal and Portuguese basketball? "I think he liked what he saw. He said there are people who can make it there if they really want to work hard. And I think he really loved Portugal. I think the thing he liked the most was the food. It was a good time. He came alone, but he said next year he's coming with his wife and kids. We'll welcome them with open arms," Queta revealed. As for his expectations for the Celtics next season, Queta expects them to "be competitive again." "People have already started saying again that the other teams are the good ones and that we don't have enough quality. But I think, with the group we have, the people we have in the locker room? And our coach?" — 8/19/2026 A Bola
A February 4th game between the Celtics and the Houston Rockets served as an inflection point in Harper's season; he started for the first time in his career, guarded Rockets star Kevin Durant, and showed himself — and the world — he belonged. It's a game that Joe Mazzulla has pointed to as well in that it showcased Harper's readiness and preparation. "The first time I really played meaningful minutes was when I started in Houston, and that kind of came

As expected, João Palhinha's time at Bayern Munich has officially come to an end, with the 31-year-old midfielder completing his transfer to Benfica per a release on FCBayern.com.
The move brings Palhinha back to Portugal and to his home city of Lisbon, where he began his professional career with Sporting CP. After spending the past several years playing abroad, the Portugal international will now continue his career in his home country.
Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl explained that the club and Palhinha worked together to find a solution that suited everyone involved.
"We've discussed João Palhinha's situation openly with him and found a solution that we could all agree on. He's decided to continue his career in his home country. We thank him for his time at FC Bayern and wish him all the best for the future," said Eberl.
Palhinha joined Bayern Munich from Fulham in the summer of 2024 after establishing himself as one of the Premier League's standout defensive midfielders. However, Palhinha struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter and spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. Now, his Bayern Munich chapter is officially closed.

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