England secured a thrilling 31-24 victory over Argentina in Santiago del Estero, relying on a decisive try from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to survive a chaotic finish.
Steve Borthwick’s side withstood a frantic period of overtime, with the Television Match Official denying Bautista Delguy at the absolute death.
The tourists were forced to dig incredibly deep after suffering another alarming collapse in discipline during a stormy encounter in South America.
Tourists overcome severe numerical disadvantage
Four separate yellow cards were shown to Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun throughout the fiercely contested match.
This flurry of infractions meant the visiting side had to survive a grueling nine-minute spell with only 13 men on the pitch.
Despite the severe numerical disadvantage, the defensive line held firm to hustle their way to a second consecutive win.
The latest disciplinary issues take the national team’s tally to a staggering 14 yellow cards and one red across eight fixtures this calendar year.
Feyi-Waboso shines as the decisive attacking threat
It was a breathtaking solo effort from Feyi-Waboso in the 69th minute that ultimately proved the difference between the two international rivals.
The dynamic Exeter wing was consistently the most dangerous player on the field, constantly hunting for the ball and terrorising the opposition defence.
His late intervention ensured the rugby squad avoided the heartbreak suffered by their football counterparts, who lost a World Cup semi-final to the same nation just three days prior.
Tadej Pogacar extended his overall lead in the Tour de France by claiming a dominant victory on a mountainous stage 14 in front of massive crowds.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider crossed the finish line at Le Markstein 38 seconds ahead of teammate Isaac del Toro.
France’s teenage sensation Paul Seixas took third place on the 155km route from Mulhouse, matching the Mexican runner-up’s time.
Crucially for the general classification battle, two-time Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard faded to finish fourth and surrendered another 44 seconds to his main rival.
Chastening day for Vingegaard
The Danish climber arrived at this three-week race in stellar form following a debilitating crash earlier in 2024.
He initially matched the pace and even took up the pacing duties on the brutal final ascent in the Vosges mountains.
However, the 29-year-old was unable to hold the wheel when the Slovenian launched a blistering attack with eight kilometres remaining.
The phenomenal sustained power and high cadence of the race leader proved vastly superior to the rest of the elite breakaway group.
Chasing a historic fifth crown
This latest triumph marks the 27-year-old’s fourth individual stage win of the current Grand Tour.
He now boasts a commanding overall advantage of four minutes and 30 seconds over the Visma-Lease a Bike leader.
A victory in Paris would see the remarkable climber equal the all-time record of five Tour de France titles, joining legends such as Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx.
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel remains third overall at just over five minutes adrift, while Mads Pedersen retains the green points jersey.
Unforgettable scenes on the mountain
The elite contenders carved their way through fervent supporters who lined the narrow tarmac roads near the German and Swiss borders.
The yellow jersey holder was quick to acknowledge the immense roadside support following his spectacular solo finish.
“Thanks to all the fans who came to the side of the road,” said Pogacar afterwards.
“It was really something unforgettable to see all the crowds on the top of the mountain – I’ve never seen something like this before.”
“All the cyclists and riders… we have massive respect for each other – it’s great to put on this show and nice to see this kind of racing.”
Bryson DeChambeau was escorted back onto the Royal Birkdale course following his second round at The Open to investigate a potential rules violation regarding an improved stance.
The two-time US Open champion had just signed for a brilliant 66 to reach seven under par.
That impressive score temporarily catapulted the American into second place and a prospective spot in Saturday’s final group.
Stance improvement allegations
Moments after completing a spectacular birdie-birdie finish, officials informed the 32-year-old of a suspected infringement on the driveable par-four fifth hole.
The allegation suggests the major winner trampled down high grass after carving his drive into deep rough, illegally improving his angle to the green.
Officials transported the visibly furious golfer back to the site of the incident while later starters remained on the course.
Club in hand, he spent several minutes animatedly demonstrating his shot execution to R&A representatives.
Penalty threatens leaderboard position
Following the on-course recreation, the powerhouse driver was taken back to the recorders’ office for further intense discussions.
A two-stroke penalty would adjust his score on the fifth hole from a bogey to a triple-bogey.
Such a sanction would alter his second-round card to a 68, dropping him down into a tie for fifth place at five under par.
Historic scoring at Royal Birkdale
Away from the controversy, Lucas Herbert stormed into the tournament lead at eight under par.
The Australian equalled the lowest round in major championship history by firing a phenomenal 62.
Incredibly, American Sam Burns matched that record-breaking feat just 20 minutes later to reach five under for the championship.
First-round leader Jackson Suber, alongside Cameron Young and Ryan Gerard, currently sit one stroke ahead of Burns at six under par.
Former West Indies captain and cricketing icon Sir Garfield Sobers has died at the age of 89.
The celebrated all-rounder led the Caribbean side with distinction during a seven-year tenure between 1965 and 1972.
A record-breaking international career
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport, he famously established the record for the highest individual Test innings.
His unbeaten score of 365 against Pakistan, achieved at the remarkable age of 23, stood as the ultimate benchmark in international cricket for nearly four decades.
Prolific success in the English county game
Beyond his international exploits, the legendary Barbadian enjoyed tremendous success on the English domestic circuit with Nottinghamshire.
He accumulated an impressive 7,041 First-Class runs during his time in the County Championship.
That outstanding domestic stint included 18 centuries alongside a devastating return of 281 wickets.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing severe criticism from players after introducing sudden format changes to the next Men’s 50-over World Cup without prior consultation.
The global governing body announced on Thursday that the 14-team tournament, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will now feature a new “Super Series” qualifying round.
This structural adjustment means the three lowest-ranked qualified nations will be forced to compete for a single spot in the main group stage.
Administrators defended the controversial decision by stating the alteration would guarantee a more meaningful contest between the competing sides.
Players demand transparency over sudden alterations
The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has expressed deep concern regarding the complete lack of dialogue with those directly affected by the revised schedule.
WCA chief executive Tom Moffat acknowledged the governing body’s authority to organise events but insisted that significant structural shifts require clear explanations.
Moffat also suggested the move actively contradicts the sport’s widely publicised ambition to expand its footprint in developing regions.
“It is difficult to reconcile the game’s stated ambition of growing cricket globally with decisions that reduce meaningful opportunities at pinnacle events.”
Associate nations voice bitter disappointment
Captains from several associate nations have echoed the international players’ body by condemning the sudden barrier to the sport’s showpiece event.
Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards highlighted the years of rigorous financial and strategic planning required to qualify for a major international tournament.
“The ICC talks a lot about growing the game globally, but decisions like this make it harder for associate nations to play against the best teams in the world.”
Ireland captain Paul Stirling pointed to the recent football equivalent as evidence that smaller nations consistently add significant value to global sporting events.
The seasoned opening batter urged administrators to adopt a similar inclusive approach to maximise competitive opportunities across the globe.
Joe Root struck an unbeaten 99 to guide England to a four-wicket victory against India in the second one-day international in Cardiff, levelling the three-match series.
The Yorkshireman anchored the run chase with typical composure, ensuring the hosts bounced back to keep their white-ball campaign alive.
Chasing a competitive target set by the tourists, the home side required a steadying presence to navigate a tricky pitch in South Wales.
Masterful chase secures victory
England’s talismanic batter absorbed the pressure perfectly, calculating the pursuit to steer his team comfortably over the finishing line.
Finishing just one run shy of a deserved century, the experienced right-hander prioritised the team’s victory over any personal milestone.
The four-wicket triumph guarantees a thrilling winner-takes-all decider in the final fixture of this tightly contested bilateral contest.
Tourists thwarted in Cardiff
India had hoped to wrap up the series with a game to spare but were ultimately denied by a flawless batting display from the former Test captain.
The touring bowling attack struggled to maintain sustained pressure as the home batters methodically ticked off the remaining required runs.
Both heavyweight nations will now look to regroup before the concluding match determines who claims the prestigious one-day trophy.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is aiming to bounce back at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after experiencing his first missed cut in almost four years.
The 30-year-old failed to make the weekend at the Genesis Scottish Open, ending an astonishing streak of 78 consecutive PGA Tour events in which he advanced.
However, the four-time major winner remains philosophical about the rare setback ahead of his title defence on the English coast.
Focusing on the positives
An early exit in Scotland allowed the American to arrive in Southport two days ahead of his original schedule.
He completed 18 holes at Royal Birkdale on Sunday before playing a further nine holes on both Monday and Tuesday to familiarise himself with the challenging links.
“You never want to have a weekend off, but going into a tournament when you’re defending, there’s always a bit more stuff to do,” Scheffler said.
“Getting some extra rest in a week where there’s some more demands on your time isn’t the worst thing, even though it’s quite frustrating.”
Perspective on failure
Despite his phenomenal recent dominance, the world’s most consistent golfer admitted that narrowly missing out on trophies causes him more distress than an early exit.
“I would say missing a cut is probably the hardest thing, but I don’t think it hurts as much as coming close to winning and finishing second,” he explained.
The reigning champion highlighted his runner-up finish at the Travelers Championship as a significantly more painful experience than a missed weekend.
He is now attempting to become the first player to win back-to-back Open titles since Padraig Harrington achieved the prestigious feat across 2008 and 2009.
Teeing off with LIV rivals
The defending champion will begin his campaign on Thursday alongside LIV Golf League stars Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton.
When questioned about his long-term legacy in the sport, the normally intensely competitive athlete offered a remarkably grounded assessment.
“Legacy and all that stuff was never really something that motivated me,” he admitted.
“At the end of the day, I’m going to live my life, and it’s going to end.”
American gymnastics star Suni Lee has announced her return to the sport, confirming on Tuesday her intention to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The 23-year-old revealed her decision via an Instagram video, stating she is back in the gym and ready to resume training.
This announcement comes after an extended break following her successful campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Building on a legacy of Olympic success
The six-time Olympic medallist played a crucial role in securing team gold for the United States in the French capital last summer.
During those Games, the American athlete also added bronze medals in both the all-around and uneven bars individual finals.
Her recent triumphs followed a remarkable performance at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, where she claimed the prestigious overall all-around title.
Joining familiar faces on the road to LA
The celebrated gymnast previously overcame significant health challenges, battling two kidney diseases to successfully make the Paris squad.
Now, the reigning all-around bronze medallist becomes the latest member of the triumphant 2024 American team to commit to a home Olympics.
She joins fellow gold medallist Jade Carey, who has already returned to competitive action on the elite circuit.