The Open returns to Royal Birkdale with significant course modifications and a new Last-Chance Qualifier awaiting a record-breaking crowd of over 300,000 fans in Merseyside.
Scottie Scheffler arrives as the defending champion following his victory in Northern Ireland last year.
The world number one could become the first back-to-back winner of the Claret Jug since Padraig Harrington achieved the feat at this very venue in 2008.
Rory McIlroy is also among the leading contenders as the Northern Irishman targets a second major victory of the current season.
Meanwhile, hometown favourite Tommy Fleetwood carries the hopes of the host nation as he attempts to end England’s 34-year wait for an Open champion.
Major course alterations
Royal Birkdale has undergone substantial redesigns since it last hosted the championship in 2017.
The famous practice area spot where Jordan Spieth took a crucial penalty drop en route to his title is no longer a playable area.
Organisers have completely removed the previous par-three 14th hole from the traditional layout.
The old 15th now serves as a long par-five 14th, leading into a brand new 240-yard par-three 15th hole.
McIlroy has already described the challenging new par-three as a major talking point for the upcoming week.
Strategic adjustments
Further tactical tweaks include shortening the fifth hole to create a risk-and-reward driveable par-four.
A smaller green awaits players on the par-three seventh, while the 18th tee box has been repositioned to create a more demanding finish.
Inaugural Last-Chance Qualifier
A late addition to the tournament schedule offers an unprecedented opportunity for one final competitor to join the field.
The newly established Last-Chance Qualifier will take place on Monday morning.
A dozen hopefuls will compete in a shootout to secure the ultimate vacant spot in the final men’s major of the year.
Colombia international Jaminton Campaz has refused to return to his home country after receiving death threats following his missed chance in Tuesday’s World Cup elimination to Switzerland.
The 26-year-old failed to board the national team’s flight to Bogota over serious concerns for his personal safety.
His current whereabouts remain unknown as authorities work to manage the severe online harassment directed at the Rosario Central forward.
The South American nation suffered a heartbreaking exit in Vancouver after losing a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
Federation demands legal action
During the final moments of extra-time, the winger missed a golden opportunity to secure victory by blazing his shot over the crossbar from close range.
The Colombian Football Federation released a strong statement on Friday urging the country’s Attorney General’s Office to identify and prosecute those responsible.
They emphasised that sporting differences must never translate into violence against athletes representing their nation.
“Football must be a space for unity, respect, and hope – never a stage for hatred, intimidation, or violence.”
Colombian Football Federation
Echoes of a dark past
This chilling situation occurs 32 years after the tragic murder of Andres Escobar.
The former national team defender was shot dead outside a Medellin nightclub just days after scoring an own goal that contributed to Colombia’s exit from the 1994 tournament in the United States.
While officials hope to prevent any physical escalation, the refusal of the current squad member to travel highlights the severe gravity of the modern social media threats.
Player issues plea for calm
Taking to Instagram, the embattled footballer issued an emotional plea asking his compatriots to maintain respect despite their sporting frustrations.
“We may hold different views or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.”
Jaminton Campaz
The attacker expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of representing millions on the global stage.
He concluded his message by thanking the supporters who cheered the team until the very last minute and never lost faith.
Seven-time world champion Marc Marquez secured his 10th German MotoGP victory with a dominant lights-to-flag performance at the Sachsenring on Sunday.
The Ducati rider translated a sprint race win and pole position into a flawless main event to finish 1.996 seconds clear of the chasing pack.
Aprilia-Trackhouse team-mates Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez completed the podium behind the commanding race winner.
Matching historic motorcycling records
This latest triumph marks the 33-year-old’s 13th overall victory at the German circuit across all competitive racing categories.
By securing a 10th premier-class win at the exact same venue, the Spaniard successfully equalled two monumental records held by Italian motorcycling legend Giacomo Agostini.
“I’m super-happy. It was a special weekend,” he said.
“I knew I needed to attack here to have any chance of winning the championship.”
Overcoming injury to mount title challenge
The veteran showed no lingering effects from the foot and shoulder surgeries he underwent in May.
His path to the chequered flag was further cleared when his younger brother Alex slid out of second place on lap 10 after misjudging a demanding corner.
A maximum points haul across the weekend elevates the resurgent rider to third in the overall standings.
He now sits just 18 points adrift of championship leader Jorge Martin, who could only manage a fifth-place finish on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Japanese prospect Ogura has climbed into second place in the fiercely contested riders’ table.
Bezzecchi suffers heavy qualifying crash
Marco Bezzecchi endured a disastrous weekend after fracturing his collarbone during a heavy fall in Saturday morning’s crucial qualifying session.
The 27-year-old had only recently escaped unhurt from a terrifying 120mph crash in the Netherlands two weeks ago.
He will now return to Italy for corrective surgery and consequently drops to fourth in the championship rankings.
The MotoGP paddock now heads towards the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday, 9 August.
Tottenham defender Djed Spence has emerged as an unlikely hero for England, producing match-winning substitute appearances to help secure a World Cup semi-final spot against Argentina.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have understandably commanded the headlines during the journey to the last four of the tournament.
The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice on Saturday night to guide the Three Lions to a battling 2-1 victory over Norway.
It was the second consecutive game that the midfield talisman registered a brace, having also struck twice against Mexico in the last 16.
Turning the tide from the bench
However, it is the crucial interventions of a dynamic full-back arriving from the sidelines that have suddenly captured the imagination of supporters.
The Tottenham man replaced Nico O’Reilly in the 86th minute of the quarter-final tie to see out the remainder of normal time and the entirety of extra time.
He immediately closed down the opposition goalkeeper in an attempt to force a late winner before embarking on a superb surging run into the penalty area.
The marauding defender appeared to have won a decisive penalty following that direct run, only for the video assistant referee to controversially overturn the decision.
Redemption following early criticism
Public opinion regarding the wing-back is clearly shifting after he faced intense criticism for an underwhelming group stage display against DR Congo.
While he has not started either of the subsequent knockout fixtures, his high-energy introductions have been instrumental in closing out titanic results.
Evaluating the performance, Standard Sport journalist Dom Smith highlighted the sheer disruption caused by the late tactical change.
Even though the penalty call was overturned, his wonderful run saw him win a spot-kick in extra time, or at least think he had.
And he forced a fine save in extra time… a problem Norway couldn’t deal with.
Pushing for a semi-final start
Social media backing for the explosive defender continues to grow rapidly as the national team prepares for their biggest fixture of the campaign.
The rejuvenated right-sided specialist will now be pushing hard for a starting berth when they face Argentina in Wednesday’s highly anticipated semi-final.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has announced himself on the global stage following a string of sensational performances for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup.
While established superstars such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have dominated the headlines in North America, a new generation of talent is beginning to leave its mark.
Historically, the tournament has served as a launchpad for future elite players.
Names like James Rodriguez, Enzo Fernandez and Mesut Ozil all used previous finals to catapult themselves to global prominence.
Leipzig attacker shines on global stage
The 19-year-old arrived at the tournament surrounded by considerable intrigue following a stellar domestic campaign.
The dynamic forward registered 20 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga during the 2025-26 season to help his club secure a third-placed finish.
However, performing in a major international tournament presents an entirely different challenge for a teenager.
The explosive attacker has immediately proved he belongs at the highest level.
Elite dribbling and creative threat
Scouts and supporters alike have been captivated by the Ivorian’s electric ball-carrying abilities.
According to Opta Analyst, only French captain Mbappe has created more chances from carries during the competition than the African youngster’s tally of eight.
The breakout talent possesses remarkable explosiveness and the physical strength to absorb heavy contact from senior defenders.
Combined with impressive two-footedness, he has become a formidable opponent for any international full-back.
A glimpse of the future
His immense potential was perfectly illustrated during his nation’s opening group stage fixture against Ecuador in Philadelphia.
The teenage sensation utilised his exceptionally quick feet to consistently unlock the South American defence.
He notably produced an audacious two-tap pass to supply teammate Elye Wahi with a golden scoring opportunity.
Whether he can replicate the sustained career success of a Luis Suarez remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, the foundation for international greatness has undeniably been laid.
Paris St-Germain have offered Tottenham Hotspur the chance to sign striker Randal Kolo Muani after talks over a move to Juventus stalled.
The £77m-rated forward spent last season on loan in north London but struggled to make a significant impact.
Spurs had seemingly decided against a permanent deal for the 27-year-old following that underwhelming spell.
However, the Champions League holders have now widened their search for buyers after growing frustrated with negotiations in Italy.
Paris St-Germain perform transfer U-turn
The French club are eager to facilitate a swift sale of the France international.
With Juventus failing to make progress, the Parisian outfit have actively contacted English and German clubs.
Tottenham are confirmed to be among the suitors approached to gauge their interest in reviving a deal.
“PSG have to start looking at other options, and that’s where Spurs come in,” journalist Ben Jacobs stated.
De Zerbi’s attacking overhaul continues
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is actively looking to bolster his frontline ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The north London side survived relegation on the final day of last season and have since launched an aggressive recruitment drive.
Half a dozen players have already arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to strengthen the squad.
This includes breaking the club’s transfer record twice to secure Mateus Fernandes and Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Juventus remain the player’s preference
Despite PSG opening the door for a Premier League return, the French star still has his sights set on Turin.
Juventus remains the forward’s absolute priority in this transfer window.
Tottenham have yet to make a definitive decision on whether to formally pursue the attacker.
Any incoming business may also hinge on outgoings, with Richarlison among several high-profile names linked with an exit.
Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has opened up about living with terminal prostate cancer, stating his life deadline has simply been brought forward.
The 47-year-old was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in September 2023 after a routine scan for a shoulder sprain.
Doctors discovered tumours in his shoulder, pelvis, spine and ribs, giving him a prognosis of two to four years to live.
Despite the devastating news, the Scottish cycling legend remains determined to maintain his physical fitness and challenge medical expectations.
A shifted perspective on time
In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, the decorated Olympian reflected on public sympathy and human mortality.
He noted that while well-wishers offer condolences, everybody ultimately faces the exact same reality of limited time.
“We only have a set amount of time, everybody. It’s just that my deadline’s been brought forward a little bit, and therefore I’m a bit more aware of it.”
Defying medical expectations
Refusing to let the illness dictate his lifestyle, the former track cyclist recently completed a gruelling coast-to-coast ride across Spain.
He averaged six and a half hours in the saddle every day for a week, directly challenging advice to simply rest.
Following multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, his fitness levels are remarkably just 20% lower than before his diagnosis.
“The notion was, stop doing these silly things and just get your head around the fact that you’ve got this terrible disease, take the pills we’re telling you to take and just lie down and let it take over.”
Facing dual family heartbreak
The devastating cancer update came during an unimaginably difficult period for his family.
Shortly before the British sporting icon received his terminal prognosis, his wife, Lady Sarra Hoy, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Despite facing two incurable conditions within their household, the couple continues to demonstrate immense resilience.
The six-time gold medallist remains active and resolute, even overcoming a horrific leg break sustained while mountain biking in Wales last November.
Arsenal have completed the signing of 18-year-old defender Elijah Upson following his departure from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Premier League champions beat a host of top European clubs to secure the signature of the highly-rated centre-back.
The teenager, who is the son of former Gunners defender Matthew Upson, elected to remain in north London despite extensive interest from abroad.
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea were among the heavyweights reportedly tracking the lightning-fast prospect.
Building for the future
The former 100m schoolboy sprint champion is expected to initially integrate into the club’s youth setup before challenging for first-team minutes.
Mikel Arteta’s side are carefully bolstering their ranks after a gruelling 2025-26 campaign.
The north Londoners narrowly missed out on a historic double last season, securing the domestic title but falling short in the Champions League final via a penalty shootout.
They have already added former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier to their squad on a free transfer to provide experienced cover.
Attacking reshuffle expected
While the defensive ranks have been strengthened, the Gunners are also actively pursuing new additions for their frontline and midfield.
A vacancy in attack appears imminent following the club’s decision to accept a bid from Besiktas for Belgian international Leandro Trossard.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has emerged as a primary target to fill that void, alongside Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes remains a prominent option for the midfield engine room.
Monitoring the Vinicius Junior situation
Intermediaries have also informed top English clubs about the potential availability of Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian forward has just two years remaining on his current contract at the Bernabeu.
Negotiations over a lucrative extension have reportedly stalled over wage demands, prompting interest from several top Premier League sides including Manchester City and Liverpool.
Securing the 26-year-old would represent a monumental statement of intent as the English champions look to solidify their domestic dominance.