British GP: Lewis Hamilton opens up on post-2021 difficulties and Silverstone tears after stunning win | F1 News

British GP: Lewis Hamilton opens up on post-2021 difficulties and Silverstone tears after stunning win | F1 News


An emotional and reflective Lewis Hamilton opened up on what it meant to finally win again in Formula 1 at the British Grand Prix – admitting there had been times since the controversial conclusion to the 2021 season when he had “wanted not to continue” in the sport.

Hamilton was brought to tears at the end of Sunday’s enthralling wet-dry Silverstone race after a stirring and historic drive brought up a record ninth victory at a single Grand Prix.

Although it also represented Hamilton’s record-extending 104th win in F1, it was the 39-year-old’s first for 57 races in a drought that stretched back to the Saudi Arabian GP of December 2021, the race before that season’s infamous finale in Abu Dhabi when he missed out on a unique eighth world title and Max Verstappen won his first.

Hamilton has rarely even been in contention for victories since then with Mercedes falling from the sport’s summit in the wake of new regulations introduced from 2022. The two races that the team had won in that time were claimed by George Russell, most recently last week in Austria.

Having cried on team radio after taking the chequered flag, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1: “It’s surreal. My heart is racing.

“I had so many amazing times here in the past but when I came across the line, something released in me that I have been holding onto for a long time.

Hamilton says his incredible ninth British GP victory is the ‘most emotional’ he has had

“It was the most emotional end to a win I have ever experienced. I always wondered why I never cried! You see Rubens Barrichello crying and I was like ‘that doesn’t happen to me’ but it hit me hard.

“After such a difficult 2021, just trying to continue to come back but we as a team had a difficult time.

“There were so many thoughts and doubts in my mind along the way to the point, at times, I wanted to not continue.

“To arrive and continue to get up and continue to try and finally succeed is the greatest feeling I can remember having.”

Hamilton celebrates his ninth victory at Silverstone with his Mercedes team and the crowd!

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the race as he took the acclaim of the 164,000-strong race-day crowd, Hamilton said there had been periods during his time away from the podium’s top step when he questioned whether he was both still “good enough” and if he would ever get back to winning ways.

“It’s so tough, I think for anyone, but the important thing is just how you continue to get up and you’ve got to continue to dig deep even when you feel like you’re at the bottom of the barrel,” he said.

Hamilton and his engineer Peter Bonnington celebrate on the podium together following his emotional British GP victory!

“There have definitely been days between 2021 and here where I didn’t feel like I was good enough or I was going to get back to where I am today. But the important thing is I had great people around me, continuing to support me. My team, every tine I turned up and saw them putting in the effort, that really encouraged me to do the same thing.

“Otherwise, my fans, when I see them around the world, they have been so supportive. So a big, big thank you to everybody.”

Hamilton on the ‘glimpse of hope’ that keeps fire burning

Hamilton, who decided at the start of the year he will continue in F1 until at least the end of 2026 by signing an unexpected and blockbuster deal with Ferrari, was given a Union Jack flag from a marshal on his slow-down lap at the end of the race and celebrated with it in front of the Silverstone crowd when he got out of his Mercedes at the end of the race.

He also shared embraces in parc ferme with his mother, Carmen, and his father, Anthony who were both at Silverstone to see their son’s return to success.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates with his mother after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix race at the Silverstone racetrack, Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates with his father after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix race at the Silverstone racetrack, Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

On the huge support he receives from fans, Hamilton said: “I definitely know for sure that I couldn’t do what I do without the fans I have. The people I interact with and meet around the world, particularly here in the UK.

“I grew up in Stevenage. My dad came around the corner to give me my first helmet.

“I always thought my parents would be my only followers. It’s very incredible to have that support because that really does lift you up when you see people.

“They are so generous with gifting you something or just pumping out positive energy.

Race highlights from Silverstone for the British Grand Prix.

“That’s one thing that keeps me going. And the other is just that glimpse of hope.

“Even if it’s the tiniest spec, I just try to not ignore that and continue to focus on my inner peace day by day.”

Hamilton, who has the motto ‘still I rise’ tattooed on his back, added: “Never give up. It’s so important. It’s the easiest thing to do but you should never do it.”

Next up for F1 is the Hungarian Grand Prix from Budapest on July 19-21. You can watch every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime

DP World Tour: Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson clinches Open Championship spot with emotional BMW International Open win | Golf News

DP World Tour: Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson clinches Open Championship spot with emotional BMW International Open win | Golf News


An emotional Ewen Ferguson clinched a spot at the Open Championship after winning the DP World Tour’s BMW International Open in Germany.

Scottish player Ferguson’s two-stroke stroke victory in Munich left him as one of the highest five players in the top 20 on the Race to Dubai – alongside Jesper Svensson, Laurie Canter, Nacho Elvira and Matteo Manassero – who were not otherwise exempt for the 152nd Open at Troon between July 18-21.

The 28-year-old finished on 18 under par after a four-under 68 on Sunday, with England’s Jordan Smith – who shared the lead with Ferguson after three rounds – and Australia’s David Micheluzzi tied for second on 16 under.

Highlights from the final day of the BMW International Open as Ferguson, who has recently battled bouts of vertigo, triumphed in Munich

Ferguson, who revealed after his second round that he was glad simply to be playing again following recent bouts of vertigo, told Sky Sports in a teary interview: “I honestly can’t believe it.

“The last four holes I felt like I was in a dream, I just didn’t think this was actually happening. It was crazy. I was hitting it so well, hitting it so much further than usual.

“I wanted to do it for my dad, my mum, my sister, my brother at home. I love them so much and every shot I hit was with them in mind.

Scotland's Ewen Ferguson wins 2024 BMW International Open (Getty Images)
Image:
Ferguson now has three wins on the DP World Tour

“It’s such a hard game. I’ve been moaning like mad the last two months with also being sick. [This win] is so much weight off my shoulders. I’m so happy.

“The Open Championship is a tournament that everyone wants to play in and I feel like I could do well there and the Scottish Open next week too. It’s such an exciting time for me.”

Ferguson hopes to practice with Fleetwood ahead of Open

Ferguson later revealed that he had been planning to contest final qualifying for the Open Championship on Tuesday, but felt he was playing well enough to secure a place either in Munich or via the Genesis Scottish Open.

He added: “I didn’t want to tire myself out. I felt like I could maybe win this week or maybe finish in the top 10 in Scotland and get my own spot that way, so we decided to pull out of Open qualifying.

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“It’s obviously a really good decision. It kept me fresh and I’m here with the trophy. I actually got a text from Tommy Fleetwood saying well done so I said to him, let’s get a practice round in [at the Open] so I’m looking forward to that.”

Ferguson’s victory was his third on the DP World Tour and first since the ISPS Handa World Invitational in August 2022, which came five months after his maiden triumph at that year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

Micheluzzi finished birdie, birdie, eagle to earn his share of second spot alongside Smith, whose title hopes were effectively ended when he found the water off the 16th tee as he tried to drive the green.

Matthew Southgate made a superb eagle during the BMW International Open, following his namesake Gareth Southgate’s success in leading England to the Euro 2024 semi-finals in Germany

Scotland’s Connor Syme and England’s Matthew Southgate finished in joint fourth on 14 under with Southgate making an eagle at the sixth hole.

Watch the Genesis Scottish Open live on Sky Sports Golf from 8.30am on Thursday July 11. Then catch the 152nd Open Championship live on the same channel from 6.30am on Thursday July 18.

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Emma Raducanu: Brit tumbles out of Wimbledon at hands of qualifier Lulu Sun | Tennis News

Emma Raducanu: Brit tumbles out of Wimbledon at hands of qualifier Lulu Sun | Tennis News


Wild card Emma Raducanu was shocked by qualifier Lulu Sun as her encouraging Wimbledon run came to a disappointing end in the fourth round on a gloomy Sunday.

The 21-year-old had inspired hopes of more US Open-style heroics by coming through her opening three matches without dropping a set.

But she looked nervous against powerful New Zealander Sun, the first qualifier to make the women’s singles quarter-finals here in 14 years, and, despite battling to force a deciding set, slumped to a 6-2 5-7 6-2 defeat.

History for Sun at Wimbledon

Lulu Sun is the second-lowest ranked (123) player in the last 15 editions of the tournament to make the women’s singles quarter-finals at the Championships – ranked higher only than Serena Williams in 2018 (181).

“It was a great match against her. She really dug deep in there to try and get the win from me,” said an emotional Sun.

“I had to fight tooth and nail against her… she was obviously going to run for every ball and fight until the end.

“I was looking around [Centre Court] and just taking it all in for the first time.

“I’m super happy to be able to play on this court in front of all of you. It was an amazing experience for me.”

Left-hander Sun, who had never won a Grand Slam main-draw match before this week and is now on a seven-match winning streak, racked up 52 winners compared with just 19 from Raducanu and will now face Donna Vekic for a place in the semi-finals.

It has not been a comfortable 24 hours for Raducanu, with the positive vibes from her three impressive wins given a hammering by her decision to deny Andy Murray a Wimbledon swansong by pulling out of their mixed doubles opener citing a stiff wrist.

She found herself the subject of unwanted headlines, with the social media contribution of Judy Murray – albeit subsequently claimed not to be a criticism of Raducanu – adding fuel to the fire.

The strapping on her right wrist that had been present in practice on Saturday was nowhere to be seen, and Raducanu looked happy and relaxed hitting with fellow British player Liam Broady ahead of the match.

But, from the start of the contest on Centre Court, the former US Open champion, who knows all too well what qualifiers can achieve, seemed anything but comfortable.

Her serve, which has been a key strength all tournament, was off and her groundstrokes lacked their usual fizz.

Sun, on the other hand, looked like playing on Centre Court was something she had been doing all her life, the 23-year-old crunching the ball and breaking the Raducanu serve – which the Briton had not dropped since the first round – twice to go 3-0 up.

Raducanu retrieved one of the breaks but her comeback was short-lived as Sun, who defeated eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in round one, powered her way to another break and then the set.

The Brit was under pressure again at the start of the second but this time managed to hold on to her serve, with Sun, ranked 123, putting a simple forehand volley long on break point at 1-1.

Raducanu then had two break points in the next game but was unable to change the momentum, missing two backhand returns off second serves.

She hung on again in the seventh game but at least produced some of her best tennis to save two more break points.

Raducanu’s efforts in keeping her nose in front on serve were rewarded at 5-6 when Sun tightened up a little, missing an overhead and then going long on the second set point.

However, the mood changed in the opening game of the third set when Raducanu slipped while hitting a forehand, sitting on the ground shaking her head before calling the trainer, who worked on her left hip, leg and back, which she had been periodically holding during the second set.

Raducanu underwent surgery on her left ankle last year, as well as both wrists, after slipping at a tournament in Auckland.

She restarted in confident fashion with an ace but looked a little uncertain in her movement and dropped serve. The crowd tried to inspire Raducanu into another fightback but a double fault cost her a second break at 2-4 and Sun clinched a deserved victory after two hours and 50 minutes.

Sun vs Raducanu: Tale of the Tape

Sun Match Stats Raducanu
4 Aces 4
4 Double Faults 2
69% 1st serve win percentage 54%
54% 2nd serve win percentage 53%
23/28 Net points won 3/7
5/13 Break points won 2/7
52 Total winners 19
44 Unforced errors 21
111 Total points won 95

Jonathan Overend says it was a good call by Emma Raducanu to pull out of the mixed doubles event with Andy Murray

Paolini reaches Wimbledon quarters after tearful Keys retires injured

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Madison Keys was forced to retire injured against French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini

French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini reached the quarter-finals for the first time after a totally distraught Madison Keys was forced to call it quits at 5-5 in the third set with a suspected groin injury.

Playing under a closed Court One roof on yet another soggy day at the All England Club, Keys appeared to have one foot in the last eight when she went to serve for the match at 5-2 up the deciding set but clutched her left groin immediately after getting broken.

The American 12th seed called for the trainer one game later and limped off court for a medical time out before re-emerging with her left thigh heavily strapped.

Upon resumption, she started sobbing after netting a drop shot to fall 15-40 behind. Although the 29-year-old saved the first break point with a backhand winner, she was again in tears after surrendering her serve with a double fault.

Clearly struggling to even walk between points, Keys somehow conjured a lob to win the first point off Paolini’s next service game. But when she saw the next point whizz past her for an ace, she shook her head and signalled it was all over as she walked to the net to give her Italian opponent a tearful hug.

The Italian seventh seed had produced a stirring comeback from 5-1 down in the second set to force a tiebreak and the final score ended up being 6-3 6-7 (8-6) 5-5 in Paolini’s favour when a heartbroken Keys had to call it a day.

“I’m so sorry for her. To end the match like this it’s sad. We played a really good match. it was really tough, lots of up and downs. I feel a bit happy but also sad for her because it’s not easy to win like that,” Paolini, who had not won a Tour-level main draw match on grass before this year, told the crowd in a courtside interview.

“It was a rollercoaster. I started really well and was really focused on court but she’s a great champion and she raised her level so it was tough to return balls. I was repeating to myself stay in there. At the end I know she retired, but I’m here with the win.

“I hope you enjoyed the match,” added the 28-year-old after becoming the fifth Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals in the professional era, equalling the country’s best result at the grasscourt major.

Paolini will next face either US Open champion Coco Gauff or American 19th seed Emma Navarro.

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Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours

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  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
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  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
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British GP: Lando Norris ‘fed up’ as McLaren admit to errors after missing out on Silvestone victory | F1 News

British GP: Lando Norris ‘fed up’ as McLaren admit to errors after missing out on Silvestone victory | F1 News



Lando Norris admitted to being “fed up” after narrowly missing out on another Formula 1 victory at the British Grand Prix.

Norris came from fourth to take the lead at his home race, but the British driver and his McLaren team combined to make several errors around a final pit stop which gave up the lead to eventual winner Lewis Hamilton, before Max Verstappen passed him for second in the closing stages.

Since claiming his maiden F1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix in May, Norris has had strong chances of victory at five of the six races that have followed, but has failed to take advantage of having the most consistent race pace during that period.

“I know (it’s a podium at the British GP) but I’m fed up of just saying I should have done better and I should have done this and could have done that, or whatever,” Norris told Sky Sports F1.

” I don’t care if it takes time, I don’t want it to take time. I should be doing it now, we should be winning now. I should be making better decisions than what I’m making.

Race highlights from Silverstone for the British Grand Prix.

“I’m just disappointed, it’s a win. It’s a win in Formula 1 and I’m not going to settle for something less when we should have achieved it.”

By passing Norris in the closing stages, Red Bull’s Verstappen extended his lead over the Brit at the top of the drivers’ standings to 84 points.

Norris finished second to Verstappen in Imola, Canada and Spain, before damage sustained in a collision between the pair when battling for the lead in Austria last weekend forced Norris to retire.

Lewis Hamilton takes the lead of the British GP, after Lando Norris suffers from a slow pit stop.

“I’m not (being hard on myself),” Norris continued.

“Should we have won a race today? Yes? Did we? No. So I’m not going to be happy with another third place. I lost more points to Max, so I’m not going to be happy with that.

“Plenty of good things, there are positives, yes, but I’m only going to be satisfied with the end result and I’m not.”

Norris: Soft tyre call left no chance of win

In a thriller at Silverstone, Norris dropped from third on the grid to fourth after being passed by Verstappen on the opening lap, but was able to scythe his way through to the lead as the McLaren excelled in slippery conditions when rain began to fall.

Norris held the lead as heavier rain forced the field to switch to intermediate tyres, and maintained a lead over Hamilton until the rain eased to set up a crucial final pit stop to go back onto slick tyres.

George Russell holds the lead from Lewis Hamilton as Max Verstappen is up into third ahead of Lando Norris on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix.

Hamilton came in at the end of lap 38 as Norris stayed out for a further circuit, which enabled the Mercedes to gain time on the faster compound, while the McLaren driver compounded the problem by running slightly deep into his pit box to lose further time.

But most crucially, McLaren gave Norris the same soft tyre that Mercedes had put Hamilton on for the remaining 13 laps.

Verstappen, who pitted at the same time as Hamilton, was on hard tyres, which gave the Dutchman more freedom to push without fear of suffering degradation in the final stages.

Lando Norris takes full advantage of some slippery conditions at Silverstone, as he overtakes both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton for the race lead.

Norris was caught and passed by Verstappen on lap 48, while Hamilton was able to hold on for victory with relative ease. Frustratingly for McLaren, Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri showed strong pace in the final stint on the same new medium tyre that Norris had available.

Reflecting on his regrets, Norris said: “Just the two at the end. Just what tyre to box on to and a lap too late. I think the lap too late is completely on me. That’s just driver feel and driver knowledge of when to box and Lewis did a better job than me on that side.

“Boxing to the soft, that’s a team call, that’s between me. So many good parts but, again, just a couple that let us down and threw away the win so pretty disappointed.”

Max Verstappen overtakes Lando Norris for second as he looks to chase down Lewis Hamilton for the race win at Silverstone!

Explaining why he and the team came to the decision to fit a soft tyre, Norris said: “Lewis was on it, he won the race.

“It’s not the wrong call but we’re terrible on soft tyres as a team. Just because of the car balance and how it works. We’ve always been bad on that kind of tyre, Mercedes have always been very good so I almost had no chance of beating them.

“I expected to come out ahead of the Mercedes, I didn’t, but even if I came out ahead I wouldn’t have won the race because we were too slow.”

Stella: Pit wall should take decisions away from drivers

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella admitted the wrong call had been made regarding Norris’ tyres.

Stella also conceded that McLaren had made a mistake earlier in the race when choosing not to double stack Piastri behind Norris in the pits, which resulted in the Australian dropping from second to fifth as the leaders switched to intermediate tyres in the rain.

“Difficult conditions, mixed. Many calls to be made. Many were right but there were a couple that in hindsight we would do differently,” Stella told Sky Sports F1.

Listen in to the cool-down room where Lewis Hamilton offers some advice to a despondent Lando Norris about McLaren’s strategy at the British GP.

“I think we would acknowledge that giving one more lap with Oscar, we lost a lot of time before going onto the intermediate tyres. We didn’t want to lose the time in the double shuffle but in hindsight, it would have been the right thing to do.

“And the second call is that with Lando, we should have gone on medium tyres at the end rather than trying to match Lewis. I think it would have been safer to be competitive at the end of the race, and even if Lewis had been ahead after the stop, then I think we would have had our shot at the end of the race with more consistent tyres.

“It’s easy in hindsight. They are all opportunities to grow and improve as a team. I think overall, it’s great once again for McLaren to be in a podium finish, Oscar P4, many points – important for both championships.”

In the cases of both Norris and Piastri, lengthy discussions between driver and pit wall took place over team radio, which Stella admitted contributed to the wrong decisions being taken.

Karun Chandhok unpicks the British GP where five possible drivers could have taken victory but Lewis Hamilton claimed his record ninth win.

“For both Oscar not going one more lap and for Lando not going on soft but actually going on medium, it should have been a call of the pit wall,” he added.

“So we take the responsibility for this. The drivers, they already keep themselves quite busy in keeping their car on track in these conditions. The pit wall have more information. It’s for us to make these calls.

“We will grow and learn, but we are also excited and encouraged that we keep being competitive and fighting at the front. A bit of a bittersweet day because we know we could have won the race, but ultimately many positives and we take it from here looking forward to the next events.”

Despite failing to maximise their potential, McLaren were the highest scorers in the constructors’ standings, reducing their deficit to leaders Red Bull to 78 points and closing within seven points of second-placed Ferrari.

Next up for F1 is the Hungarian Grand Prix from Budapest on July 19-21. You can watch every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime

Match Report – Salford 22 – 20 Hull Super, League, Sky, Sports, Rugby, League, Bulls, Rhinos, Warriors, Harlequins, Wolves, Giants, Tigers, Dragons, Crusaders, Hull, Reds, Wildcats,

Match Report – Salford 22 – 20 Hull Super, League, Sky, Sports, Rugby, League, Bulls, Rhinos, Warriors, Harlequins, Wolves, Giants, Tigers, Dragons, Crusaders, Hull, Reds, Wildcats,


Salford Red Devils profit from missed conversion from Hull FC’s Ben Reynolds late on to extend winning run to four matches; Marc Sneyd registers five goals on 300th Super League appearance as home side consolidate fifth spot in table – watch every Super League match live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 07/07/24 5:59pm


Salford held off Hull FC to earn their fourth straight win and consolidate fifth place in the Super League table

Ryan Brierley made a try-scoring comeback and Marc Sneyd celebrated his 300th Super League appearance with five vital goals as Salford edged Hull FC 22-20 to register a fourth successive win.

Hull half-back Ben Reynolds missed a 78th-minute conversion to Lewis Martin’s try to send the game to golden point as the Red Devils cemented fifth place in the table.

Full-back Brierley had sat out his team’s three previous victories with a rib injury but returned with a bang against a Hull side still without an away win in 2024 and who sit second bottom of the standings.

Hull led 6-4 in the first half and scored four tries to their hosts’ three in the game but Reynolds failed to improve his team’s final two touchdowns.

A minute’s applause to remember Rob Burrow took place before Super League’s only fixture of the day and there was further recognition of the Leeds Rhinos’ legend on seven minutes as all fans united to sing: ‘There’s only one Rob Burrow.’

The on-field action was less inspiring until Salford made a 27th-minute breakthrough as Deon Cross touched down.

Reynolds scythed through the home defence to register his first try for the Black and Whites and then booted Hull in front but it was all square at half-time as Sneyd kicked a penalty after the hooter.

Marc Sneyd starred for Salford on his 300th Super League appearance

Marc Sneyd starred for Salford on his 300th Super League appearance

Tom Briscoe’s off-the-ball challenge on Brierley earned him a yellow card and his temporary absence and a game-ending injury for hooker Danny Houghton was a double blow for Simon Grix’s side.

When Briscoe returned Salford were 18-6 in front thanks to Sneyd’s converted tries for Brierley and centre Chris Hankinson.

Young Hull forward Denive Balmforth provided an instant response with his third try in as many games but when Salford were gifted a cheap penalty on the hour Sneyd took the points on offer to move the Red Devils two scores in front again.

Final-quarter tries for Jordan Lane and Martin kept Hull in contention right until Reynolds’ costly late miss.

What’s next?

Hull FC host city rivals Hull KR on Saturday July 13 (2.55pm, Sky Sports Arena), with Salford visiting Catalans Dragons later the same day (5.25pm, Sky Sports Arena).

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Rob Burrow: Thousands pay final respects to Leeds Rhinos legend on funeral route | Rugby League News

Rob Burrow: Thousands pay final respects to Leeds Rhinos legend on funeral route | Rugby League News


Thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects to Leeds Rhinos legend and motor neurone disease campaigner Rob Burrow as a private funeral service was held.

Burrow passed away at the age of 41 on June 2, four and a half years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The service was attended by many of Burrow’s ex-team-mates and coaches, including Kevin Sinfield, with whom Burrow raised more than £15m for MND charities since his diagnosis.

Image:
Burrow passed away at the age of 41 on June 2, four and half years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease

Sinfield – who ran seven ultra-marathons in as many days last December to generate funds – flew back from New Zealand, where he has been part of the England rugby union side’s coaching staff.

The funeral procession passed by Featherstone Lions’ ground where Burrow played rugby as a young boy, and slowed again through Featherstone near to where he played junior rugby.

Cars arrived and slowed into Pontefract Crematorium, passing through family and friends for the final time before a haka was performed as Burrow was carried out of the hearse.

Burrow’s former Leeds colleagues Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Ryan Hall and Matt Diskin were among those also present.

Team-mate and close friend Kevin Sinfield sent a special message to Leeds fans following Burrow’s passing

‘Burrow a true inspiration, a giant of a person’

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington told the PA news agency of Burrow: “He was a true inspiration.

“The whole rugby league community has come together supported by Leeds Rhinos fans and so many others and his efforts over the last four and a half years with MND inspired the nation.

“With so much support from those such as Kevin Sinfield, politicians and other sports figures… it has been quite remarkable and he leaves a huge legacy. This is the final journey, it has been a remarkable chapter.

Leeds Rhinos gathered to remember their inspirational number seven and give Burrow the fitting tribute he deserved in the match against Leigh in June

“We all knew what the outcome would eventually be and Rob has been remarkable with his fight and what he’s been able to do, not only Rob, but his family.

“The whole family have come together and have been supported by sport in general. It’s brought people together and has moved the nation.

“He was full of life, full of ambition and full of enthusiasm.

“Rob was 5ft 4in but was a giant of a man, a giant of a rugby league player and a giant of a person.”

You can donate to the MND Association at www.mndassociation.org/skysports

John Cena: WWE legend to retire from in-ring competition at end of 2025

John Cena: WWE legend to retire from in-ring competition at end of 2025



John Cena will retire from in-ring competition with WWE at the end of 2025, bringing an end to a career that has included winning 16 world championships.

Cena appeared at WWE’s Money in the Bank event in Toronto on Saturday night to reveal that he would embark on a farewell tour next year.

The 47-year-old said he would wrestle at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber in early 2025 and also at the two-night extravaganza WrestleMania 41, which will be held in Las Vegas on April 19 and 20.

Darts sensation Luke Littler picks his favourite WWE wrestler as he takes on the Sky Sports ‘Winner Stays On’ challenge

Cena, who has competed in WWE on a part-time basis since 2018 with his acting career taking off, later said in a press conference that he would work between 30 and 40 dates up to December 2025.

He has headlined WrestleMania five times, including in 2012 and 2013 when he fought Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on both occasions.

Cena last wrestled a singles match in November 2023 against Solo Sikoa although he teamed with The Miz and R-Truth in a six-man tag match against The Judgment Day in April of this year.

Check out 10-year-old Littler doing his best Cena impression as WWE invited the teenager to an event

Speaking on his farewell tour, Cena said: “I approached the WWE with this idea and they kind of initiated the talks that this would be a great span of time if we were ever going to do it.”

He hopes to continue in a non-wrestling capacity with WWE.

Cena’s film credits include Trainwreck, The Suicide Squad, Fast & Furious 9 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

He has also hosted Saturday Night Live and is currently starring in Peacemaker on HBO.

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Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United reach broad agreement with Bologna striker amid increased optimism over deal | Transfer Centre News

Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United reach broad agreement with Bologna striker amid increased optimism over deal | Transfer Centre News


There is increased optimism from all parties that a deal can be finalised for Joshua Zirkzee’s move from Bologna to Manchester United.

Extensive talks have taken place with Zirkzee’s representatives and there is a broad agreement on terms with the player.

As was reported by Sky Sports, United have made it clear they will meet the 23-year-old’s £34m release clause.

Discussions are ongoing internally over whether United will pay the clause in full or negotiate a structure with Bologna.

Zirkzee is with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024 and made his first appearance of the tournament in Saturday night’s quarter-final win over Turkey, coming on as a late substitute.

Arsenal and AC Milan are also interested in Zirkzee, who has two years left on his contract with Bologna.

Juventus are another club keen on Zirkzee but are currently working on other targets, and they would need to sell a striker to bring one in.

Why is Zirkzee in demand?

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Zirkzee is also on Arsenal’s radar

Zirkzee graduated through Bayern Munich’s system and had spells with Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna in the summer of 2022.

The forward received limited game time in his first campaign in Serie A, scoring only two league goals from 808 minutes.

Last season he scored 11 league goals and the shot map below suggests he is most lethal from the left-of-centre region.

Joshua Zirkzee

The heat map below also shows how the forward typically plays deeper than a conventional striker.

Joshua Zirkzee

He also ranks among the top five players in Serie A for creating big chances, attempting dribbles and regaining possession in the final third.

Indeed, the radar graphic below reveals he ranks among the top five per cent across Europe in those three metrics.

When does the summer transfer window close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at midnight in Scotland.

The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Wimbledon: Judy Murray clarifies Emma Raducanu post and points finger at schedule | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Judy Murray clarifies Emma Raducanu post and points finger at schedule | Tennis News


Judy Murray has clarified her perceived criticism of Emma Raducanu for pulling out of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.

Raducanu had been due to play with Andy Murray on Saturday evening but withdrew a few hours before, citing soreness in her right wrist, thus bringing the Scot’s Wimbledon career to a premature and unfortunate end.

Murray was understood to be devastated by the situation, and his mother Judy gave a quick reaction on the social media site X, replying to a message branding the decision ‘astonishing’ with a two-word reply: “Yes, astonishing.”

That was taken as criticism of 21-year-old Raducanu, who is due to play her fourth-round singles match on Sunday afternoon on Centre Court.

But on Sunday morning Murray put out another message, instead pointing the finger at the scheduling, saying: “Not sure anyone understands sarcasm these days. Pretty sure the scheduling (4th match court 1 with a singles following day) will have played a major part in any decision making.”

Former British No 1 Greg Rusedski, meanwhile, immediately backed Raducanu’s decision, writing on X: “More than understandable @EmmaRaducanu has pulled out of the mixed doubles. No need to take a risk with the wrist.”

Murray and Raducanu would not have begun their match against Zhang Shuai and Marcelo Arevalo until around 8pm, which could have meant not finishing their media obligations and other post-match duties until after midnight.

Wimbledon had little choice, though, with Arevalo needing to finish off a men’s doubles match earlier in the day and with the bad weather having delayed the singles competitions, which take priority over doubles in the scheduling.

The situation is hugely unfortunate given the momentum Raducanu, who finally appears to have settled into life on tour, has built up on court over the last few weeks.

Her main priority will be ensuring her wrist, which she had surgery on last year, does not become a major problem again and that this saga does not derail her singles run. She practised as scheduled on Saturday but with tape around the joint.

In hindsight, she will probably reflect that she should have turned down Murray’s invitation, however much she wanted to accept it, to avoid this possible outcome.

Last Briton standing

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Lulu Sun won three matches at Roehampton to make the main draw before stunning eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round

Raducanu will record her best Wimbledon result if she wins her fourth-round match on Sunday.

Comparisons have been made to her run to the US Open title in 2021 after she beat ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday.

But this time she will be the one coming up against a qualifier as she takes on New Zealand’s world No 123 Lulu Sun, who won three matches at Roehampton to make the main draw before stunning eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round.

Raducanu will start as favourite but her wrist could be a concern, while she can expect to face questions about her decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.