James Anderson marked his first County Championship of the summer by taking six wickets in his opening spell as Lancashire dominated Nottinghamshire in Southport.
The 41-year-old is back in action for the first time since featuring for England in India in March and ahead of his farewell international in their Test opener against the West Indies, live from July 10 on Sky Sports.
Anderson rolled back the years as took 6-19 from 10 overs, ripping through the Nottinghamshire top order in cloudy conditions, leaving the visitors struggling at 40-6 in reply to Lancashire declaring on 353-9.
England cricket managing director Rob Key says James Anderson will continue in the national setup after his final Test against West Indies, and admits that the internationally retiring Anderson still has more to offer to English cricket
Lancashire declared early on Tuesday morning after securing a third batting bonus point, following day two being washed out by rain, with Anderson finishing unbeaten on nought off two deliveries as opener Keaton Jennings fired a brilliant 187 not out.
Anderson made the breakthrough when Nottinghamshire captain Haseeb Hameed (six) defended a delivery that rolled onto his stumps, with New Zealand’s Will Young (two) caught behind by keeper Matty Hurst in his next over.
Wednesday 10th July 10:00am
Jennings caught Joe Clarke (nought) in the slips and Jack Haynes (two) fell soon after to Anderson, who completed the 55th five-wicket haul of his career when he removed Lyndon James for five.
Liam Patterson-White (four) became Anderson’s sixth wicket in as many overs before the bowler was replaced by George Balderson, with Nottinghamshire reaching lunch at 69-6 and leaving work to do to avoid the follow-on.
Take a look at some of the landmark moments throughout James Anderson’s Test career, with the 41-year-old becoming the first seamer to reach 700 wickets
Anderson is set to step into a newly-created role as England’s fast-bowling mentor for the last two Tests against the Windies, following his farewell Test appearance, along with the following three-match series versus Sri Lanka that follows.
Watch the first Test between England and West Indies, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Wednesday July 10 (11am first ball). The series then continues at Trent Bridge (July 18-22) before the final game at Edgbaston (July 26-30).
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Andy Murray has played his final Wimbledon men’s singles tournament after withdrawing from this year’s event due to injury.
Despite his best efforts after recently undergoing back surgery, the two-time champion at the All England Club announced on Tuesday morning that he would not be taking part in the singles – though he will play alongside his brother Jamie in the men’s doubles.
Wimbledon is a tournament which has defined the career of one of Britain’s greatest sportspeople after he ended the 76-year wait for a home men’s champion 11 years ago, and we take a look at the legacy he will leave behind.
Wildcard debut and the birth of Murray Mania
An 18-year-old Murray made his senior Wimbledon bow in 2005 and there were high hopes for the teenager after his victory at the US Open juniors the previous year. Wins over George Bastl and 14th seed Radek Stepanek only added to the hype.
Image: Murray stormed into the third round on his Wimbledon debut before defeat to 2002 runner-up David Nalbandian
He faced David Nalbandian in the third round and had the 2002 Wimbledon runner-up on the ropes and almost on the canvas – winning the first two sets – until cramp set in and Murray eventually lost in five thrilling sets 6-7 (4-7) 1-6 6-0 6-4 6-1.
The teenage wild card more than proved his world-class potential, as he became the first Scot to play in the last 32 at Wimbledon in the Open Era. He received a standing ovation from a Centre Court crowd gripped by a new phenomenon – Murray Mania.
Getting the crowd on side
In the early stages of his career, Murray was not yet universally popular with the British crowd. But that began to change after his epic comeback over Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the last 16 of Wimbledon in 2008.
At two sets down, Murray appeared to be heading out, but he edged a tight third set on a tie-break and won a memorable evening match 5-7 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 6-4.
Image: Murray served up a Centre Court classic in 2008, fighting back from two sets down to defeat Richard Gasquet and book his place in the quarter-finals
“It was tough, and I got a little bit nervous. The light was tough at the end, but it was the best moment that I’ve ever had on a tennis court,” said Murray.
“To come back from two sets to love down is an awesome feeling. It was a privilege and I’d like to say thanks to everyone for their support.”
Rafael Nadal and elimination would await Murray in the quarter-finals but it was clear, foundations were being laid, both on the court and in the stands.
Turning heartbreak to Olympic gold
Murray made the semi-finals in 2009, 2010 and 2011, suffering a narrow defeat to Andy Roddick before successive exits at the hands of Nadal.
Having taken full advantage of the newly-installed Centre Court roof and lights to beat Stan Wawrinka in a five-set thriller at 10.38pm in 2009 – Murray was at it again three years later.
His third-round victory over Marcos Baghdatis would set a new latest finish in the history of the Championships, with match point coming at 11.02pm, just in time for the Wimbledon crowds to catch the last tube home.
Image: So close and yet so far, as Murray’s first Wimbledon final ends in defeat at the hands of Roger Federer
Murray would become the first British man to reach a Wimbledon final since Bunny Austin in 1938, but a showdown with Roger Federer would prove a step too far. Murray won the first set of the final, but the classy Federer came back to win his seventh Wimbledon title in four sets 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4.
Cue tears of sadness and a memorable interview post-match. “I’m getting closer,” he sobbed, as the Centre Court crowd applauded for minutes. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be?
But in a testament to his character, Murray turned heartache into glory, avenging his defeat to Federer to strike Olympic gold at London 2012 on the very same court on which he had lost to the Swiss less than four weeks earlier.
Image: Less than a month after defeat in the Wimbledon final, Murray clinched Olympic gold on Centre Court with victory over Federer
Olympic silver in the mixed doubles alongside Laura Robson did put a silver lining on Murray’s grass-court campaign, but that increasingly elusive first Wimbledon crown was still missing.
Murray’s dream comes true
Following his first Grand Slam triumph at the 2012 US Open, Murray entered Wimbledon 2013 in good form after claiming his third Queen’s title.
Federer and Nadal both made surprise early exits, so it was Novak Djokovic this time who Murray needed to overcome in the final.
Andy Murray’s Wimbledon record
2005: 3rd Round
2010: SF
2015: SF
2020: –
2006: 4th Round
2011: SF
2016: WON
2021: 3rd Round
2007: –
2012: Runner-up
2017: QF
2022: 2nd Round
2008: QF
2013: WON
2018: –
2023: 2nd Round
2009: SF
2014: QF
2019: –
On a very hot day, Murray became the first British winner of the men’s singles title since Fred Perry in 1936 with a stunning 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory.
“It feels slightly different to last year. Last year was one of the toughest moments of my career,” said Murray.
“I don’t know how I managed to get through that last game with three match points, so I’m so glad to finally do it.”
Two-time Wimbledon champion
An incredible 2016 arguably saw Murray at his peak as he soared to world No 1 and defended his men’s singles Olympics title in Rio.
Amid all that, he won his second Wimbledon crown, helped by a thrilling 7-6 (12-10) 6-1 3-6 4-6 6-1 over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals.
Image: Murray became a two-time Wimbledon champion three years after his first triumph
In the final, he beat Canadian Milos Raonic in straight sets, and little did we know this would be Murray’s last Grand Slam triumph.
“This is the most important tournament for me every year,” he said. “I’ve had some great moments here, but also some tough losses. The win feels extra special because of the tough losses.”
Comeback delivers Murray magic in a different guise
In 2018 and 2019, Murray suffered career-threatening injuries and struggled to get back to his best.
He returned to Grand Slam tennis less than six months after having hip resurfacing surgery, playing mixed doubles with 23-time major champion Serena Williams in 2019, with the pair reaching the third round.
From 2021, whenever Murray was scheduled to play last on Centre Court, it become a must-watch fixture.
Image: Murray’s powers may have dimished after after a succession of injuries but he remained the hottest ticket at Wimbledon
On his singles return, he got the better of Nikoloz Basilashvili under the lights but lost in the third round.
The three-time Grand Slam champion could only reach the second round in 2022 and 2023, losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the latter.
That proved to be the last time Murray played at the All-England Club in the men’s singles, having withdrawn from this year’s tournament after undergoing back surgery on the morning of his scheduled first-round match with Tomas Machac.
The Wimbledon crowd will still be able to pay tribute to him in 2024 though as he contests the doubles alongside brother Jamie.
Thank you, Andy Murray, you made British summers shine that bit brighter.
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A plethora of star jockeys descend on Brighton and Lingfield on Tuesday – live on Sky Sports Racing…
3.55 Brighton – Last time out winners clash
Corporate Raider has sparked back to life since he ran at Brighton two starts ago winning last time out and a return to 1m2f definitely won’t be a problem for him.
A step up in trip awaits recent Chepstow scorer Bhuybezi who on the evidence of his victory last time out, he could relish this trip under the same patient tactics.
Course and distance hero Gallimimus is slowly dropping down the handicap and a return to his favoured track could see him outrun his odds.
4.25 Brighton – Six-time course specialist Rivas Rob Roy headlines
The nine-year-old Rivas Rob Roy put up a gallant effort last time out and now down to a mark of 52 he would be dangerous to ignore, especially at his preferred stomping ground.
Lady Wingalong has been in good form since joining the David Evans team and was unlucky not to win last time out. Kondratiev Wave will likely be a contender, boasting strong form this season for the Tony Carroll team. The seven-year-old has not finished outside the top two on his last four visits to the south coast and the drop back down in trip should do no harm.
Last time out winner Gilt Edge was given a patient ride when winning and his rune here two starts ago gives extra encouragement that he won’t be far away.
7.30 Lingfield – Well-bred Archivist takes on Seraph Gabriel
Sir Michael Stoute saddles debutant Archivist for Cheveley Park, who is a half-brother to the very useful New Kingdom and any market support would be very eye-catching.
Seraph Gabriel wasn’t beaten far on debut at Newbury and the Ralph Beckett yard are in great form at present. He looks the form pick here, but will have to be wary of Hot Property who runs under Billy Loughnane.
Frankel colt Best Adventure was well supported on debut but was a shade disappointing but would be no surprise with that experience under his belt to take a big step forward again today.
Sunday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds
Watch every race from Brighton and Lingfield – live on Sky Sports Racing on Tuesday 2nd July.
James Anderson will remain in England’s Test set-up this summer after agreeing to join their backroom staff following his valedictory international appearance at Lord’s next week.
The 41-year-old is set for an emotional farewell in the first Test of the home summer against the West Indies, starting on July 10 live on Sky Sports, after being informed England are looking to build towards the future.
While England are ready to move on from Anderson on the field, the vast experience he has accrued across 187 Tests in which he has taken 700 wickets – both a record for non-spinners – means they are reluctant to cut the cord altogether.
Take a look at some of the landmark moments throughout Anderson’s Test career, with the 41-year-old becoming the first seamer to reach 700 wickets
Anderson, who has yet to decide whether he will continue playing county cricket for Lancashire, will therefore step into a newly-created role as England’s fast-bowling mentor for the last two Tests against the Windies and a three-match series versus Sri Lanka that follows.
“He’s got so much to offer English cricket, we don’t want to see that go,” said Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket. “He’s going to be with us all summer. It’s something that he’s very keen to do as well.
On the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Nasser Hussain recalls his first memories of Anderson
“He hasn’t done loads and loads of it, but we’ve got no question about his knowledge and experience with bowling. We have a great opportunity for the rest of the summer to find out just how much he enjoys it or doesn’t enjoy it. What he does with Lancashire, we’ll probably work out after the Lord’s Test.
“Someone like Jimmy Anderson is going to have lots of options. I think English cricket would be very lucky if he chooses to stay in our game.”
Big changes ahead of summer Tests
England have had a significant shake-up of their squad for the first two Tests to face the Windies, with no room for Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach or Ollie Robinson.
Michael Holding was full of praise for Anderson after announcing he will retire following the first Test against West Indies
Bairstow is the most high-profile casualty just a few months on from his 100th Test appearance in the 4-1 series defeat in India, where a top score of 38 in 10 innings left his position vulnerable.
The Yorkshireman lit the touchpaper for the ‘Bazball’ era with six Test centuries in 2022 but he has struggled to hit the heights since suffering a horrific leg break at the back end of that summer.
Sky Sports’ James Cole looks at England’s Test squad announcement and explains why this feels like the start of a ‘new era’ for Ben Stokes’ side
“Jonny just needs to get back to what he was a couple of years ago,” Key said. “Generally, his form, in all formats, has just been going slightly in the wrong direction.”
While Bairstow and Foakes have engaged in a long-term tug-of-war for the wicketkeeping spot, Jamie Smith has supplanted both and will take the gloves at the home of cricket.
The Surrey player is joined in the squad by two other uncapped players in fast bowlers Dillon Pennington and Gus Atkinson, while Shoaib Bashir has been selected ahead of fellow Somerset spinner Jack Leach.
Michael Atherton discusses his first impressions of Dillon Pennington and why he is excited to see what the Nottinghamshire seamer can bring to England’s Test squad
Smith is a specialist bat and wicketkeeping understudy to Foakes at Surrey but Key, who rejected suggestions of a “Bazball reset” for this series, is a long-term admirer of a player averaging in excess of 50 in this year’s Vitality County Championship.
“We’ve been watching Jamie Smith for quite some time,” said Key. “You just see players who are rare talents and he looks like that. There’s a lot made of us just wanting someone who can go out there and play shots and that’s not the case.
Wednesday 10th July 10:00am
“We want someone who can not only up the ante when they’re batting with the tail but soak up pressure when they need to as well and we feel Jamie Smith can do that. Often you’re not making judgements on what they’ve done. You’re making judgements on what they’re going to do.”
Key was speaking just a few days after England’s semi-final defeat by eventual champions India in the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.
Highlights of the T20 World Cup final semi-final between India and England in Guyana
While they reached the last four, England beat just one of the four Test nations they faced, with captain Jos Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott already under pressure after an abysmal 50-over World Cup last year.
Asked whether the pair will be in situ for England’s next white-ball assignment against Australia later this summer, Key added: “We’ll let the dust settle and move forward from there.
“I’m not going to rush anything. I don’t think it’s a bad sign when you get to a semi-final. At times I thought we showed how good we were in that. And at times we were inconsistent.”
Watch the first Test between England and West Indies, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Wednesday July 10 (11am first ball). The series then continues at Trent Bridge (July 18-22) before the final game at Edgbaston (July 26-30)
Carlos Alcaraz endured an early test in his Wimbledon title defence but the Spaniard quelled the challenge of Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-2 to move into the second round on Monday.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, seeded third this year, came through in two hours and 22 minutes against Lajal, also 21 but ranked 266 places lower.
The Estonian sported dreadlocks pulled back in a pineapple-style ponytail on his Wimbledon debut.
He took a chunk out of the three-time Grand Slam winner with a break of serve in the opening set.
Lajal broke Alcaraz again early in the next set but he was unable to make the advantage count and his opponent broke back to love immediately before pouncing again in the 11th game.
With the momentum having swung, Alcaraz, who last month added the French Open to his Wimbledon and US Open titles, hit straight back and continued to reel off the points for a two-set lead.
He raised his game further in the third to break with a superb backhand cross-court winner and he never looked back from there to close out the victory.
“He played a really good match,” said Alcaraz. “Obviously he surprised me a little bit because I hadn’t seen him too much.
“He’s young, he’s my age and I’m sure I’m going to see him really soon on the tour and play him more often.
“But I’m really happy to get through and get my first win on Centre Court this year.”
Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev strode confidently and cheerfully into the second round with an assured 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over American Aleksandar Kovacevic on his favourite Court One.
“I’ve still never lost on Court One so hopefully I can play a lot more matches on this court,” a smiling Medvedev told an appreciative crowd in an on-court interview.
“Last year I said it was unfortunate I had to go to Centre Court for the semis and I lost.”
Sinner subdues feisty Hanfmann to advance at Wimbledon
Image: Jannik Sinner beat unseeded German Yannick Hanfmann 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3 to advance through the first round of Wimbledon
Jannik Sinner wobbled midway through his Wimbledon first-round clash with unseeded German Yannick Hanfmann but the world No 1 recovered to seal a 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3 win on Monday and book a meeting with fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini.
The Australian Open champion used his powerful serve and forehand to good effect against Hanfmann as he breezed through the first set on the back of a solitary break and got his nose in front early in the next.
Hanfmann hung on and heaped pressure on Sinner’s serve but was unable to find a way through and the 22-year-old top seed moved two sets ahead.
The world number 110 flipped the script to go 4-0 up in the third set as Sinner appeared to be belatedly hampered by a nasty fall, and the German cupped his ear amid huge cheers after forcing a fourth set with a neat volley.
There was to be no comeback, however, as Sinner rediscovered his rhythm under the lights on Court One to break for a 3-1 lead and held firm from to close out the match.
Sinner, who lifted his first title on the sport’s slickest surface at Halle two weeks ago, could face another tricky test against Berrettini after the 2021 runner-up beat Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 7-6(3) 6-2 3-6 6-1.
Gauff cruises into second round
Image: Coco Gauff celebrates beating Caroline Dolehide on day one of Wimbledon
World number two Coco Gauff advanced to the second round with a convincing 6-1 6-2 win over compatriot Caroline Dolehide.
On the eve of this year’s grass-court championships, Gauff admitted she had been “in a dark place” following her opening-round exit in London last year but armed with the knowledge that things “couldn’t get any worse” this time round, she was simply unstoppable against her 51st-ranked rival.
“Last year I lost in the first round and it was very tough for me, that’s why I am a little emotional and that’s why I was happy to turn it around,” Gauff told the crowd on court.
The 20-year-old, now a Grand Slam champion having won the US Open in September, dropped only one point on serve during a formidable first-set performance.
Such was her confidence she conjured an incredible cross-court lob into the far corner which she greeted with a one-armed salute as the Centre Court crowd jumped to their feet to roar their approval.
The world No 2 kept up the barrage of winners in the second set and despite overcooking a forehand on her first match point, she made no mistake on her second.
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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
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July
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France left it late as they laboured to a 1-0 victory against Belgium to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
With the game heading for extra-time, Randel Kolo Muani was France’s hero as his 85th minute strike deflected off defender Jan Vertonghen and past goalkeeper Koen Casteels to seal victory.
France controlled possession for much of the contest and went closest to breaking the deadlock either side of half-time through Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni, while Kylian Mbappe also threatened with some dazzling footwork – but his finishing was off colour as France struggled to test Casteels.
Belgium could have won the game themselves late on with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both forcing good saves from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, before the scruffy decisive moment sent France through to the next stage.
Image: Kevin De Bruyne’s late shot almost grabbed victory for Belgium
Didier Deschamps’ side will meet the winner of Monday evening’s match between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday (kick-off 8pm).
I think France were the better team. Obviously, the quality wasn’t really there. It wasn’t a surprise that it was an own goal that settled the game. You also need a bit of luck. France kept a clean sheet and when you do that, you will always have a chance.
Joy for France, despair for Belgium…
France have now won three successive games against Belgium.
Excluding penalty shoot-outs, Deschamps’ side have lost only one of their last 15 Euros matches (won eight and drawn six).
Can they go on to add to their 1984 and 2000 European Championship successes?
Image: France celebrate reaching the last eight
Image: Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku react after Belgium’s 1-0 defeat to France
Neville: Vertonghen will be devastated by big mistake
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville speaking on ITV about France’s late winner and Vertonghen’s involvement:
“I think Vertonghen will be really disappointed [with the goal], and not just because it gets credited to him as an own goal.
“He has got to shift up. Kolo Muani doesn’t do anything amazing. He’s a little bit scruffy on the turn.
“But he’s got to shift up. Once you’re one or two yards off, that’s not unlucky, it falls into the category of poor defending and he knows that, he’s an experienced player.
“I’ve been there. I would class that from a defender with big experience as a big mistake. He’ll recognise that. He’ll be devastated because what he’ll also be thinking is ‘will it be the last time I’m here?’ That’s where it really hits home for players.”
Deschamps: Saviour the moment
France boss Didier Deschamps:
“It’s beautiful, we played a big game, it was tight but we enjoyed possession and we had more opportunities. We have to savour it, it’s quite an achievement. We’re in the quarter-finals, they’re going home.
“We made a lot of progress and our opponents were obviously cautious, even if they’re an attacking team on paper. We did everything we could to create chances, and we created more than them, but we played the waiting game and didn’t fall into their trap. I liked that, but obviously you can’t win through possession alone.
“I’d like us to create more chances but we’re into the quarter-finals and that’s what counts. Let’s not play down that moment.”
De Bruyne: We did everything to try and win
Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne:
“We did everything to try to win. We were five minutes from extra-time.
“We had chances, not so many. Then they score and there isn’t enough time to react.
“We were defending pretty well but then there’s a deflection. It’s a shame but that’s football… I had that chance towards the end but couldn’t score. The keeper did well. The team really did everything we could do.”
Formula 1 completes its summer triple-header with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone just days on from a controversial clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in Austria.
Norris, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton will all be racing in front of the home crowd, with all three in the running to be on the podium and perhaps even on the top step.
There is tension going into Silverstone after Verstappen and Norris dramatically collided on Sunday at the Red Bull Ring, which could mark the start of a big battle between the pair over the rest of this season.
You won’t want to miss any of the action and you can watch every F1 session from Silverstone for free on Sky Showcase, if you have a Sky box, and on Sky Sports F1.
McLaren haven’t won the British Grand Prix since Hamilton’s memorable victory in the wet in 2008, but Norris will be desperate to respond after numerous near misses in recent events.
He trails Verstappen by 81 points in the drivers’ championship and needs to start reeling in the deficit to stand a realistic chance of challenging for the title later this year.
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen engaged in an exhilarating battle for the race lead before the pair crashed into one another, as George Russell ended up capitalising to win the Austrian Grand Prix
Mercedes will be buoyed after Russell took full advantage of the Austria collision to take his second career F1 win.
Russell has not finished on the podium at the British Grand Prix but team-mate Hamilton is a record eight-time winner.
It promises to be a spectacular weekend of racing and it all starts with a special version of The F1 Show on the main straight on Thursday evening at 6pm, where the fans will be able to see the F1 drivers, before all the F3, F2 and F1 action.
A look back at all of Lewis Hamilton’s eight record-breaking British Grand Prix wins at Silverstone
Sky Sports F1’s live British GP schedule (all F1 sessions on Sky Showcase)
Thursday July 4 1.30pm: Drivers’ Press Conference 6pm: The F1 Show
Friday July 5 8.35am: F3 Practice 9.55am: F2 Practice 12pm: British GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm) 2.05pm: F3 Qualifying 3pm: F2 Qualifying 3.45pm:British GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
Saturday July 6 9.15am: F3 Sprint 11.15am:British GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am) 1.10pm: F2 Sprint 2.15pm: British GP Qualifying build-up 3pm: British GP Qualifying 5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday July 7 8:15am: F3 Feature Race 9:50am: F2 Feature Race 11:50am: Porsche Supercup 1:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – British GP build-up 3pm: The BRITISH GRAND PRIX 5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction 6pm: Ted’s Notebook
F1’s summer triple-header concludes with the big one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase, with Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
The dream team of Luke Humphries and Michael Smith gave England a record-breaking fifth World Cup of Darts title and first since 2016 with a 10-6 victory over Austria.
World Cup debutant Humphries and 2023 world champion Smith delivered the goods to secure England’s first World Cup triumph in eight years.
Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis were the only players to have lifted the World Cup title for England since the tournament’s inception in 2010, but Humphries and Smith created their own history with a dominant success on German soil at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt.
World Cup of Darts – Results
Quarter-finals
Austria
8-7
Croatia
Belgium
8-7
Italy
England
8-4
Northern Ireland
Scotland
8-7
Sweden
Semi-finals
Austria
8-4
Belgium
England
8-3
Scotland
Final
England
10-6
Austria
Luke Humphries and Michael Smith celebrate winning a record-breaking fifth World Cup of Darts for England
“I felt the biggest buzz since winning the Worlds. We really wanted this. We really believed we could win it and after that first game we played, we clicked,” Humphries told Sky Sports.
“You’ve got a cheat code, the world number one and number three against the field, it’s quite tough for everyone else but after that first game we played and we clicked. We were only worried about ourselves. We knew if we played our best, we could do it and we did.
“I just hope we get to come back next year and defend it together as champions.”
Humphries and Smith share their thoughts after their World Cup of Darts triumph against Austria
Smith was full of praise for team-mate Humphries, adding: “How good was this man in the final? He hit everything.
“My [double] tops was non-existent and every single shot I left him, bang, bang, bang…. thank you so much mate, you’ve just got me the gold medal.”
The title favourites raced into a 5-1 lead over 2021 runners-up Rowby-John Rodriguez and Mensur Suljovic, Humphries taking out 151 in the sixth leg and 121 in the next before Austria hit back to reduce their deficit to 6-4.
A 180 from Humphries then set up Smith, who had struggled with his doubles early on, to take out double 15 before finishes of 130 and 112 from Humphries took England to the brink of victory.
Suljovic took out 98 to keep the match alive but Smith sealed the win on double eight in the next leg.
Humphries slammed in FOUR ton-plus checkouts in the final
England deserved to be crowned champions
“No one has got within four legs of England, they’ve been that dominant,” said Mark Webster, a 2010 World Cup of Darts finalist for Wales.
“They were pushed in that final but they just all the answers including those big finishes from Luke Humphries.
“They functioned as a team throughout. They were heavy favourites and lived up to it. They’re deserved champions.”
Tale of the Tape
World Cup of Darts: Roll of Honour
England had earlier beaten Northern Ireland 8-4 in the quarter-finals and Scotland by the same score in the last four, while Austria edged past Croatia 8-7 in the quarter-finals before an 8-3 win over Belgium in the semis.
Referee Kirk Bevins ruled that Gary Anderson stepped over the oche throwing his final dart leading to confusion in Scotland’s semi-final against England
What’s next on Sky Sports?
The 2024 World Matchplay starts July 13th , only on Sky Sports!
The 2024 Betfred World Matchplay will take place from July 13-21 at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
The iconic summer tournament will see 32 of the world’s top stars battling it out across nine days for the Phil Taylor Trophy and £800,000 in prize money.
2024 Betfred World Matchplay Schedule of Play Saturday July 13 (7.30pm) 4x First Round
Sunday July 14 (1pm) Afternoon Session 4x First Round
Evening Session (7pm) 4x First Round
Monday July 15 (7pm) 4x First Round
Tuesday July 16 (7pm) 4x Second Round
Wednesday July 17 (7pm) 4x Second Round
Thursday July 18 (8pm) 2x Quarter-Finals
Friday July 19 (8pm) 2x Quarter-Finals
Saturday July 20 (8pm) Semi-Finals
Sunday July 21 (1pm) Afternoon Session Women’s World Matchplay
Evening Session (8pm) Final
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Lando Norris says he will “lose a lot of respect” for Max Verstappen if his championship rival doesn’t accept responsibility for causing a collision between them as they battled for the lead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Norris was attempting to pass Red Bull’s Verstappen with eight laps to go when the pair made contact at Turn 3, with the stewards later giving the Dutchman a 10-second penalty for causing the collision.
Both cars sustained damage, with Verstappen pitting before finishing fifth, while the more severe harm done to the McLaren forced Norris to retire from the race, as Mercedes’ George Russell claimed an unlikely victory.
The end result ultimately aided Verstappen’s quest for a fourth successive drivers’ title, with the 10 points he scored extending his lead over second-placed Norris to 81.
“I’m disappointed, nothing more than that, honestly,” Norris told Sky Sports F1. “It was a good race. I looked forward to probably I’d say just a fair battle, a strong fair battle. But I wouldn’t say that’s what it was in the end.
McLaren driver Lando Norris was left fuming after his collision with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen saw him have to retire from the Austrian Grand Prix
“Tough one to take. It was a mistake-free race from my side, and I feel like I did a good job but I got taken out of the race, so nothing more than that.”
Asked whether the incident would impact his strong friendship with Verstappen, Norris added: “I don’t know. It depends what he says. If he says he did nothing wrong, then I’ll lose a lot of respect for that.
“If he admits to being a bit stupid and running into me and just being a bit reckless in a way, then I’ll have a small amount of respect for it.
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen engaged in an exhilarating battle for the race lead before the pair crashed into one another, as George Russell ended up capitalising to win the Austrian Grand Prix
“But it’s still a tough one to take when we’re fighting for the win and I’m trying to be fair from my side and he just wasn’t. That’s not what I’m thinking about. I don’t care about that now. I’m just gutted for the team.”
Verstappen had appeared to be easing towards victory for much of the afternoon but a slow final pit stop from Red Bull brought Norris back into the contest and set up a grandstand finish.
With Norris within DRS range of Verstappen, the pair battled for several laps with each complaining over team radio about the other’s driving.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Lando Norris was given enough space to avoid crashing into Max Verstappen, while McLaren boss Andrea Stella believes the Red Bull driver was at fault for the incident
Asked whether the stewards should have intervened before the collision, Norris said: “Yeah. I mean there’s a rule. You’re not allowed to react to the other driver and that’s what he did three times out of three. Two times I managed to avoid it and not lock up and run into him, and the third time he just ran into me.
“I was just trying to drive my race. He was clearly a lot slower at the end. He ruined his own race just as much as he ruined mine. There’s nothing more I can do. I did my best and it was good enough. Got ruined through not my own fault.”
Verstappen: I will talk about incident with Norris
Verstappen insisted that he was not guilty of moving under braking, despite that being the consensus among Sky Sports F1′s pundits.
“Of course from the outside it’s hard to see when I brake. I know in the past it was a bit of a complaint,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1.
Anthony Davidson was at the SkyPad to give his verdict on whether Max Verstappen or Lando Norris was at fault for the crash which saw both of them surrender the chance of winning
“Now I always move my wheel before I brake then you brake in a straight line trajectory. It’s always easy to say on the outside that I’m moving under the braking, but I think the guy in the car knows best what he’s doing.
“Everyone can have their own opinion but I’m the one driving. I’m in control. Of course, from the outside it’s easy to judge and comment but whatever, it’s what happens.”
Asked about Norris’ comments over a potential loss of respect, Verstappen offered a calm response.
“I need to look back at how or why we touched,” he said. “Of course, we will talk about it. It’s just unfortunate it happened.
George Russell wins the Austrian Grand Prix after Lando Norris and Max Verstappen collided
“I felt like sometimes he dive-bombed so late on the brakes. One time he went straight. One time I had to go around the sausage otherwise we would have touched.
“I think it’s also the shape of the corner provides these kind of issues sometimes. I’ve had it also the other way around. It is what it is. It’s never nice to come together.”
More to follow…
F1’s summer triple-header concludes with the big one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase, with Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
Laura Robson is getting very excited ahead of Wimbledon and looks ahead to the hopes of former US Open champion Emma Raducanu and why Coco Gauff is a real contender for the women’s singles title…
Genuine hopes for Raducanu?
Having missed out on Wimbledon last year, Raducanu is excited to be returning to her home major
I’m so happy for her. She’s healthy at the moment and excited to get out there and play. You see the buzz she’s got at the moment and the love she’s brought back to her tennis, and it has definitely been helped by being healthy.
If you’re feeling good in your body and being confident, it changes everything. She’s played two great lead-up events in Nottingham and Eastbourne and done really well, so it is all great signs going into her match and I’m excited to see her do that walk-out onto Centre Court.
Ekaterina Alexandrova is a great ball-striker. You know you are going to get pace onto your racket and I think Emma really likes that. A hard hitter playing a hard hitter can sometimes feel like a nicer rhythm, so you’re going to get a lot of flat shots coming at you, but at the same time there’s nothing to lose.
The mentality stays the same and no matter who it’s against, it’s the first round of a Slam.
For both players, it means so much to them and she’s going to have the crowd support. She’s going to have a bit of a free swing at it and fingers crossed.
Cameron Norrie and Raducanu revealed what their ideal days away from tennis would look like!
What about Gauff’s chances?
Anne Keothavong and Colin Fleming debate whether Coco Gauff should be included alongside Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina in a big four in women’s tennis
I don’t feel like Coco dwells in the past. She won’t be looking to lose first round, but at the same time I think she’s always looking ahead, looking at what she can improve in her game and do better on court every time she’s out there, which is why she’s one of the most exciting players in the women’s game.
She has such a great attitude and such a great team around her as well, so Coco is a contender in every tournament she plays – and has been since that run to the title at the US Open.
In my mind, she’s almost a veteran these days because she’s been around for so long and had such a lot of experience, but she’s still such a young player with a lot still to improve on.
A look back at Gauff’s first Grand Slam win at the US Open
Is the men’s draw wide open this year?
Image: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will all fancy their chances of winning Wimbledon
I think the men’s draw is a little bit more open. I could probably think of four or five people I could see doing really well. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic – for me, if he wasn’t feeling good or healthy he just wouldn’t play.
He’s won so much in his life, he’s only entering a tournament if he’s got a chance of winning it. I would definitely throw him in that group and maybe Alexander Zverev as well.
Now there’s a bit of a changing of the guard anyway, all these names we’ve been hearing about for the last few years are very much in the mix.
Alcaraz must be feeling good about his chances, right?
Highlights of Alcaraz’s victory against Daniil Medvedev in the final at Indian Wells
As defending champion you’ve got to feel good and I love the tradition of last year’s champion opening up on Centre Court, the same for Marketa Vondrusova on Tuesday. It’s another special element.
Everything about this club is special for me and I love the tradition of it. It’s a bit of a blinder for the Centre Court tickets and all good matches.
You never know how someone is going to go as defending champion, but he just deals with the pressure so well and having won Roland Garros he’s got to be feeling good about his tennis.
Sinner’s not good on grass?
World No 1 Sinner beat Hubert Hurkacz to win his first ATP Tour title on grass ahead of Wimbledon
I always find it funny that people are like ‘Sinner’s not great on grass’ and he’s not having it as his favourite surface. He made the semis last year, but I think the confidence he has in his game, the mental belief is such a difference this year.
Every match, he seems to be going in as favourite and he just seems so humble about it and at peace with it, the way he goes about his business.
He got here pretty early last week to start practicing and he looks pretty good. He hits the ball probably, the cleanest of anybody on tour and it’s such a nice strike. He’s No. 1 seed for a reason.
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.
