Author: Deutsche Presse-Agentur - Dpa

World champion Max Verstappen capitalized on a surprise pole position to break McLaren’s early-season dominance with a commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen’s Red Bull had enough pace to claim a 64th career victory, a fourth in a row in Suzuka and first of the season ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the latter turning 24 on the day. The closest McLaren got was in the pit lane when Verstappen and Norris exited almost side by side after getting fresh rubber. But the champion was slightly ahead and Norris was forced into the grass. A…

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has voiced support for Russia’s return to international football – if a peace agreement with Ukraine is reached – calling it “something we must hope for.” Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been effectively banned from all FIFA and UEFA competitions at both club and national levels. With the United States pushing for a peace deal, Infantino expressed his desire to see Russia reintegrated into the global football community as soon as possible. Speaking at UEFA’s annual congress in Belgrade, he reflected on football’s unifying power, recalling the golden generation that won the 1992 European…

Madison Keys attributed her breakthrough victory in securing her first Grand Slam title to extensive therapy, which she said helped her achieve the mental clarity needed to fulfill her lifelong dream. The American ended Aryna Sabalenka’s hopes of a third-straight Australian Open title, seizing her moment to claim a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena. In the Open era, only Flavia Pennetta, Ann Jones and Francesca Schiavone have won maiden grand slam titles later into their career than 29-year-old Keys, who covered her face with her hands in delight and disbelief after sending a final forehand winner fizzing…

Turkish Süper Lig powerhouse Fenerbahçe agreed on a deal Tuesday to sign Brazilian center back Diego Carlos from Aston Villa. The 31-year-old, who joined Villa from Sevilla in 2022, arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday for a medical and to discuss personal terms. Carlos has not been involved in the last five matches for Villa and the news of his impending exit was announced by the Yellow Canaries while Villa were in Champions League action against Monaco. “Our club has reached an agreement in principle with the club for the transfer of Diego Carlos, who plays for Aston Villa,” Fenerbahçe said…

Manchester United’s Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayındır was the unlikely hero as the 10-man Red Devils beat Arsenal on penalties to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Bayındır, United’s stand-in goalkeeper, saved a spot-kick from Martin Odegaard in normal time at the Emirates Stadium and produced another decisive stop in the shootout to deny Kai Havertz. The game was drawn 1-1 thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Jesus, the latter forced off with a concerning looking injury shortly afterward, with the visitors short of numbers following Diogo Dalot’s 61st-minute sending off. Joshua Zirkzee sealed the…

Manchester United’s Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayındır was the unlikely hero as the 10-man Red Devils beat Arsenal on penalties to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Bayındır, United’s stand-in goalkeeper, saved a spot-kick from Martin Odegaard in normal time at the Emirates Stadium and produced another decisive stop in the shootout to deny Kai Havertz. The game was drawn 1-1 thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Jesus, the latter forced off with a concerning looking injury shortly afterward, with the visitors short of numbers following Diogo Dalot’s 61st-minute sending off. Joshua Zirkzee sealed the…

Chess champion Magnus Carlsen has responded to accusations that he secretly agreed to a draw before the World Blitz Chess Championship final. Wednesday’s historic final in New York between Carlsen, the defending Norwegian champion, and Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi ended in a rare draw, with both players sharing the title. A video circulating on social media shows the two discussing the outcome and a proposal to the governing body, FIDE. However, Carlsen, who briefly walked out of the tournament earlier this week over a dress code dispute, clarified that the conversation was merely a joke. “I’ve never prearranged a draw in…

Nick Kyrgios has called Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek’s positive doping tests “disgusting” ahead of his return to tennis. The outspoken Australian, who has played just one match in over two years due to injury, has remained active on social media during a turbulent period for the sport. In August, it was revealed that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of wrongdoing. Then, in November, Swiatek received a one-month ban after testing positive for a substance found in contaminated medication. Kyrgios has been especially vocal in criticizing Sinner, who may still face a ban after…

The Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash between Germany and Spain became the most-watched TV event in Germany this year, according to data from public broadcaster ARD. An impressive 27.1 million viewers tuned in to the live broadcast on July 5, capturing a remarkable 80.9% market share. Germany’s hopes were dashed as they were eliminated from the home tournament following a 2-1 extra-time defeat to eventual champions Spain. In contrast, Germany’s women’s team topped the viewership charts in 2022 and 2023, while the men’s team failed to make the top 50 after disappointing exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. “The…

Japanese carmakers Honda and Nissan are discussing a merger with Mitsubishi Motors in a bid to counter fierce global competition in the field of electric vehicles, the companies said in a statement released after an emergency press conference on Monday. Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest car manufacturers, plan to complete negotiations by June 2025 for a holding company from August 2026, the statement said. Mitsubishi Motors, which is partly owned by Nissan, is to decide by the end of January whether to participate in a merger, it said. Nissan and Honda had already announced in March that…