Ireland's Bannon to fight Hughes in UFC Paris
Irish fighter Shauna Bannon will take on the USA's Sam Hughes in the UFC fight night in Paris on 6 September. The strawweight bout will be on the undercard of Frenc fighter Nassourdine Imavov's middleweight showdown with Caio Borralho. Bannon, 31, last fought in March when she defeated Puja Tomar with a superb performance in London to take her professional record to 7-1.Her sole defeat came on her UFC debut when she lost to Bruna Brasil in a unanimous decision.Like her Irish opponent, Hughes was last in action in March when she beat Stephanie Luciano on a split decision.The 33-year-old American holds a professional record of 10-6 and has been fighting in the UFC for five years. Welsh fighter Mason Jones will also fight in the preliminary bouts against Bolaji Oki in a lightweight fight, while England's Kennedy Freeman will face Yuneisy Duben in a flyweight encounter.
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The Guardian
32 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Carlos Alcaraz escapes first-round scare as Fabio Fognini tests his limits
Carlos Alcaraz said he was proud to have squeezed into the second round after struggling with his nerves and the heat on Centre Court during his dramatic five-set win against Fabio Fognini on Monday. In searing temperatures, Alcaraz started his pursuit of a third consecutive Wimbledon title by outlasting the veteran Italian 7-5, 6-7 (1), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 after 4hr 37min on-court. 'I'm getting mature and I know how to deal with some situations,' the Spaniard said. 'I always say that the champions always find a way. I really want to see myself in that [list] of champions. I really want to put myself like a champion that always finds a way to win. 'I've been playing really, really tough matches the last year, the last year in this tournament. Just really proud that I always find a way. Today I did it, even though Fabio was playing great tennis. Just really proud to overcome the problem, to overcome the tough moments.' Grand slam titles cannot be won on the first day of competition, but they can always be lost. So far in his career. Alcaraz has been brilliant at ensuring that he at least gives himself a chance in every tournament. With this victory, Alcaraz maintains his perfect record of 18 wins and no defeats in the first round of grand slam tournaments. He also has 14 wins and only one defeat in five-set matches. At 38, Fognini has been a fixture on the tour for much of the past two decades, with a career‑high ranking of No 9 and several monumental wins. This year, however, marks his final season on the tour and simple victories have been difficult to come by. He has lost all six of his ATP main draw matches this year, losing against multiple players ranked outside the top 350. Across the net, Alcaraz is the most in-form player in the sport after establishing an 18-match winning sequence, including titles at the French Open and Queen's Club. On paper, this match was not supposed to be close. Despite struggling with his serve early on, Alcaraz appeared to be moving confidently towards victory as he established a 7-5, 4-2 lead. But then, not for the first time, his concentration faltered. He played a dire service game to relinquish the break, and followed up with an error‑strewn start to the third‑set tie‑break. He soon found himself at one-set all and down a break at 2-3 in the third set. 'It doesn't matter that the winning streak that I have right now, that I've been playing great on grass, that I have been preparing really well the week before – Wimbledon is different,' Alcaraz said. 'I could feel today that I was really nervous at the beginning. Being the first match on Centre Court, it's a huge privilege for me. Even though I played the first match last year, it feels [like] the first time. I just try to deal with the nerves the best way possible.' Although Fognini has lost much of his speed in his later years, quality shotmaking remains and the lofty occasion inspired the best of his ball‑striking talents. His forehand was precise and lethal, lasering winners from all parts of the court, he continually closed down the net, volleying spectacularly, and he often matched Alcaraz's supreme variety of shot with his own deft hand skills. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion Even when Alcaraz established a lead of two sets to one, Fognini refused to let his intensity drop and throughout the fourth set he suffocated Alcaraz's serve with his spectacular returning. As the match dragged on, and the pair headed for a decider, the world No 2 cut an increasingly distressed figure, repeatedly unloading his frustration on his player box. In the heat, Alcaraz walked gingerly between points. Early in the final set, play was halted after a fan was struggling with the heat, which prompted Alcaraz to sprint over with a bottle of water. 'Obviously playing with such a high heat out there is really difficult to deal with sometimes,' Alcaraz said. 'Even tougher when you're playing long matches, long rallies.' In the middle of some of the most intense months of his young career, which have pushed him to his physical and mental limit, a few efficient, relatively stress-free wins would not hurt Alcaraz. Although such straightforward matches have evaded him, he continues to show his ability to produce his best tennis when most needed. One set away from a catastrophic first-round defeat, he pulled himself together and closed out an important victory that keeps alive his dream of a Wimbledon hat-trick.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
From Russo to Katoto: six contenders to be top scorer at Euro 2025
Russo is coming into this tournament in the form of her career. Her 12 goals in the Women's Super League played an integral role in the Gunners' second-place finish and earned her a share of the Golden Boot, alongside Manchester City's Khadija Shaw. She was also Arsenal's top scorer in their run to securing the Champions League. Her productivity in front of goal has been the biggest improvement to her game. If Euro 2022 was Russo's breakout tournament and the 2023 World Cup the one where she came of age, this summer is a chance for the 26-year-old to stamp her authority as one of the best strikers on the continent. Her game is about much more than just her finishing ability, with her strong hold-up play, aerial presence and pressing ability all assets. She sets the tone for England from the front and has become a quiet leader in the squad. The 27-year-old Schüller is an instinctive striker and her form for club and country this season has made her one to watch. She amassed 16 goals in all competitions as Bayern Munich claimed their first domestic double with the striker scoring a hat-trick in the DFB Pokal final against Werder Bremen. Schüller is a constant in the international setup and has been part of the squad at the last four major tournaments. She was Germany's top scorer when they claimed the bronze medal at last summer's Olympics and was similarly prolific in their latest Nations League campaign. Her five goals in the group stage played a key role in helping Christian Wück's team to this autumn's semi-finals. In a team full of attacking talent, she provides the focal point up front, supported by Klara Bühl, Jule Brand and Laura Freigang. In a team full of stars, Pina is threatening to shine the brightest. The 23-year-old has taken the headlines this season with some sensational performances. Pina's potential has never been in doubt, with her natural technical ability and eye for goal clear. At the age of 13 in 2014-15 she scored 100 goals in 20 appearances for Barcelona's Infantin-Alevín youth side (a season in which her team scored 279 goals in 21 games), and she made her senior debut at 16. Her 24 goals in all competitions this season helped Pere Romeu's team secure a domestic treble, while she finished top scorer in the Champions League. Her 25-minute cameo in the first leg of the semi-final against Chelsea, in which she registered two goals and one assist, was particularly memorable. She returned to the national setup in 2024 after a two-year absence. She was one of 'Las 15' – the group of players who demanded better conditions from the Spanish football federation in 2022 – and subsequently ruled herself out of the 2023 World Cup. Her recent gamechanging double against England sent Montse Tomé's side into the Nations League semi-finals. Over the last two seasons, Beerensteyn has started to realise her potential, finding the kind of form many expected from her when she first broke into the Dutch setup. In the absence of Vivianne Miedema, she has stepped up to lead the line. She finished as the Netherlands' top scorer in Euro 2025 qualifying and in their recent Nations League campaign. Domestically, she has also been prolific, winning the Frauen Bundesliga Golden Boot with Wolfsburg. It was a disappointing domestic campaign for the She-Wolves, who finished second behind Bayern Munich. Beerensteyn's 16 goals, however, meant she matched Hoffenheim's Selina Cerci at the top of the scoring charts. The pacy 28-year-old can play anywhere across the front line. An injury towards the end of the season is a slight concern but the Dutch coach, Andries Jonker, seems confident she will be fit for the summer. González's four goals in her last four games for Spain have put her in the frame to be their first-choice No 9 this summer. The 32-year-old is one of a handful of the Spanish squad to play abroad and has taken the National Women's Soccer League by storm since joining Gotham FC in August 2023. She scored the goal that won them their first NWSL Championship a few months after joining and has been prolific at club level in the first half of this season. González has been in and out of the national side since making her debut in 2016. She scored against England in their quarter-final defeat at Euro 2022 and captained the side on a couple of occasions at the 2023 World Cup. She has struggled to nail down a consistent starting role but her impressive recent form might change that in Switzerland. Katoto is one of the most naturally talented forwards in the women's game. Her domestic career to date has been played solely at Paris Saint-Germain. In the decade after making her senior debut, the 26-year-old racked up 180 goals in 223 appearances. She finished as their leading goalscorer in the 2024-25 season, her 12 Première Ligue goals helping them to a second-place finish in what turned out to be her final season at the club before this summer's move to Lyon. The tall striker is now looking to make her mark on the international stage. Her Euro 2022 was heartbreaking – she ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in the group stage – and she failed to recover in time for the World Cup, so last year's Olympics was her first major tournament for the national team. She finished as the Golden Boot winner on home soil despite France's quarter-final exit and will be eager to replicate that form in Switzerland. A special mention should go to Ewa Pajor, who will be captaining Poland in their first major tournament. Being placed in Group C with Germany, Denmark and Sweden is a tough challenge for the newcomers but Pajor's stats cannot be ignored. She finished her first season at Barcelona with 43 goals in 46 appearances and will looking to continue that form as her nation makes history this summer.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Strictly Come Dancing hunk 'signs up for Celebrity SAS' just weeks after shock split from fiancée
A Strictly Come Dancing hunk has reportedly signed up for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, just weeks after his shock split from his fiancée. Ben Cohen, 46, is reportedly gearing up to take on the gruelling Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins challenge. The former rugby player, who is well known for his appearance on Strictly more than a decade ago, is looking forward to 'throw himself into a new challenge' following his split from fiancée of 12 years Kristina Rihanoff. A TV insider told The Sun: 'Ben has had a difficult few months with his split from Kristina, having to sell their home and also having spiralling business debts. 'Celeb SAS is not only a good pay day for him, but it's a new challenge to throw himself into. 'Ben is obviously a sportsman and a very physical, competitive player so if anyone can handle the SAS recruitment process, it's him.' MailOnline have contacted Ben and Celebrity SAS representatives for comment. Ben and Kristina's relationship was the product of the BBC show's infamous curse when he left his then-wife Abby in 2013, before going onto date Kristina, before money troubles reportedly tore them apart. MailOnline was told that it was the severe financial difficulties they had recently experienced are believed to have been behind their split. The extent of the couple's struggles were laid bare in unusual circumstances - during a court appearance last September when Kristina was caught driving without insurance. Giving evidence during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben admitted he had bungled the handling of their car insurance policy and told how he was 'fighting to save his relationship and home'. A friend of the couple said: 'The past six months have been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their family, they have chosen to go forward as separate individuals. 'Those close to them who know them as a couple had hoped they would be able to work things out but for now it's over and it looks like there's no going back.' The couple were left with crippling debts after they ploughed every penny they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis during the Covid pandemic. According to The Sun, the couple are now left with a crippling £1million debt. In a tortuously frank admission Cohen told the court: 'I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything - to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.' When questioned about the strains on his and Rihanoff's relationship, he said: 'We're still living together. We're in it financially. 'We're in business together so the problem is that we opened the business before Covid and we got the worst severities of it and in all honestly this is just another problem for me to deal with. 'I've got credit cards that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a business debt because of Covid. It's just another problem.' MailOnline was given an insight into the struggles during an interview with the couple in May 2021. They started Soo Yoga Group together in June 2017 - four years after falling for each other when they partnered on the 11th series of the hit BBC show. Companies House records showed that the Soo Yoga Group Ltd was £488,470 in the red in its last submitted set of accounts for the year ending on July 31, 2022. The company was facing being struck off and Cohen has since resigned as a director leaving Rihanoff as its sole director - while other companies linked to the couple were also in difficulties. It was not long before the couple had put their £1.75million five-bedroom home in Sywell, Northamptonshire, where they had lived since 2016 on the market. Cohen resorted to selling topless photos of himself in a bid to raise some much needed cash. Ahead of the new year, he created a calendar with 1,000 personally signed editions selling at £32.95 a time in the hope of raking in £33,000. The couple revealed the irony of how they set off full of hope on a project to improve health and wellbeing only to be plunged into a crisis which left them facing losing everything and damaging their mental health. Russian-born Rihanoff - who left Strictly in 2015 before giving birth to their daughter Mila the following year - had worked hard to retrain as a yoga instructor. But the couple were forced to close their seven-studio yoga centre when the pandemic struck just nine months after opening. The studio offered dance, meditation and pilates classes while Cohen taught high intensity training. Rihanoff told MailOnline: 'The company is a new company we'd just set it up. We invested everything we've ever had. 'It was awful. I put everything into it and you don't even have a chance to develop the business. 'We opened in August after the first lockdown and had a huge spike. It's a family orientated centre. Then November lockdown, December it was awful because we didn't know the end of it. It was forever and ever and ever. Fingers crossed we can go back to normality soon.' She spoke of struggles with depression which has 'skyrocketed through the lockdowns' and admitted they struggled. At that point the couple were able to temporarily run outdoor classes on tennis courts in Northampton but told of their plans to expand the business into a nationwide venture - hoping to emule the success of David Lloyd's sports club empire. Cohen said: 'Yes it's great being outside and doing stuff but it shouldn't be at that point - we haven't earned a penny.' Cohen told how it was 'tough to run a business' but said of his hopes: 'Essentially we want to do what David Lloyd did. Everyone thought he was crazy. David has been helping us with this too. We want to grow this across the country.' The couple appeared to be back on track after getting engaged on a sun-kissed beach in the Maldives in 2022 and told of their hopes of tying the knot in Tuscany or Oxfordshire. Ben told Hello! Magazine in 2023: 'Over the last nine years we've been through the wringer. 'To support each other through difficult times in business is the ultimate test in a relationship. 'I've watched her flourish, from her becoming a mum to growing as a businesswoman, and it has strengthened our bond.' But their ongoing struggles were revealed when Rihanoff, who worked on Strictly between 2008 and 2013, appeared at Northampton Crown Court to unsuccessfully appeal a sentence for driving without insurance. Sobbing throughout the hearing, she told the court it would be financially devastating if she was disqualified. She said she needed to drive to judge ballroom competitions across the country, which earn her around £2,000 a month, and to take Mila to school. MailOnline later revealed the couple's yoga company had plunged almost £500,000 in debt.
