The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold in a record-breaking $10 billion deal that makes the iconic franchise the highest-valued sports team in US history, ESPN reported Wednesday.&nbsp;The report said the Lakers' owners, the Buss family, would sell their controlling interest in the team to billionaire Mark Walter, who already owns a minority stake in the franchise.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-fifa-club-world-cup-real-madrid-held-as-manchester-city-juventus-triumph-in-openers-1750304338171">Club World Cup: Real Madrid held as Manchester City, Juventus triumph in openers</a>&nbsp;While Jeanie Buss would continue as Lakers governor, the deal ends the Buss family's 46-year reign over the NBA giants.&nbsp;Walter is the chief executive of holding company TWG Global, which has built an impressive portfolio of professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks. He is also part of the ownership group of English Premier League side Chelsea.&nbsp;TWG also owns the Billie Jean King Cup tennis tournament and the Cadillac Formula One team.&nbsp;While further specifics of the deal were not disclosed, Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson -- a business partner of Walter -- was among the first to react to news of the agreement.&nbsp;"Laker fans should be ecstatic," Johnson wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;“A few things I can tell you about Mark -- he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. And he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike.”<h3>'The best choice'&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;Johnson cited Walter's ownership of the Dodgers baseball team as a reason for optimism.&nbsp;The Dodgers have won the World Series twice since Walter's ownership group took over the club, and in recent years have adopted an aggressive recruitment strategy that has seen them sign some of the sport's best talent, including Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani on a 10-year, $700 million deal.&nbsp;"Mark is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand," Johnson wrote. "The proof is in the pudding on what he's been able to accomplish with the LA Dodgers. Mark has been nothing short of a winner."&nbsp;The Buss family selling the Lakers marks the end of an era in the NBA, whose modern popularity owes much to the franchise's 1980s heyday.&nbsp;The Lakers were bought in 1979 by charismatic tycoon Jerry Buss, who quickly helped turn the franchise into a sporting powerhouse as well as a globally recognised brand.&nbsp;The Buss era brought the Lakers 11 NBA championships -- more than any other team over the same period -- and encompassed golden ages which included the "Showtime" Lakers of Magic Johnson as well as a hat-trick of championships between 2000 and 2002 when the team was spearheaded by Kobe Bryant.&nbsp;More recently, the team recruited superstar LeBron James, who led the Lakers to a 17th championship in 2020, and stunned the league earlier this after swooping for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.&nbsp;Walter has been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2021, when he bought a share in a deal which also gave him first refusal to purchase the club should the Buss family ever decide to sell.&nbsp;The sale of the club smashes the previous highest figure paid for a US sports team, the $6.1 billion paid for the Boston Celtics earlier this year.&nbsp;That Celtics sale eclipsed the $6.05 billion that Josh Harris paid for the Washington Commanders in 2023.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Los Angeles Lakers to be sold in record-breaking $10bn deal - Report

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold in a record-breaking $10 billion deal that makes the iconic franchise the highest-valued sports team in US history, ESPN reported Wednesday. The report said the Lakers' owners, the Buss family, would sell their controlling interest in the team to billionaire Mark Walter, who already owns a minority stake in the franchise. Also read | Club World Cup: Real Madrid held as Manchester City, Juventus triumph in openers While Jeanie Buss would continue as Lakers governor, the deal ends the Buss family's 46-year reign over the NBA giants. Walter is the chief executive of holding company TWG Global, which has built an impressive portfolio of professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks. He is also part of the ownership group of English Premier League side Chelsea. TWG also owns the Billie Jean King Cup tennis tournament and the Cadillac Formula One team. While further specifics of the deal were not disclosed, Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson -- a business partner of Walter -- was among the first to react to news of the agreement. "Laker fans should be ecstatic," Johnson wrote on X. “A few things I can tell you about Mark -- he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. And he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike.” 'The best choice' Johnson cited Walter's ownership of the Dodgers baseball team as a reason for optimism. The Dodgers have won the World Series twice since Walter's ownership group took over the club, and in recent years have adopted an aggressive recruitment strategy that has seen them sign some of the sport's best talent, including Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani on a 10-year, $700 million deal. "Mark is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand," Johnson wrote. "The proof is in the pudding on what he's been able to accomplish with the LA Dodgers. Mark has been nothing short of a winner." The Buss family selling the Lakers marks the end of an era in the NBA, whose modern popularity owes much to the franchise's 1980s heyday. The Lakers were bought in 1979 by charismatic tycoon Jerry Buss, who quickly helped turn the franchise into a sporting powerhouse as well as a globally recognised brand. The Buss era brought the Lakers 11 NBA championships -- more than any other team over the same period -- and encompassed golden ages which included the "Showtime" Lakers of Magic Johnson as well as a hat-trick of championships between 2000 and 2002 when the team was spearheaded by Kobe Bryant. More recently, the team recruited superstar LeBron James, who led the Lakers to a 17th championship in 2020, and stunned the league earlier this after swooping for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. Walter has been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2021, when he bought a share in a deal which also gave him first refusal to purchase the club should the Buss family ever decide to sell. The sale of the club smashes the previous highest figure paid for a US sports team, the $6.1 billion paid for the Boston Celtics earlier this year. That Celtics sale eclipsed the $6.05 billion that Josh Harris paid for the Washington Commanders in 2023. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The Lakers' owners, the Buss family, would sell their controlling interest in the team to billionaire Mark Walter, who already owns a minority stake in the franchise.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Lionel Messi would be fit to face Porto at the Club World Cup on Thursday, despite showing signs of discomfort in training.&nbsp;A video emerged of Messi touching his left leg during the session on Wednesday, but Mascherano confirmed the veteran forward was ready for Miami's second Group A match in Atlanta.&nbsp;"On the trip from Miami to Atlanta, I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is fit, he trained, he completed the whole session," Mascherano told reporters.&nbsp;"He was touching his leg, sometimes people touch themselves, but there's no problem, he's fit and obviously he will play tomorrow."&nbsp;The coach said Messi's former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba was available after missing the opening 0-0 draw against Al Ahly due to injury.&nbsp;"We'll evaluate what's best for us, if he starts or not," said the coach. "Actually, I already know, but I won't tell you."&nbsp;&nbsp;Mascherano, meanwhile, said retaining possession would be the key against Portugal's Porto, regular Champions League participants who are likely to provide the MLS team with a stern test.&nbsp;"We have players who feel much more comfortable when they're in possession, dominating, and having control of the game through the ball," said the Argentine.&nbsp;"Of course, we're facing a team that also is used to doing that, who are a high-level side.&nbsp;"But on the pitch we're 11 against 11, we'll try to shut down their strengths, expose their weaknesses and try to have a great game to get a good result."&nbsp;Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, a member of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning side and one of Messi's former Barcelona teammates, admitted his team would be up against it at the Mercedes-Benz stadium.&nbsp;"They have very good players, they have reinforced, and we know that it will be very difficult," Busquets told reporters.&nbsp;"They are a team that compete every year for their league, against other great teams like Sporting and Benfica.&nbsp;"We will try to be as solid as possible, stick close together and try to do the best we can as a team.&nbsp;"If we get chances, we have the individuals (who can finish them), but above all, we have to be solid and keep a clean sheet."

Messi fit to play Porto in Club World Cup, confirms Inter coach Mascherano

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Lionel Messi would be fit to face Porto at the Club World Cup on Thursday, despite showing signs of discomfort in training. A video emerged of Messi touching his left leg during the session on Wednesday, but Mascherano confirmed the veteran forward was ready for Miami's second Group A match in Atlanta. "On the trip from Miami to Atlanta, I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is fit, he trained, he completed the whole session," Mascherano told reporters. "He was touching his leg, sometimes people touch themselves, but there's no problem, he's fit and obviously he will play tomorrow." The coach said Messi's former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba was available after missing the opening 0-0 draw against Al Ahly due to injury. "We'll evaluate what's best for us, if he starts or not," said the coach. "Actually, I already know, but I won't tell you." Mascherano, meanwhile, said retaining possession would be the key against Portugal's Porto, regular Champions League participants who are likely to provide the MLS team with a stern test. "We have players who feel much more comfortable when they're in possession, dominating, and having control of the game through the ball," said the Argentine. "Of course, we're facing a team that also is used to doing that, who are a high-level side. "But on the pitch we're 11 against 11, we'll try to shut down their strengths, expose their weaknesses and try to have a great game to get a good result." Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, a member of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning side and one of Messi's former Barcelona teammates, admitted his team would be up against it at the Mercedes-Benz stadium. "They have very good players, they have reinforced, and we know that it will be very difficult," Busquets told reporters. "They are a team that compete every year for their league, against other great teams like Sporting and Benfica. "We will try to be as solid as possible, stick close together and try to do the best we can as a team. "If we get chances, we have the individuals (who can finish them), but above all, we have to be solid and keep a clean sheet."

A video emerged of Messi touching his left leg during the session on Wednesday, but Mascherano confirmed the veteran forward was ready for Miami's second Group A match in Atlanta.

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal at the Club World Cup in new coach Xabi Alonso's first game in charge on Wednesday, after Manchester City got off to a winning start.&nbsp;In the late game, Juventus thrashed Al Ain 5-0 in Washington after visiting US President Donald Trump at the White House.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-premier-league-manchester-united-arsenal-headline-blockbuster-opening-day-1750235356235">Premier League: Manchester United-Arsenal headline blockbuster opening day</a>&nbsp;Federico Valverde had a stoppage-time penalty saved as Real were forced to settle for a point in the Group H match in Miami, having taken the lead.&nbsp;It was a disappointing outcome for the large contingent of fans of the Spanish side in the crowd of 62,415 at Hard Rock Stadium.&nbsp;"The first half wasn't as good as the second one. In the second half, we had better chances, better control. For sure, we have the principles to start building something, but we could have won," Alonso told broadcaster DAZN.&nbsp;The former Bayer Leverkusen coach gave debuts to new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in defence, but Real were missing Kylian Mbappe through illness.&nbsp;Gonzalo Garcia started in his place, and the 21-year-old seized his chance as he opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark from a Rodrygo assist.&nbsp;Al Hilal hit back in their new coach Simone Inzaghi's first game on the bench with Ruben Neves levelling before the break from the penalty spot following a Raul Asencio foul.&nbsp;Real had the chance to claim victory in stoppage time after Mohammed Al Qahtani was ruled to have put his hand in the face of Fran Garcia in the box.&nbsp;However, Valverde's spot-kick was saved by Yassine Bounou to give the Saudi team a draw after a hugely creditable performance.&nbsp;RB Salzburg took the lead in Group H with a 2-1 win over Mexican outfit Pachuca in Cincinnati.&nbsp;The match was suspended early in the second half with the Austrian team leading 1-0 because of a storm, resuming 97 minutes later.<h2>Foden stars</h2>&nbsp;In Philadelphia, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku scored first-half goals as Pep Guardiola's City eased to a 2-0 win against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in Group G.&nbsp;City gave debuts to new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, but it was Foden who opened the scoring inside two minutes.&nbsp;Doku converted the second goal from a Foden corner shortly before the interval in a game played in sweaty early afternoon conditions in front of 37,446 fans at Lincoln Financial Field.&nbsp;The afternoon was slightly marred for City as Rico Lewis was sent off for a dangerous tackle late on, but Guardiola was satisfied with the winning start as his side looks to turn the page following a difficult last season.&nbsp;"It is so hot. The humidity is not easy. We had good moments, many new players. The first game in this group stage is always really, really important. I saw many, many good things," said Guardiola, who suggested he will make sweeping changes for the next match against Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday.&nbsp;"We are going to train well in the next few days and then fresh legs for the next game to try to improve things," Guardiola added.&nbsp;“We have a lot of new players, injured players back, and step by step, we will get to the right tempo.”<h3>Juve dominant</h3>&nbsp;Juventus, who sent a delegation to the White House earlier in the day to present Trump with a club shirt, surged to the top of Group G with a crushing triumph over the UAE team Al Ain at Audi Field.&nbsp;On loan Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao both struck twice, while Kenan Yildiz was also on target.&nbsp;"I'm delighted for my goals but first and foremost for the team's win," Conceicao, on loan from Porto, told DAZN.&nbsp;"We started the game well and that's what we wanted to do, to win this opening match, and now we need to kick on."&nbsp;The second round of group games begins on Thursday, with matches including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami against Porto and European champions Paris Saint-Germain facing Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Club World Cup: Real Madrid held as Manchester City, Juventus triumph in openers

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal at the Club World Cup in new coach Xabi Alonso's first game in charge on Wednesday, after Manchester City got off to a winning start. In the late game, Juventus thrashed Al Ain 5-0 in Washington after visiting US President Donald Trump at the White House. Also read | Premier League: Manchester United-Arsenal headline blockbuster opening day Federico Valverde had a stoppage-time penalty saved as Real were forced to settle for a point in the Group H match in Miami, having taken the lead. It was a disappointing outcome for the large contingent of fans of the Spanish side in the crowd of 62,415 at Hard Rock Stadium. "The first half wasn't as good as the second one. In the second half, we had better chances, better control. For sure, we have the principles to start building something, but we could have won," Alonso told broadcaster DAZN. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach gave debuts to new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in defence, but Real were missing Kylian Mbappe through illness. Gonzalo Garcia started in his place, and the 21-year-old seized his chance as he opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark from a Rodrygo assist. Al Hilal hit back in their new coach Simone Inzaghi's first game on the bench with Ruben Neves levelling before the break from the penalty spot following a Raul Asencio foul. Real had the chance to claim victory in stoppage time after Mohammed Al Qahtani was ruled to have put his hand in the face of Fran Garcia in the box. However, Valverde's spot-kick was saved by Yassine Bounou to give the Saudi team a draw after a hugely creditable performance. RB Salzburg took the lead in Group H with a 2-1 win over Mexican outfit Pachuca in Cincinnati. The match was suspended early in the second half with the Austrian team leading 1-0 because of a storm, resuming 97 minutes later. Foden stars In Philadelphia, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku scored first-half goals as Pep Guardiola's City eased to a 2-0 win against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in Group G. City gave debuts to new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, but it was Foden who opened the scoring inside two minutes. Doku converted the second goal from a Foden corner shortly before the interval in a game played in sweaty early afternoon conditions in front of 37,446 fans at Lincoln Financial Field. The afternoon was slightly marred for City as Rico Lewis was sent off for a dangerous tackle late on, but Guardiola was satisfied with the winning start as his side looks to turn the page following a difficult last season. "It is so hot. The humidity is not easy. We had good moments, many new players. The first game in this group stage is always really, really important. I saw many, many good things," said Guardiola, who suggested he will make sweeping changes for the next match against Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday. "We are going to train well in the next few days and then fresh legs for the next game to try to improve things," Guardiola added. “We have a lot of new players, injured players back, and step by step, we will get to the right tempo.” Juve dominant Juventus, who sent a delegation to the White House earlier in the day to present Trump with a club shirt, surged to the top of Group G with a crushing triumph over the UAE team Al Ain at Audi Field. On loan Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao both struck twice, while Kenan Yildiz was also on target. "I'm delighted for my goals but first and foremost for the team's win," Conceicao, on loan from Porto, told DAZN. "We started the game well and that's what we wanted to do, to win this opening match, and now we need to kick on." The second round of group games begins on Thursday, with matches including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami against Porto and European champions Paris Saint-Germain facing Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Federico Valverde had a stoppage-time penalty saved as Real were forced to settle for a point in the Group H match in Miami, having taken the lead.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is recovering from cancer, has pulled out of attending the Royal Ascot race meeting, her Kensington Palace office said on Wednesday. &nbsp;The famed sporting event in Berkshire in southern England is a key event in the royal calendar.Catherine, also known as Kate, would not be attending Royal Ascot with her husband Prince William, King Charles III and Queen Camilla as she continued to "find the right balance following her battle with cancer" the domestic Press Association news agency added. &nbsp;The 43-year-old future queen has been making a gradual return to public duties since she announced she was cancer free in September 2024. &nbsp;In March that year, the mother-of-three revealed she was undergoing a course of "preventative chemotherapy" for an undisclosed cancer. &nbsp;Kate, who in January revealed she was in remission, was said to be disappointed not to able to attend Royal Ascot, a renowned social and sporting occasion for which the royal family come out in force. &nbsp;The annual five-day race meeting was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite sporting event. &nbsp;Royal Ascot begins each day of the week with the Royal Procession, a historic tradition in which the monarch and various accompanying members of the royal family arrive along the track in horse-drawn carriages. &nbsp;They then watch the racing from the exclusive Royal Enclosure. &nbsp;The enclosure operates a strict dress code of top hats and morning coats -- jackets with a long "tail" -- for men and hats and knee-length or longer dresses or skirts for women. &nbsp;Charles, 76, has also faced his own cancer battle. &nbsp;The king announced in early 2024 that he too had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer.He has since returned to public duties, but is still undergoing treatment. &nbsp;Catherine on Saturday appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the rest of the royal family following Charles's annual birthday parade. &nbsp;On Monday she was photographed attending an official royal event at St George's Chapel on the royal family's Windsor estate, west of London.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is recovering from cancer, has pulled out of attending the Royal Ascot race meeting.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is recovering from cancer, has pulled out of attending the Royal Ascot race meeting, her Kensington Palace office said on Wednesday. The famed sporting event in Berkshire in southern England is a key event in the royal calendar. Catherine, also known as Kate, would not be attending Royal Ascot with her husband Prince William, King Charles III and Queen Camilla as she continued to "find the right balance following her battle with cancer" the domestic Press Association news agency added. The 43-year-old future queen has been making a gradual return to public duties since she announced she was cancer free in September 2024. In March that year, the mother-of-three revealed she was undergoing a course of "preventative chemotherapy" for an undisclosed cancer. Kate, who in January revealed she was in remission, was said to be disappointed not to able to attend Royal Ascot, a renowned social and sporting occasion for which the royal family come out in force. The annual five-day race meeting was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite sporting event. Royal Ascot begins each day of the week with the Royal Procession, a historic tradition in which the monarch and various accompanying members of the royal family arrive along the track in horse-drawn carriages. They then watch the racing from the exclusive Royal Enclosure. The enclosure operates a strict dress code of top hats and morning coats -- jackets with a long "tail" -- for men and hats and knee-length or longer dresses or skirts for women. Charles, 76, has also faced his own cancer battle. The king announced in early 2024 that he too had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer. He has since returned to public duties, but is still undergoing treatment. Catherine on Saturday appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the rest of the royal family following Charles's annual birthday parade. On Monday she was photographed attending an official royal event at St George's Chapel on the royal family's Windsor estate, west of London.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is recovering from cancer, has pulled out of attending the Royal Ascot race meeting.

UK's Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, pulls out of Royal Ascot race meeting

Liverpool will kick off their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15 while Arsenal head to Manchester United in a blockbuster clash on the opening weekend.&nbsp;Arne Slot's champions have the chance to secure the first points of the new season at Anfield as they launch the 2025/26 campaign.&nbsp;Following the Bournemouth game they have tricky fixtures at Newcastle and at home to Arsenal.&nbsp;Thomas Frank's first match as Tottenham boss will come on August 16 at home against newly promoted Burnley, while Sunderland make their return to the top flight against West Ham on the same day.&nbsp;The third newcomers, Leeds, play Everton on Monday, August 18.&nbsp;Ruben Amorim's Manchester United, who will be desperate to make a strong start after a terrible league campaign last season, have been handed a hugely challenging test with a home game against Arsenal on August 17.&nbsp;The final day of the season falls on May 24, with matches including Manchester City against Aston Villa.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Liverpool will kick off their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15 while Arsenal head to Manchester United in a blockbuster clash on the opening weekend.

Liverpool will kick off their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15 while Arsenal head to Manchester United in a blockbuster clash on the opening weekend. Arne Slot's champions have the chance to secure the first points of the new season at Anfield as they launch the 2025/26 campaign. Following the Bournemouth game they have tricky fixtures at Newcastle and at home to Arsenal. Thomas Frank's first match as Tottenham boss will come on August 16 at home against newly promoted Burnley, while Sunderland make their return to the top flight against West Ham on the same day. The third newcomers, Leeds, play Everton on Monday, August 18. Ruben Amorim's Manchester United, who will be desperate to make a strong start after a terrible league campaign last season, have been handed a hugely challenging test with a home game against Arsenal on August 17. The final day of the season falls on May 24, with matches including Manchester City against Aston Villa. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Liverpool will kick off their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15 while Arsenal head to Manchester United in a blockbuster clash on the opening weekend.

Premier League: Manchester United-Arsenal headline blockbuster opening day

Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw against Monterrey in their FIFA Club World Cup Group E opener in Pasadena on Tuesday.&nbsp;Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez scored a well-worked equaliser to cancel out Sergio Ramos's opener for Monterrey in a hard-fought tussle in front of 40,311 fans at the Rose Bowl.&nbsp;Inter, playing their first game since being thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final earlier this month, were left ruing their failure to turn their dominance of possession and territory into goals.&nbsp;The Italian giants were in complete control almost from the kick-off, Benjamin Pavard the first to threaten with an eighth-minute shot that flew over the bar.&nbsp;Matteo Darmian should have done better in the 22nd minute but shot over after clever work down the left from Nicolo Barella.&nbsp;Yet despite the early onslaught, Inter were rocked in the 25th minute when Monterrey scored from one of their few forays into the Italians' half.&nbsp;Midfielder Oliver Torres swung a corner in from the right and the 39-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain star Ramos -- who had lost Francesco Acerbi on the edge of the six-yard box -- steered his header into the bottom corner.&nbsp;Inter were soon back on the offensive and only a point-blank save by Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada from Sebastiano Esposito prevented an equaliser.&nbsp;Martinez also went close after 36 minutes, and Inter had a strong penalty appeal when Pavard's header struck Ramos on the arm inside the area.&nbsp;VAR found in favor of Ramos and Monterrey escaped.&nbsp;Three minutes later Inter drew level with a wonderfully worked free-kick routine.Albanian international Kristjan Asllani shaped to shoot from 25 yards out but instead flighted a delicate chip behind the Monterrey defence.&nbsp;Brazilian international Carlos Augusto timed his run to perfection and squared into the path of Martinez, who tapped in for 1-1.&nbsp;Monterrey almost regained the lead against the run of play on 64 minutes, Sergio Canales unleashing a low shot that cannoned off the post.&nbsp;Inter had a Martinez goal ruled out for offside moments later as the Italians continued to threaten.&nbsp;But it was Monterrey who came closest to grabbing a winner in stoppage time when Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa got behind the Inter defence but could only shoot into the side netting.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw against Monterrey in their FIFA Club World Cup Group E opener in Pasadena on Tuesday.

Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw against Monterrey in their FIFA Club World Cup Group E opener in Pasadena on Tuesday. Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez scored a well-worked equaliser to cancel out Sergio Ramos's opener for Monterrey in a hard-fought tussle in front of 40,311 fans at the Rose Bowl. Inter, playing their first game since being thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final earlier this month, were left ruing their failure to turn their dominance of possession and territory into goals. The Italian giants were in complete control almost from the kick-off, Benjamin Pavard the first to threaten with an eighth-minute shot that flew over the bar. Matteo Darmian should have done better in the 22nd minute but shot over after clever work down the left from Nicolo Barella. Yet despite the early onslaught, Inter were rocked in the 25th minute when Monterrey scored from one of their few forays into the Italians' half. Midfielder Oliver Torres swung a corner in from the right and the 39-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain star Ramos -- who had lost Francesco Acerbi on the edge of the six-yard box -- steered his header into the bottom corner. Inter were soon back on the offensive and only a point-blank save by Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada from Sebastiano Esposito prevented an equaliser. Martinez also went close after 36 minutes, and Inter had a strong penalty appeal when Pavard's header struck Ramos on the arm inside the area. VAR found in favor of Ramos and Monterrey escaped. Three minutes later Inter drew level with a wonderfully worked free-kick routine. Albanian international Kristjan Asllani shaped to shoot from 25 yards out but instead flighted a delicate chip behind the Monterrey defence. Brazilian international Carlos Augusto timed his run to perfection and squared into the path of Martinez, who tapped in for 1-1. Monterrey almost regained the lead against the run of play on 64 minutes, Sergio Canales unleashing a low shot that cannoned off the post. Inter had a Martinez goal ruled out for offside moments later as the Italians continued to threaten. But it was Monterrey who came closest to grabbing a winner in stoppage time when Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa got behind the Inter defence but could only shoot into the side netting. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw against Monterrey in their FIFA Club World Cup Group E opener in Pasadena on Tuesday.

FIFA Club World Cup: Inter Milan held by Monterrey to start campaign

Carlos Alcaraz came through a testing first-round match against Adam Walton at Queen's on Tuesday as the top seed returned to action for the first time since his dramatic French Open triumph.&nbsp;But two of the world's top 10 crashed out as Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton lost to French duo Corentin Moutet and Arthur Rinderknech respectively.&nbsp;Alcaraz, back on grass for the first time since winning his second Wimbledon title last year, beat his 86th-ranked opponent 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on a sweaty day in west London.&nbsp;The Spaniard, who overcame Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros just nine days ago, broke in the seventh game and went on to clinch the first set against lucky loser Walton, who replaced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after he withdrew due to illness.&nbsp;The 2023 Queen's champion appeared to have found his rhythm only for Walton to rally impressively, carving out two set points on his opponent's serve in the 10th game.But the Australian failed to convert either of them and Alcaraz levelled, coming out on top in the subsequent tie-break.&nbsp;Alcaraz scribbled "Grass season, here we go!" on the courtside camera lens, thanking fans for their vocal support and saying he felt "loved" in London.&nbsp;"First match on grass is never easy to get used to the competition again, to get used to the grass again," he said. "So, I just want to say thank you for helping me a little bit."&nbsp;The world number two said he had taken time away from tennis after his gruelling French Open triumph to "reset" his mind and rest.&nbsp;"I'm just really happy with the performance that I had today," he said. "First match, I feel great. Obviously, a lot of things to improve, a lot of things that I have to put into work just to feel a little bit more comfortable on the grass. But in general, I'm just happy to get through."&nbsp;Alcaraz faces compatriot Jaume Munar in the last 16.&nbsp;World number four Fritz failed to convert a match point against Moutet before losing 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 7-5.&nbsp;Moutet held on in the second set tie-break before securing the only break of serve in the match in the final game.&nbsp;Sheldon also stumbled to a shock early exit to Rinderknech in two tie-breaks 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4).&nbsp;Earlier, British second seed Jack Draper dispatched American Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 6-1 to reach the second round.&nbsp;The left-hander, who has previously beaten Sinner and Alcaraz at Queen's, won 93 percent of first-serve points and did not face a break point in a dominant display.&nbsp;Draper is chasing his second title on grass after winning in Stuttgart last year and will next face Alexei Popyrin after the Australian beat compatriot Aleksandar Vukic.&nbsp;"Feels amazing, no place I'd rather be," said Draper. "We travel the world playing tennis, never get to come home or spend much time with my family but to be on this court in front of you guys, my people, my family, thank you."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Carlos Alcaraz came through a testing first-round match against Adam Walton at Queens on Tuesday as the top seed returned to action for the first time since his dramatic French Open triumph.

Carlos Alcaraz came through a testing first-round match against Adam Walton at Queen's on Tuesday as the top seed returned to action for the first time since his dramatic French Open triumph. But two of the world's top 10 crashed out as Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton lost to French duo Corentin Moutet and Arthur Rinderknech respectively. Alcaraz, back on grass for the first time since winning his second Wimbledon title last year, beat his 86th-ranked opponent 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on a sweaty day in west London. The Spaniard, who overcame Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros just nine days ago, broke in the seventh game and went on to clinch the first set against lucky loser Walton, who replaced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after he withdrew due to illness. The 2023 Queen's champion appeared to have found his rhythm only for Walton to rally impressively, carving out two set points on his opponent's serve in the 10th game. But the Australian failed to convert either of them and Alcaraz levelled, coming out on top in the subsequent tie-break. Alcaraz scribbled "Grass season, here we go!" on the courtside camera lens, thanking fans for their vocal support and saying he felt "loved" in London. "First match on grass is never easy to get used to the competition again, to get used to the grass again," he said. "So, I just want to say thank you for helping me a little bit." The world number two said he had taken time away from tennis after his gruelling French Open triumph to "reset" his mind and rest. "I'm just really happy with the performance that I had today," he said. "First match, I feel great. Obviously, a lot of things to improve, a lot of things that I have to put into work just to feel a little bit more comfortable on the grass. But in general, I'm just happy to get through." Alcaraz faces compatriot Jaume Munar in the last 16. World number four Fritz failed to convert a match point against Moutet before losing 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 7-5. Moutet held on in the second set tie-break before securing the only break of serve in the match in the final game. Sheldon also stumbled to a shock early exit to Rinderknech in two tie-breaks 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4). Earlier, British second seed Jack Draper dispatched American Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 6-1 to reach the second round. The left-hander, who has previously beaten Sinner and Alcaraz at Queen's, won 93 percent of first-serve points and did not face a break point in a dominant display. Draper is chasing his second title on grass after winning in Stuttgart last year and will next face Alexei Popyrin after the Australian beat compatriot Aleksandar Vukic. "Feels amazing, no place I'd rather be," said Draper. "We travel the world playing tennis, never get to come home or spend much time with my family but to be on this court in front of you guys, my people, my family, thank you." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Carlos Alcaraz came through a testing first-round match against Adam Walton at Queen's on Tuesday as the top seed returned to action for the first time since his dramatic French Open triumph.

French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz wins testing Queen's opener; Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton out

US President Donald Trump will this week give TikTok a fresh 90-day extension to find a non-Chinese buyer, the White House said Tuesday, the third time he has put off a threatened ban on the popular app.&nbsp;A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump's January inauguration.&nbsp;"President Trump will sign an additional Executive Order this week to keep TikTok up and running. As he has said many times, President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.&nbsp;"This extension will last 90 days, which the administration will spend working to ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure."&nbsp;Trump, whose 2024 election campaign relied heavily on social media, has previously said he is fond of the video sharing app.&nbsp;"I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok," Trump said in an NBC News interview in early May. "If it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension."&nbsp;<h2>Digital Cold War?</h2> Trump said at the time that a group of purchasers was ready to pay TikTok owner ByteDance "a lot of money" for the video-clip-sharing sensation's US operations.&nbsp;Trump has repeatedly downplayed risks that TikTok is in danger, saying he remains confident of finding a buyer for the app's US business.&nbsp;The president is "just not motivated to do anything about TikTok," said independent analyst Rob Enderle. "Unless they get on his bad side, TikTok is probably going to be in pretty good shape."&nbsp;Trump had long supported a ban or divestment, but reversed his position and vowed to defend the platform after coming to believe it helped him win young voters' support in the November election.&nbsp;Motivated by national security fears and belief in Washington that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese government, the ban took effect on January 19, one day before Trump's inauguration, with ByteDance having made no attempt to find a suitor.&nbsp;TikTok "has become a symbol of the US-China tech rivalry; a flashpoint in the new Cold War for digital control," said Shweta Singh, an assistant professor of information systems at Warwick Business School in Britain.&nbsp;The Republican president announced an initial 75-day delay of the ban upon taking office. A second extension pushed the deadline to June 19.&nbsp;<h2>Tariff turmoil</h2> Trump said in April that China would have agreed to a deal on the sale of TikTok if it were not for a dispute over his tariffs on Beijing.ByteDance has confirmed talks with the US government, saying key matters needed to be resolved and that any deal would be "subject to approval under Chinese law".&nbsp;Possible solutions reportedly include seeing existing US investors in ByteDance roll over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company.&nbsp;Additional US investors, including Oracle and private equity firm Blackstone, would be brought on to reduce ByteDance's share in the new TikTok.&nbsp;Much of TikTok's US activity is already housed on Oracle servers, and the company's chairman, Larry Ellison, is a longtime Trump ally.Uncertainty remains, particularly over what would happen to TikTok's valuable algorithm.&nbsp;"TikTok without its algorithm is like Harry Potter without his wand -- it's simply not as powerful," said Forrester Principal Analyst Kelsey Chickering.&nbsp;Meanwhile, it appears TikTok is continuing with business as usual.TikTok on Monday introduced a new "Symphony" suite of generative artificial intelligence tools for advertisers to turn words or photos into video snippets for the platform.

A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump's January inauguration.

US President Donald Trump will this week give TikTok a fresh 90-day extension to find a non-Chinese buyer, the White House said Tuesday, the third time he has put off a threatened ban on the popular app. A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump's January inauguration. "President Trump will sign an additional Executive Order this week to keep TikTok up and running. As he has said many times, President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. "This extension will last 90 days, which the administration will spend working to ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure." Trump, whose 2024 election campaign relied heavily on social media, has previously said he is fond of the video sharing app. "I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok," Trump said in an NBC News interview in early May. "If it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension." Digital Cold War? Trump said at the time that a group of purchasers was ready to pay TikTok owner ByteDance "a lot of money" for the video-clip-sharing sensation's US operations. Trump has repeatedly downplayed risks that TikTok is in danger, saying he remains confident of finding a buyer for the app's US business. The president is "just not motivated to do anything about TikTok," said independent analyst Rob Enderle. "Unless they get on his bad side, TikTok is probably going to be in pretty good shape." Trump had long supported a ban or divestment, but reversed his position and vowed to defend the platform after coming to believe it helped him win young voters' support in the November election. Motivated by national security fears and belief in Washington that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese government, the ban took effect on January 19, one day before Trump's inauguration, with ByteDance having made no attempt to find a suitor. TikTok "has become a symbol of the US-China tech rivalry; a flashpoint in the new Cold War for digital control," said Shweta Singh, an assistant professor of information systems at Warwick Business School in Britain. The Republican president announced an initial 75-day delay of the ban upon taking office. A second extension pushed the deadline to June 19. Tariff turmoil Trump said in April that China would have agreed to a deal on the sale of TikTok if it were not for a dispute over his tariffs on Beijing. ByteDance has confirmed talks with the US government, saying key matters needed to be resolved and that any deal would be "subject to approval under Chinese law". Possible solutions reportedly include seeing existing US investors in ByteDance roll over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company. Additional US investors, including Oracle and private equity firm Blackstone, would be brought on to reduce ByteDance's share in the new TikTok. Much of TikTok's US activity is already housed on Oracle servers, and the company's chairman, Larry Ellison, is a longtime Trump ally. Uncertainty remains, particularly over what would happen to TikTok's valuable algorithm. "TikTok without its algorithm is like Harry Potter without his wand -- it's simply not as powerful," said Forrester Principal Analyst Kelsey Chickering. Meanwhile, it appears TikTok is continuing with business as usual. TikTok on Monday introduced a new "Symphony" suite of generative artificial intelligence tools for advertisers to turn words or photos into video snippets for the platform.

A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump's January inauguration.

Trump extends TikTok deadline by 90 more days, says White House

Group of Seven leaders minus President Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed greater support for Ukraine, as the United States blocked a joint call to pressure Russia, which is ramping up attacks on its neighbor.&nbsp;The US president had been due to meet at the G7 summit in Canada with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has had a volatile relationship, but flew back to Monday over the Israel-Iran conflict.&nbsp;Zelensky met the other leaders at a remote lodge in the Canadian Rockies hours after Russia hit Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 10 people in the capital.&nbsp;Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Zelensky and announced Can$2 billion ($1.47bn) of military support, including drones and helicopters, for Ukraine."This underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine," Carney told him, calling for "maximum pressure against Russia."&nbsp;But the Group of Seven summit was unable to issue a joint statement on Ukraine as "the Americans wanted to water it down," a Canadian official said on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;The United States objected to language condemning Russia, saying it wanted to preserve its role as a mediator with President Vladimir Putin, the official said."That is not the position that we take, and the other six countries who have also agreed to put strong language in that declaration," she said.&nbsp;Carney will instead put out a statement on Ukraine as chair of the summit rather than from all the leaders, the official said.&nbsp;In Washington, the State Department separately condemned the Russian strikes and offered condolences to the victims' families.&nbsp;<h2>US waits on pressure</h2> Carney also joined Britain in tightening sanctions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet of ships used to circumvent international sanctions on its oil sales."These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin's war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.&nbsp;US lawmakers have drafted a package of new sanctions on Russia but Trump has been hesitant to give his support, saying he wants to preserve relations with Putin, whom he spoke to by telephone on the eve of the G7 summit.&nbsp;Trump infamously berated Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, saying he was ungrateful for US aid, but has since voiced disappointment that Putin has rebuffed a US proposal for at least a temporary ceasefire.&nbsp;Zelensky, his voice choked with emotion, told Carney that the latest Russian attack was a "big tragedy" and it showed the need for allies' support -- and made clear that he still backed Trump-led calls for negotiations.&nbsp;"It's important for our soldiers to be strong in the battlefield, to stay strong until Russia will be ready for the peace negotiations," Zelensky said.&nbsp;"We are ready for the peace negotiation -- unconditional ceasefire. For this we need pressure."&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron accused his Russian counterpart of exploiting global focus on the Middle East to carry out the deadly attack."It shows the complete cynicism of President Putin," Macron told reporters at the summit.&nbsp;<h2>Tough trade talks</h2> The G7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- was holding its first summit since the return to power of Trump, who openly questions longstanding US alliances.&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained to represent the United States at the summit, where discussions have also concentrated on Trump's attempts to radically overhaul the world's trading system.&nbsp;Trump has vowed to slap sweeping tariffs on friends and foes alike on July 9, although he has postponed them once.&nbsp;The US president, speaking to reporters on his way back from the summit, complained that the European Union was not yet offering a "fair deal" on trade.&nbsp;"We're either going to make a good deal or they'll just pay whatever we say they will pay," he said.&nbsp;European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she still hoped for a negotiated solution and that talks were "intense and demanding."&nbsp;Trump's negotiators have already sealed a deal with Britain and, outside of the G7, reached an agreement to lower tariffs with rival China.&nbsp;Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he had "frank" discussions with Trump on Monday but made clear the importance of automobile exports to the world's second-largest developed economy.

The US president had been due to meet at the G7 summit in Canada with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has had a volatile relationship, but flew back to Monday over the Israel-Iran conflict.

Group of Seven leaders minus President Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed greater support for Ukraine, as the United States blocked a joint call to pressure Russia, which is ramping up attacks on its neighbor. The US president had been due to meet at the G7 summit in Canada with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has had a volatile relationship, but flew back to Monday over the Israel-Iran conflict. Zelensky met the other leaders at a remote lodge in the Canadian Rockies hours after Russia hit Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 10 people in the capital. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Zelensky and announced Can$2 billion ($1.47bn) of military support, including drones and helicopters, for Ukraine. "This underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine," Carney told him, calling for "maximum pressure against Russia." But the Group of Seven summit was unable to issue a joint statement on Ukraine as "the Americans wanted to water it down," a Canadian official said on condition of anonymity. The United States objected to language condemning Russia, saying it wanted to preserve its role as a mediator with President Vladimir Putin, the official said. "That is not the position that we take, and the other six countries who have also agreed to put strong language in that declaration," she said. Carney will instead put out a statement on Ukraine as chair of the summit rather than from all the leaders, the official said. In Washington, the State Department separately condemned the Russian strikes and offered condolences to the victims' families. US waits on pressure Carney also joined Britain in tightening sanctions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet of ships used to circumvent international sanctions on its oil sales. "These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin's war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. US lawmakers have drafted a package of new sanctions on Russia but Trump has been hesitant to give his support, saying he wants to preserve relations with Putin, whom he spoke to by telephone on the eve of the G7 summit. Trump infamously berated Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, saying he was ungrateful for US aid, but has since voiced disappointment that Putin has rebuffed a US proposal for at least a temporary ceasefire. Zelensky, his voice choked with emotion, told Carney that the latest Russian attack was a "big tragedy" and it showed the need for allies' support -- and made clear that he still backed Trump-led calls for negotiations. "It's important for our soldiers to be strong in the battlefield, to stay strong until Russia will be ready for the peace negotiations," Zelensky said. "We are ready for the peace negotiation -- unconditional ceasefire. For this we need pressure." French President Emmanuel Macron accused his Russian counterpart of exploiting global focus on the Middle East to carry out the deadly attack. "It shows the complete cynicism of President Putin," Macron told reporters at the summit. Tough trade talks The G7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- was holding its first summit since the return to power of Trump, who openly questions longstanding US alliances. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained to represent the United States at the summit, where discussions have also concentrated on Trump's attempts to radically overhaul the world's trading system. Trump has vowed to slap sweeping tariffs on friends and foes alike on July 9, although he has postponed them once. The US president, speaking to reporters on his way back from the summit, complained that the European Union was not yet offering a "fair deal" on trade. "We're either going to make a good deal or they'll just pay whatever we say they will pay," he said. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she still hoped for a negotiated solution and that talks were "intense and demanding." Trump's negotiators have already sealed a deal with Britain and, outside of the G7, reached an agreement to lower tariffs with rival China. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he had "frank" discussions with Trump on Monday but made clear the importance of automobile exports to the world's second-largest developed economy.

The US president had been due to meet at the G7 summit in Canada with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has had a volatile relationship, but flew back to Monday over the Israel-Iran conflict.

G7 leaders vow support to Ukraine as Trump blocks joint statement

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu plan to team up in a star-studded and radically overhauled US Open mixed doubles competition set to include most of the top men's and women's singles players.Tournament organisers on Tuesday announced 16 pairings for the new-look format, with Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek all named on the entry list.US tennis chiefs announced sweeping changes to the mixed doubles earlier this year, unveiling plans to stage the competition as a standalone event in the week before the singles draws begin.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-frances-tiafoe-crashes-out-holger-rune-cruises-through-at-queen-s-club-1750130168131">Frances Tiafoe crashes out, Holger Rune cruises through at Queen's Club</a>The tournament will be made up of 16 teams, with eight teams earning direct entry based on their combined singles ranking playing alongside eight wild-card entrants."Seeing the teams that have already put their names on the entry list makes us all incredibly excited," said Lew Sherr, the CEO and executive director of the United States Tennis Association."It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it."The pairings announced by organisers are not guaranteed to play in the event, but it is an indication the players listed are keen to be involved. The entry deadline is July 28.Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios could also partner up, with Coco Gauff and Holger Rune the only two players missing from the top 10 in both the men's and women's singles rankings.The winning pair will share a prize of $1 million.But the decision to shake up the competition using an amended rulebook has attracted stinging criticism.Last year's US Open mixed doubles winners, Italian duo Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, initially lambasted the move, labelling it a "profound injustice".However, they were among the teams on the entry list.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tournament organisers on Tuesday announced 16 pairings for the new-look format, with Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek all named on the entry list.

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu plan to team up in a star-studded and radically overhauled US Open mixed doubles competition set to include most of the top men's and women's singles players. Tournament organisers on Tuesday announced 16 pairings for the new-look format, with Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek all named on the entry list. US tennis chiefs announced sweeping changes to the mixed doubles earlier this year, unveiling plans to stage the competition as a standalone event in the week before the singles draws begin. Also Read - Frances Tiafoe crashes out, Holger Rune cruises through at Queen's Club The tournament will be made up of 16 teams, with eight teams earning direct entry based on their combined singles ranking playing alongside eight wild-card entrants. "Seeing the teams that have already put their names on the entry list makes us all incredibly excited," said Lew Sherr, the CEO and executive director of the United States Tennis Association. "It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it." The pairings announced by organisers are not guaranteed to play in the event, but it is an indication the players listed are keen to be involved. The entry deadline is July 28. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios could also partner up, with Coco Gauff and Holger Rune the only two players missing from the top 10 in both the men's and women's singles rankings. The winning pair will share a prize of $1 million. But the decision to shake up the competition using an amended rulebook has attracted stinging criticism. Last year's US Open mixed doubles winners, Italian duo Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, initially lambasted the move, labelling it a "profound injustice". However, they were among the teams on the entry list. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tournament organisers on Tuesday announced 16 pairings for the new-look format, with Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek all named on the entry list.

Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu pair up for US Open mixed doubles

Frances Tiafoe fell to a first round exit at Queen's Club on Monday as veteran Brit Dan Evans rolled back the years, while fourth seed Holger Rune eased through.&nbsp;Evans, who needed a wildcard for his place in the draw after sliding to 199 in the world rankings, proved too good for the seventh seed in a 7-5, 6-2 win.&nbsp;"I still believed I've got that tennis in me and I still believe I can do good things inside the top 100. But believing it and it happening is a lot different," said Evans after winning the first men's match on the newly-christened Andy Murray Arena.&nbsp;The 35-year-old was a fitting victor as he had partnered Murray in his final match before retirement in the men's doubles at the Paris Olympics.&nbsp;"A few people mentioned it, that I had finished with him in his last match and then played the men's event, the first match," added Evans.&nbsp;"It was pretty cool to do that."&nbsp;Rune had no such problems as the Dane eased into his grass court season with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Australian lucky loser Christopher O'Connell.&nbsp;British number two Jacob Fearnley joined Evans in round two after he made short work of Australia's Alex Bolt with a 6-2 6-4 victory.&nbsp;But there was disappointment for another home favourite in Cameron Norrie, who was beaten 7-6 (8/6) 1-6 6-1 by Czech rising star Jakub Mensik.&nbsp;The 19-year-old, who beat Novak Djokovic to win the Miami Masters in March, next faces Roberto Bautista Agut, who edged out Nuno Borges 6-7 (6/8), 7-5, 6-4.&nbsp;Qualifier Mackenzie McDonald got the better of 38-year-old Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4.Carlos Alcaraz plays for the first time since his remarkable French Open victory over Jannik Sinner on Tuesday when he begins his quest for a second title at Queen's against fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Frances Tiafoe fell to a first round exit at Queens Club on Monday as veteran Brit Dan Evans rolled back the years, while fourth seed Holger Rune eased through.

Frances Tiafoe fell to a first round exit at Queen's Club on Monday as veteran Brit Dan Evans rolled back the years, while fourth seed Holger Rune eased through. Evans, who needed a wildcard for his place in the draw after sliding to 199 in the world rankings, proved too good for the seventh seed in a 7-5, 6-2 win. "I still believed I've got that tennis in me and I still believe I can do good things inside the top 100. But believing it and it happening is a lot different," said Evans after winning the first men's match on the newly-christened Andy Murray Arena. The 35-year-old was a fitting victor as he had partnered Murray in his final match before retirement in the men's doubles at the Paris Olympics. "A few people mentioned it, that I had finished with him in his last match and then played the men's event, the first match," added Evans. "It was pretty cool to do that." Rune had no such problems as the Dane eased into his grass court season with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Australian lucky loser Christopher O'Connell. British number two Jacob Fearnley joined Evans in round two after he made short work of Australia's Alex Bolt with a 6-2 6-4 victory. But there was disappointment for another home favourite in Cameron Norrie, who was beaten 7-6 (8/6) 1-6 6-1 by Czech rising star Jakub Mensik. The 19-year-old, who beat Novak Djokovic to win the Miami Masters in March, next faces Roberto Bautista Agut, who edged out Nuno Borges 6-7 (6/8), 7-5, 6-4. Qualifier Mackenzie McDonald got the better of 38-year-old Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4. Carlos Alcaraz plays for the first time since his remarkable French Open victory over Jannik Sinner on Tuesday when he begins his quest for a second title at Queen's against fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Frances Tiafoe fell to a first round exit at Queen's Club on Monday as veteran Brit Dan Evans rolled back the years, while fourth seed Holger Rune eased through.

Frances Tiafoe crashes out, Holger Rune cruises through at Queen's Club

Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on Monday in Group D, although there were nearly 50,000 empty seats in the stadium in Atlanta.&nbsp;Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez's goals got the Blues off to a good start in a competitive clash against one of the three qualified MLS teams.&nbsp;New signing Liam Delap made his debut as a substitute and helped set up Fernandez's strike, with Chelsea hoping to reestablish themselves among the elite after their UEFA Conference League triumph and Champions League qualification.&nbsp;Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said it was a "very good result" and was happy with Delap's display.&nbsp;"The good thing about Liam is he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick," said the Italian.&nbsp;After a solid start to the tournament regarding attendance numbers over the opening weekend, a sparse crowd of just over 22,000 settled in at the stylish 71,000 capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium."The environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full," Maresca told reporters.&nbsp;Behind former Tottenham Hotspur stopper Hugo Lloris' goal in the first half, a couple of hundred LAFC 'ultras' helped provide an atmosphere with a drum beat and constant song.The closed stadium roof offered refuge from the Georgia humidity and mid-afternoon summer sun which Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid stars roasted under on Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.&nbsp;However, the attendance suffered badly because of the 3:00 pm local time kick-off.Despite regular strong crowds for MLS side Atlanta United, the best supported US team, few locals decided to take a Monday off work for the tournament's first weekday afternoon game, seemingly chosen to suit a British television audience.&nbsp;After beating Club America in a play-off to qualify for the competition as late as May, LAFC took the place of the banned Mexican side Club Leon, and play none of their three group games at home in California.&nbsp;The top ring of the stadium was entirely shut and other levels were only partly filled, despite ticket prices dropping in the days ahead of the game.&nbsp;It was the first real blow for organisers FIFA's expanded competition, which is also being viewed as a trial run ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.Chelsea took control from the start, with Lloris saving from Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, while Cole Palmer whistled a strike narrowly over.&nbsp;With new signing Delap looking on from the bench, Jackson played like a man determined to keep his starting spot.&nbsp;The striker was instrumental in Neto's opener, releasing the Portuguese winger with an excellent through ball.&nbsp;Neto chopped in the box to leave LA defender Ryan Hollingshead stumbling helplessly out of sight and then buried a powerful strike past Lloris low at the near post.<h2>Delap debut</h2>Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud came on at half-time for the Americans and Steve Cherundolo's team improved in the second half.&nbsp;Jackson came close with a header and LA almost levelled but Sanchez made a fine save with his outstretched leg to thwart 2023 MLS golden boot winner Denis Bouanga after he shook off Neto.&nbsp;Maresca brought on 22-year-old striker Delap for his Chelsea debut after the hour mark, having begun the game with all of the club's new faces on the bench.&nbsp;The forward drove into space and tried to tee up Fernandez with a promising first move in a Chelsea shirt since his arrival from relegated Ipswich Town.&nbsp;Chelsea star Palmer, who had shown occasional flashes of brilliance, hammered over before Fernandez grabbed Chelsea's second.&nbsp;Running into the six-yard box, the Argentine midfielder controlled Delap's cross from the right and beat Lloris to put the game to bed.&nbsp;"Regarding crowds I think it's kind of different each game you look at so I don't think we should be talking about this right now," said LA coach Cherundolo.&nbsp;"I think we should wait until the end of the tournament...(to make) an opinion about it as a whole, as opposed to one game."&nbsp;Elsewhere in Group D Esperance Tunis face Brazil's Flamengo later on Monday.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on Monday in Group D, although there were nearly 50,000 empty seats in the stadium in Atlanta.

Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on Monday in Group D, although there were nearly 50,000 empty seats in the stadium in Atlanta. Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez's goals got the Blues off to a good start in a competitive clash against one of the three qualified MLS teams. New signing Liam Delap made his debut as a substitute and helped set up Fernandez's strike, with Chelsea hoping to reestablish themselves among the elite after their UEFA Conference League triumph and Champions League qualification. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said it was a "very good result" and was happy with Delap's display. "The good thing about Liam is he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick," said the Italian. After a solid start to the tournament regarding attendance numbers over the opening weekend, a sparse crowd of just over 22,000 settled in at the stylish 71,000 capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "The environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full," Maresca told reporters. Behind former Tottenham Hotspur stopper Hugo Lloris' goal in the first half, a couple of hundred LAFC 'ultras' helped provide an atmosphere with a drum beat and constant song. The closed stadium roof offered refuge from the Georgia humidity and mid-afternoon summer sun which Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid stars roasted under on Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. However, the attendance suffered badly because of the 3:00 pm local time kick-off. Despite regular strong crowds for MLS side Atlanta United, the best supported US team, few locals decided to take a Monday off work for the tournament's first weekday afternoon game, seemingly chosen to suit a British television audience. After beating Club America in a play-off to qualify for the competition as late as May, LAFC took the place of the banned Mexican side Club Leon, and play none of their three group games at home in California. The top ring of the stadium was entirely shut and other levels were only partly filled, despite ticket prices dropping in the days ahead of the game. It was the first real blow for organisers FIFA's expanded competition, which is also being viewed as a trial run ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. Chelsea took control from the start, with Lloris saving from Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, while Cole Palmer whistled a strike narrowly over. With new signing Delap looking on from the bench, Jackson played like a man determined to keep his starting spot. The striker was instrumental in Neto's opener, releasing the Portuguese winger with an excellent through ball. Neto chopped in the box to leave LA defender Ryan Hollingshead stumbling helplessly out of sight and then buried a powerful strike past Lloris low at the near post. Delap debut Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud came on at half-time for the Americans and Steve Cherundolo's team improved in the second half. Jackson came close with a header and LA almost levelled but Sanchez made a fine save with his outstretched leg to thwart 2023 MLS golden boot winner Denis Bouanga after he shook off Neto. Maresca brought on 22-year-old striker Delap for his Chelsea debut after the hour mark, having begun the game with all of the club's new faces on the bench. The forward drove into space and tried to tee up Fernandez with a promising first move in a Chelsea shirt since his arrival from relegated Ipswich Town. Chelsea star Palmer, who had shown occasional flashes of brilliance, hammered over before Fernandez grabbed Chelsea's second. Running into the six-yard box, the Argentine midfielder controlled Delap's cross from the right and beat Lloris to put the game to bed. "Regarding crowds I think it's kind of different each game you look at so I don't think we should be talking about this right now," said LA coach Cherundolo. "I think we should wait until the end of the tournament...(to make) an opinion about it as a whole, as opposed to one game." Elsewhere in Group D Esperance Tunis face Brazil's Flamengo later on Monday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on Monday in Group D, although there were nearly 50,000 empty seats in the stadium in Atlanta.

FIFA Club World Cup: Chelsea beat LAFC in opener; 50,000 empty seats headline poorly attended clash

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