Brazilian side Botafogo booked their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Monday despite a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid which was not enough to prevent the Spaniards crashing out. Atletico, routed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their opening game of the tournament, went into the final round of Group B fixtures knowing they would likely need a big win to advance.&nbsp;With PSG defeating the Seattle Sounders 2-0 elsewhere in Group B, that task proved beyond Diego Simeone's men in another sweltering midday kick-off in front of 22,992 fans at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.&nbsp;Former France international Antoine Griezmann scored the game's only goal, lashing home a Julian Alvarez cross in the 87th minute to give Atletico a victory that ultimately was in vain.&nbsp;Botafogo -- who upset European champions PSG 1-0 in their second group game -- finished the group stage in second on six points behind the French giants, who top the section on goal difference.&nbsp;Atletico, who also finished with six points, missed out on goal difference behind Botafogo."We're frustrated that we didn't qualify -- we had six points," Atletico coach Simeone said afterwards. "At the end of the day we were punished because it wasn't enough.&nbsp;"I'm proud of the work of my guys. We played our hearts out; we won two games but unfortunately we are not going through."&nbsp;Botafogo, the South American champions, started brightly against Atletico, with the lively Venezuelan international Jefferson Savarino testing Jan Oblak in the opening minutes.Atletico though grew into the contest and controlled possession and territory as the first half wore on.&nbsp;Argentina international striker Alvarez had a promising opening in the 41st minute, but saw his shot deflect off Botafogo centre-half Alexander Barboza for a corner.&nbsp;Atletico thought they had made a crucial breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when Alvarez appeared to be kicked in the penalty area, prompting a penalty check by the video assistant referee.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ind-vs-eng-1st-test-rahul-joins-jaiswal-to-replicate-rare-feat-from-india-s-1936-test-against-england-1750691988956">IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Rahul joins Jaiswal to replicate rare feat from India's 1936 Test against England</a>&nbsp;But while Alvarez appeared to be fouled, the review spotted a foul on Barboza in the build-up and no penalty was given.&nbsp;"None of the decisions went our way," Simeone said of the incident afterwards.With time running out in the second half, Atletico spent long periods camped in Botafogo territory with the Brazilians seemingly content to soak up pressure.&nbsp;The side from Rio de Janeiro came closest to breaking the deadlock on 67 minutes, with Igor Jesus's first-time volley from Cuiabano's cross parried away by Oblak for a corner.Yet in the closing stages Griezmann grabbed what turned out to be the winning goal, taking advantage of poor marking to tuck away Alvarez's whipped cross -- but it was too little, too late for them.&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.

Brazilian side Botafogo booked their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Monday despite a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid which was not enough to prevent the Spaniards crashing out.

Brazilian side Botafogo booked their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Monday despite a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid which was not enough to prevent the Spaniards crashing out. Atletico, routed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their opening game of the tournament, went into the final round of Group B fixtures knowing they would likely need a big win to advance. With PSG defeating the Seattle Sounders 2-0 elsewhere in Group B, that task proved beyond Diego Simeone's men in another sweltering midday kick-off in front of 22,992 fans at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. Former France international Antoine Griezmann scored the game's only goal, lashing home a Julian Alvarez cross in the 87th minute to give Atletico a victory that ultimately was in vain. Botafogo -- who upset European champions PSG 1-0 in their second group game -- finished the group stage in second on six points behind the French giants, who top the section on goal difference. Atletico, who also finished with six points, missed out on goal difference behind Botafogo. "We're frustrated that we didn't qualify -- we had six points," Atletico coach Simeone said afterwards. "At the end of the day we were punished because it wasn't enough. "I'm proud of the work of my guys. We played our hearts out; we won two games but unfortunately we are not going through." Botafogo, the South American champions, started brightly against Atletico, with the lively Venezuelan international Jefferson Savarino testing Jan Oblak in the opening minutes. Atletico though grew into the contest and controlled possession and territory as the first half wore on. Argentina international striker Alvarez had a promising opening in the 41st minute, but saw his shot deflect off Botafogo centre-half Alexander Barboza for a corner. Atletico thought they had made a crucial breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when Alvarez appeared to be kicked in the penalty area, prompting a penalty check by the video assistant referee. ALSO READ | IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Rahul joins Jaiswal to replicate rare feat from India's 1936 Test against England But while Alvarez appeared to be fouled, the review spotted a foul on Barboza in the build-up and no penalty was given. "None of the decisions went our way," Simeone said of the incident afterwards. With time running out in the second half, Atletico spent long periods camped in Botafogo territory with the Brazilians seemingly content to soak up pressure. The side from Rio de Janeiro came closest to breaking the deadlock on 67 minutes, with Igor Jesus's first-time volley from Cuiabano's cross parried away by Oblak for a corner. Yet in the closing stages Griezmann grabbed what turned out to be the winning goal, taking advantage of poor marking to tuck away Alvarez's whipped cross -- but it was too little, too late for them. 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.

Brazilian side Botafogo booked their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Monday despite a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid which was not enough to prevent the Spaniards crashing out.

FIFA Club World Cup: Atletico win in vain as Botafogo advance on goal difference

Rishabh Pant became the first India batsman to score hundreds in both innings of a Test against England before the hosts hit back to leave themselves 371 to win the series opener at Headingley on Monday (Jun 23). England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett survived a potentially tricky six-over spell to take England to 21-0 at stumps, with the hosts now needing a further 350 runs to go 1-0 up in this five-match series. Swashbuckling wicketkeeper Pant, who made 134 in the first innings, completed a 130-ball century, including 13 fours and two sixes on the fourth afternoon before falling for 118.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-pant-follows-bumrahs-footsteps-breaks-29-year-old-pakistan-record-in-sena-countries-1750686480497">IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Pant follows Bumrah's footsteps, breaks 29-year-old Pakistan record in SENA countries</a>Pant's dismissal ended a stand of 195 with KL Rahul that started with the match in the balance when India were 92-3 in their second innings.Rahul went on to make 137 but from the relative safety of 333-4, India lost their last six wickets for 31 runs as they slumped to 364 all out, with fast bowler Josh Tongue doing the bulk of the damage in a burst of three wickets in four balls.India also collapsed in the first innings. Despite hundreds from captain Shubman Gill, Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, they were dismissed for 471 after losing their last seven wickets for 41 runs.The outstanding Jasprit Bumrah, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, took five wickets in England's first-innings 465 and will be the danger man for the tourists in the decisive final innings of the match.However, England reached a target of 378 -- their record successful fourth-innings chase in Test cricket -- against a Bumrah-led India attack at Edgbaston three years ago.If England do make 371, it will be the second-highest winning fourth-innings chase in a Test at Headingley, surpassing the 362-9 they made against Australia in 2019 when captain Ben Stokes sealed a dramatic Ashes win with an unbeaten century. &nbsp;Pant is just the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score hundreds in both innings of the same match following Andy Flower's scores of 142 and 199 not out for Zimbabwe against South Africa in 2001.After a morning session in which India skipper Gill was the only batsman dismissed, Rahul and Pant upped the tempo in their contrasting styles.Pant completed an 83-ball fifty before driving Shoaib Bashir for two soaring sixes in three balls.Rahul ton Rahul took 202 balls to reach his century, featuring 13 fours, with a trademark cover-drive -- his ninth hundred in 59 Tests.Pant, severely injured in a life-threatening car crash in December 2022, was stuck in the 90s before a quick single took him to a 130-ball century featuring 13 fours and two sixes.India great Sunil Gavaskar, watching from the stands, encouraged Pant to mark this century with the familiar somersault with which he had marked his first-innings hundred, but this time Pant celebrated in more conventional style.Rahul eventually played on to Brydon Carse before Tongue dismissed Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj with successive deliveries.Bumrah survived the hat-trick but was bowled next ball by Tongue with Prasidh Krishna out for a duck as well when he holed out off Bashir to end the innings.&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.

England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett survived a potentially tricky six-over spell to take England to 21-0 at stumps, with the hosts now needing a further 350 runs to go 1-0 up in this five-match series.

Rishabh Pant became the first India batsman to score hundreds in both innings of a Test against England before the hosts hit back to leave themselves 371 to win the series opener at Headingley on Monday (Jun 23). England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett survived a potentially tricky six-over spell to take England to 21-0 at stumps, with the hosts now needing a further 350 runs to go 1-0 up in this five-match series. Swashbuckling wicketkeeper Pant, who made 134 in the first innings, completed a 130-ball century, including 13 fours and two sixes on the fourth afternoon before falling for 118. Also Read - IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Pant follows Bumrah's footsteps, breaks 29-year-old Pakistan record in SENA countries Pant's dismissal ended a stand of 195 with KL Rahul that started with the match in the balance when India were 92-3 in their second innings. Rahul went on to make 137 but from the relative safety of 333-4, India lost their last six wickets for 31 runs as they slumped to 364 all out, with fast bowler Josh Tongue doing the bulk of the damage in a burst of three wickets in four balls. India also collapsed in the first innings. Despite hundreds from captain Shubman Gill, Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, they were dismissed for 471 after losing their last seven wickets for 41 runs. The outstanding Jasprit Bumrah, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, took five wickets in England's first-innings 465 and will be the danger man for the tourists in the decisive final innings of the match. However, England reached a target of 378 -- their record successful fourth-innings chase in Test cricket -- against a Bumrah-led India attack at Edgbaston three years ago. If England do make 371, it will be the second-highest winning fourth-innings chase in a Test at Headingley, surpassing the 362-9 they made against Australia in 2019 when captain Ben Stokes sealed a dramatic Ashes win with an unbeaten century. Pant is just the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score hundreds in both innings of the same match following Andy Flower's scores of 142 and 199 not out for Zimbabwe against South Africa in 2001. After a morning session in which India skipper Gill was the only batsman dismissed, Rahul and Pant upped the tempo in their contrasting styles. Pant completed an 83-ball fifty before driving Shoaib Bashir for two soaring sixes in three balls. Rahul ton Rahul took 202 balls to reach his century, featuring 13 fours, with a trademark cover-drive -- his ninth hundred in 59 Tests. Pant, severely injured in a life-threatening car crash in December 2022, was stuck in the 90s before a quick single took him to a 130-ball century featuring 13 fours and two sixes. India great Sunil Gavaskar, watching from the stands, encouraged Pant to mark this century with the familiar somersault with which he had marked his first-innings hundred, but this time Pant celebrated in more conventional style. Rahul eventually played on to Brydon Carse before Tongue dismissed Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj with successive deliveries. Bumrah survived the hat-trick but was bowled next ball by Tongue with Prasidh Krishna out for a duck as well when he holed out off Bashir to end the innings. 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.

England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett survived a potentially tricky six-over spell to take England to 21-0 at stumps, with the hosts now needing a further 350 runs to go 1-0 up in this five-match series.

IND vs ENG, 1st Test: England bounce back after Pant's twin tons set up thrilling finish in Headingley

Keegan Bradley could become the first Ryder Cup playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 after jumping to seventh in world rankings following his PGA Tour Travelers Championship victory. The 39-year-old American's fightback triumph Sunday over England's Tommy Fleetwood brought an eighth career PGA crown, his fourth in as many years, and sparked already brisk talk about Bradley playing on his US squad against Europe in September at Bethpage Black.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-real-madrid-jude-bellingham-to-undergo-shoulder-surgery-after-club-world-cup-1750663632851">Madrid’s Bellingham to undergo shoulder surgery after Club World Cup</a>"Yeah, I mean, listen, this changes the story a little bit," said Bradley, previously reluctant to consider a playing captaincy."I never would have thought about playing if I hadn't won. This definitely opens the door to play. I don't know if I'm going to do it or not, but I certainly have to take a pretty hard look at what's best for the team and we'll see."Bradley leaped 14 spots in the world rankings and into ninth in the US team points qualifying. While still shy of the six automatic qualifying spots, Bradley is in a position that would typically be worthy of a captain's pick."It's still June, so we still got a long ways to go," Bradley said. "This definitely changes things a little bit and we'll all get together and figure out the best way to do this."The six automatic qualifiers will be set after the BMW Championship on August 17 while the six captain's picks will be chosen after the Tour Championship in Atlanta on August 21-24."I will play if I feel like it will help the team," said.Bradley has fielded questions about playing in the Cup all year."I never really planned on playing," he said. "I really wanted to just be the captain. I really felt strongly about that. I want to serve the guys. They asked me to do a job. I want to do it to the best of my abilities."With the amazing vice captains that I have, and I have a better perspective of playing in the Presidents Cup and being around a lot of the guys, I feel a lot more comfortable if I went that route."If he plays, Bradley would load more responsibilities on his assistant captains -- Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker."I'm really proud of the guys that are vice captains," Bradley said. "You got Jim Furyk, one of the greatest players to play and also an incredibly great captain at the Presidents Cup."Furyk guided the Americans to a 10th consecutive victory over the Internationals in last year's Presidents Cup at Montreal.The Presidents Cup also saw Tiger Woods serve as a playing captain in 2019 at Royal Melbourne, when the US team won 16-14 in Australia.PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh told Bradley a year ago when he was picked as captain that he wanted Bradley to be the first playing captain since Palmer."My head was spinning, I didn't know what they were talking about, but they knew that was a possibility," Bradley said.“A year ago I don't know if I would have thought I would be seventh in the world, but I certainly thought I would be contending in tournaments.”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.

Bradley leaped 14 spots in the world rankings and into ninth in the US team points qualifying. While still shy of the six automatic qualifying spots, Bradley is in a position that would typically be worthy of a captain's pick.

Keegan Bradley could become the first Ryder Cup playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 after jumping to seventh in world rankings following his PGA Tour Travelers Championship victory. The 39-year-old American's fightback triumph Sunday over England's Tommy Fleetwood brought an eighth career PGA crown, his fourth in as many years, and sparked already brisk talk about Bradley playing on his US squad against Europe in September at Bethpage Black. Also Read - Madrid’s Bellingham to undergo shoulder surgery after Club World Cup "Yeah, I mean, listen, this changes the story a little bit," said Bradley, previously reluctant to consider a playing captaincy. "I never would have thought about playing if I hadn't won. This definitely opens the door to play. I don't know if I'm going to do it or not, but I certainly have to take a pretty hard look at what's best for the team and we'll see." Bradley leaped 14 spots in the world rankings and into ninth in the US team points qualifying. While still shy of the six automatic qualifying spots, Bradley is in a position that would typically be worthy of a captain's pick. "It's still June, so we still got a long ways to go," Bradley said. "This definitely changes things a little bit and we'll all get together and figure out the best way to do this." The six automatic qualifiers will be set after the BMW Championship on August 17 while the six captain's picks will be chosen after the Tour Championship in Atlanta on August 21-24. "I will play if I feel like it will help the team," said. Bradley has fielded questions about playing in the Cup all year. "I never really planned on playing," he said. "I really wanted to just be the captain. I really felt strongly about that. I want to serve the guys. They asked me to do a job. I want to do it to the best of my abilities. "With the amazing vice captains that I have, and I have a better perspective of playing in the Presidents Cup and being around a lot of the guys, I feel a lot more comfortable if I went that route." If he plays, Bradley would load more responsibilities on his assistant captains -- Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker. "I'm really proud of the guys that are vice captains," Bradley said. "You got Jim Furyk, one of the greatest players to play and also an incredibly great captain at the Presidents Cup." Furyk guided the Americans to a 10th consecutive victory over the Internationals in last year's Presidents Cup at Montreal. The Presidents Cup also saw Tiger Woods serve as a playing captain in 2019 at Royal Melbourne, when the US team won 16-14 in Australia. PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh told Bradley a year ago when he was picked as captain that he wanted Bradley to be the first playing captain since Palmer. "My head was spinning, I didn't know what they were talking about, but they knew that was a possibility," Bradley said. “A year ago I don't know if I would have thought I would be seventh in the world, but I certainly thought I would be contending in tournaments.” 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.

Bradley leaped 14 spots in the world rankings and into ninth in the US team points qualifying. While still shy of the six automatic qualifying spots, Bradley is in a position that would typically be worthy of a captain's pick.

Keegan Bradley hopes to become playing captain at Ryder Cup after latest PGA Tour win

Travis Head said on Monday that Australia were experienced enough to cope as they prepare for their first Test without Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne since 2018. An out-of-form Labuschagne has been dropped for the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados this week, while fellow batting stalwart Smith is nursing an injured finger. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis, who have only played two Tests each, compared to the combined 175 of Smith and Labuschagne, replace them. But Head said he was not concerned.&nbsp;"They (Smith and Labuschagne) are still around the squad, so it still feels similar at the moment in the build-up," he told reporters in the West Indies. "Getting into the game will be a little bit of a new look, but it's guys who have already played, guys with experience already in a short amount of Test match cricket."&nbsp;Not since the Boxing Day Test against India in 2018 – when Smith was serving a year-long ban for ball-tampering- have Australia fielded a Test team without either him or Labuschagne.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/otd-in-2013-indian-captain-ms-dhoni-completes-trophy-cabinet-with-champions-trophy-triumph-india-vs-england-birmingham-1750668584820">OTD in 2013: MS Dhoni completes trophy cabinet with Champions Trophy triumph in England</a>&nbsp;Labuschagne has played 53 consecutive Tests, according to Cricket Australia, while Smith's streak stood at 51.&nbsp;Konstas is expected to open at Kensington Oval with Usman Khawaja -- a role Labuschagne filled in the recent World Test Championship final -- with Inglis coming in anywhere from three to six.&nbsp;Head, who usually bats at number five, said the team were prepared for any scenario.&nbsp;"As a batter, you're planning for anything at the moment, and then once we get a look at the lay of the land, we'll come up with a plan," he said.&nbsp;"This is a very experienced team.&nbsp;"We take a couple of guys out, but I find it a very mature and experienced group that if conditions moved in-game, and we needed to win a game of cricket, I think anyone's (able) to move around."&nbsp;Australia play three Tests against the West Indies with the first beginning in Barbados on Wednesday.&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.

Travis Head backs Australia to cope without Smith and Labuschagne in Test series opener

Travis Head said on Monday that Australia were experienced enough to cope as they prepare for their first Test without Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne since 2018. An out-of-form Labuschagne has been dropped for the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados this week, while fellow batting stalwart Smith is nursing an injured finger. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis, who have only played two Tests each, compared to the combined 175 of Smith and Labuschagne, replace them. But Head said he was not concerned. "They (Smith and Labuschagne) are still around the squad, so it still feels similar at the moment in the build-up," he told reporters in the West Indies. "Getting into the game will be a little bit of a new look, but it's guys who have already played, guys with experience already in a short amount of Test match cricket." Not since the Boxing Day Test against India in 2018 – when Smith was serving a year-long ban for ball-tampering- have Australia fielded a Test team without either him or Labuschagne. Also read | OTD in 2013: MS Dhoni completes trophy cabinet with Champions Trophy triumph in England Labuschagne has played 53 consecutive Tests, according to Cricket Australia, while Smith's streak stood at 51. Konstas is expected to open at Kensington Oval with Usman Khawaja -- a role Labuschagne filled in the recent World Test Championship final -- with Inglis coming in anywhere from three to six. Head, who usually bats at number five, said the team were prepared for any scenario. "As a batter, you're planning for anything at the moment, and then once we get a look at the lay of the land, we'll come up with a plan," he said. "This is a very experienced team. "We take a couple of guys out, but I find it a very mature and experienced group that if conditions moved in-game, and we needed to win a game of cricket, I think anyone's (able) to move around." Australia play three Tests against the West Indies with the first beginning in Barbados on Wednesday. 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.

Not since the Boxing Day Test against India in 2018 – when Smith was serving a year-long ban for ball-tampering -- have Australia fielded a Test team without either him or Labuschagne.

WI vs AUS: Travis Head backs Australia to cope without Smith, Labuschagne in Test series opener

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham confirmed on Sunday that he will undergo surgery on a long-term shoulder issue after the Club World Cup ends.&nbsp;The England international has been struggling with discomfort after dislocating it in a La Liga match in November 2023, and playing with a brace under his shirt since then.&nbsp;With Madrid keen on securing the Club World Cup victory, they scheduled the operation for after the final, with Bellingham potentially missing the start of the La Liga season as he recovers.&nbsp;"I've got the point where... I'm fed up with the brace, and having to tug on it and having (other) players tug on it, and it rearranging all the time," Bellingham told DAZN after Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte. "I've got a surgery scheduled for after the tournament. I think we scheduled it a few days after the final, obviously, so I'll go and do the surgery and get it fixed.&nbsp;"I'm really happy about that, it's been a long time coming. I think I've come to the end of my patience with the brace.&nbsp;"The physio here and the doctor here have been unbelievable helping me to be fine playing game in game out, (but) I'm at that point now where I'm ready to have a free shoulder and free body in terms of the brace."&nbsp;Recovery from the surgery could take up to 12 weeks according to reports, so as well as Madrid's first league games, he may also miss England World Cup qualifiers in September against Andorra and Serbia.&nbsp;Bellingham found the net in the win over Madrid's Mexican opponents, a day after his younger brother Jobe Bellingham struck for Borussia Dortmund.&nbsp;The Madrid midfielder said he had been thinking about getting even ahead of the Pachuca game, which was new coach Xabi Alonso's first victory at the helm of Los Blancos.&nbsp;"Everyone's been caning me yesterday, saying he's better than me. I had to do something today," he added. "We're one-one now and we'll see for the rest of the tournament."&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.

Madrid’s Bellingham to undergo shoulder surgery after Club World Cup

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham confirmed on Sunday that he will undergo surgery on a long-term shoulder issue after the Club World Cup ends. The England international has been struggling with discomfort after dislocating it in a La Liga match in November 2023, and playing with a brace under his shirt since then. With Madrid keen on securing the Club World Cup victory, they scheduled the operation for after the final, with Bellingham potentially missing the start of the La Liga season as he recovers. "I've got the point where... I'm fed up with the brace, and having to tug on it and having (other) players tug on it, and it rearranging all the time," Bellingham told DAZN after Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte. "I've got a surgery scheduled for after the tournament. I think we scheduled it a few days after the final, obviously, so I'll go and do the surgery and get it fixed. "I'm really happy about that, it's been a long time coming. I think I've come to the end of my patience with the brace. "The physio here and the doctor here have been unbelievable helping me to be fine playing game in game out, (but) I'm at that point now where I'm ready to have a free shoulder and free body in terms of the brace." Recovery from the surgery could take up to 12 weeks according to reports, so as well as Madrid's first league games, he may also miss England World Cup qualifiers in September against Andorra and Serbia. Bellingham found the net in the win over Madrid's Mexican opponents, a day after his younger brother Jobe Bellingham struck for Borussia Dortmund. The Madrid midfielder said he had been thinking about getting even ahead of the Pachuca game, which was new coach Xabi Alonso's first victory at the helm of Los Blancos. "Everyone's been caning me yesterday, saying he's better than me. I had to do something today," he added. "We're one-one now and we'll see for the rest of the tournament." 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 England international has been struggling with discomfort after dislocating it in a La Liga match in November 2023, and playing with a brace under his shirt since then.&nbsp;

Two-time NBA champion forward Kevin Durant has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets for eight players in a blockbuster deal he confirmed on Sunday.&nbsp;The swap, which can be completed when the league begins the 2025-26 year in two weeks, would send the 36-year-old American to Houston in exchange for guard Jalen Green and swingman Dillon Brooks as well as the 10th pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft and five future second-round picks, according to the report, citing unnamed sources.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-shai-gilgeous-alexander-named-nba-finals-mvp-after-oklahoma-city-thunder-clinch-maiden-title-1750654636836">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA 2024-25 MVP after Oklahoma City Thunder clinch maiden title</a>&nbsp;The move unites Durant, a four-time Olympic champion with the US squad and the 2014 NBA MVP, with a rising young Houston squad guided by coach Ime Udoka that finished 52-30, second in the Western Conference behind overall NBA leader Oklahoma City.&nbsp;Durant was appearing on a panel at Fanatics Fest in New York when the news broke and told reporter Kay Adams he was happy with the move.&nbsp;"Being part of the Houston Rockets, I'm looking forward to it," Durant said. "Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I'm glad it's over with."&nbsp;The Suns had the highest payroll in NBA history but stumbled to a 36-46 season, finishing 11th in the West, with Durant averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots a game.&nbsp;Terms can be agreed for NBA moves, but cannot be finalised until the moratorium ahead of the new league season ends in July.&nbsp;Durant has an expiring $54.7 million contract but would be eligible for a two-year extension after a trade, which narrowed likely suitors to the teams where he would sign a longer-term deal.&nbsp;Durant had sought a trade to Miami, Houston or San Antonio and got a club on his wish list.&nbsp;The second-round picks in the deal coming to Phoenix include Wednesday's 59th overall selection, two choices in 2026, a 2030 pick and a 2032 selection, ESPN reported.&nbsp;Durant will fit into a Rockets lineup boasting Turkish big man Alperen Sengun and guard Fred VanVleet.&nbsp;Durant has a good relationship with Udoka, who signed a long-term deal last week to remain as Houston's coach. Durant and Udoka worked together with the Brooklyn Nets and on the US Olympic squad.&nbsp;"They had a great season last year," Durant said. "Love their leadership. I felt like I would be a good addition."&nbsp;The Suns will add Green, who averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season, to their backcourt alongside NBA All-Star Devin Booker, who had 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds a game for Phoenix.&nbsp;Brooks was one of the NBA's top defenders last season.&nbsp;Durant joined Phoenix in February 2023 in a trade with Brooklyn that cost the Suns three players and four first-round draft picks.&nbsp;"Always remember my time there, but we're on to something else," Durant said.&nbsp;With Durant, the Suns won only one playoff series in three seasons before the swap with the Rockets, who missed the playoffs four years in a row before falling to Golden State in this year's first round.&nbsp;"Being able to kind of dictate what you want to do and being with a team that values you, I'm looking forward to it," Durant said.<h2>No. 2 pick in 2007</h2>&nbsp;Durant began his NBA journey as the second selection in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who moved to Oklahoma City in 2008.&nbsp;Durant, a four-time NBA scoring champion with the Thunder, sparked his team to the NBA Finals in 2012, when Oklahoma City lost to the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Durant was the 2014 NBA MVP, but the Thunder lost to San Antonio in that year's Western Conference finals.&nbsp;In 2016, the Thunder blew a 3-1 series lead and lost to Golden State in the West finals.&nbsp;After the Warriors lost to Cleveland in the NBA Finals, several players asked Durant, a free agent, to sign with them. Durant inked a two-year deal with the Warriors, and they beat Cleveland in the 2017 and 2018 finals.&nbsp;Durant suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals against Toronto, and he left for Brooklyn the following month. The Nets with Durant never got past the second playoff round.&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.

Phoenix Suns trade Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets in blockbuster NBA deal

Two-time NBA champion forward Kevin Durant has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets for eight players in a blockbuster deal he confirmed on Sunday. The swap, which can be completed when the league begins the 2025-26 year in two weeks, would send the 36-year-old American to Houston in exchange for guard Jalen Green and swingman Dillon Brooks as well as the 10th pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft and five future second-round picks, according to the report, citing unnamed sources. Also read | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA 2024-25 MVP after Oklahoma City Thunder clinch maiden title The move unites Durant, a four-time Olympic champion with the US squad and the 2014 NBA MVP, with a rising young Houston squad guided by coach Ime Udoka that finished 52-30, second in the Western Conference behind overall NBA leader Oklahoma City. Durant was appearing on a panel at Fanatics Fest in New York when the news broke and told reporter Kay Adams he was happy with the move. "Being part of the Houston Rockets, I'm looking forward to it," Durant said. "Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I'm glad it's over with." The Suns had the highest payroll in NBA history but stumbled to a 36-46 season, finishing 11th in the West, with Durant averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots a game. Terms can be agreed for NBA moves, but cannot be finalised until the moratorium ahead of the new league season ends in July. Durant has an expiring $54.7 million contract but would be eligible for a two-year extension after a trade, which narrowed likely suitors to the teams where he would sign a longer-term deal. Durant had sought a trade to Miami, Houston or San Antonio and got a club on his wish list. The second-round picks in the deal coming to Phoenix include Wednesday's 59th overall selection, two choices in 2026, a 2030 pick and a 2032 selection, ESPN reported. Durant will fit into a Rockets lineup boasting Turkish big man Alperen Sengun and guard Fred VanVleet. Durant has a good relationship with Udoka, who signed a long-term deal last week to remain as Houston's coach. Durant and Udoka worked together with the Brooklyn Nets and on the US Olympic squad. "They had a great season last year," Durant said. "Love their leadership. I felt like I would be a good addition." The Suns will add Green, who averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season, to their backcourt alongside NBA All-Star Devin Booker, who had 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds a game for Phoenix. Brooks was one of the NBA's top defenders last season. Durant joined Phoenix in February 2023 in a trade with Brooklyn that cost the Suns three players and four first-round draft picks. "Always remember my time there, but we're on to something else," Durant said. With Durant, the Suns won only one playoff series in three seasons before the swap with the Rockets, who missed the playoffs four years in a row before falling to Golden State in this year's first round. "Being able to kind of dictate what you want to do and being with a team that values you, I'm looking forward to it," Durant said. No. 2 pick in 2007 Durant began his NBA journey as the second selection in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. Durant, a four-time NBA scoring champion with the Thunder, sparked his team to the NBA Finals in 2012, when Oklahoma City lost to the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Durant was the 2014 NBA MVP, but the Thunder lost to San Antonio in that year's Western Conference finals. In 2016, the Thunder blew a 3-1 series lead and lost to Golden State in the West finals. After the Warriors lost to Cleveland in the NBA Finals, several players asked Durant, a free agent, to sign with them. Durant inked a two-year deal with the Warriors, and they beat Cleveland in the 2017 and 2018 finals. Durant suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals against Toronto, and he left for Brooklyn the following month. The Nets with Durant never got past the second playoff round. 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 move unites Durant, a four-time Olympic champion with the US squad and the 2014 NBA MVP, with a rising young Houston squad guided by coach Ime Udoka that finished 52-30, second in the Western Conference behind overall NBA leader Oklahoma City.

Shohei Ohtani produced a dazzling all-round performance as the Los Angeles Dodgers came from behind to rout the Washington Nationals 13-7 on Sunday. Ohtani, making just his second appearance from the mound since undergoing elbow ligament surgery in 2023, bagged two strikeouts in an 18-pitch appearance at Dodger Stadium.&nbsp;The Japanese superstar then followed up that lone inning with a huge offensive performance, blasting a three-run triple and a two-run home run as the Dodgers piled on the runs in the late innings to romp to victory.&nbsp;Ohtani, the reigning National League Most Valuable Player, only returned to pitching last Monday after a near two-year absence.&nbsp;The 30-year-old is being eased back into the pitching rotation by the Dodgers, who have restricted him to two single-inning pitching performances so far.&nbsp;Ohtani tore elbow ligaments just over two years ago and underwent Tommy John surgery, leaving him unable to pitch, although was still able to bat after joining the Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023.&nbsp;Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that the team would continue to take a cautious approach with Ohtani's pitching as the season progresses.&nbsp;"Right now, he's good with one inning," Roberts told reporters.&nbsp;"It's just more trying to get a foundation, the building blocks, as he's taking at bats and getting an inning here, and an inning there...just erring on the side of caution.&nbsp;"He's understanding where he's at, and where we're at. As time goes on we'll get to a certain point, but there's no sense in rushing it."&nbsp;Ohtani is widely regarded as a modern-day Babe Ruth, a rarity in baseball in that he combines elite hitting and pitching.&nbsp;Last year he became the first player in history to score 50 home runs and nab 50 stolen bases in a season -- a statistical feat once regarded as unthinkable -- before helping the Dodgers win last year's World Series.&nbsp;Sunday's home run was his 26th of the season, a tally that has helped the Dodgers move to the top of the National League West division.&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.

Shohei Ohtani produced a dazzling all-round performance as the Los Angeles Dodgers came from behind to rout the Washington Nationals 13-7 on Sunday. 

Shohei Ohtani produced a dazzling all-round performance as the Los Angeles Dodgers came from behind to rout the Washington Nationals 13-7 on Sunday. Ohtani, making just his second appearance from the mound since undergoing elbow ligament surgery in 2023, bagged two strikeouts in an 18-pitch appearance at Dodger Stadium. The Japanese superstar then followed up that lone inning with a huge offensive performance, blasting a three-run triple and a two-run home run as the Dodgers piled on the runs in the late innings to romp to victory. Ohtani, the reigning National League Most Valuable Player, only returned to pitching last Monday after a near two-year absence. The 30-year-old is being eased back into the pitching rotation by the Dodgers, who have restricted him to two single-inning pitching performances so far. Ohtani tore elbow ligaments just over two years ago and underwent Tommy John surgery, leaving him unable to pitch, although was still able to bat after joining the Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that the team would continue to take a cautious approach with Ohtani's pitching as the season progresses. "Right now, he's good with one inning," Roberts told reporters. "It's just more trying to get a foundation, the building blocks, as he's taking at bats and getting an inning here, and an inning there...just erring on the side of caution. "He's understanding where he's at, and where we're at. As time goes on we'll get to a certain point, but there's no sense in rushing it." Ohtani is widely regarded as a modern-day Babe Ruth, a rarity in baseball in that he combines elite hitting and pitching. Last year he became the first player in history to score 50 home runs and nab 50 stolen bases in a season -- a statistical feat once regarded as unthinkable -- before helping the Dodgers win last year's World Series. Sunday's home run was his 26th of the season, a tally that has helped the Dodgers move to the top of the National League West division. 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.

Shohei Ohtani produced a dazzling all-round performance as the Los Angeles Dodgers came from behind to rout the Washington Nationals 13-7 on Sunday.&nbsp;

MLB: Shohei Ohtani bags strikeouts, home run as Los Angeles Dodgers rout Washington Nationals

Manchester City booked their place in the Club World Cup last 16 with an emphatic 6-0 rout of Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday. In a match dubbed the "Abu derby", with City owner and United Arab Emirates vice-president Sheikh Mansour's side facing off against that of his elder sibling, Sheikh Mohamed, president of Al Ain and also the country, the Premier League side showed no brotherly love.&nbsp;Ilkay Gundogan put City ahead before starlet Claudio Echeverri netted his first goal for the club with a free-kick and Erland Haaland slotted in the third with a penalty.&nbsp;In the second half Gundogan struck again, Oscar Bobb rolled in the fifth and Rayan Cherki grabbed his first City goal as they pulled level with Juventus on six points at the top of Group G. The result also confirmed Juve's place in the next round.&nbsp;City coach Pep Guardiola said on the eve of the game his squad needed trimming and that was reflected in his decision to rotate his entire starting II from the opening win over Wydad Casablanca.&nbsp;In came superstar striker Haaland, new arrival Rayan Ait-Nouri, and exciting prospect Echeverri, among others.&nbsp;Serbian coach Vladimir Ivic's Al Ain were crushed 5-0 by Juventus in their opening fixture and the 10-time Premier League champions offered another unforgiving challenge.&nbsp;After a disjointed opening, City took the lead in the ninth minute in fortuitous fashion, with Gundogan's chip towards Haaland at the back post floating into the net of its own accord.Al Ain had a good chance to pull level when the dawdling Nico Gonzalez had his pocket picked and the UAE side sprang forward, but Nassim Chadli's effort was superbly tipped wide by Stefan Ortega.&nbsp;Debutant Ait-Nouri brought City fans out of their seats with one daring dart into the box before he slipped at the crucial moment.&nbsp;City's 19-year-old Argentine attacker Echeverri, on his first start for the club, doubled their lead after 27 minutes with a perfect free-kick that swerved around the outside of the wall and left goalkeeper Khalid Eisa rooted to the spot.&nbsp;With the Mercedes-Benz Stadium mostly full apart from the top ring of seats, fans began sending a Mexican wave around the ground.&nbsp;It came to a standstill when Bernardo Silva's corner was headed against the post by Josko Gvardiol, before starting back up.Haaland rolled a shot narrowly wide when he might have scored the third after a one-two with Silva sent him galloping through.&nbsp;The Norwegian hitman eventually got his goal in first-half stoppage time after Manuel Akanji was hauled to the ground by Ramy Rabia and City were awarded a penalty following a VAR review.&nbsp;Haaland sent Eisa the wrong way with a low spot-kick for his first goal of the tournament.<h2>Relentless Man City</h2>Guardiola brought on Phil Foden, who impressed in the first match, for Echeverri at half-time.&nbsp;Haaland should have scored again after the hour mark but Eisa denied him with a good double save.&nbsp;Instead it was Gundogan who got his second, with a well-taken dinked finish.&nbsp;The midfielder has recently been linked with a move to Galatasaray, but Guardiola said Saturday he is still counting on the 34-year-old in the United States.&nbsp;Substitute Oscar Bobb showed fleet footwork before rolling in the fifth at the near post before Cherki sealed the win.&nbsp;Signed from Lyon ahead of the tournament, the French attacking midfielder had a quiet debut against Wydad but powered home from the edge of the box late on in his second appearance.&nbsp;City face Juventus in Orlando on Thursday in a shoot-out to decide who will finish top of the group and potentially avoid a last-16 clash against Spanish giants Real Madrid&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.

Manchester City booked their place in the Club World Cup last 16 with an emphatic 6-0 rout of Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday.

Manchester City booked their place in the Club World Cup last 16 with an emphatic 6-0 rout of Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday. In a match dubbed the "Abu derby", with City owner and United Arab Emirates vice-president Sheikh Mansour's side facing off against that of his elder sibling, Sheikh Mohamed, president of Al Ain and also the country, the Premier League side showed no brotherly love. Ilkay Gundogan put City ahead before starlet Claudio Echeverri netted his first goal for the club with a free-kick and Erland Haaland slotted in the third with a penalty. In the second half Gundogan struck again, Oscar Bobb rolled in the fifth and Rayan Cherki grabbed his first City goal as they pulled level with Juventus on six points at the top of Group G. The result also confirmed Juve's place in the next round. City coach Pep Guardiola said on the eve of the game his squad needed trimming and that was reflected in his decision to rotate his entire starting II from the opening win over Wydad Casablanca. In came superstar striker Haaland, new arrival Rayan Ait-Nouri, and exciting prospect Echeverri, among others. Serbian coach Vladimir Ivic's Al Ain were crushed 5-0 by Juventus in their opening fixture and the 10-time Premier League champions offered another unforgiving challenge. After a disjointed opening, City took the lead in the ninth minute in fortuitous fashion, with Gundogan's chip towards Haaland at the back post floating into the net of its own accord. Al Ain had a good chance to pull level when the dawdling Nico Gonzalez had his pocket picked and the UAE side sprang forward, but Nassim Chadli's effort was superbly tipped wide by Stefan Ortega. Debutant Ait-Nouri brought City fans out of their seats with one daring dart into the box before he slipped at the crucial moment. City's 19-year-old Argentine attacker Echeverri, on his first start for the club, doubled their lead after 27 minutes with a perfect free-kick that swerved around the outside of the wall and left goalkeeper Khalid Eisa rooted to the spot. With the Mercedes-Benz Stadium mostly full apart from the top ring of seats, fans began sending a Mexican wave around the ground. It came to a standstill when Bernardo Silva's corner was headed against the post by Josko Gvardiol, before starting back up . Haaland rolled a shot narrowly wide when he might have scored the third after a one-two with Silva sent him galloping through. The Norwegian hitman eventually got his goal in first-half stoppage time after Manuel Akanji was hauled to the ground by Ramy Rabia and City were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Haaland sent Eisa the wrong way with a low spot-kick for his first goal of the tournament. Relentless Man City Guardiola brought on Phil Foden, who impressed in the first match, for Echeverri at half-time. Haaland should have scored again after the hour mark but Eisa denied him with a good double save. Instead it was Gundogan who got his second, with a well-taken dinked finish. The midfielder has recently been linked with a move to Galatasaray, but Guardiola said Saturday he is still counting on the 34-year-old in the United States. Substitute Oscar Bobb showed fleet footwork before rolling in the fifth at the near post before Cherki sealed the win. Signed from Lyon ahead of the tournament, the French attacking midfielder had a quiet debut against Wydad but powered home from the edge of the box late on in his second appearance. City face Juventus in Orlando on Thursday in a shoot-out to decide who will finish top of the group and potentially avoid a last-16 clash against Spanish giants Real Madrid 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.

Manchester City booked their place in the Club World Cup last 16 with an emphatic 6-0 rout of Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday.

FIFA Club World Cup: Man City demolish Al Ain to reach last 16

Kazakh Alexander Bublik achieved his first win in seven meetings with Russian Daniil Medvedev to claim his second title on the grass of Halle, a week before Wimbledon.&nbsp;Bublik, ranked 45, claimed the scalp of world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-world-number-2-carlos-alcaraz-crowned-king-of-queens-club-for-second-time-wimbledon-2025-1750609763744">World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz crowned king of Queen’s for second time</a>&nbsp;The 28-year-old maintained his streak with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) victory in one hour and 22 minutes in his first clash on grass with third seed Medvedev.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks to his second Halle trophy after 2023 and fifth ATP title overall, Bublik will move to 30th in Monday's ATP rankings, while Medvedev, who was playing in his first final in 15 months, will move to number nine.&nbsp;"I was cursed against you, Daniil. But today, I'm happy to have won. Beating you here is a great honour for me," Bublik said during the trophy presentation.&nbsp;In the first set, Bublik broke his opponent's serve to lead 5-3 and won the set on his serve.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kazakh saved Medvedev's only break point, also a set point, at 4-5 in the second set, with a perfectly hit drop shot.&nbsp;&nbsp;He wrapped up the match in the tie-break with a service winner.&nbsp;<h2>‘Close to calling it quits’</h2>&nbsp;"From the mental point of view, that's the toughest match I ever played in my life," said Bublik.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have never beaten Daniil. He's a super tough player to play, especially with my game style, and today everything clicked in mentally and physically. That's one of the wins of my career."&nbsp;"I had such tough months since last Wimbledon to probably this summer," said Bublik, who had dropped out of the top 75 until last month and conceded he was "close to calling it quits after Wimbledon (last year), because I was not enjoying it anymore".&nbsp;Bublik's also won titles in Montpellier in 2022 and 2024 and Antwerp and Halle in 2023.&nbsp;"Alexander Bublik played some great grass-court play today. My heart always beats a little faster when you play like that on grass," said 57-year-old German Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion (1985, 1986, 1989), before presenting the trophy.&nbsp;A former world number one in 2022, Medvedev lost his sixth consecutive final, his 20th and last title was the Masters 1000 on clay in Rome in May 2023.&nbsp;"Keep playing like that, and please, Carlos (Alcaraz)or Jannik in your draw at Wimbledon," joked former US Open winner Medvedev, a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist.&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.

Alexander Bublik beats Daniil Medvedev to claim second title on grass in Halle

Kazakh Alexander Bublik achieved his first win in seven meetings with Russian Daniil Medvedev to claim his second title on the grass of Halle, a week before Wimbledon. Bublik, ranked 45, claimed the scalp of world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round. Also read | World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz crowned king of Queen’s for second time The 28-year-old maintained his streak with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) victory in one hour and 22 minutes in his first clash on grass with third seed Medvedev. Thanks to his second Halle trophy after 2023 and fifth ATP title overall, Bublik will move to 30th in Monday's ATP rankings, while Medvedev, who was playing in his first final in 15 months, will move to number nine. "I was cursed against you, Daniil. But today, I'm happy to have won. Beating you here is a great honour for me," Bublik said during the trophy presentation. In the first set, Bublik broke his opponent's serve to lead 5-3 and won the set on his serve. The Kazakh saved Medvedev's only break point, also a set point, at 4-5 in the second set, with a perfectly hit drop shot. He wrapped up the match in the tie-break with a service winner. ‘Close to calling it quits’ "From the mental point of view, that's the toughest match I ever played in my life," said Bublik. "I have never beaten Daniil. He's a super tough player to play, especially with my game style, and today everything clicked in mentally and physically. That's one of the wins of my career." "I had such tough months since last Wimbledon to probably this summer," said Bublik, who had dropped out of the top 75 until last month and conceded he was "close to calling it quits after Wimbledon (last year), because I was not enjoying it anymore". Bublik's also won titles in Montpellier in 2022 and 2024 and Antwerp and Halle in 2023. "Alexander Bublik played some great grass-court play today. My heart always beats a little faster when you play like that on grass," said 57-year-old German Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion (1985, 1986, 1989), before presenting the trophy. A former world number one in 2022, Medvedev lost his sixth consecutive final, his 20th and last title was the Masters 1000 on clay in Rome in May 2023. "Keep playing like that, and please, Carlos (Alcaraz)or Jannik in your draw at Wimbledon," joked former US Open winner Medvedev, a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist. 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.

Bublik, ranked 45, claimed the scalp of world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round.

Carlos Alcaraz clinched his second Queen's Club title as the world number two warmed up for Wimbledon with a 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 win against Jiri Lehecka in Sunday's final.&nbsp;Alcaraz blasted 33 winners and 18 aces to subdue the gritty Czech world number 30 in two hours and 10 minutes in west London.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leveling-the-playing-field-how-corporates-are-building-india-s-sports-future-1750602069234">Leveling the playing field: How corporates are building India’s sports future</a>&nbsp;Having won titles on clay at the French Open, Rome and Monte Carlo, as well as the hard courts of Rotterdam, Alcaraz has now collected five trophies in 2025.&nbsp;The 22-year-old has not lost since the Barcelona final against Holger Rune on April 20 and is enjoying the longest winning streak of his career with 18 successive victories.&nbsp;Top-seeded Alcaraz is just the second Spanish man to win Queen's twice after Feliciano Lopez, who lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2019.&nbsp;"I'm happy to lift this trophy once again. It's a nightmare to play against Jiri, but it's been an incredible week," Alcaraz said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I came without expectations. I just wanted to play good tennis and get used to the grass.&nbsp;"It's really special playing here every year. I can't wait to come back next year."&nbsp;For a player raised on the clay courts of Spain, Alcaraz has developed into a formidable force on grass.&nbsp;The former world number one signalled his emergence on the surface by winning Queen's in 2023.&nbsp;He clinched the Wimbledon title for the first time just weeks later and defended his All England Club crown last year.&nbsp;Alcaraz, who has an 11-1 career record at Queen's, will start his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title on June 30.&nbsp;After his semi-final win over Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday, Alcaraz fired an ominous message to his Wimbledon rivals, warning that his "grass-court mode" had been activated.&nbsp;And on the evidence of his relentless display against the obdurate Lehecka, he is in no mood to surrender his All England Club crown.<h2>Ruthless Alcaraz</h2>&nbsp;Playing his first tournament since his epic French Open victory against Jannik Sinner two weeks ago, Alcaraz's march to the Queen's showpiece made it five consecutive finals for the Spaniard.&nbsp;In contrast, Lehecka was playing in his first grass-court final after a shock win against British star Jack Draper in the last four.&nbsp;The 23-year-old was the first Czech in the Queen's final since Ivan Lendl in 1990.&nbsp;Lehecka had come from a set down to stun Alcaraz in the Qatar Open quarter-finals in February.&nbsp;But there would be no repeat of that upset on the lawns of Barons Court.&nbsp;In his second Queen's final, Alcaraz had an early chance to break in the fifth game of the first set.&nbsp;Lehecka thundered down an ace to get out of trouble of that occasion.&nbsp;But the five-time Grand Slam champion matched Lehecka's serve blow for blow, dropping just one point in his first four service games.&nbsp;Alcaraz's piercing ground-strokes increased the pressure, and Lehecka finally cracked in the 11th game when a badly-timed double-fault gifted the first break to the Spaniard.&nbsp;Alcaraz served out the set in typically ruthless fashion, but Lehecka refused to surrender without a fight.&nbsp;A tight second set stayed on serve all the way through to the tie-break and, for once, Alcaraz stumbled with a key double-fault, allowing Lehecka to level the match.&nbsp;Alcaraz was unfazed, breaking for a 3-1 lead in the deciding set when Lehecka netted an off-balance forehand.&nbsp;Alcaraz had the finish line in sight, and he wrapped up his latest title triumph with a flurry of searing winners.&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.

World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz crowned king of Queen’s for second time

Carlos Alcaraz clinched his second Queen's Club title as the world number two warmed up for Wimbledon with a 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 win against Jiri Lehecka in Sunday's final. Alcaraz blasted 33 winners and 18 aces to subdue the gritty Czech world number 30 in two hours and 10 minutes in west London. Also read | Leveling the playing field: How corporates are building India’s sports future Having won titles on clay at the French Open, Rome and Monte Carlo, as well as the hard courts of Rotterdam, Alcaraz has now collected five trophies in 2025. The 22-year-old has not lost since the Barcelona final against Holger Rune on April 20 and is enjoying the longest winning streak of his career with 18 successive victories. Top-seeded Alcaraz is just the second Spanish man to win Queen's twice after Feliciano Lopez, who lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2019. "I'm happy to lift this trophy once again. It's a nightmare to play against Jiri, but it's been an incredible week," Alcaraz said. "I came without expectations. I just wanted to play good tennis and get used to the grass. "It's really special playing here every year. I can't wait to come back next year." For a player raised on the clay courts of Spain, Alcaraz has developed into a formidable force on grass. The former world number one signalled his emergence on the surface by winning Queen's in 2023. He clinched the Wimbledon title for the first time just weeks later and defended his All England Club crown last year. Alcaraz, who has an 11-1 career record at Queen's, will start his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title on June 30. After his semi-final win over Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday, Alcaraz fired an ominous message to his Wimbledon rivals, warning that his "grass-court mode" had been activated. And on the evidence of his relentless display against the obdurate Lehecka, he is in no mood to surrender his All England Club crown. Ruthless Alcaraz Playing his first tournament since his epic French Open victory against Jannik Sinner two weeks ago, Alcaraz's march to the Queen's showpiece made it five consecutive finals for the Spaniard. In contrast, Lehecka was playing in his first grass-court final after a shock win against British star Jack Draper in the last four. The 23-year-old was the first Czech in the Queen's final since Ivan Lendl in 1990. Lehecka had come from a set down to stun Alcaraz in the Qatar Open quarter-finals in February. But there would be no repeat of that upset on the lawns of Barons Court. In his second Queen's final, Alcaraz had an early chance to break in the fifth game of the first set. Lehecka thundered down an ace to get out of trouble of that occasion. But the five-time Grand Slam champion matched Lehecka's serve blow for blow, dropping just one point in his first four service games. Alcaraz's piercing ground-strokes increased the pressure, and Lehecka finally cracked in the 11th game when a badly-timed double-fault gifted the first break to the Spaniard. Alcaraz served out the set in typically ruthless fashion, but Lehecka refused to surrender without a fight. A tight second set stayed on serve all the way through to the tie-break and, for once, Alcaraz stumbled with a key double-fault, allowing Lehecka to level the match. Alcaraz was unfazed, breaking for a 3-1 lead in the deciding set when Lehecka netted an off-balance forehand. Alcaraz had the finish line in sight, and he wrapped up his latest title triumph with a flurry of searing winners. 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.

Alcaraz blasted 33 winners and 18 aces to subdue the gritty Czech world number 30 in two hours and 10 minutes in west London.

Russian Daniil Medvedev dispatched home favourite Alexander Zverev in three sets to reach his first final in 15 months at the ATP tournament in Halle on Saturday. The world number 11 came through 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (1/7), 6-4 after an exceptional baseline battle lasting just under three hours.&nbsp;On Sunday, Medvedev will play in his first final on the tour since March 2024, against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik who rallied past Russian Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.&nbsp;"It's been a really long time since I've been to the final. I'm happy to be there, I beat an incredibly good player," said Medvedev courtside, still out of breath a few minutes after the match.&nbsp;"I am happy with my level, I played great," Medvedev said.&nbsp;"I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal. The same happened in the third set that when I had the break, he started playing better, returning better.&nbsp;"I am happy that in the third set I managed to stay more composed and managed to save those break points."&nbsp;It was the 20th clash between the two players of the same generation with Medvedev, 29, now leading 28-year-old Zverev 13-7.&nbsp;A finalist in Stuttgart last week Zverev had been hoping to go one better on the grass of Halle after being a losing finalist at the tournament in 2016 and 2017.&nbsp;But former world number one Medvedev once against proved a tough opponent for the second seed, having won 12 of their last 14 duels, the last in the semi-finals of the Australian Open at the end of January 2024.<h2>Bublik survives with 19 aces</h2>The 2021 US Open winner and two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2023 and 2024, Medvedev squandered a break lead 2-0 and three early match points on Zverev's serve (6-5) in the second set.&nbsp;Zverev led the tie-break 6-0, then 7-1 to extend the match into a third set dominated by Medvedev, who broke 2-1 and held his service game 3-1, saving four break points.&nbsp;The third seed wrapped up the match with a forehand winner sending him through to his second final in Halle where he finished runner-up in 2022.&nbsp;"I would have much preferred to finish when I had match points in the second set, but I'm happy to have won. I hope in the other semi-final they'll run a little, because I'm tired," joked the Russian.&nbsp;For his 21st tour title, his first since his triumph on the clay courts of Rome in May 2023, Medvedev will challenge 2023 Halle winner Bublik, ranked 45, who claimed the scalp of world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round.&nbsp;Big-serving Bublik took just over two hours to get past 22nd-ranked Khachanov, firing 19 aces, and taking the tie on his fourth match point.&nbsp;The 28-year-old Kazakh is bidding for his fifth title after Montpellier in 2022 and 2024 and Antwerp and Halle 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 WION audience.

On Sunday, Daniil Medvedev will play in his first final on the tour since March 2024, against Kazakhstans Alexander Bublik who rallied past Russian Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

Russian Daniil Medvedev dispatched home favourite Alexander Zverev in three sets to reach his first final in 15 months at the ATP tournament in Halle on Saturday. The world number 11 came through 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (1/7), 6-4 after an exceptional baseline battle lasting just under three hours. On Sunday, Medvedev will play in his first final on the tour since March 2024, against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik who rallied past Russian Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. "It's been a really long time since I've been to the final. I'm happy to be there, I beat an incredibly good player," said Medvedev courtside, still out of breath a few minutes after the match. "I am happy with my level, I played great," Medvedev said. "I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal. The same happened in the third set that when I had the break, he started playing better, returning better. "I am happy that in the third set I managed to stay more composed and managed to save those break points." It was the 20th clash between the two players of the same generation with Medvedev, 29, now leading 28-year-old Zverev 13-7. A finalist in Stuttgart last week Zverev had been hoping to go one better on the grass of Halle after being a losing finalist at the tournament in 2016 and 2017. But former world number one Medvedev once against proved a tough opponent for the second seed, having won 12 of their last 14 duels, the last in the semi-finals of the Australian Open at the end of January 2024. Bublik survives with 19 aces The 2021 US Open winner and two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2023 and 2024, Medvedev squandered a break lead 2-0 and three early match points on Zverev's serve (6-5) in the second set. Zverev led the tie-break 6-0, then 7-1 to extend the match into a third set dominated by Medvedev, who broke 2-1 and held his service game 3-1, saving four break points. The third seed wrapped up the match with a forehand winner sending him through to his second final in Halle where he finished runner-up in 2022. "I would have much preferred to finish when I had match points in the second set, but I'm happy to have won. I hope in the other semi-final they'll run a little, because I'm tired," joked the Russian. For his 21st tour title, his first since his triumph on the clay courts of Rome in May 2023, Medvedev will challenge 2023 Halle winner Bublik, ranked 45, who claimed the scalp of world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round. Big-serving Bublik took just over two hours to get past 22nd-ranked Khachanov, firing 19 aces, and taking the tie on his fourth match point. The 28-year-old Kazakh is bidding for his fifth title after Montpellier in 2022 and 2024 and Antwerp and Halle 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 WION audience.

On Sunday, Daniil Medvedev will play in his first final on the tour since March 2024, against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik who rallied past Russian Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

Daniil Medvedev dispatches home hope Alexander Zverev to meet Bublik in Halle final

Inter Milan came from behind to beat Urawa Red Diamonds and knock the Japanese side out of the Club World Cup on Saturday, while Borussia Dortmund held off Mamelodi Sundowns to win a seven-goal thriller.&nbsp;Fluminense rallied in the second half to beat Ulsan 4-2 and knock out the South Korean side while Monterrey and River Plate ended goalless.&nbsp;At Lumen Field in Seattle, Ryoma Watanabe got an early opening goal for Urawa Reds, who were backed by a noisy contingent of their supporters.&nbsp;But captain Lautaro Martinez -- who got Inter's equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Monterrey of Mexico in their opening game -- repeated the trick to level matters with a clever overhead kick 12 minutes from time.&nbsp;Valentin Carboni was then the unlikely hero as he grabbed the winner two minutes into injury time.&nbsp;The 20-year-old Argentine had not played a competitive game since early October after suffering a serious knee injury while on loan at Marseille.&nbsp;Carboni had not made an appearance for Inter in over two years, but he was on to hand to sidefoot home when the ball fell to him in the area.&nbsp;"Our opponents play with their hearts and to counter that as a team we need to play with more pride, be humble and know how to suffer," Martinez told broadcaster DAZN.&nbsp;The result left some Urawa fans in tears and Inter level on four points with River Plate with the two teams meeting next.&nbsp;River Plate were let down by their finishing in a scrappy, foul-ridden encounter with Mexico's Monterrey, who sit on two points.&nbsp;Esteban Andrada, Monterrey's Argentine keeper, made a series of saves while River's forwards were unable to put away the few chances that came their way.&nbsp;Monterrey could still make it into the last 16 if they beat Urawa and River or Inter win their game.- Bellingham strikes - Earlier Jobe Bellingham got his first goal for Dortmund as his new club overcame stifling heat in Cincinnati to beat Sundowns 4-3 and move to four points from two matches in Group F.&nbsp;The South African champions had taken a surprise early lead through a fine solo goal from Lucas Ribeiro.&nbsp;However, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equaliser on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home.&nbsp;Serhou Guirassy gave Dortmund the lead with his 35th goal since the beginning of the season.&nbsp;English midfielder Bellingham, who this month followed older brother Jude's footsteps in joining the German side from Sunderland, started for the first time for Dortmund and made it 3-1 just before the break.&nbsp;Khuliso Mudau's own goal made it 4-1 before the hour mark, but Sundowns salvaged some pride by reducing the deficit through Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba.&nbsp;"I'm sweating like I've just come out of a sauna," said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac when asked about the conditions in a game which started at midday local time.&nbsp;"It was tough going for both teams, but the opposition are used to it. We certainly didn't give our best performance, but that wasn't possible today."&nbsp;Sundowns will still go into their final game in Group F with a chance of qualifying for the last 16.&nbsp;"The boys made a wonderful performance... it was a hell of a match. I'm not happy but very proud," said their Portuguese coach, Miguel Cardoso.&nbsp;South Korea's Ulsan gave Fluminense a real scare in their Group F clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, leading 2-1 until the 66th minute before the Brazilians ran out 4-2 winners, eliminating the K-League champions in the process.&nbsp;Colombian striker Jhon Arias put Fluminense ahead with a 27th minute free-kick but goals from Lee Jin-hyun and Um Won-sang gave Ulsan the advantage at the break.&nbsp;Nonata levelled for the Brazilians in the 66th minute before Juan Freytes put Fluminense ahead in the 83rd minute, slotting home after a scramble in the box.&nbsp;Keno added a fourth in stoppage time to leave Fluminense on top of the group, level on 4 points with Borussia Dortmund ahead of their final game against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in Miami on Wednesday.&nbsp;A win or draw for the Rio club in their final group game will ensure their passage into the last 16.&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 came from behind to beat Urawa Red Diamonds and knock the Japanese side out of the Club World Cup on Saturday, while Borussia Dortmund held off Mamelodi Sundowns to win a seven-goal thriller.

Inter Milan came from behind to beat Urawa Red Diamonds and knock the Japanese side out of the Club World Cup on Saturday, while Borussia Dortmund held off Mamelodi Sundowns to win a seven-goal thriller. Fluminense rallied in the second half to beat Ulsan 4-2 and knock out the South Korean side while Monterrey and River Plate ended goalless. At Lumen Field in Seattle, Ryoma Watanabe got an early opening goal for Urawa Reds, who were backed by a noisy contingent of their supporters. But captain Lautaro Martinez -- who got Inter's equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Monterrey of Mexico in their opening game -- repeated the trick to level matters with a clever overhead kick 12 minutes from time. Valentin Carboni was then the unlikely hero as he grabbed the winner two minutes into injury time. The 20-year-old Argentine had not played a competitive game since early October after suffering a serious knee injury while on loan at Marseille. Carboni had not made an appearance for Inter in over two years, but he was on to hand to sidefoot home when the ball fell to him in the area. "Our opponents play with their hearts and to counter that as a team we need to play with more pride, be humble and know how to suffer," Martinez told broadcaster DAZN. The result left some Urawa fans in tears and Inter level on four points with River Plate with the two teams meeting next. River Plate were let down by their finishing in a scrappy, foul-ridden encounter with Mexico's Monterrey, who sit on two points. Esteban Andrada, Monterrey's Argentine keeper, made a series of saves while River's forwards were unable to put away the few chances that came their way. Monterrey could still make it into the last 16 if they beat Urawa and River or Inter win their game. - Bellingham strikes - Earlier Jobe Bellingham got his first goal for Dortmund as his new club overcame stifling heat in Cincinnati to beat Sundowns 4-3 and move to four points from two matches in Group F. The South African champions had taken a surprise early lead through a fine solo goal from Lucas Ribeiro. However, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equaliser on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home. Serhou Guirassy gave Dortmund the lead with his 35th goal since the beginning of the season. English midfielder Bellingham, who this month followed older brother Jude's footsteps in joining the German side from Sunderland, started for the first time for Dortmund and made it 3-1 just before the break. Khuliso Mudau's own goal made it 4-1 before the hour mark, but Sundowns salvaged some pride by reducing the deficit through Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba. "I'm sweating like I've just come out of a sauna," said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac when asked about the conditions in a game which started at midday local time. "It was tough going for both teams, but the opposition are used to it. We certainly didn't give our best performance, but that wasn't possible today." Sundowns will still go into their final game in Group F with a chance of qualifying for the last 16. "The boys made a wonderful performance... it was a hell of a match. I'm not happy but very proud," said their Portuguese coach, Miguel Cardoso. South Korea's Ulsan gave Fluminense a real scare in their Group F clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, leading 2-1 until the 66th minute before the Brazilians ran out 4-2 winners, eliminating the K-League champions in the process. Colombian striker Jhon Arias put Fluminense ahead with a 27th minute free-kick but goals from Lee Jin-hyun and Um Won-sang gave Ulsan the advantage at the break. Nonata levelled for the Brazilians in the 66th minute before Juan Freytes put Fluminense ahead in the 83rd minute, slotting home after a scramble in the box. Keno added a fourth in stoppage time to leave Fluminense on top of the group, level on 4 points with Borussia Dortmund ahead of their final game against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in Miami on Wednesday. A win or draw for the Rio club in their final group game will ensure their passage into the last 16. 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 came from behind to beat Urawa Red Diamonds and knock the Japanese side out of the Club World Cup on Saturday, while Borussia Dortmund held off Mamelodi Sundowns to win a seven-goal thriller.

FIFA Club World Cup: Inter Milan, Dortmund claim first wins to stay in R16 berth

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