James O'Brien 
British players Harriet Dart and Fran Jones each secured victories in the first round of US Open qualifying in New York. Dart defeated Jordyn Hazelitt 6-0 6-7 (1-7) 6-1, while Jones beat Italy’s Nuria Brancaccio 6-3 6-4, keeping their hopes of reaching the main draw alive.
Luke Littler’s hopes of qualifying for the Players Championship finals were dented after a quarter‑final loss to Jermaine Wattimena at PC27 in Leicester. The 19‑year‑old, currently 141st on the Order of Merit and £22,250 behind the top 64, now faces limited opportunities to climb the rankings before the November finals.
Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik, who scored 17 goals in the 2025-26 season, has asked to leave the club after a £1.5m bid from Swedish side Djurgarden was turned down. Manager Luke Garrard confirmed the club wants to keep him, but the player says he is ready for a new challenge.
Former England defender Ashley Cole stepped down as the England Under‑21 coach after a five‑year spell that saw the side win back‑to‑back European titles. Lee Carsley praised Cole’s positive impact and wished him success in future coaching roles.
The Football Association has given the green light for four WSL academy teams to join the third tier of the Women’s National League from the 2027‑28 season. The move, part of wider reforms, aims to give young English players more competitive minutes and strengthen the women’s football pyramid.
Jed York, co-owner of Leeds United and Rangers and chief executive of the San Francisco 49ers, was sentenced to a day in jail for each of two offences after pleading no contest to soliciting prostitution in Ohio. He was also fined $150 for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools. The legal matter has been noted by the NFL under its personal conduct policy.
The New Orleans Saints have added two‑time All‑Pro kicker Daniel Carlson to their roster, creating a direct competition with Charlie Smyth for the starting kicking role. Both players will vie for the job as the team prepares for its final pre‑season game against the Dallas Cowboys before the 2026 regular season begins.
Chelsea secured a 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Cole Palmer delivering both a goal and an assist. Manager Xabi Alonso highlighted Palmer’s responsibility and maturity, saying the team can achieve special things this season.
Sunderland have completed the signing of 20‑year‑old DR Congo youth international Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp for a reported €10 million. The midfielder joins the Black Cats on a long‑term deal as the club looks to strengthen its squad after a 2‑1 loss to Ipswich in the Premier League opener.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from the Chicago Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever after a heated verbal exchange with guard Natasha Cloud. The incident occurred at Wintrust Arena and the Fever won the match 113-90. The ejection sparked further discussion about transgender athlete eligibility in the WNBA.