James O'Brien 
Anthony Smith, a 38‑year‑old former UFC light‑heavyweight title challenger, was taken into custody in Sarpy County, Nebraska on three felony counts. The charges stem from alleged terroristic threats, false imprisonment and domestic‑violence assault, and he is due to appear before a judge later in the week.
Crystal Palace are in negotiations with Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is currently training with the club and was named as a substitute in a pre‑season friendly. The talks revolve around a permanent deal on a free transfer, with manager Pierre Sage considering him as a left‑side centre‑back option for next season.
Four swimmers from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – James Guy, Jack McMillan, Duncan Scott and Matt Richards – captured gold for Team GB in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore. A year later they will face each other in the 200m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games, turning teammates into rivals while maintaining a friendly rivalry.
Manchester City winger Savinho has indicated he is willing to leave the club, with Tottenham Hotspur identified as a key target. Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi is keen on the 22‑year‑old, and the player is expected to push for a move in the current transfer window.
Chelsea FC Women are preparing to sign 19‑year‑old Italian international Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona. Dragoni, who spent two seasons on loan at Roma and has already earned 24 caps for Italy, will become Chelsea’s fourth summer signing as they aim to reclaim the Women’s Super League title.
Sam Tolchard captured his first Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s bowls singles at the Glasgow 2026 event, edging out Malaysia’s Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple 8-6 after a dramatic finish. The 37‑year‑old, who first competed at the Games in 2010, balanced his elite performance with work as a self‑employed electrician.
The Women’s League Cup has been rebranded as the Players Cup and will adopt a new regional league format for the 2026-27 season. The change excludes teams in the Women’s Champions League, giving lower‑ranked clubs more matches and a chance at a first‑time winner, with points awarded for shootout results.
An amateur cricket match between Saltburn and Norton in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League went viral after a video appeared to show a Saltburn fielder clicking his fingers to deceive the umpire. The league has launched a formal investigation, and Saltburn secured a 159‑run victory, moving to the top of Division 2.
Champions Northampton Saints open the 2026-27 Premiership Rugby season by hosting Newcastle Red Bulls at Sandy Park on 25 September. The article also outlines the opening weekend fixtures and notes the removal of promotion and relegation for the season.
British No.2 Cameron Norrie broke a six‑match losing streak with a straight‑sets win over Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Mifel Open in Los Cobos, Mexico. The victory moves him into the last‑16 where he will face either James Duckworth or Aidan Mayo. The article also notes other British players’ results at recent tournaments.