James O'Brien 
Nine‑time Paralympic champion Jody Cundy talks about his upcoming 17th World Championships, reflecting on his age and the rising talent he faces. He highlights that he is close to completing a 20‑year unbeaten streak in para‑cycling.
During the Carabao Cup last‑16 tie at Highbury Stadium, a drone caused play to be stopped for more than eight minutes. Referee Michael Salisbury halted the game, and after the interruption the match resumed, with Fleetwood Town later beating Arsenal on penalties.
England head coach Steve Borthwick said the squad has had only a three‑day training camp before returning to clubs, making preparation for the opening Nations Championship test against Australia a challenge. He highlighted the need to focus on clear priorities and balance club commitments with international duties ahead of the match at Allianz Stadium on 8 November.
Manchester United have confirmed that interim boss Michael Carrick will stay in charge for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea after a poor start to the season. The club is also reportedly considering other managerial options, but Carrick will lead the team in an attempt to end an eight‑match winless run.
Kiah Stokes starred with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. The win gave the Valkyries a 3-2 series lead and put them one victory away from their first championship in only their second season.
Former British champion Paul Smith is helping launch the Global Fighters’ Association, a new non‑profit aiming to create a union for combat‑sport athletes. The GFA plans a £500,000 crowdfunding drive to fund a comprehensive health‑and‑safety inquiry and push for better contracts, insurance and pensions for fighters.
Venus Williams, partnered with Janice Tjen, secured a straight‑sets victory (6‑0, 7‑5) over Ekaterine Gorgodse and Kimberley Zimmermann in the first round of the Guangzhou Open doubles draw. The win marked Williams’ fourth doubles triumph of the 2026 WTA season and moves the pair into the second round where they will face either Lyudmyla Kichenok/Makoto Ninomiya or the second‑seeded duo Jesika Maleckova/Miriam Skoch.
American golfer Austin Smotherman claimed his second PGA Tour title at the Bermuda Championship, defeating Ireland’s Seamus Power in a sudden‑death playoff that was delayed by inclement weather. The tournament’s final round was cancelled, and the playoff was held on Monday, with Smotherman winning on the third extra hole.
Former Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant was attacked by a German Shepherd while walking his dogs in north London, sustaining four bite wounds that required over 50 stitches. His own dog, King, intervened to help, and Pennant thanked his partner Mimmi Montgomery for looking after them.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams suffered a serious lower‑leg injury late in the game and was taken off on a stretcher as the team held on for a 108‑101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The injury halted play for several minutes, and teammates, including Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, expressed concern for his health.