Avatar photoMarco Bianchi

Marco covers Southern Europe's vibrant and fast-growing startup landscape. Based in Milan, he reports on funding rounds, product launches and ecosystem developments across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, with a keen eye for foodtech, mobility and consumer innovation.

Wawrinka Wins at 41, Joins Elite Group of Veteran Champions Before December Farewell

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Stan Wawrinka extended his remarkable longevity on the ATP Tour by winning a first‑round match at 41 years and six months, placing him among the oldest match winners in history. He has also set a date for his farewell exhibition in Geneva on December 19, where he will share the court with legends Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Gael Monfils. The event will mark the official end of his 24‑year professional career.

Fernandez Seizes WTA 500 Crown With Ningbo Open Victory Over Sasnovich

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Canadian star Leylah Fernandez advanced to the quarter‑finals of the Ningbo Open after a three‑set win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich, marking her 15th WTA 500 victory of the year. The triumph gave her the record for most WTA 500 wins in 2026, surpassing Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva, and set up a quarter‑final clash with Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Champion Swimmer Archie Goodburn to Deliver Match Ball at Scotland vs Australia Rugby Clash

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British champion swimmer and brain cancer campaigner Archie Goodburn will be the guest of honour at Murrayfield, delivering the match ball for Scotland’s Nations Championship clash with Australia. The event highlights his fundraising efforts for brain cancer charities and gives him a platform to address a crowd of over 60,000 spectators.

Sutcliffe Set for Scotland Debut as Scots Target First WXV Win in Australia

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Glasgow Warriors hooker Aicha Sutcliffe has been selected to start for Scotland for the first time in the final WXV Global Series match against Australia. The change is part of interim coach Dave Butcher’s three alterations to the lineup as Scotland chase their first win of the competition. Several other players, including Sarah Bonar and Chloe Rollie, also return to the starting XV.

Wales brings in uncapped Dragons duo Owen and Hope for Nations Championship squad

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Steve Tandy has selected a 39‑strong Wales squad for the November Nations Championship, including uncapped Dragons centre Aneurin Owen and scrum‑half Che Hope. The call‑ups also see Dragons lock Seb Davies and wing Rio Dyer return, while notable absentees include Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell and fit‑again number eight Taulupe Faletau.

SPFL Opens Broadcast Bidding for Scottish Premiership Rights From 2029-30 Season

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The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) announced that it is seeking bids from broadcasters for the UK television rights to the Scottish Premiership starting in the 2029‑30 season. The current £150 million, five‑year agreement with Sky Sports runs until the end of the 2028‑29 campaign, and the league says it expects strong interest from potential partners.