Marco Bianchi 
China’s women’s track cycling squad captured gold in the team sprint final at the World Championships in Shanghai, edging out Great Britain who settled for silver. The victory highlights China’s strength in track cycling on the global stage.
Aline Pereira, sister of former UFC champion Alex Pereira, fought Smilla Sundell on Dana White’s Contender Series and suffered a unanimous decision loss, costing her a UFC contract. The defeat leaves her with a 3‑3 professional record, while UFC president Dana White debated offering Sundell a contract before being persuaded by his team.
Iga Swiatek defeated Magdalena Frech 6‑2, 6‑1 in the opening round of the Wuhan Open, securing her 149th victory in WTA 1000 tournaments and overtaking Serena Williams’ record. The win keeps Swiatek in contention for a spot in the 2026 WTA Finals as she continues her strong season.
Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos said the seven‑minute stoppage in their 1‑0 away win over Millwall was caused by alleged racist chants aimed at winger Ji‑sung Eom. The club condemned the abuse, praised the referee’s handling of the incident and vowed to support the player, while Millwall launched a police investigation. The victory kept Swansea at the top of the Championship table.
Twenty‑year‑old jockey Billy Loughnane is poised to win the flat racing champion jockey title at Ascot’s Champions Day, having led the standings with 222 winners. He also reveals ambitions to break historic win records set by Sir Gordon Richards and Sir AP McCoy.
Rory McIlroy, a vocal critic of LIV Golf, told Bloomberg he would vote to allow LIV players to return to the PGA Tour, arguing that the circuit’s financial resources were misused and that it no longer threatens traditional tours. He also noted recent departures like Jon Rahm and reflected on the personal impact of the split.
Dragons flanker Ryan Woodman, 22, will miss the rest of the season after a bicep injury that requires surgery, ruling him out of Wales’ Six Nations campaign. Coach Dale MacLeod said the recovery should see him back by late December, with the team hoping other players can fill the gap in upcoming URC and Challenge Cup matches.
Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik said his family had been threatened with death threats following a clash with a Portsmouth fan during the club’s 2-1 loss at Fratton Park. The incident led to a two‑match suspension and a £10,000 fine, with the club’s manager Brian Barry‑Murphy backing Bielik as a consummate professional.
Netflix announced it has acquired the rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the 2030 World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking the first time the streaming service will show the men’s tournament. The company also said one match per match‑day will be free to watch in Spain, while Spain’s games and the final will remain on free‑to‑air TV.
Tony Bloom said he would be “really disappointed” if Heart of Midlothian does not capture the Scottish Premiership by 2035, reaffirming the club’s title ambition after a near‑miss last season. He highlighted the overhaul at Tynecastle, including the departure of Derek McInnes and key players, and the appointment of Wouter Vrancken, while the team sits third in the league.