Marco Bianchi 
Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas outlined his objectives for the rest of the 2026 season, including regaining a top‑32 ranking to be seeded at Grand Slams, returning to the top 30, and adding more top‑10 victories. After a first‑round win at the Shanghai Masters, he looks to continue his resurgence following a title in Gstaad and a fourth‑round US Open run.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, now playing for Sunderland, has been handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs for obtaining a forged Covid‑19 vaccination certificate in 2022. The fine is suspended for two years provided he commits no further offences, and he has already paid the court costs. He is expected to return to action for Sunderland against Brighton soon.
Chinese tennis star Qinwen Zheng defeated Alina Charaeva in a three‑set battle to reach the quarter‑finals of the 2026 China Open in Beijing. The win moves her up to 42nd in the WTA rankings and sets up a quarter‑final clash with Ukraine’s former world‑top‑5 player Elina Svitolina.
Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau returns to the Cardiff side after a shoulder injury, starting against Leinster in the URC. The team, fresh from wins over Scarlets and Zebre, make several changes and look to build on a promising start to the season.
Holger Rune was beaten 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 by Daniel Altmaier in the first round of the Shanghai Masters. The loss will drop him from world No. 195 to outside the top 1200, his lowest ranking since 2019. Rune remains optimistic, noting he won 53% of the points and is “on the right track.”
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has resumed training with Napoli following a successful heart ablation procedure performed in Manchester. The club confirmed he is now fit to train with the squad after missing several weeks due to the arrhythmia diagnosis.
Rabbi Matondo, the 26‑year‑old Wales international and former Rangers winger, signed for Hibernian on a short‑term deal after a trial period at Easter Road. The move gives new manager Marink Reedijk his first signing since taking over, adding pace and width to the Hibs attack for the remainder of the season.
Jon Rahm, the two‑time major winner, has decided to exit LIV Golf, calling the terms of the league’s proposed LIV 2.0 contract unacceptable. His lawyer John Beck confirmed the decision in a bankruptcy court hearing, and the parties are now negotiating a separation agreement that should be settled by early November.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega, a 55‑year‑old former Swiss international, said he will stand as a candidate in the 2027 FIFA presidential election. He aims to challenge Gianni Infantino and promises to reform and modernise FIFA’s governance.
Leanne Ross, Scotland’s most‑decorated former player and current assistant coach, says the team’s upcoming play‑off double‑header against the Czech Republic is a huge opportunity to finally reach a World Cup. She highlights the quality and “magic” of the squad and hopes to end Scotland’s eight‑year wait for a major tournament appearance.