Marco Bianchi 
Northern Ireland’s women’s national team named its squad for the upcoming 2027 World Cup play‑off against Portugal. The selection features surprise inclusions such as Sparta Prague striker Kess Elmore and Galway United defender Lucy‑Jayne Grant, alongside several regulars and a list of injured absentees.
Cardiff fly-half Callum Sheedy admitted he didn’t realise his improvised header against the Scarlets would become a viral sensation. The move helped secure a 21-15 URC win and sparked a flood of social‑media attention, prompting discussion about the legality of using the head in rugby.
Naomi Osaka, a former world No.1 and four‑time Grand Slam champion, said she is happy with the consistency of her 2026 season after reaching the second week of three different majors for the first time. Speaking to media in Beijing before the China Open, she reflected on her deeper runs at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open and looks forward to the upcoming tournament.
Italian tennis star Lorenzo Musetti announced he must miss the Japan Open after fracturing a finger in practice, expressing disappointment at not being able to play in front of Japanese fans. He hopes to recover quickly and compete at the upcoming Shanghai Masters, while his spot in Tokyo is filled by lucky loser Jaime Faria.
Russian star Daniil Medvedev captured his 24th ATP title by beating fellow Russian Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-4 in the Hangzhou Open final. Medvedev served 23 aces and praised his team, especially fitness coach Leandro Mosconi, in his post‑match speech. Both players look ahead to the upcoming China Open.
Turkey’s justice minister announced that Ferhat Gundogdu, the president of the national refereeing body, his vice‑president and five others were detained in a corruption probe. The investigation targets alleged interference in referee classifications, assignments and match‑related decisions, as authorities continue a broader crackdown on misconduct in Turkish football.
Ferrari publicly backed team principal Frederic Vasseur, stating confidence in his leadership despite media speculation and interest from other teams. The announcement was made by chief communication officer Maria Conti on behalf of chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna, reaffirming Vasseur’s multi‑year contract as the team fights for second place in the constructors’ championship.
Ffion Lewis, a 28‑year‑old Welsh rugby player, is set to make history as the first woman from Wales to compete in both the Rugby Union and Rugby League World Cups. After overcoming a serious knee injury and a lack of contract renewal with the WRU, she returned to league with the London Broncos and earned a place in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad in Australia.
Coco Gauff praised fellow Kazakhstani star Elena Rybakina before the China Open, saying her recent Grand Slam victories are no surprise and predicting she will add many more titles. Both players entered the tournament as top seeds, with Gauff hoping to avoid another loss to Rybakina in future semifinals.
Northern Ireland returned to Windsor Park after a 315‑day absence and held Hungary to a goalless draw, keeping their unbeaten run in the Nations League intact. The result leaves them joint top of League B with Ukraine, and manager Michael O’Neill praised the team’s defensive solidity while noting a lack of clear‑cut chances. He also expressed disappointment with what he perceived as simulation by the opposition.