Marco Bianchi 
Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez claimed victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, widening his championship lead to 44 points as rival Jorge Martin sat out with a wrist injury. It was Marquez’s first win in Malaysia since 2018 and puts him in a strong position to clinch the title with two races remaining.
Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is eyeing a return to the cruiserweight division in 2027, targeting a fight against unbeaten American David Benavidez for a vacant world title. His adviser Sergey Lapin says the plan is to win the belt and then unify all cruiserweight titles before retiring.
The Youth Olympic Games kicked off with an opening ceremony in Dakar, Senegal. The event was broadcast live for viewers worldwide, showcasing cultural performances and the parade of athletes. This marks the first time the Youth Olympics have been held in Africa.
The semi‑final of the Scottish League Cup featuring Rangers and Aberdeen was called off and will be rescheduled for a later date. No further details on the new fixture were provided.
Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar revealed he is ‘just happy to be alive’ after a serious crash in the Vuelta a Espana that left him with three fractured vertebrae, a broken collarbone and concussion. The injuries have forced him out for the rest of the season, and he aims to return to competition in 2027.
Ireland’s women’s rugby side secured a historic 38‑17 win over South Africa in Cape Town, completing a back‑to‑back Test series victory on South African soil. Beibhinn Parsons starred with three tries, while captain Erin King and Aoife Dalton also crossed the line. Coach Scott Bemand’s side became the first Irish team to win consecutive Tests in South Africa.
The New Zealand Kiwis delivered a statement victory over Fiji, winning 78‑0 to book their place in the Rugby League World Cup semi‑finals. The match featured a dominant first half, multiple try‑scorers and a red card for Fiji half‑back Brandon Wakeham, while New Zealand also dealt with a sending‑off for winger Ronaldo Mulitalo. Coach Stacey Jones confirmed that star full‑back Kalyn Ponga, who missed the opener with a broken arm, is back in training and could feature in the next match.
New Zealand number eight Kaipo Olsen‑Baker has been named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. The 24‑year‑old was recognised ahead of Canada’s DaLeaka Menin and England’s Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison, and joins previous winners Sophie de Goede and Ellie Kildunne. The award was presented in Christchurch as the Black Ferns enjoyed a strong season under new coach Whitney Hansen.
Wales women’s rugby team secured a comfortable 29-5 victory over Japan in Kumagaya City, completing a double win in the WXV Global Series. The win gave Wales three tournament victories, their only loss having come earlier against the USA, and highlighted a dramatic turnaround under coach Sean Lynn. Japan, coached by Toshizumi Kitagawa, remain winless in the competition.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev said his next bout at UFC 336 will be one of the final fights of his career, hinting at retirement. He also discussed the upcoming interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales that will determine his next opponent.