Marco Bianchi 
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the timing sheets in the first practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, posting a lap 0.659 seconds quicker than Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. The session featured a mix of regular drivers and rookies, with several teams using the high‑altitude track for mandatory rookie runs ahead of the race on Sunday.
Canelo Alvarez and challenger Christian Mbilli successfully weighed in at 12st (76kg) ahead of their world title fight in Riyadh, just a day after two ballistic missiles were intercepted over the Saudi capital. The bout proceeds amid heightened security concerns and travel advisories, but the combat‑sports calendar in Saudi Arabia remains largely intact.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has lifted the IIHF’s suspension of Russia, meaning Russian men’s and women’s national teams can take part in international tournaments from the 2026‑27 season. The IIHF expressed disappointment, but will comply with the ruling while still concerned about safety and logistical issues.
Dominican champion Carlos Adames is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Wales’ Gerome Warburton in a 165‑lb catch‑weight fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout is a non‑title fight, with Adames’ WBC belt not on the line, and forms part of Zuffa Boxing’s first event in the region.
Flavio Cobolli was forced to retire from his Vienna Open match against fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini after a leg issue caused him to break down in tears. He apologized to the crowd, clarified that the tears were not from pain, and indicated he aims to be fit for the upcoming Paris Masters and a possible ATP Finals qualification.
Scotland’s Mark Stewart, a 31‑year‑old former lifeguard, captured gold in the points race at the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai, securing his first world title after years of setbacks. The victory marks the pinnacle of his career and positions him as a contender for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Stan Wawrinka announced his retirement at the Basel Open, where he was defeated by Jiri Lehecka in his opening match. He reflected on his 2014 Australian Open triumph, recalling that he called fellow Swiss star Roger Federer the “best player ever” after beating Rafael Nadal in the final.
The Scottish Professional Football League is seeking offers for its next broadcast rights deal, potentially ending the 3pm Saturday blackout that has restricted live coverage of matches. The move could allow all Scottish Premiership games to be shown live, with the decision to be taken by the league’s 12 clubs ahead of the 2029-30 season.
Rangers and Celtic lost their appeals against a stadium closure sanction imposed after disorder at a Scottish Cup quarter‑final. The clubs will now host their next Scottish Cup home matches behind closed doors and must each pay £100,000 to the opposition, though a suspended ban on fans for future infractions was lifted.
Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy has undergone surgery after a serious knee injury sustained in the United Rugby Championship. Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says Hardy will miss the remainder of the season but hopes he can be fit for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.