Katarina Johnson-Thompson third with two heptathlon events remaining in Tokyo
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Defending champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson sits third with two heptathlon events remaining at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The 2024 Olympic silver medallist has 4874 points heading into Saturday evening’s javelin throw and 800 metre race in a field led by American pair Anna Hall, on 5041 points, and Taliyah Brooks, with 4930. Johnson-Thompson holds a 50-point advantage over Ireland’s fourth-placed challenger Kate O’Connor after the morning session’s long jump, where the Englishwoman was third-best with a 6.42m effort behind Brooks and British compatriot Jade O’Dowda. Brooks reached a personal-best 6.79m, 30cm more than O’Dowda, who currently sits sixth after the Netherlands’ Sofie Dokter. Abigail Pawlett, Great Britain’s third entrant, is 15th. Nafi Thiam, who beat Johnson-Thompson to Olympic gold in Paris last summer, has – according to reports in her home country of Belgium – decided to withdraw from the competition, where she had been sitting eighth. Thiam’s pre-championship build-up had been marred by a row with her federation. She told Belgian newspaper DH Les Sports+: “It was difficult from the beginning. I tried to fight, to go through these difficulties, but clearly it does not follow. I have trouble explaining it myself. “Clearly my body is not happy. I don’t want to do anything stupid, because I think that now, finishing would be for the principle.” Great Britain secured their second medal of the 2025 championships on Friday, when Amy Hunt stormed to 200m silver, adding to Jake Wightman’s second-place finish in the men’s 1500m final. They could win medals in up to three events on the penultimate evening of the World Championships. Hannah Nuttall will start the women’s 5000m final at 1329BST before Max Burgin goes for men’s 800m gold in his final, scheduled to start at 1422BST.
Springbok star undergoes surgery
The Springboks reported three serious injuries upon their return so South Africa after completing a gruelling two-match tour of New Zealand. Aphelele Fassi, Lood de Jager and Jean-Luc du Preez are all expected to be on the sidelines for quite some time. Taking to social media, Fassi – who suffered a leg injury in Wellington – posted a message to say that surgery had been a success, and that he would be focusing now on rest and recovery. it would seem likely that this injury will keep him out of action for the remainder of the year, while De Jager and Du Preez are also not expected to be available for selection this season. Springboks have two more games in the Rugby Championship With only two points separating the first-placed Wallabies, on 11 log points, and the last-placed Pumas (on nine points), while the second-placed Springboks and third-placed All Blacks are level on 10 points, the competition is set to go down to the wire. While the Springboks and Pumas will battle it out in the last leg of the southern hemisphere showpiece, the All Blacks will take on the Wallabies for the Bledisloe Cup, and given how tight the standings are, any team could snatch the title, which the Springboks won last season for the first time since 2019. “It’s great to be back in camp and to see the excitement and enthusiasm among the players, and we are keen to get back into the swing of things after a few days off to recover from the trip back from New Zealand,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. “We have two massive encounters ahead against a psyched-up Argentinean team, who, just like every other side in the competition, believes they can win the trophy, so the extra two training days were vital for us. “The players are fresh and charged up for the challenge ahead, and that excites us because we are going to give everything to build on our last result and give ourselves the best possible chance to win the title.” Erasmus added: “The players jumped straight back into action, and our focus on Friday and Saturday is to improve the areas of our game we would like to after reviewing the last match against the All Blacks, as well as our fundamentals, which will be critical against a well-rounded and Pumas outfit. “They have a powerful pack and classy playmakers in their backline, so we need to be sharp at training and ensure that we are ready mentally and physically when we approach game day next week.”
Saturday’s briefing: No pontiff-icating from Ruben Amorim ahead of Chelsea clash
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Ruben Amorim insists not even the Pope could force him to change his tactics at Manchester United. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian could play together. Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal have learnt from last season’s home game against Manchester City. No pontiff-icating from Amorim Under-fire United boss Amorim suggested even the Pope could not make him change his approach having been reassured by Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he does not need to fear white smoke from Old Trafford. Pressure is mounting on the Portuguese after United’s worst top-flight campaign in 51 years and Europa League final loss to Tottenham was compounded by a sluggish start to the new season. United suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at League Two Grimsby and Sunday’s 3-0 derby loss at Manchester City meant they have secured just four points from their first four Premier League games. Yet Amorim insisted: “Not even the Pope, it will not change…this is my job, this is my responsibility, this is my life, so I will not change that, but I will change the system.” Maresca aims for double 10 Maresca said he is lucky to be able to pick between Palmer and Estevao to play at number 10 and hinted the pair could be deployed together. Palmer started Wednesday’s defeat to Bayern Munich on the right wing with Enzo Fernandez at 10 and Estevao limited to a late cameo, but the 18-year-old can also play in the position behind a striker. “Estevao can be great in all the attacking positions because his talent is very good,” said Maresca. “He’s a top player. “But at the same time he’s 18 years old so he needs time a little bit. I think both can play wide, both can play as a 10 and I feel very lucky to have both of them with us.” Lesson learnt for Gunners Arteta has insisted his Arsenal players have learnt from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mock celebration of Erling Haaland ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City. Arsenal host City at the Emirates in a fixture which has become increasingly hostile in recent seasons. Haaland urged Arteta to “stay humble” following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad a year ago before Lewis-Skelly imitated the striker’s zen celebration when he scored in Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing of Guardiola’s side at the Emirates in February. Teenager Lewis-Skelly, who has not started a game for Arsenal this season, courted criticism for the celebration. And when asked if he had spoken to his players about their goal celebrations ahead of Sunday’s fixture, Arteta said: “Well that was done, and that’s part of it. “There have been a lot of celebrations or non-celebrations in the past from a lot of teams. The experience is to learn and grow as well and we certainly learnt from that.” City slickers smash Spurs Tottenham’s 40th anniversary celebrations fell flat as Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 victory at Brisbane Road. Spurs, formed in September 1985 as Broxbourne Ladies, had not conceded a goal in their first two matches and would have gone top of the Women’s Super League with a point. But their 100 per cent record was blown to smithereens as goals from Aoba Fujino, Vivianne Miedema, Kerstin Casparij, debutant Grace Clinton and Laura Coombs made it back-to-back wins for City. At Goodison Park, Isobel Goodwin scored twice as London City Lionesses beat Everton 2-1. Boro beat Baggies Unbeaten Middlesbrough moved four points clear at the top of the Championship after a 2-1 win over West Brom. Goals in each half from David Strelec and Kaly Sene made it five wins and a draw from six matches for Rob Edwards’ side. Aune Heggebo pulled one back in stoppage time but Boro held on. What’s on today? The Merseyside derby opens proceedings as Liverpool host Everton at lunchtime, while Manchester United host Chelsea in the 5.30pm kick-off and Brentford travel to west London rivals Fulham in the graveyard slot.
Canada stuns Black Ferns in Women’s World Cup semifinal – FBC News
[Source: RNZ/Google] New Zealand’s Black Ferns’ bid for a seventh Women’s Rugby World Cup title ended this morning with a 34-19 defeat to Canada in Bristol. Canada, ranked second in the world, dominated in attack and defense, securing a spot in just their second World Cup final at Twickenham next weekend. The loss marks New Zealand’s first World Cup knockout defeat in 34 years. The Canadians scored five tries to New Zealand’s three, building a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime with four tries. Article continues after advertisement The 34 points scored are the most Canada has ever put up against the Black Ferns, making this a historic victory. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Baleloa: Discipline and Bond Will Drive Fiji at OFC Futsal Cup
Extra Fiji Futsal team captain, Kitione Baleloa, says his side is focused and ready as they prepare to face Vanuatu in their opening match of the Oceania Futsal Nations Cup 2025 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva tonight. Baleloa revealed that the team’s morale has been lifted through the jersey presentation ceremony and camp activities in the build-up to the tournament. “After the atmosphere of the presentation, we have looked up to this game. We know, come OFC time, we’ll take each game at a time. We all know that it’s a round-robin tournament and each game we’ll take it as a final for us,” Baleloa said. He stressed that discipline and strong team bonding are Fiji’s greatest strengths heading into the competition. “I guess the strength in the team right now is the discipline of the team and the bonding of the team. By discipline and bond of the team, I guess that will take us to a far place in this coming tournament.” Baleloa also urged fans to come out in numbers and rally behind the national side as they host the prestigious regional event. The OFC Men’s Futsal Cup 2025 kicks off today with New Zealand vs Solomon Islands at 4PM, followed by Fiji vs Vanuatu at 7 PM at the Vodafone Arena, Suva. Tickets are $5.
Super League: Salford Red Devils 16-52 Wakefield Trinity – home fans protest at end of poor season
Salford Red Devils: Walker; Connell, Marsters, Gorman, Darbyshire; Mellor, Milnes; Sangare, Davis, Lewis, Chan, Ruan, Wilson. Interchanges: Macdonald, Murphy, Warren, Shaw. Wakefield Trinity: Jowitt; Myers, Scott, Pratt, Johnstone; Trueman, Lino; McMeeken, Hood, Faatili, Nikotemo, Storton, Pitts. Interchanges: Rodwell, Griffin, Atoni, Smith. Referee: Jack Smith.
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he will continue to do things his own way
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Under-fire Ruben Amorim suggested even the Pope could not make him change his approach having been reassured by Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he does not need to fear white smoke from Manchester United. Pressure is mounting on the Portuguese after the club’s worst top-flight campaign in 51 years and Europa League final loss to Tottenham was compounded by a sluggish start to the new season. United suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at League Two Grimsby and Sunday’s 3-0 derby loss at Manchester City meant they have secured just four points from their first four Premier League games. Amorim knows the spotlight is on him heading into Saturday evening’s match against Chelsea but believes he has the backing of the boardroom after speaking to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Thursday at Carrington. Asked what they had spoken about, the United boss said with a laugh: “New contract. He was offering me a new contract. “No, it’s normal things, just to show the support, explaining that it’s a long project. He said many times ‘this is my third season’. For me it’s not, but normal things. “(I) spoke with him, with Omar (Berrada, chief executive), with Jason (Wilcox, director of football) just trying to see all the data around the team, so a normal meeting and we had several. “But in this moment it is normal people pay attention to that.” United have been boosted heading into the Chelsea game by the return of Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount after injury ruled them out of last weekend’s Etihad Stadium encounter. Amorim said of his approach after the City loss that “when I want to change my philosophy I will change but, if not, you have to change the man” – comments he says did not come up with Ratcliffe. “No, no, no,” he said. “Not once. Not even the Pope, it will not change…this is my job, this is my responsibility, this is my life, so I will not change that, but I will change the system. “There will be an evolution, but we need to make all the good steps. “To tell you, if I’m a player and I have a coach that with a lot of pressure – it doesn’t matter if he’s all around the world – is saying ‘you need to change the system’ and I’m going to change in this moment, they will look at me in a different way. “So, when you think about the impact that any decision is going to have on the team, everything is important. “So, I will say the same thing. This will have an evolution. I’m doing things my way. “Some guys do it in a different way, but it will change, so I hope to have the time to change, but it will change.” Amorim, who said there was “no contact” with former club Benfica before Jose Mourinho took charge this week, is focused on success with United, whose squad he has reshaped this summer. Alejandro Garnacho is among the high-profile departures and comes back to Old Trafford for the first time since his acrimonious £40million move to Chelsea. The Argentina international returns fresh from Marcus Rashford, another member of the so-called “bomb squad”, scored a brace for Barcelona at Newcastle but Amorim is not concerned about such moves backfiring. “Guys, I’m not concerned about that,” Amorim said when asked about Garnacho. “I just want to win games. “I don’t care who plays for the opponent, what people are going to say in the end, if the other player is going to play well. “They are good players, and they will play well if things happen. I’m just focused on winning the game. That is my only concern.” When Rashford’s Champions League performance was mentioned, Amorim interjected: “And Rasmus (Hojlund). Rasmus scoring the first goal for Napoli, so I’m really happy for Rasmus also.”
Prashant Chand: Inspiring the Next Generation
At just 26 years old, Prashant Chand has shown that hard work and dedication can open doors to national and international success. By profession, he is an IT engineer, but his heart beats for football and futsal, where he proudly represents Suva Futsal, Tailevu Naitasiri Football Club, and the Fiji national futsal team. Prashant’s journey began with the Tailevu Naitasiri futsal and football teams, where he first showcased his talent. His big break came in 2020 when he was named in the Fiji FA President’s Five team, a moment that gave him the platform to test himself among the best. Soon after, he joined Suva Futsal, and there was no looking back. Prashant has collected honours that many young players only dream of. He won the Golden Boot Award in 2020, was named MVP in an international friendly in 2022, and stood out as the OFC Player of the Match in 2022. Most recently, he helped Suva Futsal win the Extra Futsal League in 2025, proving his consistency and importance to the team. Now, Prashant has his eyes on the biggest prize of all — the OFC Men’s Futsal Cup 2025. His dream is to help Fiji win the title for the first time in history, putting the country on the futsal map. “I want to be in the history books, winning the cup for the first time for Fiji,” he says with determination. Beyond the goals and trophies, Prashant wants to inspire young Fijians to chase their dreams. His message is simple: with discipline, humility, and belief, anything is possible. “Proud and honoured to represent my country,” he says, a statement that reflects both his pride in wearing the national jersey and his gratitude for the journey so far. To the kids watching from the stands or kicking a ball on village grounds, Prashant’s story is proof that dedication at the grassroots level can lead to representing Fiji on the international stage. Fiji takes on Vanuatu at 7 pm today at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, following the opening match between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands at 4 pm.
Mark Selby beats Jackson Page to reach English Open semis
Mark Selby made a superb 131 break in the deciding frame of his 5-4 win over Jackson Page to move into the semi-finals of the English Open. The four-time world champion trailed 2-1 and 3-2 against Welshman Page before levelling the match with a run of 111. Selby, who is aiming to capture his 25th ranking title, took frame seven only for Page to knock in his fourth half century of the match to ensure it went the distance before the Englishman sealed his success. China’s Zhou Yuelong awaits Selby in the last four after he battled back from 4-2 down to beat 2023 world champion Luca Brecel 5-4. Breaks of 94 and 113 enabled Zhou to get back to 4-4 before he edged a tense 52-minute ninth frame after Brecel left him a routine black to the yellow pocket. Meanwhile, former Crucible finalist Jak Jones completed a 5-2 triumph over Aaron Hill, while Elliot Slessor established a 4-0 lead over Mark Allen, before the Northern Irishman rallied. England’s Slessor looked on course to complete a 5-0 whitewash but missed a difficult black off its spot as Allen got a frame on the board with a 55. Another missed black to the same corner pocket cost Slessor the sixth frame in a match that went on late into Friday evening.
Raju returns as Labasa misses eight regular players – FBC News
Labasa Football will be without eight regular players today when they face Nadi in the Premier League, though Ashnil Raju returns from injury. The team will be heavily impacted by the absence of key players, including Simione Tamanisau, Lino Iliesa, Sitiveni Rakai, Ratu Anare, and Ilisoni Lolaivalu, who are all participating in the Police Inter-District Championship in Ba. Additionally, Rusiate Doidoi, Christopher Wasasala, and Taniela Waqa are unavailable due to double yellow card suspensions. Article continues after advertisement While Anish Khem is still recovering from a lower abdomen injury, the team will be boosted by the return of Ashnil Raju and Akemi Ralulu, who have both recovered from their injuries. According to Labasa coach Alvin Chand, the team will rely heavily on its younger players to take on the Nadi Jetsetters. The match kicks off today at 1.30 pm at Subrail Park in Labasa. In other matches, Rewa will host Suva at 3 pm tomorrow at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. You can catch live commentary of this match on Radio Fiji two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.