Tadej Pogacar makes more cycling history with fifth Lombardia victory
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 Tadej Pogacar crossed the finish line first at Il Lombardia and held up his open hand, each finger representing the record-equaling five times he was won the Italian classic. It capped an incredible season, which includes a fourth Tour de France title, with a successful defense of the world road race crown as he matched Fausto Coppi’s five wins at the Italian race on Saturday. Pogacar’s winning streak has come in consecutive years, while Coppi won the Lombardy event in 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1954. The Slovenian cycling star completed the 241-kilometer (150-mile) race, which included six climbs, in 5 hours, 45 minutes. Top challenger Remco Evenepoel was second, 1 minute, 48 seconds behind. Michael Storer finished third, more than three minutes behind. Pogacar has won three of the five one-day Monument races this season, after also prevailing in the Tour de Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. He is the first rider to do that since Eddy Merckx in 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1975. Final positions (Como-Bergamo, 241km) 1 T Pogacar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates-XRG 5h 45m 53s, 2 R Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step at 1m 48s, 3 M Storer (Aus) Tudor Pro Cycling Team at 3:14, 4 Q Simmons (USA) Lidl-Trek at 3:39, 5 I del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG at 4:16, 6 T Pidcock (Gbr) Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, 7 P Seixas (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team, 8 E Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at same time, 9 J Vine (Aus) UAE Team Emirates-XRG at 4:18, 10 C Uijtdebroeks (Bel) Team Visma | Lease a Bike at 4:30 Selected Others: 11 A Yates (Gbr) UAE Team Emirates-XRG at 4mins 49secs, 14 B Tulett (Gbr) Team Visma | Lease a Bike at 5:21, 17 O Onley (Gbr) Team Picnic PostNL at 5:38, 38 E Dunbar (Irl) Team Jayco-AlUla at 7:07, 91 B Koerdt (Gbr) Team Picnic PostNL at 23:24, DNF: B Healy (Irl) EF Education-EasyPost, A Ryan (Irl) EF Education-EasyPost AP
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke ‘proud’ to surpass Craig Brown but ‘greedy for more’
After recovering from a different first hour or so to come back and beat Greece 3-1 on Thursday, Scotland will make changes for what will be a different kind of test. Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie are suspended and Aaron Hickey injured, meaning the likes of Billy Gilmour, Lyndon Dykes and Tony Ralston could be in line to start. Clarke expects Belarus to sit deep at Hampden and make it difficult for Scotland, but says the onus is on his side. “In my time here, we’ve done well against the so-called lesser teams and it’s very important you get the points off them,” he said. “They’ll come here and be organised, they’ll be difficult to break down and until you break them down, it’ll be a long night. “It’s up to us to approach the game properly, which we will. It’s up to us to create enough chances to get the crowd excited, which we hopefully will.” Clarke insists he is not thinking beyond Sunday’s match, with a trip to Greece and a home match against the Danes next month. “All I ever try to emphasise is that if you want to qualify, these are the games you have to win,” he said. “If you drop points to the teams ranked below you, it makes qualification difficult. “No room for complacency. At no point am I looking too far ahead. “I’ve been in the game a long time and if you look too far ahead, sometimes you trip up – a little bit like [assistant coach] Steven Naismith did in training today when he joined in.”
Kadavu crowned Vodafone Vanua champions – FBC News
Kadavu Rugby has created history in only its first year in the Vodafone Vanua Championship claiming the title after a hard-fought 23–17 victory over Navosa at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka this afternoon. Navosa drew first blood, crossing the line in just the second minute to put early pressure on their opponents. But Kadavu responded with determination, scoring their first try half an hour into the match to lead after an earlier penalty as well. Article continues after advertisement Both teams produced quality rugby, thrilling the fans with fierce tackles and clever attacking plays. The intensity lifted in the second spell as a roaring crowd urged their sides on. In the end, Kadavu held their nerve, fending off Navosa’s late surge to seal a memorable win and lift the coveted Vanua Championship title. Both teams will feature in next seasons Skipper Cup. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot: The two cousins making Shanghai Masters history
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 As Arthur Rinderknech thumped the final ace to book his place in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, the Frenchman raised a finger and pointed to his coaching box. Rinderknech locked eyes with his cousin, Valentin Vacherot, who had celebrated the exact same way the day before. A wide grin spread across Rinderknech’s face as he joined his cousin in the semi-finals in Shanghai and set the family group chat ablaze back home. The final weeks of the tennis season can often feel strained, particularly so this week in Shanghai as exhausted players have battled not just their weary bodies and minds but the brutal heat and humidity. But amid the general exhaustion, a wonderful story has broken through, one involving the 30-year-old journeyman Rinderknech and his younger cousin Vacherot, the history-making 26-year-old Monegasque, who started the week as an alternate in qualifying and ranked outside the world’s top 200. Now, they will meet in Sunday’s final. Spurred on by a stated commitment to “follow Val”, Rinderknech backed up Vacherot’s stunning upset of world No 11 Holger Rune by defeating the US Open semi-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime. Vacherot then beat Novak Djokovic in a straight sets in Saturday’s first semi-final – leaving the court by signing “allez Arthur” on a camera – before Rinderknech followed by knocking out Daniil Medvedev in three. open image in gallery France’s Arthur Rinderknech celebrated his win by pointing towards his cousin Valentin Vacherot (AFP/Getty) Of the two cousins, Vacherot’s run to the final has been the biggest surprise. After being sidelined for most of the second half of last season due to a right shoulder injury, Vacherot has spent the 2025 season entering Challenger events – other than his home tournament in Monaco, where he received a wildcard. With his ranking not high enough to guarantee a spot in Shanghai qualifying, Vacherot gambled on taking a trip to China. It paid off. Enough players dropped out before the deadline to allow Vacherot to enter qualifying as an alternate. He has not looked back, winning eight matches and taking out five seeded players in a row in Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac, Tallon Griekspoor, Rune and Djokovic, to become the second-lowest-ranked player to reach a semi-final in ATP Masters history. Vacherot, who is coached by his half-brother Benjamin Balleret, is also the first player representing Monaco to reach an ATP Tour final. The principality is home to many a top player, but has no history of producing them. “I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t even sure I was going to play qualifying,” Vacherot said after his three-set win over Rune. The 26-year-old is now set to enter the world’s top 100 for the first time. “This is just unbelievable for me. I’m just so happy and living the dream.” open image in gallery Vacherot also celebrated his win by pointing towards Rinderknech, who was watching courtside (AP) open image in gallery Vacherot, who began the week ranked 204th in the world, was emotional after his win over Rune (Getty) Djokovic knows Vacherot’s coach Balleret, himself a former player who reached 204 in the world rankings, from training and being based in Monaco. “Amazing story for him,” Djokovic said before their semi-final. So, too, for the older cousin Rinderknech, whose big breakthrough comes after turning 30 but following months of strong form and a first-round win over Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon. Rinderknech also beat world No 3 Zverev in Shanghai and, after knocking out Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-finals, now has seven wins against top-20 opponents since June, as many as he had managed in his entire career to that point. Rinderknech will now reach a career-high of at least 37 thanks to a career-first Masters final. But the magic of Rinderknech and Vacherot is that their stories are intertwined. The cousins overlapped while at college at Texas A&M University; they were teammates for two and a half years between 2016 and 2018. Now, after years of grinding away on tour, they have managed to produce their biggest results while the other has a front-row view. “I followed my cousin,” Rinderknech said, pointing towards Vacherot. “He was going through the emotions on Thursday and I am trying to follow and battle and do the same as him. The whole family is following from home. We are in our own little world here. It has been incredible.”
Women’s Cricket World Cup: Nat Sciver Brunt half-century for England against Sri Lanka – best shots
England Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt brings up her half-century from 57 balls, hitting three fours and a six, during their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Columbo. FOLLOW LIVE: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – England v Sri Lanka Available to UK users only.
World No 204 Valentin Vacherot stuns Novak Djokovic to reach Shanghai Masters final
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 The world No 204 Valentin Vacherot has stunned Novak Djokovic to reach the Shanghai Masters final. The 26-year-old Monegasque triumphed 6-3, 6-4 to knock out Djokovic and record the result of his career so far, extending a remarkable run in China which could yet see him meet his cousin, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, in Sunday’s final. Rinderknech was next on court against Daniil Medvedev, and Vacherot signed a camera with “allez Arthur” as he departed. Vacherot’s journey to the final has been extraordinary after spending half the season out injured. “I didn’t even come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate,” he explained this week. “I wasn’t sure to even play the qualifier. Coming back from six months out is always not easy. You cannot just come back and win tournaments right and left. You’ve just got to fight your way through a little bit.” He beat the 10th seed, Holger Rune, 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in the quarter-finals to become the second-lowest ranked player to reach the last four of an ATP Masters event. And he swiftly dispatched an out-of-sorts Djokovic to book his place in the final. Djokovic had said he was “just trying to stay alive on the court” after his quarter-final, played out in brutally hot conditions in Shanghai, and the 24-time grand slam champion required treatment during his straight-sets defeat by Vacherot. open image in gallery Djokovic is treated by a physio during the semi-final (AFP via Getty Images) But Djokovic was magnanimous in defeat, saying to his opponent at the net: “You deserve it, you played unbelievable. Keep it going.” Vacherot responded: “Thank you very much. It is such a pleasure to play at least once against you.” He told TennisTV: “This is just crazy. I mean, crazy is a good word. To just be on the other side of a court was an already an unbelieable experience, I’ve got so much to learn from this match, from him, and even from myself. “It was an hour and 40 of pure joy, even though not many [fans] wanted me to keep going! He’s really, really appreciated here, he’s won four times here. But it’s an unreal experience. Now I am going to enjoy the win tonight and think about the final tomorrow.” Vacherot could now play against his older cousin Rinderknech in a family affair. The pair have been nervously watching each other’s matches from the stands, cheering each other through the rounds. Rinderknech said after the quarter-finals: “I was stressing so much during the whole match, I’m not used to watching guys playing on court and wanting him to win so much. I was trying not to show anything. Today was a lot more calm for me on court. “He’s going through the emotions and I’m trying to battle to follow and do as good as him. He’s been incredible since the beginning of the week and the whole family is following from home. We are in a little world here of our own. It’s been incredible, it’s been unreal.” Both cousins will jump up the world rankings after their exploits in Shanghai. Rinderknech is set to climb into the top 30 for the first time in his career, while Vacherot will break into the top 100.
Orobulu sends Rewa to third successive final – FBC News
Stratum Construction Rewa will play in its third successive tournament final this year. This is after they beat Power Volt Suva 2-nil in their FMF Inter District Championship semifinal clash at 4R Govind Park Ba. Rewa reached the finals of Fiji FACT and Battle of the Giants but lost to Labasa on both occasions. Article continues after advertisement Solomon Islander John Orobulu struck twice for Rewa and looks set to win the Golden Boot award with seven goals to his name Orobulu netted his goals on either side of the half. The last time Rewa and Ba met in the IDC final was in 2004 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva which the Men In Black won 3-nil on penalty kicks. This will be the sixth time in the IDC’s 87 year history that the two teams meet in the final. Ba met Rewa in the first tournament final in 1938 then later in 1947,1976,2001,2004. Out of the five IDC finals the two sides played in, Rewa has won three and Ba two. The Delta Tigers last won the IDC in 2010 with the likes of Marika Rodu, Epeli Saukuru, Archie Watkins and James Naka. Rewa faces RC Manubhai Ba at 3pm tomorrow. In the senior division final, Lami takes on Rakiraki at 10am. Nasinu battles Tavua at 12:30pm in the Premier final. You can listen to the live commentary of the Super Premier final on Radio Fiji 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Nabi leaves out two key Kaizer Chiefs figures in powerful statement
Kaizer Chiefs officially confirmed the departure of head coach Nasreddine Nabi on Friday afternoon. Three weeks ago, the Amakhosi put out a vague statement claiming Nabi ‘is not with the team’. The Tunisian tactician joined the club at the beginning of last season as a headline new coach. Things didn’t exactly go according to plan for Nabi however he did manage to win a trophy in his first season at the club! Kaizer Chiefs coach sends heartfelt message Following the announcement of his departure, Nasreddine Nabi sent a heartwarming message to all Amakhosi stakeholders. “Thank you to the Chairman, Dr. Motaung, for giving me the opportunity to wear these colours and supporting me, The former Kaizer Chiefs boss said as quoted by Soccer Laduma. “It is indeed an institution that you have built. I will also remain proud for life to have worn the gold and black colors.” Nabi further went on to thank the rest of the club’s hierarchy, his players as well as the incredible Amakhosi fans. Elyes Mzoughi, Safi Majdi, Vaughan Coetzee, Yusha Said and Mark Davy were all personally thanked by the Tunisian. The outgoing coach went as far as thanking club legends Doctor Khumalo, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Arthur Zwane for their support during his tenure at the club. Even the cooks, kit managers and general staff at Kaizer Chiefs were thanked. However, four two names were omitted… Two key names missing from Nabi’s long tribute While Nabi’s heartfelt message was long and detailed, there were some names missing from the list. His assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who ultimately take over from him, were omitted from the message. The two joined Kaizer Chiefs to assist Nabi in his first season at the club.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek daring to dream of reaching World Cup after England comeback
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 Loftus-Cheek has gone from thinking his England career was over to now dreaming of the World Cup after ending seven years in the wilderness. The 29-year-old AC Milan midfielder won his first cap since 2018 when he came on as a substitute in the second half of England’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley. Loftus-Cheek was a regular in Sir Gareth Southgate’s squad – going to the 2018 World Cup – before a serious injury ruled him out for a year and saw his career stutter. But he is back in the big time after being picked by Thomas Tuchel, who managed him at Chelsea, and now has a place on the plane to next summer’s World Cup on his mind. “It’s been a long time. Of course, a lot has happened in that time, starting with the injury,” he said. “So I kind of stopped expecting to play for England again after so long away, but I’m really happy to be back involved in the set-up and getting some minutes on the pitch today, which was good. “It’s a strange feeling after so long, but happy. “I think it’s good to have a goal. Whether you focus on that right now, I’m not sure. I think you have to focus on what you’re doing at your club. “It is still a long way and I think for me, first and foremost, (my focus) is to stay fit, stay healthy and keep playing well for my club. “If I do that, I think I’ve got a good chance and who knows what can happen. “I mean, you always want a dream, so it’s in my head, but it’s not at the front right now.” Loftus-Cheek played arguably the best football of his career under Tuchel at Chelsea, earning trust from the German, who played him in several positions. He was sold to AC Milan amid the huge turnover of players after Tuchel left but is enjoying the reunion. “We shared some good times together at Chelsea, winning trophies,” he said. “It’s good to be back in England with the manager. I know what he likes and wants and demands. So there’s nothing new for me in that sense. “It’s good to be back and playing under him again. “You always see he’s a very, very intelligent manager and he studies the opponents very well and gives us an insight of what we’re going to face and how to play against the team. “He gives you a complete picture of what is to come and that’s what you want from a coach. “He is a fantastic coach and you can see the hard work we’re putting in over these last couple of games – we’ve been playing really well so we hope to kick on and keep that going.”
Qualifications and experience: New Kaizer Chiefs coaches
With Nasreddine Nabi gone, Kaizer Chiefs have announced a new tactical leadership. Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will lead the team for the remainder of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. In a press statement, Amakhosi said the duo’s appointment aims to stabilise the club as it tackles the rest of the season at home and in Africa. KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF AND CEDRIC KAZE TAKE OVER AT KAIZER CHIEFS That continuity has already shown potential. During Nabi’s absences, two matches last season due to illness, and nine more this campaign, while he was on compassionate leave and later suspended, Youssef and Kaze quietly delivered. Under their guidance, Kaizer Chiefs produced seven wins, two draws and just two defeats. Let’s break down the experience and credentials Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze bring to Kaizer Chiefs… Khalil Ben Yousssef Youssef, a Tunisian coach known for his analytical approach and calm presence, holds both CAF B and CAF A Licences. His CV includes assistant roles at: Al Adalah (Saudi Arabia) Club Africain (Tunisia) Stade Tunisien (Tunisia) Young Africans (Tanzania) Cedric Kaze Kaze, from Burundi, brings a more developmental touch. He holds a Bachelor of Sports Science, a CAF A Licence, and a German FA A Licence. Kaze’s coaching journey includes roles as: Head coach of Burundi U17, U20 and U23 Assistant coach of the Burundi senior national team Assistant and later head coach at Young Africans. TWO MORE MEMBERS The rest of the technical team includes the Tunisian goalkeeper coach, Ilyes Mzoughi, and the fitness coach, Safi Majdi, who also arrived with Nabi in 2024. Meanwhile, the crew is preparing for Kaizer Chiefs’ next match in the Democratic Republic of Congo against AS Simba.