Author: WTX Sports Team

The Sports Team is responsible for delivering your Sports Brief. Weekly roundup to cover all things Football, Cricket, Tennis Formula 1, Boxing and Olympics and more.

Grosjean on Haas F1 test: “They made me cry!” F1

Romain Grosjean Makes Emotional Return to Formula 1 at Mugello Test Five years after the life-altering accident that ended his F1 career at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Romain Grosjean returned to the grid during a poignant test at Mugello. The former Haas driver, who competed for the team from 2016 to 2020 before transitioning to IndyCar, took the wheel of the Haas VF-23, eliciting a flood of emotions as he reunited with familiar faces in…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Morkel downplays Hardik, Abhishek fitness concerns Morne Morkel reassured that Hardik Pandya’s hamstring cramps and Abhishek Sharma’s thigh discomfort will be assessed before the Asia Cup final against Pakistan. Morkel emphasised the importance of rest and recovery, stating that players will avoid training and focus on individual pool sessions and massages ahead of the match. Morkel downplays Hardik, Abhishek fitness concerns Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach, has allayed concerns around the fitness…

Read More
Lewis Hamilton withdraws from Ferrari test after dog enters coma F1

Hamilton Withdraws from Ferrari Test After Dog Enters Coma Lewis Hamilton has withdrawn from Ferrari’s Pirelli tire test at Mugello following a distressing medical emergency involving his beloved dog, Roscoe, who has entered a coma. The seven-time world champion confirmed his decision on Friday, emphasizing the need to be by Roscoe’s side during this challenging time. Hamilton’s Concern for Roscoe Hamilton provided an update via Instagram on Friday morning, sharing both his emotional turmoil and…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Tottenham ‘not for sale’ amid record £4.5bn takeover report Tottenham’s majority owners, ENIC, have “unequivocally rejected” a £4.5 billion takeover bid from a consortium led by Brooklyn Earick, stating the club is not for sale. This rejection follows previous refusals of interest from other parties, including Amanda Staveley’s PCP International Finance and a consortium led by Dr Roger Kennedy. ENIC, which owns 87% of Spurs, is reportedly open to external investment but…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Real Madrid ponder Liverpool’s Konaté after Saliba blow – sources Real Madrid is considering Ibrahima Konaté as a potential free agent signing next summer, amid internal debates regarding his suitability. The club’s pursuit of William Saliba has been thwarted by his recent five-year contract extension with Arsenal, which diminishes Madrid’s defensive options. Madrid is also eyeing Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig and may promote academy talent Joan Martinez to bolster their defence…

Read More
Why Pirelli is already doing what Verstappen told it to do with the C6 F1 tyre F1

Pirelli’s controversial C6 Formula 1 tyre, once set to make an appearance this season, has been scrapped following criticisms from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Initially anticipated for races in Singapore and Las Vegas, the ultra-soft compound has faced scrutiny for failing to fulfill its performance objectives, leading to its omission for the remainder of the year. ### Why Pirelli is Already Acting on Verstappen’s Feedback Verstappen’s recent remarks about the ineffectiveness of the C6 highlight…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Switch Hit: Ashes optimism department England secured a 2-0 T20I series victory over Ireland, prompting squad announcements for upcoming tours of New Zealand and Australia. Will Jacks has been included in the squad, while Harry Brook has been elevated to the role of vice-captain. Zak Crawley received a T20I call-up, and Nottinghamshire celebrated their Championship success. Switch Hit: Ashes optimism department After completing their season with a 2-0 T20I series win over…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Aston Villa must build on long-awaited first win Unai Emery emphasises the need for consistency following Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory over Bologna, marking their first win of the season. Ollie Watkins’ penalty miss extends his goal drought to seven games, but Emery remains confident in his ability to regain form. Defender Ezri Konsa acknowledges the pressure from the Villa Park crowd and aims to use the win as a catalyst for the…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Aitana Bonmatí ready for ‘more competitive’ UWCL format Aitana Bonmatí anticipates a more competitive UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) this season due to the new Swiss model format, expanding from 16 to 18 teams. Barcelona, the reigning domestic treble winners, will begin their campaign against Bayern Munich on October 7, aiming to reclaim their title after being runners-up last year. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí ready for ‘more competitive’ UWCL format Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí…

Read More
Alonso’s first F1 title, 20 years later: ‘He was just another level’ F1

Fernando Alonso: The 20-Year Legacy of a Formula 1 Pioneer On September 25, 2005, Fernando Alonso etched his name into Formula 1 history by claiming his first world championship at just 24 years old, becoming the youngest titleholder at the time. His victory in Brazil redefined expectations within the sport, breaking the longstanding domination of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari. “He was just another level” Famed for his intense driving prowess and strategic acumen, Alonso’s triumph…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Agarkar: We don’t want a repeat of New Zealand Test series Ajit Agarkar emphasised the importance of learning from the 3-0 defeat to New Zealand, stating the team aims to avoid similar outcomes in future home Tests. The selectors are focusing on stabilising the No. 3 batting position, with B Sai Sudharsan identified as a promising long-term option following recent performances. Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan’s absence from the squad is attributed…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Rio Ngumoha signs first Liverpool pro contract after breakthrough Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool following a successful first-team debut, including a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United. The 16-year-old has made five senior appearances, including a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, after joining from Chelsea’s academy in summer 2024. Liverpool is awaiting a tribunal decision regarding compensation owed to Chelsea for Ngumoha’s transfer, as he was…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Emile Heskey’s sons, Reigan and Jaden, make Man City debuts Reigan, 17, and Jaden, 19, made their senior debuts for Manchester City in a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Huddersfield. They are the first set of brothers to play for City since Kolo and Yaya Touré, marking a significant milestone for the club. Manager Pep Guardiola highlighted the achievement, noting the pride their parents must feel and the involvement of six academy…

Read More
Grosjean to make Haas F1 return in TPC outing at Mugello F1

Grosjean Set for Haas F1 Return at Mugello Romain Grosjean is set to make a highly anticipated return to Formula 1, driving Haas’ 2023 car at the Mugello circuit this Friday. This outing marks the first time the Franco-Swiss driver has been behind the wheel of an F1 car since a harrowing accident at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. A Momentous Comeback Four years after a life-changing crash that nearly cost him his life, Grosjean’s…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Juventus hire former Arsenal Liverpool fitness boss Burgess Darren Burgess, previously with Liverpool and Arsenal, has been appointed as Juventus’ new director of performance, marking a significant career move. Burgess brings extensive experience from his time with the Adelaide Crows and Melbourne Demons, where he contributed to their success in the AFL. He expressed enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the expansive scope and leadership challenges it presents within the world of football.…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Eze has a lot more to give Arsenal after first goal Mikel Arteta praised Eberechi Eze’s potential impact on Arsenal’s attack, noting his ability to create opportunities despite a compact opposition defence. Eze’s first goal for Arsenal came early in the match, but the team struggled to convert chances until a late goal from Leandro Trossard secured the win. Arteta highlighted the need for Eze to build chemistry with teammates to enhance…

Read More
Immortalising the man who made Ferrari great again F1

Luca di Montezemolo: The Man Behind Ferrari’s Renaissance This week, acclaimed filmmaker Manish Pandey, renowned for his award-winning documentary “Senna,” discusses his latest project, “Seeing Red,” which chronicles the extraordinary journey of Luca di Montezemolo, the architect of Ferrari’s resurgence in Formula 1. Immortalising the Man Who Made Ferrari Great Again Di Montezemolo’s journey began at just 28, when he led Ferrari to the 1975 F1 World Championship while managing the team. However, it was…

Read More

Cliff Notes – श्रेयस अय्यर ने BCCI से किया रेड-बॉल क्रिकेट से ब्रेक का अनुरोध श्रेयस अय्यर has requested a break from red-ball cricket due to ongoing back issues, withdrawing from the second four-day match against Australia A. Previously the captain of India A, Ayyar’s participation in the upcoming Irani Cup is now also in doubt due to his health concerns. श्रेयस अय्यर ने BCCI से किया रेड-बॉल क्रिकेट से ब्रेक का अनुरोध श्रेयस अय्यर…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Rooney: I don’t ‘hate’ Ronaldo; can’t pick between him and Messi Wayne Rooney expressed admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, calling him a “genius” and clarifying that he does not hate him despite previous comments suggesting a preference for Lionel Messi. The former Manchester United teammates, who played together from 2004 to 2009, formed a successful partnership, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League. Rooney stated that both Ronaldo and Messi are…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Real Madrid vs Barcelona First Clásico set for Oct 26 The first Clásico of the LaLiga season will take place on October 26, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Real Madrid currently leading the table. Barcelona, who dominated last season’s Clásicos, will look to challenge Madrid’s unbeaten start, featuring key players like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. This match marks Xabi Alonso’s debut as Real Madrid’s head coach in a Clásico, following…

Read More
Mekies pours cold water on talk of Red Bull turnaround F1

Red Bull Remains Cautious Despite Recent Successes Red Bull Racing is basking in the glory of Max Verstappen’s consecutive victories at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Monza, yet team principal Laurent Mekies has dampened expectations of a team turnaround amidst rising competition from Mclaren. Following multiple strong performances, Mekies insists the squad is approaching each race with caution and a clear understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. Mekies Keeps a Level Head After Recent…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Murphy ‘under no illusions’ about the battle to be Lyon’s understudy Todd Murphy acknowledges the challenge of securing a spot in the Australian Test team while Nathan Lyon remains active, having played only three Tests since his debut series in 2023. Despite recent struggles, Murphy emphasises the importance of personal development and healthy competition among emerging spinners, including Corey Rocchiccioli and Matthew Kuhnemann. Murphy ‘under no illusions’ about the battle to be…

Read More

Cliff Notes – From Ryan Reynolds to FSG, are U.S. owners taking over English football The landscape of English football is shifting, with 11 Premier League clubs now majority-owned by American investors, highlighting a significant trend in ownership dynamics. U.S. ownership is driven by financial incentives, with lower entry costs compared to American sports franchises, and the potential for lucrative returns through commercialisation and global fan engagement. While some U.S. owners aim to innovate and…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Jasprit Bumrah doing exceptionally tough job at Asia Cup Jasprit Bumrah has taken three wickets with an economy rate of 8.36 in three matches, with the India team management expressing satisfaction with his challenging role in the UAE. India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted Bumrah’s demanding task of bowling three overs in the powerplay and one at the death, noting the strain it places on him. Despite mixed performances, Bumrah is…

Read More

Cliff Notes – Vinícius: Levante strike ‘one of best goals I’ve scored’ Vinícius Júnior described his opening goal in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Levante as “one of the best goals” he has scored, showcasing his skill with a curling shot using the outside of his foot. Real Madrid maintained their perfect LaLiga record with six consecutive wins, with Kylian Mbappé contributing two goals in the match. Coach Xabi Alonso praised Vinícius’s decisive performance while…

Read More