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Swiatek wins first US Open title

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Swiatek wins first US Open title
According to the Independent, Iga Swiatek added a first US Open title to her two French Open crowns with a victory over Ons Jabeur.
World number one Swiatek cemented her status at the top of the women’s game with a 6-2 7-6 (5) victory over Jabeur, whose search for a first slam title continues.
In wheelchair doubles, British duo Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid could not secure a sixth consecutive title.

Picture of the day

Iga Swiatek lies on the court after winning the title (Mary Altaffer/AP)

Iga Swiatek lies on the court after winning the title (Mary Altaffer/AP) (AP)
Quote of the day

I’m really glad that it’s not in cash

Iga Swiatek as she collected a cheque for 2.6m US dollars

Erling Haaland’s a dressing room burden

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Erling Haaland’s a dressing room burden

The sporting director of Borussia Dortmund, Sebastian Kehl, says talk about Erling Haaland’s future engulfed the German club from the moment he signed his contract

 

Erling Haaland became a “burden” on Borussia Dortmund before his £51million transfer to Manchester City, Jake Polden writes for the London Mirror News.

That’s according to the Bundesliga club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who says every conversation about Dortmund became about the highly-rated Norway international and what team he’d be joining next.

 

Dortmund signed Haaland from RB Salzburg for just £18m and he immediately made a huge impression, going on to score a staggering 86 goals in 88 appearances in all competitions for the German club. His form caught the eye of the likes of Man City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich, and the speculation began.

 

Discussing the toll the constant talk had on Dortmund, Kehl told German publication Sport Bild: “In the end, the Haaland issue became a burden in the locker room.

 

“As much as we always loved Haaland and he was successful with us, in the end, he became a burden on the dressing room, the club and the whole environment.

 

“He had become the subject of every conversation. Outside the club, almost everything was exclusively focused on him. In the end, the timing of the transfer was right for both parties. And we are all happy for Erling that he continues to be so successful.”
Kehl did however admit that “we would like to have him still with us” and that “Erling is a really good guy”.

Haaland has hit the ground running at Man City, netting a staggering 12 goals in just seven appearances in all competitions including two hat-tricks against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in back-to-back games.

 

Kehl said that “we knew what kind of player we were going to lose and that would also make a difference at Manchester City”.

 

Haaland’s new boss Pep Guardiola is also delighted with the start the Norwegian has made at the Etihad.

Haaland has netted 12 goals in just seven games in all competitions this season
Haaland has netted 12 goals in just seven games in all competitions this season (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

“Sergio Aguero is the legend,” explained the Man City boss. “Nobody can break the position in the hearts of City fans, scoring the most important goal in modern history.

 

“Erling has the quality to be there. It’s not about him or Sergio. What Sergio has done is amazing. But Erling has this talent. When City bought Erling, everybody talked about what he has done in the past.

 

“What we wanted to do is help him. Hopefully, he can enjoy and score more goals. What he has done in Norway, Austria and Germany he tries to do here. He’s talented, we knew it.”

Joshua ready to fight Fury

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Joshua ready to fight Fury
According to the London Mirror News, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are inching closer to agreeing on a deal for an all-British heavyweight showdown.

Fury made an offer to his rival earlier this week after Oleksandr Usyk revealed he would not be ready for an undisputed clash until February or March. Fury insists he wants to fight before the end of 2022 and has turned his attention to Joshua.

 

Fury insists he will fight on either November 26 or December 3 with Wembley and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff booked respectively. Joshua, however, wanted to fight on December 17 but Fury refused to agree to his fellow Brit’s demands.

 

The former world champion is now ready to accept the earlier date as the rivals edge closer to touching gloves. There remains the issue of the broadcast deal for the fight with Fury signed to BT Sport and Joshua tied down to an exclusive agreement with DAZN.

 

But all parties have suggested the issue will be resolved to ensure the fight can go ahead, 16 months later than first planned and with only one world title on offer. Fury and Joshua were due to fight last August before a judge ruled the former had to instead fight Deontay Wilder for the third time.

 

Fury went on to stop the American and then did the same to Dillian Whyte in April while Joshua has lost to Usyk twice in the last 12 months. Earlier this week, Fury revealed he was willing to offer Joshua 60 per cent of a potential £75million purse.

 

Fury said: “I’m being bombarded with messages on how much I’m going to pay AJ – everyone is saying 80-20, 70-30, 75-25. The actual answer is I’ve offered him 60-40 – 40 per cent of this amazing fight because I want this fight to happen. He doesn’t have any excuses now not to take it. He can’t say I’ve low-balled him and offered him 20 or 30 per cent. I’ve offered (his) people 40 per cent – take it or leave it.”

 

He then made it clear that Joshua had to agree to the dates he had selected, a move which looked to have put the fight in jeopardy. Fury’s promoter Frank Warren then set Joshua a deadline of Thursday night before the death of The Queen forced an extension.

Ronda Rousey ‘disciplined internally’ by WWE

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Ronda Rousey ‘disciplined internally’ by WWE

Ronda Rousey has been slapped with some kind of punishment a week after attacking WWE official Adam Pearce, Alistair McGeorge reports for Metro News.

 

The former UFC champion is on a roll lately as she finally shows fans the fire and aggression that made her so popular early on in her wrestling career, and Pearce has proven the perfect foil.

 

On SmackDown, Rousey – whose story-line suspension was revoked last week taking the fight to security and all sorts of WWE personnel – found herself back in the ring, but there was a slight wrinkle to proceedings.

 

After recapping her actions directed at Pearce, commentator Michael Cole informed viewers that she had been ‘disciplined internally.

 

He said: ‘have been told that Ronda Rousey has been disciplined internally and the results will not be made public.

‘Sources have told me this, WWE official Adam Pearce has gotten carried away, he’s aired the dirty laundry publicly, hence the reason this investigation was taken behind the scenes with Ronda.’

 

Fans loved the move and the potential subtle undertones, with many viewers thinking the mention of a behind-the-scenes investigation was a wink to the current real-life issues in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

 

After an alleged locker room fight involving CM Punk, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Ace Steel and more, all parties have reportedly been suspended, but no official word is being given pending a third-party investigation.

 

One fan asked: ‘Michael Cole explaining the Ronda Rousey and Adam Pearce situation. Talking about airing dirty laundry out in public and stuff. This wouldn’t be a dig at what’s going on in AEW, is it? #SmackDown’

Another person posted crying laughing emojis and tweeted: ‘Lol not WWE, taking the AEW drama and making it a story-line for Ronda and Adam. Screaming (sic)’

 

After the announcement, Rousey went onto outlast Sonya Deville, Natalya, Xia Li and Lacey Evans to earn a SmackDown Women’s Title match against champ Liv Morgan at Extreme Rules.

What’s Ronda Rousey cooking?

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What’s Ronda Rousey cooking?
According to Georgia Goulding of GIVEMESPORT, Ronda Rousey may have a plan up her sleeve to shake up the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship scene.
She set herself up for another title opportunity against Liv Morgan after winning a five-way elimination match on Friday Night SmackDown.
After the match, The Baddest Woman on the Planet dropped a proposition on her good friend and fellow former UFC fighter Shayna Baszler.

Rowdy submitted Sonya Deville to take the victory after Lacey Evans, Xia Li, and Natalya were also eliminated.

 

She will take on Morgan at Extreme Rules in a bid to become the new blue brand champion — something Baszler failed to do at Clash at the Castle.

 

After Rousey’s five-way victory, she met with The Queen of Spades backstage, who congratulated her on her winning performance.

“I know you don’t need it but good luck against Liv,” Baszler said.

 

 

“I appreciate you putting on a brave face but I can tell you’re upset,” Rousey replied.

Morgan won her first WWE title back in July after cashing in her Money in the Bank contract on Rousey.

 

The two then met again for a rematch at SummerSlam, where Morgan retained her title despite tapping out to Rowdy’s armbar, which the referee did not see.

 

Following the controversial win, Rousey attacked the new SmackDown champion and the referee, resulting in her suspension.

 

Both Baszler and Rousey have been thwarted by Morgan and it seems as though The Baddest Woman on the Planet is looking to step the feud up a notch.

 

“I know you’re bummed about losing but do you know what’s better than winning? Revenge,” she told her friend on Friday Night SmackDown.

 

“Let me know when you’re ready to break some bones and take over the show again.”

This isn’t the first time Rousey has confronted Baszler over seemingly losing her way as one of WWE’s leading heels.

 

 

Last month, The Queen of Spades warned her friend about breaking the rules of WWE.

 

“That’s not how this place works, it’s not how you get what you want. You play by the rules, you get what you want, all right?”

 

Rousey scoffed and dropped a brutal response before leaving the arena.

 

“Play by the rules? You used to be a killer.”

Indeed, Baszler is known for her brutal style of wrestling and is feared by many of her fellow Superstars. However, it seems recently she may have lost the more frightening edge to her.

 

Could Rousey be plotting a new tag team alliance to bring the ultra heel out of Baszler once more?

Calvin Bassey Champions League dream bittersweet

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Calvin Bassey Champions League dream bittersweet
The Nigerian international took it all in as the anthem played in the Johan Cruyff Arena

 

but can’t talk to old Rangers mates after Ajax’s triumph

 

Calvin Bassey has revealed it was always his dream to hear the famous Champions League anthem and make his debut in the world’s elite club competition – and a new video shows just how much it meant to him, Lindsay Herron writes for Scottish Daily Express.

Bassey, of course, lined up against Rangers last week having moved to Ajax in the summer for a club record fee of over £ 20 million and he admits it was a bitter-sweet moment as his new club thumped his old one 4-0 to get off to a brilliant start in the tournament but leave his ex-boss Gio van Bronckhorst will lots of work to do.

 

UEFA have released a special clip of Bassey’s big moment on their Twitter feed which brilliantly highlights all of the emotions the Nigerian defender was going through as he prepared to make his bow in the Champions League at the Johan Cruyff Arena and now he is preparing to face Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Bassey clinched his big move on the back of big performances for Rangers in the remarkable Europa League run that led them all to the final at the Ramon Sanchex Pizjuan Stadium in Seville.

 

Speaking to Ajax’s club channel, he said: “It’s been one of my dreams all of my life to participate in the Champions League and to be able to do that was unreal.

 

“Obviously, it was bittersweet because it was against my old team but on a personal note, it was an amazing achievement for me and my family.

“Last season, we [Rangers] spoke about the Champions League and how good we had the Europa run, and Champions League was the next step.

 

“So it was nice to see both of us, even though I moved on, we were both still in the Champions League and got to that step.

 

The former Ibrox defender also hails the influence of Rangers’  ‘top manager’
Bassey has backed Gio van Bronckhorst after he and his Ajax teammates slaughtered Rangers in a 4-0 mauling at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

 

Bassey left Rangers in a record £20million-plus deal and he admits it was difficult to talk to his former teammates after a comfortable Champions League win for his new employers.

 

He said: “It was a hard one- we spoke. For me it wasn’t about going out and proving a point – it was just about giving 100 per cent. It was just a coincidence we were in the same group. We gave our best and we got the win.

“I didn’t think I could just message them just like that tonight. I’ll give them a day. It just depends on how they are. I haven’t seen them for a while. Obviously, I’m buzzing on one side but (on the other) I can’t explain it, it’s a weird feeling.

 

“When I’m not playing against the (Rangers) boys I wish them the best and I’m always rooting for them to win. But being on the pitch against them, I just had to switch that focus because now I’m here. I’ve got to give 100 per cent and I’m just pleased to get the win.

 

“I think Gio is very smart he’s a top manager. There’s no doubt he helped me spread my wings and let me go and play. He’s been a very big part of my career so far and I was happy to work with him.”

Federal government declare LMC illegal body

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Federal government declare LMC illegal body

Nigeria Federal Government has turned its back on Shehu Dikko’s League Management Company (LMC), declaring it an illegal body, Edwin Emeanua reports for Sports Joust.

 

In a press release Friday, the government cited the plethora of unsavoury developments concerning the country’s Football League administration, particularly, the Court ruling declaring the National Football League (NFL) an illegal body.

 

The statement also pointed out the current status of the League Management Company (LMC), and the fallout of the comatose NFL-which continues to exist contrary to the Statutes of the NFF- as yet another reason for its decision.

 

Therefore, the statement said that the Federal Government has now been forced to rescind its earlier recognition of the LMC as the task to run professional football in Nigeria.

 

“This decision has become necessary because of the obvious aberration (which is at variance with our football statutes or the laws of the land) whereby a private company is GIFTED the mandate to manage or run the league indefinitely, without the full involvement of and leadership by the clubs, and devoid of any process to monitor the progress and development of the game.
Sequel to the above, and to rescue our domestic football from total collapse, the BOARD OF THE LMC AND THE LMC AS A BODY WOULD NO LONGER BE RECOGNIZED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS OPERATOR OF THE NIGERIAN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

 

“To avert further chaos in our domestic football, the NFF is advised to immediately withdraw the License given to the LMC and, in the meantime, set up an Interim Management Committee (IMC), to include the current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the LMC to oversee the affairs of the League until a proper Professional League Board is constituted by the Statutes of the NFF.”

Casper Ruud Into US Open Final

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Casper Ruud Into US Open Final

Casper Ruud reached the US Open final and closed in on the world number one ranking with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 win over Karen Khachanov.

 

Casper Ruud reached the US Open final and closed in on the world number one ranking with a four-set victory over Karen Khachanov on Friday. Ruud defeated the Russian 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in his semi-final and will face either Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz or Frances Tiafoe of the United States in Sunday’s championship match. It will be world number seven Ruud’s second Grand Slam final of the season after finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the French Open in June.

 

Should Alcaraz lose his semi-final later Friday, the 23-year-old from Norway will become the new world number one next week.

 

“This match today was another great match from my side. I think we were both a bit nervous in the beginning, some breaks back and forth,” said Ruud who had never got past the third round in New York before this year.

 

“You have to take into account that this match was probably the biggest match for both of our careers and of course there will always be some nerves.”

 

Ruud and Khachanov, who knocked out Nick Kyrgios in a five-set quarter-final, exchanged a double break each in a scrappy opening set.

 

However, it ended with a lung-busting flourish when Ruud came out on top in a 55-shot rally to convert a third set point in the tiebreak.

 

The Norwegian raced to a double break in the third and fifth games of the second set, wrapping it up in just 33 minutes when Khachanov fired a forehand long.

 

Olympic silver medallist Khachanov hit back, moving to two set points in the 12th game of the third set, cutting the match deficit when Ruud buried a lazy forehand in the net.

 

It was a brief setback, however, for Ruud who broke in the fourth set to lead 2-1, thanks to a pinpoint forehand pass, and backed it up with another break for 4-1.

 

‘Humble enough’

The Norwegian moved to three match points and sealed victory courtesy of a sweetly-timed drop shot with Khachanov rooted at the back of the court.

 

“After Roland Garros, I was extremely happy but at the same time humble enough to think that could be my only final in a Grand Slam in my career,” said Ruud.

 

“They don’t come easy. So here I am a couple of months later – it feels beyond words to describe.”

 

Alcaraz is the youngest Grand Slam men’s semi-finalist since the 2005 French Open when Nadal won the first of his 22 majors.

 

The 19-year-old is also the youngest US Open men’s semi-finalist since 1990 when Pete Sampras claimed the title.

 

However, the swashbuckling Spaniard needed two five-setters in the last two rounds to make his maiden semi-final at the Slams, spending more than nine hours on court to see off Marin Cilic and Jannik Sinner.

 

Against Italy’s Sinner, he saved a match point in a quarter-final that stretched to five hours and 15 minutes and ended at a tournament record late finish of 2:50 a.m. on Thursday.

 

Tiafoe, the world number 26, is bidding to become the first American Grand Slam men’s finalist since Andy Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009.

 

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
The son of immigrants from Sierra Leone, Tiafoe is also just two wins away from becoming the first African-American champion in New York since Arthur Ashe in 1968.

English, Scottish football fixtures postponed

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English, Scottish football fixtures postponed

All football fixtures in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland this weekend have been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the governing bodies have announced reports Independent.ie.

 

The Premier League and EFL confirmed that they were postponing matches scheduled for this weekend.

 

The Premier League said in a statement: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honor her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”

 

The league’s chief executive Richard Masters said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country. As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

 

“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

 

The league said further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.

 

The Scottish Football Association also announced the postponement of all professional games over the course of the weekend.

 

In horse racing, the final day of the Cazoo St Leger Festival at Doncaster has been switched to Sunday after the British Horse racing Authority announced the cancellation of Saturday’s fixtures as “an ongoing mark of respect” following the death of the Queen.

 

Racing at Southwell and Chelmsford on Thursday evening was cut short, while Friday’s meetings in Britain were also cancelled.

The BHA said Saturday’s scheduled meetings at Doncaster, Ffos Las, Lingfield, Chelmsford, Chester and Musselburgh will not go ahead, but racing will take place at Doncaster and Chepstow on Sunday.

 

In addition to the St Leger, the Champagne Stakes and the Park Stakes, the Doncaster Cup and the Flying Childers Stakes have been saved from Friday’s cancelled fixture to form a nine-race Doncaster card.

 

But while Chepstow is also set to go ahead, Musselburgh’s meeting on Sunday has been called off due to the Queen lying in state in Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, The EFL’s statement read: “Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from September 9 and 10 will be postponed as a mark of respect by the national sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

 

“This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.”

 

A number of sporting events listed for Friday had already been postponed.

 

The Irish Football Association issued a statement at 9.23am on Friday which read: “As a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend’s fixtures across all affiliated football in Northern Ireland, and all other organized football activity, at all levels, have been postponed.”

 

Matches in the English National League have also been postponed, as have all games in the Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship and Women’s FA Cup.

 

A number of sporting events listed for Friday have already been postponed.

 

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced play in the men’s third Test between England and South Africa at The Oval would not take place, while the English Football League postponed two matches: Burnley v Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere v Stockport in League Two.

 

However, cricket will resume on Saturday, including the men’s Test between England and South Africa and the women’s T20 between England and India, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced.

 

The sixth stage of the Tour of Britain was initially cancelled before organizers later took the decision to cancel the remaining last two stages and use Thursday’s standings as final classification.

 

Friday’s Great North 5K will not take place, while the Scottish Rugby Union announced the suspension of all competitive domestic matches under its jurisdiction this weekend.

 

 

 

 

England’s Premiership Rugby have postponed two matches on Friday evening but scheduled games on Saturday and Sunday will go ahead.

 

At the very start of the 2022-23 season, there were two matches scheduled on Friday evening (Bristol vs Bath and Sale vs Northampton), which are being rescheduled.

 

Bristol vs Bath, at Ashton Gate, will now be played at 5.30pm on Saturday. That decision was made possible by the cancellation of all football, meaning Bristol City’s home game against Preston North End is off.

 

Work is ongoing as to when Sale vs Northampton will take place. The addition of Bristol vs Bath means that there are now four fixtures on Saturday and one on Sunday will go ahead.

 

A statement read: “Premiership Rugby is united in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her inspirational life of service and her unparalleled contribution to the United Kingdom.

 

“Following consultation with the RFU, DCMS and the PRL Board, Premiership Rugby can confirm that as a mark of respect, the two Gallagher Premiership matches scheduled for today will be postponed. Bristol Bears v Bath Rugby will take place at 5.30pm on Saturday and an update will be given on the Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints as soon as possible.

 

“The other matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will go ahead as scheduled, with Premiership clubs joining with supporters in recognizing Queen Elizabeth’s life and service. Prior to the start of each match, a one-minute silent tribute will take place. All players and coaches will be invited to wear black armbands.”

 

Rugby league’s Betfred Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams on Friday has been postponed but the Super League Elimination Play-Off being played in Perpignan will go ahead with the players of Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos wearing black armbands.

 

The SPFL’s cinch Championship contest between Dundee and Cove Rangers on Friday has been postponed with an update on Saturday’s fixtures scheduled for later in the day.

 

Play was suspended on the first day of the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth when news of the queen’s death was announced, and the DP World Tour confirmed there would be no play on Friday.

 

A Tour statement on Friday said: “We remain hopeful of restarting the BMW PGA Championship at some stage over the weekend but will take that decision once we have had the chance to review protocol guidance from Buckingham Palace in addition to aligning with what other major sporting events in the UK are doing.”

 

However, play at the BMW PGA Championship will restart on Saturday morning, the DP World Tour has announced on Friday afternoon.

 

Manchester United’s home Europa League match with Real Sociedad went ahead on Thursday – as did Arsenal’s in Zurich – with a minute’s silence held before kick-off, teams wearing black armbands and flags flying at half-mast.

 

West Ham and Hearts, both at home, also played their Europa Conference League matches with similar marks of respect.

 

However, none of the English sides held press conferences after their matches.

 

Friday’s weigh-in for the women’s world title fight between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields will take place behind closed doors.

 

Promoters Boxxer are expected to issue a statement on the status of the bout, which is scheduled to take place at the O2 in London on Saturday, later on Friday.

 

“An announcement regarding the status of Saturday’s event.. will be made following consultation with relevant government and sports sector bodies and will be made at the earliest possible opportunity,” their statement read.

 

Shields, the double Olympic champion from the US, tweeted: “My condolences to the people of the UK. Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth.”

UK sports risk cancellation following Queen’s death

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UK sports risk cancellation following Queen’s death

Decisions to be made following a meeting involving representatives from sports governing bodies and the British Government

 

Premier League and Football League bosses are yet to confirm whether they will move the weekend’s action. Stock image

 

Organizers of the weekend’s sporting events in the United Kingdom are to be left to decide whether to postpone their schedules in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

 

Decisions on whether to go ahead will be made following consideration of official mourning guidance, set to be issued by the Cabinet Office.

 

However, it is understood it will be left to individual organizations to choose how to proceed and postponements will not be mandatory.

 

A meeting involving representatives from sports governing bodies and the Government is scheduled for Friday morning.

 

However, a number of sporting events listed for Friday have already been postponed following the death of Elizabeth II, 96, who was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch after serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

 

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced to play in the men’s third Test between England and South Africa at The Oval would not take place, while the English Football League postponed two matches: Burnley v Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere v Stockport in League Two.

 

The sixth stage of the Tour of Britain was initially cancelled before organizers later took the decision to cancel the remaining last two stages and use Thursday’s standings as the final classification.

 

Friday’s Great North 5K will not take place, while the Scottish Rugby Union announced the suspension of all competitive domestic matches under its jurisdiction this weekend.

 

Rugby league’s Betfred Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams on Friday has been postponed but the Super League Elimination Play-Off being played in Perpignan will go ahead with the players of Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos wearing black armbands.

 

The SPFL’s cinch Championship contest between Dundee and Cove Rangers on Friday has been postponed with an update on Saturday’s fixtures scheduled for later in the day.

 

The play was suspended on the first day of the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth when news of The Queen’s death was announced, and the European Tour confirmed there would be no play on Friday.

 

“Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, the play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast,” a Tour statement said.

 

“Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed.

 

“Further updates on the resumption of play will be provided in due course.”

 

Manchester United’s home Europa League match with Real Sociedad went ahead on Thursday – as did Arsenal’s in Zurich – after receiving direction from the FA and UEFA, with a minute’s silence held before kick-off, teams wearing black armbands and flags flying at half-mast.

 

West Ham and Hearts, both at home, also played their Europa Conference League matches with similar marks of respect.

 

However, none of the English sides held press conferences after their matches.

 

Friday’s weigh-in for the women’s world title fight between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields will take place behind closed doors.

 

Promoters Boxxer is expected to issue a statement on the status of the bout, which is scheduled to take place at the O2 in London on Saturday, later today.

 

The statement read: “An announcement regarding the status of Saturday’s event.. will be made following consultation with relevant government and sports sector bodies and will be made at the earliest possible opportunity.”

 

Shields, the double Olympic champion from the US, tweeted: “My condolences to the people of the UK. Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth.”

Today’s sixth stage of the Tour of Britain has been cancelled, with doubts remaining about tomorrow and Sunday’s stages, while tonight’s pre-season friendly between Ulster and Glasgow Warriors and rugby league fixtures were also called off last night.

 

Horse racing, which had a particularly close affinity with the Queen, was the first sport to confirm there would be no meetings at all today.

 

An announcement will be made today regarding plans for tomorrow, where the Leger at Doncaster is the showpiece event as the final British Classic of the season.

 

Golf’s European Tour Group, meanwhile, immediately stopped play at the BMW PGA Championship and later cancelled today’s second round.

 

It is understood a decision over whether to resume play this weekend will be made today.

 

Opening matches for rugby’s Premiership season could also be moved by at least a day after last night’s Premiership Rugby Cup match between Northampton Saints and Saracens was immediately called off. Sources close to the competition said they were waiting for final direction from the UK government.

 

There was no clarity with the Premier League and Football League about fixtures this weekend yesterday though a decision is expected following the meeting with the government this morning.

Newcastle, who had been due to hold a pre-match press conference at 9.0am, have delayed it until 1.30 pm.

 

The Scottish Professional Football League is also expected to provide an update regarding its weekend fixtures today.

 

However, some English sides were involved in European fixtures last night.

 

Manchester United said they had been directed by both the FA and UEFA to press ahead with their Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad.

 

There had been no pre-match music and the digital advertising hoardings were switched off following the news that arrived as turnstiles opened to the ground. Both sets of players donned black armbands, with United manager Erik ten Hag wearing one over his suit.

 

Arsenal was playing at FC Zurich when the Queen’s death was announced. A minute’s silence took place immediately before the start of the second half.

 

UK government advice has largely allowed sports to make up their own minds regarding postponements. However, the guidance does ensure a complete sporting wipe-out on the day of the Queen’s funeral.

 

At fixtures in the intervening period, athletes will wear black armbands, with venues observing pre-fixture silences and flags flying at half-mast.

 

Given the Queen’s close affinity with racing, there is significant doubt the St Leger Festival at Doncaster will resume this weekend.

 

Britain’s longest-serving monarch was also one of the most prominent British owner-breeders of thoroughbreds and the owner of Ascot racecourse. Senior establishment figures said racing will do its utmost to “ensure it leads commemorations in sport” as a result.

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