By Mitch Phillips, EMEA Sports Editor |
|
|
|
Photos: Andrew Boyers, Aaron Doster, Lee Smith |
You may have noticed that the newsletter has a new layout. We'd appreciate your feedback on this new format, and the newsletter in general. Please complete this short survey. Thank you!
In rugby, England's march toward an eighth successive Women's Six Nations title has been as relentless as it has been impressive — but their dominance is beginning to test the competition's appeal.
Unbeaten in a world-record 37 matches, the Red Roses have swept through this year's tournament, drawing record crowds and wider recognition. But that success has also brought a sense of inevitability, with many fans and neutrals finding the lack of jeopardy less compelling as the title race narrows — once again — to England and France.
France will need to find something special in Bordeaux on Sunday to halt the England juggernaut and avoid a seventh successive runners-up finish — and, in doing so, perhaps do the wider game a favour.
Read all about the title race and more in this week's Inside Track column. |
|
|
Extra Time: What else we're watching |
-
Soccer: Australia's Newcastle Jets are closing in on a fairytale A-League title under first-year coach Mark Milligan, marking a remarkable turnaround after years of instability. Having already secured the Australia Cup and the Premier's Plate, they host five-time champions Sydney FC in a semi-final second leg, with a place in the Grand Final at stake.
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC, Newcastle, Australia — May 16
-
Athletics: World record holders Armand Duplantis of Sweden and Norway's Karsten Warholm headline a stellar men’s line-up at the season-opening Diamond League meeting in Shanghai/Keqiao on Saturday, with the pole vault record holder opening his outdoor season and Warholm dropping down to the 300m hurdles. Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo and Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon add further star power to a stacked programme.
2026 Diamond League, Shanghai/Keqiao, China — May 16
-
Sepaktakraw: The Sepaktakraw World Cup begins in Malaysia on Saturday, with 26 countries competing in the acrobatic, volleyball-like sport played using feet. A staple of the Asian Games — where gold is considered the sport’s top prize — the tournament serves as a key build-up event ahead of October’s Games.
Sepaktakraw World Cup, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — May 16
-
Horseracing: The Preakness Stakes will take place at Laurel Park for the first time as Pimlico undergoes renovations, with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo skipping the race. The decision rules out a Triple Crown winner this year and renews debate around the tight two-week turnaround, leaving a more open field for Saturday’s second leg in Maryland.
Preakness Stakes, Laurel Park, Maryland, United States — May 16
|
|
|
|
History lurks as Hearts brace for a dramatic title finale |
Heart of Midlothian fans react to the Motherwell v Celtic match while watching their side take on Falkirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne |
Hearts of Midlothian fans in Edinburgh attending Wednesday's home match against Falkirk found their attentions drifting 40 miles away to Fir Park, where Glasgow's Celtic — their Scottish Premiership title rivals — faced Motherwell, even as their own side closed out a 3-0 victory. For much of the evening, Hearts — chasing their first league crown since 1960 — appeared to have one hand on the trophy, with results elsewhere going their way.
But that changed when a controversial stoppage-time penalty secured Celtic a 3-2 victory, setting up Saturday's dramatic final showdown. While Celtic will need to win to retain the title, Hearts need only a draw — a familiar scenario that offers little comfort to supporters still haunted by the memories of 1986, when Hearts, also needing only a draw, lost to Dundee as Celtic seized the title on goal difference.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who called the Celtic penalty "disgusting," nonetheless welcomed the challenge. "It's going to the last game," he told Sky Sports. "We're delighted to be part of it. We're going to have to go and get a positive result. What a game it's going to be." |
|
|
|
|
