Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan is through to the third round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters (Emilee Chinn)A pair of reigning Grand Slam champions set the pace on Sunday at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters, with Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina and Roland Garros titleholder Mirra Andreeva reaching the third round.Second seed Rybakina, coming off a runner-up finish to Iga Swiatek in Toronto, defeated Taylor Townsend 6-3, 6-4.Andreeva crushed Oleksandra Oliynykova with the loss of just one game, breaking five times and saving all seven break points against her own serve in a 65-minute 6-1, 6-0 rout.Rybakina said that she is concentrating on recovery after a tough Toronto run and was glad to get off to a low-stress start."Today Im happy with the serve," she said. "Definitely it helped me a lot. Last week in Toronto was very difficult. A lot of three set matches."Seventh seed Swiatek, the defending champion who is coming off her first title of the season in Toronto, hammered Emiliana Arango of Colombia 6-3, 6-0.Swiatek went down an early break but recovered quickly to prevail in 71 minutes over the player who ousted Venus Williams in the first round."It was necessary to get to know the court," Swiatek said. "I'm happy I was patient. I came out for the second set knowing what I needed to improve."Things went pretty smoothly after that."Swiatek now plays Greek Maria Sakkari, whom she beat at Indian Wells in March."She's a really experienced payer and tough competitor," Swiatek said. "It will be tough."Sara Bejlek continued her rampage against fellow Czechs as she defeated Barbora Krejcikova 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. She had beaten compatriot and former champion Karolina Pliskova in the first round.-- FAA back in action -In men's action, second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime began his injury-delayed US Open preparation with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over 2022 Cincy finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas.Auger-Aliassime was playing for the first time since losing a five-set Wimbledon quarter-final to Novak Djokovic nearly six weeks ago.The Canadian withdrew at the last second from his home Montreal Masters this month with back pain, but looked fully recovered as he throttled Tsitsipas in 88 minutes.The 49th-ranked Greek was broken three times in the second set, with Auger-Aliassime sending down his seventh ace on match point.The Canadian said that a late break of his serve could be blamed partly on conditions.It got really windy, it was pushing against me. I felt like I had no power in my serve."It was a tricky ending, but luckily I was able to get the break back. I was able to come back and serve it out better, with the wind this time.For someone who hasnt played since Wimbledon, (coming back has) been a tough health-wise. But Im happy to be back with a win like this, its great.Joao Fonseca had enthusiastic Brazilian support on a minor show court as he defeated Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).Fourth-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev opened his campaign with a businesslike 6-4, 7-5 defeat of Argentine Marco Trungelliti.Medvedev is always a threat in the US hard court season, having won four of the five hardcourt Masters titles in his career.The 2019 Cincinnati champion earned his 100th Masters 1000 win and his 32nd of this season. He trailed 2-5 in the second set but won the last five games.Aussie Chris O'Connell punched his third-round ticket when 11th-seeded-Norwegian Casper Ruud retired from their match. O'Connell had won the first set 7-5 and was down 1-2 when Ruud withdrew.str/bb

Liverpool take step towards brilliant Argentine playmakerLiverpool have reportedly made their first moves towards a massive prospect from Argentina. Keep an eye on this one.Liverpool are plainly trying to snap up the best youngsters from South America where they can. The Reds completed a deal for Samuel Martinez this summer, one of the biggest prospects in Colombia.And we've seen they try (and largely fail) to do the same with Brazil's star talents over the last few years. Now they've got their eyes on an Argentinian prospect - one who could be among the best to come out of the country right now.That's according to Sport Witness, who claim Liverpool are eyeing 16-year-old Thiago Veron. The player, who is at Independiente typically plays as an attacking midfield but can also play on the wing.Now, Veron is very young and unproven at this stage. The report is clear to get across that Liverpool aren't pushing to sign the teenager just yet, nor have they started any negotiations with anyone.Bet 10, Get 30 in Free BetsOpen an account and place a qualifying bet of 10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.18+New UK/ROI customers. Min 5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at 10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org30 FREECLAIM NOW18+Gambling can be addictive please only bet what you can afford to lose. For free support visitBeGambleAware.org or call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). Self-exclude at GAMSTOP.co.uk. AnfieldWatch is not a licensed betting operator. Offers subject to change.But he's on their radar and the first steps have been made to get him tracked. They'll keep an eye on him before potentially making a move once he's closer to. 18.After all, Liverpool can't actually bring him to the club until he reaches that age. This is a long process and one that requires patience, as well as a lot of luck. As with all elite talents, other clubs will look to get involved if Veron develops the way the Reds think he will.The best way to sign these players, then, is to get the initial work out of the way quickly. Get that done and it'll take other clubs time to catch up and make a decision. Liverpool are certainly getting in early here.Though, it's interesting that Veron plays the same role as Martinez. They're close in age and would surely clash with one another - but perhaps that's just a signal of how much of a lottery these kinds of deals are.Banking on one player for a position is foolish, really. Instead, stockpiling youngsters with big potential is undoubtedly the best way to end up with first-team talent down the line. Martinz and Veron, then, may well find themselves battling for a red shirt one day.Let's see how things develop.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 06: Mike Burrows #50 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Monday, July 6, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty ImagesFriday night, in his first affiliate rehab start for Triple-A Sugar Land, Houston Astros starter Mike Burrows had a solid outing. Burrows went 4.1 IP scoreless on 3 hits and 1 walk. He struck out 3. He threw 43 of his 67 pitches for strikes, and generated 5 ground ball outs. He worked primarily 95-97 MPH with his fastball.Burrows is recovering from right elbow neuritis, which is inflammation around a nerve. Burrows MRI showed no structural damage, according to the team. Burrows blows it right by him #Ascendpic.twitter.com/zSMBuxSs9B Sugar Land Space Cowboys (@SLSpaceCowboys) August 15, 2026Burrows last pitched for the Astros July 6, allowing 10 runs (7 ER) in 4.1 innings, surrendering 9 hits (2 HR) and 2 BB with 3 K. He is 4-9 overall in 2026 with a 5.99 ERA.

Swanson left the game after swinging and missing at a 96 mph Hunter Dobbins fastball on the outside middle of the strike zone. After missing, Swanson immediately threw his helmet down and squatted outside the batters box in pain. Replay appeared to show that Swanson appeared to hurt his right hand, squeezing and releasing it after he dropped his bat. He may have also twisted his wrist on the follow-through. However, the Cubs announced soon thereafter that Swanson left the game with left side discomfort. Chicago Cubs SS Dansby Swanson left the game with an injury after an awkward swing. pic.twitter.com/1jDI1tnjYn ESPN (@espn) August 16, 2026After the team trainer and manager Craig Counsell came out to check on Swanson, he left the game and was replaced during the plate appearance by James Triantos. Triantos then drew a walk. Pete Crow-Armstrong's 2-run blast makes it a 1-run ballgame! pic.twitter.com/gmi0DGF6d5 MLB (@MLB) August 16, 2026Dobbins recovered to retire Michael Conforto on a pop-up to shortstop and Miguel Amaya on a strikeout. His next pitch, a 94 mph fastball to Pete Crow-Armstrong, was low, but caught the middle of the zone and the Cubs center fielder hit it out for a 2-run home run. Triantos stayed in the game to play second base, while Nico Hoerner moved over to take Swansons place at shortstop.Swanson came into Sundays game with a .216/.300/.404 slash line with 18 home runs, 16 doubles, 66 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 458 plate appearances this season.

Manchester Super Giants denied Trent Rockets the chance to win both men's and women's Hundred 2026 titles [Getty Images]The Hundred men's competition: Final, Lord'sTrent Rockets 158-8 (100 balls): Donald 38 (19); Noor 3-33Manchester Super Giants 162-5 (98 balls): Seifert 72 (38); Amir 3-29Manchester Super Giants won by five wicketsScorecardManchester Super Giants survived a late wobble with the bat to beat Trent Rockets by five wickets and win the franchise's first Hundred title at Lord's.Super Giants needed a straightforward three off the last nine balls in pursuit of 159, before Mohammad Amir dismissed Heinrich Klaasen and Michael Bracewell and Ben Sanderson bowled two dot balls to bring the equation down to three off three. But Liam Dawson held his nerve to hit the winning runs with a six over mid-wicket, sealing victory with two balls to spare.The chase had been set up by New Zealand's Tim Seifert, who struck a magnificent 72 off 38, featuring seven sixes and four fours in a brutal display of power. Rockets had the chance to dismiss Seifert on 33, but Finn Allen's astonishing relay effort on the boundary was ruled out because his foot had touched the boundary rope before he had jumped over, denying him a sure contender for the catch of the tournament.The result meant the Rockets, who finished top of the table and so progressed straight into the final from their last group game on Monday, failed to become the first franchise to win both men's and women's competitions in the same edition of The Hundred.Ben Duckett's 31 gave them a solid platform, but, in the space of four deliveries, captain Sam Billings was run out for seven and Tim David fell first ball to Noor Ahmad as Super Giants took control.Aneurin Donald blitzed 38 off 19 before quickfire cameos of 20 from Mitch Santner and 32 from Lewis Gregory lifted the Rockets to 158-8.But it proved to be below-par as Seifert and Paul Walter, the Super Giants' star in the Eliminator, added 66 off 31 balls for the first wicket before Jos Buttler briefly entertained a crowd of 27,416 with three sixes in his 23 off 14.The Old Trafford-based side, renamed the Super Giants from this season having preivously been the Originals, lost two previous men's finals, including to the Rockets in 2022, which remains their sole men's title.What has been the impact of new owners on The Hundred?Soaring heat, falling crowds - The Hundred's peculiar summerThe Hundred 2026 tables, top run-scorers & wicket-takersSuper Seifert seals successDespite the late Super Giants wickets, Seifert's knock proved the difference, as Rockets' batters were left to rue plenty of promising starts but none were able to kick on in the same destructive manner. Duckett was caught behind off a beauty from Ahmad but Allen holed out to long-off for 15, Billings was clumsily run out and Donald showed glimpses off brilliance before he frustratingly played on to his own stumps off Dawson. But Seifert went on to equal Will Jacks for the highest score in a Hundred final and finished as the tournament's second highest run-scorer behind Mitchell Marsh, ending with 394 runs at an average just shy of 50. In Super Giants' last five games, he has formed a formidable partnership with Walter at the top of the order - though Seifert fell for a duck in the Eliminator, their other stands have been 74, 119, 128 and this 66. Several of Seifert's sixes were struck with such force that spectators in the second tier were cowering for safety, though it felt cruel that Allen's spectacular boundary effort went in the book as a drop.With the cameos from Walter amd Buttler, as well as Leus du Plooy reaching 27 not out, they appeared to be making light work of the chase before the latter could only watch the carnage unfold from the non-striker's end in the closing stages.Klaasen was superbly caught by a diving Donald on the boundary before Bracewell was pinned lbw, and the crowd came to life at Dawson's swings and misses at his first two balls.Even the winning six delivered a tantalising wait, hanging in the air, teasing the chance of a catch, but it just crept over the rope to spark Super Giants' celebrations.Get cricket news sent straight to your phone

Ian Machado Garry proclaimed that it was his "destiny" to defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 and become the new welterweight champion. Reality, however, proved otherwise.Machado Garry (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) gave a solid account of himself in a unanimous decision loss to Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) on Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Victory was not out of his reach, he just didn't have the start he needed or produce enough effective offense to capitalize on what felt like a winnable scenario for him.It will be a tough pill for Machado Garry to swallow once he watches the fight back and sees that he could've made this result even closer than it was, but there should also be a high degree of confidence he will take it the right way and grow. His comments in the immediate aftermath of the fight showed he didn't lose an ounce of confidence in himself, and that should carry him to a better place going forward.Machado Garry is entirely accurate when he notes he's only 28, and could easily have another decade of high-level competition ahead of him. There is a solid chance he finds himself back in a title fight one day, it's just a question of how long that will take. It's no guarantee, though, because the welterweight division is as good as it gets, and it's entirely possible he can't get past the next killer that will undoubtedly be standing across the octagon from him next time out, and be set back even further. He's in the range of the weight class now where zero easy fights are coming his way.There are some interesting options in front of Machado Garry at this point. He laid the groundwork for a Michael Morales matchup after a backstage interaction between the two that was caught on camera, but that is only in play if Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) doesn't get the next title fight with Makhachev, which will surely be his focus.If not that, then a former champion like Kamaru Usman (21-5 MMA, 16-4 UFC) or Jack Della Maddalena (18-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) could be logical, with some foundation in place for either of those pairings, too. Those would likely be preferential matchups for Machado Garry given both ex-titleholders have lost more than won in recent outings, and potentially give him a chance to deliver an emphatic result that gets him back on a title trajectory.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Ian Machado Garry after UFC 330 loss?

Jordan Spieth will finish outside of the top 50 in the FedExCup standings after his finish at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.Stacy Revere via Getty ImagesJordan Spieth knew he had work to do this week in Memphis to keep his PGA Tour season alive. And for a while at TPC Southwind, it looked like he was going to pull it off. But then, Spieth fell apart.Spieth made back-to-back bogeys shortly after making the turn in his final round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, including one after a brutal break on the par-3 11th. He posted an even-par 70 and got to 4-under for the week.By the time he hit the clubhouse, Spieth was sitting in a tie for 20th, well back of leader Scottie Scheffler. That had him projected to finish at No. 52 in the FedExCup standings.Only the top 50 in the FedExCup standings after play on Sunday advance to next weeks BMW Championship in St. Louis, which marks the second of the three playoff stops this fall.Spieth entered the week at No. 54 in the FedExCup standings. While hes only missed three cuts, 33-year-old has yet to win on the PGA Tour this season or even finish inside the top 10. While Spieth opened the week with an impressive 5-under 65, he stalled out on Friday and Saturday. He didnt make a birdie until the 11th hole on Moving Day, too, and ended up finishing with a 2-over 72. That dropped Spieth outside of the projected top 50.Spieth was hanging around the top 50 mark for quite a while on Sunday, thanks to a 2-under front nine that kept him in the mix. But things fell apart at the 11th, when Spieths tee shot on the short par 3 rolled right up next to the bridge that leads to the green. That left Spieth trying to putt it from well off the putting surface, and eventually the first of back-to-back bogeys.An unfortunate landing spot for Jordan Spieth's tee shot leads to a bogey.He is now projected No. 51 in the FedExCup. The top 50 advance to next week. CBS pic.twitter.com/cBwbn7AlkZ PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 16, 2026Though Spieth recovered briefly with a birdie at the 13th, his drive on the 15th landed in the creek along the left side of the fairway. That set him up for another bogey, ended up pushing him out of contention for good.Spieth has won 13 times in his career, and was once a dominant fan-favorite on the Tour. But Spieth has slowed down in recent years. He hasnt won anywhere since the 2022 RBC Heritage, and only has seven top 10 finishes over the past three seasons combined. He entered this week at No. 57 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Spieth is just a PGA Championship away from completing the Career Grand Slam, though he hasnt truly been in the hunt for the Wanamaker Trophy since before the COVID-19 pandemic.The former top-ranked golfer in the world is absolutely capable of joining the small list of golf greats and finding a second life in his career. Hes only 33, after all. But now, with his 2026 campaign officially over, hell have to wait at least a few months before getting the opportunity to pick up a win on Tour once again.

Amy Hunt and Dina Asher-Smith made history as Great Britain maintained their bid to top the final medal table with mixed 4x100m relay gold at the European Championships.Sprint sensation Hunt held up four fingers to the camera after holding off Germany's challenge on the home straight as another sell-out crowd roared the 24-year-old on to an unprecedented fourth gold of the week.The world silver medallist completed victory for the quartet in a European record 39.97 seconds to add to her triumphs in the 100m, 200m and women's 4x100m in Birmingham.With her eighth gold and 11th medal overall, Asher-Smith is unparalleled as the most successful athlete in the competition's 92-year history, with a team also featuring Jeremiah Azu and Zharnel Hughes extending the hosts' domination of the sprint events.It was Great Britain's eighth gold medal, drawing them level with Italy at the top of the standings - and the team's 15th overall.More to follow.

Ja'Kobi Lane's breakout might be real after impressive Ravens preseason debut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Baltimore Ravens have plenty of things to be excited about heading into the 2026 NFL regular season. Lamar Jackson is back and healthy, Jesse Minter is an exciting new coach, and this team should be a playoff contender.But one of the big storylines coming out of training camp is about a rookie wide receiver, Ja'Kobi Lane. He's taken training camp by storm, and there has been a lot of buzz about the rookie receiver.In his first preseason game, Lane proved the hype wasn't for nothing, as his NFL debut, albeit in the preseason, was very encouraging. So much so that it's hard not to help but wonder if his training camp breakout is actually for real.Ja'Kobi Lane's training camp hype might be warranted after preseason debutESPN's Jamison Hensley noted how Lane was "shining brightly" during the preseason, especially for his touchdown reception."With great effort after the catch, the rookie third-round pick dived across the goal line to score on a 16-yard touchdown in the second quarter," Hensley writes.Lane finished his NFL debut in the preseason with three receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. While it's not a record-breaking performance, the Ravens rookie WR still proved the hype wasn't wrong.At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Lane could become a key red-zone threat for the Ravens if he can mesh well with Jackson in the passing offense.MORE:Lamar Jackson is already predicted to be a Hall of Fame QB for Ravens per ESPNThings have been going very well in training camp, and now, with a solid performance in the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles, there's even more hype around the third-round rookie.There is still a lot left to prove for Lane, but this first preseason game is a great way to begin his NFL career. Lane's already somewhat proven that his breakout is for real, as the first NFL action was very encouraging for the rookie receiver.The only question left is whether he can do enough to earn a starting job, and whether he can prove his training camp and preseason breakouts are for real in the regular season. Time will tell, but so far, so good for the third-round pick.More NFL news:Ben Johnson responds to Liam Coens pointed Caleb Williams commentEagles' Jalen Hurts 'shouldn't have trouble' reaching Hall of Fame if he can continue to have playoff successCowboys QB Dak Prescott projected by ESPN to be behind Lions QB Jared Goff for HOF chancePackers edge Micah Parsons already predicted to be on cusp of Hall of FameWhy Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson QB competition is taking so long for Browns

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders is being called to testify as a witness at his son Shilos bankruptcy trial during the same week his team opens the season at Georgia Tech on Sept. 3, according to a pretrial conference in the case Aug. 14.Shilo Sanders filed for bankruptcy in 2023 with more than $11 million in debt. The bankruptcy trial in Denver is scheduled to begin Aug. 31 and last approximately five days through Sept. 4.The judge in the case, Michael E. Romero, brought it up at the pretrial conference.I noticed Deion was subpoenaed, Judge Romero said.LATEST NEWS: Unsealed records show Shilo Sanders plans family-drama defense in bankruptcy trialThe judge noted the conflict with Colorados season opener and said he wouldnt be surprised if Deion Sanders tried to fight the subpoena to testify at the trial.Im also concerned theres a game: CUs first game is that same week, Judge Romero said on the Zoom conference, which also was attended by USA TODAY Sports. So I can see that coming. I am not a CU alum or I have no ties to CU. So I dont care. But Im just recognizing that is a potential issue.Its not clear if Deion Sanders was officially served the subpoena to testify yet at the request of the plaintiff's attorney in the case. Theres no record of it on the court docket. Its also not clear if he will try to quash it or how he will resolve the scheduling conflict. In the meantime, it serves as a jarring reminder about how his sons legal trouble has dogged him for nearly 11 years and this time could interfere with his job.Shilo Sanders, a former Colorado football player, owes almost all of his debt to a former security guard at his school in Dallas, John Darjean.That debt stems from a disputed incident between Darjean and Shilo Sanders in 2015, when Sanders was 15 years old. Darjean claimed Sanders assaulted him at school and caused him permanent injuries then when he tried to confiscate his phone at Deion Sanders direction. Darjean then sued and won a $11.89 million default judgment against Shilo Sanders in Texas in 2022.The University of Colorado didnt immediately return a message seeking comment, nor did an attorney for the Sanders family.Why is Deion Sanders being called to testify?His son is trying to free himself of the debt in bankruptcy court, but he wont be allowed to if the judge determines the debt stems from a willful and malicious injury. On the other hand, if the judge determines he instead acted out of self-defense, as Shilo Sanders has claimed, then he could get out of the debt. Thats what this trial is about.And thats where Deion Sanders fits into it in his role as father on the day of the incident, Sept. 17, 2015. He did not witness the incident itself. But Darjean has said he tried to confiscate Shilo Sanders phone that day at Deion Sanders request when the Sanders family was embroiled in acrimonious relations between Deion Sanders and Shilo Sanders mother Pilar.Darjean said his attempt to confiscate Shilo Sanders phone led Shilo to punch him and swing a roundhouse elbow into his neck area, aggravating a previous spinal injury.The judge noted in the pretrial conference that Deion Sanders was alleged to have been on the phone with Darjean shortly before the incident that day.That conversation may be relevant, Judge Romero said.The judge then asked the attorney for Darjean, the plaintiff, what he intends to ask Deion Sanders at trial.Darjean's attorney, Ori Raphael, referenced previous incidents that made Shilo afraid. He also referenced plans by Shilo Sanders attorney to argue that Shilo Sanders feared losing his phone because it would cut off contact with his mother. Deion Sanders didnt want him talking his mother, according to court records.It connects the dots completely, Raphael said at the pretrial conference.According to court records, Deion Sanders initially believed Darjeans version of events before changing his mind.Court records show Shilo Sanders was taken to a juvenile detention center a day later after a separate incident not involving Darjean. Darjean was taken to the hospital after the incident.Why Shilo Sanders owes more than $11 million to John DarjeanDarjean sued Shilo Sanders and his parents in 2016, seeking damages for his injuries, which he says has included spinal problems and incontinence. But by early 2019, both parents were dropped from the case, leaving Shilo Sanders as the sole remaining defendant at age 19. Shilo Sanders then dismissed his attorneys in the case in 2020, saying he was unwilling or unable to continue paying them, according to court documents filed by his former attorneys.This decision proved to be costly in 2022, when the case finally went to trial. Without an attorney to keep him updated on the case, Shilo Sanders didnt show up for that trial in Dallas when Darjean presented evidence to a judge. Sanders lost the trial as a result and was hit with the $11.89 million default judgment owed to Darjean.What is this bankruptcy trial about?Shilo Sanders filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2023 in an effort to discharge that debt and get a fresh start. The issue is whether he will be allowed to by Judge Romero. Darjean is fighting to collect every cent he is owed and has sued Sanders in bankruptcy court to prevent him from discharging the debt, arguing that it is not allowed under the law because it stems from a willful and malicious injury.Sanders has argued it was self-defense, not willful and malicious, and therefore he believes he is entitled to discharge his debt. Each side will try to prove its case on this issue at the coming trial with more than $11 million at stake.Deion Sanders previously characterized Darjean as a grifter who is out for money. Deion Sanders also is believed to have been helping fund his sons legal defense in this long-running case as the primary breadwinner in the family.Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.comThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deion Sanders subpoenaed for son's bankruptcy trial same week of Colorado opener