LE MANS: Danish driver Allan Simonsen has died after crashing at the Le Mans 24 Hours in France yesterday, the first fatality during the famous race for 27 years.
The 34-year-old, driving an Aston Martin, spun into the barriers at Tertre Rouge on lap three after 10 minutes.
“In a serious condition, Allan Simonsen was transferred immediately to the Circuit Medical Center where he died soon after due to his injuries,” read a statement on the event’s website (www.24h-lemans.com).
Simonsen, widely regarded as an extremely fast endurance driver, was competing in the GTE Am class in the 90th anniversary edition of the annual epic sportscar race.
Media reports said he was conscious and talking to doctors immediately following the accident.
He was attended at the scene of the crash by staff from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s medical service who transferred him to the Circuit Medical Center where he died.
Aston Martin team chief David Richards informed his family, who said they wanted the team to carry on in the event in tribute to Simonsen.
Aston Martin Racing Managing Director John Gaw added in a statement: “On behalf of all of us at Aston Martin Racing, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the individuals, and families whose friends or loved ones were involved in today’s terrible tragedy.”
Simonsen had taken part in seven Le Mans 24 Hours events.
His co-drivers in the car, numbered 95, were compatriots Christoffer Nygaard and Kristian Poulsen.
In a statement, the organizers (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) said that no further information will be released “while the exact reasons for the accident are still being determined.”
Simonsen was quoted telling reporters on Friday that he was looking forward to the race with great anticipation.
“Just being at Le Mans and to be allowed to drive the car on the track is incredibly special,” he said. “It’s the biggest race for us.
“It’s the one we most look forward to. It’s also difficult because there are so many excellent drivers from all over the world — it’s a huge challenge.”
After Simonsen’s accident, the first hour of the race was led by the safety car until waved green flags signalled renewed racing.
Three hours after the start, German Andre Lotterer led the race in the number one Audi R18 e-tron quattro diesel hybrid ahead of two other Audis.
Simonsen’s death is the first driver fatality at Le Mans since Frenchman Sebastien Enjolras was killed during pre-qualifying in 1997 and the first during the race since Austrian Jo Gartner died in 1986.
Danish driver dies in Le Mans crash
Danish driver dies in Le Mans crash
Wimbledon pays tribute to Jota after Liverpool star’s death
- Cabral was allowed to put the ribbon on his shirt sleeve for the second-round tie
- “I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life,” he said
LONDON: Wimbledon paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool star’s death as Portugal’s Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon during his doubles match on Friday.
Cabral was allowed to put the ribbon on his shirt sleeve for the second-round tie after the All England Club relaxed its strict all-white dress code to allow tributes to the Portugal forward.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in northern Spain while traveling to catch a ferry to England ahead of the start of pre-season training.
The accident came just days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Cabral said he was driving to Wimbledon when he heard the news and praised Jota as “an idol, such an icon, such a good person.”
“I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he’s just very inspiring for me,” he said after losing with Austrian partner Lucas Miedler against Czech duo Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.
“I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it.”
British doubles player Neal Skupski, a passionate Liverpool fan, had also brought a black armband for his match on Thursday but opted not to wear it.
He suggested he may wear one later in the tournament, saying: “Maybe in the next couple of days.”
Al-Hilal stars hitting new heights at FIFA Club World Cup
- In three of the Riyadh club’s four matches in the US, different Al-Hilal players have received the Man of the Match award
DUBAI: Whenever called upon, collectively and individually, Al-Hilal’s players have stepped up at just the right moments at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Not many teams concede three goals against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and live to tell the tale. But that is exactly what Al-Hilal did on June 30 with their incredible 4-3 win in the Round of 16.
In just a few short weeks, new coach Simone Inzaghi looks to have transformed the team tactically and mentally after a disappointing season that saw them relinquish the much-craved Saudi Pro League title.
Fans and analysts have praised the intricate passing style that Inzaghi’s team has displayed in their four matches, which have delivered two draws — including one against Real Madrid in Miami — and a win in the group stages, before the famous victory over the former Premier League champions.
What has been striking as well is the standout performance of several individuals, with different Al-Hilal players being awarded the Man of the Match in three of the four encounters.
Even in the one match they did not receive the award, the 1-1 draw against Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid on June 18, it could be argued that the outstanding player of the match was Salem Al-Dawsari, who gave debutant Trent Alexander-Arnold a difficult first half from the left wing. Instead, the vote went to Gonzalo Garcia.
The 0-0 draw with Red Bull Salzburg at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on June 22 saw Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou follow up his penalty-saving heroics in the opener with another outstanding performance, ensuring the Saudi team secured a point and went into the last matchday with all to play for.
Against Pachuca CF of Mexico on June 26 in Nashville, it was the turn of inspirational captain Al-Dawsari to be acclaimed with the Man of the Match award after scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win that saw Al-Hilal progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the epic win over Manchester City in Orlando was marked by a two-goal performance from Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo, who accepted the Man of the Match award in emotional circumstances.
Al-Hilal will now face Fluminense of Brazil on Friday evening in Orlando for a place in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against either Palmeiras or Chelsea.
Who will be the next star to step up for the Blues?
‘Show me the money’: Tyson Fury confirms interest in Anthony Joshua bout for IBA Pro title
- IBA President Umar Kremlev was joined by former heavyweight champion Fury and Terence Crawford to usher in ‘Golden Era’ of the International Boxing Association
ISTANBUL: Some of the fight game’s biggest names descended on Istanbul on Wednesday for a special presentation on behalf of the International Boxing Association.
The organization’s president, Umar Kremlev, was joined on stage by boxing star Terence Crawford and former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
With “The Gypsy King” still teasing a potential return to the ring after his latest retirement, it was left to popular heavyweight Derek Chisora to play the role of matchmaker.
Chisora asked Fury about a potential bout with British rival Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title. “Of course, 100 percent,” Fury confirmed.
“Show me the money, Umar. I haven’t got an IBA Pro belt, but I’m available, I’m young, free, single and ready to mingle.”
Kremlev laid out his upcoming plans for “The Golden Era” of the IBA, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle field.
Meanwhile Fury delighted the audience by saying he could be tempted out of retirement if a rich offer came along.
“I’m thrilled to welcome so many champions to this event for the development of boxing,” said Kremlev, at the star-studded gathering.
“Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows that IBA is their boxing home. Wherever the boxer is in the world, the IBA will support them. This is our main goal.
“We also understand that it is our duty to create opportunities for children, who will gain positive development from the sport. We want to help children establish a new future for themselves and their families,” the IBA president said.
“We are now creating an ecosystem that includes amateur boxing, professional boxing and bareknuckle boxing. Why bareknuckle boxing?
“That is where it began. It’s the history of boxing. We, as IBA, want to regulate bareknuckle boxing and help to create opportunities for the fighters.”
With the press conference taking place just hours before the highly-anticipated WBA/IBA Pro title contest between Albert Batyrgaziev and Liverpool’s James “Jazza” Dickens, the topic of professional boxing, and the IBA’s rising professional arm also took centerstage.
The competition, which features some of the world’s finest amateur boxers as well as established professionals from across the globe, seeks to showcase top tier fighters.
“The IBA has become an incredible home for me to express our unique vision,” said Al Siesta, director of IBA Pro.
“This is like Real Madrid, you go through the amateur ranks, you earn your stripes and then, if you want to go professional, we will take care of you. When it comes to the governing bodies, we are open for collaboration.
“This is not a competition, we want to welcome them and work with everyone. As time goes by, we will develop our ranking system which will be formed based purely on one’s ability. If you can fight, then IBA Pro is the place for you.”
The conference saw the IBA representatives reiterate their support for fighters starting their journey to the highest levels of the unpaid ranks.
By incentivizing competitors with sizeable prize money, as well as providing a support system for its athletes, the IBA is aiming to ensure financial backing for the next generation of stars.
“Our president, Mr. Umar Kremlev, has done a sterling job over the past few years,” said IBA Secretary-General and CEO Chris Roberts.
“IBA is a full hybrid platform. We now have a true ecosystem that manages schoolboys and schoolgirls from the amateurs right the way through to professional boxing.
“The aim is to provide a platform for success to kids of tomorrow, who can see those stars on TV and then compete and become champions themselves.
“The operational ability of our organization is huge. We’re not here to show anything to anybody, we just want to go out there and do it. On the amateur side, we have the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships this year in the UAE, and what you will see is the buildup to those events.
Roberts continued: “The IBA Golden Era is something we have been moving towards for a long time. It’s great to have everyone here to experience things firsthand.
“We continue to work hard and support our national federations. Umar has invested millions into federations who had nothing, all to continue the work with kids and champions of tomorrow.”
Among the gathering of stars was four-weight world champion Crawford who is just two months out from his mega-fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
“It’s great, what IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing,’ said the American boxing legend.
“There are a lot of talented kids out there that don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments because they can’t afford it, or they don’t have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance.”
Ahead of his bout with Canelo in September, Crawford insisted he is fully prepared for the task at hand, even managing to fit in a workout ahead of the glitzy event.
“I feel great, I’ve been working hard. I just finished running before the press conference. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to becoming a three-weight undisputed champion on Sept. 13.”
Fury credited both Crawford and Alvarez for their blockbuster showdown, heaping praise on the pair for continuing to keep boxing in the limelight.
“I think it’s a fantastic fight for boxing,” he said. “It’s two of the biggest names in boxing coming together. Two men, pride on the line and everything to fight for.
“They’re two proud champions and I wish them all the best. They’re going to go in there, do their best, entertain the public and provide for their families, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Fury, who began his career as an amateur under the AIBA (later IBA) banner, gave a passionate speech about the importance of grassroots investment, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their staunch commitment.
“Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here to be part of this day.”
“I’ve travelled the world with boxing, but we travel for money,” Fury added. “We fight for the biggest purse, and the investment Umar is putting into amateur boxing is amazing.
“When I was an amateur, I didn’t get paid anything. I had no support. Now you’ve got all these talented youngsters coming through and Umar is supporting them, it’s fantastic.”
Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrested by US immigration
- Chavez’s arrest comes days after his lopsided loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a cruiserweight bout before a sell-out crowd at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California
- The Mexican public prosecutor’s office said in a statement that Mexico had issued an arrest warrant for Chavez in 2023 ‘for organized crime and arms trafficking’
LOS ANGELES: Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been arrested by US immigration officers and faces deportation from the US, the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday.
Chavez, a former world champion and the son of legendary Mexican fighter Julio Cesar Chavez, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Los Angeles on Wednesday after authorities determined that he was in the country illegally, Homeland Security said in a statement.
Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said the 39-year-old fighter has “an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition and explosives.”
The Mexican public prosecutor’s office said in a statement later Thursday that Mexico had issued an arrest warrant for Chavez in 2023 “for organized crime and arms trafficking.”
US authorities informed Mexico that they have begun the procedure to send him home, it added.
Homeland Security said Chavez is believed to have ties to the Sinaloa cartel, one of six Mexican drug trafficking groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US.
Chavez’s arrest comes days after his lopsided loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a cruiserweight bout before a sell-out crowd at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Michael A. Goldstein, a lawyer for Chavez, told the Los Angeles Times that Chavez “was detained outside of his residence by 25 or more ICE and other law enforcement agents.”
“They blocked off his street and took him into custody, leaving his family without any knowledge of his whereabouts,” Goldstein said.
“The current allegations are outrageous and appear to be designed as a headline to terrorize the community.”
Homeland Security said Chavez had entered the US legally in 2023 on a tourist visa that was valid until February 2024.
In April last year, he applied for permanent residency based on his marriage to a US citizen “who is connected to the Sinaloa cartel through a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman.”
Homeland Security said that in addition to the active warrant in Mexico, Chavez had criminal convictions in the US, including on weapons charges in 2024 in Los Angeles.
According to the statement, US Citizenship and Immigration Services told ICE that Chavez posed “an egregious public safety threat.”
Donald Trump campaigned for president promising to expel millions of undocumented migrants from the US, and he has taken a number of actions aimed at speeding up deportations and reducing border crossings.
Authorities accused the administration of Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden of not making Chavez an “immigration enforcement priority.”
Chavez was allowed to re-enter the US on Jan. 4, 2025 at the San Ysidro port of entry, Homeland Security said — while Biden was still in the White House.
In a statement posted on the X account of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., the Chavez family expressed support for Chavez Jr.
“Our family is deeply dismayed by the situation,” the statement said.
“In these difficult times, we reiterate our full and unconditional support for Julio.
“We fully trust in his innocence and his humanity, as well as in the justice institutions in both Mexico and the United States, in which we place our hope that this situation will be clarified according to the law and truth.”
Chavez Jr. won the WBC middleweight world title in 2011 and successfully defended it three times.
He owns a record of 54-7 with one draw, but his career has also included multiple suspensions and fines for failed drug tests.
Two weeks before his bout with Paul, Chavez held a public workout in California where he told the Los Angeles Times that one of his trainers had skipped the session because of fears raised by immigration arrests.
“I don’t understand the situation — why so much violence?” he told the newspaper. “There are a lot of good people, and you’re giving the community an example of violence.
“After everything that’s happened, I wouldn’t want to be deported,” he said.
Doug Ghim leads John Deere as Max Homa, Rickie Fowler also go low
- There have been nine first-time winners on the PGA Tour this season, and Ghim, a 29-year-old native of Illinois, is trying to become the 10th
- Homa had his best round of 2025 on 63 after struggling with his game throughout the first six months of the season
SILVIS, Illinois: Doug Ghim made an eagle from the sixth fairway en route to a bogey-free, 9-under par 62 on Thursday to set the firs round lead at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois
Ghim made four of his seven birdies on the inward nine at TPC Deere Run to head to the clubhouse with a one-shot lead over Max Homa and Austin Eckroat. There have been nine first-time winners on the PGA Tour this season, and Ghim, a 29-year-old native of Illinois, is trying to become the 10th.
“Obviously any win on the PGA Tour is amazing. To do it here would be awesome,” Ghim said. “There is a lot of golf to be played and I probably won’t even be leading by the end of the day. We’ll see.”
Ghim chipped in for birdie at the opening hole and was 2 under through two before arriving at the short par-4 sixth hole. He had a 91-yard shot to the front pin location and played it perfectly to card an eagle 2.
“There are times like earlier in my career that you try to go out and shoot a 62,” Ghim said. “Not to say that we’re not trying to shoot 62 every day, but you kind of have it let to come to you.”
Homa had his best round of 2025 after struggling with his game throughout the first six months of the season. He was in line for a 62 of his own before making his only bogey at his last hole, the par-4 ninth.
“I just did everything really solid. I made a ton of putts. Kept the driver in good spots,” said Homa, who has been balky off the tee this season but hit 10 of 14 fairways in regulation Thursday. “Got to take advantage of my iron play, my wedge play.
“Always feels good to get off to a good start when you’re struggling, that’s for sure.”
Eckroat eagled two of his first five holes, first sinking an 11-foot putt at the par-5 second and then holing out from 137 yards at the fifth. Eckroat was proud that he didn’t get too far ahead of himself.
“It was a little too early to go nuts, but it was still — threw my hands up in the air. Had fun,” he said. “If it was late on Sunday, probably been more of a reaction for sure.”
Four players were tied at 7-under 64: David Lipsky, Sam Stevens, Justin Lower and past John Deere champion Michael Kim.
Rickie Fowler posted a 6-under 65 that featured a 29 on his second nine, the front nine. He eagled No. 2 from 103 yards out and added three straight birdies at Nos. 5-7. He was part of a large tie that included Matt Kuchar, Si Woo Kim of South Korea and Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.
Defending champ Davis Thompson opened with a 3-under 68. Australian Jason Day struggled to a 3-over 74.
