MONTE CARLO, Monaco: Charles Leclerc completed a convincing ‘double top’ at his home Monaco Grand Prix on Friday, finishing second practice fastest ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz.
The 24-year-old Monegasque driver, who was also quickest in the opening session, clocked a best lap in one minute and 12.656 seconds to outpace the Spaniard by just 0.044 seconds, leaving the two Red Bulls of Sergio Perez and world champion Max Verstappen third and fourth, more than three-tenths adrift.
Lando Norris, still battling tonsilitis, was fifth for McLaren ahead of George Russell of Mercedes and Pierre Gasly, an impressive seventh for the Alpha Tauri team on a very warm afternoon in the Mediterranean principality.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was eighth for Alpine ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin and Yuki Tsunoda in the second Alpha Tauri.
This left a disgruntled Lewis Hamilton down in 12th, behind Kevin Magnussen’s Haas, in the second Mercedes, the seven-time champion struggling with continued bouncing as he sought a set-up that would be comfortable and fast.
The session was interrupted once by a red flag when Daniel Ricciardo crashed in the Swimming Pool complex, emerging unscathed from his damaged McLaren.
After topping the times in the opening session, Leclerc was quickly back on the pace in his Ferrari, running on hard tires, as he sought to become the first Monegasque to score points at home since Louis Chiron finished third in 1950 and regain the lead in this year’s drivers’ championship.
After his third consecutive win in Spain last Sunday, Dutchman Verstappen leads on 110 points, six ahead of Leclerc.
In a fast-switching contest between them, the Red Bulls and Ferraris were within two-tenths of a second of each other as Russell and the rest bumped in pursuit, Mercedes still searching for a successful set-up.
In opening practice, Hamilton had complained of continued serious bouncing described by team chief Toto Wolff as making their car ‘undriveable’.
He explained it was not the same ‘porpoising’ as seen earlier this year, but a ride height problem.
“Sometimes, it is a combination of aerodynamics and stiffness, but this is just due to the stiffness,” he said, adding that Hamilton had requested padding for his elbows for the second session.
“We’ll try to make it more enjoyable for them, but we want a fast car,” he said. “If it’s fast, we will make him all the pads he needs.”
Ricciardo delivered another example of the bumpy challenge the drivers faced after 14 minutes when he lost control of his McLaren and smacked into the barriers at the ‘swimming pool’ complex.
He was unhurt but his car suffered severe front damage, ending his participation. A seven-minute delay for the day’s second red flag ensued before Valtteri Bottas, back in action after earlier gearbox problems, led the field back in his Alfa Romeo.
The pause offered all involved a chance to breathe and relax in the heat, with an air temperature of 30 degrees and the track at 53, before returning to an intense ‘qualifying rehearsal’ scrap.
Leclerc continued to look dominant, trimming his lap to 1:12.656, three-tenths clear of an improved Perez before Sainz climbed back to second, two-tenths off the pace.
At this point, with 20 minutes to go, Ferrari were on top of Red Bull’s challenge, while others scrambled and scraped. Russell clipped the barriers at Tabac, Norris did the same at Ste Devote and Hamilton locked up at Mirabeau — three Britons sliding in the heat before switching to longer high fuel-load running.
Leclerc was notable for his absence with 12 minutes remaining, but he returned for the final six to complete a solid day’s work by the ‘scarlet Scuderia’ who finished with a strong one-two.
Leclerc completes ‘double top’ for Ferrari in Monaco practice
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Leclerc completes ‘double top’ for Ferrari in Monaco practice
- The 24-year-old Monegasque driver clocked a best lap in one minute and 12.656 seconds to outpace the Spaniard by just 0.044 seconds
- After topping the times in the opening session, Leclerc was quickly back on the pace in his Ferrari, running on hard tyres
Russian foreign minister praises Al-Hilal’s ‘well-deserved’ win over Man City
- Sergey Lavrov hails victory in meeting with Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan
- SPL team will play Fluminense in quarterfinal of Club World Cup on Friday
BEIRUT: Russia’s foreign minister on Friday congratulated Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal following the team’s defeat of Manchester City in their FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 match earlier in the week.
“It was a remarkable and dramatic match and well-deserved victory,” Sergey Lavrov said during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow.
“I would like to conclude with congratulations to your football team Al-Hilal on a 4-3 win against Manchester City at the Club World Cup,” he said.
The meeting was part of the prince’s official visit aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.
Lavrov’s comments caused a buzz on social media. One Russian user said on X: “Saudi Al-Hilal shines even in the corridors of power in Moscow!”
Several major news outlets also reported on Lavrov’s comments.
Sports editor Essa Aljokm wrote on X: “Al-Hilal on the political table … A team that translated the support of the leadership and the state, may God protect them, into the giant Saudi sports project. This time, it’s Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister.”
Al-Hilal made history on Monday night when they beat the English Premier League giants in Orlando. The Saudi Pro League team will now play Fluminense in the quarterfinal of the Club World Cup on Friday. The Brazilian side beat Inter Milan 2-0 earlier on Monday.
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.
