Tabletoppers Lautoka FC maintained their lead in round 13 of the Digicel Fiji Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Ba at Churchill Park.

French youngster Leon Marchand produced a dazzling performance to shatter American great Michael Phelps’ long-standing 400 metres individual medley record on the opening day of swimming events at the World Aquatics Championships.

No. 2 seed Andrey Rublev of Russia defeated No. 1 Casper Ruud of Norway 7-6 (3), 6-0 to win his second title of the season at the Nordea Open in Bastad, Sweden.

Australia captain Pat Cummins, whose side retained the Ashes on a ran-hit without leaving the Old Trafford pavilion, insisted there will not be huge celebrations as they now focus on securing a first series win in England since 2001.

France’s hopes of a winning start to their Women’s World Cup campaign were thwarted by a hardworking Jamaican side in a 0-0 draw in the opening Group F clash at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.

The Netherlands kicked off their Group E campaign with a 1-0 win over Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal at Dunedin Stadium on Sunday thanks to a first-half goal from Stefanie Van der Gragt that was awarded on a VAR review.

Amanda Ilestedt’s 90th minute winner gave Sweden a 2-1 win over South Africa in their Women’s World Cup Group G match on Sunday after a fortuitous equaliser from Fridolina Rolfo had cancelled out Hildah Magaia’s opener.

The Sea Eagles narrowly avoided becoming the victims of what would have been the comeback of the season on Sunday night, surviving a ferocious finish from the Sharks to claim a 30-26 victory.

Soccer is not a new game to teach the young children in the soccer-crazy town of Ba.

Tailevu Naitasiri FC pulled off an impressive comeback to secure a 2-all draw against Suva FC in round 13 of the Digicel Fiji Premier League.

Boosted by the return of Nathan Cleary in the No.7 jersey, the Panthers powered past the Bulldogs 44-18 on Sunday to secure their fourth win on the trot.

The New Zealand team were in good spirits after a fire at their hotel forced them to evacuate briefly on Saturday night at the Women’s World Cup, New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said.