Portugal Colonial - Sports (English)

Ex-Arsenal player jailed for drug smuggling plot

Former Arsenal player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was jailed for four years on Thursday for his involvement in a £600,000 ($812,000) drug smuggling plot.

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Swiatek 'playing better' despite end of French Open reign

Iga Swiatek said she "played better" at Roland Garros than in recent tournaments despite seeing her tilt at a fourth straight French Open title blown away in devastating fashion by Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday.

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Australia on brink of World Cup as Indonesia end China hopes

Coach Tony Popovic said "we've done something special" after his Australia side moved to the brink of next year's World Cup on Thursday while Indonesia ended China's qualifying hopes.

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China's World Cup hopes over with 1-0 Indonesia defeat

China's hopes of reaching only a second World Cup in their history were ended on Thursday after a 1-0 defeat to Patrick Kluivert's Indonesia in Jakarta.

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Sabalenka downs Swiatek as Boisson eyes 'dream' French Open final

Aryna Sabalenka ended Iga Swiatek's French Open reign with a devastating third-set performance on Thursday to tee up a Roland Garros final against either Coco Gauff or France's surprise hero Lois Boisson.

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Colombian cycling star 'Lucho' Herrera questioned over murder conspiracy

Former top cyclist Luis "Lucho" Herrera appeared before Colombian prosecutors Thursday, to address claims he was involved in the murder of four farmers decades ago.

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Como block Inter move for Fabregas

Inter Milan's bid to bring in Cesc Fabregas as a replacement for Simone Inzaghi stalled on Thursday when Como refused them permission to talk with their coach.

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Sabalenka dethrones Swiatek to reach first French Open final

Aryna Sabalenka ended Iga Swiatek's bid for a fourth straight French Open title as the world number one powered her way to a maiden Roland Garros final on Thursday.

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England hope to have Archer back against India after lengthy lay-off

England fast bowler Jofra Archer could make his long-awaited Test return as soon as next month's second match against India, selector Luke Wright said on Thursday.

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Ait-Nouri, Reijnders to join Man City for Club World Cup - reports

Manchester City are close to a double swoop for Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri in time for the Club World Cup, according to reports on Thursday.

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No England crisis ahead of Euros despite absence of star trio: Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman insists holders England will not head to Euro 2025 in "crisis" despite the high-profile absences of Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright.

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Japan scrum-half Saito extends Toulouse deal

Japanese scrum-half Naoto Saito has extended his contract with Toulouse until June 2026, the Top 14 club announced Thursday.

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England paceman Carse considered amputation of troublesome toe

England bowler Brydon Carse joked Thursday that he considered amputating a persistently troublesome toe before medical staff persuaded him to consider a less drastic solution, pointing out he would struggle with his balance.

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Australia on brink of World Cup after dramatic late winner

Australia moved to the brink of the World Cup after beating already qualified Japan 1-0 in Perth on Thursday thanks to Aziz Behich's 90th-minute winner.

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Erasmus unveils monster Springbok squad for Tests against Baa-Baas, Italy and Georgia

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday named a 54-player squad for the June 28 fixture against the Barbarians, followed by Tests against Italy and Georgia.

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Bengaluru offer cash help after deadly India cricket stampede

Royal Challengers Bengaluru said Thursday they stood "united" with fans as the Indian Premier League champions announced financial aid to families of those crushed to death during their title celebrations.

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New Rangers boss Martin aims to win over fans as he targets Celtic crown

Rangers head coach Russell Martin said Thursday his "whole career has been based on proving people wrong" after he was unveiled as the new man in the Ibrox hot seat.

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Osaka, Pegula pull out of historic women's event at Queen's

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and world number three Jessica Pegula have pulled out of the new women's tournament at Queen's Club.

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Swiatek faces Sabalenka as Boisson eyes 'dream' French Open final

Iga Swiatek puts her bid for a fourth straight French Open title on the line against world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday, before surprise French hero Lois Boisson aims to continue her fairytale run against Coco Gauff in the second semi-final.

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Overton, Bethell back in England Test squad for first India Test

Jamie Overton was on Thursday handed a surprise recall to the England squad for the first Test against India while Jacob Bethell's return creates a top-order selection headache.

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Rangers appoint former Southampton boss Martin as new head coach

Scottish Premiership club Rangers on Thursday confirmed the appointment of former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

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Namibia's Mouton eyes Top 14 'dream' with Grenoble

Namibia's Gerswin Mouton has experienced a path less trodden by most professional rugby players, but that will count for nothing as he aims to help fire Grenoble to the French Top 14 on Saturday.

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Oilers beat Panthers in OT to win NHL Stanley Cup Final opener

Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winning goal with 31 seconds remaining in overtime to lift the Oilers over Florida 4-3 in Wednesday's opening game of the NHL Stanley Cup Final.

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'Floating village' to house thousands of Asian Games athletes

Athletes at next year's Asian Games in Japan will stay on a "floating village" cruise ship and in converted shipping containers, an organising official told AFP, defending the cost-cutting move.

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Hobson blazes to 200m free victory at US Swim Championships

Luke Hobson clocked a blistering 1min 43.73sec to win the 200m freestyle Wednesday at the US Swimming Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, sending a signal before the World Championships in Singapore.

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Who said what: French Open day 11

Key quotes from the 11th day of the French Open at Roland Garros on Wednesday:

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Djokovic downs Zverev to set up French Open semi clash with Sinner

Novak Djokovic said beating Alexander Zverev on Wednesday was a "testament" to his ability to compete at the highest level as the 38-year-old reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros to inch closer to a record 25th Grand Slam title.

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Silver says 2026 NBA All-Star game to have USA v World format

Next year's NBA All-Star Game will feature a "USA versus the World" format, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on Wednesday.

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Portugal praise veteran Ronaldo's 'hunger' after Nations League win

Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "hunger" after the 40-year-old striker continued to defy the years with a 68th-minute winner which booked a spot in Sunday's Nations League final.

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Pacers' Haliburton relishes NBA title shot against dominant Thunder

Indiana point guard Tyrese Haliburton knows his Pacers will be heavy underdogs against the Oklahoma City Thunder when the NBA Finals tip off on Thursday, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

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Djokovic beats Zverev after Boisson lights up French Open

Novak Djokovic fought back to beat Alexander Zverev on Wednesday and set up a blockbuster French Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner, after French world number 361 Lois Boisson stunned Mirra Andreeva to continue her dream run at Roland Garros.

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Djokovic downs Zverev to reach French Open semis

Novak Djokovic brought his run at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title to the semi-final stage at Roland Garros on Wednesday as he edged out Alexander Zverev in a tense last-eight battle.

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