F1 Canadian Grand Prix LIVE: Practice lap times and FP1 standings in Montreal
The Formula 1 paddock heads to Montreal next for the Canadian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen won his third race in a row with a cruise of a victory in Spain last time out, with his lead in the F1 world championship now 53 points from Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez. COMMENT: Ferrari’s F1 flaws all the more baffling after shock success at Le Mans It was an improved weekend in Barcelona for Mercedes though, with their revamped car showing improvements as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell came home second and third respectively. There was disappointment for Fernando Alonso though, who only finished seventh, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished outside the points in 11th. Verstappen won last year’s race in Montreal, seeing off Carlos Sainz in second. Follow live coverage from the Canadian Grand Prix with The Independent - FP1 starts at 6:30pm (BST). Read More F1 commentator sacked from BBC role after ‘inappropriate touching’ Lewis Hamilton plays down talk of imminent new Mercedes deal Ferrari’s F1 flaws all the more baffling after shock success at Le Mans
2023-06-17 01:54
Chris Eubank Jr on Liam Smith, adrenalin, and how to be ‘box office’
“I wouldn’t say I’m a masochist, no.” It’s a reassuring start from Chris Eubank Jr, as he reflects on his defeat by Liam Smith – the first stoppage loss of his career, and an experience he says he enjoyed. “Imagine being in a sport your entire life, thinking you’ve experienced every single thing there is, then something new happens at 33 years old,” the Briton explains to The Independent, as his rematch with Smith looms. “I’ve been fighting since I was 14, and I’ve never been buzzed like that, or had to get up, recuperate, march forward, then go back down again, get back up. I never would’ve imagined that I’d be in a position where a referee could stop a fight for me. “So, it was new, it was crazy. Looking back on it, it was exciting. It was a huge adrenalin rush, probably the same amount of adrenalin as I would get from knocking a guy out.” Twice Eubank Jr hauled himself off the canvas in the fourth round at Manchester’s AO Arena, his body moving almost gelatinously as his brain tried to recentre him, before Victor Loughlin waved off the bout. Eubank Jr will hope he does not have to feel that same canvas against his knees and elbows on Saturday when he returns to the AO Arena for a middleweight rematch with Smith. “It has to change how I think, feel, and how I approach fights,” he says. “You have to learn. I have a new mindset on going into fights and protecting myself at all times, making sure I don’t get hit flush. We have to do everything in our power to make sure we’re never in that position again.” That said, “I feel like I dealt with it well,” Eubank Jr adds. “A lot of fighters... when they get hurt, you see the real side of them. A lot back down, a lot look for ways out. Everyone saw that night, I was ready to go out on my shield. I was ready to die in there. ‘Let’s keep going,’ that’s what I said when the going got tough. I think the fans appreciated seeing that side of me.” Never before had Eubank Jr touched the canvas, let alone been stopped, and once the “excitement” subsided, he was left to deal with a different emotion. “I wasn’t upset, disappointed; I was pissed off,” he recalls. “It wasn’t like I got my ass kicked for three rounds and then got knocked out; I was dominating the fight, then I made a mistake and got caught. I was pissed off at myself, pissed off at the referee for not giving me the chance to continue. Whether he was right or wrong, as a grizzled veteran I don’t feel the need to be saved by a referee. “[But] when I watched the replay back in the changing room, I said to everybody: ‘I’ll take that.’ As in, if I was ever gonna get stopped, that’s the way I’d want it: on my feet, demanding they let me continue. I can accept that, I can sleep at night. I couldn’t sleep at night if I’m getting the 10 count and I can’t get up, or if I’m telling the referee, ‘No, [I can’t continue]’.” As well as mentioning referee Loughlin, Eubank Jr has cited an alleged elbow by Smith as proving decisive in the fight’s final sequence. Still, he maintains that these are not excuses, while Smith, 35, has revelled in his victory. “I enjoyed every bit of it,” Smith told The Independent in July. “It was a great week, I wish I could have that week back, it was a great week.” The Liverpudlian also said the prickly build-up to their first fight existed because the boxers just “wouldn’t get on” in normal life. But Eubank Jr, for his part, says: “Just because I fought him, doesn’t mean I know who he is as a man. He might be a great guy. I don’t know and I don’t need to know, that’s not part of my job; my job is to know who he is as a fighter and exploit that or deal with that. I think he is exploitable, he does get riled up, I can get into his head. I’m not here to be buddies or pals with people, I’m here to take guys out. I’m here to create a legacy, and he’s put a serious bump in that road for me; I need to smoothen it out.” That legacy has always been a complicated one, given the memories that Eubank Jr’s father gave to British boxing fans. Still, its ending is unwritten, and it is still in Eubank Jr’s control – for now. “There’s so many huge fights left for me to have,” he says. “There’s so much left for me to achieve. We have to see if I can do the things I say I can do. First and foremost, I have to beat Liam Smith; it’s not a great legacy if I finish my career with two losses to Liam on my record. That would for sure damage any type of ‘great’ legacy. Knowing that, it’s hugely important that I avenge this loss. I can explain a freak accident – it happens; I can get away with one loss to Liam, I can’t get away with two.” However Eubank Jr’s in-ring endeavours are ultimately judged, one thing seems certain: his personality and words outside the ring will see him remembered as one of the most divisive boxers of his generation. “It’s part of selling a fight, it’s part of beating your opponent,” Eubank Jr says. “You’ve got to win every fight – verbal, mental, physical. I’ve become very good at that over the years. I understand it’s part of the sport if you want to be ‘box office’. The guys that don’t talk, don’t have an opinion or aren’t able to express themselves to the fans and to their opponents, they don’t get airtime or headlines. You need those things to make money, I’ve learnt that from the very beginning, watching my old man. “As I got older, my old man took more and more steps back, and I was able to come forward and be my own personality. Now we’re at a stage where I’m comfortable in every situation. I can read the room very well, I can read my opponents well.” Eubank Jr will hope he has a good read of Smith on Saturday. Watch Smith vs Eubank Jr 2 on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday 2 September, live from the AO Arena in Manchester Read More Eubank vs Smith 2 live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Liam Smith: ‘Chris Eubank Jr is a nightmare – not for me, for other people’ Oleksandr Usyk remains heavyweight champion but where does he go from here? Adam Azim seeks Aram Fanyan ‘demolition’ in grandfather’s memory Who is fighting on Eubank vs Smith 2 undercard this weekend? What time does Eubank vs Smith 2 start this weekend?
2023-08-31 21:24
Manchester United fans in uproar over video of leaking Old Trafford roof
Manchester United’s problems on the pitch continued over the weekend after losing to Crystal Palace, and a viral video also captured one of the problems away from the pitch too. A clip has been circulating online which shows the roof at Old Trafford leaking onto the supporters below during the game. The condition of the stadium has been a point of contention among fans for years. The ground last underwent an upgrade in 2006 and the lack of investment in the facilities has seen owners the Glazers come in for criticism. A video posted by social media user @KyleHall1996 shows rainwater leaking onto fans in their seats as they endured a pretty miserable 1-0 loss – their second successive home defeat. It's been viewed more than 2.5 million times and it's attracted the ire of United fans online. The caption for the video read: “It was a wet one at Old Trafford today. The Glazers need to invest in fixing the roof of the stadium.” One fan replied to the clip by writing: “That's unacceptable man.” Another wrote: “Absolutely shameful that is, years of neglect. Would never see that at Madrid or Bayern.” “Sums up our great club right now an absolute disgrace,” a user added. It comes as United manager Erik ten Hag said he understood the supporters who booed the team off after their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, which marked their fifth defeat already this season. Ten Hag said: “I understand. When we played at home we play Crystal Palace, we have to win. With all respect, I know every game in is very difficult, you have to play your best and I understand fans expecting a win and we didn’t win. We lost.” Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings
2023-10-02 16:52
Mollie O’Callaghan and Qin Haiyang complete sweeps at the swimming world championships in Japan
Mollie O'Callaghan and Qin Haiyang completed their sweeps at the swimming world championships
2023-07-28 22:58
Brentford's Toney vows to return after eight-month ban over betting breaches
Brentford striker Ivan Toney promised to return to "playing the game I love" after being banned from all football-related activity for eight months...
2023-05-18 04:19
Japan gives flanker Shimokawa first start in Rugby World Cup opener against Chile
Rookie flanker Kanji Shimokawa will make his first start for Japan against Chile in their Rugby World Cup opener on Sunday in Toulouse
2023-09-08 18:17
Braves: Did Brian Snitker let Marcell Ozuna off easy? A breakdown
Atlanta Braves skipper Brian Snitker benched Marcell Ozuna for not hustling out of the batter's box on a 415-foot single, but was that even enough of a punishment for the controversial slugger?Despite taking two of three on the road vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend, the big nar...
2023-06-06 02:15
Liverpool recover from rocky opening to see off Bournemouth
Liverpool overcame a torrid start and a red card for Alexis Mac Allister to beat Bournemouth 3-1 for their first win of the Premier League campaign. Antoine Semenyo gave the visitors a stunning third-minute lead but Luis Diaz levelled with a neat finish and before half-time Mo Salah tucked in the rebound from his own missed penalty, his 187th Liverpool goal moving him ahead of Steven Gerrard and into fifth in the club’s scoring charts. Liverpool could have been rocked when Mac Allister was harshly shown a straight red for catching Christie on the foot just before the hour mark, but instead they scored a third moments later as Diogo Jota rifled in a rebound to settle it. The hosts were fortunate they had not dug themselves an even deeper hole in a chaotic opening few minutes which illustrated the work still ahead as Jurgen Klopp reshapes his side. With new signing Wataru Endo watching on from the bench after receiving international clearance, the need for such a defensive midfielder was clear as Liverpool repeatedly played themselves into trouble and were made to pay a price by Bournemouth’s energetic press. The visitors, who have never won a league match at Anfield and who lost here 9-0 12 months ago, thought they had an opener inside 60 seconds as Alisson and Ibrahima Konate both went to try to intercept a long ball down Bournemouth’s left channel, but Jaidon Anthony was offside before tucking the ball in. No matter, as the opener came two minutes later. Virgil van Dijk played a routine pass to Trent Alexander-Arnold but the England man showed his deficiencies in an inverted role, with a loose touch allowing Philip Billing to prod the ball through for Dominic Solanke. Andy Robertson prevented the ex-Liverpool man from getting a shot away but the ball fell for Semenyo to thump home. Van Dijk then headed against the crossbar from Robertson’s corner, briefly lifting the mood inside Anfield before Alisson provided another moment of panic. The Brazil goalkeeper mis-placed a pass and then felled Anthony just outside the area as he threatened to race through on goal, his punishment limited to a booking with Konate covering. The brittle nature of Liverpool’s midfield was seen again in the 25th minute when Marcos Senesi strode out of the Bournemouth defence and simply kept going all the way to the final third, slipping in Solanke who was sandwiched by Robertson and Van Dijk but made no great appeal for a penalty. Moments later, Liverpool were level. Jota’s ball from the right was slightly behind Diaz after Senesi got a touch, but the Colombian adjusted well to control and then fire home from close range. The penalty came eight minutes later as Dominik Szoboszlai made the most of a dangling leg left by Joe Rothwell and went down in the corner of the box. Neto saved a relatively tame effort from Salah but the Egyptian was there to finish at the second opportunity, his ninth goal in nine against Bournemouth. Liverpool looked much more settled in a strong start to the second half as Jota and Salah threatened. It might have all changed when Mac Allister’s home debut was cut short just before the hour, but if anything a sense of injustice fired Liverpool up. Endo was waiting to come on for his debut in a midfield reshuffle when Neto could only parry a deflected shot from Szoboszlai and Jota tucked in the rebound. Endo slotted in well as Liverpool adopted a more conservative approach to see the game out, although Alisson still needed to make a fine late saves from Solanke and Hamed Traore to prevent a more nervous finish to the afternoon. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Serial winner Sarina Wiegman eyes the biggest prize of all with England Katarina Johnson-Thompson recovers well from shaky start in Budapest heptathlon Harry Brook disappointed by omission from England World Cup squad
2023-08-20 00:29
Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew - MLS preview: TV channel/live stream, team news & prediction
Everything you need to know ahead of Inter Miami and Columbus Crew's clash in MLS Matchday 23.
2023-07-04 06:19
Projecting the five best NBA lineups for the 2023-24 season
The NBA is all about championships, and the best way to win a championship is to have the best five-man lineup in the league. These are the five teams who project to have the best.
2023-10-21 04:23
3 Cubs who weren't traded at the deadline, but will be gone this offseason
The Cubs decided to position themselves as late sellers at the MLB trade deadline. Still, these players are coming up on their final days.The Chicago Cubs at one point looked like one of the most obvious sellers in regards to the MLB trade deadline. After all, Chicago had players on contracts se...
2023-08-06 01:21
James McArthur hails Roy Hodgson’s impact at Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson’s future at Crystal Palace is up in the air but outgoing midfielder James McArthur believes the veteran manager breathed fresh life into the Eagles during his second stint at the club. Hodgson returned to Selhurst Park two months ago on a deal until the end of this season, taking over at a side that were winless in 13 games and hovering three points above the Premier League drop zone. Palace won five of their remaining 10 fixtures under Hodgson to quickly banish thoughts of a relegation tussle and they finished 11th – above Chelsea – after a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Afterwards, Hodgson was tight-lipped about whether he will still be at Palace next season and McArthur revealed he and his team-mates expressed their gratitude towards the 75-year-old. “In the changing room all the boys thanked him,” McArthur said in quotes on the Palace website. “We don’t know what’s happening next year, but we thanked him for his effort this year. “The coaching staff have been brilliant, the team are playing with real confidence right now and he’s instilled that in the lads.” McArthur, who announced last week he would leave Palace after nine years, made his 253rd and final appearance for the club at the weekend, replacing Cheick Doucoure midway through the second half. Forest took the lead just after the half-hour through Taiwo Awoniyi but Will Hughes struck moments before McArthur was brought on as a substitute as the spoils were shared on the last day of the season. “It was (an emotional moment) but I was just focused on trying to get back into the game and winning it,” McArthur said. “I don’t think we were as good as we have been in recent weeks, but Forest are a good side who make it hard for you. When they get that goal it’s tough to break them down. “Thankfully we got that goal and were pushing for another one, but it wasn’t to be. We’ve got strong characters in that changing room. “We’re one of the best teams in the league for coming back and we showed once again what we’re made of.” The draw extended Forest’s unbeaten sequence to four matches at the end of the campaign, with narrow wins against Southampton and Arsenal this month preserving their top-flight status. Hughes’ strike denied them just a second victory away from home this term but Forest head coach Steve Cooper hailed the effort of his side before turning his attention towards the next few months. “The guys have all stepped up recently,” Cooper said. “They deserve a lot of credit. “We’ve now got to have a productive summer. There will be a little rest, but we’re going to be working during the summer to make sure we return for pre-season in a better place on and off the pitch. “We cannot stop, we cannot stand still. By staying in the Premier League, we’ve given ourselves such a good opportunity to build and keep growing.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Cameron Norrie comes through five-set battle with home favourite Benoit Paire Coaching trio follow Gregor Townsend’s lead and extend Scotland deals until 2026 A closer look at how managers to lead both Chelsea and Tottenham have fared
2023-05-29 21:49
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