Belinda Bencic, Wimbledon’s last mum standing, into semi-finals after win over Andreeva

In the battle of the mother and the teenager, experience won out. Belinda Bencic is in her first Wimbledon semi-final after containing the 18-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva and striking a blow for hard-pressed parents everywhere.Andreeva was the favourite to win this Centre Court tussle after tearing a course through these Championships. She came into the match yet to drop a set and with observers purring about the growth in her game.Bencic, meanwhile, arrived at the fourth slam quarter-final of her career relatively unheralded, bar for the fact this new mother, she gave birth to daughter Bella last year, was the last mum standing as the women’s draw reached the final eight

Iga Swiatek holds off Samsonova to reach Wimbledon semi-finals for first time

From the moment she first set foot on the grass this year, there has been something different about Iga Swiatek. Where once trepidation would have been her overriding emotion on what has traditionally been her weakest surface, she has looked calm from day one and on Wednesday she held her nerve to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time, holding off a bold fightback from Liudmila Samsonova to claim a 6-2, 7-5 victory.Leading by a set and 4-2, 40-0, Swiatek was cruising to victory, crunching groundstrokes, moving brilliantly and improvising impressively. However, Samsonova suddenly started going for broke and at 5-5, she had 0-30 on the Pole’s serve. But unlike on several occasions this year, Swiatek didn’t panic, dug deep and claimed her place in the last four, where she will play Belinda Bencic

‘It would mean a little bit more’: McIlroy returns to Europe with eyes on Open tilt

While it is likely that for Rory McIlroy nothing will ever top the euphoria of Augusta National in April, victory at an Open Championship staged in Northern Ireland could at least come close.McIlroy’s return to Europe for the Scottish Open is notable in itself as his first playing appearance on this continent since claiming the career grand slam, but next week and Royal Portrush looms large.McIlroy has revelled in the ­appearance of his homeland in the positive sporting spotlight after ­decades dominated by The ­Troubles. “I think it’s a great representation of how far Northern Ireland has come in the last 30 or 40 years,” said McIlroy.“In the 70s, the 80s and the 90s, no one would have dreamed of hosting an Open Championship in Northern Ireland

Lord’s beefs up security for biggest match since Just Stop Oil disrupted Test in 2023

Lord’s will have heightened security measures in place for England’s third Test against India with random spot checks to be carried out on spectators and hidden security guards in attendance.The latest match, which begins on Thursday, of what is developing into a compelling series is the most high-profile game at the ground since the Ashes two years ago, raising concerns it could be targeted by protesters.In accordance with the ground regulations flags and banners will be confiscated, while additional measures to protect the players in the pavilion that were introduced after some members’ verbal abuse of the Australian team remain in place.Before those tumultuous scenes, the opening morning of the second Ashes Test in 2023 was interrupted by a protester from Just Stop Oil, who invaded the pitch and threw orange paint on the wicket before being carried off by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. Lord’s staged the World Test Championship final last month, when South Africa beat Australia to become world champions for the first time in any format, but India’s presence this week will guarantee a much bigger TV audience and global profile

State of Origin 2025 Game 3: Qld Maroons beat NSW Blues 24-12 – as it happened

Thank you all for joining me tonight, and for the entirety of this State of Origin series. Congratulations Queensland. I’ll leave you with Jack Snape’s match report from Accor Stadium. Keep your eyes peeled for more reaction over the coming days.“Excellent though the analysis of the nuances of this game have been, no one is talking about the real deciding factor here? The haircuts? It’s the mullets that are winning it for the Maroons! Yours, with genius insight, John Tague

ACT Brumbies 24-36 British & Irish Lions: tour match – as it happened

Rob Kitson’s report from a frosty Canberra is in.“Mixed emotions”, “problems to solve”, an “inability to kill off the contest”. These are some standout lines from the piece.It’s not quite going to plan, is it?I’m off. I’ll see you all on Saturday morning as the Lions have one more warm-up before the main event