Blaney Wins, Climbs NASCAR Rankings

Despite Bubba Wallace's controversial penalty that dropped him from second to 29th on the final lap, Blaney's performance vaults him up the rankings. The win comes ahead of this weekend's short-track race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the first points race there in 30 years. Hamlin retains the top spot despite a 12th-place finish, while Reddick clinched a spot in the Chase with his eighth-place result. mchezo.life

Former MLB outfielder Hunter Pence has expressed confidence in the Toronto Blue Jays' chances for the second half of the season, stating they have "the pitching to make a run." Pence's assessment comes as the Blue Jays look to improve their standing in the competitive AL East division.

The Blue Jays' pitching staff has been a key strength this season, with several starters performing consistently well. Pence's comments highlight the potential for the team to capitalize on their pitching prowess as they navigate the remainder of the season.

• Slovenian wins stage 10 on Bastille Day to go further clear

  BlogTom Brady’s Unretirement: How a 45-Year-Old Turned Back the ClockThe Announcement That Shocked the NFL Tom Brady had already reached a place few athletes ever see. Seven Super Bowl rings, more wins than any quarterback in hisOpen →

• Evenepoel finishes second, 32 seconds behind Slovenian

Tadej Pogacar extended his lead in the Tour de France with another imperious solo victory on the 10th stage to Le Lioran, in the Massif Central. The Slovenian now leads the Tour by more than a three and a half minutes from longtime rival Jonas Vingegaard, who wilted and lost more time to the other podium contenders.

Over a stage with seven categorised climbs, including the first category Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol and Col de Pertus in the final hour of racing, Pogacar again asserted himself over the peloton with a trademark attack on the penultimate climb.

Jude Bellingham has transcended the hostility he has faced from press and pundits to become the emotional and symbolic focal point of the England national team. Months before the World Cup, a chorus of criticism questioned whether one of England's most gifted footballers might harm squad harmony.

The criticism prompted Ian Wright to defend Bellingham, comparing the treatment to historical bias against Black men. "Someone like Jude, for some reason, frightens these people," Wright said, referencing the expectation for Black men "to keep your head down and be, for want of a better word, a humble fucking slave."