Sports
Has ‘diamond’ Lawrence Shankland delivered his biggest moment for Hearts?
“He was going to go and get a job [as a delivery driver], and he could now be the captain of Hearts, scoring unbelievable goals and going on to lift a title,” former Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson said on BBC Radio Scotland.
Shankland broke through in a Queen’s Park team that included the current Scotland captain Andy Robertson and his current Tynecastle team-mate, Blair Spittal, but failed to make an impact when he moved to Aberdeen.
When he was released by the Pittodrie outfit, he had a gap where he considered his change of profession, before a move to Ayr United.
Spells with Dundee United and Belgian side Beerschot followed, but at Tynecastle, he has found a home.
“See for any young player listening, let this resonate with you,” Stevenson said.
“He was going to go and get a job [delivering parcels], and he could now be the captain of Hearts, scoring unbelievable goals and going on to lift a title.
“It is absolutely incredible, and do you know how he’s got there? Himself.
“Hard work, dedication, believing in himself, and he’s just found the right club for him.
“He is now three games away from lifting the league title, and he deserves it, he absolutely deserves it.
“A diamond of a player.”
His cool, clinical, and powerful strike that put his side ahead against Rangers – and on the brink of history – was yet another seismic moment in a season full of them for Shankland, who has a club-high 14 league goals this season.
His crucial close-range goal for Scotland against Denmark in November would normally be a career-high moment for any forward, but his season has three monumental games left, let alone the chance to feature at this summer’s World Cup.
“I know Lawrence, I know what sort of boy he is, he has that presence about him,” Stevenson added.
“He’s calm too when the ball comes into him, he can take a touch and calm everyone down.
“He brings others into the game, and his finishing is out of this world.”
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Sports
Hunt Family Fund Walk finish line in sight

John Hunt reflects on the 120-mile journey and the efforts that have gone into supporting their mission.
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Sports
Laver Cup: US Open champion Alexander Zverev seals victory for Team Europe against Team World at London’s O2 | Tennis News
Team Europe regained the Laver Cup as newly-crowned US Open champion Alexander Zverev sealed victory against Learner Tien to complete a 13-5 success at The O2 in London on Sunday.
Zverev, who won the French Open and US Open titles this year, lived up to his ‘best player in the world’ tag to secure Laver Cup success give rival Carlos Alcaraz the day off.
The German clinched the trophy for Team Europe after defeating Tien in the second match of Sunday’s finale 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.
“I haven’t won a match here in two years, so I’m happy that I did it today,” said Zverev, who recorded his first Laver Cup singles victory since 2024.
“Massive credit to the entire Team World. They pushed us all the way again. They were champions last year. This year, we had a great team chemistry and I’m very happy that we won.”
Zverev had been talked up by Alcaraz after recent Grand Slam wins before this Ryder Cup-style event at The O2, but he lost in the doubles on Friday and let slip multiple match points against Alex De Minaur on Saturday.
Alcaraz wrestled back the initiative at the end of day two before Zverev teamed up with Casper Ruud to triumph in the doubles and leave Team Europe only two victories from glory ahead of Sunday’s session.
After initially falling a break behind, Cobolli and Mensik settled into their rhythm and took control, racing past Team World’s De Minaur and Taylor Fritz 7-5 6-3 to stretch Europe’s lead to 10-5.
Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik moved the boys in blue a step closer by beating Fritz and De Minaur in the doubles, which opened the door for Zverev to bring a run of three defeats in four editions for Team Europe to an end.
Zverev struggled against rookie Tien, although did have the insurance policy of team-mate Alcaraz up next if required, but the two-time major winner secured victory to help Team Europe prevail in front of tournament co-founder Roger Federer, who was sitting alongside Hollywood A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who returned at the US Open after a lengthy lay-off due to a wrist injury, had been scheduled to face Australian De Minaur in a later singles match.
Rising 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar was due to play Fritz, but neither match was needed after Zverev wrapped up the contest.
“We had three chances to close it out in the singles,” Zverev added. “Especially with Carlos playing after me, I think that gives me a lot of confidence and gives me a little bit of freedom to play.
“But still, it was an incredibly tough match. Credit to Learner as well.
“I think Carlos is also very happy that I closed it out. And me too, by the way! I’m very happy that I won.”
Europe have now won six of the nine editions.
Czechs claim 12th Billie Jean King Cup crown
Czech Republic brushed aside Ukraine to win their 12th Billie Jean King Cup title in Shenzhen with Karolina Muchova and Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova delivering an unassailable 2-0 lead in the final.
Wimbledon runner-up Muchova swept past Anhelina Kalinina 6-2 6-3 in the opening singles rubber before Noskova toppled world No 7 Elina Svitolina 6-3 7-6 (7-5) to seal the title.
The Czechs are the second-most successful nation in the history of the premier international women’s team competition, behind the USA, who hold a record 18 titles.
Ukraine were seeking their first Billie Jean King Cup crown.
Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can watch the you can watch the WTA 1000 China Open live on Sky Sports from Wednesday.
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Sports
Women’s Super League Grand Final: Wigan 6-8 York Valkyrie
Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final
Wigan (6) 6
Try: Atherton Goal: Rowe
York (8) 8
Try: Peach Goals: Williamson 2
York Valkyrie became the first side to win the Women’s Super League three times after an incredible defensive effort thwarted Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium.
Under siege for much of a scoreless second half, York stood firm to claim a surprise win over the favourites.
Teenager Amelie Lenham led the way with a series of crucial interventions as a first-half try from Sinead Peach, plus two goals from Ellie Williamson, proved just enough.
Wigan – who had their only try-scorer Mia-Jayne Atherton and Eva Hunter sin-binned in the first half – were left stunned after an uncharacteristically error-strewn display.
More to follow.
Wigan: Banks; Davies, Wilson, M Jones, Derbyshire; Foubister, Rowe; Coleman, Wilton, Sams, E. Hunter, C Jones, Williams
Interchanges: Marsh, Atherton, Dainton, Salihi
York: Donovan; Kershaw, Woods, Leniham, Partington; Akwiwu, Williamson; A. Wood, Peach, Pakulis, O. Wood, Andrade, Parker
Interchanges: Bell, Bibby, Brennan, Henderson
Referee: Aaron Moore
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