No proof Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard – report

KAMPALA: Uganda’s football world has been plunged into mourning after national team captain David Owere died following a brutal attack during an alleged robbery near his home in Kampala. The 27-year-old footballer was reportedly confronted by suspected robbers in the Makindye area while they attempted to steal his mobile phone and other valuables. Police said Owere resisted the attackers, triggering a violent assault that left the young captain critically injured. Witnesses said the attackers allegedly pelted Owere with stones before fleeing the scene. He was found unconscious and was quickly taken to a nearby clinic for treatment. As his condition remained serious, Owere was later transferred to a private hospital. Despite receiving medical care, the footballer succumbed to his injuries, bringing a sudden and tragic end to the life of one of Uganda’s emerging football leaders. His death has shocked supporters and the football community across the country. Owere was a key figure for both the Uganda national team and SC Villa, one of Uganda’s most successful clubs. His versatility allowed him to play as a right-back as well as in midfield, while his leadership qualities earned him the captain’s armband. SC Villa paid an emotional tribute to their captain, saying the club had lost far more than a footballer. The Uganda Football Federation also mourned Owere, describing him as an exemplary leader who made an impact both on and off the pitch. The federation highlighted his influence on younger players and his role as an inspirational figure within Ugandan football. The circumstances of his death have raised concerns about violent crime in Kampala, with the alleged attack occurring close to the player’s home. Police are expected to investigate the incident and pursue those responsible for the attack. For Uganda’s football fans, Owere’s death is a devastating loss. At only 27, he had already established himself as a respected captain and leader, leaving behind teammates, supporters and a football community struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.

MONACO: Cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar is set to return to the Vuelta a España for the first time since 2019, as the Slovenian aims to capture the only Grand Tour title missing from his glittering career. His team, UAE Team Emirates, confirmed on Monday that the reigning Tour de France champion will compete in this year’s Vuelta, which begins on August 22. The announcement has immediately made the 27-year-old the overwhelming favourite for the prestigious 21-stage race, as he looks to add another milestone to an already remarkable career. Pogacar last competed in the Vuelta in 2019, where he finished an impressive third overall and claimed three stage victories, performances that introduced him to the global cycling stage. “I’m excited to say I’m going back to La Vuelta,” Pogacar said in a statement released by his team. “It was my first-ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience. Spain is a country I love to visit and race in, and I think the time is right to go back.” The Slovenian added that his motivation remains high following another successful Tour de France campaign and described the Vuelta as one of his biggest goals for the remainder of the season. Pogacar heads into the race with history within reach. Having already won the Tour de France this year and previously claimed the Giro d’Italia in 2024, victory in Spain would complete his collection of all three Grand Tours. He could also become only the fourth cyclist in history to win both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season. With UAE Team Emirates expected to field a strong supporting squad, Pogacar will be determined to end the year on another high and further strengthen his reputation as one of cycling’s greatest riders of the modern era. The Vuelta is expected to feature many of the sport’s leading names, but all eyes will be on Pogacar as he chases another historic achievement and bids to complete one of cycling’s rarest career accomplishments.

Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 89 as West Indies reached 303-7 at lunch on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium. Hope faced 174 deliveries and struck six boundaries and one six during a composed innings that helped the hosts recover from early pressure. Pakistan made an important breakthrough soon after play resumed, removing well-set batter Kavem Hodge for 84. West Indies had started the day on 194-3 after rain severely disrupted the opening day. Hodge’s dismissal came after he edged a delivery from Mohammad Ali towards second slip, where Salman Ali Agha completed the catch. Pakistan’s bowlers had another chance shortly before the wicket when Hope was dropped in the slips by Azan Awais. The missed opportunity proved costly as Hope continued to strengthen West Indies’ position. At the other end, Shamar Joseph provided valuable support to Hope. He was unbeaten on 23 from just 12 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six to keep the scoreboard moving quickly. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad also tested the West Indies batters during the morning session, but Hope held firm to guide the hosts through to lunch. West Indies now have an opportunity to build a sizeable first-innings total, while Pakistan will look for quick wickets in the afternoon session to prevent the hosts from taking control of the Test.

TORONTO: Former world number one Iga Swiatek produced a commanding performance to defeat Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1 and reach the Toronto Masters semi-finals, where she will face Elina Svitolina in a highly anticipated showdown. The six-time Grand Slam champion needed only 64 minutes to dispatch the Russian and move into the last four of the Canadian Open. Swiatek controlled the contest from the opening exchanges, using her powerful groundstrokes and precise movement to keep Shnaider under constant pressure. The Polish seventh seed never faced a break point and dominated the match with impressive consistency. She quickly established a 5-2 advantage in the opening set before breaking Shnaider again and serving it out in 31 minutes. The second set proved even more one-sided. Swiatek broke early to move ahead 2-1 before another strong sequence of winners helped her extend the advantage. A third break finally ended Shnaider’s resistance and completed a convincing victory. “From the beginning, I went for it. I felt like I could dominate,” Swiatek said after the match. She also praised her ability to adapt to difficult windy conditions, saying she focused on staying solid rather than overplaying. The victory is significant for Swiatek, who has endured a challenging 2026 season. It marks her first WTA 1000 semi-final of the year, giving her an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the US Open. Standing between Swiatek and a place in the final is Elina Svitolina, who produced a dramatic comeback against Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Ukrainian ninth seed lost the opening set 6-3 but responded brilliantly, winning the second 6-0 before completing a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory. Svitolina recovered after an early setback and showed her fighting spirit when Alexandrova briefly threatened to extend the match late in the deciding set. The upcoming semi-final promises another intriguing chapter in their rivalry. Swiatek has won three of their five meetings, but Svitolina won their two encounters earlier in 2026, including a three-set victory in the Rome semi-final. With both players arriving in Toronto with plenty to prove, their semi-final is shaping up as one of the tournament’s most compelling battles.