Sports News from Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

Italian teenager Sara Curtis smashed Australian Kaylee McKeown's 50m women's backstroke world record with a time of 26.63 seconds in the semi-finals of the European aquatics championships in Paris on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi said on Wednesday he is having doubts about continuing his career following the death of his father last week.

Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic has been appointed coach of the UAE, the country's football association (UAEFA) said on Wednesday.

Egypt winger Mahmoud Hassan, better known by his nickname "Trezeguet", has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Riyadh on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Egyptian side Al-Ahly last month, the club announced on Tuesday.

Second seed Elena Rybakina has fought back from a set and a break down to prevail 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in her Canadian Open quarter-final against Naomi Osaka in Toronto on Tuesday.

Ben Shelton has produced one of the standout performances of his career on Tuesday, overpowering Jakub Mensik 6-3 6-1 to reach the Canadian Open semi-finals as the American builds momentum ahead of the US Open.