Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi and China's Ding Liren will compete for the World Chess Championship title in a 14-game match in Astana, Kazakhstan, over three weeks in April. The event follows reigning champion Magnus Carlsen's decision not to defend his title, setting the stage for a closely watched contest between the world's second and third-ranked players.
Jockey Zac Purton made history with 2,000 Hong Kong wins in May. Trainers' championship saw Caspar Fownes regain the lead. Notable wins include Tycoon Resource and rides by Purton on The Azure and Invictus Dragon.
Danny Shum Chap-shing took a two-win lead over Caspar Fownes in the Hong Kong trainers' championship after securing a double at Sha Tin on Sunday. Fownes also had a win at Sha Tin, while Hayes kept his slim title hopes alive. Alexis Badel also achieved a brace of wins.
George Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix sprint race after a heated on-track battle with teammate Kimi Antonelli. The pair clashed for the lead, with Antonelli demanding a penalty, but Russell ultimately secured the win.
Caspar Fownes ended a quiet spell with a double at Happy Valley, moving to second in the trainers' championship with 53 wins, one behind leader Danny Shum. Joao Moreira rode both winners, while Tony Cruz and Angus Chung also scored doubles.
The Hong Kong trainers' championship has reached a thrilling climax with the top four trainers separated by just three wins through 68 of 88 meetings. Mark Newnham leads on 51 victories, with Caspar Fownes, Danny Shum Chap-shing and David Hayes all in close contention. Former champions Francis Lui (45 wins) and 13-time champion John Size (43 wins) remain dangerous outside threats. The season finale has been moved to Happy Valley on July 15 after a typhoon abandoned the September 21 meeting.
