SCMP's weekly report features China's Xi Jinping sending a July 4 message to Trump, setting a new precedent amid diplomatic efforts to stabilize US-China relations. Other highlights include Hong Kong's top IB scorers and China's role in Cabo Verde's FIFA journey.
Fourteen of 27 top-scoring International Baccalaureate students from Hong Kong's largest international school group will pursue medicine. Some attributed their success to discipline, miso soup, and a Nokia phone with limited internet.
Top International Baccalaureate (IB) scorers in Hong Kong attributed their success to AI tools and a balanced study routine. At least 65 students achieved the maximum score of 45 points, with some highlighting AI's role in receiving feedback on essays when teachers were unavailable.
At least 55 Hong Kong students from 13 schools achieved top marks in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Victoria Shanghai Academy reported nine perfect scorers, its best result on record, with an average score of 39.
Lionel Messi broke the World Cup all-time goalscoring record with his 17th goal, a brace that secured Argentina a 2-0 victory over Austria. Despite missing a penalty, Messi's performance guaranteed Argentina a spot in the last 32.
Lionel Messi broke the World Cup all-time goalscorer record with his 17th goal, a brace in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. Despite missing a penalty, Messi's performance secured Argentina's place in the last 32.
Lionel Messi broke Miroslav Klose's men's record of 16 World Cup goals, scoring twice in Argentina's group game against Austria in Dallas. He now has 18 career World Cup goals, surpassing Brazil's Marta.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a record 48 teams, kicks off on June 11th (Japan time June 12th). The tournament is expected to draw top strikers, with France's captain Mbappé considered a strong favorite for the Golden Boot, aiming for an unprecedented second consecutive top scorer title.
The Premier League season concludes with Brighton, Liverpool, and Sunderland vying for European spots. Managerial futures are uncertain for Marco Silva and potentially Pep Guardiola, while several players like Bernardo Silva and Mohamed Salah prepare for farewells.
Tottenham Hotspur travel to Aston Villa on Saturday evening (7pm BST) in a crucial Premier League clash. Spurs, sitting 18th in the relegation zone, have shown improvement under new manager Roberto De Zerbi with four points from the last two matches. Villa, fifth-placed and on course for Champions League qualification, are managed by Unai Emery. The match offers Tottenham a chance to climb out of the relegation zone if West Ham's loss to Brentford holds.
Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford to secure Champions League qualification, completing their first league double over their rivals in a dramatic match. Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner in the 77th minute, capping a stunning second-half comeback. United had led 2-0 at half-time through Matheus Cunha's early goal, but Liverpool fought back with goals from Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister. Michael Carrick has now beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool since taking over in January.
⚽ Premier League updates from the 3.30pm BST kick-off⚽ Latest table | Top scorers | Follow us over on Bluesky“Without looking, how many times have Liverpool let in two or more goals this season?” writes Virgil van Dijk’s Ghost. “As Richie Benaud would say… Chwenty Choo. An astonishing number of times.”That’s a statgasm and a half.It’s a fantastic game to be part of, especially if you win.[On Alexander Isak] After the season we’ve had, nobody can be surprised that we have more injuries. It wasn’t much, but unfortunately it was too much for him to be able to play today. Continue reading...
Leeds United host already-relegated Burnley in a Premier League fixture where a victory would almost secure Leeds' second-season status. Burnley are without a manager and have just 20 points, while Leeds have 40. The article notes it's 23 years since a team was relegated after reaching 40 points, but Leeds still need points given tough away games against Spurs and West Ham to follow.
Premier League survival and European qualification battles reach critical point as Leeds can secure safety by beating managerless Burnley, while Eddie Howe faces an audition to keep his Newcastle job against Brighton. Chelsea's interim coach Calum McFarlane faces first expected win against Forest, and Tottenham's relegation fight continues under Roberto De Zerbi.
⚽ Premier League updates from the 5.30pm BST kick-off⚽ Live scores | Table | Top scorers | Follow us on BlueskyMikel Arteta’s pre-match thoughts[On making only one change from the City game] We did a lot of great things, with some connections that we really liked througout the game.[On how long Bukayo Saka might be able to play from the bench] We will see how the game goes. We have alternatives in the front line to change the game; we’ll use them in the right way. Continue reading...
Arsenal and Manchester City are locked in a tight Premier League title race, with the championship likely to be decided by the final five games. Both teams remain level on points, making goal difference a potential deciding factor.
Iliman Ndiaye puts Everton ahead in the 27th minute, Mohamed Salah equalises for Liverpool in the 30th. A VAR offside review for O’Brien occurs at 28 minutes as the Merseyside derby ends 1-1.
Leeds United achieved a historic 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, their first league win there in 45 years. The match saw a red card for Lisandro Martínez and moved Leeds six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
