The Decathlon: F1 rivals Hamilton and Bottas have mutual respect, Gatland to lead Lions, EPL title predictions

1. F1 rivals have mutual respect

Mercedes have secured four successive 1-2s so far in the 2019 Formula 1 season and a title battle is brewing between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Ahead of this weekend’s F1 Spanish Grand Prix Bottas leads Hamilton by just one point in the drivers’ standings.

In 2016 Hamilton had a fierce battle for the championship with Nico Rosberg, but the British driver insists that although there will be tension this season with Bottas the team-mates have respect for each other.

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Reigning world champion Hamilton told Sky Sports: “It’s going to be tight and close between us. And tension - that’s just there because there’s always tension when you want to beat somebody else.

“Everything’s great, the respect is still there and we continue to push on and we won’t have any problems. Don’t expect what you’ve seen in the past.”

2. Gatland to lead Lions again

The BBC reports that Warren Gatland has agreed a deal to be the British and Irish Lions’s head coach for the tour of South Africa in 2021. New Zealander Gatland, the current Wales head coach, previously led the Lions in 2013 and 2017.

3. Real confirm Adidas kit deal extension

Spanish giants Real Madrid have agreed a kit deal contract extension with Adidas until 2028. According to some reports the deal could be worth $1.2bn (£923m) for the duration of the terms. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez told AS: “It is a natural step to extend our successful deal until 2028. Together we will continue to build this strategic alliance that helps us set a benchmark and remain leaders in football. Adidas is an ideal sponsor for us.”

4. Jordan hits course record

Matthew Jordan had not even expected to play in the British Masters this week but the 23-year-old golfer secured a late entry and proved he was worth his place. The Daily Telegraph reports that Jordan shot a “remarkable” opening round of 63 to break the course record at Hillside in Southport. Ranked 837th in the world Jordan ended the day two shots clear of the field.

5. Parris eyes World Cup glory

Manchester City star Nikita Parris says the England team will be going to the Fifa Women’s World Cup aiming to bring home the trophy. She told Sky Sports: “Realistically, England can win it because we have got some of the best players in the world in our squad. We don’t hide from the fact that we want to win it.”

6. 1,200 and counting for Fed

Roger Federer secured the 1,200th victory of his career after beating Gaël Monfils at the Madrid Open. Making his return to clay the Swiss 20-time grand slam champion plays Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals today.

7. Phelan signs United deal

Manchester United have confirmed that Mike Phelan has been appointed as the club’s assistant manager on a three-year deal. Phelan said: “I am thrilled to be back as assistant manager. Manchester United has been a huge part of my life since I joined as a player in 1989 and I am delighted to be able to continue that relationship in this key role.”

8. No worlds for Mo

British athlete Mo Farah will not compete at this year’s world championships in Doha, Qatar. The Guardian reports that the 36-year-old will defend his title at the Chicago Marathon on 13 October. Farah said: “Having discussed with my team and to ensure I have the best possible chance of achieving this goal, my focus for 2019 will solely be on the roads.”

9. It’s a Euro full house for the Prem

Chelsea and Arsenal will meet in the final of the Uefa Europa League in Baku on 29 May as they emulated Tottenham and Liverpool’s success in the Champions League. The quartet of English clubs have created European football history by reaching the final of the continent’s two major competitions. See the Europa League reactions and today’s back pages for more.

10. EPL title predictions: Man City or Liverpool?

After months of swapping positions at the top of the Premier League table it will finally be decided this weekend if Manchester City or Liverpool are crowned as the 2018-19 champions. This season’s title race has been one of the closest - and best - in memory and it comes down to the final matches on Sunday. See the title race predictions here.