Sport shorts: Simone Biles makes world gymnastics medal history and the ‘Statue of Zlatan’ is unveiled in Sweden

Simone Biles performs on the vault during the women’s team finals at the World Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany

Simone Biles performs on the vault during the women’s team finals at the 2019 World Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany

(Image credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

By The Week Staff

published 9 October 2019

1. Record 21st medal for Biles

Simone Biles has made history at the World Gymnastics Championships by winning a record 21st medal.

Today’s back pages: England players ready to walk off and take a stand over racism

The 22-year-old became the competition’s most decorated woman gymnast after the USA took gold in the women’s team finals.

Speaking at the event in Stuttgart, Germany, Biles said: “I never think of records - I just go out there and do what I came to do. Every year it feels better and better, just because we’re adding to the legacy.”

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2. England call up keeper Henderson

Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been called into the England squad after Aston Villa’s Tom Heaton withdrew because of injury.

The Three Lions play two Euro 2020 qualifying matches this week. On Friday England travel to the Czech Republic and on Monday they play in Bulgaria.

Should England win in Prague against the Czechs they will qualify for next summer’s championships. Wembley Stadium will host seven Euro 2020 matches, including both semi-finals and final.

3. Deontay’s destiny

American boxer Deontay Wilder believes it’s fate that he will become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

The Bronze Bomber defends his WBC title against Luis Ortiz on 23 November while IBF, WBA and WBO champion Andy Ruiz Jr faces Anthony Joshua on 7 December.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the undefeated 33-year-old said: “There will be one champion, one face, one name. He goes by the name of Deontay Wilder.

“I know all things will come to plan. It’s up to other people to get their jobs done but I believe that, when they do, the world is going to see one of the biggest fights of their lives.

“What other man deserved it than I? I am a leader, a king, a ruler. I have power in my tongue. Things come to pass when I speak.”

4. Lowry and Molinari to play in Rome

Reigning Open champion Shane Lowry will join 2018 Open winner Francesco Molinari in the field for the Italian Open, which starts in Rome tomorrow.

Irishman Lowry said: “I’m excited to be back in Italy this year and especially in an amazing city like Rome. The Italian fans love their sport and to play here as the Open champion, alongside Fran since his incredible win at Carnoustie, I think it will be a special week.”

5. ‘The Statue of Zlatan’

A statue of Zlatan Ibrahimović has been unveiled in the footballer’s home town of Malmo in Sweden.

The LA Galaxy striker, 38, said: “When you come to New York you have the Statue of Liberty, when you come to Sweden you have the Statue of Zlatan.”

6. Super Typhoon Hagibis threatens to ruin RWC

Media melodrama or meteorological monster? England will discover the answer at the weekend when they arrive in Yokohama to face France in their final game of pool C at the Rugby World Cup.

Several papers report that England are due to play the French on Saturday at around the time Super Typhoon Hagibis is scheduled to make landfall.

Described as the “most powerful storm to hit Japan this year”, Hagibis threatens to disrupt the final weekend of pool matches in the World Cup.

7. Wales qualify and Scots keep hopes alive

Argentina, Scotland and Wales secured victories in today’s Rugby World Cup fixtures. In pool C Argentina kicked off the day’s action with a 47-17 win over the United States.

Scotland beat Russia 61-0 to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. Gregor Townsend’s side will now face Japan in their final pool A match on Sunday and require four points more than the host nation to reach the last eight.

Wales secured their quarter-final place with a thrilling 29-17 win over Fiji in pool D. Six Nations champions Wales will play England or France in the last eight.

8. Upgrades for the Silver Arrows in Japan

Should results go their way Mercedes could secure their sixth Formula 1 constructors’ championship this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix.

They have 571 points from 16 races while nearest rivals Ferrari are on 409. In their bid to fend off Ferrari and Red Bull the Silver Arrows will introduce “minor upgrades” for their W10 cars, Sky Sports reports.

F1 Japanese GP: race guide, preview and predictions

9. Huge month ahead for Solskjaer

Manchester United will show manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the door if his team loses to Norwich City at the end of the month, claims The Sun, although the paper adds that he could be gone even sooner, if the Red Devils “get hammered by Liverpool first”.

Solskjaer has until end of the month to save his job