Sporting news in brief | The Independent

MARCO BEZZECHI CLAIMS FIRST MOTOGP WIN SINCE MAY IN INDONESIA

MOTO: Marco Bezzecchi claimed his first MotoGP win since May after beating Raul Fernandez to win the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika.

Bezzechi overhauled his fellow Aprilia rider on lap 19 of 27 before pulling away to claim victory by a margin of 4.2 seconds.

His win came just one day after the pair engaged in an angry exchange after they crashed out on the opening lap of the sprint race, leaving Fernandez with a broken finger.

Jorge Martin could not keep up with his two rivals but his third place was enough to regain the Championship lead, with reigning champion Marc Marquez only sixth on his factory Ducati.

ALESSIA RUSSO NAMED ENGLAND PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SOCCER: Alessia Russo has been named England women’s player of the year for 2025/26.

The Arsenal forward won a fan vote ahead of Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton to claim the award for a second time having previously won it in 2024.

Russo played in all 10 of the Lionesses’ matches during the season, scoring five goals including a brace in the 6-1 win over Ukraine in March.

Russo said: “To receive the award is really special, particularly as it comes directly from the fans. I am so grateful for their support.

“A big thank you also to my team-mates, it is always about the collective. I absolutely love playing for England every moment I get. Together we’re looking forward and hopefully we will go on to have a really big season.”

BILLY SHARP ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

SOCCER: Former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.

Sharp, who also played for the likes of Doncaster, Southampton and Leeds in a remarkable 22-year career, has been a free agent since leaving Rovers at the end of last season.

In an Instagram post entitled “Thank You”, Sharp wrote: “The boots are coming off, but the memories will last a lifetime. Thank you and roll on the next chapter.”

Sharp scored a hat-trick in his final match for Doncaster against Peterborough on the final day of last season.

Having made his debut for Sheffield United in 2004, Sharp went on to make 813 total career appearances, scoring 299 goals.