Germany’s Ruhr heart: a city of industry, culture, and growth
Eight teams face an extensive Europa and Conference League schedule as the new season begins, with Bournemouth and Sunderland among the highlights, including ties against Milan and Real Sociedad and a return to European competition for Palace and Celtic.
Luke Littler has won the Czech Open in Prague, defeating Luke Humphries in the final after a late rally. The 19-year-old world number one secures a place in Dortmund and eyes a calendar-year sweep of ranking events in 2026. Greaves becomes first woman to win a European Tour event, beating Daryl Gurney in a landmark run.
Luke Littler, 19, remains the sport’s global face as he pursues a calendar-year sweep of all 10 major televised darts titles. He has been booed by crowds in Amsterdam and previously in Germany and the UK. He says he is prepared to skip Netherlands events if boos persist, while referees have intervened to curb disruptions.
A 105-year-old man is under investigation in Dortmund for alleged complicity in multiple murders at Stalag 326 VI K in Senne, western Germany. Prosecutions highlight ongoing efforts to pursue Nazi-crimes despite advancing age, with similar cases spotlighting centenarians and former guards in Saxony and Hemer.