Paul Hayward
@_PaulHayward
Contributing Editor (Sport) at The Observer. Co-host of 'How It All Played Out.' Author of 'England Football - the Biography, 1872-2022.' http://observer.co.uk
It may seem a mere detail, but England's first senior tournament win overseas is a huge breakthrough. What an inspirational team.
Bazball matures as Ben Stokes adds a century to his five-fer but can't bowl against India. Another tense 5th day beckons. My report from Old Trafford... observer.co.uk/news/sport/art…
What Oleksandr Usyk is fighting for. My column for @ObserverUK observer.co.uk/news/sport/art…
Dawson bowled so comprehensively by Jasprit Bumrah that one of his bails ended up halfway to the boundary rope.
Watching Root and Stokes bat together at Old Trafford.. Greatness at both ends. The kind of concentration of talent and charisma people in this ground will commit to their deepest memories of watching sport.
England in the final of Euro 2025. They’ve been ahead in knockout matches at the tournament for a combined total of five minutes 😂
There's no such thing as a nation state owning a "passive" 15% stake in a British newspaper. That stake applies explicit or implicit pressure on editorial independence.
This week's 'How It All Played Out' podcast is about victims of genius - playing the unplayable. Features Maradona, Warne, Sampras, Federer and more.... By @markpougatch and me. globalplayer.com/podcasts/episo…
Ben Stokes's transformation from 'firestarter' to statesman, and how his character was formed outside the England 'talent pathway' that runs through private education. My column for @ObserverUK observer.co.uk/news/sport/art…
Just enough jeopardy to keep the series rolling. Some thoughts on the British and Irish Lions winning the first Test against Australia, for @ObserverUK observer.co.uk/news/sport/art…
Doubtless Scottie Scheffler will get hammered for 'ingratitude' etc etc, but it's a lot more interesting than the usual pre-Open chat about the length of the rough and the speed of the greens.
Repeat or revenge? My look ahead to the tantalising Alcaraz-Sinner final at Wimbledon. For @ObserverUK observer.co.uk/news/sport/art…
Amanda Anisimova's 6-0, 6-0 defeat doesn't negate her triumph in reaching the Wimbledon final, after her break from tennis to attend to her mental health. This is what she said after her semi...
One of these spectators collapsed in an aisle and has now been taken out on a stretcher. The numbers over the fortnight suggest Wimbledon will have to consider measures in extreme heat on Centre Court.
It is not only very hot but sauna-like on Centre Court here ... and a second spectator is needing treatment in this game alone. Alcaraz leads 6-4, 3-4 (30-30)
Amanda Anisimova was an American prodigy until she stopped to attend to her mental health. Now she's a Wimbledon finalist after playing her way back in from the margins and beating the world No1. My piece from Wimbledon for @ObserverUK observer.co.uk/news/sport/art…
King vs the king hustler. In Wimbledon fortnight, this week's 'How It All Played Out' recalls the 'Battle of the Sexes' in 1973. By @markpougatch and me for @GlobalPlayer
"He Had An Inveterate, Trouble Seeking, Hustling, Gambling Life" Tennis player Bobby Riggs had a very interesting life. @markpougatch and @_PaulHayward go through his many talents and his infamous rivalry with Billie Jean King. #Wimbledon #BobbyRiggs #Tennis