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The Kidnapping of Shergar: A Bizarre CrimeChannel 4 airs a documentary about the 1983 kidnapping of Shergar, the world's most valuable horse at the time, worth around £10m. The IRA demanded a ransom for the horse's safe return.Britain's Got Talent: Live FinalITV1 broadcasts the live final of Britain's Got Talent, featuring dance group LMA, drone artists Celestial, and fire juggler Liqei Yang, among others.CasualtyBBC One continues its miniseries spin-off from the geriatric hospital drama, Casualty. This week's episode features Flynn dealing with two injured soldiers.Monsieur SpadeU&Drama; airs the latest episode of Monsieur Spade, a private eye series starring Clive Owen, set in the south of France.Two Weeks in AugustBBC One shows Two Weeks in August, a drama about a group of friends on a holiday that takes a turn for the worse.Nobody's FoolITV1 airs the latest episode of Nobody's Fool, a quiz show where contestants vote to eliminate each other.Film Choice: Ghost TrailBBC Four screens the film Ghost Trail, a French thriller based on a true story about exiled Syrians tracking down war criminals.Live SportCycling: Giro d'Italia, 9.15am, TNT Sports 3Tennis: French Open, 9.30am, TNT Sports 4Challenge Cup Rugby League: Wigan v St Helens, 11.15am, BBC TwoPrem Rugby Union: Saracens v Harlequins, 12.30pm, TNT Sports 1Women's T20 Cricket: England v India, 2pm, Channel 5Champions League Football: Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal, 3pm, TNT Sports 1

The Shocking Upset Alex de Minaur was blown out of the French Open just when opportunity had knocked deafeningly for all the would-be contenders. With Jannik Sinner's sensational exit having made everyone believe their chance could be at hand, de Minaur's enduring dream was this time dynamited by young Czech powerhouse Jakub Mensik 0-6 6-2 6-2 6-3 in the third round. Mensik's Remarkable Comeback Mensik, who had collapsed on court and had to be ferried to the medical centre in a wheelchair after his four-hour 41-minute epic win over Mariano Navone on Wednesday, was outrageously good, and rebounded from a horror opening set to utterly dominate. De Minaur's Disappointing Performance De Minaur, who had been nearly flawless in the opening exchanges, was suddenly being hurried into errors – 17 in the second set – as he lost seven games in a row across the second and third stanzas, looking increasingly bereft at the number of mistakes he was making. The Match in Numbers Mensik won 16 straight points in the first set, 'bagelling' de Minaur 6-0. De Minaur made 17 errors in the second set. Mensik won 5 games in a row to take the second and third sets. The Impact on Australian Interest De Minaur's loss leaves Daria Kasatkina as the only Australian left in the singles draws. She will have her work seriously cut out to ensure there's any Australian interest as she faces world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

The Diplomatic Row Poland's president, Karol Nawrocki, has proposed stripping Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's top honour, the Order of the White Eagle, following Zelenskyy's decree naming a military special forces unit 'Heroes of the UPA', after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The Controversy Surrounding UPA The UPA is regarded by some Ukrainian nationalists as heroes for their resistance against the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. However, UPA fighters were also involved in the Volhynia massacres in western Ukraine from 1943 to 1945, resulting in the deaths of around 100,000 Poles. The Polish Reaction Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed outrage and proposed the withdrawal of the Order of the White Eagle from President Zelenskyy. The Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle will meet on June 8 to discuss the matter. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Zelenskyy's move 'wounds our historical sensitivity' and is 'worrying from the point of view of our relations'. The Impact on Relations Poland has been a major ally to Kyiv since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. However, the recent developments have strained relations between the two countries. Polish Nobel Peace Prize-winner Lech Walesa announced that he had stopped wearing a Ukrainian flag pin, stating that Zelenskyy had insulted him and all their massacred compatriots by honouring the UPA. The Future Outlook The diplomatic row between Poland and Ukraine may have implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine and the support provided by Poland to Kyiv. The situation highlights the complexities of historical narratives and their impact on contemporary international relations.

A Historic Comeback at Roland GarrosJoão Fonseca, the 19‑year‑old Brazilian prodigy, delivered a career‑defining victory over 39‑year‑old Novak Djokovic at the French Open, winning 4‑6, 4‑6, 6‑3, 7‑5, 7‑5 after 4 hr 53 min.Fonseca Overturns Two‑Set Deficit to Defeat DjokovicAfter falling behind 4‑6, 4‑6, Fonseca rallied with precise serving and powerful forehands, seizing control in the third set and maintaining momentum through the fourth and fifth sets.First two sets: Djokovic leads 4‑6, 4‑6.Third set: Fonseca wins 6‑3.Fourth set: Fonseca wins 7‑5.Fifth set: Fonseca clinches 7‑5.Match duration: 4 hr 53 min.Match Statistics Highlight Endurance and UpsetKey figures from the match underscore the physical toll on Djokovic and the resilience of Fonseca:Age gap: 20 years.Grand Slam titles for Djokovic: 24.Only second time Djokovic lost after leading by two sets; first was 2010 French Open quarter‑final vs Jürgen Melzer.Fonseca served multiple aces in the final game to close the match.Implications for Brazilian Tennis and the ATP LandscapeThe win fuels Brazil’s hopes of a new champion following the legacy of three‑time Roland Garros winner Gustavo Kuerten and energises a passionate fanbase that filled the stadium in Brazilian colors.Increased media attention on Fonseca’s “nuclear forehand”.Potential rise in sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for the young Brazilian.Signals a possible shift in the ATP hierarchy as veteran players face emerging talent.What Lies Ahead for Fonseca and DjokovicAnalysts anticipate Fonseca will carry momentum into the next rounds, while Djokovic will need to assess his physical condition after the grueling match and consider adjustments for the remainder of the season.

The Development Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israeli forces have crossed into Lebanon, specifically crossing the Litani River. This move has significant implications for the region, potentially escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Background and Implications The Litani River is a significant geographical and political boundary in southern Lebanon. Israeli military actions in this area could lead to increased conflict and instability in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with potential diplomatic repercussions. Regional Impact This development could have far-reaching consequences for Middle East peace dynamics. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing concerns about military escalation and humanitarian impacts on local populations. Future Outlook As the situation continues to unfold, diplomatic efforts are likely to intensify to prevent further escalation. The international community will be watching closely for any signs of de-escalation or additional military actions.

The latest intelligence from the US Defence Intelligence Agency and the Institute for the Study of War confirms that Russia’s war effort is deteriorating on both the battlefield and the balance sheet.Escalating Russian Territorial Losses in 2026Ukraine reclaimed roughly 400 square kilometres around Dnipropetrovsk during the May 2026 quarter – the largest single‑day gain since late 2022. While Russia still posted a net advance of 104 sq km (40 sq mi) between 1 January and 26 May, this is a steep decline from the 1,619 sq km (625 sq mi) gain recorded over the same period last year.Net Russian advance: 104 sq km (2026) vs 1,619 sq km (2025)Ukrainian recapture: ~400 sq km in May 2026Quantifying the Surge: Casualties and Advance MetricsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported Russian casualties of 145,000 this year, including 86,000 killed and 59,000 seriously wounded. This translates to 179 Russian losses per square kilometre of advance, up from 67 per km a year earlier – a rate that outpaces Moscow’s recruitment capacity.Financially, Russia has sold 27.9 tonnes of gold worth over $4 billion in 2026, depleting reserves to their lowest level since the invasion began in February 2022.Gold sold: 27.9 tonnes (~$4 bn)Casualties: 86,000 killed, 59,000 woundedLosses per km advanced: 179 (2026) vs 67 (2025)Strategic Consequences for Moscow’s War EffortThe loss of Starlink satellite connectivity has hampered Russian targeting, while Ukraine’s “Logistical Lockdown” programme intensifies drone‑and‑artillery strikes on supply lines. Restricted movement on the M‑14 highway and the introduction of Swedish‑donated Gripen fighters equipped with Meteor missiles further erode Russian operational depth.Financial strain is evident: Russia has exceeded its 2026 budget‑deficit allowance and is drawing down gold reserves at an unprecedented pace, limiting its ability to fund prolonged high‑intensity operations.What the Next Months May Hold for the ConflictIf the current trends continue, Russia’s territorial gains are likely to stall, and recruitment shortfalls may force a shift toward defensive postures. Continued depletion of gold reserves could trigger tighter fiscal controls or increased reliance on external financing, potentially inviting further sanctions.Ukraine’s expanding air‑defence capabilities and sustained long‑range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure suggest that Moscow will face escalating pressure on both fronts, making a rapid escalation or negotiated de‑escalation the most plausible scenarios in the coming quarter.

Global Study Quantifies Gender Attractiveness Gap Across AgesThe research team led by Dr Eugen Wassiliwizky at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics compiled the world’s largest dataset on facial attractiveness, drawing from 52 studies across 76 countries.Numbers Behind the Gap: 1.5 Million Ratings Reveal 60% Preference1.5 million attractiveness ratings17,000 distinct faces evaluated30,000 individual ratersAverage female face rated more attractive than 60% of male facesGap strongest in Western cultures, present across all sexual orientationsWhen participants rated themselves, the gender gap vanished, underscoring the role of external perception.Implications for Evolutionary Theory and Social PerceptionThe findings revive debate over Darwinian sexual selection. While Darwin noted male ornamentation in many species, he considered humans an exception where male competition dominated. This study suggests a universal bias toward rounder, more feminine facial structures, which may be linked to infant‑like features rather than purely cultural norms.Historical language—"the fairer sex", "le beau sexe"—reflects a long‑standing perception that the research now quantifies.Future Research Directions and Societal ShiftsAs the attractiveness gap diminishes after age 80, researchers hypothesize that facial structural differences shrink with age, reducing perceived bias. Ongoing work will explore:Neuro‑cognitive responses to facial roundness across agesCross‑cultural variations beyond the current datasetPotential impacts on age‑related social dynamics and media representationThe study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, calls for cautious interpretation but highlights a robust, global pattern that challenges purely cultural explanations.

The British Solving Championship: An Opportunity for Chess Enthusiasts This week’s puzzle is a chance to enter an annual national competition in which Guardian readers ­traditionally perform well and in ­considerable numbers. White in the diagram, ­playing as usual up the board, is to play and checkmate in two moves, against any black defence. The Event Details The puzzle is the first stage of the annual Winton British Solving Championship, organised by the British Chess Problem Society and sponsored by the investment ­managers ­Winton. This competition is only open to ­British ­residents and entry is free. To take part, simply send White’s first move by post to Nigel Dennis, Boundary House, 230 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1QY, or by email to [email protected]. Entry Requirements and Deadline All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 31 July 2026. Entrants must provide their name and home address. Juniors under 18 on 31 August 2025 must also give their date of birth. The Competition Structure The best 15-20 players from the postal round, plus the best juniors, will be invited to the final at Harrow school on Saturday 13 February 2027, where the prize money is expected to be at least £1,600. The winner of the final will have the right to represent Great Britain at the 2027 world ­solving championships, an event where GB are often medal contenders. A Note on Chess and Professionals Back in the 1950s most top English players were amateurs, often civil servants or teachers, who competed in tournaments during their vacations. After the 1970s Fischer boom and English successes brought an influx of sponsors, chess professionals could earn a decent living, but the tide turned again during the 1990s. The breakup of the Soviet Union brought harder international competition, while Nigel Short’s world title defeat and the move to screen rather than print marketing drove sponsors away. A New Grandmaster: Harry Grieve Harry Grieve became England’s latest grandmaster on Tuesday when the 25-year-old, who was British champion in 2022 and helped CSC/Kingston finish second in this season’s UK 4NCL League, won first prize in Budapest with a 7/9 total.

The Timeless Allure of Tosca Gustav Mahler hated it, and its publisher was convinced it would be a commercial disaster. Critics complained it was mostly just 'noise' and predicted it would quickly be forgotten. But more than 125 years since Tosca's premiere in January 1900, Giacomo Puccini's fifth opera remains one of the most bankable in the business. The Opera's Turbulent Beginnings Puccini's work was initially met with skepticism. Mahler dismissed it as 'papal pageantry with continual chiming of bells.' The problem in 1900 was precisely that Puccini wove 'real-world' sounds of bells and screams, cannonfire and religious chant straight into his score. It was a groundbreaking example of an immersive soundscape, but for some, those sound effects were radically out of place in an operatic work of art. The Data Behind Tosca's Success Over 125 years since its premiere, Tosca remains a popular opera. It is known for its melodic appeal and gripping plot. The opera has been performed in numerous productions worldwide. The Impact of Tosca on Opera Tosca's enduring appeal lies in its combination of overwhelming melodic appeal and a sex-and-death nail-biter of a plot. US director Ted Huffman suggests that 'It's also a study of evil, which we find really entertaining in a horrible way.' The opera's themes of state violence and resistance are particularly relevant today. The Future of Tosca Productions Despite its popularity, there have been few bold reimaginings of Tosca. Most productions stick to the traditional setting in Rome. However, Huffman's new production at Glyndebourne, inspired by 1940s neorealist Italian film, offers a fresh take on the classic opera. The production explores realism and its relevance to today's world.