Northampton 1-3 Wigan - Sky Sports

Ex-AC Milan, Chelsea and Brazil forward Pato is part of Sports Alpha Capital consortium [Getty Images]Kris Holland - BBC Sport, East of EnglandWed, Sep 30, 2026·3 min read

6 hours agoAlex PopeNGHThe leadless pacemaker - which is the metallic-looking object shown on this model - has been fitted into about 300 patients by the trustA hospital that has implanted tiny pacemakers for 10 years has been recognised as a "centre of excellence". Northampton General Hospital said the honour, bestowed by the manufacturer, was for the way "it has pioneered" the fitting of the leadless pacemaker and for training other teams around the UK. The device is 93% smaller than traditional pacemakers, weighs about two grams and can be inserted in about 20 minutes. It is so small that it cannot be felt under the surface of the skin, the trust explained. The device, made by global US healthcare company Medtronic, has been used in Northampton since 2016 and in 2024 it became the first hospital trust in the UK to use the latest form. The trust has fitted it in about 300 patients so far. NGHStaff Northampton General Hospital were treated with a cake to mark the achievementDr David Sharman, a consultant cardiologist who implanted the hospital's first device, said his team had been training specialist nurses, cardiac physiologists and radiographers from across England.

Another gem from ace Drew Rasmussen and just enough offence from their high-pressure lineup paced the Rays to a win over the Guardians on Sunday.

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons has sustained a torn Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery, the team announced Sunday. This is likely a season-ending injury for Simmons, 30, who authored an impressive training camp on short notice for Sacramento. The injury occurred during a live drill at Sunday's practice, the team said. A three-time All-Star, Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings on Sept. 4. Healthy at the time of the deal, the 6-foot-10, 240-pound guard impressed Kings general manager Scott Perry when he worked out for Perry in Miami and had an hourlong meeting in late August. "I've faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically and emotionally, and I've found a way through every single one of them," Simmons wrote in a statement posted on social media. "This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story. "Simmons also traveled to Sacramento last month to visit the Kings and impressed coach Doug Christie and other members of the basketball staff at the team's practice facility, where Simmons underwent an in-depth medical exam and conducted an on-court workout.