Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • ‘Feeling embarrassed’: Trent Robinson gives update on Billy Smith after mystery e-bike crash

    ‘Feeling embarrassed’: Trent Robinson gives update on Billy Smith after mystery e-bike crash

    In a dramatic prelude to a record-breaking National Rugby League clash in Sydney, the Sydney Roosters secured an epic victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs despite the last-minute absence of center Billy Smith. Smith was ruled out of Friday night’s blockbuster match at Allianz Stadium following an e-bike accident near the club’s Moore Park headquarters, sparking internal discussions about player safety protocols.

    Roosters coach Trent Robinson addressed the unusual situation post-match, revealing Smith was feeling ’embarrassed’ but otherwise okay after suffering a head knock in the incident. The accident has prompted calls for revised transportation arrangements for players, who currently face a lengthy walk from the Entertainment Quarter parking lot to their training facility. The area surrounding their Centre of Excellence is reportedly filled with e-bikes and scooters used by players and staff due to limited parking availability.

    Team captain James Tedesco contextualized the incident, noting that ‘scootering and biking to and from training’ had been standard practice since the club’s establishment in Moore Park. Despite the pre-game disruption, the Roosters delivered an impressive performance, rebounding strongly from their previous disappointing loss in New Zealand.

    The match marked a significant milestone as Rabbitohs’ Alex Johnston became the game’s leading try-scorer, though the Roosters ultimately spoiled the celebration. Veteran playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans particularly stood out, silencing critics with an exceptional performance that included scoring the opening try and setting up the decisive play for Tedesco. Coach Robinson praised Cherry-Evans’ strategic gameplay, noting his improved distribution and angle-changing abilities that represented ‘a really good step forward’ for the player.

  • Australia beats North Korea 2-1 to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals and clinch World Cup berth

    Australia beats North Korea 2-1 to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals and clinch World Cup berth

    PERTH, Australia — In a thrilling quarterfinal clash at the Women’s Asian Cup, Australia secured both a tournament semifinal berth and automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a dominant North Korean side. Despite being significantly outplayed in possession and facing relentless offensive pressure, the Matildas demonstrated remarkable defensive resilience and clinical finishing to advance.

    North Korea controlled the match tempo from the outset, maintaining nearly two-thirds of possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their aggressive approach resulted in 21 total shots with 10 on target, but they struggled to convert against Australia’s determined defensive line and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s crucial saves.

    Australian striker Sam Kerr emerged as the decisive factor, contributing significantly to both goals. In the 9th minute, Kerr dispossessed North Korean captain An Kuk Hyang in the right corner and delivered a precise cross into the area. The ensuing deflection fell to Alanna Kennedy, who converted with a left-footed strike for her fifth goal of the tournament.

    Kerr extended Australia’s advantage just two minutes after halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error to score with a left-footed shot. The North Koreans intensified their efforts and reduced the deficit in the 65th minute when Kim Kyong Yong’s pass from the left found Chae Un Yong for a close-range finish.

    Despite sustained pressure in the final stages, Australia’s defense held firm to preserve the victory. Kerr acknowledged the team’s defensive performance, stating: ‘It was a really good team performance defensively. They’re a good side and they had a lot of the ball and there was a lot of pressure. The crowd was immense today, got us over the line.’

    The victory guarantees Australia’s place in both the Asian Cup semifinals and next year’s World Cup in Brazil. They await the winner of the quarterfinal between defending champion China and Taiwan. North Korea will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through upcoming playoffs, with fifth and sixth-place finishers in the tournament also securing spots.

    The tournament continues with South Korea facing Uzbekistan in Sydney, while Japan prepares for their quarterfinal against the Philippines after an impressive group stage performance that saw them score 17 goals without conceding.

  • More Indian women play cricket now than in 2020 – BBC study

    More Indian women play cricket now than in 2020 – BBC study

    A landmark study reveals a significant transformation in India’s sporting landscape, with female participation in cricket and badminton reaching unprecedented levels. Commissioned by the BBC and Collective Newsroom, the comprehensive 2026 survey encompassing 10,304 respondents across 14 Indian states demonstrates remarkable progress in gender parity within sports.

    The data indicates that one in ten Indian women now actively participate in cricket, representing a substantial increase from previous years. The gender gap in cricket participation has notably narrowed from a 5:1 male-to-female ratio in 2020 to a 3:1 ratio in the current findings. Among female cricket players, 40% engage in the sport at least weekly, demonstrating serious commitment to athletic pursuits.

    This surge in female sports involvement coincides with extraordinary achievements by Indian sportswomen on the global stage. The inspirational performances of shooter Manu Bhaker, who secured two Olympic medals at the 2024 Paris Games, coupled with the Indian women’s cricket team capturing their inaugural World Cup title on home soil in 2025, have created a powerful ripple effect throughout the nation.

    Young women aged 15-24 emerge as the primary catalysts driving this sporting revolution, with 26% considering athletics as a viable career path—a significant increase from 16% in 2020. Viewership patterns reflect this growing engagement, with 51% of respondents following women’s sports coverage, approaching the 63% who follow men’s sports.

    Despite these advancements, the study reveals persistent societal challenges. Concerningly, 43% of respondents believe women’s sports are less entertaining than men’s (up from 38% in 2020), while nearly half of those surveyed maintain that sportswomen should prioritize appearing attractive—a sentiment more prevalent among female respondents than male.

    The research, conducted by Kantar India using consistent methodology for comparability with the 2020 baseline, also highlights structural barriers to sports participation, with two-thirds of Indians citing time constraints as their primary obstacle to athletic involvement.

  • Bangladesh wins toss, elects to field against Pakistan in 2nd one-day cricket international

    Bangladesh wins toss, elects to field against Pakistan in 2nd one-day cricket international

    DHAKA, Bangladesh — In a strategic move at the toss, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to field first against Pakistan in the pivotal second One-Day International on Friday. This decision comes on the heels of a dominant performance that has the home team leading the three-match series 1-0.

    The opening game witnessed a spectacular bowling display from Bangladeshi fast bowler Nahid Rana, who dismantled the Pakistani batting order. Rana’s career-best figures of 5-24 bundled out the visitors for a meager 114 runs, paving the way for a comprehensive eight-wicket victory last Wednesday.

    Demonstrating confidence in a winning combination, Bangladesh has retained the exact same playing XI. In contrast, Pakistan has been forced into a tactical adjustment following their batting collapse. Despite a collective failure from their debutant quartet—Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat, and Abdul Samad—who struggled against the pace of Rana and the off-spin of Captain Miraz, the team management has persisted with its inexperienced top order.

    Pakistan’s sole change comes in the bowling department. Seeking to exploit what is anticipated to be a pace-friendly wicket, they have recalled express fast bowler Haris Rauf, replacing leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

    The lineups for the crucial encounter are:

    **Pakistan:** Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.

    **Bangladesh:** Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.

  • Six Nations closing with a title shootout between France, Scotland and Ireland

    Six Nations closing with a title shootout between France, Scotland and Ireland

    The Six Nations Championship culminates in an electrifying final round this Saturday, with France, Scotland, and Ireland all positioned to claim what could become the most memorable tournament conclusion in recent years. Defying all preseason predictions, this gripping championship promises potential last-minute twists as three nations vie for rugby supremacy.

    France currently occupies the pole position, seeking to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since their 2006-2007 campaign. Though level on points with Scotland, the French maintain a substantial advantage in points difference. Ireland trails closely just two points behind, setting the stage for a dramatic Super Saturday.

    The championship structure delivers strategic complexity: France enjoys the advantage of playing the final match at a packed Stade de France against an underperforming English squad, with full knowledge of the precise requirements needed after Ireland hosts Scotland in Dublin four hours earlier.

    Scotland’s stunning 32-21 victory over France last weekend—which shattered French Grand Slam aspirations—catapulted them into title contention. Their most straightforward path to a first championship since the 1999 Five Nations requires defeating Ireland while hoping England can overcome France. However, historical patterns present significant challenges: Scotland hasn’t defeated Ireland since 2017 and hasn’t triumphed in Dublin since 2010.

    Ireland’s clearest route to a third title in four years depends on defeating Scotland while hoping England can deliver an upset against France. The additional complication of bonus points and potential draws creates numerous possible championship scenarios.

    Beyond the championship itself, Ireland and Scotland will contest the Triple Crown, awarded to the home nation that defeats the other three British Isles teams. Ireland has dominated this honor recently, while Scotland last claimed it in 1990.

    This marks the first three-way title decider since the pandemic-affected 2020 tournament, which England ultimately won on points difference after Ireland and France failed to meet scoring requirements.

    The day’s action also features Wales hosting Italy in Cardiff, with Wales attempting to break a 15-match tournament losing streak while Italy seeks to achieve three championship victories for the first time in their Six Nations history.

    Coaches’ perspectives reveal the strategic mindset approaching the finale. France’s Fabien Galthié emphasized focusing forward rather than dwelling on past results, while Scotland’s Gregor Townsend acknowledged the challenge of overcoming Ireland’s historical dominance. Ireland’s Andy Farrell expressed particular motivation to secure the Triple Crown, recognizing Scotland’s formidable form following their exceptional performance against France.

    Match Schedule (March 16):
    – Ireland vs. Scotland (Dublin, 1410 GMT)
    – Wales vs. Italy (Cardiff, 1640 GMT)
    – France vs. England (Paris, 2010 GMT)

  • Draper beaten after controversial hindrance call

    Draper beaten after controversial hindrance call

    A contentious hindrance call overshadowed Daniil Medvedev’s quarter-final victory over defending champion Jack Draper at the Indian Wells Masters, creating a storm of controversy during their tense encounter. The Russian former world number one secured a 6-1, 7-5 win, but the match will be remembered for a dramatic ruling that shifted momentum during the critical second set.

    The controversy erupted at 5-5, 0-15 in the second set when Draper, serving to stay in the set, briefly extended his arms during a rally, signaling his belief that Medvedev’s forehand had landed long. Despite the gesture, the rally continued for seven additional shots before Medvedev netted a backhand. The Russian immediately requested a video review for potential hindrance—a relatively new technology introduced at Masters 1000 events in February 2025.

    After extensive video consultation, chair umpire Aurélie Tourte determined that Draper had made an unusual movement during the rally, awarding the point to Medvedev. The decision triggered immediate boos from the Stadium Court 2 crowd, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension. Though Draper responded with an ace on the next point, he ultimately lost his service game, and Medvedev closed out the match in the following game.

    Despite the on-court tension, both players displayed sportsmanship during their extended net conversation. Medvedev offered apologies, stating, ‘If you’re mad at me, I’m sorry,’ while Draper responded, ‘I’m not at all—but I don’t think it distracted you enough.’

    In post-match comments, Draper refused to blame Medvedev, acknowledging the Russian’s superior performance while questioning the ruling’s severity. ‘I don’t think I did enough to hinder him,’ Draper stated. ‘The rally carried on and I was able to win the point so I don’t think I should have lost the point.’

    Medvedev expressed mixed feelings about the incident, denying accusations of gamesmanship while admitting the gesture caused minor distraction. ‘Do I feel good about it? Not really,’ Medvedev commented, ‘but I also don’t feel like I cheated. I let the referee decide.’

    The match highlighted Draper’s physical struggles following his emotionally draining victory over Novak Djokovic just days earlier. The Briton admitted to exhaustion, stating he ‘ran out of steam’ against one of the world’s top players. With this defeat, Draper will drop from his career-high ranking of 14th to 26th, surrendering the British number one position to Cameron Norrie.

    Medvedev advances to face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, continuing his quest for a first Indian Wells title after previous final appearances. The incident renews discussion about hindrance rules and video review implementation in tennis, particularly regarding subjective interpretations of player conduct during points.

  • ‘Great traditions’: Smooth start at Allianz Stadium as Alex Johnston chases rugby league history

    ‘Great traditions’: Smooth start at Allianz Stadium as Alex Johnston chases rugby league history

    A palpable sense of anticipation electrified Allianz Stadium as South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston stood on the precipice of rugby league history. The veteran player needed just one more try to equal and two to surpass the legendary Ken Irvine’s 53-year-old record of 211 tries in Australian professional rugby league.

    The historic occasion prompted extensive coordination between Venues NSW, both competing clubs, and the NRL regarding potential crowd reactions. This followed concerns raised by legendary coach Wayne Bennett, who referenced previous incidents where fans stormed the field during milestone celebrations in other sports. Authorities implemented reinforced security measures, including additional personnel positioned strategically around the field, particularly in areas where Johnston was most likely to score.

    Despite initial apprehensions about entry delays due to enhanced security protocols, spectators experienced seamless access to the venue. The bag-checking process maintained its standard efficiency, ensuring minimal disruption for attendees. Clear exit points were established in each corner of the stadium to facilitate Johnston’s potential departure from the field if necessary.

    The emotional significance of the evening was further amplified by a pre-game ceremony honoring the victims of the recent Bondi terror attack, observed by a capacity crowd. Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly remarked on the exceptional atmosphere, noting: ‘Our members and supporters consistently create an incredible atmosphere at Allianz Stadium, and we know tonight will be no different.’ The event demonstrated professional sports’ ability to balance historic celebration with appropriate security and respectful commemoration.

  • ‘Say a prayer and send it’: Paralympic alpine skiers tackle fear

    ‘Say a prayer and send it’: Paralympic alpine skiers tackle fear

    MILAN-CORTINA – Athletes competing in the Paralympic alpine skiing events are demonstrating extraordinary courage as they navigate treacherous slopes at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, despite physical impairments including limb differences and visual disabilities. The competition, divided into three classifications—visually impaired, standing, and sitting—showcases remarkable athleticism and mental fortitude.

    Visually impaired skiers rely on guides and radio communication to navigate the course, with some wearing blacked-out goggles to ensure fair competition. Meanwhile, many competitors in standing and sitting categories ski with one or more limbs absent. The downhill event, renowned for its extreme velocity, presents a unique set of psychological and physical challenges.

    American skier Meg Gustafson, 16, who is classified as AS4 due to her limited vision, described the sensation of racing as akin to ‘flying.’ Before each run, she admits, ‘I say a little prayer and then I send it.’ Her teammate, Allie Johnson, 31, acknowledged the fear involved, stating, ‘Being scared and doing things scared—that’s what it is to me.’

    Even seasoned athletes are not immune to mishaps. American sitting skier Anna Soens experienced a crash during her Paralympic debut, later quipping that the lesson was to ‘land straighter.’ Swedish gold medalist Ebba Aarsjoe emphasized the razor-thin margin for error, noting that imprecise technique can lead to disastrous outcomes.

    The risks are substantial—high-speed accidents can result in severe injuries, as evidenced by Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn’s recent near-amputation on the same course. Yet, for athletes like Australia’s Michael Milton, 52, who returned from retirement, the adrenaline and emotional intensity are irresistible. ‘It’s the feeling of standing at the start… and then overcoming that fear,’ he explained.

    For Slovakia’s Alexandra Rexova, a double bronze medalist, skiing has been transformative. ‘It opened new doors for me,’ the 20-year-old said. ‘I’m glad I can race here… and survive.’

  • ‘We’ve lost one hell of a player’: Craig Bellamy unimpressed with Zac Lomax’s code switch

    ‘We’ve lost one hell of a player’: Craig Bellamy unimpressed with Zac Lomax’s code switch

    Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has expressed profound disappointment over the departure of star player Zac Lomax from the National Rugby League (NRL), characterizing it as a significant loss for the sport. Lomax’s move to Super Rugby’s Western Force, confirmed on Monday with a two-year contract, concludes a protracted contractual dispute that initially appeared destined to bring him to Melbourne.

    The situation originated when Lomax secured an early release from the Parramatta Eels, just one season into a four-year agreement, under the presumption he would join the proposed R360 competition. However, the league’s postponement until 2028 left the player in professional limbo. A specific clause in his release agreement prohibited him from signing with any rival NRL club without Parramatta’s explicit consent, ultimately thwarting Melbourne’s pursuit despite their offer of financial compensation to the Eels.

    Bellamy acknowledged understanding Lomax’s frustration while lamenting the outcome. “It’s a shame that we lost him,” the veteran coach stated. “I don’treally know what happened at the end there, but I can understand his frustration and I can understand him leaving our game. I think we’ve lost one hell of a player to another code when we didn’t really have to. But even more importantly, we lost a really good person in our code.”

    Despite missing Lomax’s potential contribution to their backline, the Storm demonstrated resilience in their season opener with a commanding victory over Parramatta. Emerging talent Sua Fa’alogo delivered an impressive performance at fullback, filling the void left by Ryan Papenhuyzen’s retirement. Bellamy attributed Fa’alogo’s success to significantly improved fitness levels, noting that the position demands exceptional endurance and that the young player returned to camp in markedly better condition this season.

    Looking ahead, Melbourne faces a challenging encounter against the St. George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong. The Dragons seek redemption after a narrow golden-point defeat to the Bulldogs in Las Vegas, and historically they have proven formidable opponents for the Storm, having secured victories in their two most recent meetings. Bellamy identified Dragons playmakers Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook as particular threats, emphasizing the need for defensive improvements following their first-round performance.

  • Russell and Mercedes dominate again in qualifying for F1’s China sprint

    Russell and Mercedes dominate again in qualifying for F1’s China sprint

    Mercedes driver George Russell secured a commanding pole position for Saturday’s sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, declaring his car “a joy to drive” as the team continued its dominant form in Formula 1’s new regulatory era. Russell’s performance in Shanghai builds upon his decisive victory in Australia last week, with teammate Kimi Antonelli qualifying second to position Mercedes for another potential 1-2 finish.

    The qualifying gap demonstrated Mercedes’ overwhelming advantage, with McLaren’s Lando Norris trailing by 0.621 seconds in third position—a substantial margin in F1 terms. Only Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) managed to come within one second of Russell’s benchmark time.

    While Max Verstappen, the most vocal critic of the new regulations, endured another difficult qualifying session in eighth, Hamilton emerged as the most likely challenger to Mercedes’ dominance given Ferrari’s demonstrated straight-line speed advantage.

    Technical innovation took center stage as Ferrari debuted its unique rotating rear wing—dubbed the “Macarena” or “flip-flop” wing—which invertes aerodynamically to maximize straight-line speed. Though briefly tested previously and omitted in Australia, the innovative design could potentially help Ferrari compete with Mercedes, though concerns remain about its disruptive effect on airflow for trailing cars.

    Meanwhile, the FIA faces mounting pressure to address technical issues with the new power unit regulations. Drivers have expressed frustration with limited control over electrical power deployment, which Verstappen described as “not a lot of fun and also quite dangerous” after incidents in Australia where cars completed formation laps with depleted batteries.

    The session also featured a notable moment for Chinese motorsport as Zhou Guanyu, though now a reserve driver for Cadillac after leaving Sauber, remained a prominent figure in his home country, potentially boosting the new team’s recognition in this crucial market.