In a dramatic showdown at Twickenham, England narrowly lost to New Zealand 24-22 last year, with George Ford bearing the brunt of the crowd’s frustration. Ford missed two crucial opportunities in the final moments, hitting the post with a penalty and narrowly missing a drop goal. Coach Steve Borthwick also faced criticism for his substitution strategy, replacing the in-form Marcus Smith with Ford, who was returning from a five-week break. Despite the backlash, Borthwick and Ford remain key figures as England prepares to host the All Blacks this Saturday, aiming to cap off a year of redemption. Ford, who made way for Fin Smith during the Six Nations, later co-captained England to a series victory in Argentina and celebrated his 100th test. Borthwick has led England to nine consecutive wins, their longest streak in eight years, and has earned praise for bold selections, including a bench stacked with six British and Irish Lions. Borthwick has even predicted that Ford could become a future England coach, citing his deep understanding of the game. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of history and learning from past performances. Australia, on the other hand, faces a challenging European tour, with second-year coach Joe Schmidt lamenting recent results and preparing to hand over the reins to Les Kiss next year. Elsewhere, South Africa, France, and Wales are gearing up for crucial matches, with the Wales-Japan game potentially impacting the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Scotland will also face Argentina on Sunday, as the rugby world anticipates a weekend of high-stakes action.
分类： sports
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Kliff Kingsbury returns to Europe celebrating healthy Commanders offensive line
Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, is no stranger to Europe. Having vacationed in Spain and played for the Cologne Centurions in Germany, Kingsbury is back on the continent with a mission: to help the Commanders (3-7) break a five-game losing streak. This Sunday, they face the Miami Dolphins (3-7) in the NFL’s final international game of the season at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Kingsbury acknowledges the challenges posed by numerous injuries but remains optimistic about the team’s offensive line, which has shown improvement in recent weeks. Key players like Josh Conerly Jr., Laremy Tunsil, Tyler Biadasz, Chris Paul, and Sam Cosmi have been consistent, providing a glimmer of hope for the struggling team. Despite the absence of star players like Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Austin Ekeler, Kingsbury praises the resilience of the squad. The Commanders are coming off a tough 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions, but Kingsbury believes the European trip offers a fresh perspective and a chance to regroup. He is particularly excited about playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a venue he admires as a soccer fan. Reflecting on his past experiences in Europe, Kingsbury hopes the international setting will inspire his team to turn their season around.
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Pakistan fined 20% of match fee for slow over-rate against Sri Lanka in 1st ODI
In a dramatic start to their one-day international (ODI) series, Pakistan secured a narrow six-run victory against Sri Lanka but faced a significant penalty for a slow over-rate. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Pakistan was fined 20% of their match fees after falling four overs short of the target during Tuesday’s game. Match referee Ali Naqvi imposed the sanction on Thursday, with Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, admitting guilt for the offense. The match, held in Rawalpindi, was overshadowed by security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives just hours before the game. Despite initial fears, Sri Lanka Cricket instructed its team to continue the series after receiving assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding safety measures. The remaining two matches have been rescheduled for Friday and Sunday.
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Pakistan shifts T20 tri-series matches to Rawalpindi after bombing
In response to a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the relocation of the upcoming T20 tri-series matches to Rawalpindi. Originally slated to be held in Lahore, the series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, is now set to commence on November 18. This decision was made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, aiming to address security concerns and operational logistics. The tri-series is a crucial preparatory event for the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in India and Sri Lanka. The shift follows Pakistan’s ongoing one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, which will also conclude in Rawalpindi. The recent bombing, which claimed 12 lives, prompted several Sri Lankan players to request a return home, but their cricket board insisted they remain. Rawalpindi, located just 20 kilometers from Islamabad, has been deemed a safer venue. Pakistan has faced challenges in hosting international cricket since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which led to a long hiatus in home matches. While security has improved in recent years, the incident underscores ongoing concerns. Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the tri-series last month, citing the deaths of three cricketers in military strikes, further complicated the tournament’s organization. Zimbabwe stepped in as their replacement. The series will culminate with the final on November 29.
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Table tennis on the rise in America
The United States is witnessing a significant surge in the popularity of table tennis, thanks to the strategic partnership between Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) and the China National Tourist Office New York (CNTO.NY). This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the sport, as CNTO.NY steps in as the sponsor for the New York Slice, one of MLTT’s latest expansion teams. The alliance not only highlights the cultural importance of table tennis in China but also emphasizes the increasing international influence and growing appeal of MLTT within the American sports landscape. This partnership is set to enhance the visibility and accessibility of table tennis in the US, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport across diverse communities.
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Djokovic says Sinner’s doping controversy will linger
Novak Djokovic has openly criticized the handling of Jannik Sinner’s doping case, describing it as ‘odd’ and predicting that the controversy will shadow the Italian tennis star throughout his career. Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was suspended for three months earlier this year after testing positive for the anabolic agent clostebol. Authorities accepted that the substance entered his system inadvertently through massages administered by his physiotherapist during the Indian Wells tournament in March 2024. Despite the suspension, Sinner was able to return to competition in May without missing any Grand Slam events, a fact that Djokovic finds particularly troubling. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Djokovic expressed his dissatisfaction with the perceived preferential treatment given to Sinner, comparing it to his own experience of being deported from Australia in 2022 over his refusal to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Djokovic emphasized that while he does not believe Sinner acted deliberately, the inconsistency and lack of transparency in the case’s handling have left a cloud over the Italian’s career. He also noted that many other players, both male and female, have voiced similar concerns about preferential treatment in doping cases. The International Tennis Integrity Agency has maintained that all cases are dealt with based on facts and evidence, not a player’s name, nationality, or ranking. However, Djokovic’s comments have reignited the debate over fairness and consistency in the enforcement of anti-doping regulations in professional tennis.
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India faces a stern test in two-match home series against South Africa
The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, is set to face a formidable challenge against South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship winners, in a two-match series commencing Friday at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. The series has already seen significant adjustments, including a venue change from New Delhi to Kolkata due to severe air pollution in the capital. Additionally, the second Test, scheduled for November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, will feature altered session timings to maximize daylight in northeastern India, where the sun sets earlier. The Barsapara Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, will make its debut as a men’s Test venue. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shifted the second Test’s start time to 9 a.m. local time, with the tea break at 11 a.m. and lunch at 1:20 p.m., concluding at 4 p.m. The first Test in Kolkata will follow regular session timings. The series is expected to highlight pace bowling, deviating from India’s recent preference for spin-friendly pitches. South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj anticipates traditional Test wickets that deteriorate over time, reflecting a shift in India’s approach. India, fresh from a 2-0 series win against the West Indies, will rely on a mix of spin and pace, with Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj leading the bowling attack. South Africa, coming off a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, will pose a significant spin threat, with Simon Harmer and Maharaj in top form. This series marks a new chapter for India, with a young squad under Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir aiming to build momentum for the 2027 World Test Championship. The return of Rishabh Pant strengthens India’s batting lineup, while South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma seeks to secure the Proteas’ first Test series win in India in 25 years. Dewald Brevis, a rising star from the Indian Premier League, will also be in the spotlight as he dons the white jersey for South Africa.
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Sri Lanka cricketers leave Pakistan after bomb blast
In a dramatic turn of events, at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers have decided to return home without participating in the ongoing tri-nation white-ball cricket series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe. This decision comes in the wake of a devastating suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday, which claimed 12 lives and left 27 injured outside a court. The players expressed deep concerns over their safety, prompting their abrupt departure. A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that substitute players would be sent to continue the series. The second One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan, scheduled for Thursday, is now in doubt. SLC President Shammi Silva mentioned that a formal statement regarding the team’s continued participation in the tournament is being prepared, though no further details were provided. This incident has reignited memories of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which left six players injured and led to international teams avoiding Pakistan for nearly a decade. Despite the heightened security measures announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the players’ fears have overshadowed the series. Pakistan had previously defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a match that proceeded despite the attack in Islamabad. The remaining matches are set to take place on Thursday and Saturday, also in Rawalpindi.
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Prost, Gullit, Leconte lead sporting icons at DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am
The DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am witnessed an extraordinary gathering of sporting icons at Jumeirah Golf Estates, marking a historic moment as spectators were invited to the event for the first time. The star-studded lineup included four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, and former World No. 5 tennis player Henri Leconte, who joined DP World Tour professionals for a thrilling day on the Earth course. Prost, paired with professional golfer Laurie Canter, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the course, reflecting on his journey back to the game after a long hiatus. ‘I’ve been playing a lot more golf in recent years, and it’s been a joy to improve and enjoy the atmosphere here,’ Prost remarked. Gullit, playing alongside Joost Luiten, shared his excitement about his Pro-Am debut, humorously noting the abundance of bunkers on the course. The event also featured padel star Paquito Navarro, cricket’s Liam Livingstone, tennis player Alexei Popyrin, and Premier League veteran James Milner, all adding their competitive spirit to the prestigious tournament. In collaboration with Dubai Premier Padel, attendees were treated to free padel lessons and activations throughout the four-day event, further enhancing the experience for fans and participants alike.
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Fleetwood eyes ‘very special’ first DP World Tour Championship win
Tommy Fleetwood, the Dubai-based English golfer, is determined to secure his first-ever DP World Tour Championship win, a victory he describes as ‘very special.’ Having narrowly missed the title in 2019 and 2023, Fleetwood is eager to cap off an already remarkable 2025 season with this prestigious trophy. The world number four has been in exceptional form this year, clinching his maiden PGA TOUR title at the Tour Championship, contributing to Europe’s historic Ryder Cup victory, and winning the DP World India Championship. Despite a recent playoff loss at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Fleetwood remains optimistic and focused on finishing the season on a high note. ‘This is the last event I’m going to play this year. It has been a great year,’ Fleetwood remarked. ‘It would be very special to be on the 18th green having won.’ The DP World Tour Championship, held at a course familiar to Fleetwood and close to his home, holds significant personal and professional importance for him. Reflecting on his recent performances, Fleetwood highlighted the positives and expressed his determination to seize the opportunity this week. ‘I feel like I played so well and so consistently throughout the week,’ he said. ‘Now, one more week to go in the season.’