In a thrilling conclusion to their three-match ODI series, India delivered a dominant performance to secure a nine-wicket victory against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Rohit Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, marking his 33rd ODI century, while Virat Kohli rebounded from consecutive ducks with a composed 74 not out. The duo’s 168-run partnership, their first century stand since January 2020, guided India to chase down Australia’s total of 236 with more than 11 overs to spare. This victory prevented a series whitewash after Australia had clinched the first two matches in Adelaide and Perth. India’s bowlers also played a crucial role, with Harshit Rana claiming a career-best 4-39 as Australia collapsed from a promising 183-3 to be bowled out in 46.4 overs. Captain Shubman Gill praised the team’s near-perfect performance, highlighting the brilliance of Sharma and Kohli. The match, attended by nearly 40,000 fans, could mark the last international innings for the Indian stars in Australia. India’s tour continues with a five-match T20 series starting next Wednesday, while Australia prepares for the upcoming Ashes series against England.
分类： sports
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Three-way tie at the top as Skaik leads UAE bid at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) at Emirates Golf Club is heating up with a thrilling three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard. Japan’s Rintaro Nakano, Vietnam’s Khanh Hung Le, and Australia’s Harry Takis are all tied at 11-under-par, setting the stage for a competitive final weekend. Meanwhile, UAE’s Ahmad Skaik has emerged as a local hero, showcasing resilience and skill to remain in contention. Despite a challenging round on Friday, Skaik fought back to finish level-par, leaving him tied for 10th at four-under 140, just seven shots behind the leaders. Skaik’s performance has ignited local enthusiasm, with compatriots Sam Mullane and Rayan Ahmed also advancing past the cut, ensuring a strong Emirati presence in the tournament. Lebanon’s Geoffrey Laklak made history by becoming the first player from his country to make the AAC cut, adding another layer of excitement to the event. Nakano, Le, and Takis each delivered standout performances, with Nakano matching the day’s best score of 66. The tournament’s depth is evident, with 62 players progressing to the weekend rounds and 22 breaking par after two days. As the competition intensifies, all eyes are on the final 36 holes, where the winner will secure a coveted spot at The Masters. Round three begins on Saturday, with the leaders teeing off at 10:06 a.m. For live updates and scores, visit www.aacgolf.com.
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Ski season opens early in Zhangjiakou
The 2025-2026 ski season has officially begun in Chongli district, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, marking the earliest start in the region’s history. The Wanlong ski resort opened its slopes to the public on Tuesday, setting the stage for an exciting winter sports season. This development comes after Zhangjiakou co-hosted the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, which significantly boosted its reputation as a premier skiing destination. Local officials announced the early opening during a press conference on Thursday, attributing the timely start to favorable weather conditions and advanced snowmaking technologies. Ski enthusiasts are already flocking to the slopes, eager to take advantage of the extended season. The early opening is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, further solidifying Zhangjiakou’s status as a global winter sports hub. The district has invested heavily in infrastructure and facilities to enhance the skiing experience, ensuring safety and convenience for all visitors. This milestone underscores the growing popularity of winter sports in China and the lasting legacy of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
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The $500m slugger who is taking Canada to the World Series
In a moment charged with emotion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ star first baseman, fought back tears as his team secured a historic victory over the Seattle Mariners, advancing to the World Series for the first time in 32 years. The Canadian-born, Dominican Republic-raised slugger, who recently signed a record-breaking $500 million contract—the third-largest in Major League Baseball (MLB) history—has been instrumental in Toronto’s postseason success, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in the division series. Guerrero Jr., affectionately known as ‘Vladdy Jr,’ has vowed to bring the championship ring home to his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., a baseball Hall of Famer who never won a World Series during his illustrious career. ‘My personal goal is to win a World Series and give the ring to my dad,’ Guerrero Jr. said in an interview with Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated. The Blue Jays are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, in a highly anticipated match-up between the defending champions and the underdogs. The Dodgers are led by Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose $700 million deal made headlines worldwide, while the Blue Jays are anchored by Guerrero Jr., whose $500 million contract earlier this year symbolized his commitment to Canada’s sole MLB team. Guerrero Jr.’s journey to this moment has been years in the making, with fans celebrating his sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to Toronto both on and off the field. As the Blue Jays prepare for the World Series, the entire country has rallied behind them, with fans flooding the streets in celebration and even interrupting hockey games to announce the team’s victory. The emotional snapshot of Guerrero Jr. fighting back tears after the win against Seattle has gone viral, capturing the culmination of a father-son dream and a journey that has inspired a nation.
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‘I admit I cried’ – Hermoso on Spain recall
Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals, has been recalled to the national team by new manager Sonia Bermudez after a year-long absence. Hermoso last appeared for Spain in October 2024, coming off the bench in a match against Canada. Her return follows a tumultuous period during which she testified in the trial of former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, who was convicted of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso without her consent after Spain’s 2023 World Cup final victory. Despite not being called up for Euro 2025, where Spain lost to England on penalties, Hermoso played a crucial role in Spain’s qualification campaign and their bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, where they were defeated by Germany. Hermoso, who currently plays for Mexican club Tigres, expressed her emotions about the recall, stating, ‘I have to admit that I cried. It was a moment I have waited a long time for and I’ve been working for a long time for. To continue at this level and to be able to enjoy football with the national team is the reward for all that work.’ Hermoso, now 35, is the oldest member of the squad but remains undeterred by her age, emphasizing that ‘age is just a number.’ She is focused on making a fresh start and contributing to Spain’s upcoming Women’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden. Bermudez, who took over as manager after Montse Tome’s contract was not renewed in August, has also recalled Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, who last played for Spain in 2022. Hermoso’s return marks a significant moment for Spanish women’s football as they aim to rebuild and move forward from the controversies of the past.
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How India women bounced back to keep the World Cup dream alive
In a thrilling turn of events, India’s women’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by 53 runs in a crucial ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match on Thursday night. The victory, achieved at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, secured India’s place in the semi-finals and marked a significant comeback after a series of disappointing losses earlier in the tournament. The match, attended by a record-breaking crowd of over 25,166 spectators, showcased India’s resilience and determination to overcome their recent struggles. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and rising star Pratika Agarwal set the tone with a stunning 212-run opening partnership, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed an unbeaten half-century, propelling India to a record total of 340-3. New Zealand, despite a revised target of 325 due to rain interruptions, faltered under pressure, failing to match India’s intensity. This victory not only revitalized India’s campaign but also highlighted their potential to challenge the tournament’s top teams in the upcoming semi-finals. With Australia, England, and South Africa also advancing, India faces a daunting path to the title. However, the team’s renewed confidence and home support could prove decisive as they aim to break their World Cup jinx and claim their maiden championship.
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Ecuador’s Liga de Quito beats Brazil’s Palmeiras 3-0 in 1st leg of Copa Libertadores semifinal
In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Ecuador’s Liga de Quito secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal on Thursday. The match, held at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito, saw all three goals scored in the first half, setting the stage for a confident performance from the hosts as they prepare for the second leg in Sao Paulo.
Gabriel Villamil was the star of the match, netting two goals, including the opener in the 16th minute from close range. A handball by Palmeiras’ Andreas Pereira led to a penalty, which Lisandro Alzugaray converted in the 27th minute, further extending Liga’s lead. Villamil struck again just before halftime, capitalizing on a counter-attack to seal the third goal.
Despite Palmeiras’ efforts to rally in the second half, Liga’s defense, led by goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez, held firm. The victory marks a significant step for Liga de Quito, who last won the Copa Libertadores in 2008. The second leg will take place next week in Sao Paulo, with the final scheduled for November 29 in Lima.
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Mandhana, Rawal tons help India clinch last semifinal spot
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal delivered centuries to secure India’s place in the Women’s World Cup semifinals. The dynamic duo’s partnership of 212 runs laid the foundation for India’s commanding total of 340-3 in 49 overs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Mandhana’s 109 and Rawal’s 122 were instrumental in India’s 53-run victory over New Zealand, who finished at 271-8 while chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs. New Zealand’s campaign was marred by rain interruptions, including two abandoned matches in Colombo, leaving captain Sophie Devine expressing her frustration. India, on the other hand, showcased resilience after three consecutive defeats, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur emphasizing the importance of enjoying the home crowd’s support. Mandhana’s fifth century of 2025 and Rawal’s maiden World Cup hundred were highlights of the match, with both players receiving accolades for their performances. India’s final league match against Bangladesh on Sunday will determine their momentum heading into the final on November 2 in Navi Mumbai.
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Saudi Arabia to host ATP Masters 1000 tennis event from 2028
In a landmark decision for the world of tennis, the ATP has announced the introduction of a new Masters 1000 tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028. This event, which will be played on hard courts over the course of one week at the beginning of the season, marks the first expansion of the prestigious Masters 1000 series since its inception in 1990. The exact host city is yet to be determined. The announcement was made by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi during a press conference in Paris. The Saudi tournament will join the existing nine Masters events held in iconic locations such as Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. Gaudenzi described the expansion as ‘a proud moment’ and the culmination of years of planning. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the demanding schedule of the ATP tour, which runs from January to November. However, unlike most Masters events, the Saudi tournament will not be mandatory for players, offering them greater flexibility in their participation. The event is part of a strategic partnership with SURJ Sports Investments, a company linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports, particularly tennis. The kingdom has already hosted the WTA Finals in Riyadh since 2024 and the Next Gen ATP Finals since 2023. A Saudi source close to the deal emphasized the potential for tennis to grow significantly in the region, citing existing infrastructure and the sport’s appeal to younger generations. The PIF has also established partnerships with several existing Masters 1000 tournaments, further solidifying its presence in the tennis world.
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UAE duo make strong start at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club
The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, with UAE golfers Sam Mullane and Ahmad Skaik making a strong impression in the opening round. Mullane, making his debut, carded an impressive 67, tying for fourth place with six birdies and one bogey. Skaik, a seasoned participant in his seventh championship appearance, finished just one stroke behind with a 68, highlighted by a remarkable streak of four consecutive birdies. However, a double bogey on his final hole slightly marred his otherwise stellar performance. The UAE duo’s familiarity with the course, having practiced up to three times a week leading up to the event, played a crucial role in their success. Mullane expressed confidence in their ability to compete, stating, ‘There’s no reason why one of us can’t win it.’ The championship, featuring 120 players from 41 countries, saw Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee, Australia’s Billy Dowling, and Vietnam’s Khanh Hung Le sharing the lead with six-under 66s. The event, held on the Majlis Course, will continue with the second round on Friday, narrowing the field to the top 60 players for the weekend’s final rounds. Additionally, it was announced that the 17th edition of the championship will take place in New Zealand in 2026, with officials praising the venue as a ‘fantastic test of golf in a spectacular location.’