The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) hosted a vibrant torch relay for China’s 15th National Games on November 2, 2025, marking a historic moment for the city. The event, filled with festive spirit and pride, saw the flame traverse iconic landmarks across the Macao Peninsula. The relay commenced at the Macao SAR government headquarters, where Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai lit the first torch and passed it to Li Yi, a celebrated athlete who secured a gold medal in women’s changquan at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. The 2.6-kilometer route included stops at several renowned sites, culminating at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ruins of St. Paul’s. A total of 50 torchbearers participated, with the final leg carried by Kuok Kin-hang, Macao’s first-ever National Games medalist in men’s karate. Kuok ignited the ceremonial cauldron amidst cheers, describing the experience as a lifelong honor. This year’s relay was particularly significant as it marked the first cross-boundary torch relay in the history of the National Games, simultaneously held in Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also showcased Macao’s cultural heritage and unity with the mainland.
分类： sports
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New Zealand’s Williamson retires from Twenty20 internationals
New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson has officially announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his career. The 35-year-old, who debuted in 2011 against Zimbabwe, has represented his country in 93 T20 matches, captaining the side in 75 of those games. Under his leadership, New Zealand reached the T20 World Cup final in 2021 and the semifinals in 2016 and 2022. Williamson expressed his gratitude for the memories and experiences, stating, “It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time.” He emphasized that the decision was made to provide clarity for the team as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Williamson, who scored 2,575 runs in T20 internationals with 18 half-centuries, will continue to play in the Test series against West Indies in December. New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink praised Williamson’s contributions, calling him a “world-class batsman” and a transformative leader. While Williamson has stepped away from T20s, he remains open to future opportunities in one-day internationals.
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‘Proud moment’: India captain comments before Women’s World Cup final vs South Africa
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as India and South Africa face off in the ICC Women’s World Cup final in Mumbai. Hosts India, having reached their third final after a thrilling victory over seven-time champions Australia, are determined to claim their maiden title. South Africa, on the other hand, are making their debut in an ODI World Cup final after defeating four-time winners England. The match promises to be a landmark event for women’s cricket, with both teams vying to become the fourth nation to lift the coveted trophy since the tournament’s inception in 1973. India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, emphasized the transformative potential of a World Cup victory for women’s cricket in India. Reflecting on the impact of their previous final appearances in 2005 and 2017, Kaur noted the surge in interest and participation among young girls. ‘Winning this final could catalyze further growth, not just internationally but also at the domestic level,’ she said. South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, acknowledged the pressure on India as the home team but expressed optimism about her side’s chances. ‘With the entire crowd behind India, it could work in our favor,’ she remarked. The match, held at the DY Patil Stadium with a capacity of 45,000, is expected to draw a sold-out crowd, adding to the intensity of the occasion. A victory for either team would mark a historic milestone, signaling a new era for women’s cricket globally.
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India notches easy five-wicket win against Australia in third T20
In a thrilling display of aggressive batting, Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 49 off 23 balls powered India to a series-leveling five-wicket victory over Australia in the third Twenty20 international on Sunday. The match, held in Hobart, saw India chase down Australia’s total of 186-6 with nine balls to spare. Sundar’s explosive innings, featuring four sixes and three fours, overshadowed Australia’s strong performances from Tim David (74 off 38) and Marcus Stoinis (64 off 39). The win came after Australia had won the second match of the five-game series, while the first was washed out due to rain. India made three changes to their lineup, including the inclusion of left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who claimed 3-35, and Jitesh Sharma, who played his first T20 since January 2024. Nathan Ellis (3-36) was Australia’s standout bowler, but Sundar’s dominance in the chase ensured India’s triumph. The series continues with the fourth match on Thursday and concludes in Brisbane on Saturday.
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UAE vs Iraq in Abu Dhabi: Iraqi Football Association buys all tickets for its fans
In a strategic move to ensure strong support for their national team, the Iraqi Football Association has purchased all tickets allocated to Iraqi fans for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff match against the UAE. The match, scheduled for November 13 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, will see Iraqi fans unable to purchase tickets directly from the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) website. This decision underscores the importance of the match as the first leg of the playoffs, with the second leg set to take place in Iraq on November 18. The aggregate winner of the two matches will advance to the intercontinental playoff, keeping alive the dreams of both teams to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UAE team, still reeling from a recent defeat to Qatar, views this playoff as a crucial opportunity to revive their World Cup aspirations. The UAEFA has extended a warm welcome to the Iraqi team and its fans, referring to the UAE as their ‘second home.’
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First-ever cross-boundary torch relay held for China’s National Games
In a groundbreaking event, China’s 15th National Games marked a historic moment with its first-ever cross-boundary torch relay, held simultaneously across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao on Sunday. The relay, which commenced just one week before the Games’ opening, symbolizes unity and collaboration within the Greater Bay Area. The launch ceremony took place in Shenzhen, a southern coastal city, with the torch relay extending to Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. A total of 200 torchbearers, including renowned physicist Xue Qikun and former Olympic diving champion Yang Jinghui, participated in the event. The ‘source flame’ was uniquely extracted from combustible ice located over 1,500 meters beneath the South China Sea in September. The relay concluded with the convergence of torch flames from the four cities at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center in Guangzhou, where they were merged into a single flame. This unified flame will ignite the main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games on November 9, marking a significant moment in the history of the event.
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South Africa wins toss and opts to bowl against India in the Women’s World Cup final
In a rain-affected start to the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to bowl against India at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The toss, initially scheduled for 0900 GMT, faced multiple delays due to persistent rainfall and a wet outfield. It was eventually conducted at 1102 GMT, with play set to begin at 1130 GMT. No overs were lost, thanks to a two-hour extension allowance for knockout matches, and Monday remains a reserve day if further weather interruptions occur. This final promises a new champion, as India dethroned seven-time winners Australia in the semifinals, while South Africa overcame four-time champions England to reach their first-ever final. Both teams fielded unchanged lineups from their semifinal victories. India, playing on home soil, aims to secure their maiden World Cup title in their third final appearance, while South Africa looks to capitalize on their historic breakthrough. The pitch, known to favor batters, and evening dew could influence the outcome, with five of the last six World Cup finals won by the team batting first.
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Ohtani, Yamamoto make Japan proud helping Dodgers repeat as World Series champions
Tokyo erupted in jubilation as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their second consecutive World Series championship with a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in 11 innings. The game, a nail-biting showdown, saw Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto play pivotal roles, igniting national pride across Japan. Ohtani, a two-way sensation, contributed with both his bat and arm, while Yamamoto’s stellar pitching earned him the World Series MVP honors. The Dodgers overcame a 3-0 deficit, rallying with a game-tying homer by Miguel Rojas in the ninth and a walk-off homer by Will Smith in the 11th. In Tokyo, fans gathered at Hub, a popular fish-and-chips restaurant, to watch the game live on large screens. The atmosphere was electric, with fans donning Ohtani jerseys and breaking into dance after the victory. The game’s viewership in Japan was massive, with millions tuning in despite late-night hours. Ohtani, a national icon, has been celebrated not only for his on-field prowess but also for his humility and connection to his Japanese roots. Yamamoto, meanwhile, cemented his legacy with back-to-back heroic performances in Games 6 and 7. The Dodgers’ triumph resonated deeply in Japan, even reaching Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who watched the game with U.S. President Donald Trump. The victory underscored the global impact of baseball and the pride Japan takes in its homegrown talents.
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Dodgers seal back-to-back World Series titles
In a historic and nail-biting finale, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their ninth World Series title, marking their third championship in six years under manager Dave Roberts. The Dodgers triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in an extra-inning Game 7, becoming the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back World Series titles. The decisive moment came in the top of the 11th inning when catcher Will Smith hit a home run, breaking the deadlock and propelling the Dodgers to victory. The Blue Jays had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the 11th, but a double play ended their hopes, sparking wild celebrations among the Dodgers. The game was a rollercoaster, with the Dodgers overcoming a 3-0 deficit after Bo Bichette’s three-run homer in the third inning. Solo home runs by Max Muncy and Miguel Rojas in the ninth inning tied the game at 4-4, setting the stage for Smith’s heroics. The series was played against the backdrop of political and trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, but the Dodgers’ resilience and strategic gameplay ultimately prevailed. Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani started as pitcher but struggled early, though he remained in the game as a designated hitter under the ‘Ohtani rule.’ The Blue Jays’ veteran starter Max Scherzer, the oldest pitcher in a World Series Game 7 at 41, exited with a lead, but the Dodgers rallied. The game saw frequent pitching changes, tense moments, and a bench-clearing confrontation in the fourth inning. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ winning pitcher from Games 2 and 6, was named the series’ Most Valuable Player. This victory cements the Dodgers’ legacy as one of baseball’s most dominant franchises.
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Japan’s Mone Chiba wins Skate Canada, holding off Olympic hopeful Isabeau Levito of the U.S.
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Mone Chiba of Japan delivered a breathtaking performance to clinch the Skate Canada title on Saturday night, edging out American prodigy Isabeau Levito in a thrilling showdown. Chiba, a 20-year-old world bronze medalist, showcased her technical prowess and artistry with a near-perfect free skate set to the traditional Hungarian folk tune “Csárdás,” earning a season-best score of 217.23 points. This victory marked her first Grand Prix gold after finishing as the runner-up in both of her assignments last year. Levito, the 18-year-old reigning world silver medalist, had set the stage with a flawless free skate to the soundtrack of “Cinema Paradiso,” scoring 209.77 points. Despite her valiant effort, she had to settle for silver. Ami Nakai of Japan secured third place with 203.09 points. In the pairs competition, Canadian duo Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps thrilled the home crowd at SaskTel Centre by claiming their third consecutive Skate Canada gold with a score of 213.40 points, narrowly defeating German pair Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, who scored 207.18. The men’s and ice dance events are set to conclude on Sunday, with two-time reigning world champion Ilia Malinin leading the men’s short program with a commanding score of 104.84. The competition for the final U.S. Olympic spot remains fierce, with Levito and Bradie Tennell vying for the coveted position.