The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships kicked off with a spectacular display of horsemanship at Del Mar, California, as the O’Brien family dominated the opening day. Aidan O’Brien, already a legend in the sport, secured his record-breaking 21st Breeders’ Cup victory with Ireland-bred Gstaad in the $1 million Juvenile Turf. His son, Donnacha O’Brien, followed suit, claiming his first Breeders’ Cup triumph as a trainer with Balantina’s thrilling victory in the $1 million Juvenile Fillies. The O’Brien dynasty’s success underscored their enduring influence in global horse racing. Meanwhile, Godolphin, the Dubai-owned racing powerhouse, faced setbacks on Friday but remains a formidable contender for Saturday’s championship races. Rebel’s Romance, aiming for a historic third consecutive win in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, leads Godolphin’s charge. The absence of Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty, withdrawn due to illness, cast a shadow over the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, but the event still promises high-stakes drama with the world’s top Thoroughbreds competing for racing immortality.
分类: sports
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Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s solo tries shine as nine-try Springboks rout Japan
In a commanding display of rugby prowess, South Africa’s Springboks delivered a resounding 61-7 victory against Japan at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The match, marked by nine tries from the Springboks, showcased their dominance, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stealing the spotlight with two exceptional solo efforts. This encounter was the first between the two teams since their 2019 World Cup quarterfinal clash. The Springboks, fresh off their back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, overwhelmed Japan with their speed, power, and tactical precision. By halftime, South Africa had built an insurmountable 26-0 lead, fueled by their lineout drive and Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s skillful play. The game also served as a warm-up for South Africa’s upcoming showdown against Six Nations champion France in Paris. Early in the match, a high tackle on Feinberg-Mngomezulu set the tone, leading to captain Siya Kolisi’s opening try. Feinberg-Mngomezulu then dazzled with a chip-and-chase try, followed by a clever dummy move for his second score. Despite Japan’s brief resurgence with a converted try by Yoshitaka Yazaki, the Springboks unleashed a flurry of tries in the final half-hour, including two by Kurt-Lee Arendse, sealing their record-breaking win against Japan.
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India’s Rohan Bopanna bids farewell to professional tennis after 20 ‘unforgettable years’
Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year career. The 45-year-old doubles star made his final appearance at the Paris Masters 1000, partnering with Alexander Bublik, in a fitting farewell to a venue that has been pivotal in his journey. Bopanna’s retirement comes after a year of historic achievements, including becoming the oldest man in tennis history to win a Grand Slam title and the oldest World No. 1 doubles player.
In a heartfelt statement, Bopanna reflected on his career, saying, ‘How do you bid farewell to something that gave your life its meaning? After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet. From chopping wood in Coorg to strengthen my serve, to standing under the lights of the biggest arenas in the world, it feels surreal. Representing India has been the greatest honour of my life, and every time I stepped on court, I played for that flag, that feeling, that pride.’
Bopanna’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and excellence. He has represented India with distinction, finishing fourth at the Rio 2016 Olympics alongside Sania Mirza and being a cornerstone of the Davis Cup team for over two decades. Beyond his competitive achievements, Bopanna has been instrumental in promoting tennis in India. He recently brought UTR Tennis Pro to the country and is actively involved in grassroots and development initiatives through his academy, nurturing the next generation of Indian tennis talent.
As he transitions away from professional competition, Bopanna will remain connected to the sport. He is set to participate in the Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 7, scheduled from December 9 to 14 at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium in Ahmedabad. His retirement marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter in his lifelong dedication to tennis.
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Pollock scores as England take revenge on Australia
In a gripping encounter at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, England secured a hard-fought 25-7 victory against Australia in the opening match of the Quilter Nations Series. The game, marked by moments of brilliance and tension, showcased England’s resilience and tactical depth, extending their winning streak to eight consecutive Tests.
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Global taekwondo athletes thrill Wuxi with electrifying matches
The 2025 World Taekwondo Championships, held in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, concluded on October 30 after an exhilarating series of 681 matches, culminating in the crowning of 16 champions. This year’s event marked a historic milestone, attracting nearly 2,000 athletes from 182 countries and regions, making it the largest edition of the championships to date. The competition showcased the global appeal and growing popularity of taekwondo, with athletes delivering electrifying performances that captivated audiences. During the closing ceremony, Wuxi officially passed the World Taekwondo flag to Astana, Kazakhstan, which will host the 2027 World Taekwondo Championships. The event not only highlighted the sport’s competitive spirit but also strengthened international ties through cultural exchange and mutual respect.
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India’s Shreyas Iyer discharged from hospital after spleen injury in Sydney
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been discharged from a Sydney hospital after receiving treatment for a spleen laceration sustained during the third one-day international match against Australia. The injury occurred last week when Iyer attempted to catch a ball to dismiss Alex Carey, resulting in a painful fall that left him clutching his side. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on Saturday, stating that the 30-year-old batsman suffered a blunt abdominal injury, which led to internal bleeding and a life-threatening condition. The BCCI emphasized that the injury was swiftly diagnosed, and the bleeding was controlled through a minor procedure. Iyer has since undergone comprehensive medical care, and the BCCI medical team, alongside specialists in Sydney and India, expressed satisfaction with his recovery. Iyer will remain in Sydney for further consultations and will return to India once medically cleared to travel.
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India and SA prepare for game-changing World Cup final
A historic moment awaits as India and South Africa prepare to face off in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. This marks the first time in 25 years that a new champion will be crowned, symbolizing the growth and evolution of women’s cricket globally. Both teams carry stories of resilience and determination, making this final a transformative event for the sport. For South Africa, a victory would be a breakthrough, as they have often been the ‘nearly’ team, despite their men’s side achieving success earlier this year. India, on the other hand, seeks to capitalize on home advantage and a generational talent pool to claim their maiden title. The stakes are high, with a record prize money of £3.3 million on offer, which could significantly impact South Africa’s under-resourced cricket system. For India, the focus is on the broader cultural shift and increased opportunities for women in cricket. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams having overcome significant challenges to reach this stage. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp are key players, while India’s Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana lead a squad brimming with talent. The atmosphere at the DY Patil Stadium is expected to be electric, with a sell-out crowd rallying behind the home team. Regardless of the outcome, this final is poised to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of women cricketers worldwide.
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Hye-Jin Choi maintains her tournament-long lead at LPGA Malaysia heading into the 4th round
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — South Korean golfer Hye-Jin Choi continues to dominate the Maybank Championship, maintaining a commanding four-stroke lead after an impressive 5-under 67 in the third round on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who has yet to secure her first LPGA Tour victory, now holds a 54-hole total of 19-under 197 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Choi, a seasoned player with 28 career top-10 finishes, including a runner-up spot at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open as an amateur, started the day with a five-stroke advantage and solidified her position as the frontrunner. China’s Liu Yan trails in second place after a stellar 65, while Australia’s Hannah Green, fresh off her team’s victory at the International Crown, sits in third after a 67. A Lim Kim made significant strides with a 64, tying for fourth place, six strokes behind Choi. Kim’s round featured a remarkable 25-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole and six birdies. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, a two-time runner-up in Malaysia, also tied for fourth after a 65, crediting her strong finish and the enthusiastic support of her fans. Defending champion Yin Ruoning shot a 69, placing her in seventh place, seven strokes behind Choi. The LPGA’s five-week Asian swing concludes next week with the Japan Classic at Shiga.
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Narrow Dodgers win sets up World Series decider
The Los Angeles Dodgers staged a crucial comeback to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in Game 6 of the World Series, leveling the series at 3-3 and setting the stage for a thrilling Game 7. Manager Dave Roberts’ strategic batting order adjustments paid off as the Dodgers capitalized on key moments in the third inning. Catcher Will Smith and outfielder Mookie Betts delivered pivotal hits, driving in three runs to establish an early lead. Despite a sharp line drive from George Springer that narrowed the gap, Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto showcased his prowess, allowing only one run over six innings. The Blue Jays’ hopes were further dashed by a controversial umpiring decision in the ninth inning, where a potential game-tying play was ruled a ground rule double, leaving runners stranded. The Dodgers’ defense held firm, securing the win and forcing a decisive final game at Toronto’s Rogers Centre on Saturday evening.
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Dubai World Cup turns 30: How the UAE is fast becoming a global hub for horse racing
As the Dubai World Cup marks its 30th anniversary, the UAE solidifies its position as a global leader in horse racing. The event, which began in 1996 under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has transformed Dubai into a premier destination for the sport. The 2025–2026 Dubai Racing Carnival, set to commence on November 7 at Meydan Racecourse, will feature 16 race meetings, culminating in the 30th Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026, with a staggering total purse of $30.5 million. This milestone celebrates not only the event’s legacy but also the UAE’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and international collaboration in horse racing. The introduction of new initiatives, such as the Investigation Unit by the Emirates Racing Authority, underscores the nation’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and transparency. Additionally, the expanded international lineup and enhanced prize money reflect Dubai’s growing influence in the global racing community. From its humble beginnings at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse to the state-of-the-art Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai World Cup has become a symbol of excellence, attracting the world’s finest horses, trainers, and owners. As the UAE continues to raise the bar, the 30th edition promises to be a historic celebration of the sport’s evolution and Dubai’s enduring legacy in horse racing.
