分类： sports

Kenny Easley, a revered figure in both college and NFL football history, passed away on Friday at the age of 66. The Seattle Seahawks, with whom Easley spent his entire seven-year NFL career (1981-87), announced his death on Saturday. Easley’s career was cut short at 28 due to a kidney ailment, but his impact on the game remains indelible. Known for his leadership, toughness, and athletic prowess, Easley was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Easley’s 1984 season was particularly remarkable, as he led the NFL with 10 interceptions, earning him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His career stats include 32 interceptions in 89 games, with three returned for touchdowns. After his forced retirement, Easley sued the Seahawks, alleging that large doses of ibuprofen prescribed by the team damaged his kidneys. The case was settled out of court, and Easley underwent a kidney transplant in 1990. Despite the legal battle, Easley later reconciled with the franchise and was honored with a place in the Seahawks’ Ring of Honor in 2002. His No. 45 jersey was retired in 2017. Easley’s legacy at UCLA is equally impressive; he remains the school’s record holder with 19 interceptions and ranks fifth with 374 tackles. UCLA expressed its condolences, stating, ‘We mourn the passing of Bruin legend Kenny Easley. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were inspired by him.’

In the decisive third One-Day International (ODI) clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pakistan secured the toss and opted to field, setting the stage for a potential series sweep. The match, held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan entering with confidence after securing victories in the previous two encounters—by six runs and eight wickets, respectively. Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to captain the side after recovering from fever, leading a reshuffled lineup with four strategic changes. Afridi replaced Naseem Shah, while all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram stepped in for Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed. Opening batter Haseebullah made his series debut, replacing the rested Saim Ayub. On the opposing side, Sri Lanka also introduced four changes, including stand-in captain Kusal Mendis, who took over from the ill Charith Asalanka. Pavan Rathnayake made his ODI debut, replacing Asalanka, while spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and fast bowler Eshan Malinga were brought in for Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka reinforced its spin attack by recalling Maheesh Theekshana, leaving out fast bowler Asitha Fernando. Both teams showcased their depth and adaptability, promising an intense contest as Pakistan sought to cap off the series with a flawless performance.

In a dramatic turn of events during the first cricket test between India and South Africa at Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens, India found itself in a precarious position at 10-2 while chasing a target of 124 runs. The situation worsened as captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck spasm on day two, was hospitalized for observation and ruled out of the remainder of the match. This effectively left India at 10-3, with Washington Sundar (5 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (4 not out) holding the fort at lunch on day three. South Africa’s Marco Jansen delivered a stellar performance, dismissing both openers—Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and Lokesh Rahul for just one run—in a brief seven-over session. Earlier, South Africa was bowled out for 153 in their second innings, adding 60 crucial runs to their overnight score of 93-7. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 off 136 balls, the only half-century in the test, anchored the Proteas’ innings. His 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch (25 off 37 balls) proved pivotal. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, eventually broke through, but the damage was done. With 15 wickets falling on day two, the test is swiftly heading toward a conclusion. South Africa, winless in India for 15 years, aims to turn the tide, while India seeks to capitalize on home advantage. The second test begins in Guwahati on November 22.

The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) witnessed a thrilling yet chaotic finale at Yas Marina Circuit, as TUM secured its second consecutive championship title. The race, marked by a dramatic mid-race collision, reshuffled the leaderboard and left spectators on the edge of their seats. Team Unimore from Italy, which had been leading the race, saw its dream run end in heartbreak after a collision with the Constructor car. The incident occurred on Lap 10 when the Constructor car unexpectedly slowed and stopped mid-track, forcing Unimore’s AI-driven vehicle to make evasive maneuvers. Despite its efforts, Unimore’s car collided with the barrier, sustaining significant damage and dropping from first to fifth place. Constructor, last season’s runner-up, also saw its championship hopes dashed as it finished last. The race was temporarily halted to clear the wreckage, with three humanoid robots standing silently in the pitlane, adding a surreal touch to the event. When racing resumed, TUM reclaimed the lead and held it to the chequered flag, solidifying its dominance in the league. TII from the UAE finished second, while Polimove from Italy secured third place. The event concluded with a futuristic drone show and fireworks, leaving spectators in awe of the advancements in autonomous racing. The race not only showcased cutting-edge technology but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of motorsport, signaling a new chapter in its evolution.

In a landmark event, Shenzhen and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region jointly hosted the first-ever cross-border marathon as part of the 15th National Games on Saturday morning. The race commenced in Shenzhen, with participants seamlessly crossing into Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Port without the need for documentation or stops. This innovative arrangement highlights the seamless integration and cooperation between Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao SARs. The marathon not only showcased the athletic prowess of competitors from across the nation but also symbolized the collaborative spirit and unity of the region. The organizing committee emphasized that this event underscores the vibrancy of the athletes and the shared commitment to celebrating this grand occasion. For more details, viewers can watch the accompanying video.

In a thrilling and nail-biting encounter at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Wales clinched a dramatic 24-23 victory over Japan on Saturday, marking their first home win in more than two years. The decisive moment came in the dying seconds when replacement back Jarrod Evans coolly slotted a penalty from outside the 22-meter line, close to the left touchline, after Japan’s ill-discipline gifted Wales a final opportunity. The win ended Wales’ record 10-match losing streak at home, dating back to August 2023. New Wales coach Steve Tandy, overseeing only his second match, couldn’t bear to watch the crucial kick, instead waiting in the hallway behind the coaches’ box. When Evans’ attempt sailed through the posts, Tandy embraced his assistants in relief. The match, which saw the lead change hands six times in the second half, was a rollercoaster of emotions and had significant implications for the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Wales’ victory ensures they retain their No. 12 world ranking, while Japan remains at No. 13, potentially setting up a tougher pool for Japan in the upcoming tournament. Despite the win, the match highlighted Wales’ recent struggles, as they had previously dominated Japan in all five home encounters by an average of 50 points. The game also featured standout performances, including Louis Rees-Zammit’s 15th test try and Seungsin Lee’s accurate penalty kicks for Japan. However, Japan’s late-game unraveling, including a yellow card for debutant Harry Hockings, ultimately handed Wales the chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.