In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Pacific Championships, New Zealand’s men’s team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Samoa 36-14, while Australia’s women’s team continued their dominance with a commanding 40-8 victory over New Zealand. The men’s final, held at Parramatta’s Western Sydney Stadium, saw the Kiwis overcome a 12-0 deficit with a stunning second-half performance, scoring 30 unanswered points. This victory marked a fitting farewell for veteran half-back Kieran Foran, who played his 34th and final Test match, capping off a 16-year international career. Foran, who will transition to an assistant coaching role at NRL side Manly Sea Eagles, played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s triumph, their second men’s title in three years. Meanwhile, Australia’s women’s team, the Jillaroos, reaffirmed their status as world number ones with a dominant display. Julia Robinson starred with two tries, contributing to Australia’s seven-try haul. The Jillaroos, who began their year with a resounding 90-4 victory over England in Las Vegas, have now won the past three World Cups and continue to set the standard in women’s rugby league. Samoa, despite their early lead in the men’s final, were unable to sustain their momentum against a resurgent New Zealand side. Key players like Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, and man of the match Dylan Brown were instrumental in the Kiwis’ comeback. The women’s final saw Australia take control early, leading 24-0 after 33 minutes, and despite New Zealand’s efforts in the second half, the Jillaroos remained untroubled. Olivia Kernick’s early try set the tone, with Robinson’s spectacular leap for her first try highlighting Australia’s attacking prowess. The victories for both New Zealand’s men and Australia’s women underscore the competitive spirit and high standards of rugby league in the Pacific region.
分类： sports
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First cross-border event debuts at the National Games
The 15th National Games marked a historic milestone on November 8 with the debut of its first cross-border event, the men’s individual road cycling competition. Spanning an impressive 230 kilometers, the race route incorporated the iconic Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, symbolizing enhanced regional integration under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework. Cutting-edge technologies, including facial recognition and drone surveillance, ensured seamless and efficient clearance for athletes throughout the event. This groundbreaking initiative not only showcased China’s commitment to innovation and infrastructure but also highlighted the growing synergy between Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland. The event has set a new precedent for future cross-border collaborations in sports and beyond, reinforcing the National Games’ role as a platform for fostering unity and technological advancement.
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Nasa Hataoka wins in a playoff to take the rain-shortened LPGA Toto Japan Classic
In a dramatic conclusion to the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic, Nasa Hataoka emerged victorious after a rain-soaked Sunday forced officials to cancel the final round due to unplayable course conditions. The tournament, held at the Seta Golf Club in western Japan, culminated in a playoff between Hataoka and fellow Japanese golfer Yuna Araki, both of whom had shared the lead at 15-under 201 after 54 holes. Hataoka secured her seventh LPGA Tour title by prevailing on the first playoff hole, marking a triumphant end to an eventful competition. Hataoka had consistently led in each of the first three rounds, facing different challengers each day. Miyu Yamashita, fresh off her victory at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia, finished one stroke behind after carding a 68 on Saturday. Other notable performances included Shuri Sakuma (69) and Ai Suzuki (70), who finished three and four strokes off the lead, respectively. Defending champion Rio Takeda, who struggled throughout the tournament, ended nine shots behind, while Australian star Minjee Lee finished 14 strokes off the pace after a disappointing 74 on Saturday. The improvised playoff provided a fitting climax to a tournament marred by adverse weather conditions.
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Rai seizes one-shot lead at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on lively day of low scores
Aaron Rai has secured a narrow one-shot lead as the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship heads into its final round on Sunday. The English golfer, aiming for his first DP World Tour title in five years, delivered a stellar performance on Saturday, carding a six-under 66 to finish at 20-under-par. Rai, who last triumphed at the 2020 Scottish Championship, is now poised to add another Rolex Series title to his resume.
Rai’s round was marked by precision and consistency. He dominated the front nine with a 31, including five birdies, and added two more on the 11th and 14th holes. His only setback came on the 17th, where a bogey reduced his lead to one stroke. Rai’s closest competitors, Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Højgaard, are tied at 19-under. Fleetwood, a Dubai resident, shot a 67 with an eagle and three birdies, while Højgaard posted an impressive 65, featuring eight birdies and a single bogey.
Spain’s Nacho Elvira trails closely at 18-under, with Andy Sullivan and Daniel Hillier sharing fifth place at 17-under. The tournament has seen exceptional play, with only two players shooting over par in the third round, thanks to the pristine course conditions and minimal wind.
Reflecting on his performance, Rai emphasized the importance of balance and focus. ‘You’ve got to stick to how you see the course,’ he said. ‘If you play well, opportunities present themselves, but getting too aggressive can backfire quickly.’ He added that winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship would be ‘special,’ given its stature as one of the DP World Tour’s premier events.
The final round will commence at 7:02 am, with the leading trio of Rai, Fleetwood, and Højgaard teeing off at 11:25 am. Golf enthusiasts can expect a thrilling conclusion to this high-stakes competition.
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National Games vibe is everywhere in Guangzhou
The vibrant city of Guangzhou is abuzz with anticipation as the 15th National Games of China draw near. The event, set to commence soon, has transformed the city into a hub of sports enthusiasm and cultural celebration. Streets are adorned with banners and decorations, while local communities are actively participating in pre-event activities, showcasing their support and excitement. The National Games, a prestigious multi-sport event, brings together athletes from across the nation to compete in various disciplines, fostering a spirit of unity and sportsmanship. Guangzhou, known for its rich history and modern infrastructure, is well-prepared to host this grand event, promising an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. The city’s fervor for the Games is palpable, with residents eagerly awaiting the opening ceremony and the thrilling competitions that will follow.
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Xi to attend opening ceremony of National Games, declare Games open
President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, is set to attend and inaugurate the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China. The grand opening ceremony will take place on Sunday at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The event will be broadcast live by China Media Group, with Xinhuanet providing real-time updates through photos and text. The National Games, a prestigious multi-sport event in China, showcases the nation’s athletic talent and promotes sportsmanship. President Xi’s presence underscores the significance of the Games, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering sports development and national unity. The ceremony is expected to feature a blend of cultural performances and technological innovations, highlighting China’s rich heritage and modern advancements.
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LA Dodgers’ Alex Vesia shares death of baby daughter after sitting out World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia, who missed the team’s triumphant World Series campaign against the Toronto Blue Jays, revealed the heartbreaking loss of his infant daughter. Vesia and his wife, Kayla, shared the devastating news on Instagram, disclosing that their newborn passed away on October 26, midway through the championship series. The couple expressed their profound grief, stating, ‘There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through, but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.’
Prior to the World Series, which spanned from October 24 to November 1, the Dodgers announced Vesia’s absence, citing a ‘deeply personal family matter.’ The Vesias had been anticipating the birth of their first child during the postseason, as noted by Major League Baseball. The team refrained from providing further updates, emphasizing their commitment to giving Vesia the space he needed. Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, remarked, ‘This is so much bigger than baseball. For us, it was about doing whatever small part we could to be 100% supportive.’
In a touching tribute, Dodgers pitchers honored Vesia by inscribing his jersey number, 51, on their caps during the third game of the series. By the sixth game, the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitchers joined in this gesture of solidarity. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his emotions, saying, ‘For these guys to recognize Alex and what he and Kay have gone through—it’s heartbreaking. But for them to acknowledge that speaks to the respect and love they have for one another.’
The Vesias extended their gratitude to the Dodgers, the Blue Jays, baseball fans, and the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles for their support during this difficult time. While the couple did not disclose the cause of their daughter’s passing, they concluded their post with a heartfelt message: ‘Our little angel, we love you forever & you’re with us always.’
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Tech and sports unite at National Games
The 15th National Games, set to commence in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, on Sunday, will span multiple cities across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. This prestigious national sports event not only serves as a platform for athletic competition but also highlights the integration of technological innovation. Guangzhou, the host city, is showcasing advanced technologies such as deep-sea flame collection systems, AI-driven facilities, hexapod robots, self-driving cars, and AI translators, all designed to enhance the experience for participants and spectators alike, particularly those with disabilities. The Games aim to demonstrate how cutting-edge technology can improve daily life and foster inclusivity. As China Daily’s foreign expert Elliot Maldonado observes, Guangzhou is transforming these innovations into tangible benefits for its residents, making the event a unique blend of sports and technology.
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Australia see off England for Ashes clean sweep
In a stunning display of dominance, Australia secured a historic 3-0 clean sweep in the Rugby League Ashes series against England, cementing their status as the world’s premier team. The final match at Headingley on November 8, 2025, saw the Kangaroos triumph 30-8, showcasing their relentless prowess and tactical brilliance.
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Ireland struggles but finishes strong to defeat Japan 41-10
In a highly anticipated rugby match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Ireland emerged victorious with a 41-10 win over Japan on Saturday. Despite the seemingly comfortable scoreline, the Irish team faced significant challenges in maintaining rhythm and cohesion throughout the game. Coach Andy Farrell, seeking redemption after a 26-13 loss to New Zealand in Chicago, witnessed a sluggish performance from his squad until the final quarter. Japan, still reeling from a 61-7 defeat by South Africa, initially appeared vulnerable but managed to entertain the crowd with spirited play. Ireland’s early struggles included errant passes and shaky set-pieces, but the introduction of substitutes Cian Prendergast, Sam Prendergast, and Jack Conan injected much-needed energy. Three late tries in the final 14 minutes padded the scoreline, masking the team’s earlier difficulties. Flyhalf Jack Crowley and flanker Nick Timoney contributed to Ireland’s first-half efforts, while Japan’s Kenji Sato scored a converted try just before halftime. The second half saw Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Gus McCarthy add to the tally, with Tommy O’Brien sealing the victory with a spectacular try. Despite the win, Ireland’s performance highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare to face Australia next weekend.