Sports

Aces sweep Mercury to win third WNBA title in four years

  • Wilson, a 29-year-old American center, captured her third career title, all with Las Vegas, and became the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win a scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year award, season Most Valuable Player award and finals MVP trophy in the same season.
  • The Las Vegas Aces, powered by 31 points from A'ja Wilson, captured their third title in four seasons on Friday, beating Phoenix 97-86 to complete a sweep of the WNBA Finals.
  • Wilson, a 29-year-old American center, captured her third career title, all with Las Vegas, and became the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win a scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year award, season Most Valuable Player award and finals MVP trophy in the same season.
The Las Vegas Aces, powered by 31 points from A'ja Wilson, captured their third title in four seasons on Friday, beating Phoenix 97-86 to complete a sweep of the WNBA Finals.
Wilson went 7-of-21 from the floor but 17-of-19 from the free throw line and added nine rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots and two steals as the visiting Aces took the best-of-seven championship series 4-0.
"We understood the assignment and what was in front of us," Wilson said. "All we had to do was believe in one another and you see that. We're grateful. We're blessed. I wouldn't do it with any other group."
Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each added 18 points, Young also contributing eight assists and seven rebounds, and Jewell Loyd had 12 points on 4-of-8 three-point shooting for the Aces.
The only other team to win so many crowns in so short a span was the Houston Comets, who took the first four WNBA titles from 1997-2000.
"We shed tears over this team because we care so much," Aces coach Becky Hammon said. "They kept at it, kept on it... they were just going to give until the wheels came off."
Wilson, a 29-year-old American center, captured her third career title, all with Las Vegas, and became the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win a scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year award, season Most Valuable Player award and finals MVP trophy in the same season.
"For us to be able to celebrate this is truly special," Wilson said. "I wish I could take this credit but it's God working."
Wilson is a four-time WNBA MVP, three-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Olympic champion with the United States.
"We've got the best plyer in the world in A'ja Wilson," Gray said after her fourth career WNBA title. "This team has been through hell and back. What a run. Everyone stepped up.
"We're champions baby."
Loyd, an American guard, also captured her third WNBA title, having won two with Seattle before joining the Aces this season.
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 30 points while Alyssa Thomas had a triple double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Wilson, who scored the winning basket with 0.3 of a second remaining for a 90-88 Aces triumph in game three, dominated early in game four.

'Hit early and often'

Wilson scored 12 points in the first quarter, sparking the Aces to a 30-21 lead by shooting 4-of-8 from the floor and 4-of-5 from the free throw line.
"That was aggressive," Hammon said. "We want her to hit early and often."
Las Vegas opened the second quarter with a 12-2 run for a 42-23 edge and never looked back, the Aces pulling ahead 54-38 at halftime by dominating the Mercury with a solid zone defensive scheme.
The Aces shot 9-of-17 from three-point range in the first half, matching their WNBA Finals record for three-pointers in a half from game three. Loyd led the way with three three-pointers.
Thomas collided with Loyd with 9.2 seconds to go in the second quarter and fell to the court with a right shoulder injury, but she returned for the second half.
Loyd's offensive foul on the play was the only Aces turnover of the first half. Las Vegas scored 15 first-half points off nine Mercury turnovers.
The Aces stretched the lead as high as 58-38 before Phoenix rallied within 66-54 with 3:41 remaining in the third quarter.
Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected one minute later after arguing a foul call and the Aces surged ahead 76-62 entering the fourth quarter.
Phoenix opened the fourth with a 8-0 run to close within 76-70, but Las Vegas answered with a 6-0 run and the Mercury never got within six again.
js/bb

ARG

Messi-less Argentina down Venezuela in friendly

  • Inter Miami star Messi looked on from the stands as the Albiceleste eased to victory without ever being seriously tested by Venezuela.
  • Argentina shrugged off the absence of Lionel Messi to ease to 1-0 victory over Venezuela in a friendly international in Miami on Friday.
  • Inter Miami star Messi looked on from the stands as the Albiceleste eased to victory without ever being seriously tested by Venezuela.
Argentina shrugged off the absence of Lionel Messi to ease to 1-0 victory over Venezuela in a friendly international in Miami on Friday.
A well-worked 31st-minute goal from Giovani Lo Celso secured the win for the reigning world champions in a match played before just 15,000 fans at the 65,000 capacity Hard Rock Stadium.
Inter Miami star Messi looked on from the stands as the Albiceleste eased to victory without ever being seriously tested by Venezuela.
Argentina forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez looked threatening throughout, while fullback Nahuel Molina also impressed.
Alvarez and Martinez were involved in Argentina's winner, combining deftly to set up Lo Celso, who who beat Venezuela goalkeeper Jose Contreras with a crisp left-footed shot. 
The match is the first of two friendlies Argentina are playing in Florida during the international break.
The world champions will play Puerto Rico in Fort Lauderdale next Tuesday in a game that was moved from Chicago's Soldier Field earlier this week amid an ongoing US government crackdown on immigrants.
bur/rcw/bb

Sports

Germany cruise, Mbappe on the mark for France in World Cup qualifying

  • Germany showed the poise and swagger that had abandoned them so far in their World Cup qualifying campaign, losing away in Slovakia for the first time and edging past Northern Ireland at home.
  • Four-time winners Germany cruised past 10-man Luxembourg and Kylian Mbappe helped France see off Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying on Friday.
  • Germany showed the poise and swagger that had abandoned them so far in their World Cup qualifying campaign, losing away in Slovakia for the first time and edging past Northern Ireland at home.
Four-time winners Germany cruised past 10-man Luxembourg and Kylian Mbappe helped France see off Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying on Friday.
Captain Joshua Kimmich's double inspired Germany to a 4-0 win over Luxembourg and to the top of Group A on goal difference with Slovakia and Northern Ireland, who await them in Belfast on Monday.
Germany showed the poise and swagger that had abandoned them so far in their World Cup qualifying campaign, losing away in Slovakia for the first time and edging past Northern Ireland at home.
Germany captain Kimmich converted a first-half penalty and tapped in from close range just after the break. 
David Raum's first-half free kick and a Serge Gnabry goal early in the second half secured the Germans an important victory.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised his team's "aggression and greed".
"We could have scored one or two more, but it was a deserved win, one we absolutely wanted and needed," he added.
Germany were eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.
Lowly Luxembourg's task was made even harder when after only 20 minutes Dirk Carlson saw red and gave away a penalty for handball in the box.
Northern Ireland kept alive their dream of appearing at their fourth World Cup and first since 1986 with a 2-0 home win over Slovakia courtesy of Patrik Hrosovsky's own goal and Trai Hume's stunning volley nine minutes from time to ignite the fans at Windsor Park.
"It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it" said the Sunderland defender.
Over in Paris, Mbappe's fine form continued at the Parc des Princes when the France captain struck on the stroke of half-time for his 10th goal in successive games for Real Madrid and his country.
Adrien Rabiot and the returning Florian Thauvin were also on the scoresheet as Didier Deschamps's men eased past Azerbaijan 3-0 to remain unbeaten after three games and top of Group D.
Les Bleus will book their passage to the United States, Canada and Mexico next year if they win in Iceland on Monday and Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan.
Despite making it three from three Deschamps was keeping his feet firmly on terra firma.

'Another context'

"I'm not going to jump for joy, we won, we scored three, but we could have got more," said Deschamps who was part of the side that put 10 past Azerbaijan the last time the teams met in 1995. 
"It's three points more but perhaps not in the way we wanted to. We got the job done. Monday will be another game, another context."
Ukraine sit second in the group, five points adrift, after a captivating 5-3 win in Iceland.
Switzerland maintained their perfect record to keep control of Group B with a 2-0 defeat of a Sweden side featuring Liverpool's new British transfer record signing Alexander Isak.
Kosovo and Slovenia slogged it out for a goalless draw in the group's other game.
Belgium, seeking a 13th appearance at the World Cup, were held to a goalless draw at home to North Macedonia, who famously downed Germany in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and now sit top of Group J, tantalisingly close to a first ever seat at football's high table next year.
nr/bsp 

Athlos

Women's athletics venture Athlos showcases sport in New York

BY RAPHAëLLE PELTIER

  • After launching in New York last year, Athlos returned to the Big Apple this week with a twist: holding the long jump qualifiers in the heart of the city, with reigning Olympic and world long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall taking center-stage.
  • Beneath the towering, neon-lit billboards of Times Square, six of the world's top long jumpers are soaring through the air, turning one of New York's most iconic streets into an unlikely athletics stage. 
  • After launching in New York last year, Athlos returned to the Big Apple this week with a twist: holding the long jump qualifiers in the heart of the city, with reigning Olympic and world long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall taking center-stage.
Beneath the towering, neon-lit billboards of Times Square, six of the world's top long jumpers are soaring through the air, turning one of New York's most iconic streets into an unlikely athletics stage. 
Thursday night's eye-catching spectacle marked the one-year anniversary of Athlos, the women-only track and field event venture backed by Reddit co-founder and entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian.
After launching in New York last year, Athlos returned to the Big Apple this week with a twist: holding the long jump qualifiers in the heart of the city, with reigning Olympic and world long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall taking center-stage.
The main competition resumed Friday in a traditional stadium.
Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, said Athlos was launched with the mission of providing a platform for track and field, which struggles for attention in the United States outside of the Olympic Games.
"What are the biggest sports during these Olympics? Track and field, they get the most viewers," Ohanian said. "There's a legacy of American excellence, especially among the women, and where do they go in between?"
Determined to bring athletics to "an even bigger audience, more consistently," Ohanian's venture has won support from some of the biggest names in track and field, notably Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, former world 100m champion Sha'Carri Richardson and long jump star Davis-Woodhall.
The result is a sporting event broadcast on television and via social media (attracting some three million viewers last year) which includes entertainment from music stars such as R&B singer Ciara, and above all, puts female athletes and their interests at the center of Athlos's decision-making.

Bonuses and crowns

"We're getting catered to like professional athletes. We're getting paid like professional athletes," was the positive verdict from American Olympic 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell.
Prize money on offer is significantly higher than the athletics standard: $60,000 for winners -- compared to $30,000 for the winners of the final round of the main international circuit, the Diamond League -- plus $250,000 for a world record. 
In addition, 10% of the revenue generated by the meeting is distributed among its 39 participants. 
Winners also receive a crown designed by jewelers Tiffany & Co, and the athletes participate in a photoshoot before the competition. 
"It's very glamorized, and it feels very professional and fun," said Grace Stark, a world 100m bronze medallist in Tokyo last month. "It's exciting to experience it, and you kind of feel a little bit more important, and like your sport is really recognized."
The next step, in 2026, is for Athlos to become a fully-fledged circuit, with several meetings per year contested by athletes in teams.

Merchandising vision

Ohanian promises to make further announcements about the 2026 schedule by the end of the year. 
But one key element of his plan was revealed this week: the businessman wants Athlos teams to represent sports equipment manufacturers, with revenue generated through merchandising.
"There is something that the sport, as tremendous and valuable as it's been, has never been able to tap into at business level that we can with this team model," Ohanian said.
Athlos is hoping to find success where other fledgling track and field ventures have failed.
Grand Slam Track, the circuit launched by US track and field legend Michael Johnson earlier this year with a bold vision of transforming the sport, has already collapsed, with many athletes unpaid.
"I know nothing about that business. I can't speak to what they did wrong," Ohanian said, acknowledging that Athlos "has not been a profitable endeavor yet."
"But we knew that going into it," he adds. "And so we set expectations around everything, again, with our athletes, with our team, but we were willing to make that investment. We had the money to do it. And then by bringing brand partners along the way, it continues to compound.
"The goal here is obviously build a highly profitable league, and then it's a question of how soon. LA 28 is a great goal for us, because obviously Olympics are coming to LA, and I'd love to have some big headlines going into that but take day by day."
pel/jld/rcw/bb

Sports

Mbappe on target as France see off Azerbaijan

  • The win keeps them top of the group with a maximum nine points from their three games, five points clear of second-placed Ukraine who won 5-3 in Iceland. 
  • France moved three points closer to qualification for next year's World Cup with Kylian Mbappe, Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin all on target in a comfortable 3-0 Group D win over Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday. 
  • The win keeps them top of the group with a maximum nine points from their three games, five points clear of second-placed Ukraine who won 5-3 in Iceland. 
France moved three points closer to qualification for next year's World Cup with Kylian Mbappe, Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin all on target in a comfortable 3-0 Group D win over Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday. 
The win keeps them top of the group with a maximum nine points from their three games, five points clear of second-placed Ukraine who won 5-3 in Iceland. 
Didier Deschamps' side will book their passage to the Americas if they win in Iceland on Monday and Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan.  
"I’m not going to jump for joy, we won, we scored three, but we could have got more," said coach Didier Deschamps who was part of the side that put 10 past Azerbaijan the last time the teams met in 1995. 
"It’s three points more but perhaps not in the way we wanted to. We got the job done. Monday will be another game, another context.”
With Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike handed his first start, France had plenty of firepower up front but created little of note in a dull first 45 minutes until Mbappe struck on the stroke of half-time. 
The France captain collected the ball on the edge of the area, stepped past one tackle before firing his shot low through another defender and just wide of goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev. 
It is the 10th successive game for club and country where Mbappe has inked his name on the scoresheet. It was also his 53rd for France, leaving him just four behind Olivier Giroud's national record. 
Four minutes after the break Ekitike almost doubled the lead but his fierce shot from the right side of the area came rattling back off the far post. 
France continued to threaten the Azerbaijan goal with Mbappe going close again, sending one shot across goal just wide and blasting another over the bar. 
In the 68th minute, Sahruddin Magomedaliyev was forced into a finger tip save to nudge a drive from Khephren Thuram, also making his first start for France, over the crossbar. 
The resulting corner went long to the far side of the penalty box where Mbappe carefully flicked it back in for Rabiot to head low into the corner.  
With six minutes remaining Thauvin, making his first appearance since 2019, sealed the game. 
A minute after replacing Mbappe, the Lens forward collected the ball in the area with his back to goal. He quickly spun and volleyed to leave Magomedaliyev grasping at air and France enjoying the points.
"It's incredible, I dreamed so much about returning to the French national team that I told myself that if I ever had the chance to play for a few minutes, I would give it my all," said Thauvin.
"That's what happened today. I was rewarded. It was very emotional."
bsp/nr

Sports

Kimmich doubles up as Germany cruise past Luxembourg

  • Germany sit top of Group A after Northern Ireland's 2-0 home win over Slovakia on Friday and will travel to Belfast on Monday. 
  • Joshua Kimmich scored twice as Germany won 4-0 against a 10-man Luxembourg in their World Cup qualifier in Sinsheim on Friday.
  • Germany sit top of Group A after Northern Ireland's 2-0 home win over Slovakia on Friday and will travel to Belfast on Monday. 
Joshua Kimmich scored twice as Germany won 4-0 against a 10-man Luxembourg in their World Cup qualifier in Sinsheim on Friday.
Germany showed the poise and swagger that had abandoned them so far in their World Cup qualifying campaign, losing away in Slovakia for the first time and edging past Northern Ireland at home.
Germany captain Kimmich converted a first-half penalty and tapped in from close range just after the break. 
David Raum's first-half free kick and a Serge Gnabry goal early in the second half secured the Germans an important victory. 
Home coach Julian Nagelsmann toasted his side's "aggression and greed", adding "we could have scored one or two more, but it was a deserved win, one we absolutely wanted and needed".
Germany sit top of Group A after Northern Ireland's 2-0 home win over Slovakia on Friday and will travel to Belfast on Monday. 
Germany's poor showing in Bratislava in September, where they lost Slovakia for the first time in their history, raised fears their improvement at Euro 2024 was a mere blip amid a difficult decade for the four-time World Cup winners.
Germany were eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 and were knocked out at the last 16 at Euro 2020. But they impressed at Euro 2024, losing to eventual champions Spain in the quarter finals in extra-time.
Nursing injuries to forwards Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, along with goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen, coach Julian Nagelsmann named a strong XI, putting captain Kimmich back into defence from his preferred position of midfield.
Newcastle new boy Nick Woltemade looked to have scored his first Germany goal with four minutes played, deflecting in off a Gnabry cross, but the strike was struck off for a narrow offside. 
Raum put the hosts in front on the 12-minute mark, piloting an expert free-kick over the wall. 
On the ropes, Luxembourg's task got harder with 20 minutes played when Dirk Carlson saw red and gave away a penalty for handballing in the box, which Kimmich calmly converted. 
Germany spurned a handfull of chances at the end the first half but extended their lead early in the second, Gnabry blasting in from the edge of the box. 
Kimmich scored two minutes later, tapping in from close range after a Raum corner. 
Besides securing crucial points in their bid to top the group and qualify directly for the World Cup, Germany kept a clean sheet for the first time this season. 
dwi/bsp/nr

Giants

NFL begins review of Giants QB Dart concussion protocol

  • "We have protocols in place as a league to ensure player safety, and we need to allow our medical staff to execute those protocols without interference.
  • The NFL launched an investigation on Friday into how league concussion protocol was applied to New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the club's Thursday home victory over Philadelphia.
  • "We have protocols in place as a league to ensure player safety, and we need to allow our medical staff to execute those protocols without interference.
The NFL launched an investigation on Friday into how league concussion protocol was applied to New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the club's Thursday home victory over Philadelphia.
The probe, conducted jointly with the NFL Players Association under rules of their collective bargaining agreement, involves Giants coach Brian Daboll and rookie running back Cam Skattebo entering the medical tent on the sidelines while Dart was being examined.
Dart, in only his third NFL start, completed 17-of-25 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown and ran for 58 yards as the Giants upset the defending Super Bowl champions and improved to 2-4.
Dart, 22, departed from the contest late in the third quarter after being sacked by the Eagles' Patrick Johnson and grabbing his head while down on the turf.
After being treated by Giants' medical personnel, Dart jogged off the field to the examination tent.
Veteran Russell Wilson entered the game, failed to get a first down and the club punted.
Daboll said after the game he was considering trying to run a play on fourth down and wondered how long Dart's evaluation would take, cameras showing him on the sidelines arguing with team physician Dr. Scott Rodeo, something for which he later apologized.
Daboll was shown at the entrance of the tent talking with people inside and later Skattebo went into the tent wondering about Dart's status.
Dart was eventually cleared to return after a concussion evaluation and went back into the game early in the fourth quarter.
Giants team owner John Mara, a member of the NFL competition committee, issued a statement on the matter Friday.
"I spoke to Coach Daboll this morning about approaching the medical tent last night. While I firmly believe, as he has stated, that he was not trying to influence the process in any way, he understands that the appearance of going to the tent is inappropriate," Mara said.
"We have protocols in place as a league to ensure player safety, and we need to allow our medical staff to execute those protocols without interference.
"We understand the situation is under review by the NFL and the NFLPA and obviously we will cooperate fully."
js/bb

Dodgers

From tears to triumph: Sasaki powering Dodgers towards World Series

BY ROB WOOLLARD

  • "You're talking about one of the great all-time appearances out of the bullpen that I can remember," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Sasaki's performance.
  • Roki Sasaki's first appearance at Dodger Stadium ended in tears.
  • "You're talking about one of the great all-time appearances out of the bullpen that I can remember," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Sasaki's performance.
Roki Sasaki's first appearance at Dodger Stadium ended in tears. His first season in Major League Baseball could end in triumph.
The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher produced a performance for the ages on Thursday as the Los Angels Dodgers eliminated the Philadelphia Phillies from the playoffs to move a step closer to the World Series.
Less than a month ago, Sasaki's place in the Dodgers' postseason plans was far from clear.
Having spent most of the regular season on the sidelines rehabbing a shoulder problem, the rookie pitcher only came off the injured list on September 24.
But fast forward three weeks and Sasaki has emerged as the Dodgers' late-innings savior, helping to plug the one major weakness in the team's roster -- a brittle bullpen that was among the worst in the league.
In the nail-biting extra innings 2-1 win over the Phillies, Sasaki was brought in to stifle Philadelphia's potent offense as the tension mounted at Dodger Stadium.
The hard-throwing right-hander -- who routinely clocks speeds of over 100mph -- duly mowed down nine Phillies batters in succession over the eighth, ninth and 10th innings, giving up no hits and no runs to help set up the Dodgers' 11th inning win.
"You're talking about one of the great all-time appearances out of the bullpen that I can remember," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Sasaki's performance.
"I can't speak enough to his growth and his contribution to this club. We're starting to see something really special in him. But what he's done now on the biggest of stages, he's just scratching the surface."
Multiple clubs had courted Sasaki during last year's offseason before the Dodgers lured him to California, where he joined a star-studded team that already includes compatriots Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

'He's soft'

Sasaki, whose father and grandparents were killed in the 2011 tsunami that virtually wiped his Japanese hometown of Rikuzentakata off the map, was widely regarded as the hottest pitching prospect in the sport.
Yet while billed as a potential generational talent, Sasaki's first season in the major leagues did not start according to plan.
In March, he was pulled during the second inning of his first start at Dodger Stadium against Detroit, when he issued four walks and got only five outs in 61 pitches.
A disconsolate Sasaki was seen looking tearful in the dugout following that inauspicious debut, a reaction that drew criticism from veteran commentators.
"It's tough watching somebody cry out on the bench..," retired six-time All-Star pitcher CC Sabathia told USA Today Sports.
"I would have much rather see him do that upstairs. There's no problem showing emotion but I want to see him do that in the locker room," the former New York Yankees ace added.
Two-time MLB All-Star Jonathan Lucroy challenged Sasaki to emerge harder from his disastrous Dodger Stadium debut.
"He's soft. I've seen it before," Lucroy said. "Only thing that will help him is to fail. Massively. He will either weaken out or transform into a hardened warrior. That will be his choice."
After Thursday, few were under any illusions about Sasaki's ability to thrive in the pressure-laden crucible of playoff baseball.
Dodgers skipper Roberts had initially only planned to use him for two innings, but after seeing him run through the Phillies lineup, opted to use him in the 10th.
"He didn't bat an eye. He was ready, and he didn't run from it," Roberts said of the decision to extend Sasaki. "It's part of the Japanese culture, the toughness. He's been a star his entire life."
Sasaki's transformation was aided by months of painstaking rehab which saw Dodgers backroom staff work on his bio-mechanics to repair his shoulder and regain velocity.
His decisive contribution on Thursday earned praise from Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow, who had laid the foundation for the win after tossing six scoreless innings.
"It was incredible," Glasnow said of Sasaki.
"I think for what he went through in the beginning of the year, to come back and then come out and throw some of the nastiest innings I've seen in baseball. 
"It just shows how strong he is, how much of a competitor he is. Didn't seem like anything fazed him. It's extremely impressive. We'll need him for the rest of the season."
rcw/bb

superwelter

Bruised hand in sparring postpones Fundora's title bout

  • Thurman had been the WBC and World Boxing Association welterweight champion in 2017 with a split decision over Danny Garcia in New York. js/rcw
  • World super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora suffered a bruised hand during a sparring session that forced postponement of his scheduled title defense against fellow American Keith Thurman, promoters said Friday.
  • Thurman had been the WBC and World Boxing Association welterweight champion in 2017 with a split decision over Danny Garcia in New York. js/rcw
World super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora suffered a bruised hand during a sparring session that forced postponement of his scheduled title defense against fellow American Keith Thurman, promoters said Friday.
Fundora was set to face Thurman on October 25 in Las Vegas for the World Boxing Council version of the 154-pound (69.9kg) crown.
No details on a new date for the fight were announced.
It was also not revealed which hand was injured.
Fundora, a 27-year-old southpaw, is 23-1-1 with 15 knockouts and was set to defend his title for the third title since taking it from Tim Tszyu in a 12-round split decision in March 2024.
His most recent fight was a seventh-round stoppage of Australian fighter Tszyu in a rematch last July.
Thurman, 36, is 31-1-1 with 23 knockouts. Since suffering his only career loss, to Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao by split decision in 2019, Thurman had fought only once in six years before stopping Brock Jarvis in the third round in March at Sydney, Australia.
Thurman had been the WBC and World Boxing Association welterweight champion in 2017 with a split decision over Danny Garcia in New York.
js/rcw

Sports

Gabon's Aubameyang gets four goals and red card, Benin snatch key win

  • Aubameyang kept Gabon in contention for a first appearance at the global showpiece as his goals gave Gabon a 4-3 victory over the Gambia, and they trail Group F leaders Ivory Coast by one point.
  • Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals and was sent off in African 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, while minnows Benin built a two-point lead in the 'group of death'. 
  • Aubameyang kept Gabon in contention for a first appearance at the global showpiece as his goals gave Gabon a 4-3 victory over the Gambia, and they trail Group F leaders Ivory Coast by one point.
Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals and was sent off in African 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, while minnows Benin built a two-point lead in the 'group of death'. 
Aubameyang kept Gabon in contention for a first appearance at the global showpiece as his goals gave Gabon a 4-3 victory over the Gambia, and they trail Group F leaders Ivory Coast by one point.
Group C leaders Benin won 1-0 in Rwanda to go two points clear of South Africa, who could only draw 0-0 with Zimbabwe.
Nigeria moved within three points of Benin, who they host on Tuesday, by defeating Lesotho 2-1. Losses eliminated Rwanda and Lesotho, turning the group into a three-team contest for first place.     
Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia have already won groups to claim four of the nine places reserved for Africa. There could be a 10th representative after inter-continental play-offs next March.
The final matchday, from Sunday to Tuesday, will decide the other five places, with Senegal, Benin, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast and Ghana the current table toppers. 
Benin won thanks to an 80th-minute goal from Aiyegun Tosin to retain first place in a group that Nigeria and South Africa were expected to dominate. 
Mohau Nkota and Lyle Foster hit the woodwork in a disappointing performance by South Africa, who sorely missed injured striker Iqraam Rayners.
Both teams finished with 10 men after Zimbabwe striker Knowledge Musona and South Africa defender Mbekezile Mbokazi were sent off in the second half having been shown two yellow cards. 
Captain William Troost-Ekong, from a penalty, and substitute Akor Adams scored in the second half for Nigeria before Hlompho Kalake halved the deficit.
Both Zimbabwe and Lesotho were handicapped, playing in South Africa as they do not have FIFA-approved stadiums.
- Ivory Coast hit seven - 
Africa Cup of Nations holders Ivory Coast triumphed 7-0 away to the Seychelles, having won the first match between them 9-0 in Abidjan two years ago.
Seven different players scored, starting with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare on seven minutes and finishing with substitute Franck Kessie in the final minute of regular time.
Seychelles, who are 159 places below Ivory Coast in the world rankings, have conceded 46 goals while losing all nine qualifiers.
Gabon remained one point behind the Ivory Coast in Group F with a dramatic victory over the Gambia in Nairobi.
The Gabonese led twice, then trailed before Marseille striker Aubameyang scored two more goals. He was yellow-carded twice in the closing stages, leading to his dismissal on 86 minutes.
Ivory Coast have 23 points and Gabon 22 ahead of the final round next week, when both teams will enjoy home advantage. The Ivorians play Kenya and the Gabonese face Burundi.
Senegal maintained a two-point lead over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B after the contenders had contrasting away victories.
Seeking a third straight appearance at the World Cup, Senegal hammered South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, where Crystal Palace striker Ismaila Sarr netted twice.
Veteran two-time African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane was also among the goals as Senegal turned a 1-0 half-time lead into a decisive victory.
A solitary goal, scored by veteran striker Cedric Bakambu after seven minutes, earned DR Congo a tense 1-0 win in Togo.
Senegal have 21 points and DR Congo 19 ahead of their final fixtures. The Senegalese host Mauritania while the Congolese will be at home to Sudan.
Sudan drew 0-0 with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam, a result that eliminated them from the race for a World Cup place.
dl/jc/nr

Sports

Dogged Devine leads New Zealand to crushing win over Bangladesh

  • New Zealand, who last year won the T20 World Cup, had found the going tough on India’s sluggish tracks, slipping to defeats in their first two games against defending champions Australia and South Africa. 
  • New Zealand captain Sophie Devine continued her golden run of form with a gutsy 63 to help the Kiwis to their first win at the Women’s World Cup as they crushed Bangladesh by 100 runs in Guwahati on Friday. 
  • New Zealand, who last year won the T20 World Cup, had found the going tough on India’s sluggish tracks, slipping to defeats in their first two games against defending champions Australia and South Africa. 
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine continued her golden run of form with a gutsy 63 to help the Kiwis to their first win at the Women’s World Cup as they crushed Bangladesh by 100 runs in Guwahati on Friday. 
New Zealand, who last year won the T20 World Cup, had found the going tough on India’s sluggish tracks, slipping to defeats in their first two games against defending champions Australia and South Africa. 
But against Bangladesh, they finally hit their straps, led from the front by their talismanic skipper Devine who shared a 112-run partnership with Brooke Halliday who top-scored with 69.
It was another outstanding effort from the captain after opting to take first strike. 
Devine posted 112 against Australia and 85 versus South Africa, both in losing causes, but this time her effort did not go in vain. 
Her gritty half-century laid the foundation for a competitive total after the Kiwis had wobbled to 38-3.
There was a moment of concern mid- innings when Devine, who manages Type 1 diabetes, had to halt play to check her blood sugar levels. Out came a few sweets and a sugary drink before she was back at the crease.
“With diabetes, it’s always a bit of a balancing act,” Devine admitted later. 
“I had to take a few jelly beans and coke to get going. It wasn’t the prettiest innings but sometimes you’ve got to do it ugly.”
Her knock of 63 off 85 balls, laced with two fours and two sixes, provided the spine of the innings.
The other New Zealand great Suzie Bates, who had collected consecutive ducks earlier in the tournament, finally found some form with 29 studded with six boundaries before a mix-up saw her run out just when she was looking set.
Halliday made sure the innings didn’t lose momentum, cashing in on the platform to notch up a fluent 69 featuring five fours and a six.
Bangladesh’s reply never got out of first gear. Their top five batters failed to reach double figures and it took them 15 overs to find their first boundary.
Jess Kerr caused trouble at the top of the order with 3-21 while Lea Tahuhu ensured there was no fightback with 3-22.  
Bangladesh folded tamely with leg-spinner Fahima Khatun waging a lone battle. She top-scored with 34 before becoming the last wicket to fall as she skied a delivery from Eden Carson out to extra-cover. 
New Zealand sit fifth in the eight-team table, one place outside the semi-final spots, level on points with Bangladesh who are one place below. 
The White Ferns now head to Colombo for their games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan before wrapping up their group stage in Bombay with matches against hosts India followed by England in Vizag.
"Our batting is not consistent. The lower order has done a decent job, but the top order needs to shoulder more responsibility," Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana conceded after the defeat.
Her team face South Africa and Australia in Visakhapatnam before taking on Sri Lanka and India in Mumbai.
str/bsp/nr 

Sports

Gabon's Aubameyang gets four goals and red card as Senegal, Ivory Coast win

  • Seychelles, who are 159 places below Ivory Coast in the world rankings, have conceded 46 goals while losing all nine qualifiers.
  • Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals and was sent off in African 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, while Senegal and Ivory Coast both moved closer to fourth appearances at the global showpiece.
  • Seychelles, who are 159 places below Ivory Coast in the world rankings, have conceded 46 goals while losing all nine qualifiers.
Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals and was sent off in African 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, while Senegal and Ivory Coast both moved closer to fourth appearances at the global showpiece.
Africa Cup of Nations holders Ivory Coast triumphed 7-0 away to the Seychelles, having won the first match between them 9-0 in Abidjan two years ago. 
Seven different players scored, starting with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare on seven minutes and finishing with substitute Franck Kessie in the final minute of regular time.
Seychelles, who are 159 places below Ivory Coast in the world rankings, have conceded 46 goals while losing all nine qualifiers.
Gabon remained one point behind the Ivory Coast in Group F with a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Gambia in Nairobi.
The Gabonese led twice, then trailed before Marseille striker Aubameyang scored two more goals. He was yellow-carded twice in the closing stages, leading to his dismissal on 86 minutes.
Ivory Coast have 23 points and Gabon 22 ahead of the final round next week, when both teams will enjoy home advantage. The Ivorians play Kenya and the Gabonese face Burundi.
Senegal maintained a two-point lead over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B after the contenders had contrasting away victories.
Seeking a third straight appearance at the World Cup, Senegal hammered South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, where Crystal Palace striker Ismaila Sarr netted twice.
Veteran two-time African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane was also among the goals as Senegal turned a 1-0 half-time lead into a decisive victory.
A solitary goal, scored by veteran striker Cedric Bakambu after seven minutes, earned DR Congo a tense 1-0 win in Togo.
Senegal have 21 points and DR Congo 19 ahead of their final fixtures. The Senegalese host Mauritania while the Congolese will be at home to Sudan.
Sudan drew 0-0 with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam, a result that eliminated them from the race for a World Cup place.
Later on Friday, a gripping battle for supremacy in Group C continues with leaders Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda and Lesotho all in contention for first place and qualification.
The nine group winners automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host.
The four best-ranked runners-up go into African play-offs which could lead to the continent having a 10th representative at the expanded 48-team tournament.
dl/jc

Macau

Packed crowd greets NBA return to China after six-year absence

BY HOLMES CHAN

  • - Rush for tickets - The NBA's popularity in China took off during the 2000s with the Yao Ming craze, with 28 pre-season games played in the country between 2004 and 2019.
  • The Phoenix Suns beat the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 in overtime in a sold-out pre-season game in Macau on Friday as fans cheered the NBA's return to China after a six-year absence sparked by a pro-democracy tweet.
  • - Rush for tickets - The NBA's popularity in China took off during the 2000s with the Yao Ming craze, with 28 pre-season games played in the country between 2004 and 2019.
The Phoenix Suns beat the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 in overtime in a sold-out pre-season game in Macau on Friday as fans cheered the NBA's return to China after a six-year absence sparked by a pro-democracy tweet.
The first of two matches in Macau capped the NBA's bid to mend fences with China, a lucrative market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball.
"The atmosphere is amazing. I've been a Suns fan for a long time," said David Jin, 26, who took a day trip from the nearby Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen.
"The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it's on my doorstep I'll show up to give my support," Jin said, adding that he spent about 5,000 yuan ($700) for tickets and travel.
Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception, while China's 22-year-old Nets forward Zeng Fanbo made his NBA debut.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver told AFP on Thursday that "there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China".
Building on the charm offensive, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said the China trip was in part an opportunity to visit and learn about a new culture.
"We are told that we get support from China, a lot of fans watching our games. But the reality is you don't know until you come here, and it's been an amazing experience," he said.
Also speaking before the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott said many of his players were travelling to China for the first time.
"Just that excitement when they walk out tonight -- we know it's a packed house -- would be really cool experience for all of us to remember," Ott said.
The Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic partnership with the NBA on Friday which includes providing opportunities for Chinese teams to take part in the NBA Summer League and WNBA preseason games in the United States, according to state media.

Rush for tickets

The NBA's popularity in China took off during the 2000s with the Yao Ming craze, with 28 pre-season games played in the country between 2004 and 2019.
The relationship soured in 2019 after NBA executives stood behind a team official who tweeted his support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Qin Junhong, a 19-year-old studying in Macau, said he remembered little about the row and was just "excited" to attend the game with his friends.
"There were so many people rushing for tickets," Qin told AFP.
Friday's game is part of a multimillion-dollar deal to stage NBA pre-season matches at the Venetian Arena, part of the Las Vegas Sands conglomerate controlled by the Adelson family, who are the majority ownership group in the Dallas Mavericks.
Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, is a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong. 
Ahead of the game, crowds took selfies at NBA-themed booths and shops in a convention hall, with large signs showing the logos of the league's Chinese brand partners.
The Venetian Arena is part of Macau's upscale hotel-casinos district known as the Cotai Strip, home to a replica Big Ben and Eiffel Tower.
hol/abs

CHN

Resurgent Medvedev joins unheralded cousins in Shanghai semi-finals

BY REBECCA BAILEY

  • Medvedev broke world number seven De Minaur in the fifth game and then managed to hold despite a wobbly 10th in which he had to save a breakpoint and committed three double-faults.
  • Daniil Medvedev said he was showing "signs of my previous self" after the former world number one eased past Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 on Friday to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.
  • Medvedev broke world number seven De Minaur in the fifth game and then managed to hold despite a wobbly 10th in which he had to save a breakpoint and committed three double-faults.
Daniil Medvedev said he was showing "signs of my previous self" after the former world number one eased past Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 on Friday to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.
The Russian will face unseeded Arthur Rinderknech, who claimed the scalp of yet another seed in Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, 6-3, 6-4, to join his cousin Valentin Vacherot in the last four.
The 204th-ranked Vacherot plays four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic in the other semi-final.
Medvedev, who has slipped down the rankings to 18th, proclaimed himself "super happy" after "a very tough year". 
"I'm happy that at this moment I'm showing some great tennis, some great signs of my previous self -- or my new self -- and just looking forward for the next round."
Medvedev broke world number seven De Minaur in the fifth game and then managed to hold despite a wobbly 10th in which he had to save a breakpoint and committed three double-faults.
De Minaur had his moments but the Australian looked somewhat flat, failing to capitalise when opportunities presented themselves.
A series of errors in the ninth game handed the second set to Medvedev, who finished with an ace and no further drama. 
France's Rinderknech is the next obstacle to the Russian gaining a second Shanghai title after winning in 2019. 
"He's a very tough opponent because he's the type of player who when his game is on, he can beat anyone," Medvedev said.  

Cousins in last four

Rinderknech, ranked 54 at the beginning of the tournament, has had a dream run in Shanghai, including beating world number three Alexander Zverev.
The 30-year-old's success has been matched by his cousin, Monaco's Vacherot, who booked his place in the last four on Thursday by eliminating Denmark's Holger Rune.
Rinderknech made easy work of 13th-ranked Auger-Aliassime, breaking in the sixth game with a down-the-line winner. 
He started the second set with intention, breaking in the first game with a forehand to ensure the Canadian was never able to really get going. 
"Sometimes you like to win ugly, and today I thought it was a pretty good-looking win," he joked.  
Rinderknech said that getting through his own quarter-final was far less stressful than watching Vacherot's the day before. 
"I'm not used to watching someone and really wanting him to win so badly," he said.  
"It was a lot easier for me to be on court today and just control my emotions and do my own thing, that I know how to do."
He said his family WhatsApp group was "burning". 
"Everybody is just living the little dream we are in, Val and I, so it's really enjoyable." 
reb/pst

Gee

Cyclist Gee claims ex-team Israel PT seeking millions in damages

  • Now he claims that the team owned by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams -- a self-appointed ambassador to Israel, which has spent two years fighting Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza -- is seeking damages of around 30 million euros ($34.7 million) from Gee.
  • Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has claimed that his former team, Israel Premier-Tech, is seeking millions of euros in damages from him after he left them due to his "personal-belief standpoint".
  • Now he claims that the team owned by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams -- a self-appointed ambassador to Israel, which has spent two years fighting Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza -- is seeking damages of around 30 million euros ($34.7 million) from Gee.
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has claimed that his former team, Israel Premier-Tech, is seeking millions of euros in damages from him after he left them due to his "personal-belief standpoint".
Gee, who finished fourth at the Giro d'Italia earlier this year, left the Israel PT team, which has been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters in recent races, just before the Vuelta a Espana grand tour, which began in August.
Now he claims that the team owned by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams -- a self-appointed ambassador to Israel, which has spent two years fighting Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza -- is seeking damages of around 30 million euros ($34.7 million) from Gee.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, as is every person's right when they are unable to continue performing their work under the existing circumstances," Gee said in a statement posted on social media.
"The decision was not taken lightly -- it followed an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as serious concerns related to racing for the team, from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint."
It was not clear from Gee's post how the team were claiming damages as he said that it was now up to the sport's global governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI), to rule on his case, rather than an employment tribunal.
Neither did he elaborate on his personal beliefs.
Several stages of the Vuelta were disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
That led to fears over the safety of cyclists, as protesters had caused two crashes during the Vuelta.
The Spanish government had called for Israel PT to be kicked out of the Vuelta and has also called for Israel to barred from international sports over what it deems to the country's "genocide" in Gaza.
Israel PT -- which is privately-owned -- was excluded from two Italian races in the last week and has reached a "mutual agreement" with organisers RCS Sport of this weekend's Giro di Lombardia -- the final of five Monument events this season -- not to compete.
The team also announced on Monday that they would change their name to move away from an "Israeli identity".
After two years of war in Gaza that has left the territory decimated, US President Donald Trump announced late on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan.
bur-bc/lp

Viviani

Italian cycling star Viviani to retire

  • "I announce today the end of my professional career.
  • Italian Elia Viviani, an Olympic gold medallist and winner of stages on all three Grand Tours, announced Friday his retirement from professional cycling aged 36. "2010-2025 were 16 fantastic years.
  • "I announce today the end of my professional career.
Italian Elia Viviani, an Olympic gold medallist and winner of stages on all three Grand Tours, announced Friday his retirement from professional cycling aged 36.
"2010-2025 were 16 fantastic years. They flew by, but I had fun and achieved everything I wanted," Lotto rider Viviani wrote on social media.
"I announce today the end of my professional career. Thank you to everyone involved during these years."
Viviani, whose previous teams included Ineos and Quick-Step, claimed one stage victory in the Tour de France, five in the Giro d'Italia, including four in 2018 when he won the points classification, and two in the Vuelta a Espana.
Viviani made his name on the track, where he was crowned Olympic omnium champion in Rio in 2016 and won silver in the madison race in Paris last year.
He also took Olympic omnium bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
He also won two world championship gold medals and eight European track titles.
jr/ea/jc

BRA

Estevao scores twice as five-star Brazil thrash South Korea

  • It was his second goal in his eighth game for Brazil and a reminder that he could be one of the stars of next year's World Cup in North America.
  • Eighteen-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao scored twice as an impressive Brazil thrashed fellow World Cup qualifiers South Korea 5-0 away in a friendly on Friday.
  • It was his second goal in his eighth game for Brazil and a reminder that he could be one of the stars of next year's World Cup in North America.
Eighteen-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao scored twice as an impressive Brazil thrashed fellow World Cup qualifiers South Korea 5-0 away in a friendly on Friday.
Home captain Son Heung-min made his 137th appearance for South Korea, a record for the country's men's team, in wet conditions in Seoul.
But apart from that it was all about Carlo Ancelotti's side, who led 2-0 at half-time after goals from Estevao and Real Madrid's Rodrygo, before running away with it in the second period.
Estevao finished from close range after 13 minutes following an incisive through ball from Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
It was his second goal in his eighth game for Brazil and a reminder that he could be one of the stars of next year's World Cup in North America.
Brazil looked dangerous every time they went forward and they doubled their lead four minutes before the break when Rodrygo rifled in after evading the South Korean defence with some neat footwork.
The visitors played a strong side, with Manchester United's Matheus Cunha leading the frontline and the dangerous trio of Estevao, Rodrygo and his Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior just behind.
That quality told soon after the break as Estevao and Rodrygo both scored again within three minutes of each other to underline Brazil's superiority.
Vinicius made it five with 13 minutes to go and it was the goal of the night.
Cunha played a long ball upfield and Vinicius ran almost half the length of the field before more silky footwork left him with an easy close-range finish.
Brazil face Japan away on Tuesday, when South Korea host Paraguay.
bur-pst