Nottingham Forest: Morgan Gibbs-White says team will be ‘unstoppable’
Context is crucial in looking at the slow start. Postecoglou’s opening 3-0 defeat by Arsenal last month came after one full training session with the whole squad following the international break. There have been glimpses of the free-flowing, high-tempo way he wants to play, but it has so far been unable to get results, a 1-1 Premier League draw at Burnley coming after a late collapse in the Carabao Cup at Swansea. Regardless of the five games, Postecoglou has been in charge only 22 days with limited time on the training pitch, meaning there are no internal concerns over the winless run, with belief they just need time. “A key thing the manager said is, once everyone is on board with the style of play and the tactics, the quicker the results will come,” full-back Neco Williams told Sky Sports last week. “That is just on us now to get used to his tactics and the new style of play, which is obviously different from our previous manager. The quicker that comes together, the quicker we will get results.” Postecoglou himself remains certain of those results once the squad get used to his style following almost two years under Nuno. There is, so far, little difference when looking at the statistics – even if the expansiveness of the team is evident. Under Nuno, who also managed three league games this season, Forest had 57% possession compared to 58% under Postecoglou. Forest have made 146 more passes over the three league matches with the new manager and have had 44 shots – compared to 31 under Nuno – although they have scored only once. They have faced more shots (39) in Postecoglou’s games than under Nuno (30) but the expected goals (xG) against has decreased from 5.0 to 3.9. When looking at Postecoglou’s Tottenham v Nuno’s Forest last season, there is a clear difference in some key metrics. Spurs made 11 errors leading to goals, compared to Forest’s four, while their xG against of 64.3 was the fourth highest in the league, with Forest 12th on 49.6. Forest made 12,956 passes in 2024-25, a league low, while Spurs were sixth with 18,248. Spurs also had more possession, more expected goals and more crosses – showing the attacking nature of Postecoglou’s style – but Forest finished seventh, 27 points ahead of 17th-placed Tottenham. “We need to keep developing our football,” said Postecoglou. “It’s not because it eases some kind of pressure, but I really believe when everything clicks and we’re up and running we’re going to be a top team and the results will flow. “I would hate we get to the business end of the year and we look at this stage and wish if we’d had a couple more wins we’d be in a great position. I don’t want to be chasing ourselves. “I have no doubt the results will come and we will be a compelling team to watch and in the way we play our football, and results will follow that. “It’s important in this early stage you do win games, so when it does all click you are in a position to have success.”
Galatasaray defeat proves Liverpool’s troubles run deeper than we knew
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Virgil van Dijk has built a career and a reputation on not panicking. The most laidback centre-back of his generation can derive some of his considerable authority from a calm demeanour. It would be out of character if his reaction to back-to-back defeats were to panic. It wasn’t. “There shouldn’t be panic, but improvement is needed,” counselled the Liverpool skipper. Steven Gerrard famously led Liverpool to victory in Istanbul. Van Dijk did not. A 1-0 loss to Galatasaray followed a 2-1 setback at Crystal Palace. With Chelsea on Saturday, there is the potential for the week to get worse, for Liverpool to enter territory they have not previously charted under Arne Slot by losing three in a row. The first two have brought a shift in the narrative. There was the sense that, by winning with flawed performances, Liverpool could look exceptional when everything clicked and everyone gelled. Now there is the impression that the law of averages has caught up with Liverpool. No one scores late winners forever and their supply has dried up. Sooner or later, a difficulty keeping clean sheets will bring its own form of punishment. A team looking for chemistry in every section is rarely all-conquering. open image in gallery Victor Osimhen scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot (Getty) Arne Slot departed Istanbul aggrieved: by a penalty decision given against Liverpool, which Victor Osimhen scored, by one given for them, which was then overturned, by what he saw as the dramatics of the Galatasaray players. It was scarcely Slot’s finest day; his analysis of the incidents may have been different had his decisions worked. Part of the rationale for omitting Mohamed Salah was that the Egyptian has played a lot of minutes; he may be trying to ensure that Salah can finish this season stronger than last. He may, though, have picked the wrong game to relegate a talisman from the starting 11. His argument for fielding Jeremie Frimpong in Salah’s stead was that few others in his squad like playing on the right wing; as Slot has spent £450m this summer, he may be afforded little luxury. His idea in picking Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, instead of a specialist, was that Galatasaray usually field an out-and-out winger on their right flank and an inverted one on their left. But they flipped it, Baris Yilmaz troubling the Hungarian with his driving runs, winning the penalty. Yet if Slot had placed too much faith in Szoboszlai, it may have been understandable. The Hungarian is in a relatively small group who have produced something approximating their best form this season; Alisson, who had not made many saves, did when excelling against Palace and Galatasaray, only to then get injured. open image in gallery Alisson’s injury is a fresh concern for Liverpool (AFP/Getty) But there are few others: Van Dijk, arguably, and Ryan Gravenberch; Federico Chiesa in cameos but, injured, he missed the trip to Istanbul; only really Hugo Ekitike of the various new signings. Giorgi Mamardashvili may be called upon to join him when he deputises for Alisson at Stamford Bridge. But there was already a case to bring in Andy Robertson for the struggling Milos Kerkez, and it has not dissipated. On the other flank, it is hard to escape the sense that Slot does not fully trust Frimpong at right-back. In attack, Alexander Isak is not fully up to speed, though that, of course, is partly his own fault for the approach he took to leave Newcastle. But his lone goal from five appearances, none spanning the full 90 minutes, came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. Florian Wirtz had a pre-season but continues to underwhelm and, until he finds form and Liverpool get the requisite balance with him in the side, will be an issue. Giovanni Leoni at least played well on his debut, but it will be his only appearance of the season, with his campaign cruelly curtailed. With Ibrahima Konate continuing along his erratic trend of varying performances, the one that got away, Marc Guehi, may loom ever larger over Liverpool’s season. open image in gallery Florian Wirtz continues to underwhelm in his early Liverpool career (AFP/Getty) The quest for clean sheets, for balance and for a new-look team to gel continues. In Slot’s case, it is a bid to rotate more, and better, than last season, but without compromising results. That his squad is smaller than Arsenal’s, with fewer options in positions such as centre-back, defensive midfield and right wing, reflects some choices Liverpool made. It also adds to the challenge of keeping players fresh and fit, of recalibrating a side around Isak and Wirtz, of stopping his side looking stretched, of regaining control. Jamie Carragher argued their games resemble basketball matches too much; Slot has his attacking instincts, but his initial success was underpinned by solidity. But Slot’s Liverpool made it look easy last season in both the Premier League and the Champions League’s first stage. This year has been more dramatic. Liverpool could enjoy
Why Saudi Arabia bought EA for £55bn
It is worth noting that the deal for PIF to acquire EA is yet to be officially approved by the relevant authorities. The consortium also includes Silver Lake and the company Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. This is not PIF’s first venture in the gaming sector – in fact, it is already heavily involved. As well as previously owning an estimated 9-10% of EA, PIF also purchased companies to secure ownership of the Pokemon Go and Monopoly Go games. EA has a wide-ranging portfolio of games. It is responsible for creating best-selling titles including Apex Legends, Battlefield, Need for Speed and the Sims. It is also the makers of EA Sports FC – previously known as Fifa – as well as sports games on the NFL, NBA, UFC and F1. Its football titles have sold 325 million copies since 1993, while the Sims has sold 200 million and Need for Speed more than 150 million. “With this deal, it’s not just a seat at the table any more – it’s control,” Osborn said. “When you’ve got control, you’ve got the ability to really drive the direction of that business towards your goal. “That’s what the Saudi state is going to be interested in.” The deal would take EA private, meaning all its public shares will be purchased and it will no longer be traded on a stock exchange. There have been concerns that the deal would result in $20bn of debt and that the revenues of games would be needed to service this. The purchase price also put a significant 25% premium on the market value of EA, valuing it at $210 per share.
Fiji U19 one win away from WC Qualification – FBC News
Source: OFC The Fiji national U19 women’s team are just one win away from securing their qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Fiji will clash with a formidable New Caledonia side in the first semi-final of the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship this Thursday which will decide their fate. Coach Angeline Chua acknowledged the strength of their opposition, noting that New Caledonia has always been a top-tier team in the region. Article continues after advertisement While proud of the team’s group-topping performance, Chua says the key tactical work-on ahead of the semi-final has been improving their finishing. The coach urged supporters back in Fiji to tune in and support the team on FIFA Plus. Fiji will play New Caledonia on Thursday at 9am while New Zealand takes on Cook Islands at 1pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Amir Khan slams ‘dangerous’ exhibition fights ahead of Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Amir Khan has hit out at the rise of exhibition fights in boxing, insisting they are ‘dangerous’ for the sport. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is due to face lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis on November 14, while Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have announced they will fight each other in early 2026. Tyson will be just months away from his 60th birthday when he returns to the ring, having also previously fought Paul and Roy Jones Jr in recent years, while Mayweather turns 49 in February. Paul and Tyson are also set to have huge size advantages over their respective opponents, and Khan is concerned it could all lead to someone getting “hurt badly”. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery Amir Khan has raised concerns about exhibition fights (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Archive) “I hate seeing older fighters who have been retired that are coming back and fighting these young guys,” Khan said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “Someone’s going to get hurt badly one day, and it’s not nice to see. It’s not nice to see the likes of Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, who are legends in the sport, even Mayweather, taking these fights with these YouTubers or these guys out there.” Since hanging up his gloves in 2022, Khan has turned his hand to being a boxing promoter. He will be promoting an event in Nigeria tonight under his AK Promotions banner, with cruiserweight contenders Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne headlining. Now that he is on the other side of the ropes, Khan wants his fighters to learn from the mistakes he made during his 17-year professional career so they can flourish inside and outside the ring. “I’m getting into this promotion business because I want fighters to make money,” Khan explained. “I don’t want fighters to make the same mistakes that I made. But at the end of the day, we’re prizefighters and we have to make the most money, win the titles and also live a good life once you retire.” Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world’s best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that’s just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts. For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.
New Pirates star unearthed in Soweto last night
Orlando Pirates cruised to a 2-0 win over TS Galaxy on Tuesday night, but the real story was the emergence of Masindi Nemtajela. Signed from Marumo Gallants in July, the 23-year-old midfielder finally got his debut start, and made it one to remember. Born in Chiawelo, Soweto, he became a Buccaneer after playing 20 matches for Gallants last season, including a goal and an assist. A STAR IS BORN Against Galaxy last night, he showed the full package: sharp touches, quick decisions, technical quality and, above all, mobility. His runs into the final third constantly opened space, giving Pirates the kind of drive they’ve often lacked from central midfield. Coach Ouaddou, who also coached him at Gallants, provided more insight on the jersey number 15. “Masindi, I know him for a long time because I was his coach at my previous club,” he said. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in charge of Orlando Pirates against Stellenbosch FC at the Orlando Stadium in the Betway Premiership. Image: BackpagePix “He’s a fantastic player. We asked him to be patient, and his time came, and he showed it with a fantastic performance.” Affectionally known as “John Wick” in Soweto, he has been with Gallants since the club’s rise from the lower Mostepe Foundation Championship in 2022 to 2023. As a youngster, he arrived in the Betway Premiership when Gallants bought Moroka Swallows’ status in June 2024. ORLANDO PIRATES’ MIDFIELD COMPETITION For the Nemtajela, the real challenge begins now. Pirates boast serious depth in midfield, with Thalente Mbatha, Abdoulaye Mariko, Simphiwe Selepe and Selaelo Rasebotja all fighting for places. Add to that Sipho Mbule and Kabelo Dlamini, who often slot in as attacking midfielders but are very much options in central midfield. Coming up next for the Sea Robbers is the visit of Siwelele FC for a Carling Knockout last 16 battle on Saturday at the Orlando Stadium at 15:00.
Fifa set to dodge discussion on suspending Israel from international football
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more A discussion on potentially banning Israel from international football is not on the agenda for Thursday’s Fifa Council meeting in Zurich, The Independent understands, meaning there can’t be any vote on the issue. Amnesty International have added to mounting pressure on football’s authorities by calling for Fifa and Uefa to suspend the Israeli Football Association (IFA), specifically pointing to the contravention of Fifa’s own statutes due to clubs playing games on occupied land. Fifa has repeatedly been accused of putting off action since the Palestine Football Association (PFA) first called for a Fifa sanction on the grounds of human rights and humanitarian law violations committed in the Gaza Strip in April 2024. A United Nations Commission of Inquiry issued a report this month concluding that Israel has committed genocide during the war in Gaza. Israel has denied committing genocide. It comes amid a widespread belief that president Gianni Infantino does not want to politically aggravate US president Donald Trump ahead of next year’s World Cup. The US state department have said they will push back against any attempts to ban Israel. Senior Uefa figures wanted to push for a meeting of its executive committee to decide on a ban this week, but that has been postponed due to Trump’s attempts to negotiate a peace deal. The president of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, and the president of the Turkish Football Federation, Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, have added to the calls to ban Israel from international competitions by writing to Fifa and Uefa. But while proposals to ban Israel have been a subject of intense discussion within Uefa, it hasn’t got anywhere close to that with Fifa. Infantino is seen as being “in a difficult spot” due to his relationship with Trump, but also how close he is to Asian Football Confederation countries who would support a ban for Israel. It is possible the Israel ban comes up at Thursday’s Fifa Council meeting in “miscellaneous” – but that can only involve an informal discussion, and not a vote. The gathering of Fifa’s highest body will primarily take place in Zurich, although it will be a hybrid meeting, with some delegates phoning in. The issue of a 64-team World Cup in 2030 is not expected to be discussed, after the South American governing body Conmebol raised an official proposal to expand the competition from the first 48-team World Cup in 2026.
Champs Rewa eye IDC trophy – FBC News
[file photo] Fresh off their Extra Premier League triumph, Rewa FC is heading into the FMF Inter District Championship 2025 full swing and fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Coach Priyant Mannu says that the Delta Tigers are focused on bringing home the one major trophy that has eluded them in recent seasons. “I think we have a good season this year so far in the EPL. So, in the tournaments we lost in two finals. This is the last tournament, IDC, so we will see who we face first and prepare accordingly. This is a different tournament compared to Fiji Fact and BOG, this is a one-week tournament, so the fittest team will survive.” Article continues after advertisement The coach says they have all key players who featured throughout the season available, ensuring they will field a full-bodied team at the IDC. He urged Rewa supporters to keep their belief strong, acknowledging the long drought since their last tournament win. The FMF IDC 2025 starts from next Tuesday in Ba. You can catch live commentary of all the matches on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Orlando Pirates move up log after another masterclass
Orlando Pirates extended their winning streak with a 2-0 win over TS Galaxy in their Betway Premiership encounter held at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night. It was a fifth consecutive league win for the Buccaneers, who surged from eighth place to third in the standings. Free Spins, Flights, and Bets on Betway In the process, they ended their visitors’ five-match unbeaten streak with a dominant performance in front of a lively home crowd. STRUCK THE UPRIGHT In another midweek outing in Soweto, the hosts went on the charge from the first whistle. They could have scored as early as the third minute when Tshepang Moremi struck the upright with a firmly hit left-footed shot after getting on the end of a swift counter. Orlando Pirates maintained that sense of urgency throughout the first quarter with Kamogelo Sebelebele firing wide after cutting in from the flank in the 13th minute. They went more direct moments later, working their way into the box where midfielder Masindi Nemtajela was brought down by Mlungisi Mbunjana, with the referee not hesitating to point to the spot. Evidence Makgopa was the man tasked with spot-kick duties and did not err in expertly guiding the ball past goalkeeper Ira Tapé into the back of the net for a well deserved opener. One goal could have quickly led to two as Sebelebele remained a menace against his former team. He was nicely teed up near the edge of the box, but could only draw a save off Tapé. It took him seconds to produce a similar effort, this time inside the penalty area, where he forced the Ivorian shot-stopper into another save. Unchallenged TS Galaxy, meanwhile, grew into the game as the half-hour mark approached, but did not pose sufficient threat with their chances at goal. Bucs ‘keeper Sipho Chaine was unchallenged as Puso Dithejane fired straight with a shot from inside the box, while veteran midfielder Mpho Mvelase failed to put enough power behind his header from point-blank range. Chances died down at both ends towards the break before Orlandoo Pirates emerged from the tunnel for the second period looking the more refreshed of the two sides. Their initial chances were off the boots of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who both failed to find the target while Deon Hotto managed to place his shot on target, but without connecting well enough to trouble Tapé. Moremi also had two quick fire opportunities around the hour mark, but the second goal remained elusive. Bright moment There was another bright moment 10 minutes from the final whistle for Hotto, who showed excellent pace in working himself into space before drawing a save from the Rockets gloveman. Meanwhile, a relatively quiet second half for Chaine ended late in regulation time when he was called to deny substitute attacker Mory Keita in a one-on-one situation. That save proved crucial, with Orlando Pirates putting the result beyond doubt deep in injury time. This was thanks to some excellent work on the left from Hotto, who linked up with Mofokeng before laying the ball for replacement striker Tshegofatso Mabasa who headed past Tapé to make it 2-0. That goal was Mabasa’s 50th in all competitions for Orland Pirates. The last-gasp goal provided much-needed relief for the hosts, who had only seconds to navigate en route to bringing up yet another victory. The Buccaneers will next be in action in a Telkom Knockout first round match at home against Siwelele FC on Saturday, 4 October at 15:00. Orlando Pirates Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli, Nemtajela, Mofokeng, Sebelebele (Appollis 60’), Moremi (Mbule 84’), Makgopa (Mabasa 60’).
Jannik Sinner v Learner Tien live: China Open final latest score and updates after Carlos Alcaraz shock
BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 4-1 Learner Tien Emphatic from Sinner. A double-fault brings up two more break point opportunities for the Italian. He swarms Tien with pressure to the backhand side and leaps into the overhead to take the double-break. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 07:30 Jannik Sinner 3-1 Learner Tien* Sinner looks so comfortable on these hard courts against anyone other than Alcaraz. He blasts another forehand winner down the line and takes the game as Tien crunches a forehand halfway up the net. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 07:26 *Jannik Sinner 2-1 Learner Tien Tien gets on the board – a running forehand winner on the opening point will be a boost to his confidence. The American’s serve is vulnerable and there is a second double-fault, but he overcomes it to win a couple of exchanges from the baseline. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 07:23 Jannik Sinner 2-0 Learner Tien Sinner consolidates the opening break. He built into a comfortable position with an ace out wide and tried to mix it up on game point with a drop shot that Tien reached and put away. Sinner wins the next point on the forehand exchange and has made an assured start, as you would expect. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 07:20 BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 1-0 Learner Tien Oof. An ominous start as Tien double faults on his opening point before Sinner crunches forehand winners to move to 0-40. Tien digs in, and there are a couple of errors from Sinner, but the American is unable to keep up with the World No 2 in the baseline rally. He shoots long and Sinner gets the opening break. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 07:15 Jannik Sinner v Learner Tien At just 19, Learner Tien is bidding to become the youngest American man to win an ATP Tour title since Andy Roddick in 2002. But he faces a extremely difficult task in taking down Sinner, who has a 22-2 record on hard courts this season. Both of those defeats came to Carlos Alcaraz. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 07:08 Jannik Sinner v Learner Tien Here we go! Learner Tien steps out onto the court and a packed house in Beijing ahead of his first ATP Tour Final – he is followed onto court by Jannik Sinner, who is playing in his third consecutive China Open final and 30th overall. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 07:04 Jannik Sinner continues streak of hard-court finals Jannik Sinner is through to his ninth consecutive final at a hard-court event, a run that is well over a year long and goes back to last season’s Cincinnati Open. Sinner, though, has lost his last two finals, the first by retirement against Carlos Alcaraz in Cincinnati and then his US Open final defeat to Alcaraz last month. He will be playing his 30th ATP Tour final against Learner Tien, who is playing his first. Sinner has a 20-9 record in finals – with a 17-7 record on hard courts. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 06:55 Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Shanghai Masters just hours after winning Japan Open Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Shanghai Masters just hours after winning his eighth title of the season at the Japan Open. The World No 1 defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in Tokyo to continue his dominant form but revealed he has been “struggling with some physical issues”. The 22-year-old overcame an injury scare in his opening match against Sebastian Baez in Tokyo – where he hurt his left ankle and ignored pleas from his team to retire. Alcaraz’s decision to pull out of the Shanghai Masters gives Jannik Sinner an opportunity to close the gap to World No 1 if he can defend his Shanghai title and offers the Italian some hope of regaining the top spot this season. Sinner lost last season’s China Open final to Alcaraz. Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 06:54 Jannik Sinner continues dominance over Alex de Minaur in semi-finals Jannik Sinner underlined his dominance on hardcourts in the Asian swing of tournaments by outlasting Australian third seed Alex de Minaur 6-3 4-6 6-2. Sinner made a typically fast start in his bid to secure an 11th straight victory over De Minaur, breaking the world number eight to love for a 4-2 lead, but he had to battle hard in the next game to hold serve. The 2023 China Open champion had no trouble wrapping up the first set from there but ran into trouble early in the next, appearing to struggle physically at times, before tight holds helped him level at 3-3 and 4-4. “I have one night to recover. I’m going to be fine,” Sinner said. “In the finals you have even more adrenaline and more will to play as best as you can. I’m looking forward to it, finals are very special. “It’s another final for me this season. It’s a great result again.” (Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood1 October 2025 06:34