Carlos Alcaraz to face Taylor Fritz in Japan Open final after Casper Ruud scare
After committing 15 unforced errors in the first set, Alcaraz won 20 of 24 points on his serve in the second as he took charge of the match. There was little evidence that the six-time Grand Slam winner was struggling with an ankle problem, which has been troubling him since his tournament opener against Sebastian Baez. Second seed Fritz, who defeated Alcaraz in the Laver Cup last week, beat compatriot Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final. “I know he’s playing great tennis lately,” Alcaraz said of Fritz. “It’s another challenge for me and I’m looking forward to it.” The American hit 13 aces as he reached his first hard-court final of the year. “I served insanely well,” said Fritz. “High percentage first serves and spots too. It felt like any game that I didn’t hit three aces, he was really outplaying me from the baseline. “My serve got me through it.”
Fiji U18 School Boys fall to heavy defeat in Canberra – FBC News
[Source: rugby.com.au/Facebook] The Fiji U18 School Boys team suffered a major setback today, going down heavily 61-26 to the Australia School Boys in a high-scoring encounter at Viking Park in Canberra. Despite the final score line, the young Fijians displayed flashes of their trademark attacking brilliance, particularly in a compelling first half. The Fijians stunned the Australian side by opening the scoring early. Article continues after advertisement After securing a critical turnover five meters from their own line, the team launched a blistering counter-attack. The movement was kept alive before Jone Kunaqio crossed under the posts for the opening try, handing Fiji a promising 7-0 lead. Australia quickly responded to level the scores, but the Fijians urged again when Ratu Vonolagi made a clean line break and delivered a spectacular offload to Sailosi Taka for Fiji’s second try. However, the momentum quickly shifted as the Australian side found its rhythm, dominating the remainder of the first half with three consecutive tries to establish a decisive 28-14 lead. The second forty minutes saw the hosts unleash a clinical performance, running in another five tries to effectively put the result beyond doubt. Despite the mounting pressure, the Fijians maintained their fight, crossing the whitewash for late scores from Iowane Kula and Nemani Bativou, but it was not enough to overcome the massive deficit. Fiji’s second match will be against the same team this Saturday at 2pm. You can catch live action of this match on FBC Sports Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Chris Woakes announces retirement from international cricket
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 England all-rounder Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 36-year-old played for England on 217 occasions after making his Test debut in 2013, winning the World Cup in 2019 and T20 World Cup three years later. He had been in contention for inclusion in England’s squad for the Ashes until he dislocated his shoulder in the final Test this summer, leading to unforgettable scenes as he walked out to bat against India at the Oval with his arm in a sling. The injury led England’s managing director Rob Key to say that Woakes was not “in our plans at the minute at all,” effectively bringing an end to his 14-year international career. He shared the news on social media on Monday, writing: “The moment has come, and I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket. “Playing for England was something I aspired to do since I was a kid dreaming in the back garden, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived out those dreams. “Representing England, wearing the Three Lions and sharing the field with teammates over the last 15 years, many of whom have become lifelong friends, are things I’ll look back on with the greatest pride. “Making my [ODI] debut in 2011 in Australia seems like yesterday, but tiime flies when you’re having fun. Lifting two World Cups and being part of some amazing Ashes series is something I never thought was possible, and those memories and celebrations with my teammates will stay with me forever. “Pleasure has been all mine. No regrets,” he captioned the announcement. open image in gallery Woakes’ dislocated shoulder in the summer put paid to his chances of selection for the Ashes squad (Getty) He added that he would continue to play county cricket – he is in negotiations over a new contract with Warwickshire – and looked forward to “exploring more franchise opportunities” in the rest of his career. The seamer retires with 192 wickets from 62 Tests, 204 wickets from 155 white-ball caps, as well as a player of the series medal from the 2023 Ashes. ECB Chair Richard Thompson, said: “The images of Chris walking out to bat with his arm in a sling to try and win a Test match this summer reflected how much he cared about playing for his country and being the best team-mate he could be. “He has been a gentleman off the field, with the skills and fierce determination to win on it, regularly rising to the occasion on the biggest stage with bat as well as ball. There are so many special memories, from brilliance with the new ball in the 2019 World Cup and winning the T20 World Cup in 2022 to his series-changing impact in the 2023 Men’s Ashes which earned him the player of the series honour. “We are indebted to have players like Chris represent England and I want to thank and congratulate him for everything he has done in an England shirt for the past 14 years.”
Kaizer Chiefs update: Nabi’s lawyers vs Amakhosi
Kaizer Chiefs and Nasreddine Nabi remain locked in a legal battle. The Tunisian coach has missed the club’s last three matches after it emerged he does not hold a valid CAF coaching licence to sit on the bench for continental fixtures. This prompted Amakhosi to suspend the 60-year-old, sparking a very unusual situation. KAIZER CHIEFS TO SUMMON NASREDDINE NABI TO A FORMAL HEARING? Reports from Sowetan journalists Nkareng Matshe and Nevile Khoza say Nabi initially offered to walk away following the suspension threat. Surprisingly, his legal team later informed Kaizer Chiefs’ management that the coach would like to reverse that decision and complete his contract until it expires at the end of the season. The club, however, is weighing a formal disciplinary hearing over his qualification, a move that could lead to outright dismissal, with reports saying Nabi was given notices to sort his papers. Unfortunately, the reports suggest the relationship may be beyond restoration. The upcoming disciplinary process could either restart the relationship or officially end the Tunisian’s stint at the Betway Premiership giants. NASREDDINE NABI AT AMAKHOSI After guiding Tanzanian giants Simba SC to back-to-back league titles, Nabi moved to Moroccan side AS FAR, where he narrowly missed the 2023/24 league crown by just one point. The Tunisian then stepped down before joining Kaizer Chiefs in June last year, ahead of the 2024/25 season. His debut campaign in Mzansi was disappointing. Amakhosi finished ninth in the Betway Premiership, collecting 32 points from 28 games: eight wins, eight draws, and 12 losses. Just as he seemed ready to be let go, Kaizer Chiefs ended a decade-long trophy drought by beating Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup. Reports suggest that chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung urged his son and Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, to reconsider, giving Nabi another season at the club.
Emma Raducanu v Jessica Pegula live: China Open latest score and updates
*Emma Raducanu 6-3 3-4 Jessica Pegula A love-hold from Pegula after the American started the game with a forehand winner. That might be the quickest hold of serve we’ve seen. Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 10:18 Emma Raducanu 6-3 3-3 Jessica Pegula* Great hold from Raducanu. From deuce, she lands a stunning forehand winner down the line, inside-in. Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 10:17 *Emma Raducanu 6-3 2-3 Jessica Pegula While the first set was fairly free-flowing, with Raducanu enjoying herself on the forehand, this second set is an absolute grind for both. Raducanu faces deuce after missing a backhand down the line to take the game. Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 10:15 *Emma Raducanu 6-3 2-3 Jessica Pegula Despite a stunning knifed backhand winner from Raducanu, Pegula emerges from a tough service game with a big hold – saving two break points and getting through a long deuce game to take the lead in the second set. (REUTERS) Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 10:10 Emma Raducanu 6-3 2-2 Jessica Pegula Pegula is usually calm and composed on the court but lets her frustration out as she puts a backhand into the net to bring up two break points, bouncing her racket in disgust. Pegula then saves both break points, as she catches Raducanu out with a dipping backhand as she came into the net. Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 10:05 BREAK! Emma Raducanu 6-3 2-2 Jessica Pegula* How big could this be? From 30-0 down, Pegula turns it around to get the break straight back! The American won another entertaining point with an impressive hustle at the net, then struck at the first opportunity. A momentum swing? (REUTERS) Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 10:03 BREAK! *Emma Raducanu 6-3 2-1 Jessica Pegula Raducanu scorches a forehand winner down the line to get to 0-30 on the Pegula serve, then gets a look at break point as Pegula nets. Pegula is an inch away from double-faulting. But Raducanu gets the break as Pegula goes long on the forehand! (REUTERS) Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 09:55 Emma Raducanu 6-3 1-1 Jessica Pegula* Up 40-15, Raducanu leaves a couple of balls short and Pegula gobbles them up to get to deuce. Raducanu then wins an outstanding point as both players pushed each other to their limits! Raducanu worked Pegula from side to side then finished it with the forehand winner! Pegula nets and that’s an excellent hold. Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 09:51 FIRST SET! *Emma Raducanu 6-3 Jessica Pegula Raducanu guides the backhand winner past Pegula to bring up set point. This has been a ferocious set of forehand hitting from Raducanu, and she finishes it off in fitting fashion with a forehand winner from inside the baseline! Wonderful from Raducanu so far. (AFP via Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 09:41 BREAK! *Emma Raducanu 5-3 Jessica Pegula Awesome from Raducanu! Pegula opens the door as she messes up a drop-shot at the net. But on the break point Raducanu is relentless and strikes on the running angled forehand crosscourt, blasting the ball past Pegula. She gets the break straight back. Jamie Braidwood29 September 2025 09:37
Suva Juniors lift game after Japan Tennis tour – FBC News
[Photo: Supplied] The Suva Tennis Association’s junior players have gained invaluable international exposure after a 10-day training tour at Japan’s prestigious Yoshida Tennis Training Centre. The invitation-only program gave Fiji’s rising talents a chance to train alongside Japanese players while also immersing themselves in the country’s cultural traditions, from tea-making to drumming and dance — lessons that emphasized focus and discipline beyond the court. Head coach Sumit Lal said the experience changed the way many players approached the sport. Article continues after advertisement “I saw a change in a lot of kids’ mindsets, where training was no longer about just hitting balls over the net, but about pushing themselves to the max while understanding the purpose of each drill and how it would help in matches and tournaments.” The Yoshida Tennis Training Centre is also a host venue for one of Japan’s top International Tennis Federation tournaments, giving Fiji’s juniors a glimpse of the pathways available for players aspiring to compete at the highest level. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
NFL Dublin: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ‘100%’ believes NFL should return to Croke Park
No sooner had the NFL circus packed up its tent and rolled out of town on Sunday than thoughts turned to whether the sporting spectacle would be returning to Dublin. The Pittsburgh Steelers held off a fourth-quarter comeback attempt from the Minnesota Vikings to secure a 24-21 victory in the first regular-season game held in Ireland. Had Kevin O’Connell’s men come from 24-6 behind with 11 minutes and 21 seconds remaining, it would have been a turnaround no Vikings fan would have forgotten in a hurry. But, even before they were turned over on downs to end the game, it already felt an occasion to remember for the 74,512 in attendance. For the Steelers organisation, the game was the fulfilment of a long-held dream. Returning to Croke Park 28 years after they defeated the Chicago Bears in a pre-season fixture, a repeated theme through the week was what it all would have meant to the side’s late owner Dan M Rooney, whose ancestors hailed from Newry in County Down. It remains to be seen whether Sunday’s fixture was a fitting way to honour one of the NFL’s first families, or the start of a regular spot in the International Series rotation. Dublin was the fourth European city to stage such a fixture following on from London, Munich and Frankfurt. Berlin and Madrid will join that list next month. Games have also been taken to Brazil and Mexico with another set for Australia next year. Asia could be next. What was once America’s game is now clearly global in scope but, with such competition to play hosts, can the Emerald Isle expect a swift return? There is certainly one prominent supporter in their corner. “100%,” said the Steelers four-time Most Valuable Players quarterback Aaron Rodgers when asked by BBC Sport NI if Dublin deserved more games in the future. “The whole experience was fantastic. Shout-out to the country and everybody who made this happen. Win or lose, I would have said the same thing. “I just felt like the reception from the people here was outstanding.”
Matthijs de Ligt: Man Utd players must step up as pressure grows on Ruben Amorim
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 Matthijs de Ligt insists Manchester United players must take responsibility for poor results amid growing pressure on manager Ruben Amorim. United suffered a third defeat in six Premier League games this season in losing 3-1 at Brentford on Saturday, while they were also humiliated by League Two Grimsby in the Carabao Cup. Portuguese boss Amorim has yet to oversee back-to-back league wins during his 10 months in charge and, after last term’s 15th-placed finish – their lowest position since 1989–90 – United again reside in the bottom half of the table. “Of course, I mean it’s always easy to look to the manager, but in the end the players on the pitch have to do it,” said centre-back De Ligt. “We can’t say the goals we conceded, or the chances we conceded, are because of what… I don’t know, you guys always talk about the system. “That also has a lot to do with focus, concentration and, if that’s lacking in key moments, it’s going to make a difference.” United had seemingly built confidence by beating Chelsea 2-1 a week earlier, albeit they enjoyed a numerical advantage for most of the first half of that Old Trafford contest due to Robert Sanchez’s early red card. But that victory was a distant memory as Brentford striker Igor Thiago scored twice inside 20 minutes and, after Benjamin Sesko had pulled one back with his first United goal, Bruno Fernandes failed to equalise from the penalty spot in the final quarter as Caoimhin Kelleher saved. It was the United captain’s second spot-kick miss of the season in west London after blazing over at Fulham last month. De Ligt said: “(We are) really disappointed because all week we were speaking about keeping the momentum going, getting another win under our belt. “If you lose this game, it’s a big blow obviously. A lot of lot of time (it is) the same song, but we have to stick together. It’s the most important thing. “We lost against (Manchester) City, we won against Chelsea, so for the next game, we have to analyse what went wrong in this game because a lot of things went wrong. “We were short in key moments where we made the wrong decisions. “That makes a big difference in football. We were quite unlucky also with some chances, but overall, it was not good enough. That’s a fact.” United host in-form Sunderland on Saturday and visit league leaders Liverpool straight after the international break on October 19. On a day that United summer signing Bryan Mbeumo returned to Brentford after spending six years at the club, Thiago took centre stage. The Brazilian forward, signed from Club Brugge for a then-club record £30million in July 2023, has scored five goals this season, four of them in the Premier League. Bees boss Keith Andrews said of Thiago: “Selfless, I think, would be the first thing that springs to mind. “Always puts the team first, sometimes at the detriment of his own performance. I think he’s such a team player. “He’s getting real rhythm in his game now and confidence in his game, and he’s shown exactly what he’s all about and why the football club brought him here.”
Raheem back with Ba FC – FBC News
[Source: Ba Football Association/Facebook] Ba Midfielder Mohammad Raheem is reportedly back with Ba Football Association for next week’s FMF Inter-District Championship in Ba. The 22-year-old, who was absent from the team during last year’s IDC after moving to New Zealand for a one-year work permit last September, is now back with the Men in Black. Raheem’s return is particularly awaited, given his phenomenal form during the 2023 IDC. Article continues after advertisement He was the catalyst for Ba’s success that year, netting a crucial second-half hat-trick in the semi-final and ultimately claiming the Golden Boot Award with four goals as he powered the team to victory over Lautoka in the final. His standout performance led to his subsequent selection for the Fiji national team for the 2023 Pacific Games. With the IDC set to be hosted on home turf in Ba this year, the focus is now squarely on the returning midfielder to see if he can replicate his championship-winning magic. IDC starts from next Tuesday and continues through the weekend at 4R Stadium, Ba. You can catch live commentary of all the matches on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
‘Not sure how I coped’ – Europe captain Donald
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is “so proud” of his team after they win the Ryder Cup in New York after “some of the most stressful hours of my life”.