Tahikia calls on boxing fans to back him this Friday – FBC News
Nadroga boxer Kaliova Tahikia. [Photo Credit: Supplied] Nadroga boxer Kaliova Tahikia is urging fans to rally behind him this Friday at the FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotions, where he will face reigning light welterweight champion Ronald Naidu. Tahikia, the son of former boxing star Tevita Vakalalabure, says he is grateful to promoter Sameer Khan for the opportunity and is determined to deliver a performance that will keep spectators “at the edge of the seat.” He admits his opponent will be equally prepared, adding that “most of the talking will be done inside the ring on game day.” Article continues after advertisement “If you’ll be in Nadi this Friday do come on down and cheer us on, it will be much needed.” Tahikia says he is also looking forward to watching other boxers step into the ring, just as much as competing in his own bout. The Mavua Nadroga fighter knows the challenge ahead will not be an easy one, especially against a champion in his division who has waited five years for a worthy opponent. The FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotions will take place this Friday at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. The event will be streamed live on Viti Plus. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Matt Beard: Ex-Liverpool manager ‘made you feel like best player in the world’
A minute’s silence took place in tribute to Beard before kick-off in all WSL and WSL2 games on Sunday. Further tributes have been planned by Liverpool before their men’s side play Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield on Tuesday. Former Germany international Julia Simic, who played under Beard at West Ham and is now a youth team coach at Eintracht Frankfurt, wants to use what she learned from Beard in her own methods. “Matt’s strongest arm was the player management,” Simic told Women’s Football Weekly. “The care he showed everyone. There are different ways to be a good manager, you can be tactically very strong, you can do the best training sessions but you can also create the best environment.” Simic, 36, recalled her time under Beard fondly, in particular when they reached the Women’s FA Cup final together in 2019. “I remember he sat in front of us as a brand new team and he said he wanted us to reach the FA Cup final,” she said. “In the end we made it to Wembley and played against Manchester City as a complete underdog. We lost the final and after I spoke to him and I said, ‘Matt, why didn’t we win?’ and he said, ‘I made a mistake because I said we wanted to make it to the final, but I didn’t say we wanted to win the final’. “With us being at the final, the journey was done or the target was reached. He was always so hard with himself in terms of wanting to get everything out of us and himself. “He stood in front us and said, ‘that’s on me, I’m sorry, my mistake’. Before I always had experienced coaches that would always find excuses or explanations.”
Xander Schauffele leads fightback against ‘negativity’ at US Ryder Cup payments
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 The American team have hit back at suggestions being paid to play in the Ryder Cup implies the event means more to Europe. This week’s match at Bethpage Black will see United States players receive a fee for appearing in the biennial contest for the first time. The matter has been a thorny subject for a number of years but was resolved ahead of this edition with it being determined all 12 players plus the captain would be allocated 500,000 US dollars (£370,000). Of that, 300,000 dollars is to be allocated to a charity of the individual’s choice – an increase on a previous charitable agreement – with 200,000 dollars to be used as they see fit. European players, by contrast, are not paid and have not requested money, with team talisman Rory McIlroy even saying last year he would pay for the privilege of playing. Some have interpreted that to mean the Europeans care more about the Ryder Cup but US team member Xander Schauffele is among those to disagree. The two-time major winner, who has said he will donate his entire allocation to charity, said at a press conference: “You guys keep talking about it and trying to make it this negative thing – it’s whatever everyone views it as. “I don’t think I’d be sitting up on this stage if I didn’t have a positive attitude, and I try to look at this in the most positive of lights as possible – an opportunity to do some good, which isn’t always the case. “There’s a lot of pride that comes into playing in one of these, and yes, we’re happy to get paid for this, and yes, I plan on donating it. It’s something that selfishly will make me feel good about what I do.” Team captain Keegan Bradley, who helped set up the payment model, also plans to donate 100 per cent to charity and world number one Scottie Scheffler has suggested he will do likewise. Scheffler said: “My wife and I like to do a lot of stuff in our local community and I’ve never been one to announce what we do. “We have something planned for the money that we’ll be receiving. I think it’s a really cool thing that the PGA of America has empowered us to do.” Patrick Cantlay, whose failure to wear a team hat at the 2023 Ryder Cup led to suggestions he was protesting about a lack of payments, has also confirmed he will donate all to good causes. It seems unlikely Europe will look to follow suit. Captain Luke Donald told Sky Sports: “I talked to the 12 guys in Rome when it looked like the US were going to do something different with payments. “Every one of them was like, ‘No we don’t want paying – this is not a week to get paid’. “If you have those experiences that you remember for the rest of your life, that’s worth more than a couple of hundred thousand dollars in your back pocket. I was very proud of the guys.”
Fiji futsal captain to miss New Zealand match – FBC News
[Photo Credit: OFC] Fiji Futsal captain Kitione Baleloa will be unavailable for today’s OFC Men’s Futsal Cup match against New Zealand after accumulating two yellow cards. This means the Fijian team will have to face a challenging opponent without its leader. Baleloa says that while it is difficult to miss such a highly anticipated game, he has confidence in his teammates. Article continues after advertisement “I think the game against New Zealand game against New Zealand everybody wants to play against New Zealand but like I’ll be missing the game and I know that the boys they will play their hearts out” He says that the team will continue to play for their families and supporters, as well as to prove their collective strength. Meanwhile, Filipe Baravilala acknowledged that New Zealand is an experienced side that has been to the World Cup. He adds that the team will stick to their coach’s game plan in order to match the strong New Zealand side. Fiji will play New Zealand tonight at 7pm at Vodafone Arena, Suva. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
England Ashes squad: Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, Mark Wood – profiles & stats
Image source, BBC Sport/Getty Images England have named a 16-player squad as they look to regain the Ashes in Australia this winter. The series starts on 21 November, with the fifth and final Test beginning on 4 January. The core of England’s group is settled, with all-rounder Will Jacks the surprise inclusion as the second spinner. BBC Sport profiles each of the players, looks at their Test career and previous record in Australia. Ben Stokes (captain and all-rounder) Tests: 115, Runs: 7,032, Average: 35.69, Wickets: 230, Average: 31.64 England’s talismanic leader sat out of the final Test against India with a shoulder injury but the 34-year-old was back training in early September. Stokes has also had two serious hamstring injuries in the past couple of years and England’s chances are likely to hinge on his availability. He has played nine Tests in Australia and averages 28.61 with the bat, while he’s claimed 19 wickets at 40.94. His presence is key to England’s ability to balance the side and he was arguably the pick of their bowlers this summer. Ben Duckett (opening batter) Tests: 38, Runs: 2,872, Average: 42.86, Centuries: Six The 30-year-old will open the batting for England and has played a pivotal role with his counter-attacking style under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. He’s having a fine 2024 too, averaging 60.20, but he’s yet to play a Test in Australia. The left-hander averaged 35.66 in the five-Test home series against Australia in 2023. Zak Crawley (opening batter) Tests: 59, Runs: 3,313, Average: 31.55, Centuries: Five The right-hander has come under external pressure for his place in the side after a lean couple of years, but England have stuck by him with this series in mind. They believe the quicker, bouncier pieces in Australia will suit Crawley and his naturally aggressive style can put the hosts on the back foot. He averaged 27.66 in three Tests on the last tour down under. Ollie Pope (Top-order batter) Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ollie Pope has lost the vice-captaincy to Harry Brook Tests: 61, Runs: 3,607, Average: 35.36, Centuries: Nine Another whose place has come under scrutiny, but having filled in as captain when Stokes was injured he was always going to be part of the group. However, Pope has lost the vice-captaincy to white-ball skipper Harry Brook for this series. Pope will act as the back-up wicketkeeper in case of any injury or illness to Jamie Smith. He’s averaged 47.70 so far in 2025, but that is boosted by 171 against Zimbabwe. The right-hander has played three Tests in Australia and averages a measly 11.16. Joe Root (top-order batter) Tests: 158, Runs: 13,543, Average: 51.29, Centuries: 39 England’s Mr Reliable, but not always in Australia. He may be England’s all-time leading run-scorer but he’s yet to score a century in 14 Tests in Australia. The right-hander averages 35.68 in that time, but let’s hope that first century comes or we’ll have to deal with a naked Matthew Hayden, external walking round the MCG in Melbourne. Harry Brook (Vice-captain and middle-order batter) Tests: 30, Runs: 2,820, Average: 57.55, Centuries: 10 Perhaps England’s X-factor with the bat. He can produce a sensational innings but can also frustrate with rash shots at times. The right-hander averages 53.90 this year and had a decent 2023 Ashes with an average of 40.33 in five games. This will be his first taste of Ashes cricket in Australia. Jacob Bethell (top/middle-order batter) Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jacob Bethell made scores of six and five in his last Test against India Tests: Four, Runs: 271, Average: 38.71, Centuries: None The 21-year-old is likely to be England’s spare batter. He impressed during a debut series against New Zealand last winter but has had a frustrating summer with limited opportunities. He scored his first professional century in a one-day international against South Africa earlier this month though and England would feel comfortable picking him if needed. Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper) Tests: 15, Runs: 1,075, Average: 48.86, Centuries: Two, Dismissals: 54 Smith has been very accomplished with the gloves and bat since making his Test debut in 2024. However, by the end of the first five-Test series this summer he did look fatigued and frazzled. England’s aggressive style with the bat means he could spend most – if not all – days in the field in the series so it could be another learning curve on his first tour of Australia. Will Jacks (all-rounder) Tests: Two, Runs: 89, Average: 22.25, Wickets: Six, Average: 38.66 The wildcard in the squad, with Jacks’ two previous Tests coming in Pakistan as a second spin option in December 2022. However, the Surrey man has been picked over Leicestershire’s Rehan Ahmed, Hampshire’s Liam Dawson or out-and-out spinner Jack Leach as the second spin option. He will offer England depth with the bat but his spin is untested really. He has bowled just 74 overs in the County Championship this season, taking five wickets at 38.80. Jofra Archer (pace bowler) Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jofra Archer took nine wickets in two Tests against India after a four-year gap between red-ball appearances for England Tests: 15, Wickets: 51, Average: 30.62, Best figures: 6-45 Definitely the X-factor with the ball. A series of injuries have hampered Archer’s Test career but his long-awaited return against India this summer was undoubtedly a success. He will have to be carefully managed throughout the series – and how England do that may determine their chances. The right-armer is yet to play a Test in Australia, but enjoyed success with 22 wickets in his debut series in 2019. Mark Wood (pace bowler) Tests: 37, Wickets: 119, Average: 30.42, Best figures: 6-37 England’s prime speedster, but can they get him on the field? His last Test was in August 2024 and he hasn’t played any cricket since February after surgery on a knee injury. He was targeting a couple of matches for Durham before the end of the season but that now seems unlikely.
Scottie Scheffler: ‘I get calls and messages from Donald Trump following a win’
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 World number one Scottie Scheffler has revealed he receives calls and messages from United States president Donald Trump after he wins tournaments. Golf-loving Trump will attend the first day of the Ryder Cup this week as the United States begin their bid to regain the trophy when they take on Europe at Bethpage Black in New York on Friday. The president is due to visit the course during the first day of competitive action and Scheffler says the US team are honoured by his presence, amid a glowing endorsement of Trump. open image in gallery Trump is a big golf fan and will be at the Ryder Cup on Friday (Jane Barlow/PA) Scheffler said: “The president is kind of funny. He loves the game of golf, he loves supporting golfers and I get a call or a text from him sometimes after wins. “He just loves the game of golf and he’s one of those guys when you’re around him, he does such a good job of feeding confidence into everybody around him. “That was one of the things I noticed a lot with the little bit of time I spent with him, is he treats everybody the same and treats people with the utmost respect. “Whether you’re the person serving us lunch or the caddie on the golf course or the guy who’s the president of the club that we’re at, he treats everybody like they’re the greatest person in the world. “I don’t think he has any plans to address us as a team, but I’m sure if things go well, we’ll hear from him this week.” Trump’s visit to Bethpage Black comes amid a divided political landscape following the assassination of influencer Charlie Kirk a fortnight ago and the subsequent temporary cancellation of television host Jimmy Kimmell. Scheffler described it as a “tough few weeks for our country”, but said that his team were all ready to rally for their country. “I think our team as a whole, we’re very proud to be Americans. I think the flag means a lot to us,” he said. open image in gallery PA Graphic “Being here in New York I think is very special as well and to have the President here. “It’s been a tough few weeks for our country with some of the stuff that’s been going on and to have our president here and for us to represent the United States of America – albeit being in a golf tournament – is extremely important for us. “We’re excited to be on home soil with the home crowd and we’re ready to get this tournament started.” US captain Keegan Bradley played down the prospect of Trump addressing the team but said his presence would be “something that everyone will remember forever”. “I think President Trump is a pretty busy guy. I’m just thrilled he’s going to be here,” Bradley said. “I really look forward to what that first tee is going to be like with the President on it. “I think this first tee at Bethpage is going to be a sporting event to remember and then you add on the President of the United States standing there, I really think it’s going to be something that everyone will remember forever. “I’m deeply honoured that he is going to come support our team at the Ryder Cup. “I think any time you can be around a current President is a pretty phenomenal thing, but when you’re representing your country at a place like Bethpage Black in New York, having him there to support you is something that is just absolutely incredible. “I’m really grateful to him for doing that for us.” PA
Former cricket umpire ‘Dickie’ Bird dies aged 92
Former Test umpire Harold “Dickie” Bird has died at the age of 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced on Tuesday. Bird was one of the best-known and most respected officials in the game, standing in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals. Yorkshire issued a statement on their website saying Bird, “one of cricket’s most beloved figures”, had died peacefully at home. ‘Illustrious career’ “Dickie Bird enjoyed an illustrious career as an international umpire, writing his name into history as the most famous and popular official in the game’s history,” the club said. “He is synonymous with Yorkshire Cricket, where he has been one of the most loyal supporters. In 2014, he was named president of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role he held with pride and distinction.” Dickie Bird played for English counties Yorkshire and Leicestershire but made his name as an international umpire. “Over a distinguished career, he officiated in 66 Test matches and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals – earning the admiration of players and fans alike for his integrity, humour, and unmistakable style,” Yorkshire’s statement said.
Unlucky Fiji thrashed by New Zealand – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Football Association/Facebook] Fiji’s futsal team suffered a brutal 10-3 loss to New Zealand in their final OFC Men’s Futsal Cup match at Suva’s Vodafone Arena. While the final score was lopsided, the first half showed promise for the home side. Fiji started strong, with Rajneel Singh and Filipe Baravilala each scoring a goal, keeping the team just one goal behind defending champions New Zealand, with the score at 3-2. Article continues after advertisement The home crowd was given a glimpse of hope in the second half when youngster Neeraj Sharma was quick to convert a goal for Fiji. However, the momentum quickly shifted as New Zealand came back hard with seven straight goals. In a last-ditch effort, Fiji tried a power play, with playmaker Merril Nand taking on the goalkeeper’s jersey to add an extra attacker. However, the strategy backfired, as New Zealand was quick to intercept the ball and score into an open goal. Three of New Zealand’s goals came from this tactic, with keeper Kartik Sharma unable to get back into position in time. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Umyla Hanley ‘was set to be a brickie’ before rebuilding career at Leigh
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 Rejected by Wigan while still in his teens, Umyla Hanley was less than 24 hours away from turning his back on rugby league for good and getting a job on a building site. Hanley had spent a frustrating period out on loan at Championship club Newcastle in 2022 and returned to find he was surplus to requirements at his home-town side. “I’d gone out and bought some work boots and a hi-vis vest and I was all set to go out on the construction site on the Monday and be a brickie or whatever,” Hanley told the PA news agency. Adrian Lam had other ideas. As Wigan coach, Lam had handed Hanley his Super League debut at the age of 18 in 2020, before subsequently making the short trip across the borough to take charge of ambitious Championship challengers Leigh. “I got a call off Lammy on the Sunday saying would I come down to Leigh, and I jumped at the chance, and I’ve never looked back,” said Hanley, whose stellar performances in 2025 have earned him a coveted place in this season’s Super League Dream Team. The move was a no-brainer for Lam, the architect of Leigh’s rise from second-tier hopefuls to Challenge Cup winners in 2023, a trajectory they intend to continue when they kick off their post-season play-off campaign against sixth-placed finishers Wakefield at home next Friday night. “I remember making that phone call at the 11th hour,” said Lam. “He’d already bought his steel toe-cap boots and he was all ready to let rugby league go all together. “From the moment I knew Wigan didn’t want him, I got in there quickly. I couldn’t believe it. I’d had him from the age of 15 at Wigan and given him his Super League debut, and I could see the improvement he’d been making. “It’s one of the reasons I love coaching, for these moments. Where he’s got to today is incredible. He’s got a voice, he’s a leader, and I challenge any player to be more competitive. He’s an absolute beast in that.” Hanley’s personal rise has been mirrored by his club, who surged to a third-place finish at the end of the regular campaign to earn their home play-off and a chance to go one better than their stunning Wembley win in their first season back in the top flight. Far from content with the notion that Leigh’s current squad have gone as far they can, Hanley insisted: “I feel like we could have won a few more games this season and been in an even better position than we find ourselves now. “But if we’d been told at the start of the season we’d finish third, I think we’d have been happy with that. Momentum is a massive thing in this game, and I think with the way our season has gone, we’ve really got everything going for us at the minute.”
Does Kaizer Chiefs play better without Nabi? Petersen weighs in
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Perersen has shared his thoughts on the club playing without head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Since the beginning of the season, there has been a perception that Amakhosi plays with more freedom without Nabi. The team has won three of their opening Betway Premiership games under the guidance of Khalil Ben Youssef while Nabi was away. The Tunisian tactician returned to the club but only secured four points from a possible nine. Against Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, Kaizer Chiefs decided to leave Nabi behind, with Ben Youssef again taking over. Petersen, who has been the team’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, has rebutted claims that Chiefs played better without Nabi. “I think we’ve always been the same when coach Nabi was there or if he wasn’t there,” he told the media. “Like you said, it’s a conspiracy. For us, it’s important to always respect whoever is in charge because that’s our job. Our job is to play football, listen to the coaches.” Nabi and Chiefs set to part ways Speaking during the launch of the Carling Knockout Cup, Petersen said the club’s main focus was to stay focused amid Nabi’s potential exit. “I think at the end of the day, it’s football, coaches come, and coaches go. For us, the main thing is to stay focused. We have back-to-back games, and it’s important to try to keep the team together. We have a job in hand, and our job is to play football. That’s the main focus for now. We’re looking forward to the next fixture and doing our best,” he said. The Chiefs have not officially confirmed Nabi’s exit, but there are reports that the Tunisian is no longer at Naturena. Who should coach Chiefs next? Is Pitso the perfect fit for Amakhosi?