DP World Tour: Tommy Fleetwood two shots behind leader Keita Nakajima in India
Tommy Fleetwood benefited from a massive stroke of luck on the final hole of his third round at the DP World India Championship to end the day two shots behind leader Keita Nakajima. Overnight leader Fleetwood endured a frustrating back nine at Delhi Golf Club, missing a succession of short putts as Japan’s Nakajima overtook him with a stunning seven-under-par round of 65. England’s Fleetwood was trailing by three when he put his approach shot deep into trees lining the par-five 18th, but his ball bounced out and he was able to finish with a chip and a putt for birdie. The 34-year-old’s 69 took him to 15 under for his three rounds, while Ryder Cup team-mate Shane Lowry is a shot back in third place after also carding a 69. Elsewhere, England’s Alex Fitzpatrick is in a four-way tie for fourth place on 13 under following his bogey-free 67, while Rory McIlroy is down in 15th, on 10 under after his 68. Fleetwood stormed into the lead with a dazzling eight-under 64 in Friday’s second round, but cut a frustrated figure on Saturday as his putter ran cold. He was three under for the day at the turn, but missed two six-foot birdie putts on the back nine, then one from a similar distance on the 17th for par. Nakajima seized his opportunity, making seven birdies and no bogeys as he moved from fourth place overnight to head the field on 17 under par. Lowry, who played alongside Nakajima, also birdied the last to stay within touching distance of the lead. “Keita played great today,” the Irishman told the DP World Tour. “He will be hard to beat tomorrow, but there will be a few of us not far behind him and hopefully giving him a run.”
England’s opening T20 against New Zealand abandoned due to rain
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’s huge winter started in underwhelming fashion with a fitful batting display as rain in Christchurch led to an abandonment in the first T20 against New Zealand. While external attention is already trained on the Ashes, which starts next month, England must first negotiate a white-ball series across the Tasman Sea and the three T20s are building blocks for the World Cup early next year. The tourists came into the series opener with a deep batting line-up but, while five of their top seven reached double figures, only Sam Curran passed 30 and his unbeaten 49 not out off 35 balls bailed them out from 81 for five. They were denied the chance to defend 153 for six, which seemed competitive given the tricky Hagley Oval pitch, when the heavens opened during the interval and play was officially called off at 10.12pm local time. Curran’s second-highest T20 score came after he was dropped twice – he also reversed being given out lbw to Kyle Jamieson, whose delivery pitched fractionally outside leg stump – but he cashed in on his fortuity with 18 off his last five balls. The no result in New Zealand’s early spring was harsh on the Black Caps, who hunted as a pack, with all six of their bowlers collecting a wicket. Matt Henry was superb in the powerplay, while spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell conceded just one boundary between them in six overs against an England side missing Jofra Archer, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith and Will Jacks, all rested for this series with an eye on the Ashes. England, though, boast a formidable opening pairing in Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, who are the only duo to make more than 1,000 T20 runs together and average in excess of 50. open image in gallery New Zealand’s Mark Chapman takes a catch to dismiss Phil Salt (AP) Buttler belted his second ball for six after England were inserted, but it proved a false dawn as Salt sliced to deep third and Jacob Bethell was scratchy, regularly swishing at thin air as he started with six successive dots. Bethell, vying for the number-three spot in the Ashes, did get a couple of straight boundaries away, including a lusty straight six off the expensive Jacob Duffy, but he departed for 15 after a cross-batted hack off Henry took the top edge and looped back to the seamer. Brook, in his 50th T20 international, cleared the fence twice but was outfoxed on 20 by James Neesham’s off-cutter, albeit in slightly unfortunate fashion after an inside edge on to his pads thudded into the stumps. Tom Banton, Buttler and then Jordan Cox, in the unfamiliar role of batting at number seven, all perished in the deep after aiming straight, leaving Curran to carry the can for the remainder of the innings. He needed a bit of luck, first dropped on 14 when Duffy shelled a steepling return chance, not helped by a sudden downpour that led to a 15-minute delay. open image in gallery Sam Curran hits out against New Zealand (AP) Upon the resumption, Curran was given a second life on 26 when Tim Robinson spilled a much simpler waist-high offering in the deep. Curran also overturned an lbw verdict against him on 30, but he claimed the only boundary off New Zealand’s spinners by launching Santner over the rope before taking 19 off Duffy’s final over, including a whip off a full toss into the crowd. While New Zealand would have fancied their chances, they did not get to reply following a 45-minute shower. While the rain did stop and the ground staff worked furiously, the umpires decided there was no hope of a restart.
Marama Cup semifinal line-up confirmed – FBC News
The stage is set for the Subrails Marama Cup 2025 semifinals after an action-packed weekend of quarterfinal clashes that saw Namosi, Suva, Kadavu, and Nasinu book their spots. Namosi were dominant with a convincing 35–17 win over Nadi, while Suva held off a spirited Lautoka side to edge them 38–32 in a nail-biter at Churchill Park, Lautoka. Over at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Kadavu kept their dream run alive after a narrow 31–29 victory over Nadroga in one of the weekend’s most thrilling encounters. Article continues after advertisement Nasinu, meanwhile, proved too strong for Naitasiri, running away with an impressive 62–22 win to cap off the quarterfinals in style. The semifinals are set for next week, with the top four teams now just one step away from a spot in the 2025 Marama Cup final. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Barcelona in Miami: Oviedo and Espanyol players stage 15-second protest against La Liga
The AFE’s statement added that replica demonstrations will follow at the remaining La Liga games this weekend. The union has not asked Barcelona and Villarreal players to participate, however, to avoid it being “interpreted as a possible measure against any club”. The statement continued: “In the face of La Liga’s constant refusals and unrealistic proposals, the Spanish Footballers’ Association categorically rejects a project that does not have the approval of the main players in our sport and demands that the employers’ association create a negotiating table in which all information is shared and the exceptional characteristics of the project are analysed, the needs and concerns of the footballers are addressed, and the protection of their labour rights and compliance with current regulations are guaranteed.” The BBC has contacted La Liga for comment. Confirmation of the Miami game followed a decision by the Italian football federation (FIGC) to sanction a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como to be played in Perth, Australia in February. Earlier on Friday, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his players were not pleased at having to travel to the US to play a La Liga game. “My players are not happy, I am not happy, but La Liga decided that we will play this game,” Flick said at a news conference. Real Madrid expressed opposition when the fixture was announced, stating the consequences would be “so serious”, while Uefa “reluctantly” approved the move. This week, RFEF president Rafael Louzan said the move is “good for football”, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised the decision when it was confirmed, adding the match will “definitely be a great show”.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea live: Team news, line-ups and more as Premier League returns
Enzo Maresca handed ban and fine after Chelsea celebration against Liverpool Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will serve a one-match touchline ban after his sending-off against Liverpool. The Football Association said Maresca had admitted a misconduct charge, having been dismissed in the sixth minute of stoppage time in the match after wildly celebrating his side’s winner. He has also been fined £8,000. Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 10:05 Ange Postecoglou’s defiant response to seven-game winless run Asked if his self-belief had been dented by a difficult start at Forest, he said: “I started in Australia when I was 32 years old in semi-professional football and I’m here in the Premier League at the age of 60. Do you reckon I lack self-belief or don’t like a fight? “I didn’t get here because of my connections. In fact, I’ve picked fights. I have, even in the schoolyard. I’ve picked fights with people who I knew would beat me up. That’s the kind of person I am, so that’s fine.” Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 09:45 Ange Postecoglou remains confident he can deliver trophies at Nottingham Forest Ange Postecoglou insists if he is given time at a club it always “ends the same – with me and a trophy” following a tough start to life at Nottingham Forest. Postecoglou has failed to win any of his first seven games since taking charge at the club on September 9 and will hope to get over the line against Chelsea at the eighth time of asking. The Australian has already faced criticism from fans but retained the support of Forest’s hierarchy before they suffered a third successive defeat against Newcastle ahead of the international break. (Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 09:38 Cole Palmer to miss six more weeks of Chelsea action with injury Cole Palmer is set to miss the next six weeks for Chelsea with head coach Enzo Maresca warning that the club’s medical staff are “not magicians”. The 23-year-old has been struggling with a groin injury for much of the season and has not played since being taken off 20 minutes into the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on September 20. Prior to the international break Maresca said he had hoped to have Palmer back for Saturday’s game at Nottingham Forest but, when asked about the progress of the injury, he admitted: “I was wrong. Unfortunately he needs to be out probably six more weeks. “We try just to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is that when he comes back he’s fully fit.” Cole Palmer is set to miss the next six weeks for Chelsea (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire) Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 09:35 What is the Chelsea team news? On top of Maresca’s absence, Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer for another six weeks as his groin issue prolongs. Reece James has been passed fit to feature, though, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are back in contention. Benoit Badiashile is out until December with a muscle problem, while Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto are doubts. Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Lavia; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Pedro. Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 09:33 What is the Nottingham Forest team news? Forest don’t have many injury concerns, with their only major blow being that of Ola Aina who has been out for a while with a hamstring problem. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz are in a race against time to make 100 percent fitness, though. Nottingham Forest XI: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus. Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 09:32 When is Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea? Nottingham Forest’s clash with Chelsea in the Premier League kicks off at 12:30pm BST on Saturday 18 October at the City Ground in Nottingham. Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 11am BST. Subscribers can also watch the match on discovery+. Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 09:31 Good morning Chelsea make the trip to Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Nottingham Forest as the Premier League returns from the October international break. The Blues prolonged Liverpool’s slip last time out, with Estevao’s stoppage-time winner sending Stamford Bridge into euphoria and stripping the defending champions of top position. Enzo Maresca sprinted down the touchline to celebrate with his players but won’t have the chance to do the same at the City Ground – he’ll be absent from the Chelsea bench as he serves a one-match ban for his antics. Postecoglou, meanwhile, may not have much time left in his own dugout after a disastrous start to life at Forest, having failed to register a win in his first seven games since being appointed in September. Jamie Braidwood18 October 2025 09:30
2025 Track Cycling World Championships: How to follow the action live on the BBC
Katie Archibald will once again lead GB’s elite women in the madison and elimination races, while Olympic gold medallist Emma Finucane looks for further sprint success. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s men will be looking to get the better of the Netherlands this time out after missing out on sprint team bronze in 2024. They will have Manx rider Matthew Bostock among their ranks, with Michael Gill and Josh Charlton aiming for the individual pursuit gold. Matthew Richardson and Harry Ledingham-Horn will line up for the sprint. Australia have made one change to the squad that won the UCI Track Nations Cup Team pursuit in Konya as Olympic gold medallist Conor Leahy features in the squad for the first time since his Paris success. Great Britain squad Men’s endurance: Matthew Bostock, Josh Charlton, Michael Gill, Mark Stewart, Josh Tarling, Charlie Tanfield, Will Tidball Women’s endurance: Katie Archibald, Meg Barker, Josie Knight, Maddie Leech, Anna Morris, Jessica Roberts Men’s sprint: Harry Ledingham-Horn, Matt Richardson, Joe Truman, Hamish Turnbull Women’s sprint: Lauren Bell, Rhian Edmunds, Emma Finucane, Iona Moir, Rhianna Parris-Smith
Bula scores four tries in Fiji Bati opener – FBC News
Jahream Bula stole the spotlight for Fiji Bati, crossing over the finish line for four tries in their 44-24 win over Cook Islands Aitu in the Men’s Pacific Championships at Port Moresby. The 23-year-old was unstoppable, racing over for a hat-trick in the opening 12 minutes with tries in the 5th, 8th, and 12th minutes. He later added another just before halftime in the 37th minute. The Fijian side did not stop there, with tries also coming from Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga, Kurt Donoghoe, and Solome Saukuru. Brandon Wakeham was in top form as well, landing six out of eight conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking. Fiji Bati’s performance showed early dominance and plenty of attacking flair, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Arne Slot: ‘You cannot win the Premier League playing long-ball 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 Arne Slot has said that Liverpool will not be join the ranks of the teams who have adopted more long-ball tactics by saying it is not the way to win the Premier League. There has been more direct football played in the top flight so far this season, with statistics showing the overall numbers of passes down, but the number of long throws and long goal kicks up. Slot understands why some of his fellow managers are switching from a style of play based on having more possession but believes it is an approach best suited to teams trying to stop the best, not be the best and he believes potential champions cannot play that way. He explained: “I think that playing style of long ball and second ball is not a playing style a team has had that has won this league in the past 10 or 15 or 20 years. “If you want to win the league you cannot, in my opinion, it’s not able with that playing style. But it is a very fair answer to playing against Man City, playing against Liverpool, playing against Arsenal, to play against Chelsea, to play against all these top teams in that style. Liverpool manager Arne Slot oversees training (Action Images via Reuters) “I don’t see this style at any team in Europe that wins the league. It’s not Bayern Munich, not Barcelona, not Real Madrid, it’s not Liverpool, not Man City… but it is a style of play you see a lot happening to Man City. “Long ball, low block, long ball, low block, long ball, low block after they were so successful and this is what you see quite a lot at the moment with us as well.”
Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl win Britain’s third gold on day two in Rio
Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl triumphed in the women’s B individual pursuit to claim a third gold for Britain on day two of the Para-Cycling World Championships. The duo, who set a new world record in qualifying, paced their effort superbly to overcome a two-second deficit and beat New Zealand’s Emma Foy and Jessie Hodges, rounding off a fine day for the British team in Rio de Janeiro. Earlier in the evening Jody Cundy claimed his second gold in as many days by winning the inaugural men’s C4 sprint title, while James Ball and Steffan Lloyd claimed gold in the men’s B 1km time trial. Cundy, 47, led from start to finish as he held off Belgium’s Jarno Thierens and Australia’s Michael Shipley to win his 23rd world track gold medal. Ball and his pilot Lloyd were equally as impressive as they finished over a second clear of Australia’s Kane Perris and Luke Zaccaria, with Italy’s Stefano Meroni and Francesco Ceci in third. Kadeena Cox collected a silver in the women’s C4 kilo behind Australia’s Tara Neyland after being unable to maintain her blistering start. Fin Graham secured his second medal of the week with a bronze in the men’s C3 1km time trial and Lizzi Jordan and pilot Dannielle Khan caught Poland’s Karolina Karasiewicz and Dominika Putrya to earn a bronze in the women’s B individual pursuit. However, there was disappointment for Blaine Hunt, who crashed out in the men’s C5 elimination race. The British team now has four golds, three silver medals and five bronze medals overall.
Thomas Frank hails Fabio Paratici’s ‘great eye’ on return to Tottenham
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 Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank is aware of Fabio Paratici’s recent criminal case but has praised the “good guy” with a “great eye” after the Italian officially returned to the club. Spurs announced on Wednesday that Paratici was back as co-sporting director after being used as a consultant for the past two years since his resignation in 2023. Paratici first joined Tottenham in 2021, but stepped down to deal with allegations of false accounting at former club Juventus. The Italian subsequently served a 30-month ban imposed by FIFA – which did not prevent his consultancy work – before a criminal case over the same matter reached a conclusion last month in Rome after a plea bargain by Paratici and others involved was entered. With the court case over, Paratici has been able to return to Tottenham and will work alongside Johan Lange, who has been technical director for the past 24 months but has been promoted to co-sporting director. Ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa, Frank said: “I’ve heard about (the case). I don’t know too much about the details. “I know Fabio as a good guy at the times I’ve met him and I think he’s got a lot of quality and I look forward to working with him. “The strong abilities both Johan and Fabio have, I think that they complement each other so well, so it’s like a perfect match. “Johan is very good to put in good structures and building that recruitment department, our insight department, our analysis department. “I think Fabio comes with another angle and another experience from 10 years in Italy with a great network and a great eye and a great vision for football. I think the way they complement each other is very good.” The January transfer window will be the first real chance for Paratici and Lange to show their new formal partnership can work and last week it was announced that majority owners ENIC, run by the Lewis family trust, have injected £100million of capital into the club. It will not necessarily be solely for player recruitment, but after three expressions of interest in acquiring shares in Tottenham were “unequivocally rejected” by the trust, Frank says the long-term commitment of the majority shareholders is clear. He added: “First and foremost, I think it’s hugely positive that the Lewis family is clearly showing their interest in doing everything they can to improve the club and back the club and want us to be as successful as possible. “I think that’s a sign of it, that they are injecting cash into the club. Also… it’s remarkable the three rumours about takeovers get so big. I’m so glad I’m not reading too much. “But the key thing is, they show their big, big, big interest publicly in trying to help the club. We know it internally. And how we will spend the money, of course, we will keep that for ourselves.”