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Naomi Osaka pulls out of Japan Open quarter-final with injury

Fiji U15 boys off to a strong start against New Caledonia – FBC News

[Source: Fiji Football/Facebook] The Fiji Under-15 boys football team started their Fiji–New Caledonia Football Exchange Program campaign on a high note with an impressive 7–3 win over New Caledonia at the Fiji FA Academy Ground in Ba yesterday. The young Fijians showed great attacking flair and teamwork, dominating the match from start to finish. Fiji Football Association Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said the exchange was part of Fiji FA’s wider plan to develop young talent and strengthen ties within the Pacific region. Article continues after advertisement “This program gives our young players valuable international experience while helping build friendships and unity through football. The result is just a bonus, what matters most is their growth and exposure.” The Fiji–New Caledonia U15 Football Exchange Program aims to promote youth development, cultural exchange, and stronger cooperation between the two federations. The exchange includes three matches each for both the boys and girls, with the second match tomorrow at 3pm and the final on Monday at 3pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.

Stormers boosted with return of Warrick Gelant

The livewire fullback missed the opening three rounds of the URC due to an injury which kept him out. Fortunately, the 27-year-old Wandisile Simelane proved to be more than capable of covering in his absence. It was also the first time the former Bulls flyer donned the No 15 jersey for the Cape-based team, after last playing at the back during his time in Gauteng. Despite the passage of time, he continued to impress as a utility player, an achievement that earned him a Man of the Match award. Warrick Gelant’s return is welcomed by staff After securing an impressive start to the season, head coach John Dobson expressed optimism about their chances of excelling. He believes that the return of Warrick will provide an extra layer of confidence ahead of the game. “Having a player like Warrick back in the mix is a boost for us. The other players coming in are also keen to make an impression. Hopefully that will work in our favour,” he said. Match-day captain Ruhan Nel is equally excited to have the former Outeniqua pupil back. “Having Warrick back is very exciting. He takes a lot of pride in playing no 15 and dominates space in that position. We are all obviously familiar with his attacking ability.” The return of Warrick means Damian Willemse will move from fullback to inside centre, where he will play alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (fly-half) and Ruhan Nel (outside centre). Zachary Porthern gets his nod at prop. After suffering a loss of props Neethling Fouche and Sazi Sandi to injury, former Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthern will get his first-ever start for the Stormers. The 21-year-old featured in two of the three games played this year and has done enough to earn the respect of the coaching staff. “We have been very impressed with Zachary. He had a difficult World Under-20 Championship last year, so we felt we needed to grow his scrumming, but he did well when he came on against Benetton last year, and he surprised us,” said Dobson. Team: Warrick Gelant, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, Damian Willemse, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Stefan Ungerer, Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, Paul De Villiers, Ruben van Heerden, Adre Smith, Zachary Porthern, JJ Kotze, Ali Vermaak. Bench: Andre-Hugo Venter, Vernon Matongo, Hencus van Wyk, JD Schikerling, Ruan Ackermann, Marcel Theunissen, Imad Khan, Wandisile Simelane. Kick-off at 20:45

Paulie Malignaggi names ‘odd man out’ who deserves Oleksandr Usyk title shot

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 Paulie Malignaggi has named the heavyweight contender he wants to see face Oleksandr Usyk next. The former two-weight world champion will be returning to the ring himself on Saturday night when he takes on Britain’s Tyler Goodjohn in a bare-knuckle fight in Leeds. But Malignaggi remains heavily involved in boxing as an analyst and has been keeping a close eye on the heavyweight division. Usyk is currently pondering his next move after knocking out Daniel Dubois, and an interim world title fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley is due to take place on October 25 to determine his next challenger. Rumours have emerged that Usyk may not fight the winner and could instead vacate his WBO belt to pursue a more financially lucrative bout. But Malignaggi believes Parker should get his chance to become a two-time champion if he can get past Wardley. “I think Parker has been deserving for a while,” Malignaggi said. “He’s sort of the odd man out. He keeps performing and not getting his shot. I hope to see him get his shot soon. “Maybe he’s not as exciting as the Dubois’ of the world, who are getting shots, but I’d like to see him get a shot while he’s still at a prime age.” Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year Joseph Parker celebrates his early knockout of Martin Bakole (Getty Images) Parker held the WBO title between 2016 and 2018 before losing a unification fight with Anthony Joshua. He has since worked his way back into title contention and won his last six fights – a run that has seen him beat Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole. At 33, Parker appears to be at the peak of his powers, but Malignaggi doesn’t want him to wait around much longer when he could start to show signs of decline. “If you keep marinating him, he may get upset in a fight where he wasn’t supposed to because it’s hard to keep getting motivated and keep being disappointed,” Malignaggi added. 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. Usyk is five years older than Parker and is now a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion after previously ruling the cruiserweight division. Malignaggi would like to see the Ukrainian great walk away while he is still at the top but feels Parker should be next in line if Usyk opts to fight on. “I’d like to see him (Usyk) retire,” Malignaggi admitted. “He’s not getting any younger, so I think it’s risky as you get older. “But who am I to tell another grown man what to do? Especially if he’s performing the way he’s been performing. I do hope Parker gets a shot, though. Let’s see how he gets on against Wardley, I don’t want to overlook Wardley. But you expect Parker to come through Wardley and then we’ll see.” 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.

Cakobau Bowl to continue for the second year in a row – FBC News

The Annual Native Constabulary Cakobau Bowl Challenge was officially launched this morning, marking the second year of the rugby encounter between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Corrections Service. The fixture, which began last year, saw Police claim a 45–31 victory at the Nasova Grounds. This year’s challenge carries added significance for the Fiji Corrections Service as it coincides with the organisation’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Article continues after advertisement Acting Commissioner of Corrections Sevuloni Naucukidi said his side is determined to make a strong statement in this year’s clash. “We are better prepared this year and will give Police a run for their money.” The annual match continues to promote camaraderie, discipline, and teamwork between the two institutions while celebrating their shared history of service to the nation. This year’s match will be staged at Albert Park on the 31st of this month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.

Late field goal hands Bengals thrilling win over Steelers

Evan McPherson’s field goal with seven seconds left gives the Cincinnati Bengals a dramatic 33-31 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ministers attempt to reverse ban on Tel Aviv fans at Aston Villa match: Live updates

Full statement from West Midlands Police: West Midlands Police has a strong track record of successfully policing football matches and other high-risk public events. We are committed to delivering fair and impartial policing, while balancing the public’s right to protest with our duty to ensure public safety. Following a thorough assessment, we have classified the upcoming Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv fixture as high risk. We have actively engaged with a wide range of local partners and community representatives in preparation for this fixture, and continue to participate in the Safety Advisory Group. While the Safety Certificate is issued by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending. This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Amsterdam. Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety. We remain steadfast in our support all affected communities, and reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on hate crime in all its forms. Athena Stavrou17 October 2025 10:05 How violent Amsterdam football riot unfolded – and why police have banned Israeli fans from Aston Villa As government officials are set to meet over the ban, The Independent takes a look back at what happened in Amsterdam last autumn: Athena Stavrou17 October 2025 09:57 Watch: Birmingham MP defends ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game Birmingham MP defends ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Aston Villa game Athena Stavrou17 October 2025 09:55 British-Israeli former hostage speaks out about ban Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year before being released in January, and who supports football teams Maccabi Tel Aviv and Tottenham Hotspur, said the decision to ban Israeli fans attending a match against Aston Villa was “outrageous”. She said: “I am shocked to my core with this outrageous decision to ban me, my family and my friends from attending an Aston Villa game in the UK. “Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, colour or religion, and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite. “Shame on you. I hope you come to your senses and reconsider. “I do wonder what exactly has become of UK society. This is like putting a big sign on the outside of a stadium saying: ‘No Jews allowed’. “What has become of the UK where blatant antisemitism has become the norm? What a sad world we are living in.” Undated handout photo of British Israeli citizen Emily Damari (Pomi Ofir Tal/PA) (PA Media) Athena Stavrou17 October 2025 09:54 Uefa urges UK to allow Maccabi Tel Aviv to attend match Uefa, which runs the Europa League, urged UK authorities to make sure Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could attend the match in Birmingham. In a statement, it said: “Uefa wants fans to be able to travel and support their team in a safe, secure and welcoming environment, and encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen. “In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances.” (AP) Athena Stavrou17 October 2025 09:53 Senior government figures to meet in attempt to reverse decision Senior Government figures will meet on Friday to “see if there’s a way through” a ban on Israeli fans attending a football match in Birmingham, a minister has said. Culture department minister Ian Murray told Sky News that the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters attending next month’s match against Aston Villa was the “wrong decision” by Birmingham’s safety advisory group. Mr Murray told the broadcaster: “The Prime Minister and the Government have been clear about that. In fact, pretty much every politician has been clear about that.” He added: “It’s just completely and utterly unacceptable, and the Prime Minister has said we will do everything we possibly can to resolve this issue. “It’s an operational issue for the police, and Government doesn’t get involved in operational issues for the police. “But I know the Culture Secretary of State (Lisa Nandy) will be meeting with the Home Office and other stakeholders today to try and see if there’s a way through this.” (PA Wire) Athena Stavrou17 October 2025 09:48 Starmer says ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending Aston Villa game is ‘wrong decision’ Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a decision to ban supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv from their team’s match against Aston Villa as “the wrong decision”. The prime minister joined calls for Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision and allow Maccabi fans to attend the game. He said on X: “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. “The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.” Athena Stavrou17 October 2025 09:46

Naomi Osaka: Grand Slam winner withdraws from Japan Open after Emma Raducanu injuries

Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the Japan Open before Friday’s quarter-final because of a leg injury sustained in the second round. The former world number one held back tears and needed painkillers to come through a three-set last-16 win over defending champion Suzan Lamens on Wednesday. Top seed Osaka, who completed the match with strapping on her left thigh, was due to face Jaqueline Cristian in the last eight but the Romanian will instead progress to the semi-finals. The Japan Open made the announcement on X, saying: “We regret to announce that Naomi Osaka has not recovered from a left leg injury sustained during the second round of this tournament and has withdrawn from the quarter-finals scheduled for today.” It is not yet known whether Osaka will play in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo later this month. The four-time Grand Slam champion is the latest high-profile player to suffer late-season injury issues. In September, Iga Swiatek complained the season is “too long and too intense” following a string of injuries among players at the China Open. British number one Emma Raducanu called time on her season on Thursday after retiring from her two previous matches with illness. Australia’s Daria Kasatkina, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Spain’s Paula Badosa also ended their seasons early in recent weeks. Across two tournaments in China last week, five players retired injured.

Big bonus for Farebrother champions – FBC News

[Source: Jacks of Fiji/Facebook] The Naitasiri senior men’s team has received a $10,000 bonus for winning the INKK Sullivan Farebrother Trophy Challenge. The bonus was presented by their sponsors, Jacks of Fiji, in Suva earlier today. During the event, the staff of Jacks also held a traditional welcoming ceremony called the ‘i – vakamamaca’ to thank the team for an outstanding season in the Skipper Cup competition as they won all five Farebrother matches and clinched the title at their home ground in Naluwai a fortnight ago. Article continues after advertisement Naitasiri Rugby President Colonel Aseri Rokoura says many don’t see the hard work behind the team’s preparation, and the bonus means more than words can express. He adds this incentive will greatly help the team who travel daily from the highlands to attend training sessions. “When I started here, we didn’t have any bonus payouts like this. We are thankful to Jacks of Fiji that when we started our vuvale partnership last December until now there were a few great incentives and these are some of the things that really boosted the players.” The team is in for a treat after Jacks of Fiji Brands Activation Manager Biu Tadranu challenged them with an even bigger prize if they win the Skipper Cup. “Jacks of Fiji is awarding $10,000 for winning the Farebrother trophy. We would now like to challenge Naitasiri. We will give $25,000 if they win the Skipper Cup.” Tadranu adds that the team has the full support of the 1,600 Jacks of Fiji management and staff, despite the different provinces they come from across the country. Naitasiri will meet Ba in tomorrow’s quarterfinal clash which will be held at 3pm at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka tomorrow. Malolo will meet Nadroga in the match before that at 1pm. You can watch these two matches LIVE on FBC 2. In other matches at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Lautoka meets Tailevu at 1pm and Suva takes on Nadi at 3pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.

Andrew Flintoff says he felt ‘guilt’ after death of friend Ricky Hatton

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 Andrew Flintoff has expressed profound guilt following the death of his friend, Ricky Hatton. T he former world welterweight champion, 46, was found hanged at his Hyde home on September 14, Stockport Coroner’s Court heard on Thursday. Cricket star Flintoff revealed their bond, forged as both rose to prominence concurrently. He recalled on Piers Morgan Uncensored, airing on YouTube, their last chance meeting on a Manchester-bound train. “I think it’s like all these things, when something like that happens and you speak and everyone says, ‘he seemed fine’, ‘he seemed all right’, ‘he was looking forward to fighting in the next few weeks out in Dubai’. “There’s almost a guilt… How people didn’t know? And the one thing I found in recent years, over the past few years, it’s happened to more and more people. “With Graham Thorpe in cricket who (was an) absolute great man, someone who is thought of so dearly by everyone who he played with and everyone he’s coached. You just feel like, ‘if only we would have known’. But it’s terrible.” Flintoff said he attended some of Hatton’s fights in the past and recalled other fun times they had spent together. “We’ve sung karaoke together and I never knew all these things that he was struggling with until we sat down,” Flintoff added. “When we started talking, obviously, he was so honest about what he had been going through and how he felt. And then, as he was talking, I was relating to it. I’ve felt like that, that’s what I’ve been like. open image in gallery Andrew Flintoff praised Hatton’s honesty about his mental health struggles (John Walton/PA) “Then it just turned into a chat between two blokes being really honest. “(Ricky was) this working class hero from Manchester who goes into the ring, he fights, all heart. He’s funny, you see him like doing stand-up routines at press conferences, and he feels like this. “And then obviously what’s happened over the past two weeks, it’s been devastating. For his friends, his family, but anyone who has been in contact with Ricky.” If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you

Category: Sports