Six Kings Slam live: Scores and updates from Novak Djokovic v Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz v Taylor Fritz matches in big-money Saudi exhibition on Netflix
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 Taylor Fritz Alcaraz suddenly has to face break point but produces another clutch serve to save. Fritz is forced to chase down another Alcaraz drop shot and pushes it long to bring up our third match point. Alcaraz goes for the drop shot again. It wasn’t perfect, but Fritz goes long! Alcaraz is through and looked very good indeed in beating Fritz 6-4 6-2, no concerns about his ankle here. There’s a a warm embrace at the net as Alcaraz wins his second match in a row against Fritz, following from his defeat to him at the Laver Cup last month. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 19:04 *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-2 Taylor Fritz Wide serve, forehand winner from Alcaraz on the opening point – but Fritz isn’t done yet and gets to 15-30 after snapping a couple of aggressive returns. Alcaraz responds by punishing the backhand down the line, then follows it up with an ace. Brilliant from Alcaraz, and it brings up match point. Alcaraz nets on the backhand crosscourt, but another masterful backhand down the line sends Fritz spinning and sets up the second match point. Fritz, though, saves the second with the backhand winner on the return! Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 19:00 BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-2 Taylor Fritz Alcaraz whacks a return into Fritz’s feet and the American faces 15-30. Every point looks arduous for Fritz and although eh sends Alcaraz the wrong way, he drags the forehand wide. Break point: Alcaraz jumps on the second serve and Fritz pushes the backhand wide. With the double-break secured, that should be that for Alcaraz. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:55 Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-2 Taylor Fritz* Alcaraz backs up the break, pulling Fritz into the net with another drop shot. Fritz is looking downright fed-up right now and kicks the ball back into the net in frustration. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:52 BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 3-2 Taylor Fritz These are big moments for Fritz, who catches the net-cord and now faces 0-30 having missed break point on the previous game. Alcaraz howls as he shoves the forehand long of the baseline, but Alcaraz guides a backhand down the line and follows it up with a forehand winner snapped crosscourt. Two break points for Alcaraz, and he take it on the second! An incredible switch-up from Alcaraz as he goes from blasting groundstrokes to slicing a delicate drop shot just over the net, beating Fritz. Stunning variety. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:48 Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 2-2 Taylor Fritz* Alcaraz toys with Fritz again, sending the American chasing lobs and his drop shot. But Fritz responds with a massive forehand crosscourt to get to 30-30 and bring up another pressure point against the Alcaraz serve. Fritz looked to take the return early and although Alcaraz soaked up the pressure, Fritz went again and fired another huge bomb of a forehand cross court. He will get a look at break point! But Fritz can’t take it, he goes long and shakes his head. Alcaraz finds an important ace out wide. Alcaraz then finds a stunning angle on the backhand drop shot. Sensational. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:45 *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-2 Taylor Fritz Fritz finds his first serve and gets out of trouble. Alcaraz was not able to be clinical enough on break point. That could have been the match right there, but Fritz comes through it. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:40 Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-1 Taylor Fritz* So good from Alcaraz. Fritz thought he was in control until Alcaraz blasted the backhand winner past him. Fritz, who has faced pressure against the Alcaraz return, double-faults to bring up deuce… then the American double-faults again! Fritz bounces his racket off the court in frustration and now must face break point… he can’t get the first serve in play. But Alcaraz nets on the backhand! Relief for Fritz. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:38 Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-1 Taylor Fritz* Fritz brings it to Alcaraz on the return takes over the baseline rally before sending down the smash. He gets a look at 30-30. Alcaraz ramps it up on the forehand, though, then pulls out another sensational low strike crosscourt, hit from around his ankles. Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:35 *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 0-1 Taylor Fritz Fritz has been outplayed so far but he will need to tell himself that the first came down to just one service game. Alcaraz has been sensational and aggressive on the returns but Fritz finds his spots down the middle and holds as he pushes Alcaraz deep into his backhand corner with a low, skidding backhand crosscourt. (REUTERS) Jamie Braidwood16 October 2025 18:31
Kaizer Chiefs announce bad news on CAF match
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed bad news for Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup second-round preliminary clash against AS Simba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While DStv and SABC programmed the match for Saturday at 15:00, Amakhosi have posted an update that says the game will not be aired. Rumours suggest the host club, AS Simba, have not granted SuperSport TV and SABC the TV rights. KAIZER CHIEFS HEAD TO LUBUMBASHI Amakhosi booked their spot in the competition after lifting the Nedbank Cup last season, edging fierce rivals Orlando Pirates 2–1 in a heated Moses Mabhida final in June. Their CAF journey started with a tense victory over Angola’s Kabuscorp in the opening qualifying round. After a 1–1 aggregate draw, Amakhosi finished the job on penalties. Next up is AS Simba, a determined Congolese side from Kolwezi making their debut on the continental stage. Simba earned a place in this competition after lifting the Coupe du Congo by beating FC MK Etanchéité 1–0 last season. They then brushed aside Djabal of Comoros 3–0 on aggregate in the previous round. Because their home ground doesn’t meet CAF standards, this weekend’s first leg will be played in Lubumbashi instead. EXPECT NEW FACES Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman have now been cleared to register, while Etiosa Ighodaro and Lebohang Maboe are doing full training. Thabiso Monyane has shaken off injury, and Siphesihle Ndlovu is also fit again. CAF CONFEDERATION CUP RECORD 2013/14: Round of 16 lost to ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast 2018/19: Second round loss to Zesco United of Zambia 2025/26: ? Also read: Kaizer Chiefs announce 21-man travelling squad to face AS Simba
Andrew Flintoff reveals feeling of ‘guilt’ after death of 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 says he feels a sense of guilt over the death of his friend Ricky Hatton. Former world welterweight champion Hatton, 46, was found hanged at his home in Hyde on September 14, Stockport Coroner’s Court was told on Thursday. Cricket star Flintoff said he and Hatton had developed a bond after rising to stardom around the same time. He recalled in an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, airing on YouTube on Thursday, that he last met Hatton by chance on a train to Manchester. “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. “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.”
Tailevu Naitasiri starts futsal IDC campaign in style – FBC News
Tailevu Naitasiri player Abhishek Deo celebrates after scoring against Rakiraki [Source: Fiji Football/Facebook] Tailevu Naitasiri made a strong start to their Extra Futsal Inter-District Championship campaign, thrashing Rakiraki 10-2 this afternoon at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. Coach Shivneel Kumar says the team is aiming to maintain their momentum heading into their next match against a tougher opponent, Lami FC. While pleased with the convincing win, Kumar believes there’s still room for improvement and refinement. Article continues after advertisement “Hats off to the boys, they came in and stuck to our gameplay, they did what they needed to so that is how we were able to walk away with this win. Now our focus on getting ready for our next match against Lami.” He also thanked the team’s sponsors for their support and emphasized that they won’t be taking any opponents lightly as the tournament progresses. The Futsal IDC will conclude this weekend. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
All kick off times this weekend as Sharks, Lions return to SA
The Stormers will not only try to retain their spot at the top of the United Rugby Championship (URC) log this weekend, but also continue winning streak against Zebre Parma (kick off at 20:45 on Saturday). At the start of the season, the Stormers have been flying the flag for the SA team, but this weekend the Bulls will be looking to bounce back in tough Galway, while the Sharks and Lions will aim for their first victories of season as they are back on home soil. Last weekend, the Stormers were the only South African side to win, and the other three will be keen to change their fortunes in the fourth round. The teams from Cape Town and Pretoria are in their second week on tour. The Stormers – top of the log after three wins from as many matches – probably have the easier assignment than the sixth-placed Vodacom Bulls, but both will be wary of their opponents. The comforts of playing at home will count in the favour of the Sharks and Lions, neither of whom have started the season well and are in the lower half of the standings, but it’s still early days and there is time to turn their ships around. The Bulls kick off the weekend action in Galway on Friday night (20:45) – not the easiest of venues to travel to as the Vodacom Bulls found out back in October 2021, when they lost 7-34 to Connacht on their first visit to Dexcom Stadium. All URC Match Information and kick off times: Connacht v BullsDate: Friday, 17 OctoberVenue: Dexcom Stadium, GalwaySA Time: 20:45Referee: Mike AdamsonTV: SuperSport Saturday action Lions v ScarletsDate: Saturday, 18 OctoberVenue: Ellis Park, JohannesburgSA Time: 13:45Referee: Eoghan CrossTV: SuperSport Sharks v UlsterDate: Saturday, 18 OctoberVenue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, DurbanSA Time: 16:00Referee: Ben WhitehouseTV: SuperSport Zebre Parma v StormersDate: Saturday, 18 OctoberVenue: Stadio Lanfranchi, ParmaSA Time: 20:45Referee: Andrew BraceTV: SuperSport On Wednesday, it was announced that Engen, part of the Vivo Energy Group, has joined as the Official Fuel Partner of the Vodacom URC in South Africa. The collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for rugby across the region, bringing together two brands united by passion, performance, and community.
Former Premier League footballer Said Benrahma fined over XL bully attack
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Former West Ham footballer Said Benrahma has been fined more than £12,000 after his dogs escaped from his home and attacked a golden retriever in the street. The 30-year-old, who spent four seasons at the Hammers after joining in a deal close to £30 million, admitted to two counts of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs when he lived in Hornchurch, east London, in 2023. The dogs, which the court was told are both XL bullies, chased and attacked a golden retriever called Bailey, which was left needing vet treatment. The dog’s owner, Luke Rehbin, suffered grazes to his arms and legs after grappling with Benrahma’s dogs on the ground, Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard. Benrahma said the dogs, which are now living in France, escaped from a side gate left open by someone working for him at the time. He appeared at court on Thursday by video link from a car in Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Saudi Pro League side Neom. open image in gallery Said Benrahma (PA) Prosecutor Rene De Silva said Mr Rehbin had been on a walk with Bailey about 9pm when Benrahma’s dogs escaped. The two dogs “ran over” to Bailey and “started attacking”, he said. Mr Rehbin managed to help his dog escape, but was left with “grazes to his arms and legs due to being on the ground”. In a statement read to the court, Mr Rehbin said it was “so hard” to stop Benrahma’s dogs “because of the weight of them and the speed of them”. After the scuffle, Mr Rehbin said Benrahma was on his driveway with one of the dogs, “seemed very defensive” and kept saying, “I will look at the cameras, the gate is never open.” The dog owner said the incident had left him “worried” that Bailey could be attacked again. open image in gallery The Algeria winger joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 (PA) Adrian England, defending, said a side gate to Benrahma’s home had been left open by a worker, and that the attack was “out of character” for the dogs. The Algeria winger joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 and registered 24 goals in 155 games for the club. He was signed by Lyon in June last year for a fee reported to be £12million. District Judge Matt Jabbitt said the incident must have been “very distressing” for the golden retriever’s owner, and fined Benrahma £5,000 for each of the attacks, ordered him to pay £2,500 compensation to Mr Rehbin plus £495 in kennel costs. “You were not responsible for the gate being left open, but you have overall responsibility for both dogs,” the judge told him. “You expressed remorse when interviewed. “I’ve not come across a case before where I’m sentencing someone in the Middle East,” he added.
Kativerata focused on ruck defence ahead of Pacific Bowl – FBC News
Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata [Source: FNRL/Facebook] With attacking talent spread across the park, Vodafone Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata is turning his attention to where it matters most, the ruck. The mentor wants his side to sharpen their defensive structure and control the middle third as they prepare for the Pacific Bowl Championship. “I think we need to look at our defence around the ruck area. When you look at the team that we select, we’ve got points all over the park. One thing we need to focus more and we’ll set the two weeks of the tournament apart is our defence around the ruck area.” Article continues after advertisement He believes the forwards will play a crucial role in setting the tone, giving the backs the platform to unleash their attacking flair. “We need to control the ruck, we need our forwards to set the platform for our outside backs so they can do their work regarding where we want to get into the field and where we want to finish after the tournament.” [Source: FNRL/Facebook] The Fiji Bati will open their Pacific Bowl campaign against the Cook Islands this Saturday at 5pm in Papua New Guinea. The match will air LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Artificial pitch awaits Orlando Pirates in the DRC
Orlando Pirates will get their first real test in the CAF Champions League when they play Congolese side Saint Eloi Lupopo this Sunday. The Buccaneers travel to DR Congo to play St Lupopo at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash. A win or draw for Abdeslam Ouaddou will put the Sea Robbers in a good position going into the second leg. Pirates reached the second preliminary round after demolishing Lioli 7-0 on aggregate. They now face stronger opposition capable of causing an upset. Orlando Pirates facing tricky CAF fixture Chippa United head coach Luc Eymael warned that travelling to Lubumbashi could be tricky for the MTN8 champions. The 66-year-old Belgian mentor coached Lupopo during the 2024/25 season and is the reason why they compete. “First of all, we qualified Lupopo for the Champions League,” Eymael told Soccer Laduma. “If I’m right, the first game will be in Lupopo, and it will not be easy for Pirates to go there and get a positive result. The stadium will be full, and the fans will be the 13th man of the team. Also, it’s an artificial pitch, and the environment will be a bit hostile for Pirates but very positive for Lupopo.” Eymael said Orlando Pirates should brace themselves for hostility on Sunday. “It’s not just the fans. The pitch, the noise, and the passion – all of that makes it a difficult place to play. “Pirates will feel it. Lupopo have also made some changes since I left, both tactically and in terms of personnel,” he said. Orlando Pirates have not always found success in the CAF Champions League. Two years ago, they bowed out in the preliminary round after going down to Jwaneng Galaxy. Can the Buccaneers win the CAF CL?
Luke Littler hits back at critics over entering World Youth Championship: ‘I’m the one that gets it in the neck’
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 Luke Littler hit back at some of his critics after winning the Players Championship 32 in Wigan on Wednesday evening. He defeat Dennie Older Kalter 8-2 in the final taking his average to 110.73 in the process. The victory was Littler’s first Players Championship title of the season and he has secured his place at next month’s Players Championship Finals in Minehead. However, the 18-year-old came under fire earlier in the week after announcing he would be playing in the World Youth Championships following his previous win over Luke Humphries at the World Grand Prix last Sunday. Littler took part in the youth competition, which was played at the same venue as the Players, on Monday and was beaten in the semi-finals by three-time WDF women’s world champion Beau Greaves. Speaking after securing his Players title, Littler explained his decision to partake in the youth competition. He said: “It’s the same venue as what we professionals play and obviously the likes of Gian van Veen – tour card holder, Keane Barry – tour card holder – [both played] but I’m the one that gets it in the neck! “I didn’t win so a lot of people were happy but I just thought I’d come and get used to playing first to five, first to six and that’s what I’ve done today and yesterday.” Along with the Players and the World Grand Prix, Littler has also won the World Championship, UK Open and World Matchplay this year and was asked if he felt unstoppable. “I definitely do [feel unstoppable]. At the start of the day it’s never the best but you’ve got to get past the early stages and then when it comes down to the last-16 or quarters that’s when it turns nitty-gritty. I’m very happy with today. open image in gallery Littler won the World Grand Prix on Sunday beating Luke Humphries in the final (Getty Images) “You’ve got to believe in yourself. I know I have the capabilities to come from behind and that’s what I’ve done yet again. I’m learning as the days go but today I was in the lead most of the time and that’s where I want to be. But, if I’m not, I have to come back and win games. “That’s always at the back of my mind [securing a place at Minehead next month]. Obviously, I’m on social media and some people were saying I’m not going to make well there you go, I’ve won it today.” The teenager will now take a brief break from darts before competiting at the European Championship which begins on Thursday 23 October. “I’m very exhausted but I’m happy to come away with a win,” Littler added yesterday. “Obviously I’ve done the Grand Prix, the World Youth’s today and yesterday and now I can go and have a break. “I’ve been playing darts for 10-11 days now non-stop so I’m going to have a well deserved break this weekend and I’ll be back for the Europeans.”
One player Springboks must call up for November Tests
Earlier this season, powerful No 8 Juarno Augustus looked set to finally end years of waiting for senior Springbok honours after he was called up to the wider squad by Rassie Erasmus. His outstanding form for the Northampton Saints last season did not go unnoticed, and the former U20 World Rugby Player of the Year deservedly received his first call-up to a Springbok alignment camp. With the likes of Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw injured, it appeared to the be the perfect opportunity for Augustus to make his senior Springbok debut. This would almost certainly have been the case considering Jasper Wiese subsequently also picked up a four-game suspension prior to the Rugby Championship, but Augustus was ultimately unable to report for duty with the Springboks. Can Juarno Augustus now return to the Springboks? The reason the 27-year-old was unable to link up with the Springboks earlier this year was due to the fact that matters became complicated at club level after Augustus took the difficult decision to leave Northampton and move to Irish club Ulster. Augustus needed to be cleared by Northampton Saints to join Irish team Ulster, but he failed his exit medical, and ultimately SA Rugby could not interfere with this process until it was cleared up. Back to fitness and form Thankfully, the big No 8 looks to have bounced back quickly, with his most recent performance for Ulster certainly catching the eye. Considering the experience Augustus has of playing in the northern hemisphere, and the attributes he could add at No 8 as a physical ball carrier and defender, it certainly seems like the right time to add him to the squad for the upcoming end-of-year tour.