Nakalevu drives home winner for Tavua – FBC News
Tavua has retained its FMF Inter District Championship Premier division title after beating Nasinu 1-nil in extra time. Savenaca Nakalevu drove home the winner in the first spell of extra time. Nakalevu dribbled past a defender before goalkeeper Emori Ragata to score. Article continues after advertisement The win means two titles now rests in the west for a year after Rakiraki beat Lami 6-2 in extra to win the Senior trophy. Nasinu’s Emmanuel Etim couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. Last year Tavua also beat Nasinu in the final. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Valentin Vacherot: Cousins, tears and a Cinderella story for the ages at the Shanghai Masters
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 When Valentin Vacherot arrived at the Shanghai Masters two weeks ago, he was ranked 204th in the world and did not even have a place in the tournament. On Sunday, the 26-year-old qualifier did not just make history as the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title, as well as the lowest-ranked Masters champion of all time. The winner’s cheque of £824,000 was more than double his previous career earnings of £380,000. But a life-changing victory for Vacherot came against his cousin, the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, who he shared tears with as they congratulated each other during an emotional trophy ceremony. “There has to be one loser but I think there are two winners today,” Vacherot said. “One family that won and I think for the sport of tennis, the story is unreal.” So much for the end of the tennis season running short of drama and plot-lines. open image in gallery Vacherot and Rinderknech broke into tears as they turned to each other during the trophy ceremony (AFP via Getty Images) Vacherot travelled to China requiring some good fortune to even make the qualifying draw. As the ninth alternate, he needed a wave of withdrawals, but he squeezed through. In the second round of qualifying, Vacherot stood two points away from defeat as he battled the Canadian Liam Draxl in a second-set tiebreak. Vacherot survived, in what was the first of six comebacks to win his maiden tour title. That run saw Vacherot knock out five seeds in a row, Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac, Tallon Griekspoor, Holger Rune and, in the semi-finals, an out-of-sorts Novak Djokovic. When Vacherot stunned Rune in the quarter-finals, he collapsed onto the court as it confirmed his place in the top-100, his stated goal at the start of the year. But what followed was beyond Vacherot’s wildest dreams. He did not even celebrate when he defeated Djokovic, overawed by sharing the court with one of the greatest of all time and understandably muted by the sight of the 38-year-old struggling physically. It set up a fairytale final against his cousin Rinderknech, who had embarked on his own sensational run to the final – just five months on from questioning his future in the sport. As Rinderknech knocked out Felix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev to reach his first Masters final at the age of 30, he did so with Vacherot supporting him from his coaching box. They had celebrated their victories by pointing towards the other cousin. open image in gallery Vacherot and Rinderknech sat alongside each other after the final and before the trophy ceremony began (Getty Images) When the Frenchman felt drained and was behind during his semi-final against Medvedev, he forced himself to carry on in an attempt to tire out his opponent and help Vacherot’s chances in the final. But Rinderknech pulled off his own comeback to join Vacherot in the final, setting up a unique showpiece that had set the family WhatsApp group “buzzing” back home. Vacherot and Rinderknech’s journeys are intertwined. They overlapped while at college at Texas A&M University; they were teammates for two and a half years between 2016 and 2018, and dreamed of reaching the top. But the grind of the tour forced them to reconsider their targets at the start of the year. Five months ago, Rinderknech was “below the floor” as he struggled for results. He was picked up by compatriot and fellow player Lucas Pouille, who joined his team as a temporary coach while sidelined by injury. “I was thinking about stopping tennis at some point because I wasn’t seeing the point anymore,” Rinderknech said. “You [Pouille] believed in me, you gave me a chance, you trusted in me.” open image in gallery Rinderknech broke into tears as he congratulated his younger cousin during the trophy ceremony (Getty Images) Out of nowhere came a first-round win over Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon. Rinderknech also beat world No 3 Zverev in Shanghai and, after knocking out Auger-Aliassime and Medvedev in his run to the final, has eight wins against top-20 opponents since June, more than he had managed in his entire career to that point. But of the two cousins, Vacherot’s run to the final was the biggest surprise. Vacherot had been on the brink of breaking into the top-100 last summer, before he was sidelined for most of the second half of last season due to a right shoulder injury, Until Shanghai, Vacherot had spent the 2025 season entering Challenger events – other than his home tournament in Monaco, where he received a wildcard. In the principality, Vacherot’s first-round victory over Jan Lennard-Struff was his first – and until Shanghai only – main-draw win on the ATP Tour. He admitted he had started to reassess his goals. He thanked his girlfriend Emily Snyder, who spent the deciding set desperately crossing eight of her fingers, for continuing to believe in him. “I started losing faith this year. I was telling her, our goal is to finish the year top 100. I started updating it
‘Chaos reigns as Steven Gerrard leaves Rangers scrambling’
Under Caixinha, Rangers had Declan John and Gerrard had Ryan Kent. Steven Davis, Borna Barisic, Jermaine Defoe, Ianis Hagi, Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo and Kemar Roofe improved things. There were also duds – far too many – but Gerrard was bullet proof. The wage bill kept on rocketing throughout his time. The operating losses soared to fund the vision – in his three full seasons, including the financially wounding Covid era, Rangers recorded operating losses of more than £50m. Celtic’s losses across the span covering the pandemic were about £100,000. That latitude does not exist anymore. There are more lines of command at the club. There is a squad that maybe Gerrard didn’t fancy and would have wanted to change, but that freedom he had before would not be there now. Thelwell, the sporting director appointed by the owners, signed all of these guys. You could say that Saturday and last summer were the two times Gerrard custard-pied Rangers, but of course there was a third. On a Thursday in October 2021, Gerrard was interviewed after his Rangers team – reigning champions of Scotland – had beaten Brondby 2-0 in the Europe League. That week there’d been speculation linking him with Newcastle, so the rumours were put to him. “Do I look happy?” he asked, in a rhetorical sense. “Do I look settled? Don’t ask me silly questions then.” Five games later he was no longer Rangers manager. He went to Aston Villa and won eight games out of 31 and was sacked with Villa 17th in the Premier League. Later, he went to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, got them to sixth in his first season and left by mutual consent after 18 months when his team fell to 12th, just five points above the relegation zone. Gerrard was the manager Rangers wanted, but he’s been beaten up since he left Ibrox. There was no guarantee that they’d have been getting the hot property of 2021, the great redeemer who, eventually, stopped Celtic in their tracks. Who they will get is now anybody’s guess. The Rangers board will be reeling. Chaos reigns and nobody rules.
Valentin Vacherot v Arthur Rinderknech live: Shanghai Masters final latest score and tennis updates today
‘Pure joy, unbelievable experience’ – Vacherot on win over Djokovic Qualifier Valentin Vacherot rallied from behind to defeat his cousin Arthur Rinderknech and complete his fairytale Shanghai Masters run, winning the biggest title of his career in a unique and historic final. Vacherot started the week as an alternate and ranked 204th in the world but the 26-year-old Monegasque produced a stunning run, knocking out a string of big names including Holger Rune in the quarter-finals and Novak Djokovic in the semis, to become the lowest-ranked Masters finalist in history. The twist came as Vacherot faced family in the final, with Rinderknech’s win against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals setting up one of the stories of the season as the two cousins, who were also college team-mates, competed against each other for the biggest prize of their careers. With Roger Federer watching on, Rinderknech, the 30-year-old Frenchman, was the first to settle and broke Vacherot in the third game of the first set. The second set was dominated by serve until Vacherot raised his level to break Rinderknech for the first time, and then carried his momentum into the decider. After Vacherot took the opening break, Rinderknech struggled physically while his younger cousin raced over the line. Follow all the action from the final of the Shanghai Masters below: Vacherot and Rinderknech prepare for unique trophy ceremony Vacherot and Rinderknech are sitting next to each as they watch a montage of highlights from Shanghai and the trophy ceremony is prepared. You do not see the scenes week to week. It’s special. (Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 12:19 Valentin Vacherot: ‘It’s just unreal what’s happened’ “Crying, it’s just… It’s unreal what just happened. I have, I have no idea what’s happening right now. I’m not in a dream, it’s just crazy. I’m just so happy of my performance these past two weeks. “There has to be one loser, but I think there’s just two winners today, one family that won, and, and I think for the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal, and I wish there could be two winners, but unfortunately there’s only one. For myself, I’m very happy that it’s, it’s me. “I was just trying to beat the other guy the guy on the other side of the net. I tried to put it on the side that it’s my cousin, that is the guy that I’ve been training with in Texas A&M that I’ve been growing up with, going on vacation with and everything. It was really tough. “He did a better job than me in the first set, with coping with the pressure and everything. He played way better than me. I just tried to find a way to turn that around and and then make the match a little bit myself towards the end, yeah. “We put on, way more of a show than we put, I think, the first half of the match. I’m happy for that for the crowd. It’s just surreal to be with Arthur on this court.” (REUTERS) Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 12:07 Vacherot’s emotional message on the camera Vacherot writes: “Grandpa and Grandma would be proud” on the camera lens. An amazing way to sum up this unique final, with Vacherot and his cousin Rinderknech coming from the same family! The embrace at the net between Vacherot and Rinderknech was special too. Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 12:05 Vacherot completes fairytale in Shanghai Just incredible. There are tears as Vacherot embraces his coach, his half-brother Benjamin Balleret, and his wife, who spent the deciding set with every one of her fingers crossed in pure anguish. The 26-year-old started the week as an alternate to qualifying. He did not even have a place in the draw and only got in when others pulled out. He has won nine matches in a row, beating top players in Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune and his own cousin Arthur Rinderknech. His winners cheque of over $1m is more than double his career earnings. At World No 204, he is the lowest-ranked Masters champion of all time. He will jump 164 places to 40th in the world. And he is the first Monegasque player to win an ATP title. (AFP via Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 12:03 GAME, SET AND MATCH! Vacherot 4-6 6-3 6-3 Rinderknech HE HAS DONE IT! THE LOWEST-RANKED MASTERS CHAMPION OF ALL TIME! VACHEROT FINDS THE FOREHAND WINNER DOWN THE LINE AND COVERS HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDS IN DISBELIEF! And how about these scenes! There is a warm embrace at the net as the cousins fall into each other’s arms. What a story in Shanghai. Amazing. (AFP via Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 11:58 Vacherot 4-6 6-3 5-3 Rinderknech* Vacherot flies into the forehand winner and crushes it past Rinderknech! 0-30, he is only two points away. Rinderknech snaps a winner off his feet into the open court. Vacherot can afford a chuckle. But Rinderknech floats a forehand long! Two Championship points for Vacherot, the World 204… Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 11:56 Vacherot 4-6 6-3 5-3 Rinderknech* There is no let-up from Vacherot. Unplayable on serve, with Rinderknech unable to respond as he moves 40-0 up. A backhand down the line goes wide and is the first point he has dropped on serve this set. It’s followed by a forehand that catches the tape. But Vacherot steadies to put away the forehand winner, and he takes the game. Another one, and he will become a Masters champion. Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 11:54 *Vacherot 4-6 6-3 4-3 Rinderknech Rinderknech gets through a service game without facing break points. That was straight-forward, and just what he needed. Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025 11:49 Vacherot 4-6 6-3 4-2 Rinderknech* Emphatic and ruthless from Vacherot. He has won 12/12 points on serve this set. Rinderknech is clearly struggling and could not get out to a couple of those wide serves from his cousin. (AFP via Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood12 October 2025
Silktails skipper gets Fiji Bati call up – FBC News
[Source: Silktails/Facebook] Kaiviti Silktails captain Gabriel Tunimakubu has been selected as injury cover for the Fiji Bati squad in the upcoming Pacific Championship. This follows an injury to Ben Nakubuwai. Tunimakubu, who is currently on holiday in New Zealand, says he was not expecting to receive the call so soon. Article continues after advertisement “From a little kid watching the Fiji Bati play, I fell in love with the game, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. A dream come true, I can say. I’m grateful and honored, and I thank God for that. You may have your plans, but God has the final say.” The former Queen Victoria School student faced a setback when the North Queensland Cowboys released him following a stint in their academy last year. However, fate smiled upon him when Silktails chairman Petero Civoniceva noticed his talent during a charity game against the Mareeba Gladiators. Civoniceva says his selection is a proud moment not only for Tunimakubu but for the club as well. “The Kaiviti Silktails RLFC serves as a development pathway for our best local rugby league youth talent in Fiji. We are incredibly proud of our club captain, who has not only shown excellence on the field but has also been a wonderful leader off it, setting a strong example for our players.” Tunimakubu was named club captain and awarded the 2025 James Dack Medal for Clubman of the Year. He also led the side to their first-ever away win in the Jersey Flegg Cup — a 34-26 victory over the Melbourne Storm in round seven of the competition. Meanwhile, the Fiji Bati will meet the Cook Islands Aitu next Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium in Papua New Guinea. They will then face the Papua New Guinea Kumuls on the first of next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Former Chiefs defender spotted in the Eastern Cape
Bongani Sam’s Kaizer Chiefs career never showed any potential to take off. An awful injury and former coach Nasreddine Nabi’s refusal to offer him a chance resulted in an early exit. The former Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic left-back has re-emerged in Gqeberha. BONGANI SAM TRAINING WITH CHIPPA UNITED According to iDiski Times, the 28-year-old is trying his luck at the Chilli Boys in Gqebrha, Eastern Cape, which also happens to be his hometown. “This publication can confirm that Sam has been spotted in the Chippa training kit and training with the Chilli Boys, with hope of impressing head coach Eymael,” the outlet reported. Sam will be remembered at Kaizer Chiefs for leaving without a single official appearance. CAREER BEFORE KAIZER CHIEFS Sam, whose professional career started at Highlands Park, has 88 top-flight appearances, five goals, and four assists. His most productive season was in 2018/19 at Celtic, when he played 20 matches. Other double digits were at Pirates with 10 matches in 2020/21 and at Moroka Swallows with 13 games in 2023/24. His goals came from Celtic(two) and a goal each at Pirates and Swallows. Also read: Qualifications and experience: New Kaizer Chiefs coaches
Tiger Woods’ golf return unclear after surgery in latest injury set-back
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 Tiger Woods has undergone back surgery to address a collapsed disc in his spine in the 49-year-old’s latest injury set-back as he bids to return to the PGA Tour. The 15-time major winner said he had lumbar disk replacement surgery on Friday and although it was deemed “successful”, it is unclear when he will return. “After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with Doctors and Surgeons to have tests taken,” Woods said in a statement. “The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal. I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.” It is the second time Woods has undergone back surgery in just over a year, having had an operation on his lumbar spine in September 2024 to relieve a nerve impingement of his lower back. It adds to a growing list of injuries that Woods has had to deal with after he ruptured his left Achilles while training and practicing at home in March this year. Woods has not featured since The Open Championship at Royal Troon in 2024. He planned to make a comeback for The Genesis Invitational earlier this year but pulled out due to the death of his mother the week before. His only golfing appearances this year have been in the new TGL indoor competition. Includes reporting from PA
Fran Kirby: Brighton star recalls England call-up and breakthrough
Former England star Fran Kirby reflects on the moment she received her first England call-up while playing for Reading in WSL2, which led to her breakthrough and being nicknamed ‘Mini Messi’. Watch Arsenal v Brighton in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 12 October (14:30 BST) on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app. READ MORE: Lucy Bronze: ‘Having autism has worked to my advantage in football’
Rewa wins IDC after 15 years – FBC News
Stratum Construction Rewa has ended its 15-year FMF Inter District Championship title drought after beating home side RC Manubhai Ba 1-0 at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, today. The Delta Tigers, who last won the IDC in 2010 with the likes of Marika Rodu, Epeli Saukuru, Archie Watkins, and James Naka, silenced the 13,000 fans with a memorable win. It was the sixth IDC final clash between the two sides in the 87-year history of the tournament. Article continues after advertisement Out of the six IDC finals the two sides have now played, Rewa has won four and Ba two. It also means that Rewa has now claimed its 10th IDC title, while Ba, which has lifted the trophy on 25 occasions, has now lost 19 finals. Etonia Dogalau missed a golden opportunity in the 20th minute when Rewa keeper James Do’oro came off his line, leaving the goal unattended. Dogalau’s attempt, however, failed to hit the target. Samuela Kautoga, Setareki Hughes, and John Orobulu could have put the visitors in front but missed their chances. Ba’s Nabil Begg, Penisoni Tirau, Ryan Naresh, and Vilitati Kautoga couldn’t find the breakthrough, with Do’oro repeatedly coming to Rewa’s rescue. The Delta Tigers’ goalkeeper was on fire in the final. Rewa was dealt a major blow in the 62nd minute when Kavaia Rawaqa was shown a red card, having already been booked with a yellow 11 minutes earlier. However, just 13 minutes later, Patrick Joseph put the Delta Tigers in the lead with a penalty after substitute Asivorosi Rabo was tackled inside the box. In the 80th minute, Ba lost defender Praneel Naidu, who also received a red card after being booked twice. Ba and Rewa first met in a tournament final in 1938, and later in 1947, 1976, 2001, and 2004. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Sunday’s briefing: Erling Haaland nets hat-trick as Portugal break Irish hearts
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 Erling Haaland continued his devastating form in front of goal with a hat-trick for Norway, while Portugal left it late to beat the Republic of Ireland. Elsehwere, Steven Gerrard ruled himself out of contention for the Rangers job and Scotland will look to boost their hopes of reaching the World Cup with a win over Belarus on Sunday. Haaland bags hat-trick against Israel Haaland continued his superb start to the season after he notched a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Israel in Oslo. The Norway international saw a sixth-minute spot-kick saved by Daniel Peretz, who denied him again after the kick had to be retaken, but it did not matter in the end as he grabbed his 18th goal in his last nine games for club and country. The Manchester City striker scored Norway’s second between a pair of own goals from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias. Haaland, winning his 46th cap, scored his 50th goal for his country when he nodded in Antonio Nusa’s cross and the pair combined again as the in-form forward grabbed his third of the night. Portugal leave it late to break Ireland’s hearts Ruben Neves scored an injury-time World Cup qualifying winner against the Republic of Ireland after Cristiano Ronaldo saw a penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. Portugal were given the chance to take the lead from the spot with 15 minutes to play when Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak awarded a spot-kick after Francisco Trincao’s shot hit Dara O’Shea’s arm, but Ronaldo stepped up and aimed down the middle which was stopped by the legs of Kelleher. However, Neves proved to be the hero in the first minute of second-half stoppage-time when he nodded Francisco Trincao’s cross past Kelleher to win it. Gerrard out of contention for Rangers job Gerrard had been linked with a move back to Rangers following the sacking of Russell Martin but ruled himself out of contention to return, the PA news agency understands. The 45-year-old is understood to have held constructive discussions with the club but felt the timing was not right for a return to his former club, where he won the title in 2021. In an interview with the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast released this week, Gerrard revealed he had “a bit of unfinished business” in management. Scotland continue World Cup journey against Belarus Scotland will host Belarus on Sunday with as they look to put themselves in a good position for qualifying for the World Cup. Scotland boss Steve Clarke will look to take them to a World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 and is hoping to erase the “hurt” from being left out of the squad to play in 1990. He said: “I wanted to go as a player but I didn’t manage to achieve it. I got pretty close in 1990 when I was in the pre-World Cup squad. That hurt. “It still hurts a little bit now that I haven’t been to a World Cup with my country – so I’ve got a chance to do it now.” What’s on today Scotland will aim to put themselves in a genuine position to qualify for next year’s World Cup when they face Belarus in Group C. Netherlands will look to take another step to World Cup qualification when they face Finland.