World Grand Prix: Luke Littler and Luke Humphries set up a final showdown
Littler averaged 97.26 and ended the match with a 13-dart leg to set up a sixth meeting in a final between himself and Humphries. “I owe him one for the Premier League [final defeat],” Littler told Sky Sports when asked about facing his 30-year-old rival. “Last year I lost in the first round but now I am in the final. “We are ranked one and two [in the world] and hopefully I can get the win [on Sunday] and be on his back for that world number one spot.” Earlier, Humphries had raced in to a three-set lead over Noppert, but the Dutchman dug in to take three of the next four. A 135 checkout from Humphries to break his opponent’s throw at the start of the eighth set put the 2023 champion back on top and a total of 14 maximums helped him over the line. “I felt tired and it was a struggle,” he told Sky Sports. “I know a lot of people think my mentality at times is not great, but I can bounce back from it. I knew I was going to be in a battle and I’m proud of my resilience.” Follow live coverage of Sunday’s final on the BBC Sport website and app from 20:00 BST.
Seru nets hat-trick in extra time for Rakiraki – FBC News
Substitute Watisoni Seru scored three goals in the second spell of extra-time to help Rakiraki beat RA Logistic Lami 6-2 and retain the FMF Senior Division title. The Naloto, Verata, Tailevu villager and year three Nursing student at the University of Fiji exposed the tired Lami defense when he came on. The Rakiraki side managed to net four goals in the extra spells with national Under 15 rep, Jone Loga,scoring another. Article continues after advertisement Loga was calm in the midfield for Rakiraki as he’s been playing in the senior division since he was 13 years old. The youngster helped Rakiraki net three goals in extra-time after the game ended 2-all in normal time. Rakiraki was leading 1-nil with a goal to Puneet Kumar in the 28th minute. Lami’s Rohit Chand equalised in the 35th minute before Sahil Naresh struck in the 40th to put them in the lead 2-1 at half-time. Sanjay Dutt equalized for Rakiraki with a well set-up goal in the second half. However, Rakiraki saved the best for last and put the result beyond reach in extra-time Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Tiger Woods undergoes back surgery to address collapsed disc in spine
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 announced that he underwent back surgery on Friday to address a collapsed disc in his spine. The 15-time major winner had lumbar disk replacement surgery after he experienced pain in his lower back and said on social media that the operation was deemed successful, although is unknown when the 49-year-old will return to golf. It is the second time the former world number one 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. A statement on Woods’ X account said: “After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with Doctors and Surgeons to have tests taken. “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. “On Friday, Tiger underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in his L4/5 Lumbar spine for lower back symptoms. “The surgery was deemed successful and performed by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi and his team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.” 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 and 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.
Tiger Woods: 15-time major winner has further back surgery
Tiger Woods has had disc replacement surgery in the latest setback to stall his return to the PGA Tour. The 15-time major champion has been sidelined since missing the cut at The Open in July 2024 and took to social media to announce the news. “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. “I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.” Woods, 49, said that the surgery, performed by Dr Sheeraz Qureshi, could be “deemed successful”. It was his seventh back procedure in the past decade. In March, Woods had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon suffered while training at home. That ended his plans of making a return at the Masters the following month. He had withdrawn from the Genesis Invitational weeks earlier following the death of his mother. Even before then Woods had played a limited schedule, having suffering severe injuries in a car accident in February 2021. The American did not appear on the initial player list released earlier this week for December’s Hero World Challenge, an event he hosts.
Luke Littler sets up World Grand Prix final showdown with Luke Humphries
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 earned a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Jonny Clayton to secure his place in the final of the World Grand Prix, where he will take on Luke Humphries. Littler was in formidable form and hit 10 180s on his way to yet another final with an average of 97.26 and punished Clayton’s inability to finish on the doubles. It means the world number one and two will face off in yet another final, where Littler will look to gain revenge over Humphries, who beat him in the Premier League final back in May. Littler had battled past Gerwyn Price 3-2 in an epic quarter-final at the Mattioli Arena on Friday night, which was secured on a superb 152 checkout. The world champion, though, wasted little time in racing into a 2-0 lead against Clayton with an average of just over 102. Clayton had been struggling to get away in the double-start format – but the Welshman landed a fine 154 checkout to put himself on the board in the third set, which he went on to clinch by finishing off 128 on the bullseye. There was little to chose between the pair in the fourth set, which went to a last-leg decider. Littler – with Clayton having teed up on 32 – dispatched an ice-cool 140 checkout, with two treble 20s and his favoured double 10, to move two clear at 3-1. That appeared to knock the stuffing out of Clayton, who failed to win a leg throughout the rest of the contest and Littler ran riot to claim all six of the remaining legs to put the hat on a commanding performance and seal a 5-1 victory. Littler told Sky Sports: “I’m glad to get through to the final. The 140 felt like a 170 but as soon as that double 10 landed, it killed Jonny off. “I’m just very happy to get through to the final. “I definitely owe him one for the Premier League but Luke’s had a very good record (here). He’s lost one and he’s won one himself, but for myself, it’s all new. Hopefully I can get the win tomorrow.” World number one Humphries had earlier held off a fightback from Dutchman Danny Noppert to battle his way into a third-consecutive World Grand Prix final with a 5-3 victory. Humphries – the 2023 champion who lost out to Mike De Decker last year – had looked to be coasting towards another shot at the title after moving 3-0 ahead on the back of an average of just over 103, including a 155 checkout in the opening set. Noppert, though, got himself on the board by taking the fourth set on a last-leg decider and then after Humphries had moved 4-1 up, the Dutchman regained momentum to reduce the deficit back to 4-3. Humphries clinched a key break in the opening game of the eighth set with a 135 out shot and then held with a 110 finish to move one leg away, eventually landing double 12 to secure his spot in Sunday’s final. “I felt in the flow and then all of a sudden it disappeared,” Humphries said on Sky Sports. “I felt tired, it was a struggle and Danny pushed me really hard. “I got a little frustrated in myself, but went into the break at the seventh set, I splashed some water into my face and said ‘come on – it is either now or never’, so I came out of it more fired up and it seemed to work.”
Begg celebrated Ba IDC victory in 2015 at Govind Park – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Football/Facebook] RC Manubhai Ba star Nabil Begg was one of those kids that entered the field of play after the final whistle in 2015 to celebrate the side’s FMF Inter District Championship 2-nil victory over Nadi at 4R Stadium Govind Park. Little did the then 11-year-old Begg know that was the last IDC to be held at Govind Park Ba before it was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. 10 years later, the IDC is the first soccer tournament to be held at Govind Park after it was re-opened this year and the young boy who celebrated with his heroes that day in 2015 is one of the players Ba will be banking on today to bring the title home. Article continues after advertisement Begg says he still remembers that day in 2015 when Ba won the IDC at home. ”Yes I was here as a fan (2015) I joined the team as a young boy I think I was in class 5 or 6, I jumped on the ground to celebrate with them when they lifted the Cup, it’ll be a proud moment for me if we do make it and it’s going to be a dream come true”. The last time Stratum Construction Rewa and Ba met in the IDC final was in 2004 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva which the Men In Black won 3-nil on penalty kicks. Yesterday Ba defeated Labasa 3-nil with goals from Vilitati Kautoga, Begg and Etonia Dogalau. Ba last won the IDC in 2023 after beating Lautoka 2-1 in the final at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Rewa faces RC Manubhai Ba at 3pm today. In the senior division final, Lami takes on Rakiraki at 10am. Nasinu battles Tavua at 12:30pm in the Premier final. You can listen to the live commentaries of the Super Premier and Premier finals on Radio Fiji 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
England: When can Thomas Tuchel’s side qualify for the World Cup?
BySteve Sutcliffe, BBC Sport journalist and Andy Cryer, BBC Sport Senior Journalist World Cup qualifying: Latvia v England Venue: Daugava Stadium, Riga Date: Tuesday, 14 October Time: 19:45 BST Coverage: Listen live on BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live; follow live text commentary, updates and be part of the conversation on BBC Sport website & app England are one win away from securing their spot at the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Serbia’s 1-0 defeat by Albania on Saturday means Thomas Tuchel’s England can qualify by winning in Latvia on Tuesday, with two matches of their campaign still to play after that trip. The Three Lions have not missed a major tournament since 2008, when they fell short in qualifying for the European Championship under Steve McClaren. Tuchel’s side have won all five of their Group K fixtures to date without conceding a goal. And their place at the most-watched sporting event on the planet next summer could now be confirmed within days. What happens if England fail to win in Latvia? Anything but victory in Latvia on Tuesday would leave England still looking for a win against Serbia in November to guarantee qualification. A point in Latvia, though, would mean a draw with Serbia would all but secure their spot because England have a vastly better goal difference than second-placed Albania. England travel to Albania for their final group fixture on 16 November. The 12 group runners-up in the European section of qualifying will participate in the play-offs. They will be joined by the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024-25 Nations League that did not finish in the top two of their European qualifying groups. The 16 teams who enter the play-offs will be drawn into four play-off paths, with four teams featuring in each. Play-off matches will consist of single-leg semi-finals followed by single-leg finals, taking place on 26 and 31 March 2026. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, England have a formidable record in qualifying for major tournaments When could England find out who is in their World Cup group? Should England qualify for next summer’s finals over the coming weeks, they will learn their opposition very quickly. The World Cup draw takes place on 5 December at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC. This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team. What is Ask Me Anything? Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions. We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do. The team will find out everything you need to know and be able to call upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits. We will be answering your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and going behind the scenes at some of the world’s biggest sporting events. Our coverage will span the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio. More questions answered…
Fury, Crawford, Ennis: The switch-hitters that have dominated boxing
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 Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis begins life as a super welterweight tonight when he takes on Uisma Lima for the vacant WBA interim title at 154lbs live on DAZN. Naturally an orthodox fighter, Ennis has found great success switching to a southpaw stance when taking on opponents. Ennis’ ability to keep foes on their toes has helped him to a record of 34-0 (30 KOs) as well as two world titles at welterweight. Still not a common sight in boxing, a handful of world champions have used switch-hitting to great effect over the years. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year Marvin Hagler open image in gallery Hagler, right, and Thomas Hearns during their 1985 fight in Las Vegas (AP) Nicknamed Marvelous for a very good reason, Marvin Hagler was a force to be reckoned with at middleweight. Aside from an iron chin and fastidious work ethic, Hagler stood out among his peers thanks to his ability to slip between an orthodox and his more natural southpaw stance. Whilst being comfortable in either stance naturally gives a fighter an advantage, forcing an opponent to adjust, Hagler took this skill to another level, using it to set up certain shots. Sometimes the prideful Hagler would remain in an orthodox stance just to prove his ability fighting in an unnatural way. In his final fight against Sugar Ray Leonard, Hagler fought as an orthodox for the first rounds, ultimately losing the contest on a split decision. He would retire with a record of 62 wins, three losses, and two draws, with 52 victories by way of knockout. On top of that, he reigned as undisputed champion of the middleweight division in both the two-belt and three-belt eras, winning 12 straight world title fights. Terence Crawford open image in gallery (Getty) Another natural southpaw, the versatile Terence Crawford has not just dominated one weight class like Hagler – but instead has completely conquered three separate divisions. A holder of all four belts at super lightweight, welterweight, and super middleweight, Crawford is a five-division champion currently eyeing up further glory at the age of 38. Just like Hagler, Crawford is extremely confident in his abilities – stating before his victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez that he was the best switch-hitter of all time. 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. He told Netflix: “I think that I am the best switch-hitter ever. “There isn’t a fighter that I can think of that can do it so naturally and can fight at a peak level, whether being an orthodox or southpaw.” It’s not a recent claim, or at least just an extension of previous comments, with Crawford claiming that he was the best switch-hitter in the world back in 2020. ‘Bud’ uses his ability to flit between stances to control fights, dictating ring positioning and timing his opponents. Rather than having to back up and reset when changing foot positioning, Crawford is able to switch stances in between punches, often setting up shots while standing orthodox before going for a heavy shot as a southpaw, and vice versa. Tyson Fury open image in gallery Tyson Fury had been expected to pursue a third fight against Oleksandr Usyk (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire) A contemporary of Crawford, Tyson Fury is of a starkly different build to ‘Bud’. The towering heavyweight is naturally an orthodox fighter, but the ‘Gypsy King’ has frequently surprised opponents by switching to a southpaw stance. Already boasting tremendous physical power and an uncanny ability to take a punch – and get back to his feet – Fury has confused heavyweights with his switch-hitting skill. Demonstrating fantastic footwork for a bigger fighter, notable wins for Fury using switch-hitting include his battles with domestic rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora. Speaking ahead of his 2022 clash with Whyte, Fury explained: “We all know I’m ambidextrous and can punch with both hands, I’ve had knockout wins with my right and my left so I’m just sharpening it all up and ready to rock and roll.” Naseem Hamed open image in gallery Naseem Hamad stands over a knocked down Kevin Kelley during their fight in 1997 (Getty) Prince Naseem was the king of showboating, and arguably there is no higher form of showing off in boxing than being able to switch stances at will. Free-flowing and evasive with his movement, it is no surprise that Naseem Hamed could slip between stances. Although Hamed was flashy, he was very effective, and that also applied to his switch-hitting.
Il Lombardia: Tadej Pogacar equals record with fifth win in a row
Tadej Pogacar won a fifth straight Il Lombardia to equal Fausto Coppi’s record of total wins in the race as he once again overcame his rivals with a ferocious attack on a climb. The Slovenian accelerated clear of a select group of favourites with 38km to go and after catching Quinn Simmons – the last remaining rider from the breakaway, who had started the climb with a three-minute lead – the world champion soloed to victory in the final Monument of the season. In doing so he became the first rider in history to win a Monument five times in a row, and the first man to finish on the podium of all five Monuments in the same season. Having won the Tour of Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege earlier in the season, he is also the first man since Belgian legend Eddy Merckx in 1975 to win three Monuments, the Tour de France and the world title in a single season. Pogacar revealed he had had a “really cool” phone call with the Belgian great following his win, but added he was tired of being compared to Merckx. “I don’t like that all the time you need to compare to somebody. Nobody likes to be compared to somebody all the time,” he said. The 27-year-old made his move on the Passo di Ganda climb and finished almost two minutes ahead of Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, with Australia’s Michael Storer way back in third. “To win five times in a row… every time I start it feels like this race is suited to me, but also at the same time that with such a good team around me we can pull it off,” said Pogacar. “I always say, seven years in a row now, this is my best season, and again I can say this is the best season so far.”
Girls celebrate Peacebuilding Sports Day in Suva – FBC News
[Photo: Supplied] Suva came alive with energy, chants and laughter today as over 100 girls from the central division gathered for a Peacebuilding Sports Day, marking International Day of the Girl Child. Hosted by the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement under its GIRLS Programme, the event ran under the theme “She Plays, She Leads, She Builds Peace”. The day offered a safe and inclusive space for girls to showcase leadership, challenge gender stereotypes and strengthen solidarity through sports. Article continues after advertisement [Photo: Supplied] Activities included a rugby clinic facilitated by Fiji Rugby Union officials, mindfulness exercises, fire safety awareness, dance, chanting and a Pinktober one-minute silence to honor girls lost to cancer. [Photo: Supplied] Women’s rugby stars, including Fijiana 7s captain Rusila Nagasau, inspired the participants to nurture their talents and aim high. “Not everyone can become teachers, not everyone can become doctors. Tell yourself that one day you will reach your goal. You can be the best in the world if only you believe in yourself.” [Photo: Supplied] FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh highlighted the role of sports in teaching teamwork, respect, resilience and trust—values essential for building peace in schools, homes and communities. [Photo: Supplied] The program was supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the International Women’s Development Agency. [Photo: Supplied] Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.