Valentin Vacherot: World No 204 stuns Holger Rune to make Shanghai Masters history
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 World No 204 Valentin Vacherot stunned Holger Rune to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, becoming the lowest-ranked player to advance to the semi-finals of an ATP 1000 event in 26 years. Qualifier Vacherot, 26, defeated the World No 11 Rune 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4, converting his third match point to become the first player representing Monaco to reach an ATP Tour semi-final. He collapsed onto the court after prevailing in more than two-and-a-half hours, and could play Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals if the 38-year-old defeats Zizou Bergs. open image in gallery Valentin Vacherot could play Djokovic in the semi-finals (Getty Images) “I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t even sure I was going to play qualifying,” Vacherot said in his on-court interview. “This is just unbelievable. The last win meant already so much to me. This one means even more. “It was tough not to think about it on match point, also breaking the top 100. I know this is just a step, but I tried not to look at the rankings for this whole tournament. “I had read that if I won, I would break the top 100, but this is just unbelievable for me. I cannot wait for [the semi-final]. I’m just so happy and living the dream.” Both Vacherot and Rune struggled in the brutal heat and humidity in Shanghai, with Vacherot also battling painful blisters on his right foot. The 22-year-old Rune received treatment after suffering from cramps. open image in gallery (AP) After already beating Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac and Tallon Griekspoor this week, Vacherot has now beaten four top-32 players to become the first qualifier to reach the Shanghai semi-finals in tournament history. Vacherot could yet be joined in the semi-finals by his cousin, the French player Arthur Rinderkneck, who will look to back up his win over Alexander Zverev when he takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday. Vacherot is the lowest-ranked player to reach an ATP 1000 semi-final since Chris Woodruff made the Indian Wells sem-finals as the World 555 in 1999. Vacherot is the second-lowest ranked player in ATP history to reach the semi-finals of a Masters tournament and the result will see him enter the world’s top 100 for the first time.
7 players fail drug tests – FBC News
[file photo] The Fiji Football Association has confirmed that seven players have failed the drug tests in the first two days of the FMF Inter District Championship in Ba. Fiji FA General Mannager Operations, Anushil Kumar, says 36 tests were conducted on Tuesday and three players failed it. Yesterday four players were positive from the 48 that were tested. Article continues after advertisement 84 tests have been conducted so far from players in the Super Premier, Premier and Senior divisions. According to Kumar the test kit that Fiji FA uses can pick up 10 different drugs. The IDC will resume on Saturday with the semifinals and finals on Sunday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Springbok Women break all kinds of broadcast records
The Springbok Women’s historic first appearance in a Rugby World Cup quarter-final this past September proved a box office television event, and has served as another example of the incredible growth the game is seeing. The skyrocketing interest in women’s rugby went through the roof on SuperSport’s dedicated RWC channel as part of its Here for Her campaign, according to data just released from Nielsen Sports SA. The Springboks defeated Brazil and Italy in pool play to set up a first play-off appearance at a Rugby World Cup. The team was level at halftime with six-time world champions, New Zealand, before the Black Ferns stretched away in the second half to win 46-17 – but not before Swys de Bruin’s players had delivered a statement performance. The four World Cup matches became the four most-watched Springbok Women’s games ever. In total, more than 1.27 million unique viewers have engaged with the team’s matches in 2025. That figure reflected a 334% growth from 2024, while total consumption numbers were up a staggering 673%, a clear signal of rising interest and investment in the women’s game. Springbok Women on the rise A new record was also set for a single match audience with nearly half a million viewers (484,265) tuning in live to watch the quarter-final clash against the Black Ferns, marking a 135% increase on last year’s top match audience for the Springbok Women. “This audience data is a reflection of the booming interest in women’s rugby as well as testimony to the improvement the Springboks have shown in the past year,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “There is the potential for exponential growth in the sport among women and girls over the next few years as these numbers prove.” The Springbok Women played 12 matches in 2025 – including two-match series against World Cup finalists Canada and New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV – while they also retained the Africa Cup title in Madagascar. “This is an incredibly exciting time for women’s rugby in South Africa,” said Oberholzer. “The first national women’s club championship is taking place right now, thanks to the support of Betway, and, at the same time, the national under-20 provincial championship is underway to grow the next generation of Springboks.” Continued progress Oberholzer added that planning was also underway for an elite, professionalised competition to kick off next year. “New rugby heroes have emerged from our Springbok women’s squad to inspire young girls and women to take up the game for the first time to increase our participation base as well as fans of the sport. “The Springbok Women will bring home the Rugby World Cup one day – it is only a matter of when.”
Miguel Angel Russo: Boca Juniors coach dies after long cancer battle
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 Boca Juniors coach Miguel Angel Russo has died at the age of 69 after a long battle with cancer. Russo, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, returned to Boca Juniors for a third spell in in June, taking charge of the team at the Club World Cup before his health deteriorated. Russo had been forced to step down from his day-to-day management duties in recent months and was being cared for at home before his death. open image in gallery Miguel Angel Russo took charge of Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup (REUTERS) He was still actively involved in Boca Juniors, however, maintaining close contact with his assistants and coaching staff. “Boca Juniors announces the passing of Miguel Angel Russo with profound sadness,” the club posted on social media. “Miguel leaves an indelible mark on our institution and will always be an example of joy, warmth, and dedication. We are with his family and loved ones in this time of grief. Farewell, dear Miguel!” Russo had three spells in charge at Boca, leading them to the Copa Libertadores trophy in 2007 and securing the Argentine title with the club in 2020. open image in gallery Miguel Angel Russo won the Copa Libertadores in 2007 (AP) He also took charge of two of Argentina’s other most popular teams, San Lorenzo and Racing Club. Abroad, he coached Universidad de Chile, Salamanca of Spain, Morelia of Mexico, Millonarios of Colombia, Alianza Lima of Peru, Cerro Porteno of Paraguay, and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia. A former player with Estudiantes, Russo made more than 400 appearances for the club, winning two national titles.
Joe Fraser & Courtney Tulloch talk career highlights and inspiring next generation
Watch Great Britain gymnasts Joe Fraser and Courtney Tulloch in conversation as they open up about their career highlights and what it is like breaking records as black British males in the sport. The long-time friends and team-mates were speaking to mark Black History Month and before they compete at the World Championships in Jakarta on 19-26 October. Watch the World Championships on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app on 22 & 23 October (13:00-15:00 BST) and 24 & 25 October (07:30-12:30 BST).
Suva makes IDC semis, Nadi, Lautoka out – FBC News
Power Volt Suva is the fourth and final team confirmed for the FMF Inter District Championship. This is after they beat Extra Supermarket Labasa 3-1 in the final pool match. The result means RC Manubhai Ba is the lone western team in the semis while Nadi and Lautoka are now out of the race. Article continues after advertisement Labasa started without Simione Tamanisau, Lino Iliesa, Christopher Wasasala, Ilisoni Lolaivalu and Ashnil Raju Three goals were scored inside five minutes after a quite first 30 minutes. Suva conceded an own goal in the 35th minute when Remeuru Tekiate tried to stop a Rusiate Doidoi pass to Ratu Anare but instead tapped the ball in. However, in the 38th minute, Gagame Feni, shocked Labasa goalkeeper Jitoko Vulava with a powerful shot from inside the box. Just three minutes later, Dave Radrigai, calmly sneaked past defenders to score the second goal with Suva leading 2-1 at half-time. Faizal Ali put the result beyond reach with another goal. Suva will feature in the semifinals on Saturday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Suman Mokhtarian: Ex-UFC fighter shot and killed at age 33 while taking evening walk
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 Teammates of Suman Mokhtarian have paid tribute to the former UFC fighter, amid reports that the 33-year-old was shot dead on Wednesday. Multiple reports on Wednesday (8 October) stated that the Australian had been shot and killed during an evening walk in Sydney, more than 18 months after it was alleged that he was the subject of an attempted assassination. The Independent has contacted New South Wales Police for comment, after the force posted a statement that seemed to refer to Wednesday’s reported attack – though without naming Mokhtarian as the victim. “A man has died in a public place shooting in Sydney’s west today,” read the statement. “About 6pm today, emergency services were called to Annaluke Street, Riverstone, following reports of a shooting. “Officers attached to Riverstone Police Area Command attended and found a man suffering gunshot wounds. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene. The man is yet to be formally identified. “Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident. A short time later, about 6.15pm, emergency services were called to Riverstone Road, Riverstone, near Clark Street, following reports of a car fire. “Fire and Resue [SIC] NSW crews attended and extinguished the blaze, however, the vehicle was destroyed. Police have established a second crime scene and are working to establish whether the two incidents are linked.” Mokhtarian competed in the UFC twice, once in 2018 and once in 2019, losing both of his bouts in the featherweight division. Mokhtarian, having earned a UFC contract after appearing on The Ultimate Fighter in 2018, was stopped by Sodiq Yusuff in his UFC debut then outpointed by Seung Woo Choi in his other outing. He did not compete in mixed martial arts again after those fights, with his record standing at 8-2, but he continued to train. Jesse Swain was among Mokhtarian’s teammates who paid tribute, writing on Instagram: “Haven’t been able to sleep tonight after hearing the news so decided to post this now, firstly I want to say Suman believed in me more than I believed in myself. “I owe all I’ve done in mma to him. Anyone that knew him personally knows how passionate and invigorating he was and he expected nothing but the best from you. He pushed me to heights I never thought I’d get to when starting out. “He stopped me from quitting in late 2024 right before he got me the professional opportunities and he personally told me my potential in the game. “I’ll make sure to fulfill that potential for him. RIP Suman.” Another teammate, Ali Hassan, wrote on Instagram: “Allah please have mercy. This has hurt my family so much for the things he’s done for us. Suman got me out the gutter took care of me when I needed it most. “No matter [what] has happened you’ve been there for me and my family. Ya Allah have mercy on him.”
World Cup qualifiers: Isaac Price feels Northern Ireland have ‘confidence and come arrogance’ against top sides
Price felt he “didn’t play well” in the 3-1 win away to Luxembourg when his early penalty was saved despite Jamie Reid tucking away the rebound. However, he responded with a goal against Germany to bring his international tally to 10 and credits manager Michael O’Neill for giving him the confidence to bounce back against the four-time world champions. “It’s about not getting too high when things are going well or getting too low when they aren’t,” he said. “The Luxembourg game I missed a penalty, didn’t play well and was coming off a low point but then you play against Germany. “The night before, Michael came over and said ‘forget about what happened the other night, you’ll go and do something tomorrow’ and it happened. Michael has been around so long he’ll have seen it with other players, so it was a great feeling to get one against Germany.” The 22-year-old is part of the new crop of Northern Ireland players bidding to reach a major finals for the first time since Euro 2016 when O’Neill was in his first stint as manager. However, he believes the “maturity” in the camp can help them through the upcoming games. “The ground and the fans will be electric, but it’s about staying calm and composed because if you let the occasion get to you, it’s never the best thing. “We’ve the right level of maturity in the group and players who have been there before, so they can help us. “I hope they (opposition) realise we have a good young side and every team comes here fears it as they should do.”
Kautoga is a funny guy says skipper – FBC News
RC Manubhai Ba striker Vilitati Kautoga One of the highlights of the 2025 FMF Inter District Championship is the performance of RC Manubhai Ba striker, Vilitati Kautoga. It’s been a great tournament so far for Kautoga, who has scored three brilliant goals, including a screamer against Navua and the other last night against Nadroga. Members of the media wanted to have some comments from Kautoga last night after he was named Player of the Match, but the shy lad humbly asked to be excused. Article continues after advertisement However, Ba captain, Penisoni Tirau, says Kautoga is someone they love in camp. ”His goals (Kautoga) I can’t describe in words, it was a screamer, last night (against Navua)the goal he scored was not expected and today again (against Ba), a humble and funny guy too in camp, so I’d like to give credit to him also for his efforts. “ Kautoga has been starting for Ba in this tournament in place of France Catarogo, who is out injured. Ba Director of Football, Rodeck Singfh, says Kautoga is grasping the opportunity given to him. “Vilitati Kautoga is one of our good players who has been knocking on the door for Ba, but unfortunately couldn’t get the opportunity. But now he’s been given the opportunity and he’s showing his class. “ Ba faces Stratum Construction Rewa at 8 tonight to determine who finishes at the top of group B. You can listen to the live commentary on Radio Fiji 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe won’t make ‘knee-jerk’ decision over Ruben Amorim future
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 Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given head coach Ruben Amorim three years to prove himself and insists he will not run the club on “knee-jerk” reactions. The Portuguese is approaching the first anniversary of his appointment at Old Trafford, but his position has been under constant scrutiny since he took over on November 1 last year. He has failed to record back-to-back Premier League wins during that time, coming 15th last season – their worst top-flight finish since 1974 – and things have not improved much since the summer as United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby in August. That has led to suggestions Amorim’s job is under threat, but Ratcliffe said the 40-year-old was a “good guy” and had time to turn things around. “He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be,” he told The Business podcast, produced by The Times and The Sunday Times. “The press, sometimes I don’t understand. They want overnight success. They think it’s a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it’s all going to be roses tomorrow. “You can’t run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week.” Ratcliffe has owned just under 30 percent of United through his chemicals company Ineos since February 2024, taking over control of football operations at the club. That still left the Glazer family, who have been the subject of numerous fan protests over their handling of the club since taking over in 2005, in overall charge. Asked what would happen if the Glazers told him to sack Amorim, Ratcliffe said: “It’s not going to happen.” The Ineos boss added the Glazers were happy for him to take charge, adding: “That probably sums it up. We’re local and they’re the other side of the pond. “That’s a long way away to try and manage a football club as big as complex as Manchester United. We’re here with feet on the ground. “They get a bad rap…but they are really nice people and they are really passionate about the club.” Ratcliffe has come in for criticism of his own after controversial cuts designed to drive down costs saw around 450 jobs axed and the removal of perks like subsidised staff lunches. “The costs were just too high. There are some fantastic people at Manchester United, but there was also a level of mediocrity and it had become bloated,” he said. “I got a lot of flak for the free lunches, but no-one’s ever given me a free lunch. “The biggest correlation, like it or not, between results and any external factor – is profitability. The more cash you have got, the better squad you can build. “So a lot of what we have done in the first year is spend an awful lot of time putting the club on a sustainable, healthy footing. “We’re not seeing all the benefits of the restructuring that we’ve done in this set of (financial) results (United last month reported record revenues of £666.5million for last season but a loss of £33million for the financial year) and we were not in the Champions League. “Those numbers will get better. Manchester United will become the most profitable football club in the world, in my view, and from that will stem, I hope, a long-term, sustainable, high-level of football.”