World Grand Prix: Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson into quarter-finals
World number one Luke Humphries moved into the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix in Leicester with a comfortable 3-1 win over Krzysztof Ratajski. Humphries, 30, was champion in 2023 and runner-up last year, and reached the last eight after a half-time adjustment – hitting six 180s and averaging 95.58 at the ‘double in, double out’ tournament. He said: “I went off at the break and said to myself ‘you must be doing something different because you don’t play like this usually’. “So I slowed my throw down and I started hitting the trebles. On the practice board I am hitting everything and then I am going out there and not, so I needed to change something.” Fourth seed Stephen Bunting was dumped out by 2021 semi-finalist Danny Noppert, while two-time world champion Gary Anderson breezed past Joe Cullen. Cullen only averaged 68.05 and won just one leg. Anderson told Sky Sports: “Joe was miles off tonight, his starting off is what cost him. “My scoring came on at the end. It’s been a while since I went far in this tournament, it’s getting harder and harder for me. “Darts is a joy but I still want to win.” Reigning champion Mike de Decker is in action on Thursday against Luke Littler. Wednesday’s World Grand Prix results: Cameron Menzies 3-1 Rob Cross Danny Noppert 3-1 Stephen Bunting Luke Humphries 3-1 Krzysztof Ratajski Joe Cullen 0-3 Gary Anderson Thursday’s matches: Dirk van Duijvenbode v Daryl Gurney Jonny Clayton v Luke Woodhouse Luke Littler v Mike de Decker Gerwyn Price v Josh Rock
National team manager reacts as team shares hotel with international music superstar
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 Global superstar Katy Perry is staying at the same hotel at the Scotland national team – not that manager Steve Clarke is impressed. His Scotland side are sharing the same Glasgow city centre hotel with the global superstar. The Scots are preparing for their 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header against Denmark on Thursday and Belarus on Sunday, with both games taking place at the national stadium, Hampden Park. Perry, meanwhile, kicked off the UK leg of her world tour in Glasgow on Tuesday. Clarke, however, was nonplussed when told of the coincidence. open image in gallery Scotland are preparing for their 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header against Denmark and Belarus (Rafal Oleksiewicz/PA) “I didn’t know she was there,” he said. “I’ve heard the name. I’m sure if you played a couple of her songs I’d say, ‘oh I recognise that one’, but I couldn’t name you one song, I’m sorry. “That’s no disrespect to Katy, but I’m from a different generation.” Clarke is set to break Craig Brown’s Scotland record in the 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece and Belarus. Brown, who died in June 2023 aged 82, managed the national side 71 times from 1993 to 2001 and qualified the country for Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup finals. Clarke, 62, has been in the dugout 70 times since taking over in 2019 and has led the Scots to the last two European Championships but is looking to take them to a first World Cup finals since Brown’s side went to France. open image in gallery Scotland manager Steve Clarke (Andrew Milligan/PA) Clarke played down the record, however. “I haven’t thought about it, I’ve got to be honest,” said the former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock boss. “Milestones and career marks, I’ve had a half-decent career as a player, a half-decent career up until now as a manager or head coach. “I don’t think I’m finished yet, so let me finish it and look back at it and I’ll tell you exactly how I feel about it. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. “But I’ve enjoyed it. Obviously when you take the job you don’t think it’s going to be six-and-a-bit years with as many games under your belt. “But I’ve been lucky enough to work with a really good consistent group of players who have done so well for me, all my coaches have helped me to get to this stage. “It’s really nice, but at the moment my focus is only on qualifying for the World Cup next year.”
Overall objective not achieved yet for Labasa – FBC News
They may have secured the FMF Inter District Championship semifinals berth, but the job is not done yet for defending champions, Extra Supermarket Labasa. This is the view of coach Alvin Chand, after defeating 4R Electric Lautoka 2-nil in their second group match last night in Ba. Solomon Islander Jimson Abana opened the scoring for the northerners in the first half, while Lekima Gonerau doubled their lead after the break from the penalty spot. Article continues after advertisement Coach Chand says they could have scored more, but he’s glad they got the win. “I’m really happy with the performance of the boys, IDC is always a tough tournament in the football calendar. I’m glad we have qualified with one game remaining, but the job is not done yet, and our overall objective for this tournament has not been achieved, so we’re working on that.” Labasa will play Power Volt Suva in the first Super Premier game today at 2 pm. Suva needs a win to join Labasa in the semifinals. The live commentary will air on Radio Fiji 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Three Teams Book IDC Semis, One Spot Up for Grabs
Three teams have already secured their semi-final places at the FMF IDC 2025 at 4R Stadium in Govind Park, Ba, while one last spot remains to be decided as the group stage concludes today. Stratum Construction Rewa, RC Manubhai Ba, and Extra Supermarket Labasa have qualified after back-to-back wins, leaving Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka to contest the final berth in Group A. Wednesday’s matches produced plenty of excitement. Nadi and Suva played out a 1-1 draw in the opening clash, Rewa defeated Navua 3-1, Labasa overcame Lautoka 2-0, and hosts Ba came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory against Nadroga. In the Premier Division, Nasinu beat Tavua 2-0 and Tailevu Naitasiri thrashed Seaqaqa 4-0, while the Senior Division saw Dreketi edge Savusavu 3-2 and Bua hold Taveuni to a scoreless draw. The standings now set up a tense finish. In Group A, Labasa lead with six points and are already confirmed semi-finalists. Suva has two points, while Lautoka and Nadi both sit on one each. The second semi-final ticket from the pool will be decided today, with Suva needing a strong performance against leaders Labasa, while Lautoka and Nadi face off in a must-win clash. In Group B, Rewa and Ba both have six points and are through, with goal difference separating them, while Navua and Nadroga have been eliminated after back-to-back losses. Today’s fixtures (Thursday, October 9) will begin with Tailevu Naitasiri taking on Tavua in the Premier Division at 11am, followed by Suva against Labasa in Group A at 2pm. At 4pm, Navua meet Nadroga in Group B, before Lautoka clash with Nadi at 6pm in another Group A decider. The final match of the night at 8 pm will see a top-of-the-table showdown between Rewa and Ba in Group B. The semi-final format pairs the Group A winner with the Group B runner-up, and the Group B winner against the Group A runner-up on Saturday. With Rewa, Ba, and Labasa already confirmed, today’s results will decide both the order of Group B and the all-important second qualifier from Group A.
Northern Ireland Football Fund: Crusaders and Derry City to launch legal action over omission
Crusaders and Derry City will join forces to commence legal proceedings over their omission from Stage Two of the Northern Ireland Football Fund. In September, the Department of Communities announced 20 clubs from across Northern Ireland would progress to the next round of the process with three different tiers of funding available. Of the 41 clubs eligible to apply, 38 submitted bids, leaving those who missed out bitterly disappointed. Both Crusaders and Derry City were two to miss out and having considered the decision, jointly confirmed on Wednesday evening they will now lodge legal proceedings against the decision to omit them. In a statement, Crusaders said: “Following an extra-ordinary general meeting of Crusaders Football Club members on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, Crusaders FC have determined to join Derry City FC to commence legal proceedings to challenge the exclusion of both clubs from Stage 2 of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.” The League of Ireland club expressed similar sentiments. “Derry City FC have made the decision to join with Crusaders FC to commence legal proceedings to challenge the exclusion of both clubs from Stage 2 of the Northern Ireland Football Fund process,” they said in a statement. “We believe we were left with no other option.” The Stormont Executive has set £36.2m aside, but Communities Minister Gordon Lyons estimated the departmental cost of the 20 projects would come to “just over £82m”, while the “estimated total project costs” are £98m. The big winners were NIFL Premiership clubs Glentoran and Cliftonville who progressed in the third and most expensive tier of over £6m. The middle bracket of applications between £1.5m to £6m saw 13 successful applications, while five of of less than £1.5m also progressed.
Marc Guehi relaxed about Crystal Palace contract situation ahead of World Cup
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 Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is not going to let his contract situation affect him heading into next summer’s World Cup. Guehi’s current deal at Selhurst Park will expire at the end of June and he looks set to leave on a free transfer. The centre-half almost joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day last month before the deal fell through, while Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly interested in a player whose stock has sky-rocketed in the last six months. Guehi is staying relaxed about his situation and says it does not matter if he has not found a new club – or signed a new deal with Palace – before heading to North America with England. He said: “For me, it doesn’t really matter, to be honest. “As long as I’m playing well and helping Palace, there’s definitely an opportunity for me to be here as I am today. “Whether it’s sorted or not, it’s not really the most important thing to be honest. “Personally, I don’t know if I can think that far ahead. I like to just take it step by step, and that is just focusing on the games that I have at Palace and any upcoming opportunities I have here.” Guehi has been the lynchpin of a sensational few months at Palace, which saw them win the FA Cup amid a 19-match unbeaten run that stretched from April to October. But the 25-year-old says the interest has not gone to his head. “When it happened, it was all a blur,” Guehi said. “So no difference at all. To be honest, I’m still the same young man trying to find his feet, find his way, trying to improve. Each and every day. “I feel like I’m just really obsessed and wanting to just get better. That is my goal. “There’s so many experiences I can take, not just from that, but just the games that I’ve had over the last 12 months or so. “I’m grateful to be playing in teams that are thriving and excelling, but also in tough moments you can learn as well. “Definitely a lot of good moments for me to improve and help.”
Rewa secures IDC semifinal berth – FBC News
Stratum Construction Rewa is the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the 2025 FMF Inter District Championship following a 3-1 win over Vantex Solutions Navua. The loss also means Navua is the first team out of the tournament, even with one more pool game remaining. Patrick Joseph and John Orobulu struck for Rewa in the first half to give them a 2-nil lead at the break. Article continues after advertisement Orobulu is in contention for the Golden Boot Award, with five goals so far in two games. There was a glimmer of hope for Navua when Kolinio Sivoki scored, but their joy was short-lived as Asivorosi Rabo found the net just a minute later to extend Rewa’s lead to 3-1. Navua will face Nadroga in their final pool match tomorrow, while Rewa takes on Ba. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Financial help offered to tennis players involved in doping investigations by ITIA
The Professional Tennis Players’ Association, which was co-founded by Djokovic to increase player power, introduced a scheme in January which offers free support from two prominent law firms. The number of legal hours provided is limited, and there will be restraints too on what the ITIA will be able to offer. There is already pro-bono legal support offered to players who test positive by Sport Resolutions – an independent dispute resolution company. This will now be open to players from the moment they test positive, rather than when they are charged, but long-term support is dependent on finding lawyers who are prepared to work for free. Up to $5,000 (£3,730) worth of assistance will be available to those who wish to use a Wada-accredited laboratory to prepare a case. Individuals will also be able to sign up for six sessions at Sporting Chance, the mental health organisation set up to support professional athletes. “Anyone who finds themselves part of either an anti-doping or anti-corruption investigation deserves the opportunity to defend or explain themselves, and we recognise the process can come at both a financial and emotional cost,” ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse said. “No player picks up a tennis racquet as a child with any motivation other than playing the game. “Individuals find themselves in these situations for a lot of reasons, and so no matter what those reasons are, and where the case ends up, they also deserve someone to talk to.” The trial will be reviewed at the end of 2026.
Ronnie O’Sullivan feels he enjoys same fan support as the sporting greats
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 Ronnie O’Sullivan likened himself to Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Lionel Messi after reaching the last 32 of the Xi’an Grand Prix in China. The seven-time world champion feels his cue action is as good as it has been for more than a decade following a comfortable 5-1 second-round win over Yao Pengcheng. O’Sullivan is playing in his first tournament since losing the Saudi Arabia Masters final to Neil Robertson in August after missing the English Open and British Open due to medical reasons. The 49-year-old referenced golf great Woods, tennis great Federer and football star Messi when asked about the backing he continues to receive from fans. “I’m always going to have good support because of how I’ve played over the years and I’m really grateful for that,” O’Sullivan told the World Snooker Tour. “I don’t know what it is they get from me when they watch me play but if it makes them feel good about themselves then I feel good. “Maybe it’s a bit like when Tiger Woods used to play golf, a bit like when Federer played tennis, Messi plays football, people seem to get great enjoyment from it, so I’m happy to be that guy.” O’Sullivan opened with a break of 63 and then doubled his advantage with a superb clearance of 128. Chinese world number 118 Yao halved his deficit thanks to a knock of 55 and had chances to level before O’Sullivan reasserted his authority as breaks of 53 and 54 helped set up a meeting with Scotland’s Stephen Maguire. “I feel like I’m cueing as well as I have done since maybe 2012; the last time I hit the ball this well was probably that long ago,” said O’Sullivan. “I played well in ’16, ’17, ’18, ’19, a good decade really, but the last three years was pretty awful. I know I had some wins but I was just struggling with ball striking. “I’d much rather feel how I’m feeling now and just be competing, maybe not win some tournaments, than feeling awful and winning tournaments, so I’ll take this all day long.” World number one Judd Trump suffered a dramatic 5-4 defeat to veteran Welshman Matthew Stevens. Having led 3-1, the 2019 world champion trailed by 38 points with 27 left on the table in the eighth frame but earned a decider by forcing fouls on the blue and pink before sinking the respotted black. However, former Masters and UK Championship winner Stevens, now ranked 51st, held his nerve to book a showdown with China’s Lyu Haotian. Four-time Crucible winner Mark Selby and Mark Allen also made second-round exits following respective 5-4 defeats to 53-year-old Mark Davis and Oliver Lines, while reigning world champion Zhao Xintong lost 5-2 to Robert Milkins. Teenager Stan Moody will take on 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham in round three after holding off an Ali Carter fightback to win 5-3. Referring to media headlines comparing him to darts sensation Luke Littler, the 19-year-old Yorkshireman, who is ranked 49th in the world, said: “I’ve got a long way to go to be the Luke Littler of snooker, but I’m on my way. “I want to be top 32 by the end of the season, go deeper in tournaments, and I’m doing all right.”
Women’s Cricket World Cup: Australia v Pakistan – Best shots from Beth Mooney’s 109
Beth Mooney produces a brilliant innings, making 109, to save Australia’s innings against Pakistan as her side recover from 76-7 to 221-9 at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. FOLLOW LIVE: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – Australia v Pakistan Available to UK users only.