Darts World Grand Prix: Luke Humphries beats Nathan Aspinall in opener
Luke Humphries turned on the style to beat Nathan Aspinall 2-0 and reach the second round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester. Premier League champion Humphries edged a close first set 3-2, despite Aspinall recovering from a slow start to win the second leg with a ‘big fish’ finish of two treble 20s followed by a bullseye. Aspinall struggled to start with doubles – a requirement of the double-in double-out format – as fellow Englishman Humphries took advantage and launched into the second set with a brutal 156 finish. Humphries recovered from a wobble to see out the second set 3-0 and set up a second-round meeting with Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski, who beat Germany’s Martin Schindler 2-0. “It was a big game. Nathan is a fantastic player,” Humphries told Sky Sports. “He struggled to get in a few times and he let me in with that 156, which was a big shot there to take the game towards myself. “My scoring was a bit strange, they just didn’t want to drop in. “Hopefully on Wednesday I can come back and be better.” England’s Stephen Bunting – who recently won the Swiss Darts Trophy for his sixth title of the season – beat Germany’s Niko Springer 2-0, and fifth seed James Wade fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat to Joe Cullen in an all-English contest. The first round continues on Tuesday as Peter Wright takes on 2024 Grand Prix champion Mike de Decker, Luke Littler faces Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen plays Dirk van Duijvenbode. Monday’s results: Luke Humphries 2-0 Nathan Aspinall Gary Anderson 2-1 Raymond van Barneveld Rob Cross 2-1 Wessel Nijman Krzysztof Ratajski 2-0 Martin Schindler Cameron Menzies 2-0 Chris Dobey Joe Cullen 2-0 James Wade Danny Noppert 2-1 Jermaine Wattimena Stephen Bunting 2-0 Niko Springer Tuesday’s matches: Damon Heta v Luke Woodhouse Ross Smith v Daryl Gurney Jonny Clayton v Andrew Gilding Gerwyn Price v Ryan Searle Luke Littler v Gian van Veen Michael van Gerwen v Dirk van Duijvenbode Peter Wright v Mike de Decker Josh Rock v Ryan Joyce
Jarell Quansah eager to ‘keep progressing’ as Leverkusen player eyes England bow
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 Jarell Quansah hopes leaving Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen will fast-track his development – and that his long-awaited England debut goes far better than his “eye-opening” first senior appearance. The 22-year-old has yet to make his international bow despite being called-up to Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euro 2024 squad 16 months ago, then being selected by Lee Carsley, as interim boss, and Thomas Tuchel. Quansah has played a part in every camp since the German took over apart from in June, when the centre-back instead helped England win the Under-21 European Championship. A long-mooted £35million move from Liverpool, where he came through the youth system, followed quickly after the final as he left the Premier League champions in search of regular football. “I just wanted to keep progressing,” uncapped Quansah said. “As a young centre-back, you need games to improve. “I’ve always been learning off some of the best players around me at the time at Liverpool, and being able to do that has been so good for my career. “I’m 22, turning 23 (in January), I’m going to be needing hundreds of games to be where I want to be at the end of the day. “I think overall that’s just why the decision was made and why I thought going abroad was best for me.” Quansah wants to regularly play Champions League football and test himself at the highest level as the ambitious defender seeks to build on winning the Under-21 Euros. That triumph in Slovakia – where he also won the Under-19 Euros in 2022 – was “massive from a confidence point of view” for a player who took his first steps in senior football at Bristol Rovers. Quansah joined Joey Barton’s League One side for the second half the 2022-23 season, when his loan began with a chastening 5-1 loss at Morecambe. “A true eye-opener,” he said with a laugh. “It was a very interesting match because generally the feeling of the team was we thought we were actually OK. “But I feel like we conceded five shots and it was five goals. It was one of those games, so seeing that that can happen in a game of football was eye-opening. “But hopefully (when I make my England debut) it will be better than that!” Quansah still keeps in touch with some former Rovers team-mates, some of whom he has gone on holiday with, and reflects fondly on that crucial loan. “Numerous wake-up calls,” he said of that 16-game stint. “It was a really, really valuable part of my career. “I remember coming away and every game I’d learned something new. And probably the first time in my career up until that point where I’d thought that. “That’s where I knew how valuable experience and playing games was and you could say it informed my decision in the summer as well.”
Labasa aims to defend IDC title – FBC News
[File Photo] Winning a major title is an achievement, but successfully defending it is a colossal challenge, says Labasa coach Alvin Chand. The reigning champions are heading to the FMF IDC in Ba with the heavy burden of expectation from their passionate northern fan base. Coach Chand acknowledged that the pressure is immense, but says that his players have grown accustomed to handling it. Article continues after advertisement “I know people will be counting on us, and yes, the boys are aware of their responsibility. This is the last major title we have to secure and we will do our best.” Chand admits that playing the tournament in Ba will not be easy as every district has bolstered its squad with new players and experienced coaching staff. However, he remains confident in his core group of players, who have the advantage of having played together as a unit for a long time. Unfortunately for the Northerners, they will be without experienced midfielder Anish Khem, who has returned to Australia for treatment on an injury. IDC starts today from 1.30pm. You can catch live commentary all the matches on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rewa FC: The Delta Tigers Eye Redemption at the 2025 FMF IDC
Few names in Fijian football carry the same weight as Stratum Construction Rewa FC, and in 2025, the Delta Tigers once again arrive at the FMF Inter-District Championship as one of the teams to beat. Fresh from an impressive season where they claimed the Extra Fiji Premier League title, Rewa step onto the turf at the redeveloped 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba, with both confidence and unfinished business. The Tigers were the class of the league this season, topping the table with consistency and control. Their defensive organization, midfield discipline, and attacking sharpness made them the most complete side in the competition, underlining why they were worthy league champions. Week after week, they proved difficult to break down and ruthless when chances came, stamping their authority on Fiji’s top flight. In tournament play, however, Rewa endured heartbreak. They reached the finals of both the BiC Fiji FACT and the Extra Battle of the Giants (BOG), only to fall short against Extra Supermarket Labasa FC on both occasions. The defeats were agonizing for the Delta Tigers, who had matched Labasa stride for stride throughout the campaigns but could not take the final step. While the losses were bitter, they also highlighted Rewa’s remarkable consistency — to reach two major finals in a single year is no small feat. Those setbacks have now become fuel, and the FMF IDC provides the perfect platform for redemption. Rewa’s history in the IDC is illustrious. With 14 titles to their name, the Tigers are among the most decorated clubs in the competition. Their most recent triumph came in 2017, when they ended a 20-year drought by memorably lifting the trophy. Since then, they have remained constant challengers, and this year, with form and momentum behind them, they are aiming to bring the silverware back to the Delta. In the 2025 FMF IDC, Rewa have been drawn into Group B, alongside Ba, Navua, and Nadroga. It is a challenging group, featuring the record-holding IDC champions Ba, a fearless Navua side, and an unpredictable Nadroga team known for their fighting spirit. For the Delta Tigers, this group stage offers both a stern test and the opportunity to assert themselves early as title favorites. For the Delta Tigers, the 2025 IDC is about more than just adding another trophy. It is about proving they can take the next step in knockout competitions after falling short twice already this year. It is about rewarding their passionate supporters, whose loyalty and energy drive the team forward. And above all, it is about cementing their place as the most dominant force in Fijian football in 2025. With the league title secured and two finals already reached, Rewa FC arrives at 4R Stadium at Govind Park with momentum, belief, and determination. The FMF IDC is their chance to complete a remarkable season — and to roar the loudest when it matters most.
LeBron James: NBA and LA Lakers star’s Second Decision teaser spurs retirement talk
He is arguably basketball’s greatest ever player. But before his 23rd season in the NBA, and with speculation about his future already rife, is LeBron James about to announce his retirement plans? The 40-year-old’s cryptic post on his social media channels on Monday has got fans of the LA Lakers superstar wondering if he is ready to call time on his court career. A teaser video for “The Second Decision” shows him sitting down across from another man on a basketball court, with the caption: “The decision of all decisions. October 7th. 12pm EST.” It echoes what became known as “The Decision” in 2010 – when in a televised announcement from a gym, James revealed he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. On Tuesday, at 17:00 BST, he could reveal something similarly significant for his career. James turns 41 in December and has already made plenty of history in the game. Last season he became the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 combined points across regular season and play-off games. In April 2025 his influence beyond sport was shown when he became the first professional male athlete to be honoured as a Ken doll by Barbie makers Mattel. In the NBA, no other player has made it to a 23rd season. Since being drafted first overall by hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, switching to the Heat in 2010 and then joining the Lakers in 2018, James has won four league titles and broken a host of records. One record came after his son Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in 2024 and they became the first father-son duo to share the court in an NBA game. Last week the 6ft 9in superstar insisted he was “excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season”. “The thing still pushing me is the fact that my love for the game is still high,” he added. He may be ready to announce his 23rd, record-setting season will be his last. But others are not so sure. With a string of investments and off-court ventures in tow, many of those engaging with the teaser on Instagram and X suspected he would be making a promotional announcement for one such vehicle. Time will tell.
How Dave Allen became a cult hero ahead of career-defining Arslanbek Makhmudov fight
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 Dave Allen has experienced the ultimate rollercoaster career since making his professional debut almost 13 years ago. Now 33, the Doncaster fighter is riding the crest of a wave and is set to headline a show in Sheffield this weekend when he takes on dangerous heavyweight contender Arslanbek Makhmudov, live on DAZN. Despite losing seven of his 33 fights, Allen is currently one of the most popular boxers in the country, with fans willing him on to make the most of his opportunity to burst onto the world stage. But why is he so well-liked? Here, we explore how Allen achieved cult hero status ahead of the biggest fight of his life. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year Allen’s refreshing honesty Almost every fighter looks to talk up their abilities, knowing it is one of the best ways to land the biggest fights. Yet Allen has always been very realistic about how far he can go in boxing. He knows he is not a world-beater and has never claimed to be one. Allen has sparred the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, and is fully aware he is a level below the elite fighters in boxing’s blue-riband division. Ahead of his rematch with Johnny Fisher in May, Allen admitted he had found “the right level for me” and that proved to be the case as he struggled early on before knocking out his domestic rival. In a sport full of big talkers and bluffers, Allen brings refreshing honesty to the table, which has helped him get the public on his side. open image in gallery Dave Allen faces a pivotal fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov next (Getty Images) Opening up on mental health Allen has been through some tough moments in the ring but has faced even greater challenges outside of it. 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. Over the years he has been very open about his mental health struggles, revealing how he has battled with depression and a gambling addiction since he was a teenager. He has previously admitted to turning to self-harm and even attempting suicide during his lowest moments, but he has got his life back on track and made a success of his boxing career. Speaking out on such a sensitive topic is difficult for anyone to do, but Allen has never shied away from talking about the demons he has faced. Sharing his story is likely to have helped others who have experienced similar feelings, and Allen’s bravery in speaking about his mental health has earned him the love and respect of fans across the country. open image in gallery Dave Allen has been open about his struggles (Getty) Persistence pays off Boxing fans love a trier. Allen has had plenty of setbacks and could have walked away from boxing on countless occasions, but he keeps coming back for more. He suffered consecutive losses against Dillian Whyte and Luis Ortiz in 2016, taking considerable punishment in the latter contest. A disappointing defeat by Lenroy Thomas caused him to miss out on the Commonwealth title the following year, and his career appeared to be in tatters when he was on the end of a one-sided beating against Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka in 2018. But Allen bounced back with four straight wins after that, a run that included him stopping former world champion Lucas Browne. Allen’s strong run of form was brought to a shuddering halt by David Price when he had to be stretchered out of the ring in worrying scenes at the O2 Arena. No one would have blamed Allen if he had retired at that point, but he worked his way back into contention with another run of wins before losing to Frazer Clarke in September 2023. He was on the wrong end of a controversial decision against Johnny Fisher last year and could have felt sorry for himself. But he took the immediate rematch and got the victory the second time around, knocking out Fisher in brutal fashion. Allen has kept going when it would have been easier to quit and now he has is getting his reward as he prepares to headline in his hometown. open image in gallery (Getty Images) Viral knockouts Fans need to see something from fighters that they can get behind. If a fighter loses every time they step in the ring, they are unlikely to build a fanbase. Luckily for Allen, he has produced several memorable moments that
Suva FC: The Capital City Side Out to Reclaim IDC Glory
Power Volt Suva FC steps into the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship determined to reassert itself as one of Fiji’s great knockout football powers. With a proud history in the competition and a squad full of talent, Suva will arrive at the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba, eager to make amends after a season that has tested their resolve. In the Extra Premier League, Suva endured an inconsistent campaign, finishing mid-table after struggling for rhythm against the league’s heavyweights. There were flashes of brilliance, particularly in attack, but defensive lapses and missed opportunities in front of goal cost them valuable points. While their league finish did not match the lofty standards expected of Suva, their depth and big-match mentality mean they remain a serious threat in knockout football. The tournament season was equally challenging. In the BiC Fiji FACT, Suva exited earlier than anticipated, unable to find their cutting edge in a tough group. At the Extra Battle of the Giants (BOG), they showed improvement, progressing to the semi-finals before falling short against eventual champions Labasa. Those results underline Suva’s ability to rise in high-stakes situations, even if consistency across the year proved elusive. Suva’s IDC pedigree is beyond doubt. With 14 championships and 17 runner-up finishes, they are among the most decorated clubs in the competition’s history. Their most recent triumph came in 2022, when they lifted the trophy in style, reminding the nation of their ability to deliver on the grandest stage. For their players and fans alike, 2025 is about chasing another moment like that and restoring their status among Fiji’s elite. In the 2025 FMF IDC, Suva has been drawn into Group A, alongside Labasa, Lautoka, and Nadi. It is a heavyweight pool stacked with champions, promising thrilling contests and demanding Suva’s very best. Matches against defending champions Labasa and arch-rivals Lautoka will test their character, while Nadi’s unpredictable flair ensures there can be no complacency. For Suva, FMF IDC is about redemption, pride, and the pursuit of history. They may not have dominated in the league or lifted trophies earlier in 2025, but their tradition of producing memorable runs in knockout football cannot be underestimated. Backed by their passionate supporters, the Capital City Boys will look to rise once more and remind Fiji why Suva FC is a name synonymous with IDC glory. As the 2025 edition begins in Ba, one thing is clear: Suva FC will not just be there to compete — they will be there to challenge, to inspire, and to chase another chapter of silverware in their proud history.
Silver Ferns squad named for Australia series – FBC News
A 14-strong Silver Ferns squad has been named for the series against Australia, where New Zealand will attempt to put coaching dramas aside and defend the Constellation Cup. There is just one change to the squad that was named for last month’s Taini Jamison series against South Africa. Amelia Walmsley has been named, after a standout campaign with the New Zealand U21 side at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, where the side finished second. Article continues after advertisement She replaces Filda Vui, who made her Silver Ferns debut last month. Kate Burley, Tayla Earle and Saviour Tui were not selected but might get a chance when the Silver Ferns head to the UK next month to play Scotland and England. Netball New Zealand over the weekend announced that Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season following failed attempts at mediation last week. Yvette McCausland-Durie stepped in as interim coach for the Taini Jamison series and will continue in that role for the rest of the year. McCausland-Durie welcomed the mix of experience and emerging players in the squad. “The Constellation Cup is always a fiercely contested series and we’ve selected a squad capable of rising to the challenge. We believe this group can push the Diamonds hard across all four Tests,” McCausland-Durie said. “Bringing Amelia into the group is a real statement about our confidence in her development. Her performances in Gibraltar showed she can handle pressure on the global stage, and we look forward to seeing her back in the Silver Ferns dress.” The Silver Ferns lifted the Constellation Cup for just the third time last year after beating the world champions 3-1. Rotating captains were used during the South Africa series. An announcement on Silver Ferns captain and vice-captain will be made by the end of camp. The Silver Ferns will assemble tomorrow for a training camp 7-11 October before travelling to Australia for the series opener in Melbourne on 17 October. Silver Ferns squad for the Constellation Cup:Shooters: Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Georgia Heffernan, Martina Salmon Midcourters: Elisapeta Toeava, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reulu-Buchanan Defenders: Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, Carys Stythe, Karin Burger, Catherine Hall Constellation Cup schedule17 October – John Cain Arena, Melbourne 22 October – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney 26 October – Globox Arena, Hamilton 29 October – Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
It costs R8m to develop a player
Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou has set out his expectations regarding the compensation Kaizer Chiefs should provide for Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi. Ahead of the much-anticipated ruling, Efstathiou has emphasised the significant costs involved in producing professional players. KAIZER CHIEFS DUO ASANELE VELEBAYI AND LUKE BAARTMAN TO LEARN FATE How did it all start? The dispute began after Spurs were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) to amateur status. Chiefs then signed Velebayi and Baartman as free agents, but Spurs challenged the move, claiming the players were still under contract. The Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) ruled that the agreements were null and void because Spurs no longer held professional status. Unwilling to accept the DRC’s ruling, Spurs escalated the matter to SAFA arbitration, seeking compensation for the development costs of their young talents. With advocate Hilton Epstein expected to make his ruling this week, Spurs’ Efstathiou has shared his thoughts. “We expect the award to be fair to everyone involved,” he said to Kick Off. “It takes significant investment to develop players, around R8 million per player if they have been with us since the age of 12. “Consider how much money is needed to develop a single professional player, and we must factor in those costs as well. We account for everything, including the water we use on the field. “Do you think the Cape Town City Council provides us with water for free? No. So, we will wait and see what happens,” Efstathiou added. Also read: Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs will fly to Congo
Uefa confirms LaLiga and Serie A matches will be played abroad on one condition
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 Uefa has confirmed that it will allow Barcelona to play their LaLiga fixture against Villarreal in Miami in December and AC Milan to play their Serie A match against Como in Perth, Australia next February, but says it remains opposed to domestic league matches being staged outside their home country. The landmark ruling follows separate requests from LaLiga and Serie A to play the games abroad, which were “reluctantly” approved at a meeting of Uefa’s executive committee last month. However, Uefa president Alexander Ceferin said the decision was “exceptional” and would not set a “precedent”. The final decision to allow the games to be held abroad now rests with Fifa, which is still in the process of finalising new regulations. In a statement, Uefa said it felt it had no option but to approve the requests from LaLiga and Serie A due to a lack of a “clear and detailed” framework. The Independent has previously reported that domestic leagues such as Spain’s LaLiga and Italy’s Serie A see the staging of games overseas as crucial in attracting wider audiences and competing with the financial muscle of the Premier League. However, the European Union sport commissioner, Glenn Micallef, warned last month that staging domestic league matches abroad “isn’t innovation, it’s betrayal” and the subject of playing games overseas has been criticised by Football Supporters Europe (FSE). “League matches should be played on home soil, anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions,” Ceferin said in a statement. “Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue. “While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”