Sports — International

Barcelona starlet Gavi pens new deal until 2026

MADRID, Spain (AFP) – Barcelona midfielder Gavi signed a contract extension until June 2026 with a release clause of one billion euros on Wednesday. The 18-year-old’s existing deal was set to expire at the end of the 2022-23 season. Gavi has become a key player for the club after breaking through in August 2021, shortly before being given his Spain debut by Luis Enrique in October 2021, becoming his country’s youngest ever player at senior […]

Frankfurt charged with ‘racist behavior’ after trouble in Champions League game

PARIS, France (AFP) – Eintracht Frankfurt have been charged with several offences including “racist behavior” by UEFA after the German club’s Champions League win away to Marseille on Tuesday was marred by incidents. The charges come after Marseille’s police prefecture said it had informed UEFA that some visiting fans “performed Nazi salutes in the away section” during the game. Frankfurt was also charged for the “throwing of objects” by their supporters, who were accused of […]

NBA suspends Suns owner Sarver for year after racism probe

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — The NBA has suspended Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million dollars after a probe of claims of racism and misogyny, the league said Tuesday. In announcing the punishment, the league said the independent investigation found that Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and League rules and policies. “This conduct included the use of racially […]

Pres. Marcos Jr., congratulates Filipina tennis player Alex Eala for historic US Open win

  (Eagle News) — Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr congratulated Filipina teen tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala for bringing honor to the country by becoming the country’s first Grand Slam junior champion at the US Open on Saturday and again making history for the Philippines. President Marcos said the 17-year old Eala made the country proud with her historic win. “It is with an immense sense of pride and joy that I congratulate Alex […]

Rajapaksa hails ‘great win’ as Sri Lanka clinch Asia Cup title

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) – Bhanuka Rajapaksa on Sunday said Sri Lanka’s cricket has proved a point to the world with their sixth Asia Cup title after his unbeaten 71 set up a commanding 23-run win over Pakistan. Fast bowler Pramod Madushan (4-34) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3-27) shared seven wickets between them to bowl out Pakistan for 147 while chasing 171 in Dubai. Earlier the left-handed Rajapaksa put on a key 58-run stand for […]

17-year old Filipina tennis player Eala wins US Open girls’ singles title, making history for PHL

    Alexandra Eala became the Philippines’ first Grand Slam junior champion at the US Open on Saturday, using her “idol” Rafael Nadal for inspiration. The 17-year-old Filipina defeated French Open girls champion Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-4 in the final. “My idol is obviously Rafa. He’s a very good role model, something a lot of people should idolise and try to be,” said Eala who is based at the 22-time Grand […]

Alcaraz wins US Open and becomes youngest world number one

  New York, United States (AFP) by Dave JAMES Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open on Sunday and became the youngest man to ascend to the world number one ranking. The 19-year-old dragged his weary body to a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 victory over Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final. Alcaraz, the first teenager to claim the top ranking, is the youngest Grand Slam men’s champion […]

NFL Steelers top Bengals in overtime, Texans tie Colts

Los Angeles, United States (AFP) Chris Boswell kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired in overtime to lift Pittsburgh to a 23-20 win over Cincinnati on Sunday as Houston and Indianapolis played to a rare NFL overtime tie. Boswell’s winning kick saw the Steelers’ dominant defensive performance pay off, despite a late injury to T.J. Watt —  who had one of Pittsburgh’s four interceptions of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Despite near-constant pressure, Burrow shook […]

Australia’s Gilmore wins record eighth surfing world title

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) – Stephanie Gilmore said it was “freaking cool” after the Australian won an eighth world title to become the most successful woman surfer in history. The 34-year-old had been tied with Layne Beachley on seven but against the odds beat Hawaiian world number one Carissa Moore in California to eclipse her fellow Australian’s haul. “There really are not many words that can describe this feeling right now,” said Gilmore after […]

China’s Lin fires 64 to grab LPGA lead

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Lin Xiyu of China fired an eight-under-par 64 to seize a one-stroke lead over Japan’s Nasa Hataoka after Thursday’s first round of the LPGA Queen City Championship. The 26-year-old from Guangzhou made nine birdies against a lone bogey to finish one off her lowest LPGA round and pace the field after 18 holes at Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I’m happy with how I’m playing right now,” Lin said. […]

Tiafoe relishing role model status at US Open

by Rob Woollard Agence France-Presse NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — Frances Tiafoe says he hopes to inspire a new generation of Black tennis players after moving to within two wins of becoming the first African-American in 54 years to win the US Open. The 24-year-old has lit up this year’s championships after a giant-killing run that saw him eliminate Rafael Nadal before Wednesday’s quarter-final demolition of Russian ninth seed Andrey Rublev. Tiafoe’s assured 7-6 […]

Pacquiao eyes boxing return with Saudi exhibition fight

  MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — Manny Pacquiao, who retired from boxing last year for a tilt at the Philippines presidency, told AFP on Tuesday that he is considering an exhibition fight in Saudi Arabia in January. The 43-year-old legendary former world champion is to hold talks over a fight against French former sparring partner Jaber Zayani in Riyadh. “We will just start discussions,” Pacquiao, who previously ruled out a return to professional boxing, said by […]