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Itauma KOs Whyte in first round in non-title heavyweight fight

Itauma KOs Whyte in first round in non-title heavyweight fight
Moses Itauma celebrates with his belts and promoter Frank Warren after beating Dillian Whyte at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on August 16, 2025. (REUTERS//Hamad I Mohammed)
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Updated 7 sec ago

Itauma KOs Whyte in first round in non-title heavyweight fight

Itauma KOs Whyte in first round in non-title heavyweight fight

RIYADH: Moses Itauma cemented his status as a heavyweight title contender by scoring a first-round knockout over Dillian Whyte on Saturday.
Just 20 years old, Itauma unloaded on the veteran Whyte and dropped him with a right hook before casually walking to the neutral corner while the referee counted.
Whyte staggered as he got to his feet, and the referee waved it off with 63 seconds remaining in the opening round.
Itauma improved to 13-0 and all 11 of his stoppages have come in either the first or second round.
Whyte (31-4, 21 KOs) was seen as Itauma’s best opponent to date, as the 37-year-old Londoner has shared the ring with the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
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Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final

Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final
Updated 43 min 2 sec ago

Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final

Powerhouses China and Australia set for showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Final
  • China, the most decorated in tournament history, last won the title in 2015
  • Australia has never lost a game since joining the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017

JEDDAH: All eyes are on Al-Jawhara Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, as it hosts the highly anticipated FIBA Asia Cup 2025 final match between powerhouses China and Australia. The 31st edition is set to tip off at 7 p.m.

The game is expected to be an exciting and competitive encounter for both teams, who have met only once before at the FIBA Asia Cup. That was in the 2017 Quarter-Finals, where Australia won convincingly, 97-71.

The 16-time champions China reached the final after beating New Zealand 98-84 in Saturday's semifinal, moving within one victory of retaking the event title for the first time in ten years.

China's performance in Jeddah has been defined by consistency and composure, sweeping Group C before grinding past South Korea in the Quarter-Finals and overpowering New Zealand in the Semi-Finals. 

For their part, defending champions Australia overpowered Iran 92-48 in the second Semi-Finals game and extended their unbeaten run to five games.

Since joining the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017, Australia have never lost a game. They bring a flawless 17-0 competition record into this Final. 

The Boomers dominated Group A, dispatched the Philippines in the Quarter-Finals and handled Iran in the Semi-Finals without breaking stride. 

Coach Adam Caporn's team now stands one win away from a third straight Asia Cup title.

The two losing semi-finalists New Zealand and Iran will go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon for third place. This will be the first-ever FIBA Asia Cup meeting between the two countries.

For Iran, this is about restoring pride and returning to the podium after a generation of dominance earlier in the 21st century. 

For New Zealand, it’s about maintaining their place among the region’s elite and proving they can keep their spot on the podium.

 


Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win

Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win
Updated 16 August 2025

Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win

Spurs get Thomas Frank off to flier as Erling Haaland sparks revamped City in Wolves win
  • Frank was seconds away from launching his era in charge with a trophy until a late Paris Saint-Germain revival won the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday
  • City’s failure to defend the title after winning it for the previous four seasons has prompted a major overhaul from Guardiola

LONDON: Tottenham manager Thomas Frank enjoyed a “dream†home debut with a 3-0 win over Burnley, while Erling Haaland inspired new-look Manchester City’s 4-0 rout of Wolves on the opening weekend of the Premier League season on Saturday.

Frank was seconds away from launching his era in charge with a trophy until a late Paris Saint-Germain revival won the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

The former Brentford boss replaced Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian ending Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League last term.

Postecoglou was undone by Tottenham’s worst domestic season since 1976-77 as they finished just above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Frank’s bid to revive Tottenham’s league fortunes got off to the perfect start in north London.

Richarlison made the most of the faith shown in him by Frank as the Brazilian turned in Mohammed Kudus’ cross to open the scoring.

The pair combined again on the hour in more spectacular fashion as Richarlison’s bicycle kick converted the Ghanaian’s delivery.

Brennan Johnson was Tottenham’s Europa League final hero with the only goal against Manchester United and he began the new season by racing clear to slot in the third.

“Perfect start or dream start. A good performance against a difficult opponent. I will just enjoy it and I hope the players, the club and the fans enjoy it because that is important,†Frank said.

At Molineux, Pep Guardiola unveiled his City revamp as he bids to bounce back from last season’s third-place finish.

City’s failure to defend the title after winning it for the previous four seasons has prompted a major overhaul from Guardiola.

Despite Haaland’s double, it was new signing Tijjani Reijnders who stole the show with a hand in all of City’s first three goals.

“We knew he is a top signing for the coming years for City,†said Guardiola on Reijnders outstanding Premier League debut after a £46.5 million move from AC Milan.

“Of course we have changed after last season with many injuries and problems — fresh energy this season.â€

Reijnders stroked in his first City goal in between two predatory finishes from Haaland.

Another City new boy Rayan Cherki, lured from Lyon in the summer, rounded off the scoring.

For the past two seasons, all three promoted teams have gone down.

Sunderland made the perfect start to attempting to buck that trend with a 3-0 victory over West Ham.

Former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka is among pool of new signings attracted to the Stadium of Light.

But it was three players key to their promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 who scored.

Eliezer Mayenda’s looping header gave the Black Cats lift off on the hour mark.

Center-back Dan Ballard headed in the second before Wilson Isidor rounded off a huge win in stoppage time.

Newcastle missed the wantaway Alexander Isak as they failed to find the breakthrough against 10-man Aston Villa in a 0-0 draw at Villa Park.

The Magpies were the dominant side even before Ezri Konsa’s red card for bringing down Antony Gordon 24 minutes from time.

Isak had not been involved during Newcastle’s pre-season as he appears determined to force through a move to Liverpool, who reportedly saw a £110 million ($149 million) offer for the Swedish striker rejected.

The two clubs face off in their next league match at St. James’ Park on August 25.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he wants an end to the saga one way or another.

“From my perspective, you want a resolution quickly. It’s taking away the focus of the players and the supporters,†said Howe

“We want to be united together. We’d like a resolution, but we’re not in control of that.â€

Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz struck in the 96th minute to salvage a 1-1 draw at Brighton after Matt O’Riley’s penalty put the Seagulls in front.

Arsenal, top-flight runners-up for the last three seasons, are in action on Sunday when they travel to Manchester United.

Champions Liverpool began their title defense with a 4-2 win against Bournemouth on Friday.


Newcastle held by 10-man Villa after Konsa sees red

Newcastle held by 10-man Villa after Konsa sees red
Updated 10 sec ago

Newcastle held by 10-man Villa after Konsa sees red

Newcastle held by 10-man Villa after Konsa sees red
  • Despite VillaÌıdefender Konsa's being sent off for a professional foul midway through the second half,ÌıNewcastle were unable to take advantage in a toothless display that showed why they are so desperate to keep hold of Isak

BIRMINGHAM, England: Newcastle got a worrying glimpse of life without Alexander Isak as they were held to a 0-0 draw in their Premier League opener at Aston Villa despite Ezri Konsa’s dismissal.
Villa defender Konsa was sent off for a professional foul on Anthony Gordon midway through the second half on Saturday.
But Newcastle were unable to take advantage in a toothless display that showed why they are so desperate to keep hold of Isak.
The Sweden striker was not involved against Villa after reportedly telling the club he wants to leave to join Premier League champions Liverpool.
Isak, 25, was the subject of a rejected £110 million ($149 million) bid from Liverpool earlier this month.
“I don’t think we dominated, chance-wise, the way we wanted. We were maybe a little bit too anxious to score,†Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said.
“If you’re not totally together in the Premier League, you’re going to find it very difficult, but I think we answered a few questions today in terms of our spirit.â€
Isak, who helped Newcastle secure Champions League qualification and end their 56-year trophy drought last season, is reportedly refusing to train or play in an effort to force his way out of the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2022.
He did not take part in Newcastle’s pre-season tour, training alone at his former club in Spain instead.
Gordon led the line in Isak’s absence as the England winger started out of position in the center of Newcastle’s three-man attack.
Anthony Elanga made his Newcastle debut after the winger’s £55 million ($74 million) move from Nottingham Forest, while Malick Thiaw, a defender signed from AC Milan, was among the substitutes.
Without Isak to power their attack, Newcastle were unable to make their territorial dominance count as Howe was left hoping for a swift resolution to the transfer saga, which could run until the window closes in September.
“From my perspective, you want a resolution quickly. It’s taking away the focus of the players and the supporters,†Howe said.
“We want to be united together. We’d like a resolution, but we’re not in control of that.â€

Villa boss Unai Emery could take heart from his team’s backs-to-the-wall effort after Konsa’s exit.
Emery had admitted it was a “challenging†transfer window after his club were constrained by Premier League profit and sustainability rules, leaving them with just two new signings.
Marco Bizot, recruited from Brest, made his debut in goal in the absence of the suspended Emiliano Martinez, while Evann Guessand, a striker signed from another French club, Rennes, was on the bench.
Elanga wasted a golden opportunity for a debut goal after sprinting through on goal for a shot that was repelled by Bizot.
Gordon was equally profligate when he headed Harvey Barnes’ cross over the bar from just six yards.
Newcastle threatened again as Bruno Guimaraes headed a free-kick toward Barnes and he picked out Gordon, whose low strike from 20 yards was turned away by Bizot.
Newcastle had eight shots in the first 30 minutes, while Villa mustered just two touches in the visitors’ penalty area in the same period and failed to manage a single shot in the entire half.
Villa finally tested Newcastle keeper Nick Pope through Boubacar Kamara’s header immediately after the interval.
But Emery’s men were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute after Elanga’s superb pass sent Gordon bearing down on goal, provoking a despairing tug from Konsa that sent the England star crashing to the turf and earned the defender a red card.
Newcastle pressed for the winner, but Barnes’ goal-bound volley was blocked by Matty Cash and Bizot denied Gordon as Villa held on.
 


LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026

LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026
Updated 16 August 2025

LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026

LIV Golf confirms return to Indianapolis in 2026
  • The Indiana course made its debut on the league’s calendar this week, drawing record attendance for the 2025 championship

LONDON: LIV Golf confirmed on Saturday it will return to The Club at Chatham Hills in 2026, with the venue set to host the LIV Golf League Individual Championship for a second consecutive year.

The event will take place August 21 to 23.

The Indiana course made its debut on the league’s calendar this week, drawing record attendance for the 2025 championship.

LIV Golf Executive Vice President and Head of Events Ross Hallett praised the community’s response. 

“From the course’s outstanding design to the record attendance and fantastic energy throughout the community, this week’s Indiana debut has exceeded our high expectations. We’ve already begun planning for next year, and we can’t wait to raise the bar in 2026,†he said.

Local officials also welcomed the announcement.

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis described the tournament’s return as “an outstanding opportunity to showcase our community, hospitality, and quality of life,†while Hamilton County Tourism President Karen Radcliff said the event had already provided “remarkable†exposure for the region.

The 2026 edition will again feature many of golf’s biggest names, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Cameron Smith.

LIV Golf Indianapolis is the ninth event confirmed for the 2026 season, part of the league’s 14-event global schedule.

Other stops already announced include Riyadh, Adelaide, Singapore, South Africa, Mexico City, Virginia, Andalucía, and the UK, with further venues to be revealed.


Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’

Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’
Updated 16 August 2025

Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’

Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool ‘will stay with me forever’
  • Ghanian international added that the incident during the Premier League season opener on Friday had also shown football’s “best side when it mattered mostâ€

LIVERPOOL: Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo said on Saturday the racist abuse he alleges was directed at him by a Liverpool fan at Anfield “will stay with me forever.â€

But the Ghanian international added that the incident during the Premier League season opener on Friday had also shown football’s “best side when it mattered most.â€

Police have launched an investigation after Semenyo was abused by someone in the crowd during the first half of Liverpool’s 4-2 win.

Play was halted and a 47-year-old man was later ejected from the stadium.

Semenyo, 25, went on to score twice as Bournemouth came back from 2-0 down but Liverpool scored two late goals to seal the win.

“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever — not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together,†Semenyo said on social media.

“To my Bournemouth team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who handled it professionally — thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.

“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play — for moments like these, for my team-mates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.

“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together,†he added.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk described the incident as a “disgrace†and said it showed how much work needed to be done to educate people about racism.

“What else can we do? Because this is the very odd one (case) that has managed to say something that is obviously a disgrace,†the Dutchman said.

“The only thing we can do is deal with it by dealing with him personally and try to educate the next generation. That is the only way to try and kick it out, in my opinion.

“I can’t believe it. These things shouldn’t happen but unfortunately it does and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes.

“These things should never happen in the world, not only (never in) football.â€

Van Dijk also said he was “here for Antoine, whenever he needs it and we are here as a club to deal with it in the best way possible because it shouldn’t happen.â€