The New York Liberty captured their first WNBA championship in franchise history by outlasting the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime of Sunday's decisive Game 5 of the league FInals.
After Breanna Stewart made two free throws with 5.2 seconds left in regulation to force extra time, the Liberty held the Lynx without a field goal during the additional five-minute period to claim the title that had eluded one of the WNBA's charter teams for the first 27 seasons of its existence.
New York had reached the Finals five times previously and was ousted in four games by the Las Vegas Aces in last year's championship round.
The Liberty, who finished the regular season with a league-best 32-8 record, did manage to prevail in this winner-take-all showdown despite the shooting struggles of its top two stars, Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
Ionescu missed 18 of 19 field goal attempts while limited to five points, while Stewart went 4 of 15 on a night New York misfired on 21 of its 23 shots from 3-point range.
Stewart did pull down 15 rebounds while finishing with 13 points, however, and the Liberty got a big lift from Jonquel Jones as the All-Star center posted 17 points and six rebounds while being named WNBA Finals MVP.
Second-seeded Minnesota, seeking to become the first team to win five WNBA titles, got 22 points from Napheesa Collier and 21 from Kayla McBride. The Lynx failed to hold onto a 12-point second-quarter lead, however, and went 0 of 6 from the field in overtime to come up just short in their bid for a first championship since 2017.
Minnesota owned a 60-58 lead entering the final minute of regulation after Collier capped a 6-0 run with consecutive baskets. The Lynx came up empty on their next two possessions, though, before Stewart was fouled by Alanna Smith and knocked down both free throws to tie the contest.
After McBride missed a would-be game-winning 3-pointer just before the buzzer, the Liberty scored the first five points of overtime and never trailed thereafter.
Leonie Fiebich began extra time with a 3-pointer to put New York ahead, and Nyara Sabally later stole McBride's errant pass before converting a layup that extended the lead to 65-60 with 3:14 to go.
Charles Leclerc says Ferrari "couldn't have dreamed for better" after claiming his third victory of the Formula One season at the United States Grand Prix.
The Monagasque started fourth on the grid but slipped ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen on Turn One at the start of a dominant performance.
His Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz claimed second place but failed to put Leclerc under any pressure as he coasted along at the front of the pack.
It is the 87th time the Italian team have achieved a one-two in their F1 history, while Leclerc took his eighth win in his career.
The 27-year-old, however, was pleased with the way the team overcame what he said had started as a tough weekend in Austin.
"Very happy, it hasn't been an easy weekend until now. I have been struggling with the feeling in the car, but I had the confidence in the race and the feeling was better," he said.
"We said in the sprint race we weren't scared, but we felt that the others will improve, but today we still had the upper hand, so really happy with how it went today, a one-two for the team. We couldn't have dreamed for better.
"Very happy [to get the first Ferrari one-two in the US in 18 years], and now we are still targeting the title, it's still a long way to go, but it's a good start to this triple header."
Leclerc now sits just 22 points behind Norris, who finished fourth behind Verstappen, in the drivers' championship, while Ferrari are just 48 points off McLaren in the race for the constructors' championship.
Having snuck in front of the two title challengers so early in the race, Leclerc was happy that he was able to hold onto his lead throughout.
"It was a pretty good Turn One, that is exactly how I wanted to do, we had a good launch, and I knew it would be tight," he added.
"[Saturday], I was a bit of a victim being in the wrong place at the wrong time, [on Sunday] I gained from it and that helped a lot in our first stint because we had a lot of mega pace.
"In the second stint it was all about managing behind, but we did a great job, the pace of the car this weekend was really good and that's thanks to the engineers.
"They've been working like crazy to bring the upgrades that we had in Singapore, and it seems to be paying off. Everything worked out well, and we are really, really happy."
Jamaican judoka Ebony Drysdale-Daley is considering legal action against the Jamaica Judo Federation (JJA) after her one-year ban, which was imposed in June 2024, was overturned by the JJA Appeals Committee last week. The athlete, who became Jamaica’s first judoka to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021, expressed her relief at returning to the sport she loves but voiced disappointment over how the situation was handled by the federation.
“I feel really relieved that I can come back to the sport I love. It’s been so depressing not being able to be a part of something that’s been a part of most of my life,” said Drysdale-Daley. “I feel hugely disappointed, the way I felt abandoned, it’s been very hurtful and I am now considering suing.”
One of her legal representatives, Dr. Emir Crowne, lashed out at the JJA, describing their actions as shocking and unjustified. He criticized the federation for imposing the ban without granting Drysdale-Daley the opportunity to defend herself, stating that it was one of the most egregious cases he had encountered in his legal career.
“It is absolutely shocking what the Jamaica Judo Federation has done to Ms. Drysdale-Daley, a promising Olympian,” Dr. Crowne said. “It banned her on the heels of an Olympic qualifying event, where she was ranked No.1 and would have received a bye to the finals, thereby earning enough points to qualify for the Olympics, irrespective of whether she placed first or second.”
The suspension was initially imposed by JJA President Dwayne Barnett under the federation’s Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy, citing a violation of the federation’s Code of Ethics. Drysdale-Daley was accused of actions that allegedly brought the JJA into disrepute. The suspension letter, issued on July 26, 2024, notified her of the one-year ban, which would last from June 13, 2024, to June 12, 2025.
The JJA justified conducting the disciplinary hearing without Drysdale-Daley’s presence, claiming it was in line with the policy. However, the Appeals Committee found significant procedural errors, including the failure to notify Drysdale-Daley of informal resolutions or grant her the opportunity to respond to the accusations.
In his statement, Dr. Crowne further criticized the JJA’s handling of the case. “To ban her in those circumstances, and completely deprive her of any right to be heard or any due process at all, is absolutely indefensible. The initial ban—of indefinite duration—was apparently initiated by the President, Mr. Dwayne Barnett, and then replaced with a one-year ban by the Executive Committee (of which Mr. Barnett was a member). Even the appeal itself, Mr. Barnett appeared for the Jamaica Judo Federation in defense of the Executive Committee’s decision. It was akin to a High Court judge appearing before the Court of Appeal defending his decision. Most unusual.”
The Appeals Committee, after reviewing the case, found that the JJA had not adhered to its own policies or Statutes. The Committee ruled that the Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy was invoked prematurely, without exhausting reasonable measures to resolve the issue through informal dialogue, as required. Additionally, the Committee found no evidence that Drysdale-Daley was formally invited to appear before the Executive Committee, further invalidating the decision to suspend her.
As a result, the Appeals Committee overturned the suspension and reinstated Drysdale-Daley’s membership with immediate effect, highlighting that the federation’s actions violated its governance structures.
“At the end of the day, the Appeals Committee ‘saw through’ the glaring transparency breaches committed by the Jamaica Judo Federation and ordered that her membership be reinstated with immediate effect,” Dr. Crowne added. “To say that this is one of the most egregious cases I’ve seen in my career would be an understatement. It is but another example of a federation acting with absolute impunity. ‘Wrong and strong’ till the end.”
With her membership restored, Drysdale-Daley can now return to competitive judo. However, her legal team is now exploring the possibility of suing the JJA for damages caused by the suspension, which came at a critical time as she aimed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
As the dust settles on her successful appeal, the legal battle between Drysdale-Daley and the JJA may be far from over.
Ferrari claimed an impressive one-two finish at the United States Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc dominating to take the win.
Starting from fourth, the Monegasque took advantage of Lando Norris' distraction in his attempt to hold off Max Verstappen, slipping in front to take the lead on the very first corner.
While Carlos Sainz attempted to try and close the gap to his team-mate as he challenged for the win, he did not have enough to force a nervy finish for Leclerc.
That meant all eyes were drawn to the fight for third place, as Verstappen attempted to hold off title rival Norris, though he could only hold out until Turn 12 on lap 52.
The Brit finally got the move around the Red Bull driver, but came off the track to do so, and was handed a five-second penalty, which meant he finished in fourth behind Verstappen.
It means the Dutchman, who won the sprint on Saturday, increases his lead over Norris to 57 points in the drivers' championship with five races to go.
Meanwhile, George Russell had to start from the pit lane after a crash in qualifying but, remarkably, finished sixth – behind Oscar Piastri – the place he was supposed to start from.
But it was a disappointing day for his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who spun out inside the first three laps – on the same corner where Russell crashed in qualifying – and was unable to finish the race.
Data Debrief: All eyes on Ferrari
It was a brilliant race from Leclerc, even if his win became a slight footnote due to Norris and Verstappen's eye-catching battle further back.
This was his eighth win in Formula One, and his third in 2024, his joint-most in a calendar year during his racing career (also three in 2022).
And it was a good day for Ferrari, who achieved the 87th F1 one-two in their history, and their second of 2024 - it is the first time they have achieved two in a single year since 2017.
Top 10
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
4. Lando Norris (McLaren)
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
6. George Russell (Mercedes)
7. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
9. Liam Lawson (RB)
10. Franco Colapinto (Williams)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Drivers'
1. Max Verstappen - 354
2. Lando Norris - 297
3. Charles Leclerc - 275
Constructors'
1. McLaren - 544
2. Red Bull - 504
3. Ferrari - 496
Little has gone right for Deshaun Watson in 2024, and now it appears his season could be over.
The embattled Cleveland Browns quarterback suffered a right Achilles tendon injury on a non-contact play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The injury occurred on a second down with 1:26 remaining in the first half when Watson took a snap and dropped back to pass.
When he tried to plant his right foot, it buckled underneath him, and he immediately dropped to the ground.
Cleveland's training staff rushed out to tend to him and Watson was carted off the field. He was replaced by Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
The Browns announced he sustained an Achilles injury, and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported it is feared to be a tear, which will likely end his season.
Watson has been criticised for his poor play this season and the Cleveland fanbase had been calling for coach Kevin Stefanski to bench him.
In the first six games of the season, Watson had five touchdowns and three interceptions and led the Browns to just one victory. Among qualifying QBs, he ranked 28th in passer rating (76.6) and 31st in pass yards per attempt (5.13).
He was playing well before his injury, however, completing 15-of-17 passes for 128 yards.
The injury could bring an end to a massively disappointing tenure with Cleveland after the Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230million contract in 2022.
He only played in six games in his first season with Cleveland because of an 11-game suspension by the NFL, and was limited to just six starts last season because of a shoulder injury that required surgery.
The suspension of Jamaican judoka Ebony Drysdale-Daley by the Jamaica Judo Federation (JJA) has been overturned following a hearing by the Appeals Committee last week. The committee ruled that the federation failed to follow proper procedures in enforcing its Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy, resulting in an invalid disciplinary process.
The Appeals Committee, chaired by Rashid Hall and Lyle-Anthony Golding, convened on October 14, 2024, to hear the appeal submitted by Drysdale-Daley, who had been handed a one-year suspension by the JJA for allegedly violating its Code of Ethics. The suspension, which was originally set for the period June 13, 2024 to June 12, 2025, had been imposed by the JJA’s Executive Committee, which included President Dwayne Barnett, Vice-President Marvin Anthony Rickards, and Treasurer Fernando Gonzalves.
During the hearing, Drysdale-Daley was represented by Dr. Emir Crowne, Matthew Gayle, Jason Jones, and Sayeed Bernard, while Dwayne Barnett represented the JJA.
The case centered around the JJA’s use of its Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy to justify Drysdale-Daley’s suspension and the decision to conduct a disciplinary hearing without her being present. However, the Appeals Committee found significant procedural flaws in the federation’s handling of the case.
Drysdale-Daley, who became Jamaica’s first judoka to compete at an Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, claimed the JJA initially registered her for an event in Lima, Peru, but later removed her, depriving her of the opportunity to challenge Ashley McKenzie for the sole available judo spot for Jamaica. McKenzie had secured a silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games last year.
“They have removed me from the competition registry. I feel the Jamaican Judo Association has favoured the other athlete in contention over me. They have effectively secured the other athlete’s qualification ahead of mine by blocking me from this final tournament, of which I have paid flights for,” Drysdale-Daley said.
The Dwayne Barnett-led JJA, in a statement, firmly denied these accusations, asserting that the federation’s decisions were based on adherence to deadlines and procedures, including missed Anti-Doping tests, which Drysdale-Daley reportedly failed to attend.
“The JJA categorically refutes any claims of impropriety or personal interests influencing the selection process. The General Secretary and other mentioned individuals have no personal or vested interests that would compromise the integrity of these processes,” the statement read.
She was subsequently suspended.
One of the key issues identified was the failure to exhaust all reasonable measures before invoking the policy, as outlined in Point 1.4 of the policy, which mandates that it should be used "only as a last resort." The Appeals Committee determined that there were no attempts by the JJA to resolve the matter through informal channels or standard procedures before resorting to disciplinary action.
Additionally, the Appeals Committee found that Drysdale-Daley was not properly notified or given an opportunity to address the situation before sanctions were applied, violating Point 4.2 of the policy. This failure to follow due process rendered the JJA’s decision invalid.
Further scrutiny of the JJA’s Statutes also revealed that Drysdale-Daley had not been formally invited to appear before the Executive Committee to address the accusations against her, as required by Article 17. This failure to follow the association’s own statutes constituted another breach, further invalidating the suspension.
In its ruling, the Appeals Committee concluded that the Jamaica Judo Federation had not adhered to the correct procedures in both invoking the Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy and enforcing its Statutes. Consequently, the committee overturned the suspension and ordered Drysdale-Daley's immediate reinstatement as a member of the federation.
Nearly seven months after being acquired by the New York Jets, Haason Reddick is ready to join his new team.
Reddick is ending his hold-out and will report to the Jets on Monday after the two sides agreed to an adjusted contract for the remainder of this season.
As part of the agreement, which came Sunday, New York will waive the $12million in NFL-mandated fines that Reddick amassed while holding out.
Reddick, who recently switched to Drew Rosenhaus as an agent, and the Jets will continue to work on a long-term deal beyond this season.
The Jets acquired Reddick from Philadelphia in late March after he had initially asked the Eagles for a new contract.
Since passing his physical with the Jets, he had not joined his new team for any activities. Due to make $14.25million in 2024 in the final year of his deal, he skipped both their voluntary and mandatory mini-camp and has been holding out since the start of training camp.
In August, Reddick informed New York he wanted to be traded.
Shortly after the news of Reddick's trade demand broke, the Jets announced they wouldn't honour his request.
Just last week, however, New York gave him permission to seek a trade with his new agent.
He is now finally joining the Jets and could be on the field for their Week 8 game against the New England Patriots.
Drafted 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2017 draft, Reddick has emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers over the last four seasons.
Since 2020, his 14 forced fumbles are the most in the NFL, while his 50 1/2 sacks rank fourth.
The 29-year-old was named to his second Pro Bowl team last season when he registered 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
In 2022, his 16 sacks trailed only Nick Bosa's 18 1/2 for the most in the NFL.
Lando Norris believes he produced the best lap of his career in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix, which he will start on pole ahead of Max Verstappen.
Norris, who is 54 points behind Verstappen in the race for the drivers' championship title, qualified 0.031 seconds quicker than the Dutchman in Texas on Saturday.
The McLaren driver was helped by Mercedes' George Russell crashing to prevent any driver improving on their second laps, after Verstappen had started his second attempt much quicker than Norris, only to be forced to abort.
Reflecting on his first lap, Norris said: "It was a beautiful lap. I was not going to go much quicker than I did.
"When you just do a lap and you think it’s going to be tough to beat... I put everything on the line, I needed to do it.
"We’ve not had the pace of the Ferraris or Red Bulls so I had to do something, and I did that.
"It was a very good lap. I can probably say quite confidently the best of my career."
Norris' pole is his fourth in the last five races, with him and team-mate Oscar Piastri posting two race victories apiece in the last four.
Piastri will start Sunday's race fifth, ahead of Russell but behind Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who qualified in third and fourth respectively.
Juan Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 to advance to the first World Series in 15 years on Saturday night.
Soto, who was acquired in a seven-player trade with San Diego in December and is an impending free agent, moved the Bronx Bombers into position with one big swing.
The Yankees will try to win their 28th title against either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 6 of the NL Championship Series is on Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
In the 10th, Austin Wells walked with one out and Alex Verdugo followed with a grounder to second baseman Andrés Giménez, whose soft toss to the bag was dropped by rookie shortstop Brayan Rocchio for an error.
Gaddis struck out Gleyber Torres and had Soto in a 1-2 count before New York’s stylish outfielder sent a shot over the wall in center. Soto danced down the first-base line and paused to celebrate with his teammates before circling the bases.
Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer – his fourth of the series - for the Yankees, who took care of the Guardians in five games, but it wasn’t easy.
New York won the first two at Yankee Stadium without much fanfare or any major drama. However, it was a different story in Cleveland as all three games at Progressive Field were nail-biters.
The Guardians rallied to win Game 3 on two, two-run homers in their last two at-bats, and the Yankees held on to win Game 4 after blowing a four-run lead.
Cleveland just didn’t have enough and a surprising season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt ended just short of a World Series. The franchise remains without a title since 1948, baseball’s current longest drought.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could return to action as soon as next weekend after recovering from his latest concussion.
Tagovailoa will reportedly start practising Wednesday with the hopes of playing in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, according to multiple reports.
He reportedly hasn’t dealt with any further issues since sustaining a concussion in a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 12.
Tagovailoa was symptom-free shortly after that concussion, and he has consulted with some of the doctors he visited after previous head injuries.
The fifth-year quarterback has endured four concussions in his career, including three since joining the NFL in 2020. He is eligible to come off injured reserve and is eligible to play Oct. 27 against the Cardinals.
He has been taking part in team meetings and standing on the sidelines for every game he has sat out.
The Dolphins have started Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley in Tagovailoa’s absence, with Huntley making his third straight start Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Gary Sadler’s heart beats for two nations—Jamaica, the island of his birth, and Canada, the country where he built his career. As a key figure in the tourism industry, Sadler has long been an ambassador for Jamaica, championing the island’s beauty and culture to the world, and his enthusiasm was once again on full display at the end of the Canadian Travel Advisors Golf tournament.
Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations underscored that the two-day tournament, which brought advisors to Jamaica for an immersive experience, was about more than just competition—it was about connection, as he encouraged travel advisors to seize every moment to not just play, but to truly experience Jamaica and sell that experience back home.
“I migrated from Jamaica in 1992, and the eggs of my hopes as a young man was sent to Toronto, and Toronto being the welcoming city that it is, I felt quite at home. I then moved to Western Canada where I spent five of my best years living in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba. So western Canada is dearest to my heart. Why is because they told us in those days that you couldn't really sell Jamaica because Jamaica was two days away in the Caribbean,” Sadler shared.
“So, I am quite excited to see travel advisors from Vancouver coming to the golf tournament. When we started this golf tournament eight years ago, everybody came from Toronto, and very few came from Montreal, because everybody would just want that direct flight. So now that we have people from all across Canada, it is actually very welcoming,” he added.
Gary Sadler addressing Travel Advisors during the award ceremony.
Sadler, who has spent years fostering relationships between Jamaica’s tourism sector and the Canadian market, emphasized the significance of the travel advisors' role. He sees them as vital connectors, helping to bridge the gap between potential tourists and the authentic experiences that Jamaica offers.
“This tournament is about more than just a few rounds of golf. It is about experiencing the island in a way that gives you, the travel advisors, a true sense of what Jamaica has to offer. And when you’ve experienced it firsthand, you’re able to share it with your clients in a way that’s real, that’s authentic,” Sadler noted.
He continued: “I want to acknowledge Air Canada vacations, and I hope you are reminded that there is now no connection fees for flights from Western Canada to Jamaica only at a Sandals and Beaches resort. Forgive my passion, and it's certainly not meant as an insult, but what the free connector really means is that those of you from Western Canada, have absolutely no excuse in the world why you cannot sell from Western Canada to Jamaica and to the Caribbean.
“There is now no reason in the world why you can't do so. So I appeal to you to ensure that your business is not limited to the fact that Western Canada is far away, because WestJet also has direct flights out of Calgary to Nassau, and Calgary to Jamaica as well. So Canada's largest carriers fly to the Caribbean. The airlines have fixed the issue, show them it's worth it.”
The tournament, which allowed participants to unwind while also deepening their understanding of the island’s unique offerings, was won by Team 12, comprising Arnold Bridgemohan, Janet Long, Cargill Gordon and Colin Harris. That quartet tallied 59 and 67 strokes across both days for a winning total of 126.
Canadian professional golfer and celebrity entertainer Todd Keirstead demonstrates his trick shots.
They were two shots ahead of dethroned champions Team 10 –Wendy Hsu, Leo Tam, Tom Liu, and Chris Gregoris –who shot 128. Team 4 of Doug Rollheiser, Jason Jenkins, Dave Harris and Jaques Gilbert were third with 130 strokes.
Meanwhile, Cargill Gordon and Sandra Edwards won the men and women longest drive awards, while Jay Ainabe and Wendy Hsu took the closest to the pin awards.
Over US$600 and CAD$120 (about $109,000 Jamaica dollars) was also raised for the Sandals Foundation.
For Sadler, his final words were a call to action for the travel advisors.
“Let’s keep sharing Jamaica with the world, one client at a time. I thank you for the commitment, not just to this golf tournament, because it doesn't end here. It begins here, but ends with a commitment that you continue to drive and support this travel industry, not just limited to Canada, but globally, where travel advisors can feel that they're part of a bigger picture partnership. Thank you wholeheartedly for your belief in the Sandals organisation because we simply want your business,” he ended.
A major tournament to pit the winners of the LatAm, Canadian, and US Travel Advisors tournaments against each other is scheduled for next year in St Lucia.
Jannik Sinner mounted yet another comeback to overcome Carlos Alcaraz in three sets and become the inaugural winner of the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
It is the fourth time the two have met this year, and Sinner triumphed for the first time, winning 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3 on Saturday.
Sinner started brightly, taking a 4-1 lead in the first set, but was unable to hold onto his advantage as Alcaraz levelled the score before serving to love to force the tie-break.
The Spaniard let his lead slip twice but held on to take the first set, only to find himself on the backfoot once more in the second.
Sinner pulled ahead but was dragged back again, though was ready for the battle this time, breaking Alcaraz’s serve three times to force the decider.
Another three-game winning streak in the final set proved enough for the Italian to avenge his China Open defeat and claim a long-awaited win over Alcaraz.
Data Debrief: Sinner gets his revenge
This match will not go towards the pair's ATP head-to-head record, but it is a welcome win for Sinner, who has struggled to get the better of Alcaraz in 2024.
After losing at Indian Wells and the French Open earlier this year, Sinner also lost the China Open final, despite taking the first set in that match.
But this time, he was the one coming from behind, just as he has so often in recent weeks, as the 23-year-old took the crown.
Rafael Nadal said Novak Djokovic had helped push him beyond his limits for 15 years after losing one final clash with the Serbian at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
Djokovic and Nadal met in the third-place play-off at the inaugural event in Riyadh, having lost their respective semi-finals against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Friday.
Nadal, who will hang up his racket after the Davis Cup Finals next month, was beaten 6-2 7-6 (7-5) by his great rival in his final match at an individual event.
The duo – who made up two-thirds of tennis' 'Big Three' alongside Roger Federer – have won 46 grand slam singles titles between them and met in 60 ATP Tour-recognised matches, with Djokovic winning 31 to Nadal's 29.
Djokovic is also the only player to ever defeat Nadal at all four grand slams.
Speaking after Saturday's match, an emotional Nadal thanked Djokovic for the role he played in his glittering career, saying: "Novak, you helped me go over my limits for 15 years.
"I would probably not be the player I am without you. I wish you the best of luck for the future."
When asked what he will miss most after his retirement, Nadal added: "Almost everything.
"It has been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years, being competitive, having the chance to play in the best places in the world, which I watched on TV as a kid.
"I cannot thank you enough for the support and love I have received all around. It was an amazing journey at every single tournament over the years. I feel very fortunate to be a tennis player."
Djokovic, who also defeated Nadal at the Paris Olympic Games at the Spaniard's favoured Roland-Garros venue in July, then outlined his hope that his rival will not turn his back on the sport entirely.
"I don't know where to start with Rafa," Djokovic said. "An amazing career. I could speak all night. It has been an honour to share the court with you.
"I go back to the very first match we played and who would know we would be standing here almost 20 years later, playing 60 times. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person.
"The rivalry has been incredible, very intense, so I hope we will have the chance to sit on the bench somewhere, have a drink and reflect.
"I know how much sacrifice there has been. It is an emotional day, so don't leave tennis, man! Stay with us! You have left an amazing legacy."
Nadal will be part of the Spain team that faces the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Final 8 on November 19, with a semi-final matchup against Germany or Canada on the line.
Max Verstappen came out on top in Formula One for the first time since June after Saturday's sprint victory at the United States Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver claimed pole position for the 19-lap race in Austin, holding on throughout to increase his drivers' championship lead by two points over Lando Norris, who finished third.
That ended a nine-race wait for victory, across eight races and one sprint, as Verstappen led from start to finish, ensuring the momentum in the world championship battle swung firmly back in his favour.
Carlos Sainz ended second after Norris went too deep into Turn One on the final lap, though the McLaren driver fended off Charles Leclerc – who finished fourth – after a near-miss between the pair.
George Russell started slow but recovered to take fifth, one spot ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, while Haas pair Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg made up the top eight.
Red Bull had struggled amid Verstappen's winless run, but will now take confidence into qualification later on Saturday before Sunday's main-event race as he looks to extend his 54-point lead over Norris.
"It feels a bit like old times! I'm very happy. If you look at the whole race, Ferrari was also very quick," a relieved Verstappen concluded.
Norris was subsequently confirmed to be under investigation after the race for "driving erratically" in his final-lap battle with Leclerc.
Data Debrief: Red Bull redemption
With Verstappen's eight-point haul in the sprint, Red Bull have now managed points in 62 consecutive events, equalling the third-best run in F1 history (also Mercedes, 62, on two separate occasions).
Verstappen's next challenge will now be to end his eight-race wait in Grand Prix action for victory, which is his worst such streak since going 11 races without a win in 2020.
Top 8
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Drivers'
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 339
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 285
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 250
Constructors'
1. McLaren - 522
2. Red Bull - 483
3. Ferrari - 453
Novak Djokovic edged out Rafael Nadal to finish third at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia after an emotional last clash between two greats of the sport.
Nadal and Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner respectively in the semi-finals, setting up a memorable third-place play-off between this pair of tennis heavyweights on Saturday.
Spain's Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals conclusion in November, with his last outing in an individual event ending in a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat ahead of his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old struggled in the first set against familiar foe Djokovic, who broke in the opening game en route to a comfortable first-set victory.
Nadal improved in the second set as the pair exchanged early breaks, with Djokovic forced to work to stay in the contest.
That resilience paid dividends for the Serbian to put him on the brink of victory, though Nadal managed to save a match point with a blistering forehand winner before levelling at 5-5.
Djokovic's dominant first serve did not let him down in the tiebreak, though, as the 24-time major champion battled past Nadal for one final time.
Data Debrief: Djokovic snatches bragging rights
Though this was an exhibition encounter, Djokovic will be delighted to have had the final say in the last dance between this great duo.
Across 61 meetings in official tour-level competitions, Djokovic boasts a slightly favourable record, winning 32 times and losing on 29 occasions.
This Riyadh victory may prove the final meeting of any kind between the pair, though it will live long in the memory as Nadal prepares for an emotional farewell in Malaga.
Novak Djokovic edged out Rafael Nadal to finish third at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia after an emotional last clash between two greats of the sport.
Nadal and Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner respectively in the semi-finals, setting up a memorable third-place play-off between this pair of tennis heavyweights on Saturday.
Spain's Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals conclusion in November, with his last outing in an individual event ending in a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat ahead of his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old struggled in the first set against familiar foe Djokovic, who broke in the opening game en route to a comfortable first-set victory.
Nadal improved in the second set as the pair exchanged early breaks, with Djokovic forced to work to stay in the contest.
That resilience paid dividends for the Serbian to put him on the brink of victory, though Nadal managed to save a match point with a blistering forehand winner before levelling at 5-5.
Djokovic's dominant first serve did not let him down in the tiebreak, though, as the 24-time major champion battled past Nadal for one final time.
Data Debrief: Djokovic snatches bragging rights
Though this was an exhibition encounter, Djokovic will be delighted to have had the final say in the last dance between this great duo.
Across 61 meetings in official tour-level competitions, Djokovic boasts a slightly favourable record, winning 32 times and losing on 29 occasions.
This Riyadh victory may prove the final meeting of any kind between the pair, though it will live long in the memory as Nadal prepares for an emotional farewell in Malaga.
Jamaican netballer Abigale Sutherland is no stranger to the highs and lows of the sport she loves. But as she gears up for a return to international action with the Sunshine Girls in the upcoming four-match Vitality Horizon series against England, her passion and hunger for the game have never been stronger.
Sutherland, whose career has seen its fair share of triumphs and challenges, has been using the recent international break to her advantage. For the dynamic centre, the pause in the competitive schedule was anything but a rest. Instead, it’s been a period of growth and self-reflection—a time to hone her skills and recharge her energy.
With the prestigious series against now number-two England scheduled for November 16 and 17 in Manchester, and November 25 and 26 in Jamaica, Sutherland can barely contain her excitement for the challenge to come.
“I’m extremely excited and proud to have been selected for the senior Sunshine Girls team again. During the break, I’ve focused on my personal growth and training, and I truly feel like I’m possibly in the best shape of my career. I’m eager to bring that energy and improvement onto the court and push myself to the limit, particularly with the added excitement of playing on home soil,” Sutherland told SportsMax.Tv.
“It’s a privilege to play at home, and I’m ready to show what I’ve been working on and give my all for the team and our supporters. Every match is an opportunity to not just play, but to show the world how much I’ve grown because playing against England is always a tough test, but that’s the kind of challenge I thrive on,” she added.
Sutherland’s career has been defined by resilience, as there have been moments of brilliance, but also times when injuries or off-form performances have threatened to slow her momentum. However, each setback has only made her stronger, deepening her resolve to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
"Netball quickly became my passion when I attended St Patrick’s Primary and then I went to The Queens School, where I got the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Under 16 level, eventually becoming the captain. Once I got a foot in the national program, I steadily transitioned upward. But you know in sports, you have your ups and downs, so the journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve faced many disappointments, including being left off teams at times, but looking back, it was all worth it," Sutherland admitted.
Sutherland's opportunities came in 2022 when she made her senior team debut in the Taini Jamison Cup, and then the Americas Qualifiers that same year. Since them, the now 23-year-old has become a staple centre-court player for the Sunshine Girls, and was even a part of the team that copped bronze at the previous Netball World Cup.
"I’ve learned from every experience. The key is to stay focused and hungry. Going through the highs and lows taught me to be patient with myself and really embrace the journey," Sutherland shared.
"I’ve learned that when you’re given an opportunity, it’s important to make the most of it. These experiences have shown me that I’m stronger than I sometimes give myself credit for, and that hard work truly does pay off in the end. Every setback and success has shaped me, both as a player and as a person," she noted.
That said, Sutherland, who is set to graduate the UWI with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in November, pointed out that the upcoming games are not just about playing another international series—it’s about seizing the moment.
As such, her focus now is on delivering consistently and being a key contributor to Jamaica’s continued rise in the sport.
"This series won’t be easy, but I’m confident we’ll come out on the winning end. We have a well-rounded team that includes legends who I am grateful and privileged to be playing alongside, and we have a strong balance of experience and depth across every position. Everyone has been putting in the work, and I believe that with the quality we have, we’re in a great position to top the series," Sutherland reasoned.
"Mentally, I’ve been encouraging and speaking to myself daily, setting goals, and pushing myself to meet them. I’ve been working hard in the gym and on the court, and playing in local leagues to stay sharp. The feedback from my coaches and teammates has also been really positive, which boosts my confidence and helps me stay focused," she explained.
Armed with fresh determination and a drive to succeed, the jovial player, is optimistic that a positive showing in the series will open the doors for a possible contract in one of the top leagues in Australia, New Zealand or England.
“My overall goal is to compete at the highest level of netball, both for my country and in a top league. I want to be part of a World Cup-winning team with Jamaica because I truly believe that will happen. But, beyond that, I want to enjoy my years as a professional athlete, making the most of every opportunity and achieving everything I possibly can," Sutherland ended.
The Jamaica Golf Association staged its Heroes Golf Classic at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in St. Ann last weekend with the inclusion of a special section dubbed WAGR for World Amateur Golf Ranging where selected golfers play 54 holes over two days instead of the normal three days. Those golfers had to play a grueling 27 holes each day.
Zandre Roye topped the male section which included twelve other golfers, after posting scores of par 71, one over par 72 and par 71 for a combined score of one over par 214.
Oshae Haye, who shot the lowest single round score of two under par 69 in the first round, followed up with scores of one over par 72 and six over par 77 for a total score of five over par 218 to grab second place.
Pro golfer Orville Christie was one stroke back on 219 (74, 72, 73) in third place.
On the female side, junior golfer Mattea Issa also took up the WAGR challenge and ended with a combined score of 20 over par 233 after posting 83, 85 and 75 over the three rounds.
The players who competed in the WAGR section of the Classic gained points towards their international ranking in the sport.
The other golfers in the Classic played 18 holes each during the two-day event with varying results.
William Lee was first in the Men and Men Senior 0-6 category after posting nine over par 151 (77, 74). Kemari Morris was nine strokes back in second place on 18 over par 160 (84, 76).
The top three golfers in the men Super Senior 0-12 category were Keith Stein one over par 143 with conservative scores of par 71 and one over par 72. Gregory Wright was 11 strokes back in second place on 154 (78, 76), while Mike Gliechman was another four strokes back on 158 (83, 75) in third place.
Desi Collins took the Men Super Senior 13-24 section after posting 44 over par 186 (94, 92).
The Masters section went to Carlyle Hudson 152, followed by Philip Wilson 171 and Winston Johnson 179.
Several ladies competed in the Classic as well, playing two rounds. Diane Hudson 193 won that section, while Valerie Grant and Susan White were tied for second place after scoring 194 each over the 36 holes.
The junior golfers who have not seen any competition since their Caribbean Championship in August were invited to join the seniors and some of them did so.
Boys 15 and Under player Shasa Redlefsen scored 173 (90, 83) while Boys 11 -13 player Jacob Schnoor scored 187 (98, 89). The other junior player to finish the Classic was Girls 15 and Under player Alessandra Coe with a combined score of 171 (81, 90).
The Heroes Golf Classic was played a week early to allow Jamaica to defend the Caribbean Golf Association’s 4-Ball Championship which it has won for the past three consecutive years. That championship is scheduled for this weekend in Trinidad & Tobago this weekend.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has suggested that the FIA’s action against his team is due to “paranoia” from rivals in the paddock.
The controversy surrounds a device on the Red Bull cars that could allow them to change the height of the car floor. When in parc ferme conditions between sessions on race weekends, alterations to cars are prohibited.
On Thursday, Red Bull and the FIA came to an agreement that the team would remove the device from their cars ahead of the Austin Grand Prix on Sunday.
Horner has argued there is nothing untoward about the device, and the FIA are only acting on unfounded concerns of Red Bull's rivals.
"I think there's been a bit of moaning from one of our rivals," he told Sky Sports. "It's the FIA's job to look into these things. It's on a list of the open-source components, so it's been publicly available for the last three years.
"The FIA are happy with it, I think, just to satisfy perhaps some paranoia elsewhere in the paddock.
"Every car has a tool that they can adjust what we call the front of the floor, being the bib, and ours is located at the front in front of the footwell.
"You've got to have the pedals out, other panels and pipework out in order to get to it. So, it's like any other adjustment on the car. It would be easier to adjust the rear roll bar than it is to get to that component."
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown had previously said he would expect "huge consequences" were Red Bull discovered to be using the device illegally.
Brown's team currently sit top of the Constructors' Championship, with a 41-point advantage over second-place Red Bull.
McLaren are under pressure after Max Verstappen qualified in pole position for the sprint race in Austin, and Horner suggested a deflection strategy from their rivals in raising the concerns.
"I feel that it's sometimes to distract from perhaps what's going on in your own house, then sometimes you try to light a fire somewhere else?" he jibed.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
