WTA roundup: Jessica Pegula cruises into Austin semifinals
Top-seeded Jessica Pegula needed just 58 minutes on Friday to post a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Russia's Anna Blinkova to reach the semifinals of the ATX Open in Austin, Texas.
Australia Sport News
Ronaldo closes on Asian Champions League crown as Saudi sides reign
TOKYO: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr travel to Iran in the Asian Champions League next week with his side one of three from Saudi Arabia in the last 16 of the region’s top club competition. Saudi teams dominated the tournament’s West zone league stage, with four-time Asian champions Al-Hilal leading Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr in the top three in the final table. Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo’s move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034. Al-Hilal, the last side from Saudi Arabia to win the Champions League in 2021, topped the league stage on goal difference from Al-Ahli with both unbeaten in eight matches. Al-Nassr finished five points clear of fourth-placed Al-Sadd of Qatar and Ronaldo’s side take on Iran’s Esteghlal over two legs, the first in Tehran on Monday. Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Ronaldo scored six goals in the league stage and is still going strong at the age of 40. A first Asian crown would add to a bulging trophy haul that already includes five UEFA Champions League titles. The Portuguese has been joined at Al-Nassr by Colombian striker Jhon Duran, although the big-money signing from Aston Villa was sent off during a Saudi league game last week. The red card infuriated Ronaldo, who lashed out at the referee and booted the ball into the stands before continuing to remonstrate with the officials. Coach Stefano Pioli will need his players to keep their heads against Esteghlal, who Al-Nassr beat 1-0 in the league stage thanks to a late goal from former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte. “We must try to improve every day as we have not yet reached the level where we can compare ourselves with the
Whitnell sinks two hole-in-ones in second round of S.African Open
Englishman Dale Whitnell may well toast his good fortune in the clubhouse after making two holes-in-one at the DP World Tour's South African Open at the Durban Country Club on Friday.
I use it as fuel: Lewis Hamilton not bothered by criticism after Ferrari switch
Lewis Hamilton said he is fuelled by criticism after completing the final outing in his Ferrari ahead of his full debut for the Italian giants at next month’s Formula One curtain raiser in Australia.
Steve Smith Hails Bowlers After Australia Book Champions Trophy Semifinals Berth
Australia's stand-in skipper Steve Smith lavished praise on his disciplined bowlers after the team secured a semi-final spot in the ongoing Champions Trophy following a rain-abandoned match against Afghanistan on Friday. Australia was in control at 109/1 in 12.5 overs, chasing 274, when a downpour left the field waterlogged. Following a two-hour delay, the match was called off, ensuring Australia's qualification with four points. "That's what we were after in the start, to finish in the top two and qualify for the semis. I thought the guys did a good job, made good changes and took wickets in the middle. Did well to restrict them to 270 and we were in a good position," said Smith in the post-match interaction with the broadcaster.
Australia Enter Champions Trophy Semifinals After Washout Against Afghanistan
Australia entered the semifinals of the Champions Trophy after their crucial Group B clash against Afghanistan was called off due to rain in Lahore on Friday. The match was halted by a downpour when Australia were 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs, chasing a target of 274. Despite the ground staffs' efforts to clear the field, several pools of water remained on the pitch and the umpires ultimately declared the match abandoned after an inspection. The interruption came just an hour before the cut-off time for completing the match.
What Afghanistan-Australia Washout Means For Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinals Race
Australia qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals after their Group B match against Afghanistan was washed out in Lahore on Friday. Thanks to the result, Australia have 4 points from 3 matches while Afghanistan and South Africa both have 3 points each. However, South Africa have played one game less and they will take on England in their final Group B encounter on Saturday. If South Africa win the game, they will join Australia in the semifinals as the group-topper with 5 points.
Lewis Hamilton not bothered by criticism after Ferrari switch
Lewis Hamilton said he is fuelled by criticism after completing the final outing in his Ferrari ahead of his full debut for the Italian giants at next month's Formula One curtain raiser in Australia.