Mets advance on Lindor blast, Dodgers stay alive in Major League Baseball playoffs

Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets watches his grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game 4 of the Division Series at Citi Field on Wednesday in New York City. (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
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Updated 10 October 2024
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Mets advance on Lindor blast, Dodgers stay alive in Major League Baseball playoffs

  • Lindor punched a 99 mph fastball 398 feet over the wall in center field, scoring Starling Marte, Tyrone Taylor and Francisco Alvarez
  • The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers edged closer to advancing in the American League

NEW YORK: The New York Mets, fueled by Francisco Lindor’s grand slam, beat Philadelphia to advance in the Major League Baseball playoffs on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Dodgers stayed alive with an 8-0 victory over San Diego.

The Mets beat the Phillies 4-1 to complete a 3-1 triumph in their best-of-five National League division series, their latest come-from-behind victory sending them into the NL Championship Series against either the Dodgers or Padres.

The Dodgers, down 1-2 and facing elimination in San Diego, were fueled by homers from Mookie Betts, Will Smith and Gavin Lux as they forced a decisive Game 5 in Los Angeles on Friday.

Betts got things started, staking Los Angeles to a 1-0 lead with a first-inning homer that sailed into the Padres bullpen in left center field.

Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani drove in a run with a two-out single in the second, chasing San Diego starting pitcher Dylan Cease. Betts then smacked a run-scoring single off reliever Bryan Hoeing.

Smith piled on in the third with a two-run home run off Hoeing, who had given up a lead-off double to Max Muncy, and the Dodgers led 5-0 through three innings.

Muncy scored again on Tommy Edman’s sacrifice fly in the seventh and Gavin Lux jumped on the first pitch from Padres reliever Wandy Peralta to push the score to 8-0.

Dodgers starting pitcher Ryan Brasier and seven relievers combined to keep San Diego’s potent offense in check.

In New York, the Mets had left the bases loaded in both the first and second innings as Philadelphia starting pitcher Ranger Suarez kept them scoreless through 4 1/3 gritty innings.

New York trailed 1-0 and had loaded the bases again with no outs in the sixth when Lindor came to the plate against Phillies reliever Carlos Estevez.

Lindor punched a 99 mph fastball 398 feet over the wall in center field, scoring Starling Marte, Tyrone Taylor and Francisco Alvarez.

“I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and bring one run in and it worked out and went over the fence,” Lindor told Fox television. “I wasn’t trying to be the guy.

“I was just trying to keep the momentum that the guys had,” added Lindor after the Mets booked their first NLCS appearance since 2015.

The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers edged closer to advancing in the American League.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a game-winning solo home run in the eighth inning to lift the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over the Royals in Kansas City for a 2-1 lead in their AL division series.

Stanton drove in the game’s first run with a double in the fourth inning. The Yankees took a 2-0 lead on Juan Soto’s sacrifice fly in the fifth, but the Royals tied it up in the bottom of the frame.

Cue Stanton, who belted a pitch from left-handed reliever Kris Bubic 417 feet to put the Yankees back in front.

“This is what I came here for,” Stanton said of his 12th career post-season homer. “You’re not always going to be successful, but (you’ve) just got to keep working and put yourself in the best opportunity.

The Yankees will try to close out their series on Thursday, when the Tigers will try to eliminate the Cleveland Guardians.

“We need to wrap it up tomorrow, no wiggle room, and we’ve got to get it done,” said Stanton, who finished with three hits, drove in two runs and stole a base.

In Detroit, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson drove in runs for the Tigers in a 3-0 home victory over the Guardians that put the Tigers up 2-1 in their series.

The Tigers, who missed the playoffs the past nine years, played their first post-season home game since 2014 before a record crowd of 44,885.

They opened the scoring in the first inning when Parker Meadows singled then scored on Green’s single.

Rogers delivered a double in the third and scored on Matt Vierling’s sacrifice fly and Torkelson doubled in a run in the sixth.


Vondrousova surprises Sabalenka to reach Berlin final

Updated 44 sec ago
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Vondrousova surprises Sabalenka to reach Berlin final

The 25-year-old Czech, ranked 164 in the world rankings, dominated Sabalenka 6-2. 6-4,
“I didn’t play for a long time,” said Vondrousova

BERLIN: Marketa Vondrousova brushed aside world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin on Saturday to reach her first final since lifting the Wimbledon title two years ago.

The 25-year-old Czech, ranked 164 in the world rankings, dominated Sabalenka 6-2. 6-4, to set up a Sunday title clash with the winner of the other semifinal on the grass in Berlin between Wang Xinyu and Liudmila Samsonova.

Vondrousova plummeted down the rankings from sixth after missing several months with a left shoulder injury for which she underwent surgery last year.

“I didn’t play for a long time,” said Vondrousova, who was appearing in her first WTA semifinal since April last year.

“I’m just happy to be back healthy, and so grateful to play these matches.

“When I saw the field here, I was like, ‘OK, let’s just try to win the first round,’ and then, you
know, now this is happening.”

Sabalenka’s first serve let her down in the opening set, but the Belarusian fought back to start the second with a break.

Two games down Vondrousova levelled at 2-2, then broke to lead 5-4, wrapping up the win — her first ever over a world number one — but not before saving three consecutive break points, with an ace after one hour five minutes of play.

Sabalenka, 27, was losing only her first semifinal in eight last four appearances in 2025.

China’s Wang beat French Open champion Coco Gauff on Thursday then reached the semis after Spanish opponent Paula Badosa retired having lost 6-1 in the first set.

Her opponent, Samsonova, continued her excellent form on the grass after seeing off defending champion Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, and last weekend’s Queen’s finalist Amanda Anisimova this week.

ES Tunis claim 1-0 win, eliminating LAFC from Club World Cup

Updated 59 min 1 sec ago
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ES Tunis claim 1-0 win, eliminating LAFC from Club World Cup

  • The victory takes ES Tunis (1-1-0, 3 points) level with Chelsea in Group D
  • The winner of ES Tunis’ meeting with Chelsea on Tuesday in Philadelphia will move on to the knockout phase

LOS ANGELES: Youcef Belaïli scored in the 70th minute, goalkeeper Ben Said saved a penalty deep in second-half stoppage time and Esperance Sportive de Tunis defeated Los Angeles FC 1-0 to keep their FIFA Club World Cup hopes alive in a dramatic contest Friday in Nashville, Tennessee

The victory takes ES Tunis (1-1-0, 3 points) level with Chelsea in Group D, after the English side lost 3-1 to Brazil’s Flamengo earlier on Friday.

Referee Espen Eskas awarded a very late spot kick following a video review, ruling Khalil Guenichi had felled Marlon in the area.

But Denis Bouanga drove his ensuing penalty kick into the dive of Ben Said, the final salvo in a result that eliminated LAFC (0-2-0, 0 points) from tournament contention.

The winner of ES Tunis’ meeting with Chelsea on Tuesday in Philadelphia will move on to the knockout phase, with Chelsea advancing on a draw based on superior goal differential.

The Tunisians also had an earlier penalty decision go against them 20 minutes before Belailis opener, when the Algerian attacker believed he had earned a spot kick after driving past Bouanga on the dribble.

But Eskas was summoned to the monitor, and after consulting replays, ruled Bouanga wasn’t guilty of a foul, and booked Belaili for simulation.

That failed to halt the match momentum for Tunis, however, who were superior for most of the encounter and didn’t allow LAFC to record a shot on target until second-half stoppage time.

They were eventually rewarded when Amine Ben Hamida made a marauding run from the left flank near the midfield stripe into the penalty area.

He was halted by an LAFC defender’s challenge. But Belaili was first to the loose ball, and he drove his finish low and hard through LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

It appeared LAFC’s fading tournament hopes would be given a lifeline after Eskas’ second pivotal penalty decision, with the Gabon international Bouanga stepping forward.

But Said dove to his left, and with Bouanga’s placement very poor, the Tunisian ‘keeper kicked the ball wide of danger with his trailing leg.


Kenyan referee suspended over protest violence allegation

Updated 21 June 2025
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Kenyan referee suspended over protest violence allegation

  • Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) county sub-branch chairman Bernard Omondi confirmed they had “launched an investigation” against a referee
  • “He will not be allowed to referee,” Omondi said

NAIROBI: Kenya’s football association confirmed Saturday it had suspended one of its referees over social media clips appearing to show the official harassing protesters in the capital.

Tensions have risen in the east African country ahead of the anniversary of last year’s massive Gen Z-led demonstrations, with small rallies breaking out in Nairobi this week.

Demonstrators were attacked by armed thugs known as “goons” during anti-police brutality protests in the city on Tuesday. The scenes, widely recorded and shared on social media, have provoked fury in Kenya.

Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) county sub-branch chairman Bernard Omondi confirmed to AFP they had “launched an investigation” against one of their Nairobi-based referees.

The individual, who AFP is not naming but who adjudicates lower league matches, was investigated “after video footage, which was widely circulated on social media, identified his participation in the aggression against the protesting youth and the police on Tuesday,” Omondi said.

“He will not be allowed to referee any matches,” Omondi said, adding that he would appear before the body’s disciplinary committee.

“Further action will be taken against him after a hearing,” he added.

Kenyan football has long been mired in corruption and match-fixing scandals, with players and officials suspended over the years.

In 2021, the government disbanded the national football federation over corruption allegations and sought to prosecute its officials.


NBA superstar Kevin Durant partners with QSI and European champions Paris Saint-German

Updated 21 June 2025
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NBA superstar Kevin Durant partners with QSI and European champions Paris Saint-German

  • The collaborations will focus on merchandise, media content, community programs and potential basketball expansion

PARIS: Qatar Sports Investments, majority owner of UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, has signed an investment and strategic partnership agreement with Kevin Durant, one of the US’s most decorated basketball players and a leading investor in sports and entertainment properties.

The deal will see Durant, via his media and investment arm Boardroom with entrepreneur and long-time business partner Rich Kleiman, acquire a direct minority stake in the football club. The share purchase and strategic partnership agreement were signed earlier this week.

In August 2024, Durant — the two-time National Basketball Association champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, Most Valued Player and 15-time NBA All-Star — partnered with Paris Saint-Germain through Arctos Partners, a minority shareholder in the club.

Durant said: “It is an honor to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain — a club and a city that is so close to my heart. This club has big plans ahead, and I can’t wait to be a part of the next phase of growth, and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.”

As part of the relationship, Boardroom and Qatar Sports Investments will partner on a variety of commercial, investment and content initiatives. Durant will also support the club in its diversification and growth, including co-developing merchandise and original media content, advising on US and international market strategy, supporting PSG for Communities — the club’s charitable foundation and fundraising arm — and consulting on PSG’s multi-sport strategy including potential plans for basketball.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of QSI, said: “QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our group. We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.”


Nour Al-Fliti looking to hand Hattan Alsaif first MMA loss

Updated 21 June 2025
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Nour Al-Fliti looking to hand Hattan Alsaif first MMA loss

  • Rising Lebanese star will take on the unbeaten Saudi fighter at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh this summer

RIYADH: One of Saudi Arabia’s biggest mixed martial arts stars, Hattan Alsaif, will make her highly anticipated return to the Professional Fighters League SmartCage at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh on July 4.

And while all eyes will be on the hometown hero, who is aiming for her third straight amateur MMA win, a rising star from Lebanon is preparing to step into enemy territory and hoping to steal the spotlight.

Standing across from Alsaif will be Nour Al-Fliti, a multiple Lebanese MMA champion and International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Asian Championship silver medalist who currently holds a 1-1 amateur record.

Before MMA, however, Al-Fliti lived a completely different life.

“Before MMA, I worked in the hospitality field as an operations manager,” she revealed. “I studied that field and I worked in it since 2019. I enjoyed it, but I felt that something was missing. If I hadn’t found MMA, I think I’d still be searching for that something to ignite the fire in me.”

With MMA, Al-Fliti discovered the outlet she had been searching for. Judging by her growing list of accomplishments, it has been a successful transition.

“I got into MMA because I felt a powerful energy inside me — it was something I needed to express,” Al-Fliti said. “I’ve always had a fighter’s spirit, but I didn’t know where it belonged until I stepped into the cage.”

MMA provided more than just competition, she added: “From my very first fight, I felt a deep connection. It wasn’t just about competition … it was about purpose. That moment made me realize this is where I’m meant to be.”

Al-Fliti believes her greatest achievement in MMA goes beyond medals and accolades — it is the personal transformation she has undergone.

“My biggest achievement so far is finding myself through this sport,” she explained. “Every fight, every camp, every challenge has shaped me, not just as a fighter, but as a person. Of course, winning and improving technically are important, but the real win is the growth I’ve experienced mentally and spiritually.”

While she acknowledges the support of her team and loved ones, Al-Fliti is clear about where her ultimate source of strength lies.

“My biggest supporter is Allah first,” she exclaimed. “I truly believe that my path is written, and I draw strength from that.

“And I’m also deeply grateful to my family and my team — the people who believe in me, push me, and never let me forget who I am, even during the toughest moments.”

On paper, it may seem like Al-Fliti has the odds stacked against her. Alsaif has more experience and will be fighting in front of a home crowd. Al-Fliti, however, doesn’t see it that way.

“Hattan is a determined fighter with her own style, and I respect anyone who steps into the cage, but I never see myself as the underdog,” she said. “I trust in my preparation, in my skills and, most importantly, in my belief in myself and in Allah. I’ve prepared with focus, discipline and a clear mindset.”

On July 4, Al-Fliti does not plan to simply walk into the SmartCage — she will make her presence felt: “I’m not just showing up — I’m coming to make a statement, inshallah.”

Tickets for PFL MENA 2 can be purchased at webook.com.