Hong Kong lacrosse chiefs defend inviting Russian teams to international sixes tournament

South China Morning Post - Nov 12, 2026

Local sports chiefs have defended their decision to include two Russian club teams in next month’s Hong Kong International Lacrosse Sixes. Moscow Lacrosse Club and Phoenix Moscow will compete in the men’s and women’s events in the city for the first time, despite the sport’s world governing body suspending Russian teams, athletes and officials in World Lacrosse events and related qualifiers indefinitely in March 2022 after the country invaded Ukraine. Hong Kong has regularly hosted tournaments...

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PVL: Nxled sweeps Akari, clinches Siklab semis
Nov 12, 2026

PVL: Nxled sweeps Akari, clinches Siklab semis

Nxled swept sister team Akari, 27-25, 25-22, 26-24, on Wednesday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nxled outplays Akari to reach PVL semis
Nov 12, 2026

Nxled outplays Akari to reach PVL semis

MANILA, Philippines — Nxled became the first team to make the semifinal round of the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference-Siklab Series after overpowering Akari, 27-25, 25-22, 26-24, on Thursday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. Nxled remained undefeated at 6-0. This marks the Chameleons’ first All-Filipino Conference semifinal appearance since their league debut in 2023. Their previous best finish in the tournament was fifth place in the 2025-26 season. "This means a lot and this is the continuity that we started in the Invitational Conference, and this is something that we really like. Today was tough and rough," Nxled’s Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti said. It is also important to note that Nxled’s current roster features several members of Petro Gazz’s 2024-25 All-Filipino Championship team: Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, and Jonah Sabete, who all joined their forces to defeat the league’s 11-time champions, the Creamline Cool Smashers. The Petro Gazz stalwarts transferred to Nxled after the franchise announced its leave of absence from the league in January 2026. Akari, on the other hand, dropped to 3-4 behind Creamline (4-1), Farm Fresh (4-2), Choco Mucho (3-3) and PLDT (3-3) in the team standings. Nxled has two remaining games in the elimination round, against Creamline on Tuesday and ZUS Coffee on Saturday. If Nxled wins over Creamline, the Chameleons will earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Akari will try to cap the first-round campaign with a win against ZUS on Tuesday.

LOOK: Nxled def. Akari (3-0)
Nov 12, 2026

LOOK: Nxled def. Akari (3-0)

PVL 2026 All Filipino-Siklab Series Akari def. Akari, 3-0 Brooke Van Sickle Player of the Game #PVL2026

National stadium to host France match on Paris attack anniversary
Nov 12, 2026

National stadium to host France match on Paris attack anniversary

PARIS, France — Eleven years to the day since the November 2015 Paris attacks, the Stade de France will on Friday host a sports match for the first time on that anniversary. Three suicide bombers struck outside the stadium shortly after 9:00 pm on November 13, 2015 during an international football friendly between France and Germany. Four people died, including the three suicide bombers, but almost simultaneously, a series of shootings and bombings were launched at restaurants and the Bataclan music venue in central Paris. In total, 130 people were killed, while more than 400 were injured, including close to 100 critically. Two victims later committed suicide. Before Friday night's Nations Championship rugby clash between France and South Africa, a tribute will be held to the victims of those attacks. "We will have a moment's pause for the events of that date and we will think about the families and the victims who are still suffering," France coach Fabien Galthie said on Wednesday. "And we will think about our republic of course, which is also suffering." On Wednesday, on Armistice Day, France captain Antoine Dupont and his half-back partner Maxime Lucu laid flowers at the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on behalf of the team to remember those who died during World War I. "I'm a citizen of the republic and we are all citizens of the republic. The French team is a citizen of the republic and we have a series of events centred around November 13 -- reflection, remembrance and, above all, a chance to ask questions about our society and the role we have in this society," added Galthie. Twice before, France's football team had played a match on November 13, against Kazakhstan in 2021 and Ukraine last year, but both ties were played at the Parc des Princes in southwest Paris instead of the national stadium.

NBA: Deni Avdija, Blazers complete two-game sweep of Thunder
Nov 12, 2026

NBA: Deni Avdija, Blazers complete two-game sweep of Thunder

Deni Avdija recorded 28 points, six assists and four steals, and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder for the second straight night, prevailing 118-108 on Wednesday.

NBA: Franz Wagner pours in 38 as Magic hand Jazz 10th straight loss
Nov 12, 2026

NBA: Franz Wagner pours in 38 as Magic hand Jazz 10th straight loss

Franz Wagner tied his career high with 38 points while leading the Orlando Magic to a 123-108 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in Salt Lake City.

NBA: Nets romp as slumping Pelicans sustain another heavy defeat
Nov 12, 2026

NBA: Nets romp as slumping Pelicans sustain another heavy defeat

Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Demin each had 22 points as the visiting Brooklyn Nets cruised past the defenseless New Orleans Pelicans 145-111.

US withdraws from U17 World Cup in Qatar over security fears
Nov 12, 2026

US withdraws from U17 World Cup in Qatar over security fears

LOS ANGELES, United States — The United States withdrew Wednesday from the upcoming Under-17 soccer World Cup in Qatar due to concerns about security in the Middle East. Players were informed of the decision just over a week before the tournament is due to begin on November 19, in a letter sent by the sport's US governing body. "We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup," said the letter, seen by AFP. "We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup. "Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department's Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. "The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority." The war in the Middle East began in February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated by targeting, among others, Gulf countries allied with Washington. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have been punctuated by repeated threats from the United States and Israel to resume bombardments of Iran. Multiple sporting events in the Middle East have been affected, including the tennis WTA Finals which were scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia -- which neighbors Qatar -- but are instead now taking place at Indian Wells in the US. This season's Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah was cancelled, while the race in Bahrain was called off and later rescheduled under the same name in Malaysia. Several events in Saudi Arabia have also been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks following attacks on the country by the Houthis in Yemen. The US was one of 48 teams scheduled to play in the Under-17 World Cup, in a group with Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. The Under-17 World Cup shifted to an annual event last year, and is being held in Qatar for five consecutive years. Announcing its host decision in 2024, FIFA said the decision to choose a single host nation for multiple editions centered on the ability to make "use of existing footballing infrastructure in the interest of tournament efficiencies and sustainability". Qatar was the venue for the 2022 men's World Cup.

NBA: Nuggets' stars shine as Grizzlies' struggles continue
Nov 12, 2026

NBA: Nuggets' stars shine as Grizzlies' struggles continue

Jamal Murray had 30 points and eight assists, and Nikola Jokic contributed 27 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the visiting Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 123-118 Wednesday night for their fifth win in seven games.

NBA: Rockets halt Warriors' 8-game winning streak; Stephen Curry injured
Nov 12, 2026

NBA: Rockets halt Warriors' 8-game winning streak; Stephen Curry injured

Alperen Sengun flirted with a triple-double to lead a balanced attack for the Houston Rockets, who pulled away in the fourth quarter of a 115-108 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

'Dictator' Infantino needs psychiatric help, says former FIFA chief Blatter.
Nov 12, 2026

'Dictator' Infantino needs psychiatric help, says former FIFA chief Blatter.

BERLIN, Germany — Former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has slammed current chief Gianni Infantino, calling his successor a "dictator" and suggesting he needs psychiatric help, in an interview with Der Spiegel published Wednesday. Blatter, 90, criticised Infantino's decision to create the FIFA Peace Prize award for US President Donald Trump in the lead-up to this year's World Cup, hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico. He was also critical of Infantino's post-World Cup plans to sell off part of the commercial rights of the competition in the future, which was scrapped after a fierce backlash. "FIFA is suffering. It is currently led by a person who has allowed himself to be blinded," Blatter told the German magazine. The Peace Prize, he said, was "embarrassing". "Why would he do something like that?," Blatter asked. "Infantino awards a peace prize to someone who wages war against Iran shortly afterwards? That's madness." Blatter said it was easy for Infantino to secure support for his own re-election from national football bodies. "'If you vote for me,' he tells the national associations, 'you will get much more money than before.' "He is a dictator. People in FIFA tell me that no one is allowed to ride in the elevator with him. He is 'untouchable'." Speaking of Infantino's World Cup sale plans, Blatter said: "Infantino no longer knows any borders. He doesn't understand any of this. "I mean, maybe Infantino should be sent to a psychiatric ward one day." Blatter was also critical of FIFA's decision to suspend a red card awarded to USA striker Folarin Balogun after Trump intervened ahead of a crucial match at this summer's World Cup. "The red card. That's the worst. Statutes can be interpreted. But rules of the game must apply to everyone, you can't interpret them."  'Fulfilling his duties': FIFA  When contacted for comment by AFP however, FIFA pointed to its previous response to Der Spiegel, which countered Blatter's statements. FIFA rebutted allegations Infantino had acted inappropriately, saying he "is fulfilling his duties as president through his travels," while adding: "The suspension imposed on Folarin Balogun following a red card was lifted by independent FIFA judicial bodies." "Mr. Infantino does indeed use the elevator at FIFA, but does so when other people are present," FIFA said in the statement. President of FIFA from 1998, Blatter resigned in disgrace in 2015 amid corruption allegations, including accusations he had sought to buy votes for his presidency. Charges were brought against him but Blatter was eventually cleared in two trials but was banned from football by FIFA's ethics committee. Blatter told the magazine he had "no regrets" from his time in charge of the organisation. Japanese official Kozo Tashima has announced plans to run against Infantino in his re-election bid, but Blatter named World Athletics president Sebastian Coe as his pick to take over FIFA. "It is not important who is running. What is important is that the incumbent president is no longer elected. "Coe was also chairman of the FIFA Ethics Committee. He is a strong personality. A president from the motherland of football, England, would be good." Blatter said he had not spoken with Infantino since early 2016.

Andreeva powers past Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals last four.
Nov 12, 2026

Andreeva powers past Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals last four.

LOS ANGELES, United States — French Open champion Mirra Andreeva stormed past Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-0 to reach the last four of the WTA Finals on Wednesday as Elina Svitolina kept her bid on track with a three-set win over Karolina Muchova. Russian 19-year-old Andreeva held her nerve after falling behind 4-1 in the opening set -- winning the last 11 games to seal the round-robin victory in just 62 minutes. "Oh my God, I'm even happier than I was after my first match," Andreeva said. "I feel like I can play another two matches, I'm so full of energy. I'm so pumped up. I'm so happy." Andreeva, whose three titles this year include her maiden major at Roland Garros, is making her singles debut in the elite season-ending event. The world number three seemed to be feeling the nerves in the early going against second-ranked Sabalenka. Irked that she had given up a break with a double fault, she was able to flip the switch, dealing handily with Sabalenka's big serves and pushing the Belarusian star back with her own big groundstrokes. Andreeva crucially kept momentum on her side with a break for a 3-0 lead in the second set. Sabalenka, trailing 0-40, saved three break points, but Andreeva gave herself another with a swinging volley winner and grabbed another break when a Sabalenka forehand flew just long. The increasingly demoralized Sabalenka had no answer. After the Belarusian smacked a backhand into the net to give her opponent match point Andreeva polished things off with a service winner. It was another disappointing performance for the 28-year-old Sabalenka, whose three wins this season include prestigious back-to-back victories at Indian Wells and Miami but no Grand Slams. Making her sixth straight Finals appearance, Sabalenka can still advance if she beats Svitolina in their final round-robin match on Friday. Svitolina roared back from a set down to beat Muchova 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Ukrainian veteran Svitolina lifted the WTA Finals trophy in 2018 but hadn't been back to the elite season-ending event since 2019. She got off to a rocky start against Muchova, who broke Svitolina three times in the opening set. Trailing 2-1 on serve in the second Svitolina found her range, winning five straight games to force a third set. "I was not happy with the first set," Svitolina said. "I didn't play as well. I just made some adjustments, tactical adjustments. "I think it helped me also to be more aggressive, because I was too passive in the first set," Svitolina said. Muchova's second round-robin defeat coupled with Andreeva's victory means the Czech was eliminated from semi-final contention.

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