KARAN MAKES HISTORY — THIRD CONTINENTAL TITLE CLINCHED IN TANZANIA AFTER AAKIF'S WITHDRAWAL

 

Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan are the 2026 FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) drivers' and navigators' champions respectively!

The 2022 Kenyan Champions and KCB Racing Team drivers sealed their third continental title at the ongoing ARC Serengeti Rally of Tanzania, after their only remaining title rival and compatriot Aakif Virani and Zahir Shah withdrew from the ARC season finale.

In a statement posted last night, Virani's Arrow Racing Team announced they had taken a strategic decision to consolidate second position in the overall standings and not contest the final round.

"It is with deep regret we announce our withdrawal from the ARC final round in Morogoro, Tanzania. After a hard-fought season, Arrow Racing Team (Aakif Virani and Zahir Shah) has taken the strategic decision to consolidate 2nd position in the overall African Rally Championship standings," the team said.

"Congratulations to Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan on becoming the 2026 African Rally Champions."

The withdrawal hands Patel and co-driver Tauseef an unassailable lead heading into the final two days of competition on Saturday and Sunday. The championship was almost effectively over as Patel only needed a finish in Tanzania — but the news now confirms him as champion before Day 1 starts tomorrow.

It is a historic third ARC title for Patel, who now become only the fourth driver in the 45-year history of the FIA African Rally Championship to win three or more titles.

Patel joins an elite list led by Zambian legend Satwant Singh (8 titles), Ivory Coast's Alain Ambrosino (3 titles) and fellow Kenyan Manvir Baryan (3 titles).

--KARAN WINS MKWAWA QUALIFYING STAGE--

Meanwhile, Patel with partner Tauseef had earlier underlined their intent by winning today's 2.40 KM SS00 Mkwawa Qualifying Stage in Morogoro.

The Kenyan crew clocked 01:58.1 in a Skoda Fabia to beat Tanzania Champion Ahmed Huwel (Toyota Yaris GR Rally2) by 0.6 seconds in 01:58.7, with Manveer Birdi third in 01:59.8.

Under ARC rules, the qualifying winner chooses his starting position. Patel opted to start fifth on the road at 09:12 — directly behind Huwel in fourth.

Virani is assured of second position in the 2026 ARC regardless of the final results this weekend, and most importantly, the ARC Masters title (for competitors over 50 years) he sealed at the penultimate event in Rwanda.

The start list for Day 1 on Satuday will be led by Uganda's Oscar Ntambi (09:00), followed by 2025 champion Yasin Nasser (09:03) and Manveer Birdi (09:06). Ntambi claimed the ARC2 title without turning a wheel after his Rwandese opponent Christian Kanangire failed to enter the season-ender in Morogoro.

The Serengeti Rally, running from 2-4 October, is the ARC season closer. The rally proper starts tomorrow in the Morogoro region, with crews facing a stern test of endurance before Sunday's finale.

SS00 Mkwawa Qualifying - Top 3 (FRIDAY):

Karan Patel / Tauseef Khan (KEN - Skoda Fabia) 01:58.1

Ahmed Huwel / Roheet Solanki (TZA - Toyota Yaris GR) 01:58.7 +0.6

Manveer Birdi / Zubayr Piredina (TZA - Skoda Fabia Evo) 01:59.8 +1.7

PAST ARC CHAMPIONS

1981 Kenya Shekhar Mehta Nissan

1982 West Germany Walter Röhrl Opel

1983 Ivory Coast Alain Ambrosino Peugeot

1984 Kenya David Horsey Peugeot

1985 Rwanda Luc Requile Opel/Mitsubishi

1986 Ivory Coast Alain Ambrosino Nissan

1987 Ivory Coast Alain Ambrosino Nissan

1988 Zambia Satwant Singh Toyota

1989 Zambia Satwant Singh Volkswagen

1990 Burundi Walter Costa Peugeot

1991 Zambia Satwant Singh Toyota

1992 Italy Aldo Riva Audi

1993 Zambia Satwant Singh Toyota

1994 Zimbabwe Abe Smit Audi

1995 Namibia Fritz Flachberger Ford

1996 Zambia Satwant Singh Subaru

1997 Zambia Satwant Singh Subaru

1998 Zambia Satwant Singh Subaru

1999 Uganda Charles Muhangi Subaru

2000 Zambia Satwant Singh Subaru

2001 South Africa Schalk Burger Subaru

2002 South Africa John Gemmel Subaru

2003 Spain Fernando Rueda Mitsubishi

2004 Zambia Muna Singh Subaru

2005 Zambia Muna Singh Subaru

2006 Belgium Patrick Emontspool Subaru

2007 Zimbabwe Conrad Rautenbach Subaru

2008 Japan Hideaki Miyoshi Mitsubishi

2009 Zimbabwe James Whyte Subaru

2010 Zimbabwe James Whyte Subaru

2011 Zimbabwe Conrad Rautenbach Subaru

2012 Zambia Mohamed Essa Subaru

2013 Zambia Jassy Singh Subaru

2014 Ivory Coast Gary Chaynes Mitsubishi

2015 Kenya Jaspreet Singh Chatthe Mitsubishi

2016 Kenya Don Smith Subaru

2017 Kenya Manvir Baryan Škoda

2018 Kenya Manvir Baryan Škoda

2019 Kenya Manvir Baryan Škoda

2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

2021 Kenya Carl "Flash" Tundo Volkswagen Polo

2022 Zambia Leeroy Gomes Ford

2023 Kenya Karan Patel Ford

2024 Kenya Karan Patel Škoda

2025 Tanzania Yasin Nasser Ford

2026 Kenya Karan Patel Škoda

BATTLE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP | POINTS AFTER FRIDAY | WRC RALLY ITALIA SERDEGNA 2026

 

SERENGETI RALLY OF TANZANIA | FIA AFRICAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

 

IRELAND PRESS CONFERENCE INTERRUPTED BY QUESTIONS OVER ISRAEL

 

MLB WILDCARD REACTION 🔥

 

ASIAN GAMES 2026: INDIA BEATS MALAYSIA TO DEFEND MEN'S HOCKEY GOLD, QUALIFY FOR LOS ANGELES OLYMPICS

While writing a new chapter in the history of Indian hockey, the eight-time Olympic champions also clinched their fifth Asian Games gold, and the second in a row for the first time

Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh celebrates after winning the final match at the Asian Games 2026 hockey medal match against Malaysia on October 2, 2026 | Photo Credit: Reuters

Reigning Olympic bronze medallist India hammered Malaysia 5-1 to defend their men's hockey gold in the Asian Games in Kakamigahara on Saturday (October 3, 2026), and the triumph also secured them a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

While writing a new chapter in the history of Indian hockey, the eight-time Olympic champions also clinched their fifth Asian Games gold, and the second in a row for the first time.

The Indians made an attacking start as the play was mostly in the Malaysian half in the first quarter.

India converted three penalty corners through skipper Harmanpreet Singh (11th, 57th minutes) and Jugraj Singh (23rd), while vice-captain Hardik Singh scored from a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute and Shilanand Lakra completed the formalities with a field goal in the 54th minute.

Malaysia's lone goal was scored by Shello Silverius from a field effort in the 14th minute.

Malaysia secured the silver, while Pakistan won the bronze by defeating South Korea 5-3 earlier in the day.

It was double glory for Indian hockey from the Asian Games as the women's team also won the gold after 44 years, stunning reigning Olympic silver medallist and defending champions China 1-0 on Friday.

- The Hindu

BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX IN MALAYSIA 🇲🇾 | STARTING GRID | SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

 

CANELO ALVAREZ PREPARES FOR CHRISTIAN MBILLI'S RELENTLESS PACE

 

Canelo Alvarez is working on his stamina for Christian Mbilli, whose punch output threatens to make his October 31 return a demanding one. At 36, coming off a defeat, elbow surgery, and more than a year outside the ring, Canelo faces an opponent capable of making him work when he would prefer a breather.

The timing makes this dangerous. Canelo has years of experience finding openings against aggressive fighters, but exploiting those openings requires him to keep answering. Mbilli’s willingness to throw repeatedly could turn Canelo’s pauses between attacks into stretches where the challenger is being outworked.

“We know he’s a fighter with a lot of stamina, who throws a lot of punches,” Canelo said to ESPN MX. “We have the experience. Obviously, we’ve been working very hard on having the stamina ourselves to be able to respond in the same way.”

That acknowledgment gets to the toughest part of this matchup. Canelo can land the cleaner, harder shot in an exchange and still spend the rest of the minute defending. If Mbilli keeps attacking after being countered, Canelo will need more than occasional eye-catching punches to control rounds.

Body punching offers Canelo a way to slow that pace. Mbilli’s aggression should give him opportunities to counter downstairs, but he has to take them early and consistently. Waiting for the perfect opening while absorbing combinations would allow Mbilli to dictate how much work each round demands.

Age and accumulated wear make that harder to sustain. Surgery does not establish that Canelo will return diminished, but this will be his first fight since the procedure. A high-output opponent is a demanding test of whether he can repeatedly punch, defend and reset under pressure.

Canelo argues that Mbilli has never faced anyone with his experience. That may help him anticipate attacks. The question is whether he can keep producing the answers for twelve rounds when Mbilli refuses to give him time off.

- Boxing News 24 Desk

INDIA BEAT VALIANT PAKISTAN TO CLINCH ASIAN GAMES T20 GOLD

Indian players celebrate after their win over Pakistan which secured the Asian Games men's T20 gold medal at the Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin. Reuters

Hasan Nawaz's 96 not enough as double world champions win final by 19 runs

Double T20 world champions India were pushed hard until the final over by a determined Pakistan but remained calm under pressure to clinch the Asian Games men's T20 gold medal in Nisshin on Saturday.

India batted first in the final and posted an imposing score of 211-6 after blazing fifties by Abhishek Sharma (61 off 28 balls) and Tilak Varma (51 not out off 22).

Pakistan seemed down and out in the chase, slipping to 39-3 after six overs. However, middle order batter Hasan Nawaz waged a lone battle, smashing 96 from 51 balls to keep Pakistan in the hunt until the last over.

Nawaz hit five fours and seven sixes to keep India's bowling under pressure, before getting out to the final ball of the match by Shivam Dube as Pakistan were restricted to 192-6.

India thus completed a 19-run win to defend the gold medal they had won at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. The Indian cricket team won both the men's and women's gold medals.

India's win was set up by a belligerent start by Abhishek and a strong finish by Tilak and Dube (27 off 15). In the first three and final three overs of the innings, India scored a combined 100 runs, which proved to be the deciding factor.

Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz hit 96 in the final. Reuters

Special day for Kim

South Korean golfer Tom Kim clinched the Asian Games gold, and an exemption from military service, on Saturday while combining with compatriots Mun Do-yeob ⁠and Kim Seong-hyeon for the team silver behind China.

Kim, ⁠a four-times winner on the PGA Tour, shot a final round 64 for an 18-under total of 262 to finish three strokes ⁠clear of home favourite Kazuki Higa, China's Ding Wenyi and Thai Sadom Kaewkanjana at the Kasugai Country Club.

With no prize money on offer, the Asian Games is generally overlooked by the continent's top players ⁠but there was plenty at stake for Kim.

South Korea offers military exemptions to athletes who win ⁠Asian Games gold or medals ‌of any colour at the Olympics.

Able-bodied South Korean men usually serve at least 18 months as part of efforts to maintain a deterrent against North Korea.

Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting celebrates on the podium after winning the women's 60kg final. Reuters

Meanwhile, Taiwan boxer Lin Yu-ting won an Asian Games gold in her new weight category two years after she was caught up in a gender dispute at the Paris Olympics.

Lin and Algeria's Imane Khelif both won gold in Paris amid a dispute over their eligibility. Lin was cleared to compete earlier ⁠this year after World Boxing completed a review of her eligibility status.

Her Olympic title and her first Asian Games crown, won in Hangzhou, both came ⁠at 57kg. In Japan, Lin moved ‌up to 60kg, and at the Nishio Gymnasium she used her reach and counter-punching to beat China's Yang Chengyu 5-0 for her second Asian Games gold.

- The National

WRC2 DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS | WRC RALLY ITALIA SARDIGNA 2026

 

DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS | WRC RALLY ITALIA SARDIGNA 2026

 

THE FUNNIEST TENNIS PRESS CONFERENCES

 

DJOKOVIC BATTLES BU IN A ROLLERCOASTER MATCH | BEIJING 2026

 

CARLOS ALCARAZ HITS BACK AT JOHN MCENROE ON GRAND SLAM FORMAT COMMENTS

 

BEIJING 2026 | DAY 3 | DJOKOVIC VS. BU & MORE

 

FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN | OCTOBER FIXTURES

 

ENTERTAINING VALENTIN VERCHOT VS. STEFANOS TSITSIPAS

 

FA BREAKS SILENCE MANCHESTER CITY GUILTY VERDICT AS 'INTEGRITY' CONCERNS ROCK PREMIER LEAGUE

Getty Images Sport 

The Football Association has officially broken its silence following the seismic news of Manchester City being found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations. In a damning assessment of the situation, the governing body suggested that the scale of the rule-breaking has left a permanent stain on the sport's reputation.

Massive financial breaches uncovered

An independent commission recently concluded that Manchester City utilised over £830 million in disguised funding to artificially inflate club revenues. This elaborate financial scheme was designed to bypass stringent regulations set by both the Premier League and UEFA.

The 40-page ruling, published on Tuesday, detailed how the club orchestrated a series of 'sham' arrangements to circumvent the rules. City executives argued that financial assistance originated from the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court (CPC) to help sponsors meet their obligations, rather than directly from owner Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG).

However, the commission vehemently rejected this defence. They dismissed the club's narrative entirely, labelling the CPC explanation as definitively 'untrue' and exposing the elaborate nature of the financial concealment. Explaining their rejection of City's defence, the panel stated: "We concluded that it was an 'explanation' that the club had concocted well after the event in an attempt to obscure and conceal the realities of the disguised funding scheme."

Getty Images Sport 

FA promises potential action

In response to the ruling, the Football Association released a resolute statement addressing the severity of the situation. The governing body made it clear they are watching the fallout closely and refused to rule out their own disciplinary measures.

"The Independent Commission's decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game," the FA's official statement read. "We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate."

Acknowledging the ongoing legal battle, the organisation added: "As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. We will, however, continue to monitor developments closely."

Sponsors and owners intertwined

The ripple effects of the guilty verdict are already extending beyond the Etihad Stadium boardroom. Central to the controversy are the club's key commercial partners, whose financial dealings have been placed firmly under the microscope during the investigation.

Etihad Airways, City's primary sponsor, is now weighing up legal retaliation against the Premier League. The airline is owned by an Abu Dhabi investment fund chaired by Sheikh Mansour's brother, highlighting the deeply intertwined relationships that the independent commission scrutinised.

Getty 

Looming appeal deadline

Manchester City now face a race against time to mount their legal pushback. The club have already confirmed their intention to fight the charges, with Friday, October 2 marking the strict deadline to formally submit their appeal.

The upcoming legal battle will undoubtedly centre on the origins of the sponsor funding and the rejected CPC defence. Until the appeal process reaches a conclusion, the shadow of potential FA action will continue to hang over the English champions.

- Muhammad Zaki

WANG DEFEATS ZHANG AT ASIAN GAMES

CINCY FINAL REMATCH 👀 | FILS VS. TIAFOE | TOKYO 2026

TOKYO 2026 | DAY 3

MARIA TIMOFEEVA VS. NAOMI OSAKA | BEIJING 2026

 

DANIIL MEDVEDEV VS. CARRENO BUSTA | BEIJING 2026

 

AESENE 'LE PROFESSEUR' WENGER GAVE OUT A WARNING IN 2009

 

PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTS INTERRUPT IRELAND DRAW WITH AUSTRIA

Campaign group Stop the Game threw tennis balls onto the field before a man invaded the pitch and was tackled by security

The Republic of Ireland’s Nations League match with Austria was twice interrupted by pro-Palestine protestors on Thursday evening following the controversial decision to play against Israel during this international camp.

Ireland’s players held a meeting last week and voted in favour of playing the scheduled matches against Israel despite opposition from supporters in Ireland who are against the conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza.

They defeated Israel 3-0 last Sunday (Sept 27) in a match played in Hungary and are scheduled to face the Israelis again in a behind-closed-doors contest in Serbia this upcoming Sunday (Oct 4).

Despite a heavy security presence at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Austria was subject to protests in the first half as campaign group Stop the Game threw tennis balls onto the pitch.

The balls were wrapped in stickers featuring the Palestinian flag and had the text “#StopTheGame” written on them. The campaign group launched the balls onto the field in the 20th minute with Ireland 1-0 up and later released a statement claiming responsibility for what it called a “limited tennis ball protest”.

Members of the group had also gathered before the game to oppose Ireland's matches against Israel with a small group displaying a Palestinian flag and banners in support of Irish player Gavin Bazunu, who decided to boycott both of his team’s matches against Israel in this international window.

The game resumed after a four-minute break, but there was another brief delay later in the first half as a man carrying what appeared to be a Palestinian flag invaded the pitch before being tackled, stopped and removed by stewards.

Elsewhere, the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign also organized a protest outside the stadium, as well as others around the country calling for Ireland to boycott its remaining Nations League match against Israel.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) decided in June to move their “home” fixture against Israel to a neutral venue for “operational reasons” following widespread calls for a boycott.

The FAI has resisted the calls not to play and argued that the team could be hit with punishing sanctions by Uefa if it did so. Ireland are co-hosting the 2028 European Championship with England, Wales and Scotland and there could be possible ramifications.

This match wasn’t the first to feature a tennis ball protest as Irish fans also threw balls with Palestinian flags onto the field during a friendly game against Qatar in Dublin in May.

- Michael Jones

'I WAS TERRIFIED' - MAN UTD LEGEND SIR ALEX FERGUSON OPENS UP ON 'FRIGHTENING' HEALTH BATTLE FOR BRAIN HAEMORRHAGE AND LOSING HIS VOICE DURING RECOVERY

 

Getty Images Sport 

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has offered a candid reflection on his life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2018, admitting he was left "terrified" by the experience. The iconic Scotsman, who remains the most successful manager in Premier League history, detailed the harrowing recovery process that followed his emergency surgery.

Emergency surgery and a daunting recovery

In 2018, the football world was rocked when news broke that the revered former manager had been rushed to hospital. Ferguson required immediate emergency surgery to address a severe brain haemorrhage. The procedure left the 84-year-old facing a gruelling rehabilitation journey, fundamentally altering his daily life in the immediate aftermath.

Despite the severity of his condition, his determination shone through. Less than four months after the operation, the Scot made an emotional return to Old Trafford. He took his familiar place in the directors' box to support the club he famously guided to 13 top-flight titles and two Champions League crowns.

AFP

'I had lost my voice; I couldn't speak'

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ferguson reflected on the sheer fear that gripped him during his medical emergency. He admitted that the ordeal was far from reassuring, stating: "I was terrified. I wish I could say I was comfortable. I wasn't."

The former United boss highlighted a particularly distressing consequence of the surgery, the sudden inability to communicate. This proved exceptionally traumatic when interacting with his family. "I had lost my voice; I couldn't speak," he explained. "That was a frightening moment. I remember my grandsons coming to see me and I had lost my voice.

"Then they brought in a therapist and she started doing things like asking me to write down the names of birds, names of animals, names of rivers. That way my voice came back."

A pillar of strength and an enduring legacy

Throughout the darkest days of his recovery, Ferguson leaned heavily on his wife, Cathy, who served as a vital source of support. She guided him through the immediate postoperative period and stood by his side during his poignant return to the Manchester United stands. Recalling that special moment, he said: "My wife was with me, and she was nearly crying. When we sat down, she said 'that's fantastic'."

Ferguson's influence at Old Trafford remains palpable well over a decade after his 2013 retirement. Beyond his domestic dominance, his trophy haul includes five FA Cups and four League Cups, alongside a host of international honours. He continues to be a regular fixture at the club, demonstrating an unwavering bond with the team he transformed into a global powerhouse.

AFP

New book reveals career insights

Fans eager to understand the mind of the legendary tactician have a new avenue to explore his storied past. Ferguson is currently promoting his newly released book, Games of My Life.

The publication delves into 21 pivotal matches that defined both his playing days and his managerial reign. It promises fresh perspectives on his remarkable ascent from a working-class background in Glasgow to the absolute pinnacle of the English game.

- Muhammad Zaki

MOST TEAM MEDALS AT THE CHESS OLYMPIADS

 

THE CHESS CHEATING SCANDAL THAT SHOCKED FRANCE 🇫🇷

 

In 2010, one of the most unusual cheating scandals in elite chess unfolded at the Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

French grandmaster Sébastien Feller was only 19 and was considered one of France’s rising chess talents. At the Olympiad, he scored 6/9 and won the individual gold medal on Board 5.

But behind the scenes, investigators uncovered something very different.

📱 THE SECRET SYSTEM

According to the evidence examined by the French Chess Federation and later the FIDE Ethics Commission, Feller was receiving outside assistance during his games.

The alleged system involved three people:

Sébastien Feller — the player inside the tournament hall

Cyril Marzolo — watching the games remotely and using a chess engine

Arnaud Hauchard — French team captain, who was inside the playing hall

Marzolo would follow Feller's games from France and use computer analysis to determine suggested moves. Those moves were then sent by SMS to Hauchard.

Hauchard allegedly used pre-arranged positions and movements around the playing hall as signals to communicate the moves to Feller.

In other words, the computer was outside the playing hall — but its suggestions were allegedly being transmitted to the player during the game.

HOW WAS IT DISCOVERED?

The extraordinary consistency of Feller's moves raised suspicions. Reports from the investigation described a remarkably high frequency of computer-recommended moves in several of his games.

The case eventually became public, and all three men faced disciplinary proceedings.

Feller initially denied the cheating accusations, while the case developed through several rounds of appeals and legal proceedings.

FIDE'S DECISION

In 2012, the FIDE Ethics Commission ruled that Feller had violated the FIDE Code of Ethics and imposed a 2-year-and-9-month exclusion from FIDE-sanctioned tournaments.

Hauchard and Marzolo were also sanctioned.

FIDE later demanded that Feller return the Olympiad medal and prize money he had received.

THE STORY DIDN'T END THERE

Nearly a decade after the Olympiad, the case reached a French criminal court.

On May 28, 2019, the Thionville Criminal Court sentenced Feller, Hauchard and Marzolo to six months in prison, suspended, in connection with the cheating scheme. Each was also ordered to pay symbolic damages to the French Chess Federation.

What makes the case particularly remarkable is that this wasn't simply an accusation based on someone playing too accurately.

It involved an alleged organized communication system, computer assistance, disciplinary investigations, FIDE proceedings and eventually a criminal-court judgment.

The Feller case remains one of the most famous cheating scandals in modern chess history.

It also showed the chess world a problem that would become increasingly important in the years that followed:

How do you protect the game when technology can be hidden outside the playing hall?

#Chess #ChessHistory #CheatingInChess #SébastienFeller #FIDE #ChessOlympiad #ChessScandal #ChessNews

- Dark Chess Secret 

OUTFIELD PLAYER WITH THE MOST PREMIER LEAGUE GOALS

 

DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | WRC RALLY ITALIA SARDIGNA 2026