Organisers announced that online platform Chess.com is partnering with the Esports Foundation to establish the qualification pathway. The upcoming 2026-2027 Champions Chess Tour cycle will determine which players earn spots for the finals in Riyadh.

Two-time champion Magnus Carlsen has already secured his place for the 2027 event after winning the title in Paris earlier this year. The Norwegian grandmaster will be aiming to become only the second competitor in Esports World Cup history to achieve three consecutive titles.

Carlsen retained his crown in Paris by sweeping past surprise finalist Denis Lazavik with a 2-0 set victory in the Grand Final. The Team Liquid representative dominated the decisive match without dropping a single game.

Lazavik had earlier produced a standout run in the playoff bracket, eliminating Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the quarter-finals before defeating Hikaru Nakamura. That semi-final victory earned key points for AG.AL, helping them secure the overall Club Championship title ahead of Team Falcons.

Carlsen reached the final in Paris after coming through group matches against Andrey Esipenko and Hans Moke Niemann. He then recorded playoff victories over Nihal Sarin and 2025 finalist Alireza Firouzja to complete his title defense.

Among the contenders aiming to challenge Carlsen in 2027 is 22-year-old Abdusattorov, who recently led Uzbekistan to victory at the Chess Olympiad 2026. Currently ranked fifth in the world, the former World Rapid Champion was pushed to five games by Lazavik in their Paris quarter-final.

Established grandmasters Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda are also expected to feature heavily during the qualification process. Younger contenders including Vincent Keymer and Wei Yi will also compete through the Champions Chess Tour route.

The 2026 edition featured a expanded Indian contingent, with Nihal Sarin, Aravindh Chithambaram, and Pranesh M representing S8UL Esports, while Arjun Erigaisi played for Gen.G Esports. Nihal and Erigaisi both reached the quarter-finals in Paris.

Additionally, American player Niemann represented Indian organization GodLike Esports during the 2026 event. Further details regarding exact dates and prize pool allocation for the Esports World Cup 2027 tournament in Riyadh will be announced as the qualification stage progresses.

The defending champions restricted Bangladesh to 138 all out in 31.4 overs before chasing the target in just 20.4 overs. Pakistan will now face India in the final on Saturday.

Rizwanullah was the standout performer for Pakistan, claiming five wickets for 30 runs in his eight-over spell. Mohammad Sayyam provided strong support with two wickets for 29 runs, while Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, and Hasnain Abbas Dar took one wicket each.

Bangladesh struggled to build momentum after choosing to bat first, slipping to 25-2 within the opening six overs. Although Abdullah Al Muhi anchored the innings with a 45-ball 50, the middle order collapsed under pressure from the Pakistan bowling attack.

In response, Pakistan's openers made light work of the chase. Hayam Khan top-scored with 69 off 72 balls, hitting eight fours and a six, while Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 deliveries, featuring seven fours and two sixes.

The only success for the Bangladesh bowlers came through Robiul Hasan Anik, who claimed the solitary wicket to fall. Pakistan's clinical performance maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament, having previously defeated the UAE, India, and Nepal.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 138 (31.4 overs; Abdullah Al Muhi 50; Rizwanullah 5-30, Mohammad Sayyam 2-29) lost to Pakistan 139-1 (20.4 overs; Hayam Khan 69, Usman Khan 64*) by nine wickets.

In a letter sent to the squad, US Soccer stated that the withdrawal was necessary in light of current circumstances. The governing body specifically cited a Level 3 travel advisory issued by the US Department of State for Qatar last month, which warns of the potential for rapid escalation in regional hostilities.

The tournament, which features 48 teams, was set to run from 19 November to 13 December. The United States were drawn into a group alongside Montenegro, Chile, and Algeria. US Soccer confirmed that the well-being of its players and staff remains its primary priority.

The travel advisory highlights risks associated with attacks on civilian infrastructure in the region, including airports. US Soccer has requested that its players and staff refrain from public comment until the governing body and FIFA have finalized the formal announcement regarding the team's absence.

This withdrawal follows a period of significant disruption to sporting calendars in the Middle East. The 2027 Asian Cup, originally scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia, has been postponed by nearly a year, while several other international events have been relocated or cancelled due to the security situation.

The Under-17 World Cup transitioned to an annual format last year, with Qatar designated as the host nation for five consecutive editions. The tournament is intended to utilize existing infrastructure, though the current geopolitical climate has now forced a change in the participation list for the upcoming event.

Defending champions Pakistan entered the knockout stage unbeaten after securing top spot in Group A with three victories, while Bangladesh progressed as runners-up from Group B.

Pakistan completed their group stage campaign with a commanding 101-run victory over Nepal. Batting first, Pakistan posted 275 for seven in 50 overs before bowling Nepal out for 174 in 43.4 overs.

All-rounder Ahmed Hussain produced a standout performance in that fixture, top-scoring with 89 runs to help build the total before taking four wickets for 35 runs. Captain Farhan Yousaf also contributed a half-century.

Prior to defeating Nepal, Pakistan opened their campaign with a nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates, followed by a three-wicket victory against India to finish with six points and a net run rate of 1.186.

Top-order batter Usman Khan has been a key performer for Pakistan throughout the group stage, accumulating 174 runs across his three innings in the tournament.

Bangladesh reached the semi-finals after finishing second in Group B with four points from two wins and one loss. They secured their qualification with a 205-run victory over Malaysia, while Afghanistan topped the group.

Fast bowler Tafiul Alam Tamim has led the Bangladesh bowling attack during the group phase, claiming 13 wickets in three matches.

Pakistan are captained by Farhan Yousaf with Hamza Zahoor handling wicketkeeping duties, while Bangladesh are led by wicketkeeper-captain Md Farid Hasan Faysal.

The winner of Thursday's semi-final will advance to the Under-19 Asia Cup final, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 November.

The right-hander climbs six spots to seventh on the rankings for Test batters, reaching a new career-high rating after scoring an innings of 173 in the opening match of Afghanistan's two-game series against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.

The achievement marks the fifth Test century of Rahmat's career and his second this calendar year, helping the 33-year-old jump ahead of India captain Shubman Gill, South Africa opener Aiden Markram and Sri Lanka left-hander Kamindu Mendis.

The milestone caps off a strong period for Afghanistan cricket, following the team's rise earlier this month to sixth on the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings on the back of a tri-series triumph over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe veteran Craig Ervine also made significant ground on the Test batting list, jumping up nine spots to 48th following his unbeaten double-century in the second innings of the Sharjah encounter.

The conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship series between Bangladesh and the West Indies resulted in upward movement for several other batters, including Kavem Hodge rising 12 places to 52nd.

Towhid Hridoy climbed from outside the top 100 into 60th position, while Amir Jangoo moved up 28 rungs to 62nd on the list for Test batters.

In the bowling rankings, West Indies player Jomel Warrican achieved a new career-high rating by rising 11 spots to equal 19th following his Player of the Series performance against Bangladesh.

Warrican also gained four places to improve to 31st on the list for Test all-rounders, while teammate Justin Greaves climbed one place to move to equal eighth in the same category.

Changes were also recorded on the ODI rankings following the opening two matches of the series between New Zealand and India, with India spinner Axar Patel rising 23 spots to 21st among ODI bowlers after taking 2-28 in Wellington.

India left-arm pace bowler Arshdeep Singh gained 11 slots to move to equal 31st following a four-wicket haul in the series opener in Auckland.

India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar advanced from outside the top 100 to 48th on the list for ODI bowlers as the leading wicket-taker in the series so far with seven scalps.

New Zealand seamers also advanced, with Jacob Duffy moving up eight slots to equal 43rd and Kyle Jamieson climbing 24 rungs to 60th on the ODI bowling list.

The Qatar Grand Prix is set for 27-29 November at Lusail International Circuit, followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit from 4-6 December, completing a triple-header that begins with the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 20-22 November.

Formula 1 informed Imola organisers on Tuesday that the historic Italian circuit would not be required, confirming the sport's intention to proceed with the Middle East rounds as planned.

The contingency had been arranged because ongoing conflict in the region led to the cancellation of April's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, with Bahrain later rescheduled and held in Malaysia in September.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted on Instagram on Tuesday stating the governing body is "fully prepared" for the final two rounds.

"We are ready for Qatar and Abu Dhabi," Ben Sulayem wrote. "We are fully prepared and committed to delivering two outstanding Grands Prix weekends and a spectacular conclusion to the FIA Formula One World Championship."

F1 president Stefano Domenicali has maintained throughout the season that the final races would be held at their scheduled venues unless the security situation deteriorated significantly.

It is understood the sport's leadership would not hesitate to cancel the races should the situation change in the coming weeks.

Teams and drivers have repeatedly expressed trust in F1's judgement, and no squad has indicated opposition to completing the season as planned.

In a meeting on Tuesday, teams sought detail and assurances around procedures should any escalation occur before the Middle East rounds.

The Lusail International Circuit hosted a MotoGP round from 6-8 November which passed without incident, although Japanese constructor Yamaha opted not to attend citing security concerns.

The 2026 season will comprise 23 races, one short of the original 24-race calendar, after the Bahrain Grand Prix was moved to Malaysia.

Kimi Antonelli secured the drivers' championship in Mexico City before his Mercedes team clinched the constructors' title a week later in Brazil.

Formula 1's next event is the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the Sunset Strip from 20-22 November, the first leg of the season-ending triple-header.

The sport will then travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the final two rounds, with all parties preparing for a conclusion to the championship in the Middle East.

Medical examinations and an MRI scan confirmed a knee injury to Akif Javed, leading the selection committee to decide against risking his fitness and instead recommend a structured rehabilitation programme.

Akif will undergo a strength and conditioning regimen followed by a phased bowling programme at the National Cricket Academy under the supervision of the board's medical department.

The eight-team tournament is scheduled to take place in Doha from November 19 to 29, with defending champions Pakistan Shaheens placed in Group B alongside India, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates.

Middle-order batter Abdul Samad will captain the squad, which also features Ahmed Daniyal, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousuf, Haider Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain and Mohammad Imran Randhawa.

The remaining members of the squad include wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamil Hussain and Sufiyan Muqeem.

Pakistan Shaheens will begin their campaign against the United Arab Emirates on November 20 at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, with the match starting at 11:00 am Pakistan time.

Their second group fixture will be against arch-rivals India A on November 22 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium at 3:00 pm.

The team will complete their group-stage matches by facing Nepal on November 24 at the same venue, with a 3:00 pm start time.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for November 26 and 27, leading up to the tournament final on November 29 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan reached the target of 209 with 11 balls to spare, finishing on 209-7 in 48.1 overs. Hamza Zahoor anchored the chase with an unbeaten 100 off 108 deliveries, while Arjun Rajput’s fighting 107 for India ultimately proved insufficient.

India, having won the toss and elected to bat, faced a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack early on. The team was reduced to 42-4 before Rajput launched a counter-attack, striking 11 fours and five sixes in his 85-ball innings to help post 208.

Pakistan's bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Ali Raza, Rizwanullah, and Niqab Shafiq claiming three wickets each to restrict the Indian lineup. The Indian bowlers initially responded well, reducing Pakistan to 61-5 in the early stages of the chase.

Zahoor then combined with Hasnain Abbas Dar to stabilize the innings, putting together a vital 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Dar contributed 38 runs off 67 balls, providing the necessary support for Zahoor to guide his side to victory.

Manal Chauhan was the standout performer for India with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-32. Despite his efforts and the early breakthroughs, Pakistan’s composure in the final overs ensured they maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament.

With this result, Pakistan moved to four points from two matches, sitting at the top of Group A. The win provides significant momentum for the defending champions as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Nepal.

Brief scores: India 208 all out (46.3 overs; Arjun Rajput 107, Ali Raza 3-37) lost to Pakistan 209-7 (48.1 overs; Hamza Zahoor 100*, Manal Chauhan 3-32) by three wickets.

Rahm completed his final round with six birdies and just a single dropped shot, finishing two strokes clear of England's Hatton, who carded a 68 to take second place. Northern Ireland's McIlroy finished another two shots further back in third position on 19 under par following a round that kept him in contention into the back nine.

Entering the final day with a one-shot advantage following a third-round 66, Rahm faced intense pressure from his fellow contenders during a tight contest on the back nine. Italian player Francesco Laporta, who shared the overnight lead, stayed in the hunt before dropping four shots across two holes to finish fourth on 17 under par.

Rahm reflected on his triumph after securing the trophy, highlighting the mental challenges and recent changes in his personal life following the birth of his fourth child last month. He noted that his back nine performance was solid aside from a single trouble spot on the 17th hole.

The victory marks a significant turnaround for the Spaniard following his departure from LIV Golf and a difficult outing at his previous appearance at Wentworth. His win also moves him into contention for the season-ending standings ahead of the upcoming tournament in Dubai.

McIlroy's third-place finish elevated him to second in the Race to Dubai standings as the Northern Irishman pursues a record-equalling eighth season-long title. The closing stretch saw Hatton close the gap to a single stroke on the 15th hole before Rahm responded with a crucial birdie putt to maintain his advantage.

India secured a 10-wicket win over Nepal, while Pakistan began their campaign with a nine-wicket victory against the United Arab Emirates. The high-profile encounter begins at 10:30 AM IST, with the toss scheduled for 30 minutes prior.

India captain Lakshya Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag starred in the opening win, with Sehwag hitting an unbeaten 70 off 52 balls and Raichandani contributing an unbeaten 53. Pakistan's opening victory was anchored by Usman Khan, who smashed an unbeaten 139 against the UAE.

Pakistan hold the upper hand in recent head-to-head meetings at the under-19 level, winning three of their last five encounters against India. However, India claimed a 58-run victory in their most recent meeting during the ICC U19 World Cup Super Six stage on February 1, 2026.

In overall Youth One-Day Internationals, India have won 21 of their 32 matches against Pakistan, with Pakistan securing 11 victories. Within continental and global tournaments, India have claimed nine wins in 13 ACC U19 Asia Cup matches compared to Pakistan's three.

The Al Amerat pitch has traditionally favored bowlers, with spinners taking seventy percent of wickets in recent matches and maintaining lower economy rates than pacers. The average first-innings score at the venue stands at 208, rising to 230 across the last five matches.

Sunny weather is forecast in Al Amerat with temperatures near 28 degrees Celsius, low humidity, and a four percent chance of rain. Dew levels are expected to remain low throughout the fixture.

In India, the match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV. Viewers in Pakistan can watch the broadcast on PTV Sports and Geo Super, with digital streaming available on Myco, Tamasha, ARY Zapp, and Tapmad.

Pakistan reached 225-1 in 37.3 overs, securing the win with 75 balls to spare. Usman’s match-winning innings came off 120 deliveries and featured 21 fours and a six. He was supported by Jahangir Bilal, who contributed 60 off 87 balls before his dismissal in the 29th over.

The pair established a solid foundation for the chase with a 153-run opening partnership. Following Jahangir’s departure, Usman shared an unbroken 72-run stand with Abdul Qadir, who finished not out on 20 from 19 balls, including a four and a six.

Earlier, the UAE were bowled out for 224 on the final ball of their 50-over innings. Noorullah Ayobi provided a late surge for the UAE with a top score of 70 off 55 balls, hitting three boundaries and six sixes, while Yayin Kiran Rai added 47.

Mohammad Sayyam led the Pakistan bowling attack, finishing with figures of 3-37 from his 10 overs. Hasnain Abbas Dar, Ali Raza, and Rizwanullah each claimed two wickets, while Niqab Shafiq picked up one to restrict the UAE total.

The victory provides Pakistan with a positive start to the tournament as they prepare for their next group fixture. Pakistan are scheduled to face India in their upcoming match on Sunday, 8 November.

Brief scores: Pakistan 225-1 (37.3 overs; Usman Khan 139 not out, Jahangir Bilal 60, Abdul Qadir 20 not out) beat UAE 224 all out (50 overs; Noorullah Ayobi 70, Yayin Kiran Rai 47; Mohammad Sayyam 3-37, Hasnain Abbas Dar 2-22, Ali Raza 2-38, Rizwanullah 2-55) by nine wickets.

Malhan defeated top seed Mady Sow in straight games to claim the top spot on the podium. In the women's event, Zhang overcame a significant comeback from Patri in a match that concluded 26-24 in the deciding third game.

In the men's final, Sow established an early 10-4 lead in the opening game before Malhan fought back to level at 17-17. The UAE player then secured four consecutive points to take the lead. The second game followed a similar trajectory, with Malhan overcoming an 18-16 deficit to win five straight points and seal the victory.

Reflecting on his performance, Malhan revealed he had been battling a high fever throughout the tournament. He expressed his surprise and delight at winning the gold medal despite his physical condition, stating he had not been fit heading into the competition.

The women's final proved to be an intense encounter between the World Junior champion Zhang and Asian U17 champion Patri. After splitting the first two games, Zhang established a commanding 19-10 lead in the decider before Patri mounted a dramatic recovery.

Patri saved five match points to level the score at 20-20 and subsequently held three opportunities to win the title herself. Zhang successfully saved those chances before finally converting her seventh match point to secure the gold medal.

Zhang described the third game as extremely intense and noted that she was completely focused on every point during the closing stages. She expressed her excitement at winning a medal in a competition held only once every four years.

In the bronze medal playoffs, Hong Tian Yue of China defeated Korea's Park Jung Bin 21-17, 21-12 in the men's singles. In the women's singles bronze match, Japan's Yuzuno Watanabe overcame Cheng Chih-Yun of Chinese Taipei 21-14, 21-8.

Following the player draft held on September 30, teams and individuals had already submitted their initial NOC applications. The sudden introduction of this financial levy has left many scrambling to determine how the costs will be covered, with tournament organizers reportedly declining to absorb the expense.

This development follows a recent dispute regarding the Nepal Premier League, where the board requested a $25,000 fee per NOC. That previous requirement led to a widespread withdrawal of Pakistani players from the competition, as teams and organizers were unable to meet the board's financial demands.

Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board have defended the new levy by citing the limited reciprocal benefits these foreign leagues offer to the Pakistan Super League. The board maintains that its policy is designed to protect the interests of its premier domestic tournament while managing player workloads.

Under the current central contract structure, the ability of players to feature in overseas leagues is strictly regulated based on their specific contract track. These regulations, combined with existing geopolitical restrictions that prevent Pakistani cricketers from participating in the Indian Premier League and its associated global franchises, have significantly narrowed international opportunities.

As the Abu Dhabi T10 approaches, teams are now evaluating whether to cover the costs themselves or seek replacement players. The situation remains fluid, with many athletes currently weighing the financial implications of the board's latest directive against their participation in the tournament.

The league, which had been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since September, will now transition to an orderly wind-down of its business. Attorney Matthew Williams informed the court that the organization is no longer proceeding with the "LIV 2.0" project, with the liquidation of remaining assets expected to commence on Monday.

The decision followed the withdrawal of BC Partners Credit, which had previously pledged up to $300 million to support the league's restructuring. The investment firm indicated that it could not reach mutually acceptable terms with the various stakeholders involved, citing a lack of sufficient player interest in the proposed new format.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil described the league's existence as "the round of a lifetime" in a statement following the hearing. He highlighted the circuit's efforts to engage younger audiences and build a global platform for individual and team competitions across five continents since its inception in 2021.

The league's financial future had been in jeopardy since April, when Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)—which had invested an estimated $5 billion into the project—announced it would cease funding. Despite attempts to secure an independent future, the departure of high-profile players, including Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia, proved insurmountable.

Court documents revealed that LIV Golf faces between $500 million and $1 billion in estimated liabilities to roughly 1,000 creditors. A formal disclosure statement and a comprehensive wind-down plan are scheduled to be filed with the court by 9 November, as the league remains open to any final value-maximizing alternatives.

Tashima, a former international footballer and coach who has served on the Fifa Council since 2015, confirmed his candidacy on Thursday. He stated that he intends to bring values of integrity and sound moral standards to the global governing body.

The announcement follows a period of significant scrutiny for Infantino, particularly after a controversial proposal to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors was abandoned in July. That plan faced widespread backlash across the footballing world.

Tashima has secured the unanimous backing of the Japan Football Association board. To officially appear on the ballot, candidates must receive formal endorsements from five of Fifa's 211 member associations and pass an eligibility review by a three-member panel.

"I have decided to run in order to make this appeal to the world," Tashima said. "It is not about winning or losing but about conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built."

While Infantino has secured public endorsements from the Asian Football Confederation and maintains support from several other regions, Tashima is expected to receive backing from European and North American federations seeking a change in leadership.

The deadline for candidates to officially register their bids for the presidency is 18 November. Tashima is the second individual to declare his candidacy, following former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega, though Tashima is considered a more significant challenger.

Pakistan enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the previous year's final at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai. The squad arrived early in Oman to adapt to local weather, pitches and playing conditions ahead of their opening fixture.

Led by captain Farhan Yousaf, the 15-member Pakistan squad features a blend of retained talent and new additions aiming to maintain the team's winning momentum. Head coach and team manager Shahid Anwar oversees the support staff, which includes specialists in fast bowling, spin bowling, fielding, fitness and performance analysis.

Placed in Group A alongside India, the UAE and Nepal, Pakistan will play their second group fixture against India on November 8. Their final group-stage encounter against Nepal is scheduled for November 10 at the same venue in Muscat.

Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The top two teams from each group at the conclusion of the round-robin matches will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled to take place on November 12.

The winner of the semi-final clashes will progress to the tournament final, which will decide the continental champions on November 14. Captain Farhan expressed confidence in his team's preparations, highlighting the high morale and strong backing from the team management as vital components for success.

In the men's singles draw, Riyan Malhan of the United Arab Emirates prepares to face Thailand's Punnatat Prempunpong in the quarterfinals. Malhan secured his place in the last eight by defeating Malaysia's Lucas Lee in straight games during their final group encounter. His opponent Prempunpong advanced after overcoming Singapore's Ng Zhen Hong Zack, also in a straight-game victory. Both players enter the match carrying strong reputations from their respective continental circuits.

Malhan has enjoyed a breakthrough season, notably becoming the first player from the United Arab Emirates to win a Badminton Asia tournament when he claimed the under-17 title in Chengdu earlier this year. Prempunpong trains at the prominent Bangthongyord Club in Thailand and has drawn praise from senior compatriot Kunlavut Vitidsarn. The Thai youngster reached the quarterfinals of the World Juniors and finished as runner-up at the Malaysia Junior International Challenge in July.

The other men's singles quarterfinals feature top seed Mady Sow of France meeting the United States player Rithik Rasamsetti. Sow arrives in Dakar as a European Junior champion and a bronze medallist at the World Juniors, having also been voted Badminton Europe Player of the Year. Additional men's matches pit Chuang Yung Neng of Chinese Taipei against South Korea's Park Jung Bin, and China's Hong Tian Yue against India's Dev Ruparelia.

In the women's singles category, Hong Kong China's Ip Sum Yau is set to face Zhang Yi Xin in a high-profile rematch of their recent BWF World Junior Championships semifinal in Cairo. Zhang won that previous three-game encounter before going on to claim the gold medal by defeating Japan's Saki Matsumoto. Ip made history by securing the first-ever singles medal for Hong Kong China at the World Juniors following a prolific season.

Ip's impressive campaign this year includes a senior title at the Latvia International alongside junior tournament victories at the Jaya Raya Junior International, Yonex 3 Borders, Valamar Junior Open, Cyprus Junior, and Bulgarian Junior International events. Her opponent Zhang has played sparingly on the international circuit this year but reached the final of the Badminton Asia Junior Championships.

India's rising talent Tanvi Patri faces Thailand's Kungkaew Kakanik in another standout women's quarterfinal fixture. Patri has established herself as one of India's brightest prospects through victories at the under-17 continental championships and the Pontianak International Challenge, alongside several senior podium finishes. Kakanik enters the contest boasting titles at the Philippines Junior, Malaysia Junior, and Pathumthanee Junior International tournaments.

The remaining women's quarterfinals feature Micah Cruz of the United States taking on Chinese Taipei's Cheng Chihyun, while New Zealand's Amy Wang squares off against Japan's Yuzuno Watanabe. Organizers have scheduled the subsequent semifinal matches to take place later today following the conclusion of the quarterfinal encounters. Competitors are vying to advance closer to the coveted Youth Olympic podium in Dakar.

Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the player's eligibility on Wednesday, bringing a definitive end to a prolonged period of uncertainty caused by citizenship and documentation complications. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer in the country's domestic circuit since 2023, establishing himself as a reliable contributor with both bat and ball.

Naqvi boasts an exceptional first-class record, averaging 60.35 across 24 matches. During this period, he has accumulated six centuries and eight half-centuries, alongside taking 62 wickets to underscore his value as a genuine all-rounder.

One of the defining moments of his domestic career arrived in 2024 when he wrote his name into the record books. Playing for Mid-West Rhinos against Tuskers, he became the first batter to score a triple-century in Zimbabwe's domestic first-class cricket, finishing with an unbeaten 300.

Despite his prolific form, his path to international cricket has encountered several hurdles. He was initially selected for a T20I series against India in July 2024 but missed out due to pending naturalisation paperwork.

Further setbacks followed when incomplete documentation prevented him from featuring in a Test against Afghanistan in October 2025. Administrative delays persisted into June 2026, before the recent clearance finally resolved his eligibility status.

In the absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava, who remains sidelined with a back injury, 22-year-old Brian Bennett will lead the side during the series. The leadership group will look to harness Naqvi's vast domestic experience as they tackle the challenge in the United Arab Emirates.

Zimbabwe squad for the Afghanistan Test series features Brian Bennett as captain, alongside Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, and Wessly Madhevere.

The two fighters are scheduled to square off on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Nikki Beach Dubai, as part of the Fury by the Sea – MUKA Boxing event. What began as a standard pre-fight staredown quickly escalated when Sharma suddenly struck Pardesi across the face in front of assembled media cameras.

A video capturing the incident rapidly circulated across social media platforms, sparking widespread debate and discussion among online users regarding the build-up to the cross-border encounter. Standby security and event personnel quickly intervened at the venue to separate the two individuals and prevent further escalation.

According to reports from the promotional setting, the physical confrontation followed an aggressive exchange of verbal taunts and gestures between the pair. The exact sequence of words and provocations leading up to the sudden blow has not been independently verified by tournament officials.

The upcoming fight card is structured to feature a total of 12 boxing bouts, with the primary competitive action scheduled to take place between 6 PM and 10 PM local time. The contest between Sharma and Pardesi has emerged as one of the most anticipated match-ups of the evening due to the high-profile rivalry and the recent flare-up.

Manish Sharma has built a digital following through online content creation before transitioning into exhibition boxing events. His upcoming opponent, Rahim Pardesi, is a prominent Pakistani entertainer and social media personality who has similarly stepped into the combat sports arena.

The unexpected confrontation has significantly intensified interest surrounding the Dubai event, drawing heightened attention to how the two personalities will handle their grievances inside the ring. Both fighters will now prepare for their official meeting at the venue in two days' time under heightened security and public scrutiny.

Bennett takes charge of a 17-member squad that is also missing fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga due to injury. Despite missing key seamers, Zimbabwe have retained the core of the group that registered an innings-and-85-run victory over Bangladesh in Harare in June.

Veteran top-order batters Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine feature in the squad, having remained in the UAE following the recent One-Day International tri-series to prepare for the Test matches. They will lead a batting department that includes Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Wessly Madhevere.

Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer makes a return to the Test squad to bolster the spin department. The selection panel has also recalled Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa, while experienced spinner Wellington Masakadza retains his spot in the group.

All-rounder Antum Naqvi has been included in the Test squad after officially completing the ICC eligibility requirements to represent Zimbabwe. His inclusion provides extra balance to the playing squad in both batting and bowling departments.

Blessing Muzarabani will spearhead the pace department in Ngarava's absence. The fast-bowling unit also includes Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Matigimu, and uncapped seam bowler Ernest Masuku, who earns his first call-up.

Both matches in the red-ball series will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. The first Test begins on 5 November, with the second Test scheduled to start on 13 November.

The full Zimbabwe squad includes Brian Bennett (captain), Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, and Wessly Madhevere.