AFC Champions League: Ronaldo rested as Al-Nassr head to Uzbekistan; security fears remain

South China Morning Post - Nov 2, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has been rested for Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League trip to Uzbekistan, a week after the club’s previous game in the competition was postponed, and amid concern that the security situation in Saudi Arabia would continue to affect Asia’s top football tournaments. Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick in a 5–3 win over Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League last week to reach 985 career goals, was left off the roster by coach Ange Postecoglou for Monday’s match against Pakhtakor in...

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LIONEL MESSI SENDS INTER MIAMI TO SECOND SPOT  

Nov 2, 2026

LIONEL MESSI SENDS INTER MIAMI TO SECOND SPOT  

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — Lionel Messi’s late strike catapulted Inter Miami above New England and into second place with a tense 2-1 comeback victory over their MLS Eastern Conference rivals Sunday (Monday in Manila). Messi’s typically crafty effort after scurrying through three defenders in the 83rd minute was enough to secure three points, with an own goal by his teammate Ian Fray four minutes later ruled out for a marginal offside. The 39-year-old Argentine superstar also provided an improvised assist off the back of his head for German Berterame, after Daniel Gazdag had put New England in front early in the second half. Victory sent Miami a point clear of the New England Revolution with one game left, meaning a win against Charlotte on Saturday will guarantee home advantage until the Conference Finals. It also secured Miami’s spot in next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup. “It was such an important occasion ... they’re a very tough team — really difficult — so I think it was a tremendous effort,” said Berterame. After a goalless first half, New England’s Peyton Miller slipped down the right flank to the byline in the 53rd minute. His cut-back pass was backheeled by Ilay Feingold to Gazdag, who smashed the ball home. Miami came close to equalizing soon after the hour, as Berterame followed up on a Messi effort saved by Matt Turner, only to have his shot cleared off the line by Brooklyn Raines. In the 69th minute, Telasco Segovia flicked a ball high into the box toward Messi, who was racing forward between two defenders but somehow headed it blindly off the back of his head to Berterame, who scored. Messi got on the scoresheet himself in the 83rd minute, collecting the ball just outside the D, spinning and skipping past three tackles before wrapping his left foot around the ball and sending it low into the far corner past US national team goalkeeper Turner. New England thought they had been gifted an equalizer with three minutes remaining. Fray inexplicably headed a hopeful Luca Langoni cross into his own net despite no pressure, but the New England substitute was ruled offside on video review. The Eastern Conference’s final playoff berths were also determined Sunday. Columbus Crew and Orlando City both qualified after 10th-placed New York Red Bulls lost 3-2 to runaway leaders Nashville.

Joaquin Tovera lifts La Salle to solo third, Sy Oñate ends UE's 31-game skid in UAAP Season 89

Nov 2, 2026

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With De La Salle University still missing its main playmaker in Jacob Cortez, Joaquin Tovera came through for the Green Archers in their thrilling 76-73 overtime victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89 on Saturday.

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Nov 2, 2026

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MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala set a new career-high ranking of World No. 17 ahead of her campaign in the Hong Kong Open. Eala’s previous best was 18th last August 24 just before the US Open. She entered the 2026 season at No. 50. The 21-year-old Eala is aiming to finish her breakthrough season on a high

Venus Williams drops retirement hint after Hong Kong Tennis Open exit

Nov 2, 2026

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Venus Williams has left the door open to quitting tennis after the American great slumped to a 17th consecutive singles loss on Monday, going down in straight sets to compatriot Mary Stoiana in the opening round of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open. A shadow of the player who claimed 23 grand slam titles in her pomp, Williams dropped her serve four times and did not create one break point in a 6-2, 6-3 defeat by world No 113 Stoiana that ended her 2026 singles campaign. “I haven’t made any...

NBA: Luka Doncic scores 45, leads Lakers to victory over Raptors

Nov 2, 2026

NBA: Luka Doncic scores 45, leads Lakers to victory over Raptors

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic had 45 points, a season-high 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals in another prolific performance while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. Doncic hit eight 3-pointers and increased his early lead in the NBA scoring race by dropping at

UK adventurer arrives home after epic 28-year trek across jungles and frozen sea

Nov 2, 2026

UK adventurer arrives home after epic 28-year trek across jungles and frozen sea

After 28 years, British adventurer Karl Bushby arrived back home on Monday after a 50,000km (31,000-mile) trek from Chile across four continents without using any transport to progress. Bushby, who set off on his odyssey from South America in 1998, had two golden rules for his journey: avoid all forms of transport to advance and not return until he completed his challenge. He was met on Monday in the centre of Hull, northeast England, by a crowd of up to 1,000 cheering people, and thanked...

NBA: Yaxel Lendeborg has career-high 37, Warriors top Clippers

Nov 2, 2026

NBA: Yaxel Lendeborg has career-high 37, Warriors top Clippers

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PH bets Marama Tokong, Jayuard Alciso bow out in World Surf League

Nov 2, 2026

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SIARGAO – Filipino wildcards John Mark “Marama” Tokong and Jayuard Alciso dazzled the home crowd before seeing their campaigns come to an end in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 on Monday morning. Tokong bowed to Australian world No. 7 Ethan Ewing, while Alciso suffered a setback against familiar

Home bet Marama Tokong has splashing World Surf League debut

Nov 2, 2026

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15-year-old Mara Lopez draws praise from world No. 1 Molly Picklum

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