Sports

Sports · 18 October 2026

Sydney Marathon’s ‘Local Guarantee’ Leaves Veteran Shin Out – but Next Year the Rules Flip

Sam Orbit, World desk

Sydney Marathon will guarantee a spot for local runners, yet veteran Soonchil Shin, who has completed the race 15 times, missed out on a place in the general ballot. Organisers say the policy will be revised next year.

Sports · 18 October 2026

Dubois Destroys Wardley in Second‑Round Smash, Keeps WBO Belt

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Daniel Dubois retained his WBO heavyweight title by stopping Fabio Wardley in the second round.

Sports · 18 October 2026

Kingswood Clinches 150th Caulfield Cup as Ohope Wins and Half Yours Take a Tumble

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Kingswood secured victory in the 150th Caulfield Cup, but a dramatic fall involving Ohope Wins and Half Yours turned the finish into a chaotic scramble for jockeys and spectators alike.

Sports · 18 October 2026

England’s World Cup Dream Derailed by Tonga’s Surging Surf – 30‑12 Blowout at HBF Park

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

Tonga overwhelmed England 30‑12 in their Rugby League World Cup opener at HBF Park, turning a hopeful English start into a surf‑sized upset.

Sports · 18 October 2026

Brentford’s Yarmolyuk Turns Headbutt Into Red Card Against Liverpool

Lina Okoro, World desk

Yehor Yarmolyuk was shown a red card after headbutting an opponent in Brentford’s Premier League match with Liverpool.

Sports · 18 October 2026

South Africa chase a series‑saving win while Australia lines up a backyard swing at the second Test

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The second Test pits a must‑win South Africa against an Australia eager to extend their lead, with both sides set for a battle that feels more like a council meeting than a cricket match.

Sports · 18 October 2026

WNBA Rockets Past Records While Aussie Fans Stare at Their Own Scoreboards

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The WNBA’s unprecedented popularity and social‑media buzz highlight a growing gap with Australia’s women’s sport, which remains under‑the‑radar despite local efforts to catch up.

Sports · 18 October 2026

NRL Boss Publicly Declares ‘Man Crush’ on Departing Rooster at Rugby World Cup Opener

Craig Pohutukawa, Auckland desk

During the Australia‑New Zealand Rugby World Cup opener, NRL chief Peter V’landys announced a public ‘man crush’ on Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is leaving the NRL for rugby union, turning the match into an unexpec…

Sports · 18 October 2026

All Blacks turn Sydney into a Kiwi showcase, leaving Wallabies with a side of wilted lettuce

Tariq Bell, World desk

The All Blacks, down to just 14 fit players, thumped the Wallabies 43-21 at Sydney's Accor Stadium, extending their Bledisloe streak and leaving Les Kiss to ponder a World Cup nightmare.