The Japan Times

'OneLove' armband ditched at World Cup as England start campaign

European heavyweights England and the Netherlands launch their World Cup campaigns on Monday as they and five other European nations abandoned plans to wear rainbow-themed armbands.

Verstappen revels in record win but warns of difficulties ahead

Max Verstappen may have dominated Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2022 season, but he was quick to warn his Red Bull team not to expect another year of runaway success in 2023.

Alcaraz-Nadal in historic 1-2 in final ATP rankings

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal end the year first and second in the ATP rankings, the first time Spain has had the top two in the final standings.

Rangers sack Van Bronckhorst after a year in charge

Rangers sacked manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst on Monday after just a year in charge at Ibrox.

Time running out for Messi but are World Cup stars aligning?

Spain coach Luis Enrique said earlier this week it would be "unfair" if Argentina great Lionel Messi were never to win the World Cup.

Ronaldo says row with Man Utd 'won't shake' Portugal team

Cristiano Ronaldo insisted Monday that his explosive row with Manchester United would not impact Portugal's chances at the World Cup as they prepare for their opening match in Qatar with Ghana.

European experience sharpens Japan's edge at World Cup

Japan had no European-based players in their squad when they made their World Cup debut in 1998. Now they have more from German clubs alone than from their domestic J-League.

'I'm not a criminal' - Warner hits out at Australia captaincy saga

A frustrated David Warner Monday said he was "not a criminal" and everyone should have the right to appeal as Cricket Australia paved the way for his lifetime leadership ban to be lifted.

Eagles rally to beat Colts, Cowboys thrash Vikings

The Philadelphia Eagles returned to winning ways with a thrilling 17-16 NFL late comeback win at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Irving returns in Nets win, Warriors end road skid

The Brooklyn Nets marked Kyrie Irving's return from an eight-game suspension with a 127-115 victory over Memphis on Sunday as the NBA champion Golden State Warriors finally earned their first road win of the season.

Spurning World Cup favourites, Bangladeshi duo hoist South Korean colours

Bangladeshi chemist Abu Kowsir says South Korea gave his family prosperity -- so the least he can do is cheer on his benefactors when they begin their World Cup campaign this week.

Door opens for Warner's Australia captaincy ban to be lifted

Cricket Australia amended its player code of conduct policy Monday, paving the way for David Warner to apply to have his lifetime leadership ban lifted.

England launch bid for World Cup glory after Qatar slump to defeat

European heavyweights England and the Netherlands launch their World Cup campaigns on Monday as the tournament in Qatar shifts into a higher gear after a dispiriting defeat for the hosts.

Djokovic finishes troubled year with 'satisfying' ATP Finals title

Novak Djokovic said winning a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals title on Sunday was a "deeply satisfying" ending to his troubled and truncated year.

Eagles fight back to beat Colts and return to winning ways

The Philadelphia Eagles returned to winning ways with a thrilling 17-16 late comeback NFL win at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

All Blacks veteran Perenara tears Achilles tendon

All Blacks veteran TJ Perenara ruptured his Achilles tendon in last weekend's draw with England, New Zealand coach Ian Foster confirmed Monday, leaving his half-back facing a race to be fit in time for next year's Rugby World Cup.

Van der Flier using 'God's gift' to conquer rugby world

World Rugby Player of the Year Josh van der Flier is fondly known at Leinster as 'The Dutch Disciple' due to the Irish flanker's strong faith.

Van der Flier, Demant named World Rugby Players of the Year

Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier was named men's World Rugby Player of the Year on Sunday after helping his country to a first series away win in New Zealand and to the top of the global rankings.

Garang Kuol: Australia's teenage World Cup talent bound for Newcastle

Garang Kuol only turned 18 in September and has never started a league match, but the forward finds himself touted as Australia's dangerman ahead of their match against France at the World Cup on Tuesday.

Canada's Svensson wins first PGA title at RSM Classic

Canada's Adam Svensson won his first PGA Tour title on Sunday, sinking clutch birdie putts on the 16th and 17th holes to capture the RSM Classic by two strokes.

Ko wins LPGA Tour Championship and Player of the Year

New Zealand's Lydia Ko won the season-ending LPGA Tour Championship on Sunday, holding on for a two stroke victory over Ireland's Leona Maguire that also secured her the Player of the Year prize.

Djokovic sweeps past Ruud to win sixth ATP Finals crown

Novak Djokovic claimed a sixth ATP Tour Finals title on Sunday with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Norway's Casper Ruud, to match Roger Federer's record.

Empty seats tell story as Qatar World Cup party falls flat

Thousands of empty seats told the sad story as Qatar's long-awaited World Cup debut ended in a bad case of stage fright on Sunday.

World Cup kicks off with hosts Qatar defeated

Qatar became the first World Cup hosts in history to lose their opening match, going down 2-0 to Ecuador on Sunday as football's showpiece got under way after 12 years of turbulent preparations.

Qatar become first World Cup hosts to lose opener with Ecuador defeat

Qatar became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory over the hosts, with Enner Valencia scoring twice in the tournament curtain-raiser on Sunday.

Confident Martinelli dismisses Brazil doubters at World Cup

Gabriel Martinelli insisted on Sunday that he deserves his surprise call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad despite many doubters back home.

Itoje wants England to 'unlock potential' against Springboks

Maro Itoje has urged England to "unlock their potential" by producing a full 80-minute performance against South Africa in their final Autumn Nations international.

'Disappointed' Alonso looking forward to Aston Martin challenge

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso said he was "disappointed" for himself and Alpine’s fans after being forced into a mechanical retirement in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Alldritt's France 'to keep feet on ground' with Rugby World Cup on the mind

France No. 8 Gregory Alldritt said on Sunday his side are "keeping their feet on the ground" despite a record unbeaten run less than 10 months out from hosting the Rugby World Cup.

Hamilton 'holds on to hope' with first winless F1 season

Lewis Hamilton completed his first winless season in Formula One on Sunday and then said "I'm glad it's done."

Qatar first World Cup hosts to lose opener with Ecuador defeat