Rugby

Newcastle, Australia: New Zealand saw off a gutsy Tonga 34-10 in an absorbing clash on Saturday to power into the Rugby League World Cup final for the first time since 2013. Briton Nikora, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Willison and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad all crossed in a bruising battle at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, north of Sydney. The Kiwis were 10-6 down at one point but went to the break with a narrow 12-10 lead before seizing control in the second half. It set up a decider on November 15 in Brisbane against either powerhouse defending champions Australia or Samoa, who play in Sydney on Sunday. New Zealand, the 2008 champions, last made the final in 2013 when they lost heavily to Australia, who won the next two World Cups. They went into the game without winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is serving a one-match suspension, but Kalyn Ponga was named in the starting side in a massive boost. It was a miraculous comeback for the star fullback just three weeks after breaking his left forearm in their World Cup opener against Australia. He was involved from the start, supplying the pass for Nikora to cross from close range for a converted try after just four minutes. The game was played at a furious pace, with both sides having opportunities, but it took another 18 minutes before Tonga split the defence to hit back with a sensational converted try. It started with a weaving run deep inside his own half by Jojo Fifita, who then finished the move after a series of superb passes. Fifita was the hero again just before the break, finishing a sweeping move with a try in the corner to give them a 10-6 lead. But it was a short-lived advantage, with Gagai getting his hands on a loose ball over the try line after Tonga's Lehi Hopoate failed to deal with a grubber kick and Jamayne Isaako's conversion then gave the Kiwis the momentum at half-time. A frantic second half saw countless chances as the game opened up, and it was New Zealand who finally capitalised. McLean spotted a gap and blasted through for his 18th Test try before Hughes crashed over as the game began to slip from Tonga's grasp, with Willison and Nicoll-Klokstad adding two more as the clock ticked down.

Qatar Sport

Doha, Qatar: Lusail International Circuit (LIC) commenced the 2026 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar on Friday, November 6, 2026, running until November 8 and marking the 22nd edition of MotoGPat LIC since the circuit first hosted the championship in 2004. This season is the last under the current 1000cc engine regulations, adding extra significance to every round, including LIC’s night race. The first day consisted of practice sessions for all categories including the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup. In Moto4 Free Practice 1, Kotaro Togashi from Japan topped the timesheets with 2’10.930, with Qabil Irfan from Malaysia second with 2’11.596 and Bintang Pranata from Indonesia completing the top three with 2’11.904. The Moto3first free practice saw Maximo Quiles from CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team deliver the fastest lap at 2’04.143, followed by Joel Kelso from GRYD Racing at 2’04.936 and Marco Morelli from CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team with 2’04.992. In the Moto2™ first free practice, Daniel Holgado from CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team set the pace with 1’56.784, followed by Celestino Vietti from BETA Tools SpeedRS Team at 1’56.923 and Izan Guevara from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 at 1’56.970. Later in the day, the MotoGP™ first free practice was led by Marc Marquez from Ducati Lenovo Team, who recorded the fastest lap at 1’52.278. Following closely were Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing at 1’52.388 and Fabio Di Giannantonio from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team at 1'52.691. In the second free practice of Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, Kotaro Togashi from Japan topped the timesheets with 2’10.192, while Qabil Irfan from Malaysia came second at 2’10.411 and Noprutpong Bunprawes from Thailand finished third at 2’10.436. During the break between track sessions, the first 200 fans to enter joined this year’s Autograph Session, giving them the opportunity to meet and collect signatures from star riders with the likes of Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, Maverick Viñales, Franco Morbidelli, Pedro Acosta, and many more. The Moto3Practice once again saw Maximo Quiles from CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team set the fastest lap at 2’03.172, followed by Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s David Almansa at 2’03.372 and David Muñoz at 2’03.443. In the Moto2Practice, Daniel Holgado from CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team KALEX claimed the top spot once again with 1’55.897, followed by Filip Salac at 1’56.096 and Izan Guevara from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 at 1’56.136. To conclude the day’s track action, the MotoGP™ Practice delivered a historic moment as Fabio Di Giannantonio from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team set a new all-time lap record at LIC with 1’50.406. Marc Marquez from Ducati Lenovo Team followed closely at 1’50.548, with Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing third at 1’50.666. Away from the track, the MotoGPFan Zone at LIC welcomed spectators with interactive entertainment, children’s activities and a diverse selection of food and beverage options. Visitors also explored the Cultural Village, which celebrates Qatar’s heritage through traditional crafts, henna, spices, oud demonstrations and Dahrooi, a traditional Qatari game. The MotoGPQatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2026 promises exciting action over the next two days. Saturday will feature qualifying sessions, the Moto2and Moto3Hero Walk, The MotoGPTissot Sprint and BMW M Laps. For the first time, the MotoGPFan Zone at Lusail International Circuit (LIC) will feature a dedicated podium for the Tissot Sprint, bringing the celebration of Saturday’s race straight to the fans. Fans can be part of the moment, with the atmosphere of the podium celebration extending beyond the track and into the heart of the Fan Zone. Sunday will feature the MotoGPHero Walk and Talk Show, the Moto3and Moto2races and the Opening Ceremony, ahead of the 22-lap MotoGPGrand Prix. Tickets are available for QAR 200 and include access to all three days of racing, and can be purchased at tickets.lcsc.qa.

Qatar Sport

Doha: The 45th Arab Golf Championship for men and women got under way at Doha Golf Club on Friday, with 72 players from 14 countries set to compete for individual and team honours. Hosted by the Qatar Golf Association, the competitions begin on Saturday and continue until Tuesday. The opening ceremony featured a parade of the participating teams and was attended by Adel Al-Fayyad, Vice President of the Arab Golf Federation, Hamad Abdullah Al-Mana, President of the Qatar Golf Federation, and Fahad Al-Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Qatar Golf Federation, along with officials and heads of the participating delegations. The tournament is being held in Qatar for the first time, marking another important occasion for the country’s growing golf programme. Al-Nuaimi welcomed the participating teams and said Qatar was proud to host the prestigious championship. He also highlighted the long history of the event, which was first held in Lebanon in 1975 and has since provided a platform for leading Arab golfers to compete against one another and develop their standards. Al-Fayyad described the championship as one of the region’s leading golf events, bringing together some of the best Arab players while helping strengthen sporting ties between the participating countries. He also praised Qatar’s facilities and organisational capabilities, saying they provided a strong setting for the championship. The men’s field consists of 51 players representing 14 countries, while 21 players from nine countries will compete in the women’s event. The Qatar team has completed its preparations at Doha Golf Club and will be looking to make a strong showing on home soil in both the individual and team competitions.