Choi Hye-jin takes solo lead at LPGA Shanghai with 8-under 64

Eight birdies, no bogeys — 3 shots clear of Ciganda in second; Yang Hee-young, Thitikul share 7th; Yamashita withdraws Choi Hye-jin seized a three-shot solo lead after the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Thursday. Playing at Seosan Golf Club (par 72) in Shanghai, Choi carded eight birdies against no bogeys for an 8-under 64. The round left her three strokes clear of Carlota Ciganda of Spain, who shot a 5-under 67. Choi joined the LPGA Tour in 2022 and has consistently contended near the top of leaderboards, but has yet to claim her first win. Her commanding start Thursday raised hopes that a breakthrough victory may be near. Starting on the 10th hole, Choi picked up four birdies over her first nine holes. She then made four consecutive birdies from the 2nd through the 5th hole to pull further clear of the field. In her post-round interview, Choi said her overall condition was not perfect but that she had managed to save par multiple times on the front nine. "After that, long putts started dropping, which helped me put up a good score," she said. She added that the course can be tricky when the wind picks up, forcing longer approach shots and making it easy to miss greens. "Even in situations where par was hard to save, I got through them with good shots and putts," she said. "I'm very pleased with today's round." Yin Ruoning of China, Grace Kim of Australia, Takeda Rio of Japan and Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand were tied for third at 4-under 68. Yang Hee-young opened with a 3-under 69 to share seventh place alongside world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, the defending champion. Meanwhile, the race for the Vare Trophy — awarded to the player with the lowest scoring average for the season — took an unexpected turn when Yamashita Miyu of Japan withdrew before her first round began due to illness. Yamashita had been competing for the award against Ryu Hae-ran and Nelly Korda of the United States, who is not in the field this week. Heading into the tournament, Korda led the scoring average standings at 69.38, with Ryu second at 69.54 and Yamashita third at 69.64. However, Korda, who plans to rest for now, may fall short of the minimum number of rounds required to qualify for the award.

Oct. 15, 2026

Choi Hye-jin leads Buick LPGA Shanghai by 3 strokes after bogey-free 64

Choi Hye-jin fired an 8-under-par 64 in the opening round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Thursday to take the lead in the first event of the LPGA Tour's Asian swing. Playing at Seosan Country Club (par 72) in Shanghai, China, Choi carded eight birdies without a single bogey to finish at 8-under 64, moving three strokes clear of Spain's Carlota Ciganda in second place. Starting on the 10th hole, Choi made four birdies on each nine. She was particularly sharp on holes 2 through 5 of her back nine, stringing together four consecutive birdies to claim the top spot on the leaderboard. Despite missing the green in regulation on six holes, she needed only 22 putts across all 18 holes. Choi joined the LPGA Tour in 2022 and has consistently performed at an elite level, yet a tour victory has continued to elude her. In her debut season she made the cut in 26 of 27 events and finished sixth on the money list with $2,075,696 in earnings. Including four top-10 finishes this season, she has now recorded 33 top-10 finishes in total — the most among winless players in terms of prize money earned on tour. Ciganda, who competed at the Aramco Korea Championship in South Korea last week, posted eight birdies against three bogeys for a 5-under 67 to claim sole second place. China's Yin Ruoning, playing on home soil, shot a 4-under 68 to join Grace Kim of Australia, Japan's Rio Takeda and Thailand's Chanettee Wannasaen in a tie for third. Yin previously won a team gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand opened with a 3-under 69, sharing seventh place with Yang Hee-young, Japan's Erika Hara and American Jina Kim, among others. Hwang Yu-min, who is chasing the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year title, struggled to a 2-over 74 and sits tied for 39th — five strokes behind rival Erika Hara. Kim Sei-young, who will defend her title at the BMW Ladies Championship in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, next week, also had a difficult day, carding a 3-over 75 to finish tied for 50th.

Oct. 15, 2026

Jung Chan-min leads KPGA The Charity Classic with 9-under 63 in round one

Jung leads Kim Yeon-seop by one stroke after eagle, eight birdies Shin Sang-hoon, Lee Dong-min, Moon Dong-hyun, Jo Woo-young share third Jung Chan-min seized sole lead after the opening round of the KPGA Tour The Charity Classic on Thursday, making a strong bid for his first victory of the season. Playing the Valley-Seowon course (par 72) at Seowon Valley Country Club in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Jung carded an eagle, eight birdies and one bogey for a 9-under-par 63. He finished one stroke ahead of Kim Yeon-seop, who shot an 8-under 64, while Shin Sang-hoon, Lee Dong-min, Moon Dong-hyun and Jo Woo-young were tied for third at 7-under 65. Jung, a two-time winner on the KPGA Tour, has twice finished runner-up this year without breaking through for a win. He placed second at the KPGA Founders Cup in May, and at the Golfzon Open in September he held sole lead through the 16th hole of the final round before Shin caught him and beat him in a playoff. Starting from the 10th hole, Jung opened with back-to-back birdies and added another at the par-4 14th. He reached the par-5 16th in two and drained a 3.8-meter eagle putt to keep the momentum going. A bogey at the par-3 17th was his only blemish, but he bounced back with a birdie at the par-4 18th. He then played the back nine bogey-free, picking up four more birdies to finish as the outright leader. Jung has stood out this season not only for his distance off the tee but also for his accuracy, ranking first on tour in scoring average. Intensive work on his ball-striking during a training camp, with a focus on swing rhythm and precision over raw power, has translated into improved performance on the course. "The course setup was tricky, but I had some luck on my side and my shots came together better than expected, which led to a good score," Jung said. "For the remaining three days, I'll focus on playing my own game and sticking to what my caddie and I have discussed." The tournament is the final event that will determine the field for the Genesis Championship, which opens Oct. 22. The top 36 players in the Genesis points standings earn a spot in the field, with 1,000 points on offer for the winner. Jung, currently fourth in the Genesis points standings, is well positioned to secure his place in the field. Kim Yeon-seop, ranked 47th, moved into sole second place with nine birdies and one bogey, giving himself a stronger footing in the qualification race. Lee Dong-min, 42nd in the Genesis standings, and Jo Woo-young, 34th, also opened in a share of third place.

Oct. 15, 2026

DB Insurance Young Guns Match Play to tee off Oct. 26

Winner and two runners-up to earn KPGA tour cards DB Insurance is sponsoring the 11th DB Insurance Young Guns Match Play, a tournament aimed at developing promising young talent in Korean men's golf. Hosted by DB Insurance and organized by the Korea Professional Golf Association, the event runs Oct. 26 through Oct. 30 at Rainbow Hills Country Club in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province. The tournament is open to elite amateur players in South Korea. Competitors will play a 36-hole stroke play qualifier over the first two days, with the top 32 advancing to a three-day, 18-hole match play bracket to determine the champion. The winner, runner-up and third-place finisher will each receive a spot in the 22nd DB Insurance Promi Open — the 2027 KPGA tour season opener. Scholarships will also be awarded to the top eight finishers. DB Insurance began sponsoring the tournament last year with the 10th edition and has continued its support after the organizing body changed from the Korea Golf Association to the KPGA this year. "We hope the promising players who will lead the future of men's golf gain valuable experience and grow through this tournament," a DB Insurance official said. "We will continue to support the development of young talent and the promotion of men's golf."

Oct. 15, 2026

Lee Jeong-min, 11-time KLPGA winner, retires: 'No regrets'

'My performance wasn't there after the wrist injury' Lee Jeong-min, an 11-time winner on the KLPGA Tour, has retired from professional golf. Lee held a retirement press conference Thursday at H1 Club in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, saying she was putting down her clubs "without any regrets, because I gave my best every single moment." Known for her precise iron play, Lee debuted on the KLPGA Tour in 2010 and claimed her first victory that year at the Doosan Match Play. She enjoyed her peak years in 2014 and 2015, winning twice and three times respectively, and in 2015 finished second in both the Player of the Year and scoring average categories. Lee reached 10 career victories at the 2023 PLK Pacific Links Korea Championship, then captured her first major title the following year at the KLPGA Championship — her 11th and final win. A wrist injury prompted her decision to retire. After injuring the cartilage in her left wrist in the second half of 2024, she struggled to compete in cold weather and out of deep rough. The Hana Financial Group Championship last month was her final tournament. "After the injury, my performance wasn't what I wanted, and that's what led me to retire," Lee said. Reflecting on her career, she added: "I think I was competing against myself more than against other players. I played golf without regrets, so I'd give myself 1,000 out of 100." "For now I want to live like I'm unemployed, empty myself out — I think something will fill back in once I do," she said. Lee earned a Level 1 teaching certification last winter but plans to rest and enjoy skiing before considering her next steps. Fellow players and younger tour members attended the ceremony to offer their support. Lee had a message for the next generation: "I hope you don't pour everything into every single shot. Even if you hit it out of bounds, the ball is still on the course — it's not going anywhere."

Oct. 15, 2026

Top bid at Jeju yearling auction reaches W210m

Total sales reach 3.4 billion won, average 54.82 million won per horse The Korea Racing Authority announced Thursday that the 2026 yearling racehorse auction, held Tuesday at the Korean Racehorse Breeders Association auction house on Jeju, had concluded. A total of 79 horse owners participated in the auction, with 62 of the 144 listed horses sold — a clearance rate of 43 percent. Total sales came to 3.4 billion won ($2.54 million), with an average price of 54.82 million won per horse. Compared with last year, the number of horses sold rose by 11, from 51 to 62, pushing the clearance rate up 7.6 percentage points. The average sale price also climbed 1.27 million won. The top price was 210 million won — 80 million won above last year's high of 130 million won. The record-setter was Lot No. 30, a colt by Concord Point out of Sense of Beauty, bred by Kim Hong-dae and purchased by owner Park Nam-sung. "The clearance rate and top price both improved from a year ago as demand for racehorses recovered and interest in well-bred bloodlines grew," a Korea Racing Authority official said. "We will continue working with the Korean Racehorse Breeders Association to support competitive racehorse production and smooth retail distribution."

Oct. 15, 2026

Online horse racing ticket sales top W1.54tr in 9 months, surpassing all of last year

Members under 30 nearly triple in two years Lawmaker Kim Sun-gyo calls for urgent addiction prevention measures Online horse racing ticket sales at Korea Racing Authority are rising rapidly, and the share of members aged 30 and under has grown sharply alongside them. According to data submitted to People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sun-gyo of the National Assembly Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, online ticket sales totaled 731.3 billion won in 2024, the first full year of online wagering, before climbing to 1.37 trillion won last year. Through September this year, sales have already reached 1.54 trillion won — surpassing last year's full-year total by 171 billion won. Online sales as a share of total ticket revenue have also expanded, rising from 11.2 percent in 2024 to 21.4 percent last year and reaching 32.2 percent as of September this year. Offline sales, meanwhile, fell from 6.49 trillion won in 2023 to 5.05 trillion won last year. Members aged 60 and older account for 50.3 percent of online users, with those in their 50s making up another 31.6 percent, meaning middle-aged and older users dominate the platform. But the share of members aged 30 and under has climbed from 2.9 percent in 2024 to 5.6 percent last year and 7.9 percent as of September this year — roughly 2.7 times higher in about two years. When online wagering was introduced, the government set the minimum purchase age at 21, required in-person identity verification, and capped purchases at 50,000 won per race to prevent minors from accessing the platform and to curb excessive gambling. Yet Korea Racing Authority's own addiction prevention budget last year came to only 231.28 million won — about 0.004 percent of total ticket sales of 6.42 trillion won. Even including an addiction prevention and treatment levy of 4.27 billion won, the combined budget amounts to around 4.5 billion won, or just 0.07 percent of sales. "As online wagering grows, the share of young users is rising fast," Kim said. "Rather than focusing solely on expanding ticket sales, the authority must analyze usage patterns and addiction risks among younger users and put in place protection measures tailored to different age groups and to both online and offline users."

Oct. 15, 2026

300 top park golfers to compete in Volvik championship Monday

Three hundred park golfers who advanced through regional qualifying rounds across the country will face off for the title of national champion. The final of the 2026 Volvik National Park Golf Championship will be held Monday at Incheon Asiad Park Golf Course. Male and female competitors who cleared qualifying rounds in four regions — Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province, Seongju in North Gyeongsang Province, Hwasun in South Jeolla Province, and Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province — will take part. The morning round will select the top 36 men and 36 women, for a total of 72 finalists, who will then compete in a mixed-gender final divided into 18 groups of four. Stroke play results will determine an overall MVP and the top three finishers in each of the men's and women's divisions — seven award recipients in all. The MVP and a divisional winner cannot be the same person. The total purse is 500 million won ($374,000), with the overall MVP's base prize set at 15 million won. Under a "Double Up" benefit for Volvik club users, the MVP's prize can reach 30 million won. The men's and women's division winners stand to earn up to 3 million won, up from a base of 1.5 million won. All 72 finalists will receive prize money. Volvik, which recently entered the park golf equipment market, is hosting the tournament for the first time this year. "We are expanding our park golf business on the strength of the technology we have built up in the golf equipment sector," a Volvik official said.

Oct. 15, 2026

Son Heung-min scores, adds two assists to claim sole MLS assist lead

Season's 7th goal, 15th assist; LAFC beats Austin 3-1 Win ends four-game winless run, marks Tamarit's first victory as interim coach Son Heung-min scored one goal and set up two more Thursday to move into sole possession of first place in MLS assists, as LAFC ended a five-game winless streak with a 3-1 victory. Son was instrumental in all three of LAFC's goals in their 2026 MLS home match against Austin FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The goal was Son's seventh of the MLS season and his ninth in all competitions, including two in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. His assist tally rose to 15, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and others on 14 to take the outright league lead. Starting as an attacking midfielder, Son tested the goalkeeper with a header in the 37th minute but could not find the net. LAFC attempted 13 shots in the first half without scoring, then turned to Son to unlock the attack after the break. In the 52nd minute, Son played the ball from the right side of the penalty area to the far post, setting up Denis Bouanga's opening goal. Brandon Vazquez equalized in the 66th minute, but LAFC retook the lead just a minute later through a combined effort from Son and Bouanga. After the opposing goalkeeper cleared the ball, it deflected off Son and fell to Bouanga, who finished it. MLS credited Son with the assist. Son put the result beyond doubt in the 72nd minute. On the counter-attack, he converted a low cross from Jacob Shaffelburg down the left flank with his right foot. It was his first MLS goal in two appearances since the match against San Jose on Sept. 20. Substituted off in the 78th minute, Son finished with a goal and two assists, having been involved in every goal his team scored. LAFC had managed just two draws and two defeats in their previous four matches. The club also went through a managerial change late last month, dismissing head coach Mark dos Santos and appointing assistant Xavi Tamarit as interim coach. In Tamarit's debut — a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday — LAFC held a numerical advantage from early on after an opposing player was sent off, yet could only draw 1-1. Son, who also started as an attacking midfielder that day, failed to register an attacking contribution. Against Austin in the same role, however, Son was involved in all three goals and sparked a turnaround in form. The win, LAFC's first under Tamarit, lifted the club to 45 points and kept them sixth in the Western Conference.

Oct. 15, 2026

'Power and experience' Lee vs. 'technique and speed' Muratjan: who wins?

TFC 24 heavyweight main event on Oct. 23 Jung Yu-jin, Kim Nam-hoon to share commentary duties Can Lee Seung-jun's raw power and ring experience overcome the technique, speed and conditioning of Kazakhstan's Muratjan Yuspov? The heavyweight main event of TFC 24: Break Through, set for Friday at Texpa Hall in the Textile Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, has drawn considerable attention as a clash between two fighters with sharply contrasting strengths. Lee, nicknamed "Hippo," is a domestic heavyweight with a professional record of 8 wins and 9 losses. Eleven of his bouts have come against foreign opponents, giving him extensive international experience. Known for a precise jab and heavy striking, he has sharpened his skills training alongside top-level fighters including Park Jun-yong and Jung Da-woon. His opponent, Muratjan — nicknamed "The Bomber" — is a rising prospect from Kazakhstan. According to Sherdog, he holds a professional record of 6 wins and 1 loss, with four of those victories coming by KO or TKO and one each by submission and decision. Having moved up through the weight classes from welterweight, Muratjan stopped Manas Temirbekov by TKO in the second round of a light heavyweight bout on Sept. 30. He is confident the speed and endurance he built at lighter weights will carry over into the heavyweight division. "I'm ready to fight at any weight class, from lightweight to heavyweight," Muratjan said. "I will knock out Lee Seung-jun." The key to the fight will be how effectively Lee can neutralize his opponent's quickness. If Muratjan maintains distance and uses his speed, Lee will need to land his trademark pressure game and heavy shots to turn the tide. TFC General Manager Hwang Seon-muk said Muratjan is a tricky opponent with strong technique, speed and stamina. "Lee has the power advantage, but managing his energy wisely while staying alert to Muratjan's outfighting will be the decisive factor," Hwang said. The broadcast team will also see a fresh lineup. Former TFC women's fighter Jung Yu-jin, 32, and sports commentator Kim Nam-hoon, a former professional wrestler, will share the commentary microphone. A former ballerina, Jung won bouts against Kiryu Yuko and Noel Bovia during her fighting career. She holds a purple belt in jiu-jitsu and won a kickboxing rookie title, and has since retired from competition to pursue an acting career. "I'm both excited and nervous to take on the important role of the first woman to commentate on an MMA event," Jung said. "I'll draw on my experience in jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and wrestling to break down the technique and strategy in detail." Kim is a seasoned commentator with experience covering combat sports including UFC and WWE. TFC is counting on the synergy between Jung's technical insight as a former fighter and Kim's broadcasting experience. The co-main event features "Daytime Dokkaebi" Seol Yeong-ho against Japanese veteran Watanabe Yuta. The card brings together 20 fighters from four countries — South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Russia — with the undercard beginning at 4 p.m. and the main card at 7 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on IB Sports and the TFC Korea YouTube channel.

Oct. 15, 2026

Korea's first national sports museum opens in Seoul

The National Sports Museum, dedicated to the history and defining moments of Korean sports, opened Thursday at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Seoul Olympic Sports Promotion Foundation held an opening ceremony attended by Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young, figures from the sports and cultural communities, and donors of sports heritage items — about 150 people in all. The country's first national museum devoted to sports was established to systematically collect and preserve the nation's sports heritage and to use it for exhibition, education and research. The facility spans two below-ground floors and four above-ground floors, housing a special exhibition hall, a permanent gallery, storage vaults and a rooftop garden. Its collection holds about 70,000 sports-related items. Highlights include the gold medal won by Suh Yun-bok at the 1947 Boston Marathon, the soccer cleats of Kim Yong-sik — a pioneer of Korean football — the competition uniform worn by Yang Jung-mo, South Korea's first Olympic gold medalist, and the torch and opening-ceremony hoop from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. To mark the opening, a stamp tour for about 200 members of the public will be held Saturday. Interactive events for general visitors — including a "My Record Card" station and a "Greatest Moments Studio" — have also been prepared. "I hope the National Sports Museum will become a space where the nation and future generations can share the challenges and emotions embedded in our precious sports heritage," Culture Minister Choi said.

Oct. 15, 2026

Golfzon Commerce releases September golf equipment sales rankings

Golfzon Commerce on Thursday released the sales rankings for golf clubs and golf balls sold at Golfzon Market brick-and-mortar stores nationwide during September. TaylorMade dominated men's club sales while Xxio continued its strong showing in the women's category. Xxio swept all four women's club segments, reaffirming its long-running popularity. In men's clubs, the TaylorMade Qi4D topped both the driver and fairway wood categories with sales shares of 26.1 percent and 23.4 percent, respectively. The TaylorMade Qi35 led the utility category at 20.0 percent, while the Bridgestone V300 9 was the top-selling iron at 18.3 percent. In women's clubs, the Xxio XXIO 13 claimed the top spot in every segment — drivers (31.4 percent), fairway woods (30.4 percent), utilities (34.0 percent) and irons (34.5 percent). Xxio had previously swept all four women's club categories in the February 2024 rankings as well. The Titleist 2025 PRO V1·V1X led golf ball sales with a 28.6 percent share, followed by the Bridgestone 26 TOUR B at 9.8 percent and the TaylorMade 26 Tour Response Stripe at 9.4 percent. "We hope this data helps golfers choose products that suit their playing style and needs," Golfzon Commerce said.

Oct. 15, 2026

LPGA Tour's Asia Swing kicks off Thursday with Korean players eyeing wins

Four-tournament run spans Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia and Japan; Kim Se-young seeks back-to-back BMW title, Kim Hyo-joo chases third win of season The LPGA Tour's fall Asia Swing gets underway Thursday in Shanghai, China. Attention will center on whether Ryu Hae-ran and Kim Hyo-joo — each with two wins this season — can add to their tallies, and on Kim Se-young's bid for her first victory of the year, as Korean players look to make their mark across the swing. The tour opens with the Buick LPGA Shanghai before moving to the BMW Ladies Championship (Oct. 22–25, South Korea), the Maybank Championship (Oct. 29–Nov. 1, Malaysia) and the Toto Japan Classic (Nov. 5–8, Japan). World No. 1 Nelly Korda of the United States will skip all four events, a boost for the field. Several other top-10 players — including Lottie Woad and Charley Hull of England and Hannah Green of Australia — will also sit out the Shanghai opener, adding further uncertainty to the title race there. The Buick LPGA Shanghai is held at Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai. The tournament moved to a new course this year and raised its purse to $3.2 million, making it the richest of the four Asia Swing events. No Korean player has won the Shanghai event. Lee Mi-hyang, who claimed the Blue Bay LPGA in China earlier this year, will lead the Korean charge, joined by Kim Se-young — the 2024 runner-up — and Choi Hye-jin, who finished tied for fifth last year. Korean players are expected to mount an even stronger challenge at the BMW Ladies Championship, which runs four days starting Wednesday at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Jeolla Province. Kim Se-young, who won last year with a wire-to-wire 24-under-par performance, will defend her title. Ryu Hae-ran, a two-time LPGA major winner this season, and Kim Hyo-joo, who also has two wins this season, are among the leading championship candidates. This year's field also features 15 KLPGA Tour players for the first time in five years, with top domestic names including Seo Gyo-rim, Kim Min-sol, Park Min-ji, Lee Ye-won and Yoo Hyun-jo squaring off against LPGA regulars. In Malaysia, Korean players will look to claim their first title at the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur. They came close last year — Choi Hye-jin finished tied for second, while Kim A-rim and Kim Se-young tied for fourth. The swing concludes with the Toto Japan Classic at the Minori Course of Taiheiyo Club in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Among Korean players, Shin Ji-yai won the event three times — in 2008, 2010 and 2020 — and Lee Mi-hyang claimed her first LPGA Tour victory there in 2014.

Oct. 15, 2026

Ohtani dropped from leadoff to No. 6 in NLCS Game 3 lineup amid slump

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who has appeared mired in a recent slump, will bat sixth as designated hitter Thursday. The Dodgers announced their starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, slotting Ohtani sixth in the order. It is the first time Ohtani has started as the No. 6 hitter since 2020, when he played for the Los Angeles Angels — a gap of six years. Ohtani had been the Dodgers' fixture at the top of the lineup throughout the regular season, making his slide down the order all the more notable. Ohtani has been struggling at the plate of late. He is batting .197 over his last 35 games, spanning the regular season and postseason. He has gone 110 plate appearances without a homer since facing the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 19 — the longest such streak of his career. In this year's postseason, he has managed just three hits in 20 at-bats for a .150 average. Manager Dave Roberts described the lineup adjustment as "a decision to balance the whole batting order" and said Ohtani had agreed to the change. During a meeting with Roberts on Wednesday, Ohtani reportedly expressed his determination to "play and contribute to the team." Roberts reaffirms faith in four-time MVP Ohtani Ohtani was a key contributor to the Dodgers' back-to-back World Series championships. This year, however, he has been hampered by recurring injuries and has recently appeared to fall into a prolonged slump. Ohtani was placed on the injured list on Sept. 12 with pain in his right bicep and left knee, and entered the postseason having played just five games after returning. Before the lineup was announced, outlets including MLB.com and ESPN had reported that the Dodgers were weighing whether to leave Ohtani off the starting roster entirely. Roberts, however, said Wednesday that he would play Ohtani in Game 3 of the NLCS. "Ohtani, a four-time MVP, is in a condition where there is no problem with him playing," Roberts said, reaffirming his confidence in the slugger.

Oct. 15, 2026

Ministry marks 64th Sports Day with events nationwide

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Thursday it will hold a range of sports participation events across the country to mark the 64th Sports Day, in partnership with the Korea Institute of Sport Science, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and other related organizations. The Korea Institute of Sport Science selected 14 teams as winners of a short-form video competition on AI-assisted sports activities, chosen from 385 entries. Kim Chae-eun took the grand prize in the general category, while a student team from Busan Teresa Girls' High School won in the student category. The awards ceremony will be held Thursday at the Olympic Hall. A special event tied to the "Tteunteun Money" points program — which rewards members for physical activity — has also been organized. Members who exercise at least three times a week from Oct. 12 through Oct. 18 and complete a quiz will be eligible for prizes: 8,000 participants will receive gifts worth 5,000 won and 50,000 will receive 1,000 bonus points. A sports experience festival drawing about 5,000 participants will run from Oct. 16 through Oct. 18 at the Sports Value Center in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, offering activities such as flag football and mini golf. The Korea Biathlon Federation will hold an electronic rifle training session in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 24, while the Korea Tennis Association will run a family experience class in Seogwipo, Jeju, on Oct. 25. The 107th National Sports Festival will be held in Jeju from Oct. 16 through Oct. 22. Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Dae-hyeon said the ministry will "broaden the foundation for participation so that all citizens can experience and enjoy sports suited to their own circumstances and interests."

Oct. 15, 2026

Eight different winners so far: PBA Tour's 5th leg opens Sunday

Vietnamese players dominate men's draw; Kim Ga-young chases 20th LPBA title The professional billiards tour has produced a different champion at every event this season, and the fifth leg is set to continue that trend. The 2026-2027 season's fifth tournament — the "Jigeum Jal Saneun Bangbeop ZGM NH NongHyup Card PBA-LPBA Championship" — runs nine days from Sunday to Oct. 26 at the PBA Stadium in KINTEX, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Both the men's and women's draws have crowned a different champion at each of the four tournaments held so far this season. On the PBA side, Jo Geon-hwi (Welcome Savings Bank), Kim Young-won (Harim), Nguyen Tran Thanh Tao (Vietnam) and Nguyen Quoc Nguyen (Vietnam/Hana Card) have each claimed a title. The LPBA has been equally competitive, with Kim Ga-young (Hana Card), Sruong Pheavy (Cambodia/Woori Financial Capital), Park Jeong-hyeon (Harim) and Jeong Su-bin (NH NongHyup Card) each lifting the trophy. Whether any player can become the first double winner of the season is one of the key storylines heading into the event. In the men's draw, the rise of Vietnamese players has been striking. A Vietnamese player has reached the final in three consecutive tournaments since the second leg, and they have won the last two events back to back. At the fourth tournament, Nguyen Quoc Nguyen defeated David Martinez (Spain/Crown Haitai) to become the first Vietnamese player to record two career PBA wins. On the women's side, Kim Ga-young — who holds 19 career LPBA titles — will make another bid for her 20th. Also worth watching are whether Sruong, who has been eliminated in the round of 64 at the last two events, can bounce back, and how players in their 20s such as Park Jeong-hyeon and Jeong Su-bin perform. The tournament opens Sunday with a qualifying round at 11 a.m., followed by the LPBA round of 128 at 4:20 p.m. the same day. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday at 12:30 p.m. The LPBA final will be held Oct. 25 at 10 p.m., while the PBA final — carrying a prize of 100 million won ($74,600) — is set for Oct. 26 at 9 p.m.

Oct. 15, 2026

McIlroy blasts LIV Golf for 'wasting' money as US court conditionally approves revival plan

'It won't threaten the established order again,' McIlroy says US court approves investment deal amid player defections, tour restrictions Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, a five-time major champion, criticized LIV Golf for squandering vast sums of money as the breakaway circuit navigates bankruptcy protection proceedings. A US court conditionally approved an investment deal aimed at reviving the tour amid his remarks. According to Golf.com and other US outlets, McIlroy said at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday that LIV Golf "was about half a good idea but was executed poorly." A longtime critic of the Saudi-backed circuit, McIlroy said LIV had "enormous capital" but wasted much of it. "They could have worked with the existing golf bodies, but instead they spent the money making already-wealthy players even wealthier," he said. LIV Golf launched in 2022 with backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, luring top players with massive signing bonuses. The circuit entered bankruptcy protection in the United States after PIF decided to cut off funding. McIlroy predicted that more players would refuse to rejoin LIV Golf if it relaunched, adding that even a revived version would not threaten the established order of the sport the way it once did. He did, however, express support for LIV players returning to the PGA Tour. "Some players coming back would clearly benefit the tour's business," McIlroy said, noting that the return of star players could boost the tour's revenue and competitiveness. McIlroy took a hard line against players who defected to LIV Golf when the circuit first launched, but since January 2024 he has said returning players should not face penalties. His latest remarks reaffirm that position — criticizing LIV Golf's business model while keeping the door open for players to come back. Meanwhile, Golf Channel reported Thursday that a US bankruptcy court in New Jersey approved an investment agreement between LIV Golf and private equity fund manager BC Partners. The deal includes $300 million in loans and investment. Under the restructured ownership, players would hold a 52.5 percent stake, BC Partners and minority investors 45 percent, and management 2.5 percent. The ruling gives LIV Golf a financial foundation to operate next year, but significant challenges remain, including the departure of key players and restrictions on competing in established tours. Star player Jon Rahm of Spain has indicated he will not renew his contract, and Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, both of the United States, have also declined to re-sign. The DP World Tour also announced it will bar LIV Golf players from its events starting next year, requiring them to submit a pledge by Nov. 16 not to participate in LIV Golf events. LIV Golf pushed back, calling the move an attempt to obstruct player recruitment and its restructuring process.

Oct. 15, 2026

UFC ring announcer Buffer criticizes Hooker over Michelle Obama remarks

'He's good at fighting, but I don't like what he says,' Buffer says ahead of title bout Bruce Buffer, the legendary UFC ring announcer, has publicly criticized heavyweight title contender Josh Hooker, 28, over remarks the American fighter made about Michelle Obama. Buffer, appearing on the streaming platform Kick, said he respects Hooker's fighting ability but takes issue with his words. "He's good at fighting — I'll give him that," Buffer said. "But I don't like what he says. I think it's disrespectful." Buffer added that he was particularly troubled by comments Hooker made at the White House. "What he said at the White House — I couldn't take that well," he said. "I wish he'd show a little more class." The remarks in question came at UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House on June 14. After stopping Derrick Lewis by TKO in the second round, Hooker grabbed the microphone and shouted, "Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?" The comment, targeting former President Barack Obama's wife, drew wide condemnation as a repetition of a baseless conspiracy theory. UFC CEO Dana White also criticized Hooker, saying he opposes making malicious and false statements about other people's families. Hooker later claimed in an interview that he meant the remark as a compliment — that Michelle Obama works as hard as a man despite difficult circumstances — but he did not retract the statement. Despite his displeasure, Buffer said he would give every fighter his best introduction when they step into the octagon. "I know the blood, sweat and tears that go into getting there," he said. "My job is to make that moment special. When I introduce Hooker, I'll give it everything I've got." Hooker, who holds an undefeated record of 10 wins and no losses, will challenge heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane of France at UFC 334 in New York on Nov. 14.

Oct. 15, 2026

US court conditionally approves LIV Golf reorganization plan, averting liquidation

A US court has conditionally approved LIV Golf's corporate reorganization agreement. Golf Channel, Reuters and other major outlets reported Thursday that a federal bankruptcy court in New Jersey approved the reorganization plan reached between LIV Golf and private equity firm BC Partners. The ruling clears a path for LIV Golf to escape the threat of liquidation and continue operating through the 2027 season. At the heart of the court-approved plan is a fresh capital injection led by a British private equity consortium under BC Partners, which will provide roughly $300 million in exit financing as the lead plan sponsor. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also agreed to contribute $49.6 million in debtor-in-possession bridge loans to support operational stability until the restructuring process is complete. Despite the conditional approval, significant hurdles remain before a full recovery. The court set as a precondition that excessive debt and player guarantee amounts under existing contracts be renegotiated downward, putting the league on a collision course with its highest-paid stars. According to local media reports, key players including Jon Rahm of Spain and Americans Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson have refused to accept renegotiated or reduced contract terms, with some demanding contract termination. The signing bonuses promised at the league's launch now face steep cuts or conversion into equity stakes under the bankruptcy protection process. LIV Golf has said it aims to exit Chapter 11 proceedings by early 2027 and restructure the league around a sustainable business model. David Orlofsky of AlixPartners, appointed as restructuring officer, is pursuing measures to improve profitability, including scaling back unprofitable tournaments and selling team franchise rights. Since its 2022 launch, LIV Golf had used vast oil-backed funding to poach marquee names from the PGA Tour, but the league fell into a severe liquidity crisis after the Public Investment Fund halted further capital injections. LIV Golf ultimately filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early September. Meanwhile, LIV Golf's financial troubles are also reshaping the landscape of merger talks with the PGA Tour. With LIV Golf transitioning to private equity ownership after having sought to survive independently, attention is now turning to how negotiations over a potential merger with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour will unfold.

Oct. 15, 2026