Road FC's Park Si-won puts global credentials to the test

Park faces tournament winner Artur Soloviev in Road FC 079 main event Park says he has spotted weaknesses, vows victory Artur Soloviev (32, Russia), the inaugural Road FC Global Tournament champion, returns to the Korean stage after two years to face former lightweight champion Park Si-won (24). The two will meet in the Road FC 079 main event at Jangchung Arena in Seoul on Sunday, competing at a contracted weight of 72 kilograms. Soloviev won the Road FC Global Tournament, which concluded in 2024. At the time, Park issued a challenge, saying Soloviev had won a tournament Park had not entered. A bout was pursued but never materialized — Park suffered an injury, and Soloviev departed Road FC. Their rivalry, which has simmered for more than two years, will finally be settled in the octagon now that Soloviev has returned. Soloviev said he remains the best fighter in Road FC. "I come back not as a challenger but as a champion," Soloviev said. "I have never had my belt taken away, and I have never lost a fight. I have never given up a single round in Road FC. I will prove once again that I am the best." Park, regarded as one of Korea's top lightweights, was equally defiant. "Soloviev has probably never faced a Korean fighter stronger than me," Park said. "I want to win representing Korea." Park acknowledged Soloviev's threat while signaling a tailored game plan. "Soloviev is a strong fighter with momentum. Right now I think he is a more dangerous opponent than the current champion Kamil," Park said. "But after studying him, I can clearly see weaknesses. I think I can win without taking his punches." Park also stressed that the lightweight belt was surrendered when Road FC shifted to a tournament format — not lost in defeat. "I believe I am the best," Park said. "This will not be a boring decision fight." With both fighters known for heavy striking, an intense exchange is expected from the opening round. The co-main event features Pyeon Ye-jun against Aiertsili of China at a contracted weight of 59 kilograms. "He's going to take a lot of hits from me before heading back to China," Pyeon said. Also on the card are a featherweight bout between Haraguchi Shin and Choi Eun-seok, and a 49-kilogram contracted-weight matchup between Park Seo-young and Wada Serina. The event is split into two sessions — the first at 2 p.m. and the second at 5 p.m. A celebratory performance by Eunha, Sinb and Umji, former members of the girl group GFriend, is also scheduled. Tickets are available through NOL.

Oct. 29, 2026

Hwang Hee-chan sparks controversy after shoving linesman during DFB-Pokal match

South Korea striker Hwang Hee-chan, 30, of Schalke 04 has sparked controversy after losing composure during a match and shoving both a club physiotherapist and a linesman. German outlet Bild reported Thursday (Korean Standard Time) under the headline "Schalke eliminated with terrible football," singling out the yellow card Hwang received during the match. Hwang started alongside Edin Džeko in a two-striker formation for Schalke's 2026-27 DFB-Pokal second-round away fixture against Dynamo Dresden at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion in Dresden. The incident unfolded around the 40th minute of the first half. Hwang went down after a challenge with Dresden defender Friedrich Müller while driving toward the penalty area from the right flank. Hwang appealed for a foul, but the referee waved play on, and VAR did not intervene. According to Ruhr24, Hwang briefly left the pitch for treatment after protesting the call. In the process, Hwang shoved the linesman who tried to restrain him as well as a Schalke physiotherapist. The referee responded by showing Hwang a yellow card. Bild was pointed in its assessment, saying that touching or pushing a match official is "an absolute no-go in football" and that Hwang "should cross himself three times" for escaping with only a yellow card — describing the act as dangerous enough to have warranted a straight red. Schalke head coach Miro Muslici expressed displeasure at Hwang's behavior at the post-match news conference. "I saw what Hwang did and I did not like it. We will discuss this matter further," Muslici said. Schalke director Youri Mulder also indicated that action was needed over the rule violation. "This has to be addressed. Everyone knows the rules," Mulder said. Two minutes after the incident, in first-half stoppage time, Hwang headed a cross from Džeko — the first shot for either side — but could not convert. Meanwhile, Schalke, already mired in a four-match winless run in the league, were held scoreless against a second-division side and suffered the indignity of a sixth consecutive DFB-Pokal exit in the second round.

Oct. 29, 2026

Korean Sport & Olympic Committee holds inaugural Olympic Movement Agenda Forum

IOC future strategy, athlete rights on agenda The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee held the inaugural Olympic Movement Agenda Forum at the SKY31 Convention in Lotte World Tower in Seoul on Wednesday. The event was organized to discuss key issues in international sports and how Korea's sports community should respond, in line with the International Olympic Committee's future strategy "Fit for the Future." About 100 people attended, including Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Sports Cooperation Officer Kang Dae-geum, and International Sports Strategy Committee President Park Ju-hee, along with other sports officials and university students. The forum covered four themes: realizing Olympic values, athlete-centered decision-making, reform of the Olympic sport selection process, and sustainability. Lee Jeong-woo, a professor at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, presented on Olympic autonomy, neutrality and sports governance. IOC Athletes' Commission member Kim Bouie then moderated a discussion on protecting athlete rights and expanding participation in decision-making, joined by IOC Athletes' Commission member Won Yun-jong and International Ice Hockey Federation Vice President Cho Su-ji. Cedric Vanden Bogaerde, executive director of the Academy of International Sports Management and Technology, presented on changes to the Olympic sport selection process, while Kookmin University Professor Lee Won-jae addressed the sustainability and future direction of the Olympic Games. "This is a time when we must collectively consider what the changes in international sports mean for our own sports scene and what we need to prepare for," Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min said. "We will consistently provide forums where key agendas can be shared and diverse opinions gathered."

Oct. 29, 2026

Nike ACG opens outdoor experience space in Seoul's Bukchon

Six-month pop-up to offer running, hiking programs and more Nike is launching ACG Bukchon Maru, an experiential space dedicated to its outdoor brand ACG (All Conditions Gear), in Seoul's Bukchon neighborhood. Nike announced Thursday that ACG Bukchon Maru will open Friday and run for approximately six months. The space is designed for trail runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to exchange information and take part in a range of programs. ACG is Nike's outdoor brand, founded in 1989 for athletes and explorers who venture across varied terrain and weather conditions. Nike has incorporated Korea's natural environment and local athletes' experiences into its product development — including wear-testing the ACG Zegama Hike hiking shoe with domestic running communities. Housed in a traditional hanok in Bukchon, ACG Bukchon Maru is organized into five zones, including a community gathering area, a space providing trail information for major mountains around Seoul, and a product experience area. Visitors can explore a range of products, including the ACG Ultrafly trail running shoe and the ACG Zegama Hike. Exclusive products reflecting the character of Bukchon and a product customization program will also be available. Throughout the six-month run, the space will host running and hiking programs in the Bukchon area, hands-on activities drawing on Korean seasonal traditions and cultural practices, and a stamp tour developed in collaboration with local businesses.

Oct. 29, 2026

KPGA signs official suit partnership with Parkland

The Korea Professional Golf Tour announced Thursday that it has signed an official suit partnership with fashion company Parkland. The signing ceremony was held Wednesday at the KPGA Building in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with KPGA Executive Director Kim Jin-hyung and Parkland Product Division Head Ahn Min-gil in attendance. Under the agreement, Parkland becomes the KPGA's official suit brand and will supply 30 million won ($22,500) worth of suits. The contract runs through Sept. 9, 2027. KPGA staff will wear Parkland suits at tour events and are also set to wear them at the 2026 KPGA Genesis Awards ceremony on Nov. 27. "It is meaningful to form a partnership with the KPGA, which leads the development of Korean professional golf," Ahn said. "We hope the quality and comfort of our suits will contribute to the tour's successful operations." Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Busan, Parkland started as a men's suit maker and has since expanded into women's wear and casual clothing.

Oct. 29, 2026

Samsung, Kia locked in pitching chess match ahead of playoff Game 3

Won Tae-in's Game 3 appearance could shape Game 4 rotation Nail's early exit leaves door open for accelerated return The Samsung Lions and Kia Tigers are engaged in a pitching strategy battle ahead of Game 3 of their playoff series (best-of-five). Samsung is weighing whether to deploy closer Won Tae-in immediately or hold him in reserve, while Kia is exploring whether to move up ace James Nail's next start. The two teams meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju for Game 3. Kia won Game 1 on Monday 5-1, but Samsung struck back Tuesday with an 8-3 victory to level the series at one game apiece. The scheduled starters for Game 3 are Samsung's Choi Won-tae and Kia's Shirakawa Keisho. How that game unfolds, however, could reshape both teams' pitching plans for Game 4 the following day. Samsung's dilemma centers on how to use Won Tae-in. Manager Park Jin-man shifted the ace starter into a temporary closer role after regular-season saves leader Kim Jae-yun was sidelined with an injury — a calculated gamble to shore up a shaky bullpen. Won entered Tuesday's game in the ninth inning with Samsung leading 8-3 and retired the side in order on just 22 pitches. The decision to use Won even with a five-run cushion reflected a desire to keep Won sharp while securing the win. Park, who had originally planned to use Won out of the bullpen, has also left open the possibility of starting Won in Game 4. The thinking is that if Won does not appear in Game 3, Won could take the ball as a starter the next day. The complication arises if Game 3 is close. Bringing Won in as a reliever would help Samsung navigate a critical moment, but would effectively rule Won out as a Game 4 starter. Holding Won back preserves the rotation option for Game 4 but means forgoing the team's most trusted relief arm in Game 3. If Won does pitch in Game 3, Yang Chang-seop and Jang Chan-hui have been mentioned as potential Game 4 starting candidates. Kia is approaching the ace question from a different angle. Manager Lee Bum-ho is preparing Yang Hyeon-jong to start Game 4 but is also considering moving Nail up depending on how Game 3 goes. Nail threw 57 pitches across 4⅓ innings in Game 1 on Monday, allowing one hit, one walk and one run while striking out three. Nail was ejected automatically in the fifth inning after hitting Samsung's Park Seung-gyu in the head with a pitch, cutting the outing shorter than planned. That unplanned early exit, which kept the pitch count to 57, has increased the likelihood of an earlier-than-scheduled return. A Game 4 appearance on Friday would mean pitching on three days' rest, so the coaching staff will need to monitor Nail's recovery. Both a starting and a relief role remain on the table. Nail has signaled willingness to take the mound again if the team needs it. After Game 1, Nail said the schedule would be discussed with the coaching staff and expressed readiness to contribute whenever called upon. After the Game 2 loss, Lee told reporters, "We go into Game 3 and Game 4 as planned. But if we win Game 3, I'll think about whether to use Nail in Game 4." If Kia wins Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead, the team could consider deploying Nail in Game 4 to close out the series at home. A Game 3 loss, on the other hand, would force a recalculation of the entire pitching plan to stave off elimination. While Samsung is weighing whether to sacrifice a potential Game 4 starter for a Game 3 win, Kia is looking to use a Game 3 victory as a springboard to bring its ace forward and end the series early. Ultimately, the flow and outcome of Game 3 will be the decisive factor shaping both teams' pitching decisions for Game 4.

Oct. 29, 2026

'No Muslim should be champion' — ex-UFC fighter targets Makhachev

Former UFC heavyweight Schaub calls for title strip over religion Makhachev declined January bout citing Ramadan Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub has unleashed a tirade against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev of Russia, going as far as questioning Makhachev's religion. After Makhachev declined a title defense scheduled for January, Schaub argued the belt should be stripped — and went further, suggesting Muslim fighters should not be allowed to hold a championship at all. MMA News, a US combat sports outlet, reported Thursday that Schaub leveled sharp criticism at Makhachev's scheduling decision and the UFC's response during an episode of Schaub's YouTube program. "That's why Makhachev is not the GOAT," Schaub said. "Makhachev decided he's not going to fight. The UFC should have stripped him of his championship belt, but they're still bowing down to him." Schaub added that Makhachev had originally been set to fight Carlos Prates in Toronto on Jan. 30. "Everyone agreed to the plan, and then suddenly Makhachev said he wouldn't fight because of Ramadan," Schaub said. Schaub went further, saying fighters who follow "that religion" should not be allowed to be champions — a claim that moved beyond criticism of a scheduling dispute into an argument for restricting title eligibility on religious grounds. The controversy stems from the scheduling of the welterweight title bout at UFC 336, set for Jan. 30 in Toronto, Canada. The UFC had originally pursued a matchup between reigning champion Makhachev and Prates, but negotiations broke down after Makhachev indicated he wanted to fight after Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Ramadan in 2027 is expected to run from early February to early March. Makhachev wanted to return to competition after that period rather than in January. Ultimately, the UFC confirmed an interim welterweight title bout between Prates and Michael Morales of Ecuador as the co-main event of UFC 336. The winner is expected to face Makhachev in a title unification bout at a later date. The decision to schedule an interim title fight is a telling detail in this controversy. Creating a separate champion while the reigning titleholder retains the belt is an implicit acknowledgment that the regular title defense schedule has been disrupted. The interim championship system is typically used when a reigning champion cannot defend the title for an extended period — generally six months to a year — due to injury. In this case, however, Makhachev has not been confirmed as injured; the interim bout came about because Makhachev declined the UFC's proposed January date. UFC CEO Dana White did not hide his frustration. Speaking at a post-event news conference after UFC 333 on Saturday, White said Makhachev fights roughly once a year on average. "He was supposed to fight in January, but he said he didn't want to fight until after Ramadan," White said. White added that the entire division could not be kept waiting. "We have to keep moving forward," White said, explaining the rationale for scheduling the interim title fight. Makhachev has said a bout between Prates and Morales is a reasonable way to determine the next contender. "Let Prates and Morales fight to decide who truly deserves the shot, and I'll fight the winner," Makhachev said in a recent interview. Prates made clear he was unhappy with the situation. Addressing Makhachev directly, Prates said he had spent 17 years chasing a championship and protested the delay to the scheduled bout. Prates vowed to defeat Morales and then force Makhachev into retirement.

Oct. 29, 2026

PBA Team League Round 4 opens Saturday as playoff race heats up

Woori Financial Capital, Huons and Hana Card have secured berths; two spots remain up for grabs The PBA Team League professional billiards competition returns Saturday after a roughly six-week break, with the playoff race set to intensify. The PBA announced Thursday that Round 4 of the Welcome Savings Bank PBA Team League 2026-2027 will be held at the PBA Stadium at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from Saturday through Nov. 8. This season's PBA Team League runs across five regular rounds, with the winner of each round earning a playoff berth. Woori Financial Capital, Huons and Hana Card claimed the first three rounds in succession, locking up their postseason spots. The remaining two playoff berths will be decided over the final two rounds. In the overall standings after Round 3, Hana Card leads with 17 wins, 10 losses and 52 points. Huons sit second at 20 wins, 7 losses and 51 points, followed by Crown Haitai (17 wins, 10 losses, 50 points) and Harim (18 wins, 9 losses, 48 points). Woori Financial Capital ranks fifth with 43 points, while NH NongHyup Card is sixth with 39 points. SY (38 points), Welcome Savings Bank (36 points), High1 Resort (34 points) and PBA Breakers (14 points) round out the standings. For teams yet to secure a playoff spot, winning Round 4 is critical. Even the three clubs that have already clinched berths must keep competing, as the final overall regular-season standings will determine playoff seeding and matchups. Rosters have also seen changes. Welcome Savings Bank was the only team to add players during the mid-season acquisition window, signing women's third-tour champion Nguyen Tran Thanh Thao of Vietnam and runner-up Kang Yu-jin from the same event. Harim will compete in Round 4 under a new name, rebranding from Harim Odd Grocer to Harim Yongariz. On opening day Saturday, Hana Card face Welcome Savings Bank at noon, followed by NH NongHyup Card vs. Woori Financial Capital and Crown Haitai vs. High1 Resort at 3 p.m. SY take on Harim at 6 p.m., and Huons face PBA Breakers at 9 p.m.

Oct. 29, 2026

'UFC only cares about money': Miocic backs Aspinall's title relinquishment

Former champion calls Aspinall's decision 'the right one' 'I've had a torn retina — I know how hard it is' Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has voiced support for Tom Aspinall's decision to relinquish the heavyweight title due to an eye injury, while sharply criticizing the UFC for prioritizing revenue over fighter health. In an interview with Athlon Sports published Thursday, Miocic said Aspinall made the right call. "I think it was a good decision," Miocic said. "Think about how hard it must have been to give up the belt after reaching the top and having everything change on you." Aspinall was unable to continue his fight against Ciryl Gane of France at UFC 321 in October last year after Gane landed an illegal eye poke. The bout was ruled a no-contest, and Aspinall spent an extended period away from the octagon dealing with the lingering effects of the injury. While preparing for a comeback, Aspinall suffered another injury to his right eye and announced Sept. 14 that he was vacating the heavyweight title. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and rounds of treatment, Aspinall had not received medical clearance to compete, and a return date remained uncertain. Aspinall said at the time that he did not want his injury to stall the heavyweight title picture, which was why he chose to give up the belt. Aspinall made clear, however, that he was not retiring — he intended to recover and return to competition. Miocic said he understood Aspinall's ordeal better than most, recalling that he suffered an eye poke during his rematch with Daniel Cormier at UFC 241 in 2019, which later led to a torn retina. "I've had a torn retina, so I know how tough it is," Miocic said. "I want to give Aspinall a huge round of applause for making such a difficult decision." Miocic also took aim at the UFC for putting financial returns ahead of fighter welfare. "The UFC is not happy with anyone unless they're making a ton of money," Miocic said, advising Aspinall not to worry about the organization's reaction. Miocic added that relinquishing the title was the right move if a lengthy absence was unavoidable. Miocic noted that he had missed time through injury himself but returned within a year, and said he would have made the same choice as Aspinall had a longer layoff been expected. Miocic retired after losing to Jon Jones at UFC 309 in November 2024. With six victories in UFC heavyweight title fights, Miocic is widely regarded as one of the most successful champions in the division's history. Meanwhile, Miocic offered an optimistic outlook on Alex Pereira's bid to move up to heavyweight. Despite Pereira's loss to Ciryl Gane, Miocic said the Brazilian still has what it takes to become the UFC's first three-division champion. Miocic noted that he himself won a championship belt at 38 and said Pereira has plenty of time left. Pereira is set to challenge for the heavyweight title again at UFC 335, where he will face Sergei Pavlovich of Russia.

Oct. 29, 2026

Neymar handed additional 2-game ban over mouth-covering gesture

Brazilian football star Neymar of Santos has received an additional two-game suspension — the result of violating what has become known as the "Vinicius rule." Citing AP and Reuters, Yonhap reported Thursday that Neymar was handed the two-game ban for covering the mouth during an argument with an opposing player in a Brazilian league match. The incident occurred Sunday during a home match against EC Bahia that ended 1-1. With Santos trailing 1-0 just before halftime, Neymar got into a verbal altercation with Bahia midfielder Rodrigo Nestor and covered the mouth with a hand, drawing an ejection. Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) ruled that the gesture violated the "Vinicius rule." The rule was created following allegations that Benfica's Gianluca Prestiani covered his mouth while making racist remarks toward Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League match in February. The regulation has been in effect since the FIFA North and Central America World Cup held this summer. Because Neymar had already accumulated yellow cards, the latest decision means Neymar will miss a total of three matches. A return to the pitch is not expected until late November, after the FIFA international break. Santos can appeal the additional suspension. Neymar holds the all-time scoring record for the Brazilian national team, with 80 goals in 130 caps. Neymar announced international retirement in July Meanwhile, Neymar announced retirement from the Brazilian national team in late July. According to Brazilian daily Folha de S.Paulo, Neymar made the announcement in a mixed-zone interview after Santos defeated Venezuela's Universidad Central 4-2 in the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana, saying, "My time with the national team is over." "I wrote history there and was very happy," Neymar said. "I experienced so much. I bled for it and gave my life to it. I always fought and gave everything for the national team, but I don't think I want that anymore." Neymar played in four World Cups — Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, Qatar in 2022, and the North and Central America tournament this year. The best result came in 2014, when Brazil reached the semifinals. At the Russia and Qatar tournaments, the run ended in the quarterfinals, while this year's campaign concluded in the round of 16. Despite a glittering individual career, Neymar had little luck in major tournaments. The first and only major trophy lifted with the senior national team was the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Oct. 29, 2026

Pereira set to join ZFN, possible showdown with Hwang In-su on the cards

Brazilian media reports December debut for 10-win UFC veteran Fighter resumes career just 3 months after leaving UFC Michel Pereira (33, Brazil), a 10-win UFC veteran, is expected to join Korean promotion ZFN. With a return to the Korean circuit looking increasingly likely, attention is turning to whether Pereira will face domestic middleweight standout Hwang In-su (32). Brazilian MMA outlet Super Lutas cited reporter Laercio Viana on Wednesday as saying Pereira has signed with ZFN and is set to debut in December. ZFN has yet to officially confirm the signing or announce an opponent for the bout. Pereira fought his last UFC bout in June before leaving the organization in July. As Pereira looked for a new home, ZFN in Korea and FNC in Croatia were among the destinations mentioned. Given the long UFC tenure, there was broad expectation that Pereira could step in as a key fighter at another promotion right away. After joining the UFC in 2019, Pereira competed at least twice a year in the octagon every year except 2021. Pereira went 10-6 in the promotion and at one point rode an eight-fight winning streak that carried into the middleweight rankings. Pereira showed plenty of firepower in the final UFC outing on June 27 against Sharabutdin Magomedov of Russia. Pereira dropped the opponent in the first round and put in a strong performance, but lost by decision after the judges declined to deduct points despite Magomedov committing fouls including hair-grabbing and eye-gouging. Now 33 and in the prime years, Pereira holds a professional record of 32 wins and 15 losses with two no-contests. Pereira is no stranger to Korean fans. Before joining the UFC, Pereira competed in Road FC from 2018, defeating Yang Hae-jun and Choi Won-jun, and in February 2019 stopped Kim Dae-sung by TKO in the second round. At the time, Pereira showed a clear and decisive edge over the Korean opponents. Pereira's return to the Korean scene has MMA fans buzzing about a potential matchup with Hwang In-su. Ever since Pereira's departure from the UFC and a possible move to ZFN began circulating, domestic MMA communities have consistently named Hwang — also a middleweight — as the most likely opponent. Hwang is widely regarded as one of Korea's top middleweights and has repeatedly expressed a desire to reach the UFC. However, a comparison of the two fighters' records reveals a considerable gap. Pereira stands at 32-15 at age 33, while Hwang, a year younger, is 9-2. Excluding no-contests, the difference in professional bouts fought is more than fourfold — 47 for Pereira against 11 for Hwang. More significant than the volume of fights is the quality of experience. Pereira spent nearly seven years testing against world-class competition in the UFC. Hwang, by contrast, has displayed powerful striking and finishing ability on the Korean circuit but has not been consistently tested against UFC-caliber opponents. Given the objective difference in records and the level of competition each has faced, some say the matchup would be a mismatch. Yet for Hwang, that very gap could be the opportunity. Despite repeated setbacks, Hwang has never abandoned the dream of reaching the UFC — and Pereira may be the last ticket there.

Oct. 29, 2026

Tampa Bay staves off elimination with walk-off win in Game 4

Rays rally in bottom of 12th to win 4-3 after dropping first three games Williamson delivers walk-off hit despite 1-for-15 postseason slump The Tampa Bay Rays strung together four consecutive hits in the bottom of the 12th inning to pull off a dramatic comeback and stave off elimination in the World Series. Tampa Bay defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in Game 4 of the World Series on Wednesday (Korean Standard Time) at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, needing extra innings to secure the victory. The Rays, who had dropped the first three games of the best-of-seven series, trimmed the deficit to 1-3 and kept their championship hopes alive. Milwaukee, which had been one win away from its first title in the franchise's 58th season, was left to regroup. Tampa Bay struck first when Chandler Simpson hit an RBI double in the bottom of the second inning. Milwaukee tied it in the top of the fourth on a double by Cooper Pratt, but the Rays retook the lead 2-1 in the bottom half when a throwing error by Brewers third baseman David Hamilton allowed a run to score. Hamilton then evened things up with a solo home run to right field in the top of the fifth. Both bullpens held firm from there, sending the game to extra innings. The deadlock broke in the top of the 12th when Milwaukee leadoff batter Pratt hit a solo home run to left off Tampa Bay's seventh pitcher, Ian Seymour, to give the Brewers a 3-2 lead. Tampa Bay answered immediately in the bottom half. Leadoff batter Junior Caminero reached base on a throwing error by Brewers third baseman Joey Ortiz, and Liam Hicks followed with a single to left to put runners on the corners with nobody out. Jonny DeLuca drove in pinch runner Cedric Mullins with a single to center to tie the game at 3-3. After Simpson added another single to center to load the bases, pinch hitter Ben Williamson ended it with a walk-off single to right field. Williamson had gone just 1-for-15 in the postseason before stepping to the plate. He came through in the most critical moment, with Tampa Bay's season on the line. Tampa Bay became just the fifth team in World Series history to win Game 4 after losing the first three. All four previous teams that accomplished the feat lost in Game 5 and were eliminated. The only team in postseason history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit and win four straight in a best-of-seven was the Boston Red Sox, who defeated the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series. For Tampa Bay to complete only the second such comeback, the Rays must win all three remaining games. Game 5 of the World Series is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue.

Oct. 28, 2026

Choi Dong-won Youth Baseball Club wins 7th Indomitable Hero Award

Club sends first two players to pro draft after 11 years of nurturing young talent The Choi Dong-won Youth Baseball Club, which has carried on the baseball spirit of the late Choi Dong-won — a hero of Korean baseball — has been named the recipient of the seventh Baeksong Holdings Choi Dong-won Indomitable Hero Award. The Choi Dong-won Memorial Foundation announced Wednesday that it had selected the club as this year's honoree. The award ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, with a prize of 10 million won ($7,550). The Indomitable Hero Award is presented to organizations that honor Choi's fighting spirit and dedication by continuing exemplary activities despite difficult circumstances. The club was founded in 2015 as the "Choi Dong-won Free Baseball School for Children," with the aim of giving children the chance to learn baseball regardless of their financial background and nurturing the next Choi Dong-won. This year, for the first time since its founding, the club produced two players drafted by professional baseball teams. Choi Su-hong of Gyeongnam High School, a third-cohort alumnus of the baseball school, was selected by the Hanwha Eagles in the fourth round, while Kim Min-seo of Busan High School, a second-cohort alumnus, was picked by the Kiwoom Heroes in the 11th round. The club launched with 42 players and currently operates with about 30. Players train every weekend at the Asia Community School grounds in Munhyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan. The club has faced financial difficulties along the way — budget constraints had limited free operations to six months a year, but this year it began offering year-round free instruction after receiving support from the Busan city government. Kang Jin-su, secretary-general of the Choi Dong-won Memorial Foundation, thanked "the players and parents who have kept the youth baseball school going for 11 years with passion and dedication for the sport, even in modest circumstances." Kim Yong-cheol, a former Lotte Giants player who helped found the club and later managed an independent league team, also offered his congratulations, saying he was grateful that the club had achieved the goal he had envisioned when it was first established.

Oct. 28, 2026

Golfzon Holdings pushes back against MBK Partners' plan to sell Golfzon County

'Violated promises on IPO, management rights' 'Will pursue legal action over unfair contract terms' Golfzon Holdings is pushing back against private equity fund manager MBK Partners' plan to sell Golfzon County, saying it is considering legal action. The dispute has escalated after reports emerged that MBK had signed a share purchase agreement with a consortium led by The Siena Group. Golfzon Holdings issued an official statement Wednesday saying it "cannot agree to MBK Partners' unilateral pursuit of a Golfzon County sale, which runs counter to the original intent of the investment and partnership." Reports in investment banking circles said MBK had signed a share purchase agreement with a consortium comprising The Siena Group and CL Asset Management to acquire a controlling stake in Golfzon County. The enterprise value, including debt, is estimated at around 1.8 trillion won ($1.36 billion). The dispute traces back to MBK's 2018 investment in Golfzon County. Golfzon Holdings said it accepted the investment on the condition that MBK would exit through an initial public offering and that Golfzon Holdings' management rights would be protected. Golfzon County attempted to list in 2022 but the plan fell through amid a sluggish stock market. MBK subsequently shifted course toward a stake sale, appointing a sale manager in March to formally begin recovering its investment. A drag-along right included in the shareholders' agreement has emerged as a key point of contention in the sale process. If MBK exercises that right, Golfzon Holdings' own stake in Golfzon County could be swept into the sale. Golfzon Holdings is also reported to hold a right of first refusal over its shares. Lease agreements on golf courses have added another layer of conflict. Golfzon Holdings said it had leased four of its golf courses to Golfzon County at below-market rates with no separate deposit, in order to support the company's growth and IPO preparations. Golfzon Holdings said it had repeatedly asked MBK to revise the lease terms but received no concrete response or proposed solution. "We are reviewing all available means, including legal action, to protect our legitimate rights and management authority and to correct unfair contract terms," Golfzon Holdings said, adding that it would "actively take the necessary measures."

Oct. 28, 2026

No Smith, no DeChambeau? LIV Golf's Australia event under threat

South Australia premier demands star players stay Warns tournament could be canceled if quality drops LIV Golf, which shook up men's professional golf with Saudi Arabian backing, now faces an existential crisis as players continue to walk away. The host of its Australian event has gone so far as to demand that star players Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau remain on the roster, warning that the tournament could be reconsidered. Golf Australia and Golf Monthly reported Tuesday (local time) that South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed concerns over the wave of player departures from LIV Golf. Speaking in an interview with Australian radio station SEN, Malinauskas said LIV Golf had told him all preparations for next year were on track, but added that his government was watching the situation closely. "It is very important that players like Smith and DeChambeau remain on the entry list — they are what makes the tournament a success," he said. "If we cannot be provided with the same quality of event as in the past, we will not proceed with hosting it." LIV Golf Adelaide has long been a popular event in Australia, but the mass exodus of top-tier players has cast doubt over whether next year's edition will go ahead. Smith, the 2022 Open Championship winner, is reported to have requested a release from his LIV contract. DeChambeau, meanwhile, became a free agent after his contract was voided during LIV's bankruptcy protection process, and he has yet to say whether he will remain with LIV next year. LIV Golf's crisis deepened after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund decided to stop funding the tour after the 2026 season. LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September and is now pursuing a relaunch as "LIV 2.0" in 2027, contingent on securing new investors. Player departures, however, continue to undermine those plans. Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, the 2010 US Open champion, announced Monday on social media that he had decided not to participate in LIV 2.0. He joins a growing list of players who have already cut ties with LIV, including Jon Rahm (Spain), Tyrrell Hatton (England), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Ian Poulter (England) and Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa). Australia's Lucas Herbert also chose to leave in order to return to the DP World Tour. LIV is pursuing up to $300 million in new investment from British private equity fund BC Partners. The investment is reportedly conditional on LIV securing a sufficient number of players. The deadline for players to confirm their participation has also been pushed back from Oct. 25 to Oct. 30. As more players leave LIV, an unexpected rift has emerged within the European DP World Tour, where existing members worry that accommodating returning players could cost them their own tournament spots. Dutch player Joost Luiten said players who left for LIV should be required to go through qualifying school to return. Scotland's Ewen Ferguson and England's Richard Mansell also expressed reservations about unconditionally accepting players back. The DP World Tour has decided not to allow LIV players to compete in its events from 2027, forcing players to choose between staying with LIV and returning to the DP World Tour.

Oct. 28, 2026

DB Insurance Young Guns Match Play enters round of 32

Top three finishers to receive 2027 KPGA Tour entry The KPGA's 11th DB Insurance Young Guns Match Play, a proving ground for South Korea's top young male golfers, will be organized by the Korea Professional Golf Tour (KPGT) this year instead of the Korea Golf Association (KGA). Hosted by DB Insurance, the tournament runs from Monday through Saturday at Rainbow Hills Country Club in Eumseong-gun, North Chungcheong Province. Thirty-two players who advanced through a 36-hole stroke-play qualifier held Monday and Tuesday will compete in an 18-hole match-play tournament beginning Wednesday, with a champion to be decided over three days. Founded in 2015, the event is the country's only elite amateur match-play competition. It began under the auspices of 16 regional golf associations before being absorbed into the KGA in 2023, with the KPGT taking over operations this year. The tournament's inaugural champion, Oh Seung-taek, claimed his first victory at this year's KPGA Founders Cup, while second-edition winner Kim Dong-min topped the KB Financial Group Liv Championship in 2023. Fourth-edition winner Bae Yong-jun has two career tour victories to his name. Jeong Chan-min, a three-time tour winner, and Jang Yu-bin, a five-time winner, finished runner-up at the second and sixth editions, respectively. This year's field features qualifier leader Shin Jae-uk (17, Sinseong High School), Jeong Jo-guk (16, Gyeonggu High School) and national team member Kang Seung-gu (18, Namseong High School) among the contenders for the title. The shift to KPGT management has also expanded the benefits for top finishers. Entry to the 2027 KPGA Tour DB Insurance Promi Open, previously reserved for the winner alone, will now be extended to the top three. The champion will additionally receive a spot in one KPGA Tour event next year and KPGA professional associate membership. The runner-up and third-place finisher will receive two and one exemptions, respectively, from the preliminary round of the KPGA professional qualifying tournament. KPGT chief Kim Won-seop said the organization would "do its utmost to run the tournament so that players can showcase their skills and grow in the best possible environment."

Oct. 28, 2026

US golf media spotlight Choi Hye-jin's runner-up curse

American golf publication Golfweek has turned its attention to Choi Hye-jin's string of near-misses. On Wednesday, Golfweek published an online article headlined: "Find out where this LPGA player's 9 runner-up finishes without a win rank in history." That LPGA player is Choi Hye-jin. Starting with a runner-up finish at the US Women's Open in 2017, when she was 17, Choi has recorded nine second-place finishes across 125 tournaments — most recently at last week's BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea. Along the way, she has earned more than 10 billion won ($7,707,551) in prize money without a single victory. The record is the most runner-up finishes on the LPGA Tour since 1981. The next closest is Stephanie Farwig of the United States, who finished second six times between 1983 and 1997 without ever winning. Among active players, Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand is nearest to Choi's mark with five runner-up finishes, while Allison Lee of the United States and Esther Henseleit of Germany each have four. The player offering Choi the most hope is Lorie Kane of Canada. Kane had nine runner-up finishes before breaking through for her first win at the 2000 Michelob Classic. Speaking ahead of last week's BMW Ladies Championship, Choi reflected on her recent near-miss. "I held the lead until the final round in Shanghai last week, and the result was so disappointing," she said. "But there will be many more opportunities ahead, so I won't give up hope. If I wait with patience, the moment will come. I played well at this tournament last year, and my journey toward a win will continue." Choi will look to claim her first LPGA Tour victory this week at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia. She is paired with Lottie Woad of England and Mirabel Ting of Malaysia for the first two rounds. Choi arrives in Malaysia in strong form, having finished runner-up in back-to-back weeks at the Buick LPGA Shanghai and the BMW Ladies Championship. At last year's Maybank Championship, she reached a playoff but lost to Miyu Yamashita of Japan, settling for another second place. She will be hoping to reverse that outcome this week.

Oct. 28, 2026

Samsung's gambles pay off in Game 2; Choi Won-tae gets the ball for Game 3

Manager Park Jin-man's lineup moves shine in series-evening win Choi Won-tae, who posted an ERA of 8.10 against Kia this season, gets the start Thursday Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man's personnel decisions are paying off. By shifting ace Won Tae-in to the closer role and inserting 42-year-old veteran Choi Hyung-woo into left field, Park evened the best-of-five playoff series at one game apiece. Now he is making another bold call — handing the Game 3 start to Choi Won-tae, who struggled against the Kia Tigers during the regular season. Samsung will send Choi Won-tae to the mound when the series resumes Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju. Kia will counter with Japanese pitcher Shirakawa Keisho. Samsung dropped Game 1 on Monday 1-5 before bouncing back Tuesday with an 8-3 victory to level the series. Park's aggressive lineup tinkering was central to the turnaround. With the offense managing just two hits in Game 1, he overhauled his starting lineup for Game 2, keeping Koo Ja-wook at designated hitter while slotting Choi Hyung-woo — left out of the Game 1 lineup — into the No. 5 spot and left field. The move reflected a deliberate trade-off: maximize offensive firepower even at some defensive cost. Park also factored in that starter Ariel Jurado excels at inducing ground balls. When observers raised concerns about Choi Hyung-woo's outfield defense in strong winds, Park pushed back, saying his fielding ability should not be underestimated. The results vindicated Park's faith. Choi Hyung-woo went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs and a walk. His solo shot to right field in the seventh inning threw cold water on Kia's rally. He also threw out a batter-runner at second base with a precise relay. At 42 years and 10 months old, Choi set new postseason records for oldest appearance, hit, home run and RBI. After the game, Park said of Choi, "Even catching a pop fly lifts the mood in the dugout," and confirmed he would start him in left field again in Game 3. The batting-order adjustments also clicked. Park moved Park Seung-gyu into the No. 2 spot in place of Kim Seong-yun, targeting a slot where the offense had stalled in Game 1. Park Seung-gyu delivered, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored and a tying two-run double in the third inning. "Park Seung-gyu's tying hit in the third was decisive — it felt like a blocked artery had been cleared," the manager said. On the mound, Won Tae-in was the hidden card. With closer Kim Jae-yun sidelined by a shoulder injury heading into the playoffs, Samsung kept Won in the bullpen. Although Won had been the likely Game 3 starter, the club chose to deploy him first as a game-sealer. Having not appeared in Game 1, Won took the mound in the ninth inning of Game 2 with Samsung leading 8-3, retiring the side in order with two strikeouts to nail down the win. With Won Tae-in committed to the bullpen, the Game 3 starting assignment fell to Choi Won-tae. Samsung had planned to give him the start if Won did not pitch in Games 1 or 2. Choi's regular-season numbers against Kia, however, give cause for concern. In three starts against them this year, he went 1-1 with an ERA of 8.10. Park Jae-hyeon tagged him for five hits in eight at-bats, while Kim Do-young and Harold Castro each hit home runs off him. His postseason track record from last year tells a different story. He threw six scoreless innings against the SSG Landers in Wild Card Game 1 and allowed just one run over seven innings against the Hanwha Eagles in Playoff Game 2, picking up wins in both outings. Kia's starter Shirakawa went 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in three regular-season starts against Samsung, holding them to a .196 batting average. In this postseason, he earned the win in Wild Card Game 3 against the LG Twins, striking out nine over five innings while allowing one run. One potential vulnerability: he issued 11 walks in 14⅔ innings against Samsung during the regular season. Won Tae-in's role going forward is also drawing attention. Park said he is keeping open the option of using Won out of the bullpen in Game 3 as well, and that a decision on whether to start him in Game 4 will be made after Game 3.

Oct. 28, 2026

KLPGA holds graduation ceremony for golf instruction program

The Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association held a graduation ceremony for its KLPGA Master Professional program at its headquarters in Gangdong-gu, Seoul. The KLPGA Master Professional is an education program launched in 2021 to strengthen members' instructional expertise and boost their competitiveness in the golf lesson market. Now in its sixth year, the program offers participants top-level professional training. This year's course ran from Aug. 10 for approximately three months, covering 15 programs across three levels — Level 1 through Level 3 — designed to build members' instructional capabilities through structured education. Level 1 focused on theoretical instruction covering the foundational knowledge and competencies required of a professional golf instructor, including swing mechanics, anatomical body structure, the rules of golf, and lesson program design. Level 2 offered more specialized content, with programs on swing diagnosis and correction, mental coaching, golf conditioning and fitness, and the measurement and application of center of pressure. Level 3 centered on practical, immediately applicable skills — including how to film online lesson videos, short game instruction by situation, field lesson techniques, and on-course round practice — so participants could put what they learned directly to use. Thirty-one members selected through a competitive application process took part in the program this year, and 22 of them completed all three levels and passed the final evaluation to earn the KLPGA Master Professional certification. Graduates received a certificate plaque and are now eligible to serve as instructors at KLPGA-organized education programs and golf expos. They will also be listed on the "Find an Instructor" page of the KLPGA's official website, among other benefits. The program is funded through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's support project for designated organizations. The KLPGA also runs a range of member-tailored education programs — including tournament official training, foreign language courses, and cultural enrichment classes — to help members develop skills across multiple areas.

Oct. 28, 2026

Rising star Salkeld meets veteran Saint Denis in UFC Fight Night Sydney main event

Bout set for Feb. 7 at Afterpay Arena in Sydney; RTU Season 5 finals also on the card Australia's rising lightweight contender Quillan Salkeld, 26, and French veteran Benoit Saint Denis, 30, will clash in the main event of UFC Fight Night Sydney next February. UFC announced Wednesday that the lightweight bout between Salkeld and Saint Denis will headline UFC Fight Night Sydney at Afterpay Arena in Sydney on Feb. 7, 2027. Salkeld carries a professional record of 13 wins and one loss, going undefeated in six UFC appearances. A former Eternal MMA champion, he has finished his last four bouts in the first round, signaling a sharp upward trajectory. In August, he submitted Mateusz Gamrot in the first round in a UFC Fight Night main event, a performance that cemented his standing as one of the division's most exciting prospects and earned him top billing in Sydney. Saint Denis brings a record of 17 wins and four losses to the bout. All 17 of his victories have come by knockout or submission, a testament to his reputation as a relentless finisher with an aggressive, pressure-heavy style. The event marks the first time UFC has held a Fight Night card in Sydney since 2017, and will be the fourth consecutive year the promotion has staged an event in New South Wales. Peter Klotz, UFC's managing director for Australia and New Zealand, said Salkeld is one of the most exciting young prospects in the lightweight division while Saint Denis is one of its most dangerous finishers. "They're going to put on an unforgettable night for the fans in Sydney," he said. The undercard will also feature the Season 5 finals of Road to UFC (RTU), the promotion's tournament for emerging talent from the Asia-Pacific region. South Korean fighter Park Bo-hyun (10-3) will compete in the women's strawweight final against China's Meng Bo (29-3). A win would earn Park a UFC contract. The flyweight final pits Jinyusuye (17-4, China) against Suzuki Takaya (9-1, Japan), while the bantamweight final features Rabindra Dant (11-1, Nepal) against Tajima Ryo (12-3, Japan). In the featherweight final, George Mangos (10-1, Australia) takes on Chagnaadorj Dagiisuuren (12-2, Mongolia). All four divisional winners will sign UFC contracts.

Oct. 28, 2026