American skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin delivered another masterclass in the Alpine Ski World Cup slalom on Saturday, securing her ninth victory at the Levi venue and her 102nd career World Cup triumph overall.
The weekend also saw significant developments across various sports. In college football, Virginia Tech is in preliminary talks with ex-Penn State head coach James Franklin. UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will sit out against Ohio State due to a concussion protocol, joining a list of injury concerns including Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins, whose season appears over. The Canadian Football League is grappling with backlash over new rules aligning closer to NFL standards.
In basketball, Stephen Curry exploded for 49 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a narrow victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans dismissed head coach Willie Green amid a disappointing start to the season.
Benn Avenges Loss with Dominant Unanimous Decision Over Eubank Jr
London, United Kingdom – Conor Benn exacted revenge in spectacular fashion, defeating Chris Eubank Jr via unanimous decision in their middleweight rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.
Benn, who fell to Eubank Jr by decision in their April encounter, controlled the 12-round bout from the opening bell. Utilizing superior footwork to close the distance against Eubank Jr’s reach advantage, Benn landed punishing combinations and body shots that disrupted his rival’s rhythm. The fight reached its climax in the final round with two knockdowns, sealing Benn’s redemption.
The victory ends the modern chapter of the iconic Benn-Eubank family rivalry, echoing the 1990s battles between their fathers. Benn called it the “final page,” while Eubank Jr graciously conceded superiority in the hard-fought contest.
Scotland’s World Cup Fate on the Line in Denmark Showdown
Scotland kept their automatic World Cup qualification hopes alive despite a 3-2 loss to Greece, thanks to Denmark’s 2-2 draw with Belarus. The Scots sit second in Group C with 10 points and face a winner-takes-all clash against Denmark on Tuesday.
Captain Andy Robertson rallied his team, stressing the need for a strong performance in Glasgow to avoid playoffs. Greece struck first through Tasos Bakasetas, Konstantinos Karetsas, and Christos Tzolis, but goals from Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie kept Scotland in contention.
Denmark, leading by one point, squandered a chance to pull clear after Mikkel Damsgaard’s opener was canceled out by Valeri Gromyko’s effort for Belarus.
Ireland Overpowers Australia with Hansen’s First-Half Hat-Trick
Dublin, Ireland – Mack Hansen stole the show with a first-half hat-trick, powering Ireland to a convincing 46-19 win over Australia in their Autumn Nations Series match on Saturday.
The Australian-born fullback, eligible for Ireland via his mother, scored three tries in the opening 28 minutes at a rain-lashed Dublin Arena. Additional scores from Caelen Doris, Ryan Baird, and Robbie Henshaw, plus kicking from Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley, extended Ireland’s dominance.
The result marks Ireland’s second straight November win after beating Japan and hands the Wallabies their third consecutive defeat, following losses to England and Italy.
In another Autumn international, France edged Fiji 34-21 despite squandering a 21-0 lead. Tries from Nicolas Depoortere and kicks from Thomas Ramos proved decisive after Fiji’s comeback via Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada, and Jiuta Wainiqolo.
Alcaraz Sets Up ATP Finals Clash with Sinner
Turin, Italy – World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the ATP Finals title match with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime, breaking serve twice in a clinical display.
The Spaniard will face home favorite and defending champion Jannik Sinner, who rallied past Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2. Sinner seeks to extend his indoor hardcourt mastery in front of Italian fans at the Inalpi Arena.
