Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 9 October 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We kick off with rugby: Sharks’ head coach JP Pietersen has made several changes to his side for tomorrow’s United Rugby Championship derby against the Stormers in Cape Town. The visitors won their first two home matches of the season, while the hosts had mixed results overseas. Versatile Springbok André Esterhuizen will captain the Sharks, which also include his international team mates Ox Nché, Thomas du Toit, Jaden Hendrikse, Vusi Moyo, Eben Etzebeth, Edwill van der Merwe and Ethan Hooker in the starting line-up. Prop Vincent Koch provides cover on the bench.

# Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz says he is feeling mentally fresh as he prepares to return to the Shanghai Masters after winning the Japan Open. The world number three beat Jiri Lehecka in Tokyo on Tuesday to claim his first title since returning from a wrist injury that kept him out for almost five months. Alcaraz says his body is still adjusting to demanding matches, but he is training well and ready for the challenge in Shanghai. He has never gone beyond the quarterfinals at the tournament.

Staying with tennis news, Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff will headline next year’s Australian Open One Point Slam in Melbourne. The unusual event pits professional players against amateurs, with each match decided by a single point in a knockout format. The winner will take home 16-million-rand. The final will be held at Rod Laver Arena on January 13 before the Open starts on the 17th. The event was won by Australian amateur Jordan Smith this year after he defeated Sinner on his way to the title.

# Motorsport: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton is hoping for wet weather at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, saying he thrives on the challenge of racing in the rain. The seven-time world champion finished third in last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after starting on dry tyres in slippery conditions and recovering from 18th place. Hamilton says difficult weather tests drivers’ skills and creates opportunities to make a difference. Rain could affect Saturday’s sprint race and Sunday’s Grand Prix. With only one practice session before sprint qualifying, teams will have limited time to prepare.

# And lastly golf: Australia’s Min Woo Lee is chasing the leaders at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan after opening with a five-under-par 67. The 28-year-old is among a crowded group of players near the top of the leaderboard at Yokohama Country Club. American Jacob Bridgeman leads after firing an eight-under-par 63, with England’s Jordan Smith one shot behind. Defending champion Xander Schauffele is also in the field as the tournament continues through Sunday.

Stay tuned for more news………….