https://www.scmp.com/rss/95/feed All the latest sports news, fixtures, match reports, features and analysis. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Associated Press Associated Press Switzerland have fired the ice hockey coach who admitted he used a certificate falsely claiming he had been vaccinated against Covid-19 to get around China’s travel restrictions for the 2022 Winter Olympics. In a statement late Monday, head coach Patrick Fischer said he made a “serious mistake in this matter” by travelling to Beijing with the Switzerland men’s team using false paperwork. The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation initially supported him, saying the case was closed because he had admitted... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350252/switzerland-fire-ice-hockey-coach-who-entered-china-false-covid-19-vaccine-certificate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350252/switzerland-fire-ice-hockey-coach-who-entered-china-false-covid-19-vaccine-certificate?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:41:23 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Rumours of LIV Golf’s demise have been greatly exaggerated according to sources close to the league’s operations, who pushed back at the swirling speculation that has dominated the sport for the past day. Several normally credible accounts on social media had claimed the league was on the verge of collapse, while The Daily Telegraph reported that LIV executives had been summoned to an emergency meeting in New York, and the Financial Times said Saudi Arabia’s Private Investment Fund, which backs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3350233/liv-golf-going-ahead-full-throttle-staff-told-league-pushes-back-rumours-demise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3350233/liv-golf-going-ahead-full-throttle-staff-told-league-pushes-back-rumours-demise?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:49:59 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Fourteen years after a freak accident left him paralysed, the formidable Jake Howe is plotting to upgrade his Paralympics bronze from 2024 and win a second World Wheelchair Rugby Championships title later this year. Part of the Australian team that triumphed in this week’s inaugural Hong Kong 5s at Kai Tak Arena, Howe began playing the sport within one year of sustaining his injury. “I’ve always had a positive outlook,” he said. “My partner at the time was three months pregnant, so you’re not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350212/aussie-howe-eyes-paralympic-gold-wheelchair-rugby-first-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350212/aussie-howe-eyes-paralympic-gold-wheelchair-rugby-first-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:40 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Danny Shum Chap-shing kept pace with the trainers’ championship leaders after securing a treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night courtesy of Harmony Galaxy, Fantastic Fun and Always My Folks. Shum’s three-timer saw him move into third position in the championship with 45 winners, three behind joint leaders Mark Newnham and Caspar Fownes. “Hopefully I can keep going, it’s been a good period. I don’t have that many good Sha Tin horses so it will be hard [to win the title], but I will try my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350219/danny-shum-keeps-pace-championship-leaders-after-scoring-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350219/danny-shum-keeps-pace-championship-leaders-after-scoring-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:38:03 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Aussie pop icon Jason Donovan, an Abba tribute act and rugby officials, players and fans brought a party atmosphere to Happy Valley, as racing took its turn in the Hong Kong Sevens spotlight on Wednesday. And the racecourse was dressed for the occasion, with rugby-themed decorations and activities drawing crowds of fans already in town for the city’s biggest sporting week. The venue’s “Shout Stand” resembled the infamous South Stand at Kai Tak Stadium, with costumed spectators singing along to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350218/rugby-and-racing-fans-bring-party-atmosphere-hong-kong-sevens-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350218/rugby-and-racing-fans-bring-party-atmosphere-hong-kong-sevens-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:21:54 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Africa captain Impi Visser believes World Rugby’s “confusing” closed-shop sevens model has stunted the sport’s growth. The elite HSBC SVNS Series was cut from 12 to eight teams this season, although for three concluding World Championship legs, which begin with this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the numbers are back up to 12. The streamlining has had a damaging knock-on effect, with second-tier teams limited to three competitive tournaments, unless they gained promotion to feature... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350185/south-africa-captain-impi-visser-believes-changes-sevens-format-confusing-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350185/south-africa-captain-impi-visser-believes-changes-sevens-format-confusing-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:18:23 +0000 Reuters,Agence France-Presse Reuters,Agence France-Presse Denmark’s double Olympic badminton champion Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement at 32 on Wednesday, saying back problems meant he could no longer “compete and train at the highest level”. Axelsen, who won gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and again in Paris in 2024, had back surgery in April last year and said he had not managed to overcome his physical issues. “Accepting this situation has been incredibly difficult,” he said in a statement. “But I have now reached a point where my body won’t... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350144/double-olympic-badminton-champion-viktor-axelsen-retires-32-over-back-issues?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350144/double-olympic-badminton-champion-viktor-axelsen-retires-32-over-back-issues?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:15:42 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse A top US lawmaker called on Fifa to pay for World Cup public transport costs on Tuesday following a report that local authorities in New Jersey are planning massive price rises during the tournament. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on X that football’s world governing body – which stands to earn US$11 billion from the tournament – should foot the bill for transport costs to World Cup venues. Schumer was responding to a report in The Athletic on Tuesday which said New... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350105/american-train-bosses-planning-fleece-world-cup-fans-heading-new-york-matches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350105/american-train-bosses-planning-fleece-world-cup-fans-heading-new-york-matches?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:00:30 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Young basketball players from a Hong Kong secondary school will compete against the very best in the region when the NBA Rising Stars Invitational returns to Singapore in June. The as-yet unnamed local school will be chosen based on its strong basketball credentials and results. The tournament will feature 12 boys’ and 12 girls’ high-school teams aged 18 or under from across Asia-Pacific. NBA champion Jeremy Lin will headline the summer event and interact with the participants throughout the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349994/hong-kong-school-invited-compete-nba-rising-stars-invitational-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349994/hong-kong-school-invited-compete-nba-rising-stars-invitational-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:00:10 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Ceci Lee Sze-wing said she had no specific target for this week’s UCI Track World Cup event in Hong Kong after an intensive race schedule last month. The 24-year-old, who won two golds, one silver and two bronzes at the Asian Track Championships in the Philippines last month, said she would approach the home event with a relaxed mindset as she builds towards the Asian Games in September. “After the Asian Championships, I have not had any special preparation,” Lee said. “My form is quite good, so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350069/hong-kong-star-lee-hoping-home-crowd-will-roar-her-more-cycling-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350069/hong-kong-star-lee-hoping-home-crowd-will-roar-her-more-cycling-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:00:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney FANTASTIC FUN - R3 (1) Went close last start and looks poised to go one better here   Owen Goulding DO YOUR PART - R5 (4) Near miss in a strong race last start and can gain a deserved win   Olivia O'Sullivan FANTASTIC FUN - R3 (1) Went down narrowly latest and this track and distance specialist is the one to beat   Phillip Woo FIVEFORTWO - R8 (5) Should get a race run to suit and can make it a hat-trick of wins over this Valley trip   Shannon (Vincent Wong) RAINBOW SEVEN - R7... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350084/scmp-best-bets-fantastic-fun-can-get-punters-smiling-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350084/scmp-best-bets-fantastic-fun-can-get-punters-smiling-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:32:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara She has two Olympic golds and two World Cup winner’s medals, but New Zealand great Portia Woodman-Wickliffe acknowledged she was plagued by nerves before her Tradition HKFC 10s debut on Tuesday. Representing Aone Sports New Zealand Legends in the three-day tournament, the 34-year-old performed a retirement U-turn to play in last year’s 15s World Cup before calling time on her career for a second time two months ago. Woodman-Wickliffe initially quit after starring in New Zealand’s golden 2024... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350060/new-zealand-rugby-legend-woodman-wickliffe-feeling-nervous-ahead-hong-kong-10s-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350060/new-zealand-rugby-legend-woodman-wickliffe-feeling-nervous-ahead-hong-kong-10s-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:18 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Hugh Bowman praised a “relaxed” Romantic Warrior following a super trial ahead of his tilt at a record-extending fourth Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) victory at Sha Tin in 12 days time. The 13-time Group One winner will come up against a strong international field including the likes of fellow Group One victors Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion and Sosie, each vying for the HK$30 million feature. Danny Shum Chap-shing’s stable star went to the line under a hold in a time of 1m 36.13s, finishing a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350055/bowman-takes-warrior-spin-around-sha-tin-ahead-solid-book-rides-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350055/bowman-takes-warrior-spin-around-sha-tin-ahead-solid-book-rides-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:40 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Swiss ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer has admitted he used a certificate falsely claiming he had been vaccinated against Covid-19 to get around China’s travel restrictions for the 2022 Winter Olympics. In a statement late Monday, Fischer said he made a “serious mistake in this matter” by travelling to Beijing with the Switzerland men’s team using false paperwork. “I’m very sorry if I’ve disappointed people with this situation,” Fischer said. “I was in an extraordinary personal crisis because I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350045/ice-hockey-coach-admits-using-false-covid-19-vaccine-certificate-enter-china-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3350045/ice-hockey-coach-admits-using-false-covid-19-vaccine-certificate-enter-china-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:24:11 +0000 Agencies,Paul McNamara Agencies,Paul McNamara The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on ⁠Tuesday recommended the ⁠expansion of its ⁠premier club competition, proposing the AFC Champions League Elite move to a 32-team tournament from 24 starting from the 2026-27 season. The expansion of the league stage would see ‌it split with 16 teams each in the East and West regions, which the AFC said would boost competitiveness and inclusion across Asian club football. It is currently unclear what the proposed changes would mean for Kitchee, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350016/afc-recommends-expansion-champions-league-elite-32-team-tournament-2026-27?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350016/afc-recommends-expansion-champions-league-elite-32-team-tournament-2026-27?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:28:04 +0000 Shah Sahari Shah Sahari The Tradition HKFC 10s celebrates its 40th anniversary this week and it’s fair to say a lot has changed since that inaugural tournament in 1986. Shah Sahari looks back at that first event ahead of Tuesday’s opening matches. Ah, 10-a-side rugby: the version for those who fancy themselves as sevens players but without quite having the speed, mobility and physique for it. Back in the dawn of time – 40 years ago, actually – the Hong Kong Football Club, having already launched what was to become the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349859/hong-kong-10s-was-my-first-proper-rugby-tour-40-years-later-i-still-remember-it-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349859/hong-kong-10s-was-my-first-proper-rugby-tour-40-years-later-i-still-remember-it-all?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The much-anticipated Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) has been reduced to a field of nine after the withdrawals of Japan’s Museum Mile and a trio of locals on Monday. Connections of dual Group One winner Museum Mile confirmed to the Jockey Club on Monday that he won’t take his place. Reports in Japan on the weekend indicated connections had been told by the Jockey Club he was unlikely to pass a Hong Kong vet inspection, based on videos of his gait. Classic Cup (1,800m) winner Stormy Grove has also... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349875/japanese-star-museum-mile-and-trio-local-hopes-withdrawn-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349875/japanese-star-museum-mile-and-trio-local-hopes-withdrawn-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:16 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Randy Mak never thought he would get the chance to play ice hockey in front of his home fans; now the Hong Kong forward is out to turn that energy into gold. After silver for the city’s under-18 men and a promotion-winning title triumph for the women’s team, it is the turn of the senior men to compete in the third of the IIHF World Championships being held in Discovery Bay. Hong Kong face North Korea, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and the Philippines in the Division IIIB tournament, and Mak... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349969/mak-eyes-golden-week-hong-kongs-men-begin-bid-climb-ice-hockey-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349969/mak-eyes-golden-week-hong-kongs-men-begin-bid-climb-ice-hockey-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:36:49 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li The Bank of China Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge Half Marathon has been designated a platinum event by World Athletics, making it the highest rated race in Hong Kong. According to the global governing body’s calendar for this season, the event has been upgraded from gold for November’s edition. Platinum is the highest tier of race certification and gives the bridge run a higher grading than the more prestigious Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, which is in the gold tier. This year’s race is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3349931/hong-kong-bridge-half-marathon-gets-platinum-status-now-citys-top-ranked-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/article/3349931/hong-kong-bridge-half-marathon-gets-platinum-status-now-citys-top-ranked-race?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:03:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan A Hong Kong women’s table tennis team boasting three debutants has been handed the difficult task of trying to get through a tough group stage at this month’s World Team Table Tennis Championships in London. Apart from veteran Doo Hoi-kem, who is set to play in her sixth team world championship event, Pedrey Ng Wing-lam is the only other player with any experience of the tournament, having played one match in a 3-0 win over South Africa’s Musfiquh Kalam in Chengdu four years ago. Su Tsz-Tung,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349921/hong-kong-debutants-facing-tough-test-world-team-table-tennis-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349921/hong-kong-debutants-facing-tough-test-world-team-table-tennis-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:08:51 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan It will be a case of quality over quantity for Luke Ferraris on Wednesday when he lines up with just four rides at Happy Valley, with each of them having solid claims. Ferraris’ book consists of Symbol Of Strength, Cloud Nine, Do Your Part and Fivefortwo, who bids for back-to-back wins in the Class Three Scrum Half Handicap (1,650m). The South African jockey has built a strong association with the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained galloper, having partnered him at both of his Hong Kong wins including... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349861/luke-ferraris-focuses-quality-he-lines-four-solid-chances-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349861/luke-ferraris-focuses-quality-he-lines-four-solid-chances-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:17 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ka Ying Rising could race at Conghua in November as the Hong Kong Jockey Club considers a bold proposal to introduce the world’s best sprinter to fans across the border. HKJC boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m), the key lead-up race to December’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), could be moved to Conghua for the mainland racecourse’s second meeting of the season. Regular racing at Conghua, a northern district of Guangzhou, will be launched later... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349853/ka-ying-rising-race-conghua-jockey-club-could-showcase-champion-sprinter-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349853/ka-ying-rising-race-conghua-jockey-club-could-showcase-champion-sprinter-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A young Hong Kong footballer who has received personal guidance from Andres Iniesta and Ilkay Gundogan has had to pause his promising career because of the Iran war. Ryan Fok Jun-hei was in Dubai, where he plays for Gulf United, when the war began one day after he turned 19 on February 27. “It was scary for the first few days but you get used to it,” Fok said. “Alerts sound whenever there’s a potential missile threat and you stay inside. The UAE defence system is pretty good; we believed nothing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349839/middle-east-conflict-pauses-dream-hong-kong-footballer-taught-iniesta-gundogan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349839/middle-east-conflict-pauses-dream-hong-kong-footballer-taught-iniesta-gundogan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:30:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The tattoos inscribed on the arms of Au King-to will be joined by a design celebrating her Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens debut, after she overcame self-doubt to earn a place in the city’s team this week. On Sunday, the 29-year-old was named in a 12-strong women’s squad that covers the full range of experience, from a 48th cap for the evergreen Nam Ka-man to 19-year-old Haruka Uematsu, who will make her Hong Kong debut in her side’s Melrose Claymores campaign. There were plenty of fresh faces in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349793/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-debut-15s-stalwart-after-overcoming-self-doubt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349793/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-debut-15s-stalwart-after-overcoming-self-doubt?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:39 +0000 Reuters Reuters Defending champion Rory McIlroy won the Masters by one shot over Scottie Scheffler on Sunday to collect his sixth major and become the fourth repeat winner at Augusta National and first since Tiger Woods in 2002. McIlroy, who let a six-shot ‌advantage slip on Saturday and started the final round level with playing partner Cameron Young and one ahead of Sam Burns, closed with a one-under-par 71 to finish the week on 12 under. With victory secured, the world No 2 looked to the blue Georgia skies... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349825/rory-mcilroy-joins-rarefied-company-back-back-masters-victories?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349825/rory-mcilroy-joins-rarefied-company-back-back-masters-victories?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:47:48 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong table tennis star Doo Hoi-kem prepared for the coming World Team Table Tennis Championships with “positive impact” despite finishing second in two events at the World Table Tennis Contender Taiyuan event over the weekend. On Sunday, Doo and partner Ng Wing-lam, the tournament third seeds, lost 3-1 to China’s Shi Xunyao and Han Feier in the women’s doubles final. Facing the host pair, the Hongkongers gave themselves hope by winning the third game, but were eventually outplayed 11-6,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349812/hong-kongs-doo-hoi-kem-gears-world-team-table-tennis-event-2-podium-finishes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349812/hong-kongs-doo-hoi-kem-gears-world-team-table-tennis-event-2-podium-finishes?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham reestablished command at the top of the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin on Sunday with Crimson Flash’s feature win, but is adamant the title race will go down to the final races of the season. The Australian headed into the meeting level on wins with Caspar Fownes and ahead on seconds, but Crimson Flash’s last-gasp success in the Class Two Pilkem Handicap (1,200m) saw him take outright control on 48 winners. The win was potentially foreshadowing the end of the title fight, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349809/newnham-takes-back-outright-lead-see-sawing-title-race-itll-come-down-last-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349809/newnham-takes-back-outright-lead-see-sawing-title-race-itll-come-down-last-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:11:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Prominent bloodstock agent David Price was proud as punch after celebrating the major milestone of 1,000 Hong Kong wins after He Was Me and Elite Golf struck at Sha Tin on Sunday. Founded in 1997, Price’s Price Bloodstock operation has sourced a plethora of outstanding winners such as champion sprinter Silent Witness and fellow Group One victors Contentment, Ivictory and Beauty Eternal. “It’s one of those things that’s hard to get your head around, really. It’s something that went from an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349807/bloodstock-agent-david-price-celebrates-1000-hong-kong-wins-museum-mile-doubt-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349807/bloodstock-agent-david-price-celebrates-1000-hong-kong-wins-museum-mile-doubt-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:41:02 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Hong Kong’s latest addition to the jockey ranks, Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu, scored a sensational double for her master Ricky Yiu Poon-fai at Sha Tin on Sunday. Flashing Fighter gave Yuen the first leg of her brace in the first section of the Class Four Hart Handicap (1,200m) before the apprentice struck on Fortune Link in the Class Three Jordan Handicap (1,400m). Continuing on her sensational run at Sha Tin, Yuen has now secured four wins within her first 12 days on the Hong Kong roster. “First of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349804/apprentice-jockey-nichola-yuen-scores-sensational-double-master-ricky-yiu-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349804/apprentice-jockey-nichola-yuen-scores-sensational-double-master-ricky-yiu-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:08:30 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong Jockey Club spent more than a decade working to convince the city’s rugby community they should be allowed to play a part in sevens week – the two sides finally came together on Sunday for the start of eight days when athletes of all stripes will thunder across different types of turf. The men and women who will represent the city at Kai Tak Stadium formed the centrepiece of the event at Sha Tin Racecourse, and for several, including women’s debutant Haruka Uematsu, it will be their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349801/many-firsts-and-new-faces-rugby-racing-finally-share-stage-hong-kong-7s-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349801/many-firsts-and-new-faces-rugby-racing-finally-share-stage-hong-kong-7s-week?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:04:52 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Li Yize, a core member of China’s under-18 basketball team, is facing allegations of age and identity fraud, reigniting long-standing public distrust in the domestic sports system. The controversy erupted following China’s 73-59 exhibition win over New Zealand on Friday, when Li recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Despite his stand-out performance, fans online pointed out a striking resemblance between Li, whose listed birth date is March 27, 2008, and a player named Zhang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349795/fans-outraged-china-u18-basketball-player-faces-allegations-age-identity-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349795/fans-outraged-china-u18-basketball-player-faces-allegations-age-identity-fraud?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:30:31 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Li Haotong spent Thursday night in the restroom. If all goes well, he might spend Sunday night inside Butler Cabin. Yes, in one of the more bizarre interviews given at Augusta National this week, after he fired a five-under 67 on Friday, Li admitted he was, well, kept up the night before. “Went to the toilet last night a lot of times,” Li said on Friday afternoon. “And this morning when I got to the golf course, [I was] still feeling really bad and kind of, like, [living on] the toilet.” Li was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349787/chinas-li-haotong-survives-tummy-issues-enter-masters-final-day-just-4-shots-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349787/chinas-li-haotong-survives-tummy-issues-enter-masters-final-day-just-4-shots-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:44:41 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A genuine Olympic star with two medals from three Games, Charity Williams is planning to “have a blast” on her Kai Tak Stadium debut at this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. The Canada wing sat out a series of Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) training matches on Saturday, icing her shoulder as her side faced Fiji, Denmark and the city team. And there is no danger of “just a little stinger” ruling the 29-year-old out for a second straight year. “It’s still awesome to be here [HKSI], this is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney ENDUED - R8 (4) Will get a perfect run from gate one and can go one better than last start   Owen Goulding ENDUED - R8 (4) Can take up the perfect position behind the leaders and pounce late for glory   Olivia O'Sullivan INVICTUS DRAGON - R4 (7) Consistent sort has placed in three of his last four starts and is due a win   Phillip Woo GHORGAN - R9 (8) Trending the right way and gets a golden chance to win in this race   Shannon (Vincent Wong) GOOD FORTUNE - R2 (1) Drops into Class... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349758/scmp-best-bets-endued-can-show-his-quality-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349758/scmp-best-bets-endued-can-show-his-quality-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:42:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Singapore has gained a jump on Hong Kong in the race to produce elite gymnasts after a 17-year-old disaffected with her own stunted progress launched a “game-changing” training facility in the city. Born in Hong Kong, Riley Lee quit the sport at 14, two years after she had left for Singapore. “I was training 25 hours a week and it was the majority of my life, but it didn’t feel like I was getting the return I should,” Lee said. “I couldn’t find the right environment [to train] … and there was a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349730/hong-kong-born-gymnast-leading-quest-turn-singapore-elite-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349730/hong-kong-born-gymnast-leading-quest-turn-singapore-elite-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:00:08 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Harry Bentley has several strong chances on Sunday at Sha Tin, headlined by the progressive Smart Golf who looks to go from strength to strength in the Class Three Parkes Handicap (1,200m). The Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained four-year-old has made it an impressive three wins from five starts and still has plenty of improvement to come as he develops, according to Bentley. “He’s getting that little bit more mature, physically and mentally. So hopefully he can just go to that next level,” Bentley... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349747/harry-bentley-tees-two-good-chances-smart-golf-and-elite-golf-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349747/harry-bentley-tees-two-good-chances-smart-golf-and-elite-golf-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:02:06 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Buoyed by three winners at the past four meetings, Richard Kingscote hopes his commitment to ride Rising Force at a light weight on Sunday will be vindicated with a Class Two victory. The British jockey lifted his seasonal tally to 12 winners after a dirt double last week and a Class Three triumph on Rising Force, who steps up in grade in Sunday’s Class Two Pilkem Handicap (1,200m). “It’s not easy but I think I’ve done OK, I’m keeping a few of my supporters happy,” Kingscote, who has also ridden... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349737/richard-kingscote-hopes-lightweight-ride-will-be-force-again-im-happy-squeeze-lemon-bit-horse-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349737/richard-kingscote-hopes-lightweight-ride-will-be-force-again-im-happy-squeeze-lemon-bit-horse-him?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:10:03 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Inigo Calderon is urging Kitchee to wash away the bitter taste of cup final defeat and wrap up the Premier League on Sunday to prove they are “the best team in Hong Kong”. Victory over BC Rangers at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground would see head coach Calderon’s side crowned champions with four games to spare. They could even have their coronation confirmed earlier in the day should Lee Man, who beat Kitchee in Tuesday’s League Cup final, lose their game at North District. “We have a great chance to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349621/champions-elect-kitchee-out-show-they-are-best-team-hong-kong-despite-cup-final-flop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349621/champions-elect-kitchee-out-show-they-are-best-team-hong-kong-despite-cup-final-flop?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:00:08 +0000 Reuters Reuters Rory McIlroy seized a commanding six-stroke lead at the ⁠Masters on Friday to leave a leaderboard packed with major title winners looking up at the defending champion as the tournament reached the halfway point. McIlroy is 12-under par heading into the weekend with Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed tied for second at six under and Englishman Justin Rose, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood one further adrift. McIlroy came out all guns blazing and finished in spectacular... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349720/rory-mcilroy-total-command-masters-takes-6-shot-lead-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349720/rory-mcilroy-total-command-masters-takes-6-shot-lead-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:50:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Told by a surgeon at the age of 31 that chronic damage to his right shoulder meant he would never play rugby again, former Wales international Richard Parks “fell off the edge of a cliff”. “It was like I was in free fall without anything to grab onto,” the ex-Newport and Pontypridd flanker told the South China Morning Post, adding that his self-worth spiralled as his identity slipped away. “If I wasn’t Richard Parks the rugby player, who was I?” he said. “I always enjoyed being good at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349671/ex-wales-flanker-richard-parks-dark-thoughts-and-going-pole-pole-will-smith?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3349671/ex-wales-flanker-richard-parks-dark-thoughts-and-going-pole-pole-will-smith?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Police in southern China have detained and fined a man accused of the systematic cyberbullying of triple Olympic diving champion Quan Hongchan, state media reported on Friday. The 19-year-old, who won gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 when she was just 14 before winning two more golds in Paris in 2024, has become one of China’s most popular athletes. But Quan has been the subject of repeated harassment online, with her weight a frequent target for comments. Police in the Yuexiu district of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349705/china-police-detain-and-fine-man-behind-cyberbullying-olympian-quan-hongchan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349705/china-police-detain-and-fine-man-behind-cyberbullying-olympian-quan-hongchan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:16:35 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Football match-fixing has raised its ugly head again in China, this time involving an under-10 boys’ game in Beijing where two teams scored six own goals between them. The China Youth Football League clash between top-ranked sides Dongcheng Sports School 16 Orange and Kickers Lan finished 3-3, as both tried to avoid winning their group, thereby securing an easier route through the knockout stages. Video of the game at Xiaojiahe Lvdong Tiandi Football Field quickly went viral, and the predictable... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349665/childrens-tournament-centre-latest-match-fixing-scandal-china-football?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349665/childrens-tournament-centre-latest-match-fixing-scandal-china-football?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:40:24 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Bayern Munich and Aston Villa will bring the curtain down on a week of football in Hong Kong this summer, which will also feature English giants Manchester City and Chelsea, and Italian pair Inter Milan and Juventus. In a statement on Friday, the Bundesliga and Premier League sides said they would clash at Kai Tak Stadium on August 7 in the Audi Football Summit. And while not officially confirmed, sources have told the South China Morning Post that as part of the second Hong Kong Football... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349600/joy-6-bayern-villa-clash-one-3-matches-set-hong-kong-festival-football?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349600/joy-6-bayern-villa-clash-one-3-matches-set-hong-kong-festival-football?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:01:46 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong swimmer Ian Ho Yentou still has his sights firmly set on Asian Games success in September, despite still being in off-season mode and working hard to complete his doctorate. A mechanical engineering PhD student at Virginia Tech, the Hongkonger had previously said he hoped to graduate in the first half of 2026, and he revealed that he was still on track to meet his goal. Defending his dissertation comes after the United States-born athlete won a historic men’s 50m freestyle gold medal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349608/decorated-hong-kong-swimmer-ian-ho-eyes-asian-games-joy-phd-defence-comes-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3349608/decorated-hong-kong-swimmer-ian-ho-eyes-asian-games-joy-phd-defence-comes-first?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:47:19 +0000 dpa dpa Defending champion Rory McIlroy basked in the warm Georgia sunshine and the glory of his return to Augusta to lay down a marker in his bid for rare back-to-back Masters wins with a share of the first-round lead. Following a nondescript seven holes in which he struggled with his driving, the Northern Irishman, seeking to become only the fourth man after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo to retain the green jacket, burst into life with five birdies in eight holes. A round of 67 catapulted... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349584/rory-mcilroy-claims-share-early-lead-hunt-back-back-masters-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349584/rory-mcilroy-claims-share-early-lead-hunt-back-back-masters-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:11:03 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Hainan’s local government has signalled its intention to bring a Formula 1 race to the southern island, after it unveiled development plans aimed at securing motorsport’s premier event for the province. Announcing a partnership with Dingji Automotive Culture Co, the Hainan Provincial International Cultural Exchange Centre said the cooperation would focus on “bringing Formula 1 racing events to Hainan, planning and building professional circuits, developing commercial race operations, creating an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3349543/hainan-hopes-make-formula-1-race-its-core-engine-it-develops-automotive-culture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/formula-one-f1/article/3349543/hainan-hopes-make-formula-1-race-its-core-engine-it-develops-automotive-culture?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Fan Zhendong has opted out of China’s defence of its World Team Table Tennis Championships title, sparking fears among fans that this could be the year the men finally lose. The reigning National Games singles champion, Fan qualified automatically for the tournament, which runs from April 28 to May 10 in London, but reportedly gave up his spot for “personal reasons”. At the previous championships in South Korea two years ago, Fan was instrumental in securing China’s 11th consecutive title,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349512/china-defend-world-team-championships-title-without-table-tennis-star-fan-zhendong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349512/china-defend-world-team-championships-title-without-table-tennis-star-fan-zhendong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Ex-NBA star Yao Ming has taken his first foray into basketball investment in almost a decade, joining a host of global heavyweights in backing a fledgling regional college competition. The Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) concluded its Series A funding round, typically used to generate cash for development and expansion, on Thursday. Blue Pool Capital, the family office of Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai, led the round, which built on the Alibaba co-founder’s seed investment last May.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349492/ex-nba-star-yao-ming-proud-support-asian-university-basketball-league-investment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3349492/ex-nba-star-yao-ming-proud-support-asian-university-basketball-league-investment?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Gender-row boxer Lin Yu-ting’s coach said the Chinese Taipei Olympic champion would target Asian Games gold after stepping up in weight and winning bronze in her first event since the Paris Olympics. Lin, who won gold at 57kg at the 2024 Games, was cleared last month by World Boxing to resume competition at the Asian Elite Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after passing a gender test. She reached the semi-final of the 60kg class but lost to North Korea’s Won Un-gyong. Her coach, Tseng... https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3349506/chinese-taipei-olympic-champion-boxer-lin-targets-asian-games-gold-after-return-ring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3349506/chinese-taipei-olympic-champion-boxer-lin-targets-asian-games-gold-after-return-ring?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding After a total of seven trials, including five failed ones, the enigmatic Crossborderpegasus makes his long-awaited return in Sunday’s Class Three Parkes Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin. Although his quirks are undeniable, the son of Rich Enuff has talent in spades, winning three of his four starts last season despite his riders often having to finish the race on one rein as he hung in markedly. That tendency was on full display on his reappearance this campaign, where he threw his chance away by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349518/quirky-talented-crossborderpegasus-makes-long-awaited-return-john-size-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349518/quirky-talented-crossborderpegasus-makes-long-awaited-return-john-size-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:01:28 +0000