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Australian Isabella Nichols wins Bells Beach Pro

Australian Isabella Nichols wins Bells Beach Pro

Resurgent Australian Isabella Nichols has claimed the biggest victory of her surfing career by downing young Brazilian star Luana Silva in the women's final at Bells Beach.
Nichols threw down the gauntlet with a big early score of 8.33 points and backed it up to win 16.26 points to 12.67.
The 27-year-old only made her way back onto the elite Champions Tour (CT) this year.
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She advanced all the way to the final of this month's El Salvador Pro, then went one better on Sunday at the famous Victorian break.
"The process for this win has honestly been a 15-year process," Nichols said.
"I've been coming here since I was 15 years old.
"All the trips down here, three times a year, to come down and work on my technique, and it's all paid off.
"To have a bell, honestly, this does not feel real.
"I'm speechless."
Nichols's only other victory on the CT came three years ago at the Margaret River Pro.
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The Hawaiian-born Silva, 20, won the world junior title this year, the same event that Nichols saluted in back in 2016.
Earlier on Sunday, Nichols took down her celebrated countrywoman and two-time world champ Tyler Wright in the semis.
The men's final later on Sunday will pit Australia's Paris Olympics silver medallist Jack Robinson against Japan's Kanoa Igarashi.
The 27-year-old Robinson left it late before sneaking past American Griffin Colapinto in the second semi.
Robinson's final 7.17-point wave saw him edge ahead 14.67-14.33.
The Aussie started his day with a 15.94-14.57 victory over American Jake Marshall in the last quarter-final.
After a thrilling run through the event, Australian wildcard Morgan Cibilic had no luck in a low-scoring semi-final loss to Igarashi, where decent-sized waves were at a premium.
Cibilic only caught his second wave of the heat in the final minute and fell, gifting victory to Igarashi, 10.27 points to 5.37.
"It is what is at the end of the day — you can't argue with the ocean," said a philosophical Cibilic.
"But it is pretty brutal."
AAP
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The cricket world mourns Australian legend Bob Simpson following his death at 89
The cricket world mourns Australian legend Bob Simpson following his death at 89

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The cricket world mourns Australian legend Bob Simpson following his death at 89

Former Australian men's Test cricket captain Bob Simpson also known as the cricket legend has died in Sydney aged 89. Simpson who notably played his part in rescuing Australian cricket from a dark era of struggling on the international stage became one of the most influential figures in Australia. He was known for transforming his team into a dominant force in World Cricket during the 1990s. Under Simpson, his Australian side won four consecutive Ashes series (1989, 1990-91, 1993, 1994-95) and ended the West Indies' 15-year unbeaten run in Test cricket in 1995, in enemy territory. The 89-year-old stepped down from his position as coach back in 1996. Simpson was a significant figure within Australian cricket, known as a player, coach and administrator, over four decades. The cricketer, who was born in the Harbour city in 1936, played 62 tests for Australia, scoring 4,689 runs with a batting average of 46.81 – achieving 10 centuries and 27 50s – and taking 71 wickets. It is known that Simpson is one of only seven Australians to make a triple-century with his highest ever Test score being 311. He captained Australia in 39 Tests across three periods in 1963 and 1978. Notably, Simpson came out of retirement, after not playing for 10 years, to play for the Aussie Test side at the age of 41 after Kerry Packer launched his rebel World Series Cricket series where he took most of Australia's best players with him. He played a home series against India and toured against the West Indies in the Caribbean. Simpson was inducted into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame in 1985, the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2006, and the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013. Tributes have flowed in following his passing and it included tributes from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who passed on his condolences describing his work as 'extraordinary service' to the world of cricket. 'Bob Simpson's extraordinary service to Australian cricket spanned generations,' he posted on X. 'As a player, captain and then era-defining coach, he set the highest of standards for himself and the champions he led. He will be long remembered by the game he loved. 'May he rest in peace.' 'Wonder if the late Bob Simpson will be remembered more for revolutionising coaching in international cricket worldwide than his brilliant exploits as an all-round cricketer and captain for Australia,' cricketing journalist Bharat Sundaresan said on X. 'One of the all time greats. Sad loss.' 'RIP Bob Simpson,' Mark Bosnich posted on X. 'The little bat you signed for my Father to give to me I carried everywhere. And meeting you in England was a real honour.' Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird paid tribute to the cricketing goliath. 'Bob Simpson was one of the greats of Australian cricket, and this is a sad day for anyone fortunate to have watched him play or who benefited from his wisdom," Baird said in a statement. "As a brilliant opening batter, incredible slips fielder, and handy spin bowler, Bob was a mainstay of a very strong Australian team in the 1960s, and he became a leader across the game as Australian and New South Wales captain and as a coach. "Bob's decision to come out of retirement to successfully lead the Australian team during the advent of World Series Cricket in 1977 was a wonderful service to the game, and his coaching set the foundation for a golden era for Australian cricket. "On behalf of Cricket Australia, I would like to express my warmest condolences to Bob's family, friends, teammates, and all those touched by his vast contribution to cricket." Simpson was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978, and an Officer of the order in 2007.

A 4-0 loss but Pacific islanders make soccer history
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The Advertiser

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A 4-0 loss but Pacific islanders make soccer history

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Despite writing to the Oceanian confederation, the Marshall Islands say they have received no response, with the OFC citing a 'lack of direct air links' as the barrier. They are, however, considering applying to CONCACAF (the North American confederation) and the AFC (Asian confederation). Saturday brings their next challenge against the Turks and Caicos Islands and another chance to make history. The Marshall Islands have lost their first ever international football match 4-0 to the US Virgin Islands on a high school gridiron pitch in Arkansas -- but not before making history as the world's newest national soccer team. The remote Pacific nation with fewer than 40,000 people played their first-ever international at the 3000-capacity Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium in Springdale, better known as home to the local high school's American football team. "I feel surreal this morning; it's one of those out-of-body experiences," technical director Lloyd Owers said before the historic match. 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Tigers stalwart has no regrets about keeping the faith
Tigers stalwart has no regrets about keeping the faith

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Tigers stalwart has no regrets about keeping the faith

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"This footy club's really done an amazing job, really leaning into getting better, and we're not making excuses. "We want to win games of footy and we're on the right track." The Tigers (5-16) fell short by four points against St Kilda last week but are desperate to make amends against the Kangaroos (4-1-16) in Hobart on Sunday. "We're growing. We have five wins, five more than anyone thought we would. Unfortunately, (the Saints game) was one that probably slipped away," Broad said. "But if we win next week, and then finish off the year strong, it's going to be very exciting for the next few years. "It is important, winning, and you've got to find ways to win too. "The more we can win, the kids learn how to win. Sometimes you get caught in the rut of losing. "So the more we can just put our kids in these scenarios where they're in the game towards the end, it's just a valuable lesson." 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