Ireland ended a century-long losing streak to claim a historic first-ever win over New Zealand yesterday, sending the All Blacks spinning to a 40-29 defeat with a scintillating display.

With just over a week to go before entries close for this year’s Rally Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s leading rally star Yazeed al-Rajhi is one of 30 competitors from seven nations to so far confirm their intention of taking part in the two-day event on Nov 17-18.

Andy Murray celebrated his rise to the world number one ranking with a 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4 victory against John Isner to claim his maiden Paris Masters title and his eighth title of the season yesterday.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (centre) with the overall winners of the Global Champions Tour ...

It turned out to be an anti-climax in the end! The much-anticipated showdown between Rolf-G?ran Bengtsson and Edwina Tops-Alexander for the Global Champions Tour title proved to be a no show after the latter suffered a horror night at the Al Shaqab yesterday.

Bengaluru FC failed to realise their dream of becoming the first Indian team to win the AFC Cup when they lost to Iraq’s Air Force Club 0-1 in the final here at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday.

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City to claim top spot in the Premier League by clinically crushing Everton 5-0 yesterday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted four goals yesterday as Borussia Dortmund routed bottom side Hamburg 5-2 away, while Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw by Hoffenheim.

Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title hopes suffered another serious setback as two Real Sociedad penalties inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the Champions League finalists yesterday.

Manchester United are in need of a lift as they travel to Swansea, but must seek it without the presence of their manager Jose Mourinho on the touchline.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique believes Sevilla will pose a serious threat to Spain’s established top three for the La Liga title this season ahead of his side’s trip to the Sanchez Pizjuan yesterday.

Australian fly-half Bernard Foley was in imperious form as he helped extend the Wallabies’ winning streak over Wales to 12 games with a comprehensive 32-8 victory yesterday.