SPORTS

They are men and women, students and retirees.

A defence deal to be signed this week could see Papua New Guineans serve in the Australian military, Canberra said on Monday, the pact seen as an attempt to counter Beijing's rising Pacific influence.

India beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup on Sunday as the neighbours met for the first time since a military conflict between them in May, but tensions simmered after the match as India's players left the field without shaking hands.

The top four teams in women's rugby will feature in the World Cup semi-finals after France staged a superb second-half rally to edge out Ireland on Sunday before England thrashed Scotland.

Israeli referee Sapir Berman beamed as she recalled the moment her "dream came true" earlier this year, when she became the first transgender woman to officiate an international football match.

The Women's Rugby World Cup reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend, with four clashes between old rivals.

South Korea's spy agency said Thursday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, who recently accompanied him on a high-profile visit to Beijing, is understood to be his recognised successor.

British racing is holding a one-day strike next week for the first time in its history in a tax dispute with the government.

Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open as loud boos -- mixed with a smattering of cheers -- greeted President Donald Trump at the final in New York.

From donning a prosthetic penis to simulating bizarre sex work in a steamy motel room, Sydney Sweeney was "up for anything" while filming her Oscar-tipped role in boxing drama "Christy," her director has told AFP. Sweeney, who has made negative headlines recently for controversial jeans ads, has become a contender for the Academy Awards for her portrayal of pioneering female fighter Christy Martin.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the world's undisputed top two players, will square off in a third straight Grand Slam final on Sunday at the US Open with President Donald Trump in attendance.

The US Open, the last Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, has become a coveted money-making opportunity for the world's top brands, in everything from banking to ice cream, generating hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Israel-Premier Tech team insists it will ride on in the Vuelta a Espana, even though repeated roadside pro-Palestinian protests forced one stage to be curtailed and several of its riders say they are scared.

Boxing chiefs on Friday pledged to redouble efforts to get their message across about newly introduced genetic sex tests after a row overshadowed the start of the world championships.

Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires on Thursday while Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at next year's World Cup.

England return to World Cup qualifying action this week with Thomas Tuchel under pressure to solve a plethora of issues that threaten to ruin his bid to win next year's tournament.

A team with a rich legacy in F1 seems to be mired in bad decision-making off the track, coupled with poor performances on it. What's gone wrong, and where does the buck stop? Fingers are now pointing to de facto team principal, 75-year-old veteran, Flavio Briatore.