U.S. boxing champ Claressa Shields, 27, from Flint, Michigan defeated British fighter Savannah Marshall, 31, by an unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at the O2 stadium in London on October 15 to become the undisputed world middleweight title holder. And the viewing audience showed up to break more records for women’s sport. Breaking news today was that a Russian court upheld Brittney Griner’s sentence on drug smuggling charges, clearing the way for her to serve nine years in a penal colony, unless the U.S. government can negotiate a deal for her release. Tragic news for the Brittney and her family which has rocked the sport’s world. In tennis, number 10 ranked player Romania's Simona Halep tested positive for a drug violation and is preparing her appeal. Meanwhile world number 1 Poland’s Iga Swiatek wins her eighth title of the year at the San Diego Open, American teenager has reached a career high ranking of No 4 and compatriot Jessica Pegula wins her first WTA 1000 title beating some strong opposition and rise to No 3 in the world. In football, a crowd of 22,035 was on hand at Providence Park in Portland — the second largest attendance count in NWSL playoff history — and behind only last week’s record of 26,215 set by San Diego as Portland Thorns advanced to the final of the NWSL Championship beating San Diego 2. They will meet Kansas City Current, who took down the No 1 seed OL Reign 2-0, at the Audi Field in Washington, DC on October 29. With Casey Stoney (San Diego) and Rhian Wilkinson (Portland) leading their respective teams, Sunday’s semifinal marked the first time in NWSL history that two female head coaches went head-to-head in a playoff game. The Football World Cup draw has been announced and we share our thoughts on some of the eight pool teams.  We have an update from the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand where the hosts our shower their fire power. While in England the Rugby League World Cup is advancing to its knockout round. Disappointing news for skiing fans as the unseasonal mild weather stalls the start of the season with the traditional opener at Solden in Austria cancelled followed by the new double-header of downhill races at Zermatt - Cervinia falling victim to a lack of snow. And finally, we report on the Russian Doping Agency RUSADA secrecy around the Kamila Valieva case which is coming under fire from skaters.

Hosts: Chris Stafford & Nancy Gillen
Recorded: October 25, 2022

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