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Oct 5 (OPTA) – Top Scorers in the MLS on Sunday 1 L. Messi (Inter Miami CF) 24 2 D. Bouanga (Los Angeles) 23 S. Surridge (Nashville SC) 4 D. Joveljić (Sporting KC) 18 P. Musa (Dallas) 6 H. Cuypers (Chicago) 17 Evander (Cincinnati) A. Dreyer (San Diego) A. Martínez (New York City Football Club) 10 T. Baribo (Philadelphia) 16 E. Choupo-Moting (NY Red Bulls) H. Mukhtar (Nashville SC) M. Ojeda (Orlando City SC) D. Rossi (Columbus) B. White (Vancouver FC) 16 K. Denkey (Cincinnati) 15 17 P. Zinckernagel (Chicago) 14 D. Musovski (Seattle)

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Oct 5 (OPTA) – Standings for the MLS on Sunday Eastern Conference P W D L F A Pts 1 Philadelphia 33 20 6 7 57 33 66 2 Cincinnati 33 19 5 9 49 40 62 3 Inter Miami 32 17 8 7 72 53 59 4 Charlotte 33 18 2 13 53 46 56 5 NYCFC 33 17 5 11 49 42 56 6 Nashville 33 16 6 11 56 40 54 7 Orlando 32 14 11 7 60 45 53 8 Chicago 33 15 7 11 66 58 52 9 Columbus 33 13 12 8 52 50 51 10 New York 33 12 7 14 47 44 43 11 New England 33 9 8 16 42 49 35 12 Toronto 32 5 14 13 33 40 29 13 Montréal 33 6 10 17 34 57 28 14 Atlanta United 31 5 12 14 37 57 27 15 DC United 33 5 10 18 29 65 25 Western Conference P W D L F A Pts 1 San Diego 33 18 6 9 60 41 60 2 Minnesota 33 16 10 7 55 37 58 3 Whitecaps 31 16 9 6 59 34 57 4 LAFC 30 15 8 7 60 37 53 5 Sounders 32 13 10 9 55 47 49 6 Austin 32 12 8 12 35 43 44 7 Portland 33 11 11 11 41 44 44 8 Dallas 32 10 11 11 49 52 41 9 Salt Lake 32 12 4 16 36 46 40 10 Colorado 33 11 7 15 42 54 40 11 Earthquakes 32 10 8 14 57 58 38 12 Houston 33 9 9 15 43 56 36 13 St. Louis 33 8 7 18 42 56 31 14 Sporting KC 33 7 6 20 46 70 27 15 Galaxy 32 5 9 18 42 64 24

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Oct 5 – Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Sunday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy. INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL * GLOBAL MARKETS-No payrolls, no problem as Wall Street extends run of highs * Oil posts 8% weekly loss on potential OPEC+ supply additions * PRECIOUS-Gold set for seventh straight weekly rise on US shutdown woes, rate cut bets * MIDEAST STOCKS-UAE stocks edge higher as Dubai crude premium rebounds * Dozens killed in Gaza despite Trump's call for Israel to halt bombing *Trump says Israel agreed to 'withdrawal line,' Hamas confirmation would trigger immediate ceasefire *The response by Hamas to Trump's plan for ending Gaza's war *OpenAI's Altman seeks funds for infrastructure expansion on Asia, Middle East tour, WSJ reports SAUDI ARABIA * Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector growth strongest in six months, PMI shows * OPEC+ set for another oil hike as Saudi and Russia debate size, sources say * Saudi faces rising fiscal risks amid mounting spending, oil prices dip, Fitch says UNITED ARAB EMIRATES * Austria's OMV amends dividend policy to reflect Borouge chemicals deal * UAE non-oil private sector growth rebounds in September, PMI shows QATAR * Tesla begins selling Cybertrucks in Qatar *Qatar says it began coordination with Egypt, US to continue talks on Trump's Gaza plan (Compiled by Bangalore newsroom)

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Petar Musa and Patrickson Delgado produced first-half goals as FC Dallas moved closer to a berth in the postseason with a 2-1 win over the hapless LA Galaxy on Saturday afternoon in a late-season Western Conference match in Frisco, Texas. Dallas (10-11-11, 41 points) extended its unbeaten streak to eight games (four wins, four draws) and jumped into eighth place in the West standings past Colorado — which later lost 1-0 to Real Salt Lake — and San Jose, which play its next game Sunday. Los Toros will still have a game in hand against both those conference rivals once play is completed this weekend. Los Angeles (5-18-9, 24 points) has the fewest points in MLS and has long been eliminated from the postseason. The Galaxy stunned the home side when Diego Fagundez ripped a right-footed shot from just outside the box just four minutes into the match that surprised Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi and found the right side of the net. Fagundez received the ball after a cross-box pass from Harbor Miller, steadied it and moved one step closer behind unleashing his shot. Mauricio Cuevas also was credited with an assist for the pass that began the scoring play. Dallas applied pressure aplenty in an attempt to respond but didn't manage a shot on goal until Musa scored in the 35th minute. Musa got off the ground in the goalmouth to get his foot on a shot by Bernard Kamungo that was deflected out front after a save by Los Angeles goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski. Dallas' Chris Cappis was given an assist for the pass to Kamungo that started the flurry. Los Toros took the lead in the third minute of first half stoppage time. When Los Angeles turned over the ball near midfield, Kamungo walked into the offensive end before crossing a pass to Delgado, who ripped a shot past Marcinkowski and into the left side of the goal. The Galaxy had their best chance to add to the lead when Joseph Paintsil tested Collodi from the right side of the box with a shot in the 46th minute that carried a 21 percent goal expectancy but the Dallas keeper was up to the task. Marcinkowski kept LA's deficit to just a goal with a sterling save on Musa's shot in the 84th minute. –Field Level Media

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* Takaichi win reduces chance of Oct BOJ rate hike, analysts say * Takaichi government unlikely to squelch rate hikes altogether * Japan needs demand-driven inflation, Takaichi says * 'Abenomics' acolyte Takaichi more dovish than predecessors * Delaying rate hike too long could unleash unwelcome yen fall By Leika Kihara TOKYO, Oct 5 (Reuters) – With Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan's prime minister, advancing expansionist economic policies, chances have risen that the central bank will avoid raising interest rates this month, though the pause may not last if it batters the yen. Takaichi, likely to become Japan's first female leader next week after winning the presidency of the ruling party on Saturday, stood out in the race as the only proponent of big spending and loose monetary policy. Parliament is expected to vote the conservative nationalist in as premier on October 15 since her Liberal Democratic Party is the largest in parliament, though this is not assured as the LDP's coalition lost its majorities in both houses under her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba. NEW LEADER COMPLICATES BOJ RATE HIKES Upon winning the race, Takaichi made clear the government will take the lead in setting fiscal and monetary policy – and that her priority would be to reflate demand and the broader economy. Describing recent price rises as driven by higher raw-material costs, Takaichi warned it was premature to declare victory over deflation as companies start to feel the pain from President Donald Trump's U.S. tariffs. "What would be best would be to achieve demand-driven inflation, where wages would rise and drive up demand, which in turn causes moderate price rises that boost corporate profits," she told a press conference after her victory. Her ascension makes it more likely the Bank of Japan will refrain from raising rates on October 30, analysts say. "Takaichi is not seen as supportive of interest rate hikes, which could make it more difficult for the BOJ to proceed with tightening," said Kazutaka Maeda, an economist at Meiji Yasuda Research Institute. "While rate hikes may not be ruled out entirely, the central bank could adopt a more cautious and gradual approach," he said, adding the next increase may be delayed until early next year. Some analysts, however, doubt whether Takaichi will push back too hard against the BOJ's plan for slow, moderate tightening as inflation – rather than Japan's long-time curse of deflation – is now the bigger economic problem, costing Ishiba's LDP a huge election loss in July. The BOJ ended decades of massive stimulus last year, raising its policy rate to 0.5% in January on the view Japan was on the cusp of durably achieving its 2% inflation target. Before Takaichi's victory, markets were pricing in more than a 60% probability of a rate hike this month, with inflation above target for more than three years, a hawkish board split at the September policy meeting and calls for a near-term rate hike by a dovish policymaker. But Governor Kazuo Ueda kept markets guessing last week, warning of global uncertainties that could discourage firms from raising wages. "Ueda appeared to be in no rush hiking interest rates anyway. Takaichi's win will make it even more likely the BOJ will take a wait-and-see mode and hold off raising rates in October," said Mari Iwashita, executive rates strategist at Nomura Securities. At the same time, former central bank official Nobuyasu Atago said, "The BOJ faces a new challenge of creating a channel of trust and communication with Takaichi's administration, which might take some time." 'THINGS HAVE CHANGED' SINCE ABE Takaichi has been a vocal advocate of "Abenomics", a hefty mix of government spending and monetary stimulus deployed by her mentor, then-premier Shinzo Abe, to pull Japan out of deflation and ease the pain of a surging yen on the export-reliant economy. Although she has toned down comments such as calling last year's rate hike "stupid", Takaichi has retained ties with reflationist-minded lawmakers and economists who advise her on policy. Her stance contrasts with that of Ishiba and his predecessor Fumio Kishida, who nodded to the BOJ's efforts to roll back stimulus as accelerating food inflation – partly caused by higher import costs from a weak yen – hit households. With markets fully pricing in another rate increase by early next year, delaying a hike for too long could unleash sharp yen falls that would boost import prices, exacerbating inflation. Some investors expect Takaichi's win to push the dollar, now around 147 yen, above 150 yen – a level of yen weakness that drew verbal warnings from Japanese authorities in the past. "Given her reflationist streak, there's a chance Takaichi could meddle in monetary policy," said former BOJ board member Takahide Kiuchi, who expects no rate hike this month. "But I don't think her administration would force the BOJ to overhaul its rate-hike plans altogether, unless the U.S. economy weakens significantly." Diplomatic considerations could also affect Takaichi's stance on monetary policy, some analysts say. The Trump administration, which favours a weaker dollar to boost U.S. exports, has signalled displeasure over the yen's softness, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying in August the BOJ was "behind the curve" in tackling inflation. Trump is expected to visit Japan this month, with some media reporting he could arrive days before the BOJ's October 29-30 meeting. "In the past the yen was strong, so low interest rates were acceptable. Now that higher inflation is causing difficulties, it's probably harder for Takaichi to criticise monetary policy as much as before," said Tomohisa Ishikawa, chief economist at Japan Research Institute. "Things have changed from when Takaichi used to work together with Abe." (Reporting by Leika Kihara; Additional reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama, Makiko Yamazaki and Yoshifumi Takemoto; Editing by William Mallard)

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Olivia Moultrie recorded her first NWSL brace with two second-half goals as the Portland Thorns rallied for a 2-1 victory over visiting Bay FC on Saturday night. The 20-year-old Moultrie has scored a career-best six goals this season while continuing to flash her promise. The Thorns (9-7-7, 34 points) ended a three- match winless streak (0-1-2) and moved into a tie for third with Gotham FC. Taylor Huff scored for Bay FC (4-12-7, 19 points), who was eliminated from playoff contention. Bay FC are winless over their last 12 matches (0-8-4) and announced on Sept. 8 that coach Albertin Montoya is resigning at the end of the season. The Thorns tied the score in the 51st minute as Sam Coffey dribbled in and passed the ball over to Moultire, who delivered a right-footed shot into the net. In the 69th minute, Moultrie took a free kick and sent a right-footed shot into the right corner to give Portland a 2-1 lead. In the first half, Bay FC moved ahead in the 36th minute on Huff's goal. Karlie Lema sent a pass over to Huff, who sent a left-footed shot past Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold into the left corner of the net. Three minutes later, Lema had her own chance with a left-footer, but Arnold got her left hand on the shot to knock it wide of the net. Both Arnold and Bay FC's Jordan Silkowitz made one save. Bay FC's last victory was June 7, 1-0 against the Thorns in San Jose, Calif. –Field Level Media

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Oct 5 (Reuters) – The European Union is set to unveil a new plan to promote homegrown artificial intelligence platforms and compete against the U.S. and China, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The European Commission's new "Apply AI strategy” will promote European-made AI tools to improve AI usage in sectors including healthcare, defence and manufacturing, the report added, citing a draft proposal. (Reporting by Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed)

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Oct 5 (Reuters) – Russian air defence units destroyed 32 Ukrainian drones overnight, RIA news agency reported on Sunday, citing data from Russia's defence ministry. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Jamie Freed)

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Germany's Alexander Zverev used his post-match remarks in Shanghai on Saturday to criticize increasingly uniform court conditions, arguing tournament decisions are tilting the sport toward Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. After beating Valentin Royer 6-4, 6-4, the World No. 3 said he's frustrated by surfaces that play similarly week to week and feels like they are being intentionally slowed down. "I hate when it's the same, to be honest," Zverev said on court after the match. "I think the tournament directors are going towards that direction because, obviously, they want Jannik and Carlos to do well every tournament, and that's what they prefer. "Nowadays, you can play almost the same way on every surface. I don't like it. I'm not a fan of it. I think tennis needs different game styles, tennis needs a little bit of variety." His comments arrive as top-ranked Alcaraz of Spain and No. 2 Sinner of Italy continue to shape the men's tour. They are the only players to hold No. 1 since June 2024 and split the four majors this season. Each is also coming off a win as Sinner won the China Open last week, while Alcaraz captured the Japan Open before skipping Shanghai with a left ankle injury. Zverev's stance echoes views that retired tennis great Roger Federer shared two weeks ago on the "Served with Andy Roddick" podcast. Federer also said he believed tournament organizers were shaping court speeds to create finals matches between Sinner and Alcaraz. The 20-time major winner said there needs to be an adjustment to court speed to create more variety in tennis. "That's why we, the tournament directors, we need to fix it," Federer said. "We need to have not only fast courts, but what we would want to see is Alcaraz or Sinner figure it out on lightning-fast (courts), and then have the same match on super-slow (courts) and see how that matches up. … It's because the tournament directors have allowed with the ball speed and the court speed that every week is basically the same." –Field Level Media

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South Korea's Youmin Hwang birdied five of the last six holes, including four straight to finish the round and capture the Lotte Championship for her first LPGA Tour victory on Saturday in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Hwang carded a 5-under-par 67 to finish at 17-under 271, one stroke ahead of fellow South Korean Hyo Joo Kim, who birdied No. 18 and shot 68 on Saturday, and two ahead of Japan's Minami Katsu (69). The 22-year-old Hwang fired a career-best and course-record, 10-under 62 on Thursday to hold a three-shot lead after two rounds at Hoakalei Country Club. She followed that with a 3-over 75 on Friday to fall into an eight-way tie for second at 12 under. Hwang had a flat front nine on Saturday, following one birdie at the par-3 No. 4 with a bogey at the par-5 No. 5 and otherwise settling for par. The back nine was a different story after three straight pars. She birdied the par-4 No. 13 to get to 13 under for the tournament, made par at No. 14 and then ripped off consecutive birdies at Nos. 15-18 — the first hole a par-3 and the last a par-5. "I actually didn't believe in myself, but, yeah, my caddie, he supported me very well during the course," Hwang said through a translator when asked about the tournament-ending birdie run. "He said we can make it, and he said some kind of support from him. Thanks to his support, I think I can be here the winner of today's championship." With Hwang's first LPGA Tour win, she can choose to become a tour member immediately or defer to 2026. Hwang also has two career victories on the LPGA of Korea Tour, and she won a Taiwan LPGA Tour event this year. "I'm glad things went very well, just as I planned for this year as challenge," Hwang said through a translator and also thanked Lotte, which invited her to the tournament as the sponsor. World No. 2 Nelly Korda, seeking her first win in 2025, carded 69 for the third time in four rounds (the other a 67 on Thursday) to finish in a four-way tie for fourth at 14 under. Korda birdied Nos. 1, 2, 10, 11 and 15, countered by bogeys at Nos. 9 and 16. She tied with Taiwan's Peiyn Chien (70 on Saturday), third-round leader Akie Iwai of Japan (71) and American Jessica Porvasnik (70). "I mean, my game plan, it's pretty simple: It's always to give everything 100 percent and concentrate in and dial in it," Korda said. "If I'm doing what I can, then that's kind of like the most that I can do. But it was nice to be in contention. The end goal, always, without saying, for everyone in this field, is to lift that trophy on Sunday. Falling a little bit short definitely motivated. Have some work to do and have a couple more events to end off the season." –Field Level Media

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