Football

Soccer-Congo to resume World Cup qualifiers after missing their matches

(Reuters) -Congo will be allowed to continue participating in the World Cup qualifiers despite missing two fixtures in March when they were banned, world football's governing body FIFA said on Wednesday.

Tennis

Tennis-Zverev eases into Halle second round after coming to aid of injured spectator

(Reuters) -Alexander Zverev's hunt for an elusive grasscourt title began with a clinical 6-2 6-1 victory over Marcos Giron in the first round of the Halle Open on Wednesday in a match interrupted by an advertising hoarding falling on spectators.

AseanPlus News

Cambodians rally over Thai border spat as leaders row over leaked call

PHNOM PENH: Tens of thousands of Cambodians took part Wednesday (June 18) in a government rally over a border spat with Thailand, as a leaked phone call between leaders triggered a fresh row.

Family

No summit is too high for this senior Malaysian mountaineer

RJ Nagarajan's story isn't about strength; it's about determination. This senior is redefining what is possible with grit and ambition.

Other Sports

Sailing-Madrid rivals ride the same wave as Ares join Mbappe in SailGP move

LONDON (Reuters) -Wall Street investment powerhouse Ares Management has sailed into partnership with Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe, acquiring a minority stake in the France SailGP Team — where old rivals suddenly find themselves in the same boat.

Cricket

Cricket-England pick Pope over Bethell at number three for first test against India

(Reuters) -England named their team for the first test of the five-match series against India as they retained Ollie Pope at the expense of Jacob Bethell while Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse return to the team for the match that begins on Friday at Headingley.

Brunei

Bruneian women conquer Mount Kerinci, break barriers

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Mountaineering continues to be a powerful symbol of determination and resilience—especially for women overcoming not only physical challenges, but also long-standing societal barriers.

Hockey

Heartbreak for Speedy Tigers after missing out on Nations Cup semis

BUKIT JALIL: Malaysia's hopes of making it into the Nations Cup semi-finals were dashed despite their 2-1 victory over Japan in their final Group B match.

Technology

Intel appoints engineering hires as part of CEO Tan's turnaround strategy

(Reuters) -Intel hired three chip industry executives in engineering and networking roles on Wednesday, as part of CEO Lip-Bu Tan's plans to overhaul top management and turn around the embattled chipmaker.

Nation

Govt to impose DRG model on public, private healthcare

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment model will be imposed on both public and private healthcare providers, with particular emphasis on the private sector, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

World

Portugal's new minority centre-right government takes power

LISBON (Reuters) -A minority centre-right government formally took power in Portugal on Wednesday after parliament threw out a motion by the small opposition Communist Party calling for rejection of the new administration's programme.

World

Pakistan's army chief to meet Trump after conflict with India defused

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to have lunch with Pakistani armed forces chief Asim Munir at the White House on Wednesday, according to Trump's official schedule.

China

China twins, separated at 10 days, reunite at 17, become besties before discovering truth

BEIJING: Twin sisters in China who were adopted by separate families at just 10 days old have been miraculously bound together by fate, becoming best friends at 17 before realising they are sisters.

Technology

Texas Instruments plans to invest over $60 billion in US to make foundational chips

(Reuters) -Texas Instruments said on Wednesday it would invest more than $60 billion to build and expand seven semiconductor factories in Texas and Utah, as President Donald Trump presses companies to boost U.S. investments.

Rugby

Rugby-Fin Smith and Mitchell team up for the Lions

LONDON -England and Northampton halfback duo Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell will take their partnership to the next level after being named as starters for the British and Irish Lions in their warm-up fixture against Argentina in Dublin on Friday.

Cricket

Cricket-Test championship win proves South Africa's cricket credentials

(Reuters) -Victory in the World Test Championship final over Australia ended South Africa's agonising 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, and coach Shukri Conrad believes more success is not far off following a rapturous welcome home in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Singapore

Two men jailed in Singapore for their roles in syndicate exploiting fraudulent tenancies for brothels

SINGAPORE: Two men who were part of a syndicate that fraudulently signed tenancy agreements to house prostitutes have been sentenced on Wednesday (June 18).

Entertainment

HK star Ronald Cheng finalising divorce with Sammie Yu, denies RM4K child support claim

The 53-year-old says he's currently seeking custody of their 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son.

Nation

Malaysia-US ties must be guided by smart diplomacy, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says Malaysia's diplomatic engagement with the United States must be carefully structured, guided by smart diplomacy and firmly rooted in comprehensive national interests.

China

Thousands evacuated as severe flooding hits southern China

BEIJING: Nearly 70,000 people in southern China have been evacuated after heavy flooding caused by Typhoon Wutip, Chinese state media reported Wednesday (June 18).