Weekend roundup 25/09 | Championships retained & more

Jonathan Victoria • 25 Sep 2023 News

The good from sport and entertainment over the weekend.

Team Europe retains Solheim Cup

Team Europe have retained the Solheim Cup, tying with Team USA 14-14 after three days of close action.

Spain’s Carlota Ciganda was the star of the weekend, winning all four of her matches and sinking the putt that confirmed the retention of the trophy during Sunday’s matchplay against Nelly Korda, who she beat 2&1.

It was a brilliant fightback from Team Europe. Things looked bleak on Friday as they fell 4-0 on the opening day. 

A strong Saturday saw the two sides head into Sunday’s singles matchplay tied at 8-8, and while Team USA started stronger, Europe rallied in the final hour to reach the 14 mark they needed.

Hollywood Writers’ strike nearing an end

The Writers’ Guild of America confirmed today that they have reached a “tentative agreement” between themselves and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

The union has clarified that more details will follow after contract language is finalised.

This announcement brings an end to the 146-day battle between the two sides, with the WGA speaking highly of the agreement, saying in a letter to strike captains and reported by The Hollywood Reporter:

“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,”

The strike will still technically continue, with it only ceasing once formally authorised by union leadership. The picketing is suspended for now and the end will come once the agreement is finalised.

The WGA and AMPTP have reached a tentative agreement. This was made possible by the enduring solidarity of WGA members and extraordinary support of our union siblings who stood with us for over 146 days. More details coming after contract language is finalized. #WGAStrike pic.twitter.com/GBg2wZBwGB

— Writers Guild of America West (@WGAWest) September 25, 2023

Wales into Rugby World Cup quarter-final

Wales booked their place into the next round of the Rugby World Cup after blowing out a dismal Australia side 40-6.

It’s Wales’ biggest-ever win over the Wallabies which could (and should) act as the turning point in what has been a tough few months.

The victory makes them the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals, with eyes on making the final four once again.

For Australia, an early exit could be their fate as they currently sit third in their group with one more game played than Fiji in second.

Squid Game: The Challenge trailer & release date revealed

Popular Netflix series Squid Game has finally released a new trailer - for a real-life reality show version called Squid Game: The Challenge.

456 contestants will battle it out - presumably not to the death but can’t confirm yet - for a massive cash prize of $4.6million.

They will be partaking in some of the games inspired by the hit show as well as some new ones. It follows many of the themes of the flagship series, including the guards in their red overalls and face masks and the contestants in their green tracksuits.

The show will begin streaming on 22nd November.

Red Bull crowned as Constructors’ champions

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dominated the Japanese Grand Prix to take an easy win and the necessary points to win his team their sixth Constructors’ Championship.

After a disappointing outing last weekend during the Singapore Grand Prix in which the team failed to win for the first time this season, they (or more Max on his own) came back with a vengeance to easily best the field and get maximum points, retaining the team's crown.

Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez may have been the only member of the team not celebrating as he endured a torrid race where he retired twice - no really, he retired from the Grand Prix twice.

No matter, though, as the Bull’s excellent engineering and stellar domination this year has been rewarded with six races yet to go. Next up is Max’s inevitable Drivers’ Championship, which he could (or will) win during the sprint race at the next round in Qatar.